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		<title><![CDATA[X-treme Wrestling Federation - Bad Medicine 2026 RP Board]]></title>
		<link>https://xwf1999.com/</link>
		<description><![CDATA[X-treme Wrestling Federation - https://xwf1999.com]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 08:40:40 +0000</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Lane'l Pennyfarthing in "This Song Ain't the Only Thing That Slaps, Yo!"]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50284</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:53:46 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=3139">Sir Lionel Pennyfarthing</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50284</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[FIREWORKS!<br />
<br />
EXPLOSIONS!<br />
<br />
Lane’l Pennyfarthing blows through a curtain, air-guitaring toward a press conference table.<br />
<br />
A banner hangs…<br />
<br />
<center><table cellpadding="30" border="1" bordercolor="blue" width="60%"><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="black" background="http://i.imgur.com/SZ5atbH.png"><font color="white">LOVERBOY: THE VINNIE LANE STORY</font></td></tr></table></center><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Press peeps and amigos with award-season-voting-power…”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">“YOU READY TO ROOOOOOOOOOOOOCK?!?”</span><br />
<br />
Many overlapping questions!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Wow! Y’all are jazz-oohed through the wazoo, huh? We’ll start with… Sayors, my hombre!”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”Mister Pennyfarthing. You’re facing legendary slap-fighter Kentucky Taggart in a Power Slap Fight…”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Totes! Part of my movie promotion obligations is WRASSLIN’! I’m proud to be Lane and get insane!”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”On the topic of insanity… Are you insane?”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Perdón?”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”Sorry, I’ll rephrase. Are you aware that Tuck smacked the taste from a man’s mouth?”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Haha, fun idiom, Steve, bu-”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”Not an idiom. He smacked a man so hard, he can no longer taste.”</font><br />
<br />
<img src="https://i.ibb.co/Qs4Rxwm/75ef63b3-2aa9-4226-bde7-bee6fec97785.png" alt="75ef63b3 2aa9 4226 bde7 bee6fec97785" border="0" width="500" height=”500”><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Well. Maybe that guy’s chin was SAAAWFT, yo! I got my Vinnie-like face by gettin’ hammered! WITH HAMMERS!”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”And are you aware Tuck constructed his bar exclusively with smacks because he claimed… Hammers are for carpetbaggers?”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Let’s give someone else a turn, Steve-oh. You!”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”XWF Legal Department. Post-mortem, would you like to donate your facial remains to smack-based science?”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Yooooo! I’ve smacked down many clowns! Oz! Furry! Y’all think I can’t eat a Kentucky-fried smack snack!?!”</span><br />
<br />
The journalists huddle…<br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
They turn back.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”No, we don’t.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Gulp.”</span><br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”…shit!”</span><br />
<br />
Inside Lane’l’s dressing room, he’s shoving wigs and costumes into a duffel bag!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Okay… just gotta… steal the reels, finish the movie under an assumed name in… Mexico?”</span><br />
<br />
…He eyes his dressing room mirror.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Wait. Does Mexico have Oscars?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Totes. They’re called the <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Ignacios</span>. Not to <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">beso</span>-and-<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">dice</span>, but one <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Ignacios</span>, I got a <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">trabajo de mano</span> from Gloria Estefan.”</span><br />
<br />
Lane’l’s reflection winks.<br />
<br />
…Lane’l blinks.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”…Shit, did I go too method and do whippets again?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”L-man! It’s me, Vinnie! Why you packin’? Our destination is POWERSLAP CITY!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”DUDE! Kentucky will smack my skull to SHARDS!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”YOU wanted this part, yo! Wanna play Loverboy? It ain’t all guns ‘n roses! Welcome to the Jungle!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Getting smacked around IS the Loverboy experience! I’ve been hit with chairs, electrocuted, lobotomized… I even got #MeToo’d!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Hence why the film ends in 2020 with a title card reading ‘AND NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED TO VINNIE’.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”I ate smacks and made fat stacks! Without those smacks, could I have become Uni champ? Entered the Hall of Legends?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...True…”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Could I have crossed the Delaware to stop the Germans from trapping Cherie in an empty refrigerator?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">” ...ex-squeeze me?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”My girl Punky was there!”</span><br />
<br />
Vinnie nods toward the corner.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Right, Punky?”</span><br />
<br />
…The corner’s empty.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Haha, Punky, that’s not how you pronounce ‘macaroni’!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...My imaginary friend has an imaginary friend… and a concussion history.”</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Dawg, you GOTTA beat this Tuck dork! For freedom!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Freedom?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Tuck’s a bouncer, dude! Bouncers are, like… concert cops! Smackin’ down the people’s right to a good time! Tommy Jefferson wrote that into the Constitution between giving Betsy Ross stripes and leaving her seeing stars! America, yo!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Vinnie, I’m British.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Britain’s just Original Recipe America! Somewhere in you is a right hand begging to smack any fool telling him to turn it down!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Turn it down? Sounds like the reviews of my one-man show… Referring to both my acting AND my microphone…”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Dawg! Critics are … art cops! Blasting sirens when you’re flowin’ down Creativity Boulevard! Is art made by coloring inside lines?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”NAY, SIR! Art is WROUGHT from delving into humanity’s darkest pits, wrenching out something REAL.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”That’s ROCK!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Rock?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”That voice tellin’ you to crank that ten-dial volume to THIRTEEN! When squares say turn it down, you introduce them to FIVE FINGERS!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”C’mon, we got smacks to dish out.”</span><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Do I… take the mirror with me?”</span><br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<center><table cellpadding="30" border="1" bordercolor="blue" width="60%"><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="black" background="http://i.imgur.com/SZ5atbH.png"><font color="white">TRASH TALK MUSIC VIDEO!</font></td></tr></table></center><br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SRwrg0db_zY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Lane’l emerges onto a stage before a packed arena!<br />
<br />
A buff dude with ‘BOUNCER’ across his t-sirt smacks attendees, ordering them to quiet down!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Gotta start the SHOW!”<br />
<br />
“Ladies scream my name, but a dork in the crowd tells ‘em...”<br />
<br />
“NO!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">(NO!)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">“WhoaWhoa-WhoaWhoa-Whooooooooooooa!!”</span><br />
<br />
The Bouncer orders hotties not to dance!<br />
<br />
One babe raises a ‘LOVERBOY’ sign... The Bouncer SMACKS it from her hands! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Feel that buuuuuurnin’ rage!”<br />
<br />
“You’re smackin’ ‘round the people, puttin’ all my fans in a…”<br />
<br />
“CAGE!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">(CAGE)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">“That! Ain’t! ROOOOOOOOOCK!”</span><br />
<br />
Lane’l storms toward him!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Think you’re badass, Tuck?”<br />
<br />
“You’re a dweeb, killin’ the parteeeeeeeeee!”<br />
<br />
“These people wanna ROCK! You SHUT! THAT! DOWN!?!?”<br />
<br />
“Man, you’re a COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(THWOP)</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
RIGHT-HAND SLAP!<br />
<br />
The Bouncer spins twice!<br />
<br />
The people scream in celebration!<br />
<br />
The Bouncer goes to Suh-MACK Lane’l!<br />
<br />
…Lane’l’s face barely moves!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Ya hit like a COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(THWOP)</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
Open-hand LEFT!<br />
<br />
The Bouncer’s been BOUNCED!!<br />
<br />
Later, the Bouncer’s at home…<br />
<br />
He’s on an XWF message board… talking shit about Anarchy?!?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”And I goooooooooootta say!”<br />
<br />
“Tuck’s stalking Oz, challenging that punk to slap-fights, that’s…”<br />
<br />
“LAME!”<br />
<br />
(LAME!)<br />
<br />
“LameLame-LameLame-LAAAAAAAAAME!”</span><br />
<br />
He web-surfs to IMDB!<br />
<br />
Lane’l’s movie has a perfect rating!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Wanna hunt, ‘Tough Guy’?”<br />
<br />
“You’re shooting fish inside a barrel, TELL! ME!…”<br />
<br />
“WHY?”<br />
<br />
(WHY!)<br />
<br />
“Gettin’ kinda saaaaaaaaaaad.”</span><br />
<br />
He sneers jealously, scrolling through rave reviews!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”You got the stuff to swing at tougher folks, Kentuckiiiiiiiiie.”<br />
<br />
“You’d rather pick on chumps? You TO-TAL CREEP!”</span><br />
<br />
He spitefully clicks ONE-Star!<br />
<br />
Lane’l BURSTS through the wall!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”You’re such a COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(THWOP)</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
DOUBLE-HAND SMACK!<br />
<br />
The Bouncer’s skull slams THROUGH his monitor!<br />
<br />
SPARKS FLY!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Gonna make you DROP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(THWOP)</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
Lane’l SMACKS the monitor’s side! It explodes into circuits! The Bouncer FLOPS prone!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Use your face like a… MOP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(THWOP)</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
Lane’l SMACKS the prone fool, sending him face-first across the floor! <br />
<br />
GUITAR SOLOOOOOOOOOOOOO!<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cWcvJ1qLz2I?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
An officer writes Lane’l a noise citation.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
A librarian fines him &#36;0.15.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
A buffet sign reads ‘One Plate Per Customer’...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”We’re DONE! WITH! COPS!”</span><br />
<br />
Someone turns down Lane’l’s music…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
An editor trims an unnecessary scene in Lane’l’s movie…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
Elon Musk informs Lane’l he can’t say anti-police rhetoric!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”We’re DONE! WITH! COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPS!”</span><br />
<br />
Lane’l SMACKS ELON!<br />
<br />
ELON FLIES OUTTA XWF HEADQUARTERS!<br />
<br />
THROUGH THE SKY!<br />
<br />
INTO THE SUN!<br />
<br />
EXPLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSION! <div class="flash-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.flashInit){const f=document.createElement('div');f.id='flash-overlay';f.style.cssText='position:fixed;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;background:#fff;z-index:999999;pointer-events:none;opacity:0;transition:opacity 0.05s;';document.body.appendChild(f);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.flash-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';const o=document.getElementById('flash-overlay');o.style.opacity='1';setTimeout(()=>{o.style.opacity='0';},100);}});});window.flashInit=true;}</script><div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
THE WORLD APPLAUDS! GLOBAL STANDING OVATION!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Hear all those hands slappin’, Tuck?”<br />
<br />
“Them’s the hands comin’ straight for your face!”</span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[FIREWORKS!<br />
<br />
EXPLOSIONS!<br />
<br />
Lane’l Pennyfarthing blows through a curtain, air-guitaring toward a press conference table.<br />
<br />
A banner hangs…<br />
<br />
<center><table cellpadding="30" border="1" bordercolor="blue" width="60%"><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="black" background="http://i.imgur.com/SZ5atbH.png"><font color="white">LOVERBOY: THE VINNIE LANE STORY</font></td></tr></table></center><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Press peeps and amigos with award-season-voting-power…”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">“YOU READY TO ROOOOOOOOOOOOOCK?!?”</span><br />
<br />
Many overlapping questions!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Wow! Y’all are jazz-oohed through the wazoo, huh? We’ll start with… Sayors, my hombre!”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”Mister Pennyfarthing. You’re facing legendary slap-fighter Kentucky Taggart in a Power Slap Fight…”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Totes! Part of my movie promotion obligations is WRASSLIN’! I’m proud to be Lane and get insane!”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”On the topic of insanity… Are you insane?”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Perdón?”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”Sorry, I’ll rephrase. Are you aware that Tuck smacked the taste from a man’s mouth?”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Haha, fun idiom, Steve, bu-”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”Not an idiom. He smacked a man so hard, he can no longer taste.”</font><br />
<br />
<img src="https://i.ibb.co/Qs4Rxwm/75ef63b3-2aa9-4226-bde7-bee6fec97785.png" alt="75ef63b3 2aa9 4226 bde7 bee6fec97785" border="0" width="500" height=”500”><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Well. Maybe that guy’s chin was SAAAWFT, yo! I got my Vinnie-like face by gettin’ hammered! WITH HAMMERS!”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”And are you aware Tuck constructed his bar exclusively with smacks because he claimed… Hammers are for carpetbaggers?”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Let’s give someone else a turn, Steve-oh. You!”</span><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”XWF Legal Department. Post-mortem, would you like to donate your facial remains to smack-based science?”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Yooooo! I’ve smacked down many clowns! Oz! Furry! Y’all think I can’t eat a Kentucky-fried smack snack!?!”</span><br />
<br />
The journalists huddle…<br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
They turn back.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”No, we don’t.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Gulp.”</span><br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”…shit!”</span><br />
<br />
Inside Lane’l’s dressing room, he’s shoving wigs and costumes into a duffel bag!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Okay… just gotta… steal the reels, finish the movie under an assumed name in… Mexico?”</span><br />
<br />
…He eyes his dressing room mirror.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Wait. Does Mexico have Oscars?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Totes. They’re called the <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Ignacios</span>. Not to <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">beso</span>-and-<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">dice</span>, but one <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">Ignacios</span>, I got a <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">trabajo de mano</span> from Gloria Estefan.”</span><br />
<br />
Lane’l’s reflection winks.<br />
<br />
…Lane’l blinks.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”…Shit, did I go too method and do whippets again?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”L-man! It’s me, Vinnie! Why you packin’? Our destination is POWERSLAP CITY!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”DUDE! Kentucky will smack my skull to SHARDS!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”YOU wanted this part, yo! Wanna play Loverboy? It ain’t all guns ‘n roses! Welcome to the Jungle!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Getting smacked around IS the Loverboy experience! I’ve been hit with chairs, electrocuted, lobotomized… I even got #MeToo’d!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Hence why the film ends in 2020 with a title card reading ‘AND NOTHING ELSE HAPPENED TO VINNIE’.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”I ate smacks and made fat stacks! Without those smacks, could I have become Uni champ? Entered the Hall of Legends?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...True…”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Could I have crossed the Delaware to stop the Germans from trapping Cherie in an empty refrigerator?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">” ...ex-squeeze me?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”My girl Punky was there!”</span><br />
<br />
Vinnie nods toward the corner.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Right, Punky?”</span><br />
<br />
…The corner’s empty.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Haha, Punky, that’s not how you pronounce ‘macaroni’!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...My imaginary friend has an imaginary friend… and a concussion history.”</span> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Dawg, you GOTTA beat this Tuck dork! For freedom!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Freedom?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Tuck’s a bouncer, dude! Bouncers are, like… concert cops! Smackin’ down the people’s right to a good time! Tommy Jefferson wrote that into the Constitution between giving Betsy Ross stripes and leaving her seeing stars! America, yo!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Vinnie, I’m British.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Britain’s just Original Recipe America! Somewhere in you is a right hand begging to smack any fool telling him to turn it down!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Turn it down? Sounds like the reviews of my one-man show… Referring to both my acting AND my microphone…”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”Dawg! Critics are … art cops! Blasting sirens when you’re flowin’ down Creativity Boulevard! Is art made by coloring inside lines?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”NAY, SIR! Art is WROUGHT from delving into humanity’s darkest pits, wrenching out something REAL.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”That’s ROCK!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”...Rock?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”That voice tellin’ you to crank that ten-dial volume to THIRTEEN! When squares say turn it down, you introduce them to FIVE FINGERS!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff1493;" class="mycode_color">”C’mon, we got smacks to dish out.”</span><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Do I… take the mirror with me?”</span><br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<center><table cellpadding="30" border="1" bordercolor="blue" width="60%"><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="black" background="http://i.imgur.com/SZ5atbH.png"><font color="white">TRASH TALK MUSIC VIDEO!</font></td></tr></table></center><br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SRwrg0db_zY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Lane’l emerges onto a stage before a packed arena!<br />
<br />
A buff dude with ‘BOUNCER’ across his t-sirt smacks attendees, ordering them to quiet down!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Gotta start the SHOW!”<br />
<br />
“Ladies scream my name, but a dork in the crowd tells ‘em...”<br />
<br />
“NO!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">(NO!)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">“WhoaWhoa-WhoaWhoa-Whooooooooooooa!!”</span><br />
<br />
The Bouncer orders hotties not to dance!<br />
<br />
One babe raises a ‘LOVERBOY’ sign... The Bouncer SMACKS it from her hands! <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Feel that buuuuuurnin’ rage!”<br />
<br />
“You’re smackin’ ‘round the people, puttin’ all my fans in a…”<br />
<br />
“CAGE!”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">(CAGE)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">“That! Ain’t! ROOOOOOOOOCK!”</span><br />
<br />
Lane’l storms toward him!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Think you’re badass, Tuck?”<br />
<br />
“You’re a dweeb, killin’ the parteeeeeeeeee!”<br />
<br />
“These people wanna ROCK! You SHUT! THAT! DOWN!?!?”<br />
<br />
“Man, you’re a COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(THWOP)</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
RIGHT-HAND SLAP!<br />
<br />
The Bouncer spins twice!<br />
<br />
The people scream in celebration!<br />
<br />
The Bouncer goes to Suh-MACK Lane’l!<br />
<br />
…Lane’l’s face barely moves!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Ya hit like a COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(THWOP)</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
Open-hand LEFT!<br />
<br />
The Bouncer’s been BOUNCED!!<br />
<br />
Later, the Bouncer’s at home…<br />
<br />
He’s on an XWF message board… talking shit about Anarchy?!?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”And I goooooooooootta say!”<br />
<br />
“Tuck’s stalking Oz, challenging that punk to slap-fights, that’s…”<br />
<br />
“LAME!”<br />
<br />
(LAME!)<br />
<br />
“LameLame-LameLame-LAAAAAAAAAME!”</span><br />
<br />
He web-surfs to IMDB!<br />
<br />
Lane’l’s movie has a perfect rating!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Wanna hunt, ‘Tough Guy’?”<br />
<br />
“You’re shooting fish inside a barrel, TELL! ME!…”<br />
<br />
“WHY?”<br />
<br />
(WHY!)<br />
<br />
“Gettin’ kinda saaaaaaaaaaad.”</span><br />
<br />
He sneers jealously, scrolling through rave reviews!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”You got the stuff to swing at tougher folks, Kentuckiiiiiiiiie.”<br />
<br />
“You’d rather pick on chumps? You TO-TAL CREEP!”</span><br />
<br />
He spitefully clicks ONE-Star!<br />
<br />
Lane’l BURSTS through the wall!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”You’re such a COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(THWOP)</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
DOUBLE-HAND SMACK!<br />
<br />
The Bouncer’s skull slams THROUGH his monitor!<br />
<br />
SPARKS FLY!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Gonna make you DROP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(THWOP)</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
Lane’l SMACKS the monitor’s side! It explodes into circuits! The Bouncer FLOPS prone!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Use your face like a… MOP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">(THWOP)</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
Lane’l SMACKS the prone fool, sending him face-first across the floor! <br />
<br />
GUITAR SOLOOOOOOOOOOOOO!<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cWcvJ1qLz2I?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
An officer writes Lane’l a noise citation.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
A librarian fines him &#36;0.15.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
A buffet sign reads ‘One Plate Per Customer’...<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”We’re DONE! WITH! COPS!”</span><br />
<br />
Someone turns down Lane’l’s music…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
An editor trims an unnecessary scene in Lane’l’s movie…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
Elon Musk informs Lane’l he can’t say anti-police rhetoric!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”COP!”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><font color="white"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">SMACKED!</span></span></font></div>
<div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”We’re DONE! WITH! COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPS!”</span><br />
<br />
Lane’l SMACKS ELON!<br />
<br />
ELON FLIES OUTTA XWF HEADQUARTERS!<br />
<br />
THROUGH THE SKY!<br />
<br />
INTO THE SUN!<br />
<br />
EXPLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSION! <div class="flash-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.flashInit){const f=document.createElement('div');f.id='flash-overlay';f.style.cssText='position:fixed;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;background:#fff;z-index:999999;pointer-events:none;opacity:0;transition:opacity 0.05s;';document.body.appendChild(f);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.flash-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';const o=document.getElementById('flash-overlay');o.style.opacity='1';setTimeout(()=>{o.style.opacity='0';},100);}});});window.flashInit=true;}</script><div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><br />
<br />
THE WORLD APPLAUDS! GLOBAL STANDING OVATION!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #E6E6FA;" class="mycode_color">”Hear all those hands slappin’, Tuck?”<br />
<br />
“Them’s the hands comin’ straight for your face!”</span>]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Pickin' Up The Pieces]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50279</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:29:18 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=2213">(Gravy_Xtreme_5000)</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50279</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C7VAQjzROz0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/sXqfR3rG/Gravy-The-Barbarian2.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Gravy-The-Barbarian2.png]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Sebastian Everett-Bryce built himself an empire.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">That's what the sign said anyway.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">WELCOME TO THE SEB EMPIRE</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Somebody slapped that shit across this big stone archway in gold. Even had little flags hanging off the top and Sebastian's stupid face carved into both sides.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">They'd chiseled his jaw stronger than in real life.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">That big stupid arch sat there mocking Gravy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Huh..."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He reached up and dug his thumbnail into one of the gold letters.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The paint chipped right off.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Cheap fucker."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He wiped the shiny shit onto his chest, already itching to break more.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">From a distance, the city looked nice. White buildings. Shiny roofs. Big towers sticking up everywhere. Statues. Fountains. People wandering around in clean clothes, smiling like the whole damn place wasn't one hard sneeze away from falling over.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">But up close?<br />
<br />
It looked like shit.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">One wall had a crack running from the foundation all the way to the top. Somebody had hung a banner down the side to try and hide it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">There were workers on damn near every roof. Hammering. Painting. Carrying chunks of rock around. One guy was holding up a gold piece of trim trying to nail it back on.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stopped to watch.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The hammer missed its mark and smashed his thumb.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"DAMNIT!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy laughed and kept walking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">In the middle of the street stood a statue of Sebastian holding the Universal Championship over his head. He had one boot planted on some generic enemy. Whoever it was didn't have a face.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Probably saved money on royalties that way.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy circled it a few times in awe.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He leaned in and read the little gold plaque.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">SEBASTIAN EVERETT-BRYCE</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">CONQUEROR. BUILDER. KING.</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked up at the statue.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Really? Conqueror my ass."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He slapped the side of it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It echoed like an empty barrel.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Well, that ain't good."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Please do not touch the monument."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">Gravy turned to find a skinny little fella standing behind him in purple robes. He had a stack of papers tucked under one arm and a gold necklace with Sebastian's face stamped on it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He looked like the kinda guy who got real upset whenever somebody folded the corner of a book page.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy locked eyes with him and slapped the statue again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The skinny man flinched.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I said, please do not touch it!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah, I heard ya."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Then why did you do it again?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy shrugged.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Cause I can."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The man sucked air through his nose.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That monument was commissioned personally by His Majesty to commemorate the beginning of a new age."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked at the statue and then back at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Who's the fella under his boot supposed to be?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The man glanced down at the faceless body.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"It is meant to represent the past."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Past got tits?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair glanced at the suspiciously rounded chest.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"It is symbolic."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Of Sebastian steppin' on some bitch?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I didn't sculpt it!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Well, don't yell at me!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The man closed his eyes for a second.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"My name is Alistair. I am the official historian and Royal Curator of the SEB Empire."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy nodded slowly.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Okay..."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy just kept staring at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That means I am responsible for preserving the history of this kingdom."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Oh."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked him up and down.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"So you know where all the good shit is?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I beg your pardon?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"The important places. Throne room. Treasure room. Secret tunnels. Where Sebastian keeps his little crown when he's sleepin'."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair took a step back.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I will not assist you in robbing His Majesty!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Wasn't askin'."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy grabbed a fistful of robe and started walking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair did his best to keep up.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Wh... what are you doing!?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You're givin' me a tour."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I absolutely am not!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stopped and looked over his shoulder.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You wanna do it walkin', or you wanna do it with two broken legs and me draggin' you by that stupid necklace?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"...walking would be preferable."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Smart man."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy let him go.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair straightened his robes while muttering something under his breath.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"What was that?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I merely said His Majesty built this empire from nothing... <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i"><span style="font-size: xx-small;" class="mycode_size">while men like you only know how to destroy.</span></span>"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked around.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">A worker was spreading fresh white paint over a burnt patch on the side of a building.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The paint was thin and the black kept bleeding through.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy poked the wall. It was brittle and crumbled when he touched it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair hurried over.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Please stop damaging the construction!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy glanced at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Thought you said he built it from nothin'."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"He did..."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"This wall don't look like nothin'."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Well... Some parts were restored."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy grinned.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Restored."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The city suffered considerable damage before His Majesty's rise."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah, I know."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"He built this grand empire over the conquered land that lay here before."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">He looked around at all the rushed paintin’. The shitty carpentry. The workers slavin’ away, probably doin’ it for free.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Oh, I get it."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I'm not sure that you do!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No, no. I seen this shit before."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy wiped the paint onto Alistair's robe.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Sebastian's doin' a landlord special."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair looked down at the white smear.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"A what?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Don't worry about it."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy rested his axe across his shoulder.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"C'mon, history boy."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy started walking deeper into the city.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Don't make me turn around..."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">After a few seconds, Alistair followed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The street led into a courtyard surrounded by tall white columns.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">At the top of a long set of stairs sat another big building with Sebastian's face carved above the doors.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Of course it fucking was.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">THE HALL OF NEW BEGINNINGS</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stopped at the bottom of the steps.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"What's this shit?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair cleared his throat.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The Hall of New Beginnings records His Majesty's many triumphs over adversity."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Got a gift shop?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"No."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Bathroom?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"It is a museum!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked up at the building again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"BORING!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He started up the stairs.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair hurried after him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You should understand that the exhibits within are considered sacred."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Should I?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Yes."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I don't."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">Gravy shoved the doors hard. It sounded like a cannon as they slammed against the inner walls.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Paintings covered both sides of the room. Each had a light shining on it like somebody was scared you might miss how important it was.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The first one Gravy approached showed Sebastian on his knees, a dark shadow looming over him while another man held the Universal Championship over his head.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The plaque beneath it read:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">THE LOSS THAT TAUGHT A KING TO FOCUS</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy squinted.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Who'd he lose to?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Prince Adeyemi. A loss that occurred because His Majesty allowed personal conflict to cloud his focus."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Don't got his name anywhere on that plaque?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The identity of the opponent is not the important part."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Heh, yeah. I bet Isaiah thinks different."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He kept walking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">THE MOMENT A KING REMEMBERED ONE OPPORTUNITY WAS ALL HE NEEDED</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stood in front of that one longer than the last.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He looked at Sebastian sitting against the barricade in the painting. The artist had made him look thoughtful and deep. Gravy thought he looked like somebody had just kicked the piss out of him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"What happened here?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty was eliminated from the March Madness tournament."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"First round, right? Pffft, loser..."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair shifted uncomfortably.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That detail is not especially relevant."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy smiled.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah, I bet it ain't."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty suffered a temporary setback and used it to rediscover his path."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Sounds like His Majesty shit the bed."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"He learned."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"He lost."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"He grew."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Still lost."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair tightened his jaw.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You seem determined to misunderstand the point of this place!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No, I understand it just fine. Every time Sebastian is defeated, somebody writes a fancy little sentence underneath it and presents it as somethin' other than what it is. Lots of losers do that."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty has never hidden from his failures!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Never said he hid from 'em."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">At the far end of the hall stood the biggest exhibit yet.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">A massive painting showed Sebastian climbing out of darkness with the briefcase in one hand and the other reaching for the Universal Championship floating in the heavens.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">FROM IRRELEVANCE TO IMMORTALITY</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Something about the gold lettering didn't sit right. Wrong color. Wrong texture.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy didn't ask permission this time. He just walked up and dug his fingers in.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Don't!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It peeled away from the stone.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It wasn't painted onto the wall. Just a thin sheet of gold leaf stuck over something grey.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Please!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy hooked his fingers underneath it and yanked.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The sheet tore away as Alistair gasped like he'd just seen a baby's head ripped off right in front of him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Carved deep into old stone underneath were five words.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #aaaaaa;" class="mycode_color">SEBASTIAN EVERETT-BRYCE WAS UTTERLY IRRELEVANT</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy read it and looked at Alistair.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Well, that's mean."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That is a dated inscription that has since been revised."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"The old one looks pretty permanent to me."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty confronted and overcame that moment of weakness."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy rubbed his hand over the carved letters.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">They were deep.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Deeper than the fresh shit Sebastian had stuck over them.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Nah. He said it out loud, felt real smart about knowin’ it, even took the time to inscribe it into stone.<br />
<br />
But somebody should have told Sebastian that paintin’ over the truth don’t make it less fuckin’ true."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair opened his mouth to say something, but Gravy drove the axe into the wall before he could.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The stone split straight through the word <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">irrelevant</span>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair jumped.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"C'mon."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"What are you doing!?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked past a set of tall windows to the tallest tower in the empire.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I wanna see what else the son of a bitch is hiding."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He headed for the doors.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair hurried after him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The tower sat in the center of the city like a giant middle finger.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">THE EVERETT-BRYCE TOWER OF PERMANENCE</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stared at it for a moment.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Permanence?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The tower represents everything His Majesty has built. A legacy that will stand long after all of us are gone."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy pointed halfway up.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"It's leanin'."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"It is not."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah it is."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair looked.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It was.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"A trick of the light!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy walked toward it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Stones were all jumbled like a bad puzzle.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy scratched at the mortar holding them together.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It came loose like dried out cake icing.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"What's this one?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He tapped a polished white stone with the head of his axe.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair hesitated.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That came from the original Everett-Bryce estate."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"So his daddy's house."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His family's estate."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Daddy's house."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy moved his axe toward a rough grey stone.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That belonged to Ralf."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Who's Ralf?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty's mentor."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy nodded.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"So that ain't his neither."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That is not the point."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy tapped another.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">This one had a faded crown carved into it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That came from the tower His Majesty built with Isaiah King."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Didn't that one fall?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair's face soured.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"They rebuilt."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Seems they're missing a piece."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Near the center sat a bright gold block.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It was newer than everything around it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Let me guess. Scoops?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair lifted his chin proudly.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The final piece. His Majesty defeated the one man he believed he could not beat and completed the tower."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy nodded.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah. He beat Scoops."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair seemed surprised.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You admit that?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Course I do. I ain't blind."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stepped around the side of the tower.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Back here, the foundation was old and charred.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">His smile disappeared.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He knew those stones.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He remembered the fire.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He remembered what stood here before Sebastian slapped his name all over it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair hurried around the corner.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You are not permitted back here."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy placed his hand against the blackened foundation.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"These are mine."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"No, they're part of the kingdom that came before."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Mine."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty took what was left and made it greater."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy turned back toward the tower.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">All those stones stacked on top of Graves' ruins and held together with cheap mortar.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Funny. You once promised to use the stones from somebody else's fallen tower to strengthen your own.<br />
<br />
Guess you never thought the bastard you stole ’em from would come take one back."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy wedged the blade of his axe into the foundation.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Do not remove that stone!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">Dust poured from the cracks as he pulled.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That is part of the foundation!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I know!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He planted his boot against the wall and pulled harder.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Finally, the stone tore free causing the tower to groan and lean a little more.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He dropped the stone in the street and took a seat, resting his axe on his knees as he looked toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Now let's talk about that belt."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">High above the palace, a banner of Sebastian snapped in the wind. His chin was lifted and one hand raised like he was blessing the poor bastards beneath him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Around his waist, the Universal Championship shined brighter than everything else in the empire.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stared at it for a second as Alistair looked up at the leaning tower.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You have no idea what you've done!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Sure I do. <br />
<br />
I pulled one stone.<br />
<br />
That's all it took."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He looked back to the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You hearin' this, Sebastian?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair glanced toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty cannot hear you from here."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy picked up a piece of broken stone and threw it at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It bounced off Alistair's forehead.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Wasn't talkin' to you."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair rubbed the fresh red spot between his eyes.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You got a real cute hustle, Sebastian.<br />
<br />
Every time somebody gets close to the truth, you beat 'em there and hang a fuckin' plaque on it. Every failure becomes another brave little chapter."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He shrugged.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And people eat that shit up.<br />
<br />
Ain't Sebastian brave? Standin' there in his expensive fuckin' suit, admitting everything to the world.<br />
<br />
Pfft, that's just you pleading guilty to the lesser charge so nobody goes lookin' for the body.<br />
<br />
You don't fix your failures, you just hide them under gold."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Workers scrambled to brace the leaning tower. </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Then call the whole fuckin' thing architecture.<br />
<br />
You learned how to make failure sound almost intentional, and described the damage so beautifully that nobody noticed you were still fuckin' broken.<br />
<br />
I seen you walk through those doors with Betsy too.<br />
<br />
Arms around each other. Big smiles plastered across your faces for the fans and cameras.<br />
<br />
Then the door shut...<br />
<br />
And Betsy starts preachin’ about corporate puppets and rich assholes pullin’ everybody’s strings while standin’ beside a billionaire with an empire on his back.<br />
<br />
But Sebastian’s different, right?<br />
<br />
Course you are.<br />
<br />
You don’t hate empires.<br />
<br />
You hate any empire that don't have your initials carved over the fuckin’ door.<br />
<br />
You asked Korvayne who she was buildin’ for.<br />
<br />
I know who you're building for.<br />
<br />
You.<br />
<br />
This whole place is Sebastian Everett-Bryce reminding Sebastian Everett-Bryce that he still matters."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The tower groaned behind him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy didn't bother looking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You beat Scoops fair and square. You stood across from the one man you kept tellin' yourself you couldn't beat, and you fuckin' did it.<br />
<br />
And won the Universal Championship to boot. <br />
<br />
Good for you.<br />
<br />
But I cleared the fuckin' field before you ever got there."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stood from the stone.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"March Madness?<br />
<br />
You got tossed out in round one and found yourself wonderin' if you still mattered."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He pointed toward himself.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I made it all the way to the fuckin' final.<br />
<br />
And yeah... I lost.<br />
<br />
Scoops beat me that night because I looked across the ring and saw an old fool running on borrowed time. <br />
<br />
So I underestimated him.<br />
<br />
Mistook desperation for weakness. <br />
<br />
And he made me pay for it.<br />
<br />
Then I got back up and kept mowing through the roster like it never happened.<br />
<br />
You?<br />
<br />
Your ass ain't fought since May.<br />
<br />
Funny thing is, this ain't even the first time you disappeared in the middle of a fight.<br />
<br />
Remember the Director?<br />
<br />
Spent half that match pullin' your strings, reactin' to whatever bullshit he dropped.<br />
<br />
Then you finally figured him out.<br />
<br />
He needed Sebastian Everett-Bryce dancin' like a puppet.<br />
<br />
So you sat your ass down and did absolutely nothin' until he couldn't stand it anymore.<br />
<br />
Smart.<br />
<br />
You beat a man obsessed with control by refusing to give him any."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He scratched his beard and looked toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Then after winnin' the Universal Championship you apparently decided that oughta be your whole fuckin' career strategy.<br />
<br />
You called it recovery.<br />
<br />
I call it what it is. You got what you wanted, then let everybody else fight while waitin' for the story to come find you."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He laughed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Well, I found you, Sebastian!<br />
<br />
But I ain't comin' outta some hidden panel.<br />
<br />
I'm walkin' straight through your fuckin' city!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"That belt tells you people still gotta look at you.<br />
<br />
Say your name like it matters.<br />
<br />
Pretend like you sit at the center of the fuckin’ universe.<br />
<br />
That belt ain’t your crown.<br />
<br />
It’s fuckin’ life support.<br />
<br />
And the funniest part?<br />
<br />
Soon as they hooked you up to it, you stopped showin’ everybody you were still alive.<br />
<br />
See, you knew what to do when you were chasin’ that belt.<br />
<br />
Whenever you fell on your ass, you could stand back up, straighten that expensive suit and tell everybody what Sebastian Everett-Bryce learned about himself this week before taking those lessons into the next.<br />
<br />
Then you finally won the gold, and the story stopped.<br />
<br />
Because now fallin' on your ass means losing it all.<br />
<br />
You know how to need that championship, Sebastian, but you've forgotten how to be the fuckin’ champion.<br />
<br />
A champion takes that belt back into the ring and makes everybody come take their shot.<br />
<br />
But you? You took it home and created a fuckin’ hostage situation."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He lifted the axe onto his shoulder.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I don’t need that gold to convince myself I matter.<br />
<br />
All I need it for is proof.<br />
<br />
Proof that I can take the most important thing in your whole fuckin’ life...<br />
<br />
And wear it like it ain’t nothin’ special.<br />
<br />
They threw the number two ranked Game Girl at me.<br />
<br />
I beat her.<br />
<br />
And the number one ranked Dickie Watson.<br />
<br />
Beat him too!<br />
<br />
All while you were hidin’ behind those palace walls, polishin’ your new belt and waitin’ for somebody to notice you’d disappeared.<br />
<br />
I kept turnin’ bodies into a road leading straight to your front fuckin’ door.<br />
<br />
You didn’t conquer an empire, Sebastian.<br />
<br />
You stumbled into the ruins after I killed the king...<br />
<br />
Found Scoops sittin’ on a throne I’d already ripped loose from the fuckin’ floor, and convinced yourself it had been waitin’ for you all along."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair stepped forward, offended.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty earned that championship!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy spun and drove the axe blade into the ground inches from Alistair’s foot, knocking him backward.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I fuckin’ said he did, didn’t I?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He ripped the axe free.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"That’s what makes this worth doin’."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He turned back toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You earned it, Sebastian.<br />
<br />
You fought for it. You bled for it.<br />
<br />
And winning it was supposed to prove you were fixed.<br />
<br />
Relevant again.<br />
<br />
But what's more relevant, the king hiding with his gold, or the warrior tearing through the battlefield?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy slapped his chest.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah! And now I’m gonna rip the greatest accomplishment of your life outta your hands and leave you with nobody to blame but yourself.<br />
<br />
You fucked up.<br />
<br />
You blabbed to Thad about that bad neck of yours like it was another pretty confession, but all you did was hand me the map.<br />
<br />
Now I know exactly where to keep pressin'.<br />
<br />
When that title starts slippin' and your body can't protect the one thing your whole identity depends on...<br />
<br />
You're gonna have to look me in the eye and admit the man who needed that championship more than anything couldn’t keep it from this savage."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy started walking toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You told Isaiah he needed somebody to be pissed at before his dick worked.<br />
<br />
You ain't no different.<br />
<br />
You just need gold.<br />
<br />
With that championship, you're content.<br />
<br />
And without it, you're right back against that barricade, watchin' the world prove it don't need ya.<br />
<br />
Like I said at Warfare...<br />
<br />
You didn't choose me, Sebastian.<br />
<br />
You got chosen for me."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Another chunk of stone broke loose from the tower and crashed into the street.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You pasted gold over the sad truth...<br />
<br />
And I'm gonna rip it off your waist.<br />
<br />
Then we'll see the broken man hidin' underneath."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy kept walking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Behind him, the tower groaned again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">A crack shot up through the stone, splitting Sebastian's giant golden initials right down the middle.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Workers scattered.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">One just stood there holding a hammer, watching everything he'd built fall apart around him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Run, dummy!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The worker dropped the hammer and ran.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair chased after Gravy, holding one hand against his forehead.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You have to stop!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No, I don't."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The entire city could collapse!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Good."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The palace gates came into view.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">They were massive.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gold bars stretched twenty feet into the air, sharpened at the top, with another sculpted Sebastian standing on each side.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">One Sebastian had a sword.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The other one held a book.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He pointed at the book.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Nerd."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">A line of guards rushed out from behind the gate, spears ready.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #d6d6d6;" class="mycode_color">"HALT!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He didn't.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #d6d6d6;" class="mycode_color">"DROP THE WEAPON!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked at his axe, then at them.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No holds barred?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The first guard lunged. Gravy whipped the axe through the air and into his face, sending him crashing into the others.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">As he tore his axe free, blood sprayed across their faces.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">With a snarl, he raised his blood soaked axe and beckoned them forward.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Within seconds, the line broke.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">One guard even dropped his spear and played dead.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Smart man."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair stopped behind him, out of breath.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Please... stop."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">As he reached the palace gates, a heavy gold chain held them shut.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He lifted the axe.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair grabbed his arm.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty built something that matters!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy slowly looked down at Alistair's hand.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair quickly let go.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Maybe...<br />
<br />
But it ain't his land."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He brought the axe down.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The chain snapped and the gates swung open.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He walked through.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The throne room doors waited just ahead.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">They were covered in gold, with Sebastian’s crest front and center. So polished, he could see his own reflection staring back at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Blood smeared face.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Axe in hand.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Big fuckin' smile.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">Behind him, the Tower of Permanence finally tapped out and </span><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">crashed with a roar that shook all the way to the palace steps.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You preached about Babel.<br />
<br />
Said God tears towers down over arrogance.<br />
<br />
Then you built one with your name on every fuckin’ brick.<br />
<br />
Guess that's why he sent me."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair stared back at the wreckage.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy tightened his grip on the axe.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">With only a few swings, the crest split apart!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Then, with a roar, he drove his shoulder through the doors.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">They exploded inward as splintered wood scattered across the palace floor!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Resting his axe across his shoulder, he looked toward the terrified servants and guards waiting inside.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Tell Sebastian the thing he built over just kicked in his fuckin' door."</span></i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/pXGbFsrK/throne.jpg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: throne.jpg]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/zXJ1SQS6/Glitchybelt.gif" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Glitchybelt.gif]" class="mycode_img" /></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C7VAQjzROz0?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/sXqfR3rG/Gravy-The-Barbarian2.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Gravy-The-Barbarian2.png]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Sebastian Everett-Bryce built himself an empire.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">That's what the sign said anyway.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">WELCOME TO THE SEB EMPIRE</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Somebody slapped that shit across this big stone archway in gold. Even had little flags hanging off the top and Sebastian's stupid face carved into both sides.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">They'd chiseled his jaw stronger than in real life.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">That big stupid arch sat there mocking Gravy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Huh..."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He reached up and dug his thumbnail into one of the gold letters.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The paint chipped right off.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Cheap fucker."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He wiped the shiny shit onto his chest, already itching to break more.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">From a distance, the city looked nice. White buildings. Shiny roofs. Big towers sticking up everywhere. Statues. Fountains. People wandering around in clean clothes, smiling like the whole damn place wasn't one hard sneeze away from falling over.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">But up close?<br />
<br />
It looked like shit.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">One wall had a crack running from the foundation all the way to the top. Somebody had hung a banner down the side to try and hide it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">There were workers on damn near every roof. Hammering. Painting. Carrying chunks of rock around. One guy was holding up a gold piece of trim trying to nail it back on.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stopped to watch.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The hammer missed its mark and smashed his thumb.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"DAMNIT!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy laughed and kept walking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">In the middle of the street stood a statue of Sebastian holding the Universal Championship over his head. He had one boot planted on some generic enemy. Whoever it was didn't have a face.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Probably saved money on royalties that way.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy circled it a few times in awe.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He leaned in and read the little gold plaque.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">SEBASTIAN EVERETT-BRYCE</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">CONQUEROR. BUILDER. KING.</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked up at the statue.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Really? Conqueror my ass."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He slapped the side of it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It echoed like an empty barrel.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Well, that ain't good."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Please do not touch the monument."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">Gravy turned to find a skinny little fella standing behind him in purple robes. He had a stack of papers tucked under one arm and a gold necklace with Sebastian's face stamped on it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He looked like the kinda guy who got real upset whenever somebody folded the corner of a book page.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy locked eyes with him and slapped the statue again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The skinny man flinched.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I said, please do not touch it!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah, I heard ya."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Then why did you do it again?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy shrugged.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Cause I can."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The man sucked air through his nose.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That monument was commissioned personally by His Majesty to commemorate the beginning of a new age."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked at the statue and then back at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Who's the fella under his boot supposed to be?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The man glanced down at the faceless body.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"It is meant to represent the past."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Past got tits?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair glanced at the suspiciously rounded chest.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"It is symbolic."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Of Sebastian steppin' on some bitch?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I didn't sculpt it!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Well, don't yell at me!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The man closed his eyes for a second.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"My name is Alistair. I am the official historian and Royal Curator of the SEB Empire."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy nodded slowly.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Okay..."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy just kept staring at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That means I am responsible for preserving the history of this kingdom."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Oh."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked him up and down.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"So you know where all the good shit is?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I beg your pardon?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"The important places. Throne room. Treasure room. Secret tunnels. Where Sebastian keeps his little crown when he's sleepin'."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair took a step back.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I will not assist you in robbing His Majesty!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Wasn't askin'."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy grabbed a fistful of robe and started walking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair did his best to keep up.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Wh... what are you doing!?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You're givin' me a tour."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I absolutely am not!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stopped and looked over his shoulder.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You wanna do it walkin', or you wanna do it with two broken legs and me draggin' you by that stupid necklace?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"...walking would be preferable."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Smart man."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy let him go.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair straightened his robes while muttering something under his breath.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"What was that?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I merely said His Majesty built this empire from nothing... <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i"><span style="font-size: xx-small;" class="mycode_size">while men like you only know how to destroy.</span></span>"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked around.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">A worker was spreading fresh white paint over a burnt patch on the side of a building.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The paint was thin and the black kept bleeding through.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy poked the wall. It was brittle and crumbled when he touched it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair hurried over.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Please stop damaging the construction!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy glanced at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Thought you said he built it from nothin'."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"He did..."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"This wall don't look like nothin'."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Well... Some parts were restored."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy grinned.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Restored."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The city suffered considerable damage before His Majesty's rise."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah, I know."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"He built this grand empire over the conquered land that lay here before."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">He looked around at all the rushed paintin’. The shitty carpentry. The workers slavin’ away, probably doin’ it for free.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Oh, I get it."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"I'm not sure that you do!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No, no. I seen this shit before."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy wiped the paint onto Alistair's robe.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Sebastian's doin' a landlord special."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair looked down at the white smear.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"A what?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Don't worry about it."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy rested his axe across his shoulder.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"C'mon, history boy."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy started walking deeper into the city.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Don't make me turn around..."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">After a few seconds, Alistair followed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The street led into a courtyard surrounded by tall white columns.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">At the top of a long set of stairs sat another big building with Sebastian's face carved above the doors.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Of course it fucking was.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">THE HALL OF NEW BEGINNINGS</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stopped at the bottom of the steps.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"What's this shit?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair cleared his throat.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The Hall of New Beginnings records His Majesty's many triumphs over adversity."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Got a gift shop?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"No."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Bathroom?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"It is a museum!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked up at the building again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"BORING!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He started up the stairs.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair hurried after him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You should understand that the exhibits within are considered sacred."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Should I?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Yes."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I don't."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">Gravy shoved the doors hard. It sounded like a cannon as they slammed against the inner walls.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Paintings covered both sides of the room. Each had a light shining on it like somebody was scared you might miss how important it was.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The first one Gravy approached showed Sebastian on his knees, a dark shadow looming over him while another man held the Universal Championship over his head.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The plaque beneath it read:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">THE LOSS THAT TAUGHT A KING TO FOCUS</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy squinted.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Who'd he lose to?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Prince Adeyemi. A loss that occurred because His Majesty allowed personal conflict to cloud his focus."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Don't got his name anywhere on that plaque?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The identity of the opponent is not the important part."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Heh, yeah. I bet Isaiah thinks different."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He kept walking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">THE MOMENT A KING REMEMBERED ONE OPPORTUNITY WAS ALL HE NEEDED</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stood in front of that one longer than the last.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He looked at Sebastian sitting against the barricade in the painting. The artist had made him look thoughtful and deep. Gravy thought he looked like somebody had just kicked the piss out of him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"What happened here?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty was eliminated from the March Madness tournament."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"First round, right? Pffft, loser..."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair shifted uncomfortably.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That detail is not especially relevant."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy smiled.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah, I bet it ain't."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty suffered a temporary setback and used it to rediscover his path."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Sounds like His Majesty shit the bed."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"He learned."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"He lost."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"He grew."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Still lost."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair tightened his jaw.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You seem determined to misunderstand the point of this place!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No, I understand it just fine. Every time Sebastian is defeated, somebody writes a fancy little sentence underneath it and presents it as somethin' other than what it is. Lots of losers do that."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty has never hidden from his failures!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Never said he hid from 'em."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">At the far end of the hall stood the biggest exhibit yet.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">A massive painting showed Sebastian climbing out of darkness with the briefcase in one hand and the other reaching for the Universal Championship floating in the heavens.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">FROM IRRELEVANCE TO IMMORTALITY</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Something about the gold lettering didn't sit right. Wrong color. Wrong texture.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy didn't ask permission this time. He just walked up and dug his fingers in.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Don't!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It peeled away from the stone.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It wasn't painted onto the wall. Just a thin sheet of gold leaf stuck over something grey.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Please!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy hooked his fingers underneath it and yanked.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The sheet tore away as Alistair gasped like he'd just seen a baby's head ripped off right in front of him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Carved deep into old stone underneath were five words.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #aaaaaa;" class="mycode_color">SEBASTIAN EVERETT-BRYCE WAS UTTERLY IRRELEVANT</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy read it and looked at Alistair.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Well, that's mean."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That is a dated inscription that has since been revised."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"The old one looks pretty permanent to me."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty confronted and overcame that moment of weakness."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy rubbed his hand over the carved letters.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">They were deep.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Deeper than the fresh shit Sebastian had stuck over them.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Nah. He said it out loud, felt real smart about knowin’ it, even took the time to inscribe it into stone.<br />
<br />
But somebody should have told Sebastian that paintin’ over the truth don’t make it less fuckin’ true."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair opened his mouth to say something, but Gravy drove the axe into the wall before he could.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The stone split straight through the word <span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">irrelevant</span>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair jumped.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"C'mon."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"What are you doing!?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked past a set of tall windows to the tallest tower in the empire.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I wanna see what else the son of a bitch is hiding."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He headed for the doors.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair hurried after him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The tower sat in the center of the city like a giant middle finger.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">THE EVERETT-BRYCE TOWER OF PERMANENCE</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stared at it for a moment.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Permanence?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The tower represents everything His Majesty has built. A legacy that will stand long after all of us are gone."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy pointed halfway up.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"It's leanin'."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"It is not."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah it is."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair looked.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It was.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"A trick of the light!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy walked toward it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Stones were all jumbled like a bad puzzle.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy scratched at the mortar holding them together.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It came loose like dried out cake icing.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"What's this one?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He tapped a polished white stone with the head of his axe.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair hesitated.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That came from the original Everett-Bryce estate."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"So his daddy's house."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His family's estate."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Daddy's house."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy moved his axe toward a rough grey stone.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That belonged to Ralf."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Who's Ralf?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty's mentor."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy nodded.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"So that ain't his neither."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That is not the point."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy tapped another.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">This one had a faded crown carved into it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That came from the tower His Majesty built with Isaiah King."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Didn't that one fall?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair's face soured.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"They rebuilt."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Seems they're missing a piece."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Near the center sat a bright gold block.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It was newer than everything around it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Let me guess. Scoops?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair lifted his chin proudly.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The final piece. His Majesty defeated the one man he believed he could not beat and completed the tower."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy nodded.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah. He beat Scoops."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair seemed surprised.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You admit that?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Course I do. I ain't blind."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stepped around the side of the tower.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Back here, the foundation was old and charred.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">His smile disappeared.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He knew those stones.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He remembered the fire.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He remembered what stood here before Sebastian slapped his name all over it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair hurried around the corner.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You are not permitted back here."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy placed his hand against the blackened foundation.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"These are mine."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"No, they're part of the kingdom that came before."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Mine."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty took what was left and made it greater."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy turned back toward the tower.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">All those stones stacked on top of Graves' ruins and held together with cheap mortar.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Funny. You once promised to use the stones from somebody else's fallen tower to strengthen your own.<br />
<br />
Guess you never thought the bastard you stole ’em from would come take one back."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy wedged the blade of his axe into the foundation.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Do not remove that stone!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">Dust poured from the cracks as he pulled.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"That is part of the foundation!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I know!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He planted his boot against the wall and pulled harder.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Finally, the stone tore free causing the tower to groan and lean a little more.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He dropped the stone in the street and took a seat, resting his axe on his knees as he looked toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Now let's talk about that belt."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">High above the palace, a banner of Sebastian snapped in the wind. His chin was lifted and one hand raised like he was blessing the poor bastards beneath him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Around his waist, the Universal Championship shined brighter than everything else in the empire.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stared at it for a second as Alistair looked up at the leaning tower.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You have no idea what you've done!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Sure I do. <br />
<br />
I pulled one stone.<br />
<br />
That's all it took."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He looked back to the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You hearin' this, Sebastian?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair glanced toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty cannot hear you from here."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy picked up a piece of broken stone and threw it at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">It bounced off Alistair's forehead.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Wasn't talkin' to you."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair rubbed the fresh red spot between his eyes.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You got a real cute hustle, Sebastian.<br />
<br />
Every time somebody gets close to the truth, you beat 'em there and hang a fuckin' plaque on it. Every failure becomes another brave little chapter."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He shrugged.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And people eat that shit up.<br />
<br />
Ain't Sebastian brave? Standin' there in his expensive fuckin' suit, admitting everything to the world.<br />
<br />
Pfft, that's just you pleading guilty to the lesser charge so nobody goes lookin' for the body.<br />
<br />
You don't fix your failures, you just hide them under gold."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Workers scrambled to brace the leaning tower. </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Then call the whole fuckin' thing architecture.<br />
<br />
You learned how to make failure sound almost intentional, and described the damage so beautifully that nobody noticed you were still fuckin' broken.<br />
<br />
I seen you walk through those doors with Betsy too.<br />
<br />
Arms around each other. Big smiles plastered across your faces for the fans and cameras.<br />
<br />
Then the door shut...<br />
<br />
And Betsy starts preachin’ about corporate puppets and rich assholes pullin’ everybody’s strings while standin’ beside a billionaire with an empire on his back.<br />
<br />
But Sebastian’s different, right?<br />
<br />
Course you are.<br />
<br />
You don’t hate empires.<br />
<br />
You hate any empire that don't have your initials carved over the fuckin’ door.<br />
<br />
You asked Korvayne who she was buildin’ for.<br />
<br />
I know who you're building for.<br />
<br />
You.<br />
<br />
This whole place is Sebastian Everett-Bryce reminding Sebastian Everett-Bryce that he still matters."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The tower groaned behind him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy didn't bother looking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You beat Scoops fair and square. You stood across from the one man you kept tellin' yourself you couldn't beat, and you fuckin' did it.<br />
<br />
And won the Universal Championship to boot. <br />
<br />
Good for you.<br />
<br />
But I cleared the fuckin' field before you ever got there."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy stood from the stone.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"March Madness?<br />
<br />
You got tossed out in round one and found yourself wonderin' if you still mattered."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He pointed toward himself.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I made it all the way to the fuckin' final.<br />
<br />
And yeah... I lost.<br />
<br />
Scoops beat me that night because I looked across the ring and saw an old fool running on borrowed time. <br />
<br />
So I underestimated him.<br />
<br />
Mistook desperation for weakness. <br />
<br />
And he made me pay for it.<br />
<br />
Then I got back up and kept mowing through the roster like it never happened.<br />
<br />
You?<br />
<br />
Your ass ain't fought since May.<br />
<br />
Funny thing is, this ain't even the first time you disappeared in the middle of a fight.<br />
<br />
Remember the Director?<br />
<br />
Spent half that match pullin' your strings, reactin' to whatever bullshit he dropped.<br />
<br />
Then you finally figured him out.<br />
<br />
He needed Sebastian Everett-Bryce dancin' like a puppet.<br />
<br />
So you sat your ass down and did absolutely nothin' until he couldn't stand it anymore.<br />
<br />
Smart.<br />
<br />
You beat a man obsessed with control by refusing to give him any."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He scratched his beard and looked toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Then after winnin' the Universal Championship you apparently decided that oughta be your whole fuckin' career strategy.<br />
<br />
You called it recovery.<br />
<br />
I call it what it is. You got what you wanted, then let everybody else fight while waitin' for the story to come find you."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He laughed.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Well, I found you, Sebastian!<br />
<br />
But I ain't comin' outta some hidden panel.<br />
<br />
I'm walkin' straight through your fuckin' city!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"That belt tells you people still gotta look at you.<br />
<br />
Say your name like it matters.<br />
<br />
Pretend like you sit at the center of the fuckin’ universe.<br />
<br />
That belt ain’t your crown.<br />
<br />
It’s fuckin’ life support.<br />
<br />
And the funniest part?<br />
<br />
Soon as they hooked you up to it, you stopped showin’ everybody you were still alive.<br />
<br />
See, you knew what to do when you were chasin’ that belt.<br />
<br />
Whenever you fell on your ass, you could stand back up, straighten that expensive suit and tell everybody what Sebastian Everett-Bryce learned about himself this week before taking those lessons into the next.<br />
<br />
Then you finally won the gold, and the story stopped.<br />
<br />
Because now fallin' on your ass means losing it all.<br />
<br />
You know how to need that championship, Sebastian, but you've forgotten how to be the fuckin’ champion.<br />
<br />
A champion takes that belt back into the ring and makes everybody come take their shot.<br />
<br />
But you? You took it home and created a fuckin’ hostage situation."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He lifted the axe onto his shoulder.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I don’t need that gold to convince myself I matter.<br />
<br />
All I need it for is proof.<br />
<br />
Proof that I can take the most important thing in your whole fuckin’ life...<br />
<br />
And wear it like it ain’t nothin’ special.<br />
<br />
They threw the number two ranked Game Girl at me.<br />
<br />
I beat her.<br />
<br />
And the number one ranked Dickie Watson.<br />
<br />
Beat him too!<br />
<br />
All while you were hidin’ behind those palace walls, polishin’ your new belt and waitin’ for somebody to notice you’d disappeared.<br />
<br />
I kept turnin’ bodies into a road leading straight to your front fuckin’ door.<br />
<br />
You didn’t conquer an empire, Sebastian.<br />
<br />
You stumbled into the ruins after I killed the king...<br />
<br />
Found Scoops sittin’ on a throne I’d already ripped loose from the fuckin’ floor, and convinced yourself it had been waitin’ for you all along."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair stepped forward, offended.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty earned that championship!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy spun and drove the axe blade into the ground inches from Alistair’s foot, knocking him backward.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I fuckin’ said he did, didn’t I?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He ripped the axe free.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"That’s what makes this worth doin’."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He turned back toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You earned it, Sebastian.<br />
<br />
You fought for it. You bled for it.<br />
<br />
And winning it was supposed to prove you were fixed.<br />
<br />
Relevant again.<br />
<br />
But what's more relevant, the king hiding with his gold, or the warrior tearing through the battlefield?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy slapped his chest.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Yeah! And now I’m gonna rip the greatest accomplishment of your life outta your hands and leave you with nobody to blame but yourself.<br />
<br />
You fucked up.<br />
<br />
You blabbed to Thad about that bad neck of yours like it was another pretty confession, but all you did was hand me the map.<br />
<br />
Now I know exactly where to keep pressin'.<br />
<br />
When that title starts slippin' and your body can't protect the one thing your whole identity depends on...<br />
<br />
You're gonna have to look me in the eye and admit the man who needed that championship more than anything couldn’t keep it from this savage."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy started walking toward the palace.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You told Isaiah he needed somebody to be pissed at before his dick worked.<br />
<br />
You ain't no different.<br />
<br />
You just need gold.<br />
<br />
With that championship, you're content.<br />
<br />
And without it, you're right back against that barricade, watchin' the world prove it don't need ya.<br />
<br />
Like I said at Warfare...<br />
<br />
You didn't choose me, Sebastian.<br />
<br />
You got chosen for me."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Another chunk of stone broke loose from the tower and crashed into the street.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You pasted gold over the sad truth...<br />
<br />
And I'm gonna rip it off your waist.<br />
<br />
Then we'll see the broken man hidin' underneath."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy kept walking.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Behind him, the tower groaned again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">A crack shot up through the stone, splitting Sebastian's giant golden initials right down the middle.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Workers scattered.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">One just stood there holding a hammer, watching everything he'd built fall apart around him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Run, dummy!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The worker dropped the hammer and ran.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair chased after Gravy, holding one hand against his forehead.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"You have to stop!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No, I don't."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"The entire city could collapse!"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Good."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The palace gates came into view.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">They were massive.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gold bars stretched twenty feet into the air, sharpened at the top, with another sculpted Sebastian standing on each side.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">One Sebastian had a sword.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The other one held a book.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He pointed at the book.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Nerd."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">A line of guards rushed out from behind the gate, spears ready.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #d6d6d6;" class="mycode_color">"HALT!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He didn't.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #d6d6d6;" class="mycode_color">"DROP THE WEAPON!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy looked at his axe, then at them.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No holds barred?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The first guard lunged. Gravy whipped the axe through the air and into his face, sending him crashing into the others.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">As he tore his axe free, blood sprayed across their faces.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">With a snarl, he raised his blood soaked axe and beckoned them forward.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Within seconds, the line broke.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">One guard even dropped his spear and played dead.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Smart man."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair stopped behind him, out of breath.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"Please... stop."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">As he reached the palace gates, a heavy gold chain held them shut.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He lifted the axe.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair grabbed his arm.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff857a;" class="mycode_color">"His Majesty built something that matters!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy slowly looked down at Alistair's hand.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair quickly let go.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Maybe...<br />
<br />
But it ain't his land."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He brought the axe down.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The chain snapped and the gates swung open.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">He walked through.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">The throne room doors waited just ahead.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">They were covered in gold, with Sebastian’s crest front and center. So polished, he could see his own reflection staring back at him.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Blood smeared face.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Axe in hand.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Big fuckin' smile.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">Behind him, the Tower of Permanence finally tapped out and </span><span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">crashed with a roar that shook all the way to the palace steps.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You preached about Babel.<br />
<br />
Said God tears towers down over arrogance.<br />
<br />
Then you built one with your name on every fuckin’ brick.<br />
<br />
Guess that's why he sent me."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Alistair stared back at the wreckage.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Gravy tightened his grip on the axe.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">With only a few swings, the crest split apart!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Then, with a roar, he drove his shoulder through the doors.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">They exploded inward as splintered wood scattered across the palace floor!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Resting his axe across his shoulder, he looked toward the terrified servants and guards waiting inside.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Tell Sebastian the thing he built over just kicked in his fuckin' door."</span></i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/pXGbFsrK/throne.jpg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: throne.jpg]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/zXJ1SQS6/Glitchybelt.gif" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Glitchybelt.gif]" class="mycode_img" /></div>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[He had a Bad Day]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50278</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2026 22:41:24 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=3204">johnathan</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50278</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The XWF Bad Medicine is always exciting for both XWF Fans and Supertars alike, especially to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">One John Blade, who gets to meet fans from all over the country before The Greatest Show of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">them all. The new member of Sunday night's Bad Medicine is just about to face a very small group</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">of people who look very happy to see him, and Blade himself looks very happy to see his fans</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">as well, just as his huge smile shows, quickly a small girl runs over to him, quickly followed</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">by her mother, fully decked out in Blade's most  recent baby green attire and a picture of Blade in his</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">hands.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Fans #1. A little Girl: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">John! John, may I get your autograph!?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Of course, little girl, what's your name?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Fan #1 . A little Girl:  <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">Toni!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Blade smiles and gets on one knee in front of the kid as he takes a pen from his back pocket to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Sign the kid's picture.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Toni, a little girl. <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">I really hope that you win on Sunday!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain Gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">I'm not sure how that works out, kid. Main event: Jay Fetu and I will be fighting</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">each other, but I can promise you Jay Fetu ain't the one winnin', how about that?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The girl looks in deep thought for a moment before smiling and nodding his head.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Toni, a little girl: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">Yeah, I'd like that!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain Gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Here you go, Toni!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Blade passes the picture back to the boy and shakes his hand. making the boy smile wider as he</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">runs back to his mother. Blade gets back up to his feet and looks around.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain Gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Alright, boys and girls, who's next?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Within seconds, Blade gets surrounded by more XWF fans who want his autograph or even just the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">chance to speak to him. But soon everyone's mood turned sour when Jay Fetu's</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">voice cut </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">through the noise.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">But Blade, however, looks angry at Jay Fetu's words.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain Gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">How typical of you, Main Event Jay Fetu. You can't see anyone happy; you just</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">had to come and ruin everyone's mood, didn't you? Y'see, this is why you're Yeeting! You claim you</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">deserve that, but you don't respect anyone else.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">But yourself, you really want to learn about respect, it ain't yours to give, it's earned... so if you</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">wanna be respected by the XWF Universe,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">if you want them to stop considering you the kind of a man you say you are...</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">How about you show some respect first? How about stop talkin' trash about adults that have never</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">done anythin' to you? How about you look at these</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">men who came here to enjoy the biggest Bad Medicine to date without having to worry</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">about you runnin' your mouth about them and leave them alone?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">that was gathered around Blade shows their displeasure about Fetu's words. Blade himself still</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">doesn't look happy about it either.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain Gang John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Don't worry, Jay Fetu, I know exactly what people think about me.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">People who sit behind their desk arguing about how '' John Blade is once again at the top'' but</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">it's not just me, the name John Blade can be easily replaced by names like Remi Storm, Latoya Hixx, </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">and More to come. But those people don't matter to me. I respect them, but I don't like them. What really </span></span>matters to Fetu<span style="font-size: 1pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"> are those who come to these PPV, week in week out, cheerin', not only my name, but</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">everyone's names without fearin' any sort of Consquences! Don't people like me? That's fine by</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">me,  but nothing's gonna stop me from comin' out there</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">and doin' it for them, 'cos I wouldn't have it any other way.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Blade looks down at one man when he continues talking</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">You've seen how Jay Fetu acts around here, haven't you?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">And I don't see eye to eye, and I've gotta tell ya, there have been times where I've feared for</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">our future as you, Jay Fetu 'cos there's no hidin' it Main Event Jay Fetu they hate my guts!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">But in the end, Fetu has busted it out of our asses to</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">not only did I win my first Blade tournament match, but to keep them as well! But I can see why you're all upset with</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">me cause i joined Sunday night Bad Medicine, but I can't say,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">however, is that jealousy looks good on ya.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">And here we go again! here you go talkin' about how one of us</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">are the most hard workin' men in XWF is gettin'</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">everythin' handed to them on a blue platter. y'know somethin' Jay Fetu? This discussion is over, it's</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">clear that I can't say anythin' that is goin' to convince you all otherwise... so how about I let my </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">actions do the talkin'? I've been itching to lay my hands on you, I barely even know you for weeks! just can't wait for that</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">to happen... and do you know what else I can't wait for? I can't wait to beat your ass and wait to hear</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">what kind of excuses you'll be comin'</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">up with next! Like, I don't know, put your whaca call'em at Bad Medicine</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">'Cos if I beat you... No, when I beat you, Jay Fetu, you put your thingy on the line against an old member of Thunder The Chain Gang, John Blade. at Friday Thunder, but you can't say it</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">wasn't hard work and dedication. Now, if you don't mind, I've got</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">matters to attend to.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Blade starts to turn around to the fans,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">Alright, let's pretend that didn't happen! The day has only just started!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The smile returns to Blade's face with ease as he looks at the cheering group of fans and within</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Seconds, he's surrounded by everyone again, almost as if a confrontation between himself and Main Event Jay Fetu</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">has never happened.</span></span></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The XWF Bad Medicine is always exciting for both XWF Fans and Supertars alike, especially to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">One John Blade, who gets to meet fans from all over the country before The Greatest Show of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">them all. The new member of Sunday night's Bad Medicine is just about to face a very small group</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">of people who look very happy to see him, and Blade himself looks very happy to see his fans</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">as well, just as his huge smile shows, quickly a small girl runs over to him, quickly followed</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">by her mother, fully decked out in Blade's most  recent baby green attire and a picture of Blade in his</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">hands.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Fans #1. A little Girl: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">John! John, may I get your autograph!?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Of course, little girl, what's your name?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Fan #1 . A little Girl:  <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">Toni!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Blade smiles and gets on one knee in front of the kid as he takes a pen from his back pocket to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Sign the kid's picture.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Toni, a little girl. <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">I really hope that you win on Sunday!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain Gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">I'm not sure how that works out, kid. Main event: Jay Fetu and I will be fighting</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">each other, but I can promise you Jay Fetu ain't the one winnin', how about that?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The girl looks in deep thought for a moment before smiling and nodding his head.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Toni, a little girl: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">Yeah, I'd like that!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain Gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Here you go, Toni!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Blade passes the picture back to the boy and shakes his hand. making the boy smile wider as he</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">runs back to his mother. Blade gets back up to his feet and looks around.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain Gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Alright, boys and girls, who's next?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Within seconds, Blade gets surrounded by more XWF fans who want his autograph or even just the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">chance to speak to him. But soon everyone's mood turned sour when Jay Fetu's</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">voice cut </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">through the noise.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">But Blade, however, looks angry at Jay Fetu's words.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain Gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">How typical of you, Main Event Jay Fetu. You can't see anyone happy; you just</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">had to come and ruin everyone's mood, didn't you? Y'see, this is why you're Yeeting! You claim you</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">deserve that, but you don't respect anyone else.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">But yourself, you really want to learn about respect, it ain't yours to give, it's earned... so if you</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">wanna be respected by the XWF Universe,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">if you want them to stop considering you the kind of a man you say you are...</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">How about you show some respect first? How about stop talkin' trash about adults that have never</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">done anythin' to you? How about you look at these</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">men who came here to enjoy the biggest Bad Medicine to date without having to worry</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">about you runnin' your mouth about them and leave them alone?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">that was gathered around Blade shows their displeasure about Fetu's words. Blade himself still</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">doesn't look happy about it either.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain Gang John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Don't worry, Jay Fetu, I know exactly what people think about me.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">People who sit behind their desk arguing about how '' John Blade is once again at the top'' but</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">it's not just me, the name John Blade can be easily replaced by names like Remi Storm, Latoya Hixx, </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">and More to come. But those people don't matter to me. I respect them, but I don't like them. What really </span></span>matters to Fetu<span style="font-size: 1pt;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"> are those who come to these PPV, week in week out, cheerin', not only my name, but</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">everyone's names without fearin' any sort of Consquences! Don't people like me? That's fine by</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">me,  but nothing's gonna stop me from comin' out there</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">and doin' it for them, 'cos I wouldn't have it any other way.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Blade looks down at one man when he continues talking</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">You've seen how Jay Fetu acts around here, haven't you?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">And I don't see eye to eye, and I've gotta tell ya, there have been times where I've feared for</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">our future as you, Jay Fetu 'cos there's no hidin' it Main Event Jay Fetu they hate my guts!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">But in the end, Fetu has busted it out of our asses to</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">not only did I win my first Blade tournament match, but to keep them as well! But I can see why you're all upset with</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">me cause i joined Sunday night Bad Medicine, but I can't say,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">however, is that jealousy looks good on ya.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">And here we go again! here you go talkin' about how one of us</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">are the most hard workin' men in XWF is gettin'</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">everythin' handed to them on a blue platter. y'know somethin' Jay Fetu? This discussion is over, it's</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">clear that I can't say anythin' that is goin' to convince you all otherwise... so how about I let my </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">actions do the talkin'? I've been itching to lay my hands on you, I barely even know you for weeks! just can't wait for that</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">to happen... and do you know what else I can't wait for? I can't wait to beat your ass and wait to hear</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">what kind of excuses you'll be comin'</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">up with next! Like, I don't know, put your whaca call'em at Bad Medicine</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">'Cos if I beat you... No, when I beat you, Jay Fetu, you put your thingy on the line against an old member of Thunder The Chain Gang, John Blade. at Friday Thunder, but you can't say it</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">wasn't hard work and dedication. Now, if you don't mind, I've got</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">matters to attend to.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Blade starts to turn around to the fans,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Chain gang| John Blade: <span style="color: #ffdc00;" class="mycode_color">Alright, let's pretend that didn't happen! The day has only just started!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The smile returns to Blade's face with ease as he looks at the cheering group of fans and within</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Seconds, he's surrounded by everyone again, almost as if a confrontation between himself and Main Event Jay Fetu</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">has never happened.</span></span></div>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Better be prepared for what's coming]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50275</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 03:44:56 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=3217">Jay Fetu</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50275</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Backstage now as the camera cuts to Jay Fetu as he is getting ready for</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">his tournament matches coming up. Fetu faces his old rival friend, The Chain Gang John Blade.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Jay would take a moment to look at Razor, tapping him on his shoulder.<br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/J0LkgXvW/normal-scene00271-48.jpg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: normal-scene00271-48.jpg]" class="mycode_img" /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><br />
Main Event| Jay Fetu: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">Where's my head at, Uce? You here with me?<br />
</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">American nightmare| Razor:  <span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">it's hard. When you face my friend John Blade in our Blade tournament this Sunday at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main Event| Jay Fetu: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">you already know I understand and I gotchu', Uce, but here's the thang, Razor. We can be friends right after I handle my business with John Blade. In our Blade Championship tournament this week at Bad Medicine, and move on to the next round of that tournament, which I didn't win the whole thing last month at LOF, and now it's time for Main Event Jay Fetu to win it all and become the new Blade Champion on Bad Medicine at XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Razor nods his head at Jay.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">American nightmare| Razor Blade: <span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">No. Jay.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main Event| Jay Fetu:<span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color"> Exactly what I'm talking about, Uce. You'll never listen cause you might end up as a friend of John. down, but that's okay though cause when I win this Blade tournament at Bad Medicine, then it won't be Blade Championship, it will be Fetu Championship when I win this tournament this week on Bad Medicine at XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">American nightmare| Razor: <span style="color: #e86e04;" class="mycode_color">I know everything about my friend John. has but just to remember he was always in a tournament, and he will win this Blade tournament for our family, and I know this match will be in your hometown, Jay, in San Francisco, and I'm pretty sure that all of your family will probably be there to support you after John wins his first Blade Championship tournament this Sunday at Bad Medicine at XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main Event| Jay Fetu: <span style="color: #7fdbff;" class="mycode_color">Yeet.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">American nightmare| Razor: <span style="color: #e86e04;" class="mycode_color">You know something Jay. you and I haven't fought each other in along time but the only people that you have faceed was John landerson Latoya and Deena Hixx. in last month's  Leap of Faith when you lost the Qualifier match but you tryed your best to pick up the victory but instead The Storm Latoya Hixx has made herself in the twenty four seven brifecase and now all of sudden you will enter the tournament but only for The Blade Championship and i know that you might end up winning the whole thing this coming Sunday at Bad Medicine So here's my Opinion Jay just go out there and do your best cause everybody in your hometown will be Yeeting you until you win the whole Blade tournament on Bad Medicine at XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/KcDkjRCD/normal-scene00201-47.jpg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: normal-scene00201-47.jpg]" class="mycode_img" /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main Event| Jay Fetu: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">I got my 'ish goin' on with John Blade. I got mine with this Blade tournament, and it's every person for themselves, and once I head onto the next round of the tournanent i'll be the new Blade Champion at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">American nightmare| Razor: <span style="color: #e86e04;" class="mycode_color">I just hope that you're know what you doing cause The Blade Championship represent The Blade name in the Chapmion in that's why I want you to win the whole Blade tournament and don't just do it for our friendship just go ahead in do it for your Fans and family cause you'll be in San Francisco of your own terf in that's why you got to win because the last time you entered the tournament you didn't win the whole thing it was Latoya. that moved onto the twenty four seven ladder match at Leap of Faith So without further will do just win this Blade tournament at Bad Medicine and if you don't win then John Blade will carry that Blade  Championship on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main Event| Jay Fetu: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">Might not be like blood, but ya'll become like fam. to me, ever since we first met and fought each other on Warfare and Anarchy. everything gon' be fine, Uce cause when I'm through with your friend John Blade. Blade Championship tournament at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Fetu walks away and heads straight inside of the arena to head to his locker room before his tournament begins this Sunday.</span></span></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Backstage now as the camera cuts to Jay Fetu as he is getting ready for</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">his tournament matches coming up. Fetu faces his old rival friend, The Chain Gang John Blade.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Jay would take a moment to look at Razor, tapping him on his shoulder.<br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/J0LkgXvW/normal-scene00271-48.jpg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: normal-scene00271-48.jpg]" class="mycode_img" /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><br />
Main Event| Jay Fetu: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">Where's my head at, Uce? You here with me?<br />
</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">American nightmare| Razor:  <span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">it's hard. When you face my friend John Blade in our Blade tournament this Sunday at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main Event| Jay Fetu: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">you already know I understand and I gotchu', Uce, but here's the thang, Razor. We can be friends right after I handle my business with John Blade. In our Blade Championship tournament this week at Bad Medicine, and move on to the next round of that tournament, which I didn't win the whole thing last month at LOF, and now it's time for Main Event Jay Fetu to win it all and become the new Blade Champion on Bad Medicine at XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Razor nods his head at Jay.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">American nightmare| Razor Blade: <span style="color: #ff851b;" class="mycode_color">No. Jay.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main Event| Jay Fetu:<span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color"> Exactly what I'm talking about, Uce. You'll never listen cause you might end up as a friend of John. down, but that's okay though cause when I win this Blade tournament at Bad Medicine, then it won't be Blade Championship, it will be Fetu Championship when I win this tournament this week on Bad Medicine at XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">American nightmare| Razor: <span style="color: #e86e04;" class="mycode_color">I know everything about my friend John. has but just to remember he was always in a tournament, and he will win this Blade tournament for our family, and I know this match will be in your hometown, Jay, in San Francisco, and I'm pretty sure that all of your family will probably be there to support you after John wins his first Blade Championship tournament this Sunday at Bad Medicine at XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main Event| Jay Fetu: <span style="color: #7fdbff;" class="mycode_color">Yeet.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">American nightmare| Razor: <span style="color: #e86e04;" class="mycode_color">You know something Jay. you and I haven't fought each other in along time but the only people that you have faceed was John landerson Latoya and Deena Hixx. in last month's  Leap of Faith when you lost the Qualifier match but you tryed your best to pick up the victory but instead The Storm Latoya Hixx has made herself in the twenty four seven brifecase and now all of sudden you will enter the tournament but only for The Blade Championship and i know that you might end up winning the whole thing this coming Sunday at Bad Medicine So here's my Opinion Jay just go out there and do your best cause everybody in your hometown will be Yeeting you until you win the whole Blade tournament on Bad Medicine at XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/KcDkjRCD/normal-scene00201-47.jpg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: normal-scene00201-47.jpg]" class="mycode_img" /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main Event| Jay Fetu: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">I got my 'ish goin' on with John Blade. I got mine with this Blade tournament, and it's every person for themselves, and once I head onto the next round of the tournanent i'll be the new Blade Champion at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">American nightmare| Razor: <span style="color: #e86e04;" class="mycode_color">I just hope that you're know what you doing cause The Blade Championship represent The Blade name in the Chapmion in that's why I want you to win the whole Blade tournament and don't just do it for our friendship just go ahead in do it for your Fans and family cause you'll be in San Francisco of your own terf in that's why you got to win because the last time you entered the tournament you didn't win the whole thing it was Latoya. that moved onto the twenty four seven ladder match at Leap of Faith So without further will do just win this Blade tournament at Bad Medicine and if you don't win then John Blade will carry that Blade  Championship on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main Event| Jay Fetu: <span style="color: #ff30dc;" class="mycode_color">Might not be like blood, but ya'll become like fam. to me, ever since we first met and fought each other on Warfare and Anarchy. everything gon' be fine, Uce cause when I'm through with your friend John Blade. Blade Championship tournament at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Fetu walks away and heads straight inside of the arena to head to his locker room before his tournament begins this Sunday.</span></span></div>]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[DESTROYER OF CHICAGO]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50274</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:45:00 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=3216">GCC's Dom Durango™</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50274</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<center><table cellpadding="30" border="1" bordercolor="blue" width="60%"><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="black" background="http://i.imgur.com/SZ5atbH.png"><font color="white">CHICAGO’S FINEST BALLROOM</font></td></tr></table></center><br />
<br />
A gathering of Chi-Town’s most fabulous well-to-do! Women in cocktail dresses, men dressed-to-the-nines! <br />
<br />
Michael Jordan smokes a giant cigar while signing autographs!<br />
<br />
CM Punk, <a href="https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=20529&amp;highlight=CM+Punk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">former XWF European champion</a>, draws X’s on people’s hands…<br />
<br />
Oprah gives out dances with her fellow Chicagoans like cars on her show!<br />
<br />
…Now, she’s just straight-up giving away cars!<br />
<br />
To sum up the night in one word? ‘Chicago’.<br />
<br />
Three words? ‘Chicago as FUUUUUUUUUUUCK’.<br />
<br />
And cutting a rug with his dear wife, Alysia…<br />
<br />
The Savior of Chicago, Mister Oz! The XWF’s Resident Man-Beast and his beauty foxtrot in perfect harmony…<br />
<br />
As the big brass band plays smooooooooth Chicago jazz, Mayor Brandon Johnson, microphone-in-hand, takes center-stage.<br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”Thanks to Chicago’s Savior, Mister Oz, for organizing this wonderful night! ”</font><br />
<br />
Suddenly, from the kitchen, waiters carrying miniature vienna franks on poppy seed buns!<br />
<br />
MJ sets down his cigar to take one…<br />
<br />
Punk removes the bun, but happily gets his daily protein!<br />
<br />
Oprah takes two in each hand!<br />
<br />
Oz and Alysia exit the dance floor to get a little snack with everyone else… Oz secures a mini Chicago dog, comically small in his massive hands…<br />
<br />
The Mayor licks relish from his fingers… Someone hands him a note. <br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”And thank you to… The King of Cuisine! Dom Durango! For donating tonight’s Chicago-themed charcuterie!”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”And Dom included a special message for our host tonight!”</font><br />
<br />
The Mayor unfurls the note...<br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”…Think you’re safe? Believe in Me…”</font> The Mayor chuckles. <font color="dodgerblue">”Of course, he’s referencing Mister Oz’s famous catchph-”</font><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size"><font color="white">”Oooooooooh….”</font></span></div>
<br />
The gala attendees suddenly grasp at their guts!<br />
<br />
MJ’s intestines have been disrespected… he’s taking that personally to a trash can…<br />
<br />
Punk looks like he’s in no shape to GTS, but instead GTNT: Go to NEAREST TOILET!<br />
<br />
The people that received those free Oprah cars suddenly get a whole different prize!<br />
<br />
YOU GET DIARRHEA!<br />
<br />
AND YOU GET DIARRHEA!<br />
<br />
AND YOOOOOOOU GET DIARRHEA!<br />
<br />
The jazz band writhes in agony! The only scatting now is with literal scat!<br />
<br />
The gala attendees rush to the restrooms, but the lines are as clogged as each of their digestive tracts!<br />
<br />
Chicagoans dressed in the most opulent luxuries are now fist-fighting, battling for the limited number of stalls!<br />
<br />
This elegant soiree has become a feculent free-for-all!<br />
<br />
Oz’s party turns to shit in every meaning!<br />
<br />
His wealth, his strength… completely useless at this moment.<br />
<br />
He turns to Alysia, telling her <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">it’s the Chicago dogs, don’t eat one!</span><br />
<br />
…But there’s mustard on her lips… Too late…<br />
<br />
She drops to her knees… he takes her in his arms…<br />
<br />
And at that moment…<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<font color="red">”FFFFFFFFSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSH! MY BOOOOOOOOOWELS! FFFFFFFFSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSH!”</font><br />
<br />
Dom, holding an official Mister Oz™ action figure in one hand and a standard-issue Barbie doll in the other, shakes the Barbie as he motorboats his lips, imitating a rushing liquidy sound.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”So, Oz’s wife shits herself so hard she dies. As does everyone who consumed my virus-laden hors d'oeuvres… Eventually leaving Oz in a pile of shit-covered corpses, forever solidifying the memory of Chicago, America’s festering asshole.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
Dom lobs the visual aid toys away.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”That’s Plan A. Thoughts?”</font><br />
<br />
A Gray-Eyed Man in a dark suit glares out the window.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">”...Puerile.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”...Unimpressed?”</font><br />
<br />
…The Gray-Eyed Man straightens his cufflinks silently.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”What about Plan B?”</font><br />
<br />
Dom retrieves a cart…<br />
<br />
Atop the cart is an incredibly detailed cityscape diorama.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”This represents Chicago.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”And this?”</font> Dom claps.<br />
<br />
WHAM! A GIANT MEATBALL drops from the ceiling!<br />
<br />
Meat splatters everywhere!<br />
<br />
The tray buckles, a wheel gives out! The city topples to the floor, breaking into particle board shards! <br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Represents a Chicago-sized meatball.”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">”So… you’ll crush approximately two-point-million people to death with a… very large meatball.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Well, SOME will survive the impact. And they will be boiled alive from the meat’s fresh-from-the-oven four-hundred-degree heat. Leaving a marinara-scented, mouth-watering crater.”</font> <br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">”Does this… inane exercise… have a purpose?”</span></span><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”I want to break this Oswald.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Leave his precious city in barren ruins.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Businesses bankrupt, children dead, wife mourning and barren.”</font><br />
<br />
Dom brushes meat sauce off his nose.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Something like that.”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">”You’re thinking of how to break a man.”<br />
<br />
”Oswald is a psychopath.”<br />
<br />
“His city?”<br />
<br />
“His business?”<br />
<br />
“His family?”<br />
<br />
“He only cares for these things as an extension of himself.”<br />
<br />
“If you wish to break Oswald…”<br />
<br />
”Break him the way a hunter breaks an apex predator.”<br />
<br />
“Step into his domain.”<br />
<br />
“Where he feels strongest.”<br />
<br />
“And take his head.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
Inside a meat freezer…<br />
<br />
Dom hangs.<br />
<br />
His legs drawn up into his chest…<br />
<br />
Meathooks dig into his back, holding him upright…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Hello Oswald.”<br />
<br />
“Testing your cute little stipulation.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Meathooks, huh?”<br />
<br />
“From the man claiming to be…?”<br />
<br />
“Utterly and permanently fucked up?”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”I was expecting something that, even without a soul, would chill me to my core.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Meh.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Do you even know what a meathook’s for, Oswald?”<br />
<br />
“It’s to tenderize meat. Softening muscle fibers in the steak.”<br />
<br />
“Typical wrestling moron. Taking culinary innovation and turning it into stupid violence.”<br />
<br />
“If wrestling pre-existed the wheel? People would hit each other over the head with wheels and we’d all be walking instead of driving.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Disappointing, Oswald.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”But, then.”<br />
<br />
“Disappointment’s been your whole career, hasn’t it?”<br />
<br />
“You lose and lose and LOSE.”<br />
<br />
“The only competitor in Anarchy history to <a href="https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=49778" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">lose three times in the same night</a>.”<br />
<br />
“And that wasn’t a one-off. The Anarchy prior, you lost to the Revolution champion in <a href="https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=49778" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">back-to-back falls</a>.”<br />
<br />
“Oswald was averaging two-and-a-half losses per show for a CALENDAR month.”<br />
<br />
“A failure of a caliber we may never see duplicated.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”And the audacity… to pretend you don’t know your opponent.”<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">”<a href="https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50243" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">Hello, I’m Oz. Your name’s vaguely familiar but I don’t recognize it.</a>”</span><br />
<br />
“Said to an opponent who’s been on his show for TWO years.”<br />
<br />
“Who kicked your ass.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”I’m ready, Oswald.”<br />
<br />
“For you to act like you don’t know me.”<br />
<br />
“I’ll introduce myself.”<br />
<br />
“I’m Dom.”<br />
<br />
“And I’ll jam my thumb deep into your eye socket.”<br />
<br />
“Remove your eye.”<br />
<br />
“And turn it towards you.”<br />
<br />
“So, you can see what everyone else sees.”<br />
<br />
“A pathetic whelp pretending he’s prime rib. When he’s actually cow ass.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Why?”<br />
<br />
“Fuck you, that’s why.”</font>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<center><table cellpadding="30" border="1" bordercolor="blue" width="60%"><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="black" background="http://i.imgur.com/SZ5atbH.png"><font color="white">CHICAGO’S FINEST BALLROOM</font></td></tr></table></center><br />
<br />
A gathering of Chi-Town’s most fabulous well-to-do! Women in cocktail dresses, men dressed-to-the-nines! <br />
<br />
Michael Jordan smokes a giant cigar while signing autographs!<br />
<br />
CM Punk, <a href="https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=20529&amp;highlight=CM+Punk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">former XWF European champion</a>, draws X’s on people’s hands…<br />
<br />
Oprah gives out dances with her fellow Chicagoans like cars on her show!<br />
<br />
…Now, she’s just straight-up giving away cars!<br />
<br />
To sum up the night in one word? ‘Chicago’.<br />
<br />
Three words? ‘Chicago as FUUUUUUUUUUUCK’.<br />
<br />
And cutting a rug with his dear wife, Alysia…<br />
<br />
The Savior of Chicago, Mister Oz! The XWF’s Resident Man-Beast and his beauty foxtrot in perfect harmony…<br />
<br />
As the big brass band plays smooooooooth Chicago jazz, Mayor Brandon Johnson, microphone-in-hand, takes center-stage.<br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”Thanks to Chicago’s Savior, Mister Oz, for organizing this wonderful night! ”</font><br />
<br />
Suddenly, from the kitchen, waiters carrying miniature vienna franks on poppy seed buns!<br />
<br />
MJ sets down his cigar to take one…<br />
<br />
Punk removes the bun, but happily gets his daily protein!<br />
<br />
Oprah takes two in each hand!<br />
<br />
Oz and Alysia exit the dance floor to get a little snack with everyone else… Oz secures a mini Chicago dog, comically small in his massive hands…<br />
<br />
The Mayor licks relish from his fingers… Someone hands him a note. <br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”And thank you to… The King of Cuisine! Dom Durango! For donating tonight’s Chicago-themed charcuterie!”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”And Dom included a special message for our host tonight!”</font><br />
<br />
The Mayor unfurls the note...<br />
<br />
<font color="dodgerblue">”…Think you’re safe? Believe in Me…”</font> The Mayor chuckles. <font color="dodgerblue">”Of course, he’s referencing Mister Oz’s famous catchph-”</font><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><div class="shake-trigger" style="height:1px;"></div><script>if(!window.shakeInit){const s=document.createElement('style');s.innerHTML='@keyframes shake{0%{transform:translate(1px,1px) rotate(0deg)}10%{transform:translate(-1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}20%{transform:translate(-3px,0px) rotate(1deg)}30%{transform:translate(3px,2px) rotate(0deg)}40%{transform:translate(1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}50%{transform:translate(-1px,2px) rotate(-1deg)}60%{transform:translate(-3px,1px) rotate(0deg)}70%{transform:translate(3px,1px) rotate(-1deg)}80%{transform:translate(-1px,-1px) rotate(1deg)}90%{transform:translate(1px,2px) rotate(0deg)}100%{transform:translate(1px,-2px) rotate(-1deg)}}.shake-active{animation:shake 0.5s; animation-iteration-count:1;}';document.head.appendChild(s);window.addEventListener('scroll',()=>{document.querySelectorAll('.shake-trigger').forEach(t=>{const r=t.getBoundingClientRect();if(r.top>0&&r.top<400&&!t.dataset.fired){t.dataset.fired='true';document.body.classList.add('shake-active');setTimeout(()=>{document.body.classList.remove('shake-active');},500);}});});window.shakeInit=true;}</script><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size"><font color="white">”Oooooooooh….”</font></span></div>
<br />
The gala attendees suddenly grasp at their guts!<br />
<br />
MJ’s intestines have been disrespected… he’s taking that personally to a trash can…<br />
<br />
Punk looks like he’s in no shape to GTS, but instead GTNT: Go to NEAREST TOILET!<br />
<br />
The people that received those free Oprah cars suddenly get a whole different prize!<br />
<br />
YOU GET DIARRHEA!<br />
<br />
AND YOU GET DIARRHEA!<br />
<br />
AND YOOOOOOOU GET DIARRHEA!<br />
<br />
The jazz band writhes in agony! The only scatting now is with literal scat!<br />
<br />
The gala attendees rush to the restrooms, but the lines are as clogged as each of their digestive tracts!<br />
<br />
Chicagoans dressed in the most opulent luxuries are now fist-fighting, battling for the limited number of stalls!<br />
<br />
This elegant soiree has become a feculent free-for-all!<br />
<br />
Oz’s party turns to shit in every meaning!<br />
<br />
His wealth, his strength… completely useless at this moment.<br />
<br />
He turns to Alysia, telling her <span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">it’s the Chicago dogs, don’t eat one!</span><br />
<br />
…But there’s mustard on her lips… Too late…<br />
<br />
She drops to her knees… he takes her in his arms…<br />
<br />
And at that moment…<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<font color="red">”FFFFFFFFSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSH! MY BOOOOOOOOOWELS! FFFFFFFFSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSH!”</font><br />
<br />
Dom, holding an official Mister Oz™ action figure in one hand and a standard-issue Barbie doll in the other, shakes the Barbie as he motorboats his lips, imitating a rushing liquidy sound.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”So, Oz’s wife shits herself so hard she dies. As does everyone who consumed my virus-laden hors d'oeuvres… Eventually leaving Oz in a pile of shit-covered corpses, forever solidifying the memory of Chicago, America’s festering asshole.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
Dom lobs the visual aid toys away.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”That’s Plan A. Thoughts?”</font><br />
<br />
A Gray-Eyed Man in a dark suit glares out the window.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">”...Puerile.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”...Unimpressed?”</font><br />
<br />
…The Gray-Eyed Man straightens his cufflinks silently.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”What about Plan B?”</font><br />
<br />
Dom retrieves a cart…<br />
<br />
Atop the cart is an incredibly detailed cityscape diorama.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”This represents Chicago.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”And this?”</font> Dom claps.<br />
<br />
WHAM! A GIANT MEATBALL drops from the ceiling!<br />
<br />
Meat splatters everywhere!<br />
<br />
The tray buckles, a wheel gives out! The city topples to the floor, breaking into particle board shards! <br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Represents a Chicago-sized meatball.”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">”So… you’ll crush approximately two-point-million people to death with a… very large meatball.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Well, SOME will survive the impact. And they will be boiled alive from the meat’s fresh-from-the-oven four-hundred-degree heat. Leaving a marinara-scented, mouth-watering crater.”</font> <br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">”Does this… inane exercise… have a purpose?”</span></span><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”I want to break this Oswald.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Leave his precious city in barren ruins.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Businesses bankrupt, children dead, wife mourning and barren.”</font><br />
<br />
Dom brushes meat sauce off his nose.<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Something like that.”</font><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #999999;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">”You’re thinking of how to break a man.”<br />
<br />
”Oswald is a psychopath.”<br />
<br />
“His city?”<br />
<br />
“His business?”<br />
<br />
“His family?”<br />
<br />
“He only cares for these things as an extension of himself.”<br />
<br />
“If you wish to break Oswald…”<br />
<br />
”Break him the way a hunter breaks an apex predator.”<br />
<br />
“Step into his domain.”<br />
<br />
“Where he feels strongest.”<br />
<br />
“And take his head.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
Inside a meat freezer…<br />
<br />
Dom hangs.<br />
<br />
His legs drawn up into his chest…<br />
<br />
Meathooks dig into his back, holding him upright…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Hello Oswald.”<br />
<br />
“Testing your cute little stipulation.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Meathooks, huh?”<br />
<br />
“From the man claiming to be…?”<br />
<br />
“Utterly and permanently fucked up?”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”I was expecting something that, even without a soul, would chill me to my core.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Meh.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Do you even know what a meathook’s for, Oswald?”<br />
<br />
“It’s to tenderize meat. Softening muscle fibers in the steak.”<br />
<br />
“Typical wrestling moron. Taking culinary innovation and turning it into stupid violence.”<br />
<br />
“If wrestling pre-existed the wheel? People would hit each other over the head with wheels and we’d all be walking instead of driving.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Disappointing, Oswald.”</font><br />
<br />
<font color="red">”But, then.”<br />
<br />
“Disappointment’s been your whole career, hasn’t it?”<br />
<br />
“You lose and lose and LOSE.”<br />
<br />
“The only competitor in Anarchy history to <a href="https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=49778" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">lose three times in the same night</a>.”<br />
<br />
“And that wasn’t a one-off. The Anarchy prior, you lost to the Revolution champion in <a href="https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=49778" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">back-to-back falls</a>.”<br />
<br />
“Oswald was averaging two-and-a-half losses per show for a CALENDAR month.”<br />
<br />
“A failure of a caliber we may never see duplicated.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”And the audacity… to pretend you don’t know your opponent.”<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">”<a href="https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50243" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url">Hello, I’m Oz. Your name’s vaguely familiar but I don’t recognize it.</a>”</span><br />
<br />
“Said to an opponent who’s been on his show for TWO years.”<br />
<br />
“Who kicked your ass.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”I’m ready, Oswald.”<br />
<br />
“For you to act like you don’t know me.”<br />
<br />
“I’ll introduce myself.”<br />
<br />
“I’m Dom.”<br />
<br />
“And I’ll jam my thumb deep into your eye socket.”<br />
<br />
“Remove your eye.”<br />
<br />
“And turn it towards you.”<br />
<br />
“So, you can see what everyone else sees.”<br />
<br />
“A pathetic whelp pretending he’s prime rib. When he’s actually cow ass.”</font><br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
<font color="red">”Why?”<br />
<br />
“Fuck you, that’s why.”</font>]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Where do they keep The Meds at]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50273</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 22:21:11 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=3074">Latoya Hixx</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50273</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The scene opens up right outside The Golden Gate Bridge Stadium as there's a stage setup for the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Bad Medicine kickoff event, with attendees crowded around it, Steve Sayors is standing in front</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">and center as he addresses the crowd once more to resume the show.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Steve Sayors: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">San Francisco, how's everyone feeling today?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The crowd reacts with loud cheers as Steve looks on, nodding his head.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Steve Sayors:  <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Awesome! I know some of you are excited about the historic weekend coming up in</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">next week, Bad Medicine in eight days in different cities! Who else would you get that right</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">here in the XWF? Now, as I mentioned earlier, Bad Medicine is stacked with so many great</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">matches. One match in particular that I know I'm looking forward to is Latoya Hixx vs Deena Hixx for the Blade Championship tournament</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The XWF Universe cheers, sharing Steve's enthusiasm for the Blade Championship tournament match.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Steve Sayors: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Latoya Hixx competes in a Blade tournament Championship match, where they will face each other. But it goes without saying that Latoya Hixx has been on a losing streak since she and her sister teamed up in a Handy cap match won the privilege of competing the Blade Championship tournament on Bad Medicine now, she's possibly facing there toughest  challenger yet in Deena Hixx.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">don't stand a chance of being the next Blade tournament for The Blade Championship now, there's been a lot of buzz and speculation on there possibly being the last time we see Deena Hixx and Latoya fight each other for The Blade Championship tournament</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">in the XWF ring. I've had the Pleasure to witness and even commentate on some of Latoya's best matches and moments. For most of a year, Latoya has worked her butt off like nobody else, which</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">she has earned her so many</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">accolades and, most importantly, the respect of the XWF Universe! So, I have no doubt th</span>-</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Steve was cut off by Latoya Hixx's music as The Storm strutted out flanked by</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Razor Blade, scowling at Steve Sayors as the fans shower her with Cheers.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">Cut The Sh*t Steve.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Steve Sayors: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">What do u mean, cut the sh*t Latoya?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Latoya gets closer up towards Steve's face, bringing her words to a halt.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">I Cut The Sh*t because last month on Warfare, I had that match won when I fought that white face paint Meteorologist Clown. The ref counted the called it a No Contest, but he beat me so badly that I couldn't stand up on my left foot, and I had that match won, and I should've been the one who won the match instead of a No Contest at Warfare.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Universe Chants Ref you suck ref you suck ref you suck ref you suck Ref you suck!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">You see Steve. they all chanting that Ref you suck after calling the No Contest when he knows he had my ass with The Devil Hook Drop onto the mat floor and I should be the one who won that match instead of a No Contest as the winner of Warfare but instead they had to put me in another match next week against my relative who goes by Geek Goddess which she is my Oppoennt for Bad Medicine Deena Hixx. But someday I will get my revenge on Meteorologist Clown the next time we see each other for one final time, then after I get through with my sister Deena Hixx for The Blade Championship tournament when we collide for the Blade Championship with whoever in a Winner match at Bad Medicine on XWF</span>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The XWF Universe cheers for The Storm</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">but here's the thing, though, Steve. She may have been a part of the Blade Championship tournament Championship and if she beats me at Bad Medicine, then hopefully one day in the next show of Monday Warfare or Friday Anarchy, I'm coming for her Blade Championship, whether she likes it or not, and as for Missy Furry. They both better get some rest because next Sunday at Bad Medicine, Deena Hixx and I are leaving out as the winners for the Blade Championship.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">and no one is gonna stop me from winning this Blade Championship tournament for The Blade titles when I go through Geek Goddess Deena Hixx. at Bad Medicine</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Universe Chants Storm is gonna kill them, Storm is gonna kill them, Storm is gonna kill them!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">Deena. may have won the handicap match, but she didn't win the war, but sooner or later, Deena Hixx and I. We will cross paths for the first time in XWF, but as for next Sunday Me and Deena are gonna fight each other until one of us moves on to the next tournament for The Blade Championship into that Bad Medicine building and step into that ring with me when I face my younger sister and see who's getting a new Blade Championship at Bad Medicine</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">So you actually think that you can outrun me cause last year</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">I won the Battle Royal and entered myself into the twenty four/seven briefcase, and I ended up failing, but that stops at Bad Medicinea nd knock some sense into my sis Deena Hixx.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">When we both fight each other for the first time in a Blade Championship tournament next week</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Universe Cheers for The Storm one final time when she wraps it up</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #005dc2;" class="mycode_color">when Deena and I go inside of that arena were gonna give everything that we got until one of us moves on to the next round of the Blade tournament, and one of us</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #005dc2;" class="mycode_color">will win the tournament cause the last time I was in the other tournament, I won the whole thing and ended up entering the briefcase of twenty-four-seven, and now I'm entering another tournament against my little sis Deena Hixx this week in a Blade Championship tournament at Bad Medicine.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Universe Chants you deserve it, you deserve it, you deserve it you deserve it, you deserve it!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">Deena and I will blow the roof off this place, I mean, we haven't fought</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">each other since we teamed up against Meteorologist Clown. And now all of a sudden they want us to face and see who's gonna head onto the next round of the Blade tournament and see which one of us will be the new Blade Champion at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: We may be enemies on Bad Medicine, but after our Blade tournament</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">You and I will go straight back as a tag team once we have our tournament this week at Bad Medicine, and once that's all said and done, we could go after those tag team or Anarchy tag team titles, whoever leaves out as tag Champions at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: I'll see you Saturday at Bad Medicine, Deena. The Storm is coming.. to. San Francisco.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">A Storm is Coming plays when Latoya flexes her muscles and drops the mic, exits out of the ring, and slaps a few fans high five and walks back up towards the ramp and heads back to meet up with her Enemy sister Deena. before their tournament begins this Saturday at Bad Medicine.</span></span></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The scene opens up right outside The Golden Gate Bridge Stadium as there's a stage setup for the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Bad Medicine kickoff event, with attendees crowded around it, Steve Sayors is standing in front</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">and center as he addresses the crowd once more to resume the show.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Steve Sayors: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">San Francisco, how's everyone feeling today?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The crowd reacts with loud cheers as Steve looks on, nodding his head.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Steve Sayors:  <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Awesome! I know some of you are excited about the historic weekend coming up in</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">next week, Bad Medicine in eight days in different cities! Who else would you get that right</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">here in the XWF? Now, as I mentioned earlier, Bad Medicine is stacked with so many great</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">matches. One match in particular that I know I'm looking forward to is Latoya Hixx vs Deena Hixx for the Blade Championship tournament</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The XWF Universe cheers, sharing Steve's enthusiasm for the Blade Championship tournament match.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Steve Sayors: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">Latoya Hixx competes in a Blade tournament Championship match, where they will face each other. But it goes without saying that Latoya Hixx has been on a losing streak since she and her sister teamed up in a Handy cap match won the privilege of competing the Blade Championship tournament on Bad Medicine now, she's possibly facing there toughest  challenger yet in Deena Hixx.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">don't stand a chance of being the next Blade tournament for The Blade Championship now, there's been a lot of buzz and speculation on there possibly being the last time we see Deena Hixx and Latoya fight each other for The Blade Championship tournament</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">in the XWF ring. I've had the Pleasure to witness and even commentate on some of Latoya's best matches and moments. For most of a year, Latoya has worked her butt off like nobody else, which</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">she has earned her so many</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">accolades and, most importantly, the respect of the XWF Universe! So, I have no doubt th</span>-</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Steve was cut off by Latoya Hixx's music as The Storm strutted out flanked by</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Razor Blade, scowling at Steve Sayors as the fans shower her with Cheers.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">Cut The Sh*t Steve.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Steve Sayors: <span style="color: #e8c500;" class="mycode_color">What do u mean, cut the sh*t Latoya?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Latoya gets closer up towards Steve's face, bringing her words to a halt.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">I Cut The Sh*t because last month on Warfare, I had that match won when I fought that white face paint Meteorologist Clown. The ref counted the called it a No Contest, but he beat me so badly that I couldn't stand up on my left foot, and I had that match won, and I should've been the one who won the match instead of a No Contest at Warfare.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Universe Chants Ref you suck ref you suck ref you suck ref you suck Ref you suck!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">You see Steve. they all chanting that Ref you suck after calling the No Contest when he knows he had my ass with The Devil Hook Drop onto the mat floor and I should be the one who won that match instead of a No Contest as the winner of Warfare but instead they had to put me in another match next week against my relative who goes by Geek Goddess which she is my Oppoennt for Bad Medicine Deena Hixx. But someday I will get my revenge on Meteorologist Clown the next time we see each other for one final time, then after I get through with my sister Deena Hixx for The Blade Championship tournament when we collide for the Blade Championship with whoever in a Winner match at Bad Medicine on XWF</span>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The XWF Universe cheers for The Storm</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">but here's the thing, though, Steve. She may have been a part of the Blade Championship tournament Championship and if she beats me at Bad Medicine, then hopefully one day in the next show of Monday Warfare or Friday Anarchy, I'm coming for her Blade Championship, whether she likes it or not, and as for Missy Furry. They both better get some rest because next Sunday at Bad Medicine, Deena Hixx and I are leaving out as the winners for the Blade Championship.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">and no one is gonna stop me from winning this Blade Championship tournament for The Blade titles when I go through Geek Goddess Deena Hixx. at Bad Medicine</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Universe Chants Storm is gonna kill them, Storm is gonna kill them, Storm is gonna kill them!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">Deena. may have won the handicap match, but she didn't win the war, but sooner or later, Deena Hixx and I. We will cross paths for the first time in XWF, but as for next Sunday Me and Deena are gonna fight each other until one of us moves on to the next tournament for The Blade Championship into that Bad Medicine building and step into that ring with me when I face my younger sister and see who's getting a new Blade Championship at Bad Medicine</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">So you actually think that you can outrun me cause last year</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">I won the Battle Royal and entered myself into the twenty four/seven briefcase, and I ended up failing, but that stops at Bad Medicinea nd knock some sense into my sis Deena Hixx.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">When we both fight each other for the first time in a Blade Championship tournament next week</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Universe Cheers for The Storm one final time when she wraps it up</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #005dc2;" class="mycode_color">when Deena and I go inside of that arena were gonna give everything that we got until one of us moves on to the next round of the Blade tournament, and one of us</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #005dc2;" class="mycode_color">will win the tournament cause the last time I was in the other tournament, I won the whole thing and ended up entering the briefcase of twenty-four-seven, and now I'm entering another tournament against my little sis Deena Hixx this week in a Blade Championship tournament at Bad Medicine.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">XWF Universe Chants you deserve it, you deserve it, you deserve it you deserve it, you deserve it!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: <span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">Deena and I will blow the roof off this place, I mean, we haven't fought</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">each other since we teamed up against Meteorologist Clown. And now all of a sudden they want us to face and see who's gonna head onto the next round of the Blade tournament and see which one of us will be the new Blade Champion at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: We may be enemies on Bad Medicine, but after our Blade tournament</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">You and I will go straight back as a tag team once we have our tournament this week at Bad Medicine, and once that's all said and done, we could go after those tag team or Anarchy tag team titles, whoever leaves out as tag Champions at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #0074d9;" class="mycode_color">The Storm| Latoya Hixx: I'll see you Saturday at Bad Medicine, Deena. The Storm is coming.. to. San Francisco.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">A Storm is Coming plays when Latoya flexes her muscles and drops the mic, exits out of the ring, and slaps a few fans high five and walks back up towards the ramp and heads back to meet up with her Enemy sister Deena. before their tournament begins this Saturday at Bad Medicine.</span></span></div>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Roll the Bones]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50272</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 10:55:22 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=3208">KENTUCKY</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50272</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/sD72LbIk02M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Z1HPdsg9/Gemini-Generated-Image-6l3a2x6l3a2x6l3a.png" width="500"></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Excuse me, is that you? The man in the Beaverlick Bugle?”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">A man with a London accent, wearing a kit for the Three Lions, says as he walks into the saloon. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Kentucky ‘Tuck’ Taggart turns on his bar stool and nods, crushing the last bit of a Marlboro Red into an ash tray and popping a pickled egg from a nearby jar into his mouth as he sets down his paper.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Thashright. Do ya for?”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">He says with a mouthful of egg.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Wow. First day in town and right away I meet the front page celebrity of town! Sir, I would like to buy you a drink!”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Well hell. I don’t turn down no drink. Proceed.”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Bartender!”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">The interloper slaps the bartop.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“I’d like to buy this man a glass of your finest whisky! Bring some Jack Daniel’s!”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">The sounds of many chairs scooting back from their tables can be heard, and the jukebox stops dead in the middle of a Travis Tritt song.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Mister…”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck says, standing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“You won’t find that Tennessee Tinkerbell Tea in any bar in Beaverlick. We drink GOD’S whisky. Kentucky Bourbon.”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“I-i-i meant no offense, my good man…”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Too late. You done did it. Plus you got one of them Men In Tights accents… boy you got some nerve showin’ up over here in the States during America’s 250th. What, you wanna go another round like it was 1776?”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Well I think that happened in 1812…”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“ARE YOU GIVING ME LIP, YOU POWDERED WIG PUSSY?”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“I have no idea what’s going on here…”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“SEEEEE-<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">LAP!!!!”</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck actually shouts this out loud as he swings his hand, the size of a gallon of milk, and slams it into the side of the Englishman's cranium, sending him over the bar. The man is audibly snoring before his body even fully settles. Tuck just sits back down as if nothing happened.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“It was my paw, what learnt me to slap.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“See, that carpetbaggin’ sonsabitch weren’t even from Kentucky. He was a truck drivin’ SOB with families in a dozen states. He ain’t gave me my name, that was ma, but what he did give me was a genetic predisposition to havin’ a real bad attitude and bein’ quick to throw hands. My ma? I seen her catch backhands over cold dinners, warm beers, and even walkin’ in front of the TV during a big play. My paw had the same answer to every question - a hand across the cheek.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Yep. That man used to reach down like he was tryin’ to pull the devil hisself up outta Hell, then smack my mama so hard she’d be wearin’ sunglasses for week. And every time he threw one o’ them haymakers into my mama’s face, I was right there to soak it all in. The form. The angle. The follow through. I weren’t never one to get good grades at school but I’ve always been a quick study when it came to throwin’ skin.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“I wanted the old man to see what I’d learnt off him. So one of them times mama didn’t get the can open fast enough or what have you, and that SOB decided it was time to step into the batter’s box, I stepped in front of my mama and sent one straight over home plate at him. I thought he’d be tougher to drop, but his head bounced off the floor quick like a bunny. He couldn’t drive no trucks after that, on account’a spending the rest of his life cockeyed. He’s dead now. Ma’s just fine.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Kentucky Taggart stands at home plate of some run down ball field. The kind they use whatever’s laying around for bases. The old No Parking sign at his feet serving as home plate is a prime example.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">The couple dozen or so of locals in the cheap metal bleachers have their cells out, knowing they might be in store for yet another one of Tuck’s newsworthy feats. Tuck’s daughter Lexi stands on the pitcher’s mound with a bright yellow softball in her hand.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck is not holding a bat.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Now… Mister Lenny Pussyfarting. I ain’t one to mince no words. I came down here to the local diamond to give you a little glimpse of what’s fixin’ to happen to your temporomandibular joint when we stand across from each other at Bad Medicine. That’s the fancy medical term for the thing that holds that waggin’ chin of yours attached to the rest of your soft skull. Let’s just say I learned it off a few court appearances."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color">“I respect the fact that you signed up for this, but that’s where the respect stops. You probably think I’m just some dumb hickerbilly that can’t read. Well, mister, I ain’t one of your Oxford educated Shakespeare butt-buddies, but I got a certain way with words all my own. Matter of fact, at Bad Medicine I plan on rearranging the letters in OBE to make ‘em read DOA. YOU READY, LEX?”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Lexi nods and starts rotating her shoulder.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“My baby girl was startin’ pitcher on the UK softball team. Show ‘em a sample, Lex!”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Lexi swoops her arm in a rapid circle and flings the softball into the mitt of a previously unseen catcher with the sound of a car backfiring.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Nice.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck grins as the ball is returned to Lexi. She throws another fast pitch and this time Tuck slaps it! It sounds like a thunderclap as the ball sails out over the outfield and disappears.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck smiles as he turns to the camera.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Lenny… I don’t reckon you got a chin tougher’n a 90 mph fastball. I doubt you got taught how to handle it when I roll these bones across your face at Mrs. Periwinkle’s Performing Arts School for Sissies. I imagine you don’t think violence is the answer… and amigo, you’re right.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck spits into the dirt.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Violence ain’t the answer. It’s the question.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">He gives a Robert Redford nod.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font"><img src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTZjMDliOTUyNG9jbGRneTBjanBucnpwdnhsOTNyM2RrdGplYTZiY2hxaDFmaW5wZyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/Lr4RSBQs8k9aCKKtjI/giphy.gif" width="450"></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“The answer… is yes.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/21xGDg52/Gemini-Generated-Image-ruupkkruupkkruup-2.png" width=500"></span></span></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/sD72LbIk02M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/Z1HPdsg9/Gemini-Generated-Image-6l3a2x6l3a2x6l3a.png" width="500"></div>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Excuse me, is that you? The man in the Beaverlick Bugle?”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">A man with a London accent, wearing a kit for the Three Lions, says as he walks into the saloon. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Kentucky ‘Tuck’ Taggart turns on his bar stool and nods, crushing the last bit of a Marlboro Red into an ash tray and popping a pickled egg from a nearby jar into his mouth as he sets down his paper.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Thashright. Do ya for?”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">He says with a mouthful of egg.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Wow. First day in town and right away I meet the front page celebrity of town! Sir, I would like to buy you a drink!”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Well hell. I don’t turn down no drink. Proceed.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Bartender!”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">The interloper slaps the bartop.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“I’d like to buy this man a glass of your finest whisky! Bring some Jack Daniel’s!”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">The sounds of many chairs scooting back from their tables can be heard, and the jukebox stops dead in the middle of a Travis Tritt song.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Mister…”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck says, standing.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“You won’t find that Tennessee Tinkerbell Tea in any bar in Beaverlick. We drink GOD’S whisky. Kentucky Bourbon.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“I-i-i meant no offense, my good man…”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Too late. You done did it. Plus you got one of them Men In Tights accents… boy you got some nerve showin’ up over here in the States during America’s 250th. What, you wanna go another round like it was 1776?”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Well I think that happened in 1812…”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“ARE YOU GIVING ME LIP, YOU POWDERED WIG PUSSY?”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #2ecc40;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“I have no idea what’s going on here…”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“SEEEEE-<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">LAP!!!!”</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck actually shouts this out loud as he swings his hand, the size of a gallon of milk, and slams it into the side of the Englishman's cranium, sending him over the bar. The man is audibly snoring before his body even fully settles. Tuck just sits back down as if nothing happened.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“It was my paw, what learnt me to slap.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“See, that carpetbaggin’ sonsabitch weren’t even from Kentucky. He was a truck drivin’ SOB with families in a dozen states. He ain’t gave me my name, that was ma, but what he did give me was a genetic predisposition to havin’ a real bad attitude and bein’ quick to throw hands. My ma? I seen her catch backhands over cold dinners, warm beers, and even walkin’ in front of the TV during a big play. My paw had the same answer to every question - a hand across the cheek.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Yep. That man used to reach down like he was tryin’ to pull the devil hisself up outta Hell, then smack my mama so hard she’d be wearin’ sunglasses for week. And every time he threw one o’ them haymakers into my mama’s face, I was right there to soak it all in. The form. The angle. The follow through. I weren’t never one to get good grades at school but I’ve always been a quick study when it came to throwin’ skin.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“I wanted the old man to see what I’d learnt off him. So one of them times mama didn’t get the can open fast enough or what have you, and that SOB decided it was time to step into the batter’s box, I stepped in front of my mama and sent one straight over home plate at him. I thought he’d be tougher to drop, but his head bounced off the floor quick like a bunny. He couldn’t drive no trucks after that, on account’a spending the rest of his life cockeyed. He’s dead now. Ma’s just fine.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Kentucky Taggart stands at home plate of some run down ball field. The kind they use whatever’s laying around for bases. The old No Parking sign at his feet serving as home plate is a prime example.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">The couple dozen or so of locals in the cheap metal bleachers have their cells out, knowing they might be in store for yet another one of Tuck’s newsworthy feats. Tuck’s daughter Lexi stands on the pitcher’s mound with a bright yellow softball in her hand.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck is not holding a bat.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Now… Mister Lenny Pussyfarting. I ain’t one to mince no words. I came down here to the local diamond to give you a little glimpse of what’s fixin’ to happen to your temporomandibular joint when we stand across from each other at Bad Medicine. That’s the fancy medical term for the thing that holds that waggin’ chin of yours attached to the rest of your soft skull. Let’s just say I learned it off a few court appearances."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color">“I respect the fact that you signed up for this, but that’s where the respect stops. You probably think I’m just some dumb hickerbilly that can’t read. Well, mister, I ain’t one of your Oxford educated Shakespeare butt-buddies, but I got a certain way with words all my own. Matter of fact, at Bad Medicine I plan on rearranging the letters in OBE to make ‘em read DOA. YOU READY, LEX?”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Lexi nods and starts rotating her shoulder.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“My baby girl was startin’ pitcher on the UK softball team. Show ‘em a sample, Lex!”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Lexi swoops her arm in a rapid circle and flings the softball into the mitt of a previously unseen catcher with the sound of a car backfiring.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Nice.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck grins as the ball is returned to Lexi. She throws another fast pitch and this time Tuck slaps it! It sounds like a thunderclap as the ball sails out over the outfield and disappears.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck smiles as he turns to the camera.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Lenny… I don’t reckon you got a chin tougher’n a 90 mph fastball. I doubt you got taught how to handle it when I roll these bones across your face at Mrs. Periwinkle’s Performing Arts School for Sissies. I imagine you don’t think violence is the answer… and amigo, you’re right.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">Tuck spits into the dirt.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“Violence ain’t the answer. It’s the question.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">He gives a Robert Redford nod.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font"><img src="https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTZjMDliOTUyNG9jbGRneTBjanBucnpwdnhsOTNyM2RrdGplYTZiY2hxaDFmaW5wZyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/Lr4RSBQs8k9aCKKtjI/giphy.gif" width="450"></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff4136;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font">“The answer… is yes.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-family: Georgia;" class="mycode_font"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/21xGDg52/Gemini-Generated-Image-ruupkkruupkkruup-2.png" width=500"></span></span></div>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[B.O.J- II. / Diagnosis For Dummies: Euthanasia For Escape Artists]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50271</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jul 2026 04:39:34 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=3223">Judd Hollow</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50271</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Ij9WPow-8na-uRCfjtdARFtSqRctLsxJ1D0bxrw-rY/edit?usp=drivesdk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url"><br />
Research Is A Hell Of A Drug…</a></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Ij9WPow-8na-uRCfjtdARFtSqRctLsxJ1D0bxrw-rY/edit?usp=drivesdk" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="mycode_url"><br />
Research Is A Hell Of A Drug…</a></div>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Proof of Partnership]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50270</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:20:07 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=3175">Kristoffer &quot;Vamp&quot; Arroyo</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50270</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TNSJnYY4cJU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<div style="text-align: right;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffff44;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Location: The DMV.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/rmH9MmHV/ezgif-78f48fb566c8df0c.gif" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: ezgif-78f48fb566c8df0c.gif]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
<br />
<br />
The camera opens on a ticket pinched between two grimy fingers.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">**<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">B-47</span></span>**</div>
<br />
The shot pulls back to reveal Graves staring at it.<br />
<br />
Beside him sits Arroyo with the Anarchy Tag Team Championship resting across his lap.<br />
<br />
A man arguing over a license renewal.<br />
<br />
A crying baby.<br />
<br />
And a crackhead leaning against a vending machine.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"Micheal..."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Hmm?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Why are we here?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"To get verified."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"We are champions."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Exactly!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris waits.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"I'm waiting for the rest of that thought to become less stupid."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Last Anarchy, nobody could tell which Centurion was real. So clearly the XWF has an identification problem."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris stares at Graves with three whole centuries worth of disappointment.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"You dragged me to the DMV... to prove we are not secretly Centurion?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Real ID office. Don't say it like that. Makes it sound dumb."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"It IS dumb."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"It's leadership, asshole."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Do you have brain damage?.. Seriously..."</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">DING.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">**<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">B-12</span></span>**</div>
<br />
Graves looks at his ticket.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Son of a bitch!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris reclines.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"We are going to be here until Bad Medicine."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Good. Plenty of time to think about what Andy did."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"What Andy did?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Let himself get copied.<br />
<br />
That’s what keeps sticking in my head, Krissy. Not that Pennyfarthing dressed up like Centurion. He did it to me once. The embarrassing part is it worked."</span></i><br />
<br />
The baby starts crying louder.<br />
<br />
Graves turns.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Quiet that sonofabitch up. Adults are murdering a legacy over here!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris raises one hand apologetically.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Sorry, he's mostly harmless...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">Listen, you are not entirely wrong."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Say that again, but louder."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"No.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">Centurion's reputation is supposed to mean experience. Instinct. Awareness.<br />
<br />
Then one skinny British lunatic put on his face and turned the entire match into a clown show."</span><br />
<br />
Graves snaps his fingers.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"There it is."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"It was proof that Centurion has become so formulaic that he's been reduced to a mere costume."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Easy to copy, and easier to predict."</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">DING.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">**<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">B-13</span></span>**</div>
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I'm gonna murder that board."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris turns to the camera.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"This is what awaits you, Centurion. At Bad Medicine, there will be no duplicate to blame, no mystery to untangle, no committee deciding whether the corpse was you or a cheap copy."</span><br />
<br />
Graves leans forward.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You ain't fake because somebody copied you, Andy.<br />
<br />
You're fake because the copy was enough to fool everyone."</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">DING.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">**<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">B-14</span></span>**</div>
<br />
Graves explodes to his feet.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"BULLSHIT!"</span></i><br />
<br />
He storms to the counter with his championship over one shoulder.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Sir, your number hasn't been called."</span><br />
<br />
Graves slaps the title onto the counter.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"This is my fuckin' number."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"I need a valid form of ID."</span><br />
<br />
Graves taps the title.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Valid."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"No, I need a photo ID."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"There's my name."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"That doesn't prove you are Micheal Graves."</span><br />
<br />
Kris places his shades back over his eyes.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"To be fair, his paperwork may prove he's actually a missing circus animal."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Whose side are you on?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"The side of accuracy."</span><br />
<br />
The clerk types.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Full legal name?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Micheal Alexander Graves."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Date of birth?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"What calendar?"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris stares.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"What?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Romans? Catholics? Druids? I seen a guy swear it was year twenty-five after Dale Earnhardt."</span></i><br />
<br />
The clerk exhales.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Do you have aliases?"</span><br />
<br />
Kris rolls his eyes.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"This should only take the rest of civilization."</span><br />
<br />
Graves counts on his fingers.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Micheal Graves. Dark Warrior. Gravy. Green Jesus. Nightmare Daddy."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Green Jesus?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Don't get hung up on the small stuff."</span></i><br />
<br />
The clerk looks to Kris.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"And you?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Kristoffer Arroyo."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Date of birth?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"That is complicated."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Bullshit. You're a fuckin' vampire."</span></i><br />
<br />
The room stops for a moment, then the baby cries again.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Thank you, Micheal."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Sir, are you claiming to be a vampire?"</span><br />
<br />
Kris leans forward, offended.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Claiming?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Careful. He gets real Judgemental Judy about that."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"I get irritated when three centuries of existence get reduced to a punchline."</span><br />
<br />
The clerk looks like she wants to retire early.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Both of you. Secondary verification."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"See? VIP."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"No. This is what happens before security's called..."</span><br />
<br />
Secondary verification is a tiny room with a metal desk and two plastic chairs.<br />
<br />
On the wall, a poster reads...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">HOW TO SPOT A FAKE ID</span></div>
<br />
Graves notices immediately.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Krissy."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Do not."</span><br />
<br />
Graves reads aloud.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Bad photo. Wrong details. Poor imitation. Expired information. Missing security features."</span></i><br />
<br />
A grin crawls across his face.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"It's Centurion."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Unfortunately, that is also not entirely wrong."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Bad photo?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/UdLSPlv.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: UdLSPlv.png]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Check!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Wrong details? Calling yourself the future while everything about you smells like yesterday."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Poor imitation? Pennyfarthing turned the mighty Centurion into a matching pair."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris looks into the camera.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"That's the humiliation. Lane'l didn't just prove that nobody could tell which Centurion was real.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">He proved it really didn't matter.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">Your reputation used to open doors... Now it gets questioned.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">And then there is Oleandyr Reitan."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You got fight in you, Oleandyr. I ain’t blind. But fighting and tagging ain’t the same thing."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"A black belt does not teach you what to do when your partner is three steps late and Micheal Graves has you by the throat."</span><br />
<br />
Graves leans against the desk.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Oleandyr, I ain't gonna do the lazy thing. Your identity ain't my punchline. Your politics ain't my problem. None of that is why you're gonna lose."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"You are not the joke. You're the receipt."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Proof that Centurion needed a new story to try and find footing in the modern age."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"A new partner. A new banner. A new reason to believe the future still has room for the past."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Nellie saw a fighter. <br />
<br />
Centurion saw a chance at renewed relevance.<br />
<br />
Management saw a draw and called it a shortcut to a title match.<br />
<br />
You didn't beat the Imposters. Didn't beat American Storm. Damn sure didn't beat us. You barely survived a Scooby-Doo ending with officials too dumb to pull the mask off the old man.<br />
<br />
You couldn't put away Pennyfarthing playing dress-up and whatever bargain-bin version of me he dragged out to the ring.<br />
<br />
So what makes you think you're taking these belts from Arroyo and the 'Real Deal Gravy-field'?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"Great, another nickname..."</span><br />
<br />
The clerk slides two forms across the desk.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Both applications are unable to verify."</span><br />
<br />
Kris looks down.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Funny. That didn't stop Centurion from getting a title shot."</span><br />
<br />
The clerk reaches for another form.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"I also need proof of partnership."</span><br />
<br />
Graves blinks.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Proof of what?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Partnership. Shared residence, business documentation, joint obligations."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Shared residence? I would rather chew glass..."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I got a receipt from the adult store!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Do not produce that."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"So you have no proof this partnership is legitimate?"</span><br />
<br />
Graves and Kris stop.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Of course we do."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"We've proven it time and again!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris steps away from the desk.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"A team is not real just because Nellie explains it well."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Or because Andy nods like he understands any of that new-age nonsense."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"A team becomes real the second something goes wrong and neither partner has to stop and wonder what the other is going to do about it."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Andy wants to prove he still matters."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Oleandyr wants to prove they belong in the ring."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And they all want this to mean something more than a title shot none of them earned."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Which means they have their work cut out for them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">They have to learn timing. They have to decide who leads. Centurion will want control. Oleandyr will want impact. Centurion will want to protect them. Oleandyr will want to prove they do not need protecting."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"He hesitates. They overreach. We hit the opening."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"And that, unfortunately for them, is where the bell may as well ring."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And the best part? They gotta figure all that out while we're punching 'em in the thinking meat."</span></i><br />
<br />
The clerk stares.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Are you threatening someone in a government building?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Spiritually, yes!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Legally, no..."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Leave. Now."</span><br />
<br />
Graves grabs his title and marches to the photo station.<br />
<br />
Kris follows.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Micheal, what are you doing?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Making ID."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"That is illegal."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Only if it sucks."</span></i><br />
<br />
A security guard walks over.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Sir, you cannot use that."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I'm an employee."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Of the DMV?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Of violence."</span></i><br />
<br />
The guard looks at Graves.<br />
<br />
Then Arroyo.<br />
<br />
Then the belts.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"*sigh* Just don't break anything..."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No promises!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">Flash.</span></span></div>
<br />
Kris looks at Graves' photo.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/Fs9wGqxD/Gravy-DMV.jpg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Gravy-DMV.jpg]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"You look like a mugshot escaped from a dumpster and joined a gym."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Perfect. Your turn."</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">Flash.</span></span></div>
<br />
Naturally, Kris looks flawless.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/wM3Lj9pt/Arroyo-DMV.jpg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Arroyo-DMV.jpg]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Bullshit!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Superior undead genetics."</span><br />
<br />
Graves faces the camera.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"This is what you don't understand, Andy. You and Oleandyr are coming in trying to prove something."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Trying to prove the team is real. Trying to prove that draw meant something. Trying to prove Oleandyr belongs here and that you still do too."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"We ain't here asking permission."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"We are not waiting for verification."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"We don't need Nellie or anyone else explaining us to the crowd."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"We do not need a cause to disguise ambition."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"We don't even need trust."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris looks at him.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"No, but I trust that when the bell rings, you will become a deeply unpleasant problem."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And I trust you'll do that elegant vampire bullshit where you make people feel stupid while you hurt 'em."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"That might be the nicest thing you have ever said to me."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Don't get used to it."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris faces the camera.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"That is why this works. When the match goes sideways, we become simpler."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Meaner."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Sharper."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And harder to stop."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Centurion and Oleandyr are complicated. That is where they lose."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"First time Oleandyr gets clipped, Andy makes a choice. Protect the rookie or protect the match."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"Oleandyr will feel Centurion watching. Feel Nellie needing this to mean something. Feel every eye on them asking for proof they belong in the title picture."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And people trying to prove shit always leave something hanging for a bastard like me to grab!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"When they rush, we split the ring."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And make Andy watch the new kid learn ugly."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"That's the match. Their inexperience creates openings."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And we fuckin' seize 'em!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris raises his title.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"And unfortunately for them, we are very good with seizing openings."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"These titles? Real."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Their momentum? Paper thin."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Your title shot is built on confusion, and barely surviving The Imposters."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"Oleandyr, you might become something. But not by Bad Medicine, and NOT against us."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"We ain't here to train you."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"We are here to retain."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Andy, when this goes bad, don't look surprised. Don't look at Nellie. Don't look at the ref. Don't look around for another you to pin the blame on."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"There will be no counterfeit to hide behind."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No draw."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"No mystery."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No Scooby-Doo bullshit."</span></i><br />
<br />
Graves lifts the belt high.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"At Bad Medicine, the Midnight Stalkers walk in Anarchy Tag Team Champions."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris raises his beside him.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"And walk out exactly the same."</span><br />
<br />
Graves leans into the lens.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"This time, Andy, when you're flat on your back staring up at the lights, don't worry.<br />
<br />
We'll make sure everybody knows it's really you."</span></i><br />
<br />
The clerk appears behind them with a stamp.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Absolutely not. You are both—"</span><br />
<br />
The clerk stops.<br />
<br />
She looks at the photos. The belts. And the mean looking men holding them.<br />
<br />
Somehow, against all common sense... she slams a stamp down onto both.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #00ff00;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">VERIFIED!</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"See?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"I hate that this worked."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Real champions!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Now please leave."</span><br />
<br />
But Graves is already looking the red stamp on her desk.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Micheal..."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Hmm?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Do not."</span><br />
<br />
Too late.<br />
<br />
Graves snatches the red stamp, grabs a flyer from the counter advertising Bad Medicine, and slaps it down over the faces of Centurion and Oleandyr.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff0000;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">DENIED!</span></span></span></div>
<br />
The clerk gasps.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Sir!"</span><br />
<br />
Graves holds the flyer up to the camera.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Centurion and Oleandyr."</span></i><br />
<br />
He taps the red letters.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Denied."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris smiles.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Now that is acceptable."</span><br />
<br />
Security starts yelling.<br />
<br />
Graves tosses the stamp back without looking.<br />
<br />
The clerk screams.<br />
<br />
Graves and Arroyo walk out past the crackhead, who salutes them with one shoe on his hand.<br />
<br />
The camera lingers on the number board.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">DING.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">**<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">B-47</span></span>**</div>
<br />
From just outside.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"SON OF A BITCH!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Cut to black.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TNSJnYY4cJU?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<hr class="mycode_hr" />
<div style="text-align: right;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffff44;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Location: The DMV.</span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/rmH9MmHV/ezgif-78f48fb566c8df0c.gif" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: ezgif-78f48fb566c8df0c.gif]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
<br />
<br />
The camera opens on a ticket pinched between two grimy fingers.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">**<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">B-47</span></span>**</div>
<br />
The shot pulls back to reveal Graves staring at it.<br />
<br />
Beside him sits Arroyo with the Anarchy Tag Team Championship resting across his lap.<br />
<br />
A man arguing over a license renewal.<br />
<br />
A crying baby.<br />
<br />
And a crackhead leaning against a vending machine.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"Micheal..."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Hmm?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Why are we here?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"To get verified."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"We are champions."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Exactly!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris waits.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"I'm waiting for the rest of that thought to become less stupid."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Last Anarchy, nobody could tell which Centurion was real. So clearly the XWF has an identification problem."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris stares at Graves with three whole centuries worth of disappointment.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"You dragged me to the DMV... to prove we are not secretly Centurion?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Real ID office. Don't say it like that. Makes it sound dumb."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"It IS dumb."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"It's leadership, asshole."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Do you have brain damage?.. Seriously..."</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">DING.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">**<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">B-12</span></span>**</div>
<br />
Graves looks at his ticket.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Son of a bitch!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris reclines.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"We are going to be here until Bad Medicine."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Good. Plenty of time to think about what Andy did."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"What Andy did?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Let himself get copied.<br />
<br />
That’s what keeps sticking in my head, Krissy. Not that Pennyfarthing dressed up like Centurion. He did it to me once. The embarrassing part is it worked."</span></i><br />
<br />
The baby starts crying louder.<br />
<br />
Graves turns.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Quiet that sonofabitch up. Adults are murdering a legacy over here!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris raises one hand apologetically.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Sorry, he's mostly harmless...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">Listen, you are not entirely wrong."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Say that again, but louder."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"No.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">Centurion's reputation is supposed to mean experience. Instinct. Awareness.<br />
<br />
Then one skinny British lunatic put on his face and turned the entire match into a clown show."</span><br />
<br />
Graves snaps his fingers.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"There it is."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"It was proof that Centurion has become so formulaic that he's been reduced to a mere costume."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Easy to copy, and easier to predict."</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">DING.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">**<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">B-13</span></span>**</div>
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I'm gonna murder that board."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris turns to the camera.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"This is what awaits you, Centurion. At Bad Medicine, there will be no duplicate to blame, no mystery to untangle, no committee deciding whether the corpse was you or a cheap copy."</span><br />
<br />
Graves leans forward.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You ain't fake because somebody copied you, Andy.<br />
<br />
You're fake because the copy was enough to fool everyone."</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">DING.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">**<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size">B-14</span></span>**</div>
<br />
Graves explodes to his feet.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"BULLSHIT!"</span></i><br />
<br />
He storms to the counter with his championship over one shoulder.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Sir, your number hasn't been called."</span><br />
<br />
Graves slaps the title onto the counter.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"This is my fuckin' number."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"I need a valid form of ID."</span><br />
<br />
Graves taps the title.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Valid."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"No, I need a photo ID."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"There's my name."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"That doesn't prove you are Micheal Graves."</span><br />
<br />
Kris places his shades back over his eyes.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"To be fair, his paperwork may prove he's actually a missing circus animal."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Whose side are you on?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"The side of accuracy."</span><br />
<br />
The clerk types.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Full legal name?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Micheal Alexander Graves."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Date of birth?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"What calendar?"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris stares.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"What?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Romans? Catholics? Druids? I seen a guy swear it was year twenty-five after Dale Earnhardt."</span></i><br />
<br />
The clerk exhales.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Do you have aliases?"</span><br />
<br />
Kris rolls his eyes.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"This should only take the rest of civilization."</span><br />
<br />
Graves counts on his fingers.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Micheal Graves. Dark Warrior. Gravy. Green Jesus. Nightmare Daddy."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Green Jesus?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Don't get hung up on the small stuff."</span></i><br />
<br />
The clerk looks to Kris.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"And you?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Kristoffer Arroyo."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Date of birth?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"That is complicated."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Bullshit. You're a fuckin' vampire."</span></i><br />
<br />
The room stops for a moment, then the baby cries again.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Thank you, Micheal."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Sir, are you claiming to be a vampire?"</span><br />
<br />
Kris leans forward, offended.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Claiming?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Careful. He gets real Judgemental Judy about that."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"I get irritated when three centuries of existence get reduced to a punchline."</span><br />
<br />
The clerk looks like she wants to retire early.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Both of you. Secondary verification."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"See? VIP."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"No. This is what happens before security's called..."</span><br />
<br />
Secondary verification is a tiny room with a metal desk and two plastic chairs.<br />
<br />
On the wall, a poster reads...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b">HOW TO SPOT A FAKE ID</span></div>
<br />
Graves notices immediately.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Krissy."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Do not."</span><br />
<br />
Graves reads aloud.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Bad photo. Wrong details. Poor imitation. Expired information. Missing security features."</span></i><br />
<br />
A grin crawls across his face.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"It's Centurion."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Unfortunately, that is also not entirely wrong."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Bad photo?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/UdLSPlv.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: UdLSPlv.png]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Check!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Wrong details? Calling yourself the future while everything about you smells like yesterday."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Poor imitation? Pennyfarthing turned the mighty Centurion into a matching pair."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris looks into the camera.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"That's the humiliation. Lane'l didn't just prove that nobody could tell which Centurion was real.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">He proved it really didn't matter.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">Your reputation used to open doors... Now it gets questioned.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">And then there is Oleandyr Reitan."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"You got fight in you, Oleandyr. I ain’t blind. But fighting and tagging ain’t the same thing."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"A black belt does not teach you what to do when your partner is three steps late and Micheal Graves has you by the throat."</span><br />
<br />
Graves leans against the desk.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Oleandyr, I ain't gonna do the lazy thing. Your identity ain't my punchline. Your politics ain't my problem. None of that is why you're gonna lose."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"You are not the joke. You're the receipt."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Proof that Centurion needed a new story to try and find footing in the modern age."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"A new partner. A new banner. A new reason to believe the future still has room for the past."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Nellie saw a fighter. <br />
<br />
Centurion saw a chance at renewed relevance.<br />
<br />
Management saw a draw and called it a shortcut to a title match.<br />
<br />
You didn't beat the Imposters. Didn't beat American Storm. Damn sure didn't beat us. You barely survived a Scooby-Doo ending with officials too dumb to pull the mask off the old man.<br />
<br />
You couldn't put away Pennyfarthing playing dress-up and whatever bargain-bin version of me he dragged out to the ring.<br />
<br />
So what makes you think you're taking these belts from Arroyo and the 'Real Deal Gravy-field'?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"Great, another nickname..."</span><br />
<br />
The clerk slides two forms across the desk.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Both applications are unable to verify."</span><br />
<br />
Kris looks down.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Funny. That didn't stop Centurion from getting a title shot."</span><br />
<br />
The clerk reaches for another form.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"I also need proof of partnership."</span><br />
<br />
Graves blinks.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Proof of what?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Partnership. Shared residence, business documentation, joint obligations."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Shared residence? I would rather chew glass..."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I got a receipt from the adult store!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Do not produce that."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"So you have no proof this partnership is legitimate?"</span><br />
<br />
Graves and Kris stop.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Of course we do."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"We've proven it time and again!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris steps away from the desk.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"A team is not real just because Nellie explains it well."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Or because Andy nods like he understands any of that new-age nonsense."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"A team becomes real the second something goes wrong and neither partner has to stop and wonder what the other is going to do about it."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Andy wants to prove he still matters."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Oleandyr wants to prove they belong in the ring."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And they all want this to mean something more than a title shot none of them earned."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Which means they have their work cut out for them.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">They have to learn timing. They have to decide who leads. Centurion will want control. Oleandyr will want impact. Centurion will want to protect them. Oleandyr will want to prove they do not need protecting."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"He hesitates. They overreach. We hit the opening."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"And that, unfortunately for them, is where the bell may as well ring."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And the best part? They gotta figure all that out while we're punching 'em in the thinking meat."</span></i><br />
<br />
The clerk stares.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Are you threatening someone in a government building?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Spiritually, yes!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Legally, no..."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Leave. Now."</span><br />
<br />
Graves grabs his title and marches to the photo station.<br />
<br />
Kris follows.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Micheal, what are you doing?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Making ID."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"That is illegal."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Only if it sucks."</span></i><br />
<br />
A security guard walks over.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Sir, you cannot use that."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I'm an employee."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Of the DMV?"</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Of violence."</span></i><br />
<br />
The guard looks at Graves.<br />
<br />
Then Arroyo.<br />
<br />
Then the belts.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"*sigh* Just don't break anything..."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No promises!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">Flash.</span></span></div>
<br />
Kris looks at Graves' photo.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/Fs9wGqxD/Gravy-DMV.jpg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Gravy-DMV.jpg]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"You look like a mugshot escaped from a dumpster and joined a gym."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Perfect. Your turn."</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">Flash.</span></span></div>
<br />
Naturally, Kris looks flawless.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/wM3Lj9pt/Arroyo-DMV.jpg" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Arroyo-DMV.jpg]" class="mycode_img" /></div>
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Bullshit!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Superior undead genetics."</span><br />
<br />
Graves faces the camera.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"This is what you don't understand, Andy. You and Oleandyr are coming in trying to prove something."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Trying to prove the team is real. Trying to prove that draw meant something. Trying to prove Oleandyr belongs here and that you still do too."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"We ain't here asking permission."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"We are not waiting for verification."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"We don't need Nellie or anyone else explaining us to the crowd."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"We do not need a cause to disguise ambition."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"We don't even need trust."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris looks at him.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"No, but I trust that when the bell rings, you will become a deeply unpleasant problem."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And I trust you'll do that elegant vampire bullshit where you make people feel stupid while you hurt 'em."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"That might be the nicest thing you have ever said to me."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Don't get used to it."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris faces the camera.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"That is why this works. When the match goes sideways, we become simpler."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Meaner."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Sharper."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And harder to stop."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Centurion and Oleandyr are complicated. That is where they lose."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"First time Oleandyr gets clipped, Andy makes a choice. Protect the rookie or protect the match."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"Oleandyr will feel Centurion watching. Feel Nellie needing this to mean something. Feel every eye on them asking for proof they belong in the title picture."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And people trying to prove shit always leave something hanging for a bastard like me to grab!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"When they rush, we split the ring."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And make Andy watch the new kid learn ugly."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"That's the match. Their inexperience creates openings."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"And we fuckin' seize 'em!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris raises his title.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"And unfortunately for them, we are very good with seizing openings."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"These titles? Real."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Their momentum? Paper thin."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Your title shot is built on confusion, and barely surviving The Imposters."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f551ff;" class="mycode_color">"Oleandyr, you might become something. But not by Bad Medicine, and NOT against us."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"We ain't here to train you."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"We are here to retain."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Andy, when this goes bad, don't look surprised. Don't look at Nellie. Don't look at the ref. Don't look around for another you to pin the blame on."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"There will be no counterfeit to hide behind."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No draw."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"No mystery."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"No Scooby-Doo bullshit."</span></i><br />
<br />
Graves lifts the belt high.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"At Bad Medicine, the Midnight Stalkers walk in Anarchy Tag Team Champions."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris raises his beside him.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"And walk out exactly the same."</span><br />
<br />
Graves leans into the lens.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"This time, Andy, when you're flat on your back staring up at the lights, don't worry.<br />
<br />
We'll make sure everybody knows it's really you."</span></i><br />
<br />
The clerk appears behind them with a stamp.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Absolutely not. You are both—"</span><br />
<br />
The clerk stops.<br />
<br />
She looks at the photos. The belts. And the mean looking men holding them.<br />
<br />
Somehow, against all common sense... she slams a stamp down onto both.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #00ff00;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">VERIFIED!</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"See?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"I hate that this worked."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Real champions!"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Now please leave."</span><br />
<br />
But Graves is already looking the red stamp on her desk.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Micheal..."</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Hmm?"</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Do not."</span><br />
<br />
Too late.<br />
<br />
Graves snatches the red stamp, grabs a flyer from the counter advertising Bad Medicine, and slaps it down over the faces of Centurion and Oleandyr.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #ff0000;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">DENIED!</span></span></span></div>
<br />
The clerk gasps.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;" class="mycode_i">"Sir!"</span><br />
<br />
Graves holds the flyer up to the camera.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Centurion and Oleandyr."</span></i><br />
<br />
He taps the red letters.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Denied."</span></i><br />
<br />
Kris smiles.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #F551FF;" class="mycode_color">"Now that is acceptable."</span><br />
<br />
Security starts yelling.<br />
<br />
Graves tosses the stamp back without looking.<br />
<br />
The clerk screams.<br />
<br />
Graves and Arroyo walk out past the crackhead, who salutes them with one shoe on his hand.<br />
<br />
The camera lingers on the number board.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: xx-large;" class="mycode_size">DING.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align">**<span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">B-47</span></span>**</div>
<br />
From just outside.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"SON OF A BITCH!"</span></i><br />
<br />
Cut to black.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Kind of Meds]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50269</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2026 02:01:09 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=3184">Deena Hixx</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50269</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">We open backstage, where the face of a new XWF Women sat on the makeup chair, with Deena</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">quietly fixing up her Artist makeup for next Sunday's show. The veteran make-up artist finished up</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">on the young woman's face, as she rises, admiring</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">her reflection, before exiting, as a much more mesomorphic figure enters, staring at Latoya. She panics,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">dropping her supplies, in the presence of XWF Superstar, Deena Hixx, who did not look pleased.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">Oh my! ... Oh, it's you again. Look, I've got a couple of more girls, and</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Then, if there's time, I can squeeze you in before</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">The show starts.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Hixx scoffs as Latoya bends down to retrieve her makeup stockpile.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">You and I both know that's a damn lie. Look, I'm just trying to get my face</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">beat like everybody else, that little broad you just finished up on? She doesn't even work here.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">What's the holdup?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">Look, next Sunday is a hectic night, okay, The Blade's Championship Blade tournament... XWF Superstar, women, and men from the past and present all under the same</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">roof, and guess who's got to make sure all of them look picture perfect out there? Not to mention</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">the Bad Medicine men and women are up here, and the girls and boys. I'm sorry, sweetie, but you're going to have to wait,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">and truthfully? The extras usually do their own</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">makeup.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">A scoff let out from between the Geek Goddess's lips, as she placed her hands upon her lips, appalled by Latoya's statement.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">Extra? You ain't seen extra, but let me tell you something, you keep</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">running your mouth like that? I can get a real extra</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">real quick. Let this be the first and last time I have to introduce myself... my name? is Deena Hixx,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">and I am the Geek Goddess of XWF Wrestling</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The make-up artist mutters under her breath, reaching for her brush, but before she could grab it,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Deena snatches it, sneering, as Latoya rises. Hixx toys with the make-up brush, twirling it between</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">her manicured fingertips, before</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">speaking.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">Oh, you don't believe Mr., huh? Well, allow me to give you an insider</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">exclusive -- it's official, Deena Hixx is an XWF Women,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">and I am making my second appearance next Sunday at Bad Medicine. You see, last year,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">I had a little problem with Jay Fetu Latoya Hixx. And they were so</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">impressed, they even threw me out of Qualifier. After months of waiting, I finally</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">got the message, and management practically begged me to sign my beautiful signature on the dotted line. i am one of one, and i</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">don't play games, i came to XWF To Succeed, and take it to my Bad Medicine, and next Sunday</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">i have the perfect opportunity to do just that Latoya Hixx said there's a Blade Championship  Blade tournament Sunday, and</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">the winner gets a Blade Championship, So look, i don't know who</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">you got next, but they can not be more important than me.</span><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">She holds the make-up brush out, and just before Deena reaches out, XWF member Latoya enters the scene.<br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #cf2be7;" class="mycode_color">Oh, not at all, Latoya, I can actually squeeze yo-</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">Um, excuse me? Latoya, you just told me you ain't have time to do my face,  she pops up, now you got all </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">the time in the world. Which one is it?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">Unh-Unh, sis, it ain't about that, it's about respect... What's so funny?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Deena quirks a brow as Latoya smugly scoffs at her statement.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">Latoya, what? You're right about one thing ... you don't know who i am,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">but after next Sunday? I'm sure that you will never</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">forget me. See, I heard you were going to be in that Blade Championship Blade tournament next Sunday, and I was shocked</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">when I found out. You're Latoya,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Storm, a superstar, a way power... but let me remind you, ok, this ain't 2020 anymore, sweetie, this is a new</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">generation!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Deena Hixx:<span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"> Oh, honey, i am beyond different, and can show you way better than i can</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">tell ya. i prance around with a lot of confidence in myself because i do what i say, and i say what i do. I ain't playing - next Sunday, I'm walking out with the Blade tournament with a Blade Championship!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">I will eliminate anybody and everybody who even tries to try me. I've been there before, and yeah... I lost. But I'll be Damned if I lose again. Having to sit around and wait, while little girls and boys like</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main event, Jay Fetu is getting opportunities, only charged that I'm bout to cast over this women and men division, to a destruction beyond belief.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Latoya in this bitch! I came here to win my Blade tournament and dominance, and I cannot</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">wait to make an example outta these</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Women, I don't know who's all involved later, but them bobble-headed-thin-twin? I can snap them into tourniquets. Latoya Hixx will need more make-up than Latoya owns to fix that face after I'm</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">done with them, and their goofy ass might snap back into reality. When I get through with all of those men and women, then I will be the last woman standing as the new 2026 Blade tournament winner at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">While Hixx flicks at her Goddess-inspired hair, before continuing on.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">Oh, you quiet now, huh? That's cause a know by looking at me that I'm gonna be the face of this division, I am the</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">future... Honestly, look at me, and look at you, Latoya - my face ain't even beat, and I still look better than you, on your worst day. All of your best days are far gone, and there's only so far</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">nostalgia can take you. It won't be long until the</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">fans take a good look at you and realize that you aren't that girl and don't? still got it.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">But as I said, I can show you better than I can tell ya. So,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Go ahead, sis, take the seat, I don't need Latoya, but while you get your face caked-up, remember that next Sunday, I ain't</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">the one with everything to lose, just everything to gain, because I am The Goddess!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Deena slams Latoya's make-up brush, and hops out of her seat, and makes an exit from her salon</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">and headed to her locker room before the big day on Sunday.</span></span></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">We open backstage, where the face of a new XWF Women sat on the makeup chair, with Deena</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">quietly fixing up her Artist makeup for next Sunday's show. The veteran make-up artist finished up</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">on the young woman's face, as she rises, admiring</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">her reflection, before exiting, as a much more mesomorphic figure enters, staring at Latoya. She panics,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">dropping her supplies, in the presence of XWF Superstar, Deena Hixx, who did not look pleased.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">Oh my! ... Oh, it's you again. Look, I've got a couple of more girls, and</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Then, if there's time, I can squeeze you in before</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">The show starts.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Hixx scoffs as Latoya bends down to retrieve her makeup stockpile.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">You and I both know that's a damn lie. Look, I'm just trying to get my face</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">beat like everybody else, that little broad you just finished up on? She doesn't even work here.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">What's the holdup?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">Look, next Sunday is a hectic night, okay, The Blade's Championship Blade tournament... XWF Superstar, women, and men from the past and present all under the same</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">roof, and guess who's got to make sure all of them look picture perfect out there? Not to mention</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">the Bad Medicine men and women are up here, and the girls and boys. I'm sorry, sweetie, but you're going to have to wait,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">and truthfully? The extras usually do their own</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">makeup.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">A scoff let out from between the Geek Goddess's lips, as she placed her hands upon her lips, appalled by Latoya's statement.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">Extra? You ain't seen extra, but let me tell you something, you keep</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">running your mouth like that? I can get a real extra</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">real quick. Let this be the first and last time I have to introduce myself... my name? is Deena Hixx,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">and I am the Geek Goddess of XWF Wrestling</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The make-up artist mutters under her breath, reaching for her brush, but before she could grab it,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Deena snatches it, sneering, as Latoya rises. Hixx toys with the make-up brush, twirling it between</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">her manicured fingertips, before</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">speaking.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">Oh, you don't believe Mr., huh? Well, allow me to give you an insider</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">exclusive -- it's official, Deena Hixx is an XWF Women,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">and I am making my second appearance next Sunday at Bad Medicine. You see, last year,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">I had a little problem with Jay Fetu Latoya Hixx. And they were so</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">impressed, they even threw me out of Qualifier. After months of waiting, I finally</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">got the message, and management practically begged me to sign my beautiful signature on the dotted line. i am one of one, and i</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">don't play games, i came to XWF To Succeed, and take it to my Bad Medicine, and next Sunday</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">i have the perfect opportunity to do just that Latoya Hixx said there's a Blade Championship  Blade tournament Sunday, and</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">the winner gets a Blade Championship, So look, i don't know who</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">you got next, but they can not be more important than me.</span><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">She holds the make-up brush out, and just before Deena reaches out, XWF member Latoya enters the scene.<br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #cf2be7;" class="mycode_color">Oh, not at all, Latoya, I can actually squeeze yo-</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">Um, excuse me? Latoya, you just told me you ain't have time to do my face,  she pops up, now you got all </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">the time in the world. Which one is it?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">Unh-Unh, sis, it ain't about that, it's about respect... What's so funny?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Deena quirks a brow as Latoya smugly scoffs at her statement.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">Latoya, what? You're right about one thing ... you don't know who i am,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">but after next Sunday? I'm sure that you will never</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">forget me. See, I heard you were going to be in that Blade Championship Blade tournament next Sunday, and I was shocked</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">when I found out. You're Latoya,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Storm, a superstar, a way power... but let me remind you, ok, this ain't 2020 anymore, sweetie, this is a new</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #9a00b2;" class="mycode_color">generation!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">The Storm| Deena Hixx:<span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"> Oh, honey, i am beyond different, and can show you way better than i can</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">tell ya. i prance around with a lot of confidence in myself because i do what i say, and i say what i do. I ain't playing - next Sunday, I'm walking out with the Blade tournament with a Blade Championship!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">I will eliminate anybody and everybody who even tries to try me. I've been there before, and yeah... I lost. But I'll be Damned if I lose again. Having to sit around and wait, while little girls and boys like</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Main event, Jay Fetu is getting opportunities, only charged that I'm bout to cast over this women and men division, to a destruction beyond belief.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Latoya in this bitch! I came here to win my Blade tournament and dominance, and I cannot</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">wait to make an example outta these</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Women, I don't know who's all involved later, but them bobble-headed-thin-twin? I can snap them into tourniquets. Latoya Hixx will need more make-up than Latoya owns to fix that face after I'm</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">done with them, and their goofy ass might snap back into reality. When I get through with all of those men and women, then I will be the last woman standing as the new 2026 Blade tournament winner at Bad Medicine on XWF.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">While Hixx flicks at her Goddess-inspired hair, before continuing on.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Geek Goddess| Deena Hixx: <span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">Oh, you quiet now, huh? That's cause a know by looking at me that I'm gonna be the face of this division, I am the</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">future... Honestly, look at me, and look at you, Latoya - my face ain't even beat, and I still look better than you, on your worst day. All of your best days are far gone, and there's only so far</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">nostalgia can take you. It won't be long until the</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">fans take a good look at you and realize that you aren't that girl and don't? still got it.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">But as I said, I can show you better than I can tell ya. So,</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Go ahead, sis, take the seat, I don't need Latoya, but while you get your face caked-up, remember that next Sunday, I ain't</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">the one with everything to lose, just everything to gain, because I am The Goddess!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">Deena slams Latoya's make-up brush, and hops out of her seat, and makes an exit from her salon</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;" class="mycode_font">and headed to her locker room before the big day on Sunday.</span></span></div>]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[And Now, For Something Completely Different]]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50265</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:55:22 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=2230">Mr. Oz</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50265</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<center><table cellpadding="30" border="1" bordercolor="blue" width="60%"><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="black"><font color="white"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/rm2GvfboBtg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></font></td></tr></table></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Oswald, after his loss at Anarchy, chuckled to himself a bit while at home, in his ornately decorated office, sitting on a large chair that might as well be his throne. His hands steepled with index fingers to his chin as he is lost in thought, speaking aloud, because he knew he felt like he could understand better if he did. Sometimes, the big man will elect to do that. Other times he chooses to speak as if the camera was nearby. This time, it was.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"She was able to finally beat me. Good on her. Though, I didn't tap out. I will never again tap out. I'd rather pass out in a pool of my own blood than ever tap out again in my career."</span><br />
<br />
He then parted his hands and the right one dug into his left breast pocket of his jacket. Within his hand, an ornate, onyx covered lighter. He rolled his thumb across the mechanism, igniting the lighter and the gas within. However, with the way it was crafted, the flame came out bigger than normal lighters, making it more like a handheld flamethrower instead. His left hand went into his left pocket, pulling out a hash blunt. He put the blunt to his lips and the flame would spark it as he took a drag to make sure the blunt was lit.<br />
<br />
His thumb off the lighter, waving it a few times to make sure the motion cooled the metal inside a little bit before placing it back in his suit's breast pocket, patting it to ensure it was secure. As he blew out the smoke finally, he turned around and faced the doorway. Another drag, as his mind raced. A new match, brand new blood. <br />
<br />
The smoke he drew into his lungs being expelled as if he was some mythical creature with each syllable he spoke. That's when he noticed the camera, chuckled a bit before he would put out the blunt before expelling the rest of the smoke stored in his lungs, out through his nose and mouth slowly, causing his face to seemingly disappear from view before the smoke lifted and he was grinning.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"Dom, it seems? More like a sub to me, if they're going to throw you to the will of one of XWF's top performers. <br />
<br />
Now, normally, unless people need a history lesson, I don't need to remind people who I am. Some of my opponents are new to me, so I educate and you're not different. <br />
<br />
So, Dom. Here are my accolades, to give you some understanding of what the fuck they did to you. So listen closely, alright? <br />
<br />
I AM! A FOUR time STAR OF THE MONTH WINNER! I AM! A TWO time X-Treme Champion! A former Anarchy AND Revolution champion! One of the last people still active in this company knows about and former champion of the Intercontinental Championship and former Hart Champion. Titles now long defunct and hanging some place at the XWF's offices. You've performed how many matches so far? What? Three, four?<br />
<br />
I've had quite possibly a hundred or so. I lost track. Nor do I care outside of my championship victories. I am the Workhorse of this company. I am one of those men that will more than likely never win the Universal title, but you will know me more intimately because of it. My reputation, my presence, is all people pay attention to."</span><br />
<br />
He smirked a bit. Going back to the blunt and lighting it again, going through the process once more.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"Some call me the Butcher of Chi-town. Some call me Mister Oz. Some know me by my name, Oswald. To others, I am still Ghost Tank. Enter an obligatory 'fuck you, Lane' here."</span><br />
<br />
He took a drag on the blunt, holding it in for a good minute before blowing it out and tapping the ashes into a marble ashtray made to look a caved-in skull. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"You will know me as the man that will terrorize you at Bad Medicine. I will terrify and annihilate you. You are not worthy enough to lace my boots. If I had the choice to book myself, it would be title shot after title shot until I got tired. I've paid my dues, done my time, and I am here to put ten toes into the ground and show this company that I! And I ALONE! can make this company just as great as I've done for Chicago! I put asses in seats every Anarchy! Opening, main eventing or in the middle, I don't give a shit. I aim to maim. I hurt as a dessert. A little treat. Each blow, each grunt of pain, every scream of anguish, it's like a rush of sugar invading me. It spikes my adrenaline, it makes me... Happy."</span><br />
<br />
He chuckled softly as the blunt is once again in his mouth, but this time he keeps it in his mouth. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"I'm a Billionaire. I could have anything I want. So you know what I want, child? I want nothing more than to pierce your flesh upon the hooks in a match my crazed mind created nearly 12 years ago. <br />
<br />
I will be thorough. You will see my processes. My nickname of Butcher should be more in line with a Surgeon. My torture is beautifully crafted. You will see that first hand. <br />
<br />
Your death knell has started. The clock is ticking. When Mr. Oz destroys a greenhorn, and makes him regret his life choices that made him end up at the front of his feet."</span><br />
<br />
He takes the rest of that lit blunt and instead of using the ashtray, he would stick his tongue out, and used it to put it out. The ash that formed, gathered and then as he places the rest of the blunt in the ashtray as the camera watched Oz swallowed the ashes.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"See you at Bad Medicine, Dom. Pray for your win. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">Because I'll be praying on your downfall."</span>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<center><table cellpadding="30" border="1" bordercolor="blue" width="60%"><tr><td align="center" bgcolor="black"><font color="white"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/rm2GvfboBtg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></font></td></tr></table></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Oswald, after his loss at Anarchy, chuckled to himself a bit while at home, in his ornately decorated office, sitting on a large chair that might as well be his throne. His hands steepled with index fingers to his chin as he is lost in thought, speaking aloud, because he knew he felt like he could understand better if he did. Sometimes, the big man will elect to do that. Other times he chooses to speak as if the camera was nearby. This time, it was.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"She was able to finally beat me. Good on her. Though, I didn't tap out. I will never again tap out. I'd rather pass out in a pool of my own blood than ever tap out again in my career."</span><br />
<br />
He then parted his hands and the right one dug into his left breast pocket of his jacket. Within his hand, an ornate, onyx covered lighter. He rolled his thumb across the mechanism, igniting the lighter and the gas within. However, with the way it was crafted, the flame came out bigger than normal lighters, making it more like a handheld flamethrower instead. His left hand went into his left pocket, pulling out a hash blunt. He put the blunt to his lips and the flame would spark it as he took a drag to make sure the blunt was lit.<br />
<br />
His thumb off the lighter, waving it a few times to make sure the motion cooled the metal inside a little bit before placing it back in his suit's breast pocket, patting it to ensure it was secure. As he blew out the smoke finally, he turned around and faced the doorway. Another drag, as his mind raced. A new match, brand new blood. <br />
<br />
The smoke he drew into his lungs being expelled as if he was some mythical creature with each syllable he spoke. That's when he noticed the camera, chuckled a bit before he would put out the blunt before expelling the rest of the smoke stored in his lungs, out through his nose and mouth slowly, causing his face to seemingly disappear from view before the smoke lifted and he was grinning.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"Dom, it seems? More like a sub to me, if they're going to throw you to the will of one of XWF's top performers. <br />
<br />
Now, normally, unless people need a history lesson, I don't need to remind people who I am. Some of my opponents are new to me, so I educate and you're not different. <br />
<br />
So, Dom. Here are my accolades, to give you some understanding of what the fuck they did to you. So listen closely, alright? <br />
<br />
I AM! A FOUR time STAR OF THE MONTH WINNER! I AM! A TWO time X-Treme Champion! A former Anarchy AND Revolution champion! One of the last people still active in this company knows about and former champion of the Intercontinental Championship and former Hart Champion. Titles now long defunct and hanging some place at the XWF's offices. You've performed how many matches so far? What? Three, four?<br />
<br />
I've had quite possibly a hundred or so. I lost track. Nor do I care outside of my championship victories. I am the Workhorse of this company. I am one of those men that will more than likely never win the Universal title, but you will know me more intimately because of it. My reputation, my presence, is all people pay attention to."</span><br />
<br />
He smirked a bit. Going back to the blunt and lighting it again, going through the process once more.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"Some call me the Butcher of Chi-town. Some call me Mister Oz. Some know me by my name, Oswald. To others, I am still Ghost Tank. Enter an obligatory 'fuck you, Lane' here."</span><br />
<br />
He took a drag on the blunt, holding it in for a good minute before blowing it out and tapping the ashes into a marble ashtray made to look a caved-in skull. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"You will know me as the man that will terrorize you at Bad Medicine. I will terrify and annihilate you. You are not worthy enough to lace my boots. If I had the choice to book myself, it would be title shot after title shot until I got tired. I've paid my dues, done my time, and I am here to put ten toes into the ground and show this company that I! And I ALONE! can make this company just as great as I've done for Chicago! I put asses in seats every Anarchy! Opening, main eventing or in the middle, I don't give a shit. I aim to maim. I hurt as a dessert. A little treat. Each blow, each grunt of pain, every scream of anguish, it's like a rush of sugar invading me. It spikes my adrenaline, it makes me... Happy."</span><br />
<br />
He chuckled softly as the blunt is once again in his mouth, but this time he keeps it in his mouth. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"I'm a Billionaire. I could have anything I want. So you know what I want, child? I want nothing more than to pierce your flesh upon the hooks in a match my crazed mind created nearly 12 years ago. <br />
<br />
I will be thorough. You will see my processes. My nickname of Butcher should be more in line with a Surgeon. My torture is beautifully crafted. You will see that first hand. <br />
<br />
Your death knell has started. The clock is ticking. When Mr. Oz destroys a greenhorn, and makes him regret his life choices that made him end up at the front of his feet."</span><br />
<br />
He takes the rest of that lit blunt and instead of using the ashtray, he would stick his tongue out, and used it to put it out. The ash that formed, gathered and then as he places the rest of the blunt in the ashtray as the camera watched Oz swallowed the ashes.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">"See you at Bad Medicine, Dom. Pray for your win. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #419DC1;" class="mycode_color">Because I'll be praying on your downfall."</span>]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Still Runnin']]></title>
			<link>https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50263</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2026 12:14:28 -0700</pubDate>
			<dc:creator><![CDATA[<a href="https://xwf1999.com/member.php?action=profile&uid=3199">Miss Furry</a>]]></dc:creator>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://xwf1999.com/showthread.php?tid=50263</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/jSYRrxGP/Catbreak.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Catbreak.png]" class="mycode_img" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5pZmT6e7K3g?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">Boneyard Training Exercise: </span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Stop the Unstoppable.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffff44;" class="mycode_color">Location: A Field</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/85n3H4RC/Truck.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Truck.png]" class="mycode_img" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">A truck roars past Miss Furry.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Micheal Graves stands beside a steel stake driven deep into the ground about thirty feet away. A heavy chain runs from it to the truck's front axle, keeping the vehicle trapped in a wide loop.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Alright,"</span></i> <span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves calls.</span> <i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Stop it."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"How?"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">She enters the circle and watches it approach again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves shrugs as the truck barrels toward her.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry dives over the chain, and rolls through the dirt as it tears past her.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Well, that ain't gonna cut it."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"Maybe not, but it kept me alive!"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Sure..."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves walks toward her as the truck continues circling.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I used to think surviving was enough.<br />
<br />
Thought takin' whatever somebody had and gettin' back up made me unstoppable."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck passes again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"It didn't."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry rises, brushing dirt from her knees.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"It just made me predictable."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck continues circling.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Frances Marigold's gonna keep comin'. You hurt him, he keeps comin'. You knock him down, he keeps comin'. You damn near kill him..."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"He keeps coming."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Exactly! Just like the truck!"</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry looks from Graves to the truck.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"So how do I stop him?"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves smiles.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I dunno..."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck rounds the far end of the circle again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Maybe you don't. Maybe you let him keep runnin'?"</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry studies the chain and stake. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves steps back.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Survivin' keeps you alive, kid.<br />
<br />
Adaptin' keeps you dangerous."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck charges toward her again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">This time, her eyes follow the chain instead of the vehicle.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The same </span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">path.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Over a</span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">nd over a</span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">gain.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"It ain't chasing me."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves says nothing.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"It's just going where the chain lets it."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Half-buried beside the stake is a short steel bar. Furry snatches it up, waits for the truck to pass, then drives it into the ground next to the first.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck rounds the circle again, and the chain catches and</span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"> begins wrapping around the second stake.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves grins.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry turns toward the camera as the truck roars by again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"You and this truck got the same problem, Frances."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">She steps over the chain as it passes.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"You think because you keep moving, you must be getting somewhere.<br />
<br />
I already know what you're gonna tell me. You've been hurt worse than what I can do. Faced bigger monsters than me. Got knocked down, crawled back up, and kept coming.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I believe you, and physically, I'm giving up a lot here.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">Maybe you think having fewer than ten matches makes me too green to understand what I'm standing across from.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I've faced many who thought themselves to be the one to finally pin me. Most recently, Centurion thought experience made him untouchable. Jenny Myst thought her reputation guaranteed my defeat.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I solved every one of them before they solved me. That's why I've carried this championship since March.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I ain't winning because I've seen everything, Frances. I'm winning because I haven't been doing this long enough to confuse my habits with the only right answer. Every time somebody gives me a new problem, I adapt and find a new answer. You've had years to become the man you are, but in that that time you've fallen into a pattern, still answering every question with the same answer.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">When the pressure is cranked up, you always default to the same thing: endure. That means I don't need to predict your every move. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I only need to predict you."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck swerves harder now, its front tires fighting against the shrinking radius.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"You don't need to control a fight. You wait for somebody to get frustrated, overreach, and hand you one ugly opening. That's why I won't chase the finish you want. You don't get my frustration, Frances. You get my answer. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I stay patient, control the pace, deny your opening, and pin you.<br />
<br />
This isn't a contest of who can suffer more. I'm not required to break you. Only to beat you."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Another lap.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"Your whole legend starts with somebody else doing something to you. They hurt you, and you stagger forward."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">She points toward the truck.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"You're always moving, but somebody else is always deciding where."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The chain makes the stake groan.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"Every time you promise you'll survive, you admit I'm the one deciding what happens next.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">That's not strategy and it sure isn't going to lead you to victory.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">Graves once thought like you, b</span><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">ut he's learned the difference between simply refusing to die, and knowing how to win under any conditions.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">And then he taught it to me, but he didn't just hand me the answers. He taught me how to find them for myself."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck's circle has become violently small.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"So go ahead. Tell me you'll keep coming. Promise me I can't break you. Swear you'll survive everything I do to you.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">All you're doing is promising to follow the path after I've already figured out where it ends. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">You've got more scars than me, more fights, more years spent proving how much punishment you can take.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">But I've got the one thing you don't.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">A different answer. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">And this championship is proof. I didn't stumble into it and spend three months hanging on. Every defense gave me a new problem, and every time, I found the answer before my adversary could. You survive opponents, Frances. I solve them."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The chain snaps</span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">, and the truck flips onto its side and skids through the dirt, stopping mere feet from Furry.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Its engine continues roaring.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The wheels keep spinning.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">And Furry crouches beside it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"I know you can survive pain, Frances.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">That's why pain ain't my plan."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Behind her, Graves pulls the steel bar free.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"So what is?"</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry watches the useless wheels turn.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"Take away the road."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">She places a hand on the truck and looks into the camera.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"Still runnin'...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">But you ain't goin' nowhere...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Because at Bad Medicine, your road ends with me."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Furry walks away as we zoom in on the spinning wheel.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/Gh9MKvtx/200.gif" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: 200.gif]" class="mycode_img" /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/6qKFmq7G/Catbreak2.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Catbreak2.png]" class="mycode_img" /></span></div>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/jSYRrxGP/Catbreak.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Catbreak.png]" class="mycode_img" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5pZmT6e7K3g?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: large;" class="mycode_size"><span style="font-weight: bold;" class="mycode_b"><span style="color: #b10dc9;" class="mycode_color">Boneyard Training Exercise: </span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Stop the Unstoppable.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffff44;" class="mycode_color">Location: A Field</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/85n3H4RC/Truck.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Truck.png]" class="mycode_img" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">A truck roars past Miss Furry.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Micheal Graves stands beside a steel stake driven deep into the ground about thirty feet away. A heavy chain runs from it to the truck's front axle, keeping the vehicle trapped in a wide loop.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Alright,"</span></i> <span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves calls.</span> <i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Stop it."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"How?"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">She enters the circle and watches it approach again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves shrugs as the truck barrels toward her.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry dives over the chain, and rolls through the dirt as it tears past her.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Well, that ain't gonna cut it."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"Maybe not, but it kept me alive!"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Sure..."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves walks toward her as the truck continues circling.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I used to think surviving was enough.<br />
<br />
Thought takin' whatever somebody had and gettin' back up made me unstoppable."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck passes again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"It didn't."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry rises, brushing dirt from her knees.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"It just made me predictable."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck continues circling.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Frances Marigold's gonna keep comin'. You hurt him, he keeps comin'. You knock him down, he keeps comin'. You damn near kill him..."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"He keeps coming."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Exactly! Just like the truck!"</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry looks from Graves to the truck.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"So how do I stop him?"</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves smiles.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"I dunno..."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck rounds the far end of the circle again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Maybe you don't. Maybe you let him keep runnin'?"</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry studies the chain and stake. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves steps back.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"Survivin' keeps you alive, kid.<br />
<br />
Adaptin' keeps you dangerous."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck charges toward her again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">This time, her eyes follow the chain instead of the vehicle.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The same </span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">path.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Over a</span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">nd over a</span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">gain.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"It ain't chasing me."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves says nothing.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"It's just going where the chain lets it."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Half-buried beside the stake is a short steel bar. Furry snatches it up, waits for the truck to pass, then drives it into the ground next to the first.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck rounds the circle again, and the chain catches and</span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"> begins wrapping around the second stake.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Graves grins.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry turns toward the camera as the truck roars by again.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"You and this truck got the same problem, Frances."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">She steps over the chain as it passes.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"You think because you keep moving, you must be getting somewhere.<br />
<br />
I already know what you're gonna tell me. You've been hurt worse than what I can do. Faced bigger monsters than me. Got knocked down, crawled back up, and kept coming.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I believe you, and physically, I'm giving up a lot here.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">Maybe you think having fewer than ten matches makes me too green to understand what I'm standing across from.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I've faced many who thought themselves to be the one to finally pin me. Most recently, Centurion thought experience made him untouchable. Jenny Myst thought her reputation guaranteed my defeat.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I solved every one of them before they solved me. That's why I've carried this championship since March.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I ain't winning because I've seen everything, Frances. I'm winning because I haven't been doing this long enough to confuse my habits with the only right answer. Every time somebody gives me a new problem, I adapt and find a new answer. You've had years to become the man you are, but in that that time you've fallen into a pattern, still answering every question with the same answer.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">When the pressure is cranked up, you always default to the same thing: endure. That means I don't need to predict your every move. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I only need to predict you."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck swerves harder now, its front tires fighting against the shrinking radius.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"You don't need to control a fight. You wait for somebody to get frustrated, overreach, and hand you one ugly opening. That's why I won't chase the finish you want. You don't get my frustration, Frances. You get my answer. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">I stay patient, control the pace, deny your opening, and pin you.<br />
<br />
This isn't a contest of who can suffer more. I'm not required to break you. Only to beat you."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Another lap.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"Your whole legend starts with somebody else doing something to you. They hurt you, and you stagger forward."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">She points toward the truck.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"You're always moving, but somebody else is always deciding where."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The chain makes the stake groan.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"Every time you promise you'll survive, you admit I'm the one deciding what happens next.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">That's not strategy and it sure isn't going to lead you to victory.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">Graves once thought like you, b</span><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">ut he's learned the difference between simply refusing to die, and knowing how to win under any conditions.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">And then he taught it to me, but he didn't just hand me the answers. He taught me how to find them for myself."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The truck's circle has become violently small.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"So go ahead. Tell me you'll keep coming. Promise me I can't break you. Swear you'll survive everything I do to you.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">All you're doing is promising to follow the path after I've already figured out where it ends. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">You've got more scars than me, more fights, more years spent proving how much punishment you can take.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">But I've got the one thing you don't.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">A different answer. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">And this championship is proof. I didn't stumble into it and spend three months hanging on. Every defense gave me a new problem, and every time, I found the answer before my adversary could. You survive opponents, Frances. I solve them."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The chain snaps</span><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">, and the truck flips onto its side and skids through the dirt, stopping mere feet from Furry.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Its engine continues roaring.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">The wheels keep spinning.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">And Furry crouches beside it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"I know you can survive pain, Frances.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">That's why pain ain't my plan."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Behind her, Graves pulls the steel bar free.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><i><span style="text-shadow: 0 0 9px purple;font-size:10pt;color:green;">"So what is?"</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">Furry watches the useless wheels turn.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"Take away the road."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color">She places a hand on the truck and looks into the camera.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">"Still runnin'...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color">But you ain't goin' nowhere...</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #fbb8ec;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Because at Bad Medicine, your road ends with me."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ffffff;" class="mycode_color"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size">Furry walks away as we zoom in on the spinning wheel.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/Gh9MKvtx/200.gif" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: 200.gif]" class="mycode_img" /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;" class="mycode_align"><span style="font-size: medium;" class="mycode_size"><img src="https://i.postimg.cc/6qKFmq7G/Catbreak2.png" loading="lazy"  alt="[Image: Catbreak2.png]" class="mycode_img" /></span></div>]]></content:encoded>
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