Smalltown - The Mach Farm

Trevor Mach was hard at work chopping lumber, not because it was needed for the stove in the middle of the summer, but because of the workout it was giving him. As he chopped, he thought about Kishin Kid, and further darker things behind him, but he was suddenly snapped out of it by Justice.

Justice Mach: Here’s water Daddy!

Trevor Mach: Huh? Oh, did Mom give that to you to bring to me?

Justice Mach: She says you are ask-asking for heat stork.

Trevor Mach: Heat stroke? Yeah probably. Thanks kiddo. Got to be careful around this ax though. It’s very sharp and very dangerous alright? When Daddy is swinging it, you have to stand back.

Trevor looked over to his apple tree and walked up to pick some apples. Justice brought over his ladder, trying to help his Dad.

Justice Mach: I brought you ladder Daddy.

Trevor Mach: This is merely my STEP ladder…I never knew ladder. *sniff*

Justice Mach: Huh?

Trevor Mach: Nothing.

Justice Mach: Are we gonna go to Church tomorrow?

Trevor Mach: Actually, I was going to go today. I’ll be on a plane tomorrow, but I don’t like to miss Church time. You want to come with Daddy?

Justice Mach: Yeah!

Trevor Mach: Think we can drag Momma along with us?

Justice Mach: Uh-huh!

Trevor Mach: Truth too?

Justice Mach: Yeah!

Trevor Mach: Awesome! We’ll all go then. You made that easy. I thought I was going to have to drag her myself, but you can help me with that. Haha!

Justice Mach: Haha!

Trevor Mach: You’re a chip off the ol’ block you know that? I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not, but I love ya no matter what!

Justice Mach: Can anyone go to Church?

Trevor Mach: Sure! Absolutely. Everyone is welcome. You got someone in mind? A friend from preschool or something?

Justice Mach: What about that w00t man.

Trevor Mach: …w00t?

Justice Mach: Uncle w00t came to say hi.

Trevor Mach: When?

Justice Mach: At preschool.

Trevor Mach: …Did he do anything else? Other than say hi?

Justice Mach: He said…he said…um…he said that he’d see you soon.

Trevor Mach: Is that right? Thank you for passing along the message son.

Justice Mach: You were fighting.

Trevor Mach: We were…yes…but I tried to let that go. It’s not good to hang onto the bad things that you feel inside. You got to find good ways to let them go. What do you do with the bad that you feel?

Justice Mach: I kick Robo!

Trevor Mach: Whoa! Maybe don’t kick Robo. Maybe…paint instead. You like finger painting right?

Justice Mach: I want to make letters.

Trevor Mach: Huh? Make letters? You want to write?

Justice Mach: Yeah!

Trevor Mach: Huh…my son the writer huh? We could work on that. I get the feeling home school is in your future anyways. That’d be a good way to deal with the bad you feel for sure. It’s helped me a lot too.

Robo: I just wish to confirm that he has done no damage to my shell and-

Trevor Mach: He still shouldn’t be kicking you. I’d have to start dealing out hazard pay, and it’s not even harvest season yet Ro-bro.

Robo: Affirmative.

Justice Mach: So can Uncle w00t come to Church?

Trevor Mach: You…want…”Uncle” w00t to come to Church?

Justice Mach: He’s nice! You let go of the bad you feel right?

Trevor Mach: …Right…more or less.

Justice Mach: Is he bad?

Trevor Mach: It doesn’t really matter son. Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. I will…invite him on your behalf…the next time I see him.

Justice Mach: Yay!

Trevor Mach: Heh. *cell phone ringing* Moshi Moshi Mach des! *clears throat* Yeah it’s me, what do you want Steve? Kishin Kid wants to do what? Outside? Fine with me. Heh.


“Petra - Minefield”



Tommy Dukes: KONICHIWAAA! Welcome to Edo! We’re in Shogun Hall for EBW: Bushido! This will be an action packed show! All killer and no filler! This isn’t a show for shenanigans and comedy. You want to see blow up dolls? D2T is RIGHT down the road!

Apple Kid: They uh…they have blow up dolls there?

Makoto Angel: Tonight, we’re gonna see some awesome matches, title matches, tag matches, and of course Bushido Rules matches!

Nerma: Not to mention the first ever Women’s Bushido Den! Gianna Rambladi taking on Lainey Strong. We saw Lainey training earlier today with Wendy Mustang, and she looked ready to humble the Euroland Princess.

Larry Grim: Let’s kick off the action with LoveBoom! Mixing it up with Dan Club! The winners will get the next shot at the EBW World Tag Team Championships!

Nerma: Well Tommy?

Tommy Dukes: LET’S TAKE IT TO THE RING!

Apple Kid: Hehe…that’s his catchphrase.

EBW: Bushido
Shogun Hall, Edo
ENN+

1. Tag: Sal Paradise/Jason Boomtown vs. Jammer/Benjamin
-The teams shook hands for a spirited and respectful opener. Another good learning experience for Jason Boomtown, who brought more sizzle to the steak in terms of his moves in the ring against new VBW Champion Jammer, and the Mystic Bout Machine Benjamin. Tight competition that is expected in Edo and a show like Bushido, but it ended early, as Razorblade ran down to push Jammer off the top rope as he attempted the Slam Jam. Sal, not seeing the interference, went to the top himself and landed the Perfect Sky onto the VBW Champion for the 1-2-3.
Winner: Sal Paradise[o]/Jason Boomtown via Perfect Sky on Jammer -> Pin

Tommy Dukes: Well Razorblade didn’t take losing the VBW title with class, and I can’t say that I’m shocked.

Larry Grim: Sal and Jason are not happy with the replay, but they are promising to give Dan Club another match, and maybe even a title shot if they are able to parlay this title shot into a return to the gold.

Nerma: Speaking of gold, we have Darkness Aoi putting the Women’s Television Championship on the line up next. Alison Chains might want that title back? It’s hard to get a read on her.

Makoto Angel: She smelled like skunk earlier. What does that mean?

Nerma: Uh….

Apple Kid: Don’t worry about it.

Makoto Angel: Oh ok!

Larry Grim: Dodge that bullet.

2. EBW Women’s Television Championship: Darkness Aoi(c) vs. Alison Chains
-Darkness Aoi put the Women’s Television Championship on the line against former champ Alison Chains, who has had as many ups and downs with titles lately as she’d had with sanity. Christina Angel came out with her, to a huge reaction to support Chains and keep Hilda and Mitra at bay. Chains went hard in the opening minutes, actually going out to pick a fight with Hilda and Mitra whenever she could, provoking them to attack and keeping Christina very busy in the process. The frantic pace and attitude of Chains, just further upset Aoi, who grabbed a chair from Mitra and smashed it over Chains head, ending the match in a DQ. She threatened to floor Christina as well, when she tried to get Alison out of the ring.
Winner: Alison Chains via DQ

Darkness Aoi: You’re laughing? I laid her out for being an imbecile, and you’re laughing! You think it’s funny! This is all just a joke to you. All of you should know better. I came from Edo. This is my home! I made a legacy here, battling in classic matches, and now I return home and I’m paired up against this absolute lunatic! She isn’t worthy of my time, and she’s not worthy of this belt. She sullies this sacred ring by being in it. Some of us have to take this seriously! Some of us have to actually care so the rest of you can act like clowns! Christina, you were one of the few I actually considered a worthy adversary, but the way you’ve taken time to goof off with this loser rather than try to reclaim the crown is laughable! Hope Mach left! Yeah, I know I’m not supposed to say her name anymore, but she left for MCW! Yeah, I’ll name them too! Everything I said is coming to pass, and NOT ONE OF YOU is capable of dealing with it like I am! This division is a JOKE!

Darkness Aoi threw down the microphone and brushed by Christina on her way to the back with the Television Title in tow.

Larry Grim: Well, she’s obviously upset.

Nerma: She wants the division to be more serious, and while Chains did promise violence, she wasn’t being clear about who was receiving it. I think she almost took a swing at Christina at some point too! She kept screaming about shadow demons or something. She is troubled.

Apple Kid: I’ll say! She’s still hot though.

Nerma: I thought you were dating Minako?

Apple Kid: Well yeah, but it’s OK to admit a woman is hot still right?

Tommy Dukes: *no nodding directly at Apple Kid with serious intent*

Apple Kid: …I have a lot to learn. I don’t date that much.

Nerma: Obviously.

Makoto Angel: He’s trying his best, and that’s what is important!

Tommy Dukes: What’s important for all of us right now is the next match, and the EBW World Tag Team Championships WILL be on the line. The ladies of the Eagleland Gladiators wanted to put their belts on the line too, but since this isn’t Eagleland, they said they’d wait until we were back on home soil. Mike and Son of Samurai Ifrit, the dominant team in tag wrestling, battle it out with Subculture and Picky Minch of Blood 4 Blood NEXT!

3. EBW World Tag Team Championships: Mike Thunder(c)/Isiah Muscle(c) vs. Subculture/Picky Minch
-Picky and Mike opened against each other. When Subculture tagged in, definite bad blood surfaced. Mike tackled and pummeled Subculture. Subculture came back and took over against Mike. Subculture tagged Picky and gave him stern instructions. Picky didn’t love it. Subculture tagged back in and knocked Isiah off the ring apron. Picky signaled to Subculture to get back to the legal man and focus on Mike instead. Subculture whipped Mike into the ringside barricade. Mike made a comeback and played to the crowd, showing them "THE THUNDER" to a chorus of boos. Isiah tagged in and rallied with a series of moves against both Picky at ringside and Subculture in the ring. Isiah sunset flipped Subculture mid-ring, then applied a Sharpshooter. Picky broke it up. Picky went for running attack, but Mike broke it up by kicking him mid-air. Isiah scored a two count back in the ring right away. Isiah knocked Subculture off the ring apron to pay him back, then tagged in Mike. They tried to double-team Picky, but Picky outmaneuvered them. Mike took over again and taunted Subculture, who tried to get into the ring, but the ref blocked him. Picky went for a tag, but Isiah yanked Subculture off the ring apron. Mike kicked Picky and landed a big suplex for a nearfall, and then a piledriver for another nearfall. After tagging out, Picky felt the effects of the piledriver, leaning down for a while on the ring apron. Subculture then got the fans behind him as he took it to both Isiah and Mike. Subculture leaped off the top rope and flipped onto both Mike and son at ringside. When Subculture and Mike squared off, Subbie returned to his roots with the hurting bombs. Mike chopped Subculture’s throat as a retort. Subculture came back with a right cross to the face. Picky tagged in and gave Mike a sitout powerbomb for a near fall. Subculture tagged back in, but soon the champs took over. Isiah drop kicked Subbie right into a Hagen Suplex from Mike. Picky broke up the cover. Fatigue was starting to factor in. Mike went for a superkick, but Subculture blocked it. Subculture then kicked Mike in the knee and followed up with a chicken wing submission attempt. Isiah climbed to the top rope and 450 splashed Subculture. Mike scored a near fall. Picky and Subculture hit a series of moves against the champs. Picky channeled Mach with a Knee Trigger on Isiah, but Mike broke up Subculture’s quick cover. Subculture rolled over and tagged in Picky. Picky then went for a running knee, but Isiah avoided it. Picky blocked his superkick and hit a Hagen Suplex. Mike entered and blocked a Snap Dragon, but Picky knocked him out of the ring with a head butt. Picky then landed two Snap dragon suplexes on Isiah followed by a Tiger Driver ’9X for a near fall. A minute later Picky lifted Isiah onto his shoulders and climbed the ropes, but Isiah countered and slammed Picky’s head into the mat between his knees. Fans gasped. Subculture and Mike battled on the ramp, with Mike hitting a series of suplexes. Mike and Isiah delivered a Tombstone on the ramp. Picky staggered to his feet as Mike and Isiah were both shocked to see him on his feet. They worked him over repeatedly, but he refused to stay down. Finally, Mike hit a Muscle Buster on Picky, and when Minch got his foot on the rope, Isiah quickly pushed it off. 1-2-3. The champs retained in an instant classic.
Winners: Mike Thunder[o]/Isiah Muscle via Muscle Buster on Picky Minch -> Pin -> Title Defense!

Tommy Dukes: WHAT A MATCH! THAT IS WHAT WRESTLING IS ALL ABOUT BABY! IN-CREDIBLE!

Nerma: I agree fully! Incredible action on that one. Mike and Isiah are the top team in the world, and it shows. By crook, and this time by hook, they manage  to pull it off!

Apple Kid: I thought Picky and Subbie might pull that one out, but the belts remain with Samurai Ifrit. It looks like we’ll be getting a rematch between Mike and Son taking on LoveBoom! sooner than later. Moving on to the next match, as hard as that’s going to be, we have a Shonen War on our hands. The BOYS are going to collide. Bashin Dan is going to lay down his card, while Zyro-K lets it rip. Can Dan propel himself to being next in line for the title, or will Zyro-K crush his dreams on his own return trip to the main event? We’re about to find out.

4. Singles: Bashin Dan vs. Zyro Kurogane
-Dan landed an early dropkick off the second rope, but Zyro-K overpowered him and took over. Dan bled from the forehead early. Dan made a comeback a few minutes in with an armbar in the ropes, but Zyro-K broke the hold and went back on the attack. Zyro-K and Dan left the ring and fought up the ramp. Dan’s face was covered in blood. Zyro-K caught a Dan dropkick and catapulted him into the side of the ring. Zyro-K whipped Dan into the turnbuckle harshly. Zyro-K caught Dan with a big boot, but Dan fired right back with three dropkicks, knocking Zyro-K to the mat repeatedly. Zyro-K later set up Dan for a Straight Jacket Hagen on the ring steps, but Dan broke free and landed a DDT. Zyro-K kicked out at one. Dan hit him with a Tornado DDT and scored a near fall. Zyro-K came back a minute later with a lariat for a near fall. Dan fired up a few minutes later and slapped away at Zyro-K followed by forearms. He then gave Zyro-K a powerbomb mid-ring for a near fall. After Zyro-K came back and slammed Dan onto the met a few times, fans chanted “This is awesome!” cause they do that. Dan leaped onto Zyro’s back and applied a sleeper. Kurogane tried to power out, but collapsed to the mat. He fought to escape it, and tried to hit the Let It Rip Beymaker, but Dan ducked it and kicked Kurogane before setting up and hitting the Brave Clash. 1-2-KICKOUT! As Dan and Zyro-K fought back to their feet, Zyro-K managed to conceal a Beyblade, which he smashed into Dan’s bloody head. He quickly spun him around for the Straight Jacket Hagen, but pulled him up after the impact and let it rip with the Beymaker for the 1-2-3! The victory goes to Zyro-K and Samurai Ifrit.
Winner: Zyro Kurogane via Straight Jacket Hagen x Let It Rip Beymaker -> Pin

Makoto Angel: No fair! I saw the beyblade!

Larry Grim: Unfortunately the ref didn’t see it. Zyro-K did use his game of choice to steal the match from Bashin Dan. The crowd doesn’t like it. The disrespect to the craft always draws their ire.

Tommy Dukes: And yet they tolerated the Superkick Rockers for several years.

Apple Kid: To be fair, they were jerking the curtain where they belong.

Tommy Dukes: I’m just saying, learn what a tag means if you’re in a tag team.

Larry Grim: We got a special match up for ya next, as Kishin Kid requested to battle Trevor Mach in a Bushido Rules match, but outside of the arena. He wanted the night sky to be his backdrop, something about a taste of the void. Little did he know, it was going to rain tonight, but that has not stopped the bout. Let’s head outside to see Trevor Mach take on Kishin Kid in a Bushido Rules bout!

Outside of the arena, it began to pour down rain, as a brightly lit second wrestling ring with no ropes was surrounded by umbrella clad onlookers. Trevor Mach came out with Little Mac in his corner, while The Auditor and The Preacher joined Kishin Kid on his side.

The Auditor: How appropriate that it rains, but it will dilute the blood. What a waste.

The Preacher: Rejoice my brothers and sisters, because suffering time is here!

Kishin Kid: Surprised you managed to scrape yourself off the floor. Guess you really do enjoy the suffering as much as we do.

Trevor Mach: Not exactly, but I do enjoy battering cocky brats like yourself, can’t deny that. Just remember we’re in Edo. You have to cry out “YAMATE” when you’re ready to punk out.

5. Bushido Rules: Trevor Mach vs. Kishin Kid
-The two men smashed their heads together, gritting their teeth as the match announcements were made, before they broke to their corners. Kishin Kid lacked the experience in Bushido Rules, but he was a fast learner in the way he blocked Trevor’s first shot in at him. He managed to get Mach to the mat and threw punches and elbows to his back, which could not have felt good after the fall off the lighting rig. Trevor flipped him over and started working him over with the knees. He took a left jab to the face so as to move in closer for a right hook, a knee in the clinch, and a suplex. Kishin scrambled out of the ground and pound situation and fired off a knee of his own that knocked Mach to the mat. He went for a ground and pound himself, but quickly scrambled out of a Trevor Triangle Choke trap. They both got to their feet and threw hands, with Mach blasting Kishin Kid in his still fresh burn wounds that opened up quickly. Blood indeed was watered down by the rain, as Kishin Kid mouthed off at Trevor and hit a spinning backfist and trapped him in a clinch of his own, only to be suplexed for his troubles. Trevor blasted Kishin Kid with the Knee Trigger and then lifted him into a Bulldog Choke. He stared at The Auditor and The Preacher as he cinched it in, and Kishin Kid blacked out. The ref called for the bell, ending the match in a Referee Stoppage.
Winner: Trevor Mach via Bulldog Choke -> Referee Stoppage

Tommy Dukes: Trevor with the win! I guess hope is stronger than despair! Either that, or spite saw him through, it’s really hard to tell with that guy. Positive changes, but he still seems like a wild animal ready to snap….AND THAT’S THE TREVOR WE LOVE am I right?

Nerma: Kishin Kid had an impressive Bushido bout debut, but he was up against one of the masters of the style, and he found out the hard way.

Makoto Angel: Now we move onto a match I WANT TO SEE! No offense Trevor, but this one has my husband in it. You hear that Nerma? Yog-tara? PATTY!? MY HUSBAND! So-sorry, they just insisted on coming with us to Edo, and it’s been difficult to avoid hot springs shenanigans. Tack will bleed to death from his nose. Tonight though, he goes head to head with Johnny Starbound, the man who stole his Mars Championship, but thank GOD that Geoff Garrett has it now. What an honor it is for Tack to share that lineage with Geoff Garrett. That’s just incredible, and we’re really happy about it. Constant tears of joy from Tack, I’m telling ya. Lots of crying.

Tommy Dukes: Well tonight they lock, Tack Angel versus Johnny Starbound! Take it to the ring!

6. Non-Title Singles: Tack Angel vs. Johnny Starbound
-Starbound used a body-wrap head scissors for the first big move of the match, showing off his agile ability. Tack bailed out to ringside. Tack returned to the ring and dropped Starbound over the top rope and then kicked him to the mat. Tack then delivered a spinning leaping backbreaker for a one count, showing his surprising agility despite his size. Starbound threw a barrage of kicks and played to the booing crowd. Tack went for a cutter, but Starbound moved and then leaned down on Tack for a near fall. Starbound countered Tack with a Neckbreaker followed by a Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Starbound caught Tack with a leaping DDT. He speared Tack into the ringside barricade. He leaped off the top rope and hit a DDT for a very near fall. Tack went for a moonsault, but Starbound moved twice. Tack then landed some hard kicks and an Angel Driver for a near fall. Starbound landed a string of offense, including Star Break, for a very very near fall that the crowd panicked over. Starbound tried high risk offense off the top, but Tack stood and caught Starbound mid-air with a cutter and then another leaping cutter for a near fall. He sat up wide-eyed after the kickout, mouthing that he was NOT Dork Angel. Tack took over, and Starbound left the ring, running around and trying to avoid Tack's momentum. Tack finally caught up with him after jumping off the steps to club the back of his head. The two heated rivals battled back and forth in a wild kick off. Unfortunately, this was done on the outside, and the ref actually counted the seconds on the outside in EBW, and the two heated rivals were counted out.
Winner: Double Count Out

Makoto Angel: Huh…I wasn’t expecting that. Um…Tack’s been watching a little too much of the Superkick Rockers and Kota Hayashi disregarding rules, that I think he got caught up in what he was doing. I mean Starbound has given him so much grief lately.

Nerma: I noticed all those other women following you two around earlier. So like…are you…all together?

Makoto Angel: NO! No. We’re not doing that again.

Nerma: Again?

Makoto Angel: I mean at all! Not at all!

Nerma: …Huh.

Tommy Dukes: Nerma honey, your nose is bleeding.

Nerma: Weird! It’s like my body is trying to warn me of something!

Larry Grim: …Well moving on, we have a big match next, as Gianna Rambaldi and Lainey Strong lock up in the Bushido Den. Lainey is ready to make history, while Gianna wants to prove she’s done playing nice. Who is going to win the first ever Women’s Bushido Den? We’re about to find out.

Tommy Dukes: Take it to the….Den?

Apple Kid: Yeah, that’ll work.

7. Women’s Bushido Den: Gianna Rambaldi vs. Lainey Strong
-The Bushido Den was already set up in a side of the arena and ready to go, as Gianna Rambaldi the Euroland Princess fought Lainey Strong in the caged ring. Both women with some feinting early as they circled. Bit of a leg kick from Strong. Rambaldi landed an elbow. Right hand from Strong. Rambaldi grabbed a single leg, but Strong defended and separated. Strong caught a leg kick and hit a takedown into full guard. A few punches from Strong landed, but Rambaldi wall walked and got free pretty quickly. Some more punching from both women. Strong was keeping generally a little busier thus far. Rambaldi landed a leg kick. Strong missed a few punches. Double leg from Strong to counter a leg kick and she looked to pass quickly this time. Rambaldi was able to kick Strong off and they went back to striking. Bit of a right from Strong. Strong landed an inside leg kick. They traded rights then Strong landed a leg kick. Bit of an uppercut from Strong. Rambaldi avoided a takedown attempt. Strong landed a right hand. Both women missed some punches. Rambaldi landed a right hand. Strong jabbed in close and landed a body shot. Elbow from Strong landed. Strong landed a right hand. Rambaldi looked to close distance, but she was just a little slower than Strong and that was starting to become an issue for her. Strong landed a body kick. Another couple of punches from Strong land. Rambaldi landed a left to the body. Strong hit the body then a right to the head. Rambaldi landed a right hand. Strong caught a kick and hit a takedown into full guard. Rambaldi scrambled back up and missed an elbow. Strong missed a few punches. Bit of a right from Strong. Strong landed a body kick. They traded leg kicks. Rambaldi shot in and went for a takedown, but Lainey Strong caught her off guard with a Triangle Choke. Lainey locked it in, as Rambaldi fought to escape, but ultimately went limp as the ref called for the stoppage. Big victory for Lainey Strong.
Winner: Lainey Strong via Triangle Choke -> Referee Stoppage

Nerma: Lainey with the win! Gianna is refusing to shake hands though. She’s storming out of the Den to a chorus of boos. She’s not showing any respect there. The Euroland Princess obviously was not happy with the result.

Makoto Angel: But the Women’s World Champion Wendy Mustang is thrilled, entering the ring to celebrate with Lainey. The Twin Lariats are quite formidable, and now Lainey Strong is going to have eyes on her for future competition. She might be the wall that the next contender might have to tangle with if they want a shot at the World Championship.

Tommy Dukes: Speaking of World Championship, it’s time for our main event. Seto Kaiba recovered from his loss to Bashin Dan by getting this World Championship title shot, but it’s a shot that Rama Raju wanted to give him. Why? Reasons he’s keeping close to the vest. We know that this grudge match is personal, but we don’t know why.

Apple Kid: So why ask? Let’s just sit back and take in The Fire at work! Rama Raju, the EBW World Champion versus Seto Kaiba is up NEXT!

8. EBW World Championship: Rama Raju(c) vs. Seto Kaiba
-Kaiba bailed out early. Back in the ring, he tossed Raju down and tapped the temple. After a few minutes of crisp and smooth mat exchanges a two count, they both kipped up.  After Raju turned down a Kaiba handshake offer slash monetary bribe, Kaiba dropped to ringside and yanked a drink from a woman’s hands and threw it into Raju's face. Kaiba yanked on Raju’s hair. At ringside, Kaiba got into it with some fans in the front row. He told them to clear some space as if he was going to throw Raju into their area, but instead he threw Raju into the ring. He laughed at the fans. Raju then leaped at Kaiba, but Kaiba side-stepped. Kaiba landed a package DDT for a two count. Raju rallied with three running dropkicks in the corner and then a top rope hurricanrana for a two count. Raju got the better of Kaiba at ringside, but Kaiba came back after throwing a substance into Raju's eyes and then a package driver for a leverage two count. Both were down and slow to get up, so the ref began counting to ten. They both rose and exchanged a series of leverage two counts with a variety of techniques. They rolled around the ring in a small package position where Kaiba eventually got a near fall. The crowd applauded after their series ended. Raju landed a flying knee for a near fall. Kaiba dropped down to avoid a charging Raju and then gave him a low-blow. Then Kaiba covered Raju for another near fall. When Kaiba set up a top rope lariat, Raju blocked it and then landed a top rope shotgun dropkick. Kaiba went rolling to the floor. Raju pursued him. They fought at ringside. Raju got the better of Kaiba. Back in the ring, he focused on Kaiba’s injured leg and applied a figure-four leglock. Kaiba sat up and yelled at him. He slapped Raju several times. Raju smiled and then punched him while still cinching on the figure-four. Kaiba tried to reverse the figure-four by rolling over. Raju resisted. Raju gave in and then used the momentum to roll through. They fought on the ring apron where they each blocked attempts at moves onto the ring apron. Kaiba put Raju on the steel steps and then leaped off the top rope with a flying elbow drop. It was outside of his wheelhouse, but it worked. Both were down and slow to get up. They climbed back into the ring, where Seto Kaiba gloated and set up for the Blue Eyes White Dragon Suplex, nailing it in the center of the ring. 1-2-KICKOUT! Kaiba was shocked as Raju took his finisher and slowly rose to his feet, unwilling to lose. Kaiba demanded he stay down, but Raju kicked him in the midsection with a hard kick and planted him with a variation of a Burning Hammer called the Burning Arrow. 1-2-3! A shocking test for the new champ, but Rama Raju successfully defended the top prize in EBW!
Winner: Rama Raju via Burning Arrow -> Pin -> Title Defense!

Tommy Dukes: HE DID IT! THE FIRE RISES! YEAH!

Larry Grim: Rama Raju was pushed in this match, and Seto Kaiba definitely revealed that he’s been holding back in his own right, the World Champion retains in Edo, and the fans love it! Raju has Kaiba in the corner, and he’s saying something to him! He’s shocked! He is quickly leaving the ring as Razor, Rude, Hazen, and Viper cover his exit!

Apple Kid: Kaiba knows the beef now, and he doesn’t look too thrilled about it. Kaiba in retreat while Rama Raju stands talls. Folks, that is Bushido, and we will see you back in Eagleland for Xcite! GOODNIGHT!

Last edited by Machismo (6/29/2023 6:24 am)

The Mach Farm

Trevor Mach was modifying the ramps he had made around the house, when Tali rolled up exasperated.

Tali Mach: You’ve been banging away with that hammer all morning!

Trevor Mach: Were you trying to sleep?

Tali Mach: No, I was trying to work out. It’s hard enough as it is, but I’m trying to concentrate, listen to my Rammstein CD, and li-

Trevor Mach: That’s the problem! Rammstein sounds like a hammer hitting nails all on it’s own, so maybe THAT’S what you were hearing!

Tali Mach: ...

Trevor Mach: Eh? Eh?

Tali Mach: I appreciate the hard work, really I do, but maybe you should rest some. I mean it. You’re doing too much. You look tired, and I see the gray hairs sprouting.

Trevor Mach: Nothing a little Red Bull and Just For Men Gel can’t fix!

Tali Mach: …You’re going to make me knock you out to sleep aren’t you?

Trevor Mach: Honestly, I haven’t been wanting to sleep that much. I’ve been having…really bad dreams.

Tali Mach: Never a good sign when that happens with you. You going to be alright?

Trevor Mach: Hey, it’s no skin off my nose.

Tali Mach: What?

Trevor Mach: Nothing. It’s just something…my Aunt Margaret used to…don’t worry about it. I’m fine babe. Listen, I-

Suddenly, Trevor felt a sharp pain in his chest. He looked down to see a massive sword buried there. He looked up to see Darkness Angel staring at him, before he snapped out of his trance.

The Apple Core

Trevor Mach stood side by side with Bashin Dan, Trevor clutching the Gutsy Bat momentarily as he turned to Dan.

Trevor Mach: This is…bringing up bad memories.

Bashin Dan: Is this where…it happened?

Trevor Mach: Not here specifically, but this is where it began. I saw some horrible things I’d rather forget, but I haven’t been able to like most others. It’s a luxury to forget these days.

Bashin Dan: You got a lot of good things to remember too. Got to take the rough with the smooth right?

Trevor Mach: Wise words kid. Very wise words.

Bashin Dan: This place is incredible. We’re really drifting in a void here? There is nothing outside?

Trevor Mach: Not “nothing” but things we can’t really see or conceive. It’s a space between spaces, and allows the world jumping these guys have been up to. It feels like it did before, a lot of people from various places, teaming up to stop “V”.

?: We did it then, and we’ll do it now.

Trevor Mach: Huh?

Trevor turned around and stared at his near reflection looking back at him.

Trevor Mach-10: It’s been awhile Trevor.

Trevor Mach: See, I knew they already had a Trevor for this mission, and yet here I am. I thought you were standing guard in the paradise world.

Trevor Mach-10: Now that I know just what’s going on and what it means, it felt like I could be here instead.

Trevor Mach: Right…of course…so what IS going on?

Trevor Mach-10: The different Earths are being erased, and the powers of those who could perceive it are being muted because our past is being consumed.

Trevor Mach: Right! I knew that. I totally knew that.

Bashin Dan: Yeah.

Trevor Mach: How is Justice?

Trevor Mach-10: Why don’t you ask him yourself.

Justice Mach-2: Dad!

Trevor Mach: Justice! Wow, you really do look just him. My little dude. You both have your Mother’s eyes. Never noticed before, because I don’t like looking at faces, it’s a habit of mine.

Bashin Dan: You do stare downs all the time.

Trevor Mach: Yeah, but I’m never actually looking at you. It might look like I am, but I’m looking at something around you instead.

Christina Angel-Mach-5: Trevor!

Trevor Mach-10: Huh? Oh right, she means you. Haha, that’s fun to try and get used to.

Trevor smiled as he saw Christina approach, but then he looked surprised to see her with a wedding ring and her arms around Justice. The surprise turned to shock when he saw her carrying a young child in her other arm.

Trevor Mach: Is that-

Justice Mach-2: Yes it is. That’s my son…Boyd Mach.

Trevor Mach: Boyd…you named him after your Great-Grandpa. Wow, that makes US grandpas, doesn't it Trev-10?

Trevor Mach-10: I’m age appropriate for it at least.

Trevor Mach: Wow, God is good. A little dangerous to bring little Boyd here isn’t it?

Trevor Mach-10: Honestly, it’s the safest place. This place exists outside of time. Anyone brought here is spared what is happening out there.

Trevor Mach: Do we at least have a plan for how to stop this?

Degrees: That we do!

Jeff Andonuts: And it all rests on you Dan!

Trevor Mach: ….No pressure kid.

Bashin Dan: …Great.

In the other room, Dr. Yaggis was back in his lab, however the guards were doubled, and he was fitted for a neck collar. Mr. Face, Gordon Cole, Cade Yaggis, Tack Angel, and Grimoire were watching from behind layers of protective glass.

Cade Yaggis: Is all of that really needed? He told us why he did what he did. He’s trying to help us.

Mr. Face: We understand that, but he still gave them a part of the “V” entity that was needed for their operation.

Cade Yaggis: It was always going to happen, because it’s already happened.

Gordon Cole: THE COMPLEXITIES OF TIME AND THE UNIVERSE MAKE ME PONDER THE PROBABILITIES OF A BEAUTY LIKE RITA HAYWORTH!

Tack Angel: …I still feel bad for Gigus.

Cade Yaggis: It’s Giygas.

Tack Angel: Is it though?

Grimoire: So Pops…uh..Pop…would you like a pop?

Tack Angel: Huh? No thank you, I only drink Arnie Palmies.

Grimoire: Right. You uh…might want to take a deep breath before you turn around.

Tack Angel: Why is that?

Grimoire: Well, you know how Trevor-10 is on board, along with Trevor-1?

Tack Angel: Yeah?

Grimoire: …Well?

Tack turned around to see himself staring back at him, but it wasn’t like with Trevor, where one looked different from the other with age. These were mirror images of each other, because they were the same person…more or less.

Tack o’ Dark: Well, we should’ve seen this coming.

Tack Angel: It uh…hasn’t been as easy as it was before. This is really weird.

Tack o’ Dark: Haven’t seen you since the Cloud of Darkness.

Tack Angel: I can barely remember it.

Tack o’ Dark: Yeah, you got off easy didn’t you. You don’t understand how hard it is to be Tack Angel, unlike myself! I have a whole planet in the grip of WAR, and it’s TOTALLY NOT MY FAULT!

Tack Angel: I didn’t say it was!

Tack o’ Dark: Stupid bee guy. I hate that bee!

Grimoire: Focus Da…da…daddio!

Tack o’ Dark: Is daddio still a thing where you come from?

Grimoire: Uh…yeah…sure is. *sigh*

Gordon Cole: I BELIEVE WE ARE NEEDED IN THE MEETING ROOM!

The various people summoned to the Apple Core all met in a large circular room, as they were met with an interesting sight. The Apple of Enlightenment inside of a capsule.

Apple of Enlightenment: It is good to see you all. Some of you I know, and some I am meeting for the first time. Geno, I thank you personally for bringing me to safety.

Geno: It was my honor, for all the people lost.

Apple of Enlightenment: If this works, they won’t be lost. If we can prevent “V” from what he is attempting in the past, then everything that has transpired can be undone. The Lightforge was a weapon created using the power of time itself. The impact of that blast weakened “V” severely, but it was not charged enough to kill it. However, that impact reverberated through the Sanctum and the Void, and it is what created the multiverse in the first place. What we’re proposing might have similar consequences, or even bigger ones, but they are consequences we must face, because it is our only option. Bashin Dan, the Heart of the Cards, has shown the capability to travel through time and space. Is that true Dan? Were you able to visit the future of an Earth and even another world?

Bashin Dan: Yes, that’s something I was able to do…and apparently still can. I didn’t realize it. I thought I was split down the middle like Tack and….Tack over there. I guess it’s different. My question is, how do you know all of this?

Apple of Enlightenment: It first came to me in a dream…YOU came to me in a dream. You told me what needed to be done. I saw you on board the Intercessor.

Trevor Mach: That was you?!

Bashin Dan: Uh…yeah. I was there. I saw you and w00t…Azazel I guess now? I saw you nearly kill each other. I saw you get pulled away through time. I pushed the button on your weapon. I guess I’m the reason we’re in this mess?

Apple of Enlightenment: No, you did exactly what you were supposed to do. The weapon just needed to be stronger. It needs all of you to power it. I’m suggesting the weapon be rebuilt and recharged, and fired once more at the dawn of time, where “V” consumes a universe where the Sanctum and Void itself are locked in war. We kill “V” once and for all, and wipe out any trace of its existence. It can’t be so easily rebuilt though. It needs to be put back together from the original parts that have been scattered through time and space. We are going to go on the offensive. We’re going to have Dan send us after these parts, and then…it’s time for war.

The Apple Core

Everyone gathered in the meeting room once again, as they were put into teams for the next phase of the operation.




Apple of Enlightenment: The pieces of the Lightforge have been found. Although countless eons have passed since last the weapon was fired, by sending you to these locations, it will be as if you arrived at the same time as they have.

Tack Angel: Got to love time trav- hey is that the Mars Title?

Gordon Cole: OUR DANGEROUS PLAYER FRIEND HERE WILL SEND YOU ALL TO THE COORDINATES PROVIDED. WE’RE GONNA NEED YOU TO SHAKE A LEG, AS WE SEEM TO BE ON A TIME LIMIT, EVEN THOUGH TIME IS LOSING ITS MEANING AS A CONCEPT WITH EVERY PASSING SECOND….OR NON-SECOND.

Mai Viole: Are you ready to do this Dan?

Bashin Dan: ….

Trevor Mach: Hey.

Bashin Dan: Huh?

Dan looked up to see Trevor handing him the Gutsy Bat.

Trevor Mach: It’s time kid. Time to step up.

Dan hesitated, but ultimately grabbed the bat.

Bashin Dan: Doesn’t really matter if I’m ready. It’s got to be done, but I am as ready as I’ll ever be. I can do this. I will do this.

Apple of Enlightenment: Once you have the parts, Dan will then return the Lightforge to the original battle, where Entity “V” intends to consume all of time and space. A more powerful second shot will be fired, and if all goes to plan “V” will be wiped out forever.

Gibson Rickenbacker: Dat sounds easy enough!

Trevor Mach-10: I like your enthusiasm sir, but we have to be on guard. Everyone needs to succeed here. We can’t fail, not a single team. I believe in all of us gathered here. We’re here for a reason. We’re here to stop this. Don’t worry Mr. Rickenbacker, I’ll have your back.

Jeff Andonuts: And I’m going with you. I want to see this place for myself.

Gibson Rickenbacker: Uh…just WHERE is this place we’re talking about?

Jeff Andonuts: Earth-14. We figured you’d be an exper-

Gibson Rickenbacker: OF COURSE! IT WOULD BE THAT PLACE! *sigh* I mean don’t get me wrong, I need to get back to my cat wife and mute cat man friend, but I was hoping MAYBE I’d get to visit New York or something first. Oh well, we do what we gotta I guess! I’m used to fetch quests, I can promise ya that!

Justice Mach-2: I’ll be going with you Dad.

Trevor Mach: Which one? Me? Great! Where are we going?

Justice Mach-2: Our piece is on Earth-1, in the year 1992.

Trevor Mach: …Why is it always that year?

Degrees: Remember BttF2? Cosmic significance or coincidence.

Trevor Mach: Right. Well, I say we get to it then.

Trevor Mach-10: Took the words right out of my mouth.

Tack o’ Dark: Of course those two would be on the same page.

Trevor Mach: We have an issue Tack?

Tack Angel: Huh? Of course n-

Tack o’ Dark: He was talking to me, and yes, we DO have an issue. This one forgot what happened, but I never will. I don’t get that privilege. After everything you put me throu-

Trevor Mach: Me? I hoped I would never see you again, let’s put it that way. I finished my business with you. Now that you’re here though, all I care about is getting this job done once and for all. You can take a hike, and the rest of us will get it done.

Tack o’ Dark: Absolutely not! I am the King, and it’s my duty to save my people. You think I don’t care? I care TOO MUCH!

Tack Angel: Guys…let’s just take a deep breath here and-

Tack o’ Dark: YOU….you wouldn’t know the first thing about being a King…about caring. I’m ashamed of you. You’re my weakness.

Grimoire: …I’m really thrilled that I get to be on the team with both of them. I just think that’s great by the way.

Tack Angel: …*sigh* Where are we going?

Grimoire: Earth-5…but Earth-5 of the past, where Darkness Angel has the piece.

Christina Angel-Mach-5: I remember it. I remember seeing it in his trophy room. One day he got drunk and trashed everything in there, including the piece of the Lightforge. He said he hated the “radiance” that came off of it.

Tack o’ Dark: Yeah, well I hate him, for what he did to me, but more importantly, for what he did to that planet and its people. Having to rebuild all of that from ash was no simple task.

Christina Angel-Mach-5: I really want to come with you.

Justice Mach-2: Sweetheart, it’s not safe for a couple of reasons. I mean, you are already there technically, like you just said.

Christina Angel-Mach-5: You’d say anything to keep me here all safe and sound though.

Justice Mach-2: Can’t lie about that. You’ve done your share of fighting, and I respect all you’ve done, but please sit this one out for Boyd…in case the worst happens.

Tack o’ Dark: …I don’t like seeing this…with those two.

Tack Angel: Could be worse…it could be Subculture. Still…please don’t kiss in front of us.

Trevor Mach: Dude, I’m standing right here man.

Tack Angel: Sorry!

Cade Yaggis: Dan…Mai…that leaves us to travel to the Grand Rolo. We must secure the part from a period of time where the world was still under the control of the Otherworld King.

Bashin Dan: ….

Mai Viole: I think if we’re able to track down Magisa when she’s not with us, we’d be able to ask her about it without upsetting any other events.

Bashin Dan: Sounds good. That’s our best bet, she never lead us astray, even when she got really really drunk and spent a lot of our travels passed out somewhere.

Cade Yaggis: From what you’ve told me in the past, Magisa was considered the Otherworld Witch, who lost most of her powers battling the Otherworld King?

Bashin Dan: More importantly….she lost her deck.

Cade Yaggis: …IS THAT more important?

Bashin Dan: …Absolutely.

Mai Viole: It’s a very important thing to have a Battle Spirits Deck! Us Core Soldiers needed our decks to fight off not just the Otherworld King, but the Mazoku that wished to enslave humanity!

Trevor Mach: Sounds rad. By the way Dan, how do you know this Mai chick?

Mai Viole: I’m Dan’s girl-

Bashin Dan: SHE WAS ONE OF THE CORE SOLDIERS I MET IN GRAND ROLO! It was her…Clackey Ray, and Hideto Suzuri, and-

Trevor Mach: Uh-huh.

Bashin Dan: What?

Apple of Enlightenment: Time is of the essence. Although it does not exist here, it still does for those out there, having their past consumed and lives erased. Make your final preparations, and Dan, if you need anything from me just let me know.

Bashin Dan: Right.

As everyone dispersed, Mai Viole followed Dan as he went back to looking out one of the windows.

Mai Viole: Did I do something wrong Dan?

Bashin Dan: Huh?

Mai Viole: I thought you’d be happier to see me, but ever since I got here you-

Bashin Dan: Have been standoffish, I know. I’m sorry about that. I’m just shocked is all. My past is coming back to haunt me so to speak.

Mai Viole: I never wanted to be something haunting to you.

Bashin Dan: Not what I meant really. I just live such a different life from when we were dueling the Otherworld King and the Mazoku over card battles.

Mai Viole: That’s why you eventually split yourself in two, so you could live the life you wanted on Earth-1. You found new challenges and new battles. That’s the Dan that I know…and the Dan that I love.

Bashin Dan: HA! I uh…uh….

Mai Viole: Dan, it’s OK. I know about Hope, remember?

Bashin Dan: R-right! Haha! Of course.

Mai Viole: You never abandoned me. You used the power you gained from becoming the Heart of the Cards to make sure you would always be with me, while also learning to let go and move on. You got the best of both worlds really. I mean literally in this case.

Bashin Dan: And yet I feel guilty about it? What does that mean? What kind of sick person feels this much guilt over getting everything they wanted.

Mai Viole: Just means you’re a humble man with a kind heart. You deserve to be happy.

Bashin Dan: I want to be. I am actually…I’m very happy. However, a lot of other people deserve to be happy too, and they won’t get the chance if we don’t do this. The people of Earth-1 don’t even know it, but for years they’ve relied on people like Trevor, Tack, Tali, Ness, Jeff, Degrees, and so many others to save the day. I’ve been a witness to some of it myself. This time, it all hinges on me. Can I pull this off? I have no choice.

Gibson Rickenbacker: Dude, can I gives ya a little bit of advice?

Bashin Dan: Sure! I always welcome advice!

Gibson Rickenbacker: Alright then, this is going to save you so much stress. Here…play Triple Triad instead. It’s a MUCH better game!

Bashin Dan: …Thanks.

Earth-14

A cat man in ornate garb stood in a dimly lit tavern of sorts, as he nodded along to the request of a small female who appeared to run the place. As he agreed to her request, he punched his own hand as he nodded, ready to head towards the door, when suddenly, said door was kicked open by Gibson Rickenbacker.

Gibson Rickenbacker: CAT MAN! Dood, am I happy to see ya or what! You’re a sight for sore eyes, I can tell ya dat much. Listen dood, cause this is gonna get a little complicated. In fact, I have no idea how to explain what need ta be done here.

Jeff Andonuts: Which is why WE’RE here! Greeting and salutations. My name is Jeff Andonuts and…you are a cat person…and that little one over there….is what exactly?

Trevor Mach-10: We need to focus Jeff. Hello, my name is Trevor Mach, and we’ve come to save this and every world. I-

Tarran Catzenmeow: *punches fist and nods*

Trevor Mach-10: Huh…you’re in? I haven’t explained anything yet.

Gibson Rickenbacker: Ya don’t have to with dis dood! He just does whateva he’s asked ta do!

Urianger: My word. What doth appear to be some troublesome, that the fate of-

Gibson Rickenbacker: Oh no! No no no! We ain’t gettin help from dis backstabbin, lying, unapologetic piece of gutter trash!

Urianger: It appears my previous decisions still weigh heavily on you Gibson, and for that I’m sorry.

Trevor Mach-10: That sounds like an apology to me Gibson, and forgiveness is the right thing to do isn’t it?

Gibson Rickenbacker: You say dat, but you don’t know him! Everyone thinks I’m crazy, even Cat Man over dere, BUT he will not hesitate to backstab me or lie to me again the first chance he gets. Just cause he says sorry don’t mean he’s actually sorry! He wouldn’t do it again if he was sorry!

Cid: Gibson, just the man I was looking for!

Gibson Rickenbacker: Cid! The only other guy here who gets me! He made me a motorcycle and a gun! Where are those by the way? I need em now.

Cid: In due time, but first you might want to see something. Something in Mor Dhona is giving off serious aether readings!

Gibson Rickenbacker: So what? Doesn’t everything? Everything here is made dis aether crap, and I mean everything! Oh no, is that some new evil monster?! Nope! It’s just aether! Is that some new bad guy? Nope! Aether! They’re never real guys! It kind of sucks!

Jeff Andonuts: It sounds fascinating.

Gibson Rickenbacker: It’s not! It’s really not! What if dat Giygus dude wasn’t really Giygas, but just a creation of aether from your mind?

Jeff Andonuts: Intriguing?

Gibson Rickenbacker: Maybe one time, but then it’s EVERYTHING YOU EVER FIGHT!

Jeff Andonuts: I can see the issue with that.

Gibson Rickenbacker: THANK YOU!

Trevor Mach-10: We’re getting off track here everyone. Like I was saying to the cat fellow over there, my name is Trevor Mach, I’m very interested in this reading of yours. May we see it?

Cid: New friends Tarran? That’s so like you, always making new friends.

Gibson Rickenbacker: Actually! Actually! They’re MY friends OK!? We came back to save da world! I bet ya didn’t even notice I was gone again huh?! Gee, how many times does a guy gotta get Isekai’d before his supposed FRIENDS notice!

Tarran Catzenmeow: …*shrugs*

Gibson Rickenbacker: Right, just don’t say nothin. LIKE ALWAYS! By the way, where is my cat wife?

Jeff Andonuts: Cat wife?

Gibson Rickenbacker: She’s mostly human, but she’s got like cat ears, a tail, and she plays with balls of yarn, so it’s not weird or nothin!

Jeff Andonuts: …Living the dream.

Trevor Mach-10: *clears throat*

Jeff Andonuts: What?

Earth-5

Tack Angel, Tack o’ Dark, and Grimoire found themselves in hiding, as the world of Earth-5 at this point in time was still a nightmarish hell scape, covered in desert and fire, with red and black swirling skies. It was a far cry from the world it would become.

Tack o’ Dark: Look at this mess! Someone tell that monster that I clean this place up and make it someplace worth living!

Tack Angel: Maybe let’s not poke the beehive and-

Tack o’ Dark: What about bees?! YOU SAID BEES YEAH?!

Grimoire: Shhh! Get down Da…Tack!

Tack o’ Dark: That’s right, I am “Da Tack”, and don’t you forget it.

Tack Angel: *sigh*

Tack o’ Dark: You sighing at me? Oh no. OH NO! I sigh at you sir….I sigh at you. *sighs louder*

Grimoire: And you got their attention.

Two armed soldiers came around the large rock they were hiding behind, only to get a double SUPERKICK!!! from both Tack Angels.

Tack o’ Dark: Piece of cake.

Tack Angel: They could’ve radioed for backup before checking out your yelling. You need to be more careful.

Tack o’ Dark: No, I don’t! Carefulness made us stagnant. When I took risks and chances, I found success that can NOT be replicated.

Tack Angel: You found an ego too, and that’s not something I ever wanted to have. Listen, we can argue about this later if you would like, and I’m sure I’ll say sorry and I’m trying my best a lot, but for now can we just find this piece of the weapon?

Grimoire: Christina said it was in Darkness Angel’s trophy room. That means we have to find a way into the castle.

Tack o’ Dark: I’ll demand to go inside. I’m the rightful King of this Earth.

Tack Angel: Let’s not go gung-ho and just rush the front door, but maybe you’re on to something.

Grimoire: He is?

Tack Angel: Darkness Angel is a twisted version of us. He infected us, and made us like him, but I was freed from that affliction. One of us…is still dealing with it. One of us that can-

Grimoire: Pretend to be Darkness Angel!

Tack Angel: Exactly.

Tack o’ Dark: Can’t say I like the way we came to this conclusion, but I concur, on the grounds that it takes me to save the day.

Tack o’ Dark walked right up to the castle gate casually, as the guards were shocked and staggered by his appearance.

Guard: Sir?

Tack o’ Dark: Of course it’s me! Who else could it be? Some other me from another time and place! That’s RIDICULOUS! Why would you even think it?!

Guard: I was?!

Tack o’ Dark: YOU WERE!

Guard: I’M SORRY SIR!

Tack o’ Dark: Heads down, and ears open! I see you two out here every day, and I don’t think you’re being attentive enough! I mean, I got out of the castle and you DIDN’T EVEN KNOW IT!

As the two were looking down, Tack o’ Dark motioned for Tack Angel and Grimoire to sneak right through the front door.

Tack o’ Dark: BE! MORE! ATTENTIVE! Don’t make me punish you, cause I’ve learned that I’m really good with a whip, but I’d RATHER be using it on my WIVES, CAUSE I’M INTO THAT SORT OF THING! GET BACK TO WORK!

The trio walked right into the castle, and made their way from room to room and floor to floor, looking for the trophy room.

Tack Angel: Why isn’t this place filled with more guards? It feels too easy.

Tack o’ Dark: No, it makes complete sense. Think like Darkness Angel.

Tack Angel: I try not to ever.

Tack o’ Dark: I can’t help but to. You’ve got it easy. You don’t see it, but I do. The man is pride, vanity, greed, and lust all in one. He covets SO MUCH. He wants to keep the male guards away from his true “prizes”.

Tack Angel: His wives.

Tack o’ Dark: Exactly. He is the only one who gets to gaze upon them. That’s why all the guards are outside and-

Grimoire: Not all of them.

Tack o’ Dark: Huh?

Grimoire pointed ahead, as two men began walking up to them, with weapons drawn. Their eyes appeared to be gouged out and the sockets stitched shut.

Grimoire: Blind…and probably eunuchs too.

Tack and Tack o’ Dark: OUCH!

The guards charged forward, with Tack and Tack o’ Dark rolling to their sides with perfectly symmetrical timing. They made sure to get on the outside to get them fighting back to back, as they were able to kick the spears out of the hands and knock them out with head kicks. A third guard showed up behind them, but they both ducked at the same time as Grimoire tossed a particularly heavy book at him, knocking him out.

Tack Angel: Whoa! Thank you!

Tack o’ Dark: Had it under control!

Grimoire: I need that book back. It’s such an important AGE…or it was…it will be again? In any case-

Tack Angel: Here ya go.

Grimoire: Th-thanks.

Tack Angel: …..

Grimoire: What?

Tack Angel: Something familiar about you…your eyes I think. They look very familiar. Who is your Mom?

Grimoire: Uh…

Tack o’ Dark: Ha! You look at their eyes?! I guess you’d have the time. I’m too busy burying my face in their-

Grimoire: Guys, I think this is the trophy room! Right over here!

Tack Angel: Excellent. Anyone else notice the skeleton outside by the way? The one that was crucified?

Tack o’ Dark: Yeah, I think that was Trevor-5. If it were me, I’d do the same thing.

Tack Angel: …

Grimoire: What?!

Tack o’ Dark: THAT WAS A JOKE! A JOKE! Relax!

The trio entered a big room full of trophies that ranged from items collected from fallen heroes, to their bodies themselves.

Tack Angel: This is disturbing.

Tack o’ Dark: I might want something like this when I win World War Bee. Kidding again, cause I already got my prize from that stupid bee. Hehehe.

Grimoire: Is that?

Tack o’ Dark: Looks like…the bodies of Takumi Inui and Dragon Shiryu. Huh, that’s weird though.

Tack Angel: Why is that?

Tack o’ Dark: I’ve heard stories of a Kamen Rider Faiz on MY Earth-5. I meant to meet him, but I got busy…with bees. Stupid bees. I hate bees!

?: Me too.

Tack and Tack o’ Dark: Huh?

The trio turned to the end of the large room. They found what they believed to be the piece of the Lightforge weapon. The glowing machinery, that seemed translucent, like the pillars that connected the worlds. It was definitely out of place and out of time. The fail safe had worked though, as it was still in working condition from the looks of it. However, that wasn’t all they found, as a figure came from behind the machine and stood before them.

Darkness Angel: Interlopers…and very familiar looking ones at that. You think I didn’t have you tracked the moment you appeared here? Two handsome faces like those, heading towards my castle.

Tack o’ Dark: You! YOU’RE THE ONE THAT-

Tack Angel: Tack wait! Darkness Angel, we’re here for that device you have right there. It’s important that we have it.

Darkness Angel: Oh?

Tack Angel: We don’t have the time to get into it, but everyone and everything is in very serious trouble, including you! This whole world and the universe itself will be destroyed if we don’t take this back with us.

Darkness Angel: …HA! I thought you’d be a better liar if you were trying to be me. I don’t know how Christina did it, but that little tramp of a daughter actually intended to replace me with a duplicate? You have to tell me who did the face work, cause you look just like me. I hate it. Only I should look like me. I refuse to share a face with anyone, especially not a pretender like the two of you.

Tack o’ Dark: I’m no pretender! I’m the real deal! How do you think I feel looking at you! Everything you’ve done! You make me sick!

Darkness Angel: Oh good, you know my work! Then you know what I’m going to do to the three of you. That one over there I’ll just have tortured before he’s killed, but you two…oh you two are going to know the true meaning of pain before it’s all said and done. I will personally peel off those faces, and I want you to feel every second of it.

Darkness Angel snapped his fingers, as General Swift and a cadre of blind eunuch guards surrounded the trio.

Tack Angel: …Oh no.

Tack o’ Dark: …You know this is your fault right?

Last edited by Machismo (7/20/2023 1:01 am)

Earth-5

Tack o’ Dark and Grimoire were both hanging in the dungeon bowels of the castle, deep in the heart of Crystal Hell. The intense heat of the nearby furnace was practically cooking them, as they awaited their fate.

Grimoire: This is bad.

Tack o’ Dark: This is bad? This is bad. Of course this is bad! That pretender is up there on MY THRONE, and we’re tapped down here.

Grimoire: I meant more that we are trapped and unable to get out part of the weapon. If we fail, then we all fail, even if the other three teams manage to pull it off.

Tack o’ Dark: You think I’m not thinking about that too? You think I’m not gritting my teeth, feeling the sting of failure right now? I’m letting my people down! I’m letting everyone down! I took the throne and embraced this side of myself, because I knew I was the right hero for the job, but that hero is failing right now.

Grimoire: I wonder what is being done to the other Tack Angel.

Tack o’ Dark: …Probably being tortured beyond all possible imagining. I didn’t like seeing that side of myself again, but I wouldn’t wish that kind of torture on anyone. The torture only reserved for the truly damned. It must be unspeakable.

Several floors up, in a multi-colored room full of beds, pillows, and whips, chains, and leather, Amy Angel-5 wore a sexy negligee, as she laid on one of the beds, staring longingly towards the bathroom room door. On the other side, a loud “flowing” sound could be heard.

Tack Angel: *on the other side of the door* I’m sorry if you can hear this! I’ve got a strong stream! Been like this since I was six! It’s called a “consistent flow,” that’s what the doctor told me. Despite what Trevor would have you believe, it does NOT hit the porcelain in a “weak and feminine” manner! Alright, I’m coming out. Thank you SO MUCH for letting me down from that dungeon to-WHA?!

Amy Angel-5: Heh…you’re funny, and I like that.

Tack Angel: I’m funny?

Amy Angel-5: Not at all like Darkness Angel. Not one bit. I’m surprised someone with this much naive innocence could still exist on this planet. I have to say, I find it fascinating.

Tack Angel: Y-you do?

Amy Angel-5: Mmhmm, I sure do. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a man other than the King, and you look so much like him. It’s uncanny.

Tack Angel: I uh…knew a good plastic surgeon?

Amy Angel-5: Apparently. My husband will tear their skin off while they’re still alive, and then he’ll feed it to them.

Tack Angel: Uh…it’s not cannibalism if you eat yourself right? Hah-why am I laughing?

Amy Angel-5: You’re nervous.

Tack Angel: Exceedingly so!

Amy Angel-5: Good. That’s going to make it so much more fun to play with you.

Tack Angel: Play?

Amy Angel-5:  To defile you.

Tack Angel: Oh no.

Amy Angel-5: TO BREAK YOU!

Tack Angel: OH NO! *looks down at crotch* Really?! WHY?! I’m ashamed of myself right now. I uh…need to go back to the bathroom really quickly. I have an “inconsistent” bladder. I’d hate to make a mess out here.

Amy Angel-5: That’s what I plan on doing to you.

Tack Angel: *gags* Well that took care of one problem. Thank you for that. I’ll be right back!

Tack quickly locked himself in the bathroom, looking for a way out. He found a narrow window he was barely able to fit through, but looking down, he’d have a rough landing. Just then a cart filled to the brim with more of the luxurious pillows and blankets adorning the room was pulled just below the window.

Tack Angel: What luck! I’ll hop down, make my escape, and steal the weapon. NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW!

Tack quickly jumped out of the window, but the cart moved again on his way down, and he hit the ground with a thud.

Tack Angel: AH! MY ANKLE!

The Pushpin Seraphim forced himself up and limped into the courtyard quickly yet quietly. The blind eunuch guards were swarming the castle at this point. As he made his way to the courtyard, he noticed a large stage with various torture devices on it. Apparently, Darkness Angel was preparing to put on a show. As Tack tried to tiptoe by the stage, a voice came from behind the large iron maiden on the stage.

Darkness Angel: You know, I’ve never actually used one of these before.

Tack Angel: AH!

Darkness Angel: You’ll probably make that noise when I slam the door shut on you. Probably be the last thing you ever say. This was loaned to me, by a man calling himself “The Auditor”. I’ve never had a guest in this castle I’ve liked as much as him. He alerted me to your plan by the way. Now I’m sure one of my whore wives let you out. They’re like cats playing with mice, and I’m going to deal with that in my own violent ways, but this is actually a golden opportunity. I have some questions for you, and I want to know the answers before you die. My scientists took a blood sample from the three of you. I wanted to know whom was really whom, so I could make sure to kill your families too. It’s only fair right.

Tack Angel: I wouldn’t say tha-

Darkness Angel: It says the two lookalikes have my blood. It was a match. More to the point, the third one was too. The same DNA.

Tack Angel: Wha-what?! The third one too?

Darkness Angel: That’s right. You seem legitimately surprised by that. Says that kid is my son, but I only ever had daughters. I want no competitors you see.

Tack Angel: S-s-s-son?

Darkness Angel: So what is this, a gene splicing experiment? Christina really put in the work on this one. I so wish to kill that little brat. You’re going to tell me what I need to know, and you’re going to tell me right now.

Tack Angel: ….No. No I’m not, but I will kick your head off if you come any closer.

Darkness Angel: Oh? A fight? I like that idea. It’s been too long since I’ve ripped out someone’s heart with my OWN TWO HANDS! I-

Suddenly the castle shook, and an explosion was heard. From above, the whirring sound of a motorcycle engine. The vehicle rode the wave of the explosion directly into the courtyard, as the man on the bike pulled up beside Tack.

Tack Angel: …Dan?

Dan-5: Do I know you?

Tack Angel: Uh…sort of?

Darkness Angel: It’s you. Another one of the thorns in my side! Come to die have you?

Dan-5: No. I’ve come to reclaim what you stole from me, Takumi Inui, and all of the people of this planet. Paradise.




Darkness Angel: GRRRR!!!

Tack Angel: I KNOW WHAT THAT IS! YEAH!




Dan-5 dialed 555 into a cell phone made by “Smart Brain”, and placed the phone into a belt he was wearing. Covered in a bright neon red, the man standing beside Tack was suddenly clad in black, red, and silver armor.

Dan-5: I’m here…to bring dreams to the people.

Darkness Angel: ….THIS IS THE LAST TIME YOU CAUSE ME TROUBLE…KAMEN RIDER FAIZ!