Steven Holmes is sick of outlandish characters. The antics of Saboteur only fuel this aggression as Holmes takes on the most recent zany character in WZCW. Theron Daggershield is a wrestler who plays D&D and is hoping to roll big on an upset over Holmes. However, Holmes is a former world champion and is gearing to sink his teeth into something. God have mercy on his soul.
Deadline is Wednesday (September 18th, 2013) at 11:59 P.M. (Central Time). Extensions available upon request.
As the song opens with its symbol stirring, we fade into a desert, warped by heat and corrupted by the sun. The sand surrounds us with a black road piercing through its very heart. The sun bears down as a black SUV drives across the burnt tarmac. The shimmering light, manipulated by the ever high temperature does not affect the note that appears at the bottom of our screen:
Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico
As the SUV whizzes past us, we cut to a different view, one of an aerial perspective. We see the vast bleached sand with the straight road, the yellow paint that once shone so brightly on it has faded. The tarmac that was once pitch black has been exposed for so long; it is now a grey colour, cracked and lifeless like so much else in this vast wasteland. As the SUV pulls away from our shot we find ourselves inside the vehicle itself. The song becomes more focused and filtered, playing out of a sound system. We see a sun-kissed native wearing a dark chauffeurs uniform, hat and all. He sings quietly in tune with Jims singing. We pull back to go past the first two leather seats to enter the back of the cool sanctuary on wheels. There sits a man. He wears a dirty white suit jacket, unbuttoned. There is a polo shirt underneath that, also unbuttoned. There are grey jeans with brown shoes. To cap off this attire, aviator sunglasses rest neatly across his face, shielding his eyes, and to many, his identity. We though are familiar with this soul. His slightly modified desert look does not hide him from us dear viewer. For we still recognise the features of The Elite Steven Holmes.
Holmes has been a busy boy since losing his Heavyweight Championship on the grandest of stages. Things have gotten very prosperous for his Mexican operations as of late and he can no longer neglect them. However with prosperity always comes danger and Holmes has had to strike first, littering the souls of enemies and nemeses with fear in a bid to fend off any wars. Hes had to protect his plans for expansion south of the border but hes also had to squeeze his commitments to WZCW in-between. Another loss to Barbosa was damaging, but by no means killer. Before he lost his championship, Holmes wouldve probably ranted and raved about how his kingdom was under siege or some equally thespian-esc dialogue, but now he has decided to adopt a more menacing business streak to his WZCW work. Theres no point in maintaining an illusion of grandeur past its point of expiration. Thats what he believes now.
Again we cut to a new shot, this time of Holmes looking through the front of his armoured vehicle, noting the perceived endless mounds of sand. He smirks drawing a comparison perhaps to his relationships in life away from the ring and away from business. Since these operations went up a peg in importance, Holmes hasnt had a chance to appreciate his partner in the ways he perhaps would normally. Shes been having a rough time in her own right, and his leaving her to pursue these business matters is not helping their relationship one iota. The antics of one Saboteur are also hammering a wedge further between the two. They work crisply to attack and assault the Whoopi Goldberg obsessive, but they have struggled to draw up a winning stratagem to pulls this irritation from their side once and for all. Holmes recalls that he once pulled a hair out of an awkward spot in his back, but it kept re-growing, darker and thicker. Over and over he did this, and time and time again it grew and it plagued him. Eventually he ripped at it as hard as he could and finally he pulled it out in its entirety, root and all. That to him is Saboteur.
And while his love life takes a major hit, Holmes own brother, Erik the Red, isnt best pleased either. Steven has had him lead as an attack dog in the quest to prevent war over the growing involvement in business matters down Mexico way. But for this piece of business, Steven told his blood to remain at Castle Holmes and hold down the fort until he returned. Erik didnt take kindly to being told to stay. But he was loyal and obedient to the end, trustworthy, which for the Holmes is rare to come by. What particularly bothered Steven about this though was Eriks reaction to one name; Ojos Sandaza. Sandaza was Steven Holmes bodyguard and confidant for a time before operations began in the Mexico area and Holmes moved him to oversee production. Having never met the man whose job was to look after the life of his brother, Erik was wary of Sandaza and the air of mystique that surrounded the leathery faced fiend made him unsettled. Steven though knows Ojos and trusts him.
Finally the vision of desert sand and its endless valleys comes to a halt. In the difference, distorted by the appalling heat, we see a town. It is old, broken and decrepit. There is something here though. Several SUVs, similar to the one Holmes rides in are parked out front and a figure can be seen, a dot on the horizon. Again we change angles, this time to the outside of the SUV where we are at the feet of the individual who waits. He wears black leather boots, black trousers. We slowly pan up as the SUV begins to pull closer to its destination. We see the hands of an older man, resting comfortably on the insides of what can only be described as attire of the old west. His skin is an olive brown, but it is not until we finally get to the cowboy hat wearing head that we recognise this man; Ojos Sandaza himself. His face is as stony as ever, his eyes are striking as always and his moustache is flat, relaxed, almost prepared to pounce. As the SUV begins to pull into the town, he sneers and spits to one side. He walks over to the vehicle and the spurs on his boots begin to rattle.
The mechanical engineering of the SUVs doors slides open automatically. It is like something from a Bond film. The cool air conditioned world tries desperately to fight the maddening heat, but it wont hold out for long, not that it matters as Steven Holmes has arrived. He exits, his expression the same as he hides behind his aviators. He stands, much as Sandaza did awaiting his arrival. The older gentleman finally reaches his employer and there is a tense moment. Neither has seen one another for months, years even. Sure they talk, but this is different, this is more personal. The scene is cinematic in oh so many ways when suddenly Ojos cracks and a slick smile rips his leathery exterior. Holmes bares teeth and starts to chuckle. Sandaza follows and the two men extend their arms and greet one another with a massive hug. Ojos pats Steven on the back, much like a father would do to his child. They continue for a few moments more before Sandaza breaks the hug, but no contact with Holmes, holding him by the arms.
Sandaza: Looking sharp Steven.
Holmes: Im impressed you can bear the heat with such dark clothing Ojos.
There is a moment of silence as Sandaza and Holmes eye each other up, noting just how different they both appear. Though it has only been two years, Ojos skin is darker and his hair whiter, at least if his moustache is an indicator. Then, the SUVs door closes, a gentle hum of mechanics working as Sandaza moves and pats Holmes on the back one more time.
Sandaza: Come Steven; lets find your poor pasty skin some shelter from the sun.
Holmes: Hysterical.
Ojos laughs at Stevens sarcasm and the SUV begins to pulls away. The two men start to make a move toward the town. It is built of wood and pale stone. The foundations of this town remain even if it has begun to fall apart from up top. Roofs have collapsed, walls caved in and some imploded. Steven Holmes has never been to such a town but admires its ghostly nature, appreciating the work of a good bit of destruction. Sandaza looks dead forward, his spurs continuing to shackle and shake.
Sandaza: This town has been empty for years. The only people who ever come here are enthusiasts for this sort of thing; fans of cowboys and ghost towns. They dont come here anymore.
Holmes: Good. Theyd merely complicate any plans weve got. I trust the work continues to be fully successful.
Sandaza: Oh my yes.
There is such enthusiasm in Sandazas voice that Holmes cant help but smile big at the resounding positivity of the answer. The two men continue their walk down the stretch of town.
Sandaza: I trust you fly back to the States soon?
Holmes: The 20th.
Sandaza: Thats two days before Ascension. Is that apt time to prepare?
Holmes: Not 100% but I have it covered.
Ojos stops in his tracks and appears concerned as he returns his hands to his hips.
Sandaza: Steven, I appreciate the visit here and your increasing level of interest in what were doing down here, but that shouldnt mean your career should take a back seat.
Holmes: This is my career.
Sandaza: I mean your other career.
Holmes: Oh please Ojos, spare me. Wrestling is a job yes, but a hobby too. I have a natural talent to destroy and murderously manipulate in the ring whether it be David Cougar or whoever the boy Im facing is.
As Holmes continues the trail along, Sandaza grabs his arm to stop him. Steven looks down and then looks at Ojos before snatching his arm back. Chuckling momentarily, he shrugs his shoulders as if to reset his coolness.
Sandaza: Steven, youre fully aware that whatevers happened after Kingdom Come has affected you. Before you were ready to slaughter any and all comers and were devoting time, effort and resources to bettering your talents in the ring. Now, nothing. You seem to have buried yourself into this project and what has it done to your in-ring career? Two losses straight.
Holmes: Two losses do not define a career Ojos, you of all people should recognise that.
A quick jab at Ojos past does not faze him. He is far too tough for such nonsense. He knows Holmes is too proud not to defend his own though.
Sandaza: No, but I wasnt talking about your wrestling career. How is Ms. Crimson by the way?
This is a step too far for Holmes, just as Ojos had predicted. A stupid grin appears on his face as he stands and Holmes storms back to get into his face. He rips the aviator glasses from his eyes and stares right at Sandaza, his expression reading pissed off. He speaks through gritted teeth.
Holmes: Fine thanks for asking.
An eyebrow is raised from Sandaza as if to question the remark.
Holmes: I would tell you to know your place Ojos, but you already know it and have the balls to shoot off about whatever you want anyway so let me make this clear; yes, this is taking a great deal of my priorities up right now, and yes I have been losing quite a bit recently, but Theron Daggershield is my opponent at Ascension. Im sure hes a bright eyed, bushy tailed individual who wants nothing but the best for all in his career, but Ill have news for him on the 22nd and thats that Aristocracy Reigns.
Steven Holmes looks down to his left before taking a breath. He looks right into Sandazas eyes again and speaks.
Holmes: They say Im sick and tired of outlandish characters. On the contrary, Im sick of everyone telling me what they think and not really listening to me. They think by talking over me they can ignore me, but they forget that I am the most dangerous and deadly predator there is. Saboteur thinks by throwing wacky antics and ridiculous scenarios my way that hell distract me into making mistakes yet again, but the truth is, I already have him pegged. Hes a weakling hiding under a mask, pretending hes so much more than just your average human but the truth is he bleeds like you or anyone else. Theron Daggershield is probably the same only a lot more naive about the world of professional wrestling. He doesnt realise that there are people in this world, people like me who arent out to have a good match or a have fun in the ring. He doesnt realise that Im there to hurt him and thats what Im going to do, because right now, Im extremely angry.
A red faced Holmes stares right at the still grinning Sandaza. He chuckles once more and pats Holmes on the side, almost to calm him. Holmes body language begins to indicate hes relaxing slightly more and he again shrugs his shoulders to release tension. He puts the aviators back on and cranks his neck as Sandaza starts to lead him deeper into the town. And we culminate our scene.
There were dozens of them. Theron and his Merry Band of Misfits were clearly outnumbered. Before them was a sanctuary with each bench filled. Unlike the rest of the ruins, this room had been fully preserved. The stained glass windows are all various shades of green, the inhabitants of the room are wearing green robes, and even the benches are painted green. Most of the creatures in the room appeared to be human, other than the one leading the service at the altar, which has a helmet placed on it. The leader appeared to be elven. Theron, currently at the front of their formation, turned around to face his companions and motioned quietly for them to return to the previous chamber.
Theron: Well, that must be the piece of elemental equipment that Babba Dingo said was in here. He wasn't kidding. That definitely looks like a cult of some sorts. It also explains the strange activity that Redbeard wanted us to investigate here in the first place.
Kayrentia: How are we going to get past all of those cultists?
Sheshmish: I'll get the artifact for you, Theron. I'm going to do it while crab walking through the crowd!
Davivel: That's probably not a very good idea. You'll likely be seen. It's kinda hard to miss a huge Orc crab walking.
Theron: No, go ahead, Sheshmish. I'm in the mood for a battle, honestly. If they see you, we'll jump in and attack the moment they see you. Let's head back in, but everyone stay quiet.
They sneak back into the sanctuary. All of the cultists are praying as the elven leader is speaking with his back turned, facing the wall instead of the altar. Sheshmish makes his way up to the altar, crab walking the whole way past every single cultist. He grabs the artifact from the alter, it appears to be a helmet. He takes it and crab walks back to his allies. The moment he hands it to Theron, the elf leading the service turns around and faces the merry band of misfits.
????: Where are you taking our helmet?
Keifasar: So much for that. I guess we get to kill them after all.
Theron: Hold on. Let's see what he has to say first, it might be useful information for us.... What exactly is going on here?
The elf, clad in a colorful robe and fully equipped underneath with plate mail and two rapiers, begins walking up to the party.
????: Who do you think you are coming into our worship and disrupting us by taking our helmet? I order you to give it back right this instant.... Who ARE you people anyway?
Theron: Give me your name and I will tell you mine.
The elf is now a couple of steps away from the party. Four cultists stand up and walk over to their leader.
Sealamin: Sealamin Glimmergaunt. Leader of the 3rd chapter of the New Church of Shar. We are the prophets who will bring Shar the elemental helmet of the air. Perhaps you have heard of me. I used to be very famous. Now, who would you be?
Theron: I'm Theron, the leader of this merry band of misfits. We'll be taking your helmet. Your name does ring a bell. Aren't you a former world championship caliber gladiator? Church of Shar?
Davivel: Wait, SHAR? Why is a church of Shar worshipping a helmet blessed by Mystra!?
Sealamin: That is not for you to know. To answer your other question, yes, I once was a world champion gladiator. That should tell you that you would be fools to battle me. Now, either give me back the helmet or else all of you are going to die.
Theron: Not a chance! Now that I know an evil deity is involved I cannot allow your church to grow any larger!
Sealamin: Very well. Rookies! Leave this place at once!
Every single cultist other than the four standing by Sealamin Glimmergaunt run out of the room. The scene fades into a battle screen using a mosaic animation and the Tales of Symphonia version of Theron's theme music "Fighting of the Spirit" begins to play in the background.
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Sealamin wastes no time in starting the battle. He unsheathes two rapiers and lunges at his first victim, Keifasar, who retaliates with his knife. It hardly scratches the gladiator. Keifasar is able to evade the slashes from both rapiers. Theron tries to come to his ally's aid but misses the gladiator. Cultist #2 and Cultist #3 move toward Keifsar while Cultist #1 and Cultist #4 move toward Theron. Davivel shoots Cultist #2 with his bow and it hits. Kayrentia casts Burning Sphere on the Cultists, burning all 4 of them. Keifasar follows Kayrentia to the corner she is in and begins casting a spell of his own. Sheshmish tries to attack Cultist #3 with his Scythe but misses.
Sealamin rushes up to Kayrentia and slashes at her with both rapiers. The druid is badly injured. Theron having seen the attack runs up to attack Sealamin from behind and succeeds. Cultist #2 punches Sheshmish with a flurry of hits. Davivel gets within reach of Kayrentia and casts Cure Light Wounds on her to restore some of her health. Cultist #4 tries to punch Theron but misses. Kayrentia casts Cure Light Wounds on herself to restore more health, while her Burning Sphere inflicts more burn damage onto all 4 cultists. Cultist #3 kicks Sheshmish in a flurry of hits, but he misses and Sheshmish retaliates. Cultist #1 tries to attack Theron but misses and Theron retaliates. Keifasar summons Henry the monstrous scorpion! Henry teleports into view on the battlefield next to Keifasar and attacks Cultist #1. Sheshmish tries to attack both of the cultists surrounding him, but misses.
Sealamin slashes at Theron with his rapiers, Theron evades the rapiers. His hair and eyes glow red as he unleashes a critical hit in retaliation. Sealamin is burned by the warblade's falchion. Theron, still in his rage unleashes a furious slash at the elf and it hits. His hair, eyes, and sword return to their normal appearance. Cultist #2 gets within range of Theron, who uses a Whirlwind Attack, hitting all four of the cultists, this kills Cultist #1 and Cultist #3. Cultist #2 begins to pray. Davivel defends. Cultist #4 runs toward Kayrentia and kicks her in a flurry of hits. The druid is in pain and having a hard time standing. She is unable to cast another spell but her Burning Sphere burns both remaining cultists one last time before it vanishes from sight. This kills Cultist #2 and Cultist #4. Keifasar begins to cast a spell. Henry goes to attack Sealamin, who is now the only antagonist left on the battlefield. He connects on his attack with a critical hit! However Sealamin is able to retaliate with an attack of opportunity, nearly defeating the scorpion. Sheshmish attacks Sealamin with his Scythe, but then Sealamin retaliates.
The elven gladiator slashes at Sheshmish again with both rapiers, and both blows connect. Theron attacks, but Sealamin evades the attack. Davivel shoots from his bow, but misses Sealamin. Kayrentia defends. Henry attacks Sealamin, but misses. Sheshmish attacks, and he too misses.
The gladiator lunges at Keifasar, and lands an attack that leaves the Necromancer without half of his health. Theron tries to assist Keifasar but misses Sealamin and is hit by the elf's retaliation. Davivel tries to shoot with his bow again, and it is a critical hit on Selamin. Kayrentia casts Flame Blade, she hits Sealamin with it. He retaliates, and Kayrentia is knocked unconscious from the blow. Keifasar summons Neep the floating skull! Neep teleports into view floating in circles around Sealamin saying his own name several times, lowering the elf's armor class, and then teleports out of view. Henry attacks and it hits, but Henry is knocked unconscious by Sealamin's retaliation. Henry teleports out of view. Sheshmish attacks Sealamin with his Scythe, hitting him.
Sealamin turns to Keifasar and realizing the Necromancer is weak, attacking him with his left rapier, which causes Keifasar to go unconscious. Theron attacks Sealamin as soon as he sees a chance to strike. Davivel casts Bull's Strength on Theron. Sheshmish attacks Sealamin with his Scythe. The elf now in between Theron and Sheshmish is unable to retaliate. Sealamin laughs maniacally, he slashes at Sheshmish and it is a critical hit. Sheshmish goes unconscious.
Theron and Davivel are now the only two members of the Merry Band of Misfits still on the battlefield. Theron's frustration and buffed strength induce an adrenaline rush and he launches a critical hit on Sealamin. Davivel casts Inflict Moderate Wounds on Sealamin. The elf retaliates, damaging the cleric quite a bit.
Davivel has run out of spells. He and Theron engage Sealamin in melee combat for a few more rounds. After thirty seconds of trading blows with Theron, Sealamin turns to Davivel and slashes furiously at him, knocking the cleric unconscious. Theron is now the only member of the Merry Band of Misfits left on the battlefield. Seeing his friends all unconscious induces another adrenaline rush and he slashes with all his might at the gladiator as his eyes and hair glow bright red again. Sealamin, now in pain, looks to Theron and now intends to finish him off. Theron, still fully adrenalized by his anger leaps into the air and lands another hit, knocking the gladiator onto the ground.
The battle music stops playing as the scene fades back into the sanctuary with a mosaic animation. Theron's eyes and hair are still glowing bright red. He has his falchion to Sealamin's neck, as the gladiator gasps for breath. He survived the battle, but none of his 4 underlings did.
Theron: I'd finish you off, but I have too much respect for an opponent of your caliber to end your life. Turn your life around and stop your involvement with this cult. As for the helmet, I'll be keeping it. It's blessed by Mystra and none of Shar's followers should tarnish it.
Sealamin gets up and begins limping toward the exit. He turns around to face Theron, who now has returned to his normal appearance.
Sealamin: You fought valiantly, I commend you for proving you do have the skills necessary to defeat a championship tier gladiator. However.... You cannot stop the growth of the New Church of Shar. There are 6 other chapters with 6 other pieces of equipment. Each of those leaders will be after you now that you have one of the elemental artifacts. This won't be the last time our paths cross.
Theron: Any hints as to where the others are located?
Sealamin: Go to the tavern in Wheloon. A representative will be waiting for you there.
Sealamin walks slowly out of the room, showing signs of struggle to stand upright. Theron wakes each of his allies and helps them stand up. They take a moment to contemplate the ordeal they just went through while Davivel tends to everyone's wounds. Keifasar starts walking toward the altar. The others follow him.
Theron: What is it?
Keifasar inspects the altar and removes an emerald that had been placed in a hole on the altar. There is an inscription underneath the hole where the emerald was, it reads "Location 3 of 7: Wind". He turns to face Theron.
Keifasar: An emerald! I need this. I'm taking it back to my men in my caravan.
Theron: Wait, don't just take that. We don't even know what it does or what it's used for! Sheshmish! Check for traps!
Sheshmish inspects the altar, he shakes his head at Theron to signify nothing dangerous is there.
Davivel: Let Keifasar take it so he can appraise it. He's also the most likely to be immune to any curse it could inflict.
Theron: Fine. You can have that emerald. Let's make our way back to town. We need to provide Redbeard with a status update on what's been going on here.
Fade out to black.
Meanwhile, in the real world.... Theron Daggershield (real name Shawn Daggers) and his roommates were taking a brief intermission from their Dungeons & Dragons game so Austin (who plays Keifasar) could take a smoke break out on the balcony. Theron goes out into the breezeway for some fresh air. His girlfriend Tiffany is there waiting for him.
Tiffany: We need to talk.
Theron: Is everything ok, Tiff? I talked the guys into taking a break as soon as I received your text message.
Tiffany crosses her arms.
Tiffany: I hate that I never get to see you anymore. We haven't spent any time alone together since you joined WZCW. What little spare time you do have you spend gaming with your roommates.
Theron: We talked about this already though, Tiff. This is a dream come true for me, I've always wanted to be a pro wrestler. I love it. I had my first one on one match with Grizzly Bob on Aftershock, did you see it?
Tiffany: I did.... I'm very proud of you, Shawn.
Theron: It's Theron. I don't answer to Shawn anymore.
Tiffany: Whatever. I'm glad you are living your dream. I just wish I got to spend more time with you, that's all.
Theron: Well, you didn't have to leave the Merry band of Misfits when the other half of the group did. Do you still have the pink dice set I bought you?
Tiffany: Of course. They are in my purse. I'm not playing anymore though, not unless Austin gets kicked out of the group. I'm tired of his crap and that stupid Keifasar character. Who are you facing in your next match?
Theron: Steven Holmes, a former WZCW World Champion. This is a huge opportunity for me. I've been studying his best matches closely for days.
Tiffany: So THAT'S why you've been up late watching Steven Holmes matches. Do you think you can beat him?
Theron: I know I can do it. My determination will pay off in the end. I do not want to let my fans down, this is one that could steal the show on Ascension!
Ian opens the door and comes outside.
Ian: Sorry to interrupt but are you two done yet? Austin finished his smoke break long ago.
Theron turns to face Ian.
Theron: Yeah, I'll be right there.
Ian goes back inside and Theron faces Tiffany again.
Tiffany: I have to go study for a Church History test anyhow. Have fun, and good luck in your match. I'll be watching.
She gives Theron a hug before going into her apartment. Theron leans up with his back against the wall and ponders for a moment.
Theron: (Thinking to himself) Bob got the better of me last time. As tough as he was, Holmes is going to be much more difficult to defeat. I didn't get the win. I can do it this time though. I know I can. This is MY moment, this is where I get noticed. Steven Holmes, you better be ready, because I'm not just any rookie. I'm a warrior ready to give you just the fight you're looking for. On Ascension you're getting in the ring with Theron Daggershield!
He smiles and goes back inside to continue the Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Fade to black.
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