DEMONS RUN - TAG TEAM TITLE

[Star Stormz]

PWS:APEX PRESENTS- DEMON’S RUN
Footprint Center - Phoenix, AZ
Tuesday, March 15th, 2022



Tag Team Title Match
Antithesis (Alexander Lyons and Dionysis) (c) vs Sass-N-Bash (Malachi and Bella Madison)



Deadline is Sunday March 13th at 11:59:59 PM EST
Min: 500, Max: 5000

[Alexander Lyons]

Alexander Lyons had found his emotions going up and down in the weeks since Crusade. A nagging tick in his mind that he’s being seen as a lesser member, or third wheel of ANTITHESIS ever since two of his comrades earned a chance at the World Championship, and will be going to war in the elimination chamber.

But there are two others, and they are just as dangerous as their brothers in arms. One of them may roar louder than the other, but both are as dangerous as they come. The challenge was laid out, and quickly accepted. But will the love shared between Bella and Malachi be strong enough to take down a god and a lion?

—-------

Open on a photograph, it’s Bella Madison and Malachi. A photo of a loving couple likely stolen from one of their social media accounts. The sounds of Happy Loving’ Couples by Joe Jackson plays, as the image is consumed in flames.

#Happy loving couples make it look so easy
Happy loving couples always talk so kind
Until the time that I can do my dancing with a partner
Those happy couples ain't no friends of mine#

As the flames disperse, we see Alexander Lyons, alone in some decrepit old building, with only shadows, moonlight and a soft windchill to comfort him. As he stares into the camera, a large shadow passes in the darkness behind him, the soft whistle of Drunken Whaler can be heard as it passes before disappearing back into the darkness.

Alexander smiles, an ever arrogant grin as he claps before speaking, “Congratulations Sass N Bash, you are the first to step up and accept the challenge. Truly a brave and bold decision. I made the call, and you answered. Good on you, but it will also prove to be your biggest mistake. Because like we’ve told everyone time and time again, we are NOT your traditional team. We are ANTITHESIS, and we do not behold your traditions.”

The large shadow passes by again, the whistling slightly louder this time.

“I’m sure you both want to get some sort of revenge on my brother Tyson Sykes. But unfortunately for you, my brother will be bringing his WAR to the elimination chamber. Thanks for that Malachi.” Alexander says, with an arrogant grin. “And after he decimated Bella back in November, Tyson really has nothing to prove against either of you. So you’ll have to roll the dice against myself and the Mad God Dionysus.”

Behind him, the large shadow looms past again, the Drunken Whaler whistle growing ever louder.

“I can hear the school yard jokes now. About myself and Dio being the OTHER members of ANTITHESIS. The ones less talked about, the ones nobody remembers. What they fail to realize is sometimes the roads less traveled are the most dangerous.” Alexander says, “Until you all realize there is no OTHER member of ANTITHESIS you will continue to fail. We are all equals and until the rest of PWS realizes that our dominance will continue. Dark days are coming after Demons Run, and the power is going to shift to ANTITHESIS.”

The large shadow is back, still looming in the darkness, the whistling growing ever louder.

“World championship and tag team championship. That's what we will have in our possession, and before you question anything about Sanders and Sykes I would ask you mind your own business. They know what they got themselves into and while we all fight together, we’re also not afraid to bleed together. Because no matter what, be it Sanders or Sykes..ANTITHESIS wins.” Alexander says matter-of-factly

The shadow passes back again,getting closer, and whistling even louder.

“The love Bella and Malachi share can’t save them.” says Alexander through his ever permanent scowl, “Nothing would bring me more pleasure than mauling one of them limb from limb while the other watches helplessly. We were introduced to Sass-N-Bash a few weeks ago, and after Crusade they will be another team who fell victim to ANTITHESIS.”

The whistling grows even louder, as the large shadow looms in closer.

“We destroyed The Commonwealth, forcing Dickie to abandon his partner. I do hope you understand what you’ve gotten yourself into. Your biggest mistake would be to see Dio and myself as secondary in any way.” Alexander continues, “You want a fight, and you’re damn sure going to get one. If calling us “Fuck sticks” is all you have, you’re going to need to try harder. Demons Run is going to be ANTITHESIS’ night, and certainly it’s going to be one to remember.”

The shadow, still whistling loudly draws closer, but still in the shadows.

“Bella. Malachi, Just remember, you asked for this. You dared to answer my challenge, so whatever happens to you at Demons Run…is going to be all your fault. You may not realize it now, but you will realize the mistake you made when that bell rings and you….."

Alexander pauses for a moment, glaring menacingly into the camera.

“HEAR ME ROAR.”

He pauses again, the shit-eating grin still on his face., “...and by then it will be too late for either of you to….”

The whistling stops, and Dionysus emerges from the shadows, glaring daggers at the camera., only speaking one word.

“RUN.”

-STATIC-

In the weeks leading up to Demons Run, Alexander spent some time back at The Lyons Den, training and preparing for his tag team championship match. He may have not gotten along with the head trainer, but his father was the owner and ever since they made good on their differences, Alexander could do as he pleased around the training facility.

He had spent a few rounds at the speed bags, done his power lifting and was now running some drills with one of the younger students, a younger new arrival calling himself Evan Fury looking to someday make his own mark in the industry.

“Hey thanks for working with me Mr. Lyons” grinned young Evan ear to ear, to him this was an opportunity to learn from one of the gyms top students. “Cleo Phillips was supposed to be here, but I think she’s running late.”

Alex fought back a scowl, was Cleo this kids first choice? Perhaps the kid really did need a proper lesson.

“Well, I’m here now.” Alex smiled with a false sense of sincerity that went undetected by an innocent mind like Evans, “How about we have a little exhibition match, give you a chance to wrestle a champion?”

Evans eyes grew wide with innocence, as he nodded, “Yeah! That sounds great.!"

Alexander still smiling, patted the kid on the shoulder, and directed him to his corner.

“Ding ding ding.” Alex says.

The two meet in the center of the ring and lockup, Alex overpowers to start, and whips Evan to the ropes clotheslining him on the rebound.

“C’mon get up” he ordered, letting Evan get back to his feet, another lockup and Evan is once again whipped and clotheslined to the ground. This continues a few more times, until Evan finally ducks a clothesline, and clocks Alex with a nice spinning kick.

Alex felt the rage fill in his eyes, he couldn’t let this kid make him look stupid. Anger in his eyes he grabbed Evan by his throat and slammed him into the mat HARD.

“Hey, that’s a little stiff!” Evan said.

Alex didn’t care, he stomped Evan again, and again and again before lifting him up, and dropping him back on his head with a Lyons Roar DDT. He then he locks in the Gordian Knot, and Evan taps. Alex refuses to let go, and the kid struggles. By now a crowd of other students is taking notice, Alex still refuses to break until the kids arm goes limp, after which he drops Evans limp body to the mat, he looks proud of his work as he rolls out of the ring, allowing a few of the other students to check on Evan.

“What the fuck was that?” an older male voiced called, it was Keevee Kaiser the head trainer and he didn‘t look happy with Alex taking such liberties with one of his students.

“Just giving one of the new kids a lesson.” Alex grinned.

“I can’t have you assaulting MY students.” Kaiser snapped back.

“Assault?” said Alex, eyebrow raised,”No, that as just an exhibition match, to help the kid. If you’re wondering…he lost, the kids got a long ways to go.”

Keevee wanted to slap the smirk off Alex’s stupid face.

“What the actual fuck is your problem?” Kaiser said, “You got what you wanted, acceptance from your father, you get to train here now. So, why are you still such a fucktard?”

“I just don’t like you. My uncle took you in as family, but you’re not. You don’t have the blood of a Lyons in you, and you never will. Now you strut around here like your someone special, giving piss poor advice to MY FATHERS students.” snarled Alex.

He two started getting into each others faces, before another voice boomed through the gathered crowd.

“ENOUGH!!” boomed the voice of Alex’s father and owner of The Lyons Den, Zachary Lyons, appearing to split the two apart like Moses parting the Red Sea.

“Sorry father.” Alex said with a false politeness.

“The hell is going on here Kaiser?” he said, “You’re supposed to be working with the new students.”

“Yeah, and your SON just choked one of them out.” Kaiser showed no fear.

“It was an exhibition match.” Alex noted. “I was just helping the kid. Not everyone is going to show mercy.”

Zack nodded, “We don’t train soft students here Kaiser. If Evan can’t handle the heat when things get a little….out of hand, then maybe he isn’t Lyons Den material.”

“He TAPPED.” Kaiser said angrily.

Zack shrugged, “Survival of the fittest. You have to be ready for anything in this business. Only the strong survive.”

“You are ridiculous.” Kaiser said throwing his hands in the hair, this was a useless argument. Zachary Lyons had always been an asshole, scoffing Kaiser walked off to check up on Evan.

“Sorry for the trouble father.” said Alex.

“Don’t worry about it.” said Zack, “Kaiser just needs to be reminded whose in charge around here sometimes, ironclad lifetime contract or not. He still works for me, and unless he quits…he’s stuck with me for life.”

Alex laughs, “Anyway. I’m gonna get out of here,.. Got to be in Phoenix for Demons Run..”

Zack nods, “Go, and remember. Show no mercy..champ.”

Alex and his father shared a quick embrace, before Alex fathered his things and made way to the parking lot, where he saw two people checking out the new BMW his father had bought for him.

“Hey, get away from my car you criminals!!!” he yelled.

Upon closer inspection, it was Cleo Phillips and Z-Money.

“Did I stutter?” Alex said, “Trying to steal my car? You know it’ worth more than your life.”

Cleo rolled her eyes, “Man, we just got here. Thought the car looked nice, so we took a quick look. My bad.”

“You better not have touched it.” Alex snarled.

“Hey relax dude, we didn’t touch shit.” Z-Money stepped in.

“Let’s just go Z.” said Cleo, “We’re already late because SOMEBODY had to make a detour to Wendys.”

“I wanted a Frostie…” shrugged Z-Money.

Cleo shakes her head and glares at Alex, as she and Z headed into the school. Alex watches them, holding back his temper as he sees Cleo flip him off as the doors closes behind her and Z, he takes a deep breath before getting into his car and driving off into the night, making west for Phoenix, Arizona.

—---

[Bella Madison]

Be Ever So Careful...

Sometimes you have to wonder, why do some people have to tempt you to really play with the devil?

Fucking Anthesis has been running roughshod over PWS: Apex and not a single fucking person seems to just let it happen.

It happened with the Collateral Damage title.

It’s happening with the Tag Team Titles.

And these assholes turned around and showed their whole ego when they went out and said “Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime.”.

So Alexander Lyons was left holding the bag and to team up with the only one that apparently hasn’t been given one second thought. The monster known as Dionysis.

Asking me if we should be scared?

Anthesis wanted a challenge and they got it.


...For what you wish for.
O’Connell home
New York City

“Finally!” was the word she heard when Bella let Malachi know that everything was finally in for the one room that went incomplete for almost an entire year.

Because of delays in the shipping from across the other side of the world because of the pandemic, it had taken almost forever to gather every piece of equipment to fully bring together the one room he had requested.

“How long til it’s all finished, Spinelli?” Bella said, walking into the room as the one and only Demetrius Spinelli stood in the middle, organizing the things that he needed in proper order. Spinelli was efficient for a reason.

As Bella handed him a cup of coffee with a smile, he looked around with a half a smile, “Well provided there are no bugs or damage to any of the equipment, should be no longer than an hour. Of course there is also a quandary of the surround sound speakers.”

“What about them?” Mal quipped from the doorway.

Spinelli, for all the years surrounded by wrestlers, still had a nervousness about him when it came to certain people. Even though he still sent the dad jokes that got a rise out of Malachi, the Jackal was still slightly unsure about the Irishman. He swallowed the coffee that he had just taken a swig of a little harshly and glanced around the room, “Well for instance, there are several theories when it comes to the placement. We could set them above, like in most theaters. Have the sound coming from above. But there is something said for the speakers being lower and coming up to help almost lift you into whatever you are watching.”

“I’m sure however you set them will be just fine, Spinelli.” Bella says, touching his arm to calm him down, “Isn’t that right, babe?”

“Sure. Whatever.” Mal says before turning around and leaving Bella and the Jackal by themselves.

Spinelli lets go of a breath that he wasn’t even aware he was holding in, “He’s never gonna like me, lil valkyrie.”

“He likes you just fine. He’s just in one of his many moods today,” she shrugs, “I just need to get him out of the house and into the ring.”

“It doesn’t help that I was insistent that we waited for everything to come in before this was fully put together. I’m sure that will be something he’ll hold over my head.”

Bella rolls her eyes, “It wasn’t your fault. And you are a perfectionist when it comes to all of this, it’s why we love you.”

“It’s why your mother still pays me to this day.”

Bella laughs and nudges him, “Yeah well you’re still family.”

Spinelli smiles at her before taking another sip and just then he remember something, “Mmm, speaking of...Breeze would like for you both to come over for dinner when you have a chance. I know Rose would love to see you.”

“I’ll have to see how the schedule is, but we’ll figure it out.” she says, looking back at the door, “I’m gonna get him out of here and out of your way. If you need anything, just text me and we’ll make sure it gets to you.”

“The Jackal shall. Luka gonna stay?” he asks, looking down at the pup that has made herself comfortable on a recliner that was placed in the room.

“I was thinking you could use a little guard dog. She’s completely worthless and will just lick her butt and maybe growl.”

“It’s alright, I like the company.” he says with a laugh.

“Figured as much. Thanks for doing this again, Spinelli.” Bella says with a hug, “It’s good to have you around again.”

“I’ll always be here for you,” Spinelli says, “We are bonded for reasons.”

“Ever since the day you came to find me. Going through all that stuff with...” Bella says drifting off to that memory of all those years ago, when she was held against her will from her mom and Spinelli was beaten.

“Don’t-” Spinelli cuts her off, “Don’t say his name. I know where you were going, and honestly it was so long ago. We’ve both grown, gotten bigger, stronger and have more to protect now. Reliving that does neither one of us any good.”

Bella nods slowly and sadly but she understands, that time was hard for them both. A secret that they both know, “True. But going to hell with you....at least I have someone that understands.”

“Bells! Have you seen my keys?”

Bella sighs and looks at her “uncle” “I gotta-”

Spinelli waves her off, “Go, I’ll be out of your hair soon enough.”

Bella smiles one more time before leaving the room. Ushering her husband towards the door, “Ok grouch, let’s get going.”

“What about-”

“She’s gonna hang out with Spinelli.”

Mal looks back with worry as he’s walking out, “I swear, if she starts with the dad jokes...”

“Get moving, Oscar!”


A few hours later.

The happy couple find themselves in a sweat in the middle of the Wolfslair gym, “I am so glad that we were able to use the gym to help us prepare a bit more.”

“I guess it pays off to have your connections,” Mal says as he takes a sip from a water bottle. “I’ll be right back. Gonna refill the water.”

Bella watches as he goes before she sighs heavily, “I can’t let him down.”

“I have to stop letting people down. Part of me is still extremely bitter about the fact that I was not able to be included in the Elimination Chamber but at the same time I have been beating myself up, that I have talked us right into this tag team title match.” Bella looks down at her hand that holds her wedding band and engagement ring that she kept on, “Malachi and I have been here a few different times now. Finding ourselves answering the challenges of ego driven people that have been left unchecked. Anthesis finds themselves in a very favorable position to overtake the whole damn company at Demon’s Run.”

“As someone whose legacy is super glued to PWS: Apex, I just cannot let that happen. Mal knows how much this means to me. Sass -n- Bash has been just him and I working and clawing the best way we can. I can’t let a supposed “family” outshine the connection that he and I have. Since April of 2019 it has been Mal and I verses everyone and we just don’t care what we gotta do to make sure that it stays that way. We don’t need anyone else, though the volunteers are nice. True family is nice.”

“Alexander has to be asking himself that if he has that same connection with Dio that he had with Sykes. I’m not going to sit here and assume one way or the other but Mal and I have had our backs since day 1. I’m done hearing about how these guys are going to rule my home. It’s time that we really truly take our place in the top echelon of PWS: Apex once again. And we’re going to do just that as your NEW PWS: Apex Tag Team Champions.”

Mal slides in by her, “We’re not afraid of the monsters, we’re not afraid of the pain. We’re going to make sure that we bring Anthesis down from the ground up. And good men...”

“And women.” Mal breaks in.

She looks at him and nods, “And women, are indeed going to war.”

[Malachi]

March 13
New York City

“I know that I’m not the easiest person to deal with, but I promise you that I will always have your back. I will always fight by your side. And I will always and forever support you in everything you do. Separately, you and I are forces to be reckoned with. But when we’re together, we can take on the world.”

A rare, soft smile came across Malachi’s face as he watched the television screen in his living room. The house was quiet for the moment, Bella having gone out to run some errands for the moment. He had finished his workout and after a quick shower he was relaxing on the couch when he heard the door swing open and closed with a loud THUMP! followed by the sound of multiple bags hitting the floor.

“Ugh, the grocery store was an absolute madhouse today, but I managed to get everything we needed. And even a few things we didn’t!” The voice of his wife Bella ringing out through the home brought a grin to Mal’s face. He heard footsteps approaching the living room, as Luka scrambled up from her dog bed in the corner to greet Bella as she strolled into the living room. “Whatcha watching there, mister?”

Plopping down on the couch next to him, she glanced up at the screen for a moment, but did a double take as she realized what was playing out. “Is that…our wedding video?”

Mal nodded slightly, raising his arm to wrap around her shoulders and pull her closer to him as he backed up the recording a bit to replay the part that he had just been watching. The two of them were standing at the front of a lavishly decorated hall, he in a black suit and her in a lacy white wedding gown. They were surrounded by their closest friends and family, with a priest standing just behind the couple. The couple on the couch watched as the Mal on screen recited his own written vows, and he paused it as soon as it was done. He glanced over to see Bella with a hand over her mouth and tears sparkling in her eyes. “I forgot how beautiful your vows were,” she said softly, resting her head on his shoulder.

“And you know I meant every word of it.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“What’s got you all in your feels today, anyways?”

He let out a short sigh, reaching up to rub at the back of his neck. “Just got my mind on this tag team match coming up. I know I haven’t had the best run lately, and I just don’t wanna let you down in this -”

He was silenced when Bella looked up and pressed a kiss to his lips. “Nope. Not having any of that. You and I are a team. Win, lose or draw. There is absolutely no one else in this company that I would rather win these tag titles with.”

He smirked at her slightly. “You’re really that confident, huh?”

“Damn straight. It’s about time that Sass ‘n Bash takes over PWS.” She gave him her own sassy smirk as they both settled on the couch to watch some television. “You know, as much as I really wanted us to be in that Elimination Chamber, I’m kind of glad it worked out this way.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Cause I would much rather fight with you than against you."

Mal chuckled slightly. “Why, because you know I’d whip your ass?”

Bella snorted. “Pfft, as if. More like I wouldn’t want to deal with your whiny, mopey self when I whip your ass!”

—-------------

Seated by the window in his New York townhome, Malachi stared outside of the window and watched the snow falling from the sky to the ground below, his icy blue eyes hardened into a look of determination as he turned to face the camera set up in front of him.

“So, Bella and I may not have made it into the Elimination Chamber, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not going to leave our mark at Demon’s Run. Specifically, we’re going to be leaving our boot prints on the necks of Alexander Lyons and Dionysis. For too long we’ve had to sit back and endure the antics of these Antithesis dopes and act like they’re supposed to be some big, intimidating force in this company. But all I see are a bunch of little boys trying to put some bass in their voice and some balls in their pants, and failing miserably at both.”

He leaned back slightly in his chair, raising one of his legs to rest his ankle across his knee. “You run around this place, trying to play these mind games and throwing around all the words you found in a thesaurus that you think make you sound all ominous and foreboding. But the real truth of it is…guys like you are a dime a dozen. I’ve seen it so many times before, it all starts blurring together after a while. And not just here in the States, I’ve seen it all done in Europe every day of the week and twice on Sundays. And even then I wasn’t impressed. I’ve never been the guy that runs from the shadows or gets scared by the so-called bogeyman that you’ve all tried so desperately to convince us all you are. But Bella and I can see right through this whole facade you’ve built for yourselves, and that’s why we’re gonna step into the ring at Demon’s Run and we’re going to tear you down, stomp you out and become the brand-new PWS Tag Team champions.”

He rose up from the chair and with his signature thumb across the throat gesture, the screen suddenly cut to black.