aCe: WAR IS HELL

[Eliath]

Dude your storylines get better & better with each chapter.

Hands down, this is the best!

Bravo!!

[Mr. Hyde]

May 4, 2008 19:38:47 GMT -5 Eliath said:

Dude your storylines get better & better with each chapter.

Hands down, this is the best!

Bravo!!

Thanks man! But, there is just so much tension and story already built in to the ace, that its hard to not have awesome storylines!

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE 8
RAVAGER MOTHERSHIP
9th Cycle-2119

The decision to move the battle to The Ravager Mothership was a hasty one made by Aegis after the confrontation between he and Nicodemus near the Centra Palladium. Although the battle was not taking place in the ROC’s home arena, a large amount of Centrans showed up for the battle in order to support their troops and show their resolve to the dimension in the face of the ever-worsening conditions on Centra Prime. It hurt Aegis deeply that his brave soldiers could not fight in front of a home crowd, but the large Centran support-base that almost rivaled that of The Ravagers was a welcome consolation and a big morale booster to the rest of the Ramparts of Centra.

Grovel vs. Noxious
Grovel obliterates Noxious and has the match all but won, but the effects of the essence in the camp of the Crusade keep Noxious going, even in the face of an unrelenting assault. Grovel gets frustrated, seeing that he just cannot keep Noxious down, and grabs a chair! The Ravager Referee attempts to stop the Tribesman, but Grovel clumsily reaches for the official’s sidearm and takes an un-aimed, unpredictable shot at Noxious!
WINNER: NOXIOUS BY DQ

Luckily the bullet tears into Noxious’ arm, and does not hit any of the spectators at ringside! All of the Ravager Troopers in the arena storm the ring and subdue Grovel, dragging the wild competitor back to his locker room and away from where he can be a danger to anyone else!

Rouser vs. Nemean
The crowd was trading chants back and forth during this fight, which is something a bit unexpected to see during a war. But both contingents of Ravagers and Centrans love their fighters. Rouser jumped on Nemean from the opening bell, getting the better of him until Nemean slapped Rouser. Rouser responded with a poke to the eye and a SMASH WITH SIGN to pick up his first ever win! And against his ‘rival’ no less!
WINNER: ROUSER

Paganax and Rankor made their way to the ring at the same time, actually appearing to be a cohesive unit for the next fight!

ELIMINATION MATCH
Ventross vs. Paganax vs. Godsend vs. General Rankor
Ventross attacks Rankor out of the gate, and Paganax takes it to Godsend, gaining the advantage until Ventross shoves General Rankor into Paganax and knocks the Fire Beast right into a SPEAK OF THE DEVIL! Paganax is eliminated early on as Ventross and Rankor continue to go at it, leaving Godsend to hide. Rankor takes 3 SEVERED TIES but still won’t go down as Godsend ambushes Ventross and eventually locks on HELL’S THRESHOLD for the second elimination! Rankor and Godsend battle hard back and forth and Rankor takes the advantage, going to the top turnbuckle in desperation. Suddenly, a furious Paganax charges the ring and pushes Rankor off the turnbuckle, allowing Godsend to recover and slap on another HELL’S THRESHOLD to eliminate all 3 of his opponents!
WINNER: GODSEND

Godsend laughs maniacally as he watches Paganax stalk off, smoke billowing from his mouth and nostrils. Rankor soon recovers and storms to the back in anger as well as Godsend just laughs and laughs at what he and the power of the SPEAK OF THE DEVIL have done.

The SWAT Team vs. Darkness Falls
This match started out as a showcase of tag team skills, but Flatliner began to gain momentum against Krypt and eventually ended the fight with a SHOCK AND AWE.
WINNERS: THE SWAT TEAM

FOR STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE
CENTRA CAGE MATCH
Aegis vs. Murdok w/ Trisis
Aegis starts off strong until he misses a deathjump allowing Murdok to take over. Murdok pounds Aegis using all of his most powerful maneuvers, and splits the leader of the ROC open on the cage, but Aegis refuses to quit and will not allow Murdok to escape the cage! A bloody Aegis begins to gain momentum and dodges a POWER OF THE PLAGUE, sending Murdok crashing into the cage! Aegis opens up now and heads for the top of the cage, only to be caught halfway up! But, Aegis kicks Murdok off and leaps at his foe with a big clothesline from the top rope! Aegis then quickly scrambles for the top of the cage and, and as Aegis clears the top of the cage, Murdok grabs for his head but is unable to grab anything on Aegis’ baldness, allowing the leader of the ROC to escape!
WINNER: AEGIS (THE ROC MAINTAINS STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE)

The crowd of Centrans and Ravagers go crazy for Aegis and the Tribesmen are just overjoyed to see so much blood as the corporal staggers away from the ring. Murdok is pitching a fit inside the cage as he cannot stand to lose to Aegis, and is upset that he cost he lost possibly the last chance in the near future for Strategic Advantage for his Crusade. With blood still running into his eyes, Aegis turns to Murdok and begins to speak.

Aegis: MURDOK! (the harvester approaches the cage door) I want my wife back! And I want my arena back!

Murdok: Too bad, corporal. You will never have either one of them again!

Aegis: Maybe not. But, you will never have a shot at Strategic Advantage in this war again. Which means, you will never have a shot at the One Essence again, AND, after Scorch and Sheperd defeat Resurrection tonight, your Crusade will never any ANY of the Essence behind it!

Murdok: (outside the cage now, with Trisis in his arms) What are you going on about, Aegis? The sound of your voice aggravates me!

Aegis: Are you a cautious or an aggressive general, Murdok? What would you do if I gave you the chance to not only gain Strategic Advantage, but to also have a chance at the Tag Essence, in case Resurrection does not win tonight, AND the One Essence in any type of match you want at Battle 9?

Murdok: (grinning) What are you suggesting, Aegis?

Aegis: I want the Centra Palladium and I want Trisis back. You want Strategic Advantage and you want all of the Essence. You won’t give me the Palladium and you won’t give me Trisis. I won’t gice you Strategic Advantage and I won’t give you the Essence. So, I say that we fight for it!

Murdok: (very interested) You drive a hard bargain, Aegis. I’ll bring my men, and you bring your men, and in 2 weeks, we’ll settle this at the Centra Palladium. How does that sound, corporal?

Aegis: I know the ROC is up for it. You had just better hope that Tek and Cremator make it to the Palladium after their match tonight! It’s settled then! In 2 weeks, The ROC will fight The Crusade! Man to man, face to face, in a Caged Battlefield Match! If The ROC wins, you retreat from the Palladium and you give me Trisis. If The Crusade wins, you get Strategic Advantage after Battle 9 AND a shot at the Essence AT Battle 9!

Murdok: I look forward to it, corporal! You are a gigantic fool , Aegis, but that is only an added advantage for me! You have just sealed your own doom!

Aegis: (before turning away) We shall see in 2 weeks, Harvester. We shall see.

The Centrans in attendance as well as the Ravagers in the crowd gave their full support for The Specialists as they made their way to the ring for the next battle tonight.

TAG ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
[glow=green,2,300]Resurrection ©[/glow] vs. The Specialists
Scorch and Shepard isolate Cremator and pummel him with Shepard coming in and using his Turnbuckle Tabernacle, followed up by THE EXORCISM! Corporal Tek rushes in to make the save, but Shepard dodges an elbow drop and Cremator gets smashed instead! Shepard then grabs Tek and Cremator by the heads, and gives them a noggin knocker, followed by a pin and the win!
WINNERS AND NEW ESSENCE TAG CHAMPIONS: THE SPECIALISTS

The crowd gives a standing salute and ovation to The Specialists as they both wrap the titles around their waist and the passing of the essence begins. As the ring trembles with the power of the essence, Aegis, Lance At-Las, Rouser, and The SWAT Team all come out to congratulate the new keepers of the Essence. Warfare quiets the arena down, and then points at the retreating Cremator and Corporal Tek and begins to laugh! The entire crowd follows suite, as Murdok’s Crusade has been stripped of all the Essence!

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
[glow=blue,2,300]Nicodemus ©[/glow] vs. Lance At-Las
Nicodemus and Lance trade blows for a bit until Nicodemus takes over with a Ravager Gutbuster and goes on the attack from there. Nicodemus batters Lance, and goes up top for the NUCLEAR WINTER only to get a near fall! Nicodemus goes up again and again hits the NUCLEAR WINTER, only to get another near fall! Nicodemus continues to batter Lance, but Lance keeps fighting back and catches Nicodemus with a surprise Atlas World Beater and follows up with a pin! Nicodemus slips out, but walks right into the MARS MANHANDLER! At-Las goes for the pin, only to get a near fall! Atlas lifts Nicodemus up once more and drops him with another MARS MANHANDLER, going for the cover and the 1-2-BOOOOOM!
All of a sudden a tower of flames erupts inside the ring as Godsend appears and attacks Lance At-Las! The referee is forced to end the match in disqualification!
WINNER: LANCE AT-LAS BY DISQUALIFICATION
STILL ONE ESSENCE CHAMPION: NICODEMUS

Nicodems attempts to recover from the beating he just took as Godsend administers a beating of his own to Lance. Godsend locks in the HELL’S THRESHOLD and refuses to let it go as Lance fights with everything he has left to get out! Eventually Lance is forced to pass out and Godsend goes to get a chair from ringside! He enters the ring as Lance clumsily tries to stand and LEVELS him with a chair shot across the face!

Nicodemus gets to his feet and charges at Godsend, but the demon evades him and slithers from the ring to safety. Aegis rushes from The ROC locker room to the ring and checks on Lance as Nicodemus glares at Godsend. The demon smiles mockingly and raises his head in laughter.

Godsend: What is the matter, Nicodemus? I did just like you asked. You asked me to have your back tonight and I-

[glow=blue,2,300]Nicodemus:[/glow] (radiating nuclear energy) I asked for no such thing, you silver-tongued cretin! You lie!

Godsend smiles and turns away back to his own locker room.

Godsend: A simple ‘thank you’ would have sufficed, Ancient One.

Godsend retreats back to his locker room under the hateful gaze of the arena and Nicodemus looks after him until he sees Aegis looking up at him with questioning anger etched onto his features.

[Mr. Hyde]

THE SCENE: A HASTILY CRAFTED TRANSPORT SHUTTLE CARRYING THE TRIBESMEN OF PRIMUS TEAM

Away from their comrades, the ever-furious Paganax and General Rankor are discussing the 4-Man Elimination Match at Battle 8. Naturally, both warriors are quite upset about their manner of defeat in the match. While this unstable alliance heads to the Centra Palladium to watch the coming confrontation there, a battle of a different kind is being waged within the back docking area of the shuttle.

Rankor: What the hell were you thinking knocking me off the top rope like that! What could you possibly have been thinking! A win for me is a win for our whole team!

Paganax: Then why did you cause me to be eliminated, Traitorous One! YOU betrayed ME first!

Rankor: That worthless salamander Ventross pushed me into you! It was an accident! You can barely win a match against ONE person, what reason would I have for trying to impede your progress in a match like that?

Suddenly, Paganax lunged and Rankor, and as the Treacherous Dog attempted to reach for his gun, Paganax grabbed him by the throat and slammed him into the side of the shuttle, almost sending it off course!

Paganax: HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME THAT WAY! I AM KING, YOU ARE SERVANT!

Rankor: (choking) let gack! Let me down! You gack!

Paganax slammed Rankor to the ground as a way of letting him down and watched with arrogance as the General got to his feet and pulled out his pistol! Paganax roared and lunged but Rankor shifted his aim to Paganax head and stopped the Fire Beast in his tracks yet again.

Rankor: (holding his throat) This is fing absurd! How many times do I have to point my gun at you before we stop having disagreements like this! When I approached you to form this alliance, never ONCE did I declare myself a servant of yours! It is your own ignorance that leads you to believe this! We are EQUALS in this agreement, and I will prove it to you!

Paganax: Just try!

Rankor: When our new, and might I add expensive, recruit shows up in a few cycles I will not have him see his employers as bickering fools! We will settle this at Battle 9!

Paganax: You will be subjugated, dog!

Rankor: (lowering his gun to end the confrontation) Subjugated? That's a rather large word for you, Paganax. And without the assistance of any Essence, to boot!

Paganax: YOU DARE INSULT ME!

Before Paganax could even lunge, Rankor brought his pistol up again.

Rankor: You will learn my place in this army at Battle 9, Molten King.

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

THE SCENE: THE SMALL COCKPIT OF A RAVAGER SHUTTLE HEADING TO THE CENTRA PALLADIUM

Ventross and Nicodemus, as is usually the case now, are having a heated debate inside the shuttle. Just as Ventross is about to bring up another point, Warfare enters the chamber from the bedroom areas of the shuttle.

Warfare: Flatliner says he isn't feeling well. He's delirious, keeps rambling about his suit and how it makes him sick...I'm worried about him.

[glow=blue,2,300]Nicodemus:[/glow] Still? This is not good. Tell him we will have him disconnected from the armor as soon as possible to run diagnostics on it.

Warfare: Yes, sir.

As Warfare exits the cockpit, Ventross continues his objections.

Ventross: Nicodemus, I just don't think it is right to tamper so heavily with the natural order of-

[glow=blue,2,300]Nicodemus:[/glow] Natural order?! In case you have not noticed, order of any kind does not seem to be present in this dimension any longer.

Ventross: But, Ancient One, have you though of how the denizens of this dimension will react when you unleash this thing, this 'hybrid' onto the battlefield? After the debacles with Godsend and his smear campaign, we have already lost face with-

[glow=blue,2,300]Nicodemus:[/glow] (defensive)I do not care what the people of this dimension think! If they want to live, they will need to accept what we Ravagers do!

Ventross: (angered) But-

[glow=blue,2,300]Nicodemus:[/glow] But nothing! There is a reason the Ravager Race has thrived over the seas of eternal time and space! It is because we are superior to the other races, especially of this tumultuos and infantile dimension! We do what must be done, and it will remain that way until only I declare so!

Ventross: (storming from the cabin) Perhaps Flatliner is not the only member of this team who is sick!

As the door closes behind Ventross, Nicodemus looks after him with such unfamiliar and violent resentment in his eyes that it would shake even the most lifeless of ghouls. After a few moments of this deathly glare, Nicodemus turns around in his seat and, closing his eyes, placed his hands on the Essence Championship around his waist, just to touch it.

[Mr. Hyde]

CAGED BATTLEFIELD MATCH
CENTRA PALLADIUM
9th CYCLE-2119

Just one year ago, the Centra Palladium had been a magnificent arena. Every week, the bright lights would go on and the Centra Wrestling Federation would showcase its top talent inside the squared circle.

Just one year later, the hideous effects of the mysterious bacterium known only as The Plague had ravaged the once mighty ampitheater. With dimmed lights, shattered walls, and cracked, rotting support structures, the arena had been transformed into a monument to the horror of The Plague. This was the depressing Centra Palladium that Aegis led his Ramparts of Centra into.

In the center of the arena, with broken and failing lights playing errily off of it stood the Caged Battlefield that would soon decide so much. Two wrestling rings, enclosed inside of one sturdy, solid, and unforgiving steel cage loomed ominously over the brave Ramparts. It seemed to simply be awaiting another sacrifice of blood, sweat, and tears as a conflict unlike any other ever fought was about to begin.

As agreed upon, no regular troops were allowed within the walls of the arena. Only Adeversaries for Centra's Essence were permitted inside. Centran News Agencies flew their camera ships high above the arena in an attempt to capture the battle that could very possibly decide the fate of their planet. Outside of the building, 3 entire platoons of Centra Guard waited anxiously, staring across the rotting surface of the moon and the corroding and undead hordes of Murdok. Both forces locked in stalemate, awaiting the sounds of battle from within the arena.

Aegis and his men approached the rings to await their enemies. The enemies did not take long to appear. With both the Tribesmen of Primus and Ravager Army teams gazing down upon them, Murdok appeared with Trisis at his side and his Crusaders behind him. As they approached the structure in the center of the arena, even the usually arrogant and smirking Godsend was solemn. No man, ghoul, or demon would leave this cage unchanged.

As the senior Ravager Referee stepped forward, so too did the respective team captains. On the side of the cage, Aegis and Murdok were mere feet from each other and the tension was unbearable. Both warriors locked eyes as the referee began to explain the rules of the Caged Battlefield Match.

-Both team captains would meet and hold a coin toss to decide which team would retain advantage throughout the match

-Both teams would then elect one soldier to enter the cage and these two soldiers would battle alone for 5 minutes

-After this 5 minutes, the advantaged team would elect one soldier to enter the cage, thereby creating a 1 on 2 situation.

-After 2 minutes, the disadvantaged team would send a soldier in to even things up, and every 2 minutes, this cycle would repeat until all of the soldiers from each team were in the cage

-At this point, there would be no more time limits and no rules as the first team to eliminate all members of the other team through pin, submission, or incapacitation would be declared victorious

The referee then flipped a coin and Aegis made his call of 'heads'. The coin fell tails, giving Murdok's Team the advantage. At this, the Plague Harvester smiled.

Murdok: Bad call, Aegis. You seem to be making alot of those lately.

Aegis: Make your remarks now, Murdok. Because after this battle has concluded, you will retreat from this arena forever, and you will return to me my wife.

Murdok: (turning to head back to his team) Fool.

Both captains then headed back to their teams and as Murdok's Crusade shared a collective laugh, the ROC prepared for an uphill battle. Aegis looked at the faces of his teammates, even the weak yet loyal Rouser, and smiled.

Aegis: Thanky you all for this.

Scorch: We'd follow you to the ends of the dimension, Aegis! Yer our leader, and we believe in ya!

Aegis: Thank you. (looking to the priest) It looks like this one is going to get ugly. Any words for us from our chaplain, Shepard?

Shepard: Psalm 144:1 "Blessed be the lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle"

Rouser: God bless the ROC!

Scorch: Works fer me!

Lance: (saluting) For Centra Prime and for Aegis!

Aegis: (as all of the ROC salute in unison) LET THE WARGAMES BEGIN!

CAGED BATTLEFIELD MATCH
THE ROC:
Aegis, Lance At-Las, Shepard, Scorch, Rouser
Vs.
MURDOK’S CRUSADE:
Murdok, Godsend, Corporal Tek, Cremator, Noxious
-Lance and Tek start the match off with Tek taking control and busting Lance open on the cage! Lance fights back until the 5 minute period ends and Murdok’s Crusade gains the advantage, sending in Cremator!

-Cremator and Tek batter Lance until Shepard comes in to even things up!

-Shepard pounds on Cremator until Noxious enters the cage!

-Shepard uses his Antivirus powder to subdue Noxios as Scorch enters!

-Scorch gets ganged up on by Cremator and Noxious until Godsend enters to further the advantage!

-Godsend goes right for Shepard, eventually locking in the SPEAK OF THE DEVIL! Rouser is the next ROC in!

-Rouser and Scorch do damage to Noxious, using the cage like crazy until Murdok enters as the last combatant for The Crusade!

-Murdok takes it hard to Shepard until Aegis becomes the final entrant into the cage!

THE BATTLE HAS BEGUN!

-Murdok and Aegis tear into each other like dogs, with both men being split open. Shepard attacks Murdok from behind and then Godsend blasts Shepard from behind. These two go at it viciously with Scorch helping his partner a bit. Shepard goes up top for THE EXORCISM, but Godsend moves out of the way and slaps on SPEAK OF THE DEVIL to make Shepard pass out and become the first casualty of the war!

-Cremator attacks Rouser and puts him down, going for a cover. Suddenly, Scorch rushes to the rescue and blasts the unsuspecting Cremator with THE TRAILBLAZER! Rouser then grabs the ghoul and delivers a Protest Piledriver to eliminate Cremator and even things up!

-Corporal Tek attacks Scorch for eliminating his partner and beats his bloodied foe down. Suddenly, Rouser, with the stick that his sign is usually posted on, comes flying off the turnbuckle and smashes Tek in the head with it! Scorch and Rouser, in an uncharacteristic show of comraderie, double clothesline Tek and Scorch covers him for the 1-2-3!

-Noxious and Scorch begin to brawl until a furious Godsend attacks from behind! Godsend slams Scorch down with the Demon Bomb and goes for the cover until Rouser breaks it up! Godsend turns to Rouser and his eyes go red as he lifts Rouser up in the Dextral Choke and pins him against the cage! Godsend holds on until Rouser passes out, and still refuses to let go until Lance At-Las attacks!

-Lance tries to fight, but he has lost far too much blood and eventually succumbs to the Demon Bomb, putting the Crusade in control!

-Scorch and Godsend brawl back and forth until all 5 remaining warriors end up in the same ring and a giant brawl erupts! Out of nowhere, Godsend slaps THE HELL’S THRESHOLD on Scorch, and as Aegis fights off Murdok AND Noxious, Scorch is forced to surrender, leaving Aegis fighting a 3 on1 battle!

-With most of his torso soaked in blood, Aegis fights valiantly against the overwhelming odds, managing to fend off all 3 assailants, and landing a perfect cross-body block on the Plague Harvester! At 2.9, Godsend makes the save and Aegis cannot mount any more of a comeback as he just gets toyed with. Murdok hits a huge POWER OF THE PLAGUE, but somehow Aegis still kicks out! All 3 members of The Crusade cannot believe it and jump Aegis, pummeling him again. Murdok hits another brutal POWER OF THE PLAGUE and all hope for Centra seems lost as Aegis is pinned and The ROC is defeated!
SURVIVORS: MURDOK, GODSEND, AND NOXIOUS (MURDOK’S CRUSADE)
MURDOK’S CRUSADE NOW GETS TO MAKE THE MATCHES FOR THE ESSENCE AT BATTLE 9 AND GETS STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE FOR BATTLE 10!

A hush seemed to fall over the arena as the final count came down. For nearly an hour, the sounds of war had permeated the rotting building, and now, it was all over. Murdok and his crusade had won. Too exhausted and bloody to do anything else, Murdok, the victor, stumbled out of the cage. His troops gathered around him and surveyed the battlefield as Lance At-Las dragged himself back into the cage to check on a deathly still Aegis. Murdok moved toward the cage, and though they were near death, Shepard, Scorch, and ROuser moved to protect their fallen comrade.

Murdok halted and his Crusade halted with him. Finally, Murdok's rotten voice broke the dreadful silence.

Murdok: You are a fool, Aegis. You may be a brave fool, but you are still a fool.

With that, Murdok turned around and his entourage of the damned and undead followed his from the arena. There was no glorious victory on this night. All of the soldiers here sacrificed for their cause. And none of them would ever forget it.

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE 9
RAVAGER MOTHERSHIP
10th Cycle-2119

It had only been two weeks since the Caged Battlefield Match at the Centra Palladium. And as such, it had only been two weeks since the dreadfully demoralizing loss suffered by The Ramparts of Centra. Aegis, with his home arena still consumed by shambling dead and his wife, Trisis, still within the clutches of the Dread Lord, Murdok, entered the arena along with the rest of his battered and beaten team. Just when the dark clouds of fate had seemed to dissipate for a moment, now all hope once again seemed lost. As The ROC made their way to their assigned area of the ship, they all wondered if their loss at the Centra Palladium had truly sealed the doom of the entire dimension.

Nemean vs. Rouser
Rouser and Nemean tear it up in a surprisingly ferocious battle! The end comes when Nemean goes for a deathjump but gets crotched on the top turnbuckle by Rouser. Rouser then uses a SMASH WITH SIGN to knock Nemean off the top rope and get a second pinfall over his rival!
WINNER: ROUSER

The SWAT Team & Ventross vs. Darkness Falls & Grovel
The Tribesmen started off strong by isolating Flatliner, but Flatliner is able to turn things around and all 3 members of The Ravager Army unload on Krypt, finally getting the win with Ventross’ SEVERED TIES.
WINNERS: THE SWAT TEAM & VENTROSS

Rankor did not bring his usual contingent of Tribesmen to this battle, as he did not want them to see any of the blatantly obvious dissention amongst their leadership.

Paganax vs. General Rankor
Paganax comes out on fire (almost literally) but Rankor ducks a clothesline and sends the Molten King to the floor where Rankor takes advantage. After that it’s all Rankor as he attempts to end the match with GUILTY OF TREASON, only to see Paganax easily pull the ropes open! Rankor stays on top of Paganax and eventually rolls him up and then puts his feet on the ropes or the win!
WINNER: GENERAL RANKOR

Paganax leapt to his feet, furious, and the Ravager Troopers in the arena thought they were going to have a big problem on their hands. However, Paganax extended his hand to Rankor! He did not realize the Traitorous One’s unsavory tactic! Rankor shook the Fire Beast’s hand and the two exited the ring, apparently as equals!

The physical toll that the Caged Battlefield had taken on Aegis and Lance At-Las was evident as they made their way to the ring. With still nasty looking lacerations on both of their heads and deeply colored bruises on their face, the two most prominent soldiers in The ROC did not seem to be the Heroes their tag team name implied In the same way, Godsend looked a bit less smooth than usual as he stepped out of the flames when he appeared in the ring.

Heroes United vs. Godsend & Noxious
Lance thought that he could keep his thoughts in check against his friend turned zombie Noxious, but once it came time to throw down, it was clear this was not the case. This forced Aegis to do most of the fighting, which led to his downfall, as Godsend survived a heinous amount of punishment to mount a comeback, deal some major damage to Aegis, and eventually put him down for the win.
WINNERS: GODSEND & NOXIOUS

Even with the power of The Essence running through them, Scorch and Shepard still showed the brutal scars of war that they earned within the hellish Caged Battlefield.

TAG ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
CENTRA DEATH MATCH
[glow=navy,2,300]The Specialists ©[/glow] vs. Resurrection w/ Trisis
This match got wildly out of hand as chairs, stairs, and vid monitors went flying around the place. The referee was injured during the ferocious melee but Shepard showed why he is on the team known as The Specialists by using all of his specially designed tactics to obliterate Cremator. When a new referee was able to make it to ringside, it wasn’t long before Shepard was able to put Cremator away and successfully defend the Essence from the clutches of Murdok’s Crudsade!
WINNERS AND STILL ESSENCE CHAMPIONS: THE SPECIALISTS

Murdok did not look pleased with his men as he made his way to the ring for the final battle of the night. His grand prize for leading his army to victory at the Centra Palladium had already hit a snag, but the Plague Harvester was determined to bring Essence back to Antilia tonight.

Nicodemus soon entered the ring and handed off the Essence Title as the Dread Lord began to speak.

Murdok: Godsend is on my side of the battlefield tonight, Nicodemus. You cannot call upon him to keep your Essence safe!

[glow=blue,2,300]Nicodemus:[/glow] (bothered by the murmurs of doubt going throughout the crowd) Your little smear campaign is futile, Harvester. Do not try to make me out to be the monster you and Godsend truly are.

Murdok: Who is trying? I believe your doing a good job of that all by yourself.

Nicodemus turned sharply to Murdok, his yellow, gleaming eyes narrowed and piercing. Suddenly, nuclear energy erupted around Nicodemus as he clenched his fists and got ready to fight.

[glow=blue,2,300]Nicodemus[/glow]: You are right, Murdok. When it comes to those who attack my people, I am a monster. You shall see this first hand soon enough. Do not think I’ve forgotten about what your Crusade has done to The Ravager Race. The time has come. YOU WILL PAY FOR YOUR CRIMES!

Murdok: (scoffing) If I had a credit for every time I have heard that the Family Rose of Centra Prime would be enslaved to me. Not like they won’t be in time, anyway.

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
CENTRA DEATH MATCH
[glow=blue,2,300]Nicodemus ©[/glow] vs. Murdok w/ Trisis
The match started with Murdok and Nicodemus going move for move back and forth for a few minutes until Nicodemus took the advantage and hit the NUCLEAR WINTER, only to have Murdok kick out with ease! This seemed to throw Nicodemus off as Murdok just took it to him after that, locking in the CENTRA TAKEOVER! Nicodemus fought like hell and began to break the hold, but Murdok tossed him through the ropes and followed him out. Nicodemus responded by tossing Murdok into the steel ring stairs, but was attacked by Trisis! Nicodemus threw her off, and turned around to be slammed in the head with the ring stairs! Murdok got into the ring and waited for Nicodemus to follow, but as the Ravager Commander entered the ring, the ever-present Trisis leapt up on the apron and tried to attack him again! Seeing opportunity, the Plague Harvester charged Nicodemus from behind, only to collide with Trisis! Nicodemus rolled Murdok up, but Murdok kicked out and Nicodemus went up top. Murdok sprang up and crotched Nicodemus on the top turnbuckle and slammed him down, going to work. Nicodemus seemed to be beaten as Murdok took his time and locked in the CENTRA TAKEOVER! To Murdok’s shock, Aegis stormed the ring with a chair and swung it wildly at Murdok! Murdok ducked and the chair blasted a recovering Nicodemus! Aegis was horrified as Murdok came slamming into him with a POWER OF THE PLAGUE that sent him toppling out of the ring. Murdok then grabbed Nicodemus and locked in the CENTRA TAKEOVER! Nicodemus was totally out, and the Ravager Referee reluctantly called for the bell!
WINNER AND NEW ESSENCE CHAMPION: MURDOK

Aegis’ attempt to rectify his failure at the Centra Palladium had failed, and now the entire arena, along with the entire dimension, watched with grim disgust as Murdok, the Harvester of Plagues, the Dread Lord himself, was handed the Essence Championship! With a gleam in his truly dead eyes, Murdok wrapped the belt around his waist and began to laugh maniacally as his corpse seized up and was filled with The Essence of Centra!

Aegis pulled himself up off of the arena floor to see his worst nightmares come to life. The glow of the Essence had turned sickly black and seemed to ooze into Murdok’s body now as he was suspended a few feet in the air, his insane cackling filling the arena with dread. At this moment, Aegis caught sight of his wife, Trisis, on the other side of the ring and the look that momentarily hit her could have been nothing else but human. He could see that she, too, had been filled with dread at Murdok’s victory, and that although she was forced to obey his commands, she did not want his power to grow.

Murdok finally touched down, his strength fully restored and his cold slate eyes turned to black. His fearsome new appearance shook even Aegis as the Dread Lord turned toward his mortal enemy.

[glow=green,2,300]Murdok:[/glow] First you hand over your wife, and now you have handed me the Essence of Centra. Aegis, You truly are a generous man. That will make your slow and painful demise all the more satisfying.

[Mr. Hyde]

THE SCENE: ROC COMMAND CENTER, THE BARRACKS

Aegis: I really, really hope this Soldier of Destiny you have works out, Lance. Destiny doesn't seem to be too much on our side any more.

Lance: I trust in the Shaman, Aegis. And I wanted to talk to you about Aspin, now that you bring him up. He's been training hard with me for the past cycle. I think it is time we bring him into the field with us.

[glow=blue,2,300]Shepard:[/glow] You mean have him debut at Battle 10?

Lance: Not quite. But I do believe he should travel to Antilia with us for Battle 10.

Aegis: No. Lance, you know the plan. I'm not taking a rookie, less than a rookie, on a mission like that.

Lance: Well, militarily speaking, Aspin has more experience than this Hustler you're bringing along. Plus, Shepard has confirmed that the spiritual assassin is on Antilia at this moment. He will be inside the Vault Macabre when we attack.
We will need all the help we can get.

Aegis: Lance...

[glow=blue,2,300]Shepard:[/glow] I agree with Lance, sir. If Aspin Northstar truly is the Soldier of Destiny, we will need him there.

Aegis:...alright. But, Lance, make sure he sticks close to you. You are responsible for him.

Lance: Aye, sir.

Just then, Rouser, who had befriended this so-called Soldier of Destiny, burst into the Command Center. In his scrawny arms was a box, with a label that read: "From Planet Primus"

Rouser: Guys, you are going to want to see this.

[glow=blue,2,300]Scorch:[/glow] What the hell does Rankor have up his sleeve now?

Rouser handed the box off to Aegis who placed it on the round table in the center of the room. As the entire ROC crowded around him, Aegis opened the package.

Aegis: (reaching inside the box) Lance. Look.

Aegis withdrew his hands from the box to show the room what was contained within it. In the corporal's hands lay a single, serene black rose.

Lance: (fearful) That son of a bitch. This is not good. At all.

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THE SCENE: MURDOK'S THRONE ROOM, ANTILIA

The newly crowned Essence Bearer sat quietly in his throne of corpses. With his eyes closed and his head back, the Harvester of Plagues let his rotten mind wander to memories of an eternity ago, when he first ruled this now dead planet. The Essence made him feel alive again. Almost.

The Dread Lord's nostalgia was interrupted as he felt a prescence slowly enter his chamber. It was a prescence he knew all too well, and deep inside, feared.

[glow=green,2,300]Murdok:[/glow] (his eyes still closed) Yes, Godsend?

Godsend: My apologies for interupting your thoughts, lord. But, I wanted to talk to you about Battle 10.

[glow=green,2,300]Murdok:[/glow] Go on.

Godsend: I wished to know if you have considered who you will defend The Essence against.

[glow=green,2,300]Murdok:[/glow] (smiling) I sense your motives, demon. And maybe another time. But, I will defend my Essence against a soldier whose skills and strength I admire and who has deserved a chance to shine in combat for a long time. Besides, I already have two VERY importnat missions for you, already.

Godsend: What are these missions, lord?

[glow=green,2,300]Murdok:[/glow] Do not worry about them for now. I am confident you can handle both with ease. For now, just leave me be.

Godsend humbly bowed out but if Murdok had opened his eyes during the conversation, he would have seen Godsend's intense disgust written onto his face. Murdok reached out to hold the hand of his queen Trisis, who had seen Godsend's hate, and once again let his thoughts drift to distant times.

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THE SCENE: THE COMMAND DECK OF THE RAVAGER MOTHERSHIP

Ventross: I believe it was an angel who saved us that day in the Palladium, Nicodemus, and I do not think tampering with bad science during these times of prophecy and mysticism is a-

Nicodemus: (sharply) I did not summon you here to continue this debate. I want to inform you that I must travel to the Essence Mines in the Dark Matter Region.

Ventross: Again? That is the third trip this cycle!

Nicodemus: I will be gone for two weeks. In that time-

Ventross: You will not be here for Battle 10! Nicodemus-

Nicodemus: Correct. I will also not be present when Holocaust arrives. I want you to make sure the scientists get to work on him immediately. Also, you will be the commanding officer at Battle 10. I expect good results.

Ventross: I wil do my best, sir, but I think it unwise for you to be taking these lengthy trips to the mines! What business-

Nicodemus: It is imperative business that I take care of there! Ventross, I do not believe I was told when it was acceptable for a soldier to continually question his commanding officer. Why, then, do you believe it is acceptable?

Ventross: (standing up at Nicodemus) If I were to appear unfit to...

A tense silence invaded the air as Ventross realized his act of defiance toward Nicodemus and the words that were about to escape his mouth. For a few moments, the proud warriors stood in quiet until Nicodemus rose from his chair and narrowed his eyes.

Nicodemus: (almost hissing) You are dismissed, Ventross. Leave me.

Ventross continued to stare in silent aggravation at his superior, and then turned briskly at left the deck. As he exited, Nicodemus sat back down into his chair and, out of habit, reached for the Essence championship that was no longer around his waist. After realizing his folly, the Ancient One quickly glanced around to see if any had caught his lapse and, satisfied that no one had, preoccupied himself once more with his data.

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE PLAN

BATTLE 10
RUINS OF ANTILIA
11th Cycle-2119

Noxious vs. Grovel

Ventross vs. Lance At-Las

FOR STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE
Godsend vs. Nemean
*Murdok has basically assured that his team retain Strategic Advantage*

The SWAT Team vs. General Rankor & Paganax
*Murdok wishes to test the alleged stability of the alliance between Rankor and Paganax*

HANDICAP MATCH
Aegis vs. Darkness Falls
*Murdok has assigned members of another army to do his dirty work*

TAG ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
SPECIAL REFEREE: GODSEND
[glow=blue,2,300]The Specialists ©[/glow] vs. Resurrection w/ Trisis
*Dissatisfied with the officiating of their last encounter, Corporal Tek and Cremator have requested a more 'suitable' referee*

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
[glow=green,2,300]Murdok ©[/glow] w/ Trisis vs. Rouser
*The ROC, The Ravager Army, Godsend and specifically Rouser are unhappy with this decision. In an obvious attempt to safeguard his Essence and have a little fun, Murdok has chosen the weakest of contenders as his opponent*

[Mr. Hyde]

BATTLE 10
RUINS OF ANTILIA
11th Cycle-2119

Rouser watched with a lump in his throat as The ROC shuttle landed on the soggy soil of Antilia. In the distance, Murdok’s looming stone arena stood brimming with lifeless ghouls, just like the last battle fought here. As the shuttle came to a stop, Rouser felt a hand place on his shoulder. It was the newest member of The ROC, Aspin Northstar.

Aspin: Good luck, Rouser. I have faith in you.

Rouser: Thanks, Aspin. I don’t care if I win tonight. I just want to leave this place alive.

Just then, the shuttle door opened and Aegis stood in front of the doorway before the team disembarked.

Aegis: Ramparts. Before we leave this shuttle, I want to make sure we’re all clear. Do we know the plan?

Lance At-Las, Scorch, Rouser, Aspin Northstar, and the man called Hustler all nodded in agreement.

Aegis: Good. Let’s go, then. Oh, and Rouser…(the scrawny Rampart looks up)…kick some ass tonight.

Noxious vs. Grovel
Noxious wins a hard fought match with an vicious OUTBREAK.
WINNER: NOXIOUS

Ventross vs. Lance At-Las
Ventross and Atlas go move for move back and forth until At-Las makes a misstep and ends up going down to the SEVERED TIES. This was exactly how their last encounter played out, but with the roles reversed!
WINNER: VENTROSS

Godsend was overbearingly confident as he appeared inside the ring for the next fight. Nemean, who had abandoned his match out of cowardice the last time he was on Antilia approached the ring like a dog that was about to reprimanded by his master. The usually brash and arrogant Ravager seemed scared out of his mind as he entered the ring and fell under Godsend’s intense gaze.

Godsend: (smirking, of course) I don’t like you, Ravager filth. Your commander has cheated me time and again, and now you’re going to pay for it, kiddo. How does that sound?

Nemean mumbled something unintelligible as he kept his head down.

Godsend: What was that, brash one? I couldn’t quite here you.

Nemean kept his head down as Godsend continued to try to intimidate him. The brash one held his tongue until…

Godsend:…and I don’t think-

Nemean: (shouting into Godsend’s face) IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU THINK! (as Godsend is in stunned silence) BECAUSE YOU’RE JUST A ROODY-POO CANDY ASS AND I AM GOING TO LAY THE SMACKETH DOWN!

Ventross: (watching from afar) What the hell is he doing? Does he want to be killed?

Godsend: (laughing) What the hell are you doing? Do you want to be kill-

Nemean: AND I’M GOING TO TAKE THOSE HORNS OF YOURS, SHINE EM UP REEAAL NICE, TURN EM SIDEWAYS AND SHOVE EM UP YOUR CAND-BLACK!

Godsend had grown tired of Nemean’s outburst and leveled him with a huge haymaker to begin the match!

FOR STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE
Godsend vs. Nemean
Godsend didn’t even bother to toy with his prey as he quickly disposed of the brash one with HELL’S THRESHOLD.
WINNER: GODSEND (MURDOK’S CRUSADE RETAINS STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE)

The SWAT Team vs. General Rankor & Paganax
Flatliner is feeling ill so Warfare matches up with Paganax and gains the advantage, putting him down and tagging in Flatliner to hit the SHOCK AND AWE! But as Flatliner goes for the pin, Rankor rushes in and a giant brawl erupts! Warfare gets gouged in the eye, and Flatliner, recovering from a boot to the head from Rankor, turns around and blasts the first thing he sees, Warfare, with a HUGE clothesline! With warfare down, Paganax hits the PAGAN VOID on Flatliner for the win!
WINNERS: GENERAL RANKOR & PAGANAX

Warfare, forgiving Flatliner for his mistake considering Flatliner’s condition, tries to help his partner from the ring. But Flatliner throws him off and stumbles from the ring on his own, holding his head and dropping to his knees from time to time.

HANDICAP MATCH
Aegis vs. Darkness Falls
Krypt and Jakyll use the numbers advantage to beat Aegis down, but the bravest of Ramparts comes back on Jakyll, taking him down with an Opening Salve, running to the corner and booting Krypt in the face, climbing up, and pinning Jakyll with a cross-body from the rope while Krypt recovers on the floor!
WINNER: AEGIS

After his hand is raised and Krypt and Jakyll retreat in shame, Aegis looks directly at Murdok in his spectator’s box and asks him “What else have you got?”

Scorch and Shepard knew as they made their way to the ring that they faced one hell of an uphill battle. Godsend was already standing and grinning in the center of the ring as The Specialists entered it and awaited the former Essence Bearers, Corporal Tek and Cremator.

TAG ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
SPECIAL REFEREE: GODSEND
[glow=blue,2,300]The Specialists ©[/glow] vs. Resurrection w/ Trisis
This match turned into a violent and hardcore brawl as Godsend would not dare disqualify Resurrection and The Specialists knew they would not be disqualified, lest Resurrection not be awarded the titles! Shepard jabbed his wodden cross into Tek’s head and used several EXORCISM’S to totally obliterate the zombie corporal, but Godsend’s slow counts kept Tek in the match! Even blasts from Shepard’s Antivirus could not keep him down, forcing the priest to go up top as Scorch and Cremator battled on the outside of the ring. Godsend nonchalantly leaned on the top rope, causing Shepard to lose his balance and crash ribs first into the turnbuckle! Tek was able to tag Cremator and with an ANTILIAN RUINS sealed the deal on the cheated Specialists and won the match! Godsend used a fast count on Shepard, of course.
WINNERS AND NEW ESSENCE CHAMPIONS: RESURRECTION

Aegis, watching the transfer of Essence from the shadows of the arena put his head down and slammed his fist into the column on his right. Yet again, Murdok’s seemingly unstoppable Crusade had gathered all of the Essence. He shuddered to think about the horrific condition his home, Centra Prime would soon be in and dropped to his knees, pleading for God to send something, anything, to help turn the tides of this war. What he did not know was that the heavenly aid he begged for had already descended from the First Realm.

Murdok was brought to the ring by his undead slaves once again and the Plague Harvester stood confidently in the center of the ring, awaiting his victim. Rouser showed up in the arena, and contrary to expectation, made his way to the ring with his head held high. Rouser entered the ring defiantly and stood as tall as he could, attempting to stare down the Dread Lord.

[glow=green,2,300]Murdok:[/glow] (cackling) Let’s see if we can’t break that fighting spirit of yours.

ONE ESSENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
[glow=green,2,300]Murdok ©[/glow] w/ Trisis vs. Rouser
Rouser charged Murdok right at the opening bell but was met by a heinously powerful clothesline. Murdok just had fun slamming Rouser around after that, tossing him to the outside, and refusing to let him back into the ring by tossing him from the apron every time! Murdok eventually followed Rouser outside and delivered a brutal Murdok Power Bomb across the stone arena floor, only to watch the broken Rouser drag himself back into the ring at 9! Murdok smiled a sinister grin and lifted Rouser up, showing a rare act of mercy and making Rouser submit to the CENTRA TAKEOVER.
WINNER AND STILL ESSENCE CHAMPION: MURDOK w/ TRISIS

As Murdok basked in his ‘glorious’ victory, Aegis stormed the ring and got face to face with the Plague Harvester! The two mighty leaders stood in an intense showdown for a few moments until Aegis turned, picked up Rouser, and helped him from the ring. Aegis gave Murdok one final, glaring look, and then rushed Rouser along, bending close to the scrappy Rampart’s ear.

Aegis: You made us proud to have you on our side tonight Rouser. You truly are a Rampart of Centra, and when this horrific war has finally come to an end, you will be right beside us in the victory celebration. Now hurry, we must get back to the shuttle and prepare to execute Operation: Liberation!

[Mr. Hyde]

aCe 2120: REINFORCEMENT

All of the events detailed in the ace 2120: Reinforcement handbook now take place. The failure of Operation: Liberation and it's subsequent effects and follwing events have put the aCe on hold for two cycles. At first, with what he believed to be all of the Essence in his possession, Murdok had no plans of returning to action in the aCe, simply letting his formerly halted intelligent and invulnerable hordes do the fighting, but when it was revealed that Corporal Tek had been brought back to life as Tekaro, Murdok knew he would have to bring his forces to the ring once more.

Because Tekaro had been Corporal Tek, he still held one half of the Tag Essence within him. But, because Tekaro now planned to fight for The Ravagers, this meant the Tag Essence had been split between he and Cremator, or The Crusade and The Ravager Army. And so, intent on finally taking all of the Essence and finally letting his armies overrun Centrapolis, Murdok has declared that Battle 11 of the aCe will take place in the 2nd Cycle of 2120, on his home planet of Antilia.

THE FORCES:

ROC:
Aegis-still the commander and still pining for his wife, craving Murdok's death, and hoping for the end to the horrors of war
Exodus-formerly Aegis' friend Atman, this angel descended from the First Realm shortly after Godsend's descent into demonhood
Hustler-recruited by Aegis for his efforts as leader of the Blue Steel Gang
The Specialists: Shepard and Scorch-will continue to strive for the Tag Essence
The Light Brigade: Lance At-Las and Aspin Northstar- Lance has promised to keep Aspin close while the Soldier of Destiny reaches his full potential and together they will face the zombies who took their best friends from them: Cremator and Noxious

The Ravager Army:
Nicodemus: the wise one has vowed to stop Avarice in his greedy and foolish attempts to achieve the Essence
Hybrid- The product of Nicodemus experiments, this mammoth Tribesman of Primus has had a Ravager brain implanted within him and will destroy any and all who stand in Nicodemus' way
Holocaust-In an attempt to save his own distant race, this fighting machine has undergone experiments to return him to his prime fighting ability in order to battle his traitorous and homicidal successor, Flatliner
NuBorn Destruction: Warfare and Tekaro-While Warfare is wary of working with a man whom he's had several brutal wars with, Tekaro claims that the effects of The Plague stole his willpower and now that he has been cured by The Ravagers, he will destroy his former slavemasters
Nemean-The brash one continues to grow in his wits and experience, and is committed to entertaining the galaxy in this time of war with his Nemean Show
Ventross- After being demoted by Nicodemus, he has deserted the army, believing the ancients, specifically Nicodemus, to be mad. He still shows up for battle in order to continue his fight with Rankor the Traitorous.

Planet Primus:
Paganax- Does not trust his newest teammates and is keeping watch on them warily
General Rankor- Still has designs on the Essence, and possibly, Primus itself
Avarice- The Blackheart has been hired by Rankor to round out the ranks and use his skills for the team's objectives
Flatliner-A victim of Rankor's insidious designs, the man know as Trench is dead and now only the merciless killing machine known as Flatliner remains
Darkness Falls: Krypt & Jakyll-Have been threatened with death by their king to improve on the field this year
Grovel-Seems to have taken offense to Nemean's overt loudness and gesturing

Murdok's Crusade:
Murdok- The Dread Lord feels total victory in his grasp, and will stop at nothing to finally achieve it
Godsend- While his loyalties remain in question, his goal's: The Essence, do not
Gheist- The Spectre of Death itself has offered his services to Murdok for a sizeable, yet worthy fee
S&M: Painmaster & Sycophant- The Disgusting Duo have joined Murdok's Crusade simply to serve and destroy
Living Dead: Cremator and Noxious-Their endless hunger compells them forward into battle
Trisis- remains unwillingly subservient to the Plague Harvester, secretly praying for the day Aegis can rescue her from her living hell

It has been decided that 2 battles per cycle will be held and that the Tag and One Essence titles will be defended at every other battle, with Strategic Advantage still being fought over at every battle.

Now that that's all over with, on to Battle 11!