Aired - October 16, 2026
Black screen.
A heavy, ancient book opens. Its weathered pages shift beneath an unseen wind.
One page turns.
A solitary candle ignites with an unnatural blue flame. The flame flickers, then bleeds into a deep, blood-red glow.
Black ink spreads across the parchment, forming the outline of a royal crown.
An arrow strikes through its center.
A black playing card falls across the page, obscuring the broken crown.
Dragon fire erupts around the card, consuming the parchment.
From the flames, an ominous oni mask emerges.
The low choir begins. Heavy drums follow.
Voice-over: "Crowns are tested."
A rapid flash of King Arthur, standing beneath Camelot's royal banners, the Mythic Crown Championship resting across his shoulder. His expression is stern, his sword held upright before him. The camera closes on his eyes as the throne behind him falls into shadow.
Voice-over: "Heroes are hunted."
Robin Hood draws his bow in the depths of Sherwood Forest. The image cuts sharply to him standing defiantly inside the Coliseum, refusing to lower his head before Camelot's authority. An arrow flies directly toward the camera.
The screen fractures into black.
Severin Crowne emerges from the darkness, turning his signature black card between two fingers. A faint smile crosses his face. Behind him, shadows stretch across a chessboard as a black king falls onto its side.
The Fairest Hunters stand together beneath the Coliseum lights, the newly won North Star Tag Team Championships gleaming against their shoulders. Their victory is frozen in a flash of gold before the image cuts to two hunting silhouettes moving through a darkened forest.
Voice-over: "Monsters wear gold."
Sparks erupt against an anvil.
John Henry raises his mighty hammer, bringing it down with tremendous force. The impact sends sparks scattering across the screen. He straightens through the smoke, an unyielding figure of strength and determination.
The sparks become falling embers.
Mordred stands within the dark halls of the Broken Crown, his sword resting at his side. He slowly raises his eyes toward a distant vision of Camelot's throne. A cold, calculating expression crosses his face as the image dissolves into darkness.
Voice-over: "And every victory leaves a scar."
The drums strike once more.
The music suddenly drops away.
One bell tolls.
The NPCW: DARK FABLE crest fills the screen.
Voice-over: "In DARK FABLE… the story does not end happily."
A brief silence.
Voice-over: "It ends with a winner."
A final bell rings.
Voice-over: "This… is DARK FABLE."
The crest disappears.
A hard cut takes us LIVE to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum, where thousands of fans fill the arena beneath towering stone arches, burning torches and the banners of Camelot.
The broadcast returns live to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
The camera sweeps across the packed arena, where thousands of fans are on their feet beneath the enormous banners of Camelot. Torches burn along the stone entrance structure, casting long shadows across the walls.
Several fans hold signs bearing the symbol of Robin Hood's broken arrow. Others display the names of Mordred, Raigen, and John Henry.
One particularly large banner stretches across several rows.
"FREE ROBIN HOOD!"
The camera catches a section of the audience holding replicas of the North Star Tag Team Championships, celebrating the extraordinary victory witnessed seven days earlier.
A chant begins.
"ROBIN HOOD!"
"ROBIN HOOD!"
"ROBIN HOOD!"
The noise builds as the camera descends toward ringside.
At the commentary desk, Julian Ward sits composed, his notes arranged neatly before him. Beside him, Brick Brody leans back with his arms folded, surveying the hostile atmosphere.
Julian Ward: "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to another chapter of NPCW Dark Fable. I'm Julian Ward, alongside Brick Brody, and we welcome you to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum for an evening featuring six contests, two championship matches, and a kingdom that continues to find itself divided."
Brick Brody: "Divided? Listen to these people, Julian. They're chanting for a man who's locked up underneath the castle. King Arthur sits on the throne, wears the championship, commands an entire court, and half this building would throw him into the dungeon if they got the chance."
Julian Ward: "The imprisonment of Robin Hood remains one of the defining issues surrounding Camelot. But the events of last week's Dark Fable, followed by Wednesday's special Mythic Division Super House Show in Osaka, Japan, have made the situation considerably more complicated."
Brick Brody: "Complicated for some. Very profitable for others. And one man in particular had a pretty good trip to Japan."
The arena screens illuminate.
Footage from last week's Dark Fable Episode 037 begins.
THE SHADOW COURT — CAMELOT'S NEW ORDER
King Arthur sits upon his throne, the Mythic Crown Championship resting across his lap.
Beside him sits Severin Crowne.
The assembled members of the Shadow Court bow before their king.
The footage changes.
King Arthur stands inside the ring opposite Mordred.
"Kneel."
Mordred refuses.
The replay advances to King Arthur connecting with the King's Decree and securing the victory.
Then the images become darker.
The Shadow Court surrounds Mordred following the match. Blood-Moon Warden charges to his aid, only to be overwhelmed by the numbers.
The Huntsman attempts to intervene.
He places a hand upon King Arthur's shoulder.
"Enough."
The king turns.
Moments later, The Huntsman is attacked by the very men he had been standing alongside.
The replay freezes on Mordred, Blood-Moon Warden, and The Huntsman lying beaten beneath the triumphant Shadow Court.
Julian Ward: "Last week, King Arthur defeated Mordred in their non-title encounter. But what followed was a disturbing demonstration of the king's increasingly uncompromising rule. Blood-Moon Warden attempted to protect the Eternal Flame Champion, and The Huntsman tried to bring an end to the assault."
Brick Brody: "And The Huntsman made the mistake of forgetting who signs the orders in Camelot. He put his hand on the king, pulled him away from Mordred, and suddenly everybody who'd been fighting beside him was kicking the life out of him."
Julian Ward: "He was attempting to stop an unnecessary beating."
Brick Brody: "Doesn't matter what he was attempting. King Arthur demanded obedience. The Huntsman decided there was a limit. Now everybody knows what happens when you find that limit."
Julian Ward: "And it raises a significant question about the loyalty of those who remain within the king's court."
The footage changes to the inaugural From the Throne segment.
Severin Crowne sits in his prominent chair beside the throne.
Lady Guinevere exchanges a cold stare with Regina.
Sir Lancelot watches Severin Crowne with obvious suspicion.
Elias Coldmere stands below the dais as Prince John presents a bag of gold.
Julian Ward: "Last week also introduced From the Throne, the new weekly audience granted to King Arthur by Mythic Commissioner Elias Coldmere. And while the commissioner retains official booking authority, the king has positioned Severin Crowne as the gatekeeper for anyone wishing to approach his throne."
Brick Brody: "Now there's a smart appointment. You want something from the king? First you've got to get past Crowne. And after what happened in Osaka on Wednesday, I'd say Crowne's influence is getting stronger by the day."
THE OSAKA UPSET
The arena screens change.
MYTHIC DIVISION SUPER HOUSE SHOW 002 — OSAKA, JAPAN — OCTOBER 14, 2026
Footage shows Universal Champion Hansel confronting Severin Crowne during Wednesday's non-title main event.
Hansel strikes with a flying forearm.
Severin Crowne responds with State Sanction and the Policy Adjustment.
The replay advances to the decisive exchange.
Hansel catches Severin Crowne in a sunset flip.
One!
Severin Crowne shifts his weight.
The pin is reversed.
One!
Two!
Three!
The Japanese crowd reacts as Severin Crowne secures the victory.
Julian Ward: "And that brings us to perhaps the most consequential result from Wednesday's event in Osaka. Severin Crowne defeated the reigning NPCW Universal Champion, Hansel, in a non-title encounter."
Brick Brody: "That's the same Hansel who tore up Crowne's business card and threw the pieces in his face after last week's show. He told him he'd see him in Osaka. Well, he saw him, all right. And he got pinned."
Julian Ward: "The victory came through a reversal of a sunset flip. Hansel was competitive throughout, but the result is undeniable."
Brick Brody: "That's the problem with people dismissing Severin Crowne as some fellow in a fancy suit moving pieces around a board. The man can wrestle. He just pinned the Universal Champion. And you can bet he'll make sure everybody remembers it."
Julian Ward: "We have not heard what Crowne intends to do with that victory, but given his current position alongside King Arthur, it adds another dimension to an already dangerous balance of power."
Brick Brody: "And don't forget, Osaka wasn't exactly a royal parade. Malice lost to Sayaka Mizuhana. Tin Man lost to Lion. Sir Agravaine and the Sheriff of Nottingham lost to the Merry Band. The court took some punishment over there."
Julian Ward: "Indeed. And those results reinforce something we witnessed last week. King Arthur may demand loyalty, but his followers are not invincible."
The camera returns to the commentary desk.
Julian Ward: "Now, as we prepare for tonight's six matches, we must also recognize the extraordinary championship change that closed last week's broadcast."
NEW NORTH STAR TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS
The screen fills with footage of last week's main event.
Snow White catches Alice.
Kiss of Life.
The bridging dragon suplex.
One!
Two!
Three!
The camera shows Gretel entering the ring in disbelief.
Then Snow White and Gretel raise the North Star Tag Team Championships together.
The live Coliseum erupts again.
Julian Ward: "Seven days ago, the Fairest Hunters achieved what many considered unlikely. Snow White and Gretel defeated the Blonde Bombshells in twenty-six minutes to become the new North Star Tag Team Champions."
Brick Brody: "Two wins, two losses, two draws. That's what everybody kept talking about before that match. Nobody's talking about it now."
Julian Ward: "A clean victory over an established championship team, and one that changes the landscape of the division."
Brick Brody: "But don't think Dorothy and Alice have forgotten what happened. They're not champions anymore, Julian. And tonight, they're coming back to the same ring where they lost everything."
The first match graphic fills the screen.
MATCH 1 — TAG TEAM CONTEST BLONDE BOMBSHELLS — DOROTHY & ALICE VS. LARK OF SHERWOOD & MAID MARION
Julian Ward: "The former North Star Tag Team Champions open tonight's action against Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion, two women whose opposition to King Arthur has become increasingly personal."
Footage shows Maid Marion launching herself from the apron last week and attacking Severin Crowne at ringside.
Then Malice traps Marion in the Modified Scorpion Crosslock, forcing the submission.
The replay moves to Osaka, where Regina defeats Maid Marion after a vicious stomp to the head.
Julian Ward: "Last week, Lark and Marion fell to the Queens of Despair, and on Wednesday in Osaka, Marion suffered another defeat at the hands of Regina. Nevertheless, her determination to secure Robin Hood's freedom remains unchanged."
Brick Brody: "Determination doesn't win matches by itself. Marion has spent so much energy going after Crowne and the king that she's forgotten people can beat her while she's doing it. Tonight she gets two former champions looking for somebody to take their frustration out on."
Julian Ward: "For the Blonde Bombshells, this is their first appearance since losing the championships. For Lark and Marion, it represents another opportunity to establish themselves against elite opposition."
Brick Brody: "Both teams need a win. That's a good way to start the night."
The graphic fades.
MATCH 2 — CONVERGENT CHAMPIONSHIP JACK LUMBER — CHAMPION VS. WILL SCARLETT — CHALLENGER
The Convergent Championship rotates between the competitors.
Footage returns to last week's From the Throne.
Prince John kneels before King Arthur, praising his wisdom and requesting a championship opportunity for his client.
A velvet bag of gold is placed at the foot of the throne.
Elias Coldmere confirms the match.
Julian Ward: "Our first championship contest tonight features Jack Lumber defending the Convergent Championship against Will Scarlett. That match originated during last week's royal audience, when Prince John petitioned the king on behalf of his client."
Brick Brody: "Petitioned? He practically polished the throne with his tongue. Then he dropped a bag of gold at the king's feet, and suddenly Will Scarlett had himself a championship match."
Julian Ward: "To be clear, Elias Coldmere approved the contest in his capacity as Mythic Commissioner."
Brick Brody: "Sure he did. But Prince John didn't go begging to Coldmere first. He went to the man wearing the crown. And now his client has exactly what he wanted."
Julian Ward: "Whatever the circumstances surrounding the opportunity, Will Scarlett now has to defeat Jack Lumber inside the ring. And the Convergent Champion has demonstrated that he does not surrender opportunities or championships easily."
Brick Brody: "And Will Scarlett has a chance to prove he was worth all that bowing. I want to see whether Prince John's investment pays off."
The championship graphic fades.
MATCH 3 — SINGLES CONTEST SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM VS. RAIGEN
Dragon fire spreads across the screen.
Raigen appears on one side.
The Sheriff of Nottingham stands beneath the royal banners on the other.
Julian Ward: "Raigen has found himself increasingly at odds with the demands of King Arthur. Last week, he defeated Sir Galahad in a hard-fought twenty-six-minute contest despite repeated involvement from Merlin."
Footage shows Raigen delivering the decisive knee lift.
The replay changes to Wednesday in Osaka.
Sir Gawain struggles inside the Demon Sleeper.
He submits.
Julian Ward: "Then in Osaka, Raigen defeated Sir Gawain by submission. Two members of the Virtuous Blades have now fallen to a man who has consistently refused to acknowledge the king's authority."
Brick Brody: "And don't forget, Takuma Ryujin submitted Sir Galahad over in Japan too. Those knights have been having a miserable week."
Julian Ward: "Tonight, however, Raigen faces a different challenge. The Sheriff of Nottingham, former Eternal Flame Champion and one of the central figures within the Shadow Court."
The footage changes to the Osaka tag team match.
Little John drives Sir Agravaine down with a back smash.
Three!
Julian Ward: "The Sheriff also comes into this contest following Wednesday's defeat alongside Sir Agravaine against Friar Tuck and Little John."
Brick Brody: "The Sheriff doesn't need another lecture about royal authority. He needs to hurt somebody. And Raigen is standing right in front of him."
Julian Ward: "With Taro Okami undergoing the cleansing process at the House of the Dragon's Veil, Raigen is already carrying considerable personal responsibility. Tonight he must contend with another dangerous representative of Camelot's ruling court."
Brick Brody: "Then he'd better keep his mind on the fight. The Sheriff doesn't care how noble your intentions are when he's driving you into the canvas."
The graphic fades.
MATCH 4 — SINGLES CONTEST JOHN HENRY VS. OGRE
The arena screens fill with the sound of hammer blows against steel.
John Henry stands over the fallen Dragon King.
The referee counts three.
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein watches with a calculating expression.
The replay freezes on John Henry staring directly toward the doctor.
Julian Ward: "Last week, John Henry recorded his ninth consecutive victory, defeating the enormous Dragon King in thirteen minutes. The match was observed closely by Dr. Frankenstein, who has made no secret of his interest in testing John Henry against increasingly dangerous opposition."
Brick Brody: "And now comes Ogre. Another great mountain of a man standing between John Henry and that winning streak reaching double figures."
Julian Ward: "The challenge from Dr. Frankenstein and the looming presence of the Monsters Bash continue to hang over John Henry's future."
Brick Brody: "I like John Henry. The man's got power, he's got pride, and he's not afraid to test either one. But nine straight wins put a target on your back. Eventually somebody stops trying to beat you and starts trying to break you."
Julian Ward: "Tonight, Ogre will certainly represent another significant physical challenge."
Brick Brody: "And if John Henry can put another giant on his back, I want to see what Dr. Frankenstein has left to throw at him."
The graphic disappears.
MATCH 5 — SINGLES CONTEST REGINA VS. RAPUNZEL
Dark royal imagery gives way to the two competitors standing across from one another.
Julian Ward: "Our fifth match features Regina of the Queens of Despair against Rapunzel."
Footage shows Regina competing alongside Malice during last week's victory over Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion.
The image changes to Osaka.
Regina reverses an attack from Maid Marion, drives her down and follows with the decisive stomp.
Julian Ward: "Regina enters tonight with momentum. The Queens of Despair won last week's opening contest, and Regina followed that victory with a singles win over Maid Marion in Osaka."
Brick Brody: "And she did it the way I like. She stopped worrying about looking graceful and stomped Marion straight into the mat. That gets results."
Julian Ward: "Tonight she faces Rapunzel, another opponent with an opportunity to disrupt the momentum of a prominent member of the Shadow Court."
Brick Brody: "And that's what makes it interesting. Regina has the king's favor, Crowne's influence, and plenty of confidence. Rapunzel doesn't have to care about any of that once the bell rings."
Julian Ward: "An important contest for both women, particularly with the continuing rivalry between those aligned with the throne and those who challenge its influence."
The graphic fades.
The lighting darkens.
A low rumble rolls through the Coliseum.
The Eternal Flame Championship appears upon the arena screens.
MAIN EVENT — ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS
MORDRED — CHAMPION VS. SIR AGRAVAINE — CHALLENGER
The crowd erupts.
Julian Ward: "And that brings us to tonight's main event. The Eternal Flame Championship will be defended in a two-out-of-three-falls contest as Mordred faces Sir Agravaine."
Footage returns to the previous week's championship contest.
Mordred locks the Sheriff of Nottingham into the Sharpshooter.
Submission.
First fall.
The replay advances.
A spear from Mordred.
Three.
Two falls to none.
The Eternal Flame Championship changes hands.
Julian Ward: "Two weeks ago, Mordred defeated the Sheriff of Nottingham by two falls to none to become the Eternal Flame Champion. Last week, he refused to kneel before King Arthur and was subsequently subjected to a brutal assault by the Shadow Court."
The footage changes to Sir Agravaine joining that attack.
A boot drives into Mordred's ribs.
Then the screen transitions to Wednesday's event in Osaka.
Sir Agravaine suffers the decisive pinfall against Little John.
Brick Brody: "And now Agravaine walks into a championship match after getting pinned by Little John in Osaka. That ought to make him dangerous. He needs to answer for that defeat, and he's got a king who expects him to bring the gold back to the court."
Julian Ward: "This match was requested by King Arthur during last week's From the Throne and subsequently approved by Elias Coldmere. Tonight, the stakes are even greater with the championship being contested under two-out-of-three-falls rules."
Brick Brody: "Which means Mordred can't just catch Agravaine once and walk out with his belt. He has to win twice. And considering how much punishment he's taken over the last seven days, that's a pretty serious demand."
Julian Ward: "But we have already seen Mordred succeed under precisely those rules. That was how he captured the championship."
Brick Brody: "Against the Sheriff, yes. Now he's facing Agravaine, another man with something to prove to the throne. And you can bet the rest of that court will be watching."
Julian Ward: "There is more than championship gold at stake here. Mordred's refusal to kneel has made him a direct challenge to King Arthur's demand for absolute obedience. And Sir Agravaine represents a court determined to demonstrate that resistance has a price."
Brick Brody: "Then there's only one question worth answering. Can Mordred survive long enough to keep the belt? Because the king's men already showed what they'll do to him after a match. Tonight one of them gets to do it legally while the championship hangs in the balance."
Julian Ward: "The Eternal Flame Championship. Two out of three falls. Mordred against Sir Agravaine. Tonight's main event."
The complete card fills the screen.
TONIGHT ON DARK FABLE
MATCH 1: Blonde Bombshells vs. Lark of Sherwood & Maid Marion
MATCH 2: Convergent Championship — Jack Lumber (c) vs. Will Scarlett
MATCH 3: Sheriff of Nottingham vs. Raigen
MATCH 4: John Henry vs. Ogre
MATCH 5: Regina vs. Rapunzel
MAIN EVENT: Eternal Flame Championship — Two Out of Three Falls — Mordred (c) vs. Sir Agravaine
The camera returns to the commentary desk.
Julian Ward: "Six matches. Two championships to be defended. A new generation of North Star Tag Team Champions watching as their predecessors attempt to recover. And above it all, the growing influence of King Arthur and his Shadow Court."
Brick Brody: "And don't forget Severin Crowne. He's sitting beside the throne, he's deciding who gets an audience, and now he's walking around with a victory over the Universal Champion. That's a dangerous man with a lot of leverage."
Julian Ward: "But the events in Osaka also demonstrated that the Shadow Court can be beaten. Raigen continues to resist. John Henry continues to rise. Mordred continues to carry a championship the king desperately wants returned to his sphere of influence."
Brick Brody: "Everybody's got a cause. Everybody's got a grievance. Everybody thinks they're fighting for something important."
He leans forward.
Brick Brody: "But when that bell rings, Julian, all those fine words stop mattering. You're either good enough to win or you're not."
Julian Ward: "And our opening contest may tell us a great deal about the road ahead. The Blonde Bombshells return to competition for the first time since losing the North Star Tag Team Championship, while Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion continue their struggle against the forces that have imprisoned Robin Hood."
The crowd begins chanting again.
"ROBIN HOOD!"
"ROBIN HOOD!"
Brick Brody: "They'd better focus on the women coming through that curtain. Those former champions have got something to prove."
Julian Ward: "The struggle for Camelot continues. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Dark Fable."
The camera moves away from the commentary desk and toward the ring.
Louie Linville steps through the ropes, adjusting his microphone as the referee completes his final inspection of the turnbuckles.
The lights begin to dim.
The opening contest is next.
Referee: "Slow-Count" Sam
The camera returns to the ring inside Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum, where "Slow-Count" Sam is completing his final inspection of the turnbuckles.
The atmosphere remains charged following the opening discussion of the conflict engulfing Camelot.
The arena lights slowly dim.
A familiar melody begins, bright and theatrical, but carrying considerably less celebration than it did only seven days ago.
The entrance screens illuminate with the images of Dorothy and Alice.
The Blonde Bombshells step onto the stage.
There are no championship belts around their waists.
For the first time in their recent history, the two women stand beneath the Dark Fable lights without the North Star Tag Team Championships.
Dorothy pauses at the top of the entrance ramp, looking toward the ring. Alice stands beside her, her usual confidence replaced by a much more deliberate expression.
The crowd offers a respectful response.
Both women acknowledge it with brief nods before beginning their walk.
Julian Ward: "Seven days ago, Dorothy and Alice entered this Coliseum as the North Star Tag Team Champions. They left without those titles after Snow White caught Alice with the Kiss of Life in the twenty-sixth minute."
Brick Brody: "And that's the kind of loss that follows you home, Julian. You can tell yourself you fought well. You can tell yourself it was one mistake. But when you wake up the next morning, somebody else has your championship."
Julian Ward: "Tonight represents their first opportunity to respond. These women have been one of the most accomplished teams in NPCW, and one defeat does not erase that history."
Brick Brody: "No, but another defeat might make people start asking questions they weren't asking a week ago."
Dorothy climbs the ring steps and enters through the ropes.
Alice follows, stepping onto the second turnbuckle for a moment before dropping into the ring.
The partners exchange a few quiet words.
There is no elaborate celebration.
Only focus.
The arena lighting changes.
A distant horn echoes through the Coliseum.
The sound of a bowstring being drawn cuts through the darkness.
Green and gold light spreads across the entrance.
Lark of Sherwood emerges first.
Beside her stands Maid Marion.
The crowd rises immediately.
"ROBIN HOOD!"
"ROBIN HOOD!"
Maid Marion looks out across the audience, visibly moved by the chant, but her expression remains determined.
Lark of Sherwood places a hand briefly upon her partner's shoulder.
Together, they begin walking toward the ring.
Julian Ward: "For Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion, tonight carries its own significance. Their leader, Robin Hood, remains imprisoned beneath Camelot, and their continuing opposition to King Arthur and the Shadow Court has brought them considerable hardship."
Brick Brody: "Hardship? They've been getting beaten, Julian. Last week, the Queens of Despair made Marion submit. Wednesday in Osaka, Regina pinned her again. That's two losses in less than a week."
Julian Ward: "But neither woman has abandoned the fight. And tonight they face opponents who are dealing with their own disappointment."
Brick Brody: "That's what makes this dangerous for both teams. Nobody in that ring can afford to lose."
At ringside, Maid Marion pauses and looks toward the royal banners hanging above the entrance.
Her gaze hardens.
She turns back toward the ring.
Lark of Sherwood slides beneath the bottom rope while Maid Marion climbs the steps and enters beside her.
The two teams stand across from one another.
There is no immediate hostility.
Dorothy steps forward.
Maid Marion meets her near centre.
A brief exchange of words follows.
Dorothy extends her hand.
After a moment, Maid Marion accepts.
The crowd applauds.
Brick Brody: "That's very nice. Now somebody remind them what they're here for."
Julian Ward: "Respect between competitors does not diminish the importance of victory."
Brick Brody: "No. But it doesn't earn you one either."
Louie Linville moves to the centre of the ring and raises his microphone.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a TAG TEAM MATCH scheduled for one fall!"
The crowd responds.
Louie Linville: "Introducing first… representing the former North Star Tag Team Champions… two competitors seeking to reclaim their place among the elite of NPCW… DOROTHY and ALICE… the BLONDE BOMBSHELLS!"
Dorothy raises one arm.
Alice steps forward beside her.
The audience applauds.
Louie Linville: "And their opponents… representing the forests of Sherwood and the continuing resistance of the Merry Band… LARK OF SHERWOOD and MAID MARION!"
A considerably louder reaction fills the Coliseum.
Lark of Sherwood acknowledges the crowd.
Maid Marion raises one arm in recognition of the chants for Robin Hood.
"Slow-Count" Sam moves between the teams and delivers his final instructions.
Alice steps forward for the Blonde Bombshells.
Lark of Sherwood elects to begin for her team.
Dorothy and Maid Marion move toward their respective corners.
The referee checks both competitors.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Alice advances immediately and catches Lark of Sherwood in a collar-and-elbow tie-up.
She quickly shifts her weight and sends Lark across the canvas with an over-the-shoulder arm drag.
Lark rolls through and returns to her feet, but Alice has already moved toward her corner.
Dorothy enters.
The Blonde Bombshells launch into an aggressive opening combination.
Alice catches Lark's arm and drags her forward, leaving her exposed as Dorothy steps in and drives her down with a one-armed neckbreaker slam.
Lark lands hard.
The crowd reacts.
But the Sherwood competitor refuses to remain down.
She pushes herself upright, catches Alice coming forward and hoists her into position.
Sitout Gourdbuster!
Alice crashes into the canvas.
Dorothy immediately moves to protect her partner.
"Slow-Count" Sam orders the extra competitor back toward the apron.
Julian Ward: "A very aggressive opening from the Blonde Bombshells. They're looking to establish their teamwork immediately, but Lark of Sherwood has already demonstrated she can counter that pressure."
Brick Brody: "And that's what I wanted to see from Dorothy and Alice. Forget feeling sorry about the championships. Get in there, work together, and make somebody pay for standing across from you."
Julian Ward: "But they cannot afford to underestimate Lark. That gourdbuster was an emphatic response."
Minute 2
The Blonde Bombshells maintain their pressure.
Alice forces Lark of Sherwood toward the centre of the ring.
A sharp strike knocks Lark backward.
Dorothy follows with the Emerald City Elbow, driving the point of her elbow into the upper body of the Sherwood competitor.
Lark staggers.
Alice moves toward the corner.
She climbs.
Wonderland's End!
The moonsault connects across Lark's body.
The crowd responds to the impact.
Alice rolls away as Dorothy moves forward to continue the attack.
But Lark manages to create just enough distance.
She springs upward.
Single-leg dropkick!
The strike catches Dorothy in the chest and drives her backward.
Lark drops to one knee, breathing heavily.
Julian Ward: "Wonderland's End connects, and the Blonde Bombshells are showing tremendous urgency. But Lark continues to answer whenever she can create space."
Brick Brody: "They're doing the right thing. Keep attacking. Don't give Lark time to think, and definitely don't let her get over to Marion."
Julian Ward: "The opening exchanges have been physically demanding, and the former champions are clearly determined to dictate the pace."
Brick Brody: "Then they need to keep doing it. A strong start means nothing if you let the other team back into the fight."
Minute 3
Alice attempts to maintain the advantage.
She signals toward Dorothy, and the former champions begin setting up another combination.
Dorothy catches Lark of Sherwood around the upper body, preparing the one-armed neckbreaker slam.
Alice moves toward the ropes, looking for another Wonderland's End.
But Lark recognizes the danger.
She twists free of Dorothy's grip.
Alice launches.
Lark rolls away.
The moonsault meets nothing but canvas.
Dorothy charges forward to recover the situation.
Lark ducks underneath her arm and uses the momentum to send Dorothy stumbling toward the ropes.
The attempted double-team has completely fallen apart.
"Slow-Count" Sam steps between the competitors and orders Dorothy back to her corner.
Alice struggles to her feet.
Lark remains upright, watching both opponents carefully.
Julian Ward: "Excellent defensive awareness from Lark of Sherwood. The Blonde Bombshells attempted to repeat the combination that had been so effective, but this time she anticipated it."
Brick Brody: "That's the danger of going back to the same attack too often. First time, you surprise somebody. Second time, you hurt them. Third time, they start figuring out what you're doing."
Julian Ward: "And Lark has now created an opportunity to bring this match back under her control."
Minute 4
With Dorothy returned to the apron, Lark of Sherwood closes the distance against Alice.
Alice reaches for another arm drag.
Lark catches the wrist.
She twists underneath, changes direction and drives Alice down with a Rolling Cutter!
The impact sends Alice sprawling across the canvas.
Lark rises immediately.
She pulls Alice away from the ropes and forces her toward the centre.
Alice attempts to push herself upright, but Lark keeps the pressure on with a forearm across the shoulders.
Then Lark looks toward her corner.
Maid Marion is waiting.
Lark reaches.
Tag!
The crowd rises.
Maid Marion enters as Lark steps onto the apron.
Julian Ward: "Rolling Cutter from Lark of Sherwood, and now Maid Marion enters the contest. A very important tag after the former champions controlled so much of the opening."
Brick Brody: "And Marion needs this. She's been losing matches while chasing the Shadow Court around the country. Right now she's got a fresh opponent in front of her and a chance to make something happen."
Julian Ward: "The Sherwood team has weathered the early attack. We now see whether they can build upon that recovery."
Minute 5
Maid Marion wastes no time.
She drives forward toward Alice.
The former champion catches her with a sudden strike and creates enough separation to move toward the corner.
Alice climbs the ropes.
Wonderland's End!
A second moonsault crashes across her opponent.
Maid Marion absorbs the impact and rolls toward her side.
Alice rises, attempting to follow with another attack.
But Maid Marion explodes forward.
Lou Thesz Press!
She tackles Alice backward and drives her into the canvas.
A succession of punches follows before "Slow-Count" Sam moves closer and orders her to release.
Maid Marion rises and backs away.
Alice crawls toward her corner.
Dorothy reaches over the ropes.
Tag!
Dorothy enters.
Julian Ward: "A tremendous collision between Alice and Maid Marion. Wonderland's End connected, but Marion answered immediately with that Lou Thesz Press."
Brick Brody: "That's what I like about Marion when she stops thinking about Crowne and concentrates on fighting. She comes forward and makes you deal with her."
Julian Ward: "And the Blonde Bombshells make another tag. They are determined to keep fresh competitors in the ring."
Minute 6
Dorothy and Maid Marion meet near the centre.
Dorothy attempts to grab the wrist.
Maid Marion pulls free.
They exchange positions, each searching for the first clean opening.
Dorothy suddenly drops low and catches Maid Marion from behind.
School-girl roll-up!
"Slow-Count" Sam drops to the canvas.
One!
Maid Marion powers out before the count can continue.
Both women scramble upright.
Dorothy charges.
Maid Marion catches her around the head.
Bulldog!
Dorothy is driven face-first into the canvas.
The crowd cheers as Maid Marion rises and turns toward her corner.
Lark of Sherwood reaches forward.
Tag!
Lark returns to the ring.
Julian Ward: "Dorothy nearly stole the advantage with that roll-up, but Maid Marion escaped and answered with a bulldog. The Sherwood team is beginning to find its rhythm."
Brick Brody: "And they're tagging now. That's the important part. Dorothy and Alice tried to overwhelm Lark early, but they couldn't finish her. Now they're dealing with two women who are finding ways to work together."
Julian Ward: "The opening momentum has shifted considerably."
Minute 7
Lark of Sherwood approaches Dorothy immediately.
She catches her around the body and attempts to lift her into another Sitout Gourdbuster.
But Dorothy recognizes the setup.
She shifts her weight before Lark can complete the movement.
Dorothy drops behind her opponent.
Lark turns.
Dorothy catches her around the head.
Kansas Cyclone!
The Tornado DDT drives Lark directly into the canvas.
The crowd reacts sharply.
Dorothy rolls onto one knee.
Lark remains down, holding the back of her head.
The former champion rises and forces Lark away from her corner before another tag can be made.
Julian Ward: "Kansas Cyclone! An outstanding reversal from Dorothy, who turned the attempted Sitout Gourdbuster into one of her own signature attacks."
Brick Brody: "That's experience, Julian. Lark already hit that move earlier. Dorothy remembered it, recognized the setup, and made her pay."
Julian Ward: "A major momentum shift, and Lark has absorbed considerable punishment to the head and neck already."
Brick Brody: "Exactly where you want to hurt somebody if you're trying to keep them down."
Minute 8
Dorothy attempts to press the advantage.
But Lark of Sherwood fights upward.
The two collide near centre.
Dorothy catches Lark and drives her down with a powerful spinebuster.
The crowd reacts.
Alice steps through the ropes to help her partner.
But Maid Marion immediately enters from the opposite corner.
All four women converge.
Alice catches Lark with an over-the-shoulder arm drag, sending her across the canvas.
Maid Marion charges toward Alice.
Robin's Arrow!
The superkick catches Alice flush across the jaw.
The former champion staggers backward.
Dorothy turns toward Maid Marion, but Lark recovers enough to launch herself forward.
Single-leg dropkick!
Dorothy is knocked into the ropes.
The four women briefly occupy different corners of the ring, all recovering from the exchange.
"Slow-Count" Sam moves between them, demanding that the illegal competitors return to their aprons.
Julian Ward: "Everything has broken down! A spinebuster from Dorothy, an arm drag from Alice, but Maid Marion answered with Robin's Arrow and Lark followed with the dropkick!"
Brick Brody: "That's tag team wrestling when nobody wants to stay on the apron. And I'll tell you something, Julian—that superkick from Marion caught Alice beautifully."
Julian Ward: "Neither team was willing to surrender the advantage. But now the referee must restore order before this contest becomes completely uncontrolled."
Eventually, Alice and Maid Marion return to their corners.
Dorothy and Lark of Sherwood remain legal.
Minute 9
Dorothy attacks first.
She catches Lark of Sherwood with a sharp strike and follows with the Emerald City Elbow.
The point of her elbow drives into Lark's upper body.
Lark staggers backward.
Dorothy reaches forward, attempting to keep her trapped.
But Lark twists through the grip.
She catches Dorothy around the head and shoulders.
Sherwood Destroyer!
The devastating maneuver drives Dorothy into the canvas.
The Coliseum erupts.
Lark drops to one knee after the impact.
Dorothy rolls onto her side, clearly shaken.
For several seconds, neither woman can immediately follow up.
Then Dorothy begins crawling.
She reaches her corner.
Alice extends her hand.
Tag!
Alice enters.
Julian Ward: "Sherwood Destroyer! Lark of Sherwood just caught Dorothy with a tremendous counterattack."
Brick Brody: "And Dorothy was smart enough to get out of there. She took a nasty landing, and instead of pretending she's indestructible, she got to Alice."
Julian Ward: "The Blonde Bombshells continue to rely on their experience and quick tags, but the Sherwood team is matching them much more effectively now."
Minute 10
Alice enters and immediately circles Lark of Sherwood.
Both women appear cautious after the punishment already sustained.
Alice reaches for the arm.
Lark pulls it away.
Another attempt ends with both competitors separating before either can secure a meaningful hold.
The crowd begins urging them forward.
Alice ducks an attempted strike.
Lark avoids a returning attack.
The two circle again.
Then Lark suddenly changes direction.
She drives Alice backward toward the Sherwood corner.
Maid Marion reaches over the ropes.
A tag.
The two women attack together before Alice can escape.
Lark catches both arms and forces Alice forward into a Double Chickenwing Facebuster.
The impact drives the former champion face-first into the canvas.
Maid Marion immediately follows.
Low-angle front dropkick!
The strike catches Alice as she attempts to rise.
Alice collapses again.
"Slow-Count" Sam orders Lark toward the apron.
Julian Ward: "The Sherwood team has taken control of the ring. That Double Chickenwing Facebuster and dropkick combination left Alice with no opportunity to mount an attack."
Brick Brody: "And notice what happened before that. Both women were cautious. Both were defending. Then Lark decided to stop playing that game and dragged Alice into the corner."
Julian Ward: "A very effective change of strategy from Lark and Maid Marion."
Minute 11
Alice attempts to get upright.
Lark of Sherwood is back in the exchange, with Maid Marion supporting the attack.
Lark catches Alice around the head.
Rolling Cutter!
Alice crashes into the canvas.
Before she can fully recover, Maid Marion drives forward.
Low-angle front dropkick!
The former champion is knocked backward again.
But this time Alice responds.
She manages to create a small opening between the two Sherwood competitors.
Alice springs forward.
Wonderland Whirl!
The hurricanrana sends Lark tumbling across the ring.
The crowd responds.
Alice pulls herself upright, breathing heavily.
Maid Marion advances immediately, preventing her from capitalizing further.
Julian Ward: "The Rolling Cutter connects, followed by another low-angle dropkick, but Alice finally found an answer with Wonderland Whirl."
Brick Brody: "That's a tough woman. Alice has been absorbing everything Sherwood can throw at her, and she still managed to throw Lark across the ring."
Julian Ward: "But she has not been able to sustain any offense since the Sherwood team established this combination attack."
Brick Brody: "And that's the problem. One good move gets you breathing room. It doesn't necessarily get you a victory."
Minute 12
Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion maintain their pressure.
Alice reaches for Lark, attempting another arm drag.
But Lark counters the grip.
She traps both arms.
Double Chickenwing Facebuster!
Alice hits face-first.
Maid Marion immediately moves into position.
She catches Alice as the former champion struggles back toward her feet.
Arm-trap Neckbreaker!
The impact twists Alice violently across the canvas.
The crowd erupts.
Dorothy leans desperately over the ropes, calling for her partner to reach the corner.
Alice pushes herself upright.
Lark comes toward her again.
This time Alice catches the arm.
Over-the-shoulder arm drag!
Lark is thrown across the canvas.
Alice falls to one knee after completing the maneuver.
Maid Marion steps backward as "Slow-Count" Sam restores the legal competitors.
Lark rises slowly.
Alice does the same.
The two women are now alone in the ring.
Julian Ward: "Another devastating combination from Lark and Maid Marion. The Double Chickenwing Facebuster followed by that Arm-trap Neckbreaker has placed Alice in serious difficulty."
Brick Brody: "And I don't like the way Alice is getting up now. She's slower. She's been hit in the head repeatedly. That arm drag was a good counter, but she barely had enough left to follow through."
Julian Ward: "Both competitors are showing the effects of a demanding contest, but Lark appears to have recovered more effectively from the recent exchanges."
Brick Brody: "Then she'd better stop giving Alice chances to recover. Finish the job while she's hurt."
Minute 13
Alice pulls herself upright near the centre of the ring.
Across from her, Lark of Sherwood rises.
The two stare at one another for a brief moment.
Dorothy calls desperately from the apron.
Alice takes a step toward her corner.
But Lark moves first.
She closes the distance.
Alice raises her arms, attempting to protect herself from another cutter or grappling attack.
Instead, Lark drives her head forward.
Headbutt!
The impact catches Alice flush.
The former champion staggers backward.
Her knees buckle.
She collapses onto the canvas.
The crowd reacts sharply.
Lark drops beside her.
She hooks the leg.
"Slow-Count" Sam moves into position.
Julian Ward: "Headbutt from Lark of Sherwood! Alice has been caught cleanly!"
The referee's hand comes down.
ONE!
Dorothy reaches through the ropes.
TWO!
Alice attempts to move.
But Lark maintains the cover.
THREE!
The bell rings.
The Coliseum erupts.
Lark of Sherwood releases the leg and rolls backward onto her knees.
For a moment, she looks toward the referee.
"Slow-Count" Sam signals that the fall is complete.
The decision stands.
Maid Marion rushes through the ropes.
She drops beside Lark and grabs her partner around the shoulders.
The crowd rises.
"SHERWOOD!"
"SHERWOOD!"
"SHERWOOD!"
Dorothy enters the ring and kneels beside Alice.
The former champion is slowly beginning to sit upright, one hand pressed against her face.
Dorothy speaks quietly to her partner.
Alice looks toward the celebrating Sherwood women.
There is disappointment.
But no argument.
No accusation.
She knows what happened.
Louie Linville steps toward centre.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen… your winners by pinfall… LARK OF SHERWOOD and MAID MARION!"
The crowd erupts again.
"Slow-Count" Sam raises Lark's arm.
Maid Marion joins her partner.
Together, they turn toward the audience.
The chants for Robin Hood begin again.
"ROBIN HOOD!"
"ROBIN HOOD!"
Maid Marion raises her fist.
Lark follows.
Across the ring, Dorothy helps Alice to her feet.
The Blonde Bombshells stand near the ropes, watching the celebration.
For the second consecutive week, they have been defeated inside Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
And tonight, there is no championship opportunity to soften the disappointment.
Julian Ward: "A significant victory for Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion. After surviving the aggressive opening attack from the Blonde Bombshells, they gradually turned the contest in their favor. The closing minutes saw them repeatedly isolate Alice, and Lark ultimately secured the pinfall with that decisive headbutt."
Brick Brody: "That's what happens when you let somebody keep hitting the same target. Alice took cutters, facebusters, a neckbreaker, and then that headbutt finished her. The Blonde Bombshells started this match like they had something to prove. They just couldn't finish what they started."
Julian Ward: "For the former champions, another painful result as they attempt to rebuild following last week's championship loss. But for Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion, this is an important victory at a time when their struggle against the Shadow Court has brought more defeats than celebrations. Tonight they have demonstrated that their resistance remains capable of producing results inside the ring."
LARK OF SHERWOOD & MAID MARION DEFEAT BLONDE BOMBSHELLS BY PINFALL IN THE 13TH MINUTE AFTER LARK OF SHERWOOD PINS ALICE FOLLOWING A HEADBUTT.
The camera cuts backstage to the interview area inside Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
Hana Nakamura stands before the Dark Fable backdrop, microphone in hand. A production assistant speaks quietly into her earpiece.
Hana Nakamura: “Ladies and gentlemen, I'm backstage where I was scheduled to speak with Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion following their impressive victory over the Blonde Bombshells moments ago.”
She glances toward the corridor.
Hana Nakamura: “However, there appears to be some kind of disturbance developing elsewhere in the building.”
A raised voice echoes from beyond the interview area. Then another. The sound of hurried footsteps. A security officer rushes past the camera.
Hana Nakamura: “Excuse me. What's happening?”
The officer does not stop.
Security Officer: “Clear the corridor, please.”
Another member of NPCW security follows, speaking urgently into a radio.
Security Officer: “All teams, proceed to your assigned sections. Dressing rooms, production areas, equipment storage. Everything.”
Hana turns toward the cameraman.
Hana Nakamura: “We're going to see what's happening.”
The camera follows as she moves into the corridor. The commotion grows louder. Then a voice cuts through everything.
King Arthur: “WHERE IS HE?”
The camera turns the corner.
Standing in the centre of a gathering of security personnel is King Arthur. The Mythic Crown Championship rests around his waist. His royal cloak hangs from his shoulders, but there is nothing regal about his composure. His face is flushed with fury.
Beside him stands Merlin, holding his crystal ball and looking considerably more troubled than usual. Severin Crowne stands several feet away, dressed in his immaculate black suit. His hands are clasped behind his back, his expression carefully controlled.
Facing the king is Mythic Commissioner Elias Coldmere. His normally severe expression has become one of concentrated attention. His recent oath of allegiance to the Shadow Court has not altered the authority of his office. It has altered whose demands he chooses to enforce.
King Arthur: “I want every corridor searched! Every chamber! Every passage leading beneath this accursed building!”
Elias Coldmere: “The teams are deploying now, Your Majesty. Every available dressing room and service corridor will be inspected.”
King Arthur: “Then why has he not been found?”
Elias Coldmere: “We have found no trace yet, my king. But I will not have anyone in this building withhold information that could lead us to him.”
King Arthur: “He will not make a fool of me again!”
Elias Coldmere inclines his head.
Elias Coldmere: “He will not be permitted to make a fool of your court, Sire.”
Severin Crowne watches the exchange, a small, measured satisfaction in his eyes. Only a few weeks earlier, Coldmere would have challenged such an order. Tonight he is organizing it.
Severin Crowne: “The commissioner understands the urgency. We should let his people work.”
King Arthur: “They had better work quickly.”
Hana Nakamura approaches cautiously.
Hana Nakamura: “Commissioner? Your Majesty? Can someone explain what's happening?”
King Arthur spins toward her.
King Arthur: “ROBIN HOOD!”
Hana flinches at the sudden outburst.
King Arthur: “That insolent, treacherous, ungrateful THIEF!”
Hana Nakamura: “Robin Hood?”
She looks toward Elias Coldmere.
Hana Nakamura: “But I thought Robin Hood was being held beneath Camelot.”
King Arthur: “HE WAS!”
The king points furiously toward the corridor.
King Arthur: “And now he is gone!”
A stunned silence follows.
Hana Nakamura: “Gone? You mean he's escaped?”
Merlin steps forward.
Merlin: “The chamber in which he was confined has been found empty.”
Hana Nakamura: “When?”
Merlin: “During our absence in Japan.”
King Arthur: “And that is not the worst of it!”
He turns toward the camera. His expression darkens further.
King Arthur: “The outlaw has stolen EXCALIBUR!”
Hana Nakamura freezes.
Hana Nakamura: “Excalibur?”
King Arthur: “The sacred sword of Camelot! The blade of kings! The symbol of my sovereign right!”
He looks toward Merlin.
King Arthur: “Gone! Taken from its rightful place while my back was turned!”
Merlin lowers his eyes.
Hana Nakamura: “You're saying Robin Hood escaped from his imprisonment and stole Excalibur?”
King Arthur: “What other explanation would you entertain?”
Elias Coldmere: “And that is the charge we must investigate, Your Majesty.”
King Arthur: “He escaped my dungeon on the same night my sword vanished!”
Elias Coldmere: “The timing makes him our first suspect. Anyone found concealing him will be treated as an accomplice to this security matter.”
Hana looks between the men. Coldmere is not merely acknowledging the king's accusation. He is giving it the weight of his commissioner's office.
Hana Nakamura: “But Commissioner, nobody has actually seen Robin with Excalibur?”
Elias Coldmere: “Then we must find the people who saw him leave. His Majesty is entitled to answers.”
Severin Crowne clears his throat.
Severin Crowne: “Perhaps we need not lose ourselves in questions of legal precision.”
He looks toward Hana.
Severin Crowne: “A prisoner escapes. A priceless royal weapon disappears. Both events occur during the same narrow period.”
A pause.
Severin Crowne: “Whether Robin Hood took the sword personally or someone acted on his behalf, the coincidence is rather difficult to ignore.”
Merlin: “There is something else.”
Everyone turns toward the wizard.
Merlin: “Excalibur was not merely misplaced. It was drawn from the ancient stone.”
Hana Nakamura: “Drawn?”
Merlin nods.
Merlin: “I attempted to identify the person responsible. Something interfered with the vision.”
King Arthur: “Enough!”
The wizard falls silent.
King Arthur: “The sword is gone. The outlaw is free. And someone within my own kingdom has betrayed me!”
His voice drops.
King Arthur: “I will discover who.”
A security supervisor approaches.
Security Supervisor: “Commissioner, the first teams are in position.”
Elias Coldmere: “Proceed.”
King Arthur: “And search every dressing room. Every locker. Every personal belonging!”
Elias Coldmere looks directly at the supervisor.
Elias Coldmere: “You heard His Majesty. Search every dressing room, every equipment trunk, the storage bays and every corridor that could conceal a person or a weapon. His Majesty's own quarters will be included, so that no one can claim this search was incomplete.”
King Arthur gives a curt nod. He has no intention of tolerating further delay.
Elias Coldmere: “All competitors and staff will cooperate. Any wrestler obstructing my security officers will be suspended. Any refusal will be treated as an attempt to impede the recovery of a royal weapon.”
Hana Nakamura: “Commissioner, you're threatening to suspend wrestlers because the king believes Robin Hood may be here?”
Elias Coldmere: “Because Excalibur is missing and His Majesty has demanded a complete inspection. I have the authority to see that it is carried out.”
He pauses, then looks toward the camera.
Elias Coldmere: “Let no one mistake a royal emergency for an invitation to defy an NPCW commissioner.”
The camera follows the security personnel as they disperse.
THE SEARCH BEGINS
The scene cuts to a corridor outside the competitors' dressing rooms. Two security officers approach a door bearing the name JOHN HENRY. One knocks. No answer. The officer knocks again. The door opens.
John Henry stands inside, dressed in his wrestling gear, preparing for his scheduled encounter with Ogre. Behind him, his enormous hammer rests beside a workbench.
John Henry: “Something wrong?”
Security Officer: “Mandatory security inspection. We need to search your dressing room.”
John Henry frowns.
John Henry: “Search it for what?”
Security Officer: “A missing weapon.”
John Henry glances back toward his hammer. Then toward the officer.
John Henry: “I've got a hammer. Always have. You can see it from where you're standing.”
Security Officer: “We're looking for a sword.”
John Henry: “Then you're at the wrong door.”
The officer attempts to move forward. John Henry blocks the entrance with one enormous arm.
John Henry: “Hold on. Nobody comes barging into my room without telling me why.”
A second officer speaks into his radio. Moments later, Elias Coldmere approaches.
Elias Coldmere: “John Henry.”
John Henry: “Commissioner. What is this?”
Elias Coldmere: “A security inspection.”
John Henry: “I heard that part. What I want to know is why I'm being treated like a criminal.”
Elias Coldmere: “You are not.”
John Henry: “Then explain why two men are standing outside my door demanding to search through my belongings.”
Elias Coldmere: “Because the same procedure applies to every competitor in this building.”
John Henry: “I came here to wrestle Ogre. That's what I'm preparing to do. Whatever trouble King Arthur has brought down on himself is his concern.”
Elias Coldmere: “And I intend to keep it from becoming yours.”
The commissioner steps closer.
Elias Coldmere: “But if you prevent this inspection, you will be suspended from tonight's competition.”
John Henry looks down at him. There is no intimidation in the commissioner's expression. For several seconds, neither man moves. Finally, John Henry steps aside.
John Henry: “Fine.”
He points toward his hammer.
John Henry: “But you treat my tools with respect. And when you're finished, you leave everything where you found it.”
Elias Coldmere: “Agreed.”
Security enters. The camera follows briefly as equipment bags, lockers and storage compartments are inspected. Nothing unusual is discovered.
Security Officer: “Clear.”
John Henry watches them leave. He turns toward the commissioner.
John Henry: “Tell the king that searching my tools won't make his missing sword appear.”
Elias Coldmere: “His Majesty needs no lesson from you, Henry.”
John Henry takes a slow step toward him. The officers tense.
John Henry: “And I don't need a lesson in doing my job. I intend to wrestle Ogre tonight, whether your court likes it or not.”
Elias Coldmere: “Then see that you remain eligible to do so.”
Coldmere turns and departs. John Henry watches his retreat with visible distaste.
John Henry: “A man bows once, and suddenly everybody else is supposed to bend with him.”
The camera cuts.
JACK LUMBER'S DRESSING ROOM
Another security team approaches a door marked JACK LUMBER. Inside, the reigning Convergent Champion is preparing for his championship defence against Will Scarlett. The championship rests upon a bench. Jack Lumber is tightening his wrist tape when the door opens.
Jack Lumber: “Can I help you?”
Security Officer: “Security inspection. Please step away from your belongings.”
Jack Lumber looks from one officer to the other.
Jack Lumber: “Excuse me?”
Security Officer: “We're required to search every dressing room.”
Jack Lumber: “I'm defending a championship tonight. You want to turn my room upside down, you can come back after the match.”
Security Officer: “Commissioner's orders.”
Jack Lumber: “Then get the commissioner.”
A moment later, Elias Coldmere appears.
Jack Lumber: “I don't know what this is about, but I'm not having my preparation interrupted because somebody has decided to turn the building into a prison.”
Elias Coldmere: “A royal weapon has gone missing.”
Jack Lumber: “And?”
Elias Coldmere: “And it may have been brought into the building.”
Jack Lumber: “You think I'm hiding it?”
Elias Coldmere: “No.”
Jack Lumber: “Then what are we doing?”
Elias Coldmere: “Eliminating possibilities.”
Jack Lumber points toward the championship resting on the bench.
Jack Lumber: “The only thing in this room worth stealing is that championship. And I've got a match scheduled against a man whose representative has been begging the king for the chance to take it.”
His expression hardens.
Jack Lumber: “Now you want me distracted before the bell?”
Elias Coldmere: “I am not questioning your preparation. I am telling you that security will inspect this room.”
Jack Lumber: “And if I refuse?”
Elias Coldmere: “Suspension.”
Jack Lumber stares at him.
Elias Coldmere: “Which would make tonight's championship defence rather difficult.”
A long silence. Finally, Jack Lumber gestures toward the room.
Jack Lumber: “Get it over with.”
The officers enter. They inspect the lockers, equipment bags and storage compartments. One moves toward the championship. Jack Lumber immediately steps forward.
Jack Lumber: “Careful.”
The officer stops.
Jack Lumber: “You can look. You don't touch that title.”
Elias Coldmere gives the officer a small nod. The search continues. Nothing.
Security Officer: “Room clear.”
Jack Lumber looks toward the commissioner.
Jack Lumber: “Wonderful. Now I've got a championship to defend.”
Elias Coldmere: “Then finish preparing. His Majesty expects tonight’s advertised championship match to proceed.”
The camera cuts again.
RAIGEN'S DRESSING ROOM
The atmosphere is different here. The corridor is quieter. A security officer approaches the door and knocks. Raigen opens it. His expression is unreadable. The burn scar across his face catches the overhead lighting.
Security Officer: “Mandatory inspection. We need to search your room.”
Raigen: “No.”
The officer hesitates.
Security Officer: “Sir, this is an official security order.”
Raigen: “I heard you.”
Security Officer: “Then please step aside.”
Raigen does not move.
Raigen: “Whose order?”
Security Officer: “Commissioner Elias Coldmere.”
Raigen: “Bring him.”
The officer steps backward. Moments later, the commissioner arrives.
Elias Coldmere: “Raigen.”
Raigen: “Commissioner.”
Elias Coldmere: “Your dressing room must be inspected.”
Raigen: “Why?”
Elias Coldmere: “Excalibur has disappeared from Camelot. We are searching for it.”
A subtle change passes across Raigen's expression.
Raigen: “And because I refuse to bow before King Arthur, you think I would steal his sword?”
Elias Coldmere: “I have accused you of nothing.”
Raigen: “Then your men have no reason to enter.”
Elias Coldmere: “The same search is being conducted throughout the building.”
Raigen: “Including the king's chambers?”
Elias Coldmere: “His Majesty ordered every room searched. I will see his order completed.”
Raigen: “You speak his words very easily now.”
Elias Coldmere: “I have made my allegiance public. I see no reason to disguise it.”
Raigen considers that.
Elias Coldmere: “This is His Majesty's security matter and my official instruction. You may dislike both. Neither grants you an exemption.”
Raigen: “There is a difference between serving a realm and surrendering your judgment to a throne.”
Elias Coldmere: “I did not request your opinion of my oath.”
Raigen: “No. But you will hear it whenever you bring the king's business to my door.”
The commissioner looks toward the doorway.
Elias Coldmere: “The inspection will proceed. Refusal will result in suspension.”
Raigen's jaw tightens. His gaze moves toward the officers. Then back to Coldmere.
Raigen: “You are testing my patience.”
Elias Coldmere: “I am aware.”
A long silence. Finally, Raigen steps aside.
Raigen: “Search.”
The officers enter. They inspect the lockers, equipment cases and personal belongings. Raigen remains motionless throughout. Eventually, the supervisor returns.
Security Officer: “Nothing, Commissioner.”
Elias Coldmere: “Thank you.”
Raigen looks toward him.
Raigen: “I have no quarrel with a man seeking a missing weapon.”
He pauses.
Raigen: “But I will not be made a servant of another man's fear.”
Elias Coldmere meets his gaze.
Elias Coldmere: “His Majesty is owed the truth. If you have nothing to conceal, you have nothing more to discuss with my officers.”
The commissioner leaves. The door closes.
THE SEARCH ENDS
The camera returns to the main backstage corridor. A succession of security teams reports back. Every dressing room has been inspected. The rooms assigned to the Shadow Court have been searched. The storage areas are clear. The competitors' equipment has been checked. Even the dressing room assigned to Mordred has yielded nothing.
One officer approaches Elias Coldmere with the final report.
Security Supervisor: “Commissioner. All assigned areas have been searched.”
Elias Coldmere: “Results?”
Security Supervisor: “Negative.”
Elias Coldmere: “Every room?”
Security Supervisor: “Every room. No sword. No unidentified weapons matching the description. No sign of Robin Hood.”
King Arthur stares at the officer.
King Arthur: “Impossible.”
Security Supervisor: “Your Majesty, we've searched everything available to us.”
King Arthur: “THEN SEARCH AGAIN!”
Elias Coldmere: “At once, Your Majesty. I will extend the search to the loading entrances and review the security footage personally.”
Security Supervisor: “We can check the transport manifests as well, Commissioner.”
Elias Coldmere: “Do so. But you will not delay tonight's matches unless I order it.”
King Arthur: “I want the thief found!”
Elias Coldmere: “You have my word, Sire. No one leaves here with an answer they have refused to give us.”
Merlin steps forward.
Merlin: “Your Majesty, perhaps we should return to Camelot and continue the search from there.”
King Arthur: “Continue?”
The king turns upon his adviser.
King Arthur: “We should never have needed to begin!”
His anger rises again.
King Arthur: “I entrusted that sword to Camelot itself! I entrusted my kingdom to those who swore loyalty before its throne!”
He looks around the gathering.
King Arthur: “And while I was away, an outlaw escaped from beneath my very feet!”
His voice becomes lower. More dangerous.
King Arthur: “Someone opened that prison.”
A pause.
King Arthur: “Someone allowed him to leave.”
Another.
King Arthur: “And someone knows where he has gone.”
Severin Crowne steps forward.
Severin Crowne: “Then perhaps, Your Majesty, we have been asking the wrong question.”
King Arthur looks toward him.
Severin Crowne: “We have spent this evening searching for a man who has already demonstrated that he is capable of disappearing.”
He pauses.
Severin Crowne: “Perhaps it is time to give the rest of the realms a reason to find him for us.”
King Arthur's expression changes. Elias Coldmere steps to one side, awaiting the king's decision.
King Arthur: “Yes. A reward.”
Severin Crowne: “A substantial one. Large enough to make hiding an outlaw more expensive than surrendering him.”
Elias Coldmere: “His Majesty's treasury can make such an offer. I can ensure the royal proclamation is circulated through the proper channels.”
Hana Nakamura, who has remained nearby throughout the confrontation, raises her microphone.
Hana Nakamura: “Your Majesty? What exactly are you planning?”
King Arthur: “Justice.”
A NEW BOUNTY
King Arthur steps directly toward the camera.
King Arthur: “Let every kingdom hear me.”
His voice is no longer shouting. It has become formal. Royal. A proclamation.
King Arthur: “Let word travel beyond Camelot's walls.”
King Arthur: “Through Sherwood.”
King Arthur: “Through Nottingham.”
King Arthur: “Across every road, every kingdom, and every realm where men still understand the meaning of a sovereign's command.”
He pauses.
King Arthur: “The outlaw known as Robin Hood has escaped lawful confinement and stands accused of the theft of Excalibur.”
Hana Nakamura looks toward Elias Coldmere. The commissioner stands resolutely behind the king.
King Arthur: “Therefore, by authority of the Crown of Camelot, I hereby declare a new royal bounty.”
King Arthur: “Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.”
The corridor falls silent.
King Arthur: “To the person who delivers Robin Hood alive into the custody of Camelot and secures the return of Excalibur.”
Hana Nakamura: “Two hundred and fifty thousand?”
King Arthur: “A quarter of a million dollars.”
The king looks directly into the camera.
King Arthur: “I want him alive.”
He leans closer.
King Arthur: “I want him breathing.”
A pause.
King Arthur: “I want him standing before my throne so that he may answer for his crimes.”
His eyes narrow.
King Arthur: “And I want him to see what becomes of a man who believes he may steal from a king.”
Elias Coldmere steps forward, not to interrupt the proclamation but to give it institutional weight.
Elias Coldmere: “You have heard the king's terms. Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, payable from Camelot's treasury upon the return of Robin Hood alive and the recovery of Excalibur.”
Hana Nakamura: “Commissioner, didn't you force King Arthur to withdraw an earlier bounty after it led to attacks on NPCW competitors?”
A quiet pause falls over the gathering. Arthur watches Coldmere closely.
Elias Coldmere: “I did.”
Hana Nakamura: “And now you are supporting another one?”
Elias Coldmere: “The earlier proclamation was uncontrolled. This concerns the escape of a royal prisoner and the disappearance of a legendary weapon. I now serve the Shadow Court, and I stand by my king in demanding their return.”
Hana Nakamura: “Even if people try to collect that reward by attacking someone at an NPCW event?”
Elias Coldmere: “No one has been granted permission to assault an NPCW competitor during a sanctioned event. Anyone seeking the reward must answer to Camelot for how they claim it.”
Severin Crowne: “There is the distinction, Hana. The commissioner's authority regulates the event. His Majesty's authority governs the reward.”
King Arthur: “Then let all the realms know the price of betrayal.”
Elias Coldmere bows his head, plainly and deliberately.
Elias Coldmere: “It shall be done, my king.”
The supervisor nods. Security begins dispersing.
Hana Nakamura turns toward the king.
Hana Nakamura: “Your Majesty, one final question.”
King Arthur looks at her.
Hana Nakamura: “What happens if Robin Hood returns Excalibur voluntarily?”
The king considers the question. Then his expression hardens.
King Arthur: “The sword will be restored to its rightful place.”
A pause.
King Arthur: “The thief will still answer for his rebellion.”
Hana Nakamura: “Even if he returns it?”
King Arthur: “He stole more than a sword.”
The king turns toward the camera.
King Arthur: “He stole the dignity of my throne.”
King Arthur: “He made a mockery of my authority.”
A pause.
King Arthur: “And he believes that because he has escaped my walls, he has escaped my judgment.”
The king takes one deliberate step forward.
King Arthur: “He has not.”
Severin Crowne moves alongside him.
Severin Crowne: “The terms of the royal reward will be circulated, Your Majesty.”
King Arthur: “See that they are.”
Severin Crowne: “Every interested party will know precisely what is being offered.”
King Arthur nods. Then he turns toward Merlin.
King Arthur: “We return to Camelot.”
Merlin: “As you wish, Your Majesty.”
King Arthur: “And when we arrive, I want every guard who was responsible for that dungeon brought before me.”
Merlin hesitates.
King Arthur: “Every one.”
Merlin: “Yes, Arthur.”
The king begins walking. Severin Crowne follows. But before they disappear around the corner, Arthur stops. He turns back toward Hana Nakamura.
King Arthur: “Tell the people of Sherwood something.”
Hana Nakamura raises her microphone again.
King Arthur: “Tell them their hero may hide beneath the trees.”
His expression becomes cold.
King Arthur: “He may hide behind his companions.”
King Arthur: “He may convince himself that distance will protect him.”
A long pause.
King Arthur: “But there is no forest deep enough to conceal a man from the judgment of a king.”
He turns away. The royal party disappears down the corridor.
THE UNFINISHED INTERVIEW
For several seconds, Hana Nakamura remains silent. The corridor gradually empties. Then footsteps approach from the opposite direction.
Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion emerge from the medical area, having completed their post-match examinations. Both women are still dressed in their wrestling gear. They stop when they see the security officers departing.
Maid Marion: “Hana?”
Hana Nakamura turns.
Hana Nakamura: “Marion. Lark. I've been looking for you.”
Lark of Sherwood: “We heard there was some kind of search.”
Hana Nakamura: “There was. The commissioner had security in every dressing room.”
Maid Marion: “Looking for what?”
Hana Nakamura: “For Robin Hood.”
The two women exchange a glance so brief the camera nearly misses it. They already know Robin Hood escaped; neither intends to reveal that knowledge to anyone within earshot of the royal guards. Maid Marion turns toward Hana with carefully measured concern.
Lark of Sherwood: “Robin? Here?”
Hana Nakamura: “King Arthur says he's escaped from Camelot.”
Maid Marion takes a breath, buying a moment before she speaks.
Maid Marion: “That's what the king is saying?”
Hana Nakamura: “Yes. He also claims Robin stole Excalibur.”
Lark of Sherwood: “Excalibur?”
The question is genuine this time. She glances at Marion; the sword is not what either woman expected to hear about.
Hana Nakamura: “Merlin says the sword was drawn from the ancient stone while Arthur was away. The king is blaming Robin, and he's offered two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for his return alive, along with the sword.”
Maid Marion's face hardens. She looks toward the direction in which the court departed.
Maid Marion: “Arthur kept Robin in chains beneath his castle. Now he expects the whole world to hunt him down because he can't keep a prisoner locked away?”
Hana Nakamura: “Marion, did either of you know Robin had escaped?”
For an instant, Lark watches Marion instead of the interviewer.
Maid Marion: “We've been fighting our own battles tonight, Hana. The first we've heard from anyone in authority is another accusation from a man who has made Robin his enemy.”
The answer is carefully chosen. It neither confirms nor denies what they knew before coming to the Coliseum.
Hana Nakamura: “Do you know where he is now?”
Lark of Sherwood: “We haven't seen him here. And if the king thinks he can search our dressing room and expect us to produce Robin Hood, he's wasting his time.”
Hana Nakamura: “That's not quite what I asked.”
Maid Marion: “Then here's my answer. We have nothing to give King Arthur. Not a location, not a name, and certainly not another prisoner.”
Hana studies both women. Their expressions are composed, but their earlier glance lingers in her memory.
Maid Marion: “Put all the gold in Camelot on Robin's head. You still can't buy the loyalty of the people who know what he stands for.”
Lark of Sherwood: “We won tonight because we fought together. We're going to keep doing that. The king can make whatever threats he likes.”
Hana Nakamura: “Is there anything you want to say to Robin, if he's watching?”
Maid Marion looks directly into the lens. Her voice becomes softer, though her eyes stay steady.
Maid Marion: “Be careful, Robin.”
A moment passes.
Maid Marion: “And know that Sherwood hasn't forgotten you.”
Lark of Sherwood places a hand upon her partner's shoulder. The two women walk away. Hana Nakamura watches them disappear. Then she turns toward the camera.
Hana Nakamura: “What was supposed to be a celebration of Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion's victory has become something considerably more troubling.”
She pauses.
Hana Nakamura: “Robin Hood is no longer imprisoned beneath Camelot. Excalibur has disappeared from its stone. King Arthur has accused the outlaw of the theft and announced a quarter-million-dollar bounty for his return.”
Hana Nakamura: “And Commissioner Elias Coldmere, now a sworn member of the Shadow Court, has used the authority of his NPCW office to support the king’s response. His allegiance is no longer in doubt.”
She glances toward the empty corridor.
Hana Nakamura: “And somewhere beyond these walls, the search for Robin Hood may already be beginning.”
The camera fades from the interview area.
A FINAL IMAGE
Elsewhere in the Coliseum, a television monitor displays the final seconds of the confrontation. The image freezes on King Arthur announcing the bounty.
Standing before the screen is Mordred. The Eternal Flame Championship rests over his shoulder. He watches the king's proclamation without speaking.
The camera moves closer. Mordred's expression is unreadable. He slowly lowers his gaze toward his right hand. The same hand that drew Excalibur from the ancient stone.
For several seconds, he studies it. Then he closes his fingers into a fist. He looks back toward the monitor.
King Arthur's final declaration echoes from the recording.
King Arthur: “There is no forest deep enough to conceal a man from the judgment of a king.”
Mordred switches off the television. The screen goes black. He turns away, the Eternal Flame Championship still resting upon his shoulder.
Tonight, Sir Agravaine will attempt to take that championship from him. But somewhere beyond the Coliseum, another weapon now lies at the heart of Camelot's gathering crisis.
Excalibur.
And the man demanding its return has no idea who truly drew it from the stone.
Referee: "Honest" Abe
The broadcast returns to the Coliseum floor. The consequences of King Arthur's search remain visible in the restless crowd, but inside the ring, "Honest" Abe is already checking the ropes for the second contest of the evening.
The arena screens show the Convergent Championship. Across the aisle, the audience begins to boo before the challenger's music even starts.
A ceremonial trumpet sounds. Gold light spreads across the entrance, and Prince John emerges with all the self-importance of a man expecting the building to rise in his honor. He raises one hand, inviting applause that never comes.
Will Scarlett steps into view behind him, his expression far colder. He looks toward the championship image above the ring and walks past his patron without waiting for an invitation. Prince John catches up and gestures for him to slow down, determined to lead the procession.
Julian Ward: "We return to the first of tonight's two championship encounters. Will Scarlett challenges Jack Lumber for the Convergent Championship, accompanied by Prince John, whose petition during last week's From the Throne resulted in this opportunity."
Brick Brody: "Petition? Prince John walked up to Arthur's throne with a sack of gold and came away with a title shot for his man. That's a pretty good return on an investment, Julian. The only problem is that Jack Lumber doesn't care what anybody paid."
Julian Ward: "And Will Scarlett is no stranger to controversy. A former member of the Merry Band now aligned with Prince John, he has chosen a very different path from the people still fighting for Robin Hood."
Brick Brody: "Will made his choice. Nobody forced him to put on royal colors. Tonight he gets to prove it bought him something worth having."
Prince John pauses beside the ring, points at the Convergent Championship graphic and speaks animatedly to a camera. Will Scarlett climbs the steps and enters between the ropes without acknowledging him. The challenger tests the ropes, then settles into his corner.
A deep, rhythmic pounding answers the trumpets. The screens change from gold to the rough timber and snowbound wilderness associated with Jack Lumber.
The Convergent Champion appears carrying the title across one shoulder. He stops at the top of the ramp and looks down toward the ring. His eyes settle not on Will Scarlett, but on Prince John.
Jack Lumber starts forward. There is no hesitation in his stride. He carries himself like a man who has worked too long and fought too hard to surrender anything because somebody else brought money to a royal audience.
Julian Ward: "Jack Lumber's championship has been tested by monsters, giants and powerful challengers. Now he faces a man with agility, a dangerous collection of counters, and a patron willing to involve himself whenever the opportunity appears."
Brick Brody: "The champion can outmuscle Scarlett. Nobody disputes that. But if Prince John makes this a two-on-one fight, Lumber's strength won't do him much good when his back is turned."
Jack Lumber steps through the ropes, removes the championship from his shoulder and raises it toward the audience. The roar grows louder. Prince John objects from the floor, loudly reminding the champion that tonight's challenger is entitled to respect.
Jack Lumber lowers the belt and turns toward Prince John. One hard stare is enough to send the prince retreating a step from the apron.
"Honest" Abe takes possession of the championship and checks both competitors before holding it aloft.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL and is for the NPCW CONVERGENT CHAMPIONSHIP!"
The crowd rises.
Louie Linville: "Introducing first, the challenger, accompanied to the ring by PRINCE JOHN... WILL SCARLETT!"
Will Scarlett raises one arm. Prince John steps forward to take part in the acknowledgment, earning another chorus of boos.
Louie Linville: "And his opponent... the reigning and defending NPCW CONVERGENT CHAMPION... JACK LUMBER!"
Jack Lumber steps into the centre and lifts his fist. The audience answers with an enormous ovation.
Louie Linville exits. "Honest" Abe passes the championship to the ringside attendant, orders Prince John down from the apron and signals for the bell.
Minute 1
Jack Lumber walks directly toward Will Scarlett. The challenger circles, testing his footwork and looking for an angle, but the champion cuts him off near the ropes and drives a brutal chop into his chest. The sound carries across the first several rows.
Will Scarlett staggers, then uses the champion's attempt to press forward against him. He catches Jack Lumber around the head, turns sharply and brings him down with a Suplex Cutter. The champion hits the canvas shoulder-first, and Will rolls clear before Lumber can grab him.
Prince John pounds the apron in celebration. Will Scarlett keeps his attention on the ring, already trying to pull the champion into a faster contest than the lumberjack prefers.
Julian Ward: "A resounding opening chop from Jack Lumber, answered by a Suplex Cutter from Will Scarlett. The challenger has established immediately that he can turn a power exchange into a sudden, dangerous takedown."
Brick Brody: "That cutter was smart. You don't stand still and trade chest shots with a man who looks like he chops down trees before breakfast. Make him turn. Make him chase. Make him regret being bigger than you."
Julian Ward: "And Prince John has positioned himself close to the action from the opening bell. That presence will require the referee's attention."
Minute 2
Will Scarlett begins circling again while Jack Lumber rolls onto a knee and checks his neck. Prince John shouts an objection at the referee, claiming that the champion has been using closed fists. "Honest" Abe turns toward the ropes to order the prince back.
Prince John moves behind the official and strikes him from the rear. Abe collapses forward onto the canvas. Jack Lumber notices the movement and lunges toward the ropes, but he cannot reach the prince before the blow lands.
The crowd erupts in outrage. Prince John immediately steps away with his hands spread, adopting an expression of injured innocence. Will Scarlett looks toward the fallen official and then toward his patron. He does not attempt a cover; instead, he waits for Lumber to turn his attention away from the outside.
Jack Lumber points directly at Prince John and demands that he face the referee when Abe recovers. The prince shakes his head and calls the incident an accident, though the camera has shown precisely otherwise.
Julian Ward: "Prince John has struck 'Honest' Abe from behind! The referee is down, and Jack Lumber was unable to prevent the interference."
Brick Brody: "Now that's brazen. Not clever enough to hide from a camera, but clever enough that the man who could disqualify Will Scarlett didn't see the blow coming."
Julian Ward: "The champion is demanding action, but the official is in no condition to make a ruling. As matters stand, the contest continues."
Minute 3
"Honest" Abe pulls himself toward the ropes and struggles back to one knee. In the ring, Jack Lumber and Will Scarlett circle cautiously, neither committing while the official regains his bearings. Will tries to move around the champion's lead shoulder; Lumber keeps his base low and refuses the opening.
Will Scarlett suddenly fires a Superkick. Jack Lumber catches the motion before the boot reaches its target, forcing Will off balance. The champion plants his feet and swings into TIMMMMMBEEERRRRR, the heavy chopping strike that has put so many opponents on the canvas.
Will Scarlett brings both forearms up and turns with the impact, smothering the blow before it can land cleanly. He slips away from a second follow-up and puts distance between them.
Abe stands, shakes his head and looks toward the two competitors. Prince John is already safely beyond reach, wearing a look of exaggerated concern.
Julian Ward: "Jack Lumber countered the Superkick and attempted TIMMMMMBEEERRRRR, but Will Scarlett neutralized the strike. Neither man secured a decisive advantage in that exchange."
Brick Brody: "Scarlett deserves credit. He saw the chopping arm coming and got himself out of the worst of it. Now look at John pretending he's worried about the referee. What a performance."
Julian Ward: "Abe appears able to continue, although his view of the interference was obstructed. Prince John remains at ringside."
Minute 4
Both wrestlers reset their positions, with Will Scarlett repeatedly withdrawing whenever Jack Lumber steps forward. The champion eventually catches him by the wrist, drags him out of the corner and hoists him into an Atomic Drop.
Will Scarlett lands painfully and stumbles toward the ropes, one hand pressed to his lower back. Prince John reaches across the apron, intending to interfere with Lumber as he approaches. Instead, his flailing arm catches his own wrestler as Will turns back toward him.
The crowd cheers the mistake. Will Scarlett recoils and stares at Prince John in disbelief. The prince immediately starts protesting that Lumber caused the collision, but Jack has already backed Will away from the ropes and returned the contest to the centre.
Julian Ward: "Atomic Drop by the champion, and Prince John has struck his own protégé! His attempt to interfere has worked against Will Scarlett."
Brick Brody: "That's what happens when the loudest man at ringside keeps putting his hands where they don't belong. John's been desperate to help, and he just helped Lumber."
Julian Ward: "Will Scarlett now has a reason to be concerned about the interference of the man who secured this championship opportunity for him."
Minute 5
Jack Lumber advances, trying to capitalize on the confusion. He catches Will Scarlett with a hard kick to the midsection, doubling the challenger over and forcing him toward the ropes.
Will Scarlett slips through the ropes to the apron rather than allowing himself to be hauled back into the champion's grasp. As Jack approaches, Will catches his head from the outside, springs over the top rope and drives him downward with a Slingshot Apron DDT.
The impact sends Jack Lumber crashing face-first to the canvas. Will lands on one knee beside him, wincing from the earlier Atomic Drop but refusing to give up the opening. Prince John applauds extravagantly, as though his advice produced the maneuver.
Julian Ward: "Jack Lumber landed the kick to the midsection, but Will Scarlett used the ropes to create a spectacular counter. That Slingshot Apron DDT has driven the champion directly into the mat."
Brick Brody: "That's Scarlett's route to the title. He's not lifting Lumber into the air and throwing him around. He's using the ropes, changing the angle, and spiking that big man before he can plant his feet."
Julian Ward: "The challenger has restored his momentum, but he has still been unable to sustain an extended period of control."
Minute 6
Jack Lumber rises with visible irritation. Will Scarlett reaches for him, seeking another quick headlock, but the champion breaks the grip and steps through with a crushing TIMMMMMBEEERRRRR. The chopping strike lands across Will's upper body and sends him reeling backward.
Will Scarlett catches the ropes to remain upright. As Jack follows, the challenger suddenly snaps him forward and drops into a Snapmare Facebreaker Knee Smash. Lumber's face collides with the raised knee, and he falls backward onto the mat.
Both competitors need a moment to recover. Prince John shouts at Will to press the advantage, but the challenger can only push himself up by the ropes.
Julian Ward: "TIMMMMMBEEERRRRR connected cleanly this time, but Will Scarlett answered with the Snapmare Facebreaker Knee Smash. Two dangerous strikes in rapid succession."
Brick Brody: "Lumber damn near folded him with that chop. And Scarlett's answer was to break his face on a knee. I'll give the challenger this: he can take a beating and still find something nasty to do."
Julian Ward: "Jack Lumber's strength is beginning to tell, but Scarlett's ability to counter at close range remains a serious threat to the champion."
Minute 7
Jack Lumber gets to his feet first and stalks forward. Will Scarlett tries to meet him with a defensive grip around the shoulder, but the champion powers through it, secures his opponent around the body and lifts.
Yukon Bodyslam!
Will Scarlett is driven hard into the middle of the ring. The ropes shudder from the landing. Jack Lumber remains standing over him for a moment before dragging him away from the nearest rope with one hand.
The challenger tries to roll out of the champion's reach, but he cannot undo the damage. Prince John steps along ringside calling for Will to get up, careful not to come too close to Jack.
Julian Ward: "Yukon Bodyslam from Jack Lumber! Will Scarlett attempted to defend the lift but simply could not stop the champion's power."
Brick Brody: "That's the difference between the two men. Scarlett needs timing and angles. Lumber just needs to get his arms around you once. Then you find out how hard the ring really is."
Julian Ward: "The champion has finally created some separation on his own terms. But the challenger remains dangerous whenever he can reach the ropes."
Minute 8
Will Scarlett pulls himself toward the apron while Jack Lumber follows. The champion catches him on the way up with a rising knee lift to the midsection, driving air from the challenger and folding him against the ropes.
Scarlett falls outward to the apron, but keeps his grip. Jack attempts to seize him by the head and haul him inside. Will suddenly springs upward, hooks the champion and slingshots back into the ring with another Apron DDT.
Jack Lumber is driven down for the second time by the maneuver. The audience groans at the impact. Will rolls away clutching his back, while Prince John pounds the ring apron and demands that his wrestler finish the champion.
Julian Ward: "The knee lift from Jack Lumber connected, but Will Scarlett answered with a second Slingshot Apron DDT. He has now used the same dangerous entry twice to counter the champion's pressure."
Brick Brody: "You can teach somebody to avoid a punch. That rope-assisted DDT is different. Lumber has to come close to stop Will escaping, and every time he does Scarlett's got a way to drag him face-first into the ring."
Julian Ward: "And with both men absorbing punishment to the head and neck, the margin for error is narrowing considerably."
Minute 9
Jack Lumber forces himself upright and steps forward before Will Scarlett can reach the apron again. He catches Will with a stiff uppercut that snaps the challenger's head backward and sends him stumbling toward Prince John's corner.
Prince John reaches over the ropes, attempting to catch Lumber as he closes in. Will Scarlett turns at the same instant, and the prince's arm collides with the back of his own man's head.
The crowd erupts again. Will staggers forward, bewildered, while Prince John freezes with one hand still raised. "Honest" Abe immediately moves toward the ropes and orders the prince to stay away from the action.
Jack Lumber keeps his distance from the referee's warning, watching Will struggle to recover from the strike and the latest mistake by his patron.
Julian Ward: "A stiff uppercut from the champion, followed by a second accidental blow from Prince John to Will Scarlett! This ringside interference is becoming a liability for the challenger."
Brick Brody: "Twice! Twice John's hit the man he's supposed to be helping. You can buy a championship opportunity, Julian, but apparently you can't buy good aim."
Julian Ward: "'Honest' Abe has issued a warning. Prince John has managed to disrupt this contest repeatedly, and his own wrestler has suffered as a result."
Minute 10
Jack Lumber pulls Will Scarlett away from the corner, plants his feet and swings with THE AXE. The heavy finishing strike crashes through the challenger and sends him falling toward the canvas.
But Will Scarlett manages to roll outward before Lumber can secure him, sliding through the ropes onto the apron. He takes a desperate breath, then uses the champion's approach for one final burst of speed. Will catches Jack at the ropes, springs back inside and plants him with a third Slingshot Apron DDT.
The ring shakes. Neither man immediately rises. Will Scarlett lies against the bottom rope, while Jack Lumber slowly rolls onto his side, his face showing the effects of three vicious DDTs.
Prince John points furiously at the fallen champion, urging Will to go after him. The challenger can barely hear him over the crowd.
Julian Ward: "THE AXE connected! But Will Scarlett escaped the immediate aftermath and somehow delivered a third Slingshot Apron DDT. That was an extraordinary exchange of desperation and resilience."
Brick Brody: "Lumber knocked him halfway into tomorrow, but Scarlett had just enough sense left to go through the ropes. Then he dragged the champion down again. Now neither one looks ready to stand."
Julian Ward: "The challenger has relied upon that DDT throughout the match. Jack Lumber must find a way to prevent another escape to the apron if he intends to retain his title."
Minute 11
Jack Lumber rises first, using the ropes to pull himself upright. He catches Will Scarlett around the waist and attempts another Atomic Drop, looking to take the challenger's legs and speed out of the equation.
But Will Scarlett shifts his weight before the lift is completed. He slips down behind the champion and turns him sharply into a Snapmare Facebreaker Knee Smash.
Lumber's head snaps back from the impact. He drops onto one knee, then braces one hand against the canvas to stop himself from falling flat. Will Scarlett crawls away and tries to rise, but his own back and chest are clearly hurting him.
Prince John slaps the apron and shouts instructions. Will looks toward him with a flash of frustration, then returns his attention to the champion.
Julian Ward: "Will Scarlett has reversed the Atomic Drop and struck with another Snapmare Facebreaker Knee Smash. Jack Lumber was unable to defend against the counter."
Brick Brody: "That's the best thing Scarlett's done in several minutes. Lumber thought he'd caught him, and Will got out before his feet left the floor. Now he needs to put the champion down for good."
Julian Ward: "Both men have taken punishment that would end many championship matches. One decisive exchange may now determine whether the Convergent Championship changes hands."
Minute 12
The champion and challenger struggle upright near the centre of the ring. Jack Lumber advances, shoulders squared, refusing to give Will Scarlett another escape toward the apron.
Will throws a desperate strike and reaches to turn the champion, but Jack plants his boots, draws back his arm and connects with THE AXE!
The blow catches Will Scarlett with devastating force. The challenger stumbles, somehow remaining on his feet long enough to seize the champion's head. He drags Jack forward and drives a knee into his face with one final Snapmare Facebreaker Knee Smash.
Jack Lumber falls to one knee. Will Scarlett collapses beside him, emptied by the exchange. For a moment the crowd cannot tell which man will be able to move first.
Then Jack Lumber lifts his head. He crawls toward the challenger, rolls him onto his back and hooks the leg with both arms.
"Honest" Abe slides into position.
ONE!
Prince John screams from ringside.
TWO!
Will Scarlett struggles to lift a shoulder, but his body does not answer.
THREE!
The bell rings.
Jack Lumber releases the cover and rolls onto his back, breathing hard. Prince John grabs the bottom rope in disbelief and insists that the count must have been too fast. "Honest" Abe rises, points toward the timekeeper and confirms the result.
The Convergent Championship remains with Jack Lumber.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen... your winner by pinfall, and STILL NPCW CONVERGENT CHAMPION... JACK LUMBER!"
The audience erupts. "Honest" Abe returns the title to the champion, who pushes himself upright and raises it slowly above his head.
Will Scarlett sits near the ropes with one hand against his jaw. Prince John enters just far enough to address him, talking angrily and pointing toward the referee. Will looks at the prince for a long moment, then glances toward the championship across the ring. He offers no reply.
Jack Lumber turns toward his fallen challenger, then toward Prince John. He raises the title once more. Prince John has no answer except to continue protesting.
Julian Ward: "Jack Lumber has retained the Convergent Championship after twelve punishing minutes. Will Scarlett countered repeatedly, particularly with those Slingshot Apron DDTs, but the champion delivered THE AXE in the final exchange and found enough strength to make the decisive cover."
Brick Brody: "And Prince John can complain about the referee all he likes. He's the one who knocked Abe down, and he's the one who hit his own wrestler twice. Scarlett fought a hard match. His royal benefactor made it harder."
Julian Ward: "A costly missed opportunity for Will Scarlett, whose championship challenge came through the king's court but ended under the weight of Jack Lumber's resilience. The Convergent Championship remains with its champion, and Prince John will have to explain why so much influence produced so little reward."
JACK LUMBER DEFEATS WILL SCARLETT BY PINFALL IN THE 12TH MINUTE FOLLOWING THE AXE TO RETAIN THE CONVERGENT CHAMPIONSHIP.
Referee: "Honest" Abe
The camera returns to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum. The Convergent Championship has just been carried backstage by Jack Lumber, but the crowd's attention shifts toward the royal banners overlooking the entrance. King Arthur's search for Robin Hood and Excalibur has left the building restless, and the next contest brings one of the Shadow Court's most uncompromising enforcers into the ring.
The lights narrow to a cold gold. A heavy bell sounds. The crest of Nottingham appears on the arena screens, followed by the insignia of the Shadow Court.
The Sheriff of Nottingham emerges beneath the stone archway. He pauses at the entrance, letting the hostile reaction reach him without so much as changing his expression. He wears the severe confidence of a man accustomed to having authority enforced for him.
A moment later, Severin Crowne steps into view. Black suit immaculate, he adjusts one cuff and regards the crowd with the faintest suggestion of amusement. The man who defeated Universal Champion Hansel in Osaka now accompanies the Sheriff to ringside, his position beside King Arthur giving his presence an additional weight.
Julian Ward: "King Arthur's court has endured a turbulent week. The Sheriff of Nottingham lost the Eternal Flame Championship to Mordred two weeks ago, and in Osaka on Wednesday, he and Sir Agravaine were defeated by Friar Tuck and Little John. Tonight he seeks to answer those setbacks against an opponent who has refused the king's demands."
Brick Brody: "And look who came along to supervise: Severin Crowne. He beat the Universal Champion in Osaka, he's the gatekeeper to Arthur's throne, and now he's at ringside watching the Sheriff's every move. If you're Nottingham, you do not want to give that man another reason to question your usefulness."
Julian Ward: "Crowne's influence within the Shadow Court is undeniable. His presence may carry psychological significance, even if this match must ultimately be settled between the ropes."
Brick Brody: "Psychological? That fellow doesn't have to throw a punch to make a man uncomfortable. Sometimes all he has to do is stand there and remember what he saw."
The Sheriff climbs the steps and walks through the ropes. He gives the ring a slow inspection, then turns toward the entrance as Crowne takes his position beside the corner. There is no acknowledgment for the boos raining down from the stands.
The royal insignia vanishes.
A low drumbeat begins. The lighting shifts to deep crimson and shadow, followed by the sharp impression of dragon fire across the screens.
Raigen appears at the entrance.
He stops beneath the arch, his scarred face set in grim concentration. He looks past the crowd, past the banners of Camelot, and directly at the Sheriff standing inside the ring. He does not salute the throne. He does not bow.
The reaction grows louder. A section of the audience begins chanting his name.
Julian Ward: "Raigen arrives following victories over two of Camelot's knights. He defeated Sir Galahad here last Friday, then forced Sir Gawain to submit in Osaka. Whatever the king's court thinks of his refusal to bend the knee, those results demand respect."
Brick Brody: "And that puts a target on him. The Sheriff is not Galahad or Gawain. He's spent years dealing with outlaws, breaking resistance and making examples out of people. Raigen had better be ready for somebody who knows how to survive when a fight turns ugly."
Julian Ward: "Raigen has been dealing with much more than royal opposition, including the ongoing struggle to free Taro Okami from the Blood Syndicate's influence. Yet tonight he has maintained his focus on another challenge from the Shadow Court."
Brick Brody: "He'd better. You can carry a hundred causes into the building, Julian. Only one opponent is going to be standing across from you when the bell rings."
Raigen walks down the aisle without breaking his gaze. Severin Crowne watches him approach, his expression unreadable. As Raigen reaches the ring, the Sheriff steps forward as though to claim the ropes. Raigen stops, waits until the Sheriff moves away, then enters on his own terms.
For several seconds the two men face each other in silence.
"Honest" Abe stands between them. At ringside, Crowne folds his hands before him and looks on.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!"
The crowd answers.
Louie Linville: "Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by SEVERIN CROWNE... representing the SHADOW COURT... the former Eternal Flame Champion... the SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM!"
The Sheriff lifts his chin as the boos intensify. Crowne offers a restrained clap from the floor.
Louie Linville: "And his opponent... a warrior who has refused to surrender his will to the throne of Camelot... RAIGEN!"
Raigen steps forward. The crowd roars.
"Honest" Abe delivers the instructions, checks both men, and motions Crowne farther from the apron. Crowne complies without objection, though he keeps his eyes fixed on the ring.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Neither man commits immediately. The Sheriff of Nottingham holds his hands high, circling to his left and attempting to draw Raigen into a premature attack. Raigen mirrors the movement, keeping his weight centred and refusing to chase.
The Sheriff reaches for a collar-and-elbow tie-up, then withdraws at the last instant. Raigen does not follow. The two reset, each testing the other's patience.
The Sheriff steps in again, reaching for control of the upper body. Raigen shifts his base and drives a sudden knee lift into the Sheriff's midsection.
The impact folds the former Eternal Flame Champion forward. Raigen keeps his position and forces him backward, making it clear that he will not surrender the centre of the ring merely because the Sheriff demands it.
The Sheriff braces against the ropes to steady himself. Crowne watches from the floor, offering no immediate reaction.
Julian Ward: "A patient opening from both competitors, but Raigen lands the first decisive strike with a knee lift. The Sheriff attempted to establish a defensive rhythm, and Raigen refused to be drawn into it."
Brick Brody: "That's a nasty way to start a fight. The Sheriff kept trying to get Raigen to reach for him, and Raigen answered by driving a knee through his stomach. No grand speech, no royal decree. Just a reminder that ribs bend."
Julian Ward: "Raigen has begun exactly as he did against Camelot's knights: controlled, disciplined, and entirely unwilling to be intimidated by the authority associated with his opponent."
Minute 2
Raigen moves in before the Sheriff can fully reset. He secures the wrist, rotates the arm outward and tries to take the former champion down into an armbar.
But the Sheriff recognizes the transition. He plants his boots, locks his hands together and twists his shoulder out of alignment with the hold before Raigen can extend the elbow. Raigen attempts to follow him toward the canvas; the Sheriff turns through and slips his arm free.
Both men scramble back to a standing position. The Sheriff steps away immediately, flexing his fingers and checking the arm without showing pain. Raigen remains in the middle of the ring, already looking for another opening.
Severin Crowne speaks quietly from the floor. The Sheriff glances down, gives a curt nod and circles farther from Raigen's preferred range.
Julian Ward: "Raigen attempted to move from his striking advantage into an armbar, but the Sheriff of Nottingham neutralized the hold before it could be properly secured. That was a timely piece of defensive wrestling."
Brick Brody: "That's experience. The Sheriff knows what happens if somebody like Raigen gets an arm fully extended. He kept the hands together, turned the pressure off, and got away. That's not pretty, but neither is having your elbow bent the wrong direction."
Julian Ward: "The Sheriff has prevented Raigen from building immediately upon the opening knee lift, although he has yet to mount a sustained offensive response of his own."
Minute 3
The Sheriff attempts to advance behind a high guard. Raigen changes his angle, forcing the Nottingham veteran to turn before he can close the distance.
The Sheriff reaches to tie up. Raigen steps back half a pace, lifts his leg and drives a front kick directly into the Sheriff's torso.
The force sends the Sheriff stumbling backward. He catches himself against the ropes, but Raigen is already approaching, prepared to continue the pressure. "Honest" Abe steps close, warning both competitors about the boundary as the Sheriff leans against the top strand to recover.
The former champion pushes away from the ropes and stares at Raigen with open irritation. Raigen answers only by raising his guard again.
Severin Crowne narrows his eyes. He speaks to the Sheriff, gesturing for him to slow the exchange rather than rushing straight back into the same striking range.
Julian Ward: "Another clean strike by Raigen. The front kick has driven the Sheriff backward, and we have now seen Raigen command the significant offensive exchanges in two of the opening three minutes."
Brick Brody: "The Sheriff came here to make an example out of somebody, and so far he's the one being kicked around. Crowne is right to tell him to slow down. Keep walking into Raigen's range and eventually you're going to run out of air."
Julian Ward: "The ability to control distance has become a significant factor. Raigen is dictating when the two men engage, and the Sheriff has struggled to alter those terms."
Minute 4
The Sheriff finally changes his approach. Rather than meet Raigen's next strike head-on, he slips behind him as the two close and reaches across the upper chest and neck for a sleeper hold.
Raigen immediately drops his weight and turns his chin into the opening, preventing the Sheriff's arms from locking properly. He reaches backward, catches the wrist and begins to rotate free.
As the Sheriff releases, Raigen pivots behind him and moves to secure the Demon Sleeper. The audience rises, recognizing the hold that brought Sir Gawain to submission in Osaka.
But the Sheriff throws his shoulders forward, grabs at the forearm and twists before the choke can be set. Raigen attempts to readjust; the Sheriff turns through once more and breaks contact.
Both men step apart, neither sleeper hold having been fully established. Raigen regards the escape without complaint. The Sheriff rubs at his neck, understanding how close the danger came.
Julian Ward: "Both men sought a sleeper, and neither could complete it. The Sheriff tried to take Raigen from behind, but Raigen escaped and immediately threatened the Demon Sleeper. The Sheriff was alert enough to prevent that hold from becoming decisive."
Brick Brody: "That is the smartest thing Nottingham has done tonight. He may be having trouble landing his own offence, but he knew exactly what was waiting for him when Raigen got behind his shoulder. One good squeeze from that Demon Sleeper and the king's man could have been finished."
Julian Ward: "Neither competitor gained a clear advantage from the exchange. Yet it demonstrated that Raigen's submission threat remains immediate, while the Sheriff's defensive instincts are keeping him in this contest."
Minute 5
Raigen advances again. The Sheriff retreats a step and attempts to raise his forearms to absorb the next strike, but Raigen fires a second front kick through the opening.
The boot lands solidly in the body. The Sheriff folds forward and stumbles toward the ropes, where he grabs the top strand to keep himself upright.
Raigen follows cautiously rather than rushing into an unprotected counter. He positions himself between the Sheriff and the centre of the ring, denying an easy route away from the ropes. When the Sheriff straightens, Raigen gives him enough room to step clear and immediately retakes his stance.
The crowd begins chanting for Raigen. At ringside, Crowne's expression hardens for the first time. He speaks to the Sheriff, who responds with a frustrated motion of one hand before focusing on the opponent in front of him.
Julian Ward: "Another front kick, and once again the Sheriff is unable to prevent Raigen from landing cleanly. The striking advantage has been overwhelmingly with Raigen through the first five minutes."
Brick Brody: "I'll give the Sheriff credit for staying upright, but the man has spent more time defending his ribs than attacking. The problem is Raigen doesn't seem interested in showing off. He's picking his shots and hitting the same target until it stops protecting itself."
Julian Ward: "Crowne is attempting to direct matters from ringside, but advice cannot reverse the punishment the Sheriff has already absorbed. He needs a change in this contest, and soon."
Minute 6
The Sheriff pushes away from the ropes, still holding one arm close to his midsection. Raigen catches the movement and steps in with both hands raised.
He brings them down together in a double axehandle across the Sheriff's upper body. The blow drives Nottingham toward the canvas, and the crowd rises as Raigen immediately follows him down.
Raigen hooks a leg for the cover.
But the Sheriff has not lost his awareness of where their bodies are positioned. As Raigen shifts his weight to secure the fall, the Sheriff catches an arm, rolls through and reverses the pin into a tight cradle of his own.
"Honest" Abe drops into position.
ONE!
TWO!
Raigen kicks out!
The reversal releases. Both men scramble apart. Raigen is the first to kneel upright, visibly annoyed that his own attempted pin nearly cost him the match. The Sheriff rolls toward the ropes, breathing heavily but alert enough to understand what he has just accomplished.
Severin Crowne leans forward at ringside and nods slowly. The Sheriff looks toward him. For the first time, their shared expression suggests that the night's pattern may yet be overturned.
Julian Ward: "Double axehandle from Raigen, and he went straight into a pin attempt. But the Sheriff reversed the cover! He nearly stole the decision, and Raigen was forced to escape at two."
Brick Brody: "There it is! The Sheriff hasn't been able to knock Raigen down on his own terms, so he used Raigen's weight against him. That's the first thing tonight that's made the man from the Dragon's Veil look genuinely uncomfortable."
Julian Ward: "An important warning for Raigen. His advantage in striking has been substantial, but the Sheriff has demonstrated that one careless cover could erase all of it."
Minute 7
Raigen rises determined not to repeat the mistake. The Sheriff backs toward the centre, shoulders hunched as he braces for another attack. Crowne remains at ringside, watching every movement without touching the apron or interfering.
Raigen closes the distance and drives another double axehandle into the Sheriff's upper back and shoulders. The Nottingham veteran falls forward onto the canvas, and Raigen immediately moves to capitalize on the impact.
He turns the Sheriff onto his back and hooks the leg for another pinfall attempt.
The audience is already rising in anticipation.
But the Sheriff recognizes the positioning. Before Raigen can settle his weight, the former champion shifts his hips, catches his opponent's near arm and rolls through the cover once more.
Raigen is suddenly beneath him.
The Sheriff folds his weight across Raigen's shoulders and traps the near leg, preventing the immediate escape that worked a minute earlier.
"Honest" Abe slides into position.
ONE!
Raigen twists his shoulders, trying to break the hold.
TWO!
Severin Crowne stands motionless at ringside, his eyes fixed on the referee's hand.
THREE!
The bell rings.
For one stunned heartbeat the crowd seems unable to accept the result. Then a tremendous chorus of boos crashes through the Coliseum.
The Sheriff releases the cradle and rolls away, still struggling for breath. Raigen sits upright almost immediately, turning toward "Honest" Abe as the official signals that the fall is complete.
Raigen has dominated the attacks, but the decision belongs to the man who escaped them.
Crowne steps onto the apron only after the bell. He enters, offers the Sheriff a hand and raises the former champion's arm with restrained satisfaction. The Sheriff accepts the applause that the crowd refuses to give him.
Across the ring, Raigen rises slowly. His eyes move from the Sheriff to Crowne and then back to the referee. "Honest" Abe stands by his decision. Raigen looks disgusted, but he does not attack the official.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen, your winner by PINFALL... the SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM!"
The boos intensify.
The Sheriff leans against the ropes to recover. Crowne speaks quietly to him, then turns toward Raigen. For a brief moment the gatekeeper of the Shadow Court and the defiant warrior hold one another's gaze. Crowne's expression is composed, almost pleased with what the result will mean when it reaches King Arthur.
Raigen steps back, refusing to acknowledge the celebration. He leaves the ring under his own power, his eyes fixed ahead rather than on the royal banners.
Julian Ward: "An extraordinary reversal of fortune. Raigen controlled the meaningful offense for most of seven minutes, landing repeated kicks and double axehandles. Yet the Sheriff of Nottingham survived, reversed a pin attempt in the sixth minute and used the same counter in the seventh to secure the three-count."
Brick Brody: "That's a lesson every fighter ought to remember. You don't get points for having the better night if the other man gets your shoulders down. The Sheriff was beaten to the punch all match, but he found something Raigen couldn't solve twice. That's surviving long enough to steal a victory, and stolen victories still count."
Julian Ward: "Raigen will be deeply dissatisfied after defeating Sir Galahad and Sir Gawain earlier this week. The Sheriff, however, has delivered a result for the Shadow Court at a moment when its authority is increasingly contested. Severin Crowne did not need to intervene. The Sheriff's ring awareness, and Raigen's costly decision to attempt the same cover again, determined the outcome."
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM DEFEATS RAIGEN BY PINFALL IN THE 7TH MINUTE FOLLOWING A REVERSAL OF RAIGEN'S PIN ATTEMPT.
The broadcast returns from the ring to a quieter corridor beneath Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum. Through the stone archway behind the interview position, production staff hurry between equipment cases while the muffled noise of the arena follows them down the passage.
A monitor mounted on the wall carries the final images of the preceding match. The Sheriff of Nottingham has his arm raised in victory. At his side stands Severin Crowne, offering the restrained applause of a man who knows exactly how useful that result will be to the Shadow Court.
The picture fades. A new replay appears: Osaka, Japan. Wednesday night.
Universal Champion Hansel is caught in the decisive exchange of his non-title match against Severin Crowne. The sunset flip rolls through. Crowne shifts his weight, traps Hansel's shoulders, and the referee counts three.
Standing beneath the monitor is Hana Nakamura. Beside her, the reigning NPCW Universal Champion waits with his title belt resting over one shoulder. Hansel is not looking at the camera. He is watching the replay.
The image freezes on the three-count.
Hana Nakamura: “We're backstage at Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum, and my guest is the reigning NPCW Universal Champion, Hansel. Wednesday night in Osaka, Severin Crowne defeated you in a non-title match. It was a result that surprised a great many people, particularly after the confrontation between the two of you last week. Hansel, you've had two days to consider what happened. How do you explain that defeat?”
Hansel looks away from the screen. There is frustration in his expression, but no attempt to disguise it with a smile.
Hansel: “I got pinned, Hana. That's the explanation.”
Hana allows him a moment.
Hansel: “I can tell you I was the stronger man for most of the match. I can tell you I was fighting my fight, that I had an opening, that I went for the sunset flip because I thought I had him. All of that is true. None of it changes what happened when the referee's hand hit the mat for the third time.”
He adjusts the championship on his shoulder.
Hansel: “He turned me over. He held me down. Three counts. Severin Crowne won.”
Hana Nakamura: “Some have described it as an upset. Others are calling it evidence that Crowne is far more dangerous between the ropes than his position as the king's political adviser might suggest.”
Hansel: “Then those people haven't been paying attention. I never said he couldn't wrestle. He's quick, he knows where his opponent's weight is going, and he doesn't need to overpower you to put you on your back. That's what makes him dangerous.”
Hansel glances back at the monitor.
Hansel: “What I don't respect is the way he moves through this place as though every person is a piece he can slide across a board. An audience with the king, a favor from the commissioner, a black card left where he wants you to find it. It's all a game to him.”
Hana Nakamura: “Last week you tore up one of those cards and told Crowne you would see him in Osaka. Do you regret that confrontation now?”
Hansel: “No. Tearing up a card didn't lose that match. Getting caught in a reversal did. I'm not going to invent an excuse just because the man who beat me happens to sit beside King Arthur.”
He steps half a pace closer to Hana's microphone.
Hansel: “But here's something else I won't do. I won't hide behind the words ‘non-title.’ Yes, the Universal Championship stayed with me. No, that doesn't make losing acceptable. When you carry this championship, people measure themselves against you. And when somebody beats you, you've got to be willing to face what that means.”
Hana Nakamura: “Would you face Severin Crowne again?”
Hansel answers without hesitation.
Hansel: “Tomorrow. Next week. Whenever he wants. He's earned the right to say he beat Hansel once. If he wants to prove he can do it again, I'll be standing in the ring waiting.”
A slow, deliberate clap sounds from beyond the edge of the camera.
Once.
Twice.
A third time.
Hansel turns.
Severin Crowne emerges from the corridor, still wearing the immaculate black suit seen at ringside during the Sheriff's victory. Beside him walks Elias Coldmere, the Mythic Commissioner and sworn member of King Arthur's Shadow Court.
Crowne stops at a polite distance. Coldmere does not.
Elias Coldmere: “I'm very glad to hear that, Hansel.”
Hana Nakamura: “Commissioner Coldmere. Mr. Crowne. We weren't expecting—”
Elias Coldmere: “Then this will save everyone the trouble of waiting for a formal announcement.”
Hansel shifts the championship into his hands.
Hansel: “What announcement?”
Severin Crowne: “You did just say you were willing to face me again.”
Hansel: “I said it to the camera. You heard me.”
Severin Crowne: “I did. I also heard something unusually refreshing from a champion: an admission that the better man won on the night.”
Hansel: “You won on the night. Don't put words in my mouth.”
Crowne's faint smile remains.
Severin Crowne: “Naturally. Precision matters. You reached for a victory, I recognized an opening, and the Universal Champion found himself staring at the ceiling. Three counts can change a great many things.”
Hana Nakamura: “Commissioner, are you here because of what happened in Osaka?”
Elias Coldmere: “I am. Severin Crowne defeated the reigning Universal Champion in an officially sanctioned non-title contest. His Majesty is well aware of that achievement, and I see no reason for its significance to be ignored.”
Hana Nakamura: “Crowne is also a senior figure in the Shadow Court, of which you are now a member. Are we looking at a championship opportunity being arranged on the strength of his relationship with King Arthur?”
Coldmere looks directly at Hana. He makes no effort to soften his answer.
Elias Coldmere: “I bowed to King Arthur. I serve the Shadow Court. I have not concealed either fact. But the result in Osaka did not require a royal decree. Severin Crowne pinned the Universal Champion. That is the result I am acting upon.”
He turns back to Hansel.
Elias Coldmere: “And your willingness to compete again makes my decision particularly straightforward.”
A beat passes.
Elias Coldmere: “Next Friday, October 23, on Dark Fable, you will defend the NPCW Universal Championship against Severin Crowne.”
The noise from the arena seems to swell through the corridor as the significance of the announcement settles.
Hana Nakamura: “To be absolutely clear, Commissioner: this will be a title match?”
Elias Coldmere: “Yes. The Universal Championship. Hansel defending. Severin Crowne challenging. The match is official.”
Hansel looks from Coldmere to Crowne. For a moment he says nothing.
Then he lets out a short breath.
Hansel: “Good.”
Crowne raises an eyebrow.
Severin Crowne: “Good?”
Hansel: “You think you cornered me. You think because he can sign a match and you can whisper in a king's ear that I'm supposed to feel trapped. But I meant every word I said before you came around that corner.”
Hansel raises the Universal Championship between them.
Hansel: “You wanted another match? You've got it. You wanted the championship on the line? Here it is. No excuses about an exhibition, no questions about what a non-title victory means. Next Friday, you either beat me for this, or you walk out knowing Osaka was the only time you could keep me down.”
Crowne studies the belt with the cool attention of a man examining something he already intends to possess.
Severin Crowne: “You continue to misunderstand me, Hansel. I don't believe I have you trapped. I believe you've been generous enough to open the door yourself.”
He takes one of his signature black business cards from his jacket. He turns it once between his fingers, then holds it out toward Hansel.
Severin Crowne: “You tore up the last one. Consider this a reminder of our next appointment.”
Hansel looks at the card but does not take it.
Hansel: “Keep it.”
Crowne leaves the card on the edge of the interview table instead.
Severin Crowne: “As you wish. I won't need it after next Friday.”
Hana Nakamura: “Severin, you've spent recent weeks expanding your influence beside King Arthur. Does this mean you're now looking to bring the Universal Championship into the Shadow Court?”
Severin Crowne: “Influence is a word people use when they cannot see the machinery at work. I prefer results. In Osaka, I produced one. Next week, I intend to produce another.”
He looks directly at Hansel.
Severin Crowne: “And when I do, the most prestigious championship in NPCW will no longer be carried by a man who thinks refusing a business card is the same as refusing an outcome.”
Hansel steps closer. The two men stand face-to-face, with the Universal Championship between them.
Hansel: “Then leave the speeches for your king. Next week there's a bell, a referee and a ring. You won't be able to talk your way through any of those.”
Crowne's smile narrows.
Severin Crowne: “I didn't talk my way through the three-count in Osaka.”
A tense silence follows.
Coldmere moves forward just enough to reclaim the room without placing himself between the men.
Elias Coldmere: “The match is sanctioned. Both competitors will be expected to appear, prepared to wrestle. His Majesty will expect the occasion to reflect the importance of the championship.”
Hansel: “Tell your king to watch closely.”
For the first time, the edge in Hansel's voice brings a genuine change to Crowne's expression. Not anger. Interest.
Severin Crowne: “I'm certain he will.”
Coldmere turns to leave. Crowne follows, pausing only long enough to glance back at the black card on the table.
Severin Crowne: “Until Friday, champion.”
The two representatives of the Shadow Court disappear around the stone archway.
Hana turns toward Hansel. The Universal Champion watches the empty corridor for a moment before looking down at his championship.
Hana Nakamura: “Hansel, you've just learned that you'll be defending the Universal Championship against the man who pinned you forty-eight hours ago. Any final thoughts?”
Hansel: “One.”
He lifts the belt firmly onto his shoulder.
Hansel: “In Osaka, Severin Crowne found a way to beat me. Next Friday, he's going to find out what it takes to do it when everything is on the line.”
Hansel walks away, leaving Hana beside the interview position.
The camera lingers on the abandoned black card.
Beyond the corridor, the sound of the Coliseum crowd rises again.
Hana Nakamura: “The challenge has become official. Next Friday on Dark Fable: Universal Champion Hansel defends against Severin Crowne. Back to ringside.”
The shot holds on the card for one final second before fading out.
Referee: "Honest" Abe
The broadcast returns to the Coliseum following the confrontation between Universal Champion Hansel and the representatives of the Shadow Court. The announcement of next Friday's championship defense remains on the minds of the audience, but the next image on the arena screens carries a different warning.
Nine.
A heavy hammer strikes an anvil. Sparks burst across the darkness.
Images flicker in succession: John Henry standing over fallen opponents, the enormous Dragon King crashing to the canvas last week, and Dr. Frankenstein observing from ringside without taking his eyes off the man who has refused to break.
The number changes.
TEN?
The screen goes black.
A low, distorted rumble rolls through Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum. Green light creeps across the entrance arch, illuminating a figure already waiting beneath it.
Ogre steps into view.
His massive frame fills the opening. He looks toward the ring with the patient appetite of something that does not believe its prey can go anywhere. A moment later, Dr. Frankenstein appears at his side, standing upright and studying the arena as if its thousands of spectators are incidental to the experiment he has come to conduct.
The doctor gestures toward the ring. Ogre begins his walk.
Julian Ward: "John Henry has won nine consecutive matches, most recently overcoming the Dragon King here in Camelot last Friday. Tonight Dr. Frankenstein has brought Ogre to test whether that momentum can survive another contest against an opponent of extraordinary size and strength."
Brick Brody: "Frankenstein keeps finding bigger things to put in front of him. First a dragon king, now an ogre. If I were John Henry, I'd start wondering whether the doctor is trying to beat me or find out how much punishment a man can take before something finally gives way."
Julian Ward: "And as we have seen, the doctor's interest appears to extend well beyond the result of any single match. He studies John Henry's strength, his endurance, and the way he responds under pressure."
Brick Brody: "Well, he's about to get another demonstration. But this isn't a laboratory specimen with a label around its neck. That's Ogre. One bad decision against something that size and your nine victories become a very expensive memory."
Ogre climbs onto the apron and steps over the ropes. He takes possession of the centre of the ring without any need for ceremony. Dr. Frankenstein remains outside, watching the giant turn slowly toward the entrance.
The green light vanishes.
A steel hammer rings out once. Then again. Then a third time, louder than the last.
Warm gold light cuts through the darkness. John Henry emerges beneath the stone archway, his great hammer resting against one shoulder. The reaction is immediate and thunderous.
He pauses to survey the Coliseum. His eyes settle on Ogre, and then on Dr. Frankenstein beside the ring. No uncertainty crosses his face. He lowers the hammer and begins walking.
Julian Ward: "John Henry has answered every challenge placed before him. He has not demanded easier opposition, and he has not retreated when Dr. Frankenstein has found another monster for him to face. Tonight, a tenth consecutive victory is within reach."
Brick Brody: "Ten straight is a statement, Julian. Nine can still sound like a streak. Ten makes people pay attention. But first he's got to deal with an opponent who looks like he could tear the ring apart with both hands."
Julian Ward: "The physical disparity is substantial, but John Henry has repeatedly demonstrated that his power is not restricted by the size of his opponents."
Brick Brody: "Strength isn't just about lifting somebody once. It's about what happens when they stand back up and come looking for revenge. That's what I want to see tonight."
John Henry reaches ringside and places his hammer safely aside before climbing the steps. Ogre advances toward the ropes, forcing "Honest" Abe to move between them. John Henry enters without looking away from the giant.
The two men stand face-to-face.
Dr. Frankenstein opens his hands slightly, as though inviting the contest to begin.
Louie Linville steps forward and raises his microphone.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!"
Louie Linville: "Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by DR. FRANKENSTEIN... a towering force of destruction... OGRE!"
Ogre stretches his arms outward and takes a deliberate step forward. The crowd responds with a wave of jeers. Dr. Frankenstein offers no acknowledgment, his attention fixed upon the challenger standing across the ring.
Louie Linville: "And his opponent... a man who has won NINE CONSECUTIVE matches, fighting for his TENTH victory tonight... the unbreakable man of steel... JOHN HENRY!"
The Coliseum erupts. John Henry lifts one arm, then returns it to his side as Ogre looms opposite him.
"Honest" Abe checks both competitors. Dr. Frankenstein steps back from the apron at the referee's direction. John Henry plants his feet, Ogre lowers his shoulders, and the bell rings.
Minute 1
Neither giant charges.
Ogre raises his hands and edges toward the centre. John Henry shifts into a lower stance, measuring the distance. The two close, then stop short, testing whether the other will commit first. Ogre reaches for the shoulders. John Henry withdraws his arms before the grip can settle.
They circle once more. Ogre attempts to crowd the champion of the working man toward the ropes, but John Henry refuses to surrender his ground. Another tentative tie-up dissolves almost immediately. Each man understands the cost of being caught off balance by someone this powerful.
Then John Henry changes levels, catches Ogre at the waist and forces the enormous opponent upward just enough to deliver an atomic drop.
Ogre jolts upright, startled more by the audacity than the movement itself. John Henry attempts to press forward, but the giant plants a massive boot squarely into his midsection.
John Henry doubles over and takes a step backward. Ogre follows, looming above him, yet the man of steel braces a hand against his own knee and refuses to go down. They separate, both having landed a punishing opening blow.
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein studies the exchange without a word.
Julian Ward: "A cautious opening from both men gives way to a brutal exchange. John Henry manages an atomic drop against Ogre, but Ogre responds immediately with a boot to the midsection. Neither has established a lasting advantage."
Brick Brody: "I don't blame either one for taking his time. You grab the wrong part of a man that big and he'll put you through the mat. But I like what John Henry did. He made Ogre move. Then Ogre reminded him that those boots are practically weapons."
Julian Ward: "John Henry has refused to be intimidated by the size of the opposition, but that opening strike from Ogre makes it clear that this will be no simple feat of strength."
Brick Brody: "And look at Frankenstein. He isn't shouting instructions. He's watching what happens when those two bodies collide, like he wants the answer more than he wants his monster to win."
Minute 2
John Henry straightens, drawing a breath after the kick. Ogre advances with both arms extended, intending to close the distance and smother him under sheer weight.
John Henry meets him before the grip is secured.
He plants his feet beneath Ogre's centre of gravity, forces his hands into position and lifts.
The Coliseum gasps.
Ogre rises above John Henry's shoulders in a full gorilla press.
For an extraordinary moment the giant is suspended in the air, his tremendous weight held up by the strength of one man. John Henry turns, takes a deliberate step and drives Ogre down onto the canvas.
The ring shudders from the impact.
The crowd explodes. John Henry remains standing, chest rising and falling, his eyes fixed upon the fallen opponent.
But Ogre absorbs the landing.
The monster rolls onto his side, braces a hand against the mat and begins forcing himself upright. The sight draws another reaction from the crowd, this time a mixture of amazement and unease.
Dr. Frankenstein leans forward slightly. At last, the doctor's expression changes: not fear, but intense attention.
Julian Ward: "Extraordinary power from John Henry! He has just lifted Ogre overhead and delivered a gorilla press, a feat of strength that would be remarkable against almost any opponent, let alone a man of this size."
Brick Brody: "He didn't just lift him. He held him up there long enough for everybody in Camelot to see it. That's a message to the doctor: keep sending monsters, and I'll keep picking them up."
Julian Ward: "But Ogre is already returning to his feet. That is the other difficulty here. A devastating attack is not necessarily enough when an opponent can absorb such punishment."
Brick Brody: "Exactly. John Henry won the exchange, but he hasn't won the match. And if Ogre gets his hands on him now, he may regret spending all that strength on one spectacular lift."
Minute 3
Ogre approaches more deliberately now, refusing to rush into another lifting opportunity. John Henry moves forward to meet him, cutting off the giant's angle before he can use the ropes for leverage.
John Henry catches Ogre with a sharp knee lift to the body.
The blow folds the giant forward, his breath escaping in a harsh burst. John Henry maintains his footing and attempts to keep Ogre within striking range, but the giant uses his mass to drive him backward into a crouch.
Ogre knocks John Henry down to the canvas in the struggle and raises one leg.
Kneedrop!
The giant drops his knee across John Henry's upper body with crushing force.
John Henry's shoulders and back strike the mat. The sound of the collision carries through the Coliseum. Ogre rises slowly from the impact and looks down at his opponent, breathing heavily.
John Henry turns onto his side, struggling for air after the weight that has just landed across him. Still, he gets an arm beneath his body and begins to rise.
Outside the ring, Dr. Frankenstein watches both men with a calculating stare. The contest is no longer simply about who can lift whom. It has become a question of which body will finally refuse to answer.
Julian Ward: "John Henry connected with a knee lift, but Ogre has answered with a heavy kneedrop. Both men are now attacking the body, and the cumulative force of these exchanges is beginning to show."
Brick Brody: "That was an ugly one. Ogre got him down and dropped all that weight across him. You can train for strength, Julian. You can't teach your ribs to enjoy a giant's knee landing on them."
Julian Ward: "John Henry is moving again, but he is taking longer to rise after that attack. There is a genuine danger in allowing Ogre to turn the match into a prolonged battle of attrition."
Brick Brody: "And now the doctor gets to see something important. John Henry can lift the monster. Fine. But can he still do it after the monster has landed on him? That's when strength turns into endurance."
Minute 4
John Henry rises near the centre of the ring. Ogre closes the distance, trying to wrap his arms around the man of steel before he can establish another striking rhythm.
This time John Henry steps inside the giant's reach.
He locks both arms around Ogre's torso.
Bearhug!
The crowd surges to its feet as John Henry pulls the enormous opponent toward him and squeezes. Ogre's arms spread, his chest compressed by the hold. His face contorts as he struggles to draw a full breath.
But Ogre is not yet finished.
He shifts his weight, twists his shoulders and catches John Henry's head and upper body. With a sudden wrench, the giant snaps him over in a snapmare, breaking the bearhug and sending him tumbling across the canvas.
John Henry lands hard and rolls toward one knee. Ogre pushes up, gasping for air, and lurches forward to follow with another attack.
John Henry does not retreat.
He rises into the advancing giant, ducks beneath the reaching arms and clamps his hands together around Ogre's waist for a second time.
Bearhug!
This time the grip is deeper. John Henry plants his boots, locks his elbows and hauls Ogre tight against his chest. The giant attempts to pry the hands apart, but John Henry squeezes harder, driving the air from his lungs.
"Honest" Abe leans in, asking Ogre whether he wishes to continue.
Ogre shakes his head once, trying to endure, but his resistance is fading. His massive arms lose their strength. Dr. Frankenstein steps toward the apron, watching with an expression of cold disbelief.
John Henry tightens the hold one final time.
Ogre submits!
The referee calls for the bell.
John Henry immediately releases the bearhug. Ogre drops to his knees and then onto the canvas, one arm clutched across his ribs.
The Coliseum erupts.
John Henry steps back, breathing heavily, as "Honest" Abe raises his arm. Dr. Frankenstein remains at ringside, motionless, staring at Ogre before turning his gaze slowly toward the man who has just defeated him.
Julian Ward: "Ogre escaped the first bearhug with a snapmare, but John Henry seized the opportunity to reapply the hold! He has forced Ogre to submit! Ten consecutive victories for John Henry, and this one has come against another of Dr. Frankenstein's enormous opponents."
Brick Brody: "That's how you finish a monster! Ogre threw him off once, and John Henry went straight back in and squeezed until the giant couldn't take another breath. He didn't need a hammer. He didn't need a second chance from the referee. He made Ogre give up."
Julian Ward: "This result carries particular significance. John Henry was able to overcome the challenge of raw size, absorb Ogre's most punishing response, and then force a submission through sheer strength and determination."
Louie Linville returns to the centre of the ring.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen... your winner by SUBMISSION... recording his TENTH CONSECUTIVE VICTORY... JOHN HENRY!"
John Henry's music rises. The crowd applauds as he reaches down to retrieve his hammer from ringside and lifts it toward the Coliseum lights.
Ogre remains seated against the bottom turnbuckle, still trying to steady his breathing. Dr. Frankenstein says nothing to him. Instead, the doctor studies John Henry's raised arm, the strength that broke his monster, and the expression of a man who has yet to find his limit.
For a long moment, the two men meet eyes across the ring.
Dr. Frankenstein turns away first.
Brick Brody: "Ten straight. I'll say it again, Julian. Ten. And I don't think the doctor liked what he just learned."
Julian Ward: "John Henry has answered every question placed before him to this point. Yet with Dr. Frankenstein still watching, it is difficult to believe that tonight's victory will be the last test of his strength."
JOHN HENRY DEFEATS OGRE BY SUBMISSION IN THE 4TH MINUTE FOLLOWING A BEARHUG. JOHN HENRY RECORDS HIS TENTH CONSECUTIVE VICTORY.
Referee: "Honest" Abe
The camera returns to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum. In the ring, "Honest" Abe confers briefly with the timekeeper while the crowd settles following John Henry's tenth consecutive victory. At ringside, the commentary desk has barely finished discussing Dr. Frankenstein's latest failure when the arena screens darken.
A black chessboard appears. A white queen stands alone at its centre.
A gloved hand enters the frame, turns the piece on its side, and replaces it with a black queen.
The image gives way to the crest of the Shadow Court.
Regina emerges beneath the stone entrance arch, wrapped in the cold assurance of someone who expects the kingdom to make room for her. Severin Crowne follows a measured step behind, adjusting the cuffs of his immaculate black suit. He carries no title belt and offers no grand gesture. His presence alone draws immediate hostility from the Coliseum.
Regina pauses to let the reaction wash over her. Then she raises her chin and begins toward the ring. Crowne walks beside her, watching the audience with an expression of private amusement.
Julian Ward: "Regina arrives with considerable momentum. She and Malice defeated Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion here last week, and on Wednesday in Osaka, Regina followed that result with a singles victory over Maid Marion. Tonight she is accompanied by Severin Crowne, whose influence within King Arthur's Shadow Court has grown more pronounced with every passing week."
Brick Brody: "And why shouldn't it? Crowne pinned the Universal Champion in Osaka, and now he's got a title match next Friday. Regina knows exactly whose side she wants to be standing on. Winning fights and knowing powerful people? That's a pretty useful combination."
Julian Ward: "The question is whether any of that influence will matter against Rapunzel. Inside the ropes, Regina must contend with an opponent whose power and agility make her difficult to predict."
Brick Brody: "Regina's been ruthless lately, Julian. Rapunzel had better understand that this isn't a royal reception. She's walking into a fight against somebody who likes leaving people worse off than she found them."
Regina reaches ringside and ascends the steps without looking back. Crowne remains outside, straightening one cuff and exchanging a quiet word with her before she slips through the ropes. Regina crosses to the centre and extends her arms, drawing fresh boos.
The royal crest shatters across the screens.
A tower rises above a dark forest. A narrow window glows high against the night sky, and a long golden braid uncoils down the stone wall. The music changes, gaining speed as golden light spills across the entrance.
Rapunzel strides onto the stage.
She looks toward Regina, then toward Severin Crowne, whose gaze follows her all the way to the ring. Rapunzel does not hesitate. She throws her shoulders back and heads down the ramp to an enthusiastic reception.
Julian Ward: "Rapunzel has the opportunity tonight to interrupt Regina's winning run. And considering the increasing control the Shadow Court is exerting across Camelot, defeating one of its prominent members would be a significant result."
Brick Brody: "The opportunity's there. But she'll need to wrestle the match, not the court. Crowne's going to stand at ringside looking pleased with himself whether she likes it or not. If she spends the whole night staring at him, Regina will put her flat on her back."
Rapunzel reaches the apron, steps between the ropes and moves directly toward the centre. Regina approaches with a thin smile. The two competitors stop just short of contact. Rapunzel returns the look without yielding an inch.
"Honest" Abe steps between them before either woman can speak. Crowne takes his position at ringside.
Louie Linville enters the centre of the ring and raises his microphone.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a SINGLES MATCH scheduled for ONE FALL!"
The crowd answers with applause.
Louie Linville: "Introducing first... accompanied to the ring by SEVERIN CROWNE... representing the SHADOW COURT... REGINA!"
Regina raises one hand and turns toward the audience. Crowne applauds politely from ringside, utterly unconcerned by the boos.
Louie Linville: "And her opponent... a competitor who has descended from the tower to forge her own destiny... RAPUNZEL!"
Rapunzel acknowledges the cheers with a raised arm before turning her attention back to Regina.
"Honest" Abe inspects both competitors and instructs Crowne to remain clear of the apron. Crowne responds with a courteous inclination of his head. Regina and Rapunzel take their places.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Regina advances immediately, making no effort to disguise her intentions. She reaches for Rapunzel's hair, catching a long handful before the other woman can complete her opening tie-up.
Hair mare!
Regina jerks Rapunzel forward and sends her over onto the canvas. Rapunzel lands sharply on her back. Regina gives a contemptuous little smile as "Honest" Abe warns her about the use of the hair.
But Rapunzel is already rising. She catches Regina's advancing arm, drives a shoulder into her middle and powers her upward before the queen can retreat.
Sitout Powerbomb!
The sudden lift turns into a crushing descent. Rapunzel sits through the impact, planting Regina squarely against the canvas. The Coliseum erupts as Crowne's smile vanishes for the first time.
Regina rolls onto her side, stunned by the speed of the counterattack. Rapunzel stands and pushes her hair back over her shoulder, eyes fixed on the woman who tried to use it against her.
Julian Ward: "Regina opens by taking hold of Rapunzel's hair, but Rapunzel responds with extraordinary authority! A sitout powerbomb, delivered almost immediately, has turned that early act of humiliation into a serious problem for the Shadow Court representative."
Brick Brody: "You pull somebody's hair, you'd better be ready when they get their hands on you. Regina wanted to establish control. Instead, she got picked up and driven straight through the ring."
Julian Ward: "And it sends an unmistakable message. Rapunzel has no intention of being intimidated by Regina, or by Severin Crowne watching from ringside."
Brick Brody: "Crowne can watch all he wants. He can't make that powerbomb hurt any less. Regina had better start defending herself instead of looking down her nose at her opponent."
Minute 2
Regina moves more carefully after the opening collision, keeping one arm close to her ribs. Rapunzel circles toward her, looking for another opportunity to use her strength.
Rapunzel closes the distance and reaches beneath Regina's arms, preparing to pop her upward for a Samoan drop. She drives forward, trying to force Regina out of her stance.
But Regina reads the lift before it can develop. She widens her base, hooks an arm against Rapunzel's shoulder and shifts her weight to prevent the pop-up.
The attempted Pop Up Samoan Drop is neutralized.
Rapunzel tries to reset her grip, but Regina twists away and forces separation. Neither woman falls. Regina backs toward the ropes, breathing harder than her expression suggests.
Crowne speaks quietly from ringside. Regina gives him a brief glance, then turns back to Rapunzel.
Julian Ward: "Rapunzel looked to follow the powerbomb with a Pop Up Samoan Drop, but Regina defended it effectively. She recognized the lift and shifted her weight before Rapunzel could get her off the canvas."
Brick Brody: "That's a smart adjustment. She just found out what happens when Rapunzel gets underneath her. This time she didn't let it happen. You don't have to win every exchange; sometimes keeping both feet on the mat is the victory."
Julian Ward: "Regina has bought herself a chance to recover, although Rapunzel remains the aggressor in these opening minutes."
Brick Brody: "And Crowne's talking to her now. I don't know what he's saying, but if I were Regina, the first instruction I'd listen to is: stop getting lifted."
Minute 3
Regina abruptly changes tactics. As Rapunzel advances, Regina sidesteps and catches her with a short strike that creates an opening toward the turnbuckles.
Regina climbs. She turns at the top, measuring the distance as Rapunzel pushes herself upright.
Diving Elbow Drop!
Regina launches and drives her elbow down across Rapunzel's upper body, knocking her back onto the canvas. The impact draws a sharp reaction. Regina rolls away, briefly believing she has regained control.
Rapunzel refuses to stay down. She rises with one hand against her ribs, catches Regina moving forward and shoves her back onto the mat. Then she races toward the corner and scales the ropes with remarkable speed.
Descent from the Tower Moonsault!
Rapunzel sails backward through the air and crashes down across Regina. The crowd leaps to its feet. Regina curls onto her side, clutching her middle, while Rapunzel sits up and draws a long breath through the pain from the elbow.
At ringside, Crowne's eyes narrow. He watches Rapunzel return to her feet rather than offering his usual applause.
Julian Ward: "Regina found success with the diving elbow drop, but Rapunzel has answered with Descent from the Tower! That moonsault is a spectacular display of athleticism, especially after taking the elbow across the upper body."
Brick Brody: "And it hit hard. Regina gave her a reason to be angry, climbed those ropes and landed the elbow. Rapunzel answered by going even higher and throwing everything into the moonsault. That's how you steal a man's breath, Julian. Or a queen's."
Julian Ward: "Both women have connected with substantial high-impact offense already, but Rapunzel has delivered the stronger response."
Brick Brody: "Regina's discovering something unpleasant. Rapunzel can lift you, and she can fly. Pick one problem to solve and the other one's coming straight at you."
Minute 4
Regina drags herself toward the ropes while Rapunzel rises near the opposite corner. The queen takes a moment to steady herself, then uses the opening to climb onto the turnbuckles again.
Rapunzel turns as Regina launches.
Diving Splash!
Regina crashes into her opponent, driving Rapunzel back to the canvas. This time Regina's entire body follows through the impact, and she rolls clear before Rapunzel can trap her underneath.
Rapunzel turns onto a knee, one arm wrapped around her midsection. Regina advances, trying to catch her while she is vulnerable.
But Rapunzel catches the approach. She powers upward beneath Regina, pops her off the canvas and settles the weight across her shoulders.
Pop Up Samoan Drop!
Regina is driven down with a heavy thud. Rapunzel falls backward into the landing, then rolls onto her side. For a few seconds both women remain down as the audience reacts to the rapid succession of attacks.
Julian Ward: "Regina's diving splash connects, but Rapunzel finally completes the Pop Up Samoan Drop that was denied to her in the second minute! Tremendous power from Rapunzel after absorbing another aerial attack."
Brick Brody: "Regina thought she'd solved the problem by staying above her. Then she got too close again and Rapunzel picked her right up. That's not the kind of adjustment Severin Crowne wants to see."
Julian Ward: "The Shadow Court competitor is landing offense, yet she cannot sustain an advantage. Each time she appears to recover, Rapunzel produces another answer."
Brick Brody: "And look at both of them. That splash hurt Rapunzel too. They're throwing more into these moves than you'd expect this early. Sooner or later one of them is going to stay down long enough for the other to finish it."
Minute 5
Both women return to their feet slowly. Regina raises her hands and steps toward Rapunzel, then withdraws as her opponent reaches for the shoulders. Rapunzel checks an attempted waistlock. Regina twists out of the grip and moves around the ropes.
They circle again. A second tentative engagement breaks apart before either can gain an advantage. The crowd grows restless, but neither woman wishes to provide the opening that led to the earlier powerbombs and aerial attacks.
Then Regina moves first. She drives a forearm into Rapunzel's shoulder, backs her toward the corner and climbs quickly while Rapunzel is still turning.
Diving Splash!
The queen comes down across Rapunzel once more. The force carries both women backward, but Regina cannot immediately follow up.
Rapunzel works herself upright and catches Regina before she can fully disengage. She hoists her across her shoulders and rolls forward.
Rolling Fireman's Carry!
Regina is thrown across the mat as Rapunzel completes the movement. The two women separate again, neither able to keep the other grounded for long.
Julian Ward: "An extended defensive exchange finally gives way to another diving splash from Regina, but Rapunzel answers with the Rolling Fireman's Carry. Neither competitor has found a way to turn these individual successes into sustained control."
Brick Brody: "They're getting cautious for a reason. Every time one of them grabs the advantage, she pays for it ten seconds later. Regina splashes her, Rapunzel rolls her. That's a miserable rhythm if you're trying to build momentum."
Julian Ward: "Regina's aerial offense is proving dangerous, but Rapunzel has shown she can absorb it and still produce powerful counters."
Brick Brody: "And Crowne doesn't look nearly as relaxed as he did during the entrances. Maybe he's remembering that having the king's favor doesn't change what happens when somebody slams you into the canvas."
Minute 6
They rise into another wary standoff. Regina protects her ribs, refusing to let Rapunzel establish a clean bodylock. Rapunzel keeps her distance from the corner, unwilling to give Regina an easy opportunity to launch another splash.
They reach and separate. A second tie-up ends almost as soon as it begins. Regina circles behind Rapunzel, but the tower-born wrestler turns before any hold can be secured. Regina retreats one step, drawing scattered jeers.
Rapunzel steps in again. This time she times Regina's movement, catches her across the upper body and lifts her onto her back.
Bridging Back Rack!
Regina is stretched across Rapunzel's shoulders as Rapunzel arches backward, concentrating the pressure through the queen's spine and ribs. Regina's face contorts. She swings an arm toward the ropes, but cannot immediately find them.
Rapunzel maintains the hold before the accumulated strain forces her to release and roll away. Regina slides to the mat and curls onto one side, clearly feeling the damage. Crowne moves closer to the apron, watching with unusual intensity.
Julian Ward: "After a lengthy period of defensive wrestling, Rapunzel has connected with the Bridging Back Rack. Regina had no effective counter once Rapunzel established that position, and the punishment to her back may become increasingly significant."
Brick Brody: "That's not just strength. That's knowing how to make strength hurt. She got Regina across those shoulders and bent her the wrong way. I don't care how expensive your royal connections are, your spine still has limits."
Julian Ward: "We have already seen Rapunzel rely upon power and aerial offense. Now she is beginning to attack Regina's ability to withstand further pressure."
Brick Brody: "And if Regina can't stand straight, forget the diving splashes. Crowne needs her on her feet, not folded up like an old royal proclamation."
Minute 7
Regina pulls herself upright near the ropes, one hand pressed against the small of her back. Rapunzel advances cautiously, aware that another hold could finish the work begun moments earlier.
Regina waits until she is within range.
Stomp to the Head!
The queen drives her boot downward as Rapunzel ducks toward a bodylock. The strike catches Rapunzel high and sends her sprawling across the canvas. A harsh chorus of boos rises from the audience.
Regina reaches for her again, attempting to exploit the damage. But Rapunzel catches an arm, turns through the grip and powers Regina back across her shoulders.
Bridging Back Rack!
Regina's earlier injury is immediately exposed. She arches beneath the pressure, clawing for leverage as Rapunzel bends back and forces the hold tighter. The crowd urges Rapunzel to maintain it.
Regina struggles fiercely, and the strain of the exchange eventually sends both competitors apart. Rapunzel lands on one knee, still shaking off the stomp. Regina falls onto her side and drags herself toward the ropes.
Julian Ward: "Regina's stomp to the head was vicious, but Rapunzel has answered with a second Bridging Back Rack! Regina is now absorbing repeated attacks across the same region of her back."
Brick Brody: "And Regina's still fighting, Julian. That stomp wasn't pretty, but it nearly turned the whole match. Problem is, Rapunzel got her hands on her again."
Julian Ward: "The cumulative effect of those holds must concern Severin Crowne. Regina continues to survive, but her movement is becoming more guarded."
Brick Brody: "Crowne can be concerned all he likes. The solution is simple and difficult: Regina has to stop letting Rapunzel put her on those shoulders. She hasn't managed it yet."
Minute 8
Regina shakes out her arms, then bursts forward as Rapunzel closes the distance. She catches her opponent with a sudden flying dropkick.
Flying Dropkick!
Both boots strike Rapunzel across the upper body and force her backward. Regina lands hard, rolls onto her knees and tries to follow before Rapunzel can recover.
But Rapunzel turns into her approach, threads an arm around Regina's neck and draws the other arm across her body.
Cobra Clutch!
The hold is secured. Rapunzel sinks her weight and pulls Regina away from the ropes. Regina strains against the pressure, teeth clenched as Rapunzel attempts to force a submission.
"Honest" Abe leans close, asking whether she wishes to give up.
Regina shakes her head emphatically. She will not submit.
The queen fights her way sideways, dragging her feet across the mat until she reaches the ropes. "Honest" Abe calls for the break. Rapunzel releases at the referee's instruction, and Regina stumbles away, holding her neck and one shoulder.
Crowne offers a restrained clap, acknowledging that Regina has survived rather than pretending she has won the exchange.
Julian Ward: "Regina's flying dropkick connects, but Rapunzel catches her in the Cobra Clutch! The hold is locked in, and yet Regina refuses to submit. She has managed to reach the ropes and force the release."
Brick Brody: "That takes something, Julian. Regina's taken punishment to her back, now she's got Rapunzel squeezing the life out of her, and she's still telling the referee no. I don't like the queen's attitude, but I respect that."
Julian Ward: "Rapunzel has tested Regina with two different forms of sustained pressure now. Her royal allies may be watching at ringside, but they cannot endure these holds on her behalf."
Brick Brody: "And that's the thing. Crowne can clap and give advice, but Regina's the one who has to get back up after all this. She may have escaped. I wouldn't call her comfortable."
Minute 9
Regina remains near the ropes, gathering herself. Rapunzel rubs her throat and steps toward the centre. Neither woman moves immediately, both aware that the match has become a contest of diminishing reserves.
Regina abruptly surges forward. She drives Rapunzel backward, creates an opening and heads for the corner.
Diving Elbow Drop!
Her elbow lands across Rapunzel's chest, knocking the breath from her. Regina rolls aside, wincing as she braces her injured back.
Rapunzel nevertheless fights upright. Regina moves toward her, but Rapunzel catches an opening, forces the queen down and immediately springs upward.
Standing Moonsault!
Rapunzel flips backward and crashes across Regina. She folds over her opponent and tries to secure the pin.
"Honest" Abe slides into position, but Regina shifts her weight before the count can settle. She catches Rapunzel's shoulders and reverses the pin into a sudden cradle of her own.
ONE!
TWO!
Rapunzel kicks free!
Both women roll apart. Regina scrambles toward the ropes, furious that the reversal did not steal the match. Rapunzel sits up in surprise, then pushes herself to her feet.
Julian Ward: "Regina's elbow drop lands, but Rapunzel answers with a standing moonsault and attempts the cover! Regina reverses the pin, and for a moment it appears she might steal the victory—Rapunzel kicks out at two!"
Brick Brody: "That was close. Regina couldn't keep control of the fight, so she tried to keep control of the shoulders. You don't need to be the stronger woman when you're the one holding the other woman down for three seconds."
Julian Ward: "Rapunzel survived the reversal, but it is an important reminder that even while taking punishment, Regina remains capable of finding a dangerous opening."
Brick Brody: "And that's what I like about this match. Nobody's safe because she's landed the last move. Rapunzel had the moonsault. Regina nearly walked away with the win. Now they're both going to have to work for it again."
Minute 10
Rapunzel steadies herself near the centre of the ring. Across from her, Regina rises slowly, reaching one hand toward the ropes as she straightens her injured back.
Regina attempts to move past her opponent, but Rapunzel steps across the path. She drops her stance and drives upward before Regina can plant her feet.
Pop Up Samoan Drop!
Regina is lifted and driven down with authority. She lands heavily across the canvas, one arm flung outward by the force. The audience rises as Rapunzel pushes herself to one knee beside her.
Regina rolls onto her side, struggling to regain her bearings. There is no immediate counterattack. Rapunzel stands above her, breathing hard, and looks down at the damage she has inflicted.
Severin Crowne remains at ringside, expression unreadable. His gaze shifts from Regina's movements to Rapunzel's shoulders, searching for the next opening.
Julian Ward: "Another Pop Up Samoan Drop! Rapunzel has caught Regina cleanly, and this time the Shadow Court representative has been unable to respond. The punishment is beginning to accumulate at an alarming rate."
Brick Brody: "That one shook the whole ring. Regina tried to get past her and Rapunzel just lifted her out of the way. That's not the kind of strength you can argue with."
Julian Ward: "Regina remains in this match, but she must find an answer quickly. Rapunzel has established herself as the more effective wrestler in the closing exchanges."
Brick Brody: "And Crowne knows it. He's not looking pleased now; he's watching for a mistake. Trouble is, every time Regina tries to make something happen, Rapunzel's the one delivering the bigger punishment."
Minute 11
Regina rises with difficulty. Her posture is guarded, and she presses a hand against her back before turning to face Rapunzel. The crowd urges the tower-born wrestler forward.
For a moment neither competitor commits. Regina shifts toward the ropes, trying to keep Rapunzel from closing cleanly. Rapunzel feints toward the arm. Regina jerks away, then reaches in again.
That second movement gives Rapunzel the opening.
She steps beneath Regina's centre of gravity and lifts her across her shoulders.
Bridging Back Rack!
Regina cries out as the pressure returns to her battered back. Rapunzel plants her feet, adjusts the weight and bridges backward, folding Regina into the hold with nowhere left to turn.
This time Rapunzel keeps the position tight enough to trap Regina's shoulders against the canvas. "Honest" Abe drops beside them and checks the shoulders.
ONE!
TWO!
Regina struggles, reaching desperately for an escape.
THREE!
The bell rings!
Rapunzel releases the bridge and rolls onto her side, exhausted. Regina falls free, one hand pressed against her back. "Honest" Abe signals the fall as the Coliseum erupts.
At ringside, Severin Crowne stands perfectly still for a long moment. He looks toward Regina, then at the referee's raised hand. The carefully composed expression returns to his face, but his disappointment is unmistakable.
Julian Ward: "Rapunzel has done it! A third Bridging Back Rack, this time maintaining the bridge and keeping Regina's shoulders down for the three-count! An important victory against one of the Shadow Court's most prominent competitors."
Brick Brody: "She kept going back to the same weakness, Julian. Two back racks softened Regina up. The last one kept her trapped. No fancy tricks at the finish, just strength, leverage and a woman who'd run out of ways to escape."
Julian Ward: "For Regina, this is a significant setback after victories over Maid Marion last week and in Osaka. Rapunzel has demonstrated that the Shadow Court's momentum is not beyond challenge."
Louie Linville enters the ring and raises his microphone as Rapunzel reaches her feet.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen... your winner by PINFALL... RAPUNZEL!"
The crowd cheers again. "Honest" Abe raises Rapunzel's hand, and she closes her eyes for a moment in relief before acknowledging the Coliseum.
Regina pulls herself toward the bottom rope. Crowne approaches the apron and offers his hand. She looks at it, then takes it reluctantly as he helps her stand. There is no argument between them, only a tense silence. Crowne glances once more toward the victorious Rapunzel before guiding Regina away.
Brick Brody: "That's going to be an unpleasant conversation on the walk back to the dressing room. Crowne has a Universal Championship match next week, and one of the king's own just got beaten in front of him."
Julian Ward: "And Rapunzel has earned every moment of this celebration. She endured Regina's aerial attacks, survived the dangerous reversal of her pin attempt and ultimately secured the victory with the same hold that had worn her opponent down throughout the match."
Rapunzel turns toward the royal banners hanging above the Coliseum. She raises her arm again, unbowed beneath the symbols of Camelot's throne.
RAPUNZEL DEFEATS REGINA BY PINFALL IN THE 11TH MINUTE FOLLOWING A BRIDGING BACK RACK.
October 16, 2026 — Pre-recorded vignette
The Coliseum broadcast fades abruptly to black.
No music. No logo. No voice.
A single mechanical tick breaks the silence.
Another follows, a fraction of a second too early. Then another. Within moments, dozens of clocks are ticking against one another, none keeping the same time.
A pale-violet light slowly reveals a circular stone chamber. Broken astronomical instruments lie scattered across the floor. Crooked brass rings hang from the vaulted ceiling. Dust-covered star charts have been arranged in overlapping circles, each marked by the same ominous symbol: a black disc surrounded by a thin red corona.
At the center sits Zorath, his back to the camera. His long black hair is heavily streaked with silver. A broken bronze circlet rests upon his head.
Without warning, his head turns.
ZORATH: “No. Not that one.”
He drags a chart toward him.
Across the parchment are the connected realms: Camelot, the North Pole, Wonderland, Oz, the Vale of Shadows, and the uncharted reaches of the Primal Expanse. A narrow black fracture crosses every boundary. The crack is not drawn in ink; it moves.
Zorath touches the North Pole. A small white-gold light pulses through the parchment, stubbornly resisting the spreading darkness.
For the first time, he seems relieved.
ZORATH: “Still burning.”
He moves his fingers to Camelot.
The sound changes. A familiar royal command reverberates through the chamber, distorted as though carried from a great distance.
KING ARTHUR’S VOICE: “Kneel.”
A fragmentary vision flickers over the chart: an empty prison cell; an ancient stone; a sword that has been drawn from it. The hand that took the sword remains hidden. No one appears in the reflection.
Merlin’s voice follows, chanting in an unknown language. The image trembles and dissolves into a narrow fissure suspended in darkness. Beyond it, something moves—but never becomes clear.
Zorath closes his glowing eye. His natural eye opens.
ZORATH: “The king sees a throne.”
He slowly turns to face the camera.
ZORATH: “The wizard sees a way through.”
He rises. He is tall and lean, with a weathered ceremonial mantle over deep indigo-and-black wrestling gear marked by tarnished bronze and faint celestial patterns. One eye is dark gray. The other glows pale violet.
ZORATH: “The traitor sees an opening.”
He stops. His expression changes as another vision strikes.
ZORATH: “No—wait. That is not what comes next.”
The clocks accelerate.
At the far end of the chamber, an immense circular mechanism begins to turn. Brass rings rotate at different speeds around a center of absolute blackness. For a heartbeat, its darkness takes the shape of a door.
Zorath stares at it, furious now—not with fear of the unknown, but with the exhaustion of someone who has seen this warning ignored before.
ZORATH: “I have seen the stars go silent. I watched it happen above Astravar.”
A distant image flashes in the black circle: a magnificent city beneath constellations that vanish one by one. Then the city itself is simply gone.
ZORATH: “An entire city disappeared. They heard my warning. They would not listen.”
He gestures toward the fractured charts.
ZORATH: “And now I hear that same silence moving between your realms.”
One by one, the clocks stop. As each falls silent, a star vanishes from the reflected sky above the mechanism.
Only the white-gold point of light on the North Pole chart continues to pulse.
Zorath looks back at it. His voice lowers.
ZORATH: “But not everything has gone dark. Not yet.”
The last clock ticks once.
ZORATH: “There is still time.”
He lifts his head and fixes the camera with his violet eye.
ZORATH: “The Last Oracle is coming to Camelot.”
The final clock stops.
Black screen.
One last warning reaches the audience, spoken almost too quietly to hear.
ZORATH: “Do not let Merlin open the door.”
Referee: "Honest" Abe
The camera returns to Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum. Above the ring, the Eternal Flame Championship fills the arena screens. Gold light passes across the face of the belt, then darkens beneath an image of Camelot's throne.
The crowd has not forgotten the events of the evening: a kingdom searched on its king's orders, a fugitive with a price upon his head, and the warning of a stranger who spoke of stars going silent. Now the championship that King Arthur wants returned to the Shadow Court hangs in the balance.
Julian Ward: "Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for our main event. The Eternal Flame Championship will be decided under two-out-of-three-falls rules. Mordred defended his independence from the throne last week and suffered a brutal assault for refusing to kneel. Tonight, Sir Agravaine has been entrusted with taking his championship."
Brick Brody: "And Agravaine has plenty to answer for. Little John pinned him in Osaka on Wednesday. He can't afford to stroll back to Arthur empty-handed again. A championship would be one hell of an apology."
Julian Ward: "There is another presence to consider. Severin Crowne will accompany the challenger, and after his extraordinary victory over Universal Champion Hansel in Osaka, Crowne's influence is expanding far beyond the walls of Camelot."
Brick Brody: "He's got Hansel coming back for him next Friday, with the Universal Championship on the line. But tonight he's standing beside a knight who wants the Eternal Flame. Crowne's building quite a collection of opportunities."
The lights fall to a thin, cold line along the entrance ramp.
A black standard appears on the screens. Beneath it, the insignia of the Shadow Court takes shape, followed by a single armored gauntlet closing around a sword hilt.
Sir Agravaine steps out beneath the stone archway, severe and unsmiling. His armor-inspired wrestling gear bears the hard, uncompromising lines of Camelot's royal warriors. He carries himself as a man who considers obedience a duty and dissent an insult.
Severin Crowne joins him, impeccably dressed, the slightest smile at the corners of his mouth. He says something to the challenger. Agravaine acknowledges it with a single nod.
Together, they move toward the ring under a wave of boos. Agravaine does not look toward the fans. Crowne, by contrast, surveys them as though assessing the value of a room he intends to purchase.
Julian Ward: "Sir Agravaine participated in the attack on Mordred following last week's match with King Arthur. He knows exactly how much punishment the champion has endured. And this evening, for the first time, he faces Mordred with championship gold directly at stake."
Brick Brody: "The worst thing Mordred can do is believe Agravaine's just another soldier. The man's dangerous. He's got suplexes, power, submissions, and a whole lot of motivation. And he's got Crowne on the outside, where the referee can't watch him every second."
Sir Agravaine climbs onto the apron and enters between the ropes. He walks to the far corner, gripping the top rope with both hands. Crowne remains at ringside, straightens his sleeves and calmly watches the entranceway.
The royal insignia vanishes.
A solitary flame appears against black stone. Its light turns crimson, then burns a fierce gold. The crest of the Broken Crown emerges from the fire.
Mordred steps through the entrance arch carrying the Eternal Flame Championship. The crowd erupts. His face is marked by the memory of last week's assault, but his posture gives nothing away. He pauses beneath the banners of the kingdom he has refused to serve.
His eyes meet Sir Agravaine's across the distance.
For a moment, Mordred looks past the challenger and fixes his attention on Severin Crowne. Crowne responds with an almost courteous tilt of the head.
Mordred lifts the championship just high enough for the cameras to catch its faceplate. Then he lowers it and walks.
Julian Ward: "Mordred captured this title by defeating the Sheriff of Nottingham in two straight falls. Last week, King Arthur defeated him in a non-title contest, demanded his submission, and unleashed the Shadow Court when Mordred refused. Whatever else has happened within Camelot, the champion has not surrendered the one prize he holds in his own right."
Brick Brody: "He stood there and told a king no. Then got beaten for it. That's courage, stupidity, or some combination of the two. But now it's wrestling. And if his body's still hurting, Agravaine will find out."
Julian Ward: "A fall is not enough tonight. The winner must secure two. That distinction could decide this championship, particularly if either man is forced to fight through exhaustion or injury."
Brick Brody: "Mordred knows the rules; he won the belt under them. But that's no comfort when you're standing across from a man who wants to twist your legs off, with Crowne smiling outside."
Mordred enters the ring and stops at its centre. He raises the Eternal Flame Championship high above his head. The Coliseum roars. Sir Agravaine advances one pace from his corner before "Honest" Abe orders him back.
Mordred hands the championship to the referee. Crowne watches the transfer with particular interest.
Louie Linville steps into the centre of the ring and raises his microphone.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen... the following contest is your MAIN EVENT of the evening! It is scheduled for TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS... and it is for the NPCW ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP!"
The championship graphic brightens overhead.
Louie Linville: "Introducing first... accompanied to the ring by SEVERIN CROWNE... representing the SHADOW COURT and the authority of Camelot's throne... the challenger... SIR AGRAVAINE!"
Sir Agravaine steps forward, raising one arm to a chorus of hostility. At ringside, Severin Crowne applauds with measured satisfaction.
Louie Linville: "And his opponent... the reigning and defending NPCW ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPION... a warrior who has refused to kneel before the throne... MORDRED!"
Mordred raises his fist, and the Coliseum answers with a roar.
"Honest" Abe displays the title to both competitors, then to the crowd. He passes the championship to the timekeeper and instructs Crowne to keep his distance. Crowne places a hand against his chest, feigning perfect innocence.
The referee returns between the competitors.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Neither man rushes the first contact. Mordred circles toward the centre, testing the distance while Sir Agravaine keeps his shoulders square and his hands raised. Their first lock-up breaks without either man yielding ground.
Mordred changes levels suddenly and springs forward with a dropkick. Both boots strike Agravaine high in the chest, sending the challenger back into the ropes.
Agravaine stumbles but remains standing. Mordred rolls to his feet, ready to press the advantage.
At ringside, Severin Crowne moves along the apron as though offering ordinary counsel. His hand briefly meets Agravaine's at the ropes. A small foreign object passes between them and disappears into the knight's grasp before "Honest" Abe turns.
Mordred sees Crowne pull away and takes another step toward the challenger. Agravaine closes his hand and retreats from the ropes, hiding whatever has been supplied.
The audience begins shouting at the referee. Abe checks Crowne, who answers with a perfectly blank expression. No disqualification is called.
Julian Ward: "A dropkick from Mordred to begin, but Severin Crowne has already approached the apron. There was an unmistakable exchange at the ropes, and the referee did not see what passed between them."
Brick Brody: "Crowne didn't waste sixty seconds. Agravaine's got something in his hand, and now Mordred has to worry about more than the man in front of him. That's an ugly advantage."
Julian Ward: "The championship should be decided by the competitors. Abe needs to keep his attention on both the challenger and the man accompanying him."
Brick Brody: "Good luck with that. Crowne's already made himself part of the main event."
Minute 2
Mordred advances with greater urgency, unwilling to let Agravaine dictate the terms. The challenger braces himself, but Mordred strikes first.
Spear!
Mordred drives his shoulder through Agravaine's middle and carries him backward across the canvas. The crowd surges as both men hit hard.
Agravaine rolls toward the ropes and forces himself upright. Mordred comes after him, sensing another opening, but the challenger catches his forward momentum.
Agravaine hooks him around the body and lifts with sudden power.
Powerbomb!
Mordred crashes onto his back with a violent impact. Agravaine drops to one knee beside him, breathing sharply, as the champion draws his legs toward his chest and turns onto his side.
Julian Ward: "An emphatic spear from Mordred, immediately answered by a powerbomb from Sir Agravaine. Both men have connected with substantial offense, and neither has established sustained control."
Brick Brody: "That's the danger of charging a big man who can lift you. Mordred went straight through him, but when he came back for more, Agravaine planted him. Both those impacts matter in a match where you need two falls."
Julian Ward: "Particularly for Mordred, who took considerable punishment to his back during the attack last week. Agravaine may have identified the area he intends to target."
Brick Brody: "If he keeps landing like that, Mordred might give up the first fall just trying to stand."
Minute 3
Mordred moves in again, trying to prevent Agravaine from building on the powerbomb. He swings through with a clothesline, aiming to take the challenger off his feet.
Agravaine reads the approach. He slips beneath the outstretched arm and turns sharply behind Mordred, hooking him before the champion can recover his balance.
Over-the-Shoulder Back-to-Belly Piledriver!
The counter drives Mordred down with alarming force. He lands across his upper body and shoulder line and collapses onto his side. The crowd gasps.
Agravaine rises carefully, one hand on his own lower back, and looks down at the champion. Crowne gives a single approving nod from the floor.
Mordred tries to roll toward the ropes, but his movements are slower now. Agravaine stalks after him.
Julian Ward: "A devastating reversal! Mordred attempted the clothesline, and Sir Agravaine transformed that opening into the over-the-shoulder back-to-belly piledriver. The champion has taken another heavy impact through the neck and upper body."
Brick Brody: "That's a counter with bad intentions. He wasn't interested in stopping the clothesline. He wanted to make Mordred regret throwing it."
Julian Ward: "There is a dangerous pattern developing: Agravaine is countering the champion's forward attacks with moves that punish his back and spine."
Brick Brody: "And that makes what comes next even worse. Agravaine knows how to stretch somebody who can't straighten up."
Minute 4
Agravaine closes on Mordred before the champion can regain a firm base. He catches one leg, turns through the hips and gathers the other.
Modified Cloverleaf!
Mordred is pulled into the centre of the ring. Agravaine sits deeply into the hold, forcing the champion's lower body upward while wrenching pressure through the knees and back.
Mordred reaches forward, dragging his palms against the canvas. The ropes are still too far away.
"Honest" Abe kneels and asks whether he wishes to continue. Mordred shakes his head, tries to turn his body and finds the movement blocked by Agravaine's weight.
The challenger leans back again.
Mordred cries out and slaps the canvas.
He submits!
The referee immediately orders Agravaine to release the hold. The bell sounds to acknowledge the fall.
At ringside, Crowne steps back from the apron and applauds. Agravaine finally lets go, rising with the confidence of a man who knows the champion must now win two falls without further error.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the FIRST FALL, by submission in the fourth minute... SIR AGRAVAINE!"
The scoreboard flashes: SIR AGRAVAINE 1 — MORDRED 0.
Julian Ward: "Sir Agravaine has taken the first fall! Mordred could not escape the Modified Cloverleaf, and the challenger now needs only one more fall to become Eternal Flame Champion."
Brick Brody: "That's the nightmare start for Mordred. He's already been driven onto his back, now he's had his legs folded up underneath him, and he has to win twice. Agravaine's done exactly what the king wanted so far."
Julian Ward: "But the contest is not over. Both men are entitled to continue after the fall, and Mordred has already demonstrated that he can fight through adversity."
Brick Brody: "He'd better demonstrate it quickly. One more mistake and that belt goes back to the Shadow Court."
"Honest" Abe separates both men and gives Mordred the required moment to regain his feet. The champion straightens with visible discomfort and faces the challenger again.
The referee signals for the next fall to begin.
Minute 5
Mordred attacks as soon as the contest resumes. He lowers his shoulder and launches another spear, driving Agravaine backward before the challenger can set his feet.
Agravaine tumbles against the ropes and grabs the top strand to steady himself. Mordred rises from the impact and follows, still trying to deny him breathing room.
This time Agravaine catches him against the ropes and twists sharply, snapping the champion backward with a reverse neckbreaker across the top rope.
Mordred tumbles out to the floor.
The audience reacts as his body hits beside the apron. Agravaine remains inside, clutching the rope as he recovers. Crowne watches from several feet away, making no move to touch the fallen champion.
"Honest" Abe begins his count.
ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!
Mordred pushes onto his hands and knees.
FIVE! SIX!
He hauls himself upright, reaches for the bottom rope and slides underneath before the next count can finish.
SEVEN!
Mordred is back inside. The crowd responds with a relieved roar.
Julian Ward: "Mordred answered the first fall with another spear, but Sir Agravaine caught him on the ropes and sent him to the floor with that reverse neckbreaker. The champion barely avoided being counted out, returning at seven."
Brick Brody: "That's the cost of desperation. He knew he was a fall behind, charged right back in, and ended up on the floor. Seven isn't nine, but it's close enough to remind you how fast a match can disappear."
Julian Ward: "Mordred has avoided defeat, but the attack to the neck and the fall to the outside add to the punishment he has already sustained."
Brick Brody: "And Agravaine doesn't have to hurry. He's ahead one fall to none. Let Mordred chase him."
Minute 6
Mordred pulls himself upright near the ropes. Agravaine advances with the measured confidence of the man holding the advantage.
The champion drops his centre of gravity and drives forward.
Spear!
Agravaine is taken off his feet and driven toward the centre of the ring. Mordred remains on one knee beside him, taking several breaths before he can rise.
At ringside, Crowne circles nearer, producing another concealed foreign object. He stretches an arm toward the apron as Agravaine moves within reach and passes it to the challenger without drawing the referee's attention.
But the exchange does nothing to halt Mordred's immediate momentum. Agravaine remains down, and the champion gets back to his feet first. Whatever Crowne has supplied is of no help in this moment.
Julian Ward: "Another spear from Mordred, his third of the contest, and this one leaves Sir Agravaine down. Crowne has again passed something toward his client, although the challenger has been unable to capitalize."
Brick Brody: "Crowne can hand him the contents of the royal treasury if he wants. It won't stop Mordred putting a shoulder through his ribs."
Julian Ward: "The champion is beginning to find success by attacking before Agravaine can establish his preferred leverage."
Brick Brody: "That's how you come back from a fall down. Make the other man hurt enough that the score stops being comfortable."
Minute 7
Both men rise more slowly now. Mordred reaches the ropes and drives his feet into the middle strand, springing upward as Agravaine advances.
Missile Dropkick!
The champion catches Agravaine across the chest and sends him staggering backward. Agravaine drops against the corner, then pulls himself upright before Mordred can close the distance.
Agravaine catches him around the waist from behind and explodes into a release German suplex.
Mordred is thrown high and lands hard across his shoulders. Agravaine releases the grip and staggers forward to one knee, the dropkick still taking its toll.
The crowd roars at the exchange. Neither competitor makes an immediate cover.
Julian Ward: "A tremendous missile dropkick from Mordred, answered almost immediately by Sir Agravaine's release German suplex. Both men are absorbing punishment in order to deliver it."
Brick Brody: "That's what I call a proper exchange. One flies, the other throws him halfway across the ring. Agravaine isn't running away with anything, even with the first fall in his pocket."
Julian Ward: "Mordred has regained offensive urgency, but every German suplex threatens to undo that progress."
Brick Brody: "He can win an exchange and still lose a piece of his neck. That's the trouble with a match this hard."
Minute 8
Agravaine moves toward the champion, but Mordred meets him at centre and secures a front facelock. He shifts his weight, lifts and takes the challenger over with a vertical suplex.
Agravaine hits the canvas and arches in pain.
Mordred rolls onto one knee, then advances to prevent a quick escape.
Agravaine turns through his hips, catches Mordred around the waist as they rise and answers with another release German suplex.
Mordred crashes down again. Agravaine pulls himself toward the ropes and grips the middle strand for support.
Julian Ward: "Mordred connects with the vertical suplex, but Sir Agravaine answers with yet another release German. The challenger continues to target the upper back and neck."
Brick Brody: "Agravaine's found a piece of ground he likes and he's staying on it. Every time Mordred tries to dictate the fight, he gets thrown backward."
Julian Ward: "The champion needs to avoid being caught from behind. Agravaine is making those waistlocks exceptionally dangerous."
Brick Brody: "And with a fall already in hand, the knight can afford to keep making this ugly."
Minute 9
Mordred reaches Agravaine near the centre and grabs for control of the head and shoulder. The champion forces him down into an inverted sitdown faceslam, dropping with the challenger and driving him hard into the mat.
Agravaine clutches the front of his body as Mordred releases him.
The champion pulls the challenger up before he can escape. But Agravaine twists through the grip, catches Mordred's head and swings sharply across the canvas.
Rolling Cutter!
The attack drives Mordred down. Agravaine remains beside him for a moment, steadying himself with one hand before rising.
Crowne watches without expression, hands clasped behind his back.
Julian Ward: "The inverted sitdown faceslam from Mordred was effective, but Agravaine has answered with a rolling cutter. This second fall is becoming a struggle to deliver a decisive attack before the opponent can counter."
Brick Brody: "You can see both of them slowing down. The moves still land, but every time somebody gets up, he has to fight through what happened thirty seconds earlier."
Julian Ward: "Mordred is still one fall behind. A long exchange of damage helps neither man, but it places a particular burden on the champion."
Brick Brody: "Then he needs to stop trading and make one of those big shots count."
Minute 10
Agravaine steps forward again, but Mordred adjusts first. He secures the front facelock, shifts his hips and raises the challenger into another vertical suplex.
Agravaine lands heavily across his back and shoulders.
Mordred remains on his knees beside him, breathing hard. The champion gathers himself, then draws Agravaine away from the ropes before the challenger can use them to stand.
The knight tries to brace against the lift but cannot stop the move. For the first time since losing the opening fall, Mordred holds the centre of the ring without an immediate counterattack.
Julian Ward: "Another vertical suplex from Mordred, and this time Sir Agravaine cannot answer. A valuable moment of control for the champion."
Brick Brody: "He finally got the big man down and kept him there. That's progress. Now he needs to turn that into the fall he has to have."
Julian Ward: "The repeated spears and suplexes are beginning to take a toll on the challenger. But Agravaine still needs only one successful fall."
Brick Brody: "Exactly. Don't admire your work, Mordred. Finish something."
Minute 11
Mordred drags Agravaine toward the centre and controls the head as the challenger rises. He suddenly pulls backward and twists, driving Agravaine into the canvas with the Downward Spiral.
The impact leaves the knight sprawled across his side.
Mordred gets to his feet, but Agravaine rolls toward the bottom rope before the champion can capitalize.
Crowne steps close to the apron and reaches into his jacket again. As the challenger comes near, Crowne passes another foreign object into Agravaine's waiting hand.
The exchange is brief, deliberate and concealed behind Agravaine's body. "Honest" Abe is watching Mordred, who is demanding the challenger return to the ring's centre.
Crowne backs away without a word. Agravaine closes his fist and pushes himself upright.
Julian Ward: "Downward Spiral! Mordred has landed another significant attack, but there is Severin Crowne again. That is the third object he has passed toward Sir Agravaine tonight."
Brick Brody: "Three times, Julian. At this stage Crowne ought to open a shop on the apron. The man's not even pretending he came here just to watch."
Julian Ward: "Abe has missed each exchange. Even without evidence of what happens afterward, that level of outside involvement cannot be ignored."
Brick Brody: "The referee can't call what he doesn't see. And Crowne knows that better than anybody."
Minute 12
Agravaine steps away from the ropes and approaches Mordred, who is waiting near the middle. The challenger reaches low, trying to catch the legs and turn into the Modified Cloverleaf that won the first fall.
Mordred drives forward before Agravaine can complete the hold.
Spear!
The champion hits with everything he has left in his legs. Agravaine is driven backward and crashes onto the canvas, all the air knocked from his chest.
This time Mordred wastes no movement. He turns, hooks the near leg and pulls the challenger tight against the canvas.
"Honest" Abe drops into position.
ONE!
Crowne steps toward the apron.
TWO!
Agravaine struggles, but Mordred keeps the shoulders down.
THREE!
The bell sounds for the fall. The Coliseum erupts.
Mordred releases the leg and rolls onto his back, one arm across his ribs. Agravaine pushes up only far enough to look toward the referee, furious at the count. Crowne stops beside the apron, his expression hardening.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the SECOND FALL, by pinfall in the twelfth minute... MORDRED!"
The scoreboard changes: SIR AGRAVAINE 1 — MORDRED 1.
Julian Ward: "Mordred has leveled the match! Another spear, and this time Sir Agravaine could not escape the cover. One fall apiece, and the Eternal Flame Championship will now be decided by the next fall."
Brick Brody: "That's what he needed! Forget all those exchanges where they both got hurt. He found the spear when it mattered and planted Agravaine for three. Suddenly the knight's advantage is gone."
Julian Ward: "Both men have absorbed considerable punishment over twelve minutes. The third fall begins with neither in a comfortable position."
Brick Brody: "Now it gets interesting. No cushion, no second chance, and a king expecting the belt delivered to his throne."
"Honest" Abe checks each man and gestures them toward their corners. Both competitors take their allotted moment to recover, visibly tired. Mordred rises first but has to brace against the ropes. Agravaine slowly follows.
The referee signals for the decisive fall.
Minute 13
Agravaine attacks as the third fall begins. He closes quickly and catches Mordred before the champion can set his stance.
The challenger hooks both arms, drives forward and drops into a double-underhook sitout facebuster.
Mordred is planted face-first, his body folding awkwardly beneath the impact.
Agravaine releases his grip and remains seated for a moment, chest rising and falling. Mordred reaches an arm toward the ropes but cannot immediately pull himself forward.
Julian Ward: "A devastating double-underhook sitout facebuster from Sir Agravaine to open the third fall. Mordred has been caught before he could reestablish his offense."
Brick Brody: "Agravaine knows exactly what's at stake now. He lost the lead he had, so he came out swinging for a finish. That's how a knight should respond when his back's against the wall."
Julian Ward: "The champion's neck and upper body have been subjected to repeated heavy attacks. The third fall could be decided by which man is first to lose the ability to recover."
Brick Brody: "And after that facebuster, Mordred's recovery doesn't look especially promising."
Minute 14
Mordred turns onto one knee and watches Agravaine's approach. The challenger reaches for him, expecting another slow rise.
Mordred suddenly springs upward.
Dropkick!
The strike catches Agravaine squarely in the chest and sends him backward onto the canvas. He tries to brace an arm behind him, but the impact forces him down.
Mordred sits back against the bottom rope, breathing hard. The champion has found an opening, though he cannot immediately follow the attack.
Julian Ward: "Mordred finds the dropkick and takes Agravaine off his feet. The challenger was unable to defend it, and that gives the champion a moment of desperately needed space."
Brick Brody: "You don't need to be pretty this deep in a third-fall fight. These two already look like they've gone twice as long. Mordred hit him with both boots. Good enough."
Julian Ward: "The champion is still fighting with considerable urgency. A third fall is there to be won, but neither man has yet found a lasting advantage."
Brick Brody: "That's because neither has enough left to keep the other down for long. Somebody needs one more big mistake."
Minute 15
Both men reach their feet and hesitate, each expecting the other to attack first. Agravaine advances with his shoulders lowered, hoping to close the distance and take away Mordred's room to strike.
Mordred steps around the approach and drives through with a clothesline.
The arm catches Agravaine across the upper chest and neck, knocking the challenger flat onto his back.
Mordred turns toward him, hands on his thighs as he draws a breath. Agravaine rolls to his side but has no immediate answer.
Julian Ward: "The clothesline connects, and Sir Agravaine cannot avoid it. Mordred is beginning to recover some of the forward momentum he lost at the start of this fall."
Brick Brody: "That's the simple stuff doing the damage. You don't always need a spectacular move. Sometimes you need an arm across the throat and enough weight behind it to make a man fall down."
Julian Ward: "Agravaine has relied on counters throughout this match, but the champion is making those counters increasingly difficult to execute."
Brick Brody: "Because nobody's legs last forever. Those German suplexes take strength, and he used a lot of it."
Minute 16
Mordred circles as Agravaine struggles upright, looking to keep the challenger guessing. The knight steadies himself and steps forward.
Mordred launches another dropkick.
Both boots strike Agravaine, driving him toward the ropes. But as Mordred lands and rises, Agravaine catches him from behind, trapping the waist before he can turn.
Release German Suplex!
Mordred is hurled backward, landing high on his shoulders. Agravaine releases and drops to a knee, unable to remain standing after the effort.
The crowd reacts to the renewed exchange. Mordred twists onto his side, wincing, while Agravaine pulls himself toward the nearest rope.
Julian Ward: "Another dropkick from Mordred, answered by yet another release German suplex from Sir Agravaine. The challenger's counter-wrestling remains extremely dangerous even this late in the match."
Brick Brody: "That's what makes Agravaine so hard to put away. Even when you hit him clean, he can catch you coming out of the move. You hurt him and end up landing on your own head."
Julian Ward: "The strain on Mordred's back is becoming increasingly concerning. Those suplexes have been a defining weapon for the challenger."
Brick Brody: "And Crowne knows it. Look at him out there. He's practically counting the times Mordred lands on his shoulders."
Minute 17
Mordred finds his balance first and catches Agravaine in a front facelock before the challenger can straighten completely.
The champion forces him upright and carries him through another vertical suplex, taking Agravaine over and driving him down across the canvas.
Agravaine rolls onto his side and pushes toward Mordred, refusing to surrender the position. As the champion steps closer, the challenger drives a high knee backward into Mordred's upper body.
Mordred recoils, clutching his chest. Agravaine uses the opening to stand, though both men appear unsteady.
Julian Ward: "Mordred gets the vertical suplex, but Sir Agravaine finds an answer with the rear high knee. Neither man has been able to put together more than a brief sequence without taking damage in return."
Brick Brody: "That's pride meeting exhaustion. Both have enough left to throw one good shot, then they're paying for it while the other fellow throws his."
Julian Ward: "The title is being contested through attrition now, and the smallest loss of balance could become decisive."
Brick Brody: "Forget a small loss of balance. One more proper throw could end this whole thing."
Minute 18
Agravaine pushes out from the ropes, looking to close again. Mordred has already seen the movement coming.
The champion drives forward with a clothesline.
Agravaine is caught flush and sent crashing onto his back. He attempts to sit up but falls sideways as the impact catches up to him.
Mordred remains standing, though only after taking a steadying step. He watches the challenger and advances without giving him time to regroup.
Julian Ward: "Another clothesline from Mordred, and this one leaves Sir Agravaine unable to respond. The champion is finding success with direct offense as the third fall continues."
Brick Brody: "That's a smart adjustment. Stop giving Agravaine complicated things to counter. Hit him, knock him over and make him get up again. Eventually the body refuses."
Julian Ward: "The challenger is having to work harder to regain his footing after every exchange. Mordred's persistence may be changing the balance of this contest."
Brick Brody: "May be. But the knight still has a few awful surprises left. Don't count him out."
Minute 19
Mordred waits as Agravaine returns to his feet, then springs forward into another dropkick. His boots catch the challenger, knocking him backward.
Agravaine rolls through the impact. He catches Mordred as the champion returns to a standing position and hooks the waist before Mordred can turn away.
Release German Suplex!
Mordred is thrown across the canvas. Both competitors remain down afterward, separated by several feet.
"Honest" Abe moves between them, checking each man's condition. The crowd rises, urging the champion to get up before the challenger can capitalize.
Julian Ward: "Dropkick from Mordred, another release German from Sir Agravaine. It has become the defining exchange of the third fall, and both men are clearly feeling the effects."
Brick Brody: "Mordred won't stop coming forward. Agravaine won't stop throwing him backward. Something has to give, Julian. At this rate they're going to wear a groove in the canvas."
Julian Ward: "The question is whether either man can still deliver a decisive finishing maneuver. We have passed nineteen minutes with the score tied one fall apiece."
Brick Brody: "They've both proven they can hurt each other. Now somebody has to prove he can keep the other man down."
Minute 20
Mordred drags himself upright and catches Agravaine approaching from the corner. He hooks the head and shoulder, turns sharply and drives the challenger down with the Downward Spiral.
Agravaine hits heavily, his arms spreading across the canvas.
But the knight forces himself upward before Mordred can follow through. He catches the champion as Mordred advances again and shifts his weight into a powerful lift.
Argentine Blue Thunder Bomb!
Mordred is swung off balance and driven down across his upper back. Agravaine sits beside him, exhausted by the effort, and cannot immediately reach for a cover.
The audience applauds the sheer violence of the exchange.
Julian Ward: "Downward Spiral from Mordred, answered by the Argentine Blue Thunder Bomb! Sir Agravaine has delivered another enormous impact, but he appears too exhausted to capitalize immediately."
Brick Brody: "That's the cruel part of a match like this. You finally land something that could win it, and you haven't got the strength to throw an arm over the man you just dropped."
Julian Ward: "The challenger must be aware that opportunities are becoming scarce. Mordred is taking extraordinary punishment and continuing to recover."
Brick Brody: "And the champion has to understand the same thing. You don't get an endless supply of chances in a third fall."
Minute 21
Agravaine rises slowly, using the ropes to steady himself. Mordred comes toward him and secures a front facelock, refusing to let the challenger dictate another grappling exchange.
Vertical Suplex!
Agravaine goes over and lands hard. Mordred pushes off the canvas and steps in again.
The challenger suddenly surges upright, traps both of Mordred's arms and drops backward into a double-underhook sitout facebuster.
Mordred strikes the mat face-first and rolls onto his side. Agravaine releases the hold and remains seated, his head bowed as he fights for breath.
Julian Ward: "A vertical suplex from Mordred, and Sir Agravaine once again answers with that double-underhook sitout facebuster. We are twenty-one minutes into this championship contest and the punishment continues to escalate."
Brick Brody: "Look at Agravaine. He landed the move and can barely stand up afterward. Look at Mordred. He's still trying to get his knees underneath him. There's a title hanging on which one of them can make his body obey one more time."
Julian Ward: "We have moved beyond strategy in the ordinary sense. Both competitors know the other man's weapons. This is now a test of resolve and execution under extraordinary fatigue."
Brick Brody: "And nerve. Don't forget nerve. You have to dare to go for the finish when one wrong move hands it to the other man."
Minute 22
Mordred claws toward the ropes and uses them to reach his feet. Agravaine advances, but the champion drives a clothesline through him before he can set a hold.
The challenger stumbles and goes down.
Mordred moves toward him, determined to maintain the pressure. Before he can act, Severin Crowne steps to the apron and raises his voice directly at "Honest" Abe.
Crowne points toward the opposite corner, claiming an infringement that the referee has not seen. Abe turns and orders him down.
The official's attention is pulled away from the competitors. Crowne continues speaking, cool and insistent, forcing Abe to approach the ropes and demand that he stop interfering.
Inside the ring, Mordred turns toward the argument. The moment stretches, stealing his attention from Agravaine as the challenger fights to recover.
The crowd boos loudly. Crowne finally steps down with his palms raised, as though he has been treated unfairly.
"Honest" Abe turns back toward the ring.
Julian Ward: "Mordred connects with the clothesline, and now Severin Crowne is deliberately distracting the referee! With the championship hanging on the third fall, that interruption could have enormous consequences."
Brick Brody: "There it is. Crowne couldn't stand watching his knight run out of answers, so he decided Abe needed a conversation. That's not subtle. That's buying Agravaine a few precious seconds to remember how to stand."
Julian Ward: "The champion must regain his focus. Sir Agravaine is still dangerous, and the next mistake may cost Mordred the Eternal Flame Championship."
Brick Brody: "Then Mordred should quit looking at Crowne. Hit the man you're wrestling."
Minute 23
Crowne retreats from the apron, still wearing his composed expression. "Honest" Abe returns to the centre as Agravaine pulls himself to his feet.
Mordred turns away from the ropes and meets the challenger in the middle of the ring.
Agravaine reaches for the champion, but his movement is a fraction too slow.
Mordred catches the head and shoulder, draws the challenger into position and lifts.
Lifting Inverted DDT!
The champion drives Agravaine down with one final, crushing impact. The knight's body folds against the canvas and falls still.
Mordred remains on one knee, then turns and drapes himself across Agravaine, hooking the leg with the strength he has left.
"Honest" Abe slides into position.
ONE!
Crowne steps toward the apron.
TWO!
Agravaine struggles beneath the cover, but cannot force a shoulder free.
THREE!
The bell rings.
The Coliseum erupts.
Mordred releases the leg and rolls onto his back, chest heaving. "Honest" Abe raises both arms to signal the decisive fall.
At ringside, Crowne stops moving. For the first time all evening, the practiced smile is gone. Agravaine lies motionless for several seconds before turning painfully onto his side.
Louie Linville: "Ladies and gentlemen... the winner of the THIRD and DECIDING FALL, by pinfall in the twenty-third minute... and STILL your NPCW ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPION... MORDRED!"
The referee retrieves the Eternal Flame Championship and helps Mordred to his knees. The champion takes the title with both hands. He looks down at its faceplate before slowly rising.
The crowd chants his name as he lifts the belt overhead.
Crowne moves toward the ring steps but does not enter. Instead he looks from Agravaine to Mordred, studying the champion as though recalculating a plan whose outcome he did not expect.
Mordred turns toward him. He does not gesture or speak. He merely holds the championship a little higher.
Julian Ward: "Mordred has retained the Eternal Flame Championship! After losing the first fall to Sir Agravaine's Modified Cloverleaf, he fought back with the spear in the twelfth minute and has now secured the deciding fall with a Lifting Inverted DDT in the twenty-third. An extraordinary recovery under immense pressure."
Brick Brody: "And do not tell me Crowne didn't try. Three objects passed in from ringside and a referee distracted when his man was running out of gas. None of it was enough. Agravaine had the first fall. He had the advantage. He couldn't finish the job. Mordred did."
Julian Ward: "For a champion who refused to kneel and paid a terrible price for that refusal, this result carries extraordinary significance. The Shadow Court sent Sir Agravaine to reclaim the Eternal Flame, with Severin Crowne at his side. The championship remains with Mordred."
Mordred lowers the title and steps through the ropes, leaving Agravaine to recover inside. He stops briefly at the end of the aisle and looks back toward the royal banners high above the Coliseum.
He raises the belt once more.
MORDRED DEFEATS SIR AGRAVAINE TWO FALLS TO ONE TO RETAIN THE NPCW ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP. SIR AGRAVAINE WON THE FIRST FALL BY SUBMISSION IN THE 4TH MINUTE WITH THE MODIFIED CLOVERLEAF. MORDRED WON THE SECOND FALL BY PINFALL IN THE 12TH MINUTE FOLLOWING A SPEAR AND THE DECIDING FALL BY PINFALL IN THE 23RD MINUTE FOLLOWING A LIFTING INVERTED DDT.
The bell has stopped ringing, but its echo seems unwilling to leave Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum.
At the end of the entrance aisle, Mordred stands beneath the royal banners with the Eternal Flame Championship raised above his head. His breathing is heavy. The damage from twenty-three minutes of wrestling shows in the way he holds his shoulders, but he refuses to lower the title.
Inside the ring, "Honest" Abe checks on Sir Agravaine. The defeated knight sits against the bottom turnbuckle, one hand pressed to the back of his neck. Severin Crowne watches from ringside. His expression is composed again, although his eyes remain on the championship Mordred carries away.
The camera settles on the broadcast desk.
Julian Ward: "Twenty-three minutes. Three falls. A title contested with everything these two men could summon. Sir Agravaine forced the first submission with the Modified Cloverleaf in the fourth minute. Mordred answered with a spear in the twelfth, and in the twenty-third minute the Lifting Inverted DDT settled the matter. Mordred remains the Eternal Flame Champion."
Brick Brody: "And look at the price of it. The first fall belonged to Agravaine. Crowne handed his man every advantage he could get near the ring. Yet when there was no more time to buy and no more leverage to steal, Mordred was the one who had enough left to finish the fight."
Julian Ward: "A week ago, King Arthur and the Shadow Court left Mordred beaten. Tonight, one of that court's knights came for the championship. The outcome could not have been clearer."
Brick Brody: "Careful. The outcome was clear. The consequences won't be. Arthur doesn't strike me as a man who congratulates someone for surviving his punishment."
The director calls for the evening's final recap. The screen fills with images from tonight's opening match.
Dorothy and Alice attack from opposite sides. Maid Marion answers with Robin's Arrow. Lark of Sherwood drives forward with the decisive headbutt, then hooks Alice's leg as the referee counts three.
Julian Ward: "We began with a much-needed victory for Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion over the Blonde Bombshells. The two women from Sherwood refused to let Dorothy and Alice dictate the contest, and Lark secured the fall."
Brick Brody: "The Bombshells are finding out that confidence doesn't replace execution. And Marion looked like a woman fighting with a good deal more on her mind than a single victory."
The image changes to the Convergent Championship contest. Prince John attacks "Honest" Abe from behind. Later, his own attempts to interfere collide with Will Scarlett. The final image is Jack Lumber driving Scarlett down with The Axe.
Julian Ward: "Jack Lumber retained the Convergent Championship against Will Scarlett. Prince John struck the referee and twice managed to hurt the very man he was supposed to help. Jack Lumber needed none of that chaos to finish the match with The Axe."
Brick Brody: "You would think a prince could manage to hit the correct person. Scarlett fought hard, but Jack Lumber was the only man in that corner of the ring who understood the job was to win."
A third replay follows. Raigen lands a double axehandle and attempts a cover. The Sheriff of Nottingham turns the pin against him. The graphic cuts to the second reversal, the decisive three-count, and Severin Crowne observing from the floor.
Julian Ward: "Raigen controlled long stretches of his match against the Sheriff of Nottingham. But the Sheriff escaped one pin attempt with a reversal, and when Raigen tried again, that same instinct delivered the three-count."
Brick Brody: "Raigen brought force. The Sheriff brought timing. There's an old lesson in that: you can dominate a fight for seven minutes and still lose it in three seconds."
The screen cuts to John Henry pressing Ogre overhead, then trapping the giant in a crushing Bearhug. Ogre struggles until the submission is called. Dr. Frankenstein stands outside the ropes, watching.
Julian Ward: "John Henry made it ten consecutive victories tonight, forcing Ogre to submit in the fourth minute. The strength required to lift Ogre was remarkable. The strength required to make him surrender was something else entirely."
Brick Brody: "And Dr. Frankenstein saw every second. You can almost hear the gears turning behind that man's eyes. Henry isn't just winning now. He's becoming a problem that demands a larger solution."
The final match replay shows Rapunzel surviving Regina's attacks, enduring the threat of a reversed pin, and forcing the decisive cover through a Bridging Back Rack.
Julian Ward: "Rapunzel also prevailed, defeating Regina in the eleventh minute after a sustained contest in which her attacks to the back became increasingly difficult to withstand. Regina survived the Cobra Clutch and almost stole a pin, but could not escape that final bridge."
Brick Brody: "And Crowne has to account for that one too. His presence didn't change Regina's result, just as it didn't change Agravaine's. A man who sells control is having a difficult evening demonstrating it."
The recap ends. The royal crest of Camelot fills the screen, then dissolves into an image of an empty sword stone and the notice of a quarter-million-dollar reward.
Julian Ward: "But tonight's greatest disturbance may have taken place outside the ring. Robin Hood has escaped Camelot's dungeons. Excalibur is gone from the stone. King Arthur has declared a two-hundred-and-fifty-thousand-dollar bounty for Robin's capture alive and the sword's return."
Brick Brody: "A quarter of a million dollars, Julian. That's enough to turn every mercenary and would-be knight in the realms into a hunter. Doesn't matter whether Arthur knows who took the sword. He knows whom he wants brought back."
Julian Ward: "And Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion had little to offer anyone seeking Robin's whereabouts. Their concern was plain, but their answers revealed nothing. Whatever comes next, the search now reaches far beyond Camelot."
Brick Brody: "Arthur has a crown, a court, a commissioner who follows his orders, and a reward big enough to make strangers dangerous. Yet he can't lay his hands on one escaped prisoner or one missing sword. That's the sort of thing that keeps a king awake."
For a moment, the broadcast returns to a still image from the evening's strange vignette: broken clocks, a black circle against a red corona, and Zorath the Last Oracle staring into the darkness at the centre of his astronomical machine.
Julian Ward: "And then there was Zorath. The Last Oracle offered no explanation for those images, but his warning could scarcely have been more direct: do not let Merlin open the door."
Brick Brody: "I've watched men threaten kings. I've watched men warn kings. Zorath spoke as though he had already watched something happen and was furious nobody else could see it. I don't know what door he's talking about, but I don't want to be standing beside it."
The cameras return to Julian Ward and Brick Brody as the arena lighting settles into the deep blue of the Dark Fable broadcast.
Julian Ward: "And this story does not wait for another month to unfold. Dark Fable returns next Friday, October twenty-third, right here with five matches already announced."
The arena screens shift to the first match graphic: BLACK CHAPEL versus QUEENS OF PUNISHMENT.
Julian Ward: "Black Chapel will meet the Queens of Punishment. Two teams whose names alone promise that neither side intends to offer mercy."
Brick Brody: "Good. We have enough empty promises around this kingdom. Let them make their statements with their hands."
The next graphic assembles six figures across the screen: MONSTERS OF MYTH TRIO versus ROSALYN THE QUEEN OF THORNS, MORGANA LE FAYE AND YUREI RINN.
Julian Ward: "The Monsters of Myth Trio will face Rosalyn the Queen of Thorns, Morgana Le Faye and Yurei Rinn in a six-person contest. There are too many dangerous reputations on that screen for this to remain an ordinary test of teamwork."
Brick Brody: "Six competitors, every one of them expecting to impose their own will. The only question is whose plan breaks first."
The third graphic brings the insignias of the VIRTUOUS BLADES and the MERRY BAND together under the Dark Fable crest.
Julian Ward: "The Virtuous Blades will meet the Merry Band. In a kingdom where the meaning of loyalty is being tested every week, that encounter carries implications beyond a victory or defeat."
Brick Brody: "Then they'd better remember the simplest form of loyalty: don't leave your partners taking punishment while you admire your principles."
Steel strikes stone. The next graphic shows JOHN HENRY versus KONG.
Julian Ward: "After ten consecutive victories, John Henry faces Kong. Ogre could not withstand the Bearhug tonight. Kong represents another extraordinary test of the power that has carried Henry this far."
Brick Brody: "Ten wins are history. Kong doesn't care about history. Kong cares whether he can put you on the canvas and keep you there. John Henry may need every ounce of strength he has."
The lights surrounding the broadcast desk dim. A final graphic spreads across the main screen in gold and black. At its centre sits the NPCW Universal Championship.
HANSEL (c) versus SEVERIN CROWNE — NPCW UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23.
Julian Ward: "And the Universal Championship will be defended. Hansel, the reigning champion, faces Severin Crowne. Crowne defeated Hansel in Osaka in a non-title match. Hansel welcomed another opportunity to face him, and Commissioner Elias Coldmere, standing alongside Crowne, made that opportunity a mandatory title defense."
Brick Brody: "Tonight Crowne stood beside people who lost. Next week he doesn't get to stand beside a challenger. He has to be the challenger. He's already proved he can pin Hansel. Now he gets the chance to take the most important championship in NPCW."
Julian Ward: "For Hansel, the question is whether he can answer the defeat in Osaka with the title at stake. For Crowne, a victory would place the Universal Championship within the reach of a man already woven deeply into the Shadow Court. The implications would be extraordinary."
Brick Brody: "It's worse than extraordinary, Julian. Imagine Arthur with his Mythic Crown, Crowne with the Universal Championship, and Coldmere issuing the orders. You wouldn't have a court with influence over wrestling. You'd have a court deciding what wrestling is allowed to become."
The championship graphic fades.
From the main camera, the ring looks empty now. Sir Agravaine has been helped backstage. The referee is gone. The Eternal Flame Championship has left with Mordred. Only the royal banners remain above the canvas.
Julian Ward: "One night has left us with a champion who would not surrender his flame, a king searching for a prisoner and a sword, a Universal Champion preparing to defend against the man who beat him, and an oracle warning that something far worse may be approaching."
Brick Brody: "That's Camelot for you. Everybody swears they know how the story ends. Then somebody draws the wrong sword, somebody keeps the wrong title, and somebody who can see the future tells you not to open a door."
Julian Ward: "For Brick Brody, I'm Julian Ward. Thank you for joining us on Dark Fable. Next Friday, the championship is on the line. And the choices being made tonight will not remain without consequence. Good night from Camelot."
The camera tilts slowly upward from the deserted ring toward the royal banners, their gold embroidery catching the last of the arena light.
For a moment, the camera holds on the empty space between two banners, where the stonework disappears into shadow.
Then the picture fades to black.
The Dark Fable crest appears in silence.
EVERY LEGEND HAS A DARKER CHAPTER.
Undisclosed Location — October 16, 2026
The screen fades in from black.
There is no arena. No crowd. No music.
Only the low crackling of a fire and the distant sound of wind moving against old stone.
The camera slowly reveals the interior of a secluded chamber somewhere far from Scrooge's Camelot Coliseum. Heavy curtains cover the windows. A small fire burns beneath a soot-darkened chimney. Maps of Camelot, Sherwood Forest, and the surrounding territories lie across a wooden table, held flat by a collection of daggers, books, and small stones.
Near the opposite wall, a television monitor displays the final moments of Dark Fable Episode 038.
Standing before it is Robin Hood.
He looks considerably different from the defiant outlaw who once challenged kings in the middle of an NPCW wrestling ring.
His face still bears bruises from his imprisonment beneath Camelot. A bandage is visible beneath his partially unfastened tunic, wrapped tightly around his ribs. He stands with one hand resting against the table, occasionally shifting his weight to relieve the pain.
But his eyes are clear.
And they are filled with anger.
Behind him, partially concealed in the shadows near the fireplace, stands the Blood-Moon Warden. His imposing figure is perfectly still, his attention divided between the television and the injured outlaw.
Near the chamber's entrance stands The Huntsman.
His bow rests against the wall within easy reach. His arms are folded across his chest, and his expression is unusually troubled.
On the monitor, the broadcast replays King Arthur's proclamation from earlier in the evening.
King Arthur: "Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. To the person who delivers Robin Hood alive into the custody of Camelot and secures the return of Excalibur."
Robin Hood slowly shakes his head.
Robin Hood: "Two hundred and fifty thousand."
He gives a humorless laugh.
Robin Hood: "I suppose I ought to be flattered. That's considerably more than he offered the last time."
The Huntsman: "There's nothing flattering about it."
Robin Hood: "No. There isn't."
He watches as the footage changes to Elias Coldmere, standing beside the king and affirming the new bounty.
Robin Hood: "Look at him."
The others turn toward the screen.
Robin Hood: "There was a time when Elias Coldmere would have stopped Arthur from turning an NPCW event into an extension of his throne room."
Blood-Moon Warden: "That man bowed to the king."
Robin Hood: "And now he's threatening to suspend anyone who refuses to let the king's men search their belongings."
He gestures toward the monitor.
Robin Hood: "John Henry. Jack Lumber. Raigen. Men who came to that building to wrestle, not to answer for a king's wounded pride."
The Huntsman: "Arthur has convinced himself that everyone who doesn't kneel must be hiding something."
Robin Hood: "Because that's what frightened rulers do. They mistake independence for treason."
The image changes again.
King Arthur is speaking directly into the camera, declaring that no forest is deep enough to conceal a man from the judgment of a king.
Robin Hood watches without blinking.
Robin Hood: "He used to believe a king existed to protect his people."
A pause.
Robin Hood: "Now he believes his people exist to protect his crown."
The Huntsman lowers his gaze.
There was a time when he served that crown without hesitation. He had followed royal orders, defended Camelot's authority, and convinced himself that whatever mistakes Arthur made, the kingdom itself remained worth serving.
But the man on the screen is becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile with the king he once knew.
The Huntsman: "Arthur wasn't always like this."
Robin Hood: "I know."
He turns toward him.
Robin Hood: "That's what makes this worse."
The room falls quiet.
Blood-Moon Warden: "The prison was not his final mistake."
Robin Hood: "No."
Blood-Moon Warden: "And his next one will not be his last unless someone stops him."
Robin Hood looks down at the maps spread across the table.
Robin Hood: "We've been waiting for him to remember who he was. Waiting for someone inside the court to make him see reason. Waiting for Merlin to intervene."
He looks back at the television.
Robin Hood: "And every time we wait, someone else pays the price."
He picks up the remote and rewinds the recording.
The Huntsman: "What are you looking for?"
Robin Hood: "Something else from tonight."
The screen changes.
The familiar Dark Fable graphics disappear, replaced by a circular stone chamber illuminated by pale-violet light.
Dozens of clocks tick against one another.
The three men watch as Zorath, the Last Oracle, stands before his fractured star charts.
They see the black cracks spreading across the connected realms.
They see the faint white-gold light continuing to burn over the North Pole.
They hear Zorath speak of the destruction of Astravar and of stars disappearing from the heavens.
Then comes the final warning.
Zorath: "Do not let Merlin open the door."
The recording ends.
For several seconds, nobody speaks.
The Huntsman: "What door?"
Robin Hood: "I don't know."
The Huntsman: "And who is this Oracle?"
Robin Hood: "A man who claims to have seen an entire city disappear because nobody listened to him."
Robin Hood continues studying the dark television screen before turning toward the Blood-Moon Warden.
Robin Hood: "Warden, do you know who this Zorath is? Have you ever encountered him?"
The Blood-Moon Warden considers the question.
Blood-Moon Warden: "No. I am not familiar with him. His name means nothing to me."
Robin Hood: "The Last Oracle. A vanished city. Stars disappearing from the heavens. And now he's coming to Camelot with a warning about Merlin."
Robin glances back toward the screen.
Robin Hood: "That's an extraordinary collection of things for one man to know."
Blood-Moon Warden: "If what he says is true."
Robin Hood: "Precisely. I don't intend to dismiss him, but I'm not prepared to trust someone merely because he calls himself an Oracle."
Blood-Moon Warden: "Nor should you. A warning may be genuine even when the intentions of the one delivering it remain unclear."
Robin Hood: "Then we agree. We keep an eye on Zorath. Find out who he is, what he knows, and why he's chosen this moment to come to Camelot."
The Blood-Moon Warden nods slowly.
Blood-Moon Warden: "Agreed. We watch him. And if his warning proves genuine, we may find ourselves needing answers from him sooner than we expect."
Robin Hood: "Let's hope we have enough time to ask the questions."
The two men exchange a final, serious look before turning their attention back to the larger crisis unfolding in Camelot.
Blood-Moon Warden: "I have seen kingdoms destroyed by men who believed their authority placed them beyond consequence."
A pause.
Blood-Moon Warden: "But this warning speaks of something greater than one kingdom."
Robin Hood: "Merlin."
Blood-Moon Warden: "Perhaps."
He turns toward Robin.
Blood-Moon Warden: "We do not know what the Oracle has seen. We do not know what Merlin intends. But a warning is not something to dismiss merely because its meaning remains hidden."
The Huntsman: "Merlin has stood beside Arthur through everything. If something is happening within Camelot, he must know more than he's telling us."
Robin Hood: "Then that's another question we'll have to answer."
He walks slowly toward the window.
Each step betrays the injuries he is still carrying, but he refuses the support of the nearby chair.
He pulls the curtain aside just enough to look into the darkness beyond.
Robin Hood: "Two nights ago, I was beneath Camelot in chains. Arthur thought he'd broken me. He thought he could lock me away long enough for everyone to forget what he'd become."
He turns toward the two men.
Robin Hood: "But you came for me."
His eyes settle upon the Blood-Moon Warden.
Robin Hood: "You risked your life."
Then toward The Huntsman.
Robin Hood: "You risked your place in Camelot."
He lowers the curtain.
Robin Hood: "And neither of you did it because you expected a reward."
Blood-Moon Warden: "We did what needed to be done."
Robin Hood: "Exactly."
He returns to the table.
Robin Hood: "But getting me out of that dungeon was only the beginning."
He places his hand upon the map of Camelot.
Robin Hood: "Arthur still has his throne. He still has his guards. He has the Shadow Court, Severin Crowne, and now the authority of the Mythic Commissioner standing behind him."
His expression hardens.
Robin Hood: "And he believes that as long as he wears a crown, everyone else must eventually bend."
Blood-Moon Warden: "What are you proposing?"
Robin Hood looks directly at him.
Robin Hood: "I'm saying it's time."
A pause.
Robin Hood: "We've watched enough. We've warned enough. We've spent too long hoping Arthur would find his way back on his own."
He straightens despite the pain in his ribs.
Robin Hood: "It's time for the rebellion to begin."
The words settle over the room.
The Blood-Moon Warden does not respond immediately.
Blood-Moon Warden: "Once we begin, there will be no pretending this is merely a disagreement with the king."
Robin Hood: "I know."
Blood-Moon Warden: "He will call us traitors."
Robin Hood: "He already does."
Blood-Moon Warden: "He will come after everyone standing beside us."
Robin Hood: "Then we make certain nobody stands beside us without understanding the danger."
His voice grows firmer.
Robin Hood: "This isn't about putting another man on a throne. It isn't about revenge for what happened to me. It's about making certain Arthur cannot continue to imprison, threaten, and punish anyone who refuses to surrender their conscience."
He meets the Warden's gaze.
Robin Hood: "We take back the right to say no."
The masked warrior considers him for a long moment.
Then he nods.
Blood-Moon Warden: "Then we begin carefully. We do not become the thing we are trying to stop."
Robin Hood: "Agreed."
He gestures toward Camelot on the map.
Robin Hood: "And we're not alone."
His expression changes slightly.
Robin Hood: "We still have a friend inside those walls."
The Blood-Moon Warden understands immediately.
Robin Hood: "Let our friend within Camelot know."
He pauses.
Robin Hood: "Tell him it's time to stand up."
Blood-Moon Warden: "He has already risked much."
Robin Hood: "And I won't forget it. But there comes a moment when standing quietly against injustice is no longer enough."
Blood-Moon Warden: "I will see that he receives the message."
Robin Hood: "Discreetly. Arthur is searching for enemies everywhere now. We cannot afford to expose our friend before we're ready."
Blood-Moon Warden: "He will understand."
Robin Hood nods.
Then he turns toward The Huntsman.
For the first time since the conversation began, the outlaw's expression softens.
Robin Hood: "And that brings us to you."
The Huntsman uncrosses his arms.
The Huntsman: "Me?"
Robin Hood: "You helped us escape. You could have returned to Camelot afterward and told the king you knew nothing."
The Huntsman: "He would never have believed me."
Robin Hood: "Perhaps not."
A faint smile crosses Robin's face.
Robin Hood: "But I won't mistake helping one prisoner escape for agreeing to start a rebellion."
He steps closer.
Robin Hood: "You've served Camelot. You've worn its colors. You've followed its laws, even when you questioned the men giving the orders."
He pauses.
Robin Hood: "So I'm asking you now, plainly."
Robin extends his hand.
Robin Hood: "Will you stand with us?"
The Huntsman looks down at the offered hand.
He does not immediately take it.
Instead, he looks back toward the television.
The dark screen reflects the three men and the wavering light of the fire.
The Huntsman: "For a long time, I told myself loyalty meant standing by my king even when I disagreed with him."
He takes a breath.
The Huntsman: "I thought if men like me stayed close enough to Arthur, perhaps we could remind him of the kind of king he was supposed to be."
He looks toward Robin Hood.
The Huntsman: "But I watched him put you in chains. I watched him turn honorable men into enemies because they wouldn't kneel. And tonight I watched him put a price on your life while calling it justice."
His jaw tightens.
The Huntsman: "I swore to protect Camelot."
A pause.
The Huntsman: "Not to protect a crown from the people it's supposed to serve."
He steps forward and firmly grasps Robin's hand.
The Huntsman: "You have my bow."
His voice becomes resolute.
The Huntsman: "You have my loyalty."
He looks toward the Blood-Moon Warden, then back at Robin.
The Huntsman: "And when Arthur comes looking for us, I won't be hiding behind an excuse."
Robin Hood holds his grip for another moment.
Robin Hood: "Good."
They release hands.
The Blood-Moon Warden approaches the table, joining them over the map.
Blood-Moon Warden: "Then we have a beginning."
The Huntsman: "And a great many enemies."
Robin Hood: "We've faced worse odds."
The Huntsman: "Have we?"
Robin considers the question.
Robin Hood: "Not yet."
A faint smile.
Robin Hood: "But give us time."
For the first time, The Huntsman smiles as well.
The moment passes quickly.
Robin Hood reaches across the table and begins studying the approaches to Camelot.
His fingers trace the roads leading toward the royal city, then the old passages and surrounding territories.
Robin Hood: "We don't charge the gates. Not now. Arthur expects anger. He expects a desperate outlaw trying to settle a score."
He looks toward his companions.
Robin Hood: "We give him something else."
Blood-Moon Warden: "Something he cannot simply imprison."
Robin Hood: "Exactly."
The Huntsman: "And what is our first target?"
Robin Hood studies the map in silence.
Then he looks toward the screen, where the reflection of the dying fire now dances across the darkness.
He thinks of King Arthur's threats.
Of Elias Coldmere's surrender to the Shadow Court.
Of the missing Excalibur, whose true story the king still does not know.
And of an Oracle warning that something far more terrible may be waiting beyond the walls of Camelot.
Finally, Robin places one finger upon the map.
The camera remains deliberately positioned so that the location he indicates cannot be seen.
Robin Hood: "Here."
The Huntsman leans forward.
His eyes narrow as he studies the chosen location.
The Huntsman: "You're certain?"
Robin Hood: "Quite."
The Blood-Moon Warden studies the same place.
Then he looks up.
Blood-Moon Warden: "Arthur will know what it means."
Robin Hood: "That's the idea."
Robin slowly straightens.
The pain remains. The bruises remain. His body has not recovered from everything the king's dungeon inflicted upon it.
But the hesitation is gone.
Robin Hood: "For two nights, Arthur has been hunting a fugitive."
He looks between his companions.
Robin Hood: "Next week, he learns the difference between a fugitive and a rebellion."
The Blood-Moon Warden inclines his head.
The Huntsman reaches for his bow.
Robin Hood returns his gaze to the map.
Then, quietly and with absolute conviction, he delivers the final words.
Robin Hood: "Good."
A pause.
Robin Hood: "Next week, we make our first move."
The camera slowly pulls away from the table.
Three figures stand together in the firelight.
A wounded outlaw.
A masked guardian.
A huntsman who has finally chosen his side.
Outside, the wind continues to howl.
And somewhere in Camelot, a king still believes the greatest danger to his throne is the man who escaped his prison.
He does not yet understand what that escape has begun.
The fire cracks sharply.
FADE TO BLACK.
Airing October 16, 2026
Water drips somewhere in darkness.
A single candle ignites.
Then another.
Then another.
Taro Okami stands within a chamber lined entirely with old mirrors.
Some are polished.
Some cracked.
Some so ancient their surfaces have blackened.
There are dozens of reflections of Taro.
The Keeper of the Veil enters behind him.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“The first ritual challenged what they taught your body.”
The Keeper walks past one reflection.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“This ritual challenges what they taught you to remember.”
Taro looks into the mirrors.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“The Blood Oni did not create you.”
Another candle ignites.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“They merely convinced you that nothing existed before them.”
Images begin appearing across the mirrors.
Not supernatural visions presented as reality, but fragmented memories.
Taro training.
Taro fighting beside Raigen.
Taro standing beneath the banners of the Blood Oni Syndicate.
Taro kneeling before Lord Kurogami.
A whisper comes through the chamber.
LORD KUROGAMI'S VOICE:
“Strength without obedience is chaos.”
Taro's breathing changes.
Another memory.
Kurogami standing over him.
LORD KUROGAMI'S VOICE:
“Family is merely the first debt placed upon a man's blood.”
Another.
LORD KUROGAMI'S VOICE:
“You belong to something greater now.”
Taro suddenly drives his fist into one of the mirrors.
CRASH.
Raigen, watching from the doorway, steps forward.
The Keeper raises a hand.
Stop.
Taro looks at his bleeding knuckles.
The Keeper approaches.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“Why did you break it?”
TARO OKAMI:
“It lied.”
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“No.”
The Keeper looks at the shattered mirror.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“It remembered.”
Taro's expression hardens.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“The question is whether the memory commands you.”
The Keeper gestures toward a mirror at the center of the chamber.
Unlike all the others, this one is perfectly clear.
Taro stands before it.
There is no Kurogami.
No Blood Oni.
No Raigen.
Only Taro.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“Tell him his name.”
Taro stares at himself.
Silence.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“Not the name Kurogami gave you.”
Silence.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“Not the weapon he shaped.”
Taro's jaw tightens.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“Who are you?”
Taro finally speaks.
TARO OKAMI:
“Taro Okami.”
The monks surrounding the room strike the floor once with wooden staffs.
THOOM.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“Again.”
TARO OKAMI:
“Taro Okami.”
THOOM.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“Again.”
Taro raises his voice.
TARO OKAMI:
“TARO OKAMI.”
THOOM.
Every candle in the chamber extinguishes.
Darkness.
Several seconds later, one flame returns.
Taro stands before the central mirror.
His expression looks different.
Calmer.
Almost relieved.
Raigen approaches.
RAIGEN:
“I thought I had lost you.”
Taro looks toward him.
TARO OKAMI:
“Perhaps you had.”
It sounds sincere.
Raigen nods.
He turns away.
Taro reaches toward the central mirror.
His bleeding fingertips touch the frame.
Three small drops of blood disappear into the carved wood.
Taro wipes his hand clean.
The mirror flickers.
For only a fraction of a second, Taro's reflection smiles.
Taro himself does not.
Then the reflection matches him again.
The Keeper turns back.
Nothing appears wrong.
KEEPER OF THE VEIL:
“Two gates.”
Taro lowers his head respectfully.
Behind him, a hairline black fracture slowly crawls through the bottom corner of the mirror.
CUT TO BLACK.
THE CLEANSING OF TARO
PART IV — THE RITE OF THE SEVERED BLOOD
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