Aired - August 29, 2026
The broadcast does not immediately return to North Pole Arena.
There is no transition graphic.
No announcement.
The screen simply fades to black.
For several seconds, nothing appears.
Then music begins.
Soft.
Elegant.
Old.
A slow chamber piece carried by cello and piano, with the faintest trace of violin beneath it. It sounds less like entrance music than something that would be played in a private drawing room long after the rest of the house had gone to sleep.
A candle flame appears.
Then another.
And another.
The camera slowly reveals an undisclosed room somewhere backstage.
There are no overhead lights.
Dozens of candles provide the only illumination, their uneven glow reflecting from dark wooden furniture and heavy curtains that have been drawn across whatever windows may exist.
A long table sits against one wall.
An untouched glass of deep red wine rests upon it.
Near the far end of the room stands Count Daculescu.
He wears a dark formal coat, hands clasped behind his back.
He does not speak.
He barely moves.
The camera continues forward.
A figure passes through the edge of the candlelight.
Deep blue.
Black.
A polished shoe crossing the floor.
Then a gloved hand.
Finally, The Master of the Night steps fully into view.
His clothing is sharply tailored in deep midnight blue and black, elegant rather than theatrical.
The black mask conceals his face.
His movements are measured.
Confident.
Unhurried.
He does not look directly at the camera at first.
Instead, The Master of the Night continues walking through the room as though the viewer has been permitted to accompany him somewhere private.
The music continues softly.
The Master of the Night: “There is a peculiar mistake people make about power.”
He passes another cluster of candles.
The Master of the Night: “They expect to hear it coming.”
A faint smile is visible beneath the mask.
The Master of the Night: “They expect proclamations.”
A few more steps.
The Master of the Night: “Armies.”
He runs two fingers lightly across the back of an empty chair.
The Master of the Night: “War.”
He stops.
The Master of the Night: “Noise.”
His head turns slightly toward the camera.
The Master of the Night: “But true power rarely announces itself.”
A pause.
The Master of the Night: “It enters quietly.”
The camera shifts farther into the room.
Count Daculescu remains visible behind him.
Silent.
Watching.
The Master of the Night: “One door.”
He takes another step.
The Master of the Night: “One room.”
Another.
The Master of the Night: “One frightened little corner of a kingdom at a time.”
He finally turns fully toward the camera.
The Master of the Night: “And then one morning...”
The music softens.
The Master of the Night: “...everyone wakes to discover that the kingdom no longer belongs to them.”
A long silence.
The Master smiles.
The Master of the Night: “That is how the House of Night grows.”
The camera slowly moves past him.
For only a moment, images flicker across the darkness behind the candles.
Brakk Bloodmaw.
Vereyk Nightclaw.
The Crimson Maulers standing beside Count Daculescu.
Then—
Dr. Violetta Voss.
Finally—
The Master of the Night himself.
The images vanish.
The Master of the Night: “The North has spent a very long time convincing itself that it understands strength.”
He begins walking again.
The Master of the Night: “Giants.”
A candle flickers.
The Master of the Night: “Demons.”
Another.
The Master of the Night: “Monsters.”
A quiet chuckle.
The Master of the Night: “Heroes.”
He turns his head toward Count Daculescu.
Daculescu gives the slightest nod.
The Master of the Night: “All very impressive.”
He looks back toward the camera.
The Master of the Night: “All very visible.”
A pause.
The Master of the Night: “The House of Night has no need to be the loudest thing in the North.”
He steps closer.
The Master of the Night: “We need only be the thing still standing when everyone else has finished shouting.”
The music continues beneath him.
The Master of the Night: “The Crimson Maulers have already demonstrated what happens when strength is given discipline.”
A slight tilt of the head.
The Master of the Night: “Dr. Violetta Voss has demonstrated what happens when cruelty is given intelligence.”
He stops near Count Daculescu.
For the first time, the Master gestures toward him.
Not as a subordinate.
As an associate.
The Master of the Night: “And Count Daculescu...”
The Count's expression remains unreadable.
The Master of the Night: “...understands better than most that battles are often decided long before the people inside them realize they have begun.”
Count Daculescu says nothing.
The Master resumes his walk.
The Master of the Night: “And then there are the Masons.”
A small laugh escapes him.
The music continues.
The Master of the Night: “Poor...”
He pauses.
The Master of the Night: “Poor...”
Another pause.
The Master of the Night: “Masons.”
The smile beneath the mask becomes more pronounced.
The Master of the Night: “Such determination.”
He slowly shakes his head.
The Master of the Night: “Such loyalty.”
Another step.
The Master of the Night: “Such exhausting faith in one another.”
He stops beside the long table.
The Master of the Night: “Jack Mason believed anger could protect his family.”
A candle flame dances near his shoulder.
The Master of the Night: “At Fallout, he learned otherwise.”
His voice remains completely calm.
The Master of the Night: “He brought his weapons.”
A pause.
The Master of the Night: “He brought his rage.”
Another.
The Master of the Night: “He brought every ounce of violence a No Disqualification Match allowed him.”
The Master reaches toward the glass of wine.
He does not pick it up.
The Master of the Night: “And he still fell.”
A beat.
The Master of the Night: “Not because Jack Mason is weak.”
His head turns toward the camera.
The Master of the Night: “That would make the lesson far too simple.”
He steps away from the table.
The Master of the Night: “He fell because strength is useless when someone else knows precisely where to place the knife.”
A pause.
The Master of the Night: “Not through the flesh.”
One gloved finger rises toward the side of his own head.
The Master of the Night: “Through the mind.”
His hand lowers.
The Master of the Night: “One image.”
A faint smile.
The Master of the Night: “One moment of doubt.”
Another step.
The Master of the Night: “One question.”
His voice becomes softer.
The Master of the Night: “‘Edie?’”
Silence.
The music continues.
The Master of the Night: “That was all it required.”
Across the room, Count Daculescu allows himself the faintest smile.
The Master of the Night: “And while Jack Mason was still trying to understand what his eyes had shown him...”
He looks toward Daculescu.
The Master of the Night: “...the House acted.”
A pause.
The Master of the Night: “Precisely.”
Another.
The Master of the Night: “Efficiently.”
Another.
The Master of the Night: “Together.”
He looks back toward the camera.
The Master of the Night: “That is the difference between a family...”
A slight tilt of the mask.
The Master of the Night: “...and a House.”
The line hangs in the room.
The Master of the Night: “And Polly Mason?”
He gives a sympathetic shake of the head that feels anything but sympathetic.
The Master of the Night: “She walked into her own battle already carrying the weight of her brother's defeat.”
The camera catches Dr. Violetta Voss briefly on a small monitor in the darkness, standing victorious at Fallout.
The Master of the Night: “Then Dr. Violetta Voss taught her another lesson.”
The image disappears.
The Master of the Night: “Fight.”
He takes one step toward the camera.
The Master of the Night: “Struggle.”
Another.
The Master of the Night: “Endure.”
A longer pause.
The Master of the Night: “Eventually, the count reaches ten.”
He lets out another quiet laugh.
The Master of the Night: “So much suffering in one family.”
His voice drops.
The Master of the Night: “And they have only themselves to blame.”
A candle near the camera extinguishes.
The room becomes slightly darker.
The Master of the Night: “I warned Jack Mason.”
Another candle goes out.
The Master of the Night: “There are doors one should not open.”
Another.
The Master of the Night: “Questions one should not ask.”
Another.
The Master of the Night: “Houses one should not cross.”
He turns away from the camera.
For several seconds, only his silhouette can be seen against the candlelight.
The Master of the Night: “The Masons crossed ours.”
A pause.
The Master of the Night: “Now they understand the cost.”
He begins moving deeper into the room.
The camera follows.
The Master of the Night: “But do not misunderstand me.”
He glances over his shoulder.
The Master of the Night: “This is not about the Masons.”
His tone sharpens almost imperceptibly.
The Master of the Night: “They are merely the first family foolish enough to believe resistance would make them important.”
He stops.
The Master of the Night: “The House of Night is looking beyond them.”
The camera slowly moves around him.
The Master of the Night: “Beyond one rivalry.”
A pause.
The Master of the Night: “Beyond one championship.”
Another.
The Master of the Night: “Beyond one night of victory.”
His voice becomes almost conversational.
The Master of the Night: “We intend to become something permanent.”
Behind him, Count Daculescu finally moves.
He takes several deliberate steps forward and stops beside the Master.
Still silent.
The two men stand beneath the candlelight.
The Master of the Night: “Champions will change.”
He looks toward Daculescu.
The Master of the Night: “Commissioners will change.”
Back toward the camera.
The Master of the Night: “Crowds will choose new heroes.”
He gives a small shrug.
The Master of the Night: “They always do.”
Then the amusement leaves his voice.
The Master of the Night: “The House remains.”
A pause.
The Master of the Night: “That is how the North will eventually belong to us.”
The music becomes slightly louder.
Still soft.
Still elegant.
The camera begins to pull backward.
Then—
movement.
Far behind The Master of the Night.
In the deepest portion of the room.
A silhouette.
The Master stops speaking.
Count Daculescu slowly turns his eyes toward the darkness.
A woman steps partially into the candlelight.
Only part of her is visible.
Long dark hair falls across one shoulder.
She wears black.
Her face remains completely concealed by shadow.
The camera cannot get a clear angle.
She does not speak.
She does not approach.
She simply stands there.
Watching.
The Master of the Night does not turn around.
He already knows she is there.
A faint smile returns beneath his mask.
The Master of the Night: “And yet...”
A pause.
The woman remains motionless.
The Master of the Night: “Even a House such as ours can feel incomplete.”
The music slows.
Count Daculescu lowers his eyes slightly.
The Master takes one step toward the shadowed woman.
The Master of the Night: “Some absences are temporary.”
Another step.
The Master of the Night: “Some separations are merely... inconvenient.”
He stops before reaching her.
The woman's face remains hidden.
The Master of the Night: “But every night eventually brings home what belongs beneath it.”
The camera begins tightening on the black mask.
The Master of the Night: “Soon.”
A long pause.
The Master of the Night: “Very soon...”
The smile beneath the mask grows.
The Master of the Night: “...I will be reunited with my mistress.”
The woman shifts slightly forward.
For one instant, candlelight catches the edge of her dark hair and the outline of her cheek.
Never enough to reveal her face.
The Master slowly turns toward her.
The final candles nearest the camera extinguish one by one.
The chamber music continues for several seconds in near-total darkness.
Then—
black.
No logo.
No commentary.
Only the Master's voice one final time.
Quiet.
Certain.
The Master of the Night: “The night is calling.”
The music stops.
The broadcast cuts away.
The broadcast returns live to North Pole Arena.
The camera sweeps across the crowd as the lighting settles into the bright blue-white presentation reserved for championship matches.
At ringside, the Northern Lights Championship has been placed on the timekeeper’s table.
Inside the ring, referee “Honest” Abe checks the ropes before walking to the center and looking toward the entrance.
The crowd is already standing.
Johnny Michaels: “It is main event time on Polar Power, and the Northern Lights Championship is on the line. Tom Sawyer challenges Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend, and this opportunity comes after Sawyer spent thirty minutes in the ring with the champion just one week ago.”
Eddie Ellington: “In a tag match.”
Johnny Michaels: “Yes, alongside Jasper Fang against Terrorfang and Abaddon, and Tom Sawyer showed in that match that he can hurt the champion.”
Eddie Ellington: “He also showed that after thirty minutes, Wilber Townsend was still standing and still carrying the Northern Lights Championship.”
Johnny Michaels: “The championship was not at stake.”
Eddie Ellington: “It was still around his waist afterward. That's what I remember.”
Johnny Michaels: “Tonight there are no partners. Sawyer gets the champion one-on-one.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is exactly why tonight is worse for him.”
The arena lights shift.
A riverboat whistle sounds.
The crowd erupts.
The music of Tom Sawyer begins as the challenger steps through the curtain.
Tom Sawyer pauses at the top of the entrance ramp.
There is considerably less playfulness in his expression tonight.
His eyes immediately find the championship displayed beside the ring.
He points toward it.
Then toward himself.
The crowd responds.
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer has waited for opportunities like this. He has repeatedly shown that when a match becomes unpredictable, when the pace accelerates and positioning begins to break down, he becomes extremely dangerous.”
Eddie Ellington: “He is talented.”
Johnny Michaels: “That sounded almost complimentary.”
Eddie Ellington: “Don't get excited. Talented people lose championship matches every week.”
Tom Sawyer begins walking down the aisle.
He slaps several outstretched hands but remains focused on the ring.
Johnny Michaels: “Sawyer knows exactly what the champion can do. Last week, he hit Wilber Townsend with the Sawyer Snap twice. He landed multiple superkicks. At one point he came within moments of pinning the champion before Abaddon made the save.”
Eddie Ellington: “And that is apparently the résumé now. ‘Almost pinned him.’”
Johnny Michaels: “The point is that Tom Sawyer knows he can hurt the champion.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Terrorfang knows he survived everything Sawyer had.”
Tom Sawyer reaches ringside.
He stops beside the Northern Lights Championship.
He looks down at it for several seconds.
Then climbs onto the apron and steps through the ropes.
The crowd cheers as Tom Sawyer climbs the middle turnbuckle and raises one arm.
He drops back to the canvas.
His music fades.
For several seconds, the arena waits.
Then a deep growl echoes through the building.
The lighting turns dark crimson.
The reaction changes immediately.
Count Vlad steps through the entrance curtain.
Boos pour through North Pole Arena.
The Count stops at the top of the ramp.
He slowly looks across the audience.
Then extends one hand toward the curtain behind him.
The music intensifies.
The reigning Northern Lights Champion Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend emerges.
The championship rests over his shoulder.
His eyes are wild.
Focused.
Predatory.
Eddie Ellington: “There is your champion.”
Johnny Michaels: “Wilber Townsend has become increasingly difficult to handle since aligning himself with Count Vlad and becoming part of the Infernal Legion.”
Eddie Ellington: “He's champion because he is difficult to handle.”
Johnny Michaels: “And because he is extremely talented.”
Eddie Ellington: “Thank you. Finally.”
Wilber Townsend slowly removes the championship from his shoulder.
He raises it over his head.
The crowd boos.
Inside the ring, Tom Sawyer walks toward the ropes.
He does not take his eyes from the title.
Johnny Michaels: “Sawyer sees what he came for.”
Eddie Ellington: “He can look.”
Johnny Michaels: “You don't believe he can win it?”
Eddie Ellington: “I believe he has the right to try.”
Johnny Michaels: “How generous.”
Count Vlad and Wilber Townsend begin walking down the aisle.
The champion does not acknowledge the crowd.
As they approach ringside, Count Vlad says something quietly to him.
Wilber smiles.
Johnny Michaels: “And after what happened earlier tonight with Marax the Deceiver, I would imagine Honest Abe will be watching Count Vlad extremely closely.”
Eddie Ellington: “The referee overreacted earlier.”
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad shoved him.”
Eddie Ellington: “And look at Abe. Completely recovered.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is not how officiating works.”
Eddie Ellington: “It should help.”
The champion reaches ringside.
He pauses directly in front of the timekeeper’s table.
For a moment, Wilber Townsend looks at the championship already displayed there.
Then at the one in his hands.
A ringside official approaches.
Wilber reluctantly hands over the title.
He climbs the steps.
Count Vlad remains on the floor.
Wilber Townsend steps through the ropes.
Tom Sawyer moves toward the center.
The champion meets him.
The two men stand face-to-face.
Honest Abe quickly steps between them.
Celeste Orion enters with microphone in hand.
The championship is passed into the ring.
Honest Abe holds it.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is tonight's main event and is scheduled for one fall with a thirty-minute time limit!”
The crowd cheers.
Celeste Orion: “And it is for the NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAMPIONSHIP!”
Another roar fills the arena.
Celeste Orion turns toward the challenger.
Celeste Orion: “Introducing first, the challenger... TOM SAWYER!”
Tom Sawyer raises one arm.
The crowd responds strongly.
He points toward the championship in Honest Abe's hands.
Celeste Orion turns toward the opposite corner.
Celeste Orion: “And his opponent, accompanied to the ring by COUNT VLAD... the reigning and defending NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAMPION... WILBER ‘TERRORFANG’ TOWNSEND!”
Wilber Townsend throws his head back and raises both arms.
Count Vlad gives a slow nod from ringside.
Eddie Ellington: “That's your champion.”
Johnny Michaels: “For the moment.”
Eddie Ellington: “You enjoy saying things that could get you bitten.”
Celeste Orion exits.
Honest Abe raises the Northern Lights Championship high above his head.
Tom Sawyer watches it.
Wilber Townsend watches Tom Sawyer.
The championship is handed out to the timekeeper.
Honest Abe gives both men final instructions.
Then he points directly toward Count Vlad.
The Count smiles.
The referee turns.
Signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Tom Sawyer and Wilber Townsend circle cautiously.
Before either man commits, Count Vlad moves closer to the apron.
His eyes lock directly onto Tom Sawyer.
Sawyer notices.
The challenger hesitates for only a fraction of a second.
Wilber Townsend immediately closes the distance.
But Tom Sawyer recovers quickly, gets around the champion and launches him backward with a Three-Quarter Nelson Suplex.
Wilber hits hard.
He rolls toward one knee.
Tom Sawyer stays ready.
Johnny Michaels: “Sawyer gets the first major impact with the Three-Quarter Nelson Suplex, but Count Vlad was already trying to get inside the challenger's head.”
Eddie Ellington: “Trying?”
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer looked directly at him.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then the Count succeeded.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Sawyer still took the champion over.”
Eddie Ellington: “One suplex does not win a championship.”
Minute 2
Tom Sawyer moves in aggressively.
He catches Wilber Townsend and hooks both arms.
The crowd rises.
SAWYER SNAP!
But Wilber recognizes the Double Underhook Piledriver.
He drops his weight.
Tom Sawyer attempts to force the lift.
The champion twists free.
Wilber Townsend grabs Sawyer’s arm before the challenger can retreat.
He yanks him forward.
SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINE!
The strike turns Tom Sawyer inside out.
Eddie Ellington: “There!”
Johnny Michaels: “Terrorfang had the Sawyer Snap scouted!”
Eddie Ellington: “Of course he did. Tom Sawyer hit him with it twice last week. Did you think the champion spent the last seven days forgetting?”
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent preparation from Wilber Townsend.”
Eddie Ellington: “Champion's preparation.”
Minute 3
Wilber Townsend stays close.
He moves behind Tom Sawyer and locks in a Rear Chinlock.
The champion sits his weight behind the challenger and wrenches backward.
Tom Sawyer begins fighting his way upright.
He reaches back.
Creates separation.
Then catches Wilber around the body.
Sawyer powers the champion upward and drives him into the canvas with a Double Underhook Powerbomb.
Both men are forced apart by the impact.
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer fights out of the chinlock and answers with the Double Underhook Powerbomb!”
Eddie Ellington: “I will admit that was impressive.”
Johnny Michaels: “You sounded physically pained saying that.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because I prefer the champion vertical.”
Johnny Michaels: “Sawyer is making this very competitive early.”
Eddie Ellington: “Early.”
Minute 4
Tom Sawyer rises first.
He moves toward Wilber Townsend.
At ringside, Count Vlad suddenly climbs onto the apron.
Honest Abe turns toward him immediately.
The referee marches over and orders the Count down.
Tom Sawyer also turns.
That is the opening.
Count Vlad reaches through the ropes.
His fingers snap forward.
TRANSYLVANIA SPIKE!
The strike catches Tom Sawyer before the challenger can protect himself.
Sawyer staggers violently backward.
The crowd erupts in boos.
Wilber Townsend charges into the opening and overwhelms him.
Johnny Michaels: “TRANSYLVANIA SPIKE! COUNT VLAD JUST HIT TOM SAWYER!”
Eddie Ellington: “I didn't see anything.”
Johnny Michaels: “We have several thousand witnesses!”
Eddie Ellington: “Were any of them wearing a referee shirt?”
Johnny Michaels: “Honest Abe was occupied because Count Vlad deliberately put himself on the apron!”
Eddie Ellington: “Then the referee should improve his peripheral vision.”
Johnny Michaels: “This is a championship match!”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Everyone should arrive prepared.”
Tom Sawyer drops toward one knee.
Count Vlad steps away from the apron before Honest Abe turns back.
The referee sees only the champion pressing the advantage.
Minute 5
Wilber Townsend moves behind Tom Sawyer again and attempts another Rear Chinlock.
This time Tom Sawyer anticipates it.
Before the champion can secure his grip, Sawyer tucks his chin and turns through the attempted hold.
He catches the wrist and forces Wilber away.
The two separate.
Johnny Michaels: “Excellent defense by Tom Sawyer. Terrorfang went back to the Rear Chinlock, but Sawyer recognized it and neutralized the hold.”
Eddie Ellington: “Fine.”
Johnny Michaels: “Fine?”
Eddie Ellington: “Good defense. He still has to win the match.”
Johnny Michaels: “Particularly after Count Vlad's interference.”
Eddie Ellington: “You're going to complain about that all night, aren't you?”
Johnny Michaels: “We're five minutes in.”
Eddie Ellington: “It already feels longer.”
Minute 6
The competitors circle again.
Tom Sawyer tries to establish distance.
Wilber Townsend closes it.
The champion feints toward the body.
Sawyer raises his guard.
Wilber explodes upward with a Lifting Forearm Smash.
The blow catches Tom Sawyer cleanly beneath the jaw.
Sawyer falls backward into the ropes.
Wilber Townsend stalks toward him.
Johnny Michaels: “Lifting Forearm Smash lands flush, and Tom Sawyer could not defend it.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is what Terrorfang does so well. He looks wild, but there's calculation underneath it.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is an important point. His presentation can disguise just how technically aware he is.”
Eddie Ellington: “You're finally watching the right wrestler.”
Minute 7
Wilber Townsend forces Tom Sawyer forward and begins hammering repeated blows across his back.
Sawyer drops toward one knee.
Wilber raises both hands for another strike.
Tom Sawyer spins.
SUPERKICK!
The champion takes the boot directly to the jaw.
Wilber Townsend staggers backward.
The crowd erupts.
Johnny Michaels: “Superkick! Sawyer caught him!”
Eddie Ellington: “Stay up!”
Wilber catches himself against the ropes.
Sawyer is still recovering from the hammering attack and cannot immediately capitalize.
Johnny Michaels: “Both men landed heavily in that exchange.”
Eddie Ellington: “And look at Terrorfang. He took that Superkick and stayed on his feet.”
Johnny Michaels: “Barely.”
Eddie Ellington: “Still counts.”
Minute 8
Tom Sawyer sees the champion stagger and moves in.
At ringside, Count Vlad steps closer again.
He says something toward Tom Sawyer.
Sawyer tries to ignore him.
The Count speaks again.
For one instant, Sawyer's eyes leave the champion.
Wilber Townsend moves toward him.
Sawyer turns just in time.
SUPERKICK!
The boot catches Wilber again.
The champion falls backward.
But Tom Sawyer has already been pulled out of position by the distraction and cannot immediately follow.
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer still lands the Superkick, but Count Vlad forced him to divide his attention again!”
Eddie Ellington: “Then stop listening.”
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad is intentionally disrupting the challenger.”
Eddie Ellington: “You know what I hear when managers shout at me?”
Johnny Michaels: “What?”
Eddie Ellington: “Nothing, because I was smart enough to become a commentator.”
Johnny Michaels: “Remarkable insight.”
Minute 9
Tom Sawyer tries to regain control.
Wilber Townsend gets up first.
The champion reaches for Sawyer’s wrist.
He pulls the challenger directly toward him.
SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINE!
Tom Sawyer takes the full impact and crashes onto his back.
Wilber Townsend stands over him.
Eddie Ellington: “Again!”
Johnny Michaels: “Second Short-Arm Clothesline of the match, and Tom Sawyer has been unable to defend either one.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's because Terrorfang is pulling him into the strike. Sawyer isn't just being hit. He's being brought directly to the point of impact.”
Johnny Michaels: “The champion has begun controlling the pace.”
Eddie Ellington: “Started?”
Johnny Michaels: “You are impossible.”
Minute 10
Tom Sawyer reaches the ropes and begins pulling himself upright.
Count Vlad moves into his field of vision.
The Count gestures toward him.
Says something.
Sawyer shakes his head.
Wilber Townsend remains behind him.
Count Vlad speaks again.
This time Tom Sawyer turns sharply toward the floor.
Honest Abe warns the Count to back away.
The distraction gives Wilber another opportunity to close in.
Sawyer senses him at the last possible moment and twists away, preventing the champion from immediately landing another clean strike.
But he has been forced back onto the defensive.
Johnny Michaels: “Again! Count Vlad is repeatedly forcing Tom Sawyer to account for somebody outside the ring.”
Eddie Ellington: “The Count hasn't touched him.”
Johnny Michaels: “Not this minute.”
Eddie Ellington: “See? Improvement.”
Johnny Michaels: “He hit him with the Transylvania Spike six minutes ago!”
Eddie Ellington: “You dwell.”
Minute 11
Tom Sawyer tries to reset.
Wilber Townsend approaches from the center.
At ringside, Count Vlad begins speaking again.
This time there is no subtlety.
He openly mocks the challenger.
Tom Sawyer initially keeps his eyes on the champion.
The Count continues.
Sawyer's expression hardens.
Count Vlad smiles.
He gestures dismissively toward Tom Sawyer.
The challenger finally turns.
Johnny Michaels: “Don't do it, Tom!”
Eddie Ellington: “He did it.”
Tom Sawyer steps toward the ropes.
He points directly at Count Vlad.
The Count spreads his arms innocently.
Behind Sawyer—
Wilber Townsend attacks.
The champion drives into Tom Sawyer from behind, knocking him hard to the canvas.
Sawyer tries to rise.
Wilber stays on him, turns him over and hooks both legs tightly.
Honest Abe drops into position.
One!
Johnny Michaels: “Sawyer was distracted!”
Two!
Tom Sawyer kicks his legs.
Three!
The bell rings.
The arena explodes in boos.
Eddie Ellington: “YES!”
Johnny Michaels: “Wilber Townsend retains!”
Eddie Ellington: “Still champion!”
Wilber Townsend immediately releases the cover and rolls away.
He gets to his knees.
A wild smile spreads across his face.
Tom Sawyer sits up.
For several seconds, he appears confused.
Then he looks toward Count Vlad.
Understanding arrives immediately.
Tom Sawyer slams one hand against the mat.
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad antagonized Tom Sawyer until Sawyer finally gave him exactly what he wanted — his attention.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's not Terrorfang's fault.”
Johnny Michaels: “He capitalized on it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which is what champions do!”
Johnny Michaels: “I'm not questioning the champion's awareness. I'm questioning why Count Vlad was permitted to remain at ringside after everything he did.”
Eddie Ellington: “Because Honest Abe never caught anything severe enough to remove him.”
Johnny Michaels: “He missed the Transylvania Spike.”
Eddie Ellington: “Then your complaint is with the referee.”
Johnny Michaels: “You have an answer for everything.”
Eddie Ellington: “Championship-level commentary.”
Honest Abe receives the Northern Lights Championship.
He walks toward Wilber Townsend.
The champion snatches the belt from him and immediately raises it overhead.
The crowd boos heavily.
Count Vlad climbs onto the apron.
Inside the ring, Tom Sawyer is back on his feet.
He looks from Wilber to the Count.
Celeste Orion stands at ringside.
Celeste Orion: “Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by pinfall... and STILL NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAMPION... WILBER ‘TERRORFANG’ TOWNSEND!”
Wilber Townsend raises the championship even higher.
Count Vlad steps through the ropes and moves beside him.
The Count looks toward Tom Sawyer.
A faint smile appears.
Tom Sawyer takes one step forward.
Honest Abe immediately moves between him and the champion.
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer is furious, and I cannot blame him.”
Eddie Ellington: “He should be furious with himself.”
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad interfered repeatedly.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Tom Sawyer repeatedly looked at him. How many times does somebody have to ring the doorbell before you realize you don't have to answer it?”
Johnny Michaels: “That is a remarkably convenient interpretation.”
Eddie Ellington: “It's also correct. Sawyer knew Count Vlad was there before the bell. He knew who was standing in Terrorfang's corner. He let the Count into his head.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Wilber Townsend took advantage.”
Eddie Ellington: “Champion.”
The replay begins.
First, Tom Sawyer hitting the Three-Quarter Nelson Suplex.
Then Wilber Townsend reversing the attempted Sawyer Snap and landing the Short-Arm Clothesline.
The Transylvania Spike follows.
Johnny Michaels: “And there. That cannot be ignored.”
Eddie Ellington: “A regrettable moment of poor officiating.”
Johnny Michaels: “You're blaming Honest Abe?”
Eddie Ellington: “You certainly aren't blaming Terrorfang.”
The replay continues.
Superkick.
Second Superkick.
Another Short-Arm Clothesline.
Then the final sequence.
Count Vlad talking.
Tom Sawyer turning.
Wilber Townsend attacking.
The three-count.
The replay freezes.
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer had opportunities tonight. He landed significant offense. He caught the champion with multiple Superkicks and made the adjustment after Terrorfang stopped his first major attack.”
Eddie Ellington: “And when the match required absolute concentration, Tom Sawyer lost his.”
Inside the ring, Wilber Townsend moves toward Tom Sawyer.
The two men stand several feet apart.
The championship is held against Wilber's chest.
Tom Sawyer points toward the belt.
Then toward Count Vlad.
The champion laughs.
Eddie Ellington: “What's Sawyer complaining about?”
Johnny Michaels: “I believe that is fairly obvious.”
Eddie Ellington: “The record says Wilber Townsend defeated Tom Sawyer.”
Johnny Michaels: “The record does not tell the entire story.”
Eddie Ellington: “The championship does.”
Count Vlad places one hand on Wilber Townsend's shoulder.
The champion backs toward the ropes.
He raises the Northern Lights Championship directly toward Tom Sawyer.
Sawyer does not move.
He keeps staring.
Johnny Michaels: “Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend remains Northern Lights Champion, but Tom Sawyer is going to remember exactly how this match ended.”
Eddie Ellington: “He should. It may help him learn not to argue with managers while wrestling champions.”
Johnny Michaels: “And Count Vlad has made himself a factor throughout Polar Power tonight.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's called influence.”
Johnny Michaels: “Others might call it interference.”
Eddie Ellington: “Others don't have championship gold.”
Wilber Townsend steps through the ropes.
Count Vlad follows.
They begin walking up the aisle.
The champion raises the title over his shoulder without looking back.
Inside the ring, Tom Sawyer remains standing.
Frustrated.
Angry.
But still watching the championship.
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer came for the Northern Lights Championship. He leaves without it. Wilber Townsend survives another challenger, and with Count Vlad beside him, Terrorfang's grip on this championship continues.”
Eddie Ellington: “Survives? He won.”
Johnny Michaels: “With considerable assistance.”
Eddie Ellington: “And still champion.”
Johnny Michaels: “That part is indisputable.”
The camera closes on Wilber Townsend standing at the top of the entrance ramp.
He raises the Northern Lights Championship.
Beside him, Count Vlad smiles toward the ring.
WILBER “TERRORFANG” TOWNSEND DEFEATS TOM SAWYER VIA PINFALL AT THE 11:00 MINUTE MARK TO RETAIN THE NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAMPIONSHIP.
The broadcast returns to a wide shot of North Pole Arena.
The crowd remains animated following the main event as Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend and Count Vlad disappear through the entrance curtain.
Inside the ring, Tom Sawyer remains for several moments longer, staring toward the stage before finally stepping through the ropes.
The camera returns to the commentary desk.
Johnny Michaels: “What a night it has been on the first Polar Power following Fallout. Championships, unfinished rivalries, new alliances and more than a few questions that followed us out of last Sunday's Super Card.”
Eddie Ellington: “And most importantly, the Northern Lights Championship is still exactly where it belongs.”
Johnny Michaels: “According to you.”
Eddie Ellington: “According to the belt around Wilber Townsend's waist.”
The production screen changes to highlights from earlier tonight.
Kristine Kringle stands inside her office with the amended contract.
Across from her are Yeti and Marcus the Beastmaster.
The replay shows Kristine revealing that Marcus would be barred from the arena tomorrow night just as Bigfoot already was.
Then comes the moment she tells Yeti that if he refuses to sign, she may offer the opportunity to Bigfoot instead.
Yeti immediately grabs the contract.
Signs.
Johnny Michaels: “We began tonight with the final contractual hurdle cleared for tomorrow night's HCW Reign of Champions. Yeti wanted Bigfoot removed from his Convergent Championship rematch with Jack Lumber. The champion agreed, but only if Marcus the Beastmaster was barred as well.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Yeti complained until Kristine Kringle mentioned the two most terrifying words he could possibly hear.”
Johnny Michaels: “Bigfoot.”
Eddie Ellington: “Exactly. Never have I seen a man discover the location of a pen that quickly.”
The replay shows Yeti signing.
Johnny Michaels: “So it is official tomorrow night. Jack Lumber defends the Convergent Championship against Yeti. No Bigfoot. No Marcus the Beastmaster.”
Eddie Ellington: “No excuses. Somebody is going to have to win the match all by himself. Imagine that.”
The highlights change.
Abraham Van Helsing and Rudolph battle the Crimson Maulers.
Brakk Bloodmaw hits the Crimson Crush.
Vereyk Nightclaw repeatedly sends opponents to the floor.
Van Helsing fights back with the Holy Crossface and Silver Bullet Spear.
The thirty-minute bell sounds.
Johnny Michaels: “Our opening contest could not produce a winner. Abraham Van Helsing and Rudolph fought the Crimson Maulers to a thirty-minute time-limit draw.”
The screen briefly shows Van Helsing staring toward Count Daculescu afterward.
Johnny Michaels: “And once again, the presence of Count Daculescu became part of the story.”
Eddie Ellington: “The Count stood at ringside and supported his team.”
Johnny Michaels: “He distracted the referee during a pin attempt.”
Eddie Ellington: “Support comes in many forms.”
The footage changes to Dave “The Brute” Kent sitting in the Brutal Truth studio.
Behind him are images of Grondar the Revenant surviving the Fatal Four Way at Fallout.
Johnny Michaels: “Then Dave Kent broke down the North Pole Championship match from Fallout and made a compelling argument that Grondar the Revenant's forty-six-minute title defense may have been the strongest performance of his championship reign.”
The replay shows Grondar injured during the middle of the match.
Then recovering.
Then attacking late.
Finally—
THE AFTERMATH on Rudolph.
One.
Two.
Three.
Eddie Ellington: “It took Dave ten minutes to explain what I told everyone at the beginning of the show.”
Johnny Michaels: “Which was?”
Eddie Ellington: “Grondar is terrifying.”
Johnny Michaels: “There was considerably more analysis involved.”
Eddie Ellington: “Mine was more efficient.”
The screen changes again.
Big Bad Wolf spears Ashen Vicar.
Then Ashen Vicar catches him in Ashes of the Oath.
The Wolf taps.
Johnny Michaels: “Ashen Vicar, the Master of the White Flame, scored one of the most significant victories of his Polar Division run when he forced former Universal Championship challenger Big Bad Wolf to submit.”
Eddie Ellington: “I picked him.”
Johnny Michaels: “We remember.”
Eddie Ellington: “I just wanted to make sure history does.”
The next replay shows Lady Frost battling both Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl.
Lady Frost barely beats the count at nine.
The sisters continue isolating her.
Then Scarlett Howl hits the Belly-to-Back Pendulum Facebuster.
One.
Two.
Three.
Johnny Michaels: “The Howl sisters also earned an important victory tonight. Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl defeated Frostbound Command after successfully isolating Lady Frost and preventing Sigrun from becoming a greater factor in the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “A tactical mistake. Sigrun should have been in that ring more.”
Johnny Michaels: “And I suspect Magnus Blackwell may agree after reviewing the match.”
Eddie Ellington: “That is not going to be a pleasant film session.”
The production screen goes black.
A bell rings.
DING.
The crowd reacts immediately.
A still image appears of the skeletal horse skull of Mari Lwyd.
Johnny Michaels: “And then we heard for the first time from the newest presence in the conflict surrounding the Demonic Legion.”
Footage rolls from Mari Lwyd's promo.
Mari Lwyd: “He knocked.”
DING.
Mari Lwyd: “I answered.”
The replay advances.
Mari Lwyd: “I am not Krampus's subordinate.”
Another image shows Mari Lwyd staring into the camera.
Mari Lwyd: “I have my own purpose.”
The footage fades.
Johnny Michaels: “Mari Lwyd made it clear that the relationship with Krampus goes back far beyond NPCW. They are longtime acquaintances whose purposes currently intersect. But Mari Lwyd also warned the Infernal Legion that this is not simply someone else's war.”
Eddie Ellington: “And then he started talking about things under the snow hearing all the noise.”
Johnny Michaels: “Yes.”
Eddie Ellington: “I preferred him before he explained himself.”
Johnny Michaels: “Because?”
Eddie Ellington: “Ignorance was comforting.”
The next replay shows Wicked Witch and La Bruja Muerte exchanging counters.
Then—
green mist.
La Bruja Muerte covers her eyes.
Honest Abe immediately calls for the bell.
Johnny Michaels: “Our fourth match ended abruptly when the Coven sprayed La Bruja Muerte with green mist, forcing Honest Abe to disqualify Wicked Witch.”
Eddie Ellington: “Still excessive punishment of the wrestler for the enthusiastic behavior of her associates.”
Johnny Michaels: “Her associates blinded her opponent.”
Eddie Ellington: “For a very brief period.”
Johnny Michaels: “You aren't helping your case.”
The footage changes again.
Huck Finn connects with the Cut Throat Driver on Marax the Deceiver.
Then Count Vlad climbs onto the apron.
The Count shoves Honest Abe backward.
The referee immediately calls for the bell.
Johnny Michaels: “And remarkably, we had another disqualification immediately afterward when Count Vlad physically shoved the referee during Huck Finn's match with Marax the Deceiver.”
Eddie Ellington: “I remain convinced Honest Abe could have shown greater restraint.”
Johnny Michaels: “Count Vlad shoved an official.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Abe has been perfectly healthy ever since.”
Johnny Michaels: “That is not the standard.”
Eddie Ellington: “It should at least be considered.”
The screen darkens.
Candlelight appears.
The elegant music from earlier begins softly underneath the replay.
The Master of the Night walks through the shadowed room.
Count Daculescu stands silently nearby.
Johnny Michaels: “Then came perhaps the most disturbing message of the night.”
Footage shows The Master of the Night speaking about the House of Night.
Images flash of the Crimson Maulers, Dr. Violetta Voss, Count Daculescu, and the masked Master himself.
Johnny Michaels: “For the first time, the group surrounding the Master of the Night was given a name.”
The words appear across the screen.
THE HOUSE OF NIGHT
Johnny Michaels: “The Master of the Night declared that the House of Night intends to establish control throughout the North. And after the defeats suffered by both Jack Mason and Polly Mason at Fallout, the Master claimed the Masons have already learned what happens when someone crosses his House.”
Eddie Ellington: “You skipped the interesting part.”
The footage advances.
The dark-haired woman emerges partially from the shadows.
Her face remains concealed.
The Master of the Night: “Soon... I will be reunited with my mistress.”
The screen goes black.
Eddie Ellington: “Her.”
Johnny Michaels: “We still do not know who that woman is.”
Eddie Ellington: “But apparently the Master does.”
Johnny Michaels: “And that may be considerably more important.”
Finally, the production screen returns to tonight's main event.
Tom Sawyer hits the Three-Quarter Nelson Suplex.
Wilber Townsend counters the Sawyer Snap.
Short-Arm Clothesline.
Superkick from Sawyer.
Another Superkick.
Then the footage shows Count Vlad striking Sawyer with the Transylvania Spike earlier in the match.
The crowd boos again.
Johnny Michaels: “And tonight ended with the Northern Lights Championship on the line.”
The final sequence rolls.
Count Vlad antagonizes Tom Sawyer from ringside.
Sawyer finally turns toward him.
Wilber Townsend attacks from behind.
One.
Two.
Three.
The screen freezes on Terrorfang raising the title.
Johnny Michaels: “Tom Sawyer pushed the champion and landed several significant attacks, but Count Vlad repeatedly inserted himself into the match. Ultimately, Sawyer allowed the Count to draw his attention away from Wilber Townsend, and the champion capitalized.”
Eddie Ellington: “That's what champions do.”
Johnny Michaels: “With quite a bit of assistance.”
Eddie Ellington: “Still champion.”
Johnny Michaels: “Yes. Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend leaves tonight still Northern Lights Champion.”
Eddie Ellington: “There. That's the headline.”
The highlights end.
The camera returns to Johnny Michaels and Eddie Ellington.
Johnny Michaels: “And if tonight was any indication, the repercussions from Fallout are only beginning.”
The production screen changes.
NEXT WEEK ON POLAR POWER
The crowd cheers.
The first image appears.
MASTER OF THE NIGHT
The reaction becomes immediately hostile.
Johnny Michaels: “And after what we heard tonight, next week the Master of the Night will be in action.”
Eddie Ellington: “Perhaps we'll finally find out whether that mask is easier to wrestle in than it looks.”
The graphic changes.
MRS. CLAUS
The crowd responds warmly.
Johnny Michaels: “We will also see Mrs. Claus compete.”
Eddie Ellington: “There goes my plan to make a naughty-list joke.”
Johnny Michaels: “Good.”
The next graphic appears.
ABADDON
The atmosphere changes.
Johnny Michaels: “One week after Mari Lwyd singled him out, Abaddon will be in action.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now that interests me. Because if I'm Abaddon, I'm not waiting for the horse skull to knock a second time.”
The next image appears.
THE RIVER REAPERS
Johnny Michaels: “Tag team action will feature the River Reapers.”
The graphic changes.
HANS TRAPP AND KNECHT RUPRECHT
Johnny Michaels: “We will also see Hans Trapp and Knecht Ruprecht.”
Eddie Ellington: “There's a pair that does not require much encouragement to make somebody's evening unpleasant.”
The next graphic appears.
ULTIMATE BEASTS
The crowd reacts.
Johnny Michaels: “The reigning Universal Tag Team Champions, the Ultimate Beasts, will be in action.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now you're advertising properly.”
The screen changes once more.
REINDEER COALITION
Johnny Michaels: “And the Reindeer Coalition returns to competition.”
Then the lights behind the graphic darken.
Two images appear side-by-side.
CRIMSON VANE
MOONSHADOW
MAIN EVENT
The crowd becomes considerably louder.
Johnny Michaels: “And next week's main event could be outstanding.”
The graphic expands.
CRIMSON VANE
VS.
MOONSHADOW
Johnny Michaels: “Former Queen of the North Champion Crimson Vane goes one-on-one with Moonshadow.”
Eddie Ellington: “Now that is a main event.”
Johnny Michaels: “Crimson Vane comes into that match after losing the Queen of the North Championship to Lilith at Fallout, and we know exactly how furious she was about Count Vlad's involvement in that result.”
Eddie Ellington: “Which makes Moonshadow's timing unfortunate.”
Johnny Michaels: “Or it creates a tremendous opportunity. A victory over a former Queen of the North Champion would immediately make people take notice.”
Eddie Ellington: “And Crimson Vane has every reason in the world to remind everyone why she held that championship.”
The full lineup fills the screen.
MASTER OF THE NIGHT
MRS. CLAUS
ABADDON
RIVER REAPERS
HANS TRAPP & KNECHT RUPRECHT
ULTIMATE BEASTS
REINDEER COALITION
MAIN EVENT
CRIMSON VANE VS MOONSHADOW
The camera returns to the commentary desk.
Johnny Michaels: “That is all waiting for us next week. But tonight, Yeti signed the contract. The House of Night announced its intentions. Mari Lwyd explained why the bells answered at Fallout. Ashen Vicar and the Howl sisters earned important victories. Count Vlad left his fingerprints across multiple matches. And Wilber ‘Terrorfang’ Townsend remains Northern Lights Champion.”
Eddie Ellington: “An excellent evening.”
Johnny Michaels: “For some people.”
Eddie Ellington: “The right people.”
Johnny Michaels: “And after everything that has happened over the last seven days, nobody in the Polar Division can afford to stand still.”
A final montage begins.
Yeti signing the contract.
Grondar the Revenant holding the North Pole Championship.
Ashen Vicar applying Ashes of the Oath.
Ruby Howl and Scarlett Howl celebrating.
The skull of Mari Lwyd.
Green mist covering La Bruja Muerte.
Count Vlad smiling.
The concealed dark-haired woman standing behind The Master of the Night.
Finally—
Wilber “Terrorfang” Townsend raising the Northern Lights Championship.
Johnny Michaels: “For Eddie Ellington, Celeste Orion, Smooth Samantha Satin, and everyone here at North Pole Arena, I am Johnny ‘The Mic’ Michaels. Fallout changed the landscape. Tonight showed us what everyone intends to do about it.”
Eddie Ellington: “Some better than others.”
Johnny Michaels: “We'll see you next week for another Polar Power.”
The camera pulls back to a wide shot of North Pole Arena.
The crowd remains standing as the Polar Power logo begins forming across the screen in frost and steel.
Johnny Michaels: “Good night from the North.”
The logo fills the screen.
The broadcast fades to black.
Airing after Polar Power 070 - August 29, 2026
Long after Polar Power has ended
0:00
Jack and Edie Mason’s North Pole apartment is occupied tonight.
But it still feels empty.
Small reminders of Edie remain untouched around the room. A medical journal rests on an end table. Her favorite mug is still beside the coffee machine. A sweater hangs over the back of one dining chair.
NEGROPOLIS stands near the window, arms folded beneath his long coat.
POLLY MASON, still carrying the physical effects of her Last Woman Standing Match with Dr. Violetta Voss at Fallout, sits in one of the armchairs.
BIGFOOT occupies most of the couch. LEITON SNAKE sits beside him.
ACE MACDOUGAL is unusually quiet in another chair.
At his feet, FLIPPERS waddles between Ace and the front door.
The lock turns.
Everyone looks up.
JACK MASON enters.
Dark trousers. Black shirt. Tailored coat.
Controlled.
Composed.
The bruising from Fallout has begun to fade, but not disappear.
Polly is the first to speak.
POLLY MASON:
How's Edie?
Jack closes the door.
Removes his gloves.
Places them neatly on the table.
JACK MASON:
Improving.
Polly's shoulders relax.
Ace leans forward.
Jack continues.
JACK MASON:
She ate well today. Slept almost six hours last night. Van Helsing says her physical recovery remains ahead of schedule.
BIGFOOT:
Good.
Jack nods.
JACK MASON:
Yes.
Negropolis watches him.
NEGROPOLIS:
And everything else?
Jack pauses.
He understands.
JACK MASON:
More complicated.
He removes his coat.
JACK MASON:
Some periods are better than others. The Enclave expected that.
Ace's expression tightens.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
But she's herself?
Jack looks at him.
JACK MASON:
She's Edie.
A beat.
JACK MASON:
That is sufficient.
He folds the coat over the back of a chair.
Polly looks toward Edie's empty place at the table.
POLLY MASON:
Did they say anything about when she can come home?
Jack's hand stops briefly on the chair.
JACK MASON:
No.
Silence.
JACK MASON:
I asked.
Negropolis tilts his head.
NEGROPOLIS:
Once?
Jack looks at him.
JACK MASON:
No.
That earns the faintest reaction from Polly.
LEITON SNAKE:
And?
JACK MASON:
The answer remained no.
Jack crosses toward the others.
JACK MASON:
The Enclave considers the safe house the appropriate environment for now. Van Helsing agrees.
His eyes briefly drift toward Edie's sweater.
Then return.
JACK MASON:
I do not.
A pause.
JACK MASON:
But my preference is irrelevant if their assessment is correct.
That tells everyone how difficult the conclusion has been for him.
JACK MASON:
Edie is safe.
His wedding ring catches the light.
JACK MASON:
For the moment, that is the only fact that matters.
0:02
Flippers chirps and waddles over.
Jack looks down.
Flippers waits.
Jack crouches and rubs the little penguin once beneath the chin.
JACK MASON:
She asked about you.
Flippers chirps loudly.
JACK MASON:
Repeatedly.
Another excited chirp.
JACK MASON:
I informed her that you remain impossible.
Flippers seems satisfied.
Jack stands.
As he does, he notices Ace.
Ace has barely spoken.
Jack studies him.
JACK MASON:
You're leaving.
The room becomes quiet.
Ace blinks.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Ach.
Negropolis does not react.
Jack notices that too.
His eyes move to him.
JACK MASON:
You knew.
NEGROPOLIS:
Yes.
Ace exhales.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
I told him a while back.
Negropolis nods.
NEGROPOLIS:
After Edie was brought out.
Jack looks between them.
No anger.
No accusation.
Only assessment.
JACK MASON:
And you intended to wait until after Fallout.
Ace looks surprised.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
How did ye—
JACK MASON:
Timing.
A beat.
JACK MASON:
Also Anthony has the expression he uses when he knows something he believes everyone else should already know.
Negropolis slowly turns toward him.
NEGROPOLIS:
Anthony?
Jack looks back toward Ace.
JACK MASON:
Continue.
Negropolis stares.
NEGROPOLIS:
We'll revisit that.
JACK MASON:
Unlikely.
Ace manages a small smile.
Then it disappears.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Aye.
He looks around the apartment.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
I need tae go.
Polly straightens.
POLLY MASON:
Where?
Ace hesitates.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
I'd rather not say.
Jack gives no reaction.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
It's personal.
Another pause.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Family business.
Jack's eyes sharpen.
Nothing else changes.
JACK MASON:
When?
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Morning.
JACK MASON:
Duration?
Ace shakes his head.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Don't know.
Jack absorbs that.
JACK MASON:
Understood.
Ace looks at him.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
That's it?
JACK MASON:
You said family.
A beat.
JACK MASON:
That is enough.
0:04
Ace stands.
Flippers immediately waddles closer to him.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Jack, it's not that simple.
Jack waits.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Look at what's happened.
He gestures around the apartment.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Edie's still in a safe house.
His eyes move toward Polly.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Polly gets put through hell at Fallout.
Polly's expression tightens, but she says nothing.
Ace looks back toward Jack.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
You lose to that bloody Master after everything Daculescu and his people have done.
Jack's expression remains still.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
And he's still playin' games with ye.
Ace shakes his head.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
This feels like exactly when I shouldn't be walking out the door.
Jack waits until Ace is finished.
Then:
JACK MASON:
Fallout was unpleasant.
Ace stares.
JACK MASON:
It was not definitive.
Jack gestures once toward Polly.
JACK MASON:
Polly is here.
Then toward himself.
JACK MASON:
I am here.
His eyes move briefly toward Edie's belongings.
JACK MASON:
Edie is alive.
A pause.
JACK MASON:
Those are the relevant facts.
Polly watches her brother closely.
JACK MASON:
The Master of the Night wants my attention divided.
His voice remains quiet.
JACK MASON:
I decline.
Another pause.
JACK MASON:
His theatrics do not alter my priorities.
Ace studies him.
JACK MASON:
Edie is safe.
The words are more personal this time.
But still controlled.
JACK MASON:
Everything else can be addressed in sequence.
Negropolis gives the smallest nod.
That is Mr. Mason.
Jack looks directly at Ace.
JACK MASON:
Your family requires you now.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Aye.
JACK MASON:
Then you go now.
Ace's eyes lower.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
After everything ye've all been through—
JACK MASON:
Ace.
Ace stops.
Jack steps closer.
JACK MASON:
You helped remove my wife from Castle Dracula.
Ace says nothing.
JACK MASON:
You stayed until you knew she was secure.
Another beat.
JACK MASON:
Your obligation to us has been satisfied.
Ace almost recoils from the clinical wording.
Jack notices.
His voice softens slightly.
JACK MASON:
Your friendship has not.
That lands differently.
Jack continues.
JACK MASON:
There is a distinction.
Ace looks at him.
JACK MASON:
You are not abandoning anyone.
A beat.
JACK MASON:
You are attending to family.
Jack's eyes remain fixed on his.
JACK MASON:
I have recently developed rather strong opinions regarding the importance of doing that while one still can.
Silence.
Ace understands exactly what he means.
So does Polly.
0:06
Polly rises.
POLLY MASON:
Jack's right.
She walks toward Ace.
POLLY MASON:
If this is family, go.
Ace shakes his head.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Polly, after Sunday—
POLLY MASON:
I lost a wrestling match.
Ace starts to object.
Polly raises a hand.
POLLY MASON:
A horrible, painful, completely miserable wrestling match.
Leiton leans back.
LEITON SNAKE:
Accurate.
Polly glances at him.
POLLY MASON:
Thank you.
She looks back at Ace.
POLLY MASON:
But I'm standing here.
A beat.
POLLY MASON:
There were days recently when that wasn't guaranteed.
Ace's expression changes.
Polly gives him a small smile.
POLLY MASON:
So don't stay here because you think we're too fragile to survive without you.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
I don't think that.
Polly raises an eyebrow.
POLLY MASON:
Good answer.
Bigfoot finally speaks.
BIGFOOT:
Family needs Ace.
Ace looks toward him.
Bigfoot nods.
BIGFOOT:
Ace goes.
Simple.
Final.
Leiton nods as well.
LEITON SNAKE:
Nobody here needs details.
Ace looks around.
Leiton continues.
LEITON SNAKE:
If you need to go, go.
Negropolis remains near the window.
Ace looks toward him.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
You're very quiet for a man who already knew.
NEGROPOLIS:
We already had this conversation.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Aye.
NEGROPOLIS:
My answer hasn't changed.
A pause.
NEGROPOLIS:
Go.
Ace nods.
Negropolis adds:
NEGROPOLIS:
If you need us, call.
Ace begins:
ACE MACDOUGAL:
I know—
NEGROPOLIS:
That was not a courtesy.
Ace stops.
Negropolis looks directly at him.
NEGROPOLIS:
Call.
Ace gives a slow nod.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Aye.
0:07
Flippers suddenly chirps.
Everyone looks down.
The little penguin has planted himself directly on Ace's boot.
Ace sighs.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
And there's the difficult one.
Flippers chirps again.
Ace bends down and picks him up.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Now listen, wee lad.
Flippers presses himself against Ace.
Ace's voice immediately becomes less steady.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Don't do that.
Flippers does it more.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
That's emotional manipulation.
Negropolis looks toward Jack.
NEGROPOLIS:
He's learned from Mason.
Jack ignores him.
Ace hugs Flippers.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
I'm coming back.
He pauses.
The certainty leaves his face.
He corrects himself.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Soon as I can.
Flippers gives a soft unhappy chirp.
Jack watches them.
JACK MASON:
Flippers.
The penguin looks toward him.
JACK MASON:
Ace has something he must do.
Flippers chirps.
JACK MASON:
Yes.
Another chirp.
Jack's expression softens by a fraction.
JACK MASON:
I dislike the uncertainty as well.
Flippers looks between them.
Jack reaches over and gently strokes his head.
JACK MASON:
But we will manage.
Flippers chirps quietly.
JACK MASON:
Correct.
Ace looks at Jack.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Did ye just negotiate with the penguin?
JACK MASON:
Successfully.
Negropolis glances at Flippers.
NEGROPOLIS:
Debatable.
0:08
Ace lowers Flippers back onto the floor.
His expression changes again.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
There's still the small matter of me actually being yer manager.
Negropolis answers immediately.
NEGROPOLIS:
Mercer.
Jack looks toward him.
Negropolis continues.
NEGROPOLIS:
He's already here.
A beat.
NEGROPOLIS:
He's already offered to train you.
JACK MASON:
He has.
NEGROPOLIS:
Then let him cover the rest until Ace gets back.
Ace scratches his beard.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Cal Mercer as manager.
Jack's expression reveals what he thinks of the terminology.
JACK MASON:
He will object to that word.
NEGROPOLIS:
Of course he will.
JACK MASON:
Repeatedly.
NEGROPOLIS:
Probably.
Jack considers it.
JACK MASON:
His objections are irrelevant.
Negropolis tilts his head.
NEGROPOLIS:
There he is.
Jack ignores the comment.
JACK MASON:
Mercer has already elected to involve himself in my preparation.
JACK MASON:
He understands the business.
JACK MASON:
He understands Anthony.
Negropolis points toward him.
NEGROPOLIS:
Jack.
JACK MASON:
And he understands me.
That quiets Negropolis.
Jack continues.
JACK MASON:
Extending his responsibilities temporarily is efficient.
Ace smiles.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
That's a very long way of saying Cal can cover.
Jack looks at him.
JACK MASON:
It was precise.
NEGROPOLIS:
It was Mason.
Jack turns toward him.
Negropolis folds his arms.
NEGROPOLIS:
Mr. Mason.
A beat.
Jack accepts the correction.
JACK MASON:
Yes.
Ace thinks for a moment.
Then nods.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Actually...
A faint smile.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
I like it.
Jack raises an eyebrow.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Someone ought tae make ye miserable while I'm gone.
JACK MASON:
Mercer has already demonstrated considerable enthusiasm for the assignment.
NEGROPOLIS:
Seven o'clock training.
Jack looks at him.
NEGROPOLIS:
Every morning.
Jack's expression hardens slightly.
JACK MASON:
I am aware.
Polly smiles.
POLLY MASON:
I think I'm going to like Coach Mercer.
Jack looks at her.
JACK MASON:
Your enthusiasm is unnecessary.
POLLY MASON:
Definitely going to like him.
0:10
The humor fades naturally.
Ace looks around the apartment.
At Jack.
Negropolis.
Polly.
Bigfoot.
Leiton.
Flippers.
His chosen family.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
I wish I could tell ye more.
Jack responds immediately.
JACK MASON:
Don't.
Ace looks at him.
JACK MASON:
If disclosure would improve the situation, you would disclose it.
A pause.
JACK MASON:
You have chosen not to.
Jack inclines his head slightly.
JACK MASON:
I trust your judgment.
That means more coming from Jack than reassurance would.
Ace swallows.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Thank ye.
Jack extends his hand.
JACK MASON:
Resolve your business.
Ace looks at the hand.
JACK MASON:
Return when you can.
Ace grips it.
Then, predictably, ignores the formal arrangement and pulls Jack into a hug.
Jack stiffens.
JACK MASON:
Ace.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Quiet.
Jack remains motionless for several seconds.
Then one arm rises.
He returns the embrace.
Briefly.
Firmly.
JACK MASON:
Take care of your family.
Ace closes his eyes.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Aye.
They separate.
Polly hugs Ace next.
POLLY MASON:
Be safe.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Always am.
Everyone in the room looks at him.
Ace pauses.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Relatively.
Leiton shakes his head.
Bigfoot rises.
Ace sees it.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Now hold on—
Bigfoot envelops him.
BIGFOOT:
Come back.
Ace is almost completely hidden.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Planning on it, big man.
Bigfoot releases him.
Finally Ace turns toward Negropolis.
Neither man says anything for several seconds.
Ace extends his hand.
Negropolis looks at it.
Then pulls Ace into a brief embrace.
NEGROPOLIS:
Call if you need us.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
I heard ye the first time.
NEGROPOLIS:
Good.
They separate.
Ace looks down.
Flippers is sitting directly in front of the door.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Move, wee man.
Flippers does not.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Flippers.
Nothing.
Ace looks toward Jack.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Little help?
Jack walks over.
He crouches beside Flippers.
JACK MASON:
He has to leave.
Flippers looks at him.
JACK MASON:
You may dislike it.
A soft chirp.
JACK MASON:
So may I.
Jack looks toward Ace.
Then back to Flippers.
JACK MASON:
It remains necessary.
After several seconds, Flippers slowly waddles aside.
Ace stares.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
How did ye do that?
Jack stands.
JACK MASON:
Reason.
Negropolis mutters:
NEGROPOLIS:
Poor bird never stood a chance.
Ace opens the door.
Then stops.
He turns back.
For once, no joke.
ACE MACDOUGAL:
Take care of each other.
Jack meets his eyes.
JACK MASON:
We will.
Ace nods.
He leaves.
The door closes.
Flippers immediately sits beside it.
One quiet chirp.
Polly crouches and rests a hand gently against his back.
Negropolis looks toward Jack.
NEGROPOLIS:
I'll speak to Mercer.
Jack turns.
JACK MASON:
No.
Negropolis pauses.
NEGROPOLIS:
No?
Jack retrieves his coat from the chair.
JACK MASON:
I will.
NEGROPOLIS:
You think he'll agree?
Jack slips into the coat.
Straightens the cuffs.
JACK MASON:
He has already agreed to train me.
A pause.
JACK MASON:
The distinction between coach and interim manager is largely administrative.
Negropolis stares at him.
NEGROPOLIS:
You know Cal isn't going to see it that way.
Jack looks toward him.
The faintest trace of a smile.
JACK MASON:
Then tomorrow morning should be productive.
Jack turns toward Edie's empty chair.
The smile disappears.
For one brief moment, the apartment is silent again.
Jack looks at Edie's sweater.
Then at Flippers waiting by the door Ace just walked through.
Two absent members of the family.
For two very different reasons.
Jack's voice is quiet.
Controlled.
JACK MASON:
Everyone comes home when they can.
Polly looks toward him.
Jack turns away before anyone can respond.
FADE OUT.
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