{We open with Roxi, staring at her laptop screen, running the name “Steve Walker” through every search engine and database she can think of. But due to the name being extremely common, finding a match for anything specific is turning up nothing. There’s plenty of matches, but they are from various locations, none of them fitting anything that would even come close. Roxi sighs, as Keira comes into the room, yawning as she taps Roxi on the shoulder.}
Roxi – Hey.
Keira – It's 4am. I thought you finished your patrol a while ago.
Roxi – I did.
Keira – Then what are you doing? You need to get some sleep.
Roxi – I'm trying to find this name and help out Lt. Murphy.
{Keira glances at the screen and shakes her head.}
Keira – Steve Walker? That could be anybody.
Roxi – Exactly. But I swear I’ve heard the name before.
Keira – So have probably like 50 million other people. Come on, please, let’s get some rest.
Roxi – I'll be there in a minute.
{Keira throws her hands up and exits the room, and Roxi continues to stare at the screen, trying to figure this whole thing out.}
Roxi – Maybe she’s right. Maybe some sleep will help me figure this out.
{Roxi takes one last look at her laptop, and then she shuts everything down and closes it. She stands, stretches, and finally heads to bed, joining Keira.}
Keira – You'll figure it out.
Roxi – Yeah...
{Roxi lays in bed, before drifting off to sleep.}
{It’s a few days later, and early in the morning when Roxi is drinking a morning coffee and making breakfast for her mother, Keira, and Nate. Keira stands next to Roxi rubbing her stomach as Roxi’s wrist communicator goes off in the other room and Keira butt bumps Roxi out of the way.}
Keira – I'll take care of this.
{Roxi sighs and walks into her bedroom and answer it.}
Roxi – Vision, it’s way too early for this.
Vision – Sorry Rox, Lt. Murphy is asking for you again.
Roxi – Can you tell him I’m still looking into the Steve Walker thing?
Vision – They found another body.
Roxi – Dammit. Alright, I’ll be there when I get there.
Vision – I'll let them know you’re on the way, I’ll text you the address.
Roxi – Thanks.
{Roxi ends the call and heads back to Keira in the kitchen and comes up behind her.}
Roxi – I have to go.
Keira – But breakfast is about ready.
Roxi – I'm sorry. Lt. Murphy needs my help.
Keira – Is this still about the Steve Walker thing?
Roxi – I think so.
Keira – You know you don’t have to solve every case.
Roxi – It's what we’re here for.
{Roxi kisses Keira and rubs her shoulders.}
Roxi – I'll be back soon.
Keira – Well, your breakfast will either be cold. Or eaten. Or both.
{Roxi gives Keira a knowing smile before going into her bedroom and putting on her costume and flying to the address after Vision texts it to her phone. Roxi arrives shortly to a field, near a hillside. A dead woman is cautioned off, the M.O. exactly the same as first victim. Roxi comes in, and Lt. Murphy is waiting.}
Lt. Murphy – Anything on your end?
Roxi – The name doesn’t hit anything specific, it’s too wide. What about you?
Lt. Murphy – We confirmed the victim in the first killing was Norman Watkins.
Roxi – Anything stand out?
Lt. Murphy – Nothing. Average guy, divorced, two kids, lost custody, worked from home, clocked in and out at the same time every day. Your typical average Schmoe.
Roxi – So, that means our killer could have known him. There wasn’t blood at that scene. What about the wife?
Lt. Murphy – Air tight alibi. On a business trip out of time. Hotel reservations confirmed on the date of death.
Roxi – Maybe she hired somebody?
Lt. Murphy – But why would they bring the guy back to his house after killing him, and then leave this one in a field?
{Roxi shakes her head, then heads up to investigate herself. Once again, the body is mutilated, dismembered, beheaded, and the face cut off and replaced with a mask, sewn into the skin. Roxi kneels down where the same Medical Examiner is looking over the corpse.}
Roxi – We have to stop meeting like this.
Medical Examiner – You're telling me.
Roxi – Anything different about this one?
Medical Examiner – Fits the same profile as the last one. Poor girl’s skin texture, I’d wager she’s no more than 25 years old.
Roxi – Any under the mask?
Medical Examiner – Haven't got that far yet.
{Roxi slowly reaches and gently tugs at the mask again and is able to lift is slight, before the sewing gives. Under the mask, yet again, is a name, this time however, it’s written in what looks like a hand-written version of old English text. “Henry”}
Roxi – Henry?
Medical Examiner – Your guess is as good as mine.
Roxi – This isn’t adding up. Something is missing from all this.
{Roxi slowly gets up, back to Lt. Murphy, who is chatting with a member of the CSI team.}
Roxi – Well, things are getting weirder, but it looks like... a serial killer. But I’m sure you probably knew that
Lt. Murphy – The thought has crossed my mind. Super, this is detective Oliver, he’s with CSI.
Roxi – Good to meet you. Anything stand out to you?
Det. Oliver – Well, there’s no drag marks, but then again, the victim was cut into chunks, but it looks like it’s only one guy. This looks like just another dump site. No blood, aside from loose spatter. Nothing’s here that couldn’t blow away in the wind.
Roxi – What about the house, and the first victim?
Det. Oliver – There, we actually found some wood fibers on the first victim, but nothing that can point us anywhere. Wood is pretty common obviously.
Roxi – So, we’re getting nowhere with this. Great.
Lt. Murphy – We've cleared the wife, and until we identify this victim, we’re kind of just waiting for things to come to us. That’s how police work is done. We’re looking at every avenue of approach.
Roxi – So, we’ve got a serial killer who enjoys medieval levels of torture, and enjoys putting masks on people after cutting off their faces, and rearranging them like action figures.
Lt. Murphy – A sick bastard.
Roxi – That too.
Det. Oliver – We’ll get her down to the morgue and get some fingerprints or dental records. Hopefully we can get an ID.
Roxi – Oh, and... under this mask was the name “Henry” and not Steve Walker.
Lt. Murphy – Just “Henry”?
Roxi – Yeah, but it was written... in a medieval style. So... maybe there are two people?
Det. Oliver – Maybe, can’t be fun lugging body parts everywhere.
Lt. Murphy – But, if he’s got some kind of superpowers like you do...
Roxi – Yes, that’s a possibility. But he wants these people found. How did the call come in for the first one?
Lt. Murphy – Anonymous phone call. We tried to trace it, burner phone.
Roxi – So our guy is calling them in?
Lt. Murphy – Jogger called this one in.
Roxi – Maybe the call was too obvious. He’s covering himself. I hate to say we have to wait until he kills again. Maybe we can triangulate this, maybe this and the house are going to be at some meeting point?
Det. Oliver – That's an option. But it’s going to take some time. And a lot of luck.
Roxi – Well, I’ll keep working my end, and see if anything comes up from this, but these clues are just so... far apart. Nothing makes sense.
Lt. Murphy – You and us both.
{Roxi shakes her head and nods at the two cops before she finally leaves.}
{Roxi sits at home, later in the evening now. once again on her laptop, trying to find any corrilation between the names “Steve Walker” and “Henry” And the matches are incredibly vague and nothing connects anywhere, frustrating Roxi as she just keeps searching, now just hoping to find something. However, her wrist communicator goes off and Vision is once again calling her.}
Roxi – Vision?
Vision – Lt. Murphy has a break in the case.
Roxi – Really?
Vision – They identified the female victim; they think they have a suspect.
Roxi – Alright, I’m on the way to the police building.
{Roxi ends the call and prepares to change when Keira walks in on her again.}
Keira – Again?
Roxi – Sorry.
Keira – When are going to find time to train?
Roxi – I'll fit it in.
Keira – You keep saying that, but it’s important to keep that up, and you not doing it. You’re becoming too involved with this. The guy may just be a normal guy.
Roxi – That's true. But it’s our job to assist the police if they need it.
Keira – At this rate you’re going to run yourself ragged and not be prepared for the next thing.
Roxi – I promise, I will get that in.
Keira – Lucky for you, I have already done you a favor.
Roxi – A favor?
Keira – Oh yeah, this cruise, we’re still holding class.
Roxi – You got... all the students on the cruise?
Keira – Yes, pulling some strings, a week on the ocean and plenty of time to get training done.
{Roxi smiles and kisses Keira on the head.}
Roxi – You think of everything.
Keira – One of us has to.
Roxi – You sure you want to come on the cruise?
{Keira looks almost confused by this question.}
Keira – It's a cruise. Why wouldn’t I?
Roxi – I was just saying after what you said before about needing a break...
Keira – That’s why I’m bringing all the trainees along. Keeps me occupied, and on task.
Roxi – Fair enough. Look, I gotta run. I don’t want to keep them waiting.
Keira – Just... be careful.
Roxi – Always.
{Roxi gives Keira a loving smile before she puts on her costume, and sets off, blowing her wife a kiss as she does.}
{Roxi arrives at the Police Headquarters, on the roof, with Lt. Murphy and Detective Oliver present, and waiting. Murphy takes a drag from his always readily available cigarette as he waits, crushing it out as he watches Roxi land.}
Roxi – Gentlemen.
Lt. Murphy – We had a lead.
Det. Oliver – Our female victim is Emily Jones. And as luck would have it, she actually told people where she would be, and who she would be with.
Roxi – So, the person who may have killed her.
Det. Oliver – Exactly. We had an address and phone number of the place she was headed to, and we’re moving in now.
Roxi – Well, what are we waiting for?
Det. Oliver – We're trying to clear the name and make sure it’s real.
Roxi – What name?
Det. Oliver – Emily Jones was apparently going to visit... John Smith.
{Roxi blinks.}
Roxi - You’ve got to be kidding me.
Det. Oliver – No, I’m not.
Roxi – Just give me the address, I’ll check it out.
Det. Oliver – There's a protocol.
Roxi – Do you see the way I’m dressed right now? I really don’t use protocol like you do. Besides, if this is a super powered person, you’ll need me to go in first anyway.
Lt. Murphy – You make a good point.
{Detective Oliver pulls out his phone and gives Roxi the address.}
Roxi – Give me 10 minutes, and then it’s your show.
Lt. Murphy – You got 5.
Roxi – I’m on the clock.
{Roxi takes off, headed towards the address she plugged into her phone.}
{Roxi arrives at the address she was given, quickly scouting out the area and finds not much going on. She sneaks around, looking into the windows of the house which has lights on. There’s a grown man dancing in his underwear, the music muffled by the walls and house. However, Roxi notices a knife in his hand, and there is some banging and commotion in another room. The man begins walking towards the noise, a smile on his face widens as he turns the corner, whatever he is looking at, makes more noise.}
Man – Hello!
{Roxi puts two and two together and springs into action, and bursts through the door. The man sees her, and his face grows with anger, and he doesn’t hesitate to stab the woman in the chest. Roxi rushes over and tackles him to the ground.}
Roxi – You monster!
Man – It wasn’t me!
{The words force Roxi stop for a second. His tone of voice has changed, and it is one of seemingly genuine fear and innocence. The man has covered up, the knife out of his hands and he offers no resistance.}
Man – You have to believe me! I didn’t kill that girl!
Roxi – I JUST SAW YOU STAB HER!
{Roxi takes out her zip ties out and zip ties the man’s hands together, and ensure he can’t get away. She stands up to check on the woman, who is bleeding out and Roxi tries to keep some pressure on the wound. The man doesn’t bother struggle in his zip ties.}
Roxi – You must be Joe Smith.
Joe – Yes! I am Joe Smith! But you have to believe me about that stabbed girl! I’ve never seen her before in my life!
Roxi – What?! I just... I saw you stab this woman! You did it front of me!
Joe – It wasn’t me! It was Steve!
{It finally dawns on Roxi exactly what the man is trying to communicate, as the police, led by Detective Oliver enter, guns drawn.}
Joe – You have to help me!
Det. Oliver – What happened?
Roxi – We need an ambulance for this woman! She’s bleeding out and I can’t stop it. I think … he hit the lateral artery. And I think we’re... dealing with a man who has a disorder.
{Roxi continues to apply pressure and give any sort of aid she possibly could while waiting and color is just draining from the woman’s face and body. Roxi tries to keep her talking and she is eventually untied from the chair and taken to the hospital in an ambulance. John is arrested and take away as well. Detective Oliver and Roxi go over the house and notice the powerful aroma in the air.}
Detective Oliver – You smell that?
Roxi – It's bleach. The whole house smells of it. I think he really enjoyed cleaning his house.
Detective Oliver – Or wiping away evidence.
Roxi – That too.
Detective Oliver – So, what did happen exactly?
Roxi – Joe here... was dancing around in his underwear and had a knife, as soon as I came in the door, he stabbed her. I took him down, and he... just changed. Like he was seeing me for the first time. He acted like he didn’t know what was going on. Despite the fact that he looked into my eyes and stabbed the woman.
Detective Oliver – So... are you saying he might have DID?
Roxi – I mean... if you think about it, it stands to reason. He even told me Steve did it, and not him. As if Steve was another person.
{Detective Oliver jots all it down and puts his notebook in his pocket.}
Detective Oliver – You really think the man has alternate personalities? And that one of them did the killing while the others aren’t aware of it?
Roxi – If his “Steve” the same Steve that is cutting off faces and marking masks, then... he’s either a hell of an actor or he’s got DID.
Detective Oliver – Convinced you, did he?
Roxi – Yeah, I guess so. I mean, either that or he’s completely insane. I watched him stab that woman. I watched him do it, and he flat out told me that he didn’t do it. He sounded like he had no idea about anything.
Detective Oliver – Well, I supposed we’ll have to bring in some medical people to double check that. But at least... I guess we got our killer?
Roxi – Let’s hope so.
Detective Oliver – Well, thanks uh... I guess you’ve got that secret identity thing going.... So the super hero name?
Roxi – It’s Lady Bedlam, but... you can just call me Super like your boss does.
Detective Oliver – He doesn’t seem to like you very much.
Roxi – I thought things were improving.
Detective Oliver – Ouch.
Roxi – It's fine. Saved his butt a few times so, he’s warming up to me. Let me know if that woman survives. She may be able to answer some question, and help us even more.
Detective Oliver – You got it.
{Roxi finally exits, but even she knew her job wasn’t exactly done.}
{As the days passed, Roxi felt more and more unsure about everything, she continued what was a fruitless effort now to look up Steve Walker, and Henry, and now, John Smith. Literally the most common name in the world. Roxi was invited to speak with John in interrogation. John is handcuffed to the table, and appears timid as Roxi sits down in front of him.}
Roxi – John?
John – Yes?
Roxi – John, I need to get some information from you.
John – Sure. Sure... I’ll... I’ll help anyway I can.
Roxi – You need to tell me why you stabbed that girl.
{John wags his finger, and shakes his head.}
John – That... that wasn’t me. That was Steve.
Roxi – Who is Steve?
John – Steve lives in here with us.
Roxi – Us? How many are in there with you?
John – There's Steve, and Vincent, and Henry & Paula.
Roxi – So you’re aware of them?
John – Yes... jeez, it’s my body.
Roxi – Then why did Steve stab that woman? Because Steve is getting you in trouble and I don’t want that for you.
John – Steve just... he gets mad about everything. He lost his wife and he never really recovered from that.
Roxi – John, I need to speak to Steve.
{John pauses, looking Roxi in the face with a worried look.}
John – He doesn’t want to talk. He’s still upset.
Roxi – I can’t help you if I can’t talk to Steve. I’m trying to help you, John.
John – I don’t want him to do anything else bad.
Roxi – Trust me, just let me speak to him.
John – I'll try.
{John pauses and says nothing, and seems to undergo a transformation. He lowers his head and lifts it up, and a smiling John greets her when he lifts his head back up.}
Roxi – Steve?
John – No milady, my name is Henry!
Roxi – Henry...
“Henry” – Henry, royal knight of the high order of King Richard! And you must be a court jester dressed in such robes.
Roxi – No...not quite. But, Henry, yes?
“Henry” – At your service, milady.
Roxi – So, you’re a knight?
“Henry” – Oi, valiant warrior and fighter for the crusades of the crown.
Roxi – I see... Henry, let me ask you a question, what happens to those who betray the King?
{“Henry” gives the traditional “stiff upper lip” and looks on proudly.}
“Henry” – They are tried for treason! Those convicted are Hanged! And we put their head on a pike to show all traitors their fate!
Roxi – Interesting. So you would know about those who Steve has done this to?
“Henry” – I don’t know of this Steve, milady.
Roxi – There were two people killed recently in the way you just described, Henry. You mean to say you don’t know about that? Because Steve is getting blamed for this. You didn’t draw, quarter, hang, or behead anyone recently, did you?
“Henry” – Not for some time, no.
Roxi – Okay. Listen, Henry, I’d love to hear more about the knights and everything you do, but I need to talk to Steve about all this.
“Henry” – I say again, I do know of any Steve. If they too are a warrior with honor, they would only execute those who betray the crown.
Roxi – Okay. I understand, I’ll be back in a second, okay?
“Henry” – As you wish, milady.
{Roxi gets up and leaves the interrogation room, Lt. Murphy stands there, hand in his pockets as Roxi rubs her face.}
Lt. Murphy – Guy's nuttier than a fruitcake.
Roxi – Maybe... But that did give us some information, and... I think we might have a way in.
{Roxi takes a moment to collect herself, and returns to the room and sits down again.}
Roxi – Henry, you know that some people have been executed, and pretty much how you said traitors do. So, really, you’re in a spot of bother, at is were. Because the way they died, means that you would suffer for it. You can’t go around and execute people like that.
{“Henry” takes offense.}
“Henry” – I did no such thing, and I will have my good name sullied!
Roxi – I'm afraid that’s where we stand. I’m sorry.
{Roxi stands up and scoots her chair in prepared to leave when “Henry” lowers his head and another personality emerges, this one, very angry. Roxi turns, and sits back down.}
Roxi – You must be Steve.
“Steve” – Your god damn right.
Roxi – And you killed those people.
“Steve” – Of course I did! I murdered them to prove the point I needed to.
Roxi – And what was that point?
“Steve” – That the world thinks you’re nobody until you’re gone. You didn’t care about that stupid man, or the broad until I killed them. Didn’t know what they looked like, or what they did, until they were gone. You took them for granted, and I made them somebody.
Roxi – You took away their lives for a really stupid point, Steve. You cut off their faces didn’t you?
{A wide grin cross “Steve’s” face.}
“Steve” – I took away their humanity, made them as anonymous as you make yourself with your stupid mask. I’d cut that thing off you if I had the chance.
Roxi – Why the mask?
“Steve” – To make them as faceless as they were when they were alive. They were hiding in plain sight, afraid to step out and be something. You’re doing the same. That stupid costume, it hides who you really are.
Roxi – Maybe you’re right, Steve. But now, you’re going to go to away for a long time, and you will be just as faceless as them. But why did you write Henry’s name inside the mask?
“Steve” – Who the hell is Henry? I did it all. I killed them both and I cut their faces off. I’ll be famous for a long time, super bitch. A lot more famous than you.
Roxi – I see. Tell me about your wife.
{“Steve” is none too happy with this line of questioning.}
“Steve” – You want to make jokes?! I told you what you wanted to hear right! I killed those two bitches and I’m damn proud of it.
{Roxi nods and almost smirks to herself.}
Roxi – And I hope you enjoy what about to happen to you, Steve. Now let me talk to John.
“Steve” – John can go fuck himself.
Roxi – So you know about John?
“Steve” – Of course, I have to bail him out of so many situations because he’s too scared. He could be somebody, and he just can’t. Because he doesn’t have the balls. I’ve always been there, he just never let me out, so I had to force my out, and make him the man he should be.
{Roxi doesn’t say anything. She just nods, and stands up, and exits the room. Once again Lt. Murphy is waiting.}
Roxi – What do you think?
Lt. Murphy – It's a confession.
Roxi – I know... But, it’s a little too easy of a confession. Maybe the others can shed some light.
Lt. Murphy – You want to keep talking to this nutcase?
Roxi – Yeah. I do. I’ll be back tomorrow.
{Roxi leaves, heading back to her home to continue the interrogation the next day.}
{And on the next day, Roxi is there again, sitting down in front of John, who is looking around the room, almost like he’s taking a mental picture.}
Roxi – John?
John – Hmm? Were you talking to me, you must have me confused with someone else. My name is Vincent. And...
{“Vincent” looks down and see’s he’s handcuffed to the table.}
“Vincent” – What’s going on?
Roxi – I see. Vincent, what is it you do?
“Vincent” – I'm an artist. I love to draw. Do you like to draw?
Roxi – Sometimes, yes. Have you drawn anything lately?
“Vincent” – I can’t as I... can’t seem to use my hands, um... why am I handcuffed? What is going on? Am I in trouble?
Roxi – People are dead, Vincent. Do you know about John? Or Steve? Or Henry?
“Vincent” – Heaven’s no. I hope they are okay.
Roxi – That depends. I need to know what you use to draw.
“Vincent” – Well, like any artist, you give me a canvas and some tools and I’ll give you something given enough time. I... I need to insist on asking why I’m handcuffed though. I haven’t done anything
Roxi – Maybe. Maybe not. I want to help you, but I need to know what you use to make your art.
“Vincent” – Oh, a brush, a spray can, a pencil, a pen. You know, stuff like that. I really wanted to be an architect.
Roxi – And why is that?
“Vincent” – To help make buildings and designs and leave an impact on the world. Art can’t be a dying art, you know.
{“Vincent” gives a sheepish laugh.}
Roxi – Okay Vincent. I’ll be back in a moment, I just need to figure something out.
{Roxi leaves again, heading outside the room. Lt. Murphy and Detective Oliver are there as well.}
Lt. Murphy – I still say the guy’s got a screw loose.
Det. Oliver – It certainly seems that way.
Roxi – I'm not a psychatrist or a psychologist, but it’s just... it seems too easy. But then again, I don’t know what it’s like to live with something like that. John appears to be the only one who is aware of any of the others. The rest of them seem blissfully unaware of anything. As far as I can tell, he... he has DID.
Det. Oliver – The insanity defense barely works. We’ll bring in some medical experts then.
Lt. Murphy – People are dead, and this guy gets a trip to the nuthouse?
Roxi – If they deem him insane. He’s fitting all the symptoms. It still seems wrong. I need to think about this some more. What about the last girl, the stabbing victim?
Lt. Murphy – In critical condition at Tampa General.
Roxi – She may be the key to all this. But, I don’t think this is my thing anymore. I think this is in your hands.
Lt. Murphy – Well, at least he’s not destroying the table or snapping the cuffs.
Roxi – Not yet. But call me if he does. I’ll be on vacation, but I’ll check in before I go.
{Roxi shakes the Detective’s hand, and Murphy’s before she departs, the scene fading. But Roxi can still feel something is wrong...}
“I'm sorry, you think defeating me is that simple? Have you seen my resumé? I've fought mutants, gods, aliens, technomalogical wackjobs, street hoods... Hell, I fought my own costume. You think it's that simple? Bring it on."
- Spider-Man (Amazing Spider-Man Vol 1 #369)
Hello SCW.
Things have been different lately. I don’t know, lately, I just get this vibe. I get this feeling in the pit of my stomach and maybe, it’s made me a little paranoid. I’m getting these looks from people. Faces full of doubt. One person came up to me as I was finishing up working out before I headed to the arena for Climax Control last Sunday. And they said to me “See you later, I’m gonna be praying for you.” Another person said, “This was a great run, but you know, all the runs come to an end sometime”. And you know, that ate at me. I guess that everyone is just telling me right now, that it’s all over.
This is the end.
I’m just a lamb being led to slaughter. I can’t possibly handle Masque De Lune. Nobody can. She has beaten every single woman she’s come up against. She’s making believers out of everybody. People are telling other people don’t challenge her. Don’t try and fight her. Because everybody is just going down.
I suppose I should just hand the Bombshell’s title over now, because hell, this is a forgone conclusion because Masque is undefeated and I’m just going to be another victim as she rises to the top of the division, and rules it with an iron fist. Or... prosthetic fist as it were.
This is it for me. It was a good run and I’m just in the wrong place at the right time for Masque. There’s nothing and nobody that can stop the Rapture. When it’s over, pin my medals on my chest and box me up and ship me home so I can get a proper burial.
I mean, I guess it was high time that I faced the truth of this whole thing.
So, I’ve been going over everything in my head and I took some time to get away from it all and just head on down to the beach. I listen and watched as the waves crashed into the sand and the tide went in and out. And I started to think about everything while totally at peace with everything in my life. Because goodness knows, after Summer XXXtreme, it’s all over. Everything is going to change.
I had to face the truth.
And the more I thought about it, the happier I was.
You see, when I think about what Masque and I have to do to each other at Summer XXXtreme, it really becomes very simple. What I have to do... is nothing.
All I have to do, is beat the big baddie that everyone is afraid of. The one with a precious streak, a precious championship, a precious plan and a goal to take the Bombshell’s championship from me. This is nothing that I haven’t done before. There’s not one thing Masque brings to the table that I haven’t seen, or heard before. I’ve ended streaks. I’ve foiled plans, and taken on the most hated Bombshell on the roster, all of those things before. I’ve ruined people goals of being the Bombshell’s champion many, many times before. So, Masque is no different from anyone else.
Oh, but I hear them say “Masque is different! She’s bringing the RAPTURE!” The only thing that makes Masque different is wearing a mask and having a fake hand. Period. What? Am I supposed to intimidated by and unpinned record? Those things can go on for a long, long time. They can. They can become the stuff of legend. And then the number grows and grows, and then one day, it ends. Whether you’re a champion, challenger, on a hot streak, whatever the case, it ends. It all ends. Winning streaks are great, but it doesn’t matter to me that Masque hasn’t been pinned. There’s a first time for everything.
Or I am supposed to be intimidated because Msaque has this grand plan and it involved hurting Amber Ryan? Or the fact that all of a sudden that is being blamed on me? I mean, why not? A bunch of other things that I have zero to do with have been blamed on me before that. I got accused of giving my wife handouts. I got accused of being a terrible friend. I got accused of abandoning people. I got accused of just about everything under the sun, so why not blame for what Masque did to Amber Ryan. Makes as much sense as anything else spewing from Masque’s mouth. I'm used to it.
This is what we call “moving the goal posts” this is what many megalomaniacal people do when they are confronted with facts. I beat Amber Ryan in a wrestling match, but yes, I’m the reason she’s in the state she’s in now. Despite that before SCW, Amber and Masque were on opposite sides, and had the exact same relationship before Amber and I even met in Boardwalk. But yes, me beating her for a championship in a completely different company is really what triggered this. Despite again, the fact that I beat her before this, before she was champion, but that didn’t seem to bother her, or Masque very much. But sure, let’s just go with that.
And I’m sure the goal posts will be moved yet again whenever Masque tries to come up with something that has even a remote connection like that’s a big “gotcha” moment. Much like the plan Masque has had now changes and she has to do things because apparently Amber wasn’t good enough, and that was the plan all along, right? It obviously wasn’t, but again, why let the truth get in the way of a good story, am I right? We just keep changing things and moving things around and hoping that no one notices. As I’ve said before, I was born at night, but not last night.
Oh wait, I know what it is. Masque speaks in a way that has you believing thw words. It may not make a lot of sense, but there are so many words that it makes you think, combined with the results, that this is all true. She must be a prophet, a soothsayer. I know it may break where her heart used to be a little more, but I’m not buying what she’s selling.
Yes, I have heard the eloquent ways Masque has spoken. The words blending together and they form those long-winded sentences. You see, many people fail to understand Masque because of it. And I’ve heard the pretty words like before. And really, it just boils down to a very simple message. Masque can tell everyone I fail to understand, and no one understands, that’s perfectly fine. But once again, she is mistaken, as she has been for quite some time. I understand everything. It’s written as plain as the mask that adorns her face.
I’ve heard it all before. Those who say so much, yet say so little.
All of it, is just filler for a clear lack of a message. It’s piling on words to sound smarter than she really is. I’ve heard this very language before. Masque needs to feel like the smartest person in the room, and maybe sometimes she is, but I have a nose for BS and it reeks from her. It radiates like the all-too-familiar stench of desperation. All that Masque has needed is someone to listen and not think. Manipulating people into thinking that this is some sort of grand plan. The reality is, it’s not.
Masque can tell all about heroes, as I’m sure she will with me. It’s going to be the same story I get about how great heroes failed and stories of how the good guy is a fool and that this hero, will fail. I’m going to fail because her plan is too strong, too far gone, and I will be the final piece that falls into place. I’ve heard a few villain speeches in my time, so I’m sorry if I’m spoiling anything.
Masque simply wants to be the Bombshell’s champion. This is now an addition to her plan, because the truth is, she didn’t even accomplish her goal in the first place, and so, I had to be dragged into it. She didn’t finish Amber Ryan. The recovery may be long, and it may be painful, but I saw the look in Amber’s eyes, in no way shape or form has Masque succeeded in any grand plan. Now, once again, we’re moving the goal posts because of course we are. This wasn’t the plan at all. It was to destroy Amber to rebuild her. Oh, of course it was. How silly of any of us to think that this isn’t the actions of a person who is just making it up as they go along. The only thing missing is Masque monologuing and saying “you only THINK that was the plan.”
Now, she comes at me, as if I have to share the blame. This is classic cult mentality, and everyone who knows me, knows that I once fell into that same trap, and so, I am keenly aware of it when I see it. No, it can’t be Masque’s fault, it must be mine for beating Amber Ryan. I made her do what she did. But it was also part of the plan all along. I see the pattern, plain as day. A charismatic person developing an army and manipulating that army into following her vision, while giving up who they are. All of them try, and sooner or later, all of them fail, because people start seeing through them. And Masque is becoming incredibly transparent as we speak.
I swore to all of you that I wasn’t going to every have that happen to me again, and now, it’s rearing its ugly head once more, so yes. I stand right here, waiting for the Rapture, because I know it’s a hollow wish of a desperate woman who has done nothing but exhibit all the traits of a cult leader.
So, it begs the question, what happens if her plan fails?
You see, I’ve just laid out to you the person I have to beat.
But Masque, has to beat ME.
But you know, who am I?
I’ve only done just about everything is to do here. I am one of the people who made this place what it is today. I have won this championship, that so many strive for, four different times. I have faced and beaten the vast majority of wrestlers who came into SCW, and tried to take it over and make it theirs. Everybody who has tried me, has found out the hard way, I do go away and I’ve even harder to take down. You can run down the list and friend and foe alike; I take all this very seriously.
How many people have been waiting for me to slip out and finally have someone who beats me and I don’t come back stronger and better? How many people are still talking about me every chance they get because they just wish that they could finally be the one, who shuts me down forever.
And that list is still growing.
And the funny part is, I don’t have to mention anyone’s name. They know who they are.
And when the chips are down, when this new force enters SCW and nobody knows what to do with it, and all hope appears lost as we are poised to enter some era of dark rule or someone ruling with an iron fist... who’s the one that usually steps up?
That, would be me. I am the hope.
And then, I bring it back to the open air all over again. I’ve been in this spot plenty of times. I am at home, right here facing down someone like Masque. So, you know what, I’m good. I’m not feeling the pressure of this match.
All the pressure of this match is on Masque. The unbeaten streak, the championship she tosses around like it means nothing, the grand Rapture plan. All of it, has to go PERFECTLY at Summer XXXtreme. She is clearly the one with more to lose. Yes, the Bombshell’s championship is on the line, but at the end of the day, Masque stands to lose the streak, her championship, and her plan is she doesn’t win. Not to mention how it’s going to look to everyone else when she loses.
All of the momentum, all of that build-up, and then... poof. It’s gone. Just like it, in an instant. Masque must take this championship from me, for everything to work. And if it doesn’t, then she’s just another failed contender. Even more than that Masque has to beat me or she is one of the biggest failures in the history of the Bombshell’s division.
Much like I did, Masque has to face the truth.
And that is exactly what I am.
I am the truth, staring directly through those eye holes in her mask. I look past all the smoke and mirrors and I have laid out all the cards. Masque can tell me all she wants about how I don’t listen, and I don’t understand, but every word I’ve uttered has been the truth. Go ahead, you can search through this entire thing, play it back in slow motion, put the captions at the bottom of the screen. Masque will do what cult leaders always do, deflect, spin, and move the goal posts. It’ll just be in very well-constructed rambling sentences to help her. And in the end, it will be for nothing.
I listened, and I understand perfectly. I just see through all the bullshit because I’ve been there before.
I have built my legacy, my career, on beating people like Masque. I have made this my house, by beating people who come here and disrespect it. People would kill for that Bombshell’s Internet championship, and Masque treats it like garbage. That is the level of disrespect she has shown, and so, I will take that from her, along with everything else, at Summer XXXtreme. I will watch all of it fall to pieces.
I am the truth, and I hurt.
I am the hope, and I live.
I am the champion, and I will stay that way.
But please, call me the Hero. It’s a role I gladly accept. I will be that hero again. It’s what I do.
But we’re just getting started.
{Picking up where we left off, Roxi is at home, but down in her super hero training area, where she has white board and is marking off all the personalities of John Smith. Roxi had met all the personalities but one, and they seemed to be entirely independent of John.
John: The owner of the body, aware of all the other personalities.
Steve: the angry alter, confessed to the two murders and appears to know that John is timid and weak.
Henry: Claims to be a knight from England.
Vincent: Claims to be an artist.
Paula: A female alter???
Roxi’s wrist communicator goes off, and Keira, who has just entered the room, sighs loud enough for Roxi to hear it.. Roxi answers, looking apologetically at her wife.}
Roxi – Go ahead Vision.
Vision – Your stabbing victim woke up, she’s stable now and they are interviewing her. They want you to come down to the station to talk about the findings.
Roxi – I'm on my way.
{Roxi looks at Keira and sighs, giving a weak smile.}
Keira – This is really killing the vibe. We’re about go on a cruise.
Roxi – I know. This is the last thing. I promise.
{Keira is not happy with this, but nods and sighs.}
Keira – I will pack your bags for you then. Nothing but bikinis.
Roxi – Don't you dare.
{Keira gives Roxi a playful smile as Roxi dons her costume and leaves, headed for the police station.}
{Roxi is now in the police station, and Detective Oliver and Lt. Murphy are there, along with some psychiatrists all huddled.}
Roxi – So?
Det. Oliver – The female who was stabbed is named Cheryl Thomas. She says she met our man here, out at a club and she was too drunk to remember much of anything, other than he didn’t appear to be doing much of anything. She noticed he was alone most of the night, and not dancing or anything.
Roxi – Interesting.
Det. Oliver – However, she did try and call her boyfriend, named Steve.
Roxi – WAIT...
Det. Oliver – We checked, it’s not Steve Walker, but it could be presumed that he... is he was in his “alter” form...
Roxi – No... I KNEW I heard that someplace before!
Det. Oliver – Wait, what?
{One of the psychiatrists holds up a finger.}
Psychiatrist – I was... about the conclude that Mr. Smith is indeed faking his disorder.
Roxi – I KNEW IT. But please... allow me.
{Roxi enters the room, and sits down, as John has a smile on his face, leaning back and then begins trying to fan himself.}
Roxi – Let me see... Paula?
“Paula” – It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Superhero, I do declare there has been some kind of mis-
Roxi – No. That’s hasn’t. Let me guess Paula, you love to sew, don’t you?
Paula – Well, why of course dear, I was in the middle of knitting this wonderful sweater and I hear I find myself in a police station of all things.
Roxi – I figured you do. The game is over, John. You’re faking.
{John’s expression turns to one of confusion, trying to convince Roxi he has no idea what she’s talking about.}
Roxi – You can give me that face all you want, But I know the truth. Your would-be victim never mentioned seeing any alter, and those two people you killed... all match what each and every one of you alters can do. That seems just a little funny, don’t you think?
{“Paula” seems to fade from existence as John appears to re-emerge.}
John – I didn’t... I didn’t know.
Roxi – Drawn and quartered, like perhaps... a knight would do? Sewing, like the mask was into the face. The face cut off, using perhaps.... an X-acto knife, like... an artist would use. Say... Vincent. All of them, exactly matching how the victims were killed. No John, there are no others... there’s just you.
{John seems to be still trying to keep up the charade, a little.}
John – I need help...
Roxi – You're right, but even if those alters were real, all of them had a hand in killing two people. And you’ve tried to convince me, and everyone else, that they don’t know about each other. The game is up John. You’re just a twisted, deranged man.
John – No I... I can explain...
Roxi – Sorry John. The doctor already proved that you are faking, your would-be victim was watching you and noticed you were on your own, and didn’t say anything to anybody. You were waiting... waiting for the right moment.
John – I...
Roxi – And... Steve Walker was the name Kenneth Bianchi used when he tried this. You gave all of this away.
John – F... GOD DAMN IT.
Roxi – Enjoy prison, John. Where you, will now became nameless. I hope you brought one of those masks, you scumbag.
{Roxi stands up, and John tries to lunge for her, but he is still handcuffed to the table. He shouts obscenities at Roxi, who just shrugs, as she closes the door.}
Det. Oliver – Well, that went better than I thought.
Roxi – It's a gift.
Lt. Murphy – Well...I suppose that wraps that up.
Roxi – Good, now I can take my vacation. Don’t like... summon any demons or create some 50-foot monster while I’m gone, mmkay?
{Roxi gives a quick salute to the cops and the doctors as she leaves, finally settled and ready to hit the cruise.}
{Now aboard the Sun Princess cruise, the ring is erected as Keira holds some training classes as Roxi watches from a distance, a backpack on her back as she does so. She is approached by Griffin Hawkins, the host of the Summer XXXtrme this year.}
Griffin – Hey Rox.
Roxi – Hey Griff. How ya been?
Griffin – I can’t complain. Well, I could, but nobody’s gonna listen.
Roxi – I see.
Griffin – You ready for this match? Masque looks freaky.
Roxi – I'll be ready. You know me.
Griffin – I do. Anyway, How's the class going?
Roxi – Keira has taken to it like a fish to water, to be honest with you. I never thought she would take to it like this, but she’s really enjoying herself.
Griffin – Well, if it makes her happy, then I say keep doing it.
Roxi – You check in with Stacy?
Griffin – Yeah... it was scary there for a little bit, but I’m glad she’s okay.
Roxi – Me too.
{In the ring, Keira spots Griffin and Roxi talking and leans against the ropes and calls out.}
Keira – Hey! Griff! I need a volunteer.
{Griff turns to Roxi.}
Griffin – Crap.
Roxi – You've been spotted.
Griffin – Maybe she’ll just notice we’re talking.
Keira – Don't ignore me, Griff.
Griffin – I... I wasn’t! I just have to be going now! Lots of... hosting things to do.
Keira – Griffin! Get in this ring!
Griffin – Awww... come on!
Keira – Don't make me come get you!
Roxi – It can’t be that bad.
Griffin – You’ve seen her slap me!
Roxi – I have. Many times. She’s not going to hurt you.
Griffin – …
Roxi – Much.
Griffin – Dammit.
{Griffin walks like a man headed to the gallows as he enters the ring, hands up, trying to keep the peace.}
Griffin – Do we really have to do this?
Keira – Quit being a baby. Geez it’s just a demonstration.
Griffin – You said that last time!
Keira – Griff. Give me your arm.
{Griff sighs and offers up his arm.}
Keira – Good. Now...
{Keira turns to her students on the apron.}
Keira – One of the worst things I see is people not respecting the holds you do. Okay, if you are ever in a wrist lock, it hurts, so if you’re in one in the ring, why are we doing this goofy acting like it doesn’t hurt. Watch.
{Keira pulls on Griffin’s arm, tucking his wrist into her chest, and making him wince in pain.}
Keira – You see, Griff is not all peachy keen, now, are you Griff?
Griffin – Ow... no... Ow!
Keira – So if I see you get half-assing out here, you’re going to regret it. You are taking this seriously, because you want everything you do, to look good. Don’t get fancy, but don’t hurt each other. I’m just giving Griff a hard time.
{Keira makes one slight wrench and then just uses her wrist control and brings Griffin to the mat. Griffin groans in pain.}
Keira – And you see what can happen when you have wrist control. You can make your opponent go where you want them to go. Do you guys understand?
{Keira releases Griffin who rubs his arm, shoulder, and wrist in pain.}
Keira – Thanks for volunteering Griff.
Griff – Yeah...
{Griffin rolls out of the ring and walks away, walking past Roxi and shaking out his shoulder and arm.}
Griffin – What did I ever do to her?
Roxi – Nothing. It’s one way she shows affection.
Griffin – I'd like to have two working arms after we leave this cruise.
Roxi – You'll be fine. She didn’t break anything did she?
Griffin – No, just my pride.
Roxi – Don't worry, I’ll have a talk with her. Anyway, you up for tonight?
Griffin – Uh...
Roxi – Here.
{Roxi reaches into her backpack and pulls out and envelope with Griffin’s name on it. Griffin takes it and looks at it.}
Roxi – That's your invitation, and your instructions.
Griffin – Oh.
Roxi – Then, I’ll see you tonight then?
Griffin – I will be there.
Roxi – Good. I’ll see you tonight.
{Griffin nods, slowly walking away, still holding his arm as the scene fades.}
{The new scene is later in the evening and many SCW wrestlers and bombshells are gathered in a large dinner hall with a bar. There are several hundred fans watching the whole show, as this is a seeming theatre event. The SCW wrestlers who are participating are Jessie Salco, Griffin Hawkins, Cassie Wolfe, Bobbie Dahl, Keira Johnson, Aron Baltasarsson, Crystal Zdunich, & Krystal Wolfe. They all are dressed in elaborate costumes as Roxi, clad in formal dinner dress, walks to the center of the room.}
Roxi – Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome. It is good to see all of you here tonight. As you all have received the invitation, you are aware why you are here. If not, I am, as the host, here to reiterate we are here read off the last will and testament of one Ronald White. And all of you, have been summoned to witness it.
{Everyone looks around at each other, curious and suspicious.}
Roxi – This was the last wish of Mr. White, and so, I am pleased that all of you have gathered here. Drinks are appetizers are being served, so please, enjoy, and let tonight’s events begin.
“The Last Will and Testament Of Ronald White”
Starring
Roxi Johnson as THE HOST
Jessie Salco as ROBIN WHITE
Robin is the sister of Ronald White and extremely wealthy. She founded “Double R Records” along with Ronald. Robin is also an avid botanist and has nearly an acre of greenhouses and flower gardens. She has been quoted as being “brutally honest and ruthless”
Griffin Hawkins as BOBBY WOODS
Bobby is an artifact collector. Bobby has traveled all over the world collecting exotic items to sell as the auction house that owned by Ronald White. Ronald had recently hired Bobby to collect an entire Tyrannosaurus bone set, to put in his home.
Bobbie Dahl as GEORGIA GREENE
Georgia is the ruthless head of a television network, and will do anything for a story. She cannot be trusted with secrets. She is currently being served with a lawsuit for defamation for her latest exposé on Ronald White.
Cassie Wolfe as PAULA WHITE
Paula is the wife of Ronald, and a huge pop star signed to Double R Records all set up by her husband. Paula has been touring for the last 6 months, having a huge hit that swept the nation. But with that, the speculation is the marriage has been on the rocks.
Krystal Wolfe as WANDA WHITE
Wanda is the daughter of Ronald and a scientist at the local university. She can recite a lot of information, but she will overwhelm and bore you which such details. Wanda has been rumored to have a gambling problem, and be in large financial debt.
Crystal Zdunich as OLIVIA YATES
Olivia is the personal lawyer of Ronald. She has been known as one of the most aggressive lawyers in the country. However, she is a compulsive liar who frequently has used bribery and blackmail to ensure her clients court victories. She recently discovered that Ronald is her father as her mother used an anonymous donor to have her child.
Keira Johnson as FELICIA BLACK
Felicia is a librarian and poet. She is very doom-and-gloom and dresses in black constantly. She is a step-daughter of Ronald as he married her mother in a marriage that only last a year. She is also a widow, having lost her husband in a plane accident, where Ronald was the pilot.
Aron Baltasarsson as DR. PATRICK PAYNE
Dr. Payne is the family doctor for Ronald White. He also does shifts at the hospital. Patrick was once accused of being an “Angel of Death” who made his patients ill and put them in peril only to save them to be a hero, but Dr. Payne has been acquitted of these charges.
SPECIAL GUEST
Christian Underwood as BEN BISHOP
Ben is the executor is Ronald White’s estate.
ROUND 1
{The characters are all mingling talking to each other and amongst themselves. All the participants are in costume. Jessie is an expensive looking gown and gawdy jewelry, Griffin somehow found a safari hat, Bobbi wearing a pant suit with note pad, Cassie is dressed like she raided Crystal’s wardrobe, Krystal is wearing a lab coat, Crystal also has on a woman’s business suit, her hair tied back in a tight bun. Keira is dressed in black and also full goth attire, and Aron wearing a suit with stethoscope. Once the drinks and appetizers are served and some time passes for dinner, Roxi has the table cleared and pulls out a laptop.}
Roxi – Ladies and gentlemen, I will now play the reading of the last will and testament of Ronald King, as was his wish before his passing.
{The laptop plays a video of Christian Underwood, reading off the notes in front of him.}
BEN – My name is Ben Bishop, of Bishop & Brown Law Firm. As the executor of Mr. White’s estate, I have been empowered to read Mr. White’s Last Will and Testament. If we are all seated, I shall proceed with the reading... It was Mr. White’s wish that his will be presented among friends and family at this gathering. I see we are all here and ready, so I shall begin
{Christian seems to take great delight in what he has to read.}
BEN – I, Ronald Thomas White, being of sound mind and body do hereby divide up my considerable estate as follows.
To Robin White, I leave nothing. You were only asked to be here so my attorney could notify you that you are a dreadful human being, and I have achieved far more than you ever will during your life.
{Jessie plays it up and looks annoyed.}
BEN – Paula White, I leave you nothing. And furthermore, your voice sounds like an alley cat in heat, you dance like a nutcracker, and Robin only signed you to Kingsley Records to irritate me.
{Cassie also looks very annoyed and sad.}
BEN – Wanda White, I hereby leave you the mansion, my 757 private airliner, and 10% of my liquid assets. While I was alive, I grew tired of you asking me for money every day, but in my death, you are the least of all evils of my bloodline, so I figured I would leave you something.
{A small smile crosses Krystal’s face.}
BEN – Bailey Black, I hereby leave you my watch collection, and 50% of my liquid assets to show you my remorse in having a hand in your spouse’s death. It was a grave error on my part, and I did not wreck my plane into a mountain intentionally.
{Keira shows no emotion, staying in character.}
BEN – Last, I leave the remainder of my assets to Dr. Patrick Payne to put toward the research of Cytopheria.
{Aron nods in approval.}
BEN – Anyone else who I have asked to be here, I only requested your presence at this reading so you could sit there in hopes of getting something you didn’t deserve. Now, you can reflect during your lonely ride home on the past and wonder what you must have done wrong for me to exclude you.
{Christian gets a second smug look on his face but his phone rings.}
BEN – Oh, hang on one second.
{Christian answer his phone, and goes on a lengthy discussion with someone on the other end, and then hangs up.}
BEN – That was the detectives at the police department. It appears as though this case that was once thought to be a suicide has now turned into a homicide. Nobody in the room may leave, the police are at the mansion and have requested that you all stay in the room until they come for you.
They have asked for your assistance and will deliver a copy of the case file to your location. You’ll have a short time to figure out who murdered Mr. White. Deliver the killer, or every one of you will be a suspect in one of the most highly publicized court cases of the century.
Good luck...
{The feed ends and the character murmur to each other. One of the ship’s staff hands Roxi a manilla folder.}
Roxi – Well, this is a very strange turn of events. In this folder, we have all the collected evidence surrounding Mr. White’s death. It contains the autopsy report, phone records, as well as surveillance records for when any, or all of you entered the home of Mr. White. Inside all of your invitation envelopes are everything you need, plus the discussions were instructed to have prior to beginning.
{Roxi puts the folder down in the middle of the table.}
Roxi – Use this evidence, and the information you have gathered from each other, to put together your best case for who the murderer is. Unless of course, the murderer wishes to confess now...
{No one in the room says anything.}
Roxi – Very well, you are not allowed to leave this room. All of you have a motive, and all of you are suspects. So, as previously stated... good luck.
{Everyone pours over the evidence as begins to try and figure out which character is the killer.}
ROUND 2
{As the group pours over the evidence files Crystal is the first to stop everyone and get her own look.}
OLIVIA – Look, I’m a lawyer, and I can go through this faster than the rest of you. I’ll obviously be able to determine which of you did it.
ROBIN – What do you mean “Which of YOU did it.”? You’re a suspect like everyone else!
OLIVIA – I AM NOT! I’m just the lawyer.
WANDA – And a terrible one.
OLIVIA – WHAT?!
WANDA – I hired you as my lawyer for some parking tickets, and I had to pay the max fine because of your bumbling!
OLIVIA – You couldn’t pay the fees! Because you are broke.
WANDA – I am not!
BOBBY – Not what we all heard. I mean, I heard Mr. White said you were asking for money all the time.
WANDA – SHUT UP. I am not broke! I am perfectly fine!
OLIVIA – It doesn’t change the fact that any of you could be the murderer.
{Aron finally speaks up.}
DR. PAYNE – You won’t mention that you were filing a lawsuit against Mr. White, Olivia?
OLIVIA – I... Moving on...
{Despite Crystal wanting to be the only one, everyone gets a chance to read and check out the evidence.}
GEORGIA – THIS IS GETTING JUICY.
FELICIA – Of course you would say that. You are the piece of trash who ran that exposé. You destroyed my husband’s reputation AND Mr. White’s.
GEORGIA – I APOLOGIZED TO YOU! I apologized to Olivia, I didn’t know so much would be exposed.
PAULA – LIKE MY DIVORCE?!
GEORGIA – I didn’t know it would work out like that! I swear!
PAULA – You put that out there for everyone!
GEORGIA – And I got it from Mr. Woods over there.
{Griffin feigns shock.}
BOBBY – I... I just was I didn’t know it would go that far either!
GEORGIA – You told more than that! You told how Olivia here is test tube baby, and related to Mr. White, and how you think Mr. White killed Felicia’s husband on purpose!
OLIVIA – Damn you!
BOBBY – Because! Mr. White was suing you and your lawyer was going to out me to him!
ROBIN – You seem to have a habit of doing things like that for your own benefit. Like when you gave my brother the bones instead of me! You are a traitor.
BOBBY – Only because you two hated each other! You both have a crazy sibling rivalry!
{Everyone tries to calm down and the tension continues to build.}
FELICIA – I spoke to Mr. White the Tuesday before he died. He apologized about the death of my husband. I believe he is sincere. I just don’t believe Dr. Payne is sincere in doing everything he could.
{Aron also looks offended.}
DR. PAYNE – I did everything I could! I apologized to you!
FELICIA – It's kind of hard to believe a man who is accused of being and “Angel of Death”
DR. PAYNE – I didn’t kill him! I wasn’t there at the time of death! You can check the phone and video records. But all of you, at one point or another, were, closer to the time of death.
PAULA – And I just got home and I FOUND HIM!
ROBIN – Okay, this is going nowhere. The evidence there isn’t enough, and all we’re doing is bickering.
{Roxi then steps in, presenting a second folder.}
Roxi – This, is the updated evidence since this is now a homicide.
{More scrambling for the new information. Olivia continues to read.}
OLIVIA – Mr. White’s death is a homicide, by way of... poisoning.
{Olivia continues to look through, including a poem, written by Felicia and posted to social media.}
SOON
By Felicia Black
Death calls upon your wicked soul
You’ll soon see the bottom of a six foot hole
I want to be there when you lose your light & see you struggle as your lungs get tight
You betrayed my trust. I loathe you.
I desire to be your face turn blue.
Die, Wicked Soul.
{Everyone’s eyes are cast on Felicia.}
FELICIA – It's a poem.
DR. PAYNE – Suspiciously accurate about poisoning.
FELICIA – As if you can talk. You’re the doctor, how do we know you didn’t poison him?
DR. PAYNE – Why would I poison him?!
OLIVIA – Because you are doing research based on the disease that both Mr. White and I have! Why not get him out of the way to ensure you get the funding?!
DR. PAYNE – I didn’t poison the man! The poison is right there listed as a flower!
ROBIN – You stand to make some money from that lawsuit, Olivia.
OLIVIA – And you have the garden where all these plants used for the poison reside!
ROBIN – I do, but I’m not a scientist or a doctor!
PAULA – But a sibling rival who could benefit from her brother’s death.
ROBIN – And you were going to be broke if that divorce went through! You married my brother for his money!
{Roxi comes in, looking at her watch.}
Roxi – Ladies and Gentlemen, time is up. Inside your envelopes is the list. Please write down who you think the murderer is, and pass them in.
{Everyone stops, and writes down who they think the murderer is. Roxi gathers them, and reads them to herself.}
ROUND 3
Roxi – Well, all the evidence has been reviewed, and the murderer will now be revealed. So, we will now call upon everyone here, to defend themselves. Ms. Robin White, you’re up.
{Jessie stands up.}
Roxi – You do have a greenhouse which access to the poison, and it’s no secret you and your brother were not friendly, you reveled in the possible divorce. What say you?
ROBIN - Do you people think that someone with as much power and money as me would stoop to murdering my brother? Even though my brother was my biggest rival, I would never have wanted to see him dead. Not guilty!
Roxi – Mr. Woods.
{Griffin stands up.}
Roxi – You were fired by Mr. White for being the leak in the exposé. You are also on record in the surveillance cameras as coming to the house, prior to Mr. White’s dead. What say you?
BOBBY – Ronald fired me the day he died. I know that looked bad, but I couldn’t have murdered him. Not only do I lack knowledge of any types of poisons, but I also hadn’t been around Roland the 24 hours before he died!
Roxi – Ms. Green.
{Bobbie stands up.}
Roxi – You published the exposé on Mr. White, and ruined the lives of Mrs. Black as well as Ms. Yates by revealing her true identity. You were also being sued by Mr. White. What say you?
GEORGIA – Ultimately, Mr. White ruined my career by forcing me to divulge my main source for the exposé that aired on my news program. Now, nobody will feel safe being an anonymous source, and we’ll be unlikely to scoop a good story in the future. But I didn’t kill Ronald! Not guilty!
Roxi – Mrs. White
{Cassie stands up.}
Roxi – You would have been broke if the divorce went through, and you made it look like a suicide. What say you?
PAULA – You guys think I’m that thick headed to believe I could get away with murdering my billionaire husband who was preparing divorce papers on me? Gimme a break! I may have married him for his money, and I may have tried to pull off staging the scene as a suicide because I knew he took me out of the will and I had signed a prenuptial agreement. However, I didn’t murder him!
Roxi – Ms. Yates.
{Crystal stands up.}
Roxi – You have several lawsuits against Mr. White, and as his newly discovered child, you were not in the will, perhaps revenge. What say you?
OLIVIA – How can I sue a dead man? This murder is the worst thing that has ever happened to me besides being diagnosed with a rare genetic disease that causes skin rashes and pin-prick sensations in my arms and legs! My DNA donor was negligent by donating biological materials while knowing he carried the gene for cytopheria! I was going to be a multimillionaire when I won the lawsuit! I guess I’ll have to earn it the hard way! But I’m not guilty!
Roxi – Mrs. Black.
{Keira stands up.}
Roxi – The poem is not a good look. And you were a recent addition to the will. Perhaps ensuring that can’t be changed?
FELICIA – Ronald never cared for me because I was my mother’s extra baggage. But it was a nice gesture to add me in the will because he killed my spouse. I didn’t kill him.
Roxi – Dr. Payne
{Aron stands up.}
Roxi – Perhaps a purposeful misdiagnosis, and a convenient missed call to ensure Mr. White’s death?
DR. PAYNE – It may be true that I’ve experimented with some of my dying patients that were suffering every day with intense pain. Is there anything wrong with advancing humankind and showing mercy at the same time? Maybe I am an Angel of Death! But I’m not guilty of murdering Ronald White
Roxi – And so... this leaves Wanda White
{Krystal stands up.}
WANDA – Dad was going to cut me out of the will if I continued to ask for money, but I’m dead broke! I’ve got Vegas bookies coming after me, and a couple of loan sharks who are furious I’ve missed payments! I had to kill him before he amended the will again! I’m not going to jail, I’m outta here!
{Krystal attempts to leave, but is stopped, and the game ends. Everyone applauds a good showing by all.}
Roxi – And that... is how it was. Thank you all for participating, now let’s see who was right, and who was wrong.
{Roxi reads off the list of the guesses done by the characters.}
Roxi – We did have a wide variety of guesses, but Krystal, Ms. Wanda White, is our murderer, and of the 8 people playing, only 2 were able to guess. Thank you for playing, and obviously, we have to give out some awards.
{Roxi has some makeshift trophies and hands them out. Griffin is given best costume. Crystal winning best actor/actress in the whole thing, and then more drinks and food is served as the night continues. Roxi is greeting and saying goodbye to everyone as they leave.}
Cassie – That was a lot of fun! I don’t know if Pop star was my thing though...
Roxi – You did fine. Thanks for playing.
Griffin – That was a pretty sweet little game Rox, where did you come up with it?
Roxi – Been trying to plan one for years. Also... a lot of research.
Griffin – Fair enough.
Krystal – Why was I the killer?!
Roxi – That's the way the game played out.
Krystal – Is this was like Clue there’d be multiple endings!
Roxi – Next time I’ll do multiple endings.
Bobbie – My role should have been bigger.
Crystal – I know everybody thought I was the killer.
Roxi – Actually, most people thought Aron did it.
Aron – Well... I didn’t.
Roxi – I really appreciate you guys playing with me.
{Everyone leaves, save for Keira, sitting at the table.}
Roxi – You ready to go?
Keira – I'm HUNGRY! Besides, this is a good time for a romantic dinner before the big match, isn’t it?
{Roxi smiles and joins Keira.}
Roxi – Indeed it is. You look good in black too.
Keira – Funny. I have some more black to show you later....
{The scene fades.}
“I'll tell you something about glory. A hero doesn't want it. The best day of my life will be the day the world doesn't need me anymore. But until that day comes... I'll never quit fighting for what's right.”
- Superman (Superman: Man of Tomorrow Vol 1 15)
I have to say that I am slightly disappointed with the way things have gone the past week.
Sure, I am enjoying the cruise as I always do. I’ve taken at least 8 of these things for SCW and I’ve always enjoyed them. It’s always nice to get away from it all, and be on the high seas with many fans and friends. That part of it, is always great.
I’m actually more disappointed with Masque De Lune than anything else.
I came into this expecting so much more, and I very disappointed. But then again, I guess at this point, I shouldn’t be disappointed with Masque. Because behind the mask, is the same thing you all saw me go through several years ago. I was once a victim of someone like Masque. You saw him. You were there with me when I was going through that and I almost lost everything. That man’s name was Cyrus and he told me the exact same things I’m hearing from Masque, and have heard since she got here.
Everything is going to be better if everyone just listens and gives Masque what she wants. Everything is going to be great; life will be a paradise and all of your problems will go away. I’ve been there. I believed Cyrus, because at the time, I was at one of my lowest points. I wasn’t where I needed to be, and I wanted to be normal. I didn’t want this life, I felt trapped and stuck. And Cyrus was right there to scoop me up into his arms and offer me the freedom to be normal. To have what I craved for so long. It was all right there for me. All I had to do was take that step.
And all it got me, was the feeling of being trapped every more than I already felt.
The initial wave was good when it washed over me. I won the Bombshell’s championship for the second time, after a string a losses and the feeling of frustration time and time again, I was there, the championship was in my possession, and it felt like everything that Cyrus said to me was coming true. I turned my back on my family, on my friends, and everyone who ever cared about me, simply to achieve a championship goal. I had what I wanted, at the cost of everything I ever loved.
But Cyrus convinced me that this was all going to be worth it. I stayed with him I ignored my wife, and I ignored my family, I didn’t speak to friends who knew me, and knew something was wrong. I did that, all for this championship that is on my shoulder right now. Because Cyrus convinced me that none of them, and none of you, cared about me unless I could do something for them. That I was the one being used and abused and taken for granted. I justified it to myself that yes, this was what I needed, no more burdens to feel, no more fires to put out, because those things weren’t going to stop anyway, and I convinced myself that I didn’t need to keep fighting, but that I just needed to be champion. I convinced myself that he was correct, and that all I would ever need, was him, guiding me to becoming the best version of myself. He did that to me, and for a while there, I was perfectly content, letting everything around me burn down and get destroyed, because I had what I wanted.
He promised me that I would finally be free, and be truly happy, and for a small window of time, I was. I got back to where I wanted to be. It made me happy.
But then, something happened, something I didn’t see because I was blinded by my own happiness. Everything around me was gone. I had nothing, but this championship. My wife was gone, my friends were now concerned and afraid for me. Even people who disliked me, knew that I was on the wrong path and they tried to correct it. They tried to help me because they knew the old me, would have done the same thing.
They showed me everything I was losing and how much they cared. How much they loved me and wanted me back, and Cyrus was only interested in telling me how it was because I wasn’t there to help them, that they wanted to help me. And I finally got to see how much my friends and family really cared. It touched me and I finally saw that light, and I was able to get back everything I nearly threw away. And all for a championship.
Once my eyes were opened, I swore to my family, my friends and all of you, that would never happen again, and I have been trying to make up for all that, ever since it happened. I have apologized to you, because you deserved better from me.
So, when I hear the same things coming from someone else, it raises the hair on the back of my neck. It strikes a chord with me, because I don’t want anyone to have to go through that ever again. And Masque has more than fit the bill to play that role.
And so, I have been thinking about the words Masque says for the past week. I expected better, but that’s not to take away from Masque as a competitor. She is, formidable. All the accomplishments listed, are very real and that is a threat. I just wish it wasn’t bogged down by the flair for the dramatic.
But then again, she might possibly be spying on me considering she heard a conversation in the Team Hero Gym.
As the days draw closer and the time ticks down, I know what I have to do, and I know I have to fight to keep everything from falling apart. The gloom and doom has to end, and it falls to me to do it again. But that’s what I do what I do.
But it did give me a chuckle to hear Masque say that I play the hero because it makes me feel good, and it’s solely for me, and me alone, when nothing could be further from the truth. This has been what seems like a running gag for almost my entire career at this point. People continually love to throw this weird thing out there that all of this, is for me and my career. That it’s all just me doing this for purely selfish reasons. That I have this grand plan to make myself everyone’s friend so I can then later stab them in the back.
My track record speaks for itself. People continue to stab ME in the back, and yet, after all that, I continue to extend my hand in order to mend those fences when they are broken. It’s me that pours the water on the bridge so it doesn’t burn down. I turned my back one time, as stated before, and it nearly cost me everything I ever loved. And as stated, I made a promise to never do anything like that again. So, I haven’t. I have been behind those who have needed it. I have fought for those who can’t. Not because I want the glory or recognition. I’m perfectly fine if all I ever got was a thank you, or even less. Because I’ve vowed to never change who I am, ever again, and I stand by that. So, this plan doesn’t make a lot of sense, but yet, it’s still the go-to when people look at me.
Hell, I’ve been accused of NOT doing enough just as much as doing too much. And because I can’t be everywhere, because I can’t do everything, and because I can’t help every single person all the time, it hurts me just as much. But yet, I will be damned if someone says I didn’t try. Because I know that I do. I try my best to be a good friend to all. Amber Ryan can attest to that herself. You don’t have to take my word for it. She can tell you; Crystal can tell you; Amy Marshall can tell you and the list goes on and on. Every single person who has ever needed me, I’ve tried to help, sometimes to my own detriment. I have been wrong, but nobody can tell me I didn’t try.
So, for someone like Masque to try and tell me that I do this for myself and to make myself feel good, it’s really a reach and it’s just more desperation from her, because I can hear her words and I see through them. That’s not going to work this time. So, the question remains, what else is there for Masque. For her, it’s championship or bust. It’s the highest of highs, or complete failure. Me? I will continue to be me, regardless of how bad things get, or how bleak things look. But it’s not just me. That’s a huge mistake that Masque has already made.
And no, it’s not just my wife either. I have said time and time again that there is a hero inside all of us, we are all the heroes of our own story, and anybody can be a hero. This isn’t just me, this is everyone who believes. Everyone who can make someone else say “I can do this.” My aspiration is to get better each day, so that someone else, may look at themselves and the say the same thing. That means more to me, than even a “thank you” or a hug or a pat on the back. The ultimate good feeling is not my success, but the success of others because they believed in themselves. And in the end, I can still be me, but a better version, the best version of me.
But there will always be more people like me. Those who stand up and do something so the bad people don’t win. I’m just one of many. And Masque has to see a whole lot of them on this cruise. And to beat me, Masque has to beat every single one of them too. Because they believe.
I am just one of many heroes. There are so many of them, just waiting to stand up.
While that, will make me feel good inside, I know full well that it’s a battle that will take my entire life to complete. And in the end, it won’t be me, who is able to say one way or the other whether or not I actually accomplished that goal. But I don’t know if it’s the “right thing” to do, because that’s subjective. The best bad guys always believe they are doing the right thing, so it goes both ways. I’m sure Masque firmly believes she has done the “right thing” all the time. Has she? Is making everyone afraid, and fearing you the right thing? Is trying to take someone out of this sport, the right thing? The end justifies the means, doesn’t it?
At Summer XXXtreme, I will be the best version of me I can be at the time, and I will defeat Masque De Lune and put an end to this Rapture, before it reaches its potential. I will retain the Bombshell’s championship and I will take the Internet championship from her. And I will do it... not for me, and certainly not for Amber Ryan.
I’m going to do it because THAT is the right thing to do.