{Our scene opens days after the final battle with Sin. Roxi has recovered and finally was released by the guild doctors, along with Keira. After all that has happened, Roxi and Keira are moving a little gingerly as they still recover. Both lay in bed, still mentally and physically exhausted. Their sleep is brought to a halt as Nate enters the room and climbs on the bed. He snuggles in between them for a moment, and then begins to push up against them.}
Nate – Mommy. Mama. Wake up! Wake up!
{Roxi is the first to wake up reaching for a non-existent alarm before she opens her eyes fully, and rubs them. She weakly smiles seeing Nate’s face. Keira rolls over, still tired.}
Nate – Mommy? Are you awake?
Roxi – Yes baby, I’m awake.
{Nate looks over at Keira, trying to wake her up by pushing on her back.}
Keira – Ugh... 5 more minutes.
{Nate giggles and he starts to push on Keira’s back even more.}
Keira – Okay... okay...
{Keira rolls back over and hugs Nate tightly before kissing him on the head.}
Keira – What are you doing up so early?
Nate – I'm hungry.
Keira – Where's gramma?
Nate – She goed to the store.
{Keira sighs.}
Keira – Alright, you go play for a few minutes, and we’ll make you some breakfast, okay?
Nate – Okay.
{Nate goes to get off the bed, but Roxi grabs him and cuddles with him. Nate giggles as Roxi kisses him.}
Roxi – I love you.
Nate - I love you Mommy. I love you too, Mama.
Keira - I love you.
{Roxi lets Nate off the bed before sitting up. Nate wanders out of the room before Keira lays back down and rolls over to face Roxi.}
Keira – Tell me that wasn’t a dream.
Roxi – It doesn’t feel like it, does it?
Keira – No. Not at all.
Roxi – Then I think it’s real.
Keira – So... we really did it?
Roxi – Yeah, we did.
Keira – I don’t even know what to do anymore.
Roxi – Me neither.
Keira – I haven’t slept this much in a long time. And I still feel like crap. I can’t imagine how I’d feel without powers right now.
Roxi – Yeah... I know. But... duty calls.
Keira – Ugh.
{Roxi rolls over and sits up at the edge of the bed. She gingerly plants her feet on the floor and stands up fully, stretching and then instantly wincing in pain.
Roxi – Ow... Still not fully healed yet.
Keira – Be careful.
Roxi – Yeah, yeah.
{Roxi slowly moves around the bed, looking at the vanity mirror sitting on the desk where the two would do their makeup.}
Keira – You gonna be okay?
Roxi – I hope so.
Keira – I meant for the match against Amber.
Roxi – I guess... as ready as I’ll ever be.
{Keira eventually sits up on the bed.}
Keira – I just... I want to say thank you.
Roxi – For?
Keira – Everything. Nothing seems real to me anymore. I feel this huge weight lifted off my shoulders and I don’t know what to do anymore. It’s like... everything is just... right, right now.
Roxi – You don’t need to thank me for that. That was pretty much all you. I may have helped, but you proved that you can do some extordinary things.
Keira – Thanks but... I couldn’t do it without you. I... I don’t think I’d be in this championship match without you.
Roxi – You did that on your own. I didn’t help you do any of that. It was you. You are a hero, Keira. You are my equal, in life, and in the ring. Don’t let anybody tell you differently.
Keira – I just... I’m worried now about you.
{Roxi turns back to Keira.}
Roxi – You don’t need to worry about me.
Keira – That’s not going to make it any better. You are hurt, and you are going into this match against Amber at less than 100%. And I feel like that’s my fault for having you with me against Sin.
Roxi – Keira, I would have been there regardless of having a match or not. That’s what we do. I may not be 100%, but I don’t have the choice to postpone the match because I’m not feeling well. It has to be done, and it has to be this way.
Keira – I know but -
Roxi – No. We’re beyond this now. This is my fight. We agreed when this whole thing started that we would allow the other to fight their battles. This is how it has to be, Keira. I know you’re worried, but we’ve had this conversation already. It’s time for me, to finally end this, before it ends up getting worse.
Keira – How much worse could it get?
Roxi – That’s a question I hope I don’t have to answer. Look, let’s just focus on what we have in front of us now. Okay? No more worrying, we have reason to celebrate. Things are looking up.
Keira – Yeah... yeah I guess you’re right.
{Keira stands up and she stretches as well. The pain increases for her just the same.}
Keira – Shit...
Roxi – Language.
Keira – Maybe a warm shower will help.
Roxi – Maybe.
{Keria slowly makes her way over to where Roxi is seated and hugs her and kisses her on the head.}
Keira – I love you.
Roxi – I love you too.
Keira – Thank you for believing in me.
Roxi – Always.
{Keira smiles as she gingerly walks to head to the shower. Roxi eventually gets up and walks out of the bedroom and into the kitchen and begins to make Nate breakfast, along with herself and Keira. She pulls eggs out of the refrigerator and greases up a frying pan before turning on the burner. She cracked the eggs and puts them in the frying pan and then grabs a loaf of bread and puts 4 slices into the toaster. She begins to gather paper plates, napkins and utensils to use and puts them on the table. As she waits, her mother opens the door with plastic bags full of groceries.}
Roxi– Hi Mom.
Elizabeth – Hello.
Roxi – What’s with the shopping trip.
Elizabeth – Well, you know we’re probably going to go back into lockdown soon with all the stuff going on. So, I figured, before you run out of everything, might as well stock up.
Roxi – This seems like a lot.
Elizabeth – You can never have too much. Plus, this isn’t everything.
Roxi – You have more?
Elizabeth – I’ve seen Keira eat.
Roxi – Fair.
Elizabeth – Also, I got some stuff for Nicole, I’ll probably end up taking the stuff over there as well.
Roxi – Good thinking.
Elizabeth – She’s probably going crazy over at her house.
Roxi – She doesn’t like to be cooped up. So, probably.
{Roxi flips the eggs as they continue to fry.}
Elizabeth – You know, you should invite her over here.
Roxi – Nicole can come any time she wants. She has an open invitation.
Elizabeth – I know, but it is nice to actually tell her that from time to time.
Roxi – Fine, fine, I will call her and tell her. I’m sure she’ll be around for Thanksgiving.
Elizabeth – And your father?
Roxi – Dad is always welcome, too. He... He just likes to be alone nowadays. I don’t know. Maybe he’s just comfortable with all that’s gone on.
{Elizabeth sighs. She begins putting the groceries away as a way to distract herself.}
Elizabeth – I know. He’s just been so distant.
Roxi – Maybe you should talk to him.
Elizabeth – I couldn’t do that.
Roxi – Look, I know that things are... different now. I mean, he still checked on you when you were home alone. He still cares for you. And you did marry him.
Elizabeth – He’s a teddy bear. But that’s not the point. I can’t change the past. I try not to think about what could have been. That was then, and we’re just at different points. We can’t go back.
Roxi – But you can change the future. Even if it’s for him. Just give it some thought, huh?
{Elizabeth sighs again.}
Elizabeth – Alright, twist my arm.
Roxi – If I have to bring him here myself, I will.
Elizabeth – I know, I know. Anyway, let me go and drop these off to Nicole.
Roxi – Are you sure? I can do it.
Elizabeth – Roxi, I have watched both you and Keira stumble your way through this house for the past few days. Whatever it is you two did, you need to rest. I’m sorry for leaving Nate, I figured he would still be asleep by the time I got back.
Roxi – It’s fine, and we’re fine.
Elizabeth – The point is, you need to rest. I can handle this, I’m older, not elderly, and I’m not crippled.
{Roxi finally throws up her hands as she heads back to finish making the eggs and place more toast in the toaster.}
Roxi – Yes, Mother.
Elizabeth – Good. I’ll be back soon.
{Elizabeth then finishes putting the groceries away as she folds the plastics bags and places them in a drawer. She grabs her purse and soons exits, as Roxi places a single egg on a plate, along with a piece of toast, buttered and with cinnamon on it.}
Roxi – Nate. Your breakfast is ready.
{Nate wanders in and sits at the table in front of his plate. Roxi slowly begins to cut his egg with a fork, and Nate notices her struggling.}
Nate – Mommy, are you okay?
Roxi – Yes, baby. Just a little tired.
{Roxi smiles at Nate as he begins to eat. Roxi finishing making a plate of eggs for Keira and soon enough she emerges, and three sit down to eat a family breakfast, something they have not done in a while, as the scene fades.}
{We transition to later at night after Roxi and Keira have put Nate to bed. It isn’t long after that, that there is a call on their wrist communicators.}
Keira – Oh no...
Roxi – Duty calls.
{Roxi answers the call.}
Roxi – Go ahead Vision.
Vision – You guys okay?
Roxi – Not really, but what’s up?
Vision – We've gotten some suspicious activity in your sector. People smelling a foul odor and then becoming very groggy. The shop shows no gas leaks, so... it sounds like someone may be messing with something out there.
Roxi – Alright, we’ll look into it.
{Roxi ends the call and the two quickly go to suit up. It isn’t long before they arrive at the building. Both can smell the order, so they quickly attach quasi-gas masks to their masks, and step in. There is a yellowish gas in the air fogging the area of view, but Roxi and Keira push forward}
Roxi – See anything?
Keira – It's hard when the gas is this dense.
{The two move forward and spot a figure working on things, with his back turned. Roxi goes to move forward, but triggers trip wire.}
Roxi – Oh no.
{Without warning. Three darts enter Roxi’s back and shoulder. She stumbles around, trying to grab onto anything to stay upright.}
Keira – LB!
{Keira quickly moves towards Roxi and helps her out of the shop. She removes the darts and Roxi lays there groggily.}
Keira – Don't worry, I’ll be back as soon as I can.
{Keira flies back in as the scene fades.}
{The buzzing of the alarm clock slowly wakes Roxi out of sleep. She rolls over and hits the snooze button, and then begins reaching for Keira, who is not there. Roxi opens her eyes, and indeed Keira is nowhere to be seen. There is the noticeable sound from the TV, but Roxi just takes this for granted, and then rolls back over and gets comfortable again in the bed, until she hears footsteps coming towards the door to the bedroom. She naturally assumes this is Keira, but then notices they are heavier than Keira’s normal steps. The door opens and a man familiar to Roxi enters, smiling at Roxi, who sits up. She is confused, frightened, and angry all at the same time.}
Man – Just making sure you’re awake.
Roxi – WHO ARE YOU? WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOUSE?!
{The man arches an eyebrow, as he too is confused by Roxi’s questions.}
Man – Are you feeling okay?
Roxi – ANSWER MY QUESTIONS!
Man – Whoa, calm down. It’s me, Ted. Your husband.
{Roxi searches her mind and squints. She rubs her eyes and it is indeed her second ever boyfriend, Ted.}
Roxi – Ted?
Ted – Yeah, hi.
Roxi – No... no... you... you’re not Ted. You can’t be!
Ted – I am.
Roxi – You are dead. You... you tried to attack me and we fell and...
{Ted leans on the door, massively confused.}
Ted – Uh... What? What are you talking about? I think you may be remembering a dream.
Roxi – No, it wasn’t a dream. It was real. How... how are you alive?
Ted – Okay, Roxi, this isn’t funny anymore. You need to get a hold of yourself. You probably just dreamed that.
{Ted walks forward and sits on the bed, attempting to hug Roxi, but she pushes him away.}
Roxi – What is this? Where’s Keira? Where’s Nate? Where are my parents?
Ted – Whoa, whoa, what are you talking about? Keira? You mean the model? Again, I think you may have had a really vivid dream. Your parents are down in Miami in the assisted living community. I have no idea who Nate is.... Who is Nate?
Roxi – Nate is my son. Nothing you’re saying makes any sense! Keira is my wife, and …
Ted – Okay... seriously, how much did you have to drink last night? Nothing you’re saying makes any sense either. I’m gonna make you some coffee.
Roxi – I DON’T WANT ANY COFFEE! I NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!
{Roxi stands up and marches out of the room, jogging and looking in rooms. Nothing in the house is familiar to her. She frantically looks around, extremly confused. Ted slowly walks into the kitchen where Roxi is, trying to reason with her.}
Ted – Roxi, you need to calm down. I think you just had a really vivid dream. Look, look...
{Ted holds out a phone that’s ringing.}
Roxi – What is this?
Ted – It’s your work.
{Roxi takes the phone and answers it.}
Roxi – Hello? Christian? Ma – Wait, who is this? Who? … What? A Dog?... I... I’m going to need to call you back.
{Roxi hangs up the phone and is still confused.}
Roxi – Explain what’s going on here. This is... this is all wrong. I don’t belong here. Did I... switch dimensions or something? I need to call Vision.
Ted – Who? Roxi, there is nothing going on here. You went to bed last night and you woke up here. I have no idea what the joke is here, but it’s not funny anymore. I’m worried about you. I’m halfway tempted to call the hospital at this point. You are fine, there is nothing going on.
Roxi – Yes there is...
{Roxi hurries to the bedroom, looking for her wrist communicator and it is nowhere to be found. She searches frantically, but nothing is there. She marches over to the closet and throws it open, looking for her costume, but it too, is gone. Ted cautiously enters the bedroom, standing in the doorway.}
Roxi – Where is it?
Ted – Where’s what?
Roxi – My costume. My things? Where are they?!
Ted – What are you talking about? What costume. Seriously, I am about to call the doctor.
Roxi – My costume. My superhero costume. It’s not here. It should be here. WHERE. IS. IT.?
Ted – Superhero costume? You are really starting to scare me.
{Roxi stops, almost prepared to yell again, but she doesn’t. She ponders the situation, and rubs her face.}
Roxi – This... this has got be a dream. It’s got to be dream. I just... I need to wake up. Or... this needs to play out. I’ll wake up soon. Either that or I’m dead... In which case... that makes a lot of sense.
{Roxi looks over at Ted.}
Roxi – No offense.
Ted – I’m not dead! You see me! I’m alive! Roxi, I’m going to call the doctor, right now. I think you’re having a break down.
Roxi – No, no this... this is a dream. It has to be. Okay, Okay, I get it. I get it now. Cool. This has to be something with Doctor dream or Clint. Something is going to happen. Something.
{Ted gets up to go and call the doctor, but Roxi stops him.}
Roxi – No, no it’s fine. It’s fine. I remember now. I’m going to... I’m going to go to work.
Ted – Are you sure? You were just talking like a crazy person.
Roxi – No, no I know exactly what’s going on, and I’ll take care of it.
{Roxi picks up her phone and calls the number that calls it back.}
Roxi – Yeah, it’s Roxi. I’m sorry about earlier, so... what was that about a dog?... okay... okay... Alright, I’ll take care of it.
{Roxi ends the call, and gathers her thoughts. She quickly goes to shower and change clothes to get ready. She does so and looks around before trying to find a mask to protect herself, but there isn’t one anywhere around. Ted notices her searching again.}
Ted – Need something?
Roxi – Yeah, I need a mask if I’m going to be driving around and outdoors.
{Ted looks confused again.}
Ted – What? Why?
{Roxi shakes her head in disbelief.}
Roxi – You know, COVID-19. That whole deal?
Ted – What the hell is COVID-19?
{Roxi pauses herself.}
Roxi – What?
Ted – You just said COVID-19. I have no idea what that is.
Roxi – Wait...
{Roxi heads outside and, there are birds chirping, lawns being mowed on the streets. Traffic is stead up and down the roads. Roxi looks around even more confused before turning around to see Ted standing in the doorway.}
Roxi – You mean... there’s no COVID-19 anymore?
Ted – Anymore? I don’t know what that even is. There’s no COVID-19 or whatever around here.
Roxi – You... you’ve gotta be kidding me.
Ted – No. I’m still calling the doctor.
Roxi – I... I need to... get to to work I guess.
{Roxi just gets in her car, with her phone, and per her phone conversation, she drives off, headed towards an area. As she drives, she turns on the radio to hear music, and another familiar voice come across.}
Radio DJ – It’s all in the Mix 105.1 it’s all the top of the charts, all the time. DJ Teddy Steele here, and coming up with got that brand new Crystal Hilton, most requested song of the day, number one on the charts, “Get Big” it’s all over the place, and you know we got it here for you. You can also catch Crystal performing at the Grammy’s once again hosted by the lovely Mercedes Vargas. after that, we got the new track from Devilition, called “I Remember You” and man it is coming on strong.
{The radio goes to advertisements and commercials and Roxi shakes her head.}
Roxi – What in the world?
{Roxi stops at a McDonald’s and purchases some food before she checks her phone and plugs in the address to her GPS on where she’s supposed to go. She finally makes it there and exits the car, and can hear a dog barking}
Roxi – This must be it.
{Roxi ventures off the road and into the wooded area, finding a dog tied to a tree.}
Roxi – Hey buddy. You okay?
{The dog is scared and barks, baring teeth and not wanting anyone near it. Roxi cautiously approaches and kneels down, taking the McDonald’s food bag and opening it.}
Roxi – It's okay. I’m here to help.
{Roxi first extends her hand, but the dog continues to bark and has none of what Roxi is offering. Roxi but her hand palm down and the dog is curious, but still scared after a moment, barking even louder and growling.}
Roxi – I know, it’s okay. I’m not here to hurt you. Let’s see, here. Let’s try some food. Are you hungry?
{Roxi takes the cheeseburger out of the wrapper and begins breaking off pieces and tossing them at the Dog. The dog quickly scoops them up and starts eating them. Gradually, Roxi gets closer and breaking off more bits of burger and feeding the dog. The dog eventually stops barking and Roxi is able to approach it even closer, again extending her hand palm down to show the dog she is not being aggressive. The dog is calm enough for Roxi to pet it, and the dog barks a few more times, shaking in fear, but it does calm down at Roxi pets it.}
Roxi – Don't worry. We’re going to get you the help you need.
{Roxi runs her fingers through the dog’s fur, and sees the fleas crawling around, and his front paw with several gashes and wounds.}
Roxi – This looks broken. We’re going to have to take you into the vet to get you checked out buddy.
{Roxi finishes the first burger and then takes out the second and continues to feed the dog. He allows Roxi to untie him from the tree, and using the second burger as bait. She is able to lead the dog into her car into the back seat. She rolls the window down, and continues to feed the dog as she again redials the number to her job.}
Roxi – Hi. It’s Roxi, I found the dog, he looks in pretty bad shape. Where am I taking him?... Uh huh... alright, got it.
{Roxi hangs up, and continues to feed the dog, before opening the third cheeseburger and putting it on the wrapper in the backseat.}
Roxi – There you go, buddy. We’re gonna take care of you.
{Roxi drives off with the dog, and drives on her a while, catching Crystal’s and Devilition’s songs, shocked herself at the musical talent.}
Roxi – Crazy.
DJ Teddy Steele – Yes, one again DJ Teddy Steele here. Coming up we got more of the hits, and we’re going to be talking about celibacy with one Amy Marshall, she’s written a couple of books on it, and you know, maybe it’s not so bad, we’ll hear what she has to say coming up.
{The radio cuts to advertisements and commercials again as Roxi, hearing the name of Amy Marshall, almost laughs out loud.}
Roxi – Okay, now I know this is a dream. Amy Marshall and celibacy...
{Roxi drives on, until she pulls up to her destination. The giant sign that reads “Waters Veterany Clinic” as Roxi turns the car off and exits, taking the dog out with her, and into the clinic itself. She is greeted by the receptionist.}
Receptionist – Hello Roxi.
Roxi – Hi.
Receptionist – I see you have found our friend.
Roxi – Yeah. He’s a little shy right now, but I’ll work on him for a bit while you get everything ready.
Receptionist – Sure. The doctor will be right out.
Roxi – Thanks.
{Roxi goes back and sits in the waiting area with the dog. She continues to pet it and talk to it, until a magazine catches her eyes. There, on the cover of Vogue of all things, is Keira, posing for her modeling shot.}
Roxi – Keira? What? She’s... a model? She always wanted to be a model...
{Roxi is stunned, as she glances through the magazine, nodding at Keira’s figure. That is broken by the television airing.}
TV Reporter – As noted, Get ready for a visit from Dr. Amy Jo Smyth as she will be given a speech at the University of South Florida this weekend, documenting her studies and what could be a nobel peace prize winning research into nanopesticidies. She will be speaking on Saturday at around 12 noon.
Roxi – This whole place is crazy.
{The dog barks, expecting more treats.}
Roxi – Oh, sorry. No offense to you buddy. You’re not crazy. At least not anymore.
{Roxi continues to feed the dog and pet it, showing it the affection is needed before the door to the doctor’s office opens and out walks the doctor. Roxi stands up and leads the dog towards the doctor who opens the reception door. Roxi stops, instantly frozen.}
Roxi – M...
Doctor – Hi Roxi. Are you okay?
Roxi – Mist... Misty?
Misty – Hi. It’s good to see you again.
{Misty extends her hand, but Roxi is frozen as she just stares at Misty for a few moments.}
Roxi – How....
Misty – Roxi, Hey, I need you to help me here. What’s going on with our friend?
{The dog barks, bringing Roxi almost out of a trance. Roxi shakes her head and regains her composure}
Roxi – I... I.. I think the... leg is broken... fleas...
Misty – Roxi, are you usure you’re okay? Dixie? Dixie can you give Roxi some water please?
Dixie– Sure.
{Without ever really noticing it, Roxi is handed a cup of water. She drinks it and then goes right back to staring at Misty, only kind of helping as Misty checks the dog.}
Misty – Okay, let’s see, yeah, we got fleas. Alright let’s look at that paw. Yeah, we’re gonna need to check on that. We’ll probably need to set it. That’s okay. We’ll take good care of you.
Roxi – Yeah...
Misty – Roxi, are you sure you’re okay?
Roxi – I... I don’t know...
Misty – Let me, me get this guy taken care of and I’ll be right back.
{Roxi almost absent mindedly helps Misty bring the dog in and place it on the table to be examined, a couple of the nurses come in and begins to bathe the dog to clean the wounds. Misty escorts Roxi outside into the fresh air.}
Misty – Roxi? What is going on?
Roxi – You... you...
Misty – Roxi?
{Roxi doesn’t get to finish and she just starts crying. Sobbing uncontrollably until she starts to dry heave. Misty continues to console her rubbing her back.}
Misty – Roxi? What’s the matter? You can tell me.
{Roxi finally stops crying enough to calm herself.}
Roxi – You are... alive.
{Misty double takes.}
Misty – Yes. I am.
Roxi – I'm... I’m just so happy...
{Misty looks even more confused.}
Misty – I'm not following...
Roxi – I... I’m not either. I don’t even know what to say. I... I mean... how are you?
Misty – I'm fine.
{Misty smiles at the curious question.}
Roxi – You are...
Misty – Yes.
Roxi – Are you... happy?
Misty – Happy? Sure.
Roxi – But not...successful?
Misty – What’s the difference? You just asked if I was happy. Happy means successful, doesn’t it? I mean, that’s how I look at it. I’ve lived a good life, I’ve done something I loved. I’ve met a bunch of great people. To me... that’s happiness, and it’s success.
Roxi – How old are you?
Misty – 40.
Roxi – THAT’S... THAT’S FANTASTIC.
Misty – Ooookay.
Roxi – Can I give you a hug?
Misty – Sure.
{Roxi hugs Misty tightly and squeezes.}
Roxi – I’m so happy for you.
Misty – Yeah... I can tell. You’re squeezing....
Roxi – Oh... Oh sorry.
Misty – It's okay.
Roxi – I... I should go. Let you get back to your work.
Misty – Yeah, sure. Come by and visit again soon okay?
{Roxi is devastated by the remark. She doesn’t say anything right away, she does nod and smiles, wiping away a tear.}
Roxi – I sure will.
{Misty touches Roxi’s shoulder and then walks back inside. Roxi takes a moment, and looks around and then gets back in her car. She simply drives back home, almost numb. She exits the car, and enters the house again. Ted is right there.}
Ted – Roxi?
Roxi – Hello.
Ted – Roxi I had no choice.
Roxi – I know. I was acting like a crazy person. I get it.
{There are soon sirens outside the house.}
Roxi – The truth is Ted, this place is perfect. It’s perfect and I would absolutely love this place. I should love this place. I DO love this place. Everything I could ever want is here. This is my ideal world. There’s nothing I would change around here. I’m sorry for scaring you, but the real truth is... I don’t belong here. I don’t belong here at all.
Ted – What?
Roxi – No, I know I’m supposed to be somewhere else. This is.... this is what could have been, and it’s not for me. I’m sorry.
Ted – Roxi? What are you talking about?
Roxi – I'm sorry. I have to go.
{The medical personnel come in and Roxi offers no resistance to being taken away. She is transported to a medical facility for questioning. Soon she is confronted by a doctor.}
Doctor – Hello Roxi.
Roxi – Hello.
Doctor – I see you have had some rather interesting views today.
Roxi – You could say that.
Doctor – Your husband reported that you are talking about people as if you know them, viruses that don’t exist, and people and persons that don’t exist.
Roxi – These people do exist. Just not here. This isn’t where I belong.
Doctor – This isn’t where you belong? But you’re here? And you expressed that this is a wonderful place.
Roxi – It is. It’s perfect. in fact...
{Roxi leans forward.}
Roxi – It's too perfect.
{Roxi grabs the doctor by the shirt leaping over the table and pouncing on him.}
Roxi – I knew this was too good to be true. This is like a dream... And there was a doctor who specializes in dreams. But you wouldn’t know him, would you? I don’t belong here, and no matter how attractive you make this place. I don’t belong here!
{The Doctor holds his hands up.}
Doctor – Isn’t this what you wanted?
Roxi – Not. Like. This. Send me back.
Doctor – I can’t.
Roxi – Yes, you can! Do it! Let me out!
Doctor – Orderly's!
{Roxi gets off the doctor and the orderly's come in. Roxi attacks, then and pushes them away. She escapes down the hall way and begins running through the medical facility, looking for something. She searches, until she finds a room with medical equipment. She looks, and she warily finds a giant needle marked “Adrenaline”. She picks it up, and uncaps it, as the orderly’s storm in the room.}
Roxi – Stay out of my head.
{Roxi jams the needle as hard as she possibly could into her breastplate.}
Roxi –AHHH!
{Roxi slowly sits up gasping for air as Keira is right there by her side.}
Keira- You're alive!
Roxi – Keira!
{Roxi hugs Keira tightly and kisses her.}
Keira – Are you okay?
Roxi – I... I don’t know... Please tell me that Nate is here.
Keira – Yeah, he’s sleeping.
Roxi – And my mom?
Keira – She's here too.
Roxi – What... what happened?
Keira – It was Dr. Dream. He was going to poison people with his new serum. It puts people in a dream state until they die. You had a fever but, looks like it broke.
Roxi – Where is he?
Keira – Don't worry, I got you out and took care of it. He’s in custody now. Guild custody. And the shop has been shut down.
Roxi - *Sigh*
{Roxi stands up sighs, regaining her composure after a few moments.}
Keira – Are you going to be okay.
Roxi – I think so.
Keira – What did you see?
{Roxi turns to Keira and shaking her head.}
Roxi – A glimpse into what could have been. But... that’s another story for another time. I’m just glad to be back.
Keira – I'm glad your back too.
{Roxi and Keira hug as the scene fades.}
“Because I'm doing this one by the book...and because I don't want to. Do you understand? I don't want to hurt you. I don't want either of us to end up killing the other...but we're both running out of alternatives...and we both know it. Maybe it all hinges on tonight. Maybe this is our last chance to sort this bloody mess out. If you don't take it, then we're locked onto a suicide course. Both of us. To the death. It doesn't have to end like that. I don't know what it was that bent your life out of shape, but who knows? Maybe I've been there too. Maybe I can help. We could work together. I could rehabilitate you. You needn't be out there on the edge any more. You needn't be alone. We don't have to kill each other. What do you say?”
- Batman (The Killing Joke)
As we inch closer to this match, there are times that I have to stand back and wonder about “What could have been.” I know that it’s dangerous to think that way, but I can’t help it sometimes. To stop and think how different life would have been if we made one choice or another. I mean, you can get into some weird butterfly effect craziness if you go too deep into it, but I do think about it sometimes. I think about how my life would be different without Keira, without Nate, and it scares me. I mean, I can play the what if game all the time, but you know, it gets to me sometimes. Thinking about how one choice could have made my life if I had gone left instead or right, down instead of up. I am on the path I’m on for a reason, but you know, those thoughts they creep in, and recently, they have crept in to my head regarding this match, heck, this entire year, with Amber Ryan. And how we wouldn’t be in the place we’re in now, we wouldn’t be in the match we’re in, there wouldn’t have been blood and fire and people getting hurt like this. It could have been so much different.
I mean, it is entirely possible that this whole thing could have been avoided and the past 6 months could have been nothing but a bad dream. I keep thinking that maybe I am to blame for this, if I had just accepted Amber and then what? We have a couple of matches and I’d be doing something else this Sunday instead of preparing my body to go through even more punishment and damage that will last me the rest of my life. That I wouldn’t have gotten a fireball to the face and attacked mercilessly for all this time. Would any action I took avoided this? I got to thinking and I am now positive that the answer to that question is a resounding “No.”
Even if I had done that, Amber would still be attempting to end my career and gleefully marching towards this match with even more malice towards me. Calling me weak for so readily accepting her and falling into the trap she had set. This is no doubt in my mind that this was her plan the entire time, and perhaps that maybe having this kind of match to finally end this for the time being was a huge part of it. That I would have to finally accept this type of match and this type of violence to fight back and survive, let alone win this whole thing. I do wish that it hadn’t come to this moment that we are facing down right now, but there is no other alternative at this point. Heck, outside of a tag match a few weeks ago, there’s been nothing but a violent, weapons filled brawl the entire time with Amber and I. We’ve STARTED this with a street fight. We have escalated to a falls count anywhere match, and now, one of us will have to put the other down for at least 10 seconds. We have gone down that violent road for the entire trip, and at High Stakes, we’re finally, finally coming off that road, my only worry, is that it’s far too late in the trip to ever go back.
I have given plenty of thought to what Amber means when she says we’re more alike than we care to admit. Are we so different? There is some validity to it. While we have taken different paths, but yet, we ended up at the same place. There has been violence, there has been heartbreak and trauma, and more than I’d like to admit, mental scarring. And yet, here we are together, almost as if we are two sides of the same coin. Maybe.... maybe we’re both crazy. Maybe Amber is crazy for thinking she’s going to change me. Thinking that I’m going to do down to that level and actually hurt her to prove her point: That I will break my own code in order to win. And maybe I’m just as crazy for believing I can change her and make her see how rough this road has become and trying to steer it away so we avoid disaster. The only difference is... whatever has happened, I rejected giving in to the line of thinking that caring is a sign of weakness. And Amber has coldly embraced it.
So, you may ask me “why?” Why did I choose this type of match to challenge Amber to, if I didn’t really ever want to go here? Why would I put my own health and career at risk if I never wanted it to be this way?
I chose that stipulation for many reasons. The first is very simple. Because before one of us completely ends the other permanently, there has to be a stopping point. And maybe that’s just wishful thinking right now. Maybe we’ve come too far and we are destined to simply be at each other’s throats for the rest of our days. Maybe that no matter what happens, we will always be trying to kill each other. Maybe we’re supposed to be the Hatfields and McCoys and we are destined to do this forever. But at some point, it has to at least tone itself down. Because as much as this whole thing has driven me go to places, I never thought possible, as much as it has brought out my more violent side and made my survival instincts take over... It has drained me.
In all honesty, I’m tired. Mentally and physically. I’m tired of taking trips to the hospital. I’m tired of having to watch my back and sit in anticipation of an attack that may or may not come. I’m tired of feeling like every single time I step into an arena that a fight is going to happen. I’m tired of the head games and constantly having to go back and forth. I’m tired of my friends being dragged into this. I’m tired of... just this, in general. So how do I get rid of it? How do I combat this and make sure that it finally stops? The only way that I know how. I have to beat Amber in this match, and finally let her understand that no matter what she tries, no matter how badly she tries to hurt me and no matter what lengths she attempts to take this to, I’m not going to change who I am. I’m not going to cross that line. Never again. So, for my own health and well-being, both physically and mentally, this match, has to made, and it has to be completed. Yes, I wish there was another option, but this is clearly it. There’s nothing left. Amber has forced my hand. She has backed me into this corner, and as the old saying goes, that is when an animal is at its most dangerous. When it will lash out in self-defense. I didn’t want this, but there’s is just no alternative to this matter outside of it.
Amber and I are well beyond what she would like to put out there as the reasons for her actions. Amber would like you to believe that this was just to see who was better. It never, ever was about that. Because if it was, we would have had wrestling matches and there would have been some competetive juices flowing and at the end, we’d be able to laugh at this, and have some semblance of respect for one another and we wouldn’t be hitting each other with everything that wasn’t nailed down. There wouldn’t have been blood or fire or anything close to it. If Amber wanted that, when I shook her hand, she wouldn’t have tossed fire in my face. She would have accepted my suspicions and we could have at least talked about this like real people. But we’re past that now. All of the things that have gone down have lead us here. This was the plan all along and there’s no denying that at this point. I was right to suspect that Amber wasn’t on the level of simply trying to beat me in a wrestling match. Hell, we didn’t even HAVE a wrestling match to start this, what sense does it make now? It’s yet another reason we have to have this Last Woman Standing match. This has to get as big as it can be to finally end. A mere wrestling match would be anti-climactic at this point. It would be ridiculous and it would open the door for Amber to challenge my bravery as it were.
And yet, I am aware of the irony of not wanting to hurt Amber, yet challenging her to a match where that’s the object. I get the confusing stance I’m taking. it is a double standard almost. But much like last time, I have no choice but to fight fire with fire, as the expression goes. Maybe this is fool’s errand and nothing that I say or do in the next few days will have any meaning to Amber, but while I am not a fan of her actions inside the ring, and the excessive violence to intimidate people that she uses, I do respect what she has done and what she has carved out for herself. Championships, hall of fame inductions, all while doing the things she does. And yet, I am fully aware she would gladly throw all of that out the window if it means that I dropped to her level and she “exposed” me as it were. That I can be as violent and bloodthirsty as she is. That’s always been the goal of this whole thing. Not about who’s better in the ring. Nor is this out some sense of superiority or morality. That part, is only in Amber’s mind. It is what is driving her to do everything she’s doing right now. She believes in her heart that I believe myself to be morally superior to her and to others because I don’t agree with there actions. Maybe, to some, it comes off that way. But usually, it’s because I expect more out of people who put the spotlight on themselves. I simply look at the person, and the message they send. And usually, those who don’t like what I say or take my opinions seriously, are the one’s spreading bad messages to up and coming wrestlers. It doesn’t bother me if you want to be a “hardcore” or “extreme” or “deathmatch” wrestler. But when you turn around and say “every other way is for the weak” yes, I have an issue with it. When you claim to the “the best” and thumb your nose at challenges and then cry foul when a challenge is more than you can handle, yes, I take issue. It’s not what they do, it’s how they go about it. I simply believe that on any day, anyone can be beaten, so respecting who is in front of you is something I take very seriously. I was never going to get that from Amber. Despite our professional courtesy towards one another, I always knew that when Amber got the chance, she would do, what she is doing now.
And thus, we are here.
So as much as I would like to think that things could have been different, they aren’t. As much as I would like to, I cannot change the past and I can only hope that what I say and do here today, and happens after that will have at least have a small impact on the future. But again, I can’t be certain. When someone like Amber is convinced that they are correct in something they believe, they will go to extreme lengths to prove themselves correct. And this, above all else is the thing I don’t want to have happen, but I know it’s going to rear it’s head at some point. I know that Amber isn’t going to stop in this match, she will have be stopped. And in order the match that, I have no choice by but to do the same. I have to get up time and time again until the job is done.
It is also a reason I asked for this type of match. Maybe I’m giving Amber what she wants, but at the same time, it is the only way in my mind that we finally settle this whole deal. This way, we will both know that we gave everything and there will be no excuses. There’s not going to be any tricks or unexplainable happenings this time. There won’t be a glitter bomb. Amber Ryan will have no excuses at the end of this match. Because I’m going to beat her. I’m going to finally put an end to this and move forward instead of being stuck. Yes, I’m going to give Amber exactly what she wants. She wants me to play the role of the hero, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
And we all know that heroes more often than not, triumph in the end. So I’m going to give Amber this opportunity. I want Amber to give me everything. All the feelings she has had built up these past six months. Every little thing that she believes I did wrong and throw it all back at me. Let it all out and and unleash and beat me up. Do whatever she feels she needs to do. While I may be tired of it, I am fully prepared to take one more trip to the hospital. I am fully prepared to have every single bone, muscle and everything else on my body, hurt, and hurt for days if need be. I want it all, and I want there to be nothing left for Amber to be mad at me about. If it’s my fault, then take it out on me. Because when it’s all said and done, if that is the best medicine for her, then I’m willing to take it. I’ve been beaten up before, and I will be beat up again. I am the hero, that’s what I do. I’ve always said I’d rather it be me than anyone else in that situation. Well, I am now in that situation, and I’m asking for it.
I am in this match, to win, and to survive, not to hurt Amber. Though, I am fully aware I’m going to HAVE to hurt Amber in order to win. But my aim remains the same. I’m not in this match to try and do any permanent damage, I just need to stop Amber and end this. That’s all. Nothing more, nothing less.
Because at the end of the day, at the end of all this, I MUST beat Amber at her own game, with my own code intact. I can no longer think about what could have been. That time has passed. Now, it is about one thing, and one thing only, finality. This is where the fighting ends, at least for now. And that makes this the single most important fight I’ve ever had. To me, this bigger than a championship match. This is me, finally putting an end to the carnage, before it consumes not only me, not only Amber, but everyone else. I made a promise to all of you, and I intend to keep my promises. Yes, there will be pain, and yes, I will most likely walk about of this match with perhaps YEARS taken off my career, maybe even my life. But every little bit of that, will be worth it in the end. I’m going to beat Amber Ryan, playing the hero she wants me to play.
And as the hero, I will do everything in my power to save her.
Even if it’s a lost cause, and even if it’s from herself.
I have to try, that’s what heroes do.