HWA Message Board: Re: Shadows in the Ring. Prt 3 knowledge

The airport buzzed with the usual chaos rolling suitcases, boarding calls, the smell of coffee that had been burned hours ago. Luna moved through it all with purpose, her eyes locked on her phone as the little red pin pulsed on the map.

Maniac’s location. His bus. Their rendezvous point. She typed quickly: Be there in 3 1/2 hrs.

Message sent.

Jesse leaned over her shoulder, trying to peek.

Jesse: So that’s really where he parked the damn thing? Middle of nowhere.

Luna Rain: That’s the point. DreamMaster can’t reach him there.

Kratos adjusted the strap of his bag, scanning the terminal like he expected trouble to materialize out of thin air.

Kratos: We better hope that the incantation actually works.

Luna slipped her phone into her jacket and started toward the security line.

Luna Rain: It does. And even if it didn’t, we don’t have time to debate it.

Jesse groaned dramatically but followed.

Jesse: I swear, why can't he pick somewhere normal. Like a café. Or a hotel.

Kratos: Shut up and walk.

They moved together through the crowd, a mismatched trio with one shared mission. Their flight was already boarding, and in three and a half hours, they’d be stepping onto Maniac’s bus Wolfy waiting, the air thick with whatever came next.

Luna exhaled slowly, steadying herself.

Luna Rain: Alright. California, here we come.

Back in California, on Maniac’s bus he and Mandy have made sure the bus is squeaky clean and that Wolfy is happy and comfortable. Maniac checks his phone and nods, returning the text with a simple "Ok, safe travels.”

The jet settles into its ascent, engines humming with that smooth, insulated quiet only private aircraft have. Luna feels the subtle shift as the plane levels off, the pressure easing. Jesse leans back, stretching out in the wide leather seat, while Kratos ever alert takes the window, watching the clouds peel away beneath them like drifting continents.

There’s a strange calm up here. No chatter from other passengers, no interruptions, just the three of them suspended in a pocket of sky. It gives the moment a sense of purpose, like they’re on the edge of something important.

Back in California, on Maniac’s bus he and Mandy have made sure the bus is squeaky clean and that Wolfy is happy and comfortable. Maniac checks his phone and nods, returning the text with a simple "Ok, safe travels." Be puts the phone away and looks at Mandy smiling.

Maniac: They won't be here for another three and a half hours, the bus is clean, and Wolfy’s happy. Now what do we do?
Mandy giggles and leads Maniac to the bedroom.

Maniac: Great minds think alike, take your time Draconis clan.
Mandy giggles again and the two disappear into the bedroom.

The jet dips beneath the cloud layer, the world sharpening into view runways, service vehicles, the shimmer of heat rising from the tarmac. Luna straightens in her seat as the landing gear deploys with a muted thump. Jesse glances out the opposite window, watching the airport slide closer. Kratos braces instinctively, though he’s calm; landings don’t faze him.

The wheels touch down with a smooth, confident roll. A short taxi later, the jet comes to a stop at a private hangar where a single vehicle waits for them.

A black‑on‑black Chevy Avalanche clean, imposing, and clearly meant for them.

The moment the cabin door opens, warm California air rushes in. Luna steps down first, stretching her legs. Jesse follows with a low whistle at the truck. Kratos hops down last, as he surveys the area. Gets a big grin on his face as he walks with purpose to the truck.

Maniac really went all out, Jesse says, impressed.

Kratos looks at Jesse with an annoyed look on his face. He opens the driver’s door, finding the keys already in the ignition. No this ride was not thanks to Maniac, I set it up before we took off. Kratos said and we see the GPS glowing softly with a pre‑loaded destination.

MANIAC’S BUS – 1 HR 15 MIN

Convenient, she murmurs.

Jesse climbs into the back seat, settling in immediately. Luna takes the passenger seat, adjusting it back with a satisfied sigh.

Kratos starts the engine. The Avalanche rumbles to life deep, smooth, powerful.

The truck pulls away from the hangar, merging onto the highway with ease. The GPS guides them through the maze of interchanges, its calm voice chiming at each turn.

Sunlight glints off the hood as they cruise along the coast. The ride is quiet but not tense, just focused. Everyone knows they’re closing in on the next chapter.

Jesse glances at Luna.
Think Maniac and Mandy are ready for us?

Luna smirks.
They had three and a half hours. They’d better be.

Kratos gives a soft huff that might be a laugh.

The Avalanche continues down the highway, the miles ticking away as the Draconis family heads straight toward Maniac’s bus.

Maniac had just lit a cigarette and opened the door to his bus when he could hear the roar of an engine in the distance. Standing right inside the door he took a deep drag off his cigarette and exhaled after holding it a few moments. He knew this was it, he just hoped they were as opened minded as they say they are. Maniac takes another drag off his cigarette and smiles, looking straight into the non-existent camera.

Maniac: Here we go...

The black-on-black Chevy Avalanche pulls up a few moments later and out steps Luna, Jesse, and Kratos Draconis all step out and approach Maniac’s bus. Maniac smiles as he takes one more hit and then tosses the cigarette butt to the side.

Maniac: Welcome, and thanks for coming. As you know, we're out here for privacy, from people and...you know who. So, with that being said, please come inside and I'll show you Wolfy. Maniac walks back a few steps and motions for them to follow.

Luna steps up first, her boots crunching on the gravel as she narrows her eyes at Maniac not in suspicion, but in that calculating way she always sizes up a new environment. She gives a small nod, the kind that says alright, showing us what’s so important.

Jesse follows close behind, shoulders tight, hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket. He’s clearly trying to look calm, but his gaze keeps darting around the clearing like he expects someone or something to jump out. Being flanked by Luna and Kratos doesn’t hurt; they move like a pair of silent guardians.

Kratos Draconis brings up the rear, towering, composed, and unreadable. His presence alone shifts the air. He doesn’t say a word, but his eyes track Maniac with the kind of focus that makes people rethink their life choices.

As they reach the bus steps, Luna pauses just long enough to glance back at the two men.

Luna Rain: Alright. Let’s see what you’ve dragged us out here for.

She steps inside first, brushing past Maniac with a mix of confidence and curiosity. Jesse hesitates only a second before following, and Kratos steps in last, ducking slightly to clear the doorway.

Inside, the bus is dimly lit, humming faintly with whatever machinery Maniac has running. There’s an energy in the air, anticipation, maybe even a hint of danger. Maniac closes the door behind them with a soft click.

Maniac: Wolfy’s in the back. Been waiting for you.

He gestures toward the narrow hallway leading deeper into the bus, that same sly smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Maniac leads the way to the back bedroom where you can hear two distinct voices, one is Mandy and the other is the unmistakable voice of Wolfy. The two are carrying on a conversation when suddenly you hear Wolfy yell out, " Ha, tic tac toe! I win again! I'm happier than an orangutan in the forest.

Maniac looks back and isn't surprised by the shocked looks on his guests faces, he simply smiles and opens the door, walking right in and motions for the others to follow.

Maniac: Oh Wolfy, some people want to see you.

Wolfy immediately flies off the bed and over on Maniac’s shoulder.
Wolfy: Hey guys! I'm so glad to see you again. How are you?

Jesse steps between Luna and Kratos. He looks dumb founded at this parrot and then at Maniacs face. What the hell?! Why is my friend's voice coming from a parrot? Jesse says with a confused and puzzled look on his face.

Wolfy tilts his head at Jesse, feathers puffing slightly as if insulted by the very idea that something might be amiss.

Wolfy: Why wouldn’t my voice be coming from a parrot? I am a parrot. A very handsome one, thank you.

Maniac chuckles under his breath, clearly enjoying the confusion radiating off the group.

Maniac: Relax, Jesse. Wolfy’s still Wolfy. Just… in a more colorful package.

Mandy, still sitting cross‑legged on the bed with a half‑finished tic‑tac‑toe board in front of her, raises a hand.

Mandy: It’s a long story. And before you ask no, it wasn’t my idea. But it’s not as weird as it looks. Well… maybe a little.

Wolfy hops from Maniac’s shoulder onto the bedframe, wings flaring for balance.

Wolfy: Look, I know this is a lot. But I promise, it’s still me. Same personality, same jokes, same undefeated tic‑tac‑toe record.

He pauses, then adds with a proud little chirp:

Wolfy: Plus, I can fly now. Which is objectively awesome.

Jesse’s expression shifts from confusion to something closer to disbelief mixed with reluctant amusement.

Jesse: So you’re telling me my buddy… is a bird now.

Wolfy: A parrot, Jesse. Let’s keep it accurate.

Luna steps past her brother and looks at Wolfy but then looks at Maniac. It's great to see that Wolfy is safe, as she mimics air quotes but Jesse has a match at Art of War with DreamMaster; as it's great to see parrot Wolfy we need your help with this problem that you brought.

Jesse looks at Wolfy, then Maniac and finally at his sister Luna.

What do you mean that Maniac brought this demon to HWA!? He stares at his sister then Maniac.

Before looking back at Kratos who is standing with his arms crossed watching the room while he deals with what he is seeing and hearing.

It's great to see that Wolfy is loving his situation. But Art of War is coming fast. We need to understand this evil and also figure out a plan to help Wolfy and end this creature's power and control.

Kratos stares at Luna, then Manic who sets this little reunion up for Jesse and especially Wolfy.

Maniac sighs.

Maniac: We came back to HWA together, but I didn't bring that demon. It brought me, it used my face and my voice to come back at the reunion show. I was a hostage in my body, watching as that demon played out horror after horror. Believe me, if I had my choice, I would rather be in Wolfy's situation than be a prisoner in my own body.

Maniac points over at parrot Wolfy.
Maniac: As for stopping it, well I've got the answer right here. The same thing I used to bring Wolfy back.

Maniac pulls out the spear of destiny from his back waistband and holds it in front of him.

Maniac: What you're looking at is THE spear of destiny, I took it off the hands of an egotistical dictator with a bad broom mustache. This, along with the guidance of an alternate version of myself, is going to use this to not only restore Wolfy to his body, but I'm going to use this to trap that demon once and for all. Maniac looks at Jesse.

Maniac: And your match at Art of War will be the perfect opportunity, you keep it distracted and I'll do my thing. Look Jesse, I know you want to fight for your family and that's admirable but this is a fight you are not going to win. Look, I don't have any guides or anything like that. No books of ancient text telling me secrets on how to defeat this thing, I'm not even sure if there is such a book. Mandy has done research and come up with some results, that's how I got the spear....and the time travel device...and the MIB weapons...

Mandy clears her throat, causing Maniac to refocus.

Maniac: Right, anyway the best way for us to understand it is to accept it for what it is and that it's not from this plane of existence. You have to accept that there are forces bigger than you and I, that there is more out there than what is presented right in front of us as our reality. And most importantly when dealing with a demon is to keep your emotions in check.

Maniac looks directly at Jesse.

Maniac: You have to keep a level head at all times, like I said, it feeds on negative emotions and fear so you must learn to control your emotions.

Luna folds her arms, eyes narrowing as she studies the spear.
So that’s really it… the thing that can end this nightmare.”

Kratos shifts his weight, the floor creaking under him. He doesn’t look convinced.

Tools don’t win wars. People do. he glances over, And Jesseisn’t exactly known for keeping calm.

Jesse bristles, but Maniac raises a hand.

Maniac: “He doesn’t have to be calm. He just has to be in control. There’s a difference.”

Wolfy flaps his wings irritably, squawking something that sounds suspiciously like a curse. Mandy steps closer to him, gently steadying the perch.

Mandy: “He’s right, you know. The demon doesn’t just want to hurt you, it wants to provoke you. It wants you angry, scared, desperate. That’s how it grows.”

Jesse finally speaks, voice low but steady.

Jesse: So what you’re saying is… I’m bait.

Maniac: “Bait with a purpose. You draw its attention. You survive long enough for me to strike. And when I do… Wolfy gets his body back, and that thing gets locked away forever.”

Luna steps closer to Jesse, her tone softer than before.

Luna Rain: This isn’t just about fighting harder. It’s about fighting smarter. You’ve faced monsters before, Jesse but this one wants your mind, not your body.

Kratos grunts.

Kratos: Then he’ll need more than a pep talk. He’ll need training.

Luna smirks.

Luna Rain: Already ahead of you. Jesse, before Art of War… you and I are going to put your emotions through hell. Since we are twins our connection is stronger and If you can stay centered through what I’ve got planned, the demon won’t stand a chance.

Wolfy squawks again this time with unmistakable enthusiasm.

Mandy: He says he believes in you.

Jesse looks at each of them Luna, Kratos, Mandy, Maniac, and finally Wolfy. The weight of it all settles on him, but something else settles too: resolve.

Jesse: Alright. Let’s do this. If this thing wants my fear… it’s going to starve.

Maniac grins.

Maniac: Good, now to settle any disputes on the authenticity of this occult item.

Before anyone can ask what he means Maniac takes out a knife from his pocket, opens it and cuts off his index finger. Everyone's eyes go wide and Maniac just laughs as he holds his hand up to show the finger growing back after a few moments.

Maniac: See, the real deal. Doesn't stop that from hurting like hell though...

Maniac shakes his hand a few times.

Maniac: Anywho, what do you three say to shooting a promo? Jeremy is just dying for my response, and I know you have some choice words for our mutual demonic enemy.

He looks over at Luna and Kratos.

Maniac: As I know you two do as well.

Luna, Jesse, and Kratos look at each other then back at Maniac. He puts his hand up and the three of them stare and try to comprehend what they just witnessed.

Luna looked at her brother and cousin like they were understanding what he did and then asked. First Jesse and I are going to work on controlling his emotions which should take the rest of the night. she looks over at Jesse who just nods for agreement.

Jesse and Luna find a quiet part of the trailer and begin to cycle through emotions. Kratos walks towards Maniac and Wolfy gives them a quiet spot.

Yes I believe that Jesse will have a ton to say to DreamMaster help he might have something to say to Hans as well. I hope that you're prepared for this plan to happen with everything you have to deal with Jeremy as well.

Kratos adjusts his hat and watches Luna and Jesse as they are getting into harder emotions and Jesse is fighting to control them once and for all.

Jesse for a long moment, the faintest hint of concern tightening his jaw. When he finally turns back to Maniac, his voice drops into something low and steady, the kind of tone that means he’s choosing his words carefully.

Kratos: You’re juggling more fires than most men could stand in the same room with. DreamMaster, Jeremy… and now Jesse’s awakening. If this promo is going to be the spark that lights the fuse, then every one of us needs to be ready for the explosion that follows.

He adjusts his hat again, almost out of habit, then folds his arms.

Kratos: But I won’t lie Jesse’s anger might be the sharpest blade we have. Once he learns to wield it instead of letting it wield him… DreamMaster won’t know which way the shadows are moving.

Across the trailer, Luna’s voice rises and falls in a calm cadence as she guides Jesse through another emotional shift. His breathing is uneven, but he's really fighting to stay in control. The air around them feels heavier, like the emotions themselves are thick enough to touch.

A sudden pulse of energy ripples through the trailer walls. Wolfy’s ears perk up. Kratos’ eyes narrow.

Kratos: He’s pushing himself harder than I expected. If he breaks through tonight… your promo might write itself.

He looks back at Maniac, expression sharpening.

Kratos: So tell me when the cameras roll, are you planning to answer Jeremy… or bury him?