The man looked at him with fear in his eyes. He knew at once that he had picked the wrong mother fucker to mess with. Death Merchant had accidentally bumped into him on his way to the bar when the big guy turned around like a bad@$$ and quickly proceeded to p!$$ his pants when he saw who was standing behind him.


Death Merchant
Who in the hell do you think your getting tough with? Are you kidding me, Really? I could pick your measly @$$ up and throw you all around this damn bar like I'm sure you try to do to everyone else in here. Get the f#ck out of my face before I change my mind and end up having to pay for a window.



Death Merchant released the guys shirt and laughed as he saw the wet spot the guy promptly sat down in. Death Merchant walked over to the other side of the bar where the bartender was at.



Bartender
I'll be with you in just a minute here. It's about time someone puts him in his place. Security here can't handle him and the police just give him a place to sleep it off and slap him on the wrist. First round is on the house.


Death Merchant looked at the woman and could see the age in her eyes that her years would deny. The signs of a rough life and a lot of hard work. She wasn't attractive in any way and must have gotten by on her personality. Which was probably as plain as her looks. He waited until she finished what she was doing and ordered a Jack and Coke. She quickly brought his drink and sat the bottle of Jack in front of him. Death Merchant slipped her a hundred and told her to keep them coming.


He walked over to a table in the back with the bottle and sat down. He could feel the eyes of the rest of the patrons watching him with every step. As if they were watching a curled python about to strike. He jumped towards a couple openly staring at him and said 'Boo' They jumped like a couple of frogs before turning and running out the front door. Death Merchant turned back to his drink and waited.


The crowd began to thin as the evening waned on. It seemed like forever before the person he was waiting for walked in the door. Death Merchant motioned for him to sit down before speaking.



Death Merchant
Code name, Warfare. Do you have the information that I requested?


Agent
Code accepted. In this envelope is an envelope. Inside that envelope is a key to a safe deposit box. Inside that safe deposit box is an address to a storage facility and keys to the container. The information you requested will be there. Now close your eyes.


Death Merchant
What the hell do you mean close my eyes, Why is that?



Agent
Because if you don't see me leaving it will be just like I wasn't here.


Death Merchant simply closes his eyes and shakes his head. By the time he opened them, Just as he had hoped. The dumb@$$ was gone. He took the key out of the envelope and stuffed it into his pocket. It was just about time to go anyway because the more he drank the better looking the bartender became. She was looking pretty good right about now. He waited a few moments to make sure dumb@$$ was long gone before standing up and walking out of the bar. The bartender yelled something about his change but he shrugged it off and paid no attention to it. She could use it for makeup, She sure needed it.


He began walking down the street towards the post office. He had only gone a couple of blocks when he noticed the black vehicle following him with it's lights off. He made a mental note of it and continued on his way. It took forever to get the key to work in the safe deposit box. Finally it gave and Death Merchant pulled out the slip of paper with the address on it and the other key. He placed them in his pocket and left the box and it's key on the table.


The self storage company was located just a couple of blocks down from the post office. He made it there in no time and smiled as he noticed the black vehicle still in hot pursuit.



He could see that the place was closed. A huge fence surrounded the area with a wrought iron gate securing it. A pass was required to enter the gate. He would either have to wait until the place opened or find another way in because the dumb@$$ forgot to leave the pass. He couldn't believe that there were actually people around who were that stupid.


After finally managing to climb the fence and drop to the other side. He made his way along the rolls of units searching for the right number. When he turned one corner he found himself face to face with a snarling Pit-bull that looked like something out of a horror movie. He stared the beast in the eyes as his began to glow an eerie red color. The dog whimpered and turned away with it's tail between it's legs. Along that same roll he found the number he was looking for. He unlocked the padlock and opened the door.


Inside the locker were two Items. One, A CD Movie case with 'Tales from the Dark Side' season one on the cover. The second was the crate it sat on. He opened the case and the movie was actually there. He removed the disc with movie on it to make sure the second disc was underneath. It was. All the information he wanted could be found on that tiny disc. he replaced them both and placed them in his pocket.



He went back the way he came and made his way back over the fence. Funny how it was easier leaving that it was coming in. He sprinted towards the woods on the other side of the road and noticed the black vehicle parked with it's lights out. The woods were one place they couldn't follow him in the car. They would have to get out on their feet and then he would begin to stalk them and find out just what the hell they wanted.



He watched them unseen from a distance as they finally got out of the vehicle. He laughed as one of them almost fell to the ground from what looked like his leg falling asleep. They looked like Abbott and Costello as they made their way towards the woods. One was short and round while the other was tall and skinny. The skinny guy hobbled around on one leg while the fat one ran in ahead of him. Death Merchant laughed as he ran right smack into a huge Oak Tree face first and was out before he hit the ground.


Death Merchant grabbed the rope off of the ground, Wait a minute. Where the hell did that come from? Oh well, It didn't matter. He would use it anyway. He hog tied the roly poly one and waited for the next.



The second one was a little smarter than the first. At least he didn't run into the tree. He was smart enough to walk around it. Only to trip over his partners body on the other side and fall face first onto a rock embedded in the concrete and was out like a light.


Death Merchant grabbed the second rope......okay? Works for me. He hog tied the second guy and dragged them both deeper into the woods. back where it was so dark and scary no one normal would dare enter. He found two trees in a small clearing where the leaves above parted only enough to view the passing moon. He grabbed one of the bungee cords and stuck the metal deep into the skin of the fat guy and stretched it around the tree before sticking the metal end in his shoulder on the other side. The man screamed out in pain as the metal dug deep into his skin before finally passing out from it. Death Merchant grabbed the second guy and leaned him against the other tree. He dug the bungee cord..... Hey, It worked before. Anyway, He stretched the cord around as tight as he could.......oops. That wasn't supposed to happen. The cord cut right through the mans body, Severing him at the torso. Death Merchant shrugged his shoulders as the blood oozed out of the guys mouth. He sure wouldn't be answering any questions.


He grabbed the smelling salts out of his pocket and waved them under the guys nose. The guy awoke with a startled expression on his face that was quickly replaced by one of pure horror as Death Merchant poured pure alcohol, Don't even ask, Into the open wounds. He stepped back to light a cigarette but was a little too close as the man erupted into flames from the spark. Death Merchant cursed out loud as he walked out of the forest. The vehicle was parked right where it was left at and the keys were in the ignition. Death Merchant put on a pair of gloves and drove the vehicle to a spot not far from the hotel and still out of sight. He poured gasoline all over the car and lit it up like a bonfire at a keg party.


He made it back to his hotel just in time to get a call from Matt Ward. He called him 'Maniac' Because when he steps into that ring it's exactly what he becomes.


'Maniac' Matt Ward
Death Merchant, This is Matt. Meet me at the Studio in ten minutes. I have a little surprise for you.


Death Merchant
Cool man, I'll be there. Just let me wash up real quick. Let's just say it's been a busy night already.



'Maniac' Matt Ward
I'll see you when you get here then.


He hung up the phone and walked into the bathroom. He grabbed a washcloth and wet it with the hottest water he could stand. He lathered soap onto the rag and scrubbed away the splatters of blood that had caught him in the face after the second guy from earlier had been cut in half. He smiled as he remembered the thrill it had given him as the mans life left the body like someone turned off a switch.


When he walked into the television station the secretary automatically led him into the studio area. John Black was standing off to one side keeping an eye on things while chatting with Night Rider.'Maniac' Matt Ward and Christine Nash were standing off to one side talking to Alexandra Callaway and none other than Mr. Satellite. The Television Champion himself. Death Merchant was about to walk over and sat hello when the Station Manager walked up to him and shook his hand.


Station Manager
Death Merchant, I'm glad you could make it. The stage hands are getting the new set all put up. Complete with a mini X-Tron behind the news desk to play videos. We replaced the old uncomfortable chairs with new softer ones. Also, The ratings for the last show as awesome. Advertisers are ringing the phone off the hook. Everyone wants a piece of the Dark Side. Your merchandise has doubled it's sales in the past week. We go live in ten minutes. It's all just about done. Now I need to go and return some phone calls. Shaping up to be an awesome show tonight.



Death Merchant watches as the station manager quickly turned and headed towards his office area. Christine Nash walked up to him and smiled as she shook his hand.


Christine Nash
Thank you for allowing us to be on your show this evening.


Death Merchant
It's our pleasure having you. Your just like one of the family. Have fun, Relax and just let it happen. I think we will start off with you and Alexandra together and then bring out the others. Should be about five more minutes.


He walked over and took his seat behind the news desk as the intro began to play.





Death Merchant
Hello out there creatures of the dark. we have a very special program for you here tonight. Please allow me to welcome None other than 'The Twisted Angel' Christine Nash along with The girl who thrives in moonlight, Alexandra Callaway.


He watches in awe as Christine comes out wearing a Low Cut Red Bodice that showed off her ample breasts. She wore a pair of black leather pants that accentuated her great figure. Alexandra Callaway walked out wearing a sleeveless black hoodie that zipped up in the front. It stopped just above her belly button. The low skin tight black pants she wore left you with your tongue hanging out. The two of them sat next to him as he turned back to the camera.


Death Merchant
I can't tell you what a thrill it is sitting next to the Number One contenders to the XWF Tag Team Championship! Christine and Alexandra, You are two of the most talented individuals in the XWF. I have to give credit where it's due. How does it feel to be the number one contenders?


Christine Nash
Ally and I are your new #1 contenders for the tag titles and I guarantee you that we are going to go out there and we are going to give you all a one 110 %. You should know first hand… we handed you and Matty your asses in that match. We proved why we are now the #1 contenders and we are going to show you all Exactly how you win those Tag titles.



Just then Matt comes out behind Christine and wraps his arms around her.


'Maniac' Matt Ward
Yes baby, I think we know first hand how much you both deserve these titles.


He leans down and kisses her.


Death Merchant smiles as his Tag Team Partner sits down beside Christine. He stands up and faces the camera.


Death Merchant
There is someone else I think we should bring out. I want everyone to give a warm welcome to The XWF Television Champion Mr. Satellite.


Mr. Satellite walks over and sits down next to Ally. He kisses her gently on the cheek before turning to Death Merchant.


Mr. Satellite
Don't forget you and I have some business to take care of coming up before long. I want you to know that what happens inside that ring stays in the ring and what happens out here stays out here.


Death Merchant
I have been looking forward to the challenge. It's an honor to have you on the show. Now, Christine. It's nice to see you and Matt working things out. Maybe he will stop moping around so much. The two of you have sure had your ups and downs.


Christine Nash
Yes we have. That's for sure. What matters is being able to work through the rough times and the happier times will be even more special. Relationships are never easy.


'Maniac' Matt Ward
That's right, Sometimes you have to know when to swallow your pride.


Mr. Satellite
That's one thing we don't have a problem with. I'm extremely happy with Ally and she seems genuinely happy being with me. We just clicked right off the bat.


Alexandra Callaway
That doesn't mean that we won't have our disagreements in the future. No one's that perfect all the time. Still, I couldn't see myself with anyone else. We have a great time together and enjoy each others company.


Christine Nash
Don't let our light nature outside the ring like this fool anyone. When we step into that world we are ready to take on anyone. It doesn't matter who it is. When we go to war for those titles they are going to be around our waist. I bet your mama never warned you about anyone like us!


'Maniac' Matt Ward
That's just the way it should be. We know first hand that you two can bring it. You knew afterwards that you had been in a war too. I'm just glad that's behind us and the two of you are going for the gold. I know one thing. Jordan Calibum and LJ Havokless had better be ready for one hell of a fight. What do you think Death?


Death Merchant
I've already put those two on notice. They already know that we don't believe a bit of the garbage that comes out of their mouths. I've been doing some thinking though.


'Maniac' Matt Ward
What's on your mind?


Death Merchant
I was thinking about bringing some charcoal and some nice T-Bones and we can cook our steaks on the burning table after we slam our opponents through them. Hell, It'll be the highlight of the evening. I can't wait to get my hands on either one of them. Especially Havokless. The guy is such a phony! Do you know what's really sad though? He actually believes the $h!t he's saying is true.


'Maniac' Matt Ward
That's kind of spooky. I wonder if he talks to people who aren't there. Oh wait, Yes he does. His Tag Team Partner. What was his name, Oh yeah, calibum! The guy who is so relevant I forgot who he was already.


Alexandra Callaway and Mr. Satellite laugh out loud at the last remark. Satty then gets a serious look on his face and begins to speak.


Mr. Satellite
I knew that little pu$$y wouldn't be around very long. He came in talking so much $h!t he had everyone hating him before he even had his first match. When he found out he couldn't back his $h!t up he turned tail and ran like a little b!t@h! He deserves everything he gets.


Death Merchant
I intend to make it a night that neither one of them will ever forget. Caliban will be gone like the Taliban and the so called savior won't even be able to save himself. They just didn't realize who they were messing with when they signed that dotted line. They didn't know they were stepping into a Hornets nest and their about to get stung. We break at this time for a special weather bulletin from Alexandra Callaway.


Alexandra Callaway
There is a major system gathering in the distance. It looks like there are stormy days ahead for Calibum and Havok. Bust a few tables for us.


Death Merchant
That's all the time we have left for this segment. All I can say is, Beware of the dark...................


The scene fades and slowly goes black as 'For whom the bell tolls' by Metallica plays on the small X-Tron.






This has been an AoDStyle Production. @ all rights reserved.



OOC I hope everyone is happy with how I portrayed their characters. Thank you for allowing me to have you on.............



Tales from the Dark Side