A black-and-white overhead shot of the lifeless Lynxara appears. The camera pans upward and spins slowly, revealing Wolf and Shinji at her side, on their knees and shocked beyond all emotion. The camera further pans upward for a shot of the energy globe surrounding them, and the horrified fans immediately at ringside. The camera fades to black... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Madison Square Garden Earth-Prime The camera panned over a somber capacity crowd. Without fanfare, the show began, as we see commentators Jim Ross, Mike Tenay and Ric Flair, still uneasy, but ready to begin Fight Scene. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," Jim Ross began in a serious tone. "Our condolences go out to the friends and loved ones of Lynxara. Particularly to her partner, Timothy "Shinji" McLees, as well as Lynxara's associate Wolf." Tenay sighed. "Folks, for obvious reasons, King of the Net has been postponed until further notice. And this definitely puts a sad note into what my colleagues and I had hoped to be a triumphant debut for the Author Avatar Association on our home world." Flair looked to his partners with a slight smile. "Fortunately, the other Power..." He paused to correct himself. "Er, the Power That Is has recovered enough to continue regular competition, so we *will* have a show for you folks tonight!" "Our first match of the night is a first for AAA," Tenay introduced. "You Oughta Know" began to play, signaling the return of Sonya Sho Robotnik to the ring. "Not only are both competitors female, but they are excellent mat technicians..." His enthusiasm quickly waned, and he looked uneasily at his associates. "You'll have to forgive us for the first part of this show," JR apologized. "Given these recent events, it'll take time for us to get back into the matches." The crowd began getting back into spirit, and police sirens sounded throughout the Garden. They blend into the techno beat of Iczelion, and Scarlet Foxfire approached the ring for her second bout. Scarlet actually entered to a decent pop, and even a weak 'Foxfire!' chant. JR was legitimately surprised. "There's something new... I've *never* seen a member of Team Foxfire get a *warm* reception like that!" Tenay nodded and continued. "Actually, I've noticed that the crowd warms to Scarlet more than any of Foxfire's previous members... And as the new lieutenant of Team Foxfire, I'm sure she has a very bright future here in the AAA!" "Yeah..." Ric added with a thoughtful grin. "Wonder what the *other* Foxfire thought of that?" Match 1: Scarlet Foxfire vs Sonya Sho Robotnik "The ladies open with a lock-up," JR began, "and... Sonya with a leg drag takedown!" "Scarlet rolls with it... she's back on her feet, and counters with a clothesline!" Tenay continued. "And Sonya's back on her feet! Scarlet's goin' for a spin kick... Sonya rolls under!" Flair exclaimed, obviously impressed. "Sonya grabs Scarlet from behind... beautiful back suplex!" JR continued, his tone somewhat awed. Scarlet quickly rose back up to one knee and looked up intensely at the pink hedgehog. Tenay switched into his analytical mode, a good sign. "I think we're going to be in for an incredible match here, guys! Scarlet may have the advantage in power and reach, but Sonya's showing off some amazing agility and speed!" "To hell with that!" Flair said with a grin. "I think we're going to see some good old-fashioned butt-kicking! I know the beginning of a feud when I see one." Back in the ring, Sonya gracefully somersaulted toward her opponent and leaped up for a hurricanrana. But her showboating backfired, and Scarlet dropped her instead with a hard power bomb. As she stood up, Scarlet begins crackling with blue, psionic energy. "I think you may be right, Ric," JR observed. "Sonya's definitely ticked Scarlet off and...MAH GOD! Scarlet's just *destroying* Sonya with a series of... well, they have to be super-charged punches! Just look at that power aura around Scarlet's fists!" The psionically enhanced barrage sent Sonya into the ropes, and the final haymaker sent her flying out of the ring! Scarlet played to a mixed reaction that quickly changed into cheers as... "Is that *Sonya*?!" Flair asked. "Yes it is... and she's *levitating* back to the ring! In fact, she seems to have cued up some kind of power aura!" Tenay said. A shocked Scarlet spun around just in time to get blasted by a dazzling white beam of energy. "Good Lord! That threw Scarlet half way across the ring!" JR exclaimed. Scarlet pulled herself up and discarded what was left of her jacket, revealing the snug Foxfire T-shirt she wore underneath. Sonya lands on the ring apron and vaulted over the ropes. The energy shield cued up over the announcer's booth as the match quickly became a firefight. "I think I may have spoken too soon... these ladies are more than a match for each other!" Tenay squeaked as a stray power blast exploded off the shield a few feet away from his head. "Now they're charging each other..." JR began. "Scarlet's goin' for a haymaker... but Sonya ducks!" The pink hedgehog unloaded with a super- fast flurry of kicks, finishing with a gorgeous back flip kick. "Scarlet is barely on her feet! Sonay rushes, and...Northern Lights suplex! This could be it!" Tenay continued excitedly. "Heck no! Sonya only gets a two count! WHOO!" Flair added. Scarlet struggled to get up, and Sonya closed in behind with her hands crackling with mystical energy. With a sudden clap, she smacked the vixen's temples with her palms, and Scarlet shrieked in rage. Scarlet staggered around in a daze, her eyes occasionally glistening with psionic energy. "I... that was a new maneuver! What did Sonya just do?" JR asked. "This is just speculation, but I'd say that Sonya just used her mystical powers to affect Scarlet's mind... which would *literally* short out Scarlet's psionic powers!" Tenay informed them happily. "You've been working here too long," Flair grumbled back at him. Sonya quickly clamped the Labyrinth on Scarlet from behind, sending the vixen flailing to the ground. "Yes! Yes! And Scarlet submits, the way you're *supposed* to!" Ric grinned happily. As Sonya raised her arms in victory, however, Scarlet promptly shoved both her and the robo-ref away. Scarlet and Sonya glared intently at one another. Their grins were predatory. Yes, they were going to have to fight again *real* soon... "A *very* impressive showing from our lady Avatars!" JR proclaimed, seeming much more himself now. "This looks to be a promising evening!" "Hey, lovely ladies who actually *know* what to do in the ring always gets kudos in my book," Ric grinned. "I'd be keeping an eye out on this newborn rivalry..." Tenay added. He stopped abruptly as he saw security personnel maneuvering something down the rampway. "What in the world are they doing?" Ric wondered. "It appears to be some sort of dumpster," a bemused JR replied. "I guess it's something for the next match." "The hell?!" Tenay exclaimed. The beginning idol music of the Tenchi Muyo TV show signaled the return of a familiar face. "Wait a sec..." JR observed. "I know who that is, and I'm *sure* we've all missed him... the one and only Adam Chris Leigh!" The Avatar was cocky as ever, despite a bandaged leg. "After what happened to him at the hands of Pippkin, I'm amazed he came back!" Tenay responded. Footage of the posessed Samantha breaking Adam's leg with a martial arts kick at Otakumania rolled. "I wonder if he'll be able to do all those aerial moves with a bad wheel?" Ric wondered. Seal's "Into the Future" began, and General Patterson came triumphantly out. He waited patiently for his new protege to follow. With confidence, the newcomer stepped into the spotlight. He had a blonde crewcut, and wore a chainmail vest and a youthful grin. A pair of feathered, silver wings extended from his back. "This match marks the debut of Storm Gryphon. This boy has a lot of potential here..." JR introduced. Then something in his notes grabbed his attention. "Well, that explains *that.* Guys, this is going to be a Dumpster Match. Not sure *why*..." "Well, they're both from stories that belong in the trash," Flair remarked. "This'll be different..." Tenay wondered. Match 2: Dumpster Match: Adam Chris Leigh vs Storm Gryphon Winning conditions: Throw and seal opponent in the dumpster "Adam opens with a flurry of punches... He whips Gryphon into the ropes, but Gryphon reverses!" JR began. "Now Gryphon rams into Adam with... well, what else, a flying shoulderblock," Flair continued. "Adam is dazed... and Storm Gryphon takes advantage by connecting with a *big* overhead belly-to-belly suplex!" Tenay finished. But instead of following up on his attack, Gryphon faced the camera and gabbed... "I'm gonna make you proud, pa! I'm gonna win this for *my dad*, the 13-time World Heavyweight Champ! Yeah!" He turned around in time to get slugged in the gut, and Adam floored Gryphon with a flying clothesline. At the announcers desk, JR and Tenay looked over at the very shocked 13-time World's Heavyweight Champion, Ric Flair. "He's going to win it for his *dad*..." JR repeated with a grin. "Is there something you're not telling us, Ric?" Tenay joked. "No. No way..." Ric uttered under his breath. Meanwhile, Storm Gryphon had forced Adam into the corner, connecting with a series of vicious knife-edged chops. "Technique is similar, at least..." JR smirked. "Everybody does that!!" Flair shouted back defensively. "And check this out," Tenay added as he looked over his notes, "According to his bio, his dad *is* a guy named Flair..." "*NO!* That birdbrain is *not* one of mine! No way!" Ric continued to fume. Back in the ring, Gryphon connected with an inverted atomic drop, and then placed him on the top turnbuckle for a hi-risk move. However, Adam blocked it, hoisted him over and dropped him square into the dumpster! A stream of foam 'popcorn', and trash spewed out as he landed. "Adam's edging back down to the apron and... MAH GOD! A flying wheel kick right into the dumpster!!" JR exclaimed. "Both men are absolutely pummeling each other in the dumpster... um, I'd say more, but I can't quite *see*..." Tenay said uncertainly. He was interrupted by a massive clang, as Gyphon managed to piledrive Adam on the bottom of the dumpster! Storm Gryphon climbed triumphantly out of the dumpster to celebrate... by doing the familiar-looking Flair strut. At that, JR and Tenay turned to Ric expectantly. "Look, by that logic," Ric growled, "I'd be Jeff Jarrett's dad!" "Well, no matter *what* Storm's parentage," Tenay began, "he's too close to the ropes! Adam's out of the dumpster..." "And he's been injured, as well!" JR pointed out the nasty gash on Adam's forehead. Gyphon approached to shove him back in, but Adam drilled a hard shoulder into his gut. "Backflip from Leigh, he spins around and... YES! JURAIAN SPIKE, RIGHT IN THE FACE!!" Flair shouted gleefully as the force of the kick sent Gryphon sailing off the ring and into the dumpster. Adam leaned over the ropes and slammed down the lid for the victory! He then sat on top of the lid and placed a padlock around the latch. Standing on top of the dumpster, Adam greeted a mixed crowd. All were clearly impressed with his fortitude and performance, but nauseated with his Aura of Smooth. The commentators were silent a few seconds after the match. "Well, that was, ummm... insane," Tenay puzzled. "A hell of a performance from Adam!" JR enthused, "Any thoughts, Ric?" "STORM GRYPHON'S NOT MY KID, DAMMIT!" "Ermmm, yeah. We've got a lot of Fight Scene left to go, but the weird thing is: we haven't received the schedule for it." "It's as if Sonic and his minions have thrown the entire damn promotion into disarray!" Ric growled, "And Brisby and Team Foxfire have all but vanished!" "Well, Team Foxfire's absence is easy to explain," Tenay informed them. "They've been focusing all their efforts for the Death Match championship bout at King of the Net. Training sessions, closed-door meetings, and..." Tenay is interrupted by, of all things, jazz music playing over the PA. A spotlight panned over to a band dressed in Team Foxfire memorabilia playing. The commentators were dumbstruck as the scene further lit up, revealing a rather lush talk show stage. Tenay's eyes widened in horror. "What..." Tenay gasped. "...the hell..." Ric added. "...is *this!?!*" JR scoffed. "And now, the fine folks here at Madison Square Garden present... Foxfire Nights!" The bandleader boomed. "And here he is: The Heart Breaker, the Show Stopper... The mouse that has Mickey quaking in his shoes, a rodent that can beat *both* Eric Bischoff and Jay Leno with one paw behind his back... JONATHAN BRISBY!" Brisby dashed out from behind the curtain to smarmily greet the confused capacity crowd. A weird grin suddenly spread across Tenay's face. "Oh, I get it, it's a talk show. See, it's going to *funny!* Yeah! This'll be great, guys!..." Tenay began to laugh disturbingly as his eyes glazed over. His fellow commentators could only look on with concern. "My gawd, what's wrong with Mike?" JR asked. "Poor guy had to sit through a month of NWO Nightcaps and the entire Jay Leno thing... every man has his limits. And now *this*...why?!" an irate Ric responded. They tried to be patient, as Brisby went through a monolauge of month- old jokes, Viagra cracks, and tasteless Monica Lewinsky riffs. *Finally*, Brisby brought in his guests... which were, surprisingly enough, Team Foxfire members. David "Star Mech" Kronos, Colley, and... "WOLF!?" Flair exclaimed in pure shock. Wolf was skulking around, his camouflage traded for orange and black tights, a bandana, and a torn Team Foxfire shirt. "But there's no reason why Wolf would just..." JR trailed off helplessly. "Now he can do *surveys!* Hee hee hee..." Tenay babbled, shortly before passing out face-first on the announcer's desk. "OK, that's it! This is getting dumb!" Ric hollered. "I'm hitting the concession booth! Mike, do you..." He looked over and saw that Tenay's mercifully unconscious form. "Geez, poor guy's in a coma. Jim, you want to help me get him out of here?" "*Gladly*" JR replied flatly. The announcers left for refreshments as Foxfire Nights continued. Wolf and Colley were laughing happily on the guest couch, while Kronos quietly took the seat closest to Brisby's desk. He seemed rather detached from the whole spectacle, but Brisby continued on anyway. "Well, Star Mech, it's *always* a pleasure having ya on the show! I'm sure that everyone wants to know your thoughts on the upcoming Death Match at King of the Net." David Kronos remained silent. Brisby uneasily proceeded. "I'm sure your training for this event has been grueling, hasn't it, Davey?" Star Mech leaned back in the seat, cracking his knuckles, and not saying a word. Brisby began to look very nervous. "C'mon, we've got another 10 minutes, and this is *really* looking bad!" he whispered harshly as he glanced out over a crowd that was growing increasingly bored and irate. "Kintobor," Star Mech finally uttered, "You've played all of Team Foxfire for fools. What you did to Grandpa Coyote and Scarlet was unforgivable." His voice became louder as he continued. "You think you're the big star, the lord over all of us, just because you've got the Virtual Championship Belt?!" Kronos suddenly bolted out of his seat, ripped his trenchcoat off and threw it hard at Colley. He wore Steve Austin's black cobra skull T-shirt underneath. The angry Avatar redirected his rage to the camera "When the *hell* are you goin' to get it through your skull, you mutt!? Nobody cares that you're the Virtual champ! I don't care, the rest of the Foxfire gang don't care, and Davey-kins sure as hell doesn't care! Yer not even a part of Gonterman's life anymore! Face it, we all hate your ass, and I'm going to be the SOB who's going to beat your ass, shatter you to pieces like the ugly piece of ancient brick-a-brack that you are, and toss you in the garbage where you belong!! This ain't a threat or a promise, boy, this is friggin' gospel! Kronos 3:16!" Kronos breathed heavily and maintained his glare into the camera. His cohorts looked on in shock. Not even Jonathan Brisby had expected so much intensity from Star Mech. "Davey..." Brisby uttered. "I'm just getting started!!" Kronos blurted out angrily. "I'm putting up notice to every other Avatar and Self-Insertion Jackass in this whole damn federation. Yer all on the list, Star Mech's list, and when I get done opening up the can o' Whoop-Ass, and drive the lot of you into the ground, you can rest assured, that you're looking at the next AAA Champion, and the One True Avatar of Davey-Kins!" The crowd roared, not fully paying attention and impressed with Kronos' new image. Star Mech continued. "Which brings me to one Dark Sonic. I've met Sonic the Hedgehog, and you, bub, are *not* him! What you've done to everyone in the AAA is inexcusable! After I've booted Kintobor out of the multiverse for good..." Kronos took a deep breath and flashed a confident grin. "...you're next!" Jonathan Brisby looked on as his ward stormed off the set. He seemed shocked at first, but then quickly broke out into a wise-ass grin. "Boys and girls, I've never seen Davey worked up like this! Kintobor, it sucks to be you!" Brisby sneered. "Well, Fight Scene is on after this. Wolf, anything to say to the folks?" "Sure thing, JB! Everyone jump aboard the Orange and Black Express!" Wolf proclaimed mechanically. "We're on a one-way trip to..." Wolf's tired catch phrases were put to a screeching halt as a figure crashed through the paper backdrop. Colley was immediately on top of the intruder. With a clacking noise, a steel staff extended in the stranger's hand, and he promptly pummeled Colley to the ground. When the dust cleared the figure was quite clearly revealed as... Agent Q! Q continued to tear into the couch, the background, and Brisby's desk, before Wolf managed to spear him to the floor. Wolf was about to unleash his adamantium claws when Q shot a taser into him. Wolf staggered back, and Q then dropped him with an AK-47! Q draped the unconscious Wolf across his back, shot a glare at Brisby, and exited the Foxfire Nights stage, kicking what was left of the back drop out of the way as he leaves. A baffled Brisby surveyed the carnage as we cut to a commercial. "Man! Stuff like this never happens to Space Ghost!" Brisby whined as the camera faded to black. (A bikini-clad Ryoko and A-Ko warmly greet the camera...) A-Ko: Call 1-800-YES-BOOBS! Ryoko:1-800-YES-BOOBS! A-Ko: You don't really care *what* we're selling, do ya? Ryoko: Hell, no! Just call... Both: Call 1-800-YES-BOOBS, now! (They giggle and bounce mindlessly as we return to the show.) The camera panned back to the ring. The ropes and turnbuckles were rather bizarrely decorated with white ribbons and lace. In the middle of the ring stood Shinji, dressed up like something resembling a priest and looking very uneasy. Standing next to him was the regal Ankoku, wearing a navy blue tux with his silver hair tied back. Flanking him were men and women of varying ages, dressed in their Sunday best. The refreshed commentators returned to their booth just in time to survey the unusual scene. "Oh, for the love of..." JR groaned. "We're a good hour and a half into Fight Scene, and we've only had *two* matches! What the hell's going *on*?" "Looks like a wedding," Tenay pointed out. "But who's the lucky couple?" Ric noticed an envelope placed on the announcers desk and opened it. "Let's see here..." Ric reads, "You are cordially invited to the union of.. Debra Lawson and Ankoku." "An in-ring wedding? What an interesting concept!" Tenay enthused. "Yes, *lovely*..." a droll JR added as the wedding march began to play. A pair of individuals strode with dignity toward the ring. Author David Marts was escorting his creation, Debra "Soulstone" Lawson. Ric squinted as he observed Marts. "Wait a minute! Isn't he dead?" "Not this week," JR replied. Debra was garbed in a regal bridal gown, and absolutely flushed with joy under her white veil. Suddenly, as Marts ushered her through the ropes, the sound of gunfire rang out and bullets tore through the mat. The bridesmaids scrambled away, and Soulstone summoned Eternity, glaring intently up at the source of the blast. The camera cut to the deserted upper rows of seats. Lead by a shadowy figure wearing a black bodysuit with the letters 'NRH' inscribed across the chest were several guards in heavy armor, dragging away an enraged Nav. "It's *MADNESS*, I tell you!" The Destroyer ranted. "It must be stopped now! If they continue with this, they'll..." He paused, and his eyes widened in horror. "THEY'LL MAKE MORE MOONIES! IT'S INSANE, I TELL YOU! INSANE!!!..." Shinji just rolled his eyes. "Do you two still want to continue?" The couple nodded their heads, and Shinji began. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join Ankoku and Debra Lawson in holy matrimony. If there is anyone who objects to this union, speak now or..." His introduction was quickly interrupted by shrill saxophones blaring over the PA, meaning only one thing... "Hello, ssssenshi..." A husky voice slurred. Soulstone growled in frustration, and Ankoku drew his energy blade, as the Great Red Serpent swaggered in from the crowd. He wore pants and a vest similar to that of a Chippendale dancer. He grinned broadly up at the irritated bride from the floor. Suddenly, an equally annoyed Tuxedo Chris barged down the rampway to confront the Serpent. Johnny Hellfire, in a rather gaudy leisure suit, followed behind. "What the hell are you doing, Red?" Chris screamed. "I joined this *little cult* to get Soulstone. I finally obtain her..." "She doesn't look very obtained," Johnny commented coldly. Chris ignored him. "...and now *you're* trying to muscle your way in?!" "Tux-boy, the young miss *clearly* needs a man with the right... *skills*... for the job," Serpent retorted with a sly grin. "Guys, it's quite simple," Johnny intervened. "I'm sure if Sonic was here, he'd want you two to *share* your toys..." Tuxedo Chris shot glares at both of his associates, and walked away in a huff before vanishing in a crimson flash of light. The Serpent and Johnny Hellfire vanished shortly afterwards. Shinji inhaled deeply and tried to be patient. "Shall we try this again? We can stop if you two are uncomfortable." Deb and Ankoku urged him to go on. The ceremony ran smoothly until they reached the vows... "Do you, Ankoku, take Debra Lawson to be your lawfully wedded wife?" "I do." "And do you, Debra Lawson, take the Azure Knight Ankoku, as your husband?" "I do." Shinji allowed himself a sigh of relief. "Then, by the powers vested in me by Malahelicon, Tenth Muse of Bad Fan-Fiction, I pronounce you..." "HOLD ON A SEC!" Shinji began pounding his bible against his forehead in frustration as a black-clad young man with silver hair interrupted the ceremony. "Now who the hell is *that*?" Flair asked. "Well, his name is Alexander Misamoto. He's a new character who's showed up at Club Anipike and gotten some MiSTing experience," Tenay informed. "But I don't see why he'd be here... does he have a problem with Ankoku or Soulstone?" "There seems to be a misunderstanding," Alex insisted. "Because... Soulstone's in love with me, and I love her!" David Marts attempted to explain to the vigilante-in-training that the adventure in the demon halls was but a dramatic roleplay while Soulstone glared coldly at her fiance. "'Let's have our wedding where you proposed to me. Let's have an in-ring wedding'...*Brilliant* idea," she groaned. "Ummm...wah..." Ankoku sputtered as she stormed out of the ring. He turned to Shinji in search of answers. The Power That Is simply put his fingers to his forehead. "I should be appalled at this plot twist, but what's the point?" He concentrated, and the wedding decorations and the guests vanished. Ankoku and David Marts trailed after the irate Soulstone, leaving Shinji alone in the ring. He wore an emerald green sweatshirt on his thin build, along with jeans. He asked for a mic to address the absolutely baffled capacity crowd. "This is the *weirdest* AAA event I've ever been to," Ric puzzled. "Thank goodness!" JR sighed. "We're finally going to get an explanation for all this." "Maybe the loss of Lynxara was too much for him..." Tenay wondered as the Power spoke. "As many of you know, I lost much when Lynxara was killed. She was not only my partner, but one of my best friends. She was like a part of me..." Shinji stopped, a bit choked up. "But she would want the Author Avatar Association to continue, and continue it shall! For her, and for all of us." He grinned slightly as the crowd responded in respect. His face quickly changed to a more grave expression. "For this reason, I have searched throughout the multiverse for an individual with not only the will, but the experience, to run such an event as the AAA. The person I've chosen has built one of top wrestling promotions in this world..." That sparked a series of very surprised looks from the announcers. "He *didn't*..." Tenay trailed off. He lowered the microphone to collect himself. "It is... with...*great* pleasure," Shinji continued in a forced tone, "that I present my new partner, the new co-chairman of AAA..." He swallowed one last time as he growled out the end of his introduction... "From Greenwich, Connecticut... *Mister*...Vincent K. McMahon." "WHAT???" JR exclaimed. "He *did*." Tenay groaned. "That explains the wedding, that lame-ass talkshow..." "Did you know about this, Jim?" An irate Ric Flair fumed. "No, I couldn't have known..." he stopped, recalling the recent exploits of his boss. "Hell, I've worked with him enough that I should have known. Yes, he *would* take advantage of a situation like this!" The audience, too, was in absolute shock. Murmurs and whispers became loud boos, as a rather formal, pretentious, and all too familiar man came down the rampway to greet the fans and his new *partner*. McMahon shook the hand of the reluctant Shinji, and gained control of the mic. "I must say that I've been observing the work of Mr. McLees and the late Miss Ashby. So, when I heard of his recent loss, I was *honored* that he would choose me as Lynxara's replacement..." A rousing chant of "Bullsh*t!" spread across the arena, bringing a slight smirk to Shinji's face. It disappeared as McMahon shot a glance toward the young Power. "With my experience running the WWF, and the hot new talent that Shinji has gathered, we shall make the Author Avatar Association the premier form of sports entertainment in the new millennium! An event that spans not only a single country, or world, or even a universe..." A slightly unholy grin spread over Vince's face before he continued. "But *all* of existence!" His dramatic soliloquy stopped as he noticed the crowd all but ignoring him. "This new mission begins tonight as I... as *we* present a main event the likes of which you have never seen, nor ever will again. An epic battle featuring the one and only NAV, THE DESTROYER..." "*That* got the crowd's attention!" Ric exclaimed, barely heard over the chants for Nav. McMahon continued. "Yes...this feared militant anti-Moonie will be facing his toughest challenge tonight... against the massive BANE!" "Now hold on!" JR hollered. "He can't...they're partners!" Before Shinji could get a word in edgewise, the tornado sirens and guitars of Nav's theme began, as an irate Destroyer stormed the rampway to confront his "new" boss. McMahon casually hushed him. "You want *me* to explain? Well maybe you can explain some things, as well," McMahon began. "Can you tell the audience why the most feared anti-Moonie in existence is in a tournament *specifically* for Avatars from Sailor Moon inspired fan-fiction? Hmm? Or why you were *partnered* at Otakumania with Soulstone, the lady you'll be facing for the Moon Kingdom title. Please, James, *enlighten* us..." The infuriated Destroyer looked over at Shinji in frustration. A very concerned Bane came out now. "I'll make this really simple for you, Nav," McMahon continued dryly. "If you *don't* wrestle against Bane, to the fullest of your abilities, you will be stripped of your title shot at King of the Net, and the Moon Kingdom belt will be *given* to Soulstone." The Destroyer looked ready to walk out anyway, until he was stopped by the towering Bane. After a few minutes of heated discussion, they very reluctantly agreed to the match and returned to the locker rooms. McMahon turned and smiled at his partner. "See, this is how you get things done. It's a matter of *control*..." Vince informed as the two chairmen took their places in the VIP section. "Aw, *MAN!*" Ric exclaimed. "Things were bad *enough* without Vinnie Mac running things!" "Well it at least explains *some* of tonight's events..." Tenay said. "The worst thing is, Shinji *knows* what's happening... he just can't do anything about it! He looked completely defeated. Poor guy," JR sighed. The rock music of Offspring's "Mota" cued up, much to the crowd's delight. Ric Flair perked up again as he heard. "That can mean only one thing, boys... Samantha Jones is back! WHOOOO!" Ric cheered happily. "It appears that she's fully recovered from Pippkin's powers," JR noted. "In fact, it looks like she's going to be a regular competitor here at the AAA!" "Now that is good news!" Tenay added, as Samantha came out in a loose black marital arts gi. She began stretching in the ring as "Communication", the opening theme of Gundam Wing, cued up. The rocking music signaled the arrival of Marta Nys. The lovely street samurai had on a black body suit, covered with a long, dark green, sleeveless cloak. Marta entered the ring and looked coldly at Samantha. "Samantha and *Marta* will be facing each other?" JR marveled. "If that's the case, it'll be one for the record books. Marta Nys's marital arts and bionic augmentations against Samantha's own martial arts and warrior soul powers..." Tenay then went quiet as Marta approached Samantha. She stopped when she was at arm's reach from her, and merely looked at her for a few minutes. Suddenly, a Marta's expression became utterly contemptuous, and she slapped Samantha across the face! Samantha looked shocked for a while, then suddenly shrieked and pounced on Marta. The two women rolled around the mat, snarling and hissing at one another. Ric grinned gleefully, clearly enjoying the "fight". The the other two commentators looked at the match, then at each other, and then back at the match, absolutely incredulous. "Or... not." Tenay finally uttered. "What in the world are those two ladies..." JR began. He then caught something *very* alarming in his notes. "THE HELL!" In the VIP section, Shinji was at a total loss for words. "They're both...but she'd never..." Shinji babbled, glancing harshly at his new partner. "One word, McLees: ratings," was McMahon's smarmy reply. Clothing Match: Marta Nys vs. Samantha Jones (Additional winning conditions: Disrobe your opponent...) The action, such as in was, began with various hairpulls and clawing. Marta finally performed an actual move: a judo throw that rather conveniently ripped a sleeve away from Samantha's gi. "Well, *apparently*, this match has been brewing over the last couple weeks," A baffled JR commented. "We have this video..." Back footage rolled of Samantha and Marta, in unusually snug outfits, trash talking each other's "assets" at Club Anipike. "No. I'm calling 'No Way!' on this one!" Tenay interrupted, sulking. Back in the ring, Samantha connected with a high kick that knocked Marta down. Tenay reluctantly began to call the action. "Samantha's charging in for the attack, but Marta throws her aside with a monkey flip." "But Samantha lands on her *feet*! She's pulled out a sai... this could finaly be getting *real*..." JR said hopefully. Marta was about to lock up when Samantha connected with a glancing slash. It ripped a slit from her navel up to her collar bone... which conveniently showed off Marta's well-sculpted abs and ample cleavage... "Oh *gawd*... this is already beyond the boundaries of good taste..." JR growled. "Yeah! Ain't it awesome!" Ric grinned. "TAKE IT OFF!" he proceeded to shout toward the ring. "Hold on guys, something's happening in the back..." Tenay informed as he held an ear up to his earpiece. The camera cut to one of the locker rooms in the back. Johnny Hellfire and the Great Red Serpent seemed to be enjoying the show on a small TV. Suddenly a crackling burst of electricity erupts off screen, sending the Serpent to the floor. "YOU!" Johnny bellowed, as Jolt, the *real* Jolt, barged into the scene. He was still slightly worse for wear, but ready to confront his former captor. "I'm really starting to regret not just finishing you off!" Hellfire growled as hulked out into his demon form and lunged toward the Author. He *very* easily lifted Jolt up with one claw and pinned him up against the opposite wall! "You honestly think you can handle me, human!?" Oni growled. "Maybe not..." Jolt replied with a grin. "But I make one helluva distraction!" His remark caught Oni slightly off guard, and a volley of telekinetic bursts suddenly slammed into the demon. Oni was sent flailing to the ground. In front of him stood the ultra-powerful uber-mentalist, Shion Nys. "Thanks for the save, Empress," Jolt coughed. "You're welcome, Jamie," Shion replied coolly. "Now, let's stop my sister before she embarrasses both Samantha and herself..." But before they could go anywhere, they were surrounded by a scorching pillar of flame. The intense spell paralyzed both of them. With a feral sneer, Oni stood up. "You like it?" Oni asked with a smile. "It's the Thousands Hell Fury, and with a snap, you two will be ashes in the wind..." From out of nowhere, though, a confident voice interrupted his moment of victory. "As much as I'd *love* to see Caffeine-Boy immolated, I've got other plans. Catch!" A steel chair appeared from nothingness and was lightly tossed at Oni. Reflexively, the demon caught it. In a silver flash, a young man with short brown hair, street clothes, and a knee brace appeared and rammed him with a superkick that crashed the folded chair into Oni's forehead. The flames died out as the demon hit the floor, unconscious. Jamie slowly recovered and could only gape in shock at his *heroic* savior. "ADAM CHRIS LEIGH!?!" Jamie exclaimed. "Nope, no need to thank me!" Adam returned smugly, gazing over at the Author, "Look, don't get me wrong. There's just no way some half-ass Tekken ripoff is going to have the privilege of finishing off you and Sammy. Trust me, we've *still* got business to finish..." A rip was heard from the TV, and both Jamie and Adam slowly faced it. Jamie eyes widened, and Shion quickly covered them. "But I *am* developing a *new found respect* for Samantha," Adam finished with a smarmy grin. Jolt and Shion quickly left to get to the ring, while Adam sat down to enjoy the festivities. It had been an interesting, albeit tasteless, match. Marta had long ago lost her cloak and the sleeves to her bodysuit. There were also strategic slashing all along her front. Samantha was faring a lot worse: not only was she very tired, she was reduced to torn up pants and a sports bra. Remaining defiant, Samantha readied her katana for a final strike. Marta, meanwhile, lifted a hand, and extended steel claws from her finger tips. With a shriek, both women charged each other. Their was a clash of steel, and a deafening rip... Samantha's blade clattered to the mat. Marta wore a confident grin as she tossed away some ripped cloth. Samantha fell to her knees, trying to conceal what was left of her sports bra (as well as her dignity). The confused robo-ref awarded the "victory" to Marta Nys. "I can die happy now," Ric sighed blissfully. JR buried his face in his hands, while Tenay did nothing. He was caught in a wide-eyed stare, much the same as that of a deer blinded by the headlights of a car. Marta and Samantha once again began trash talking one another as Jolt and Shion approached. Shion just shook her head. "The both of you...SHUT UP!!!" Shion yelled. Both Marta and Samantha were floored with a minor mental assault. Jamie quickly covered Samantha up with his denim jacket, as both ladies began slowly regaining their senses. "Mmmm? Wha happened?" Marta mumbled. She nearly snapped as she realized her current location and situation. Her concern grew further as she saw her friend Samantha, much the worse for wear. "Aw crap! Sam, I don't know how the hell this happened, but I'm sorry!" She pleaded. "What are you talking about, Marta?..." Samantha began, just as she took in her surroundings. Her face became increasingly red, and she risked a peek into Jamie's jacket. She quickly closed it, and a weak grin spread across her face. "I'm topless, in an arena full of people. Great. Lovely. Super..." Samantha snarled. "I swear, Samantha, when I get ahold of the cretin that put you two up to this..." Shion said bitterly. All three women, as if with the same thought, turned to shoot a look toward the VIP section. Shinji couldn't help but smile at McMahon's horror. He paled, realizing that this *brilliant* angle was about to get very ugly. "Please, Miss Jones, think of the publicity you'll receive!!" McMahon desperately explained. "And especially for the Kazei Five series. I'm talking *nation-wide exposure*..." The trio began glaring at him that much harder and began advancing. McMahon winced as he realized what he just said. "Perhaps that was a bad choice of words," Shinji snickered to himself. "I've got some, ummm... business back at Titan Sports to take care of." Vince whispered. "I'll return later. Much later." "Good call," Shinji replied as Vince pulled out a silvery crystal and vanished. Marta turned to the enraged Samantha, uncertain of what to say. "Sam..." "It's okay..." Samantha sighed, "It wasn't under your control. I'm sure you wouldn't have seriously considered doing something like this." She suddenly seemed a bit more cautious. "Would you?" Marta paused with a rather contemplative look, and Shion just rolled her eyes. "What? Of *course* I wouldn't!" Marta protested. "Look, let's go back to Club Anipike to let this blow over. I'll get you a drink." "Oh I suppose..." Samantha caught herself and continued to look suspicious as she, Shion and Marta left ringside. Jolt had taken Vince's former seat in the VIP section, and seemed to be having a very earnest conversation with Shinji... Back at the announcer's booth, Tenay was slowly beginning to recover from the final events of the last match-up. "Damn," was his only response. "Look, we've got one more match to go," JR said to his colleagues. "Then we can have a break from this silliness." "Yeah, but it's Nav versus his buddy Bane, and I can't fathom what kind of monkeywrenches ol' Vince has in store for *that*," Ric worried. "We'll be right back," JR dismissed. (Commercial: A scrawny guy with a blonde goatee and goggles snowboards down Mount Everest to some modern rock. All while drinking... H30: EXTREME WATER!!!) The cameras returned to Fight Scene, and the thunderous rums of Goldberg's theme are already playing as the mammoth Bane strode to the ring with concern. "This guy has good cause to be worried, guys..." Tenay uttered. "I'm worried for the both of them!" JR noted. "They have to fight 'to their fullest abilities'..." "And Bane and Nav are capable of a hell of a lot!" Ric added. "The unstoppable force versus the unmoveable object." To everyone's surprise, Phish's "Down with Disease" began to play, signaling the arrival of an unusually carefree Nav. "What the hell is he wearing!?!" Tenay laughed, and with good reason. Nav was dressed in a colorful Grateful Dead tie-dyed T-shirt, torn denim jeans, and hightops. "According to this," JR informed him dryly as he read over his paperwork, "Recent trauma has caused him to switch to his happy-go-lucky alternate personality, Jimmy D. Extreme." "'Alternate personality'!?!" Ric exclaimed. "SINCE *WHEN*?" "Ummm, since *now,* apparently," JR replied. "I should be surprised, but why?" Bane couldn't help but laugh at his friends new attire, while "Jimmy D" shrugged in embarrassment. They were both caught off guard by a humming around them. In a flash, a steel cage materialized around the ring and the surrounding floor, sealing them in... "MAH GOD!" JR gasped. "Vince didn't make this..." He looked at the last page of his program, and sighed. "Yes, yes he did..." Main Event: Hell in the Cell Jimmy D Extreme (a.k.a. Nav) vs Bane Tenay blinked in surprise as Nav unexpectedly began the surprise, managing to grab one of Bane's legs and spinning for a quick takedown. Bane just as quickly responded with a hard lariat. Nav jumped to his feet, and the two friends eye one another as they circle the ring... "I guess they've worked out whatever problems they had facing each other..." Tenay began unsteadily. "And how many people here are surprised? Anyone?" Ric asked. Bane growled in frustration as he bolted forward with a combination of hard punches. "Good Gawd! Bane's already got Nav staggering..." JR marveled. Nav wobbled towards the ropes, and, although nearly out on his feet, urged Bane on. "Bane's going for a clothesline... a very *reluctant* clothesline..." Tenay observed. Nav's expression then snapped into a devious grin. He swiftly side-stepped, grabbed hold of Bane from behind, and sent him sailing with a released back suplex. The Mammoth Bane lurched to his feet and turned in time to see Nav leaping up for a flying forearm. Ric stared in surprise as he saw Bane's next move. "Bane just grabbed Nav in mid-air, and...Sweet Jesus! Over the ropes and right into the *cage*! Bane tossed him almost... *effortlessly*!" The Destroyer collapsed in a heap on the floor outside, and Bane urged him to stay down. Instead, Nav stood and discarded his shirt. His back was covered with small scratches from the sharp fencing. He resolutely crawled back into the ring and once more urged Bane onward. "Nav's maneuvering in, and is beginning an assault on Bane's knee with kicks," JR called. "The only way you can take down a guy like Bane," Ric added in sagely. "Nav closes in with a leg-drag takedown... but Bane is already up!" "*Gigantic* spinebuster by Bane! And the Juggernaut's not letting up at all!" Tenay shouted as Bane began pummeling Nav with a another series of massive punches. "Bane's pulled the Destroyer into the air... he's ready to end this!" JR commented. Bane, with reluctance, hoisted his friend into a gorilla press, ready to deliver the Knightsbane Shoulderbreaker. "I don't believe this!" Flair exclaimed. "Nav's actually struggling... hell, he's squirmed out of Bane's grip! And now Nav with the BLOODBATH!" One German suplex...two... and a third stunned the Mammoth! Nav then spun him around, and delivered a *low* kick. "The heck?! Guys, this is getting vicious..." a worried Tenay trailed off. "Nav's hooking Bane's arms... is he actually going to try to Tiger Bomb that monster?!" JR shrieked. "Hell no, Jim! Nav JUST DID! Only a two count, but still... that's *strength*!" Flair said, impressed. Nav, however, was beginning to grow frustrated. "Oh no, Nav's unlacing the padding from the top turnbuckle!" Tenay breathed. "I... guys, we could end up with someone really hurt here!" "'Could'?" Flair replied dryly. "Nav's trying to Irish whip Bane into the corner..." JR commented, beginning to grow a bit worried himself. "No! A *violent* reversal by Bane sends Nav into the bolt chest-first!" Then Nav did the unthinkable... he reached into his holster and whipped out his pistol. He sent two shots into Bane's shoulder, sending Bane collapsing against the ropes. "Nav *shot* Bane?!" Tenay cried. "Look at Bane's shoulder, guys!" Flair said frantically. "He's *bleeding*, and BAD! Those were real bullets!" JR scowled disgustedly at the ring. "I don't care what Vince said, there's no reason for that." With sadistic glee, Nav chucked a grenade at his incapacitated partner. The blast blew *off* a side of the cage and sent Bane crashing through *another* commentator's desk. The occupants scrambled away in panic, babbling in Spanish. "MAH GOD! That blast sent Bane *through* the cage and into the Spanish commentator's desk!!!" JR was barely able to catch himself during his intense ravings to realize what he had just said. "WAIT A MINUTE...!" "Where the hell did *those* guys come from!?!" Ric exclaimed. "Apparently it's required for these events..." JR puzzled. Bane laid unconscious in the remains of the cage's wall. Nav stood triumphantly on the ring apron. He turned around, readying himself for the Desert Eagle Moonsault, when a commotion erupted in the crowd next to Bane. Nav began his downfall, but it interrupted by another person who suddenly vaulted onto the railing and leapt up, drop kicking Nav in mid-air. "What in the...?! Nav just got attacked by... NAV?!" JR said in abject confusion. "At least he didn't come from the ceiling," Tenay shrugged. The new Nav was dressed in his standard army fatigues. The two Navs bickered with one another and turned to Bane, each trying to convince him that *he* was the real Nav. Bane glanced at both at them, absolutely baffled. He then nodded and made his decision: he threw a solid punch into the gut of the second Nav, lifted him into a gorilla press, and dropped him with the Knightsbane Shoulderbreaker! The "Jimmy D" Nav was very happy with his decision... until he, too, got slugged, lifted, and drilled with a Knightsbane! "Jimmy D" was extremely irate as he got to his feet, clutching his shoulder, and aimed his gun at Bane. In a fluid motion, the second Nav drew his Magnum and expertly blasted the gun out of Jimmy D's hand. Bane shoulderblocked the *obvious* imposter into the steel steps. Nav was about to join Bane in pummeling him...when a red mist formed behind him. "Oh, hell... you *know* what this means..." Flair trailed off. "Of course! The Horde!" Tenay groaned. "But... why this? Why now?!" JR said numbly. In the blink of an eye, Kefkain had formed behind the Destroyer, and ripped into his back with his massive claws. The white wolf then clamped a Soul Drain onto the downed Nav. Bane quickly spun around to help, but Jimmy D leapt up with alarming ease and knocked him to Nav's side with a roundhouse kick. Jimmy D cackled maniacly as he begins his transformation... "OSCAR?!" The announcers shrieked together. "Sonic offered Oscar a slot in the Horde! He turned it down! I saw it! What *is* this?" Tenay gasped. "Sonic offered him a slot in exchange for the belt... I think the herm just wanted revenge more," JR growled darkly. "A Saiyan... the Horde's got a freaking Saiya-jin now..." Flair trailed off in horror. Kefkain stood the near-unconscious Nav on his feet and nodded to Oscar. The hermaphrodite proceeded to go Super-Saiyen and prepared his Kamehameha, making sure to stand at point-blank range. With a demented sneer, Oscar launched the deadly ki-burst. And in desperation, Bane bolted upward in front of Nav and took the blast himself. The blast burned off much of his vest, as well as his hair, and he fell limply to the floor. Oscar was jumping and fuming in frustration as Kefkain moved over to him. "There will be another time," Kefkain assured him with a wicked grin. With that, the white wolf and Dark Sonic's *newest* soldier vanished in a crimson mist. Nav crawled dazedly over to Bane's smoking body. "No...not another death!" JR breathed in shock. "Is AAA going to end up with a *body count*?" Tenay wailed. But to the announcers' amazement, Bane, growling weakly, reached up and grabbed onto the ring apron, and actually pulled himself to his knees. Doctor Tofu and his paramedic staff were already at hand. "Incredible," Ric said simply. "Bane took a Kamehameha and survived." "Nav..." Bane choked out, "This has gotta end... get the title... and then *get* those bastards... for me..." Nav could only look on as his best friend was wheeled backstage on a stretcher. He looked down and clutched the silver cross that hung around his neck. His expression was neutral, but his eyes burned with determined hatred as he glared off into the distance... JR still couldn't get over it. "Oscar has joined Sonic's Horde," he repeated. "And it all ends at King of the Net," Ric commented in a hushed tone. "Nav, Wolf-Kefkain for the Mobian belt, and Star Mech versus Kintobor for both the Virtual title *and* their very existence." "And Dark Sonic," added Tenay. "For whatever reason, he chose not to show tonight... but with the AAA's management in disarray, and the venue being at the *real* Floating Island in the *real* Mobius... Lord knows what that evil hedgehog has planned!" Ric then broke out into a grin. "And what do you think the AAA's new co-chairman is going to think of the guest commentator who'll be sitting in for me?" "Whatever happens at King of the Net, I'm sure we'll be feeling the effect for a long time. I'm not sure this is something anyone in the multiverse can afford to miss! It'll be the deciding moment for the future of AAA," JR concluded. "On behalf of Mike Tenay, the Nature Boy, and the entire AAA staff, we hope to see you there." ________________________________________________________________________ The nightmare has begun: Vince McMahon in control of AAA! Pretty crazy, huh? Well, no that our vacations are done, Alicia and I should be back on a *relatively* normal schedule. No guarantees though, with school and all. Tune in for King of the Net, same Warrior-time, same Warrior-place, same Warrior-channel :p --- Tim McLees VINCE MCMAHON?! The horror, the horror! Aw geez, an evening gown match and everything... well, the PPV is next, featuring the grand finale of the AAA's second storyline! Everything in the story's been taking us to our next spectacular... I hope you enjoy it! It might be a little slow in coming, but you'll have to forgive us, what with college and all. Until then, Ciao! --- Alicia Ashby Author Avatar Association (c) Tim McLees and Alicia Ashby Club Anipike (c) Nightbreak