ANCIENT HUNGERS ISSUE 4

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ANCIENT HUNGERS

ISSUE 4: FRIDAY NIGHT FURY

By Kevin Tilsner

Chapter 1: The Broadcast and the Crowd

Friday night arrived with the smell of stale popcorn, spilled beer, and the low hum of forty thousand people arguing.

Inside the FURY World Wrestling arena, the seating plan had created two distinct nations. On the east side, the Furry section was a riot of color, ears, tails, and glitter. They held up signs with slogans like PACK in the HOUSE, American Flags, and Bulls are Bullies. On the west side, the Juggalos and Juggalettes were a sea of face paint, jerseys. Their signs read WHOOP WHOOP and ASK ME ABOUT MY STEEL CHAIR. In the center was an outstandingly colorful sign saying; LaBestia is the Best!

In the broadcast booth, Grant “Iron Lung” McKinnon leaned into his microphone. “Welcome, citizens, creatures, and legally distinct varieties of lunatic, to FURY World Wrestling’s Friday Night FURY!”

Beside him, John Kwan adjusted his headset. “Tonight’s card is stacked. We have six championship consequences, two qualifying matches for Sunday’s pay-per-view, and an audience that has already divided itself into opposing tribes.”

Maggie Doyle looked over the desk. “The barricade between them is holding, but only because security is standing on it.”

Down in the aisle, Kumare Patel was trying to coordinate the chaos. He held three clipboards and a megaphone, directing a cluster of Juggalos to move six feet to the left so the camera crane wouldn’t hit them.

A Clown Army leader at the barricade argued back, waving a foam hatchet. “We were here first! We bought these seats!”

Christopher Patriot marched over from ringside, his own megaphone raised. “Your crowd is encroaching on the camera lane! The lens cannot see through a wall of face paint!”

“Your camera lane is encroaching on my crowd!” the leader bellowed. “We are the show!”

“The camera lane was here first!”

“THE CLOWN ARMY WAS LOUD FIRST!”

Kumare stepped between them, waving his clipboard. “Both of you, move! We have a show to start, and I have a running order to hit!”

Security finally pushed the two groups back far enough for the camera crane to swing past.

Grant watched it clear the last foam hatchet.

“Let us go to the ring before someone declares independence.”

Chapter 2: The Gatekeeper

The entrance screen showed bacon sizzling on a griddle.

The arena speakers began playing “Edelweiss.”

Washington Trailer appeared beneath the screen with the United States Championship around his waist and a silver plate in one hand. His dark entrance coat hung open across broad shoulders and a heavy stomach. White light caught the polished buttons, the blunt pink snout, and the tusks at the corners of his mouth.

He selected a strip of bacon.

At the broadcast desk, Maggie lowered her notes.

“I would like to go back to the crowd problem.”

Washington ate while the camera moved closer.

“The United States Champion has arrived,” Grant said. “Apparently, catering could not persuade him to finish backstage.”

“He’s waiting for the camera to get his good side,” John said.

“Which side would that be?”

“The one holding the championship.”

The ring announcer raised his microphone.

“Introducing the reigning United States Champion, representing the Wentworth organization, ‘THE OTHER WHITE MEAT,’ WASHINGTON TRAILER, THE GATEKEEPER!”

Washington extended the plate without looking. A production assistant hurried forward and took the opposite edge.

Washington kept his grip.

The assistant stopped.

Washington pointed to a grease spot on the rim. The young man wiped it with his sleeve. Only then did Washington release the plate.

“He could have handed that over ten seconds ago,” Maggie said. “He wanted the boy standing there.”

Farther down the ramp, a fan leaned over the barricade and booed.

Washington stopped in front of him. He pointed at the fan, then at a security guard.

The guard hesitated.

In the private box, Hunter Wentworth made a small motion with two fingers.

The guard approached.

“He bought a ticket,” Maggie said.

“Gatekeeper appears to believe it came with a conduct agreement,” John replied.

Washington waited until the guard stood between them before continuing.

At ringside, an attendant reached for his coat. Washington slapped the hand away, unfastened the buttons himself, and dropped the coat across the attendant’s face.

Hunter applauded.

“Wentworth sends him when somebody refuses an order,” Maggie said. “He enjoys the work.”

Washington climbed into the ring and struck his closed fist against his chest toward the private box.

Hunter acknowledged him with a raised glass.

The champion removed his belt and pressed it against the referee.

“Keep it clean.”

Maggie set down her pen.

“I’ll try to remember he said that.”

White light swept across the entrance.

Lupin Fiasco emerged in his black and silver mask. He rolled his shoulders, bounced once on his toes, and started down the ramp.

“Introducing the challenger, LUPIN FIASCO!”

He stopped to slap an outstretched hand, then looked toward the private box.

“His managers negotiated the opportunities,” John said. “Now he has to win the championship.”

“Washington will be delighted to make that difficult,” Maggie replied.

Lupin stepped through the ropes. Above Washington’s shoulder, the final strip of bacon still filled the screen.

“Family business?”

Grant: “Washington answers with a forearm! Lupin’s knocked against the ropes before the referee has even checked his boots.”

Referee: “Back up! Let me finish!”

Washington: “He’s ready.”

Lupin: “I’m ready.”

Grant: “There’s the bell. Washington comes straight back, drives another forearm across the chest, and crowds Lupin against the ropes. Now he’s pushing it up beneath the chin.”

Referee: “One! Two! Three! Four!”

John: “He releases at four. Lupin needs to get away from those ropes before The Gatekeeper starts again.”

Washington: “You count when I tell you.”

Maggie: “The referee seems to have managed without instruction.”

Grant: “Lupin kicks behind the knee! Washington buckles and swings, but Lupin ducks beneath the clothesline. Off the opposite ropes, twisting body press! He’s taken the champion down. One, two, Washington kicks out!”

John: “That got ‘keeper moving faster than he wanted. He’s going to the apron to slow things down.”

Grant: “Lupin follows him to the ropes. Washington catches his head and drops to the floor! Lupin’s throat hits the top strand!”

Maggie: “Washington kept hold of him all the way down. That was deliberate.”

Grant: “The referee makes him release. Washington climbs back inside before Lupin can recover and drives a knee into his spine. Now he has him facedown in the center.”

Washington: “Look up at him.”

Maggie: “He’s pointing at Hunter’s box. Apparently, the man getting hit is supposed to admire the management.”

Lupin: “Does he do your thinking from up there?”

Grant: “Washington pulls him up by the shoulders and drives him into the corner! Two hard shoulders to the stomach. Lupin’s doubled over, and Washington’s bringing him back out.”

John: “Powerbomb position. He has the arms around the waist.”

Grant: “He starts the lift, but Lupin hooks behind his knee! Washington can’t straighten up. Lupin turns across his side, catches an arm, and takes him backward!”

John: “Both shoulders down. Lupin’s planted his feet for the bridge!”

Referee: “One! Two! Three!”

Grant: “LUPIN HAS HIM! WE HAVE A NEW UNITED STATES CHAMPION!”

The bell rang.

Washington kicked free and scrambled upright. He lunged toward the referee.

Lupin stepped between them.

The official brought the championship around his side and placed it in his hands.

Washington stopped.

In the private box, Hunter was on his feet.

Lupin raised the belt.

“The Gatekeeper expected to lift him,” John said. “Lupin stopped him at the knee and kept the arm trapped through the roll.”

“Washington spent half that match making sure Hunter was watching,” Maggie said. “He’s watching now.”

The former champion looked toward the box.

Hunter pointed at the exit.

Washington left the ring and shoved past the attendant holding his coat. The attendant followed him with it draped over one arm.

Lupin accepted a microphone from the timekeeper.

The crowd chanted his name. He let them finish, the United States Championship resting against his shoulder.

“The contract for this championship gives the holder consultation rights concerning card placement and recognized opportunities.”

John straightened.

“There it is.”

“What?” Grant asked.

“The championship clause.”

Lupin pointed toward the box.

“Rayo and Trueno are the number one ranked tag team. They are medically cleared, and they are in the building. I am requesting a sanctioned title defense tonight.”

Hunter left the box.

Brahma watched him go, then followed.

“He had that ready,” Maggie said.

“He still had to win before he could say it,” John replied.

Hunter came down the aisle without acknowledging the fans. He climbed into the ring and walked directly into Lupin’s face.

“You win one belt and think you own the company.”

“No. I win one belt and know who has to answer my questions.”

Ignacio and Morrgain appeared at ringside. Ignacio held the ranking sheet. Morrgain carried the medical clearance.

A championship official joined them, examined both documents, and climbed into the ring.

Hunter reached for the papers.

The official kept them.

“I need a moment.”

“You need my signature.”

“I need the committee’s decision.”

He pressed a hand to his headset.

Lupin waited.

Hunter stood close enough to read over his shoulder. At ringside, Brahma adjusted the tag championship and looked toward the entrance.

The official lowered his hand.

“The clause is valid. The committee has approved the defense. The Bulls will face Rayo and Trueno for the Tag Team Championships tonight.”

The crowd rose.

Hunter snatched the papers.

“You had all this waiting.”

Lupin touched the belt on his shoulder.

“This part took some work.”

Hunter looked down at Brahma.

Brahma shrugged.

Lupin lifted his microphone again.

“Try not to lose those before the match, boys.”

Chapter 3: The Three Furies

Helen Harlow raised the Television Championship while La Maestra waited in the opposite corner.

The referee collected the belt and displayed it.

La Maestra opened and closed her hands. Harlow rolled her neck, then reached across her body to loosen her right shoulder.

“Maestra’s watching that arm,” John said.

“She can have an excellent plan,” Maggie replied. “Harlow still gets a say in whether it works.”

The ring announcer finished the introductions and stepped outside.

Grant: “The bell rings, and Harlow takes the first lockup. She’s driving Maestra backward, straight into the corner. Shoulder to the stomach! The referee backs her away, but she comes in again before Maestra can get clear.”

John: “Harlow wants her standing upright against those turnbuckles. Maestra needs space to turn.”

Grant: “She finds it! Maestra slips to the right, catches the wrist, and brings Harlow out toward the center. Harlow plants her feet, pulls her close, and drives a knee into the ribs!”

Maggie: “That broke the grip. Maestra’s protecting her side now.”

Grant: “Harlow catches her for a suplex. She’s getting underneath her, but Maestra steps inside the right arm and hooks the leg!”

John: “There’s the opening she studied. Harlow can’t complete the lift with that leg blocked.”

Grant: “Maestra turns her hips and takes her down! Harlow scrambles toward the ropes, but Maestra still has the arm. She pulls her back and settles across the shoulder.”

John: “Crossface. Harlow has one free hand, and the bottom rope is beyond her reach.”

Grant: “Harlow tries to roll out. Maestra follows her over and brings her back into the center!”

Maggie: “She’s farther from the ropes than when she started.”

Referee: “Helen? Do you submit?”

Grant: “HARLOW TAPS! LA MAESTRA WINS THE TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP!”

La Maestra released immediately and sat back on her heels.

Harlow rested her forehead against her free arm.

The referee brought the belt. La Maestra stood carefully, one hand against her ribs, and accepted it.

“She got the opening she wanted,” John said. “Harlow made her work for everything before it.”

La Maestra raised the championship once, then stepped aside so the referee could check her opponent.

At the curtain, La Bestia waited for her.

They touched fists.

“How bad?” Bestia asked.

“Ask me when I catch my breath.”

Bestia glanced toward the ring.

“Mine’s coming.”

Brandi Graves passed them with the National Championship over her shoulder.

She stopped in front of Bestia and lifted the faceplate between their faces.

Bestia looked at it.

Then at Graves.

“Bring it.”

They walked to the ring from opposite sides.

“Graves heard the crowd for Maestra,” Grant said. “She knows what Bestia wants.”

“Bestia has to remember what she practiced,” Maggie replied. “Graves hits harder once she gets running.”

Grant: “There’s the bell, and Graves comes straight across! Lariat! Bestia’s down before she can get her hands up!”

John: “Graves is already going to the ropes.”

Grant: “Bestia rises into a second one! Graves drops over her for the cover. One, two, Bestia throws her off!”

Maggie: “Stay down a second, Bestia. Make her come to you.”

Grant: “Graves backs toward the ropes again. Bestia’s on one knee, watching her. Here comes the champion, but Bestia gets forward and catches the arm!”

John: “She stopped her before she could build speed. Now she has to keep her away from the ropes.”

Grant: “Graves tries to pull free. Bestia hauls her into the center! A forearm catches Bestia across the shoulder, but she keeps the wrist. She pulls Graves back toward her. SHORT-ARM LARIAT!”

John: “Leg hooked. Both shoulders flat.”

Referee: “One! Two! Three!”

Grant: “LA BESTIA TAKES THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!”

Bestia rolled onto her back.

For several seconds, she stared at the lights.

The referee knelt beside her. She nodded, sat up, and held out a hand for the belt.

“Graves got two clear runs at her,” Maggie said. “Bestia made sure she didn’t get a third.”

Bestia raised the championship with her right arm.

Then she lowered it and tried the left.

By the time La Flecha reached the entrance, both of her teammates were waiting there with their new belts.

Bestia held out a fist.

“One more.”

Flecha touched it.

Comet Rose stood on the middle rope, displaying the High Flyer Championship toward them.

Flecha watched her until she dropped back into the ring.

“Rose wants her looking at the belt,” John said.

“She needs to watch Rose’s feet,” Maggie replied.

Grant: “The bell rings. Rose moves toward the left corner, and Flecha follows. Rose changes direction! Kick across the back sends Flecha down.”

John: “She followed the feint. Rose never committed to that corner.”

Grant: “The champion pulls her away from the ropes and covers. One, two, Flecha kicks out. Rose stays on her, strikes across the shoulder, and knocks her back down as she tries to rise.”

Maggie: “Flecha’s being hurried. Rose wants her reacting before she has time to look.”

Grant: “Rose leaves her in the center and goes up the turnbuckle. Flecha gets to her feet. Rose shifts left again.”

John: “Flecha’s holding her ground this time.”

Grant: “Rose launches! Flecha jumps across her path and catches her in the air! They turn together, and Rose lands underneath!”

John: “Flecha has the leg. She’s keeping it folded.”

Referee: “One! Two! Three!”

Grant: “THREE FOR THREE! LA FLECHA WINS THE HIGH FLYER CHAMPIONSHIP!”

Flecha released the leg and sat upright.

The referee touched her shoulder and showed her three fingers.

She bent forward, laughing into her hands.

“She waited for Rose to leave the turnbuckle,” John said. “Then she committed.”

“And she still had to catch her,” Maggie replied.

At the entrance, Maestra and Bestia lifted their belts.

Flecha stood and raised hers in answer.

Backstage, Bestia sat on a bench with the National Championship across her thighs.

“She hits hard.”

Maestra tested a deep breath.

“You caught her on the return.”

“After she caught me twice.”

Flecha arrived carrying her championship against her hip.

“Rose nearly got me with that feint.”

Bestia looked up.

“Nearly.”

“I waited the second time.”

A photographer appeared at the end of the corridor.

“Can I get the three of you?”

Bestia started to stand.

Flecha offered her hand.

“I can get up.”

“I know.”

Bestia accepted it.

They stood shoulder to shoulder beneath the work lights. Maestra adjusted her belt so the faceplate faced the camera. Flecha brushed a loose strand of hair from her eyes.

“Ready?”

Bestia raised the National Championship, winced, and changed arms.

“Now.”

Chapter 4: The Qualifiers

The referee finished checking the competitors as the ring announcer raised his microphone.

“The following contest is a three-person elimination match! Eliminations may occur by pinfall, submission, or count-out. The last remaining competitor will challenge Hunter Wentworth for the World Championship this Sunday!”

Fenrir stood in his corner.

Across the ring, his opponents exchanged a glance. One said something behind his hand.

Fenrir waited.

“Only one of these men gets the match,” John said. “Any agreement between them lasts until somebody sees a better opportunity.”

“I would agree to let the other man go first,” Maggie said.

Grant: “There’s the bell. They’ve decided to go together! One catches Fenrir’s arm while the other drives at his waist. They’re pushing him toward the corner.”

John: “Fenrir has his feet beneath him. They need to turn him before he braces.”

Grant: “Too late! He shoves one aside and pulls the other into him. Both men collide! Fenrir follows with a shoulder block, then catches the man striking him from behind and throws him into the center.”

Maggie: “Now they’re separated. He can work on one without carrying the other.”

Grant: “Fenrir drives the first man into the turnbuckles. The referee calls for a break. Here comes the second from behind, but Fenrir steps away! He hits the man in the corner!”

John: “Fenrir catches him around the body and throws him back across the ring. The other’s climbing now.”

Grant: “Fenrir turns and catches him before he can jump! He takes him out of the corner, holds him for the vertical suplex, and brings him down!”

John: “Cover. The other wrestler’s coming toward them, but he’s stopped short.”

Referee: “One! Two! Three!”

Grant: “First elimination!”

Maggie: “He could have tried to break that cover. He chose to let Fenrir finish it.”

John: “One less opponent. Now he has Fenrir to himself.”

Grant: “Fenrir gets up and gives him room. The remaining man starts forward, gathers speed, and charges! Fenrir catches him across the body. UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE!”

John: “That does not eliminate him. He has until ten to return.”

Referee: “One! Two! Three! Four!”

Grant: “He’s moving. He gets a hand against the barricade and pulls himself up.”

Referee: “Five! Six! Seven!”

Maggie: “Fenrir’s stepped away from the ropes. The way back is clear.”

Grant: “He takes a step toward the apron. Eight. He looks up at Fenrir. Nine.”

John: “He’s shaking his head.”

Referee: “Ten! Ring the bell!”

Grant: “FENRIR ADVANCES! HE WILL FACE HUNTER WENTWORTH ON SUNDAY!”

Fenrir climbed down to the floor.

His defeated opponent straightened against the barricade.

Fenrir offered his hand.

The man looked at it, then accepted.

Fenrir helped him away from the barrier and waited until he could walk without support.

“At least he doesn’t have to wrestle him again on Sunday,” Maggie said.

John checked his card.

“Lycaon’s opponents still have tonight to get through.”

The next two competitors entered together.

One pointed toward the corner where Fenrir had caught his opponent. The other shook his head.

When Lycaon appeared, they stopped talking.

He climbed onto the apron and bent between the ropes.

Grant: “They’ve jumped him! One’s hammering his back while the other pulls his arm. Lycaon’s still coming through the ropes!”

Referee: “Back away! Both of you!”

Grant: “They drag him into the corner and crowd him there. Lycaon covers his head while the referee forces them back.”

Maggie: “They saw what happened to the last pair. They’re trying to get their advantage before the match starts.”

Referee: “Can you continue?”

Lycaon: “Ring it.”

John: “He’s agreed to start. This qualifier is for the Intercontinental Championship match against Brahma.”

Referee: “Back to the center. Both of you. Ring the bell!”

Grant: “The first man rushes him again! Lycaon catches the arm, turns the wrist, and brings him straight to his knees!”

John: “He controls the elbow as well. The man can’t turn with the pressure.”

Referee: “Do you submit?”

Grant: “He taps! Lycaon releases, and we already have our first elimination!”

Maggie: “The other man’s gone to the floor.”

Referee: “Back inside!”

Lycaon: “Enter.”

Grant: “He takes another step away. The referee starts counting, and Lycaon waits in the center.”

John: “He’s walking around the outside, looking for a way in. Lycaon turns with him.”

Referee: “Four! Five!”

Maggie: “He puts a hand on the apron. Takes it off again.”

Grant: “Six. Seven. He looks toward the entrance.”

John: “He’s leaving.”

Referee: “Eight! Nine! Ten! Ring the bell!”

Grant: “LYCAON ADVANCES! BRAHMA HAS HIS CHALLENGER!”

The referee raised Lycaon’s arm.

He looked toward the aisle, where his remaining opponent had broken into a jog.

“Two qualifying matches settled,” John said. “Fenrir and Lycaon both earned an elimination inside the ring. Neither could persuade the second man to stay.”

“The Bulls should watch the footage,” Maggie said.

“Looking for weaknesses?”

“They can start there.”

Backstage, Fenrir stood beside a bench with a towel over his shoulder.

The monitor showed Lycaon catching the charging wrestler’s arm. Someone in the production room replayed the submission.

Lycaon came through the curtain.

Fenrir looked from him to the screen.

“You frightened yours.”

“I frightened mine,” Lycaon agreed.

Fenrir passed him a second towel.

Down the corridor, Rayo and Trueno were already warming up.

Rayo held out his hand.

Trueno slapped it.

“The other one,” Rayo said.

“That was the other one.”

Fenrir watched them try again.

Lycaon draped the towel around his neck.

“At least they’re practicing.”

Chapter 5: Lightning Takes the Belts

Hunter Wentworth stopped beneath the entrance lights and adjusted the Tag Team Championship over his shoulder.

Beside him, the Brahma Bull lowered his sunglasses to inspect the crowd.

The boos reached them before they started down the ramp.

“The defense is sanctioned, the challengers are ready, and the champions have run out of people to argue with,” Grant said.

“They can still argue with each other,” Maggie replied.

Hunter climbed the steps first. Brahma followed, then paused on the apron.

Yum Yum leaned against the barricade.

She looked up.

Brahma’s hand remained on the top rope until Hunter struck his shoulder.

“Inside.”

Brahma stepped through.

Rayo and Trueno emerged at a run. Rayo slapped hands along the barricade while Trueno vaulted onto the apron and landed inside.

At the foot of the ramp, Rayo stopped to look back.

Ignacio pointed toward the ring.

Rayo nodded and joined his cousin.

“They have their opportunity,” John said. “Now they have to keep the Bulls from controlling where this match happens.”

Hunter pointed at the referee.

“Check the masks.”

The official looked at him.

“Both masks.”

Trueno lifted his chin and spread his hands. Rayo turned his head obligingly.

“If Hunter finds a spare wrestler under either of those, I’ll apologize,” Maggie said.

The ring announcer stepped into the center.

“Introducing the challengers! RAYO! TRUENO!”

The cousins raised their arms.

“And their opponents, the reigning FURY World Wrestling Tag Team Champions! HUNTER WENTWORTH! THE BRAHMA BULL! THE BULLS!”

Hunter lifted his championship.

Brahma was looking at Yum Yum.

“Your name,” Hunter snapped. “They just said your name.”

The referee collected both belts and displayed them.

Rayo stayed inside. Trueno stepped onto the apron.

Across the ring, Hunter waved Brahma toward their corner.

Grant: “There’s the bell. Hunter reaches for the mask, but Rayo slips beneath his arm and catches the wrist. Hunter plants his hooves. Rayo takes the grip toward the ropes, steps up, and springs backward! Arm drag sends Hunter across the ring!”

John: “Rayo’s staying between him and Brahma. He needs to bring Hunter toward Trueno.”

Grant: “He catches the wrist again and gets him moving. There’s the tag! Rayo pulls Hunter out of the corner and clears the way. Trueno comes off the turnbuckle with a missile dropkick! Cover. One, two, Hunter throws him off!”

Maggie: “Good start. Don’t let him buy time arguing.”

Grant: “Hunter rolls toward his corner. Trueno catches an ankle, but Hunter kicks free and reaches Brahma. Tag made! Brahma comes through with a shoulder block. Trueno rolls with it, gets up, and ducks the next charge.”

John: “Brahma’s carrying a lot of speed toward those ropes.”

Grant: “Dropkick on the return! Brahma staggers, but he stays up. Trueno tries again. BRAHMA CATCHES BOTH LEGS! He swings him toward the corner, and Trueno hits the turnbuckles!”

Maggie: “Hunter has his mask. Rayo sees it.”

Rayo: “Behind you!”

Referee: “Rayo! Back outside!”

Grant: “Brahma’s driving forearms into Trueno while Hunter holds him in place. Rayo’s trying to get the referee looking across the ring, but the official’s moving him back instead.”

John: “Brahma tags Hunter. Now Hunter’s legal.”

Grant: “Knee to the back! Hunter pulls Trueno down and covers. One, two, shoulder up!”

Maggie: “Trueno needs his own corner. Every time he turns toward it, they pull him back.”

Grant: “Hunter brings Brahma in again. They’ve kept Trueno trapped for several minutes now, changing hands whenever one of them needs a rest. Brahma has him against the ropes.”

John: “He’s pulling the top strand across Trueno’s throat.”

Rayo: “Referee!”

Maggie: “Hunter’s standing in the official’s path. He doesn’t care what they argue about as long as the referee keeps looking at him.”

Referee: “Keep it off the throat!”

Grant: “Brahma releases, and Trueno drops to his knees. He catches Brahma with an elbow as he’s pulled up. Another one loosens the grip! Trueno lunges toward Rayo, but Hunter catches his shoulder from the apron!”

Referee: “Hunter! Hands off!”

Maggie: “Watch Brahma while Hunter argues.”

Grant: “They’ve changed places!”

John: “No tag. I saw no contact between them.”

Referee: “Did you tag?”

Hunter: “Right there!”

Maggie: “Slapping your own hand afterward doesn’t count.”

Grant: “Hunter pulls Trueno upright. HEADBUTT FROM TRUENO! Hunter stumbles, and Trueno starts crawling. Hunter catches the ankle and drags him back, but Trueno turns onto his side. He draws the free leg in. Boot square to the mouth!”

John: “Hunter lets go. Rayo’s waiting!”

Grant: “THERE’S THE TAG! RAYO IS IN! He clears the top rope, catches the charging Hunter with a hurricanrana, and sends him tumbling!”

Maggie: “Brahma’s coming through behind him.”

Grant: “Rayo ducks the clothesline! Brahma hits the corner. Rayo comes off the ropes and dropkicks him through to the floor!”

John: “Hunter is still legal. Trueno’s back on the apron.”

Grant: “Rayo goes to his cousin. Tag made! Trueno stays outside while Rayo steps onto the middle rope. Hunter turns toward him. Springboard crossbody takes him down!”

Referee: “Rayo, out!”

John: “He rolls clear beneath the bottom rope. Trueno’s ready.”

Grant: “Hunter struggles up, and Trueno launches! SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK! Both boots connect, and Hunter is flat!”

Maggie: “Brahma’s getting up outside.”

Grant: “Trueno hooks the leg!”

Referee: “One!”

John: “Brahma reaches for the apron.”

Maggie: “Yum Yum’s stepped up beside him. He’s stopped to look at her.”

Referee: “Two!”

Hunter: “GET IN HERE!”

Grant: “Brahma hasn’t moved!”

Referee: “Three!”

Grant: “RAYO AND TRUENO HAVE DONE IT! NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!”

The bell rang.

Rayo slid inside and caught Trueno as he stood. They collided chest to chest, nearly fell, and held each other upright.

Brahma looked toward the timekeeper.

Yum Yum stepped down from the apron.

By the time he turned back, she was walking away.

Hunter sat up.

“What were you doing?”

Brahma climbed through the ropes.

Hunter shoved past him before he could answer.

“Rayo cleared the ring for the finish,” John said. “Trueno delivered the last dropkick and made the cover.”

“And Brahma had a chance to try to save it,” Maggie replied. “He chose to keep looking.”

The referee brought the championships.

Trueno reached for his, then stopped and looked at Rayo.

Rayo was staring at the other belt.

“Take it,” Trueno said.

“You take yours.”

“I am.”

“Then take it.”

The referee pushed one into each man’s hands.

At the entrance, Ignacio applauded. Morrgain stood beside him with the approved match sheet tucked beneath her arm.

Lupin raised the United States Championship.

Rayo climbed one corner. Trueno climbed the other.

The crowd rose with them.

“Did you see the tag?” Rayo called.

Trueno looked down at the championship.

“That one was fine.”

Chapter 6: The Missing Smudge

Christopher Patriot waited beside the ring steps while the crew cleared the previous match.

Heron stood next to him, rolling one ankle and then the other. Bibi watched an attendant carry the tag championships to the timekeeper’s table.

Two belts. No names on them yet.

Christopher followed her gaze.

“Let the referee worry about those.”

Heron touched Bibi’s arm.

“Standing control.”

Bibi nodded.

“Watch where you’re going before you turn.”

Heron smiled.

“You were listening.”

“Some of the time.”

Christopher pointed toward the steps.

“Both of you. Before I lose this agreeable mood.”

Across the ring, Sensational Sherri paced while Yum Yum rested against the turnbuckles.

Bibi stepped through the ropes.

Yum Yum looked at her, then at Heron.

“Found your partner.”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Vedren waited at center ring with a microphone. She glanced toward the timekeeper and received a nod.

“The following contest is scheduled for one fall and will determine the women’s Tag Team Champions!”

Christopher took his place on the arena floor beneath his team’s corner.

The referee approached the ropes wearing thick prescription glasses.

Christopher leaned closer.

“Allow me.”

The official touched one lens.

Christopher pointed to a smudge.

After a moment, the referee handed over the glasses.

At the desk, Grant watched Christopher produce a cloth.

“We appear to have encountered a brief maintenance delay.”

“The referee needs those to work,” John said.

“He would like them back already,” Maggie replied.

The official extended his hand.

Christopher polished one lens, turned the glasses, and inspected the other.

Vedren lifted her microphone.

“Introducing…”

Christopher held the glasses toward the lights.

“Not yet.”

Vedren lowered the microphone.

Heron folded her arms.

Bibi watched the referee’s open hand.

The crowd began laughing.

“He has cleaned both lenses,” John said.

“He’s looking for something else to do,” Maggie replied.

Christopher breathed on one lens and gave it another pass.

The referee reached farther between the ropes.

Grant lowered his voice.

“If Christopher discovers a scratch, we may have to reschedule Sunday.”

“Chris.”

Heron pointed at the waiting hand.

Christopher inspected the glasses once more and returned them.

The referee put them on.

He looked down at Christopher.

Christopher smiled.

“There. Much better.”

“He can see you perfectly now,” Maggie said. “That may not help you.”

Vedren raised her microphone again.

“Introducing, in this corner, BIBI YEONGNO and BLUE ‘THE MACHA WOMAN’ HERON!”

Heron raised one arm. Bibi stepped beside her.

“And their opponents, YUM YUM and SENSATIONAL SHERRI!”

Sherri threw both arms wide.

Yum Yum’s eyes stayed on Bibi.

The referee brought both teams toward the center for his instructions.

Christopher folded the cloth and put it away.

When Heron returned to the corner, he leaned toward her.

“Take your time setting your feet.”

“I know.”

“And watch your opponent.”

“I know.”

Bibi stepped toward the center.

Heron caught the top rope and climbed onto the apron.

Christopher lifted his megaphone.

Chapter 7: The Fall of the Heron

Grant: “There’s the bell. Bibi and Yum Yum start us off. Yum Yum comes in low, but Bibi catches her around the waist and turns with her.”

John: “She’s trying to bring her down without giving her room to spin out.”

Grant: “Yum Yum reaches the ropes before Bibi can complete it.”

Referee: “Break!”

Maggie: “Bibi releases immediately. Yum Yum’s taking another look at that grip.”

Grant: “Both women back toward their corners. Tag to Heron, and Yum Yum brings Sherri in to meet her. Heron gets there first! Dropkick sends Sherri against the turnbuckles.”

John: “Heron’s climbing. Sherri’s still on her feet.”

Maggie: “Too soon.”

Grant: “Sherri catches her by the hair and pulls her off! Heron hits the canvas, and Sherri keeps hold of the ankle.”

Referee: “Release the hair!”

Grant: “She lets go of the hair and drags Heron toward Yum Yum. Tag made. Yum Yum comes through with a kick behind the knee while Sherri holds the leg.”

Referee: “Sherri, out! One! Two! Three!”

Maggie: “They’ve found something to work on. Heron won’t get to use those turnbuckles if she can’t stand.”

Christopher: “BIBI, KEEP YOUR HAND OUT! HERON, TURN TOWARD MY VOICE!”

Grant: “Heron sits up and catches Yum Yum with an elbow. She lunges toward Bibi, but Yum Yum grabs the ankle and brings her down again.”

John: “Bibi’s reaching. Heron’s less than a body length away.”

Christopher: “REFEREE! BEHIND YOU!”

Grant: “Sherri’s coming in without a tag. The referee turns to send her back, and Yum Yum drags Heron away from Bibi’s hand.”

Christopher: “YOU SAW THE WRONG HALF!”

Maggie: “He saw Sherri. That was enough for Yum Yum.”

Grant: “Yum Yum aims another kick at the leg. Heron rolls beneath it, catches the standing ankle, and takes her down! Now she can crawl.”

John: “Sherri reaches over and tags Yum Yum’s shoulder. She’s in before Heron gets to Bibi.”

Grant: “Sherri pulls Heron up. Heron strikes her in the stomach, breaks the grip, and hits another dropkick! Sherri’s down in the center.”

Maggie: “There’s your opening. Go to Bibi.”

John: “Heron’s looking toward the turnbuckle.”

Grant: “She’s going up.”

Christopher: “SET YOUR FEET!”

Maggie: “She wants to finish it herself. That leg has already taken punishment.”

Grant: “Yum Yum steps inside. Bibi comes through to intercept her, and the referee gets between them.”

Referee: “Both of you, back! Bibi, stay in your corner!”

John: “Someone’s beside the steps.”

Maggie: “Vermina. She’s reaching under the bottom rope.”

Grant: “She has Bibi’s boot! She pulls, and Bibi stumbles against the ropes!”

Christopher: “GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!”

Grant: “Christopher’s coming around the post. Vermina lets go and backs away with her hands up.”

Maggie: “She’s watching Heron over his shoulder.”

John: “Heron has reached the top turnbuckle.”

Grant: “Christopher turns to check her. Vermina slips behind him!”

Christopher: “HERON!”

Grant: “VERMINA REACHES THE CORNER! SHE PUSHED HER! HERON’S FALLING OUTSIDE!”

Referee: “Stop! Hold the match! Medical!”

Grant: “Heron’s down beside the ring steps. Christopher’s with her.”

Maggie: “Keep the camera back. Give her room.”

Christopher: “Heron? Stay there. Joe’s coming.”

John: “Dr. Joe and the candystriper bears are coming down the aisle. Bibi’s at the ropes.”

Referee: “Wait. Let them through.”

Dr. Joe: “Heron, it’s Joe. Stay still.”

Heron: “I can get up.”

Dr. Joe: “Don’t try.”

Heron: “My leg!”

Dr. Joe: “Stay with me. Let us do the moving.”

Christopher: “Tell me what you need.”

Dr. Joe: “Room.”

Maggie: “Christopher’s clearing the timekeeper and the camera operator back. The bears have the stretcher beside her.”

John: “One’s supporting her head. Joe’s directing the others at her leg.”

Grant: “Vermina has left ringside.”

Maggie: “I saw her push. The referee was looking across the ring.”

Dr. Joe: “Support there. Keep it steady. Ready? Together.”

Grant: “They’re lifting Heron onto the stretcher.”

John: “Joe’s going with them. They’re heading toward the medical corridor.”

Maggie: “We’ll wait for him to tell us something. We have no business guessing from here.”

Grant: “Bibi’s still at the ropes. The official is coming to her.”

Referee: “You may continue alone. If you forfeit, the championships go to your opponents. Do you understand?”

Christopher: “Your decision.”

John: “She’s watching the stretcher leave.”

Grant: “Now she’s turned back toward the ring.”

Bibi: “Continue.”

Referee: “All right. Bibi and Sherri are legal. Yum Yum, back to your corner.”

Maggie: “Christopher’s staying beside Bibi’s corner. He’s put the megaphone down.”

Referee: “Ring the bell!”

Grant: “Sherri charges at the restart! Bibi steps aside, catches her, and brings her over with a snapmare. She sits behind her and locks on the body scissors.”

John: “Sherri can’t turn far enough to face her. Yum Yum’s coming in.”

Grant: “Yum Yum breaks the hold!”

Referee: “Yum Yum, out!”

Maggie: “Sherri’s getting up while Bibi turns. They have her between them again.”

Grant: “Both women catch her for a double suplex. Bibi lowers her hips. They try to lift, but she won’t move!”

John: “Their knees are bending. Bibi’s feet haven’t left the canvas.”

Grant: “She turns into the grip and breaks it! Sherri backs away to the left. Yum Yum closes from the right.”

Referee: “Yum Yum! Outside!”

Maggie: “Bibi sees Sherri coming.”

Grant: “She steps clear! SHERRI HITS YUM YUM! Yum Yum goes sideways through the ropes and catches the middle strand.”

John: “Her boot’s slipped between the lower ropes. She’s trying to pull it free.”

Grant: “Sherri turns and swings at Bibi again. Bibi ducks the clothesline, keeps the arm, and turns her down onto her knees!”

Maggie: “Sherri’s trying to pull away.”

John: “Bibi’s behind her. One arm caught between her legs, the other held with both hands. Sherri has nothing left to brace with.”

Grant: “Bibi rolls her backward!”

John: “Grounded crucifix. Both shoulders down!”

Referee: “One!”

Grant: “Yum Yum frees her boot!”

Referee: “Two!”

Maggie: “She’s coming through!”

Grant: “Sherri’s kicking, but Bibi holds the arms!”

Referee: “Three!”

Grant: “BIBI HAS WON IT! BIBI AND HERON ARE THE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!”

The bell rang.

Bibi released Sherri and sat upright.

Yum Yum stopped beside them, her hand still extended toward the cover.

For a moment, neither woman moved.

Then Yum Yum backed away.

“Sherri couldn’t post a hand to stop the roll,” John said. “Bibi kept both arms trapped through the count.”

Maggie watched Bibi turn toward the medical corridor.

“She knows who should be standing beside her.”

The referee brought both championships.

Bibi took them and laid them across her lap.

The crowd was cheering. Someone near the front held a blue feathered cape above their head.

Bibi looked at it, then toward the corridor again.

Christopher retrieved his megaphone from the floor.

He came back to the apron and waited.

“Have you heard?” Bibi asked.

“Nothing yet.”

She nodded.

He rested the megaphone against his leg.

When Bibi was ready, he held the ropes for her.

She passed him one championship while she stepped through, then took it back.

They left together.

Chapter 8: The Wolven Litany

After the show, Bibi followed the Werewolf Pack out to the service road. She wore her dark coat, the tag titles in a bag at her side.

She stepped on a broken stick.

The crack echoed.

The Pack stopped.

La Flecha climbed a fire escape. Ignacio and Morrgain moved across the entrance to the alley. Fenrir and Lycaon stepped forward.

Lupin turned.

“You followed ten werewolves into a dark alley.”

“I have a question.”

“You could have asked inside.”

“There were people listening.”

“There are people listening now.”

Bibi looked around the circle.

Then she began.

“Beneath the stars, beside the flame,

the shepherd counted what he claimed.”

Rayo’s head lifted.

Bibi continued.

“He took the gift. He broke the vow.”

Morrgain spoke the next line.

“And hunger wears his likeness now.”

Bibi fell silent.

Fenrir’s voice came from the front of the circle.

“His hands grew long. His teeth grew white.”

Lycaon answered.

“His children ran beyond the light.”

La Maestra joined them.

“When moon withdrew her watching face…”

The Pack finished together.

“They took again the human shape.”

The last word faded against the brick.

Lupin stared at Bibi.

“How do you know the Wolven Litany?”

He stepped closer and sniffed her.

His posture changed.

“You aren’t one of us.”

“I wrote it,” Bibi said. “I was there when it happened. I met his wolf children who could become human by the dark of the moon. I wrote it for them.”

No one moved.

“I understood how stories matter to cultures.”

Above them, La Flecha crouched on the fire escape with one hand against the rail.

Bibi looked from one wolf to another.

“I am honored that my poetry is still with you.”

Rayo glanced at Trueno.

Trueno was still watching her.

“You wrote that?”

“Yes.”

“My mother taught me those words,” Morrgain said.

Bibi held her gaze.

For a moment, the alley gave way to firelight.

A shepherd stood beneath a black sky. He had taken what was not his. He had broken a promise to a goddess.

Inanna came to him beneath the stars.

“Why do you take and take?”

“Because there is never enough.”

She touched his forehead.

“Then let hunger teach you the shape of what you are.”

He fell to his knees.

His hands lengthened. His teeth sharpened. His cry became a howl.

Ninhursag stood beside the goddess, watching.

Bibi stood beside Ninhursag in ancient cloth, her dark hair braided.

The first wolf raised his head.

The alley returned around her.

“Beside Ninhursag,” Bibi said. “That is where I stood.”

La Flecha climbed down from the fire escape.

“Why didn’t you stop it?”

Bibi’s expression closed.

“I had my reasons.”

La Flecha landed on the pavement. She stayed where she was.

Fenrir stepped forward.

“You knew the first wolf. You knew his children.”

“Yes.”

“Then you know us.”

“I know the curse,” Bibi said. “I don’t know your choices.”

Morrgain unfolded her arms.

“We choose our prey. We find those who treat people as disposable.”

“There was a businessman,” Lycaon said. “He was cutting wages, denying overtime, treating his workers like animals. We offered him a place with us. He accepted because he thought he could profit.”

“We took him to the river,” Ignacio said.

Bibi listened.

“You protect the workers?”

“We protect the Pack,” La Bestia said. “And we remove those who poison the well.”

Rayo shifted his weight.

“What about someone who’s weak? Someone who can’t fight back?”

Bibi met his eyes.

“Being weak doesn’t make someone my prey.”

“Then what does?” Trueno asked.

“What they choose to do with power.”

Lupin watched her for a long moment.

“We are pursuing championships. We want to win. But we also protect each other. We don’t eat our own.”

“I respect that.”

Ignacio glanced toward the arena.

“And the Wentworths? You asked about them when you arrived.”

“Their records brought me here from Russia,” Bibi said. “Diego was connected to one of the women held there. The trail led back to his father.”

“Hunter’s father.”

Bibi nodded.

“That’s who I’m looking for.”

Lupin adjusted the United States Championship on his shoulder.

“We have a match on Sunday. You have a father to find.”

Morrgain stepped aside, opening the way out of the alley.

“Walk with us.”

Bibi fell into step beside them.