~*~Homecoming~*~
A few days after Into the Void

The front door clicked open with a soft groan, and the warm scent of home wrapped around them like an old, familiar blanket.

“Home, sweet home…” Malachi muttered, balancing a sleepy Máire on one hip as he used the other hand to shove the door wide open.

Bella followed, her carry-on slung over one shoulder, oversized sunglasses barely hiding the faint circles under her eyes. Behind them, Bodhi Bennett emerged from the kitchen with a grin, a bouncing Luka at his heels and Salem perched smugly on the stair railing.

“Well, well — look who survived Paris,” Bodhi quipped, his voice easy and familiar.

Máire instantly perked up at the sight of him, wriggling in Mal’s arms with a gleeful, “Unca Booo!” that echoed through the entryway.

Bodhi knelt down and opened his arms. “There’s my favorite girl.”

Mal chuckled and handed their daughter over, watching as Máire practically launched herself at her honorary uncle. Luka barked excitedly, tail wagging at light speed, while Salem gave an unimpressed flick of her tail and padded down the stairs.

Bella let her bag fall to the floor with a soft thud, exhaling deeply as she took in the sight of their home — the cozy mess of life they’d built here. The normalcy of it was comforting… and yet, something heavy still clung to her shoulders.

“Place looks good,” she said softly.

“Hey, what can I say? I’m a responsible adult now,” Bodhi teased. “Kept it all standing for ya. Luka missed you like crazy, though. Salem pretended not to care, but, you know, cat.”

Bella gave a faint smile and knelt to greet Luka, who showered her with eager licks. “I missed you too, psycho-mutt.”

Mal exchanged a quick look with Bodhi, reading the unspoken wear in his wife’s posture.

“Babe,” Mal said gently, stepping toward her, “Why don’t you go unwind for a bit? We’ve got this. Bodhi and I’ll get the bags, take care of everything here.”

Bella hesitated for a beat, her fingers idly running through Luka’s fur.

“You sure?” she asked, her voice quieter than usual.

Mal brushed a knuckle beneath her chin, lifting her gaze to his. “I’m sure. Go. Take a long bath. Clear your head. We’ll be right here.”

Bodhi chimed in, still holding a babbling Máire. “Yeah, go soak. This one and I have some very important business to attend to. Like snacks. And cartoons.”

That earned a soft laugh from Bella — the first real one since the flight home.

“Alright,” she relented, standing slowly. “But if you teach her more bad words, Bodhi—”

“Me?” he grinned innocently. “Never.”

Mal winked. “Go. I’ll come check on you later.”

Bella nodded, leaning up to kiss his cheek before heading toward the stairs.

As she ascended, her steps grew slower, heavier. The weight of Paris… of that loss… still clung to her skin like smoke.

She made it to the master bath, wordlessly twisting her hair up into a loose knot. The hot water hissed to life, steam soon billowing through the space.

Bella shed the last of her travel clothes and sank into the tub, the heat wrapping around her aching muscles, her bruised pride.

Her eyes drifted shut.

And there, beneath the surface of the water and the haze of exhaustion, her mind began to slip away — the ache giving way to dreams, memories, and the first stirrings of the fight still to come.

And what if she never followed in her mom’s footsteps. What if she never took a chance to meet Malachi.

And...what if she never became a wrestler.



Fate. Fate is simplistic and yet a wild fickle thing.

For instance, in the world of Elizabeth Marie, there were so many roads that she could have taken.

Prime example of this was when sweet Bella took off for Paris, all those years ago, she was over the drama of her family, her extended family and needed her own air. It was there that she met Malachi but

What if Bella decided to not meet Malachi on that one particular night 6 years ago?


The world shimmered. The sound of running water blurred into the low hum of city life.


When Bella opened her eyes, she was sitting at a familiar desk — worn oak, towering bookshelves all around her. The New York Public Library, 5th Avenue branch. The biggest one in the city.

Her name plate read: Elizabeth Madison — Chief Archivist

She blinked in confusion. Her hands… soft and not one nail chipped. No taped knuckles. No lingering bruises. The faintest smell of old books and polished wood surrounded her, instead of sweat, leather, and adrenaline.

She leaned back in the chair, eyes wandering. An old display case near the main reading room caught her attention — a curated exhibit on New York sports history. Tucked among the memorabilia, a faded wrestling poster from the late '90s. Headlining the card was a familiar name: Laura Phoenix.

Bella’s breath caught. The past had a long shadow, even here.

She looked away, heart a little heavier.

Sometimes, though, the past crept in through the cracks. Just yesterday, a young intern had asked if she was related to “that wrestler from the old tapes.” Bella had brushed it off with a polite smile — a reflex by now. But the question still echoed.

‘I took the safe road.’ The thought echoed in her mind, unbidden.

The faces came next — the constants.

Mattie Cormier, still her best friend that she met through her , still running her fashion studio. The designs were more boutique now — elegant, understated. Less about stage gear, more about timeless style.

Alanah Russow — still Alanah O’Connell in Bella’s mind — married to Jack, though Jack had retired after a severe injury. He refused to set foot at wrestling shows anymore. Lachlan and Malachi still wrestled, still fought… though no one quite remembered why they started in the first place. Some old grudge that neither would let go.

The library was quiet, the hum of ceiling fans and the soft click of keyboards the only company. Towering shelves lined with knowledge stretched far into the distance. Bella sat behind the desk at the New York Public Library’s flagship branch, a pair of reading glasses perched on the tip of her nose, her long dark hair tied up in a messy bun. She wore a name tag that read: Isabella Madison-Richards. Senior Collections Specialist.

She wasn’t unhappy.

But she wasn’t lit up, either.

This life… It was safe. Predictable. Quiet.

And Bella? She lived this quiet life. Books. Coffee. Dinner dates with friends. No titles. No crowds. No ring.

No fire.

Then came the shift.

A familiar bell above the library door rang. She looked up from a stack of restored volumes to see Alanah, her curls bouncing with every frantic step.

"Bells! There you are!" Alanah beamed, a little breathless, hands clutching her phone and purse like they were her lifelines.

“Lanah?”

Alanah Russow practically bounced through the lobby, blonde hair in loose waves, designer sunglasses tucked into the neckline of a casual tee. She looked rushed, like she always did, except this time, her wide eyes were fixed on Bella like she had urgent business.

“I’ve been texting you for days. Why haven’t you answered me?”

Bella looked sheepish. “My phone’s been on silent. You know how it is. Dewey Decimal waits for no one.”

Alanah rolled her eyes and leaned over the desk. “You have got to come with me tonight.”

“Where?”

“A wrestling show. In Brooklyn. Local promotion, but the card is nuts. Lach and Mal are on it.”

Bella’s brow creased. “Jesus. They’re still fighting?”

“Oh yeah. Five almost six years now. They don’t even remember why. Stubborn Irish idiots. But this is the first time they’re on opposite ends of a six-man tag. I can’t miss it.”

Bella folded her arms. “So go.”

“I can’t go alone! Jack won’t come — not since the accident. And you know he hates the idea of being around it. But I miss it. I miss the rush. I want to go. And I want you to come with me.”

“Lanah…” Bella hesitated. “That was Mom’s world. I’ve spent my whole life trying not to be pulled back into it.”

“But it’s part of you, whether you like it or not,” Alanah said softly.

Before Bella could respond, another voice chimed in from behind a nearby column.

“She’s right.”

Bella turned as Mattie Cormier stepped out, arms crossed, a lopsided smile on her face.

“You’ve spent years cataloguing stories in here,” she said, nodding to the towering shelves. “Isn’t it time you lived one?”

Bella opened her mouth to argue… but the words never came.

Mattie, leaning in through the side door with a sly smile. "Come on. It'll be fun. I already laid out something for you to wear."

Bella stared at both of them. The pull was there — a strange flutter deep in her stomach.

‘Fate’s a fickle bitch.’

"Okay, FINE!" she finally said. "One night."

Flash forward — the arena lights.

The warehouse venue was packed and gritty. Chain-link fencing. Exposed beams. Raw noise and pure energy pulsed through the air. Bella stayed close to Alanah and Mattie, feeling completely out of her element.

Bella sat beside Alanah, her heart pounding for reasons she couldn’t explain. The roar of the crowd vibrated through her chest.

Then the music hit.

Malachi.

He emerged through the curtain — lean, coiled with energy, eyes blazing.

Bella’s breath caught.

She’d never met him. Had only heard stories through Alanah. But something deep, ancient, undeniable sparked when their eyes locked for the briefest of moments during his entrance.

A tether. Invisible, but unbreakable.

"Why does this feel like I know him?" she whispered.

Alanah didn’t answer. She just smiled knowingly.

Fate didn’t care about safe choices. Fate circled back around — one way or another.

And as Bella’s gaze stayed locked on Mal’s form in the ring, something deep inside her — some dormant fire — flickered to life.

For one dizzying second, the sounds, the lights, the sheer electricity of it all swept her back — to being a little girl, standing on a chair beside her grandmother, watching her mother’s entrance, lights blazing, the roar of the fans washing over her.

It felt just like this.

It was part of her. No matter how far she’d run.

Not if.

When.

Later, she found herself backstage — dragged along by Alanah, who still had all the connections.

Mal was off to the side, nursing a bruised shoulder, laughing at something Lach said before the two parted ways. He looked up as Bella approached — and this time, the eye contact lingered.

“You looked like you belonged out there,” she said, before she could stop herself.

He smiled. “You look like you don’t know if you’re lost or exactly where you’re meant to be.”

“I think it’s both,” she admitted.

He extended a hand. “Mal.”

She shook it.

“Bella.”


And in that moment — just like that — fate circled back.


Back in the Bath

Bella’s eyes snapped open. Water sloshed gently as she sat upright, hand pressed to her chest.

The dream still clung to her like mist. It hadn’t been scary. It hadn’t even been bad.

But it wasn’t right.

No matter how many roads she could have taken...Her story always led here.

To him. To the fight. To wrestling.

Because fate? Fate’s a fickle bitch.

But sometimes...

She brings you exactly where you were always meant to be.

The bathwater had long since cooled, skin wrinkled and pink from her unintended soak. Bella stirred, groggy, dragging in a deep breath. Her heart was still racing faintly from the dream — no, the vision — that had taken her under.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

“Bells?”

The familiar lilt of Malachi’s voice drifted through. Concern, warmth… and the barest undercurrent of that mischievous charm that never quite left him.

She blinked the haze from her eyes. “I’m up,” she croaked.

The door cracked open. Mal poked his head in, dark hair tousled, grey t-shirt hanging loose over gym shorts. One brow arched as he took in the sight of her still sitting in the tub, dazed and damp.

“Well, well,” he teased gently. “Ya know, I usually have to bribe you with champagne and scented candles to catch you like this.”

Bella gave a small, weary smile, leaning on her arms on the side of the tub with a tired smirk. “Guess you lucked out.”

Mal stepped inside, bare feet quiet on the tile. He grabbed a fluffy towel from the warmer, unfurling it with a practiced flick.

“Come on, love. You’ll turn into a prune if you stay in there much longer.”

She let him pull her up — water sluicing off her skin, the towel cocooning her in warmth. For a moment, he simply held her there, strong arms wrapped around her, chin resting atop her damp hair.

“You okay?” he asked softly.

Bella exhaled, her voice small against his chest. “Maybe a little jet lagged but...I had a dream… or something. Saw what life would’ve been like if I’d never taken that chance. If I’d stayed safe.”

Mal kissed the crown of her head. “Well it goes without saying but safe is overrated.”

She tilted her face up, meeting his gaze — blue eyes twinkling, lips curved in that signature half-grin. God, she loved him.

“I wouldn’t have met you,” she whispered. “Wouldn’t have this life. Wouldn’t have Máire.”

Mal smirked. “A tragic loss for the world, really. Imagine — no me.”

Bella snorted, swatting his chest lightly. “You’re such an ass sometimes.”

“Ya married me, mo chroí. Your choice.”

Her smile faded, replaced by something more solemn. She rested her palm against his cheek, thumb brushing the stubble just above his full beard there.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “For taking that chance on me. For seeing me… when I didn’t even know who I was meant to be yet.”

Mal’s eyes softened, mischief giving way to something deeper. “I’d do it a thousand times over. You never had to be anyone but yourself, Bells. And you’ve always been more than enough.”

A long pause settled between them, thick with unspoken truths.

Then Bella drew in a steadying breath. “Also, I’ve made a decision.”

Mal tilted his head, watching her carefully.

“As much as I want to give Máire a little brother or sister… as much as that’s still in my heart…” Her voice grew steadier, conviction rising. “I need to go back. To the ring. To this fight. It’s who I am, Mal. And I can’t walk away from it. Not yet.”

For a beat, Mal said nothing — simply searching her gaze. Then a slow, knowing smile tugged at his lips.

“I know.” He cupped her face in both hands, leaning his forehead to hers. “And I’ll be with you every step of the way. Just like always.”

Bella’s eyes glistened. “You sure you want to deal with this crazy life again?”

Mal chuckled. “Love, I live for it. And I live for you. Go light the world on fire — I’ll be right there to cheer ya on… and to catch ya when ye need it.”

She surged up, capturing his lips in a fierce kiss — gratitude, love, and promise all tangled in that single moment.

When they finally parted, breathless, Mal grinned wickedly. “Now — since I did catch you in the tub lookin’ like a goddess…” He waggled his brows. “How ‘bout I carry you to bed and we start makin’ those future tag-team partners?”

Bella laughed, swatting him again — though her cheeks flushed deliciously pink.

“Down, O’Connell.”

He scooped her up anyway, bridal style, towel and all.

“No promises, love. But I’ll follow your lead.”

Their laughter echoed through the house as Mal carried her out of the bathroom — toward whatever fate had in store next.



"And where I’m meant to be…...is standing over the broken ego of Mercedes Vargas, Internet Championship in my hands — again."

~*~Rules of Engagement: "Fate’s a Fickle Bitch"~*~

It all fades in — Bella Madison, damp hair, hoodie on, sitting on the edge of the tub in their master bathroom. Face calm, eyes sharp — no smile, no softness. Voice cold.

"You know what the funny thing is about fate?"

"She gives you just enough rope to hang yourself. She lets you think there are other roads you could’ve taken — safer ones, quieter ones. Ones where you stay behind a desk and let the world pass you by."

"But here’s what I realized — no matter what road I could’ve chosen? They all lead me right back to this fight. Right back to this ring. Right back to this moment."

Her gaze lifts into the camera, eyes steady as stone.

"And thanks to our glorious Queen Alexandra...I come right back to you, Mercedes Vargas."

"Let’s not waste any time here."

"You took the Bombshell Internet Championship from me. That part’s true. But the story you’ve been telling ever since? That’s where the fiction starts."

"You didn’t outwrestle me. You didn’t expose me. You didn’t ‘put an end to my reign of terror’ — or whatever bullshit you’re peddling this week."

"You caught me on a night where I was off. A night where the weight of the division sat heavy on my shoulders. And now? You’ve made the mistake of thinking that one match defines who I am."

"That one match defines this fight."

Her voice tightens — ice creeping in.

"It doesn’t."

"Because since then, you’ve been really comfortable. Real loud. Real smug behind your keyboard — spitting out the same tired catchphrases and one-liners you’ve been using for the past decade."

*"‘Legend.’"
*"‘Hall of Famer.’"
"‘Record holder.’"

Bella smirks, the expression sharp and bitter.

"Do you know what those words sound like now, Vargas?"

"They sound like excuses."

"They sound like the armor you wear so no one asks the real questions."

"Like: what have you done lately that matters?"

"What have you done in this division that means something, other than collecting belts like trinkets in a dying career?"

"You talk about the Bombshell Internet Championship like it’s your throne. Like you own this place now. But deep down? You and I both know you needed me having a bad night to make that happen."

"You needed the perfect storm to drag that title off my waist — because when I’m sharp? When I’m dialed in? You can’t fucking touch me."

"That’s why you talk so much now. Because you’re scared. Because you know I’m coming. And this time? I’m coming with nothing left to lose — and everything to take back."

She leans forward slightly, her voice dropping lower — venom in every word.

"And let’s talk about the little game you’ve been playing on Twitter/X/Whatever the fuck you call that cesspool. The constant jabs. The passive-aggressive bullshit. The constant need to remind everyone who you used to be, instead of showing who you are now."

"You spend more time clinging to the past than building the future. You think you’re keeping yourself relevant, Vargas. You’re not. You’re just proving how desperate you are to matter."

"See, the real ones in this division? We don’t have to remind anyone what we’ve done — because we’re too busy doing it again."

"We’re too busy building legacies that can’t be torn down by one fluke win. And that’s where you and I are different."

"You can have your hashtags. Your highlight reels. Your record book stats. And honestly you can fucking shove them up your tight ass. Because when the lights go up and that bell rings? None of that’s going to stop me from dropping you flat on your back. None of that’s going to stop me from taking that title back.”

"I want you to get used to the term “Transitional Champion” because that’s exactly what you are about to be. And here’s the part that should really keep you up at night: I don’t even care about padding my own résumé anymore."

"I don’t care about the number of reigns. About what some Hall of Fame plaque will say someday."

"I care about shutting people like you the fuck up."

"I care about fighting for this division — so that it’s not run by bitter veterans clinging to faded glory, but by wrestlers who are hungry, who are driven, who are still building something real."

"Because make no mistake — you are not the future of this division. You’re the ghost of a past that needs to be put to rest."

"And I’m the one holding the shovel."

Her hands flex, eyes burning now.

"You should’ve known better, Vargas. You should’ve known that running your mouth the way you have was only going to piss me off. You should’ve known that giving me a reason to focus this fire? To lock in and come after you with everything I’ve got left? Was signing your own damn death warrant."

"Because now?"

"This isn’t about winning a belt."

"It’s about proving a point."

"It’s about ripping away every excuse you’ve been hiding behind — and leaving you with nothing but the harsh truth staring back at you."

"That you’re not the measuring stick anymore. You’re just a stepping stone on my way to the top. Again."

She leans in — tone pure ice.

"And when I’m standing over you with that title back around my waist?"

"I want you to remember every smug tweet. Every backhanded comment. Every time you thought your legacy made you untouchable."

"Because none of it will matter."

"Because you? You’ll just be another broken name on my list."

"And me? I’ll be standing right where fate always meant me to be — holding that championship high."

"And Vargas — when that moment comes? I don’t want your respect. I don’t want your handshake. I don’t even want your apology. I want you to look me in the eyes… and know that I was the one who ended this little fantasy run of yours."

"I want you to know that I didn’t come back to reclaim my spot — I came back to bury you under it."

"I’m here to walk into that ring and tear the Bombshell Internet Championship out of your hands."

"I’m here to become a three-time Internet Champion — not because I need some God damn validation, but because I’m done letting greedy caddy bitches like you prop themselves up on MY name."

"You have no idea what’s coming for you, Mercedes. Because I have absolutely fucking had it with the noise. With the so-called ‘legends’ who treat this division like their personal playground while the rest of us are out here fighting for every inch."

"You’ve coasted long enough. You got your spotlight off my back — now it’s time for me to take everything from you."

Leaning in — voice a low, cold growl now.

"And when I’m standing over you with that title raised, when you’re left lying in the middle of that ring with nothing but excuses and empty words to cling to? I want you to remember this, Vargas — fate put me here. Right where I’m meant to be — DIRECTLY in your path. Dead in my sights."

Pause. One last look, unwavering.

"And you should’ve stayed the hell out of mine. Because this time? I’m not leaving empty-handed. And you? You’re not walking out at all."

"Because fate? She’s a fickle bitch."

"And this time? She’s standing in my corner."

"See you soon, legend."

"Try not to choke on it."

Fade to black.

INTO THE VOID: PART ONE
~*~La Vie En Rouge~*~

The wheels of the car crunched over the gravel drive as Bella Madison shifted in her seat, craning her neck to glance back at the car seat behind her. Little Máire O’Connell, just shy of two years old, giggled as she clutched her favorite stuffed cow. Malachi reached back from the passenger seat and brushed a thumb along her cheek, earning a delighted squeal.

"Are you gonna be good for Granny Aileen?" he asked with a playful lilt.

Máire gave a solemn nod, though her smile betrayed her excitement.

Bella chuckled, leaning over to boop her daughter’s nose. "You’re going to have so much fun. Granny’s got cookies, the big garden, and—" She dropped her voice dramatically. "—she said you can help her chase the chickens."

Máire gasped like Bella had just told her Santa Claus was real and Irish.

As Mal parked the car in front of the quaint Waterford home, Aileen O’Connell was already standing at the door, arms crossed and smiling wide with the warmth of someone who genuinely loved being a grandmother.

“Oh, give the child to me already,” Aileen said as soon as the door swung open, plucking Máire into her arms with ease. “Go on, enjoy Paris. I’ve raised two boys and one very rambunctious girl. One little spitfire won’t be any trouble at all.”

Bella and Mal exchanged a half-grateful, half-anxious look. Letting go, even just for a week, wasn’t easy.

“You sure?” Bella asked, brushing some hair behind her ear. “She’s gotten very good at climbing lately.”

Aileen winked. “Then it’s a good thing I’ve still got a few tricks myself. Go. Be young and stupid in love.”

“...We’ll FaceTime every night,” Mal added.

“I expect nothing less.”

----

Paris was everything Bella remembered—maybe more. The cobblestone streets glistened faintly after a morning drizzle, and the air buzzed with summer warmth. As Mal wandered off toward an old record shop, Bella ducked into her favorite café near the university where she finished her degree. It hadn't changed. The chalkboard menus still had smudges, the barista still wore his thick glasses too low on his nose, and the espresso smelled like home.

She was halfway through her latte when she heard a familiar shriek.

“Is that... BELLA?!”

A trio of women descended on her like a fashion-forward hurricane. Isabelle, Léa, and Camille—all old friends from university—pulled her into a tight group hug before pulling chairs to crowd her tiny table.

“Cela fait six ans! (It’s been six years!)” Léa said in rapid French. “Tu as disparu après l'obtention de ton diplôme! (You disappeared after graduation!)”

“Je n’ai pas disparu, (I didn’t disappear)” Bella replied with a smirk, slipping easily into the language. “Je viens de commencer à vivre une vie très chargée. (I just started living a very busy life.)”

Camille leaned in, this time in English, “So... are you still with that Irish guy? Mal...Malik?”

“Malachi,” Bella corrected with a small smile. “And yes. We got married, actually back in 2021. We have a daughter.”

Isabelle clapped her hands, visibly shocked and thrilled. “Oh my God, you have a baby?!”

Bella laughed as she pulled out her phone, unlocking it with a swipe before turning the screen to her old friends. “This was Máire last week—she tried to feed her plush cow a spoonful of peanut butter.”

Léa let out a gasp and clutched her heart. “Mon Dieu, she’s adorable!”

Isabelle leaned in, squinting at the photo. “She looks just like you, Bella.”

“She’s got Mal’s eyes though,” Bella said with a soft smile. “And his attitude. She already tries to boss me around.”

They all laughed, and for a moment, it felt like no time had passed. But then Camille, seated just off to the side, crossed one leg over the other and tilted her head.

“So... you’re still wrestling?” Her tone wasn’t rude, but the undercurrent of judgement was there. “I just figured you would’ve moved on from all that by now.”

The table went quiet.

Bella blinked. “Moved on?”

Camille shrugged. “I mean, you were top of our class. You actually spoke at our graduation. You had so much potential—marketing, design, communications. We all thought you'd be running a firm or launching your own brand, not… throwing yourself into cages or getting hit with chairs.”

Bella’s smile slowly faded. She set her phone down on the table, her fingers still resting over the screen.

“I am running something,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “I’m running a career. One I chose. One that makes me happy. I get to travel the world, make my own schedule, be with my family—and yeah, sometimes I get knocked around a bit, but I’ve also knocked down a lot of doors doing what I do.”

Camille raised a brow. “But don’t you ever feel like you’re wasting your education?”

“No,” Bella replied without hesitation. “That education taught me how to think on my feet, how to carry myself, how to build my brand. Everything I learned in those classrooms, I use in this business. I didn’t waste it. I applied it.”

Léa and Isabelle exchanged glances, visibly impressed.

“But come on,” Camille said, pressing the issue. “You’re a mother now. Don’t you think it’s time to settle into something more… stable?”

Bella straightened. “Stable doesn’t mean stagnant. And just because you wouldn’t want my life doesn’t make it any less valid. I love what I do. I worked my ass off to get here. I’m not stuck behind a desk dreaming of the life I could’ve had—I’m living it. My daughter is going to grow up seeing her mom chase her dreams, not regret them.”

Camille leaned back, chastened, but clearly unsure what to say.

And that’s when Malachi appeared at the edge of the table, a small paper bag of pastries in hand, glancing between the four of them with a raised brow.

“Everything alright?”

Bella smiled up at him as she stood, slipping her hand into his.

“Perfect,” she said. “We were just catching up.”

There was a beat of silence as the girls took Mal in—tall, handsome, unmistakably protective. Isabelle all but swooned. “Is this Malachi?”

He gave a short nod. “Pleasure.”

The women gave a chorus of greetings, and Camille’s earlier smugness melted into a flustered half-smile. Bella smirked slightly as she grabbed her coffee.

“Well,” she said, lifting her cup in a mock-toast. “À bientôt, ladies. I’ve got a city to walk through and a life to keep living.”

After a round of kisses and farewells, Bella and Mal walked back onto the street, her mood lighter than it had been moments ago.

She and Mal stepped back into the golden Paris afternoon, leaving the table—and the judgments—behind.

“Waste of potential, huh?” Mal asked under his breath.

Bella shrugged. “Let her think what she wants. I’m walking the streets of Paris with my husband, defending a championship at one of the biggest shows of the year, and I’ve got a baby waiting for me back home. If that’s a waste…” She kissed his cheek. “I’ll waste it all over again.”

The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden haze over the Seine, where the river shimmered gently beneath the soft hum of Paris life. Street musicians played nearby, the smell of fresh bread and lilacs lingering in the breeze. Bella's footsteps slowed as they approached the familiar bridge, worn but still romantic, nestled in the heart of the city where the world once stood still for her.

She stopped at the midpoint, fingers trailing across the cool iron railing as a quiet smile found her lips.

“It hasn’t changed,” she said.

Malachi came to a stop beside her, his eyes scanning the view. “Not even a little. Still the same spot I kissed you.”

Bella turned toward him, the corners of her mouth tugging upward. “Yeah, I remember. You didn’t even hesitate.”

He smirked. “Of course I didn’t. I’d already decided I was going to kiss you that night. Just needed to make sure you didn’t slap me. I will admit that for a moment I thought it was going to happen.”

“Oh please,” she teased. “I was hoping you would. You think I walked all the way across the river in heels for nothing?”

Mal laughed under his breath, wrapping an arm around her waist. “You could’ve told me.”

“But then where would have been the fun in that? Besides, I figured the eyes I was making at you all evening were enough.”

They both chuckled, falling into a comfortable silence as they leaned against the rail, gazing down at the water. The city moved around them, but time seemed to fold in on itself—bringing them back to that first night. She had been so full of fire and questions, and he’d been steady, charming in that infuriating Irish way.

That kiss had changed everything.

Bella reached into her coat pocket, fingers brushing against a small, silver lock. She turned it over in her hand before holding it out.

“I brought this,” she said softly.

Mal took it from her, his thumb brushing over the engraved names on the front:

Bella. Malachi. Máire.

“You had this made?”

“I figured we could make it official this time,” she said. “Not just us anymore.”

Together, they clicked it into place on the railing beside dozens of others—symbols of stories, of promises, of beginnings.

Mal rested his hand over hers, his voice quiet. “Have you ever thought about how different things could’ve been if I hadn’t kissed you that night?”

Bella leaned her head on his shoulder. “Rarely but sometimes. But I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.”

He nodded. “Me neither.”

She smiled up at him. “Forever?”

“Forever,” he echoed.

And then he kissed her again—not a first kiss, but one that carried every moment since. And under the Paris sky, surrounded by old memories and new promises, Bella and Malachi O’Connell began the next chapter of their story.

~*~More Than Just A Memory~*~
Rue Vielle du Temple, 75003

The late evening light cast a soft lavender hue across the narrow street of Rue Vieille du Temple, where the cobblestones still remembered the rhythm of her younger steps. Bella came to a slow stop outside a modest cream-colored building with ivy snaking up its side. The window shutters were closed now, but she remembered when they were always cracked open, letting in the hum of Paris nights and the smell of rain-washed stone.

She folded her arms, taking it all in like she was seeing a memory in motion. Malachi stood just beside her, hands in his coat pockets, quietly letting her process it all.

“This was it,” Bella murmured, eyes fixed on the second-floor window. “Right up there. That was my place. First one I ever had all to myself.”

Mal glanced up, nodding slightly. “I remember. Still looks cozy.”

“It was. Small. Creaky. Cold in the winter.” A small laugh escaped her. “But it was mine.”

They stood in silence for a few more heartbeats before her gaze shifted slightly, becoming heavier, more distant.

“I got jumped right at my door,” she said, her voice low. “By someone I thought I’d finally left behind.”

Mal turned toward her fully now, his brow furrowing.

“Reverend Synn,” she added, almost as an afterthought. “Or one of his messengers. Doesn’t matter which. He sent someone to make sure I didn’t forget where I came from… or what he made me.”

Mal’s jaw tightened. “I hate this memory, Bells.”

“I know you do. I remember being surprised by you when you showed up to make sure that I was ok, even after we just had one date. I remember standing there, right where you’re standing, blood on my lip, ribs aching. Talking to the police afterwards- but.... for the first time in a long time…” She paused, breathing in slowly. “I didn’t run. I didn’t break down. I stood my ground. Told them I wasn’t afraid anymore.”

She looked up at Mal, her expression raw but certain.

“Before that, I let people mold me. Pick me apart. Tell me I was too much or not enough. Reverend Synn. Some of the girls in the States. Even some of the fans. Hell, even Mercedes tried to pull that years ago.”

Mal gave a slow nod, his voice calm but steady. “You put her in her place, though.”

Bella smirked faintly. “That I did. And in my own hometown no less. That was the match where I stopped letting people tell me who I was. When I realized I didn’t have to be anyone else’s version of a Bombshell. I could just be me. And that was enough.”

She turned her gaze back to the building, her tone softening.

“This place… it’s where I stopped being afraid of my past. It’s where I started writing my own story.”

Mal stepped closer, gently brushing her hair back from her face.

“And look at how far you’ve come,” he said. “Champion. Mother. Headliner. Still not letting anyone tell you who to be.”

Bella gave a quiet smile, resting her head on his shoulder.

“I used to walk back to this place, exhausted, questioning if any of this would ever be worth it. If I’d ever be more than someone’s puppet or someone’s problem.” She paused, looking down at the sidewalk. “Now I get to walk the streets of Paris with my husband, while our daughter’s in Waterford with her grandmother, and I’m heading into Into the Void to defend a title I won on my terms.”

Mal wrapped his arm around her. “You did all that. Not Synn. Not Mercedes. You.”

Bella tilted her head up, a fire sparking behind her eyes.

“And I’m not done yet.”

They lingered a little longer, letting the past settle around them like dusk. Then, with fingers entwined and the night ahead of them, they walked away—not to forget what had been, but to honor how far she’d come.

~*~Rules of Engagement: Let Them Know Just Enough~*~

The cool night air rolled off the Seine as Bella Madison sat on a worn stone bench, her hands cradling a warm cup of coffee as she gazed out over the Parisian skyline. The Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance, its lights dancing like stars against the black velvet sky. Beside her, resting like a crown on the bench, was the SCW Bombshell Internet Championship.

She didn’t need a camera crew. Didn’t need a spotlight. Paris was enough.

Bella let the quiet fill her lungs for a moment, a calm before the inevitable storm. Then, as if releasing a weight, she began to speak—softly at first, but with purpose.

“Of all the people I could be defending this championship against… it’s you, Mercedes.”

A small smirk pulled at the corner of her mouth—not bitter, not mocking, but laced with reflection.

“And honestly? I’m glad. I am so glad that you got this chance because I feel like we have a lot of unfinished business”

Her eyes remained fixed on the river, watching the soft ripples catch the moonlight.

“This match isn’t about revenge. It’s not some dark cloud from my past coming back to haunt me. We’ve already done that. We had our feud. We played that game. And yeah… I won.”

She leaned back against the bench, a breeze tugging at a few loose strands of her hair.

“But that was another version of me. Before the sleepless nights. Before the emergency room scares. Before I knew what it felt like to hold a tiny hand in mine and know I’d burn the whole fucking world down to protect her.”

A quiet pause.

“You and I were different people back then. And I think that’s why this… matters.”

Her tone shifted slightly, edged with the calm steel of conviction.

“Because while I’ve grown—you haven’t. You still act like the name ‘Mercedes Vargas’ is some golden ticket. Like just showing up means everyone’s supposed to bow down and clear a path. You’ve built this narrative that the past owes you something. That just because you’ve been here forever, it means you deserve everything.”

Bella turned her gaze to the championship beside her, fingers tracing the edge of the metal plate with quiet reverence.

“But let’s not pretend you were the one building the road. You were waiting for someone else to pave it—and now, you want to walk it like it was yours all along.”

She shook her head.

“I’m not angry. I’m not bitter. If anything… I welcome it. Because I want the challenge. I want to face someone who believes they can take this from me. Someone who still sees me as the reckless rookie who didn’t know her place.”

Her lips curled into a wry smile.

“I remember that version of me. And I remember how you treated her. Like I didn’t belong. Like I hadn’t earned the right to even breathe the same air as you.”

She picked up the title, holding it close now, like a piece of her.

“But I did. I do. And I’ll do it again and again and fucking again.”

Bella stood slowly, the city stretching out behind her like a painting. Her voice, steady and full of fire, carried into the night.

“This isn’t just about defending gold. This is about everything I’ve become since the last time we stood in a ring together. The pain, the growth, the love, the fire. You can’t touch that, Mercy. You can’t intimidate it. And you sure as hell can’t outlast it.”

She looked directly into the imagined camera, the imagined eyes of the woman she would soon face.

“I’m not just another Bombshell. I’m a wife. A mother. A fighter. A God damn champion. And at Into the Void, I prove why I earned that—and why you won’t take it away.”

With that, Bella turned and began to walk slowly along the riverside, the light of her championship reflecting like a beacon against the shadows.

And Paris, like always, kept her secrets.

~*~

The soft glow of a single candle flickered atop the small cake set on the kitchen island. It was a quiet, intimate moment, just as Malachi had requested. This year, for his birthday, he didn’t want anything extravagant—just a small, simple gathering with his wife and daughter in their new home.

Bella stood next to him, smiling as she balanced their energetic daughter, Máire, on her hip. The little girl clapped her hands excitedly, her bright blue eyes locked onto the candle's flame.

“Alright, sweetheart,” Bella whispered to their daughter. “Help Daddy blow it out.”

Máire leaned forward, her tiny cheeks puffing out as she gave a determined blow, and with a little help from Mal, the flame extinguished. The room was filled with soft laughter, Mal shaking his head with an affectionate grin as Bella kissed his cheek.

“Happy Birthday, love,” she murmured, before turning her attention to their daughter. “Now, what do we say to Daddy?”

“Hoppy Birfday, Daddy!” Máire squealed, throwing her little arms around his neck.

Mal chuckled, hugging her tight before shifting his gaze to Bella, who was already stepping away. “Alright, baby girl, help Mommy with Daddy’s present.”

Máire wiggled out of Mal’s grasp and rushed over to the doorway, where an impressively large, neatly wrapped box was waiting. Bella crouched down, guiding their daughter’s small hands to help push it across the floor toward Mal.

“This was all her idea,” Bella teased. “She insisted that she be the one to deliver it.”

Mal laughed, watching as his little girl struggled but remained determined, her small hands pressing against the colorful wrapping paper. “Oh yeah? Did you pick out my present too, a stóirín?”

“Uh-huh!” Máire nodded vigorously. “Mommy help.”

Mal glanced at Bella with amusement before finally kneeling to unwrap the box. Before he could pull the paper completely away, the front door opened, and a wave of voices filled the house.

“Are we late, or did we make it just in time?” Alanah’s teasing voice rang out as she stepped in, carrying a tray of desserts. Behind her, Jack followed, wrangling their three kids inside. The moment the cousins spotted Máire, the room erupted into delighted squeals and laughter as they raced over to play.

“Perfect timing,” Bella said with a smirk, stepping aside to greet her sister-in-law. “He hasn’t even unwrapped his present yet.”

“Well, don’t let us stop you.” Alanah grinned, setting her tray down on the counter. “But just so you know, the real party has officially arrived.”

As Mal continued to open his gift, another round of arrivals came through the door. Bella’s family followed shortly after—her mother Laura, stepfather Nick, and younger brother Aaron. Laura immediately enveloped Mal in a warm hug, wishing him a happy birthday while Nick and Aaron gave their own greetings.

With everyone now gathered, the house buzzed with warmth and laughter, a true home filled with family and love. Mal glanced around, his heart swelling at the sight of everyone together, celebrating with him. It was exactly what he had wanted—a birthday surrounded by the people who meant the most to him.

As the evening carried on, conversation and laughter filled the house, but soon Laura cleared her throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Since we’re all here, I have an announcement,” she said with a small smile. “I’ve decided to come out of retirement—temporarily—to be part of the Blast from the Past Tournament.”

A wave of surprise swept through the room, but no one seemed as taken aback as Bella. Her eyes widened, and she pressed her lips together, clearly not thrilled by the revelation.

After a few congratulations and murmured reactions, Bella quietly slipped away into the kitchen, with a quiet “Excuse me”, needing a moment. It wasn’t long before Laura followed, leaning against the counter with a knowing expression.

“You don’t look happy,” Laura observed, crossing her arms.

Bella exhaled sharply, setting down the glass she had been holding. “It’s not that I’m not happy, Mom. It’s just… you and Nick both put your bodies through hell for years. I know you’re still in great shape, but wrestling takes a toll.”

Laura smiled, reaching out to touch her daughter’s hand. “Sweetheart, I appreciate the concern, but when wrestling is in your blood, it’s hard to walk away completely. I’ve taken care of myself, and I’ve been treating my body with kindness. In fact one could say that I am in the best shape of my life since my PWSWF days. Besides, this new format for the tournament intrigued me, and I wanted to see what I could still do.”

Bella searched her mother’s face for any hesitation, but there was none—just the familiar fire and determination that had always been there.

“I just don’t want you getting hurt,” Bella admitted softly.

Laura squeezed her hand. “I know. But I also know that stepping in that ring again is something I need to do—for me. I promise, I’ll be careful.”

Bella sighed, nodding reluctantly. “Fine. Just do me a favor?”

“What’s that?” Laura chuckled.

“Win the damn thing this time?”

“Deal.” Laura smiled, reaching out to touch her daughter’s hand.

Bella’s fingers tightened around the glass. “I just don’t want you getting hurt,” she admitted softly. “But… I get it. Wrestling is in your blood.”

Laura squeezed her hand. “And it’s in yours, too. I see the same fire in you that I had in my prime. That I still have. You’ve got a fight ahead of you, Bella, and I know you’ll do whatever it takes.”

Bella swallowed, thinking of Harper. Of the war that was coming. She met her mother’s gaze, finding strength in the woman who had paved the way for her.

“I just don’t want to see you get seriously hurt and then dad and Aaron have to constantly push you around in a wheelchair,” Bella said.

Laura chuckled. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

With a small smirk, Bella shook her head before pulling her mother into a hug. She still had her reservations, but if there was one thing she knew for certain—it was that Laura Phoenix never did anything halfway. And neither did she.

Neither did her daughter.

~*~Quiet Resistance to Push to the Future~*~

As the quiet of the night settled in, Bella and Mal lay in their massive bedroom, the warmth of the blankets wrapped around them. The house, once filled with laughter and the chatter of family, had grown silent. Máire was tucked away in her room, fast asleep after an exciting day, leaving just the two of them in the dim glow of the bedside lamp.

Bella lay on her back, staring at the ceiling, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns against Mal’s arm. He had noticed the shift in her demeanor the moment the last of the guests had left. She had been confident and poised earlier, but now, in the stillness of the night, she was deep in thought.

“You’re thinking,” Mal murmured, his voice thick with sleep but laced with curiosity.

Bella let out a small huff of laughter. “I always think.”

“True,” he admitted, turning onto his side so he could look at her. “But this is different.”

She exhaled, rolling onto her side to face him. “It’s not doubt, exactly,” she started, hesitating. “I know I can beat Harper. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again. I refuse to let her take what I’ve earned. But sometimes… I feel like I could be even more.”

Mal studied her for a moment, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. “What do you mean?”

Bella sighed. “Being the SCW Bombshell Internet Champion—it means something. It’s not just a title to me. I want to take it even further, make it matter in ways people haven’t before. I don’t want to just be a placeholder champion—I want to be one of the best. And I don’t just mean one of the best Internet Champions… I mean one of the best, period.”

Mal smirked. “You’re already on your way.”

“Maybe,” she said, her fingers absentmindedly brushing over his. “But I don’t want to get complacent. I refuse to be a champion that just coasts. Harper is going to come at me with everything she has, and I know she’s hoping that this time, she’ll succeed. But she won’t, because I won’t let her. And after I retain, I want to prove that this championship is as prestigious as any other.”

Mal let out a small chuckle. “So what I’m hearing is, you’re already planning for what’s next, before you’ve even finished with Harper.”

Bella smirked. “Always. But that does not mean I’m overlooking her either. But I need to get past her to take it to that next level.”

He shook his head with a laugh, then leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “That is a wonderful mindset to have, mo ghrá. That’s why you’re gonna hold onto that title for a long time. You never stop pushing forward.”

Bella smiled, curling closer into his warmth. “Damn right.”

~*~Rules of Engagement: Don’t Be That Step Stool~*~

The streets of Tucson hum with life as the desert sun dips low, casting long shadows over the sidewalks. The warm breeze stirs the dust as Bella walks, her boots striking against the pavement with purpose. This city, like the wrestling business, is a mix of old and new—history written in the cracks of the buildings, while fresh faces rush in, eager to make their mark.

“You ever notice how the young and hungry always think they’re entitled to everything? They step into this business with fire in their bellies, full of piss and vinegar, thinking that’s all it takes to reach the top. I respect the drive, I do. I’ve been there. I’ve been the one looking at the champions and thinking, “That should be me.”

But there’s a difference between wanting something and actually earning it.”

She stops at a street corner, leaning against a weathered brick wall, arms crossed as she exhales.

“Harper Mason, you’ve got talent, I won’t deny that. You’re fast, you’re relentless, and you’ve got that chip on your shoulder that makes you dangerous. But the thing about being young and hungry is that you’re also reckless. Impulsive. You think your speed and raw talent are enough to carry you past me? That’s where you’re wrong.

You see, I know what it’s like to want something so badly it keeps you up at night. I know the sting of frustration when things don’t go my way. I also know what it means to be patient. To put in the work, to take the losses, to learn from every single mistake and come back stronger.”

She steps forward, walking past a neon-lit window where the reflection of her past stares back at her—a younger Bella, eager and reckless, thinking passion alone was enough.

“It took an entire fanbase voting for me to realize that I had it in me to become a champion. They believed in me before I fully believed in myself. And when I finally got my hands on that SCW Bombshell Internet Championship, I didn’t rest. I didn’t bask in my own success. No, I sharpened my skills, I pushed myself harder, and I made damn sure that I wasn’t just a champion—I was a force to be reckoned with.

And now you think you’re going to step up and take what I’ve worked so hard for? Think again, sweetheart.”

She turns down a quieter street, the sounds of the city fading slightly, her voice firm and unwavering.

“Harper, your time will come, I have no doubt about that. But that time is not now, and it sure as hell won’t be at my expense. I’m not here to be anyone’s stepping stone. I’m not here to be some lesson in your journey to greatness. If you want to get to the top, you’re going to have to find another way, because I’m not moving for you.

You remind me a lot of myself when I was younger—so eager, so sure that nothing could stand in my way. But let me tell you something, Harper. I learned the hard way that in this business, fire alone isn’t enough. It burns bright, it burns hot, but it also burns out if you don’t know how to control it.”

She stops at the edge of a streetlight’s glow, the city stretching out behind her.

“So bring everything you’ve got, because I promise you, it won’t be enough. I’ve fought too hard, I’ve sacrificed too much, and I’ve learned too damn well how to survive in that ring. I am not just another challenge for you to overcome—I am the roadblock that you won’t be able to move.

You might think you’re ready, but I know for a fact that you’re not. And when that bell rings, I’m going to make sure you never forget it.”

~*~Oi, Toddler Years~*~

Bella pulled into the driveway of their new home, exhaling a long, contented breath as she leaned back against the seat. The day had been productive—Mattie and Alanah had helped her pick out some final touches for the house, small details that would make it feel more like theirs. But there was still plenty of work to be done. Moving in was one thing, but settling in? That was a whole other battle.

She grabbed her bag and stepped out, the crisp air filling her lungs as she walked up the front steps. The house, standing tall and proud just outside of the city, was everything she and Mal had dreamed of—a place with space, a place where they could breathe, and a place where their daughter could grow up surrounded by more than just the noise of New York City. There was a stable for the horses, a gym with room for a full wrestling ring, and enough space to finally feel like they weren’t stacked on top of each other. It was theirs.

Pushing open the front door, Bella stepped inside, setting her things down before making her way into the living room. What she saw stopped her in her tracks.

There, in the middle of the room, was Mal—her ever-loving, sometimes too-laid-back husband—dancing. And not just a casual sway, but full-on moving to whatever song was playing from the speaker. And right there with him, standing—yes, standing—on the coffee table, was their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Máire. She wobbled slightly as she giggled, her tiny hands flailing in excitement, her dirty blonde curls bouncing wildly. But Mal was right next to her, hands at the ready, encouraging her with that signature grin of his.

Bella’s heart leapt into her throat.

“Malachi Noah O’Connell!”

Her voice cut through the music, and Mal immediately froze, eyes going wide like a kid caught stealing cookies. Máire, however, clapped her hands, clearly enjoying herself far too much.

“Uh, hey, Bells,” Mal said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “You’re home early.”

“I am home exactly when I was supposed to be!” Bella shot back, crossing her arms. “And what exactly are you doing letting our daughter dance on the damn coffee table?”

Mal glanced at Máire, who looked up at him with the biggest, most innocent smile. He let out a small chuckle. “Well, technically, she got up there herself. I just... supervised.”

Bella pinched the bridge of her nose. “Supervised? Mal, she’s not even two yet!”

“She’s got great balance,” Mal defended, lifting Máire off the table and setting her onto the couch instead. She immediately pouted, but a quick tickle from her father had her giggling again. “She’s a natural, mo ghrá. She’s fearless. I mean, look at her.”

Bella sighed, shaking her head as she stepped forward, gently brushing Máire’s wild curls back from her face. “I know she is,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead. “But she’s also our baby. And our baby does not need to be standing on furniture and giving her mother a heart attack.”

Mal smirked, wrapping an arm around Bella’s waist, pulling her in close. “Noted. But you gotta admit... she’s got moves.”

Bella rolled her eyes, but the fight was already lost. She leaned into him, sighing as Máire crawled into her lap, snuggling against her. “Yeah, yeah. Just... let’s keep the dancing on the ground from now on, okay?”

“Promise,” Mal said, holding up a hand in mock solemnity before pressing a quick kiss to her temple.

Bella shook her head again, but she couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at her lips. Chaos or not, this was home. And she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

After settling Máire down with some of her toys, Bella wandered through the house, letting herself take it all in. Even with the moving boxes still scattered around, this place already felt like home. It was theirs.

Her footsteps took her to the room that was meant to be her office-slash-library, though right now, it was still a mess of sealed boxes and half-unpacked shelves. There was so much to do, but something caught her eye—the faint smell of sawdust, a few stray wood shavings on the floor, and tools neatly stacked in the corner. Someone had been in here earlier, working.

She stepped further into the room, her brows knitting together. Mal. It had to be him. But what exactly was he doing in here?

“Mal?” she called out, glancing over her shoulder. “What exactly have you been up to in here?”

A few seconds later, Mal leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. “Was wondering when you’d notice.”

Bella folded her arms. “Notice what?”

He nodded toward the far wall, and that’s when she saw it. A partially built wooden structure, sleek and sturdy, taking shape against the wall. It wasn’t just any shelving unit—it was a trophy case.

Her breath hitched as she took a few slow steps forward, reaching out to run her fingers along the smooth, unfinished wood. The edges were precise, the foundation solid. He had put real effort into this—more than just a quick project.

“Mal…” she breathed, turning back to look at him.

He pushed off the doorframe, stepping beside her, his hands slipping into his pockets. “You’re a two-time SCW Bombshell Internet Champion now, Bells. Figured it was time you had a proper place for everything you’ve earned. Not just the titles, but all of it—the plaques, the medals, the moments that matter.”

Bella swallowed hard, a lump forming in her throat. “You didn’t have to do this.”

Mal shrugged, ever the nonchalant one, but she could see the pride in his expression, the way his eyes softened as he looked at her. “Yeah, I did. You’ve busted your ass for everything you’ve got. You deserve a place to see it all, to remind yourself who the hell you are when you need it.”

Bella let out a shaky breath before stepping closer, pressing herself against him, arms wrapping tightly around his waist. “You’re such a sap,” she muttered against his chest, her voice thick with emotion.

“Only for you,” he murmured back, his arms securing around her as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself just exist in this moment, in his warmth, in the weight of what this meant. She thought about the journey—every setback, every victory, every time she’d doubted herself, wondering if she was good enough, if she was meant for this life.

And now here she was. A champion. Again.

She took a small step back, looking at the case once more. It wasn’t just about the titles. It was about everything she’d fought for—her name, her legacy, her ability to stand tall in a business that never made anything easy.

“I want this to be more than just for titles,” she said quietly, running her fingers along the wood again. “I want this to be for everything that’s made me who I am. Every match that changed me. Every moment that reminded me why I do this.”

Mal nodded, a slow, knowing smile tugging at his lips. “Then that’s exactly what it’ll be.”

“And I want your titles in there too.” Bella stated matter-of-factly, “We are a team after all.”

“Really?” Mal said and she just nodded with a smile, “Well I was just going to put my stuff up out in the new workout area but...Ok then, I’ll make sure to add space.”

Bella took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Good,” she said, her voice firm, resolute. “Because I’ve got so much more to add to it.”

Mal smirked, looping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close once more. “Damn right you do.”

And with that, Bella felt it—an unshakable certainty, a fire burning deep inside her. This was only the beginning.

~*~The Fire That Never Dies~*~

Bella sat on the back enclosed deck at her mother’s home, her fingers curled around a steaming mug of tea as she watched a late winter, slightly warm wind whipping around the loose leaves that somehow missed the clean up before winter had fully hit. The night was quiet, save for the rustling leaves and the occasional distant howl of something wild. She had always found solace in the stillness, but tonight, her thoughts refused to settle.

Across from her, Laura "Phoenix" Madison sat with her own cup, her sharp blue eyes scanning her daughter's face, reading her like an open book. Decades in the business had taught her to recognize the storm brewing inside a fighter before they even spoke a word.

Bella sighed, staring into the liquid in her mug like it held the answers she was looking for. “I don’t get it, Mom. I worked my ass off. I fought tooth and nail to win that title, and just like that—it was gone. I lost it before I even had the chance to build something with it. I mean at least I got it back but...” She shook her head. “Where did I go wrong?”

Laura took a long sip of her tea, the warmth spreading through her chest, before leaning back in her chair with a knowing smirk. “You’re asking the wrong question, kid.”

Bella frowned, glancing up. “What do you mean?”

Laura exhaled slowly, her mind drifting back—way back—to a time when she was in Bella’s shoes. When she was young, hungry, and questioning herself in the wake of a loss.

“Let me tell you something,” she began, her voice low but steady. “When I first stepped into PWSWF, I wasn’t some big name. I wasn’t handed a damn thing. But then I got my hands on the X-Division Championship.” A small chuckle escaped her lips. “That damn title changed hands more times than I could count, and every time I lost it, I fought like hell to get it back. Five times, to be exact. Five times, I fell. Five times, I clawed my way back.”

Bella sat up a little straighter, listening intently.

“And then, one day, I stopped losing it. I held onto it so damn long that the company couldn’t ignore me anymore. They saw me for what I was. Not just a champion—but the champion. The one who set the damn standard. I built my name on that title, made it mean more than even some of the so-called main eventers. They couldn’t touch me, not in that ring, not in reputation.” Laura’s fingers tapped against her mug, her gaze distant as memories flickered through her mind. “I stood toe to toe with the elite, Bella. I was almost burned alive for it, and you know what I did?”

Bella’s brow furrowed. “You got back up.”

Laura’s lips curled into a proud smile. “Damn right, I did. And I came back even harder.” She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “It’s easy to sit in doubt, to let yourself question everything. The world wants you to do that. They want you to believe you aren’t good enough, that you can’t hang, that you’re just another name in the shuffle. But you?” She pointed at Bella. “You have built a world where you survive on the idea of pissing those naysayers off. So do it. No hesitation. No fear.”

Bella swallowed hard, feeling the heat in her mother’s words.

“You don’t wait for them to ask ‘How did she do it?’ You don’t let them breathe long enough to doubt you. You go out there, and before they even have a chance to whisper your name, you prove it. You live with the audacity and gumption that the Gods themselves gave you.”

A shiver ran down Bella’s spine—not from the cold, but from the fire in her mother’s words.

Laura smirked, leaning back again, her job done. “So stop asking where you went wrong. You didn’t go wrong, Bells. You just hadn’t finished the job yet. Now you got it back, now you don’t give them the fucking chance to do it again.”

Bella exhaled, a slow, steady breath. The weight in her chest wasn’t gone—but it had shifted. It no longer felt like failure. It felt like fuel.

And she was ready to burn.


~*~Rules of Engagement: The Queen Stands Her Ground~*~

Bella Madison sat forward, her SCW Bombshells Internet Championship draped over her shoulder like a badge of honor—no, like a warning sign to anyone daring to take it from her. The glow of the camera lights reflected off the gold plate, but it wasn’t the title shining the brightest in this moment. It was her. The fire in her eyes. The sheer determination etched across her face. The undeniable presence of a woman who wasn’t about to let anything be taken from her.

"Alright, Harper. Let’s talk."

Her voice was steady, unshaken. But there was something behind it—a quiet, brewing storm waiting to unleash itself the moment that bell rang.

"When I became SCW Bombshells Internet Champion, I didn’t just take a title—I took a responsibility. A responsibility to stand my ground, to prove that I’m not some transitional champion, not some flash-in-the-pan success story that fades before her name is even carved into history. I dared this locker room to step up. I put out the challenge to every single woman back there who thought she had it in her to take me down. And you? You answered the call."

A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, but it wasn’t one of amusement. It was one of anticipation.

"That means something, Harper. That means you’re not afraid to fight. It means you want to stand in this ring and prove you deserve to be here just as much as I do. And you know what? I respect that. I respect you. But respect?"

She let out a small chuckle, shaking her head.

"Respect doesn’t mean I’m about to let you take this from me."

She leaned forward, her grip tightening on the championship, fingers tapping against the gold plate as she measured her next words carefully—words that would burn their way into Harper Mason’s mind long before the fight even started.

"Do you know what it feels like to lose something just as fast as you gained it? To fight, to claw for something, only to have it slip through your fingers before you even have the chance to breathe it in? I do. And I refuse—absolutely refuse—to let it happen again. I am not just hungry for gold, Harper. I am starving to keep it. And that? That makes me more dangerous than I have ever been."

Her smirk faded. Now, there was only cold, calculated truth.

"You stepping up isn’t a challenge to me—it’s a confirmation. It confirms what I already knew: I’m the one running this division. I am the standard. I am the one standing at the top of this damn mountain, and I dared the best to come and fight me. And you did. So congratulations, Harper—you get the honor of trying. But that’s all it’s going to be. A damn attempt. Because let me tell you something right now—you are not taking this from me. Not now. Not ever."

Bella tilted her head, the fire behind her eyes burning even hotter.

"I don’t care how much heart you have. I don’t care how much fight you bring. I don’t care if you’re coming at me like a bat out of hell, looking to light this whole damn ring up like it’s the Fourth of July. Because the only fireworks that are going to matter when it’s all over? Are the ones celebrating me still standing here as your SCW Bombshells Internet Champion."

She adjusted the title, letting the weight of her words sink in before continuing.

"You can try, Harper. You can come at me with everything you’ve got, and I hope you do. I want the fight. I want the challenge. I want you to push me, to make me dig deeper, to test every ounce of skill, strength, and willpower I have. But at the end of the night, when you’re staring up at those bright arena lights, gasping for breath, you’re going to realize what I already know."

Bella stood up, holding the championship in front of the camera, making sure the entire world saw what she was fighting for.

"You don’t get to hold this. Not yet. Not while I’m still breathing, fighting, standing. You can get close. You can give me everything you have. But you will not break me. You will not take this from me. Because I have fought to be here. I have bled for this. And I will be damned if I let this slip away without one hell of a war."

She placed the title back over her shoulder, running a hand over the plate as if reaffirming her claim.

"So bring it, Harper. Bring everything. Make me fight like hell to keep this. Because that’s exactly what I plan on doing. And when the dust settles, and the match is over, and you’re left wondering where it all went wrong… you’ll understand that you never stood a chance to begin with."

She exhaled, stepping back from the camera, the weight of her words heavier than ever.

"See you at Climax Control, Harper. And trust me—you're going to wish you never answered my call."

And with that, Bella turned and walked off, leaving nothing but her words, her fire, and her undeniable dominance behind her.

~*~Backstage Acceptance~*~
Climax Control 414 — After the Show

The hum of backstage activity filled the air. Crew members bustled about, breaking down equipment and rolling away cables, their voices blending into a low, indistinct murmur. Bella Madison stood in the corner of a quiet lounge area, the glow of the TV screen illuminating her face. Her hair was still damp from the earlier match with Bobbie Dahl, her gear slightly scuffed, a badge of honor from the hard-fought battle that had just ended.

On the screen, Aleesha stood in the middle of the ring, her SCW Internet Championship glinting under the arena lights as she delivered her closing words. Bella’s arms were crossed over her chest, a towel slung over her shoulder, her eyes locked onto the screen.

Aleesha: “Seeing as I feel like we need to find out which one of us is truly a better wrestler... Here’s what I propose. You and I meet up at Inception. I’ll put my championship on the line. We’ll see once and for all who is truly the better woman!”

The mic hit the mat with a definitive thud, and the shot cutting to Aleesha hoisting the championship high, a confident smirk on her face as the screen faded to black with the SCW Copyright logo signalling the end.

Bella exhaled deeply, a mix of emotions swirling within her. Pride. Determination. A flicker of exhaustion from the night’s events. But above all, a spark of excitement.

“She really knows how to put on a show,” Bella muttered to herself, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

The door creaked open behind her, and Bella turned to see Malachi stepping in, a bottle of water in one hand and an ice pack in the other.

“You’re still watching that?” he asked, handing her the water before pressing the ice pack gently to her shoulder.

Bella chuckled. “What can I say? I like a little validation after a hard night’s work. Besides, did you hear her out there? She called me out, Mal. She wants me at Inception.”

Malachi smirked, taking a seat on the couch beside her. “Of course she does. You gave her one of the best matches to end off the year. And tonight? You took down Bobbie Dahl. Hell of a way to kick off the year, don’t you think?”

Bella nodded, her smile growing. “It’s more than that, Mal. She didn’t have to say any of that. She could’ve just walked off with the title and let it be. But instead, she’s giving me another shot. A real shot. She wants to prove she’s the better woman, and you know what? So do I.”

She turned back to the screen, her expression hardening into one of determination. “Bobbie was step one. Tonight, I showed everyone that I’m not going anywhere, that 2025 is going to be my year. But this? Aleesha? This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. A chance to reclaim what’s mine.”

Malachi leaned back, watching her with a knowing look. “You sound ready for this.”

Bella turned to him, fire in her eyes. “Oh, I’m more than ready. Aleesha’s right—our last match, it didn’t feel complete. I’ve been replaying it in my head ever since. Climbing that tree, watching her snatch the title out from under me. I’ve been waiting for this chance, Mal. And now, I’m not going to let it slip through my fingers.”

She stood, pacing the small room as she spoke, her voice growing more impassioned.

“She wants to see who the better wrestler is? Fine. At Inception, I’m going to bring everything I’ve got. All the pain, all the frustration, all the fire I’ve been holding back—it’s all coming out. This isn’t just about the title. It’s about proving to myself, to Aleesha, to everyone, that Bella Madison isn’t a fluke. That I’m not just a placeholder. That I belong at the top.”

Malachi smirked, crossing his arms as he watched her. “If Aleesha’s watching this, she’s probably already second-guessing herself.”

Bella grinned, the fire in her eyes now tempered with confidence. “She should be. Because at Inception, I’m not just fighting for a championship. I’m fighting for redemption. And I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.”

“Ah, there you are!” a male voice popped up from the doorway, that caused Bella and Mal to turn to see Christian Underwood, co-owner of SCW and despite popular opinion, a pretty nice boss...but don’t pass that around.

Bella wouldn’t pass it around but she couldn’t help but put on a sweet smile, “Hey Christian, what’s up?”

“Did you happen to get a peak at the next week’s CC in Henderson?” he asked as he leaned against the door, “It’s go home time and I’m sure you just heard what Aleesha said before we went off the air.”

“That I did,” Bella motioned towards the screen, “I accept of course, but I seem to feel like that’s not why you’re here. I hadn’t seen the card yet, I was going to on my way back to the ladies locker room.”

“Well...” Christian shifted, “I know you weren’t exactly thrilled with Cassie as well and I wasn’t about to deny you both the satisfaction of getting a chance so next week is a tag match, Harper and Cassie versus you...and your opponent at Inception.”

Bella’s eyes go slightly wide for a moment followed by a laughing smirk, “An interesting set-up.”

“I know,” Christian smirks, like the devil's advocate that he is, “I think it could be a hell of a match and it seems like you and Aleesha have this...mutual respect thing going on and I know Cassie and Harper are both sniffing around both of you and getting into your business. So handle it like I know you both can so you can focus on Inception. Cool?”

“As a cucumber.” Bella nodded, “Thanks for the heads up, Christian.”

“Of course, see ya next week and safe travels.”

With that Christian takes his leave and Mal looks at Bella and you can just see the wheels just turning already. “Bells? You good, love?”

She just smiles brightly, grabbing her towel and slinging it over her shoulder, turning to Malachi. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. I’ve got work to do.”

As they walked out of the room, the screen in the background replayed Aleesha’s words one last time. Bella didn’t need to hear them again. She knew exactly what she had to do.

At Inception, the reset button would become a launchpad—and Bella Madison was ready to take off.

But first, they’ll take care of a boil on the the whole damn thing.


~*~Revisiting the House~*~
Just outside of New York City

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the sprawling yard of the house Bella and Mal were considering. The property seemed even more picturesque now than it had during their first visit. Bella stood on the wraparound porch, her arms crossed as she watched Mal and her stepfather, Nick, walk around the perimeter of the house. Mal gestured animatedly at something near the foundation while Nick, ever the meticulous one, crouched down, inspecting it closely.

Inside, Bella’s mom, Laura, was entertaining Bella’s little brother, Aaron and of course little Máire, the toddler’s laughter occasionally filtering out through the windows. It was the kind of sound Bella imagined filling this house for years to come.

Nick straightened up and exchanged a few words with Mal before making his way toward Bella on the porch. His hands were slightly dusty from the inspection, but his expression carried a mix of warmth and seriousness.

“So,” Bella started, a small smile on her lips. “What’s the verdict, inspector?”

Nick chuckled, shaking his head. “Give me a minute, will ya? I’ve got a whole rundown of notes I’ll get to. But first…” He leaned on the porch railing beside her, looking out at the yard. “You know, I gotta say, kiddo… I can’t believe we’re standing here, looking at a house for you and your family. Feels like yesterday you were climbing all over that jungle gym in the park, telling me you were gonna grow up, be just like your mom and have a mansion someday.”

Bella laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Yeah, well, this isn’t exactly a mansion, but it’s close enough for me. Especially those stables.”

Nick turned to her, his expression softening. “Kid, hear me out. You’ve done good. Better than good. You’ve built a life—a beautiful one—with Mal and Máire. And now you’re moving out of the city, trading in the hustle and bustle for this…” He gestured toward the open snow covered yard, the distant currently bare trees swaying gently in the breeze. “I’m proud of you, kid. More than you know.”

Bella’s smile faltered for a moment, replaced by something deeper. “Thanks, dad. That means a lot. But… I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t scary. Moving out here, leaving behind everything we’ve built in the city—it feels huge, you know?”

Nick nodded, his eyes thoughtful. “It is huge and big steps like this always feel bigger than they actually are. But sometimes, huge is exactly what you need. You’ve outgrown that old place, Bella. It served its purpose, gave you a solid foundation. But this?” He tapped the railing lightly. “This is where you start building the next chapter. For Máire, for yourself, for Mal. And honestly, I think you’re more ready for it than you realize.”

Bella looked down at her hands, gripping the porch railing tightly. “What if I’m not? What if we’re making a mistake? What if this place turns out to be… I don’t know, a disaster?”

Nick let out a hearty laugh, earning a puzzled look from Bella. “Oh, Bella. I’ve been crawling through every nook and cranny of this house for the last hour. Trust me, it’s no money pit. In fact, it’s one of the most solid properties I’ve seen in a long time. Whoever owned this before you took care of it—really took care of it. If you ask me, you’d be crazy not to put in the final offer.”

Bella’s shoulders relaxed, and a small laugh escaped her. “You really think so?”

Nick placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I know so. And hey, even if it were a disaster, you’d figure it out and you’ll have help. That’s who you are, Bella. Just like your mom, you’re a fighter. You’ve got this and we’ll all make sure that you do.”

She turned to him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thanks, dad. For everything. For being here, for always being in my corner…”

Nick pulled her into a hug, patting her back gently. “Hey, I’m just the inspector but you know I got you, kid. Always, kiddo. Always.”

From the yard, Mal called out, “Hey! You two gonna join us, or what?”

Bella pulled back, wiping her eyes quickly before grinning at Nick. “Come on, inspector. Let’s go see what other notes you’ve got for me. And then we’re gonna go celebrate your birthday.”

“I told you you didn’t have to do anything!” Nick exclaimed, as she took his arm, “Of course, I told your mother the same and I should have known something was up when she told me to make sure my schedule was completely cleared today.”

As they walked down the steps together, Bella couldn’t help but feel the weight of her doubts lifting. With Nick’s reassurance and her family by her side, the next chapter didn’t seem quite so daunting anymore.

Bella laughed as they rounded the stairs to where Mal was waiting for them, “Hey, I was in Nevada last weekend and we’ve both been super busy. You deserved to be celebrated, dad. End of story.”

Nick just sighs out loud, shaking his head, he should have known his girls would make sure that he was gonna have some sort of a birthday celebration, “Fine, just no crazy songs.”

“Well there goes my big zydeco plan, guess I’ll have to cancel. Hope I can get my deposit back.” Bella said with a smirk, “Maybe karaoke.”

“Jesus, you really are your mother’s daughter.”

This house wasn’t just a house—it was the start of something new.

It was gonna be home.


~*~Rules of Engagements: The Enemy of my enemy is potentially a friend`*~

The scene opens in a quiet park near Henderson, Nevada. The sun is setting, casting hues of orange and gold across the sky. Bella Madison is seated on a weathered wooden bench near a small pond. The faint chirping of crickets and the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze provide a serene backdrop, but Bella’s demeanor is anything but calm. She’s dressed casually, ripped jeans and a leather jacket, her expression serious as she stares at the rippling water. The camera moves closer as she begins to speak, her tone measured but carrying an undercurrent of frustration.

"You ever just sit back and wonder how people think they can get away with anything? I mean, really. You try to do things the right way, handle your business, and then someone’s gotta come along and stick their nose where it doesn’t belong. That’s what I’m dealing with right now." Bella shakes her head, letting out a bitter laugh. "Cassie Wolfe and Harper Mason. Young Justice. I swear, just saying the name makes me laugh. Justice? What exactly have either of you done to embody justice? Because all I see are two people trying to play hero in a story they don’t belong in."

She leans back on the bench, her eyes lifting to the sky briefly before settling back on the camera. "Cassie, I’ll give you credit where it’s due. You earned your shot. That’s not in question. But what is in question is your timing. You couldn’t just wait, could you? You couldn’t let Aleesha and I finish what we started without butting in and trying to make everything about you. And that’s where you lost me. That’s where the respect I might’ve had for you? Gone. Because let me tell you something, Cassie—earning a shot doesn’t give you the right to jump the line. And now, you’ve made it personal."

Bella sits forward, resting her elbows on her knees, her voice lowering slightly. "And Harper… I don’t even know what to say to you. What are you doing here? Are you just along for the ride, hoping Cassie’s spotlight will somehow shine on you too? Because that’s all I see when I look at you. A tagalong. An extra. And trust me, I’ve seen plenty of people like you in my time. They come and go, never making any real impact. You might want to think about that before you step into the ring with me."

She pauses, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as the faintest smirk crosses her lips. "And then there’s Aleesha. Look, I know what people are thinking. ‘Bella, how can you trust her? Isn’t she your opponent at Inception?’ Yeah, she is. And I’m not naive. I know alliances in this business are as fragile as glass. But here’s the thing—Aleesha didn’t have to offer me a rematch. She didn’t have to do anything, but she did. That tells me something about her character. And for now, I trust her. For now, we’re allies. But I’m not stupid. I know how quickly things can change."

Bella stands, pacing a few steps as the intensity in her voice builds. "But Cassie and Harper, let me make one thing crystal clear. This isn’t about Aleesha or me trusting her. This is about the two of you thinking you can step into my business and not face the consequences. You think you’ve got something to prove? You think this match is your chance to shine? Guess what—it’s not. This match is about me reminding everyone exactly who I am. Someone who’s tired of being disrespected. Someone who’s done being overlooked. And someone who’s ready to put you both in your place."

She stops and turns back to the camera, her voice calm but laced with steel. "At Climax Control, you’re going to find out exactly what happens when you mess with someone who’s got nothing left to lose and everything to prove. Young Justice? The only thing young about you is your naivety. And justice? It’s not coming for you. Reality is. And reality? Her name is Bella Madison."

With that, Bella walks toward the pond, her silhouette outlined by the setting sun as the camera fades to black.

~*~In My Grasp, At Last~*~
During High Stakes
Bella emerged through the curtain into the gorilla position, clutching the SCW Bombshell’s Internet Championship against her chest. The adrenaline from her hard-fought victory still coursed through her veins, and the deafening cheers of the crowd echoed in her mind. Her body ached, her lungs burned, but none of it mattered—she had done it. For the first time in her SCW career, she was a singles champion.

Tears welled up in her eyes as the gravity of the moment hit her. She had climbed the mountain and conquered it.

“Bells!”

Before she could take another step, she was swept into the arms of her husband, Malachi. He wrapped her up tightly, lifting her off her feet for a moment as she buried her face into his shoulder.

“I knew you could do it,” he murmured, his voice full of pride. “You were incredible out there.”

Bella pulled back slightly, her face streaked with tears and a wide, triumphant smile. “I can’t believe it, Mal. I actually did it!”

He cupped her face with both hands and kissed her forehead. “Believe it, champ. You earned this.”

As they parted, the next to greet her were none other than the SCW bosses, Mark Ward and Christian Underwood. Mark stepped forward first, his usual sharp demeanor softened by a genuine smile.

“Hell of a match, Bella. You’ve made us all proud,” Mark said, extending his hand.

Bella shook it firmly before Mark pulled her into a brief but heartfelt hug. “Congratulations,” he added as he stepped back.

Christian was next, his expression kind but more reserved. “You’ve proven yourself tonight,” he said, offering his hand. Bella shook it, feeling the weight of his words.

“Thank you,” she replied earnestly.

Christian hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “Alright, fine. Come here.”

Bella laughed as he gave her a quick hug, his begrudging warmth clear despite his usual stoicism. “Congratulations, Bella. You’ve earned it,” he said, patting her shoulder as they parted.

And then she saw her mother. Laura Phoenix stood a few steps away, holding Bella and Mal’s daughter, who was squirming excitedly in her grandmother’s arms. Bella’s heart swelled at the sight—her mother’s pride was unmistakable, mirrored in the bright, curious eyes of her little girl.

Without a word, Bella rushed over, tears spilling anew as she reached out to gently touch her daughter’s tiny hand.

“You did it, sweetheart,” Laura said softly, her voice full of emotion. “We’re so proud of you.”

Bella leaned in, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead before wrapping her free arm around her mother. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Mom,” Bella said, her voice breaking slightly.

Laura shifted slightly so Bella could look at her daughter again, the championship belt still gleaming in her other hand. “She’s been watching you on the monitor. I think you’ve got a number one fan right here.”

Bella laughed through her tears, resting her forehead gently against her daughter’s. “Looks like Mommy brought home some gold, huh?”

Her daughter let out a delighted giggle, reaching for the shiny belt in Bella’s hand. Laura chuckled, adjusting her hold on the little girl. “She’s already got good taste.”

The three of them stood there for a moment, a perfect picture of love, pride, and triumph. Bella knew she’d never forget this feeling.

Laura stayed close, gently bouncing Máire in her arms as Bella began to come down from the adrenaline rush of the match. “Why don’t you go cool down? I got her and you two deserve to share this moment a little bit.”

The championship belt hung from her shoulder, its weight a constant reminder that this moment was real. “Thanks mom. We won’t be too long.” As she stepped out of the gorilla position and into the backstage hallway, she suddenly heard an excited squeal.

“BELLLAAAA!!!”

Before she could react, Helluva Bottom Carter came flying at her like a human missile, literally leaping into her arms. Bella staggered back a step, laughing despite herself as she instinctively caught him.

“You DID IT!” Carter practically shouted, hugging her tightly as his legs swung off the ground.

Bella laughed, her heart swelling at his uncontainable enthusiasm. “Carter, I just wrestled a match! You’re gonna knock me over!”

Carter ignored her mock protest, his smile wide and infectious. “You’re the Internet Champ now! My Internet Champ twin! We’re gonna DOMINATE this division together!”

Bella couldn’t help but grin at his exuberance, her chest tight with gratitude for his support. “Thanks, Carter,” she said, hugging him back before gently setting him down. “I couldn’t have asked for a better division partner.”

Carter beamed, his eyes shining with pride. “You’re a star, Bella. I always knew it. Now you’ve got the gold to prove it!”

As Carter stepped aside, Bella turned to find Miles standing nearby, his arms already open. Without hesitation, Bella stepped into his embrace, and Miles wrapped her up in a huge hug, lifting her slightly off the ground in his excitement.

“You did it, Bells,” Miles murmured, his voice steady but full of pride. “I knew you could.”

Bella hugged him tightly, her tears threatening to spill again. “Thank you, Miles. You’ve always believed in me, even when I doubted myself.”

He pulled back, his hands resting on her shoulders as he gave her a warm smile. “You earned this. No one can ever take it away from you.” Miles stepped aside, glancing over at Carter. “Come on, champ,” he teased. “We’ve got matches to get ready for. Can’t let Bella hog all the glory tonight.”

Carter struck a dramatic pose, grinning ear to ear. “Oh, please, darling. The Internet Championship spotlight is all ours now!”

With one last hug from Carter and a quick tap of their respective titles and a playful pat on the back from Miles, the two headed off. Bella stood there for a moment, watching them go, her heart full.

She turned to find Mal beside her, his steady presence grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions. His hand slipped into hers, and she gave it a gentle squeeze.

“It’s really sinking in now, isn’t it?” Mal asked, his voice quiet but filled with pride.

Bella nodded, her free hand brushing over the golden faceplate of the championship belt. “Yeah. I actually did it. The chase… it’s finally over.”

Mal smiled, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her temple. “And now, you get to show the world what it means to be Bella Madison, SCW Bombshell’s Internet Champion. This is just the beginning, love.”

Bella let out a deep breath, her tears threatening to fall again, but this time they were tears of pure happiness. She looked at the belt, at Mal, and then over at her mother holding Máire, and she smiled.

“I’m ready,” she said softly, determination shining in her eyes.

~*~Holiday Madness~*~
Back in New York

The last few weeks had been an unrelenting blur for Bella Madison.

Her championship win was still fresh, the weight of the Bombshells Internet Championship a constant reminder of what she’d accomplished. But Aleesha’s words during their face-to-face on Climax Control still hung in the air like a storm cloud. Aleesha had framed Bella’s triumph as if it was only temporary, a placeholder until she reclaimed what was hers.

That didn’t sit right with Bella. It was like all the blood, sweat, and tears she’d poured into her journey were being diminished. Bella didn’t care if Aleesha respected her tenacity or her never-say-die attitude—her subtle condescension had lit a fire in Bella. But as much as she wanted to channel that frustration into her preparations, life had other plans.

With Climax Control’s Winter Wonderslam taking place in Las Vegas, Bella and Malachi were juggling their responsibilities as parents, wrestlers, and holiday planners all at once. As soon as the show wrapped up, the family was heading straight to Waterford, Ireland, to spend Christmas with the entire O’Connell clan. The prospect of traveling internationally with a year-and-a-half-old was daunting enough, but the logistics of packing for themselves, Máire, and their pets left Bella’s head spinning.

“Mal, I swear, if we forget the diaper bag, I’m going to lose it,” Bella called out as she frantically sorted through Máire’s things.

“It’s already packed, love,” Mal replied from the kitchen, his voice calm as always. “Checked it twice.”

Máire, meanwhile, was doing her best to ensure that nothing stayed where it was supposed to. The toddler’s giggles echoed through the apartment as she darted between Bella’s legs, clutching one of her stuffed animals. Bella shook her head with an exasperated smile.

“And the green sweater?”

“Laundry pile by the couch!”

Bella groaned, finding it after a few minutes of digging. But before she could take a breath, her phone buzzed on the counter. She glanced at the screen, seeing the name of their realtor pop up.

“Ugh, now? Of all times?” she muttered before answering. “Hi, Brenda. What’s up?”

Brenda’s voice was chipper, almost too much for Bella in her frazzled state. “Bella, I know it’s crunch time for you, but I just couldn’t wait to call. I’ve got something you need to see. A property just came on the market, and it’s everything you’ve been looking for. Big house, lots of land, space for the whole family—two cats, one dog, and even more, if you decide to expand!”

Bella blinked, caught off guard. “Expand? You’ve been talking to Mal, haven’t you?”

Brenda laughed. “Just a little. He seems very excited about the potential.”

Bella glanced toward the kitchen, where Mal was now balancing Máire on one hip while stirring something on the stove. His casual hints about adding to their family had been sweet but subtle—never pushy. It wasn’t that Bella didn’t want to consider it, but she wasn’t ready yet. Wrestling was a part of her soul, and after taking a year off to have Máire, this run in SCW felt like reclaiming a piece of herself. She wanted to savor it, to enjoy the challenge and the spotlight a little longer.

Still, the thought of a house like that—a place where they could grow, where Máire could play in a big yard with their pets, and where they could truly settle in as a family—was undeniably appealing.

“Can you send me the details?” Bella asked, a touch of excitement creeping into her voice.

“Already on its way. And if you’re interested, I can try to schedule a showing for when you’re back from Ireland.”

“Thanks Brenda, let’s plan on this. I’ll keep you updated when we’ll get back.”

“We’ll talk then! Safe travels!”

Bella hung up, her mind racing. She walked into the kitchen, leaning against the counter as she watched Mal finish up. Máire reached for her, and Bella took the little girl into her arms, planting a kiss on her forehead.

“What’s that look for?” Mal asked, his eyes narrowing playfully.

“Brenda just called. She says she found the house.”

Mal’s eyebrows lifted. “Yeah? Big enough for the zoo and then some?”

“And then some,” Bella echoed, a small smile tugging at her lips. “She even hinted about expanding the family.”

Mal shrugged, his grin teasing. “Well, I might’ve mentioned it once or twice.”

“Of course, you did.” Bella rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. She shifted Máire on her hip, her gaze softening as she looked at him. “You know I want that someday, right? Just… not yet.”

“I know,” he said, his voice gentle. “I’ll never push you on it, Bells. You’ve worked so hard to get back here, and I want you to enjoy every second of it. Just know I’m here for whatever comes next—whenever it comes.”

Bella nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle warmly in her chest. They had a lot on their plate right now—Aleesha, Christmas, the move—but for the first time in a while, she felt a spark of clarity. They’d get through it all, together.

~*~At the Heart of the Spirit~*~

In the heart of Rockefeller Square, amidst the winter wonderland of twinkling lights and festive cheer, Bella Madison glided gracefully across the ice rink. The crisp winter air kissed her cheeks as she practiced her twirls and spins, the only sound the rhythmic scrape of her skates against the ice. Yet, her mind was far from the serene scene around her. It was consumed by the impending storm - Winter Wonderslam, where she would defend her hard-won Internet Championship against Aleesha.

The silence of the rink mirrored the solitude of her journey. Countless hours of grueling training, the sting of defeat, the ache of injuries - all had led to this moment. The Internet Championship wasn't merely a belt; it was a testament to her unwavering dedication, a symbol of the promise she had made to herself nearly a year ago.

As she executed a flawless Lutz jump, a surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins. "Aleesha," she spoke into the frosty air, her voice firm yet laced with emotion, "you think this is a game? You think you can just waltz back in and reclaim what you lost?"

Her breath formed wisps of white mist in the cold air as she continued, "You held that title once, but times have changed. The Internet Championship isn't just handed out; it's earned. And I've earned it."

A steely glint entered her eyes as she envisioned her rival. "You may have had it once, but your reign is over. This is my time now. I've fought for this, bled for this, and I'll be damned if I let you take it away."

Her voice echoed across the empty rink, carrying the weight of her determination. "You say I don't deserve respect? Respect is earned, Aleesha, not given. And on Sunday, at Winter Wonderslam, I'm going to show you exactly what I've earned."

"Aleesha thinks she can just waltz back in and reclaim what was once hers. She's wrong. So wrong. This isn't some hobby or even some game to me. This business is my LIFE, I live it and I breathe and it is my legacy. This championship represents countless hours of sweat and sacrifice. It symbolizes the respect I've earned, the battles I've won, the doubters I've silenced. Just like you said, I didn’t rely on my family history, I did it ON MY terms."

“But here’s the catch Aleesha, you got this shot at High Stakes and you could have EASILY gone after Victoria...or even Kayla but you came after me. You called me out, you fed my ego and then it was about what you had once had that you lost. The Internet Championship under you was a spectacular time. I remember it fondly. But Aleesha, it’s not the same anymore.” Bella paused, her breath visible in the cold air. "Aleesha might have held this title once, but she clearly doesn't understand its weight, its significance. She lost it because of injury and yeah that sucks but.... She seems to think it’s like a trinket, a trophy for her ego. I have only had this championship for a short time and even when I came out on that first Climax Control everyone saw that I carry it with the reverence it deserves, knowing every day I have to prove I'm worthy. And don’t get me wrong"

Her voice hardened. "She thinks she's entitled to respect? Respect isn't handed out like candy, Aleesha. You have to earn it. And I've earned it through blood, sweat, and tears. On Sunday, I'll show her, I'll show everyone the true meaning of respect."

“Aleesha, listen up. You made your bed when you left SCW, and now you've got to lie in it. And yes I get it, you didn’t have a choice in the matter. Injuries suck but....You think you can just waltz back in here and pick up where you left off? Well, you've got another thing coming.

I've worked too hard for this. I've sacrificed too much. I've bled, sweat, and cried for this championship. And I'm not about to let you just come along and take it away from me.”

“You were gone for months, healing up, living your life, while I was here, day in and day out, busting my ass to even get a sniff at a championship shot. When I came back from having my daughter, I had to build it back up, I didn’t just walk in and boom, a title shot. And I’m not saying that you did that, you won that Rumble, you earned it but sweetheart...once again, it is not the same division you left behind.”

“So please Aleesha, please don't come in here acting like you're entitled to the Internet Title just because you never lost it. You're not. And you did. You gave it up when you ended up getting poked and prodded by the docs. And now, I'm the one who's going to keep it.”

“You think I'm scared of you? You think I'm going to back down just because you're back? Well, you're wrong. I'm not afraid of you, Aleesha. And I'm not going to let you bully me into giving up my championship.

I'm Bella Madison, and I am the Internet Champion. And you're not going to take that away from me.”

With a final spin, she came to a graceful stop, her chest heaving with a mix of anticipation and resolve. This wasn't just about a title; it was about proving her worth, silencing the doubters, and solidifying her place at the top.

The ice beneath her feet was a battleground, and Winter Wonderslam was her war. Aleesha was in for the fight of her life, because Bella Madison was not just a champion; she was a force to be reckoned with. And come Sunday, the world would witness her reign supreme.

Over 5 years ago
Late Morning
Early April 2019
London, UK

Bella’s time in London was coming to a fast end as much as she didn’t want it to.

On the school’s dime, she and several other graduate students had made their way from Paris to London for a whole week for different reasons strictly for educational purposes.

But with the hard work also comes the fun.

She was invited to a wrestling show by Malachi with the promise of dinner later. She couldn’t even begin to explain to herself why she was so attracted to this man but she wasn’t about to turn down a chance to watch him at work. Enthralled is a wonderful way to put it with how Bella looked at Malachi and when Mal looked at her, she had felt that wall that she had put up around her heart before she left for Paris coming down piece by piece.

But when the show hit intermission, she stood back and watched as he stepped out from the back, toweling himself off and quickly switched out to just a pair of shorts and she had to laugh a bit a the pair of slide-on sandals with the socks and had made a mental note to poke at him later. She was just about to step up when she saw a tiny little brunette step up with a look on her face that she was ready to sink her claws into him and immediately could tell that Mal was already extremely uncomfortable. But what she saw next, it shocked her and it made her realize that he wasn’t at all what everyone else had said.

He turned the brunette down flat and as soon as she stormed away Bella took her place rightfully at his side, and with a little flirtatious power instead of going out to eat, they ended up ordering room service.

And let it grow cold.

The next morning, while Bella was finishing up in the bathroom, Mal had ordered them room service and while he waited, he decided to check his phone. As he went to pick it up, he accidentally had tipped over Bella’s purse, “Shit.”

He quickly had put the phone down and had grabbed at it and managed to sit it right again with everything in it but one thing, a pink stone that was smooth all around and even in its corners. And it caught Mal’s attention and picked it up and was staring at it.

“It’s a rose quartz,” Bella said when she came out of the bathroom and found him staring at it in his hands. Mal turned around on his heels, looking like he had been caught. “I got it a while ago to help with my creativity and whatnot.”

“I didn’t mean to umm...I went to grab my phone and the purse just tumbled.” Mal fumbled to explain.

“Mal, it’s fine.” Bella reached out and touched his arm, “I know you sat your phone over here and well there is so much in that bag, it constantly tips over and besides it’s not like I have anything to hide, especially from you. You like the stone?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty.” Mal hands it back to her, “And definitely you.”

She rolls the stone over in her fingers and looks up at him, “You could have it, if you’d like.”

“No, love. It’s yours.” Mal said with a smile, “So how long until your train?”

“Umm...about 4 hours. What about you?”

Mal does the math in his head, “Shortly after yours, I think. I ordered breakfast but we could just cancel and have a late morning brunch before I see you off.”

“I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

So that’s exactly what they did. And before too long they were standing at the train station with all their bags.

Bella stood there looking a little sad but not sure how much she wanted to really say, “Ok, so I promise that I will message you as soon as I get back to Paris. And...we will talk and hopefully it won’t be too long until we can see each other again.”

Mal just grabs her face, “Bells, you don’t need to worry about anything. I promise that we will see each other again and it’s probably not going to be as long as we even think.”

Bella’s eyes light up, “Really?”

Mal smirks, “Really. If I could throw a repeat on a weekend like this, I so would.”

It was Bella’s turn to smirk as she wrapped her arms around Mal’s neck, “As would I. Maybe with a little more food but I did have a lot of fun.”

“Yeaaah that was such a waste of food.” Mal quipped back before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

“Attention passengers, the 2:20 train for Paris is now boarding...”

And that caused her to sigh and only wrap Mal up a little tighter. After a few he leans her forehead against his lips and simply mutters, “It’ll be okay, Bells.”

“Still sucks.”

“ALL ABOARD!”

Bella finally peels herself away and walks over to the train with Mal’s hand in hers. He helps her with one big bag up the steps before giving her one more kiss and then helping her up into the train. He watches her enter the car and takes a few steps down as she finds her seat, sitting next to the window. He gives a quick wave as does she before he goes to turn. But is stopped when she knocks on the window and puts up a piece of paper that simply says “Check Your Pocket”.

Mal looks confused but searches through his pockets of his coat, and then to his pants where he stops when he feels something and pulls it out as the train whistle blows. It’s the rose quartz. And he just looks up with shock as Bella gives him a simple wave as the train begins to depart and he just stands there. And watches as it leaves.


Closer to the present day
5 years later
O’Connell Home

Bella stood in their spacious Manhattan apartment, meticulously organizing every detail for their trip. Bags were lined up by the door, neatly packed for their upcoming flights. Mal had been bustling around, ensuring their daughter, Máire, had everything she needed, while Bella, being the perfectionist she was, decided to pack Mal's bag herself.

“Make sure Máire’s ready, Mal!” Bella called from the bedroom as she pulled out his travel bag from the closet. As she placed the clothes she had laid out inside, something small and familiar tumbled out of one of the side compartments. The soft thud caught her attention, and her heart skipped a beat when she saw what it was.

The rose quartz.

The same stone she had given Mal all those years ago in London. Time seemed to stand still for a moment as she stared at it, the memories flooding back—their whirlwind weekend, the promise that they would see each other again, and all the love that had grown between them since. Alongside the stone was a small, slightly worn photo of her and Máire, back when she was just a couple of months old, taken just a few months after their daughter was born. Her heart swelled as she realized he still carried these tokens with him, through all the travels and matches.

She sat down on the floor, clutching the rose quartz in her hand, tears welling up in her eyes. Despite everything that had changed—the moves, the careers, the victories, and the losses—Mal had remained her constant. Her rock. And right now, with her own uncertainties looming large, it felt like this little stone was the only thing grounding her.

She hadn’t felt herself since her match at Violent Conduct. The sting of her loss still lingered, as did the scars, and the frustration of not knowing what came next was eating away at her. She wasn’t sure what her future in the ring looked like, or if she even had a place anymore. She was supposed to be packing, preparing for her upcoming match against Diamond Steele, a former multi-time champion. But instead, she found herself sitting on the floor, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions.

As if sensing her unease, Mal walked into the room. He paused when he saw her sitting there, the rose quartz clutched tightly in her hand, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks.

“Bells...” His voice was soft, filled with concern. He knelt down beside her, his hand resting gently on her back. “What’s going on?”

Bella looked up at him, her voice breaking slightly. “You still kept it... after all this time.”

Mal glanced at the stone in her hand and smiled softly. “Of course I did. It’s part of us.” He reached over, brushing a tear from her cheek with his thumb. “Well of course, you and this stone... you keep me grounded, even when we aren’t in the same company, so having a reminder of my favorite girl and now girls...well I consider it almost like my good luck charm now.”

She sniffed, trying to compose herself. “You’ve always been my rock, Mal. And I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’m just—” She paused, struggling to find the words. “I’ve been feeling so lost since Violent Conduct. I don’t know what’s next for me. And here you are, getting ready to go back, to team with Lach... I just—”

Mal shifted so he was sitting beside her on the floor, pulling her into his arms. “Bells, you’re not lost. You’ve just hit a rough patch. It happens. But you’re Bella Madison... you don’t quit. You don’t give up. And whatever happens next, we’ll figure it out together.”

Bella leaned into him, her head resting against his chest as his words sank in. “I just... I don’t know if I’m good enough anymore.”

Mal tightened his hold on her. “You’re more than good enough. You’re one of the strongest people I know, and I’ve seen you bounce back from worse. This is just another chapter. And you’ve got this match against Diamond Steele, right? You’re gonna show her, and everyone else, that Bella Madison is still here. Still fighting.”

She smiled weakly, her fingers tracing the edges of the rose quartz. “You always know what to say.”

“Because I know you,” Mal replied, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “And I know you’re going to go out there and remind the world who you are. But first... we need to get packed.”

Bella let out a small laugh, wiping her tears. “Right. We have a flight to catch.”

“Exactly. And don’t worry about the rest, okay? Just focus on being you. I’ve got your back, always.”

Bella stood up, her hand still gripping the rose quartz, feeling its familiar weight in her palm. She gave Mal a grateful smile as they finished packing his bag together. Whatever came next, she knew she wouldn’t be facing it alone.


~*~Nothing Left to Lose~*~
Rules of Engagement: Fuck the Rules

The scene opens with Bella Madison sitting in the locker room, a single light casting shadows over her face. She looks calm, but there’s a glint in her eyes that speaks of something much darker—like someone who’s gone beyond caring about what anyone thinks of her anymore. She leans forward, elbows resting on her knees, as she begins to speak.

"Let’s get something straight… I’ve spent weeks—months—tearing myself apart to prove a point. And what do I have to show for it? At Violent Conduct, I went out there and poured everything I had into that match against Victoria Lyons. I pushed myself to the limit—hell, I damn near broke myself—because I believed that was my moment. I believed if I just gave everything, it would be enough.

Turns out, I was wrong."

Bella pauses, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips.

"But that’s the funny thing about hitting rock bottom, isn’t it? Once you’ve already given everything, once you’ve already felt the pain of losing it all, what’s left to lose? Nothing. And that’s where I’m at now.

I walked away from Violent Conduct with nothing. No title, no victory, just the reminder that in this business, nothing is guaranteed. It doesn’t matter how hard you work, how much blood you spill, how far you’re willing to go—sometimes, the universe just doesn’t give a damn.

So yeah, I’m lost. I’ve been feeling lost ever since that night. I don’t know what’s next for me, and I don’t know what the future holds. But in that loss, in that uncertainty, I’ve found something terrifying within myself. Something I didn’t know was there until everything else was stripped away…"

She leans forward even more, her tone sharpening.

"I don’t care anymore."

"You hear me? I. Don’t. FUCKING. Care. I don’t care what people think of me. I don’t care about being liked, or about playing nice. I don’t care about the rules or the expectations you people try to place on me. What I care about now? It’s simple.

Winning. And making sure that no one ever forgets what happens when you cross me."

She holds her hand up, staring at it as if visualizing the violence she’s prepared to unleash.

"I’ve hurt myself before. I’ve thrown my body into the fire, and it wasn’t enough. But this time? This time, I’ll burn everything down if I have to. I’ve got nothing left to lose, and that makes me more dangerous than I’ve ever been. Do I care if I hurt myself again? Not even a little bit. Because I’m willing to go further than anyone else, and that’s what it’s going to take to get what I want.

That starts with you, Diamond Steele."

Bella smirks, though there’s no humor behind it—only cold determination.

"You think you know what you’re walking into? You think you’ve faced tough opponents before? You haven’t faced me. Not like this. I’m not the Bella Madison everyone knew. I’m not here to play by the old rules. I’m here to tear down anyone in my way, and unfortunately for you, Diamond, you’re first on my list.

This match with you? It’s more than just a win or a loss. It’s a statement. A statement that I don’t care anymore, that I’ll do whatever it takes. So yeah, bring everything you’ve got, because I’m not walking into that ring to just beat you—I’m walking in there to remind everyone that Bella Madison isn’t some nice girl waiting for her moment. I am the moment. And I’ll make damn sure you know that when I walk right over you."

She stands up now, pacing slightly as her intensity builds.

"I promised myself that by High Stakes, I’d have my first singles title in SCW. I’ve waited long enough. I’ve played the game long enough. And now, the game is done. I’m coming for what’s mine. I’m coming for that title, and I don’t care who’s in the way. You, Diamond Steele? You’re just the first step. After you, I’ll keep going. One by one, I’ll take down anyone in front of me, and I won’t stop until that gold is around my waist.

This isn’t about getting respect anymore. This isn’t about proving a point to anyone but myself. I’m doing this because I said I would. Because I will keep my word. I’m going to take that title, and I don’t care if I have to burn down SCW to do it.

So to everyone watching? Take a good, long look. What’s coming next? It’s not the Bella you think you know. It’s something far, far worse."

Bella stops pacing, locking eyes with the camera, her voice cold and final.

"I’m done playing nice. I’m done caring. The only thing that matters now is winning, and making sure everyone who ever doubted me regrets it. Diamond Steele, you’re the first... but you won’t be the last. High Stakes is coming, and I will claim what’s mine—by any means necessary."

She lets the silence hang in the air for a moment before walking off screen, leaving nothing but her dangerous words behind.

"I've thrown my body into the fire, and I’ve walked through hell and back for this. But now? Now, I’m ready to hurt others. I’m ready to make the pain I feel something tangible—something you can see, something you can taste, something you’ll never forget. Because when you’ve got nothing left to lose, you’re dangerous. You become something more than just a competitor. You become a force of nature. And trust me when I say… you don’t want to be on the wrong side of a storm like that."

Bella's expression darkens as she straightens up, her eyes locking with the camera, full of intensity.

"So here we are, Diamond Steele. I hope you’re ready for this match, because I’m coming in with nothing holding me back. No restraints. No chains. No more second-guessing. I’m coming into this match like my life depends on it because, honestly? It feels like it does. You’re standing in my way, and that’s the worst possible place to be.

You see, Diamond, I respect what you've done in this business, but right now? I don’t care about respect. I don’t care about accolades, or how many times you’ve held a title. The only thing I care about is making sure you leave that ring knowing you’ve been in a fight—a real fight. I’ve been at the bottom, and I’m clawing my way back up. You? You’re just the next obstacle in my way. And if I have to break you to remind everyone what I’m capable of, then so be it."

She stands up, rolling her shoulders as if getting ready for battle, the determination on her face now undeniable.

"I’m done playing nice. I’m done being the underdog. I’m done questioning myself. It’s time I stop looking for validation from anyone else and start taking what’s mine. Diamond Steele, you’re about to find out firsthand what happens when someone has absolutely nothing left to lose.

I’ll see you in that ring, and when it’s all said and done, you’ll remember the name Bella Madison. Because this? This is just the beginning of my next chapter. And trust me... it’s going to be written in blood."

Bella’s final words hang in the air as she walks out of the locker room, the camera lingering on the empty space she leaves behind. A storm is brewing, and it's clear Bella is ready to unleash it.

~*~Fuck Your Games~*~
Stockholm, Sweden

The hallway was a blur as Bella Madison stormed through it, her fists clenched, the tension radiating off her in waves. She was sick and tired of it all—the disrespect, the taunts, and now, her own mother stepping in. She felt like she was about to burst.

Her boots thudded against the floor as she made a beeline toward the office door of Mark Ward and Christian Underwood. Her mind was already spinning with who she would pick to destroy Victoria Lyons in the "Pick Your Poison" match next week. The thought of knocking that smug grin off Victoria’s face was the only thing keeping her from losing it completely.

"Bella!" Laura Phoenix’s voice echoed down the hall as she rushed after her daughter. "Are you seriously pissed off with me right now?"

Bella didn’t slow down, didn’t even turn around, her voice sharp as she spat back, "Oh, you think?"

Laura caught up with her just as Bella’s hand shot out, ready to knock on the door. Laura grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

"Wait," Laura said, her voice steady but firm. "You need to cool down, kid."

Bella whirled around, yanking her arm back. "Why, Mom? Why should I cool down when Victoria Lyons gets to walk around here like she’s untouchable? She thinks she’s some God damn Queen, like she’s fucking owed something, and no one’s knocked her down a single solitary peg since she won Queen for a Day and that damn Roulette Championship from Alexandra! And then tonight...You showed up, and now I look like I need saving, like I'm too weak to handle it myself!"

“I did it because Mark and Christian ASKED me to. Not for any other reason!” Laura sighed, her eyes softening as she looked at her daughter. "I’m sorry. I get it. I’ve been there. You think I didn’t want to lash out when people like Victoria disrespected me? I know that rage, Bella, I’ve lived that rage. But you’ve gotta understand—this is what she wants. She wants you to lose control."

Bella’s glare didn’t soften. If anything, her anger bubbled hotter beneath the surface. "And what if I don’t care anymore? What if I’m done playing by the rules and sitting back while people like Victoria step all over me? I am DONE giving a whole flying fuck about what other people EXPECT of me, mother."

Laura didn’t back down. "Bella! Believe me, I understand. I had people try to hold me back from being a main event star too. You know what I did? I went out there and destroyed an entire set once. I brought myself to their level and proved I wasn’t going to be pushed around." She stepped closer, locking eyes with her daughter. "But you know what? That wasn’t the answer."

Bella's jaw tightened as she shook her head. "No, but it was effective with what you were going for. You’re forgetting mother, I watched the whole damn thing with my own eyes and I remember it very well. And well, maybe it’s time I bring myself to that level for the first time ever. Maybe it’s time I show them that if they want a fight, then they’ll get one. Because if I’m ever going to break out of this—out of never holding a singles title in SCW—then I’m gonna have to pull out every damn stop from here on out."

Laura’s expression softened, but the fire in her eyes still burned. "I know how far you’re willing to go. Hell, I went there too. But you’ve got to stay smart about it. You don’t want to lose yourself trying to prove something to someone like Victoria. You can beat her at her own game, Bella. I know you can."

Bella’s chest heaved as she took a breath, the fire in her eyes not quite cooling. "Oh, I’m gonna play her game. But I’m going to do it my way. Starting with whoever the hell she picks for me next week—and then at Violent Conduct X, I’ll show Victoria Lyons exactly how far I’m willing to go."

Bella brushed past Laura, her hand reaching out for the door handle. Laura didn’t stop her this time, but her voice called after her softly, "Just remember who you are, Bella. Don’t lose sight of that."

Without looking back, Bella pushed open the door to the office, her mind set. Victoria Lyons had no idea what was coming.


~*~Home To Calm Down...HA!~*~
New York

Bella stormed through the front door, slamming it shut with a little more force than necessary. The sound echoed through the house, momentarily startling Malachi, who was sitting on the floor playing with their daughter, Máire. The little girl, now thirteen months old and walking, was on the move, constantly getting into everything. Whether it was the dog’s food and water dishes or the trash can, nothing was safe from her curious hands. Bella barely noticed the chaos as she paced the room, her mind still buzzing with frustration from earlier in the day.

"I can’t believe her, Mal," Bella muttered, her voice simmering with anger. "I can’t believe my own mother thinks I need her help. Like I can’t handle Victoria myself. And to top it off, she has been blowing up my phone SINCE trying to talk and I’m sorry, but I am still too upset to entertain a conversation with her right now."

Malachi glanced up from their daughter, half-smiling as he reached out to redirect her from the dog’s water bowl. "Mo gra, you know Laura was just trying to look out for you. She’s been in your shoes."

Bella let out a frustrated sigh, running her hands through her hair. The tension from the day still clung to her like an uncomfortable weight, and she couldn’t shake it off. She stopped pacing long enough to watch their daughter, who giggled as Malachi scooped her up just before she could make a mess of the dog’s dish.

"Gotcha, little troublemaker," Mal said, smiling down at the toddler, who wriggled in his arms, clearly enjoying the game.

For a brief moment, Bella’s lips twitched into a smile, watching the two of them. But the smile didn’t last long. Her mind quickly drifted back to what had transpired.

"I know," Bella said, her voice quieter now but still tense. "I just… Victoria picked Kayla Richards for me for Climax Control. Out of the entire roster, she picks the Bombshell World Champion."

Malachi raised an eyebrow. "The World Champ, huh? That’s a big match."

"Yeah," Bella muttered, folding her arms across her chest as she resumed pacing. "And you know what’s worse? I know for an absolute fact that despite her dragon-like demeanor, Kayla actually respects me. The last time we faced each other she said as much, and I know she’s not the type to play games. She may be an absolute bitch but she is also a fighter, and she’s not going to let me walk in there and make her look weak."

Malachi nodded thoughtfully, keeping an eye on their daughter as she crawled toward the dog’s dish again. "You don’t need her to go easy on you. You’re tougher than that, and you know it. Kayla might respect you, but she’s not gonna hold back. Neither should you, especially if you are out to show Victoria that she should be afraid of you."

Bella’s eyes softened for a moment as she watched their daughter splash her tiny hands in the dog’s water dish. The innocence and joy in the little girl’s giggles brought a brief moment of calm. But it wasn’t enough to completely quiet the storm inside Bella’s mind. There was too much at stake, and she couldn’t afford to lose focus, not now.

"No, she’s not. In fact, I don’t think Kayla fears a damn soul and that includes Finn. In fact, I’m pretty sure Finn is a little frightened of her to be truthful." Bella agreed, her tone resolute. "And I wouldn’t want her to. But this time, I’m going in there with something to prove—not just to Kayla, but to Victoria and everyone who’s written me off. I’ve had enough of being pushed around. It’s time they see what I’m really capable of."

Malachi gently set their daughter down again, watching as she toddled off to find her next adventure. He turned his attention back to Bella, his expression softening as he saw the fire in her eyes.

"Bells, you’ve got this," he said, his voice calm but full of conviction. "Just focus on what you need to do. Block out all the noise. Kayla’s tough, but you’re tougher when you’re in the right mindset."

Bella let out a deep breath, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. "I know. It’s just... I have to get my head straight."

Their daughter’s laughter echoed through the room again as she reached for the dog’s dish, making both parents chuckle despite the weight of the conversation.

"At least we know who the real champ in this house is," Malachi teased, grinning.

Bella couldn’t help but laugh, some of her frustration finally giving way to a lighter moment. "Yeah, she’s got us both beat."

With a sigh, Bella crouched down beside their daughter, watching her play. Máire gave her a big, four-toothed grin, her joy infectious. For now, Bella allowed herself a moment of peace, but in the back of her mind, the gears continued to turn. She knew the battle ahead was going to be tough, and she would have to be ready for anything. Starting with Kayla Richards.

And when Violent Conduct X came, Victoria Lyons would learn exactly how far Bella was willing to go.


~*~Rules of Engagement: When All Else Fails....Scorched Earth~*~

The camera focuses on Bella Madison, standing alone in a dimly lit room, her gaze intense as she stares off into the distance. Her expression is unreadable, but the weight of her thoughts is evident. She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment as if collecting herself, and then begins to speak, her voice steady yet filled with determination.

"So, I named my poison for Victoria. Luna Pasilno." Bella smirks, her eyes opening with a fire that burns deep within her. "Someone who’s completely unhinged. Someone who’ll do anything, anything, to rip Victoria apart before Violent Conduct X. And make no mistake, Luna will rip her apart. But I’m done worrying about what happens to Victoria this week. That’s not my focus at this particular moment."

Her gaze sharpens, her jaw set with resolve as she shifts her focus to the challenge that truly lies ahead.

"My focus is on Kayla Richards. The SCW Bombshell World Champion. Respect can be given, sure, and believe me, I do respect her. Kayla's tough, she's a fighter, and I know she respects me too. But when that bell rings, respect means absolutely fucking squat. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is who’s willing to fight harder, dig deeper, and leave it all on the table."

She pauses, remembering the last time she faced Kayla, the moment that still stings at the back of her mind.

"The last time we went toe-to-toe, I ended up passing out in one of her submissions. I didn’t tap. I didn’t quit. My body just simply gave out, but my spirit never did. And I’m going to use that as a reminder—not just to her, but to me. That no matter how hard I get hit, no matter how tough things get, I’m not backing down. Not to the Bombshell Champ. And certainly not to someone like Victoria Lyons."

Her fists clench at her sides, her intensity growing with every word.

"I am so fucking tired of being overlooked. Tired of being underestimated. I am so fucking exhausted from getting so GOD DAMN CLOSE only to trip at that line. So let me make something crystal clear: I’m coming out swinging. I’m going to give everything I’ve got, and I’m going to leave it all on the table. Win or lose, I’m making damn sure that Kayla—and everyone else watching—knows that Bella Madison is here to fight. To take what’s hers. To rip apart anyone who stands in my way."

Her voice drops, low and dangerous, as she delivers her final words with absolute conviction.

"This isn’t just about respect, because the likes of Victoria Lyons gives none and the Bombshell Champ will make you fight tooth and fucking nail for it. I’m living PROOF of that. And I have been in the shadows for way too damn long now to expect anything more at this particular moment. I’m coming out of the shadows with a fire so hot under my ass that even the SCW Bombshell Champion, Kayla Richards is going to go into the match with me and then come out and tell Victoria Lyons that if she knows what is good for her, she will simply fucking run and never look back. This whole thing, since I began it after Summer Xxxtreme, is about FINALLY standing up and not being that cute girl with the shit ton of potential and all the praise in the world but not a fucking thing to show for it. This is about survival. Climax Control is just the beginning. And at Violent Conduct X in two weeks, when it’s all said and done, the world is going to see exactly what I’m capable of. I’m done being the one who’s stepped on. I’m about to make sure that anyone who tries learns the hard way… that Bella Madison is ready to tear this division apart, piece by piece."

Bella’s eyes gleam with a fire that can’t be extinguished. She turns her head slightly, as if speaking directly to the camera now, a final message to her opponents—and the world.

"If you think you can stop me, then you don’t know who you’re dealing with. Kayla. I’m not that bright eyed girl that seemingly had her shit together the last time. No, see...I’m out for blood this time. I don’t care who’s it is, mine, yours, pick ANY giving bitch in the bombshell locker room or- or even Victoria. All of you. I’m coming for every single one of you. And when I’m done, there’ll be nothing left but ashes."

With that, Bella walks off into the shadows, her steps steady and unrelenting, leaving an unmistakable air of determination in her wake.

~*~Let’s Go To A Wedding~*~
McKinney Residence
Olympia, WA

To say Bella and Mal’s jaws dropped when they pulled up in their rental on Tuesday evening for the rehearsal dinner for the wedding of Miles and Carter, it was a massive understatement. They both had seen pictures both shown by the boys and even on twitter but seeing it in person made it very obvious that those pictures did not do it justice.

With their outfits in tow, as well as Mal carrying Máire, they crossed the threshold of the house and Bella was immediately engulfed in a hug by Miles’ sister, Brianna. They hadn’t seen each other in what felt like forever, the duo quickly became friends actually following the forever-ago whatever it was between Bella and Miles and instead decided to to be just strictly friends even from all the distance between the two. Bri would introduce Bella to not only her husband Garrett but her young son Riley and in turn Bella introduced Bri to Mal and Máire and they started catching up as they worked their way into the house.

She got another engulfing hug from Mora Kasey the moment she entered into the living area who was sitting and chatting up with who she was assuming was Carter’s mother and grandmother, Mora took care of the introductions for Bella and of course they all got hugs around.

“The boys are upstairs helping the crew that already arrived. Bri, will you take Mal and Bella up and if you want we will gladly keep an eye out for your precious little one while you take care of that.” Mora said, offering her hands out to Máire who practically lunged at Miles’ mother. Máire was getting crowded anyways and was ready to be let down and explore herself, “Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of practice with Riley so she’s in safe hands.”

“Thank you Mora. We shouldn’t be long but with that whole crew who knows.”

“It’s quite fine, you guys take your time.”

Máire looked at her momma and Bella blew her a kiss before she left the room which prompted Máire to follow with an open mouth but a blown kiss back. “Behave yourself little one.” Mal said as they followed Bri up the long and beautiful stairs, “This house is huge.”

“Yeah it was Carter’s father’s before he passed away. Left it to him in the will. I’ve been here since Monday and I’m still discovering new spots around here. It’s insane.” Bri said ascending the stairs, “Wait til you get up here and you’ll see the shot of the backyard where the ceremony will be tomorrow. The tent hasn’t been set up just yet, they’re about to though.”

And sure as they reached the second floor they stopped and Mal and Bella’s eyes grew wide with the picturesque window, “Holy-”

“I’ve seen some amazing views in my life but this...” Bella said, still trying to take it all in, “I get why he and Carter have been coming up here more often. THIS is what I would really like with wherever our next house is, babe.”

“Yeah well this one is already taken,” a voice with that damn British accent perked up, which caused Bella and Mal to turn with a start as they were still taking in the scenery to see Miles standing there, actually cleaned up instead of looking like he was slumming it for the evening, “Glad to see you guys made it.”

“Yeah well the airports are still insane after that outage last week.” Bella said as she gave Miles a big hug. “That and traveling anywhere with an almost 1 year old can prove to be tricky. Somehow even our bags made it, thankfully.”

“That is a really good thing, because we don’t have Mattie here to pull our asses out of the fire. Mal, man, thanks again for this.”

“It’s no problem, I’d pay to see Fenris in a tux.”

“To hell with the tux, what about the shoes? You should have seen the fire and hoops I had to go through, their super light, wide and almost a whole size bigger just to get him to wear the damn things and made him promise he’d wear them for the ceremony.” Miles said laughing, running his hands through those roughed up curls.

“Why did you just go with some fashionable slides?” Bella asked with a smirk on her face.

“Because I wasn’t about to have an argument with Carter in regards to K’s toes being out in the ceremony. Trust me, it was worth the argument with K to save the argument with my soon-to-be husband.” Miles nodded behind him, “Let’s get your outfits hung up, I’m sure dinner is almost all done.”

“We may need to pry Máire away from mum with a crowbar, by the way. Riley’s eyes lit up around her, so I have a feeling I’m about to have a 2 year old asking to be big brother eventually.” Bri said, following the whole crew into the room, “She really is beautiful, Bella. Is she walking yet?”

Mal hangs his bag first, “Not yet, but it’s only a matter of time. She’s been cruising every piece of furniture for almost a month now.”

“She’s about to be 1, right?”

“A few days after your birthday,” Bella smiled.

“Yeah, I was really hoping to win that pool when it came to picking her birthday.” Miles smirked before a crash was heard from the adjoining bathroom, “What the-? K? You alright, mate?”

The door gets damn near ripped open and we just see Kristjan flinging the shoes across the room, “Forget it, Kasey. It’s not happening.”

The 4 of them just stand there staring at him and Miles is the first to say, “That’s fine but you are going to have to cross the hall and into the room with Carter and his crew and tell him and then come back and tell me how that works out for you.”

“Gladly!” Kristjan says as he stomps out of the room. At that point Bella settles herself on the back of the couch with Mal on one side and Miles on the other, and with the door open and there is suddenly a whole lot of yelling....started off as K’s baritone and then it is without a shadow of a doubt that Carter is fully lighting into him. You hear a couple of ‘buts’ from K...and Carter continues cutting him off. Then it’s silence...pure silence and a slamming of a door. Followed by more silence and then the sound of footsteps, and K just coming back into the room, finding both shoes and setting them down gently.

“Well?”

K just looks at the three of them, “Shut up.”

~~The Next Day~~

“BEST BITCH IN THE HOOOOOOOOUSE!!!” Bella lets out as she steps out of the makeshift changing area in her fully customized tux that is similar to the guys up top but instead of pants she has a shimmering black skirt with a just enough of an opening to see the spiked black heel boots that she’s wearing.

All three of the men turn and smile at her as she does a little turn on the spot. Mal smiles and steps over towards her, “You look amazing, mo grá.” before he plants a kiss right on her lips.

“Bring it down love birds,” K barks, fixing up his tie.

As Mal smirks and Bella looks at her husband with a smile, “He’s grumpy because I beat him to the last chocolate chip waffle this morning. I do love this tux on you though, babe. You always knew how to wear a suit.”

“Bells, can you help me a moment? I seem to be having issues with these cufflinks.” Miles asked almost frantic, “Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate your da allow me to borrow these for the day but damn.”

“Hold on.” Bella sighs, walking over and holding Miles arm up, “I remember the day my dad wore these. Grandpa gave them to him as a surprise for the wedding. Figured it would cover the something borrowed from us.”

“It is appreciated, just a bit of a pain,” Miles grumbled. “I feel like an invalid.”

Bella smiles and gets the cufflinks finished up, “Let me guess, nerves?”

Miles looks and holds up his other hand and it’s trembling, “It’s not butterflies, it’s a herd of elephants.”

“Ah yes, that’s a familiar feel.” Mal piped in, “When I went to surprise Bella with the wedding, standing there seeing her looking beautiful in that gown, felt like I was going to lose everything then and there.”

Bella smiles, “Same, when I turned and saw you in that tux of yours.”

Miles looks between them, “So you both were nervous?”

“I think if we had planned it all the way through, it would have been worse for me to be honest.” she said as she finished up.

“But they say anything nerve wracking like that makes it worth it.” Mal said, taking her hand, “What about you, K?” That causes Miles to laugh, before he’s even able to answer and Mal looks confused, “Did I say something funny?”

“Oh, it’s not my place to say,” Miles says and nods to Kristjan who is looking like he is not amused at this moment.

“K, you are married right? To David?”

“Yes but....No there were no nerves. We were drunk and thought that Elvis chapel on the Strip was some dumb tourist attraction. We got back to the condo and we tell this asshole, Ben and my brother and well, we made a realization that it actually happened,” That causes Miles and Bella to laugh and Malachi gives him a look. “One word out of you and your ass will be back in New York before you are!”


~*~(Meg’s Part Title)~*~
Back to New York for a few

It was the Saturday following the wedding, and the O’Connells were now back in New York, reunited with their beloved daughter. While Máire had been present during the ceremony (providing a little babbling commentary much to the delight of the gathered crowd), she was taken back to New York by Laura and Nick while Mal and Bella stayed behind for the reception and the day-after festivities since they were part of the wedding party.

The little family decided to enjoy the beautiful summer day and have a picnic in nearby Central Park, bringing along their energetic husky Luka for some exercise. Mal had Luka off-leash since they were in an approved area, and he was tossing a ball for Luka to run after. Bella was relaxing on the blanket watching Máire (and trying to keep the nearly one-year old from eating fistfuls of grass), but she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. It was silly, she thought, since New York was such a massive city and they were (somewhat) well-known, so it would stand to reason that there would be eyes on them at any given time. But the feeling made her a little uneasy, so she tried to glance around without being too obvious. She spotted someone on a bench some fifty feet away who seemed to be particularly interested in their family, and it set alarm bells off in her head. She slowly turned her head back around and caught eyes with Mal. “I don’t want to seem paranoid or anything, but I think there’s someone watching us.”

Immediately she could see Mal shift into ultra-defense mode, his eyes narrowing as his gaze swept around. “Where?”

She subtly nodded her head backwards, towards the bench. “Guy over there, on the bench. Super blonde hair.”

Mal’s eyes darted over her shoulder, but instead of the fierce scowl she was expecting on his face, it started off somewhat searching, and then all of a sudden he broke out into a huge grin. “No fuckin’ way…” he said, immediately making a beeline over to the bench. Bella watched him go in utter confusion, one eyebrow raised.

She watched as Mal approached the man, and after a few quick words that she was too far away to hear, the two men embraced in a tight hug. Now, she was more confused than ever as she picked up Máire and approached the men.

“...what the hell are you doing here?” Mal said, the smile still on his face.

The blonde man shrugged his shoulders. “Ah, you know me, always going where the excitement is.” His accent was distinctly British, though it had a touch of something else that Bella couldn’t quite place. As she approached them, the blonde man’s eyes shot over to her. “And this must be the beautiful Bella I’ve seen so much of.” His grin was charming as he extended his hand towards her.

“Bells, this is my best mate Bodhi Bennett. Part of the crew from back home when we were wrestling across Europe.”

A glimmer of recognition sparked in Bella’s mind as she shifted Máire in her arms so that she could shake his hand. “Oh! You’re the one Mal talks about! I didn’t recognize you, he’s only shown me older pictures.”

“Yeah, I was just a scrawny kid back then,” Bodhi winked. “Not the handsome bloke you see before you today.”

Bella smiled, and Máire took the opportunity to let out a little squeal, her way of putting the attention back on her. Bodhi’s eyes immediately fixed on the little girl, and he smiled. “Ah, and the little princess herself! Gotta say Mal, she’s a little cutie.” He reached out and gently tickled her cheek, which sent the little girl into a fit of giggles. “Surprising since she’s got you for a daddy. Guess she gets all the cuteness from her mama.” He gave a cheeky wink to Bella, which made her giggle and Mal roll his eyes playfully.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up ya mug.” The group made their way back to the picnic set up. They all sat back down on the blanket, watching as Máire crawled around playing with some of her toys.

“So, how long are you in New York for, anyways?” Mal asked.

Bodhi gave a shrug of his shoulders. “Not really sure. I’m actually on a bit of a personal mission, and I was told that New York was the place to look. But I don’t wanna bore you with the details.” He waved a hand through the air. “But I could be persuaded to stick around a bit longer to catch up with my mate.”

“Well, we’re about to head west for a little bit. Bella’s got a huge match coming up in SCW.”

“Ah yeah. Heard about that place. Pretty wild. Having a show on a whole cruise ship? Definitely beats the pubs and back alley halls we used to compete in, eh?”

Mal laughed, clapping his hands together. “Yeah, where you were lucky if you even got paid, let alone leave without some weird rash.”

Bella laughed. “Oh, to have seen you in the good ol’ days.”

Mal snapped his fingers, looking over towards Bodhi. “Hey, just thought of something. We’re gonna be off on the cruise for pretty much all next week, what if you stay in the townhouse. Keep an eye on it for us, along with the pets?”

Bodhi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Well, it would be nice to stay in an actual house instead of shacking up in these dodgy hotel rooms. You won’t mind?”

“I mean, if you’re OK with it, Bells?” Mal looked towards her. “Saves your parents from having to constantly run over to check on Luka and Salem, they can just keep Máire at their house.”

Bella nodded. “I’m OK with it.”

Bodhi flashed another charming smile. “Beautiful and generous, I’m truly grateful.I can see why Mal fell for you now. Just wondering how a gorgeous, intelligent girl like you fell for this grizzled git?” He pointed a thumb towards Mal, who promptly flipped him off while all three of them laughed together.


~*~Case In Point~*~

It is only a matter of time, dolls and dude.

Ms. Bella of the Brawl got her briefcase and she knows EXACTLY what she’s going to do with it.

It’s a first class ticket into the match that is practically a staple aboard the Princess Cruise Ship and it is always for the Roulette Championship. And with everything that I have done since my return, this could very well be the moment that we have all been waiting extremely patiently for.

Last year, I had to miss this show because I was extremely pregnant and ready to pop at any given moment. Now that my beautiful daughter is here, this is the big moment.

You see when I returned, I made a promise to myself and to all of you that come sometime this year, Bella Madison was going to gain her first singles gold in SCW. I have been frothing at this kind of opportunity and I am fully intending on making this one stick.

Let us look at all the wonderful competition.

First, let’s start right off with Mercedes Vargas: Hi Mercy, remember me? I remember you. I remember when you decided to try and use me as a stepstool to whatever the hell you had planned. However, when you pushed and pushed, I shoved you right into the back of the line where you belonged and I did it in my hometown. Part of me really hopes that you have learned something between then and now and realize how much of a threat I really am. I am not afraid to knock you right off that pedestal yet again if you attempt to get in my way.

I mean I know you’re going to get in my way. You have an amazing way of being an absolute pain in my ass and anyone else that has somewhere better to be.

Then we get to Alexandra Callaway. The former champion in this case and a woman that has the very ability to once again become the Roulette Champion. Ally is pissed and she has every right to be, especially with being on the streak she has been. It can mess with you at every single step when you try to change up where you may be going.

I actually like Ally, she’s a great friend and someone that I look up to. A lot of people could learn from her in the way she has come up as a competitor in the ring and the way she has grown as a human. I will never understand why people have issues with a person trying to grow and change for the better.

What I do take issue with is that we are coming through this and she’s not the champ on record. Instead that mess belongs to her Royal Hind-ass, Victoria Lyons. And don’t worry, bitch, I’ll get to you in just a moment.

Ally, all I can say is something this time around, it’s different and I really really like it. I get why you pushed me as hard as you did when we faced each other, because you knew that eventually I would grow to love putting it all on the line each and every time and how it has its rewards and even its defeats. We all play against the house and sometimes the house is just that much better. If you catch what I’m say.

NOW, let’s get to the bitch of the hour. I say bitch because it is lacking for a far more fitting term that fits you much better. Victoria Lyons seems to think she’s an actual Queen after winning one single solitary match that *I* turned down being apart of in a moment of weakness. I could have been a Queen and I would have treated people with way more respect than you did in your one chance to make a difference in SCW.

Instead you chose to be a Charlie Uniform Next Tuesday and attempted to destroy relationships and friendships. You have so much fucking talent that it makes me sick and you piss it away and trade it for this bitter bitch complex. And the thing that gets me the most is you don’t fucking care. You have no soul. You are without a shadow of a doubt a terrible human being and I cannot wait to punch you square in that face and knock you FULLY off that pedestal.

I am aiming directly for you in this match, I know with that Roulette Championship hanging above the pool that you have no championship advantage. But I am still coming RIGHT FOR YOU because you deserve to get hit from every single side. You earned this.

And then I’m going to finish the job and I am going to be the SCW Bombshell Roulette Champion.

Call it prophecy fulfilled and case CLOSED.

~*~Crazy stupid men~*~
Late May
NYC & O’Connell Home

You know, when in New York you usually don’t drive. Unless you have to deal with idiot friends and idiot husbands. Bella became used to this fact that sometimes she would just have to deal with the fact that she had both.

Early that Monday morning though, when she got the call from Carter not exactly sure where Miles may have gone and a few details about their last minute trip up the turnpike, up I-95 and right into the place that Miles had bought just before he left for Vegas, she knew that they were close to one particular place. A place that he had been avoiding for a while.

So she made sure Mal had Máire handled and she actually for the first time in forever got in her car and made her way to a building that held not only Miles’ place but Finn’s Wayward Home, and picked up Carter. She knew Miles was in good hands. The crew may be sour and make him run the gauntlet but he was perfectly safe. So she treated Carter to a quick trip to get coffee and breakfast and then straight to her best friend Mattie’s fashion house.

She wasn’t about to rush him to that gym and destroy whatever the hell Miles was trying to do and only rushing Carter there would have probably made it worse.

“Are you sure he’s ok?” Carter asked after Mattie had to go take care of a quick fashion emergency, leaving them alone amongst all the tule and shiny fabric.

“Carter, if I know anything about Wolfslair, they all treat each other like family. A fucked up family, but I don’t believe they would actually really hurt him. This is a good thing that Miles is doing. Thankfully it’s my day off so I’m able to take you wherever you wanna go.” Bella smiles and plays with a little bit of the fabric, “Tell me what you guys got so far for the wedding.”

“Well, it’s going to be at my dad’s house for one and we’ve got a date. I have Ari on my side. Miles asked Kristjan...”

“Miles is getting K in a tux? Did the 9th circle of hell open up?” and that brought a laugh to the both of them, “I will say I’m actually more interested to see if he compromised on the shoes, I know how he really can’t wear them.”

“I actually am surprised he hasn’t asked you.” Carter said rather matter-of-factly.

That threw Bella for a loop, and it was apparent that it shocked her, “Me? Why would he ask me?”

“Well, he has always said that you are one of the best friends he’s ever had. No matter what, there for each other through thick and thin and you were there to nudge him when he needed to be.”

She smirked and sat down next to him on the couch, “Well, when you could see how much his heart was fighting with his brain....and I’m glad I did. Knowing Miles for as long as I have, seeing what he was through before you... You make him deliriously happy and I was not at all shocked when I heard the news that he proposed when he did.”

“You don’t think it was too fast?”

“After a year and getting married 7 months later? Nah, Mal proposed to me a year after we started dating and sometimes, you just know. I knew with Mal that he was my forever. And Miles knew that too with you. He can’t help but smile like an idiot around you and that was even before you guys got together.” and she leans against him, and notices the shy smile on Carter’s face, “And that look right there is the exact same look I have with my husband. Embrace it Carter and you’ll have the happily ever after and I cannot wait to be there for it.”

After a few more hours, gallons of coffee and a few fashion show-offs later, Bella figured there was plenty of time that was given that was sufficient to end the day with her showing off the gym to Carter and allowing him to scrape up whatever was left of his fiance.

Technically she could have parked in the garage, and they could have walked but something told her otherwise to take the car...

Boy was she right.

She walked in, greeted Sonja and introduced her to Carter and they arrived just in time to see Miles laying on the canvas, soaked in sweat, and the most content smile. If she didn’t know better she would have sworn something else had gone down.

She helped Carter get him out of there, and into the car and right to her and Mal’s place.

“There you are, I called Mattie and she said you left to get this idiot.” Mal said looking at Miles who started to dry up, “Ran you through the gauntlet, ey mate?”

“Juuuust a bit. Worth it though.” Miles laughed as Bella shoved a bottle of water in his hands.

“Drink and rehydrate and we’ll figure out dinner.” Bella said.

“Already ordered a couple of pizzas, should be here in about 10 minutes.” Mal just simply said, “When you called and told me where he was, I had a feeling.”

Máire wandered over via crawling and pulling herself up next to Miles and Carter and waved, “Well hey, it’s the princess herself.” Miles said picking her up and putting her on his lap. “Hope it’s alright.”

“She’s getting a bath tonight anyways and she does it to me all the time after I get home from the gym anyways.”

Carter looked around and noticed the big Stitch had made it into the living room, “Oh wow, I see you guys still have it.”

“Are you kidding me, she hangs out on it and naps on it at least once a day.” Bella laughed, before she looks at Miles, “So let me get this straight. You showed up here, to get your ass kicked because you Miles Kasey, actually had a guilty conscience?”

“I always have a guilty conscience, love. I thought you knew that.” Miles smirked, “It’s all good though and actually this whole situation has helped me with a whole other set of things.”

“And that being?” Mal asked.

“Well, seeing as Carter and I are getting married here very soon, I was wondering if you two would also be a part of the ceremony?”

Both Bella and Mal just looked at one another and then back to Carter and Miles, Carter reaching over and tickling Máire’s stomach to make her laugh. Mal just shook his head and said, “Come again?”

“I want both of you in our wedding. On my side to be more specific.” Miles shifts ever so slightly as the adrenaline of the day has worn off, “Carter has his side all set but you two have been the closest I have to best friends since I arrived. Bella, for obvious reason and Mal, despite the fact that we have always given each other a rash of shit, and nothing but, I do see you as one of the closest friends I got in this world. I want you two to be there, you don’t have to agree to this if you don’t want to, but I think it’s the things I learned from your relationship, your marriage that helped me understand that the best things in life sometimes come from the greatest of unexpected chances.”

“I just have one question,” Bella spoke up.

“And that being?” Miles retorted

“Do I have to wear a tux too or can we let Mattie take the idea and run just a little wild with it?”


~*~Rules of Engagement: Don’t Underestimate The Downtrodden~*~

I’m going to admit this.

I don’t know where or what I am doing right now. Part of me really hates that and the other part of me fears what that will do to me. You see, I’ve been looking for that next thing. I’ve been feeling like nothing has been right. I have always been the next thing and always coming up short and it’s no one’s fault but my own.

The feeling of being lost can do one of two things to a person.

It can seriously destroy a person or it can make them even more dangerous.

It’s not even a maybe, this feeling is my own fault. I could have easily done something crazy already and been a bitter pain in the ass but no, I’m good little Bella always kicking back and waiting my turn.

We have seen so many people, superstar and bombshell alike, that have done the whole “I deserve better” pity party bullshit and I 100% refuse to do that.

I refuse because I know that I am better than that and if I’m going to have to go dark to get to that next level, I refuse to stoop to the levels like Krystal Wolfe has. It’s bad enough that that bitch tried to step all over my title shot in the past, who has the obsessions of someone that thinks they deserve better but refuses to take the proper steps to achieve that.

But it’s not about title shots this time around, is it Krystal?

It’s a petty match stipulation for you and the chance to keep me out of Summer Xxxtreme. And knowing our history the way we all do, I’m sure you are absolutely salivating at the idea of that.

Sorry, Krystal but I have some absolutely horrible news for you my dear.

I have absolutely nothing to lose but a title shot at the Roulette Championship.

Don’t get me wrong, I am hankering for a fight with the likes of Victoria Lyons. I’d give ANYTHING to punch that bitch in the face again. I would kill to go toe to toe with Alexandra Callaway again, a woman that has made the Roulette Division her personal bitch, impressively so.

Meanwhile it’s like the Sword of Damocles is swinging right for your head when you are finally getting the comeuppance that you have done EVERYTHING to deserve. You Krystal Wolfe have dug a grave so damn deep that you can’t even get out of it if you had a backhoe and a friend.

Do you even have any friends anymore? You have done just about everything imaginable to put yourself in that hole and I can’t think of a single person that would even remotely throw you a line.

You have done nothing but attempt to dismiss me at every turn, from everything that I have ever accomplished on down, only for you to find out the hard way that I am not one to be dismissed. I can trip a million times, I can fall a million times and I’m just going to keep getting up, I’m going to dust myself off and yell “FUCK” and try again. And it pisses you off like no other that I will never, EVER in a million years be like you.

I fucking hate cynicism. I have never been one to doubt where I truly belong.

The likes of you scoff and look down at me and think I am just wasting my time and I hate that I let it happen for even a moment.

I didn’t know what was next. I don’t know what is going to happen.

But do we ever? We could wake up the next day and have our whole world turned completely upside down by some idiot with a key and button to push. But we keep going.

Win or lose, even with my spot on Summer Xxxtreme on the line, I have nothing to lose. I’ll find my way just like I always have.

I’m not afraid of it, Krystal. Not of you, not of the unknown. But I am done being dismissed. I’m going to keep showing you and showing you exactly why I show no fear in that ring.

We started a game long ago that we haven’t finished, my dear. And this time, I’m out for blood. Your and mine.

We all bleed the same, Krystal. How much more are you willing to lose at my hands before you finally understand....

The Hardcore Pixie isn’t going anywhere.


~*~A New View On Life~*~

“I cannot believe that we are actually doing this.” Bella said as she looked back at her darling Máire and saw that she was sound asleep in her car seat. She and Mal had decided to take a day and make a trip somewhat north to White Plains, NY, just outside the major portion of New York City.

There was a small chat about it on and off for the last few months but it had only been talk.

Until one day, Bella got bored and began to browse. At first, it was just a curious glance at the front window of a real estate office as they passed by, Bella pointing out a few properties outside of the city that caught her eye. But then, it evolved into daily Zillow searches with accompanying commentary.

“Oh Mal, look at this one!” she exclaimed, thrusting her phone under his nose as they laid in bed one night. “2.5 acres, with a workshop and a pool! Oh, and the house looks so amazing!” She swiped through a few of the photos, and Mal gave her a sideways glance.

“What happened to ‘just browsing’?” he asked.

“What do you think I’m doing?” She stuck her tongue out at him as she clicked on another listing. “Oooo, this one is gorgeous! It looks like a French chateau! Only one acre, but it’s got a pool too. Oh my god, that kitchen is to die for!”

He glanced over her shoulder and nearly choked when he saw the price. “$1.6 million? Are you kidding me?”

“For this, that’s a hell of a deal. Besides, between the two of us we’ve put away a lot of money. At least enough for a good down payment.”

Mal held up his hands, putting down the book he had been reading. “Hold on just a second. You sound like you’re seriously considering this.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “I mean, Máire’s getting so big now, and it almost feels cruel to keep her cooped up in this townhouse in the middle of the city. I want her to have all the room to play. Maybe build her a little playground of her own…”

“Believe me, I want that more than anything as well, love…but do we really wanna rush headlong into this?”

“Why don’t we at least go see the place in person? I mean, the pictures look great and all, but who knows what the place will actually be like?”

He thought for a moment. “Well…you make a good point.”

She giggled happily and threw her arms around his neck, peppering his face with kisses.

And that was how the little family now found themselves pulling up to the house. Mal had to admit, it was impressive. It looked like it had been plucked from the French countryside circa 1700 and placed among a fairly decent amount of trees. After collecting Máire from the backseat (though she continued to nap), the couple made their way up to the front door, where they were greeted by an enthusiastic realtor.

For the next hour, they toured the home, going room by room as the realtor described all the recent renovations and upgrades the home had received. There were five bedrooms (“seems a little excessive when there’s only three of us,” Mal had quipped. Bella just gave him a knowing smirk. “For now.”), six bathrooms, a gorgeously landscaped backyard oasis with an inground pool and even a full office in the basement that they had discussed turning into their home gym. By the time the tour was over and Mal and Bella were walking back to their car, she turned to him with a glimmer in her blue eyes. “Well?”

“I admit, it’s pretty damn impressive,” Mal said, turning to take one last look at it. “Let’s go home for now and we’ll talk, alright?”

With a delighted squeal, Bella kissed Mal on the cheek and they headed back to their car.