Overheating

A scuffling sound can be heard before the thump of a body as it hits ground followed by a grunt and muffled curse.  A man in green camo khaki and black boots gets to his feet with a chuckle and then leans over the body of the person lying on the ground.

“Looks like you got soft,” he offers as his hand extends downward to help the person up.  Once his hand is grasped, he yanks the person to a sitting position and then squats down to the same level.  “Since you left Vix, you lost your edge it looks like.  What the hell happened?”

Vixen lets her arm rest on a raised knee as she regards her friend in the camo.  Wiping at her forehead to push back hair that is plastered there from the exertion, Vixen shrugs noncommittally.  “I really don’t know what the hell happened.  Maybe it is because I am facing women in these federations I work for.  Maybe it is because I am going easy on you today or maybe it is because right now, I don’t have the right motivation,” replies Vixen as she picks herself up and dusts her rear off.  “Listen Guertin, as much as I want to think that I am ready to be champion, I have to get out of the mindset of a bombshell or diva or whatever they call us women wrestlers.  I use to be a cruiserweight for sobbing out loud, now I am just another woman wrestler.”

Her buddy shakes his head slowly as Vixen crouches slightly in preparation for another collar and elbow tie up.  Getting a curious look on her face, she straightens up and moves towards Guertin.  “What are you doing?” she asks in confusion.  “We are supposed to be training here.”

“We aren’t training Vixen, this is me kicking your ass,” he responds as he crosses his arms.  “When you left the service, you were able to take on the guys and win most of the time.  Now you can’t even beat a girl if what I read on the ‘net is any indication.”

Vixen flushes in embarrassment at the comment.  Lately her record certainly reflected that statement.  Never one to make excuses, she lowers her head and nods.  “I know.  Trust me, I know!”

“Then do something about it!  Weren’t you like a cruiserweight or something?”

Vixen’s head snaps up and a sneer of anger crosses her face.  “Don’t you think I have tried?” she shouts.  “I am the number one contender to the NYDW title Guertin…”

“A woman’s title,” he interrupts her with a condescending smirk.  

“They won’t let me fight men!” responds Vixen.  “Try as I might, I can’t get a match against any males in the SCW federation because intergender matches aren’t allowed and NYDW is a woman only federation.  So smart guy, what do I do about that huh?”   Clearly frustrated, Vixen begins to pace in front of her friend who raises one eyebrow with another smirk.

“You get yourself involved in that NWA last chance battle royal going on in Halifax,” he responds.  “Don’t tell me you didn’t think of that.”

Vixen stops and levels a glare at her friend who holds his arms out in a “what” motion that just makes Vixen turn away quickly.  Moving towards a bench, she sits down, head hanging and sweat dripping from her.  Truth be told, she had thought of it but for the most part was worried that preparing for it would interfere with the crazy life she was leading in NYDW and SCW.  

“The last time I faced men in the ring,” she begins slowly, almost thoughtfully, “was the RMP last ever show and it was a battle royal too.  Maybe that is what I need…a return to my roots so to speak.  After all, I was Heavyweight champion there.  And I did put their golden boy out for almost a year…”

“The way you wrestle now Vix, you don’t stand a snowball’s chance,” Guertin reminds her.  “You have to get back to that wrestler Vixen before you even think of putting yourself in that match.”

Getting to her feet, she moves back towards Guertin who takes a small step back.  “You’re right Guertin,” she says to the soldier.  “And you are just the man I need to train me.   And get me back to the Fox I use to be”

Guertin takes a deep breath that he lets out in a slow whistle.  “Work you over you mean.  You can’t get me on my back even if I give you an advantage…”

Before he finishes his comment, Vixen grabs him by his shirt and flipping her hip, she tugs at him only to realize that he isn’t going to be pulled off his feet.  His laughter only angers Vixen who then flips her hip again, angrily tugging him off his feet awkwardly and then rolling through to lock his arm into an armbar.  Smirking down at her friend, Vixen tsks slowly.  

How’s it feel to be on your back,” she jokes a bit breathlessly as she moves to help him up.  Getting to his feet, Guertin only grunts a response before flipping Vixen to the ground once more before laughing.  

“You tell me,” he says before noticing that Vixen’s eyes were fluttering closed as she loses consciousness.  Concerned, Guertin picks Vixen up and heads towards the buildings nearby shouting for someone to call 911.

Missing all the fun
Vixen slowly blinks in the dim light of a hospital room, eyes focusing on the person sitting at the end of the bed.  Plastic tubing has her hooked up to a now half empty bag of saline solution that lets her know she is in a place she normally wouldn’t be caught dead in.

“Hey,” she whispers as a smile slowly comes to the face of Guertin who gets to his feet and moves to the side of the bed.  “How, what...”

“You passed out from the heat,” he replies.  “How are you feeling?”

“Like I was hit by a deuce ‘n’ half,” teases Vixen before trying to sit up.  “But I will be all right.  I have to get to the show for SCW...”

“You missed it Vix,” says her friend as he lays a hand on hers.  “And you know something isn’t good about that N...ummm what was that group you said you are part of again?”

Vixen thinks for a moment then tilts her head slightly.  “You mean NXT?” she asks curiously.

“Yeah, that’s the one,” he replies.  “Well, the new girl had lots to say about you on Climax Control last week and it sounds like she is callin’ you out there Foxy.”

Vixen’s eyes narrow and without saying a word, she holds her hand out and points to the phone sitting on the hip of her friend.  Pulling it free, he hands it over to the woman who begins to push buttons on it.  “You know they don’t like you calling people on those things in here,” he offers with a half smile.

“You go watch the door then as Vixen turns the android phone sideways as the youtube app opens up.  Dialing up the results of last week’s show, she grimly watches Odette and her stable mates talk.  A smile breaks out at the chant of her name by the fans.  Once it finishes she puts the phone on the bed beside her.  “You believe that girl,” Vixen says.  “Acting like she’s the leader of NXT.  Well, la dee da for her, so she is the “new face” of NXT.  Fine but before she starts thinking that she is the end all and be all bombshell of NXT, she is going to have to realize that maybe just maybe she better think twice about pushing my buttons.  She talks about how I am quiet, how I am going to have to make some noise?  Well if I start making any noise it is going to be me hitting her and her hitting the mat.”

“Oooh tough words coming from a dehydrated Fox in a hospital bed,” teases Guertin as he waggles his fingers in mock fear.  Reaching for the phone, he is stopped by Vixen again as she snatches it away then begins to push buttons again.  “What do you think you are doing Vix?” he demands, reaching for the phone that Vixen holds away from him.  

“I’m checking to see if I have a job Mr. Funnyman,” she replies, one thumb pushing the return button to bring up the SCW webpage.  Vixen looks at the card while she still holds Guertin off and smiles when she sees her match for the week. She turns the phone to show her friend.  “I still got a job and even better, it is a match that I know I am going to win.  I’m facing Gothika.   But who the hell said I was working with the Logan boys?”

“I guess management thinks you got it in you to help ‘em,” Guertin says with a smirk as he finally manages to elude the restraining hand and grab the cell phone.  “Think you can get ready for the match?”

Vixen glares in mock anger and nods.  “Just because she and Raynin get the title shots at the NWA tag titles and I am slogging along having to play second fiddle to Odette Ryder doesn’t mean that I am going to let her forget that it was me that almost took the title from Misty, me that Spike came to first to join NXT, ME that is going to get the win and then work my way back into the title picture once again.  And if I have to do it by pinning the shoulders of that vamp to the mat then so be it.”

“Again, oooh, tough words from a woman in a hospital bed,” Guertin says as he puts his phone back in its holster only to raise his head with a loud yelp of pain as Vixen smacks him on the back of the head.  “What was that for?”

“To smarten you up buddy,” Vixen gloats before falling back and looking fragile when a doctor opens the door.  

“Everything all right in here?” the doctor asks as Guertin rubs the back of his head.  

“It’s getting there,” the soldier replies with a sidelong glance over at Vixen who sighs and rolls her eyes.  “So is our little Fox here going to be in wrestling shape for this week.  She has a match against a vampire named Gothika and well, she ain’t no Buffy the Vampire Slayer if you know what I mean...”

Vixen turns her head at a now smirking Guertin who sticks his tongue out at her.  Over the doctor’s shoulder, Vixen flips the soldier the bird as he backs out of the room, mumbling something about Tim’s and a doughnut.  “Bring me back an ice cap or else!” shouts Vixen as the doctor checks the IV bag over her head.  

Bouncing back

Vixen slowly strolls through another airport, this time arriving at the city where in only hours she will be facing Gothika in a match.  Looking confident in a pair of black boots and a light blue minidress, she moves to the cab stand and hails one of the vehicles.  Sliding inside with her overnight bag, she relaxes into the fake leather seat and directs the cabbie to the arena.

“You wrestler,” says the cab driver in a eastern european like accent, a smile on his dark face.  “I watch you wrestle.  You not like Iron Sheik but you good.”

“Thanks I think,” she replies before looking down at her Ipad that is starting up.  

“I watch you tonight...I have ticket, front row ringside,” he boasts.  “You beat Gothika yes?”

Vixen nods enthusiastically as she holds up the Ipad and presses the Facetime app icon.  Suddenly the video begins as Vixen starts to talk.

Hi all, Vixen here and I am enroute to the show and taking a quick minute to talk to you, all the fans out there.  See, this week I am facing Gothika and trust me, she is going to be looking to get all the advantage she can for her match with the Logans.  Well, I can’t let have any advantage...”

“You give Gothika a HA and a Hiyah...then kick her!”

Vixen shoots him a look, then shaking her head, she turns back to the Ipad.

“What he said.  Anyways, I just want to say thank you guys.  I saw what happened last week when Odette had her little thing to say and it did my heart good to hear you chanting my name.  Just like I hope you will be doing this week.  

And Gothika, I know that as the person that is facing you this week, it is nothing personal about me having to wrestle with the Logan boys in my corner but I am coming to win and that is going to suck for you because that means when you challenge for the tag titles, you are going to be going into that match facing an uphill battle because tonight, you are going to be feeling the vibration of the referee counting you down and out with a one, two three.”

“You tell it girl,” the cabbie vows as he pulls up in front of the arena.  Tapping the farebox, he half turns to Vixen and holds up his hand.  “Fare on house if you do me favor,” adds the cabbie who holds up the newspaper with the advertisement for Climax Control .  “Can I have autograph?”

Vixen smiles and nods, reaching through the plexiglass and taking the pen he is holding up and signing beside her image.  Reaching into her pocket, Vixen also hands the cabbie the fare anyways with a smile before leaving the car and heading into the arena.  The cabbie counts the money and then putting the car in gear once more, pulls away from the curb whistling Vixen’s theme before starting to sing it offkey.

 Forgiveness?

Sitting on the front step of the nursing home my brother had driven me to I leaned back on my hands, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my face.  A subtle vibrating and the tune of Edge of Glory by Gaga starts to play.  Reaching for the cell phone in my pocket, I look at the number then press the answer button.

“Hello,” I say, my voice pleasant for the most part as I listen to the voice on the other end.  “I have a match this week…against who?”  Again, the voice on the other end rumbles an answer.  “Okay, gotcha, will be there.”   Shutting off the phone, I pocket it with a sigh.  

“You’ll be where girl?” asks a voice behind me, surprising me.  Rushing to my feet, I turn to find man in a wheelchair looking at me.  His skin is rough and burn scarred.  He coughs slightly then nods in my direction.  “I asked you a question, where will you be?”

“Vegas sir,” I respond, proud that my voice isn’t quavering like I thought it would.  “I’ll be in Vegas, wrestling.”  

“Wrassling?  What the hell do you think you are doing wrassling?  You are better than this Victoria,” answers the man as he pushes at the wheels of the chair to move closer.  

Instinctively I move back slightly, the little girl in me still frightened of this man.  Squaring my shoulders I take a deep breath and level a look at the man.  “I am a wrestler and I am great at it,” I reply.  “I have been a champion and I will soon be again…sir.” I can’t quite keep the anger out of my voice but maybe that is a good thing as I see the man curl his thin lip into a grimace of a smile.

“So you ain’t cryin’ anymore are ya,” he offers with a chuckle that turns into a cough.  “Good, toughened up so your dear old dad could be proud of ya.”  Resting his hands on the arms of the chair, he gives me a look that I return coldly.  “I bet ya wonder why I asked ya here.  Since I ain’t ever seen ya since you was a little girl.  I’m dying and well, I wanted to say that I was sorry.”

Were my eyes deceiving me or did he just seem to shrink in the chair a little?  I tilted my head slightly, doubting his apology.  “Sorry…you want to say sorry?  What makes you think I am going to accept such an apology?  The last time I saw you was the night that you…”  My voice fades as my hands ball into fists.  Sucking in a long drawn breath I release it slowly before continuing.  “The night Moms died.   The night I promised to stop crying Colonel.”

“Victoria, I’m your father, call me Dad,” he says.

“You are my father, sad as that is, but I won’t ever call you Dad.  You don’t deserve it,” I say with conviction.  “And you don’t have the ability to tell me what to do with my life, which means that I will be in a match in Vegas for Sin City wrestling against Bianca .”

“Is that right missy?” my father demands.  “Guess my little Victoria Xenia has grown up huh?”  The man tries to straighten up in his seat but collapses back down into a slight heap.  I cross my arms as I watch him, a look of concern quickly moving across my face that I fight to hide unsuccessfully as the man chuckles.  “I want you to know that you grew up good.  Maybe better off without me.  So I understand missy, don’t like it but I do understand.  Just remember when you think of me, I did love ya.”

Before I can reply, he wheels the chair around and presses the button to open the door, disappearing inside after one last look in my direction.  Once the doors close, I angrily scuff my boots in the dirt of the drive and mutter a few choice curse words in French before twisting and heading towards the truck.  My brother exits just as I kick the fender.

“Hey, gentle on the vehicle,” calls out my brother as he rubs a hand on the truck.  “I saw Dad and he said that you are okay even if you won’t forgive him.”

Getting into the truck, I pointedly ignore him as I hunch into the seat and cover my eyes with my glasses.  I was hiding from the fact that I might just feel a bit more than anger with the Colonel.  My brother climbs into the cab and guns the engine then pulls away from the nursing home.


Final thoughts
The night of Climax Control was quiet for me as I sit on an equipment box, relaxing and rolling my neck as I prepare for my match in a little bit.  I get a smile on my face as I am approached by a cameraman who asks me if would mind talking about my match.

“Sure I wouldn’t mind talking about the fact that tonight I am facing Bianca Solderini,” I say slowly.  “I just want to say that tonight is going to be a fight that she isn’t going to be winning at all.  See, I have something to prove to myself tonight and that means I am going to be taking it to the next level.”

Getting to my feet, I stretch out my back and then begin to stretch out the rest of my body, preparing for the match.  I can just barely make out the sound of the crowd as I continue to speak.  “Tonight Bianca thinks she is going to make me lose, like she has some kind of ability to make me fall in the ring.  Tonight I am beginning my climb back to the top of the division so I can challenge for the Bombshell title once again.  I’m on a mission and that mission starts in the ring with Bianca.”

Suddenly, the sound of the Climax Control theme begins to play as the cameraman rolls his finger across his throat and then thanks me before rushing off to the arena bowl.  Looking after him, I can only shrug and chuckle as I turn towards the locker rooms and catering.  

“Guess he got what he needed,” I say outloud to no one in particular.  “Good thing that Bianca isn’t here, she’d probably be laughing her butt off at how fast the cameraman left.

 To say that it had felt good giving Misty a taste of her own medicine with the beating I gave her during the bikini contest would be a very big lie because it had felt VERY GOOD…

Aftermath of the Bikini Contest

Vixen could be seen backstage, a smile on her face as she heads towards the locker rooms, a bottle of water in her hand as she moves closer to the door hoping that a measure of peace and quiet might be obtained.  Only moments before, she had given Misty a preview of what their match was going to be at Into the Void.  And more than likely, Misty being the “champion” she was, she would be prowling around the arena looking for anyone to give her sympathy because she had her title applied to the head.  

“Funny how payback works doesn’t it,” she chuckles to herself as she pushes the door of the locker room open and heads inside.  Rather than deal with a crowd of divas, Vixen just moves towards her locker and grabs her gear, stuffing it into her bag except for a pair of distressed jean shorts and knee boots.  

Tugging on the denim, she bounces slightly as she fights them over her hips.  As she slides the buttons closed on the shorts, a knock can be heard at the door.  Letting her eyes narrow in curiosity, Vixen moves and opens the door to find a cameraman backstage, his camera resting on his shoulder as he leans towards Vixen.

“Have I got news for you Vix,” he whispers before looking behind himself.   “I heard that Misty is fit to be tied for what happened out there.”

Raising one eyebrow and letting a half smirk escape, Vixen then schools her features into a look of concern for the champion.  “I wonder what could have happened to get Misty so angry tonight.  Maybe she didn’t like the taste of her own medicine.”  The smirk returned as the cameraman could only nod.  Vixen looks back at her gear read to go and motions for the cameraman to move back for five minutes and calling over her shoulder that she would give him an exclusive.

Retreating into the room, Vixen doesn’t see the cameraman move to talk to someone to the side.  A few moments later, she moves back into the hallway, a bag slung over her shoulder.  “Ready for this?” she asks as she lets the bag fall to her feet with a thump.  The cameraman moves towards her, shouldering his camera as Vixen leans against the wall behind her, sliding her hands into her pockets.  The cameraman pauses for a moment then motions for Vixen to begin to speak.

“I guess I will address first what I did tonight when I put Misty onto her back and gave her something to think about before she has to step into the ring with me at Into the Void,” says Vixen as she tosses her head.  “Now I know that Misty and I can’t seem to see eye to eye when it comes to the fact that I should be wearing that title she has around her waist.  A title that for all intents and purposes should  be around my waist. “

With that Vixen pulls one hand out of her pocket as the cameraman comments about Vixen turning on Misty during the Bombshell tag tournament.  Vixen only laughs.  “Misty thought that she could get to me and well maybe she did but I was the one that got the last laugh in that match by leaving her to take the loss.  I mean I could have stayed and saved her ass but after her attitude and actions I said screw it and let her hang herself in that ring..LITERALLY and if you call doing something like that a bad thing, then all I have to say to that is ‘bad girl, bad Vixen’.”

From the arena can be heard shouting fans that indicate the end of the night’s show.  Vixen looks down the hallway and then continues to speak.  “Misty and I are going to light up the night at Into the Void and why you might ask?  Because between the two of us, you have the two best bombshells going head to head for the SCW Bombshells title.  Granted Misty is the current champion and I haven’t held the title here in the federation, I know I have it in me to beat her in the ring.”

“But, Vixen, you don’t have a buddy like Misty does…do you think that Electra is going to be a factor?” asks the cameraman.

“The only factor is that Misty needs help to beat me and even with that help she still won’t be able to beat me.  I am geared up for a war and being the soldier that I am, I will never surrender,” vows Vixen.  “I have beaten better odds and I have faced worse ones but after this supercard, the odds are that I am going to be the one that walks out of Into the Void with the Bombshells’ title.  Actually, come to think of it, maybe I might be the only one ‘walking’ out of the ring at all.”

“Bold words Vixen but do you honestly think that you have it in you to beat a double champion and a woman that has been dominant for a very long time?” answers the cameraman in a very doubtful voice.

“I honestly believe that I can beat Misty,” replies Vixen with conviction.  “Yeah, she has been dominant, yeah she has been known to attack people from behind, but this match isn’t me turning my back on her, it is me coming straight at her for her title.  And that means that when I face her, I have to beat her.  See that is her only advantage, I have to pin her shoulders to the mat or make her submit.  She could walk away from the ring and retain her title.  She could get herself disqualified but I wonder if she is enough of a woman to face me instead of taking a coward’s way out.  But I am preparing for anything she might throw in my direction.”

Vixen flexes her fingers as she then crosses her arms over her chest.  “This is going to be my match to lose and that means I can’t get cocky.  WELL…I could but really…why should I?  I have had more than enough time to prove to one and all that when I step into the ring I get the job done.   Misty has also proven that she can do the same but when facing me, she is going to be S…O…L…”

Vixen pushes herself off the wall as the cameraman films her.  Walking towards the camera, Vixen can only smile as she puts her bag on her shoulder before sending an air kiss into the lens then moving out of the camera’s view as the cameraman follows her for a moment then fades to black.

Fortune telling...fact or fiction?

The flicking of cards can be heard as a low light illuminates a green felt table covering that has a few cards already laid out in a tarot spread.  Two women sit across from the fortune teller who draws another card from the deck and laying it in front of Vixen, adding it to the spread.

“Ahhh, this one says that you are preparing for a very big challenge,” says the fortune teller with a leer.  “This one indicates to me that you are going to be coming up against an enemy.”

“Bet you watch Sin City wrestling, don’t you?” asks Vixen.  Beside her, Vixen’s friend shushes her with a glare.  “Vixen, how could you doubt Madame Estelle?  She’s like a clairvoyant you know!”

“I kid Jeannie,” replies Vixen as she holds up her hands in surrender.  “Please continue Madame,” Vixen adds before crossing her arms over her chest.

Madame Estelle pulls another card from the Tarot deck.  “The Wheel of Fortune signifies change as I am sure you are aware and that fortune is fickle.  You could be on top at one point only to fall to the bottom the next...”

“And here is where she tells me that I am going to make some big changes in SCW,” mutters Vixen which only earns her another glare from her friend.  “Kidding again...” she adds before letting her eyes wander along the walls.  The fortune teller continues to talk but it fades to a dull monotone as Vixen lets her mind wander.

Inner monologue:  Here I go getting ready for a match by getting my fortune told.  I shouldn’t have let Jeannie talk me into this.  I mean I could be in the gym working out or preparing to face Misty by studying her matches.  What am I doing?

“Vixen...are you listening?  Madame Estelle is saying that you are going to be in for a great change.  She says that is lots of gold in your future!” exclaims Jeannie excitedly.  Reaching into her purse, Jeannie pulls out money and hands it to the fortune teller who tucks it into her bra then smirks at Vixen and winks.  Jeannie gets to her feet sending a breath of air which makes a poster move to reveal a wrestling poster for Into the Void.  

Jeannie walks out as Vixen moves to the woman and holds out a hand to her.  “Thanks for being a fan,” Vixen says with a laugh.  “And thanks for letting Jeannie have her fun.”

In perfect understanding, the two women shake hands and Vixen heads out of the room only to head the woman call after her.

”Have a great match...CHAMP!”

Straight talk from the Fox

Vixen stands still in the light of a single glow of an improvised spotlight that is held by her brother who is also filming her.  In front of her is a half wall that has a laptop on one side of it.  She looks into the lights and begins to speak.

“Misty, you know what I have been thinking lately...I have been thinking that maybe you and me really have our work cut out for us in our match at Into the Void.  We are fighting for the Bombshells’ title and will be setting the standard for the Bombshells here in Sin City Wrestling,” Vixen says as she rolls her neck and smiles.

“We both know this was meant to be, you and me for the title.  And you know that you really didn’t have anyone that could challenge you in the ring like I could.  You also know that I am going to be bringing you the biggest challenge of your career and will defeat you in your first title defence with the Bombshell title.”

Vixen leans against the half wall looking intently at the camera.
“You claim to be the one true bombshell but ever since I came to Sin City Wrestling, the people have been talking about me.   I replaced you in the people’s hearts because you turned your back on the fans.  I replaced you in NXT which I must say is an improvement.  And after the supercard, I am going to replace you as the Bombshell champion,“ vows Vixen.  “that isn’t a threat Misty, that is a guaranteed promise.”

With that, Vixen straightens up and motions at her brother to stop filming.  He does with a sigh as he looks at his sister.  “You realize Vixen, Misty is going to have a field day with this little promo.“ he offers as he begins to pack up the camera as the scene fades to black.

 Scene one:  Talking to Moms

The silence of the cemetery is only broken by the sound of a car pulling up outside of the wrought iron gate.  The motor stops and a car door slams as a woman steps out of the vehicle.  Dressed in a dark jacket and dark pants with a white tee and black boots, Vixen pulls off the pair of shades that are covering her eyes.  Looking towards the cemetery, she moves around the car and walks towards a grave that has a name engraved on it.  Stopping, Vixen blocks the name from view as she kneels and lays a small bouquet of roses on the grave.

“Moms, I miss you,” Vixen says to the grave marker.  “I could really use some advice.  See, I got this match coming up and well I remember you liking to watch all the old time lady wrestlers.  Us sitting together watching the Superstars of Wrestling, making that popcorn and spending that afternoon on the couch with you...”

Vixen’s voice gets nostalgic as she speaks to the gravemarker.  Giving herself a bit of a shake, she leans against the marker, talking as if her mother was there.

“It’s different now Moms, very different.  I mean here I am, NYDW champ and facing a woman that I am chasing for her title because I know that she doesn’t stand a chance against me now that I got my sights set on the Bombshell championship.  I know you are watching but maybe you should be looking the other way,” offers Vixen as she flexes her fingers on one hand before letting them curl into fists.  “This time I am not going to be gentle on her.  Yeah she got the drop on me in the last match we were in but now I am focused.  Now I am thinking that maybe the one “true” bombshell is lying when she says she is the greatest.”

Sighing, Vixen looks back down at the grave.  “This week Moms, I am going to be kicking some rear end that definitely deserves it.  I mean she talks like I am nothing and when push comes to shove, I am tired of having to hold back.  You know what I was like before right...bad news walking.  Well, I’ve changed and for the better I think.  I am not the little brat I use to be.  But I may just have to go there again.  I can’t let Misty think that she has the drop on me.  I mean come on.  I know I can beat her.  Hell, I know that because I have the training and the fact that I can kill with my bare hands I could rip a new one for her without breaking a sweat.  And technically I did last week or would have except that she ran from me like a scared little girl.  So I was forced to show her just what I was capable of when I hit my move on her little buddy.”

Laughing slightly at the memory, Vixen’s chuckles fades into a wheezy sigh.  Shaking her head, Vixen straightens up and walks along the graveside again.  “Moms, I have got to get going, I have to fly out soon and see if I can’t get a hold of my tag partner, gotta talk some strategy for this tag match.  But I’m gonna make you proud.  Be just like those lady wrestlers we use to watch on Saturdays.”

Vixen leans down and straightens out the roses that had fallen over onto the grave.  With one final pat of the roses, Vixen trails her fingers up the marker to rub them lightly over the name engraved there.  “Happy Mother’s day Moms...I love you.”

Blowing a kiss at the grave, Vixen turns and pulls the shades she had stuck on her head over her eyes that are slightly reddened with unshed tears.  Walking back to the car, Vixen spares one more look to the grave then slides into the car and starts it, pulling away from the cemetery in a cloud of dust on the old dirt road.

Scene two:  Talking the tag match and sending a message.

Backstage at the arena, preparing to get into the ring later that night, Vixen is dressed casually in a pair of dark cargos and a silvery tee with a black rose on it.  Barefoot and with her hair pulled back into a high ponytail, Vixen can be seen crosslegged on an equipment box, a laptop in her lap.  Typing away furiously, she can’t see the cameraman who has come up behind her and is filming her as she types.

“Don’t think I don’t see you there,” she says without looking up or breaking her typing speed.  “I suppose you are here trying to get something from me about my match tonight huh?  Well you are just going to have to wait while I finish this.  I mean I could talk to you but I just want to finish this without losing my train of thought...”

The cameraman mutters something that sounds suspiciously like “no worries” as Vixen bends her head to her task once again...

Foxy Blog:

Hello fans this is Vixen, your one and only ready once again to lay the smackdown on the blogosphere.  

This week in SCW, yours truly is in a tag match with Brandi Shotze against Veronica “look at me I am so sexy” Taylor and Misty the “one true bombshell”.  Now you could say that Brandi and I don’t stand a chance because Misty is a double champion and Veronica is a double D...dumb and ditzy.  

First you take Veronica, talking all the time about how she is one of those “mean girls”.  Like that means she some kind of tough strong woman.  Well smell isn’t everything now is it?  She talks a good game but really, all she is and all she will ever be is eye candy, cheap, dollar store eye candy.  The “one move wonder” who can’t even walk and chew bubblegum at the same time if you ask me.   How she managed to get into this match is beyond me but I know one thing she is going to get out of it...a loss.

And Misty, our champion and resident escape artist.  I am talking to you girlfriend.  You may have the title but I am going to win the war you started by that little attack you tried to accomplish with Electra Flamer.  I wonder how her head is feeling after last week?

I want you to be prepared Misty, I am coming for you and your title and when I take it from you, be prepared to watch as I wear that title with pride and shine it up from the tarnishing you are putting on it.

Well that is all for me this week.  Join me next time when I talk about how much trouble it is to have an honest chance at facing someone that doesn’t use shortcuts to win titles...

TTFN...

Vixen

Turning back to the cameraman, she smiles and closes the laptop top.  Setting it to one side, she laces her fingers together and addresses the camera.

“Misty you lucky girl, getting to main event the show even though it is in a tag match.  However, we both know that it should be you and me in the middle of the ring for the title you have.  After all, that is what we both want.  I want it so I can take your title.  You want it because you know that one on one, you can’t beat me even though you try to prove it time and again.  Well once more into the breach huh.  I am coming to Climax Control with some very bad intentions and they are all straight and aimed directly at you.”

Vixen smirks.  “And Veronica, just because you are lucky enough to be teaming with the champ, your luck just ran out because you have to face me and Brandi and between the two of us, the two of you won’t stand a chance in the ring at Climax Control.  Because both of you are destined to feel the fall from grace that will leave you flat on your backs in the middle of the ring...a very familiar position for both of you I am sure...as the referee makes his three count.

Noises can be heard down the hall as Vixen makes note of the arrival of her NXT teammates.  Waving to them, she jumps off the box and grabbing her laptop, heads towards the guys leaving the cameraman a very frustrated young man as the scene fades out.

 “A tag match is indicative of trusting someone to be there when you need them to be.  I don’t know about you but when it comes to tag matches, I haven’t really had an easy time with being able to trust my partners.  Maybe this week on Climax Control I might have a better time while I team with Cookie S’mores.”

The person behind the voice can’t be seen for the moment as the camera is focused on the images of four women on a poster announcing Climax Control in Paris France.  The sound of the voice is soft, melodic and tinged with a hint of an accent.

“Living the life I have makes me debate the pros and cons of trusting someone that much.  On one hand, my army training gave me the ability to reach out and ask for that helping hand.  On the other hand, my life growing up taught me that any hand reaching towards you only deserves to be slapped away.  Either way this week on Climax Control, I am going to be facing a challenge in the tag match involving all the bombshells that you see before you.”  

The camera suddenly swings away from the view of the four bombshells wavering sickenly until it focuses on the bruised and battered face of SCW darling and NYDW champion Vixen who grimaces a smile for the fans.

“Here I am getting ready for two big matches and today I am doing what I need to for preparing for the tag match that was booked for Sin City Wrestling.  Now I could tell you that I don’t like tagging with anyone because I don’t really have the ability to trust many people.  Considering historically in my wrestling career I haven’t really had any partners that I could actually trust because every tag partner I have ever had, every person that I have had to tag with...all of them have let me down in one way or another.”

The look Vixen gives the camera can only be described as one of determination as if forcing herself to continue.

“This week I have to trust that Cookie S’Mores won’t let me down in this tag match.  And just so she knows, I am not going to let her down when it comes to this tag team this week.  If she needs to tag me, then I will do everything in my power to make sure that this team comes out on top.”

Vixen clenches her fist for a moment, and then swallows slowly, a faint grimace of pain passing over her face then she chuckles.

“I know what you might be thinking.  Vixen, how do you think that you can face the SCW bombshell champ and her buddy in this match?  Well, Raynin and Gothika have something coming that just might be the closest thing to a one hundred percent butt whupping they won’t ever forget and for Raynin, a preview of what is going to be happening in London very very soon when I face her in the match for her pretty Bombshell title.”

From behind Vixen, we can hear footsteps and a rather young, artistic Frenchman comes into view with a small cup of steaming expresso coffee and a glass of red wine.  Setting it down, he smiles at Vixen before tsking sadly in sympathy.

“Pauvre mademoiselle, est ce qu’il y a quelque chose je peux vous faire?”

Vixen offers him a smile and a negative shake of her head.  Peeling off a couple of Euros, she turns back to the camera that is focused on her as she begins to speak again.

“Trust me, I am taking this match serious enough to focus more on the fact that I am facing a pair of women who know themselves quite well.  It isn’t that I don’t know Cookie but we haven’t teamed and I did beat her friend in a triple threat match.  So I am prepared for anything in this match.”

Sipping at the red wine, she finishes the drink with a chaser of dark coffee.

“And Raynin, I know you are going to be watching me carefully this week knowing that in a very short period of time I am going to be in London facing you for your title.  I am sure that you are a fighting champion but can you fight the odds this week as you have to face Cookie and I?  Do you think you and Gothika are ready for the challenge?”

“Somehow I don’t think you are Raynin.  I mean sure, you are the champion but are you really ready to face someone that is a champ in her own right.  Are you ready to face a woman that could snap you in half, because that is something that I am ready willing and able to do to win a match.”

Vixen has a serious look on her face before she lets a smile break over it.

"I only have one thing to say to you Raynin and Gothika.  At Climax Control, you had best hope that for the slimmest chance at winning, your stars have aligned.  With Cookie and I, we may never have tagged before but we will be the ones that will light up the city of Lights when I hit the Fall from Grace and leave one of you in a beaten heap in the middle of the ring after the one two three.”

Standing, Vixen stretches a little as if she has been sitting a while.  Finishing off the wine and chasing it with the bitter black brew in the small cup, she lets only the slightest clink sound as she replaces the cup into the saucer and reaches for the camera.  Picking it up, she holds it in front of her.

“These are the last words I am going to say about this week’s match and they are...”

Vixen looks around for a moment then leans in as if sharing a secret with her opponents.

“Bonne chance!”

After wishing her opponents luck, Vixen presses the stop button on the camera and then tucks it into the pocket of her jean jacket and then walks out of the patio area of the cafe.

 “We are now approaching Vegas where the temperature is...”

The voice of the captain of the airplane is heard over the speaker which catches my attention and brings my eyes up from the novel in my hand that I slowly close and stuff into the light emerald bag at my side.  I let my eyes drift closed as a yawn escapes me, stretching my arms above my head.  Dressed comfortably in jeans and a silvery tee, I straighten and reach for the seatbelts on either side of my denim covered hips.  

Beside me, my brother also prepares for the landing.  “So what are we doing going to Vegas, you still haven’t told me,” he says curiously.  “I mean you got the title in New York Divine ‘s federation.  Oh is this a celebration for winning that?”

The plane dips lower as I look out the window, a smile playing over my features that I make sure is not seen by my brother.  “Nope, this isn’t a celebration,” I offer with a quick glance over my shoulder.  “You could say this is the start of something interesting if you must know.  I decided that I would like to get back into the mix so to speak.”

I hear the whine of the rubber hitting tarmac as my brother groans once he realizes what it was that I said.  “You signed a contract with another federation didn’t you?  What is it about you and striking out on your own, burning the candle at both ends?” he asks.  “Where is it this time and who are you fighting now?”

“If you must know, I have a match for Sin City Wrestling against two women...Brandi Shotze and Haley Starr.  Two people I don’t know but I guess I will get to know them well at Climax Control,” I reply with a bit of a smirk.

“Climax Control...CLIMAX...You have got to be kidding me,” exclaims my brother before breaking into uproarious laughter at the name of the show.  “Must be effin’ nuts of if you ask me.  Naming a show like that, this federation sounds like some fly by night operation that is only out for some titillation.  Seriously Vix, you really didn’t sign with a company that named it’s show Climax?”

The plane taxis into the terminal and stops.  Passengers begin to disembark as Vixen leans back in the seat, waiting her turn.  Beside her, her brother is sitting shaking his head.  “Vixy, tell me honestly, why?”

“Because I need to do this,” I reply.  “I have heard that SinCity Wrestling is a strong federation where my style of wrestling will be appreciated.  I mean I have my title in NYDW but I want more.  I want to prove I am the same strong wrestler that was the Heavyweight champion in RMP.  That I still am someone to be reckoned with and I will prove it in my debut this week,” I add.  “So when we get off this plane, you are going to help me prepare for it.”

Finally we are the last two and I stand, reaching over the seat to open the compartment and grab my gear.  I turn to leave the seat but am stopped by the bulk of my brother who puts his hands on my shoulders as he looks deep into my eyes.  “You got nothing to prove Vix,” he states calmly, intent on giving me a way out.  “Since you have NYDW, you don’t need to fight in a second fed anymore.  Especially since you are at the top of NYDW and have the world by the tail.  You are going to burn out.”

Laughing softly, I put a hand on the cheek of my brother and pat him lightly.  “Always worrying about me,” I tease.  “It’s gonna give you gray hair...”

Quick as a wink, my brother reaches one hand to his head in worry as I move around him and head for the door of the plane.  He follows slowly, patting his head and whining at me.  “I’m not going gray am I?”

Scene Two

The image of a video player can be seen on the laptop that is open on the equipment boxes backstage.  Someone’s hand can be seen moving to press play.  Vixen appears on the player, dressed in a red and gold halter and tights, ready to wrestle.

Pacing backstage, Vixen can be seen warming up.  She stretches then looks at the camera.  Crossing her arms over her chest and begins to speak.  “Let me introduce myself.  I’m Vixen and I will be your opponent tonight.  Actually, I am making my debut here in Sin City Wrestling and I have to compete against two women who have begun to make a name for themselves here in SCW.  Now just because I am the new girl here, it doesn’t mean that I am new to the business.”

Vixen begins to pace and continues.  “I know what you might be thinking, Vixen stepping into this federation and thinking that she is going to rise right to the top.  Listen I don’t expect to instantly get my shot at the Bombshells title.  I’ll start small with this match on Climax Control and go from there.”

“So Brandi and Haley, tonight you will step in the ring against me and I am going to give you a good look at the newest Bombshell here in SCW.  I will be the one with my hand held up by the referee at the end of the match.”

The hand once again moves into view and presses stop.  The camera pulls back to reveal Vixen who winks at it then smiles as the scene fades out.