Scene One
Off-Camera

It had been a few months now since my first interaction with the mysterious and downright terrifying enigma that was Vita Mors. Months since I’d been invited to Vita Towers following the TRIAD Wit Trials Draft Party. I remembered the conversations I’d had beforehand with his company’s Head of Relations, Ashton Mire. The revelations about being granted visions of memories past, present and future. Even now, having experienced the trauma of revisiting a past I thought I needed to see along with so many others, it still blows my mind.

I remembered the cold, chilling voice of Mors asking me what I wished to see and telling him about my dad. Killed in action overseas 25 years ago when I was barely a toddler. I remembered desperately wanting to know what it would have been like to have known him.

I remember the image of Mors stretching his arms out wide, his fingers curling and flexing, like he was almost digging his fingers into something. I remember not being able to believe what I was witnessing, as he pulled from opposite corners with openings beginning to appear in the vast nothingness. He was literally tearing through the fabric of reality.

I watched his body stiffen as he pulled his hands towards each other slowly, with each movement, the tears in the empty space opening wider. The Latin incantations followed, the ones that would soon become a part of my own rituals.

“Pater merui.”

The marks upon his mask had lit up. Little invisible runes carved into his own skin had begun to pulse with a blue light, illuminating against his flesh. The sleeves of his robe had fallen to reveal his arms covered in an array of different runes and sigils. His hands had then finally come together, a loud clap echoing through the space. Instead of the red mist shimmering beyond the window now stood a scene. A window within a window. A glimpse into another time, another place. Another world.

I remembered his words.

“A tear in time, and beyond it. We see what your heart desires. Look, and see what I can offer.”

Vita Mors had said with a bit of strain. And then his hand on my shoulder. That one touch was all it took. I would not just see the events through a viewfinder. From behind a window. No, this was more than that. I was going to live this memory. This… absence of space where Mors granted me access to… he called it the Void, the absence of nothing but a gateway of everything… a place I would become very familiar with in the months to come. And then there was the device. A gift, he’d called it, a gesture of good faith. Like some sort of futuristic pocket watch. But where the clock face should have been was… nothing. A small part of The Void itself contained within the glass of the pocket watch. All I had to do was visualise what I wanted to see and say the Latin incantation.

In the months since that fateful interaction, I had become quite adept at traversing the Void with my new toy. Tesla’s experiments with electricity, glimpses into what my own career and what life with my family would have been like. But one memory in particular I frequented more than anything was one I never thought I’d want to relive.

April 29th 2013. The day that changed the course of both my career as a professional wrestler and a person, for the rest of my life.

HWA. The Hardcore Wrestling Alliance. The first company I cut my teeth with as a pro, a fresh-faced sixteen year-old kid who only wanted to follow in his uncle’s footsteps. My uncle was Butch Parker. They called him the “One Man Tartan Army” because that’s what he was like in the ring, a literal one man army. Eight-time world champion, hall of famer, the most bad-ass pro wrestler I’d ever seen and all I wanted was to be like him.

April 29th 2013. HWA’s Ring Master tournament, the pinnacle of their calendar, a gruelling one-night tournament where the winner would be crowned the Ring Master, catapulting them into the main event stratosphere. Uncle Butch had won the tournament in his pay-per-view debut back in 2004 before going on to win the HWA World Championship four times. I remembered desperately wanting to emulate him and make him proud.

Like I said, It wasn’t the first time I’d revisited this memory. I rolled the pocket watch-like device between my thumb and forefinger, as if it were a poker chip I was contemplating throwing into the betting pile. I watched the scene unfold, like I’d done countless times before.

The crowd was roaring as I watched my 16 year-old self climb the ropes, recalling the feeling of the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I gazed at myself leaping into the air, preparing for a death-defying move, feeling invincible. But fate had a different plan. As I soared through the air, executing the move I had practised countless times, something went horribly wrong. My landing was off and I crashed awkwardly into my opponent’s upturned knees. Every time I watched it, I could still feel the impact sending a jolt of excruciating pain through my spine. I knew instantly that something was terribly, horribly wrong.

I watched my body go limp, and remembered that all-too-familiar eerie numbness spreading through my legs. Then a different sensation…like I’d just been stabbed with a searing hot poker straight through my belly button and into my back. I watched as I desperately tried to move, to will my legs to respond, but they remained still, lifeless. Tears welled in both sets of eyes as I realised the gravity of the situation—I couldn’t feel my legs. The pain was excruciating at first and then, what came next was nothing short of terrifying. I felt nothing. Fear had taken over. The crowd had fallen silent to the point I remember actually hearing the commentators at ringside.

“Holy shit! We need some help out here,” shouted play-by-play commentator Vanessa Lang, “Sean needs help!”

I watched Uncle Butch sprint down the ramp from backstage to ringside in the quickest of flashes, tears in his own eyes as he tried to calm me down. Suddenly, I heard another voice. A voice I recognised all too well. I knew that because I literally felt a chill run through my very soul.

“My, my, you have been very busy, haven’t you, Mr Parker?” Vita Mors said, placing a hand down on my shoulder. With his other hand he snapped his fingers and everything froze.

“It’s fascinating, the things we can see. The worlds that exist when we ask for them to reveal themselves. I’ve been wondering, Sean. Do you know why I’ve given you this ability? Why have I felt so compelled to give access to things beyond comprehension, asking practically nothing in return?” Mors spoke, his gaze seemed to be fixed on the scene before them. Though behind the mask it was hard to tell.

I was still trying to get over my shock of Mors being here. Harvey Marx had hinted before that my movements within the Void were being…watched…. But still, seeing him here with me was unsettling. I didn’t actually know the answer to Mors’ question. Truth be told, I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

“Have you been watching me this entire time? Everything I’ve seen? I followed your instructions! I didn’t break any rules, I’ve not shared this with anyone. Visualisation, connection, experience, language and peace. I’ve followed all of them...”

I followed his apparent gaze watching the frozen frame of my uncle Butch looking heartbroken, clinging to my hand.

“Why are you here? How can you be here?”

“Please, do not worry. This isn’t ridicule, Mr Parker. No, this is more a… social visit. My legs grow numb sitting in that office. That’s why I’m here, in fact. You, and others like you? You’re my eyes to this world. I can make anything happen, show anybody what can, could and will be. Pluck reality’s strings and make them play my tune. I am, however, trapped.” Mors spoke, taking his hand off my shoulder and walking forward. Walking toward my uncle Butch, crouching to look at his hand holding mine.

“How am I here? I am because I want it to be. Think of me less as a… person. More of an extension of the Void itself. I both exist, and I don’t. Comprehension of that is not so clear cut, and yet. I exist all the same. A god, shackled by the rules of reality. That’s another way to look at it. Yet the poignant question, why am I here? Why do you think I’m here, Sean?” Mors spoke, his voice echoing around the frozen world. Crouching, but now looking directly at the frozen version of myself. I sighed, puffing my cheeks out. I reached out and touched him and that same pain I felt all the way back in 2013 coursed through my back. My eyes widened and I grimaced, flinching and then… nothing. Like a phantom pain, it came and went just as quickly.

“At this stage… I have no idea… I’ve learned that when it comes to you, nothing is ever what it seems…”

“Two reasons really. Nothing malicious, I promise you. One, to simply say that I am watching. Not always, but at times. I’d lose myself to it all if I tried to pay attention all the time. Millions of realities in an instant, it can be taxing to always listen to them. Suffice it to say, I enjoy seeing what you’re doing. A nattering middle-manager if you will. I just like to see my work paying off.” Mors reached over and placed a hand over mine.

“The second? I need you to do something for me, Mr Parker. You’re very close to another one of my assets, currently. In fact, you’re currently befriending that very man’s wife. I need you to show her… this.” Mors said before standing up, stretching his hands to the world around us. Spinning on the spot, to look off at nothing.

“Not this particular event, of course. I need you to show her what she needs to see. Whatever it may be. For I need Mr Rabenschwarz to open his mind to the potential of what I can give. He’s being a little more… more reluctant than I had anticipated.”

What the hell?! My mind raced. What was Alexander Raven doing with Vita Mors? Just how far did his reach go? Raven and I hadn’t shared much in terms of social interactions besides a few forced pleasantries. In fact, my most vivid memory of Alexander Raven was him trying to split my head open in Cambodia back at the conclusion of the TRIAD Strength Trials. And now Mors wanted me to show Luna the Void as part of some scheme he had with Raven?

I looked away from the scene in front of me for the first time since Mors had appeared.

“And exactly is it that Luna needs to see?” I asked. “I’m already caught up in so many webs as it is, Mors, with the Great Illuminatus, our deal with Harvey Marx… at this rate, you’re running out of pockets to keep me in…”

“Anything, Mr Parker. Talk to her, find out what it is her heart desires and then show her a world in which it could be. A world in which it could be for them both. You’re playing a role here. I may be giving, but I am not benevolent. Payment comes with everything, and you’ve seen what happens when people refuse to pay.” Mors said, turning to face me once more. His head tilted just slightly.

“I do not care how, but you will show her. The subtle touch does not work for those who distrust the world itself. There’s a certain irony in the delusional conspiracies of a man who thinks the invisible hands are manipulating fate. For you’ll be making his doubts manifest. You are my eyes, Sean. Mr Rabenschwarz? He is already my vessel. I just need him to accept what I give.”

My mind raced again. What have you gotten yourself into, Alex? I asked myself. I thought about Luna too. We had grown closer as friends since our pairing had been announced for SCW’s Blast From The Past Tournament. And now suddenly I was being tasked with plunging her into the Void and showing her a world that she didn’t even know existed. My mind then suddenly flashed back to the first conversation we’d had, that hilarious video chat with her dog running rampant and me trying to multitask whilst I was holding my baby daughter, Amelia.

“I think I have an idea.”

“Good.” Mors said, taking a few steps off into the distance. “Enjoy whatever peace you are finding in this. I’ll see you very soon.”

One more snap of the fingers, and he was gone. Life returning to the world before me.


Scene Two
On-Camera

To say the last month or so had been tumultuous for me would be the understatement of the century. I’ve got my fingers in so many pies, it’s any wonder I can keep track of everything that’s going on. So much has happened, even since mine and Luna’s victory in the opening round of the Blast From The Past Tournament. Still, this is the life we’ve all chosen. Professional wrestlers. Warriors. Fighters. Every single one of us. Along with the sacrifices we make each time we step into the hallowed squared circle. Just like the ancient warriors of tales long past… the Trojans and Greeks who warred over love, over land, pride and glory. Like those courageous souls, each one of us fights for something different in this industry.

Me? I’m building a legacy. I’m not interested in blood feuds, lucrative contracts or sponsorship deals. Like Achilles himself, I want my name to last through the ages so that when the time comes for me to hang up my boots, people talk about Sean Parker as one of the greatest, one of the most exciting, fearless, ruthless pro wrestlers they had ever seen. Only, unlike Achilles, you won’t find any undipped weaknesses left from being dipped into the River Styx.

And at the moment? My legacy is looking very promising… seven championship reigns across five different promotions in just nine months, on the precipice of becoming the second-longest-reigning Anarchy Champion in XWF history. Two championship matches in the next two weeks in two different promotions. And then, a run in the most brutal endeavour ever conceived in professional wrestling in TRIAD where I went up against guys like Shawn Warstein, the Big Bifford, CYPH3R, Corey Black, Paul Freedom and Matt Meyhu where none of them managed to even come close to pinning my shoulders to the mat. And now, the Blast From The Past Tournament is potentially going to be added to my ever-growing legacy.

See, Bill, that is why I’m called the workhorse of professional wrestling. That’s why SCW management is desperate to sign me to a full-time contract despite having only just one match. You know, I couldn’t help but listen to what you said to Caleb Storm before yours and Roux’s victory a few weeks ago. You said quite a lot, BIll without actually saying well… anything really. Coming from someone who's no stranger to winning championships in his career, if you think rattling off the number of days or months you’ve spent holding a midcard title is going to impress anyone but the reflection you cut your promos in front of, then you’re even more ignorant than I was led to believe you were.

You’re a tortured cliche, wrapped in a meme with a cringey gooey rhetoric centre. It’s clear, listening to you drone on and on and on how you were so much better than Caleb Storms, you actually take yourself so seriously that it almost feels like a joke. You’re the perennial gatekeeper of Sin City Wrestling, Bill, except in your case, no one ever has an issue getting through. You’re no feisty tenacious bulldog, you’re just a complacent guard dog, barking at shadows while the true warriors slip past your watchful eye. I can see it now… the battlefields of Troy playing host to the Blast From The Past Quarter-Finals. Standing guard proudly, a stoic look on his face, is the Bulldog himself, the two-time Roulette Champion, eager to give his life for King Priam aka Christian Underwood, to prevent any intruder from breaching the walls of Sin City Wrestling.

And there it is, in its majestic glory…a gigantic wooden horse. It takes all yours and Roux’s strength to pull it through the gates but your wits have deserted you. Just as the overzealous Trojans hauled their misplaced symbol of victory through their gates, like the impaired sentry you are, you have left the gates to your precious kingdom unlocked and in doing so, allowed an invading force, unlike anything you’ve ever encountered, to slip past you and lay waste to all you hold dear.

All you’ll be able to do is pray to the Sun God. Beg Apollo for a merciful defeat. Tell him you’re grateful you lived to witness Luna Pasilno, the Idol, the Masochist, take her place at the top of the Bombshell division. Let him know, you were a part of the legacy of the Sky Assassin as he cements his name in the annals of history where Father Time’s reach cannot touch.

Because once this match is over, that’s all you will be, Bill. A tiny part of my journey to immortality, to becoming one of the best to ever do this. I need this more than you do. You’ve been a fantastic servant for Sin City Wrestling over the years and I daresay you surprised even yourself to get this far. You’re good to have around, to beef up the card but you can’t take that key next step to reach that next echelon of greatness. It’s just too steep for you and you know what? That’s ok. Some of us are destined to get so far but only a select few are destined for something more.


Scene Three
Off-Camera

The journey to Turkey for Climax Control wasn’t one to write home about. I didn’t cope particularly well with long-haul flights at the best of times and a fourteen hour non-stop from Los Angeles to Istanbul, even in First Class, was one I’d rather have not taken. Still, it had given me time to do some scouting on Bill Barnhart and Roux’s previous matches, including their victory in the first round of the Blast From The Past Tournament on my laptop. It didn’t take long though and, in all honesty, I’d seen all I needed to see.

Both were good wrestlers no doubt about it but they were a dime a dozen compared to others I’d been in the ring with. Bill had the experience, Roux had the tenacity and excitement that every new rookie had in the early-goings of their career. But these two weren’t a patch on people like Knox, Vaughn, Page, Serenity, Penelope Plimmswood, Raven and Luna. No.  Barnhart seemed to be stuck in an era that had long since passed him by but still felt the need, out of nothing but nostalgia, to keep it alive when someone should have called time of death a long time ago.

I do have to admit, watching him stripped down to nothing but a pair of speedos on a cruise ship against Raven, Whelan and Kasey brought a smile to my face and a light snort of amusement to escape my nostrils. As I closed the Sin City Wrestling website on my browser, I casually perused away, catching up on the latest goings-on in pro-wrestling and beyond. A new trailer for Twisters and Wicked? I made a mental note to say to Eve when I got home.  As I continued my thoughtless browsing, I thought about my…dream-walk, for lack of a better term, with Vita Mors and I couldn’t help but think about what he said about Alex. Just what had he gotten himself into. I knew first-hand what getting into bed with someone like him was like. And having to now involve Luna in this? We hadn’t known each other that long but I felt a growing affection for her - she felt like the chaotic little sister I never had, having to make sure she wasn’t drinking the laundry detergent whilst our parents weren’t home. Right on cue, my phone pinged and there, Luna’s name popped up on my home screen.

‘In Troy, going to see the horse. See you at the horse. Neigh.’

You know when you actually read a text in the voice of the person who sent it to you? Another light snort of amusement gushed from my nose. I checked the travel app that was built-in to the back of the seat in front of me. Three hours and twenty-seven minutes until we landed in Istanbul. Back to my phone.

‘About three or so hours away, Crazy. Try not to get yourself arrested, Turkish jails aren’t fun!’

The whoosh sound and subsequent ‘delivered’ status confirmed my message had been sent and I put my phone away, drifting away into a disrupted sleep, images of Raven, of Luna and of Mors cascading through my mind.

Scene Four
Off-Camera

Several hours later I was driving to Çanakkale. The rest of the flight had been restless as was the drive. Luna had texted me again as well after I’ve gotten off the flight, changing our original plans.

‘Change of plans. I want a couple of cheeky mimosas and try some Turkish beer. See you at the Helix Pub, when you get in.’

It wasn’t unlike, as I’d come to know in the past six weeks or so we’d come to know each other. Luna was like a human tornado, changing her path without warning and worrying about it afterwards. At first it had been a little jarring but now it was almost endearing. It had taken me a little while to find the Helix pub Luna had referred to in her last text and my attempts and Turkish hadn’t exactly endeared me to the locals. The place was nice enough though, both rustic and modern in the same breath. And there she was, like she said she would be, going to town on a mimosa, several empty bottles of Efes beer on the table. She beamed when she saw me, taking an extra sip of her mimosa before getting up, arms outstretched. She wrapped them around me, giving me a little peck on the lips before practically dragging to the table.

“Hey, Lover! You took your sweet-ass time!”

“Well, if you hadn’t decided to change plans at the last minute again, I wouldn’t have to make a detour! How’s the Turkish beer?”

“It’s serviceable. Call me a snob, but Melbourne did spoil me with crafts. Jimmy and Alex ran a bar, so I got to try a whole plethora of tasty brews. It’s no Moon Dog Pale, but it does the trick. They do make a good mimosa though, so… win win really.” Luna babbled.

“But, but. How was the trip, Sugar? Do you like flying? I fucking hate flying. I feel like normally we get around these long overseas flights by getting on a cruise ship. But I guess the surrogate daddies decided they want to torture me into submission. I ordered something to eat, by the by. It’s hungry work being this carefree, darling.”

I recalled the fourteen-hour flight from LA to Turkey and couldn’t help but screw my face as I tried to think of something positive. No dice.

“Long-haul flights are a pain in the arse. Even in First-Class I couldn’t even get settled but it’s been a rough week.”

Luna mentioning getting something to eat made me think. I hadn’t actually eaten anything since yesterday and my stomach was now not in the least bit subtle of reminding me.

“What did you order, Crazy? Kebab? Falafel?”

“Do not let my looks deceive you. I am not cultured, love. I think I ordered a chicken burger. I just kind of smiled, and pointed and they nodded. At least, I hope it’s chicken. I guess it could be tofu.” Luna said, suddenly seemingly less certain of her order. She shrugged her shoulders whilst finishing the remnants of her mimosa.

“They put you in first class? I’m going to have to have a word with those fuckers. Talking about rough weeks. Alex is in Istanbul being loved on by cats. Can you believe he had the audacity to say he was a pussy magnet? The nerve.” Luna continued on. She then pulled her phone out and thrust it in front of me. I backed off slightly, allowing the photo she was shoving in my face to come into focus. It looked like Alex Raven in what appeared to be a mountain of cats. It was kind of unsettling, like when you see a celebrity doing something you couldn’t imagine seeing them doing. Like if you saw the Mountain from Game of Thrones holding a puppy. I tried to put my best fake genuine smile, hoping it was convincing enough. Seeing Alex though, looking at least somewhat happy once again dredged up my conversation with Mors and what he’d asked of me to do.
“Listen…Luna…” I stammered, trying to figure out a way to broach the subject.

“I need to talk to you about something and I need you to keep an open mind…”

I went into my pocket and held the key in my hand. The gateway to the Void. Deep breaths. I brought it out and showed it to Luna, clicking it open revealing the faceless center.

“I think your wife might question why you’ve got a picture of lil’ ol me on you at all times. But if you just cannot be without, I guess I can oblige.”

There was a mocking tone to Luna’s response. I knew this was a bad idea, she was never going to buy this.

“Just shoot, Sugar. Worst thing I can say is no, tip my next drink on your head, and run away.”
My eyes widened and the potential faux pas I’d just dropped myself into.

“No, no, not like that… have you heard of Vita Mors?”

As soon as his name left my lips, Luna rolled her eyes and her body language completely changed. That will be a yes then.

“Know of him. Alex went to see him recently, and got into his head about Jimmy. My brother. Has been a little off ever since. Whatever that is, I’m guessing it has something to do with the spooky masked man and his greasy little gremlin of a second?” she replied just as the waiter brought her order and drink. Through a mouthful of chicken burger, she said.

“You know, that Ashton guy? Somehow he sends me a message one night, telling me that Alex was doing something stupid. He was, mind you. But, what kind of creep messages in the dead of night to tell someone their husband is off being a drunken menace? The nerve on those people.” she chewed.

“Look, I’ve been involved with Mors and Mire before. This?”

I held the device in front of her, rolling it between my fingers..

“This was a gift from him, it’s…how do I put this? It lets me see things… things that have happened, things that haven’t but could have if the road less travelled had been taken. I don’t know what Alex is caught up in with Mors but unless you’re willing to play ball, it never ends well, trust me.”

I was conscious of my next words. I didn’t want to scare Luna or even give much away too soon.

“I can’t even begin to tell you the crazy shit I’ve seen in the last few months but I can show you.  Through this, I can show you aspects of what your life could have been. Your career, your childhood…motherhood…”

“You’re telling me, I can see what Alex and I’s baby would be?” Luna asked, incredulously. She didn’t really seem all that phased by it all. More so a case of not believing than anything.

“Alright then. Show me.” Luna replied.

And then…

Another night, another series of nightmares. For all the positives of this world tour, and in particular this run of the Blast From The Past tournament, the homelife of the Rabenschwarz family? Not so pretty. Alex hadn’t been himself, half-lucid, arguing with the air. There was the collapse at Vimy Ridge where he had thrown up all over himself. Luna was doing her best to be supportive but he couldn’t even articulate what was going on. He’d taken off to see Vita Mors before he’d joined up with her in Normandy. Ever since, something had just been… off.

He’d been a little more himself since they’d arrived in Turkey. They’d made the call for Alex to take some R&R in Istanbul. She suspected it was mainly because he wanted to go and visit the city full of cats. It also meant that Luna was free to tee up some team-building time with Sean again. The calls had been fun, and he hadn’t let her plunge to her death in Hastings, so by all accounts she thought it was off to a fantastic start. They’d easily had the most impressive debut outing of any of the teams in the opening round. Quick work, and tandem finishers. For a little reminder of who the fuck she was she’d even got the pin herself.

It did mean however, that after Alex’s back to back wins with Calaway… there was a real possibility that at the end of it, they’d be facing each other from opposite ends of the ring. That made her heart hurt. As much as she trusted Sean to get the job done, there was not a single instance in which she’d ever want to see Alex lose. Conversely, she knew the same from the other side. Perhaps that was part of why he’d seemed so out of it? That's what she was going to have to believe for the moment. That Alex was battling his own difficulties with the situation.

‘In Troy, going to see the horse. See you at the horse. Neigh.’

Luna had shot off the text not long after arriving in Troy. She assumed Sean would let her know when he touched down, details of when to meet up and all that. Luna was anything but an organiser when it came to things. She sort of just liked to let details float.

Hair, make-up, getting dressed, changing her hair because it doesn’t match her clothes. Changing her clothes because she no longer likes what she decided to wear. The day was off to a flying good start. At some point in her mindless prepping, a message from Sean, telling he’d be landing in a few hours, and then being another few hours from Troy. What did that mean?  That meant she had far too much time on her hands. Time for a nap, time to call Alex, time to go for a few early morning mimosas. The options were limitless.

She decided on calling Alex first. Placing her phone up against the bathroom mirror as she decided to reapply her face for the third time that morning, having settled on a hairstyle and an outfit. Now she just needed to match the make-up and hope that her incessant need to change and alter didn’t get in the way. It rang a couple times before Alex answered. He was laying down somewhere, maybe a park? She wasn’t too sure. Yet at the same time a legion of cats had decided he was going to be their plaything for the day. She counted at least two on his back, and another couple trying to butt their way in between his face and the camera.

“Catstanbul treating you good baby-boy?” Luna asked, beaming brightly. She was well aware that he was currently getting a fantastic shot of the inside of her nostrils.

“What can I say? I’m like a pussy magnet.” Alex said, sounding far more at peace, and far more full of cheek than he had been for a while.

“You ever call yourself a pussy magnet again, we’re getting a divorce.” Luna said, shaking her head a little. Applying the last little bit of lipstick she took a long look at herself in the mirror. Purples, reds and touches of gold were the choices for the day. Content, she picked her phone up and wandered through the hotel room. It was days like this, she missed Duchess.

“Sorry again, Lu. I’m really not sure what’s going on with me lately. First the ghosts come back, and then I’m treading water after going to see that Vita Mors bloke. I think I just needed the R&R. Wish you were here.” Alex said, stroking the length of an orange cat who decided to put its butt straight up to the camera.

“You owe me a date, daddy. You can swing me some wine, some fine dining and a night of love when we get together next.” Luna said, turning away from the camera to avoid the cat butt for as long as possible. She really did miss her dog.

“I think I can swing that, baby girl. How are you feeling about it all? You know, the match? Good luck this week too, Lu. You catching up with Sean?” Alex asked. Luna sighed a little, the thought of crawling closer toward the finals was a mixed bag.

“Yeah, he’s a fair few hours out there, so I got time to blow. Thinkin’ I might go and get lubed up. Mama needs herself a mimosa.” Luna replied, turning back as the cat wandered off. Alex was now being headbutted by at least two new cats.

“But, how I’m feeling? I’m stressed. All this travel is awful on my skin, and I’m just very tired. Nothing a few drinks can’t fix, I’m sure. But I’m missing you too, sweet thing. Missing you deeply.” Luna continued on.

“Yeah, I keep promising Calaway I’ll sit down with her. Next city maybe. Before the semis. We may have to have a deeper conversation about what happens come the reality that we both make the finals.” Alex said, laying his head down on his arm. Luna just smiled a bit in response, placing a cigarette in her mouth. Standing on her balcony as she lit it.

“I don’t want to think about it. Not today at least. I should get to it. Go find somewhere to sit and drink. I love you, Lexi-baby. Call me later, okay?” Luna said, with a wink and a kiss.

“Love you, Lu. Tell me how it goes with Sean.” Alex smiled, directing one of the cats to pay attention to the phone. Winking back at her as he ended the call. Moments of serenity in a turbulent sea. Part of her was glad they were trapped, so they could still travel this way. Yet, early retirement would’ve also meant they could’ve travelled at their own leisure. A double-edged sword, really.

Another message to Sean, as she took a long and heavy drag on her cigarette.

‘Change of plans. I want a couple of cheeky mimosas and try some Turkish beer. See you at the Helix Pub, when you get in.’

When she thought about it, sometimes it felt like she was talking to Jimmy. Just swapping up plans and switching out decisions at the drop of a dime. A woman in constant motion. She missed Jimmy on days like this. She missed her brother. Not quite as painfully, but there wasn’t a day he didn’t cross her mind. In the way she talked to someone, or even in the moments of Alex dropping little pet names.

He’d actually called her baby girl today. Alex never called her baby girl. He really must be in cat heaven.

“I’m going to make you proud, Jimmy. I promise.” Luna whispered to herself.


“I said it, and it came true. Funny how things work. Loopy Luna is just a shade too crazy, but when she goes to work. Everybody stops to fucking watch. I’ve said it over and over. I am the inevitable fucking future of Sin City Wrestling. The woman who cannot be touched, for everything I do turns to gold. The lady they all want to hate. The woman that all the other bombshells wish would just go away, because they know. They know that I’m going to walk all over their pretty fucking faces as I climb to the peak.”

“See, I listen to what is going on around here. I pay attention to all the things that people are saying. Loopy Luna, oh she’s just a crazy mouthy bitch. The attention whore who just won’t go away. Except, when it comes down to brass tacks. When it comes down to whether or not it's you or me, well baby. Every damn time, it’s me. The one throwing people through tables. The one throwing women through fire. The bitch who tears with barbed wire and breaks with brass.”

“So when they threw Kat Jones at me, I just knew they thought it was going to go their way. That the perennial poster child of Sin City. She was going to put Luna in her place. That’s not how it went down though was it? No, Kat Jones was shown exactly what was meant for her the first time around. Twice, I’ve beaten her. Twice I’ve shown that this is the era of fucking Luna Pasilno. That the only queen worth a damn when it comes to stepping to Kayla Richards, is me. So when I see the ranting and raving former top, Julianna DiMaria filling my feed with void screaming and empty threats. I’m glad that it’s me here.”

“I’m glad that it’s me who stepped past Kat Jones. I’m glad that it’s me who is going to turn the wannabe bad child inside out and upside down. I’m glad that it’s me that is going to be able to sit pretty at ringside when Julianna falters and fails against Kayla Richards again. Why do I say that? Because we all know that is where it’s headed. A rematch for the breakdown queen herself, just to be reminded why she skirted by on the laurels of a reign that she barely even fucking showed up for. Learning from the wisdom tree that is J2H, that just ain’t it baby-girl. That just ain’t how we fly.”

“But that? That’s for another day. Today isn’t for Julianna. Today isn’t even for Kayla Richards. No, today? Today is for little baby Roux. The bad child herself. The wannabe stand-out. The inevitable future, to take a note from my own little playbook. Unfortunate name, don’t you think? I guess it’s pretty sounding. Not fun to think of the cooking mixture, and she’s not quite a red-head. Small benefits of fate I suppose.”

“Cocky little bitch that she is, I can admire it. Smart-mouthed is generally something I can appreciate. Although, she did seem to have her priorities of focus in just slightly the wrong place. Belittling poor baby Bill? I mean he might be as simple as two bricks tied together on a stick, but he’s a fence-swinger when he needs to be. So maybe a little less vitriol for the man who is expected to carry your tiny little ass up the totem pole towards the winner’s podium. What do you say, sugar-plum?”

“What did strike me as interesting is how much of a little reader our sweet little Roux baby is. She deep-dived into Nakita, and she disregarded Caleb. I can respect some research. I mean, I’ve clearly done just a touch of my own. How’s the sister, by the way? Last I saw her, she was getting squashed by Tempest and failing to defend the Bombshell Internet Championship. Oh, but family drama, right? You wanna be your own person. Step on your own two feet and be seen for who you truly are. Funny about that though. Funny, because I’ve got this sneaking gut wrenching suspicion that one of the first things that are going to come out of little Roux’s mouth? How I’m just a side piece of Alexander Raven.”

“Why do I think this? Because it’s the easy path to take. It’s the path everyone else seems to take. It’s the only path that seems to mean anything in the eyes of those who prance and dance around here. Doesn’t matter how many championships I win. How many I fight for. How many undeserved returning nobody veterans I put in their place, or how many up-start bitchy little slags I put down. People are always going to downplay what I do. But I’m not going to let them, Roux. I’m not going to let anyone downplay what I can do. I went out and I made a fucking mockery of Kat Jones. I’m going to step to you and stop this little journey before it even really gets started. Or maybe Sean does what you expect?”

“Maybe Sean steps to ol’ Billy Boy himself, and puts the old man in his place. Takes him down a peg and reminds him why us, those of the inevitable future, are the ones to watch. Because even though this is your story, this is also fate outside your hands. So confident, yet trembling and quivering at the idea of a challenge from the word go. A child. I’m not so dumb to discount based on age or inexperience. Hell, I’ve only got a year in this.”

“What I can do however? I can point out how fucking stupid the idea of a barely legal sprite prancing about talking about her fucking story. Barely knee high to a fucking cricket and already full of piss and vigour. I had some stories to tell too coming up, but I’ll be real with you baby girl. Your story ain’t been told by nobody else, ‘cause you haven’t had a fucking story to tell. You’re going to learn real quick. That you haven’t experienced jack shit up to this point. That the learning, the pain, the quivering agony you got ahead of you? That’s the real fucking story. So you were right about one thing.”

“You are writing the first chapters. But let me spell it out for you real easy. The early chapters? They’re all just laying the field. Setting up for the journey of pain. For the mountain you need to get over. No good story starts with a shit ending. No good story goes without troubles. So, I’m thinking, Roux. I’m thinking you're in line for a real short story. A terrible start of far too much happiness, a middling nothing of a guaranteed loss, and then a failure of an ending because the baby was too big for her boots.”

“This isn’t a case of me being too confident. No, this is a case of me being certain. Being certain that I can step to the rookie. That I can step to the arrogant child who wants to be her own person, but hasn’t even had her first real suckle of life. This is me being certain that Sean Parker is going to take your partner, Bill Barnhart to school. Lift him up out of the bygone eras and bring him to the modern day. Bring him to the ball with all of us kiddies who just want a sip of that spiked punch.”

“But enough about the rebellious toddler, and more about the sweetheart Bulldog. Hi, Bill. It’s funny that this happens to us again. Opposite sides, and yet the outcome is going to be the same. It doesn’t really matter who you’re partnered up with, does it? It doesn’t even really matter who I’m partnered up with. As much as we adore you. As much as we wish the Barnharts would get their due respect, there’s a certain truth to the failings, isn’t there? See, I can see straight through you Billy. Through both you and Bea. One of the other power couples of Sin City, except… Nobody ever has anything nice to say about us either.”

“Not even your own partner has faith in you, Bill. Little toxic and cocky Roux hasn’t got an ounce of faith in you being able to contend with the rest of the field. She didn’t even expect to make it out of the first round. Not because of her inexperience, or inability. She didn’t think you could remain vertical. Against Caleb Storm of all people. A guy she sees as a consummate jobber. She didn’t even trust you to get the job done against Caleb fucking Storm. Poor sweet Billiam. That’s a harsh call. But is she wrong?”

“I don’t think she is, Bill. I don’t think she’s wrong for doubting you. I think Roux is actually smart for having her doubts. Having her doubts about you. Realistically, they’re somewhat founded aren’t they? As confident as you can be, you know that you just aren’t quick enough anymore. You’re a strong man, but you’re just not strong enough. You’re a smart man, apparently. Though I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything come out of your mouth that hasn’t been regurgitated by every wannabe MENSA member. I do love the little dog though. Maybe I could steal that idea. Prance my way around with my beautiful little Beagle. Have her get into all sorts of trouble. We could have a six man tag. You, baby Roux and your dumb fucking bulldog, against Sean, Duchess the Queen of pups and me. What do you say Billiam?”

“No, no. That’d be silly. It’s bad enough you’re going to be shown up by Roux and Sean. Let alone shown up by your own fucking dog. So maybe we just let that one lie. I do wish you the best, Bill. I truly do. I just hope you can bounce back from this failure, like you have every other time. I mean, we’re always going to need a tune up match. Alex and I have to crash toward those Mixed Tag Titles eventually, and get ourselves nice and lubricated. Well that’s just the tale of the tape. So I wish you the best Bill.”

“Just not when it involves me.”

“And remember.”



There was something familiar about Helix. It reminded her of being in Melbourne, if she really thought about it. Sitting outside, the smell of beer, cigarettes and food. No amount of cleaning could ever fix that. Deep-seated smells. Something told her that at night the place came a bit more alive. Quick google searches showed in house DJs, and a copious amount of poor decision making. Maybe her and Alex could swing by before they flew out. See if they couldn’t somehow manage to barter a week off. They had to be somewhat back in the good books with all the eyeballs and money they were bringing in.

At least they’d deluded themselves into thinking it was them that was doing it. It was hard to argue against. The most high-profile match going into the last super card. The two favourites going into the Blast from the Past tournament, and if tweets were anything to be believed, they were also on track to be the most hated people of the year, and only five months in. They were truly working overtime. She thought they deserved a break. Yet, if the death of her brother wasn’t enough to get them out of their contract. She doubted making them money was going to give them a moment’s reprieve.

Had she timed her starting of drinking poorly? Yes. She was already three mimosas, and two beers, deep at this point. A fourth and fifth mimosa on their way. By the time Sean would arrive, she’d likely be three sails to the wind. Fortunately, she was a well controlled drunk woman. Had to be when you worked in bars as much as she did. Couldn’t be floating off with the faeries when the shots were outnumbering you nine to one. So in the very least, besides the flush and the rambling, she’d be able to cover herself well.

Which was a good thing, being that it was only still early in the day. It also meant that she was bound to actually get a good night’s rest in for once. Maybe she’d even be able to convince Alex to take the few hours trip from Istanbul to come spend the evening with her. Sugar-coated and sweet thoughts. She took her phone out, and checked her messages. Seeing if Sean had sent anything further to let her know how far out he was.

In the meantime, food would be a good choice. It would have been pertinent to choose something local. Experience the culture, get to know Turkey a little bit better. That being said? She was hungry. And the burgers they had looked far too enticing to simply knock back. And so, that was that. What she assumed was a chicken burger got ordered, and she started on mimosa number four. In a race against time, Sean had managed to beat the clock. Probably a good thing too. Easier to hug someone when you’re not half covered in food and sauce.

“Hey, Lover! You took your sweet-ass time!” Luna exclaimed, arms thrown about the man, a soft peck to the lip, before she dragged him to sit down opposite her.

“Well, if you hadn’t decided to change plans at the last minute again, I wouldn’t have to make a detour! How’s the Turkish beer?” Sean said. Luna shrugged a little, as she settled in. Another sip of her drink.

“It’s serviceable. Call me a snob, but Melbourne did spoil me with crafts. Jimmy and Alex ran a bar, so I got to try a whole plethora of tasty brews. It’s no Moon Dog Pale, but it does the trick. They do make a good mimosa though, so… win win really.” Luna babbled.

“But, but. How was the trip, sugar? Do you like flying? I fucking hate flying. I feel like normally we get around these long overseas flights by getting on a cruise ship. But I guess the surrogate daddies decided they want to torture me into submission. I ordered something to eat, by the by. It’s hungry work being this carefree, darling.”

Sean just scrunched his face up slightly, pursing his lips.

“Long-haul flights are a pain in the arse. Even in First-Class I couldn’t even get settled but it’s been a rough week.”

Sean had picked up on Luna mentioning she’d ordered something to eat and he had avoided eating a lot on the plane out of principle. His stomach growled slightly and picked up a menu lying on the table.

“What did you order, Crazy? Kebab? Falafel?” Sean queried.

“Do not let my looks deceive you. I am not cultured, love. I think I ordered a chicken burger. I just kind of smiled, and pointed and they nodded. At least, I hope it’s chicken. I guess it could be tofu.” Luna said, suddenly less certain of her order. She shrugged at the thought, and finished her drink. In preparation for the next one.

“They put you in first class? I’m going to have to have a word with those fuckers. Talking about rough weeks. Alex is in Istanbul being loved on by cats. Can you believe he had the audacity to say he was a pussy magnet? The nerve.” Luna continued on, pulling her phone out. She opened up to a picture of Alex being absolutely swamped by an array of cats, showing it to Sean. He smiled that kind of forced smile when someone shows you a picture of their kids you couldn’t care less about. Something was up with him and Luna couldn’t quite put her finger on it. The minute she’d mentioned Alex, his demeanour changed.

“Listen…Luna…” Sean stammered, absentmindedly playing with a beer mat.

“I need to talk to you about something and I need you to keep an open mind…”

Sean then delved into his pocket and pulled out a device that almost resembled a pocket watch. He clicked it open, revealing a blank face, no hands or numbers, just…well, nothing. He rolled it between his fingers.

“I think your wife might question why you’ve got a picture of lil’ ol me on you at all times. But if you just cannot be without, I guess I can oblige.” Luna mocked a little, looking at the funny little object he’d pulled out. She assumed it was a locket of some kind.

“Just shoot, sugar. Worst thing I can say is no, tip my next drink on your head, and run away.” She continued on teasing, attempting to take some of the tension out of the situation. Sean held up the trinket and it looked like some sort of red mist was swirling in the center.

“No, no, not like that… have you heard of Vita Mors?” Sean asked.

Luna rolled her eyes a little at the mention of Vita Mors. Her body stiffening just slightly at the thought of it. Seemed like everything came back to that masked weirdo lately.

“Know of him. Alex went to see him recently, and got into his head about Jimmy. My brother. Has been a little off ever since. Whatever that is, I’m guessing it has something to do with the spooky masked man and his greasy little gremlin of a second?” Luna said, as her burger and next mimosa were dropped off at the table. A smile, a bat of the eyelashes and the server walked off with a smile on his face.

“You know, that Ashton guy? Somehow he sends me a message one night, telling me that Alex was doing something stupid. He was, mind you. But, what kind of creep messages in the dead of night to tell someone their husband is off being a drunken menace? The nerve on those people.” Luna went on again. Clearly, the alcohol had finally hit her head a bit.

“Look, I’ve been involved with Mors and Mire before. This?” Sean started.

Sean held the device up again.

“This was a gift from him, it’s… how do I put this? It lets me see things… things that have happened, things that haven’t but could have if the road less travelled had been taken. I don’t know what Alex is caught up in with Mors but unless you’re willing to play ball, it never ends well, trust me.” Sean went on.

Sean stopped for a moment, as if contemplating his next words carefully.

“I can’t even begin to tell you the crazy shit I’ve seen in the last few months but I can show you.  Through this, I can show you aspects of what your life could have been. Your career, your childhood… motherhood…” Sean said.

“You’re telling me, I can see what Alex and I’s baby would be?” Luna asked, incredulously. She didn’t really seem all that phased by it all. More so a case of not believing than anything.

“Alright then. Show me.” Luna said.

And then…

(Josh and Keira were used with permission from their handlers)

Harpin’ On With Harper, Wondering Around the Ruins of Troy, Turkey
Monday the 13th of May 2024, 14:00pm

(on camera, start vlog)

The vlog starts with Harper checking out the ruins of Troy, wondering around the area.

”The ruins of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site open to the public, you know I don’t think the folks at UNESCO ever envisioned that this place would be the site of a wrestling event but then again, same can be said for Hastings, Normandy and Arras, France.” Harper shakes her head before folding her arms. ”But enough about the present day because Troy is easily the most ancient of the battle locations SCW is visiting on this tour, to the point that the story of Troy is almost Mythological really! And if you don’t know the story then what rock have you been under? The story of Achilles alone invented a whole trope.

Which is fitting I guess, because this Sunday I’ve gotta find the Achilles Heel of none other than the World Bombshell Champion!”

Harper lets out a deep breath.

”Let’s get right down to brass tacks, this match against Kayla is the biggest of my career to date! Yeah, it’s non-title but it’s still a Main Event against the top champion of the Bombshell Division and I have faced former World Bombshell Champs before, Courtney, Mercedes, Sam, Crystal, I’m sure they’ll find a way to book me against Seleana at some point but until then? That’s a pretty impressive list of Bombshells I’ve beaten, isn’t it Kayla?” “Granted a few of those wins were tainted, my first win over Mercedes, the wins over Courtney and Sam, and off course my loss to Bea Barnhart which I’m sure Kayla is just dying to bring up!

I said it once, and I’ll say it again, Bea is not better than me! That old bitch had to cheat to get the win over me and I’m still waiting for a return match! But more to the point, people already have me pegged as the underdog heading into the match with Kayla, she’s the top champion, I’m the premier rookie of the Bombshell Division, the one who’s racked up some impressive wins in the months that followed her SCW debut, the one who has only ever challenged for a title once in her SCW career and it’s Kayla’s favourite title, the Bombshell Roulette Championship! And yes Kayla, that was sarcasm!

So what’s the deal Kayla? Are you viewing this as a glorified warm up for your rematch with Julianna at Into the Void? Are you annoyed that the bosses couldn’t throw you one of the names I listed above? If the answer was yes to both, tough shit! You’ve instead got a rookie bombshell who was trained by Team Hero, was a standout high school wrestler and a black belt in taekwondo! I know you incorporate Martial Arts into your wrestling style Kayla and I guess it boils down to one question at the end of the day.

Can the rookie who’s not even twenty and has just over a year of experience under her belt score the upset of the year and beat the World Bombshell Champ? One way to find out!”[/color][/b]

(end vlog)

Harper’s Hotel Room, Hissarlik, Turkey
Tuesday the 14th of May 2024, 14:00pm

We see Harper sitting in her hotel room browsing the internet on her laptop, the upcoming match against Kayla Richards was on her mind.

”I entered the Blast from the Past Tournament to get experience and I was pinned in my one and only match.” Harper muttered to herself as she checked her Facebook page. ”How the hell did that qualify me for a non-title match with Kayla? I guess it’s better than running Kayla vs. Ariana for the millionth time which they’ve already done.” Harper shook her head before something caught her eye. ”Lorna Shore are touring the US with Whitechapel, Kublai Khan and Sanguisugabogg and there’s a Las Vegas date in October?! God I hope SCW doesn’t have a tour planned for that week! Then again I can fly back and forth easily with my EWC pay check so maybe it won’t be that bad? What’s the likelihood of SCW doing an interdimensional tour?”

Harper’s musings were cut short when she got a Facebook messenger call and checked it, it was one of her trainers Keira and she immediately answered it. “Hey Harper! Enjoying your first international tour with SCW?” Keira greeted her when the call started and Harper grinned. “I know your Blast from the Past plans didn’t work out but this is a good opportunity to wrestle in front of international audiences.”

”At least until SCW returns to the US! But yeah, I’ve been loving it.” Harper responded as she leaned forward. ”Getting to wrestle on the beaches of Normandy was cool and I learned a bit more about my family’s history, and getting to spend time in France was cool.” Harper let out a deep breath. ”And then we have this week’s match.”

“Yeah, I saw the card, and I’m sure you have more than a few thoughts about this match with Kayla.” Keira nodded in response and Harper sighed. “On one hand, it’s a Main Event non-title match, and I believe your first ever in SCW.”

”Yeah, it is, I’ve opened shows twice, once in my debut match and again at the start of the year, I’ve never even been in a Semi-Main Event! The closest I got were my rematch against Crystal and my match against Tempest.” Harper responded as she let out an exasperated sigh and Keira nodded. ”I don’t know Keira, it kinda feels like I’m being thrown to the wolves here, and I don’t mean Kayla’s tag team with Finn either.”

“I can see why you feel you feel that way Harper but me and Roxi have trained you for moments like these, Kayla will view this as a walk in the park, it’s up to you to prove her wrong win or lose.” Keira added as she leaned back. “Off course there’s my history with Kayla as well.”

”Oh yeah, you beat Kayla to achieve the grand slam right after she won the Internet Title for the first time.” Harper remembered with a nod as she thought back. ”Kayla got the title back at that year’s Violent Conduct but you were ready to call it a day then and there, until that whole business with Krystal last year.”

“In wrestling only two things are certain, egos are gonna get bruised to hell and back and retirements rarely stick! Off course, this time I’ve got my pregnancy to keep me out of the ring.” Keira nodded in response and Harper grinned a bit. “Kayla is brutal in the ring, literally anyone who’s wrestled her could tell you that, I beat her yes, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t battered and bruised afterwards.”

”Trust me, I’ve seen her matches, I know.” Harper responded with a grunt as she let out a deep breath. ”But how am I supposed to beat her? Math Kayla’s brutality? You know that isn’t my style in non-hardcore matches Keira and unless the card’s been updated when I wasn’t looking? This is just a regular match.”

“That might be your only chance, I told you that not everyone was going to treat you with respect when you joined Hero Academy Harper and Kayla definitely won’t.” Keira advised Harper and Harper hesitated. “I know you don’t like the idea but you have to get out of your comfort zone sometimes, especially if you plan on challenging for the Roulette Title at some point, you’re one of my best students Harper, you’ll figure it out.”

”Yeah, maybe, until then all I can do is focus on figuring out how to counter Kayla’s offence.” Harper responded with a nod before she got a text and checked it. ”Josh wants to meet me in town for some training so I’ll have to call it here Keira.”

“Off course, but just try to remember what I said Harper.” Keira nodded before she ended the video call and Harper closed her laptop before leaving the hotel room.

Harpin On With Harper, wondering around Hissarlik, Turkey
Tuesday the 14th of May 2024,  14:30pm

(on camera, start vlog)

As Harper starts her second Vlog the young Bombshell clearly has a lot on her mind.

”Kayla? I don’t know if you’re going to watch my Vlogs or nots because it’s pretty clear to me that you see this as nothing but a warm up match before your highly anticipated rematch with Julianna.” Harper commented as she sat down on a bench with her iPhone in hand. ”I would’ve thought you’d have learned to stop underestimating the other women in the division by now but I digress! I know you’re a brutal competitor in the ring and I’m beginning to worry that I might have to become something I’m not just so I can beat you.

In other words? I might have to try to match your brutality with my own, I’m not even sure if I have it in me but I can see no other way I can win this!”

Harper lets out a deep breath.

”I mean, in theory I should be able to pull this strategy off, I’m a martial artist with a black belt in Taekwondo and in high school I was a high school wrestling standout, on top of that, I was trained by a woman who’s beaten you Kayle, the one who ended your first Internet Title Reign, I’m sure you remember it.” Harper added as she brushed some hair over her shoulder. ”Who knows? Maybe the premier rookie who happens to be Keira’s top student will be the one to deal you your first loss of the year Kayla? And with only a few weeks to go before Into the Void? How will that help your chances of retaining the title in the match with Julianna I wonder?

Let me make one thing clear though, at this stage of my SCW career I have no aspirations for the World Bombshell Championship, hell I haven’t even won the Roulette Title yet, it’s like I said, I entered the Blast from the Past Tournament to get experience, if I won? Great! But that’s off the table now, isn’t it? I can at least take solace in the fact that the team that beat me and LJ got knocked out in the Quarter Finals but I still found myself in a non-title match with the champion!

Yeah, I have impressive wins over former champions, keyword there is former, against current champions? Well Bobbie just lost the title but it’s not like my title match against her went as planned! But who knows? Maybe a miracle will happen?”

(end vlog)

Turkish Countryside
Tuesday the 14th of May 2024, 15:15pm

Harper was busy training in the Turkish countryside with Josh ahead of her huge match.

“Keep at Harper!” Josh encouraged her as Harper did some light jogging around the area. “Remember Kayla wears her pants the same way as everyone else.”

”Yeah and no matter how many times you repeat that phrase it’s never not gonna sound weird!” Harper responded as she shook her head before she came to a stop next to Josh. ”And I know we’re a couple of thousand miles away from your gym but how is jogging supposed to help me prepare against Kayla? There’s gotta be at least one gym in the city.”

“It still keeps your fitness level up and works on your stamina, which will be vital in a main event match.” Josh responded with a nod as Harper took some deep breaths. “Have you talked to Keira?”

”About the match? Yeah, right before I headed out to meet you out here.” Harper responded with a nod as she sat down on the grass. ”She thinks my best shot at winning is to try to match Kayla’s brutality but I don’t know.”

“She has been wrestling a lot longer than you and has wins over Kayla.” Josh responded as he knelt down next to Harper. “But that isn’t like you Harper.”

”I know but it’s not like I haven’t gone that far before, remember my rematch with Mercedes?” Harper pointed out and Josh nodded as he got the idea. ”But this isn’t a No DQ Match, and hell even the regular matches can get brutal, just look at last week’s Main Event!”

“Alexander and Alexandra and Peter and Bobbie were fighting for a title though; this is a non-title match.” Josh reminded her and Harper nodded. “I’ll help you prepare for the match off course but in the end it’ll be up to you.” Josh added and Harper nodded before she resumed training.

Harpin On With Harper, Turkish Countryside
Tuesday the 14th of May 2024, 16:00pm

(on camera, start vlog, promo time)

As Harper prepares for her last vlog for her match with Kayla she clearly still has a lot on her mind.

”And here we are Kayla, me wondering how exactly I got thrown into this mess and you thinking that I’m a lamb being fed to the slaughter.” Harper said as she shook her head. ”Are you really so arrogant that you’ll dismiss any Bombshell sniffing your precious title for the first time, I’m not even competing for this title and unlike what Jessie would’ve done in her younger years, I wasn’t actively campaigning for a shot either.

Hell the only thing I’m really actively campaigning for is a return match with Bea and I’ve already gone over the reasons why your itching to use that against me!”

Harper shakes her head.

”I mean, if we’re going to use our darkest moments against each other, why don’t I bring up how your first title match in SCW ended? You had the Roulette Title won after you eliminated Mercedes but because you were so busy gloating you didn’t see Melissa’s foot coming until it had an intimate meeting with your face, costing you the Ultimate X Over the Pool Match! That wasn’t your brightest moment was it Kayla? Sure you bounced back in the Indian tour but considering all the success you had since then? Not a great start is it, oh wait, you hate the Roulette Division don’t you? Even though there’s plenty of evidence that the girls in that division go even harder than the Internet and World Bombshell Divisions.

Is it because it’s the one division you never succeeded in? Or do you prefer to ignore the black eye on your otherwise impeccable title record? Don’t answer that Kayla, we both know the answer.”

It’s that simple.

”The long and short of it is Kayla is that it’s about damn time someone took you down a peg and losing potentially your last Climax Control Match before Into the Void? Yeah, that’ll do the trick and I’m happy to be the one to serve you a taste of the humble pie!” Harper said as she stepped forward. ”Go ahead Kayla, try to find something original to use against me because I’ve heard it all by now, “oh she lost to Bea” big fucking deal! Everyone and their mother has used that bullshit decision against me, “oh she’s just a younger Jessie” how many times do I have to say that that’s not true?! Even when that one quote about the Roulette Title got twisted to make it seem like I was already making noise about a return match after I lost to Bobbie I was quick to shoot that down! Give me something new because I’m sick of hearing the same old bullshit being thrown at me by other wrestlers who know fuck all about me!

Or don’t, either way I’ll make you eat your words on a silver fucking platter.”

And with that Harper decided to wrap things up.

”I’m the underdog here Kayla, you know it, I know it, the Turkish crowd will know it, everyone knows it! But either I score the biggest upset win of the year or I go down fighting, or hell, maybe I’ll score my first ever draw in SCW?” Harper shrugs her shoulders as she folds her arms, ”This may seem like an easy win to you Kayla but if you head into this match thinking that then you’ll have your head so far up your own ass that I’ll have to kick your backside to give you a concussion! Until then? I’ll shock the world at “Wasn’t Built In A Day Part VII: My Greatest Challenge?” because the world needs a new hero and her name is “The Slaytanic Avenger” Harper Mason!”

Harper turned off her camera as the scene fades.