Well, Gabriel and I have made it to the semi finals, so that's a good thing.
The bad thing is, this week we face off against Gabriel's partner, and next week, if we win, we might face his girlfriend. Not something I'm looking forward to, to say the least.
It's not that I'm scared of Odette or anything, it's just, as a woman, I know what that feeling that she's going through can be like, and I didn't want anyone around me. But, let me clarify that I have no interest in Gabriel outside of him being my tag partner for this tournament. I didn't choose him, he didn't choose me, and when it's over, win or lose, we'll go our separate ways. Having said that, a win here puts us in the finals. We can do it, I have supreme confidence we can. Gabriel has done his part, and now, I must do mine.
Our opponents are Gabriel's partner Despayre and Karina Koji. I've heard a lot about both, and I'm impressed. But, not intimidated in the slightest. I feel like Gabriel can handle Despayre, and that leaves me with Karina. Karina likes submissions, much like I do. Feeling them is a different story, but applying them is all kinds of fun. But Karina should think that that's all I have in my arsenal. It's important to be well rounded, and I am, otherwise, I wouldn't bolster an undefeated record here, nor would I have gone so long without a loss elsewhere. I am fully capable of handling myself, as I have proven thus far. But I will grant that Karina will be my toughest challenge to date. Not taking anything away from anyone I've faced so far, but the challenge has been less than stellar.
So with that, I welcome the conflict against Karina, and I have all the confidence that once again, Gabriel and myself will rise to meet this challenge, like we have done successfully so far.
But understand Karina, I may be good at submissions, but I'm just as adapt at escaping them, yes, my body bends, as does yours, it will be interesting to see who breaks first. At this point, being so close to the finals and yet so new to this promotion, I'm willing to have you break something, if it means I attain victory. Remember that.
It's been exciting so far, and I don't want to worry about the storm that awaits us Gabriel. We can weather this weeks, I'm sure. But with the possibility of Odette being there, with her accusing face and judgemental brain, I don't know what you're going to do. Please do not make this a choice between me and her, and do not throw away our chance at victory and winning this tournament for her. But, somehow, I don't think it's going to matter what I say to you, or about you, you will choose accordingly.
But this week, our choice has to be victory, nothing less, for the finals and a tournament win is a huge stepping stone for both you and I. It can lead to better things.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have choices of my own I need to make.
Ta-ta for now
[ Roxi arrives at the Fortress of Fight. ]
Roxi - Captain, I found Jim Dudley's killer.
Captain Freedom - You did.
Roxi - Yes. A man named Quickscope, claims to be a mercenary. A hired gun.
Captain Freedom - Who would hire him to kill Jim Dudley?
Roxi - That's the thing, Quickscope wasn't trying to kill Dudley. He was trying to kill Sister Shadow. Dudley took the bullet for her.
Captain Freedom - Sad. Where's Quickscope now?
Roxi - Probably in Church. I'm not sure. All I know, is that with tracking device is following me. Obviously he plans on collecting. I'll leave it here with you, until I head back out.
Captain Freedom - Good work. Go home and get some rest. I have a feeling you're going to need it.
Roxi - Captain?
Captain Freedom - There's...something going on. It may take the whole Guild, but I'm not sure the scope of it.
Roxi - ...Right, I'll get going.
Captain Freedom - Thank you for your hard work.
Just my luck. my favorite teacher dies, I have to deal with a psycho sniper, Sister Shadow, AND get ready for one of the a huge match in SCW. I'm so far behind it's ridiculous. And who knows what the others are doing.
And to top it all off. Captain Freedom thinks something big is going down. Wonderful.
I swear, I - WHOA!
[ Before she can react, she's blown out of the sky by a laser shot. She lands with a thud a story down to the ground. ]
What now?!
[ She staggers to her feet, and looks around, before spotting the tiny silhouette of the person who shot at her. ]
Oh, great.
Crazy Wolf - Aw, did that hurt?
Roxi - Crazy Wolf.
Crazy Wolf - You remembered. How nice.
Roxi - I don't have time for this.
Crazy Wolf - That's alright, I'll make this quick.
[ He begins to fire rapid shots, but she is able to dodge, and get close to punch him. ]
Roxi - I've had enough of this.
Crazy Wolf - You think this is over?
Roxi - Today...is not a good day to push me, Wolf. I don't care how crazy you think you are. What pills you take, how smart you think you sound. I don't care. You hear me? Not one single bit. No matter what creepy thing you do, no matter what stupid thing you say to try and sound scary, I'm over it. I'm not impressed, never have been, never will be.
Crazy Wolf - You won't be saying that when I'm through with you.
Roxi - I'm done, you got that?
[ She snatches the gun from the ground, and takes it apart is a matter of seconds. ]
Crazy Wolf - You cannot escape, I will kill you, slowly.
Roxi - Fine. You know what, I'm about to beat you...slowly.
[ Wolf scrambles to his feet, and then splits himself into fourths.]
Crazy Wolf - Can you deal with four?
Roxi - I've been trained to handle 4 men at a time...
[ Wolf stares at her, and begins to laugh. ]
Crazy Wolf - Kinky. Maybe I'll have some fun with your corpse after I kill you.
Roxi - Ugh. Whatever. C'mon!
[ Two wolves lunge at her and grab each arm. She struggles, and the third wraps around her legs. ]
Crazy Wolf - Well now, Seems you're beaten already.
Roxi - Not really. Just waiting.
Crazy Wolf - Waiting for what?
Roxi - Right.....now!
[ She drops into a split, due to Wolf's smaller strength when divided. She backfists the wolves' holding her arms, and grabs her staff from her waist. It extends and she hits both Wolves in the face. Then, brings the end of the staff down onto the gut of the on at her feet. Then vaults and kicks the last wolf in the face, before monkey flipping him into the others. The division wears off, and Wolf stands, groggy. She jabs him in the gut, then the face, then swings the staff as an extension of her arm and knocks him out with it.
Roxi - There. Wolf, enjoy the prison. At least you won't be alone, you'll have all your personalities to keep you company.
[ After handcuffing him, and notifying the police, she leaves the scene. ]
[ Now safely back in her apartment, she peels off her mask, and sits down, she looks at the clock....1:23 am. She sees there is a new message on her computer, about meeting with SCW tomorrow to discuss the match, at 2pm sharp. She sighs, and turns off the computer rubbing her face, and grimacing in pain. ]
My whole body hurts. But I can't stop now. SCW needs a hero, and so does this city. I have to be ready. Have to be prepared. I...I...I need some sleep. I need to track down Sister Shadow, And keep an eye on Quickscope. And -
[She is interrupted by her wrist communitcator. ]
Guild Base - Guild base to all heroes. There is a mandatory meeting of all heroes tomorrow at 2pm. New information and details about an upcoming large scale attack have been confirmed. Again, presence is mandatory!
[ She groans as the transmission cuts out. ]
Great, Meeting or promo? Why are they both at the same time?! What did you always teach Mr. Dudley, time is relative?
Thanks for being a great teacher. I'll find some way to pay you back. I promise.
<HR>
The death of Mr. Dudley still weighs heavily on my mind. I haven't slept in quite a while, knowing that that lunatic sniper is still out, and trying to hunt down Shadow. He expects me to lead him to her. Even if she does partially deserve it, I can't allow him to do it. After all, she's the one who got Dudley killed. But that brings up even more questions. What was Dudley doing with her? What's the connection? So many unanswered questions.
And now, I have to make a hard choice.
The proverbial rock and a hard place is where I am.
Why isn't life this complicated for other super-heroes?
[ Roxi gets ready in her apartment, for what, she's still deciding. Vision appears on the screen as she paces. ]
Vision - Hey Rox.
Roxi - Hey.
Vision - Uh, what's keeping you? The meeting starts in like an hour.
Roxi - I know.
Vision - So?...Come on.
Roxi - Vision...I....I'm...I'm not going.
Vision - What? What do mean, you're not going? It's mandatory.
Roxi - I know...but...this thing with SCW...I I need to be a part of it.
Vision - Roxi, it's just wrestling, it's not the end of the world if you miss it...however, if you do...we could be looking at that.
Roxi - But, there's expecting me...I can't just no-show.
Vision - Rox, The guild needs you.
Roxi - SCW needs me.
Vision - You know, If you don't show up, you may get kicked out.
Roxi - ...It's a chance I'm willing to take.
Vision - You can't be serious!
Roxi - I am. I'm sorry Vision, but this is important to me. I'll knock it out as soon as I can, and...if the time comes, I'll be ready to fight.
Vision - *Sigh* You're making a big mistake Roxi. I don't think you're thinking clearly.
Roxi - No Vision, it's crystal clear.
Vision - You sure, you haven't slept in days. You can't be thinking clearly.
Roxi - I know what I'm doing.
[ She grabs her bag, and heads through the hall to the front door. ]
Roxi - Wish me luck. I promise I'll make it.
Vision - ....Best of luck.
[Flash to the SCW studio's where Scott Oliver is standing with Roxi, who is looking more split. ]
Scott Oliver - Hey Roxi.
Roxi - Hey.
Scott Oliver - You okay?
Roxi - Yeah, can...we speed this up?
Scott Oliver - You in a hurry?
Roxi - Yeah, got places to be.
Scott Oliver - We're ready when you are.
Roxi - Yeah, I'm ready.
Scott Oliver - Sure.
[ Jay motions to the camera to start, but then stops. ]
Scott Oliver - Oh, looks like we're having an audio problem. Sorry about that.
Roxi - Yeah.
Scott Oliver - It'll just be a moment.
[ She paces, obviously impatient with everything. ]
Of all the times! This is crazy.
Scott Oliver - Okay, I think we're ready.
Roxi - Okay, thanks.
[ He motions and ready. ]
Scott Oliver - Hello wrestling fans, Scott Oliver-
[The building starts rumbling. ]
Oh great. Sounds like the party has started.
Scott Oliver - What happened?
Roxi - Not sure, But I think it's time to get out of here.
Scott Oliver - Sounds like a plan.
[ She rushes outside, and spots a large helicarrier off in the distance. ]
That...is a big ship.
[ She looks at her wrist communicator]
Roxi - Guild Base, I don't think that's ours. A large helicarrier over the skies here.
[ She rushes to find a spot to change. ]
[ Now in costume, she runs and hits a rooftop, and uses her communicator.]
Roxi - Guild Base, can I get a lift to this party?
Guild Base - Roger. Mr. Amazing in route.
Roxi - Sweet.
[ After a moment, Mr. Amazing shows up and carries her. ]
Roxi - Am I too late?
Mr. Amazing - We could use a hand.
Roxi - That's what I'm here for.
Mr. Amazing - Great work.
Roxi - (singing) I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Mr. Amazing - What?
Roxi - Nothing.
[ Flash to the battle on top the helicarrier. Roxi fights off serveral thugs, before locking eyes with the one in charge. ]
Roxi - Haven!
Mistress Haven - Well, look who it is.
Roxi - You and I got some unfinished business!
Mistress Haven - I didn't think you'd show up after the last time.
Roxi - Ha! You kidding, I wouldn't miss this for the world.
Mistress Haven - Foolish Girl. I will destroy you.
Roxi - Say, still got that double sided tape holding those things in?
Mistress Haven - I hate you.
Roxi - Ah, it's okay. I still love you.
Mistress Haven - Grrr...
Roxi - Now, let's get down to business.
Mistress Haven - With pleasure.
Roxi - And when I beat you, when I stop you cold, When I put you out of this, and move on, I want you to remember this Haven. I want you to remember this moment, this time, this place. Remember this in your darkest moments. Remember this day,
when I beat you.
Mistress Haven - Attack!
Roxi - Ha-ku Ma-Chen te!
[ They charge each other. ]
That was...so cool.
Roxi - Well, that escalated quickly. But, in the end, the hero triumphs.
[ She's sitting next to Herman again. ]
Roxi - You're right, I didn't...save the day, per se. Jim Dudley is still dead because of me.
[ She looks down at the ground, we finally see her, her costume torn, blood staining it as well. ]
Roxi - I know, Vision said the same thing. I can't go one blaming myself.
[ She stands, leaning on the statue ]
Roxi - Well, now I have to get some rest. There's a big day tomorrow for me. But these past few days, as hectic as they've been, have taught me the value of what I do. And how much I'm needed.
[ She kisses Herman ]
Roxi - I have to sleep. Thanks again for listen Herman.
[ She swings away. ]
It's been rough, but I'm ready. Ready for the finals, and ready to win.
