Bledavik Centennial Festival, Aveh The hovercam panned over a bustling marketplace as enchanting ryhthms filled the air. The people walking the street were attired in robes and leggings, and the entire city had an exotic Arabic flavor. The sounds of servos and machinery are heard, and the camera pans over to a large structure entwined around a massive crimson mech. Several mechanics are milling around various sections of the automaton, adjusting and augmenting the machine. The scene finally cuts to the Bledavik festival itself. Two large canvas tents have been set up by the usual ring and rampway, and wooden bleachers have been constructed, further enclosing the ring. "It's time to stand tall and shake the heavens for another exciting edition of FIGHT SCENE!" Mike Tenay's voice proudly proclaimed as the camera panned throughout the enthusiastic crowd on hand. "Mikey, shut up," Ric sighed. JR nodded. "Really, Mike, you've been on *way* too many special assignments. But in any event," JR continued in a stronger voice, "This looks to be a festive show this week! We're at the centennial celebration of the founding of the city of Bledavik, and I can only imagine that tonight will be a most special spectacle!" "Yes, in light of the *triumphant* return of Pippkin last week," Ric growled bitterly. Tenay was quick to bring his cohorts back to good cheer. "But don't forget that last week also saw the #1 contender determined for the Virtual Net Championship match at InterSlam. Nav the Destroyer defeated Kefkain---" "With an assist from Kyle 'Wolf' Hawkins," Ric insisted on adding. "Of course, and Nav will face David 'Star Mech' Kronos for the Virtual Net Championship." JR couldn't help but smile when Queen's "I Want It All" began to play. "Yes, Mike, and it sounds like we're about to hear what Team Foxfire makes of the challenger..." A new Team Foxfire montage appeared on the Trintron screens as the 3A's first and most famous stable descended the rampway. The footage was mostly of Scarlet and David Kronos in their most heated battles, but also showed Brisby dueling with his ruby katana, as well as Colley in action. Kronos scaled a turnbuckle almost immediately when he entered the ring, proudly raising his coveted title belt for all to see. Colley confidently scaled another one, howling out to the crowd. The rest of the team remained within the ring. "CITIZENS OF BLEDAVIK!" Scarlet Foxfire proclaimed over the mic to a large pop. "Put your hands together for your champion, the King of the Silver Millennium... Star Mech Kronos!" The noble zoot nodded, approving of the reaction to her teammate and friend. "And now without further ado, your favorite mouse and mine, Jonathan Brisby!" Brisby got an evenly mixed reaction as he took the mic. "Oh... fans, where to begin?" the young rodent beamed, smiling. "I really missed ya, Stewfixings, really I have, but things have changed! See..." Brisby put his loving arms around Star Mech and Scarlet, "You're looking at some of the saviors of the 3A. Dark Sonic and Kintobor slammed us with all the power their black hearts could muster..." His smarm suddenly faded into a rare stern tone. "...and *they* *couldn't* *beat us*." With that, Brisby tossed the mic over to the champion. "Damn straight, Johnny!" Kronos called out, "Now, I've got some words for Mr. Jimmy D, Nav the... heh... *Destroyer*." He pauses briefly to glance about the audience. "The kid's definitely come out on his own, fellas," Ric noted as the crowd hollered in response. "In the short time of this federation, he's definitely made himself up into one of 3A's most popular stars, despite having a less than stellar early record," Tenay added in response. "And maybe one day, he might even get his own gimmick," JR added with a wry smile. "I'll give you some credit, you've fought some of the toughest SOB's in the 3A: Soulstone, Oscar, and even yours truly. So now, with a little luck, you've become Number One contender. Hot damn... one of the nastiest anti-Moonies in the multiverse beating a path to my door." David turned back to his teammates to jeer his challenger, "I feel almost honored, really I do..." "As well you should, fanboy," a raspy, gravelly voice taunted over the mic. From one of the large tents, Nav the Destroyer came out with a mic of his own. "Great Scott, we might not have to wait for InterSlam..." JR uttered. "I dunno... I get the feeling there's enough fight in these two to keep them going for the next four weeks," Ric said with a grin. "Heh...a chance to take out *you*, the most absurdly powered Moonie out there," Nav begin with a devious smile. "But I wonder... just how powerful would you be without Brisby, that furball Scarlett, or the rest of your cronies by your side?" "Cronies?" Colley repeated, obviously offended. He continued grumbling with Mechtail and Edward, while Scarlet, Brisby and Kronos glared back up to the Destroyer. "I drug myself up to be the Moon Kingdom champion with just a M-16 and my wits. But I have to wonder what *you've* really got... how tough you *really* are without your hired help--" "Now, Nav, Nav, Nav..." Kronos scolded, "Your ass would be zombie food right now if *you* hadn't had a little help from--" Nav suddenly got defensive, "Look, Moonie! I pinned that furball's butt 1-2-3 without Bane or *anyone's* help!" A sudden cheer erupted as a new figure emerged from the tent. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear..." Ric smirked as Wolf Hawkins strode with purpose toward Nav. "And I get the feeling this devil has a mouthful for the Destroyer," Tenay added. "And further more, Davey-kins...!" Nav was stopped abruptly when Wolf grabbed him, spun him around and violently took away his mic. "It's kind of funny, Nav," Wolf began, scratching the dark grey fur beneath his chin. "I'm pretty sure that the only reason you've got a shot at Brisby's boy right there is because a couple *certain* furballs helped you out, eh?" The cheers increased and Wolf continued with a knowing grin, "There's been talk about us, ya know? About who's the meanest, toughest soldier in the 3A." Nav was silent then smiled as he nodded back to Commando Rodent. "You and I. I gotcha. All our skills, but let's make this interesting. Why limit this to the ring? Bledavik's a big town... want to see if it's big enough to hold both of us?" "Oh wow...falls count anywhere..." Tenay breathed in awe, "That's a first in the AAA." "And Avatars don't come more... well, hardcore than those two," JR added in amazement. "And with the AAA's perpetual no-DQ rules... boys, we're in for a *show* tonight!" Ric finished. "While we're at it, let's make this *real* interesting," Wolf slurred back with a feral smile. "How about that belt of yours? We both know anybody can wrestle for it, Moonie or not. Hell, *you've* got it. Put that up, too... *unless* you want to back out now, an' *save yourself* for Davey-kins." Nav's brow furrowed with anger at the implied insult. "Fine, for the Moonie belt, then! I don't mind putting a *second-rate* belt on the line. I'll be waiting, Hawkins." "Count on it, Nav!" Wolf called back, backing away toward the tents. The cheers continued as the camera returned to the announcer's desk. "Folks, looks like we've just set our main event tonight!" JR enthused. "Nav and Wolf, two of the toughest players in the business, fighting *all* throughout this town tonight! WHOO!" Ric cheered in delight. "My god, that's going to be incredible!" "And the rest of our card is packed with Avatar fighting action as well! After the break, we'll have Sonya Sho Robotnik in action against the Horde's newest minion, the former Rescue Ranger now known as Wolfsbane," Tenay concluded. "We'll see you after the break!...." ----------------------------------------------------------------- *The scene opens up in an AAA venue. It's well before the start of the show, and personnel are bustling around setting things up for the event. Avatars are busily chatting about the upcoming plots, hatching schemes, and verbally taunting each other. Over by the break area, The Powers are aggressively testing their mettle on a Nintendo 64 with WCW/NWO Revenge. Chibi-Lynxara is a short distance away from them playing with her now repaired doll. Oscar is trudging across the arena floor in his workout gear, Adidas bag hanging from his shoulder. He's clearly irate. "I don't believe this... telling *me*, a Saiya-jin warrior, to baby sit when I've got a date with Felicia in *ten* *minutes*...feh!" Back in the break area, Alicia stares blankly at the screen, then glares back to her partner. "La Parka. Goldberg just lost to *La Parka*. I'd usually be happy about that..." Tim shrugs, "Well, I guess The Man (tm) couldn't match the Chairman's lucha skills." "Yeah, and it only took you five matches to do it," Alicia smirked at her partner. "Maybe if I had known how to do any moves," Tim replied with a laugh. "All I had were armbars for a while." "And now that you have the dreaded Abdominal Stretch of Doom at your disposal..." Their good-natured ribbing stopped when they noticed the Saiya-jin impatiently standing next to them. "You called?..." Oscar growled bitterly. "Oh yeah," Tim replied, "Alicia and I have to get ready for our commercial. Can you watch the break room while we're gone?" "But..." Oscar began to protest, then noticed the playful Chibi-Lynxie up on the couch. Suddenly, he seemed a bit happier... "Sure...I'll handle things while you're gone..." "And *no* funny stuff!" Alicia warned as the two Powers blipped away to Parts Unknown. With a snide leer, he swaggered over to the couch and flumped onto it next to the super deformed furry. "Everything will be in *good hands*..." Chibi-Lynxie suddenly looked at the obnoxious furvert, pouted...and began to glow. "ECHII!" The little catgirl cried out. The scene cut back to the partially constructed ring. A flash lit up off-screen, and a faint yell was heard, increasing in intensity...as a rather charred Oscar crashed into the mat! Back in the break area, Chibi-Lynxie peeked over the couch and giggled. Cut to a desk where several Super-Deformed, plushie, overwhelmingly cute versions of the top 3A Avatars rest. 3A Chibi-Avatars Too cute for their own good. Coming soon to a store near you! ----------------------------------------------------------------- Alanis Morrisette's "You Ought to Know" is playing, and the Mobian Freedom Fighter Sonya Sho Robotnik is already in the ring. Depeche Mode's "Only When I Lose Myself" began to the violet light show that normally brings in Kefkain as the angry young vampire Wolfsbane strode down the rampway, taunting the various fans by the railing. Following methodically behind her was her master, the White Wolf, Kefkain. "We're back, and as you can see, we're about to get our first match underway! And this is going to be a bitter match-up indeed, and a definite preview of the action to come in InterSlam's Mind Games match," Tenay began. "Right! Sonya's about to face the *latest* member of Sonic's Horde... though she seems to be under the direct tutelage of Kefkain," JR continued as the music cut off, and the lights came back up. "Yeah... before, Kefkain's just been Sonic's lackey. But with Sonic's powers gone, I have to wonder if the power in the Horde isn't changing hands..." Ric speculated... only to be interrupted by the bell. SONYA SHO ROBOTNIK vs WOLFSBANE (W/Kefkain) "Sonya's going for... it looks like a power ring!" Tenay began. "But Wolfsbane is just too fast! Spin kick by Wolfsbane, right into Sonya's jaw!" "Speed that can match a Mobian Hedgehog... Wolfsbane *has* been upgraded," Ric said appreciatively. "Extra power seems to be a side effect of having a 'gothic lifestyle'," JR noted dryly. "The vampire bat is pressing her advantage, and follows up with a *brutal* combination of kicks!" "Sonya's already reeling in the corner!" Flair finished with a shake of his head. Wolfsbane spun to face her master outside the ring, cackling gleefully. Kefkain slowly nodded his head in approval, an unusually devious smirk on his face. "Wolfsbane needs to her keep her mind on the match... it looks like Sonya's shakin' out the cobwebs... and she dashes in with a low drop kick!" JR called. "And Wolfsbane topples to the mat, giving Sonya the opportunity to go to work on her leg!" Tenay added as Sonya barely managed to turn her over and clamp on an STF. "Sonya's applying some solid mat wrestling," Ric called with approval. "Wolfsbane's got nowhere to go, and... no! She just shifted into mist form!" "Intangibility does frustrate most wrestling holds," Tenay somehow managed to say with a straight face. Wolfsbane quickly reformed behind the pink hedgehog and raked her new-found claws into Sonya's her back. "Wolfsbane has some kind of dark energy field surrounding her hands... good lord, it's like a minor Soul Drain!" JR yelled. Sonya shrieked, hurt on a spiritual level by the life-draining attack. Wolfsbane then drove a hard punch into her kidneys that rebounded her off the ropes. "She grabs Sonya... and a *face-first* suplex! Sonya gets pounded right into the mat!" Ric announced. "Wolfsbane with a solid cover... *close* two count!" Tenay noted tensely. Wolfsbane seemed oddly unfrustrated as she stood up; instead, she fluttered up to the top turnbuckle and bared her fangs in a sinister grin at the audience. "Sonya's getting to her feet, but she's just *not* moving fast enough... Wolfsbane flies in for a flying body press..." JR trailed off. "... and gets met with a *mid-air* drop kick from Sonya! A truly amazing burst of speed!" Tenay marveled. "Either that, or a truly amazing instance of playing dead," Ric smirked. "Either way, Sonya's back in control of this match... and she drives the bat-girl into the corner! Wolfsbane is down, and it looks like Sonya is going up top for a high-risk manuever... but Wolfsbane counters with some speed of her own, and grabs the ropes!" Sonya quickly lost her balance, ending up dangerously perched on the top turnbuckle. Wolfsbane flew up to the turnbuckle once more, grabbed her around the neck, and viciously drove her into the mat with her specialty flying choke-slam, the Turbulence! "She threw Sonya halfway across the *ring*..." Tenay trailed off in legitimate awe. "It's a tremendous move, and Wolfsbane knows it! She's keeping those vicious claws locked onto Sonya for the cover... One... Two..." JR counted. "And she *should've* gone for the lateral press!" Ric shouted gleefully. "Sonya throws her off-balance with a fast low kick... and she's *not* happy about that choke hold..." With a frenzied snarl, Sonya pounced onto Wolfsbane and began to pound on her with a flurry of lightning-fast punches. "Both femme furries slowly get back to their feet," Tenay said quietly. "Sonya's emitting her holy mystical aura... and *dashes* in for a series of spiritually-charged snap kicks, with a beautiful back flip kick for the finish!" "And Sonya continues her attack, driving Wolfsbane back with a Northern Lights suplex... cover, and a two-count!" JR said. "Wolfsbane's back up and... good lord, Sonya's drawing out the Magic Blade of Mobius!" Wolfsbane stayed on the mat, favoring her knee. The robo-ref closed in to tend to her, giving Kefkain a perfect opportunity to climbs to the ring apron... "Mah God, now the Big White Machine is in this... Sonya's back is turned... AND THERE IT IS! SOUL DRAIN BY KEFKAIN!" JR exclaimed. "Sonya's struggling... she's almost down to the mat..." Tenay called. "But she's got enough strength to reach into that belt pouch of hers, and pull out a *Power Ring*!" Ric shouted triumphantly. The Power Ring emitted a bright flash that knocked Kefkain back down to the mat, but the vampire wolf managed to stay on his feet. As Kefkain recovered outside, Sonya quickly dashed behind Wolfsbane and clamped on the Labyrinth! "Sonya's got that submission hold on tight, but will she be able to keep the vampire bat in it for long?" JR announced tensely. "It looks like Sonya and Wolfbane *both* are manifesting their power auras... I think Wolfsbane is trying to change, but this time, Sonya isn't letting her!" Tenay called. The bat flailed about as Sonya began charging the hold with holy energy, and Wolfsbane soon toppled to the mat. "Sonya's cinched in... she adds a body scissors for more pressure... and Wolfsbane taps out! This is *over*!!" Ric finished. "A sensational, hard-fought win by Sonya and--" JR began, then paused as he noticed a new intruder. "Oh Gawd, and now she's got company..." A fanged, wild looking youth, adorned in classy black gothic attire slipped through the ring ropes behind Sonya. "That's... that's *Dark Starr*!" Tenay uttered, allready nervous. "Feh, Sonya just fought off two Horde members, what's this guy got?" Ric dismissed. "See? She's right on him." Sonya nimbly slashed at the new foe, anticipating the attack. Dark Star narrowly, but all too easily, dodged and landed a solid punch into her stomach. The Nature Boy blinked in shock as Sonya abruptly crumpled to the mat. "The hell? He just knocked her out..." "... with a *stomach punch*," JR shook his head, as stunned as his colleague. "Well, it's the nerve center of the female body, you know," Ric grumbled with a roll of his eyes. Tenay was too concerned to be disgusted. "Guys...Sonya's in a bad spot, here..." he fretted as Dark Sonic entered the ring to confront his incapacitated sister. "Dark Starr *would* be a perfect member of the Horde! Oh, for the love of - somebody put a stop to this!" JR protested as Kefkain tied her up into the ropes, the dark hedgehog looking on with depraved approval. Suddenly, the crowd took notice of another newcomer. "Looks like you just got your wish, Jim!" Tenay exclaimed, excited. "Here comes---" Ric stared."... The Great Red Serpent!?" "Our hero, ladies and gentlemen," JR sighed flatly. "Sonic..." The Serpent growled as he stared daggers into Dark Starr. "You know that *I've* got the role of pleasing the ladies *more* than taken care of in the Horde. So tell me, fuzzy, just what the hell is *he* doing here?!" "You're right, Red," Sonic said evenly. "There is only room for one human within my organization. And, quite frankly, since you just *suck*.... Boys?" "It would seem the *Great* Red Serpent is being handed his walking papers," Ric couldn't help but grin at the hentai's misfortune. Both Kefkain and Dark Starr promptly began to batter the Serpent, sending him flailing into the corner and down to the mat. "Now what are they going to do?" Tenay pondered. "Dark Starr's makes his way to the middle of the ring, and he's charging toward the downed Serpent..." Mike's eyes then went wide in horror. "Oh, no, *no*, NO, not--- GYAH!!" The announcing team promptly recoiled in disgust, and turned a slight green. All three had seen the move time and again, but it still didn't fail to horrify them. "*Gawd*, it's bad enough watching Waltman do that week after week..." JR groaned. "*That move*! Dark Starr used *THAT MOVE* on him! Uhhh..." Ric had to lean over in his chair to catch his breath. The camera cuts away at the end of the Serpent's embarrassing ordeal, back to Wolfsbane playing with her "food", stomping gleefully on the barely conscious Sonya. At her side, in a violet *BAMF* of sulfur, a massive demonic figure appeared... "Oh! And now *Oni's* back! This just keeps getting better!" Ric cried out sarcastically. Oni coolly looked over to the vampiric furry, and grinned a fanged smile at her. After a moment's hesitation, Wolfsbane returned it... until Oni clutched a massive hand around her neck! "What the...!? Oni just raised Wolfsbane into the air and..." JR exclaimed. "Mah God, plants her face-first into the mat! Absolutely hideous!" "Dark Starr tries for the save... and receives a flying clothesline for his trouble!" A baffled Ric continued. "What's gotten into Hellfire?!" "Well, after the way Dark Sonic abandoned him at King of the Net, I think it'd be natural for him to turn on the Horde," Tenay said. "He's no doubt even *more* angry than usual, and..." Then, a familiar and haunting laugh floods the PA system. "Oh, *hell*," JR breathed. Within seconds the one and only Pippkin blipped in, materializing on top of one of the ring posts. With a casual tap of his cane, Pippkin unwound the ring ropes and freed Sonya. "As you can see, my dear Sonic," Pippkin sneered, "I've aquired a free agent of my own." Oni stood defiantly in the center of the ring, glaring eye to eye with the massive Kefkain. The former tyrant could simply glare at the notorious Zoot. "It would appear that I win this round, dear hedgehog. TTFN... because I *will* be seeing you later!" Both Pippkin and the demonic Oni vanished in a foul black mist. An irate Dark Sonic stormed out of the ring, his cohorts following shortly after. JR just shook his head in disbelief. "As if Pippkin's asylum wasn't insane enough..." "Well, in any event, The Horde's has some *major* decisions to make now," Ric said. "Sonic probably knew he'd lose Oni, but I don't think he counted on losing him to a psychopath like Pippkin!" "At least we can get the show back on track now!" Tenay assured. "Up next we'll be starting the second half off the opening round of the AAA tag-team tournament. We'll have the AAA's only veteran tag-team, Team Foxfire Members Scarlet Foxfire and Colley Dogstar facing off against the definite underdogs of this division, the self proclaimed..." Tenay paused to make sure he was reading the name right. "... The 'Mighty Mobian Weenies', Felix Xavier Jinx and Sir Kain." "The Mighty... They actually *named* themselves that?" Ric laughed slightly. JR smiled. "Anyone willing to bet one of them comes out wearing a shirt that says 'Feline Curse'?" The Weenies strutted down the aisle confidently to Offspring's 'Pretty Fly For A White Guy,' which only made Ric's giggling fit worse. "And this music! I mean..." The Nature Boy finally broke down into outright helpless laughter. "Regardless, they'll be facing Wildpack 2000," JR said as their new theme, 'Born to be Wild', cued up. "Even without a 'New Age' schtick, they're still one of the more solid teams in this league... and one of the very few victorious veterans!" TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT WILDPACK 2000 (Scarlet Foxfire and Colley Dogstar) vs MIGHTY MOBIAN WEENIES (Sir Kain and Felix Xavier Jinx) "Well, it looks like Colley and Felix will start things off for this match," JR observed. The Mobian Royal Babysitter adjusted his bracers against the ropes as Colley went for the mike. The Road Rover then howled out to the fans. "HELLO, COSMO CANYON!" Colley roared enthusiastically. Half of the fans reflexively cheered, while the other half murmured uncomfortably. Soon, dead silence reigned over the crowd. "Cosmo... Canyon?" JR wondered. "I think Colley might have a short in his Cheap Heat Machine," Ric smirked. "Well, at least he managed to get the software company right..." Tenay added. Meanwhile, Scarlet sighed and shook her head, somewhat embarrassed. "Wildpack Two-Kay in tha HOOOOUUSE!" The massive Road Rover continued. "Howl if ya hear me!" Colley nodded with approval at the howls and cheers... as Felix extended a pair of whip-like tendrils from his bracers and ensnared the tall furry's legs, toppling him to the mat. "I think Colley also just learned that you go for cheap heat *before* the bell rings," Ric commented dryly. "But the massive Road Rover is quick to recover, back up on his feet! Felix is wrapping those coils of his around his fist... and hammers some solid punches into Colley's side!" Tenay announced. "Portable brass knuckles. Nice." Flair commented. With a wave of his arms, Felix once again lashed the coils out and wrapped them around Colley's shoulders. This time, however, Colley grabbed one of the steel tendrils and reeled Felix in. "Colley's just turned Felix's new gadget against him... and Felix is sent *crashing* down to the mat with a stiff clothesline." The coils quickly retracted and with a quick roll, Felix tagged in the enthusiastic Sir Kain. "And it's the mighty Sir Kain to the rescue," JR chuckles. Kain showed off some fancy foot work, punching and jabbing while Colley stood casually over the much smaller furry and laughed. To further mock the black cat, Colley 'good-naturedly' got on his knees and held his fists up. However, Colley wasn't the only one surprised when Kain agilely leapt in and planted a couple of jabs and a quick left cross squarely onto the Road Rover's snout! The gasp from the audience was audible, and JR nearly leapt out of his seat. "MAH GOD! Sir Kain just *did* something!" Colley quickly got up, but not before Sir Kain slipped behind to land a weak rabbit punch to the back of his head. "Sir Kain's... well, on the attack! He's leapt onto Colley's back, and is trying to lock in a sleeper hold..." Tenay began, slightly dumbfounded. "I admire the kid's spirit, but that's just stupid... Colley is *way* too big for tactics like that!" Ric said with a shake of his head as Colley casually countered, grabbing Kain's head and leg and flooring the cat with a Samoan Drop. "Colley is definitely irritated with Sir Kain... He pulls the cat up, and *throws* him into the corner!" JR called. "The Road Rover punishes Sir Kain with a series of *massive* knee lifts and a *vicious* backhand, then makes the tag to Scarlet Foxfire!" Scarlet casually entered the ring to continue the attack on the weakened Sir Kain. The zoot circled the young furry, waiting for him to regain *some* of his senses. "What are you *waiting* for?" The clearly irked Colley asked. However, Scarlet continued to stand back as Robby checked the boxing cat to make sure he was okay. "And Robby signals for the fight to continue... and there they go! Sir Kain opens with another flurry of punches, but Scarlet dodges..." Tenay announced. "Scarlet grabs hold of Sir Kain's arm, drills a solid shin kick into his chest... and *launches* Kain back into the corner with an Aikido throw!" JR called. "Scarlet's closing in for the kill... but Kain fights back, and cuts her off with a series of strong punches to the stomach! He grabs a handful of her long ponytail to pull her in, then launches her with a monkey flip throw!" Ric cheered. "I feel really odd saying this... but Kain is actually sort of *impressive* tonight." Colley raved in the corner, cheering his girlfriend on as Sir Kain barely managed to perch the taller Scarlet on the top rope. "Sir Kain's going to attempt an aerial maneuver... he's moved up to perch on top of her shoulders... then spins around to launch Scarlet into a *Dragonsteiner* from the turnbuckle!! Incredible!" Tenay enthused. "It was an impressive move, but it seems to have taken out *both* fighters," JR said. "They're both crawling to their opposite corners... and it's Kain with the fast tag to Felix, followed by Scarlet with a tag to Colley! It loks like business is about to pick up!" Colley charged in to level Felix with a clothesline, while Scarlet punted Sir Kain into the corner with psionically-charged strikes. Tenay sighed at the spectacle. "Well, it looks like the Mighty Mobian Weenies are living up to their names, now... and, wait a minute, Kain is taking his boxing gloves off!" "And look at what's under it! A metallic bracer... heh, more brass knuckles! These kids fight smart!" "Sir Kain with a backhand...and he just *clocked* Scarlet!" JR shouted. Colley spun around to see his beloved zoot collapse to the mat, and let out an enraged howl. He charged in, seized Kain, and connected with a solid back breaker. "Colley's absolutely mauling Sir Kain! But it looks like Felix is coming with a save..." Tenay noted. Behind the melee, Felix has pulled out a small disc... "Well, he'd better hurry up with it! Colley's setting Sir Kain up for his Jackknife Power Bomb..." Flair trailed off. "He's also taking his time to play to the crowd, and that could cost him," JR warned. Colley *finally* hoisted him up... and the recovered Sir Kain promptly hammered away with his gauntlet-covered fist. Meanwhile, with a flick of his wrist, Felix expanded his disc to the size of a trash can lid and slid it casually across the ring, so it laid at Colley's feet. Tenay's voice was tense and hushed as he called the next move. "Sir Kain grabs the sides of Colley's head and... Sir Kain drives him down with a facebuster onto that metal disc! Colley could be out *cold*!" "Colley hooks the leg and goes for the lateral press... one... two... THREE!! *SIR KAIN* just took the victory for the Mighty Mobian Weenies!!" Flair cheered. The Mobians then proceeded to do an odd victory dance (much to the crowd's delight) as their theme music cued up, while Scarlet ran in the ring to see to Colley. The felines rolled out of the ring just as quickly, and then scampered gleefully back to their dressing room area. "I *still* can not believe it... the most established team in the 3A just lost!" JR announced, still surprised. "Well, despite their less than stellar records, Felix and Kain showed off quite a bit of team work there," Tenay admitted. "In fact, the ability of a team to work together seems to have been the deciding factor in most of the tag-team contests thus far." "Yeah...I'll guess I'll give you that," Flair adds, "But Brisby *cannot* be happy with this... so let's go backstage to see the fireworks!" The camera cut backstage and just happened to catch Joseph, dressed for desert travel, leaving the living quarters. "Whatta sec...he's got a match in a few moments! Where's he...?" JR wondered. He stopped when the hovercam finally located the dejected Team Foxfire, trudging back to their trailers. "Man... that just *sucked*!" Edward growled in disappointment. "Ya don't say," Colley jeered back. "Guys...GUYS," Scarlet yelled, trying to take control, "We all just got a bit more confident than we should have, and we let it affect our match. Nothing we say or do can change that, so all that's left now is to go back to our trailer, and watch the rest of the show." Edward, Mechtail and Colley sighed and nodded in agreement. They followed the psi-cop up the stairs. She opened the door... and a massive fiery explosion promptly engulfed her! The male furries were merely knocked back, barely out of the way of the blast, but Scarlet is sent flying... her Zoot Suit body ablaze. Scarlet crashed to the ground several feet away, shrieking in agony. She curled up in a ball and desperately began rolling. The rest of the Foxfire members were rightfully frantic, grabbing personnel and shouting. In fact, most of their cries had to be censored out, especially Colley's exclamations. Finally, with the help of some guards with fire extinguishers, Scarlet was finally doused. However, she was already critically burnt on one side. As the paramedics rushed out to assist her, Edward finally noticed the hovercam and, in rage, spin-kicked it out of commission... ----------------------------------------------------------------- The show returned to a very somber announcer's desk. "Folks, just a few minutes ago, Scarlet Foxfire fell victim to... well, to what can only be some arsonist's scheme. Festival staff have taken her to the local temple to receive proper medical attention, and we can only hope for the best," JR announced solemnly. "And NotReallyHere and staff security are already scouring the Team Foxfire trailers, looking for clues," Tenay added. "We return now to the Tag Team Tournament, where the team of Craig Vincent and Myles Buchanan... apparently have no opponent tonight," Ric introduced, attempting to get back into the spirit of the show. "This could be a big break for Graviton Express, if they got a bye into the semi-finals. We have yet to receive word on why the Shifters haven't appeared... and though we did catch a glimpse of Joseph leaving his trailer, we haven't even seen Ryan the Newcomer yet! In any case, it would..." Tenay's remarks were silenced, as Testament's 'Shades of War' filled the speakers, and once again, Pippkin came out. This time he was with Soldier Lucifer and T-Bone, who followed behind him. "And once *again*, Pippkin makes use of a volatile situation," JR grumbled. "Now before any of you run fleeing in terror," Pippkin smiled with mic in hand, "I have a little something to say. I *only* want to help this organization to overcome this tragic inconvenience that the Shifters' rude behavior has caused." Graviton X-Press stood ready in their corner, wary, and clearly uncertain of the zoot's intents. Pippkin turned to face them, his smile becoming vicious. "Quite simply, boys, *you* two seem to want to try and prove yourselves as the best in the AAA tag-team division, hmm? Well, let me assist you! I'll give you the privilege of facing two of the Multiverse's most elite soldiers, managed by one of the most infamous personalities in the 3A... yours truly, of course." The two young men looked at each other, pondering the notion, then nodded in approval. "Good! Very good! Yes, excellent decision, Myles, Craig. So then, let it begin!" Pippkin dashed merrily outside the ring as the bell sounded. "Again, he's playing the puppet master *again*..." Ric groaned. "This is going to be bad," JR uttered. TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT SOLDIERS OF WAR (Soldier Lucifer and T-Bone) vs. Graviton Express (Craig Vincent and Myles Buchannan) "T-Bone and Craig are the first in the ring for this match, and T-Bone shows off his training as he drills a series of solid punches into Craig," Tenay began. The military wolf quickly buckled Vincent into the ropes, then launched him into an Irish whip. "T-Bone telegraphs a back toss... and Craig counters with a solid double ax-handle, followed by a knee bash!" Flair continued. "Craig hoists him up, and... spinebuster! Beautiful!" T-Bone quickly rolled back to his corner. Craig makes the quick tag to Myles, while T-Bone tagged in Soldier Lucifer... "And now the steel-armored Soldier methodically enters the ring... and he seems to want to test his strength against Buchanan's!" JR called, bemused. "Soldier Lucifer *must* be insane! I mean, considering Myles' amazing super-strength..." Tenay began. "Mikey, don't make me hurt you," Ric sighed. Buchannan accepted confidently, clasping one of his Lucifer's hands with his own, then the other. "Lucifer's *quickly* taken the advantage... he's even managed to force the Irishman into a bridge!" JR exclaimed. Then an aura of white energy aura cued up around Buchannan. Slowly, he managed to stand back up, then tore his hands free of Lucifer's. " Buchanan drops to the mat and sweeps Lucifer's legs... but Lucifer *flips back up*!! In that armor he's wearing..." Tenay trailed off. "And a stiff clothes line from Soldier Lucifer, who's *clearly* one powerful and *dangerous* individual," Ric called. Even when Buchanan was on the mat, the lone warrior of Planet Lucifer continued the punishment, launching the Irishman into the ropes and landing a vicious spinning backbreaker on him. "Now Lucifer cinches in a tight armbar... but Buchannan rolls with it, making a tag to Craig in the process!" JR announced. Then, with a flip, Buchannan sent Lucifer head over heels to the mat, allowing Craig to vault over the ropes and land with an elbow into the Soldier's stomach. "Graviton Express showing some excellent teamwork, here, as they continue their double team attack! The boys both whip Soldier Lucifer into the ropes... Craig hoists the Lone Warrior up and behind him, while Myles positions himself... Lucifer's head is positioned square on Myles' shoulder... and then the boys *drop* him with a brutal reverse neckbreaker!" Tenay marveled. Craig quickly went for a cover, but Lucifer violently jerked up at two. He also shoved Craig away as he gets back up...and drew his Cryosword. "Tremendous *slash* by Lucifer... he sent Vincent *literally* flying into the turnbuckle!" JR called. "Thank God for Craig's kevlar trenchcoat... he's down, but he doesn't look seriously injured." Ric thought that over as he watched Craig land in a heap in a neutral corner. "Kevlar trenchcoat... the *hell*?" Soldier Lucifer tagged in T-Bone, but not before summoning a blood red tendril of energy in his free hand. "And Soldier Lucifer has *summoned* the Hate Chain!" Tenay shouted. With a flourish, the Hate Chain whipped out to ensnare the Irishman, binding his arms back and choking him. "With Myles tied up, he's a perfect target for T-Bone... the wolf *pounds* on Buchanan, and then Lucifer whips him over the ropes!! His arms are free, but the Hate Chain is still around his neck... he's getting *strangled*!" Ric exclaimed. "Not only that, but *Pippkin* is rounding the ring to pay Myles a visit..." JR trailed off grimly. Meanwhile, Craig has been skirmishing with T-Bone, and had just managed to free himself from T-Bone's wrath. T-Bone attempted to whip him into across the ring, but Craig managed to block and score a low blow that drew a gasp of sympathy from the crowd! Craig then grabbed his head, climbed up to the middle turnbuckle, and whipped T-Bone over for a tornado DDT! The announcers, however, were fixated on Myles plight. The Irishman was nearly out cold, prompting Pippkin to cackle madly at him as he readied his cane. Suddenly, Myles' eyes snap open... "Buchanan isn't down *yet*!!" Tenay cheered as Myles kicked the diabolical Zoot into the railing. "And... and after being choked for that long, the boy's actually *pulling* himself back onto the apron..." Ric said in amazement. Soldier Lucifer refocused his attention onto Myles as he felt his chain slacken. Craig leaned against the ropes from his corner, jeering the Lone Soldier. Lucifer's eyes twitched in anger as he heard the phrase "half-assed evil Kronos rip-off"... and he instantly released the Myles to unleash the hate chain on Craig. "Lucifer's hair-trigger temper is gonna cost him... Myles is charging up the Howling Wolf Blast!!" JR called. The Irishman let the ki blast sail into Lucifer's back, blasting Lucifer into the air. Craig quickly pulled down on the top rope, causing the vengeful Soldier to fly out of the ring! Craig Vincent then hoisted the barely recovering T-Bone up onto his shoulders and walked toward Myles, who was ascending to the top turnbuckle. "And a top-rope bulldog by Buchanan!" Tenay shouted enthusiastically. "Craig makes the pin... and a *three- count*! This is *over*!" Even after Myles had rolled back to his feet, and the robo- ref had raised the boys' hands in victory, Tenay still seemed stunned. "They did it. They *beat* Pippkin's minions!" "And ol' Stewfixings does *not* look like a happy bunny!" Ric cackled at the fretting demonic Zoot. Craig Vincent gestured quickly for a mic, then leaned over the ropes for a few words. "Yo, yo! Pippkin! We *all* take the fall sometimes... but *this* time, Pip, it was your soldier boys that got ran over by the Graviton Express!" Craig paused to hear the crowd's roar of approval, then chucked the mic to Myles. The Irishman confidently caught it, then adjusted his thick glasses before he addressed the raving trio. "Sa tell me, Stewfixins, ye thought we were gonna jus' roll ova dead on yer merry li'l conquest, dinna ya?" Myle taunted with his nigh-incomprehensible thick Irish accent. "Well, then, me an' mah bud Craig Vincent have a li'l something to ask ye..." Craig did a short dash to his teammate and pointed down to Pippkin and his motley crew as they asked them... "WHO'S THE JOBBER NOW, BITCH?" Beastie Boy's "Sabatoge" then rang out across the field as the Soldiers of War retreated into the tents, an infuriated Pippkin scowling darkly behind them. "Bold words from Graviton Express!" JR noted, "Definately ones to watch." "Yeah, ten bucks says that last bit ends up on a T-Shirt. But check this out..." Ric interrupted, noticing something on his moniter. Up in the highest bleachers, the mysterious Revenant, Shaed Bloodgrave, looked down upon the spectacle with a bemused grin, as if pondering something. Next to him was his lovely wife Morrigan Aensland, wrapped in an elegant golden silk robe. "The Revenant's on hand tonight..." Tenay uttered, pondering the dark warrior's presence. "It's almost as if he's watching for something..." However, the moment was soon broken as the camera panned away from the Revenant. "But next, coming up after the break, a *truly* hardcore title match for the Moon Kingdom Title!" JR proclaimed. "For the first time ever, it's Wolf and Nav! Don't go away!" ----------------------------------------------------------------- The scene opened to a darkened and rather regal apartment. Thunder boomed outside in the stormy night as the door opened up. A large white-furred anthropomorphic wolf in a trenchcoat and formal dress enters. He's grumbling, and is drenched with mud and rain. A close-up shot shows that he's...Kekfain? "Infernal bus... after having to job to that *human*..." The White Wolf grumbled as he tossed his athletic bag to the ground. The young furry villianess Foxglove trotted in behind him, wearing street clothes. "I know, boss! I'm not sure blowing it up with Hellfire was a good idea. though," The vampiric bat replied, trying to comfort her sire. "But I got something that'll help get ya cleaned up in no time!" Kefkain gave his ward an incredulous look as she rooted through her duffle bag. She withdrew an amber-colored shampoo bottle, proudly displaying the 'Herbal Essentials' label to no one in particular. "And after tonight, you really need some way to relax!" The mud-soaked vampiric wolf gave a rather amused smile at Foxglove and followed her to the restroom. Minutes later, the hentai goth Dark Starr entered the apartment. "Hey boss, I captured *dinner*. I've got him downstairs if ya--" "Oh yeah...hmmm..." A deep voice sighed from the bathroom. "Wonderful, ain't it...Hee Hee!" a feminine voice replied. Further sounds of unearthly bliss flowed from the bathroom. Dark Starr stood there listening, quite stunned. With a lecherous fanged grin, he snuck back out to leave the undead couple alone. A few moments later, Kefkain came out, wet but now clean. He wore dark pajama pants that clung to his wet fur and toweled himself off as he sank back onto the couch. Foxglove followed behind him. She wore an over-sized dark pajama shirt and was binding her long brown hair up with her towel. She sat down on the couch, the undead pair laughing and exchanging *almost* innocent looks of affection as the voice over played... "Herbal Essentials: An organic experience, even if you're a Creature of the Night." ----------------------------------------------------------------- "Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to tonight's main event!" JR welcomed. "Unforgiven II" was already playing over the speakers. "Right now Wolf's music is playing, but he hasn't come out yet." "I wouldn't put it past either one of these boys to start early in the back..." Ric mused. "Not, wait... it looks like Sonya has already come out..." Tenay noticed as the Mobian fighter appeared from the curtains. She walked down the rampway and turned back to the tents. To a more mixed reaction than usual, Nav's new theme, "Instruments of Destruction," played. The boos increased slightly as he comes out. "Well, here comes the Destroyer and..." Tenay began, "He seems rather cocky tonight, doesn't he? Like the proverbial cat that ate the canary." Ric's eyes flashed in recognition. "Guys... I know that look, and Nav is one dangerous individual... you don't think he may have caused--" "Oh mah stars and garters..." JR breathed gravely. Sonya angrily drew her sacred sword, and urged Nav to take *her* on. The Destroyer laughed quietly, and drew his assault rifle. He was ready to take aim... when Wolf scrambled up from beneath the runway and floored him with a clip to his bad knee! MAIN EVENT MOON KINGDOM TITLE MATCH: Nav the Destroyer vs Kyle "Wolf" Hawkins FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE Wolf was decked out for a brawl, having exchanged his usual fatigues for black ops gear: dark pants, boots, and a black tank-top. He was also armed, a Magnum hanging at his side. "And a furious attack from Wolf starts off this match!" Tenay called in surprise as Wolf pelted Nav with a flurry of punches. However, the mouse's mass wasn't enough to keep him down. "The Destroyer is up, and... *tremendous* spinebuster onto the steel ramp! Nav with an early cover... barely a one-count!" JR continued. Both combatants were quickly back to their feet, Wolf opening up with a hard combination of kicks and punches that edged both fighters down the rampway. "Nav and Wolf are just trading punches now... these boys are going to have each other knocked out *fast* at this rate," Ric said with genuine respect in his voice. "Wolf's finally managed to bind up Nav's arms... series of headbutts from the Commando Rodent... and it looks like Wolf is going for a suplex onto the grass!" Tenay announced. However, the Destroyer abruptly reversed, and nailed Wolf with a belly-to- belly suplex instead. "The fight's already leaving the ring area... Nav seems to be dragging the Wolf into the carnival midway!" JR said. Several visitors scrambled out of the hover-cam's way as it tracked the fighters to the gorgeous stone fountain that was the centerpiece of the midway. "Nav's goin' for a *piledriver* onto the cement... and reversal into a backdrop! Fortunately, Nav landed on the grass..." Tenay continued, his voice taking on a slight pitch of worry. "Now Wolf grabs a handful of Nav's hair and hard snapmare into the fountain! WHOO! Wolf's going to follow up... and gets bludgeoned with the butt of Nav's new M-16! Yes!" Ric seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the carnage. "And the Destroyer's continuing his attack, absolutely *hammering* Wolf with his rifle! The fighters seem to be approaching some kind of metal grate..." "Oh *no*..." Tenay breathed. "Oh yes!" Ric cheered, as Nav slammed a knee into Wolf's head, and then flung him onto the *very rusty* grate. The cracking, hissing sound of the metal twisting and breaking under Wolf's weight was shortly followed by a loud *SPLOOSH* as Hawkins toppled into the city's waterway. "Oh, come on! Even after all that... Nav's opened fire into the tunnel!!" Tenay protested. "Yes, Mikey, that's why guns have bullets," Ric replied dryly. "Well, in any case, Nav doesn't look pleased with the results... in fact... MAH GOD, he's going into the tunnel himself in pursuit...!" JR's commentary was the last that was heard for some time. While the hover-cam could track Nav sloshing through the knee- deep water of the ill-lit tunnel, the reception simply wasn't clear or quiet enough for accurate commentary. The camera spent a few agonizing minutes tracking Nav's lone trek through the dank tunnels, the Destroyer twitching and jumping at the creaks and groans emitted by the ancient pipes. He suddenly spun around as he heard someone running through the water in front of him. His laugh was almost a maniacal cackle as he let loose a volley of bullets in the noise's direction...but the footsteps continued. Nav began rapidly reloading his rifle as he advanced further down the tunnel. He finally reached a bullet-riddled stone wall facing him at the tunnel's end, a ladder ascending up to the surface... and taped to the wall, a small cassette deck playing the sounds of running footsteps through water. Nav's eyes narrowed as he emitted a strangled noise of rage... just as a dark, short figure rose from the water's surface behind him. Wolf pulled what could only be a pair of infra-red goggles over his eyes, and then took aim with his pistol at the pipes behind Nav's head. A few shots were all it took to shatter the ancient metal, and the pipes promptly began spewing a torrent of scorching steam right into the Destroyer's face! The blinded Nav sprayed the tunnel wildly, hoping to land a lucky shot. Wolf's goggles allowed him to dodge with ease, the Commando Rodent simultaneously popping out his adamantium claws. One swipe cleaved Nav's rifle in two; another ripped a bloody gash up across his chest. Wolf then drove a shoulder into Nav's wounded gut and lifted him up. He first drove Nav viciously into the wall, and then completed the assault by launching him back into the water with a released overhead suplex. The Destroyer flailed to get back up, the rapidly flowing water ripping new pain into the deep gash on his torso. Wolf, meanwhile, quickly climbed the ladder back to the surface... "... MAH GOD! He just... Wolf just... *MAH GOD!*" JR could be heard ranting as the video feed switched to a second hovercam stationed back in the Bledavik tournament area. "Is he just going to *leave* Nav down there? In his weakened state, he could very well *drown*!" Tenay shrieked. Ric grinned joyfully at his colleagues. "Face it, boys, we are looking at what's easily one of, if not *the*, most brutal match in AAA history... and around here, that's *really* saying something." While the announcers debated, several fans had ventured up to the waterway's exit from the regular ringside stands. Sonya Sho Robotnik and Lynxara in particular had both followed the hovercams up to the battlegrounds. They paused as they heard a manhole cover opening; it slid to the side, and Kyle "Wolf" Hawkins climbed laboriously out of the water system. The referee Robby and the first hover-cam were the next to slowly hover out of the tunnels. After a tense pause, Nav emerged as well. "The Destroyer is *not* happy about this..." JR trailed off. "Not happy? Hell, he's more pissed than I've *ever* seen him before!" "Then if he's so angry... why is he *smiling*?" Tenay asked frightfully. The Destroyer's expression took on almost psychotic glee as he tore open a belt pouch and pulled out a round device. He tapped a small button on the device, and a high- pitched electrical whine immediately sounded throughout the arena. "Gyah!" Tenay cried, dropping his headset to clutch his ears. "What in the world!?--" Ric and JR also had to clutch their ears. "SOME KIND OF HI PITCHED SIREN!" Ric yelled. JR was finally getting over the initial pain, and looks back to his monitors, "and...oh gawd, that's dirty pool! Look at what it's doing!" The shrill frequency seemed to severely annoy the humans in the crowd, but the Mobians and furries present were having far more extreme reactions, a few crumpling the ground in pain. Wolf, in particular was fighting to stay on his feet, and emitting a choked scream through his clenched teeth. Tenay winced with effort as he spoke. "Of course Nav would find a way to turn Wolf's super-enhanced hearing against him..." "That's to be expected, but this tactic is downright diabolical!!" JR shouted. "I can see the blood gushing from Wolf's ears from *here*..." Nav sneered openly as he *strolled* over to his opponent, spun him around, and hammered him with a vicious left cross that sent him sprawling onto the arena's dense stone floor. "This fight is *over*," Ric observed over the whine that had grown into a dull annoyance for human ears. "There's no way... HOLY...! Wolf's getting *BACK UP*?" The Commando Rodent had scrambled unsteadily to his feet, and once more extended his claws, despite the blood clearly running in tiny rivulets from his ultra-sensitive ears. "He's not just back up, he's *attacking*!" Tenay shouted in amazement. Hawkins slashed wildly at the Destroyer, who casually and arrogantly dodged the wide slashes. "Wolf has *got* to be the most persistent competitor I've ever seen, but his equilibrium is *shot*! It's his match with Kefkain all over again, Hawkins is just dragging it out!" JR observed with a sad shake of his head. "One wild swing too many... and Wolf's in perfect position for the Bloodbath! On the *stone floor*!!" Each German suplex connecting with a horrifically loud sound, Nav concluding the barrage with a Dragon Suplex for the pin. "This is *nuts*! Wolf just *kicked out*! He barely beat the three-count, but he actually *did it*!" Tenay shrieked. Nav bolted up in disbelief, then began yelling at Robby about the call. Meanwhile, the camera caught a glimpse of an Aveh soldier, garbed in the standard uniform and face-concealing mask, appearing out of the crowd. The soldier unobtrusively made his way to the edge of the battle square, then kneeled down to examines the orb. "Hold on... what's that guy up to?" Ric called as the camera was about to pan away. The camera paused again, getting a perfect shot of the solider drawing out his scimitar... and *smashing* it to pieces! "Thank GOD!" Tenay gasped, rubbing his ears as the noise finally ended. "Who *was* that?! One of Wolf's allies? Someone from security?" JR wondered aloud. "We can wait for that!" Ric exclaimed. "Nav doesn't seem to notice that his trump card just got ripped in half, so to speak... and I know what I'd do if *I* was in Hawkins' shoes." The Destroyer had turned back around to face his oppenent again, apparently so intent on his prey that he has failed to notice the electrical whine's absence. Nav drew his machete, frightening gleam in his eyes. He approaches Wolf... and paused in shock as the Commando Rodent suddenly snapped his head up to glare back up at him, his will refocused. "I don't know where he pulled it from... but Wolf is on the *attack*!" Tenay enthused as Hawkins dashed in and furiously ripped a solid slash into Nav's side. The Destroyer staggered, and Wolf quickly darted in to grab him and flip him into a forceful sidewalk slam. "Wolf's definitely not in berserker mode right now... he's, just *enraged*," JR continued. "Wolf with a T-Bone style suplex... the tables are *turning*!" "This is it! This is *it*!" Ric shouted. Wolf lurched to the feet, hovering above the battered Destroyer. He paused slightly to take a few deep breaths, and looked across the cheering crowd. The cheers intensified as he wrapped an around Nav's head... slowly lifted him into the air... and *dropped* him with an AK-47 onto the stone floor! "I can't believe he actually had that move *in* him..." Tenay called breathlessly. "It's impressive, but it's not worth *jack* if the boy can't make the cover!" Ric countered. Both rugged fighters seemed down... then Wolf stirred slightly, and rolled onto Nav. "1...2...3," Robby counted off evenly. "YEESS!!" "HE DID IT!" "MAH GOD... we have a *new* Moon Kingdom champion!!" The announcers could barely be heard over the crowd's thunderous ovation. Sonya and Lynxara rushed over and clung to the battered rodent, helping him to his feet so Robby could raise his arm. "After what was quite literally a hell of match, Hawkins deserves that belt," Ric nodded with approval. Tenay nodded in agreement. "A fighter of Wolf's caliber seemed sure to hold AAA gold sooner or later. Just two weeks after a tragic loss at King of the Net, he finally has it... though I'll admit I never thought it'd be *this* belt!" Wolf slowly came to his senses and realized he was surrounded by friends. Agent Q rushed out of the back, and took the Moon Kingdom belt from the Robo-Ref. Meanwhile, Wolf slowly turned to Lynxara, beaming with pride as she guided him to the stands. The weary furry smiled back, wiping some of the blood from his snout. Sonya and Lynxara slowly backed away from him as Agent Q approached. Wolf wobbled slightly... ... but remained standing as he accepted, and raised high, the Author Avatar Association Moon Kingdom Championship belt. "Hawkins has *got* to be, undisputed, the *toughest* son of a gun in the 3A!" JR cheered. "And I pity the poor bastard who tries to pry that belt out of his fingers," Ric added. Back on the marble floor of the tournament arena, Nav slowly lurched to his feet. He smacked his head a couple times to regain his senses... and saw the ongoing spectacle. Nav watched as Wolf climbed the stairs to the bleachers with the Moon Kingdom title belt hanging over his shoulder. ...*His* title belt... Nav's expression twisted into hateful rage. He shook his head violently and, in a sudden burst of strength, shoved Robby the Robo-Ref aside. The Destroyer grinned as he pulled his Uzi from his holster... "Holy... Guys! *GUYS!*" Tenay exclaimed, just noticing Nav's actions. He lifted the semi-automatic and was ready to take aim... ... just as a furious Edward charged in and *brained* him across the back with a steel chair. "The *hell*?!" Ric shouted. "Members of Team Foxfire are out... I don't know why, but they're *out*!" JR added. "You're brave! You're REALLY brave!" The angry coyote bellowed as he stomped down on the Destroyer, nodding his head violently. He dropped a fast leg drop onto the anti-Moonie, as Colley Dogstar methodically approached the two brawlers from the rampway. Edward got up to let Colley choke Nav out, the large Road Rover venting the rest of his rage with a power bomb. "Maybe *now*, Nav, you'll know who the *hell* we are!" Edward shook his head as he leaned over the knocked out Destroyer. "And next time when you feel like taking out a member of Team Foxfire, boy, why don't you actually try fighting it out with us in the *ring*... or are you *that* sure you'll get your ass kicked?" Edward paused, the battered Destroyer didn't replay. "Colley! We're out of here!" The disgusted coyote said, as he turned to head back up the rampway. "Wait... *Nav* was responsible for the fire-trap at the Foxfire trailer? Good lord, we should have *known*..." JR trailed off. "Ummm...damn," Tenay muttered as the two Foxfire memebers left the scene. "I've *never* seen Edward get like that before." "And after what Nav apparently did earlier tonight, I think those two are *more* than justified in what they did," JR added ruefully. "Things are just getting hotter as we head toward Interslam," Ric concluded. "On behalf of Jim Ross, the Professor Mike Tenay, and yours truly, the Nat'cha Boy Ric Flair... good night, everybody! WHOOOO!" The show concluded with an upward shot of Wolf on the base of the stands, triumphantly holding up his title belt for the delight of the crowd. The "WOLF-A-RINE" chant still thundered throughout the arena as the cameras faded to black... ----------------------------------------------------------------- Author's notes and shameless plugs: This installment's venue is from the awesome (and under- advertised) new Squaresoft RPG for the Playstation, Xenogears. Check it out! Special Thanks for Trey Tackett for his work for the Chibi- Avatar doll commercial. The Authors would also like to extend an apology for the extreme delay in the production of this Fight Scene. We can only hope it was worth the wait. Last of all, this particular Fight Scene is dedicated to the memory of Darren Perlongo. See you next time! Tim McLees & Alicia Ashby