Victoria could do nothing but stand there and watch as Alexandra Calloway set her throne of Blaze the fires consumed everything reducing her power symbol and legacy to nothing but embers. She was forced to stand there and witness her throne turned to ash and cinder.

But she didn't scream she remained calm committing every flicker of flame to memory and once the video stopped playing she focused her attention on something more important.

How?

Somehow Alexandra had gotten in gain access to doors that should have been closed to her it couldn't have happened on its own she had to have help and there was only one person in The Lyons Den who would offer such a helping hand to Alexandra Calloway.

Alexander Lyons.

They were friends and tag team partners over in PWS, it had to be him, he had to be the one who gave her access and let her in. She really should have seen it before how could she have been so foolish? Even if he had nothing to do with it, she really didn't care. Someone needed to pay, and since Calaway won't be available until Blaze of Glory, it may as well be one of her friends. [/i]

“Alex..” Victoria said casting a glare over to Vincent.

Vincent only nodded, he understood what Victoria was telling him.

It didn't take them long to find Alex, alone, brooding in one of the corners of The Lyons Den minding his own business.

“Hello cousin.” said Victoria “Got something you need to tell me?”

Alexander tilted his head and only smirked at her, why Victoria whatever can you mean he said.

“Listen to me bastard.” she said “You know exactly what I mean. My throne, it was you who helped your precious little dark sister steal it, wasn't it?”

“Maybe I did maybe I didn't.” Alexander said with a smirk still on his face.

“Don't play games with me bastard.” said Victoria “She couldn't have gotten done it alone, and she couldn't have gotten into the Lyons Den without an invite from somebody FROM The Lyons Den, and that somebody is you isn't it?”

“Hey I'm not the one who dropped my keys.” said Alexander flippantly.

“So you don't deny it?” said Victoria glaring at him.

“I only helped her get it out of here.” said Alexander “She did all the rest but you know what I'm glad she did and I'd help her do it again.”

“You had no right.” said Victoria.

“Oh get over it.” said Alexander “It was just a damn chair. You should worry about that precious championship of yours, because Alexandra is dangerous right now, more than she has been in some time, and more than ever she wants to be the one to make you fall, and I’ll be the first to congratulate her when she does.”

“Is that so?” said Victoria shifting a gaze to Vincent and nodding. “I understand you two are the number one contenders for the tag titles in that little company working together.”

“And what business is that of yours?” said Alex.

“Oh it's really not.” said Victoria “Just like my business with Alexandra had nothing to do with you, but you involved yourself even if you were just an outside force and now the time has come.”

“Time has come?” said Alex, “Time has come for wh..”

Before Alexander could finish, he was nailed from behind by Vincent with a clobbering blow to the back of the head. Alexander fell to the ground as both the twins began to stomp him.

After laying the boots to him, Victoria held Alexander down as Vincent quickly grabbed a nearby chair and wrapped it around Alexander's wrist and stomped on it not once, not twice, but three times.

The only thing louder than the cracking of the bone was Alexander's screams as they echoed throughout The Lyons Den

“Good luck taking those tag titles home now…bastard..” said Victoria.

She kicked him in the head one last time for a good measure before her and Vincent made their escape, not that anybody could really do anything about it anyway, given their last name.

__________

The room is trapped in swirls of an impenetrable fog, swirling endless circles with shadows that stretch and twist along empty gray walls. The eerie silence cuts deep in the stillness of this place as the cameras catch up to Victoria Lyons sitting cross-legged the floor with Vincent behind her.

She has a different intensity in her eyes one that borders on madness, the kind that only is born out of desperation. She runs her fingers across the crown on her head knowing that at least that was still hers, but deep down she knew Alexandra had destroyed her true symbol of power.

She exhales heavily, holding on tight to the championship around her shoulder. It feels heavier, the weight almost unbearable but she refuses to release it. It's hers, it's her identity, her legacy and she will not let it go.

Softly we hear her begin to sing in a beautiful but dark tone.

“Cinders glow and embers bite.
A thief will burn before the night.
Smoke will rise and flesh will char.
She came for blood, she took her turn.
Now it's mine to make her burn.”

The rhyme rings through the fog softly as if the air itself is carrying it. Victoria breathes in deeply as she rises to her feet, a sick strange darkness lingering in her eyes that stay glued on the camera as she readjusted her crown and begins speaking.


“Did you really think you could just get away with it?” Victoria said with a venomous hiss “Did you really think you could just come into MY domain, take MY property and destroy it and suffer NO CONSEQUENCES?”

“I'd call her a fool.” said Vincent “But even a fool would be smarter than that.”

“You think you’re so smart don’t you?” said Victoria “Do you have any idea what you've unleashed? Do you realize what a big mistake you just made? You just sealed your own downfall and the downfall for all those you care about.”

“Which means perhaps LJ should watch his back…...” said Vincent.

“I'm going to destroy everything she loves brother.” said Victoria ”I thought we were even when we played the concussion game, but I should have known, with how selfish Alexandra is. It's never enough for her is it she can just never accept the truth."

“That she will never beat the queen.” said Vincent.

“Now she stands even less of a chance.” said Victoria “Because she unlocked something in me, she unlocked the anger. The bitch took my throne Vincent!!!! It was mine!!!! And she burned it!!! And she had no right!!!! She had no right.!!!"

“Focus sister….. this is what she wants.” said Vincent.

“I am focused brother.” said Victoria “But now she's made it personal, and I am going to make sure that this “Queenslayer” who need I remind you, has never slayed any queens is reminded of her place beneath me. I don't need to prove a damn thing to you or anyone else but I'm going to, and when it's all said and done you'll be nothing but a name forgotten in the dust another failed challenger.”

Victoria pauses with a heavy exhale.

“You wanted this Alexandra.” Victoria said “You wanted to make this into a war, so now all is fair game, and anything that happens to you, anything that may happen to LJ, or Bella, or anyone else you care about is going to be on you.”

“Just ask our cousin Alexander to give you a hand.” Vincent said with a smirk.

“Oh she's going to be furious when she finds out about that” laughed Victoria “But she should consider it a lesson learned about what happens when you cross me.”

That hideous smirk grows across her face.

“You stole from me.” said Victoria “But one thing you can't steal is my championship, you're going to have to actually earn that. But you won't, I'm going to keep this championship and wear it for even longer than anyone ever imagined. I'm going to be champion as long as I WANT to be champion and all you're ever going to do is chase me and be caught in my dust."

“Always reaching but never grabbing.” said Vincent.

“Or never holding on long enough for the very least.” said Victoria, “You want to talk in your little blog about me not passing the reigns of others?…BITCH, my reign is longer than both of your reigns combined. My reign has outlasted every other Bombshell Roulette Champion except one And once I beat you I'm going to that record in the dust too. It is my destiny to become the sole member of the Bombshell 300 Club. You're NOT better than me!!, You think you can just take from me?! You want to burn MY throne? Well, I'm going to fucking burn you bitch.

“Victoria….” Vincent said nervously

Victoria wasn't listening, she seemed blinded by rage her eyes filled with a fire of their own.

“She needs to learn Vincent!! She needs to learn that you don't just steal from people!!" Victoria said, “Did I STEAL my championship? Did I STEAL my crown? No. I won this championship, I won my crown by fighting. I didn't just take, I don't just take things, I earn them. And some may not like my methods, but at least I'm not a  thief. Anybody who still thinks I haven't earned my right as champion or earned my right to be in the position that I'm in, is either delirious,  jealous, or just lying to themselves at this point.”

“Vicks.”. said Vincent

“I'm tired of it Vincent.” said Victoria “The disrespect. I have earned every accolade that I have to my name. I have earned them ALL Vincent!! Yet still some think I'm nothing, that I don't deserve to be here. Throne or no throne, I am still the queen and I am still the Bombshell Roulette Champion. A reign like mine doesn't happen by accident Alexandra, just because my sole reign is not only longer, than both of yours but more memorable, doesn't mean you need to be jealous. Is that it? Because I'm tasting all this success that you desire? What are you going to do when Vincent and I become the mixed tag team champions? Do you really think we're concerned about you and LJ? We already proved who the better team was.  Or will it be Miles? Whichever of those two idiot brothers it is, won’t matter, because I will always be better than you.”

“Vicks…” Vincent said again but his words continue to fall on deaf ears.

“You screwed up Alexandra.” Victoria continued  “You shouldn't have stole from me, because now it's going to be my personal mission to make your life a living hell. This should have just been about the championship but you crossed the line, and now you're going to pay the price. I will show you and everyone else who truly rules this division.”

“Long live the queen.” said Vincent with a sigh.

Victoria keeps her hideously twisted glare on the camera has everything fades out to black.

_________


A brisk wind blew through the Lyons estate, Vincent and Victoria were far enough from the main house to avoid any interruptions but close enough to still feel like home.

Victoria kept a tight grip on her Bombshell Roulette Championship, it's not just possessing the title that matters to her it's what the belt represents.Power, dominance, and control. And Alexandra Callaway wants to take all of that away from her.

Nearby leaning against the stone railing Vincent watches her with his arms crossed he had let her vent and stew in her own anger long enough.

“You're playing right into her hands.” Vincent said to Victoria

Victoria casts the sharp glare in his direction, “What did you say to me?!”

“You heard me.” said Vincent “I said you're doing exactly what she wants she wants you angry and she wants you to lose focus and you're giving her exactly that.”

“I'm pissed Vincent! She stole from me! She trespassed and stole MY  throne! I have every right to be pissed off!” Victoria said angrily

“I never said you didn't Victoria.” said Vincent “But I know you better than anyone, you let anger take control and it costs you.“

“Do I look like somebody that's going to lose.” snapped Victoria

“You look like somebody who's making this personal instead of tactical.” Vincent snapped back

“It is personal!” Victoria said rolling her eyes

“Listen Victoria…” said Vincent “If you don't keep your head on straight you're going to lose that championship.”

“You really think Alexandra Calaway is capable of beating me?” asked Victoria annoyed

“I think anyone is capable of waiting if their opponent is too blind with revenge.” Vincent replied.

Victoria held her championship up to Vincent

“This is MY championship.” she said “And she's trying to take it, but I'm going to break her Vincent. I'm going to make her regret ever thinking she could step to me. She was the one who challenged me and when I accepted she backed out. You don't get to just tap on my shoulder and run and you certainly don't get to steal from me.”

“That's fine.” said Vincent “Just don't get sloppy, don't give her a single opening. You want to hurt her, fine. Just make sure you're still holding that championship when it's over. We need to leave Blaze of Glory as champions together."

“I'm going to hurt her.” Victoria said “There's not going to be enough left of her to scrape off the mat when I'm finished.”

“That's what I like to hear.” said Vincent, “Just remember focus, she’s trying to get into your head because that's the only way she can win. Don't let her.”

“You know there's always LJ Kasey…”. said Victoria “I wonder how much fight should have left in her when she finds him lying in a heap in the parking lot before the show. It would just be poetic she takes for me I take from her.”

“Could be a nice little lesson.” smirked Vincent

“She'll learn Vincent.” Victoria said “One way or another she will learn.”

Somewhere deep down she knew Vincent was right and he was the one person that could talk to her so aggressively and still get away with it. His words sat in the back of her mind but Alexandra’s still sat toward the front because one thing was still for sure.

Alexandra Calaway was going to pay one way or another.

__________

Victoria said across from coach Kaiser in the lions den both of them staring at each other like a couple of old gunslingers Victoria knew why she was called in here and she wasn't bothered by it.

“You broke Alexander's wrist you know Victoria." Coach Kaiser said breaking the silence.

“Oh how tragic.” Victoria said with a smirk and feigned concern.

“He still wants to fight, but now he's going to have a cast for a while, you handicapped him.” said Coach Kaiser.

“And?” Victoria said casually resting her feet on Coach Kaiser's desk.

“He's your family Victoria!” said coach Kaiser

“Oh he will be fine.” Victoria shrugged “You said he's still competing, the way I see it I did him a favor. Now he can prove how tough he really is.”

Coach Kaiser exhaled heavily.

“You don't get it do you?” he said.

“I get it just fine.” Victoria said “But I don't get is why you're pretending it's some grand injustice, since when do you have a problem with people making statements?”

“That wasn't a statement Victoria, that was a retaliation.” Coach Kaiser said. “And you're playing right into her hands.”

Victoria's expression darkened.

“Calaway….” she hissed.

“Yes her.” Coach Kaiser nodded “This is what she wants Victoria, you to be distracted and  reckless. You're letting her get in your head and you're making it personal."

“I'm making it personal?!?!” Victoria snapped “She's the one who started this. I'm just going to be the one that finishes it.”

“And that means you needed to break your own cousin's wrist?” said Coach Kaiser

“Stop being so dramatic.” Victoria said with an eye roll “If he’s still showing up then that gives him an edge and makes him look tougher. It'll be better for him in the long run. See!  I am a magnanimous queen after all.“

“You're walking a fine line Victoria.” said Coach Kaiser “You want to be the longest reigning Bombshell Roulette Champion? Then start thinking like a champion and stop thinking like a woman obsessed with revenge.”

“This really is the principal's office isn't it?” Victoria smirked “Calling me in here, scolding me, trying to teach me something like I'm some unruly kid who got caught fighting in the halls, it's actually kind of sad Coach.”

Coach Kaiser didn't say anything in response.

“Is this what you do now?” Victoria said “Sit behind your desk and try to keep the new generation in line you used to be the star student of this place. You were my dad's prized student, and Vincent and I both looked up to you like a brother growing up. Now you just live through your own students, through us.”

Is a slight flicker in coach Kaiser's eyes but he said nothing.

“Oh don't give me that look.” Victoria said “You need us to be great don't you? You need Eddie, Cleo, even me to be successful because if we're not what does that say about you your legacy and your leadership?"

Coach Kaiser continued to look at her his expression unreadable but she could feel the tension in the air.

“I don't need your lectures coach.” Victoria said “I don't need your approval, and I don't need you to tell me how to be a champion.

“Then go prove it.” Coach Kaiser said with a steady voice.

“Oh I will.” said Victoria confidently.

Then she stood up and on the turn of the heel she was gone from the room.

__________

The cameras open on a suffocating endless void. The silence lingers for an uncomfortable amount of time, just long enough to feel unnatural before a wispy glow emerges from the mist and the fog curls and twists into unnatural patterns as though it's watching someone.

And then she appears.

Victoria Lyons.

She moves with a slow and methodical pace the Precision of a predator she has the Bombshell Roulette Championship resting proudly on her shoulder and as always her crown resting proudly upon her head.

“I keep telling me I'm taking this too personal.” Victoria said that “I need to let it go move on focus more on the match in my legacy and do you know what that tells me?”

She glares into the camera.

“It tells me that none of you understand.” she said “Not one of you pathetic weak-minded insects. You think this is just about a match? That is just about a title defense? That is just about me adding another name to my endless list of failed challengers?"

She exhales heavily with purpose.

“That throne was mine!” she said with a venomous tone “I bled and suffered for it. I walked through the fire and yet somehow I'm being told that I'm too emotional when it was my property that was destroyed. MINE!!!

She pauses and takes a sharp inhale as though trying to keep something monstrous inside.

“Like I should just sit back, smile  and allow a pretender like Alexandra Calaway to put her filthy hands on my throne”. She huffed

Has she catches her breath she crunches her hand into a fist.

“Who the hell do you think you are?!” she explodes with a vicious untamed rage “You were never meant to stand where I stand, you were never meant to be near my throne but you wanted to play Queen didn't you? You wanted to step into my world and make a statement of your own at my expense.”

Her expression twists into a smile as she laughs to herself.

“You were wrong.” Victoria said “And at Blaze of Glory I will make sure you never make that mistake again. I'm not just going to beat you Calaway. I'm not just going to defend my championship. I'm going to break you and I'm going to leave you lying in the ruins of your own failure so you finally understand the cost of your arrogance.

She tilts her head playfully.

“I want you to remember my voice Alexandra.” Victoria said “I want you to remember my name because I will be standing over you still the Bombshell Roulette Champion. You will suffer, you will burn, and you will be broken. You will regret making the biggest mistake of your life. Long live the queen.”

Then the screen cut to black and through the silence there was a slight crackling the flames the sound of something burning.

__________

Victoria Lyons stands at the precipice of another war but this one is more personal than her previous battles. Alexandra Calaway has forced her into a battle that is not just about the championship, but about dominance legacy and refusing to be cast aside.

Victoria has had an iron grip for months as the Bombshell Roulette Champion, proving time and time again why she belongs at the top. But Alexandra has positioned herself as a legitimate threat not just to Victoria's championship, but to her very reputation.

Alexandra Calaway is no mere challenger. She’s someone forging her own right, unrelenting and dangerous, willing to go to any lengths to claim victory. The queen won't admit it herself but she is completely blinded by rage and wants nothing more than to make sure Alexandra Calaway suffers.

It's not just about winning for Victoria anymore, it's about making sure that Alexandra knows she made a fatal miscalculation. It's about sending a message that nobody, not Alexandra, not anyone will forget the name of VictoriaLyons.

A storm is brewing, and both Bombshells are certainly going to rip each other limb from limb but Victoria is prepared to prove that she is the undisputed queen of destruction. When the dust settles it will not be Victoria who falls it will be Alexandra Calaway who burns.

Victoria knew something was wrong the moment she stepped into the lion's den. She had suspected as much when she noticed the key to her private room was missing.

Her hope was she had just misplaced the key or perhaps Vincent had grabbed it, but in the pit of her mind she knew that wasn't the case as she pushed the door open to the room she had had built to be her own sanctuary, a reminder of her dominance where every detail mattered.

She could almost feel her jaw hit the floor as she entered.

Her throne was gone, her crown was the only thing left behind, likely a message from the thief.

She paused, taking a slow and steady breath. Trying to consider who may have stolen it. It had to be an inside job, it had to be somebody who trained at The Lyons Den. Only the people here knew where she kept it.

She ran through some of the names in her mind and only one truly stuck out only one person around the Lyon's Den had a history of crime and more than a few felonies to their name.[/i]

“Cleo Phillips…” Victoria muttered

Cleo Phillips wasn't a name that was part of the SCW universe,  she was a PWS Superstar who also trained at the Lyons Den and had even worked with some of the talent that did work in SCW. A former felon who had used wrestling to turn her life around for the better and had left that life behind her in favor of becoming a youth speaker to help troubled you with not make the same bad decision she had.

Of course Victoria being Victoria looked past all that and looked at Cleo with a once a felon always a felon mentality.

As she stomped around the corner she found Cleo near the weights getting ready to do a workout.

“All right, where is it?” Victoria said with a demanding and angry tone

“Try again.” said Cleo showing no signs of intimidation.

“I want my throne back Cleo." said Victoria, “I have a match against Alexandra and LJ and I need to be able to address them. It's Vincent's big debut and I need my throne.”

“Well I don't know where it is.” said Cleo “I certainly didn't take your little fancy chair.”

“You're the only one around here with a criminal record.” said Victoria “And you love to make trouble. It seems right up your alley.”

Cleo nodded and let out a short laugh.

“Let's get one thing straight Victoria” Cleo said. "If I was going to come at you like that I would do it to your face. I'm not going to stab you in the back I'm going to stab you in the front.”

Victoria frowned and folded her arms.

“You really think I'd waste my time dealing with whatever little setup you had in that room over there?” said Cleo, "Maybe you should start thinking about everybody else you've been pissing off lately.”

Victoria frowned it was possible Cleo is lying but somehow she knew she wasn't Cleo may have had a criminal history but she was always in your face about it and she never hit it if Cleo had done something she'd likely already be bragging about it.

But who else could have been? Victoria was going to have to go down the list and figure out this mystery.

“Fine whatever.” said Victoria “But if I find out it was you I'll make sure you get put right back in that jail cell you belong in.”

“Yeah I'd like to see you try.” said Cleo, stepping up and getting in Victoria's face.

Victoria stepped back trying not to show that she actually was intimidated by Cleo.

“I'll just go ask somebody else…" said Victoria

“Yeah. I would advise you do.” said Cleo

Frustration still simmering, Victoria walked away and found a private corner of the room to sit and observe.

Any one of them could have done it. It could have been one of the new talents coming in, it could have been Coach Kaiser, she did have a little bit of an argument with Alexander or for all she knew perhaps Eddie had something to do with it.

She had to try to not let it get to her. She was already still dealing with her loss to Andrea Hernandez. All Because of Alexandra Calaway and her Code of Hammurabi moment.

Victoria honestly wasn't even that mad about it. After all, she smashed Alexandra with a chair first, gave her a concussion and ruined her chances at the chamber.  If anybody loved the eye for an eye mentality it was the Mad Queen herself.

Of course now that they had fired their shots at each other it was now time for war and climax control was the perfect chance to set the tone for Blaze of Glory.

Victoria alongside  the debuting Vincent would be taking on Alexandra and her boyfriend LJ Kasey.

Alexandra was dangerous and Victoria wasn't going to pretend that she wasn't. She knew what type of threat Alexandra was.

But LJ Kasey? LJ was  Miles Kasey's  little brother, trying to step out of his brothers shadow and be his own man. He always fought with something to prove and had been making a name for himself in his own right.

But she had a little brother of her own and he would be fighting alongside her. Vincent was her twin. By little she meant it due to the fact that she was born a minute and a half earlier but was also bored at a different year due to the time change at midnight when their mother gave birth to them.

Eddie had his dad so that Vincent was ready and didn't like Victoria using him like this but she knew better she knew Vincent wasn't broken and she knew he wasn't lost Vincent was searching for meaning and his time away on that island whatever happened had forged him into something else entirely.

He was a weapon now his time away forging him into something primal, something relentless and he was coming to SCW, not only to back up his sister, he was here to destroy, and Victoria was the one ready to unleash him. Those lovebirds didn't know what they were in for but they were going to find out and so would the rest of Sin City Wrestling.

__________

The cameras open on the familiar dimly lit throne room of Victoria Lyons. Banners of her insignia hang on the walls framing the scene, but there's an absence, an empty void where her throne would be. That is where Victoria since legs crossed fury in her eyes, her crown resting on her head.

Beside her looms Vincent Lyons Jr casually leaning against the wall. His posture and subtle movements hint at the restrained violence simmering beneath the surface of the man who was once called The Young Lion.

Victoria inhales slowly exhaling through her nose as her lips curl into her signature smirk.

“Take a look around.” she says “Notice something missing? My throne has been stolen.”

She motions around the room to show that there is indeed no throne anywhere.

“A bold move I must say.” she said “And I will deal with whoever did it in due time. I thought perhaps it was you Alexandra, but no it couldn't be. You chose to blast me with the championship, that was your revenge. Besides this is The Lyons Den and you don't even go here.”

She exhales, the mystery is clearly weighing on her mind.

“You call yourself the Queenslayer.” she said with a smirk “You act like it means something, like it's some badge of honor. But how many queens have you actually slain? Because last time I checked, I'm the queen of this company and I have consistently stood above you in our little war.”

She pauses letting her words linger in the air.

“You had your moment and you took your shot.” Victoria continued “You went Code of Hammurabi, eye for an eye and paid me back for what I did to you. I guess now that we both have given each other concussions we can call it even.”

She chuckles as does Vincent.

"I should be furious and I should be calling for your head for costing me my match against Andrea Hernandez." Victoria continued "But I'm not rather I applaud it.  Because now it means we are officially at war, and that means blood will be spilled. So honestly I'm not mad I'm excited.”

She pauses keeping the grin on her face.

“You want to call yourself the Queenslayer?” Victoria continued “Then you should know what happens when you fail.  You don't lose the fight, you lose everything, and I promise Alexandra at Blaze of Glory, you will fail to reclaim MY championship, it will slip through your fingers and you'll never touch it again so long as I'm champion.”

She holds up the Bombshell Roulette Championship to the camera as if reaffirming her point.

“But before that we have a battle at Climax Control." Victoria continued “And it's not just you and me is it?”

Vincent slowly begins to step forward standing closer to her just behind her now.

“We have your beloved LJ Kasey, and we have my brother and my twin Vincent Lyons Jr.” Victoria said with a smirk. "It almost makes me feel bad for poor LJ.”

“Wrong place. Wrong time.” said Vincent.

“We know what this match really is Alexandra.” said Victoria "This is about us. This is about our war, and LJ? He's just an afterthought, a casualty of circumstance. A supporting player in our game that he doesn't even realize he's playing.”

“A mere pawn.” said Vincent.

“See Vincent knows.” said Victoria “Vincent knows this is our war and that he is also just a player in something bigger. But he's willing to bend the knee and stand behind his queen, support his family and support his kin.”

“Long live the Queen.” said Vincent “Family first.”


“See I don't care about LJ.” said Victoria “Vincent doesn't care about LJ. We care about destruction and that's exactly what's coming for the both of you, and unfortunately poor little LJ will be a casualty of war.”

She pauses for a moment readjusting the crown on her head.

“When we step into that ring at Climax Control I want you to take a good look at me.” said Victoria “I want you to really think about what's happening, because it's only going to be a taste of what you have in store coming your way at Blaze of Glory consider it a sneak preview if you like.”

“A red band trailer.” said Vincent with a grin of his own.

“You want to be the Queenslayer? Then come try.” said Victoria her smirk widening, “But I think we all know how that story ends. At Blaze of Glory, I walk in as Bombshell Roulette Champion, and I walk out as Bombshell Roulette Champion, and you will never forget why I am the one that gets to sit on the throne. Because even when it's stolen I'm still the queen."

“Long may she reign.” said Vincent.

With both of them showing some sinister grins, the scene fades to black.

__________

Victoria's patience was wearing thin. She needed to know who stole her throne and if it wasn't Cleo then who? What made matters worse is that nobody was taking it seriously as they should have.

Just a chair. some of them would tell her like it wasn't a symbol of her dominance.

She caught sight of her next suspect while they were having lunch. Eddie exhaled heavily as he felt her approach.

“Yes Victoria?" he said bluntly “Can I help you? I'm trying to have lunch with Sabrina.”

“You took it didn't you?” said Victoria with an accusing stare.

With an annoyed exhale Eddie it's at his sandwich down and looked up at Victoria.

“Took what?” he said "What am I supposed to have taken from you?”

“My throne.” she said “It's gone, someone broke into my private quarters and took it.”

Eddie just rolled his eyes and shook his head almost as if he found this whole thing amusing.

“Is this a joke to you?” said Victoria “A crime has been committed!”

“I don't know anything about your throne.” said Eddie “I've been waiting too busy with Sabrina's pregnancy and getting myself ready for the chamber. Do you really think I would take the time to worry about your throne?  I'm probably the one person around here who might still have your back and you accuse me? What would I even need your throne for?”

“I don't know you're going to be having new expenses with the baby.” said Victoria “Maybe you decided to go pawn it for extra cash.”

“Eddie wouldn't do that!” said Sabrina

“Oh I think he might do anything.” said Victoria “Anything at all for that bastard in your belly.”

Victoria didn't even see Sabrina stand up before she felt the slap connect to her face. She could feel her ears ringing. Before she could react Eddie was already in between them.

“Sabrina it's okay.” he said holding back a smile “Go sit down. I got this.”

“And you.” he said turning to Victoria "What was that about? You know that was out of line.”

“I just want my throne back.” said Victoria

“I understand that.” said Eddie “And if you want to pick fights over your missing chair then to go do it with someone else. Don’t drag us into it because Sabrina and I have nothing to do with it.”

Victoria scoffed. Eddie likely wasn't lying he was hardly around here anymore since they bought that home in Vegas anyway.  There were still others she had to consider.

“Fine whatever.” she said “Just stay out of my way I'm going to figure this out.”

Giving Sabrina a quick dirty look with the slap still burning on her skin she turned on her heel and stormed out of The Lyons Den.

__________

Victoria stood on a windswept location in the outskirts of the city as the camera flickered to life. There was no throne, no golden spotlight, no Vincent, no grandiose setting befitting the queen.  It was just Victoria, her championship and her crown.

She exhaled sharply as she began to speak.

“You ever have those moments when you know something is shifting?” she began “When you can feel the ground cracking beneath you but no one else seems to notice?”

A small humorless smirk appeared on her face.

"That's where I am right now Alexandra." she said "I'm surrounded by liars and snakes and thieves who think they can take what's mine and get away with it.”

Her voice trembled with frustration as she spoke.

“And despite all that.” she said “I have to deal with you. I know how serious you are. I haven't forgotten how hard I had to fight to take this championship from you in the first place.”

She holds out the Bombshell Roulette Championship.

“Now here you are crawling back trying to reclaim what you once held.” Victoria continued, “But there's something you need to understand that you've never been able to grasp.”

She pauses for a moment taking a step forward glaring directly into the camera.

“You will never be me.” she said sternly

She exhaled heavily before continuing.

“You can call yourself a Queenslayer all you want but let's be real you've never had what it takes to be a queen in the first place.” Victoria continued, “That isn't to underestimate how good you are, because you have been to the mountaintop before,  but then what happened? I stepped in and reminded everyone with true dominance looks like.”

She pauses for a moment.

“Now because you can't stand the fact that I'm still on top.” Victoria continued, "You've decided to latch onto this little idea that you can undo what happened, that you can erase that loss and take back what I took from you.”

She laughs to herself as if the thought amuses her.

“And what of your little sidekick?” said Victoria “Yeah I'm talking about you LJ, because that's all you're ever going to be. You’re the sidekick to your brother Miles and you're the sidekick to Alexandra. How does that make you feel to know that you will forever be a footnote in the career of better wrestlers?”

She does her little laugh again amusing herself.

“Do you really think our tag match is going to be some moment for you?" Victoria said “That your name will somehow matter in this match? Because it won't. Let me spell it out for you LJ. You are filler and you're an extra and you're just a little tag along to Alexandra Calaway.”

She pauses for a moment again.

“She needs you you know LJ.” said Victoria “Someone to carry the burden of her losing again. Because deep down she knows it's going to happen at Blaze Of Glory, so she's scrambling desperately trying to find something that makes her feel powerful.”

She pauses and takes a few steps forward.

“But here's the thing LJ.” she continued “No matter how hard she tries. No matter how hard she bashes in my skull or how many concussions she gives me she will always be in my shadow.”

She takes a moment to let her words linger.

“You really think that this match will give you some sort of momentum and confidence you need heading into Blaze of Glory don't you Alexandra?” Victoria continued “But it won't it only make the match that much harder. Vincent and I are going to show you and LJ no mercy and then that Blaze of Glory I will finish the job.”

She takes another couple steps forward closer to the camera.

“So when you're laid flat on your back at Blaze of Glory staring up at me after failing again.” Victoria continued "I want you to remember this moment and remember every single word I said. Remember that you were never strong enough to take my place. Then I want you to fully understand that no matter how much you want it you will never be the Queenslayer you desire to be.”

Victoria simply sat there for a moment staring down the camera with an unreadable expression and then everything cut to black.

__________

Victoria stood near the window of a dimly lit room lit by a flickering candle on an old desk, her fingers resting on the windowsill.

Nearby Vincent sat in A worn out chair resting his elbows on his knees still sweaty from the workout Victoria had just thrown him into. She had managed to get him into shape again and his body was ready but she could tell his mind was still far away.

“I'm proud of you, you know.” she said to him.

Vincent looked up meeting her gaze.

“I mean it.” Victoria said “After everything you went through, all you survived, you're still here and you're still fighting.”

“Doesn't feel like it.” Vincent muttered

“Of course not.” said Victoria kneeling beside him “Because nobody, not Eddie or Cleo or Alexander or any of the rest, none of them understood what it took to come back but I do.”

He looked down at Victoria and she smiled at him. She knew she had him right in the place. She needed him to be that tender place between doubt and need.

“They all doubt you.” said Victoria “Say you're not ready, that you shouldn't be wrestling again just yet, that you shouldn't be in the ring so soon after returning from that island but they're just afraid.”

“Afraid?” Vincent questioned.

“Yes," said Victoria “Afraid because they know you are the true heir. They know that you will surpass them because you are Vincent Lyons Jr. You are the son of the founder of the Lyons Den.”

She rises to her feet still looking into his eyes.

“If that island couldn't break you.” said Victoria “Nothing can not LJ, not Alexandra not anybody. You’ve survived something that they can't even imagine. Now you need to show them the new primal lion that you've become.”

Vincent exhaled sharply through his nose.

“You remember what it was like don't you.” said Victoria “When it was just you and your survival instincts? When there was no mercy and every move you made was life or death?”

Vincent began to stare blankly as Victoria's words lingered onto his ears.

“I'm not asking you to change.” she said “I want you to remember  I want you to remember what it was like. I want you to remember how you survived. Remember how strong and tough you had to be out there.”

Vincent continued with his blank stare, Victoria was unsure if he was even listening.

“Hello…?” Victoria said “Vincent? Earth to Vincent. Are you there? Do you copy?”

Vincent sat there and said nothing, his mind was already somewhere else entirely.  Victoria did her best to continue to get his attention but he was already lost to his memories.

It was rather quiet in the Lyon's Den as Victoria was finishing up another session training session with Vincent and had gone well and Vincent was growing more aggressive by the day just as she wanted him to.  Vincent sat on a nearby bench to take a breather and relax for a few minutes while Victoria sat on the ringsteps scrolling through her phone.

The sound of angry footsteps approaching caught her attention as she looked up to see Eddie Lyons standing there with a disapproving look on his face.

“Can I help you?” she said with a flippant tone in her voice.

“Tyler quit.” said Eddie “He decided the business wasn't for him packed his things and left.”

“Who?” said Victoria with a smirk on her face.

“Don't play games with me.” Eddie said, "You know who I'm talking about. That kid quit because you decided to have Vincent try and maul him like some kind of animal.”

“Oh right him.“ said Victoria “So what's your point.?”

“My point?!?” said Eddie, his tone rising. “Are you serious? That was a kid that came here to learn to grow to be part of The Lyons Den and now he's gone because of you and your actions.”

Victoria scoffed.

“Do you always have to be so dramatic Eddie?” she said with a dismissive tone. “That kid was never going to be ready. If he can't handle a little heat then there's no way he would have survived in this business. Better he figured that out now before he embarrassed himself in the future.”

“That's not the point!” said Eddie. "It's not even about Tyler's potential, it's about you using Vincent as your personal weapon when you know he's not mentally ready to come back to wrestling yet. You're setting him up to fail. Even worse, he could end up hurting someone or himself.”

“Vincent doesn't need to be coddled." said Victoria “He's already broken, he doesn't need you to protect him. He needs me to rebuild him and that means pushing limits and breaking barriers. You don't rebuild yourself by holding back.”

“You call this rebuilding?” said Eddie “A fist clenching at his side in frustration, “Vincent is barely holding it together and you're throwing him into the fire expecting him to magically figure it out. He's not ready, he's been isolated for months. You can't throw him into a ring and expect him to be like the two of us.”

Victoria finally stood up and met Eddie face to face looking at him dead in the eyes.

“That's exactly what's going to happen.” she said “He is a Lyons and he's stronger than you give him credit for.  He doesn't need pity and he doesn't need you to jump in every time things start getting tough.”

“This isn't about pity.” said Eddie “It's about giving him the chance to rebuild the right way. You're pushing him too hard too fast and what so you can make yourself feel powerful?”

“Or maybe it's about you.” said Victoria “You feel threatened by him don't you? You're worried he's going to surpass your career in SCW. Maybe he'll actually beat Finn Whelan. You can't handle that he might end up having a better career than you.”

Eddie laughed at the thought.

“That's not it at all!” said Eddie “Vincent doesn't deserve to be treated like this you keep pushing him like you are, it's not going to end well.”

“You're wrong.” said Victoria “Vincent is going to be exactly what he needs to be. Unlike you he'll be able to finish the job when it matters.”

Eddie exhaled heavily and without  another word he turned and walked away his footsteps echoing into nothingness as he left the gym. They could hear the doors slam shut behind him leaving Victoria and Vincent alone once again.

“Don't listen to him.” Victoria said turning her attention to Vincent  “Eddie doesn't understand he's so busy trying to play the hero to see the bigger picture but I see it, I see you, and I see it in you. I know what you're capable of. Right now you have potential to be stronger and more ruthless than you've ever been little brother and I will guide you there.”

She calmly rested her hand on his shoulder.

“You're not broken Vincent.”[/color] she said “You're being rebuilt stronger faster and better and when it's all said and done no one will be able to stop you.”

Vincent remained silent but there was a flicker of something in his expression, a faint hint of a smile, one as twisted as Victoria's. A glimpse at the person Victoria believed he could become, the person she would mold him into.

“Trust me little brother this is only the beginning you're going to show everybody exactly what Vincent Lyons Jr is made of and no one is going to be ready for it.” She told him.

Victoria knew she was right. This was her brother, not Eddie's and she knew how to handle him best. Her cousin could complain all he wanted, the Lyon's legacy would continue to thrive and she would make sure it did no matter the cost.

__________

The cameras open on Victoria Lyons in a lavishly decorated lounge. One that can only be described as “fit for a queen”. She lounges on the fancy red velvet sofa with her bombshell roulette championship over it behind her. She wears an expression that is both smug and dismissive and twirls a glass of red wine in her hand. She casually places the glass on the table in front of her and stares directly into the camera.

“Well well well, it seems Bobbie Dahl has found her voice. Isn't that precious?” she said with a shit-eating grin. “I sat there listening to you drone on about your struggles, your motivations, your excuses really felt like some low budget self help seminar if I'm being perfectly honest. In a way it was even a little pathetic.”

She takes a time to take a sip of her wine, the smirk never leaving her face.

“Let me be perfectly blunt with you Bobbie.” she said “Nobody cares. Nobody cares about your pity party or your so-called comeback. You want to talk about climbing the ladder and reclaiming your place in SCW? Well let me tell you an uncomfortable truth sweetheart. You never had a place to begin with.”

She repostures herself a little bit on the sofa making herself more comfortable.

“You turned on your little laptop and sounded so proud of yourself as you sat there and admitting your failures like it absolves you of them.“ said Victoria “But the truth is acknowledging you've been lazy and uninspired doesn't suddenly make you a threat. All it does is confirm the truth everyone already knew about you, that you're not cut out for this.”

She casually takes another sip of the wine.

“And you can spare me the I'm trying so hard speech.” Victoria continued “Trying isn't good enough in this business. You can ask my cousin Eddie all about that. Winning is what is good enough and who's been winning consistently since their arrival in this company? Me. Who has been a champion for the majority of their SCW career? Me. Who came into SCW not on some comeback tour to recapture former glory but to start their SCW career and elevated the entire division? That's right, me.”

She flips her hair back with the air of confidence and arrogance.

“You talk about wanting to turn around everything and make up for your mistakes.” said Victoria “But you're not starting off well are you? You've already lost one to Bella Madison who while I'm not a big fan of, is definitely a better woman and a tougher competitor than you. I mean let's not forget that I've defeated you twice, I defeated you once one on one and in a multi-woman match where you didn't even factor into the decision and I walked away with my crown.”

She slightly adjusts the crown she had been wearing on her head as if to reaffirm her point.

“But that's the story of your career is it not? Always there, never relevant, always showing up, but never delivering.” she said “Now you think you're going to waltz into Inception and take my championship away? You're delusional.”

She laughs arrogantly for a moment through another sip of her delicious red wine.

“Motivation. You want to talk about motivation? Do you want to know my motivation?"? said Victoria “My motivation is knowing every time I get in that ring I prove why I'm the best. My motivation is knowing that someone as mediocre and underwhelming as you will always be perpetually struggling and never touch my level. You've had every chance to step up and every time you fall flat on your face. Now you want to cling to this match for some more sort of redemption story? Well guess what this isn't going to be your redemption. This is going to be your humiliation and it's going to be broadcast live around the world.”

With a callous smirk she takes another sip of her wine.

“Do you understand why I'm the champion and you're not?” said Victoria  “It's because you have no killer instinct. Perhaps you once did according to Alicia, I don't know. The only Bobbie I've ever known is exactly what Alicia said you were. A clown that nobody wants to laugh at. I wasn't around at the time but both of you have confirmed that you were the one that put her on the shelf. So what happened Bobbie? And why are you feeling sorry for it? You should have kept that killer instinct that you had when you took Alicia out. I would have, and I wouldn't feel sorry for it either. I would feel proud of it just like I'm proud that I took Luna Pasilno out of SCW.”

She leans back on the couch lightly  crossing her legs with elegance.

“Then there's this little fantasy about pinning me specifically.” said Victoria “It's cute and I get it, but let's be honest the only thing you're going to be pinning is your hopes and dreams to that roulette wheel praying for some ridiculous stipulation that'll give you some molecule of an advantage. That's the only way you would even stand a chance but I'll be crystal clear it doesn't matter what that wheel lands on, tables, ladders, submission, cage, Japanese death match. I'll beat you in any match any time, any place and you'll have nobody but yourself to blame for it.”

She pauses again to enjoy some more of her wine.

“The truth is you're not in my league, you're not even in same league as Alicia Lukas.” said Victoria “Alicia may be past her prime but she's a thousand times more credible than you'll ever be. You think because you beat her in the past that your career means something? You're just a footnote in her legacy just like you'll be a footnote in mine, and don't worry Alicia I haven't forgotten you I'll speak to you properly in due time dearie.”

She gets a slight nod to the camera that almost seems respectful as she sips some more wine.

“So let's get to the heart of the matter Bobbie.” said Victoria “You don't really believe you can win this match do you? That's why you're focused on the process and the journey, because you already know how this ends. You laying in the ring staring up at me as I hold the Bombshell Roulette Championship high above my head as the realization sinks in that you were never good enough to take it from me. That’s your reality Bobbie, it not some fairy tale Cinderella story,  just cold hard failure."

She takes another sip of wine and looks into the goblet realizing it to be empty, casually dropping It to the ground.

“So bring whatever you can to Inception Bobbie."[/color] said Victoria “Bring your speeches, your delusions, bring Artie if it pleases you, bring whatever scraps of confidence you've managed to cobble together. It won't matter because when the bell rings I'll do what I've done twice before and that's beat you. But this time there'll be no doubt in anybody's mind that you don't belong in my ring with me. You're not a threat Bobbie, you're a joke and I'm going to make sure everyone is laughing at you when it's all said and done.”

She lifts her championship off the backrest of the sofa and puts it on her shoulder.

“I'll see you at Inception Bobbie.” said Victoria “Try not to embarrass yourself too much…. on second thought go ahead. It will make my victory that much sweeter.  I have to wonder when you lose and become 0-2 in 2025, what's your excuse going to be this time?”

With that she smirks into the camera, turns on her heel and walks out of frame the camera lingering on the empty goblet left on the floor as it all fades to black.

__________

The door to coach Kaiser's office Creek open as Victoria stepped in and set her gaze on the man behind the clutter desk. Coach Kaiser was flipping through a stack of papers, a faint smell of coffee lingering in the air. The walls of the office were adorned with old wrestling memorabilia of matches past, some featuring her father and uncles, some of Coach  Keevee Kaiser himself, others with Vincent, Eddie and even some of Victoria when she was younger. This was her world, the place where she trained and the place where she and Vincent grew up alongside Eddie.

“Sit down Victoria.” he said in a calm steady voice.

With a sigh she sat into a chair across from him leaning back but never really focusing on him.

“Before you say anything Coach.” she said “I already heard it from Eddie.”

“I figured.” said Coach Kaiser leaning back in his own chair.

“He gave me a full rundown.” she said, “Told me I was acting like an idiot and putting everything at risk over some irrelevant kid.”

“Well I won't sugarcoat it.” said Coach Kaiser "You did act impulsively and you're better than that.  You’ve been around long enough to know that type of stuff just isn't acceptable.”

Victoria simply Shrugged she didn't really care about what happened with that Tyler kid.  She saw him as weak and unworthy of being a part of this school he was never going to amount to anything and that was the truth of the matter.

“I'm not asking for anyone's approval.” Victoria said “I made a choice and the truth is Tyler was never going to make it anyway.”

“I don't disagree with you.” said Coach Kaiser “He wasn't he wasn't going to make it as a Lyons Den Talent but that was for him to find out on his own he didn't need to be assaulted like that.”

Victoria looked at her coach, she wasn't sure if he was mad or disappointed. She had known him her entire life,  he was trained by her father and he had seen her rise from a young wrestler to the force she was now. He was somewhat of a big brother figure to her and Vincent and had always been a prominent influence in her life especially after her father's passing.

“Look I did what I thought was  have time to cuddle anyone. If that Tyler kid  couldn't get the picture then that's his problem.” said Victoria with some snark in her tone.

“Perhaps.” said Coach Kaiser “But it's about the way you handled it, the way you let your emotions run the show. You've never been one to shy away from what you want, but you're walking a dangerous line right now Victoria and you need to start thinking before you act.”

“I'm not that little girl used to see around here when you were training.” said Victoria "I've grown into my own person and I've become a champion in my own right. And you know what? I'm the only one of your students that managed to keep their championship going into the new year.”

“I don't doubt you Victoria.” said Coach Kaiser “You've got the drive and the skill, but the road you are going on now,  it's not going to be easy. The choices you've been making, the things you've done to get to this point, it's all going to catch up to you and you'll have to decide if it was all worth it.”

“It will be.” said Victoria with a fierce expression “I'm not backing down from anyone.”

“Yeah I figured.” said coach Kaiser with a small slightly approving smile, “You've always had a certain fire inside you just make sure you don't let it go out of control. I'm trusting you with this whole Vincent thing too. All I'm asking of you is to think about your actions a little more before you do them.”

“I'll be fine coach." said Victoria “So will Vincent. I know what I'm doing, like I said I'm the only one of your students that is currently a champion and I'm going to remain a champion  and prove that I'm the best of all of us.”

“And I'm always going to be in your corner.” said Coach Kaiser “Best of luck to you against Bobbie and Alicia. Just remember,…..think.”

“Don't worry about it.” said Victoria “I have everything under control and when Inception ends and I still have my championship I'll walk right back into the school and prove why I'm the top student of this place now.”

With that she stood up and turned on her heel and took her own leave from the coach's office ready to prove to him and everyone else that her words were in fact true and she was the top student of The Lyons Den, and deserved to be treated as such.

__________

As the cameras open Victoria is back in her lavish lounge with another goblet of red wine. The crown still on her head and her Bombshell Roulette Championship draped on the back of the sofa just behind her. After a sip of the wine she speaks.

“Before I really get into it Alicia.” said Victoria “I feel like I should show my appreciation to you.  Unlike most around here, you paid proper tribute and proper respect to your queen. I appreciate that. It shows that you're a lot smarter than most of these Bombshells and that you do have some brains in that head of yours.  I understand now why you are a three-time Bombshell world champion. Now with that said I think you are owed the respect of me telling you exactly what's going to happen."

With the sly grin she takes another sip of wine.

“You know you do a real good job making yourself sound like you're doing something noble. Talking about how you want to work your way up and prove something to yourself.” said Victoria “But let's be honest Alicia you didn't come back here to grind. You didn't come back to hustle in the shadows and work your way up from the bottom you know exactly what would happen the second you walked through those doors again and you were fine with it.”

She takes another sip of her wine.

"You talk about how you expected your name to carry you, of course you did." said Victoria "You didn't come back to struggle you came back knowing management was fast track you to the front of the line because of who you are and what you've done dress it up however you want but you can't fool me. You're giving a chance in the Triple  Crown because of who you used to be, not what you've done since coming back.”

She pauses for a moment letting her words linger in the air.

“You said it yourself." said Victoria "I'm the one who elevated this division I made this Bombshell Roulette Division mean something. I have changed the game around here and now it's a game that you are no longer ready for.”

She smirks at the camera through another sip of wine.

“I can't say you were wrong about Bobbie.” said Victoria “She is a complete clown and if what you say is true, that she used to be a serious contender, well that makes it even worse. But knowing that she was the one that put you on the shelf, now I get it. Because If Bobbie Dahl was the one who put me on the shelf I'd be pretty embarrassed about it too. However I certainly wouldn't waste my time being disappointed in other people.”

She pauses again for a moment letting her gaze linger into the camera.

“Now while we share similar opinions on Bobbie.” said Victoria “I can't say we're completely the same. I'm not a person who is concerned with how I get the job done just as long as I get the job done. The ends always justify the means. I will have no problem putting you back on the shelf if I need to do that to keep my championship. And unlike Bobbie I will feel no guilt or remorse about it. ”

She takes another sip of her wine.

"The championship you see here right behind me." said Victoria "It's not a pit stop for me. It's not some consolation prize that's what I fought for, what I elevated and what I made matter. You're going to find out quickly that it's not the championship that's taking you out of your comfort zone, it's gonna be me.”

She pauses again through another sip of wine.

“I respect your history Alicia.” said Victoria “But history doesn't win championships, and the woman you're looking at right now? I'm not history, I'm the present. I'm the one who's been here fighting, bleeding and proving myself every single night. I came into this company, immediately made an impact and immediately changed the game.”

She continues to look into the camera with that familiar smirk on her face.

“I made this my division.” said Victoria “And while your words of praise were I appreciated understand I don't need your validation. I know I've elevated this championship because I defended it against everyone who stepped up. So I'm not going to be some stepping stone on your redemption arc. This championship isn't going to be  some check mark on your list of things I haven't done before and you're not going to use me to make yourself relevant again.”

Another sip of wine enters her lips.

“You do realize Alicia.” said Victoria “I'm not just one of the most dominant Bombshell Roulette Champions in history. I'm one of the most dominant Bombshells period. If you want me to be honest I think the only person I can say is my better in this company right now is our current Bombshell World Champion Kayla Richards. She's one of the few who's gotten the better of me but even Kayla at the end of the day couldn't pin my shoulders to the mat or make me tap out.”

There's a slight pause as if perhaps those couple of losses do get to her somewhat. But she seems to do a good job of hiding it for the most part.

“You want to accomplish the impossible do you Alicia?” said Victoria. "Well, you should start believing in miracles because the only way you're walking out of that match as Bombshell Roulette Champion is if you pull off one.”

She takes one final sip of wine and like she did when she addressed Bobbie she drops the goblet on the ground and the sound of it clinking against the floor echoes through the room.

“So keep rolling the dice Alicia keep spinning the wheel just don't be surprised when you come up short.” said Victoria. "Because at the end of the day the true mathematical improbability of you or Bobbie walking out with this championship is impossible. And you can take that to the tables and bank on it.”

She winks at the camera keeping that smart aleck grin on her face lounging back on the sofa as the scene fades out to black.

__________

Triple threats are chaotic, unpredictable and the strategy shifts when competing in one but if there's one thing Victoria Lyons has proven it's that she can adapt to any situation.

She's walking into this match as she always does with no fear. She's not concerned about the odds, if anything she's excited for them as they provide another opportunity to prove that she is the best in this division.

Bobbie Dahl is a distraction to her at best and she sees Alicia Lukas as a relic of the past that will never be as good as she once was.

She knows both girls are going to come with everything they have and they're going to fight like their careers depend on it because they do.

They can talk all they want. Promise the world, claim they're ready, that it's their time this is their redemption or this is their comeback.  But they're wrong, this isn't their time or their championship or their era. This is Victoria's era this is her time this is her championship and this is her reign. When the dust settles at Inception and the bell rings, she will still stand tall as the Bombshell Roulette Champion and she will still be the one true queen of SCW.  This is still only the beginning for Victoria Lyons.

Victoria sat on the edge of the couch in her family home, her eyes watching Vincent as he sat legs crossed in the middle of the floor. Across the room Eddie Lyons leaned against the wall near the door frame watching as well.

Vincent's return had surprised her and Eddie both. Neither had expected to see him let alone in the middle of an SCW show. Now here he was back in the living room of the home he grew up in, muttering to himself about wolves and Charlie.

“Run ran hide… wolves..too many… run ran hide.” Vincent muttered “Charlie fell down the hill wolves came… the screams the screams.”

“Who is Charlie?” Eddie asked.

“That's the friend he left with on the boat.” said Victoria “Do you think something happened to Charlie?”

“Wolves… wolves got Charlie…” muttered Vincent “Run ran hide.”

“Whatever it is that happened to Charlie, it doesn't sound good.” said Eddie. “Something tells me there is no Charlie anymore.”

“Charlie fell down the hill.” Vincent muttered

“Yes Vincent I know…” said Victoria “But it's going to be okay. You're home now. Mom should be back soon with the Kentucky Fried Chicken that was your favorite, remember?”

“Bad brother bad brother bad brother bad brother” Vincent muttered.

“What makes you say that?" Victoria asked “Why are you a bad brother?”

“Left you..” Vincent muttered "Abandoned you… bad brother bad brother..”

"It's okay Vincent." said Victoria “I'm not mad at you  You're home now you're not a bad brother you're a good brother.”

“No! No! Shame! Shame!" said Vincent “Sister too nice…bad brother bad brother.”

Vincent continued to mutter his repeated nonsense as Eddie and Victoria looked at each other Eddie moved closer to the couch to address her.

“So what's the plan your mom's going to take care of him right?" asked Eddie

“He won't listen to her.” said Victoria “But he listens to me. I think I need to get him a contract with us in SCW.”

“You can't be serious.” said Eddie “Look at him he's in no condition to wrestle. Does he even remember how? What if he hurts somebody or himself?”

“Wrestling is what we've known our entire lives Eddie." said Victoria “It's in his muscle memory, he'll remember. It will all come back to him  Right now what's best for him is to keep him by my side. He's my twin and I know what's best for him.”

“I don't think this is a good idea Victoria.” Eddie insisted

“Look she said if we leave him here with my mom he's just going to leave and try to find his way to me.” said Victoria “I may as well keep him by my side where I can keep an eye on him and besides this works out the best for both of us.”

“How's that?” asked Eddie

“Now I get to have my team with Vincent like we both wanted since we were kids." said Victoria “And you don't have to worry about me anymore you can continue to chase Finn or whatever championship you wish.”

“This is a terrible idea…” said Eddie shaking his head, “I can't support this….”

Victoria walked over and squatted in front of Vincent to get to his eye level.

“It's going to be okay little brother..” said Victoria “You're going to come with me. We're going to fight together like we always wanted. Do you remember?"

Vincent said nothing for a moment but then she saw a familiar smile grow on his face.

“Fight.” said Vincent.

Victoria smiled back with a nearly identical smirk of her own she had her brother back and now he seemed more dangerous than ever. This was going to be quite a year for the Lyons family.

______________

The cameras open on Victoria Lyons as she sits on a throne draped in red and black velvet with her Bombshell Roulette Championship resting on a pedestal beside her and crown still firmly resting on her head. Her lips curl into a smirk as she leans back casually on her throne.

“So Song, we finally get to meet.” Victoria began, “Face to face in a match where I don't even have to defend my sweet Rue now some might think that would take the pressure off of me but I find that it bit insulting. I mean I'm supposed to consider you at least some sort of threat is that right? But the truth is you've been around this company off and on for years and your best moments probably happened way back in 2017.  I mean A match with you doesn't even warrant a championship defense. That should really let you know where you actually stand in this company because even Mercedes Vargas was gifted a championship match.”

Her signature smirk still plastered on her face she crosses one leg over the other as her tone grows colder.

“The truth is Song.” Victoria continued “You are just a relic. A name people vaguely remember when they think about the history of SCW because you failed to leave any sort of impact. I mean the glorified comedy act Bobbie Dahl? Andrea Hernandez who is the definition of overrated mediocrity? These are the names that bested you? I mean I don't have a perfect record anymore either but at least the names that bested me are Kayla Richards and Luna Pasilno. Because if I'm going to lose I'm only going to lose to names that are considered among the very best. And nobody still has actually pinned my shoulders to the mat, let's not forget that.”

She pauses for a moment and her smirk seems to grow even wider.

“Speaking of Luna has anybody heard from her since I defended my championship against her?” Victoria asked rhetorically, “ I know I haven't. It seems like she may be too ashamed to show her face around here anymore.”

Victoria laughs to herself.

“I've been a name in this company for a fraction of the time you have Song maybe you're gone for a while and came back. Whatever.” Victoria said “But have you seen what I've done l in a mere what six or so months? I've become the queen of this company and I will remain queen of this company until they dare to try crown another one and then she will have to deal with me. I have elevated the Bombshell Roulette Championship and as short-lived as it was I was able to help dethrone the Wolves of Gheimhridh for the Mixed Tag Team Championships. That rain did not go as I expected but once again at least Kayla Richards has a respectable enough resume that losing to her does not feel embarrassing.”

She looks to the championship on the pedestal next to her with pride.

“So what you think if you can get one over on me you might get a shot of this championship? Maybe they'll add you to this match I have coming up with with Bobbie Dahl and Alicia Lukas?” Victoria asked, "It's a nice dream but it's not going to happen sweetheart.  Because I am on my way to becoming the longest reigning Bombshell Roulette Champion of all time. After I broke Luna Pasilno, who is there left in this division that can even stop me? It certainly isn't going to be Bobbie Dahl or Alica Lukas but I'll deal with those ladies when the time comes. Please tell me Song what makes you think you're going to be the one?”

Victoria pauses for a moment as though she's waiting for the answer.

“Is it because you're some sort of veteran?” Because just being around doesn't mean you're relevant and it certainly doesn't make you worthy of sharing a ring with me.” said Victoria “This match is non-title for a reason you don't deserve a shot of my championship. Honestly, I don't even think you deserve my time but I'm giving it to you anyway because I am a charitable Queen.”

Victoria takes another moment to pause and let her words linger.

“You don't belong anymore Song. This is a new era of SCW.” Victoria said “This is my era. While you're busy fumbling your way through history, I'm carving out a future where I stand on the top. I will make you just a reminder of why I'm better than everyone who came before me.”

Victoria takes the championship off the pedestal and rests it on her shoulder.

“You have an opportunity before you Song.” said Victoria “But it's not the one you think it is, this is not your chance to rise. It's your chance to fall at the hands of the most dominant Bombshell Roulette Champion in SCW history, and when you're lying on your back looking up at the lights,  hearing my name called as the victor, You'll know why I wanted the most dangerous Bombshells in this company and  and that your “song” has reached its crescendo a long time ago and it's now time for it to come to an end."

Victoria smirks arrogantly into the camera with her championship draped proudly over her shoulder as the camera slowly fades to black.

________

Soft instrumental music played in the background of the home of the Lyons family. Victoria watched her brother Vincent as he sat cross-legged on the floor back hunched over, a vacant stare at his eyes, as his lips moved in constant murmurs lost in his own world muttering fragmented phrases that Victoria did her best to catch.

As she shot perched on the edge of the couch her mind turned with what she should do next at least Eddie wasn't here to try to push his way into things. His pregnant girlfriend Sabrina had needed him and that left her alone to manage Vincent by herself which is really exactly what she wanted. They had shared a womb together and she knew she understood Vincent better than anyone else ever could.

“Run ran hide…..the cowardly lion.…..” Vincent mumbled in a barely audible tone “Too many wolves…Charlie fell down the hill…”

Victoria felt her stomach churn slightly at the mention of Charlie but she kept her composure. She had met Charlie before he was one of Vincent's friends, the one that Vincent left on his ill-fated boat trip with, but unlike Vincent, Charlie never came back.

She leaned in slightly closer to Vincent as she spoke in a soft tone, “Vincent what happened to Charlie?”

His eyes started toward her as he spoke “Charlie fell down the hill… bone snapping…. wolves came.. scary…run ran hide….the screams…”

Victoria kept her expression neutral and nodded, she didn't need a detailed explanation to piece everything together. What happened to Charlie out there wasn't good and it seemed Vincent still carried that nightmare with him.

“It's okay Vincent you're home now.” she said trying to comfort him

“Abandoned you….” he said shaking his head “Left you alone… Bad brother. Bad brother”

“You didn't abandon me Vincent..” Victoria told him “You came back and that's what matters you're here now and you're home.”

“Home…” Vincent muttered as if her words were resonating somewhere"Fight?”

“Yes fight.” Victoria said  “Just like we always wanted since we were kids remember? We were going to take on the world together side by side and now we have chance. We can do this together but I need you to trust me. Can you do that little brother?”

Victoria smiled and extended her hand toward him. Vincent hesitated but reached up his hand into hers as she pulled him up and they met eye level with each other.

“Trust...” he nodded at her “Sister knows best sister is smart. Good sister. Good sister.”

“Yes.” Victoria smiled she knew she had him “Don't worry, you're safe with me I'll take care of everything.”

“Together.” Vincent murmured

Victoria smiled back at him “Together.” she said

This was it she had her brother back and not just a shadow of his former self but has someone she could rebuild reshape and to whatever image she needed him to be with him at her side they just might be unstoppable has she led him to the door her mind raced with the possibilities as this was only the beginning together they were ready to tear through anyone who stood in their way.

__________

The camera opens on Victoria sitting in a dim desolate room she rests in the dim light on a stool her brother Vincent lurking around in the shadows behind her. As always the Bombshell Roulette Championship proudly rests on her shoulder and her crown proudly rests on her head.

“You know I've been thinking a lot about you lately Song” said Victoria “Not because you're particularly memorable or interesting but you become something of a case study in my eyes. A walking identity crisis that is found their way into my ring.”

She smirks into the camera.

“Oh yeah I know you've been wondering do you want to be good? Do you want to be bad?" Victoria said “I'm the queen of SCW I've got little birds that whisper to me about everything, and they tell me you're questioning who you want to be.”

Victoria pauses for a a moment Vincent still lingers around in the shadows behind her pacing around mumbling to himself.

“You want to fight with honor and respect and do things the right way and all that.” said Victoria “The funny thing about that is my cousin Eddie has built his career on many of the same values and he does it so much better than you. He lives and breathe honor and respect because that's who he is. You just slap the word yourself on like it's a cheap sticker and hope it'll stick but it doesn't. Because unlike my cousin Eddie who's honor comes from knowing exactly who he is you don't even know where to start looking.”

With her signature smirk she leans forward slightly.

“That's the biggest difference between us too.” said Victoria "I know who I am I've known for a long time. Once upon a time in a company called WWH, I used to believe in things like honor and fairness  Vincent and I were even part of a revolution that looks to stop some that company's oppressors. It worked for a while but it only got me so far. It was never going to lead me to a championship so you know what I did I killed that version of myself and buried her deep in the dirt.”

“Sister grew stronger…” Vincent muttered more audibly.

“Yes" said Victoria “I grew stronger and that led me to become the dominant champion you see today. The old me, she was weak and pathetic, she cared what people thought. So from someone who has fought your battles before Song I think you should pull the trigger. Who cares what anybody thinks? Song should worry about Song and Song only. Do you even need Master Lilly anymore how about you take control like I did? I'm just saying I made the change and my success speaks for itself.”

She motions subtly to her championship.

“Lions hunt. lions rule the domain.” Vincent muttered again audibly from the shadows.

“Exactly Vincent.” said Victoria “You get it you know what it means to be a predator, to be a lion. This is about knowing exactly who you are and using it to tear through anybody who gets in your way. I don't hide behind any outdated codes of honor. I don't waste time pretending I'm something I'm not. I'm Victoria Lyons I'm ruthless, I'm resentless I'm unstoppable and I am the most dominant bombshell roulette champion this company has ever seen.”

She pauses again keeping the smirk on her face.

“So what are you going to do Song?” Victoria asked “When you step into my jungle and you come face to face with a predator one that rests at the top of the food chain? Will your honor save you? It certainly keeps my cousin Eddie from truly reaching his true potential and like I said he's better than you at it so what do you really have left Song?”

“Nothing.” muttered Vincent. “No escape.”

“Correct.” said Victoria “And when the smoke settles and this is all said and done maybe you'll realize who you truly want to be and you'll thank me you'll thank me for helping show you your true self. Thank me for helping make you stronger because you'll see that my way is in fact the correct way to success. You think I'm blowing smoke up your ass why not take a look at the Wolves of Gheimhridh? Finn and Kayla have proven their dominance as champions. Do you think they care what anybody else thinks of them?”

“No wolves…. no wolves.” Vincent said “Wolves bad… wolves bad”

“It's okay brother.” said Victoria. “You're safe with me.”

After reassuring her brother she directs her attention back to the camera.

“Sorry he's got a thing about wolves.” said Victoria “But that's not for you to worry about Song, you need to worry about the Lioness, the queen that's coming for your throat.”

She smirks into the camera again.

“Every song must come to an end.” said Victoria “And you can go back to a song time and time again and enjoy it, but it's always fairly short-lived and it always has an end and Climax Control will be the end of this song.”

She continues to keep her gaze into the camera with Vincent looming behind as everything slowly fades out to black.

__________

The Lyons Den Wrestling Academy was as active as ever, especially considering the new talent initiative and some new talents that were coming out of this school looking to find their way in the beast of the wrestling business.

As Victoria walked through one of the hallways paperwork in hand she heard the voice of Eddie Lyons speak out to her.

“So you really went through with it didn't you?” said Eddie his gaze looking at the paper in her hand.

She didn't look straight at him but tapped the papers with a smirk on her lips

”What gave it away?” she said “The fact I signed my brother to an SCW contract.?”

Eddie sighed

“You know this is wrong.” he said “You're throwing him into the deep end you know he's not in the right mental state, and now you're going to put them in there with people who don't care about his past or well-being you're just using him.”

A dismissive laugh left her lips.

“Using him?” she said “I'm helping him Eddie but that's not anything you would understand because you're too busy playing hero worried about everyone else, but Vincent he needs me and he needs this contract. It's already been signed sealed and delivered. I'm giving him a chance to rebuild his life, the life we both always wanted since we were kids. He needs to fight Eddie it's what he knows, it's what he wants.”

“What he needs?!” Eddie shot back shaking his head “You're being blind Victoria, this isn't about what he wants or what he needs. It's just about you you're doing it because it suits your narrative and your agenda. You're just dragging him along into something to satisfy your own craving for control.”

“I'm helping him Eddie.” Victoria said her eyes narrowing, “Giving him a purpose, helping him find his way, he may be your cousin but he's my twin. I know him better than anyone I've seen him lose himself and I'm not going to let him slip away again into the shadows."

“And what if he crashes?” said Eddie “What if he gets in too deep and can't find his way back? What are you going to do then? Will you be there to pick up the pieces or will you just move on to your next project like you always do?”

A slight sense of anger burned under her eyes.

“I'm not like you Eddie.” Victoria said, “I don't waste time trying to be everyone's favor I do I need to be done if I need to drive Vincent needs to feel alive again and so be it you may think I'm being cruel but I'm just being real.”

“You're wrong.” said Eddie “This isn't what he needs, not like this. You think signing that contract is the best thing for him but you're just setting him up for failure and when he is in too deep and crashes you will have to live with the fact that you pushed him to that edge.”

“I'm doing what's best for him.” Victoria repeated sternly

“You keep saying that.” said Eddie “But deep down you know I'm right. You're doing this for yourself Vicks, and when it all goes wrong and you can't fix it you will have to live with that."

“I'm not afraid of what might happen.” said Victoria “I'm afraid of what happens if I don't do this. If I leave him behind and he gets lost in his own darkness, then that is what I wouldn't be able to live with. Vincent is my brother and I won't leave him abandoned again.”

“I just hope you know what you're doing..” Eddie's said his expression softening “You're not the only one who's had to pick up the pieces you know don't expect me to sit back and watch this play out without saying something. Don't think that I won't be the first to say I told you so.”

As Eddie walked off down the hallway Victoria watched him wondering if his words were more than just a warning but just as quickly they were was pushed aside she wasn't about to second guess herself this was going to work.  She gripped the papers in her hand carefully her face full of determination. She would prove Eddie wrong and she would have prove that this was in fact the right decision.

In her short time in Sin City Wrestling Victoria Lyons had become one of the most successful and controversial Bombshells on the entire roster. Quickly Rising through the ranks to become not only the Bombshell Roulette Champion but now a Mixed Tag Team champion as well.

Her skill could not be denied. She had proven herself at this point and if anybody thought otherwise, they were either just jealous or mad about her actions or decisions she has made in the past. Arrogant as she may be some may argue that she has every right to be considering her success.

Now she finds herself with a chance at redemption a chance to best a woman who bested her and ended her undefeated streak in Luna Pasilno. This time for the Bombshell Roulette Championship for her sweet precious Rue.

This time would be different.[/i]

_________

"I'm just saying you didn't have to be so disrespectful to them”. said Eddie “I know they're my opponents but I still would like for us to come from a place of respect.”

“And that Edward is why you need me.” said Victoria, “You're just too nice about it sometimes you need to let them know how you really feel and if you can't do it I'll do it for you. I'm not afraid to tell them why they're fucking losers from the past who don't deserve shit right now.”

“But we can be more professional about it.” said Eddie.

“Or we cannot give a damn what anyone else thinks and go out there and make sure The Lyons Den is the most dominant force in the entire company.” Victoria retorted. “That's your problem Eddie you're way too passive sometimes.”

“And you're way too overconfident.” said Eddie, "Look you're good Victoria you became the Bombshell Roulette Champion  and you earned all your success in SCW. But you can't get overconfident remember Luna has already beaten you once there's no reason that she can't do it again.”

“ Bella Madison…” Victoria started

“...Bella nothing.” interrupted Eddie, “Luna beat you plain and simple.  If you get too overconfident about it and try to shift blame on anything else you're going to lose your championship you're going to lose Rue.”

“I can beat Luna. I know I can“ said Victoria

"I know you can too just don't get too ahead of yourself about it said.” Eddie, “Don't make excuses for what happened in the past just focus on what's ahead and keeping that Championship as part of the The Lyons Den because if we are going to both be double champions I can't have you losing your championship before I win my world championship.”

“Well now who's being overconfident?” Victoria said with a grin, “You haven't even won your Superstar Rumble let alone the World Championship.”

“You know you do bring up a good point.” said Eddie, “Maybe I have been a bit overconfident and I'll get myself in check before my match but right now this is about you keeping the Roulette Championship.“

“I'll be keeping my Championship don't you worry about that Luna is not going to be ready for me this time.” said Victoria “She'll let her victory over me cloud her judgment and misguide her into thinking she's just going to walk in and beat me again and that's where I strike and and any delusions she may have of actually beating me for the championship.”

“Fair enough.” said Eddie, “But you know what don't tell me tell her cause she sure had a lot to say about you.”

"Well than let's get it done. Let’s send a message to our friend Luna and maybe remind The Conspiracy who the hell we are in the process.” said Victoria

“Sounds good to me Vicks.” said Eddie.

“Please don't call me that.” Victoria huffed.

__________

The cameras open on a well-lit room as Eddie Lyons walks in wearing a white shirt and jeans and he looks to the camera.

“Many times we get so consumed by the darkness.”  [/color]said Eddie, "That we forget what power the light brings. You see Luna you have been too consumed by the darkness and my cousin? She was along the same route but since we've been tagging together and I've put some light into her life she's become stronger and she's become better and she will beat you at High Stakes because the Lyons Den has what The Conspiracy doesn't. Balance."

Eddie took a moment to pause.

“See light and dark often seen as opposing forces.“ said Eddie “Can work together and that's where they find balance and that's where they become strongest. One does not exist without the other, light and dark need each other for survival, they need to work together but the conspiracy perhaps you too have fallen too far into the darkness.”

Suddenly the lights go out and that's when Victoria Lyons with both her championships and crown on her head emerges from the shadows, an angry look on her face as she walks up and speaks directly to the camera.

“First of all Luna you can save me the sob story.” said Victoria with a scowl on her face, “I don't need to listen to how you failed to live up to your potential and how you're bitter about opportunities going to Alexandra Calaway or Cassie Wolfe or anyone else for that matter. Perhaps you're just bitter because I achieved more than you in my short time in this company than you have this  entire year. Now you want to take my Roulette Championship so you can feel better about yourself? No not going to happen sweetheart because I'm not the same woman you faced a few weeks ago.”

She smiles arrogantly into the camera.

“You know I wanted this to be my year too Luna.” said Eddie, “And I had my ups and downs.  I won and lost the Roulette Championship, I didn't win the Blast from the Past tournament mostly due to my partner not pulling her weight but I don't let it get to me I just push forward and try again.”

“And you know I'll admit I leaned on your loss to Cassie too much.” said Victoria “But you know damn well you would have done the same to me.  You showed as much when you tried to rub the lost to Kayla in my face. How would you have reacted if it was Cassie that beat me instead? You would have never let me hear the end of it. You would have laughed in my face for losing to such an unworthy talent like Cassie Wolfe. So why can't I give you the same treatment sweetheart?”

She smiles and a little giggle exits her lips.

“You will experience more disappointment Luna.” said Victoria, “And at the end of the day all your complaining about mistreatment or management putting their attention on other talents won't matter because it will be proven that you are no Idol when you fall to your queen and I walk out still the Bombshell Roulette Champion.”

She makes sure to hold the roulette Championship out at the camera so Luna can get a good look at it.

“You will not be taking this from me." said Victoria, “And you won't be taking the tag titles from us either so you can get that little thought out of your brain princess.”

“Now that I can agree with.” said Eddie “See you sat there and you made the claim that because I'm the one that technically got the pin and won the match that I'm responsible for taking the tag titles to our team. But I say that she works just as hard in that ring as I do and I understand that this is a team effort there is no I in team. We worked together to bring these home like it or not she is just as much a winner as I am. Maybe if you and Alexander Raven understood what actual teamwork is you might actually be the mixed tag team champions.”

“You see what we have and you don't is balance.” said Victoria “That's what's changed with me since my loss to you. I have found balance I have accepted some light into my life just as Eddie has accepted some darkness into his and with that we create balance and that makes us stronger than any team in this company. That's why WE were able to defeat Finn AND Kayla as a TEAM.

Victoria and how do you share a fist bump together to show that somehow some way they are unified as a team.

"See my cousin isn't here to speak for me. He's here to show his support and back me up “ said Victoria “Just like I did for him.  I didn't need to speak for him but I showed him 9my support as his teammate that's what a true team does.”

“Not to mention you brought my name into this.” said Eddie, “This could have been just about you and Victoria but you had to bring up me and the mixed tag titles to stake your claim that you're coming for us,  so just know that if you and Raven want to come at us well we ain't hard to find.”

“So what happens if everything you said doesn't come true Luna?” Victoria asked, "What if Aiden does beat Raven and I retain my championship against you. Will you still consider yourself good enough to face us for the Mixed Tag Team Championships? Eddie's in line to be the next World Champion you sure you're up for that sweetheart? Because from where I stand you're just setting yourself up for further disappointment.”

Victoria takes a moment to pause has she mugs at the camera.

“You won't be beating us for the Mixed Tag Team Championships.” said Victoria, “You won't even be taking my Bombshell Roulette Championship from me. So let your delusion from your one victory Cloud your judgment and think that you're going to get another, cause it ain't going to happen. All you're going to have to live on is your one victory over me. You get the honor of being the first person to beat me and that's it you will not get the honor of taking a championship from me.”

She keeps her haunting evil glare on the camera as she continues on.

“Oh sweet Luna it's been fun.” Said Victoria, “But it has to come to an end sometime and this is the end for you my dear. This is when you realize that all your failures were just meant to be because at the end of the day you can really get it done. At the end of the day Luna you're always going to be a failure and never live up to the potential you think you have.”

Victoria steps closer to the camera, her smirk fading into a cold, unflinching stare. Her voice cutting through the tension like a sharp knife.

“See as much as you may think this is my reality check.” Victoria said, “It's not it's yours. You'll come to realize that you're bitterness,  your self-pity, none of that will save you. This isn't some sort of fairytale where you get to have darkness that makes you stronger. This is where you'll find that the addition of light will burn away your darkness and expose you for who you really are. A failure who just can't get the job done. You'll walk into High Stakes with something to prove no doubt, and you'll come hard no doubt. But at the end of the day you'll realize that you are in fact not on my level.”

With a sharp motion, she turns away, her crown gleaming under the dim lights. The camera studies has it watches her Retreat into the darkness her laughter still echoing throughout the air the sound of a clock chicken is heard as if counting down to the inevitable.

“Best of luck to you Luna.” said Eddie with a shrug as the scene finally faded out completely.

__________

It was almost sunset by the time Victoria reached the cemetery. Long shadows were cast along the rows of gravestones. She parked her car just outside the gate.. The air was crisp and the scent of  fallen leaves lingered in the air as she walked along the gravel path with her boots crunching along the gravel beneath her.

It has been a long time since she had been here. A year or more at least. But she still knew the way, she still knew how to get to the familiar headstone that she was looking for when she found it she looked at the inscription.

VINCENT LYONS SR.
1976-2017
Beloved by his family, friends and fans.

Her visit with her mom had made her think. Was she really being herself out there or was she putting on a show for everyone else?

Brushing away some leaves that gathered at the base of the stone and ran her fingers over the engraving truly missing who she considered to be the most important person in her life. Her father.

“Hey Dad.” she said, her voice shaking “It's been awhile. I'm sorry I've just been busy you know, wrestling, life in general, just how it goes sometimes I know  sounds like I'm making excuses and you probably call me out on it if you were here and you know what you'd probably be right.”

As she rested on her knees she looked at the headstone and memories flooded back to her of watching her father wrestle in packed  arenas. The roar of the crowd as he raised his arm in victory. don't get married because it. He was a larger than life, a true hero in her eyes and he always encouraged her and her twin brother Vincent to follow their dreams.

“Lately I've been different.” She admitted, “Her voice just about a whisper, “I've been mean, I've been angry. Done and said some truly awful things.”

She paused catching her shaky breath as she clenched her fist. She usually was in this open with anybody about her in her feelings not even Eddie.

“It's not like I really want to be this way Dad.” She said, “I don't want to hurt people because I can. I don't want to be someone who just says vile things every time she opens her mouth, but I have to. Because  I feel like it's the only way to survive. That this business doesn't leave room for people who play nice. You always taught us that wrestling was not about winning but showing who you really are. Lately I wonder what if who I really am isn't someone you'd be proud of?”

She sighed heavily, some of the words getting caught in her throat as she spoke.

“I look at somebody like your nephew. I look at Eddie and he's always been such a nice guy and he's doing quite well for himself so maybe there is room for the nice people.” she said with a shrug.

“I tell myself that I'm doing this to make you proud,” she said, “To carry on the Lyons name in a way that matters. But sometimes I wonder am I just chasing shadows? Am I just a girl with a big mouth and some hidden insecurities?”

She shook her head. No.  That wasn't true, she was a dual champion and she had earned her damn right to call herself that and her father he would be damn proud of her. She reached out and rested a hand on the headstone.

“The thing is that I have to do this I have to hurt people and I have to be this way because the world doesn't hand out respect you have to take it and that's another lesson you taught me.” She said, “And if that means becoming the woman people fear, the woman people hate, then so be it I'm doing this for our family and that is all that matters.”

“I wish I could say I was sorry for  the things that I've done but I'm not." She said, “And I'm not going to be sorry for anything I do in the future either. I am the way I am for survival and for legacy and because it's the only way I know how to keep your name alive.”

She stood up with a smile brushing some dirt off of her knees, a new found confidence flowing through her.

“I'm going to keep fighting dad.” Victoria said “For our family name, for you, for Mom, for Vincent and for every other person that carries the name Lyons  I'm going to do my part to show that the Lyon's name isn't just alive, it's untouchable and I'm going to do it my way.”

With one last look at the grave and a smile she turned and walked away heading back to her car. She knew her father would be proud of her and he wouldn't want her to be something she felt uncomfortable being. At the end of the day he would want her to be herself. So if she had to be mean to get ahead then she was going to be mean, she was going to be nasty. She was going to be The Mad Queen.

_________

The cameras open in an empty theater, the rows of seats line the room the room the air heavy with aged dust.  The stage itself is illuminated by a single spotlight illuminating Victoria Lyons, her crown glinting on her head with both championships draped over her shoulders.

"You know Luna, there's one thing about you that's as consistent as your big bad bitch act." she said. "It's  your ability to talk and complain for hours and not say anything really worth remembering. But I wanted to take some time to talk to you one on one without Eddie's influence."

She casually adjusts the Roulette Championship on her shoulder.

“See when we last faced off.” Victoria continued, “You caught me in a rare moment of weakness or perhaps a moment where I underestimated you. But you did it you got the win you beat me. Yet that's where your fantasy starts to crumble.”

She cackles on the stage like a witch and it echoes throughout the theater which is now becoming clear is probably why she chose this setting.

“You let one win convince you that you're owed something more.” she said, "You convinced yourself it means you deserve the Roulette Championship but it's not yours it's mine and at high stakes you will learn exactly why.”

She keeps her arrogant smirk steady on the camera.

“You are so proud of yourself for winning the Blast from the Past tournament weren't you?” said Victoria with a grin, “And you sure were convinced that I did not win the Mixed Tag Team Championships because Eddie was the one that got the pinfall. So by your own logic you didn't win anything because Sean Parker won that match for you otherwise you might be the Bombshell Roulette Champion right now.”

She laughs again seemingly enjoying the sound of hearing it echo through the theater.

“I really don't care about your sob stories Luna.” Victoria said, “Listening to you drone on and on about how Alexandra Calaway or Bella Madison or Cassie Wolfe or anyone else got more attention than you did. That's where we differ. I don't wait for the opportunity to be handed to me. I take it and I make it mine. That's why I'm here before you as the Mad Queen of SCW, and a dual champion.”

She pauses again looking proudly down at both her championships and draw attention to them.

“You consider yourself an idol, but what are you an idol of Luna?”, Victoria asked “Excuses? Failure? Bitterness? You spend so long playing the victim that you don't realize how pathetic you sound. You can say whatever you want about me but I know who I am. I'm the queen of this company and you're just somebody out there still trying to get the part.”

She laughs again listening as it echoes throughout the theater.

“The truth is I've embraced who I need to be to survive in this business.” Victoria continued,  “I may be mean, heartless, cruel even. But the truth is I have to be, because if I'm not someone else will be. I have to be willing to do whatever it takes to be on top otherwise I don't deserve to be here. But you wallow in your self pity so much that you forgotten how to fight for anything.”

She shakes her head showing her disappointment, or perhaps just taunting Luna.

“You've been living in a delusional fantasy Luna where you think you're one win against you makes you my equal.” said Victoria, “But when I leave High Stakes with my Championship still in my hands, you'll have no choice but to face the cold hard truth that you are just not good enough.”

Her laughter echoes throughout the theater once more.

“At High Stakes you will become nothing more than a footnote in the story of my championship reign.” said Victoria. “You'll be forced to go back to your excuses and your self pity. When once again you just could not get the job done, you will be forced to admit that perhaps you just are not as good as you believe yourself to be. Reality can be a cruel bitch Luna.”

She takes another moment to pause.

“You spend so much time complaining about being overlooked in the world not bending to your will.” said Victoria “At one point I probably would have sympathized with you I would have understood but now I've learned something in my time at the top. You can't sit and wait for the world to give you what. You want you have to go out and take it. There are no handouts.”

She scowls and eyebrow and a scowl grows on her face.

“At High Stakes it ends for you.” Victoria declares,  “Your story, all your delusions all your dreams. It all comes to an end and when it does you'll need to blame yourself and the weakness that's been holding you back this entire year. This is going to be your reality check, and the reality is Luna Pasilno you were never meant to be on my level.”

She holds out the Roulette Championship in front of her.

“You see this.” she said, “You're never going to take this from me. You're never going to know what it feels like to have this. You will be forever chasing dreams that you'll never be able to achieve.“

Her laugh echoes throughout the theater one last time.

“Oh Luna you thought you had it all figured out.” she said “But after high stakes you'll just be back to your excuses you're complaining about how nothing ever goes your precious little way so sad. Maybe you can go be the Internet Champions problem after this because you certainly couldn't handle Kayla, and you're not going to be able to handle me. You and Raven damn sure can't handle Eddie and me together. At the end of the day I'm just better than you Luna and everybody knows it and at high stakes it will become known to all who the real Bombshell Roulette Champion is.”

She stands proudly with her championships on each shoulder smirking into the camera as the scene Fades out slowly to black.

The room is dimly lit, Victoria sits among the shadows, only illuminated by the candles that circled around her. She sits legs crossed, with her two championships in front of her, and crown resting firmly on her head.

“Let’s get this straight right away Kayla.” she started, “I do not, have not, and never will want to be you. I am proud to be Victoria Lyons, The Head Lyoness, the queen of SCW. Which I remind you, I am well aware it was only to be for a day. But the people need a leader and so I chose to be that leader and remain their queen and yours.”

She adjusts her crown slightly, a conniving smirk appearing on her face.

“I don’t deny your ability, or even your brainpower.” said Victoria, “You nailed exactly why I chose you to face Bella Madison. I mean why wouldn’t I pick you? In my position you would have done the exact same thing. It was simply strategy. Thank you by the way. You did quite well. Job well done indeed.”

She smiles and winks at the camera.

“I never expected you do to anything FOR me persay.” she continued, “But I knew if I put her in front of you, you would annihilate her, because that’s what you do to whomever is put across the ring from you simply because that’s who you are and what you do.”

She pauses for a moment, keeping her alluring gaze on the camera.

“So does that mean I should expect annihilation?” Victoria continued, “I certainly expect you to try. But understand, I am no Bella Madison. I taught her her lesson and now I can focus on what’s next and that’s staking my claim as the top Bombshell in all of SCW.

She smiles down at her championships, shining among the candlelight in front of her.

“See Kayla, I came into this company with a message.” Victoria continued, “A message on how we as a people need to come together. We need to fight back against our oppressors before we as a society crumble. So becoming a double champion means they will start to have to listen to me, because I am a double champion. But I hear the whispers. I know what everyone is saying."

Her eyes drifted slightly, and she looked a little uneasy as she continued.

“They say Eddie won the match for us.” she said, “That he may have beat Finn, but I didn’t actually beat you. Which is total bullshit, because if you look at the records it will say Eddie Lyons AND Victoria Lyons defeated Finn Whelan AND Kayla Richards. Like it or not, I BEAT YOU.

She shrugs, with an exhale.

“No matter.” she said, “If it takes a one on one encounter to shut up the critics, then I’ll just have to defeat you one on one and prove that I am the top bitch in this company now."

She flips her hair back confidently.

“You understand, I am going to have to make an example of you now.” she said, “I need to humiliate and embarrass you. Simply because you are one of the best, again it’s why I chose you to face Bella. I don’t choose losers. I choose winners and you are a winner Kayla. If I prove dominance over you, then who can really stop me? Luna? She got me once, but without the distraction of Bella Madison she won’t be getting me again. She’ll find that out soon enough too."

She did her best to hide her concern, the slight worry that she knows Luna was the only person to defeat her,

“This isn’t about Luna anyway.” she quickly went on, “It’s about lions and wolves. Which beast is going to prove it’s dominance? Will the she-wolf be cunning enough, or will the mighty lioness prove to be too powerful? From one champion to another, I think you know what my pick is.”

She pauses again, to glare proudly at her championships.

“Don’t worry, Tegan is in good hands.” she said, “She’s getting along fabulously with her sister Rue. Max is doing fine with Eddie, and after his recent victory I expect him to bring home Ruben from the clutches of a Raven. Finn should consider himself lucky that Eddie isn’t going to be able to come after his World Championship because he will regain that Roulette Champion, then The Lyons Den will be the double champions of SCW and The Wolves Of Gamalamadingdong will be replaced. You two had a good run, but it’s time for it to come to an end. Your downfall is beginning, and deep down..I think you know it.”

She smirks arrogantly into the camera. The candlelight still illuminating her face.

“I am the wrench that changed the entire Bombshell division.” she continued, “My arrival was game changing and your just upset that there’s a new woman on top. In just my first few months I have skyrocketed up the ratings and right now I sit before you as top Bombshell in the company.”

She makes sure to motion to the championships in front of her.

“Sure you have the Bombshell World Championship, which is technically considered to be the top championship in the Bombshell division, but when I beat you, and then go on and beat Luna, there will be no mistake who the best truly is. It’s not you, and it’s not Luna. It’s me. It’s Victoria Lyons. The Head Lyoness and the queen of SCW. I prove it each and every time I get in that ring." she went on, "Once I hear that bell ring, the claws come out and I truly become a lioness. I will tear you apart limb from limb to prove my dominance over this division. They want a Mad Queen, they’re going to get a Mad Queen, and like so many who have fallen before you Kayla. It will be OFF WITH YOUR HEAD.”

Victoria cackles like  a madwoman, her voice echoing throughout the building she’s in,her eyes filled with passion and something unsettling that can’t even really be described, she tilts her head and smiles at the camera, as is abruptly cuts to black.

_____________


She sat there looking at her cousin. She knew he was confident about defeating Alexander Raven, but she had to make sure he was going to do it. She had Luna to deal with and if they let The Conspiracy get one over on them, it could mean their mixed tag championships were next. They had to nip that in the bud now by defeating both Luna and Raven, making it clear they deserved no such chance at her and Eddies championships.

“You understand what I’m saying right?” she said, “I beat Luna, you beat Raven. Then there can be no claim from them for our tag championships.”

“I see what you’re saying.” Eddie said, “But does it matter if they’re contenders or not? We’ll just go out there and beat them.”

“But why waste the energy, when we can discredit any claim now?” she replied.

“Are you worried we’d lose to them?”  Eddie asked.

“Of course not.” said Victoria, “Are you worried you won’t beat Raven?”

“Not at all.” Eddie said, “But if we’re going to be champions, we have to take on all challengers. We can’t just talk about it, we have to show it.”

“I HAVE been showing it.” Victoria replied, her tone becoming annoyed., “You’ve been the wishy-washy one.”

“And yet I won the match for our team.” Eddie reminded her.

“We can argue semantics all day.” said Victoria, “But we can both at least agree that making us both double champions should be a top priority.”

“Well, I can’t argue that.” said Eddie, “But I’m not looking to defeat Raven to avoid having to defend the tag titles. I want to defeat him because I want to become a two time Roulette Champion, and I want to send a message to his little clique that there’s more people than just the Harris family that is tired of their bullshit.”

“See, thats the problem with you.” said Victoria, “You don’t need to get involved in their business with The Harris’. That doesn’t concern you, that doesn’t concern us. All you need to concern yourself with is becoming Roulette Champion again.”

“I’m just saying…” Eddie said.

“It doesn’t concern us.” said Victoria, “We concern ourselves only with what we need to. Raven has something you want, and you’re going to take it. Meanwhile Luna thinks her victory over me means she’ll easily take Rue away, and I’m going to show her otherwise.”

“And Kayla Richards?” asked Eddie.

“I’ll handle Kayla.” said Victoria, “It’s about time someone put her down like you did Finn. It’s time I continue to prove that I am the top Bombshell in this company, and if I can defeat Kayla, then who can really deny me? Luna? Not after I deal with her as well.”

“Well, if you can do all that.” Eddie said with a shrug, “You’d have a very strong claim to top Bombshell. But that’s IF you can do that.”

If? Was Eddie being serious? Of course she could do it. She would do it.  Was he doubting her ability?

“That doesn’t sound like a very supportive partner.” said Victoria with a scowl on her face.

“Victoria..” said Eddie shaking his head, “You know I didn’t mean it like that. We’re the mixed tag team champions, so I support you as my teammate. I didn’t ask for this, and neither did you. But here we are, and for whatever reason…we sort of work.”

“..Yeah I don’t get it either.” Victoria said.

“But you can’t get overconfident.” said Eddie, “You can do this, just don’t get too ahead of yourself.”

“I’ll be fine.” Victoria replied, “We’re going to do this, we’re going to both be double champions, and we will replace Finn and Kayla as the two people to beat.”

“Then let’s get it done.” said Eddie, extending his hand.

Victoria looked at his hand, she sighed heavily and after a few moments accepted the handshake. Eddie was right about one thing, neither of them had asked for this, but they just somehow worked and in a matter of weeks they would be the new dominant team in SCW.

__________

The cameras open with Victoria, a championship donning each shoulder seated on the steps in a stairwell of a building. She wears a confident smile on her face as she begins to address the camera.

“You know Kayla…” she began, “I do sort of like you. More than most of the insolent wretches in the locker room. It’s women like us who dominate this place. However only one of us can truly be on top and that is going to be me. Kayla, you’ll just have to learn to live with second best. Because there’s a new woman on top and her name is Victoria Lyons."

Her usual confidence remained in the air, as she kept the smile on her face continuing on.

“I’ve already taken a championship from you.” she continued, “Sadly, since I have my Rue that means I can’t take your other championship. So I have to settle for dominance. I have to show the world that I can beat you. That the Bombshell Roulette Champion is the new top champion in our division. You can’t stop the inevitable, so you better just learn to embrace it.”

She laughed arrogantly to herself.

“You understand I am going to have to break you Kayla.” she said through her twisted smile, “The Lyons Den, we have a bit of a history smashing records. Look at my dear cousin Eddie. Did he not end the legendary reign of Peter Vaughn as Roulette Champion? Did he not become the first one to pin Finn Whelan in over a year?   Now it’s my turn to become the first one to pin Kayla Richards in over a year.”

She pauses for a moment, reflecting on her words.

“You’ve smashed through everyone in your path.” Victoria continued, “But so have I. Luna aside of course, but we all know that was Bella Madisons fault and we all saw what I did to her. Consider yourself lucky I don’t dislike you as much as I dislike Bella.  Bella simply needed to learn to mind her own business and got what was coming to her. But you Kayla, you are no Bella Madison. You at least have a functioning brain and have proven yourself capable and deserving of being called a champion.”

A heavy exhale, and another pause.

“But this is about more than you being one of the few I can actually have some respect for.” Victoria continued, “It’s about me proving my dominance over this roster. I need to beat the very best this company has to offer. I’ve already dethroned Alexandra Calaway, I’ve humiliated Bella Madison and left damn near the rest of the Bombshell roster broken and bloodied in my wake. But there are still two names I need to cross off my list. They’re of course you and Luna. I NEED to beat you Kayla and I don’t care what I need to do to make it happen. I am not my tag team partner. I have no intention of playing nice, or even fair.”

She flashes a devilish grin at the camera.

“Eddie can have his honor.” she said, “But I am a woman without honor. I am the darkness that  lurks among the light among our team.  You got a small taste when we took the mixed tag championships from you, now you get the full power of the queen and I promise I’m much more dangerous alone.”

She starts to laugh, but only for a moment as her attention is drawn off camera. Her expression suddenly changes to frustration as Eddie Lyons, with a cheeky grin on his face, and his mixed tag title on his shoulder walks into frame and stands beside her looking into the camera.

“Eddie…what are you doing?!” she said annoyed, which of course was Eddie’s plan.

“Just returning the favor, and supporting my partner.” he said with a grin, a subtle, or perhaps not so, reminder that her she did the same thing to him. “We’re a team now right, besides you appointed me Queensguard, so I should be here supporting my queen.”

He gives an exaggerated wink to the camera.

“So I say to you Kayla Richards.” Eddie continued, as Victoria sat there with a pouty look on her face, “You really think you can beat her? You should probably be a little concerned, because my cousin, this girl right here…”

He puts one hand up to his mouth to whisper by one side,

“...Bitch is cray cray.”[/color] he said, as he lowered his hand, “I’m just saying. I’m glad she’s on my side, because she will fuck you up. She is a true lioness and we are part of the same pride. Everyone knows it is the lioness that is the true heart of any pride, and with her as our sole lioness, she is a true queen indeed.”

“Eddie…” Victoria said

“See we’ve found our balance.” said Eddie, “That’s why we became the mixed tag team champions on our first match together as a team. A thrown together team only bound by blood. She is the Yin and I am the Yang and we are totally going all the way to being the new duo on top.”

“That’s right cousin.” said Victoria with a sigh, giving in to Eddie’s antics, “We are going to the top. The time of the wolves is coming to an end, and it is the mighty lions who will stand pridefully in their place. We are The Lyons Den…”

“And this is our hunting grounds now.” said Eddie.

They both held out their championships to the camera, as the scene cut out to black.

-The cameras open in a dark room, panning shots of the stone walls which have the name BELLA scribbled on them over and over.  The sounds of Bella Ciao begin to play in Italian, as the cameras show different flashes of the walls with Bellas name-

O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao
Una mattina mi son alzato
E ho trovato l'invasor
O partigiano, portami via
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao
O partigiano, portami via
Che mi sento di morir

-The cameras flash to Victoria Lyons, sitting on a dark throne in the middle of the room, championship resting on it’s own little table next to her, atop a pillow inside a glass case. She glares daggers into the camera, rapping her fingers along the arm of the throne, a hateful expression on her face, as she speaks[/i]

“One morning I awakened..and I found the invader.” she began “Oh Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao ciao ciao.”

Her head twitches slightly, as she continues.

“You…You.” she scowled, “You RUINED MY UNDEFEATED STREAK!. I WAS KIND ENOUGH TO LEAVE YOU AND KAYLA ALONE, BUT YOU JUST HAD TO SHOW YOUR FACE IN MINE AND SCREW ME OVER. IT’S YOUR FAULT…BELLA MADISON!!!”

She’s almost shrieking as she speaks, her hate for Bella Madison clear as day.

“Now you seek to take Rue away from me?” Victoria continues, “No. Not you. Never you. You damn nepotism baby. Mommy just had to come to your rescue and give you what you wanted. A match you didn’t deserve. Let me ask you Bella. What did I say to you that was so wrong?”

She cocks an eyebrow, before continuing.

“I was out there, celebrating my win. My victory at Summer Xxxtreme.” Victoria continued, “Are we not allowed to celebrate our wins? Despite our differences, at least Alexandra Calaway accepted her defeat with grace. Mercedes didn’t go crying for a rematch. But you, you just can’t get it through your thick skull that you are NOT better than ME!”

She takes another moment to pause, and regroup herself.

“Worst of all, it’s YOUR ugly face on the poster.” Victoria continued, “I’m the champion! Not you! If not me, At least put an actual champion like Kayla Richards up there or something, but YOU? BELLA MADISON?!  Just another case of nepotism, and your need to be noticed. That’s why you had to show up in my match. You just want the attention. I get it, you need to prove to mommy you’re a real Madison. That you really deserve to carry the name. But you’ll fail, come up short like you always do. Never really able to grab the brass ring. You’ve been trying and trying, where I just waltzed in and took it. Now you want to take a shot at the queen. You really want to do this? Fine, but just remember you brought all this upon yourself. Now it’s going to be bye bye beautiful to this invader of my queendom."

Bella ciao Bella ciao, Bella Ciao…the song plays for a moment, with a haunting tone.

“You could have prevented all this.” Victoria continued, “You could have made your penance for your crimes against the queen but you chose violence. So violence it shall be. You have nobody to blame for yourself for the pain I’m about to put you through, for disrespecting me, for causing my first loss and for just being a general unpleasant person. Violent Conduct is indeed the perfect name for this show, because I am angry lioness, and I’m going to tear you apart.”

She looks over to her championship, her Rue, resting in its’ case like it’s the rose from Beauty and the Beast.

“She is gorgeous, isn’t she?” Victoria smiled devilishly, “I understand the allure. But Rue is mine Bella. You can not, and you will not take her from me. I don’t care how blinded you are by vengeance, because you haven’t gotten over the Carter Vs Kasey thing. You’ve been waiting ever since I requested that match to get your paws on me. But your failure at Summer Xxxtreme wasn’t enough. You needed more and now you find yourself here, heading toward your own execution.”

She pauses for a moment, reposturing in her throne.

“This is what happens when you don’t mind your own business.” Victoria continued, “You could have been graceful, you could have shown proper respect. Now it’s far too late for any of that, because your execution has been sealed and there is no going back. I am going to make you wish you had just kissed my feet and accepted that it just wasn’t your turn this time. How selfish can you really be Bella? YOU HAD A CHANCE ALREADY!!"

She screeches again, pauses and recollects herself.

“You really have no idea Bella.” she said, “Nobody yet has crossed me as strong as you have, so perhaps you can be the example.You can be the example of what happens when you cross the queen of SCW. When you disobey proper order and don’t mind your own business. Yeah, I mentioned your little name as someone I defeated on the cruise. Was it not the truth? Where was the lie? We all fought hard, I won and YOU are the only one that can’t accept it. Now it’s just me and you Bella. You will have no excuse when I defeat you this time. Then I can go on to face one of the fine ladies who will actually have EARNED it.”

She smirks, leaning back casually into her dark throne.

“But you’ll be done, humiliated, embarrassed. For all I care you can go be Kaylas problem, or Juliannas. But you and me will be done, and you will be forced to admit that I am not only your queen, but the better woman as well." Victoria went on, "Your fate has been sealed BELLA MADISON, and I’m sorry to say, but it’s not going to play out in your favor. Dark days are ahead of you Bella. I intend to take you to a place where you can find your own inner darkness. Maybe I can pull that darkness out of you and make you actually worth something. Or perhaps like my cousin you will persist to fail again and again because you’re too blinded by the light. The darkness can be beautiful if you embrace it Bella, and embrace it you will. You will feel her warmth, the tender touch of her kiss and then the darkness, my darkness will consume you whole and leave you a broken shell of your former self. Just remember, you only have one person to blame."

She furrows her eyes and scowls.

“BELLA MADISON.” she snarls.

The camera flashes the writings on the wall in rapid succession once more, as the music plays hauntingly again, as everything slowly fades into darkness.

Bella ciao,Bella ciao, Bella ciao
O partigiano
O partigiano
Oh Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao
__________

Buckingham Palace, home to her majesty herself. Queen Camille of course, not Victoria Lyons, the self proclaimed queen of SCW, and as much as she wanted to get into the palace, she remembered how she was accosted in Belgium, and decided the Royal Family simply didn’t deserve her presence. Besides she liked Queen Elizabeth better anyway. King Charles could certainly do better had he chose a real queen like Victoria. Or perhaps she’ll just take out Megan Markle and seduce Prince Harry or something. 
No, there was no need. She was her own royal and had her own Queendom, wether her subjects liked it or not. It was getting harder as more and more were turning to rebellion. Even those she had spoke of favorably like Luna Pasilno, and Kayla Richards chose to return her kind words with insults and unkind words. Couldn’t she just have one friend in SCW?

She needed Vincent, those two had been together wherever they went. WWH, Wrestling Coalition PWE, even their short run in OCW. The Lyons Twins were always a package deal. She wasn’t used to being alone without her little brother by her side. She even imagined they could become mixed tag champs together, which was always a childhood dream of theirs.

She had her cousin Alex, but he worked for a different company and seemed to show more loyalty to Alexandra Calaway, even forming his own team with her in PWS. She wasn’t on BAD terms with Alex persay, but they weren’t as good as they used to be. He could probably be convinced to help her out if he thought it was the best thing for himself as well. At the moment though, he was not interested in the whole dual contract thing. Coach Kaiser tended to like keeping his talent in one company anyway. You might see Lyons Den talent in other places, but as PWS was the only place to see Alex or Cleo, SCW was the only place to see Victoria or Eddie.

Eddie. Now he was an interesting one. If push came to shove, he just MIGHT have her back. He was an honorable man who at the end of the day would stand by his family. That’s what good, people did. No matter how far they fall,  they always lend a hand to their blood at the end of the day, even the ones they didn’t always like. It was a big maybe, but not as impossible as some might think. It was just about taking advantage of and questioning his honor. Would he really reject a family member, his own blood if they came asking for help? How honorable would that make him if he didn’t?

She shook her head, as she looked through the gates of Buckingham Palace. She needed to figure something out. She didn’t want to deal with another Bella Madison situation, but with rebellion at an all time high she didn’t know what to expect. But Eddie Lyons wasn’t the answer to her problems, and while not impossible he would still be pretty hard to convince.

She wanted her brother. That was really the only way things could be made right again. But where was he? On his little boat trip somewhere. Possibly even crashed on some deserted island, living off snakes and berries turning into some sort of madman….

If only….

Wherever he was, she knew he would return to her one day. Call it that extra sense twins are supposed to have, but she could feel it. Vincent was out there, and he wanted to come home. He wanted to come back to his sister, and take his rightful place by her side.  When that would happen, she couldn’t be sure but until then she had to remain strong.

“You’ll return some day brother.” she said to herself, as she turned away from the palace.

Vincent’s absence wasn’t her immediate problem, it was Bella Madison. A problem that she had to solve herself, and solve it she would. Bella was no more than a pest in her eyes, an annoyance. A little girl who needed her mommy to get here. Bella would be handled, and hopefully finally learn her lesson. That you do not cross the queen and get away with it, and that rebellion will not be tolerated.

Bella Madison. Now she was running her vacation. She couldn’t get the insolent whelp out of her mind. She just wanted to enjoy the view, and admire how beautiful Buckingham Palace was, how beautiful London was. But she just couldn’t get BELLA MADISON out of her head. The only way she could now was to execute her, to make her regret her decision to interrupt my sermon.

She was even becoming distracted from her sermons. She had came here to educate the people on the cruel ways of the world. BELLA MADISON had to ruin everything, now she had to ruin Bella. She had to ruin her for good and make damn well sure BELLA MADISON would never even THINK to rebel again.

In fact, the execution of Bella Madison was going to be an example to everyone else just what happens when you do cross a queen, so if one was say Luna, Alexandra, Seleana or Cassie..then they should probably be watching this one with concerned eyes, because one of them was going to be next to feel the wrath of the queen.

__________

She sits among the shadows with Rue on her shoulder, crossed legged on the floor, surrounded by the candles that illuminated her, and the Bella Madison effigy that stood behind her, composed of old sticks and straw with a paper mask of Bella, eyes stabbed out.

“Bellaaaa, Bellaaaa, “Bellaaaaa” Victoria sang, a darkness filling her eyes, “Oh sweet Bella, I am going to delight in putting an end to you once and for all.”

She hated Bella Madison. She hated her more than anyone. She wanted not just to beat her, but make her suffer. Make her wish she had taken the out, and just kissed her feet. Make her insolent mother weep for putting her own daughter in this situation.

“Laura really is a terrible mother isn’t she Bella?” Victoria giggled, “Perhaps you should blame her for putting you in this position. She will weep for you, and she will regret her decision to give you this opportunity. The one you didn’t deserve.”

Shes snarls, and you can see the hatred among the darkness in her eyes.

“Back of the line.” she continued, “That’s where you should have gone. But here we are. You get to skip the line. You know, Alexandra Calaway also lost at Summer Xxxtreme, but did  she get gifted another chance? No, she’s being ford to earn it. You are such a nepobaby and it makes me sick.”

Victoria stands up, and circles the effigy like a hawk, always keeping her dark hateful fixated on it.

“You wanna fight..” she said, a dark twisted smile forming on her face, “Then let’s fight. Let’s get real fucking violent Bella. I will relish each and every scream that escapes your lips as I rip your hair out. I will enjoy licking the tears from your face as I slice your pretty little face open, so I can chase the tears with your blood.”

She rubs her arms together, smiling gleefully, relishing in the thought of torturing Bella.

“Oh sweet Bella.” she continued circling the effigy, “The curator of her own destruction. The designer of her own failure. It was your own anger and desire for revenge that brought you here.  But you did not embrace your anger correctly, you let it consume you instead of learning to control it and allow it to make you stronger. Now you head into what will be both the biggest wakeup call and the biggest embarrassment of your entire life.”

As she comes around to the front of the effigy, she holds Rue up to Bellas “face” and taunts her.

“You think you can take her from me?” she hissed, “Just because you ruined my undefeated streak? No. Nobody is taking her. LOOK AT HER!!”

She shoves the belt right into the face of the effigy.

“LOOK!!!” she screamed, “YOU. WILL.NEVER.HAVE.HER.”

She paused, and took a step back, taking a moment to collect herself.

“Easy Victoria…” she muttered, “This is what she wants. She wants you angry and off your game. Don’t you dare give her the satisfaction.”

She shot another hateful gaze at the effigy.

“I am so done with you after this.” she said, “Trust that you won’t want to deal with me again when all this is settled. You WILL learn your lesson and accept your place as one of my inferiors. You will be forced to admit it to yourself that I am your better. You will be forced to admit that I am the queen of SCW, and there is nothing you can do about it.”

She grabs one of the candles and places it below the effigy, letting it ignite into flames.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” she said, smiling at the flames, “A wonderful picture of the pain your about to endure. Oh, I just might burn you if the wheel requests it. Wouldn’t that be fun? Whatever the all powerful wheel dictates, it will be done. Fire, blood, broken limbs. The queen shall execute Bella Madison in whatever fashion the wheel requests of her.”

With a smile, she sits back down to watch the effigy burn, her lips still curled into a twisted smile.

“For now I shall enjoy watching you burn.” she said, “Perhaps the flames will speak to me. Show me some new ways to mutilate you. So many ways imaginable. I wonder Bella, do you think you’d look good in an eyepatch?  Which eye is your favorite? The left ot the right. I can be merciful enough to let you keep your favorite.”

She giggled.

“Perhaps.” she said, “Who knows what I’ll end up doing to you, but I know it’ll be fun. I know that you did this to yourself. I know that your mother will regret making this happen. Most of all I suppose, you’ll regret not just kissing my feet when you had the chance. It’s time to say goodbye bella, or should I say..Bella Ciao?”

She sings softly to herself.

“Bella ciao Bella Ciao, Bella ciao ciao ciao..” her voice was surprisingly beautiful and haunting. The girl could have a decent music career if she chose to. But she didn’t chose to be a singer, she chose to continue her family legacy. She chose to come to SCW. Now all she wants is Bellas head on a silver platter, and she plans to take it herself. Bella wanted this fight so the queen is going to give it to her, and make sure she never makes such a stupid decision such as rebellion ever again. May she be an example to all of the suffering that will come your way if you choose to cross the queen.

__________

She was still feeling lonely, as she walked through the pathways of Hyde Park. She would never admit it of course, her loneliness. She had an image to maintain as the Queen of SCW and it’s reigning and defending Bombshell Roulette Champion. She couldn’t let it be known that she just wanted someone who had her back and helped look out for her best interests.

It had been Bella Madison who caused all of this. The nosy little brat who couldn’t accept her own failure, so she asked to receive another. This one more personal. She had gone too far, interrupting the queens sermon, trying to destroy her throne and then choosing to attack her unprovoked.

She had no other options, Bella Madison was a problem that needed solving. A pest that needed to be swatted, taught a lesson and made an example of.  But everyone liked Bella, and the same couldn’t be said for Victoria. Not that she cared much, but having at least one one person on team Victoria would be nice.

Why the hell did Vincent have to leave?

She signed, continuing her stroll through the park, when to her surprise she saw a familiar face, spending his own personal time in the park as well. Her cousin Eddie Lyons who was with his girlfriend Sabrina Woods.

“Eddie!” she called to him with a devious smile as she walked up.

She didn’t catch his eye roll, as she was the last person he wanted to see at this moment.

“Eddie!” she said, “Fancy seeing you here dear cousin. Hello Sabrina.”

Eddie looked at her with an annoyed look.

“Victoria.” he said, “...Something you need?”

She smiled back at him, smile still on her face.

“Well.” she said, “I’ve been thinking. I think we need each other.  We need to put our differences aside, and team together as family.”

Eddie laughed to himself.

“And why on earth would I do that?” he asked

“Because we need each other.” said Victoria, “You need me to help guide you and fix your floundering career, so maybe next time you will be fighting for a championship instead of squandering TWO opportunities. I could use you as a member of my queensguard, helping make sure nobody tries to attack the queen unprovoked like Bella Madison."

“So you want me for protection then?” Eddie said.

“No. We could be allies.” said Victoria, “We could even compete for the mix tag titles. It would be great, Victoria and Eddie Lyons. Nobody would be able to stop us.”

“Yeah..I’m good thanks.” said Eddie, rejecting her offer.

“Seriously?” she frowned, “But we’re family. We have to stick together. You’re supposed to have my back over everyone else, isn’t that the honorable thing to do? Be there for family?”

“I mean sure.” Eddie shrugged, “But when said family acts like a complete assgoblin then it changes things a little.  I can’t help you with anything until YOU change your attitude and want to truly change. You want to team with me? You need to wake up and find the real Victoria, the one I knew growing up.”

“I AM the real Victoria.” she snarled. “The one you speak of was ordinary and boring so I had to kill her. You should do the same thing. Kill off this weak, boring Eddie Lyons and unleash the animal that you bury inside.”

“I’m not like you.” said Eddie, “I’ve always been the real Eddie Lyons. I know who I am.”

‘So you wish to remain weak.” she said, “I should have figured. I know there’s a vicious animal buried inside you. You just need to unleash it. Like I did, like Alex did. Like Vincent once did. We are LYONS, and it’s time you truly unleashed yours. Or at least allowed it to grow from a little cub.”

Eddie sighed.

“See, thats the problem.” said Eddie, “You come to me, in my private time with my girlfriend asking for an alliance, and when I’m not interested. It’s straight to the insults. I won’t align with you, not while you’re like this. You just want power, someone who will do your bidding. You want me for your own personal gain, it’s always about you. If you truly want MY support, you have to convince me it would be about US. Then maybe I’d think about it.”

“I should have known.” she said, “I should have known you’d be so weak minded. Alexander Raven is right about you. You will never learn. You cling so tightly so things like honor that don’t even matter. Do you know how DANGEROUS you could be if you let all that go? You might be the most dangerous man on the roster. Right now you’re just…average.”

“I’ll be fine.” said Eddie.

“We’ll see.” Victoria smirked, “In any case. This was a waste of my time. I should have known better than to come to you. I knew you were still blind. How about you come to ME, when you finally open your eyes?”

“Yeah sure thing.” Eddie said with compete disinterest, "Anyway, Good luck with Bella Madison.”

Victoria scowled.

“Don’t say THAT name in my presence, and she’s the one who needs luck.” she hissed. "You’ll see. You’ll ALL see. BELLA MADISON will be dealt with, she will be made an example of. Watch it close Eddie, because maybe it’ll open your eyes to the truth. I am going to do unimaginable things to Bella for her transgressions. She should have never stepped to me. BELLA MADISON is an ugly little rat faced Nepobaby. I HATE HER!!!! I HATE HER!!!

Eddie and Sabrina both look at each other eyebrows raised as Victoria starts to lost her cool some.

“Bella Madison?” he said with a cheeky grin, looking at Sabrina who smiled.

“I HATE BELLA MADISON!!” she shrieked, “I HATE HER!! I HATE HER!”

She glared at Eddie, then at Sabrina before stomping off angrily, hands on her head, quietly muttering to herself.

“Bellabellabellabellabellabelabella.” she muttered Bellas name rapidly.

She didn’t turn back to see Eddie or his stupid girlfriend. He didn’t want an alliance, fine. But he had reminded her of the ultimate goal. Her ultimate goal.

The execution of Bella Madison.

__________

A video opens the scene, replaying the fight between Bella and Victoria from a few weeks ago, carefully edited to make Bella seem like the aggressor.  As it replayed her laying shots into Victoria, we can hear Victorias haunting singing voice again over it.

“And who are you, the brave lady said, that I should bow so low?” she sang, “Only a cat of a different coat, that’s all the truth I know. In a coat of gold, or coat of red a lion still has claws. And mine are long and sharp like yours, as sharp as yours my queen…”
We get a jarring cut to Victoria sitting with her championship among the ashes of the effigy she had burned earlier. She smiles devilishly at the camera.

“I have to be honest.” she said, “I do admire your bravery. Or perhaps it’s just stupidity. But you stood up to me, your queen. There is something admirable about it. You tried Bella, you really did. You should take this execution in pride. They’ll hail you as one of their heroes. But like all heroes, you will meet your end.”

She looks down at her sweet Rue as she continues.

“I know you all think I’m heartless.” she smirked, “But I promise you I do. I have a black heart that beats for you Bella. It yearns for your blood, and it will get it. But fear not, for the songs they shall write about you will be remembered for decades. Bella The Brave the’ll call you. A stark reminder of true bravery, but also a stark reminder of when that bravery can be misplaced. You chose the wrong time to rebel Bella, as brave as it might make you. I am the WRONG queen to rebel against."

She glares into the camera, tired of the poison Bella has infected her mind with the past few weeks. The only cure was to put an end to Bella, and prove her own dominance.

“I will rid my mind of you BELLA MADISON.” she said with gritted teeth. “You will be remembered, but that’s all you will be. A memory. Because I’m sick of your damn face, so I’m going to be scarring it. I might go Iron Mike on you and bite off an ear. Who knows. I just know I’m going to make you wish you never crossed me. I’m going to make sure others bear witness to what happens. I am Victoria Lyons, and I am the queen of SCW and I am your Bombshell Roulette Champion, and NOBODY is taking any of that from me. Especially not BELLA MADISON.

She glares into the camera, as we jarringly cut back to the fight, this time edited to make Victoria the aggressor, ending with a shot of a cutout of Bella’s face among the ashes Victoria was sitting in, we can hear her singing as the scene fades to black.

“And so she spoke…and so she spoke.” she sang, “The  lady of Madison….but now the rains weep o’er her halls, without a soul to hear….without a soul to hear.”

__________

The cameras open on Victoria Lyons seated in her throne, which shows some signs of damage after the interaction with Bella Madison on Climax Control, rapping her fingers along one of the arms, she gives the cameras a look of disgust and annoyance.

“Bella Madison crossed the line when she interrupted the queens address.” said Victoria, “I was simply speaking facts. I defeated her, she goes to the back of the line. How is that not fair? She had her chance, and now she gets another shot because she doesn’t like something I said? It doesn’t work like that Bella, well it shouldn’t but the powers that be don’t seem to agree. Lucky you I guess? Or perhaps not, because now you’ve committed treason, and for that I’m going to have to take you out for good.”

She scowls, clutching Rue close to her chest.

“Bella will come to regret her actions, but right now I need to deal with another.” Victoria continued, “Bobbie Dahl. Sweetie, I’m sorry you drew the short straw and have to face the queen in your return match, but now it’s too late to save you. See, I’m pissed off and a pissed off lioness is very dangerous. I can’t quite get my hands on Bella just yet so you’ll have to do. Just remember, when I put you back in that boot, no when I put you in a wheelchair you have nobody to blame but Bella Madison.”

She scowls at the name Bella, who has clearly gotten under her skin. Wether or not Victoria will admit it remains to be seen. Likely not.

“Someone must not like you Bobbie.” she said, “Because you asked to start at the bottom, and yet here you are instead facing one of the women on top. I ask you Bobbie, who did I defeat to earn this crown? Harper Mason, Eiley, Diamond Steele, Seleana Zdunich and..who else was it? Oh, right, of course. It was you wasn’t it?”

She smirks arrogantly.

“So you think one on one might change things?” she continued, “Doubtful. It changed nothing for Harper Mason, and Eiley Seleana and Diamond would suffer the same fate as well. I won that match because I’m simply better than all of you and if I need to prove that one on one against you then so be it. I became Queen that night, not you. The only chance you have at royalty is becoming queen of the trailer park.”

She fake retches.

“I don’t think you know how bad this is going to get for you Bobbie.” Victoria continued, “See, what I’ve done since my arrival is called “making an impact”. No matter how many insults are thrown my way, no matter how many of the other Bombshells disrespect me and put me down I can’t be denied because of one thing. I am the truth.”

She smiles arrogantly again.

“Rue hated you, you know.” Victoria continued, “She found you annoying, and said you smell. She said Artie is even worse, and that you have the absolute worst taste in men. So if you’re wondering, the answer is no. Rue does not miss you. She was happy to finally be back in the arms of Alexandra Calaway, and even happier when I came along and brought her into my loving arms. Now she doesn’t want anybody else, not you and certainly not Bella Madison."

There’s that scowl again.

“I’m going to use you Bobbie.” said Victoria, “I’m going to use you as an example to Bella Madison of what happens when you cross the queen. Your return means nothing to be, like I said I have no problem putting you right back on the shelf. Point is, you will be made an example of and it’s Bella Madisons fault. You should prepare for disappointment Bobbie, much like you do everytime you climb into bed with Artie.”

She laughs like some sort of genius at her comment.


“Oh Bobbie. This is going to be sort of fun.” said Victoria with a eerie smile, “I always enjoy sending messages, and you’ll do perfectly fine as a message to Bella Madison, who if she knows what’s good for her will do the right thing and apologize. But something tells me she’s too proud for that.”

Victoria shrugs.

“Whatever, doesn’t matter.” she said with a grin, “All you need to worry about is the fact you’re heading right into your own destruction. I’m going to delight in using you as a sacrificial lamb just to show Bella what she’s really getting into. Just remember what I told you when you find yourself back in that boot, or laid up in a hospital bed. The person to blame is BELLA MADISON."

She scowls again at the name.

“I’ll see you at your execution Bobbie.” said Victoria, “I’ll try to make it quick, but I make no promises. I need to be sure Bella gets the message loud and clear. So I’m going to do whatever I need to do. Just remember this as well,...it’s nothing personal.”

She winks at the camera, with her arrogant smirk as the scene fades out to black.

_________

“It’s perfect.” Victoria said with a smile as she looked at herself in the mirror in a regal dress. “I have to be sure to look nice after all.”

“Oh?” said the dress store clerk, “Big event planned?”

“I’m gonna meet the royal family tomorrow.” Victoria said with a smile.

“Oh wow!” said the clerk, “I didn’t think they were accepting visitors at this time, due to the renovations.”

“Oh, that doesn’t matter. I’m also royalty, I’ll be granted access.” said Victoria confidently

The clerk raised an eyebrow, “You’re from a royal family?”

“Well, I’m the only actual royal in my family.” said Victoria, “I’m the queen of Sin City Wrestling.”

“Oh! That’s the wrestling thing that’s in town. I have a friend that watches that.” said the clerk, “I think she likes some girl named Bella Madison, do you know her?”

Victoria frowned.

“I know Bella.” she said, “She’s obnoxious, she’s rude and likes to insert herself where she’s not wanted. Honestly, most of my coworkers don’t even like her, she kinda thinks she’s better than all of us, and I think she’s jealous of me because I’m a champion and she’s not.”

“Oh wow, you’re the champion too!” said the girl, “Emma is going to be so jealous I met someone from SCW, and a champion to boot!”

“You remind her it was the queen you met.” Victoria said with a smirk.

“I have to say though…I don’t know that really qualifies as royalty.” said the clerk, “I don’t think they’ll let you in the Royal Palace.”

Victoria scowled again.

“What do you know anyway?” she said, “You’re just some dress store employee. You don’t understand how royalty works. So let’s worry about you just doing your job. How much is the dress?”

“Five thousand Euros.” the clerk replied.

“...I see.” Victoria muttered thinking it over. “Here use my business account, The Lyons Den can pay for this.”

“Will do.” said the clerk.

“And be sure to package it up right.” Victoria continued

“Of course ma’am.” said the clerk, annoyed but doing her job and staying polite.

“And next time you see your friend, tell her she needs better taste in her SCW stars.” said Victoria.

“Um, sure ma’am. Of course.” said the clerk, making a quick exit to both get away from Victoria, and package her dress up so she could finally get her out of the store.

“I’m sure the wise King Philippe will be honored to have another royal grace his palace.” said Victoria, “I’m sure the palace is only closed to the commonfolk. Tomorrow, Rue and I get an audience with the king.”

She smiles into the mirror, before turning to find the poor clerk, to harass her once more about being very careful about the packaging, and to not get anything on her new dress.

_______

The cameras open on Victoria seated behind a desk, a chalkboard with “Happiness as a Masquerade.” written on it behind her, a classroomesque environment, evident by the Ms. Lyons nameplate resting in the desk next to the Bombshell Roulette Championship.

“Hello Sheeple.” she said with a smile, “As you can tell, we’re going to talk about using happiness as a masquerade, people who wear a mask to hide their own insecurities., and nobody is a bigger portrayer of this than Bobbie Dahl.”

She stands and writes Bobbie Dahl’s name on the chalkboard.

“Last time we talked Bobbie, I talked about your shallow existence and how you will never grow as a person due to your unwillingness to accept any uncomfortable truths.”  continued Victoria, “Deep down your a sad lonely person who needs the adulation of others. You know that the only man you could ever pull is someone like Artie who himself is barely even a man.”

She shakes her head, and continues.

“See, what Bobbie doesn’t understand is that true power comes from being able to accept, and embrace the darkness and then turn that into strength.” said Victoria “She believes that if she acts happy, then she will seem happy and in turn will actually BE happy. But the world doesn’t work that way Bobbie.”

She takes a moment to pause and glare into the camera

“But by all means, continue to be a naive little girl.” said Victoria, “Just don’t be surprised when the real WOMEN of this company take your face and shove it in the dirt. Mark my words, I will continue to rise to the top of this company. Haters can hate all they want, but the results will always speak for themselves. I’m the queen of SCW, I’m the Bombshell Roulette Champion and I’m UNDEFEATED. I’m the most talked about Bombshell in recent memory and it seems like everyone want to take their shot at me, yet each and every time they all fall, and I come out on top.”

She smiles proudly

“I don’t need to smile and act happy. I don’t need to seek the adulation of any of the fans.” Victoria continued, “I only come with the truth and it’s up to everyone else to accept or reject it. I’m one of the few actual honest stars in all of SCW. I will speak my mind and maybe that’s too much for the weak minded to handle, but that’s their burden to bear. The approval of others doesn’t matter to people like us. What happens if the crowd rejects you Bobbie? Could you really handle it? I myself relish in it, their disdain and hatred only fuels me further. But you? You would truly lose yourself. You need that support, that adulation. A reassurance that you are good enough. But you’re not Bobbie, you’re not good enough or you would still have the Bombshell Roulette Championship.”

She runs her fingers along Rue, as she mentions the championship.

‘Maybe one day you’ll wake up, and see the truth of things.” Victoria said, “But as long as you keep trying to please the masses, and make sure you have their approval you will never amount to much around here. Just look around. Do you think Finn Whelan gives a fuck if the fans like him or not? Does Kayla?  Does Julianna? Alexander Raven? I guess HB Carter does, but I’m guessing unless something changes, he won’t be a champion long. Point is, all the top champions around here, we don’t give a damn about the approval of others and that’s why we’re successful.”

She looks proudly, and confidently into the camera.

“When you’re looking up at the lights, having lost to your superior” she continued, “Maybe then your will open your eyes and realize how much you’ve been lying to yourself. Maybe then you’ll shed the fake smiles and childlike attitude. But right now, all you are is a victim, one that The Head Lioness is going to rip to shreds, and remember…who do we blame?”

She smirked, and wrote Bella Madison on the board.

“We blame Bella Madison.” she said with a scowl, “So take it out on her when I’m done with you, that is…if there’s anything left.”

She grins and laughs to herself, she keeps laughing as the scene fades out.

_______

Victoria looked at the palace in awe, it really was striking and truly a home suited for royalty. She knew she would feel right at home as soon as she walked in. Her dress was striking as well, even her biggest haters couldn’t deny she truly dressed for the occasion, as the dress was absolutely stunning.

With a confident smile, she walked up to the gates, ignoring the guard and pushed on them. They didn’t open.

“Ugh.” she scoffed, turning her attention to the guard.

“Ahem?” she said motioning at the closed gates.

“I’m sorry miss.” the guard said, “The palace is closed to visitors this year, due to renovations.”

Victoria rolled her eyes and laughed.

“So I’ve heard.” she said, “But, I’m also royalty and King Philippe is definitely going to want to meet me.”

“Is that right?” said the guard.

“Yes.” said Victoria, “So, go on, open the gates, and let me in."

“I’m sorry ma’am” said the guard. “But the palace really is closed to the public. We’ll probably be open next year or you can try a virtual tour.”

“Next YEAR? Virtual?!” she said, “No, I’m here now. What’s the big deal?”

“I’m just doing my job ma’am” said the guard.

“Well, you’re doing a poor job of it.” said Victoria, “When King Philippe hears about this…”

The guard exhaled heavily

“Look Victoria.” he said, interrupting as Victoria looked at him wide-eyed, “Yeah…I know who you are.”

“You stalking me weirdo?” she asked

“No.” he said, “I’m an SCW fan. I actually got tickets for the show this weekend.”

“Well good for you, what’s that got to do with me getting into the palace, and having an audience with the king?” she asked.

“That’s not going to happen.” he said, “You need to leave. Any other guard would have likely already arrested you for pushing on the gates like that. But I don’t want to cause SCW any legal trouble, so please…just go.”

“Or what?” Victoria said folding her arms.

“Or I’ll have to do my job and detain you.” said the guard, “You want to get locked up in a foreign country? Would your bosses be happy with you? Believe me, the best course of action is to walk away.”

She met eyes with the guard, and after a brief staredown she stepped back.

“Fine.” she said, “King Philippe’s loss anyway. What an absolute waste of time.”

She proceeded to flip the bird to the palace, and then the guard for good measure, before sulking off in the direction of the nearby Brussels Park.

_________

The cameras open on Victoria in a expensive dress, looking at the Royal Palace from Brussels Park, she has a look of annoyance on her face.

“Palace is closed for renovations.” she said with a mocking tone as she turned to address the cameras, making sure the palace was still in view behind her.

“They deny ME!!” she growls, “ME!! The queen of Sin City Wrestling!”

Her lip quivers as she speaks.

“I get denying people like you Bobbie.” she said, “Nobody wants garbage in their fancy palace, but I’m a queen and they deny me at the gates!”

She snarls and kicks at the ground.

“It’s an absolute travesty of justice.” she continued, “Now I need to show them what they missed out on. I hope the royal family watches close, so they know what they rejected. I bet the king doesn’t even know they denied me. That idiot guard didn’t even try to ask, just denied me at the gates, and then he threatened to arrest me. ME! Can you belive it?”

She shakes her head, exhaling heavily.

“Either the king is incompetent, or his staff is, because I should be inside that palace dining like the queen I am, RIGHT NOW!! I dressed for the occasion and everything!" Victoria exclaimed

She pauses for a moment, slowly calming her breathing.

“It’s okay. You’re fine Victoria.” she said to herself, “You don’t need the royal family. It’s their loss anyway. You only have to worry about your own queendom.  You’ll handle Bobbie Dahl,  and then you’ll take care of the rebellious Bella Madison.”

She nods to herself and looks to the cameras again.

“Bobbie, all I can really tell you at this point, is you better wipe that smile off your face and knuckle up.” said Victoria, “If not, I’ll have no problem doing it for you. I’m getting tired of the ridiculous slander being thrown my way, all the rude and uncalled for comments thrown my way. It’s all jealousy, because I came in and shook the game up. Now these other bitches can’t handle it because they just can’t measure up now. Face facts Bobbie, someone better has arrived and the rest of the division has to deal with it. Everyone likes to say I have a big mouth, but do I not back my words up? I AM the Queen of SCW, and I AM the Bombshell Roulette Champion, I EARNED those. What more do I need to do to prove that I am the new Alpha Female of the locker room? I guess just keep knocking them down until the rest fo the Bombshells open their eyes and see the truth of the matter. So by all means Bobbie Dahl, step up to the plate and take your best shot because I’m going to take you to hell and back, and Bella Madison, I hope you’re watching close because this is only the warm up for what’s going to happen when I get to you. Consider what happens to Bobbie Dahl your only warning., and whatever does happen to her, well that’s on you. You Bella Madison, are the cause of the execution of Bobbie Dahl.”

She grins and laughs into the camera, as the scene fades out and comes to a close.

The check-in people really didn’t deserve the earful they were getting for simply doing their jobs, but there Victoria was arguing about her booking, despite being a champion and having one of the Princess Cruises Grand suites all to herself.

“No, check your little computer again.” Victoria said, “Queen Victoria Lyons, SCW Bombshell Roulette Champion. I should have one of the Sky Suites!”

“I’m sorry ma’am” the girl at the desk said kindly, “I assure you our Grand Suites are very nice, and you get a bunch of amenities, they’re still one of out top suites.”

“But they’re not the most premium, it says on your website, the SKY suite is the largest and most premium.” she insisted.

“I do apologize ma’am.” the girl replied, “But there’s nothing I can do."

“It’s Underwood isn’t it?” she growled, “He took a Sky suite didn’t he, I bet Ward did too.”

“I’m not at liberty to discuss those matters ma’am.” the girl replied, “Would you like someone to bring your bags to your room for you?”

Victoria rolled her eyes, and scoffed at the girl.

“No. I don’t need anyone’s grimy hands on my stuff.” said Victoria, “Just give me the damn key.”

“Of course ma’am” the girl replied, doing all she could to remain polite while Victoria was just being a straight up Karen.

Grabbing her bags, she found the nearest elevator and found her room, she looked around and shook her head.

“It’ll do I suppose.” she said to herself still not completely pleased.

After retrieving  her championship and crown, and setting her bags near one of the beds, she pushed open the doors and stepped out onto her private balcony, looking over the people below her with her championship on her shoulder, and crown on her head.

“Well Rue, at least it’s not one of the commoner rooms.” she said, “But it’s still not QUITE fit for a Queen, the Sky suites would be much more accodm…WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!!! YOU GOD DAMN DIRTY FUCKING SEABIRD!!!”

A passing seagull, had managed to deliver a perfect shot to Victorias eye, causing her to yell out as she wiped the seagull shit from her face, and spit out the bit that even got in her mouth.

“Come on Rue, now I need a bath.” she grumbled, pushing open the doors back into her suite, and readying a nice bath for herself, and Rue was likely joining her.

__________

As the scene opens, Victoria sits on a lounge chair in her Grand Suite, she’s wearing a bathrobe, has her hair in an up-do, and yet still has her crown on. The Bombshell Roulette Championship rests on her shoulder.

“Hello Bella.” she says with a grin, “You know, I’m glad you want nothing more than to punch me in the face. That’s the anger I want to bring out of you, that’s the type of anger I want you all to tap into. Let your hatred of me consume you Bella. Maybe then you could be in my position, with a crown and championship. But, because you lack any real fortitude, you’re not and you never will be."

She smiles, taunting Bella Madison with her signature smirk.

“Mercedes was right about you you know.” she continued, “What was it? Always the bridesmaid and never the bride? How long have you been after a singles championship? Five years? I came to SCW and became a queen and a champion in just a little over five WEEKS. What makes you think you are going to beat me? You said it yourself, you’re weak."

That wasn’t exactly what Bella said, but Victoria was the type to take peoples words and twist them around.

“Maybe you should have joined the queen for a day match.” Victoria said with a shrug, “You still wouldn't have become queen assuming I was still in the match. Now you have nothing but your hopes and dreams, as you have had for years. You talk about how you’d be a kind and respectful queen, and again THAT is why you are weak.”

Victoria shakes her head, and takes a moment to readjust (and draw attention to) the crown on her head.

“You don’t have it in you to get truly dirty.” said Victoria, “At least Alexandra and Mercedes understand that you can’t always play nice. They know how to really dig deep, something you just aren’t woman enough to do. If you were, you would have joined us in the queen for a day match. Instead you’re just going to continue to chase a dream, that you’ll never be able to achieve.”

She glances down at her championship proudly.

“She’s pretty isn’t she?” Victoria continued, “I’m sure you’d love to take my Rue away from me Bella. You all would but I won’t let that happen. She’s mine now and she doesn’t deserve any of you. She deserves to be on the shoulder or around the waist of a queen. A true queen that understands how to properly use her power. One that every day has to face cruel accusations from those who misinterpret her goals. The slander that has been thrown at me since I arrived her is ridiculous and uncalled for, and I simply don’t deserve it.”

She scowls at the camera in disgust.

“Even with the proof that fate is rewarding me.” said Victoria, “I have the crown, I have the championship and they even got me a half decent suite for being a champion. It’s not quite the Sky Suite I deserve, but it’ll do.  Shame this was almost yours Alexandra, maybe next year.”

She goes back to her cheeky shit-eating grin.

“We’ll talk about you a little more later Alexandra, for now I just want to mostly speak to Bella.” Victoria continued, “Save the best for last, you know? Now, back to the Bell of The Brawl, which I’ll hand it to you, is a pretty cute and creative nickname.”

She claps, but it’s really more of a mocking clap.

“You’ll need more than a cute nickname to walk out a champion however.” Victoria continued, “I mean, Alexandra is a proven champion time and time again, and Mercedes is a hall of famer. Then you have me, as your queen, and that leaves you as just…Bella. You have the biggest hill to climb and I just don’t think you can do it.  Even your own friend questioned if you’re really willing to go the distance. If you won’t listen to me, maybe you’ll listen to her and stop getting in your own way.”

Victoria pauses for a moment, and repostures herself in the chair

“You’re going to be disappointed once again Bella.” she continued, “See the thing you had right about me? I don’t care. I will do anything I need to do to win.  You don’t have the ability to flip that killswitch like I do, or like Alexandra or Mercedes do for that matter.  Would you be willing to take off Alexandra Calaway’s head if it meant it got you the victory? Because I’m certain she would take yours off to get herself a victory, friend or not.”

She keeps a gaze on the camera, as she clutches her championship.
[/i]
“I have no friends in this match.” said Victoria, “None of you are any real concern to me, and neither is your safety. My only concern is protecting Rue, and keeping her in the hands of her rightful owner. Her and I are a perfect pair, I mean just look at the image of perfection before you.”

Victoria smiles and mugs some for the camera.

“This is the image you’re all going to be looking at for a long time.” she continued, “And I think you all know it too. Deep down you all know the truth. That my arrival here in SCW has ruined all of your precious plans. That a lioness now prowls the jungle that is Sin City Wrestling and you have become nothing more than her prey. If Bella Madison doesn’t find a way to unleash her inner beast then the Head Lyoness will tear her apart and toss her carcass overboard for the sharks. See you soon Bella.”

She reaches off screen and pulls in a glass of wine, which with a wink she takes a sip of and tips the glass to the camera, as it fades to black.

_________

A cruise is supposed to be relaxing, giving it’s passengers a chance to just cast their worries aside, and just free their minds for a while. That wasn’t how it was going for Victoria Lyons, a passing seagull nails her in the face with bird shit, and now she was getting a stomach bug. It was like karma was fucking with her for some reason.

She was knelt in front of the toilet in her suites bathroom, trying to get over this seasickness before her match.

“I could just vomit on Bella Madison or something.” she said to herself, “That would be prett…blerrgrghhhghh.

There was bits of black cherry chocolate cake, and red wine mixed in that one.

“Gross.” Victoria muttered, wiping her face with a towel. Her stomach still felt like it was in a knot, but at least she had nothing left to vomit up.

“Why is this happening to me Rue?” she said to the Roulette Championship set on the sink next to her.

“It feels like something is out to get me.” she said, “Why me Rue? What have I even done wrong?”

She sighed, and shook her head.

“I’ll tell you what though Rue.” she continued, “Seasickness or not, filthy seabirds or not, I won’t let those bitches take you from me. You’re MINE.”

With a smile of a proud mother, she casually runs a couple fingers across the championships front plate, like it was a child's cheek.

“Yes, my sweet sweet Rue.” she said with a smile, her eyes glowing as she looked at her championship belt, “You don’t want them either do you? You want to stay with royalty, with a queen. The ladies of the realm, even the Highborn ones just don’t appreciate you enough.”

She shakes her head.

“You know you’re considered like a third rate championship?” she said. “Everyone seems to think Kayla or Tempest have the superior championships? A ridiculous notion, because you belong to me and any championship that belongs to me is instantly the most important. Why you’re even more important than Finn Whelans championship, simply because you are with me, you are with a queen.”

She runs her fingers across the championship once more.

“I won’t ever let you leave me Rue.” she said, “Everyone else wants to walk away from me. Not you. You will stay with me, and I’ll make sure of it. I’ll provide you with the attention you deserve. All the others just want you so they can pad their own egos. But me? I want to make you great Rue. I want people to think of the Bombshell Roulette Championship when they think of SCW, with me you will become the most premier championship in the company, because Rue, because you deserve it.”

She leans in and kisses her championship.

“I love you Rue.” she said, “No harm will come to…blergrgghghhghgghhgghghghghghhgghgh:”

It seemed she did have more to vomit up, her seasickness still keeping her from truly enjoying the cruise. Still, despite what anyone might say she was still a fighter and she wasn’t going to let any sickness get in the way of defending her championship. She had no one else, Rue was all she had now and she would rather die than see Rue taken from her.

__________


We open the scene, with Victoria once again in her bathrobe,  in her suite on a lounge chair with her crown and championship proudly on display as usual, a glass of red wine in hand, she lets the camera linger on her for a moment before speaking.

“How are you Mercedes?” she said, taking a sip of her wine. “Still clinging on to any shred of a career you might have left? Doing all you can as you enter the twilight of your career? Look Mercedes, maybe there was once a time when you were important, and people cared about what you had to say. But that time is done, and you need to realize nobody cares anymore.”

She takes another sip of her wine.

“I really hoped to hear more from you Mercedes.” she continued “But all you did was tell me how this match is about survival. As if I’m not a survivor. Did I not survive when I climbed a ladder to earn this crown on my head? Did I not survive a ridiculous paint match to earn my shot at the Bombshell Roulette Championship, where I SURVIVED against Alexandra Calaway and became the Bombshell Roulette Championship? But you think I can’t SURVIVE? Maybe you’re getting a bit senile, or maybe you just got hit on the head to many times throughout your career. I’ll show you how I survive Mercedes, maybe I’ll just retire you for good. You want to talk about peoples win loss records? Honey, I’m the UNDEFEATED BOMBSHELL ROULETTE QUEEN. The haters can talk me down all they want, I will continue to rise above and be the stronger and better person. I am the heroine this company needs, the heroine it deserves.”

Her eyes seem filled with pride as she speaks

“I mean what more can I say that Alexandra Calaway didn’t?” she continues, “You’re basically the least impressive hall of famer ever. The ballot or whatever must have been thin that year or something. You can keep trying to prove you still have it, but nobody is buying it Mercedes. Everyone sees you as you are, that you just don’t really have it anymore. You hold onto the notion of being a hall of famer because it’s all you have. You need to tout that fact to make yourself feel relevant still. You won’t be leaving this ship with Rue. Bella Madison won’t leave this ship with Rue, and Alexandra Calaway won’t be taking Rue back into her arms. I will be the one to survive this war and I will still be \the Bombshell Roulette Champion, and I will still be your queen.”

She tips her glass to the camera, and takes another sip of wine, winks at the camera with her shit-eating grin, as the scene fades out.

__________

It was gone, she had fallen asleep on the pool deck and when she woke, Victoria found her crown was gone!

“SECURITY!!!!!” she screamed like a Banshee, getting more than a few eyes on her as a security guard approached her.

“Can I help you miss?” he asked, “Is everything alright?”

“NO!” Victoria said folding her arms, “My crown is missing, someone stole it!”

The guard scratched his chin.

“Your crown?” he said a little confused.

“Yes. My crown.” she replied with snark in her voice “You know, you wear it on your head, it’s a sign of royalty?”

“I know what a crown is ma’am.” the guard replied, “When did you last see this crown?”

“It was next to me right here, I feel asleep and woke up to find it missing.” replied Victoria

“Can you give a description?” asked the officer

“..It looks like a crown?” she replied, “Gold, has some jewels in it, circular shaped, spiky top.”

“Ma’am, please lose the attitude. I’m here to help.” the guard replied

“Well, maybe if you were doing you’re job in the first place, it wouldn’t have gotten stolen.” she replied, not losing the attitude, “But I shouldn’t expect much from a security guard on a boat.”

“I do apologize ma’am.” replied the guard, “I know having your property stolen can be stressful. We will do whatever we can to find it for you, I would suggest checking lost and found as well.”

“I didn’t lose it.” she said, “It was right here next to me.”

“Well, we’ll keep an eye out, Miiiiisssss…” said the guard

“Lyons.” Victoria replied, “Queen Victoria Lyons, SCW Bombshell Roulette Champion.”

“Ah, your one of the wrestlers.” noted the guard, “Is it possible a rival wrestler did this? Perhaps someone with a grudge against you?”

“Those bitches wouldn’t dare.” she said.

“Well.” said the guard, “I’ll make a report of this, and if we find anything we’ll have the information sent to your room Miss Lyons. Was there anything else?”

“Just go find my damn crown.” said Victoria.

The guard to his credit remained civil, despite Victorias rudeness.

“..Have a nice day ma’am.” the guard said, as he took his leave from her.

“This is the worst cruise ever.” she muttered to herself, “I’m not even having a good time.”

She laid back in her seat, she couldn’t even get back to sleep now. She just wanted to get to her match, retain her title and get off this wretched boat.

_________

Victoria is back in her suite as the cameras open, with the same look as before with the bathrobe and championship combo, rounded out with her favorite glass of Red. Notably missing is the usual crown on her head.

“Let’s be real Alexandra.” she began, “This match is really between us isn’t it? I mean Mercedes isn’t what she used to be, and even you said Bellas heart might not be in this. We re the premier talent of this match and we both know it. If by some miracle I don’t leave with Rue, then that means she left with you.”

She smiles through a sip of her wine.

“But like I told the other two, Rue doesn’t want to go.” she continued. “She likes it with me, and I have to protect her. It’s obvious I have no friends around here. Even with your friendship with Alex, you and I aren’t exactly friends are we? I suppose Frenemies would be a more proper term for the two of us.”

She shrugs.

“You want to know why I’m superior to everyone else in The Lyons Den?” she said, “Because it was MY late father who started it and I am his eldest daughter, by virtue of being born exactly 2 minutes before my brother, just before midnight in a different year.  I am the heir to it all. Cleo, Alex, Vincent, Eddie they all should be listening to me, especially Eddie if he wants his Roulette Championship back.”

She takes another sip of wine.

“You say you used to think like me, and well maybe you should again.” she said, “Maybe then you’d have succeeded at becoming Mixed Tag Champions, an opportunity I basically handed to you.  But you didn’t because you’ve started turning soft. You can deny it all you want, but deep down, you know I’m right, you know.”

She glares into the camera with a serious expression.

“I’m glad you’re gonna show your darkside.” said Victoria, “Or you claim to anyway. We’ll have to see. Like say, what do you do if I hold Bella Madison for you and allow you to take a vicious chair shot on her? Do you take it because she’s an opponent and it betters your chances of winning? Or do you hold back because she’s your friend? A little food for thought.”

She pauses, takes time to flip her hair and continues.

“What pisses me off is you diminishing my accomplishments here in SCW.” she
 continued, “When I have done everything asked of me in that ring. Look save for one show, I don’t decide the stipulations. But it wouldn’t have mattered who I was in there with, I’d still sit here today as Queen and Bombshell Roulette Champion, because that’s how fate works.”

She looks to the camera with a grin.

“Fate has called for me to be the new leader of SCW’s bombshell division.” continued Victoria, “If I have to beat you again for you to understand then I will. I’ll beat you a thousand times over if that’s what it takes. The same goes for Bella and Mercedes as well. See, sweet Bella might be too angry with me over the whole Miles/Carter situation, one has to wonder where he real focus is, harming me? Or winning a championship.”

Victoria grins, knowing that’s exactly what she wants, for Bella to be less focused on winning and more focused on revenge.

“Mercedes, she..well she just refuses to admit it’s over doesn’t she?” said Victoria, “Can’t admit when its time to hang up the boots, so instead of leaving with her head held high she continues to tarnish her own legacy, sort of sad when you think about it.”

She wipes a fake tear away from her eye.

“I at least like you, a little bit anyway.” Victoria continued, “So you wouldn’t be the WORST person for Rue to be with. But if you want her, you’re going to have to fight for her, and I mean truly fight because I love Rue, and we both know how hard we fight for those we love. She won’t be taken from me so easily. We’re going to have to get violent, and you know I like violence and to keep Rue with me I will stop at nothing short of a massacre.”

She looks down at the championship with a prideful smile before looking back to the camera.

“Ladies.” she continues, “I’ll see you on Sunday, just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

She tips her glass to the camera again, and takes a sip. She keeps a smirk on her face as the scene fades to black.

__________

It had been hours and still no word. She had to send her final address WITHOUT a crown. She must have looked absolutely ridiculous without it. She was a queen after all.

“Damn security can’t even do their jobs.”[/color] she muttered. “I’m glad you’re safe Rue.”

She nodded to the championship on her bedside, which she wisely left in her room when she went to the pool.

“I better get that crown back.” she said as she paced back and forth, “Otherwise Underwood is forging me a new one. Yeah, he’s going to have to make this right.”

As she continued pacing, there was a knock on the door, with an annoyed scoff she answered it to find her cousin Eddie Lyons standing there with her crown in his hands.

“...Lose something?” he said holding it out for her.

“WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?” she snarled, snatching it from Eddies hands, “WAS IT YOU? DID YOU STEAL IT?”

“Seriously?” said Eddie, “You really think I would do that? No I didn’t steal your crown, but I did find it. Some fan had it. I had to convince him to give it back. You should really be more careful with your stuff. I’m only bringing this to you, because it’s your property and it’s just the right thing to do.”

“Well, isn’t that noble of you.” Victoria said rolling her eyes.

“Just doing what’s right.” said Eddie.

“Well, at least I have it back. Now I can look like a proper queen for my match.” said Victoria.

”Indeed.” said Eddie with a disinterested tone.

“See you around cousin.” Victoria said, slamming the door in Eddies face, and happily walking to her championship, crown now back on her head.

“Rue! Look I found my crown!” she said happily. “Now just a few more days, I’ll beat those other three bitches and then we can all leave this wretched cruise behind us once and for all.”

She picks the belt up, and rests it on her shoulder before walking to the balcony to relax and overlook the scenery below her, being up high made her feel powerful. Her confidence remained at an all time high and she in her own mind knew there would be no other result than her hand being raised, as still the SCW Bombshell Roulette Champion.

[A Couple Days After Climax Control 398][/b]

“They’re fucking LAUGHING at me.” Victoria growled, sending a water bottle flying across the room past her brothers head.

“Calm down sister.” said Vincent, “Nobody’s laughing.”

Victoria took a few heavy breaths, and slams her fist against a wall.

“I will not be made a fool of.” she snapped, “I could have been BLINDED.”

“Well, I mean…why were you out there in the first place?” asked Vincent.

Victoria growled, turned and stomped right up to her brother, glaring him in the eyes.

“Did you not see what I saw?” said Victoria aggressively, “Eddie was about to make a fool of himself, a fool of our family name. I had to go out there, and make it right.”

“Instead, you costed him the match, and got yourself misted.” Vincent replied, matching his sisters tone.

“What’s with you lately?” said Victoria

“It’s you Victoria.” said Vincent, “I’m tired of you. You’ve lost your way, and I’ve decided I need to find my own.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow, and took a step back.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” she piqued.

“I’m leaving.” said Vincent, “On a boat.”

“...A boat?” Victoria laughed, “You can’t be serious. With who?”

“An old friend whose done it before.” said Vincent, “It doesn’t matter. The last few years I’ve floundered around doing nothing, now I’m the only Lyons Den graduate without a contract. You and Eddie have SCW and Alex is in PWS with Cleo now. I need to just go, and find out who Vincent Lyons Jr. is.”

“This is a joke right?” said Victoria, not really believing her ears.

“It’s not.” said Vincent “My flight leaves tonight, and we sail from my friends port in New York tomorrow.”

“Vincent.” Victoria snarled, “You can’t go! I need you here!”

“I’m sorry.” said Vincent, “You’re still my sister and I love you, but I can’t help you anymore. You’re on your own.”

“Vincent!” she snapped again, as her brother walked to the exit of the room, “Vincent, come back!!”

The sound of the door shutting, was the last time she saw him. Inside, she could feel her anger seethe more.  She had been drenched in paint, misted in the face and now her own twin brother, her flesh and blood had walked out on her to sail on fucking boat. She had done nothing to deserve all of this, nothing at all. Why was karma fucking around with her? What had she done that was so wrong? All she wanted to do was help, but maybe now it was time to resort to violence, but she needed a symbol of power stronger than her crown, she needed the Bombshell Roulette Championship.

__________

[A Couple MORE Days After Climax Control 398]

She was angry, and was starting to lose herself. Her insolent brother had taken off on a boat and nobody was being appreciative of all The Queen was trying to do for everyone. But there was still Alexander, her cousin, the cousin that was actually thankful, unlike Eddie the honorbound fool.

“He left on a fucking boat Alex.” said Victoria, “Went on some soul searching journey or some shit.”

Alex shook his head in disbelief.

“He abandoned us.” Alex said furrowing his brow.

Victoria rested a hand on Alexanders shoulder. She knew how he felt about abandonment. First for much of his life, he was kept away from his family, like some sort of unwanted bastard. Then his own group of so called brothers abandoned him as well.

“I am your family Alex.” said Victoria, “I will never abandon you like our elders or your former so called brothers did. You are blood of my blood. All we have is each other now.”

Alex nodded.

“Which is why..” Victoria continued, “I need to know that you’re on my side as I head into battle with Alexandra Calaway.”

Alex blinked twice and stepped back.

“Come again?” he said

“I know you’re not in SCW..” said Victoria, “But I just need to know you’re on my side for this one.  I need to know this time, you’re rooting for me.”

Alex looked at his cousin, eyebrow raised.

“You know Alexandra is a good friend of mine.” he said, “She was betrayed by our former brothers just as much as I was. I can’t pick between you two, but I do wish you best of luck.”

Victoria scowled

“Luck?” she snapped, “You think I need LUCK? I extended an olive branch to Calaway because of you, because you said she’s important to you. But your friendship with her will not save her from any wrath I intend to inflict so I can become champion.”

“Look, Alexandra accepted me as family long before you did.” he said, “We caused chaos together. She is my sister in blood, because we’ve gone to battle and bled together. She never once ordered me to do anything.”

“Alex…” Victoria said “Watch your tone…”

“Or what?” said Alex, “Look, I’m not gonna run off on some boat like Vincent did. But I’m not gonna sit here and let you try and control me like you did him.”

“Alex…..” Victoria said

“I’m my own man, and I can make my own alliances.” Alex continued, interrupting, “So, once again. I am not taking sides here. I’ll be proud of whomever wins.”

“You should be supporting your family, your actual blood.” Victoria said

“Alexandra is family to me,same blood or not.” Alex replied, “And I won’t stand here and be bothered with this anymore. I have things take care of.”

“Like what?” said Victoria

“Alexandra Calaway called me.” said Alex, “Has some ideas she wants to run by me regarding PWS, probably wants some tips on taking down Cleo.”

“So you make time for her?” said Victoria, “What about me?”

“Like I said.” Alex continued, "It’s PWS business…you know, where I work now. It’s nothing personal.”

“Whatever, go to her then.” said Victoria.

“Victoria, you’re being ridiculous.” said Alexander.

“GO!” Victoria snapped

“Whatever.” said Alex shaking his head, before he turned and exited the room.

Victoria looked at her reflection in a nearby mirror, was she losing Alexander now too? Why was everyone around leaving her? She needed something that couldn’t leave, something that would make people have to respect her, she needed the Bombshell Roulette Championship.

And she would have it. Dammit she would have it.

__________

A shadowy darkness opens the scene, dark enough to see some fog, and minimal light behind the shadows. From the darkness emerges Victoria Lyons, scowl on her face and crown still delusionally placed on her blonde head.

“I know you fancy yourself a queen.” Victoria began after glaring at the camera for a few moments, “And you are a whole lot more worthy of that title than anyone else around here, but with all due respect there is only one queen, and you’re looking at her.”

Victoria readjusts her crown to drive home her point.

“I earned my right to be called Queen, and even gave you a reward even though it meant I had to reward Miles Kasey as well.” she said her face twitching slightly, “I like you Alexandra, I do. But I sometimes question your alliances. I mean Alexander Raven, Entity, Goth, Peter Vauhgn, all of them are far superior choices to be a tag partner around here, yet you choose Miles Kasey of all people.”

Victoria shakes her head, as if disappointed.

“That’s your burden to bear however.” she said, “Just, maybe if you don’t manage to capture the mixed tag championships, think about who the weak link is. Think about who the champion of your team is, well…for now anyway.”

Victoria winks.

“See, I know you’re coming into this match in a weakened state.“ she grinned “We don’t need to play games about it, you have a huge cage match with Cleo Phillips in PWS just days before we have our dance.  While I am pulling for you in that encounter, I know damn well Cleo is going to cause all sorts of damage like the felon she is. While most would want their opponent at 100%, understand I am a lioness, and I will not hesitate to take down a weakened prey.”

She pauses for a moment, keeping her gaze steady on the camera.

“I’ve also, got this anger…” she growled, “An anger caused by the fans, by the guy in a cape, by Christian Underwood, anger caused by YOUR TAG PARTNER MILES KASEY!”

Her eyes grow large, and she lunges at the camera.

“You like the darkness too don’t you?” she grinned, her voice turning somehow more eerie, “Tell me, when you go to the darkness and let it’s beautiful embrace take over you…do you hear the voices…?”

Victoria giggled.

“Because I do.” she said, “They told me I am the savior. I am the one that needs to lead humanity into a new future. I am the shepherd that will guide the sheeple to their salvation, but I must make them enter dark valleys themselves, so they can see the beautiful light on the other side. Maybe you can convince Miles and Carter of the truth. Because they seem to think I’m some sort of monster.”

She sighs, and steps back from the camera.

“I’m no monster.” said Victoria, “But I will be your worst nightmare. I will make you tap into the darker side of yourself, the more beautiful side of yourself. I want to bleed, and I want to make you bleed. We’re both women who take some pleasure in violence, and when it comes to our match, it’s gonna make your typical Tarnantino movie look PG in comparison, and I will walk out with the Bombshell Roulette Championship, it will be my preciousssssss.”

She hissed as she spoke, a twisted smile forming on her face.

“You know as well as I do what’s going to happen when that bell rings.” she said, her eyes full of fire, “It won’t matter to me who in my family your friends with. I am going to take you to a darker place than even you thought you could go. I will stop at nothing to take that championship, and prove to everyone that there is a new queen in town.  I am the one sending shockwaves through the Bombshell division, and I am it’s entire fucking future."

Victoria readjusts her crown once more, if only do draw attention to it.

“But don’t worry.” she grinned, “Because of me, you’ll still be a champion, unless Miles messes things up for you. But that as I said, will be your burden to bear. You chose to team with him. All I need to worry about is picking you apart limb from limb and continuing my UNDEFEATED streak right into becoming a champion, the champion of the most random, chaotic division in the company. You’ve got a busy schedule in the coming weeks all around. You could have a slew of championships in a matter of weeks, but it’s also gonna be real easy to slip up if your not careful, and then someone might catch you slipping.

Victoria grinned slightly.

“I have no other focuses.” she continued,  " Just the Bombshell Roulette Championship and a whole lot of anger built up that I‘m ready to unload on just about anyone, and since you now stand between me and a championship, wouldn’t you know who won the pony?”

She smiles and points at the camera, with a wink.

“It’s gonna get ugly between us Alexandra.” said Victoria, “I think you’d agree it might be best the kids go to bed early, because the blood will flow like wine, and only one of us will be able to not necessarily just win, but survive. It will not be for the faint of heart. Let’s give them a show, a wonderful symphony of blood and chaos to please their barbaric little hearts, as they watch the one true queen of SCW take her rightful place as one of it’s champions.”

She adjusts her crown for one final time, keeping a smirk on her face as the scene fades out to complete darkness.

__________

[A Day or So Before Climax Control 399]

Victoria was watching previous matches of Alexandra Calaway, scouting and looking for any weak points in her game she could exploit so that she could walk out of Climax Control with not just her crown, but also a shiny new championship.

Then she was interrupted by an angry voice approaching her.

“Hey, there you are!!” she heard the voice of Eddie Lyons approaching her, “What the hell was that on Climax Control?”

Victoria rolled her eyes, and turned to face her cousin, annoyed.

“So now I’m a bad person for trying to help my family?” she piqued

“I don’t need your help.” said Eddie

“Clearly you did, because you lost.” Victoria remarked.

“Because YOU had to stick YOUR nose in MY business!” said Eddie, “Stay OUT of my matches.”

“I took a bullet for you.” Victoria scowled, “I was damn near blinded, my vision is still a bit blurred. It could have been you.”

“I had it under control.” Eddie huffed.

“It sure didn’t look like it.” said Victoria, “Did you see that gash on your head?”

“A mere war wound.” said Eddie, “I’ll say it again, stay OUT of my matches.”

“I thought you said it was honorable to be there for family.” Victoria grinned.

“I didn’t NEED your help.” said Eddie.

“Hey don’t be mad at me because your career is in a downward spiral since you lost the Roulette Championship.” said Victoria, “While mine is on the upswing, and I am about to become a Roulette Champion in my own right. You can feel free to watch as I hold that championship longer than you held yours. You can watch your career continue to flounder, while mine continues to take off.”

“I can handle myself just fine.” insisted Eddie.

“Of course.” said Victoria, “But you’ll never reach that next level unless you let go of your precious honor. You should have listened to the lessons Peter Vauhgn was trying to teach you, and you might still be champion.”

“I’ll get my championship back.” said Eddie, “Or I will be a champion again, but I don’t need you to help me get there.”

“Unless it’s the mixed tag titles.” said Victoria grinning.

“Yeah, not happening.” said Eddie, “I may win the mixed tag titles someday, but it won’t be with you. Not as you are now.”

Victoria shook her head, and laughed.

“That is why you will never truly rise to the top.” said Victoria.

“Whatever. I’m in SCW for the competition.” said Eddie, “I don’t need to be remembered for how many championships I won. When my career is over, I just want to me remembered as a fighter. Someone who never gave up on themselves, and always did the right thing. Someone who people can respect and be inspired by because of their actions, not their accolades.”

“Spoken like a true fool.” said Victoria, “Good luck to you, but as you can see I’m a bit busy getting ready for my championship match. Alexandra Calaway is someone who CAN actually take things that extra mile. It’s why she’s a renowned champion wherever she goes. So why don’t you go whine about this to Cleo or something.”

Eddie scoffed.

“Just stay out of my business.” said Eddie, “That’s all.”

Victoria didn’t reply, and Eddie didn’t want long for one, before he exited the room, and Victoria went back to her viewing of Calaway’s best matches.

_________

We open on Victoria sitting at a teachers desk in a classroom situation, she still has her crown on, and sits with a smirk. The desk is decorated in classic teacher style, a Ms. Lyons nametag, pencil box, apple the whole deal. With a smile, Victoria takes a bite of her apple.

“Hello Sheeple.” said Victoria, “Today, we learn about the dangers of blogging, and how it can threaten our integrity and unity. Alexandra Calaway enjoys making her queen blogs, which is already a lie because I am the true queen of SCW, but I digress.”

She pauses, her eyes blink a couple times before she continues.

“It is blogging that the self appointed sages of today use to try and share their wisdom with the world.”  she said shaking her head, “They want to lure you in with their lies and half truths so they can receive validation from thousands of faceless comments around the world. Their half truths make them seem more intelligent than they are, and I can say that I would NEVER stoop to such practices.”

She smiled, truly believing her own words of falsehood.

“Is that all this match is to you Alexandra?” Victoria continued, “More content fodder? You know you’re better than that right? You don’t need to waste your time with promoting self-absorption and vanity. It’s unauthentic, and you are too real for that. You shouldn’t have a need to seek approval for your thoughts.”

She leans back in her chair some, before continuing.

“You think I care what people have to say about my thoughts and actions?” said Victoria, “I will do as I please, and speak as I please and it’s for the approval of nobody. My words and action reflect the greater good, I seek to show people that the grass is greener on the other side and I’m here to help people open their eyes. Sadly, some like your tag team partner Miles Kasey choose to remain blind.”

She shakes her head, as if disappointed.

“You’’re dangerous, no doubt Alexandra.” Victoria went on, “But again, you need to cut the weak links, and truly unleash the inner beast inside of you. Cut the bad fruit from the tree, so you can continue to grow. It’s a tough sacrifice, but it’ll be worth it. Restructure your friendships, and alliances and truly become as vicious as we both know you can be.  But perhaps you should learn this lesson on your own.”


Victoria repositions herself upright again.

“If you can’t capture the mixed tag titles, and capitalize on the offer I provided you with.” continued Victoria, “You should probably have a long talk with Miles about his inefficiency. He’s not like us Alexandra. Do you really think he’s willing to go the extra mile, like we are? He’s not. He proved that already on MY show when he and HBC chose to put on their little performance, and deliver a killshot. I wonder, what would you have done in Miles’ shoes? If I’m correct about you, you would have no problem delivering that killshot to your own loved one. If I’m wrong? Then taking the Bombshell Roulette Championship is going to be easier than I thought.”

She grins.

“I’ve dealt with hatred since I arrived here.” she continued, “I’ve been humiliated, covered in paint, nearly blinded and that hasn’t stopped me. Because I am the truth, and I can’t be quieted. My career in SCW has hardly begun and yet here I stand about to become a champion, mere weeks into my career here, finally a true career.”

She smiles, and it actually feels authentic.

“The failures of my past companies meant I never had a chance to truly be a champion.” she continued, “PWE closed just as I became their Victory champion. Wrestling Coalition was a joke to begin with, and was basically dead before it started. You can relate to the struggle of it all, PWS did the same to you, crowned you champion then closed down. I mean they’re back now, but they’re making you fight for it again, ridiculous if you ask me.”

She shrugs.

“But SCW is different, management here is, well at least halfway competent.” she continued, “Perhaps not as much as I thought, but at least they seem to be able to keep a company together. So it’s time I finally make my mak on this industry. It’s time I take my rightful place on top, and I will do it by dethroning one of the best SCW has to offer. I don’t know if this is the fastest rise SCW has seen from debut to championship, but it has to be close I’d imagine.”

Taking in a breath, she pauses once more.

“I intend to be a record setter.” said Victoria, “I want to make records and I want to break records. As the one true queen of SCW, I must show the people that their queen is a fighter, and an accolade achiever. I’ve caused quite the fuss since I arrived here, but thing is..they’re talking and they talk about me. At the end of the day Alexandra, as much as I do actually like you, there is only room for one queen in SCW, and only one of us actually has a crown. So by calling yourself a queen, when you’ve yet to actually win a crown could be considered treason, some may even call you an usurper. But I am merciful, and am willing to engage in combat with you, so everyone can see which of us does deserve to call themselves the one true queen.”

She readjusts her crown, deliberately  drawing attention to it.

“And I think we all know the answer to that.” she grinned, “Long live the queen.”

She takes another bite of the apple, and rests her feet on the desk, continuing to eat the apple, as the scene fades to black.

__________