Victoria looked across the room of her Monaco hotel at her brother Vincent who had been staring at his new championship silently for some time.

“I just realized..” she said “I never congratulated you on your championship victory. So congratulations dear brother.”

Vincent sighed and shook his head not turning to look at her, his eyes still fixated on his championship.

“Wasn't a victory.“ he muttered

Victoria nodded to herself she knew what he meant.

“Look it doesn't matter now how it happened.” Victoria said “Whatever happened with Guy and everything, none of it affects you and none of it affects the Lyons Den.”

“It was just handed to me.” Vincent muttered again

“Because you are the best man for that championship now.” she said “That's why. Don't worry about the how , just worry about the now. You are a champion because nobody else deserves it like you do.”

Vincent shook his head and looked back at her.

“No.” he said “I haven't earned shit. I don't deserve this championship. Not yet. But it's not in my nature to just give it up either. I'm sorry Victoria, but you can't help me with this but I think I know who can.”

“Oh.” Victoria said curiously “and who might that be?”

“Eddie.” he said “He always knows the right thing to do.”

Without further word Vincent grabbed his championship, slung it over his shoulder and with a nod at her, he left the room. Victoria watched him until she heard the door click shut behind him.

“I hope Eddie has the answers you need brother.” she said to herself.

With a sigh, she stood up and walked over to a nearby vanity and looked at her reflection in the mirror.

“And what does the future hold for you?” she said “The easy answer of course is the Bombshell World Championship. How you're going to waltz right through Bella and Alexandra, take Kayla's championship, change the narrative and go on to face Andrea Hernandez instead.”

She laughs slightly to herself.

“But nothing's that easy is it?” she said “Through it all you know what both Alexandra and Bella are capable of. You've gone to war with both of them, and you know they were some of the toughest wars you've ever been in.”

Of course she is still herself and that cocky grin appears on her face.

“But as tough as those wars were.” she said “Who came out on top every time? You did. Alexandra and Bella have given you some of the best fights of your life, it's true, but they haven't beaten you. There's no reason for you to let that start now.”

Through a sigh, her expression changes to one that looks slightly uncomfortable.

“But even if you do win, then what?" she said “You have to face Kayla Richards and you know who hasn't beaten Kayla Richards? YOU. You know who Kayla Richards has beaten? YOU.”

She growls slightly accepting an uncomfortable truth.

“So how are you spinning that narrative?" she said “Oh right! You won the mixed tag titles from her and Finn!”

She shakes her head.

“Wrong again.” she said “Eddie won those belts for the two of you, and you know who lost them for the two of you? You did. As dominant as you were in your first year, there's still one woman that's always been better at each and every turn and that's Kayla Richards.”

She nods to herself.

"What you need to do is change the narrative." she said "Kayla Richards has been calling for a new contender and even said she'd rather it be you than Andrea. How about we give her what she wants? Let's change the narrative and become the wrench in the works that Kayla nor Andrea were ready for.”

With a confident nod she laughs a bit to herself before moving back to relax on her comfy hotel bed.

__________

The cameras open in a smooth Velvet Lounge dimly lit with some soft jazz music fill in the air as they find Victoria Lyons with a glass of red wine sitting at a big comfy lounge chair. She looks at both shoulders and then touches the top of her head and shrugs.

“I suppose this makes both of you happy.” said Victoria “To see this to see me with nothing, no championship, no crown, just me.”

She pauses for a moment once again looking at her empty shoulder.

"This is the image you always wanted to see isn't it?" she said "You wanted to see me fall everybody's been waiting for Victoria's fall from grace.”

She shakes her head with a slight laugh to herself.

“Well laugh it up ladies.” she said “Enjoy it while it lasts, because it won't last long now that I've been given a goal, and that goal leads me straight to the Bombshell World Championship.”

She takes another short pause, her eyes still lingering at the camera.

“I mean I may have nothing." she said “But neither do the two of you.  In my record-breaking championship reign, both of you failed to be the one to succeed me. Harper Mason was the one who had what it took and that's because of the drive that I instilled in her mind. So while I reigned what were the two of you doing?”

She pauses looking into the camera wide-eyed like she's Dora the Explorer waiting for a response.

“How about you Alexandra?” she said “You came at me a couple times and couldn't get the championship from me. I will give you credit however, you did prove yourself a queenslayer when you burned my throne and then took the crown. You ended my reign as queen and I didn't really see it coming. I was truly expecting a more physical encounter if I were to lose my crown, but you played it smart and you didn't even need to fight me to end my reign as queen.  Very impressive indeed. “

She sips her wine and gives a nod to the camera with a tip of the glass.

"But as impressive as it was that didn't make you a champion." she said "And you're still out there chasing championships. Do you know why? Because something about you in SCW just seems softer. The Alexandra Calaway that I see teaming with my cousin in PWS is a completely different animal.  That Alexandra Calaway is a champion.  That Alexandra Calaway wants nothing but destruction.  That Alexandra Calaway along with my cousin Alexander beat the shit out of Bella Madison's husband in PWS. I thought you and Bella were friends I wonder how that makes Bella feel?”

She laughs to herself with a wink.

“So why are you softer in SCW?” Victoria said raising an eyebrow “I think the common denominator is Alexander. He's not here with you in SCW, so you stick around LJ and that's what makes you weaker. With LJ you're worried too much about being a loving girlfriend and having a happy little relationship. But when you're with Alexander there's no romance involved, just destruction.  Just the two of you causing chaos. That's the Alexandra Calaway you need to bring, not the cute little loving girlfriend of LJ Kasey. Because if you don't, well then you're just making my job that much easier.”

She takes another sip of wine keeping her relaxed posture.

“And what about you Bella?” Victoria said "You actually did manage to become a champion after I defeated you. But instead of holding on to it month after month like I did, you decided to take the Internet Championship and begin a game of hot potato. You won the title then you lost to Aleesha, then you won it back, then Mercedes Vargas won it, then Lilith Locke won it, then Mercedes won it back again. Maybe you should try holding the championship for longer than a couple months. Try a year, that's how I did it.”

There's that arrogant smirk on her face again.

“It's no wonder this match came about either.” she said “After Kayla Richards expressed her displeasure about her next contender on X. But she gets her wish now, she'll have to defend against one of us before she even gets to Andrea Hernandez and I'm sure Andrea is going to be watching everything closely as well.”

Victoria takes a short pause and a sip of wine.

“You're going to be in that lounge with a very different Victoria than you remember from our past encounters.” she continued “I was satisfied, content, had everything the last time I faced either of you. Now I have nothing which means I'm hungry and I need that hunger to be satisfied. You are nothing more than obstacles in my way of fulfilling the ultimate hunger and becoming the Bombshell World Champion.”

She smirks confidently through another sip of wine.

“This is going to be where everyone learns that Victoria Lyons doesn't fall from grace.” she said “Victoria Lyons rises through it and becomes stronger and more dangerous than she was before. What? Did you think it was the end of me because I lost the Bombshell Roulette Championship?”

She faints tears with the mock crying motion.

“If that's what you think.” she said “Then you really don't know who Victoria Lyons is at all. Because she's only just begun. The Bombshell Roulette Championship was only the first chapter in a much longer story. I made my mark as the longest reigning and greatest Bombshell Roulette Champion of all time.”

She lifts her glass and drinks down the remaining contents.

“The entire game is about to change now that I have arrived in the world title scene.” she said “I know it's the arrival everybody's been waiting for, everybody's wondering when I would begin to make moves toward the Bombshell World Championship. The truth is I've always been ready. But I was busy.  I had the Roulette Championship to worry about. But now I trust in the good hands of Harper Mason that she will be a perfectly fine champion, not as good as I was of course but a perfectly fine champion nonetheless.”

She laughs to herself with an arrogant grin.

“But now it's time to give the people what they want.” she said “And they want Victoria Lyons as the Bombshell World Champion whether they want to admit it or not. Everybody knows the best thing for this company is that belt around my waist and I will stop at nothing to give them what they want.”

She pauses shortly.

“My time is coming.” she said "I will be on top again and the rest of you had better…”

“Be Prepared.”

She nods confidently at the camera and rises from her seat walking off with style and grace as the scene fades out black.

__________

Victoria walked through the halls of the Monaco Convention Center this was to be at one another one of those promotional appearances. She was going to have to sit at a table sign autographs and smile for photo ops.

She was never really a fan of when she was chosen to do these but contractual obligations required such of the SCW superstars at times, she could do nothing but grit her teeth and get it out the way.

She meant to pay no mind to the three girls dressed in various SCW t-shirts chatting amongst themselves, and the classic sunglasses/ball cap disguise did well to hide her face from the fans.

Then she heard words exit one of their lips that she couldn't ignore.

“Victoria Lyons.” the one wearing sunglasses said.

That stopped Victoria dead in her tracks and she moved to lean against a nearby wall hiding her face as though she were just doom scrolling her phone but she was listening, listening to every word.

“She peaked in the roulette division” sunglasses continued “and Harper Mason exposed her.”

“Yeah I was really getting tired of her.” said one in a Kayla Richards t-shirt “Kayla Richards had a better reign anyway. With Victoria it was just like hey we've got Kayla Richards at home.”

The trio laughed.

“She thought she was so untouchable.” said the third one with the ponytail “Now she's just another Bombshell.”

They laughed again and then continued about their way. Victoria stayed at her post saying nothing. She let herself feel the weight of the words those girls were saying. Maybe they bothered her a little bit but she knew she could prove them wrong and when Violent Conduct rolled around, and she walked in as the Bombshell World Champion, nobody would deny her again.

She stepped away from the wall and continued her way towards the signing room, where she would be forced to interact with some members of the SCW universe.

___________

sign.
smile.
pose.
sign.
smile.
pose.

This was the stale routine that Victoria had fallen into. Another fan sent forward from the line.

sign.
smile.
pose.

And another fan sent on their way.

A small group came next and her interest perked. It was them. Sunglasses, Kayla Shirt and Ponytail.

“Oh my gosh.” Sunglasses said.  “We are such big fans. Your reign as Bombshell Roulette Championship was nothing short of incredible.”

Victoria raised an eyebrow curiously.

“I really liked your Barbed Wire Massacre with Bella Madison at last year's Violent Conduct.” said Ponytail.”

“Yeah my favorite was the High Stakes Marathon with Luna at High Stakes.” said Kayla t-shirt

Were these girls serious? Earlier they were trashing her, now here they were eager to get their little pictures signed and even prepping for a photo op.

She knew it should bother her and she should say something, maybe question why she's wearing a Kayla Richards shirt and not a Victoria Lyons shirt but she was trying to keep her focus correct. She could feel that World Bombshell Championship just within her grasp and she wasn't going to let this gaggle of fake bitches to cause her to lose focus.

sign.
smile.
pose.

With a smile just as fake as the girls themselves Victoria thanked them and off they went as another fan was called up. Well at least this one was wearing a Victoria Lyons t-shirt.

“They're just going to sell all those pictures you signed on eBay.” she commented as she walked up “I overheard them in line.”

“Then let them.“ Victoria said “At the end of the day they're still profiting off of my name.”

“I guess that's true.” the fan said “It still feels a bit insulting to your real fans.”

…Real fans? Victoria gave a curious look as the words entered her ears.

“What you think you don't have fans?” the girl said. “You held the Bombshell Roulette Championship for a year and took no prisoners. Some of us were inspired by that.”

“Is that right?” said Victoria “Well thank you. Sorry I never got your name.”

“Stacy.” the girl replied.

“Well it's nice to meet you Stacy.” Victoria said “I'm….”

“Victoria Cadney Lyons.” Stacy said with a smile. “Named after your mother's two best friends Victoria Crawford and Cadney Nyyushiin.  That's Cadney not candy. You are exactly thirty-seven seconds older than your brother Vincent, and the two of you are actually born in different years due to your mom giving birth just around midnight on New Year's Eve. You were class president in high school and your favorite band is Blink-182.”

“Well yes that's all correct.” Victoria replied.

“I told you you have real fans.” said Stacy. “I won't lie I didn't like you at first but watching you carry yourself like a champion and take on all comers for a year you turned me around and made me a fan. I know some still don't like you but there's those of us that understand you're just standing your ground".

“I appreciate that Stacy.” Victoria said.

“Good luck in your match.” Stacy said “I'll be rooting for you, and I hope you become the Bombshell World Champion because you deserve it.”

Stacy's words were motivational to Victoria, and she was going to do this for her fans she couldn't be concerned about what any of the other fake fans thought she had her own, and as she was making a shift from deplorable cunt to annoying bitch, it was good to know that there were people out there who supported her.

Victoria then caught sight of one of the workers giving her a look and tapping their wrist.

sign.
smile.
pose.

“You have a good day Stacy.” Victoria said has the workers ushered Stacy away to push forward for the next fan who said nothing exciting, not even hello. He just pushed another promotional picture right in front of Victoria.

sign.
smile.
pose.

The routine was back on, but at least Victoria had a new motivation. She was gaining fans? Who would have thought it?  Now she had even more reason to bring home the Bombshell World Championship.

Until then.

sign.
smile.
pose.

__________

The lights of Monaco sprawled on behind her as the cameras opened with Victoria on her hotel balcony. She seems relaxed yet still has that aura of confidence about her.

“You know ladies.” she said “There is something I've been wondering about our match. I'm wondering about a little thing called hesitation. “

She pauses for a moment stroking her chin.

"Not by me of course." Victoria said "Because I won't hesitate. But what about the two of you? Will your friendship get in the way? I understand you both have respect for each other, and I'm sure you'll even be fine getting aggressive against each other if you need to. But how aggressive are you willing to get with one another?”

There's that smirk everyone's grown to love.

“If one of you has the other down, and can deliver the killshot will you take it? Or will you hesitate, even if just for a moment and then take it?” Victoria said. “For your sake it should be the former because, if you hesitate even for a second I am going to capitalize. You want me to be honest? I respect both of you as competitors but I don't like either one of you and I certainly  don't give a shit about either one of you.”


“And don't think I'm not ready for the possible double team. “ Victoria said “I'm not stupid. I held a championship for a year. I'm well aware that the two of you could be concocting the strategy to take me out, and then fight amongst yourselves. You don't think I'm ready for that? So if that's your strategy, then I dare you to go ahead and try it. The two of you would need to team up on me anyway, since neither of you could beat me one on one.”

She's still keeping that look of arrogance about her.

“That's the thing about friends in this business and why I choose not to have too many.” she said “They can slow you down, they can make you hesitate and I don't need any sort of distractions on my path to greatness.”

She takes a short pause letting her words linger.

“And if we're being honest ladies.” Victoria continued “This is the match everybody wants. They want Kayla Richards against Victoria Lyons with the World Bombshell Championship on the line. They've wanted it for a long time. I was just too busy defending a championship of my own but now the time has come.”

She grins.

“Everybody knows I'm the one to watch now.” Victoria continued “Ever since it became clear my reign as Bombshell Roulette Champion was going to be more than just an ordinary reign.  Everyone has been waiting to see me step up to the next level. What they're going to find out is I've always been on the top level this entire time.”

She takes a short pause again.

“It's time to change the narrative ladies.” Victoria said keeping the smirk on her face “And that means me going into Violent Conduct as your Bombshell World Champion. If either of you want to have a chance at stopping me from challenging Kayla Richards,  then…… Don't hesitate.”

She winks keeping her arrogant gaze on the camera letting everything fade to black.

She was coming up on an entire year as the bombshell roulette champion, putting her among other long reigning champions like Finn Whelan and J2H.

But there was still those doubters out there. Those who claim she had it easy or that her championship was no more than a paperweight.

All lies and fabrications of those who just couldn't admit the truth that Victoria Lyons operated on a level that most of the Bombshells were not ready for.  Certainly not Harper Mason.

It wasn't easy when she pulled the championship from the clutches of Alexandra Calaway.

It wasn't easy when Luna Pasilno came not just for the championship but for blood as well.

It wasn't easy when Bella Madison came at her full of the fire and energy that Bella is known for.

Mercedes Vargas, Bobbie Dahl and Alicia Lukas never made it easy.

It wasn't easy when Alexandra Calaway came knocking again.

It wasn't easy when Christian Underwood pulled the rug from underneath her in the Queen's Gambit.

But Victoria had survived them all and she remained the Bombshell Roulette Champion. Harper Mason was becoming quite stubborn in her mind, she had already failed twice to capture the championship from Victoria and the third time certainly wasn't going to be the charm.  Not if Victoria had anything to say about it.

In fact she was ready to remain champion for another year if she had to.

At this point who was going to stop her?

Certainly not Harper Mason.
___________


Everyone has moments that stay with them. Moments they don't forget, perhaps because they got something they wanted or perhaps because they didn't get something they wanted.  Victoria Lyons remembered one of the moments that she didn't and it was the night of her senior prom.

Her and Vincent had both grown quite popular over the years in school, their family was known in the area and they both were seen as two of the most popular kids in school.

For Vincent it was athletics which meant captain of the wrestling team of course, as well as a starter on the football team. He had the respect of all his peers.

Victoria had been part of the leadership team and was even made class president.

She was a shoe in for prom queen, and the whole school knew it.

The sounds of “Rockstar” by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage faded out, Victoria stood among her fellow classmates as Dean Sanderson stepped up to the stage to announce the prom king and queen.

He went through the usual formalities, talked about what a great year they had and how everybody had such  bright futures ahead of them, and he wished all the seniors well in their upcoming years of life, the typical take life by the horns speech, before making the announcements.

Timothy Duncan won Prom King because of course he did. That came as no surprise to anyone but rather it was the next announcement that did.

“And the winner of your Myers Park High 2018 prom queen is…” Dean Sanders began “Monica Saperstein!”

There was a hush over a crowd before the applause came in as vice president Monica Saperstein took the stage to accept her crown.

Victoria smiled up at her the two of them had worked hard this year organizing all the different events dances including this very prom this was a time when she was a different person and she was very happy for Monica.

“Oh wow I didn't expect this.” Monica began “Thank you so much everybody I couldn't have done it without you, but the one person I really couldn't have done it without is Victoria Lyons. Her and I made a great team this year and it was under her leadership that I was really able to find myself. So Victoria I say thank you for a great year and thank you for being a leader you are the best.”

Victoria looked at her from the crowd and nodded and gave her a thumbs up and clapped showing her respect with a smile this was Monica's moment and Victoria couldn't be more proud.

That crown wasn't to be hers but she knew she would find her own someday.

…………
……….
…….
……
…
.

Victoria sits on the edge of her living room couch looking through her old high school yearbook running a finger across a picture of her and Monica Saperstein. What a team they had made that year and through Monica's own words it was because of Victoria that she won that crown.

She could have recreated that with Harper Mason and led Harper Mason to that great championship victory that she's been chasing for so long, but the world is full of stubborn people and Harper Mason was one of them.

She clasped the book closed and exhaled. Back then her feelings were genuine and the smile on the face of her and Monica in that picture was real.

All she wanted to do was lead she had been a leader her whole life but there's always people that refuse to embrace true leadership and that's the route Harper Mason chose.

Victoria was done giving Harper chances she had two chances to capture the Bombshell Roulette Championship and failed twice.

Being knocked out the first time must have made her completely senseless, because the second time was apparently a suppose act of  cowardice on Victorias part, because Victoria did not pin Harper Mason in the Queen's Gambit.

Of course that is why Harper Mason would continue to fail and why she truly should have accepted Victoria's lessons. Victoria wasn't afraid she was simply smarter and understood the true objective and how to overcome the Queen's Gambit.

Summer XXXtreme aboard the Princess Cruise would be Harper Mason's final lesson,  and Victoria was ready to make sure she had chosen her leadership all along.

___________

The cameras open with a clearly photoshopped image of Victoria Lyons and Harper Mason standing over the fallen body of Cassie Wolfe. I want to give you guys bloodied and laid out with Harper resting her foot on Cassie's prone body, raising her arm in the air Victoria standing alongside her.

“This is what could have been Harper.” the voice of Victoria Lyons cut through “But you chose to remain defiant. Oh what could have been.”

The image gives way to flame, revealing another photoshopped image of Harper Mason standing over the fallen bloodied body of Bella Madison. The internet Championship raised high above her head.

“This could have been real.” Victoria's voice cut through again “But you chose defiance and Mercedes Vargas reaped the benefits instead. Now Mercedes is a champion and you're not.”

The image gives way to flame to reveal the face of Victoria Lyons amidst fog and darkness shrouded by the moonlight.

“You have no idea Harper.” Victoria said “You have no idea the things I can guide people to. It seems nobody around this company does because despite the fact that I have held this championship for damn close to a year now people still choose to disrespect me.”

She scoffs shaking her head.

“Why because I say mean things about the people they like?” she hissed. “Because I speak the truth? Isn't there something about not being cocky if you back it up and have I not backed it up for an entire year?”

She pauses for a moment letting the words linger about.

“And there've been those who have gotten the better of me”, said Victoria “But did I not show some respect after they did? Did I not show some respect to Kayla Richards? To Luna? To Andrea Hernandez? I gave Lillith Locke and Frankie Holliday their flowers after they were able to defeat me. But because I didn't go out bowing before them or anything all that goes I noticed by everybody.”

She exhales heavily.

“Is it because I kept the crown and called myself Queen for a year?” she said “Because again I earned my right to be. Don't any of you act like you weren't entertained. I know all of you are out there wishing you still had me as your queen because I made that shit interesting.”

She takes another pause, her eyes not wavering from the camera.

“Your entire problem Harper....” Victoria said “...Is this hero complex of yours. The world needs a hero and her name is Harper Mason! That's your mantra right?”

Victoria shakes her head with a laugh.

“The world doesn't need heroes.” Victoria said “The world needs winners. People who aren't out to impress anybody. People that aren't going to answer to anybody but themselves. You are too concerned about what the fans and everybody else think of you and that's what's holding you back Harper. Like me, hate me, I couldn't care less. I haven't held this championship for a year by giving a damn what anybody thinks about me, and I damn sure didn't do it by trying to be anybody's hero.”

She holds out her Bombshell Roulette Championship before resting it back on her shoulder.

“You've had yourself a fun little run over the past few weeks.”  said Victoria “And I'm sure your confidence is riding high. But I must remind you this time it's going to be just you and I in that ring. There will be no Cassie Wolfe to have your back and there will be no Kate Steele to come buzzing around like a fly and ruin things. Just you and I sweetheart exactly how you wanted it.”

She laughs to herself.

“That's the best part you'll have nobody to blame but yourself” said Victoria. “Just like you have nobody to blame for yourself for your failures against Bella Madison. What did you do after? You chose to come after me. Why didn't you choose to go after Kayla Richards? Are you afraid of Kayla Richards?”

She raises an eyebrow.

“You're the one that said I'm swimming in the kiddie pool because I'm afraid to go after Kayla or Bella or I guess now it would be Mercedes.” Victoria said “So why did you choose to step back into the kiddie pool? Why didn't you choose to go after our Bombshell World Champion? I have a championship, that's my excuse, but I sure would love to hear yours.”

Victoria pauses for a moment.

“I assure you my division is no kiddie pool.” said Victoria “I have turned it into a shark tank, and if you think I'm a lesser champion than Kayla or Bella or Mercedes or anybody else you're about to find out what all my opponents over the past year I have found out the undeniable truth that Victoria Lyons like it or not is the real deal, and there's nothing they can do about it.”

She smirks confidently looking proudly at her championship.

“Rue and I are ready to celebrate our one year anniversary.” Victoria said “And you are not going to be able to take that from us. Just like last year I will walk into the Princess Cruise as champion, and I will walk out as champion. Sure Harper, one day there will be someone to pry this from my grasp and then I can set my sights on the Internet or World Bombshells championships, but until then someone's going to have to prove that they're good enough to take this from me. Because if you're going to be my successor, you're going to do it right and I can tell you right now the one to succeed me certainly isn't going to be Harper Mason.”

Her eyebrows furrow as she continues.

“You chose not to fight by my side.“ said Victoria "But after Summer XXXtreme, you're going to wish you had.”

She smirks confidently and rests her eerie gaze on the camera until the scene fades to black.

__________

Victoria was seated in the Patio Lounge area on the Lyons estate when Vincent approached her. She held a photo in her hand, an old one from high school it was her and her three best friends. The four of them were the Myers Park “It girl” squad. Victoria Monica Rachel and Jasmine.

“What you looking at Vicks?” Vincent said on his approach.

"Just an old photo." she said "The girls and I back in the day."

“The Queens of Myers Park?” he said with an eyebrow raised and a slight smile. “You four made quite the team.”

“We sure did.” said Victoria smiling has she set the picture down “We ran that school and everybody loved us.”

“Didn't Rachel and Charlie go to prom together?” Vincent asked.

“They did.” said Victoria looking him in the eyes “But remember, we weren't going to discuss Charlie anymore because everything about the island needs to be put behind you.”

“I know..” said Vincent “I was just saying..”

“Vincent..” said Victoria “It's time to forget the island. Continuing to let its memory haunt you will only hold you back. It's time to let it go.”

“Yeah I know..” said Vincent sorry.

“It's okay Vincent, don't worry about it.” she said.

“So why are you looking at a picture of the ol’ Myer Park Elite?” Vincent asked

“Maybe I'm just getting caught up in my own past memories too.” said Victoria “But I kind of miss this, you know? We all went our separate ways after high school and I don't know what became of the girls, but I miss being part of a badass take no nonsense girl squad.”

“Is this about Harper rejecting you?” said Vincent.

“I just wanted to help.” said Victoria “That's all I wanted to do Vincent, lead. But nobody will let me. It could have started with Harper and then more could have followed and I could have led another bad ass girl squad that could have taken over SCW but nobody wants to accept actual leadership.”

“Sounds like their loss to me sis.” said Vincent trying to reassure her.

“I thought maybe I could build something again with Harper.” Victoria said “Pull her out of the hero complex that holds people like her and Eddie back. but it's like they don't want to listen to the success that's right in front of their face, because in their own arrogance they think they're somehow better than me.”

“Then show them that they're not.” said Vincent.

“That's what I've been doing.” said Victoria “Yet, it still doesn't seem enough for them I still don't get enough of the respect that I deserve I don't get the praise or the adulation that I've earned for making the Bombshell Roulette Championship mean something again.”

“Well I'll always be in your corner.” Vincent reminded her.

“I know Vin.” she said “I know.”

“And if they're getting mad at you for having to stranglehold on the Bombshell Roulette Division..” said Vincent “Then they need to find somebody that can do something about it.”

“Well that was Harper Mason's complaint.” said Victoria “So she's going to try but like everyone before her her efforts are going to be in vain.”

“Of course they are.” agreed Vincent, “Just like I will finished Jaden Harris now that he has that false sense of security in his head.”

“That's my little brother.” Victoria said with a laugh.

She looked back down at the picture of her and her old squad with a smile she was a different person then but she was still the leader of the group because that's what she was born to be.

__________

Black, that’s all that can be seen as the cameras open, the only sound comes from distorted audio clips of Victoria's past opponents, each of their faces flashing on screen with X’s on their eyes, as their voice is heard.

“Do you remember what it felt like when you first realized you were afraid of me, Victoria? Not just wary. Not just cautious. But afraid?.-Alexandra Calaway

“You want a war, Queenie? You’ve got one. But remember this—when you step into that ring with me, it’s not about survival. It’s about destruction. It’s about who can endure the most punishment. And Victoria, I promise you, I’m willing to bleed for this. Are you?” -Bella Madison

"You've been riding high on that overinflated ego of yours for far too long. I'm going to puncture it, deflate it, and leave it in tatters. They say history is written by the victors. Well, I'm about to write you out of the history books entirely. Your chapter in this company is coming to an abrupt and painful end.” -Mercedes Vargas

“It doesn’t matter the stipulation, it doesn’t matter where fate takes us. The end will always be the same when it comes down to you and me, Victoria. You’re going to lose, and I’m going to relish in the tears. I’m going to relish in knowing you’ll be wallowing in your own self-pity. Your own self-doubt. Your own self-hatred. I’m going to drink in the tears and pain, and know.” -Luna Pasilno

“I just hope the wheel gives me the opportunity to pin Victoria so I can have some bragging rights. Because knowing her? She’ll cry foul if she isn’t the one to lose the title herself. That’s the thing about Triple Threat matches, ya know? But that is exactly why I am determined to prove myself better than Victoria, because how else could I claim to deserve the title if I don’t beat the best?” -Bobbie Dahl

“You see Victoria has fallen into the same trap that I fell into. She is talking about how everything that I’ve done was in the past and now it is her time and the future of the company. And in a way she’s right. Trust me Victoria you are completely correct. You are the present when it comes to this company and the Roulette division and you could also step up and be a bombshells world champion.” -Alicia Lukas

“Victoria—that name, that title—you wear it like armor made of mirrors. Polished. Pretty. Reflective. But easily destroyed.” -Lilith Locke

“Lyons can talk about dominance. Mason can talk about respect. And after this match? They can keep talking. Because I’ll keep winning. And when Into the Void IX is over? I won’t be looking up at anyone. I’ll be standing—with championship gold in hand”. -Song

“I don’t drop the ball this time because I am leaving Tokyo with the Bombshell Roulette Title, sorry Victoria but the fans are tired of you already and it’s time some fresher blood held that title! - Harper Mason

The blackness fades open on Victoria Lyons, with her Bombshell Roulette Championship.
She sits on a bench behind her you could see the decor of the decaying flowers and twisted brambles.

“Do you hear them Harper?” said Victoria “Do you hear the echoes of the ghosts? The ones who tried before and were made to eat their own words?”

She grins arrogantly.

“That includes you Harper.” said Victoria “And you failed to capture this championship twice. So what makes you think you deserve a third opportunity? Do you think you're better than all these other women? Are these the ones that I've been swimming in the kiddie pool with? I mean that seems to imply I've had it easy does it not? Please tell me, who are these kids I'm supposed to be swimming with? Swim with the real sharks? What makes any of them not what you consider a "real shark?" ”

She cocks an eyebrow and grins.

“Because if that's what they are.” said Victoria “Then what does that say about your opinion of them? Were none of them real competition? Why don't you go tell Bella Madison that she wasn't real competition when I defended this against her? Why don't you tell that to Alexandra Calaway who I won this championship from? Why don't you be the one to tell Luna Pasilno that she was easy competition for me? I don't think someone like Lilith Locke would appreciate being referred to as easy competition from the kiddie pool. Neither would Mercedes Vargas, Alicia Lukas, Bobbie Dahl or any of the others that I fought to defend this championship against.”

She pauses again for a moment.

“You should apologize to all those women.” she said. “Apologize for the implication that they were lesser competition in any way. You're the one that said I'm a shark swimming in a kiddie pool, not me. I may have said harsh words about them going into our matches but they were all fine competition…. of course I still proved to better.”

She laughed again always topping off any words of respect with that sprinkle of arrogance.

“Of course you'll make excuses," said Victoria. "You'll say I'm twisting your words,  this and that but you know what you said and you know what you meant. You do think you're better than all those other women that's why you're so insistent that you will be the one to end my reign and do what they couldn't. The problem is you won't admit it to yourself and that's what holds you back.“

She pauses for a moment.

“Do I think that I'm better than all those women?” Victoria said with a smirk “Yes. I absolutely do, but I've also beaten all of those women so I would argue I have a right to say that, and if they have a problem with it then they can come and try to do something about it.”

She stares daggers into the camera as if begging someone to try.

“You're getting the fight you wanted Harper.” said Victoria “But don't think this is going to be some third times the charm for you, because it's going to be the exact opposite. I'm going to put an end to you and end this little heroes facade once and for all. Because in this case Harper it'll be three strikes and you're out.”

She laughs again and smirks confidently into the camera, the Bombshell Roulette Championship proudly resting on her shoulder as everything fades to black.

_________

There was a thick almost sacred silence around Victoria. No fanfare, no roulette wheel, no pyrotechnics. Just the faint hum of the air conditioner cutting through the stillness of her private home on the Lyons family estate.
 
She stared at the Bombshell Roulette Championship laid across her coffee table like a devoted acolyte gazing upon their god. This was what they couldn't take from her. Try as they might her Sweet Rue was still polished and perfect as it lay in the glow of the dimly lit lamp.

They had been together for over three hundred days. A couple months shy of a year. The longest reign in the history of the Bombshell Roulette Division. All the battles, all the challengers, all the blood, and still this this was what they couldn't pry from her. The Bombshell Roulette Championship was her true constant.

But they still dare call someone else queen.

Her hand clenched into a tight fist, she scowled and her lip quivered. It was like she could smell the fire. Smoke and burning velvet, the splintering wood from her throne being engulfed in flames during her war with Alexandra Calaway. The one they now called queen.

The Queen for a day.

She exhaled, and a laugh almost escaped her lips as she unclenched her fist. It was a cute game Alexandra was playing. Win a match ,take the crown and now she gets to play god with the SCW roster for twenty-four hour. Of course she calls upon Victoria. The now deposed queen.

She didn't do it to elevate the division, or because she felt it was best for business. She wanted to poke the lioness. Victoria knew why. It was because deep down Alexandra knew the truth that Victoria wasn't just a queen, and she wasn't just a champion, she was a force of nature caged by the illusion of civility.

Alexandra can have her day. She could  prance around feeding matches into the SCW engine like they were offerings to Alexandra's own vanity.

Alexandra burned the throne and they gave her the crown. But she didn't kill the queen, she only awoke something worse.

Her eyes drifted back down to her Sweet Rue. She reached out and ran her fingertips across it in a gentle, maternal fashion.  Rue was the thing that still made sense to her in a world that kept lying pretending she lost something.

She had lost nothing. She had transcended.

She wore the crown for a year because she was worthy of doing so, and her lengthy record-breaking reign as Bombshell Roulette Champion proved it.

Maybe it was time for her to ascend.

Maybe she was ready to be more than a queen.

Maybe she was ready to become a goddess.

She could feel some laughter bubbling up, twisted by something underneath, it felt pleasing as it pushed up and escaped her lips.

She would play this new Queen's game, and she would welcome Frankie Holliday to the big leagues of SCW.

Frankie Holliday, a new toy brought in from the void and the winner of the Bombshell Blast from the Past tournament. The future challenger to Kayla Richards and the Bombshell World Championship. It would seem SCW is already anointing her as a golden girl in the making, or perhaps another sacrifice.

She wasn't angry at Frankie. She had no reason to be, in fact she was rather intrigued. There was there was something about Frankie and and the aura surrounding her. Victoria could recognize it.

Frankie wasn't someone who screamed naive like that wide-eyed hopeful little girl named Harper Mason. There was something older in Frankie's eyes something that told Victoria she had seen things. What those things may be Victoria couldn't tell but it was enough for her to know that Frankie was not to be treated like a child wandering into the lion's den.

That meant Frankie would get the real thing. The weight of everything Victoria had become, the queen for a year, the record-breaker, one of the most dominant bombshells SCW had to offer, wether they liked it or not.

Frankie had done well to win the blast from the past tournament. Victoria couldn’t deny that, but she had been playing with children. Now it was time for Victoria to test to see if Frankie really was ready to play with the big girls. She didn’t have to like Kayla Richards to know what the Bombshell World Champion was capable of. Victoria knew the simple truth, while the entire division had varying degrees of talent, two names always seemed to rise above the rest. Victoria Lyons, and Kayla Richards.

So it was to be a royal street fight. Victoria imagined Alexandra thought she was real clever with that one. Another jab, another reminder that the crown that wasn’t  Victoria's anymore, but that was fine. Alexandra could lace it all in symbolism and watch the chaos from her temporary perch and smile. Victoria would smile back at her eternal rival, as she killed the momentum of her chosen hitwoman.

Frankie Holliday would be burned into memory, not because she hated Frankie but because it was time to remind everyone especially Alexandra Calaway that Victoria Lyons doesn't need a throne, and that she builds empires out of ashes.

She reached out and pulled her Sweet Rue off the table and held it to her chest like a mother embracing her child. She stood and walked over to the window looking at the world outside.

She had been queen for a year whether they liked it or not. They can throw around that it was only supposed to last a day all they want, but deep in their tiny little hearts they knew the truth. That nobody could wear the crown like she did. She made that shit look good, and she made it mean something. Now they all seemed pleased to relegate it back to a mere prop, after all she did to elevate the crown. It was disgraceful.

But now, Victoria was ready to become something else. Something untouchable, something eternal.

She was ready to ascend to goddess. The game would continue but it would be Victoria who would write the rules.[/i]

__________

The cameras open on blackness, but there's a low faint sound like a choir humming a funeral dirge in reverse and then the two golden slivers of Victoria Lyons eyes appear among the darkness as she speaks with a silky venom in her voice.

“A revolution requires sacrifice..” she said “That's what you said, isn't it Frankie? And you're absolutely right because now you are the sacrifice.”

From the darkness she fully emerges confident smirk on her face. Bombshell Roulette Championship probably displayed on her shoulder.  But now she is crownless, deposed by the higher authorities.

“It's not because you're unworthy. Oh no no no.” she said “You're talented, impressive even. I watched the whole Blast from the Past play out like a violent fairy tale, and you became a rising star born in a ring of fire, screaming truth into a void filled with rotted egos.”

With a smirk she nodded slightly at the camera.

“You spoke the truth to Mikah.” she continued “You spat in the face of manufactured royalty, and has someone who earned their crown and earned the right to call themselves queen, I loved it."

She pauses her aura becoming more sinister.

“But now..” she grins “Now the real test begins, because you're not checking off faded names for a highlight reel, oh no Frankie you're in the deep end now. You're not playing with the children anymore, you're stepping into the ring with me, so perhaps we should get properly acquainted."

She extends her hand out offering a handshake to the camera.

“My name is Victoria Lyons the current and longest reigning Bombshell Roulette Champion of all time and my career only started a year ago.” she said “I fought and I bled, and I smiled the entire time. I came in and I ripped this championship away from our little matchmaker Alexandra Calaway, our Queen for a Day. Let that sink in for a minute Frankie.”

Victoria paused keeping her gaze on the camera.

“She chose you.” Victoria continued “She chose you to fight me. But if you really think it's about showcasing you Frankie my dear, it's not.”

She paused shortly for a moment.

“She's using you.” Victoria said “She's parading you around like a shiny new toy hoping you'll play hit woman for her and be her pawn. Her chance to vicariously take another bite out of me. She's tried to take this championship back but she couldn't. She stole and burned my throne. My property, and now she's being rewarded with my crown. The one I wore for an entire year. She's just hoping you can get the job done for her. How does that make you feel? To know you’re just being used?”

She shakes her head slightly.

“I was proud to call myself Queen.” she continued “I wore that crown with pride and righteousness like it meant something. But now I see the truth. Queens fall and kingdom's crumble. But Goddesses? We endure.”

A confident but delusional smile grows on her face.

“You made your way through the blast from the past tournament with fire and force and declared yourself the future. That's something to be respected.” said Victoria “But you have to realize I'm what comes after the future. I am what remains.”

She pauses again for a beat as a fog creeps around her through the darkness almost shrouding her in its grasp.

“Don't go mistaking my respect for softness Frankie.” [/color]said Victoria “I do see something in you something sharp unsettling and familiar, the kind of recklessness that can't be taught and perhaps if the stars find another way in another time line I'd have taken you under my wing.”

She exhales softly

“Unfortunately you've been placed in my path and I have a point to prove.” said Victoria. “You have a lot of momentum behind you after winning the tournament, but momentum has a way of making you feel like you're meant for more. That nothing can stop you. You will face Kayla Richards. That can’t be taken from you, you earned that. But I'm here to kill your momentum.”

She smirks at the camera.

“So when you stumble into your match with Kayla, broken and unsure and the ghost of our match crawls down your spine and whispers at you that perhaps you're not good enough just as you're about to deliver the kill shot, you'll realize what I've done to you, and you'll realize that I'm no ordinary bombshell, I am an infection.” she continued

She laughed herself the smirk not wavering.

“I get inside your mind and rest behind your eyes.” said Victoria “Alexandra Calaway knows that. That's why she sent you, she wants me wounded. You're being used to settle an old score she's praying you can be the one to break me.”

Victoria takes a few steps slowly through the fog toward the camera.

“So no. This match is not going to be your next big moment Frankie.” said Victoria
“This is going to be your crucifixion. I promise you when that bell rings you'll be standing across from everything I used to be, everything they burned to the ground, and everything I'm becoming all at once.”

She continues her slow step toward the camera the fog thickening around her.

“This isn’t about retribution, or about gold, it's not even about Alexandra.” said Victoria “It's about evolution. My evolution, my rise from Queen to Goddess. You said you seek a revolution Frankie, but the thing about revolutions is they always start in blood and my dear yours is going to be the first to spill.”

The fog continues to thicken around her almost engulfing her completely her sinister gauge remaining on the camera and tell everything is completely shrouded in fog in the scene fades out to black.

_________

The old Greenhouse was forgotten not just neglected but forgotten over time buried on the Eastern edge of the Lions Family Estate like some secret they all agreed not to remember.

Nobody visited anymore no one spoke of it the path had become overgrown under weeds and Moss and it was only by Instinct that Victoria even founded again Guided by something more than just memory something woven into the bones of her being.

She felt like a trespasser has she stepped into the threshold the glass above had mostly shattered and Vines curled in from every corner like fingers reaching flying and consuming. The air was thick and damp with the scent of soil in old wood over something that was once beautiful and had now turned Wild.

The three of them used to play here once years ago her Vincent and Eddie. It had been so long that it felt like a different life but she remembered the sun flooding through the clean planes in the laughter that echoed throughout the high Dome ceiling like music back when the world felt huge and she didn't know yet what it meant to bleed for power.

Another world felt smaller sharper and hungrier. Fallen Twigs cracked beneath her boots has she moved deeper in to a rusted fountain in the center of the room empty and covered in Moss a spider had built its own Empire where water once rested.

Victoria smiled at the little spider empire.

She ran her fingers against the dry basin everything in here everything they had once planted had been left to choke or change it had become a tomb.

No… not a tomb this was a womb, a place where things were reborn. A carving in the Basin caught her eyes.

V.L.
V.L.J.
E.L.

The three of them had no idea what they would become she stared at they carved initials when the creek of old wood reached her ears. Without looking she knew who it was.

Vincent.

“I thought this place was gone.” he said approaching her.

“Not gone.” Victoria said softly “Just forgotten.”

She watched Vincent looked around the old Greenhouse.

“We used to call it the temple.” she said.

“I remember.” nodded Vincent.

They stood there in silence, Victoria letting her gaze wander. The old orchids were long dead, the roses had become brambles and the lilies were no more than ghosts. But even in the decay there was life, small green shoots pierced through the dead foliage here and there and moss bloomed like velvet on the stones.

“I don't think anyone's been here since we were kids.” said Vincent.

“Yeah I suppose no one had reason to” said Victoria “But I do now.”

“Why now?” asked Vincent eyebrow raised.

“I needed to see what happened to things that are left behind.” Victoria said “You know I used to think beauty meant something, that if you tended it long enough and gave it care it would reward you and it would stay.”

She wandered over and kneeled next to a rotted red planter box running her fingers over the brittle pieces of what could have been something beautiful.

“But it doesn't stay.” she said “It just waits for time, for rot, for someone to come back and see the truth.”

“And what's the truth?” asked Vincent.

“That nothing grows until something else dies.” she said turning to him “That's why Alexandra thinks she's won. She burned the throne. MY throne. She thinks burning my throne and carrying the crown means she's won. but all she did was make room for something worse.”

“So what happens next?” asked Vincent.

“I go out and I beat Frankie Holliday.” Victoria said simply “I remind everyone that crown, or no crown I am still one of the most feared and dominant Bombshells in SCW. I beat Frankie not because she deserves to lose, but because of the future wants to forget about people like me and I refuse to be forgotten.”

They stayed there a while longer surrounded by the ghosts of their childhood listening to the quiet they could both still see it, the kids they used to be running in circles through the wild green, Eddie may have taken his own road, but The Lyons Twins were still ready to burn kingdoms to the ground together.

__________

The cameras open at nightfall in the long abandoned Lyons family greenhouse, a single chair rests, surrounded by candles as Victoria Lyons sits with the Bombshell Roulette Championship displayed proudly on her shoulder.

The camera rests and she remains silent for a moment plucking a piece of ivy from the side of a broken pane.

“Funny how people always think they're in charge of their own story.” Victoria said with a soft but venomous tone “You win Blast from the Past get your hand raised, the confetti in the air, and you think you're the master of your own fate.”

She looks up to the camera with a sharp expression.

“But if you were really in control Frankie you wouldn't be facing me next would you?” Victoria said “You earned your shot at Kayla Richards fair and square, but before you can go after your prize you've been handed a detour, you've been pointed at me.”

A slow unamused smile unfurls on her face.

“And I want you to ask yourself one important question.” she said “Who benefits from that?”

She lets the question linger among the silence for a moment.

“It's not you, it's not me, and it's not Kayla Richards.” said Victoria ”It's Alexandra Calaway. She's got you doing her dirty work Frankie. She's the one playing general while you play soldier. You're the one being sent into the lion's den to try and soften me up. ”

She smirks and a quick laugh exit her lips.

“You didn't ask for this fight and you didn't need it.” said Victoria “But she booked it, not to honor your success but to weaponize it. You're a hitwoman Frankie, a bullet she's loading into the chamber and the second you misfire she'll pretend you were never even in the gun.”

She rises to her feet standing with poise and confidence.

“The truth is this division is full of jealous catty bitches.” said Victoria “They all want to believe they’re the heroine, the savior, but the truth is this division isn't some sort of fairytale. It's a graveyard of women who couldn't keep up with me.”

Her voice tightens becoming more lethal in tone.

“Selfish, jealous, and cutthroat.” she said “That's what this division is built on. The women who never gave me the credit I earned because I said the things they were too scared to admit. Because I refuse to play nice and I won't fake a smile for the camera and play their little politics.”

She takes a few steps closer to the camera.

“You're not just walking into a fight with me.” said Victoria “You're walking into a mirror and it's going to show you exactly what happens when you try to survive in a place that feeds on women like you.”

She pauses staring straight into the lens.

“You can't just beat Kayla Richards.” she said “Kayla is more venom than blood, and if you want her championship you're going to need something darker than determination. Something cold, something lethal.”

She pauses gracing her fingers slowly across her championship belt.

“I'm not here to break you Frankie.” said Victoria “I'm here to wake you up. I'm the only one in this division who will tell you the truth even when it cuts deep.”

She moves again taking a few steps forward almost too close.

“You're strong, you're proud, and you clawed your way through blast from the past to get here.” said Victoria “But if you want to stay here, if you want to leave a legacy that lasts you need to start moving like a threat.”

She pauses for a beat.

“Don't let people like Alexandra use you.” said Victoria “Don't let the division chew you up and spit out the parts that don't smile on cue. If you want Kayla's blood, you need to stop letting other people sharpen the knife.”

She exhales softly.

“You're walking into a den of liars.” said Victoria “But Frankie, I'm not one of them. I'm the only one who will tell you what the others are too scared to admit. I'm not looking for your friendship. I'm just giving you some friendly advice on how to survive around here. I just want to open your eyes to what the SCW Bombshell division really is. At the end of the day the choices you make will be yours alone but you really should…”

She pauses with a slow smug smile for me on her face.

“Trust me.”

Keeping the expression on her face she winks at the camera has everything fades out to black.

A fine cold rain streaked across the window has the city outside buzzed with the low muted energy but inside the hotel room there was a tension that could be cut with a knife.

Victoria paced, slow but with fury. Her bare feet soundless on the carpet, the Bombshell Roulette Championship laid across the bed just behind her.

Vincent stood at his favorite perch near the window watching. His silence wasn’t it new he rarely interrupted her storms, and the night after Climax Control was no different.[/i]

“It's something about this city….” said Victoria “The air is foul and damp I ccould feel it in my lungs the moment we landed. But they didn't want to hear anything about me feeling unwell, and now Lilith Locke pins me in some throwaway tag match and suddenly everybody's whispering that I’m slipping.”

She turned sharply toward Vincent.

“I'm not slipping Vincent.. I was ill..” she said “The Amsterdam air didn't agree with me, and Harper? Harper was too busy playing rebel child to follow simple instructions and let me lead her.”

Vincent said nothing but there was a slight twitch in his lip. He could hear her but his mind was focused on his own problems in particular The Execution of Jayden Harris…

“She's supposed to listen Harper Mason….” Victoria said “I gave her an opportunity I offered her elevation but she has this streak in her a defiant and ungrateful one maybe this Queens Gambit will teach her some manners. Sometimes tough love is the only kind that gets through.”

She turned away from Vincent as she drifted toward the dresser and looked at her reflection. Her eyes looked different they were sharper, perhaps hungrier, but not weak. Never weak.

She grabbed the Roulette Championship. Her “Sweet Rue” that had been with her for so long and cradled it like a wounded creature, or newborn baby.

“I legitimized this championship.” she said “I bled for it. Built my entire reign as queen around it. Now Christian Underwood pulls the rug from under me. Tricks me into defending MY championship in a fatal four-way. That smug little snake with his spreadsheets and coffee breath.”

She paused her eyes resting on her own reflection.

“He thinks I don't see the pattern. He thinks I don't see the coup that he's trying to create.” She said “They're trying to depose me Vincent, piece by piece. First Alexandra Calaway steals my throne and burns It to the ground, and now she gets paraded into the Queen for a Day match she can have the opportunity to take my crown as well? I swear if she wins….”

She turned away from her reflection and sat down on the corner of the bed setting the belt down next to her as she dug her nails into her palm with a restrained rage.

“And then there's the others…” she said “Crystal and Selena in the same ring that's not competition that's a duet. Cassie Wolfe once again taking opportunities that should go to Harper Mason. Then we got a couple of tryhards in Juliana Dimaria and Kat Jones. the whole lineup is a damn charity buffet and none deserve to wear the crown.”

She paused a soft exhale leaving her lips.

“They want me to crack. I can feel it.” she said “They want the queen to fall apart on camera so they can sweep up the pieces and turn me into a plot device for someone else's story.”

You picked up her championship again and move back to look at her reflection now with a smile and fire in her eyes.

“But there will be no fall.” she said “There will be a transformation they have no idea who they're dealing with. Let them crown their new queen. I'll be sure to be the first in line at her coronation. Let Harper try to take my championship. I'll show her what defiance earns. Let Lilith Locke continue to think her methods of madness are superior to mine, and let Song make her attempt to make herself relevant one last time.”

She turned and looked at Vincent again.

“They think I'm coming undone Vincent.” she said ”That all of this, the throne, the title, the new queen, that it's making me crack. But they can think whatever they want. I will remind them why my crown should never be touched. Why I should have been the final Queen for a Day winner last year. They should have retired the whole concept after I won it.  I feel we may be heading to war Vincent and it may be just us."

Finally Vincent spoke.

“Stronger together.” he said with a nod.

“Yes.” she said with a smile that matched his “Stronger together. Which reminds me, the mixed tag titles have been vacated, and I don't know what their plans are for those at this moment but it's something for us to keep our eyes on."

“They want war? Then war it shall be.” said Vincent.

Both of the twins had their own problems to deal with at Into The Void.  Vincent was looking to go further with his execution of Jayden Harris, while Victoria had not only  her “coup” to worry about, but a deposition as well, and a new Queen she would be ready to set her eyes on.

But there would be no deposition.

There would be no peaceful transfer of power.

She was in control.

_________

A fog rolls through a shadowed alley in Amsterdam the cobblestone underfoot still wet from the recent rain. An old street lamp casts its shadows, as a figure approaches cutting through the fog. It's Victoria Lyons.

She wears her Bombshell Roulette Championship proudly over her shoulder with sharp eyes, she's dressed in a long black coat as she stares directly into the camera poised but with a hint of madness hidden beneath her eyes.

“You want to put things into perspective Harper?" said Victoria “You want to analyze who gains the most from our tag match? That's the story you chose to tell, because you still don't understand that wrestling is more than just a series of numbers, vlogs and clever soundbites as you talk like you've already arrived.”

She shakes her head slightly.

“The problem is you haven't arrived Harper.” Victoria said “You were invited into the presence of royalty to be given a chance to arrive, and what do you do with that honor? You spit on it. You question it, and you doubt it. As if your rookie insight somehow carries any weight against my reality. Your little "what if I bailed on Victoria..” fantasy revealed just how unprepared you truly are to stand in front of the storm that's coming for you in Paris.”

She slowly walks forward through the fogged alley.

“Our match was no failure. It was a test.” she said “And I may have taken the pinfall which is only because the Amsterdam air did not agree with me and I was under the weather, but you Harper failed something more important than the actual pinfall".

Her voice starts to slip into a darker colder tone.

“You failed me.” she said “You were there to learn, to listen, and instead you defied you made that little Vlog of yours and made me sound like a joke like I was throwing names in a hat just improvising."

She scoffs with disgust.

“Let me make one thing perfectly clear Harper.” she said “Nothing I do with improvised. I chose Song and Lilith for a reason. I wanted to see how they’d react. I wanted to see if you'd hold position under pressure. All my decisions are made with the precision of a chessmaster but instead of standing by me and learning what was unfolding around you, you spend your time fantasizing about bailing out and riding solo.”

She smirks into her camera and her eyes glistened.

“That's why it's time for tough love.” she grinned “At Into The Void, we are not partners and you will not be protected. You will be staring across the ring with a different VIctoria Lyons. You'll be standing across from your reckoning, so before the final piece in the Queen's Gambit is played..”

She pauses for a moment.

“Let me give you one final piece of advice.” she continued “Don't ever assume that I'm not ten steps ahead of every little plan you think you're clever enough to plot. There's a reason I've held this roulette championship for over 300 days. Nobody can outplay the queen."

She exhales heavily.

“Now let's talk about you Song.” she continued.” You're supposed to be some methodical presence among the chaos, calculated and efficient. A “By the book warrior” so to speak.

She scoffs and shakes her head.

“You talk like you are above Lillith, and above the games.” said Victoria “But let's be real, you didn't win that match, she did. You just tolerated her long enough to let her carry the weight. Your hesitation to shake her hand after she pinned me told me everything. You didn't mind it, you didn't need the spotlight because the victory itself was enough. But I know what it is that really eats at you.”

She leans into the camera.

“You know I've already beaten you this year.” she grinned “You know the moment the bell rings what’s coming for you. You may have a shot at my title, but it's because I gave that to you. You know deep down the end of the day I will be the one standing over you, Lilith and Harper."

She straightens up her posture keeping her eyes on the camera.

“But I do ask you this Song. Does Master Lilly see you as a champion or ad revenue?” said Victoria “Because he said it himself, he wants to bring the eyes from china. Clicks, streams, and commercials. He sees your value with a number stamped on it and wants SCW to make sure they wring every single cent out of you before your contract is up. You're nothing more than a final investment."

She pauses for a longer time to let the words linger.

“While Harper is flailing around for her identity and Lilith is carving her own from the shadows.” said Victoria “You're just passing through. Another product on the shelf being positioned for one last sale before you write off into the sunset.”

She shakes her head.

“So for you Song, when that bell rings in Paris.” Victoria continued “You're going to remember what it's like to be beaten by somebody who's not here to be sold. You're going to be beaten by someone that's here to be feared, and when you're gone and forgotten chasing whatever glory your handler carves out for you next, I'll still be here with this championship in my hands.”

She holds the championship out to the camera before placing it back on her shoulder with a heavy breath.

“Oh but we do have one more don't we…" said Victoria “Lilith Locke. My wildcard. A woman who speaks in riddles wrapped with razors.”

Her own twisted smile forms on her face.

“You talk poetry like blood soaked metaphors will shield you from the truth.” said Victoria “You want everyone to think you're chaos incarnate, and that you're suffering gives you depth. But you're not chaos Lilith you're just noise. beautiful noise I'll give you that, but noise all the same just static dressed up as scripture.”

She repostures herself and lifts her chin slightly in a regal fashion.

“This felt like a summoning for you?” Victoria continued “Sweetheart no one summoned you. “You were begging the void to notice you, but that silence you wallowed in for weeks? That was your own irrelevance.”

She leans in closer to the camera smiling.

“You talk about your altars of regret and making reality flinch.” said Victoria “But reality doesn't flinch, it watches and waits. Then when it's ready it crushes you under its heel."

She straightens her posture keeping her ever confident gaze on the camera.

“You don't need fire, blood, and cryptic verses to make the world kneel.” said Victoria “I look them in the eye and they bow. If you want to unmake me then you better pray the darkness you worship hears you, before I bury you in it.”

She takes another deliberate lingering pause.

“Three names…. three styles… three offerings…” said Victoria “Song with her honor, Harper with her hunger, and Lilith with her darkness. You all come with your scars and stories and sharpened teeth and think it makes you dangerous, but it just makes all of you predictable.”

That confident grin appears on her face again.

“I'm here to prove that no matter how many of you scream, scratch, or sacrifice.” she said “There's only still one name that will echo even when the crown is gone.”

She pauses and turns walking back into the shadows as we hear her voice with one final whisper, before everything fades to black.

“Victoria.”

__________

Victoria stood in the midday sun on the edge of an overlook looking at a shimmering lake down below, arms rested on the stone railing between her and the view. She remained quiet for a moment, dark sunglasses rested on her eyes.

Vincent sat nearby on the stone railing itself, expressionless his thoughts focused on his own war with Jayden Harris.

“This whole thing is rigged…” she muttered. “I had chosen Harper Mason for the Queen's Gambit, and I entertained the idea of Song and Lilith Locke as possibilities, not certainties. I got played."

Vincent's eyes shifted even though his mind was elsewhere he was still aware of his sister's plight.

“You're not wrong sis.” he said “It's a setup they're trying to tear you down.”

“They let me set the stage and then pull the rug from under me..” she said “Now I'm in a fatal four way with three different problems all at once.”

“Still nothing you can't handle at the end of the day.” Vincent noted.

“Harper, sweet Harper.” she said “She was my golden girl, my real choice, the one I thought I could mold. Sharp, young, and good under pressure. But she's defiant and she questions everything. She acts like she's above the foundation I'm offering her, and I feel she may be turning into a problem at this point."

“Some people are just beyond helping.” said Vincent.

“And Song wants one last go at it before her contract ends.” said Victoria “There's nothing noble in that. She's just throwing a final hail mary trying to cling to whatever relevance she had left. She’s nothing more now than a headline from a bygone era."

“You beat her once.” Vincent reminded her “You'll do it again.”

“Lilith Locke is the true question mark.” Victoria admitted “I called her my wild card for a reason I included her to shake things up, to keep everyone guessing. But I wonder if I've dipped too deep into the well. Not because I think she's better than me, because she's not. But she's chaotic, the kind of wild card will flip the board just to see what happens next.”

“Just remember she's not the only one who thrives amid chaos.” said Vincent.

There was a long pause between them before Victoria spoke again.

“I'm not paranoid.” she said.

“Didn't think you were” said Vincent “You're just being perceptive, they've never understood you and they've never understood us. They call me your lap dog because I support you like it's some crime to be a supportive brother. They don't realize that we molded from the same DNA, two bodies from the same cell. A bond they can never understand.”

“Jayden Harris?” said Victoria.

“Jayden Harris is my problem.” said Vincent “He'll be handled and it will be on my terms.”

“They think this queen's gambit is going to break me.” said Victoria “But they forget who laid the board in the first place.”

“Then you need to remind them.” said Vincent

“Oh I'm going to remind every single one of them.” said Victoria with narrowed eyes.

The twins stood there for a while just overlooking the lake both focused on their own futures, and still keeping the bond that made them The Lyons Twins.

__________

The cameras open on a crackling fire resting inside a steel shallow basin in the center of the frame. The location remote, the flames illuminate her face

Victoria Lyons.

She wears black from head to toe in a long leather coat, dark sunglasses, and sleek black gloves. Her tight fitting trousers tucked into her heeled boots that tap the stone underneath her feet.

“Three names. Three delusions. Three drops of the queens personal poison into my own glass.” said Victoria.

She produces a slip of paper folded in half and she unfolds it the name in bold letters is revealed.

Harper Mason.

“Harper..” she says with a hiss “You were the one I chose when the queen's gambit began, because I saw something in you. Something raw, something real. I saw it since day one when I won this crown and put you in that handicap match. But you refuse to see it in yourself. I thought I could shape you mold you and bring you into my legacy..”

She crunches the paper softly.

“But now all I see is arrogance.” she said “Defiance for the sake of defiance. You think your rebellious nature makes you dangerous, without realizing I'm the one that's trying to bring out the real danger that you refuse to let loose.”

She reaches out holding the paper over the fire.

“You think this could be your moment?” she said “That you'll step in the ring and topple the queen you could have served beside? All you do is spit on the once in a lifetime offer that's being presented to you.”

Callously she drops the paper into the fire and watches has the flames consume it.

“My faith in you was misplaced, perhaps…” she said “Perhaps my wild card was the better choice all along.”

She produces another paper with the next name on it.

Lilith Locke.

“I'll admit it Lilith.” Victoria said “You are chaos incarnate. You move without rhyme, logic or fear and that should terrify me.”

She pauses, a sinister smirk of her own creeping across her face.

“But you have chaos without direction.” said Victoria “That is why you'll collapse. You'll swing your fist at everything without stopping to ask if the building you’re tearing down is also the one keeping you up.”

She reaches out holding the name over the flame.

“I chose you as my wild card in the Queen's Gambit." said Victoria “Hoping you would bring destruction to the others, but the truth is all I see is you destroying yourself.”

Without hesitation she drops the name into the fire.

“And then there's our other friend.” she said.

Another paper appears in her hand with the final name.

Song.

“You really feel like the one that doesn't belong here.” said Victoria “Unlike Harper and Lilith you want this to be one final run at glory. At least Harper and Lilith are looking to create their legacies.  You're still clinging to your own washed up one and you hope somehow winning this match or somehow make you relevant once again.”

She holds the name out over the flames.

“But your time is done.” she said “And your flame is fading. You won't ride into the sunset on top with all the glory and honor. You'll fade out with a fizzle and a whimper.”

With one final release she dropped the last name into the fire and looks into the camera with dead eyes.

“It's time to show you what danger really looks like.” she grinned “Danger is not Harper Mason with a fistful of youth, ignorance and empty rebellion. Danger is not Song clawing at the last threads of a fading legacy, and danger is not Lilith Locke dancing on the edge of a cliff she doesn't even know she built.”

Her words cut sharp and direct.

“Danger is me.” said Victoria “Because I have everything to lose, and I'm not going to let it be taken from me lightly. If somehow the conspiracy against me is completed,  then that becomes even worse for the rest of you because a queen with nothing left to lose doesn't sit in mourning. She rises in wrath. She becomes the fire and she becomes the end. You all fantasize about me losing everything at Into The Void, but you're not ready for what happens if I do.”

The fires illuminate her face as she raises up the Bombshell Roulette Championship like a relic.

“So come for me. Take your shot try to tear down everything I've built.” she said “But just know that SCW isn't ready for a queen who has lost everything. For if I fall something darker will rise from what remains.”

That she turns and walks away from the fire her voice echoing through one last time.

“But I won't lose and I won't be deposed.”

“You have two options.”

“Kneel or burn.”

The fire continues to crackle as the scene fades to black.

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.