GO Gym -
Las Vegas, Nevada

The famed training facility that helped to pave the way for the future of the sport was fast becoming a familiar site where the treacherous Bombshell known as Tempest was concerned. Since her recent return to a more active role inside of the six-sided rings of Sin City Wrestling, the amazon was taking a more active outlook to her career, preferring to not rely solely on her size and power to get by where her opposition was concerned, and instead to continue with her training to hone the skills taught her and learn what new skills she may.

Considering her size and the difference it held between herself and the majority of not just the other Bombshells on the active roster, but here at the Gym as well, Tempest often had to rely on training in the GO Gym’s rings with the male graduates and Gabriel himself, with the possible exceptions of Gabriel’s wife Odette and the always dangerous femme fatales of London Underground - Mackenzie Page and Charlotte Elliot. But none of the three aforementioned women were on hand this day and after what happened in her previous sparring match against two loud mouthed students, few of the other trainees were anxious to step inside of the ring against her for something as simple yet potentially damaging as a wrestling match.

So rather than push herself too much before her match this coming weekend against a fresh faced opponent, Tempest was instead working uncharacteristically on her cardio, running at pace on one of the state of the art treadmills lined up along the wall. This was a rarity for her but was something Gabriel had urged her to work on more because there would come a time when she went up against a woman that could run circles around her. If she didn’t work on and improve her stamina, the smaller women would succeed at the old ‘hit and run tactics’ and where that was concerned, such a tactic would play a detriment toward the larger of the two competitors. Or in this case - Tempest.

But as she continued to run, she extended her fingertips to press a few buttons on the treadmill’s monitor, causing it to not only pick up speed, but to also rise into an incline so as to push her even harder. Not something she would have wanted to do regularly in front of others, having had to get used to using one of these things rather than do it the old fashioned way; by running along the streets of Las Vegas like a normal human being. The first (few) times that she tried, she admittedly fell and was grateful that the Gym had been blessedly vacant and that there were no active cameras recording at the time. And now, the only others present in the Gym were a couple of male students being directed through the basics inside of the ring by Daniel Morgan of London Underground and his wrestling colleague, Fenris. Them - and those same two little divas that Tempest had a run in with a couple of weeks ago. They were insignificant enough that for the most part, she had even forgotten their names.

Kelly and Hayley? She thinks…

But those two were over at the free weights, ironically enough, Kelly spotting as Hayley was working on her bench press. Tempest stole a glance and thought she saw Kelly steal a glance her way but she quickly averted her gaze and that was when Tempest thought she overheard some hushed whispers between the two.

Kelly: I swear, I don’t know what Gabriel or anyone in SCW sees in her! She’s just … big! That’s all.

Hayley: Big enough that she threw us around the ring like kids?

Kelly: That’s only because neither one of us were really ready. I bet when we graduate and Gabriel gets us jobs in SCW, things will change. Everyone will see that she’s not as great as they think she is!

Hayley: And that we’re the future of the sport! I mean, we’re young and she’s… how old is she?

Kelly: Too old. She should have retired years ago.

Both young women cackle like a couple of hens about to lay a gigantic egg. It was almost like the two didn’t realize how well the walls of this facility carried sound. That, or they just were that dumb above the neck. Tempest again extended a hand to the controls and with a few rapid clicks of her fingertips, the treadmill slowed down to an eventual stop. Grabbing a towel from the rail, she dabbed at her forehead and neck and then calmly walked over to the two, neither being the wiser that not only were they overheard but now about to be confronted by the same woman they were discussing.

Tempest walked up and laid a hand down on Kelly’s shoulder, causing her to jump almost out of her own skin! Kelly cast a look back over her shoulder and blanched at the sight behind her. But Tempest did nothing and said nothing. She just tightened her grip on Kelly’s shoulder and steered her away from where she was spotting her buddy, then took her place.

Hayley: I know, right! Just… say, you don’t think she can hear us, do you? Kel…?

Hayley looked up and saw the upside down face of Tempest staring down at her. Hayley gasped hard, almost inhaling her own tongue as she dropped the barbells - which were snatched suddenly by Tempest before the young woman could get injured. Tempest set the weights back on the bench where they belonged as Hayley very slowly and very meekly pulled her legs around to sit up with Kelly joining her, wide eyed, at her side. Tempest then folded her arms over her chest and looked between the two.

Tempest: So girls, what’s new?

Gabriel: Tempest?

Tempest already knew who was addressing her. His voice had been one of the most familiar to her ears these last several years but nevertheless - she turned around to address the man who did the seemingly impossible. And that was to transform this violent, hot-headed “bounty hunter” into a credible threat in the world of professional wrestling. Gabriel Stevens.

Tempest: You called?

Eyes closed, Gabriel could not help but smile that this amazon of a woman was having a bit of sport at the expense of two young hopefuls that have been something of a handful in recent weeks. Often they’ve allowed their egos and mouths to overrun their better judgment and more often than not, it’s come back to bite them on their backsides. In short, Gabriel was almost grateful that a handful of his prized graduates like Krystal Wolfe and Tempest have taken these two to task. Almost.  All the better to drive some sense of humility into their being where before there didn’t seem to be none. Gabriel beckoned her to come over to where he was standing just outside of his open office door, all the better to be able to handle the business dealings while still keeping watch over the goings on between his and Odette’s students.

Gabriel: Well, I did have something to discuss with you but before I get to that, do you think you could possibly refrain from scaring the hell out of the students? I think they’ve been through enough, don’t you?

Tempest: You’d think so but I just caught them running their mouths, again. So I just thought I’d put a bit of a scare into them.

Gabriel: Really…

Gabriel leaned over slightly to look past her and toward the two young women who were huddled together and talking in quick, hushed whispers. Gabriel stood right and nodded.

Gabriel: Remind me to have Fenris take those two on a run tomorrow morning.

Tempest scrunched her facial features, pursing her lips. Knowing full well the magnitude of Fenris’s training tactics, especially when it came to his early morning runs.

Tempest: Ooh! That’s just cruel.

Gabriel: Flatterer. But I digress. We have to talk. I have something to tell you and I don’t think you’re going to like it.

Tempest leaned back against the door frame and crossed her arms.

Tempest: Oh this should be interesting.

Gabriel: It’s just that I just got some news from Odette. She had to take Lucas to the doctor and the poor kid has a flu bug. So we’re not going to be able to watch Anele while you’re in Reno.

Tempest: Damn…

Gabriel: I know. Poor kid always ;looks forward to when his buddy is over but we can’t risk Anele catching the flu. You understand, right?

Tempest frowned.

Tempest: Of course I understand! I know I’m not the best mom in the world but I don’t want my kid to get sick! She just had the flu over Christmas. I don’t want her getting it again!

Tempest then tapped a finger to her lower lip, clearly in thought.

Tempest: Now what am I going to do?

Gabriel: You could always ask Fenris to watch her.

Gabriel snorted back a laugh as Tempest lowered her hand to just stare at him. Both knowing Fenris’s reputation for being as bad with children (in his own mind, Lucas would disagree) as he was for his infamous temper.

Tempest: Damn it! This is what I get for not moving back to Hawaii. I have no options!

Gabriel all but rolled his eyes.

Gabriel: Oh I think you have more options than you realize! The most obvious being just take her to Reno with you. It’s not even a forty minute flight. I get your little one is scared of flying but by the time she reacts to taking off, you’d have already landed. Or, you could drive there with her and just see the sights along the way. It’s not even eight hours.

Tempest: Gabriel, the flight or the drive doesn’t bother me! I can’t take her to the show!

Gabriel holds his arms out in wonder, his face a mask of bewilderment.

Gabriel: Why not? I can all but promise you the people backstage would make over her! Your girl is adorable!

Tempest had to smother a smile at that all but too true of a statement.

Tempest: She gets it from her Daddy. But that aside, what happens when it’s time for me to wrestle? What do I do then?

Gabriel: Are you kidding me? Austin is usually somewhere backstage and he could keep an eye out for her. And even if he weren’t, you have a locker room full of women, some of whom are mothers themselves! Chances are that any one of them would be too happy to watch her for you until the match is over! And you probably couldn’t find anyone better or safer to watch than one of those women. Bella? Laura Phoenix? Even Crystal. Nobody would try to mess with Anele with those women around to watch over her. Not that anyone would try anyway. There’s an unspoken truce backstage where each others’ kids are concerned. You don’t mess with someone’s children.

Moments later…

The doors that led from the Gym’s interior to the lobby itself opened and Tempest, having grabbed a quick shower and change of clothes, was being escorted out by Gabriel.

Gabriel: You have to trust me .. and your peers, Alleyne. Everything will be fine. Your daughter will get to see what goes on backstage and she’ll get to see her mom compete in person for the first time.

Clearly not taking everything to heart as much as Gabriel might have preferred, Tempest shook her head but still was trying to put as much faith into what she was hearing as Gabriel was in saying it.

Tempest: I hope you’re right!

They pass the desk where all guests - both students and visitors alike - must check in with Gabriel’s little brother Despayre sitting behind the desk, his nose buried in an upside down edition of the National Enquirer. Despayre glanced up over the rim of the paper, his eyes magnified ten times their usual size thanks in part to his Mister Self-Help glasses and focused () on the bigger of the two figures heading for the exit door.

Despayre: Don’t forget to cut your promo after this! Mark and Chris will dock you points if you don’t!

Tempest reached for the exit door but stopped short at hearing this little declaration. She turned to look at the little guy who had by now again buried his nose into his reading material. Gabriel too was looking toward his and Odette’s ‘little helper’ but he had a knowing smile on his face, all too used to his Despy’s way of thinking. Tempest and Gabriel shared a look and she held a hand up, stalling him from saying anything.

Tempest: I know, I know! Don’t question it!

Gabriel nodded, patting her on the shoulder as she turned to pull open the door.

Gabriel: You’re learning!

---

The Truckee River District is one of Reno, Nevada’s top ten destinations for both tourists and locals alike. It is viewed as an ideal place to go for a stroll, no matter the time of year. Offset by the city’s famed main road where there was a plethora of bars, museums, cafes and theaters to visit, one never had an excuse for being bored while paying the “Biggest Little City In the World” a visit.

And that would go for the stars of Sin City Wrestling as well, as the former World Mixed Tag Champion and contender for the Bombshell Internet Championship - Tempest - was out and about, casually walking along the famed Truckee River. She had just left the Automobile Museum and was not getting some fresh air, carefully avoiding all others along the path. She began to cross over the bridge and paused in the middle, arms resting on the rail as she looked to the running waters below.

“So here’s the thing. There is something about myself as a wrestler that you might not be aware of. I know, people tune in and see me and how little I talk on Climax Control or how I am when I step inside of the ring and these experts think they are already experts on everything there is to tell about me. They think that they know all that there is to know.”

She wagged a finger at the camera, shaking her head.

“Not true! You see, I am not - nor have I ever been - one of those wrestlers that have perfected the art of psychological warfare. You see certain wrestlers with vast reputations like Crystal Zdunich and J2H who have this way of expertly inserting themselves into the minds of whoever they’re set to face inside of the ring and more often than not, the battle is over already even before the opening bell sounds. And why? Those subtle little actions that they do and the things that they say, either in their promos or on social media that gets under someone’s skin and causes them to lose focus and before you know it, they’re left lying flat on their backs and staring up at the lights, wondering what the hell just happened!”

“I’ve often been told while in training and to this very day that getting into your opponent’s head is half the battle already won. But … it’s just not my bag, if you know what I’m saying? I guess you might say that I have never been one to play with my food. I don’t have social media as I always found it distracting and a complete waste of time. And as for promos, how often do you see me cut an interview before my match, saying time and again what I’ve already said is going to happen to whoever it is that’s unlucky enough to have to face me that given evening? I’m just not much of a talker. When you look like this…?”

With a wave of both hands, she showcased her imposing stature.

“You don’t have to be. And you don’t have to go out there on a microphone and talk a bunch of bullshit or hide behind some computer screen while playing the role of keyboard warrior on twitter or X or whatever the hell else it’s supposed to be called. I do not have to say or do anything but just stand there in order to get into the mind of one of my opponent’s. They take one look and see a woman that is twice their size! They see the only woman who was able to lift Bobbie Dahl into the air for a crucifix! They hear the (repeated) stories of how I hurt my back by lifting a car and they already know they are in way over their heads - and I don’t have to do or say anything in order to put them there! All I need to do is step into the ring and I see them putting on the bravest of faces but deep down I can see they are regretting ever putting their names on a contract opposite my own! Only three women by my recollection…”

She held up three fingers.

“... Ever took the initiative to challenge me rather than the other way around, or by being unlucky enough to simply draw the short end of the straw in however the matchmakers do things.”

As she recited each name, she lowered one finger.

“Bobbie Dahl. Zoey Lukas. And they are the exceptions to the rule because those two bad ass chicks are the closest to match me in size and strength. But the third?”

She shook her head.

“Not so much. And that would be the woman who decided that this weekend, she wanted to tempt fate by challenging me to a match for no other reason than saying she was brave enough - or dumb enough - to have done so. And that woman is Harper Mason.”

“Now Harper, you’ll have to give me some time here to process this whole scenario because I still don’t get what got it into your head to do this. For a little girl such as yourself to actually get it into her head to risk it all and two weeks away from My Bloody Valentine V where you and I both have dates with champions; you the Roulette and myself, the Internet title. Now I know that when you first showed up, people - mainly Christian Underwood - were teasing you with the idea of putting you into a match against me so soon after your debut but when you think about it, you have nobody to blame but yourself for having been backed into that particular corner. Because once again, social media came into play and you just started talking about being nervous or scared - or both - at the idea of eventually having to be put into a match against me. That was when our esteemed boss…”

Tempest rolled her eyes.

“... did what he does best and took the bait, and he started using you for target practice with my name as the proverbial ammo. I mean, you never know! Had you not opened your mouth, it was entirely possible that Christian may never had gotten it into his head to put us inside of the same ring together! But now we’ll never know because you made a ballsy decision … a regrettably dumb decision - but ballsy nonetheless. You decided that rather than wait and sweat it out over a possible time frame of weeks or months to see if the match would happen on its own, you were just going to tear that bandage right off and get it over with!”

She shrugged with an air of nonchalance.

“More power to you, I suppose, but you really couldn’t have waited? This match could have taken place after we both had our respective championship matches in Vegas, and while I’m secure in how I feel about dealing with the three other women that I’m up against, one would think you’d have more of a care considering you’re facing the first woman to ever beat me in a match; Bobbie Dahl. So Harper, I have to ask. What the hell got it into your noodle head that it was a smart idea to want to face me right before you have your first title match in SCW??? Why in hell would you risk it!? You have got to know that I have absolutely no intentions in taking it easy on you! Do you think I have it within myself to show mercy to you or any woman I’m up against?”

She looked confused as she placed both hands on her upper body.

“Me of all people! Sugar, I don’t care if you’re my size or pint size! I don’t give a damn if you’re some ten year veteran or a wet behind the ears rookie who is making her official debut! I treat every woman that stands across the ring from me in the exact same way; as an obstacle! A hurdle in my path. And I do not jump over roadblocks or move around them. I run right over them, no matter who the hell they are or fancy themselves to be! But this time, Harper, you really stepped into it because as of late, you’re making me feel almost as if you’re thinking of me as something akin to a stepping stone. Someone to use to serve yourself up to when you have to fight Bobbie Dahl for the Roulette gold.”

“I don’t like feeling like that. And before you even try to deny it, let’s not forget I have eyes where you might not think. I know you shoehorned your name into someone else’s tweet when it had absolutely nothing to do with you, in this little girl’s attempt to maintain being the center character to everyone’s story. You just reply to a tweet by Roxi Johnson to try and turn the subject around to what she thinks of you challenging me. You get what I’m saying here, Harper? That exchange you got yourself involved in, it had nothing to do with you. It had even less to do with myself! But you just had to go and try to make it all about you which really makes me start to see and recognize the influence that Jessie Salco has had on you because time and again, that chick made it her career goal to take any spotlight that was shone down on any other woman and turn the lights so it was on her instead. Well – good news and bad news, Harper.”

“The good news is you got what you wished for and then some! You got the match that you THOUGHT you wanted, and you did indeed turn the attention to what was about to happen between the two of us. The bad news is, is that it is just between the two of us! Jessie Salco can’t help you for obvious reasons. This has nothing to do with the two women who helped bring you into this sport - neither Roxi nor Keira can help you where it matters the most. This doesn’t involve them. It doesn’t even have anything to do with your little friend, Joshua Acquin. He can stand in your corner as much as he wants, but he’s not going to be able to do anything to prevent the end result of when I get my hands on you.”

Tempest stood up straight, arms extended and hands gripping the rain of the bridge.

“And that end result will be Mark and Christian looking for a new contender to challenge Bobbie in Vegas because there won’t be enough left of you to provide her with anything resembling a decent challenge!”

Tempest gave the camera one last, derisive look before turning her back and continuing on her way as the scene closed out.

December 23, 2023 -
Las Vegas, Nevada

The holiday season of 2023 has come and gone, but for those of us within the realm of Sin City Wrestling, the miracle of flashbacks is not something that is relegated to one instance or another. In fact, we can go back as far as we wish in order to reflect on times past so that we might better learn and experience from memories - be the beloved or hard to face and confront. And when it comes to the holidays, one can visit the good or the bad because there is absolutely no promise or guarantee that either will be the case. You can plan your Christmas or ule or Hanukkah down to the very minute detail and even the smallest thing will lay waste to the absolute best of plans.

Case in point…

Tempest: Hey Momma.

Tempest said from her end of the call she had been worried about placing since yesterday, but there was no mistaking the circumstances and no turning back. The woman who was looked at by the SCW Universe, fan and competitor alike, as the literal amazon of the six-sided ring, looked to be anything but given the circumstances.

Nalani: Alleyne! Dear, I wasn’t expecting you to call!

Tempest: I know, Momma, but I’m afraid I have some bad news.

And as quickly as her mother’s face lit up with the call from her ‘baby girl,’ it fell just as quickly with the words dreaded by any parent.

Nalani: Oh dear, what is it?

Tempest closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath, exhaling through her pursed lips before she broke the news.

Tempest: Anela and I aren’t going to be able to make it for Christmas.

And what mother wanted to hear that the wouldn’t be seeing their child (even just one of several), that one most magical day of the year. Nalani looked absolutely devastated, her free hand placed over her heart and her eyes were closed for a brief time while her daughter continued from her end of the call.

Tempest: I know despite what we talked about on Thanksgiving that we’d come to you, but Anela isn’t feeling well. She started getting sick yesterday and I don’t know if it’s a cold or the flu or…

Nalani: Dear, if it’s just a little cold…

Tempest: Momma, whether it’s just a little cold or what… bringing a little girl onto a plane for a seven hour flight would just be irresponsible. The poor thing would be in misery.

Nalani: I know dear, I was just hoping so much to see you both with everyone…

Tempest: I know, and I was looking forward to that perfect little first Christmas with my daughter but sadly things don’t always work out the way that we want them. Plus, answer me this; and be honest! How would you react if someone tried to get you to bring one of your sick children onto a flight?

Nalani sighed, despite herself, and found herself unable but to admit the truth.

Nalani: I would probably forget that I was a lady and tell them where to go.

Tempest chuckled, never failing to take delight in her mother’s way of putting her thoughts into words.

Tempest: Well, I never claimed to be a lady but I would also never tell my own mother where to go.

Nalani murmured.

Nalani: Smart girl…

Tempest: And I wanted you to know this is not how I wanted my first Christmas having Anela back to go but…

Nalani: I know, I know. It’s alright Alleyne. Well, it’s not alright but I more than understand. So … it is just a cold? It’s not…?

Tempest: I don’t know yet but I pray to God not. That’s all this poor kid needs! I’ve kept us holed up in the apartment just in case but will give her the test first thing in the morning.

Nalani: Poor thing… Well dear, I still hate that you two won’t be home but I’ll let the family know. Now you just go take care of our little girl. Just make sure you keep me updated on how she is and call us come Christmas!

This was one of the many reasons why Alleyne - Tempest - loved her mother so much. Disappointed though she was, she always had her priorities in order and her heart remained in the right place.

Tempest: I will, Mama. Love you.

A sentiment that was as well spoken as it was sincere. Tempest was not a woman who regularly showed such emotion, preferring to allow the image of her being an angry Amazon to perpetuate in the minds of those around her. But where family was concerned, particularly her mother, there simply was no going back from being the loving woman that those closest to her knew her to be.

Nalani: Love you too.

And that being said, the call was ended. Tempest turned her phone off and set it on the counter of the kitchen in her new apartment in Las Vegas. She stood up from the bar counter and walked into the kitchen, opening the refrigerator and taking out a single bottle of beer. She used to be more free when it came to having a beer every now and then, but with a child in the house, one of whom she had bought for so long to regain custody of, she felt almost a sense of guilt when it came to having a drink. And she was just about to pop the cap off the bottle, when she closed her eyes and exhaled.

Tempest: Damn it.

And she opened the refrigerator back up and set the bottle back inside, shutting the door behind it. This was going to take some getting used to.

Tempest then turned and walked out of the kitchen and down the hall where she arrived at the door that was slightly a jar so as to better afford her adopted step daughter some some months of privacy but also allow her to keep an eye on the young girl given she was under the weather. Tempest nudged the door open further and gazed into the darkness and she could see the huddled form under the blankets, hidden from head to toe. She knew Anele well enough that when she wasn't feeling well, she was curled into a fetal position just as she was now.

Tempest crossed over the carpeted floor of her step daughter's bedroom and sat as gently as was possible given her 6 ft 3, 200 plus pound frame. But no sooner did she do so than Anela snuggled up to her in her sleep. That was all the invitation this Beast of a woman needed, as she kicked off her shoes and Drew her legs up onto the small bed, resting back against the headboard. She draped an arm around the girl and just sat there for her daughter who needed her, simply being a mother.

---

The follow morning…

And thank God, Anela did not have COVID. Tempest had administered the at home test on her stepdaughter, and the girl put up an impressive struggle to having a swab stuck up her nose, but in the end the result came back negative which was a great relief. Tempest then did the unthinkable and asked her next door neighbor, a kindly older couple, to keep an eye on the apartment while she ran to the nearest drugstore and stocked up on every available child's cold and flu medicine she could get her hands on.

This was all foreign territory to her, and by her own admission Tempest did not know how her mother managed to do the same between herself and her three older brothers. She doused Anela with vitamins, medicine, and of course the obligatory orange juice and chicken soup simply because her own mother had insisted upon it. And when it comes to their children, or in this case, grandchild, a mother/grandmother knew best.

By the time night had fallen this evening on Christmas eve, Anela was feeling somewhat better but still not entirely under the radar of the bug that had caught up with her. Tempest had chosen to forego temporarily the chicken soup and orange juice and sent for takeout at her step daughter's behest, getting the Chinese food that the young girl wanted so badly. Not that Tempest minded, mind you. She could certainly do with some spicy shrimp while Anela hit at her own beef and broccoli but only ate it sparingly, still feeling the influence of both the flu as well as the medicine taken. Tempest even ignored her own rule about no eating in the living room and she sat on the sofa with her own plate while her stepdaughter stretched out with her head in her lap, the pair of them watching the traditional Charlie Brown Christmas special on TV.

The lights were turned down, the colorful and soft twinkling of the Christmas tree lights dancing off of the white walls that surrounded them. It was one of the things that brought a sense of magic to this one night. And it had nothing at all to do with the pile of elaborately wrapped Christmas presents that were under the tree.

Honest! It was not as if Tempest was in any hurry to spoil her stepdaughter on their first Christmas together. And if you believe that, I have some motion front property in Arizona that I would like to sell you!

---

“Well, isn't it amazing how things seem to take on a life of their own and work out for better or worse? I have to admit that the past couple of weeks or not what I had expected. I had hoped that my first Christmas with my stepdaughter would have been perfect but circumstances dictated otherwise. And even though it wasn't what I envisioned, I have to admit that it still turned out special.”

“Weeks ago when I thought all hope was lost for my new family, that was when Gabriel Stevens put something into my head that never truly took root until Christmas eve. He told me that the family I have in Hawaii was not my only family. Or I'm from, family always meant a great deal and took precedence above all else. But this year I wasn't able to be with my family for the holidays, and what did that man do? On Christmas Eve he showed up at my door, with his own family, to celebrate Christmas Eve with me and my daughter since they would be busy the following day. That was what he meant. And that was the moment I realized the truth that rang true behind his words.”

“I have family here, in Las Vegas, where I need it when I can't be home. Gabriel and his family. Carter, Ariana and their significant others. Despy and Synn. And perhaps most especially my closest friend, Austin James Mercer. Everybody. And even though my GO Gym family all said that they would be busy on Christmas day, they still stopped by once again to visit and wish us well, and make sure that my daughter had even more presents than I had already given her. The way her eyes lit up on that one morning, it made everything right. It made all the pain from the struggles of the past several years of wanting her home completely worth it in the end. And it made me value and cherish the people that helped me get here, where I am today, all the more.”

“Which is why this Sunday, things are not going to go well at all for my opponent, Luna. All due respect to Luna, I never once expected somebody simply to step up and volunteer to be my opponent because quite frankly, I can't remember the last time that ever happened if at all! But you said if I wanted someone to fight inside of that ring, you would step up. And step up you did! That I have to respect.”

“But it doesn't mean that things are going to go any easier for you simply because you chose to do so. If anything, quite the opposite. Because yes, I do want to have somebody to fight. And you volunteering was just your way of placing yourself in harms way. I am not the sentimental sort by any means of the word, but all of the love and support that I’ve and shown over the years by everyone from the gym and Austin's own support, has given me all the motivation I could need or want.”

“Some of my critics were right. For the last 4 years I was content. I could easily stand back and take my fights where I chose. No more, no less. My tag team with Austin is the peak of my career that I will cherish the most, but I think it's time that my sights were set on singles gold as well. Up until now, I couldn't have cared less. To me, those championship belts were just baubles. Trinkets to feed the egos of pretty little blonde girls who fancy themselves as more than they really are. I've sat back and watched people that I have been close to in this business lose themselves because of his desire to wear one of those belts around their waist and call themselves The best. I didn't want to all that far, I didn't want to go down that rabbit hole”

“And now? While I still feel that championship belts are just show and decoration, I think it's high damn time that I show these girls, time that I show all these armchair experts who don't think I have what it takes, that I in fact do! And it all starts this Sunday. It all starts with you, Luna.”

Las Vegas, Nevada
The GO Gym

It was a familiar enough site for anyone familiar with the history of Sin City Wrestling. One of the top four wrestling academies in the sport of professional wrestling, alongside other hallowed grounds such as Wolfsair, Hero Academy and Jet City. Notable stars such as Evie Baang-Jordan, Fenris, London Underground and others have called this elite and upscale gym their ‘alma mater’ including one face who did not go to the same lengths as her ‘gym mates’ - that being Tempest. Tempest was a name that struck awe in the Bombshell division of SCW, even though to date the only championship she wore around her waist, she shared with one of the more hated and controversial men in the business, Austin James Mercer. That being the World Mixed Tag Team Championship.

Not that she had not had the opportunities granted to her now and then, but Tempest had personal setbacks that prevented her from making the same strides forward in the business that her peers had enjoyed. Not that she allowed that to be a setback for her. More so she lived her career in sports entertainment just as she did when she served as a bail bondswoman and a bounty hunter; she preferred to go slow and take her time, so that she had a better chance to succeed. And when things did not go her way in one instance, she did not lose her temper as she was prone to do in many other matters. She simply stood back, examined where she went wrong and came up with a solution that would help her to move forward and take that next step in the path to success.

And that proverbial ‘next step’ was to throw herself into her training, given that a golden opportunity had practically been dropped into her lap. Along with the laps of roughly eight other Bombshells. Nobody expected the news that Aleesha, who had dethroned Kayla Richards and been on a dominant tear ever since as the Bombshell Internet Champion, would ever have the ill luck of a serious training injury that caused her to relinquish her title without ever having technically lost it. Her loss would be another's gain, and the moment Gabriel had texted her the news, she knew without a doubt that this would end up being one of the most difficult and chaotic matches she had ever been involved in within her relatively sporadic career.

Every day, from the moment that she dropped her stepdaughter Anela off at school right up until it was time to go pick her up, Tempest was either at the weights, setting new records with her strength training, or she was inside of the ring, sparring with some poor unfortunate soul. If the sparring partner was unlucky, it was a promising new recruit to the gym. Gabriel considered it a way of weeding out the weak. But if Tempest were lucky, it was one of the Gym’s graduates she could get inside of the ring with to keep her skills sharp. More often than not it was either Charlotte Mackenzie or Mackenzie Page from London Underground as they were the only two women in the Gym (aside from Odette) that could stand toe to toe with Tempest in a heated sparring match. But Gabriel knew his student’s preferences, no matter whom they happened to be, and he knew that due to her size and strength advantage she held over most of the Bombshell roster, she much preferred to train alongside the men. Yet only two or three men in the Gym were willing to help her in that regard. Not Despayre - forget that! But Daniel Morgan and Osbourne of London Underground? And Gabriel Stevens himself. He was the one most willing to train with his student, as he held the staunch belief that he could not expect any of his and Odette’s students who lent a hand in training the Gym’s students to do anything that he himself was not willing to do.

As a matter of fact, that was where we had just come from, as Gabriel had put Tempest through quite the test inside of the six-sided ring where the two now sat on the ring apron, taking a much needed respite with a bottle of water each. To his credit, Gabriel took much satisfaction that Tempest had worked up quite the sweat inside of the ring against him. Against such a physical specimen, it told him that he still very much ‘had it’. On the flip side, he had been in the ring with men who were not capable of doing some of the feats of strength that this woman had just put him through.

Gabriel: So, have you found out what’s going on with your girl?

Of course, Tempest had softly confided her worry about her stepdaughter Anela and what she was going through in school. The first person she had spoken to was her closest friend in Austin James Mercer. The other being the man seated to her immediate left. The truth was, Gabriel himself knew something was amiss because his son Lucas had told him Anela was having some trouble at school. But when his dad pressed him for details, Lucas showed his loyalty to his friend by repeating her oath that he would not tell anyone. A frustrating spot to be in if you are a parent, but Lucas was as loyal to his friends as Gabriel himself was to his own. Gabriel’s eyes shifted to Tempest who took a drink from her bottled water and shook her head.

Tempest: Not a clue, and it’s driving me crazy. She used to love going to school from what my husband’s sister told me, but now? She just seems so morose after her first day and has even tried to convince me that she was sick a few times to keep from having to go. One time she even cried about going, and when I pick her up, she just shut down completely.  I don’t know what to do. All these years I wanted her back, to be her Momma, and now I’m failing her…

Tempest found Gabriel’s hand on her arm in a reassuring gesture. It was a testament that she did not shrug it off or remove it as she might most others.

Gabriel: Hey, listen to me Alleyne. You’re not failing her. You’re not going through anything that all other parents go through. Kids keep secrets, good and bad. It’s part of their nature. Is the school helping? At all?

Tempest scoffed.

Tempest: Those jackasses are about as useless as boobs on a man. They told me they don’t know anything – haven’t seen anything. I call bullshit. That school isn’t that big that at least one of the teachers wouldn’t have noticed something going on. I just don’t think they want to get involved and spoil their cushy image of the perfect institute of education.

Gabriel: You’ll figure it out. And I’m still trying to get Lucas to open up. He’s been Anela’s shadow since she started school. Whatever’s going on…

But whatever else Gabriel was going to say was interrupted as the door that led from the Gym to the lobby where students checked in opened up, and a sheepish looking Despayre stepped through with Angel cuddled against his upper body. Despayre casually walked across the Gym’s spacious floor plan, by-passing the equipment until he arrived at where his ‘big brother’ Gabriel and Tempest sat, chewing on his bottom lip.

Gabriel: Everything okay, Despy?

To which Despayre shrugged his slim shoulders.

Despayre: There’s a phone call for Tempest.

Tempest frowned.

Tempest: For me?

Despayre nodded, and she turned to Gabriel looking perplexed.

Tempest: Who the hell would be calling me here?

As Gabriel shrugged his own confusion, Despayre answered the question.

Despayre: It’s Anela’s school.

Tempest’s head whipped back around to stare hard at Despayre briefly, then she jumped to her feet and headed for the lobby door to take the call. Despayre watched her go and Gabriel cleared his throat behind him. ‘Despy’ turned his head back to his best buddy.

Gabriel: Despy? What’s going on?

---

Las Vegas, Nevada
John S. Park Elementary School

The tension in the principal’s office was high. The principal herself, a Missus Jennifer Benizio, sat behind her desk, her hands clasped on the edges surface. Eyes from behind her glasses looking back and forth at the gathered number before her. Seated to her immediate right, was a teacher in the school, Mark Cohen. Together the two school staff looked at the nine year old Anela, who sat on a chair to the right of the office with an empty seat beside her. Anela had dried tears that stained her cherubic cheeks, her eyes downcast and her fists jammed into her lap. Across from her, was a boy her own age, who was holding an ice pack to his swollen nose and was already sporting a beauty of a shiner. And beside him was obviously the boy’s father, a stern looking man.

Father: Look, can we hurry this up and get this over with!? I left work because you let my son get assaulted!

Principal: Mister Marek, we have to wait for Anela’s mother…

Father: Why!? It’s as obvious my son was attacked and I want this dealt with…

But that was when the buzzer of the intercom on the Principal’s desk sounded, distracting them all from the man’s tirade. The Principal pressed the button…

Principal: Yes?

Secretary: Anela’s mother is here.

Father: (muttering) Finally…

Principal: Thank you, Dinah. Send her in.

And a brief moment later and the office door opened and in walked Tempest, changed from her workout clothes and now in her street attire.

Teacher: Missus Mahoe, how nice of you to join us.

Tempest paused as she was in the process of shutting the office door to allow them the allotted privacy. She shot the teacher a sharp look as the sarcasm of his words was heard by all ears.

Tempest: Yeah, you’ll have to forgive me. There was a three car accident on the way here. Might have been casualties, but who knows? Next time you summon me I’ll make sure to stop and ask for details so I can give you a reason for my lateness. She finally closed the door and was quite satisfied to see the teacher appear thoroughly chastised. She walked around the office to take the empty chair beside her daughter.

Tempest looked right at Anela…

Tempest: What’s going on?

Teacher: It would seem your daughter has some anger issues, Missus Mahoe. You can see the end result of a little tirade she had earlier in my class.

Tempest looked to where the teacher was indicating and saw the swollen nose and heavily bruised eye of the boy, his father trading an embarrassed scowl with his son before staring daggers at Tempest herself. Tempest all but ignored the man as she looked at Anela instead.

Tempest: You did this?

It took a moment before Anela finally yielded with a nod.

Tempest: Why?

Teacher: Your daughter was trying to tell me…

Tempest: ExCUSE me!

Tempest’s outburst silenced the teacher who seemed as if his words were stuck in his throat. She had her hand up to forestall any further words from the man…

Tempest: That is the second time I have asked her a question and you took it upon yourself to answer for her! Do you mind? Because I was speaking to my daughter, not to you! Which tells me that you’re either rude or you don’t want her to answer me for some reason. So, which is it?

But the teacher sat back in his chair, his face flushed as the principal gave him a look, and then she turned back to the two gathered families. Tempest again looked to Anela and she asked…

Tempest: Well?

Anela: He’s seated behind me and kept pulling my hair.

And by ‘he’, she obviously meant the boy.

Anela: I told him to stop it but he kept doing it! Mister Cohen told me to quiet down and when I told him what Andy was doing, he told me to just ignore him! But Andy pulled my hair again after that so I turned and hit him!

The father sat back in his chair, obviously looking ‘vindicated’ at this admission of guilt as it were.

Father: There, you see? She even admitted it!

Tempest turned away from the father, all but rolling her eyes and she instead focused on the teacher himself.

Tempest: So why did you call me down here? To discuss my filing charges against this boy and the school? Mainly this sorry excuse for a teacher?

Teacher: Sorry excuse…!?

Father: Filing charges…!?

Principal: Now let’s not get ahead of ourselves….

Father: You can’t file charges when your daughter is the one who attacked my son!

Tempest: I can actually file charges because what your son was doing could easily be classified in any court as assault and what my daughter did was defend herself when her teacher couldn’t be bothered to do his job!

Teacher: Excuse me, but it is not my job to…

Tempest: To what? To stop bullying in the halls of this school?

She then looked straight at the principal.

Tempest: I was under the impression that this school had a strict No Tolerance policy on bullying? I mean, that is what’s advertised on your website and fliers! Or am I mistaken?

She then looked right back at the teacher, not even giving the Principal a chance to answer.

Tempest: So you’ll forgive me for telling a teacher how to do their job but I think it IS your job to put a stop to any bullying tactics inside of YOUR classroom! Or is there some reason why you couldn’t be bothered?

She looked to the Principal.

Tempest: Does this school have a junior football program?

Principal: It does but…

She then turned to look at the battered boy.

Tempest: And are you on that team?

There was an awkward silence in the room before the father himself nudged his son…

Father: Answer her!

And he did. Not with words but a sullen nod. That was all Tempest had to see, as she turned and shot the teacher a knowing look.

Tempest: That’s why, isn’t it? It might not be college level or even high school, but I know the school systems well enough to know just how much football is revered, even at the possible cost of the education system itself! And … just how protected the players are no matter their age! And you… the man in charge of their education and well being during school hours told my daughter to IGNORE a boy yawning her hair so hard he was bending her neck back and could have caused possible damage!? LOOK AT THEM!!!

Her loud outburst caused even the father to start.

Tempest: He is bigger than she is! Stronger! Heavier! How exactly is she supposed to ignore him pulling on her hair like that!? Would you be able to ignore it if I grabbed a handful of YOUR hair and pulled!? How hard would it have been for you to simply tell that boy to stop!? One word. That’s all you had to say and you just could not be bothered!

Teacher: I thought it was just a little bit of rough house play between children and boys will…

Tempest: I swear to God if you say ‘boys will be boys’ to me I will take you out back myself and show you just how wrong that is! Because ANYONE who says that is just enabling some spoiled, entitled boy to do whatever he wants to! Those are the exact words some fathers use for their sons to excuse them slipping some girl a drug or taking advantage of her while she’s passed out…!

Principal: Missus Mahoe, I think we’re getting away from the reason why we’re here…\

Tempest: Oh I couldn’t agree more, but if you think you’re just going to punish Anela here for defending herself and let this boy just walk, you got another thing coming! Because the moment we set foot outside of this building, I will be on the phone calling every damn lawyer in the phone book if I have to and what would that do to the sterling reputation of this school!? If you want to punish her, fine. I can’t stop you. But whatever you punish her with, you had BEST be looking to punish that boy the EXACT. SAME. WAY!

Her arm was completely extended across her daughter and pointing straight at the boy. Now even the dad appeared apprehensive but still troubled/embarrassed at his son having been ‘beaten up’ by this little girl.

Tempest: My opinion? He got exactly what he had coming to him because your system has him so spoiled and entitled he thinks he’s untouchable but my girl showed him that just wasn’t true! And if you can’t be bothered to take care of the children in your class, I am left wondering what the hell you’re even doing teaching!

Principal: Mister Cohen has always been one of our top…

Tempest: Bull! The best don’t play favorites, and this man is clearly playing favorites!

Tempest then turned to the principal.

Tempest: I am taking my daughter home now. If he doesn’t start doing his job, then I am going to insist Anela get removed from his class and transferred to a different one! You have my number. Call me if and when you decide on some punishment – but remember what I said about punishing that boy, too!

She looked at Anela and motioned toward her…

Tempest: C’mon, go get in the car. We’re going to Dairy Queen.

Anela grabbed her jacket and school bag and stood up along with her stepmother, leaving the father looking flabbergasted.

Father: Dairy Queen? You’re going to reward her for…?

Tempest: And you…!

She all but jammed a finger at the man, shutting him right back up.

Tempest: I hear so much as one word on how your boy is still picking on my daughter then you and I will go a few rounds! And I can promise you that what my daughter did to your son won’t even compare to what I will do to you!

She did not even wait for any of those present to respond. Tempest jerked the door wide open and stood back for Anela to walk through before she followed and slammed the door shut behind them so loud it caused the desk to rattle and those left inside of the office to jump!

---

“Someone once asked me to summarize this business into just one word. I’m not sure the hows or the whys, but I think they were just curious where I, a woman who would be seen still in her rookie years in this business, would go with such an innocent question. It took me quite a bit of thought. Some with their heads in the clouds will say ‘glamorous’. Me? I’m a realist. I always have been, and that is why I answered with a single word – chaos.”

“I mean, tell me I’m wrong. Tell me when, in all of the shows no matter if they are a regular weekly show or a pay-per-view, when did everything go absolutely according to plan? When were there no backstage altercations or outnumbered attacks inside of the ring? When did someone not go for a steel chair or some random ass weapon to try and steal a win because they didn’t have the physical or mental capability to do it on their own? When did chaos not reign supreme at least once in this sport that we have all dedicated ourselves to? I’ll tell you when – never. And the fact that we are here, in this given situation that I and eight other women find ourselves in, is proof enough that this sport, this business, is nothing if not chaotic! The Internet Champion, Aleesha Jones – has been shelved. Injured somehow while training – which admittedly I can relate to all too well. But this injury was severe enough that she would be out for the foreseeable future and had to be stripped of the Bombshell Internet Championship, and rather than fight for the opportunity to challenge her at High Stakes XIII, we’re now in a Battle Royal to decide a new champion! And … you tell me … what match in wrestling has more potential for sheer chaos than a Battle Royal??”

“Think about it! It was going to be wild enough fighting for the chance to fight the champion but now nine women – NINE – are going to be inside of that ring, fighting to BECOME the champion! I mean, personally it’s not the road I would have taken to decide a new champion but I imagine Mark and Christian were pressed for time and had to go with what worked. Throw someone over the top rope and BOOM! You’re the champion! Great! Terrific! But some of us in this match might have it a little easier in this type of match than others.”

“Zoey Lukas? She’s right up there at my level, because she is one seriously bad ass chick! I’d like to think I’m the stronger of the two of us, bigger too – but she has to come the closest out of any woman to ever step up to me! And she has – more than once. I beat her one on one last year but damn! That match we had weeks ago where she picked me up the way she did? No other woman - no one - was ever capable of doing that to me! This might be my first Battle Royal since entering this sport, but I’ve seen them enough to know that she and I have a target on our backs just because of who we are! Well, good luck girls because that ganging up strategy is easier said than done! And I am calling it right now that Lukas and I will be the last two women inside of that ring! Then she and I are going to give these people the rematch they deserve before she gets thrown out of the ring and we have ourselves a brand new champion – me!”

“But as much as I see Zoey and I as the top chicks in this match, I can’t ignore the fact that there are others involved. Like the little biplanes that got swatted out of the air by King Kong. Take Luna Vanity for example. That girl started off in SCW so fast and so strong that nobody thought she was going to be stopped! Nobody thought she would beat Alexandra Calaway in a Hardcore match but she DID! Nobody thought she would win singles gold so soon after her debut, but she DID! Then what happened? Nobody knows because she’s fallen flat as quickly as she rose up. She is not the dominant force she started off as, and this match is just going to be another example of just how far and fast she’s fallen.”

“And speaking of fallen, Sammi Marlowe! It’s GOOD to see the Girl Scout of SCW back in the thick of things! Now, for a late addition to this match, this is not bad. I haven’t been inside of the ring with you in a LONG time, and I am looking forward to getting reacquainted with you, girl. Where’ve you been? What have you been up to? And why, might I ask, were you not one of the original names listed in  this match? And how did you get added? Was this some backstage political pull on your part or did you have someone intervene on your behalf? Whatever, it doesn’t really matter. Can’t deny with your rep you deserve this chance as much as anyone else. But, sister – you are going to regret petitioning to get yourself involved because sooner or later, I am going to get my hands on you and them… over!”

“Now if there was a woman I wanted to face that I haven’t got the chance to yet, it’s Kat Jones. The girl came back after how much time away and the first thing she did was shut the mouth of Keira Fisher-Johnson! Now that might not seem like much to anyone on the outside looking in but to the rest of the women’s locker room? Girl I think we ought to chip in and buy you a fruit basket! I’m looking forward to this and after? First round is on me!”

“Now when I was talking about big names and people who deserved to be in this match… I might have mentioned Mercedes Vargas but really – when was the last time that woman has really earned much of anything? Oh sure, she has the past credentials to back up the hype she’s given or that she gives herself, but that’s just it – the past. When was the last time she won a championship? Hell! When was the last time she won a match of any importance? Yes. She won each and every title offered to a woman in SCW. But … the past. And you can’t live off of your past forever, Mercedes. Sooner or later, the present – me – is going to come crashing down on you. I did it once between just the two of us and it’ll be a pleasure to do it one more time.”

“Seleana Zdunich… now there’s a name I’ve been looking forward to finding some time alone with when we’re in this chaos. You see, I met her once before and I admit … She got the best of me. I blame myself really. I looked at her and didn’t see much substance. To me, she was all style. Flash and nothing else. But that cost me and chicky… I am SO looking forward to a little payback!”

“And of course, there’s my little sparring buddy, Ariana Angelos. Or as the world is calling her – Krystal 2.0. The girl who has proven just what exactly the phrase ‘fair weather friend’ really means. For years we looked at this girl and saw a Girl Scout … the girl next door. Happy and laughing and cooking some god awful shit, but deep down she was hiding this facade of a conceited, angry and entitled little girl. She proved that easily enough turning her back on her closest friend in this business but then when it looked like she couldn’t ride on Carter’s coattails anymore in the tag team division, she sure turned about face to make nice, didn’t she? Because she has had chance after chance to shine in the singles ranks just like her so-called BFF had done before, but her spotlight was always at his side … or behind home rather because every person watching knows he was the backbone of that tag team! But she started running her mouth and taking it out on everyone else when she couldn’t get her foot past that door to success. She cried foul and rather than step up and fix what went wrong, she just pointed fingers and blamed everyone else BUT herself! Well go on then Ari. Blame me. Run your mouth at me. I mean, you have everyone else so why not? And we’ll see just how far I can toss you like a freaking lawn dart!”

“Which brings us to last … and least. Krystal Wolfe. Now as bad as Ari has been acting, she’s really just become a pale imitation of this one. A girl who stabbed everyone in the back and  couldn’t even last a month in Hells Gate after she all but abandoned the Go Gym! She and I butted heads, yeah. And I whipped her ass in front of the entire world! She attacked her own flesh and blood and used rookies as a punching bag, breaking their limbs because she didn’t have what it takes to do the same to the women who actually mattered! And now look at her. After becoming POSSIBLY the single most hated person on the roster, she’s now putting on the ‘good girl’ act like nothing ever happened and everything is a thing of the past! She’s on this ‘redemption’ quest to become better loved in the eyes of the world – as if anyone with any common sense would ever trust her again! She has proven that the only thing that matters to her is winning. Well this is a good time to tell you that you are in for a very bad revelation, Krystal! Because you won’t be winning this weekend. You won’t win the match and you will not be winning the Internet title! You are in the ring with every single woman that you have done wrong! You were finished the moment this match was signed.”

“This is my time, ladies. My moment. And soon enough, my championship!”

Flashback - Child Protective Services - Maui, Hawaii
Many weeks ago

We figured it was time to show you a bit of the glue that brought the pieces of this puzzle together. You heard what happened, but hearing sometimes just is not enough. Sometimes we have to see with our own two eyes so that we can come to an understanding and appreciate what is shown before us.

Tempest sat alone in the office of a Missus Kalea Ogi, a well respected social worker for the CPS - Child Protective Services - of Maui. And while Tempest was not entirely surprised to find out that her former mother-in-law had absconded with Anela, her deceased husband's daughter from a previous marriage, and left Honolulu for Maui where Malulani had called home with his family for over thirty years. But inside? She was absolutely seething. The mother-in-law from hell had used her family and what connections she had not only to literally hide her former step daughter from her, but also to shield the fact that Malulani had named Tempest – Alleyene, as his daughter’s legal guardian. A fact that Tempest herself had not been enlightened to. Not until recent weeks and many talks with lawyers and CPS agents to better ensure the child would be well taken care of. The child’s welfare was key. The most important matter for all involved.

It was the sole reason why Tempest was fighting so hard to restrain her temper in recent weeks during what she thought were repeated invasive investigations into her life. Her profession as a professional wrestler had raised more than one eyebrow but in the end, it was deemed much safer than the business she owned and maintained to this very day – that of a bail bondsman and bounty hunter. That alone almost cost her this reunion that she had privately dreamed of for years – and worried would never happen. It was the final exchange between a judge and herself, a simple enough trading of words that made the children’s court confident that Tempest could take care of a child.

When the judge expressed his concern of such, all she had to say was, “Look at me, your honor. If a woman built like me can’t protect a kid, then something is wrong with this world!”

The judge laughed. He actually – laughed. And whole there were other concerns such as food and school, the court’s highest ranking official was well satisfied that not only could she tale care of and protect this little girl, but more importantly –

She wanted to.

And the wait? It was absolutely maddening. Why they could not be brought back together in a more formal or public setting was beyond her. Somewhere – neutral. But this, her mother theorized, was the agent’s way to better ensure a smoother transition for the child involved. Plus it put the CPS agents more in control for the very fact. Something that tempest could respect, if not outright appreciate. The court had, of course, asked little Anela if she wanted to go live with Tempest, her former stepmother, and all doubt was erased when the child started crying and asking “if they really meant it”. When Mrs. Ogi informed her of this fact, Tempest wept herself. She actually wept.

It had been a fear of the woman ever since this reunion was first proposed – that Anela would have forgotten all about her. Or held a childish grudge against her for allowing her grandmother to spirit her away like some witch in a children’s bedtime story. But to know that she not only remembered her after almost four years, but did so in a fond way, made her heart soar in a way that she had not experienced since Malulani was alive.

There was a soft rap at the door, to which she found strange since she was in the agent's office so for all intent and purpose, she could have just walked right in without saying a word. But before Tempest could even think forth on the subject or say something – like “come in” when it wasn’t even her place to do so – the office door opened.

Mrs. Ogi was a woman in her middle years, and there were streaks of white dabbled liberally in her otherwise dark, shoulder length hair. Lines in the corner of her eyes spoke of experience in her field, more than a few success stories as well as a number of heartbreaks. But Tempest had done her own digging up of some dirt and all roads pointed to one simple truth about this woman standing at the door – she was formidable, and a force to be reckoned with.

Mrs. Ogi: Alleyene?

She spoke, being given consent by Tempest herself to use her given name. This was it, this was the moment she both looked forward to and feared. Tempest stood upright and turned to face the door, as a young girl of near nine years of age stepped into view.

Time would seemingly stand still between the two as the little girl, who had understandably changed physically since the last time they saw one another, stared up at Tempest who had changed little, if at all.

Tempest: Anela…

She slowly lowered herself to a bended knee and Anela pulled her hand from Mrs. Ogi and rushed forward, crying out…

Anela: Mama!

And the little girl threw her small arms around Tempest’s neck, and Tempest lifted the child up into her arms as she stood.

Reunited.

---

The Miécimo da Silva Sports Complex was to be the location for the next edition of Sin City Wrestling’s weekly escapade of wrestling action known as Climax Control. Thus far, the 2023 World of Wonders tour has been wildly successful, even more so than the previous tour of some of the world’s most intriguing Unsolved Mysteries. Here in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the famed ninety eight foot statue known as Christ the Redeemer was the focal point, but as it was a religious site and not enough room for a safe set up, the actual wrestling event was taking place here in the arena.

Apparently not even Mark Ward and Christian Underwood were bold enough to try and press their luck with the ring being at the base of the world’s most holy of statues.

But here at the Miécimo da Silva Sports Complex, the set up for Sunday was nearing  completion. The ring, the rows of chairs on the arena floor to go long with the stands. The lightning and sound system. The men and women whose sole responsibility was to ensure all was in place and ready for Sunday’s show to run smoothly remained busy, and watching them from afar at the very top of the stands was Tempest herself. She stared straight ahead, watching the workers as she spoke up…

“November 28, 2021.”

Tempest turned her head so that she  could look ‘down’ into the camera that was focused on her.

“Does that ring a bell there, Mercedes? That was the last time that you and I stepped inside of the ring against each other. The match where you and your tag team partner Goth beat Austin and myself for the Mixed Tag Team titles. Under most circumstances, most people would try to cheapen that win of yours and say you stole the titles somehow or that your win was just plain, dumb luck.”

Tempest closed her eyes and shook her head.

“Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a lot of things but I am unlike ‘most people’. The simple truth of the matter is that you and Goth fought us, and you just so happened to win. The only ‘luck’ involved was what prompted the bosses to give you and Goth another crack at our titles after Austin and I had handed your asses to you the first time around. Just a few weeks prior to the loss, at High Stakes XI. November, 2021. Austin pinned Goth. He and I were ready to move on to the next best thing when what happened? I don;t know if the powers that be were so impressed by the two of you or if it was some sort of pity party but we come to find out that our first post-Supercard defense was against … you and Goth.”

Tempest scoffed.

“Imagine our surprise. But, as disappointed as we were at finding out we weren’t moving on to new challengers, by the end of the night that paled in comparison to how we felt at the loss of those very same championships. That’s right. I am not lying. I fully acknowledge the fact that this time around, you two came out on top and that was the final time Mercer and I had at teaming with one another because we…”

She placed a hand on her chest.

“... Weren’t given a rematch. Now some think that the bosses, Ward and Underwood, thought that two matches between the same two teams back to back were enough and three would be burn out. I’d hope that was the case because I’d hate to think that the other theory were true – that you and Goth simply didn’t want to face us again and be put at risk of having one of the shortest mixed tag reigns in record history. Tell me differently, Mercedes. Don't make me think so low of you. Bottom line is, that was the final time we set foot inside of the ring against each other, and ever since Austin and I lost the titles? The mixed tag division…?”

She whistled and turned her upright thumb slowly downward.

“Slowly died out. Mercer and I carried the division on our backs and after our loss, nobody – not one, single team – did for it what we accomplished! Not then, and not now! But this time around, we’re not talking about the mixed tag team division, are we? We’re talking about the Queen For A Day, and we are talking about just you and I. Alone inside of the ring, woman to woman! And that makes things even more interesting – for myself at least, because here’s another little tidbit for SCW’s resident historian. About our previous encounters, and this one this time around. You see, the last two times we met, Mercedes? The outcome was not decided between you and I. It was decided between the men. Mercer pinned Goth. Goth pinned Mercer. While you and I were on the outside, looking in. Leaving the unspoken question of just who was the better woman between you and I. I suppose… this is our golden ticket to settling that unanswered question.”

She shrugged her hefty shoulders.

“I admit, I’m looking forward to it, even if it isn’t a straight up match but some jacked up stipulation where the chick on the outside actually is going to have the power to decide who wins and who loses. Either Kim or Zoey is going to decide when one of us has had enough and call the match when you and I really will have no say. All we get the opportunity to do is beat the hell out of each other and credit where it's due… that is where I come into play. That is where I am going to have the advantage until you have little other alternative but to roll over and play dead. And by the end of the night, that’s the only option that you’re going to be left with. There’ll be no fight left in you and even Kim is going to look at you with pity in her eyes and feel no other alternative but to throw in the towel and call the match. That is, if she has a heart. Because it would take a stone cold bitch to be able to watch what I’m going to do to you and just let it continue on without end. Although…”

Tempest glanced up wistfully in thought.

“That would be the smart thing to do, wouldn’t it? Considering two weeks later the four of us will be inside of the ring against each other, but this time in a Ladder match and the stakes being even higher. The opportunity to be Queen. The chance to shape my own destiny. To get what I deserve. To get what I have fought for since the very beginning. To shape Fate itself to how I see it!!!”

She jammed a finger into her upper torso, her voice rising.

“You have had your time in the sun, Mercedes! There was a point in time where you were not only one of the most respected women on the roster, but also one of the most feared! And while the respect for all that you’ve accomplished still lingers – and rightfully so – well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but nobody fears you. Not any more. That time has passed you by and even though you cling so desperately to it to remind yourself of what you once were, it’s as I said… fate. Fate always strikes when you least expect it, and fate deals a cold, cruel hand. And a little something for you to chew on?”

She leaned right into the camera so that her face filled it.

“So do I.”

The scene faded out.

Honolulu, Hawaii -
2022

He had called her over video chat, and from the very first look at his face on her laptop screen, she could tell something horrible was the matter. Austin was a man that did not wear his emotions on his sleeve, just as she herself refrained. When her husband died, she had fought mightily to keep it together and the only time she had allowed herself to properly grieve was when there were no witnesses. She had never fought such a struggle as the one she had when seated at the funeral, in between Malulani's mother and Anela, Malulani's young daughter whom she had come to love as her own. Her mother-in-law had never truly accepted her as her husband's wife, having never gotten past Malulani's divorce from his previous wife. It had all been lost on Mahina the fact his wife had all but abandoned her family, deciding on the sly that she no longer wanted to be a wife and mother. 'She' was meant to be Malulani's wife, not Tempest. 'She' was meant to be Anela's mother, not Tempest. And Tempest's own pride in not wanting others to see her openly weep had worked against her in the long run, coming back to bite her in the ass as it convinced Mahina that she had little to no feelings for Malulani, which could not had been further from the truth.

Mahina used this as a means to gain custody of her granddaughter, even though Tempest had fought it mightily but without success. Malulani's mother also sought to take the house and everything her son had left his wife out of sheer bitterness, but that was without success. The court openly ruled in Tempest's favor as Malulani's wife, but she would have given up everything he had left her had it only meant keeping custody of her husband's daughter. It had been her downfall, and remained so to this day, and it was seemingly something that she had in common with one of her closest friends, and perhaps her only one in this business - Austin James Mercer.

When he had called her to tell her the tragic and horrifying news that his wife's life had been snuffed out by an assailant, she had no words of comfort to offer him because it had come as such a shock. She had questions. In-depth ones that would have to wait as she saw Austin's eyes were puffy and red, tell-tale signs that he had been grieving out of sadness and anger, but like her, away from prying eyes. Had she brought up the questions that she had wanted, she wasn't altogether certain that Austin would be able to hold back his emotions. And she wasn't going to do that to him. So she had asked the questions he would be able to answer - such as how he was, the family and most importantly... his children. To have their mother taken away from them in an act of violence was beyond anything anyone should have to endure, and their mental welfare and well-being was their father's number one priority.

That was another reason he had called.

The doorbell rang of her house, followed by the sharp rap of knuckles on the door frame, drawing her from her almost manic preparations. In all the time that she had lived here alone and without Malulani, she had never had guests, especially overnight guests, that were not close family. But when Austin told her that he needed to get his kids as well as himself away for awhile to simply grieve and process everything, there was no questioning it. He and his children were to come to Honolulu, and they would stay with her for as long as was needed. Austin had initially fought the idea of staying in her house, not wanting to put one of his only friend's out for whatever reason, but luckily she had won out. Or did she? Privately, she believed Austin 'allowed' her to win. She believed he wanted this; he wanted he and his children to stay with her so they would be around a familiar face and with that, a sense of comfort when in need. Yet being who he was and a proud man, he didn't want to come right out and ask if it were alright.

With one last look around her house, Tempest was satisfied that all was ready and in order. She walked across the threshold of her home and opened the door to find her close friend and his children at her door. No words need be said. The children were still grieving, still in a state of shock, and tempest stepped aside to allow the three Mercers entry to her home. The kids walked past first, Tempest offering a comforting touch to their arms as they walked past, but Austin? Her grip on his shoulder drew him to a stop and he turned and found her arm wrapped around his thick shoulder in an embrace that, while quick, spoke volumes.

Friends did for friends.

---

Las Vegas, Nevada - the GO Gym
Last week

It was business as usual in the state-of-the-art facility that had been the birth place of many careers in the sport if professional wrestling. While there was no current class on hand in the famed GO Gym, it was yet still open to those that had already graduated from the facilities so that they could work out on the modern gym equipment, or inside of the rings of which there were two - all the better to keep their ring skills sharp and maintain the knowledge that they had learned from two of the very best. And in doing so, be able to learn anything new and evolve. Gabriel and Odette always maintained that line of truth; in order to be successful in the sport, one had to be able to evolve since wrestling itself would evolve around you. If your opponents watched and knew all that there was to know about you, you were as good as finished. You had to be able to surprise them every so often if you wanted to keep your place at the top of the proverbial mountain. They and the fans. Because if you couldn't maintain the interest of those that bought the tickets and merchandise, the promoters had little reason to want to keep you around.

And one of the most aggressive students Gabriel and Odette had come to know under their tutelage was the amazon they coined appropriately as Tempest. The 6'3" woman was by her own admitting, a fighter. You wouldn't see her throw dropkicks or take to the air; she was strictly a power wrestler and a brawler. But it worked as obvious by her string of success when on the active Bombshell roster. But it still did not mean she had nothing new that she could learn to keep the SCW Universe on the edge of its collective seat. According to the Stevens' credo - one never stopped learning until one simply stopped. Words to live by for any athlete who took heir career as seriously as the Stevens demanded their charges took theirs.

Tempest was currently in her ring gear in one of the rings, engaging in a competitive sparring match with none other than Devona, the 2023 Blast From the Past winner and as such, the current number one contender to the World Bombshell Championship. Devona had volunteered for this session against the MUCH larger Tempest, and it was a benefit to them both. Tempest would force Devona to work even harder than normal given her size and strength difference, and Devona was roughly the same size as ninety percent of the women's roster so wrestling against women half her size was something Tempest had little choice but to adapt to since her career first started.

Devona was currently perched on the middle turnbuckle and she leapt off to attempt a flying body press, but it was a glaring miscalculation on her part as Tempest easily caught her in her arms and slung her over her shoulder, when there was a timely intervention...

"Oy! Tempest!" Gabriel Stevens, one of the two proprietors of which the Gym had been named after, had walked out of the back office he shared with his wife Odette and approached the ring. Tempest turned around, almost comically holding the smaller Devona on her shoulder - both women acting seemingly nonchalant over the sight they were presenting.

"Got some good news for you!" Gabriel continued. "Drop her." And almost immediately wished he had worded that better as Tempest, with a smirk on her face, took him all-too literal and just let Devona go, dumping her to the canvas with a thud. "Ow!" Being the only thing Devona uttered after the fall.

Tempest walked across the ring and stepped OVER the top rope and dropped to the floor, Gabriel watching her every move and shaking his head. He then looked into the ring and asked, "Are you okay?" of Devona which rolled over onto her back and gave him a thumbs up. Satisfied, Gabriel turned to address Tempest who put on her best innocent face. One that was not altogether very convincing.

"Not funny." Gabriel reprimanded her, but in a good natured way as he was satisfied Devona had not been harmed.

"You said you had good news?" Tempest asked as she picked up her towel and used it to dab at her forehead and along the back of her neck.

"Yeah," Gabriel said as he sat back on the edge of the ring apron. "You know how Mark and Christian gave the public a vote and they're bringing back the Mixed Tag gold?"

"Yeah?" Tempest frowned ever-so slightly as she popped off the cap of her water bottle and took a deep pull. "What does that have to do with me?"

Gabriel answered, "Well it seems that they've got a pretty healthy start for the new division. And, I just got a text from Mark. They're reuniting you and Austin as one of the teams on the roster."

"Really." Tempest said, more of a confirmation than a question.

"Really." Gabriel affirmed.

Tempest asked, "And they're not at all concerned or worried about a conflict of interest because of what's been going down with Austin and Carter and his man?"

"Not at all." Gabriel shook his head. "Despite your overwhelming sense of loyalty to the people in this gym, Mark also knows how loyal you are to your friends. One of whom just so happens to be Austin. And as the two of you are former champions in that division, they thought it'd help the division and the tournament if they had at least one former championship team involved."

Tempest tilted her head and gave a shrug of her shoulders, "Can't fault that logic I guess." She admitted casually.

"So you're in?" Gabriel asked inquisitively.

"I wouldn't mind having a second go of that title with Mercer." She smiled genuinely. "Where do I sign?"

---

Phoenix, Arizona - Papago Park
Today

One thing that Arizona had long been famous for besides unbearable heat and resembling Bedrock of Flintstones fame, were the sunsets. Not the dust storms that seemingly blew in from out of nowhere. Not the seemingly endless desert nor the mountains that stretched across the horizon - the sunsets. They were a natural beauty that the locals never tired of, and those that paid visits to the Desert State as tourists or on business seemed in awe of, even if the natural beauty was not something one would normally be able to look upon and appreciate.

Looking out across the large lake in the center of the park and adorned with a variety of desert palm trees, was none other than Tempest. Taking this brief respite from her seemingly never ending training regime, the amazon Bombshell was in a perhaps uncharacteristic state of calm as she sat on a bench carved from a log, her eyes simply watching the descending sun's reflection dance on the surface of the water.

"So, they finally decided to bring back the World Mixed Tag Team Championship, hm? Well, all I can say is that it's about damn time! I may not exactly be a wrestling historian but I have been a fan of this sport ever since I was a little girl, sitting on my papa's knee and watching on our family TV. And do you know what I realized? For the longest time, SCW was one of the only wrestling companies I've ever heard of that did not have an active tag team championship for any length of time. Now, after careful consideration from the powers-that-be, they've decided to bring back one of the only mixed tag team titles in the business, making the best of both worlds, and both rosters. All I can ask myself is what are they going to do different this time around, compared to the last time? Last time this championship was active, it felt like it was little more than card filler. Did you see regular mixed tag team matches on the shows that weren't for the titles?"

She shook her head.

"Yeah, don't feel bad because I can't remember the last time that happened either. It felt like it was just a challenger-of-the-month situation. Where they would just throw together a team and have them challenge whoever happened to be the champions at the time. And make no mistake, this tactic did com up with some interesting combinations and pretty damn good matches, but without a legit division to build the titles around, the interest just plummeted. So again, what are they going to do different?"

She shrugged.

"Well, to SCW's credit, at least they made sure they had enough legit teams to pair together before they even made the return of the titles official. Eight or so teams, if I'm not mistaken. Not a bad way to kick things off and even after the titles are decided, there's still plenty of competition all around between teams who won't be walking out of Summer XXXTreme XI as the champions. But first, before we even get that far, there's a little matter of working our way up to that point. Every team that wants to be a part of that Fatal Fourway on the cruise has to earn it, and I got no problem with that because I have a partner who I've proven myself with in the past once already."

"I won't lie. At first I admit I felt a tad insulted. Not over the fact that I'm being teamed with Austin again, because there is no one else in SCW who I'd be willing to be a tag team with. None! I've said it before, and I'll repeat myself this once; Austin has been there for me as much if not more, than I've been there for him. despite what anyone thinks of his actions recently, that fact remains. He's a friend, one of my closest ever. He has my back, and he knows damn well he can count on me to see him through this entire route to the championships. no, what I felt a bit insulted with 'at first' was the fact that he and I were told we had to earn our way into the Fatal Fourway. I mean, as if already holding the championships isn't evidence enough that we deserve to be in the running? Every other team aside from the Barnharts have never teamed before in SCW, and never held the titles. And yet, we're being reduced to the same level as men and women who are starting from ground one. But fine. So what? if that's how they want things to go, Mercer and I are more than happy to run right over whoever we have to in order to make it to Summer XXXTreme XI. And lo an d behold, look at who we got in front of us. The 'bosom buddies' themselves. SCW's answer to the Breakfast Club. Ben Jordan and Samantha Marlowe!"

She smiled, despite herself. A chuckle escaping her lips pressed together.

"If there was ever a man that was on the roster that made me wish SCW sanctioned intergender matches, it's the man standing on the opposite side of the ring. Ben Jordan. The Cockney King himself! The one man who time and again has had the number of Fenris, beating him in back to back instances. Ben Jordan, returning to active duty for the first time since September of LAST YEAR. In swear to god Jordan, who do you think you are? Me? I've had people talk about me, mentioning potential and some have said I've wasted any momentum that I've earned with wins against women like Zoey Lukas and bitches like Krystal Wolfe. But it's not like I could predict injuries or family emergencies which have time and again kept me out of the ring. I fault myself for being careless enough to get injured, whether it's my fault or not. But family to me always comes first and I'll sacrifice my career every time when it comes to being there for them. But what about you, Ben? I won't ask you what keeps you away, because curiosity aside, it's really none of my business. But what I am interested in, is what brings you back? Did Sam call you, huh? Did she want another crack at stardom and the mixed tag titles caught her attention? Did 'Saint Ben' come calling like the cavalry, so he could be there for a friend and win a new championship? ell, if so, I can't fault you either way. They don't call you 'Saint Ben' for no damn reason. The only thing that stands out more than your career is your heart. Your giving nature. You'll be there for a friend even if it ultimately costs you in the end. And unfortunately Ben..."

She shrugged, holding her hands out, palms up.

"It's going to. Because sooner or later, it won't be Austin and yourself in the ring. One of you is going to have to tag out eventually, and then 'Little Miss Sunshine' is going to have to get in the ring with me and that's when it's all going to come crashing down. I just hope the disappointment isn't too much and you decide to stick it out after the initial disappointment wears off Ben. I respect you. I like everything that I've heard about you, and everything I've seen in your history here. And it'd be a damn shame to see you go once Sammi gets planted in the mat."

By now, the glorious sunset in front of the desert horizon has changed from hues of oranges, pinks and blues to a descending blend of deep blues and purples as night was beginning to rise to its prominence. It was amazing how much Tempest was growing to appreciate the desert skyline, considering she was herself a native of Hawaii, a state that was renowned for its natural beauty all year around. It was calming -- appreciative.

"Sam Marlowe. It HAS been a long time, hasn't it? January 31, 2021? Inception IV. Actually, that was the only time that you and I have been in the ring against each other, and while I didn't walk away the winner of that match - which still galls me -- at least I take the satisfaction in knowing I also wasn't the one who suffered the loss. And even before that match, you were one of the first 'Bombshells' that I made an impression on when I was first signed. And while I would have preferred testing myself against you one on one, somehow Violet got herself involved and it just wasn't meant to be. Not until now. And while this isn't exactly what I wanted, it's close enough. Because once you step inside of the ring with me, willing or no, it might as well be a singles match because there's going to be no escape for you once I get hold of you."

"You, Sammi, you're one of the reasons I wanted to get involved in this sport. No, I'm not saying your glorious career inspired me. I'm saying that women like you are a dime a dozen physically. You see, I'm not blaming you for your physical assets. You're a beautiful woman and the promoters are smart enough to use the fact to draw in the hormonal teenage boys that are the predominant audience. You're one of the women who inspired me to get into this sport because I wanted the world to see there was more to offer the fans of women's wrestling than Cookie Cutter Barbie dolls. And no, here we are. The match I wanted - sort of. The opponent I've wanted for almost two years - definitely. And here's the part that might come as a surprise to you, Sam..."

"I don't hate you. I have no reason to. I don't even NOT respect you. See, you're far from being the biggest woman on the roster. But that lack of size has never stopped you or slowed you down.  You have fought through every obstacle along your way to the point you're not only a multi-time champion here, you're also a Hall of Fame recipient. Well to that, I say bravo! And the fact that you came back, that you could not bring yourself to stay away, that speaks much for your love for this business -- or the love of the spotlight. or both!"

She held a hand up dismissively.

"Who the hell am I to judge either way? I just hope that this time, you decide to stick around. if not for yourself, if not for the fans, then for your partner. Because it speaks a lot for Ben Jordan to come back and want to team with a woman who's career is as sporadic as my own. The end result will be disappointing for you Sammi, that I can promise you, but I don't want you to hold back either way. I want to face the Sam Marlowe that is a two-time World Champion! I want to face the Sam Marlowe who has faced the darkest hearts and most dangerous of women they put in front of her and walked away with her head held high! Sunday is fast approaching, Sammi."

That being said, Tempest stood up from where she was sitting and looked down into the camera.

"Don't -- disappoint me!"

Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

She had arrived in the evening at her hotel, and was immediately captivated by her surroundings. Tempest had heard from the grapevine about this wrestler staying at this five star resort or that wrestler boasting about he or she staying at some ocean side hotel that cost an excess of over $300 a night. And Tempest? She would have been comfortable in a Motel 6 but seeing as how they were not exactly available in the historical Greek city of Crete, she was quite happy right there. The Crete night sky only served to better highlight the all-white structure of the five story building.

The pool was the space that had captured her particular interest, surrounded by Greek palm trees native to Crete and draped in soft, white lights that carried a basking glow to the waters of the pool and those that chose to submerge themselves within. Tempest had, admittedly, never been one for the use of a public pool. Given the nature of people, in her own words to Austin James Mercer, “Why not just pee directly on me?” But it was Austin’s own tenacity and insistence to get her to ‘loosen up’ on the 2021 Summer XXXTreme cruise that gave her more of an open mind – somewhat – and she could see herself wading into this pool’s waters for a bit of relaxation. Or at the very least, lounge close by on one of the many offered deck chairs.

When she did relax in a pool, her preferred time to do so was after the sun had already begun to set and the stars were coming out. By then, the sun had warmed the waters but there was more to it than something so simple. There was just something peaceful and calming about swimming at night beneath the stars. It was almost primal by nature, and that was something someone such as she needed.

Of course, the ironic part of this location is that it was not where Tempest was originally scheduled to stay during her foray into Crete at all. She had originally been scheduled to stay at one of the other hotels where the vast majority of both SCW as well as SCU stars had been booked. The Blue Palace, Amirandes Grecotel - among others, were the choice stays for the men and women, staff and wrestler alike, and despite the lap of luxury of all spots being offered on hand, Tempest had contacted Gabriel Stevens to specifically ask him whether or not he could pull a string or two and allow her to stay somewhere else. Of course, Gabriel and Odette both refused to let her stay in some dingy one star hotel in some dangerous back alley. They wanted only the best for their students when they were out and about, traveling while putting their bodies at risk for the entertainment of the fans. But they understood her reasons when they had asked her ‘why,’ and so they did look up other options for her and the Galaxy Hotel Iraklio was just the thing.

They could not guarantee that nobody else from either promotion wouldn’t be staying here. It was, after all, quite comfortable and not without its own luxurious surroundings. They were just fairly certain that a certain someone else was not staying there. Tempest simply wanted to forget what had happened between Mercer and herself and relax. And so that was what she proceeded to do – from within the confines of her room.

Oh please don’t get us wrong! The rooms at the Galaxy Hotel were as swanky (Tempest’s words, not ours) as she had ever seen. A traditional white room with beige carpet and modern furnishings, she felt hard pressed to find any difference between this room and any other that she had stayed at during her tenure as a wrestler. A full bath, queen-sized bed, bedside television – hell! There was even a laptop available for use on the desk opposite the bed!

Old habits tend to die hard, however. You know the saying, and when you are thinking of Tempest, the words are anything but hollow. They rang true as from the moment she checked in, with exceptions to venturing out for her usual intense workouts or some pre-arranged meet up with the fans courtesy of SCW, Tempest spent the vast majority of time in her room. Even when meals were concerned, she had all the options of local restaurants and even dining experiences right in the hotel itself. But, she was what some might see as a creature of habit and she shut herself off from the world around her and practically everyone else. That in itself was a positive influence that Austin James Mercer had over her, and some of those closest to her both acknowledged and wished would return; the fact that he was solely responsible for dragging her out of both her room while on tour, as well as getting her (somewhat) out of her shell.

But once they had their falling out over a misunderstanding, it was back to square one and the walls that Austin had helped tear down from around her went right back up.

Nalani: Dear, I’m just saying that it’s not healthy.

Indeed, the one person aside from the Stevens who might speak their viewpoint toward Tempest without (much) fear of reprisal was her own mother, Nalani. She might have snapped at her father despite the adulation she felt toward the leading man in her life, and her brothers she DEFINITELY would have told them where to stick their opinions, but her own mom? There was something definitely sacred in the relationship between a mother and her only daughter.

Tempest: Mother, I’m perfectly healthy…

Nalani: Mentally, I mean.

Tempest: That too – if you don’t pay attention to the people I train with at the gym.

Nalani: It’s just not good for you, either physically or mentally, to steal yourself up behind closed doors like this. You should get out into the fresh air and sunshine. I hear the weather in Greece is lovely right now.

Tempest shrugged, trying to act indifferent even though she would be hard pressed to deny the truth; that the weather in Greece since the tour had first begun was nigh on perfect with clear, blue skies and nary a cloud. It was something she heard Ben Jordan refer to as ‘beer garden weather’, whatever that meant.

Tempest: It’s alright.

Nalani: Honey, you are in one of the most beautiful countries in the world! There are people dying to visit some of the places you’ve been. Your father and I both said we’d love to see Greece some day and here you are, staying at your hotel rather than venturing out and taking advantage of where you are.

Tempest: Mother, I know how lucky I am. But you know me; I’ve never been the sort to just venture out like a common tourist and play looky loo.

Nalani: Maybe not before, but you have been. Or at least, you started to go out more with Austin.

At the mere mention of his name, Tempest frowned and looked away from her phone but the reaction did not go unnoticed by her mother. True she was a woman in her middle years but Nalani still had the sharp wits of a woman half her age.

Nalani: What happened there? Aren’t you two friends any more?

Tempest: It’s complicated, Mother.

Nalani: Oh ‘complicated’ my butt! This isn’t a Facebook relationship status, it’s real life. It’s…

But whatever else she was going to say, her daughter drowned her out with the simple truth.

Tempest: He thinks I have a thing for him, Mother! He thinks…

She closed her eyes and shook her head before resuming.

Tempest: He thinks I’m in love with him.

Nalani: Oh… and are you?

Tempest turned the phone directly to face her so that her mother could get an even better angled view of her wide-eyed expression as she said with a hint of incredulous heat…

Tempest: NO!

Nalani: Alright, alright!

She teased despite the tense situation, playfully holding her hands up in a display of mock surrender.

Nalani: I had to ask. He ‘is’ a rather handsome young man.

Tempest: He must think so if he thinks a woman only wants to hang out with him because she’s hot for teacher.

She shook her head again and held up a hand, trying to diffuse her own mental state.

Tempest: It’s just that … much as I hate to admit it… he was the friend I think I needed after I lost Malulani. And now because of what he said – what he thinks, all that is gone.

Nalani: Why does it have to be gone?

Tempest: Because it would just be awkward, Mother! He thinks the only reason I’ve been hanging out with him is because I have feelings for him!

Nalani: Where on earth did he get these ideas from if not from you?

Tempest: Apparently from his wife and sister. I guess both of them told him the same thing. I just don’t get it. His wife seemed nice enough. She never seemed to mind when he’d invite me to tag along when his family would do something on tour. In fact, she’d almost insist as much as he did. She never even minded when we’d hang out when she had to stay at home! I don’t know if I could be that open minded if I thought another woman had feelings for my husband…

Nalani: If you thought another woman was in love with your husband, you’d stuff her down the garbage disposal.

Tempest could not help but smile and scoff back a laugh at not just her mom’s quick wit, but also her ability to assess her daughter’s personality so fluidly.

Nalani: Anyway, it doesn’t sound like this was Austin’s fault at all.

Tempest frowned.

Tempest: What do you mean?

Nalani: It all sounds like some big misunderstanding. His wife and sister misunderstood the signs and told him the way it looked from their eyes.

Tempest: Unless they did it to put on face and end our friendship…

Nalani sighed and rolled her eyes.

Nalani: That’s my girl! Always thinking the worst of people!

Tempest smirked.

Tempest: I tend to go with my strengths.

Nalani: Dear, don’t blame Austin for a misunderstanding. Him believing his wife and sister doesn’t make him arrogant. People on the outside tend to see things differently in a given situation than from those on the inside. He probably just thought they saw something that he didn’t. It’s not his fault.

Tempest took in a deep breath through her nose and exhaled the same way, looking to her mother from the screen of her phone.

Nalani: Just think about talking to him?

Tempest: Maybe. I have to go.

Nalani smiled. Stubborn. Her daughter was so stubborn but she had a good feeling this time. A good friendship was precious and rare, and she didn't want to see the one her daughter had formed with Austin to go to waste over something so silly.

Nalani: Of course. Love you!

Tempest: Love you too.

Her mother blew a kiss to the screen from her end and thus the call was ended. Tempest turned her phone off and set it on the surface of the desk she had been seated at, then ran a finger along her chin. Hawaii was thirteen hours behind Greece, she could not believe her mother stayed up that late just to have a chat with her. Well she could believe it, but seriously! It was noon here in Greece, which meant it was after eleven PM back in Hawaii. And her mother usually went to bed around nine.

Oh well, Tempest slowly pushed herself up to her feet and walked over to the bedside stand where she picked up a small menu that was provided for the hotel stay, and then the phone receiver. She gave a look at the menu to see what she might order from room service for her lunch when something gave her a brief pause.

She looked around at her room, and perhaps not for the very first time, she realized just how empty it was. Her clothes had been hung up by the maids and porter. Her casual belongings such as her books and such were carefully laid out on the desk across from the bed, a stack on each side of the laptop. Other than that, there was nothing.

Nobody else.

And here she was, preparing to order room service and find something in English that she could watch on TV to pass the time until she went for her afternoon workout. Her eyes roamed all around the spacious room until she set the menu back down, and hung the phone up.

Tempest: … Shit….

---

Tour Diktaion (Psychro) Cave


Don't ask her why this place out of all others that she could have gone for. There was so much that Crete offered to tourists and locals alike! It was why it was one of the premiere cities in the nation to visit, second only to Athens herself. There was of course the Chanian lighthouse and Venetian harbor. The Palace of Knossos. The Samaria Gorge. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The Preveli Monastery. And the beaches. Oh those glorious Crete beaches known from across the world! But no. It was here in one of Crete’s greatest natural wonders that Tempest chose to yield to her mother’s loving pressure and spend a part of her day, outside of her hotel room. Not exactly in the fresh air per se, but beggars can’t be choosers.

Mothers know best and all that!

What drew Tempest to this particular tourist attraction and natural wonder had much to do with the stories of Greek myths she and her brothers had heard as children and studied in school. According to Greek myth, it was right here in the Diktaion Cave where Zeus, king of the Greek Gods, was brought forth into the world to war against the Titans.

But this was more than just Greek myths and tall tales. The Diktaion Cave was known to be one of the very best of the over 4,500 caves and sinkholes found all throughout Crete. Tempest was not alone by any means on this guided tour. There were many tourists along for the proverbial ride, and she believed she even saw an SCW star or two in the crowd, as they were guided on a walk down deep into the earth. She had counted five antechambers that she and the rest had passed through until ultimately they reached the very bottom of the cave, where a glass-calm lake was, surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.

The tour guide’s voice caught her attention and she looked up at one stalactite in particular, referred to by the guide as the “Mantle of Zeus”. It hung over the lake like a chandelier and which shape resembled that of a cloak. Her amber eyes then gazed at the soft, calm lake itself and across it, to the very back. And therein laid a small chamber, where legend said that the father of the Greek Gods was born.

She could not help but smile in gratitude for her mother’s sage advice. She was right. It did her good to get out of her hotel. It did her good to experience something of the world such as this. But the question in the back of her mind remained…

Was she right about something else?

---

“An accident?”

Tempest sat on the edge of the ring, her eyes burning straight ahead and into the lens of the camera in front of her.

“That’s what you called it, is that right… Markus, was it? Candy’s husband? The same man who was fool enough to get involved in his wife’s business once before and ended up with Fenris’s foot shoved halfway up his ass as a souvenir? Well, I suppose that this is all well and good, Markus. You had your say. You gave me your opinion on the situation between your little wife and myself, and I have to say…”

She shrugged her shoulders.

“I can’t say that I could care less what your opinion on what went down Sunday is, because that would imply that I cared – at all. Look, Markus. Take a look at this…”

Tempest took a forefinger toward the rim of her Tshirt’s neckline and pulled it down just enough so that the still-visible burn mark could be seen for the camera.

“See that? That coffee your wife spilled on me was over 160 degrees! The paramedics who TRIED to look at it thought it might have been a third degree burn, and could have been worse had the majority of the spill NOT been on my shirt instead of bare skin! But that’s okay because, as you said… It was an ‘accident’.”

She spoke with air quotes.

“Funny thing, I’ve had worse, Markus. A lot worse, Candy. In my former profession alone? I’ve been shot, stabbed, so really. What’s a little bit of a coffee burn? I get it. I actually do. You said that it was an accident and accidents happen, but what I did to her after she caused me to get burned was no accident. It was stress relief. You see, this is where I ignore you Markus and my words are more directed toward your wife. Candy. C’mere girl.”

She beckoned the camera, and in a sense, Candy herself, to come closer.

“C’mere. There’s something I want to explain to you Candy, and I’ll keep it simple so that little childlike mind of yours can process it like the big girl we all know you hope to grow up and become some day. For you, what happened backstage and what is going to happen in just a matter of days? It’s all a simple matter of ‘wrong place, wrong time’! Things have not been so rosy and cheerful for me these past few weeks. Possibly even longer. For reasons both personal and professional, things have slowly just been going downhill for me, and that had put me in…”

She tilted her head to the side ever so slightly and cast a sidelong glance upward.

“... Not so great of a mood. Add on top of that a lack of bookings on an otherwise once-in-a-lifetime tour and… well honey you just really should have been paying closer attention to your surroundings and being more careful because otherwise… none of this really would have happened! So if you think about it… what happened last Sunday? What is going to happen this coming Sunday? Really it’s…”

She pointed a forefinger straight at the camera.

“... Entirely your fault! And it almost - ALMOST - makes me feel for you girl because I look at you, and on one hand, I wonder what the hell is wrong with you! But on the other hand, I wonder what the hell actually happened to you! I’m not exactly what you might call a ‘student of the game,’ but I know some history of SCW and especially that of the people I have to get inside of the ring with. I know that beneath that stereotypical sitcom ditz exterior, there lies a credible competitor somewhere buried underneath – apparently far beneath. You were a former Roulette Champion and you actually held onto that belt for a respectable amount of time. But after that…”

She frowned and shook her head in disbelief.

“Girl, I don’t know what the hell happened to turn you into… whatever it is that you are right now, but life has some harsh lessons. And one of those lessons is going to be taught when you and I end up in the same ring together. Alone, and without that hubby of yours to intervene.”

Tempest slowly stood up and leaned over into the camera, her hand extended forward and her palm unclasped to reveal a hard candy in the palm of her hand.

“It’s time to grow up.”

That being said, she clenched her fist tightly and SQUEEZED… until a moment later she unclenched her hand and there in the palm of her hand, was the very same piece of candy - now broken into three separate pieces.

Tempest: A what?

Tempest, the amazonian monster heel of the Bombshell division, asked aloud into her phone from her hotel room inside of Boston’s Seaport Hotel. Much like her past experiences during this tour, the Stevens had seen fit to upgrade Tempest from some seedy little hotel on the outskirts of the city, which would have suited her just fine, to something much more fitting for not just a member of their famed training facility, but a Sin City Wrestling Champion, as well. And despite her continued reluctance at being gifted anything of excess, Tempest had learned that Gabriel and Odette were as stubborn as they were generous, so she opted to just settle in and give them her thanks, which was all they ever really wanted.

And she had even planned to succumb to the ideals the Stevens as well as Mercer and her own mother were trying to beat into her; make the most of these tours and actually DO something! Perhaps visit the New England Aquarium, maybe see the Franklin Park or Stone Zoo. Who knows? But her decision was put on hold, albeit briefly, when Gabriel himself had called. You see, the bosses had assigned her a personal appearance of sorts, and thought it would be better received coming from him as opposed to - well, anyone else really.

Gabriel: A podcast. Basically these men and women, mostly wrestling fans, go to conventions or actual shows to meet with wrestlers and interview them so they can air it on their channel.

Tempest: … Why?

Gabriel: Like I said, they’re fans. It gets them closer to the sport they love and the men or women they happen to be fans of. Plus, it's a good way for a wrestler and/or their promotion to get in some free advertising while the blogger racks up the views and word of mouth spreads for his or her show. It's a win-win.

Tempest openly scoffed at that ideology, stepping up to the drawn curtains of her room on the fourth floor. She pulled aside the drapes and had a look outside for a better understanding of what the weather might be like for this part of her stay;  the sun was indeed out but the sky was overcast, possibly threatening rain at some point in the coming days. Not the most ideal state to visit an outdoor location such as the zoos but it would serve its own purpose by possibly keeping more tourists at bay.

Tempest: Except for the one who has to sit through some farce interview by some freak pretending to be an actual journalist! Why couldn't this interview be done by one of those tarts SCW employs?

Gabriel: You mean besides the fact you have them too scared to approach you?

That much was probably true. Tempest was not a fan of granting interviews. She was a woman of action, not so much of words. And her annoyance at having a microphone stuck in her face was evident each and every time one of the roving reporters of SCW would dare to approach her. How this was going to be any better was beyond her, but Gabriel continued on in the hopes he might soften the blow. Make no mistake; despite this soft approach, this was not optional. She WOULD have to conduct this interview online for the world to see.

Gabriel: The fans can see those interviews every week. This is setting up the biggest event of the year so of course they want things to be a little more special and unique.

Tempest: By putting me in a studio with someone who couldn’t actually break into the business so instead he plays pretend?

From his end of the call, Gabriel smiles while he rolls his eyes at the manner in which his and Odette’s charge is displaying her stubborn nature.

Gabriel: It's not as bad as you're assuming. I've done a number of them when I was still competing. I think the comfort level all depends on the host. And this guy is one of the best; as much a pro as they get. He has a full studio and equipment and even a few major sponsors. Guy is legit. The only thing you have to look out for are his  trick questions.

Tempest: The what now?

Gabriel: This guy is known for hitting his guests out of nowhere with a question to try and throw them off of their guard. Most likely his attempt to be wrestling’s answer to Howard Stern, I imagine. He wants you to blow your cool, to get drama ratings if nothing else.

Tempest dropped the drapes back into place, and walked across the room to have a seat on the bedside. Her fingers dug into the soft comforter and curled into a fist.

Tempest: You’re not doing much to alleviate how I’m feeling about this whole thing, Gabriel.

Gabriel: I’m just trying to soften the blow, you might say. So everything isn’t so much a surprise.

Tempest closed her eyes and with a free hand, used her fingers to massage at her temple as she felt the pangs of a headache starting to hit her.

Tempest: This isn’t optional, is it?

---

World Web Wrestling has been described as one of, if not THE premiere Internet web chats in the rough and tumble world of professional wrestling. Every other week a superstar from professional wrestling was invited onto the program for a one-on-one 'shoot style' interview with the host, Mister Dwayne Carter.

Several small scenes cut across the computer screen, vertically and horizontally in film format, of the host, Dwayne Carter, interacting with professional wrestlers at sporadic events, conventions and on stage in his interview setting. As the music played slowly subsides in beat and tempo, finally fading away completely into the background, the screen shifts to the WWW Studio stage where two chairs are the main prominent feature atop a small, circular stage. Around the background are framed photographs of professional wrestlers from decades past, and recent ones of the stars of the game still working prominently across the globe. Those photos fade against the screen, only to be replaced by the backdrop banner for SCW’s biggest event of the year; High Stakes XI.

In the first chair on the left of the screen, was Dwayne Carter, host of the program. He was a man in his mid-forties. Clean-shaven and dressed in a business-like suit and tie, he sported a pair of glasses perched on the bridge of his nose and held a small clipboard on his lap.

In the remaining chair to his right was an imposing figure in the format of Tempest. She was not dressed in business style such as our host, nor even something that could be described as casual dressy. As was her normal custom, Tempest was not dressed to impress, nor would she get all “gussied up” for something as ridiculous as this. She wore her street clothes of a denim jacket over a pine green tank top, simple jeans and tanned boots. But the real piece that drew the eyes was the gold and jewel encrusted championship belt that she wore around her waist; her half of the World Mixed Tag Team Championships.

The final notes of the music vanish and Dwayne leans forward in his chair and speaks into the camera;

Dwayne: Hello everyone, and I want to welcome you to another edition of 'World Web Wrestling' the premiere online source of entertainment for your professional wrestling needs! My special guest this week has been making waves ever since she first set foot in Sin City Wrestling. If she wasn’t attacking random Bombshells to make people sit up and take notice, she was overwhelming her opposition inside of the ring. Her feud with Bobbie Dahl was both unique and thrilling and showcased both women at their absolute best! And now, she is a champion. The most recent graduate of the famed Go Gym, Tempest? Welcome to the show!

Tempest: Thanks, I suppose.

Dwayne: Now from watching Climax Control every week as a real fan of the sport should, I know that being interviewed isn’t one of your favorite things to do. So tell me and everyone out there watching this broadcast; why did you choose to grant this interview?

Dwayne turned to the camera to give it his best charming smile, not seeing his guest turn her head and look at him like he was absolutely insane.

Tempest: I wasn’t asked. I wasn’t given a choice in the matter. I was TOLD to be here.

The smile on Dwayne’s face faltered, but he recovered quickly and he chuckled.

Dwayne: Well, I’m glad for that because you’ve taken the Bombshell division by storm since your debut. Your feud with Bobbie Dahl was certainly one of the more exciting and was even nominated for Feud of the Year. Since you and Austin are currently the cornerstone of the mixed tag Team division as champions, I was wondering what your thoughts were on the state of the division itself?

Tempest shrugged and gave her head a slight shake.

Tempest: Non-existent would probably be the nicest way to describe it. I mean, seriously. The last time there was a tag Team, an actual tag Team and not one the bosses just threw together randomly, it was the Black Sheep. And even they went down the drain when Kris left at the time. London Underground? You never really hear anything from them.  Team Eggplant (seriously? That was their name?)? I was hoping After Malachi made an appearance that it would be a thing but I can’t exactly be surprised that he decided not to.

Dwayne: How do you mean?

Tempest: Because the guy has serious potential on his own, and even more so with his wife.

Dwayne: Bella Madison.

Tempest: I know that! But he doesn’t want to risk sliding any further down the slope into obscurity and that’s pretty much what happens to any Team they put together to face Mercer and myself.

Dwayne: Now speaking of teams put together, it must be thrilling to have a combination like Goth and Mercedes Vargas accept your open challenge.

Tempest: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to this one. Lately it seemed as if the tag Team division had been reduced to a novelty act for Supercards only. Hopefully this is a sign that things are going to be picking up.

Dwayne: And this week, to prepare for that title defense, you actually are stepping inside of the ring with the female half of the challengers; Mercedes Vargas. Like Goth, Mercedes is a Grand Slam Champion and about to become a two-time Hall of Fame inductee. That makes this probably one of your tougher challenges to date.

Tempest shrugged her indifference.

Tempest: Okay? It doesn’t mean the end result will be any different. I don’t care what kind of match this ridiculous event puts us in. Halloween? Ugh! It’s a child’s holiday! Or for people who think like one. I’m neither. Mercedes has earned each and every single accolade on her resume, and I am legit excited about stepping into the ring with someone of her credentials.

Dwayne: Well, there was always Crystal Zdunich?

Tempest: Like I said, it’s exiting to be inside of the ring with someone with Mercedes’s credentials!

Dwayne chuckled and shuffled the papers he held in hand.

Dwayne: Fair enough. If I might ask, if the mixed tag Team division were more - alive, what teams of the past would you like to face?

Tempest tilted back her head and her eyes cast upward as she gave this some thought. When she had first won the titles alongside of Austin, Odette had sat her down and made her watch a virtual marathon of matches from the mixed tag division’s past. Some of the best, and some of the most unlikely.

Tempest: First and foremost, London Underground is right at the top of that list. Not just to see Mercer step into the ring with someone the size of Osbourne or a leader like Daniel Morgan, but for me to get the chance to fight a pair of bad ass women like Charlotte or Mackenzie? Now THAT would be a real Christmas present!

Dwayne: Anyone else?

Tempest: Like I said, Team Eggplant and the original Black Sheep. But I would also have to say Vargas, who I am getting to wrestle, and her partner at the time. Kain. Now that was a bad ass combination and it was no small wonder how and why they won the championships!

Dwayne: Now that we got past the established teams, if you could put together a mixed tag Team from anyone in SCW, past or present, who would it be?

Tempest frowned and shook her head.

Tempest: I-don’t really know, or care, but if I had to say? Griffin Hawkins and Amy Santino. Just the whole rocker and heavy metal schtick the two have. I bet it would transfer over to an actual credible Team.

Dwayne: Now that things have been settled between you and the current Roulette Champion, Krystal Wolfe, do you see the two of you…?

Tempest, however, turned to face him with a raised brow and confused expression on her face. She held up a hand to stall whatever else was going to escape from his mouth, shaking her head in the process.

Tempest: I’m sorry, what? Excuse me? Who ever said that things were ever settled between Krystal and myself?

Dwayne: Well, Krystal pretty much did.

Tempest: Well then Krystal is pretty much full of shit because the last time I had anything to do with her was when she got involved at the end of my match with Bella, when she pulled her out of the ring! I haven’t talked to her at the gym, or backstage so I don’t know where she’s getting this in her head where everything between us has been settled. But why should I be surprised? Seems like every time I turn around, that girl is going on about one thing or another, trying to put a spin on things to put herself in a better light where everyone else is concerned! And that is the difference between herself and me; she cares what people think. I do not!

Dwayne: So the things we’ve heard rumors about, like saying that you were reprimanded by the Stevens for your actions in that match with Bella? Mainly for shoving the official?

Tempest: Oh bullshit! I don’t know where THAT one came from but it's a crock! WHY the hell would Gabriel or Odette get involved and reem me a new one over something like what I did to Bella or that official!? Does the name Evie Jordan ring a bell? After some of the things that she’s done, you think they’re going to care? Maybe if Krystal had paid any attention, I mean at all, she would have known I had a talk with Gabriel about what started everything between Wolfe and myself and it wasn’t me that he was upset with! It was her! Bottom line? Krystal is a champion and has proven herself time and again in the ring, but she’s about as honest as the illegitimate love child of a lawyer and a politician!

Dwayne turned away from her briefly to mouth the word “Wow!” silently before resuming the broadcast.

Dwayne: Does this mean what she said about your indifference towards what happened to Ariana this past week wasn’t true?

Tempest: Bitch, I didn’t even know what happened to Ariana until it was too late! But if I had been there? I would have chucked that bony ass of Kwan’s through the wall and as a treat, I would have done the same to that Chalmers idiot that comes to the ring with her! I may not be the most likeable woman on the roster, but where I’m from there is something to be said for loyalty! Krystal wouldn’t know about that.

Dwayne: That being said, we are starting to run a little low on time. So long as I have you here, I’d like to ask you about the relationship that seems to be brewing between Austin James Mercer and yourself. I was curious if you might indulge the SCW Universe and tell us how that is going? Are things getting serious between the two of you?

Tempest: Excuse me…

She closed her eyes and shook her head as if she wasn’t quite comprehending the words that were escaping from this fool’s mouth.

Tempest: What are you even talking about? What relationship? We’re tag Team partners. Maybe even friends, I don’t know. But that is IT!

Dwayne: Oh come on now, Tempest. You can talk to us, you know. There’s no judging here. The antics between the two of you at on the Summer XXXTreme XII cruise? Paparazzi even snapped a shot or two of the two of you at the movies together.

Tempest: So!? He’s a married man!

Dwayne: These things HAVE happened on the road, you know. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. I mean, take a cue from your gym mate, Fenris. Ty West? David Shepherd? Kris Ryans - well, not Kris Ryans. That one went beyond the scope of privacy, am I right…?

But Tempest stood quickly an the armrest of the chair she had been seated on came up along with her, heaving been shorn off in her vice-like grip as she stood over Dwayne who now, for perhaps the first time, realized he may have just gone too far.

Tempest: I am going to leave now before I do something that you’ll regret! Gabriel warned me about you and these personal questions of yours. You owe him a fruit basket because otherwise, I’d take you by the head and twist it until it popped right off that scrawny neck of yours! How would THAT be for your ratings!

She turned and stormed off the set, leaving Dwayne to stare into the camera and swallow hard as he tuned and watched her take her leave.

---

Tempest: You know there is one simple truth that I have come to realize and to understand in my relatively short time here in SCW. And that is the simple fact that the word “legend” is used far too liberally. These days, anyone who is booked in more than one main event, or participates in a feud that draws some attention from the fans. Or even jumps through the hurdles and actually wins a championship, thinks of themselves as a legend, or at the very least, one in the making. But to be a legend, I mean a bona fide true legend in this business, that is a far rarer instance. And lucky me, one of the few actual legends in this business is the very same that I am not just getting ready to step into the ring with in Madison Square Garden to defend the mixed tag Team titles in two weeks, but the world is getting a sneak peek behind the iron curtain in a matter of days when I get to face Mercedes Vargas herself!

Tempest nodded, her eyes glued to the camera and an almost imperceptive trace of manic glee could be read in this dark eyes of hers.

Tempest: I’m not one to toss about compliments idly if at all, but this chick is the real deal in every way imaginable! It would be almost too difficult to name the credentials that made her, but I’ll make the effort because I was taught ages ago to know exactly who you’re facing and learn everything there is to know about who they are, and what they’re capable of!

She counted off of her fingers.

Tempest: 2018 and soon to be 2021 Hall of Fame inductee. Two-time World Champion. Three-time World Tag Team Champion! Two-time Mixed Tag Team Champion! FOUR-time Roulette Champion! Internet Champion! The first to ever win five different SCW championships! Do you understand now? Do you see where I am going with this? Mercedes has distinctions like no other! Not even names like Roxi Johnson or (scoffs) Crystal Zdunich hold as much weight behind them as Mercedes. And that is who in just over two weeks I get to defend the Mixed Tag titles against! That is who I get to step into the ring, one on one, woman to woman, in just days! An icon. An honest to god legend. And that prospect excites me in more ways than I have words to describe! Now I know what it meant to Austin and what it had to have felt like to step foot inside of the ring with a man like J2H. Now, it’s my turn!

She poked a finger into her own sternum, then shook her head.

Tempest: And this goes beyond what was probably the biggest defense at the time, just six weeks ago when we were up against J2H and Crystal. Some people might say we should feel the same way about this Hall of Fame match as we did against those two, but trust me when I tell you deep down, in here…

She tapped her temple.

Tempest: And in here…

She tapped over her heart.

Tempest: There is a world of difference! All due respect to J2H, had he any other partner at the time, I probably would have felt the same way then as I do now, but he didn’t, and I don’t. Our win and his Team’s loss had everything to do with Austin and myself, and nothing to do with him. It was just like he said, he should have had a better partner. But against Vargas and Goth? There are few times where I would use the term “dream match,” but this would be as close as I could come. And the chance to face Mercedes, not once but twice? Girl, it feels like Christmas and a trip to Disney World all rolled into one!”

“This is a match I can get behind. Thus is a challenge that, for once, I am going to enjoy. Outside of the women from the GO Gym, Mercedes Vargas is one name that has earned my respect just for her accomplishments alone. Now the fun begins, because it is time to step inside of the ring against this legend, and see just how she stands against the storm! Because all the respect in the world isn’t going to help save you from the path of this Tempest!”

Tempest: Look Gabriel, I appreciate the gesture. I really do, but this? It wasn’t necessary.

The latest in a long string of successful graduates of the famed GO Gym, the amazon Tempest said from her seat at the Steak N’ Shake restaurant along the Las Vegas Strip. Across from her, one of the two responsible for helping to bring her into the world of professional wrestling, Gabriel Stevens, carefully took a bite of the gargantuan burger on his plate. After a moment’s pause, he wiped his mouth with the napkin and looked to her and watched as her eyes roamed the room around them, her attention ever-vigilant from her days as an active bounty hunter.

Gabriel: No, I disagree. Odette and I always try to reward our students when one wins a championship, and yours was overdue. Plus, getting to know you these past months, you didn’t strike me as the type to prefer one of the ritzier restaurants.

Tempest scoffed as she reached down for her own burger.

Tempest: At least not with a married man.

That brought a look up from her trainer as she took a bite. Gabriel smirked and shook his head. A wisecrack, from her. Slowly he was growing satisfied at how she was loosening up and the proverbial walls started to crumble. It was a task. Not even Fenris took this long to feel free enough to be himself as was the woman seated across from him. He could tell there was a haunting behind her eyes. Why? He was unsure.

Tempest: I do appreciate it though.

She said casually as she took a bite from her own meal.

Tempest: I had to get out of the Gym. No offense.

Gabriel: None taken. Mind if I ask why? You left as soon as Krystal came in.

Tempest: You mean you don’t know? You didn’t see on Twitter?

Gabriel shook his head.

Gabriel: Been a bit too busy at home and at the Gym to be bothering with Twitter. Why? What’s been going on?

Tempest: Just a matter of my match with Bella this weekend and Krystal making comments about how she had every intention on interfering to cost me so she could have her one-on-one with Bella at the Supercard.

That certainly got Gabriel’s attention as he looked up before he could take a drink from his glass and slowly set it back down. His brow knitted into a slight frown.

Gabriel: Excuse me? Krystal said she wanted to cost you your match?

Tempest just nodded, silently brooding as Gabriel watched her carefully. One of his students? Threatening to interfere in another student’s match to cost them?

Tempest: It’s crazy. I knew when I got into this business that it was every woman for herself. But I also thought there was a measure of loyalty. At least where students of the same facility were concerned.

To say Gabriel was not pleased with what he was hearing would be a vast understatement. There had always been loyalty shown between the members of the GO Gym. He glanced sidelong to his student as she reached for her drink and he could see the wall around her slowly going back up.

Damn it.

---

“Let me make this perfectly clear. Bella? You and I have a history as I recall. When I first came to SCW, I had a time picking apart certain Bombshells on the roster. Just to get my name mentioned. To make people sit up and take notice. To make the bosses realize I was here. Just for fun. You were one of my first playdates, as I recall. And now, here we are. Our first actual encounter in a match where you have to get past me in order to finally get your chance at the Roulette title. You do know why they saved me for last, right?”

“Because the disappointment is always greatest when you are that close to success, only to fail. When the dumbblonde in a movie running from the crazed killer gets that close to safety, only to fall victim. Just this close to making it. That’s why, Bella. Because they handed you those first two wins on a silver platter. Now? You got me. One of the Mixed Tag Champions. Someone you don’t have a chance in hell of beating. I just thought you’d want to understand why they did what they did.”

“Oh, and Krystal? You made your sense of loyalty perfectly clear. So allow me to do the same. Come anywhere near that ring on Sunday and I’ll make what I did to that other Crystal look like playtime at Disneyland.”

March 28 - Blaze of Glory IX

“Why am I here!?” Tempest said with much heat in her voice, as she stood backstage at the Golden Ring Casino. True to form, she was dressed to compete despite the fact that she had not been scheduled for a match. It was standard procedure in most wrestling circles for the un booked talent to be prepared, just on the off-chance that something might come up and a substitute was needed in one of the scheduled matches.

“Look, I’ve already tried explaining this procedure to you…” SCW Co-Owner Christian Underwood started to speak but he was interrupted by the larger-than-average Bombshell, as she interrupted him from explaining once again and thus, repeating himself.

“Yeah, I heard you the first time and do you actually expect me to buy the fact that you’d just insert me into one of these matches on the chance one of these Barbie dolls musses her hair or breaks a nail and can’t compete!?”

“It’s standard procedure…” Christian again tried to explain, but just as before, Tempest cut him off, holding up her hands and openly scoffing. She said, “I have not been booked in almost two months!” She emphasized her words, slapping one hand into the palm of her other. “Two. Months! If you won’t put me on one of your regular shows, why the hell should I believe you’d put me on one of your bigger Supercard events!?”

“We can’t book everyone every week…”

Tempest took a step forward and towered over the 5’10” boss man, stating with harsh undertones, “I have not had a match since Inception IV against Sam and that trash, Violet Amelia Holt! What, you think because I didn’t win, my stock took a nosedive or something!?”

“Of course not…!”

“Then I guess I have to just do something to remind you!” And she walked right past Christian, leaving him watching after her and shaking his head. He exhaled sharply and walked down the hall himself, half muttering, “Somehow that does not bode well….”

---

Current

For everything that had been seen by countless viewers where the GO Gym had been concerned over these past many years since the debut of their first prized pupil, Evie Jordan, just as much remained either a mystery known only to students and trainers, or had been merely hinted at a time or two. One such thing - or room - was the media room that doubled as a classroom setting. It was here where the trainees of the Go Gym not only learned how to cut a promo and were lectured in the nuances of the psychology of the sport, but they were also able to spend what time was needed studying the past, present and future stars on the state-of-the-art screen mounted against the far wall.

“The reason I think That they’ve been hesitant in booking you is your own fault, really.” Gabriel spoke as he opened the door to the classroom setting and stepped foot inside, followed by the 6’3” amazon Tempest who had been wreaking havoc on the SCW Bombshells, but more so on the outside of the ring rather than within. “... is of your own doing.”

He closed the door behind her and found her staring at him for an explanation, her brow knitted into what was fast becoming a perpetual frown. Gabriel casually pointed up at her and mused with comedic undertones, “Careful or else your face will freeze like that.”

He then motioned for her to have a seat, and she walked around to the plush sofa that rested against the wall, facing the front. He then sat on the edge of the desk he shared with Odette and explained, “You’ve caused a lot of heads to turn and not always in the good way. Two attacks, Tempest.” He held up two fingers to emphasize his point. “On four Bombshells. One of whom you put out to pasture for good, as is my understanding.”

He was referring to, of course, former Bombshell Sierra Williams, who had not returned to an SCW ring since the aforementioned attack.

Gabriel continued, “The two matches you did have? Brutal.” He smiled and winked, telling her that was not a reprimand but more so a statement of pride in one of his students. In return, she gifted a rare smile of her own. He said, “None of the Bombshells have made any hint about wanting to duck or avoid being booked against you. This was all from the top. I have a feeling now, however, after what happened with Bobbie? Things are about to get very busy for you.”

“Really.” Tempest said, her tone suggesting it was more a question than statement.

Gabriel answered, “Really. Second fight drew in Bobbie, who is the only Bombshell that can stand against you size-wise. That fact alone has drawn interest from the fans, and the press. And what do the higher ups want? Attention from all the above. That’s why after you and Bobbie got into it again, suddenly? You’re booked.”

“On the same show she is.” Tempest pointed out, causing Gabriel to smile widely, “Which is not a coincidence. They did it because the tension is there, and they are expecting something - anything - to happen.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Gabriel smiled as he walked away from the monitor and around to the desk in which he shared duties with his wife and co-owner of the training facility. He leaned over and rapidly hit a number of keys on the laptop stationed on the surface.

He said casually, “Ordinarily, Odette and I have students focus on the actual matches of the opponents that you’re scheduled against, and I will, mind you…” He held up a hand to ward off any questioning that might have followed from his and his wife’s latest graduate. He continued, “But this time what I want to lead you into this match is more so the promos that Candy has cut. Give you sort of an insight into the type of person she is outside of the ring, rather than inside.”

“And, why would I want to know who she is or what she’s like outside of the ring?” Tempest questioned. “Isn’t it the wrestler, not the person, that I should be focused on?”

“True, but in Candy’s case, you should be focused on both, because where Candy is concerned, she has something in common with someone from inside this very facility.”

At his student’s questioning look, Gabriel pointed to a framed photograph of someone that he had been very close to over a number of years, namely Despayre. Not a graduate of this gym nor even an official trainer. Despayre was simply a friend and ‘brother’ to Gabriel and he helped out in the gym whenever Gabriel and Odette needed him, without question. Sometimes as a trainer, but more often than not, as the reception at the Gym’s front desk.

Gabriel explained, “Granted, she’s not to the same extremes that our Despy is, but just as it is with him, with Candy? What you see is what you get.”

“So, what? This is to get me to feel sorry for her and make me go easy?”

“Hardly!” Gabriel scoffed with a smile as he hit one final key on the laptop, causing the monitor on the wall to come to life. He walked back around the desk and to the door to the classroom, resting a hand on Tempest's shoulder. “If anything, it’s to get you to do anything but. Because just like it is with Despy, appearances are deceiving. Candy might have an innocent air about her, but she’s anything BUT helpless inside of the ring. She’s one of the rare ones that will fight fair, but she can stretch that definition to the point of breaking.”

Gabriel shut the door behind him and for the first time, Tempest turned her head back to the screen and gave her full attention to everything on it...

---

March 28 - Blaze of Glory IX

“What the bloody hell is WRONG with you!?” “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward literally bellowed at the top of his lungs the moment the curtains at the ‘gorilla position’ parted and SCW security forcibly escorted Tempest backstage! Just moments ago, the amazon had attacked Bella Madison and Courtney Pierce, and would have done worse were it not for the timely intervention of Bobbie Dahl.

“Me!?” Tempest protested hotly. “What the hell was that about out there!? I’m handling my own business out there when that bitch gets involved!? Are you planning to do ANYTHING about that!?”

Mark frowned, and leaned back slightly at the waist. He had a look of utter disbelief on his face, unable to fully comprehend what he was hearing this woman before him was saying. “Excuse me?” He stated. “Are you actually bitching that someone went out there and stopped you from attacking and possibly injuring two more of our Bombshells? Seriously!?”

Tempest snarled, “There was no ‘possibly’ about it boss man! If that’s what it would take for you and Christian to get your heads out of your asses…!” But whatever else she was going to say was warned away by “Hot Stuff,” who was not so much intimidated by this woman as was his business partner. In fact, Mark here was the one solely responsible for signing her in the first place.

He said, with a warning behind his tone, “Watch … what you say to me. I signed you, I can undo that deal just as easily!”

There was an albeit too brief of stare downs between the two, and Mark got the response he wanted from his warning; the hot headed temper of the woman standing before him had started to simmer down. Cooler heads and all that. He nodded, stating a single word, “Good.”

Tempest then pointed blindly behind her, toward the curtains. “You planning on doing something about that?”

“No.” Mark shook his head. “And I will tell you why. For one, Bobbie isn’t just some random fan that jumped the barricade. Christian just resigned her. So she is, in fact, an SCW Bombshell! But also because with each Bombshell that you hurt? That’s one less that we can book. One less that can draw the fans to us. Which is money out of our pockets, and money out of yours. And besides…”

Mark then was the one to take a step forward and his eyes were solid, like ice, as he stated, “I’m not a Bobbie Dahl fan but I dare say that you deserved everything you just did.” And with that said, Mark turned and walked away, not giving her so much as a chance for a rebuttal.

---

Current

Tempest remained seated where she had been witnessed previously, her eyes remained fixated on the screen that had just finished airing yet another Candy promo. Tempest’s brow was furrowed into a slight frown coupled with troubled disbelief. The screen went dark, and with her eyes closed, Tempest held up her hands as if to forestall someone, or anyone, from speaking up to derail her train of thought.

“Okay, wait a minute. I-I don’t understand. I’ve just sat back and watched so many Candy promos, and seen so much damn nonsense during them to the point I feel like my head feels like it’s about to explode. I swear, I didn’t feel like I was watching anything even remotely resembling a wrestling promo or a wrestler in general. I thought I was watching some weird rendition of a Disney movie. Almost as if one of the Disney Princesses (one of the more immature if I’m going to be brutally honest), somehow fell off of the silver screen and landed smack dab right here in the real world! That’s who I’m up against in my first match in almost three months? That’s who Candy is? Girl…”

Tempest sighed, a soft breath gently exhaled through her nose of which she closed her eyes and pinched the bridge.

“...After seeing that childlike tripe, all I have to ask is…”

She opened her eyes and turned her hard, amber eyes directly toward the camera.

“What is WRONG with you!? Why do you act like this!? I know children who don’t act as flighty and childlike as you do! Everything I watched where you were concerned, everything about you -- there was absolutely nothing - NOTHING - that as a casual viewer would I think to take seriously! Where you’re concerned, everything about life is all about hugs and puppies, glitter and rainbows! LOTS of glitter from what I understand is rolling around in that wet noodle head of yours! And that just is not what real life is all about, baby! In the real world, things aren’t so bright as you imagine them to be. In the real world, there is pain and suffering. There is war. Strife. People are sick and getting sicker all the time! Racism. Shootings. People killing others for no other reason than the color of their skin or the gender they choose to romance. Cops are murdering innocent children! THAT - Candy - is the world that you and I and everyone else lives in, here and now! But you have shut yourself off from that reality. Put on your blinders and closed yourself off so you can pretend this life of yours is just another fun time in Candyland. It is time to bring your head down from out of the clouds girl and if that means I have to bring you crashing down to the harsh reality of the world we live in, then so be it. Consider it my ‘good deed’ for the day!”

“Candy, everything about you practically screams …”

She twirled a forefinger around her ear, the universal sign of someone being nuts.

But see, here’s the thing; Gabriel swears to god that there’s more to you than what we see. More to you than the woman who giggles and throws glitter everywhere. More to this woman that skips out to the ring, cuddling a damn dog of all things! Gabriel seems to think that you’re a threat inside of the ring, and considering the fact that you’ve beaten some of the best that this division has to offer, I can hardly dispute the claim, now can I? Mercedes Vargas, one of the most decorated wrestlers between the women or the men, decided you’d be an easy target and you left her wondering ‘what the hell happened’ after putting her down”

“I also suppose the fact that you actually had your hands on the Roulette Championship is something to commend. Crazy, but props. What’s even crazier is the fact that you held onto that title for five months. All I can do is wonder is how in hell did you ever manage to dethrone someone like Samantha Marlowe? It almost leaves me wondering if it was a pity loss, out of the kindness of Sam’s heart so you could get some emotional high for a title win, and so that Little Miss Sunshine could leave the Roulette title behind her and move onto bigger and better things. Unlikely, though. I’m just trying to understand what, or who, I’m up against, and what you must have done to piss off whoever decided to book this match.”

“I mean, it must have been something! Candy, people celebrated the fact that you were back. You even gave them something to believe in when you came back and got a win! So, why then, did they decide to put you right back in the ring, and throw you to the lions by making me the woman you’d have to face? Because I am nothing like the women that you’ve faced before. I go into this match with you and I have no intention or desire to shake hands or to hug it out. I don’t want to smile with you or share a laugh. I am going into this match with a single purpose; to show everyone from the bosses to the other women and everyone watching in the arenas and at home, that I am done sitting at home and waiting for Mark or Christian to throw me a few crumbs and expect me to be satisfied! I am done waiting for that bitch Bobbie Dahl to get in my face and finish what she started!”

“If all of this means breaking you? If it means shattering those rose colored glasses from your face and tearing down these flowery walls that you’ve surrounded yourself with, then I will do it. Gladly.”

“I said you’re living in a fantasy world, Candy. And I’m your reality.”