A Rat in the Battlefield | The Crowning II
Feb 17, 2022 22:23:45 GMT -5
bennett and Alyssa Grace like this
Post by Ratball Slade on Feb 17, 2022 22:23:45 GMT -5
Percival's camera begins to roll with all of the KaVengers gathered in Percival’s sewer. Together they set up a makeshift cage around his training ring. Larry “watches” from the sidelines while his eyes never leave his phone screen.
LARRY KACHOW: Good work guys! You almost got it.
The group is struggling to get even one wall standing.
RATMAN: Uncle Larry is right everyone! We are almost there!
After about another hour of work, the crew are eventually able to get the makeshift cage put together. Everyone sits around the ring panting heavily as they marvel in the sight of their handiwork.
GUY: Wow, I can’t believe they have to do this for two rings at the actual show.
Everyone begins to laugh as Ratman begins to look very nervous.
RATMAN: Ah yes! Of course, they have to put this together. About that…
EL PUMA: ¿Qué hiciste Ratman?
RATMAN: I may have volunteered us to put the cage together at the crowning. I thought it would be a fun team building exercise before the match!
Everyone simultaneously crumbles from exhaustion. Ratman begins to scratch his head causing the occasional flea to drop from his hair.
RATMAN: Sorry everyone…
SERRANO POBLANO: Don’t worry about it Percy, it’ll be just what we need to get warmed up!
Even Serrano doesn’t believe his own words but he would never fail to try and cheer up his pal.
SERRANO POBLANO: So, we're really entering the spice gauntlet aren’t we? A real pepper palace if you will.
Ratman sits up and excitedly holds up a handful of straws.
RATMAN: So! I shall volunteer to enter the match on our behalf. We already know Mr. Fineweather will be joining us, that just leaves three spots open. Are there any more volunteers before we draw straws?
Ratman looks around and Serrano raises his hand.
SERRANO POBLANO: Well if you’re going to volunteer Percy then I will too!
Ratman temporarily gets excited knowing he will get to share the ring with Serrano once more.
RATMAN: Very good! That just leaves two more spots! Go ahead and draw straws everyone! Except you of course, Uncle Larry, we all know you aren’t much of a wrestler.
LARRY KACHOW: Hmph, you got that right.
RATMAN: Oh Uncle Larry, you jokester. I assume we are going with the shortest straws in the match? Well everyone, take your picks!
The remaining members all huddle around and begin to pull straws. First is El Puma.
EL PUMA: Es largo!
Second is Rapture.
RAPTURE: This one is short, like the lifespan of a fly.
Everyone watches Rapture nervously before Guy happily reaches in and picks his straw.
GUY: Now that is a long straw! Not something my wife would ever say, you know what I mean?
Guy shoulder bumps Noah as he laughs at his own joke. Noah takes a deep breath as he pulls the final straw. He holds it up to the group as they all look at the shortest straw drawn.
NOAH HOPE: I don’t know guys, looking around at just this cage, I’m not sure we chose the right guy.
Ratman slides over to Noah and wraps an arm around his shoulders.
RATMAN: Oh no worries there friend. The straws would never lie. You’ll do great, I know you will!
Noah takes a big gulp as he continues to nervously look around the structure.
NOAH HOPE: This is only half of it huh? Oh man, what a night we have in store.
Ratman gets to his feet and helps his companions to their feet as well. Guy and Puma exit the cage while the four remaining competitors stand in a circle all facing separate sides of the cage.
RAPTURE: I believe our companion is right. There is no room for hope here my friends.
The ‘s’ exits Rapture’s mouth with a hiss.
NOAH HOPE: Yeah, I wish you couldn’t find Hope in this cage.
Serrano and Ratman turn to their worried partners.
RATMAN: No need to fret! We have this in the bag! So long as we work together I know we can come out on top!
Serrano nods his head along with Percival.
SERRANO POBLANO: He’s right. We’ve all come together in the face of danger and we didn’t back down before. I don’t see how this is any different. Like with any pepper, the spicier it is, the longer you have to endure, but in the end, the pain is worth it.
RATMAN: Well said friend. Now, why don’t you all stand next to me and look cool while we address our opponents for the match!
Everyone nods and shuffles into position trying their best to look intimidating but come off more as awkward and nervous.
RATMAN: At the Crowning, this merry band of outcasts are going to war. We will beat our drums to the tune of our horns. One by one we will reunite in that ring with the sole purpose of being the last team standing. While the others may have size, strength, and speed on their side, there is one thing they lack. Friendship.
Ratman holds his hands up as if he’s been caught red-handed.
RATMAN: Now I know we’ve said this before and the result has never been different. This time I truly believe it will be. You have all looked down on the KaVengers for the last time, friends! This time, it shall be you looking up to the lights where you will see our smiling faces and outreached hands. Let us end this petty conflict.
Ratman pulls a rope which lets a banner with all the members of True Society displayed on it fall.
RATMAN: Trueist Society. You are in need of some counseling. Serrano knows a good therapist now! I believe that scary Mr. Castle could even introduce you. Let’s face it, none of you seem to like each other much. Sure, Miss Billy likes Savannah and Syndicate likes Slade, but with such a divide why are you not trying to heal as a group? We here at the KaVengers have had our fair share of issues but we make sure to always resolve them. Don’t even get me started on the time Serrano ate El Puma’s tacos.
El Puma gives Serrano a quick glare as Serrano grimaces and apologetically waves down Puma.
RATMAN: Miss Billy, you are very pretty and strong. I think you and Ratman could have gotten along great. It is a shame you were never invited to join the KaVengers. You do have a fairly bad track record of turning your back on your friends though and we cannot let that stand here in the KaVengers. This will not be the time for friendship making so I wish you the greatest luck.
Noah tries to take a step forward but Ratman holds a hand out in front of Noah.
RATMAN: It is okay friend, I shall handle this one.
Noah steps back and allows Percy to continue to speak.
RATMAN: Mr. Drago Santiago, you have a fancy name. I am the great Ratman and these are my friends. We were briefly introduced on the last Proving Ground but I’m not sure we got off on the greatest foot. You really came into the scene at a strange time I must confess. I hope to have fun in the ring with you.
RATMAN: Now the scary Mr. Castle is one I have a little bit of history with. I’ve seen the good in you. You don’t have to be so scary and mean all the time, you know? Well come Wargames, I know your tricks, Mr. Castle. We’ve come face to face before and I will not lose to you again! Pepperjack Cheese shall have our KaVengeance!
RATMAN: Lastly representing the Society is Syndicate. A man who is a little too big for his breeches. You want the world and yet you don’t do anything to show you deserve the world. Where are your friends, Syndicate? You’ll find reaching the top to be very difficult on your own after all. Once this is all over, despite things that may have been said, I offer you my friendship.
Everyone in the ring disperses a little bit and watches as Ratman continues to talk about their opponents for the coming war.
RATMAN: Big Drippers, I have said much about you already. Let this be the conclusion to our catering hogging rivalry. Tis such a dumb reason to hold a grudge. So I wish for us to let bygones be bygones after we leave that cage. I’ll start with Swindle. Swindle, I know you must be hurting inside. It’s the only reason I could see you joining Big Drip. After all, you don’t have very much in common with them. Perhaps it was that desperation for companionship that drove you to them. I know that feeling well. I hope you were able to get what you were looking for. If it was not enough, we the KaVengers, are happy to greet you as a friend after all is said and done.
RATMAN: I don’t expect much less of someone with such high standards but Myojin’s snobbery truly knows no bounds. I accept that part of you Myojin. For the longest time, I couldn’t see that not everyone had to be like me. While I am more likely to compare you to that of a feline, even those with your preferences and tendencies can be ratlike in your own way.
RATMAN: TJ Tompson, I feel a little bad about what I said before our last confrontation. You put up a valiant effort when we came face to face and I’d like to think you now know why I am Ratman, Wrestling Supreme. You seem like a fun guy though and I’d like for us to get past this and maybe you can even join us for a pizza party sometime!
Ratman let’s out a deep sigh, while his wide yellow smile is bared for all to see.
RATMAN:Littlest Petey! You are making a dangerous pitstop on your retirement tour, for that I apologize. While I may have had no say in how we got here or whether we should be here, I would like to offer you my friendship as well. Let us stop the madness once and for all.
Ratman claps his hands together, shaking off the proverbial dust. He looks around to his teammates and holds his arms out for a big group hug. The four embrace and hold their hug for a few moments before separating.
RATMAN: We are Ratman, Wrestling Supreme!
SERRANO POBLANO: Serrano Poblano, the Sultan of Spice!
RAPTURE: Rapture, the world’s friendliest killer!
There is a brief pause before Noah realizes it’s his turn.
NOAH HOPE: Oh! And Noah Hope… I guess…
RATMAN: Together we are the KaVengers! Now let’s get to planning everyone! I think I have some paper we can write on around here somewhere.
Ratman begins to exit the cage while Larry turns the camera off.
The screen slowly flickers on, only barely, with nothing in view but tens to hundreds of rats scurrying past. A hand reaches down into view as Percival picks up the camera and aims it around his surroundings. All around Burque lay sheets of graph paper with hastily drawn battleplans. Burque walks over them, the soiled paper tearing apart with each one he steps on. Percival sets his camera up on his tripod and takes a few steps back toward his dilapidated throne which is now in view. The rest of the KaVengers are long gone. Ratman takes a seat and rests his head onto his hands which he holds together under his chin. There are no smiles. Only a look of worry accompanies Ratman. Papercut tugs at Percival’s finger, attempting to get his attention, but he simply shoos his sensei away.
RATMAN: Usually, when I address the people, the KaVenger’s and I’s adoring fans, I try to keep a brave face. I come into my matches happy and hopeful. I want the best for my friends. They’re more than that to me now. The KaVengers are my family. What I shall be subjugating these poor lads to is not something family should be.
Ratman continues to sulk, only looking up from the ground occasionally to view his mischief go on about their day.
RATMAN: When Uncle Larry started the KaVengers, he only had the best intentions. Now I have gone and turned those intentions into my own selfish goals. I wanted the KaVengers to be the stars for once. I put them into positions that they never wanted to be in. Now at the end of it all, they will be risking life and limb for my vision. They are willing to go to war for me.
Tears begin to stream down Ratman’s face as he wallows in despair for his team's future injuries.
RATMAN: I’m so sorry Rapture. All you wanted to do was make horror movies and now you’re wrapped up in another horror all together. Noah, you just wanted to be… well… I don’t actually know. You’ve never been the bravest soul though and now I’m making you take the largest leap of faith in your entire career. I thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being there for me. When I needed some friends the most, you were there.
Papercut clambers up Percival’s arm and sits next to his head on his shoulder. Papercut watches and listens patiently allowing Ratman to get everything out of his system.
RATMAN: Mr. Fineweather, I want you to get the help you need. I hope you can find it. I’m sorry you had to come into this and fight against your other friends for us. I won’t be mad if you can’t help us. It was never our place to put you in that position.
Ratman leans back into his chair and lets himself sink into it. He is nearly laying in the chair now with only his shoulders and head perched up.
RATMAN: El Puma, Guy, and Uncle Larry, I am truly sorry for what you are going to witness on that night. I will try my hardest to protect our friends. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to help them. I think you all know this already though.
Ratman scoots back into his chair resting his arms on the armrests of the throne now.
RATMAN: Lastly, my dearest friend Serrano. It’s been a long ride. To think this all happened because we met on that fateful day, right there in the Mall of America food court. Who could’ve predicted the strongest friendship Project; Honor had ever seen would blossom that day. My friend, no… my brother, I will stand against the world with you. Whatever Wargames brings us, I will be ready because I know you will be by my side until the end.
Ratman lifts himself out of his throne and raises his finger as he gets into his signature pose.
RATMAN: With that, I, Ratman, Wrestling Supreme, must bid you all a farewell and goodnight. I wish everyone a fun day at wargames despite knowing there will be no fun. So long everyone.
Ratman carefully walks over to the camera and with the push of a button, turns it off.
LARRY KACHOW: Good work guys! You almost got it.
The group is struggling to get even one wall standing.
RATMAN: Uncle Larry is right everyone! We are almost there!
After about another hour of work, the crew are eventually able to get the makeshift cage put together. Everyone sits around the ring panting heavily as they marvel in the sight of their handiwork.
GUY: Wow, I can’t believe they have to do this for two rings at the actual show.
Everyone begins to laugh as Ratman begins to look very nervous.
RATMAN: Ah yes! Of course, they have to put this together. About that…
EL PUMA: ¿Qué hiciste Ratman?
RATMAN: I may have volunteered us to put the cage together at the crowning. I thought it would be a fun team building exercise before the match!
Everyone simultaneously crumbles from exhaustion. Ratman begins to scratch his head causing the occasional flea to drop from his hair.
RATMAN: Sorry everyone…
SERRANO POBLANO: Don’t worry about it Percy, it’ll be just what we need to get warmed up!
Even Serrano doesn’t believe his own words but he would never fail to try and cheer up his pal.
SERRANO POBLANO: So, we're really entering the spice gauntlet aren’t we? A real pepper palace if you will.
Ratman sits up and excitedly holds up a handful of straws.
RATMAN: So! I shall volunteer to enter the match on our behalf. We already know Mr. Fineweather will be joining us, that just leaves three spots open. Are there any more volunteers before we draw straws?
Ratman looks around and Serrano raises his hand.
SERRANO POBLANO: Well if you’re going to volunteer Percy then I will too!
Ratman temporarily gets excited knowing he will get to share the ring with Serrano once more.
RATMAN: Very good! That just leaves two more spots! Go ahead and draw straws everyone! Except you of course, Uncle Larry, we all know you aren’t much of a wrestler.
LARRY KACHOW: Hmph, you got that right.
RATMAN: Oh Uncle Larry, you jokester. I assume we are going with the shortest straws in the match? Well everyone, take your picks!
The remaining members all huddle around and begin to pull straws. First is El Puma.
EL PUMA: Es largo!
Second is Rapture.
RAPTURE: This one is short, like the lifespan of a fly.
Everyone watches Rapture nervously before Guy happily reaches in and picks his straw.
GUY: Now that is a long straw! Not something my wife would ever say, you know what I mean?
Guy shoulder bumps Noah as he laughs at his own joke. Noah takes a deep breath as he pulls the final straw. He holds it up to the group as they all look at the shortest straw drawn.
NOAH HOPE: I don’t know guys, looking around at just this cage, I’m not sure we chose the right guy.
Ratman slides over to Noah and wraps an arm around his shoulders.
RATMAN: Oh no worries there friend. The straws would never lie. You’ll do great, I know you will!
Noah takes a big gulp as he continues to nervously look around the structure.
NOAH HOPE: This is only half of it huh? Oh man, what a night we have in store.
Ratman gets to his feet and helps his companions to their feet as well. Guy and Puma exit the cage while the four remaining competitors stand in a circle all facing separate sides of the cage.
RAPTURE: I believe our companion is right. There is no room for hope here my friends.
The ‘s’ exits Rapture’s mouth with a hiss.
NOAH HOPE: Yeah, I wish you couldn’t find Hope in this cage.
Serrano and Ratman turn to their worried partners.
RATMAN: No need to fret! We have this in the bag! So long as we work together I know we can come out on top!
Serrano nods his head along with Percival.
SERRANO POBLANO: He’s right. We’ve all come together in the face of danger and we didn’t back down before. I don’t see how this is any different. Like with any pepper, the spicier it is, the longer you have to endure, but in the end, the pain is worth it.
RATMAN: Well said friend. Now, why don’t you all stand next to me and look cool while we address our opponents for the match!
Everyone nods and shuffles into position trying their best to look intimidating but come off more as awkward and nervous.
RATMAN: At the Crowning, this merry band of outcasts are going to war. We will beat our drums to the tune of our horns. One by one we will reunite in that ring with the sole purpose of being the last team standing. While the others may have size, strength, and speed on their side, there is one thing they lack. Friendship.
Ratman holds his hands up as if he’s been caught red-handed.
RATMAN: Now I know we’ve said this before and the result has never been different. This time I truly believe it will be. You have all looked down on the KaVengers for the last time, friends! This time, it shall be you looking up to the lights where you will see our smiling faces and outreached hands. Let us end this petty conflict.
Ratman pulls a rope which lets a banner with all the members of True Society displayed on it fall.
RATMAN: Trueist Society. You are in need of some counseling. Serrano knows a good therapist now! I believe that scary Mr. Castle could even introduce you. Let’s face it, none of you seem to like each other much. Sure, Miss Billy likes Savannah and Syndicate likes Slade, but with such a divide why are you not trying to heal as a group? We here at the KaVengers have had our fair share of issues but we make sure to always resolve them. Don’t even get me started on the time Serrano ate El Puma’s tacos.
El Puma gives Serrano a quick glare as Serrano grimaces and apologetically waves down Puma.
RATMAN: Miss Billy, you are very pretty and strong. I think you and Ratman could have gotten along great. It is a shame you were never invited to join the KaVengers. You do have a fairly bad track record of turning your back on your friends though and we cannot let that stand here in the KaVengers. This will not be the time for friendship making so I wish you the greatest luck.
Noah tries to take a step forward but Ratman holds a hand out in front of Noah.
RATMAN: It is okay friend, I shall handle this one.
Noah steps back and allows Percy to continue to speak.
RATMAN: Mr. Drago Santiago, you have a fancy name. I am the great Ratman and these are my friends. We were briefly introduced on the last Proving Ground but I’m not sure we got off on the greatest foot. You really came into the scene at a strange time I must confess. I hope to have fun in the ring with you.
RATMAN: Now the scary Mr. Castle is one I have a little bit of history with. I’ve seen the good in you. You don’t have to be so scary and mean all the time, you know? Well come Wargames, I know your tricks, Mr. Castle. We’ve come face to face before and I will not lose to you again! Pepperjack Cheese shall have our KaVengeance!
RATMAN: Lastly representing the Society is Syndicate. A man who is a little too big for his breeches. You want the world and yet you don’t do anything to show you deserve the world. Where are your friends, Syndicate? You’ll find reaching the top to be very difficult on your own after all. Once this is all over, despite things that may have been said, I offer you my friendship.
Everyone in the ring disperses a little bit and watches as Ratman continues to talk about their opponents for the coming war.
RATMAN: Big Drippers, I have said much about you already. Let this be the conclusion to our catering hogging rivalry. Tis such a dumb reason to hold a grudge. So I wish for us to let bygones be bygones after we leave that cage. I’ll start with Swindle. Swindle, I know you must be hurting inside. It’s the only reason I could see you joining Big Drip. After all, you don’t have very much in common with them. Perhaps it was that desperation for companionship that drove you to them. I know that feeling well. I hope you were able to get what you were looking for. If it was not enough, we the KaVengers, are happy to greet you as a friend after all is said and done.
RATMAN: I don’t expect much less of someone with such high standards but Myojin’s snobbery truly knows no bounds. I accept that part of you Myojin. For the longest time, I couldn’t see that not everyone had to be like me. While I am more likely to compare you to that of a feline, even those with your preferences and tendencies can be ratlike in your own way.
RATMAN: TJ Tompson, I feel a little bad about what I said before our last confrontation. You put up a valiant effort when we came face to face and I’d like to think you now know why I am Ratman, Wrestling Supreme. You seem like a fun guy though and I’d like for us to get past this and maybe you can even join us for a pizza party sometime!
Ratman let’s out a deep sigh, while his wide yellow smile is bared for all to see.
RATMAN:Littlest Petey! You are making a dangerous pitstop on your retirement tour, for that I apologize. While I may have had no say in how we got here or whether we should be here, I would like to offer you my friendship as well. Let us stop the madness once and for all.
Ratman claps his hands together, shaking off the proverbial dust. He looks around to his teammates and holds his arms out for a big group hug. The four embrace and hold their hug for a few moments before separating.
RATMAN: We are Ratman, Wrestling Supreme!
SERRANO POBLANO: Serrano Poblano, the Sultan of Spice!
RAPTURE: Rapture, the world’s friendliest killer!
There is a brief pause before Noah realizes it’s his turn.
NOAH HOPE: Oh! And Noah Hope… I guess…
RATMAN: Together we are the KaVengers! Now let’s get to planning everyone! I think I have some paper we can write on around here somewhere.
Ratman begins to exit the cage while Larry turns the camera off.
The screen slowly flickers on, only barely, with nothing in view but tens to hundreds of rats scurrying past. A hand reaches down into view as Percival picks up the camera and aims it around his surroundings. All around Burque lay sheets of graph paper with hastily drawn battleplans. Burque walks over them, the soiled paper tearing apart with each one he steps on. Percival sets his camera up on his tripod and takes a few steps back toward his dilapidated throne which is now in view. The rest of the KaVengers are long gone. Ratman takes a seat and rests his head onto his hands which he holds together under his chin. There are no smiles. Only a look of worry accompanies Ratman. Papercut tugs at Percival’s finger, attempting to get his attention, but he simply shoos his sensei away.
RATMAN: Usually, when I address the people, the KaVenger’s and I’s adoring fans, I try to keep a brave face. I come into my matches happy and hopeful. I want the best for my friends. They’re more than that to me now. The KaVengers are my family. What I shall be subjugating these poor lads to is not something family should be.
Ratman continues to sulk, only looking up from the ground occasionally to view his mischief go on about their day.
RATMAN: When Uncle Larry started the KaVengers, he only had the best intentions. Now I have gone and turned those intentions into my own selfish goals. I wanted the KaVengers to be the stars for once. I put them into positions that they never wanted to be in. Now at the end of it all, they will be risking life and limb for my vision. They are willing to go to war for me.
Tears begin to stream down Ratman’s face as he wallows in despair for his team's future injuries.
RATMAN: I’m so sorry Rapture. All you wanted to do was make horror movies and now you’re wrapped up in another horror all together. Noah, you just wanted to be… well… I don’t actually know. You’ve never been the bravest soul though and now I’m making you take the largest leap of faith in your entire career. I thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being there for me. When I needed some friends the most, you were there.
Papercut clambers up Percival’s arm and sits next to his head on his shoulder. Papercut watches and listens patiently allowing Ratman to get everything out of his system.
RATMAN: Mr. Fineweather, I want you to get the help you need. I hope you can find it. I’m sorry you had to come into this and fight against your other friends for us. I won’t be mad if you can’t help us. It was never our place to put you in that position.
Ratman leans back into his chair and lets himself sink into it. He is nearly laying in the chair now with only his shoulders and head perched up.
RATMAN: El Puma, Guy, and Uncle Larry, I am truly sorry for what you are going to witness on that night. I will try my hardest to protect our friends. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to help them. I think you all know this already though.
Ratman scoots back into his chair resting his arms on the armrests of the throne now.
RATMAN: Lastly, my dearest friend Serrano. It’s been a long ride. To think this all happened because we met on that fateful day, right there in the Mall of America food court. Who could’ve predicted the strongest friendship Project; Honor had ever seen would blossom that day. My friend, no… my brother, I will stand against the world with you. Whatever Wargames brings us, I will be ready because I know you will be by my side until the end.
Ratman lifts himself out of his throne and raises his finger as he gets into his signature pose.
RATMAN: With that, I, Ratman, Wrestling Supreme, must bid you all a farewell and goodnight. I wish everyone a fun day at wargames despite knowing there will be no fun. So long everyone.
Ratman carefully walks over to the camera and with the push of a button, turns it off.
