Days later, the aftermath of Zenith 10- the defeat of Katsumi.
The scene slowly fades into existence- the full moon emerges, casting an eerie glow over the New York cityscape. The view shifts gently, like a ride, swooping downward through the cracks of towering skyscrapers, with moonlight bleeding in, creating a cinematic atmosphere that stirs suspense.
We wonder where this all leads until finally, in the distance, a lone figure stands on a rooftop of one of these elaborate skyscrapers. The scene crossfades to the back of this dark, tall figure, who gazes at the moon, inviting the audience to feel curiosity about their story.
Staring blankly- perhaps lost in memories or past mistakes- the figure holds a glass of blood-red wine to his lips and takes a slow sip. As he slowly turns his head, the scene hints at introspection, inviting the audience to feel a quiet sense of reflection.
DS: "Abigail... so. Now you're following me?"
Abigail: "You are a hard man to find."
DS: "I suppose you have a point- is this another time to probe what is in my head, what I think, and feel? It is, afterall, your job."
Abigail: "It is, Mister.... The Darkspade. So. Katsumi....."
::The Unholy One took another sip of his blood wine and casually walked over to the circular gas-powered fire pit on the rooftop- sits down on a leather couch... the party that was happening many feet away vibrated the tall glass penthouse windows... the silence out here was bliss::
DS: ".... Resilient woman... she was no pushover for sure. What... three "Final" Guidances, and yet- she still would not allow The Unpurity to Guide her? Still, yet, her fatigue was her undoing..... and the Darkest Hour...."
Abigail smiles at Darkspade with a sly grin and sits adjacent to him on the sofa.... she crosses her legs slowly for him.
Abigail: "..... strikes three?"
::Darkspade's right side of his lip raised::
DS: ".... and allow me to pour you a drink...."
The Unholy One takes a lone wine glass on the table in-front of them- and pours the wine into the glass- allowing for each droplet to swirl within its intoxicating desire..... Darkspade stands and leans over the table to hand it to her- Abigail reaches for the glass- their fingers touch- a cooing sound in the darkness let off- eerie darkness.
Clearly satisfied with the company, The Unholy One leans back on the sofa staring at Abigail oddly- she finishes taking a sip of the wine and gets right down to business...
Abigail: "Thank you for this warm reception, Mister Darkspade.... but you know that business is what I am after [that allowed for Darkspade to smile devilishly at her]... your first title shot at SHOOT Project.... Johnny Napalm. Your initial thoughts?"
The Unholy One, clearly not alien to defeating champions, and holding epic reigns himself, pondered.... he swirled the blood wine in his right hand suspended over the side of the sofa arm....
DS: "... Seventy-four days, Johnny has survived one encounter after another- the longest reigning Empire State Champion thus far. My thoughts keep circling back to how each victory cements my dominance. However, the initial thoughts I have is just like with all of the other opponents who dare test their fate with me... The Darkspade..... One by one..... my victims have fallen to their Darkest Hour. Just look at Scottie, Katsumi.... and poor.... poor.... poor.... boy, ol' Ricky. Why.... if it was not for agreeing to allow him to rest his mind from my bombardment of mind games- why hell- Ricky's already broken state of mind would have sent him spiraling downward to not just begging for MY mercy... but insanity. Oh, where were we? Awh yes.... "
A couple, drunk and laughing, hysterical, open a glass door to the rooftop patio; they spin around and then stop to see Darkspade on the sofa talking to a mannequin.
They tilt their heads and make a chuckle as they make their approach; however, they stop in shock and frozen fear bewtinessing what appeared to be a baby climbing on a bar stand, knocking whiskey bottles, it stops, with black ooze gushing out from its mouth.... the couple bring themselves to move and run back into the penthouse behind them.
Back to Abigail....
Abigail: .... Johnny Napalm... a legend.... your opponent....
An extreme closeup of Darkspade's insane facade.... a security camera turns on... its operator unknown.... to record the following feed.
DS: ".... from one legend to another, Johnny, our intricate dance begins come Zenith. You poor soul... You will experience just why every single battle waged with The Darkspade is one in which exceeds just a mere win, but a fight to LIVE. Your Empire is crumbling... and I am here to assume total control and with it, command an Empire of Unholy Darkness! Come at me, come at me with everything that you can muster- will it be enough? Will it be Ground Zero or simply YOUR FINAL GUIDANCE.... Mwwhaaa.... your only salvation is to accept. Accept the Unpurity of Darkspade to Guide you......"
The shot fades around Darkspade as it moves- showing the baby in the arms of the mannequin..... its eerie haunting laughter prompts Darkspade to say.... ".... That's Right."