The summer vacation for Anela had gone by much too quickly if you asked the young girl, and even more so if you were to ask her family in Hawaii. Her adoptive mother’s family and her dad’s had both wanted to see her more often, and while the offer for visits in Las Vegas still remained, it simply wasn’t enough. So Tempest had come up with the solution of bringing Anela home to Hawaii during summer vacation from school and just let both sides of the girl’s families spoil and indulge her to their collective heart’s content. And as summer vacation was quickly coming to an end and the school year in Las Vegas was starting again, it was time for Tempest to take her daughter back and bid farewell to her native Honolulu. But … if you knew anything about her immediate family, you would know that her mother Nalani would not allow her daughter nor adoptive granddaughter to simply leave without the benefit of one of her famous family feasts.

Of course, this afforded the father-daughter tandem of Kaimana and Alleyne aka Tempest to take an extensive walk around the neighborhood where the Mahoe family home was, a rare enough occurrence that they were not able to indulge in as often as they might prefer. As her mother Nalani had often pointed out, both in jest as well as her own brand of wisdom, the surroundings were more nature than neighborhood. True there were the given houses and neighbors both old that they had known since she and her brothers were children, and new - many whom she had laid eyes on during one of her visits but had yet to be introduced to by her parents. All around were palm trees, Tibouchina, Bird of paradise and Ohelo Kau La'au and many other plants and flowers native only to the state of Hawaii. To the common tourist, these were treasures denied them as they could not be brought from Hawaii back to any other state in the nation due to potential invasive pests or viruses, but here to the natives of this paradise, it was a simple indulgence to look at and appreciate.

Kaimana: You know, your mother would have much rather had you helping in the kitchen than taking this walk with your old man.

To which he was gifted with a side-eye from his daughter, one filled with not only bitter sarcasm but a touch of self-deprecating good humor.

Tempest: I’m sure Mom would rather her meal not be ruined by someone that barely knows a pot from a pan. And besides, she has Iolana helping her.

Kaimana: I’m sure you can appreciate the fact that while having your daughter-in-law help, there’s something just a little more special in having your only daughter help out with the family meal.

Tempest: Yeah, well… I stand by what I said. I’m just no good at being in the kitchen. I wasn’t when I was a kid, I wasn’t any better when I married Malulani - and I think I’ve only gotten worse since.

Kaimana: And since getting custody of Anela…?

Tempest: I try, but I think the kid is just too polite to tell me if my cooking sucks so she just eats whatever I put in front of her. To spare her mama’s feelings. It’s either that or a strict diet of McDonalds…

Kaimana hissed a breath in between his teeth, taking in the air at the sheer idea and this time it was his daughter’s turn to smile and nod.

Tempest: I know, I know! Mom would never forgive me for feeding a growing child that junk instead of a ‘good, home cooked meal’.

Her dad turned to her as they walked, an impish and somewhat knowing smile registered on his face.

Kaimana: You still do though, don’t you?

To which his daughter answered by holding up two extended fingers.

Tempest: Twice a week at most. Give the child a break from the disaster which is my kitchen.

The two continued their walk in a comfortable silence as neither father nor daughter were much for idle chit chat or small talk, even when it came to members of the family. Especially when it came to members of the family. After all, family should already know one another well enough than have to kill time by filling an otherwise embarrassed silence between them.

Kaimana: So you have to leave for Las Vegas in the morning…?

Tempest: Just long enough to get Anela settled at Gabriel’s before I hop on the plane to Japan.

Kaimana shook his head and pursed his lips, letting loose with a low, shrill whistle.

Kaimana: Cutting it pretty close.

Tempest: True, but it’s one of the perks I get for being both a mom and a career woman I suppose. Then I leave to get back to Vegas until I have to hop on the next plane for the next tour stop.

Kaimana: I guess that’s one way to rack up the air miles but aren’t you worried about exhausting yourself?

Tempest: I admit it’s not going to be easy but I wouldn’t say I’m worried. Anela is starting school this week and I have to get her back in time for that so I can’t take her with me on the tour. It’d be too much for a little girl to endure on a six week stretch. She went through that enough with her dad when he was touring. She’s not going to go through it with me.

To that, Kaimana could only nod with appreciation; respecting the fact that his daughter was more worried about the effects of her daughter being separated from her mom for an extended period of time as opposed to worrying about the effects such travel would have on her own mind and body.

Kaimana: Well, you know what a good solution for that would be…?

And the moment he said that, Tempest stopped walking and closed her eyes, head tilted back and she drew in a deep breath. She opened her eyes and she met the own unwavering stare of her dad in reciprocation.

Tempest: Please… do not tell me things would be much simpler if I were to just move back home. Because it’s like I told Mama, that would not help matters. If anything, it would cause me more issues that it would solve.

Her father frowned, not understanding. Clearly this was one of those times it would have been better had his wife and he had one of those rare chats.

Kaimana: How do you mean?

Tempest: These tours happen  only twice a year in SCW so that is simple enough to handle. I can outlast the stress. But if I had to fly back and forth between Hawaii and Nevada or wherever every week? That would do me in even quicker! Plus, it’s like I told Mama. I’m still being watched by the courts as far as Anela goes. My only source of income here is my bonds business and I already know that it would be seen as a detriment in their eyes for the time being.

Kaimana: Well… you can’t blame a dad for trying.

Tempest scoffed.

Tempest: Yes I can! You let Mama get you to try and do her dirty work for her! The woman doesn’t know how to take no for an answer.

Kaimana: Part of her charm.

But of course, as the afternoon moved on, it was time for the Mahoe family feast to commence and all so that they could say goodbye for now to not just Tempest, but the newest and youngest addition to their already extensive family; namely young Anela. And Nalani’s reputation for cooking and knowing how to lay out a feast was very well deserved as along with her daughter-in-law’s help, the dining room table was covered in various traditional Hawaiian dishes such as Poke, Lami Lami Salmon, Huli Huli Chicken and several others. And in the Mahoe family tradition, it was basically every person for themselves when it came to laying hands on the dishes - save for Tempest commandeering the offered plates and bowls for Anela’s benefit and her older brother Konane doing the same for his wife.

All in all a pleasant way for the family to celebrate their daughter and granddaughter when Konane stood up from his seat and picked up a glass. Her turned his head to his wife - Iolana - and she soon joined him in standing, her complexion taking on a slight blush behind her smile.

Konane: Alleyne, I know this meal is mom’s way to say goodbye for now to you and Anela, but I spoke with her and Dad and told them that Iolana and I had something we needed to say and I hope you don’t mind our stealing a bit of the spotlight?

Tempest just waved off his concern.

Tempest: Steal away.

Her brother smiled with gratitude and he draped an arm around Iolana’s shoulder and drew her in close. Their eyes roamed about the gathered room.

Konane: Well, there’s no other way to say it but Iolana and I have been trying to start a family for about a year now and … She’s pregnant.

Nalani gasped, dropping her silverware to the plate in front of her and she covered her mouth with her fingers.

Nalani: You-you’re…

Konane: We’re having a baby, Mama!

The room lit up with cheers and a collective symphony of good wishes and words of congratulations. Practically everyone was now on their feet and many made their way over to the happy couple to embrace them and give them their best wishes; chief among them - the Matriarch, Nalani herself. She bugged her oldest son tightly and kissed him on his cheek before moving over to her daughter-in-law and she cupped her face in her hands.

Nalani: I can’t tell you how happy I am! Oh I think I’m going to cry!

She drew Iolana into her arms for a big hug, the tears falling freely down Nalani’s face.

Nalani: Our first grandbaby!

Tempest simply froze from where she had just placed a hand on her brother’s shoulder and she turned and stared at her mother and what she had just said. Her youngest brother, Nohea, even frowned. Her father noticed and looked at his daughter, then at his wife who remained oblivious to the sudden swell of tension that quickly had filled the room. Tempest cast a quick look to where Anela still remained in her seat and her heart broke at her daughter’s pained expression, avoiding all eye contact…

---

One of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks, Shinjuku Gyoen is a paradise filled with spacious lawns, walking paths and some of the most delightful and tranquil scenery offered. It is a literal oasis away from the sprawling suburban life that surrounds it which is Tokyo itself. And within this natural botanical gardens there are no less than three gardens made famous; the oldest in the nation featuring a landscape of gardens, large ponds and bridges.

And it was on one of these very bridges that overlooked the largest pond dotted by manicured shrubs and majestic swans swimming along in the waters that had fallen blossom petals of many colors cascading from overlapping branches into the waters below - here stood none other than Tempest who sought a much needed respite from the surrounding public and her assigned duties for this the Royal Pain tour of 2024.

Ever since she stepped off of the plane at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, she had been besieged by fans who anxiously awaited a chance to meet her. They refrained from troubling her in the airport itself nor in the hotel lobby, simply because that was how such things were handled with celebrities in the Land of the Rising Sun. And when professional wrestling was involved, things could be even more hectic. All around the world, pro wrestling was popular. In Japan, it was considered art. And it’s wrestlers?

Artists.

In Japan, more so than perhaps anywhere else in the world, professional wrestling and the men and women who made it their life’s craft - they were both respected and revered. Even those seen as ‘heels’ were widely revered and sought after and Tempest simply needed to get away. A woman of her own imposing physical stature was a natural phenom in Japan, and she could not step outside of the hotel without fans rushing her or taking snapshots from afar.

Here at the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden? She was offered a brief respite. Her forearms rested on the rail of the perfectly crafted wooden bridge and her amber eyes watched the swans at play as she spoke.

“So, Summer XXXTreme XII is over and so is my reign as the Internet Champion and the one constant that I’ve had to endure since is a simple question - but one that so far remains unanswered is … ‘Where do I go from here?’ And I have to be honest and tell everyone out there right now that’s watching and listening the very same thing I told the first reporter that cornered my onboard of that blasted ship. And that is simply…”

She shrugged.

“I don’t know. I have barely had time to think since I dropped the championship to Julianna in what had to be one of my hardest fought losses since I first came to SCW. Aside from dealing with personal issues and then traveling here to Japan for commitments to this tour, I have barely had time to breathe - let alone figure out where I stand in the grand scheme of things. I’ve been asked time and again if I intended to challenge Julianna DiMaria to a rematch to try and get the Internet Championship back, given I was guaranteed a rematch clause in my contract. Right now…”

Her hands on the railing, she fully extended her arms outstretched and she looked around.

“I think I’m fairly content to let Julianna have her time in the sun while I think about where I want to go next. This was, after all. My first singles run and I think I did so fairly impressively if I do say so myself - which I just did. But do I want to cut her reign short and take the title back…? Do I want to make a run at the Roulette or World title or do I just want to sit back and see where things fall into place on their own…?”

She shrugged her shoulders and lowered herself back down to her previous position.

“Personally I’d love to drag Austin’s ass back to sign a contract and go after the tag team titles again. Finn and Kayla have gotten way too comfortable with those titles and I would love to end that run but that’s neither here nor there. I think for the time being I am pretty content where I am right now. Take a breather and just wait and see what Mark Ward might have in store for me in the coming weeks. ”

“And right now… where I stand is apparently going to be across the ring from the ‘other’ Lukas sister - and probably one of the best SCW has ever signed to either division - namely Alicia Lukas. And the moment I got the text, telling me to be in Japan and who I was going to be up against in the first show back since Summer XXXTreme XII, all I could do was smile. Seriously … I smiled. Because when you go on a big tour like this, and when you go to Japan of all places where professional wrestling is one of the biggest forms of both sport and art, you want a show that is going to create a lasting impression for all of these Japanese fans. Mark Ward hit things just right when he signed a match between Alicia Lukas and myself! This… this is going to be the match that steals the show!”

“Sorry and all due respect to the Main Event and the men but I hope the lot of you don’t get your hopes up on this one. Oh I know every one of you is going to do your best and put on a show that is going to burn itself into the minds and memories of every person in attendance and watching from around the world but ladies? Gents?”

Tempest smirked and shook her head.

“Alicia and I have this one in the bag.”

Tempest stood upright on the bridge and turned and she started to walk to the other side.

“This isn’t even the first time that I’ve been in the ring with one of the Lukas sisters. Zoey gave me the fight of my life almost two years ago at High Stakes XII. And if I am going to be entirely honest? I would have to name Zoey right up there as one of my top five toughest opponents. The only two I would even bother to rank over her would be Bobbie Dahl – number one, and Julianna DiMaria, number two. Bobbie is the first chick that gave me as good as she got and … she beat me! Julianna for obvious reasons because the bitch is half my size and she was still woman enough to take my championship away!”

“I know you’re watching this right now Alicia, and you are probably asking why Zoey isn’t higher than Julianna or Bobbie. Family loyalty and all that, but the truth of the matter is pretty simple. After that match, Zoey went public and called me out for ending her unbeaten streak and not taking advantage of the momentum that the win gave me. Well, on the flip side, I have a question for you Alicia. Well, actually, it’s for your sister but if you could do me the favor and pass it along to her, I’d really appreciate it.”

She turned to face the camera directly.

“I didn’t take advantage of that win or the momentum behind it, I admit that. I was dealing with injuries and personal issues and I had to start over from practically the very beginning. But if I didn’t take advantage and I’m still here - now a former Internet Champion ready for god knows what … where is your sister? Where is Zoey? That chick had a couple of great opportunities placed at her feet and now she just vanished in the wind. She had all of the god damned potential to be the top thing in this business! She has the size! She had the look! She had the talent! And she just up and left, flushing all of that wasted potential down the toilet like a snotty ball of Kleenex! But then there’s you…”

Tempest arrived at the edge of the pond, kicking off her slip on shoes to allow her bare toes to enjoy the tickling sensation of the freshly manicured grass. The smile was self evident on her face, and it was genuine.

“Let’s face facts, the better of the Lukas sisters. That’s not my saying something to spark jealousy or dissent between the two of you. It’s just a simple fact. You are a three time World Bombshell Champion. You are the first woman to ever receive the Wrestler of the Year accolade in the year-end awards! Your reputation from before you ever signed to SCW, to your previous run right up to your current, has been hard fought and well-earned! To put it bluntly…”

“Everything that you earned and accomplished, your sister strived to match. She wanted that world championship. She wants the world to look at her the way they look at you. But for God's sake! Zoey needs nothing more than to be seen as her own woman! That's all she needs! Her own title reigns! Her own accomplishments! I'm more than anyone else, aside from possibly you, want to see that bad ass bitch BACK in SCW so she can show the world she is one person only! Herself!”

“But the here and Now is not about her. It's about you, Alicia. It's about you and me being backed into something of a corner given our personal situations with one person. And you know who I'm talking about. The man that captured your heart, it's the very same man prove to me that not all people suck someone who is the first person that I truly opened up to and became my best friend.”

“I can remember it clear as day, Alicia. When you were Queen and you booked that Mixed Tag Team Championship match. You didn't do it to give me or your teammate some opportunity. You did it as a joke at Austin's expense at the time. Will lo and behold, he and I took advantage of that opportunity and ran with it! And while we started off as tag team partners, thanks to you, I made one of the closest friends of my entire life. That I have to thank you for. That I owe you.”

“But you bringing Austin into my life is not in any way going to save your ass come Sunday. Don't get me wrong. I've talked big before and ended up falling flat on my face. It happened with Mercedes. It happened with Julianna. Hell! It even happened against Seleana once!”

“Before your hiatus, whether it be from lack of booking on the part of the powers that be or whatever, before you were a force of nature. And that's coming from a woman literally named after one! But since your return? You've changed. And not for the worst, but for the better. There's a difference in your style now that I've watched and oh my god! I have come to appreciate! I wondered at one point what it would be like to step in the ring against you, well let's just say Christmas has come early this year for the both of us.”

“And before you or anyone else out there bothers to ask…”

She shook her head in the negative.

“No. I am not at all concerned about the elephant in the room. I might have been caught by surprise with the jokester who named Austin as the guest referee to our match, but I'm not worried about it. I'm not worried about him taking sides or calling things down the middle. Dividing his loyalties between his friend and his girlfriend. Not an issue in my mind. And why is that?”

“Because the man is smart enough to know that if he were to call it any other way other than down the middle, he would get the ever-loving crap kicked out of him by the both of us!”

Tempest nodded her head at the camera it acknowledgment, the corner of her lips turned upwards in a wry smile.

“So whatever happens, Alicia. Let's just kick the living shit out of one another and give these fans in Tokyo a reason to acknowledge the Bombshell division as the best that SCW has to offer!”

There was a reason why Hawaii remained at the top of the list of the world’s most desired of travel destinations. It didn’t matter whether people came here for honeymoons or a dream vacation to be shared amidst their families, it was a place that was right at the top of the travel bucket lists of thousands. The stunningly beautiful beaches and hiking trails with the most breathtaking views. Whale watching. The culture and yes – the exotic foods. All reasons why a near record ten million visitors come to this paradise each and every year, spending upwards of twenty billion. Yet here is a fact that many who come to the islands are not aware of - or they are but simply don’t care;

Many native Hawaiians are sick and tired of common tourists treating their homes like something akin to an amusement park.

Hawaii has seen its economy grow by leaps and bounds over the years, and it was mostly thanks to tourism. Call it one of those “taking the bad with the good” things we always hear so much about. In years past, large corporations fell in love with the white sand beaches of Hawaii - or rather, they fell in love with the profits that could be benefited from “modernizing” these places and taking away the simple surfing, diving and canoes of the locals and turn it into high-rise resorts along the shores to bring in the tourists and rake in the big bucks. They did it in Oahu and other major capital islands along the Hawaiian coasts, failing only in the more relatively obscure island of Molokai but the locals had fought back against it and surprisingly won. Reason being they saw something that many others in Honolulu and other islands did not - until the fact was too late.

The simple fact that the high cost of tourism would eventually displace the native people. Many who had grew up in Hawaii or had lived in it for generations would seemingly become displaced from their own homelands because greedy corporations had made it too expensive for anyone to actually call home unless they were some of the lucky ones. There was too much money to be made to bring people in only a handful of times a year and spend millions, rather than live here and bring in steady incomes of thousands.

Now while the locals watch as people from around not only the United States but the world come to their homelands, they do so more with a faux sense of annoyance at how entitled these visitors have become over the years, acting as if the locals should be grateful for their very existence. There have been stories of tourists trespassing on locals’ properties for photo opportunities and growing offended when told to leave. Emergency responders are being put at risk when tourists trespass in dangerous places, and all for that thrill. And of course, the fact that Hawaii does not have the means to dispose of garbage as other states do and thus much ends up polluting the waters that these very tourists seem to thrive off of.

Gabriel: I admit I never knew the local people felt this way about people visiting Hawaii.

Gabriel Stevens, the patriarch of his family - husband to Odette and father to Hazel and Lucas - said as he could not help but find himself relaxing on those very same luxurious white sand beaches that he had always heard about and only a handful of times during his career - enjoyed up close and personal. Dressed only in a pair of colorful swim shorts, Gabriel sat back in the lounge on the sands, enjoying the full power of the sun but with none of those rising temperatures he had come to know in Las Vegas. In Nevada and many other parts of the country, they were seeing triple digits rise. Here in Hawaii during even the summer months, the average temperature was eighty-five degrees. It was perfect.

But Gabriel - like Odette - was so much more than just the family man and woman that they were in the here and now while they enjoyed their family vacation here in Honolulu by invitation. To the men and women of whom they trained for a life inside of the wrestling ring, they were both friends and family. People whom they could talk to and freely give advice - and not just on matters of the industry. Becoming as close as a relatively dysfunctional family could get, they could - and have - listened to the  personal problems their students were going through and often gave heartfelt advice for the betterment of their lives. Names such as Evie Baang to Carter McKinney and even Fenris have benefited at confiding in their trainers. Because to the Stevens, those men and women were not just investments. They were practically their kids in a sense.
Save for one person in particular.

Tempest: I’ll be honest; I’m a little surprised that you accepted my invitation.

Tempest had really never allowed herself to grow as close to the Stevens as many of the other students, nor had she allowed herself to benefit from their personal wisdom. Not that she didn’t want to and at times she had often come close, it was just that since she was a kid, Tempest had always been a very private person. Even amongst her brothers and her parents, she did not feel the need to come to them and brother them with her personal troubles. And that was just what she felt she would be doing if she went to anyone to, in her own words, “bitch and complain”. She would be bothering them. And it wasn’t until she had developed the close bonds of friendship with Austin James Mercer that she did not truly understand the value of having a friend to confide in and relieve some of the burdens of that proverbial weight from the shoulders.

And as far as being “one of the kids”? As much as Tempest appreciated the sentimental feel, she found it somewhat difficult to wrap her head around considering she was closer in age to the Stevens than any of their other “kids”.

Of course this wasn’t to say that Gabriel himself hadn’t managed to crack those self-imposed walls of isolation she had erected around herself. The simple fact she didn’t have much choice but to let one or two from the Gym inside of her personal shell; Gabriel being the chief amongst them as he was her personal advisor in all things business, but business could often stray to more personal topics and Gabriel had this expertise way about him in working his way inside when he thought someone close to him might need a shoulder to cry on. And of course, it didn’t hurt things any that Despayre often had the means to find things out when nobody else was able.

Gabriel: Well, there was really no reason not to. There was a break in between classes and everyone who graduated had either their own thing going for a while and didn’t need access or they were busy on the road themselves … like you…

Tempest nodded as she listened, her eyes remaining hidden behind the amber colored shades as she looked out over the vast sands of the beach and more specifically, as Anela gleefully played alongside her best friend Lucas and his little sister Hazel.

Gabriel: Plus, we did agree that we couldn’t keep those two away from each other for long. And the kids have never been to Hawaii so… win/win?

Tempest just silently nodded along with the observation, but saying nothing had something of an adverse effect because it drew Gabriel’s attention closer to her than she might have preferred. He turned his attention away from the kids, a safe gamble as right beside him was Odette who was soaking in the rays but knowing his wife, never taking her eyes off of her “little ones”.

Gabriel: Something on your mind?

Tempest: Hm?

She finally noticed that Gabriel’s eyes were on her just as fast and hardened as his attention. She turned to her trainer and shook her head.

Tempest: No? Why do you ask?

Gabriel chuckled, tilting his head ever so to the left with that charismatic smile on his face.

Gabriel: Come on, Alleyne.

Using her given name and not her ring name was often a sign that things were about to get uncomfortably personal. She shifted in her lounge chair, her one piece swimsuit once comfortable, now seemingly tighter than it should be and restricting.

Gabriel: I thought you and I were done with these little song and dance numbers between us. Now it’s pretty evident that something is on your mind so how about we skip the part where I have to successfully - and expertly mind you - pry it out of you and we just get to the part where you say what it is that you have to say…

But Tempest proved to be about as stubborn as anyone the Stevens had ever set foot inside of the GO Gym, including themselves and perhaps even more so than the infamous Fenris who would often take anyone down a peg or two who thought it within their rights to get up in his business.

Tempest: I don’t have anything to say, Gabriel. I just have some things running through this thick skull of mine and it’s been hard to settle them down.

Gabriel continued to watch her for some response - any response - but a squeal of laughter from the kids diverted their attention momentarily and they watched for a few seconds as a laughing Lucas was being held down in the sand by Anela and Hazel was hurrying as fast as she could to fill up her neon green pail with sand to do the traditional burying of someone in the sands. Lucas was just a willing victim, er, participants, for the girls. But the distraction didn’t prove to be long enough for Tempest’s liking as Gabriel turned back to her and inquired.

Gabriel: So…? Is it about your next defense against Julianna?

Tempest frowned. Yes, even from behind the shades that covered her eyes and served an even better purpose in hiding any betrayal of emotions, Gabriel could still read his student like a book. It most had to do with body language as her posture shifted, but Gabriel was just good when it came to people. Tempest scoffed, but that only served as a catalyst for Gabriel who felt genuine concern when one of “his kids” had something troubling them and he almost took it personally when he felt that they couldn’t confide in him. And knowing this, Tempest could only sigh with resignation as she knew Gabriel well too.

She knew that he would not ease up in his probing until she either blew her stack or he got what he wanted out of her. And she knew damn well as volatile a temper as she had, she didn’t have it within herself to lose her cool where this one man was concerned. And he knew it too.

She set her book down - yes she brought a book to the beach. While this was a tropical paradise to millions, it was a comfortable home to her. In fact, her actual home where she, Anela and the Stevens were staying was not actually that far away from where they were soaking up the sun and playing in the water. She resigned herself to the inevitable and she turned at the waist, her arm propped on the lounge chair’s armrest.

Tempest: Look, I might have some … concerns, about this defense against Julianna, but that’s really not what’s been going through my head. I’ll get past it…

Gabriel: What are the concerns?

His question and the obvious skipping past where she basically blew the concerns off was not at all lost upon her. She slowly reached up and removed her shades. It was obvious she was about to speak but Gabriel was an expert in battles of both wills as well as wits. A testament to his years-long bond with Despayre who had this way of keeping anyone around him on their proverbial toes. And Gabriel was second only to Synn himself when it came to being able to keep up with “his Despy”.

Gabriel: Look Alleyne, I know you don’t like to confide in people too much because it feels like you’re putting your burdens on someone else’s shoulders but I have news for you…

She raised her brow questioningly and Gabriel gave as good as he got in equal measure as he too leaned over to look her right in the eye.

Gabriel: That’s what friends are for. To help each other shoulder their burdens. Same with family.

Tempest: I don’t share that much with my family.

Gabriel: Bullshit.

The father of two quickly checked himself and glanced off to where the kids were, and was relieved that neither was near enough to overhear his proverbial slip of the tongue. He and Odette had an agreement to limit cursing in front of the kids as much as possible lest they inadvertently pick up the same habits. Gabriel turned back to her and shook his head.

Gabriel: I happen to know that you and your Mom are very close, and you told me once you were a ‘Daddy’s Girl’.

Tempest shrugged those wide shoulders of hers and cocked her head, acknowledging the fact.

Gabriel: And don’t even get me started on those brothers of yours… I know your family unit is a tight knit one. You’re seriously telling me that you don’t confide in them?

Tempest: Not as much as you might expect me to. My Dad is the only one who really sees me as the adult woman that I am. But my Mom and brothers? I’m still Mom’s baby girl and my brothers are still over protective even if I am bigger than two out of the three of them.

Gabriel snorts back a laugh as he nods, self-satisfied.

Tempest: But that’s personal. I never talk to them about my career. Either one of them.

Gabriel: Why not?

Tempest: Because despite my father and brothers being all military men, they still think being a bounty hunter is too dangerous a career – especially for a grown ass woman like myself. Misogynistic, but that’s family for you. And don’t even get me started on my Mom’s views… Her little girl carrying sand chasing down bail jumpers? She about cried a river when I first started and she still hasn’t gotten over it.

Gabriel: And the whole wrestling thing…?

Tempest scoffed back her own laugh and shook her head, turning back to rest back against the lounge chair.

Tempest: My nieces and nephews are more into the idea that their aunt is some bad ass wrestling star, but my Mom thinks it’s unladylike and she’s worried I’ll get hurt.

Gabriel had to concede on her mother’s behalf because Tempest had been plagued by a handful of minor injuries that caused her momentum to come to a screeching halt more than once. But the thing about his charge that Gabriel most admired is the fact as hard as it hit her personally to be taken out of action - albeit briefly - in a sport that took its stars vastly for granted, that she always managed to find a way back and to pick up right where she had left off.

Gabriel: And your brothers and Dad?

She casually shrugged, indifferent.

Tempest: They watch and support me, but I don’t think it’s their cup of tea. They’re more into the MMA scene. They were disappointed when Fenris retired.

Gabriel: So… changing the subject aside… nice segway by the way – Julianna? What’s the problem there?

Tempest: You mean besides the fact I’m starting more and more not to really trust her?


Gabriel: What brought that on? I thought the two of you had an understanding going into this match?

Tempest shook her head, finding it hard to put into words.

Tempest: Call it a gut instinct. I can’t really pinpoint any one thing but just going by some of the random things she’s posted on twitter makes me think she’s blowing smoke up my ass with this whole respect thing and just waiting to catch me off guard.

Gabriel: Funny that … Isn’t that one of the things that Odette and I drilled into you from Day One? Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see?

Odette: And always be on your guard and trust your instincts.

Both Gabriel and Odette turned to Odette who took her attention briefly away from the playing kids and looked between the pair.

Odette: Sorry. I couldn’t help but overhear since I was listening in but I thought it worth mentioning.

Gabriel chuckled as he turned back to Tempest with a smirk on his face.

Gabriel: She speaks the truth, that wife of mine. If something is telling you to be cautious about Julianna, then you probably should be. But it still doesn’t explain why you’re feeling apprehensive about…

Tempest: Gabriel…! How many times do I need to explain that I am not feeling apprehensive about the match – or about Julianna for that matter! The concerns that I have are more about me than they are about her. I don’t have any doubt that I can take her but it’s this nagging feeling that it’s going to take more than just my usual ‘ground and pound’ method.

Gabriel: Well, it’s worked out well for you against everyone else that you’ve been in the ring against. Win or lose, you send a message.

Tempest: Save for chicks like Zoey and Bobbie. Then I just have to get creative because it’s not easy to overwhelm a woman that’s basically you’re equal in size or strength.

Gabriel: Neither of which, Julianna happens to be.

Tempest shook her head, finding it hard to relay her point.

Tempest: No, but there’s just this nagging doubt I should not get too comfortable with her. Whether or not I can beat her into paste isn’t the issue here. I don’t want to just ‘send a message’ to her or anyone else watching and waiting to pick the bones clean. I want to beat her and leave no question about the fact.

Gabriel nodded, satisfied that he got this much out of her thus far.

Gabriel: I can appreciate that. I have to admit that I’d be disappointed if you were glossing over a former World Champion like her, like she was someone on the bottom tier of the roster. I would have thought I’d have taught you better.

Tempest: You have.

She found herself admitting with the slightest of nods, yielding to his train of logic.

Termpest: Which is why I think I need to expand things in the ol’ arsenal a bit. Just enough to throw her off.

Gabriel turned and looked out onto the watershed that surrounded the ocean and nodded.

Gabriel: I think that can be arranged.

Before he turned back to address one more concern. Crossing one more bridge that he knew she had yet to fully open up about.

Gabriel: Can I assume that you’re also not looking forward to the cruise itself?

Tempest: What makes you think so?

Gabriel: You told me. … The first time you were ever scheduled to compete on a Summer XXXTreme cruise. You said the cruise brought back bad memories.

Tempest sighed, feeling a fresh burden growing heavier on her shoulders. One that she doubted that she would ever be free from.

Tempest: They always do.

There was a brief moment of lingering silence that separated the pair until Gabriel finally broke it, asking the one question that he had been secretly confided in by someone else other than her.

Gabriel: Is it because of your husband?

And that certainly got a reaction as Tempest whipped her head around to stare at Gabriel, more so in surprise that he knew than by any harsh response she might have been wanting to bring up.

Tempest: How did you… Ugh! Despy!

She shook her head in faux annoyance at the little guy’s bad habit of simply knowing things about virtually anyone. And he was not shy in the methods in which he was able to do so!

Tempest: Has he been looking up my history again?

To which Gabriel chuckled, finding it strangely satisfying that rather than drawing her anger… Despayre’s habits seemed more to confound the amazon. Especially considering the fact that it was well known in the GO Gym that Despayre was deathly afraid of her.

Gabriel: Give my Despy a Cherry Coke and a pretzel covered in cheese and he can find out anything about anyone…

She gave him a look but he held up a hand to forestall any further protests.

Gabriel: And no I didn’t! Despy just grew curious when he noticed your wedding band but never spoke of your husband. And when something gets the little nutter curious, he tends to find things out.

Tempest: Christ….

He watched as she fidgeted, an effort in itself given her vast amounts of pride and confidence.

Gabriel: Alleyne? If you can share with Mercer, then I’ll be damned insulted if you can’t give me that same courtesy. … Talk to me.

Tempest exhaled, her breath as shaky as it had ever been as she removed the shades from her eyes and watched Anela for what felt like forever before she turned to Gabriel…

To Be Continued ….

---

“I make no promises in telling anyone out there that I am an easy person to get along with. Because I know for a fact that I am not. I am not a people person. I am not like my mother who my entire family would label as a social butterfly. That woman could walk into a building filled with strangers and she would just start striking up conversations with whomever was nearest to her and leave that building with a half dozen brand new friends. Me on the other hand? Not so much. I’m more like the one person that is seated in the corner, trying to avoid that very person so that they won’t bother me and I don’t have to talk to them. And aside from a few very random exceptions to the rule, such as Mercer or Gabriel, I have no problems at all keeping to myself and relying on myself and my own. I mean, it’s worked so far for me in this life of mine. So why bother to fix what isn’t broken?”

“And for the record, I might have even included Crystal Zdunich in the names listed before if she hadn’t just up and walked without so much as a goodbye or a reason why. So … to hell with the self serving witch.”

“But this isn’t really about her, or even me for that matter. It’s more about the one other person I am pretty confident is watching this as we speak and that’s the chick I’m getting on that godforsaken cruise for the sole purpose of putting my Internet Championship on the line against. You know I’m talking about you, Julianna. So do us both a favor; draw up a chair. Pour yourself a glass of wine or whatever else it is that you drink. Put a pillow behind your head and just get comfortable because I have a thing or two that I’d like to discuss with you.”

“First and foremost, I admit that I came into this first promo between us, somewhat at a loss. I know chicks such as yourself are never really at much of a loss for words. You’re great on the mic and always have something to say to draw attention to yourself and make the whole world think it’s all about Julianna. Me? Not so much. I think it’s been painfully clear to everyone - yourself included, that I have never been much on words. Why bother wasting time on talking when you can expend your energy just going to work inside of that ring and doing what needs to be done? Namely beating the holy hell out of the person standing across the ring from you? But… unfortunately, I understand that these damn promos are something of a necessary evil so just bear with me for a moment.”

“Its not even as if I don't have things that I could easily say to you, it's just a matter of whether or not I want to bother saying them. You see, I have a handful of pet peeves in this industry that you and I share between us. One of them being what I call repeat offenders. And I'm not talking about people who are consistently stabbing each other in the back backstage, either for the benefit of getting a better spot on the card or a championship opportunity. Or even speak attacking someone to give them an upper hand and a better advantage of the match that they've already been signed to. I'm talking about those people that step in front of a microphone and say the exact same thing, over and over again.”

“And that is where I'm finding myself right now, if that makes sense. Because whether or not it was in a promo or some spot backstage, you and I have talked. Maybe not personally between us but about one another. And I find it tiresome to say the same thing about the same person, over and over. Which makes being booked against the same person more than once difficult when people watching are expecting you to say something fresh and new. How granted you and I have never met inside the ring. This chance encounter on the cruise ship for the Internet Championship is going to be our first encounter. But that doesn't make things any easier when I've already told the world exactly how I feel about you.”

“Yeah, if I'm going to be brutally honest Julianna, I do somewhat fit you into the same mold of the average Barbie doll that I step inside of the ring with. You know the type; the sort of woman who makes sure her hair and makeup are just right and her boobs are perky for the camera. Not that is anything wrong with that I imagine. One of the main goals of being inside of that ring is to make sure the attention is on you, whether good or bad. But the difference between you and those other Barbie dolls? It's the simple fact that you don't make your appearance your entire personality. You want to look good. You want all eyes on you. But what it all comes down to is the simple fact that you can back up everything that your fake mouth talks about, week in and week out! And THAT is what I actually like about you! Not to draw a comparison to mainstream media but you look like Meghan but you fight like Chucky!”

“And I haven't had a whole lot of women that jumped out and made that kind of a connection for me. I've been excited in the past at getting into the ring with one person or another. Usually it's because they did something that really stuck in my craw and it made me just want to obliterate them, and bury them literally beneath the ring. Others? Women like Bobbie Dahl and Zoey Lukas were more than a match for me to get inside of the ring with..  THOSE are the type of opponents that I legit look forward to stepping inside the ring with. And women like you.”

“Mainly women who I know damn well are going to give me the type of match that I want. Women who are going to make me better than I see myself. Women who are going to bring the fight to me and are going to force me to fight even harder than I have previously! Because what in hell is the point of even being in this business in the first place, if the only ones you're comfortable getting inside of the ring with are people that you know you can put down easily within a matter of minutes?”

“I rank it right up there with Champions who either don't defend their titles on a regular basis or only do so against challengers who really have no business being inside of the ring with a champion! How can you call yourself a champion if you don't defend that championship? How can you call yourself the best if you only face the worst or if you avoid going against people that might give you an actual challenge?”

“Because that's what it's all about for me! The challenge! The thrill of finding myself in the ring against a woman that I know is going to give me a fight to be remembered! A woman that I know is going to make me the champion that I know I already am! That is why I'm looking forward to this title defense! And that is why I'm looking forward to defending against you, a former World Bombshell Champion!”

“Because I know what you're capable of inside of that ring. And I know what it's going to mean for me to be able to exit that ring with my head high, and the Internet Championship still in my possession! I'll let your expensive course, but in this business? Sometimes the ends justify the meetings.”

What is the one time of year that children most look forward to, whether they are five years of age or fifteen? Some might answer Christmas, others might say that the correct answer is their birthday. And while both answers are good ones and right up there at the very top of the list, the one day out of the year most kids, no matter their age, look forward to is the last day of school before summer break. I mean, come on! While birthdays and Christmas are great with their family atmosphere and those glorious presents, in the end when both are over, days later the children still must return to school. (Unless of course their birthdays fall within the confines of the summer months, and then all bets are off the table!)

The final day of school is one that fills each child’s heart and mind to the brink of overflowing with anticipation. The excitement of having anywhere between six weeks and three months off, depending on where you reside. Much like Christmas morning, you just can not sleep due to the unbridled nature of that one day. Then you watch the clock and count down the very last few seconds until that final bell rings and…

That was where we currently stood at just outside of the John S. Park Elementary School, as the cars were lined up along the city streets while parking at the school grounds were taken up mostly by the buses that transported the children to and fro. And while some parents who had nothing better to do and saw it as something of a position of prestige to get a parking spot on school grounds, such was not the case for Alleyne Mahoe, otherwise known as the reigning Internet Champion of the SCW Bombshell division - Tempest. Unlike those Karens and soccer moms that competed in the school’s version of Hunger Games just to park in the school parking lot, Tempest had better things to do with her time.

She had spent much of the day since Anela had gone to school at the GO Gym, preparing for her upcoming title defense against Mercedes Vargas at the final stop in the 2024 Battlegrounds Tour, culminating in Pearl Harbor. She had sparred against Mackenzie Page and Charlotte Elliot from London Underground, while tempering her workouts by continuing to hold records at the Gym in the weight lifting class. As was the norm between the pair, Tempest had tried to get the gargantuan enforcer of London Underground - Osbourne - to step inside of the ring with her for a sparring match but he wanted no part of it. Not that she intimidated him in any way, mind you. No, it was more to the point Osbourne, for all his size and fighting prowess, found the idea of facing a woman inside of the ring distasteful. Legit match or no.

Gabriel had to point out to Tempest the time was winding down before she was able to hurry up and grab a shower and change of clothes before she had to pick up both Anela, and as a favor to the Stevens, Lucas as well. And she arrived and found a halfway decent parking spot along the road just outside of the school when she, and the other parents like her, heard that final bell, heralding the end of her adoptive daughter’s first school year here in Las Vegas.

Minutes passed as children of all ages exited the elementary school in one huge swarm of bodies, separating from friends to go to either the waiting buses or searching for the car their parents would be picking them up in. As usual, it wasn’t that long of a wait when Tempest saw Anela and Lucas exiting the school side by side, chattering away to one another. Most likely about their upcoming plans for summer vacation and if she had to hazard a guess, most likely planning some ideas to hang out with one another at each others’ homes as well. When Anela first started school here, Lucas promised he would keep an eye on her and he did that and more. The two children had formed a strong bond of friendship between them. One in which Tempest herself was eternally grateful for the young boy being there for her daughter when she was concerned few others might be.

The two kids finally looked up from their conversation and glanced around, but it was Lucas who spotted Tempest first. A rather easy accomplishment considering she was a head above about ninety-five percent of the parents present - even the fathers! The two maneuvered their way around the campus until they arrived outside of the gates and walked down the pavement until they arrived at the passenger side of her Transverse where Anela hurried over and hugged her mom - you don’t have to use the ‘step’ part of that because Tempest is just that to Anela; her mom. And even after the hug was returned and the two separated, Lucas caught her by surprise by hugging her as well.

Far as he was concerned, she was Aunt Alleyne.

Once Lucas stepped back, Anela seemingly took on a downcast expression on her young face, giving Tempest cause for concern.

Tempest: What’s going on, baby girl? What’s wrong?

Lucas: We got our report cards before school let out.

Uh … oh! Report cards, and Anela looked defeated. Worried. Tempest looked back and away from Lucas to her own child and she held her hand out, beckoning for it to be handed over.

Tempest: Let’s see it.

And after a moment’s hesitation, Anela finally relented and held out the laminated printout of her final grades for the school year. Tempest snatched it, expecting the worst as her eyes roamed over the grades, and she lowered the report card and raised a brow.

Tempest: These are all As and Bs?

And that was when it all fell into place and the smiles brightened the faces of the two children and they broke out into a fit of hysterical giggles between them. They practically fell against one another and Tempest just sighed and shook her head in mock defeat.

Tempest: Okay, fine! Fine! You got me!

Still giggling, Anela pointed toward Lucas with an impish smile.

Anela: It was Lucas’s idea.

Tempest: Oh yeah?

Tempest leaned over at the waist and stared into the boy’s eyes, but he didn’t even flinch. This was the same young one who had charmed Fenris of all people - whether “the White Wolf” would admit the fact or not.

Tempest: Your idea?

But Lucas just struggled to hide his smile and contain his laughter but when Anela snorted from her own efforts, that just sent Lucas into overdrive and the two started laughing again. Tempest stood upright with that exasperated expression that every parent knows – and loves. She sighed and shook her head, reaching for the passenger door.

Tempest: Okay you two! Inside!

They did as instructed, Lucas scrambling into the backseat where he buckled himself in, setting his schoolbag on the floor of the vehicle. Likewise, Anela climbed in and buckled in, holding her own book bag on her lap, her arms wrapped around it protectively. Once inside herself, Tempest watched and waited for the traffic flow from the school to begin and she slowly pulled out onto the street, taking extra care between the people crossing the street and the cars and school buses.

As they proceeded along their way, Tempest glanced into the rearview mirror at Gabriel and Odette’s son as he watched the traffic through the window.

Tempest: Lucas, how did you do?

Lucas: Pretty good.

Anela: He got straight As.

Tempest looked from her daughter and back at Lucas through the mirror and nodded.

Tempest: You both did great.

Anela: Mom? Does this mean our deal is on?

They pulled up behind a Nissan Sentra at a red light and Tempest looked to Anela for clarification.

Anela: You said if I got good grades you’d take me to Hawaii with you for your show?

Tempest: Ahh! That deal…

She could feel her daughter watching her for any signs of an answer. Tempest scrunched her nose almost to a comical extent.

Tempest: Well….!


And the scene almost immediately transitions to Oahu, Hawaii, aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Tempest was walking along with her hand being held by Anela for safety reasons, while they visited the final destination of the Battlegrounds Tour. Tempest allowed no pictures to be taken by Anela as she felt it was somehow disrespectful to the history of what happened here that helped to spark the involvement of the United States in World War Two. She ranked it right up there with those disrespectful little shits who took selfies at Concentration Camps. Only after the tour had concluded was Anela allowed to take some pictures, the young girl making sure that her camera shy mom was in as many as she could sneak in.

Flags were present everywhere and many soldiers greeted her as well as several other Superstars and Bombshells who had also taken the initiative to tour this memorial before Sunday’s event. And several soldiers, knowing that Tempest had ties to the United States military thanks in part to the service of her husband, flocked to her for autographs and pictures.

Anela even went into a fit of childish laughter when one soldier struck a bicep pose alongside her mom and Tempest matched his pose, and outshined him as well to a point.

Anela believed this to be a deal well made, even if she had no idea that being so close to Maui, Tempest had fully intended to bring her to Hawaii anyway to visit family.


Dusk was falling here in Oahu, Hawaii, coloring the sky in a blanket of vastly different hues of the spectrum. Pinks, oranges, yellows and blues all blended together as the sun was slowly descending into the waters in which the Battleship Missouri Memorial was anchored and had been positioned in for lo these many years. Flags were flown high, and the military presence was strong as soldiers - men and women alike, marched along the battleship and the docks while tourist and local alike prepared for the conclusion of the day’s tours.

One such person remaining was the reigning Bombshell Internet Champion, Tempest, who stood along the docks and simply gazed out at the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Her armed were crossed and where a satisfied and somewhat peaceful expression had been worn earlier in the day with her daughter and mingling with the soldiers and fans, now her face was stoic and serious. Her mind was on an all business setting.

“Four months. I am almost going on four months since I bested Courtney Pierce in Las Vegas for the Internet title and even I have to admit surprise by just how satisfying it is to fulfill all of your promises in what you intended to do as champion. To tell the world just how badly you intend to break these little Barbie dolls into teeny, tiny little pieces and do just that… walking away still the champion…”

She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“There’s nothing quite like it. And I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve had some pretty grueling matches ever since I won the Internet gold. I’ve faced and defended against the likes of Crystal and Seleana Zdunich. The former champion Courtney Pierce herself… In fact, there was only a single blemish on my record since I got hold of this title of mine and that falls at the feet of the very same woman who I’m defending against in just a few days; Mercedes Vargas.”

Tempest scoffed, hands on her hips.

“To say that Vargas practically fell into this opportunity would be a vast understatement. She was like some animal hunting its prey. She stalked for just the right opportunity and when that chance presented itself, she struck. At least, that’s how the so-called wrestling experts are crediting her in how she accomplished becoming the top contender for this title. As for me and my own opinion? She got handed this opportunity because she’s gone from being one of the true greats in this division to a whiny little bitch with a dreaded case of the ‘Me, Me, Me’s’! The chick got so butt hurt because I stated one simple fact, that she simply wasn’t what she used to be. That she’s racked up losses faster than she ever has wins and time and again, squandered each and every championship opportunity handed to her! In short, I called her pathetic and that is an opinion that I stand by to this very day!”

“I mean, face facts Vargas! Before that non-title match of ours? When was your last win? How many title shots were you just handed based on your past reputation alone? You are not the same Mercedes Vargas that ruled the Bombshell division in years past! I can accept that fact, why can’t you?”

“But that’s where it all went downhill, isn’t it? You couldn’t accept it and you could accept my speaking the truth even less. So – you were stupid enough to attack me. But it got for you the chance you wanted and that was to face me inside of the ring.”

Tempest scoffed and held her hands up.

“But as stellar as your past record has been, wanting me in the ring is no burden of proof for your intelligence! You got battered. You got beaten. You got thrown around the ring like you didn’t even belong there any longer and against me? You didn’t! And you proved that when you had to break out the brass knucks to take me down and get your first win in how many months!? Now that I have to admit that it stung. Badly! For you to go week after week, month after month, being unable to get a win for yourself and lo and behold, your first win in all that time and it’s against me! Your use of brass knucks comes as small consolation because in the end, a loss is a loss and this chance at my championship you got for yourself?”

She shook her head.

“You proved that you don’t deserve it. Not really. Of course then you had to go and secure your standing by beating Crystal who thought she was going to take you down as a favor to me for one reason or another. And even I have to admit that it was a match for the ages, between two of the best bad ass bitches. And granted, you sent a message to the world that maybe, just maybe – deep down you still were Merces Vargas.”

“Well, now is your chance to prove it. Now is your chance to back up that bony ass of yours and prove to the world that you still have what it takes to be a champion in SCW! Just do yourself a favor this time around. Leave the brass knucks at home and come at me, woman to woman. Because trust me when I say if you think to cheap shot me again and steal this title away just to cement your ego?”

She shook her head.

“They will never find what’s left of you!”

John S. Park Elementary School

It was a day like most others for the parents of the students who attended John S. Park Elementary. The weather had grown blessedly warmer, the chilly winds of winter having given wayside to those warmer currents of spring. And while mornings and nights were still relatively chilly by comparison, the afternoons such as now had temperatures more befitting to spring, rising today to the mid-eighties with a clear blue sky and not a cloud to be seen. And here many of the hands on parents were,parked in the guest parking lot, ready to pick up their respective children while the yellow school buses lined the road in front of the school building, ready to bring the children home for parents who were unable to do as the others.

Resident SCW Bombshell and reigning Internet Champion Tempest was one of those lucky few whose schedule allowed her to personally pick up her stepdaughter Anela.Even were she unable, she would have found someone else - someone she trusted from the GO Gym, to do so for her as she preferred Anela not to ride the bus. Having gotten custody of her dear Malulani’s daughter so recently, she just wanted to handle everything herself. At least until the day arrived when Anela might tell her she wanted to ride the bus.

And even then.

Nevertheless, Tempest was waiting outside, leaning against the side of her Transverse while many other parents remained in their cars in the comforts of the air conditioning provided. Tempest’s reason for not doing the same was almost comical to anyone that knew her – or could see her. She didn’t want Anela to miss her, but considering that she stood taller than the vast majority of the rest of the adults present, even the men, the chances of that happening were slim. She scrolled idly on her phone, while stealing glances toward the school and waiting for the bell that would begin the weekend and send the children out. That was when she almost started when her phone started to vibrate.

Tempest frowned, as few ever called her save for her family in Hawaii. She checked the caller ID and as it turned out, it was none other than Gabriel Stevens on the other end. With a swipe of the thumb, she accepted the call and held it to her ear.

Tempest: Gabriel, what can I do for you?

Gabriel: Alleyne, I have a question for you, and maybe a favor if I may be so bold?

Tempest: A favor, hug? Boy you are bold! But go ahead, shoot.

Gabriel: You’re leaving for Flagstaff with us tomorrow afternoon, right?

Tempest: Yeah, last time I checked. Why?

Gabriel: Well, that’s where the favor comes in. Odette and I have to make a quick trip out of Vegas to Reno and we’ll be back first thing in the morning. Considering the kids will be with us for the flight tomorrow, we were hoping to keep them in Vegas for the night. Is there any chance you could watch Lucas and Hazel tonight?

Babysit? Her? Tempest pulled the phone away from her ear and stared at it briefly to make certain that not only did she hear correctly, but she was talking to the person that she thought she was. Soon enough, she returned to the call and answered.

Tempest: Yes, of course. God knows you’ve watched Anela enough so it’s the least I can do. Synn and Despy not available I take it?

Gabriel: Well Synn and Despy are already in Flagstaff. Apparently Angel wanted to scope out the arena early to get a good spot for his and Mackenzie’s betting table.

Tempest frowned and just as she was about to ask…

Gabriel: And don’t ask. I’ve learned not to. And Aron has the flu and probably won’t be making it to Flagstaff so I didn’t want the kids staying with him and K and risk getting sick.

Tempest: Aww! And after them, you thought of me!

Gabriel: Well… you know.

Tempest: Sure, bring the kids over soon as you can. But you should know I’m going to have company tonight and I’m not sure if you want the kids around him or not.

There was a brief pause following this nugget of a revelation, until Gabriel finally broke the stiff silence while from her end, she heard the tell-tale sound of the school bell finally sound.

Gabriel: Mercer?

Tempest: Yes, Austin is bringing his kids over. Haven’t seen the big lug for awhile so thought we’d take the kids out. We can include Lucas and Hazel but if you…

But before she could finish her sentence, Gabriel had the foresight to interrupt her train of thought. Gabriel was above all else, a consummate businessman where the sport of professional wrestling was concerned. He knew most of the men and women of SCW inside and out, Austin included. While he did not understand the close bond that had formed between his student and a man that had made life a relative hell for two of his other students, but that was not for him to judge. He knew that Austin was probably Tempest’s closest friend in the business where she had so few and for that, he was more than grateful.

Gabriel: Look, I’ll be honest. I don’t like the man for everything that happened between him and Carter and Kristjan. But I also know that it’s in the past and if Carter and Kristjan can move past it, so can I. Besides, one thing I know about Mercer is he’s as full of bullshit as he is bravado. He’s a good dad and likes kids so I have no real objections.

Tempest: Alright, drop them off as soon as you can. I’m picking Anela up now.

Gabriel: Will do, and Alleyne? Thanks.

Tempest: Pleasure.

And that being said, she ended the call just as her nine year old stepdaughter approached the car, carrying her book bag with a smile on her face. The fact that it was Friday and the start of the weekend, no doubt. Tempest pushed herself away from the vehicle as Anela approached.

Tempest: Well, looks like we’re going to have two more guests this evening?

Opening the SUV door and shoving her bag into the back, Anela looked up to her ‘mom’ with a wide eyed wonder.

Anela: Who?

Tempest: That was Gabriel on the phone. Seems Lucas and Hazel will be spending the night tonight.

Anela: Really??

Her smile was bright enough to light a room were they not out of doors and standing in the Vegas sunshine. Tempest strongly suspected that Anela was sporting something of a crush on Lucas but that was neither here nor there. So she just nodded to which Anela then frowned.

Anela: Was Synn or Fenris busy?

Tempest just made a face and nudged a giggling Anela to the open door of the car as she rounded about to climb into the driver’s side. Once inside, Tempest looked to the young girl to her right and gave her a little nudge to the arm.

Tempest: Maybe you'd like to invite another friend or two to go out with us tonight?

But to that suggestion, all Anela could do was shyly shake her head in the negative.

Tempest: Are you sure?

Anela just nodded that she was, in fact, quite certain. Hanging out with Lucas and Hazel would be quite enough and add Austin’s own kids to the equation and all would be just fine for her. Tempest just turned away, somewhat deflated, and she turned the key to the ignition to begin the journey home.


Maile: Alleyne?

The face of her sister-in-law, sister to her deceased husband, filled the screen of her phone as Face-timed her.This would be a surprise to anyone that knew either woman as it was evident for years that they did not get along from the moment Malulani had brought her home. His family considered it a betrayal to his late wife who had died three years ago, as if they believed the widower should have remained alone - perhaps forever. Maile was one of Tempest’s primary antagonists even to this day in how she now cared for and raised her niece.

But right now, there was nobody else that Tempest believed she could turn to for the advice that she had sought after.

Tempest: Listen, I’m sorry for calling you. I know I’m probably the last person right now you were expecting a call from.

To which Maile just raised her brows and shrugged one shoulder in slight acknowledgement to the truth behind the assumption.

Tempest: But I wasn’t sure who else I could talk to.It’s about Anela.

Maile: Anela? Is she alright??

Tempest: Yes, she’s fine. At least, I think she is.

Maile: You think? You mean you don’t know?

Tempest: Give me a br- look. It’s not like that. I’m still new to this whole other thing, okay? It’s just… I have a question I need to ask you.

Maile: … Okay…?

Tempest took one last glance into her apartment living room and saw as the three children, her own Anela and Gabriel and Odette’s children, Lucas and Hazel, were busying themselves watching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on the television.The kids were thoroughly engrossed in the film so she took that opportunity to step into her bedroom and close the door behind her.Only then did she find it =within herself to ask her sister-in-law…

Tempest: You helped take care of Anela when she was living with your mom,right?

Maile: Yes, Keanu and I were living with her at the time. So?

Tempest: When she was in school there… Did Anela have many friends?

Maile: What do you mean?

Tempest: I mean, did she have a lot of friends?

Maile: She had a few I guess. Two or three kids she would visit at their house or bring them home to stay over. Why?

Tempest: It’s just … I was concerned. She has a couple friends here but hasn’t really gone to any great lengths to make any more. Her dad was always so outgoing, he could make friends anywhere so I was hoping…

Maile: That this trait would be passed down from father to daughter?

This time it was Tempest who did not answer vocally but with a slight shrug and a nod of admission.

Maile: Alleyne, listen to me. And I know you’re not going to like hearing this but all things considered, you should. Yeah it’s a fact that my brother was what you might call a social butterfly. … But Kaia wasn’t.

Kaia. Anela's mother and Malulani’s first wife. It was something of a sore subject when her name was brought up because it was normally used as a weapon against her by Malulani’s family but this time?Not so much. At the stiffening of her shoulders, Maile held up a hand.

Maile: Relax, would you? You asked me for advice, so here I am giving it to you. Anela is exactly like her mother was. An introvert. She had a couple of close friends and for her, that was enough. Just like Anela. Not every kid has this huge circle of friends surrounding them at every given moment. I didn’t.

The temptation to say something scathing and witty was overwhelming but for the betterment of their shared love for Anela, Tempest managed to resist it.

Maile: Anela may or may not ever grow out of that introverted shell. Either way, so long as she’s happy and healthy, that’s all that should matter, yes?

Tempest finally exhaled as she heard the doorbell ring from outside of the room. She nodded and found herself saying what she believed formerly to be impossible.

Tempest: Thanks … Maile.

Maile blinked and leaned back at the waist.

Maile: Could you say that again? I want to set this to record or else nobody will believe it!

Tempest: Bitch…

Maile: Do you want to be the pot or the kettle?

There was something left unspoken between the two women, but the slight smirk on Maile's face was enough to speak volumes at a possible burnt bridge being on the mend. Tempest nodded and ended the call before she turned to open the door to find Anela racing for the front door to answer it. She swiftly pulled it open without first asking who it was, a big no-no where tempest was concerned and it would be addressed later.

But that was the first time Anela was meeting Austin James Mercer and her head tilted all the way back to look up at him with wide eyes.

Anela: Wow…

Tempest smiled at her stepdaughter’s initial reaction to Austin, his mere presence on par with her own to draw such an overwhelming reaction. But that was where his intimidation factor seemed to end when in a personal setting as the 6’6” Superstar took the initiative to kneel down on one knee, bringing himself (almost) to eye level with the little girl before him.

Austin: And you must be Anela.

Indeed she reverted to being a shy little girl once more, merely nodding. Austin was intimidating but quite handsome in his own right. And more than anything else, he was a stranger to her. But he was her mom’s best friend from what she understood and that was enough to trust him and (slowly) warm up to him. Anela nodded as Austin extended a hand and wrapped his fingers around her own in a gentle greeting as Tempest arrived at their side. Austin stood up to his full height and turned at the waist to look down at the two children who had arrived alongside him. His five year old son Marcus and three year old daughter, Ellie.

Austin: You two remember Alleyne?

It might be a little more difficult for the three year old to recall when her dad took her brother and her to Hawaii to recover emotionally from their mom’s sudden and unexpected death. Tempest asked no questions when she opened her home to them and worked tirelessly to help the children and their dad recover from the loss. The two kids stepped further inside and spotting what was playing on the TV across the apartment, Marcus pointed excitedly.

Marcus: Harry Potter!

And before his dad could stop either of them, not that he would have, Marcus and Ellie raced inside to join Anela, Lucas and Hazel in watching the movie! That was when Austin saw who else was present and he cast a questioning look to his friend and she just beckoned him to follow her to the kitchen.

Austin: Those Gabriel’s kids?

He asked as they entered the kitchen and Austin turned to lean at the waist against the bar counter so he could both speak privately with Tempest whole keeping an eye on his own kids. Tempest backed against the bar at his side and nodded.

Tempest: Yeah, they’re staying with me for the night as a favor to Gabriel and Odette so they’ll be joining us.

Austin: Hunh. Five kids and two adults. I guess a regular restaurant is out. We’ll have to find some place more kid friendly.

Tempest: if you think I’m going anywhere near the inside of a Chuck E. Cheese…

Austin snorted back a laugh, knowing the very idea of this amazon being inside of any place with an animatronic rat was as foreign as mustard on French fries.

Austin: I was actually thinking more along the lines of Adventuredome.

Tempest frowned but Lucas, who must have perfect hearing to overhear the adults' conversation from across the apartment and while the movie was playing, sat upright with wide, hopeful eyes.

Lucas: Adventuredome!? We’re going to Adventuredome!?

Tempest looked back and forth between the excited Lucas who had practically ran up to them for confirmation and back to Austin.

Tempest: What exactly is Adventuredome?

Austin: Basically it’s an indoor amusement park. Has everything; rides, games … food?

Lucas: It’s the greatest thing EVER!

By now the excitement had grown contagious toward the other children even if they didn’t know exactly what they were being excited about. Austin’s son Marcus looked up at his dad.

Marcus: Can we go, dad?

Austin: Well you know, it's not up to me?

And one by one, everyones’ heads turned to Tempest.

Marcus: Can we go Auntie Tempy?

Which caused Tempest to do a comical double take at what she had just been called. And she wasn’t alone as then three year old Ellie joined in with the childlike pleas.

Ellie: Pleeease Auntie Tempy???

Before she knew what she was doing or saying, Tempest looked heavenward and exhaled sharply in an admittance of defeat.

Tempest: Fine! We’ll go to …Adventuredome!

A collective “hooray”erupted from all of the children before they turned and rushed to (hopefully) finish the movie before going on their grand adventure. Austin smirked quite brazenly as Tempest S-L-O-W-L-Y turned her head to look at him.

Tempest: Auntie Tempy? That was your doing,wasn’t it??

To which Austin only answered by raising a hand and pinching a thumb and forefinger closely together…

CLANG!!!

Marcus looked up from the film.

Marcus: What was that!?

Austin: Nothing!

He answered, rubbing the back of his head with a grimace of pain as Tempest dropped the skillet back onto the stove.

---

Sunset Crater Volcano -
Flagstaff, AZ

Friday was here, and with it - the weekend that the SCW Universe had been awaiting with much anticipation! Blaze of Glory XII was only two days away and with it, the Superstars and Bombshells of Sin City Wrestling would be putting on a fourteen match spectacular. Many fans had already made the trip to Flagstaff from as far away as Japan for this weekend in the Grand Canyon State. The majority of the SCW stars and staff alike had by now arrived in preparation for the coming event.Some to engage in last minute preparations, some to conduct interviews and meet n greets, while others took time to kill two birds with one stone by seeing one of the beautiful sights of this Golden State while speaking up on what was to come.

The Sunset Crater National Monument was a volcano landmark that last erupted in the year 1085. And while she was not exactly what you would calla science nerd, enough so to take much of an interest in volcanoes or when they last split the ground open to spew forth lava, Tempest was quietly an admirer of scenic beauty, and this one spot provided something that would forever be remembered.

She sat on a rock, one leg drawn up with her knee against her breast while overlooking the volcano itself, while the sky itself had slowly started its descent from day to dusk. The sky was not colored in many hues of reds, oranges,yellows and pinks while the scattered blues through the clouds overhead allowed for the twinkle of the coming stars this far from the city's lights. The calm was blissful, an apt ambience for what was to follow.

“I think we know by now how these things work. This is usually the part where the random person - in this case, myself - would speak up and talk about the match that I’m scheduled to compete in, and more importantly, the opponent. It’s the usual set up for people to put words to action and talk about all of the dreadful things you intend to do to the man or woman standing opposite of us while also usually throwing some shade and risking the ire of the censors and opposition both. You want to break down your opponent mentally with promos such as this before you set foot inside of the ring to destroy them physically. I should know.God knows I’ve done all of the above often enough but this time…”

She unwrapped her arms from around her bended leg and held up one hand, a single forefinger extended.

“Except for this time. Oh don’t get me wrong, we will eventually get to the obligatory threats and promises but in the meantime, we’re going to do something a little unusual. We are going to start this one by first and foremost, my speaking to Crystal Zdunich the woman before I address Crystal Zdunich, the wrestler - and in two days, the challenger to my Internet Championship. So…!”

Tempest clapped her palms together in readiness.

“You're going to have to look past the fact I am neither a psychiatrist nor am I the sort who wears her heart on her sleeve. I don't usually speak up in regards to feelings, whether it be someone else’s or especially my own! But here we are and I suppose there's a first time for everything. Now, I don’t know you Crystal, aside from our encounters that we’ve had in previous years. I know you by reputation and your own actions and for many, that would be enough to go by.So pardon me if what I’m about to say is too rough but girl…? You’re trying too hard.”

“At least in regards to trying to develop budding friendship with any one of the many who post randomly on social media, but lately it seems a person can’t spend a day just browsing or posting something without you jumping in, trying to either get noticed or get involved. Whichever works better in your own favor. If you’re trying to get noticed well then, congratulations! You’ve succeeded admirably! Except in this case, it might not be such a positive thing because while you might be getting noticed, that's not always a good thing .Especially for a woman with your history. The people you have been trying to get to notice you already know you from your past actions, both the good and the bad –but it’s always the bad things that we remember most. Isn’t it? So drawing attention to yourself by just randomly showing up and acting like nothing bad has happened between yourself and them might be doing you more harm than good. You’re basically painting a giant target right on your back without even realizing it.”
 
“If you’re doing this to try and get involved well then…”

She closed her eyes and grimaced, shaking her head.

“Girl, it’s not working. If anything, you’re alienating people more than you’re working in convincing them to let you join their little circle of friends. You have stabbed so many people in the back so many times that nobody with any wits about them is going to trust you enough to welcome you with open arms because there's the perpetual fear you have a knife in the same hand that could be embracing them!”

“Then there’s this habit of yours where you are always calling some random woman in SCW your best friend. First you do it with Kayla Richards. Then you move on and start calling Kat Jones your best friend.Now if the rumors are true, Alexandra Calaway is next on your bosom buddies radar. Now granted you can have more than one close friend and call them your best friends, but it’s pretty suspect that until you started popping up and addressing them from out of nowhere, when before you had never interacted with them. You just pop on and say ‘Hi bestie!’ and give a goofy wave and smile of excitement and more often than not, the intended target of your friendship seems just as surprised as the rest of us are. Which leaves me wondering if any of these women are or were even aware that they were your…”

Air quotes.

“Close and dear friend.”

Tempest held her arms out, hands up in wonder.

“Who the hell knows? I guess my point is what I said at the very start. You try too damn hard to get people to like you or to be your friend or even both! You worry too much about what people think of you and whether or not they even like you. WHO CARES!? Worrying about shit like that can slow down decision-making and decrease risk-taking, creativity, innovation …whatever!

“Look at what happened that time when you wheeled that cake out to celebrate yourself! Crystal, that just screamed narcissism and look how that turned out! You ended up being tossed out of the ring like a goddamn lawn dart by…”

Tempest suddenly cleared her throat and fiddled with her hair before resuming her thought process.

“Well it's not important who did it. The thing that people remember the most was not that you were sharing cake as a means of self gratification! They just remember the night you went and took a header in that cake in front of the world!If you continue on with being the ‘Pick me’ girl of SCW, the only thing you’re going to accomplish is you’re going to live your life on the terms of those people you surround yourself with rather than your own!”

“And now…”

Tempest then stretched her legs out to their full, impressive length and gripped the edges of the rock she had been perched upon.

“Now we are going to address Crystal Zdunich … the actual wrestler and challenger. And Crystal? I have to say that after everything has been said and done and you won that social media poll to overtake Alexandra Calaway and become my challenger in Flagstaff? You have done nothing – nothing – to bring this match to everyone’s attention other than wear that expression like you just stepped off a street curb and saw a bus barreling down in your path! And I guess… you are, but I guess I just expected more, you know? I don’t know what exactly. Just more. Oh sure, you sat at ringside and watched me bury your wife through the mat but anyone can sit at a relatively safe distance and watch a catastrophe taking place. You didn’t even stand on the table and try to distract me or talk trash for what I did to Seleana, really. Smart girl – just disappointing.”

“The Crystal Zdunich I remember was this vain, gold hungry shrew that would step on the back of a nun if it meant getting any closer to a title shot. Now I get it.You say you’re not that woman anymore and you’re working overtime to prove to everyone else around you that you're a changed woman and not the woman who sold her own wife out for a world title shot. So tell me…”

Tempest clasped her hands together and leaned in closely.

“How’s that working out for you? Since you were named my challenger for Blaze of Glory XII, and by the way there is no chance in hell that you will ever convince me you didn't lead some kind of campaign to get all of your fans and friends to vote for you and stuff the ballot box! Anyway...  you’ve pretty much become the punching bag for the Bombshell division. You lost to Harper Mason for god's sake! That fact alone coupled with how little enthusiasm you’ve shown for this opportunity, well let’s just say that I was surprised when the lineup was announced officially and you and I weren’t the opening act! So here is what you and I are going to do.”

“You are going to forget all about this ‘nice girl Crystal act that you’ve been shoving down everyone’s throats. Nobody is buying it anyway. You have turned back and forth between Good Crystal and Bad Crystal so many times that even Mercedes Vargas would be unable to come up with the correct number of times! If you know what’s best for you, you will not come to the ring and be the same Crystal Zdunich that has been crashing and burning for the past five weeks! No, you are going to come inside of that ring and stand opposite of me and be the woman I know damn well that you are capable of being!”

“You are going to be the Crystal Zdunich that has won literally every championship save for the Mixed Tag Team titles! You are going to be the Crystal that earned her way into the Hall of Fame! The one thing I want more than anything is a challenger that can help me improve on being a champion. The old Crystal was capable of doing just that. Because if you are anything but the absolute best that you can be… Trust me chicky.”

She stood up and glared down into the camera.

“It will not end well for you!”

That being said, she adjusted her jacket and calmly walked off-camera, having had her say. The last thing seen was the camera trailing upward and focusing on the stars above.

The newly crowned Bombshell Internet Champion, Tempest, walks out onto the stage with the championship belt securely fastened around her waistline. She is met with scattered, albeit polite, applause as she draws out a chair as instructed by the boss man himself, "Hot Stuff" Mark Ward. Tempest removes the belt from around her waist and sets it front and center on the table, in front of the microphone before taking a seat. She then looks out at everyone and then turns her head to address not the reporters but Mark himself.

Tempest: I'm going out on a limb here and guessing it's too late to call this off?

Mark nods in the affirmative, but with a smile, as her words are met with laughter and chuckles - despite the fact she was dead serious. She rolls her eyes and turns to the reporters.

Tempest: Well then, let's get this over with. And be gentle. if you did your homework, you'd know this is not my area of expertise.

Reporter #1: First of all, congratulations of winning your first singles championship in SCW. How does it feel not only winning the Fatal Fourway, but pinning the champion herself in that match?

Tempest: First of all, there was a time where I actually felt some modicum of respect for Courtney Pierce. Back when she won the `18 Blast From the Past and when she was competing for the World Championship. Then she seemed to have fallen off the deep end and she started relying too much on her little missus Ruby Steele helping her to win matches. That was the only reason why she even beat Ariana for this very title...

She pointed to the Internet title belt before her.

Tempest: ... And why she kept it for as long as she did. That's when that respect for her was chucked out the window. I'm glad she was the one I pinned for the title because that leaves no shred of doubt who the champion is and why I deserve it!

Reporter #2: You said if you won the championship, you were going to bring the Internet back to the Internet Championship. Can you elaborate?

Tempest: It's simple, really. I already discussed this with Mark Ward...

The Boss Man nods in agreement from where he stands.

Tempest: And I got the blessing from Calvin Harris who broke ground with this concept in the first place. Starting on Sunday the 25th, I'm going to let the SCW Universe decide my challengers with a series of polls on social media. I have nothing to hide and I am far from afraid of who will be chosen. Let the people have some say in the matter of who gets a shot at me and the championship. It'll either be a matter of who they think deserves a title shot or who they just want to see put into the ground because... it IS me, after all.

Reporter #3: Did you pick the names that will go on the polls?

Tempest: Actually, those names were picked and divided up by this man, right here.

She motions towards Mark.

Tempest: It's just going to be a matter of who gets the big title shot at the next Supercard, and who gets a shot during Climax Control. Now, that being said...

She places her hands on the table and pushes herself to her feet, grabbing the title belt in the process.

Tempest: I've already talked more now than I have since my debut so sorry to cut this short but... I'm cutting this short.

Tempest takes her leave while ignoring further questions.

“You're going to want to be there. Trust me on this.”

Those were the exact words that Alleyne Mahoe aka Tempest read from her phone. She had received a text from the mother of one of Anela’s little friends from school, who just so happened to be a charter member of the PTA - Parent Teacher Association. During the exchange, Tempest explains in no uncertain terms that she held little interest in being a member of the PTA. She had no difficulties in helping out when asked if she wasn’t scheduled to wrestle somewhere in another state. She had even agreed (after some duress and begging from both Anela and Lucas Stevens) into being a chaperone for a school field trip. But the PTA…?

That was when the mother went on to explain she did not have to be a member of the PTA to attend the meetings, and that she was going to want to attend this one after having gotten wind of what their president was going to attempt. The mother explained briefly what the PTA President, a Monica Moore, was going to bring up, and a handful of parents were greatly opposed - and needed as much support as they could muster. That was why she contacted Tempest, as she knew if she spoke up against what Monica was going to try, then chances were more would lean their way and Monica would lose support for her so-called cause.


And that was where we were discovered to be now, at the familiar site of John Park Elementary where Tempest’s step daughter attended school. But it was now well past when school had let out and the sun had begun its descent into the far horizon. Inside the school, an otherwise empty classroom was being used for this latest meeting between members of the PTA, the school’s faculty and several parents who had been tipped off and sought to attend. The meeting had just started and the previously mentioned mother, a Missus Hana Nguyen, turned her head at the sound of the classroom door opening and she felt a wave of relief as the imposing suite of Tempest looked into the room. Heads turned and despite her stature and imposing presence, being stared at never made her feel anything more than whether or not she belonged. Sort of like the new kid first entering the school cafeteria.

Hana got up from the desk she was seated at and hurried over to the door to greet her.

Hana: You made it. I was beginning to worry.

Tempest: Yeah, sorry I’m late. I had trouble getting away from the gym and then I had to bring Anela back…

But Hana waved off her concerns and explanations.

Hana: It’s alright, we haven’t started yet. I’ll

“Excuse me?”

Both women turned their heads to face the front of the classroom where there was a rather haughty looking woman having taken her place at the front of the classroom to address everyone. Hana leaned over just slightly enough to whisper so that Tempest’s ears alpine could hear;

Hana: Monica Moore.

Tempest nodded in understanding, as if she needed to be told. The woman’s very countenance in just standing there and expecting all eyes to be on her and her alone practically screamed who she was. If Tempest hadn’t known any better, she would have thought her name to be Karen, given she was dressed head to toe in hot pink and she had ‘that’ hairdo.

Monica: Can we begin? We have a full docket tonight.

Hana: Have a seat.

And Hana resumed her place where she was seated before. Tempest took one look at the offered student desk and had a look on her face as if to say, “Are you kidding me?” Instead, she stepped toward the side of the room and sat on the edge of a sturdy table, her arms crossed and her eyes on Moore alone.

Monica: Thank you. I asked for us to have this meeting because I went to the school board about the concerns that I - and many other parents - have had for some time and they have simply refused to even so much as look into it.

Hana: Look into what, exactly?

Monica: Excuse me, Hana? Please raise your hand and wait if you want to be called on…

Tempest: Just answer the question!

The head of every person present turned to the one who had spoken up so abruptly, and for the first time Tempest did not feel those familiar pangs for being looked at. She disliked this woman from the moment Hana had told her what she wanted to do and even more so when she laid eyes on her. Her attitude alone…

Monica: Excuse me? Who are you?

Tempest: Alleyene Mahoe. I’m Anela’s mom.

Monica: Well it’s very nice to have you join us Alleyene but you’re a guest right now and we have a certain way of doing things…

“Just answer the question, Monica.”

A man in a business suit and graying hair at the temples, said from where he was seated at the front of the class. His own demeanor was a stark contrast to Monica’s own. Where Monica screamed entitlement, this man practically radiated respect.

Man: What is it that you want the school to do?

Monica cleared her throat, thrown off that this man had spoken up. And despite the fact she was the head of the PTA, she had little to no influence on this man. Quite the contrary. He commanded the respect of her peers that she herself craved. She picked up a clipboard and held it for everyone to see.

Monica: I have here a list of books that the school carries in its library. Books that many of us have agreed are potentially harmful to our children.

Tempest rolled her eyes and lightly scratched behind her ear as she listened to the woman read off from her high and mighty list.

Monica: The Color Purple. The Perks Of Being A Wallflower. Fahrenheit 451. Almost Perfect. The Handmaid’s Tale. Now these are just a sample of some of the books that this school carries, where any student can check out. I - we - think it would be best if the school were to remove these books and the others from the library…

Hana: Why?

Monica: Excuse me?

Hana: Why do you want them banned?

Monica: Hana, we’re talking about the safety and mental well being of our children.

Tempest: No, what you’re talking about is censorship!

Again all eyes turned to this imposing figure of a woman and she remained where she sat, but her former relaxed posture had taken on a more tense disposition. Tempest shook her head and bit at her lower lip.

Tempest: I can’t believe that I’m hearing this! I mean, I think we’ve all read the news stories about books being banned in schools but I thought Las Vegas would be the last city that would jump on this bandwagon!

Monica: Missus Mahoe, you can’t just come in here and interrupt…

Man: Let her talk!

This time those present looked to the man who had spoken up earlier from before.

Man: We invite guests to these meetings for a reason, and it is not just to hear your side of things.

Hana: And you did try - unsuccessfully - to try and make your house the new meeting spot to keep out anyone whom you didn’t approve of.

Monica: But nobody has heard ‘my’ side!

Tempest: What possible defense could you have for wanting to have these books pulled and banned from the school library!?

Monica: To protect the children!

Tempest: From WHAT, exactly!? I have read some of those books that you just named! There is nothing in them that can ‘harm’ any of our kids!

Monica: Times have changed since you and I were children. The children have changed.

Tempest scoffed.

Tempest: Oh you won’t get any argument from me on that point. Kids have changed and not for the better! They’re mouthier. More entitled. Disrespectful. Crying about anything that they feel ‘threatens’ them or wanting their ‘safe spaces’.

Monica: And what exactly is wrong with our children wanting to be safe?

Tempest: Nothing if what they wanted to be safe from was any more dangerous than a bad grade. But more often than not, that’s what they want to be protected from! From the mean teachers who want to give them a zero or a F for not turning in their homework or doing their share on some group project! And it’s parents like you that raised them to be entitled and want something for nothing!

Monica: I beg your pardon! There is nothing wrong with getting points for participating…

Tempest: But they don’t participate, that’s the point! If they don’t do the work, they don’t deserve any of the credit! And if they fail and get their feelings hurt, there’s only two people to blame, and it is not the teachers!

The few teachers present swell with a sense of pride that someone is finally sticking up for them and seeing things from their point of view.

Tempest: if they want to see who is to blame, they need to look into the mirrors and across the dinner table at who raised them to believe they deserve something for nothing.

Monica: Well…! You are certainly entitled to your opinions, but this isn’t about grades or participation trophies. This is about books that are harmful…

Hana: You have yet to explain how the books are harmful, Monica.

“That’s because she can’t.” Another voice rose from the classroom. “Not without just sounding like every other person out there banning the same books.”

Monica tried to regain control of the meeting and stood up at the front of the room, holding her hands over her chest in some symbolic gesture of care.

Monica: Look, everyone. I am not the enemy. Those who agree with me are not the enemy.

Man: And who here in this room agrees with you?

Hands slowly rose up to acknowledge that they did, in fact, agree with her assessment and what needed to be done about it. Not half of those in attendance, but more so than Tempest would have thought possible or likely.

Monica: There, you see? I am just trying to do what’s right. Some of these books have sexual situations or dialogue, including same-sex situations.

Tempest: Is that what this is all about? You don’t want your kids exposed to the gays?

Monica: No! This isn’t just about LGBTQ content! There are books that have violence in them. Racism. Some of these books are too depressing for young minds…

Tempest: And who exactly are you to decide what is or is not too depressing or potentially harmful for any child that is not your own?

Monica: I am the President of the PTA…

Tempest: Congratulations, but let me tell you what you are not.

Tempest pushed herself up from where she had been seated and she walked along the rows of desks, not to approach Monica or the front of the classroom, but just enough to make a point. And as she spoke, she pointed at different adults in attendance.

Tempest: You are not the parent of his child. Or her’s! Or anyone else here BUT your own!

Monica: I never said that I was!

Tempest: But you ARE acting like it! You are standing up there and telling everyone that you want their support in taking away their choices as a parent! Now if you want to tell your kid that you don’t want them to read those books on that list of yours, well that is certainly your right!

Monica nodded, satisfied that this point did indeed come across successfully. But unfortunately for her, Tempest was not yet finished.

Tempest: But what you don’t have the right to do, is take that choice away from any one of us in this room, or any other parent that couldn’t make it! Because I can tell you one thing; if you go through with this vote and somehow you get those books removed? The FIRST thing I am going to do is go to the first bookstore I see and buy every single one and give them to my daughter!

Man: As will I.

Hana: Me as well!

There were murmurs of agreement to this train of thought sounding out throughout the room, much to Monica's obvious dismay. Her face was flushed with either anger or annoyance, but it was clear that she was altogether not used to losing control or support in one of HER PTA meetings. Monica turned for a moment and stared at Tempest, studying her as if she were trying to remember something until…

Monica: You’re the wrestler, aren’t you?

Tempest frowned, unsure where this was going or what it had to do with anything.

Tempest: Excuse me?

Monica: My boys watch wrestling. They told my husband and me that one of their classmate’s mothers is a wrestler on TV. I thought I recognized you.

Tempest: And what exactly is your point? What does my profession have to do with anything…

Monica scoffed and looked toward one of her ‘supporters’ with the type of smile you just wanted to bitch slap off of her face.

Monica: I just find wrestling to be somewhat barbaric. My boys tell me that you’re quite violent…

Tempest: Football and hockey can be violent! What’s your point?

Monica: Well… someone in such a profession isn’t the most appropriate in my opinion to be speaking out in our meetings about such delicate matters.

Tempest reared back at the waist and stared hard at this woman. Oh she was damn lucky this was a PTA meeting and not in wrestling! The temptation to put this arrogant bitch’s head through the wall was growing harder to overcome by each passing minute! So instead she settled for resting her hand on her hip and staring right at Monica in front of everyone as she spoke out one more time.

Tempest: At least I have a job. And what exactly is it that you do for a living? Oh wait, let me guess. You're a homemaker as they like to say? You drive your kids around to their little activities like piano recitals and football games, while spending your husband's money and drinking enough wine at brunch with your book club friends to threaten the existence of grapes the world over!

Monica: Ex-CUSE me!?

Man: Ladies, please! Enough!

The man from earlier stood up from the desk where he was seated, hands raised to forestall any further outbursts or protests. He shifted a side eye toward Tempest and nodded, while noticing Hana who was attempting to smother the smile on her face behind the back of her hand.

Man: We are not here for this! We are here to decide whether or not the PTA will support Monica’s cause to remove the books from the school library. The school board has stated that they will only agree if the vote passes!

Monica nodded with a smug sense of satisfaction.

Monica: Thank you, Eric. So, a show of hands? All for removing the books from the school library and banning them from school grounds?

Monica was, of course, the first to raise her hand. One by one, her supporters from earlier raised their hands as well. The man - now known by his name of Eric Campbell - counted carefully and then the hands were lowered.

Monica: All opposed?

This time, Eric himself raised his own hand, and his influence was obvious immediately as many others followed his lead by raising their hands. Even Tempest, whether she was a member of the PTA or not and whether or not her vote even counted, raised hers. Eric counted as before, and he turned his head to Monica who looked like she was about to have a coronary for not getting her way.

Eric: Motion denied.

Monica: But…

Eric: Majority rules, Monica. You know that!

Monica and Eric engaged in an intense stare down but it was one she had no chance in overcoming. Her shoulders sagged…

Monica: Fine. Motion denied.

More hushed words were exchanged at this pronouncement, teachers and parents alike turning to their neighbor to exchange ideas and opinions on the matter. Having done her part, Tempest made to take her leave, walking past Hana who gripped her arm to give her pause.

Hana: Thank you!

Tempest just smiled and went on her way, but as she exited the classroom, one last look to the front of the class saw Monica staring at her with hard and unbridled anger!

---

The screen we see is nothing but black, an ongoing void of infinite darkness. A small dot appears in the center and suddenly the screen comes to life and where there was once darkness, now there is simply – white. We see no floor. No walls or ceilings. But we do hear the echoing sound of footsteps as if walking along a long and empty corridor, the echo of the steps vibrating off of surrounding walls that are not even there. You see what appears to be a figure in the center of the screen, growing larger as they approach closer and closer, until it is revealed to be none other than Tempest in our view.

Tempest, dressed for combat in her wrestling gear, looks around her and sees nothing but what we see. She takes a few steps forward until her head and upper torso fill the better part of the screen as she looks around, up and down and from left to right. She then takes a step even closer and taps a finger and we hear the sharp click of her nails against glass.

“Hunh, that’s different.”

Cautious now, she backs up a few steps until she stands in full view and shakes her head.

“And disturbing. And just when I need to focus on this Internet Championship match. Okay…”

She massages her temples with her fingertips.

“I don't know what the hell is going on and truth be told, I don't have the time to figure this shit out. There are bigger things to be concerned about. Better things to look forward to.”

She holds up her hands and shows eight fingers.

“Eight days ladies. That's all the time you have left to say your prayers and kiss your families goodbye. Eight days until our esteemed Internet Champion deigns to grace us with her presence. Where one woman is going to try and overcome three to hold onto a championship that she ‘claims’ to not even want to hold in the first place.”

She scoffs and shakes her head in a disbelieving manner.

“That being said, I suppose that's as good a place as any to start this whole damn thing; with our esteemed champion. Courtney Pierce herself.”

Suddenly the entirety of the white space is filled by an image of the reigning Bombshell Internet Champion, Courtney Pierce. Sensing the movement behind her, Tempest glances over her shoulder and does a double take before resuming.

“The champion that supposedly doesn't want to be the champion. And if anyone out there actually believes this bullshit, then they need to invest for themselves some nice, high boots because it's getting pretty damn deep!”

“You know who Courtney reminds me of when she starts up over this? Mikah. Hm? Remember that chick when she had the same title for a time? She lost the gold to Devona and how did she respond? By telling everyone the whole world over that Devona didn't really beat her. That she lost on purpose. I've always looked at the Internet Championship as the second tier championship, second only to the World title.”

She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“Not so much anymore. And I admit I don't see much behind the current World title situation either, but as far as prestige goes? I'd rank the current Bombshell Internet division a distant third. Bobbie Dahl is still new to her Roulette Championship but even she's done more to raise her title up than Pierce has! Maybe that's why Courtney 'doesn't want ‘ to be the champion. Because deep down she realizes she is not the woman who can bring the title back to the prominence that it once held?”

Tempest tapped at her chin, deep in contemplative thought.

“The last time there was a legit Bombshell Internet Champion was Kayla Richards. And I am talking about all three of her reigns, not just one or the other. Every time she held that title, she made it more important than the last and she held it for an impressive length of time. You, Courtney? You get by every woman who has gotten in your way by the skin of your teeth and you don’t even have yourself to thank! You would not be the champion today if it wasn’t for your wife, Ruby Steele. You would have been beaten for that championship a number of times, were it not for Ruby running interference. I dare even say you never would have won the championship in the first place, if it hadn’t been for her. And you try to convince everyone that the Internet title isn’t good enough for you. That you don’t even want to be champion. Well if that’s the case, then let me ask you this; if you don’t want to be the champion, why then do you resort to every dirty trick in the book to keep from losing it? Hm?”

“Why do you sit back and let your wife keep interfering on your behalf so that you can walk away the winner time and again, but you also seem pretty damn content to see her answer for her actions! How many times has she been beaten to the ground? How far did she get tossed when I used her for a lawn dart in your defense against Ariana? If you don't really care about being the champion, you would think of your wife’s safety over your own selfish goals! You would tell Ruby to stay in the back where she would be safe! Well, sugar in this match, there may be no real rules in a fatal Fourway. No count outs or disqualifications – but that isn’t a good thing for you or your wife. Because if Ruby shows her face this time, there’s going to be three – count them - three, women who will bury her in the basement for even trying to cost us!”

“Yet time and again, it’s the same old story where you’re concerned. Well guess what, Pierce? It’s time for a new chapter in that story. It’s time for a new ending and I can promise that for you, it isn’t going to be anything resembling a happy ending!"

Now Tempest rubs her hands together.

“Now we come to the woman that I was legit thrilled to get a chance to face weeks ago. There is nothing I like better than to get the chance to face a woman who can actually throw down with myself and when Luna Pasilno answered my challenge, I got exactly that!”

The scene behind Tempest in the void flickered on and off and was quickly replaced by the visage of Luna Pasilno. Tempest turns to look at it and then around her before shaking her head and continuing.

“There is no other way to describe Luna than simply calling her a bad ass chick. She is far from being the biggest woman on the roster. She’s not my or Bobbie or Zoey Lukas in size, but damn! The girl more than makes up for the fact with having a lot of fight in her! I beat her down time and again in our match and every damn time until the very end, she stood right back up and asked for more! No…”

She held up a finger.

“She demanded it. And the best part about our match is, she gave as good as she got. Luna can hold her own against anyone and she proved that by becoming a champion more than once. She knows what it feels like to be the Roulette Champion. And if she were to win this match in Vegas (she won’t but bear with me), she would be a two-time champion. The only reason I didn’t include her with Kayla as far as being the last in the line of credible Internet Champions wasn’t because she didn't hold it or deserve it, but because of bad timing and rotten luck. Luna beat the great Crystal Zdunich for the Roulette title and Aleesha Jones for the Internet gold. Crystal’s a legend and Aleesha could have been one of the greats but this isn’t about them. It just describes the hurdles Luna jumped through to get her hands on some gold. And unfortunately, neither reign lasted as long as it should have. I suppose Luna sees this match as her chance to correct that little note in history and she might even have had a chance to succeed but for one simple truth. I’m in this match. And as much as I might respect this chick, it’s not going to do her a damn bit of good if she gets between me and winning my first singles title in SCW. I’ve got two wins over you, Luna. Don’t make me make it a third!”

And just like that, the screen scrambles one last time and replaces itself with the image of the fourth woman in the match - Krystal Wolfe. Tempest does not even bother to turn and look. She simply shakes her head.

“Under most circumstances we save the best for the last, which in this case would obviously have been the champ[ion, but no. That distinction was obviously saved for the woman who, in my own biased opinion, deserves the least to be in this Fatal Fourway!”

Tempest nodded.

“Yeah, Krystal. I said it. Out of the three of us, you have the least business being in this match! You did nothing - NOTHING - to earn your way into your spot other than by going on about how you were targeting this title or that! You put your name out there, and for some reason, that was good enough for the powers that be! If I had my way, Ariana would be in this match, not you. Ariana was the one that got screwed out of the title twice by Pierce and her wife! You did nothing recently to even warrant being named in this title picture. Even when Courtney and Ruby jumped me backstage, it wasn’t you - my sister GO Gym graduate - who came to my aid! It was Luna! As far as I know, you were pretty content to just stand back and watch them try and take me out. But I will give you credit for one thing…”

“When they stuck us together in that tag team match, I admit you did have my back for as long as you needed to. Not so much out of loyalty, I imagine, but more so because you wanted to win. Which I can’t fault you for. We gelled well enough as a team, but I think that comes more from our mutual training under the same guidance than any true sense of camaraderie. You and I? We’ve never seen eye to eye. Not from the moment you wanted to cost me against Bella Madison, right up to where you started acting like a stuck up, entitled little diva. And just when I thought you were mellowing out a bit and acting your age, you go and you deliberately break the nose of a student at the GO Gym! And by your own words, you did it because ‘she provoked you’.”

“Well boo hoo, Krystal! It might have escaped your notice but life isn’t fair, especially in this business! And if you want to try and break my nose, you are more than welcome to sister, because I fully intend to provoke you like you’ve never been provoked before!”

“Ladies, it’s been a pleasure. And until in two weeks…”

Just then, the surrounding background changed once again but this time it was a continuous loop of LOL! Cat videos! Tempest spun around and shouted!

“Alright, that’s ENOUGH!”

Jolting herself awake! Tempest was once again in her Las Vegas apartment, having fallen asleep on the sofa with the open laptop running and playing - ironically enough - America’s Funniest Cat videos. But there was also the knocking on the apartment door that had pulled Tempest from her slumber. She pushed herself up to her feet and walked toward the front door, trying to get the sleep from out of her system.

Tempest: That is the last time that girl talks me into Cajun for dinner...

She arrived at the door and after a cursory peek through the peephole to see who it was, she frowned and opened the door to find two people standing there; a man and a woman. Both were wearing business clothes and both had serious expressions on their faces.

Woman: Missus Mahoe?

Tempest: Yeah? Who are you?

Woman: I’m Jolene Ward and this is Antony Papazian. We’re with Child Protective Services.

Las Vegas, Nevada
John S. Park Elementary School

Now that the holiday season was over more or less, school was back in full swing and until the much desired summer vacation was to begin. This, of course, meant that the parental figures were once again finding themselves juggling the responsibilities between their roles as parent and being a piece of the workforce tapestry that we all one day find ourselves to be a part of. And just outside of the John S. Park Elementary School, many a car was lined up along the neighborhood walks with the buses lined up ahead of them, along the school grounds. Some adults, affectionately coined as 'helicopter parents' couldn't see themselves not personally escorting their 'angels' from the school doors to their respective vehicles, and in many cases, accosting the teachers who stand outside to discuss their children's progress whether the teacher wants to or not. Other parents are a lot more loose stringed, still at work or at home and putting enough trust in their children to use the school buses or to walk the short distance between home and school and back again. Then again, there were parents like SCW's very own Tempest who found themselves caught somewhere in between.

Being so new to the role of mother to her stepdaughter Anela, Tempest felt herself torn somewhere between trusting and helicopter mode. Like a handful of parents like her, Tempest stood beside her car and patiently watched for her young one. She didn't want to embarrass her stepdaughter, but neither did she want to stray too far away on the off chance that Anela needed her for some reason. So, bundled up in her favorite wool-lined denim jacket, Tempest stood beside her tan 202 Chevrolet Transverse, watching the doors to the school remain open as one wave of children after another exited in a hurry, excited for the school day to be over and done with and to enjoy the rest of the afternoon for themselves. Every now and then, Tempest could feel the eyes of the random parent on her, which was to be somewhat expected as she towered over most of the fathers whose children attended this school, let alone the mothers. But even some of Anela's classmates and peers were stealing a look every now and then, either in wonder at her stature or perhaps they even recognized her if they were fans of Sin City Wrestling.

But then the one she had been watching for finally emerged from the school doors, flanked by Gabriel's son Lucas and two other children who Anela had grown close with ever since she first entered this school system. The kids were laughing about something but even not knowing the source of their bemusement did not stop Tempest from smiling as well, thrilled that her girl was growing into her own in this school and beginning to make friends. Especially after the sordid first few weeks when Anela had found herself the target of a particular bully. Until 'Momma Bear' had reared her head and put a stop to that nonsense. But as Tempest watched Anela separate herself from her friends, sharing a quick hug from Lucas (she'd have to have a chat with Gabriel about that later), Tempest also took note that one of the teachers had managed to separate themselves from a parent grilling them about their baby's daily progress with questions in order to accompany Anela toward her.

Ohhh, that wasn't good.

Anela rushed right up to her was her usual norm, wrapping her arms around her momma's body for a "I missed you" sort of embrace, a feeling Tem[pest herself would never grow tired of. But it was when Anela separated herself from her mom and practically dove inside of their vehicle that gave Tempest a real cause for concern. The teacher was a young man, younger than the rest of the faculty that she's seen by a fair few years, and one that she did not recognize. Once the teacher had approached her, the first thing he did was extend his hand and he wore a comfortable smile on his face.

Teacher: Missus Kahale?

Although wary, Tempest accepted the gesture and shook the man's hand, albeit with an inquisitive frown on her face.

Tempest: Can I at least hear what she did first before I answer that?

Teacher: Pardon me...? Oh, oh no.

The man chuckled, waving off any of her concerns.

Teacher: No, nothing like that. I'm Chad Weber, a student teacher in Anela's classroom. I just wanted to introduce myself and come out here to personally thank you.

A single brow rose on tempest's forehead.

Tempest: Thank me? What for, exactly?

Mr. Weber: Well we know how busy you parents are every day with your jobs, and you especially given your road schedule as a wrestler. I can't even begin to tell you how excited the children are.

Tempest unfolded her arms from across her chest and stood upright, no longer leaning against her vehicle as there was clearly more going on here than she could grasp at the moment.

Tempest: You have me at a disadvantage, Mister Weber. because I don't have the first clue as to what you're talking about.

The young teacher, or teacher's aide, blinked, his face a matching confusion to Tempest's own.

Mr. Weber: Oh? There must be a crossed wire or something. It's just that one of the parents had to cancel for Career Day this Friday and your stepdaughter...

Tempest: Daughter.

She forcefully emphasized the use of the word, thinking and loving Anela as if she were her own rather than just the daughter of her late husband and Anela's late father. The young man looked properly abashed and he cleared his throat.

Mr. Weber: I'm sorry ... daughter. She said you were only too happy to fill the vacancy for Career Day to talk to the students.

Tempest just stared as in ... S-T-A-R-E-D at the man, her head slightly reared back and she blinked.

Tempest: Excuse me?

She turned and leaned down and stared through the passenger door and at Anela who seemed to want to look in every direction BUT at her own mom.

Tempest: She did, did she...?

---

GO Gym

It's indeed a rarity when two students who have yet to graduate a wrestling academy take the forefront of the proverbial gossip factory that is in the locker rooms of any wrestling promotion. But such with the case with two particular young women who are currently being trained under the legendary watch of Gabriel Stevens, one of the proprietors of the famed GO Gym, a wrestling academy that had seen among its graduates names such as Fenris, London Underground, Devona and several others. But on social media, another graduate by the name of Krystal Wolfe had made mention of a particular student by the name of Kelly, a young woman who's owned sense of worth matched the potential that was seen in her. She thought for sale talented and tough enough to pick a fight with one of the more imposing and prominent of their graduates, the woman known as Tempest. When the two sparred, it could not even be seen as anything related to a sparring match as Tempest quickly put her down with a series of powerbombs and a clothesline that sent the poor young woman into a tailspin before she yielded.

But apparently Miss Kelly was not one to take such treatment lying down and she had talked to fellow student by the name of Hayley into joining her for something of a handicap sparring match against the very same Amazon. Kelly obviously felt that the numbers would be to their advantage but that is where we would be joining as we check into the GO Gym for the current happenings…

Inside of the single six-sided ring, Kelly and Hayley each had hold of one of Tempest's arms and attempted to Irish whip the larger woman into the ropes but Tempest easily put on the brakes and instead, used her overwhelming power to whip her arms together, causing both students to collide into one another and fall to the mat! Tempest dragged Kelly up to her feet and threw her into the ropes, so hard that Kelly almost spent entirely backward over the top rope and fell out the hard way! But nevertheless, the young student came ricocheting off of the ropes and Tempest threw her clear up into the air and allowed her to drop via a flapjack!

On the outside of the ring, there was a small gathering watching the proceedings. Of course Gabriel himself was the most prominent being the trainer of these young women. But on one side of him was one such fellow graduate, Fenris as he watched with much amusement at what was happening. On the other side of Gabriel, was his proverbial “little brother” Despayre who watched and cringed at every heavy impact against the mat, casually munching on a bag of popcorn with heavy butter. Nearby was the aforementioned Krystal Wolfe, who was watching what was going down in between continuous moments of face palming at what these two girls were putting themselves through.

Krystal: You'd think Kelly would have learned after the first time, huh guys?

She mused as she accepted a handful of buttered popcorn, offered over by Despy.

Back inside of the ring, Tempest now pulled Haley up to her feet and through her into the ropes. Haley screeched as she came flying off and Tempest scooped her up onto her shoulders in a fireman's carry. It looked as it Tempest was going to go for one of her trademark maneuvers, the Samoan drop, when she caught movement out of the side of her eye. Kelly, going back on the offensive, was scaling the corner nearby for a leaping attack. But Tempest marched over to a suddenly wide-eyed Kelly and piled her on top of Haley, bringing both women out of the corner on her shoulders in an awesome display of her brute strength!

Fenris: Shit…!

Gabriel: Bloody hell..

Both men mused together, and both men dropped a dollar into the immediate outstretched hand of Despayre.

And Tempest suddenly fell back, delivering the Samoan drop to both students at the same time! Kelly landing on the bottom, Haley on top of her and Tempest own weight adding to the pile up under the maneuver! Gabriel strolled over toward the ring apron and picked up the hammer which he used to strike the time keeper's bell, signifying an end to the match.

Gabriel: Alright you lot, that's enough! I think you put them through enough.

Those next words directed toward Tempest herself, who was now standing and leaning against the ring ropes on her forearms.

Tempest: They started it.

Gabriel: And you finished it, so let's have a chat while the girls get scraped up off of the mat.

With one final glance back over her shoulder at the pileup of limbs and bodies, Tempest stepped over the top rope and dropped to the floor as Krystal slid inside of the ring to lend a hand, staring over the student known as Hayley.

Krystal: So how did you get roped into this?

Hayley: Kelly wanted a sparring match. She left out the part about Tempest!

On the outside, Gabriel passed his graduate a bottled water and Despayre even offered over his bag of popcorn to which Tempest took a handful, allowing Despayre to skip back outside to the lobby to relieve Angel the teddy bear for his coffee break.

Gabriel: You were a little rough on them, don't you think?

Tempest: Consider it a learning curve. Their opponents would have went a lot harder on them if they were to run their mouths about them the way little Miss ran her's about me.

Gabriel: Fair. Plus I imagine you had to have been working off a bit of steam after what you found out.

Tempest cast a look back inside of the ring, watching as Krystal helped first Hayley and then Kelly to their collective feet and she scoffed.

Tempest: I'm not worried about teaming with Krystal. I'm not thrilled about it, but she and I already talked things out and I think we're on the same page for the time being.

Gabriel: Well, that's good to know but it wasn't what I was talking about.

Tempest shook her head as she took a drink of her offered water, indicating she didn't know what he was talking about.

Gabriel: Lucas tells me that Anela volunteered you for Career Day?

Tempest closed her eyes and sighed an audible exhale worthy of her suddenly dour mood. Quite the contrast to the smile on Gabriel's face, taking some small amount of pleasure at seeing one of his Gym's most volatile graduates brought down to earth by a simple child.

Tempest: I still can't believe that she did that. I don't know what the hell I'm going to do.

Gabriel: You're going to do it, that's what.

Tempest looked to the man who was in charge of bringing her into the world of professional wrestling but looked at him as if he had just said the single most ludicrous thing she had ever heard.

Tempest: Gabriel, have you met me? I hate interviews during shows which is why I avoid them like the plague! How in hell am I supposed to get through a bunch of little kids and their judgmental parents grilling me about what I do?

Gabriel: By recognizing it for what it's for.

He placed a reassuring hand on her arm.

Gabriel: Anela volunteered you to speak at her Career Day because she loves you, and is proud of what you do. Sure some kids might have parents who are doctors or lawyers but I can almost promise you that out of all the careers and demonstrations, yours will be the one that draws the most attention.

Tempest looked at him in brief silence, contemplating the truth to his words. Sure she absolutely hated being the center of attention in such an environment, but why else would Anela have volunteered her in the first place if what Gabriel said wasn't true?

Gabriel: Plus, and let's be honest about this. Having her mother who is something of a celebrity that appears on TV every week is going to earn that little girl a lot of brownie points amongst her peers.

Tempest: Speaking from experience, are we?

To which Gabriel chuckled and nodded his head.

Gabriel: Believe it or not, I am. Try to remember that Lucas has been going to that school longer than Anela by a fair few years. I got invited for his Career Day once, and if I can get through it, you certainly can.

He ended their talk by giving her a comforting pat on the shoulder before he went toward the ring to check on the two students who were still in an obvious daze. Tempest watched after him for a brief moment and closed her eyes, exhaling sharply through her nose.

---

John S. Park Elementary School

And as it turned out, Gabriel's words of encouragement proved quite true. Tempest was indeed the highlight of Anela’s classroom Career Day. Gabriel had even let a hand in the last minute edition, helping her to set up a small backdrop that resembled a wrestling ring before an audience. He also got hold of several videos and splice them together, highlighting some of her best matches against opponents such as Zoey Lukas and Seleana Zdunich. These aired in a looped replay, and it drew more attention to Tempest than the attention being given to some of the other adults who were chatting with students and teachers alike about their own respective careers.

And then when each parent took their turn in front of the class for questions, despite her discomfort at being “interviewed” by children and adult alike, she focused on Gabriel's words. That it was the pride of her little girl that brought her there, so she simply did her best and answered as honestly as she could.

Student 1: Who was your toughest opponents?

Tempest: Oh, no doubt about it. Bobbie Dahl and Zoey Lukas. Those two women gave me my toughest matches because there aren't very many on the roster who are about as big as I am. They are, and they both gave me a very tough match. This also might surprise you but I would also have to say Seleana Zdunich.

Student 1: Really??

Tempest: Oh yeah. She doesn't get enough respect in this business as I think she should.

Student 2: What what's your favorite match ever?

Tempest gazed up thoughtfully, taking a moment to think back over her career thus far and one moment in particular brought a smile to her face.

Tempest: I would have to say the match where I teamed with Austin James Mercer to win the Mixed Tag Team titles from the Barnharts.

Student 3: Who is your best friend in this business?

Tempest: Austin, definitely. We started as something of a tag team and over the course of time, got to know each other. We grew close and I can say that behind the scenes he is an entirely different man than what people see on the screen. I have no qualms at all at calling that man my best friend.

Student 4: Who do you like working with the most? I mean, as far as opponents?

Tempest: Any woman who can give me a proper fight. Women like Bobbie and Zoey. Mercedes Vargas. Alexandra Calaway.

But it wasn't just the students who were taking advantage of this situation. A couple of the adults, predominantly a doctor, took some umbrage at a mere professional wrestler hijacking the spotlight of Career Day. The moment she saw her opportunity, she raised her hand just as the students did so that she might ask a question to put this woman on the spot.

Doctor: Do you think that your profession is a suitable one for children like these to go into business?

There were a few hushed whispers heard in the background as Tempest stared at the woman. A couple of the teachers fidgeted, having not expected something like this to happen or any form of professional jealousy to take place. After all, this was supposed to be about the student's future welfare and enjoyment. Not the parents competing with one another for attention.

Tempest: Well I wouldn't exactly say that this career is meant for everybody. But there are some seriously wonderful opportunities that have been given to me that I wouldn't get anywhere else, whether I was practicing law or performing surgery. I've gotten to tour countries that I never thought I'd be able to set foot in. I've met a lot of people, young girls who said that they would look up to me as an inspiration because they're different and if I'm different and can make something of myself, so can they.

The doctor seemed almost embarrassed as a few hard stairs turned in her direction for having caused this, but Tempest was far from done.

Tempest: And I will go on record and say that careers like lawyers and doctors have a lot of benefits for the world and people around them. But I've been given some of those same benefits and more. Just last year, we toured Egypt. Austin and I were given an opportunity and he and I actually worked in one of the villages, helping some of the villagers rebuilding a hut that had been destroyed. Those are what some of the opportunities are that have been afforded to me. And I am grateful for every one of them!

Tempest stared hard at the doctor, as did some of the students and many of the adults present until she sat down, her neck and face burning under the embarrassment she had put herself under.

---

"When I first heard about this match, I wondered what I did to deserve this. It's no big secret backstage or in the SCW offices how I feel about tag team matches. When I first showed up, I made it clear I wanted nothing to do with tag team matches because I didn't want to have to learn to reply on anyone but myself for my successes or failures inside of the ring. I don't like the thought of having to stand on the outside looking in, watching but being unable to do anything until the person that I'm teamed with can be deigned to tag me in to take my turn at beating someone down. And for the most part, the powers that be have respected this outlook. For the most part."

"I'd be a lair if I didn't admit my best success stories have been in the mixed tag team division and having a man like Austin James Mercer to rely on. Still, in my own opinion mixed tag team matches are a whole lot different than regular tag team matches. In the mixed tag division, I try to look at the positive side of things and see it as singles matches -- but with a tag team partner of the opposite gender. Austin and I brought prominence to the division whereas a certain other team all but killed it at the time. But that's not the spot I find myself in this week, is it?"

"This week, the higher ups took my one boundary I set up for myself and kicked it down, sticking me in a regular tag team match with three other women who, as is told to me, is being hyped for a Fatal Fourway match at the next Supercard. A taste test of what's to come, I imagine. All things considered, I can't imagine how they ultimately ended up choosing who was teaming with who. Did they draw names out of a hat or did they recognize that Krystal and I were alumni from the same academy and thought that would make for an easier pairing? Who knows? All I know is it could have been a lot worse. I could have been teamed up with Courtney with that piss ant wife of her's in our corner, so I'll take what blessings I can get, where I can get them."

"Krystal and I have a history between ourselves, and most of it is not looked back on with much fond remembrance. Krystal was not only my first opponent after I went on that initial rampage to get the bookers to get the damn lead out and actually book me, but she also was my first in a long line of wins since I signed. Now I can't tell you if Wolfe ever looks back on that and if it gets under her skin, but that was only the first step in what I would call a long sand colorful story between she and I. Despite our being from the same Gym, she had also wanted to interfere and cost me a match against Bella Madison because it would have been in her own best interests at the time. Well, professionally it would have. But had the little girl followed through, I can tell you from what would have happened by me and toward her, it sure as hell would not have been in her best interests. Now I can imagine she has her own opinions about me, both good and bad and I can say much the same. I look back at the woman and I have thought of her as a liar and a prima donna. A diva with a bigger attitude than what she deserves and who goes on rampages when she loses or doesn't get what she wants from the match makers. She draws negative light towards herself through her own actions and then tries to play the victim card afterwards when she gets called out. But that was then, this is now. In the future - in a matter of weeks, she'll be one of three opponents for me, for my time to win the Internet title. But in the here and now? She's my tag team partner, and like it or not, she and I are going to have to co-exist if we want to wipe the smug smiles off of Courtney Pierce and that little Chihuahua, ankle biter wife of hers!"

"Now as far as Luna Pasilno goes, she and I have our own past of sorts. In fact, it was just a couple of weeks ago where that chick stepped up to the plate and gave me a pretty damn good fight. I made it pretty well known that I wanted to get back inside of the ring and while Christian Underwood spent his time teasing or threatening Harper Mason with me, it was Luna who stepped up and told the world that she'd be only too happy to give me what I wanted; an honest and legit fight inside of the ring. When most of these little girls who are half my size avoid me like the plague under the illusion that they're not scared or just don't care about facing me, Luna was the one who made the first move. I said I'd face anybody and she answered the call. The woman had no other reason to step up to the plate other than to prove herself and while she didn't go down ion the record books as the winner, she went down fighting! And that is all I ask of any woman who I get inside of the ring against. In some cases I've been less than impressed. But not with Luna. The chick is not the biggest woman by stature. I mean, I have almost a full foot on her and probably a hundred pounds. If you were to look at the two of us, you'd just assume I'd run over her like a Mack truck with the brake lines cut. Not so! No, she's not the size of myself or Bobbie Dahl or Zoey Lukas but the chick has heart! She brings that heart to the fight and THAT is what makes her dangerous! THAT is what makes me think the woman is going to become a champion again, sooner rather than later! But not at My Bloody Valentine V. And certainly she won't be walking out of Colorado as one of two winners this weekend. Especially not considering who she drew the short straw with for a partner!"

"I know. I know a lot of you are saying 'But her partner is the Internet Champion'! Her partner is a former World Champion and a Blast from the Past Champion!' Mm hm. Good for her. But let's face facts. As of late, Courtney Pierce's spotlight has dimmed. And that is because more people are paying attention to her wife on the outside of the ring than they are to Courtney herself on the inside! And why? Because lately, ninety nine percent of Pierce's wins against better opponents have been because of her wife's constant interfering in her matches! No matter what the big brass thinks of to stop Ruby Steele from, interfering in her wife's matches, it never works out and one way or another, she gets involved and Courtney's hand gets raised as a result! And do you know what the saddest part of this is? The two are actually quite proud of the fact! Pierce calls herself a champion but she freely admits she'll do anything to win a match and relies quite brazenly on Ruby interfering so she can keep her championship! And that is the woman who calls herself the Internet Champion, huh? Well, she can keep up that pretense as much as she wants but she's not fooling anybody save for herself. Pierce knows her title reign is on borrowed time, why else would she and her wife jumped me last week? She has seen me. She knows what I can and will do to someone like her, and she knows I am the one woman her wife can't save her from! She can try to throw her wife in my path but all that will serve is a quick way to put Little Ruby six feet under and let the world know how little regard she holds her wife! So Courtney, just this once ... if you truly care about your wife, tell her to stay in the back. Keep her out of harm's way because this is one storm you are not going to be able to weather no matter how much you try to prepare!"

"And no. Given her success rate inside of the ring, I don't think I could have asked for a better partner out of the three."

"When I first heard about this match, I wondered what I did to deserve this. Now I'm wondering, what Courtney and Luna did to deserve it."

Honolulu, Hawaii

There is a reason why Hawaii is considered a tropical paradise in the United States. Generally speaking, when October comes to a close and November arrives, it means the coming of the winter season. While it is still technically autumn, leaves change color and fall to the ground below, and warm temperatures become chilly. Bright blue skies are more often than not gray and overcast, with cold rains and soon - snow - falling from the heavens above. But here in Hawaii…? While November does indeed herald the winter season’s approach in the ‘Islands of Aloha,’ the temperatures remain comfortable year round in the averages of 79°F to 83°F and at night, it drops to around 68°F to 72°F. Even as the year comes to a chilling close in 49 of the other states, it remains comfortable enough in Hawaii to enjoy the islands’s black sand beaches, lush rain forests and those glorious waves.

And here we are, on Thanksgiving morning just outside of the Mahoe residence, a sprawling estate where Tempest and her brothers were raised by their parents. The house was two levels and had a rustic, somewhat old fashioned appeal to it. It was far enough away from the road that ran past that they were comfortably separated from traffic and the nearby neighbors so that their privacy could be maintained. The drive was filled with cars as family had come from each of the islands that had been spread about over the years, but it was one car, a rental in particular, that was to be the main focal point of this tale to tell.

Inside of the deep blue SUV was none other than the woman known to wrestling fans as Tempest, but to her family as Alleyne Mahoe-Kahale. The engine had remained shut off for many long moments as Tempest knew the little passenger to her right was nervous and needed time - and she was prepared to give her as much as she wanted or needed. The nine year old Anela Kahale sat frozen in the passenger seat, her eyes staring straight ahead at all of the cars lined up in the drive.

Tempest: Are you okay?

The little girl swallowed hard, trying to hide it from her step-mother’s attention but it did not go entirely unnoticed. Trying to put on a brave face as she felt her dad would have wanted, the little girl nodded.

Anela: There’s a lot of people here.

To which Tempest smiled and nodded, looking out at all of the cars.

Tempest: Mm. Family came in from all over Hawaii for today. My aunt - your grandaunt - was going to host but then the family changed plans and agreed to have Thanksgiving hosted here.

Anela: Why?

Tempest turned back to look at her little one once again.

Tempest: For you, sweetpea.

Anela looked up at the woman who had married her daddy and she looked to as a mom until that fateful day when her grandma tore her from her custody, an act which unbeknownst to any of them at the time had been highly illegal. The little girl was quite obviously confused and Tempest closed her eyes with a soft smile that seemed almost alien in nature to those that knew her in the sport of wrestling.

Tempest: It’s been a long time since any of them got to see you. My Mom and Dad - your Grandma and Grandpa - were so excited that you got to come home to me, they started demanding straight away for us to visit. And, well dare I say your uncles…

Tempest chuckled.

Tempest: They told me quite specifically that if I didn’t bring you for Thanksgiving so that they could see you again, they’d have flown to Nevada and gotten you themselves.

This time, Anela’s smile matched Tempest's own, to think and feel - to know - that she again had family. Family that cared about her and wanted to be with her. Of course when her Daddy and Tempest had first married, she had met them and until Malulani’s untimely passing, they spent quite a bit of time together. But that was years ago, and now she was almost ten years of age and about to be reunited with this family plus many more members she had never met.

Tempest: Are you ready? I’ll be right there.

Again, Anela nodded albeit silently and she reached for her seat belt to unbuckle and exit the vehicle.

Would things still be the same? Would they like her still?

From the very moment the front door was opened, the delighted cry of Tempest’s mother, Nalani, hands over her mouth and eyes wet with tears as she rushed to greet her granddaughter - well, it was answer enough…

To answer the questions of the curious, yes indeed. Thanksgiving is celebrated as much in Hawaii as anywhere else in the other states. With one key difference; rather than the traditional turkey, Thanksgiving was celebrated much like any luau. The large table in the Mahoe residence had been filled to the point of breaking, the legs of the table threatening to burst from the hefty weight of the feast upon its surface; Kalua pork, Hawaiian poi, chicken long rice, Huli Huli chicken, Laulau, Molokai sweet potatoes, Pipikaula, Poke, Shoyu chicken, sweet breads, Kulolo, Haupia, and so very much more. But it was now the late afternoon, and most of the food had been eaten. Now the house had fallen to a comfortable silence as many of the children were outside playing and the adults inside, talking amongst one another until it came time to draw this visit and the holiday behind it to a close.

However one child had simply had too much to eat and after a long trip, she had all but passed out on the sofa in the living room, her head draped on the lap of one of Tempest’s brothers - her uncle while he and others in the family watched a game on the television. And this loving and endearing would remain forever in Tempest’s memories as she sat at the kitchen counter with a Blue Hawaii drink in her hand, her eyes never leaving the sight she didn’t believe she would ever get to see.

Nalani: I don’t think I’ve seen you smile so much in such a long time.

Her mother broke the comfortable silence, taking a seat beside her daughter with a cup of coffee in her own hand. Tempest’s attention shifted back and forth between Anela and her mother until the truth came forth.

Tempest: I didn’t think I’d ever have a reason to smile like this again.

Nohea: Are you bringing her back for Christmas?

Tempest’s youngest brother had approached, taking time away from watching the game with the rest of the men and a few of the ladies, so that he could visit with his sister and converse a bit about his niece. He leaned against the counter from the opposite side, prompting Tempest and her mother to turn around on their stools so they could speak more easily so as not to be overheard.

Tempest: I’d love to but I have to admit it’s doubtful.

Nalani: Why not? It would be so wonderful! Her first Christmas with the family.

Tempest: I’m aware, Momma, but the flight was rough on her and I don’t want to put her through that again so soon after we go back to Vegas. I was actually hoping for maybe something of a compromise?

Nalani: Such as…?

Tempest: Such as you coming to Las Vegas to spend Christmas with us there.

Nohea: I’m not sure all of us would be able to get enough time from work to be able to make the trip.

Nalani: And that is such a long trip..

Causing Tempest to frown and shrug her shoulders, holding a hand out.

Tempest: You’re asking me and a nine year old child to make the same trip. And might I point out I have a guy I work with that flies his family in from Iceland every Christmas. Now if they can travel all that way…

Tempest leaned back in her seat, satisfied that she just scored the winning point of this little debate. Nohea and his mother shared a knowing look, to which their mother said…

Nalani: We’ll… think about it. I’ll have to talk to your father.

Nohea: You know what the obvious solution to this whole flying back and forth is, don’t you?

Tempest: If you say move back to Hawaii full-time then I am going to body slam you in the leftover poi!

Nalani: Why? Now that you have your daughter back, there’s no reason for you to be so far away from your family.

And Gabriel’s words from their private chat many moons ago returned to tingle her ears, where he had told her that she had family in Las Vegas as well.

Tempest: Momma, I’m not rich. I can’t just fly back and forth between Hawaii and wherever SCW needs me at any given time.

Nohea: Again, the obvious answer is that you don’t ‘have’ to keep wrestling. Your bonds business is a lot more secure than wrestling.

Tempest: It’s also a potential detriment for when I go through with the adoption process compared to wrestling.

Nalani frowned: What do you mean?

Tempest: Momma, if I returned to working at my bonds business, it could cause CPS to look at me as unfit.

Nohea: Bullshi-

Tempest: It is not! It’s a fact! Bonds … bounty hunting… both are highly dangerous and in the eyes of the CPS, too dangerous. They could easily declare my home as an unsafe environment for Anela and that is not a risk I am willing to take! Not now… not yet!

Nohea stood up straight and Nalani sighed.

Nalani: I suppose I can understand that. I do not like it one bit … but I understand it.

Tempest nodded with satisfaction at her mother’s understanding, and then she noted her baby brother had that mischievous glint in his eyes and that annoying smirk on his face he wore ever since he was a little boy. He turned to their mother with that impish grin.

Nohea: Speaking of Christmas, you know what I’d pay to see?

Nalani: Hm?

Nohea nodded his head in the direction of his older sister with a snort of laughter.

Nohea: This one Christmas shopping for Anela.

Nalani turned to Tempest with a smile of her own, causing Tempest to roll her eyes with a haughty exhale,

Tempest: I’ve handled dangerous criminals. I think I can handle a little thing like Christmas shopping!

You’d think so, wouldn’t you?

Las Vegas, Nevada -
Black Friday

Tempest: What the hell is WRONG with you people!?

Tempest was in the midst of the chaos of what was commonly known as Black Friday shopping at Target! And if you’d listen to her with any trust, she was going to make her baby brother pay dearly for misleading her! He had thoroughly convinced his sister that the tall tales of Black Friday were just that - and grossly exaggerated. She was currently in a massive mob of maddened holiday shoppers that spoke of anything BUT!

And all she was even here for was one particular thing that Anela had her heart set on for Santa to bring her on the most magical of mornings; a Pets Alive Smitten Kitten plush toy. Even when asked “what else” the girl wanted, this was all she asked for so Tempest was determined to get one, no matter what it took.

And luckily – or perhaps not - there was one left on the shelf in the toy department. The problem was that another woman saw it as well. A woman with that typical upswept blonde hairdo that just screamed “Karen” and the sort who even at this hour and indoors, was wearing shades over her eyes as if it was a chic look to be celebrated and admired. The moment their eyes locked and shifted to the toy, both women bolted from opposite ends of the aisle! And Tempest’s height and reach played the advantage as she reached the toy first and scooped it up in her hands successfully! But the Karen was not going down so easily as for people like her, she deserved to get what she wanted for simply no other reason than she desired it – and she desired that toy for her child back home! Karen actually grabbed at the plush toy and tried to dislodge it from Tempest’s grasp, resulting in a tug of war - one that Karen was GROSSLY outclassed in!

Tempest: Bitch! What the hell do you think you’re doing!?

Karen: Let go of that toy! I saw it first!

Tempest: I grabbed it first now let GO!

Karen: Give! Me! That! TOY!!!

Tempest pulled HARD, resulting in the Karen losing her grip and being flung around and into a display of toys, knocking them over but the antagonistic shopper maintaining her balance!

Karen: You BITCH! I’ll get the manager if I have to now give me that!

And that was when the Karen did the unthinkable and SLAPPED Tempest in a woefully mistaken attempt at asserting all her Karen authority! Tempest slowly turned her head back around to glare at the woman….

A loud, piercing shriek of terror is heard clear across the department store as “Karen” goes sailing THROUGH the air and she crash lands into a mob of frenzied shoppers, sending them scattering! Following that, a calm, cool and collected Tempest walks out of the aisle, carrying the desired toy toward the checkout…

---

“I am not so proud as to refuse to admit when I’m wrong about something or more in particular - someone. I’ve said this plenty of times but I’ve noticed that a lot of people that have taken this business into their hearts have a tendency to only pay attention to what the A-Listers have to say or what they do and to hell with what anyone else has to say or to offer. It’s almost as if time and again, some of us have to fight even harder to remind the fans and the powers that be, what exactly it is that we’re capable of accomplishing when we’re given the opportunity.”

“Case in point; me. I admit that I’m something of a harder case to speak for, given my level of activity inside of the ring - or the lack thereof. I admit I don't get the chance to compete as often as I might want to due to commitments that I have outside of the ring, and for that I truly have nobody to blame but myself. Certain walks of life, even at my age I am relatively new and inexperienced at juggling one with the other. How some of these men and women are capable of merging their personal and professional lives - one with the other - without causing one a detriment at the expense of the other. I admit that I have no idea, but it is admittedly a lesson I want desperately to learn because quite frankly? I am getting a little tired of simply sitting on the sidelines in catering, waiting for the bosses to tell me that they need me inside of the ring! The last time I went through this was at the very start of my wrestling career and look at what happened then. Some of the most beloved Barbie dolls in the Bombshell locker room were made to suffer the price of my neglect and really! Does Ward and Underwood really want to have a bunch of innocent women go through all of that again? Because it is coming this close to reaching that critical point! Or rather, it was.”

“You see, a few weeks ago I was going to get the chance of a lifetime in challenging my own GO Gym girl, Ariana Angelos, for the Internet Championship were it not for little Miss Courtney Pierce. Now after she cost me one of my first chances at a singles title, I thought I was going to have to have a word with the girl in private, but luckily for her, the bosses stepped in and offered me something of a consolation prize. A shot at the Roulette Championship, and the woman who has been a pretty damn impressive champion in her time as the champion. Alexandra Calaway. And see, Alexandra brings me back to my original point of being able to admit when I’m wrong about someone because if I’m going to be honest? When I first laid eyes on her in the locker room, I was not impressed. I mean, she looked like any of the other women who walk around with their boobs hanging out to draw attention away from the boys and the fans, but that right there was where my mistake in judgment was. And I am going to say this directly to Alexandra so girlfriend, I hope to god you’re watching so listen up!”

“When you first came to SCW, all I heard about you was how you were such a badass and all I could manage to do was roll my eyes and think, ‘Yeah, right!’ You didn’t look like anything special to me, like anything different than any other woman who walked through those doors. We heard you talk big about how you could go toe to toe with any woman in any extreme form but the first time you really got the chance to prove it – against Luna as I recall – well let’s just say that you left us wanting. That’s about the nicest way that I could phrase it. Then you got involved in the mixed tag team division with that boy Miles and all I could think was ‘dear god, she’s going to drag that boy right down to her level!’. You got your wins here and there but then again, so did Bea Barnhart so I wasn’t really seeing anything that really stood out about you.”

“Until you set your sights on the Roulette Championship that you currently hold for at least a couple more days at most. Until you stopped limiting yourself and decided to truly show these people what you were capable of doing with the chains shattered and the real Alexandra Calaway turned loose on the world!”

“I was mistaken.”

“Since you did the world a favor and beat the ass of Jessie Salco, you’ve been pretty much unstoppable with a scattered loss here or there. That was just over three months ago and you’ve beaten some of the baddest bitches on the roster, and a few Barbie dolls to match, to keep that belt around your waist and that is why I am so looking forward to this opportunity. That is why I admitted that I was wrong about you and I am DYING to fight you for that title, no matter what scatterbrained stipulation that wheel falls on! When I heard you tell people your age, I thought you were lying through your teeth because you look younger than most of the girls around here! You look younger than me, and to think we are roughly the same age but you still have so much more experience as a wrestler than I do brings things into perspective. I was wrong about you, Alexandra – but in two days I am going to prove myself right about someone else.”

“Me.”

“I’ve already held a championship title here in SCW - one with my closest friend at my side. Austin James Mercer. A championship I hope to hold again soon with that very same man at my side. But this is my first real chance at proving I can accomplish the same with nobody to depend on but my own person.”

“I have nothing but respect for the asses that you’ve kicked since becoming the champion, but respect will only carry you so far, and it does nothing to guarantee your own safety. I’ll even buy you a round afterwards so no hard feelings - but that title is coming home with me. And that is something that I am not mistaken about!”

The more things change... For those more in the know, the familiarity of Tempest's old one bedroom apartment here in the famed "City of Sin" was now a thing of the past. And for this amazon of a woman, that was a rather difficult thing to grow accustomed to. You see, in her own words, Tempest would freely tell people that there are two things she hates above all else; change -- and things that remain the same. Yes indeed, she was quite the difficult person to truly get to know and more importantly, to understand. Although, let's be honest. She was not alone in at least a part of this small piece of personal philosophy. A lot of people find themselves growing comfortable with their respective lots in life, be it their job or relationships, or in this particular case - a home. Of course, like many of these unseen specters that just so happened to share her mindset and circumstances, they too might find fate itself intervening in one way or another, forcing that most dreaded of circumstances; change.

And what bigger change could one experience than by having a child enter your life that you were now solely responsible for?


With a spectacular view of the Strip and the dazzling lights of the entertainment capitol of the world, this estate was a startling change from Tempest's former place of residence in a more suburb one bedroom apartment. It was close to the Turnberry Towers where current SCW stars Miles Kasey and HBCarter, as well as "former" Superstars Fenris and his brother Aron called home. Perhaps this was done by design on the part of Gabriel Stevens who had assisted his volatile charge in getting this set up. Just in case there was any emergency, there would be someone nearby that could lend her a helping hand in the event that he or Odette would be unable to, or unable to get there in due time. Gabriel knew her well enough to know that Tempest's tastes were simple where a home was concerned, in both set up as well as simple decor. She hated clutter and was not one of those women who bought silly decor that said "Eat, Pray, Love" to hang on their wall as some strange personal mantra. She lived life simply and felt favor in just the basics. But once again -- change.

Tempest: I still think all of this was completely unnecessary.

She said as she stood in the center of the spacious living room, the hardwood floors shining bright and new as she surveyed her surroundings. Gabriel sighed as he stepped out of the kitchen, having taken the initiative to get a cold drink for himself as well as for his "charming hostess." He let everything she said in regards to her home situation roll right off of his back, having heard it all over the past several weeks. If anything, the proprietor of the famed GO Gym was all too happy to help her get set up under these new circumstances. It meant that after these past few years, she was finally opening up to others around her and he was seeing a new side to her. A side he might not have come to expect.

As a mother.

Gabriel: I believe the words you're looking for are 'thank you'.

Gabriel passed the bottled raspberry tea over to her waiting hand while popping the cap off of his own beverage to have a drink. One thing he had come to learn about this woman was the fact that she rarely ran the air conditioning in her home, being all too used to the climates of her native Hawaii. Whereas Gabriel tended to run the AC in his home to the point he'd be freezing his ass off.

Tempest: I never said that I wasn't grateful. You helped me out a lot in getting this place so quickly.

Gabriel feigned indifference with a good natured smile at the appreciation his and Odette's student showed him in this instance. True, the main gist of their trainer/student relationship was always about the wrestling. But outside of that, neither he nor his wife were able to keep things one hundred percent professional between themselves and their students. They always showed concern for their lives outside of the Gym and their overall general well being.

Tempest: It's just that... well I guess over the last few weeks you've come to realize I have this habit of second guessing myself.

Gabriel: Which surprised me a lot because I always thought of you as the confident sort to the point of being more stubborn than Fenris. And THAT is saying something!

Tempest smirked, despite herself.

Tempest: Under normal circumstances, I'd tend to agree. But this...

tempest sighed, looking up and around at absolutely nothing at first. At a loss for words, not knowing how to even begin. But that is where Gabriel's words of reassurance from several weeks past would ring most true in the fact that she was not alone.

Gabriel: Hey...

He laid a reassuring hand on his student's shoulder, drawing her attention back toward him and away from whatever dark cloud that might have been forming in her own personal thoughts. The fact that she did not shrug his hand away or draw back from her preferences at not being touched, spoke highly on the given situation. Gabriel held her gaze for a mere moment before he smiled his best.

Gabriel: It's going to be alright, Alleyene. Kids have a habit of making even the most confident of us second guess ourselves.

Tempest: Yeah?

Gabriel nodded, all-too knowingly.

Gabriel: I speak from personal experience. As a wrestler, I thought I was the shit. Actually... I knew I was.

He smiled, despite himself and she just scrunched her nose with a sly smirk at his cocky display.

Gabriel: But when Lucas was born? Everything I thought I was, got thrown right out the window. And just when I started to think I had this whole Dad thing down, along came our little girl and once again...

He let loose a shrill whistle from  between his teeth while jetting a thumb back over his shoulder.

Tempest: You had to go and start all over.

To which he nodded.

Gabriel: To put it mildly. But every adult who becomes a parent goes through this change in their sense of self. Some can handle it and come out smelling like a rose. Others you read about on Reddit for raising holy little terrors that tear up restaurants or run amok in movie theaters. Of course, your circumstances are a little different.

Tempest: I have so much time to make up for.

Gabriel: And you will. You are going to spoil that little girl of yours rotten, but still keep her level headed so she grows up to be as strong willed and independent as her mom.

Tempest scoffed, not knowing quite how to take such high words of praise. So rather than say anything that might make her look foolish or cast doubt upon herself, she simply chose to remain silent and took a drink from the glass bottle in her hand. She then took a step forward and before Gabriel realized it, she was walking away from the living room as well as him personally. It was unlike her nature so he proceeded to follow her as she walked down the hall of the modest apartment to a door that was half-closed.

Tempest used the back of her hand to wedge the door open a little wider so that both she could see inside. Gabriel also peered inside and looked upon the very reason why this whole situation had arisen. The nine year old daughter of her husband who had been killed in action several years ago; Anela Kahale. Unlike the more modest upkeep of the rest of the apartment, this bedroom had been suited to the little girl's specific tastes as a bold surprise for her from the moment she set foot inside. Her favorite color was purple - and from the drapes over the windows to the bedspread and lacy pillows, there was purple abound. There was even a big, purple plush rug on the center of the hardwood floor. Anela loved unicorns and mermaids. Tempest had went through painstaking measures to find the largest and most colorful plush unicorn for Anela to sleep with in her bed and there were framed pictures of mermaids and mermen all along her bedroom walls. As a bit of a welcoming present, Gabriel and Odette had even gifted the little girl with a very rare Ken merman doll. The way that child's face lit up with such a gift... But most of all, she loved to read. And that was why Tempest had the biggest bookcase she could find to fit comfortably in the bedroom. She then took Anela to the closest bookstore and just let the little girl run wild.

In fact, that was what had the child so pre occupied that she didn't even realize she was being watched briefly. She was curled up on her bed, the stuffed unicorn under her head as a makeshift pillow and her nose buried in a fresh copy of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. That was when she found Gabriel's hand on her arm once more. He spoke in a quiet, reserved whisper so as not to disturb Anela.

Gabriel: And can I tell you one more little secret? Just between us?

Tempest: What's that?

Gabriel: I think you are going to make one hell of a mom to that little girl.

---

It remained early enough in the morning where the crisp air had not yet heated up in the usual Las Vegas fashion, and a crowd of children were gathered outside of the school amidst a number of brightly colored yellow school buses. Wearing their favorite clothes and carrying bags over their shoulders, the children giggled and chatted between themselves before the start of the school day would commence.

The forest green Chevrolet Traverse pulled up outside of the school, located a short distance from the Las Vegas Strip and slowed to a stop where the kids were able to be let off. Once stopped, it was revealed Tempest in the driver's seat and a somewhat nervous looking Anela seated beside her. And really, who could blame the little girl for being nervous in the first place? A new life at a new school... all of these kids probably knew each other from previous school years and who wanted to be the new kid trying to make friends? Tempest looked to her and could easily see the hesitation in the little girl's eyes.

Tempest: Do you want me to go with you?

Anela shook her head in a quiet refusal, preferring to do her mom proud and handle this on her own. Just like she was sure Tempest would have. She turned from staring at all of the kids to her mom.

Anela: No... no. I'll be fine.

Tempest: Are you sure?

Anela nodded, then leaned over to wrap her arm around Tempest's neck for a quick hug. She gave Tempest a quick peck on the cheek before undoing her seatbelt and exiting the Transverse. Grabbing her Little Mermaid book bag from the foot rest, she shut the door and gave Tempest a quick wave goodbye. Tempest returned the gesture with a smile, despite the subdued nerves of watching her stepdaughter turn and make her way toward the school and the children. For perhaps the very first time, feeling the very same nerves in the pit of her stomach at wondering if she would be alright.

---

There arena was dark overall, save for a single spotlight that shown down from the rafters and onto the stool that was set up in the center of the six-sided ring. The sound of footsteps were heard reverberating across the bare walls of the empty arena, footsteps that seemingly stopped as if someone were entering the ring itself. And it was then that Tempest, one-half of the former World Mixed Tag Team Champions and challenging for those very same titles stepped into the shot.

Never one for dressing in anything but what she found comfort in, she wore her street clothes consisting of a black t-shirt with her favorite denim jacket worn over it, tight blue jeans and tanned, heel boots. Taking hold of the stool's seat, Tempest pulled it a touch closer to where she wanted it before taking a seat, facing the camera directly.

"I hate this. I admit it. I was never the type of person who was big on letting my words influence people when I always believed that actions accomplished the same and much better. But, I also understand that this is the nature of the business so let's commence the traditional bout of trash talking, shall we?"

She got comfortable and clasped her hands together on her bended knees.

"Okay, here's the thing. I don't use social media. Not Twitter or Facebook or Instagram or whatever the hell is taking over and rotting the minds of the average Neanderthal. I have no reason to. I have no use for it. I know too many people who have allowed their chosen form of social media to, for lack of a better term, take over their lives. I've seen people converse with friends and family over some chat messenger - while sitting in the same room at the same table! If I have to be perfectly honest - and I usually am - I find social media to be a colossal waste of time and the people who rely on it so heavily need to get a damn life!"

"But -- just because I don't take part in this mind numbing phenomenon doesn't mean that I am not aware of some of the things that go on with it. For example -- Eiley. The moment this match for the Mixed Tag Team titles was announced, I understand she made some sort of crack about how now she'd have to listen to me run my mouth about Mikah's baby or whatever she was going on about. And in a sense, I can see where she's coming from. Mikah's time at the top is a thing of the past and her memory in this day and age is totally and completely irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. So I'm speaking up right now for one-half of the champions, and hope she can pop out those ear buds and stop listening to her KPop or whatever else she addles her mind with and hear me out. Let's forget the past -- IE Mikah, and move on toward the future. As in, what's going to happen in a matter of days when Austin and I challenge for those titles that remain around your waists. Let's forget about what is irrelevant and keep your mind on what matters most -- survival. Because retaining those pretty titles are the least of your concerns, Eiley. It's not about being able to walk away from the ring with the gold still in your possession, it's about being able to walk away -- period."

Tempest then raised a hand to bring things to emphasize a point.

"But... and this is a big one, I am capable of admitting when I might have been wrong about someone. And whether or not I was wrong about you in general...?"

She gritted her teeth, swaying her shoulders from side to side as if in a personal bout of indecision.

"I suppose the jury is still out on that one. There are still SO MANY things that I don't like about you, Eiley. Being such a carbon copy of Mikah that you make me think I'm watching her rather than a promising new Bombshell. How you run off at the mouth from behind the safety of your keyboard, probably thinking I'd never find out that you at least made the attempt to throw shade in my general direction. I could probably go on, and I would, but we are on a bit of a tight schedule so let's just skip ahead a bit, hm?"

"Aside from these beliefs and others, I can't find fault in what you've managed to accomplish inside of the ring. I still think you're the quintessential poster child for Barbie Doll Bombshells, but I'm woman enough to admit that your in-ring accomplishments have been pretty damn impressive. Your win-loss record is almost completely spotless, whereas your tag team with Oliver is undefeated so far. You told the world that you were going to walk away from Summer XXXTreme as the champions and damned if you didn't take full advantage and do just that!"

She clapped her hands together.

"Bravo, Eiley. Bra-vo!"

The clapping then slowed down until it came to a complete stop.

"Of course, as impressive as your win was, you've managed to do the one thing that even your respective mentors of Mikah and Kris Ryans were unable to; make the championships relevant again. You see, when Kris and Mikah won the titles, people grew bored. Nobody gave a damn! They literally did jack to make those titles rise above the rest and actually mean something - anything! And THAT is why most teams gave up even wanting to get tied down to such a dim reputation, championship or not. That is why the roster for those titles dwindled to being virtually non-existent, and why they wound up on some shelf in SCW's office storage space and practically forgotten. Until now, that is. Until..."

She pointed a finger forward and swept it from side to side.

"Until, you two. You see some people think that the renewed interest in the tag team division stems mainly from how much people want to see you lose the titles and granted, it will be happening sooner than you think. But to anyone with a mind in their skulls, one can see that you simply took the titles, ran with them, and did the absolute best with what you were given. It was a daunting task to be sure, especially when you take into account how just over a year ago, nobody wanted a thing to do with the titles or the division overall! Now - you have teams ranging from the Saviors to Sam Marlowe and Ben Jordan and..."

She nodded, her eyes boring into the camera.

"Yeah. Austin and myself. There are, of course, other teams in contention, but you're looking at the ones that matter most. The two challengers who physically, have it over you in every way that matters. Now I know when there is a size difference as considerable as what we have Eiley, the smaller woman has two basic strategies..."

She counted off of two fingers as she went on to explain.

"One, hit and run. Which can be pretty effective except every wrestler who talks about employing this stratagem forgets that sooner or later, the bigger wrestler will eventually get hold of you and then what? The damage commences and I can assure you, it is a far easier thing for a big wrestler to whittle away physically a smaller wrestler than the other way around! Or... getting the larger wrestler off of their feet. Of course, in order to do this you have to pretty much forget about employing that first strategy because you have to get up close and uncomfortable with your opponent in order to bring them down to the mat. And in every strategy there is a red flag, no matter how much thought you put into it. And the red flag from stratagem number two is even if you get the bigger wrestler down on the mat, how exactly do you plan on keeping them there? Because honey, sooner or later I would get back to my feet and that is when I would bounce that bony butt of yours back to wherever it is that you came from! Or... if you were able to get me on the mat and you tried to keep me there physically... well, that would pretty much bring you within arms reach and sister? If you were dumb enough to actually get close enough to let me get hold of you, then you'd deserve whatever fate I dropped at your doorstep!"

She then clapped her hands together.

"So, what do you say Eiley? You can keep running your mouth about me, which I fully expect and I would probably even lose a token of respect for you if you didn't. I mean, nature of the beast and all that, am I right? I like to think of women who make that mistake as adding fuel onto an already raging inferno. You're just going to get burned. And let's just hope that when it's just you and I, woman to woman, that things turn out better for you than what it did for your partner when he got to face Austin. Granted, he holds a win over Mercer but that was in equal parts dumb luck and Austin simply losing his temper and hurting him so bad the referee was afraid for Ollie's safety. We can only hope things go better for you when it's just us girls."

Tempest stood up and leaned closer toward the camera.

"It won't, but hope springs eternal."

That said, Tempest walked off camera and the spotlight that shone above the ring winked out, basking the scene in darkness.

---

Despite whatever she might try and tell those closest to her - Gabriel or especially Austin, Tempest had waited with jangled nerves, her eyes constantly watching the clock in her home from the moment she dropped Anela off for her first day of school, to when it was now time to pick her up. And while she admitted to nerves on whether or not her stepdaughter would have an easy time in making friends, she was reminded by Gabriel of one saving grace; the fact that his own son Lucas went to this very same school and was in Anela's grade. If they were in the same class (which Tempest hoped for), then Anela would have the comfort of starting her school year off with one friendly face in her corner. Odette had told Tempest once that the chance to enroll their kids in a more prestigious private school had once arisen but she and Gabriel wanted their kids to grow up in a more wholesome learning environment.

Gabriel had been right in that regard. From the moment Lucas was introduced to Anela at the Gym, the two kids became fast friends, playing together as often as was allowed. And yes, just as promised, Lucas poured on that Stevens charm Gabriel had warned Tempest about.

Her vehicle parked as close as she was able to get to the front entrance without blocking the buses, Tempest stood at the front of the car and watched as the school had let out and a swarm of children of all ages emerged from inside, heading for either the buses that would take them home or for the familiar car of their moms or dads that would do the same. Finally, she saw the colorful purple book bag that she had purchased for Anela, and the little girl was walking quickly out the door, seemingly avoiding the other children, as if huddling her arms against herself. This brought a frown to Tempest's face, as she watched Anela look for her and once she saw her mom raise a hand to attract her attention, Anela hurried over toward her as quickly as her legs could carry her.

Tempest: What's wrong? What hap-?

But Anela, clearly having been crying, hurried past her mom's waiting arms and she practically jumped in the open door to the Transverse and all but slammed it closed behind her. Caught completely off guard by this sudden behavioral shift, Tempest found herself frozen temporarily before she finally shook herself back awake. She walked around the vehicle to climb into the driver's side. before closing the door, she looked on with a mother's concern toward her daughter.

Tempest: Anela -- what happened?

But the little girl did not answer. She practically buried herself in her car seat, hugging her book bag tightly against her body. Only when Tempest realized an answer was not coming immediately, did she shut the door. The engine turned on and the Transverse slowly pulled out so that she might take her daughter home.

Flashback - Child Protective Services - Maui, Hawaii
Many weeks ago

We figured it was time to show you a bit of the glue that brought the pieces of this puzzle together. You heard what happened, but hearing sometimes just is not enough. Sometimes we have to see with our own two eyes so that we can come to an understanding and appreciate what is shown before us.

Tempest sat alone in the office of a Missus Kalea Ogi, a well respected social worker for the CPS - Child Protective Services - of Maui. And while Tempest was not entirely surprised to find out that her former mother-in-law had absconded with Anela, her deceased husband's daughter from a previous marriage, and left Honolulu for Maui where Malulani had called home with his family for over thirty years. But inside? She was absolutely seething. The mother-in-law from hell had used her family and what connections she had not only to literally hide her former step daughter from her, but also to shield the fact that Malulani had named Tempest – Alleyene, as his daughter’s legal guardian. A fact that Tempest herself had not been enlightened to. Not until recent weeks and many talks with lawyers and CPS agents to better ensure the child would be well taken care of. The child’s welfare was key. The most important matter for all involved.

It was the sole reason why Tempest was fighting so hard to restrain her temper in recent weeks during what she thought were repeated invasive investigations into her life. Her profession as a professional wrestler had raised more than one eyebrow but in the end, it was deemed much safer than the business she owned and maintained to this very day – that of a bail bondsman and bounty hunter. That alone almost cost her this reunion that she had privately dreamed of for years – and worried would never happen. It was the final exchange between a judge and herself, a simple enough trading of words that made the children’s court confident that Tempest could take care of a child.

When the judge expressed his concern of such, all she had to say was, “Look at me, your honor. If a woman built like me can’t protect a kid, then something is wrong with this world!”

The judge laughed. He actually – laughed. And whole there were other concerns such as food and school, the court’s highest ranking official was well satisfied that not only could she tale care of and protect this little girl, but more importantly –

She wanted to.

And the wait? It was absolutely maddening. Why they could not be brought back together in a more formal or public setting was beyond her. Somewhere – neutral. But this, her mother theorized, was the agent’s way to better ensure a smoother transition for the child involved. Plus it put the CPS agents more in control for the very fact. Something that tempest could respect, if not outright appreciate. The court had, of course, asked little Anela if she wanted to go live with Tempest, her former stepmother, and all doubt was erased when the child started crying and asking “if they really meant it”. When Mrs. Ogi informed her of this fact, Tempest wept herself. She actually wept.

It had been a fear of the woman ever since this reunion was first proposed – that Anela would have forgotten all about her. Or held a childish grudge against her for allowing her grandmother to spirit her away like some witch in a children’s bedtime story. But to know that she not only remembered her after almost four years, but did so in a fond way, made her heart soar in a way that she had not experienced since Malulani was alive.

There was a soft rap at the door, to which she found strange since she was in the agent's office so for all intent and purpose, she could have just walked right in without saying a word. But before Tempest could even think forth on the subject or say something – like “come in” when it wasn’t even her place to do so – the office door opened.

Mrs. Ogi was a woman in her middle years, and there were streaks of white dabbled liberally in her otherwise dark, shoulder length hair. Lines in the corner of her eyes spoke of experience in her field, more than a few success stories as well as a number of heartbreaks. But Tempest had done her own digging up of some dirt and all roads pointed to one simple truth about this woman standing at the door – she was formidable, and a force to be reckoned with.

Mrs. Ogi: Alleyene?

She spoke, being given consent by Tempest herself to use her given name. This was it, this was the moment she both looked forward to and feared. Tempest stood upright and turned to face the door, as a young girl of near nine years of age stepped into view.

Time would seemingly stand still between the two as the little girl, who had understandably changed physically since the last time they saw one another, stared up at Tempest who had changed little, if at all.

Tempest: Anela…

She slowly lowered herself to a bended knee and Anela pulled her hand from Mrs. Ogi and rushed forward, crying out…

Anela: Mama!

And the little girl threw her small arms around Tempest’s neck, and Tempest lifted the child up into her arms as she stood.

Reunited.

---

The Miécimo da Silva Sports Complex was to be the location for the next edition of Sin City Wrestling’s weekly escapade of wrestling action known as Climax Control. Thus far, the 2023 World of Wonders tour has been wildly successful, even more so than the previous tour of some of the world’s most intriguing Unsolved Mysteries. Here in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the famed ninety eight foot statue known as Christ the Redeemer was the focal point, but as it was a religious site and not enough room for a safe set up, the actual wrestling event was taking place here in the arena.

Apparently not even Mark Ward and Christian Underwood were bold enough to try and press their luck with the ring being at the base of the world’s most holy of statues.

But here at the Miécimo da Silva Sports Complex, the set up for Sunday was nearing  completion. The ring, the rows of chairs on the arena floor to go long with the stands. The lightning and sound system. The men and women whose sole responsibility was to ensure all was in place and ready for Sunday’s show to run smoothly remained busy, and watching them from afar at the very top of the stands was Tempest herself. She stared straight ahead, watching the workers as she spoke up…

“November 28, 2021.”

Tempest turned her head so that she  could look ‘down’ into the camera that was focused on her.

“Does that ring a bell there, Mercedes? That was the last time that you and I stepped inside of the ring against each other. The match where you and your tag team partner Goth beat Austin and myself for the Mixed Tag Team titles. Under most circumstances, most people would try to cheapen that win of yours and say you stole the titles somehow or that your win was just plain, dumb luck.”

Tempest closed her eyes and shook her head.

“Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a lot of things but I am unlike ‘most people’. The simple truth of the matter is that you and Goth fought us, and you just so happened to win. The only ‘luck’ involved was what prompted the bosses to give you and Goth another crack at our titles after Austin and I had handed your asses to you the first time around. Just a few weeks prior to the loss, at High Stakes XI. November, 2021. Austin pinned Goth. He and I were ready to move on to the next best thing when what happened? I don;t know if the powers that be were so impressed by the two of you or if it was some sort of pity party but we come to find out that our first post-Supercard defense was against … you and Goth.”

Tempest scoffed.

“Imagine our surprise. But, as disappointed as we were at finding out we weren’t moving on to new challengers, by the end of the night that paled in comparison to how we felt at the loss of those very same championships. That’s right. I am not lying. I fully acknowledge the fact that this time around, you two came out on top and that was the final time Mercer and I had at teaming with one another because we…”

She placed a hand on her chest.

“... Weren’t given a rematch. Now some think that the bosses, Ward and Underwood, thought that two matches between the same two teams back to back were enough and three would be burn out. I’d hope that was the case because I’d hate to think that the other theory were true – that you and Goth simply didn’t want to face us again and be put at risk of having one of the shortest mixed tag reigns in record history. Tell me differently, Mercedes. Don't make me think so low of you. Bottom line is, that was the final time we set foot inside of the ring against each other, and ever since Austin and I lost the titles? The mixed tag division…?”

She whistled and turned her upright thumb slowly downward.

“Slowly died out. Mercer and I carried the division on our backs and after our loss, nobody – not one, single team – did for it what we accomplished! Not then, and not now! But this time around, we’re not talking about the mixed tag team division, are we? We’re talking about the Queen For A Day, and we are talking about just you and I. Alone inside of the ring, woman to woman! And that makes things even more interesting – for myself at least, because here’s another little tidbit for SCW’s resident historian. About our previous encounters, and this one this time around. You see, the last two times we met, Mercedes? The outcome was not decided between you and I. It was decided between the men. Mercer pinned Goth. Goth pinned Mercer. While you and I were on the outside, looking in. Leaving the unspoken question of just who was the better woman between you and I. I suppose… this is our golden ticket to settling that unanswered question.”

She shrugged her hefty shoulders.

“I admit, I’m looking forward to it, even if it isn’t a straight up match but some jacked up stipulation where the chick on the outside actually is going to have the power to decide who wins and who loses. Either Kim or Zoey is going to decide when one of us has had enough and call the match when you and I really will have no say. All we get the opportunity to do is beat the hell out of each other and credit where it's due… that is where I come into play. That is where I am going to have the advantage until you have little other alternative but to roll over and play dead. And by the end of the night, that’s the only option that you’re going to be left with. There’ll be no fight left in you and even Kim is going to look at you with pity in her eyes and feel no other alternative but to throw in the towel and call the match. That is, if she has a heart. Because it would take a stone cold bitch to be able to watch what I’m going to do to you and just let it continue on without end. Although…”

Tempest glanced up wistfully in thought.

“That would be the smart thing to do, wouldn’t it? Considering two weeks later the four of us will be inside of the ring against each other, but this time in a Ladder match and the stakes being even higher. The opportunity to be Queen. The chance to shape my own destiny. To get what I deserve. To get what I have fought for since the very beginning. To shape Fate itself to how I see it!!!”

She jammed a finger into her upper torso, her voice rising.

“You have had your time in the sun, Mercedes! There was a point in time where you were not only one of the most respected women on the roster, but also one of the most feared! And while the respect for all that you’ve accomplished still lingers – and rightfully so – well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but nobody fears you. Not any more. That time has passed you by and even though you cling so desperately to it to remind yourself of what you once were, it’s as I said… fate. Fate always strikes when you least expect it, and fate deals a cold, cruel hand. And a little something for you to chew on?”

She leaned right into the camera so that her face filled it.

“So do I.”

The scene faded out.