The Union has a deal for Brian Fury that he can’t refuse...

[Quillz]

***The scene opens backstage at a PWA house show, several days after the conclusion of this week’s Assault. Nick Spoils stands with Gehenna in front of a blue curtain, preparing to tape a promo. Gehenna paces back and forth behind Spoils looking angry. Before the cameras begin to roll, Spoils grabs Gehenna and whispers something to him. Then, on cue, Akira Wyld's theme music starts playing, signaling the start of the promo. Gehenna snarls when he hears Wyld’s theme song... but lowers his head and averts his gaze when Spoils shoots him a look. Spoils takes a deep breath and turns to the camera, a sly smile on his bearded face.***

NICK: “The Union stands together, stronger than ever. We proved that at the last Assault, when Akira and Beckett showcased the incredible teamwork this organization has developed to take down Brian Fury and Derrik Arzon. But... it's not enough. Brian Fury... you have made the mistake of gunning for a championship that does not belong to you. And it is the responsibility of the Union to make sure that you understand that.”

NICK: “To that end... it is time to mark the END of you in the ring. And who better to take you on than the man who has carried the Union since it’s inception?”

***Gehenna shoots Spoils a look. Spoils glances at him briefly but quickly continues.***

NICK: “Who better than a man who has already dominated you, body and spirit in the ring?”

***Gehenna nods silently and slaps his own chest. Spoils holds up an irritated finger at him.***

NICK: “This man I refer to has beaten you soundly in the ring. This man has made you submit. This man has lead the charge in dominating you in every way imaginable since the inception of PWA... allow me to present your eternal challenger... Akira Wyld.”

***Gehenna gives a veiled look of disgust as Akira Wyld bursts through the curtain with an excess of energy. Wyld steps in front of Spoils, barely acknowledging Gehenna at all. Wyld doesn’t notice as Spoils and Gehenna exchange a knowing look.***

WYLD: “Right you are as always Nick. The Union is strong... and as always, WE are the ones in charge. Next week on Assault, we will demonstrate that YET AGAIN, when finish what you started, Brian Fury. Next week, right there in the ring... I will face you one on one, and I will show you once and for all who the premier heavyweight in this organization is.”

***Gehenna gives Akira a cool and heartless gaze that goes unnoticed by the Surgical Specialist.***

WYLD: “Now... I know you have your sights set on that sham Richard Pennyworth and the PWA Heavyweight Title. You think that over the past three seasons you’ve finally proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have what it takes to grab the reigns and lead this organization as its champion. Well I’ve got news for you. The ONLY champion this company has ever produced that was worth a rip is AKIRA WYLD.”

***Now Nick Spoils gives Akira a disgruntled look behind his back.***

WYLD: “And besides, I owe Pennyworth one hell of a receipt for embarrassing me at Circus Maximus... so if ANYONE is in line for a shot at that pretender and his Heavyweight Title... it’s ME.”

***Wyld takes a deep breath and runs his hands through his hair. He looks cooly at the camera and smiles.***

WYLD: “So... where do we go from here? Now, believe it or not, I’ve actually come to respect you quite a bit Fury. You’re tough as nails and have stood up to everything we’ve put in front of you. Frankly... it’s annoying. I’ll be honest... the last thing the Union needs right now is another season of feuding with your stubborn ass, so... I’m prepared to offer you a little deal. You’d better listen good because offers like this don’t come along often.”

***Spoils raises an eyebrow of concern at Akira.***

WYLD: “Next Assault... when you and I meet in the ring... here’s the deal. If you beat me, one on one in that ring... then it’s over. Your slate is clean. The Union will step aside... and you’re free to pursue Pennyworth and the Heavyweight Title unhindered. But if I beat you... then your little Heavyweight Title quest is DONE. You bow out and I take my rightful place challenging Pennyworth and you stand down. You and me... one match... no interference. The Union stays away from ringside. What do you say Big Man? You’re never going to get a better offer than that.”

***Spoils’ eyes go wide. He paces back and forth pulling at his hair. Akira doesn’t notice.***

WYLD: “So that’s the deal Fury. Win, lose, or draw, next week at Assault, our war is done. And after the dust settles... the Union will be on the road to championship glory again, and you will have finally paid your Union Dues.”

***The producer signals that the recording has stopped. Immediately Spoils spins Wyld around by the shoulder.***

NICK: “You want to explain to me what the hell that was all about? If Fury wins the Union STANDS ASIDE? Without discussing this with me you just... pave a path for that thug Fury to challenge for the Heavyweight Title? Does Beckett know about this?”

***Akira throws Nick’s hand off of his shoulder.***

WYLD: “It’s FINE Nick. Trust me, it had to be this way. We can’t get bogged down in a season-long blood feud with Fury. This way, once I beat him on Assault, it’s DONE. He stands down and we march on.”

NICK: “IF you beat him you mean! You just guaranteed him no interference in the match!”

WYLD: “Nick... he’s beaten down. He’s hurt. And remember... I made him tap out on his BEST day.”

NICK: “I remember Fury pinning you CLEAN the last time you fought.”

***Akira stares coldly at Spoils.***

NICK: “What’s going on with you Akira? What the hell are you trying to prove? First you called us off when we had a chance to put an end to Fury once and for all... and now you’re benching us for your one on one match? What’s gotten into your head?”

WYLD: “Look... I said I’ve GOT this Nick. The Union is going to continue to dominate PWA, and that all starts by putting Fury in our rear view. And you’d better believe I’m going to put that dog down at Assault. I didn’t need your help to beat him in the Rise of Kings Tournament, and I won’t need it next week. At Assault, I’ve got Fury... and I want you all to stay backstage. Let me handle this on my own.”

***Spoils raises is eyebrows. Suddenly, Gehenna checks Akira’s shoulder as he passes by. Akira shoots him a look and then turns to Spoils.***

WYLD: “What the hell is his problem?”

***Spoils rubs the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger and sighs.***

NICK: “I think Akira... that Gehenna is just a little frustrated that you just locked one of the best heavyweights in PWA out of the Heavyweight Title hunt for the entire season.”

WYLD: “What?”

NICK: “Gehenna is the single most decorated PWA superstar on the active roster. He is a THREE time tag-team champion who has dominated every wrestler on the roster in the ring, and lately, it seems to HIM like the only Union member getting a chance at gold this season is YOU.”

WYLD: “Huh... is that just you speaking for Gehenna Nick? Anything else ‘Gehenna’ wants to say to me?”

***Spoils smiles and throws and arm around Akira’s shoulder.***

NICK: “Look Akira... calm down. And don’t mind him one bit. Gehenna’s a man of action. He gets antsy when he’s left to spin his wheels too long. But he’s Union through and through. He knows what makes this group tick. We all do. And... we’re all behind you 100%. You say you got this on your own? Fantastic. We’ll be here backstage cheering you on. Then, after that, we TAKE that Heavyweight Title, and then... we get back to doing what we do best... ruling this organization. Now... let’s get out of here. We have some serious planning to do.”

***Akira nods and walks down the hall. Spoils and Gehenna linger a moment longer and share another knowing glance and a nod. Then they follow Akira down the hall. Fade to black.***