broadwaybeyonder

Battlesphere Battle Royal Part 3 Currently in the Ring: Eliminated Medusa (none) Carmen Sandiego, (none) Minerva Mink (none) Daenerys Targaryen (none) Poison Ivy (none) Katie Ka-Boom (none) *THE FOLLOWING BROADCAST IS BEING PRESENTED BY THE TRANSDIMENSIONAL COMBAT COMMISSION. ALL COMBATANTS MUST AGREE TO FOLLOW TCC GUIDELINES AT ALL TIMES. SAFETY OF ATENDEES IS NOT GUARANTEED.* Andel Sanap: Medusa wraps her hair around Miss Sandiego’s throat. Hoists her into the air and sends her face first into the turnbuckle! Al Rossi: Minerva leaps on her back! She’s flailing wildly with punches and slaps! Uh oh! Medusa’s hair grabs her by the tail! Hurls her over the top rope and straight into the Battlesphere wall! She’s out! Andel Sanap: Miss Mink is the first competitor eliminated from the battle royal! She de-materializes as Medusa glares defiantly over the ropes. Al Rossi: Hey! Look at Medusa! A strange light shimmering around her! Meanwhile Poison Ivy and Daenerys are dodging Katie’s blasts as Dany’s dragons circle above looking for a clear shot! Crowd: 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! BZZZZZ P.A.: Hailing frequencies open, captain! Andel Sanap: Lieutenant Yar runs to the teleporters! In an instant she’s beamed into the ring! She draws her phaser and fires a warning shot at Miss Ka-Boom! Al Rossi: But, Andel! What about Medusa? What’s happened to her? The lights are fading away and she looks normal but… What the…? Andel? Do you see what I see? Andel Sanap: If you are referring to the fact that Medusa now seems to be sporting a red tail, Al, the answer would be yes. Remember, Medusa got Miss Mink’s Toon-based powers by eliminating her. Apparently she gets some of her other…er…attributes, as well. Al Rossi: Which I guess includes Minerva’s vanity. Medusa looked confused for a moment, but now she’s just smiling blandly and gazing at herself in the reflection of the Battlesphere! What’s next?! Crowd: 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! BZZZZZ P.A.: You stole my boat! (Continue following the action in part 4, posted in Daenerys v Ivy v Ka-Boom)

I voted for Moana. Belle is clearly more popular, but as far as singing, she just has short solos in "Belle" and "Wasn't there before", plus her short reprise of "Belle". Moana was given more time to showcase her voice, which I think should make up for not being as classic as Belle.

If someone could explain how Kato and Shego got into a 'Comedy' sidekick slot, I'd appreciate it. Not knocking the people who chose them, I just thought we were choosing comedic sidekicks for this slot.

It's their powers, abilities and weapons that will be on the line.

Battlesphere Battle Royal Part 2 Currently in the Ring: Eliminated Medusa (none) Carmen Sandiego, (none) Minerva Mink (none) *THE FOLLOWING BROADCAST IS BEING PRESENTED BY THE TRANSDIMENSIONAL COMBAT COMMISSION. ALL COMBATANTS MUST AGREE TO FOLLOW TCC GUIDELINES AT ALL TIMES. SAFETY OF ATENDEES IS NOT GUARANTEED.* Andel Sanap: Miss Mink lunges toward Miss Sandiego who sidesteps out of the way. Minerva runs into the ropes and is caught by Medusa! Al Rossi: A strand of hair tosses Minerva over the ropes but she catches the middle rope with her tail! She doesn’t look particularly comfortable, but she’s trying to pull herself back into the ring as Medusa turns her attention to Carmen! Crowd: 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! BZZZZZ P.A.: Dracarys! Al Rossi: The Mother of Dragons! Daenerys Targaryen! And look who’s perched on her shoulders! Andel Sanap: She has her dragons! Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion! The TCC would never allow her to bring them into the Battlesphere fully grown, so they appear to have compromised and let her bring them at a younger age. Al Rossi: Smaller or not, that’s a lot of literal fire-power being brought in to the battle sphere! She beams in, and with a gesture all three dragons charge into the fray! Carmen is dodging Drogon’s fire while Medusa tries to catch Viserion and Rhaegal! Andel Sanap: But look at Miss Mink! She’s charging straight for Daenerys! Claws are out! Al Rossi: Yowch! Toon or not, those claws still cut deep! Uh oh! Daenerys is looking enraged! The dragons are turning to see! They can sense she’s been hurt! Andel Sanap: Miss Mink knows she’s in trouble! All three dragons with a blast of fire! But…what a moment! Miss Mink is still standing! Al Rossi: Minerva must be feeling grateful for Toon physics right now. Her dress is burnt, her face is covered in soot and she’s coughing smoke rings, but she’s still in there! Andel Sanap: Daenerys grabs Miss Mink by the back of neck to toss her over the rope! Mink reverses! They’re jockeying for position as the dragons return to pursue Miss Sandiego and Medusa! Crowd: 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! BZZZZZ P.A.: I am Nature's arm. Her spirit. Her will. Hell, I am Mother Nature! Andel Sanap: A woman who proclaimed that she and Miss Quinn were the only ‘Gotham girls’ in the battle royal that mattered, Poison Ivy! Al Rossi: She quickly teleports in and throws some seeds that instantly sprout into vines! Daenerys pulls out a sword and starts hacking away! Minerva is running for cover but there isn’t anywhere safe in the battle sphere! Andel Sanap: She runs right into Medusa who tries to toss her out only to be stopped by a punch from Miss Sandiego! Now the dragons are focusing on Poison Ivy, who’s creating more and more vines to shield herself! She dives through them and lands a kick on Daenerys! She loses her grip on the sword and falls into the corner! Al Rossi: The dragons’ breath reduces the vines to ashes! They send another stream of fire towards Poison Ivy but she cartwheels out of the way! Andel Sanap: Medusa and Miss Mink are attempting to eliminate Miss Sandiego! There she goes! No! She fired a grappling hook that caught the top rope! She’s pulling herself back in! Al Rossi: Meanwhile, Daenerys grabs her sword and charges toward Ivy! She misses with her swing and Ivy blows something in Daenerys’ face! Must be some kind of spores! Now she’s blinded! Andel Sanap: But the dragons are there to keep Ivy at bay and from capitalizing on Daenerys! Crowd: 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! BZZZZZ P.A.: I’M A TEENAGER!!!! Al Rossi: Uh oh! It’s time for a temper tantrum! It’s Minerva’s co-star from Animaniacs! Katie Ka-Boom! Andel Sanap: She looks to be excited to be here, Al! Pumping her fists, waving to the crowd! Hits the teleporter to beam in as the dragons are readying another flame attack! Al Rossi: OH! Katie beamed right into the line of fire! Daenerys and Ivy looked shocked as Katie stands in the flames! She’s a Toon like Minerva, so it isn’t doing much harm to her, but the outfit is ruined! And for Katie that’s even worse! Andel Sanap: Now she’s getting mad! She’s starting to transform into monster mode. Bulging muscles, flaming eyes! And she looks ready to tear Ivy and Daenerys apart! With power like that, who could eliminate her? OK: Poison Ivy, Daenerys (three baby dragons), and Katie Ka-Boom All have normal powers, abilities, and equipment. Also currently in the ring: Medusa, Carmen Sandiego, and Minerva Mink Whoever gets the least votes gets eliminated (If there’s a tie, both get eliminated). Whoever gets the most votes gets that woman’s powers/abilities (If there’s a tie, both get powers of the eliminated). If there are no ties the odd woman out simply takes damage, and will need to compete in the next round of the battle royal. Check out my other match ups to see how the rest of the match is going. Any questions, feel free to ask them. Game On!

Battlesphere Battle Royal Part 1 *THE FOLLOWING BROADCAST IS BEING PRESENTED BY THE TRANSDIMENSIONAL COMBAT COMMISSION. ALL COMBATANTS MUST AGREE TO FOLLOW TCC GUIDELINES AT ALL TIMES. SAFETY OF ATENDEES IS NOT GUARANTEED.* Al Rossi: Helloooooooo, fight fans! Welcome back to the Arena for TCC sanctioned action! And we are about to embark on the most ambitious contest the Transdimensional Combat Commission have cooked up! We will be witnessing a 30 woman over the top royal battle royal! Combatants from all over the multiverses have come to participate in this intriguing match type! Andel Sanap: Yes, Al. Even though I am confused as to what inspired the TCC to come up with this idea, but I cannot deny the lengths they have gone to make this happen! Now, we don’t know the full list of contestants, but we are aware that there some individuals that are possessing powers of flight or other abilities that would give them an advantage in a normal battle royal. Which is why the TCC have created a new map for the battle terrain: The Battlesphere! Al Rossi: High over the arena floor is a transparent, metallic sphere, some 40 feet in diameter. Suspended inside of that is a regulation 20-foot by 20-foot wrestling ring. The competitors will enter the battle terrain and proceed to a teleporter that will beam them into the sphere. Once the match begins, a new competitor will enter the sphere every 90 seconds. Competitors will be eliminated from the match if they are thrown over the top rope and both feet make contact with the sphere. They will immediately be transported back to the locker rooms, but that’s not all that happens! Andel Sanap: And this, Al, is what is so unusual about this fight. The TCC have decreed that if you eliminate someone, you will get that competitor’s powers and abilities to use in the match! So if you were to eliminate someone with magical powers, you would receive magical powers yourself. If you were to eliminate someone with fighting skills, you would get skills equal to them. The TCC have even programed the Battlesphere to generate facsimiles of weapons your victim used so can use them for yourself! Al Rossi: And all of this will come into play at the end of the battle royal, as the last woman standing will be able to choose one of her acquired fighting styles to access permanently in TCC sanctioned bouts! But I’m sure the fans are buzzing trying to learn who will be entering the Battlesphere. Earlier today, some of the competitors made their intentions know for the cameras. Let’s take a look. Cassie Cage: My first time in the TCC Arena…pretty much sucked. I mean, it was exciting. The crowd going crazy. Being able to kick the asses of some boys in red spandex. But I missed out on the finish. I got taken out and had to watch re-plays from a hospital bed. But now, I’m back. I’m at a 100%, and I’m going into a fight with 29 other ladies. And one of them just happens to be my mother. But don’t worry, Mom. I won’t take it easy on you. Cuz I know you won’t take it easy on me. Poison Ivy: The Battlesphere. Ha! Cute name. I’d just like to call it the final resting place of 28 other women who think they can survive me and Harley. It’s gonna come down to the two of us, because we are the only Gotham girls in this battle royal. Harley Quinn: But, Dr. Isely, what about…Roxy Rocket? What about…Red Claw? What about…GASP! Baby Doll? Poison Ivy: Oh, you’re right, Harl. Silly me. We are the only Gotham girls in this battle royal…that matter! Hahaha! Harley Quinn: Hahaha! Good one, Red! But I’ve got some unfinished business in this fight! Poison Ivy: Um, Harley? How can you have unfinished business? Neither of us have fought here before. Harley Quinn: I know that! But I’ve heard people talking, and they are saying that Luthor’s girl Saturday is gonna be here tonight. And you might think, Mercy, that you and me are even. You got a lucky shot or 5 in, I strap you to a giant robot and we’re all good, right? Wrong! I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure I’m in that ring when your number comes up! Because after I’m done with you, in that ring, there will be…heh… no Mercy. Ha! See what I did there, Red? Poison Ivy: Ugh. Yeah, sure. Chel: I know what you are thinking. “Chel! Are you crazy?! Going into the battle royal? Are you nuts or something?” Heh. Maybe. But to any of you girls who think you can underestimate me, go ahead. Think I don’t have a chance. That’s all I need to steal this battle royal. And to all of you ‘princesses’, let me be the one to show you what a real woman looks like, and fights like. The Phantom Lady: After the fight on July 4th at the Gorge, I didn’t feel any disappointment in my team losing to the Invaders. But I do have a problem with you, Miss Chloe Bourgeois. You insulted my team, you insulted my costume, then unleashed a temper tantrum on the fans. Well, today you’ll get a chance to see the Phantom Lady’s costume close up, and it will be the last thing you see before you are eliminated from the Battlesphere. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chloe Bourgeois: Hello again, losers! It’s me, Chloe Bourgeois! Queen Bee! And you might as well call me Queen TCC, because no one here is better than me! Ha ha! Now I know you people may be confused to see me here after the TCC forced me into that totally unfair rematch with Trini Kwan, but I know what I want in this fight. If you eliminate someone from the Battlesphere, you get that person’s powers. Which means if I were to eliminate Ladybug, I’d get a copy of her powers AND a copy of her Miraculous! Then I will be the only undefeated competitor in TCC history! So get ready for my victory party, because the idea of any of these so-called fighters winning? Ha! Utterly Ridiculous! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minerva Mink: Could you please get that light out of here? Are you trying to blind me? Huh. Incompetents. Okay. Hello, everyone! It’s your favorite Warner Bros’ starlet Minerva Mink! Here to tell you this battle royal is mine. Because I’m not just a pretty face. I’m the prettiest face! Make up! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Snow White: Umm, Cindy, what are we doing here? Cinderella: I think they want us to talk to that camera. Snow White: About what? Cinderella: About what we’re going to do in the Battlesphere. Snow White: Battlesphere?! I thought we were just having a party! We don’t know anything about fighting! Cinderella: Snow! Snow! Please, take it easy. We won’t be going in there alone. Tinker Bell will be there, Elsa will be there. Snow White: Oh, Elsa? Well, that’s different! With her magic, we’re sure to win! Cinderella: Um, of course we will. Ladybug: I was proud to be part of the first match in TCC history. I can’t wait to get in the Battlesphere. And I hope you’re in there, Ruby! I’ll be ready for you this time! And as for you, Chloe. Just know I’ll be keeping my eye on you. You’ve been talking about how you’re going throw me over the top rope and take my powers for yourself. But don’t forget. Some of these other girls may have watched you fight, but I’ve fought you myself, and I know what I need to do to beat you. And, who knows? Maybe I’ll be the one who gets a second Miraculous tonight! Elsa: I know many the women in this battle will look at me not just as the biggest threat, but the biggest target. My powers in the hands of some of these fighters could prove catastrophic if they aren’t careful. But I welcome this challenge. There are villains, heroes, princesses and thieves. But there is only one spirit of nature in this fight. And tonight, I will make my stand. Al Rossi: Whoa! Is that a lineup or what, Andel? Andel Sanap: Oh, indeed. Some new faces to the battle terrain and some looking to redeem past defeats. But who will come out on top? Let’s find out! Lets send it down to Justin Roberts! Justin Roberts: Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for the Battlesphere Battle Royal! Two women will begin the match, with another competitor entering the Battlesphere every 90 seconds. Competitors are eliminated by being thrown over the top rope, and both feet making contact with the Battlesphere wall. Eliminate a competitor, and you will gain their powers. The last woman standing wins, and gets to choose one of her acquired powers to use during any and all TCC sanctioned matches. Let’s bring out the competitor who drew number 1! P.A.: ALL HAIL MEDUSA! Al Rossi: Whoa! Well, you can’t have a battle royal without some royalty! Justin Roberts: From Attilan, the Queen of the Inhumans: MEDUUUUUUUSAAAAAAAAA!! Andel Sanap: Walking to the teleporter with purpose, Medusa is making her 2nd appearance in TCC Arena, following her victory over Entrapta. A press of a button and she materializes inside the sphere. She is clearly not pleased with being one of the first competitors to start this battle royal. Al Rossi: No one would! But who she going to start it with? Justin Roberts: And now, the competitor who drew number 2! Al Rossi: Medusa gotta be hoping for an easy opponent to eliminate quickly. Who P.A.: DO IT, ROCKAPELLA! YEAH! Andel Sanap: A roar from the crowd! They know what that music means! Justin Roberts: From an undisclosed location, she puts the ‘mis’ in misdemeanor: CARMEEEEEEEEEN SANDIEEEEEEEEEGOOOOOOOOOO!! Al Rossi: A very resourceful opponent! She waves to the crowd before walking to the teleporter and beaming into the sphere. Andel Sanap: Medusa locks eyes with Miss Sandiego as she tips her hat to her. The official is ready to start the match! Referee: Competitors ready? 3! 2! 1! Commence combat! Al Rossi: Medusa extends her hair as Carmen throws a smoke grenade. The Medusa’s hair heads into the smoke and now she’s pulling back! Andel Sanap: The smoke has cleared and no one’s there! And look! Some kind of handcuffs trapping Medusa’s hair! Al Rossi: A ruse by Carmen! But quick flex of those strong as steel hairs and the cuffs snap off! Andel Sanap: But where is Miss Sandiego? Al Rossi: Wait! Look! Do you see that? Under the ring, by the apron! There she is! Andel Sanap: She slipped under the ring and is using the rigging underneath to climb to the other side! The crowd is going crazy but Medusa doesn’t know where Miss Sandiego got to! She’s looking over the edge where she was standing, but Miss Sandiego is now crawling up the apron and has hold of the ropes! Al Rossi: Expert skill to complete that maneuver without having her feet make contact with the sphere! Medusa sense somethings up! She turns, but Carmen leaps to the ropes! Andel Sanap: By the Force! A springboard dropkick off the ropes takes Medusa to the mat! Medusa is stunned! Miss Sandiego grabs her by the hair and tries throw Medusa over the ropes but the hair quickly wraps around the ropes to save her. Al Rossi: Clock is winding down. We are going to be getting our third entry. Who’s next? Crowd: 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! BZZZZZ P.A.: La da da da dadadee! It’s not pretty being me! Al Rossi: The face that launched a thousand furries! Here’s Minerva Mink! Andel Sanap: She is in no hurry to reach the teleporter as she soaks in the cheers and blows kisses to the crowd. Al Rossi: Daintily presses the button and beams into the sphere. She runs to Carmen and Medusa, still tangled up in the ropes! Andel Sanap: Miss Mink grabs the legs of Miss Sandiego! She’s trying to eliminate two competitors at once! Miss Sandiego is fighting back! And OH! Medusa swipes both of them off her with her hair and climbs back into the ring! Al Rossi: We’re off and running, folks! Who’s going to be the first eliminated? OK: Currently in the Ring: Medusa, Carmen Sandiego, Minerva Mink All have their normal powers, skills, and equipment. Whoever gets the least votes gets eliminated (If there’s a tie, both get eliminated). Whoever gets the most votes gets that woman’s powers/abilities (If there’s a tie, both get powers of the eliminated). If there are no ties the odd woman out simply takes damage, and will need to compete in the next round of the battle royal. Check out my other match ups to see how the rest of the match is going. Any questions, feel free to ask them. Game On!

THE BOTTOM LINE Al Rossi: And we’re back, folks! This fight appears to have stayed in the food court, or what is left of the food court by now. 10 has battered Slab to a pulp and is now going after Hairbag! Queen uses her powers to wrap up Hairbag’s arms and legs in guard rails, and don’t look now! 10: Lights out, trash bag! Hairbag: My name is Hairb-umph! Andel Sanap: Hard to speak with a mouth full of fist, Andel. Now that he’s unconscious, and all wrapped up, Queen’s holding him suspended in the air! She’s looking at Jack, still tangled up in George! Queen: Jack! Out of the way! Now! Al Rossi: She launches Hairbag like a furry missile! Jack slides out from George just in time to avoid the collision of the oncoming Hairbag! Jack: Ha! Man, are these guys losers or what? Ruckus: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! Andel Sanap: The sonic scream of Ruckus sends the Gang flying into the wall! But King leaps out from the rubble he was hiding behind and fires! King: Shut up, clown! Bow down to the king! Al Rossi: Three quick blasts and down goes Ruckus! Andel Sanap: But that still leaves us with Ace and Vertigo. They have stood in the middle of all this chaos, not moving or even blinking. The official is checking on both, wearing some special goggles to keep from getting caught in their powers. And now he’s signaling the time keepers! Referee: Winners: The Royal Flush Gang! Al Rossi: A quick victory for the gang, Andel. I guess now we just have to look forward to this battle royal that Pegasus was…Wait a minute! What’s happening to the force field around the battle terrain?! Andel Sanap: By the Force! It’s retracting! That field is the only thing keeping Vertigo and Ace’s powers from affecting the audience! Al Rossi: Now Ace’s face is being projected on the main screen! Ladies and gentlemen, there appears to have been a terrible malfunction! We are still protected by the force field around the announcer’s booth, but the arena has fallen into chaos! Fans are in agony from Vertigo’s powers or being put into catatonic states by Ace’s! Folks, we have to go! This is Al Rossi and Andel Sanap saying good night! Control Room! Get the screen back up! Get Mercy out there! Hurry! 7: You parasite! You are endangering our creation by pulling that trick! 1: Hold your tongue, human. The game was dull. It needed something memorable. 8: I like it! That kind of aggression is something I can appreciate in a business partner! 4: Just as long as your little prank doesn’t make us lose our audience for your battle royal. 5: Everything is prepared. These 30 females will be summoned across time and space. They will be great sport for my game! 6: You mean ‘our’ game. Just make sure they are ready. 5: Bah! I will not be questioned by demons and goblins! I am a Lord of Time! 3: This is a joint venture. None of you better forget that. No matter our wealth or our kingdoms, we will decide the fate of the TCC. #WhoAreThe8?

THE BOTTOM LINE “WAAAAAAAAAAAH!!” Snow White flinched slightly as the baby she held screamed into her ear. She maintained her smile as the child’s mother held up her phone to take their picture. “And that’s it! Oh wait. Sorry, I had the wrong filter. Could we do that again?” The park attendant at Snow’s side nodded with a bland expression on his face. “I’m sure Snow White wouldn’t mind, would you, princess?” Snow White’s jaw tightened as the baby continue to wail, but she still tried to sound pleasant. “Oh, that would be fine. Please, little one, look at mother and her magic box.” Twenty feet away, Cinderella listened to the baby’s cries with amusement. Snow White and her had been outside of “It’s a Small World” for almost two hours now. The sun was unbearably hot and the crowds were constantly moving, shouting, and arguing. There’s no way that Snow would be able to outlast her. She’d crumble and behave un-princess-like soon. Suddenly she felt someone tugging on her dress. Cinderella looked down and saw a five year old girl in a Goofy hat looking up at her. “Hello, little princess,” Cinderella said pleasantly. “How are you today?” The girl continued to look stone-faced at her. “Are you supposed to be Elsa?” Cinderella cleared her throat and glanced at her attendant. The man just shrugged and looked bored at the sky. “Well, no. My name is Cinderella. What’s your name?” “Where’s Elsa?” the child snapped back. Cinderella could feel the frustration, but gritted her teeth into a smile. “I really don’t know where Elsa is. I’m sure she might be here later and…” “I WANT TO SEE ELSA!” the child howled at the top of her lungs. Cinderella stepped back in surprise as the child’s parents collected her. “There, there, dear,” the mother said. “We’ll find Elsa somewhere else.” She turned towards Cinderella and glared at her. “Thanks a lot. You didn’t to make her cry, you know.” Cinderella was about to try to explain, before stopping herself and just giving a deep sigh. “Look, princess,” said her attendant. “Maybe you’d like to go back to your room and rest for a while.” Cinderella snapped herself back to attention and plastered another smile on her face. “Oh it’s fine. I’m perfectly alright.” “I’m just sayin’,” a male guest said to Snow White. “What exactly were you doing with those dwarves in that house?” Snow White looked confused. “Well, we danced, and we sang. And I helped them keep things clean.” The guest turned to the rest of his group who were snickering and urging him on. “Yeah, yeah. But what did you do after that? One girl, seven dudes? What did you all get up to after you cleaned up? Did you do some more ‘dancing’?” Snow White detected the trace of lewdness in the young man’s voice. “Excuse me?” “You should be ashamed of yourself!” the woman in the blue mask yelled at Cinderella. “I don’t understand,” said Cinderella. “What did I do?” The woman’s eyes flashed over her mask. “How dare you walk around this park without wearing a mask! Think of the children!” “Ah lay off it!” shouted a man holding an ice cream cone. “Everyone knows that’s all a hoax!” The woman whirled at the man in fury. “A hoax?! You anti-science creep!” “Government stooge!” “Please, people, please!” Cinderella shouted, desperately trying to hold on to her temper. The two guests were nose to nose, screaming incoherently, until the woman in the mask gave the man a shove. He flung his arms in the air, losing his grip on his ice cream cone. The cone arced through the air before landing squarely on Cinderella’s head. The crowd around Cinderella fell silent. Her attendant looked in shock. Cinderella stood frozen for a moment, feeling the melting pistachio ice cream dripping down her face and onto her blue dress. She looked up with a furious look on her face. “Very well!” she declared. “That! Is! It!” She lifted her face to the sky and sang an extremely high note. Birds began swarming and flying around the crowd, sending everyone screaming and ducking for cover. “I’ve had it! All of you acting so selfish! So self centered! Not thinking about anyone but yourselves! Not trying to understand anybody but yourselves! I tried to nice, but all of you wouldn’t know nice if it bit you!” Snow White hurried over to Cinderella, holding her hands up pleading. “Cindy! Cindy, please, stop! Please, calm down!” Cinderella spun to face Snow White, her face taut in rage. Then, her expression softened. She placed a hand to her face in shock as the birds flew back to the trees. Cinderella’s attendant looked at her in disbelief. “What the heck was that all about? We need to get you out of here now!” Snow White’s attendant ran up to the crowd, holding his radio. “Brady! We’ve got dispatch on the line! They got reports about…whatever that was!” “Well, tell them it’s over, Carl,” said Brady. “I’m escorting Cinderella to the back to get her cleaned up.” “That’s the thing, Brady!” Carl said. “I was talking to dispatch! You and me were supposed to be shadowing Winnie the Pooh and Tigger today! Cinderella and Snow White aren’t even on the street yet!” Brady’s jaw dropped. “But if they aren’t on the street yet, then who the heck are…” He turned to see Snow White and Cinderella dashing into the crowd as fast as their dresses would allow. Brady could only stare as Carl got on the radio. “Dispatch, this is Attendant 4. We’ve got two suspicious guests heading for Liberty Square! They are dressed up like Snow White and Cinderella! Better let security know!” Carl started to run after the princesses and yelled back to Brady. “Come on, man! We need to stop those two, or our jobs are toast!” Snow White and Cinderella ran past confused guests towards the Haunted Mansion. They ducked behind a fence and continued to run to an old maintenance shed. “Quick! In here!” Snow White cried. They ran inside, and slammed the door shut. Lit by a single, swinging bulb, Snow White and Cinderella moved a cart in front of the door and leaned against the wall in exhaustion. “Do you think we lost them?” asked Snow White. “How should I know?” snapped Cinderella. “This is all your fault!” Snow White huffed and looked away. “Well, I wasn’t the one who lost my temper in front of all those people!” “And I wouldn’t have even been out there if it wasn’t for all your ‘real princess’ nonsense!” Snow White turned back towards Cinderella. Then she lifted up her hand to stifle a giggle. Cinderella glared at her. “And just what is so funny?” Snow White slid down the wall to sit and floor, futilely attempting to keep from laughing. “Oh! I’m so sorry, Cindy! But you just look so silly with that cone on your head!” Cinderella raised her hand to her hair to find that the cone was still stuck in her bun. She wiped some of the pistachio ice cream off her face, licked some off her fingers and shrugged. “Not even my favorite flavor.” Snow White went into another fit of giggles, as Cinderella started to grin. “I don’t know what’s to laugh about,” she said, trying to hold back her own laughter. “I don’t look as silly as you did with that baby! She was crying loud enough to wake up Aurora!” The two princesses both burst out laughing as they sat on the floor of the shed. After a few seconds, Snow White leaned her head against the wall and sighed. “Oh, what a mess! We could have both had a nice lunch with our friends. I wish Ariel hadn’t told me what you said about me.” “Snow, I’m telling you I don’t know what you’re…” Cinderella stopped herself. “Wait a moment. What did Ariel say I said about you?” “That you were wanting to have me banished from the castle. That you thought you were more of a princess than I was.” Cinderella got up off the floor as Snow White moved to sitting on her knees. “Cindy? What’s the matter?” Cinderella started to pace around the shed. “Snow, Belle came to me, and told me the same thing. She said you were planning on banishing me from the castle for not being a real princess.” Snow White rose up from the floor incensed. “That’s a lie! I wouldn’t want anyone to be banished! They are all our friends! Why would Belle say that?” Cinderella walked back to Snow White and took her hands. “Think about it, Snow. Who was it that put the idea in our heads to settle our argument this way?” Snow White’s eyes widened. “We were listening to people talking about the Park. Jasmine, Belle…” “And Ariel,” finished Cinderella. The two princesses looked up at the ceiling of the shed. “Uh oh,” said Ariel, as she, Belle, and Jasmine saw the mirror show Snow White and Cinderella seemingly glaring back at them. “Any more ‘genius’ ideas?” asked Jasmine balefully. Ariel turned to Belle. “We should have brought them back as soon as Cinderella lost her temper. Why did you tell us to wait?” “We couldn’t just bring them back when they were surrounded by all those people. Two princesses disappearing into thin air? They’d know it was real magic.” Jasmine pulled her feet onto the couch as she continued to look at the mirror. “Well, they’re alone now. Should I use the spell?” Ariel fidgeted nervously. “Maybe we could wait until they calmed down a little?” “Alright, ladies,” Cinderella called through the mirror. “You’ve had your little joke, but the game is over.” “Yes,” said Snow White. “Use the mirror and bring us home right now!” There was suddenly a commotion at the door of the shed. The sound of running feet and someone tugging at the doorhandle. “Okay! We know you’re in there! Open this door right now!” Snow White grabbed a hold of Cinderella’s hand. “They found us! Oh, Jasmine, please hurry!” Ariel turned to Jasmine. “Do it! Use the spell!” Jasmine walked to the mirror, but stopped short of putting her hand on the frame. “What are you waiting for?” asked Belle urgently. Jasmine looked back sheepishly. “Well, I’m having a little trouble remembering what the spell was.” “Jasmine!” Ariel and Belle shouted. “Alright, alright! I know it! Let’s see. No, that was for the picture. Maybe…no that was for the sound. Wait! That’s it!” Jasmine placed her hand on the frame. The door to the shed started to push open. Cinderella put her arm around Snow White. “Now would be a good time, Jasmine!” “Reverteteur in terram suam!” The door to shed knocked the cart aside as Brady, Carl and a security guard ran in. But the shed was empty, and the two princesses were gone. “I don’t get it!” said Brady. “Everyone said they were heading this way! Where’d they go?” The security guard crossed his arms and glared at the two attendants. “I don’t know about that. But I do know we are going to have a little talk with your supervisor. Honestly, some strange women walk up to you pretending to be princesses, and you just accept that they are employees without even checking in? Let’s go.” Brady and Carl slowly trudged out of the shed, and the guard closed the door behind them. At that same moment, Snow White and Cinderella fell out of the mirror back into the banquet hall of the castle. Ariel stood behind the couch as Jasmine pulled the curtain back in front of the mirror. Belle ran to help up Cinderella. “I’m so glad you two are home safe. Oh, Cindy, let me get that thing out of your hair.” Cinderella held up a hand to stop Belle, then pulled the cone out with a final yank. Ariel and Jasmine joined Belle in front of the two beleaguered princesses, and shuffled their feet. Ariel cleared her throat. “I just want to say I’m sorry to you both. This was all my idea. The two of you always seemed so poised and so calm. It made me wonder what it would take to make you lose your tempers.” “Ariel told us that maybe we could get you to argue if you thought the other one was saying mean things about you,” Jasmine chimed in. “But none of it was real. It was just a game. For fun.” Belle chuckled nervously. “And you have to admit, it was kind of funny when that ice cream landed in your…” Belle fell silent when she saw Snow White and Cinderella’s stony gaze. “The point is,” said Ariel. “It was a dumb joke, and I’m sorry.” “We’re all sorry,” said Jasmine. “Yes, very sorry,” said Belle. Snow White and Cinderella’s expressions had not changed. They stood in front of the three princesses in silence. “Well?” asked Ariel. “Please don’t just stand there. Yell at us. Tell us how foolish we were. Say something!” Cinderella turned to look at Snow White. “I really don’t feel like saying anything. Do you?” Snow White shook her head. “No. In fact, I actually feel like…singing.” With that, Snow White started to sing a deceptively cheerful melody, with Cinderella harmonizing with her. The other three princesses looked on in confusion, until they saw the flocks of birds gathering at the open windows, and mice, squirrels, skunks, and other woodland creatures gathering at the doors of the banquet hall. Ariel started to back away slowly toward the exit. “You know? It’s moments like this where I’m glad I have legs.” Jasmine and Belle backed up alongside her. “Why?” asked Belle. “Oh, you know. Now I know how to walk, and to dance, and to…RUN!” The princesses turned and bolted out of the banquet hall, followed by the stampede of wildlife. Snow White and Cinderella walked hand in hand back to the table, as the sound of screaming, screeching, and running feet echoed through the castle. Cinderella pulled a chair next to Snow White as she freshened up her tea. “How long do you think we should keep this up?” Snow White poured some tea for Cinderella as well. “Oh, for an hour or two. Two hours of exercise seems fair after what we’ve been through today.” Cinderella listened to the cacophony of noises clattering through the halls of the castle, then gave a wry smile to Snow White. “You know, this doesn’t feel very princess-like, does it?” Snow White took a sip of her tea with a mischievous look in her eyes. “No. But it certainly does feel…fun.”

Superman and Flash vs. Royal Flush Gang! - YouTube Mr. Sinister kidnaps Scott and Jean - "X-Men the Animated Series" - YouTube Wolverine vs Nasty Boys - YouTube Magneto & Xavier vs. Vertigo - YouTube

*THE FOLLOWING BROADCAST IS BEING PRESENTED BY THE TRANSDIMENSIONAL COMBAT COMMISSION. ALL COMBATANTS MUST AGREE TO FOLLOW TCC GUIDELINES AT ALL TIMES. SAFETY OF ATENDEES IS NOT GUARANTEED.* Al Rossi: Helloooooo, fight fans! Al Rossi and Andel Sanap back with you at TCC Arena for a great match up! Two teams of henchmen for hire going head-to-head. The Nasty Boys: Gorgeous George, Ruckus, Slab, Hairbag, and Vertigo, taking on the Royal Flush Gang! Andel Sanap: Two teams of very unpleasant individuals, Al. And dangerous, as well. I’m not sure if it’s wise to allow both Vertigo and Ace to be in the battle terrain at the same time. Their powers could be particularly hazardous to the fans in attendance. Al Rossi: Relax, Andel, that’s why we have the protective field up for this fight. It will counteract any effects of Ace’s powers of perception and Vertigo’s equilibrium based attacks. Let’s send it down to Philippa. Philippa Forrester: Hey, guys! Um, I was hoping to get a word with the Royal Flush Gang but they have refused to let me in their locker room. I’ll try again. Hello? King? Queen? It’s Philippa. Queen: What do you want? Philippa Forrester: I’m sorry to interrupt. I know you are getting ready for the fight, but I was wondering if you had time for some questions? King: Questions? Ha! Back off, lady. The only question that you need to be asking is do we beat the Nasty Boys in 5 minutes or will they just surrender before the fight even starts! 10: Yeah! We’ll wreck those creeps! Queen: So why don’t you just go be ugly somewhere else? We want to be alone for… Ruckus: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! Queen: Ahhhhhh!! Umph! Gorgeous George: Ha ha! Good one, Ruckus! Ruckus: Anytime, George! Jack: Look what you did our dressing room?! Queen: Never mind the room! Look what his voice did to my hair!! King: You guys want to play?! Take this!! Slab: Hey! Watch it with the fire balls! Philippa Forrester: Um, security? Andel Sanap: What’s going on? What’s happened to the feed? Al Rossi: Sorry, Andel, but I’ve been notified that we are getting a message from TCC rep Maximillion Pegasus. Andel Sanap: But we don’t have time for an announcement! What about Philippa? The Nastys and the Gang look about ready to start fighting right now! Al Rossi: Hey, I don’t make the rules, buddy. Here is TCC representative, Maximillion Pegasus. Maximillion Pegasus: Hello, boys and girls. Hope everyone’s excited for today’s fight. Don’t worry. The Nasty Boys and the Royal Flush Gang will be out in just a moment. But I’m here to announce what’s coming next to TCC Arena! You fans are going to behold the latest innovation from the Transdimensional Combat Commission! Because next time the TCC brings you action, it won’t be just two fighters. It won’t be two teams. Oh no, no. It will be THIRTY competitors in an over the top rope battle royal! That’s right, 30 ladies from across the multiverses will compete against each other for dominance. But that’s not all. In this battle, if you eliminate someone, you will be given their powers, abilities, and weapons to continue in the fight. Whoever is the last woman standing, will be able to choose one of these powers to be able to use whenever they compete in TCC sanctioned matches. So don’t wait! Get in contact with the TCC to sign up for a slot. See you next time, fight fans! Hahaha! Al Rossi: Unbelievable! Another Pegasus announcement, another bombshell! Andel Sanap: I don’t understand! All these announcements, these stipulations. Something has definitely changed with the TCC lately. Al Rossi: Hey, if it’s gets us a fight like this, it can’t be all bad! 30 women battle royal! And we still have 5v5 tonight! Take it away, Justin! Justin Roberts: Good evening, TCC Arena. The following contest is a 5v5 elimination match. Eliminations occur by knockout or submission. The team that eliminates all 5 of their opponents first, wins. Introducing first, they are Gorgeous George, Ruckus, Slab, Hairbag, and Vertigo: THE NAAAAAAASTY BOOOOOOOOYS!! Andel Sanap: Riding in on George’s tar like body to the battle terrain. With Slab and Hairbag, the Nasty Boys may have a strength advantage. Justin Roberts: And their opponents, they are 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace: THE ROOOOOOOOOOOYAL FLUSH GAAAAAAAAAANG!! Al Rossi: Nice entrance with those flying playing cards. Of course they won’t be allowed to use them in the fight. The battle terrain is formatting itself into the Lakewood Shopping Center map, three floors of stores full of plunder for these two teams to use. Here’s the official! Referee: Combatants ready? 3! 2! 1! Commence combat! Andel Sanap: Vertigo runs in and points at Ace! Ace locks her with that blank stare! Al Rossi: Neither one is budging. I guess the Nastys wanted to get Ace and her perception warping powers out of the fight early, but it seems that now she and Vertigo are gridlocked. But here comes the rest of the Gang! Andel Sanap: 10 charges into Slab and smashes him into the food court while Queen uses her magnetic abilities to throw chairs and tables at Hairbag! Al Rossi: Ruckus gives another sonic scream that sends King scrambling for cover to start blasting! Meanwhile we got George and Jack getting all tangled up with each other. Who’s going to come on top? And what about this battle royal? Stay tuned to us for more info! OK: Both teams are at full strength. Ace can just affect perception, she doesn’t have any reality warping powers yet. They are in a three story mall. Whichever team takes out all 5 members of the opposition first, wins. Game On! #WhoAreThe8?

THE BOTTOM LINE The evening sky was lit up by a fiery display as stars, planets, and musical notes collided with green lightning, and demons tore into phantom owls. The Duke used his breath to summon claws that crushed a statue that Rasputin’s magic had brought to life, while marble soldiers rose from the tops of their crypts to shoot stone bullets at the giant bird. “HUNCH!” he howled to his nephew. “Get the reliquary!” Hunch started to speed toward the tower before stopping mid-flight. “Um, Uncle Dukie? What’s the reliquary?” The Duke groaned and pointed toward Rasputin on the ruins of his tower. “The glowing, green tube! Take it and bring it to me!” “Yes, sir! Right away, sir!” said Hunch, and he flew off again, only to get stopped by Bartok grabbing a hold of his satchel. “Take it easy, there, fella. Not a good idea to interrupt to people doing the whole ‘wizards duel’ thing.” Hunch kicked with his talons at Bartok, forcing him to let go. He took off after the bat as he flew back into the graveyard. “Come back here, you little runt! Hoo hoo! Abomination! Amplification! Assassination! I’ll get you for that!” “GET BACK HERE, HUNCH, YOU IMBECILE!” The Duke roared as the two creatures disappeared amongst the crypts. Rasputin pointed the reliquary at the Duke, and blast of green energy struck him square in the chest. The owl hooted in pain and began to shrink down to the size of a normal owl, flapping his wings desperately to steady himself. “Now, my servants! Bring him to me!” The green demons flew around the Duke. They took hold of his wings and carried him to Rasputin. The Duke fought as hard as he could, but could not break their grip. The Duke looked into the face of Rasputin, and chuckled nervously. “Oh. Heh heh. Can’t we settle this like gentlemen? One wizard to another?” Rasputin grinned dangerously. “Oh, I already have something I want to settle for myself. Now, my children. Around and around and around…” The demons took a hold of the Grand Duke of Owls’ head. To the sound of the Duke’s cries for mercy, they forced his head to turn around. Further and further and further until finally… a snapping sound filled the air. Green light began surrounding the now lifeless body of the Grand Duke of Owls. In a matter of moments, the light had faded, and the remains of the Duke was gone. Rasputin sneered. “Well, well. I guess they can’t turn all the way around.” Bartok flew out of the darkness and hid behind Rasputin. Hunch flew in seconds behind, and stopped when he saw that his uncle was gone. He looked around the room in confusion. “Uncle Dukie? Uncle Dukie? Sir? Where are you?” Hunch then noticed Rasputin with Bartok sitting on his shoulder. Hunch gulped and landed with a thud on the floor. “Hoo hoo. Altercation. Adaptation. Amputation. What are you gonna d d do to me?” Rasputin raised the reliquary to the sky. “Don’t worry, creature. I’ll be merciful. I’ll send you to meet your ‘uncle’!” Bartok quickly flew off Rasputin’s shoulder and landed on his hand holding the reliquary. “Um, sir? Don’t mean to intrude. I mean, I know this little guy messed up your potion and everything. But it sure looked to me that he and big bird over there weren’t on good terms either. Maybe we could work something out?” Rasputin moved his hand and Bartok closer to his face. “Like what, fool?” Bartok cleared his throat nervously. “Well, I’m just saying it wouldn’t hurt to have a little help around here. I mean, hey, two henchmen is better than one, right? And I could keep an eye on him, show him the ropes. What do you think?” Rasputin’s grip tightened on the reliquary, but then it started to stop glowing and he let go of it and let it hand from his belt. “Very well, Bartok. You are responsible for this owl. But if any trouble comes of it, I’ll have your wings!” Bartok gave a salute. “You got it, sir! Loud and clear!” Bartok flew down to Hunch, and gave a kick to his backside. “Okay, buster. First thing we gonna do is to clean up the mess you made. So let’s move it already!” Hunch scrambled over to a pile of books and started to pick up as many as he could. “Right away, sir! I’ll get this place looking good as new! Hoo hoo!” Hunch launched himself into the air and collided with the bookcase headfirst. Hunch and his books tumbled back to the floor on top of Bartok, followed by the bookcase. Rasputin put his hand to his face and groaned. “Sometimes I wish I was back in limbo!”

Once upon a time, the wielders of magic looked across the expanse of time and space between their kingdoms. They were Yen Sid, Merlin, the Genies, the Fairies, and the other great magicians, wizards, and witches. By combing their powers, they set about establishing several smaller realms between the kingdoms. They were a collection of castles and lands that would allow people from different kingdoms to gather and explore together. One castle in particular became known as the retreat for the princesses, a place where could get away from the stress of ruling their kingdoms. For many years, the princesses would come to relax and enjoy their fellowship, and all was well. Until one day… Snow White sat at her dressing table brushing her hair. She hummed to herself as she gazed into her mirror until she heard a knock at the door. “Come in,” her voice trilled. The door to the bedroom opened and Ariel peeked inside. “I thought I heard someone in here,” she said with a grin. “Ariel!” Snow White shouted happily. She quickly rose from her chair and rushed to give her a hug. “I’m so glad you could make it for Jasmine’s party!” Ariel returned the embrace then took a step back holding Snow White’s hands. “I wouldn’t want to miss it. And look at you, all dressed up!” Snow White lifted her yellow skirt as she spun around and returned to the table. “Why not? It’s not every day I get a chance to wear it, let alone be able to see all of you girls at the castle.” Snow White returned to brushing her hair as Ariel moved behind her, looking at their reflections in the mirror. “I always loved that dress! And you look wonderful as always, Snow. No matter what they say!” Snow White stopped in mid-brush, a confused look on her face. “No matter what who say?” Ariel looked nervously around the room, and put her hands on the back of Snow White’s chair. “Er, well, you know how girls are sometimes. Talking, gossiping. But I’m sure she didn’t mean it. Oh! Look at the time! Lunch will be served at one, and I wanted to take a quick swim in the pool. And you know I can’t do it after a meal. See you down there, Snow!” Ariel quickly headed for the door only to stopped by Snow White’s hand as she got up from the table. She gave Ariel a concerned look. “Ariel, we’ve been friends for a long time. I know people might think I’m naïve after my trouble with the apple, but I can tell that you are hiding something. Now, who is this ‘she’ you’re talking about?” Ariel stammered for a moment before giving a deep sigh. She walked to the door, checked behind it, then closed it before turning to face Snow White. “Well, I didn’t want to spread any tales. But when I was making my way to the pool, I almost walked in on Cinderella talking to some of the servants. They didn’t see me, but I heard her telling them that she was going to make some changes to the castle.” Snow White’s eyes widened. “What kind of changes?” Ariel looked over her shoulder, then looked at Snow White with sympathetic eyes. “To start, to have you not be able to visit the castle anymore.” Snow White looked dumbfounded, then laughed. “Oh, really, Ariel. You must be joking! Why would Cinderella ever say a thing like that?” Ariel raised a finger to her lips to shush Snow White and guided her back to the dressing table. “I didn’t want to believe it either. But Cinderella was very serious. She said that since she was clearly the best of all the princesses, that she should be the one who decides who counts as one.” “But this doesn’t make sense,” said Snow White. “Cinderella and I were the first princesses to come to the castle. Why would she want to drive me away?” Ariel cleared her throat. “Ahem. Well, she did say some reasons why. She said everyone knows she’s more of a real princess than you are. She said her gowns are better than yours…” “Oh. Well, her gowns are very nice, I suppose.” “That she’s a better singer than you are…” “Oh, did she?” “And she said that when the Dreamers built the Park in honor of us, they did choose her castle to be the centerpiece of it instead of yours.” “Oh.” Ariel put her hands on Snow White’s shoulders to comfort her as she stared depressed into her mirror. “I’m so sorry, Snow. When I heard all that, I didn’t know what to do except let you know.” “Maybe I should talk to Cinderella about this,” wondered Snow White. “Oh no!” exclaimed Ariel. “I mean, that wouldn’t do at all! Cinderella is wanting to keep this a secret. If you tried to talk to her about it, she’d just lie and say I was making it up.” Snow White looked worried up at Ariel. “But then what can we do?” “For now, don’t do anything. After lunch we can try to talk to Jasmine and Belle. Then we can all go to Cinderella to try to talk her out of this. Don’t worry. I won’t let you be banished.” Snow White gulped. “Oh. Thank you, Ariel.” Ariel gave Snow White’s shoulders a comforting squeeze than started for the door. “I better get going if I want to get my swim in before lunch. See you then?” Snow White stared distractedly at her reflection. “Hmm? Oh yes. See you then, Ariel.” Ariel closed the door, and Snow White picked up her brush. She gave a couple strokes to her hair before stopping and gazing at the mirror again. “A mistake. That’s what it is, just a silly mistake. Cinderella would never say things like that about me, would she? Would she?” At that moment, Cinderella was in the castle courtyard. Standing under a shady tree, she sang to the birds as they perched eagerly on the branches to listen. Some of the birds whistled in harmony with her song. Belle watched as she leaned against the wall of the stone archway to the courtyard. When Cinderella and the birds finished her song, the other birds all chirped in excitement, and Belle clapped. “You really need to teach me how to do that,” smiled Belle. Cinderella smiled back and curtsied to Belle. “Oh, there’s really nothing to it. And you sing beautifully, too, Belle.” Belle stepped into the courtyard and nodded at the feathered audience. “Not enough to sing birds out of trees, though. Um, Cindy, I hate to interrupt your practice, but would you mind if we could talk for minute? Alone, if you don’t mind?” Cinderella shrugged and turned back to the birds. “We’ll continue our practice tomorrow?” The birds chirped their agreement and quickly took the skies. The two princesses sat down on a stone bench. “Now, Belle. What did you want to talk about?” Belle took a deep breath to gather herself. “Cindy, do you remember when I first came to the castle? I tried not to show it, but part of me was so nervous. All of the princesses seemed so perfect, so beautiful. And I wasn’t even a princess by birth like some of the others were.” Chuckling, Cinderella put her arm around Belle’s shoulders. “Oh, Belle. I knew you belonged here. You are just as much a princess as anyone. Besides, I wasn’t a princess by birth, either, and I turned out alright.” Belle gave a look over her shoulder, then back to Cinderella. “I know, and I appreciate how good of a friend you’ve been then and now. But I’ve stumbled on something, and you were the only one I could think of who could help.” Cinderella’s face grew concerned. “Belle, if something’s wrong you know you can talk to me. What is it?” Belle took another breath. “it’s about Snow. I think she’s planning on removing you from the castle.” “What?” exclaimed Cinderella. “Belle! What would make you think a thing like that about Snow?” Belle looked to the entrance to the courtyard before continuing. “I heard her talking to the servants. She was saying that the castle needed to be for princesses. Real princesses. Not girls who just married a prince like us.” Cinderella stood up from the bench and walked stunned back to the tree. “Snow White said that? That doesn’t sound like her at all!” Belle rushed to Cinderella’s side. “Cindy, I’m worried about Snow. At first I thought she might be under a spell, but then I began to wonder if she really means to go through with this!” Cinderella took her hand in hers. “Calm down, Belle. I’m just going to have a little talk with Snow and sort this out.” “Thank you, Cindy,” said Belle. “But maybe wait until after lunch. I don’t want to ruin Jasmine’s party.” A servant suddenly appeared in the archway. “Your highnesses? Lunch is being served in the banquet hall.” The two princesses walked after the servant as Cinderella whispered. “Don’t worry, Belle. I’ll make sure to get to the bottom of this!” In the banquet hall, the princesses sat around an ornately carved, oak table. They chatted as servants brought out salad and soup, although Jasmine noted the awkward looks from Snow White and Cinderella. “It’s too bad Tiana wasn’t able to make it,” Jasmine said. “I wanted to hear what she thought of food from Agrabah.” Snow White daintily sipped her soup. “Oh yes, she really is a dear.” Cinderella raised her teacup to her lips. “So, you like having Tiana visit the castle, Snow?” Snow White looked across the table confused at Cinderella. “Of course I do. Why shouldn’t I?” “You mean, it doesn’t bother you? That she isn’t a ‘real’ princess?” Everyone in the banquet hall froze. Snow White stared at Cinderella in shock, Cinderella stared back unblinking, and Ariel and Belle shared a look with each other. Jasmine cleared her throat and gestured to the servants. “Thank you, everyone. We’ll wait a moment before the main course is served.” The servants all bowed and left the hall as Snow White put her spoon back on the table. “I’m not sure if it’s anyone’s place to say who’s a ‘real’ princess or not. But if anyone shouldn’t be allowed in the castle, it maybe someone who says mean things about her friends behind their back!” Cinderella’s eyes narrowed as she lowered her teacup. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” “Oh, is that so?” “It is so!” Jasmine gently rapped on the table. “Ladies! Is there a problem here?” Snow White and Cinderella looked at Jasmine, then to each other, then returned to their soup and tea as they laughed and attempted to sound sincere. “Problem? Oh there’s no problem at all, is there, Princess Cinderella?” “Not at all, Princess Snow White.” “Uh huh,” said Jasmine. “Well, I was thinking after lunch maybe we could go somewhere and have some fun. The change of pace might do us all some good.” She rose from the table and crossed to a velvet curtain. Pulling on a gold cord, she revealed a golden, floor length mirror. Jasmine paused a moment in thought, then placed her hand on the frame. “Excito!” Suddenly the image the mirror began to blur, until the reflection of the five princesses in the banquet hall was gone. In it’s place was another castle, with white walls and roofs tipped in blue and gold. Strangely dressed people hurried to and from the castle as the sun shined in the clear sky. “The Park?” Cinderella gasped. “Oh no!” said Snow White. “We can’t go there!” “Why not?” asked Jasmine, arms crossed. “I’ve gone there lots of times.” “Me too!” said Ariel. “And me.” said Belle. Snow White looked amazed at them. “But…the Dreamers! What if they saw you?” Ariel wiped her mouth with a napkin then walked over to Jasmine. “So what? The Dreamers all go to the Park expecting to see princesses. So if they see you, they just think your someone pretending to be you! Ha ha! One time I went to the place they built to look like my grotto for a swim? And one little girl actually told me she liked how real my fins looked!” Jasmine grinned mischievously. “And it’s also fun to see who they have playing our princes. Oh, if Aladdin saw some of the boys they have pretending to be him, he’d probably faint!” “But we shouldn’t be hard on them,” said Belle as she made her way to the mirror. “They all work very hard, especially the girls they have playing us.” Ariel nodded in agreement. “Oh, yes. Always having to behave like a princess every minute of the day. Always smiling, always kind, always understanding.” “Never losing their temper,” Bell chimed in. “Never breaking character in spite of the weather, the noise, the crowds.” Jasmine looked at the castle in the mirror. “True, true. They may just be pretending, but anyone who can go through all of that and still have a smile on their face at the end of the day must have the heart of a real princess.” “Hmm,” said Cinderella. “Hmm,” said Snow White. Ariel, Belle, and Jasmine shared a look. Cinderella then abruptly rose from the table. “I’ve got it! How about we play a little game? Let’s have me and, oh I don’t know, Snow maybe? Let us go to the Park, and we’ll pretend we are just acting.” She gave a smug look to Snow White. “I bet I can act like a real princess around the Dreamers longer than you can!” Snow White stood up and locked eyes with Cinderella. “I think this is silly, Cinderella. Besides, I know I can act like a real princess because I am a real princess!” “Are you sure you both want to do this?” asked Jasmine. “Yes!” Snow White and Cinderella chorused. Jasmine shrugged and sighed. “Very well. We will stay here and watch you with the mirror. And remember, no matter what happens, you must behave like real princesses. If you lose your temper or act in an un-princess like manner, the game is over.” “And let’s keep this fair,” said Ariel. “No trying to get animals to help you or trying to distract each other. Promise?” Snow White and Cinderella nodded. “Promise!” they said, but they didn’t really mean it. Jasmine turned back to the mirror. “Now, what was that spell that Fairy Godmother taught us? Oh yes! Aperi Ianuam!” With touch of Jasmine’s hand on the frame, the reflection in the mirror began to ripple like a pond after a stone had been thrown in it. “You can go through now,” said Jasmine. Cinderella gave a small bow and gestured to Snow White. “Age before beauty, princess.” Snow White smiled through gritted teeth. “Thank you very much, princess.” Snow White walked to the mirror, and lifting her skirts, stepped over the frame into the mirror, and was gone. Cinderella turned and winked at Belle. “Now I’ll show her what a ‘real’ princess can do!” Belle clasped her hands. “Good luck, Cindy!” Cinderella nodded confidently, walked through the mirror, and disappeared. There was a moment of silence in the banquet hall. Then Ariel, Belle, and Jasmine all burst into gales of laughter. Jasmine fell on a chair clutching her sides. “It worked! I can’t believe it! It actually worked!” Belle hugged Ariel and spun with her in a circle. “Ariel, you are a genius!” Ariel squirmed out of Belle’s embrace and gave a melodramatic curtsey. “Please, please, I couldn’t have possibly done it without you, Princess Belle. Or you, Princess Jasmine.” Jasmine giggled as she jumped up and curtsied back to Ariel, with Belle following suit. “Oh, you are too kind, Princess Ariel!” Ariel ran over to a couch by the wall and started to pull it. “Quick! One of you help me move this! We don’t want to miss the fun!” Belle went to help Ariel as Jasmine placed her hand on the mirror frame. “Duplex Vision!” The mirror’s reflection instantly split in two, with the top half following Snow White and the bottom half following Cinderella. The two princesses were met by park attendants who began to escort them as Ariel and Belle moved the couch in front of the mirror. “Now are you sure they’ll be safe there?” asked Belle. “Oh, Belle, don’t be a guppy!” said Ariel. “The people who work in the Park would never let anything happen to ‘their’ princesses. And if anything goes wrong, we can always use the mirror to bring them back.” “Hopefully not too soon,” snickered Jasmine. “I’ve never seen those two like that before!” “Me neither,” said Belle. “But do you think we might have pushed a little too far?” Ariel playfully shoved Belle. “It’s just a joke! They’ll play ‘their’ game, we’ll have our fun, and maybe those two will mellow out a little.” Belle looked in the mirror as Snow White and Cinderella were positioned at the place with the song about the world being small. “It does feel strange lying to them, though.” “You’re right,” said Jasmine containing herself. “We should tell them the truth when they get back.” Ariel nodded solemnly. “Yes. After all, it would be the real princess thing to do.” All three princesses shared a look. “Nah!” Giggling, the three princesses took their seats on the couch to watch their fun, as the guests of the Magic Kingdom walked into what was certain to be a particularly ‘magical’ day. OK: Snow White and Cinderella are being positioned at the entrance and exit (respectively) of “It’s a Small World”. They will need to maintain their princess demeanor while dealing with Walt Disney World guests (taking pictures, asking questions). Whichever princess is made to break first by behaving in an un-princess like manner, loses. Game On!

THE BOTTOM LINE Andel Sanap: And we are back, fans! Entrapta and Medusa have taken this fight to the floor. Their hair is all tangled up with each other as each one jockeys for a better hold, and By the Force! Al Rossi: Medusa got some leverage and slammed Entrapta into the barricade! She can’t pin her outside the ring, but she might be looking to cause more damage first! Andel Sanap: Entrapta moves some of those ‘extensions’ in front of her. Maybe trying to shield herself, but wait! There opening up! What appears to be small drones are flying out of the extensions! They’re swarming Medusa! Medusa: Argh! Ow! Grrr! Al Rossi: They’ve got tasers! Those minibots are distracting Medusa and here comes Entrapta. She’s forming her hair into a hammer-like shape and POW! Medusa goes back first into the ring apron! Entrapta: Ha ha! The power of science! And now, for my greatest weapon! Andel Sanap: Medusa is staggered! Bayonetta is just watching all of this from the ring. Entrapta coming in for the kill! One of the extensions is opening up! It’s…it’s…tiny cakes? Entrapta: Oh. Whoops. Wrong one. Heh heh. Do you, um, want a snack? Al Rossi: Medusa knocks the treats away with wave of her hair. She is in no mood for games! She lifts Entrapta into the air by her ankles and hurls her toward the OH MY GOD! ZZZZZZAAAP! Entrapta: Owowowowow! Andel Sanap: Right into the protective screen! Entrapta tumbles to the ground, and I don’t like the look of those extensions now, Al. Al Rossi: You’re right, Andel. There’s smoke and sparks flying out of those mechanical hairs. Entrapta is pressing a button on her wrist and the metal strands fall away. She’s been unarmed. Or should it be unhaired? Andel Sanap: Medusa’s still got a hold of her! She’s has Entrapta all wrapped up in her hair and is dragging her back to the ring! Pulls her over the top rope! Entrapta: Okay okay! Maybe we could settle this some other way? We could have some tiny food, and do our hair and… Medusa: Silence! Entrapta: Mmph! Al Rossi: Entrapta learning the hard way that you can’t speak with a mouthful of hair! Medusa constricts her hair around Entrapta! She’s trying to break free but Medusa is just too strong! Andel Sanap: She’s gone limp! She’s out! Medusa lays her in the ring, and makes the cover! Bayonetta looks disappointed but moves to make the count! Bayonetta: 1! 2! 3! Winner by pin: Medusa! Al Rossi: And that’s it! Entrapta is getting the hair cut! Andel Sanap: Medusa withdraws her hair from Entrapta’s body and is now using it to tie up her hair! Bayonetta draws the Shuraba blade! Al Rossi: Medusa pulls Entrapta’s hair taut! Entrapta is still out of it! Bayonetta raises Shuraba and… SCHWIIING! Andel Sanap: A single stroke is all it takes! Al Rossi: I’m not sure if Entrapta will like having a buzz cut for a while. Here comes Philippa! Should I go down to help with the interview…? Andel Sanap: No! Philippa Forrester: Congratulations to you, Medusa, for your win. Anything you want to say to the fans? Medusa: Only that I would like to dedicate this victory to Black Bolt and the Inhumans of Attilan! Philippa Forrester: Thanks also go to Bayonetta for taking time to be our guest official. Any chance of you coming back to TCC Arena as competitor? Bayonetta: You never know. You might see more of me someday. Philippa Forrester: Um, okay then. I think Entrapta is just starting to come to. Entrapta? Entrapta, can you hear me? Entrapta: Uggggh, no, Emily, I can’t give you diagnostic today. I’m tired. Ugh. Huh? Where am I? What happened? Philippa Forrester: I’m sorry, Entrapta but you did lose the fight. Which means, according the stipulation… Entrapta: My hair! My hair’s gone! Philippa Forrester: I’m so sorry, Entrapta. You put on a great fight. I know you must be disappointed. Entrapta: Disappointed? Are you kidding?! This is great! Now I can create a whole wig made of my electronic extensions! This is gonna be awesome! Andel Sanap: Well, I guess it’s not a total loss for Entrapta. Still not sure who’s idea was it to make this Hair vs Hair in the first place. Al Rossi: Either way, these two ladies certainly were a great match up. Until next time, for Philippa Forrester, Justin Roberts, Andel Sanap, and Bayonetta, I’m Al Rossi saying good night from TCC Arena! 8: Ha! What did I tell you? I told you those two ladies would give you great action! 6: I still don’t see the point of having them put their hair on the line. 4: Aw give it a rest, pretty boy. You’re just jealous because they have better hair than you. Maximillion Pegasus: Take it easy, fellas. Everything is working perfectly. And the TCC is just getting started! #WhoAreThe8?

Anastasia - Final Battle - YouTube Rock-a-Doodle clip scene - Chanticleer vs The Grand Duke - YouTube

The Grand Duke of Owls flapped his shrunken wings as fast as they could carry him over the barren landscape. He darted past tombstones and crypts with the sound of his nephew Hunch giggling behind him. “Come ‘ere, ‘Uncle Dukie’! Hoo hoo! Time for some more aggravation! Animation! Annihilation! Abomination!” The Duke gasped for breath and launched himself up the side of the ruins of a stone tower. He landed on a window sill with a thud as Hunch readied his fly swatter to strike again. “Hoo hoo! You aren’t so tough, are ya, ya little twerp!” The Duke pushed himself over the sill and landed on the cracked floor. The walls were lined with shelves full of cobweb covered books, and in the center of the room was a black cauldron filled with green, glowing liquid. The Duke nervously backed up to the cauldron as Hunch landed in front of him, grinning mischievously. “Hunch! Please!” the Duke begged in a squeaky voice. “We’re family! I’m your uncle!” Hunch advanced on what remained of the Grand Duke of Owls. “Family? Hoo hoo! All I did for you! Anything you asked! And what did I get?! Alienation! Aggravation! Accusation! Amputation!” He swung with the swatter and the Duke took to the air again. Hunch quickly followed suit and readied for another swat. “Oh! The anticipation! Hoo hoo!” The swatter collided with the Duke with a downward stroke, sending the once feared owl tumbling into the cauldron. He cried out in alarm, and tried to flap his wings but it was no use. The Grand Duke of Owls slipped under the surface, causing bubbles to rise where he had sunk. Until finally the surface became still again. Hunch landed on the edge of the cauldron, his face a picture of shock. He hadn’t meant to really hurt his uncle. He was just having some fun after all those years of abuse he had suffered. Then Hunch shrugged and turned away from the green goo in the cauldron. There was no need to be too depressed, though. The other owls would need someone to lead them now that his uncle had kicked the bucket. Or cauldron in this case. Grand Duke Hunch. That did have a nice ring to it. Suddenly the green liquid began to steam and bubble in the cauldron. Green flame shot out and hit Hunch’s tailfeathers. He yowled in pain and flew up on to a bookcase. He stared at the cauldron as it continued to boil. Then Hunch heard a familiar cackle. The disembodied laughter seemed to be coming from the cauldron itself. Then, a shape broke the surface of the cauldron, obscured by green ooze covering it’s features. As the liquid washed off, it revealed the restored body of the Grand Duke of Owls, growing taller and larger until the cauldron broke apart, spilling the green liquid on the floor. Within seconds the Grand Duke of Owls’ frame filled the entire room, and he glared down on Hunch with hungry eyes. “Ah. Now that’s much better,” the Duke chuckled evilly. Hunch hid his fly swatter behind his back, his eyes filled with fear. “Uncle Dukie! Uh, sir! You’re big again! I’m so glad, sir! I really am!” The Duke grabbed Hunch in a feathered hand and tightened his grip around his throat. “Oh, really? You don’t prefer me being a, now what was it you said? Oh yes. A ‘little twerp’?” “Oh please, Uncle Dukie! Sir! Sir Uncle Dukie! Don’t hurt me!” Hunch begged. “I didn’t mean it! Honest I didn’t!” The Duke raised up Hunch so his face looked right into his eyes. “There, there, nephew. Don’t worry. It will only hurt for a moment. Then you won’t feel a thing!” The Duke opened his beak and was just about swallow Hunch whole when he heard another voice approaching. It drew closer and closer until the owner of the voice, a small albino bat, flew through an archway into the room. “Just relax, sir! I did tell you not to leave the stove on while we’re out. I’m sure your little potion thing is o…” The bat stopped midflight at the sight of the giant owl about to eat it’s nephew. “Ok. So I guess I should have closed the windows around here. Or maybe we could put in some windows. Nothing too flashy, just something on the conservative side of th…” The Duke grabbed the bat with his other wing and dropped Hunch. “And just who, pray tell, are you?” he sneered. The bat tried to break free. “Great. Another grabby one. Why do I always get stuck with the violent types? The name’s Bartok. And if I were you, I’d call myself ‘dasvidaniya’ and fly on outta here!” “A mouthy little pest, aren’t you?” chuckled the Duke. “Perhaps I’ll pass on my nephew and make a meal of you instead. I’ve had such a long flight, and I’m just sooo hungry!” Suddenly a bearded man in a brown robe burst through the archway. “Bartok! What is the meaning of this?” Bartok waved a wing at the enraged man. “Oh hi, sir! Just a heads up! We got company!” The man stared defiantly up at the Duke. “What manner of creature are you? You dare to trespass in the home of the great Rasptuin?!” The Duke rolled his eyes. “Oh please. The Duke goes wherever he wishes. I’ll forgive your rudeness since whatever you had in that pot restored me. But if you would excuse me, I don’t like to be interrupted when I’m eating.” The Duke raised Bartok to his beak and Rasputin held his reliquary high. “You may have ruined my potion, but you will no longer desecrate my domain!” A blast of green fire shot out of the reliquary and sent the Duke crashing through a wall and out of the tower. Bartok squirmed out his grip and flew back to the window sill. “So long, pal! Let’s meet up in Siberia some time next never!” The Duke flapped his great wings and headed full speed back to the tower. “You will pay for that, human! You think you know power?! I’ll show you power!” The Grand Duke of Owls exhaled a magical breath that caused the remnants of the tower to burst into flame. Bartok and Hunch flew to a safe distance and watched as the Grand Duke of Owls swooped down towards Rasputin as he summoned a swarm of spirits with the reliquary. “Oh boy. This one is definitely gonna end in tears,” Bartok moaned. “Wow!” squealed Hunch. “Acceleration! Animation! Annihilation! Hoo hoo!” Bartok gave Hunch a look. “You talk kind of weird, fella. You know that right?” OK: Both Rasputin and the Grand Duke of Owls are at full strength. Whoever destroys the other, wins. Game On!

THE BOTTOM LINE Linus and Rusty briskly walked through the corridors of the MGM Grand. The both carried leatherbound suitcases in their left hands as they made their way to the elevators. “Livingston, our exit better be clear,” said Rusty into his com, but all he got back was static. The elevator doors opened to reveal Dylan, Merritt, and Jack. “Going down, gentlemen?” asked Dylan. “Come on, Dylan, I wanted to say that,” pouted Merritt. Linus looked nervously at Rusty. “Any ideas?” “Look, we told you guys already,” said Rusty. “We told you to stay out of our way in Stamford. We told you to stay out of our way in LA. You guys are good, but this is our score.” Jack slipped a card out of his sleeve and into his hand ready to throw. “Yeah, we’re not okay with that. You’ve already got the vault and the yacht. How about we take the money and we call it even?” “We don’t have time for this. The security guards will be coming to any minute,” Linus stammered. Merritt took a step forward with a friendly smile. “That’s okay there, buddy. How about you just take a moment to wonder and wander through the wondrous wave of my worldly words as you SLEEP.” Merritt snapped his fingers and Linus fell to the ground unconscious. “Linus!” shouted Rusty. Jack hurled the card and clipped Rusty’s hand, causing him to cry out in pain and drop his case. Merritt quickly picked up both cases. “Just a little suggestion I put in his head while he was distracted by Henley at the docks. Don’t worry, he’ll be back on his feet in no time.” Jack and Merritt backed into the elevator as Dylan looked disappointed into Rusty’s glaring face. “We didn’t want to get rough with you people. But if it’s the only way to make sure this money goes where it can do the most good…” Shouts rang out from around the corner. “Dylan! We need to move!” shouted Jack. Dylan gave a nod to Merritt who rolled his eyes. “Feel the freeing flow and force of my words and AWAKE.” Another snap of his fingers and Linus shook himself into wakefulness. Rusty ran to his side as the elevator doors closed. “You good?” asked Rusty. “I think so,” said Linus. “Um what am I doing on the floor?” Rusty helped Linus up as the security came around the corner. “I’ll explain later,” he said and slammed the fire alarm. The MGM Grand was instantly filled with blaring sirens. The elevator car the Horsemen rode jolted to a halt. “Damn it!” Jack groaned. Dylan quickly scanned the roof of the car. “Merritt, you help Jack try to open the top so we can go through the shaft. I’ll take the door.” Merritt hunched over to allow Jack to hop on his shoulders. “Is this a bad time to tell you you’ve been putting on weight?” asked Merritt. “Shut up!” A firetruck quickly rolled up to the MGM Grand, and started extending it’s ladder. A crowd of revelers was pouring out of the hotel and casino, including Vince McMahon. “What the hell is going around here?!” he growled at the nearest Grand employee. “I’m sorry, sir. There may be a fire in one of the rooms. Please proceed to the guest safety area to check in.” “I don’t give a damn about fires! My money is in there! I’ve got people telling me someone may be trying to steal my money!” The fireman at the wheel of the truck turned to another fireman standing at the base of the ladder. “Alright, get up that ladder.” “I still don’t see why I have to go up the ladder.” “Because I’m driving the truck, pal!” “Who are you calling pal, friend?” “Just shut up and get up the ladder!” Meanwhile, Jack, Dylan and Merritt crawled out of the elevator and slowly crawled down the cables. “Henley! Daniel!” Dylan called over his com. “Head for the elevators on 7th floor. We’re working our way down to you.” Merritt gave a wary look down the shaft. “Otherwise, you can find us at the bottom floor. I’ll be the better-looking pile of goo.” Reuben and Saul slowly made their way to the concierge desk of the MGM Grand, followed by an older hotel employee pushing a luggage cart. “Pardon us, miss. We’d like to check out now.” Lula stood up from the desk in an MGM uniform smiling broadly. “Did you enjoy your stay?” Suddenly the cart tipped over, causing all the luggage to fall over the floor. Reuben and Saul froze for a second before rushing to the pile. “Careful with those! Seriously, where’d you learn to push that thing?” Thaddeus quickly started resetting the luggage as Lula ran over to help. “Sorry, gentlemen, it’s just these sirens are so loud.” Lula quickly picked up to suitcases from the pile and switched them with two others. She then returned to desk. “So sorry for the inconvenience. Hope you enjoyed your stay at the MGM Grand!” The ladder of the firetruck smashed through a window and Linus and Rusty climbed out to meet Turk. “Right this way, folks. Please make your way down the ladder in an orderly fashion…” Rusty pushed past him as he hurried down the ladder. “Livingston! Do we have eyes on Yen?” Livingston’s voice rang clear over the coms. “He’s on the other side of the casino! He’s on his way down! You’ll need to be in position!” The elevator doors opened and Daniel and Henley lifted Dylan, Jack, and Merritt out of the shaft. “Do you have the rig set?” asked Dylan as he handed them the cases. “All ready to go,” said Henley. The five magicians rushed to the window and a rock-climbing rig. They quickly hooked themselves up and started their way out the window. The fire truck sped off down the street, splashing a puddle on Mr. McMahon. “Come back here! You can’t do that to me! I’m Vince McMahon, damn it!” In all the chaos, the Horsemen made their way down the MGM Grand and landed on the ground by a station wagon. Lula was at the wheel, and waved at them. “Hey, strangers! Need a lift?” The Horsemen piled into the car and drove off. “We made it!” laughed Henley. “We got the money!” Daniel opened up one of the briefcases and froze. “Don’t be too sure of that.” He poured the contents on the floor of the van. “Newspaper clippings?!” groaned Merritt. “They got us with that gag?!” Lula grinned as she nodded at Thaddeus. “Don’t worry, Merritt. We picked up your slack. Thaddeus had been watching these guys for weeks. He figured they had already gotten the money from McMahon, then they just put on a fake heist that we would intercept.” Thaddeus smiled at Lula, and picked up the two cases they had gotten from Saul and Reuben. “So, while you were dealing with their distraction, we got our hands on the money.” He clicked the fasteners of the cases and opened it to reveal… “MORE CLIPPINGS?!” Jack shouted. “I don’t believe this!” “Now hang on a second,” said Daniel. “If none of these guys had the money, who has the money?” Dylan’s face went pale, then he turned to Lula. “Lula! Get us back to the Grand! Now!” On the other side of the MGM Grand, the Amazing Yen slowly climbed down the wall hand over hand. He wore a backpack as he made his way to the ground where the firetruck waited for him. Danny Ocean gave a look of approval as Yen ran to him with the backpack. Yen handed the backpack to Danny, who opened it to reveal two leatherbound briefcases. “You didn’t have any trouble getting these, Yen?” Danny asked. Yen responded by raising a finger. The Horsemen’s station wagon pulled up just in time to see the 11 putting on firefighter’s protective gear and climbing on the truck. Danny looked at the van and saw the stunned faces of the Horsemen. He smiled, shrugged, lowered the protective visor of his helmet and jumped on the truck. “Well,” said Dylan. “You can’t say they aren’t good.” Merritt pushed the door open of the station wagon and climbed out as the truck drove off. “You smug jerks! You couldn’t let us have just one?!” he fumed. Merritt grabbed a card from his pocket and threw it…only for it to flutter to the ground a few feet away from him. Dylan shook his head. “Merritt. Let it go. Get in the van.” Merritt pulled down the brim of his hat, and grumbled as he returned to his seat and slammed the door shut.

Medusa - All Scenes Powers | Marvel's Avengers: Ultron Revolution - YouTube PRINCESS REBEL RECRUITMENT: Entrapta Stole Bow's Tracker Pad | SHE-RA AND THE PRINCESSES OF POWER - YouTube

*THE FOLLOWING BROADCAST IS BEING PRESENTED BY THE TRANSDIMENSIONAL COMBAT COMMISSION. ALL COMBATANTS MUST AGREE TO FOLLOW TCC GUIDELINES AT ALL TIMES. SAFETY OF ATENDEES IS NOT GUARANTEED.* Al Rossi: Helloooooooo, fight fans! We are back at TCC Arena, and the building is packed for tonight’s match-up. In a TCC first, we will be witnessing a Hair vs Hair match between Medusa and Entrapta! Andel Sanap: Indeed, Al. These two women will be putting their famous hair on the line in this fight, and the loser will be having it shaved off. Um, Al, isn’t this somewhat unusual? Al Rossi: No more unusual than what we usually see around here, Andel. Andel Sanap: I’m merely pointing out that in your world’s ‘professional wrestling’, Hair vs Hair is generally used due to bad blood between two competitors driving them to want to humiliate each other. I don’t believe Medusa and Entrapta haven even met each other before tonight. Al Rossi: So what? These are two competitors with similar powers. Adding the stipulation is just giving it a little extra. Andel Sanap: But we’ve also been informed that there has been a special guest referee assigned to this bout. I don’t know, Al. I have… Al Rossi: …a bad feeling about this. I know. Everyone from your universe says that! Relax! You know these two ladies are gonna put on an entertaining fight! Let’s send it on down to Philippa for a word with Entrapta. Philippa Forrester: Thanks, guys! I’m here with Entrapta and I’ve got to say your hair looks even longer than usual. Entrapta: Yes! I know! I’ve been letting it grow out for this experiment! Philippa Forrester: Um, this is supposed to be a fight? Entrapta: Right! An experimental fight! Philippa Forrester: Oookay. Do you have a reason for why this match needed a Hair vs Hair stipulation? Entrapta: Me? I don’t know. Why would I have a reason? Philippa Forrester: Well, I assumed that you had asked for the stip. If it wasn’t you, why would Medusa challenge you to a fight like this? Entrapta: Meh. Who knows? Maybe she had a bad hair day? Muhahahahaha! See? It’s funny cuz hair. Philippa Forrester: …umm…. Entrapta: Hey! Would you like to see the invention I’m testing out today? Philippa Forrester: I suppose. Where is it? Entrapta: Can’t you see? I’m wearing it! Along with my natural hair, I’ve crafted my own brand of extensions! Metallic fibers that I’m able to stretch out and shape just like Medusa can! I even outfitted some of the strands so that they can carry things inside! Saws, lasers, nanites, tiny food… Philippa Forrester: Err, that’s all very impressive. But do you think those ‘extensions’ are durable enough to withstand a fight with Medusa? Entrapta: That’s why we test them out! I’ll show you! Now, hmm. They are designed to respond to my thoughts just like my not-metal hair. Sooooo, let’s try this! Philippa Forrester: Hey! Whooooooa! Entrapta: Philippa? Philippa, where’d you go? Philippa Forrester: I’m up here! Entrapta: Amazing! I was just trying to have my extensions take your microphone! But now I know that my hair can hold a fully grown woman in the air! How much do you weigh, by the way? Philippa Forrester: Entrapta! Just get me down from here! Entrapta: Oh! Right! My bad! Now let me see. When I want it to let go of something I just think… Philippa Forrester: AAAAAAAAAH! UMPH! Entrapta: And there we go! Thanks for helping me test my invention, Philippa! Philippa Forrester: Ugh. No..uh..problem. Back to you at the announce table. Ow. Andel Sanap: Could we get Mercy back there to check on Philippa? Al Rossi: Relax, she just fell a couple of feet. Or 6. Umm, let’s send it to Justin Roberts for the introductions! Justin Roberts: Good evening, TCC Arena! Tonight’s contest is scheduled for one fall and is a Hair vs Hair match! Victory is achieved through pinfall or submission, and the loser gets their head shaved bald! The protective screen will be activated, the competitors may fight anywhere on the battle terrain, but pin or submission attempts only count inside the ring! Our first competitor, from the hidden kingdom of Attilan, she is the Queen of the Inhumans: MEEEEEEDUUUUUSAAAAAAA! Andel Sanap: Her highness does not look to be in a good mood as she makes her way to the battle terrain. Tonight, the terrain has been formatted as a traditional, professional wrestling ring surrounded by a padded floor. But there is concrete underneath those pads that may come into play should these women choose. Al Rossi: Medusa actually using her hair to lift her over the ropes and into the ring to the cheers of the Inhumans and fans in attendance. Justin Roberts: And her opponent, from the planet of Etheria, she fights for the Princess Alliance: ENTRAAAAAPTAAAAAAAAAA! Al Rossi: Entrapta is letting her hair walk her down to ringside. She’s waving to the crowd, looking like she’s having the time of her life! Andel Sanap: I’m not sure if Entrapta is taking this too lightly. Medusa has her eyes locked on Entrapta as she rolls under the bottom rope into the ring and offers Medusa a handshake…er…that is, ‘hair’ shake? Entrapta: Hello, your highness! It’s so great to finally meet you! This is going to be so awesome! Medusa: What are you blabbering about, girl? We are set to do battle today. Entrapta: I know! And we have so much in common! We’re both royalty, we both have great hair, we have matching outfits… Medusa: Enough! Just know I won’t be holding myself back because of how young you are. Entrapta: Great! And I won’t hold myself back because of how old you are? Medusa: What?! Entrapta: Uh heh heh. I mean uh… Al Rossi: Thankfully, here’s Roberts to step in between these two. Justin Roberts: Ladies and gentlemen, the Transdimensional Combat Commission have assigned a special guest referee for this contest. Al Rossi: Lights out in the Arena. Whoever this is certainly wants to make an entrance. Andel Sanap: We have power again, fans, and look! There’s another woman in the ring! She must be the guest official, but I’m not sure if that referee uniform is regulation. Al Rossi: Wait a second! That hair! Those glasses! No freakin’ way! Justin Roberts: Ladies and gentlemen, your special guest referee: BAYOOOOOONETTAAAAAAA! Andel Sanap: The Umbra Witch is in TCC Arena! Al Rossi: Who better to referee a Hair vs Hair match! Bayonetta: Hello, girls. Who’s ready to dance? Entrapta: Umm, I thought we were fighting each other? Bayonetta: Hmm. Cute. Medusa: You are the one who is supposed to maintain order in this battle? Bayonetta: If you got a problem with it, you can take it up with the management, your highness. Medusa: It is no matter. I will be victorious no matter who is officiating. Bayonetta: Too bad that’s not what your husband thinks. Medusa: How dare you! How would you know what Black Bolt thinks? Bayonetta: Oh, he told me so. Medusa: Black Bolt must remain silent! He never speaks! Bayonetta: Hmm, I found a way. Entrapta: Ooh! Did you invent a machine that could read his mind?! Bayonetta: … Ok, you can leave this ring to fight, but you can only win if you beat your opponent inside the ring. And eye gouging, choking, and…heh… hair pulling are encouraged by the referee. Medusa: Hmph. Harlot. Entrapta: Why is she talking like that? Bayonetta: Let’s get this started! Combatants ready? 3! 2! 1! Commence combat! Andel Sanap: Medusa launches her strands of hair at Entrapta, who uses her hair to lift her over the strike! Entrapta has activated her extensions and projects a chainsaw blade to swing at Medusa! Medusa uses her hair to block but there are red clippings scattered on the mat! If Entrapta’s weapons can continue to damage to Medusa’s hair, she could…Al! Where are you going? Al Rossi: Err, I was just going down to ringside to see if I could get an interview with Bayonetta. Andel Sanap: Miss Forrester does the interviews! She will talk to Bayonetta, Medusa, and Entrapta after the fight is over! Al Rossi: But she might need help officiating the match! Andel Sanap: Oh get back in your seat! And you all stay tuned for the conclusion of this battle! Al Rossi: Do you think it will be a hair-raising conclusion? Andel Sanap: Make another pun like that and I will have to ask you to leave. Al Rossi: Good! Then I can go down to the battle terrain and meet Bayonetta! Andel Sanap: Get back over here and call the fight! OK: Medusa: Full strength. Entrapta: Full strength. She has grown her hair to twice it’s usual length, and has reinforced with mechanical ‘extensions’ storing various weapons. Battle terrain is set up as a pro wrestling ring. Winner is decided by pinfall or submission. Game On!

NOW YOU SEE ME - Bank Robbery Scene - YouTube Now You See Me 2 - Ending explanation - YouTube Oceans Eleven - YouTube Oceans Eleven - building the team - YouTube

J. Daniel Atlas reclined on a couch scrolling through an article on his tablet as occasional playing cards flew past his field of vision. Behind the couch, Jack Wilder and Merritt McKinney continued aiming cards at the wall of their loft apartment. Jack hurled them with his usual accuracy, while Merritt’s cards spun in the air until they fell on the couch at Daniel’s feet like a pile of autumn leaves. “You must have done something to this deck,” grumbled Merritt. Jack rolled his eyes. “Come on, man. Admit it. I learned how to do hypnosis before you learned how to throw.” “Listen, young grasshopper, the only reason you are a passable hypnotist is because you had me for a teacher.” “Yeah, and despite that, I’ve gotten great at it.” Merritt turned to face Daniel. “Hey, Danny. Is there any chance we still got the number of Whathisname from London? You know, the Jack double we had on New Year’s? Maybe I just need a better instructor.” Daniel didn’t look up from his tablet as he replied. “I am not involving myself in this.” Jack tossed a card from hand to hand and grinned at Merritt. “Look, Merritt, one more throw. If you can hit a target that I can’t, then I’ll keep teaching you. Otherwise, you’re on your own. Deal?” Merritt shook the offered hand. “You got a deal, Tex. What’s the target?” Jack quickly grabbed Daniel’s tablet and lifted him up off the couch. “Jack! Jack, what are you doing?” Jack positioned Daniel to stand in front of the television, with the tablet held up so the back faced himself and Merritt. “Is this a good target?” asked Jack. Merritt smirked as readied a card to throw. “Sure, looks good to me.” “Seriously, guys?” muttered Daniel. “Why don’t you just put an apple on my head?” Jack ran back around the couch. “Sorry, Danny. We’re fresh out of apples. Relax. We’re aiming at the tablet, not you.” Daniel glared at Merritt as he fumbled with his card. “I know you are, Jack. You’re not who I’m concerned about.” “Relax, Danny boy,” said Merritt. “You don’t mind if I take the first shot, Jack?” Jack motioned to Daniel, smiling cheekily. “Age before talent.” Merritt took a few deep breaths and closed his eyes. His hand went through the motions of throwing the card, like a golfer before his swing. Daniel slowly lowered his face behind the tablet. Then in a swift gesture, Merritt whipped the card forward, sending it darting across the room, hitting the lower left corner of the tablet, and falling to the floor. Merritt pumped his fist in excitement. “Whoo! Through the uprights and it’s good! You’re up, teach.” “Good shot. Lucky, but good,” said Jack. He stepped to the middle of the couch and looked at the target with a confident smile. Merritt stood to the side with his arms folded. Just as Jack pulled back his arm to throw, Merritt raised his voice. “So, what was it like the first time you had sex with Lula?” Jack almost pulled up short, but the card had already left his fingers. Instead of heading toward the tablet, however, the card was sent spinning wildly toward the opening front door of the loft. Dylan Shrike peaked in just as the card stuck itself in the wood. Dylan stared at the two of clubs, then gave a look to the three magicians. “Glad to see you’re making yourselves at home.” Merritt pointed at Daniel and Jack. “It was their idea, boss. See, Jack? That’s why Dad always says, “don’t throw cards in the house.”” Daniel quickly set his table down on the coffee table as Dylan entered taking off his coat. “Is Lula here? We need to get started.” Jack started picking up the cards as he called up to the second floor of the loft. “Lula! Dylan’s here!” “Be down in a minute!” Lula shouted down. “Man, is this place getting domestic or what?” said Merritt. “Before we start the meeting, though,” said Dylan, “I do have to announce that we will be needing another pair of hands for this job.” Dylan made his way back to the door as Jack tossed the cards on a table. “Who are you putting us with this time, Dylan? We just got used to working with Lula.” “Some of us more so than others,” smirked Merritt. Jack was about to let Merritt have it when Dylan opened the door to reveal a women with red hair leaning on the frame. “Hello, boys?” she grinned. “Did you miss me?” “Henley!” Jack shouted. He ran over and gave her a big hug as Daniel stood in shock. Merritt walked to her side for a hug of his own. “Where have you been, lady? Ma and Pa’s been worried sick about you.” Henley playful punched Merritt’s arm. “Glad to see you haven’t changed at all.” Daniel stammered as he tried to collect his thoughts. “Um…It’s…uh….It’s been a…long time.” Henley walked to Daniel gave him a kiss on the cheek. “It’s good to see you too, Daniel.” A noise came from the second floor and Lula hurried from her room and slammed the door. “What’s going on? I would of been here quicker but I was just working on my new decapitation stunt and…oh.” Lula’s voice fell silent when she saw Henley. Henley glared up at Lula as she stood at the top of the stairs. “So…this is the bitch you let steal my spot.” “Well, I…she..” Daniel stuttered. Lula started making her way down the stairs, matching Henley’s glare. “Well, 1: I’m not a bitch. 2: I didn’t steal anyone’s spot. I was given this spot. Seems the last girl had a nasty habit of walking out on her friends.” Jack looked uncomfortably as Merritt and Dylan. “Um, what’s happening?” Merritt expectantly looked on as Henley started up the stairs. “I don’t know, but go ahead and let it happen.” “Well, I’m back now,” Henley went on. “And I’m not going to let the Eye be represented by a third rate illusionist.” Lula met Henley in the middle of the staircase. “At least I’m not afraid of committing to something bigger than myself.” Henley locked unblinking eyes with Lula. “Maybe I should try committing to something today.” Daniel, Dylan, Jack, and Merritt all looked up in confusion at the two magicians, their lips barely apart. Then Henley and Lula looked down at them, burst out laughing, and hugged. Daniel facepalmed as Jack continued to look confused. “Can someone explain what just happened?” “They know each other,” sighed Daniel. He gave a dirty look to Dylan who looked very pleased with himself. “You knew they knew each other coming in, didn’t you?” Dylan shrugged. “Who do you think referred Lula to me?” Henley wrapped her arm over Lula’s shoulder. “I was the one who paid for the poor rabbit you used in that hat trick! I loved your work in London. I wish could have been their to see you person!” “You guys should have seen your faces!” laughed Lula. “Yeah,” said Henley. “They totally thought they were going to see us have a catfight.” Lula grinned. “Or make out, whichever comes first.” Merritt coughed nervously. “Yeah, uh, I could tell that you two knew each other. The body language, the eye contact, it was all there.” The two women made their way down the stairs. “Oh, don’t give me that, Merritt,” teased Henley. “I might not be a professional, but I can definitely read your mind.” Daniel gave a small smile. “Glad to see you’ve taken up reading short stories while you were gone.” Merritt rolled his eyes at Daniel. “Real cute, Daniel. I’m thinking of a phrase. It’s starts with ‘F’ and ends in a ‘U’”. Dylan grabbed a small remote from off the couch. “Okay, then. Now that the floor show is over, let’s get down to business. Our next target.” The other Horsemen moved the couch and chairs facing the wall, and Dylan pressed a button on the remote. A projector displayed a picture on the wall. A picture of an older gentlemen in a suit, with a smug smile on his face. Merritt stared in shock. “Vince McMahon?!” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Yes, Vince McMahon,” said Danny Ocean. “What’s the problem with that?” He stood in front of the Eleven, the projector shining McMahon’s face over his own. The noise from the Las Vegas strip floated through the window of their hotel suite. “I’m just saying,” said Basher. “I know this bloke’s rich enough, but don’t we have someone else we can hit that’s more deserving of it?” “Are you kidding, man?” said Turk. The Malloy brother rose from his seat on the couch. “This guy is pure evil! He loves throwing his weight around and thinks nobody can touch him! More deserving? This dude had his own daughter kidnapped and nearly forced to marry the Undertaker! If that doesn’t make him deserving for us to take him, then I don’t know what does!” The other 10 men stared at Turk. Turk looked back confused. “What?” Virgil shook his head. “You just proved why people think wrestling fans are stupid.” “Who are you calling stupid?” “He didn’t really get his daughter kidnapped!” “He did! I saw it on TV!” “It was for the show, genius!” “Anyway,” Danny cut in, as Turk returned to his seat. “Even though Mr. McMahon may be a character on a show, Vincent Kennedy McMahon the billionaire owner of the WWE didn’t get that way by handing out lollipops. He’s tough, ruthless, and he isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty to keep himself in business.” Danny nodded to Rusty, who clicked a remote and had the projector show the image of a bearded man in turban and robes. “Mohammed Bin Salman,” said Rusty as he stood up next to Danny. “The crown prince of Saudi Arabia. Criticized the world over for engaging in acts of torture, oppression, and potential involvement in the murder of that journalist a few years ago. In spite of that, he is trying to maintain the appearance of a kinder, gentler Saudi Arabia, and arranged a deal with Vince McMahon to run WWE shows in his country.” Rusty shot Turk a look. “A little bigger deal than pretending to have his daughter kidnapped, don’t you think?” Turk muttered something under his breath. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So, I get it,” said Lula. “The guy’s rich, he’s in bed with some bad people. He can afford to be brought down a peg. But how are we going to do it?” The projector began displaying a newspaper article. “Due to COVID, WWE hasn’t been able to run shows outside of the United States,” explained Dylan. “But now that things are opening up again, McMahon and Bin Salman are wanting to renew their agreement. McMahon is planning a show to take place in Vegas, where Bin Salman will attend, as well as bring some fifty billion dollars as a thank you to the good PR he’s gotten with this deal.” Daniel crossed his arms as he sat on the couch next to Henley. “So we’re going to get the money before McMahon does.” “Not exactly,” said Dylan. “We are taking the money, but we’re taking a little more to go with it.” Dylan pressed another button the remote, and the article was replaced by a picture of a yacht and a building with the WWE logo on it. “That building there is Titan Towers, the headquarters of WWE in Stamford, Connecticut. There is a sub-basement vault that is not on any of the floor plans, containing many valuable WWE artifacts. Jack, Lula, and I will begin this operation there. Break in, and clear out the vault.” Jack pointed at the picture of the yacht. “But what’s with the boat?” Dylan smirked. “That is Vince McMahon’s private yacht: the Sexy Bitch.” Henley laughed in disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding.” Dylan enlarged the picture of the boat so it filled the view. “Nope. That’s what it’s called. It’s currently moored at a dock in Los Angeles. And you, Daniel, and Merritt are going to steal it.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Don’t worry, Danny,” snickered Turk. “We’ll get that Sexy Bitch for you!” Virgil looked disappointed at his brother. “Why do you have to say it like that?” “Like what? It’s the name of the boat! The Sexy Bitch!” “But you don’t have say it! It’s offensive to use the word bitch.” “You’re a bitch!” “See? That was offensive!” Linus looked forlornly at Danny and Rusty. “Please don’t leave me with these two.” Rusty smiled and shrugged. “Sorry, Linus. That’s the team: you, the Malloys, Reuben, and Frank. Me, Livingston, Basher, Yen, and Saul will be able to handle the Stamford job.” Linus turned to Danny. “But what about you? Where will you be?” Danny nodded to Rusty, who changed the projector’s image to a blueprint of the strip. “I’ll be here in Vegas monitoring you guys, and getting ready for the main event.” Virgil nudged Turk. “See what he did there? ‘The main event’? It’s a wrestling thing.” “Shut up.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Well, I’m not thrilled I have to do the trick that involves water again,” said Henley. “Ah, don’t worry about it, Henley,” said Merritt, putting his arms around both her and Daniel. “You two get to be out on the boardwalk together, and I’ll get to be your chaperone.” Henley grinned at Daniel as he rolled his eyes. “Wonderful.” “Just one other thing, boss,” said Merritt to Dylan. “Not that I don’t believe in our own abilities, or at least mine. But don’t you think we might need some more help with a trick this big?” Dylan turned off the projector and stood in front of the couch. “That’s correct, Merritt. Which is why I’ve decided to call in Thaddeus.” The Horsemen shared a look of concern. “I know he has his secrets, but he is willing to come on board. And like you said, Merritt, to pull this off, we’ll need all the help we can get. So what do you say?” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- “You in or you out?” asked Danny Ocean. OK: The Four Horsemen: Daniel, Merritt, Jack, Henley, Lula, Dylan, and Thaddeus. Ocean’s Eleven: Danny, Rusty, Linus, Saul, Reuben, Virgil, Turk, Livingston, Basher, Yen, and Frank. They are both attempting the same three part heist at the same time: 1) Titan Towers: Find the vault, pick it clean. Horsemen: Dylan, Jack, and Lula Eleven: Rusty, Saul, Livingston, Basher, and Yen 2) The Sexy Bitch: Capture the yacht. Horsemen: Daniel, Henley, and Merritt Eleven: Linus, Reuben, Virgil, Turk, and Frank 3) WWE Live Las Vegas: Get the money, and don’t get caught. All Horsemen plus Thaddeus All Eleven including Danny Whichever team outwits Vince McMahon, outmaneuvers the other team, and succeeds in all three parts of the heist, wins. Game On!

THE BOTTOM LINE “Will you hurry up?” Nicolaas hissed. He was running up the stairwell of Johannesburg hotel as Gretchen tried to keep up. She was wearing a dress that was not designed for speed and she was carrying her heels in one hand. “They’re coming! Nicolaas, they’re coming!” Nicolaas grabbed her by the arm and dragged up the next flight of stairs until they reached the door to the roof. He slammed the door behind them and searched in vain for something to block it. “You and your bloody robots!” he grumbled. “Foolproof, you said. The best that USR has ever made, you said.” “Oh shut up and do something!” Gretchen screeched. “How are we going to get down from here?!” There was a loud thud of something slamming against the steel door to the roof. Gretchen rushed to Nicolaas and tried to hide herself behind him. There was nowhere for the two to go. The door flew off it’s hinges as three NS-5’s walked onto the roof. “Look,” begged Nicolaas. “It wasn’t our fault! I mean this wasn’t our idea! We didn’t know the Prawns were going to fight back like that!” “I am an employee of the USR!” Gretchen shouted at the robots, her voice shaking. “Verify me! You will not harm us! Confirm command!” The robots continued to move into position. They slowly continued advancing on the couple, forcing them closer and closer to the edge of the roof. “We have a message for Miss Gretchen Harrington and Mister Nicolaas Andries,” the lead robot intoned. Gretchen and Nicolaas held onto each other in fear. “M m message? What message?” stammered Nicolaas. “From the board of directors of US Robotics and Multi-National United,” the robot went on. “Thank you for all of your years of hard work for our companies. However, due to recent setbacks, your services will no longer be required. Best of luck in your future endeavors.” The robots continued their advance, and Nicolaas and Gretchen screamed and begged as they drew nearer to the edge. A South African newspaper detailed the incident in District 9 as an unfortunate result of anti-alien terrorists tampering with USR technology, and that MNU was relieved that casualties to the Prawns was minimal. There was also a brief story detailing the apparent suicide of Nicolaas Andries and Gretchen Harrington. The article said that the authorities concluded that the couple had an argument following being fired from their jobs, and tragically fell from the roof a Johannesburg hotel. An unfortunate accident.

THE BOTTOM LINE Andel Sanap: Welcome back, everyone! This match has gone on for longer than expected, but we appear to be in the homestretch. Team Mortal Kombat has taken control of the Gorge, while Team Forever Red has been forced through the portal to TCC Arena. Al Rossi: The Gorge is littered with the bodies of various Rangers. I think I see Mack’s head over there by the remains of Cyrax. Meanwhile, it appears that Tommy, Jason, and Shane are the last three standing in TCC Arena. They’ve finished off Baraka and D’Vorah, and Cassie and Jacqui are down for the count, as well. Andel Sanap: Raiden, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Shao Kahn, and Mileena appear to be at impasse. They’re arguing by the portal. Shao Kahn: Enough of this, Raiden! Let’s go through the portal and finish this battle! Raiden: Shao Kahn! We don’t know how many of the Rangers are left in the arena! Sub-Zero: Raiden is right. We need to plan our attack. Shao Kahn: Bah! Cowards! All of you! Mileena! On to our final victory! Mileena: By your will, Shao Kahn! Al Rossi: But look on the other side of the portal! Tommy and Jason are standing on either side with swords drawn, and Shane has the Hawk Blaster! Mileena charges through the portal and… Mileena: ARRRRGH! Andel Sanap: And Mileena is down! Shao Kahn is right behind her but the other two Rangers strike with their blades! Al Rossi: And now Shane is getting to the act with his own sword! Shao Kahn swings his hammer wildly in a rage but the Rangers are just moving too quick for him! Blow after blow and Kahn is staggering! Shane and Jason grab a hold the Kahn by his arms! Jason Scott Lee (Mighty Morphin’): Tommy! Now! Tommy Oliver (Zeo): Alright! HYAH! Andel Sanap: By the Force! Connects with the Zeo V Flying Kick! Sparks fly and down goes the Kahn! Al Rossi: But out of the portal! Raiden, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion! Raiden blasts all three Rangers with lightning and sends them sprawling down the pyramid! Andel Sanap: Jason gets snagged with the kunai! Scorpion: Get over here! Al Rossi: Yanked in close and decapitated for the kill! Meanwhile Sub-Zero freezes Shane and smashes him into pieces! Tommy’s back on his feet but the end has got to be near! Raiden: You have fought valiantly, Tommy Oliver. Stand down and surrender. Tommy Oliver (Zeo): Sorry, Raiden. But a Power Ranger never surrenders! HYAH! Andel Sanap: Mr. Oliver charges ahead! He isn’t going down without a…By the Force! Al Rossi: Frozen to the ground by Sub-Zero! And nailed in the chest by the kunai! Raiden’s hand is glowing again and… ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZAP! Referee: Winner: Team Mortal Kombat! Andel Sanap: Now that was most definitely a fatality. Al Rossi: That’s for sure, Andel. Mercy is going to be working overtime after this one. But Raiden, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion are the last men standing, and secure victory for their team. For Philippa Forrester and Andel Sanap, I’m Al Rossi saying good night for the Gorge! Frost: Ugh! Why wasn’t I used for this fight? Rita Repulsa: Ah, shut up, sister!

THE BOTTOM LINE Two snow golems hurled massive balls of snow and ice at Drogon. The projectiles were reduced to steam with a blast of the dragon’s fiery breath. Another burst of flame and both golems were incinerated. Elsa stood tall on the balcony, launching a wave of ice that coated Drogon’s wings. Still Daenerys urged him on. She yelled out over Drogon’s roaring. “Pryagon sir! Dracarys!” The dragon poured fire onto the base of Elsa’s palace. The structure began to crack and tower began to sway. Elsa grabbed hold of the railing to steady herself. Drogon stopped his flame, then lowered his head and slammed into the icy tower. Elsa was sent tumbling into space. She couldn’t have enough to scream as debris came tumbling toward her, and the ground loomed beneath her. She summoned an icy slide to catch her and deposit her into a snowdrift. She groaned as she shook the snow out of her hair, and looked up to see Drogon circling the remains of her home. With a mighty roar the dragon started toward Elsa. The queen of Arendelle steadied herself and launched a shimmering blast of ice, met with a burst of flame from Drogon. Daenerys held on tight to Drogon’s spikes. This sorceress couldn’t possibly be mightier than the last dragon. Elsa face twisted in focus and pain as she tried to match Drogon. She sunk to her knees in the snow, desperately keeping one hand up to hold the fire at bay. In desperation, Elsa started to summon her ice magic in her left hand, causing it to take a new shape. It was a lance of solid ice. Drogon’s wings sent a breeze that threatened to push Elsa to the ground, but she held on. The dragon drew closer and closer, and Elsa could feel the fire against her skin. With her icy magic almost overwhelmed, Elsa gathered all her strength and hurled the lance into the air, summoned a gust of wind to give it speed, and sent it into the left side of Drogon’s neck. The dragon howled in pain, stopping his fire. He desperately thrashed in the air as Daenerys clung for dear life. Elsa summoned another lance and launched it into Drogon’s right flank. The dragon’s cries echoed across the mountains. He started spiraling down out of control, before finally crashing into the rocks. The impact threw Daenerys off of Drogon and sent her sprawling to the ground. She pushed herself up to her knees to see Drogon, bleeding from the lances still embedded in his body, his wings torn from smaller icicles and frozen over. Daenerys stumbled as she raced to his side. She wrapped her arms around Drogon’s head. She could here his breath growing ragged and weaker. “Daor! Daor, issa rinnykea!” she begged. Drogon’s eye looked down upon Daenerys. The dragon gave one last growl, then his eyes closed for the last time. Daenerys sobbed as she held tight to Drogon. Elsa made her way to the place the last dragon had fallen. Sensing she was no longer alone, Daenerys raised her tear soaked face from Drogon’s body. “I’m sorry,” Elsa said. “Please believe me. I didn’t mean to kill him.” Giving a defiant roar, Daenerys drew her sword and charged at Elsa, only for her blade to be encased in ice and a gust a wind to knock it out of her grasp. Enraged Daenerys ran forward and Elsa reflexively summoned another icy breeze to push Daenerys back into the rock wall. The Mother of Dragons wailed and sobbed as she crouched on her hands and knees in the snow. “Kill me!” she screamed, feeling the blood drip from the back of her head. “Isn’t that what you want?! Kill me! Use your damn magic and kill me!” Elsa looked on in shock as Daenerys Targaryen, First of Her Name, Defender of the Seven Kingdoms, and Mother of Dragons, fell to the ground from exhaustion and despair, and passed out into unconsciousness. Elsa rushed to Daenerys’ side. The woman still lived, but continued to mutter deliriously in words Elsa couldn’t understand. Elsa took off her cape and wrapped it around this wild stranger. With a thought, she summoned two smaller snow golems to gently carry Daenerys and follow Elsa back up the mountain. Raising her hands to the heavens, Elsa began repairing the damage to her palace while the snow golems carried Daenerys inside. There was something of Elsa inside this stranger, Elsa could see that. There was a time when Elsa felt that no one could possibly help her. But perhaps, in time, this Daenerys would one day see that she wasn’t alone.