Saturday Night Odyssey - Episode 11
"Elevated" by It Lives, It Breathes blasted through the speakers, accompanied by the explosions of stage pyrotechnics. The multi-colored fireworks breathed life into the stadium, illuminating the ring as the centerpiece of the event. Thunderous cheers erupted from the throats of hundreds of fans from all corners of the galaxy in live attendance. Though fewer in number compared to the juggernauts of fiction wrestling, these crowds exhibited enough fiery passion to match a cosmodrome of thousands.
Behind the commentary table at ringside, Johnny Gomez adjusted his headset, while Nick Diamond sorted his papers. Once everything was in order, they exchanged a nod and shared a smile. They had been waiting to get back to commentary for months, now their patience was rewarded with the roars of a live audience and a camera with a link to the rest of the galaxy.
Johnny took the lead as the camera fell on the commentary table. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen, fans of all species, and welcome to the season premiere of Final Frontier Federation! We're broadcasting live from the Milky Way aboard the Vindication! I'm Johnny Gomez!"
"And I'm Nick Diamond! Let me tell you, Johnny, this season could not have arrived soon enough, because I've been anxious to pick up where we left off with Capital Punishment!"
"I couldn't agree more, Nick," Johnny said with a nod. "For those of you who missed Capital Punishment, don't worry, we'll fill in all the blanks for you as the night goes on but first and foremost, we've got a full card with some slamming matches lined up for you all!"
"To start, TOM and Dornan intend to make an announcement regarding F3's current success and where they intend to take it, now that the champions have been decided. Right after that, our opening contest will showcase the talents of two new signees as the Marvel wild cat, White Tiger, takes on Mass Effect's Subject Zero, better known as Jack."
"And later, we have an open challenge being issued by the Dynamic Duo champions, Hidan and Kakuzu of the Akatsuki. These two have been on fire since Capital Punishment and it looks like they want to keep that fire burning by competing as soon as possible!" Nick said.
"And sometime after, our Final Frontier champion, Agent Washington, will be speaking out about his victory over Kazuya Mishima at Capital Punishment. What's more, we have a gauntlet match between Alyx Vance, Demencia, Enid, Mae Borowski, and Tracer to decide the number one contender for the Matriarch Championship, which is currently held by Captain Phasma. Speaking of whom, Phasma will be joining us as a guest commentator for that match."
Nick's eyebrow quirked at that last comment. He quickly skimmed over his papers again. Why didn't they tell him they would be hosting Phasma for a match? He lowered his papers with a sour expression. "Oh, joy."
"Keep it together, Nick," Johnny said, nudging his partner's arm with his elbow, subtly calling to maintain professionalism. He cleared his throat and continued. "And finally, our main event pits Commander John Shepard against the vampiric noble Darkstar in a grudge match to settle their feud that has festered since last season! We hope you'll join us for that bout but first, let's go to the ring where TOM and Dornan are expected to make their announcement to the F3 faithful right now!"
"Legendary" by Skillet plays as TOM and Dornan walked onto the stage, in full view of their audience. TOM was relaxed and humbled by such a large turnout, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly; Dornan remained straight and unwavering, recognizing the fans with a raised hand, welcoming them to the event. TOM looked to the Enclave sergeant, who tilted his head forward, gesturing for him to go on. "Well, don't get cold feet now. They've been waiting months for this."
"Yeah," TOM said with a nervous chuckle. "I guess I didn't expect there to be so many."
"Speak for yourself, the bigger federations can afford larger stadiums. But they're not as mobile as we are." Dornan said, his helmet hiding a wink.
Together, TOM and Dornan walked down the ramp, each taking a microphone from the announce table on their way to the ring. They climbed the stairs and slipped through the ropes, where they were front and center for their fans in attendance and at home.
"Talk about an unlikely pairing," Nick said. "These two came together with an idea to start up their own wrestling promotion but with such a competitive market, they had to come up with something nobody had even considered: take it to space!"
"A gamble, to be sure, but one that has paid off substantially, if this crowd is any indication." Johnny said. "After all, we were invited to the FWAs shortly after the conclusion of season one and we even took home an award for our efforts, so F3 is being recognized by the industry, especially in the indie circuit."
Nick hummed. "And if UWE or UCA ever try to tap into this audience, they'll quickly realize that we beat them to the punch."
TOM tapped the mic with his finger, receiving a loud whine of feedback that caused him to wince. Looking back at Dornan, TOM received a nod of encouragement, then started speaking. "Welcome ladies and gentlemen of all species and ages, and welcome to the season premiere show of F3: Odyssey!" He paused, letting the fans respond to his cordial greeting with positive cheers. He was used to speaking into a camera broadcast to people across the galaxy. Having to speak to a live crowd, too, was a different matter entirely. Just play it cool, TOM mentally told himself. He continued. "I want to be the first to extend my thanks to everyone who helped us get this far: our dedicated talent who perform in this ring every week, our hard-working staff that make this broadcast possible, and of course, you, the loyal fans who tuned in every week to keep us on the air. We wouldn't be here today without your support and for that, we at F3 sincerely thank you all." The live fans gave out a pop for the Toonami host's humility. For someone who spent all their time in space, he was being down to earth and gracious about his success.
Dornan spoke next. "However, we have been reading our forums and fan mail, and have been made aware of some things that require tweaking, especially regarding talent. Last season, we didn't quite utilize as many of our signed performers as we could have, because the cards were stacked by the Final Frontier series. Now that the tournaments are over, we've crowned our first champions, we've found our audience, and have developed a core set of stars. Now is the time to start building new talent that are ready to move up. Every week, we will hold a match or two dedicated to showcasing the talents of our newer signees. They deserve it on the principle of putting their careers in our hands when they signed." Dornan paused as he received his own chorus of cheers from satisfied fans who were waiting to see their favorites in ring action. "That being said, we won't be neglecting those who gave it their all last season. Striking fair ground will be a difficult process but we will face this task with the same dedication that got F3 off the ground in the first place. So don't worry about last season's veterans being sidelined; they're not going anywhere."
"The second thing to discuss, is major events," TOM said. "While season finales will always be heavily advertised as the biggest show before the off season, there will be special shows where championships are most likely to be defended, so those buying tickets will know exactly what to expect."
"These Andromeda events, as we've taken to calling them, will take place at the end of every two to three months," Dornan said. "So, roughly every five to eight weeks, we will visit a planet, or station, or somewhere of special importance to make these events must-see programming. Expect championships, expect the best of our roster, and expect the highest quality that F3 can offer. That's a goddamn promise."
The fans made their approval loud and clear through an "F3!" chant.
"Speaking of championships," TOM said. "That brings us to our final major announcement and this may well be the biggest game changer. Dornan and I have come to the decision that in order to survive in this industry of continuous innovation in crafting new stars, we will have to ensure that we always provide opportunities for our talent to improve their standing in the company and further their careers. With that in mind, we have come to the decision to introduce a brand new championship."
"A new championship?" Johnny asked. "I didn't think we would be bringing a new one in so soon."
"They're probably making us aware of it now so the midcard has a little incentive to double their efforts in the ring," Nick said with a shrug. "It's a business savvy decision to weed out the most competitive in the back."
"We call it the Supernova championship," Dornan said. "Over the next few weeks, old and new talent alike will be given an opportunity to compete and those who show the most promise will qualify for the Supernova championship match at the very first Andromeda event. So mark your calendars, because the first Supernova champion will be crowned very soon and the talent back there had better be ready to start shitting five star matches every time they come out here!"
A daring statement, one that carried heavy expectations on the roster by management. Emboldened by F3's success last season, it was a demonstration of faith in their talent's ability. The audience was eating this up, cheering and chanting with unwavering anticipation as they were more than ready to see these new policies put into effect.
"With that, Dornan and I won't keep you waiting any longer than we already have. The talent will take it from here and do what they do better than anyone else in the galaxy: entertain you! Enjoy the show and the rest of your evening!" TOM concluded the announcement, keeping it concise and to the point. The owners departed the ring, returning to the back side by side, occasionally throwing a wave to the crowd as they disappeared through the Gorilla position.
"You heard it first hand from the owners of F3," Johnny said. "New championship, new events, and new faces all coming to you live from the Vindication!"
"Speaking of newer faces, Johnny, our opening match means this policy of new stars is effective immediately!" Nick said. "White Tiger vs. Jack, starting right now!"
The roar of a tiger echoed through the arena, followed by the opening guitar riff of "White Limo" by Foo Fighters. A young woman emerged onstage, wearing a white bodysuit with tiger themed black stripes. Looking out into the crowd, she took a breath, mentally preparing herself. This was the moment to show what she could do. She perked her head up and the yellow slits of her mask narrowed in a display of focus and shot a clawed hand into the air, cueing white pyrotechnics to pop around her. With the beckoning call of the audience, the woman started down the ramp with a confident stride, slapping the outstretched hands of fans on her way to the ring.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, making her debut all the way from Midtown Manhattan, this is White Tiger!" Yes-Man announced with his programmed enthusiasm.
"White Tiger is one of many new signees that we picked up in the midseason," Johnny said. "In spite of being new to the wrestling circuit, she has an extensive knowledge of fighting techniques and is extremely proficient with acrobatics, brought on by her time with S.H.I.E.L.D."
"She is very skilled in her own right, no denying, but whether she can translate that skill to the ring, remains to be seen," Nick concurred.
White Tiger slid into the ring beneath the bottom rope and climbed one of the corners. From her elevated position, she had a much better view of the live crowd that surrounded the ring. Dozens of alien species from all walks of life, with their own cultures and views, had come together in one area for a singular desire-entertainment. Tiger pointed out to the crowd, sweeping a finger along the stadium in a silent decree that she would give them a show to remember. The message was received and the crowd gave her affirmative cheers, placing their faith in her abilities. Dropping down from the corner, Tiger clenched the ropes and faced the entrance ramp, bracing herself for who would descend the ramp to challenge her for the prize of victory.
"Topless" by Breaking Benjamin boomed from the speakers as the arena lights dimmed and spot lights hummed to life, calling attention to the stage with their luminescent beams. Fog sprayed onto the stage, creating a smoke screen as a figure appeared from the Gorilla position. Seconds passed, as if the person on stage was letting the atmosphere settle before finally peeling away from the fog and revealing themselves. A tattooed woman stood at the top of the entrance ramp, wearing a leather jacket and her hair in a ponytail. Her eyes scanned the audience, then focused on her opponent with a cocky smirk. She began making her way down, her demeanor strong and assured with an undertone of eagerness; she was ready for a fight.
Yes-Man capitalized on the entrance with his announcement. "And introducing her opponent, from the outer reaches of the Milky Way, she is the biotic convict known as 'Subject Zero', this is Jack!"
"A little known fact about Jack, she has been signed with us since the early beginnings of Final Frontier but never had the chance to compete in the ring due to the Matriarch tournament," Johnny explained.
"But now that it's over, we've got plenty of room for the rest of the locker room to shine and Jack was among the first to be called up for a match," Nick said. "Jack's greatest strength lies in her potent biotic abilities. Even by Mass Effect standards, Jack is a biotic powerhouse to be reckoned with. But with her biotics restricted in the ring, she will have to fall back on her natural strength and street smarts to get by."
"Indeed, even without biotics, Jack is as scrappy as they come. Tough and powerful, if a bit unrefined."
"But finesse doesn't really matter when you can crush giant robots like a beer can with your mind, does it?" Nick asked. "But without her biotics, how will her street style compare to White Tiger's training and focus?"
Jack forewent the stairs, opting instead to climb onto the apron using the ropes. She slipped through the middle rope and rotated her shoulders, standing straight to show off her size to her masked opponent. Mills Lane stepped between the two to make sure there weren't any early scraps before the match began. White Tiger was stretching out her legs while Jack popped her neck and knuckles. He read the usual act; good fight, no shenanigans. Neither had any objections or questions, so Mills gave the go ahead for the bell.
"Let's get it on!"
The bell rang and the match officially began. Tiger and Jack opened up circling one another and getting the measure of what to expect. From Jack's body language, Tiger surmised she was confident and her physique indicated an aptitude for raw power. Jack read Tiger as tense and maybe a little too wound up. She didn't need to rip that silly mask off to see that it was her first time in the big spot. She was going to have some fun with this one.
White Tiger glanced over her shoulder at the crowd, then switched her eyes back to her opponent. It was her first time in the ring but that didn't mean she couldn't be sporting. She was new to this crowd, so she only had shot to leave a good impression. She ought to start the match on the right foot. Relaxing her posture, Tiger extended her hand, calling for a handshake. "Hey, let's have a good match and give them a show."
Jack stared at Tiger's outstretched hand, her eyebrows quirked. How cute, she thought. The little cat wanted to hold her hand? She gladly obliged and returned the gesture.
"The match is underway and we've opened to a good showing of sportsmanship from Tiger and Jack," Johnny said.
Tiger started to pull back but Jack didn't release her grip. In fact, Jack was tightening her grip, to the point it started to hurt. She winced as Jack squeezed her knuckles together like they were a stress ball.
The biotic convict grinned wide with smug satisfaction as she said, "Sure, I'll give them a show. Also, thanks for sticking your hand out like a dumbass." Then she pulled Tiger in and laid her out with a belly to belly suplex! Jack hooked the leg for a quick pin; 1, Tiger kicked out. She was winded but nowhere near down for the count. Still, Jack deemed it worth a shot, and it gave her the early advantage. This conniving act immediately drew distaste from the live crowd, however, who hurled boos and disapproving jeers Jack's way.
"Oh, what the hell?" Nick complained aloud. "That was just dirty!"
"Jack has not made the best of impressions, for certain," Johnny said. "But I think public approval is low on her list of priorities. She's looking to win and she isn't afraid to be dirty about it."
Jack continued to assert control, lifting Tiger by the head and tossing her clear across the ring. Tiger nursed her back as she returned to her feet, the yellow lenses in her expressive mask wide with surprise. In hindsight, she probably should have seen that coming but clearly didn't expect Jack to be that strong.
"We've only just started and Jack is establishing herself as the Hoss of this bout," Nick said, watching closely. "She just threw Tiger back like she was an annoying child."
"A declarative display of power, for certain," Johnny said with a nod.
Jack backed away a few steps, flashing a bold smile as she held out her arms and invited Tiger to come at her. Tiger's brow furrowed, wrinkling her mask slightly. While Jack took early control, she knew now what to avoid. She didn't need to grapple with Jack a second time to realize that a direct approach wouldn't work in her favor. Getting back to her feet, Tiger broke into a dash toward Jack. Jack threw a clothesline but Tiger evaded by sliding beneath the arm on her knees, then popped back up behind her to land a roundhouse kick to the back, sending Jack into the corner. Jack caught herself on the ropes and turned right into a dropkick from Tiger that knocked her back into the corner, her spine smashing against the turnbuckle! White Tiger handsprings back to her feet, receiving an impressed pop from the live audience.
"Quick thinking from White Tiger allows her to outmaneuver Jack with an excellent display of agility and send her into the corner with an devastating double dropkick!" Johnny called.
"I think that may be Tiger's game plan from here on out," Nick said. "Just avoid direct confrontation and use her speed to her advantage. Because if she slows down, Jack will leverage her strength to gain the upper hand. That being said, those high-flying maneuvers require a lot of stamina and if Jack can land a good few blows to hinder that, she can dictate the pace of the match."
As Jack got to her hands and knees, Tiger bounded over Jack, using her back as a stepping stone, then leapt onto the top turnbuckle and backflipped off for a splash. Jack rolled to out of the way, leaving Tiger to land on her feet albeit facing away from her target. Jack seized Tiger by the shoulders from behind, spinning her around and yanking her into a clothesline that laid her out on the mat. Jack dropped to her knees and hooked Tiger's leg for a pin; 1, 2, Tiger kicks out, holding her jaw where she was struck. Jack grabbed ahold of Tiger's hair, ignoring Mills' calls for foul, then tossed her across the ring. Tiger landed on her chest and had the wind knocked out of her. Coughing, she grabbed the ropes to help herself up but felt her left leg being grabbed by Jack. Tiger attempted to kick herself free but Jack's grip remained ironclad. With a mighty heave, Jack pried Tiger away from the ropes and toward the center of the ring. Tiger hobbled on her remaining leg to stay standing and attempted to counter with a spinning heel kick. Jack saw coming, however, and ducked, before pulling Tiger in for a back body drop, sending her crashing onto the mat with a resounding slam! Tiger arched her back as waves of pain shot up her spinal column, forcing the air from her lungs.
"Oh, Jack employs a back body drop to send Tiger plummeting into the mat!" Johnny said with a wince.
"Look at how she landed, I think the whole ring shuddered from that impact," Nick said, pointing to the replay. "I think Jack is toying with Tiger at this point. Quite ironic that the big cat is being played with."
Jack scooped Tiger back up in her arms, then planted her with a sidewalk slam. She covered Tiger, pinning her face to the mat with her forearm as she hooked the leg; 1, 2, Tiger kicked out and shot her shoulder up in an explosive display of defiance. Jack took Tiger by the hair and chucked her into the ropes; Tiger rebounded and used the momentum to throw herself at Jack, ducking a big boot from her opponent and running into the ropes behind her. Using the ropes like bungee cables, Tiger launched herself at Jack once again, this time on the offensive but Jack spotted her coming and attempted to back body drop her over the top ropes. Tiger's agility came into play, however, and she caught herself on the apron, then retaliated with a high kick to the head that sent Jack reeling. Tiger glanced at the crowd and raised a clawed finger and they responded in kind with supportive cheers. Tiger leapt onto the top rope and bounced off it like a trampoline to bust Jack with a flying headscissors takedown! Tiger rolled Jack up, clutching both legs for a package pin; 1, Jack powered out!
"White Tiger using her agility again to outpace Jack and retake control of the match with a well-executed hurricanrana," Johnny said.
"Good thinking, trying to take a quick cover off it but Jack refuses to be put away so quickly," Nick added.
Jack shook her head, trying to gather her bearings as she stood in the corner. White Tiger pounced on the convict, landing a knee to the gut. Jack doubled over, audibly heaving in agony. Tiger backed up to gain momentum and charged again but right as she jumped for another high knee, Jack sprung from the corner, intercepting her in mid-air and ramming her into the opposite corner! Jack unleashed a merciless pummeling on Tiger's head, each blow forcing her further and further to the mat until she was left seated against the turnbuckle. Jack put her legs to work, stomping Tiger out in the corner and blowing off Mills Lane as he cried for Jack to let up.
"But once again, Jack just powers right through Tiger and reasserts her dominance," Nick said. "Now, she's opting for an old-fashioned ass whooping."
"This is a dangerous position for Tiger to be in," Johnny said, closely studying the match. "A high-flyer needs a lot of space to maneuver but she's trapped in a corner with nowhere to go and a thoroughly agitated convict bearing down on her with blood in her eyes! She needs to escape and fast."
Jack seized both of Tiger's legs and dragged her from the corner and toward the center of the ring, then twisted her onto her stomach. She then locked both legs in a cloverleaf submission hold! Jack squatted and leaned into the hold, compressing and stretching Tiger's back and legs, earning a pained scream.
"And Jack has stranded White Tiger in the middle of the ring with a Cloverleaf submission!" Johnny yelled over the growing intensity of the audience in live attendance.
"Tiger is in some serious trouble!" Nick exclaimed. "All that damage to her back earlier is coming back in full force! Jack is further exacerbating the pain by compressing her spine and she's isolated Tiger from the ropes!"
Tiger cried out in distress as she clawed at the mat in an effort to reach the ropes. The stinging pain was surging up and down her legs and back, her muscles being contorted to their limit and tightening under the strain. Mills Lane lowered himself to Tiger's level, asking if she would submit. Tiger shook her head vehemently and clenched her hands into claws as another wave of pain washed through her body.
Jack reared back even further, telling Tiger, "Feel free to tap out anytime. I can do this all night. You? Bet not!"
Tiger gritted her teeth behind her mask as her mask lenses screwed shut into thin black slits. It was like a thousand hornets decided to plunge their stingers into her lower back at once and it was only growing worse by the second. The ropes, her keys to freedom, were in sight but out of reach. She would have to pour every ounce she had into digging her elbows and fighting inch by inch for the ropes. It would push her to the limit but White Tiger never surrendered easily. She sucked air through her teeth and locked her eyes on the ropes. It was all or nothing here. She plunged her elbows into the mat and dragged her body forward, slowly but surely dragging her way to the ropes. Jack felt Tiger resisting the hold and leaned further into Tiger's legs, sending another pulse of burning agony up her back. Tiger growled and sank her claws into the mat, quite literally hanging onto her progress.
"Tiger is fighting to gain every inch toward the ropes but Jack is also doing everything she can to make the cost for every inch too great!" Johnny called.
"Say she does reach the ropes, what will that mean if she ends up making her spine an accordion in the process?" Nick asked, leaning on the edge of his seat.
Tiger's head slumped against the mat, the pain becoming worse with every bit of ground she gained. And yet, her fingers could just barely brush against the edge of the ropes! Mills Lane was in her ear, asking if she wanted to submit but she uttered an agonized, "No!"
Beyond Mills Lane's voice, there was a chant coming on. It wasn't clear at first but as it rose in volume, she could make out the words.
"Tiger! Tiger! Tiger!"
They were chanting her name. They were rallying behind her and lending their support, telling Tiger that she could do it. She was so close! One more heave and she would be free! Tiger took a deep breath, then unhinged her eyes, her yellow lenses gleaming with renewed focus and resolve. She propped herself up on her arms and lunged forward, grabbing onto the bottom rope! The tension in Tiger's back was immense but Mills Lane started counting against Jack as he called the rope break!
"Tiger's done it! With a little crowd support, she's reached the ropes and Jack now has to release the hold!" Johnny said.
"Getting over with the fans can help in circumstances like this," Nick added. "Hardass wrestlers who like to blow off the fans should take notes when things like this happen, because who knows if Tiger would have made it or not without that extra motivation?"
Jack sneered as she conceded and released Tiger's legs, thus relieving the tension in her lower back. Tiger could breath more easily now but there was no time to rest. There was still a match underway. She tried to get to her feet but Jack shoved her back to the mat with her foot, which drew heat from the crowd. Jack looked out into the audience and drew a thumb across her neck. Plucking Tiger back up by her head, Jack delivered a right hook that sent her into the ropes. Tiger's jaw ached with numb pain, likely suffering from mild bruising beneath the mask. But she had little time to soothe her ailing mouth as Jack came rushing toward her, arm poised for a clothesline. Tiger's lenses shot wide open and ducked at the last second, pulling down on the top rope. Jack's momentum slung her over the rope and onto the floor outside the ring! Tiger vaulted over the top rope, landing on the apron. Jack tried to sweep Tiger's legs from under her but Tiger jumped onto the second rope and laid out Jack with a springboard backflip!
"One springboard backflip and down goes Subject Zero!" Nick called from the commentary table.
"Jack had the right idea when she went for the legs but White Tiger was just a bit quicker on her feet and it paid off," Johnny analyzed.
White Tiger got back to her feet with a handspring to a pop from the crowd. Mills Lane was counting, reaching four. Jack was thoroughly dazed, holding her nose where Tiger's weight came down on. For a smaller opponent, this kid hit pretty hard when she momentum behind her. With no time to waste, Tiger pulled Jack back up by her arm and threw her into the ring before climbing back on the apron. She held out an arm, beckoning Jack to turn stand up as she hopped in place, preparing for another launch. The crowd was clapping along, starting slow, then increasing in pace as Jack rose to her feet.
"White Tiger, true to the big cat, is now stalking her prey, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce," Johnny said with a dramatic overtone.
"Take notes Animal Planet, this is how you narrate a hunt," Nick said with a click of his tongue.
Jack reached her feet, stumbling about slightly… but that was when White Tiger jumped over the top rope and spiked her with a reverse Frankensteiner! The crowd explodes into a collective "OOOHHH!" at the sight of Jack head being driven into the mat. Even Johnny and Nick collectively winced behind their table.
"Reverse Frankensteiner from White Tiger has just hammered Jack into the mat like a hammer to a nail!" Johnny said with a cringe.
Nick sucked his teeth as he glanced to the side. "Yeah, she's gonna need a chiropractor for that one."
Jack was lying prone on the mat, stunned if not unconscious. White Tiger got to a knee and looked over her shoulder to see Jack was incapacitated. But she needed to be certain that the next pin was final. She rolled Jack onto her back, then climbed the turnbuckle, facing the crowd. She splayed her arms wide, then jumped to commence a 450 Splash right on top of Jack!
"450 Splash, or as Tiger has called it, the Fifth Generation Splash! This looks like it could be it!" Johnny called.
Tiger hooked the leg as Mills Lane covered; 1, 2, 3! The bell rang and Tiger got to her knees, having her arm raised.
"Here is your winner, White Tiger!" Yes-Man proudly declared.
"Sincerest congratulations to White Tiger and Jack for opening our second season with an exceptional show of power and high-flying action," Johnny commended.
"White Tiger has shown the galaxy what she's made and endeared herself to the fans, so I think she has a bright future. Jack, meanwhile, may need to reevaluate herself a bit. Either she got too cocky or was struggling to face a dedicated high-flyer once Tiger got going." Nick said.
White Tiger climbed the turnbuckle to raise her hand and bask in the celebratory cheers from the audience. It was a hard fought match but a victory well earned with a good first impression. Jack had just come to and sat up with a scowl marking her features as she realized what had happened. Tiger leapt down from the corner and found herself face to face with a scowling Jack. A tense period settled as they stared down one another. Tiger didn't know what would happen next but she was ready to answer if Jack tried anything. Jack nursed her neck, which was still sore from the Frankensteiner. All of that waiting and preparation, and she choked to some newcomer in white spandex. That didn't sit well with her. She could literally squish mechs like bugs and was considered one of the most dangerous criminals alive... and her first loss came from some brat she would have stomped any other day of the week with a flick of her biotics. But Jack didn't make any moves against Tiger, merely huffing with frustration as she left the ring with clear frustration burned into her face.
Nick breathed a sigh of relief. "At least we don't have to worry about separating these two."
"Indeed. White Tiger stands tall with her first victory in Final Frontier. Now, we just hope Jack doesn't take her frustrations out on anyone backstage." Johnny muttered as he tugged at his collar. "We'll be right back after these messages but don't go away, viewers, because the Final Frontier champion, Agent Washington, will be speaking next!"
Black Hat sat silently in his quarters with no sound beyond the droning hum of the ship's engines to accompany his view of the stars. His right hand absently swiveled a wine glass, sloshing the vintage liquid in patterned circles. He wasn't staring into space, rather his own reflection. His right eye rotated to his reflection's monocle. He could feel his left hand begin to tremble as he hesitantly inched it toward the monocle, his vile face scrunching up as one would when preparing to tear a band-aid from a wound.
He drew his hand away when he could hear the sounds of arguing outside his office drawing near. He gritted his and shut his eyes as he recognized the voices. Flug and Demencia; their arguing was nothing new. But he never got used to their incessant bickering.
"Out of my way, nerd! No Yes-Man is going to tell me no!" The door opened and Black Hat only needed to shift his gaze slightly to see the reflection of Demencia's shape standing in the doorway, an incensed expression burning across her face.
Flug leaned in, trembling and stammering, "I tried to warn her you were busy, sir, but she-!"
"Let her in." Black Hat said, his tone flat.
The doctor paused. He had been trying to warn Demencia against disturbing Black Hat, mostly for her own good. As much as he would like to see Demencia get put in her place, Black Hat's volatile nature was too prone to encompassing him as well. In short, if she stayed out of trouble, he stayed out of trouble. But he complied with the order and let the door close, shutting Demencia in with him.
Demencia's fists clenched with barely restrained fury. "You've been talking with Akatsuki all this time behind my back?!"
"Good evening to you as well, Demencia," Black Hat curtly replied, sipping from his glass.
Demencia bit her lip, rage saturating her tongue but even she knew she had to choose her words carefully. "You're not even going to turn around and look at me?"
"You have my attention, now speak before I grow impatient."
Demencia's mouth clicked open but no words came out immediately. Her hands absently fondled with her hair as she glued her eyes to the floor. Even when he wasn't looking at her, she knew he was aware of her every move. "You haven't said anything to me lately. I thought you'd keep me in the loop a little more."
Black Hat said nothing at first. He needed a moment to fully unpackage the girl's ignorance in its entirety. He would apparently have to spell it out. "Perhaps you were kicked in the head too hard last season, so let me clue you in. Losing to some fat cat was bad enough, but a hero who works at a convenience store? When I advertised the Black Hat Organization as the greatest service provider to my fellow malefactors, I expect my employees to live up to that reputation, and that goes double for my field agents." Black Hat stood from his chair and looked over his shoulder, his eye smoked with dormant rage. "Do you know how many villains have been questioning the authenticity of my services? Do you realize how your failures reflect on me? Yet, you have the audacity to storm into my office with such an indignant attitude?" Demencia's jaws clenched together like a magnet. She visibly shrank as each word pierced her ego. Unabated, Black Hat continued, "Unlike you, Hidan and Kakuzu have been getting results. They've won the Dynamic Duo championships and a Fiction Wrestling Award. Those who succeed will be trusted to handle the important tasks. If you can't handle something as menial as a wrestling match, then I have no reason to rely on you to tackle the more critical components of my plans. Since you have proven to be unreliable, it's time I remind you of the price of failure."
Demencia chewed on her lip, her teeth puncturing her skin and drawing blood. She knew it all too well and it wouldn't be pretty. "Black Hat, I won't fail again! Please, let me just show you…!" She stopped as she felt an invisible hand tighten around her throat. A red ring of ethereal power tightened around her windpipe and the air was forced from her lungs. Demencia gasped and gagged as she collapsed to the floor.
Black Hat's right hand was extended, the same red energy pulsing around his clenched hand. "Listen, Demencia, and listen well. You have until Andromeda to convince me of your continued usefulness. If you haven't sorted yourself out by then, far more than your status as my agent will stand to answer for it. Do I make myself clear?"
Demencia lifted her head, nodding rapidly as she silently begged to be released. Black Hat maintained his grip for a few more seconds to let the message sink in before finally relinquishing his grip. Demencia dry heaved as she drank large sums of air and coughed violently on the floor. Black Hat turned away from her, lifting his drink to his lips. "Get out."
Demencia rubbed her neck as she stumbled out of the office, brushing past Flug without so much as a glance. Flug didn't say anything but he knew Demencia looked spooked. Looking through the open door, Flug caught a glimpse of Black Hat's shadow staring out into space. Before the door slammed shut, Flug could have sworn he saw Black Hat clutch his head in what looked like silent agony.
Johnny Gomez cleared his throat and put on his professional face as the cameras focused on the commentary table, indicating the break was over. "Welcome back to Odyssey, everyone. We hope you've taken care of everything during our break, because we're about to see an announcement from Agent Washington, our Final Frontier champion."
"And later this evening, we still have the Akatsuki's open challenge to look forward to," Nick said to remind the fans back home.
"And Captain Phasma will be joining us later in the evening for our Gauntlet Match to decide who will become the number one contender for the Matriarch championship at the first Andromeda event. Then, we'll finish the evening with our main event between Shepard and Darkstar. Stay tuned for that! But for now, Washington's announcement is next!"
Agent Washington was waiting at the Gorilla position, peeking out to see the waiting crowd. He was no stranger to a large crowd but this stadium? Jam packed. And all eyes, fan and corporate alike, were going to be focused on him. Wash wasn't another name on the roster, or even an exceptional one. He was the Final Frontier champion and would have to be the face of the promotion as long as he was so. For a guy like him, it was quite a step up. Maybe too big of a step up. He was used to doing crazy stuff but he always wondered what it would be like to just settle down in some quiet place, away from all of the craziness.
"Nervous?"
Wash whipped around as an older, gravelly voice came from behind. His visor came face to face with the red gleam of Soldier: 76's. He sighed and his shoulder sagged. "Sorry, I guess I'm just wound up."
"About everything?"
Wash nodded. "It's a lot to take in. I've been world champion before in UCA's developmental but I'm the first ever world champion in a brand new promotion. Regardless of what happens, that's going on my permanent record. First Final Frontier champion. Didn't quite imagine myself in this spot so early, yet here I am."
"Save the best stuff for the crowd, don't waste it on me," Soldier said, looking out to the ring. "Just be real, the fans apparently love that."
"I was told there wouldn't be this many people."
"And I was told you would actually wear something nice."
"By 'nice', you mean an itchy suit that rides up the crotch. No thanks."
They shared a brief but genuine chuckle at that. The moment didn't last as the opening to "Someone Who Cares" by Three Days Grace started up.
"Well, I guess that's my cue," Wash said, conceding to the inevitable.
"Good luck out there, kid."
Wash looked back at Soldier with a tilted head. "I'm not that young, man."
"When you live to be as old as me, you'll have fully grown up in my book. Now, get out there and be a champion."
As Washington's theme song boomed throughout the stadium, the live fans rose from their seats to denote their support, whooping with expectancy. The Final Frontier champion had arrived. Agent Washington finally emerged from the Gorilla position with his newly won belt draped over his shoulder in clear view of the camera. The spotlights beamed down on him, calling attention to the championship's golden plating, which gleamed off the light, giving it a pristine appearance. Taking a deep breath, Wash made his descent down the ramp, answering outstretched hands with high fives.
"Agent Washington was one of our most stellar performers last season," said Johnny. "He was the runner up in the Final Frontier series, behind Kazuya Mishima with a record of seven wins and one loss, which happened to be served by Mishima himself. He went on to defeat Darkstar in the semifinals, where he held his long-awaited rematch with the King of Devil Fist and avenged his loss, as well as everyone else Kazuya had stepped on in his own ascent to the championship."
"While Kazuya's career is unlikely to suffer from this defeat, he will undoubtedly be extremely vexed at having been denied becoming the first Final Frontier champion," Nick said. "He will forever live with the knowledge that the man he had underestimated and toyed with all season was the one to inflict his first loss in F3 and beat him to the championship. Where these two men will go from here is anyone's guess but by tonight's end, we'll at least know where Wash stands."
Wash accepted a microphone from Yes-Man and entered the ring as his music faded, but was replaced by a chorus chanting, "Washington!"
Wash rubbed the back of his neck. He was already starting to feel overwhelmed by all of it. But if he screwed up, Soldier was probably going to give him a wap in the head. Then he would hit himself for screwing up. His resolve restored, Wash began with, "Well, it looks like you've all missed me." The crowd responded with cheers to spur Wash on. "If I'm being honest, I didn't imagine myself standing before you all as the first Final Frontier champion, but as circumstances would have it, that's what ended up happening. The Final Frontier series was an arduous challenge but I wasn't going to let that deter me from doing what I had to, in order to stop Kazuya Mishima from getting his hands on this. I'd be lying if I said that fighting him wasn't the hardest match of the season. Even my pounding from Doomfist, which was in no way gentle, couldn't compare to Kazuya's skill and hard-hitting style. He's extremely talented, I'll grant him that. But I couldn't let someone like that step all over everyone else on his way to the championship. I couldn't sit by and let somebody like him be the first champion. He needed a reality check, not an ego boost. He needed to recognize that someone out there could beat him and I know he didn't peg me as the one to do it. But I went on and did it at Capital Punishment."
He lowered the mic to let those words sink in for a moment. If Kazuya was hearing him, he wanted to let that settle for a bit. Wash continued. "Defeating Kazuya was a big step for me, but it was ultimately the first hurdle. I'm the Final Frontier champion now. It's not going to get any easier; the only easy match was the last one. I won't shy away from what holding this belt requires of me. I'm not going to make anybody jump through bullshit hoops to face me for this thing. I want to be recognized as a fighting champion, a champion who will step into the ring anytime, any place, and meet every challenge head on. If you think you can take this from me, I invite you to try. But whatever shot you take, make it your best. Because you can bet I'll bring my best."
Wash lowered the microphone, having said his piece. He saw no reason to remain in the ring any longer, his message was loud and clear. But his music wasn't what played as he prepared to take his leave. His message was already received.
"Kaze Ni Nare ~ The King of the World" by Ayumi Nakamura played as the audience emitted a drawn out "Ohhhh". Everyone knew this music and who it meant. Kazuya Mishima came out onto the entrance, dressed in a business suit with a long coat. He'd brought his own microphone and from the smirk on his face, he was bemused by Wash's claims.
"Oh boy, a certain someone is going to have a word with Wash," Nick said.
"Kazuya Mishima is here on Odyssey!" Johnny said as the camera focused on the King of Devil Fist's arrival.
"Oh, Wash, Wash, Wash," Kazuya said as he started down the ramp. "What am I going to do with you? Spending the off-season with that belt must inflated your ego, because watching you stand here and act like you're this upstart hero who saved F3 from the big bad Kazuya Mishima's clutches, is quite amusing but demonstrably pathetic."
Wash didn't reply. He probably should have seen this coming. Leaning into his leg with a slacked posture, he watched Kazuya drawing nearer for their inevitable face to face confrontation.
Kazuya was at the apron now, standing on the opposite side of the ropes from Wash. "Yes, the fact is that you beat me at Capital Punishment. You made me tap out. The poetic irony of that defeat was not lost on me. I was absolutely livid. All of that work and posturing went down the drain, thanks to you. Congratulations." Kazuya climbed through the middle rope and he shared the ring with the freelancer once again. The crowd kept a low volume, waiting to see what would happen. "However, you act like that victory immediately settled everything between us. You sure didn't let go of me after I pinned you the first time. What makes you believe I'll let you walk away after you swiped my prize from under my nose? As far as I'm concerned, your victory last season merely tied us up."
"So you want to challenge for the belt? Is that it?" Wash asked upfront and blunt.
Kazuya smiled. "Perhaps I am. We drew quite a crowd the last time you and I danced in this ring. Kazuya-Wash III, the brawl once and for all, the war to settle the score."
Wash's eyes locked on Kazuya's through his visor. Would he accept? After what he just said, how could he refuse? He said he accepted all-comers and here was Kazuya, offering to be his first title defense. Wash raised his mic to reply but that was when Kazuya held up a finger.
"Ah, I understand. You need time to think about it. It's a big decision, one the champion requires time to consider. Think about it over the week." Kazuya patted the freelancer's shoulder in a patronizing manner. Wash wanted nothing more than to punch him in the face, and that urge was growing with every pat. Kazuya was aware of this and silently dared him to make the first move. The King of Devil Fist turned away from Wash and made for the ropes, then stopped. He looked back at Wash and smiled wider. "I await your decision, freelancer. I'm sure you'll make the right call."
Kazuya's theme resumed playing as he exited the ring, leaving Wash alone to ponder that thought. Deep down, he already knew the answer. But he wouldn't make it vocal just yet.
"Could Wash and Kazuya be on for one more match?" Nick asked.
"Possibly, if Wash says yes," Johnny said.
"Well, he's got to! He just said he accepted anyone and everyone, Kazuya isn't disqualified from that. After all, they are tied."
"We may not hear from Washington until next week, so for now, all we can do is wait and see what he has to say then. Don't go away, ladies and gentlemen, we'll be right back with Akatsuki's open challenge!"
The lights faded, bathing the arena in darkness as music was filtered through the speakers. The opening instrumental riff was accompanied by flickering lights that drew attention to the stage. Then, the ramp was ignited by fireworks as the lyrics to "Immortal" by Adema pulsed through the speakers. Hidan and Kakuzu emerged from the Gorilla position with their newly won Dynamic Duo titles around their waists. The Akatsuki immortals peered out into the crowd, Kakuzu regarding the fans with indifference and Hidan with an obnoxious smile as he raised his belt high for everyone to see. They were the Dynamic Duo champions and knew it. Now, everyone else did too, whether they liked it or not. Hidan would run it in every single one of their faces if he could. Hopped up on adrenaline, Hidan started to whirl his belt over his head like it was an Olympic hammer but was shut down by a punch to the arm from Kakuzu.
"Ow!"
"Knock that shit off," Kakuzu growled.
Hidan rubbed his arm, muttering, "Killjoy."
"The Akatsuki were one of our stand out tag teams last season," Johnny said. "With unparalleled teamwork and sheer ruthlessness, these missing-nin ravaged their way to the finals, where they defeated the Normandy Warriors in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match to win the Dynamic Duo titles."
"It's crazy when you think about it, because Hidan and Kakuzu really don't like each other at all. You would expect most teams to be on good terms in order to get anywhere. But these guys are the exception to the rule. They don't like each other and they don't have to. They just need to work together, and they actually went the distance and won the belts." Nick said.
"In addition, the Akatsuki received the Tag-Team of the Year award at the 2019 Fiction Wrestling Awards, so they've had a stellar first year!" Johnny said.
Hidan motioned for a microphone, then swiped it from Yes-Man's clawed digits. "Give me that and sit your ass down, smiley. If you even have an ass." Hidan slid into the ring to rejoin Kakuzu, slapping the mic against the heel of his palm to gain everyone's attention. "Kill the music." The fans were already jeering at Hidan's obnoxiousness. He disregarded their condemnation with that pretentious smile of his, before he began speaking. "What did we tell you, huh? What did we tell you people last season? Oh, right! I distinctly recall Kakuzu and I saying we were going to walk out of Capital Punishment with the Dynamic Duo titles, and here we are!" He raised his belt high. His lack of grace and tact did nothing to endear himself to the fans. Boos followed and exasperated groans were on more than a few sets of lips. Hidan, of course, blew them off. "Oh, boo and groan all you want! We don't need your approval! In fact, you can blow it up your collective asses or whatever holes you alien freaks have that could pass as one!" Hidan splayed his arms and happily soaked in the boos that the stadium showered him with.
Kakuzu plucked the mic from Hidan's hand to speak next. "In spite of Hidan's idiocy, he and I are on the same page for once. We didn't come here to make friends or fans. We came here to dominate and leave a legacy. We didn't need your support to win these belts and we won't need it to keep them." Ignoring the jeering crowd, Kakuzu passed the mic back to Hidan.
"Did I mention we won Tag-Team of the Year at the FWAs? One year into our careers and we're not only champions, but we're also the first to bring an FWA home for F3! Your welcome, by the way, management!" Hidan paced around the ring, putting a hand to his ear as he listened to the crowd hurling insults at him.
"Asshole! Asshole! Asshole!" chanted the crowd.
"Sure, we're assholes! What about it? Did you not hear a fucking word we just said? You guys aren't doing your species any favors, because if your ears worked half as well as your mouths, I wouldn't get the impression you were all stupid! Moving on from the idiot fans, Kakuzu and I are out here tonight because we've decided to throw down the gauntlet and issue an open challenge!"
Kakuzu took the mic for himself and continued. "We want to send a clear message, and what better way to get the point across than in the ring for all the galaxy to see? We are the most dominant tag team in F3's short history and we intend to keep it that way for the foreseeable future. This doesn't go out to just F3's locker room, this goes out to everyone else. We didn't win these titles for Pain. We didn't win these titles for Uchiha, either. We didn't even win these titles for the Akatsuki." Kakuzu paused to glare directly into one of the cameras, as if addressing the named individuals directly. "We won these titles for us and us alone."
Hidan held up a middle finger over Kakuzu's shoulder, in clear view of the camera. Kakuzu snapped his head to glare at Hidan, who hid his arms behind his back and acted innocent. With a silent glare, Kakuzu gave the mic to his partner.
"You heard Kakuzu. This was all us! We may be part of the Akatsuki but when it comes to the Final Frontier, we look out for our own interests! That's why, from this moment forward, we will no longer be carrying the name of the Akatsuki in F3. We're our own power and our legacy will live on forever in Fiction Wrestling history! We will be what we always have been: the Immortals!"
"The Immortals?" Nick asked. "A short, but fitting name for a pair of guys who are hard to kill but also in the context of immortalizing themselves in Fiction Wrestling! And they intend to make that goal a reality in F3!"
Hidan concluded the announcement with the following, "So, any team back there that thinks they have the balls to step into the ring with us, we're right here! But know that you'll be stepping into the ring with the best damn tag team F3 has to offer, and we'll make sure you remember that when we put your asses down for the one, two, three!" Hidan tossed the mic over the ropes at Yes-Man, then he and Kakuzu discarded their cloaks.
"Well, you've heard it first-hand, people!" Johnny said. "Our Dynamic Duo champions, the newly christened Immortals, have thrown down the gauntlet and issued an open challenge to kick off tonight's show! But who will answer the call?"
Hidan took a moment to relax, leaning against the ropes as if he were resting in a hammock, locking his hands behind his head while whistling a tune. Kakuzu tilted his head toward Hidan, a single eyebrow raised as if to say, "Really?"
Hidan caught Kakuzu's glare and stopped whistling. "What?"
"You make such an ass of yourself, you know that?"
"Your point?"
Kakuzu rolled his eyes with an exasperated groan. If they didn't get an answer in the next ten seconds, he would either drive his thumbs into Hidan's wretched eye sockets or go into the back and drag some hapless soul out to the ring kicking and screaming.
Fortunately Kakuzu wouldn't have to do either as ring entrance music began playing. The call had been answered by none other Chad Lee and Joel Rawlings of Lightspeed Rescue! The blue and green Rangers shot out from behind Gorilla to "So Close Now" by David Dallas. They were hopping ready and pumped to get underway.
Yes-Man was quick to the punch and went on to announce, "And their opponents, hailing from Mariner Bay, California, Chad Lee and Joel Rawlings, Lightspeed Rescue!"
Chad and Joel dashed down the ramp and slid beneath the bottom rope into the ring, where they hopped onto the turnbuckles and backflipped off the corners to give the fans a little demonstration of what to expect. They were extremely fast and agile, and they would use that to their advantage against their missing-nin opponents.
"Power Rangers? Well, this is an unexpected but not unwelcome development!" Nick said.
"Last season, the Power Rangers were eliminated in the first round of the Dynamic Duo tournament by the Normandy Warriors, but their talents did not go unnoticed by management or the fans," Johnny said. "This pair of high flying daredevils are looking to make a splash and they are making it in a huge way tonight!"
"Going from losing in the first round, to facing the champions is quite a huge leap, don't you think?"
"A very true statement, Nick. I don't doubt their ability to put on a show, but if they can score an upset over F3's most dominant tag team, it could elevate their standing exponentially. After last season, what better way to get noticed than stepping into the ring with the reigning champions?"
While Kakuzu was stoic as stone, Hidan stifled a snicker. He clearly didn't take them seriously at all. After all, these spandex wearing stuntmen lost to the Normandy Warriors, who they defeated at the end of the tournament. These colorful punks would make a good appetizer, and he wanted first dibs.
Hidan stepped forward, popping his fingers and neck. "I'll take this one, Kakuzu. You can take five."
"Don't underestimate them," Kakuzu said, stressing each word.
"Relax, will you? We fucked those xenos back in Capital Punishment. I'm pretty sure I can take some glorified stuntmen in spandex."
Joel patted his partner on the shoulder. "I'll start."
"You sure?"
"I'm sure, I want to wipe that smug grin off of that dude's face," Joel said, pointing at Hidan.
"You're one to talk about being overconfident," Chad teased.
"But mine is actually warranted!"
"Just keep on your toes. These guys are fierce." Chad exited the ring, leaving Joel to face Hidan alone.
With Hidan and Joel both in the ring, and Kakuzu and Chad standing by on the aprons, Mills Lane called for the bell. Like an unchained pitbull, Hidan rushed out of the corner and leapt onto Joel, sandwiching him against the corner. Hidan knocked Chad off the apron with a stiff forearm, then pummeled Joel with a series of hard-hitting strikes. Hidan backed off, then threw himself back at Joel for a forearm smash before laying him out in the center of the ring with a running bulldog. It was only enough to acquire a two-count but Hidan had firmly taken the early lead.
"Hidan is like a rabid attack dog, that bell the only thing resembling a chain to keep him from tearing everyone apart!" Johnny said.
"And sometimes, a dog can slip free of his chain and attack the closest person in sight, and Joel drew the short straw," Nick said.
Hidan dragged Joel to his corner and tagged in Kakuzu, who started to climb the turnbuckle. Hidan locked Joel down with a surfboard submission to give Kakuzu enough time to reach the top. Chad had recovered and slid into the ring to assist his partner but Kakuzu had already made the jump and stuck the landing with a double foot stomp onto Joel's head! Kakuzu keeps the momentum going by demonstrating his ninja agility, using Joel's face as a launch pad to propel himself forward and lay Chad out with a running DDT!
Johnny winced. "My God, look at that! Kakuzu just used Joel's face as a pedestal to launch himself across the ring and take out Chad Lee!"
"Joel's going to be feeling that, helmet or no helmet. Whiplash is a real pain in the neck, am I right, Johnny?"
"I see what you did there, Nick."
Hidan released Joel and exited the ring before Mills could count him out. Kakuzu took his turn, lifting Joel onto his shoulders, then laid him out with a sidewalk slam. Kakuzu continued the pressure as he seized the Green Ranger by the throat and lifted him clear off his feet. Joel clawed at Kakuzu's fingers, kicking his feet and feeling for ground! Kakuzu tossed Joel into the ropes with enough force that he bounced back and got turned inside out by a big boot!
Johnny sucked his teeth. "Oh! That looked gruesome! A powerful big boot by Kakuzu may have knocked Joel Rawlings' lights out!"
Nick shook his head. "Tonight just isn't Joel's evening. If he doesn't tag out soon, we could be looking at another Akatsuki mauling."
Kakuzu kicked Joel onto his back and stomped on his chest for a cover; 1, 2, Joel presses his shoulders off the mat by elevating himself into a crab walk position. Kakuzu raised his foot to stomp on the ranger's chest chest again, but Joel changed position into a handstand and locked his legs around Kakuzu's neck to bring him down with a Hurricanrana! Joel tried to keep Kakuzu down by following up with an arm-trap crossface! Mills Lane dropped to the mat and checked to see if Kakuzu would submit but the missing-nin firmly growled in the negative. With a single burst of power, Kakuzu muscled his way out of the hold and tossed Joel into a corner. He charged Joel for an elbow smash, but the Sky Cowboy countered with a sunset flip! Joel held onto both legs for the cover; 1, 2, Kakuzu kicked out.
"A close call but not enough to pull off the upset!" Johnny said.
"Quick thinking may be what tips the scales in Lightspeed Rescue's favor but Joel is battered and every move he gets laid out with inches his team closer to defeat." Nick replied.
Chad slapped the ropes as he held out his other hand for a tag! He was hopping and anxious for some action! Joel spotted Chad's hand, his ticket to escape the ring for reprieve! Joel crawled toward his partner and reached out… but his hand only met dead air, because Hidan had infiltrated the rangers' corner and yanked Chad off the apron by the leg, leaving Joel high and dry! Hidan threw Chad into the steel steps to keep him out of commission, while Kakuzu seized his chance, grabbing the Green Ranger by the legs and dragging him to the center of the ring. Hidan climbed the apron as Kakuzu lifted Joel into an elevated powerbomb position. Hidan uttered a silent prayer to Jashin before jumping over the top rope and executing a rolling cutter/powerbomb combo!
"Kakuzu and Hidan just laid out Joel Rawlings with an elevated powerbomb/rolling cutter combo!" Johnny calls.
"Once again, the Immortals work so well together, their synergy is on point tonight!" Nick shouts.
Joel went down like a bag of hammers and Kakuzu firmly hooked both legs for the pin; 1, 2, Chad Lee broke up the pin just in time with a double axe handle to Kakuzu's back! Hidan went for a clothesline but Chad ducked and slipped behind him. Hidan turned and received a spinning back fist to the face! Chad threw Hidan into the ropes and sent him over the top with an enzuigiri! Chad rolled out of the ring just before he could be counted out by Mills Lane, but this gave Joel ample time to regain his bearings.
"An amazing save by Chad Lee to save his partner," Johnny called. "He's fresher than Joel and may be Lightspeed Rescue's only shot to turn this around."
"Had he been a mere second later, this match would have been a total blow out," Nick concurred.
Joel reached his knees, panting from exhaustion and in a bad way from all the abuse he'd taken. Kakuzu reached his feet first, however, and looked to retake control, stalking the downed Ranger. He dragged Joel up by the back of his helmet but Joel fought back, driving his foot into Kakuzu's gut. Kakuzu bent over and Joel followed up with a jumping neckbreaker. The Sky Cowboy rolled to all-fours, his body trembling and racked with fatigue. He had been running on fumes as it was but that last ditch counterattack was all he had left in the tank. Chad Lee was back on the apron and reaching out as far as he could, imploring Joel to make one last move and tag him in!
"It would appear Joel Rawlings is out of gas but Chad is right there, and both of the Immortals are incapacitated!" Johnny pointed out. "This could be his only shot!"
Chad Lee slapped the apron, trying to rally the crowd into a steady clap. It started small, then increased to a thunderous, unified chorus of clapping that drummed up Joel's resolve. Chad shouted, "I'm right here, Joel! Hand is out, make the tag!"
"The fans have rallied behind Lightspeed Rescue and are lobbying for Joel to make the hot tag!" Johnny said.
"He'd better make it quick, because the Immortals aren't going to stay down for much longer!" Nick pointed to the ring, where Kakuzu was starting to climb to a sitting position.
Joel clenched his fist, then with all of his will, forced his body to jump forward and make the tag to Chad, earning a relieved pop from the crowd! Chad vaulted over the top rope and got down to business, employing a headscissors takedown on Kakuzu. Hidan slid back into the ring but Chad spotted him early and went for a roundhouse kick. Hidan ducked and sweeped the leg but Chad dodged with a handspring, then popped back up with a cutter! Hidan was sent out of the ring again, allowing Chad to focus on Kakuzu, who was using the ropes to pull himself up. Chad grabbed Kakuzu by the waist from behind and spiked him on his head with a belly to back suplex!
"Chad Lee is getting right down to business," Johnny exclaims excitedly, on the edge of his seat.
"Of all the Power Ranger's we've seen, Chad has to be the strongest guy they've got! Did you see how hard he put Kakuzu on his skull?" Nick asked, watching the replay of Chad taking Kakuzu down in slow motion.
Chad rolled Kakuzu over and hooked the leg; 1, 2, Kakuzu sloppily kicked out. He was barely clinging to his bearings but it was enough to keep his team in the match. Chad got up and looked to the corner, then down at Kakuzu. Joel saw what Chad had in mind as well and also saw the opportunity. He was tired and aching all over… but he may gather enough energy to pull off one more maneuver for the crowd to take home. Chad and Joel shared a look, then exchanged a nod of acknowledgement as they started climbing opposite turnbuckles.
"Oh, what idea has crept into those rangers' heads?" Nick wondered.
"I think we're about to see the Power Rangers' brand of synergy," Johnny said. "And of course, they're going for the most flashy showing possible!"
Chad and Joel pointed to the fans, then each other. Kakuzu got to his knees and looked up to realize he was caught in a pincer maneuver. Joel leapt forward for a headscissors takedown but Kakuzu held on and lifted him up for a powerbomb, but Joel countered with a flip-over DDT! Chad capitalized with a 450 Splash onto Kakuzu!
"450 Splash onto Kakuzu!" Johnny called. "We could be looking at a major upset!"
Chad hooked both legs; 1, 2, Hidan suddenly reappeared on top of the turnbuckle behind Chad and jumped to send Joel out of the ring with a front missile dropkick, then fell onto Chad to break up the pin!
"Denied!" Nick yelled.
"And the pinfall has been foiled by Hidan!" Johnny said, clutching the sides of his head.
Hidan quickly slid back out of the ring, grabbed Kakuzu's wrist, then tagged himself back in. Mills was perplexed for a moment, before simply shrugging and saying, "I'll allow it."
"Can they do that?" Nick asked.
"Blind tags are a thing," Johnny said. "This is a… variation of that."
Hidan scampered back in as Chad was standing up and took the Blue Ranger to the mat with a double leg takedown. From there, Hidan started raining multiple, wild punches onto Chad, then throttled the back of his head against the mat before finishing off with a rough elbow to the visor. Hidan dragged Chad up by the neck and threw him right into the corner, then nailed a running dropkick to the abdomen! Chad clutched his gut as he staggered forward, but Hidan grabbed him to execute a swinging backbreaker! Hidan stood up and yelled at the crowd, "Death to all heathens!" Then, he stood behind Chad and started taunting him, begging him to stand up, pounding the mat with intense ferocity.
"Hidan is looking to finish off Chad! We've seen this before at Capital Punishment, we would be looking at the end!" Johnny said.
Joel started climbing the ropes but Kakuzu chopped his leg from under him, causing him to tumble onto his head and fall from the apron. Kakuzu joined Hidan in the ring and revved up his arm. Chad staggered to his feet and turned right into a vicious Spear/Running Clothesline combo from the Immortals!
"And Chad is utterly flattened by that savage combo from the Immortals, called the Death Beyond Fear!" Nick called.
"Joel is out of commission, too! Those injuries had to have caught up with him and we could be looking at the end!" Johnny said.
Kakuzu stood guard as Hidan hooked the legs for the cover: 1, 2, 3!
"And that's all she wrote," Nick said.
As Hidan and Kakuzu had their arms raised, Yes-Man announced the result. "Here are your winners, the Immortals!"
"Lightspeed Rescue put on a fantastic showing and held control for a time but the Immortals' teamwork and ferocity proved to be too much," Johnny concluded.
The Immortals were like vicious attack dogs. Set them loose and they'll happily start a fight with the closest person. The problem with attack dogs, however, was that they often didn't know when to stop. The bell had rung, the match was officially over-but not to the Immortals. Hidan and Kakuzu had something else in mind. Hidan went to fetch Joel while Kakuzu grabbed Chad by the back of his neck, lifting him off the floor with one arm.
"Wait a minute, wait a minute!" Nick yelled. "What the hell are these guys doing?! They won, the match is over!"
"I don't think they care, Nick," Johnny said grimly. "I think they want to hammer their message home in a more direct manner!"
Hidan threw Joel into the ring at Kakuzu's feet, who proceeded to haul him up with his other arm. Chad and Joel clawed at the hands clamped around their necks but their exhaustion and battered states rendered them unable to break Kakuzu's grip.
"Hey, let them go!" Mills sternly ordered. "The match is over!"
Hidan shoved Mills Lane aside. "Beat it, old man, or you can join them!" The zealot went to the side of the ring where he rested his cloak rested and stuck his hand into one of the interior pockets. The immortal sadist's eyes lit up as he brought out an elongated metal pipe.
"Can someone call security or something?!" Johnny yelled into his mic. "He's going to break someone's ribs!"
Hidan grinned maliciously as he bounced the weapon against his palm, his eyes ping ponging back and forth between the struggling green and blue rangers in Kakuzu's grasp. He lifted the pipe, pointing back and forth between Chad and Joel. "Eenie, meenie, miney, moe… you know what? I can't decide. I'll just whack you both!" Hidan broke into a deranged laugh as he reared back his arm as if he were a batter at the World Series. It was time to break some ribs.
But just beyond Hidan's shoulder, Kakuzu's eye caught two shapes bolting from the Gorilla position and sprinting down the ramp. From the relieved cheers emanating from the crowd, they were coming down fast and his partner was completely unaware due to his back being turned to the entrance. "Hidan, behind you!"
Hidan lowered the pipe with a puzzled look but his confusion was short lived as one of the assailants leapfrogged over his shoulders and served Kakuzu a double dropkick to the face, causing him to drop the rangers! The boy landed on his feet, revealing himself to none other than K.O.!
"That's K.O. from Lakewood Plaza Turbo!" Johnny called. "He's finally back in the ring after spending half of the first season concussed at the Immortals' hands!"
Hidan stared at K.O., his jaw dropping as he sputtered, "What the-?!"
Whatever obscenity he intended to spout, it was cut short when he was yanked around from behind and laid out with a Fisherman Impaler DDT!
"And K.O. isn't alone, either! Radicles has joined him in dishing out some payback on the Immortals, having just laid out Hidan with the Rad Spike, A.K.A. Fisherman Impaler DDT!"
Kakuzu rushed for K.O., who ducked under his arm and bounced off the ropes to clock the missing-nin with a Springboard Superman Punch, knocking Kakuzu down with enough force for his head to whiplash off the mat! The crowd popped as the Immortals were forced from the ring by the Bodega heroes. Hidan and Kakuzu regrouped at the entrance ramp, nursing their heads, glares with enough intensity to kill marking their faces.
"Where are you going?!" Rad yelled. "You wanted to fight? Well, here we are! Come on if you think you're tough enough!"
K.O. hopped in place, motioning for the Immortals to bring it.
As Kakuzu rose to a knee, Hidan looked ready to take them up on their offer. Even after getting spiked with a DDT, he wasn't one to back down from a fight. He started back toward the ring but Kakuzu seized his wrist and shook his head. "Not now."
Hidan scowled at his partner. He hated the idea of him and Kakuzu backing off from a fight. So what if they got the drop of them? He knew they could beat these guys! They did it before, they could do it again. But Kakuzu's mind was made up. He was already backing up the ramp. If Hidan wanted to fight, he wasn't going to have his partner to back him up. He wasn't very bright but even he recognized that if Kakuzu said no, then maybe they shouldn't. With a cross look, Hidan followed his partner to the back.
"Thank goodness for team Lakewood," Nick said.
"And what a way for young K.O. to make his comeback," Johnny added. "I think Kakuzu is going to be suffering a migraine for a few hours with how hard he got decked!"
As the adrenaline died down, feeling returned to K.O.'s wrist. He shook his hand as it started to throb, his knuckles turning a faint shade of red. In the moment, that punch was cathartic but now his hand burned as if he scraped his fist against a cinder block.
Chad and Joel had regained their bearings now. Their bodies had been spared what could have been a very unpleasant session of pain, meaning their careers wouldn't be affected. K.O. went over to check on them with a beaming smile. "Are you alright?"
"Thanks to you guys," Chad said hoarsely as he helped Joel to his feet. "Nice moves, kid."
"I helped, too," Rad said indignantly.
Chad amended his sentence. "Thank you both."
Joel groaned as he held the back of his head. "Did someone get the number of that freight train that hit me?"
"Yikes, Kakuzu really knocked you for a loop," Chad said, shaking his partner back to his senses. "I should get you checked out." He nodded toward K.O. and Rad. "We appreciate your guys' help."
Rad shrugged. "It was nothing. We've got our own score to settle with those guys."
"You guys did really well, by the way!" K.O. said, hoping to at least alleviate the pain of their loss a little.
"We appreciate that, kiddo," Chad said, warmly patting the young one's head.
"Yeah, good luck to you both," Joel said. "Those guys don't hold back."
K.O. pounded his fist into an open palm. "Neither will we!"
"There's some mutual respect between the members of Lakewood Plaza Turbo and Lightspeed Rescue. Hidan and Kakuzu aren't going to let this slide." Johnny said.
"We will have to wait and see how this develops but for now, we have the Women's Gauntlet Match coming up next. Don't go away, we'll be back right after this!"
A/N: F3 is officially back! This is just Part 1 of the episode. I will be uploading episodes in two parts, just for the sake of keeping things more palatable and easier for navigation when it comes to looking for certain sections. It also allows me to update quicker, because I will be fairly busy in the coming days, maybe months. Life has a way of taking up your schedule but I am already well into Part 2, so expect that to come up sooner or later! Thank you for reading!