The crowd are beginning to settle themselves down after the last match-up, checking programs and grabbing snacks and merchandise from the many stands and stalls around the building. Their attitude changes dramatically, however, as they hear a loud shriek over the P.A system as the lights begin to dim. The big screen springs to life, showing the image of silvery white feathers falling to a backdrop of intense flame. The show footage focuses on the screen, a figure of a mighty bird of prey clawing out with vicious, razor sharp talons, unaffected by the inferno. It’s eyes glow a fearful and bright gold, turning to crimson red as it seemingly flies out from the screen making the crowd gasp in awe. Then there is nothing. Nothing but darkness and silence.
The silence is broken, as a faint yet beautiful piano piece begins to play out in the background. The audience leaps to their feet, almost drowning out the sound of music as several spotlights circle around the arena as the crowd looks around in awe. Swirling violins begin to play out a haunting rhythm as a thick cloud of intoxicating smoke emits from the entrance way. Barbarian Horns fire up along with a thunderous dub step beat and distorted guitars as the Instrumental Core Remix of Hans Zimmer’s ‘Time’ fully kicks in. A hooded silhouette appears in the thick grey smog; his head is bowed as he methodically makes his way to the ring. The figure pauses for a moment, staring out into the audience. The shrouded figure of Andreas Lasiewicz steps out from the back, seemingly smoking a cigarette; his head lolled to one side as he surveys the crowd with a police baton resting on his shoulder. Around his waist is a glistening golden belt, the plate shaped like an ‘X’ with the words ‘EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight Champion’ upon it. Over his right shoulder is another belt, a much bulkier prize, but no less grand that has ‘GCW World Champion’ upon it. He pauses then points his baton towards the ring as he slowly paces there.
Seth Ericsson: And here comes the newly crowned EXODUS World Heavyweight Champion!
Dick Morosi: The man that ended the reign of Christum Furor is back here in the RIMAC, and the EXODUS faithful are going wild for their hero!
As he reaches the ring, he stops to stare out in to the crowd, he flips back his hood and lets out a short, cruel laugh as he rolls into the ring and removes his jacket, pausing with a mocking crucifix pose that would infuriate a certain competitor. He climbs one of the turnbuckles, searching out into the crowd with a Cheshire Cat grin across his face, lifting his hard earned prizes in the air for all to see. He hops down as he spins the baton around in his left hand for a moment before resting back against the turnbuckle, staring up into the heavens as if he is looking for answers. The ring attendant slowly makes his way up the ring steps, nervously handing over a microphone to the twelve time World Champion. Andreas Lasiewicz nods, taking it from him as he paces slowly to the centre of the ring, brushing his long mane out of his face as he readies himself to speak.
Andreas Lasiewicz: Please… a moment of silence.
Andreas tries to hush the crowd, yet they break into a resounding ‘Thank You Lasie’ chant that leaves the Krakow Native quite embarrassed.
Andreas Lasiewicz: Do not thank me… This is not yet the time for congratulations and celebrations.
The audience begin to quieten down, the newly crowned champion looking incredibly stern, not jovial at all.
Andreas Lasiewicz: Many people have asked me this question over the past few weeks, fans, the guys in the back, pundits and press… Why wasn’t there rejoicing at the end of ‘The Downfall of Us All’? Why wasn’t there a mass celebration when I beat Christum Furor for the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title? Why didn’t we raise a toast to this achievement? Where were the streamers? Where were the fireworks? Why wasn’t there mass hysteria and wild rejoicing in honour of what had occurred?
Lasiewicz pauses briefly, beginning to pace around the ring, as is his usual fashion.
Andreas Lasiewicz: The answer for that is quite simple… This isn’t over, not by a long shot.
There is a smattering of whispering from the crowd, their mood turning from jubilation to mass confusion.
Andreas Lasiewicz: Though our commentary team announced to the world that this ‘New Age’ is over, it most definitely isn’t. Not yet at least. This ‘New Age’ will not be over until the entirety of Gods & Monsters are driven out of this great company, each and every one of them and their supporters.
Lasiewicz steps back for a second, leaning back upon the ropes as he continues on.
Andreas Lasiewicz: The reason why I stepped away from the Seikigun, away from my friends and allies was to prove a point. You see, I tired of all the meetings that seemed to go nowhere. I tired of the constant squabbling, I tired of everyone’s personal motives and feelings about each other get in the way of possibly the most important mission in this great company’s young history. We needed to move forward. We needed to take action. And so, when it seemed that no one else would… That is exactly what I did. I stepped out there alone, I won the Honor Cup, then I took their greatest prize, their most powerful weapon… this belt right here… And I dethroned their leader.
He steps back into the centre of the ring, his voice growing fiercer as he goes along.
Andreas Lasiewicz: And here I am. You may call me a champion, you may call me a veteran, some even call me a legend. But more than anything, I am a man. A man that dethroned a supposed God. I proved to everyone at home, I proved to everyone in the back that this dark alliance, this band of outcasts known as God & Monsters are mere mortals. Mortals that bleed. Mortals that are flawed. Mortals that can be defeated. And I proved that by myself. But what comes next… I cannot do alone…
Lasiewicz begins to point towards the back with his baton, his eyes blazing intensely.
Andreas Lasiewicz: They will keep coming, their forces will keep growing, more and more will flock to their side as the days pass and soon we will have nothing but an endless night of pain and anguish. They are taking seats of power, infiltrating our very own right now as I speak. Officials are being corrupted, friends are questioning loyalties. Their plot to take over is ongoing, and it will never stop unless we act NOW. No more meetings. No more squabbling. We need ACTION. They will simply claw their way back into power and it will come to a point that they do not even need this belt. There will be tears, there will be injuries, there will be blood, you will bleed. But I ask you one thing, just one…
The crowd gasps as the ‘Morning Star’ drops to his knees, arms wide open as he appeals to the roster.
Andreas Lasiewicz: Bleed with me…
There is a roar of approval from the packed out RIMAC for Lasiewicz’s plea.
Andreas Lasiewicz: Stand by my side now, now more than ever before… And we can rid this company of their tyranny. Put everything behind you, absolutely everything. The disagreements, the arguing, the ill will and channel it into something greater, something more important than anything else.
Andreas stands once more, quite solemnly as he wraps it all up.
Andreas Lasiewicz: Before it all dies before our very eyes. Before this company dies… Before you die… Join me…
The Silver Eagle drops the microphone, and without uttering another word begins to exit the ring, giving the EXODUS faithful a lot to think about as we cut to Dick & Seth.
Dick Morosi: That's a huge statement made by Andreas Lasiewicz!
Seth Ericson: It's more than a statement, Dick, it's a rally call! Now we've got to see if the rest of the Seikigun is up for the challenge! Lasiewicz might not be in action tonight, but he's got to have his eyes on tonight's main event.
Dick Morosi: It's the number one contender, Kira T. Zeppeli, meeting the recently placed in time out Zack Lifer in a steel cage...next!
STEEL CAGE MATCH
KIRA T. ZEPPELI vs. ZACK LIFERThe lights dim at the sound of what seems to be the beeping of a life support machine sounding off with more electronic distortions coming through, seemingly destroying the reception on the EXOTron before the it seems to give way to music and a hijacked reception of just a cold, emotionless face. The haunting same notes on a piano seem to repeat until drums and the remainder of the music kicks in for Akira Yamaoka's "Rain of Brass Petals (Three Voices Edit)" starts. The lights flash in unison with the piano as they pulse, when it just suddenly seems that in between pulses someone finally has the light reflect against them, someone that in the brief moments he is illuminated is seen to be wearing a doctor's coat.
David Zinkus: Coming down the aisle, from the Bottom of the Bay...KIRA! T! ZEPPELI!
The lights shine straight onto him for a brief moment at this announcement, revealing this figure to be wearing a horrific insectoid version of a plague doctor's mask, the right eye of the mask smashed in so no sight can see out.
"I am the thirst
A shadow at the end
Of the hallway
I spin the carousel
The laughter...recedes away..."
He reaches the ring and slowly reaches out to grab the ropes, lifting himself up onto the ring apron and stepping inside the ring. He leans against his corner, staring across the ring for a moment before reaching up to his face, prying the mask off of his face to reveal the visage of Kira T. Zeppeli, who faces the crowd with a cold indifference. He slowly places the mask outside the ring for safekeeping with his coat, and awaits what happens next.
Dick Morosi: You're looking at the new number one contender after pulling off what nobody expected he would do! He defeated nine other people to win the Brightest Day Cibernetico.
Seth Ericson: Yeah, well one of those nine others is about to grate his face against steel!
A brief flash of silence passes through the arena as the stage is beamed on by gold and white lights, the bulbs dimming slightly. Heroic hues floated over the entryway, the ramp and of course the audience, audible cheers as they hear the words of "Alive in the Lights" by Memphis May Fire boom through the speakers signifying one man and one man only.
From the beginning, I knew I was different.
I embraced it, but you didn't.
Your normal life, 9-5, it's just not for me.
I need to feel alive!As the lights of gold and white beam down against the crowd, searching up the stairs and to the cheap seats, they notice a familiar silhouette. A pop from the fans resurfacing, signs of various positive remarks stretching across the ocean of 'Lifer Addicts' as well as a few anomaly signs that don't fit in with the others. Adorn in a white sweatshirt with his signature demented smiley face logo on the back, he makes his way down the stairs, high fiving a couple people on his way down.
Don't you see the minds that have changed?
Do you see the lives that have been saved?
Don't you care to see the difference I've made?
Listen closely, the highways call my name.
Don't you see this is my everything?Lifer's slow, methodical walking gives way to sprinting, his legs moving him towards the ring down the nearly endless row of stairs before Lifer hops the leather barricade, a running jump that could only be considered impressive, a hint of confidence in the way he moved at a slowed down pace once more towards the steel steps. His eyes dart to the entrance way as he trudges up the few stairs, not looking away as he watches the curtain for just a couple seconds. As he gets to the top of the steps, his eyes dart across the arena, stunned by the crowd reaction. The audience gets louder as he climbs the turnbuckle, a triumphant fist rising as high as he could, a laugh exiting his lips as a single golden colored firework shot diagonally on the stage, the location of its starting point mirroring the top turnbuckle he resided on as it screeched loudly as it cut across the arena air, another pop from the crowd.
Don't you care to see the difference I've made?The camera zoomed out from the scene of Zack's arm raised with the firework shooting by swiftly in the background and watches as he gets on the outside apron again. He quickly hops the top rope effortlessly in one movement, his eyes searching the excited crowd as a smirk crosses his face. The sounds fade mid-lyric as he rests in his corner, looking anxiously at the referee and back at the entrance ramp for the match to finally make some progress.
Sparking a vicious beginning to such a brutal match, Kira winds up his right hand and openly slaps his former comrade across the face with a powerful display of disrespect. As the the sound of skin on skin colliding with such a violent speed reverberates through the arena the audience responds with "oohs", knowing such an act will rile up the easily riled Lifer. Holding his cheek and with his head pivoted away, Zack responds with a similar act of contempt; swinging his hips along with his hand, the former Int. Champ scores with a palm against the side of Kira's face in an obvious attempt at retribution. Another loud echo of flesh on flesh drowns out the arena as the literal and proverbial taste is slapped out of The G&M scalpel's mouth. In an instant, the two combatants submit to their feral instincts and come face to face, pushing each other back merely with their foreheads. Kira, with a vindictive expression, and Zack Lifer, cold expression of his own yet he can’t help but smile as the masses begin to chant “THIS IS AWESOME!” merely for the prolonged build up to such a heated confrontation.
Fuelling off of the heat being built up from the simple beginning, the former San Diego Bay champ decides to do a total 180 from the matches current paradigm. In the blink of an eye, Kira quickly extends his hands into the New Jeryseyan’s chest, pushing him back before, in the same fluid motion, spinning around with a Roaring Elbow in an attempt to take his bitter foe’s head off. Seeing the impending danger coming at him, The New Iron Saint lowers down in time to narrowly avoid being beheaded, throwing off Kira’s equilibrium and momentum whilst forcing him to swing around this puts him in a vulnerable position which is capitalized on. Instantly catching Jake in a rear waist lock, Zack attempts to flatten his former stablemate with a Backdrop Suplex but, with the power of gravity, the shrewd Kira holds himself down to prevent just that. Searching for an opening, Zeppeli looks down at Lifer’s loose grip and immediately wrenches in one hand into the hold, turning his said limb into a crowbar in an attempt to liberate himself. Doing so effectively, the Californian quickly grabs onto Zack’s right wrist and elbow before bending it back to trap him with a standard hammerlock.
Seth Ericson: These two don’t know what they want to do. First they start off the match with slapping each other like angry whores, and now they’re putting on quite a technical clinic.
Dick Morosi: They’re feeling each other out, Seth. You didn’t expect them to start leaping off the cage and beating each other to a pulp so soon, did you?
Seth Ericson: The first, no. The second, yes. I had money on this being an all out clobbering slugfest right out of a Tarantino movie.
Dick Morosi: I’ll admit, after watching him get slapped in the face, I thought Lifer was going to try and rip his heart right out of his chest well if Kira had one anyway.
Wrenching in the submission move tightly, putting pressure on the joints in the right arm, Zeppeli yanks in the hammerlock furiously, showing no signs of letting up or any indication that he’ll release Zack.. Experiencing a slight numbing sensation being sent up his aforementioned limb, Lifer leans forward, momentarily causing himself more pain in the process but a necessary evil, as he pivots his body slightly towards his antagonist. As a well traveled mat wrestler, Zep knows this counter well, and instantly releases the hold before aiming forward at Zack’s head hoping to slap on a headlock to further wear his adversary down, however the Jersey Boy sees it coming. As Kira lunges, the New Iron Saint quickly diminishes his stature to all fours and grabs Zeppeli’s ankles before pulling the chair right from under him so to speak, causing the Californian to fall flat on his face. At this point, Zack maneuvers on the canvas up to where Kira’s head lies and immediately traps him in a headlock of his own. Flustered by the change of events, and on the receiving end of the submission he was attempting, Zep ushers a few obscenities under his breath, yet remains composed enough to go back to the mental drawing board and lift his upper body up off the canvas into a pushup position to alleviate the pressure. Noticing Kira’s technique, Lifer puts his weight on him to coerce the Californian back down to the canvas this is followed by him maliciously driving his knees into his rival’s cranium.
Dick Morosi: More countering, this time Lifer reveres Kira’s hammerlock and eventually bringing it into a headlock, and now he’s beginning to ground and pound him. Are you pleased yet, Seth?
Seth Ericson: We're in the ballpark. I however, won’t be giddy until I see some flesh being peeled off by a chain link fence. I want to hear squealing. I want to see blood. I want him to drop a rock on Piggy’s head!
Dick Morosi: Lord of the Flies? I didn’t know you could read, Seth. Wow! You learn something new everyday.
Seth Ericson: You keep talking Dick. I’ll be reading your obituary.
Knowing he cant take much more of this sort of damage, Kira lifts up to his knees, forcing Lifer to follow suit to keep the hold locked in. Zep then quickly throws an elbow into the ribs of his opponent and slides back, out of his predicament. The Californian then immediately grabs the former Int. Champ's nearest arm and extends it. Zack, on one knee watches helplessly as the despair devourer tucks his hand under one arm, while the other pushes his elbow. The Jersey Boy swiftly gets up and turns inwards to meet Kira eye to eye, alleviating all the pressure of the wouldbe armbar, then ducks under his fellow technician's right arm while simultaneously twisting it. The arm of G&M's scalpel is then bent behind his back, as a consequence, causing him to stand on lurch forward on his toes as a response to the pressure being put on his shoulder via a hammerlock. Thinking quickly in order to preclude any possible counter, Zack slides his left arm under that of his former ally's, weaving it in front of his shoulder and then behind his head to apply textbook half nelson. From this position, he releases te hammerlock, yet mirrors the action he performed moments ago. Now with both arms immobilized, the former Int. Champ plants his feet and vigorously explodes backward. The captured Zeppeli is lifted off his feet and thrown back before his head and neck slam into the canvas with a dull thud.
Seth Ericson: What a Dragon Suplex! I don't know who this guy is, but what has he done with Zack Lifer? This other guy is wrestling a clinic!
Dick Morosi: Lifer has been on his 'A' game so to speak. He's focused, and he's all business tonight, this aggressive side of him, it's a breath of fresh air really.
Seth Ericson: People have called him on his maturity, or lack there of. Well, he's got a new look tonight, Dick. I don't know if it's the new hair conditioner, or what, but it's working for him.
Dick Morosi: I guess it helps that he utterly despises the man he's in there with. I suppose if I were locked in a cage with you, you'd see a different side of me too, Seth.
The New Iron Saint rolls out from under his opponent, who lies sprawled for a moment wincing after the effective maneuver. Arms slightly numbed, head pounding, neck feeling like its broken, Zep sits up after a few seconds to see his nemesis a few feet away. The recently reformed Lifer runs to the ropes as Kira attempts to regain his bearings and returns to a vertical base. Leaning his back into the trio of ring cables as he hits them, Zack is launched back toward his adversary. The mysterious mailer of misery drops to the mat to a prone position, prompting and his fellow EXODUS-ite to jump over him, then continues running until he connects with the opposite set of ropes. Almost with new life, the number one contender to the World Title springs up as the Jerseyan rebounds, then quickly slides his right arm under Lifer's before turning and falling down. The child trapped in a man's body is dragged over his opponent, flipping forward into a somersault before his slams into the canvas. Some breath escapes Zack's lungs due to the hard landing, but Zep gets right back up and seeks to maintain his new found control of the contest.
With a handful of hair Kira pulls his opponent up to a vertical base, then begins to unload on him with right hand after right hand. He then shifts his target area to his foe'a abdominal region, plunging his fist into Lifer's solar plexus with a repeated force. With Zack weakened and groggy, Kira attempts the Rolling Elbow again - this time he connects, smashing his elbow into the New Iron Saint's cranium, causing him to spin around in response to the violent collision. Just as his brainpan had assimilated the damage, Lifer swiftly spun around before jumping and twisting his body to face Zeppeli. The Saint's legs fly up and one of his shins connects with the side of Kira's head, dazing the Californian with a beautiful Enzuigiri and sending him stumbling toward the ropes in befuddlement. Creating a perfect opportunity for the man who guaranteed to kill G&M, Kira eventually falls onto the middle rope, face mere inches away from the steel cage. Lifer gets up and steps back a few feet, eyes locked on his target the whole time, then runs at the weakened wrestler. He extends and bends his leg, connecting with a vile running knee smash that pushes his rival's face into the cage. The ropes help Lifer to bounce off of his opponent, and he quickly rolls back due to the moment while Kira lifelessly lands on the mat.
Dick Morosi: Good Lord! He just sent Kira face first into the cage!
Seth Ericson: Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place. I don't know which is worse; having your face smashed into the cage, or having the back of your head cracked like a walnut.
Dick Morosi: I'd imagine you'd be a little worse for where either way, Seth. Kira wont be moving anytime soon and It looks like Zack's going for a cover here.
Seth Ericson: Smart move on his part. I'm still trying to wonder what sparked this new change in Lifer. His wife must have accidentally erased all of his saved data on his Pokemon game or something. Either that or he finally had a wet dream. Haha.
Zack covers Kira as Brian Lowery makes the count.
"ONE!"
"TWO!"Zeppeli kicks out, not surprising Zack as he anticipated that it would take much more to silence the number one contender. Lifer climbs to his feet and steps back, contemplating what to do next, what line if attack he can take to increase his hated foe'a discomfort. Coming up with an easy solution, the New Iron Saint steps forward and connects with a Leg Drop, dropping his entire frame across his antagonist's trachea. Kira flinches and writhes in pain from the impact, holding his possibly broken voice box as Lifer steps away to allow him to move about. The Californian rolls on his stomach and pushes himself to all fours, still gawking and holding his throat as he slowly attempts to make it to his feet. Lifer revels in the role reversal, as Kira is the one currently despairing, and he the one feasting off of said misery. It's been a long time coming for Zack, and this is indicated in every one of his movements. There is no wasted motion, as he takes a hold of Zep's wrist and pulls him to a vertical base, followed by a quick toe kick to the gut and a slow arm wrench to immobilize the former San Diego Bay champ. From there Lifer locks his head underneath one of his foe's arm, then lifts him over into a Northern Light's Suplex which he holds for the pin.
"ONE!"
"TWO!"Kira manages to get a shoulder up to break the count, causing Zack to roll off of him and plot his next move. G&M's self-proclaimed scalpel is grabbed by his long black strands of hair, Zack slowly lifting him to his feet as his eyes burn with a confident disdain. The Honor Cup Semi-Finalist backs Zeppeli into the ropes, whilst grasping him by the wrist and pulling him forward, proceeding to Irish Whip his battered nemesis across the squared hell. Instead of rebounding, Kira wraps his arms around the top rope, suppressing his momentum, allowing himself a chance to catch a breather and gain distance from his belligerent foe. The New Jerseyan wipes some sweat from his forehead, his face suddenly expressing one of rage as he charges at the number one contender to Andreas Lasiewicz's World Championship. Having evoked the desired response from the his foe, the opportunistic Zeppeli steps forward, quickly exploiting the fan-favorite's momentum against him as he doubles over. The former Int. champion soon finds himself ascending through the ambiance and over the ropes, his body crashing into the unforgiving steel upon the popping of Kira's hips. The cage trembles from the unbelievable toss as Lifer plummets to the canvas.
Seth Ericson: Turnover! He catapulted him right into the cage. Did you hear that impact, Dick?
Dick Morosi: how could I not, it sounded like a car crash just happened. Kira lured him in, and Zack's aggressiveness was his Achilles heel right there.
The New Iron Saint twitches from the impact as an aftershock of the maneuver reverberating throughout his body. Kira raises his head, his eyes squinting tightly as his chest rapidly raises up and down, still visibly winded and feeling the effects of the punishment he endured for the better part of nearly five minutes. His eyes slowly open, appearing to have conquered the pain as he approaches his target, leaning over to grab his for by the leg before sliding him under the bottom rope and closer to himself. Without hesitation Zeppeli begins unloading his aggression on the Lifer's inert carcass in the form of devastating stomps. He was taking great pleasure in asserting his dominance and superiority over him; each stomp was fueled with malice and a unwavering desire to eliminate Lifer, one of the most prominent, and annoying thorns in the side of Gods and Monsters.
Kira backs away now, having satisfied his hunger for the time being. He merely marvels at his work, enjoying the sight of Lifer writhing in agony, so much that he poses in the G&M crucifix to draw tremendous heat from the crowd. The boos raining down from the audience do little to effect Zeppeli's swagger. He had just won the Cibernetico, adding another impressive victory to his already incredible résumé, and he seemed like he was going to add another tonight. Finally showing signs of Life, Zack slowly gets to a vertical base and stumbles forward, allowing a pursuing Kira to grab his hair and walk him toward the far wall of the cage. When the two near the opposite end of the squared hell, Zeppeli grabs the waist of his adversary's pants and hurls him into the cage wall. Zack's countenance is somewhat rearranged by the crash into the steel structure, as he stumbles back in a wave of disorientation right into Zep's waiting and inviting embrace. The arms of the sadistic Californian encircle Zack's waist , and the former San Diego Bay Champ's body explodes back, throwing Lifer overhead. The New Iron Saint lands on his head, neck, and shoulders courtesy of a brilliant and perfectly executed German Suplex while the deliverer of said move rolls to the side to take a short breather.
Seth Ericson: What a German Suplex by Kira T. Zeppeli, and the T is for Totally Whipping Lifer’s Ass! Dick, he’s in the driver’s seat right now, and I would assume Lifer can’t endure much more moves like that.
Dick Morosi: No, he cannot. Zeppeli is possibly one of the best technical wrestlers in EXODUS today, and he’s at his best when he can throw you around and drop you on your heard in a fashion just like that. Zack has got to mount some sort of comeback, channel some sort of second wind to turn this around.
Lifer rolls away from his assailant, who gets up with plans to continue his offense. Kira grabs the back of Zack’s tights and pulls him up, then wraps his around his waist. With a German Suplex on his mind again, Zeppeli pulls back, but his resilient co-worker plants his feet to avoid being slammed on his head again. Lifer, out of desperation, then throws his head back, striking Zep in the face and allowing the New Iron Saint to grab one of his adversary’s arms. The New Jerseyan spins out of the rear waistlock, still holding an arm in his possession, and turns toward the corner. Lifer then pulls back to propel Kira forward, however the former San Diego Bay Champion turns the Irish Whip on Lier, launching Zack into the corner. Lifer, runs a few steps, turns and impinges the turnbuckles with his spine, lurching and stumbling forward from the impact while G&M scalpel’s moves in to drop the proverbial hammer. Kira quickly lifts him into the air before slamming him down with a vicious Exploder Suplex. Already holding one of his foe’s legs, Zeppeli hooks it and leans back as Lowery makes the count.
”ONE!”
“TWO!”Lifer throws his whole body up, escaping the pinning hold. Kira leans up on his knees, somewhat frustrated by his opponent’s resiliency, but more tired than anything due to the energy he’s exerted on both ends in the match. The crowd has now begun chants of “Let’s Go Lifer!” as Kira climbs back to his feet. The sinister Californian gets right into Lowery’s face, even as going as far to grip the senior official by the collar to voice his contempt. The zebra clad referee attempts to explain himself, but Kira is having none of it, as he is too irate to be reasoned with and simply tosses the referee back. Unable to get the pinfall, he tries for liberation through escape, turning to the cage-wall and climbing onto the ropes, slowly beginning his ascent. As Zeppeli tries to get out of the cage, Zack begins to stir, torpidly climbing to a vertical base.. Fighting the physical affliction and anguish, Lifer marches to the ropes, quickly grabbing Zep’s leg. OUt of desperation, the twisted genius attempts to wriggle his leg free, but only harms himself as he loses his balance. Noticing the instability of the ropes, Zac gives a mighty tug, pulling Kira off the cage and causing him to crotch the ropes. The crowd groans and grimaces, along with Zeppeli who remains suspended, his energy subsequently zapped as he cringes in pain. The former International Champion staggers into the corner before climbing the turnbuckle. After reaching the top, Lifer breathes in deeply to himself, wiping the sweat from his eyes with his forearm before measuring his target. After a brief moment, and another breath the New Iron Saint leaps off the proverbial mountain, gliding through the air and extending his arm. He connects with a Lariat, taking Kira’s head off as he knocks the two hundred pounder off the ropes sending him to the canvas.
Dick Morosi: And THAT'S the Zack Lifer that is winning EXODUS over, Seth. What a Flying Lariat. Listen to this crowd, they love it!
Seth Ericson: Great move from Zack. Kira was moments away from getting out of the cage, but the New Iron Saint made sure that wasn't gonna happen and now we know why the caged bird sings.
Dick Morosi: And why is that, Seth?
Seth Ericson: Cause Kira lost his grapefruit a right before he lost his head.
The audience exuberantly rain down the applause for the New Jerseyan, Lifer only displaying what he has inside; the heart of a champion. Zack strolls over to the corner, tossing him arms into the air to further excite the audience, then simply waits for Zeppeli to get back to his full verticality. The scalpel of the New Age lumbers to his feet, still groggy from the Flying Lariat and turns to face his nemesis, who swings for the with the Clothesline, only to smash thin air in the face, as the quick-thinking Kira ducks the lusty blow, immediately springing into the air and throwing his into the air, Lifer turning into a boot to the nose, flooring the one time International title holder. The impact of the Dropkick resounds around the arena, the spittle of The New Iron Saint spraying the cage wall, Kira now with the little slice of separation that was so necessary. Both men remain planted on the canvas for quite awhile, the punishment that both men have taken being tremendous, the effort both competitors have exerted into this match being palpable. Both combatants begin to stir, with each athlete crawling to their nearest set of ropes, happening to be parallel to the other.
Zeppeli and Lifer both use the ring cables to pull themselves to their similar heights, but Zack's gut tells him that remaining stationary on the turnbuckle isn't wise, so the New Jerseyan tries to take the advantage and sprints at the opposite turnbuckle, aiming for his seemingly unsuspecting adversary. However, with instincts of his own, the Californian throws his entire skeletal structure at the kneecaps of his foe and clutches the left leg, rolling behind Lifer whist pulling the vehement confidante of Jaime Alejandro over the entrails of his back, leaving Zack with his spine on the mat and the former San Diego Bay champ hunched over Santiago, putting as much pressure as possible on the New Iron Saint's legs, forcing Brian Lowery to slide in and make the pinfall count.
"ONE!"
"TWO!"Dick Morosi: Kira might have here with the School Boy!
Seth Ericson: Thats three, that's three - nope!
Showing incredible speed of thought and more importantly, showing solidity of leg strength, Lifer forces all of his adrenaline up through his legs, throwing the light two hundred pound frame of the the scalpel backwards and to the mat, ending the pinfall prospect of the Schoolboy Roll-Up. Both men are quick to roll back onto the balls of their feet and Lifer, eager to regain the advantage comes up swinging. Zack delivers small punches to the midsection of his foe as he rises. The man from Jersey looks like he's about to turn the match on its head, but he immediately feels a forearm swing up and slam into his jaw as Kira is able to quickly break his opponent's momentum with a European Uppercut.
As Zack stumbles back into the ropes, Zeppeli backs up toward the center of the ring as well. The beloved man in the contest stumbles toward the despair feeder, who begins running. Lira throws a knee up, but Lifer's awareness prevails as he dodges to the side and backs up toward the corner. The Californian lets go of the ropes and begins pursuing his opponent, who stands near the ropes whilst thinking of what to do next. When he gets in range, Zeppeli swings his left arm around to try a Clothesline, but it is dodged and the next thing he knows, he's been lifted up onto the shoulders of the New Strong Style Saint. Lifer puts his back to the ropes, only a few feet away from the corner, and throws the 208-pound burden on his shoulders into the cage wall. Zeppeli hits the steel and falls between it and the ropes. While Lifer falls to his knees from the toll of the Sidewinder Suplex, a lightbulb goes off in his head that almost as quickly reinvigorates him. The well traveled superstar of both EXPRO and PDW walks to the corner and begins climbing, slowly but surely performing his ascent while his opponent gets up from the semi-painful drop onto the apron. The New Strong Style Saint gets to the top rope and turns to face Kira, who is halfway to a vertical base. Lifer grabs the cage to keep his balance as he anticipates the move he is about to make, meanwhile everyone on the RIMAC stands in awe of what is about to happen.
Seth Ericson: What's this fool got planned?
Dick Morosi: He's about to catch a wild Kira with a master ball, Seth.
Every spectator, whether they are rooting for Zack Lifer or Kira Zeppeli, stands up to see what is about to happen. Zack takes a breath as he watches his foe finish getting up. Another deep breath, and he flies from his perch at an angle closer to the ropes than one would normally fly. Lifer turns his body and kicks both feet out, connecting both of them with the face of Kira T. Zeppeli and slamming the Californian's head into the cage wall. As a seemingly barely alive body belonging to the top contender to the top prize in the company falls to the side, still in between the ropes and cage, Zack lands rather roughly on his side, knocking the wind out of him. The crowd cheers the insane move as both wrestlers lie on the mat, neither moving but one with the distinct advantage as of this moment.
Dick Morosi:MISSILE DROPKICK SANDWICHES KIRA'S HEAD INTO THE CAGE! Im speechless. I-I- WOW. That is one of the wildest things I've seen in a while, Seth!
Seth Ericson:That was insane, alright! What's almost as crazy is the fact that the tables have turned in this match yet again. Zack Lifer is the man for that, Dick. I don't care what he's done in the pass, that was wild!
Finally coming to, Lifer pulls Kira into the middle of the ring and goes for the cover.
"ONE!"
"TWO!"Using all energy reserves, Zepelli throws his shoulder into the air and earns a round of jeers from the pro-Lifer crowd, even prompting the usually efficient Zack to throw both fists to the canvas in frustration. The Jersey Bog regains his composure and climbs back to his feet, planning his next course of action as Zep reaches his knees. With the correct positioning, The New Iron Saint of the Flies throws himself onto the tightly packed ropes Kira is facing, rebounding to swing his right knee at the cranial lobe of his former stablemate. With the crowd expecting the Forced Suicide, Kira's speed reaches new bounds as he ducks the potential match ending strike and throws an arm up between Zack's legs to enervate him with a Low Blow.
Zack immediately is reduced to a knee as Zepelli climbs back to his feet. The number one contender scrambles to the ropes, bounces off, then greets his adversary with a knee strike of his own. Lifer is immoderately dropped like a rock as Zeppeli collapses on his chest for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THR--KICKOUT!
Zeppeli can't believe it, and his eyes seem to be popping out of his head as he can't believe what's going on! He starts reaching over for Lifer, but Lifer kips up and looks enraged! He begins kicking Zeppeli in the chest repeatedly, the crowd counting each and every kick until Lifer backs up and goes to wait for Zeppeli to stan---FORCED SUICIDE! Zeppeli is down and seated before Lifer bounces off the ropes and comes back toward Kira...DEAD AIR! HE HOOKS!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE! "Alive In the Lights" starts, but the lights go down as it does, the music dying!
WINNER: ZACK LIFERJust as Zack Lifer had reached cloud nine and was experiencing the rush of emotions that came on the heels of his emotional victory, the lights in the RIMAC arena suddenly shut off, shrouding the entire venue in an ominous cloak of darkness. The teaming masses of humanity buzz and chirp, wondering what could possibly be on the horizon, while the commentary team scramble on air, trying to decide if there had been some sort of technical malfunction - yet the fact that their mics are still working makes them aware that this is not a technical issue. There was indeed something nefarious afoot, intimated by the change of the atmosphere from electricity to apprehension. And for good reason; the lights suddenly return to their normal fixture, and the entire arena, including Zack Lifer, is enlightened at the same time. Sitting in a steel chair, burlap sack and G&M wardrobe is none other than Christum Furor, flanked by his disciples.
Zack looks around at his former allies, and more importantly, the man he turned his back on and vowed to destroy. Tired, groggy, and beaten, the New Iron Saint tries to formulate some sort of plan, some defensive strategy to prepare himself for what's about to happen. But alas, it would be all proved futile, as the leader of the creative extremists raises his hands in the direction of his former friend, signaling for his pack of wolves to attack. Almost in the blink of eye, Savannah, Ryuji, Kira, Matthews and Emi surround Lifer and immediately commence their gang assault to a chorus of vehement boos.
Dick Morosi: This is sick! Gods and Monsters has gotten themselves into the cage and they're tearing Zack Lifer apart. What's the point of this?
Seth Ericson: They're sending a message. This is war, Dick one the Seikigun thinks they've already won. You heard that madman earlier, the game is just getting started for these guys.
Christum Furor watches as his disciples go to work on the defenseless Lifer, landing clubbing blow after clubbing blow in rapid, unified succession in a glorified mugging. Lifer can do little to protect himself, and even less to endure the pain being dished out. Despite any efforts to fight back and withstand the forces of evil and hate working him over, Zack's stature eventually diminishes, and he is literally pummeled into the ground. The G&M assailants however do not leave him alone, do not allow him to lick or tend to his wounds. With tremendous vigor and twisted, sadistic enthusiasm, the horseman of Furor's apocalyptic, dystopian future begin to stomp a mudhole in him; their antipathy seems to only increase as the jeering and booing from the crowd grows louder and more vehement. Still, Christum Furor merely looks on, one leg folded over the other, hands in his lap holding an EXPRO microphone like the quintessential overlord that he is.
THAT is until he gets up from his throne and marches toward his henchmen, pushing them aside and ordering them to cease their assault. As his cohorts retreat a few feet to allow him to take the lead, the former World Champion begins to tug Lifer's carcass with his toe, almost mocking him. With the crowds detestation and animosity still filling the spectrum, Furor gazes out through the cage into the EXODUS Universe. Beneath the burlap sack is the countenance of an angered Titan, a deranged, hate filled Titan - and in those eyes of that Titan is an inextinguishable, malevolent flame. With that fire he burns holes through everyone coming across his sinister gaze - a gaze that returns to the sprawling Zack Lifer. Furor suddenly motions to his pack of wolves, ordering them to lift his former friend to his feet. They oblige, all four of them working together to drag Zack's deadweight over to the ropes.
Seth Ericson: They're not finished, Dick. Whatever point Furor has come out here to prove has not been proven yet. He apparently has unfinished business.
Dick Morosi: Magnus, Furor, whoever he claims to be, he's heartless. He can't live with the fact that Andreas beat him, that Jonathan won, that his New Age has been thwarted. He has no honor, no dignity. This is nothing more than a heinous assault.
Seth Ericson: What did they expect, Dick? A guy like Furor doesn't just fade into the darkness. The Sekigun have celebrated like this war is over, it apparently isn't. Christum is making an example out of Zack Lifer.
Dick Morosi: They can't beat him. They can't kill our hope. Seth. That's what this is about. They're trying to kill our spirit. This is cowardice.
Furor's disciples stand Zack up on his two feet, and tie his arms up in the ropes so that they are outstretched in a crucifix. Stepping back now, the rest of G&M watch with a deep rooted enthusiasm as Christum steps up to Zack, slowly removing the burlap sack from around his head. He drops his mask to the floor, revealing his foreboding visage. He had already gone to his dark place; his facial features were now removed and vacant of any emotions. His canvas was painted in the color of indifference, a callous indifference to his former friend and ally's suffering. Breathing slowly, again and again, Furor pulls the mic up to his lips.
Christum Furor: Look into my eyes Zack...
The former World Champion holds up Lifer's head, forcing Zack to meet his gaze. Albeit with weary, glazed over eyes, Lifer stares into the cold-blooded Michigander's pupils.
Christum Furor: Look into the eyes of GOD and see your reflection... see your imperfections... see your true self, a self that has finally been liberated from the facades, the lies and deceptions. See your true self separated from the forest and the trees, see the real Zack Lifer...
Furor slowly brushes back Zack's hair, removing it from his face. His eyes never leave those of Lifer's. He's almost unblinking as Zack gets lost in the windows to his soul, falling into the sociopathic revolutionary's abyss.
Christum Furor: Do you see him, Nick? Do you see him, Nick Kramer? I see him, I see him with my all seeing eyes. You can't hide him from me, not anymore. I see, and understand you, Nick. I understand your pain. You're in so much pain, Nick. Your heart hurts, just like mine. It's been tainted by a potent poison, by hate, a hate administered by this cruel, vile world we dwell in. Look at what its done to you, Nick.
Furor's head is now tilted askew, his eyes widening as if they have been dilated by an hallucinogen. Lifer’s lifeless eyes remain trained on his counterpart’s, as he continues to stare at the image being reflected in them, the image Christum wants him to see.
Christum Furor: How have you lived so long without knowing who you really are? I've known you for a short time, yet I know you better than you know yourself. I know you live in a fantasy, an illusion and distorted reality, one where everyone accepts you, one where you're allowed to live according to your own beliefs, one where you are a GOD. But THAT world is not real, Nick. THIS, is the real world and in THIS world, Christum Furor is GOD. In THIS world, you are not loved. You are an outcast. You are a vagabond. These people, they do not care for you. They do not accept you. They loathe you. They smile in your face but plot your downfall in the shadows. They wish you happiness in public, but wish you misery behind closed doors. They scream for you to change, tell you that your beliefs are incorrect, and that if you abide by their rules that you'll be accepted into the fold.
Furor shakes his head now. The emotions resurface in his face now - starting with rage.
Christum Furor: But here you are, all alone. Where are your friends? Where is the Seikigun? They have left you for dead, Nick. Jonathan only sees you as an expendable weapon to achieve his selfish ambitions. They have dehumanized you. They see you only as an object to exact their vengeance, to continue their pursuit of superficialities, to pad your ego. Why have they forsaken you? It's because you have forsaken yourself. You bit the hand that fed you, turned your back on your home, on the only people who accepted you for who you were and saw beauty in your flaws, and potential in your vices. Nick, you've gotten lost in the minotaur's maze if it were. Throughout your trials and tribulations, you've become mislead, honestly. Your pursuit of universal acceptance has destroyed you. THIS hate filled business has destroyed you. You've become caught up in the heyday of life itself, seeking things you thought you needed, but in reality all you needed was G&M.
Furor reaches a hand back, receiving his steel chair. He holds it firmly in his clutches, playfully twirling it in his hands as he hisses his frustration. It almost sickens him to look at Lifer now, lamenting the fact that he truly cared for him, only to have his friendship severed.
Christum Furor: Like Matthew, of the son who fled away with his home with his inheritance from his father - Nick you gambled, you sinned, and you wasted your money on materialism and debauchery...but your all knowing father, CHRISTUM FUROR has welcomed you back with open arms. You have returned to me, Nick, you've come back to pay off your debt. And you will pay that debt off through pain... through experiencing and understand MY pain. I loved you like a brother, Nick, but this wretched world took you away from me. Professional Wrestling led you astray, Jonathan Collins led you astray, JUST LIKE KLIFF. They took you from me, JUST LIKE KLIFF. I'm in pain, Nick. This world has made me suffer. But now YOU will suffer, YOU will experience every second of misery that you've subjected ME to. YOU will feel MY pain, MY anguish, and through that YOU will become the hero you desperately wanted to be... The hero who was sacrificed to break the cycle of hate and create peace...
Furor abruptly drops the mic and lifts the chair overhead.
*CRACK*The steel instrument of destruction descends from its apex over Furor, and slices through the atmosphere to careen across the side and top of Lifer's crown with a resounding ruckus. The patrons gasp and groan, sympathizing for the victim of one of the most adept chair-swingers in the business. Christum shrugs a glare at his opponent who remains remind trapped, defenseless, and at his mercy. However no clemency would be afforded to him. The former world champion's face suddenly becomes a menagerie of enmity, rage, and grief as he begins yelling over the top of his lungs.
Christum Furor: DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME NOW, NICK!!!
*CRACK*Furor beans Lifer for a second time with the chair, more so scattering the New Jerseyan's brain across the mat from a brash concuss of human skull. Zack sinks, wilting from the effects of the piece of furniture clashing into his skull.
*CRACK*Christum Furor: CAN YOU UNDERSTAND MY PAIN!!!
The madman slams his weapon onto the ground following the third and final chairshot as Lifer slips out of his prison and falls forward landing onto his stomach. The camera on the hardside of the ring sneaks a peek through the cage, focusing in on the freshly inflicted wounds on the peak of the middleweight’s head, the blood beginning to cascade down the side of his cranium and parting over the crest of his ear. The arena is dead silent now, aghast at the brutality that was just displayed. Despite a crimson mask that is now formulating on his face, Zack begins to climb to his feet. Gradually, in spite of the fact that every fiber in his being is telling him not to, Lifer pulls himself up to all fours. Blood plummeting onto the canvas, his arms trembling due to the pressure of holding up his body weight any longer, all of this is enough of a red flag to tell him to stay down, yet Zack refuses. Fufor scoffs at the image of his foe’s resiliency, his foe’s refusal to allow to give in to his demands and submit to his will. This sickens Furor, who bends down to pull Zack up onto his knees. Grabbing the chair again, the former World Champion looks right into Lifer’s eyes, trying to determine what’s driving him to continue to defy him, desperately trying to assess his spirit and how much of it he has left. It’s plenty, as Lifer spits in Christum’s face with the only defiant gesture he can muster in his current depleted physical state. However it would be the last one, as the irate Michigander swings the chair across his body, smashing it into the side of Zack’s already dented in cranium, knocking him over and dropping him to the mat once again.
Dick Morosi: I- I- I can’t even… this is sick. This… Zack Lifer needs medical attention, Seth. He doesn’t look good.
Seth Ericson: That even made me squeamish. That was hard to watch. He didn’t deserve that. That- that, I can’t even explain it, Dick. Furor has lost it… he’s become even crazier, if it’s even possible.
As Lifer lies motionless, unconscious in a pool of his own sweat and blood, Furor slowly kneels down. He pulls Lifer’s body close to his, holding him in his arms like a mother would their child. There’s a pain filled expression on his face now as he looks down at his former friend, and more importantly, another person he was forced to destroy due to professional wrestling.
Christum Furor: I will end this cycle Zack… I will end it for you…
Furor pulls Lifer’s arms out, forcing him to pose in the G&M crucifix as the rest of the group follow suit, leaving a still shot that will echo throughout EXODUS for weeks to come before the picture fades out.
