Vanguard #24 (08/09/23)

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HYBRID rEvolution opens after the intro reel as the commentary team welcome viewers from home and fans in attendance alike to the show. As they do, the cameras switch backstage to the parking lot to show an Uber pulling up. Through the driver side open window, we see a hand reach over and pass a tip to the young man in the front. He takes it with a customary thank you before looking at it and his eyes go wide. A moment later, the rear driver side door opens and a woman steps out, sending some of the longtime Hybrid faithful into a pop. Her face hasn’t even been seen yet. All it took is a glimpse of the leather jacket and the flash of a Steelers flat bill before the passenger ducks into the car to grab her travel bag.

Bernadette Olson: Listen to this crowd for that one, Jacob!

Jacob Frankel: I didn’t see her with the rest of The Kingdom when everyone else arrived. I was wondering where she was!

Morgan Payne closes the back door and slings her bag over her shoulder, looking back at the driver.

Morgan Payne: Thanks, chief.

Driver: H-hey wait! Uhh…do you need change?

The timid driver asks, holding up what we can now see is a $50 bill. Morgan gives the slightest shake of her head.

Morgan Payne: Mm-mm. Dat’s fer you, man. Take care.

Driver: Uh..I…thank you!

Jacob Frankel: Did she just tip that guy fifty bucks?!

Bernadette Olson: Hey, if you can afford it and he earned it.

The camera moves backwards as Morgan walks forward, coming through the open arena doors just before the backstage staff move in to close them up for the show to kick off. Morgan stops when she reaches catering and looks around at the logos and posters. It isn’t her first professional promotion she was part of but we can see it on her face. There’s memories here. Mostly fond ones from the tiny smile on her face. Just then, there’s a squeal and…

Jamie Emmerson: ¡Hermana!

Morgan turns just in time as Jamie, one half of the Daughters of Darkness, jumps in for a hug. A side of the young woman not often, if ever, seen before. Morgan holds onto her bag but returns the hug with one arm. The two women place their cheeks together and kiss the air.

Morgan Payne: Hey babygirl. You here tonight, huh?

Jamie Emmerson: Lana and I are watching the tag team division very closely. It’s been far too long since we’ve had some…shiny accessories.

There’s a wicked gleam in the Black Metal Witch’s eyes before that childish perkiness comes right back and she bounces on her heels.

Jamie Emmerson: How are you? This is your first time back here, yes?

Morgan nods, taking more of her surroundings in.

Morgan Payne: Been a minute, yeah. Lotta new faces I ain’t seen in person before. S’aight though.

Jamie Emmerson: Are you heading to the locker rooms? I can show you!

Morgan Payne: Lead tha way, Hybrid girl!

Morgan makes a friendly, comical motion with her arm. Jamie bounces on her heels again and starts leading her sister through the arena. As the pair round a corner, a hand reaches out, grabbing Payne firmly by the shoulder. The camera pans to reveal a grinning Javier Mateo Duran, dressed in a suit and wearing sunglasses. He pulls Morgan in for a hug.

Javier Mateo Duran: Que paso, hermanita? You miss me?

Morgan returns the hug, stepping back with a smirk, up at the man - her opponent for this night, actually - who towers over her.

Morgan Payne: Lil bit, yeah.

She teases, laughing a bit and slugs him lightly in the chest. Jamie sticks up a finger, getting her sister’s attention.

Jamie Emmerson: I will tell the others you’re here!

Morgan nods, touches her sister’s shoulder and Jamie disappears as swift as the wind with Morgan and Javier standing in the hall.

Morgan Payne: Well you lookin’ strappy. Feelin’ a’ight?

Javier chuckles, popping his collar and flashing a grin.

Javier Mateo Duran: This motherfucker is on his way out. Plus I'm California now, ya dig? Gotta look the part. Not gonna lie though.

Javvy's smile falters, and he strokes his chin with his thumb and finger.

Javier Mateo Duran: How y'all doin? Ya know… wit everything goin on?

Morgan’s smile falters just a bit at the question. She knows what he means and knows she’d be lying if she said everything was fine. The former Hybrid regular shakes her head a little and sighs.

Morgan Payne: Tsk…man, I’ono. Past few weeks been hard, what wif Jasmine leavin’ n’at. I guess she doin’ what she gotta do though.

The man formerly known as Tren Descarrilado nods, clearly sympathetic toward his friends plight.

Javier Mateo Duran: Ayo jus' hang in dere, aight? Jasmine gotta figure her shit out, but at da end of the day? Psh. I bet she gon' come walkin that fine ass right back up that driveway. Bet.

He puts an arm over Morgan's shoulder, hugging her tight with one arm.

Javier Mateo Duran: Look. I know you got a lotta shit goin on. I get all dat. But you bein' here? Bein' one of the last people I ever seen into dat ring wit? Ay. We familia, hermanita. It makes my heart smile knowin' we get to go one more time.

Morgan leans into the hug, clearly finding comfort in Javier’s words and outlook.

Morgan Payne: Thanks, Javi. Think I needed t’hear dat from someone ousside Tha Collective t’not think it’s just wishful thinkin’.

She looks back up at him then with a playful smirk and pops him in the arm again.

Morgan Payne: An’ hey, don’t think just cuz you my dawg, I’mma go easy on you tonight. This yinz first show back from Heatstroke. We stealin’ dis bitch.

Javier stumbles back, clutching his chest, gasping over exaggeratedly. Morgan almost loses it, knowing he’s playing.

Javier Mateo Duran: Go easy on me? Hermanita you woundin' me! On God if you went easy on me I'd have you tied up in dat ring in knots til you took a lil nap, ya dig?

He laughs, taking off his sunglasses and tucking them into his front pocket.

Javier Mateo Duran: Nah I know you ain' gon do dat. If I thought there was any chance? I'da told ya ta stay home and keep plannin' against dat traitorous ass perra. But I know you. You gon have dat figured out real quick too. People tend ta underestimate what you got workin unda dat hood a yours.

Morgan’s eyebrows lift and drop just as quick; her eyes practically rolling at the mention of what else she has going on.

Morgan Payne: Yeah well, yanno what they say. Fuck arahnd and find aht and dat’s what dat puto coño’s baht t’do.

She adjusts her bag on her shoulder and dismisses that matter, going back to the one at hand.

Morgan Payne: Dat’s then, though. Dis is now. You an’ me, hermano. Catch ya aht there, yeah?

She offers up a fist bump. He walks past her fist, pulling her into a tight hug. He slaps her back twice before breaking the embrace.

Javier Mateo Duran: S'right. I'll see you, hermanita. Think I look good now?

He grins, sliding his shades back on with a flair.

Javier Mateo Duran: Ladies love dem tights Mami! Ha!

With a grin and a head nod, Javier heads off, making his way to his own locker room. Morgan watches him go before turning and walking to find The Kingdom’s locker room.

Jacob Frankel: God, I can’t wait for this one!

Bernadette Olson: Javier Mateo Duran and Morgan Payne! Later tonight!

---

We cut backstage to find Grace Savoy standing by with a microphone in hand and a smile on her face.

Grace Savoy: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at this time… Lollie Pop!

The camera pans out a little as Lollie Pop jumps into camera view with a huge smile on her face with a lollipop sticking out of her mouth. She removes the sweet treat from her mouth and waves vigorously at the interviewer.

Lollie Pop: Hiya, Miss Grace!

The young pink-haired English woman pops the lollipop back into her mouth as Savoy smiles.

Grace Savoy: Lollie? You made your triumphant return to HYBRID three weeks ago at Heatstroke as a surprise partner for your fellow Queens of Chaos in their huge Face The Heat match against Gutter Ballet where you ended up picking up the victory. How does it feel to be back?

Once again, Pop removes the candy from her mouth before speaking.

Lollie Pop: Golly gumdrops! It feels super duper awesome to be back! It certainly sounded like the fans missed lil ol’ me and I missed the fans too! And being able to pick up the victory for my fellow Queens of Chaos sisters was a super duper awesome feeling!

The interviewer nods.

Grace Savoy: Well speaking of your Queens of Chaos sisters, tonight you are making your in-ring return on Vanguard in a match against a fellow Queen in the form of Ayane Nakamura. How are you feeling about having to face one of your sisters in your first singles match back?

The bubbly young woman jumps up and down on the spot in excitement.

Lollie Pop: I’m super duper looking forward to it, Miss Grace! There’s always going to be a high possibility that us Queens will find ourselves against one another from time to time because there are just so many of us! I have a lot of respect for Miss Ayane and I think she’s super duper awesome! And I’ll admit! I’ve got some big butterscotch butterflies in my tummy ahead of this match! But I’m gonna go out there with a smile on my face and I’m gonna do my best!

Once again, Savoy nods.

Grace Savoy: Well Lollie… I wish you the best of luck tonight, and welcome back.

Lollie Pop: Thankies, Miss Grace!

Pop then reaches into the pocket of her bright pink leather jacket and pulls out a lollipop and hands it to the interviewer who accepts the candy offering.

Grace Savoy: Thank you.

Lollie Pop: You’re welkies!

The young pink-haired English woman then pops her own lollipop back into her mouth and after flashing a big smile to Savoy, she skips away off camera as we cut elsewhere.



Backstage after the first match of the night, Forge is moving around the backstage area with a purpose. At his side is Stephanie Kenyon, the two of them chatting on and off as Forge goes up to various other wrestlers in attendance, such as Jason Cashe, Iida Matsuda and Charles Morgan, stopping to have brief conversations. These are straight to the point, given how few words are exchanged, and then it’s back to conversing with Stephanie as they walk. She has a notepad and a pen, alternately taking notes and making marks as they go.

Bernadette Olson: Hello, Security Chief Nurse!

Jacob Frankel: Okay, first of all, cool Animaniacs reference. Second, you’re in creepy old cougar mode again, Bernadette!

Bernadette Olson: First of all, I’m allowed to admire at a distance. Secondly, if you call me old again, I’ll show you that I still have fangs.

Jacob Frankel: Sheesh, okay! Bite a guy’s head off, why don’cha?!

Eventually the two round the corner and happen upon none other than Nathaniel Dixon. Dressed to the nines, he and his younger brother Maximilian Dixon are talking and enjoying what seems to be cups of tea. A polite offering from Hikaru Yamamato-Page? Perhaps. As both Nathaniel and Forge are in the same frame, even a few weeks after their knock-down, drag-out brawl at Heatstroke, both still wear some of the marks of that war.

Though things are settled between her and Dixon, Stephanie is immediately on defense, perhaps wanting another go at the Iron Heart Champion or just wanting to avoid that happenstance altogether. Forge, however, sets a heavy hand carefully on her shoulder as a sign of reassurance. Almost immediately she calms down.

Forge: Go on ahead, Steph. See if anyone else on the list wants in. I’ll catch up after I take care of some business.

Maximilian hears this and suddenly backs up with the cup of tea in his trembling hands. He’s not a fighter! Nathaniel looks to his business manager and smiles, then he regards Mitchell and Kenyon with a nod. Stephanie moves on, somewhat dubious, while Forge remains. The Eldest Dixon let out a weak chuckle.

Nathaniel Dixon: I see Miss Kenyon’s still uneasy about me… but I understand. More weight upon the cross I bear.

He’s spoken of this for some time now. It became prominent when conversing with Ollie Maverick, one of HYBRID’s original talents who recently made his return.

Nathaniel Dixon: Please recall that I was on Team NFW for the Ultimate Battleground match against Team Zion… and we won. A little incentive for Team HYBRID, perhaps?

A knowing little smile crosses his face.

Forge: You belong where you’re at right now, Dixon. You got one of the most coveted belts in HYBRID over your damn shoulder. That should have your full focus. Not the wrestling equivalent of a Fun Run.

Jacob Frankel: Forge throwing a little shade on FCW already?

Bernadette Olson: You heard the shit they talked when Mr. Vance and Forge were at their show a while back. Serena and Marina are lucky they didn’t get knocked on their flat asses on their own damn show!

Forge: I got a team in mind to handle FCW. Straight soldiers who kick ass, take names, and say fuck your feelings to anyone who cries about them hitting too hard. You ain’t a soldier, Dixon. You’re an officer. When have you ever seen an officer up front in the blood and the puke? Yeah, you might be unbothered by shit like that, but that don’t make who you are and what you have any less important. Again: right here’s where you fuckin’ belong: doin’ your part to make HYBRID stand out as the place where shit gets done. You get what I’m saying?

It might be the wording, but Maximilian is expressively confused. His hands have stopped trembling, though he’s still a little nervous, and he takes a quiet sip of his tea.

Maximilian Dixon: ...is… is that a compliment?

His older brother’s smile transitions into a genuine one.

Nathaniel Dixon: It is, Max. I understand what he’s saying. Rest assured, Forge, I have every intention to represent the company to the best of my ability.

The Iron Heart Championship rests across his right shoulder, while the Splat Network MultiUniversal Championships rests across his left. Nathaniel extends his cup of tea to his younger brother -- who carefully holds it for him -- and then he holds his right hand out to Forge.

Bernadette Olson: Is he serious? Shake hands with that devil? After what he tried to do to that handsome face?!

Jacob Frankel: Off the deep end again. Look, Bernadette, Forge wanted a fight and he got one. They tore each other up. Yeah, Dixon got the win, but do you think Forge really cares about that? Fighting is what the man does. It’s what he loves. That was his fucking Valhalla!

Bernadette Olson: ...okay, that’s really a fair point.

Looking at the hand for a moment, then back at Dixon, Forge shakes the dual champion’s hand firmly.

Forge: You’re alright, Dixon. Stick around.

That said, Forge releases his grip and gives Maximilian a curt nod before moving on to catch up with Stephanie. Not to be rude, Maximilian politely bows his head to Forge. Nathaniel chuckles and kindly takes back his cup of tea, enjoying a sip.

Maximilian Dixon: Well, that was… unexpected.

Nathaniel Dixon: A good fight can bring together the worst of enemies and make them the best of friends… Though we’re certainly not at that level, we’ve come to respect one another. That’s enough for me.

Nathaniel’s earth-colored eyes shimmer in the lights of the ceiling before he enjoys his tea. A small yet warm smile comes to Maximilian’s face before he savors his own cup of tea. The Dixon Brothers continue to talk amongst themselves before the perspective changes.

---

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is sitting on a couch in the locker room she shares with Duke Andrews. She is on her phone talking with her sister Bianca.

Tiffany Lynn Page: I am so excited that HYBRID and FCW now have a working relationship. That means we get to work together.

Bianca Page: I know, right? Over in Hybrid there is you, Duke is the reigning Global Champion, and Queen B is one half of the Unity Champions while I am the current FCW Fight! Champion and I am ruling over FCW with the rest of the Association.

Tiffany Lynn Page: The Association is killing it over there.

Bianca Page: Oh I have got to thank you again for getting me in touch with Clyde Sutter. He is a great addition to the team.

Tiffany Lynn Page: He really is. I knew when I met him that he is good to have watching my back.

Just then Duke enters their locker room. He walks over to Tiffany and gives her a kiss on the top of her head. She looks up at him and smiles.

Tiffany Lynn Page: I am talking to Bianca.

Duke looks annoyed.

Tiffany Lynn Page: Not Davis… my sister, Bianca.

The annoyance on Duke’s face washes away.

Tiffany Lynn Page: My sexy ass man just walked in.

Bianca Page: Hi, Duke. We were just talking about how William and I would love to get together with the two of you.

Tiffany Lynn Page: And we can invite Vanessa and Grayson too.

Duke gives Tiffany a look.

Tiffany Lynn Page: What? I know it’s people but it’s just my sisters and their boyfriends. Come on, I have fully accepted your friends. Alan and I have become friends. When he was looking for a new company to work for after that cluster that happened in California I was the one that floated the idea that he came here to HYBRID.

Duke nods his head in agreement. Then the door swings open and the Unity Tag Team Champions, Royal Couple, enters Duke and Tiffany’s locker room.

Queen Bianca Davis: I am here!

Duke rolls his eyes and throws his hands in the air.

Tiffany Lynn Page: I’ve got to go, Binx. I’ll text you later. Love you, sis.

Bianca Page: Love you too.

Tiffany hangs up her phone. Tiffany stands up and smiles at Bianca as the two women give each other a hug.

Tiffany Lynn Page: Welcome, girl.

Tiffany looks over at Honey.

Tiffany Lynn Page: Hi, Honey!

Honey gives them an unimpressed exchange before holding up her hand, her ring and middle finger held out and slightly apart as though she’s waiting for something. Moments later, a pink-haired maid rushes in resting a wine glass in between the fingers and pours out a bit of golden substance.

Princess Honey Rydel: Next time don’t make me wait.

The maid knows better than to say anything as she simply bows, stepping back through the door allowing Honey to sip her drink and look around.

Princess Honey Rydel: At least ONE of us came prepared to entertain.

Tiffany whispers to Duke.

Tiffany Lynn Page: And I thought I was high maintenance.

Duke Andrews: You are, babe.

Tiffany smiles and glares at Duke.

Tiffany Lynn Page: So, B, I am so excited we get to team up together. Usually I have just been in your corner while you teamed up with Danielle and or Vanessa.

Queen Bianca Davis: I am as well, we are a great team and I think the whole world will find that out it doesn’t matter how it works, all that matters is that tonight we do what we need to do, and that is take out those in front of us.

Tiffany Lynn Page: Tonight we are going to see some spectacular things. Obviously these people will be able to see us. They will also be blessed to see the top two tag teams in Hybrid on opposing sides but you are lucky enough to see this sexy ass man right here…

Tiffany wraps her arms around Duke’s left arm.

Tiffany Lynn Page: The Global Heavyweight Champion. As well as a formidable opponent in Matt Knox. It will be great to share the ring with you again Matt and I am fully expecting a victory for my side just like I got the victory when we wrestled last year. Which brings me to Charles Morgan. Charlie, are you anything more than a pretty face?

Tiffany looks around at everyone else in the room who are all shaking their head no.

Tiffany Lynn Page: That’s correct everybody. That is a hard no. So all the ladies and even some of the guys might like to take a good look at you but that is essentially all you are good for. Which is why this team right here will be closing down Vanguard tonight as the winners.

Bianca scoffs rolling her eyes, as she says.

Queen Bianca Davis: It will also be our time to remind every single low life piece of garbage rolling around why the Royal Couple are the tag team here, and why I am the one true Queen of Hybrid. Because one very special person tonight will bend the knee and swear loyalty to the crown and it will be amazing.

Tiffany Lynn Page: Don’t get me wrong, we know our opposition have a lot of talent. But I’ve always known we are the true standard bearers of Hybrid. Which is why my guy is the Global Champion. So we fully expect to walk out victorious like we do in every match that we have.

---

Backstage at the Spectrum Center.

Melissa Tasman: It took a long time to really recover from that one. The biggest match I've had so far and I fell short. Maybe just short but it may as well have been the Grand Canyon separating me from the title.

Every time I stand here I promise one thing, the audience won't be disappointed in what they get from me. Maybe I don't win, maybe I end up disappointed in myself, but not the rest of you.

Today is no different.

Because these bitches Brianna and Brittany are coming in with a full head of steam. But that's all they are too. Hot heads full of hot air already lost in the clouds.

My feet are on the ground and I'm running for my next challenge. Well ya Sandra too but for tonight we work together to pop a couple balloons.

This is the notice that I'm not gone. Thay I am in this for the long run. And I'm gonna get another shot. Iron Heart, Vanguard, maybe even the World title itself. The sky's the limit, but I'm going to reach on my own not with hot air and a bad attitude.

Get ready people because I've still got somethin’ to show ya that you've never seen yet.

Fade.



We come backstage where we find Charles Morgan and his fiancee, Holly Wakefield, having a lovely chat as they come out of the locker room, Charles already set for his first main event appearance and Holly wearing something quite fashionable for her ringside attire.

Charles Morgan: So looking everything over, it’s quite the interesting dynamic I have to say. 6 of the eight people in this match are established teams while Knox and I just went to war with each other a few weeks ago. I’m sure we can put that behind us, but chemistry might be a bit of an issue.

Holly nods her head as she gives him arm a small squeeze for support.

Holly Wakefield: I’m just so excited for you to be in the main event to show people what you can really do.

Charles smiles at her, nodding along to her sentiment.

Charles Morgan: You and me both, really. I know we haven’t been here long or anything but I don’t plan on taking this responsibility lightly. Need to show everyone what I can do inside that ring, you never know how important these types of matches can really be for your future.

Holly closes her eyes as she waves one hand in front of her face in a slightly dramatic manner.

Holly Wakefield: I think I can see your future now and it’s very bright.

There’s a slight pause before she opens one eye, an amused smirk on her lips.

Holly Wakefield: And something about a trip to buy some Ninja Turtle toys. I can’t imagine who might want that.

Charles Morgan: Oh boy, a new Leonardo!

He pumps his fist in excitement, a smile on his face before turning to give Holly a quick kiss.

Charles Morgan: You are very wise, Master Splinter.

Holly Wakefield: I’m going to choose to take this as a compliment.

Holly does her best to give Charles her most serious face before it quickly dissolves into laughter as she places her hands on his chest.

Holly Wakefield: Hayden is just as proud of you as I am, even if he can’t stay up late to watch you wrestle.

Charles Morgan: That’s probably for the best, no reason to scare him just yet.

Charles looks left and right as if checking for onlookers before turning back to Holly.

Charles Morgan: Truth be told I’m a little nervous myself, but that’s just going to be our little secret, okay?

Holly Wakefield: Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.

She brings one hand closer to her face, pressing her index finger up against her lips, before giving Charles a wink. Her expression turns more serious as she nods her head.

Holly Wakefield: I think it’s normal to be nervous, especially about something like this, I know how important it is to you.

Charles Morgan: It is, but not just to me, you know. It’s important to set a good example for everyone out there watching, you know. It’s like a bigger focus of mine now to try and be a good role model.

Charles puffs his chest out a bit as if taking that cliche superhero pose.

Charles Morgan: For the youths of today!

Holly Wakefield: You show them what you can do out there Superman.

Holly giggles a bit as she reaches back with one hand to give him a playful slap on his backside for some extra encouragement. Charles laughs off her playfulness and nods his head.

Charles Morgan: You got it Lois, up up and away!

Charles leaps off screen as Holly just smiles and shakes her head, following with a normal walk.

---

Backstage Honey is waiting impatiently, arms folded across her chest and foot tapping out a beat you could dance to. But you probably shouldn’t give the princess’ current expression. You’d be lucky if you got away with a beheading for such insolence around her.

Princess Honey Rydel: Where IS she?

As if on cue, Summer approaches breathing a bit heavily, her face red even deeper than her pink hair. Her maid uniform is still straight, as one would assume with someone like her, and she has a bag in hand from some local department store, it doesn’t really matter which.

Princess Honey Rydel: About time. Show me what you got.

Maid Summer: I don’t think any of these are meant to-

Princess Honey Rydel: Just shut up and show me!

Summer sighs, opening up the bag just as Queen Bianca arrives with Simple Simon.

Princess Honey Rydel: Just in time. My…help just came back from the store and purchased us gloves. I figure since we’ll HAVE to touch unsanitary hands we’ll need them.

Summer just rolls her eyes bringing out a pair of cotton gloves knowing how stupid this idea is. Bianca had a slight smile on her face, Simon, was holding her part of the Unity titles along with her bags.

Queen Bianca Davis: Ah marvelous but these cretins will not be touching royalty so there is no need to worry about touching their hands. But one, just one tonight will be made to bend the knee. I am sick of the disrespect we suffer from everyone and tonight that begins to fade away slowly but surely.

Bianca said in a haughty tone, as she eyed Summer before eyeing Honey.

Queen Bianca Davis: Tonight we are in the main event teaming with Duke Andrews, and Tiffany Page to take on Charles Morgan, Matthew Knox, and The Global Tag Team Champions. I expect victory here tonight. I won't settle for less than that and those gloves are good for when touching our stuff, like our lovely title belts.

Bianca finally snatches her belt from Simon smirking at it, however, she looks at it seeing a small smudge as she says.

Queen Bianca Davis: Before I got out, I wanted that smudge clear and beagle to see my perfect royal face in that belt. Is that clear?

Simon just nods, as she hands him back the belt to work on it.

Princess Honey Rydel: You may not be worried about touching the hands of our peasant partner.

Honey begins as she pulls on a pair of cotton gloves flexing out her fingers.

Princess Honey Rydel: But I am. I can’t honestly expect imbeciles like them to remember a handkerchief every time they want me to, ugh, tag… them. Honestly, I don’t even know why we need to participate in this match, Can’t we just make.

She draws a bit of a blank as Summer leans in to inform but she’s swiftly batted away.

Princess Honey Rydel: Whomever they are again do everything?

Bianca put her hands on her hips, with a slight smirk.

Queen Bianca Davis: I understand but let's break it down this way us in this match we will show why we are the true premier tag team in this company, not Duplex Royal, or Gigi and Tolson no that honor belongs to the Unity Champions The Royal Couple, it's why AMV has been struggling to find us worthy contenders. I mean it's so pathetic having these people cry that we haven’t defended our titles really? Is there anyone deserving at all right now?

Princess Honey Rydel: Of course not.

She shoos Summer away from her, to which the maid bows and obliges.

Princess Honey Rydel: We’re the absolute pinnacle of the division. HYBRID can’t do any better than us at the top. If people are complaining we haven’t defended anything then indeed the problem clearly lies with them. I mean, just because we have something doesn’t mean we need to offer out the chance to give it all away.

Queen Bianca nodded as she said.

Queen Bianca Davis: Good, then lets make it happen, because I am so damn done with all of this disrespect! The Global Tag Team Champs this, the global champs that, or how about all of our little favorites from Gutter Ballet and Queens of Chaos ugh! Like who gives a damn?! I am so sick of it the attention should be on us.

Princess Honey Rydel: Then let’s MAKE it be about us! But first… We’ve got a…stupid…team…meeting to go to.

Honey sighs feeling the momentum leaving her body before attempting to bring it back.

Princess Honey Rydel: But THEN the world will bow to us!



“Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ-Top plays for the arrival of HYBRID CEO Aloysius Marcus Vance IV, who remains on the stage upon arrival. He acknowledges the cheers of the Charlotte fans with his trademark smile before gesturing for the music to stop. A few moments later, he properly addresses the fans in attendance:

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Ladies and gentlemen of the Charlotte chapter of the HYBRID Nation… WELCOME TO VANGUARD!

There’s a roar at that, and AMV politely gives it time to wind down.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: There’s not a lot of time for talking tonight with all the action that’s packed into this show, but before we get too deep into things, it’s about time to announce the participants for the first-ever Path of Destiny Tournaments! Now, we hope to make this an annual thing, something to give stars old and new a goal to strive for heading into Fall of Man in October. There’s a singles as well as a tag-team tournament, and the winners of each can pick which championship they wish to go for, with that match taking place at Best Served Cold! And it should be noted that these tournaments are single-elimination, with the final matches set to take place at Fall of Man!

Another strong reaction from the fans, another moment to soak it in for AMV. Twirling the stick, he turns to the side and gestures to the HYBRID-Tron, which up until now simply had the Path of Destiny logo emblazoned across it. Now, there’s brackets for an eight-participant tournament, with slots to be filled!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Now… what say we start with the tag team side of things? All placements shall be made at random, with teams selected in no particular order. Now, drum roll please!

Images flash rapidly, not just switching teams but positions on the brackets. Then the drums stop and the first team is…

…the Empire of Pain in Slot Four!

Bernadette Olson: One of HYBRID’s newest teams, and perhaps the biggest team we’ve ever had!

Jacob Frankel: Those two look straight-up dangerous! Like they could wreck a city on their own!

Back to the drum roll and the randomizing, and when they stop…

…The Sovereign in Slot Five!

Bernadette Olson: I’d call that a bit of a lucky break for Xaria and Chelsea, not having to start things off against the Empire of Pain!

Jacob Frankel: Hey, don’t sell them short! They’re a very talented tandem! Hot as hell, too!

Bernadette Olson: Don’t you start!

Jacob Frankel: Stop swooning over Forge, then!

And next up on the board is…

…the 10th Street Kings in Slot Eight!

Bernadette Olson: Big opportunity for these young men who have been with HYBRID since the start!

Jacob Frankel: They’d best make the most of it!

Rounding out the first four picks is…

…Natural Resources in Slot Seven!

Bernadette Olson: GoGo is off injured reserve and can join Rain as Natural Resources once again!

Jacob Frankel: Well, there goes the Kings’ chances! Precious few teams have any answer for the speed and energy of Natural Resources!

Starting on the second half, the faces and slots turn again and again, leading to…

…2 Broke Chicks in Slot Three!

Bernadette Olson: Ohhhhh, dear.

Jacob Frankel: Chiaki and Jane have a couple mountains to climb, it looks like. This might not bode well!

And next to be added to the tournament…

…Strike 2 Kill in Slot One!

Bernadette Olson: And the newest members of The Lost are in the tournament!

Jacob Frankel: I wonder who they’ll face off with…

We may be about to find out as the last two teams are to be announced! And next up…

…Derrick Vayden & Alexis Lemon in Slot Two, which means that the final team, First Class, takes Slot Six!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And there you have it, fans! The Path of Destiny Tag Tournament teams are all set to go! Now, let’s get over to the singles side, shall we? Same game, same methods. Gentlemen, put up a new board if you please?

The board on screen is swept away, replaced with another eight bracket layout. AMV rubs his hands together a bit and calls for the drum roll… except this time, all we get are the names! Clearly, the chuckling AMV wants to keep some parts of this mysterious!

And the participants are:

Tiffany Lynn Page, Matthew Knox, Ollie Maverick, Abigail Lindsay, Jessi Ozborne, Noah Ortega, Iida Matsuda and Lollie Pop!

Bernadette Olson: Quite a crowd! And the winner gets a title shot of their choice, too! That’s a prize anyone could go for!

Jacob Frankel: Lots of potential there! And I’m told that the quarterfinal matches start at Vanguard #25, too, so we won’t have to wait long to see how that goes!

---

We head backstage where Griffin Hawkins is sitting against the wall, dressed in black jeans and a Marilyn Monroe T-Shirt. He crackes his knuckles, taking in the silence of the hallway around him. After a moment, he begins to speak.

Griffin Hawkins: ...home again home again..jiggity jig. The Jukebox Hero is back in HYBRID. People asked for it..they demanded it, and now it's finally happened! To be quite honest...I didn't think it'd happen. When this place reopened, I figured the people have moved on from me, wanting to see the new faces of HYBRID shine which I thought was understandable..they deserve the spotlight. But in this business, they never forget you. I was asked time and time again..are you coming back to HYBRID? Are you coming back to finish what you started? I considered it..a lot. And seeing how the people reacted to me when I came out as the host of Heatstroke, I realized they have not forgotten me..and it was time to come home. And in my first official match back in HYBRID...I go one on one with a....familiar face.

He begins to slowly get up.

Griffin Hawkins: Alan Envy...heh...we meet again. We've been meeting a lot over the last few years. It seems we are destined to do this forever. Now I'm not going to bring up the past..I'm not gonna bring up everything that happened in Hollywood, because that'd be beating a dead horse. Brady Vega is ancient history..no one remembers him, no one cares. Like you said a week ago...the past is behind us, what matters is what's happening right now. For the first time ever..you are entering the ivory colored halls of HYBRID.

He walks towards the camera.

Griffin Hawkins: I know on the surface...we're polar opposites. We couldn't be anymore different. But we do have one thing in common. Every night we go out there, we make it a point to prove that we are the best in the world today. It didn't matter if they were cheering for me, or booing you, or booing me or cheering for you. They know that no matter what one of us does to each other...the other one makes sure to raise the bar. And now we both have that opportunity to show the HYBRID crowd why we do what we do..why we are considered the best in the sport today. Between you and me..there can only be one winner. And as much as I hate to say it..I will make sure that it's me.

He smothes his hair back before continuing on.

Griffin Hawkins: ...have you really changed for the better Envy? In the past you have seemed to ride the coattails of others. Corrupt authority figures, stablemates, even forming alliances with individuals who did nothing but use you and throw you away when they no longer had a need for you. The past is always close behind...but you don't have to repeat it. This is a fresh start for you. This is your chance to wash away all that has happened to you.

He looks straight at the camera.

Griffin Hawkins: There is pressure on both of us Envy. You are entering the house of HYBRID and the newer fans who haven't seen Alan Envy yet are wondering if you are everything you say you are...meanwhile I have a lot to prove to the new fans and the old fans. I have to prove that I still got it, and that I can still hang with HYBRID. I'm not a nostalgia act...I'm here for the long haul. The both of us want to head straight to the top...and there's only room for one. So Envy...get ready. Because somebody's gonna get rocked!

He walks off as we head back to the ring.



An individual has arrived in the backstage area carrying two things and he sets them down. The first of those things seems to be a portable bluetooth speaker. The more notable of those two things seems to be a pet carrier holding a raccoon.

No one there in the room can see it but all of us at home can see that his face is entirely concealed from this broadcast via censorship. This is, in fact, Ollie Maverick and he seems to now be standing completely still waiting for something to happen.

Having been warned by management about a weird guy with a raccoon, a member of security approaches him cautiously.

Security: Is there anything I can help you with, sir?

Ollie responds by just clearing his throat without moving. The guard looks around for whatever Ollie might be standing there for and notices a piece of paper taped to the bluetooth speaker reading ‘PRESS PLAY’. The moment he does so ‘Don’t Stop The Rock’ by Freestyle begins playing and after a brief intro Ollie springs into movement, dancing along to the music.

Several backstage workers are very confused but Ollie approaches them all individually and dances all up in their business and soon enough? Everyone is actually kinda starting to get into it. Even the Security Guard seems bemused by the whole ordeal. People start clapping along to the beat and then…

Suddenly all the fun and clapping is interrupted by a single sound..

The ‘click’ of someone's phone as they snapped a picture.

Ollie is quick to stop the music.

Ollie Maverick: Who… did that?

Ollie turns and sees someone still holding their phone up. Looks like a member of the janitorial staff.

Ollie Maverick: Do you… do you believe it’s okay to steal?

Janitor: Steal? I don’t know what you me-

Ollie Maverick: Because my face… you just stole it. I know maybe that seems a little silly to you but it’s…

The Janitor's shaky hand is still holding up the phone and very quickly Ollie is directly in front of him and has snatched the phone away from them. The security guard now has his hand on his pepper spray. All the joyful chaos that was just in this room has gone. People have quickly gotten very afraid.

Ollie Maverick: …Would you think it was fair if I took the boxcutter out of my jacket and took YOUR face without your permission? Because honestly… with the way you stole from me that sounds pretty fair…

The guard approaches and Ollie backs away.

Ollie Maverick: Hey, hey, hey, hey. We’re all cool here. Just talkin. All just hypotheticals and ‘what-ifs’ over here.

Ollie tosses the phone back to the janitor.

Ollie Maverick: Delete the picture. Next time I’m breaking the phone.

Security: Sir, if you aren’t booked in a match tonight and have no other business here I suggest you leave.

The switch seems to flip again and Ollie’s tone and stance become casual and friendly once more.

Ollie Maverick: Hey you know what? That is totally fair and valid. I came here just to introduce myself and stuff got all weird. I just need to drop something off for an old friend in the locker room and I’ll be on my way.

The guard points to the locker room area and Ollie bows appreciatively, taking his pet carrier and leaving.

He finds the changing room of Nathaniel Dixon and enters, taking something out of his coat and leaving it atop Nathaniel’s bag, presumably so Nathaniel can find it later. .

The camera lingers on the items for a few moments.

One of the items is a strand of piano wire with a pair of wooden handles.

Ollie Maverick: Don’t talk to me like that, this is important to me.

Ollie seemingly says this to the raccoon

The other item is simply a printed image of Nathaniel with his face removed so it is simply blank with text reading:

‘I KNOW WHO YOU REALLY ARE’

The camera holds on this image for a few moments before it fades to black, Ollie humming a tune as he leaves.

---

Outside a black SUV pulls up the engine turns off. The back door passenger side opens up and the crowd erupts seeing who stepped out.

Alan Envy stands still dressed in his suit and holding on to his gear bag. He takes a deep breath as he heads into the building. He opens the door and is met by Dennis Folsom who has a grin on his face.

Dennis Folsom: Alan Envy, welcome to HYBRID! Can we get some comments? How are you feeling? Thoughts on your debut match?

Envy looks Dennis up and down.

Alan Envy: Look at you. You're a handsome fella. Decent suit game good questions. You have a future kid. Hey, check it out. I am very proud to be a part of Hybrid wrestling and I am very mucho ready for my debut. It's going to feel good getting back in the ring. At this moment honestly kid… I've never been in a better place professionally or personally.

Dennis Folsom: You mention getting back in the ring. It's been a few weeks for you. Are you going to be rusty and are you worried about that rust coming out against a returning Griffin Hawkins?

Alan Envy adjusts Dennis's tie then slaps him on the arm stiff.

Alan Envy: Sorry I get a little snug sometimes. Look… I can promise you… I am not rusty to the point it's going to affect me in this match. I wouldn't have taken it because despite our history I wouldn't disrespect Griffin that way. Tonight two greats go into the ring. And I intend to Walk out the victor, and Griffin has that same expectation. So something gots to give right? That makes for good TV.

Envy again snugly slaps Dennis again on the shoulder before walking away.



When the show returns, Aloysius Marcus Vance IV is back in the ring, “Sharp Dressed Man” still playing in the background before he causes it to fade out with a gesture. Last time, it was to discuss the participants in the Path of Destiny Tournaments. But now, it’s time for a different endeavor with a different tone.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And now, with most of the other business settled, it’s about time to address the matter of this little collaboration that HYBRID is putting on with FCW!

There’s a mixed reaction there, due to loyalty to the HYBRID brand, but AMV smooths this over.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Now, now! FCW is a fine establishment. They, in fact, were the ones who reached out to us about this idea! And as a matter of fact, I’ve invited their higher-ups here tonight to talk to you good people in the Queen City about it! So, without any further ado-

The boss gives a gesture to the stage and a new video starts up on the HYBRID-Tron, a montage of FCW and its top stars as well as the ladies about to make an appearance, all running to the tune of “Chaos” by Hollywood Undead!

The theme song hits and the fans instantly turn their attention to the entrance way. Right as we hear the chorus to “Chaos” by Hollywood Undead, FCW Owner Serena Riot and General Manager Marina Flores stand atop the entranceway. They seem all business tonight as they begin to make their way down to the ring. Once they get there, they both grab microphones, with Serena jokingly testing to see if hers works.

Serena Riot: Ladies and gents… I gotta say… this is one hell of a setup by HYBRID! Marina, I-

Just then the crowd begins booing at the mere sight of Marina. She does a fake gasp and follows it up with a devilish smile. Serena rolls her eyes at her General Managers actions.

Serena Riot: I think it’s safe to say that they love you! Anyway, as you all know FCW and HYBRID will be showing the world just how badass our two groups are at Breaking Boundaries. And I for one am insanely stoked! And tonight, we happen to have gotten invited here. And I just wanna say first off, thanks to the management. And… yeah, despite both parties feeling strong about their-

Marina cuts her off right there.

Marina Flores: Strong? Strong? Serena, uh, “girly”, as you say… strong isn’t exactly the right word I would use. More so, one side is confident, and the other side is cocky. At Breaking Boundaries, we are going to decimate HYBRID and there’s nothing you imbecile fans can do about it! Just remember that the only reason why we’re here is to help your little show become better! So don’t think for one second that we-

Just then she gets cut off. Aloysius, who had been standing there patiently and letting them get it all out, finally cuts in over Flores, shaking his head with a smile.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And I thought I talked too much!

Some of the fans chuckle at that; it was rude, certainly, but this is Vanguard, and this crowd is the HYBRID Nation. They’re gonna back the boss no matter what. Serena and Marina, of course, don’t look pleased about it, but AMV holds up a hand before they can start up again.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: No, no… you’ve said your piece. Calling our fans imbeciles, claiming you’re going to decimate us. See, that’s the difference between us, ladies: you skip straight to the noise without consideration for entertainment value or building anticipation. But if you’re really wanting to just dive in head-first, well… I think my second-in-command would like a word.

At that moment, “Hardwired” by Metallica hits and out walks Forge onto the stage to a thunderous reaction. But the Chief Security Officer isn’t coming out alone!

Bernadette Olson: Big hoss is here and he brought the whole team along with him!

Jacob Frankel: Impressive looking squad, ain’t it? I wouldn’t stand in their way!

Directly at Forge’s right hand is Stephanie Kenyon, cracking her knuckles and looking ready for a fight. Following her out to add to the line is the massive and powerful Emma Douglas, the dangerous and motivated Jessi Ozborne, the energetic Melissa Tasman, one-half of the HYBRID Global Tag Team Champions in Samantha Tolson… and rounding out the team? None other than the first-ever HYBRID Global Heavyweight Champion, Eddy Todd!

Bernadette Olson: Now that’s a group ready for war, Jacob! What can FCW put forth to match a team like that?! They have the pedigree, the championship history, the skill… everything!

Jacob Frankel: You ain’t gonna hear me arguing! Hell, Tolson and Todd alone would be a considerable threat! But throw in the talents of a Queen of Chaos in Jessi, the Tasmelian Devil, the Wildcat AND the Goddess of War? Not to mention the goddamn Martyr Machine leading the charge? It’s gonna be lights out for FCW!

The HYBRID team remains on the stage, ready to fight but maintaining their position at the request of Aloysius. Serena and Marina, looking on, seem to be sizing up the competition. Both look pretty confident about their chances still, turning to AMV and giving somewhat sarcastic applause at his choice. But AMV just shakes his head with a slick smile.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Oh, it wasn’t me, ladies. See, I handle the business side, the thinking side, of matters like these. When it comes to stomping asses? That’s my man Forge’s forte. This team was hand-picked by him. So he’ll be the one you want to thank while you scrape FCW off the canvas at Breaking Boundaries!

The Charlotte fans get a “HYBRID” chant going, threatening to shake the roof!

Bernadette Olson: Near as I can tell, Mr. Vance tried to keep things chill between these two sides when he showed up on FCW TV to accept the challenge, but Riot and Flores wanted to get sassy. This is the end result!

Jacob Frankel: HYBRID doesn’t need extra motivation to want to show the world what a well-run wrestling company looks like and how top-flight wrestlers are supposed to carry themselves in the ring. But what those two said? It put a fire under the boss-man’s ass. And Forge picked up that flag!

After a few more moments, however, Team HYBRID starts making their way down to the ring. No sooner than do they arrive at ringside, however-

Bernadette Olson: People jumping the rails! Where the hell is security?!

Jacob Frankel: Hold up, those ain’t fans, Bernadette! Look! That must be Team FCW!

-and so it is!

Leaping the rails and standing on the far side of the ring, staring down Team HYBRID are Eden Sterling, Jordan Majors, Marisol Vilaró, Helena Jackson, Ricky Rodriguez, Harper Mason and Bang Bang Bindy! Emma immediately locks on to her niece, Eden, and starts to charge only for Forge’s arm to somehow hold the beast of a lady back. Jessi, though, sees Jordan and the fellow Queens of Chaos are clearly ill-at-ease about facing one another! Serena and Marina look rather smug, seeing their team on deck, but AMV isn’t worried in the slightest. In fact, he walks right past them and stands by the ropes as Team HYBRID enters the ring! Team FCW follows suit, flanking their bosses, leading to a tense stand-off!

Bernadette Olson: I’d still have expected them to be stopped at the doors…

Jacob Frankel: Forge probably knew they were coming and wanted to see them face to face before the fight! That’s the sort of guy he is!

Bernadette Olson: Yeah, you’re right!

Jacob Frankel: The Martyr Machine is set in his ways! And clearly, this won’t be an easy night for Team HYBRID! But I’m still all for it!

“Danger Zone” by No Resolve featuring State of Mine starts up, the Vanguard them no less, and the two teams stare one another down before Vanguard goes to a commercial break!

---

With a duffle bag in hand, Jason Cashe comes into focus backstage. Pushing through the metal doors to the parking garage, the room opens up. Production trucks, a few limousines and other rentals and forms of transportation. There was even a City Bus. Maybe a Church Group came together.. Never know.

Noticing the camera in tow, Cashe stops, turns to face the recording device and drops his bag.

Jason Cashe: I'm tired of this already Emma! You listening, bitch?

Slapping the camera so it lines up directly with his face as his other hand points at said face. This was 'very serious' Jason at least by the expression he was attempting to make.

Jason Cashe: You say you hate me. You tell me this is long overdue but you keep hitting me from behind! You continue to slide into rings or backstage in catering but never TO MY FACE!

Emma Douglas: Here I am! Look me in my face as I whip your ass!

To be fair, she didn't give him much time to react. She was rushing him, spearing into his midsection before lifting him and dumping him into the unforgiving concrete of the parking garage. They both throw shots, short range pellets of fists crashing into the other. Cashe bucks and rolls her over, throwing her hands out of the way, he storms down with a forearm that bounces her head off the concrete underneath. She relaxes a bit. Cashe pauses.

Jason Cashe: You good? I'm gonna get off of you now, ok?

Hands in the air, Cashe stands up and steps to the side of her. Even offering her a hand to get up but she slaps the offer away. Getting up on her own power, Cashe comes to a question that he probably shouldn't have thought to ask.

Jason Cashe: Yooo! I get it! You heard I'm single and this is your way of flirting with me?!

Before she fully stood up, her gaze shot towards him. Like a switch flipped, she was enraged again and as a growl turned to a roar, she was hitting him with an 'Aaaaah Dookin!' like on Street Fighter kind of uppercut! He took a step back and smirked as if it didn't hurt but his eyes glazed over some.. It did more than tickle.

She tackles into him again, lifting and planting him over the hood of a nearby limousine. Cashe comes down over her head with a Bionic type elbow, hits her twice before he is able to push her off of him. Before they can add to their scuffle even further, a whole team of Security rushes in!

Jason Cashe: Next time Gadget, Next time! Hahaha!

Cashe slaps Emma before breaking off to the right to get away from the PoPos. Security cuts Emma off before she can give chase.

---

We cut backstage to Gigi Nova’s dressing room, where one half of the Global Tag Team Champions can be seen in her wrestling gear, standing in front of the mirror. With the tip of her finger, she dabs at the corner of her lips, clearing away a smudge of lipstick.

Voice: Don’t you think you’ve done enough primping, Kiddo?

Without taking her eyes off of the mirror, she looks off to the side to spot her agent, Lorenzo Merrick standing there, flashing his trademark smirk. Caught off guard, Gigi jumps in surprise.

Gigi Nova: You scared the shit out of me! Don’t sneak up on me like that; I’m nervous enough as it is!

She shakes her head, rolling her eyes as she turns around to face him properly.

Lorenzo Merrick: Didn’t mean to startle you. I know it’s your first time in the main event. But I believe in you; you know that, right?

A brief smile appears on Gigi’s face as he says this, prompting her to bite the inside of her cheek to keep him from noticing.

Gigi Nova: I know, Lorenzo; it’s just…

Lorenzo interrupts her, gesturing toward the outside of the dressing room, as if her other tag team partners for the night were on the other side of the door.

Lorenzo Merrick: The two other people on your team that you’re not so sure of?

Gigi Nova: One of them, I sort of know. Well, I’ve heard of him, anyway. The other one… not so much.

Lorenzo Merrick: At least there’s one person on your team that you trust, right?

Gigi nods her head.

Lorenzo Merrick: I know that Knox and Morgan seem like the wild cards here, but don’t worry. From what I’ve seen of Knox, he appears to be a stand up guy. At least, that’s what his girlfriend thinks, anyway.

Lorenzo tilts his head as Gigi raises an eyebrow.

Gigi Nova: Can we not bring people’s personal lives into this? Especially since Xaria Linnette has nothing to do with this?

Lorenzo nods, holding up his hands in an apologetic gesture.

Lorenzo Merrick: You’re right. Apart from wanting to cheer her man on, she’s not a factor you need to concern yourself with.

He pauses, crossing his arms as Gigi briefly turns her attention back to the mirror just long enough to straighten out her gear.

Lorenzo Merrick: What you DO need to focus on is what’s on the other side of the ring. You’ve got Duke Andrews and Tiffany Lynn Page, along with the Unity Champions, who…

Gigi Nova: ... could cash in their reign for a shot at the Global Tag Team Championship…

She glances down at the counter in front of the mirror, where her championship belt rests propped up against the mirror.

Lorenzo Merrick: Even though they’ve been trying to show that theirs is the upper tier championship, at least that’s the vibe I’m getting.

Lorenzo rolls his eyes.

Lorenzo Merrick: (muttering under his breath) “Royal Couple,” my ass…

Gigi smirks, chuckling softly as she furrows her brow in feigned disapproval.

Gigi Nova: Now, now… be nice!

Lorenzo says nothing, only lightly scoffing.

Gigi Nova: Though I will agree that the whole “Royal” thing is a bit overdone.

Lorenzo tilts his head, gesturing toward Gigi with a sort of “aha!” motion.

Lorenzo Merrick: Isn’t that kind of a dig at your partner, though? After all, doesn’t she…

Gigi clears her throat.

Gigi Nova: There ARE exceptions to the rule, Lorenzo. She and her crew fall under that exception, since she’s done nothing but help me out since I got here. I’m mostly talking about the ones that use it as a means of self-imposed superiority; from a purely egotistical standpoint.

Lorenzo Merrick: Fair enough.

Gigi smiles, this time, not hiding it from Lorenzo. He nods in acknowledgement.

Lorenzo Merrick: Now get out there and kick some “Royal” ass!

Gigi nods her head, then enthusiastically heads for the door. Before she opens the door to leave, however, she pauses, just as Lorenzo grabs Gigl’s belt and steps up to bring it to her. They wind up colliding into each other, with Gigi looking up at him with an awkward grimace on her face which quickly turns into a blush.

Gigi Nova: I almost forgot my…

Lorenzo Merrick: You forgot your…

There is an awkward pause as the two simultaneous sentence fragments overlap each other, followed by an equally awkward giggle from Gigi.

Gigi Nova: Thanks.

Lorenzo nods, straightening out his suit as Gigi takes her championship belt from her agent and turns around on her heel, turning beet red as she hurries out of the room. Lorenzo looks on and shakes his head as the scene fades out.



We cut to the backstage area of the Spectrum Center following the last match, with backstage interviewer Grace Savoy standing by at the interview set.

Grace Savoy: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time…Jessi Ozborne!

Jessi Ozborne wanders into the frame next to Grace, with it being made immediately clear that her mind is elsewhere as she does.

Grace Savoy: Jessi, I…

Jessi Ozborne: Hey, Grace! You know what’s crazy? It doesn’t really seem like it’s talked about enough by enough people that there are champions around here that have never seemed to defend their titles. Like ever. Isn’t that crazy to you, Grace?

Grace Savoy: Well…yes. But at the moment, I just wanted to focus on the interview we had at hand here.

Jessi Ozborne: Right, right. My bad. Just go ahead.

Grace Savoy: Right well…first I just wanted to congratulate you, along with all of the Queens of Chaos on a huge victory at Heat Stroke a few weeks ago! How are you feeling after a victory like that?

Jessi Ozborne: It’s been a mixed bag in the Queens’ camp for quite some time after that match. For some, I know that a victory like that feels very vindicating. For others, I know there’s still some work to be done. If we’re asking about me specifically though, I’d say it was kismet. We all wanted our pound of flesh from Gutter Ballet, and they made sure to make us fight for it. But in the end we fought for it and we got it, because fate made it so. Now it’s a new era for the QoC here in HYBRID. Heat Stroke was the first step in the initiative that is becoming the forefront of this company. The next step, which is coming very soon, will be making that proclamation hold up in gold.

Grace Savoy: Well that’s definitely a great segue into my next question. Obviously with Heat Stroke done and Gutter Ballet in your rearview, what is next for the World’s Finest in HYBRID?

Jessi Ozborne: That’s an interesting question, and an interesting way of phrasing it, too. Love that you gave me the little World’s Finest shout. See, there’s a reason that I’m the World’s Finest, Grace, and it sure as hell ain’t because it’s something fun to plaster on a t-shirt, no. As a wise ass woman once told me, it’s because I don’t wait for opportunities, it’s because I make them myself. The way I see it? Those two massive tournaments that bossman announced earlier in the night seem like prime real estate to make myself an opportunity. So you can not only consider this as me declaring myself for one of ‘em, but you can also consider it as me foreshadowing who’s gonna be winning one of ‘em, because when Jessi Ozborne comes to play, Jessi Ozborne plays to win. That ain’t a threat, that’s a promise. And when the World’s Finest promises, she delivers.

Grace Savoy: Fiery answer, Ms. Ozborne! I look forward to seeing if you’ll be a contender for one of HYBRID’s many singles championships in due time!

Jessi looks at Grace in confusion.

Jessi Ozborne: Who said anything about singles championships?

Grace now looks at Jessi in confusion.

Jessi Ozborne: Anyway, I’ll catch ya later, hun! You’re fucking welcome!

Jessi walks off, leaving Grace confused as we fade!

---

Backstage cameras find the familiar RV of the 2 Broke Chickz in the backstage parking lot area. The doors are closed, shades are drawn and the windshield is blocked off with a sun shield. The sound of muffled music can be heard from inside as the camera slowly pans in, closer on the side door of the mobile home of the tag team. Risa Lemon approaches the vehicle, muttering to herself as she gets closer.

Risa Lemon: Alright. Let's just bury this damn thing so we can be done with it.

She takes a deep breath, walking forward to knock. There’s no answer at first. Risa has to knock again, a little louder before, finally, after a moment, the door opens and the crowd watching on the tron gives a mixed reaction as Chiaki Sanada comes into view, standing on the steps of the RV in low rise baggy pants, a white tank top and a bandana around her head. Chiaki looks at Risa almost dismissively.

Chiaki Sanada: Eh? Nani ga hoshīdesu ka?

Risa sighs, shaking her head.

Risa Lemon: Chi Chi. The feud is over. We need to move past this. I came her to say that yes, I recognize we both did some really dumb things. So if you'll just apologize, we can move on from this!

She crosses her arms over her chest, looking up at the woman still standing in the vehicle. Chiaki’s brows lift under her bandana.

Chiaki Sanada: Nani? Shazai?

She points to herself.

Chiaki Sanada: Jibun?

She pauses and finally cracks a smile - condescending at best - and shakes her head with a laugh.

Chiaki Sanada: You want Chi Chi say sorry? Hai.

She extends a hand out to Risa but before the Queen of Chaos can even react, she brings that same hand up into a middle finger right in her face.

Chiaki Sanada: Fakku.

To add insult to the rudeness, Chiaki sticks out her tongue and puts a finger under her eye before starting to close the RV door in Risa’s face. The Super Tiger slams her palm into the door, pushing back with a strength that one wouldn't expect from such a small woman.

Risa Lemon: Yeah. I want Chi Chi to apologize. You yanked out one of my friggin teeth, you crazy ass little gremlin! So grow up, for once, and admit that what you did was wrong!

She climbs up the outer step, getting more level with Chiaki, her shoulders rising and falling with each breath. It all happens in a split second from there.

Chiaki Sanada: ASSAH!!!!

Chiaki lets out a proper Karate kiai as a palm strike from her drives into Risa’s sternum, sending her back off the steps. Chiaki steps down out of the RV and slams the door shut behind her. Risa kips up off the ground, throwing her arm up with authority to catch Cheech with a European uppercut before bulldogging her back against the vehicle.

Risa Lemon: Fakku Chi Chi! That what you wanna hear?

She grabs a hand full of blue hair, bouncing Chiaki's head back against the door of the RV. Chiaki leans back against the RV, blinking away the stars and bringing a hand to her head as she looks back to Risa with pure hate in her eyes. Shaking the daze off, Chiaki steps away from the RV and out into the more open area, nodding at the Super Tiger as if to ask if she really wants to do this. Instead of attacking her outright, however, Chiaki suddenly spreads her feet out, one foot back, the other closer to the woman in front of her. Her back fist comes up to her side and she brings her other arm up, extending it out with a bend in her elbow, making another a fist - a formal, legitimate martial arts stance. And she waits. Risa pulls off her jacket, pacing back and forth as she watches Chi Chi. Suddenly she stops, hopping up and down in place, before coming to a rhythm where she alternates which foot is touching the ground.

Risa Lemon: Clearly there's no getting around this, so let's just get it over with!

Tiggy runs forward, leaping to throw a roundhouse at Chiaki. The Gutter Ballet member is quicker than expected as she steps in, shifting sides with her body and bringing her lower hand up around in an outward, sweeping block. Just as quick, she follows up with another punch to the midsection of Risa, then quickly follows with a combo: a low roundhouse kick to the outside of the leg, a middle roundhouse kick to the side and a spinning back kick to the chest, pushing Risa back.

Chiaki Sanada: AIS! AIS! AIYAH!

Each strike comes with a loud kiai, before she resumes her stance. Tiggy stumbles backwards, looking up at Chi Chi, and the camera catches an expression on Risa's face that the fans rarely ever see. Legitimate anger. She stops dancing, clenching her fists before coming back in. Risa throws a few wide strikes, forcing Cheech to open her guard before suddenly slamming her forehead into Chi Chi's face with a snap headbutt! Before the Gutter Ballet member can recover, the Queen of Bows slams a hook into Chiaki's jaw, sending her backwards. The Atlanta crowd gasps as Chiaki loses her footing and falls to the floor. There’s a pop for Risa as they’re fully into this now!

Risa Lemon: That karate is pretty fancy, but my mom taught me how to street fight!

Chiaki curls up onto her hands and knees as she starts to get up. She lets out a small grunt as she spits on the floor. A wad of saliva, blood and something solid hits the concrete floor. A tooth?! A tooth!

Crowd: Ohhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Risa Lemon: TIGGY POP TEEFIES! YOU PAY MONEY! FAKKU!

On the ground, Chiaki pauses, apparently looking at her lost molar and finally looks back at Risa over her shoulder. The look in her eyes is an expression of anger we’ve not seen even in Chiaki’s eyes as she spits again with a thin trickle of blood down the corner of her mouth. She gets up, fixes her shirt which now also has specks of her own blood on it and goes into her stance again.

Chiaki Sanada: Ima, anata wa shinde imasu.

Chiaki inches forward, stepping defensively. Risa backs up, keeping a distance, but inches back in herself. Chiaki backs up a step but before Risa can react, the Razorblade Lollipop steps back in on the attack, coming at the Super Tiger in another flurry of blows: a left roundhouse to one side, a right roundhouse to the other, a push kick, forcing Risa back as she tries to get inside Chiaki’s range. Risa comes right back in and Chiaki pivots, catching her right in the face with a spinning back fist! There’s a violent impact of bone on bone as Risa’s head snaps back and she hits the floor, grabbing her face. Chiaki backs up, holding her stance as she waits. On the floor, Risa holds a hand to her face and we can already see blood seeping from between her fingers. When she brings her hand away to look, we see just how bad it is as blood just covers her nose and mouth as well. She looks up at Chiaki who pauses and half relaxes out of her stance. Long enough for the sound of rushing footsteps to be heard as a handful of backstage security come running in and get between them.

Risa Lemon: You… you broke my freakin’ nose!!

Tiggy's face looks bad, blood dripping off her chin. She looks down, her eyes already starting to swell as she bends at the waist to scoop Chiaki's lost tooth up off the ground. Risa spits, blood splattering on the concrete before she wipes her mouth with the back of her arm, ruining the long sleeve of the tee she's wearing. Chiaki spits again, growling from the aching in her jaw.

Chiaki Sanada: …Fusai wa kaiketsu sa remasu.

It’s all she says as she drops her stance and slowly, seemingly less aggressively walks back to the RV and opens the door, stepping up inside and closes the door behind her. We can just barely hear Jane Harper, from inside, starting to ask what the hell is going on. Risa doesn't respond, spitting again as security hurries her off towards medical.