January 2025 Recap 1 - A Dark Alliance is Formed

 January 1, 2025

NPCW Commissioner’s Office

[Scene: Bernard is sitting behind his desk, looking over a contract. Across from him sits Jolly Green, a giant of a man with greenish hair and tattoos, smiling.]

Bernard: Well, Jolly Green, I think you will enjoy being part of NPCW. After your performance in the gigantic battle royale, we are pleased to sign you on.

Jolly Green (laughing): Thanks for the opportunity, Commissioner. I can’t wait to knock some heads, especially that Goliath!

Bernard (standing): All in good time.

[Jolly Green rises and walks out the office door, passing Ms. Sweetins standing in the doorway holding her trademark clipboard.]

Bernard (to Ms. Sweetins): Well, 2 out of 3 isn’t bad. It’s a shame the Beanstalk Giant didn’t sign, but maybe next time.

Ms. Sweetins (shyly): Well, sir, you have a couple of visitors…

[Before she can finish, Ebeneezer and his assistant Cratchit push by her.]

Scrooge: It's about time, Bernard. We have business to discuss.

[Ebeneezer moves to the desk and sits down while Cratchit remains standing.]

Bernard (sitting back down): Always nice to see you, Scrooge. I figured after your humiliation at Nightmare at the North Pole, you would crawl back under your rock.

Ebeneezer: Bah, humbug! A minor setback, that’s all. Santa may have won the battle, but the war is far from over.

[Ebeneezer hands Bernard a document.]

Ebeneezer: But first, here is some unfinished business regarding one of your favorites.

[Bernard reads the paper and smiles slightly.]

Bernard: So, you found someone to take Yeti’s contract, did you? Well, that's not a problem. Here (signs the paper), he can go to HCW and be their problem. Good riddance.

[Ebeneezer smiles wryly, collecting the contract back from Bernard.]

Ebeneezer: Now, here are some more contracts to join the NPCW.

[Cratchit pulls out a stack of papers and presents them to Bernard. Bernard starts flipping through the papers, and the color drains from his face. In shock, he looks up at Scrooge.]

Bernard: You can’t be serious.

Ebeneezer (smirking as he throws a bag of gold coins on the desk): As I said, the war has just begun. This will cover their membership fees in full.

[Scrooge and Cratchit leave the office whistling while Bernard sits there stunned.]

Ms. Sweetins: Is everything okay, Bernard?

Bernard (looking at her): We need to go see Santa right away. Things are going to get far more dangerous for him now.

End Scene

Earlier that day ...

Scrooge and Marley Counting House

[Scene: Inside the dimly lit office of Scrooge and Marley Counting House, Scrooge and Cratchit are meeting with Yeti and a mysterious figure cloaked in shadows. The figure steps forward, revealing himself to be Count Vlad, a wrestling manager from HCW.]

Scrooge: Welcome, Yeti. We've been waiting for you. This is Count Vlad from HCW. He has an interesting proposition for you.

Count Vlad: Greetings, Yeti. We have watched your strength and prowess in the ring, and we believe you would be a perfect fit for my faction, the Dark Dominion. Join us, and together we will dominate HCW.

[Yeti looks hesitant, glancing between Scrooge and Count Vlad.]

Yeti: I’m not sure. HCW sounds tempting, but I need a good reason to leave NPCW.

[Cratchit steps forward and discreetly hands Yeti a picture. Yeti studies the picture, and a smile slowly spreads across his face.]

Yeti: Yes, this is just what I need.

[Yeti crumples the picture in his hand, his hesitation gone.]

Count Vlad: Excellent. Thank you, Scrooge, for the heads up. Yeti will be a fine addition to the Dark Dominion. And as discussed, here is the information.

[Count Vlad hands a sealed envelope to Scrooge. Scrooge opens it, and a wide, malicious smile spreads across his face.]

Scrooge: This is exactly what I need to destroy that pesky Claus.

[Scrooge, Yeti, and Count Vlad exchange evil smiles. Cratchit stands by, looking uneasy.]