*~*A Surprising Victory*~*
Climax Control
Phoenix, AZ
Her music and the cheers of the crowd still echoed through the arena as Bella Madison made her way backstage, the taste of victory lingering on her lips and buzzing off her sweat soaked skin. The backstage area was a hive of activity, with wrestlers, crew members, and staff moving about in a chaotic yet organized dance that was as much a part of the show as the matches themselves.
Bella, still catching her breath, couldn't help but replay the match in her mind within moments of getting backstage and she was sure that she would go back and watch it all over again with Mal, her mother and even those at Wolfslair. Krystal Wolfe had been a formidable opponent, and the odds seemed stacked against her. Yet, against all expectations and the surprise of a few, Bella emerged victorious. Her heart raced with the adrenaline of the unexpected triumph.
As she navigated the labyrinthine halls of the backstage area, a mix of disbelief and elation played on her features. She half-expected someone to tap her on the shoulder and say, ‘Sorry, it was a mistake. Krystal actually won.’ But the reality of the situation settled in with each step.
Malachi, who had been watching the match from backstage, spotted Bella making her way through the corridor. A proud smile crept across his face as he approached her. "Bells, you did it! I can't believe it, but you did it!"
Bella, still processing the moment, looked at Malachi with wide eyes and a laugh on her lips, "I know, right? I mean, I knew I had it in me, but against Krystal? That's a huge win!"
Malachi enveloped her in a congratulatory hug. "You're incredible. I've never seen you move like that. It's like you tapped into a whole new level out there."
Bella chuckled, the reality of the victory sinking in. She tucks her head, still trying to play it out on how it just all happened, "Maybe I did. Apparently, I did. I guess there's nothing like a surprising win to make you question everything you thought you knew about yourself."
As they continued down the corridor, the backstage crew and fellow wrestlers offered congratulatory nods and cheers. Bella's victory had sent ripples through the locker room, proving that, on any given night, anything could happen in the world of professional wrestling. That, and she was about to head to December 2 Dismember to take on the SCW Bombshell Champion.
Reaching the privacy of the Bombshell’s dressing room, Bella let out a long exhale, pulling away from Mal with a smile, "I need a moment to process this. It's like I stepped into a parallel universe where I can defeat anyone."
Malachi grinned, leaning against a nearby wall, reaching out and pushing a few strands of Bella’s hair away from her face, "Well, get used to it. You earned this, and it's just the beginning. Who knows what's next for you?"
Bella smirked, a newfound confidence gleaming in her eyes. "Actually, that part is simple. December 2 Dismember against Julianna. I got 2 weeks to somehow get even better. BUT...I think...right now, I need a shower and maybe a moment to let this victory sink in. This is a game-changer."
Malachi nodded, squeezing her hand. "Take your time. I'll be right here, celebrating the unexpected triumph." Bella gives him a look, as if to say give her a little bit of time, and he smirks, “Ok, I’ll go get Máire and then we’ll get some take out and pray she sleeps through the night.”
That perks Bella up a bit, “Ooo, Chinese and Pizza?”
“OR, Bells.[/color]” Even after 4 months after having Máire it seemed like her appetite hadn’t changed much and her metabolism still was burning on high.
But she couldn’t resist pouting just a little bit, with her hands on her hips, “Both, Mal!”
“And we see where Máire gets it from,” Mal says with a roll of his eyes and a peck on his wife’s lips, with a slight shove towards the door, “Go take your shower, sassmaster.”
She smiles and before she steps over the threshold, “Love you too, Oscar.”
As Bella disappeared into the dressing room, the sounds of the bustling backstage area faded into the background. The victory had not only surprised the fans but had left an indelible mark on Bella herself. As she stood under the shower, letting the hot water wash away the physical and emotional strains of the match, Bella Madison pondered the unpredictable nature of the wrestling world and the new challenges and victories that awaited her on the horizon.
“Alright, girl...you got yourself there. Now let’s finish it.”
*~*Magical First Encounter with Santa*~*
34th Street, NYC
It was a crisp December day in the heart of New York City, and the O'Connell family was braving the bustling streets, making their way to the iconic Macy's. Máire, bundled up in her specially crafted Christmas dress by Mattie Cormier, or as she's come to be known as Auntie Mattie, looked like a little snow princess in Malachi's arms.
Malachi, slightly apprehensive about navigating the holiday chaos, glanced at Bella with a hint of worry. "You sure about this, Bells? The crowds, the lines... I'm not sure Máire is ready for all of this."
Bella, ever the optimist, flashed a bright smile. "Come on, Mal. It's Máire's first Christmas, and we have to make it magical! Macy's Santa is a tradition, and we can't miss it. She may not remember this but we will and we will be able to tell everyone about it. Besides, we saw how she was with the tree this week. I think it’s going to be amazing. Just think of this as another core memory for us as a family."
“I just don’t see why we had to go here. Your grandfather told you he was going to have Santa visit his business for all his employee’s families. That would be less toned down than what this is going to be.” Mal was not one for crowds to begin with and even with it being a weekday, the whole area was constantly buzzing with people shopping.
Bella turned on her heels and placed her hand on her husband’s chest as he kept a firm grasp on Máire, “Babe, trust me on this, okay? I know that you don’t do well with the huge mad rush of the Christmas season, but this is something amazing. You’ll see.”
With determination, they maneuvered through the festive crowd, Máire's wide eyes absorbing the twinkling lights and the hum of excitement. As they approached Santa's enchanting workshop, adorned with sparkling decorations, a sense of holiday wonder filled the air.
“Ooo, someone is already soaking it all in. You see all the pretty lights, don’t ya sweetie?” Bella said as she removed Máire’s tiny winter coat with her still in Mal’s arms.
Mattie's creation for Máire, a dress adorned with tiny snowflakes and a matching headband, captured the essence of the season. Bella couldn't resist but to gush over her daughter. "Look at our little snow princess! Mattie did an amazing job."
Malachi nodded, appreciating the craftsmanship but still a bit uneasy about what awaited them. "I just hope she doesn't get overwhelmed."
“Stop being such a worry-wart. She feeds off that energy, ya know?” Bella said with a smirk.
“We always hear about the nightmare stories of the first time babies meet a stranger like this. She can barely stand having people fuss over her when we go to SCW. You don’t see her tucking herself into me when people come up to just say ‘hi’ to her.” Mal grumbles.
“Once again, are you sure that’s just not her feeding off your energy of being genuinely anti-social?” Bella says with the raise of her eyebrow.
Mal goes to retort but stops himself and shrugs, “....well...maybe. Ok, you make a fair point. Cut me some slack though, Bells. I’m protective about my girls.”
“And we love you for it, don’t we Máire?” Bella says, giving her daughter a little tickle while giving her husband a peck on the lips, “Yes, we do.”
As they joined the line to meet Santa, Máire's curious eyes darted around, taking in the sight of other children and the festive decor. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and Malachi mentally prepared for potential meltdowns.
When their turn finally arrived, Bella carefully handed Máire over to the bearded man in red. Santa's warm smile welcomed the little one onto his lap. Malachi observed, practically wincing, ready to intervene at the first sign of distress, to dive in and save his precious little girl from the big scary man in the red suit.
However, to everyone's surprise, Máire's reaction was anything but expected. Instead of tears, screaming or hesitation, she squealed in delight, reaching out with tiny hands to grab Santa's fluffy white beard. Malachi's eyes widened in shock as the unexpected scene unfolded.
Bella laughed joyously, "Well, I guess Máire is making sure Santa's beard is real!"
Santa, accustomed to the unpredictable reactions of little ones, chuckled along. "Looks like we've got a curious one here! Ho, ho, ho!"
Máire, seemingly fascinated by the snowy beard, continued to explore it with her tiny fingers, her blue eyes sparkling with wonder. Malachi, caught between amazement and relief, couldn't help but brightly smile at his daughter's unexpected bravery.
Bella leaned in, capturing the precious moment on her phone. "This is going straight into the baby book. Máire's fearless encounter with Santa's beard!"
As the photographer snapped a picture of the delightful interaction, Santa handed Máire a small plush toy as a memento. Máire, still captivated by the festive surroundings, clutched her new friend with a sense of accomplishment.
The O'Connell family, now with a heartwarming story to share, left Macy's with smiles on their faces. Máire's magical first encounter with Santa had turned a potentially chaotic outing into a cherished memory, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected moments bring the greatest joy during the holiday season.
*~*The Grind for Gold*~*
Wolfslair: NYC
New York City, the city that never sleeps, became the backdrop for Bella Madison's relentless pursuit of greatness besides her home gym. The days following Climax Control leading up to just a week before December 2 Dismember were a whirlwind of preparation, determination, and self-discovery with balancing out her life with Mal and Máire. She never missed time with them but...
Mama was going to work.
Bella's days began with the rising sun, and her nights often ended long after it had set. The city skyline witnessed the dedication etched into every drop of sweat that fell in the Wolfslair gym. Her regimen was rigorous, her focus unparalleled, and the echoes of her determination reverberated through the concrete jungle.
Inside the bustling Wolfslair gym, the echoes of grunts, the clanging of weights, and the occasional thud of bodies hitting the mat filled the air. The training facility, a haven for aspiring wrestlers, housed a unique camaraderie, a melting pot of ambition, sweat, and dreams. Among the dedicated athletes, Bella found herself surrounded by her mentor and confidante, Alicia Lukas, and her mother, Laura Phoenix, a former wrestling star in her own right.
Alicia, who if you didn’t pay any kind of attention to SCW’s past, is a seasoned ring veteran, guided Bella through the intricacies of the squared circle. She had seen it all, tasted victories, endured defeats, and understood the emotional rollercoaster that came with the territory. Under Alicia's watchful eye, Bella pushed her limits, embracing the physical and mental challenges that awaited her in the upcoming championship match.
The three women, each with their own wrestling legacy, spent long hours refining Bella's technique, strategizing, and instilling the unyielding resilience required to climb to the top, which Bella seemed to have in spades. The gym became a sacred space where doubts were confronted, weaknesses turned into strengths, and the fire within Bella blazed brighter than ever.
On this particular evening, after an intense training session, Bella sat on the edge of the ring, wiping the sweat from her brow. The vivid memories of her return match against Bobbie Dahl lingered, but something had shifted within her. The doubts that once clouded her mind were now fueled by a newfound determination, a hunger for success that surpassed her past reservations. Her wins to get to December 2 Dismember only added to that.
Something had changed and it intrigued everyone that she worked with.
Alicia, a mentor and friend, approached, recognizing the internal struggle in Bella's eyes. "You're pushing yourself harder than ever, Bells. Don’t get me wrong, I am loving it. But what's changed?"
Bella looked up, her gaze meeting Alicia's. "I can't let doubt control me anymore. Losing to Bobbie was a wake-up call, a reminder that I can't afford to hold back. Not with everything on the line. After Bobbie, I knew damn well that I had to change the plays in the book and come at it from a different point. If I didn’t, this whole comeback was for nothing and everything that they love to talk about with me would be true. I refuse to leave it as just another day in the office, not when I know damn well that SCW Bombshell’s Title is on the line and how fuckin’ hard Julianna is to beat."
Alicia nodded, understanding the weight of expectations and the pursuit of redemption. "Well kid, you've got the talent, the heart. I've seen it in you from day one. Now, you just need to believe it. Confidence can be your greatest ally."
Bella's mother, Laura sat there as a silent pillar of strength in the background, chimed in, "You've inherited that spirit, Bella, from a lot of us. And while I never want you to forget the lineage you come from, you being under the learning tree of talent like Alicia...well lets just say that I fully believe that you have grown beyond even my expectations. You were born for this but this is a whole new level even for you."
As the hours passed, Bella immersed herself in the grind, sculpting her body, honing her skills, and embracing the ferocity that lay dormant within her. The late nights in the gym, the sweat-soaked training sessions, and the unwavering support of Alicia and her mother shaped her into a force to be reckoned with.
After the exhaustive session, Alicia sat beside Bella on the canvas, a mentor's gaze studying the transformation before her. "You've come a long way, Bells. You've embraced the grind, and it shows. But remember, the biggest battles are fought in the mind. Believe in your journey, trust your instincts."
Bella nodded, the fire in her eyes reflecting a newfound confidence. "I know we are still a while out but I feel like I am ready, Alicia. December 2 Dismember is my stage, and I'm not stepping back. Julianna may be THE challenge, but I'm not holding back anymore, and she’s gonna find herself in the fight for her life."
“Good! Now go home to that husband and baby of yours. Remember to rest and we’ll go again next week.”
Alicia ushered her out and Bella found herself back in her New York City home. The home that both her and Mal had spent so much time and effort converting into a place all their own. Malachi and Máire were sleeping soundly by the time she had gotten home that night, a comforting presence in the midst of the storm within her. Part of her partially kicked herself from missing a night with her daughter but she was doing this all for them.
After giving them both a kiss, she ascended the stairs to the roof, the cool breeze carrying the echoes of the city. Doubts lingered, as they always did and they always will, but after Bobbie, after Seleana and after Krystal....Bella Madison had begun to believe what everyone else was seeing.
It wasn’t a transformation.
It was Bella Madison, leveling up.
*~*Bella Madison's Opus: Movement One*~*
Back to Wolfslair Gym
The air in the Wolfslair Gym hung heavy with the echoes of relentless training and unwavering determination from absolutely anyone that dared entered those doors. Nothing else would be accepted otherwise. Surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of her sanctuary, Bella Madison, clad in her training wrestling gear, took a moment to address the looming challenge ahead – her showdown with Julianna DiMaria for the SCW Bombshell's Championship.
With a focused gaze and a sense of unfiltered resolve, Bella spoke directly to the one person that she needs, capturing the intensity of her emotions leading up to the anticipated match.
"Julianna, we've been dancing around this for a while now. Your words, your taunts – they don't fall on deaf ears. But let me make one thing crystal clear – the comparisons, the talk about avenging my mother, it's all become noise. Noise that I'm ready to silence, once and for all."
“And I actually want to thank you for making an excellent point after my battle with Krystal, you made it a point to say what everyone needed to say. I beat Krystal for a chance to face you because I wanted it more. I don’t feel like I’m entitled to a fucking thing, ever.” Bella paced the ring, her movements deliberate, each step echoing her determination. "And because of that, I respect you, Julianna, as a champion. You've held that title, defended it, and carved your own path. But don't mistake respect for fear. I'm not here to replicate anyone's legacy, not my mother's, not yours. I'm here to create my own. When I walked in between the ropes back in 2019, I could have easily come in as Bella Phoenix, but instead I did something that I don’t think anyone expected, I came in as ME and that is all that I have needed."
She paused, the intensity in her eyes matching the fire within. "December 17th isn't just a date on the calendar. It's the day that I step into that ring, face you head-on, and prove that I am not defined by the battles my mother fought. I am defined by my own battles, my own victories, my own journey."
Bella's voice resonated with a blend of conviction and passion. "This isn't just about a championship. This is about independence, about breaking free from the shadows that have lingered for too long. I chose the name Bella Madison for a reason – to build my legacy, to stand on my own. And on that night, when we clash in the ring, it won't be about avenging anyone. It'll be about proving that I am a force to be reckoned with, Julianna. It'll be about me, Bella Madison, seizing the moment and making history."
A determined smirk played on her lips. "So, I don’t think it needs to be said but to hell with it... Julianna, you know damn well that you need to bring your A-game. I wouldn't want it any other way. But know this – I'm not stepping into that ring to foil your plans. I'm stepping into that ring to fulfill mine. The SCW Bombshell's Championship – it's not just a title; it's a symbol. I do this for me, for my daughter and for every single person that never gave up on me, when I wanted to give up."
She concluded with a direct stare into the camera. "I'll see you in the ring in Tucson, Julianna. Let the countdown to December 17th begin, because on that night, history will be made, and a new champion will rise."
With that, Bella Madison, fueled by determination, exited the ring, leaving behind a sense of anticipation and the unwavering belief that at December 2 Dismember, she WILL etch her name into the championship's legacy.