Did I get your attention now? Since apparently I was made to look like I was some rag doll or punching bag or even one of those extra actors in the old Batman movies. A superhero actually using dirty tactics in a match? Either he’s not really a superhero or he was in disguise. I don’t know but what I do know is that because of his superhero powers or maybe it was Zack’s good hearing as the commentary team couldn’t help but constantly put over The Avenger’s “superhero” this and “superhero” that moves, that Zack just said to get the match done with and called it to “go home”. Or was it the referee that said it? Either way, it was probably time for The Avenger to get out of his costume and go drink some milk or something before bedtime. At least for that all he’d have to do is take his mask off. But enough about the masked crusader, if he’s needed again, maybe CW will send a signal in the sky and he’ll show up like a hurricane or something.
Next on the list is Act of Defiance at the Crown Royal farm, no, I mean Royal Farms arena. Sounds like Old McDonald moved to a bigger building to keep his farm animals now. It’s not wrestling on bails of hay or out in some meadow like a backyard wrestling deal with garden hoses as ropes and mattresses put together as a mat or crash pad, but sure if you want to talk about the other animals that are around ringside watching like their reaction to what happens in the ring actually means something. The only thing that means anything is what happens at the end of the match and at Act of Defiance, and at the end of the Chaos Championship Contendership Match, well you’ll find out real soon. But don’t take my word, take a look at this video I put together. I was doing some live stuff on Facebook and your name and this event was brought up, so I’ll fast forward to that part.
{video courtesy of Facebook.com/LeftistZackTyler}
“Before I go, I want to answer everyone’s comments about Carnage Wrestling’s Act of Defiance show coming up. Everyone’s saying this is the battle of the Zack’s. (He laughs). Zach is probably pissed because they used my name to start off with, but Zach, you need to understand something. This is our first time facing each other. I don’t know you but you remind me of someone I’ve wrestled against a few times before coming here to Carnage Wrestling. See, this kid was like you except he didn’t have a moniker calling himself ‘The Game Changer’ which you’ll realize real quick kid, that this isn’t a game. I faced a guy named Will something. Anyway, I want you to know that I’ve had my eye on you.
You’re a chip off the old block aren’t you? I mean, your dad, he was good too but it sucks he can’t compete anymore or maybe he could’ve given you some advice on what you’re going to need to get through this match. Now I haven’t seen your matches but catching clips of your back story that you did on YouTube or it might’ve been on the Carnage website, I don’t remember, I just remember thinking that there was a theme to this because I just got done with The Avenger who wears a mask and then I face you and you used to wear a mask. Now I’m sure the resident superhero didn’t wear his because he was ashamed of his family but I’d be ashamed too from watching your old stuff. Hopefully you’ve improved since cause oh man (he laughs) you needed to because that was bad. I remember that stuff you did with The Institute and if you thought that beating was bad that took you out for a while, you have another one coming by me and you’re going to with that they finished the job.
Now I forgot all about you joining Forsaken but that would make what? Two groups you’ve been with? That’s your problem is you’re a follower and not a leader or even a loner to go off and do what you want. That bio thing or whatever it was though that I saw was poorly done, you know like your work, but seriously I have a question. Did they get that stuff off of Wikipedia or something? I mean, it sounded professional and let’s face it, you’re clearly not. But don’t get hot cause I’m not here saying you suck or you’re pathetic, no, your work does that for you. I’m just saying that your name suits you but you haven’t caught up with it yet because yeah the game has changed but you’re not the one who changed it. So you can call yourself ‘The Game Changer’ all you want but you know that it was changed long before you started using that name. And seriously, what game are you going to change if you could now? Like I said, this isn’t a game. Maybe after I beat the hell out of you then you can go piss and moan on Twitch playing whatever game you play on there and have your Table for Two TV dinner with you and your mirror.
Now don’t think that I just looked up your past just for this so I can talk about you, no. I was going through some moments in Independent Wrestling history and saw some of your stuff in Japan and other places. Wait, aw man, I’m sorry. That’s that guy that looks like you. Instead of calling yourself ‘The Game Changer’, maybe you should’ve saved that money and called yourself a face changer...what is it? Yeah, a plastic surgeon. Maybe I can help you out though and either our match can change the look of your face or put you under a mask again. But this battle of Zack’s will be good for your career, then your next promo could be that the better Zack won. But speaking of the next promo, I’ll do my next one when I get to Fort McHenry in Baltimore after I take in some sights and maybe go on their tour there. I’m sure something might come to mind like saying they’ll have another battle or history will be made again, but that’s for then. Right now, I’m signing off and everyone, you can catch Act of Defiance on Pay-Per-View and on the Carnage Network. Until next time, raise your Left Hand (he raises his Left hand). The cause in which we’ve all fought for is soon to be unfolded and those who stand with us shall prosper from His wrath”.
Zack is about to end the live video just as a graphic of a static image appears of a White Left hand print appears. The video posts to Facebook but also the Twitter account connected to his feed, in which Carnage Wrestling and all who follow them can see the video.
{THE DAY OF: ACT OF DEFIANCE}
[The Prize That Awaits]
On a night where the Baltimore City Championship Match will take place, a match that Zack had previously lost to qualify for as of the last event, now Zack finds himself facing himself? Just hearing the match, you’d think so but no, Zack with a ‘K’ will face Zach with a “H”. But don’t get too caught up on the name because it’s the match that has Zack’s interest. While his last qualifying match didn’t work out, this one is different as it’s a match to see who becomes the contender to the Chaos Championship. Of course on the card, that actual match for the Chaos Championship is going to take place between the current champion Sebastian Hawke and Casanova English. Whether Sebastian retains the title or Casanova beats him, it doesn’t make any difference because they would have to face the man with the “K” or the “H”.
[The.Arrival]
Setting out for his departure from his hotel and heading to the pentagon (not the Washington government building) shaped Fort McHenry, Zack arrived early in the day and was directed to where his locker room would be. After getting settled in, Zack took in the sites and posted a few pictures from his phone to his Social Media of the building, the ring inside the arena, and of course just the historic markers all around. But this match to Zack would be just that, historic, considering what’s at stake. But you didn’t come here to find out about his arrival because like everyone, you want to know what his thoughts are about the match and his words to his opponent, so let’s get straight to the point.
Standing in front of an opening that leads out to the ring, the cameraman is shooting over his shoulder as the ring is seen. His voice is then heard as the camera records.
“Tonight is another big night for me. It’s time for me to step up my game from the last show and prove that I have what it takes to be a contender around here. I’m done with playing nice and it seems like I’ve been just existing around here and it’s time to do something different. Fort McHenry has a history of seeing battles and tonight is no different. We’re going to go out there tonight and have a battle to see who walks out with a shot at the Chaos Championship. I’m not going to say that it’ll be easy because my opponent is going to bring everything he has because of the high stakes of this match. I’ll tell you though, I’m not going to allow what happened between The Avenger, happen tonight. If Zach thinks that, then that’s where he’s going to make a mistake and don’t think I won’t take advantage of that because I came here to prove that I belong not as a curtain jerker or a mid-carder but at the top level of this company.
This place is going to be sold out and everybody is going to be watching what we do tonight because it’s going to reflect on what happens tonight. I’ll tell you now, when I win my match, I’m going to have an up close and personal view of the Chaos Championship match because I want the champion to see who they’re going to have to worry about who’s next for them. Nothing is going to stop me from getting the job done tonight and I want to keep drilling that into your heads. So getting to tonight, I want you to understand something and that you might think you have an upper hand because you’ve been here longer but you’re not just facing Zack Tyler, a normal guy who just happens to be your opponent, but you’re facing a distinct member of The Left Hand and our legacy has lived through various battles and tested every place we have ever been and conquered them. Tonight, it’s my personal step to becoming just like these pictures of Generals you see on these walls. Tonight I will walk into battle and not just defeat you but decimate you and declare this land tonight as the Left Hand steps closer towards power and capturing Gold just as we have done before. So the time to pillar and plunder is upon us and you my friend, Zach, you will be revealed to the force that is the Left Hand as will you all”.
Zack places his Left hand forward towards the ring and the camera feed begins to static as the image of a Red circle around a White Left hand palm print flashes across the screen. The camera feed then ends.
Post by gamechanger20 on Feb 27, 2021 19:13:51 GMT -5
Leaning over the bathroom sink, a seething Zach van Owen tried to control his breathing. He splashed water over his face and stared at himself in the mirror. He saw the reflection of a failure, of a weakling. The punishment he had meted out to the NPCs of Garbage Fence and Jason Lmao had provided no catharsis. A veritable storm roiled within him. He was once again burdened by side quests, stepping into the ring against an inconsequential figure who shared his name. As far as the Vigilante was concerned the match was pointless, just another distraction and step further away from his true objective.
Zach’s gaze shifted as he produced the seemingly inert Dream Stone from his pocket. He clutched it tightly in a fist. His mission had been clear when he first stepped foot into the Carnage Ring, there were villains to fight and civilians to save. Yet the story had grown complicated and the drive and determination Zach van Owen once had was running out. All that was left was shame, anger, resentment and all that fun stuff. He felt little more than a cornered animal lashing out at any, and every, one who faced him. Guys like Zack Tyler.
“Perhaps this is the Nightmare and I just need to wake myself up.” He muttered to himself.
In the blink of an eye Zach punched the bathroom mirror. Spider-web like cracks appeared in the surface of the glass. Blood dripped from his fist, still clutching the faded green stone.
“Useless.” Zach growled, turning to leave the bathroom. The stone, stained with blood, made a ‘tink’ sound as he dropped it onto the tiled floor.
“Well duh.”
Zach froze and faced the broken mirror. His reflection glared back at him with a predatory sneer.
“What?” Said Zach. Had he taken too many blows to the head?
“The way you are right now, you’re no good to anyone. Even yourself.” Growled the reflection.
Physical Zach leant in for a closer look, forgetting that old adage about curiosity.
“And I can’t stand the moping!”
The Zach Reflection reached out. It felt as if something had seized Physical Zach, he was pulled forward and fell face first into the mirror.
When Zach's senses returned it was to the sensation of floating, as he seemed to slowly descend into a veil of inky darkness. The darkness was everywhere, permeating, except for one sole point of light. It was tiny at first, but grew as Zach softly fell toward it. Despite there being no distinguishable floor, a dining table and chairs stood in the light. Zach’s descent ended as his feet met an invisible floor. He was not alone. On either end of the aged looking table was a setting. One seat was empty, seemingly for Zach, while the other was occupied by a silhouette of a figure whose form seemed all-too familiar.
“So it’s finally happened, I’m in the Shadow Realm.” Exclaimed Zach. He tried to get a better look at the seated figure, but every angle seemed to be hidden behind shadows.
“If you wish to oversimplify your own psyche, then sure.” Replied the Shadowy figure.
It bade Zach to take his seat. As he did he inspected the thick stew like concoction in front of him.
“It’s Vegan.” Exclaimed the shadowy figure. “It’s good for you.”
“So my Mirror Universe self is, of all things, Vegan?”
“Hey I may be your evil counterpart but I will always be against cruelty to animals."
“Why bring me here?”
“I didn’t Zach, you brought yourself here. You need my help."
"Your help?"
"Even in your so called darkest hour you continue to tow the line, play their game. You espouse breaking Limits but are too cowardly to even consider breaking the Rules…Rules are made to be broken. It’s time you realise you are the one with the controller. You are in control of the game. Stop teasing everyone with your dark-side and take the plunge. Stop just talking the talk of the Renegade and actually start walking the Path. I mean what have you actually got to lose? There isn’t a High Score to aim for, so cut loose, enter Rage mode. Tear the fragging place down.”
“But the Forsaken, my friends…my family.”
“And where are they now? Your so-called friends in the Forsaken have all got deep crimson red in their ledgers, they wouldn’t dare cast any stones. So they shall either stand beside you, or in your way. That is their choice. As for your family. Are you any closer to rescuing them? What have you got to show for your efforts?”
Zach cast his gaze downwards in humiliation.
“Nothing.” He all but whispered.
“Except for hurt pride perhaps. What about this, insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result right? Well now’s the time to flip the switch. Embrace the aptly named Chaos. And if you’re family aren’t grateful for everything you did to save them…well they weren’t exactly the most supportive of you in the past so…”
Zach was clearly still struggling, battling his desire to be who he used to be and who he feel he needs to be.
“Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you, to give you that little push. And what better timing. I have a nice little Power-Up for your match.”
The shadowy figure slid an object across the table. It was a mask made from a burlap sack. Somewhere in the formless distance Zach heard maniacal laughter. Silence fell between the physical and metaphysical for what felt like an eternity. Until…
“Tell me about Zack Tyler.”
Original Zach van Owen slowly met the gaze of his darker self, hands softly toying with the fabric of the burlap mask. There were weirder places to have this conversation. Zach's shadow bade him to indulge himself, so the Vigilante did, holding the burlap mask aloft as if it were the face of his opponent himself.
“Go on. Be like everybody else. Underestimate me after just one look at my Character Sheet. You think you know everything about me? All that I’ve been through, and all I’m capable of? You’re glitching! Tell me again how you can’t take me seriously cause I like video games and pop culture.”
Rubbing his hands in gleeful anticipation, the shadowy figure waited in silence as Zach built himself up.
“I may have hit rock bottom, but don’t skip over this player character. In reality my track record isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be. Casanova had a high Luck score but I’m not about to make the same mistakes. I’ve Levelled Up and coming to Defiance with a fully charged Special Bar. 99 Lives won’t be enough against this pissed-off Power Ranger.”
Now Zach turned back to his shadow. His gaze never falters from the figure as he slowly and purposefully slides the mask over his face.
“And if this is what it takes for everyone to take me seriously then so be it. My goal never was championship gold, but I’ve been rail-roaded again. So I’m coming in, rolling to hit and I hit hard! Just ask the Putty Patrol from last Chaos. From this point on, there’s no more quick-saves, no more continues. It’s on, on like fragging Donkey Kong!”
Zach's shadow gave a single solemn nod.
"You are ready..."
Suddenly the darkness imploded, collapsed in on itself, and fully enveloped the illuminated dinner party. When Zach awoke he was once more in his bathroom, on the floor and surrounded by shards of glass. What remained of the bathroom mirror. He took it in his stride, picked himself up and dusted himself off. He left the room to go about his day as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened...
---
---
The scene faded into dusk over the Baltimore cityscape. Zach was perched atop the roof of a random building, brooding over the sights and sounds of the hustle and bustle beneath him. He held something slightly concealed in his hands. When he spoke it was to the horizon at first, not directly to the camera.
“Oh boy Zack, where shall I even begin? I mean wowzer! Evidently you’re the kind of NPC who talks a lot, but doesn’t have a lot to say. There's just too much dialogue and not enough Game Play. Boooring. Shame there isn’t an achievement to unlock for verbal diarrhoea, you’d have it in platinum. Harping on as if you’re gonna be the next big thing, the greatest Champion to step into a Carnage ring, when really you're as disappointing as Cyberpunk's release. Bad thing for you is, there ain't a patch update to give you talent. All hype, but disastrous failure to perform.
He turned now to look directly into the camera and revealed a piece of paper in his hands. Zooming in it revealed the words 'Zack v Zach: A Walkthrough'.
“But just to show you I’m not completely unkind. I’ve made things simple for you Zack Attack. You know, just some helpful tips and tricks…”
He read from the page.
“Step into the ring, get hit with a Limit Break. Boom. Game Over...I mean seems self-explanatory. Does it put your mind at ease Zack? It should. It’s a mercy compared to what I could do to you. All the possible button combinations and feats I could unload. I almost feel sorry for you, cause in case you haven’t noticed I’m not in a gaming mood. I’m not here to play. Shock, horror. Ultimately it’s about damn time people like you take me seriously! The whole Carnage roster will realise that I really am a threat, regardless of what or whom I’m fighting for. Throw away those dusty old cartridges, this is the Remastered version. We’re in the darkest timeline now, and Zack Tyler you may want to consider not passing the start-up screen. NegaZach will not be denied. He will be paid his due. Not in Justice. Not in Championship belts. But in retribution. Come Act of Defiance, when you step into the ring...Your soul is mine!”
The scene cut out as Zach crumpled up the paper and threw it to the street below. Not like he needed it anyhow. The Vigilante left Zack Tyler and the Carnage Universe with one lasting image, him looming sinister over the camera, posing with his arms outstretched.