Shu

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

“You are certainly a glib one.” the hooded man immediately replied to Leon, his tone one of slight amusement. The man leaned in, crossing his arms over the table as he looked Leon straight in the face. Within the shrouded blackness of the hood Iliskra could see a pair of gleaming eyes and the tip of a pallid nose. “I take it since you know my name your god revealed me to you.”

His god? Iliskra impulsively looked sideways at Leon and then back at their captor.

“Mask.” The hooded man raised his right arm and then reached under the table. Iliskra felt the hairs at the top of her neck bristle. The man’s gloved hand came back up slowly, now holding something that shined in the light. With a soft clink of metal he lay it down on the table. Iliskra quickly recognized it as Leon’s mask that he wore.

How could we have been so stupid? Iliskra thought woefully. Something that Leon, she, and the others had taken from Jadarl’s estate - most likely that accursed ring - had been infused with a tracking spell. A spell that lead Jadarl’s lackeys to the Dragon’s Tail where they then set up an ambush.
But where is Ibdur? Surely he did not… betray us. Did he? A dreadful feeling swelled within Iliksra’s gut at the thought. If Ibdur had betrayed she and Leon and joined with Jadarl gods only knew what all the man was aware of by now. Never mind the Ashaba Talons, Breck and the rest of Lord Hastlon’s expedition could have been revealed to Jadarl and by extent Shagarm. But before Iliskra could sink further into despair at these thoughts she and Leon’s “host” said something that immediately brought a surge of relief to the half-elf.

“You asked about your dwarven companion. He is… confined elsewhere. He was captured as you were and brought here. Actually he was the first to awaken. I… tried reasoning with him but I could not get a word in over all his bellowing and death threats. Something about ‘feeling all the wrath of Tempus’. It was clear there was no talking with him so I had him locked in a cage as I do with all wild animals.”

“Where is he?” Iliskra demanded.

Jadarl turned his head, acknowledging the half-blood woman for the first time.
“Here. Within this structure. That is all you will know regarding him. For now.”

💀 NO MERCY WRESTLING LEGENDS 💀

“Yes,” Gordon huffed, dabbing his glistening forehead with a soggy white handkerchief, “geez… this California summer heat!”

Kendra smiled, impulsively fanning at herself at the mention of the temperature. Even with the air conditioning units all at full blast the parking and backstage areas were hot and stuffy and Kendra doubted that the heart of the arena would be any cooler what with nearly twenty thousand people packed together under a massive light show. Gordon made a broad swipe across his face with his handkerchief and then stuffed it into his left pants pocket as he looked between Fiona and Kendra. “Well, I take it you are ready for your debut, Kendra.”

“Yes, sir, I am.” Kendra nodded, grinning ear to ear.

“Great!” Gordon gave her a thumbs up and then asked Fiona, “And I take it Fiona you took full advantage of the last few days to study over the script we provided you?”

Before Fiona could respond Gordon held up both hands and added with a smirk, “Just so you know your employment with us does not demand a word-for-word memorization when it comes to these things. So long as you have the overall gist feel free to wander a bit with your phrasing and add anything that you think might be a nice touch. Just don’t be too out of line…”

“Fiona’s got this!” Kendra chirped giving her partner a smack on the arm.

“Oh, I almost forgot!” Gordon blurted out, “Uhm, Fiona… you’ll be ringside for Kendra after her introduction and for the duration of the match. Not at the tables.”

💀 NO MERCY WRESTLING LEGENDS 💀

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INTUIT DOME
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

---

Six days later…

The ball was rolling now after the opening show in New York. Every match that night had been received favorably by the crowd. Isabella Cadiz and Raven Veyn, former NMWW and CSW champions respectively, were in a heated deadlock after their match had been declared a no contest. Isabella Cadiz was known for her pride and Raven Veyn her unforgiving nature and bad temper and everyone knew that neither woman would settle for a draw. They would be at each others’ throats now without a doubt.

And then there was Silas Dane’s beatdown on the young Jason Caillet and Dane’s sneering attitude seemingly aimed at the fans themselves as he declared that he would be the first No Mercy Wrestling men’s champion “like it or not”. This of course was seen as a direct challenge to the up-and-coming Jay Wyatt who had been personally recruited by Mark Trenton from another independent promotion. Jay Wyatt had been a two year reigning champion with his last “employer” and had made it clear that he planned to not only claim the honor of champion again but surpass the length of his previous reign. Winning the first ever No Mercy Wrestling main event against the Polish heavyweight Piotr Kapek had made for a very convincing debut statement by the Astro Kid.

Diana Deguara, lead producer of No Mercy Wrestling and the daughter of GM Antonio Deguara, had announced back in New York that the winner of the main event would face a “mystery opponent” in Los Angeles. Needless to say the internet was abuzz over the next few days about who this opponent of Jay Wyatt’s might be. Claims spanned from the obvious Silas Dane to various other male talents on the NMW roster. Some fans even tossed the idea around that NMW had signed a new wrestler that would take the ring on July eleventh - the date of the LA show.

Among the mid card matches in New York, Fiona Chevalier’s victory over Ada Eberhard had gained particular attention. Many had expected Ada, an experienced young wrestler with high ambitions and an unrelenting fighting style, to run circles around - and run over - Fiona. Fiona had instead held her own and managed to defeat The Neon Diva starting her NMW career on solid footing. The fans were quite animated by this turn of expectation. Gordon McKinney put out a post the day before the LA show that the fans “would definitely be seeing more of Fiona Chevalier without delay” leading to a general assumption that Fiona was on the card for the night. The hype was very real as Friday night came and the Intuit Dome was packed to capacity for the second No Mercy Wrestling performance.

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

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“Awaken.”

Iliskra’s consciousness slowly returned to her, her first sensations being the impulsive twitching of the flesh around her eyes and the throbbing pain that filled her skull. Iliskra grimaced and took a slow, deep breath. She carefully wiggled her fingers feeling the recognizable texture of wood against her hands which were lying palms down. She was sitting in a chair, a chair with wooden arms and a cushioned back and seat. Iliskra tried to open her eyes only to squeeze them back shut as the flickering glow of a dull orange light made her head pound harder. A sharp crackling sound indicated that the light was from a fireplace.

Where are we? Iliskra tried to think amid the lingering headache. She remembered stepping into her room at the tavern and closing the door behind her. She, Leon, and Ibdur had needed to leave the tavern - maybe even the city. Jadarl’s estate had been a trap and the three of them were in danger. Iliksra had reached for something on an end table, some stray belonging that she needed not leave behind. She had heard a creaking sound behind her and started to turn around only to be bashed in the back of the head with something hard - something metal. The half-elf lay her head back against the chair and winced feeling a large swollen bump where she had been struck.

“It is very impolite to ignore your host.”

Iliskra felt a jolt in her chest. She had heard the words “wake up” but assumed it was Leon, Ibdur, or a figment of her imagination. It was a man’s voice that she did not recognize, low and oily. Iliskra tried to stand only to realize she could not move. A few futile jerks of her arms and legs revealed her wrists, ankles, and upper calves were bound to the chair.

“Do not bother struggling. Even if you could free yourselves you are in a well-guarded room and unarmed.” The voice had a hint of amusement this time. Iliskra forced her eyes open grunting in discomfort as the light from the fireplace assailed her sight. She looked down in front of herself, she was at a table. Before her was a smooth empty dinner plate with the appropriate silverware neatly aligned on each side and a clear glass absent of any liquid. Iliskra gingerly looked to her right noticing movement in the corner of her eye. Leon sat right next to her, tied in a chair as she was and slumped forward though he seemed to be awake.

Iliskra blinked several times, clearing the haze from her vision. She and Leon were being held prisoner in a dining hall, a rather nice one from what Iliksra could see. A chandelier with lit candles hung just overhead, a clean white cloth graced the long table they shared, and the walls were hung with fine paintings and accented by marble pillars. Despite the roaring fire and candles the place seemed gloomy and Iliksra could see through a window nearby that it was night outside.

“Can neither of you speak?”

Iliksra felt another jolt and gasped lowly as she realized that the voice was coming from right across she and Leon. A shadowy figure clad in black robes with red trim and decorative red sequins around the shoulders and chest was slouched forward in a chair in front of the two. How did I not see him? Iliskra blinked a few times and tried to catch a glimpse of the face of their captor but his hood hung low and shrouded his identity.

Shu’s 1x1 Index - V3 (CLOSED)

A final bump before I close this version of my interest check.

I can manage one more RP at this time. - First come, first serve. ☕️

I have a real craving for science fiction and military fiction as of late. I could also go for some historical fiction come to think of it. 💯 I am sated/currently uninterested when it comes to fantasy and fandoms so please keep this in mind when browsing. 🙏🏼

💀 NO MERCY WRESTLING LEGENDS 💀

Kendra’s eyes continued to dart between Fiona and Gordon as Gordon’s arms dropped down to his sides. Kendra resisted the urge to wipe off her shoulder and asked, “Would Fiona be ringside or-?”

“Possibly,” Gordon butted in with a nod, “or maybe Fiona could have a seat at the announcers table!”

“You mean like… doing commentary?” Kendra asked with wide eyes and raised brows.

“No, no, no,” Gordon chuckled with an erratic waving of his right hand, “I mean… look… we can worry about where Fiona will be stuck later. The point here is that a promo would be good for Fiona and it would definitely fire up the fans to see Defiant Dream make a comeback like this! It would be good for you too, Kendra!”

“Well,” Kendra started to wring her hands together, “I can definitely see how it would-…”

“I have both of youse interests at heart here,” Gordon interrupted again, “and as assistant producer for NMW it is my responsibility to give the fans the best show that myself and my team can put together! Trust me on this, ladies.”

“Alright… yes, Mister McKinney.” Kendra nodded.

“Good, now, you two are officially ‘off the clock’,” Gordon winked at Fiona, “so get back to the hotel and get some well-earned rest. Again, Fiona, great job this evening. I will email you both on Monday. Or maybe I will call you. Whichever! Have a good night!”
And with that Gordon left Fiona and Kendra standing together as he hurried off to whatever or whoever his next point of interest was.

💀 NO MERCY WRESTLING LEGENDS 💀

There was a digital click as Gordon locked his phone and slipped it into his jacket pocket. “Well, in fact,” he said, “I had already planned on Kendra having a place on the next show. On the mid card of course.”

Kendra’s face lit up though there was a glint of hesitancy as Gordon’s expression suggested he had something more on his mind, his next words confirming that. “I think it would be a great idea,” Gordon seemed to be dragging each syllable out, “to have you - Fiona - cut a promo next Friday night in Los Angeles and introduce Kendra!”

Kendra blinked, her eyes at first moving down to the tile floor and then back up to Gordon’s round mug. “A… promo and an introduction, Mister McKinney?” Kendra asked.

“Yes! Just think for a moment,” Gordon said excitedly, reaching his arms out and pulling both women against him, his sweaty palms on their shoulders, “Fiona Chevalier, just off her unexpected win over The Neon Diva, arrives in Los Angeles, California to declare herself and her intentions to the NMW fanverse and then polishes off a fine performance on the mic by introducing Kendra Snipes and letting everyone know that Defiant Dream is back. Which Kendra then accents with a win over a choice opponent!”

Kendra chewed her bottom lip as she looked from Gordon to Fiona and back to Gordon who meanwhile glanced between the two women, that plastic smile of his never leaving his face. He turned his head to Fiona and asked with a twitch of his right eye, “It sounds too good to even think about refusing, right?”

💀 NO MERCY WRESTLING LEGENDS 💀

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BACKSTAGE

The cheers followed Fiona all the way out of the arena, her name riding the waves as she exited through the tunnel out into the backstage area. The staff and gorilla crew were too caught up in their usual bustle to pay any attention to the passing Fiona, though several of the other wrestlers - women and men - offered her head nods and positive lines like “Nice win!” or “Great job!” Fiona soon ran into Gordon McKinney followed close by Kendra who was now dressed in her casual ware, a pair of black yoga pants and a light gray sweatshirt. Kendra had a huge grin on her face and looked like she was about to say something when Gordon suddenly lurched forward between she and Fiona. Gordon smiled at Fiona as he extended his left hand this time for a shake, his smartphone clasped tightly in his right.

“That was a fine performance,” Gordon rasped, his pudgy hand grabbing Fiona’s like a python snapping up a mouse, “Ada and yourself gave the fans a fine spectacle and your win over her has social media abuzz!” Still gripping Fiona’s hand Gordon raised his phone up for her to see a few posts on X.

“I will say,” Gordon said, then lowering his phone and releasing Fiona’s hand, “I do wish the fight had gone a little longer given the feedback from the fans but it was a mid card match and we still have the second half of the show tonight!”

Kendra rolled her eyes slightly before stepping forward past Gordon and grabbing Fiona in a tight hug, saying, “You did great!” into her partner’s ear as they embraced.

💀 NO MERCY WRESTLING LEGENDS 💀

“And now a corner finisher and a cover by Fiona!”

The official dropped for the count, the crowd chanting along with his strikes to the mat, ”One!… Two… Three!” And with that the referee leapt up and pointed to the timekeeper’s table calling the match, the bell rang and Madison Square Garden erupted as Fiona Chevalier clenched her first win under the newly risen No Mercy Wrestling.

“And Fiona Chevalier has done it!” Dan Rich smiled, “After a hard fought match Fiona has come out on top, outlasting The Neon Diva.”

“I mean, hey, I’ll own it,” Brent Christi shrugged, eyes still on the ring, “I thought Ada had this one but tonight she just did not bring her A-game and unfortunately for her is starting her NMW career with an L next to her name.”

The official gingerly helped Fiona stand and once she was upright raised her right arm as she was declared the winner. “And here is your winner by pinfall… Fiona… Chevalier!” Ada Eberhard lay on her back nearby, eyes wide and mouth hung open in disbelief as she stared up at the glaring red and white lights high above. Ada had lost not just the wrestling match but much of the crowd’s support with her illegal strike to Fiona and as a result most of the arena was now chanting Fiona’s name in a massive sway.

“Well, Fiona Chevalier took the win tonight - finishing The Neon Diva off with a corner slam and getting the pinfall and concreting her debut for NMW!” Dan shouted over the thunderous cheers and clapping. “This is the Fiona Chevalier that I know!”

“This was a fun match and that win was earned,” Rhonda nodded, “I am looking forward to seeing just what Fiona will show the No Mercy Wrestling world in the coming weeks and months.”

💀 NO MERCY WRESTLING LEGENDS 💀

“Fiona for a cover!” Dan Rich yelled as the official dropped and started the count.

“One!… Two!… Th-…!” Ada popped upright shoving Fiona off just as the referee’s hand was perhaps half a foot from the canvas. Fiona’s fans all released a collective groan as Ada’s went wild. The referee held up twin fingers with a shout of “Two!”. With Fiona’s back still facing her Ada had a small opening - and that was all she needed. With gritted teeth Ada leaned forward, despite the lingering pain in her torso, and swung her arms around simultaneously striking both of Fiona’s ears from behind in a dangerous hit. The crowd went near silent for a moment only then for jeers and boos aimed at Ada to rise up over such a cheap shot as well as shouts at the referee when he did not disqualify Ada on the spot.

“And Ada with a double strike to Fiona’s ears after a kickout! Which is not even legal… and listen to the fans all showing their disdain as well!” Dan Rich pointed out.

“Well, the ref’s not calling it.” Brent shrugged as Ada struggled into a full stand.

Ada slowly walked around a stunned Fiona, Ada wincing visibly as she rubbed at her chest and stomach with both hands. She positioned herself in front of Fiona, sizing up her opportunity for a finisher as she rolled her head and neck side to side. Seeing a chance to put this match away and not wishing to waste another second Ada took four short steps back and then sprinted toward Fiona. When in striking distance Ada dropped to her left, bringing her right leg around for a finishing hit. Leather met flesh as Ada’s shin cracked across the bridge of Fiona’s nose knocking the latter flat on her back.

“A Shining Wizard from Ada!”

“Fiona must be seeing stars after that one.” Rhonda shook her head.

“Match.” Brent said with a knowing smirk.

Ada sat upright and scrambled over to Fiona, sprawling across her torso and laying her left forearm across Fiona’s face. The referee went down for the count, the crowd electric.

“One!… Two!…”