*As the scene from The Show fades out, an ominous music begins playing in the background, a truly cryptic yet hauntingly melodic tune that seems to float through the listener's mind and just as quickly exits to the realm of silence. As one would let the melody lull them into a sense of false security, or perhaps a wary heightened sense of caution, a single light flashes on screen, revealing the broken down psych ward once more. The location has not seen any improvement since last, seemingly in further decay as walls begin to crumble, and it is revealed the camera is in the hallway of the first floor. It gazes up to the steps leading to the next level, only to reveal the wooden boards broken and splintering everywhere. At the bottom of the stairwell, Ty and Showtime stand side to side gazing up the path so clearly intended for them. Ty turns towards Showtime and nods his head and the two rivals begin making their trek up the steps. As they reach the top and turn the corner, it reveals a metal sealed door. Ty motions for Showtime to stop, which he obliges as Ty walks up to the door and places his hand on it and lowering his head, mumbling a few words just audible to the audience.*
Ty: Velle aperire ostium Domino vanitatis.
*The door suddenly swings open violently, slamming backwards into the hallway it concealed. As Ty lifts his head, Showtime would clearly see the Harbinger's eyes flashing red briefly before turning to a normal green color, a small gesture most would not pick up as Ty has never let his, well many would call his human form, to display through the Chaotic Avatar he currently resides in. He motions for Showtime to follow him and the two step into the hallway, immediately one could see the walls in shambles, a few metal doors like the one previously sealing shut the potential horrors away from the hallway, other doors swung wide open to reveal the padded rooms. Ty looks complacent as he gazes into one of the open rooms, his eyes flicking back and forth as memories flood into his subconscious. Subsequently Showtime seems to be slightly unnerved, though not enough to easily identifiable. Ty looks over his shoulder at Showtime before turning back towards him, his arms clasped behind his back.*
You seemed slightly disturbed Showtime.
*Showtime swallows hard before shaking his head as he regains his nerves and composure and flashes a grin towards Ty.*
Showtime: This is nothing compared to the nightmares we've put each other through Ty, though this place seems to keep you at unease as well.
Perhaps it does, though that is exactly why I have chosen this place as our meeting place Showtime. We never see eye to eye, yet it seems you are the only person in WZCW that can truly appreciate what I was put through once the Chaos fused itself directly into my soul. I was seen as a menace, and a danger to society. They locked me in a cell just as this, nothing more then the voice of Chaos fueling my hatred for those doctors, those people claiming to help me. Our friend the good Professor may no longer be a doctor, but he is worse then the doctors. No, he is the one teaching them how to torture those souls who have learned the truth, those that have been touched by madness. It is just as they did to you right before Kingdom Come last year Showtime, they threw you in a cell and made sure you were quarantined from their world. Not the real world, the world that they perceive to be the true world. It is this false world that you and myself have seen through Showtime, we know what is truly out there, our guides have shown us the path necessary to change this world. So..
*Ty narrows his eyes as the tension quickly rises between the two, the atmosphere creating a far more hostile environment then the set of a TV show could provide. The crumbling and despair, the need to scrape and claw to survive not lost on the two warriors.*
Why is it you do not heed the words of yours? Mr. Stonewall wasn't it?
*A smirk forms on Ty's face as Showtime's face contorts into a bit of shock. The questions immediately take center stage in Showtime's mind as Ty presents the riddle of how he could know of Showtime's hallucinations. Showtime shakes his head and can't help but laugh out loud, the laughter echoing throughout the harrowing building.*
I should know better by now Ty. You know more about me then should even be legal or physically possible. The thing is Ty, I know just as much about you, and I know that you offer something that no one else can, power. The question is though Ty, is that just a small amount of your power, is it power I earn myself? These people hate me because of how damn good I am, I earn everything I have, and you should know that just as well as I do.
Ty crosses his arm over his torso and under his opposite arm, leaning against the cell door, the cold metal and the ill energy this former ward circulates around the two would be enough to give a normal man the chills, but the King of Darkness doesn't seem to mind, rather thriving on it.
Indeed Showtime, but as you can see you have been lost in the shuffle ever since our match with Reynolds. You have always been my greatest opponent, the only one capable of truly opposing me in the end. Showtime, what I simply offer is a hand to lift you back to the heights you were at once before, to take the main stage that we both belong in. We fought for that right at the Lethal Lottery. We've fought on that very stage at Kingdom Come. The only man who is capable of defeating me one on one, and he is relegated to scraps. It is insufferable to watch Showtime!
Insufferable? After all we have put each other through you should be enjoying my struggle Ty. Isn't that your greatest thrill is to watch your enemies suffer?
It is but it must be by my hand that they suffer! It is why I did what was necessary to Austin Reynolds, to provoke the animal inside only to be put down. He was not worthy of challenging me, so I made it so. The final stanza is upon us Showtime, and if we are going to change WZCW so the peasants know who the two greatest warriors are, I will require your assistance. Separately we are great, together along with the Apostles, there will be no one left to oppose us.
*Ty leans up off the door and begins walking down the hallway as Showtime lowers his head, millions of thoughts and doubts immediately taking hold as he struggles with his decision. The offer great, but is it how he wants to earn that recognition? This is what he wants, but at what cost? He looks up at Ty who has entered into one of the open rooms. Showtime follows and stands in front of the doorway, his arms crossed. Inside Ty has sat down and wrapped his arms around his legs, his head tucked to his knees*
You offer everything I have wanted and more Ty. To join your side would mean getting just what I have deserved for so long. It doesn't feel right though. I was to earn this all on my own!
Haven't you though Showtime?
What?
*Ty slowly lifts his head, a somber look on his face as he stares up at Showtime, his eyes now fully glowing red. Showtime takes a step back as the confusion further invades his thoughts.*
Haven't you earned all that you deserve already? You have won every title this company has to offer except the World Title, a title I will be in possession of very soon. After Kingdom Come what better way to show the strength the new order I shall be in control of then to have the two greatest warriors in WZCW face off once more for the title? I can give you that Showtime. I can make sure that you are never forgotten again. Your name will forever be whispered upon the bated breaths of everyone, your legend growing with each passing moment. You can taste it can't you Showtime? You can just feel that prestige surrounding you, your name synonymous with the very goal you wish to achieve.
*Ty suddenly stands and walks up swiftly to Showtime, the duo staring each other dead in the eye. Ty holds his hand out which Showtime looks down at and then back to Ty.*
My name may be forever remembered, but it comes at a price Ty. It comes with the price of having your name directly following mine, the power behind my ascension. Yes it's everything I want but not in the way I want it done!
*Showtime takes a step away from Ty and shakes his head, grabbing his head as he seems to be conversing with himself as he drops to one knee. Ty watches silently at the tearing at Showtime's soul, a sick grin forming on his face as he watches the internal struggle wage on. Ty crosses his arms and lowers his head as the wind suddenly picks up and blows into the hallway, whistling through the small fissures in the window at the end of the hall. Ty's hair sways to the side as Showtime continues struggling within himself.*
Enough.
*Showtime looks up, as if being snapped out of a trance. He remains on one knee as he gazes up at Ty, his face contorting into one of rage at the mind games he perceives Ty to be playing*
You are conflicted to say the least Showtime. Rather then tell you what I can give you, at Meltdown I will show you the power I wield. My former acquaintance Barbosa and the man who holds the title so dear to our hearts, Black Dragon will be our opponents. Formidable yes, but against the might of Chaos, mere mortals who will be enveloped under the water in the rivers of hell. They now see you as an equal threat as myself Showtime. It is time to stand and fight! Let us show what the combined strength of our alliance can truly accomplish! They want your spot Showtime, just as they want mine. We will not let them take it! So long as there are others out there that do not understand our madness, they will continually try to take our status as the greatest. Do you understand? I will not allow that to happen!
*Ty holds his hand out to Showtime once more. Showtime looks up at Ty's hand, and then Ty himself before grasping hold. Ty helps him to his feet as the two stand face to face once more*
I am not joining you Ty.
You will Showtime, it is written as such.
But I have not ruled it out. For now, the ShowTyme Express is back on track at least for this one match. There is far too much in the past to forgive and forget, but the two most dominant stars in WZCW need to shine, and to do so we will work together at Meltdown. After that, I promise you nothing, and I guarantee you nothing. I'm not interested in becoming another cloak wearing slave of yours Ty, but perhaps I am interested in the riches you have offered in exchange for a more permanent alliance.
*Ty nods his head and remains quiet, the wind picking up in speed as it shatters a portion of the window, pushing pieces of glass into the hallway. Slowly a wicked grin forms on Ty's face, a low laugh escaping him before a complete outburst of laughter echoes throughout the hallway. He brings himself back to a level mood, his eyes intently staring at Showtime.*
Good. Then it is settled. At Meltdown we will tear apart that raving idiot Barbosa and stomp out the embers of Black Dragon's spirit. They step into my realm, my domain, a daunting task on its own, but with my greatest rival, the one man who could face me alone and claim victory, as my partner, they are nothing, insignificant pests that need to be dealt with. The time has come Showtime, let the madness that you fear take hold, let the anger come forth, and let it rain destruction upon our enemies!
*Ty quickly turns, a fire burning in his eyes as he begins walking back towards the staircase. Showtime follows but stops at the first metal door. Ty does not notice and hastily walks down the steps. Showtime looks over his shoulder at the padded cells, an involuntary shudder moving across his shoulders. Doubt, and yet also confidence seem to flash in his eyes briefly before he takes a deep breath and walks through the door, stopping at the top of the staircase as he looks to his right as if someone were there.*
Am I doing the right thing?
*The scene fades to a black screen for a few moments before the Chaos symbol burns through the black, flames rising from the symbol. Suddenly static flashes across the screen to a shot of Ty and Trent Stonewall standing side by side. The two seem to merge until they become one, Ty's face on one half, Trent's the other. They begin laughing as a shot of Showtime walking down the stairs is faded in the background, a light goes out in the hallway, leaving Showtime in pure darkness, but the sound of Ty and Trent's laughter can be heard until the feed is completely lost*
