Post by jaycphoenix on Apr 15, 2023 21:58:44 GMT -5
--JOHN'S BASE OF OPERATIONS--
The Black Room
An orb of amber light grows in size and intensity, morphing into a spiral- the silhouette forms of a female and a male appearing within -climaxing in a brilliant FLASH as Arcana and Jay C. Phoenix (mask reapplied) fully materialize before our eyes and step forth, the amber light dissipating.
Both appear the worse for wear; Arcana exhibiting still bleeding impact wounds and fresh bruising from thrown stones and cuts and abrasions from the tree that had crashed down upon her. Jay's exposed flesh displays second degree burns and blistering from the wall of steam he'd attempted to leap through as well as deep furrows from Lycana's teeth and claws acquired while the two had tangled in their respective wolf forms.
Scant seconds pass as the duo glance around in the dimly lit silence of the seemingly empty Black Room, Jay turning slowly, interrupted when--
--a large right arm and hand stab out from the near darkness to violently snatch Jay around the throat and LIFT him free from his feet. He struggles in the solid grasp.
"Failure! Again!"
John's hand squeezes around Jay's throat. Arcana has only the moment to spin and regard the action before John swings a ham hock left backhand fist to her face that sends her careening backward onto the floor, unconscious. Jay attempts to speak through the tightening grip-
"Mas- *choke*"
-and is thrown via an impossible strength through the air to crash into a far black concrete wall, dropping to the black marble flooring in a heap. He lay there coughing so hard he gags twice.
"No more excuses, Phoenix. Now is the eve of your end," John concludes as he steps toward his fallen slave.
"My Lord," Master Frye interjects, hurriedly entering the Black Room, "this is not the way."
John halts and turns. "Presumptuous of you to believe I care what you think is or isn't 'the way', Nathan. Ludicrous that you've the gall to challenge MY decisions. When I've finished with them, I'll deal with you for the audacity."
Frye lowers to one knee.
"I do not mean to appear so arrogant to defy you, my Lord, I only wish to offer an alternative. Phoenix may have failed but he is a valuable tool of which my Lord can still utilize."
Jay stirs from his prone position to gaze at Master Frye as if in speechless pleading support, curious as to how his bacon is to be pulled from the frying pan and fire beneath.
"Oh? ....Speak."
"He has a contest with Nova Skye on the upcoming TPW Friday Night Fury, Lord, he may still see your wishes to come to fruition. Nova will be trapped and in a position allowing the girl and I to capitalize. Phoenix will weaken her, beat her into submission. Capturing her then should prove all but a guarantee."
Agonizing moments of uncertainty pass in silence as John considers...while Frye ponders if his existence is about to come to a screeching halt.
"....Perhaps you're right. ........One last chance, Nathan, I've given far too many opportunities as it is. This is it. Now your fate is tied to theirs. Fail....and you die as well."
Frye bows his head.
"I understand, my Lord."
