“So, give me the play-by-play one more time.”

“I already told you what happened. Six times. I just need some space right now.”

Open on Mercedes and Jorge on an American Airlines flight from LaGuardia.

Jorge: Uh, Merce. Kind of difficult when you're in the window seat and I'm in the aisle.

Mercedes: (begrudgingly) I know.

Mercedes nudges the passenger next to her who was already sleeping. Moments later, he fell asleep in her lap. Jorge fails in his attempt to hide his laughter as Mercedes is damn near horrified. She says “help me” wordlessly to Jorge who simply shrugs his shoulders. Mercedes tries lifting the passenger up, shaking him, even starling him, but nothing worked.

Mercedes: It's official: this is the airplane flight from hell.

Jorge: You mean this is the worst flight you've ever been on?

Mercedes: There has been worse, believe it or not.

Flashback to 2010. Mercedes first trip to Africa. She and Jorge are sitting at the airport bar in the concourse area, awaiting their flight. Mercedes has a Shirley Temple. Jorge takes his time, looking up at the menu, not quite sure on what to get.

Jorge:  OK. I know what I want.

Bartender: (skeptically): Are you sure this time, sir?

Jorge: You bet. I'll get a bomb shot.

At the word “bomb shot”, a two people within earshot are quickly alarmed.

Person 1: Oh, my God! There's a bomb!

Person 2: What?

Person 1: That guy over there has a bomb!

The news spread and the airport is in chaos as Jorge and Mercedes looks on.

Mercedes: (half turns to leave) I have to go to the ladies room. I'll be right back.

THREE HOURS LATER.

Mercedes: (sitting in a jail cell, crying) What  did I do to deserve this? Why?

Jorge leans with his foot against the wall, shaking his head.

Jorge: Cheer up, Merce. It's not that bad. The least that can happen to us is being deported.

Mercedes gives him a withering glance.

Mercedes: No. Well, in case of that, there would be only one person going on that boat, Jorge. It won't be you, BECAUSE YOU WOULD ALREADY BE SIX FEET UNDER!”

A deep, low sound comes from one cell over. A resident prisonmate puts his lips to a harmonica and plays a tune before he begins singing.

Prison-mate: I turned twenty-one in prison doing life without parole.
No-one could steer me right but Mama tried, Mama tried...

Mercedes and Jorge exchanged looks before looking straight ahead at the cell doors.

And we're back.

Jorge: Well, how was I supposed to know the bo...the “b” word in the airport was still a sensitive issue? Christ, it was the name of the cocktail!

A moment's pause.

Jorge: You know, Merce. I'm kind of surprised you took me along after, well, you know, the Egypt thing.

Mercedes: Well, as the Good Book says, you should forgive others, and I forgive you, Jorge.

Jorge: You never told me why you're taking me with you to the Ivory Coast.

Mercedes: Don't you want to see your own sister win back her tag team titles that she lost a month ago? Relax. Getting there is only half the fun.

Jorge: I'm afraid to ask what the other half is. So, um, about those two opponents you got lined up for Sunday?

Mercedes: The proudly dumb one and the one probably curling beer cans?

Jorge: Yeah, those two. Do you think -

Mercedes: Stop right there, Oh ye of little faith. I don't think. I know me and Traci have those titles in her sights. Those two just got lucky that night.

Jorge: Um, you got pinned in the middle of the ring?

Mercedes: They got lucky a month ago. Luck isn't going to help them Sunday. Trust me, me and my tag partner got this, and we will leave as two-time Bombshell Tag Team Champions.

Jorge: (shrugs) If you say so. Just that, you know, they scare the hell out of me, especially the girl with the guns. Oh, well. Might as well be prepared. What did you bring with you?

Mercedes: (holding up an iPad) Music? You?

Jorge: Even better. I've brought along some board games, playing cards, and dominoes to play with. This is going to be one long flight. Gotta have something to do or I'm going to be suffering from bordom-induced coma.

Mercedes stares back at her brother before lowering her face into her hand. Yup, this was going to be the beginning of what would be the week from hell. Will she be able to survive it is the question. The male passenger, who has since woken up from his nap turns to Mercedes, waving at her, which in turn weirded her out.

As the plane flies over the majestic Atlantic Ocean under the guise of sunrise, our scene fades to black.

Mercedes: Did you just throw-up on me!

 Open on Mercedes Vargas sitting outside on the balcony of her Queens, New York apartment with her face void of emotion. As if on cue, the now former Bombshell Roulette Champion looks up at the camera.

“You know, after losing my championship twelve days ago at Climax Control 75 in San Francisco, I was feeling kind of glum, down in the dumps, a little depressed. I couldn't deal with the shame, the disappointment of seeing Necra standing there on the next to last rung on that ladder holding my championship, the sight of her looking down at me, sneering, laughing, shouting veiled insults my way. The lonely flight back to New York, waking up the next morning, not seeing the Bombshell Roulette Championship in my refrigerator really got to me, it did. It was surreal."

Mercedes remains calm, eyes steady on the camera lens. Clearly the shame and embarrassment of the outcome of the tag match two weeks ago hasn't sat well with her. With a heavy sigh, she looks up again, shaking her head.  

“Even last week's show, I vented about it. And I heard what Necra had to say that night. She claimed she had an (using air quotes) “easy win” over me. She said I couldn't even keep up with her, despite the fact that she went through a table, despite the fact that I had her on the ropes several times during the match. If anything, this was anything but easy. And we both know this.”

She goes quiet, eyes cast down and looking down at her fidgeting hands.      

"I had to close myself off from the world. The next few days, I locked myself in my room, I closed the blinds, drew the curtains, and I just stayed in bed. I found that classical music really soothes the soul. Probably explains why I had Moonlight Sonata on loop.”

She slightly looks up again with a forced smile at the camera.

“It wasn't until I found out this week that I was booked. And when I listened to Joanne Canelli's promo, something happened. Something amazing happened. I laughed, for the first time in days. I actually laughed, and I couldn't stop laughing. Joanne's promo brought a smile to my face, it was what the doctor ordered. I guess what they say is true after all: Laughter is the best medicine, it sure worked for my depression.”

Mercedes laughs.

“Never change, Joanne Canelli. Never change.”

There is an underlying mocking tone in Mercedes's voice. She shakes her head in disbelief and continues.

“Honestly, sweetheart, I don't know what to say after that. You have me stupefied, and that isn't easy to do. Now, if it wasn't for the fact that you're small time here in SCW, I wouldn't bother even wasting my breath on you. Matter of fact, you don't even deserve to breath the same air as me, much less defending a championship. But hey, since I don't book the matches, some things are out of my control, such is the case for this weekend.”

Leaning slightly forward in her chair, Mercedes sighs silently.

“I'll give credit where credit is due. You and Emma pulled it off. You beat Misty and Vixen at My Bloody Valentine and ended their reign. I have nothing but good things to say about that. Though to be fair, I guess Emma has to be a better tag team partner than, say, Laura Jackson or Parana Ana, yes? You couldn't beat Misty before when she and Odette were the champions once upon a time or the Fallen – obviously, your first attempts at the tag titles – but again, I've got nothing but admiration for you. So, I can see why you have this swagger, you've got this pep in your step, but it's not because you have gold around your waist again, it's that you found your big girl pants this weekend and you went on autopilot in your promo there. I can tell you're fired up and rearing to go, aren't you?"

She picks up an ice tea glass, half full, and takes a sip of it before replacing it on the patio.

“Nobody said having confidence is a bad thing. You just don't go into a match thinking, 'I'm going to get my ass handed to me.' You've already lost the match before it even began if you think like that. I know you're going to try and prove those doubters wrong, but sweetheart, you're really not helping yourself at all. You said I haven't learned my lesson, but maybe that's because you have nothing to teach me. If anything, I think you're the one who needs to go back to school. For one, it really says something when you try to use history against me and still can't even do that right. When you tell the world that you beat Traci when in actuality you didn't even pin her in the one tag match you had against her, let alone claim that I haven't learned my lesson when you have yet to beat me since I set foot in SCW, I simply shake my head. The expectations I once had of taking you seriously lessens day after day. Me quema la cabeza." (It blows my mind.)

Mercedes reaches over for her checklist.

“Every time we sat at the learning tree, you're the one who refused to take sage advice. (She holds the checklist in front of the camera) We've only danced twice – my pay-per-view debut at Into the Void II and the last Climax Control of 2013 – and in both scenarios, I was the one who left with their hand raised. No matter, it was out of your control, just like how I pinned you the last time we got together. I have never been pinned or forced to submit in an SCW ring. For nine months and counting, no Bombshell has been able to pin my shoulders to the mat, and neither you or Emma will ever get the satisfaction. I AM TEFLON! No one can touch me!"

She spread her arms wide, in indication of her vast arrogance. Rightly or wrongly, she still believed that streak would continue, win, lose or draw. Though she really would love that win on Sunday.

“I don't know how else I can explain it, Joanne. Do you need a PowerPoint presentation? Do you want me to speak reeeeeal slow, like I did just now? Maybe we need to take extreme measures here. Do I have to become a mime, or speak in sign language or maybe even in another language? I can if you want me to. Divertido cuando Mercedes habla en español? Tu quieres guerra, tu quieres batalla? Mama yo te la doy asi. (Do you think it's entertaining when Mercedes speaks in Spanish? You want a war, you want a battle? I'll give that to you, like this.) And if Spanish isn't your thing, I'm also fluent in French, German, and Italian."

She pauses, raising an index finger as she amends her last sentence.

“You'd be surprised at how many Italians actually live in Argentina.”

She smiles..

“You like reading, don't you? Of course you do. I know your type, you like to have the books with the little pictures in it, right? That can be arranged too. Maybe.”

She shrugs her shoulders.

“As they say, (rubs thumbs repeatedly over the tip of the index finger and middle finger) Money talks, (walking fingers) bullshit walks. You should know something about that, right, JoJo? I hope you're able to back it up this time, honey, because if do you plan on getting paid for your services, hopefully it doesn't result in Große Klappe, nichts dahinter. That was German for, “writing checks with your mouth that your ass can't cash."

"I see how you're trying your best to convince yourself that you are that good. You're trying to give yourself that boost of confidence, and you're going to need every bit of it, because Traci Patterson and myself, we plan on putting our differences aside and becoming the new Sin City Wrestling Bombshell Tag Team Champions. You should be thankful that I'm namedropping you in my promo at all. Ne joue pas avec moi, salope. Tu es comme l'erreur 404 tu mènes a rien. Oh, et par la manière, t'as une tête a faire sauter les plaques d'egouts! (Don't mess with me, bitch. You're like the 404, you lead to nothing. Oh, and by the way, you've got a face that would blow off manhole covers.) Pardon my French there.”

Mercedes chuckles mirthlessly.

"For a talent like me, opportunities like this are an every day occurrence. I can't help being that good. For you, though, you're living a lie. Just like New Jersey doesn't really exist – sorry, Giani Da Luca – you and I both know that I can make sure you don't really exist (snaps fingers thrice) just...like...that. You should have researched the facts before you opened your mouth, Joanne. You should have decided against this match and use your better judgment, because whether it was SCW management's idea to give myself and Traci the first title shot or yours, the fact is your first reign with the tag team titles will be your last.”

She smiles.

“And it's a shame, Emma Rose, it really is. It's been a while sine you and I were in the same ring. I don't know if you've been watching the shows during your sabbatical, but a lot has changed since Summer XXXtreme II back in August. Nessa Wall lasted longer than a cup of coffee, Necra was being the pain she always is, Jessie Salco was keeping her head above water, Laura Jackson seemingly dropped off the face of the earth, and as for yours truly? (smiles) Well, I was making history in SCW, as usual. But I'm glad you're back, and it's good seeing you back. It's just that, you know, your fourth month since your return and actually beating Joanne in a tag match in your first match back, and then teaming with her and Roxi Johnson the next week...I mean, when it comes to talent, you and Joanne are night and day, galaxies apart, even. But that's the harsh thing about the lethal lottery - you never know who you'll get paired with. Being the competitor that you are, though, you're not one to wilt so easily...or are you? And I say that because I'm not sure who if you're going to be the one to let down Joanne or is Joanne going to let you down. You call yourself, "Emma Rose", and the last name really fits. I don't know if you know this, pretty much everyone knows this, roses are the quickest flowers to die. Roses are also very expensive and hard to grow. They require more attention than most flowers. Small wonder how Ben Jordan is able to cater to your every whim, but God bless him. He's a keeper."

Mercedes stood up and settles behind her chair as she tosses her hair back.

“But, again, it's good seeing you back, Emmie. Like Misty and Vixen before you, I still think that you are the tag team champions - plural - and Joanne is just there to hold your other belt. It's a thankless job, but someone has to do it. In an earlier promo I did for My Bloody Valentine, I said that your return to SCW would be a burden, because you had to carry Joanne to victory, despite the fact that she got the pinfall victory. I almost feel sorry for you, but not to worry, Traci and I will be more than happy to take the chip off your shoulder and the championships off your waist."

She leans against the banister overlooking the quiet neighborhood below.

“Because Sunday night, come Climax Control, you and Joanne are going to find out that walking out still the tag titles will be out of your control.”

Fade.

 Mercedes's Answering Machine: Hi! I'm not available to take your call right now because I'm walking the Appalachian Trail. You took the time to call and hopefully in this lifetime, someone will take the time to call you back. For English, please press one. Para español, oprima dos ahora. For all other languages, please consult with a translator....Are you still there? Please listen carefully as our menu has changed: If you are calling to collect a student loan, gambling debt, or other obligation, please press 1 and hang up now. If you are selling any product or service, or requesting charitable donations, please press 2 and hang up now. Otherwise, please press 3 and leave a message after the beep. Thank you, and have a nice day.

“You have four messages--Miss Vargas, it’s been two months and we still haven’t received payment for your--Press three to delete this message--Bleeeepp--Message deleted.”

“Hey, Mr. Word Smith here with your word of the day: Alleviate. Alleviate the headache today by--Press three to delete th--Bleeeepp--Message deleted.”

“YO, MIRANDA, PICK UP THE FU--Press three to del--Bleeeepp--Message deleted.”

“Hey, this is Haiver Santos calling again.  You're always welcome to do that commercial sh-Press thr--Bleeeepp--Message deleted.”

We open inside Mercedes's apartment. She is sitting nearby her answering machine having listend to it. She was both annoyed and amused at this. The phone rings and she reaches to answer, but thinks better it and lets the machine pick it up.

Mercedes's Answering Machine: Hi! I'm not available to take your call right now because I'm hiking the Appalachian Trail. You took the time to call and hopefully in this lifetime, someone will take the time to call you back. For English, please press one. Para español, oprima dos ahora. For all other languages, please consult with a translator....Are you still there? Please listen carefully as our menu has changed: If you are calling to collect a student loan, gambling debt, or other obligation, please press 1 and hang up now. If you are selling any product or service, or requesting charitable donations, please press 2 and hang up now. Otherwise, please press 3 and leave a message after the beep. Thank you, and have a nice day.

“Really? Hiking the Appalachians? Last week it was swimming the English Channel.”

“What can I say? I'm a globetrotter.”

“Anyway, it's Carmen. Just wanted to let you know I got your other flight booked for Oakland..."

“Ugh, I knew I was forgetting something this weekend!”

.”..and it's at a house show the same night as your other match in Las Vegas.”

“Great. Now I can get jetlag to go.”

“Let me know if you have any problems between now and Sunday, OK?”

“What are the chances?”

“...And try not to get into trouble.”

“Trouble? Me? Pshaw.”

_______≈₪≈______


Scene opens up outside of a local diner where Mercedes is with two guys sitting opposite her on the chair. She is wearing a psychic hat with a crystal ball between them on a table.

Greg: So are they going to win? Does Melo make the shot?

Dave: I don't know, man. I don't know.

Mercedes: Give me your hand.

Greg does as Mercedes traces in the palm.

Mercedes: Yes...The Force is strong with this one... I see terrible things in your future. You will get into an argument with your wife and...

Greg: And what? AND WHAT!?!

Mercedes: And you will be sleeping on the couch tonight.

Dave: Wait, you're married?

Sports Fan # 1 answers his buddy without even taking his eyes at the fortune teller.

Greg: Yeah.

Dave: What about the Knicks game? They're going to win tonight?

She peers into the crystal ball and begins waxing and moaning, giving a premonition before looking up at him matter-of-factly

Mercedes: 115. Hmm...I see Melo being Melo, but the Knicks lose. Sorry.

Dave: Damn it. And I had money riding on them.

Greg: She's never wrong.

The sports fan promptly take their leave as Mercedes picks up a stack of fifty-dollar bills.

Mercedes: That's another 500 dollars in my pocket. And the Mercedes Vargas train moves on.[/color]

Mercedes smiles.

Mercedes: Two time and current Bombshell Roulette Champion, still the only Bombshell to have never been pinned or submitted in an SCW ring, and once again adding another successful victory over Amy Marshall.  

You didn't need to read tea leaves or gaze through a crystal ball in hopes of that happening.

Mercedes: Still, I have to hand it to Amy. She was determined. She fought like her little heart depended on it, she fought like her title depended on it, which it was, and she had the fans at the edge of their seats. You couldn't have asked for a better match between the two of us. Although history is the teacher, and I wrote the book. And the latest chapter had me winning – as usual.

The Powderpuff Hardcore match was unique, innovating, perhaps a big controversial in nature, but that was the nature of the topsy-turvy world of the Roulette Division where anything goes and everything is possible. Despite how she personally felt about the match stipulation, Mercedes only cared about the title she now claimed for the second time.

Mercedes: Well, it's another weekend, another match, and another opponent to look forward to. Well, two opponents, to look forward to. I did say I was looking for tougher challenges and seems as if I have quite the main event set for Climax Control. Me and the SCW Bombshell Champion herself, Gothika, against Traci Patterson and Necra Octavian Kane. Sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday night in Vegas.

She shrugs.

Mercedes: It seems as if this match is one little perfect circle. I've teamed with both Gothika and Necra. I've already own a singles match victory over Traci. Traci and Necra have also teamed before. And Gothika and Necra have never faced each other before, at least to my knowledge. And that's what makes this match so entertaining. We're all former or current champions, outside of Buff Barbie, and I think we want to improve our rankings among the Bombshells.

"I know it's 2014, but the more things change, the more they stay the same. I can't really change Necra's opinion of me, but then why would I want to? If her team loses on Sunday, and if she is the unfortunate one to get pinned, I wonder what she would say then? I think I would want to test that theory in our match. Traci is probably giddy with excitement, knowing that she's going to be in her first main event – of course, I've already been in three, including this one, but hey, I can't help but be proud of her. Does that mean she's going to be successful? Not if Gothika and I have anything to say about it, but a girl can dream, right?

"You know, for all the flak Gothika gets about whether she's a vampire or not, is it really warranted? I mean, she is popular with the crowd and she's a big hit at blood drives. How can you not see this? I've been lucky that she saved my neck out there the first time we we partners, though I'm not so sure about saving my neck for feeding time. No, that just won't be. My neck is fine, thank you. Oh, I'm getting off topic.

Anyway, Sunday night, Climax Control 73, Tryst Nightclub, Las Vegas, Nevada. I think we all know our past, but Necra, Traci, allow me to gaze into the future and show you what you both will be in for in less than forty-eight hours."

Mercedes closes her eyes and begins waxing over the crystal ball.

Mercedes: I see Necra Octavian Kane, I see Traci Patterson...Good news, you both are still the number one contenders for the Bombshell and Bombshell Roulette Championships, respectively...but it's getting a little foggy... (shakes the crystal ball) Ah, there it is, clear as day...

Mercedes snaps up from her premonition, a wide grin on her face.

Mercedes: "Your outlooks, yeah, they don't look so good..."

Fade.

 Twas two nights before Climax Control, when all through her mind
There was one thing Mercedes kept forgetting, though it was a waste of her time.
So, our scene opens up at a local Ramada,
Just on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada

As we find her at a breakfast table, trying to remember now and again
She's munching on Wheat Thins, while she does a crossword - in pen!
Though no one could fault her being so idle
In 48 hours, she would contend for the Bombshell Roulette Title.

With the opponents she would be facing, two newcomers and Joanne Canelli
She was prepared for them, sure. But would they be ready?

SCW was back in Vegas for the second week in a row
Only this time instead of the Boys & Girls Club, they would be at the Gold Coast Casino

People would probably lose their money while placing their bets,
Hoping for anything but a major upset
Ah, but Mercedes knew better, there would be no debate
That three names would be sharing a similar fate

This was supposed to be a match up, but it was far from that, hardly
Especially against one Jersey Devil Diva and the Buff Barbie
She's already bested JoJo, beat Traci twice, too
Oh well, it's not like they had anything better to do

They should get use to disappointment, they should know what that's like
So, she wasn't expecting much of a fight
Joanne wasn't a problem, even for all her tough talk
Did she think Mercy was afraid of her because Jersey has a Boardwalk?

But then, she's' seen her type before, the spoiled brat effect and such
When her Mother wanted to hire someone to take care of Joanne, the Mafia wanted too much!
If Little Miss Guido knew any better, she would do well to respect her wishes
Or else, she'll be the next one finding Nemo, when she swimming with the fishes!

It' very unlikely Mercedes was walking out with a loss, she shrugs her shoulders as she writes the answer to 3-across.
Traci Patterson is a sore loser. Then again, she hails from Dallas
They have a big ego about everything, and that place isn't Caesar's Palace

Last time she faced Traci, she proved that brains always beat brawn
And when they meet Sunday, she won't prove her wrong
Of course, there was also "The Prodigy", Lizzie Short was her name
Mercedes was just anxious to put this newcomer to shame!

If "The Lord" Matthew Kennedy was delivering a sermon this Sunday,
He might also want to offer a eulogy come what may
It wasn't enough that his prodigy was on her checklist
But after what Lizzie said about her, now she was asking for a death wish

If 24-hour wedding chapels are the norm in Sin City,
Does Lizzie meeting her maker count? And if so, can it be done quickly?
If Mercy had her way, the Brit wouldn't be a household word.
And the answer to 5-five down was a name of a bird.

She could hear the hype now, she could hear the idle chatter,
The Prodigy, Buff Barbie or the Jersey Devil Diva. Oh, what did it matter?
In this four corners contender's match, there's only one who'll face Amy Marshall
That would be the Argentine Assassin. Let it be known from every brothel!

It seems we reached the end of our little rhyme. Plus, I've stayed up way past my bedtime
Five days before Christmas, two days before Climax Control
Wait! We're heading to Vegas? OK, I'm sold!

Yes, this four corner's match appears to be in her favor...

Mercedes, annoyed, slams her hands on the table.

Mercedes: OK, that's enough out of you! Catcha later, Narrator.

Mercedes smiles at her handiwork. The Friday's New York Times crossword was filled in without a single stray ink mark. Many a brave sold has attempted this worthy endeavor; very few has succeeded. Frustrations mounted whenever a pen broke, stopped writing, or was borrowed from the occasional tourist and never returned. Filling out that final square was an accomplishment in and of itself on an otherwise dreary, cold, and snowy evening in Las Vegas. Having already done away with the Christmas shopping, her mind was now at ease. Her focus was now ahead to her next challenge.

Mercedes gets up from the table, airing out the crossword section before placing the New York Times under her arm. Today was hard, but the easy part came on Sunday. The only thing standing between failure and another match with Amy Marshall was herself. The only standing between failure and making history was reality.

With a spring in her step, the scene fades out as Mercedes leaves the area, shuts off the light, and walks off.

Fin

 Following Sunday's Climax Control from LAX Nightclub in Las Vegas, Mercedes Vargas posted this Tout video following her successful title defense against Traci Patterson. As seen on the broadcast, however, the Argentine Assassin didn't get to enjoy her victory much as she was sent for a ride in a delivery truck.
____________________________________________________

The scene opens at McCarran International Airport where we find Mercedes waiting at the terminal for her flight. The video shows black bars on the right and left and has been narrowed to frame her face staring back at us through her cellphone camera.

Mercedes Vargas: I offered to shake my hand as a show of respect to my opponent, and this is the treatment I get? A field trip down the Vegas Strip?! The nerve of some people! Well, you know what, Traci? I hope you enjoyed that YOLO moment. I'm glad you got your giggles in. I'm glad you thought the stunt you pulled was funny. But guess what? At the end of the night...

She holds up the Bombshell Roulette Championship briefly before placing it out of sight.

Mercedes Vargas: I got the last laugh. That's right, I'm STILL the Sin City Wrestling Bombshell Roulette Champion. So, ha-ha.

She points at the camera while doing so.

Mercedes Vargas: After our match, I don't even know what's going to happen for me next, but I know that last night wasn't the last time I'm going to see you. And sweetheart, I can not wait until we do meet again.

Mercedes waves and mouths the word "buh-bye" as the video feed ends.

 ON-CAMERA || MERCEDES' APARTMENT ||FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2013

Mercedes is lying on her side on the couch watching television while eating popcorn.

"No, don’t go back in the house, you idiot! That’s where the killer's waiting for you!"

(One blood curling scream later, said idiot meets her fate as we watch a curtain blowing in the wind and a silhouette of someone pulling out of knife and in the act of stabbing. Mercedes turns away, even going as far as covering her face with both hands. Seconds later, she peaks through them.)

They just never learn, do they?

(Mercedes shakes her head just as the movie credits roll.)

"Climax Control is just around the corner, and if you haven’t noticed already, things are getting a little festive around SCW these days. Halloween, or la noche de brujas, meaning "night of the witches" in Spanish, is six days away, but don't tell that to SCW. I hear it's going to be quite a show this weekend."

(She reaches for the remote and turns off the TV.)

"High Stakes certainly lived up to the name. Nearly every championship changed hands, and one Max Burke should count himself a very lucky champion because had that decision stood, we would have had a brand new Roulette Champion. Poor Stevie, he must feel heartbroken after what happened two weeks ago.  So anyway, it was a night of new champions, and come Sunday, I find myself in the main event in a tag match with Gothika - who may or may not gotten her ring name after the 2003 movie by the same name starring Halle Berry - against Misty and Vixen."

(Cue the main theme from the Halloween movies. Bringing her hands to her face, Mercedes lets out a mock horror scream that prolongs for several seconds. Yes, a main event tag match of this magnitude will have that kind of effect on anyone.)

"Somewhere Raynin is smiling.

"Gothika, from one champion to another, let me be the first to say congratulations on your victory at High Stakes III. I always knew you could do it. I had complete faith in you. I was behind you 100%. I mean, let's face it, I think we both know that as good as Roxi Johnson is, she just wasn't championship material, she was a title holder. When the locker room don’t even know who the champion is, you know things are about to take a turn for the worse."

(The simple fact that Roxi held the Bombshell Championship for all of the 16 weeks of her reign was startling. Title defenses and all, someone had to put a stop to the madness. It may have taken three months, but now the championship is back in capable hands..)

"Makes you think, doesn't it? Was winning the belt in the first place really worth it for Little Miss Superhero? You would think that becoming the new champion would at least turn some heads, no one even batted an eye. Matter of fact, I'm willing to bet the only involuntary movement anyone made was a stifled (she pretends a yawn, putting a hand to her mouth), yaaaawn, like so.

"Where has that gotten her? Left out, ignored...forgotten. Case in point, Roxi is no where on this weekend's card. And maybe that’s a good thing. I wouldn't want to show my face either after an embarrassment like that. It wasn't the arena lights looking down more so the white-hot light of shame shining bright on her."

(She did not know what the future holds for the now former champion, but as far as Mercedes was concerned, the rumors of Roxi's demise shouldn't be exaggerated, it should be welcoming news in all the land of SCW.)

"Now that we have a true champion to represent the Bombshells Division, everyone should be on notice, I know I am."

(She sits up slowly and looks around. Spilled popcorn on the floor. Car keys on the coffee table. Half open set of DVD's, these showing Chucky the killer doll from he Child's Play series. She picks up a stack of papers stained with grease from the popcorn she was eating. We said that it is a timeline of Mercedes's tag team accomplishments in her career..)

"I’m probably the last person you expected to team with you, but don’t worry, I’m more than suited for the job. In fact, I brought along my resume, and sure it's a little messy, but it does say that I am a three-time tag team champion, though not necessarily in SCW, but just the same I think I know a little something about working in a team. You saw my match with Necra a few weeks ago, right? I don’t think anyone in their right mind imagined we would be teaming together, but, in the end, we pulled through. I’m sure Necra will try and take all the credit, but whatever. She knows she wouldn't have lasted had I decided to walk out on her. Luckily for us, Nessa Wall stole my idea and walked out on her own partner. It was a sight to see."

(Mercedes goes quiet.)

"The same can be said for you, Vixen. You did it. You won. You pulled out all the stops. You made history at High Stakes III and now you can proudly say you're the first-ever Bombshell triple crown champion. No confetti raining down from the rafters. There wasn't a banner celebrating your achievement. No one pulled a Kanye. It was just you as the last Bombshell standing, and your reward is being officially known as one-half of the Bombshell Tag Team Champions. I wish you well, Vixen. No, really, I do. I hope you know whether you're really a tag team champion...or you're just holding on to Misty's other belt."

(Mercedes nods as she reaches for her title displayed on the coffee table.)

"I didn’t need to grab a paddle on a pole, I didn’t need to throw someone into a massive pool, or over the top rope as you did at High Stakes, and I certainly didn’t have to risk my safety by climbing a bunch of cables. I became the new Bombshell Roulette Champion the good old fashion way: kicking ass, taking names, and, as was necessary, dropping Nessa Wall on her pretty little head. It was tragic. Almost as tragic as seeing Traci Patterson suffer an injury in the same match."

There were sure to be people who thought she was classless when she celebrated her grande victoire while paramedics were tending to her in the ring, but that was the least thing on her mind at the moment. Mercedes puts the title over her shoulder.

"Misty and Mercedes in the same ring. To you this is just another match, but to me...this is great. No, this is special You haven't made it in SCW until you're facing one of the most decorated champions ever. Of course, I would never call you a boring champion, wouldn't want you to release the flying monkeys or anything. (as she hums the Wicked Witch of the West theme) I think I'm up to the challenge. I see the glass half full. And I know I can beat you."

(She stands to her feet.)

Because I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and, doggonit, people like me! Something wicked this way comes, and Misty and Vixen, I hope you're both ready for our match, because Gothika and I sure will be.

"See you there."

Fade.

 ON-CAMERA || MORNINGSTAR BEACH, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS || FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2013

«Mercedes Vargas V/O.»

"Captain's Log, Stardate...

"The sun was like a bright supernova....

"Dear Diary...."

«The scene closes in on the cursive handwriting of Mercedes Vargas before the camera pans to her deep in thought with a pen at the ready as she pours her thoughts down on paper. We see her wearing a tank-top and pants, sitting Indian style with her journal across her lap.»

«Seemingly having trouble with the words, she taps her pen against the parchment until she lifts it up again and smiles and begins writing briskly.»

"Time sure flies when you're having fun, especially here in Morningstar Beach, just another week to enjoy all of what the Caribbean has to offer during SCW's tour. With this being my first trip here, I'm beginning to really enjoy myself. I think Aruba still is my favorite place to visit so far, but the Virgin Islands is a close second. I honestly have to say, though, the brochures weren't kidding - the beaches here are amazing!"

«She pauses for a moment and looks ahead into the ocean, placing a hand near her forehead. She has to squint because of the sun as she spots a handful of Wave runners tearing through the waters. Having already had her share of watercraft for the day, she goes back to writing.»

"This week went by so fast, I almost forgot I had a match in two days! Ha! Let's see: there was the deep tissue massages, a grand tour of the island, I was invited for a set at open mic night, and I even managed to save the day in a restaurant."

«Quick cut to a quaint establishment where a male customer sitting across from Mercedes is telling some antidote. She is half-listening, as she is enjoying her meal, waving around her fork at times when he paused or as a filler. As he takes up a sizable portion off of his plate, put the fork to his mouth, chews, and swallow, he stops talking suddenly and begins to cough forcefully.»

"You OK?"

«The man gets up now, and Mercedes quickly gets up from her chair as well, at a loss for words as she doesn't know what to do.»

"Oh, I LOVE this game! Charades!" (The man places his hands around his neck) "Uh, first word is...the Baltimore Ravens...the Lakers...Bob Sagat..."

«The man shakes his head violently as he tries to speak through gasps, to which Mercedes still hasn't grasp the dangerous situation. A couple a few tables away alert the waiter who quickly calls for management.»

"Choking?" (The man nods his head) "You are choking? Second word...?"

«Mercedes doesn't even get to that stage as she is pushed out of the way. A three-person team of paramedics arrive. The female member of the trio performs the Heimlich maneuver until the object is coughed up...which lands in Mercedes's face as a result.»

«The scene returns to present tine as Mercedes shudders.»

"Did I mention the divine cuisine?"

"Well, so much for that.

«She stands up writing the last words of her entry.»

"Anyway, I've got my match to prepare for, so I guess I'll be seeing you later."

Ciao.

The Argentine Assassin."

«Mercedes closes her journal as she walks off and our scene fades.»

S|C|E|N|E| 002

«As the voice of Harry Belafonte's "Jump in the Line" echo across the beach from a radio left on the beach, our scene focuses on a the festivities this night. The sun casts an orange glow as it goes below the horizon. A line of people in single file performing the conga dance, to where we find Mercedes among them. She breaks the chain as the camera focuses on her.»

"I beat Jessie Salco last week, which wasn’t easy, but damn it, I prevailed yet again to remain undefeated in SCW. I almost feel bad for Little Miss Heavy Metal, but she’ll get over this, I’m sure. There’s nothing more soothing than the power ballad.

"This week, I'm in a good old fashion triple threat for the Bombshell Roulette Championship. Wow, did not see that coming. On my left is the current Bombshell Champion and the first-ever ACW Champion. On my right is the person who beat the first-ever ACW Women’s Champion and took the title. And then there’s little ole me, who has no title to claim for her own, but that could change this Sunday at Climax Control.

"I'll say this much, it won't be easy, but when I win..."

«She smiles, tossing her hair back.»

""It will be worth it.""

«Fade.»

 (SCW caught up with Mercedes Vargas after the events of the second annual Summer XXXtreme pay-per-view was finally in the books. Hear what the Argentine Assassin had to say about her match and her reaction from the pay-per-view in this exclusive interview aboard the Royal Monarch.)
____________________________________________________

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Miss Rocky Mountains here at Summer XXXtreme II aboard the Royal Monarch and what a night it was. We witnessed several titles changed hands, feuds were settled, at least for now, and, yes, there was our X Rules Pool Party match where we witnessed Necra Kane’s title reign coming to an unexpected end. Joining me now is one of the Bombshells who participated in the match. Please welcome at this time, Mercedes Vargas.

(Mercedes Vargas enters the shot and dons a hooded sweatshirt worn over her bikini. She is still shivering and her hair sticks on her body.)

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Mercedes, you didn't exactly walk out of your match tonight with the title, but I'm sure you had fun nonetheless. What's going through your mind right now?

Mercedes Vargas: Well, as you can tell, I’m freezing.

(Ms. Rocky Mountains nods in understanding.)

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Yeah, I can see that.

Mercedes Vargas: But, you know, even though I wasn't successful tonight and even though I lost, I kinda feel like I won tonight, too, because at the end of the night, I can proudly say that Necra Octavian Kane isn’t the Bombshell Roulette Champion anymore. Of course, if there was anyone who was going to win this match, other than yours truly, it would be Nessa Wall. Give credit where credit is due to her. The force was strong in this one, and she proved to be the better woman tonight.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Take us back to before you were eliminated, Mercedes. What was going through your mind at the time?

Mercedes Vargas: Well for someone who has two first names, I think it’s clear that Emma Rose also has two left feet. I think it was during the brawl and I was near the pool and when Necra kicked Emma hard in the stomach and she stumbled into me. As I was losing my balance, I had to grab hold of something, and unfortunately it was Emma. Now, the jury is still out on whether it was intentional or not, but either way, I hope she finds it in her heart of hearts to forgive me.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: What did you think about the rest of the pay-per-view? Any matches caught your attention tonight?

Mercedes Vargas: There were a couple, a couple. Max Burke becoming the new Roulette Champion was quite unexpected. Kinda surprised he was able to defeat Kain, to be honest. The main event? All I can say is wow. Those guys put on a show, just an amazing match and everyone brought their A-game. And now there is a new SCW Champion. Seems as if no one can hold on to it for very long, huh? That’s the third title change in 16 weeks.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: You’ve been doing your homework.

Mercedes Vargas: Sure, OK.

(Mercedes laughs.)

Mercedes Vargas: I think one match that brought a chuckle was for the Bombshell Tag Team Championship match. If there was anyone who I thought deserve to be tag team champions right now, it’s Odette Ryder and Misty – or Milfy, as Ryder likes to call her. I think Misty being one-half of the tag team champions couldn’t have happened to a nicer person, especially after, you know, dropping the ball against Roxi and losing the Bombshell Championship. And speaking of Roxi, another successful title defense. Could we have been wrong about her all this time?

Ms. Rocky Mountains: I don't know, could be. But you did raise an excellent question. So what’s next for Mercedes Vargas? What do you have planned for the rest of the night?

Mercedes Vargas: I’m not really sure yet. I’m thinking of catching up on some movies, watching the Colts-Giants preseason game, or taking a stroll around the ship. But I can’t do any of that if I’m still here talking to you.

Ms. Rocky Mountains: Haha, good point. Go warm up, please?

(Mercedes turns to the camera.)

Mercedes Vargas: Thank you, and good night.

(Mercedes excuses herself and takes her leave as Ms. Rocky Mountains turns back to the camera.)

Ms. Rocky Mountains: That was SCW Bombshell, Mercedes Vargas, one of the Bombshells here in Sin City Wrestling. Keep checking back for more bonus exclusive interviews with your favorite Bombshells and Superstars and backstage photos from Summer XXXtreme II you can only see right here on SCWrestling.net.

(Fade)

 Part 1: Talk of the Town

OFF-CAMERA ||MANDALAY BAY RESORT AND CASINO|| LAS VEGAS, NEVADA || FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2013



Croupier: Round and round and round she goes, where she stops, nobody knows. Place your bets here, Place your bets!

Our scenes opens on a roulette wheel set in motion as a standing crowd looks on. The casino room inside the world renowned Mandalay Bay Resort was heavy with the usual tourists and patrons who frequent the establishment hopeful that this night Lady Luck was on their side. More often than not, it wasn’t the case, but that didn’t stop them from trying. The scene cuts away for a bit to show table games dotting the floor, and then a row of slot machine before we’re shown a display screen on one in full tilt mode. However, our unlucky player doesn’t get exactly get the correct combination of reels, as they land on a cherry symbol in between two seven’s. Back to the roulette table, we find a handful of people. 7 in all, 4 men and three women. Mercedes Vargas is in the middle of the pack. Excited, nervous, hopeful, players all. As the ball spins against the wheel, which clatters from red to black and black again, our smartly dressed croupier, runs his fingers through his short blonde hair as he calls the action.

Croupier: Round and round and round she goes, where she stops, nobody knows. Place your bets here, Place your bets! (as he acknowledges Mercedes placing her bet, and then waves his hand over the table refusing any more bets at the moment) Red, 19. Did I hear Red, 19?

All eyes follow the bouncing ball as the wheel begins to slow down.

Mercedes Vargas: Come on, come on...NO WHAMMY NO WHAMMY NO WHAMMY STOP!!!

Croupier: Red, 19. You're up. Double or nothing?

(It was a good question. Mercedes could press her luck as she has been for the last two hours now here at the casino, or quit while she was ahead. She looks around at the eager faces willing her on, before she turns to the dealer.

Mercedes Vargas: Oh, the hell with it. Put it all on red.


_______≈₪≈______


A FEW HOURS LATER…

Mercedes in a secluded area of the casino. A few friends she just met sit along with her at a table.

Mercedes Vargas: I almost feel kind of guilty having won all this money (several stacks of hundreds are before her), but then I kinda don’t.

A man stops by, recognizing her from the casino game earlier as he takes up a chair from another table and sits next to her.

Male Roulette Player: Say, you were pretty good out there tonight. Have you always played roulette?

Mercedes Vargas: Roulette? (laughing) Hah! Never played a day in my life. I just like red, and 19 is my lucky number. Oh, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Mercedes collects her winnings, says farewell to her friends, and then excuses herself from the table, leaving the onlooker staring after her as we fade to black.


_______≈₪≈______


Part II: Once Bitten...

ON CAMERA ||HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS|| LAS VEGAS, NEVADA || FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013 - Afternoon


>[REC. ●]



"At Into the Void, some people were able to beat one opponent. It’s been done before, but it doesn’t mean it was no less impressive. Some people were able to beat two people. Alright, that’s kind of impressive. Nothing wrong with that. But it’s a rare feat when someone is able to beat three people in the same night in a match. And just who was able to accomplish such a feat?

"This girl, right here!"

Mercedes points at herself, just in the event we were clueless on her moment of glory from the pay-per-view.

"Should any of you have been surprised that I came out of the Four Corners Roulette Rules First Blood match as the number contender? When you’re good, it’s hard to be humble, and I can see how some people would expect me to brag, only I don’t like to brag because my accomplishments does that for me. As far as Into the Void II is concerned, this pay-per-view would not have been a success without the willing contributions to your PBS station from viewers like you.

"Thank you."

Mercedes laughs and tosses her hair back.

"Oh, and as for my match, really, I can’t take all the credit. I would like to thank everyone who made this all possible – of course, I would be talking about myself, naich - but also to the three opponents who gave it their level best Sunday. Laura Jackson, Joanne Canelli, and the unfortunate victim that suffered a knockout punch which left her a complete and utter bloody mess – Ambrosia Grey.  Don’t worry, sweetheart, you were in need for some reconstructive surgery anyway. So, um, yeah, I want to thank them for making me the number one contender to the Sin City Wrestling Bombshell Roulette Championship. And this is where our match comes into play. I can’t believe it myself. I’ve been here for all of five weeks and already I’m in my first Climax Control main event. I must be dreaming, only I’m not. Because this was expected.  I’m not stupid, though. As soon as I found out who I was up against this week, I knew I certainly would have my work cut out for me. Especially with this dream team-up."

With an innocent shrug, she continues on.

"Now, I know what you’re thinking, Kain. Here me out. You just won the Roulette Championship at Into the Void, congrats on that, by the way [applause] – and now not only do you find yourself in a tag team match, but you’re teaming with a woman!? Not only that, but you have to be forced to get along with some fresh-faced newcomer in Sin City Wrestling!?! Mind blown.  It’s the end of the world as we know it. Social media explodes. Volcanoes erupt. The skies turn dark. Planets all go out of alignment. Oh, the humanity!

"But we can fix this. We can definitely fix this. You need not worry, champ. I know my role in our little double date. While you handle the pipsqueak Max Burke, I’ll be in my little corner, I don’t know, filing my nails or something. Maybe checking out my timeline on the Twitter machine as I’m almost sure this match alone will be trending coast to coast and around the world."

[With a content sigh, she takes up her iPhone and, sure enough, they were already tweets talking about Climax Control's main event the world over. Yes, it was that important.]

"Now Max, Max Burke, it seems to me that you and my tag partner have a lot of issues to work out, and I'm glad that this match will take place so the two of you can iron out those differences. Some may call this a feud or a rivalry, but what good is a rivalry if you're always on the losing end?  Kaine claims to have beat you, like, 600 times already, and I don't know, I probably should take his word for it. I don't know if your ego can take much kicking, but I'm pretty sure Kaine is obligated to do so. So, that being said, I hope you enjoy eating the canvas again.

"And then there’s Necra Octavian Kane, who we’re supposed to believe is the daughter of Queen Cleopatra."

Mercedes burst out laughing, failing in her attempt to stop herself from doing so. When she gets control of herself again, her expression changes into a serious one. It was time to address the matter of the opponent that stood across her from her in a serious light.

"I'm sorry. It's hard to keep a straight face when someone expects to believe a story like that. Really now? I’m almost sure I didn't read that in history class. Do you expect me to buy that? If you do, then I have a pyramid to sell you. But just for the sake of argument, let’s go ahead and roll with this. I’m going to give it to you straight. If you think I’m going to simply roll over, then you are sadly mistaken. Unlike the other girls you push around, I push back. And when push comes to shove, I shove back. Hard.

"See, here’s the thing. In my short career, I’ve had to face many so-called “Queens.” Queens of Wrestling. Queens of Heart. Queen of This or That, and they all had the same thing in common – loyal subjects, complete obedience to their subservient, and, well, just being bitches, if I may. But you? You transcend all of that, Necra, because you’re the Queen of the Nile. I suppose that means something, right? Um, sorry, but maybe you should know a few things about me first. Number one, I don’t bow down to anyone – though I’m sure just like your mom, you have experience being down on your knees. Number two,  I’m sure with all that power it’s properly shared with all your brothers, but even with your powers combined whether you summon Captain Planet, Osiris, Ra, Anubis, Imhotep, or the Great Sphinx of Gaza, it still won’t be enough to beat me.

"So why don’t you write this down in your royal proclamation and have that stone tablet translated from hieroglyphics.  Don’t think that this is going to be some passion’s play, sweetheart, because I don’t plan on being anyone’s martyr this week."

A pause is met as she gathers her thoughts before raising her head again to finish her promo.

"Do you know how Cleopatra died? She was bitten by an asp, or a snake, whichever word you prefer. I guess your “mommy” wasn't much of a snake charmer now, was she?  And I guess history is about to repeat itself. Necra, I am that snake and when I strike, you will feel the bite of the Argentine Assassin as you end up as the next name on my checklist. At Into the Void, Misty lost the Bombshell Championship. And soon, you will be joining her as an ex-Bombshell Roulette Champion."

Fade.