Jacob Scharff's ShockTalk

Before the Supershow...

*Jacob, Skylar, and Xavier are sitting around a fairly plain table, in the middle of a dinner of chicken parmesan.*

Xavier: You gonna tell the story now Mr. Scharff?

Jacob: Hm?

Skylar: What story?

Jacob: Ah! The one of how Chaos and I met.

Skylar: Oh good. Means you won't just be telling me for the millionth time.

Jacob: I thought you liked it?

Skylar: I did. I do. But you tend to forget you've told me, and Chaos tends to tell me just because he can.

Jacob: My memory is not the best I admit. But this sticks in my head.

Xavier: What happened?

Jacob: It was about 15 years ago...

2002

*The scene is a locker room. A bunch of generic guys are standing around in wrestling trunks. Jacob is obvious as a lightning bolt and two Stars of David adorn his trunks. There is another who stands out in the crowd though. His skin is chalk white, almost seeming to glow in the dim light of the room. He has a few blood red scars across his body, staining what would otherwise be an unmarred canvas. His feet are bare, and while most of the men have their hair shorn short, his is a solid block of darkness atop his head. Everyone, even Jacob is keeping their distance as the "man" stands 7 feet tall and appears to be solid muscle. A man with a clipboard then enters the room.*

Clipboard Man: Here's the card tonight. If I don't call your name you can go home. Jones vs. Wayne, Nader Vs. Peterson, Holtman vs. Maguire, Scharff vs. Williams! That's it! The rest of you get out of here. No questions.

*A bunch of guys begin to pack their stuff to leave, the white giant, not among them. Jacob doesn't think twice about it. Whoever he is, his opponent is in for a rough night, Unless he's his opponent...doesn't matter to Jacob. This is his first show. Gotta make an impression.*

2017

KEESH!

*The sound of shattering glass breaks into Jacob's story. He rises to his feet immediately.*

Jacob: Chaos!

*A black cloud poofs into existence. A barefoot white giant steps out. More scars adorn his body but otherwise he appears the same as he did 15 years ago. Black wings extend from his back and he flexes them.*

Chaos: Yeah?

Jacob: We might have an intruder.

Chaos: I'm already there.

*Chaos disappears again and reappears almost instantly.*

Chaos: No people. Just a rock with a note. Not even worth the smoke.

Jacob: All the same old friend. Thanks for checking.

*Jacob takes the note and unfurls it. On the paper is just a drawing and some letters. A triangle, a square, and a circle, followed by the letters, R and S.*

Xavier: It was the Shapers wasn't it?

*Jacob nods. Skylar punches the table in frustration. Xavier walks over and puts his hand out for the note.*

Jacob: No. Maybe if we do nothing, they'll learn that you're not against them, and they'll leave us alone. Chaos.

*Jacob tosses the note skyward and as Chaos blinks it is engulfed in flame. It falls to the ground and smolders into ash.*

Hours before the Supershow

*Jacob is sitting in his Hummer, window down, the engine already on. Skylar, Xavier, and Chaos are standing to the side.*

Jacob: Chaos is gonna hang with you guys until I get back. The Shapers have been quiet after sending that note, but I'd rather not take any chances.

Skylar: I wish you would just let me call the cops. Chaos' methods can be a little...much.

Chaos: I am literally standing right here.

Xavier: Maybe she's right Mr. Scharff.

Jacob: Xavier, you know better than anyone how the Shapers work. The cops can't find them. They've tried. They're able to nab one, maybe two members at any given time and they never give up anything incriminating. Besides, Chaos knows how far is too far. He won't do anything to bring trouble to the family. Right, old friend?

Chaos: Of course. Skylar you should know by now that I only light up when people absolutely deserve it. And Xavier boy may not trust me yet but he's gonna learn. I may be the Devil Prince, but even the Devil can be loyal.

Jacob: All right. I'll be back in a few days. Sky, if that paper from the agency shows up just keep it where I can check over it when I get back. I'll see you guys after the storm clears!

*Jacob drives off.*

???: Wow, thought he'd never leave.

*The voice belongs to a woman but she's only heard, not seen.*

Xavier: Cassie! I know you're out there.

???: Congratulations Xavier. You still recognize my voice after all this time. Do you remember my shape? Would you know me if you saw me? Or have your eyes been darkened in your time away from us?

Xavier: You can't have me back Cassie. I left that life. I like what I have!

Cassie: Well I prefer what you had! You were one of the best Shapers. Even three new hires haven't been able to replace you. If you just come back you'll be exactly where you were, no questions asked. I've spent too much time here. We have a demonstration planned soon. I'll come looking for your answer after that. Think long and hard, Xavier.

*Chaos poofs out in a cloud and returns moments later, looking thoroughly angry.*

Chaos: Little sneak left it all on a tape recorder. She's good. I can't track her.

Xavier: Let's just go inside. I don't wanna deal with this right now. Hand me the tape recorder Chaos.

*Chaos and Skylar look at each other.*

Xavier: I just...I figure there's gotta be some kind of clue on there that can help handle this once and for all.

Chaos: Up to Skylar boy.

Skylar: Fine. Just be careful Xavier.

*Chaos hands the tape recorder to Xavier who stares intently at it.*

A week after the supershow

*We see Jacob holding a piece of paper and walking confidently towards a room in his home. He swings it open and we see Xavier sitting on the floor examining the tape recorder.*

Jacob: You know, if you were Superman you would've stared a hole through that thing by now.

Xavier: Yeah...I know Cassie. She wouldn't just leave a message. There's gotta be something here I'm missing.

Jacob: Maybe that's just what she wants you to think. Maybe she figures if it drives you crazy enough you'll go to them just to see what's on it.

Xavier: Maybe.

Jacob: I didn't come in here just to see you fret over that thing. The adoption paper finally came in. Once we make sure everything's in order we can send it on its way and soon you'll legally be our son.

Xavier: That's great!

Jacob: It is...but I wanna put this Shapers business to bed one way or the other first. I trust you Xavier, if I didn't you wouldn't be here. However, these people,... I don't know what to do and I've gotta head out for the next show in a few weeks, plus then there's Gallows End. We need this cleaned up.They have to know you're not coming back and to leave us alone.

Xavier: The Shapers didn't get where they are by just giving up.

Jacob: You need to handle this. I have to go prep for Supreme. A big win will really help heading into Gallows' End. Here, whatever you decide, make sure it's final.

*Jacob hands Xavier the adoption paper. He leaves and Xavier stares at both the paper and recorder, a million thoughts crashing about in his head.*

The night of Aug. 27

*We see Xavier leaning against a brick wall, he holds the recorder in his hand, his other hand jammed into the pocket of a hoodie. People pass the area but no one comes Xavier's way.*

Xavier: Maybe she listened to me after all.

???: Don't count on it.

*The voice comes from behind Xavier and causes him to jump. A tan caucasian girl with blonde hair was whom the voice emanated from.*

Xavier: Cassie. You guys have gotten even better since I left.

Cassie: Or maybe you've lost your touch. Used to be we couldn't get anyone past you. I was one of the worst.

Xavier You wanted to be found, and admittedly, for a long while, I wanted to find you. Tonight I was hoping you wouldn't show.

Cassie: I noticed, but face it Xavier, you knew when you got involved with us what it meant, and when you left you knew  what that meant too.

Xavier I didn't know it meant your hate.

Cassie: How could I not hate you? We were gonna run The Shapers and twist this city to our will.

Xavier: That's not the way I heard it. I heard that once you got in power it was gonna be The Cassie Show. Besides, I joined The Shapers because at the time I had nothing. Now I've got something.

Cassie: You had something with us! Whatever you heard was wrong. I never planned a complete takeover. Absolute power corrupts absolutely Xavier. That's why there's two Black Diamonds per sector. So all that power isn't consolidated in one person. And because you left...we had to find another Black Diamond. And you know the qualifications.

Xavier:...No. Tell me you didn't.

Cassie: I didn't have a choice. Time's up Xavier. Come back with us or I can't stop what comes next.

Xavier I can't...I won't!

???: I knew the coward wouldn't come.

*A mountain of a man leaps from the buildings above into the alley where Xavier and Cassie are. He's clearly a jock, his letterman jacket flapping in the air as he descends. He lands with a thud and dusts himself off as he rises.*

Xavier: Luke.

*Luke's hand flashes out and shoves Xavier backwards and Xavier lands on his ass.*

Luke: You're out of shape Xavier. The higher ups have issued the order. Since you won't get in line, you're to be broken. Maybe then you can learn to fit in.

*Luke walks over and picks up Xavier by the back of his hoodie and slings him across the alley towards Cassie. The recorder falls out of Xavier's hands and lands at Cassie's feet with a clatter. Luke doesn't notice this but Cassie does and she picks it up as Luke marches over to Xavier again.*

Cassie: Luke! Let's go!

Luke: They ordered him broken.

*Luke picks up Xavier and raises him high above his head. Xavier fumbles in his pocket and pulls out a lighter which he clicks to produce a flame. A puff of black smoke appears in the alleyway, it's Chaos, but he's too late. Luke brings Xavier down back first across his knee!*

BRAK!

Xavier falls limply to the hard ground below. Luke grabs Cassie and they run past Chaos who is seething. He turns to go for them but changes his mind and goes to Xavier. He examines him momentarily before teleporting the two of them out of the alley.*

Several weeks later...

*Xavier is laid up in a hospital bed. Skylar holds his hand. Jacob comes in looking furious.*

Jacob: If he's fine they should just let us go home. And Xavier you need to tell me who did this. You say it wasn't Cassie, I believe you, but if they are coming after you, trying to injure you, you have to tell us who did it. They're dangerous.

Xavier I thought I could handle it. I didn't know there would be anyone else there.

Skylar: Xavier, you tried to fight. You should have called Chaos the minute you realized it wasn't just you and Cassie.

Chaos: The punks, including Cassie, ran the minute I appeared. They know better than to mess with me, but I know the guy was big, like scary big, for a human.

Xavier: Dad, great job in your matches by the way.

Jacob: Thanks...Dad? You've never called me that before.

Xavier: It's still not official yet, but I realize that I could have been messed up a lot worse in that alley. I have to move on from The Shapers. It kinda sucks it took near paralysis to realize it, but still.

Jacob: Thank you, son. The biggest tests are still to come though. I've never competed in anything like this Graveyard by Moonlight match, and then there's the 13 Ghosts Gauntlet. I'm dedicating my performances at Gallows End to all three of you. If it wasn't for you guys I wouldn't have come back to 4CW and now that I have I'm seeing that I have a bit more I need to do. They need to see that I am a thunderbolt that strikes twice.

*A nurse enters with a tray of hospital food. She sets it on the desk without a word.*

Skylar: Thank you?

*As the nurse leaves a square card slides out of her uniform and across the floor. Jacob picks it up and heads to the door to inform her.*

Jacob: Nurse?

*She walks down the hallway clearly blocking Jacob's calls to her. He goes back into the room and looks at the front of the card before handing it to Xavier.*

Jacob: What's it mean?

*We see the card has several shapes on it but it appears to be a random assortment, no rhyme or reason to them.*

Xavier: It's a message from The Shapers. I'll have to translate it once i'm out of here. They don't send stuff this coded without knowing it will take the person awhile. That's all part of the plan. Don't worry about this Dad. This is for me. And I promise, once I figure out what it says I'll come to you. I know I have to rely on family now. And that's y'all.

*Jacob hugs Xavier.*

Jacob: Good to hear.

2 hours after Gallows' End...

*A yellow Hummer zooms down the highway. It's driver is Jacob Scharff, frustrated after everything that went down hours ago, questions bouncing in his head, vengeance fuming at its base. But it's not all for him. Some is reserved for those who harmed the young man he would soon legally be able to call son. He has to focus on that, and maybe he was too focused, maybe that's why Gallows' End left him wanting. The radio suddenly blares to life with a ringtone, and we see his phone is hooked into it.*

Jacob: Answer.

Xavier: Dad?

Jacob: Xavier. Everything okay?

Xavier: I was just gonna ask you. That match with Paige was insane.  Where are you?

Jacob: Already on my way. Couldn't sit around and dwell on things. I get too much into my own head. My time will come again.

Xavier: I hope so Dad...I need to tell you something.

Jacob: What is it?

Xavier: I translated part of The Shapers message. The rest is gonna take some time, but I found my old key and it worked, for part of it anyway.

Jacob: What does it say?

Xavier: It's a date. New Year's Day.

Jacob: We need more. That could be an attack, a meeting, anything.

Xavier: Skylar said the same thing. Chaos still wants to raze them to the ground.

Jacob: Chaos won't move without word from me.

Xavier: Why is he so loyal to you? Is it part of the story you never finished?

Jacob: Sort of. To be fair guess I've got nothing but time now for a bit. Now if I remember right, we left off with my first ever match.

2002

*Jacob had been watching from the back. His match was next, but there were two people in the back with him. His opponent, and the white giant, though Jacob wasn't sure they weren't one and the same. He would just worry about it when the time came. He exited the locker room and headed to gorilla position. He was to be the first out. They hadn't given him music, said there was no budget, so he just waited for the ring announcer to finish saying his name and he made his way out. The crowd didn't know what to make of him. He wasn't sure what to make of them. They had been hard to impress all night he had noticed. He headed to the ring. He really hoped the white giant wasn't his opponent. But why was he there? A special attraction? He hadn't done anything all night.*

Announcer: And his opponent... Mark Williams!

*Jacob waits with baited breath. No music to know who's coming. He couldn't believe a giant like that would have a name like Mark Williams, but he supposed anything was possible. Seconds felt like years. If it was the giant, he wasn't sure what he would do. A hand popped through the curtains but in the lights he couldn't be sure of its tone. It was followed by the average man backstage. The giant wasn't here, yet anyways. Jacob figured though that he'd cross that bridge if he came to it. Now he had something else to focus on.*

2017

*A ringtone cuts through Jacob's reminiscing. He looks at the ID on his radio. It's 4CW.*

Jacob: Xavier, work's calling. I'll try to finish the story when I get home.

Xavier: Got it. Drive safe Dad.

*click*

Jacob: Answer.

*It's a clear dark night at Skylar's Zone. Jacob, Skylar, Xavier, and Chaos are standing in front of a table with a menorah with the shamash, and one other candle lit.*

Skylar: Don't worry, Xavier, you'll catch onto the prayers soon enough.

Xavier: Yeah? I hope so. It's kinda weird just standing here.

Jacob: I'm sorry we don't really have a present for you tonight. I was hoping to get your adoption results by now but they haven't shown yet.

Xavier: It's okay. I know you're trying. Speaking of trying though, I've spent all this time trying to figure out The Shapers message to me and I think I've finally got it.  It took me so long because the top part was numbers, not letters, not their usual style, at least it didn't use to be.

Jacob: Numbers?

Xavier: I think it's a phone number. I wanted to wait until everyone was here to try it out though. In case we needed assistance. *looks directly at Chaos*

Chaos: I'll do what I can boy but these Shapers seems attuned to our tricks, I doubt things'll be easy with them.

Xavier: Well here goes.

*Xavier punches a number into his phone, clicks the speaker icon, and lays it on the table.*

???: Xavier, took you awhile.

Xavier: Cassie. I figured this would lead to you.

Cassie: I'm the only one they trusted to accurately deliver the message. We can't get what we want if you piss off Luke, again.

Xavier: Is that how The Shapers operate now Cassie? You just outright try and kill people?

Cassie: You left us no choice. You know too much Xavier and the Pentagrams made a decision. I disagreed, and so did others, but we were outvoted. So now, traitors are to be taken out at all costs. You're considered a threat to our existence and they can't have that.

Xavier: What about you Cassie? Can you live with yourself if I die at Luke's hands?

Cassie: You put yourself in this bind Xavier. If you come back and throw yourself at the mercy of the Pentagrams they may take you back. You can give yourself, and us, a second chance!

*Xavier opens his mouth to speak, but closes it again without a word. He silently surveys the scene, his new family watching for his next words, candles flickering as their wax slowly melts underneath them, creating a rainbow of drops on the aluminum foil placed beneath them. It's so quiet the hum of heated air moving through the house can be heard. Finally Xavier opens his mouth to speak again.

Xavier: I have my second chance Cassie. This isn't my legal family yet, but it will be, and if you want me you're going to have come get me.

Cassie: No, we won't. You'll come to us Xavier. You'll come alone, to the top of Stone Mountain, on New Year's Day. Because we have something you want. Your new family.

Xavier: What are you talking about?

Cassie: Luke took the adoption results from your mailbox. If you want to be a part of a family you'll have to come get them. *click*

Xavier: What the...oh man.

Jacob: That explains a lot.

Skylar: Can't we tell the police? and just get another adoption paper?

Jacob: Who's to say they won't try this again?

Xavier: The Shapers are known for their persistence. We have to put an end to this.

Skylar: They're willing to kill you. You can't go.

Xavier: They wouldn't go through all the trouble of taking that paper just to kill me. I've gotta head to Stone Mountain, on New Year's Day.

*Everyone falls silent as they ponder their predicament, the Hannukah candles still flickering.*

New Year's Day

*Xavier is at the top of Stone Mountain. The sun can still be seen through the trees. No one else is at the top with him, no one who's a tourist anyway. He looks at the lift that takes people up and down the mountain. It's still operating, but he can't run. The minute he got here a Square Shaper blocked the way he came. He was big, but sloppy, and Xavier had noticed him instantly. He also had seen a couple of Circle members, people trained to keep the target within a defined area. Xavier could tell their training had been rushed, because when he was a Circle you had to go unnoticed at all times, but maybe they were there as bait, to try and get Xavier to run, to give the rest an excuse to do whatever. Xavier would stand his ground though. However, he was getting tired of waiting. Legal father or not, one thing he shared with Jacob was a fear of falling and Stone Mountain's height served to heighten his anxiety in this moment.*

Xavier: Let's get this over with! Some of us have lives to get back to!

*The Circles emerged from their cover. They formed the usual perimeter, but Xavier knew they weren't a problem physically. If he had to run, he could get through them. In front of the perimeter the Circles made, several Triangles appeared. The Triangles, accurately, were the point men on missions. Black Diamonds and Pentagrams rarely made their presence felt unless it was deemed necessary. He knew Cassie and Luke would be there tonight though.*

Cassie: Xavier.

*As if on cue, the duo emerged from a corner of trees Xavier hadn't even seen from his position. They were good, that's why they were Black Diamonds.*

Cassie: Someone wants to speak you. I suggest you show respect.

*Xavier couldn't believe his ears, the way she spoke, it meant a Pentagram was here. They were taking this seriously, and subsequently, Xavier's job was going to be five times tougher. The fact that a Pentagram had coordinated this meant he had probably been watched from the moment he parked his car. The Circles he had seen had indeed been bait. He knew that because he had been training to one day become a Pentagram. A man appeared behind Cassie and Luke. He was taller than Luke by roughly six inches and Luke was a big man. Xavier knew him, for he was the Pentagram he would have replaced.*

Xavier: Pentagram Zenas.

Zenas: Xavier. The day you left broke the heart I once had. You were supposed to take my place. You were supposed to push the Shapers towards a brighter future. Your betrayal, your traitorous exit, from our proud organization, sent the other Pentagrams down a dark path. I know why you did what you did. Rumors, and miscommunication, were rampant, and allowed to run free they would have been the end of The Shapers. Your leaving however, facilitated the need for change, so the Pentagrams pushed people with evil in their hearts, (he looks directly at Luke) into positions of power, to whip the young ones into shape, and to make sure no one left again. We've, admittedly, accomplished a lot through these more nefarious means, but I for one still see a sliver of light for the Shapers. The Pentagrams still trust me, so either I bring you back, and we amplify the light, or I end you, and close us off to the light.

Xavier: Pentagram Zenas I understand. All of this was never my intention. Before I decide anything however you know you must present me with my papers. They were unlawfully taken and regardless of what happens today, the Scharffs need those papers.

Zenas: You are correct. I see you still remember procedure. Cassie.

*Cassie pulls a set of papers from her pocket. She walks over to Xavier and hands them to him. He reads over them. They're his adoption papers, and The Scharffs have been allowed to be his foster parents. A single tear emerges from his eye and rolls down his cheek. He was happy but sad, because he wasn't sure he had a future with them now.*

Cassie: If you come with us Xavier, we won't prevent you from being with your family. Shapers have to have lives outside of the organization you know. Come back, reclaim your Black Diamond!

Luke: Whoa! He doesn't get to just come back as a Black Diamond because you two used to be fuc*WHAM!*

*Zenas struck Luke with a brutal backhand and knocked him to the stone ground. Luke scrambles back to his feet and squares up with the bigger man as Cassie gasps.*

Zenas: Regardless of our methods, we still have class Mr. Daughtry. If you forget that again you will be stripped of your rank, regardless of what happens here today, are we clear?

Luke: You...Yes. My apologies Pentagram Zenas.

Zenas: Xavier, we knew you could change The Shapers for the better. We knew you would work with people like Cassie, and against those who would seek to bring a dark shroud over our organization. If you come back we seek for that to still be the case. Cassie is right. You can reclaim the title you once had. You can work from within, with her and I, to better The Shapers.

Cassie: Xavier please, I need you.

*Cassie clasps Xavier's hand. Xavier looks down at the intertwined hands and then back at Zenas.*

Xavier: Pentagram Zenas. I thank you for being the messenger for today and I thank you for the papers and the opportunity. This was an elaborate production. The bait was good too.

Zenas: They were not bait. Sadly since you left the training of sneaking and hiding has waned. There are talks of dropping Circle level members altogether.

Xavier: Ah.  So?

Zenas: Everyone would be trained as Triangles and Squares. If they didn't make it or wanted out, they would be broken.

Xavier: Breaking isn't enough. That's why it was stopped initially. It didn't deter people, because it left them alive, and it was considered senseless. It went against the class you say The Shapers have.

Zenas: The others are desperate to make our efforts known Xavier. Your leaving shook our organization to its highest levels. A recruit of your caliber couldn't be allowed to leave again.

Xavier: How do you feel about all this Zenas?

Zenas: My feelings matter not. I am but one of five. The other Pentagrams all seek the darker path. I have tried to dissuade them, but they always bring up you as their reason. If you returned,we could turn the tide.

Luke: Pentagram Zenas his time is up.

Zenas: He'll have as much time as I wish for him to have Mr. Daughtry.

Luke: You're done sir.

*Luke moves out from in front of Zenas and turns to face him.*

Zenas: Black Diamond Luke, return to your position.

Luke: Pentagram Alona, gave me different orders.

Zenas: Alona? No...Luke as a Pentagram before you make another move you must tell me her orders. The Shaper code demands it.

Luke: The Shaper code has changed Zenas. Alona and the others are inscribing the new version onto parchment as we speak. The old ways die today, and so does Xavier! By the way, since you didn't get this done, Alona decrees that you are unfit to be a Pentagram.

Zenas: They turned against me.

Luke: They knew you wouldn't force Xavier's hand. If he was so weak as to come back back without being forced he would be no good to The Shapers anyway.

*Luke undoes the Black Diamond emblem on his shoulder. He chucks it from the mountaintop.*

Zenas: What are you...

*Luke pulls out a rainbow colored Pentagram, the same kind that adorns the shoulder of Zenas. He sets it where the Black Diamond used to be.*

Luke: I am the fifth Pentagram now. Triangles put Zenas with Cassie and Xavier.

*Shaper members with triangles on their shoulders move towards Zenas but he quickly rounds on them and they jump back from the much bigger man. He walks over to Cassie and Xavier of his own accord.*

Luke: Now, are you three going to come quietly or is this mountaintop your last stop?

*Suddenly a black puff of smoke appears between Cassie, Xavier, Zenas and Luke! Chaos steps out from the smoke and wraps his arms around Cassie, Xavier, and Zenas.*

Luke: How?!

Moments earlier...

*Cassie clasps Xavier's hand, and in hers is a lighter, hidden from view of everyone but Xavier.*

Two days prior...

*Cassie stands in front of Skylar's Zone. She's not sure this'll work. She lights a firework and it rockets into the sky. She lights off several more. Finally, Chaos Raines eventually appears.*

Chaos: It's a little...you.

Cassie: I'm completely defenseless, and I'm here to talk.

Chaos: After last time I'm not inclined to listen.

Cassie: Xavier needs you when he goes to Stone Mountain. They will search him, they won't search me. I'm going to try and get this lighter to him. If he needs you he can click it and you'll come right?

Chaos: I have to sync with the fire of that lighter. How do I know this isn't some kind of trap?

Cassie: I care too much about Xavier. Please?

Present day...

*Chaos warps the trio off the mountain. Luke is dumbstruck. They appear back at Skaylar's Zone.*

Cassie: You synced with the lighter!

Chaos: Of course I did! Trap or no trap, Jacob asked me to look after Xavier. I couldn't turn this down.

Zenas: That was interesting. For all the wrong reasons. We are fugitives as far as The Shapers are concerned now. We mya have survived the battle but the worst is yet to come.

Xavier: We'll handle it. Why don't we go inside? We need to tell The Scharffs, everything.

*The quartet heads for the gymnasium as Xavier pulls out the adoption results.*

*Hours later we see Jacob, Skylar, Xavier, Chaos, Cassie, and Zenas crowded around the Scharff dining table. Mismatched chairs have been brought in for those who did not have their own.*

Skylar: Mr...Zenas?

Zenas: Yes?

Skylar: I know Xavier trusts you but I don't. You are one of the most powerful Shaper members.

Zenas: I was one of them. Now I cannot count myself amongst them anymore. What Luke and Alona have done behind my back is scary to think about it.

Jacob: Xavier told us that there were five Pentagrams in order to prevent things like this.

Zenas: That is how it was supposed to be. Ever since Alona rose to power she has pushed for stricter punishments, harsher training, and other darker methods to get our objectives across. The other four of us had to constantly keep her in check. Xavier was not the first Shaper to leave, far from it. Originally, you could come and go from the Shapers as needed, so long as you didn't divulge anything. Most didn't, some even returned after a while. The few who did...I'm not proud of some of my actions in the past. Xavier was going to be different, but I could see the turmoil within him as he performed for us. Others were jealous of Xavier since he took to most of our methodologies so quickly.  He was the best Circle member we had in a long time, never seen, and able to detect the presence of others on an almost superhuman level. He progressed to being a Triangle member in a mere two years, half the normal time it takes.

Chaos: And after that Xavier became a Black Diamond right? A sort of lieutenant?

Xavier: Right Chaos. When I was Triangle I met Cassie. We hit it off and decided to try a mission together. We signed up for one from Zenas and went out into the field and crushed it. He personally praised us afterwards and that doesn't happen often. After that first mission, when Zenas got to pick his Triangles it was always at least the two of us.

Zenas: Not long after that was when Luke joined The Shapers. Pentagram Alona immediately made him a square, and almost immediately afterward, he completely ruined a Shaper function when he attacked a pastor from behind. I thought so anyway. Now I believe Alona pushed him into it. She's had his back and ear from the start, of that I am now certain. That's when I started to focus a little more on Xavier. His beliefs clashed with those of Luke's but I believed they were the right ones for The Shapers to embrace.

Cassie: Alona didn't like that though and she started coming up with more and more missions to send Luke on and she'd usually send me with him. I didn't like it but unless Zenas had a specific need for me I couldn't really say no. Luke's actions pushed me closer and closer to Xavier though because I knew I could confide in him and he wouldn't ridicule me for it.

Xavier: Cassie and I were clearly a couple, which was allowed, but discouraged at the same time. Then came our Black Diamond mission. This was agreed upon by all five Pentagrams, even Alona. She assigned Luke to us though, despite our protestations. He nearly blew the whole thing, but when we came back Alona chastised us and tired to bring all the blame to bear on our heads. Zenas defended us and our status went to a vote. It was 3-2 in our favor. We were set to become Black Diamonds. Then I heard the whispers. I didn't believe them at first...and I should have said something then Cassie.

Cassie: What do you mean?

Xavier: I didn't believe you were the type to grab power, but Pentagram Kefira came to me and she supported what the others were saying. I thought if a Pentagram, besides Alona, said it that there had to be some truth to it. I know now I was wrong. That's when I ran.

Zenas: Alona jumped on that opportunity and pushed to simply vote Luke in as a Black Diamond. It was another 3-2 decision, but it was in Luke's favor and you could nearly see Alona jump from her seat with joy.

Xavier: You know everything after that.

Zenas: If that's the case, then it's time for me to take my leave.

Jacob: Mr. Zenas Xavier's trust means you have the right to a good meal and at least a good night's sleep.

Zenas: Thank you but I must decline. Now that The Shapers appear to be firmly under Alona's thumb I need to secure my family, my life outside of The Shapers, so they may not take it away from me. Time is of the essence.

Jacob: I understand, at the end of the day our family, even if they're not blood, are the most important things. Go tend to yours.

*Zenas gets up to leave and heads for the door. Before he departs, he turns to Xavier and Cassie.*

Zenas: I saw something in you two. When you work together there's...a musicality...to it. It ebbs and flows before building to a crescendo, and ending sweetly. Every time.

*Zenas leaves as Cassie offers her hand to Xavier. He clasps it tight.*

Okay. So, I've recently read through all of your RPs. Yep, every word! I'd like to share my overall takeaway of this, making note of pros, cons and the like.

What I like, pt. 1: the basics, the setting, etc.
- A "small" but important detail: character names. I'm especially partial to Xavier, Zenas and Skylar.
- Cassie. Just... Cassie. For some reason, my mind's eyes has decided that she's basically Fetch from Infamous: Second Son.
- The gym/home itself is pretty cool.
- I have a decent, if vague, vision of Stone Mountain and I like it as a setting for a potential "showdown".
- I, too, have a fear of falling, heh.

What I like, pt. 2: the weightier stuff
- Jacob's little backstory with Chaos is rather odd, in a likeable way.
- The father/son dynamic between Jacob and Xavier, as well as their efforts to make it all official.
- I like the Xavier/Cassie dynamic, as well. The two clearly have a complicated history.
- The Shapers and the ranking system/roles are pretty clever. (Though I'm surprised anyone would want to be called a "square", heh.)
- I like the cryptic messages The Shapers send.
- Luke. Well, I don't like him, but you get my meaning! Cocky, jocky, impulsive douchebag who's in with The Shapers' higher-ups? Makes perfect sense as a villain to me.

A general thought
- I'm curious about how you imagine Xavier in your own head. In mine, I see an ambitious and bright young man whose primary character flaw is perhaps that he's too trusting / easily led. More accurately, perhaps, he's been those things and is still learning to stand on his own two feet. I take him as someone who's becoming more and more strong-willed and independent, while also allowing himself to be the right kind of open/vulnerable with the right people (his family). Jacob and Skylar are no doubt a huge factor in helping Xavier navigate these things. Is this roughly the characterization you were going for?

What needs improvement/clarity
- So, this may tie into the fact I don't know any of your work from past iterations of 4CW, but I don't really grasp the lore in your stories. It's cool and it stands out, but I feel like I'm missing some key components. Whether this is the case or not, all I can do is give feedback on what's been presented in this thread. Many of the following bullet-points will elaborate on what I mean...
- I'm not sure what The Shapers are/what they do. Are they part of an underground political movement? A crime syndicate? There's talk of "keeping targets in a certain range". Targets of what kind—and to what end? I get the feeling they're supposed to be mysterious and all, but their nature and motivations are very unclear to me.
- I'm unclear on the nature of Chaos Raines. Is he a fallen angel of some kind? I was surprised to find that he can appear to people other than Jacob himself, as I initially mistook Chaos as being Jacob's personal guardian—exclusively, that is. I also was suprised to learn that he has a corporeal form. Correct me if I'm off-base or overgeneralizing, but Scharff is Jewish, right? I know little-to-nothing about Judaism, but I got wondering at some point if maybe Chaos' nature is based in Jewish beliefs somehow. I'd love some clarity on this character.

I want to call special attention to...
- Especially in the latest clutch of RPs, Jacob himself doesn't really play a big role. This isn't to say that I don't like the direction things have been headed in, mind. It just caught me off-guard. I'm curious to see how the main character himself develops throughout all these hectic goings-on, and now that the papers are finalized, how he feels about officially being a father.

Closing thoughts:
These RPs are typically pretty interesting and more often than not will keep me engaged from start to finish. I generally like the characters, Jacob's home and the "hero drama" movie vibe of it all. My lack of understanding re: Chaos; The Shapers' nature; and Xavier's backstory as a former Shaper (what exactly did he do? What exactly do The Shapers as a whole do/strive for?) is frustrating. It does bring down my overall enjoyment, to be honest. I'm left thinking, "But what does it all mean?", basically. Such major story elements really need some elucidation. The timeline of things is also a bit tricky, as RPs with headers like "a week after the supershow" are vague/require research when one is reading them long since the stated event. Minor tweaks to the dating system would help, i.e. "A week after the supershow" could be "A week after the (specific date) supershow". Personally, I also like to use exact dates for the events of an RP, but I h ave character-specific reasons for doing that. In your case, simple specifics like in the example I gave should suffice.

This shit is cool, so keep it up! But please—help your readers in understanding the backstory!

All the best!

– Paige

Okay. So, I've recently read through all of your RPs. Yep, every word! I'd like to share my overall takeaway of this, making note of pros, cons and the like.

What I like, pt. 1: the basics, the setting, etc.
- A "small" but important detail: character names. I'm especially partial to Xavier, Zenas and Skylar.
- Cassie. Just... Cassie. For some reason, my mind's eyes has decided that she's basically Fetch from Infamous: Second Son.
- The gym/home itself is pretty cool.
- I have a decent, if vague, vision of Stone Mountain and I like it as a setting for a potential "showdown".
- I, too, have a fear of falling, heh.

What I like, pt. 2: the weightier stuff
- Jacob's little backstory with Chaos is rather odd, in a likeable way.
- The father/son dynamic between Jacob and Xavier, as well as their efforts to make it all official.
- I like the Xavier/Cassie dynamic, as well. The two clearly have a complicated history.
- The Shapers and the ranking system/roles are pretty clever. (Though I'm surprised anyone would want to be called a "square", heh.)
- I like the cryptic messages The Shapers send.
- Luke. Well, I don't like him, but you get my meaning! Cocky, jocky, impulsive douchebag who's in with The Shapers' higher-ups? Makes perfect sense as a villain to me.

A general thought
- I'm curious about how you imagine Xavier in your own head. In mine, I see an ambitious and bright young man whose primary character flaw is perhaps that he's too trusting / easily led. More accurately, perhaps, he's been those things and is still learning to stand on his own two feet. I take him as someone who's becoming more and more strong-willed and independent, while also allowing himself to be the right kind of open/vulnerable with the right people (his family). Jacob and Skylar are no doubt a huge factor in helping Xavier navigate these things. Is this roughly the characterization you were going for?

What needs improvement/clarity
- So, this may tie into the fact I don't know any of your work from past iterations of 4CW, but I don't really grasp the lore in your stories. It's cool and it stands out, but I feel like I'm missing some key components. Whether this is the case or not, all I can do is give feedback on what's been presented in this thread. Many of the following bullet-points will elaborate on what I mean...
- I'm not sure what The Shapers are/what they do. Are they part of an underground political movement? A crime syndicate? There's talk of "keeping targets in a certain range". Targets of what kind—and to what end? I get the feeling they're supposed to be mysterious and all, but their nature and motivations are very unclear to me.
- I'm unclear on the nature of Chaos Raines. Is he a fallen angel of some kind? I was surprised to find that he can appear to people other than Jacob himself, as I initially mistook Chaos as being Jacob's personal guardian—exclusively, that is. I also was suprised to learn that he has a corporeal form. Correct me if I'm off-base or overgeneralizing, but Scharff is Jewish, right? I know little-to-nothing about Judaism, but I got wondering at some point if maybe Chaos' nature is based in Jewish beliefs somehow. I'd love some clarity on this character.

I want to call special attention to...
- Especially in the latest clutch of RPs, Jacob himself doesn't really play a big role. This isn't to say that I don't like the direction things have been headed in, mind. It just caught me off-guard. I'm curious to see how the main character himself develops throughout all these hectic goings-on, and now that the papers are finalized, how he feels about officially being a father.

Closing thoughts:
These RPs are typically pretty interesting and more often than not will keep me engaged from start to finish. I generally like the characters, Jacob's home and the "hero drama" movie vibe of it all. My lack of understanding re: Chaos; The Shapers' nature; and Xavier's backstory as a former Shaper (what exactly did he do? What exactly do The Shapers as a whole do/strive for?) is frustrating. It does bring down my overall enjoyment, to be honest. I'm left thinking, "But what does it all mean?", basically. Such major story elements really need some elucidation. The timeline of things is also a bit tricky, as RPs with headers like "a week after the supershow" are vague/require research when one is reading them long since the stated event. Minor tweaks to the dating system would help, i.e. "A week after the supershow" could be "A week after the (specific date) supershow". Personally, I also like to use exact dates for the events of an RP, but I h ave character-specific reasons for doing that. In your case, simple specifics like in the example I gave should suffice.

This shit is cool, so keep it up! But please—help your readers in understanding the backstory!

All the best!

– Paige

Wow. First I apologize that it's taken me so long to see this, but this review is amazing Paige, thank you, truly. Honestly this is the first place where I've had to make promos that don't center around the upcoming match I'm going to have so The Shapers was a way to try and flesh things out but even I haven't really sorted all their details yet. I used to write a ton of fanfiction and things but very rarely did I come up with original things, generally pulling from things I already knew. The problem with some of it is, is going to be including it naturally, Chaos has his own complicated history, and no it has nothing to do with Jewish lore, though I'm pleased you noticed that the family is Jewish.  I first created him years and years ago in WWE Day of Reckoning because I wanted a monster character and as I needed friends and tag partners in the online wrestling seasons I was in he became part of that and I started shaping his background and his story and his mannerisms. I can see the problems you mentioned though. This promo work has been super hard because I am coming up with all of this Shaper business off the top of my head but I'm glad it's coming across well. I don't think, obviously, that I'm going to be able to address everything immediately but I definitely want to delve into the past and give everyone more insight into what makes this family tick. There's so much that I haven't pulled the curtain on yet, like Skylar's past and the fact she wrestles too. I've been tweaking these characters for years and developing their histories and things and it's all really important to me, but I'm trying to make sure these stories don't get mired in the past too. (Oh, and I'm amazed someone else knows about Fetch from inFamous, I love that game. I wasn't thinking of her that way but now that you've put the idea in my head I love it.)

Last edited by ImperialStingmon (Fri-23-Mar-2018 19:16:30)

One night at Skylar's Zone...

*Jacob is seen with a toothbrush in his mouth, and Skylar is in their bed, a Nook resting on her thighs. She sets it to the side as Jacob spits into the sink.*

Skylar: This has been crazy.

Jacob: Hm? *He takes a swig from a cup of water before continuing.* Your book?

Skylar: No. These past several months. When you told me you were headed back to 4CW I couldn't believe it. I can't believe how much it's changed since we were last there.

Jacob: A lot of people left and never came back. Some stayed. At the time we did what we thought was right.  4CW will always be special though. Marrying you our first time through? Best decision I've ever made.

Skylar: I wish things weren't so hectic now though. You're about to be in the biggest possible match 4CW can offer and there's this Shaper business going on. Did you hear about their latest stunt?

Jacob: No. I've been so busy helping to promote my Revival match I haven't had time for much else. What did they do?

Skylar: They sent some kind of coded invitations to all the local police stations. None of them can figure out what they mean so far, but it's got people on pins and needles.

Jacob: The Shapers are really good at leaving people on pins and needles.

Skylar: Hey, for now we've won. Xavier is safe and more importantly, he's officially ours.

Jacob: I know we want our own natural born kids, but when he first came in here 2 years ago I saw something in him. I thought that his parents were lucky because while he was certainly rough around the edges he had a spark, not just in his eyes, but in his movements. When I found out he was associated with The Shapers it opened up a lot of fears in me, what was this individual getting involved in?

2 years ago...

*Xavier can be seen lifting weights and Jacob is off to the side whispering with Skylar. Xavier finishes his set and sits up after setting the weight back. Jacob makes his way over.*

Jacob: Mr. Avana I need to speak with you.

Xavier: No worries, I already gave your wife my payment for the month. Gotta keep the business afloat, this is a good place.

Jacob: Well thank you for that, but on that note this, *Jacob pulls a piece of paper from his pocket,* fell out of your pocket the last time you were here. By the time we noticed it you were gone. None of our other regular members identified it as theirs and so we checked the tapes and found out it was yours. We opened it to look for ID first though and when we couldn't decipher what was in it we went online.

Xavier:...So you know I'm a Shaper. We're not a bad group. This country is in bad shape though and we have to fix it by whatever means necessary.

Jacob: Subterfuge and sabotage are great for super villains. However, this place, while a gym during the day is my home at night. I am afraid that while you are a member of The Shapers you can no longer be a member of this gym. Skylar will return your membership payment from this month. After that we request that you associate yourself with us no longer.*

Present Day

*A rambunctious series of knocks on the door interrupts the moment.*

Skylar: It sounds like Chaos is bored.

Jacob: If you were a being who could set things on fire, you'd get bored too if I wasn't letting you.

Chaos: I can hear you! And yes, I am bored! Come on come on come on! Ooh ooh, can I go around lighting up pictures of Eddie Wolfbaine?

Jacob: Chaos he's a decent guy and he's just playing a role, just like I do.

Chaos: AW! Pretty please? I promise it'll only be a couple and I won't even leave cinders to clean up. I'll do all the work, scouts honor!

Skylar: Boy scouts didn't even exist when you were human.

Chaos: Yeah but I spooked a bunch once. It was funny, they made the perfect campfire and it started to get bigger and bigger. Hahahahaha. One of them tried to pee on it and put it out! He nearly became a eunuch! Hahahahahahahahah!

Jacob: Oy vey. Fine Chaos, go light stuff on fire, just keep it civil, you know?

Chaos: Yippee! Chaos Raines supreme!

*A *poof* is heard from outside the door.*

Skylar: Thank god he's not our child right?

*Jacob just looks at Skylar witheringly and then he starts to snicker and then he starts to laugh and he slowly crawls in to bed and makes his way towards Skylar as she turns out the last light.*

4/18/2018

*We see a derelict apartment in an undisclosed location. Inside one of the dimly lit rooms are Cassie and Xavier.*

Cassie: Zenas had the right idea. The Shapers will eventually use our families to get to us.

Xavier: From what the news has said they're planning something big. Maybe they're not worrying about us right now.

Cassie: That doesn't mean they won't. Shapers always finish a job. You don't leave loose ends, you know that.

Xavier: Is that why you're hiding here? The Scharffs will put you up.

Cassie: We're better split apart. I didn't even want you to come here tonight remember? We each have our own things to protect.

Xavier: And hiding out here is protecting something?

Cassie: The minute I joined the Shapers I told my family to move. I made them swear they wouldn't tell me where they were going. I knew if for whatever reason I left that they needed to be safe. I haven't seen them in three years. No letters, no phone calls, not a word.

Xavier: Then the Shapers have nothing on you, right?

Cassie: Except they do. My little sister tracked me down. It wasn't that long ago either. I was out with Luke, discussing a mission, and I heard her shout my name. I barely recognized her. Tried to play her off as best I could but she wouldn't have it. She was like a dog, she just kept digging at me, trying to get answers to questions that I couldn't give. Luke nearly called in Alona. I managed to temper the situation but I know he remembers her. For all we know they're coordinating attacks now.

*Knockknock*

Xavier: (Whispers) Does anyone know we're here?

A voice outside the door: Cassie? It's Zenas. Are you there?

Cassie: Oh!

*Cassie opens the door and it is indeed Zenas. He makes his way inside.*

Zenas: Good to see you two. Though I am surprised to find Xavier here. *He looks at Cassie questioningly.*

Cassie: He thinks we're better together I say we're better apart. You try telling him.

Zenas: She's right Xavier. If we stay apart they'll have to either divide and conquer or come after us one by one, which eats into their time. Neither is a strategy The Shapers like to employ unless absolutely necessary. We always try to bring the full weight of our organization to bear on any mission.

Xavier: Well then why don't we bring the full weight of our organization to bear so to speak. I have the Scharffs but near as I can tell you two are alone.

Zenas: I'm never alone Xavier. My family reside in my heart. They have been there from the start. I knew if I became a Shaper, to change this world, that I would have to keep my family away. If I failed, they could be hurt. If I didn't shape the world, it would shape them, turn them against my ideals. That's what I thought anyway.

Cassie: Your ideals? I don't understand. We follow the ideals of Sezan...wait...Zenas? *She looks at him confused.*

Zenas: We tell the people a false truth. The more misinformation that exists, the harder it is for those who wish to bring us down, to find out what they need to know. But yes, two decades ago, I was the first Shaper.

20 years ago

*We see a younger Zenas in a living room with a young woman, and two young kids running around with wooden swords. A TV is showing news.*

Young woman: I wish you hadn't gotten them those things. They'll poke their eyes out.

TV: And this just in, Operation Praying Mantis, where the US Navy struck Iranian oil platforms and naval vessels, has been labeled a success.

Zenas: More violence and fighting. The world is being shaped around us by people who don't even know what we want.

Young woman: I think a lot of us want the same things. It's our methods of obtaining those things that tend to differ.

Zenas: Not everyone wants the same thing my dear. War is becoming the tool by which we force ideals on others. If you're not willing to go to war for what you want then you will be swept up in the resulting battle as a casualty, whether it be your life or ideals that die, something is taken from you.

Young woman: When did you get so cynical all of a sudden?

Zenas: I've just been thinking lately. There are people who are evil, and there are people who are good, but even the good people can commit evil acts, It depends which side of the line you're on.

Young woman: I suppose that's true, but wouldn't that mean that evil's people's acts can be good from the other side of that line too?

Zenas: Exactly. Your act is determined to be good or evil, by whoever is looking at. Even things deemed unequivocally bad by most, can seem like a spark of light to one person. However, it all creates more casualties. The problem isn't people, the problem is the world. If we shape the world, instead of allowing it to shape us, we can eliminate all but natural casualties.

Young woman: What about those that see your ideals as evil?

Zenas: I will not be working for my ideals. I will work for the world's ideals.

Young woman: And who are you to determine the world's ideals?

Zenas: The average man. I know that we can prevent homelessness and people going hungry. I know that we can eliminate segregation and fear with proper education. I believe in a brighter future, for the world at large, not just for myself. I know all that, yet I have no power. No one listens to a man who hasn't proven themselves backed by other men. I'll assemble people like me. People who don't want to change people of the world. They want to change the world of the people.

Young woman: What about us? How will the changes to this world affect us?

Zenas: You will have to leave me. I am proposing a group that will make drastic, radical changes if successful. If unsuccessful, you could become the casualties I seek so desperately to prevent. I won't have that.

Present day

Zenas: They left as I asked. The internet wasn't really a thing yet so they're nearly impossible to track. I started creating the systems The Shapers would use and for two years I barely left my hideaway. After I had my systems in place I began to seek out other individuals who wanted what I wanted. Finally, in 1993, five years after I started, the first Shapers meeting took place. We decided that new recruits to our cause would be told a false history, in case they chickened out and fled. Only ones who have been Pentagrams know the truth. Well them and you now.

Cassie: So what are you doing now?

Zenas: I'm constantly on the move. I only stopped by here tonight in the hopes you weren't here, that you had already fled. The Shapers now are not what I set out for them to be. I was a fool. I couldn't even shape the world for the people I had in front of me. Now they have forced me out. You two must make your own decision, but I know mine.

*Zenas leaves the way he came in.*

*It's the middle of the day. People are working out in the gym portion of Skylar's Zone. In the middle of the room Jacob is working a hanging heavy bag. In his mind he sees his recent failure at Revival. His home life is going well, but his work could be going better, and he's got the nagging sensation a storm, not one of his making, is brewing. As if he were cued, Luke Daughtry walks in to Skylar's Zone at that moment with a megaphone in hand.*

Luke: Attention fatwads with clearly no place left to go. Skylar's Zone is closed for the day. Vacate it now.

*The people look perplexed at this brazen interruption, except for Jacob who looks downright furious.*

Luke: Has your fat suffocated your tiny brains? Get out! I have business to discuss with the proprietors.

*They all turn to Jacob.*

Jacob: They paid to be here Luke. They like it here. You're the one who needs to leave before we make you.

Luke: Hmph. While I could easily handle all of you I don't need that kind of heat. Do you know where Xavier is Jacob?

Jacob: Of course I do.

Luke:...Would you be so kind as to tell me?

Jacob: Go to hell.

Luke: Why do you think I walked in here?

Jacob: Luke you're getting dangerously close to being a problem.

Luke: I'm just asking questions and making statements.  Tell me where Xavier is or I'll make a bigger statement.

*Jacob's eyes widen in anger. He stomps over directly in front of Luke.*

Jacob: Make one wrong move and I'll bend you into that pentagram you like so much.

Luke: Big talk from a man like you. I wonder what Skylar would say if she heard that.

Skylar: I'd ask why he hadn't started!

*Skylar has come from the back right into the middle of the situation and she does not look pleased. She walks up and takes a place beside her husband.*

Skylar: This is my place of business Luke. As of now I declare you a trespasser. Leave or I will call the cops and I doubt the Shapers will keep you around if you're caught by the cops.

*Luke opens his mouth to speak and then closes it and considers Skylar's words.

Luke: This is only the beginning. We will shape your future. Like it or not.

*Luke leaves the way he came in. Jacob goes back to the heavy bag and everyone else returns to their activities. Skylar stays with her husband.*

Skylar: Be honest with me.

Jacob: Always.

Skylar: Did you almost lose it on him?

Jacob: Would you have blamed me if I did?

Skylar: You haven't lost it in years. Has he really pushed you that far?

Jacob: Not just him. This whole Shaper business has been unnecessary stress in our life. We don't even know where Xavier is right now.

Skylar: Everything will be fine. Keep your temper in check. You can't tackle The Shapers by yourself. No matter how angry you get.

Jacob: Right now I know that. But that part of me still exists. Luke, all of them, they just draw it out. They need to leave us alone.

Skylar: I'll call Xavier. Everything is going to be fine.

*Skylar kisses Jacob on the cheek and heads to the back as he continues his workout, his punches now resounding a little louder as they hit the bag.*

2002

*It's Jacob's first match. He grabs a clearly dazed Mark Williams and plants him with an Impaler DDT. He makes a cover.

1!

2!

3!

Jacob punches the air in triumph as he gets up. The ref raises his hand and he smiles as he receives a smattering of applause from the crowd. Suddenly he is struck in the back of the head! Mark Williams has attacked him from behind and two other men have joined in as well! Jacob does all he can to protect himself but he hadn't known this was coming. He figured that was for the crowd's sake, so it would be more real. Well it was real and it hurt. Quickly however, fewer and fewer blows started landing, and they soon stopped altogether. Jacob peeked out from his position. The pale giant from the locker room was in the ring and appeared to have steamrolled the three other men. The crowd was cheering wildly for him, more so than any other talent that had entered the ring on that night. The giant moved over to Jacob and Jacob had a moment of fear. Was he here just to take out everyone? The giant grabbed at Jacob and set him on his feet! Jacob couldn't believe it. He looked at him and figured he should do the polite thing, so he offered his hand to him. He looked at it for a few moments, leaving Jacob wondering if he just made a terrible mistake, before finally shaking it! The crowd cheered loudly and the two then headed back to the locker room area. When they get back there the owner of the organization is waiting for them.*

Owner: What the hell was that?

Chaos: That was no hell let me assure you.

Scharff: I could ask the same of you. Getting jumped from behind by three guys is not my idea of a good time.

Owner: They went into business for themselves, the same as you two clearly did in the end.

Scharff: Excuse me? I didn't know what the hell was going on. I thought this guy was part of the act.

Owner: He was supposed to leave hours ago!

Chaos: Yes but if you always do what someone tells you then you never get to have any fun. That was the most I've had in ages by the way!

Owner: You're fired big guy. Scharff, the only reason you're still employed is cause I feel bad for you.

Scharff: Sir that's not fair. This guy was just helping me.

*At that moment Mark Williams and his accomplices enter the locker room.*

Mark: They didn't get it huh?

Owner: I guess not. Sorry boys. Mark, don't leave any loose ends.

*The owner leaves and we hear him lock the door.*

15 mins. later...

*The owner has his ear pressed to the door and can't hear anything. He smelled smoke and heard heavy thuds and loud yells, but now there was silence.  He stood p and turned to walk away, satisfied the job was done. He then remembered he had to give Mark the key so he could get out. He turns around to go back and slide it under the door.*

PRAK!

*The door flies off its hinges and hits him straight on! He slams onto the ground. He rolls to his side and manages to get the wooden door off of him. We see on the backside of the door a large scorch mark. He rolls back over and finds Chaos standing over him.*

Chaos: Naughty human. Left your toys out, so we broke them.

*Jacob walks up. He throws a severed finger onto the owner's chest. The owner looks up horrified.*

Jacob: Not my handiwork. I only punched them. A lot. This guy did the gruesome stuff. Told him he could do it to you too if he felt like it.

*The owner screams a high-pitched scream and scrambles to his feet and runs away.*

Present day

*It's night and Jacob, Skylar, Chaos, and Xavier are sitting on their sofa.*

Jacob: And that is how Chaos and I met.

Xavier: Ha ha, why weren't you arrested?

Jacob: Because they didn't believe a guy talking about a seven foot man with chalk white skin who could toss fire. If I hadn't seen it I wouldn't have believed it myself.

*A knock interrupts their reverie.*

Jacob: This is a late hour.

*He opes the door to find a lone police officer.*

Officer: Mr. Scharff?

Jacob: Yes?

Officer: I'm Sergeant Berser. My unit has been assigned to track the Shapers criminal unit here in Atlanta. We just finished speaking with the man known as Zenas. Using his intelligence and the knowledge of past Shaper demonstrations we believe we know what they're next plan is, and we intend to make it their last.

Jacob: How can we help?

Officer: That's what I wanted to hear. May we come in?

*Jacob nods and Sgt. Berser leads in several other men with all sorts of charts and paperwork.*

Early morning

*Jacob, Skylar, Xavier, Sgt. Berser and several officers are standing around the Scharff's dining table. Paper is scattered about and several mugs of coffee can be seen. It appears no one has slept.*

Scharff: So Halloween is when this all goes down.

Berser: Yes. We're certain.

Xavier: You can't be. The Shapers have changed recently. There's no guarantee they'll stick to the old ways.

Berser: Sometimes you have to trust your gut. Halloween is the perfect time for them. Allows them to disguise themselves in public and

Xavier: I know. I was a Shaper for a long time. I doubt they're going to stick to Zenas' old ways.

Skylar: This is our best shot though. To erase this problem once and for all, for all of us.

Jacob: Sgt. Berser what's your stake in all this?

Berser: The fact that it's my job, that's all. This is my one shot. The Shapers have slipped through cops' hands too many times. I have one chance or they'll move on to another cop they think can do it. Problem is they're running out of options.

*Bzzt.*

Radio: Sgt. Berser come in.

Berser: Berser here.

Radio: Suspected Shaper Luke Daughtry was just spotted walking away from where we found Zenas. He has a black eye and appears dirty.

Berser: We'll be there as soon as we can.

Radio: There's more. He knows we're watching sir.

Berser: What do you mean?

Radio: He apparently spray painted a sign on the house, we're checking it now.

*A decrepit white house is seen now. On the side is a crude police badge design, around that, a circle with a line going through it. Beneath it  1/1 can be seen. The officer proceeds to describe the graphic to Berser.

Berser: Any idea what it means?

Xavier: It means he wants me. One-on-one no cops. It was how Shapers handled major disputes. Guess it still is apparently. *ringring* My cell. Cassie what's up? ... You too? ... He left me one on Zenas' house apparently. ... Yeah it stinks, but we have to do this. ... Come to the Scharff's we'll make a plan together. See you soon. *hangs up.* He wants Cassie and I to face him one-on-one. Two-on-one apparently. You were right though Berser.

Berser: How so?

Xavier: Apparently he's called us out on Halloween.

*A flickering streetlight provides a strobe like effect in the rundown neighborhood. Xavier Avana gauges his surroundings. There's abandoned buildings all around, perfect places for Shaper support. If Luke stuck to his word there would be no one there, but Xavier didn't trust Luke to stick to his word. Bugs buzzed around piles of garbage and the whole place stank of decay and rot. Suddenly he heard footsteps. He turned around, ready in case Luke was trying a sneak attack.*

Cassie: Whoa whoa. It's me.

Xavier: Sorry. I don't trust this at all. He knows we can take him 2-on-1.

Cassie: And we know he knows that. He probably has backup.

???: Too right!

*Luke steps out from where he was hiding, near the side of one of the buildings. He's covered in some jet black substance, if he was in the night sky he would blend in.*

Xavier: Luke.

Luke: I was just waiting for Cassie to show up. Can't have the fun too early.

Cassie: You're covered in...charcoal?

Luke: Trying to make sure we're alone. There's way too many cops in this city.

Xavier: None of them are with us. Not tonight anyway.

Cassie: We have some questions before we get started.

Luke: Yeah, you guys would.

Cassie: Who do I fight?

Luke: We'll get to that.

Xavier: What did you do to Zenas?

Luke: You'll only find out if you beat me.

Xavier: Fine.

*Xavier charges in towards Luke and clocks him with a right hand to the jaw. Luke falls back, looking scared. blood is dripping from his bottom lip. Xavier's hand is covered in charcoal dust. Suddenly Luke smiles.*

Cassie: Xavier!

*Before Xavier can react a sharp pain shoots through his leg from behind his knee. He drops to a knee. He tries to stand and face his rear attacker but he finds he's immediately having trouble putting weight on his leg. This was a trap. Cassie only sees a black hooded figure. The figure takes down the hood though and brown hair comes cascading out. Lodged in the hair is a metal pentagram pin. Cassie now knew exactly who's back she was staring at.*

Cassie: Alona.

Alona: You fools. This is over. Leave now, and I promise we won't follow.

Xavier: Kind of hard to do since you just screwed up my leg.

Alona: Hush. The women are talking. Cassie, you can leave with Xavier now. You have my word.

Cassie: I don't take you at your word anymore Alona.

Alona: Child this is not a fight you two can win. Xavier's temper was his downfall, as I always knew it was. I fed Luke this plan and he executed it to perfection and now...

*Luke stands up.*

Alona: Xavier kneels before him.

*Luke punches Xavier in the face. Xavier spits blood out He tries to stand again, but still finds he can't put weight on his leg.*

Alona: Last chance Cassie. I don't want to hurt you but if Xavier is going to come for Luke then I'll have to come for you.

*Xavier looks at Cassie and shakes his head, blood dripping from his lip. He grabs his jaw afterwards and winces, clearly in pain. Cassie looks around. They were had. They're at a disadvantage.*

Cassie: Fine.

*Cassie walks up to where the others are and pulls Xavier up, letting him lean on her.*

Xavier: We didn't get our answers.

Alona: You didn't earn them.

*Cassie walks, and helps Xavier hobble as they leave as Alona and Luke watch, proud of what they've done.*

*Xavier finds himself in a dark space.*

Xavier: Hello?

*Silence*

Xavier: Is anyone there?

*Suddenly Cassie comes into view.*

Xavier: Geez! Cassie? Where'd you come from?

Cassie: You failed Xavier. You failed everyone.

Xavier: What are you talking about? And where the hell are we?

Cassie: Alona took advantage of your weaknesses. Now people are hurt and they don't trust you to get the job done.

Xavier: What the hell are you talking about?

???: She's right, Xavier.

*Now Xavier's father Jacob has appeared.*

Xavier: Dad?

Jacob: Don't call me that. I'm not a father to failures.

*Xavier's eyes widen. What was he hearing?*

Xavier: You're kidding right? You love that line from Batman, "Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up."

Jacob: You fell too far. My family is in danger because of you.

Xavier: I am your family!

???: You were my family too once, look how that turned out.

*Xavier turns to the voice, one he's heard a million times before, it was Zenas'*

Xavier: Zenas! Where have you been?

Zenas: Away from you. You've caused me nothing but grief lately. If I had just stuck with Alona and Luke and not defended you so fiercely I'd be okay.

Xavier: But they opposed your ideals. You knew the Shapers could change things for the better without resorting to violence.

Zenas: Clearly I was wrong. Violence solved the problem of you for Alona and Luke didn't it.

Jacob: How do I know they're not going to come for me or Skylar Xavier? I have to work I can't stay behind all the time and you can't be trusted.

Xavier: Dad I

Jacob: I said don't call me that!

Cassie: I thought you were stronger than that Xavier. Maybe I should hook up with Luke after all.

*Xavier pinched himself, he had to be dreaming...and there was no pain! He was dreaming, now he understood. This was his self doubt floating to the surface. None of the words were true, but he thought they could be, and that was the problem.*

*Jacob was pacing beside the bed where Xavier slept, he looked normal, save for his heavily bandaged leg. The doctors had said that Alona hadn't hit anything vital, Xavier has just lost a lot of blood, but he'd be fine soon. That hadn't stopped Jacob from nearly running out to hunt down The Shapers himself. Skylar barely managed to get through to him, to see through his anger. The real root of his issue was that he had failed again to protect someone he cared about. It happened more often than he cared to admit. It didn't help that he didn't know what to do. Where did they go next in regards to this particular situation. They had no leads, no advantages. As he continued to pace, deep in thought, Skylar entered.*

Skylar: This isn't your fight.

Jacob: Doesn't mean I can't help.

Skylar: Have you figured out a way to do that that doesn't involve wearing a hole in our floor?

*Before Jacob could make a smart remark Xavier awoke with a start.*

Jacob: Son!

*Jacob hugged the young man tightly.*

Xavier: Ow. Having trouble drawing breath Dad.

Jacob: Sorry. *He releases the hug.*

Skylar: How do you feel?

Xavier: Miserable. But I'm alive which is a plus. While I was asleep...I had a dream. And everyone hated me for my failure.

Jacob: Son. I went and defended my title while you were handling your business. I don't have that title anymore.

Xavier: But that's all scripted dad.

Jacob: Doesn't make it hurt less. That belt means a better life for us. And I let people down by losing it, and by not proving I was strong enough to keep hold of it in the first place. All failures get to you son. It's what you do about it that counts. You have to learn how to let go of things and be in the moment. So long as you give it your all in that moment, then you never truly fail. My father taught me that. Now I should teach it to you I guess. Once your leg heals.

Xavier: In the dream you said I couldn't call you dad because I had failed.

Jacob: I didn't become your dad, just so it could be some title I could rip away when I felt like it. As far as I'm concerned, your adoption papers, son...they're signed in blood. My blood. The blood I would give for you, no matter what. Get some rest now.

*Skylar kissed Xavier's forehead and she and Jacob left. Xavier closed his eyes, and his dreams, this time, didn't contain self doubt.*

Many weeks later...

*Jacob, Skylar, Cassie, and Chaos are in a barren room with many uniformed officers. The door opens and every head whips toward it, and Xavier enters the room. One of the officers approaches him.*

Officer: Were you seen?

Xavier: No, Commissioner. But it was close. Every single Shaper is out there, Triangles, Squares, all the Black Diamonds and all five Pentagrams. Alona and Luke are definitely running the show though.

Commissioner: No Circles?

Xavier: It looks like that rank has been eliminated sir. They said months ago they were doing away with it. That probably means they've broken several people.

Jacob: What do you mean by broken son?

Xavier: At a point if a member seemed unwilling, or questioned us, they were to be "broken". Mentally they would join us, or forget everything about us. Alona, took to breaking like a dolphin to water. Some of the other Pentagrams though disliked the practice and eventually we decided to do away breaking. Only Alona voted for it to remain. At the same time, we decided to create the Circles as a unit that didn't have to be fully committed to our cause. They would be patrolmen and spies, but never given information that could be used against us. Only if they proved themselves worthy would they get into the upper echelons of the Shaper hierarchy. From there you pretty much know what happened. I was eventually ousted, and it appears that under Alona's reign, the Circles are gone, and the breaking has begun anew.

Commissioner: Then we need to stop them here and now. The Shapers cease to exist, as of today.

Outside...

Alona: Luke, is everyone ready?

Luke: Of course, Lady Alona.

Alona: Did you see Xavier prowling around?

Luke: (alarmed) No! Where is the traitor? I'll finish him for good this time.

Alona: Calm yourself Luke. We know they are there. This is too big a demonstration for them not to come for us. Besides...when we win, Xavier, Cassie, and the others will never bother us again. I've made sure of that.

*Alona looks across the field that she and Luke stand above on a raised platform. A sea of uniformed officers moves towards them and leading the movement is Jacob, Skylar, Chaos, Cassie and Xavier.*

Alona: Pentagrams.

*Luke stands beside Alona. They are joined by two other women, and another man. Black cloaks obscure most of their features.*

???: Pentagram Kefira reporting for duty.
???: Pentagram Adira reporting for duty.
???: Pentagram Tanvir reporting for duty.

Alona: Gather the rest of our Shapers. Today we begin to break the world, so it fits our desired shape.

*The five Pentagrams raise their hands high, Alona holds aloft the number one, Luke the number two, Kefira three, Adira four, and Tanvir five. The Triangle and Square Shaper units begin to migrate towards the platform, forming their own sea, this one of black as opposed to the navy blue of the officers. Finally, with about fifty yards separating the two groups, Jacob's group stops. Jacob is handed a megaphone by the commissioner.*

Jacob: Alona! We're here to put an end to this. We're asking you and the Shapers to peacefully and permanently disband. Refuse and we promise that we will disband you by force.

*Alona is handed a microphone by Kefira.*

Alona: You have been misled. All we wish to do is follow Zenas' initial ideal! For this world to be shaped with decent ideology!

Xavier: You have twisted everything he meant the Shapers to be Alona!

Alona: Everything I've done are things he once did.

Xavier: You've gone too far and you know it!

Luke: Do not talk to Lady Alona that way! You are a disgrace to our organization! You, and Cassie too!

Jacob: Last chance Alona! Leave!

Alona: No.

*Alona drops the microphone. Jacob drops the megaphone. The officers and Jacob, Skylar, Chaos, Cassie, and Xavier charge forward. The Shapers ranks move forward as well, while the Pentagrams hang back. The sea of blue clad officers collides with the sea of black cloaked Shapers. Jacob and his non-officer compatriots break ranks and head for the platform where the Pentagons reside. Jacob lines himself up with Tanvir, Chaos with Adira, Skylar with Kefira, Cassie with Luke, and Xavier with Alona. Jacob tackles Tanvir to the ground and Adria brandishes a bo staff to deal with Chaos. Skylar and Kefira trade precise strikes and blocks, but in the midst of the fray four figures stand apart, not yet fighting.*

Xavier: Lady Alona I used to believe in The Shapers, Cassie and I both did!

Alona: Then why did you run?!

Cassie: You had Kefira play him against me! You saw your opportunities slipping away and you knew driving him away would take away your biggest opposition!

Luke: Maybe Xavier just couldn't handle doing what needs to be done to get the job done! Lady Alona knows the world needs to be broken before it can be reshaped!

Xavier: The only thing that will be broken at the end of today is you Luke!

*Xavier squares off with his longtime rival. Cassie sizes up Alona.*

Alona: Don’t try it Cassie.

*Cassie ignores her and starts moving towards her. She throws herself at Alona, surprising the older woman. *

Luke: Hey!

*The distraction gives Xavier his opening to rush in on Luke and surprise him. On the other side of the platform Jacob is dodging big swings from Tanvir, Chaos has taken care of Adira’s bo staff but she is now wielding nunchaku and he’s having some trouble getting in. Skylar and Kefira appear to be an even match up. Alona has managed to get Cassie off of her for the moment but Cassie is unrelenting. Luke is on the defensive against Xavier. Suddenly Luke goes low on Xavier and punches him in the groin.*

Luke: Hah!

*Xavier drops to his knees in pain and Luke sizes him up for a punch but Xavier slips his hand in his pocket and is quickly replaced by Chaos! Chaos catches Luke’s hand with ease and Luke finds himself staring into burning hate-filled eyes!*

Chaos: We are sick and tired of you Shapers!

*He throws Luke backwards with one hand. Xavier, meanwhile, finds himself about to be battered with Adira’s nunchaku. Jacob has finally put down Tanvir and sees his son’s predicament. He dives in between the combatants as Adira swings the heavy nunchaku and he takes the shot across his back. He crumples to the ground as Xavier watches.*
Xavier: Dad!

*Xavier pulls himself up as Adira continues brandishing the nunchaku. Skylar slaps Kefira across the face, while Chaos has his way with Luke. Alona is slowly gaining the upper hand on Cassie though. In the field there are less active Shapers as many have been cuffed and the uniformed officers start to double and triple team the rest of them. On the podium Xavier blocks a nunchaku shot with his arm but uses the moment of ceased movement from the weapon to clocks Adira and put her out of commission. He checks on Jacob as Skylar knocks out Kefira with a crescent kick. She comes over and notices Xavier looking at both Jacob and an increasingly in trouble Cassie. He looks at Skylar.*

Skylar: Go.

*He nods and rushes to Cassie’s aid. Luke is clearly growing agitated as he can do nothing against Chaos.*

Luke: Xavier is a coward! He should be fighting me himself! Why do you stand with him you freak?! You don’t even belong here!

Chaos: Luke, you’re the one who doesn’t belong here. You are the wrong kind of chaos, for this world.

Luke: RRRAAAGGHHHH!!

*Luke runs towards Chaos with reckless abandon, but Chaos uses an STO takedown to finally put him down. Officers rush the podium and put the four down Pentagrams in handcuffs. Alona finds herself alone and staring down Xavier and Cassie. Skylar has helped Jacob to his feet.*

Alona: I know when I am bested. The Shapers are no more.

Commissioner: Put your hands behind your back ma’am. No funny business.

*Alona does as she’s asked and she is handcuffed. The commissioner stars to lead her away.*

Xavier: Wait!

*Alona smiles as the commissioner turns her towards Xavier.*

Xavier: Where is Zenas?