NFW Collision #177!

We cut back to ringside, where “Bones Exposed” by Of Mice & Men begins to blare through the arena speakers. The crowd cheers at the sound of this, as Jessi Ozborne makes her way through the entryway and onto the stage. The cheers start to somewhat hamper however, as they see Jessi on the stage using a set of crutches, her knee taped up as she stands before everyone.

Nick Hanson: Jessi Ozborne clearly not in the best shape of her life after her third match with Chasity Cage last week on Collision.

Olivia Mayfaire Well, Chasity did make sure to target that surgically repaired knee of Ozborne quite a lot in that match, so I’m not surprised.

Jim Reynolds: In my opinion it’s exactly what she deserves for thinking she could step to someone the caliber of Chasity Cage!

She slowly makes her way down to the ring on her crutches, eventually needing assistance from the workers at ringside just to get inside. She makes her way to the center of the ring, with one of the ringside techs climbing into the ring to hand her microphone before leaving her be.

Jessi Ozborne So Kyoto…we definitely got a lot to discuss, huh?

The reaction of worry only intensifies as it’s clear to see that Jessi is definitely not acting like herself.

Jessi Ozborne Yeah, that’s about the reaction I expected. I’m not gonna beat around the bush here, Kyoto, things haven’t exactly been sunshine and rainbows for me as of late. I feel confident in saying that life hasn’t been necessarily kind to me. To a point, I guess that’s my fault for setting the bar for “life being kind” too high. I mean, when you spend the first half of the year collecting World Titles on a monthly basis and generally having a fun, harmless time, anything less than that can be considered life being unkind to you.

Jessi chuckles before continuing.

Jessi Ozborne Fact of the matter is though, life’s been more than unkind, it’s been a bit of a bitch. One that keeps dealing me hit after hit after hit after hit. Now I can go into everything that’s happened to me elsewhere, but honestly I just need to go over my time here in NFW to prove it to you. See, I got caught thinking about the past couple of months. Spent time getting tormented by El Toro Violento, fought back against him, lost, and got a broken wrist and a shit ton of stitches in the process. It made me think to myself, “What happened to me? I used to be on fire around here.” Then it caused me to think deeper, and come to a realization: Was I, though?

The crowd grows even more concerned as Jessi carries on.

Jessi Ozborne I mean, I just keep thinking about it. I’ve spent a year and a half here in New Frontier, and what have I shown for it? I mean, every time the big fight comes around, I choke. The Ringmaster, Ayu Megumi, Crystal Caldwell, El Toro Violento, I’ve never beaten any of them. Hell, the only time I ever got a win over Chasity Cage it was by the skin of my teeth. Yet, I’ve been out here week after week talking about how I wanna become the World Champion of this place. World Champions can at least win a match on fucking pay per view. You wanna know how many pay per view matches I’ve won in NFW? Zero.

Jessi cracks a slight smile, obviously trying to fight the sadness.

Jessi Ozborne And if all that doesn’t sound like me, then it isn’t. If doesn’t feel like that confident, non-thinking Jessi Ozborne is there, it’s because she isn’t. And that’s part of the problem. Last week, I took to Twitter and I said that after the job I have to do is done, I’d be stepping away from the ring for a bit. When I said that, part of what I meant by it was me winning the NFW World Championship. But call it mental clarity, or lack thereof, I’m in no position to get there, much less finish this series with Chasity. My body is hurting, my mind isn’t right.

The crowd cries out in anguish, knowing exactly where Jessi is headed with this.

Jessi Ozborne So that’s why I wanted to come out in front of you all and say–

"Poker Face" by Lady Gaga ft. Industrial Metal Remix featuring Soniq Armada begins to play and the ring announcer steps into the ring. At the top of the ramp, Chasity walks out holding a microphone. She wastes no time getting down the ramp and slipping into the ring. She stands and looks over at Jessi.

Chasity Cage: Well well look at you Jessi, it looks to me like I did what I said I would and put you out of action. There is no way that management would allow you to wrestle this messed up. So just go ahead right now and admit it, I beat you. It’s done. I’m just so.. Sorry.

She gave a chuckle looking into Jessi’s eyes.

Chasity Cage: Not sorry. I'm glad I put you out of action for a while. With that bum knee, it was only a matter of time before someone targeted it. I’m just so honored that it was me.

Jessi grits her teeth. Despite everything, she’s still annoyed with Chasity’s presence all the same.

Jessi Ozborne Yes, Chasity! Congratulations! You’ve done it. You got me. I assume you’re not out here to gloat, though. Something like that seems so below someone as great and humble as you are.

Jessi rolls her eyes. This causes Chasity to glare across the ring at her. She could sense the sarcasm and bullshit in Jessi’s words.

Chasity Cage: You’d be right. I’m not. So tell me Jessi.. What are you going to do about it? What would happen if I took both of your crutches and beat you with them? Absolutely nothing. You’ve turned yourself into an island Jessi. No one will come out here to help you. And in your condition, you are definitely no match for me.

She steps directly into Jessi’s face, daring her to actually do something, placing a hand on one of her crutches.

Jessi Ozborne I mean, you absolutely could. It’d be par for the course for you too, wouldn’t it? Kicking a girl while she’s down to make yourself feel big. Hamper your own insecurities. You’d likely even put me out for even longer just to guarantee it’d take a while for me to pick up where we left off. I mean, you’ve got all the motivation in the world for it. All the ability in the world to do it. This could be your only chance. So go ahead and do it, prove me and everyone here right.

Chasity takes a step back and shakes her head no.

Chasity Cage: Why would I give you that satisfaction? You want me to do it Jessi. Where’s the fun in that? Shouldn’t you be begging me not to?

Chasity has taken a step back at this point, before turning back around and kicking one out from under her.

Chasity Cage: It’s been fun, tearing you apart systematically. Why do it all at once, lengthen the torment. Aww Jessi.. Are you mad at me?

This moment pulls a laugh from Chasity.

Chasity Cage: Come on Jessi.. You are so tough, so do something.

Jessi Ozborne Hey, you’re the one who came out here with the threats. I just wanna see if you’re really about it, Cage. I wanna see if you’ll actually do it. Go ahead. End my career. Tear me apart. Right here, right now. You’ve got me right where you want me. It’d be so easy for you. Hell, I’m not even in a position to fight back by this point.

Jessi and Chasity stand there in silence for a moment.

Jessi Ozborne Listen, I can tell you’re hesitant. I mean, I did really put you on the spot here. I haven’t exactly made this easy for you, so I’ll help you out. Take one of these.

Jessi then raises up both of her crutches, trying to hand one of them to Chasity. Despite everything we’ve seen so far leading us to believe that something like this shouldn’t be possible, neither Chasity nor the crowd seem to pay any mind to it. Chasity takes both the crutches from Jessi, taking a good look at them both as Jessi condescendingly claps for her.

Jessi Ozborne Hey Chas…

Chasity looks at her, tilting her head to the side, she throws the crutches down.

Chasity Cage: You’ve got to be kidding me.. You are standing without..

Jessi Ozborne Congrats…you got me…

Jessi quickly throws down the microphone and storms Chasity, taking her to the mat with a Double Leg Takedown! She wails her with a few punches to the head, before Chasity eventually turns it around, rolling Jessi to the mat and doing the same. Referees begin to pour out from the back, attempting to pry the two apart! They pull Chasity out of the ring under the bottom rope, looking to pull her to the back and away from her rival! But Jessi only escalates things further, breaking away from the referees holding her back and hitting the ropes before diving out of the ring onto Chasity and the referees she flanked by with a Tope Con Hilo! More referees come out from the back now, prying Jessi and Chasity apart before they can make any further contact!

Nick Hanson: Well, I guess it’s safe to say that this best of five series is still chugging along.

Jim Reynolds: What a slimy, manipulative son of a bitch Jessi Ozborne is! What kind of person fakes an injury just to get into their opponent’s head?!

Olivia Mayfaire: What kind of person tries to injure someone during a match, Jim?!

Jim Reynolds: The type of person who’s gonna mop the floor with Jessi Ozborne next week! That being Chasity Cage!

Jessi backs up the ramp, moving her leg around to further taunt Chasity as we fade.
In the backstage area of the Saito Memorial Hall, Catalina Tavares and Janie Grayson aka Thicc Attack were found in their ring gear. The two women could be seen talking to each other, presumably about their upcoming match later in the evening. Their manager, Olivia Herrera, wasn’t seen with the longtime friends turned teammates, but anyone that even halfway paid attention knew that didn’t mean anything come time for the match itself. The camera handler had gotten close enough to the pair to actually pick up what the Wolves members were saying.

Catalina Tavares: Liv gonna be here soon, I’m guessing?

Janie Grayson: Yeah…I think she got a little turned around or something. Hell, I did on the way from the airport to the hotel, remember? Not really hard to do around here.

Cat nodded at Janie when the other day was brought up. They hadn’t been to Japan before, at least not without a guide, so the 3 of them getting turned around at different times wasn’t surprising to any of them. Out of the corner of her eye, the blonde noticed the camera and its operator, causing her to give Janie an elbow to the side. When her teammate/friend glared at her, Cat motioned her head towards the camera, and the two women smirked before turning their attention to piece of equipment. The faint sound of boos from the Japanese crowd filled Saito Memorial Hall, both ringside and echoing into the back when Thicc Attack showed on the big screen.

Janie Grayson: Aww, the Japanese crowd doesn’t sound too happy to see us, do they Cat?

Catalina Tavares: They really don’t, Janie. I thought they were the ones to be in front of to get the proper respect as wrestlers too. I guess that’s a lie…what a pity really.

The two women chuckled as they stood in front of the camera, the boos increasing in volume compared to before. It was no secret that the Japanese respected those in the profession…at least those that had earned said respect in the proper way. A smirk came to Cat’s face as she glanced at Janie before looking back at the camera.

Catalina Tavares: Or maybe it’s because they think their little home country favorite is actually going to have a chance when she steps in the ring with us tonight. As laughable as that is, it’s got to be the only thing keeping them from showing the proper respect to a top tag team in NFW. They think that little Sanada and pitiful Jordan have a chance tonight.

Janie Grayson: That’s as laughable as thinking Cornbread Mafia has a chance against us! It may be a triple threat, but everyone needs to face the facts. Tonight is to determine who goes for the NFW World Tag Team Titles at Cruel Summer, and Thicc Attack has NO[/i] plans on being left off of that card![/color]

The women smirked at each other before Cat gave a single nod in agreement with Janie’s words.

Catalina Tavares: All it takes is for Janie or I to pin one of Cornbread Mafia, or even one of the precious tag team champs, and our ticket for Cruel Summer is set.

Janie Grayson: Of course, if the champs win somehow, I wouldn’t be surprised if they avoid choosing us as their opponents. We’d be the only decent competition they’d truly have any time soon. I’d be worried about facing us as well, but after tonight’s match, they’re not going to have a choice in the matter.

The pair laughed, the smirks remaining as their laughs died out after a few seconds. Their features and body language turned back to being serious before Catalina spoke again.

Catalina Tavares: We’ll see you in the ring later, boys and chumps. All 4 of your make sure to bring your everything because Janie and I? Well, we’re not playing around tonight. This is only another step in our paths to gold and taking those World Tag Team Titles at Cruel Summer.

Janie Grayson: The age of Wolves and Thiccness is coming. There’s nothing you can do about it but realize and accept those facts. The sooner you do, the better off you’ll be.

Cat blew a kiss to the camera as Janie winked before the pair chuckled and walked away, going off to wait for Liv to finally get to the arena before the match was scheduled to take place.
The camera opens backstage on Cameron and Shawn Worley, both looking around nervously as they stand in the hallway.

Shawn Worley: Y’all sure this is a good idea?

Cameron shrugs.

Cameron Worley: Usually.

Shawn shakes his head.

Shawn Worley: With all the crazies around, we leavin’ him…

Cameron raises a hand.

Cameron Worley: We ain’t leavin’ nobody nowheres! Bubba’s playin’ happy, you really wanna go tell him he can’t play no more?

Shawn Worley: I mean…

Cameron Worley: Look, that last match with that Myriad dude was a lot, he needs some happy time.

Shawn ponders this for a second and then nods in agreement.

Shawn Worley: Yeah, alright. What about tonight, against Thicc Attack and Empire Aces?

Cameron shrugs.

Cameron Worley: We walk on in and fight like we always do. Ain’t no thang…

Shawn nods again.

Shawn Worley: Alright, then let’s do this.

Cameron nods and the two head on down the hall, ready to go.
The camera cuts to backstage once again, this time revealing Quinn Reid, The Lady of Despair. She stands there with a stoic expression, listening intently to the words of Marilyn Matthews from a monitor. As Marilyn finishes her fiery speech and walks out of frame, Quinn steps forward, taking the center stage.

Quinn Reid: (In a cold, confident tone) Oh, Marilyn, Marilyn, how delightfully predictable you are. Always quick to point fingers and unleash your anger. It's almost charming, in a way. But let's not get lost in the dramatics. You claim that VixSin and I made a fifteen-minute fame off of you, and that we'll learn the hard way for doing so. But let me correct you on something, my dear. We don't need fame off of you; we have our own destiny to carve.

She takes a step closer to the camera, her eyes piercing through the lens.

Quinn Reid: (Continuing) You see, Marilyn, you're just a piece of the puzzle in this grand tapestry of our ambition. Your self-importance blinds you to the truth that you're not the center of our universe. VixSin and I don't need your validation or anyone else's. We're driven by the hunger for success, to leave our mark on this industry, and to conquer anyone who stands in our way.

Quinn smirks, her confidence exuding a sense of superiority.

Quinn Reid: (Smirking) As for the tag match two weeks ago, you can blame Cass Baumer all you want, but you know what they say about blaming others for your failures. It just shows weakness. And weakness is something VixSin and I have no tolerance for.

She takes a moment, allowing her words to settle in.

Quinn Reid: (With a chilling tone) So, let this be a warning to you, Marilyn Matthews. Don't underestimate us, and don't think for a second that you hold any power over our future. You may enjoy teaching hard lessons, but so do we. And we'll make sure you learn the hardest one of all – the futility of challenging The Lady of Despair and VixSin. Prepare yourself for the reckoning that's coming your way.

With a cold smile, Quinn turns and walks away from the camera, leaving a sense of ominous anticipation behind her as the scene fades out.
The camera finds “Psycho” Saoirse Maguire seemingly waiting for everything to find her in the parking lot.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Aye, s’haer we bae… waitin’ tae find out who bae challengin’ next fer th’ Silver Mountain Championship… an’ there bae a long list o’paeple askin’ tae get a fight lately…

She nods grimly.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Cass Baumer proved herself tae bae th’ untrustworthy animal she’s always baen…

She nods and then looks into the camera.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Ye are nay a journalist, Cass. Ye never were an’ ye nay bae now. Ye’ve allus jess baen a shite stirrer, now moreso than ever an’ I kinna wait tae see Morgan give ye whot bae comin’ tae ye!

She shakes her head.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Gabriel Ohio…

Her jaw clenches, her teeth almost grinding at the mere mention of the name.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Tha feckin’ cunt whot bae holdin’ yet laesh doesnay have any idea o’ whot kind o’ dog ye raelly bae! It doesnay matter whot name ye bae usin’, whether it’s Gabriel Ohio, th’ Bard, Trauma, Myriad or ennithin else, ye allus baen tha cur tha could bite ennithin tah bae naer ye, an’ she better bae ready fer when ye do!

She nods, pointing at her own chest.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: I’ve saen it, felt yer bite… I know! But I also know how tae out tha dog down! I’ve done it before an’ I kin bae doin’ it again if I have tae!

Psycho nods knowingly.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: Johnny Towers, ye an’ VixSin should make a taem baecause ye bote bae th’ kind tha kinna bae stoppin’ yourselves from spoutin’ shite tha jess makes ye sound like a tryhard wannabe! Ye kin bote bae th’ kind of threat ye wanna show yerselves tae bae but then ye kaep goin’ an’ make us all shake our heads an’ I showed ye twice an’ ye tink ye’d learned sumtin’...

She grimaces in almost pained anger.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: El Toro Violento, ye an’ I should bae gettin’ along famously whot wit ye wearin’ th’ colours ye bae wearin’. Yer old lady’s a Maidens President an’ if we ever maet up, we’ll have tae show th’ world we dinna bae holdin’ back on aech utter!

She rubs her hands together.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: An’ tha brings u tae ye, Pet! Ye an’ yer Harem bae naedin’ somone tae ply pest control baecause ye’r a plague like the locusts tha threaten tae black out th’ sun! Ye’re nay a goddess an’ most time, ye’re nay aeven a feckin’ human! Janey Mac, would I enjoy kickin’ yer feckin’ head off!

Her eyes flash with hunger.

“Psycho” Saoirse Maguire: I kinna wait tae sae who I get next…
Cameras are out in the parking area, showing the rear entrance to the Saito Memorial Hall in Kyoto Japan. The heavy double-doors are open wide, inviting any with permission to come in and out as they please…

Nick Hanson: And we’re back, fans! As you can see, outside the arena seems to be a pretty happening place right now!

Jim Reynolds: Seriously, Nicky… stop trying to be funny. Does this look like a party to you?!

Olivia Mayfaire: What, do you not see the grill? The coolers? I can smell the meat from here!

Jim Reynolds: You would-

Nick Hanson: Don’t even go there!

…but the entire commentary team is right in their own way. For one thing, there’s a wall of security between the doors and the outside, half of them facing into the building, half of them facing away. As the camera pans around, though, the sound of sizzling is already obvious. Someone’s got a boom box going, too, as the notes of some wicked Mexican gangsta rap is blaring out. Thankfully in Spanish, since the censors would end up with a sprained finger attempting to keep up with the rapid-fire lyrics.

There’s also a pack of fans out there, all hanging out with drinks in hand, non-alcoholic of course, with some dancing to the tunes. But at the center of it all is the Cortez Dynasty. On the tailgate of a modified pick-up truck sits a wide grill, and Javier is manning the meat over the flames. Carmen is nearby, pouring drinks and generally being personable. Juan, meanwhile, is loading up and passing out plates of burgers and what-have-you.

Seems that the Soul Garden’s catering got the night off!

Nick Hanson: It’s a hell of a party, but a little confusing, too. The Dynasty said they wanted a fight with the Astro Creeps tonight, and that they’re either gonna meet them in the parking lot or they’re gonna get dragged out!

Jim Reynolds: And you thought for a second that the Creeps would just show up? That’s not their game!

Olivia Mayfaire: I’m betting the boss-lady saw that and immediately tried to put a stop to it with security! But it’s gotta be slow torture for thos guys, having to stand there with all the good stuff going on!

Nick Hanson: You almost feel for ‘em!

Josh Davidson makes his way into the frame, going up to the Dynasty, who spot him instantly. Juan offers up a grin and hands over a plate.

Juan Cortez: Josh! What’s up, bro? Come on down! We got everything ya need!

Taken aback, but not in a bad way, Josh accepts the offering with one hand, but keeps the microphone up in the other hand.

Josh Davidson: Well, thanks! But… what’s going on out here? I think folks were expecting a brawl tonight, but this looks more like a block party!

Javier Cortez: You can ask the hermanos in the matchin’ shirts over there, ese.

Javier jerks his head in the direction of security, not sounding happy about their presence.

Javier Cortez: They won’t let us get near them Creeps. Hell, they won’t even accept free food. How fuckin’ wound up ya gotta be to not like some charred beef, homes? That shit ain’t right!

Carmen walks up, sipping from a red Solo cup, nodding as she sets her free hand on her husband, Javier’s, shoulder.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: So we’re making do. It’s a pretty day and these good people came here to have fun. So we’re supplying the fun.

Josh had paused to take a bite out of a burger, but quickly finishes that and brings the mic back up when Carmen finishes.

Josh Davidson: Okay, I get that, but… what if the Creeps bust out here?!

The brothers look at each other, crack grins, then turn back to their cooking and serving. Carmen is the one to respond, smiling sweetly.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: Then we got a couple burgers for them. And they can wash it down with concrete.

Propped up in the back of the truck, almost missed due to the grill and smoke, are a baseball bat, a lead pipe and a nine-iron. Clearly, the Dynasty are ready to scrap if it comes to that.

Jim Reynolds: Once a thug, always a thug.

Olivia Mayfaire: You’re just jealous you aren’t munching on a hot dog right now!

Jim Reynolds: Probably store-brand anyway…

Just a few seconds go by before, off camera, the sound of someone inhaling the air can be heard, followed by a delighted “ahhhhhh!” The guests in attendance and Josh Davidson are pretty shocked, needless to say, as Daedalus of The Astro Creeps comes walking up at a leisurely stroll. As always, he’s dressed in a black, pinstripe suit.

Daedalus: My, that is an exquisite aroma, indeed!

Boldly, he walks right up to the Dynasty and Josh. In the background, the security guards posted by the entrance are already making their way over en masse as Daedalus isn’t alone. Standing behind him, practically on his heels, Kosnar looms over the Dynasty, Josh, practically everyone there. Fortunately, it could be said, that’s all he does at the moment. His only motion being the cracking of his knuckles as he flexes his fists at his side. Daedalus seems a little confused at the sudden shadow looming over him. Clearly a ploy as he smirks when he looks up to confirm the monster there with him before looking back to the brothers and Carmen.

Daedalus: Good evening, gentlemen! Lady. Mr. Davidson. Fine weather for a barbecue! It’s what brings everyone out, isn’t it?

As if on cue, from the other side of a parked car, A pair of slender, feminine hands reach up and Pisces comes crawling up to perch on the hood of the car. She watches the Dynasty, craning her head to the side like a curious animal just as security reaches the scene and starts to move in but Daedalus is able to convince them to pause with a simple hand coming up.

Daedalus: Oh, gentlemen. Please, please! We mean no harm! We’re simply just… accepting the invitation that was extended to us! Isn’t that right?

Daedalus looks from one Astro Creep to the other. Pisces responds by cocking her head to the other side. Kosnar lets out a low, muffled snarl from under his mask and slowly rolls his shoulders. Daedalus smiles, satisfied with their answers and turns his attention back to the Dynasty.

Daedalus: So then! What’s on tonight’s menu?

There’s no threat in their manner and approach just yet, or at least that’s how it appears to the Cortez Dynasty. Unless that’s just the vibe they want to give off?

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: Daedalus. Kosnar. Pisces. We were wondering if you would make it out tonight. Good to see that our heartfelt invitation wasn’t snubbed.

Balancing three red cups like her own in one hand, Carmen dispenses a striking orange beverage from a large cooler into each of the cups and offers them to the Creeps. The fans in attendance aren’t sure what to make of this, be they up close and personal or inside the arena. Hell, no one is quite sure except the Dynasty themselves. Javier keeps a constant eye on the Creeps while loading up a couple burgers and passing them to Juan, who likewise to his sister-in-law sets out the platters before the team that cost them an opportunity at a title shot last week.

Nick Hanson: They weren’t kidding, were they?

Jim Reynolds: Breaking bread with the enemy? They’re either stupid or they’re plotting, and I don’t think they’re smart enough for the latter!

Olivia Mayfaire: Hey, Carmen is VERY intelligent. They all are! College graduates, Jimmy!

Jim Reynolds: Pfft. Probably bought them online and scribbled their names in!

Josh Davidson keeps the stick up and tries to be as innocuous as possible while munching on his burger. The meal is set before the Creeps and the Cortez Dynasty keeps up their efforts, though a gesture is made that prompts a fan to turn down the tunes.

Juan Cortez: Let’s keep it civil, y’all. Boss doesn’t want a situation, ya heard?

Javier Cortez: We all know a fight’s comin’. But it’d be fine with us if it weren’t here an’ now.

The unspoken threat lies there in the air, depsite Javier’s attempts to be civil:

”But if y’all fuckin’ start somethin’, we’re gonna fuckin’ finish it.”

Daedalus: Why, thank you kindly, Mrs. Cortez. Gentlemen.

Each of the Astro Creeps has a different reaction to the offerings made to them. While each of them accepts, Pisces eyes her plate like a curious cat, looking from it to Carmen. Kosnar takes his in his hands but continues to just stand there. Daedalus…digs right in, biting into his burger while Juan and Javier say their piece. He chews calmly, though his eyebrows raise in apparent surprise at the tastiness of what he’s eating. At the mention of not wanting trouble, Daedalus makes a reassuring frown and shakes his head.

Daedalus: My, that is delicious!

Before he answers, he helps himself to another bite and chews in the same calm manner. This causes an extended, almost uncomfortable silence around them. After he second bite, Daedalus sips from the cup he’s been given, closing his eyes with a tiny smile before giving his attention back to the Dynasty.

Daedalus: Apologies. You were saying?

Beat.

Daedalus: Ah, yes! Who would want a situation at such a grand gathering such as this? Delicious food. The friendly local populace. Interesting choice of music. We did come with an offer of our own, however!

At that, he takes another bite of his burger and goes silent as he chews, almost as if he’s trailed off in thought. Javier’s hand is a little too tight around the handle of the spatula, but Juan has his eye on his twin. Their eyes meet for a moment and Juan goes back to passing out plates while Carmen steps forward, sipping off her drink.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: We’re listening.

Hearing this, Daedalus looks up from his plate with a feigned curiosity on his face before he feigns remembrance.

Daedalus: Oh! Right. Our offer! Forgive me. I get distracted by such quality food. Compliments to the chef!

He toasts with his solo cup and sips again, smiling that devilish smile.

Daedalus: Now, then. My colleagues and I were thinking rather heavily on our last encounter and we understand. Before last week, our last meeting wasn’t so…how would you say? Cordial! That’s it! Alas, we understand last week, and we forgive you three for letting things get so out of hand that it cost both of you gentlemen, as well as Pisces and Kosnar an opportunity at the World Tag Team Championships. So, as a show of no hard feelings, we’d like to invite you to a little get together of our own. A party, if you will. Much like this one. Perhaps even better!

Juan Cortez: Forgive us? Ya hear that, hermano? Forgiven!

Oh, Javier heard it. And he knows that Juan’s tone and delivery is there to make sure that Juan himself doesn’t flip his shit at the audacity. Javier nods his head a couple times, flipping a few of the burgers and causing a flare-up and more sizzling as some fragrant smoke fills the air.

Javier Cortez: Y’all’s all corazón, Daedalus.

Twirling the spatula, Javier holsters it on his hip in a container just for that purpose hanging off the waist of his apron. Carmen finishes her drink and walks up next to Javier, putting an arm around his shoulders. It’s more to calm him than to show affection, though. And they both know it. Juan stands by on the other side of his brother, arms at his sides.

Juan Cortez: We ain’t never met a party that we couldn’t make jumpin’. So let’s hear it: what do ya got?

Daedalus: Oh! Well. Pssh.

Daedalus waves his hand almost apologetically.

Daedalus: Forgive me again. It’s not exactly our party but seeing as it is being hosted by our mutual place of employment.

He half turns towards the arena, then back to the Dynasty.

Daedalus: We thought we would attend anyway and we would be so glad to have you there with us before the guest list is filled. After all, it would harken back to our get together from last year. Don’t you remember? You. Us. Under the sun. Sand beneath our feet. I hear the beaches here in Japan are wonderful!

The brothers exchange glances again. They remember that battle well. Back when they were younger, less experienced, too deep into hero worship. Times had changed, though. Carmen can see the gears turning and, though she typically speaks for them in matters of business, there’s no need this time.

Juan Cortez: Nice t’know those lumps we all handed out ain’t forgotten. And since we ain’t got nothin’ else to do-

Javier Cortez: Not that we’re bitter.

Juan Cortez: -we say let’s do it.

Javier Cortez: One more time. For the last damn time.

Daedalus smiles, having paused from his free dinner to wait, intently, for their response. The smile on his face spreads like that of the Cheshire Cat and it is absolutely obvious that they’ve made his and the Astro Creeps day.

Daedalus: How wonderful! We can’t wait to catch up where we left off. Finish things, as it were. I’m sure you gentlemen and lady know the time and location? We shall see you there. Thank you for the meal… and enjoy your summer.

Daedalus steps around them, leisurely making his way towards the doors of the arena with the security guards parting like the red sea. Pisces crawls off the car she’s perched on and hurries to catch up with him, leaving her food and drink untouched. Kosnar lingers for a moment, eyeing the brothers before moving to follow after Daedalus and Pisces, bringing his plate with him. In the process, his path causes him to force Josh Davidson to quickly step back out of the way. Josh’s plate tips, his burger falls to the ground and Kosnar, never breaking stride or looking back, smushes it under his boot as he walks. Josh’s face drops.

Josh Davidson: Awww…

Jim Reynolds: Josh, you clumsy idiot.

Josh doesn’t have to worry, though. Juan hands him another plate while staring after the Creeps. Javier claps the interviewer on the shoulder somewhat reassuringly, but he, too, is staring after the Creeps. Carmen watches the two of them for a moment before gesturing to a fan to turn the tunes back up. And the party continues.

Jim Reynolds: Looks like there’s gonna be one more battle between the Astro Creeps and the Cortez Dynasty! Except I’m a little disappointed that they didn’t tear down that party…

Olivia Mayfaire: That’s because you’re a killjoy. Next commercial, I’m goin’ out there for a bite!

Nick Hanson: Bring me one of those drinks, will ya?