aCe: WAR IS HELL

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE 20
THE CENTRA PALLADIUM
6TH CYCLE-2119

The last time Lance At-Las had stepped foot inside the Centra Palladium, the putrid effects of the Plague had overwhelmed the complex, causing it to fall into ruin and decay. For more than one and a half years, Murdok’s infected undead monsters had overrun the arena and the moon it had been built upon, but thanks to the brave and undying efforts of the Centra Guard, on this night the great hall was once again filled to the brim with Centran civilians, already wearing themselves out with cheers and chants for the ROC, their heroes and their saviors.

As Lance now stood in the ROC entrance aisle, gazing upon this spectacular sight, he couldn’t stop his eyes from tearing up, as it seemed that if Godsend were to be defeated, and Murdok’s Crusade finally, after more than a year of bloody war, put to rest, tonight, and only tonight, could be the night for it. As he stood amid the thousands of cheering Centrans and beneath the open-air domed ceiling of the arena, Lance At-Las could not help but think that many miracles had already taken place in this war, and that tonight, only one more miracle was needed.

Before the battle began, the entire ROC squad entered the ring and held a moment of silence for all of the brave Centra Guardsmen who had paid the ultimate sacrifice for this arena to be liberated. Many men had died in many horrific ways in the battle for this moon, with some of the most gruesome fighting taking place in the very seats that thousands of Centran Spectators now inhabited. Now, it was time for every Centran, from Aegis to the spectators in their seats, to the poor and downtrodden still in Centrapolis to thank their fallen brothers for the very breath they took tonight.

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
ELIMINATIONS
-Scorch holds Flatliner and Shepard attempts the Silver Bullet on the killing machine, but Flatliner escapes Scorch’s grasp and Shepard delivers the running dropkick straight to Scorch’s chest, knocking his own teammate right over the ropes to the outside! (Shepard must also leave)
- Krypt and Jakyll double-team Sycophant, hitting him with the RED DAWN! As Krypt drags Sycophant over to the ropes and struggles to push him over, Avarice comes out of nowhere and hoists them both over the top rope! Feeling betrayed, Krypt turns to Avarice, but The Blackheart simply shrugs his shoulders and continues to fight! (Painmaster and Jakyll must also leave)
-All 6 remaining soldiers fight brutally with one another, just barely avoiding eliminations despite massive double-teaming and the extremely fatiguing battle. Cremator is beating down on Aspin Northstar, when suddenly Aspin gets an adrenaline rush, unloading all of his biggest moves on Cremator and delivering double roundhouse kicks, the second of which knocks Cremator form the ring! (Noxios must also leave)
-With just The Light Brigade and Flatliner & Avarice left, all four men charged each other and collided in the center of the ring! Lance fought Avarice back into a corner and charged in for a leaping splash, but Avarice moved and Lance tumbled toward the floor! But Aspin rushed over and latched onto Lance, saving him from elimination, while simultaneously being pounded on by both Avarice and Flatliner! Lance eventually got to the apron and Aspin fought valiantly out of the corner! Flatliner gained control and tried to suplex Aspin out of the ring, but Aspin landed on the apron and kept a hold of Flatliner, trying to drag him over the top! Avarice was able to hold Flatliner inside the ring until Lance attacked. Lance and Avarice battled back and forth, but Avarice took control, beating Lance down! Avarice whipped Lance to the ropes, but Lance reversed, but Avarice rebounded off the ropes with a flying dropkick that sent Lance staggering backward and right over the top rope for the win! (Aspin must also leave)
WINNERS AND NUMBER ONE CONTENDERS: AVARICE & FLATLINER

The crowd booed loudly as Avarice and Flatliner convened in the center of the ring. Avarice asked for his cloak from ringside, and pulled a black rose from it, laying it down in the center of the ring and leaving with Flatliner.

Holocaust vs. Grovel
Holocaust’s SHOCKWAVE jammed up once on him, and then backfired on him! But after pouring a ton of offense into the him, surviving a beating himself, and effectively utilizing another SHOCKWAVE, Holocaust was able to put Grovel away.
WINNER: HOLOCAUST

Between the grueling team battle royal and Grovel’s innate toughness, Paganax was super-charged as he made his way to the ring. His eyes were glowing bright orange and his veins could easily be seen pumping his volcanic blood furiously beneath his flesh. Hybrid, as well, looked even more ferocious than he was at the last battle, spewing sludge all over himself. For most of the Centran crowd, this was their first time seeing these monsters in person, and the experience was truly terrifying. Many of the spectators on the ground floor actually got up and left their seats during this match, afraid to be so close to such hulking leviathans!

Hybrid vs. Paganax
The two creatures exchanged words in their native tongue, and suddenly Paganax went berserk, completely overwhelming the Non-Believer! Hybrid took more of Paganax devastating offense than any other opponent has, but was still systematically destroyed and finished with the PAGAN VOID.
WINNER: PAGANAX

Paganax let out a mighty roar that shook the arena and sent shrieks out throught the Centran audience as he stood over his fallen foe.

Paganax: (in his native tongue) You have been humbled, worm! Next time, you shall be ANNIHILATED!

BATTLEFIELD TITLE
Exodus © vs. Nemean
Unlike many of the fans aboard the Ravager Mothership, the Centrans did not appreciate Nemean’s showboating. The crowd was soon to be very pleased as Exodus used 3 moves, capped off by a thunderous WRATH OF GOD to easily put the Brash One away!
WINNER: EXODUS (ROC RETAINS THE BATTLEFIELD TITLE)

The cage was hovered into place as Gheist, still dressed in his overcoat entered it. The crowd murmured and whispered at the sight of the strange apparition, but began to cheer when Hustler appeared, mouthing off all the way down the entrance aisle! In the center of the ring, Gheist turned toward the approaching Hustler and his usually grim countenance turned to a smile as the trap was sprung.

Hustler knew something was up as soon as Gheist smiled, but had no time to react to the chickenwing suplex he received from behind, right onto the arena floor! The crowd gasped as Painmaster, Sycophant, Noxious, and Cremator had all run out of the ROC Entrance Aisle, up behind Hustler, and had now begun to attack! But more than attack, Painmaster now bound Hustler and all four villains began to haul Hustler toward the ring!

Gheist immediately jumped out of the cage, his role of bait being well played, and together with the rest of the Crusade Forces began to drag Hustler up the Crusade entrance aisle! Aegis and the ROC appeared and Aegis gave the command for the Centra Guard to attack, but Cremator and Noxious let out a shriek and all hell broke loose as zombies began to pour into the arena from all entrances!

The crowd went absolutely ballistic as a mad dash for the exits broke out! But the zombies were coming from where the crowd was running to, and as people began to be trampled to death by the frantic mob, Murdok’s undead went on the attack, and began to feed! The Centra Guard’s main focus now shifted to the attacking undead, but they could not open fire for fear of hitting civilians! Throughout the panicked commotion, Hustler was still being dragged away! As the ROC attempted to push their way to the other side of the arena, Aspin caught a glimpse of Hustler breaking free from his ties and beginning to fight back!

Aspin: HE’S FIGHTING BACK! WE MUST SAVE HIM! I CAN’T LET THEM TAKE ANOTHER ONE!

Lance: ASPIN! NO!

But Northstar had already taken off into the confusion, using seemingly unnatural agility to bound between the panicked and running masses, over the ring barricade, leaping over chairs and crawling injured people in a desperate bid to reach Hustler! Meanwhile, Sycophant had wrapped a strap around Hustler’s throat while Gheist used The Possessor to carve Hustler’s head in an attempt to fatigue him! Just then, the Centra Guard had come under attack and had begun to open fire, hitting not only ghouls but innocent men, women, and children! This caused some civilians to attack the Centra Guard, actually trampling some to death!

Suddenly, a zombie leapt at Aspin but the Soldier of Prophecy deftly avoided it and used it’s rotting frame as a springboard, hurtling himself into Sycophant and Gheist! This let Hustler free, allowing him to draw his weapons, only to be latched onto by Cremator and Noxious! Hustler fought to get them off as Painmaster wrapped Aspin up, allowing Gheist to hit a SOUL SLAYER, knocking the young recruit out cold! Hustler, dragging The Living Dead behind him, now charged into Painmaster! Noxious let go and saw the unconscious Aspin. Two of the monster’s putrid and gelatinous brain cells clicked and it grabbed Aspin, hefting him up and heading for the exit!

The ROC had now made their way past the ring and were quickly on the way to the Crusade portion of the arena. Seeing this, and sensing the failure of his plan, Painmaster tore Gheist away from the hurt and bleeding Hustler.

Painmaster: COME ON, GHEIST! WE HAVE THE ROOKIE! LEAVE HUSTLER BE!

Suddenly, the area between the ROC and the Crusade became completely devoid of civilians, Centra Guard, and zombies and for a split moment, Aspin’s desperate but still groggy eyes locked with Lance At-Las’.

Lance: NOOO! THEY HAVE ASPIN!!!

Lance lunged forward, but Gheist stepped up and simply dropped The Possessor from his hand. In mid-air, the strange weapon took on it’s trademark eerie green glow and rocketed toward Lance and The ROC! The Ramparts all hit the ground as The Possessor came sailing back to Gheist as if it were on a tether! The Spectral Assassin caught the blade and, much like Aspin had experienced with Rouser; Shepard, Scorch, Aegis, Hustler, and Lance At-Las were forced to watch as The ROC’s youngest and least hardened member, Aspin Northstar, was dragged off into the darkness of the arena by Cremator and Noxious.

[Mr. Hyde]

THE SCENE: CENTRA PALLADIUM ARENA

The incident had all come to an end hours before, however the clean-up process was just beginning. The thick smell of decaying flesh and gunpowder still hung in the air as the Centra Guardsmen began to pick through the bodies scattered around the seating and ground level areas of the Centra Palladium. Every corpse on the ground had a story to tell; whether it was the tale of a spectator trampled to death, a diseased living corpse finally put to rest, a Centra Guardsman murdered and then resurrected due to the gruesome effects of the plague, or a civilian caught within the hail of bullets that had erupted within the ampitheater. The dead within the arena told a multidude of tragic tales, and all of them would have to be heard and accounted for.

As the Centra Guardsmen set about their grissly work, the ROC had gathered in the Crusade entrance aisle, just about at the spot where Aspin Northstar was taken captive. While Shepard and Exodus held a vigil for all of the slain in the arena, Scorch and Hustler had gathered near each other to vent their anger. Lance At-Las had gotten on bended knee near the Crusade Entrance and had bowed his head while all Aegis could do was look up toward the scaffolding and lighting structures near the top of the now shut domed ceiling.

Lance: I'll never forgive myself for this. And if those bastards harm him, I'll...

Exodus and Shepard now broke their vigil. Shepard approached Lance and placed a comforting hand upon his heavily-burdened shoulders while Exodus addressed the rest of the squad.

Exodus: It was clear that their original intention was to capture you, Hustler. But, when they were able to sieze Aspin instead, they changed their plans and took him. Apparently they would have been satisfied with taking any one of us prisoner, so the question is: what is the motive for this? What do they want?

Aegis: (still gazing off) I know exactly what they want. (now looking at Exodus with regret in his eyes) They want to know what happened to Murdok. They want a Prisoner Exchange. We just have to wait until they make their demands.

As this fact sunk into all of the ROC soldiers, a somber silence fell over the group. It was Hustler who broke the silence in time, and it was Hustler who spoke what the rest of them thought.

Hustler: (rubbing his bandages) Those motherfucker have to pay.

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

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

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] And who the hell authorized this? I don't remember giving the order, and since I'm the one in charge around here, you would think I would have been the one to think all of this up. But I'm not. So...whose plan was this?

Godsend stood blocking the doorway from the chamber, gazing angrily at the rest of the Murdok's Crusade squad. Noxious and Cremator skulked in a back corner of the room while Painmaster stood near the center of it, with Sycophant on a spiked leash beside him. On the right side of the chamber of bone, Gheist leaned up against a table, looking down, and in the center of it all, bound, gagged, and unconscious, was Aspin Northstar.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] Well...someone speak up! I wasn't even aware that there were still ghouls on the Palladium Moon, so someone here went through a lot of trouble to put this thing together...without telling me. Who was it? And why? Come on, someone-

Gheist: (looking up at coldly at Godsend) It was all of us. You don't run this operation, Godsend. You can't pay Painmaster and I, and you have no control over the Plague. Only Murdok can do those things. So we decided to take a prisoner and get some information. And possibly...hold a prisoner exchange.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (agitated) So, exactly what information are you expecting from the rookie of the team? How to-

Gheist: They're a close-knit group. He'll know a lot. The location and identity of potential new recruits, training strategies, anything we want...

Just then, Aspin began to stir. His eyes groggily opened as he raised his head. He could barely see out of his already swollen and battered left eye, and his head was pounding like a Centran Cannon barrage.

Aspin: (wearily) Wh...wh...where? Where...where am-

CRACK! Gheist viciously slammed the Soldier of Prophecy right in the mouth with the butt of his large sidearm handgun. As a few teeth fell from his mouth, Aspin slipped mercifully back into unconsciousness.

Gheist: He'll tell us anything we want. (looking at Painmaster) Especially with some coercion.

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE PLAN

BATTLE 21
CENTRA PALLADIUM
7TH CYCLE-2120

BATTLEFIELD TITLE
Exodus © vs. Paganax

Hybrid vs. Noxious w/ Cremator

Ventross vs. Grovel

Lance At-Las vs. Cremator w/ Noxious
*Lance wanted both members of The Living Dead at once, but Aegis, wisely, gave him only Cremator*

ANTILIAN ULTIMATE ESCAPE MATCH
The Specialists & Hustler vs. S&M & Gheist
*Hustler is set on getting Gheist inside a cage and The Specialists intend on beating Aspin's release out of The Painmaster and Sycophant*

Flatliner & Nemean vs. Darkness Falls
*Nicodemus has ordered Flatliner and Nemean to team up while he is gone*

TAG ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
[glow=blue,2,300]NuBorn Destruction ©[/glow] vs. Avarice & Flatliner

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
2 OUT OF 3 FALLS CENTRA DEATH MATCH
[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend ©[/glow] vs. Aegis
*With Nicodemus and Paganax concurrence, Aegis has decided Godsend MUST defend the Essence tonight to make up for escaping defending it at Battle 20. Now more than ever, Aegis is desperate to once and for all take the Essence out of treacherous clutches*

[Alexander Ubel]

I love this fed Hyde. Great write ups.

[Mr. Hyde]

Thanks, dharneth. That means a lot coming from someone whose write ups aren't too shabby, either.

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE 21
CENTRA PALLADIUM
7TH CYCLE-2120

As Aegis stood in the ROC entrance aisle he pondered how, despite the tragic events that had occurred just two weeks ago in this very arena, thousands of Centrans could have shown up once more to support their soldiers. Truly, the bravery and resiliency of his own people was unfathomable, and he was proud to give his life for them. Taking a look at the several pockets of stationed Centra Guard around the arena, and then at the pockets of Ravager Troopers who had accompanied hundreds of Ravagers to the arena on this night, Aegis decided that tonight he would, as a sign of his everlasting thanks, give these people the greatest gift he ever could. He would end Godsend’s unholy reign, even if he did indeed have to give his life to do it.

BATTLEFIELD TITLE
Exodus © vs. Paganax
Exodus came very close, but despite making the skies boom with thunder by using the most powerful version of the WRATH OF GOD, could not keep the Heathen Chief down. After being launched by Paganax from the top turnbuckle, Exodus felt the PAGAN VOID and was promptly defeated.
WINNER: PAGANAX (PLANET PRIMUS ACHIEVES THE BATTLEFIELD TITLE)

Hybrid vs. Noxious w/ Cremator
Hybrid barely fought back against Noxious for most of the match, taking a lot of punishment, but it suddenly seemed to become immune to any pain and used a Brain Damager and POISON DRIVER to quickly destroy the ghoul! Due to the devastating effects of Hybrid’s final combination, Noxious’ rotting cervical spine were actually broken, leaving the putrid zombie’s head hanging back and to the side in a sickly fashion!
WINNER: HYBRID
--Noxious was injured

Ventross had not been seen in a battle for quite some time, but subsequently received hisses from most of the Ravagers in attendance, despite receiving some cheers from a small portion of the Centrans.

Ventross vs. Grovel
Ventross had a noticeably badder attitude than usual, and even though Grovel’s characteristic toughness was evident, the Tribesman was soon put down by a vicious MERCY KILLING.
WINNER: VENTROSS

His own Ravager people hissed at him, but unlike the last time he was seen, Ventross just snarled ferociously and walked to the back with a very angry and very bitter countenance.

Lance At-Las vs. Cremator w/ Noxious
Lance was uncharacteristically consumed with rage and made many mistakes, allowing Cremator to do a lot of damage. At one point, the monster’s pure instincts too over and it trapped Lance in a corner, repeatedly headbutting him until Lance’s head was split open! With pure fury in his eyes, Lance suddenly began headbutting back with ferocity, completely destroying Cremator viciously and taking the win with the MARS MANHANDLER!
WINNER: LANCE AT-LAS

With blood literally pouring from his face, Lance mounted Cremator and began to pound away on the ghoul’s corroding face! With his teeth bared and his eyes wild, Lance just relentlessly battered Cremator, prompting a gruesome-looking Noxious to crawl into the ring. Lance saw it coming and ferociously attacked, knocking the zombie from the ring and then going back to work on Cremator! In a reflection of one General Rankor’s actions nearly a year ago, Lance stretched Cremator’s arm out and stomped on the petrified fingers, completely smashing them! Like a wild animal, he grabbed Cremator’s arm and ripped it right off!

Cremator began to shriek in abject agony as Lance went for the other arm, but Shepard, Scorch, Hustler, and Aegis now ran to the ring and grabbed their bleeding and distressed friend. Noxious dragged his obliterated comrade from the ring and they both shambled to the back, literally gradually falling apart. Lance still looked crazed as he watched his foes disappear and kept shouting “Where is he? Where is Aspin?”
--Cremator was injured

ANTILIAN ULTIMATE ESCAPE MATCH
The Specialists & Hustler vs. S&M & Gheist
Despite the gruesome gimp enjoying it, Scorch and Hustler just obliterated him, exiting the cage after leaving him bloody. This left only Shepard in the cage against all of the Crusade forces, and this was the Crusade’s plan all along as Sycophant now began to fight back, with his eyes back in his head and an ecstatic smile upon his face. Sycophant went right after Shepard’s still injured eye, but the Vagabond Priest fought him off and put him down with a Somersault Leg Drop, attempting to ascend the cage! Painmaster and Gheist now latched onto both of Shepard’s legs, but Shepard gave them both a stiff kick to the face, sending them from the cage wall flying into Sycophant, allowing Shepard to escape!.
WINNERS: THE SPECIALISTS & HUSTLER

The match was over but Hustler suddenly jumped back into the cage against all 3 enemies and speared Gheist, mounting him and throwing punches! Shepard jumped back into the cage, shortly followed by Scorch and all 6 men broke out into a brawl again! Hustler and Gheist tumbled out of the cage, and Gheist drew The Possessor. Hustler saw this and wrestled the rifle from a nearby Centra Guardsman! The Possessor rocketed toward Hustler but the Centra Guardsman was in the way and the cursed blade sliced straight through his neck! Spectators took off from the area as blood spewed all over them! Gheist rushed Hustler and they battled over the rifle, with the gun going off in the process and sending bullets into the air! Spectators were now panicked again and Shepard and Scorch leapt from the cage and tackled both Gheist and Hustler! Gheist backed off and was soon surrounded by S&M while The Specialists had to physically restrain a frothing Hustler! As Gheist retreated, Hustler shouted out for him!

Hustler: COME ON BACK HERE, BITCH! YOU WANNA TAKE ME PRISONER? I’M RIGHT HERE, PUSSY! DON’T BE TAKIN NO GREEN ROOKIE! COME ON AND TRY TO TAKE ME!

Flatliner & Nemean vs. Darkness Falls
2 RED DAWNS in a row on Holocaust ended this very back and forth battle.
WINNERS: DARKNESS FALLS

The Ravagers in the arena gave NuBorn Destruction a standing salute and the Centrans gave a cheer for the dominant Tag Essence Bearers. NuBorn Destruction thanked the crowd for the support, but then got extremely serious when Flatliner and Avarice arrived. The representatives of the Judas Syndicate made their way to the ring and as Flatliner stood defiantly in the center of the ring, Avarice took a black rose from his cloak.

Avarice: (raising the rose to his nose) This…(pointing it at Tekaro) …will be for you.

Tekaro simply set down his Shield of Ancients as Warfare stepped forward, ignoring Avarice.

[glow=Blue,2,300]Warfare:[/glow] I told you that if I got the chance, I would destroy you, Flatliner. And I meant it. You give me the opportunity, I WILL kill you. (looking to Avarice) And YOU will soon follow.

TAG ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
[glow=blue,2,300]NuBorn Destruction ©[/glow] vs. Avarice & Flatliner
Warfare went for the cover after a Centra Spinebuster, but Avarice broke the pin! As Warfare and the referee were preoccupied with Avarice, Tekaro used his shield to slam Flatliner over the head, allowing Warfare to pick up the pin and end what was a complete and total beatdown of the killing machine!
WINNERS: NUBORN DESTRUCTION

Avarice was disgusted but kept his feelings to himself as he jumped from the apron. Tekaro received both his and his partners belts back and was readying to leave when he heard Warfare call from the center of the ring!

[glow=blue,2,300]Warfare:[/glow] (standing across the groggy Flatliner) HAND ME YOUR SPEAR, TEKARO!

[glow=blue,2,300]Tekaro:[/glow] (hesitant) You do not have to go through with this, War-

[glow=blue,2,300]Warfare:[/glow] (sternly) The spear!

Tekaro complied and handed his ancient spear to Warfare. Intrigued, Avarice watched from the outside as Warfare raised the spear high above his head with point poised to pierce Flatliner’s automated heart!

[glow=blue,2,300]Warfare:[/glow] (angrily) You are dead, Trench! And now, this vile caricature of intelligence that took YOUR life and so many others is going to join you!

Warfare raised the spear just a bit higher and prepared to strike when:

Flatliner: (wearily) Please…please kill me, Warfare.

Warfare’s face melted from wrath to sorrow as he noticed Flatliner’s now clear eyes and realized that the voice he had just heard was Trench’s. The spear dropped as Warfare realized that somewhere inside the metallic and despicable carcass of Flatliner, Trench truly did live.

Trench: (pleading and tearing up) Please don’t hesitate. Please kill me, Warfare. Save me from this hell!

Trench’s eyes now disappeared as Flatliner overwhelmed him once more. Warfare’s hands trembled, and his eyes teared as his face contorted into anger. He drew back the spear once more…but could not strike. He angrily threw the spear to the canvas and stormed away from Flatliner.

[glow=blue,2,300]Warfare:[/glow] Come retrieve your talking tin can, Blackheart!

Confused, Tekaro retrieved his spear and followed the leaving Warfare as Avarice helped Flatliner to recover. Soon after the ring had been cleared, Aegis arrived to a true hero’s welcome as every Centran in the arena stood and cheered. Aegis was focused and tense. He knew what he had to do, and he knew what it would take. As Aegis entered the ring, Godsend soon appeared in a burst of flame, his arrogant smirk cutting into Aegis’ heart.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (handing off his title) Just to let you know, Rampart, I had no parts in the taking of your little child, Aspin.

Aegis: (coldly) It doesn’t matter. I’ve now seen first-hand what you are willing to do, and I saw firsthand what you did do on Mecatoid. I told you a month ago that one day your sins would be repaid to you ten-fold. Today is that day.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (laughing heartily as his eyes go red) Hahahahahahha! I was hoping you would have so much resolve tonight! It will only make my victory that much sweeter!

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
2 OUT OF 3 FALLS CENTRA DEATH MATCH
[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend ©[/glow] vs. Aegis
FIRST FALL
Both warriors immediately proved to be on their game this night by countering and counter-countering each other’s moves left and right, but it is Aegis who gets the advantages when he is able to land a solid Centra Spinebuster and head up top, only to have Godsend dodge his RAMPART’S REVENGE! Godsend quickly went to work, severly battering Aegis with all of his most powerful maneuvers and continually trying to possess him with SPEAK OF THE DEVIL. But, Aegis valiantly fought back and forced Godsend to retreat from the ring where the fight momentarily spilled into the crowd! After delivering a brutal reverse DDT across the ring barrier to Godsend, Aegis rolled the demon into the ring and hit a pin-point accurate RAMPART’S REVENGE that broke Godsend’s nose! But Godsend kicked out! Aegis went up top again, but this Godsend deftly avoided another RAMPART’S REVENGE and quickly locked on his SPEAK OF THE DEVIL! To save himself from being possessed, Aegis was forced to submit quickly!

SECOND FALL
After a brief rest period, Godsend attempted a double knee lift, but Aegis caught him and dumped right on his face outside the ring! Aegis’ eyes looked hazy as he leapt outside the ring, only be planted right into the arena floor with a Realm Eternal from the bloodied Demon King. Aegis was no split open and looked totally unconscious, but Godsend sealed the deal by dropping the heavy ring stairs right onto Aegis’ head! Godsend then threw Aegis back into the ring and locked on SPEAK OF THE DEVIL. Aegis was completely unconscious and so the referee called for the bell. Even though he had won the battle, Godsend was frustrated that he was never able to possess Aegis.
WINNER AND STILL ESSENCE CHAMPION: GODSEND

Godsend could barely laugh with his body wracked with pain and his face smeared with blood. But amidst the silent shock, horror, and depression of the crowd, the King of Demons was able to manage a smirk and a chuckle before disappearing in flames once more with the Essence of Centra.

Aegis had failed to finally cripple Murdok’s Crusade, but as he lay eerily still in the center of the ring in a pool of his own blood, the people of Centra knew in their hearts that he had done everything in his power to try.
--Aegis was injured

[Mr. Hyde]

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

Painmaster: (smiling broadly) I'll give you one last chance to speak. Where is Murdok?

Aspin's head was ringing so loudly he could barely hear his captor. His face and specifically his eyes had become so swollen that he could barely see the disgusting Sycophant sitting in the chair next to him. With agonizing slowness, Aspin raised his blood coated face and spoke through the new gaps in his teeth.

Aspin: (dribbling some blood) Go f yourself.

Painmaster: (laughing) I'd much rather play with you and Sycophant! (leaning in close to Aspin) It gets me off, you know.

Aspin spat blood in Painmaster's repulsive face, but the sickening sadist just gently wiped it off and stood up, looking down on Aspin for a moment before turning back toward his work bench. With his back to Aspin and Sycophant, who was anxiously waiting for the fun to begin, Painmaster picked up several small razor blades and looked closely to make sure they were adequately sharpened. After deciding that they were indeed sharp enough, Painmaster turned toward Northstar and held the blades up.

Painmaster: (still gazing at the blades) Do you know what these are, Aspin?

Aspin: (begrudgingly) Razor blades.

Painmaster: (slowly approaching his prisoner) Correct. But they aren't just any normal blades. You wil note their quarter-inch width. Do you know what I like to do these little beauties?

Aspin: ...no.

Painmaster: (looking at Aspin's bound and outstretched hand and grinning) I like to jam them up underneath your fingernails...(suddenly jamming one all the way underneath Aspin's left index finger nail and slicing it off) AND MAKE YOU SCREAM!

Aspin did indeed scream. The pain was the most intense thing he had ever felt, and his vision went blurry momentarily as he threw his head back in anguish. As Aspin felt his left hand slowly become warm with his own gushing blood, the Soldier of Prophecy glanced to his left and saw Sycophant sitting on the edge of his seat in anticipation as Painmaster jammed him with a razorblade!

Sycophant squeeled with delight and writhed in ecstasy ashe watched his own blood flow. Painmaster now drew another razorblade and approached Aspin, looking him straight in the eyes and shoving the blade beneath his right index finger nail. Aspin let out another bloodcurcling screech, and barely had time to catch his breath before Painmaster jabbed him with another blade.

Now Painmaster knelt before both of his subject and drew two razorblades. Sycophant placed his bloody hand over Aspin's and stretched out his fingers in anticipation. Painmaster grinned widely as he placed one blade beneath Aspin's right middle finger nail and Sycophant's left middle finger nail. With a repulsive smile, Painmaster began to push gently on the blades and watched as both Aspin and Sycophant's flesh slowly began to part. Aspin now realized THIS was the most intense pain he had ever felt.

To Aspin's horror, Painmaster drew two more blades and placed them on the same fingers as the last, now piercing Aspin and Sycophant's one fingernail with two blades. Aspin let out a long drawn out scream as Painmaster agonzingly pushed the blades deeper into his finger. Aspin could not stop his tears from flowing and in complete exhaustion dropped his head to the right. His eyes met those of Sycophant and as Aspin's scream grew louder and longer, Sycophant's moans did as well.

Aspin dry-heaved to his left, almost vomiting at the thought of Sycophant and Painmaster. He finally felt the pressure on his finger stop and Painmaster stood up, breathing heavily.

Painmaster: (addressing Aspin) So...Murdok's whereabouts?

Aspin: (crying out in shock and anguish) Oh god! Go to hell!

Painmaster just shook his head and re-approached his work bench. Sycophant began to wiggle in his seat like a little child as Painmaster turned around with a very thin, very sharp knife. Painmaster grinned and approached Aspin, playing with the knife.

Painmaster: I have to admit, Northstar. You are proving to be much more fun than I had anticipated.

Quickly, Painmaster made a slash on Aspin's right forearm. The wound began to bleed only slightly and was shaped like a 'U'.

Painmaster: This next trick is all about the skills of the knife-wielder. Don't worry, I've had a lot of experience at this. You will notice that the wound I made was much more horizontal than vertical. And that it almost resembles how one would peel an apple or pear.

Quickly, Painmaster made a similiar wound on Aspin's left forearm and then placed the knife aside.

Painmaster: (placing his hand on Aspin's left forearm) Heh. 'Peel' is an excellent analogy for this.

Painmaster gripped a small piece of the wound and began to pull up. The first thing Aspin noticed was that this, now was the MOST intense pain he had ever felt. And then, as Aspin watched a small strip of his forearm flesh slowly be lifted off of muscle and sinew, the shock set in.

As one would peel a banana or remove a band-aid, so did Painmaster strip Aspin of his flesh. With a quick tug on the strip of skin, Painmaster shouted.

Painmaster: SCREAM!

Aspin: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGGHHHH!

Painmaster: (stripping more flesh) SCREAM!!

Aspin: AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGG!!!!!

Painmaster: (pulling more) SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!

Aspin: AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Painmaster: (tearing a large length of flesh) SCREAM FOR MEEEEE!!!!!

Aspin:AAAAAAAAAAAHHHAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHhh............

Aspin's entire body heaved as he vomited all over himself and passed out, with his head hanging. Painmaster realized his play toy had given out on him and wiped the sweat from his brow.

Painmaster: (panting) ...pity...I was just about to finish.

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE PLAN

BATTLE 22
LAVA PITS OF PRIMUS
7TH CYCLE-2120

Holocaust & Nemean vs. The Specialists
*Paganax finds it entertaining to watch two of his own enemies battle each other*

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Hybrid vs. Exodus vs. Grovel

MECATOID TABLES MATCH
Hustler vs. Gheist
*Paganax has found Hustler and Gheist amusing, and so pits them against each other for the pleasure of his people*

BATTLEFIELD TITLE
Avarice & Flatliner © vs. S&M

Ventross vs. Lance At-Las

NON-TITLE MATCH
[glow=blue,2,300]NuBorn Destruction ©[/glow] vs. Darkness Falls
*Paganax wants Krypt and Jakyll to hurt and humiliate the Ravager Heroes for all of his people to see*

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPONSHIP
LAVA PIT OF PRIMUS MATCH
[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend ©[/glow] vs. Paganax
*Planet Primus beckons for the Essence of Centra. Paganax will bring Godsend down into his world to deliver*

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE 22
LAVA PITS OF PRIMUS
7TH CYCLE-2120

The interior of the cavernous mountain which held the Primus arena was again filled to the brim with eager and rowdy Tribesmen. If there were rafters, the aggressive creatures would have been hanging from them. However, the real commotion was outside the arena as the location for Godsend’s Essence defense at been chosen and had already been completely surrounded by hundreds of crazed and bloodthirsty savages, waiting eagerly for their Heathen Chief to finally gain the Essence. Primus was abuzz with activity and frantic excitement, and as one General Rankor looked upon all of this from the highest tower of his Syndicate Headquarters, his stomach turned.

Holocaust & Nemean vs. The Specialists
The Specialists’ recent preoccupation with Aspin’s abduction allowed Holocaust and Nemean to win a back and forth match by isolating Shepard and quickly unloading on him. Nemean got the pinfall after using his HUNGER STRIKE!
WINNERS: HOLOCAUST & NEMEAN

Nemean was of course ecstatic over getting the fall, and although the Tribesmen crowd hated his guts, he decided to try to play to them anyway. Holocaust promptly delivered a stern slap upside the head for the Brash One’s arrogance and ordered him from the ring.

The Tribesmen howled loudly at the mutant Hybrid as it approached the ring. Grovel was then welcomed like a magnificent hero, and for some strange reason an eerie calmness fell over the otherwise rabid Tribesmen as Exodus made his entrance.

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Hybrid vs. Exodus vs. Grovel
Exodus was able to get the pinfall after using the WRATH OF GOD on Grovel to end a very long, very brutal, very back and forth brawl.
WINNER: EXODUS

The Tribesmen were not sure what to make of Gheist as he approached the ring, but they began to cheer wildly for more violence as Hustler, not wanting to take any chances with being ambushed, charged up from behind Gheist and attacked him in the Crusade Entrance Aisle to start the match!

MECATOID TABLES MATCH
Hustler vs. Gheist
Gheist and Hustler battle back and forth for a few minutes, with Gheist trying to use his rear choke to suffocate Hustler. But Hustler would have none of that and charged at the turnbuckle, knocking Gheist’s head right into the top buckle! Hustler then proceeded to destroy Gheist mercilessly, hitting him with all kinds of foreign objects, putting him through the two required tables and finishing him off handily with a Skull Cap!
WINNER: HUSTLER

Hustler spat on the destroyed Gheist and exited the ring, actually getting cheered for his ruthless aggression! . But Gheist got to his knees and angrily drew The Possessor, launching it at Hustler! Hustler hit the dirt and evaded the cursed blade and as The Possessor made it’s way back to Gheist, it cut right through the audience, slicing right through several Tribesmen! This set off the entire crowd of savages, who now charged the ring, forcing Hustler to dash back to the ROC locker room and Gheist to disappear into thin-air before he was assaulted!

BATTLEFIELD TITLE
Avarice & Flatliner © vs. S&M
Avarice won a very back and forth battle by making Sycophant pass out in overwhelming ecstasy with a tightly locked Crown of Thorns.
WINNERS: AVARICE & FLATLINER (PLANET PRIMUS RETAINS THE BATTLEFIELD TITLE)

Ventross was markedly bitter once again, actually taking a swipe at an overly aggressive spectator! Lance then appeared, and before the match began commanded to the entire arena that S&M and Gheist come out and make their demands pertaining to the return of Aspin Northstar. Lance turned his back to Ventross while waiting, and after a few minutes without response, Ventross actually ambushed Lance At-Las!

Ventross vs. Lance At-Las
In a knock-down drag-out war, Lance targeted and dismantled Ventross’ arm while Ventross did the same to Lance’s ribs and body. After taking a beating from Ventross, Lance somehow gained the advantage and hit a MARS MANHANDLER, but Ventross kicked out! Lance went for a second one, but his ribs hurt too badly to heft Ventross up, allowing Ventross to execute a dreadful Alabama slam. No matter what Ventross did, he could not put Lance away, and Ventross got furious, taking the fight to the outside where Lance fought back! But Ventross had done too much damage already and proceeded to powerbomb Lance right across the retaining barrier, earning Ventross a vicious count-out victory!
WINNER: VENTROSS

Ventross bitterly left the ring area while Lance painfully dragged himself into the ring, coughing violently. Suddenly, Painmaster, Sycophant, and Gheist hit the ring and all attacked Lance with the assault ending with Gheist’s SOUL SLAYER and Sycophant cannonballing off the top rope, crushing Lance’s already hurt ribs! Shepard, Scorch, Hustler, and Exodus all charged the ring now but the Crusade Forces escaped quickly. As Lance began to cough up blood and the ROC forces gathered around him, Painmaster spoke from the outside.

Painmaster: We will level our terms on you when we see fit to do so! You do not hold the cards here, WE do! You will hear from us before the next battle, but until then...wait and suffer!

NuBorn Destruction received a loud chorus of howls as they entered the arena, but Darkness Falls were greeted like celebrated champions as every Tribseman stood up, cheered, and then bowed to their heroes.

NON-TITLE MATCH
[glow=blue,2,300]NuBorn Destruction ©[/glow] vs. Darkness Falls
This was a wild and uncontrollable brawl as Krypt and Jakyll surprised Warfare right out of the gate with a KILLER Instinct! Warfare kicked out but met a RED DAWN, forcing Tekaro to make the save. Warfare eventually made the tag and Tekaro used his weapons to deal serious damage to Krypt, bloodying the Tribesman. After a wild fight on the outside between all four men, Jakyll was able to regain the advantage and he and Krypt used a double dropkick to take down Tekaro! Tekaro recovered and tagged Warfare, but Darkness Falls pulled off a second Killer INSTINCT! With Warfare dazed, Jakyll sliced Krypt and launched him from the top for the RED DAWN! Jakyll intercepted Tekaro and NuBorn Destruction was defeated for the first time in 4 months of war!
WINNERS: DARKNESS FALLS

The celebration within the mountain could be heard even hundreds of yards away where hundreds of Tribesmen had gathered around the lava pit that would serve as the final battleground of the night. 15 feet down into the volcanic soil of Primus, a wrestling ring had been set up at the bottom of the 30 foot in diameter crater, and all along the sloped and craggy walls of the pit were pockets of liquidated soil; not quite lava, but scolding and volcanic nonetheless.

The crowd surrounding the pit went quiet as war drums began to pervade the air. And then, like a great sea, the throng was parted as the Heathen Chief Paganax approached and descended into the pit. OncePaganax was in the ring, the crowd became feverish again as Godsend appeared in a burst of flames. Godsend tossed his title to the heavily armored Ravager Referee at the top of the pit and got face to chest with Paganax in the center of the ring.

Godsend’s eyes turned red, but Paganax eyes glowed just as brightly in orange. Godsend’s arrogant smirk was plastered onto his face, as his pearly whit teeth almost shimmered. But Paganax veins could be seen pumping his volcanic blood with ferocious power. It was evident that both warriors were powered up.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] You are becoming a rather large and rather persistant annoyance, Heathen King.

Paganax: You are soon to be subjugated, Demon King.

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (chuckling) Hm. Two Kings. One will fall. One will ascend into immortality.

Paganax: (raising his arms to the savages above) MY home! MY people! MY match! MY TIME!

[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend:[/glow] (as the bell rings) Sorry, Paganax. But MY Dominion is just beginning. Yours…is just waiting to be whisked away with the wind.

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPONSHIP
LAVA PIT OF PRIMUS MATCH
[glow=maroon,2,300]Godsend ©[/glow] vs. Paganax
Paganax utilized the pit wall numerous times to do damage to Godsend, but the Demon King kept coming back, eventually taking the advantage and using every move he could to attempt to kept the Heathen King down, but Paganax would not be defeated! Godsend finally kept the Fire Beast down for long enough to lock in the HELL’S THRESHOLD and kept it locked on tightly, expending a massive amount of effort to keep the Heathen Chief in place. But Paganax eventually stopped moving, and Godsend stumbled to the pit wall beginning to ascend it! About half way up, Godsend looked back and saw that Paganax was right behind him! In an excruciating race of will and fortitude, Godsend headed for the top with Paganax right on his heels. But it was indeed the Demon King who reached level ground first, pulling himself entirely out of the pit, only to be shortly followed by an exhausted Paganax.
WINNER AND STILL ESSENCE CHAMPION: GODSEND

Godsend retrieved his title and tumbled up and away from Paganax, getting to his feet and placing the Essence around himself once again. Paganax got to his knees and out of total frustration bellowed out a roar that shook the surrounding landscape and pounded the red hot soil beneath him with his fists. Not wanting to stick around any longer, Godsend promptly burst into flames and vanished while the crowd of Tribesman began to scatter as Paganax vented his frustrations even more, destroying rocks and hurling boulders around like toys. Paganax anger was unquenchable, and as General Rankor watched the scene from a high cliff nearby, he could not help but smile.

[Mr. Hyde]

THE SCENE: HOUSE OF CENTRA PARLIAMENT BUILDING

Beside a large, ornate, and heavy mahogany door sat Aegis. Dwarfed by the door, the bravest of Ramparts looked almost like a child waiting to hear his fate within the principal's office. As Aegis sat with his head hanging, Lance At-Las approached, his ribs heavily taped.

Lance: (looking toward the door) So...have they come to a decision?

Aegis: (standing) No.

Lance: (beginning to walk beside Aegis) How could they not? The decision is simple! We retrieve and return Murdok in exchange for Aspin?

Aegis: You know how these things work, Lance. Painmaster and Gheist gave us a cycle. I'm sure the House will take the entire time to make a decision.

Lance: (Both men stepping out onto a balcony) But, come on, Aegis. This isn't some proposed bill. This is a human life at stake.

Aegis: (looking into the distance) This is MANY human lives at stake......I don't know, Lance.

Lance: (angrily) You want to let Aspin be killed, don't you!

Aegis: (Exasperated) I didn't say that, Lance. There's just...many things to consider.

Lance: (angrily into Aegis' ear) Consider this. Aspin had no parts of putting Murdok at the bottom of the sea. And now, he might die for the people who DID play a part in disposing of Murdok.

With that venomous remark, Lance exited the balcony. Aegis looked after him briefly and then turned back out to gaze at the slowly recovering Centrapolis. After realizing that this recovery was due to Murdok's imprisonment, Aegis sighed forcefully and dropped his head.

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