Madison Square Garden is the most iconic wrestling venue in the world, with a storied history that dates all the way back to the turn of the century. At Apocalypse, it might just make history one more time. WZCWs latest PPV was already shaping up to be blockbuster of epic proportions. All the championships were up for grabs, and the women of WZCW were looking to make a splash. Well, more than a splash; it was a tsunami. The energetic wildcat Batti Otaku was challenging the misogynistic Xander Crews, while a determined Kagura was taking on the pompous and arrogant Titus Avison. There were fans that were hoping that their successes would do justice to the joke of a Vixens division from years ago, while others simply wanted to see the current champions knocked down a peg.
With the show looming, many eyes were glued to the Apocalypse pre-show. The WZCW commentators were running down the card, and giving their thoughts and feelings on each match. Starting from the left was Cat Connor, the play by play announcer for Ascension. Next to her was Sebastian Copeland, the veteran play by play announcer for Meltdown. On his right was color commentator and former wrestling legend, Jack Cohen. Last on the panel, making an unexpected appearance, was WZCW hall of famer and former world heavyweight champion Everest. The quartet sat at a long black table. There was a television screen in the background displaying the company logo that stretched almost the width of the wall behind them. Occasionally video clips from old matches and promos would pop up as the commentators ran down the card.
Next up is the exciting Eurasian championship match between Titus Avison and Kagura, said Connor.
We are 517 days into the EurAvison era. This was a title that Titus won all the way back at Kingdom Come 7 by defeating Johnny Scumm.
Thats right Cat, replied Cohen.
And since then hes successfully defended against the likes of S.H.I.T, Vee A.D.Z, Flex Mussel, and Blackjack Theron. He even managed to win a four-pack challenge at Lethal Lottery 8. The only other title reign in history that comes close was Ty Burnas unprecedented run with the world championship.
Copeland nodded before adding his two cents,
All fantastic competitors in their own right. They all stepped up to the plate, and yet he still managed to best them time and time again. Everest, as his former rival, what do you think about Titus historic title reign?
Six pairs of eyes turned to gaze at the former champion. The room fell silent. Even the cameramen held their breaths, waiting for the once great competitor to speak.
Everest smiled.
Titus was already a hall of famer before winning the Eurasian championship. It was just about the only thing that he didnt accomplish in this industry. But it seems to me that despite everything; winning world titles, going into the hall of fame, that he still had something left to prove. And not to the fans, but to himself. I think that brought upon the change in his attitude. Titus has now wrestled long enough to see himself become the villain. And its something that many of us would never thought that we would see. After seeing some of the lengths that he has been willing to go through to prove whatever point that he has set out to make, I have to say that Im shocked.
Whatever had been driving Titus this hard for so long had to go beyond just simple pride or even a competitors spirit. Everest knew this, and so did Cat.
Perhaps Titus feels that his days as a competitor are truly numbered and this is his way of saying hey, I might have reached the top, but Im going to set the bar even higher. Hes developed an ego of the likes I havent seen before. But, how many performers can say that theyve accomplished what Titus has done?
Very few Cat, Copeland interjected.
At this point, Titus will remain champion if he wants to be. Theres a strong possibility he might even retire without losing it. Though his recent actions tend to suggest that he might be losing his edge. I have never seen him so frazzled going into a big match like this before.
I have to agree Seabass, Cohen nodded.
Normally Id be on the champs side, but after that huge loss to Wren on Meltdown, who knows where his head is right now. What an embarrassment.
I wouldnt call that loss an embarrassment, Jack.
Then this was clearly a fluke victory. That rookie would have never beaten Titus otherwise.
Cat held up her hands and interrupted,
Perhaps Titus got way too full of himself and underestimated his opponent. He hasnt faced an opponent like Kagura before and maybe he got pigheaded.
No, he hasnt, agreed Copeland.
Looking back a year ago; even to Kingdom Come, did any of us expect Kagura to be challenging Titus? Shes a former Elite champion in her own right, sure. But afterwards something changed. Ever since she started carrying that book around with her, chaos was never far behind. We all saw what she was capable of when she attacked Ramparte. She morphed into something that was truly dangerous. Not to mention that she has defeated many of the same opponents that have unsuccessfully challenged Titus in the past. Kagura has something to prove here, just like Titus did way back then.
I certainly never expected this, said Everest.
Kagura had already made some pretty big waves during her feud with Ramparte. But after coming up short for the Elite title recently, challenging someone with Titus reputation makes sense. Look at the reaction that shes received from the fans in recent weeks. Shes become a fan favorite. And I dont think that the fans cheer her just because they hate Titus that much. Those cheers are real. For every #NotMyChampion tweet there seems to be a Make Kagura Great Again sign in the crowd.
There was truth to his words. Kaguras transformation had been much like Titus had been, but reversed; the fallen hero versus the reformed villain. Perhaps this had been the reason why he had attacked her so viciously.
I get it. Kagura is now the hero to the fans that Titus used to be, so maybe he sees a reflection of his past self within this recent turn of hers and that frightens him.
Cohen let out a laugh,
Thats an interesting theory, Cat. If Kagura does defeat Titus at Apocalypse, then I dont think that its going to be a fluke. Shes clearly gotten to him. And shes not even using her little magic book either. On Meltdown, she was the one that stood triumphant at the end over Titus bruised body. I can see that the drive and passion that once lit a fire under Titus has now set her ablaze.
Im surprised, Jack. I didnt think youd be on her side. All things considered.
He smirked,
Listen, that girl was trained by Sasuke Gozaburo, who was a friend of mine. He was more than just a manager to her. He taught her the ropes. Sasuke was an international icon back in the day. He was one of the few foreigners to win the heavyweight title on American soil. I teamed with him many times. He was as ruthless and intelligent as they came. Many fans expected to see some uncultured savage, but that wasnt Sasuke. He was charming, he spoke fluent English, he had an intimidating look, and above all else he was cocky and outspoken. In fact, Titus current behavior reminds me a lot of Sasukes back in the day. And months ago, I saw many of his mannerisms in Kagura too. Perhaps Kagura saw so much of her old mentor in Titus, that challenging him was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Its possible that she knows a lot more about Titus than she lets on. If so, then shes basically the perfect opponent for him.
Not only that but his mind games have all backfired and that must burn him up inside. Kagura seems to have lost her ability to speak, and her silence must be unnerving. She has said more by simply trading fists with him, than Titus could shout in a dozen promos. One must wonder if hes just filled with hot air at this point. But I should wonder, where does Titus go if he loses tonight? No doubt that Kagura will rocket herself back towards superstardom in she manages to dethrone him.
Excellent question, Cat, Copeland added.
The most logical answer is that Titus is bound to challenge for the world championship again. I doubt he would concern himself with Gold Rush. With his resume, he can practically do what he wants. But who knows really? Whats for sure is that Titus has a fight on his hands tonight, and if the dust settles and hes no longer the champ, then we have no way of knowing just what hes going to do. But is the pressure too much for Kagura to handle though? We have all seen Titus battered and bruised and still come out the victor. Even in recent history against Blackjack Theron, his opponent had undergone a transformation and still couldnt claim victory. Titus is no stranger to big matches like these, he has the edge in experience. Another factor could be Kaguras injuries. If Kagura cant fight through the pain, then Titus will have a clear advantage. Titus is used to working through pain during the regular season. Hes done it for years. For the last 517 days, hes done it consistently. Kagura might be completely off her game.
I can vouch for that, Everest said, with conviction in his voice.
Titus is not only physically tough, but mentally too. Kagura might be in his head, but theres no way shes broken his body. The man is a machine. I have never faced Kagura before so I have no opinion on her capabilities. I am sure shes a fine competitor, but then again so was Theron, and Vee, and Flex Mussel, and Matt Tastic. Titus has defeated him too. If Kagura has an extra gear that we havent seen before, shell have to use it tonight. Otherwise she wont win.
Cat let out an audible sigh,
Be that as it may, Kagura does have one advantage though. Titus had already been well acquainted with his previous opponents. He fought Theron Daggershield and Flex Mussel twice. He and S.H.I.T share a long history together. Vee he had become familiar with during the regular season. The point is that Titus had some kind of contact with nearly all his opponents. By the time he was defending his title against them he had a plan of action. He had either beaten them before, or had them well scouted. Kagura came out of nowhere. Complete left field. Kagura was fighting her way through grudge matches, while Titus was on the marquee turning back challenger after challenger. She has no history with him at all, so there was no way for him to prepare for her challenge. Scouting her is difficult because shes been unpredictable for so long. As soon as his back is turned she could curse him! He had to result to an act of cowardice last week by assaulting her before her match, and it still backfired on him. In my opinion Kagura has the edge here.
So whats the call? asked Cohen.
Whos winning tonight, Titus or Kagura, any opinions?
Cat was first,
I really think that this match favors Kagura. Unlike his other opponents, Titus has absolutely no experience fighting her in a singles match. And shes shown the capability of getting the upper hand on him outside the ring. Id put my money on Kagura becoming the next Eurasian champion.
The former champion was the next to speak,
Just when I think that Titus had done everything he still continues to impress me. Ive been in the ring with him. I know what hes capable of. Hes not the type of opponent that anyone can just walk in and defeat, no matter what type of advantage they might have. In the past Titus fought for something special; an identity that was his and his alone. It got to the point where it wasnt about ego or fame or adoration. Titus fights because he enjoys going out to that ring every week and showing the world that hes still the greatest wrestler in our industry. Even though he might not be the hero that we all remember him to be, he still fights for the exact same reasons. Kagura is untested and I think shes biting off more than she can chew. I have to say that Titus retains.
Then Copeland,
All of you makes some great points. Kagura is untested, but she doesnt lack experience in big matches like these. Maybe Kagura wants to prove that she can beat Titus without using her book. That thing has granted her tremendous power in the past, but maybe she feels like it cant help her here. I like a great underdog story, so Im going to say that Kagura does the unthinkable, and wins.
All eyes rested on the Magnificent One now, he smirked.
Unlike Seabass I am a realist. Kagura is underdog, that is for sure. Titus, win or lose, will still go down in history as perhaps the greatest champion we have ever had. Those are some big shoes to fill. Do any of you see Kagura still Eurasian champion a year from now? Dont get me wrong; I am not trying to discredit her. I am just making observations. She was trained by Sasuke, and I can see that shes inherited his spirit. I can see the fire in her eyes. The same desire that he once had. Out of respect for my old friend, Im going to back his student. If he could accomplish things that were said to have been impossible, then maybe she can too.
-----
Having traveled from Boston to Tokyo and then to Philadelphia over the course of a few days had given Kagura a severe case of jet lag. Mental fatigue was pushing her close to the breaking point. Unfortunately, after the events on Meltdown in Philly, her body was not faring any better. The triple threat with Tony Mancini and Lynx was supposed to have been a short affair arrive, kick ass, and then leave. She was not expecting Titus to ambush her from behind.
Her backed ached as a painful reminder of being shoved into the steel barricade. After he was escorted away, it had taken every ounce of will power that she had to stagger back to the ring. She didnt know what was driving her on at that point. Her body was spent; maybe she should have ignored the referees pleas to stop. She immediately broke up the pin fall attempt, and thats when Lynx threw her hard into the turnbuckle. She felt a searing pain in her left shoulder and prayed to the Kami that she hadnt torn something. After that, everything seemed to slow down; the adrenaline had kicked in. Using her judo training, she outmaneuvered the time traveler before setting her sights on the Yonkers native. She wrestled him to the mat; ending things swiftly with the double fisted heart punch.
She managed to pay that bastard Titus back before the night was through, but she had no time to celebrate. This was going to be the biggest match of her career, and she hardly had any time to prepare. She had planned on leaving directly after the show, but had to wait almost an hour in the medical bay before being discharged. She took a taxi to the airport. Walking slowly along the terminal, she winched as she clutched her shoulder, which was still covered in tape.
Derrick greeted her with a smile, but the forlorn look in her eyes told him that something was wrong. He grabbed her luggage and led her to one of the seats. Her face contorted with pain, as her eyes filled with tears.
You okay?
His eyes were filled with such warmth, that she couldnt hold back any longer. She broke down right beside him, the emotion pouring out of her like a massive raging river. He sat in silence and listened to her cry. This was her only source of relief over her frustration with her daily life.
I know none of this has to be easy, but youre not alone in all of this. Im always going to be here for you.
He reached over and helped her dry her tears. She was trying to do right by him, her grandfather, and her sensei. Thanks to her selfish actions, Sasuke was now in a coma, and had been that way for some time. She had insisted on going to see him as soon as the realization had hit her that she had been the cause of the mans suffering. He had tried to avoid the subject ever since the plane ride back from Tokyo, but he could tell that her heart was heavy with guilt.
Kagura slept the whole way to St. Louis; Sasukes home town. Bad weather had caused recent delays at the Lambert International airport over the last few days. He grabbed their luggage and got them a cab. It was late into the evening, so he thought it was best to see Sasuke tomorrow morning. She agreed. The suite only had one bed, but neither of them seemed to mind. Kagura undressed and crashed right away. Derrick stayed awake a few minutes longer; he couldnt help but stare at the beautiful girl that lay beside him. Even covered in bumps and bruises, she looked like an angel when she slept. He smiled. He remembered a time when he used to question why he would go out of his way for her, but deep down he knew the answer. It was love.
Kagura yawned as the rays of sunlight hit her face, and sat up. She turned to see Derrick still sleeping beside her. His light snoring and rhythmic breathing was a comfort to her. If it hadnt of been for Derrick, she was sure she would have succumbed to the effects of the curse a long time ago. Getting out of bed she tiptoed over to the couch and quietly opened his bag. The book was inside of it.
So, he did keep it after all.
She wasnt sure if he was going to try and return the book to the Tokyo museum without telling her. Even 7,000 miles of land and water between them wouldnt be enough to stop the curse. If it would have been that simple, she would have thrown it into a dumpster already. She heard Derrick stirring under the sheets, mentally swearing to herself as she closed his bag. She rushed to his side with a huge grin on her face. She whipped out her phone and sent him a quick text message, holding his phone up to his face.
You seem to be in better spirits today, Kagura.
It was a half-truth. Last nights sleep had eased her physical ailments somewhat, but she was quite anxious to see Sasuke. After grabbing their luggage, and checking out of the hotel they called for another cab.
Derrick had been keeping tabs on Sasukes condition ever since the incident. After he and Kagura had left his house that fateful day, a concerned neighbor had seen him asleep in chair in his Florida room through a window. After two days with no visible movement, she had called the paramedics. Sasuke had been admitted into the Barnes-Jewish hospital where his case had baffled doctors. He showed no signs of injury or disease. After failing to bring him out of the coma, they left him when his vitals appeared to be stable. Having no immediate family in the city, his case was picked up by the state until his relatives in Saitama, Japan were eventually notified. He was then transferred to Kindred Hospital-St. Louis, and was placed in acute long term care.
How are you feeling, Derrick asked, as he and Kagura walked towards the entrance of the medical center.
She took her phone and shot him another text.
He greeted the nurse at the desk,
Im Dr. Derrick Housman. I spoke to you on the phone a few days ago. We are here to see Sasuke Gozaburo.
Looking over his shoulder he shot Kagura a look,
Shes a relative of his.
He lied, but the nurses were more than likely to give them more privacy if they thought she was his daughter instead of his student. And even though Kagura was on cable TV on a weekly basis, she wasnt quite as recognizable to non-wrestling fans. Sasukes room was located on the north block of the hospital. Kagura bowed slightly to the nurse, as she and Derrick stepped inside. Her jaw nearly dropped. There sitting in a bed, hooked up to a machine which kept him alive, was her old friend and former manager.
She laid one trembling hand on the railing of the bed. Even into his 50s, Sasuke had been a pillar of manhood. He retained his chiseled physique from his younger days, but now he looked so thin. He appeared to have lost seventy pounds and looked a decade older. Her heart leapt into her throat. Derrick spoke at her side.
When we split a few months ago, I almost didnt come back. When I saw that you had forgotten about this, I was disgusted. I tried to get you to remember, but now I understand that it was Ryuumis lingering influence that had messed with your memories. I came back because it looked like you were beginning to turn over a new leaf. I had the chance to think things over; you must have had a good reason for performing the ritual. In the short time that I knew both of you, I could tell that you loved Sasuke almost like a father figure. You idolized him, didnt you?
Kagura nodded numbly. She remembered it now; the reason why she did this. When she had lost the Elite championship so quickly, she had panicked. She thought that she didnt have what it took to be a success in the wrestling industry, and the book had offered her a seemingly quick and easy solution. In a moment of weakness and depression, she stole Sasukes willpower in the hopes that she could use his infinite confidence and tenacity to achieve her dreams. In a way, she became Sasuke. That was how she came to master English so quickly. That was how she could conquer the effects of her culture shock. Without that willpower, Sasukes bodily functions literally shut down. Its as if someone had ripped his soul straight from his body. By medical logic he was simply comatose.
She clenched her fist and squeezed the rail as hard as she could. Derrick, sensing her mood, left her be. He gave her a reassuring pat on her other shoulder, before shutting the door on his way out. Try as she might, she could not stop her tears from falling again.
Sasuke, Im so sorry. If I had known this was going to happen I never would have done this. I should have stayed far away from that damn book! All I wanted was to be just like you. I wanted to have your confidence and your knowledge. Wrestling was still so new to me, and I didnt want to return to Japan a disappointment. I didnt want to drag you down with me. I thought that if I had your abilities, if only for a little bit, that I could become great too. But now I realize that I cant piggyback off others. I must achieve success on my own. Thats why I vow that Ill win the Eurasian title with nothing but my own skills. Our skills. It cost me my voice, but I dont care. Ill use the last little bit of this power, and after I win Ill find a way to undo this. I swear!
She had been so lost in her own thoughts, that she didnt sense the heavy fog filtering in through the vents in the walls and ceiling. Soon it became hard to breathe. She began coughing. The temperature began dropping.
Thats when she felt it; the icy presence of the onryo. It had followed her here; she couldnt escape the curse.
I knew youd come for me, demon. I was weak, and I fell right into your trap. I suppose Ryuumi did too. You know, when she had control I knew deep down what was going on. I just didnt care. I suppose I was already mad. But before you take the rest of my sanity, theres something that I must do first.
Kagura felt a chill as the spirit bore down on her; like it was grabbing her throat trying to choke her to death. And thats when she heard the laughter.
I wanted to think that it was Titus laughing at me, but in truth its been you this whole time! His 515 days of brutality is impressive, but youve terrorized me for even longer. 594 days to be exact; thats how long Ive been under your thumb. And even after seeing you for what you are, I still dont have the power to defeat you.
She felt its lifeless white hand grip her injured shoulder as she cried out in pain. She jumped away from the bed as she felt the cold air envelope her body.
Titus is just a stepping stone. After I defeat him and exorcise his presence from the Eurasian division, I will find a way to defeat you too. I promise you that! You wont stand in my way. Not now! Ive come so close to achieving my dream once again.
She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out an ofuda. With one swift motion, she bent down and slammed it against the tile floor, causing the ghost to release her grip.
These talismans are special; I got these from my grandfather. They can absorb and contain evil spirit energy. I cant defeat you yet, but I can trap you here until I return. You wont ruin my chances to be champion again!
Kagura slammed the ofuda against all the walls in the room, but couldnt reach the ceiling. The onryo, sensing the danger, fled. Kagura felt the chill in the air dissipate through the air vents. She swore to herself, as Derrick threw open the door.
Whats going on? I heard someone pounding on the walls.
He glanced down to see Kagura holding one of her special talismans. He could see several of them plastered all over the floor, vents, and windows. She gritted her teeth and pulled out her phone. Quickly she pounded out a text message.
Derrick let out a sigh as Kagura took his bag from him. She quickly opened it and retrieved the book. She laid it on the chair beside Sasukes bed and slapped an ofuda on top of it. Not satisfied, she quickly slapped two more on top of the first, sealing the cover. She picked it up as if it were a newborn, and then thrust it into Derricks arms. She sent him one last text.
Thats easier said than done. I must take that title away from Titus. His days of being champion are numbered, and he knows it. If he knew anything about me and what Ive been through, and what I have sacrificed to get this far then hed know that his efforts of defeating me are futile. I may have lost my voice, but others have spoken for me. The fans want to make me great again. I want to make myself great again. His reign will go down in history as perhaps the greatest ever, but it wont last forever. At Apocalypse, when I raise that belt above my head Titus, understand that on that night I was simply better than you. Your legacy will not disappear, but a new one will rise. And pretty soon everyone will be hearing legends about that woman.
