[ Roxi is shown after Sunday's show in the trainer's room. ]
Trainer - Where does it hurt the most?
Roxi - Oh, I don't know, the blood coming out of my head seems like a good place to start.
Trainer -Sorry. Just trying to help.
Roxi - ...
[ She lays down on the training table and the trainer begins to work. ]
Trainer - Wow, she really messed you up bad.
Roxi - Yeah, you could say that.
Trainer - Looks like she messed up your back and shoulder pretty bad..
Roxi - Uh...yeah. He did.
Trainer - Alright, I'm gonna pop your shoulder back into place, but, you really should see a doctor about it.
Roxi - Alright, I will.
[ The trainer snaps her shoulder. There is a loud "pop" but Roxi doesn't react.
Trainer - Didn't that hurt?
Roxi - Not really.
Trainer - Wow. It's like you're some kind of super woman.
Roxi - Heh...that'd rich. Me. A superhero.
Laying on it way too thick there.
[ Cut to the end. Roxi with a towel against her forehead and stitched up. ]
Trainer - There ya go. Good as new...or thereabouts.
Roxi - Funny.
Trainer - You should be good with a few days rest.
Roxi - Right. Thanks, doc.
I don't even know where to begin anymore. What do I have to say that hasn't already gone through 8 filters in my head. Really because the first time I thought I was going to say something, it came out as one long indecipherable swear word. And I try not to do that, as you know.
But this is the time where I should be enjoying myself. Having the time of my life, setting an example on how there are other ways to conduct yourself as a champion as opposed to loud, and braggadocios. I should be really happy and proud and driving around in a 1965 Corvette convertible with the wind blowing in my hair.
Wow, that was oddly specific.
Anyway, the point is, I can't. I can't enjoy things anymore. Being the bombshells champion has apparently made every bombshell on the roster completely insane. I don't even know anymore. Misty is making deals with Odette. She was on the screen 3 times, each time more annoying than the last. Amy and Laura fought like tigresses in our bombshell's title match. Everything has just gone all loopy and now I can't make heads or tails of what's going on.
That, and I got blindsided with a metal pipe.
Now everything has tasted like copper for the past week, although it could be that batch of cookies I baked actually had pennies in it. No wonder Aunt Anna nearly choked to death...Err...Moving on.
Last week, I got attacked, as most of you know. And that sucked. It sucked a lot. But one thing it didn't do, was intimidate me. You cant just go around quoting the bible and Johnny Cash and assume that everything in your evil master plan will work.
Now, had you gone Corey Hart, then we might have had something. But, I digress. One pipe attack will not deter me. It may knock me unconscious for a short time, and may make me temporarily insane, but it will not deter me. You expect me to fear you, after you hit me with a pipe? Listen, I don't know if you know this or not, but I am not afraid of anything. It may be that I am not smart enough to be afraid, but my point still stands. You, Miss mysterious-back-fighting-attacker-person-whose-identity-I-do-not-know-but-will-find-out, you have underestimated me, and overestimated yourself. But I see what you're trying to do. What? don't think I know? Oh, I am smarter than I look. Maybe.
The point is, this is a game, and normally, I like games. I am a world-champion Connect 4 player, is says so on my Twitter handle. But this game is one that will be for this title, currently in my possession, and it's going to take more than cracking me with a pipe to keep me down.
Although that did keep me down for some time...
Look, I may not be at 100% this week, but that hasn't stopped me before. I am a fighting champion, I have already told all the bombshells the same thing, if you want a shot at this title, all you have to do is ask. You can all line up, and I'll give you all a shot, one at a time, two at time, whatever. But no, you think that you are special, you want to just cut in line? I don't think so. I know a guy who will backhand you with a pipe wrench for doing such a thing. Stop. Just...Focus.
Moving on to this week, if the attacker wants to show up again and not act like a coward, you already know where I'll be. In the ring with Odette Ryder and Gabriel. And we will be going at it.
Wow, that's just dirty.
Okay, now, Odette, you are one of the people I was referring to when I said that the bombshells have gone crazy. Becuase I have like no idea what you were even talking about. Where did this concept come from that I need to take revenge on you for anything? You beat me in a mixed tag tournament. I am...over that. You guys won fair and square. What's left for me to say? This wasnt' some nefarious deed done to me, this was you being better than I for one night. I can accept that. Whatever.
Sure, would it be nice to beat you? Yes. Would it be a career moment for me? Possibly. Will I cry if I don't? Maybe. Wait....no. I won't. Seriously, I don't know where that came from.
I just have a had a hell of a week, and now I'm getting this sass from you about things that I didn't even know I was doing. Since when was I public enemy number one of the Bombshell's division? I never asked anyone to bow to me, or to believe that I am the pinnacle of the bombshell's division. I am simply am it's champion. And I plan on establishing that I am the best champion. But for whatever reason, you assume that I think that I am the best thing since sliced bread. Do I think that? Sometimes. But not in this case.
But you know what really made my day Odette? When you brought up Speedy. Speedy. Of all people! Not that forgotten Green Arrow sidekick that made his debut in More Fun Comics #73 in 1941. See, I can talk about comic books too. In fact, I can do it better than you. You know why? Because it's my thing. It never was, and never will be your thing. Never once has Odette Ryder ever uttered a word about comic books until she's facing me. So, you know comic books now? Or was the Google machine right in front of you at the point where you were thinking of ways to insult me? I mean, you labeled me Roy Harper Jr. You couldn't even come up with a female sidekick? I know, I know, Mia is the second Speedy, but you couldn't come up with a female sidekick that was worth it? Harley Quinn, Stephanie Brown, none of these people came up to you. You chose...Speedy. It would be insulting if it wasn't so insulting to here.
You know what, whatever Odette, Gabriel and I were a great team. We made it to the finals of that Mixed tag team tournament. And we were equals. We were like Simon and Simon. Riggs and Murtaugh. And I would have totally been Riggs. But that's not the point. The point is Gabriel and I had a professional relationship, and now that partnership is over, and I...
Wait. Wait. I get it now. Somebody's a little jelly!
You are totally jealous and thought I was trying to steal him away. Wow Odette, I've done some things I'm not proud in my time...wait, I mean I've seen some crazy things in my time, but this takes the cake. I think you may some some insecurity issues you need to take care of.
Anyway, This match will be fantastic, as long as nobody beats me in the head with a heavy object again. Odette, I always welcome a challenge and from someone like you, I will gladly welcome it. By the way, where were you last week when I was getting attacked?
I'm not blaming you, but now it does make a lot of sense. I'm just saying.
Gabriel...Well, it's nice to see you again, although I wish it was under better circumstances. But here we are. So, if you could, try at least to contain your girlfriend from trying to murder me based on her warped presumptions.
And Simon, We can do this, you're the world champion, I'm the bombshells champion, that of course is irrelevant in this match, but hey, it might count for something, somewhere. I don't know anymore. I will put my hand out there if you need to tag someone. And by tag, I of course me bring into a tag match...legally.
I'm done with this. I get called a quiet champion, attacked with a pipe, blamed for the downfall of society and then get called Roy Harper Jr.
I guess it could have been worse, she could have called me Sun Girl. Which by the way, is stupid. Johnny Storm, the human torch, has a sidekick named...Sun Girl? I mean, that's just the worst. Ugh. Don't get me started...you know what, on second thought, I'll end it here.
Jeez, What is going on with people today? Has the whole world gone topsy-turvy? Is the girl who reads comic books the only person with her head on straight?
[ Roxi sits in her apartment, getting a much deserved massage The female masseuse rubs her down, as she lays on her stomach, her bare back to the camera, and a towel covering her waist to her calves. ]
Roxi - Mmm..that feels great.
Masseuse - Ms. Johnson, I have to say that you are the most tense client I think I've ever had.
Roxi - Really?
Masseuse - I know you wrestle for a living, but seriously, It feels like you do a whole lot more than that.
Roxi - Sometimes.
Masseuse - What else do you do?
Roxi - I...play Tennis.
Masseuse - Tennis?
Roxi - Yeah.
Masseuse - You must play every day to be in as good of shape as you are.
Roxi - I try.
Masseuse - Any good?
Roxi - I got a great backhand.
Masseuse - Are we still talking about tennis?
Roxi - Maybe.
Masseuse - Honestly, though, it feels like you have a great weight on your shoulders.
Roxi - (whispering) you don't know the half of it.
Masseuse - What?
Roxi - Nothing, just surprised I'm so tense.
Masseuse - Still, this massage was long overdue.
Roxi - Well, you're earning your money.
Masseuse - I do what I can.
Roxi - We still talking about massaging?
Masseuse - ...maybe.
[ The girls share a giggle together. ]
Masseuse - Actually, funny story, My husband roped me into watching you on TV last week. I thought you were great.
Roxi - Thanks.
Masseuse - He's a big wrestling fan, I never understood the appeal, but still, It was mostly enjoyable.
Roxi - Glad it was.
Masseuse - So, you're not wrestling this week are you?
Roxi - Yeah. I am.
Masseuse - How do you do it?
Roxi - It's my job.
Masseuse - Yeah, but, the injuries, the travel...
Roxi - Comes with the territory.
[ Vision makes his appearence on the skype screen. Just as the masseuse is putting her coat on. ]
Vision - Hey Rox...uh...am I interrupting anything?
Roxi - Not at all. She was just finishing up with me.
Masseuse - Oh...I...was just leaving.
Roxi - Thanks for everything.
[ Roxi pays her, then guides herself off the massage table. She wraps a towel around herself. ]
Masseuse - That your boyfriend?
Roxi - More like my mother.
[ They share another giggle, and the masseuse leaves. Roxi sits down at the computer. ]
Vision - So...
Roxi - I'm ready. As I'll ever be I suppose....
[ Roxi and Andrea are being strapped in to the dream machine by Dr. Lord ]
Dr. Long - Just a few moment adjustments, and we’ll be ready.
Andrea - I still don’t see why I have to do this, he’s not after me.
Roxi - He could be. It’s best if we do this together.
Andrea - Why do I think We have little to no chance in this?
Roxi - Because we don’t.
Andrea - …. I like those odds.
Dr. Long- Alright, we’re ready. Good luck to both of you, and…we’re going to do everything we can to prevent your deaths.
[ Doctor Long readies the needles ]
Roxi - I don’t know about you, but that was very re-assuring.
Andrea - Totally.
[ A brief injection later, and …Dreamland. ]
Roxi - Ugh…Looks like we’re here.
Andrea - Ugh. Who is this guy’s interior decorator?
Roxi - I don’t know.
Andrea - It’s cozy…it’s a Hannibal Lector sort of way.
Roxi - I think I saw this exact look on the DIY network.
Andrea - You know, the people on that network have no idea what they’re doing.
Roxi - And it shows.
Andrea - So, anyway, where is he?
Roxi - I don’t know, he could be anywhere.
Andrea - Well, do we look for him?
Roxi - I guess.
Andrea - You’re not going to suggest what I think you are, are you?
Roxi - What? Splitting up?
Andrea - Yes.
Roxi - No. Why?
Andrea - I’m just saying, every time people split up in bad horror movies, people die.
Roxi - People die for very dumb reasons in horror movies, I don’t think we’re that dumb. Are we?
Andrea - …
[… Do you really want me to answer that? ]
Roxi - Never mind. Let’s go.
Andrea - Right.
[ The two search the area high and low, finding nothing. We montage it and find them back at the same room they started. ]
Roxi - I don’t get it.
Andrea - Maybe he’s just not here.
Roxi - He’s got to be here somewhere.
Andrea - You know, I’m sick of looking.
Roxi - Wait, what are you doing?
[ Andrea stands up and begins shouting. ]
Andrea - HEY! LET’S GO! I’M TRIED OF HIDE AND SEEK! COME OUT NOW!
Roxi - Green Angel, stop!
[ And then…nothing. ]
Andrea - I guess, they can pull us out. This was a waste.
Roxi - I…
[ Then, the room darkens, and Andrea and Roxi look around, finally, Clint was making his entrance. ]
Andrea - What’s going on?
Roxi - I don’t know!
[ Then, just as quickly as that, the room lights up again. ]
Roxi - He’s toying with us.
[ Roxi stands and looks around. ]
Roxi - You alright?
[ Andrea turns to her and smiles. ]
Andrea - (Signing) Hello.
Is it me you’re looking for?
Roxi - You…alright?
[ Andrea‘s smile widens as she stands back up. ]
Andrea - (Signing) I can see it in your eyes
I can see it in your smile
You’re all I’ve ever wanted.
And my arms are open wide.
Roxi - What the…
[ Andrea starts laughing. ]
Andrea - (Signing) Cause you know just what to say
And you know just what to do.
[ Finally, it’s hits. ]
Roxi - Clint!
[ Andrea turns to her and smiles. ]
Andrea - Well…it’s about time you figured it out.
Roxi - Why?
Andrea - Did you really think that either one of you could defeat me here? I was simply playing a game. And now that I’ve possessed this body, there’s nothing you can do to save her.
Roxi - We’ll see about that.
[ Roxi assumes a fighting stance. ]
Andrea - Child, please. I’ve possessed this body to remind you of your failures. You didn’t save me. You didn’t save Claire, and now…poor Andrea.
Roxi - Shut up and fight.
[ Andrea turns to her and smiles. ]
Andrea - Gladly
[ Using Andrea’s body, and weapons, Clint attacks, dodging the broadsword swipes, Roxi manages to send Clint/Andrea back a few steps with a kick. Clint responds with a two handed throw of the sword which narrowly misses and inbeds the sword in the wall. From there, each attempts a few hand to hand strikes, none connecting, til Clint blocks a strike, traps the arm of Roxi, wrenches it and lands several palm thrusts into Roxi’s face, neck and body, then sends her flying backwards with another strike. Roxi clutches her body and slowly stands, only to be met by arrows flying at her. She hit’s the deck as the arrows stick into the wall. Standing and spotting her opening Roxi launches a flash bang which blinds Sydney/Clint. Roxi launches into a offensive attack and begins throwing punches for all she’s worth finally dropping Andrea after a volley. Andrea simply kips up and smiles, before launching a couple of arrows, one of which manages to stick in Roxi’s shoulder. Roxi goes down and tries pulling it out, but cannot. Andrea quickly gets on top of her and grabs the arrow. ]
Andrea - Does that hurt? Let me get that for you.
Roxi - Nooo Oohh oowww ahhhh!
[ Roxi howls in pain as Clint almost gleefully begins turning the arrow in her shoulder. Roxi tries everything to reach into her pouch, but cannot. Finally, she uses her free hand to gouge the eyes of Andrea, causing Clint to break off the attack. Disoriented, Andrea stands and rubs at her eyes, allowing a final desperation attack, punctuated by a spinning roundhouse kick that flattens Andrea, effectively knocking her out. Roxi drops to her knees and cries out in pain as she attempts to remove the arrow from her shoulder. She pulls and tugs, but it doesn’t budge. Finally, she rips her mask off and places it in her mouth. Biting down as she pulls as hard as he can…it finally comes loose. Roxi breathes a sigh of relief as she drops the arrow on the floor and is about to go to Andrea and check on her, when… ]
Clint - That looks like it could get infected.
Roxi - No…
[ Clint, now in his own body, smashes Roxi’s face into the wooden floor, and begins kicking her ribs, seemingly in a rhythm and enjoying himself.
Clint - Look at all this….You practically killed your partner, you’re left arm is practically useless, a gaping shoulder wound. And now…internal bleeding. Isn’t this fun?
Roxi - Ugh…*cough*
[ Roxi is shown to be coughing up blood. Clint reaches down and pulls her up by the hair and leads her to another room. Inside what appears to be a wash room, there a huge bathtub full of water. Clint violently dunks her head into it. ]
Clint - I remember when my father did this to me. Washed away my sins. Doesn’t being pure feel great?
[ Roxi frantically fights to gain her breath, but it’s only by Clint’s hand she’s able to, and then, she’s right back down. ]
Clint - I could very easily drown you, right here, right now. But…honestly, where’s the fun in that? Besides, the water’s getting all red and bloody. Tsk. Tsk.
[ He continues to hold her under, and soon it’s well past a minute before he pulls her out and let’s her limply flop to the ground. He drags her back out into the main room, as she coughs and gasps for air. Another swift kick follows, and then violent stomps, to assure more bleeding. Finally, he picks her almost limp body off the ground and tosses her onto a bed. She lays there, barely conscious. ]
Clint - And now, to complete your humiliation, before I finally kill you. Let’s have some real fun.
Roxi - (Weakly) No…Please
Clint - Was that a please? Are you begging me right now? I never thought I’d see the day. Well, technically I didn’t, but who cares. Oh…what’s that you’re doing now?
[ Roxi begins to pick herself off the bed and stand up. But, having taken the beaten she has, she can’t do it. And falls off the bed. Crumbling to the floor in a heap, Clint takes the time to chuckle before heading back over. He picks her and places her back on the bed, before straddling her body.]
Clint - You know, this could have all been avoided had you done what I’d asked…But you wanted to be a hero. Be stubborn. Sadly, this is what hero’s get.
Roxi - (Weakly) *mumble* *mumble*
Clint - What’s that?
Roxi - *unintelligible*
[ Clint leans in to hear what Roxi is saying, but can’t make it out. ]
Clint - I’m sorry my dear, but I - AGHH!
[ With her last ditch effort, Roxi begins BITING the ear of the Clint, forcing him to jerk upward, and then….]
Clint - AGHHHH!
[ Rising from the ashes, Andrea stabs Clint in the neck with the arrow that was inside Roxi’s shoulder. ]
Andrea - Dr. Lord, PULL US OUT NOW!
[ *FLASH* Suddenly, Roxi, Andrea, AND Clint are all pulled out, and into the real world. Clint lies in pain as the arrow protrudes from his neck, and Roxi lays beaten and bloody, but slowly rises to her feet, as her healing power has begun to kick in. Syndey still smarts from the attack earlier. Members of the Guild surround Clint, and are able to get him under control. ]
<HR>
[ Hours later, Roxi and Andrea sit high in the rooftops over the city, more or less licking their wounds. ]
Andrea - Did you have to hit me so hard?
Roxi - Heheh OW! Don’t make me laugh.
Andrea - I think you dislocated my jaw.
Roxi - I’m sorry.
Andrea - Well, at least it’s over. It IS over right?
Roxi - I hope so. Save for the occasional nightmare.
Andrea - At least now, you won’t end up intensive care afterward.
Roxi - I’m sorry.
Andrea - You already said that.
Roxi - I know, but I’m sorry I drug you into this.
Andrea - Hey, we’re partners.
Roxi - You did save us both back there.
Andrea - Yeah, but I’m surprised you’re even alive. You’re one heck of a fighter.
Roxi - It’s my job.
Andrea - Well, again, at least now, no more bad dreams.
Roxi - I’ll second that. And Andrea?
Andrea - Yeah?
Roxi - Thanks.
Andrea - Don’t mention it, we’re going to be getting into a ton of other stuff as soon as we’re back in shape. Evil never sleeps you know.
Roxi - …Yeah.
Sydney - Come on, let’s get out of here before we freeze to death.
Roxi - You go ahead, I’ll catch up.
[ With that, Andrea uses her grappling hook and swings away. Roxi stands and turns to…Herman, the Gargoyle.]
Roxi - Well Herman, it looks like we did it. I beat the most ruthless enemy I’ve ever faced. But I get the feeling it’s not over. There’s still a lot of work to do. I just hope I’m ready. And I hope Andrea is too.
