The Angel Ranch

Trevor Mach was sitting on the couch, shakily drinking a glass of water, while eyeing Tack suspiciously. Makoto was holding baby Honoka. The returning Nani stared at the child, and then back at Makoto blankly.

Nani Angel: It is good to see you both again, though I’m surprised the child is here.

Tack Angel: We’re both surprised to see YOU, and we were surprised to see Honoka too.

Nani Angel: …So this was not your doing?

Tack Angel: NO!

Trevor Mach: It wasn’t?

Tack Angel: NO!

Trevor Mach: Seriously?

Tack Angel: NO!

Trevor Mach: No as in you’re not serious?!

Tack Angel: NO AS IN I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT’S HAPPENING!

Trevor Mach: *sigh* Pastor G says I need to trust more. Fine, I believe you.

Tack Angel: Your hand is still shaking.

Trevor Mach: The trauma is still there.

Nani Angel: Tack, that is the King of Dark was dealing with a situation on Earth-5, wherein these pillars that are barely visible were touching down all over, and rearranging people and places *looks to Trevor* you seemed to have appeared….twice.

Trevor Mach: Every me is in high demand.  

Nani Angel: Including Trevor-10.

Trevor Mach: Ah…the uh…the better one…right.

Nani Angel: But this has turned out to be a blessing, as I am back where I wish to be, with the King of Light. The corrupting influence that Darkness Angel had over me is gone, and I do not wish for empire. I wish for peace and quiet with my husband.

Makoto Angel: Well that’s great. I have to admit, I’ve grown quite accustomed to having him to myself but-

Nani Angel: You do not understand. I wish to have him for myself.

Makoto Angel: What?!

Nani Angel: When the time comes, you will go back, while I will have Tack’s attention all for myself.

Makoto Angel: Hey! I thought we learned to share!

Nani Angel: A silly notion that we put up with because we had to. Things are different. You may share the King of Dark. The King of Light will be mine.

Tack Angel: Hehe….oh…oh no. Trevor, your hand is shaking even more.

Trevor Mach: IT’S HAPPENING AGAAAAAIN!!!!!

Wayne Angel: *from behind the wall* Oh gosh, it’s a delight to have you back Nani!

Tack Angel: DAD?!

Saturn Cafe

Jammer sat across from Vape, recently released from lock up, as he scribbled on a sheet of paper.

Jammer: …Are you uh…you alright bro?

Vape: …They say prison changes a man…I didn’t have that problem. I told them I was a woman, so they put me into the women’s prison.

Jammer: …Right. When did people get so stupid?

Vape: Specifically? It was like 2016? 2017 maybe?

Jammer: Did you uh…learn a lesson or anything?

Vape: A lesson about what?

Jammer: Women…and what not to do around them?

Vape: Oh! Absolutely not.

Jammer: Fantastic. Here comes Benji, he’ll tell you that you have to treat women with more dignity and respect than that.

Benjamin: For sooth, and yet my lady love smashed her partner over the head with a beer bottle, so what do I know.

Jammer: And my gal is one giant red flag, but I like the color red so whatever. Still Vape, you need to be careful. If they catch you again-

Vape: I’ll just get thrown back into sexy pillow fight women’s prison.

Benjamin: That can’t be real. Is that real? That can’t be real.

Jammer: This power you have Vape…be careful. Power corrupts absolutely.

Vape: I don’t think that’s true. I don’t think power would corrupt any human being. That doesn’t sound right to me. The words human and corrupt, they don’t even go together.

Jammer: You think they’re like antonyms huh?

Vape: I think human is Saturn Latin for Non-Corupto.

Jammer: …You’re so full of *bleep*.

Benjamin: What are you drawing Vape?

Vape: Well I had this image in my head when I was sleeping in the jail. A beautiful woman in a flowing gown, pretty tiara, and pouty lips named Rosalina. She was yelling at me, trying to warn me, kept saying the “stars were going out” or something. I wasn’t really paying attention. Anyways this is a picture of what it would like like if she gave me a foot job.

Jammer: OH COME ON! I’M TRYING TO EAT!

Benjamin: That’s quite vulgar my friend.

Vape: I’m gonna put it on deviant art, and call it Toesalina.

Jammer: …I…I have no words buddy. Why are you showing me this?

Vape: I just wanted to share with my friend!

Jammer: That’s oversharing! You’re oversharing!

Vape: Oh, I see how it is, I’m not able to express my hobbies to my friend.

Jammer: YOUR HOBBIES GOT YOU JAIL TIME!

Vape: THEY DROPPED THE CHARGES!

Jammer: NOT THE POINT!

At the counter, Bashin Dan sat watching his friends bicker from across the table.

Jaden Yuki: Man, that Vape is whack yo. He don’t know how to treat a fine lady, that’s fo sho’.

Bashin Dan: That’s right. You play card games with them.

Jaden Yuki: Absolutely! See, this is why we tight my man. People may wonder why the hottest star in wrestling hitched his wagon to the Dan Club, and it’s cause of that right there. Too bad I gots to beat though.

Bashin Dan: Is that so?

Jaden Yuki: It’s gonna come down to it sooner or later. I’m gonna be absolutely flawless.

Bashin Dan: I look forward to the challenge.

Jaden Yuki: Fo’ sho’ buddy. Fo’ sho’.

Bashin Dan: Uh…and a for sure back at you.

Jaden Yuki: I’m gonna go chill with the other homies, you coming over?

Bashin Dan: I might.

Jaden Yuki: You don’t want to go over there do ya?

Bashin Dan: Hmm?

Jaden Yuki: You’re too busy thinkin’ bout that “Hope situation” ain’tcha?

Bashin Dan: What? How do you know about that?

Jaden Yuki: I hear things my man. I hear things. Peace.

As Dan put his head to the table, a man sat down next to him.

Bashin Dan: You forget something?

Cade Yaggis: A lot of people seem to be forgetting things again.

Bashin Dan: Huh? Cade!

Cade Yaggis: Shhh, I don’t want them to notice me here.

Dan looked backed to see Jammer and Vape still bickering back and forth.

Bashin Dan: I don’t think that’s gonna be a problem. It’s good to see you man. What are you doing here? Planning a comeback?

Cade Yaggis: No. I’ve been there, and I’ve done that.

Bashin Dan: Aw, but you’re great though. You got the blood fired up in every match! You made me better.

Cade Yaggis: And you saved me from a fate worse than death on more than one occasion. I can’t thank you enough for that. I can’t go back to being what I used to be. I wanted to be the “4th Protagonist” after Ness, Tack, and Trevor, but it turns out that was always supposed to be you. I never “played my cards” right.

Bashin Dan: Well you never let me teach you how to-

Cade Yaggis: Not literally Dan.

Bashin Dan: Right.

Cade Yaggis: Did you hear what Vape said a bit ago?

Bashin Dan: Yeah. “Toesalina”. What even is-

Cade Yaggis: Not that part. The vision he had. A voice calling out, warning whoever could hear it. It warned that the stars were going out. Does that sound familiar?

Bashin Dan: …Unfortunately. I still see it in my head.

Cade Yaggis: The whole world witnessed it, and then they forgot. You might know how by now, and you might know why, but what you don’t know is the current panic going on behind the scenes. Dan, I work for…the same agency as Face. You remember him?

Bashin Dan: I do.

Cade Yaggis: We keep these things under wraps, but you need to know that the warning is resonating for a reason. The stars WILL go out aga-

Suddenly, a friendly figure sat down beside Cade.

Gordon Cole: I’D LIKE A SLICE OF YOUR DELICIOUS CHERRY PIE AND A TALL GLASS OF MILK!

Cade Yaggis: …Gordon.

Gordon Cole: SPILLING THE BEANS A LITTLE EARLY SPORT! WE’RE STILL TRYING TO LOCK THIS THING DOWN!

Bashin Dan: …Mr. Cole, how bad is it?

Gordon Cole: BLUEST ROSE SINCE 2019 KID!

Bashin Dan: …I understand.

Gordon Cole: I’M GONNA TAKE THAT PIE AND MILK TO GO PLEASE! CADE, I’LL BE OUT IN THE CAR!

Cade Yaggis: That’s my cue. Look, I don’t have the full details yet, but keep an eye on the sky, and seek me out when the time comes. Also, beat that Rama Raju guy for me. I’m a big fan of the Dangerous Player.

Bashin Dan: Heh. I’ll do my best not to let you down.

?

Gordon Cole and Cade Yaggis entered the secret facility. Gordon quickly turned to Cade.  

Gordon Cole: I UNDERSTAND THE DESIRE TO WARN YOUR FRIENDS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE IN THIS SORT OF THING, BUT YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND WE CAN’T HAVE LEAKS IN THIS OPERATION!

Cade Yaggis: I do understand that sir, but what I don’t understand is why you waited until now to say anything. We were in the car for an hour.

Gordon Cole: I WAS CONTEMPLATING THE WORKS OF JOHN STEINBECK, BUT I DIGRESS! WE DON’T EVEN KNOW IF WE HAVE ANYTHING TO WARN THEM ABOUT!

Cade Yaggis: Sir, ever since you brought me into the Blue Rose Task Force, you told me we have to remain vigilant of any reality shattering events. You personally told me that Ana lost her abilities yes? That’s potentially reality shattering. Plus, I’ve been having the same dreams that Vape had.

Gordon Cole: SO HAVE I, AND THOUGH I LOVE THE SIGHT OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN, I WOULD NOT DRAW THEM IN SUCH A VULGAR STATE OF UNDRESS. IT’S NOT TRE CHIC IF YOU CATCH MY MEANING!

Cade Yaggis: Only sometimes.

Mr. Face: Cade, you went to tell them didn’t you? Kid, I-

Gordon Cole: HE’S ONE OF THE GOOD ONES FACE, LET’S NOT BE TOO HARD ON HIM! HE MIGHT HAVE THE RIGHT IDEA! WE HAVE TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND!

Mr. Face: Well, his Dad and Jeff Andonuts have been pouring over the uh…”turn of events” as it were.

Cade Yaggis: My Dad is here?

Mr. Face: You bet.

In another room, Dr. Yaggis, and Jeff Andonuts were looking down at something on the table. Every now and then, Jeff would look up from the object, and stare at Yaggis.

Dr. Yaggis: Is there a problem Dr. Andonuts?

Jeff Andonuts: I just don’t know if I’ll ever get used to working with…you…to be honest. I mean let’s break down how you traumatized my childhood for starters and-

Dr. Yaggis: I can understand how you might feel. I can assure you, that I personally mean you no harm whatsoever. I’m here because I’m fascinated, and I want to help my son.

Jeff Andonuts: Oh good, I-

Dr. Yaggis: It’s the other me I can’t make promises about.

Jeff Andonuts: What?

Grimoire: Gentlemen, how much longer are you going to gawk at it? I would really like it back?

Jeff Andonuts: As soon as we figure out what IT is? Doctor, do you have any ideas?

Dr. Yaggis: I’ve got one theory…

Giygas: And you’re not going to like it.

The three men looked down at the table. It was Grimoire’s book. The one containing the story of Earth-1, and an entire page had turned black.
 

?

An unknown, yet unimaginable time ago, a war of cosmic proportions was waged in the burning waste that was once space. Tears in the fabric of reality burned brightly, from above and below, as the denizens of the Void clashed with the guardians of the Sanctum. As the universe itself seemed to burn, a figure ran down the hallways of an illuminated vessel, with sword in hard. His armor was covered in blood, as he staggered and tried to catch his breath. He looked out of the window to see a large a ship falling to pieces nearby.

?: *gasp* Oh no, that’s the-

Before he could get the words out, he heard a sound behind him. Footsteps growing closer. He turned to see that it was someone he knew all too well. His good friend Azazel.

Azazel: The flagship? Indeed it is Azrael. The all consuming nightmare is looming, just like the Apple of Enlightenment predicted.

Azrael: Then it’s time, isn’t it? To use the weapon. The Spear of Light. It’s this wa-

Azazel: Not so fast Azrael.

Azrael: Not so fast? Are you out of your mind?! That thing will destroy us all!

Azazel: What if it doesn’t? What if it just clears away the weak, and leaves the strong to create a new, and more just reality!

Azrael: What?

Azazel: This war will NEVER end Azrael. I know you love the humans, and I know you love this reality, but it is tainted by the echoes of the Metaverse! That’s why we’re always in conflict. If we sweep it all away, we can truly create a paradise where WE have dominion! WHERE WE HAVE POWER!

Azrael: …Do you have any idea what you sound like right now? WHO you sound like?

Azazel: We’ve been lied to Azrael. We always had a choice to pick a side, and I’m choosing MY side. The Infernals get to tag along, but it’ll be me running everything…with you…if you join me.

Azrael: …Wait…you sabotaged the flag ship?!

Azazel: I’ve done so much more, because it has to be this way.

Azrael: NO! NO! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WOULD BETRAY US!

Azazel: US!? They made you DEATH! You should be allowed to cherish LIFE! They MADE you a RIDER OF MALICE, when you could be so much more! Tell me Azrael…something you love and cherish, so I can retain it in the new Eden, as a gift for my friend. Let me guess…you would have me save the human woman yes?

Azrael: DON’T YOU SPEAK HER NAME! I MAY BE DEATH, BUT I DO CHERISH LIFE! THERE ISN’T A THING I DON’T CHERISH! MY MALICE IS POURED OUT ON THE WICKED, AND THAT MEANS YOU AZAZEL THE BETRAYER! But…I have a job to do first.

Azrael ran down the hallway, while Azazel turned to the window facing out into space, staring directly into the growing darkness outside. The stars all began to dim. A figure walked up to Azazel.

Yog’tara: I like that one. Resolute in his convictions, willing to fight the encroaching nightmare, even as we awaken from the deep sleep. Are you sure this is what you want Azazel? You Celestials are not normally equipped to deal with what wonders we have in the Void. We have an odd fellow who loves to audit your sins with your own blood and-

Azazel: Save it foul creature. I don’t do this for you, I do this for me.

Yog’tara: Anything to survive? Just like us.

Azazel: Oh no. I don’t wish to survive. I wish to rule.

Yog’tara: …You give us competition when it comes to an insatiable appetite.

Azazel: My appetites rival that “thing” out there, and I need to stop him from intervening right now.

Yog’tara: Do whatever, I’m just here cause it’s fun.

Yog’tara whistled and walked away as cataclysmic battles were waged outside of the ship. Azazel looked stopped at a wall and saw a picture of him and Azrael among a group of Celestials. The sign behind them indicated they were on board the Intercessor.  

Azazel: That pathetic Chris P. Bacon and his Earthly sentiments. A ludicrous picture. Much like the rest, he will be consumed.

He smashed the picture off of the wall and drew his sword as he entered a room called the Lightforge. Inside a giant room pulsating with light, a large missile-like weapon was positioned to hit the nightmare just outside of the Intercessor. Azrael preparing to push the button when Azazel rushed him. Azrael was able to get his sword up just in time, as metal clashed with metal.

Azrael: Azazel! STOP THIS!

Azazel: NO! YOU STOP IT! LET IT GO! THEY ARE WEAK! THEY ARE PATHETIC! THEY’RE NOT LIKE US! WE COULD BE ENDLESS! NEVER DYING!

Azrael: What’s the point of that!? We live to serve until it’s our time! That’s how it goes! That’s what is!

Azazel: You’d fight for THAT?!

Azrael: I FIGHT FOR THEM! DON’T MAKE ME KILL YOU!

Azazel: I was just thinking the same thing Azrael, but I will chop you down if it keeps you from pushing that button over ther- WHAT?!

Azrael: Huh?

They both looked over to see a bright, glowing figure near the launch button. The figure looked at Azrael as if they expected them to know who they were, but Azrael could not see who it was behind all the bright light.

Azrael: WHOEVER YOU ARE! DO IT! PUSH THE BUTTON! NOW!

Azazel: NO! I’LL KILL YOU ALL! I’LL-

Azazel was shut up instantly, as Azrael ran his sword through his chest. However, at that exact moment, he did the same to Azrael. The two fell to their knees as the figure pushed the button, sending the Spear of Light out of the Intercessor. The glorious weapon hurtled into space and smashed into the nightmare creature outside, causing such a powerful attack that even in space, the sound of pain could be heard and felt.

Azazel: You fool! Do you realize…wha-what you’ve…what you’ve done?

Azrael: I saved them…whoever…that…that was….saved them. That’s all that matters.

Azazel: You think you’ve won? Darkness…retreats…but it doesn’t die…not like they do…and neither do we. They’ll pull us from the brink of death…and that is where I will win, because I will come back and finish what I started…and this time I will make you pay for standing against me.

Azrael: If you come back, then so will I, and I will stop you, as many times as I have to.

As the creature outside recoiled into itself, the Infernals retreated back into the Void. With the battle won, a flash of light hit the Intercessor, as another figure in bright armor and long black hair entered the Lightforge.

?: Azazel?! What have you done?!

Azazel: Unfinished business Jacob, but it’s something that I will get around to, even if it takes me an eternity. I….will….rule.

Azazel and Azrael both collapsed into the opposing swords, dying with their heads on each other’s shoulders. Jacob raised his sword, and enveloped them both in light.

Suddenly, Trevor Mach bolted awake and sat up in bed. He could barely catch his breath, as he clutched his chest, checking for a stab wound, finding instead the scar from Darkness Angel.

Trevor Mach: Man, what’s with me getting stabbed in the heart!? What was all that? It felt very familiar. *sigh*

Trevor looked over to the empty side of the bed, remembering that Tali had been cleared to leave the hospital, but still had business to attend to.

Trevor Mach: Can’t walk, and yet she’s still on the move. Guess that happens when you get bolted down to wheels.

Trevor walked down the hallway and checked on the kids. Robo was hovering over Truth, rocking her automatically, while he was in sleep mode.

Trevor Mach: I’d actually pay him, if he had a use for money. I need to go for a drive.

Trevor got dressed, and put on a leather jacket and aviators, before taking the tarp off his motorcycle, pushing it away from the farm before starting it up to go for his ride. The cool night air passed by at blistering speed as he tried to make sense of what just happened. As he passed by a cornfield, another motorcycle slowly pulled out between the rows of corn and began to pursue him. Trevor didn’t notice at first, but caught sight in his rear view mirror. Someone in a charred leather jacket, with a red helmet.

Trevor Mach: Who is that? HEY! I DIDN’T KNOW WE HAD ANOTHER RIDER IN TO-

The figure in the helmet opened his jacket, and pulled out a charred and twisted sword. He pulled up beside Trevor and tried to stab him. Trevor ducked and drove ahead.

Trevor Mach: WHOA! WHAT WAS THAT?! WHAT ARE YOU-

Suddenly he felt a hand touch his arm. He looked to his other side and saw that he was passing by Yog’tara, who giggled and winked at him.

Trevor Mach: YOU! WAIT! WAIT NO! I-I picked the worst night for a joy ride.




Trevor screamed into the air, as flames suddenly erupted all over his body, the scream becoming distorted as the pain in his eyes changed to demented delight. The crazed exhilaration took over as he hit the brakes and matched the speed of the attacker on the other bike. He dodged and ducked the sword and punched away at the helmet, trying to break through it to no avail, so he kicked him away into the cornfield. As he rounded the corner, the pursuer burst out through the corn and returned to his side as the chrome collided on their bikes. Trevor veered hard left to take the action away from Smalltown, but it would lead to a busy highway in no time flat. The concern for others was being overridden by the urge to pound this villain into dust, as he laughed and swerved back into the other rider’s bike. He grabbed him by the throat and tried to force him off the road, but suddenly a black car joined the fray. The mysterious car, with blacked out windows drove in between the two bikes. Trevor pulled away and took the ramp onto the highway. He noticed the other motorcycle in pursuit, but the car drove off.

Trevor Mach: THAT’S ONE LESS-WHOA!

All the cars on the highway seemed to be turning in to block off Trevor, as he zigged and zagged to try and avoid them. In that moment he lost his cool again, as the flames burst out of him, and he cackled wildly. The car that approached earlier had back tracked, and made his way on the highway from a distance, but while all the others cars on the road were in a rush to close in on Trevor, this car held back, its driver in control of the situation.

?: I stood upon a high place, and I saw below many devils. Running…leaping…cavorting in sin. They looked upon me and said “comrade” and “brother”.

Their grip on the wheel tightened as they sped up to enjoy the “show”. Trevor was losing road as the cars closed him off, so he popped a wheelie just in time to ramp the cars in front of him and jumped over them. He barely made it across, as he slammed along the curved rail of steel and concrete. His pursuer on the bike was able to make it as well and the two found themselves fighting it out neck and neck again. A semi ahead of them swerved sideways, and Trevor had to quickly force the bike to the ground to duck it, as the other rider ramped and went over instead. Trevor flew off his bike on the attempt to get it back upright, but took the opportunity and momentum to try flying at his attacker. Pain ripped through his body as the memory of his wings being ripped off his back played in his head. He grit his teeth, as his body encased in flames once again, forming fiery wings where the physical wings used to be, allowing him to control his velocity as he smashed the helmet off the rider with a burning knee. The men rolled into the field beside the highway. As Trevor slapped his face and tried to regain his composure, the other rider swung a chain that wrapped around his arm. He pulled Trevor in and punched him, but Trevor responded with a head butt before setting fire to the chain which made the rider let go. Trevor reached his hand out and produced a scythe, which he brought to the neck of his attacker, fighting the instinct to take his head off, when the sight of who attacked him brought him back to reality.


Trevor Mach: …D-DOUGIE?!

Dougie Mach: Trev? What….what’s going on? What am I doing here? Why am I bleeding?

Trevor Mach: What?

Trevor looked around, the highway behind him. All the cars that had worked to run him off the road were now gone, and traffic was flowing normally. The fire inside wanted to erupt again, as Trevor grabbed at the cross on his chest and fell to his knees. Steam began to rise from his body as he worked up the will to bury the rage.

Dougie Mach: Trevor seriously, what’s going on?

Trevor Mach: I…I was wondering the same thing.

?

Mr. Face looked out of the window of the facility. What he saw he still couldn’t grasp. He was joined by Grimoire, who had come out to look for coffee.

Grimoire: This is awful isn’t it?

Mr. Face: It is, but it’s the only coffee you’re gonna find….well…here.

Grimoire: I guess so. So, how did you even come across this place?

Mr. Face: Jeff Andonuts found it. He’d been here before, and he used the technology he was using to launch him and his friends around space and time.

Grimoire: Wow. With guys like Jeff and…heh…Tack and the sorts running around space and time, it makes you feel like it all might collapse at any given second huh?

Mr. Face: They’re not bad guys…but yeah I get that feeling sometimes. That’s why we originally came here, in an attempt to get all of those reality-rending ideas and contain them in the one place they couldn’t do any damage. Then, Gordon brought you and the Ana girl on to try and repair the damage. You both seemed capable of patching up the damage, but then Ana lost her powers all of a sudden and you-

Grimoire: Are slowly losing the ability to write or traverse through a single Age. They all end up the same…with a black page. I have NO idea what that means.

Mr. Face: I’m starting to worry that I do kid. See Jeff found this place again because of readings that he should not have been getting in the first place, and around the same time, the pillars began touching down, and because of you and where we are, we now know that the occurrence is happening everywhere. I just wish we knew how to stop it.

Grimoire: If you ask me, you might want to consult Earth-5. They’ve got the right team assembling for the job and-

Mr. Face: I got a bee allergy. Maybe we send you, eh kid? Did you say you wanted to meet the King of Dark?

Grimoire: *sigh* Oh boy. Yeah, I did say that didn’t I? Guess I’ll get ready for that then.

Grimoire walked away as Face laughed a little and sipped his coffee. He looked back out of the window to the facility, and still felt an overwhelming feeling every time he did. The wreckage floating around outside, a stark reminder of what happened the last time mortal men dare set foot in this place. The wording on the side of a metal panel read “Apple Core”.

Andonuts Labs - Saturn City

Degrees peaked around the corner, to make sure he was alone, before pulling out a keycard to the lab. He ran it through the port, but the message came up saying he was denied access. Degrees then popped open the front of the machine and plugged it into a device on his arm. A crude interface appeared on the screen, asking for password authentication. Degrees tried words like “Everanger” and “Jet Havok” to no avail. Then, he got an idea and typed in “Bottle Rocket”, which open the door to Jeff’s lab in Saturn City. The Doctor quickly looked around the lab, searching for something in particular along the wall. He moved a white board aside, and found a triggering mechanism that opened up a door in the wall. He traveled down a long corridor, and entered a circular room, surrounded by machines, humming in the darkness. Something sat in the middle of the room that caught his attention. He slowly reached over and opened the large container and-

Degrees: It’s…a…refrigerator? Why did he label his yogurt? Did he think someone was going to take it? That being said though….I’m gonna take it. I like peach yogurt.

Degrees then heard a loud sound down the hall beyond the room. He followed the sound to and hid in the doorway, as he saw Jeff powering up a strange device. Degrees had seen the blueprints before, as they came from that Lucca girl, but he was unaware that Jeff had finished creating it, or that he even intended to.

Jeff Andonuts: Alright then, the power looks good. The neighborhood lights might blink for a minute, but I don’t think I’m gonna burn myself this time, so I call that a win. Time to go.

Degrees: Go where?

Jeff Andonuts: AH! Degrees? MY YOGURT!

Degrees: Where are you going Jeff?

Jeff Andonuts: Huh? What? Huh? Oh…I meant uh…you bed…cause I just finished my pencil eraser eraser eraser machine! Yeah it uh…it erases the eraser that erases pencil eraser statues! Apple Kid…always making weird things am I right?

Degrees: …

Jeff Andonuts: You didn’t buy that for a second did you?

Degrees: I knew you were up to something. When you sent us around “randomly” to places like Earth-5, it wasn’t random at all. You were controlling it from this room weren’t you? You were using this machine. I thought it was a time machine only, but it looks like you got it to send you to all sorts of places.

Jeff Andonuts: I can explain!

Degrees: I would really love that, because I wouldn’t want to believe that my friend has been lying to me.

Jeff Andonuts: I’ve not been lying to you! I’ve been…withholding..the truth? That sounds bad, but I can explain!

Degrees: You said that.

Jeff Andonuts: Right! Some time ago, I learned how to find a way to connect to “Sanctum Space” in a word. You knew that.

Degrees: You said it was random though, that it was more like the Sanctum was reaching out to you.

Jeff Andonuts: Yes, and that was partially true, but I figured out pretty quickly how to make it a two way street. Not to the “Sanctum Space” as it were, but someplace else. From there, it’s possible to go to other places. I didn’t tell you that, because I was told to keep it a secret.

Degrees: By whom?

Jeff Andonuts: *sigh* The Blue Rose Task Force. I work for them.

Degrees: The what?

Jeff Andonuts: Gordon Cole…his group. The ones that try to investigate and clean up after the “messes” that have been caused in the last decade and a half. After what I’ve seen, and experienced, they wanted me to be a part of that group, and to be honest, the exploits that lead us to Earth-5 were part of that mission. They have to keep it a secret. Blue Rose is working independently from any Earth governments. They have to. Can you imagine what would happen if Bidet got his hands on this technology? He’d be asking other planets to donate billions of dollars for his money laundering operation, and then ask people to come over and die for Chosenland.

Degrees: I get it…you didn’t vote for him, neither did I.

Jeff Andonuts: So it has to be kept a secret! Luckily, no one buys the craziness of wrestling as events ACTUALLY happening, so we can get away with a lot, but this secret…has been the big one.

Degrees: I get that Jeff, but it’s me. Why would you keep it from me?

Jeff Andonuts: It’s because it’s you specifically Doc. You of all people shouldn’t have to relive what happened.

Degrees: What do you mean?

Jeff Andonuts: *sigh* It’s the Apple Core Doc. That’s where this leads…to the Apple Core.

Degrees: The…Core?

Jeff Andonuts: You remember I’m sure.

Degrees: …

Memories flooded through Degrees’ mind, a mind that was once two distinct versions of the same person. He remembered the Core all too well.

Degrees: H-how could I forget? As much as I try to. I was there…twice…I was there. We fought to protect reality from…*sigh* “V” and uh…I died sort of.

Jeff Andonuts: Pulled from death at the last second by the final Reaper…if you don’t count Trevor or Larry. You and your counterpart were broken, but you became one. I figured all of that trauma should stay BEHIND you.

Degrees: How could it? If something is going on, I need to be there to help. Is something happening Jeff?

Jeff Andonuts: Yeah. Something is happening, but we’re not sure what, and we’re all afraid of what it COULD be. I guess now that you know, you need to come with me….back to the void.

Earth-5

At one of the central hives above Crystal Fourside, four men managed to break through the swarms of mecha bees, to infiltrate the base. The King of Dark Tack Angel, Trevor Mach-10, Justice Mach-2, and Gibson Rickenbacker made their way down bee hive-like corridors, trying not to step in the honey that was seeping all over the place.

Gibson Rickenbacker: Dis place is stickier den Cat Man’s room, ya know what I’m sayin’?

Trevor Mach-10: Uh Gibson, I’m gonna remind you that none of us know this “Cat Man” you’re talking about.

Gibson Rickenbacker: Right…right.

Justice Mach-2: You didn’t have to come with us Gibson. You were displaced, and this isn’t your fight.

Gibson Rickenbacker: The Cat Man and Cat Wife would neva' forgive me if I didn’t try and be a Warrior of Light wherever I go. Seriously though, she’s mostly a human woman, she just has like…ears…and a tail…and sometimes…hairballs. It’s not weird.

Trevor Mach-10: It’s unfortunate that this is happening on a world meant to be a paradise, and Tack, you said you had the power to control this whole world before?

Tack Angel: I crafted Earth-5 to be a sanctuary for the cast offs, the nations and people that were lost after their Earths were destroyed. Suddenly, I was unable to change anything anymore, and that was coincidentally when Baron Von Bee started causing me grief. Man, I hate that Bee!

Gibson Rickenbacker: So a Bee Man eh? Ha! Now, I’ve seen everything, know what I’m sayin’?

Trevor Mach-10: It’s clear that we at least have to deal with this threat if we’re going to figure out why these pillars are displacing everyone like that Tyro kid was able to do.

Tack Angel: Yes, we must end World War Bee.

Trevor Mach-10: What started this war in the first place?

Tack Angel: Uh…well-

Justice Mach-2: It started with Tack and the Queen Bee and-

Tack Angel: *cough cough* There were a lot of socio-political factors, and I really don’t want to get into it right now, while we’re trying to liberate Crystal Fourside! The Stinger Ports are this way!

The quartet arrived in a room full of stinger missiles, as they fought off the robotic bees loading them into the firing chambers. Gibson took off his pack and handed out devices to the group to plant all over the room.

Gibson Rickenbacker: I love a good explosion. This beats the heck out of doing dis sort a’ thing back on Earth-14. You have to watch your feet for stupid circles, and if you’re standing outside of them, you might STILL get hit, even though you were outside of the circle.

Trevor Mach-10: Sounds rough. My bombs are planted.

Justice Mach-2: Same here.

Tack Angel: An explosive surprise is coming for you Baron Von SUCK! I HATE that Bee guy!

Trevor Mach-10: Deep breaths King of Dark. We have to get out of here.

Gibson Rickenbacker: Let’s cheese it!

As the group ran away, Tack stopped in his tracks, when a feeling overwhelmed him.

Tack Angel: Nani?! I-

As Tack clutched at his chest, he turned to see an glowing image in front of him.

?: You! Please help us! It’s coming! It’s coming back! We can’t stop it! You have to find it! You have to find the Inte-

The beautiful and etheric woman disappeared as Tack looked on very puzzled. He was shocked as he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Justice Mach-2: Tack! We have to get out of here!

Tack Angel: R-right. Right. *sigh* I just saw something but- never mind. Lead the way…oh and Justice? Don’t tell Trevor-10 about the Queen Bee.

Justice Mach-2: Uh…I’m gonna?

Tack Angel: First you impregnate my daughter and now this!? Just twist that knife Trevor’s kid! Just twist that knife!
 

[img]https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/y29/talena696/MAX(New_Logo).png[/img]


*Right before the show started, MCW Executive Producer, Lucca, arrived at the BattleZone while pushing Real M's in her brand new purple wheelchair. Real M's casually asked Lucca if things were ready for tonight. Lucca said they were. Real M's said she was pleased to hear it and was in a good mood about tonight.*


*The mood immediately soured as they were interrupted by Mr. Pirkle and his red shirt security force, the Demo Reel. Pirkle then informed both ladies they were late, but M's countered saying the show hadn't officially started, so they were still on time. Pirkle counter countered by telling M's that since she is no longer a member of the active roster, she serves now valuable purpose to the company. Lucca then informed Pirkle that M's is a valuable asset still and that tonight's BIG SURPRISE was all her doing. This caught Pirkle completely off guard and he demanded to know what the big surprise was. But Lucca refused to say anymore than that. Real M's then told Pirkle all need to know was that this surprise was a GAME CHANGER! Real M's then "accidentally" ran over Pirkle's foot with her wheelchair as she wheeled by with Lucca. The Demo Reel wanted to attack them, but Pirkle called them off instead.*

The opening video package for the MCW MAX then played.*




*The opening pyro now goes off in the BattleZone as the brand new MCW announce team of Xciter, Tangelo, and Pokey Minch welcome everybody to the debut edition of MCW MAX. Xciter then runs down the card at a blistering speed, including the main event of Bad Vibes defending the MCW Tag Team Titles against Dem Girlz.*



*As if on cue, Elysium walks out and down to the ring. The MCW World Champion, Tracy now greets the crowd to a thunderous chorus of boos. She tells the crowd they can keep booing cause it won't ruin Elysium's night. Nothing will, not even Dem Girlz.*




*Dem Girlz then interrupted Tracy's ranting and Jenny James told her to enjoy her night while it lasts cause it's gonna be end very badly for her. Bad Vibes then interrupted saying it end ever worse for them as they would take out the TRASH tonight. Jenny James then said they ain't talking to her, so back thre fuck up. We are talking about HER night. Cause tonight, there is a BIG SURPRISE for Tracy, as well. So they HOPE she enjoys it too. Tracy was now livid and not happy by that announcement either.

Back from break, the opening match of night then started.....*

1.) The Nasty Girlz and Team Kick kicked off the MCW MAX era with a pretty exciting little tag match. Nasty Girlz tried to use dirty tactics to take the advantage, but Team Kick responded by kicking the shit out of them. In the end, dirty tactics prevailed as Kat LeRoux rolled up Evie Kai and used the ropes to pin her.

*Team Kick was not happy with the results, but by hook or crook, the Nasty Girlz were still victorious.

Backstage, Tracy was with the rest of Elysium, still upset and paranoid over what Dem Girlz told her earlier. Kid Cadet tried to get her thoughts about the situation, but Tracy just insulted and scared her of instead. Mr. Pirkle then walked up to Elysium and told them not to worry anymore cause he had a BIG SURPRISE for all of Elysium and to follow him. They then all left together.*

2.) Alere Little Feather and AJ Munk engaged in the hard hitting contest, with the undefeated ALF getting the better of the veteran AJ. But Munk fought back, thanks to a distraction from Brooke Carter, and went for the GTS (Go To Sleep), but ALF escaped out the back door and shoved AJ Munk into Brooke Carter, who was on the apron. After the collision, ALF nailed her with the End Of The Trail (Jeff Cobb's Tour Of The Islands) for the victory.

*After the match, ALF celebrated her big victory as Brooke Carter checked on AJ Munk. After ALF exited, AJ Munk attacked Carter from behind, laying her out. AJ Munk then proceeded to beat down Brooke Carter, hammering and stomping the shit out of her now ex-partner, yelling that it was all her fault. AJ Munk then put the exclamation point on it by laying Brooke Carter out with the GTS, as well. AJ Munk then left the ring by herself, signaling the end of ABC!

*Backstage, Mr. Pirkle led Elysium down the hallways of the BattleZone until.....*


*Until they got to their very new, very expensive VIP Room! Mr. Pirkle then told them that he expects the best and in return, gives the best. Mr. Pirkle then opened the door and invited them in, except for Carma. Pirkle then informed Carma that Venus was heading to the ring for her BIG announcement. Carma then quickly left with a nod of her head, as Pirkle told her not to disappoint him.

Back in the ring, the MCW General Manager, Venus was standing by for her big announcement. But before she could even start....*



*Carma interupts Venus, enters the ring, and immediately demands that she award the brand new MCW Television Championship belt to the "Baddest Hottest Chick on Television" aka her. But again before Venus could even say anything.....*



*The self appointed leader of The Ensiders, Tiger Storm now enters the ring and Carma is NOT amused by the interuption, to say the least. Tiger Storm now tells Venus if anybody deserves to be the first MCW Television Champion, then it's her. As she was a former EBW Women's Television Champion. Something not even Carma can say.*


*Both ladies continued to yell at each other for a few minutes until Venus finally interrupts them. She then tells both of them, that she is NOT gonna award the MCW Television Championship to anyone. HOWEVER, she is pleased to announce that starting next week on MCW MAX will be the MCW TELEVISION TOURNAMENT! AND the winner will become the first ever MCW Television Champion! Venus then wished both ladies good luck in the tournament and left the ring, as Carma and Tiger Storm just stared at each other. Tiger Storm then gave Carma a cocky little smirk, so Carma retaliated by slapping Tiger Storm hard across the face. Carma then quickly exited the ring and continued to trash talk, as Tiger Storm just shook her head in disgust.

Back from break, a still disgusted Tiger Storm was shown walking through the Gorilla Position, still holding her face in pain. Kimber Blaze now runs up to her, but Tiger Storm tries to brush her off. But Kimber Blaze tells her that Lacey Wagner has just arrived to the building. Tiger Storm's frown turns upside down as she tells Kimber Blaze to lead the way. Blaze and Storm then leave together.

Kid Cadet was then shown standing by with Heather Mach. Heather Mach was not in a very good mood either cause Kelly Steel failed to show up for the debut edition of MCW MAX. Heather Mach then said she would now take her build up frustrations out on Ruby Soho tonight.*

3.) Heather Mach and Ruby Soho had a very good match tonight, very evenly matched, including trading hard strikes back and forth in the ring. Heather Mach still managed to get the upper hand with a series of Knee Triggers, but Ruby Soho refused to stay down. Heather Mach then went for the Swanton Bomb, but.....




In classic wrestling trope fashion, Kelly Steel's music playing distracted Heather Mach and she took her eyes off Ruby Soho. This lead to Ruby Soho nailing her with the No Future (Rain Maker set up into Overhead Kick)! Ruby Soho then wen to the top rope and nailed Heather Mach with the Diving Senton for the victory!

*Ruby Soho quickly exited the ring as she celebrated her huge upset victory over the former World Champion! Heather Mach was livid in the ring and blew a gasket, yelling out in absolute rage. The ref tried to calm her down and got laid out with the Call of the Wild (Twist of Fate) for his troubles. That is gonna cost Heather some big money in fines, for sure.


*Backstage, Two Sweet was shown hanging out and talking with a brand new face.*

In the Heel Locker Room, Tiger Storm and Kimber Blaze both agreed that the new Lacey Wagner was perfect and ready to show the world. Tiger Storm then told Lacey off screen to wait for the signal to make her "debut".

Back in the ring, 3K was already in the ring, ready for the 6-Woman Tag Match. Tiger Storm and Kimber Blaze then walked out onto the stage. Tiger Storm then told the crowd this was the moment, they've all been waiting for. Ladies and Gentlemen, be prepared for something new. Something great. Something wonderful. LACEY WONDER!*





4.) This match was basically a showcase for the new and improved Lacey Wonder. And that is exactly what it was with Lacey Wonder eventually pinning Kimmi Lixx with the Wonderfall (Glam Slam/Jaded) for the easy victory.

*After the match, Tiger Storm and Kimber Blaze tried to celebrate the victory along with Lacey Wonder, but she demanded they leave the ring. This confused both Blaze and Storm, but they did leave the ring eventually. Lacey Wonder then proceeded to pose by herself, soaking in the crowd reaction.

In the VIP Room, Tracy was discussing strategy with Bad Vibes and Carma. Tracy told Bad Vibes to take out that TRASH tonight. Carma then asked about the BIG SURPRISE again, but Tracy just ignored her. All three ladies then left the VIP Room, leaving Tracy by herself. Tracy then just yelled out in anger and frustration.*



*A video package then played showing waves crashing on the beach in Summers. People run about beach doing various activities. The shadow of a unknown figure also watches from afar. The sun then sets over the beach as the people leave. The video package then shows the now calm beach waters and ends with the initials "ZH" followed by the words "COMING SOON".*

5.) Bad Vibes and Dem Girls didn't have a wrestling match tonight, not at all. They had an all out war, picking right up where they left off in EBW! Both teams wanting to prove who the best women's tag team in world was. Eventually Bad Vibes was able to cut off and isolate Jessy James from her older sister, Jenny. But Jessy refused to go down without a fight and kept kicking out. Bad Vibes went for the Bad Ending (Magic Killer) on Jessy, but she fought of it with combination head scissors and DDT at the same time! Jessy then made the hot tag to Jenny who cleaned out and ran wild on both Rayne and Ariel. But Carma then got involved, tripping up Jenny on the outside! So Jenny drags the cocky little bitch into the ring and Dem Girls take her out with the Junkyard Special (Total Elimination)! The distraction was enough, as Bad Vibes was able to nail Jenny with the Bad Ending! But Jessy still makes the save at 2.9! They go for it again, but it's broken up and Jessy shoves Rayne into the Throwdown (FU/Attitude Adjustment) from Jenny, tossing her to the outside of the ring! Jessy and Jenny now ping pong Ariel back and forth with punches before Jenny lifts her into a power bomb position and Jessy goes to the top rope. Jessy now jumps off with the Blockbuster for the Trash Compactor (Power Bomb/Blockbuster Combo)! Jenny now flips over into a jackknife hold for the victory as Jessy holds off Ariel!

*DEM GIRLZ DID IT! WE GOT NEEEEEEEW MCW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! Jessy and Jenny James barely have to time to celebrate their victory before they triple teamed by the former champions and Carma. The MCW World Champion, Tracy, now casually walks down to the ring and watches as the other three continue to beat down Dem Girlz!

Tracy now takes the mic and demands to know where the BIG SURPRISE is, cause it's not gonna save Dem Girlz! NOTHING WILL! The lights then went out in the BattleZone and after a few moments on suspense, they came back on......HOPE MACH WAS STANDING IN THE RING! All four members of Elysium now flee the ring as Hope Mach stands tall with Dem Girlz! Tracy can not believe it either. Hope now picks up the mic and tells Tracy that she is the BIG SURPRISE! And as of this moment, SHE IS MCW! Hope Mach now drops the mic and poses in the ring with Dem Girlz as Elysium look on from the outside in shock and disbelief.*


*The show now fades to a final close from there*

MCW MAX
MCW BattleZone - Sin City, Eagleland
LIVE ON ENT

1.) Tag Match: Nasty Girlz beat Team Kick when Kat LeRoux pinned Evie Kai with a roll up using the ropes.
2.) Singles Match: Alere Little Feather beat AJ Munk with the End Of The Trail.
4.) Singles Match: Ruby Soho beat Heather Mach with the Diving Senton.
3.) 6-Woman Tag Match: The Ensiders beat 3K when Lacey Wonder pinned Kimmi Lixx with the Wonderfall.
5.) MCW Tag Team Title Match: Dem Girlz beat Bad Vibes© when Jenny James pinned Ariel with the Trash Compactor to become the NEW CHAMPIONS!

 

[img]https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/y29/talena696/AFTERMAX(Logo).png[/img]



*After MAX went off the air, Hope Mach continued to stand in the ring along with the NEW MCW Tag Team Champions, Dem Girlz.*


*Hope Mach then picked the mic back up and told the cheering crowd that it was great to hear that reaction from them. This is EXACTLY why she chose to join MCW too. She wants to make a difference again. In EBW, she can't really do that. Her loss to Wendy Mustang proved that to her. In fact, Mustang winning the EBW Women's Championship at VICTORY EXPLOSION told her the truth loud and fucking clear. That turth is that there is simply too just many fucking people fighting at the top in EBW now. And that's not a bad thing, that's a damn good thing. But in MCW, there is plenty of room at the top still. Isn't that right, TRACY? You must be pretty lonely at the top, Champ. So I am here to give you at little company. But I gotta warn you, Tracy....there is only room for only ONE at the top. And seeing how NEXT WEEK is my in-ring debut for MCW, Me and my two friends here were thinking just one little thing.......VICTORY EXPLOSION REMATCH! Let's kick this shit off with the BIG BANG! What do you say to that? Get back to me, K, Thanks, Bye!

Hope then drops the mic and poses with Dem Girlz as the scene fades out from there.

Backstage, Elysium was watching the promo and when it was over, Tracy blew a gasket. Bad Vibes and Carma tried to calm here down, but Tracy was having NONE of it, becoming more and more unhinged and yelling out "NO REMATCH!" repeatedly. That is until.....*


*Until the MCW General Manager, Venus, interrupted them. Tracy was none to happy to see Venus either. Venus said she would keep this short and sweet. Next week on MAX, that REMATCH is gonna happen, whether Tracy likes it or not. The now unhinged Tracy just screamed "NOOOOOOO!" but amazingly, Venus just ignored her and walked away without saying another word.*


*Also backstage, Kid Cadet tried to talk to a still furious Heather Mach, but she was having none of Kid Cadet's shenanigans. In fact, Heather Mach started throttling poor Kid with a chokehold, while yelling that she would not be humiliated anymore! Heather Mach then slammed Kid Cadet hard into the wall, laying her out. Heather then said "THIS will continue to happen until that COWARD Kelly Steel shows her face again! Looks like I just got another fine too. HA! HA! HA! FINE ME?! HA! I AM ALREADY FINE! EVERYTHING IS JUST FINE!" Heather Mach then kicked Kid Cadet hard in the ribs one more time, before leaving. Backstage personnel then quickly rushed in to check on Kid Cadet.

AJ Munk was walking down the hall backstage, cursing to herself about that stupid idiot Brooke Carter, when she bumped into....*


*Two Sweet and their new friend. AJ Munk then yelled at them to move out of her way and Two Sweet did. But the new girl did not. AJ Munk then asked who the fuck she was. The new girls them told her "Jane. Strawberry Jane." AJ Munk then asked what the fuck her problem was. Strawberry Jane just casually responded that there was no problem here. AJ Munk then told her to move again, but Jane refused to move and said "What's the magic word?" AJ Munk then yells out "NOW!" Jane shook her head and told her "Try again." AJ Munk just yells out in anger and screams "PLEASE!" Strawberry Jane now moves out of way, while shaking her head. AJ Munk now begins to leave as Jane tells "The magic word is Rock And Roll, you dipshit." AJ Munk now stops, turns around, yells at Jane "I DON'T FUCKING CARE!" and exits. Strawberry Jane then went back to talking to Two Sweet, like nothing happened.

Finally backstage, Real M's was leaving with the MCW Executive Producer, Lucca to go back to Summers General Hospital, when Mr. Pirkle interrupted them yet again.*


*Mr. Pirkle then told Real M's that once she leaves the BattleZone, she can stay gone too. Real M's then told Pirkle, that she can't do that. She still has her obligations to MCW to keep. "Not anymore, Tali. CAUSE YOU ARE FIRED! Now get the fuck out of my building." Mr. Pirkle then just left without saying another word or explaining his reasons. The now shocked Real M's then look at Lucca like "Can he actually do that?" All Lucca could do was shake her head in disbelief in response.

The show then faded to a final close from there.*