Vanguard #15 (03/01/23)

Backstage at the State Farm Arena.

Melissa Tasman: Hello, Alabama, and hello HYBRID. Do you know how exciting it is to be here? Tonight, I'm debuting. Me, Melissa Tasman. And if you haven't heard the name yet, get ready because you're going to.

And the truth is, I never thought I'd get here. Everything I have now. The support of family and friends and fans. The three Fs of life. And it's true, when you have none of those you have no more Fs to give.

But I do and I'm here to make myself bigger and better than ever. I would say I'm letting the roster know there's a new player, but I think theyre gonna get it pretty soon. Just watch what I do and you'll see.

Fade.



When Vanguard returns from a commercial break, “Sharp-Dressed Man” is playing and the HYBRID CEO, Aloysius Marcus Vance IV is in the ring, flanked by the CSO, Forge. The big man is there for presence alone, arms folded, while the boss-man lives up to his theme with a microphone in hand and that wicked lawyer’s grin at full mast. The theme fades out after a few moments and-

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Atlanta, Georgia, home of the HYBRID Nation, welcome to Vanguard #15!

A raucous bit of cheering from within the State Farm Arena!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I promise not to waste too much of your time yakking this evening. After all, you’re here for action, not monologues! However, as we continue our inexorable march towards HYBRID’s spring spectacular, Stormfront, there are a few matters that require discussing.

Taking on a serious mien, AMV folds one arm behind his back and holds up the microphone, back straight, shoulders squared. Forge flexes a muscle or seven and remains in place, keeping watch while the boss lays things out.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: First things first.

AMV gestures toward the HYBRID-Tron, showing the recent alterations between former Vanguard Champions Javier Mateo Duran and Damian Simmons, as well as the monstrous Demos, which have been going on for several weeks. The most prominent of these is Damian costing Javier the Vanguard Championship and Javier’s follow-up assault on both Demos AND Damian. After the montage plays out, the show returns.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I’m all for some chaos, and really, who better to cause chaos than three brick shithouses who don’t give a damn about anyone’s feelings? That’s something my large friend here can relate to, am I right?!

Forge lets out a note or two of chuckling, but keeps a straight face. AMV finds this amusing in his own way, getting back to business.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: But as much as I enjoy that sort of thing, when it starts getting in the way of business, that’s a problem. So the best way to settle this is with more violence. So, at Stormfront, we’ll have a triple threat match between Demos, Damian Simmons and Javier Mateo Duran… and it will be Falls Count Anywhere in Atlanta!

Big energy from the fans for that one. But, naturally, AMV isn’t done!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Which brings me to point number two. As you good people noted a few weeks ago, Nathaniel Dixon is back on the active roster-

A LOT of boos for Mr. Dixon here, and AMV is kind enough to pause and let the fans get it out of their system. Which… takes a minute or two. Forge looks more severe than usual at the mention of the man’s name, too.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: I’ll get right to the point. Not only is Dixon back, but Stephanie Kenyon is cleared to compete. So they’re going to settle this beef between one another at Stormfront in a Steel Cage Match. And there will be no bullshit escape clause, either. You either win via pin or submission. And, as promised weeks ago, Forge here will be the special referee to make sure there’s no nonsense.

A pause, and then AMV turns to look at the hard camera.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And Nathaniel, you can tell your little brother to stay at home. This is non-negotiable. You’re going to learn, one way or another, that around here my word is the only law. If you beat Stephanie, you’ll do it because you earned it. There will NOT be a repeat of your last match with her.

Forge grabs the microphone himself at that point, bringing it up.

Forge: Straight down the middle, Dixon. That’s how this gets called. Step out of line and your next hiatus will be permanent.

Letting go of the stick allows AMV to bring it back in place, though he nods firmly in agreement with Forge’s comments.

Bernadette Olson: I’m wondering if that’s taking things too far. Most people would consider this a conflict of interest, given Forge’s feelings towards both competitors.

Jacob Frankel: That’s fair, but Mr. Vance didn’t get to where he is by not being a shrewd businessman or taking silly chances. If he voices for Forge’s ability to his job to the letter, then I believe in him.

Bernadette Olson: Good luck getting the Dixons to feel that way.

While the people marinate on that, AMV starts up again.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And what would a special event be without title matches?! Obviously, the big one right now is our main event, pitting Eddy Todd against Duke Andrews with the Global Heavyweight Championship on the line, but in recent weeks we’ve seen some impressive new teams make their way into HYBRID, tossing out statements left and right! And after careful observation and speaking with these teams personally… I have decided that the best way to decide the gold will be with a Fatal Four-Way Elimination Tag Team Match pitting the champions, the Frontline, against The Calinauts, Daughters of Darkness and the team of Samantha Tolson and Gigi Nova!

Another positive response, and for both matches, too!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Now, of course, there’ll be more than to feast your eyes upon… but what do you say we let the rest of the show shake out and see if anything pops up as a result, eh? Nothing like the chance for surprises to hold one’s attention! And with that, enjoy the rest of Vanguard!

AMV and Forge leave as Sharp-Dressed Man starts up again, the cameras cutting to the announcers as this happens.

---

Samantha Tolson is seen outside the arena, dressed in a pair of her signature PLMM Wear exercise leggings, a PLMM Wear t-shirt, and a pair of Reebok cross trainers. Behind her is a rolling suitcase, looking rather full as she tugs it along. She comes to a stop, looking directly into the camera.

Samantha Tolson: I could stand here and wax poetic about a great many things, and it'd be very much justified, but as I need to get ready for a match, I'll keep this short and sweet.

Samantha pats the extended handle of her suitcase.

Samantha Tolson: Inside this is the briefcase I won, containing a contract for a match for any title I wish, any time I wish. What that means is this…if you have a title here in Hybrid, you are a target. Specifically, my target. Some of you will scoff, some of you will pay attention, but none of you know if or when I'll come knocking.

This also means that tonight, Honey Rydel, you're a means to an end. Tonight, your little friend Bianca Davis, along with the rest of this company, gets yet another object lesson in just exactly what they could face. Tonight, Honey, when I put you down, no one in Hybrid will again doubt me. Tonight, Honey, you play the unfortunate role of an example.

Samantha grabs her handle, leaning her case back onto its wheels.

Samantha Tolson: If you think I mean you, then that's likely correct. Every single champion in this company is on notice, starting right now. Don't like it?

I couldn't give a fuck if you paid me.

But for one of you, I'm coming. Not on your time, but on mine. Tick, tock.

Samantha smiles politely at the operator behind the camera.

Samantha Tolson: Now, if you'll excuse me…

Samantha walks into the nearby back entrance of the arena, purpose and intent to her gait.

---

We cut backstage to find The Calinauts sitting in their locker room as Aiden Marino can be seen reading a HYBRID rEvolution magazine while Captain Cosmo is messing around with some sort of unusual looking device.

Captain Cosmo: SON OF AN EMU!!! The Cosmic Pug detector is still broken!

Cosmo tosses the device over his shoulder as a comedic crashing noise is heard which causes Marino to raise an eyebrow in confusion before he simply shrugs and goes back to reading. The Captain then notices that the cameras are on them and rolling and his eyes widen as he grins and waves awkwardly.

Captain Cosmo: Ah yes! Hello, Cosmonauts! The Calinauts here!

Marino glances up and gives a quick salute to the camera and then goes back to reading.

Captain Cosmo: Captain Cosmo and friend Aiden here were just talking about how there appears to be a few shenanigans of some sort going on here in the R Evolution of HYBRID!

Cosmo then turns to his tag team partner.

Captain Cosmo: First of all! Ever since The Calinauts eviscerated The Lost… they have gone missing again as they have not been seen since!

Marino shrugs.

Captain Cosmo: And then of course there’s the fact that the Darkness Daughters are clearly in cahoots with the dastardly Emu Federation after they pulled those underhanded tactics to defeat us!

Marino now shakes his head, still obviously bitter over that loss.

Captain Cosmo: Oh! And?! Captain Cosmo’s good friend Lollie Pop is still missing! Nobody has seen her since this Laura Pinkerton human showed up!

Marino raises his eyebrow again.

Aiden Marino: Actually, Cap? I’m pretty sure Laura Pinkerton IS Lollie Pop… or WAS at least.

The Captain gives his tag team partner an unimpressed look.

Captain Cosmo: Do not be so silly, friend Aiden! They are clearly two different humans! Lollie has pink hair… Laura has blonde hair! Lollie’s finishing move is Candy Crush… Laura’s finishing move is Crushed Spirits! Lollie is from Candy Land… Laura is from… well Captain Cosmo does not know where Laura is from but he knows it is not Candy Land!

Marino puts his hands up in defeat.

Aiden Marino: Okay, okay… they’re not the same person…

There’s a bit of an awkward silence now as Cosmo looks back and forth between his tag team partner and the camera.

Captain Cosmo: What was the purpose of this again?!

Marino shrugs.

Captain Cosmo: Do we have a match tonight?!

Marino shakes his head.

Captain Cosmo: Do you want to go to Arby’s?!

Aiden Marino: Sure.

Marino then closes the magazine as both he and Cosmo stand to their feet and they disappear off camera as we cut elsewhere.



As the camera heads backstage, we’re quickly brought to an interview section where Grace Savoy can be seen with both Charlotte Hall and Ember Hart of the Maidens of War.

Grace Savoy: Hello Atlanta! I'm Grace Savoy, and with me of course is none other than Charlotte Hall and Ember Hart of the Maidens of War! Ladies, it’s an honor to have you here!

Ember Hart: The honor, is ours Grace!

Grace Savoy: So sadly enough, most of our viewers don’t know much about you, so why don’t the two of you give us a bit of background on just who are the Maidens of War?

Charlotte smirks at Ember softly before speaking.

Charlotte Hall: DRAMATIC BACKGROUND TIME! So, we went to high school together!

Ember Hart: But were a part of different cliques, per usual!

Charlotte Hall: But then we met again at a Dungeons and Dragons Con, which ironically started our actual friendship!

Ember Hart: Which only began our friendship! We started hanging out, and of course because of my incredibly high perception, I was able to find out that Charlotte also loved wrestling!

Charlotte Hall: With my amazing persuasion, I was able to talk Ember into training at an academy with me, and two years later here we are! The Maidens of War!

Both girls giggle as Grace refocuses to ask another question.

Grace Savoy: So quickly, is there anything at all you want to say to the Hybrid roster out there?

Charlotte Hall: Keep your rations handy, and stay ready for anything! Because at any point, my lovable NOT MATTHEW MERCER Dungeon Master friend can calmly say the words

Ember Hart: Roll initiative.

Both girls high five one another as Charlotte stops and rolls a D20 as the camera fades.


Cordelia Clark has the Vanguard Championship with her as she is standing by in the locker room. She has mixed feelings at the moment. So much of her WANTS to be overjoyed but the way she came away with the title is certainly a dark cloud that is hanging over her head. Cordelia does the best that she can though, to maintain her composure. She has to, especially going into her first defense.

Cordelia Clark: Well, the good news is that I kept to my word and I wasn’t overwhelmed by the moment, the match or the opponent. I gave it the best fight that I could give, just like I always do. The good news is that I DID come away with the Vanguard Championship and that is certainly something that I can be proud of because at the end of the day, I knew that when I came to HYBRID, that I could be a champion and I’ve proven exactly that. It’s a great feeling…

Or it would be if it didn’t come with a big, huge asterisk…

Cordelia takes a pause as a bit of a frown comes on her face for a couple of moments.

Cordelia Clark: Trust me, as much as I really wanted to beat Javier and become the Vanguard Champion, never in my wildest imagination did I ever want it to come down to THAT! Look, to those creeps that decided to get involved, I wanted no part of this. The issues that Javier has with you and vice versa don’t concern me. It’s none of my business. For obvious reasons, it’s unfair for Javier to go through that. But it’s also unfair to me too because now that championship win that I coveted here is a bit tainted for lack of a better term. I don’t want to be known as someone that won a championship just because she was at the ‘right place at the right time’. I know in my heart that I could’ve and would’ve beaten Javier without that interference and I’ll be glad to rematch with him to prove that very fact if that’s what it takes.

But as much as it sucks that the outcome came about the way it did, as I’ve said before, there is nothing I can do about what’s already happened. I can only look forward and that’s what I am going to do. Robert Marino is going to be my first title defense and I know from the jump that this isn’t going to be easy, especially with a championship that has to be defended every single Vanguard show without fail! As much as I disliked how this title reign began for me, I can still make up for that. For all I know, I could end up as the longest reigning champion and or the champion with the most defenses and the way the reign started gets completely forgotten about and hey, that would be a great outcome all things considered.

But for you, Robert Marino… this match for you isn’t going to be easy. I didn’t work as hard as I have to suddenly win this title and then lose it two weeks later. I know that before I won this championship, I was going through some frustrating times but at the end of the day, I know I can argue that even then, I’ve still had it better than you because last I checked, in your previous appearance on HYBRID, you were on the pre-show getting beaten by Aiden Morrow. Prior to that, you got outsmarted by Blake Mason. Hell, you’ve even HAD a shot at this championship before back when Damian Simmons held it. Clearly, you haven’t had much in the way of luck lately, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to coast. I get that much of that bad luck is because of Blake, but Blake isn’t here anymore and you no longer have that excuse. I sympathize with you because I went through a recent rough stretch of bad luck myself, particularly at Best Served Cold. BUT, I am turning around my own luck and I am making my own breaks and while you have the ability to do the same, it’s NOT going to come at my expense and you’re NOT going to take this Vanguard Championship from me. This title right here is where I really begin to prove and show what I am really about and I am NOT going to let THIS opportunity go to waste…

Cordelia continues to maintain her poise and her confidence as she begins to make her exit.

---

From the previous scene, we switch to another part of the arena, backstage. Nothing seems to be going on at first, other than a pair of backstage crew moving a piece of equipment on a cart - one pushing, the other guiding from the front to avoid them hitting anything. In fact, these two look kinda familiar…

Then, a moment later, the serene calm of the scene is broken by a screeching voice.

Chi Chi Sanada: Oresama no tōjōda! FAKK OUTTA WAY!

Worker #1: HOLY SHIT!

The two workers come to a screeching halt with their cart right in the path of the source of the voice as we see Chi Chi Sanada SPRINTING towards them like a rabbit on crack. Without missing a step, she jumps, plants her hands on the box on the cart and vaults, split legged over it onto the other side. As soon as her boots hit the floor, she’s off like a bat out of hell again!

The two men give each other quizzical looks at first, one scratching his head. The other looks after the charging Chi Chi, then back to his partner-

Worker #2: What the fu-

-but the thought never finishes being vocalized. Another form comes barreling around the corner like a semi on nitrous. Forge, hot on the heels of Chi Chi, barks loudly at the two employees-

Forge: One side, fuckers!

-as they barely have time to scatter! The same cart that Chi Chi parkour’d over with grace is knocked aside like a hapless offensive lineman being stomped over by an overzealous nose guard! The cart goes careening into the wall as Forge charges down the hall after his speedy quarry! She has a lead on him, though, and turns the corner before he can reach her!

At this point, the audience watching from their seats in the arena are almost howling with laughter as the shot switches to another camera around the corner. Chi Chi comes zipping down a hallway until she reaches a set of emergency exit doors. She pushes on the bar…and the doors don’t budge! Her already crazed eyes go wide with horror as she shakes the push bar trying desperately to force the doors open. When that fails, she pounds her little fists on it.

Chi Chi Sanada: OI!! OPEN!! YOU LET OUT CHI CHI!!

But she quickly loses her patience and decides it’s better to backtrack. Which she does for about five steps…until she sees Forge come barreling around the corner and closing in fast. She lets out a comical scream, making this whole visual more and more like something out of a live reenactment of a Looney Tunes episode. Chi Chi turns on her heel and sprints for the door again. Only, this time, just as Forge closes in on her, she throws up her feet and runs up the door, pushing off into a backflip like something out of a stunt on Ninja Warrior. She sails clear over Forge’s head and lands in a tuck & roll across the floor, comes up and takes off running down the hall again.

Chi Chi Sanada: RUN RUN RUN!!! IT DA JUGGERNAUT, BISH!!!!

Forge had come within an inch of snatching her by the collar before that evasive maneuver. In frustration, he kicks that previously-locked door down before turning on his heel and charging after Chi Chi again… though he’s clearly running out of stamina at this point!

Forge: Get your kawaii ass back here, ya flyin’ squirrel!

Once more, though, Sanada has a head start, and it looks like she’s going to keep it!

Chi Chi Sanada: NO CATCH CHI CHI!!

She yells from up down the hall and disappears around another corner.

Bernadette Olson: That rabbit better keep hopping! If Forge gets a hold of her, it won’t be good!

Jacob Frankel: Didja see that flip, though?! Holy cats! That was some Matrix shit!

Bernadette Olson: It saved her tuchas for sure! But our security chief is getting pissed!

Jacob Frankel: You mean more than usual?!



We’re backstage again, following the Vanguard Championship match where the camera just seems to be casually moving down the hallway. Doesn’t seem to be a real purpose to it. Perhaps the cameraman is on his way to film an interview when, all of a sudden, from behind a stack of equipment crates, a familiar head pops out; blue pigtails whipping back and forth as Chi Chi Sanada looks around like a meerkat on the lookout for a hunter. She almost jumps when she sees the cameraman but realizes it isn’t Forge and calms down, taking another scan around the hall.

Chi Chi Sanada: Psst! Oi!

She whispers sharply to the cameraman, pointing a finger at the camera.

Chi Chi Sanada: You see big man?

The camera moves from side to side, almost as if shaking a head “no.” Chi Chi looks around again, first behind her, then leans to the side to look past the camera behind it. The camera turns to see where she’s looking when, a moment later, she comes walking – no – CREEPING into frame. She tiptoes down the hall and out into the center area where we first saw the chase begin backstage. Chi Chi turns around in a circle, checking for any sign of her pursuer. Nothing. A big, cheeky, impish grin spreads across her face and she slaps her knee, letting out a little squeak of triumph before…she starts dancing.



Jacob Frankel: She’s dancing…

Bernadette Olson: I mean, I’d probably be celebrating too if I escaped Forge’s clutches! Then again…

Not only does she have speed, but she has MOVES! The camera certainly seems entranced by the morbidly-cute, would-be tooth fairy! In the near distance, a heavy clicking sound is heard and Chi Chi’s ears seem to twitch at the sound. A second later, there’s a pop and Chi Chi lets out a shrill squeak! She whips around, trying to peer over her own shoulder, which allows the camera to spot a feathered dart sticking out of the right side of her hind quarters!

Jacob Frankel: Is that a… tranquilizer dart?!

Chi Chi: ...Heeeeeey! No fair!! You cheat, big man! You..! You… yoooooouuuuu… cheeeeeaaaaat…

A harsh sound, like the cocking of a gun, is heard, before there’s a second pop and another dart lands, this time on the left side. Chi Chi blinks, wobbles, then her eyes roll back and she sinks to the floor, snoring within moments. The camera pans around wildly before centering on Forge, who again cocks the rifle before leaning it on his shoulder with a satisfied smirk. Using his other hand to mop the sweat from his forehead, he shoves it in his back pocket as, coming from behind him, is Aloysius Marcus Vance himself.

Aloysius Marcus Vance: You DO have a permit for that, right?!

Forge: How long have you known me?

Aloysius Marcus Vance: Why do you think I’m asking?!

Forge snorts and passes the weapon to AMV, who looks ill-at-ease just holding the thing. Walking over to the unconscious Chi Chi, Forge literally picks her up by the waist, tucking her under his arm like she’s a case of beer with no discernable effort. AMV continues to watch as Forge heads off down the hall, taking a roll of electrician’s bundling tape out of his pocket en route.

Aloysius Marcus Vance: What the hell do I do with this thing?!

Forge: Don’t shoot yourself with it. Otherwise you’re gonna be in for a long fuckin’ nap. I’m gonna deal with tiny-and-terrible here. MY way.

Aloysius might have retorted, but Forge was already off and around the corner. The boss man just shakes his head and very gingerly takes the rifle with him back to his office.

Jacob Frankel: I guess he’s a good shot, huh?

Bernadette Olson: Chi Chi isn’t gonna wake up in a good way. I hope Forge takes it easy on her.

---

The cameras open up and we see the Royal Couple sitting on two thrones inside a lavish locker room; the Queen of HYBRID, Bianca Davis, is on the taller one to the right of Princess Honey Rydel. The Queen was dressed to the nines in a gold dress, matching Jimmy Cho high-heel pumps, with her trademark crown on her head; right by her side is a golden scepter with a red ruby stone in the center of it. Honey is dressed in a gold version of her wrestling gear with black and reds throughout it. A smaller crown adorns her head; as the Malibu native eyes the camera with a smirk, she begins to speak in her posh, heavily accented tone.

Queen Bianca Davis: Yes, peasants, you may adore and worship at will; your Queen and Princess of HYBRID are here. In the main event tonight, as it should be, Princess Honey Rydel will have the biggest match in her career, in the spotlight she has long deserved, that is far overdue, as she takes on Samantha Tolson, a woman who reminds us the dangers of living in the past 24/7.

Princess Honey Rydel: Exactly. See, if she paid attention to the present, maybe, just maybe, she’d have that world title she’s been longing for. But instead, she’s trying to overlook me by putting her focus onto you, my Queen, and tonight she will be in for a rude awakening. Tonight, Tolson, you will learn what Natural Resources learned: that this company belongs to the Royal Couple.

Holly enters the scene, giving Honey some champagne, which the princess sips, turning her head after for the maid to dab her lips with a napkin. Before Holly can leave, Honey brings her feet up, signaling the pink-haired poofball to take her place as a royal footstool. Reluctantly, Holly obliges.

Princess Honey Rydel: Tolson, I want you to do something for your Princess. I want you to clip our beloved Queen’s voice when she mentioned your name because it’s the ONLY gift she’ll EVER give you. The way in which I beat you down will make it so your name will have NO meaning in our throne room. You’ll be left SO humiliated that you will have to become one of our many, MANY faceless maids. Of course-

She mildly chuckles, helping herself to another sip of bubbling champagne.

Princess Honey Rydel: -that’ll be after you get down on your hands and knees, announce MY superiority over you, and for good measure, get your ass booted out of MY- er, OUR ring. Sorry.

She glances over, bringing up a hand toward Bianca.

Princess Honey Rydel: OUR ring, and you become thankful, no-no, GRATEFUL, ETERNALLY GRATEFUL of the mercy I give you now. You NEVER have to COMPARE YOURSELF in the ring to ME, your PRINCESS, or your beloved Queen EVER AGAIN.

She takes one final, heavy gulp of her drink, wipes her mouth, and looks toward Bianca to see if she has any last bits to add, as The Queen soon gazes directly into the camera with a forceful look on her face.

Queen Bianca Davis: Sam, you never want to give me credit for what I am, and that is fine; you want to put on as this holier-than-thou act, but the thing is, after tonight, you will have no choice but to pay proper respect to true royalty, as will every one of these pretenders running around here, or that insufferable cur Aloysius Marcus Vance IV who ruined my plans. But he won’t be able to ruin the ones coming up. Why?

The Queen looks down and directly into the camera.

Queen Bianca Davis: Because myself… Princess Honey Rydel is running the show next week, meaning it will be Royalty Rules, get it?! We make the rules, decide the matches, and decide which champions defend their titles and which don’t. Kind of fitting for us, and the best part is nothing can be done about it, so learn to love it.

The Malibu native looks at the camera with disgust and then at Holly with a smile as she turns her attention back to the camera. As the blonde soon said defiantly, she sipped the drink her “simp” Simon presented to her.

Queen Bianca Davis: Tonight is the beginning of us getting the respect we deserve! You will have two choices: either bow before the true royals of this company or face extinction because it will truly be off with your heads!

Bianca then motioned with her finger underneath the neck; a direct, more determined look than normal was plastered along her features. As Honey maintained the same confident expression, the scene faded to black.

---

A short while later, after a protracted commercial break, a camera ventured outside the arena to the private parking area in the rear. It’s a mild Georgia evening, with little need for more than perhaps a long-sleeved tee. As the focus centers on a familiar-looking RV, fans can spot two figures near it, one much larger than the other, while recognizing that said RV is rockin’ a bit. One can only imagine why. As the camera comes closer, Jane Harper is seen, leaning against the RV on her shoulder while across from her stands Forge, who’s presently gesturing to the entrance to the vehicle. Jane looks in that direction, shakes her head a little and responds to Forge in a matter that appears apologetic.

Bernadette Olson: So he took Chi Chi back to Jane. That’s the best move. She’s the only one who can cool off that little firecat.

Jacob Frankel: And even then only with copious amounts of Benadryl!

Only part of the conversation is heard, though, chiefly coming from Forge.

Forge: ...just doing my job. ‘Course, if she keeps this shit up I’m gonna put her little ass on a leash.

“She” clearly means Chi Chi, though she’s not in sight at the moment. Jane nods somewhat agreeably, again peering into the open door of the RV, which is now shaking a bit harder. Another moment later and a familiar, shrieking voice is heard from inside. Only it sounds…muffled? No discernible words.

Chi Chi: Mmmph!! MMPH-MMPH!!!

The camera finally moves in and over to peer inside the door to the RV and the arena audience howls with laughter at the sight of Chi Chi bound around her wrists, ankles, knees and arms with multiple wraps of tape. Several more strips of the same adhesive cover her mouth, hence the muffled noises, and the tiny girl struggling and thrashing up a storm seems to be the cause of the RV rocking. Chi Chi notices the camera and her eyes go wide with rage as she lets out what can only be assumed is a bloodthirsty, rabid snarl. That which is cut off as Jane shakes her head, rolling her eyes.

Bernadette Olson: I mean, if it works?

Jacob Frankel: Dibs on NOT being the one to let her out!

Forge glances Chi Chi’s way, then enters the vehicle himself. The guy can’t help it: he looms by default. Especially considering he’s eighteen inches taller than Chi Chi and three times her weight almost. She’s completely covered by the man’s shadow. Getting down to eye level with the well-wrapped and snarling woman, he speaks in a low, calm tone.

Forge: No more yanking bicuspids, kiddo. If I gotta chase your ass down again…

He examines the state of Chi Chi; she’s only now starting to make headway at wriggling free, but she’s still very much stuck. Chi Chi glares at him as he starts to talk, but then oddly enough gets a curious look in her eyes when Forge pauses. The CSO doesn’t miss the change in tone, either.

Forge: Just don’t fuckin’ do it again. Ya get me, sweet-cheeks?

His large hand pats Chi Chi on one taped cheek.

Chi Chi’s struggling has completely ceased as Forge lays down the law. She doesn’t even flinch when his hand comes down towards her face. Her eyes shift directly to it as he pats her face, then dart back up to him. They squint and her cheekbones rise, hinting that she’s smiling a little under the mass of duct tape over her mouth. A soft, muffled giggle comes from under the sticky gag and the tiny Shieldmaiden just winks at the Chrome Dragon. Perhaps that’s the reasoning behind Forge not being so rough on her: they’re from MCs that consider one another family. He almost smiles before getting to his feet, almost playfully ruffling her already-askew hair, pigtails and all.

Forge: You’re a good kid.

He steps off the RV and nods to Jane, heading back into the building with hands in his pockets.