<center><img src="http://www.twistedexperience.com/tcw/pics/posters/havocitaly/mvclba.png">


*** Unified World Tag-Team Title Match?? ***
"On Friction Hawk and Hayes proved that they could live up to their massive credentials and unseated the tag-team champions after a hard fought match that also saw the RoXorZ appear. They will deal with the RoXorZ at a later date, tonight is their first tag-team title defence. When booking Friction the Commissioner had two options for tag-team challengers, both undefeated in TCW at the time. She decided to go with the MVC due to their past records but promised to give the other undefeated team a shot. That team? The Legitimate Business Associates of Kermit and JE who strive for their first TCW gold. Which team will still be undefeated after Havoc?"</center>

The Board Room of Henson Towers

"I just can not believe it JE!" Kermit roared.

The mob boss paced the silent room. Silent except for his voice echoing within the walls. Gonz and Rowlf smirked during Kermit's verbal lashing at JE. They did their job and did it without fail, unlike JE.

"You had a perfect chance. Some might call it golden, yet you fucked it all up! FUCK MAN! How could you fail with all you have at your disposal?"

JE sat in his chair glaring at the mob boss, anger seathing in his eyes. Kermit ignored the young man's piercing stare as he continued his rant.

"We one our first tag match and we had a chance to BOTH win in singles. BOTH win JE! We could have further dominated and proven that WE are the new force to be reckoned with in TCW."

Kermit paused a moment to stare right into JE's eyes.

"We had a chance JE" he went on, voice lowered. "Now, we don't. And why? Because you couldn't win! I won! Why couldn't you?"

JE jumped out of his chair, his ribs burning and telling him not to do that again.

"You won? You didn't win shit Kermit! You had your thugs kick the crap out of Frost before he could even get in the damn arena! I had an actual match! A fucking tough match too. Hell, I'm lucky my ribs are cracked! You didn't get put into an ungodly bear hug and feel the breath squeezed out of you!"

JE got right up in Kermit's face.

"So drop that bullshit about you winning Kermit. You had it easy. If you had actually competed, then, and only then, you might have a point. But since you didn't, you don't have any fucking right to lay it all on my feet!"

The blood rose in Kermit's face. How dare this punk ass, this loser, get in his face. Kermit rose him up out of the gutter and he wouldn't win a simple match. Kermit's fists began to clench as he tried to staredown the brash young man. Before he could no longer contain his anger, Foz entered the room.

"Boss! The annoucement came."

Kermit, without taking his gaze off JE, reached out his hand. He ripped the envolpe open and pulled out the match listing.

"Well..." he said with a smirk directed at JE "Let's see how much your failure cost us."

Kermit read over the match listing slowly. Then he read it a second time to make sure his eyes weren't playing tricks on him. Slowly, he returned his gaze to JE's unflinching eyes.

"We got lucky." he said quietly before turning towards his spot at the head of the table. He leaned forward, hands resting on the ends of the polished oak surface.

"Okay, listen up! We caught a break. Despite JE's loss, we have been granted a title shot at the next show. LBA vs the new tag champs The Miracle Violence Combination. This is it folks. The one we have been working for. Foz! Get the Mayhem down here pronto. I want them in the garage in 30min!"

Foz nodded and left the room quickly.

"Rowlf, I want you to keep you eyes on these two. Be ready for dishing out some pain. When I give the word, I want you to break those pissants kneecaps in two."

Rowlf's trademark evil grin appeared as he rose from the table. The David Frsot assignment was boring and his assualt on Jack Frost had the blood flowing in his veins again. He wanted to do it again, and this time the Boss was more than willing to allow him the chance

"With pleasure Kermit." he said beofer he left the room.

"Gonz." Kermit spoke "I want you to dig up as much information as you can about these two guys. I want to know how they fight, their hobbies, hell, I want to know how big their morning shit is! Anything that will give me the edge. Dig deep old friend."

Gonz nodded and he too, left the room. This left only JE and Kermit still in the Board Room.

"And you." Kermit said, fixing his eyes on JE. " Train hard and be ready for anything. Lady Luck is smiling on us and she rarely smiles twice. I don;t care about your loss, or even my win. That shit doesn't matter right now. All that matters is this match. If you go down, I go down and vice versa."

JE said nothing as he left the room, still angry about the verbal assualt Kermit laid on him moments before.

The garage of Henson Towers : 25min later

The members of the Electric Mayhem were gathered in the empty parking lot, their motorcycles humming in the night. All of them were ready for whatever Kermit laid on their feet, but they're weren't happy about it. Kermit's "emergancy" took them away from their second favorite activity: drinking. They did, at least, have a nice buzz going, so the night wasn't a total loss before this. The soles of Kermit's Italian Leather shoes heralded his approach.

"So there Kermie, what's so important that you needed us here past normal business hours. " Dr Teeth snickered.

Kermit froze at being called his childhood nickname..........and grown-up insult.

"You've been drinking."

"Shit ya we've been drinking! What else are we supposed to do at 8 o' clock at night? Drinking mind you, you interupted. So, what's the big problem."

"These guys." Kermit responded, showing a photo of MVC.

"Okay, what'd they do? "Forget" to pay protection or something?"

"No Teeth. They are The Miracle Violence Combination. And they are my next oppenents and the tag team champs."

Dr Teeth rubbed his beard.

"Miracle Violence Combonation you say? Sounds like my kind of cats. So, you want us to go and rough them up some right? Teach a little lesson in respect?"

Kermit grinned.

"No. Hound them everyday and everynight. Drive-Bys, firebombs, jumping them in a alley, I dont care. I just want them looking over their shoulder at all times. Basicly, I want you to scare the shit out of them. Non-Stop."

"ANIMAL BEAT CHAMPS!!!!!"

Kermit's grin grew wider.

"Yes Animal. Beat the ever living fuck out of them."

"Sounds like the night is just getting started boys!" Dr Teeth shouted. "Let get these bitches!"

Hoots and hollers filled the empty garage and motorcycles flared into action and the Mayhem rode off out of the garage and into the Chicago night air, leaving Kermit standing there, still grinning.

Gonz nodded and he too, left the room. This left only JE and Kermit still in the Board Room.

"And you." Kermit said, fixing his eyes on JE. " Train hard and be ready for anything. Lady Luck is smiling on us and she rarely smiles twice. I don't care about your loss, or even my win. That shit doesn't matter right now. All that matters is this match. If you go down, I go down and vice versa."

JE said nothing as he left the room; still angry about the verbal assault Kermit laid on him moments before.

JE entered the elevator, and pushed the bottom floor button. When the elevator reached the 5th floor, JE pushed the "Emergency Stop" button. He put his head to the mirror of the elevator, looked at himself and said: "Failure", and with a blind fist of rage, he smashed the mirror with a punch. He pressed the "GO" button and continued down.

Jess was waiting for JE in the lobby, worried of what Kermit might have done to JE. When he stepped out the elevator without any scratches, she felt a huge amount of relief. Jess hugged JE, but he felt cold.

"Baby, you ok?" asked Jess.

"I'm fine," replied JE, with a tone seriousness mixed with anger. "C'mon, lets go back to apartment."

As they left the lobby, JE heard someone say: "What happened to the mirror?"

They both hopped on to JE's bike and sped of to their apartment. On the whole way, Jess didn't dare say anything to JE, in this mood, who knows what he might do.

As soon as they entered the apartment, JE just went straight to the bedroom closet and picked out some clothes and put them in a small suitcase.

"What are you doing?" asked Jess.

"Kermit wants me to train hard, so that's what I'm going to do."

"Train for what? A clothes folding competition?"

"A tag title shot."

"You mean, you've got a title shot? That's brilliant."

JE didn't answer; he picked up the phone and phoned for a cab to the airport.

"The airport? Will you tell me what's going on?"

"I'm going to train in Japan with my old sensei."

"You could have tolled me, I need to pack if were..."
"No, I'm going by myself."

"What?"

"I need to. I've been distracted lately. That whole thing with Duo, that's not going to happen again."

"What about me? What am I supposed to do?"

"I call Kermit to tell him to send someone to look out for you, MVC can't be trusted."

"Please, don't go. Train here."

"I cant, I need to be by myself for awhile."

They left the room when they heard the cab toot from outside.

"Where to boss?" said the driver.

"The airport."

On the way to the airport, neither JE nor Jess said a word to each other. They arrived at the airport just under 15 minutes since they left the apartment.

"Keep the change." Said JE, giving the driver his fair.

They walked over to the reception desk of Japan International Airlines. JE bought his ticket and made his way to check in.

"Please, JE, don't leave me by myself." Said Jess, with tears streaming down her face.

"You know I love you, but I have to do this, not just for me and Kermit, but for you and me. I'll be back in to weeks."

They looked at each other and shared one last embrace before JE left through the security area.

Once on the other side, JE picked up his cell phone and dialled Kermit.

"Yes?" Said Kermit.

"Its me, JE."

"I thought I tolled you to train hard, what are you doing calling me?"

"It's just to tell you that I'm going to Japan to train"

"Japan? I meant go to Gold's Gym or something, not go to Japan?"

"I'm going there to train with my old sensei."

"When are you gonna be back?"

"In two weeks"

"Is there another reason why you're going? Is it because of me?"

"I've been distracted as of late and not in touch with myself. I need to be by myself for awhile, away from Jess, away from TCW and away from the LBA."

"You're not taking Jess? Where is she?"

"She's going back to the apartment. I need you to send someone over there to keep and eye on here, make sure she doesn't get in any trouble Kermit."

"Ok, sure, I'll send someone there later. Oh and Kermit."

"Yeah?"

"One way or another, I'm gonna win those titles for us."

"Lets hope you do."

JE hangs up, switches off his phone and puts it in his suitcase, not to be switched on until he gets back. JE gets on the plane, and prepares himself mentally for the gruelling hardships of Sensei Sasque.

To be continued...

They had won

They had actually won at Friction!!

Despite the odds and the numbers game being against them they won the world tag-team titles

If that wasn't cause for celebration James didn't know what was.

And how did the Miracle Violence Combination celebrate? The only way they knew how!!

"East bound and down, loaded up and truckin',
we're gonna do what they say can't be done.
We've got a long way to go and a short time to get there.
I'm east bound, just watch ol' "Bandit" run."

Jerry Reed's classic "Eastbound and down" is blaring over the car stereo of the black Trans-Am as Frankie and James do doughtnuts in some French farmer's field.

"Keep your foot hard on the pedal. Son, never mind them brakes.
Let it all hang out 'cause we got a run to make.
The boys are thirsty in Atlanta and there's beer in Texarcana.
And we'll bring it back no matter what it takes."

WEE-HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! James yells as he twirls his cowboy hat in the air actually taking both hands off the steering wheel so that Frankie has to reach over and grab it.

"East bound and down, loaded up and truckin',
we're gonna do what they say can't be done.
We've got a long way to go and a short time to get there.
I'm east bound, just watch ol' "Bandit" run."

Both of them bellow along with the music "East bound and down, loaded up and truckin',
we're gonna do what they say can't be done.
We've got a long way to go and a short time to get there.
I'm east bound, just watch ol' "Bandit" run."

It's quite obvious that the two have had a few beers, probably a few beers too many but you can't seriously play Bandit and Snowman without being drunk. It's how they've always celebrated when they won the big one.

"Ol' Smokey's got them ears on and he's hot on your trail.
He aint gonna rest 'til you're in jail.
So you got to dodge 'im and you got to duck 'im,
you got to keep that diesel truckin'.
Just put that hammer down and give it hell."

The first time they won the PJW Tag-Team titles James had dragged him into a downtown theater to watch Smokey and the Bandit and well the rest followed on it's own, as it often does when alcohol is involved.

"East bound and down, loaded up and truckin',
we're gonna do what they say can't be done.
We've got a long way to go and a short time to get there.
I'm east bound, just watch ol' "Bandit" run."

Frankie turns the radio down and then turns to James

"Hey when can I be the Bandit?" Frankie asks.

"I rented the moustache remember? I've got it for at least another hour" James says as he points to the Burt Reynolds moustache and then laughs as they plow through a corn field.

"WHOOOOOOOOOO-EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!" James yells "COME ON SHADOW!! COME ON DESEAN!! Bandit and Snowman are ready for ya!!

"YOU WANT SOME ROXORZ?? NO ONE MESSES WITH BANDIT AND SNOWMAN AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!!" Frankie yells, right now they could care less that the RoXorZ helped Shadow & DeSean do a number on him early in the match. Tomorrow he'd care about such things, hell tomorrow they'd probably regret getting so drunk and going hog wild.

But hey it's not like they'd be required to put the titles on the line right away.

"HERE COMES THE BANDIT!!" James yells out as the Trans-Am blasts through a sleepy French town

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!"

"Man them Frenchies are touchy" Frankie slurs as he tries to climb in the back to find a beer can that still has been in it.

"TOP OF THE FRIGGING WRESTLING WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORLD!!"

(Not exactly meanwhile because both JE and Kermit was probably just heading out of Charles DeGaulle as MVC celebrates in their own way. And then factor in like time zones and what not with them going to Chicago and my head begins to hurt)

Kermit is in his office overseeing his seedy business with his right hand man Gonzola.

"Takes are up on the lower east side?" Kermit asks, it's a pleasant surprise.

"We persuaded a couple of small time crooks to give us their business turf." Gonzola says in a voice that leaves no doubt about how they persuaded them.

"Excellent, well the business isn't suffering from my involvement with TCW" Kermit lights up a big and illegal cigar and then leans back with a contented grin on his face "Come on Gonz fess up"

A statement that confuses Gonz, he's not one to fess up to anything

"You arranged the tag-team title shot didn't you?" Kermit says "You knew I wasn't satisfied just beating up the Frost kid and you set this up"

"No Boss I had nothing to do with it" Gonz replies.

"We're not bugged, you can tell me the truth. What did you do? Threaten her? Blackmail her?"

"Boss I swear that I had nothing to do with that at all, you know I only get involved when you ask me to" Gonz says and places his right hand on his gun like he was swearing an oath.

"Alright, alright so we just got lucky?" Kermit's smile falters "I don't like lucky Gonz, I like good Gonz - Lucky is undependable, good is something you can rely on."

"It's always better to be good than lucky, but lucky can work for you boss"

"Hmmm yeah" he says with suspicion "Still better safe than sorry"

"Well that's what the Mayhem are for right?" Gonz asks

"Yes they'll take care of MVC for me, give us the advantage going into the match. That's what I'm talking about though Gonz, we get the advantage by being good, not lucky. Lucky means you escape maybe one bomb or a car in the street but good is the only way to avoid 3 bombs, 5 machine guns and 2 cars trying to run you down."

"I got the impression that MVC are more lucky than good though boss"

"They might be, but what about JE?"

That comment hangs in the air for a while, neither man saying anything they both have an opinion on Kermit's partner but both kept it to themselves. Then finally Kermit says

"Should I have JE protected?"

Kermit thinks about it for a while "He was going to Japan right?"

"Yeah something about training" Gonz replies.

"Well he can definitely use it, still have someone keep an eye on him huh? Make sure everything goes as it should" Kermit says.

"I got just the two guys for the job" Gonz says with a nod "What about protecting Jess?"

"You know I think I should pitch in with that Gonz, have a car bring her here and I'll make sure she's well taken care off" Kermit says with a grin.

"So you're worried about the M.V.C.?"

"Hah! Those clod hoppers? They couldn't even arrange a cake if they worked in a bakery" Kermit says with a grin.

(Again not exactly "Meanwhile" but well at some point in time in Italy)

"So did you get the car back in time?" Frankie asks as Hawk enters their locker room

"Yep made it, he didn't look too happy about the mud but well he'll just have to deal." Hawk says and opens his locker.

He stops for a moment to admire the belt in front of him, the 25 pounds of gold and silver. The leather strap, the side panels, the history the belt represents. It's a thing of beauty to Hawk, I mean just look at it.

<center></center>

Brings a tear to your eye doesn't it? (Or maybe that's just Hawk?) After admiring the gold for a moment he turns around and looks at Frankie

"How's the head?"

"Could be worse, I could be hurting this bad and not be a champion" Frankie says with a crooked grin, the beating he took in the match is still evident on his face.

"True just imagine how Blackwell and Shadow feels" Hawk says with a grin "All kidding aside, I got our sheet here" he says as he holds up the booking sheet for Havoc.

"Rematch?" Frankie asks.

Hawk shakes his head

"So an easy night?"

Hawk shakes his head again.

"So what?"

"Well we're defending the titles" James starts out "against those two crooks JE and Kermit"

"THEM? They've had like one match together, why them?" Frankie says, not that he minds defending the tag-team titles but he's not happy with every tom, dick and Kermit with one win under their belt getting a shot.

"Seems that they're undefeated in TCW same as us"

"Right" Frankie says, that's all he needs to know. "You think it's going to be a problem?"

"I dunno Frank, I got a bad feeling about this one" Hawk reluctantly admits.

"Really? I thought it was pretty open and shut, I mean that blow hard J.E. had his ass handed to him on Friction, he was jerking curtain and looking at the lights"

"It's his partner I'm more worried about... has a real mean streak to him."

"Nah that's just a gimmick" Frankie says

"I'm not so sure pal, I'm not so sure"

(Definitely not meanwhile but definitely in a totally different time zone than both Chicago and Italy as JE's cab pulls up in front of Sensei Sasque's dojo)

JE had trained here before... although he had a feeling that his training here last time passed too fast, almost like it was left unresolved. No time to worry, fortune favors the bold as they say

And with that JE grabs his suitcases and heads up the stairs to the Dojo where Sensi Sasque awaits him.

"Master" JE says and bows

"Lost grashopper" Sensi Sasque replies.

"Lost? Master I've been trying my best to do as you taught me" JE says.

"Yes... yes I'm sure you've tried. That's your problem though, there is no try - you do or you fail" the Sensi says as he leads JE into one of the back rooms of the dojo.

"And now you're in need of guidance in a whole new situation, team combat" Sasque says and points to a chair.

"Yes Master, we need to be a well oiled machine to beat these guys." JE says.

"So why are you here on your own instead of being with your partner?" the wise Sensi asks.

Something which JE has no answer to.

"Never mind. For you to master team combat you must first understand it, study it's masters in action." Sensi Sasque says and picks up the remote "I have had this complied for your training"

"What is it?" JE asks.

"When it comes to team combat one duo has stood out over all others, I have made inquiries with wise men who know these matters and told me that if you wish to be successful in team combat you will have to study these two masters of having the sum be greater than the parts" the Sensi say as he turns the VCR on.

When JE hears the theme to "the Good, the Bad and the Ugly" he gets a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, then as he watches James Hawk and Frank Hayes Jr. Storm a Pro-Japan ring the bad feeling turns worse.

"Are you serious?" he asks.

"To be the best you must study the best. This will allow you to beat your opponents, when it comes to tag-team wrestling just ask yourself "What would the Miracle Violence Combination Do" and you cannot go wrong.

JE Sighs, it's going to be a long stay he can tell.

(I'm done giving time indications, this is like the last thing to happen chronologically or whatever. In Italy)

Dr. Teeth stretches out after the long cross-Atlantic flight. Although he was probably more comfortable than Animal, after all he didn't have to go in the pet compartment

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRHHHH ANIMAL ATE HAMSTER!!

"Oh good, you don't need breakfast then" Dr. Teeth says and then turns to the rest of Mayhem "You cats ready to scare the shit out of these guys?"

Mayhem nods and then grins.

This will hurt a bit, but they don't care as it won't hurt them!!!

Torino, Italy

The streets of Torino bustled with the morning routine. Vendors selling their wares to the passing tourists shouted their products out in the square, hoping that they could just capture the attention of a passerby and lure him into a purchase. The smells of various foods wafted in the air enticing the hungry and non hungry alike to dine. And in the sea of commerce and humanity, the Mayhem sat outside the Mole Antonelliana, bored out of their skulls.

Dr Teeth sighed.

"This place is boring ya know. Nothing but old buildings and museums. Not a decent bar in sight that isn't filled with locals or tourists."

Zoot echoed the sigh.

"And no decent beer either. This place blows."

"ANIMAL EAT PIZZA!!" shouted the small furry man, scaring a few tourists entering the museum. Floyd puts his hand on Animal's shoulder.

"You already had pizza man."

"ANIMAL WANT MORE!!"

A punch to the face silenced Animal, as he looked up at Dr Teeth like a puppy who just pissed on the rug.

"Shut up Animal! You've done nothing but eat since we got here and we still haven't found MVC. When we find them and fuck their world up, then we can have pizza."

"Animal beat MVC? Animal eat pizza?" Animal said, meekly.

Dr Teeth smiled, his gold caps glittering in the bright sunlight.

"Yes Animal. First we take care of MVC, then you get pizza."

If Animal had a tail, it would be wagging. The look in his eyes was one of hope and joy, yet given his low mental retention, he would forget this promise in a few hours. But at least he was quiet.

"Jan!" barked Dr Teeth. "And idea where they are? You got the map."

"Hey, like did you know, this place is the birthplace of solid chocolate? We should totally, like, go get some!" the woman said, looking at her copy of "Torino : A Tourist's Guide"

"Jesus H Christ! Is that all you guys can think about? Fucking food?" Bellowed the Mayhem's leader.

In response, Animal smiled wide nodding his head fast enough that it might give him whiplash. Zoot shrugged, while Floyd meekly smiled and nodded.

"Fine! Tell ya what. If you want some pizza, come with me. Jan, go do your chocolate thing. If any of you see MVC, tail em and call Kermit."

Dr Teeth headed off, guided by Animal who, as his favorite cereal character advises, was following his nose, with Zoot and Floyd trailing behind. Jan, always a sweet tooth, took off in the other direction for of the nearest shop with Gianduiotto chocolate.

Outside Il Palavela , Torino

House Shows are a drain at times. Constantly in the ring, day in, day out, that can take it's toll on you. But to somebody like James Hawk, it was just another day at the office. Twenty years of wrestling seem to make you immune to the constant shows. Either that, or his determination to be the best helped him shrug it off. Frank Hayes Jr, was still getting used to this however. But the young kid adapted quickly, as the belt resting on his shoulder proved. The two had just defeated a jobber team in a quick match at one of the numerous house shows leading up to Friction.

James put on his trademark cowboy hat and sunglasses as they left the arena.

"Not even a good workout that match." James remarked as the pair walked to their car. "Those two gave it their all however. Gotta salute them for that"

Frank nodded as he walked beside his mentor.

"Ya. But maybe he should have held back a bit. You know, make the match more entertaining?"

"You gotta point. Well, we have a few more of these shows to do before Friction, so next time we can hold back a bit. In fact, we could try to......"

James's voice stopped as he caught sight of a small group of men walking down the street across from the arena. He recognized them from somewhere and knew they were bad news. But who they were eluded him at this moment.

"Hey Frankie. You see those guys over there in the black leather?"

Frankie took a long look at the group before they turned the corner away from the arena.

"They look familiar James, I know that."

"O shit." exclaimed James, as the identity of the party of men came into his head. " Unless I'm wrong, that's the Electric Mayhem. I heard rumors from some of the boys about those guys."

"The Electric Mayhem? Wait, aren't those Kermit's goons?"

James nodded, his face tight.

"Your damn right. Kermit's isn't playing around if he sent them here."

"You think they're looking for us?"

James gave Frank a look that said "Come on, you're smarter than that."

"Yea, guess they are. Well, what do we do?"

James pulled out his keys and unlocked the doors of their rental.

"Nothing." he said throwing his gear into the trunk. "They are going to find us I'm sure. Just be on your guard. From what I here, these guys torched Wonka's Factory a few months ago because Kermit had a match with him. The furry one called Animal or Beast or something attacked Freya because Kermit had a match with her too. Kermit's typical of your honor less bastard type. He will use every advantage he can to secure him a victory."

James got into the driver's seat as Frank joined him.

"You mean like what he did to Frost last show?"

James started up the car.

"Exactly. Kermit's not above dirty tactics. So be ready for fight at a moment's notice."

Frank grinned.

"I'm always ready."

"Yes you are Frankie. Yes you are."

Backroom of Croaker's Pub, Chicago

"So how's the new stadium deal looking Gonz?" Kermit asked as he took a deep puff of his cigar. Gonzola and Fozzinini were sitting in the backroom with him for this little meeting. The Board Room just didn't feel right for Kermit today. He wanted a place he felt comfortable, could relax, and not have to make his on drinks.

"Well, we have four other contractors bid for the deal."

"And?"

Gonz smiled a bit.

"Two dropped out after they saw our company was involved. The third needed some convincing courtesy of Fozzie here."

As if on cue, the large man cracked his knuckles.

"And the fourth guy? He stupid enough to hold on?

Gonz motioned to Fozzie, who meekly responded.

"He gave me a sob story when I met with him Boss. According to him, he needs this deal. Business has been slow, and he's got a family."

"So you've gone soft on me Foz?" asked Kermit, with an accusing look.

"Sorry Boss, but he had a picture of his kids on his desk and, well, they remind me of my little girl.You know how that gets me."

Kermit sighed.

"So, because you had a sudden moment of sympathy, we still have competition. Is he low-balling us Gonz?

"Yup. By a lot too."

"Shit."

Kermit leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his drink.

"Okay, here's what we are going to do. Let nobody say I don't have a kind streak in me. Fozzie, go back and offer this guy a "parting gift". Gonz, cut a check. Make sure he know that I am only doing this because I feel like being nice. If he refuses, accidents will happen. Got it?"

Fozzini nodded

"And Fozzie, don't go soft on this. I want that stadium deal and will not let some guy with a sad tale take that deal. Make sure he understands what's at stake and that this is one time only."

"You got it Boss."

"Good. Okay Gonz, what else you got for me?"

Gonzola shuffled through some papers before finding the one he needed.

"Here it is. According to reports, New York might break open soon. The De Luca Family and the Giordano Family have called off truce talks and many insiders think war could break out between the two. This could effect our shipments from the Giordano's if they do start fighting."

"The De Luca's, they've been climbing lately haven't they?"

"Yup. They ship more drugs into America than the Giordano's do, plus they have plants in more city, state, and government offices. They would make a great ally."

"But at the cost of breaking with the Giordano's. They have been my families oldest ally."

"But remember, when you called for help to retake Chicago, they sent their men after you had already done the lion's share of the work. I think they only helped you because you were winning."

"Good point. I'm gonna have to think about this one for a bit. Don't wanna be to hasty now do...."

Gonzola's cell phone began to ring. He checked the caller ID, then looked at Kermit.

"It's from Italy."

Kermit signaled for the phone and opened it up.

"Dr. Teeth? Yes, it's Kermit. What news? Uh huh........I see.....so you haven't found them yet!?!? How hard could it be? Last I heard they were doing house shows in Torino. So check the fucking arena. Stake it out, and when these two mooks leave, follow them to their hotel, and fuck them up! Jesus Teeth. No, I'm heading that way. Stick to your orders, I have business in Sicily anyway. I will be there in a few days. Bye."

Kermit hung up the phone and tossed it back to Gonz.

"Okay, we are going on a trip. Fozzie, take care of the contractor like I said. Other than that, hold down the fort. Gonz, I want my plan ready for take off tomorrow morning. We are stopping in Sicily, then off to Torino."

"Gonna talk to the Old Fathers huh?" smirked Gonzola, knowing what Kermit was thinking.

"You know it. Need to talk to them about this De Luca / Giordano situation anyway. Take care of that business, then MVC. Hell, I might be able to get some help in Torino from the Old Fathers. Two birds, one stone."

"Well, I doubt they will help you there, but you never know. They always liked your pop so, who knows?"

"Indeed. I want you with me Gonz. And bring everything you dug up on MVC. Long flight like this, I will want something to read."

Gonzola nodded and left to make arrangements. Kermit downed the last of his drink, then signaled Fozzinini and began to walk out of the pub.

"Remember Fozzie, no screw-up's on this stadium deal. I want that contract badly and will be very angry if I lose it. Got it?"

"Sure thing Boss. You can count on me."

"I'm sure I can. Also, while I am away, keep an eye on Jess. I want her safe just in case somebody try's anything."

"You don't think MVC would do anything do you?"

"I highly doubt it. But in TCW, the line between good and bad is too blurry to tell who's who."

Kermit's on his private plane, destination Sicily and a meeting with a group of men called "The Old Fathers", which is quite an innocent name for a group of people responsible for more deaths than the bird flu.

Don Kermit impatiently taps the armrest as he looks out of the window at the pitch black night, or maybe he looks at his reflection in the window instead. Kermit isn't a man you can read easily, not even when he's in private like now on his own plane does he let his guard down so it's impossible to tell if he's worried, concerned, annoyed, happy, sleepy, hungry or in the mood for the Godfather Triolgy (well the first two anyways)

Those that know Kermit knows he's not a man prone to brooding or worrying, nor is he one to sit and regret his actions - so it's very doubtful that he's having second thoughts about sending Electric Mayhem after James and Frank, nor would it really bother him if either or both of the Miracle Violence Combination got injured by "accident"

So what IS he thinking?

Well we may never know because his train of thought is interrupted by the phone ringing. Even now half way across the Atlantic ocean he's got business to conduct.

"Kermit here" He says when he answers it.

(We cut to a split screen set up with Kermit on the right side and two grumpy looking old men on the left side.)

"Kermit this is Waldorf" the crotchety old man holding the phone says while the other old man tries to hear the phone as best he can.

"Ah my old friend, how goes it in Japan?" Kermit asks.

When Kermit needed someone to keep an eye on things he always called on Waldorf and Statler - two of his dad's trusted men and now in their old age the perfect people to keep an eye out while staying unnoticed.

"Same as ever" Waldorf says

"Yeah same as ever" Statler adds before they both say

"Terrible" and then laugh.

Kermit pinches the little spot at the top of his nose, these two guys may have gone mental with old age and gotten really, really annoying but well they were "family" and he never forgets that.

"How is JE's training going?"

"Training? Is that what he's doing? Well that explains a few things" Waldorf says.

"Yeah like the training bra" Statler adds before they both burst into laughter.

"No guys, seriously - no sign of trouble?" Kermit asks.

"Not for him but I think I left my dentures in the hotel."

"Give me that you old coot" Statler says and yanks the phone from Waldorf. "Statler here, the SANE one you know. Its pretty simple, he stays at that temple thingie."

"I thought it was a monastery" Waldorf adds.

"I didn't see any nuns there?"

"You can't see anything 4 feet away until you've had the caterax surgery"

"Guys!" Kermit cuts in, if he didn't stop them now they could go on like this for hours "Any problems?"

"How can there be problems when all he does is run around with that Sensi Sisquo guy?" Waldorf says

"That's all he's been doing?" Kermit asks, just to be sure the old men aren't forgetting something.

"Yep and we've been here day in and day out keeping an eye on it... oh god day in and day out... what's wrong with us?" Waldorf says and starts to sob.

"There, there Waldorf" Statler says and pads his brother-in-law on the back.

"Thanks for the update" Kermit says and quickly hangs up before he can get dragged into another discussion.

Well at least JE is training, Kermit hopes it'll do them some good. Kermit is a man who likes to have a plan, and a back up to that plan and then a contingency to the back up to the plan just in case. Which is why he's been studying the TCW rulephamplet (it's not really big enough to be a book you know)

As he leans back in his seat the camera zooms in on a section with the headline

"Forfeit of titles"

0~^~^~0

Frankie and James had lucked out several times already by missing Electric Mayhem by seconds. They had entered the pizza place only moments after Dr. Teeth had dragged Animal out of there while he was still gnawing on a plate. They had passed the chocolate shop where Janice had been holed up for a few hours getting her chocolate kick only moments before she came jumping and skipping out of there with two shopping bags full.

Unbeknownst to both parties the MVC had even been stuck in traffic right behind Mayhem's cab for about 20 minutes without anyone realizing it.

But as always with luck eventually it'll run out - and in this tale "Eventually" is pretty soon.

The newly crowned tag-team champions were thirsty, the road dust was choking them so to speak so they set out to find a nice quiet place they could get a drink or two without too much fuss. In Torino there are more cafes than bars and the few bars they have are filled with annoying loud Italians watching football/soccer on TV, something with neither Hawk nor Hayes wanted to watch.

"Not even at gunpoint" Frankie had commented earlier.

Finally their search paid off though as they found a country and western bar in a little side alley somewhere. Yes it was kinda kitch, yes it had Saloon doors that made Frankie roll his eyes and yes it was actually run by a small homosexual guy in leather chaps but dang it it wasn't actually a gay bar and they had an honest to god jukebox sitting in the corner playing some Lynyrd Skynyrd right now so they were happy.

"Two whiskeys, neat" Hawk orders as they sit down by the almost empty bar.

"It's not a hopping place" Frankie comments as he looks around the bar.

And he's right there are maybe 7 people in here, most of them huddle up in the corner playing poker.

"Good, I could use a bit of quiet" Hawk says as he takes the glass of whiskey.

"You tired of doing the whole sightseeing deal? Come on man we've never been to Italy before" Frankie says as he holds up his glass of whiskey and examines it closely.

When he's satisfied that it's actually a decent quality he drinks it and then orders a couple of beers.

"I just get this feeling that we're being watched you know" Hawk says before scooting the bowl of peanuts over in front of him.

"Paranoia" Frankie says with a grin.

"They can still be after me even if I'm paranoid" Hawk replies with a crooked grin.

Not even the appearance of the Electric Mayhem has dampened their spirits too much, which is funny because you'd think a gang of goons would do that to you. But you see Frankie and James had a few things going for them that helped them stay in a good mood

1] They just won the tag-team titles
2] They were doing what they love, travelling the world and kicking ass
3] They hadn't actually run into Electric Mayhem face to face
4] Torino was a BIG city
5] They just won the tag-team titles
6] It was in their nature to relax and have a good time
7] They just won the tag-team titles
8] Arm bar (come on it's not a list without Armbar!!)
9] Whiskey and beers were in their immediate future.
10] They just won the tag-team titles

So as you can see they have 10 good reasons for being in a good mood and no reasons for being in a bad one.

"Where are our opponents anyway?" Frankie asks.

"I'm not sure Frankie, they're not booked for the house show circuit I know that much and when I asked the agent said that Kermit had a lot of business to take care of in the States" James explains.

"Yeah shady business" Frankie replies and then takes a drink from his beer.

"You think that's really true?" Hawk asks.

"What?"

"Well that Kermit is more than just... you know more than just a gimmick?" Hawk asks, in TCW the line between gimmick and reality is so blurred neither of them know what's what and what.

"From what I hear it's pretty spot on - I mean who else would send a gang after us? And Kermit has this... he has this vibe about him you know?" Frankie says and shivers

"Yeah he does" Hawk agrees, what they'd seen of the "dapper Don" so far hadn't really given Hawk any reason to like the guy.

"You'd think he'd be here, living it large Godfather style" Frankie says

"SHHHH Not so loud with the Afia-Mey" Hawk says and looks around, the locals probably didn't take too kindly to a couple of rednecks badmouthing the mafia in it's home country.

"Afia-Mey?" Frankie mumbles as he tries to figure out what Hawk meant

"You know what I heard about JE?" James says just to change the subject a bit, steer it towards a more neutral and acceptable topic, one that wouldn't get them on the bad side of the local Cosa Nostra.

"You mean that rumor floating backstage that he's got really bad roid rage?" Frankie says.

"Really? He has?"

"Well that's the rumor I heard. Why do you think he always gets into fights and beats people up"

That sorta made sense to Hawk - the stories of JE attacking that big hoss Cage... and Savage... Flehr. That would actually make sense if JE was on the roid

Hmmmmmm

But before Hawk could say anything else, before he could speculate further on JE's potential use of steroids or tell Frankie that he heard that JE was actually training in the orient 5 reasons for the M.V.C. to not be positive and upbeat walked into the bar

1) Doctor Teeth
2) Animal
3) Floyd
4) Zoot
5) Janice

That'll do it

"Frankie" Hawk cautioned his partner when he saw the motley crew enter the bar

"ANIMAL BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEEEEEEEER!!"

"In a mome..." Dr. Teeth stops dead in his tracks as he sees Frankie and James sitting at the bar.

"Aw fuck" seems to be the only appropriate response Frankie can think of at this very moment.

The five members of Mayhem close in on Hawk and Hayes forming a half circle around them to keep them from running away.

"Hey guys how about a beer?" Hawk asks trying to sound nonchalant

"We don't want no beer" Dr. Teeth says.

"BEER!!" Animal shrieks.

"No Animal, no beer now!" Dr. Teeth says to his savage sidekick.

"BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!! BEER!!"

Apparently Animal really wants a beer.

*sigh* "Alright, alright beer first then - MAYHEM!!" Dr. Teeth says as Hawk raises five fingers to the bartender to order five more beers.

Neither MVC nor Mayhem really say anything while they wait for their beers, once they're set up Zoot hands them out and then they all take a drink.

Well except for Animal who starts to eat the bottle instead.

*Awkward moment of silence*

"So... " Hawk says trying to do or say something that'd get them out of this trouble "been in this business long?"

"Yeah man we go way back" Floyd says

"FLOYD!!" Dr. Teeth admonishes him.

"Oh what? They asked a question man"

"So we should call you Sgt. Floyd answer-man from now on?" Dr. Teeth says not happy that one of the guys is making small talk with their victims.

"Say that's a great looking gold tooth" Frankie says following Hawk's lead "How much did that set you back?"

"I got full dental so I didn't pay anything but this puppy would set someone like you back about 2 G" Dr. Teeth answers and then gets annoyed at himself for doing so.

*Awkward moment of silence*

"I take it you're here to kick our asses right?" Hawk asks with a "Let's get it over with" sigh.

"That's the plan" Dr. Teeth says

"Hey how come you can answer him when I can't?" Floyd asks but quickly shuts up after Dr. Teeth gives him a nasty look.

"Well where are your sticks?" Hawk asks.

"Our what?"

"You know your weapons" Hawk asks.

Electric Mayhem look at each other and realize that they left their weapons in the car, they weren't actually expecting to run into MVC here they just came for a beer.

*tisk*tisk* Frankie says while shaking his head "Not very professional is it now? Kermit will be displeased"

Frankie was a world champion at putting on a brave face but inwardly he was shaking, he knew that a fight here, now in this bar against five people could end up costing them a lot. If they were injured then they couldn't defend on Havoc, they'd lose the titles hell they could get fired.

Of course there was something worse than injury as well, a thought that had crossed Frankie's mind several times in the last 3-4 minutes. He just had to hope that his partner had a plan, James was the plan man and Frankie was the guy that hit stuff - that's how they always did it.

Hawk gives Frankie a surrepticious wink while Mayhem argue over who forgot the weapons. James had a plan... he thought.

He just hoped it'd actually get them out of trouble.


0~^~^~0

The ultimate sign of power and money is having your own airstrip that's ignored by the local police (bribery rules!!)

So right now Kermit's plane is parked right in the middle of the ultimate sign of power and money, with the Chicago Don stepping onto the tarmac and smelling the Sicilian air.

"Welcome to Sicily Kermie" Don Cortisone says as he greets Kermit.

Kermit respected very few people, feared even less - Don Cortisone was one of the few people that fell into both categories. He was the top Don, the capo de tutti capos if you want to use a movie expression. His father had told him stories about Don Cortisone, stories that made even Kermit's blood run cold.

So when Don Cortisone called him Kermie he took it and dealt with it, anything else would be disrespectful.

"Thank you Don Cortisone, it's good to be back" Kermit says as he greets the Don.

Don Cortisone has no entourage with him, Kermit figures that it's because he feels safe and doesn't need it but when he motions for the flight attendant to close the door Kermit realizes that it's because he wants to talk to him in private.

Something which made the small hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

"Kermit my boy" the old Don starts out "What's this I hear?"

"About the De Lucas and the Giordanos?" Kermit asks.

"No, no, no that's for the Old Fathers' meeting. Your latest business venture, do you think that's smart?" the Don asks.

"The stadium?" Kermit is totally confused now.

"No TCW - you're putting yourself in the spotlight, getting a LOT of attention from it. You know the best way to rule is to rule in the shadows..."

"That way no one knows you but everyone fears you" Kermit says completing a saying his dad always used.

"Exactly, but there are no shadows on TV."

"That's the ting about it Don Cortisone, if people see it on TV, in the ring they'll tend to think it's all a gimmick, it's a persona I'm putting on. In fact I'm hiding in plain view. I mean seriously who'd think that a crime boss also wrestles?"

Don Cortisone considers this for a while, then he slowly nods.

"Perhaps you have got a point there, it's the young man's way of looking at things and I'm just an old man"

"Oh you're far from old" Kermit protests, it's the polite thing to do after all.

"I'm 88 Kermit, I know I can't live forever. I also know that my successor needs to be picked very carefully or the families will fall apart."

Kermit froze, that's the first he's ever heard of Don Cortisone's successor - better be very careful now.

"You're too young, you're too untraditional for most of the Old Fathers - but me? I like you Kermie" the Don says

"That means the world to me Don Cortisone"

"So tell me, what sort of scam are you running in TCW? I mean you're not just doing this because you like to wrestle right?"

"No it's not just because of the wrestling" Kermit admits "But it's early days, nothing definite yet."

"So what is it?" the Don questions him.

"What it is is the perfect cover. TCW is on a European tour, hell I think it's actually a world tour - the perfect cover to bring stuff from location A to location B"

The Don smiles as Kermit tells him what he's planning.

Something we don't get to hear though as the segment is about to end

... now

0~^~^~0

Back at the "Happy leather" bar

Mayhem are still discussing who's supposed to go out to the car and get their baseball bats and other stuff. While the group argues Hawk casually wanders over to the jukebox, reads over the song selection and then picks a song.

"I remember way back when I was just a boy,"

A happy little country diddy by Rodney Carrington it seems.

"goin' places with my mom and dad,"

Hawk sits back down before Mayhem really notices that Hawk just wandered off.

"It used to scare me to death, how momma used to act"

"Hey guys, guys don't argue with each other" Hawk says and grabs his beer.

"after six or seven beers she's had."

"Let's just drink to the asskicking we're about to receive" James says and raises his beer in the air

"we were sittin' at a table when momma got disabled"

Dr. Teeth:
Janice:
Floyd:
Zoot:
Annimal:

"all the liquor runnin' to her head,"

"Ah what the hell, one drink and then we kick your ass" Dr. Teeth says as Mayhem all raise their beers.

"Soon I got to chokin', daddy wasn't jokin' when he grabbed me by the arm and said..."

And thus they all take a long drink from their beers until...

"Don't look now your momma's got her boobs out showing everybody in town"



Hawk grabs Frankie by the arm dragging him off while Mayhem does a major spittake when they heard the line in the song. Moments later MVC is out the bar, in the street desperately looking for a car.

Frankie jumps out in front a Trans-Am and stops it dead in it's tracks. Hawk yanks the door open, pulls the driver out and then apologizes to him

"Sorry pal, we need this more than you do" He says as he slams the door.

Frankie quickly slides across the hood of the car and then gets in the passenger side just as Electric Mayhem comes out from the bar, still trying to rub the beer from their eyes.

"FOLLOW THEM!!" Dr. Teeth yells

They quickly run to their car and jumps in, peeling off only a split second later for a high speed pursuit.

"Will you get him inside the car!!" Dr. Teeth yells to Floyd ordering him to stop Animal from sticking his head out of the window like a dog.

"Man this is just like Smokey and the Bandit" Frankie says with a grin as the two speed through Torino's streets.

"This is NOT Smokey and the Bandit, those guys are trying to KILL US!" Hawk snaps trying to get Frankie to understand the seriousness of it all.

Moments later the Trans-Am leaves Torino with Mayhem's car in close pursuit. The two cars comes zooming by a parked policecar causing the fat policeofficer to sit up straight and then grab his radio.



"This is Il Sheriffo Buford T. Justiciá I'm in pursuit of two high speed cars going south out of Turino. Request back up"

And with that the police now chases after Mayhem who are chasing after James and Frankie in their stolen Trans-Am

You know this can't end well right?

Sicily

Sometimes, there is nothing worse than waiting. You sit still in the same area, hoping your patience will last, all the while never knowing when your seemingly endless hold will end. Kermit sat on the porch of Villa Del Maretti, home to perhaps the most powerful underworld figure in the past 50 years, Marco Maretti. Kermit was going to have his meeting today, however, more important issues always came first. And the concerns of a Don in the American City of Chicago, were less important than the ones currently in Italy. Kermit tried to bide his time, reading the first ever issue of TCW's magazine, Beatdown. It was typical of wrestling magazine's, with the exception of a picture of Supreme half-naked, a image Kermit hoped would not get stuck in his head. Filled with reports, and interviews, and biographies, Kermit viewed this as not only a magazine for fans, but one he could use. When he returned to Chicago he had to "advise" the editors how an article on Kermit would benefit the rag as a whole. Kermit chuckled.

"Hey Gonz." he said, turning to the thin man sitting next to him. "Check out this review."

Gonz put down his drink and took the magazine from Kermit's hand. He glanced over the section and joined Kermit in laughter.

"Kermit Vs. Jack Frost" he read aloud. " Count out. Kermit wins. A little piece of my soul just died. That's great Kermit."

Kermit grinned.

"I know huh? Maybe if we can arrange more "count outs", this guy will lose all of his soul."

Gonz chuckled as he read on.

"Never know Boss. But you did get half a star."

"Bah." Kermit exclaimed waving it off " Just me being there in the ring deserves a full star at least. The mags a bit biased doncha think?"

"You know it. But can you really expect anything else?"

Kermit took a deep sip of his drink, holding the liquor in his mouth to experience the flavor before swallowing.

"Guess I can't."

Kermit stood up. His legs ached a bit from all the sitting he has done in the past few days. Between plane rides, and meetings, and waiting, his legs had gotten a bit stiff. Kermit did a full stretch to loosen up his sore legs. He would have to up his pre match warm-ups before Torino if he can stand a chance at victory. He strolled over to the ledge overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Absolutely breath taking the view here. The sea air was warm and crisp, waves were gently crashing on the rocky shore below him, the sounds of sea birds talking to each other about whatever sea birds talk about. Kermit drank it all in. In Chicago, the best he could do was take his boat out on Lake Michigan where the air was cold and, if you caught a bad wind, smelled like dead fish. The lake could be rough, and the birds behaved much like you average Chicago native. Loud, obnoxious, and always chasing a free meal. But this place, was different. It was serene.

Gonzola snorted, breaking Kermit from his trance. The mob boss turned around to Gonzola.

"What?"

"Did you read the predictions for Havoc?"

"No, why?"

"This jackass is giving it to MVC."

"Figures. Side with the good guys right."

"Well he also predicts that JE will cost it for us."

Kermit grabbed the magazine and read over the prediction. After reading it twice, he threw it on the floor in disgust.

"JE's temper." he muttered. "Hopefully this training he is on will help curb that. By the way Gonz, have you heard from him at all?"

Gonzola shook his head.

"Try calling him and find out what he's up to."

Gonz pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed up Kermit's tag team partner. After a few moments Gonzola frowned and closed his phone.

"Voicemail. Guess he's not receiving any calls."

"That better be some damn good training then." Kermit sat back down in his set. Back to waiting it is.

Torino, Italy

The Trans-Am went speeding thru the streets of Torino as fast as Hawk could make it go. Hot on their tails, the Electric Mayhem. And hot on theirs tails, to complete this serious yet funny parade, one of Torino's finest in his cruiser. If Hawk had an angel on his shoulder, the little winged voice of reason was to busy covering her eyes and hanging on than to to talk the senior member of MVC out of this madcap chase. He made a sharp turn off the main road and onto a small side street, narrowly avoiding a fruit vendor (since there is always a fruit vendor in chases like these). The Mayhem hugged the corner, as they followed their target. Sheriff Buford T. Justiciá quickly, for a man of his size that is, maneuvered his car onto the same street. Hawk held down on the horn attempting to warn pedestrians that they were coming and would not be stopping. Thankfully, the locals got out the way. But the honking did excite Animal, sitting in the passenger seat of the Electric Mayhem's car. Well, sitting isn't the right word. Hanging out of the window, howling, would be more correct. As if feeling left out, Buford turned on his siren full blast, making the trio complete. Horn, Howling, and Siren all combined to form a truly unique, and annoying, sound that rang across south Torino.

"Get inside the damn car Animal!" Screamed Dr. Teeth as he swerved around a tight U corner.

"AWHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" was the only response Dr. Teeth received.

"Like Teeth? We got fuzz on our tail." Janice said. staring out the back window at the pursuing cruiser.

"God Dammit! Any of you guys got any toys on you?"

"No man. We weren't expecting we would need em." responded Zoot.

"FUCKING CHRIST!" Shouted the Mayhem's leader. "We had them! FUCK!"

"AWHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"

"DAMMIT ANIMAL SHUT THE HELL UP!"

Teeth followed MVC's car as they turned onto the main drag leading out of Torino. Frankie held on to the "O Shit" handle with a vice like grip. Normally, he would enjoy a fast car ride like this. But when you've got not only a gang of sadistic killers, but also the cops, following you, the joy of the moment can become a tad bit lost.

"Well buddy, got any plans?" he asked his friend.

"Just one. But it will scare the shit out of you."

"Too late" Frankie laughed.

Hawk pushed the pedal to the metal as they approached a large intersection.

"HANG ON!" he yelled as he turn the wheel and slammed on the breaks. And in one quick move, a move rarely seen outside of movies, Hawk managed to flip the Trans Am around, so that they were facing the incoming Electric Mayhem. Hawk threw the car in reverse and floored it.

"Wave to them Frankie!" he said, and the younger man, now understanding what Hawk was planning, happily obeyed.

"Come on you bastards." the young man said grinning. "Come get us!"

Dr Teeth floored it, seeing the opening he needed. He could ram these bitches off the road and still have enough forward momentum to get the hell out of dodge. This was gonna be sweet. He gripped the wheel tight with both hands, his wide grin sparkling in the sunlight.

"Ready Frankie?"

"Ready!"

And in a quick twist of the wheel, Hawk turned the car to the right, up a the eastbound main drag. Dr. Teeth, not having enough time to turn and follow, swore as he sped by, with Sheriff Buford right behind him.

"AWHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"SOMEBODY SHUT HIM UP!" shouted Dr. Teeth as he quickly turned the car around to try avoid losing much ground on the already forward moving MVC, now heading west. Sheriff Buford, tried to make the same maneuver, but lacking the fine car handling skills as Teeth, instead flipped his car. The car rolled over a few times, before settling on it's tires. Teeth made a sharp turn to avoid traffic that took him up on the curb.

"AWHOOOOOOO..." Animal stopped howling, puzzled. That sign was moving very fast towards his.....BAM! The furry member of the Mayhem fell over hanging halfway out the car, knocked out cold.

"Thank God for small miracles. Get him inside the car."

Sheriff Buford got out of his damaged cruiser and threw his hat on the ground. He looked at his cruiser and began swearing loudly as he stomped his hat. Rough translation from eye witnesses would later quote the Sheriff as saying something akin to "Those dadgum Dukes!"

MVC continued to race away from the Mayhem, and they had a pretty good lead. Now a straight road, with little traffic, allows for some great speeds, and both cars where pushing their vehicles to the limits. Frankie turned around to keep an eye on the Mayhem.

"Those guys don't give up."

"Well, if you've got Kermit to answer to if you fail, would you give up?"

"Good point. So what now, keep rolling till one of us runs out of gas?"

"Not quite."

And with that he forced the car to make a quick and sharp right turn into a dimly lit multi tier parking lot. Hawk raced the car up a few levels, before pulling into an empty spot.

"Get out, now!" he told his partner as he shut off the car and jumped out. Together they ducked and ran down the lines of cars until Hawk held up his hand. They heard the Mayhem coming. The Mayhem drove past them, looking for the Trans Am.

"THERE!" shouted Teeth, pointing at the parked car. "Get those fuckers!"

The Mayhem minus the still unconscious Animal, they quickly got out of the car and approached the Trans Am.

"Don't think we don't see your car MVC!" shouted Teeth. "Come on out a face us like the badasses people say you are."

Hawk tapped Frankie on the shoulder and pointed to the still running Mayhem rental. Frankie smiled and nodded, knowing exactly what his friend was thinking.

"So, you lead us on the wild chase after cheap shotting us? And now you wont come out to pay the piper? What are you? Cowards!" Teeth signaled his crew to approach the car, which they all did happily. Time to spill some blood. Hawk gave Frankie the signal, and the two ran out of the shadows and towards the running car. Hawk hopped in the drivers seat and put it in gear right as Frankie was halfway in the other side.

"TEETH!" shouted Floyd "THEY GOT THE CAR!"

Teeth turned around just in time to see MVC drive off with their car, with Frankie waving outside the window .

"MOTHER FUCKERS!!!!!" shouted the leader of the Mayhem as he chased their stolen car. This chase only lasted less than a minute, as Teeth realized that he would never get the car, or the deposit, back. He turned and walked with slowly, yet with determination, towards his crew.

"Why did the get our car? WHY DID YOU LET THEM GET OUR CAR!"

Floyd spoke up first.

"You said for us to get those guys, so that's what we were doing. How were we supposed to know they were gonna pull a fast one like that?"

Teeth sat down on the curb. MVC eluded them. He had them outnumbered at that bar, but they still got away. Kermit was not going to be happy.

"Janice!" He finally said "You're gonna have to tell Kermit about this you know."

"Like, why do I always have to give him the bad news?"

"Because you are fucking him! It softens the blow." Teeth got up. "Okay, lets get back to the hotel, rest up, and get a new car tomorrow. We still got some time before Havoc. Maybe we can still pull this off, but I doubt it. "

Teeth started walking out of the garage, followed by Floyd and Zoot. Janice trailed behind before stopping and looking around.

"Where is, like, Animal?" She asked

The three men turned around. Sure enough, no Animal.

"Wow. He is still passed out in the back of the car." Zoot spoke up.

And Animal was still in the back of the car MVC stole, and had, as of yet, gone unnoticed. But as with all creatures with low intelligence, you never notice them, until they move. Which Animal was doing right now. Slowly he woke up and felt his forehead. Their was already a nice lump forming and the spot was tender to the touch.

"Animal hurt." he mumbled.

Frankie turned around in a flash.

"Shit Hawk, that furry guy is still in here!"

Animal's eyes opened wide as he saw the target driving the car he was passed out in.

"Animal........BEAT.......MVC!!!!" he shouted as he dove as Hawk.

The older man tried to keep the car from flying off the road, as Kermit's hairy goon began hitting and clawing him.

"Get him off me Frankie!"

The younger man tried to knock Animal off his friend, but the little dervish of fur would not give up. Frankie tried to think of something. Hawk was doing his best to keep the car on the road, and with Animal between the two front seats attacking him, it was a hard thing to do. Then Frankie saw it. Between the seats was Animal, while MVC were sitting in seats. Frankie quickly clicked in his seat belt and, having already noticed Hawk was wearing his, landed a hard punch to Animal's already swelling face. The furry man fell back, but quickly recovered.

"Jason! Slam the brakes!"

The screeched to a stop, causing both members of MVC to lurch forward. They were stopped in their own momentum by the seat belts crossed their chests. Animal, had nothing to stop him but the windshield. And with the force the hairy man hit, even the glass wouldn't stop him. Glass crashed forward as Animal followed the broken shards and landed on the hood. Hawk pressed down on the gas pedal, moving the car forward for a few seconds, before slamming on the brakes again, causing Animal to fly from the hood. Animal tried to stand, but the process was slow going as every muscle in his body ached. Hawk threw the car in reverse and left the scene. Frank leaned back in his car with a sigh of relief.

"Wanna beer?" he asked Hawk with a grin.

The older man returned the smile and nodded, as they headed back to the Happy Leather.

Rowlfski watched the whole scene from his Black Sedan. He had been following the chase from a safe distance and saw how MVC outsmarted the Electric Mayhem. While we wasn't too sure what happened in the garage, since he wasn't in there, he could guess that Teeth got cocky and that the Mayhem were stranded. Serves them right. They were arrogant and cocky, with no discipline or patience. Rowlfski was different. He would continue to watch these two before striking. And when he attacked, MVC wouldn't know what hit them.

Three hours have gone by since we last saw Kermit, and he is still waiting. He was pacing back and forth across the patio of the Villa, hands crossed behind his back. Gonzola picked at the remains of his lunch, not because he was hungry, but because he was bored. Even the beauty of the sea was boring at this point.

"They sure take their time out here" he said, just to hear a voice.

Gonzola nodded.

"It's the old ways. Take time with what you can take time with. But it' still not as bad as my first trip here with your father."

"Well Pop hated waiting more than I do."

"They made him wait for two weeks"

Kermit stopped.

"Two weeks? What the hell for?"

"You have to understand Kerm, when your father first took over the business, he was competing with three other families in Chicago. And we were the bottom. Everything here is status, prestige, and loyalty. You are the son of a well liked man, you rule Chicago, and you make all your tributes on time. Plus, you are coming out here to clear this De Luca / Giordano with the Old Fathers. I doubt we will be waiting more than an hour or two."

"Yea, well, you know I hate waiting"

"You always did."

Kermit took a look at his watch. Still early afternoon. A few more hours isn't that long and given the importance of this meeting to his future, he could wait. But he was still bored. He sat at the table and reached into his jacket for his cigarette case. He popped open the gold metal case and offered his friend one, to which Gonzola excepted. Together, they leaned back and enjoyed smoke. But the peace was soon broken by Gonzola's cell phone. He opened it.

"Hello. Yes, he's right here."

He looked at Kermit.

"It's Rowlf." He said, tossing the phone to the mob boss.

"Yes Rowlf. Really? They were arrested by a crooked cop? No no no, I am not upset, I think it's fucking great. Okay, yes. Keep an eye out."

He hung up the phone and returned it to Gonzola with a smile.

"MVC got arrested by a local officer on the take."

"You're kidding! How did you arrange that?"

Kermit shrugged.

"I didn't. Whoever ordered it is my kinda guy. This day just got better."

"Think they will stay in there?"

"Don't know, but Rowlf knows what to do if MVC get's out. I think I just earned myself another easy win."

The door leading into the Villa opened and out strolled Don Cortisone. Both Kermit and Gonzola stood to great the older boss.

"Well my boy, I have their answer to your problem." he said with a smile.

Kermit and Gonzola exchanged confused looks, before Kermit spoke.

"But I never spoke with them Don. How can they make a choice without hearing from me?"

The older man waved off Kermit with a smile.

"Kermie, as soon as you came here, they knew what the proper choice was. The De Luca's have already seen the Fathers. The Giordanos have not. Lack of respect from them, I am sad to say. But you, you showed that respect, so the Old Fathers have decided to reward you."

"And?"

"You have full permission to ally with the De Lucas and we will not view you as a betrayer."

Kermit sighed in relief. He just got a free pass to switch sides and already he could sell the profits for this new arrangement.

"Thank you Don Cortisone. But I have to ask. If they already knew what they were going to do, why make me wait so long?"

The elderly man smiled again.

"To teach you patience." we winked. "Now go ahead and leave for Torino Kermie. You have a match in this wrestling thing right? Hate for you to miss it. Your opponents will, but I don't want you too."

Kermit's mouth dropped in shock. Gonzola chuckled.

"It was you?" the young boss said.

"Of course. I did say I've always taken a shine to you my boy. I just hope you know what you are doing with this whole scheme."

"Thank you again Don Cortisone."

The two men shoke hands and kissed each others checks. Gonzola followed suit before pulling out his phone to alert the flight crew as to their impending departure. As the two men of the Gambono family left the Villa, Kermit was in high spirits. In a few days, he would have a shiny belt around his waist. He knew it.