aCe: WAR IS HELL

[Mr. Hyde]

Thanks, Osk! There's really no game like CotG becuase you can get direct feedback from the writer's of the game! And that is just plain awesome!

I only wish I would have jumped on board the aCe bandwagon sooner. In my opinion, the Battle for Centra allows the most creative expression out of any CotG federation. Unlike the GWF and CPC, where the politics and antics outside of the ring very rarely effect what goes on in the ring too much, with the aCe, what happens outside of the ring AND inside the ring directly effect and control each other.

With the aCe, you don't just get to write a wrestling federation; you also get to write an entire world to fit it in. And there is nothing like it.

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE 17
RAVAGER MOTHERSHIP
5TH CYCLE-2120

With the reserved rumblings of the crowd settling into their seats overhead, Nicodemus sat alone in the Ravager locker room. Silently thinking to himself, with thought processes unimaginably intricate the Ancient One was able to convince himself that there was still hope for Centra, but that Godsend must be stopped. Just like in 2119, Nicodemus was determined to rid the Essence of Godsend’s demonic tainting…by whatever means necessary.

Gheist vs. Nemean
Nemean goes almost hold for hold with Gheist, putting up an incredible fight until Gheist plants him with the SOUL SLAYER outside the ring, causing Nemean to be counted out!
WINNER: GHEIST

The crowd, much like the entire dimension, was unsure of what to think of Hybrid and, even more importantly, what to think of Nicodemus for creating him.

Hybrid vs. Grovel
This brawl started on the rampway as Grovel charges Hybrid as he approached the ring! Hybrid quickly won, slamming Grovel into the ring post and then rolling him into the ring for a match ending Downburst!
WINNER: HYBRID

Avarice & Flatliner vs. The Light Brigade
Avarice use excellent teamwork to isolate Aspin, finishing the fight convincingly with the 7TH SIN.
WINNERS: AVARICE & FLATLINER

Flatliner used his SHOCK AND AWE on Lance At-Las, taking the wanderer out of commission and allowing Avarice to arrogantly lay two black roses onto both of his opponents!

FOR STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE
Exodus vs. Ventross
These two proud warriors had a fast-paced, back and forth, hard hitting battle that ended when Exodus hit a WRATH OF GOD that seemed to dim the lights in the entire mothership for a moment!
WINNER: EXODUS (ROC RETAINS STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE)

Ventross was dazed for a bit after the thunderous WRATH OF GOD maneuver, and began to recover as Exodus offered to help him up. Ventross accepted, but was suddenly overcome by rage and frustration and attacked Exodus with a vicious onslaught! With his own people now booing him, Ventross stormed from the ring, meeting his longtime friend Warfare near the end of the entrance aisle. Warfare tried to say something but Ventross just shoved him aside and stalked past! In the ring, Exodus had just recovered and was more confused than angry.

Exodus awaited his friend Shepard to arrive to the ring, carrying a 20 foot chain with one of his wooden cross daggers fastened to the center! As Shepard blessed the cross and the chain, Painmaster dragged Sycophant to the ring by the hair and soon the two combatants were fastened to each other by the chain at their wrists. The objective of the match was simple, win by pinfall or submission and do as much damage with the cross dagger as possible!

CROSS DAGGER MATCH
Shepard w/ Exodus vs. Sycophant w/ Painmaster
This battle was a short battle that turned into a bloodbath as Shepard used the dagger ell, but Sycophant was able to gain the momentary advantage and jump off the turnbuckle with the dagger, stabbing Shepard in the head! Shepard was bleeding badly from that, and Sycophant began to use the chain and his straps together to do even more damage, bodyslamming Shepard on the canvas and stabbing him right in the eye with the dagger! Shepard was like a faucet, bleeding all over himself as Sycophant used the Masochist’s Hangman to attempt to choke him out. Shepard was almost gone when Scorch suddenly appeared, knocking Painmaster to the ground, taking his whip, and proceeding to whip Sycophant to hell with it! This gave Shepard just enough time to recover and attempt THE EXORCISM, attempting to drive the dagger into Sycophant’s chest, when Painmaster jumped on the apron and pushed Shepard off the top turnbuckle, sending him crashing to the canvas! Sycophant locked on THE TOURNIQUET, and Shepard passed out in a pool of his own blood!
WINNER: SYCOPHANT THE DEVIANT

Scorch began to whip the Painmaster outside the ring and then jumped into the ring to continue whipping Sycophant! Sycophant flopped around the ring like a dead fish and began to squeal while his eyes rolled back into his head! Scorch, disgusted, finally kicked the gruesome gimp from the ring and together with Exodus checked on the unmoving but still bleeding Shepard while Painmaster recovered his whip and dragged a still orgasmic Sycophant up the entrance aisle.

After the ring had been cleared up, a pillar of flame erupted within it as Godsend appeared! With his fiery halo and his sinister smile the King of Demons addressed the Ravager Mothership.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] As you may know, Murdok, the ‘Dread Lord’ is…shall we say MIA at the moment. But, do not think for one second that any of you, anywhere, are safe from his influence! For he named me his Second-in-Command, and therefore in his absence, I am the FIRST in Command! So, while you may have tried your best to defeat Murdok’s Crusade, you have in reality only strengthened it, because until the Plague Harvester returns, IF he returns, you will now all be dealing with GODSEND’S CRUSADE!

NON-TITLE MATCH
[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend ©[/glow] vs. Paganax
Paganax steamrolled Godsend, forcing the dmon to once again slither from the ring, but Paganax followed and bludgeoned him outside as well! Godsend’s eyes suddenly went red and he let out a primal scream as his anger boiled over and he unleashed a jetstream of flame straight at Paganax, causing a DQ!
WINNER: PAGANAX BY DQ

Godsend hurled a huge fireball at the Heathen Chief, but it only knocked the beast off of his feet instead of destroying him! Seeing that his flames could do nothing to Paganax, Godsend’s face contorted into pure rage and he disappeared within a towering inferno!

Nicodemus vs. General Rankor
Nicodemus and Rankor fought like dogs back and forth for a few minutes until Rankor was able to gain control, and created a huge upset when he made Nicodemus submit to GUILTY OF TREASON!
WINNER: GENERAL RANKOR

Flatliner and Avarice appeared and Ravager Security had to hold the crowd back as Rankor pulled on Nicodemus’ legs, making sure he could not escape from the ropes, while Flatliner delivered a SHOCK AND AWE! Flatliner, who had already delivered that move once already tonight, stumbled to a corner of the ring as Rankor let Nicodemus out of the ropes so that Avarice could plant him with the 7TH SIN! Just before he laid a black rose upon the Ancient Once, Ventross came storming from the back and LEVELED Rankor with a running tackle, attacking the General outside the ring!

Holocaust, NuBorn Destruction, Hybrid, and Nemean all stormed the ring now and chased off the Judas Syndicate, with Rankor barely escaping Ventross’ clutches!

The Ravager Troopers were able to calm the Ravager section of the audience down eventually, and the Circinus Cell was hovered into place, completely surrounding and encasing the ringside area in unforgiving steel. NuBorn Destruction received a large amount of support from the crowd as they made their way to the battle zone as all of the Ravager spectators stood up and saluted their warriors.

TAG ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
CIRCINUS CELL MATCH
[glow=blue,2,300]NuBorn Destruction ©[/glow] vs. The Living Dead
Surprisingly, Most of the fighting takes place within the ring as all four combatants take turns battling with each other like dogs, with all of the fighting being a brawl as either team tried to gain an advantage. Tekaro was finally able to get his hands on his shield and bash Noxious in the head with it! Noxious went down hard as Warfare and Cremator battled fiercely across the cage. Warfare whipped Cremator into the cage wall and charged in with a shoulder tackle, but Cremator, with possibly his last bit of evolved thought process, slipped out of the way, sending Warfare crashing THROUGH the cage and into the spectators! Tekaro, bloodied from the fighting, attacked Cremator, actually causing the zombie to run and scale the outside of the cage, climbing on top of it! The crowd took a deep gasp as Warfare climbed the cage as well. Cremator fought like a monster against both foes, but Tekaro bashed him with his shield, and together NuBorn Destruction performed their own version of Antilian Ruins on Cremator, sending the zombie crashing the roof and to the ring below! Climbing down, Tekaro pinned Noxious to the cage by piercing him with his spear, and then Warfare delivered THE BIG PAYBACK just for good measure, allowing Tekaro to cover the obliterated Cremator for the win!
WINNERS AND STILL ESSENCE CHAMPIONS: NUBORN DESTRUCTION

The crowd celebrated as Tekaro and Warfare were once again handed the Essence Tag Championship! Due to reconnecting with the title, Tekaro’s usually invisible glowing tribal markings returned momentarily and Warfare’s eyes and mask began to glow. As the wrecked Circinus Cell began to float back up toward the ceiling, Noxious tore himself away from it and shambled into the ring.

Suddenly, Cremator began to stir, and with his ribcage disgustingly protruding from the front of his torse and the remnants of his spinal column seemingly shattered, the ghoul got to it’s feet! Looking back from the Ravager Army entrance aisle, Tekaro and Warfare were disgusted and frustrated with Cremator’s recovery and watched as both of the ghouls let out a simultaneous screech, as if to say NuBorn Destruction may have won the battle, but certainly, and literally, not the war.

[Mr. Hyde]

THE SCENE: A FLASHBACK IN AEGIS' MEMORY

The turbulent waves were literally pounding the sea ship, rocking her back and forht violently as the thunderous downpour continued to batter the upper decks of the ship. With their gear soaked and dripping, and the deck upon which they worked far too slippery to gain a permanent foothold, several of the ROC's most trusted soldiers struggled to drag the giant coffin from out of the bowels of the ship and into the ravenous night air.

With Aegis and Shepard pushing from behind and Lance At-Las and Exodus pulling from the other side, the coffin finally made it's way onto the deck, sending Lance sliding across the florr with a splash. Shepard and Aegis now maneuvered the grim vessel precariously across the deck, slipping the while way. Exodus made his way to the back end of the dock to open the cargo door as Lance joined to help Shepard and Aegis.

Were it not for the fortified and blessed chains now wrapped around the coffin, the furious and frantic pounding from within it might have been enough to allow the Plague Harvester to escape his new, and forced tomb. With the back of the boat opened up and the coffin now set on the edge of the ship, Aegis gave one final look at the surrounding area and promptly tossed the weighty titanium tomb from the deck, casting it into the frothing mad sea. In a matter of seconds, the coffing was deep below the surface. It had been swallowed whole by the depths of the Tarkanian Sea, never to be seen again.

Aegis: Shepard, are you sure your chains will hold?

Shepard: Yes, sir. Exodus and I both blessed them.

Aegis: (with one final glance at the ocean) Then our work is done.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE SCENE: THE FRONT STEPS OF THE HOUSE OF CENTRA PARLIAMENT BUILDING

Lance: (whispering)Aegis...Aegis...(nudging with his elbow) Aegis!

The nudge from Lance woke the leader of the ROC from his daydream. A bit startled, the corporal looked around him.

Lance: You're about to be called.

Just then, Aegis heard the Centra Official announce his name, and with a round of applause accompanying him, Aegis strode to the podium before him.

Aegis: Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I have some good news and some poignant new for all of you todat, so let me get right to business. First of all, the rumors circulating are indeed true, early this morning I recieved CONFIRMATION that the Crusade forces on the Palladium Moon have been totally defeated. Now, while resistance on Mecatoid continues to provide a challenge for our men, the Centra Palladium has been officially liberated, for the first time in almost a year and a half, from all forms of the Plague! Clean up of the moon will begin immediately, which means the renovation and restoration of the beloved Centra Palladium Arena itself! This also means that Plague activity down here should see a dramatic drawback, which, as far as I'm concerned, is the best news that I have heard since 2117!

Now, on to more official news. The ROC, in conjuction with the rest of the aCe, has decided to official take the Strategic Advantage 'theory' from the aCe and replace it with a material and physical indication of battlefield control. So, at Battle 18 the aCe will christen the Battlefield Title. It will serve the same purpose as Strategic Advantage, providing whomever controls it with the power to make matches and decide where a battle should take place. It will be defended at every battle and can be defended in the same manner as Strategic Advantage. Now that our official business is out of the way, I am open to any questions...

---WE INTERUPT THIS BROADCAST TO BRING YOU...---

LIVE from studio NMN No. 1 on The Ravager Mothership, it's:

THE NEMEAN SHOW!

With your host, the vastly popular Nemean!

The shot opened up to a red backdrop curtain with gold block letters spelling out 'The Nemean Show' written in glitter. Accompanied by a chorus of canned applause, Nemean strode into the center of the screen with his head bandaged and waved down his 'fans' as the sound effect was lowered in volume.

Nemean: Thanks for coming, everyone. We have a great show for you tonight, with our special guest, The Spectral Assassin, Gheist! Now, of course Ghesit would never be allowed on the mothership, so we've contacted him by visual comm-link. Let's lower the holovision now guys, because here he is: Gheist!

As Nemean took a seat behind his desk a floating vid monitor hovered beside him and onscreen appeared a photograph of Gheist! However, the lower portion of the photograph was missing, replaced with a video of a mouth, seemingly Ravager, with white make up on!

Nemean: So, Gheist, let's get right to business. I've been whooping your butt in our feud thus far. So at Battle 17, in a desperate attempt to save yourself, you resorted to cheating and spiked my head into the ringside floor, getting yourself a cheap little count-out win. So, my question is: Just who do you think you are?

Fake Gheist: (in an exaggerated voice) I am Gheist! I am a Spiritual Assassin! I'm very spiritual, I go to church every sunday!

Nemean: Yeah, well, you can't spell 'Assassin' without two asses, and you certainly fit that description. You have one ass on your backside, and one ass where your face should be!

Gheist: Blarg! How dare you insult me! I am Gheist! I am a Spiritual Assassin! I got church every sunday! Don't make me use The Possessor! You don't want that!

Nemean: Where did you even get The Possessor?

Gheist: A cereal box! It's the best toy Centra-O's ever had!

Nemean: Right. Listen, I know you're just a sad little ghosty, but at Battle 18, I'm gonna have to beat you up, man. That's just the way it is.

Gheist: Nonsense! I am a Spiritual Assassin! I go-

Nemean: Yeah, yeah. Listen, you're boring me, and worse, you're boring my fans, so why don't you take your pasty ass out of here before you embarass yourself any more. Goodbye.

Gheist: (as the screen fades) No, wait! I am a S................

Nemean: Gheist, everybody! (canned applause) Alright, we have to take a commercial break, but when we come back, musical guest 'Braaaiiiiins' will be here! Stick around, we'll be right back!

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE PLAN

BATTLE 18
RAVAGER MOTHERSHIP
5TH CYCLE-2120

Hybrid vs. Grovel

Exodus vs. Ventross

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE
Nemean vs. Gheist
*Nemean has asked for this match as an epic blowoff showdown to his feud with Gheist. Not caring about Nemean or his 'feuds', the ROC conceded*

Nicodemus & Holocaust vs. Darkness Falls

Scorch w/ Shepard vs. Painmaster w/ Sycophant
*Scorch returns from injury to fight the man who put him out alone while his partner, Shepard, recovers*

BATTLEFIELD TITLE
Aegis vs. General Rankor
*As the only member of the ROC able to defend Strategic Advantage tonight, instead of challenging Godsend for the Essence he will instead compete for the Battlefield Title*

The Light Brigade vs. Avarice & Flatliner

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
FOUR CORNERS OF CENTRA MATCH
[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend ©[/glow] vs. Paganax
*Aegis believed Paganax deserved a chance at the Essence in an environment where he could not be cheated and Godsend could not be disqualified. Godsend will have to drag the monstrous Heathen Chief to all four corners of the ring in succession if he wishes to keep his grasp on the Essence of Centra tight*

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE 18
RAVAGER MOTHERSHIP
5TH CYCLE-2120

Due to the influx or Tribesmen, the crowd was now just about split equally between The Ravager Army, The ROC, and Tribesmen of Primus. Even though Ravager security was very tight, there was still no way that absolute safety could be assured to any spectator, yet so many had began to make the pilgrimage to the battles, that it almost appeared the residents of Centra were ENJOYING the warfare. As he sat in the Ravager Locker Room, Nicodemus pondered over this, and decided that it was just one of the abundant negative traits of the Dimension of Centra.

Hybrid vs. Grovel
Grovel absorbed a lot of punishment, but kept coming back, slowly wearing Hybrid down. Hybrid hit a POISON DRIVER, but Krypt and Jakyll began to make a ruckes at ringside and Hybrid abandoned the pin, allowing Grovel to recover and eventually win with a Falling Head Ram!
WINNER: GROVEL

As the Tribesmen celebrated, Nicodemus made his way to the ring along with several Ravager Troopers and injected Hybrid with some sort of fluid. Hybrid almost immediately fell unconscious as Nicodemus and the Ravager Troopers hauled the gigantic experiment out of the ring and headed to Nicodemus’ lab so that the Ancient One could attempt to somehow improve the performance of his so far failing experiment.

Exodus vs. Ventross
With just a few quick moves, Ventross was able to hit the MERCY KILLING and get a fast win over Exodus!
WINNER: VENTROSS

Ventross was subsequently booed by most of the Ravager and Centran crowd. He was very, very upset by this and stormed from the arena yet again, but this time trying not to show how hurt his own people had made him.

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE
Nemean vs. Gheist
This battle did not even have the chance to go around the arena because Gheist quickly used the SOUL SLAYER for the win, obviously not pleased with Nemean’s antics on The Nemean Show.
WINNER: GHEIST

Nicodemus & Holocaust vs. Darkness Falls
Krypt and Jakyll looked more ferocious than ever as they used an uncanny amount of excellent teamwork to finally out Nicodemus away with the RED DAWN! The Tribesmen section of the audience went absolutely crazy!
WINNERS: DARKNESS FALLS

Shepard has mended his torn mask since Battle 17, however he had also interwoven an eyepatch into the fabric to cover up his severely damaged left eye. Ravager physicians said he had almost lost that eye due to Sycophant, so the Vagabond Priest wanted to take every precaution to make sure The Deviant did not have the chance to finish the job.

Scorch w/ Shepard vs. Painmaster w/ Sycophant
Scorch unloaded many, many weeks of frustration on Painmaster, but the Sickening Sadist outbrawled the miner and took the win with his dangerous FACE FIRST CRASH.
WINNER: THE PAINMASTER w/ Sycophant

Sycophant tossed Painmaster his whip, Enslavement, but Shepard went into action and attacked The Painmaster before he could use the weapon. Painmaster dropped Enslavement as Sycophant jumped Shepard, but a recovering Scorch grabbed the whip and started to lash S&M with it! Painmaster got out in a hurry, but Sycophant just seemed to enjoy it so eventually The Specialists tossed him from the ring and then tossed Enslavement into The Ravager section of the crowd, saying “If you want it, go get it!” Painmaster was not amused.

BATTLEFIELD TITLE
Aegis vs. General Rankor
Aegis came out on fire and completely obliterated Rankor in record time, breaking the General’s noce with a pin point accurate RAMPART’S REVENGE!
WINNER: AEGIS (ROC NOW CAPTURES THE BATTLEFIELD TITLE)

The crowd went crazy as Aegis was handed a large, almost shimmering ammunition belt, which was the Battlefield Title itself. The belt had been worn by a now deceased commanding officer in the heaviest fighting for the Centra Palladium, and had been recovered and restored as both a memorial and championship. The rest of the ROC filled the ring with their leader and shared a loud ‘God Bless the ROC!” as their brave leader began to speak.

Aegis: Murdok is gone! And no matter what Godsend says, the Crusade is on life support! The undead hordes are being destroyed as we speak, the Plague has stopped spreading on Centra Prime, and now the only thing left to do is put the final nail in the coffin, to send all of the lifeless bastards back to where they came from! (Centrans cheer) At Battle 20, whether the Essence Bearer be Godsend or Paganax, they will have to get through me! Because right here and now I am issuing a challenge to both Paganax and Godsend: If you are the Essence Bearer, be a true warrior, and go to war with ME! (Centrans and Ravagers cheer)

As Aegis led the rest of his ROC from the ring, within their own locker rooms, Godsend, Paganax, and even Nicodemus took exception to the declaration of the bravest Rampart.

The Light Brigade vs. Avarice & Flatliner
Aspin and Lance were holding their own against Avarice and Flatliner, but Aspin made one misstep and Avarice just dismantled him after that. Aspin was eventually able to make a desperate tag to Lance, but Flatliner and Avarice used slick teamwork to quickly beat him down, too, finishing the bout with a SHOCK AND AWE.
WINNERS: AVARICE & FLATLINER

The Tribesmen section of the crowd went berserk as the Heathen Chief appeared for the final bout of the night. Shortly after he entered the ring, a column of fire erupted and Godsend also appeared inside the ring with the One Essence Championship around his waist. As Godsend handed off the title, his smirk began to show once again, angering the usually volatile Paganax. The Ravager Referee was handed a 20 foot chain and as he approached the Demon King to fasten his wrist to it, Godsend began to speak.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (as his wrist is being fastened to the chain) It doesn’t matter how much noise your pigs of Primus make, Paganax, I am leaving this ring with the Essence.

Paganax: (as he too is fastened) You make much noise, but make little action! Primus calls for Essence! I WILL DELIVER!

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (eyes going red and voice deepening) No, Heathen Chief. The King of Demons is here to stay, and no creature, not you, not Aegis, not even Vallah will EVER dethrone me again!

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
FOUR CORNERS OF CENTRA MATCH
[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend ©[/glow] vs. Paganax
Godsend and Paganax fought back and forth without anyone gaining an advantage for a few minuted. Paganax began to build momentum and Godsend predictably ran to the floor, where balled up the chain around his fist and clobbered Paganax with it as the Heathen Chief attempted to exit the ring! Godsend went on the attack from there, just pounding away with the chain and keeping Paganax from making any sort of coherent comeback. Godsend used the chain in conjuction with HELL’S THRESHOLD to choke the Fire Beast out, but was foiled from winning when Paganax began to fight back! Godsend would not be denied, however and quickly locked in HELL’S THRESHOLD once more, keeping the chain strangling Paganax until he stopped moving, appearing to have been strangled to death! Godsend then laboriously dragged the beast around the ring, touching all four corners, and making an undeniably dominant title defense!
WINNER AND STILL ONE ESSENCE BEARER: GODSEND

Godsend had the title handed back to him and quickly let himself out of the shackles with Paganax. As he placed the belt around his waist, the proud demon flashed a cocky grin and raised his arms into the air.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] Like I said! No creature, not Paganax, not Nicodemus, not Aegis, not even Vallah HIMSELF can take from me what is mine! Gaze upon my power, Centra, and tremble before it!

With that, Godsend erupted into a tower of fire once more and disappeared, leaving an angry and recovering Paganax alone inside the ring.

[Mr. Hyde]

THE SCENE: A BARREN MARSHLAND ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF FATALIA CITY, ANTILIA

Gheist: (quickly pulling his hand out of the soggy soil) DAMNIT!

As Gheist withdrew his hand, a diseased and skeletal hand was pulled out of the ground along with it as one of Murdok's shambling minions attempted to drag Gheist below ground. Gheist rapidly drew The Possessor and with one swift motion cut the zombie's hand away from it's body. Standing up and shaking off the now severed ghoul's hand, Gheist turned towards his cohorts in disgust.

Gheist: These damnable things! Now I KNOW Murdok is still alive somewhere because any time we even get CLOSE to this city, all the ghouls go into defensive mode. Smart bastard must have predicted we would try to rob him and leave.

Painmaster: (looking toward Fatalia City) I believe you are right, assassin. And with all of these cretins around, there is no way any of us, not even you, will be able to get in and out of that city with Murdok's money. Pity.

Gheist trod over the stinking soil of the dead planet to peer off into the distance beside Painmaster and Sycophant.

Gheist: (brandishing The Possessor) Face it, boys. We need to find Murdok if we ever hope to get paid for all this.

Painmaster: Yes. and if he is still alive, I am sure the ROC is keeping him prisoner somewhere. Maybe even...(smiling at the thought)...torturing him.

Gheist: (looking at Painmaster oddly) Well, there's no better way to find out information than to take a prisoner of our own.

Painmaster: Yes. A new play thing. (looking at his subject) Would you like a new toy, Sycophant, my dear?

Sycophant: (on his knees in the mud) Yes, master.

Painmaster: It's settled, then. (seeing Gheist staring at The Possessor) Your weapon, Gheist. It is famous throughout many dimensions. I've never seen any blade do the things it can. What is the secret?

Gheist: (smiling) The Possessor and I are a regular Bonnie and Clyde, you might say. She is a wonderful companion.

Painmaster: She? Bonnie and Clyde?

Gheist: Yes. You see, we are both spirits. One in here (pointing at himself) and one in here (pointing at The Possessor). Every time we take another body, we switch. For the past few years, I've been the assassin and she has been the weapon. But it wasn't always that way.

Painmaster: So, which one of you is Gheist, then?

Gheist: Two spirits, one mindset. (holding The Possessor up beside his head) WE are Gheist.

Just then, a tower of flame shot into the sky from Boneshatter Castle. It was Godsend's signal flare.

Painmaster: It appears the demon wishes to call another meeting. Let's keep our plan between all of us for now, shall we?

Gheist: (quickly putting away The Possessor) Yes, all four of us.

Painmaster: (yanking on Sycophant's spiked leash as he turns to leave) COME!

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE PLAN

BATTLE 19
THE RAVAGER MOTHERSHIP
6TH CYCLE-2120

The Light Brigade vs. The Living Dead

Hybrid vs. General Rankor
*Nicodemus requested the chance to test Hybrid's new 'tweaks' against the Traitorous One*

BATTLEFIELD TITLE
Exodus vs. Gheist

ELIMINATION 6-MAN TAG
The Cyber-Union & Nemean vs. Darkness Falls & Grovel

NON-TITLE MATCH
Godsend © vs. Aegis
*Aegis wants to fight Godsend before his anticipated One Essence opportunity in order to know exactly what he is up against*

Ventross vs. Paganax

CENTRA DEATH MATCH
The Specialists vs. S&M w/ Trisis
*Shepard is ready to battle the disgusting duo alongside his partner, but his eye is not full healed. Although Aegis worried that S&M might target the eye, he consented to Shepard's wishes for this match*

ESSENCE TAG CHAMPIONSHIP
[glow=blue,2,300]NuBorn Destruction ©[/glow] vs. Avarice & Flatliner
*Both Lance At-Las and Aegis do not believe The Light Brigade is ready to fight NuBorn Destruction, and with Avarice & Flatliner being the only undefeated challenger thus far, Aegis has made this match, hoping the Tag Essence Bearers can knock the challengers from the Judas Syndicate down a notch*

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE 19
THE RAVAGER MOTHERSHIP
6TH CYCLE-2120

In the Ravager Portion of the arena, Warfare sat with his head in his hands. He heard the locker room door slide open, and then heard as Tekaro set down the Shield of Ancients he had had bestowed upon him.

[glow=blue,2,300]Tekaro:[/glow] (taking notice of Warfare’s sad countenance) For most of this year we have been battling MY former partner. And although I have never had any sort of bond with that vile vermin, now that we must face YOUR former partner, I have a feeling circumstances are different.

[glow=blue,2,300]Warfare:[/glow] (looking up) Flatliner and I had formed a bond. The kind of bond only soldiers can form. But with him going insane because of the armor and Ventross going insane because of the war…sometimes I can’t help but think that it would better if none of this had ever happened. That maybe Centra just needs to start over. Completely.

[glow=blue,2,300]Tekaro:[/glow] I have often pondered the same thing. It would be better if the dark fate of my people could be simply erased from time and space. However, we must trust in the Ancient Ones. They have a plan, and we must give everything that we possibly can to ensure that their plans succeed…no matter what demons from our past we must destroy along the way.

[glow=blue,2,300]Warfare:[/glow] (standing up)…I can never forgive Flatliner for what he has done. (looking to Tekaro in agreement) We must fight for Nicodemus, no matter what or whom we must destroy in the process.

The Light Brigade vs. The Living Dead w/ Trisis
All four combatants have a very fierce battle, but Aspin gets isolated for too long and Noxious and Cremator put him away with an ANTILIAN RUINS.
WINNERS: THE LIVING DEAD

Noxious’ putrid lips curl back as he bears his jagged teeth, lunging at Aspin’s throat! Aspin, exhausted, can only barely hold the zombie off as Lance fights desperately to break free of Cremator and Trisis to save his pupil! Just as Noxious’s dripping fangs come mere centimeters from Aspin’s flesh, a blast of powder erupts in the ghoul’s face as Shepard and Scorch make the save with Shepard’s Anti-Virus! Noxious begins to claw at his face in frantic agony as Cremator drags him from the ring and away from the powerful forces of The Specialists and The Light Brigade.

Hybrid vs. General Rankor
The Traitorous One uses 3 GUILTY OF TREASON’S and even resorts to using steel chairs but cannot keep the seemingly revamped Hybrid from coming back for more! After a brutal Brain Damager, Hybrid grabs a tight hold on Rankor’s head and begins twisting to and fro viciously, forcing the General to submit to the Crossbreed Crippler!
WINNER: HYBRID

Even after the bell Hybrid refuses to let go, tearing away at Rankor’s head and neck ferociously! It is not until Nicodemus, who looked somewhat satisfied, came to the ring and gave Hybrid the order to stop that the sludge monster complied. Rankor was left clutching his head and had to be carried from the ring by Flatliner!
--General Rankor was injured

BATTLEFIELD TITLE
Exodus (c) vs. Gheist
Gheist attacked ferociously, using The Possessor to slice Exodus’ face, arms and torso badly. Exodus valiantly fought back, but Gheist was able to deliver a SOUL SLAYER out of nowhere! Exodus seemed to be completely out as Gheist went for the cover, but at 2.5 a huge pistol came crashing into Gheist’s head as Hustler began to PISTOL WHIP the Spectral Assassin! Hustler beat Gheist senseless and when the referee was finally able to get Hustler out of the ring, Exodus dimmed all the lights in the entire mothership with a huge WRATH OF GOD for the win!
WINNER: EXODUS (ROC RETAINS BATTLEFIELD TITLE)

A bloody and battered Exodus rolled from the ring as Hustler jumped back into it, both pistols in hand! Hustler was livid as Gheist was just beginning to stir. Hustler was still wearing the bullet-proof vest he had been wearing at Battle 12 as he stood over the Spectral Assassin and began shouting in his face.

Hustler: (pointing at the tear in his vest where The Possessor had once pierced him) You want to try to kill me!? You wanna f wit’ me!? Do you? You tried to take me out, bitch, but yo pasty ass didn’t finish the motherfucking job! You wanna try to kill me, son? That’s fine, cause now I’M gonna kill YOU, motherfucker!

As Gheist began to get to his knees, Hustler took a step back, aimed his pistols, and put 4 bullets right into Gheist’s head and torso! Most of the crowd gasped in shock as Nicodems now gave the order and his Ravager Troopers flooded the ring, tackling and handcuffing a still cussing Hustler! Hustler put up a fight but was eventually led from the ring in cuffs as Aegis and Lance At-Las appeared on the scene. As the Ravager Troopers slowly filed out of the ring, it soon became apparent that the once limp body of Gheist that had been lying on the canvas had somehow vanished during all of the commotion!

ELIMINATION 6-MAN TAG
The Cyber-Union & Nemean vs. Darkness Falls & Grovel
Nicodemus dominated the opposition for a few minutes until he got isolated in the wrong corner! While Krypt distracted the referee, Grovel grabbed some sort of rock from other Tribesmen at ringside and bashed Nicodemus in the head with it, cracking his fishbowl! As vaporous nuclear mist began to escape the helmet, Jakyll and Krypt hit the RED DAWN to quickly eliminate the Ravager Commander! Ravager medics and Troopers rushed the ring and quickly pulled an obviously in danger Nicodemus to safety as the Planet Primus team began to batter Holocaust! Holocaust fought back with anger for his comrade’s injury and made the tag to a fired up Nemean who proved to be the team MVP as he was able to defeat Krypt with a HUNGER STRIKE and survive a pummeling from Jakyll and Grovel, only to dodge a falling head ram and eliminate Grovel with a Fusion Bomb! Exhausted, the 3 remaining soldiers carried on, with Jakyll landing a frankensteiner to Holocaust outside of the ring, causing the cyborg to be counted out and eliminated! Nemean fought fiercely for his team, taking the advantage and whipping Jakyll to the ropes. Nemean charged with a flying forearm, but Jakyll connected with a flying dropkick that knocked Nemean out in the center of the ring for the grueling and exhausting win!
WINNERS: DARKNESS FALLS & GROVEL
--Nicodemus was injured

The Tribesmen in the crowd went crazy as The Ravagers got irate. Suddenly, commotion began to break out in the stands as out of control Tribesmen began to fight with the Ravager spectators! Ravager Troopers had to get involved and just barely kept a full-blown riot from taking place!

After the crowd had settled, Aegis appeared, welcomed by a huge ovation from the Centran spectators. Soon thereafter, Godsend appeared, with his arrogant grin being the first thing able to be seen within his tower of flames.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (emerging from the flames) If memory serves correctly, the last time we met in battle I was making you submit to me in record time. What makes you so sure that this engagement won’t end the same way?

Aegis: Last time you and Murdok used Trisis to distract me. Murdok is gone now. I’ve made sure of that. You don’t have him to help you out.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] Yes, I have been meaning to applaud you for your ‘courageous’ efforts in disposing of Murdok. But, just because the Harvester is not here, does not mean Trisis should escape your mind. (Aegis’ eyes narrow) You see, unlike Murdok I do not need her distractions to defeat you. And as such, she is nothing to me. (a small flame lighting in his hand) In fact, maybe I should bring her out here right now and incinerate her before your eyes. I can and I WILL destroy her at any time I feel is right, corporal. (smiling very wide) Maybe you should think about that before you decide to challenge me for my Essence, jackass.

Aegis: (clenching his fists) One day, your sins will be repaid to you ten-fold, serpent.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (his eyes go red as the ring bell sounds) I certainly hope so! (cackling) I wouldn’t want to be doing all of these nasty things for free, now!

NON-TITLE MATCH
[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend ©[/glow] vs. Aegis
Aegis and Godsend battled like fighting dogs back and forth, using all of their most powerful maneuvers and finishers back and forth. Godsend was able to slip on his SPEAK OF THE DEVIL out of nowhere, and this put Aegis on defense for the rest of the fight a Godsend continued to apply the SPEAK OF THE DEVIL in an obvious attempt to gain control of Aegis! Aegis refused to quit, and refused to be hypnotized, spending almost 8 full minutes in Godsend’s devious clutches without being possessed! Frustrated, Godsend finally locked on HELL’S THRESHOLD, and after another excruciating period of time, forced Aegis to submit once again!
WINNER: GODSEND

Godsend had also taken a beating during the fight and put as much distance between himself and Aegis as possible.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (trying to get to his feet) Do you see, Rampart? I cannot be defeated. Not you, not Murdok, not Nicodemus, not Rankor, not Paganax, not Vallah, NO-ONE CAN STOP ME!

Aegis: (barely stirring) I…found a way to…bury Murdok…I will find…a way to defeat you…snake.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (taking his title and disappearing amid his flames) I am no mere Plague Harvester. I am the King of Demons. You will never win.

Ventross vs. Paganax
Both behemoths took turns battering each other with powerful and devastating maneuvers. Paganax survived a MERCY KILLING early on and Ventross kicked out of a PAGAN VOID shortly thereafter, but another PAGAN VOID late in the match gave a powered up Heathen Chief the victory!
WINNER: PAGANAX

CENTRA DEATH MATCH
The Specialists vs. S&M w/ Trisis
Painmaster attempted a stretch bomb on Scorch, but lost his grip on the way up, allowing Scorch to roll behind him and roll him up for the surprise victory in this chaotic brawl!
WINNERS: THE SPECIALISTS

Shepard had managed to fend off Sycophant and Painmaster’s attacks towards his covered eye, but he had now let Trisis get a bit too close and she lashed out, scratching at the Vagabond Priest’s eye! Shepard shouted out in pain as he stumbled backwards, giving Sycophant the opportunity to tie him up with one of his suit straps from behind and begin to pound away at Shepard’s eye patch! Scorch, wielding a chair, chased Sycophant off, but as Painmaster dragged his companion away by the hair, Shepard was left writhing on the outside of the ring, holding his face.

The natural self-control of all Ravagers shone tonight as Flatliner accompanied Avarice to the ring. The cold-blooded murdering machine had blatantly and maliciously killed several innocent Ravagers on the night that it had taken over Trench’s mind, and now it was poised to do battle with two of the Ravager Army’s biggest heroes with the most valuable possession in the dimension at stake.

ESSENCE TAG CHAMPIONSHIP
[glow=blue,2,300]NuBorn Destruction ©[/glow] vs. Avarice & Flatliner
Quaking with fury, Warfare stepped up to start the match off, but Avarice directed Flatliner to the apron and stepped up for his own team! It was immediately apparent that Avarice was not prepared for the immense wrath of NuBorn Destruction as both Warfare and Tekaro obliterated the favorite son of the Family Rose and put him away decisively with THE BIG PAYBACK!
WINNERS AND STILL ESSENCE CHAMPIONS: NUBORN DESTRUCTION

The Ravagers in the audience went wild as it seemed like they had finally been able to find undefeatable heroes in NuBorn Destruction! Avarice was only able to roll out of the ring after the beating he had taken, and even though his insides boiled with anger, he was able to keep himself cool. As Warfare accepted his Essence Title back he suddenly saw Flatliner jump into the ring! Warfare whirled around, ready for an attack, but Flatliner stopped in the center of the ring and Warfare saw that, for the first time in 6 months, the eyes of the killing machine were clear.

The two former comrades stared each other down for what seemes like an eternity, until with a voice more human that machine, Flatliner spoke!

Flatliner: Help me, Warfare.

For a few moments, Warfare stood in shock. But as he gazed upon the abomination before him, his anger suddenly took over and he violently smashed the Essence Title right over Flatliner’s head, putting the cyborg down! Standing over his fallen foe, the giant began to scream.

[glow=blue,2,300]Warfare:[/glow] (with tears beginning to roll but madness coming even easier) YOU ARE DEAD, TRENCH! AND NO MATTER WHAT THIS MURDERER SAYS TO ME, I KNOW THE TRUTH! TRENCH IS DEAD! (getting into Flatliner’s face and almost whispering) And now I shall make it my responsibility to ensure that this homicidal shell of a living creature meets the same fate.

[Mr. Hyde]

THE SCENE: A DARK AND DESERTED CATHEDRAL, LONG ABANDONED BY CENTRAN FARMERS

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] This place is perfect, Grimcraft. Absolutely perfect.

With his torso illuminated by the streams of ghostly light coming through the large stained-glass windows at the back of the cathedral, the King of Demons surveys the building with the greatest of satisfaction.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (slowly walking down the center aisle, toward the back of the church) If only the time was right to summon them. It's so close, I can taste it. Can't you, Grimcraft?

Out of the shadows behind Godsend emerged a bent old man cloaked in a dark hood.

Grimcraft: Your message is spreading, my lord. They see you defeat the likes of Aegis and Paganax and cannot help but be mesmerized by your unholy graces. Just a few months more, and your time will come.

The far off rumbling of a Centran cannon barrage suddenly pervaded the still atmosphere. Annoyed, Godsend threw open the doors to the cathedral and gazed upon the deserted village upon Centra's Mecatoid Moon.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] Murdok's ghouls have already been defeated on the Palladium Moon. And the Centra Guard prescence here will ensure that the zombie cretins will not hold out for long. (smiling) I will just have to give them a little help, then. (as Grimcraft exits the church beside his master) Deacon Grimcraft, this is officially the birthplace of my Dominion! (erupting into flames) And I must ensure it's safety until my Knights can be summoned!

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THE SCENE: A MEDICAL ROOM WITHIN THE EVER-GROWING SYNDICATE HEADQUARTERS ON PRIMUS

With his head, neck, and shoulders locked into a complicated bracing device, General Rankor sat within a specially designed chair. Beside him were Avarice and Flatliner, while staring them down from across the room stood Paganax, Darkness Falls, and Grovel.

Rankor: Look at what it has done to me, Paganax! Now I must be forced to wear this neck brace and endure terrible suffering! All because YOU can not control your own people!

Paganax: Do not berate, dog! Were you not so weak to be defeated by lowliest of Tribesmen, you could have defended yourself!

Rankor: (deeply offended at the thought of being weaker than any Tribesman) WHAT! WHAT? Avarice! Flatliner! Escort them out of my sight! By any means necessary!

Avarice: (bluntly) No.

At this point, Rankor let out a scream of frustration and pounded the arms of his chair, only to wince in pain and quickly stiffen up.

Rankor: (still wincing) Every time that abomination marches out to the ring it is a blatant slap in the face of Planet Primus. A slap in YOUR face, Heathen King. Hybrid's mere existance is an affront to your people and to your pride, and the fact that you still allow it to live is a disgrace to a creature so mighty as yourself.

Paganax: (silently agreeing with Rankor) I will put creature out of misery in own time. YOU worry about OWN weakness!

With that, Paganax led his entourage from Rankor's chamber, leaving the Traitorous One still brooding. As they made their way out of the metallic halls of the complex, Krypt gathered enough courage to address his Chief.

Krypt: (in his native tongue) What shall we do about Hybrid, my lord?

Paganax: (sternly) You and Jakyll focus on obtaining the Tag Essence Championships. I will humble Hybrid on my own. And then, I will annhilate him.

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THE SCENE: PAINMASTER AND SYCOPHANT'S QUARTERS INSIDE CASTLE BONESHATTER

Painmaster: (slowly turning the crank of the Torture Rack holding Sycophant) So, it is decided, then? At the next battle we will take a prisoner from the ROC and we will ransom him off for Murdok's safe return?

Painmaster now realized he was mostly addressing Cremator and Noxious, who were not capable of really responding. However, it was the ghostly image of Gheist sitting the corner of the room whom he mostly expected a response from.

Painmaster: (while Sycophant's eyes roll into his head) Well?

Gheist: (still rubbing his chest where one of Hustler's bullets had pierced) Yes. I'm not walking away without some money from this job. We're going to take a prisoner. (grinning) And I know exactly who to capture.

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THE SCENE: ONE OF THE MANY NUCLEAR CHAMBERS WITHIN THE RAVAGER MOTHERSHIP

With his fishbowl helmet plugged into a complicated apparatus, Nicodemus was suspended in mid-air within a large transparent hyperbolic tube. The Ancient One's massive loss of nuclear mist at Battle 19 had left his arcane body severly drained, and now he had to rely on the specially designed Nuclear replenisher apparatus to get him fit once more for battle.

Nicodemus: (almost wearily) I wanted to commend you both on your excellent defense of the Tag Essence Championships at Battle 19.

[glow=blue,2,300]Tekaro:[/glow] Thank you, Ancient One. As always it was an honor to defend the Essence for you and the Ravager race.

Nicodemus: Thank you. Warfare, I wanted to especially compliment you on how you handled fighting Flatliner. I know it must have been hard for you to-

[glow=blue,2,300]Warfare:[/glow] It wasn't a problem. Trench is dead, and if I ever get the chance again, I'll gladly dispose of Flatliner. He can never be forgiven for the lives he took.

Nicodemus: You two are truly the bulwark of the Ravager Army. But, while my recovery is pending, I must unfortunately ask you to become even more stalwart soldiers. You must be my hands and feet, and you must be my will for the aCe made manifest. You are the core of the defense of the Essence against the vermin that litter this dimension, and now I must ask you to be an even mightier entity.

[glow=blue,2,300]Tekaro:[/glow] The honor is all ours. Your goals are our goals, Nicodemus, and we have faith that you and the rest of the Ancients will see us through to victory. We will gladly fight to the death for the greater glory of the Ancient Ones.

Nicodemus: (as Warfare and Tekaro bow) You two truly are the power of the Ravager Race incarnate. You are my most trusted warriors, and I am glad to have you by my side for what is to come.

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THE SCENE: THE COMMANDING OFFICER'S TENT IN THE ROC MAIN CAMP, MECATOID MOON

Along with Shepard, Scorch, and Hustler, the leader of the ROC, Corporal Aegis had been touring the moons of Centra Prime. His first stop was the Palladium Moon, which turned into a very uplifting tour as he was shown that Murdok's forces had all but disappeared from the moon and that renovation of the Palladium Arena was completed.

Aegis toured the new facility proudly and was pleased to be able to announce that the 20th battle of the aCe would take place there. He planned to finally strip Godsend of the Essence once and for all, and the thought of being able to deliver the final death sentence on Murdok's Crusade for all of his people to see firsthand was heartwarming.

But now his touring of the military situation among Centra's moons had led him to Mecatoid: the final stop on the tour and the most serious. Mecatoid was far larger than the Palladium Moon, and had been home to thousands of Centran farmers and merchants. The first reports that came to Centra Prime after the Plague had hit Mecatoid were simply horror stories. Stories of zombie children devouring entire villages and pockets of surviving innocent people being isolated and hunted by the shuffling undead were some of the more grim occurences. Without a doubt, Mecatoid had been hit the hardest of all the moons by the Plague, and as such, although things were going well, the Centra Guard stationed on the moon still had a lot of heavy fighting before them.

Captain: I'm very sorry Marshall Alexander is not available, sir. I'll go let him know you have arrived.

Aegis: Thank you, Captain Pendragon.

Aegis watched as the highly decorated Captain made his way out of the command tent. After making sure the soldier was a sufficient distance away and that only members of the elite Ramparts of Centra remained, Aegis turned seriously to Hustler, as if to continue a conversation.

Aegis: What the hell were you thinking at Battle 19?

Hustler: Man, Aegis, don't try to reprimand me. Not after what we did wit Murdok, man.

Aegis: Listen! You know I am the LAST person to frown upon fighting fire with fire, but you brought firearms into the ring and not only that, but you used them! You could have shot a Ravager Trooper! Or even worse, you could have shot a spectator! You endangered the innocent people inside of that arena and THAT is-

Hustler: (getting angry) I told you: I don't do well wit rules, man. That bitch tried to kill me! Damn well came close, too! I'm NOT gonna let that boy get away wit it!

Just as Aegis was about to retort, Marshall Alexander entered the tent along with the returning Captain Pendragon.

Alexander: (smiling broadly) I hope I'm not interupting anything.

Aegis: No, Marshall, your fine. I hope I didn't pull you away from anything too important. The success of the campaign here is much more important than-

Aegis' sentence was broken in half by the sounds of an explosion nearby and the subsequent cries of Centra Guard! Instinctually, all the men in the tent hit the ground, but soon regained their footing and rushed outside to see what happened.

Months ago, Field Marshall Alexander had been forced to set up camp at the base of a large overhanging cliff. He knew that the ghouls his army faced would have no real way of attacking from the heights of the sheer cliff, but he did not count on Mecatoid's newest visitor. As Shepard, Scorch, Hustler, Marshall Alexander, Captain Pendragon, and Aegis pushed their way through the commotion of Centra Guard around them, it was this exact cliff that drew their attention as a lone figure stood atop it, consumed in flames.

Scorch: Is that-

Shepard: (interupting in acknowledgement) Godsend.

It was indeed Godsend. And as the malicious demon launched another stream of fire into the ROC Main Camp, he was soon surrounded by 30 to 40 of Murdok's undead that he had possessed. As Godsend launched another fireball that incinerated many and sent even more running for cover, his eyes were drawn to Aegis and his company.

Aegis: EVERYONE TAKE COVER! HE SEES US!

Just as Aegis finished his command, Godsend launched his fireball and all but the Field Marshall escaped the blast. Alexander was incinerated immediately, his skin melting away in miliseconds and his bones glowing bright red within the flames before completely vaporizing. With the ROC now scattered behind cover, Godsend returned to his original plan, beckoning 3 ghouls to his side.

Godsend: (setting all 3 zombies on fire simultaneosly) Time for an experiment!

Promptly, Godsend hurled all 3 burning zombies off of the cliff and sent their plague riddled corpses crashing into the structures of the camp, sending even more Centra Guard scattering.

Godsend: (grinning evily) Let's see if the Centra Guard are prepared for a full-scale Plague outbreak within their own main camp!

Godsend's unholy flames had somehow altered the Plague contained within the zombies, and immediately Centra Guardsmen near the ghoul impact zones had begun to contract an airborn strain of the gruesome virus!

Hustler: Bastard's tryin' to infect the whole fing camp! And we can't do shit about it!

Aegis: (calling over Godsend's continuous barrage of infected corpse bombs) Shepard! You're a sharpshooter! Think you can hit that asshole?

Shepard: (pointing to his eye patch) No can do. Depth perception is not up to par.

With much of the tents and camp structures near him ablaze, and mass confusion and strife taking place between the now infected personnel, those becoming infected, and those trying to defend themselves, Godsend gazed into the distance at the vastness of the Centran Main Camp and decided to not only cause maximum destruction, but to also have some fun doing it.

Godsend: (raising his arms to the skies) And now for the Coup de Grace! (grinning widely) I've been waiting to try this one out!

Godsend's entire body now disappeared amidst a gigantic pillar of flame and Aegis watched in horror as the towering inferno, looking like a massive snake, rocketed straight toward the camp! But Godsend's theatrics were not nearly done as the snake of fire hit the ground and the very end of it now morphed into a monstrous visage of Godsend's face!

With a sickening grin on it's face of flame, the living inferno now rampaged throughout the entire camp, literally consuming tents, structures, weapons, and Guardsmen alike as it seemed to eat everything in it's path! It was only through luck and agile movement from safezone to safezone that the Ramparts survived the ludicrous attack.

Leaving most of the camp now ablaze and even more of the camp burnt to the ground, the monstrosity let out an unholy and mailignant guffaw and, looking around one more time with it's burning pupils, disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. As the ROC soon left their repsective cover and gathered around once more, it was clear that the Centra Guard had been dealt a crippling if not defeating blow.

As the shrieks of zombies mingled with shouts of soldiers began to intermis with methodical and gloomy hum of the all-consuming inferno, Aegis took command and ordered any surviving Centra forces to do the only reasonable and feasable thing they could: salvage any weapons and equipment they could and make a full and hasty retreat from the camp structure.

Atop the cliff, but a small distance from the edge, the dark minister known as Grimcraft stood in awe. In mid-air, a ball of flame erupted beside him and gave birth once more to Godsend. Slack-jawed, Grimcraft's wicked and crooked body knelt before the demon.

Grimcraft: (in absolute adoration) My...my lord. You are indeed the sole ruling force of all of time and space. Though art greater than both the heights of heaven and the depths of hell.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (gazing upon the mass destruction he alone had caused and relishing in it) Thank you, Deacon. But, I already know those things. (flashing a wicked smirk) And now so do they.

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE PLAN

BATTLE 20
THE CENTRA PALLADIUM
6TH CYCLE-2119

NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TO TAG ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
TAG-TEAM BATTLE ROYAL
Featuring: Avarice & Flatliner, The Living Dead, The Specialists, The Light Brigade, S&M, Darkness Falls
*NuBorn Destruction has defeated every seemingly worthy team set before them. Perhaps an unexpected team will rise to the occasion here and prove themselves a challenge for the Essence Bearers*

Holocaust vs. Grovel

Hybrid vs. Paganax

BATTLEFIELD TITLE
Exodus © vs. Nemean

CENTRA CAGE MATCH
Hustler vs. Gheist
*Aegis has placed these two in an environment where both their fighting cannot spill into the crowd and endanger any innocent civilians and Hustler will not be restricted by any rules*

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
2 OUT OF 3 FALLS
[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend ©[/glow] vs. Aegis
*Aegis refuses to lose this battle on a fluke or through cheating. If Godsend wishes to remain King of the Demons, he will have to defeat Aegis twice, but if the bravest of Ramparts wishes to once and for all defeat the Crusade, he will have to do likewise.*