Post by predator on Jan 21, 2006 17:59:19 GMT -5
We fade up to a cold Edmonton street. The air is crisp and cold, the sounds of people talking, engines running, and the occasional sounds of police sirens or car horns invest our ears, just as the smells of exhaust fumes and gasoline invest our nostrils like pests. The streets are paved in ice and snow, as are the rooftops of the buildings surrounding the streets. Perched on the ledge of one of these buildings crouches a familiar figure. The massive, 325 lb figure of The Predator.
He kneels on the ledge of the rooftop, peering down at the East Entrance of the West Edmonton Mall. The mall is down the street to his left, just over a block away. People pour out of the building like a river as The Predator watches intently. He appears to be waiting for something. What he is waiting for, we will have to find out.
People continue to pour down the streets like a river of warmly-dressed people. Most of them look like they have to be somewhere. It is early morning, perhaps they are on their way to work or breakfast? Perhaps they are just finishing a long grueling night-shift and are hurrying home to a long-anticipated rest? We will never know.
The Predator's attention is completely directed onto the East Entrance, from which unknowing people are pouring. Those people pour into the ocean of busy people like grains of sugar or salt, and seem o blend in and dissolve just as easily. The Predator rises from his spot on the roof, unnnoticed, and watches the doors expectantly.
The camera focuses in on the door as the the faces of people pass in and out of our vision. Then out of the mixture of unfamiliar faces, a familiar one appears. The face of a former NAPW Provincial Champion, Ravager.
Ravager is dressed in a light trenchcoat and hat to shield himself from the cold weather that The Predator doesn't seem to be feeling. Beneath the trenchcoat, he wears a blue polo shirt and Khakis. He walks down the steps and crosses the threshold into the sea of people. Stopping at the bottom of the steps, he pulls a small scrap of paper from his pocket and studies it. He then looks to his right, and then to his left, and procedes in our general direction.
The Predator sees Ravager coming and stoops low to avoid being spotted. Ravager reaches the front door of Predator's building and enters. The door closes behind him, and we see a piece of paper that reads "Ravager, the roof".
Cut to the roof where Ravager is just arriving removing his trenchcoat and hat, ready to fight if he must. He walks hesitantly toward the middle of the roof to be unseen by passers-by. He scans the rooftop carefully, oblivious that The Predator is hiding behind a ventilation duct.
RAVAGER - Alright, I've answered your summoning. Now show your face!
He sounds impatient, bitter, tired, angry, and afraid all at once. The Predator laughs, loud enough for Ravager to hear, but remains hidden. Ravager is beginning to get rather peeved.
RAVAGER - Show your face you coward!
PREDATOR - Coward? You need to be getting your priorities straight, my friend.
Ravager rotates to try to identify his host. He shifts his eyes from left to right and back scanning the rooftop carefully, being careful not to be attacked from behind. Instead of saying anything, Ravager pivots to see where his adversary is hiding. The Predator has already moved to the other side of the roof. Behind Ravager.
RAVAGER - I'm sick and tired of games. Where the Hell are you?
The Predator says nothing. Instead, he very quietly leaps out from his hiding spot with cat-like agility, and clears his throat. Ravager spins around and sees he masked face, the bandaged chest, the 325 lb figure of the phenominal Predator.
RAVAGER - This is neither the time, nor the place.
PREDATOR - Ahh, you are right about one thing, my friend. This is the perfect time, but the wrong place. Follow me.
Predator opens the door to the elevator, Ravager picks up his coat, and they both step inside. Ravager reaches for the button marked "M" but Predator pushes his hand aside and presses the button marked "B". Ravager looks curiously and suspiciously at The Predator.
RAVAGER - Basement?
The Predator only nods. Ravager doesn't ask why, nor does he ask any questions. Not about the summoning, not about Predator's healing chest, and definately not about their upcoming match. The elevator soon reaches the basement, and the two exit into a large, dark, damp, and warm cellar. Ravager reaches for a light switch and switches it to ON.
The flourescent lights instantly flicker to life and illuminate the concrete cellar. It appears as though it is in the middle of an extensive renovation. The walls are half painted in in emerald green, ladders are spread across the room under various broken lights or wires hanging from the ceiling. There are paint cans and brushes spread out randomly throughout the basement on the floor, and a smell of fresh paint fills the room.
The Predator procedes across the room, and stops over a grate in the floor. He grasps the metal bars of the grate, and effortlessly pulls it out of the floor tossing it aside. He then leans down and smells the air of whatever lies beneath the floors.
RAVAGER - What's down there?
Predator says nothing. Ravager moves closer to see for himself, and sees absolutely nothing but darkness. At this point, Ravager is not sure if even Predator knows what is down there.
PREDATOR - Follow.
RAVAGER - Follow? Where?
Ravager's question is soon answered. The Predator leaps into the air, and dives into the hole. A spare camera man follows, but uses the ladder. The working camera stays to see a reluctant Ravager.
RAVAGER - You have got to be kidding me.
It takes a couple of minutes, but Ravager decidesto follow. He climbs down the metal ladder provided, and makes his way down.
Cut to the bottom of the ladder. The Predator stands over an exhausted Ravager. The camera man would like a break, too, but he isn't paid to be lazy.
PREDATOR - (leaning down over Ravager) Perhaps my way was less tiring?
Ravager looks up at The Predator, dusgusted, and then lets a small grin peek out of the corner of his mouth. Predator helps Ravager up, and they start down the long, dark, and damp tunnel.
A distant sound of rushing water fills the crisp air. The smell of fresh paint is quickly replaced with the smell of oil and machinery. The cavern is long, moderately narrow, and dark, and rust covers pipes and wires that protrude from the ceiling. This appears to be the sewer line where The Predator last appeared.
RAVAGER - Where are we going?
Predator slowly turns his head toward Ravager without slowing.
PREDATOR - For someone so sure of himself, Ravager, you ask a Hell of a lot of questions.
Ravager is quiet. As they progress into the tunnel, the sound of rushing water and the smells of oil and machinery get stronger. Soon they come to an underground river of some kind.
RAVAGER - Where is all of this water coming from?
PREDATOR - It is a storm drainage pipe.
RAVAGER - It's raining on the surface?
Predator shakes his head. Ravager's face is consumed by a confused expression.
RAVAGER - If it's a storm drainage pipe, and if it is not raining, then where is all the water coming from?
Predator says nothing, instead he looks Ravager expectantly as though knowing Ravager can figure out the answer for himself. Ravager snaps his fingers.
RAVAGER - It stretches across Alberta?
Predator shakes his head.
PREDATOR - Close. This particular one stretches across Canada.
They soon come to a narrow passageway. Predator motions for Ravager to continue. The long corridor smells even stronger of oil and machinery, and the darkness would consume all but the light. Ravager enters the passageway.
RAVAGER - Damn. Dark enough?
Predator nods and lifts his gloved left hand up to a ledge in the wall, and strikes the edge with his thumb. The ledge suddenly bursts into flame, and the entire ledge ignites, illuminating the rest of the corridor.
RAVAGER - Thanks. (he starts to continue, stops, and turns around) Wait. Why are you taking me down here?
Predator looks at Ravager, his silver mask becoming golden in the light of the blazing fire.
PREDATOR - Ravager, I think the real question is, how will you find out unless you trust me?
Ravager looks at The Predator's masked face closely. Having realized that Ravager can not trust the face he can not see, he removes his mask. Ravager now takes a good look into the piercing yellow eyes of The Predator. After what seems an eternity, Ravager turns around and continues down the corridor without saying anything. Predator smiles and puts his mask back on.
In front of them the long corridor continues on, but the line of fire reaches it's end. Predator pulls what appears to be a human leg bone off of his belt and lights it aflame to light their way. Soon, the strong scents grows to the point that Ravager begins to choke, and has to breath through his mouth.
PREDATOR - We are getting close.
As they progress down the tunnel, the ceiling gets lower and lower. When the ceiling finally straightens, it is as low as four feet, causing Predator and Ravager to crouch.
RAVAGER - Why is it so low?
PREDATOR - It wasn't built for people.
They soon come to an opening and go through it. They soon see where the smells are coming from. A large stone room lies ahead of us. People wearing ragged old clothes and faces covered in grease populate the cavern, along with who look to be run-away children. The two NAPW Superstars travel through the heavily populated area as they receive gifts of different articles of trash.
RAVAGER - Who are these people? And what are they giving us?
PREDATOR - They are gifts.
Ravager takes a bundle of trash from someone, and drops it when they turn around.
RAVAGER - Who are these people?
PREDATOR - They once roamed the streets of cities across Canada, and simultaneously gathered here to escape the city streets. Some were homeless, and some were unwanted run-aways. They came here to find refuge from the surface.
They pass through another crowd of people, and Predator opens a door which leads into a much larger room. Inside there are large buildings and machines.
PREDATOR - Welcome, Ravager. To the real world.
They enter one of the buildings as Ravager stares in awe. Predator leads Ravager into a small room and seats Ravager on a chair.
PREDATOR - Perhaps you wonder why I have brought you here?
Ravager nods, standing.
PREDATOR - I have brought you here to speak to you. For the same reasons those people have come here. To make peace.
Ravager looks at Predator with a confused expression. Predator paces thinking.
PREDATOR - For too long I have waited for Chris Casino to get his just deserts, and it seems that his end is near. But if he wins, Ravager, I want him, understand? If he doesn't, you can have D!.
RAVAGER - Is that what this is about?!
Predator stops to look at Ravager, and a long stare-down occurs. Defeated, Ravager sits down.
PREDATOR - It seems you and I each want the same thing . . . so I have a proposition. I wish for a partnership to eliminate the struggle in the gauntlet on Monday. One of us must win, and none of the rest.
Ravager stands. Predator extends his hand. It takes a moment of thought, but Ravager takes the hand, shakes it, and pulls Predator up close.
RAVAGER - Alright. Fine. But I want you to know that I will not turn my back on you for a second. One smart move, and I will be down on you for a viscious beating, understand? Respect only lasts so long, but buisiness is buisiness.
Predator nods.
PREDATOR - I would expect nothing less.
Ravager releases his hold on Predator's hand.
RAVAGER - Now, tell me about this city.
PREDATOR - It will be the last surviving city. In the future, the government will rejoyce as they give birth to AI. Artifitial Intelligence. The machines will begin to get smarter and smarter, and soon they will get smart enough to wonder why they have to take orders. They will attempt to destroy man-kind. And in their attempts of defence, the government will decide to destoy their only life-force. The sky.
RAVAGER - Solar power.
PREDATOR - Of course. They will destroy the sky, but will remain unsuccessful of defending the world. They will run from across North America to this very place, where they will be welcomed with open arms . . .
The conversation continues as we fade to black.
--------
Co-written with Ravager.
He kneels on the ledge of the rooftop, peering down at the East Entrance of the West Edmonton Mall. The mall is down the street to his left, just over a block away. People pour out of the building like a river as The Predator watches intently. He appears to be waiting for something. What he is waiting for, we will have to find out.
People continue to pour down the streets like a river of warmly-dressed people. Most of them look like they have to be somewhere. It is early morning, perhaps they are on their way to work or breakfast? Perhaps they are just finishing a long grueling night-shift and are hurrying home to a long-anticipated rest? We will never know.
The Predator's attention is completely directed onto the East Entrance, from which unknowing people are pouring. Those people pour into the ocean of busy people like grains of sugar or salt, and seem o blend in and dissolve just as easily. The Predator rises from his spot on the roof, unnnoticed, and watches the doors expectantly.
The camera focuses in on the door as the the faces of people pass in and out of our vision. Then out of the mixture of unfamiliar faces, a familiar one appears. The face of a former NAPW Provincial Champion, Ravager.
Ravager is dressed in a light trenchcoat and hat to shield himself from the cold weather that The Predator doesn't seem to be feeling. Beneath the trenchcoat, he wears a blue polo shirt and Khakis. He walks down the steps and crosses the threshold into the sea of people. Stopping at the bottom of the steps, he pulls a small scrap of paper from his pocket and studies it. He then looks to his right, and then to his left, and procedes in our general direction.
The Predator sees Ravager coming and stoops low to avoid being spotted. Ravager reaches the front door of Predator's building and enters. The door closes behind him, and we see a piece of paper that reads "Ravager, the roof".
Cut to the roof where Ravager is just arriving removing his trenchcoat and hat, ready to fight if he must. He walks hesitantly toward the middle of the roof to be unseen by passers-by. He scans the rooftop carefully, oblivious that The Predator is hiding behind a ventilation duct.
RAVAGER - Alright, I've answered your summoning. Now show your face!
He sounds impatient, bitter, tired, angry, and afraid all at once. The Predator laughs, loud enough for Ravager to hear, but remains hidden. Ravager is beginning to get rather peeved.
RAVAGER - Show your face you coward!
PREDATOR - Coward? You need to be getting your priorities straight, my friend.
Ravager rotates to try to identify his host. He shifts his eyes from left to right and back scanning the rooftop carefully, being careful not to be attacked from behind. Instead of saying anything, Ravager pivots to see where his adversary is hiding. The Predator has already moved to the other side of the roof. Behind Ravager.
RAVAGER - I'm sick and tired of games. Where the Hell are you?
The Predator says nothing. Instead, he very quietly leaps out from his hiding spot with cat-like agility, and clears his throat. Ravager spins around and sees he masked face, the bandaged chest, the 325 lb figure of the phenominal Predator.
RAVAGER - This is neither the time, nor the place.
PREDATOR - Ahh, you are right about one thing, my friend. This is the perfect time, but the wrong place. Follow me.
Predator opens the door to the elevator, Ravager picks up his coat, and they both step inside. Ravager reaches for the button marked "M" but Predator pushes his hand aside and presses the button marked "B". Ravager looks curiously and suspiciously at The Predator.
RAVAGER - Basement?
The Predator only nods. Ravager doesn't ask why, nor does he ask any questions. Not about the summoning, not about Predator's healing chest, and definately not about their upcoming match. The elevator soon reaches the basement, and the two exit into a large, dark, damp, and warm cellar. Ravager reaches for a light switch and switches it to ON.
The flourescent lights instantly flicker to life and illuminate the concrete cellar. It appears as though it is in the middle of an extensive renovation. The walls are half painted in in emerald green, ladders are spread across the room under various broken lights or wires hanging from the ceiling. There are paint cans and brushes spread out randomly throughout the basement on the floor, and a smell of fresh paint fills the room.
The Predator procedes across the room, and stops over a grate in the floor. He grasps the metal bars of the grate, and effortlessly pulls it out of the floor tossing it aside. He then leans down and smells the air of whatever lies beneath the floors.
RAVAGER - What's down there?
Predator says nothing. Ravager moves closer to see for himself, and sees absolutely nothing but darkness. At this point, Ravager is not sure if even Predator knows what is down there.
PREDATOR - Follow.
RAVAGER - Follow? Where?
Ravager's question is soon answered. The Predator leaps into the air, and dives into the hole. A spare camera man follows, but uses the ladder. The working camera stays to see a reluctant Ravager.
RAVAGER - You have got to be kidding me.
It takes a couple of minutes, but Ravager decidesto follow. He climbs down the metal ladder provided, and makes his way down.
Cut to the bottom of the ladder. The Predator stands over an exhausted Ravager. The camera man would like a break, too, but he isn't paid to be lazy.
PREDATOR - (leaning down over Ravager) Perhaps my way was less tiring?
Ravager looks up at The Predator, dusgusted, and then lets a small grin peek out of the corner of his mouth. Predator helps Ravager up, and they start down the long, dark, and damp tunnel.
A distant sound of rushing water fills the crisp air. The smell of fresh paint is quickly replaced with the smell of oil and machinery. The cavern is long, moderately narrow, and dark, and rust covers pipes and wires that protrude from the ceiling. This appears to be the sewer line where The Predator last appeared.
RAVAGER - Where are we going?
Predator slowly turns his head toward Ravager without slowing.
PREDATOR - For someone so sure of himself, Ravager, you ask a Hell of a lot of questions.
Ravager is quiet. As they progress into the tunnel, the sound of rushing water and the smells of oil and machinery get stronger. Soon they come to an underground river of some kind.
RAVAGER - Where is all of this water coming from?
PREDATOR - It is a storm drainage pipe.
RAVAGER - It's raining on the surface?
Predator shakes his head. Ravager's face is consumed by a confused expression.
RAVAGER - If it's a storm drainage pipe, and if it is not raining, then where is all the water coming from?
Predator says nothing, instead he looks Ravager expectantly as though knowing Ravager can figure out the answer for himself. Ravager snaps his fingers.
RAVAGER - It stretches across Alberta?
Predator shakes his head.
PREDATOR - Close. This particular one stretches across Canada.
They soon come to a narrow passageway. Predator motions for Ravager to continue. The long corridor smells even stronger of oil and machinery, and the darkness would consume all but the light. Ravager enters the passageway.
RAVAGER - Damn. Dark enough?
Predator nods and lifts his gloved left hand up to a ledge in the wall, and strikes the edge with his thumb. The ledge suddenly bursts into flame, and the entire ledge ignites, illuminating the rest of the corridor.
RAVAGER - Thanks. (he starts to continue, stops, and turns around) Wait. Why are you taking me down here?
Predator looks at Ravager, his silver mask becoming golden in the light of the blazing fire.
PREDATOR - Ravager, I think the real question is, how will you find out unless you trust me?
Ravager looks at The Predator's masked face closely. Having realized that Ravager can not trust the face he can not see, he removes his mask. Ravager now takes a good look into the piercing yellow eyes of The Predator. After what seems an eternity, Ravager turns around and continues down the corridor without saying anything. Predator smiles and puts his mask back on.
In front of them the long corridor continues on, but the line of fire reaches it's end. Predator pulls what appears to be a human leg bone off of his belt and lights it aflame to light their way. Soon, the strong scents grows to the point that Ravager begins to choke, and has to breath through his mouth.
PREDATOR - We are getting close.
As they progress down the tunnel, the ceiling gets lower and lower. When the ceiling finally straightens, it is as low as four feet, causing Predator and Ravager to crouch.
RAVAGER - Why is it so low?
PREDATOR - It wasn't built for people.
They soon come to an opening and go through it. They soon see where the smells are coming from. A large stone room lies ahead of us. People wearing ragged old clothes and faces covered in grease populate the cavern, along with who look to be run-away children. The two NAPW Superstars travel through the heavily populated area as they receive gifts of different articles of trash.
RAVAGER - Who are these people? And what are they giving us?
PREDATOR - They are gifts.
Ravager takes a bundle of trash from someone, and drops it when they turn around.
RAVAGER - Who are these people?
PREDATOR - They once roamed the streets of cities across Canada, and simultaneously gathered here to escape the city streets. Some were homeless, and some were unwanted run-aways. They came here to find refuge from the surface.
They pass through another crowd of people, and Predator opens a door which leads into a much larger room. Inside there are large buildings and machines.
PREDATOR - Welcome, Ravager. To the real world.
They enter one of the buildings as Ravager stares in awe. Predator leads Ravager into a small room and seats Ravager on a chair.
PREDATOR - Perhaps you wonder why I have brought you here?
Ravager nods, standing.
PREDATOR - I have brought you here to speak to you. For the same reasons those people have come here. To make peace.
Ravager looks at Predator with a confused expression. Predator paces thinking.
PREDATOR - For too long I have waited for Chris Casino to get his just deserts, and it seems that his end is near. But if he wins, Ravager, I want him, understand? If he doesn't, you can have D!.
RAVAGER - Is that what this is about?!
Predator stops to look at Ravager, and a long stare-down occurs. Defeated, Ravager sits down.
PREDATOR - It seems you and I each want the same thing . . . so I have a proposition. I wish for a partnership to eliminate the struggle in the gauntlet on Monday. One of us must win, and none of the rest.
Ravager stands. Predator extends his hand. It takes a moment of thought, but Ravager takes the hand, shakes it, and pulls Predator up close.
RAVAGER - Alright. Fine. But I want you to know that I will not turn my back on you for a second. One smart move, and I will be down on you for a viscious beating, understand? Respect only lasts so long, but buisiness is buisiness.
Predator nods.
PREDATOR - I would expect nothing less.
Ravager releases his hold on Predator's hand.
RAVAGER - Now, tell me about this city.
PREDATOR - It will be the last surviving city. In the future, the government will rejoyce as they give birth to AI. Artifitial Intelligence. The machines will begin to get smarter and smarter, and soon they will get smart enough to wonder why they have to take orders. They will attempt to destroy man-kind. And in their attempts of defence, the government will decide to destoy their only life-force. The sky.
RAVAGER - Solar power.
PREDATOR - Of course. They will destroy the sky, but will remain unsuccessful of defending the world. They will run from across North America to this very place, where they will be welcomed with open arms . . .
The conversation continues as we fade to black.
--------
Co-written with Ravager.