The scene comes back to outside Califa's gym, Amber Warren pacing back and forth as she awaits the arrival of her partner. Soon a black Escalade with tinted windows and chrome rims pulls up, the bass from the sound system making the ground vibrate. The engine is killed and the door opens and El Califa pops out. Amber looks up to Califa, a look of puzzlement washing across her face.
Amber: Califa, I'm sorry...
Califa walks up to her, his hands behind his back until he reveals his hands, taped up with black tape as if ready to fight. Amber looks at his hands and her eyes go wide for a second.
Amber: Califa...wait what are you doing?
Califa stares her down, tilting his head slightly before tossing her a roll of black tape. Amber fumbles with the surprise toss before catching it. She looks at the tape and then back to Califa, her eyes still bewildered. Califa points to his Escalade and nods his head.
El Califa: You and El Califa shall finish what was started earlier today Amber Warren. Let's go.
Califa turns swiftly and begins walking to the vehicle. Amber rushes up to him and grabs his arm, Califa looks down to her and shakes his head. His voice sharp and pointed.
El Califa: What is it Amber? Perhaps we should finish it here?
Amber: Where are we going?
El Califa: You will find out soon enough. Get in now.
Califa shrugs his arm away and hops into the Escalade, and with a turn of the key the SUV roars back to life. The music is turned down as Amber stands outside, unsure of what to do. The window rolls down and Califa looks to Amber.
El Califa: Now Amber Warren!
Amber snaps out of it and quickly runs to the other side of the Escalade and jumps in, Califa peels out and takes off towards the inner city. He clasps the wheel with one hand, his head staring straight ahead, paying no mind to Amber. Meanwhile Amber has her head down, staring at the floorboard with her hands clasped in her lap.
Amber: Whatever this is Califa I can make up for it. I can apologize to the students tomorrow and we can move on.
El Califa: This is far bigger than that Amber Warren. You blatantly disrespected my gym, my students, and most importantly, your own tag team partner. Teams have broken up over less and I will not allow it to happen to ours!
Amber flinches at the tone in Califa's voice. She knows that if El Califa speaks about himself in the first person then he is certainly serious. She looks up and notices that the amount of street lights have decreased significantly, the quality of the building diminishing with each passing moment. Graffiti tags begin to become more prevalent, shady character standing at each corner. One man looks up from his phone and happens to look Amber straight in the eyes. She shudders as she withdraws her gaze from the window, only to look up as Califa turns down a different road, a large warehouse sitting at the end of it. Chain link fencing surrounds the building, and a number of people seem to be standing around outside. Califa pulls up through the gate and parks, the crowd of people immediately walk towards the vehicle. Califa hops out and motions for Amber to stay put for the moment. A large man with a long goatee walks up to Califa, a baseball bat leaned against his shoulder. The two study each other for a moment before the larger man smiles and laughs, the two clasp hands and an intricate handshake begins. Amber watches from the vehicle until Califa pats the man on the shoulder before turning and motioning for Amber to follow. Amber exits the car slowly and takes off behind Califa.
El Califa: You wonder why El Califa has brought you to such a place?
Amber simply nods her head, her eyes not able to move away from the line of thugs surrounding the warehouse.
El Califa: You will see soon enough. El Califa was just like you Amber Warren. He was the aggressor, running with gangs and fighting anyone that would even look at him wrong. He was young then Amber Warren, he had no control, no focus. It nearly lead to him spending most of his life in prison had he continued down that path. Let's go inside.
Califa steps up to the man in front of the door to the warehouse. The two nod heads and exchange words in Spanish and the man opens the door for them. As they enter Amber looks around, various Mexicans stand around conversing, a dice game goes on in the corner where cash is flashed and arguments can be heard, but the most immediate image is that of a large cage standing in the center of the warehouse. Two men inside are doing battle, fists and feet flying and blood hitting the floor. Hustlers roam the crowd, laying down bets with the audience who are screaming for more blood. A table stands just outside from where the crowd has gathered, too men sitting and taking sign ups. Califa looks to Amber and nods his head toward the table, clearly indicating his desire to sign up. Amber hesitates but Califa pushes her towards the table. He walks up and the two men at the table smirk and shake hands with Califa, again extremely intricate and elaborate in nature.
El Califa: Es bueno regresar chicos. Tendremos tanto firmaremos, pero damos amigo de El Califa aquí el peleador más grande y más malo que llegaras. (Good to be back boys. We shall both be signing up, but give El Califa's friend here the biggest and baddest fighter you got here.)
One man looks over Califa's shoulder and raises an eyebrow as he looks Amber Warren up and down. He turns his attention to Califa and shakes his head.
Man: Usted no puede ser grave homie. Ella conseguirá dobló como una vieja billetera. (You can't be serious homie. She'll get folded up like an old wallet.)
El Califa: Las apariencias engañan, ya lo sabes muy bien. Regístrate con nosotros para arriba. El Califa se llevará el primer partido. (Looks can be deceiving, you know that all too well. Sign us up. El Califa will take the first match.)
The man shrugs and writes some things down on paper before shaking his head.
Man: Es su hombre entierro.
Amber watches the conversation going on, cursing herself for not picking up the words quick enough to keep up. Califa nods and handshakes are exchanged once more when the announcer calls El Califa's name. The crowd roars as Califa leads Amber to the edge of the cage. The door opens and Califa enters slowly, lifting his arm up high and again elicits a cheer from the crowd. Amber wraps her fingers around the cage as she watches intently. Califa's opponent is a man about the same size, his hands taped up as well. The referee signals for the fight to begin and the fighter and El Califa circle around the cage, studying each other's movements. The fighter goes for the initial strike but Califa moves and connects with a quick uppercut, sending the man backwards into the cage. He runs towards the man and uses the cage as a springboard, connecting with an enziguri like kick to the fighter's head. The fighter falls to the floor but Califa doesn't let up, raining down shots from above before motioning for the man to get up. Califa backs up and as the fighter gets to his feet Califa connects with a spinning kick, knocking out his opponent with ease. The ref covers over the fighter to signal the end of the fight and Califa raises his arm high into the air again. The crowd roars as more money is exchanged quickly, the referee helping the fighter out of the cage. Califa takes his place next to Amber Warren and nods his head to her.
El Califa: Quick, precise, devastating. This is what using your force in a controlled manner can get you Amber Warren.
Amber looks up at Califa but soon the announcer is quick to the mic again, calling out Amber Warren's name. She hesitates again and Califa looks down to her, nodding his head. She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes before making her way into the cage. The crowd buzzes loudly at the sight of her standing in the cage. She looks around, trying to find her opponent when the announcer speaks again.
Announcer: Y ahora, su oponente, Oscar, El Salvaje, Aguilar! (And now, her opponent, Oscar, The Savage, Aguilar!
Just then a large man makes his way through the crowd, easily standing six foot nine inches tall, and around 300 pounds. Long hair is untied and unkept, a large bear covering his face. He walks into the cage and immediately dwarfs Amber. He stares down at her before his eyes widen and he let's out a blood thirsty roar to the delight of the crowd. Amber backs up a bit as El Califa watches quietly from the outside, his arms still crossed over his chest and not a movement is made. Amber's eyes widen as she stares up at the beast before her. She looks to El Califa for help but he shakes his head to her, motioning for her to fight. The ref signals for the fight to begin and The Savage goes right towards Amber. Amber turns towards him and quickly rolls out of the way, using her speed to her advantage. He rushes towards her again and she slips out from underneath him, delivering a hard kick to the leg. It doesn't phase him at all as he turns around slowly, laughing loudly.
The Savage: Es eso lo mejor que tienes pequeña? (Is that the best you got little girl?)
Suddenly a hard right to the stomach and a left to the face has Amber sprawling across the floor. She holds her stomach and coughs, blood trickling down the corner of her mouth. The Savage roars once more and lifts his arm up, playing up the crowd as Califa lowers his head. This is exactly what he had intended for his partner. An opponent with a physical prowess much greater than her own. She would need to learn what her new found aggression could do. The only way to learn how to channel it right, was a fight to survive. Amber pulls herself up to the surprise of the crowd, wiping the blood away from her mouth as she stumbles a bit. The Savage turns back towards her and growls, rushing towards her again. Amber waits patiently and suddenly goes low, sending The Savage forward face first to the mat. He turns around but Amber now let's out a roar of her own before dropping down blow after blow from above. The Savage tries to cover up to no avail as Amber yells out after each strike. Finally he shoves her off as he holds his face but Amber isn't done. She goes right back after him, a kick right to the knee sends his leg back awkwardly and he drops to one knee. She brings her own knee up to meet his chin, dropping him to the mat once more. She jumps at him but he counters, getting Amber the ground for strikes of his own. The impact is devastating, even with Amber covering up. The ref looks to wave off the fight but Amber yells at him not to. The Savage doesn't stop but Amber grabs his arm and quickly wraps her legs around it and with surprising strength flips The Savage over and locks in an armbar! The Savage yells in pain as Amber uses all her strength to pull back on his arm, refusing to let up on the pressure. However her opponent is too strong and slowly gets to his feet, lifting Amber up with his one arm and ramming her back first into the cage. She finally let's go and drops to one knee as The Savage grasps his arm in pain. Amber steadies herself before running to the cage, jumping off of it and in position for a huracanrana. The Savage counters however and tosses her up into the air, hitting the top of the cage with the back of her head. Amber lies on the ground, holding the back of her head as she writhes in pain.
El Califa: You cannot fly in a cage Amber Warren. Rely on your instincts and what El Califa has taught you!
As she hears these words from her partner, a switch flips inside her and she grabs her opponent's leg and wrestles him to the ground. She begins delivering knee after knee to The Savage's face, blood begins pouring from his face as rage takes over her. The Savage suddenly goes limp and Amber let's him go, his face hitting the mat as the crowd is stunned to silence. Amber stands up and limps away and finally the crowd begins cheering loudly. She drops to one knee on the other side of the cage, holding onto it with one hand. She lowers her head as she breathes in deeply, but the crowd roars again as The Savage slowly pulls himself up to his feet. Amber grits her teeth and her face contorts into that of anger that the monster won't stay down. She stands up and delivers a picture perfect kick straight to the head, sending the big man sprawling across the cage. The ref finally waves the fight off as Amber walks around the ring, yelling to the crowd as they cheer her on. Suddenly the sound of the cage door closing can be heard and Amber turns around and right into El Califa, his arms crossed in front of his chest.
El Califa: You face me now Amber Warren. Do you understand why he brought you here now?
Amber stares a hole through El Califa before poking him in the chest with her finger, clearly angry at the whole ordeal. Blood drips down from her forehead, her hair matted with it as well.
Amber: Is this your idea of punishment El Califa? You drag me out to the ghetto of this damn city and feed me to the wolves? For the enjoyment of these people?
El Califa: These are MY people Amber Warren! These are the people that he has struggled to survive with for many years. The people that supported El Califa throughout his career! And these are the people that will support us at Apoclaypse. No Amber Warren. This is your final lesson.
Califa suddenly throws a quick jab but Amber ducks out of the way. The speed of Califa's strikes are suddenly increased dramatically, Amber had never seen him throw this fast before. She does her best to duck but each punch begins to graze her with each successive attempt.
El Califa: El Califa is proud of this new found fire inside of you Amber Warren. But you have no control over it! It must be used in bursts and when necessary. What you did at the gym showed him everything he needed to know. Hurting those that cannot defend themselves with this violent streak inside you is not the answer! You will be no better than Celeste Crimson and I will not allow you to become another bitter and torturous soul like her!
Califa continues to press the assault, but as it continues Amber slowly begins picking it up, avoiding the attacks easily before throwing her own. The combinations continue without anyone gaining the advantage.
El Califa: Without control Amber Warren, you becoming exactly what Steven Holmes is. You believe yourself to be the best, and that you must prove it inside the ring. Every single opponent you will ever face will think the same way. If they do not, then they have no business fighting for the very thing we strive for, championships and glory. Yet we fight for one other thing Amber Warren that Celeste Crimson does not!
Califa suddenly pushes her back with a front kick, no damage done but enough to create separation. Amber paces back and forth in front of Califa like an animal stalking her prey.
Amber: And what is that El Califa? Honor? They show no honor to us, why do we fight for it ourselves then?!
She lunges at Califa but he side steps her, only to get caught with a kick to the midsection. He backs away and deftly dodges her attacks yet again.
El Califa: We fight for honor because without honor, you are nothing but a thug! You are above that Amber Warren, you are destined for greatness but you must not fall to their level! Is this what you want to reduce yourself to? Fighting in a cage like a trapped wolf for scraps? No Amber, We are Dragons, and we will fight just as glorious as they do!
Califa catches her fists and pushes her back once again. Amber lowers her head, breathing heavily as she reaches up and wipes away the blood. She looks down at her red coated fingers. She nods her head slowly and looks up to El Califa only to see him not where she thought he was standing. Suddenly she finds her airway constricted as Califa stands behind her, catching her in a choke hold. She struggles against it but Califa leans down and whispers in her ear.
El Califa: Let's go home Amber Warren. Tap and this will all be over and we can leave.
Califa slightly loosens his grip just enough not to hurt her but Amber nods her head, lifting her hand to tap when suddenly she elbows Califa off of her. Califa stumbles backwards and is met by a spinning heel kick. Califa hits the ground but gets up quickly. Amber speeds around him before catching him with The Livewire Stretch! Califa struggles against the hold but Amber again keeps it locked in tight. Califa stops struggling and suddenly taps out. Amber doesn't let go, knowing how he escaped so easily before. Califa struggles again before yelling out in pain and tapping frantically before Amber finally let's go. The crowd cheers her on as Califa sits on the ground, holding his arm as Amber gets to her feet. She raises her arm up to the crowd who responds in kind before turning to El Califa. Califa has his head lowered but looks up as Amber holds her hand out to him. She nods her head to him and he nods back, clasping hands with her as she helps him up. She immediately hugs him and he does as well She whispers to him just so he can hear.
Amber: Come Apocalypse El Califa, that's going to be Celeste Crimson tapping out.
Califa listens intently before nodding his head, whispering back to her.
El Califa: And we shall take flight once more Amber Warren. The Dragons shall rule over the tag team division, our souls burning brightly through the darkness in WZCW!
El Califa slowly pulls away from Amber and exits the cage, holding his arm slightly as Amber looks around at everyone cheering for her. She finally smiles and claps her hands as she plays up to the crowd. Califa meshes into the crowd, only to clap his hands in celebration for his partner while watching on as the scene fades to black.