суд огня | SUD OGNYA [SAMHAIN]

The stone room, the scene where The Mystic Tsar spoke from last week. Once again, it is lit by a single torch and in the center of the room is the throne. But this time there is a tattered banner draped over the back of the throne that reads “Зал суда / Zal Suda”. Next to the throne is the gravestone that appeared in RAZOR Wrestling on Sunday. It leans against the throne, the chain that tethers it is loosely coiled on the floor.

Sergei Ivanov enters the frame and takes his place on the throne, a cloak covering his face. A few seconds later the monster that debuted on Episode #4 “Hell’s Refuse” Samhain enters and stands behind the throne. Sergei Ivanov removes his hood and stares into the camera lens with a stoic expression.

“Hero, you are upset. This is understandable. You were shown the truth. Most people do not enjoy ugly truths and you are no different. You are now fully aware of exactly where you have chosen to compete. Sergei told you that RAZOR Wrestling was for the awful. Sergei and Samhain being the worst of all. You know now. Sud Ognya is going to judge the competitors of RAZOR Wrestling and sentence them. This is what happened to your friend – The Manager.”

Samhain snarls thinking about what he did to Mark Storm’s manager Gregory Murphy.

“Sergei can handle a loss. You are mistaken in thinking that Samhain’s involvement had anything to do with Sergei’s failure to secure victory. Win or lose, this was always going to happen. You should understand that Sergei is not here for victory. He told you this last week. Sergei is here for combat. But there are also other reasons for Sergei to be here. There are other reasons for Samhain to be here.”

Ivanov turns to the monster. Ivanov then turns to the gravestone and runs his left hand over it, the moss that hides the inscription is brown and dead.

“Sergei found both of you guilty, you and The Manager. Sud Ognya determines guilt through combat. This is how you understand someone -- by facing them in battle. You both we found guilty. Guilty of being imposters. You have the gall to call Sergei a fraud? Sergei did everything that he said he was going to do and then some. Samhain has been waiting for his opportunity to be Sergei’s executioner but there was no one who truly deserved it. Not Hope Freya, not Zilpah Okelo, not Murder Ninja. But then the Hero arrived. The Hero and The Manager.”

Samhain snarls again. Ivanov, without breaking his eye contact with the camera, delicately takes Samhain’s hand and pats it to sooth the monster.

“You have been sentenced…Hero. The Manager, he faced his judgment and now it is your turn. You think that this week is your opportunity for revenge? You are gravely mistaken. This week is the end of your opportunities in RAZOR Wrestling.”

Sergei breaks his gaze and he looks upward at Samhain in a brief moment of admiration. He turns back to the camera and he looks quite pleased with himself.

“Samhain was spat out of Hell itself. All he knows is violence. You say you have been there? Lies. Do not lie to Sud Ognya, it will only increase the severity of your punishment. Last week was no challenge for “Hell’s Refuse” – it was merely a means to an end. He does not want to destroy you unless it truly breaks you. If this was a simple wrestling contest, then when he destroys you, you might recover. You might continue on. But you are coming for vengeance. You are coming for blood and you will have it. But it will not be the blood you seek. This is how you face judgment.”

Samhain slams his fist into his palm. He would love nothing more than to face Mark Storm at this very moment. Sergei takes Samhain’s hand again, half-heartedly trying to calm the monster down. It is not the time.

“Sergei suggests that we speak with The General and we have the rules for this contest…relaxed. You will not have to worry about Sergei getting involved, that is not how Sergei operates. Sergei would not dare taint Samhain’s moment. You do not want this match to end in a disqualification, nor does Sud Ognya. If you want a real chance at vengeance, Hero, then you will speak with The General.”

Sergei stands. He is a big man but Samhain still towers over him. Sergei slaps Samhain in the chest and turns back to the camera once more.

“Sergei will give you credit, you did defeat him. But Sergei made you bleed. Sergei showed you what a stay in RAZOR Wrestling will cost you. You are not capable of paying for your time here for much longer. The bill comes due on every time you enter the ring, Hero. You do not have it in you and Sud Ognya will make you see that. Samhain will take your blood, Samhain will take your soul, and Samhain will take your career in RAZOR Wrestling. After Sunday, all of RAZOR Wrestling will know that there will be no more heroes.”