Scene 1
San Diego, California
Immediately after Climax Control

Misty couldn't get herself to watch the Bombshell's Clash of the Champions main event match tonight.  It was nothing against any of the champions, but the match just before had featured Drake Green putting his title on the line against the unstoppable beast known as Rage.  It was no secret that Misty and Drake were growing closer in recent weeks, and after she watched the Sin of Wrath again go to great lengths to destroy Drake Green, she had to rush to the trainer's locker room to check on him.

The medical staff wouldn't allow her inside for a while as they checked on Drake, so she waited very impatiently out in the hall.  It took at least thirty minutes, maybe longer, for the door to swing open and one of the trainers to walk out.  After sitting on the floor against the wall, Misty sprang to her feet and walked right up to the trainer.

Misty: How is he?

Ever since Drake had come back after his neck injury, Misty had been trying not to show too much concern over his decision to get back in the ring, but with each attack at the hands of Rage, she was finding it more difficult to hide her concern.  The trainer studies her worried expression and places a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Trainer: Why don't you come see for yourself?  We told him you were waiting to see him.

The trainer steps aside, allowing Misty to walk into the locker room.  Misty is relieved once she steps through the door and sees Drake sitting up in one of the chairs.  He looks a little worse for wear, considering what he had just went through, but it was almost a miracle to see him sitting up in the first place.

Misty: Jesus, I wasn't expecting you to be conscious let alone sitting up on your own.  How are you feeling?

Drake simply shrugs his shoulders as he rubs the back of his neck.

Drake: A little sore, but I've been worse.  That piece of shit needs to work a little harder to finish me off.

Misty: He seems hell bent on doing just that from the looks of it.  He got himself disqualified from the match for Christ's sake.

Drake: Oh well.  That's his problem, but this shit isn't over yet.  Not by a long shot.

Misty nods, trying her best to be supportive.  She is more successful than she was in the beginning, and Drake knows this, but he looks at her and manages to crack a smile; even letting out a slight laugh.

Misty: What?  What is so funny?

Drake: You.  I know you're just dying to beg me to back off of this shit with Rage.

Misty can't help but crack a smile now.

Misty: While that may be partly try, I'd actually like to see you kick his ass.  If he hadn't threatened me the way he did last week, maybe I would try and talk you out of it.  But, considering he put his disgusting hands on me, I'd like to see someone bring that bastard down to his knees.

Drake: Well, you did manage to pull that off on your own from what you told me.  I wish I was there to see that.

Misty smirks proudly.  She walks over and takes a seat next to Drake , looking him up and down.

Misty: I won't bug you anymore about it after this but, are you sure you're okay?  Rage was brutal out there...

Drake nods slowly, trying to stretch out the muscles in his neck.

Drake: I'm fine.  I'll get him back a million times worse for it so don't worry.  What about you?  How's your ribs holding up?

Misty: Getting better.  It helps that I didn't have a match tonight or any surprise ambushes by the Mean Girls.  

Drake: No, but you did have a drag contest and an arm wrestling match with one of them.

Misty looks away, slightly embarrassed, but Drake nudges her and laughs.

Drake: That was a one time thing, right?  I mean...you don't have some secret drag fetish I don't know about?

Misty laughs and shakes her head, quickly putting those worries aside.

Misty: Nah, you don't have to worry about that.  I just did all that to prove a point.  I beat Holly at her own game.  Not to mention I pissed off Liz and Veronica shortly after that.  All in all, not a bad night.

Drake: I hope you know what you're doing.

Misty: Oh I know exactly what I'm doing.  I promise you that.

Drake: Fair enough.  So what's next?  

Misty shrugs, thinking over the answer to the carefully.

Misty: I'm not one-hundred percent sure on that just yet, but I'll figure it out as I go along.  I'm actually heading back to Vegas for this week, though.  Eden starts school on Wednesday so I want to be there.  I don't have a match next week either and I could use a week off from pissing off the Mean Girls.  What about you?

Drake: Hadn't really had a chance to think about it.

Misty goes quiet for a few moments, getting an idea in her head.  She's not sure if she should suggest it, but Drake can tell she's got something on her mind and immediately questions her about it.

Drake: What?  What are you thinking?

Misty: Oh...nothing.  It's not a big deal...

Drake: Try me.  

Misty: Well...you could come back to Vegas with me for a few days.  Eden has been asking when she gets to meet you...

Drake takes in a deep breath, nodding slowly. He doesn't say anything for a while, thinking about what to do, until Misty breaks the awkward silence between the two.

Misty: You don't have to, Drake.  It was just a suggestion.  I know it's probably---

Drake: No, no...It's cool.  You can introduce me to Eden.

Misty: You sure?  We can wait a while...

Drake laughs and shakes his head.

Drake: You know she's just going to bug you constantly until she meets me.  So why not?  Kids love me anyway.

Misty grins, not even bothering to hide her amusement with that last statement.  She laughs, but doesn't say a thing.  At least not until Drake calls her out on it.

Drake: Is there a reason that's so funny?

Misty shakes her head.

Misty: No, not really.  But, I think you're jumping the gun in assuming Eden will like you.  

Drake: I don't think I am.  You like me so I have a good feeling she will, too.

Misty shakes her head, keeping as serious a look on her face as she can.

Misty: Care to make a little bet on that?

Drake: You sure you want to place a bet on something you're going to lose?

Misty chuckles.  She gets to her feet, standing directly in front of him, looking down into his eyes confidently.

Misty: I'm so sure I'll even let you make the terms.  So...what do you say?

Misty holds her hand out, urging Drake to shake it in agreement.  He leans back in the chair for a moment, debating his decision carefully in his head.  Misty chuckles again and just as she is about to pull her hand away, Drake brings his hand to hers and slowly gets to his feet.  He looks into her eyes, and with a devilish grin he breaks his silence.

Drake: You're on.  And when I win, no trying to weasel your way out of the consequences.

Misty: Deal.  But you won't have to worry about that because that's not going to happen.  Better make the terms good, though.

Drake: Oh, I will.  Trust me on that one.  

Misty: Ok.  So let's hear them, then.

Drake laughs and shakes his head.  He takes a step back, then walks around Misty, heading towards the door.  She spins around, staring at him wildly.

Misty: Drake?  The terms?

Drake turns around with his hand on the doorknob.  Misty's facial expression then fades as she takes on look at Drake's own expression.

Drake: I'll let you know soon.  Right now, I need to go find Barry and Max.

Misty begins shaking her head ready to argue, but Drake just walks out of the locker room with a wicked smile.  Misty's jaw nearly hits the floor and she runs her hand through her hair, very nervously.

Misty: Shit...this can not be good.  

Misty stands there worried for a moment before she shakes off the thought and lets out an awkward laugh.

Misty: Hell, it doesn't matter because he's not going to win this one.  No way...

******************************

Wednesday August 20th
Misty's Home- Las Vegas
**OFF CAMERA**

Six year old Eden Staggs is seated at the kitchen table of her mother's home.  She is writing something down on a piece of paper, with a contemplative look on her face.  Misty is just finishing up washing and drying off a few dishes and she turns to look at her daughter.

Misty: Almost finished?  Drake should be here in a little while.

Eden: Almoooost.  Homework on the first day is so stupid!

Misty can't help but laugh at Eden's displeasure as she finishes up her homework.  Eden places her pencil down then walks the sheet of paper over to Misty, handing it to her.  Misty dries off her hands to check over Eden's work.

Misty: Great job, sweetie.  Alright, go put it in your back pack.  

Eden: Okay!

Eden scurries off down the hall, presumably to her bedroom to put her homework away.  Misty finishes putting the dishes away when she hears Eden dart into the front room.  Once the dishes are put away, she heads into the front room to join her daughter and takes a seat on the sofa, next to where Eden is staring out the window.

Misty: Eden, sit down.  I need to talk to you for a second.

Eden: About what?  My homework is all finished!

Misty laughs and Eden plops down on the sofa, appearing slightly nervous.

Misty: I know that, and don't worry.  You're not in trouble.  I need you to help me with something...

Eden: You want me to help you?  How?

Misty: Well...it's really easy, actually.  When Drake gets here...I need you to pretend that you don't like him...at least for a little while anyway.  

Eden's face scrunches up and she gives her mother quite a confused look.

Eden: Huh?  Why?  I thought you liked him....

Misty: Well, I do,  but...this is just all in good fun.  

The two are then interrupted by the sound of Drake's car pulling into the driveway.  The engine shuts off and Drake steps out, heading for the front door.

Misty: Can you do that for me, sweetie?  

Eden: I don't know.  What do I get if I do?

Misty's mouth drops open a little as she stares at her daughter.  Eden seems dead serious on wanting something in return and Misty has to think fast as Drake rings the doorbell.  Misty doesn't want to make Drake wait too long, so she quickly gets to her feet and pulls some money out of her pocket.  She hands Eden a fifty dollar bill as she heads to the door.

Misty: I'll take you shopping tomorrow after school.  Do we have a deal?

Eden stares at the money in her hand for a moment, then looks at her mother with a smile.

Eden: Deal!

Misty sighs with relief and she opens the door, letting Drake inside.  He's wearing one of his signature grey suits with a white shirt underneath and Misty leads him  into the front room where Eden is waiting.  Eden quickly puts her hand behind her back, trying to hide the money and Drake smirks, noticing.  Misty takes in a deep breath, looking at Drake, then to Eden.

Misty: Alright then.  Drake, allow me to introduce you to Eden.  Eden, this is Mommy's friend Drake.

Eden looks to the floor, either pretending to be shy, or showing no interest in wanting to meet Drake.

Drake: Nice to meet you, Eden.  I've heard quite a bit about you.

Eden says nothing in response, but she fidgets with the fifty dollar bill in her hands behind her back.

Misty: Eden, aren't you going to say hello?

Eden shakes her head and Misty looks at Drake, feigning disappointment.  Drake can see right through this act and he places a hand on Misty's back.

Drake: Hey, how about you go grab us something to drink while I talk to Eden for a second?  

Misty doesn't seem so sure about this as she looks to Eden, but after a moment she feels confident her secret will be safe.

Misty: Okay.  I made sure to pick up some diet coke.

Misty grins and Drake smiles appreciatively as Misty takes a step away.

Misty: You two play nice now.  I'll just be a minute...

Drake: Don't worry.  We'll be fine.

Misty nods then heads back into the kitchen.  As soon as she is out of ear shot, Drake looks at Eden, then walks over to the sofa.  Eden still won't look at him.

Drake: So...how much did she pay you?

That quickly grabs Eden's attention.  She bites her lip, not wanting to admit to her mother's deception.  Drake takes a seat then points behind Eden's back.

Drake: I saw you hide the money behind your back.  

Eden: Don't tell her you saw!  She wants me to pretend I don't like you and she said she would take me shopping tomorrow if I did and I realllllly wanna go shopping!  I want some new dolls!

Drake laughs as he nods his head.  He doesn't seem at all surprised, though.

Drake: I'll tell you what.  I'll make sure she sticks to her promise and takes you shopping tomorrow, but I want you to do something for me...

Drake leans in and whispers into Eden's ear just as Misty is heading back into the front room with their drinks.  She is caught off guard, however, when Eden goes running out of the room "crying", then storms down the hall and into her room.  Misty looks almost horrified as Eden slams her door shot, and she turns to look at Drake, in total shock.

Misty: What...the...hell?  

Drake leans back as Misty stares at him, but he simply shrugs.

Misty: What did you do to her?!

Drake: Me?  I didn't do anything to her.  I guess you were right.  I guess she just didn't like me.

Misty: Drake...she was in tears!  Did you say something to her?  

Drake shrugs again, shaking his head.  Misty walks over, placing the drinks down on the coffee table.

Misty: I...I need to go talk to her and make sure she's alright.  

Drake: I'm sure she's fine.

Misty: Yeah, and you were also sure she would like you, but she just ran to her room crying...I didn't think you'd make her cry!

Drake laughs, causing Misty to agitated, almost furious with him.

Misty: You find it funny that you made my six year old daughter cry?

Drake shakes his head.

Drake: No.  I actually find it funny that you paid her to do it.

Misty is all set to respond, but she can't find the words.  Drake leans forward, staring at her with a smile but Misty is shaking her head, doing her best to claim her innocence.  Though, in all fairness, Eden crying wasn't part of her deal with her daughter.

Misty: Excuse me?  I didn't pay my daughter to cry!

Drake: No, but you did pay her to pretend not to like me.  Isn't that right, Eden?

Misty is more confused then ever, but when she turns around and sees Eden standing in the doorway with a big smile on her face and dry eyes, it all begins to make sense.  Misty folds her arms and shakes her head.

Misty: Eden!  You ratted me out?!

Eden nods proudly and Misty is still in shock.  Drake laughs and stands up walking over and standing next to Misty.

Misty: I guess you don't really want to go shopping tomorrow then.  You know you have to give that--

Drake suddenly holds up a hand interrupting and silencing Misty before she can finish that thought.

Drake: Whoa, whoa, whoa...You're not actually going to try and make her give that money back are you?

Misty: Of course I am.  She went back on her end of the deal.

Eden: Nuh uh!  I did not!  Tell her, Drake!

Misty looks back and forth between her daughter and Drake.  She doesn't know how to handle the tables being turned on her.

Drake: She has a point, Misty.  Eden held up her end of the deal.  She did what you asked her to do and pretended not to like me, so therefore, I say she gets to keep the money and you still have to take her shopping tomorrow.

Misty: Is that so?  

Drake nods and Eden jumps up and down excitedly.  Misty glances at her daughter from the corner of her eyes and she tries her best to keep a straight look on her face.

Misty: So...is that part of your terms then?

Drake: Ha!  You wish it was that easy.  Bit of a warning though.  Now that I found out you tried to cheat your way into winning this bet, it's only made it worse for you.

Misty shakes her head and remains confident and relaxed.  Eden giggles but one look from Misty silences the six year old.

Misty: Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I'm not scared.

Drake: You should be.

Eden: Hey Drake has Mommy told you that she says your name while she's sleeping?

Misty's head darts to the side and she stares at her with wide eyes.  This peeks Drake's curiosity and he grins.

Drake: Oh really?

Misty: I don't...That's not...I have no idea what she is talking about!

Eden: Yes you do!  

Misty shakes her head, insisting on her innocence.  Eden just giggles and as Drake stares at Misty with an amused smile, Misty closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath.

Misty: Drake, excuse me for a second while I have a little chat with my daughter...

Eden: Nooooo!

Eden takes off running around the house, squealing and giggling and Misty chases after her.  Drake stays behind, shaking his head and laughing.

Drake: Interesting...I wonder what else she's not telling me...

******************************

"I have to admit, I had a great week last week.  Spending the week with Eden back home in Vegas while she went back to school was wonderful and it only made me realize just how quickly she is growing, and how smart she is.  Before she was born, or even conceived, I never imagined I'd ever have such a bright amazing little girl.  Nor did I imagine that she'd be such a little snitch!"

"I need to give her some lessons in how to keep a secret, though.  First, she goes and tells Drake that I bribed her into pretending not to like him and then...Well, let's just say I never thought I'd be THAT embarrassed in front of Drake.  But I was."

"However, despite the fact that I was made to look like a fool in front of Drake, I was actually pretty relieved to see him and Eden getting along.  It might have been at my expense, but I guess I should predicted as much before the two actually met."

"After Drake headed off to Phoenix for Climax Control, I spent the rest of the week relaxing at home.  Well, I was relaxing after keeping my word by taking her shopping the next day after she got home from school.  I just spent as much time with her as I could because with Violent Conduct coming up in just a few weeks, I'm not sure how much time I'll be able to spend with her.  I'm just glad that Eden understands."

"As for this week...Oh am I looking forward to this week.  Roxi Johnson, Amy Marshall and myself will be main eventing the final Climax Control before Violent Conduct II as we face Delia, Veronica and Mercedes.  The Mean Girls might have a slight advantage in that they are familiar with one another...They've teamed together, but what they don't have?"

"Faith and trust."

"Yes, I said it.  Those hags are so busy interfering in each other's matches, helping each other out to get the victories, it only goes to show that not a single one of them has faith in the other to get a clean victory.  Not only that, but deep down, they're all so wrapped up in their own selves that they'd throw one of the others under the buss to make their selves look good.  They won't admit it, but we all know it's true."

"I might have had my differences with Amy and Roxi in the past, but it's all just that.  The past.  I'm focused on the present.  I'm determined to work together as a team to knock those bitches down and prove to The Mean Girls how wrong they really are."

"And regardless of what any of them say...WE will be walking the winners.  Sorry 'bout it huntys."

******************************

We're two and a half weeks away from Sin City Wrestling's next Supershow, Violent Conduct II and just three days away from Climax Control.  Most of the superstars and Bombshells have made their way to Mesa at this point, with the exception of a few.  The main event for this week features the first time teaming between Misty and the woman who defeated her last year to win the Bombshell Championship, Roxi Johnson, along with Amy Marshall.  The three women will be facing off against their common enemy; the women who often refer to them as the Jealous Janis'...The Mean Girls.

Whether or not The Mean Girls will ever admit it, and they won't, the entire Bombshell Division and a majority of Sin City Wrestling despises them and wants to see them gone.  The Mean Girls take too much pride and satisfaction in constantly insisting that Misty is no longer relevant in SCW, or to the fans.  But guess what?  Misty is VERY relevant and she will be for a very, very, VERY long time, because she will be the one to end the Mean Girls' reign of terror on the Bombshell Division.  She may not accomplish it alone, but she knows that, ultimately, the only way to take out the Mean Girls will be to destroy Delia.

And Misty gets her first shot at the "unofficial" leader of the Mean Girls.  No to mention, the added bonus of facing Mercedes Vargas and Veronica Taylor at the same time.  It was a match made in heaven for the three-time former Bombshell Champion.  It was a match made in heaven for the Mean Girls also.  It truly will be the perfect Main Event leading into Violent Conduct II.

Thursday August 28th
Mesa, Arizona

The scene opens up inside of a local wrestling facility where some of the superstars and Bombshells are using as a training center for their upcoming matches this week.  It is where we currently find Vixen helping Misty out before her big match.  Vixen has Misty's arm wrenched behind her back, in control of her former(?) tag team partner.

Misty: You know, this isn't completely...necessary.

Vixen locks the hold in tighter and Misty grimaces a bit as a jolt of pain rushes up her arm.

Vixen: You should know better than to think that, Misty.  Just because the Mean Girls like to cheat to win doesn't mean they don't have some experience with certain holds and maneuvers.

Misty laughs then reverses the hold, attempting to wrench Vixen's arm behind her, but Vixen blocks it and instead Misty whips her across the ring.  Vixen rebounds back and Misty stops her with a nice shoulder block that sends the current Bombshell Champion down to the canvas.  Misty smiles and lets out a laugh.

Misty: Key word being some, Vix.  I'm more worried about beating those rats at their own game.

Vixen: And you think it's a good idea to stoop to their level?

Vixen kips up, getting back on her feet.

Vixen: That's really not the way to make a statement.

Misty takes in a deep breath then lets out a loud frustrated growl and pulls at her hair.  She spins around, turning away from Vixen.

Misty: Vix, I'm just at my wits end with these hags!  I'm so sick and tired of them constantly running their mouths and putting down all my hard work from over the past three years.

Vixen: You need to stop letting them get to you.  We both know that there is no truth to a single word they say, and so does everyone else.

Misty: I don't know, Vix.  Maybe if I hadn't left like I did earlier this year, none of this would be happening.  I could have stopped them before it got to this point...

Vixen offers Misty a comforting smile but she shakes her head, disagreeing.

Vixen: No offense, but you're fooling yourself if you think that.  They would have found a way to force themselves on SCW and the fans that they hate so much.  They are the ones that had to make themselves relevant when they weren't.  Think about that.  

Misty turns around and leans her back against the ropes.  Vixen is staring at her and both remain silent for a while as the thoughts run through her mind.  How had she not thought of that before?  Why was she spending so much time...so much energy...on fighting with the Mean Girls?

Misty: I've really screwed up this year, haven't I?  

Vixen: No, you haven't.  I think you've made up for a lot of the mistakes you've made in the past, especially with Eden.  You're just focusing all of your energy on the Mean Girls, and honestly, it's giving them the attention that they seek.  Worry about beating them in the ring, yes.  But the war of words on Twitter?  Just....stop.

Misty: I don't know why I can't, Vix.  Everything that they say just gets under my skin.  

Before Vixen has a chance to respond, they are interrupted by the sound of heels clicking against the floor.  The both turn their attention towards the door leading into the gym.  SCW head report, Pussy Willow, is walking towards the ring.  She has a professional smile on her face as she approaches the side of the ring, looking at Vixen first, then to Misty.

PW: Hello ladies.  How's the training session going today?

Misty: We're taking a bit of a break if you couldn't notice.  What are you doing here?  I wasn't aware of any interview...

PW: I got word that you two were here so I thought I'd stop by.  Since you're both involved in the main event in some way, I thought I could get your thoughts on the whole thing.

Misty walks across the ring towards Pussy Willow and Vixen follows behind her.  Misty steps through the ropes and sits on the ring apron, crossing her right left over her left, giving her full attention to Pussy Willow.

Misty: You want my thoughts on it?  Shouldn't that be obvious?

Vixen: Misty, relax.  She's just doing her job...

Misty: I'm aware of that, but why should I repeat myself?  The Mean Girls are the ones who enjoy doing that every single day.

Misty now folds her arms across her chest.  Pussy Willow just keeps smiling, not allowing Misty's attitude to get to her.

PW: Some days it seems like you enjoy the same.  If you don't like repeating yourself so much, why do you bother to engage in these Twitter Wars with any of the Mean Girls nearly every single day?  

Misty: Because if someone doesn't say something to them, they're just going to keep thinking that what they're saying is okay.  That it's all true.  I'm not going to just sit back and not defend myself.

PW: I'm not saying you shouldn't, but feeding into their garbage isn't the way to do it either.  Hell even Roxi Johnson is smart enough not to do that and you're teaming with her and Amy Marshall this week.

Misty narrows her eyes at Pussy Willow and her nostrils flare.  Vixen can sense the tension rising in Misty and she keeps a close watch on her friend and partner.

Misty: Yeah and what's your point?

PW: If you want my honest opinion, I think Roxi should be concerned about having to team with you and Amy Marshall.  The both of you seem to let what the Mean Girls say get to you the most and it could very well--

Pussy Willow is suddenly taking back as Misty jumps off the ring apron, getting right in Pussy Willow's face.  Vixen jumps into action and quickly steps through the ropes and jumps down from the ring, standing behind Misty and grabbing a hold of her arm.

Misty: Don't you even finish that sentence, blondie.  Roxi, Amy and I will do just fine against those dirty rats and don't you dare try to imply that Amy or I will do something to screw it up for us.

PW: Right, because getting worked up like really shows that I don't have a point. Look at yourself, honey.  You want to do us all a huge favor and destroy the Mean Girls?  You better get your act together and not let them bother you so much.  Don't give them the advantage.

Misty: Let me go, Vix!

Vixen shakes her head and refuses to release her hold on Misty.

Vixen: I don't think so, Misty.  You need to calm down, because if you don't I have a feeling you're going to do something stupid.

PW: It's fine, Vixen.  I think I've overstayed my welcome anyway.  I've got more work to do anyway.

Misty: Yeah why don't you go find Delia, Mercedes and Veronica and tell them all about this.  Maybe they'll let you sit with them...

Pussy Willow shakes her head with a laugh and she backs away from Misty.

PW: I'm sorry for upsetting you, Misty.  Good luck to you, Roxi and Amy on Sunday.  I think it's safe to say that I, as well as everyone else, will be rooting for your team to walk away with the win.

Pussy Willow then turns and heads back to the doors and heads out.  Vixen finally releases her hold on Misty just as Misty yanks her arm away from her.  Vixen looks at her, clearly worried.

Vixen: Misty, you really need to calm down.  You know, up until recently, you were the voice of reason to me.  Now it seems like we've switched places.  You can not let the Mean Girls rile you up like this.

Misty takes in a few deep breaths, letting every kind and encouraging word from Vixen process in her mind.  A few seconds later she lowers her head and buries her face into her hands and just starts sobbing.  Vixen places a comforting hand on her shoulder, but Misty pulls away.

Misty: I..I have to go.  I need some time alone right now.

Vixen: I really think--

Misty: I'm sorry, Vix.  

Misty then rushes off towards the locker rooms, leaving a stunned yet concerned Vixen standing there.  Vixen shakes her head and takes a deep breath before she, too, heads off towards the locker rooms.

******************************

I...I don't know what's happening to me.  One minute, I'm perfectly fine, focusing on a training session with Vixen.  The next, all this bullshit with the Mean Girls is consuming my every thought.  I can feel it happening, but I can never seem to stop it.  And now..I let it get so bad that I unleashed my anger on someone who didn't deserve it.

Looking back, I know Pussy Willow was right earlier.  I'm letting the Mean Girls get under my skin, and truth be told, that's a big mistake.  That's giving them all the satisfaction, and it needs to stop.  But...how?  How do I just sit back and ignore them?  How do I stand by and let them treat everyone like shit and act like that's just okay?  Like that is acceptable in this world?  Right now, the only answer to that question is simple.  I can't.

I can't let them think that what they're doing and saying is acceptable, but what I CAN do is continue to prove to them in the ring just who is better, because they sure as hell aren't.  They can think all they want that they are, but in the long run, they're not and they never will be.

You hear that ladies?  I hope you're all watching this...taking in every single word that I'm saying because I mean it all.  Delia...Mercedes...Veronica...This Sunday, the three of you will NOT be walking out of Mesa with a victory.  There is no chance in hell you'll be going into Violent Conduct winners, but I'm sure the three of you will think otherwise, won't you?

Especially you, Veronica.  I mean, after all, you've been on quite the winning streak lately.  Bravo, Veronica.  Bravo.  You've won your last three matches.  But tell me something, Veronica.  How many of your matches before that have you won?  What is your win loss record as a whole in SCW, because if my memory serves me correctly, it's not that impressive.  You're not this hot shit that you make yourselves out to be and to be quite honest...you're the weakest link in the Mean Girls.  Even your sister's in the Mean Girls know it, they just refuse to admit it.  What do you think they'll do when YOU are the one to get pinned on Sunday?  They'll treat you just as they treated Angelica and Tessa after I beat the both of them.  Face it Veronica.  Even though you're a founding member of the Mean Girls, you don't mean shit with Delia as the Queen Rat.  Sorry not sorry.

And Mercedes...what can I possibly say about you?  I can't remember a moment where I actually liked you since you've stepped foot in SCW.  You've always had a horrible attitude, but I will admit you've made quite a name for yourself...at least in the Roulette Division.  You have the opportunity at Violent Conduct II to become a three time Bombshell Roulette Champion.  An accomplishment I, myself, have made with the Bombshell title but guess what?  I was the first three time Bombshell Champion.  And how many times have you held that title?  Hmm...none that I can remember and as long as you're in the Mean Girls, you never will.  Do you want to know why?

As long as Delia is the Queen Rat she won't allow any one of you little bitches be above her.  Deny it all you want, but it's the truth.  You'll always be stuck in her shadow.  Real good decision you made joining up with them, Mercedes.  There went any hopes I ever had for you.

And now it's time for me to save the absolute WORST for last.  You, Delia...You are the one I am most looking forward to getting my hands on.  I simply can not wait rip into you and beat the ever living SHIT out of you.  Not just because you're a mean nasty bitch.  Not just because I want to prove to you and everyone watching that I will always be better than you, no matter how old I am..but simply for the fact that you have made this situation personal when in the beginning it was nothing more than business to me.  You, Delia, had to go and involve my son in this war, using him as a pawn in your attempt to turn him against his family.

You have no remorse, no shame, for taking matters that you know absolutely NOTHING about and spinning it to your advantage.  You have no problem lying just to get your own fucking way, and I will NOT let it continue.  I'm not going to stop until I destroy you, Delia.  Not just emotionally, but physically as well.  Sunday will be the beginning of the end for you.  I'm going to give you a taste of what is to come.  Only a taste, because I'm going to be nice and let Vixen get her shot in at Violent Conduct.  Don't make the mistake in thinking she won't because I can promise you that she is more determined than ever to kick your ass and hang on to the title that belongs around her waist.

I'm not going to waist too much time spewing a bunch of hateful bullshit towards you, Delia, because let's face it.  I'll have plenty of time in the future to do that.  This match on Sunday may be our first encounter in the ring, but it sure as hell won't be our last.  It may not be a one on one battle, but I can promise you that sooner or later, I'll get you in that ring alone.  You're hags won't be anywhere near you.  They won't be able to save you.  Enjoy your time, Delia, because it's winding down very quickly.

Roxi...Amy...It's time for the three of us to pull together and really prove these hags wrong.  It's time for us to work together and show them that their time is over.  That none of us are past our prime.  That we're not the *air quotes* Jealous Janis bitches they make us out to be.  WE are true Bombshells.  WE have no reason to be jealous of them  and we CAN and WILL beat them this Sunday.  The three of us have a common goal...a common enemy, and we will stop at nothing until WE are walking into Violent Conducts with a victory and not them.  The Mean Girls will never take over this Bombshell Division, ladies.  

The war rages on...and it's a war the Mean Girls will not win.

 Flashback to February 23rd...

The last of the first round matches for the Blast From The Past mixed tag team tournament has just ended, and what a match it turned out to be.  Surprises surrounded the entire match with the return of Odette Ryder as the mystery bombshell, and Gabriel reappearing after the match also.  Odette and her tag partner, Steve Ramone, had managed to pull off the win over Cyrus King and his partner, former three time Bombshell Champion and former Bombshell Tag Team Champion, Misty.  It was the bombshell herself who the cameras are currently following backstage.

After the match, and her loss to Odette, Misty stormed out of the ring and backstage.  She went to the NXT locker room and gathered her things, but before she left the building all together, she made one last detour to take care of some business.  She's currently standing outside the office of co-owner Christian Underwood, and because the door is slightly ajar and she can hear the rustling of some papers inside, she knows he is there.  She politely knocks on the door, waiting for a response.

Christian: Come in.

Misty slowly pushes the door open and enters Christian's make-shift office for the night.  He looks up to see Misty with her duffel bag slung over her shoulder.  He stops what he is doing and gives Misty his undivided attention.

Misty: Sorry to bother you, Christian, but do you have a minute to talk?

Christian: The show's almost over so it's no bother.  Have a seat.

Misty does as she is told and takes a seat in one of the chairs across from Christian.  She sets her duffel bag on the floor, then crosses her right leg over her left and looks at Christian.

Christian: So what's going on?  Why aren't you staying until the end of the show?

Misty: That's what I came to talk to you about, actually.  I'm not just leaving the show, Christian.  I'm leaving all together.  Tonight was my last match.  I'm retired as of now.

Christian: I'm sorry, what?  

Christian stares at Misty, bewildered.  

Misty: You heard me.  I'm done.  I can't do this anymore.

Christian: I know you made the announcement a few weeks back that you'd be retiring this year, but I was under the impression it would happen much later.  Can I ask why the sudden decision?

Misty: It's hard to explain, and I really don't want to get into it.  I've been thinking about this for a while now.

Christian: Pardon my assumption, but does this have anything to do with---

Misty holds her hand up, silencing Christian before he can finish what he was about to say.  

Misty: It has nothing to do with her, so you can stop that thought.  I'm just...done.  I'm done, Christian, and this is the best way to do it.  

Christian: I really disagree with that.  How is you retiring after a tough loss  like tonight the best way to go about it?  If anything, it'll just make you look like a sore loser.

Misty: Let people think what they want, but it's my decision.  And this wasn't a tough loss, either.  Every time I face Odette I lose, so it was no more difficult than any other time.

Christian: Again, I disagree.  This was Odette's first match back.  I can understand why you'd be upset over this loss.  Especially given the circumstances surrounding how she left.  

Misty doesn't even bother to hide her displeasure over the turn this conversation has taken.  

Misty: Like I said, this has nothing to do with Odette so can we please not talk about her?  I wanted to let you know before I left, because once I get home, I'm not coming back.

Christian: I'm sorry, Misty, but I won't accept this.  I'm not letting you quit like this.

Misty raises an eyebrow and stares at Christian.

Misty: I'm not quitting.  I'm retiring.  There is a difference, and who are you to say how I can and can not go about it?  

Christian: Because you're visibly upset, and if you make this decision now, you're going to regret it.  And you are quitting, by doing it this way.  If you want to retire, do it in a more respectable, memorable fashion.  Not just walking out after a loss with not so much as a word to the fans or your NXT stablemates about it.  Trust me, this is NOT the way to do this.

Misty: Well like I said, it's my decision.  I'm going home, and I'm not coming back.  I'm finished, and I'm pretty sure once I'm gone not one person will miss me much.

Christian shakes his head and leans forward in his chair.  Misty seems adamant in her decision, but Christian refuses to accept it.

Christian: Look, if you want to go home for a bit, I'm not going to stop you.  In fact, here's what I'm suggesting.  Take some time off, but I'm telling you right now, you're NOT retiring this way.  Clear your head for a while.  Rest.  Relax.  Do whatever you need to, but I'm not letting you quit.  Not like this, because I know you'll regret it later on.  I'll be sure to keep in touch, and IF after some time passes you still feel this way, we'll discuss this further.

Misty: I'm not going to change my mind.

Christian: You say that now, but how long have I known you?  Take my advice.  Go home and get some rest.

Misty sighs and as much as she wants to protest, she can tell by the look on Christian's face that he won't budge on this.  She takes in a deep breath, and shrugs her shoulders.

Misty: Fine, but don't be surprised if I don't come back.  

Christian: Trust me, you'll be thanking me next time you see me.  

Misty: We'll see about that.  

Misty then reaches down and grabs her duffel bag, once again throwing it over her shoulder.  She stands up from the chair and looks to Christian one last time before she leaves.

Misty: Well...I guess all I can say is I'll see ya when I see ya.  Enjoy the African Tour.

Christian: Hopefully you'll be able to enjoy it along with everyone else, but I won't press the issue further.  Enjoy your time off and just try and relax.

A sad look falls over Misty's face.  She can only muster up a slight nod as she turns and walks out of the office.  Christian just stares towards the door, but he has more of an optimistic look on his face than Misty did.  He gets back to his paperwork and the scene fades out.

*************************

This is not the way it's supposed to be.  When I made the announcement about my future retirement, I was not expecting it to happen like this.  I wanted to go out with a bang.  I wanted to go out in style and in glorious fashion, because given everything that I accomplished in my career, I thought I deserved nothing less than a spectacular end to my career.  

Then I had to go and completely ruin everything.

Yes, I had said that as long as Vixen and I held the Bombshell Tag Team titles I would remain on the active roster.  Yes I made sure to point out that even if we lost them sooner rather than later, I had no set date for retiring from wrestling.  I made sure to say that because, quite honestly, I wasn't fully prepared to end my career so soon in the year.

Entering the Blast From The Past mixed tag team tournament was my way of delaying my retirement, even if only for several weeks.  Sure, I didn't know who my partner was until the card was announced, but I had to be confident in myself to get the job done.  Not just for myself, but for my partner.  After all, I had to redeem myself for last year when I cost myself and Thatcher Rex the match against, coincidentally enough, Jordan Williams and Odette Ryder.

Odette Ryder...Why does it always come down to Odette Ryder?!  I guess a better question would be, why do I always let Odette get to me?

The entire week leading up to that match, I had a sneaking suspicion.  I wasn't one hundred percent sure, and I was hoping that Odette wasn't the mystery bombshell teaming with Steve Ramone.  But my gut was telling me that it was her.  That after her just abandoning her half of the Bombshell Tag Titles, and Gabriel no less, that Odette was making her return to SCW.  And on Sunday I finally got my confirmation.  

Don't get me wrong, I was just as surprised as anyone else, because I wanted to be wrong.  I really did.  When Odette revealed herself not only was I shocked, but I was angry as hell as well.  For the first couple of months after she left, I wanted to get a hold of Odette and talk to her...as a friend.  After we won the tag team titles, I tried my hardest to get along with her...to make her see that I had changed.  But when she came back on Sunday...all my remorse and regret over the way I had treated her...it completely disappeared.

I had faced off against her numerous times in the past, and she'd walked away the winner in the majority of those matches, but I was determined to win this one.  Or so I thought.

I wanted nothing more than to beat her...to make her regret stepping foot back in Sin City Wrestling after how she left.  In a way, the "Queen of the Damned" had momentarily made a return on Sunday, and she had completely clouded my better judgement.  I was only seeing red when I was looking at Odette, and during the entire match, and that was my mistake.

If I hadn't let her get to me like that.  If I had just focused more on the match, and advancing to the next round, I wouldn't be in the position that I am right now.  But what's done is done now.

And I'm going to make the best of it.  

---

Flash forward a week and a half later.  Spring is just a couple of weeks away, but you wouldn't know it in the city of Chicago.  The winter has been brutal to say the least, with over seventy inches of snow thus far, and the residents of Chicago and the surrounding area are hoping for the warmer weather to finally make an appearance.  

Today, however, is not that day.  

Mother Nature has once again decided to cover the Chicago land area in upwards of seven inches of snow, and most of the residents of the city and the area are once again joined in a collective annoyed sigh.  After all, most of the snow from the winter as a whole had only just recently melted, and they were hoping it meant they were finally finished with seeing the puffy white stuff.  Hell, Misty doesn't even live in Chicago anymore and she's wishing for an end to the snow.

Misty: You know, this winter has just proven why I made the right choice in moving out of Chicago in the first place.  Every time I fly out here lately it's been snowing.

Misty and her boyfriend of less than six months, Seth, are snuggled up on the sofa in his living room.  He has a nice warm fire burning in his fireplace, and both seem to be enjoying their time together. Seth smiles, and takes a drink of the beer he holds in his left hand, while Misty is cuddling up to him with his right arm wrapped around her.

Seth: Yeah, but how can you complain when we get more moments like this together each time you visit? You can't say you don't enjoy it.

Misty: True, I can't deny it.  But it would be even better to be able to get out of the damn house and enjoy some sunshine, don't you think?

Seth: Honestly, I'd rather take the snow these days.  It gets me out of working at the gym and hearing Frankie's reaction.

Misty laughs but playfully elbows Seth in his side.  He laughs too, then lifts his feet up and props them up on his coffee table.

Seth: So have you decided when you're flying back to Vegas yet?  I know you told me you only bought a one-way ticket this time.

Misty remains silent, offering no response to Seth's question.  He looks at her from the corner of his eye, thinking maybe she fell asleep, but that is not the case.  Instead, she is just staring at the burning fire, appearing deep in thought.

Seth: Babe?  You gonna answer my question?

Misty: No, I haven't decided yet.  I just want to enjoy my time with you without talking about Vegas.

Seth: Okay, but don't you have to be at the show on Sunday?  I know you were given the night off this past Sunday, but don't you need to be there?

Misty takes in a deep breath, then slowly pushes herself away from Seth.  He looks at her, now concerned about the tension that has clearly risen in Misty.

Seth: What?  What is it?

Misty: I wasn't given the night off, Seth.  

Seth: Okay?  Then what's going on?

Misty leans forward.  The expression on her face has now changed to a somber expression as she now has to tell Seth the truth.

Misty: I'm done, Seth.  I'm finished with wrestling...with SCW.

Seth's eyes nearly bug out of his head.  He stares at her, completely shocked with what Misty has just told him.

Seth: You're kidding me, right?  They fired you?!  

Misty shakes her head, but she can't help but smile a little as the man she loves automatically assumes the worst.

Misty: Of course they didn't.  They'd never fire me.  If they wanted to fire me, they would have done it after the kidnapping stunt with Melody Grace.

Seth: Okay...so what the fuck happened?  If they didn't fire you---

Misty slowly turns her head and looks Seth in the eyes, answering his question without words.  

Seth: You...you quit?  Why would you quit?

Misty: Well, I wouldn't consider it quitting, either.  I told you I was retiring this year.

Seth: Yeah, but I just assumed it was going to be closer to the end of the year...Not now!

Misty nods.  She, too, had assumed the same thing, but things change, don't they?

Misty: Well, things have changed.  I guess I just realized alot sooner that I can't do it anymore.

Seth: This has to do with--

Misty holds her hand up, quickly stopping Seth from going any further.

Misty: Please...don't even say her name.

Seth: Well, I guess that's my answer.  You sure this was the best way to retire?  After...well, you get my drift.

Yes, she got his drift.  She got it loud and clear, but she wasn't going to admit that she might have made a mistake.  Instead, she slowly nods, trying to prove to him this was the best decision.

Misty: I'm sure.  I already talked to Christian Underwood.  He wasn't happy, but ultimately, it's my decision.

Misty made it a point to leave out the part where Christian wasn't accepting her retirement.  She also left out the part that she was still technically employed with SCW, because in her mind, she had already made the decision not to return.

Seth: It is your decision, and I'll support you on it, but...

Misty: But what?  Seth, we can spend more time together now.  I can fly out here more, and not have to worry about being in Vegas or California for shows.  

Seth: I just want to be sure that you made the right decision.  That you won't regret it later on.

Misty quickly puts on a happy face, to persuade Seth that she wouldn't...that she doesn't regret this decision.  She scoots in closer to Seth, taking his hand in hers, and mustering the most confident looking on her face as she possibly can, though deep down, she knew that not only was she trying to persuade Seth of this, but she was persuading herself as well.

Misty: I don't regret it Seth, and I'm telling you that I won't.  For the first time in my life, I feel like everything is falling into place like it should.  I'm retired from wrestling, and I have you.  I'm really loving life right now, so please...please don't ruin this for me, okay?  

Seth stays quiet for a moment, processing everything Misty has said to him.  He looks into her eyes, searching for a reason not to believe her, but he can't find one.  He leans in, taking her face in his hands and then brings his lips to hers.  They share a long passionate kiss until Seth pulls away, looking at the woman he loves.

Seth: Wait until Frankie finds out you'll be around more.  

Misty laughs and then shoves Seth away.

Misty: And you just went and ruined it.  Can we just not think about anything to do with wrestling right now?  And that includes that grumpy old fart, Frankie.

Seth: Alright, alright...Sorry.  Let's just get back to what we were doing before, okay?

Seth sits back on the sofa, waiting for Misty to join him, but she clearly has other plans.  She stares at him with a devious smirk on her face.  He looks at her curiously.

Seth: What's that look for?

Misty: Oh please, you should know me by now.  I think I have a better idea than just snuggling on the couch in front of the fireplace.  

Seth: Oh yeah?  And what might that be?

Misty gets up and stands right in front of Seth.  She grabs him by the hands, and pulls him up from the sofa.  

Misty: If you really want to find out the answer to that, why don't you follow me to the bedroom?  Or you could just stay here in front of the fire.  Your choice.

Misty then turns and walks away, heading towards the bedroom.  Seth watches her for a moment, then quickly looks at the fireplace.  It doesn't take him long to make up his mind as he quickly follows behind Misty without a second look to the fireplace.

******************************

I didn't exactly lie to Seth.  I just left out something I deemed unnecessary for him to know.  Christian Underwood may not have accepted my retirement following that match two weeks ago, and he might be convinced that I'll change my mind, but I have absolutely no plans on coming back.  None what-so-ever.

Regardless of what I've ever said in the past, it was never truly easy being at the top of the division, whether I wanted to be or not.  Don't get me wrong, it felt great being the champion, and being considered the best the division had to offer, but the second that belt is in your possession, that target is tattooed on your back, and you simply can't get rid of it...not until you finally lose that belt.

But I took on the challenge.  Not one.  Not twice.

Three times.  

Three times I held the Bombshell Championship and dealt with the target on my back.  Three times I dealt with having to constantly look over my shoulder, wondering who would be after me next.  Like I said, it wasn't easy, and it's not something I think I can deal with any longer.

But I'm sure someone on the Bombshell roster is willing to accept that challenge, and gladly.  I have no doubt that SCW will find a Bombshell Champion that can lead the division the way it needs to be led.  A woman who will wear the belt with pride...a woman who deserves it.

Because I'm not that woman anymore.  

---

March 19th

Two weeks later we find ourselves back in Las Vegas, this time at Spike Staggs' home.  Several cars are parked outside, one of them being Misty's blue Ford Edge.  Pink balloons are tied around the front fence, give away clues that a special little girl is celebrating her birthday today.

Inside the house, six year old Eden Staggs' is opening her presents, surrounded by her rather large extended family.  Vixen is cozied up to her fiancee, and Eden's father, Spike Staggs'.  Jamie and Timmy are over on another side of the room, chit chatting about something, probably video games.  And Misty is seated next to her daughter as she rips open one gift after another.  Misty's boyfriend, Seth, is even there, seated on the other side of Eden.  What was once a rather dysfunctional, argumentative family, has now turned into a close-knit group of friends of sorts.  And all for Eden.

Misty: So, Eden, are you going to tell me what Vixen is going to get you tomorrow, or do I need to tickle it out of you?

Eden's eyes go large as she stops opening one of her presents and stares at her mother.

Eden: Nooo!  No tickles!  And I can't tell you what it is.  It's a surprise!

Seth: Isn't it supposed to be a surprise for you, though?

Eden turns her head and looks at Seth with an amused smile.

Eden: No because I'm the birthday girl.  I'm SUPPOSED to know these things.  

Eden then rolls her eyes very sarcastically, and Misty can't help but let out a laugh at her daughter's behavior.  Seth looks at Misty with a shrug of his shoulders and shakes his head as Eden gets back to opening her presents.

Eden: Mommy, Seth doesn't know me very well.  He needs to visit more so we can spend more time together.

Misty: I know, sweetie.  He does, doesn't he?

Misty glances towards Seth with a grin, but he doesn't notice.  He has his attention focused on the birthday girl, and what he says next, no one sees coming.

Seth: Or maybe once your mommy moves to back to Chicago, you can visit us a lot.  If it's okay with your daddy of course.

A stunned silence suddenly falls over the room.  Eden stops opening her presents, and all eyes fall on not only Seth, but Misty as well.  Eden looks at Seth, then her lip quivers and she turns her head slowly to look at her mother, on the verge of tears.

Seth: I...I wasn't supposed to say that, was I?

Misty looks at Seth very angrily and just shakes her head.

Eden: You...You're moving away?  You can't move away!

Misty: Honey, nothing has been decided.  Mommy isn't going anywhere.

Eden: You're lying!  I know you're lying!  Why would he say that if it wasn't true!  You're leaving me again!

Eden quickly stands up, and before she runs out of the room, she makes it a point to kick Seth hard in his leg and then glare at him.  She rushes out of the room, now crying.  Spike tries to get up to chase after her, but given his knee injury, he can't.

Vixen: I'll go after her.

Vixen runs after Eden quickly, as all eyes remain on Misty and Seth.  Seth more so.  Spike is now furious with him, but the person he should be worried about is the equally, if not more angry Misty standing in front of him.

Misty: What the HELL were you thinking?!  

Seth: I thought you already told her!  

Misty: Seth, you know I hadn't made up my mind on whether or not I'd be moving back to Chicago!  What would make you think that I told my six year old daughter that I'd be moving half way across the country if it wasn't even decided yet?

Before Seth has a chance to respond, Spike clears his throat.  Both Misty and Seth turn and look at him, and he motions his head towards the front door, suggesting they take the argument outside.  Misty gives Spike an apologetic look before leading Seth outside.  The decision drowns out Misty's shouting a bit, but everyone inside can still hear every word that is said.  Several minutes go by before the sound of Misty's car revving to life is heard before it speeds off down the road, and about a minute later, Misty walks back inside the house.  She looks over to her younger sister, Dixie.

Misty: Dixie, do you mind giving me a ride home later?  I let Seth take my car back to my place.

Dixie: Uhhh...Sure.  Everything okay?

Misty: Not at the moment, but I don't want to talk about it right now.  I need to go talk to Eden first.  

Spike: Before you do that, you mind if you and I have a chat?

Spike looks around the room at the whole family, and they take the hint.  One by one they filter out of the room, leaving Spike and Misty alone.

Misty: You know, a year ago, this would have been awkward.

Spike: Let's not bring up the past, alright?  I want to talk about the present, and more importantly, the future.  What the hell is going on?  Are you considering moving to Chicago?

Misty takes in a deep breath then lets out a long sigh.  Spike stares at her, waiting for an answer, but this is not the conversation she was hoping she would have on her daughter's birthday.

Misty: After I told Seth that I was done wrestling...that I'd retired from SCW---

Spike: I thought you were just taking some time off to think things over?  I didn't think you had actually decided anything.

Misty: I didn't, but I didn't tell Seth that.  I left that part out because, honestly, I don't think I'm going back.  But that's besides the point.  After I spoke to Seth about it, he asked me to move back to Chicago.

Spike: And you said what exactly?

Misty shrugs, subconsciously wishing this conversation were over.

Misty: I said I'd think about it.  

Spike lets out a slight laugh and shakes his head.

Misty: You think that's funny?

Spike: No, not really.  I actually think it's a real jack ass move on his part to ask you to move half-way across the country, knowing your daughter is out here, because the hell if I'm letting---

Misty: Before you even finish that sentence, Spike, I wouldn't even consider trying to get custody of Eden and bringing her with me.  This whole situation isn't easy for me.  I don't want to be that far away from Eden, and you know that.

Spike: I know.  So why tell Seth you'd think about moving back?  If he wants to be with you so bad, why the hell can't he move out here?  Seems like a selfish asshole the more I think about it.

Misty again lets out a sigh.  

Misty: I'm trying to figure things out, Spike.  I can't stand fighting with him, but it seems everything lately just leads to another fight.

Spike: And yet you stay with him...

Misty: Okay, this conversation is really starting to get weird for me considering our past.  I'm still with him because---

Spike: Because you're afraid to be alone.  Plain and simple.

Misty's eyes widen as she is taken back by Spike's statement.  She opens her mouth, trying to think of a valid argument, but she can't think of one.

Spike: You know I'm right, don't you?  

Misty: I'm not...Look, don't take this the wrong way, but you and I were broken up for about a year and a half before Seth and I got together.

Spike: That's not exactly what I meant.  You're afraid of being alone, and not just when it comes to your relationship status.  You had Electra Blaze by your side after you left me...then it was those goons you called disciples.  Then after them it was Giani...then Drake...then Seth...

Misty: So you're basically calling me a slut now?

Spike laughs and shakes his head.

Spike: Your words, not mine.  And that's not what I'm doing.  I'm just trying to prove a point.  We may not be together anymore, Misty, but I know you better than you know yourself.  You need to just take some time and just be by yourself...completely.  Figure shit out in your head, because if you don't, you're going to crash and burn and it's not going to be pretty.  Trust me.  

Misty let the words that Spike was saying sink deep into her mind, and it slowly made her think.  It started to open her eyes to the fact that maybe Spike was right...Maybe he had a point.

******************************

He was right...deep down, I knew Spike was right when he said I was afraid to be alone.  I mean, I'm never truly alone in the sense that I have my amazing family around anytime I need them.  She may not live with me, but I have Eden close enough to me and now I can see her anytime I want, so I have that to consider.

So why, when Seth and I fight constantly, did I continue to stay with him?  Yes, I loved him, but was the fighting really worth it?  Was traveling back and forth to Chicago, and him back and forth to Vegas, really worth it?  

Was the relationship really worth all the hassle anymore?  Because I really didn't think it was, and I felt that the time was long over due for our relationship to come to an end.

If only I had known what he was about to do next, as it would have made the whole process easier on us both...

******************************

Later that night, Dixie's car drives off down the street after dropping Misty off at her place.  Her dark blue Ford Edge is parked in her driveway, and her boyfriend(?) waits patiently for her inside.  But, she hesitates outside for a while.  She stares at her front door, quietly contemplating how she plans to break things off with Seth to spare both of them as much heartache as she can.  It would be easier said than done, considering what they both felt for one another, and all they had been through in the short amount of time they had been together.  

But it had to be done.  She closes her eyes, and straightens her stance, ready to get this over with.  She had already waited too long, and the longer she waited, the harder it would be.  She walks up to her front door, and slowly turns the knob, pushing the door open.  When she opens the door, she looks down to the floor, surprised, and a little confused at what she sees.  

Misty: Uhh...Seth?  Where are you?

She tries to take her attention away from the trail of rose petals on the floor, leading down the hallway.  Her mind was immediately leading in one direction, but given what she was about to do, she couldn't think about what Seth was doing.  Never the less, she takes in a deep breath and follows the path of rose petals, leading directly into the bedroom.  She places her hand on the door, pushing it open very slowly, where she finds Seth waiting for her, but the way he has transformed her room leaves her completely speechless.  She tries to speak, but he stops her before she can even think of one word to say.

Seth: Before you say anything, I owe you an apology for earlier.  I know we should have talked about everything before I went and said anything around Eden, but I got caught up in the moment.  I didn't mean to upset you or Eden for that matter.

Misty: Seth, we need to---

He interrupts her again.

Seth: Look, I know nothing about our relationship has been expected or easy for that matter, but I love you and I'm tired of being apart from you.  We can figure everything out later...no fighting.

Misty looks around the room, her legs shaking beneath her.  The darkened room, only lit by several candles burning around the room, is a dead give away for what Seth is about to ask her next.  But she can't move, and she is still unable to speak.

Seth: I was going to wait until your birthday to do this, but I don't want to wait any longer.  

Seth reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box.  Misty's eyes dart to the box, and she watches as Seth slowly starts to get down on one knee, but in a quick moment of panic, she stops him.

Misty: Stop!

He looks up at her, shocked and a little confused.

Seth: What?  Y-you're joking, right?

Misty shakes her head, pulling him back to his feet.  

Misty: I really wish I was, Seth, but I'm not.  You can't...We can't do this anymore.  I can't let you ask me to marry you.

Seth scratches his head, completely blind sided by this.  He's now at a loss for words, and Misty once again looks around the room at the lengths Seth went to to make this special for her...for the both of them.

Misty: I'm not saying I don't love you, because I do, but our relationship is struggling more and more as time goes on and you know it.

Seth: Babe, we can work past all that shit.  I know we can.

Misty: Why did you ask me to move back to Chicago?

Seth: Why wouldn't I?  It seemed like the logical thing to do because you fly back and forth to Chicago all the time, so why not?

Misty lets out a laugh, and shakes her head.

Misty: My six year old daughter...that's why not, Seth.  

Seth: Babe, there are ways of working around that kinda stuff and you know it.  You could easily---

Misty holds up her hand with a now angry look on her face.

Misty: I'm NOT taking her away from Spike, so don't even suggest it.  Besides, even IF I were to go for custody of her, I sure as hell wouldn't take her halfway across the country and so far away from Spike!  It would be a hell of a lot easier for you to move out here.  You don't have kids you'd be leaving behind.

Seth: No, but I've got---

Misty: You've got what?  Your job at Frankie's gym?  Seth, Frankie wants you to move on from that place!  He knows you can do a hell of a lot better.

Seth: Oh really?  Then why is he giving it to me?

Misty's eyes widen, surprised at this latest development.

Misty: He's what?

Seth: He's retiring and wants to know if I'll take over running the place.  It's the best option because I know all the trainees right now.  

Misty: You accepted, didn't you?

Seth: Of course I did!  Why would I turn it down?  

Misty: See...that right there...that is why we can't get married.  That is why I can't move back to Chicago.  We just don't fit anymore.  There's no communication involved with big decisions.  You just automatically assumed that I was going to pack everything and leave my daughter to be with you, and I'm sorry, I can't do that.  And I'm sorry, the way you went about this proposal...it's just not me.

Seth then puts the velvet box back in his pocket.  He brushes past Misty and walks over to the light switch, flipping it on so the room is no longer darkened.  Now angry and embarrassed, he starts walking around the room and blowing out all the candles, as Misty stares at him, feeling awful for what she's just done.

Misty: Seth, would you just stop...Please.

Seth: To hell with you, Misty.  This proposal may not have been you, but I figured you'd still love it regardless.  Excuse me for loving you and wanting to do something special when I asked you to marry me.  But, wait, I didn't even get that fucking chance!  

Misty tries to speak, but she's too guilty to even think of the words right now.  Seth then spins around and glares at her.

Seth: So, who the fuck are you then, Misty?

Misty: That...that is what I need to figure out.

Misty is now on the verge of tears as Seth approaches her, fuming.  

Seth: Yeah, and I'll bet anything that you're buddy Drake will be the one to help you figure that out, right?  Or maybe Spike or Giani?  

Misty narrows her eyes, angry and hurt at the accusation, but she isn't given the chance to defend herself.

Seth: I guess I should be thanking you, though, shouldn't I?  You just saved me a lifetime of hell with a bitch like you.  

Seth walks past Misty and towards the door, and Misty tries to stop him.

Misty: Seth, it's not like---

Seth: Fuck you!  Have a good fucking life, and if you're ever back in Chicago, don't even think of contacting me.

Misty: Where are you going?  You don't even have a car here!

Seth: I'll call a damn cab.  

Seth grabs his duffel bag then storms off down the hall, and out of the house.  He slams the door behind him, and as much as Misty wants to chase after him, she doesn't.  She stares around the room, then at the bed where the remainder of the rose petals was strewn about.  She collapses on the bed, burying her head in her hands and just starts...sobbing.  

---

That was two and a half weeks ago.  As much as I'd like to say I've talked to Seth since that night, and at least left things on better terms, I haven't.  I haven't gotten myself to call him, and I know full well that he will never call me again, let alone answer any of my calls.  So I've had no choice but to leave it alone.  

It hasn't been easy.  The fact that he was going to propose to me made what I did that much more difficult and heartbreaking, but it had to be done.  I need to prove to myself that I CAN be on my own.  I need to take some time and just be...me.  Because I can't remember the last time I ever really was just me.  I don't know if I ever was to be honest.

For so long I forming myself around what the fans needed me to be...what the wrestling world needed me to be.  Then, after I had Eden, I had to change and be what my family needed me to be.  A wife...sort of.  A mother.  But, not the type that I ever envisioned myself.  I did what I thought THEY wanted...not what I wanted.  

Then I got the call about SCW, and after talking about it with Spike, I accepted the offer.  I couldn't refuse.  Wrestling was my life...my career.  And my career never really ended the way I wanted it to, because I had to take a break when I got pregnant with Eden.  Only...I didn't go back right away.  It took my three and a half years to go back, so SCW was the chance to finish my career the way I wanted to.

And just a few months ago, I was headed in the right direction.  I had everything planned in my head to retire the way I also dreamed of retiring...the way I'm sure so many others saw me retiring.  In grand fashion...going out with a bang.  

But things don't always go as planned, do they?

For the past several weeks I contemplated returning for one last run to finish out my career the way I truly wanted.  But, in the end, I've decided I just can't do it, and not for the reasons you all might be thinking.

I can't come back for one last run on the off chance that somehow...someway...I'll disappoint everyone, including myself.  I feel as though, if I come back, I'll turn into a different person...someone I'm not, and I can't take that chance.  I always wanted to go out on a high note, receiving respect from the fans, and right now, this is the way to do it.  This is the ONLY way to do it.  

It's been a wonderful ride...an amazing two and a half years.  I've worked with some great people, and had hoped to work with even more amazing people in the future, but this is the end.  This is goodbye and good luck to everyone in SCW, and I wish nothing but the best for all of you.

Thank you all for your support.  Most importantly...Thank you to three men who run SCW and make it the best company I have ever worked for.  Mark Ward...Christian Underwood...Erik Staggs...Thank you for putting up with my shit throughout the years, and thank you for every opportunity I was given.  It did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

And now this is goodbye.

This is closure.

 Sunday November 10th
Las Vegas, Nevada- Misty's home

Misty didn't even wait for Climax Control to go off the air before she was headed back to her house.  The last we saw of her, she was storming away from Seth for an unknown reason with Seth chasing after her.  What the cameras didn't see is that Misty went straight to the women's locker rooms, gathering the few belongings she brought with her, then headed straight for the parking lot.  She threw her things in the back of her SUV, then jumped in the driver's seat and started the engine.  Even with Seth trying to stop her, she ignored him and sped off out of the parking lot.  Seth had no choice but to call a cab.

Misty pulled her SUV into the driveway of her home less than twenty minutes later, and she hightailed it inside her house, throwing her bag on the floor by the door and her keys on the table.  She walked into the kitchen, opened up the fridge and pulled out a bottle of beer.  She quickly popped off the top and took a long swig as she headed into her living room and all but collapsed onto the sofa.

Which is where we find her now.  

She has her feet propped up on her coffee table and she is leaning back on the sofa, channel surfing.  Through the front window, she notices the headlights belonging to a taxi pull up in front of her house, then drive off less than a minute later.  She rolls her eyes and doesn't even bother to head to the front door, knowing very well who is about to knock.

Seth walks up to the front door, and as expected, he knocks three times, waiting for Misty to come to the door.  But she doesn't.  He knocks again, and again she ignores him.  Frustrated, Seth walks over to the window, looking inside.  He sees Misty sitting on the sofa watching TV, and yells at her through the window.

Seth: Misty, are you going to let me in or not?  It's getting a little cold out here ya know.

Misty: Quit being such a baby, Seth.  You know damn well this is nothing like the weather in Chicago!

Seth growls, knowing she has a point.  Misty doesn't move an inch off of the couch.

Seth: The least you could do is tell me what the hell is wrong!  You won't even talk to me!

Misty: You're a smart one!  Figure it out!

Misty then turns the volume up on the television so she can't hear Seth through the window anymore.  He sighs, and looks around, trying to figure out what to do.  Misty, however, just remembers that she forgot to lock the door when she got home, and she bolts up from the sofa.  Seth notices this and he hightails it to the door, and makes it there before Misty does.  He opens the door, and Misty tries to hold him back, but he is a lot stronger than she is.

Misty: Go away, Seth!  Don't make me call the cops, because I will!

Seth: Oh, please!  You know you won't pull that shit on me!  Would you just talk to me please?  

Misty opens the door and stands there, glaring at Seth, but she doesn't let him inside.

Misty: It doesn't matter, remember?  Why don't you just go back to Chicago, Seth?  

Seth: It DOES matter, Misty, because you're suddenly pissed off at me and I don't understand why.  

Misty: You don't know why?  You don't know why?

Misty takes a step outside, standing right in front of Seth and he takes a slight step back, though he keeps his eyes on Misty.

Seth: Not really, no.  One minute, we're doing fine, and the next you're--

Misty: Am I really that fucking hard to read, Seth?  Have I not been making it obvious enough for you, or do you just not feel the same way?  

Seth goes silent, appearing slightly surprised as Misty all but reveals how she feels about him.  Misty waits for him to respond, and when he doesn't she shakes her head.

Misty: I guess there is my answer.  Goodbye, Seth.

She turns around and heads back inside, but to her surprise, Seth follows right behind her.  She turns around and glares at him.

Misty: What are you doing, Seth?  I want you to leave.

Seth: Bullshit.  

Misty: Get out...

Seth once again refuses and Misty goes and grabs her cell phone.  She comes back, and stands right in front of him, looking at him threatening look.

Misty: If you're not out that door in--

Seth doesn't give Misty the chance to finish that threat.  He snatches her phone out of her hand and puts it in her pocket.  She stares at him in shock and before she can say another word, he grabs her by the arm and pulls her towards him and kisses her!  She fights it at first, but moments later she's kissing him right back with all the passion she has in her.  The kiss lasts for quite a while, until they finally part their lips.  Seth has a grin on his face, while Misty stands there for a moment, eyes closed and pretty much speechless.  

Seth: Yeah, I've been known to have that effect on women.

Seth chuckles and stares at Misty as she finally, and very slowly, opens her eyes.  She narrows her eyes at him, but he spots the beginning of a smile form at the corner of her mouth.  She pulls her arms away from him and folds them across her chest, trying her best to give him a convincing glare, but after the kiss, it doesn't work.

Misty: Is that so?  If that is the case, then why are you currently still single?

Seth: I don't know.  I guess I was just always waiting for the woman of my dreams to come back into my life.

Misty arches an eyebrow, looking at Seth with a confused expression on her face.

Misty: Excuse me?  You lost me...

Seth nods, and this doesn't help Misty's confusion any.

Seth: Yeah, I did.  

Misty: Seth, what are you talking about?  I'm very confused right now.

Seth: I guess we're both having a hard time figuring each other out, aren't we?  Think about it Misty.  How long have we known each other?  Fifteen years?  Frankie trained us both all those years ago.  You can't tell me you didn't know how I felt.

Misty blinks, suddenly taking back as Seth begins to make his confession.  She runs her hand through her hair, at a loss for words.

Seth: Hell, if it weren't for you, I would have never stayed on at Frankie's gym back then...or even all these years.

Misty: I...You mean...Seth, why didn't you say anything?!

Misty stumbles on her words and she stares at Seth, stunned.  He smiles and lets out a laugh.

Seth: How was I supposed to do that when you were with that Blake guy at the time?  I had a feeling it wasn't going to last with that guy, but I respected your relationship with him anyway.  I wish you had stuck around at Frankie's after it went sour so I could talk to you, but I knew you were building your wrestling career.

Misty: I was still living in Chicago you know.  You could have found me.

Seth: Yeah, but by the time I finally managed to try and find you, you were with that Staggs guy.  

Misty shakes her head and turns around, trying to process all of this information in her head.  Seth places a hand on her shoulder and turns her back around, then places a gentle hand on her chin, lifting her face so she is looking at him.

Seth: I'm not going to stand here and completely regret never telling you how I felt, and you shouldn't either.  Don't think about what would have been if I had, because who knows...You might not have had your daughter, right?

Misty: No...I know, you're right.  I'm just...Shit!  This is all just so crazy.

Seth: Tell me about it.  Do you know how shocked I was when you walked back into Frankie's?  I mean, I always held out hope that you'd come walking back through those doors, but after a while it started to fade.  

Misty again shakes her head, then walks back into her living room, taking a seat on the sofa.  She leans forward, still in a bit of shock, and Seth walks in just behind her, but he sits on the coffee table directly in front of Misty.  She looks up at him with a warning look.

Misty: Don't break my coffee table...

Seth: Are you saying I'm fat?  

Seth grins and this manages to get a laugh out of Misty.

Misty: Fat, no...Well built, yes.

Seth: Well if it breaks, I'll be sure to buy you a new one.  Look, why don't you come back to Chicago with me for a while?  I think you need to get away.  Frankie wouldn't mind another visit and who knows...maybe you could teach a thing or two to some of the trainees.  What do you say?

Misty takes a deep breath, giving the offer some thought.

Misty: That is a tempting thought, it really is...but I need to start seeing my daughter more often.  I've done so much shit over the last year, and I need to make it up to her.  

Seth: So visit her before we leave.  If she's anything like you, she'll understand.  

Misty: I'll go, but I have to be back by Sunday...

Seth shakes his head.

Seth: You can miss one show, Misty.  You're not going to lose your job or anything...

Seth gives Misty a pleading look as he continues to try and persuade her to go to Chicago with him.  She takes in a deep breath, then shakes her head once again.

Misty: Fine, but if Frankie pisses me off, I'm on the first plane back home.

Seth laughs, then nods his head in agreement.

Seth: Deal, but I don't think you'll have to worry about Frankie.  We both know you pissed him off more anyway.  You just need to focus on having getting rid of some of that stress.  Getting away for a bit might do the trick, don't you think?

Misty shrugs.

Misty: I suppose it could, but Chicago isn't exactly my favorite place.  I have so many bad memories from living there...

Seth: Forget about the past, Misty.  Think about the future and making new memories...better ones.  

Misty smiles brightly.

Misty: Were you always this amazing?  

Seth: Don't go giving away my secret now.  I have a bad ass reputation to uphold, and I don't need Frankie finding out I've got a heart.

Misty leans in brings her lips to his.  The two share another kiss, before Misty breaks away for a moment, looking at him with a smile.

Misty: Hmmm...It seems like I've got blackmail now.  

Seth: Don't even try it...

Misty: Relax...Your secret is safe with me.  

Seth nods, more out of relief than anything.  Misty leans back then looks around, almost debating her next move.

Misty: Well...I think I'm going to go take a nice hot shower.

Misty stands up from the sofa and Seth stands up from the coffee table and sits down on the sofa instead.  Misty walks away, and before she is out of sight, she turns around to face him.

Misty: By the way, Seth, I think you could use a shower too.

Seth looks confused as he brings his arm to his face, sniffing at his underarms.  He shrugs, then looks at her.

Seth: What?  I don't smell that---

Misty gives him a look that says "are you serious?" as she tries not to laugh.  He studies the expression in his face, then finally gets the hint.

Seth: Oh...I gotcha.  Well...so much for taking things slow, huh?

Misty turns and starts heading towards the bathroom, with Seth following behind her.

Misty: Fifteen years is plenty slow enough, don't you think?

Seth lets out a laugh as the two disappear into the bathroom, and the sound of the water turning on is heard.

****************************************

Monday November 18th
Frankie's Gym- Chicago, Illinois

Climax Control has come and gone from Covina, California.  It was an eventful show, but one very prominent face that was missing was Misty.  The reason for her absence, of course, was the fact that her new love interest, Seth, had managed to sweet talk her into taking the week off and go back to Chicago with him.  She almost didn't, but in the end, she couldn't turn him down.  

So here she is...back in Chicago once again, and while many suburban towns in the Chicago area are cleaning up following devastating tornados that ripped through the area just twenty-four hours ago, Misty and Seth are in Frankie's gym, thankful they avoided the disaster that affected so many others.  Unfortunately for them, they're dealing with a whole different storm.  The tornado that calls himself Frankie.

After some urging from Seth, Misty agreed to engage in a few training sessions with young men and women hoping to have a career in the wrestling industry.  She's currently in the ring with a young woman, about the age that Misty was when she first walked through the doors to this gym, and Frankie is looking on from near his office door.  Seth is standing just outside the ring, watching proudly as Misty encourages the young woman, but the look on Frankie tells a different story.  Misty glances over in his direction, noticing the sour look on his face, and she shakes her head.

Misty: Jasmine, let's take a fifteen minute break, okay?  I need to go talk to Frankie.

The young trainee, now identified as Jasmine, nods once then exits the ring through the second rope and down the steel steps.  Misty does the same, except she jumps down to the floor by Seth, who is giving her a curious look.

Seth: What's going on?  Why are you taking a break?

Misty: Check out the look that Frankie has on his face.  That's why.  

Seth: Don't worry about Frankie.  He's an old grouch.  

Misty: Clearly.  I'll be right back.

Seth shrugs and lets Misty walk past to head over to Frankie, while he heads over to another trainee and continues their session.  Misty walks up to Frankie and folds her arms.

Misty: Is there a problem, Frankie?

Frankie: You tell me.  Jasmine's training hasn't advanced that far yet, so why are you working on those moves and maneuvers?  Do you want her to break her neck before she even has a career?

Misty laughs with a shake of her head.

Misty: It's not that I'm pushing her too the extreme, Frankie.  We're being careful about it, you know that.  

Frankie: Yeah, but shit goes wrong and if she pushes herself too soon, it's bound to happen.  I accepted your offer to help reluctantly.  I don't need you injuring my students.

Misty: She's not going to get hurt!  Geez you really haven't changed in all these years have you?  You need to learn to lighten up a little.  I take risks all the time, and you see what I've accomplished.

Across the gym, Seth can hear Misty's voice raising and he stops what he's doing.  He walks over to the two to check on the situation.

Seth: What the hell is going on over here?

Misty: Frankie apparently thinks I'm being too risky with Jasmine's training session.  

Frankie: Look, all I'm saying is that her training hasn't advanced that far yet.  You'd know that if you were here more often, or if you actually worked here.  You walk in here after almost fifteen years and think that I'm just going to let you put the safety of my students at risk?  YOU can do those moves and maneuvers just fine Misty because you're a seasoned veteran.  Kids like Jasmine can't yet.

Seth: Whoa, Frankie...Relax.  They were doing great in there, and Jasmine is advancing pretty quickly.  Cut Misty some slack.

Misty: No, Seth...Frankie is right.  This is his gym...his students.  I'm sorry I offered to help where it clearly wasn't wanted.  

Misty looks almost saddened as she turns her attention back to Frankie for just a moment.  She takes in a deep breath then turns and walks away, heading over to her duffel bag to gather her things.  Frankie lowers his head, immediately feeling like a complete asshole as he turns and walks back into his office.  Seth heads over to Misty, trying to stop her.

Seth: Misty, where are you going?

Misty tosses the rest of her things into her duffel bag then zips it shut before she looks up at Seth with a disappointed look.

Misty: I'm going back to my place to relax.  Frankie doesn't want my help, so I'm done.

Seth: What did I tell you about Frankie?  You don't have to leave.  You can't just skip out on Jasmine like that.

Misty: Tell her I'm sorry okay?  Frankie will decide what to do with the rest of her training session today.

Misty grabs her coat and puts it on.  She throws the strap of her duffel bag over her shoulder, then looks at Seth apologetically.

Misty: Either call me when you leave, or you can head on over to my place if you want.  Makes no difference to me, but I can't stay here.  I'll see you later.

Seth tries to stop her, but she shakes her head and walks past him.  From in his office, Frankie watches as she walks out the double doors without even looking back to him.

Later that day...

The scene opens up outside Misty's Chicago home, where Seth's blue pickup truck pull into the driveway behind Misty's rental car.  He shuts the engine off, gets out of his truck then heads up to the front door.  He doesn't even bother to knock as he walks inside, looking around for Misty, but he doesn't find her.

Seth: Misty?  Hey, where are you?!

Misty: In the bedroom!

Seth follows the sound of her voice down the hall and to Misty's room where he finds her packing her suitcase.  He stands in the doorway, leaning against the frame, and looks at her, confused again.

Seth: What are you doing?

Misty glances up at him as she tosses a few pieces of clothing into her suitcase.

Misty: What does it look like I'm doing?  I'm packing my clothes and I'm leaving.  I'm getting on the first flight to California.

Seth: California?  

Misty: Yeah.  I've got a match on Sunday, and it's pointless to go to Vegas for just a few days.

Seth takes a step inside Misty's room, staring at her as she continues packing.

Seth: You don't have to spend the whole week in California.  Just relax and stay here.

Misty: I can't relax, Seth.  I've got a match I need to focus on, and I can't do it here.  

Seth: Is it a title defense?

Misty shakes her head, but doesn't say a word.

Seth: Ok, then why are you freaking out about it?  It's not until Sunday.  There is plenty of time to focus on your match, and I can talk to Frankie tomorrow about using his gym for a training session for you.

Misty shakes her head and looks at him very seriously.

Misty: Absolutely not.  I'm not going to bother Frankie anymore.  And I'm not freaking out about this match.  I try and treat every match equally, but the two that I'm facing...Let's just say I don't want to lose to either of them again.

Seth: Again?  Babe, would you stop packing for a second and just talk to me.

Misty ignores him as she looks around the room for anything she might be forgetting.  He continues to plead with her, but it goes in one ear and out the other.  Seth finally walks up to Misty as she heads over to the dresser, then gently grabs her and turns her towards him.

Seth: Babe, snap out of it.  Look at me.

She raises her eyes to look at him.

Seth: Quit packing for a bit and talk to me.  Tell me about this match.

Misty: Me and Vixen are going against Gothika and Roxi Johnson.

Seth looks at her with a puzzled look on her face.

Misty: The last time I faced Roxi Johnson, she beat me for the Bombshell Title.  Not only did Odette and I beat Gothika and Raynin for the tag team titles, but last time I faced Gothika, I lost to her and Mercedes Vargas.  I am by no means a sore loser, but losing to Gothika is not something I'd like to happen ever again.  Not to mention, that bitch likes to bite.  Literally!

Seth: Excuse me?  She likes to...bite?

Misty nods.

Misty: Yeah.  She prides herself on being some disgusting vampire wanna-be, and needless to say, she's sunk those filthy fangs in me once before, and I'm not letting it happen again.  And actually, the last time I face her...well, I gave her a taste of her own medicine.

Seth raises a curious eyebrow.

Seth: You didn't...?

Misty nods and her mouth moves as if she has just gotten a sour taste in it.

Misty: You were there that night, remember?  It took several bottles of mouthwash to get that taste out of my mouth!  

Seth: Oh yeah...I forgot about that.  Has anyone ever told you that you stress too much?

Misty: All the time, actually.

Seth: So lighten up.  So you're facing Gothika and Roxi again.  Big deal.  Aren't those two at each other's throats...No pun intended.

Misty manages to laugh at that, and she nods again.

Misty: Yeah, they are.  But Vixen and I aren't exactly best friends either.  I'm fairly that deep down she still has some bad feelings towards me.  Don't get me wrong, I have all the respect in the world for her, but...my daughter calls her Mommy Vixen for crying out loud.  That's the only thing that bothers me.

Seth: And you're over the fact that she is engaged to the guy you were going to marry?

Misty glares at Seth, but he holds his hands up defensively.

Seth: Yeah, yeah, yeah...My mistake.  I know you're over the guy.

Misty: Good.  Glad we got that cleared up.  Look, my point is that as much as I know I shouldn't stress out about this match, I kinda have to.  I'm facing the woman who took my title from me, and the woman whose title I took not long after that.  

Seth: Well if you ask me, you don't have anything to worry about.  Roxi may have beaten you for the singles title, but I think you're better off as a tag champ right now, don't you think?

Misty shrugs and looks down to the floor.

Misty: In a way, yeah, but...She beat me, Seth!  I was under so much stress at the time with my grandmother being sick, but I still went into that match and worked my ass off, but...she beat me, and I can't help but think that maybe I let everything---

Seth puts a finger to her lips, silencing her.  He lifts her chin so she is looking into his eyes once again and he leans down and gives her a soft kiss.

Seth: Don't dwell on one match that you lost.  Yeah, she beat you for the title, but we both know you can..and you WILL..get it back one day.  Besides, she doesn't have the title right now, does she?

Misty shakes her head.

Misty: No.  That disgusting leach---

Seth: Stop.  You're better than this, and you know it.

Seth steps away from her for a moment, and she watches him as he walks over and takes her suitcase off the bed and places it on the floor.  He reaches for her and grabs her by the hand, leading her over to the bed, where he sits her down, then sits behind her.  He places both hands on her shoulders, and starts massaging them.

Seth: I'm not going to force you to go back to Frankie's tomorrow, but I damn sure won't let you run away back to Vegas or California sooner than you need to.

Misty: Run away?

She turns her head around, glancing back to him from over her shoulder.

Seth: You know what I mean.  If you really want to focus on your match, like I said, Frankie's gym is the perfect place.  I wouldn't mind having you unleash a little bit of that aggression on me in the ring anyway.

Misty: Why do all guys feel the need to tell me that?  

Seth: Because you're hot when you're unleashing all that aggression in the ring?

Misty elbows Seth in his gut and he lets out a slight "oomph" noise, but continues massaging her shoulders.

Misty: If you can talk Frankie into walking his ass into the ring for a training session like old time's sake, I'll say you've got yourself a deal.

Seth: Are you kidding?  Do you want to break the old man's hip?

Misty: No, I just want to see what he's got left in him.

Seth laughs and shakes his head.

Seth: How about this...You try and taunt the old man back into the ring, and I'll stand by and watch on proudly.  How's that sound?

Misty thinks for a moment, slowly nodding.

Misty: That actually sounds like more fun.  I always did have a blast pissing him off anyway.  

Seth: That's more like it.  That's the Misty we all know.  

Misty: Did you go to massage school sometime in the past fifteen years?  Because this has to be the best massage I've ever had.

Misty can't see it, but Seth has a big grin on his face.  She closes her eyes and enjoys his gentle massaging hands.

Seth: If you think this is good, wait until you experience my full body massage.  I've never had any complaints about that either.

Misty: Hmmm...Now that you bring that up, a full body massage sounds very enticing right now.

Seth: Ask and you shall receive...

Misty then positions herself so she is laying on her stomach on the bed as Seth works his magic and continues his massage.  The rest...will be left to the imagination.

****************************************

Redemption: Part 3

I've got another chance...another opportunity.  After a disappointing performance in the main event a few weeks back, Vixen and I are once again main eventing Climax Control, and wouldn't you know, we're facing one of the women who defeated us.  It was our first shot as a tag team, and I let Vixen down.  We lost because of me, but this week...I'm not going to let the same thing happen.

I need to start this all off by first apologizing to my tag team partner...the woman who is engaged to my former fiancee...the woman who has been more of mother to my own daughter than I have.  Vixen, I have so much that I need to apologize to you for, and I intend to make my regret known as much as I possibly can, but what I'm going to focus on at the moment is the loss that we suffered a few weeks back against Gothika and Mercedes Vargas.  It was our first true test as a tag team and I failed you.  I was the one who got pinned, and it eats away at me every day.

People are probably thinking that we're doomed...that we won't work as a team, but I plan to prove them wrong.  I'll show them this week that that one loss was a fluke...that it won't happen again, because it won't.  I was off my game for whatever reason last time, but this week...I'm more focused than ever.  I'm going to go out there and be the tag team partner that you need...that you deserve, because clearly I wasn't doing a good enough job of that with Odette Ryder.  Then again...maybe the damage I had inflicted to her was just irreversible, and that's why she left.  I guess I'll never know.

Going against Gothika and Roxi...it's a different story.  It's no secret how I feel about losing to them, isn't that right ladies?

Roxi...We meet again, don't we?  Granted, the title isn't on the line, and neither of us currently hold the title, but...it's time for a little redemption.  It's time for me to show everyone that I never should have lost to you in the first place, because if I have my way...It will be me pinning your shoulders to the canvas, proving that I will always be better than you.  

Now, don't get me wrong...You're one hell of a fighter, but you know where you went wrong in my eyes?  You went completely wrong when you lost the title to the very woman you are teaming with this week!  You let Gothika get her disgusting hands on the Bombshell title, and that is something that I never EVER would have done.  NEVER!  Not even on my worst day!

We have something in common, Roxi.  We both hate Gothika because she dug her nasty fangs into both of us, right?  Yes, she did.  She BIT the both of us, Roxi, and now...Now she's walking around with the Bombshell title in her possession and it's all YOUR fault!  I'm not the only one who has to redeem herself, if I'm honest.  You have to make up for your mistake, and you need to do it soon, because I can't stand watching Gothika walk around with that belt.  Granted...I wasn't too thrilled about you walking around as the champion either, but I suppose you being the champion is the lesser of two evils.  I'm still deciding.

But you, Gothika...You made a decision I will never EVER forget when you decided to get a craving for my blood.  Every time I face you, the memory of you sinking your Twilight wanna-be fangs into my neck runs through my mind and it only brings back the bitch in me even more.  Replaying that image over and over in my head makes me hate you that much more, and I will promise you this...It will NEVER happen again.  Do you hear me?  You may enjoy the taste of my blood, but that one taste you got was the LAST taste you will ever get because the day you bite me again will be the day you start drinking liquid through a straw...permanently!  Not only that, but I'll make sure that you can't even step foot inside of a wrestling ring again, because I will destroy you.

You may be the Bombshell Champion right now, but I guarantee you it's because of a slight amount of dumb luck, and if Roxi can't get the job done, I'll make sure to find someone who can.  You are the lowest of the low, and you and your group of underworld freaks are nothing.  You try and show yourself off as a bunch of bad ass bitches, but do you think it's working?  Do you think people are scared of you?  Hell no.  They don't care.  No one is intimidated by you or your little nut job family.  Sorry to disappoint you, it's just the way it is.  

So, Gothika, go ahead and spew out all your threats and your garbage about being so excited to taste me once again.  Bitch, I dare you to try it, because as I said earlier, if you do...Well, the consequences won't be pretty and you won't be able to make it to your title defense against Roxi at December to Dismember II.  And before you say anything, I'm not saying that out of fear or intimidation...I'm saying it out of pure anger and rage.  

There is nothing that I need to redeem myself for when it comes to you, Gothika.  Maybe with Roxi, there is, but that time will come later.  This match...This TAG TEAM match is for one person, and one person only...

Vixen...It's time I prove myself to be the tag team partner I know I can be.  Gothika and Roxi...if you don't self destruct before hand...Well...Vixen and I will be sure to finish the job.  And we will regardless.

This week ladies...The hands of Vixen and Misty will be raised in victory.  That's all there is to it.  See you real soon!

 I'm standing backstage, waiting for Max's match to finish here on the Morningstar Beach in St. Thomas.  I walked out of my own match successful, having defeated Raynin and making her tap, again.  Ruby didn't join me at ringside this time, as Odette had the pleasure of doing so, but it doesn't erase the fact that it would have been nice to have Ruby out there supporting me.  Especially considering that Odette and I are still on rocky territory.

So I need to speak with her, and soon.  I can't take the anger and resentment she still feels towards me.  I've given her the space she has clearly needed, but it's time to bite the bullet and have a one-on-one conversation, without Max around.  I'm glad she and Max have grown closer, though.  At least she is showing some loyalty to someone other than myself.

I'm watching the final minutes to Max's blindfold match, practically biting my nails.  I know how much Max had worked to win the Roulette Championship from Kain, so having to defend it against that same man so soon must have been equally challenging for him.  It has been an interesting match to say the least; one that has never been done before in SCW.  But both Max and Kain have done a great job dealing with this blindfold match.  Hell, they've done better than I ever would have!  It's not an easy task having to wrestle without being able to see anything at all, but they have made do.

Unfortunately for Kain, things haven't gone in his favor.  Our new Heavyweight Champion, and first ever triple crown winner, Goth, got involved-after Ruby attempted to do the same thing however- and cost him the match.  Given their history it's not surprising that Goth got interfered, but I'm not going to feel bad.  Max still has the Roulette Championship in his possession and that is all that matters.  

Immediately after Climax Control goes off the air, I head to the curtain leading to the ramp.  Max and Ruby should be walking through any minute, and I need to catch her as soon as possible.  No sooner than that thought hits my mind then do they walk through the curtain, hand in hand.  The Roulette Championship is placed proudly over Max's shoulder, and the grin on his face can not be easily wiped away.  Ruby also has a rare smile on her face; one that I have never seen before.  But as soon as she looks up and sees me standing there waiting for them, the smile soon fades away.  Max's, however, does not.  Ruby is prepared to go about her business with Max, and completely ignore me, but he holds her back, thankfully.

"Great job out there, Max." I say with a smile. "Don't take this the wrong way, but it was rather amusing watching that match."

"No biggie," he replies with an arrogant shrug. "I still walked away victorious, and that's all that matters."

Ruby tugs on Max's arm, not even looking in my direction.  He doesn't budge, however.

"Max, let's go.  We have some celebrating to do." Ruby says, trying to twist his arm and get away from me as quickly as she can.  At least I know she can hold a grudge against me.

"Actually, Max, do you mind if I borrow Ruby for just a few minutes?  It won't take long and then you two can go out and celebrate." I turn my attention to Max.  I can see Ruby shaking her head at him, telling him not to agree.  They whisper amongst each other as she voices her displeasure.

"Sure thing," he finally says in agreement.  Ruby closes her eyes and sighs, then pulls her hand away from his. "You two need to talk anyway and work all this out.  Come find me when you're done."  He leans in and gives Ruby a quick peck on her cheek, though she is now unhappy with him.  He shakes his head with a smile, perfectly content dealing with the Ruby's feisty personality.

"See ya later, Misty." He says as he steps away, walking past me.  I acknowledge him with just a nod before I turn my attention back to Ruby, who still refuses to look at me.

"Okay, I understand you were pissed off at me for signing you to a contract in ACW, but enough with the cold shoulder already, Ruby.  It's done and over with." I say, taking a step towards her.  She turns her head very slowly and glares at me.  If I didn't know any better, I'd think she were wishing that I was dead.

"You may think so, my queen, but it is far from over." She replies, and the emphasis on the words my queen have an underlying hatred in them.  "Congratulations on your victory.  I'm sure you'd like to go do some celebrating of your own with Odette Ryder."  She folds her arms across her chest, turning her attention away from me again, hissing at one of the backstage workers that passes by.  

"Please tell me you are not suddenly jealous of Odette?" I ask with a sigh.  "You could have been out there with me tonight, you know, but you said no!"

"Do you want to know why?" She says, slowly turning her attention back to me and speaking each word slowly and ominously.

I nod and reply, "Yes.  As a matter of fact, I would."

Ruby glances to my tag team championship belt placed on a table beside me, glaring at it with a disgusted look on her face before she turns her attention back to me.

"You don't need me anymore," she says as she once again folds her arms across her chest. "You are teamed with Odette Ryder now.  You have had absolutely no problem pawning me off on Max in recent weeks and when I finally take your advice, you suddenly change your mind?  Perhaps Miss Ryder will have no problem doing your bidding now that you two are the tag team champions and those titles mean so much to you.  I do not care anymore."

Ruby tries to walk away  but I grab her by her arm and stop her.  She looks down at my hand, then lifts her head to glare at me, yanking her hand away from mine.

"Do not make the mistake in thinking I am not capable of hurting you, Misty." She snaps at me with a vicious warning. "It is clear that you want nothing to do with me anymore, nor do you want my assistance, so I will do us both a favor--"

"That is not what I want!" I shout back, interrupting her.  She lets out a laugh that shows she doesn't believe me. "Ruby, I am sorry about the past few weeks, alright?  Can you just relax for a moment and let me explain myself?"

The tension doesn't subside any, but Ruby remains silent, giving me the opportunity to speak.  And she doesn't attempt to walk away again either, so I look at her thankfully.

"I know we both are doing a lot of adjusting without the Brothers around, and I know that my attitude has changed recently, but my appreciation towards you has not, and will not change.  You've done so much for me over the past year, and if I'm honest, I need you around." I admitted to her, and it was the truth.  I may not have a full understanding of why Ruby came into my life or why she has been so committed to helping me, but I can not NOT be appreciative towards her.

The silence that follows is almost deafening.  Ruby seems to be slightly more relaxed, but I can only imagine what is going through her mind.  

"Ruby, please talk to me.  You are the only person who hasn't alienated me...at least you hadn't until I signed that contract for you." I'm the one who has to break the silence again. "I was only trying to help you, because trust me Ruby, if Max didn't think you were ready--"

"The situation with that contract in ACW does not matter anymore." She interrupts me, but I don't mind.  I'm just glad she is speaking to me again. "ACW is officially closed, and I will not be bringing my contract over to Sin City Wrestling, and don't you dare make the mistake of doing so for me again."

I shake my head, agreeing that the decision lies solely with her.  

"I promise I won't." I reply.  "I wish you would change your mind--"

She glares at me with her nostrils flared.

"But I will let you decide whenever you are ready."  She relaxes again as I back off, defeated. "As I already said, Ruby...You are the only one who hasn't alienated me, and I couldn't bare it if you did.  You're the only person I have right now, and I'd like to keep it that way.  Forget the fact I'm teamed with Odette Ryder right now.  She has nothing to do with our friendship...at least, she doesn't have to have anything to do with it.  Can we just move past all this?  Will you still be here to support me?"

I stare at her, genuinely concerned that she may say no...that she will choose to walk away from our friendship once and for all.  I can't say I'd blame her, because even before I left the Brothers back in Las Vegas, I had been trying to get Ruby to lead her own life.  I am just hoping that she can find a place to keep me in her life of new found freedom now.  

Ruby takes a few deep breaths, then looks at me very calmly. "I can not make any promises.  I will do my best to be supportive in whatever journey you choose, but I can not guarantee that I will agree with your decisions."

A relieved smile spreads across my face, even as I notice her glaring at the tag team championship belt again.

"I completely understand." I reply. "As long as you're willing to try, that's all that matters.  I just had to make sure you were still talking to me before I left."

Ruby quickly looks at me, now curious. "Left?  Where are you going?"

I bite my lip, knowing she may not like what I am about to say. "I'm making a side trip to Chicago for a few days.  My flight leaves tomorrow night."

Ruby is clearly not thrilled with being put to the test already, but she takes in a deep breath and exhales slowly. "If...if that is what you want.  Would you like me to go with you?"

I think for a moment, tempted to say yes, but I can't. "If you would like to, I will not say no, but you don't have to.  I just need to get away for a few days, and Chicago is calling my name.  You should head to Tortola with Max.  Spend some time with him, and I'll meet up with you two later this week."

Ruby wants to protest.  I can see it in her eyes, but she does her best not to.  "It is probably for the best, I suppose.  I really should be getting back to Max.  Would you like to come celebrate with us?"

I shake my head, politely declining her offer. "Thanks, but I need to pass.  I'm actually going to go check on Drake."

As soon as I mention Drake's name, I regret it.  Ruby narrows her eyes, and all the progress I made seems to have been for nothing.

"Yes, perhaps you should." She says venomously. "Your new found friendship with Mr. Green is far more important than those of us who have been around longer than he has.  Have fun."

Ruby doesn't even give me time to defend myself as she steps past me, purposely bumping into me before heading off to find Max.  I run my hand through my hair and let out a frustrated growl, before snatching my tag team championship belt off the table, shaking my head.

"Damn it.  Looks like I have to start over next week in Tortola..."

I sigh before I head off in the opposite direction to go find Drake.  Little did I know he was already back at his hotel, resting as he should be.

******************************

Tuesday September 10th
Chicago, Illinois

It may be early September and for all intents and purposes be considered fall, but the temperature in the Midwest says otherwise.  Summer hasn't officially ended, and Mother Nature is definately proving that she can torture residents in Illinois and the surrounding states for as long as she pleases.

Temperatures have reached the upper ninety's, with the humidity making it feel even warmer, and the overall atmosphere just makes for a miserable day.  While some residents will gladly take this heat as long as they possibly can before the inevitable winter conditions arrive in just a few months, others do not.  Even people who aren't in these conditions every day.  

People like me.

Sure I may have lived most of my life in the Midwest, and I haven't been gone for longer than a couple years, but she I have been gone long enough that my body is not used to being in this type of heat wave.  Las Vegas may get scorching temperatures as well, but to me, it is nothing compared to what the Midwest has to deal with during the Summer.  It is for this reason that I am regretting making the trip back to Illinois before heading to Tortola for Climax Control.  It was a huge detour, yes, but I haven't been to Chicago since late July after my grandmother passed away, and I needed to get away from the sandy beaches, even if it was for just a few days.

My first order of business while in Chicago is a task that I am finding rather difficult.  It was hard enough back in July, but now?  Almost two months later...it is no easier.  But I have to do it.  I have to return to the cemetery and to my grandmother's grave.  

I drive my rental car into the entrance of the cemetery, driving towards the back of the where most of my family is buried.  I park my car in the section I need to be, turning off the ignition and look out the window, about twenty feet away.  The grave is still slightly fresh, as the grass has just barely begun to grow.  

I slowly get out of the car, shutting the door behind me.  My hair is pulled back, and I am wearing a pair of black shorts with a light blue tank top, trying to deal with the scorching weather..  I walk around the car, heading over to my grandmother's grave.  My knees are shaking beneath me, and they nearly give out on me, but I hold my composure as best as I can, and I finally reach the grave, looking down at the headstone bearing my grandparent's names.  My grandmother's nameplate has not been replaced yet, as the date she passed away has yet to be added.

"I should have come back sooner, grandma." I stumble on my words, kneeling down over the grave and I run my hand over the headstone.  The dirt is dry and slightly painful against my knees, but it is a pain I can deal with.

"I'm sorry, grandma.  I'm so sorry." I lower my head and close my eyes, holding back the tears.  Nothing about this situation is right.  Nothing at all.

"I don't know if you can hear me, but I wish I could really be talking to you right now, and not to the earth below my feet.  I wish you could answer me, because I know if you were here, you'd know the right thing to say to me."

I shift my position, so I'm sitting next to the grave instead of kneeling.  I have no plans to leave anytime soon, even though the sun is beating down on me, already making me very uncomfortable.  There is a very slight breeze, but it does not ease the humidity any.  I sit there for a while; long enough where beads of sweat begin to drip down my face.  A car pulls up and parks behind my rental car, and I lift my head briefly to notice the familiar vehicle that belongs to my mother.  She steps out and walks towards me, but I don't say anything.

"I didn't know you were in town," she says as she walks over and stands next to me.  Because I am sitting, she blocks the sun from shining down on me for a moment.  

"Just got here." I don't look up at her with my response.  The coldness in my tone surprises her, but I didn't come here to see her.

"This hasn't been easy for me either, Misty." She replies, taking a seat beside me. "I thought we were making progress after we spoke on the cruise?"

"Well this is me throwing that progress away."  I say as I play with the dirt and few pieces of growing grass.  "After all, it is what I do best, isn't it?"

"I don't understand why.  You've been making a great effort lately, so what has changed?  Why the sudden attitude towards me?"

I glance at her from the corner of my eye.  I'm not sure how to answer that question, so I stay silent, keeping my eyes focused on my grandmother's name on the headstone.

"Why are you back here right now?" She asks, keeping her gaze on me as she tries to get my attention. "You are supposed to be on tour in the Caribbean.  Why did you make the trip all the way here?"

I think about the answer to that question as well.  After all it is a good question, but it surprises me that she would ask that.

"Why do you think I'm here, mother?" I snap at her and then point to my grandmother's name. "Her.  I am here because of HER.  Every decision I have made lately is because of her, and who she would want me to be, but apparently I'm doing a terrible job at it.  I'm letting everyone down.  I'm letting her down."

I can feel myself getting overwhelmed by everything and I'm doing everything in my power to hold myself together.  Unfortunately, my mother is a lot smarter than I give her credit for, and she scoots herself closer to me.  

"Sweetie, don't take this the wrong way, but get out of here." She wraps her arm around me, and I look at her, shocked. "Get back to the Caribbean.  Go defend those titles with Odette and stop being so negative."

Where the hell have I heard that before?  It doesn't matter, I shake my head and pull away from her. "Why should I?  Odette doesn't want to be teamed with me, so why don't I do us both a favor and not show up at all?  I can just walk away from it all."

My mother's eyes widen as I say this, but I don't care.  I've never been more serious about anything, and not only does it shock her, but I shock myself as well.

"You don't mean that." She says in a reassuring voice that also sounds like a question. "Not only have you worked hard for everything you have accomplished in your career so far, if you make the mistake of not showing up, and you and Odette lose those titles, she really will never trust you. Do you really want to risk that?"

"I don't know what I want anymore!" I shout I bury my head in my hands, more frustrated than ever.  My whole body is shaking...tired from fighting. "I'm just...I'm exhausted.  Physically and mentally exhausted, and I don't know how much longer I can do any of this."

The look on my mother's face gives away her confusion. "What on earth do you mean by that?"

"I mean," I begin, thinking over my next words carefully. "I don't know how much longer that wrestling will be a part of my life, or how much longer I can fight to be in this career.  Clearly people are getting tired of me being around.  They were sick of me being the Bombshell Champion.  Nobody cares that I'm half of the tag team champions now.  All it means is that they have a better chance of getting the Bombshell Championship now that I don't have it...now that I don't want it."

"So just because you don't want the singles title, you're ready to give it all up?  That's not the Misty I know." She says, and deep down I agree with her.

"It's NOT who I am, mom.  I'm not a quitter, but--"

"But what?"

I let out a long sigh. "I'm tired of trying to prove myself to everyone, when it's clearly not working!  It might be better if I just walk away now."

"No." She tells me, and it sounds like an order. "You are NOT going to walk away, do you hear me?  You say you're not a quitter, then prove it.  Quit letting everything get to you and just...fight.  You want everyone to believe in you again?  Fight for it.  Fight to keep those tag team titles, because if you want my opinion, I can see that you need them.  You're not done yet and you know it"

I take my eyes off my grandmother's headstone now, and turn towards my mother.  I didn't think it was possible for us to ever be close again, but maybe I'm wrong.  Maybe I've been wrong the entire time.

"I can't let her down, mom.  I can't disappoint her anymore."

A tear rolls down my cheek as I say this.  I don't say her name, but my mother knows that I'm referring to my grandmother.  She embraces me in another hug, and this time I don't pull away.

"The only person you will let down is yourself, sweetie.  You were anything but a disappointment to your grandmother."

I bury my head in her shoulder and break down crying as she hugs me tighter.  Maybe coming back to Chicago was a mistake right now...or maybe it was exactly what I needed.  After all, I can't remember the last time I cried in my mother's arms, but that is exactly what I am doing right now.  Thirty-four years old or not...

Maybe this is what I needed.

******************************

Redemption: Part 2

Tortola...Yes, I'm finally here.  Just a couple of days ago, I wasn't sure if I could get back on a plane and fly here, but my mother managed to talk some sense into me.  After I had calmed down of course.  It's been a long week, but now it is time to get down to business.  I've been told twice already to stop the negativity and to be positive.

Well, I'm going to give it a shot.  

Things aren't how I hoped or planned they would be, I will admit.  Once I decided to give this tag team with Odette a shot...a REAL shot...I had hoped she would warm up to me a bit and maybe trust me, but it's taking a little longer than I expected for that to happen.  She doesn't have to say it, but deep down I know she is just waiting for me to pounce...to turn on her.  Hell, if they had forced us to team together six months ago, that is probably what I would have done.  But now?  I have no intentions on doing such a thing.

I can't say it enough right now, but I'll do whatever it takes...for as long as it takes...to hold on to these tag team titles with Odette.  I'm going to prove to her and to everyone else that the hatred I once felt for her is gone, because it wasn't me.  I don't hate her, and if I'm honest...I never have.

I look at Odette and I see...a bit of myself.  Differences set aside, she's got that fight in her that I had when I first broke into this business.  She has that same drive for success as I did..all be it for different reasons, but it's still there.  She is a natural leader.  That is exactly why we make such a great team, and once we REALLY start working together...We'll be a million times better than The Fallen ever were.

That is why, this Sunday on Climax Control, Joanne Canneli and Parand Ara stand no chance at taking the titles away from us.  I'd defend them myself if I had to, just to prove that I want them as much as I say I do, but I think when it comes down to it, Odette will work just as hard to keep them.  

If ever there was such an odd combination to team together, Joanne and Parand are that team.  Hell, I think teaming with Parand with anyone on this roster is an odd combination.  She's a great fighter, don't get me wrong, but I know how difficult it must be for her to team with anyone.  She must be second guessing how they look at her, how they'll treat her because of her beliefs.  I don't blame her.

If I'm honest, I admire Parand and her will to be here.  Watching her battles with Vixen recently was some truly amazing stuff to watch, and I have no doubt, if she sets her mind to it, she is more than capable of being the Bombshell Champion, and carrying it with the honor and dignity it deserves.  She will carry it proudly, unlike our current Bombshell Champion who does absolutely nothing but carry it around in her possession.  Parand Ara has the true spirit of a champion.  Take it from someone who knows.  

As for Joanne...What can I possibly say about that woman?  In my eyes, she is a weaker female version of Giani Di Luca, and not just because of the Jersey connections.  Well...that might be a slight fib.  

Joanne may have held the Bombshell Roulette Championship, but is she capable of holding the tag team titles?  Does she have it in her to work with someone she knows nothing about and represent the tag team division as its champions?

No.  She does not.

I look at the combination of Joanne and Parand and I see two women who do NOT want the tag team championships, and that will be their downfall.  That is the reason they will not take them from us.  Odette may not want them either, but I do.  And as long as at least one of us wants to be champions...the titles are staying right where they belong.

I am on the path to redemption...and the tag team titles will continue to be a part of that journey.

**END FEED**

((OOC: Sorry for the weak performance this week..Struggled big time and it showed.))  

 Sunday Night

The scene opens up in one of the terminals inside of the airport in Las Vegas.  It is unusually quiet, considering the tourist traffic that you'd normally find coming and going through Las Vegas, but then again, it is the middle of the night on a Sunday night into Monday morning, and the traffic coming in and out of the airport is rather light.  This particular terminal we find ourselves in is almost empty, save for about three people as they wait for their flight to start boarding.  As we get a closer look, we see that one of these people is a very familiar face.  

Misty had booked this flight home to Chicago earlier in the day.  She could have easily booked an earlier flight and skipped going to Climax Control, but because she had some things to say, she decided against it.  Plus, she much preferred the quieter flights she experienced when the flights were later in the evening.

She has already been here for a couple of hours, arriving not long after Climax Control went off the air, and her disciples  are once again noticeably absent, as she had made them stay behind.  Ruby normally would have tried to either get Misty to postpone her trip, or talk Misty into allowing one of them to accompany her on the trip, but Ruby wasn't exactly happy at Misty's actions earlier in the evening.  She was apparently holding a grudge as Misty put her plan to play matchmaker with Ruby and Max Burke into motion.  So Ruby did not argue when Misty ordered them to head back home.

Her flight should  be boarding shortly, but the Queen of the Damned doesn't seem aware of this, as she has her arms folded across her chest and her head is leaning back as she is seated in the chair.  She is sleeping in what appears to be a very uncomfortable position, but she seems to be fast asleep.  Another minute or so goes by when Misty is startled awake as her phone goes off in her pocket.  She nearly jumps out of her seat and looks around, thankful that no one is looking at her or her embarrassing display.  She reaches into her pocket and pulls out her phone, looking at the screen to see who is calling.  She rolls her eyes as she sees it is Ruby.

"Hello Ruby...I'm fine.  I am waiting for my flight to start boarding...No, it should be shortly...I told you it was a late flight...Ruby, I told you already.  I needed time to myself to think, so the later flight was perfect...Yes, I will be sure to call you or Damien when I am settled in Chicago...I will be fine, I promise...Okay, Ruby.  I will talk to you later...Bye."

Misty then ends the call with a roll of her eyes, clearly annoyed at Ruby's over-protectiveness.  Apparently the feisty disciple was over her anger at Misty, otherwise she wouldn't have called.  Before Misty places her phone back in her pocket, she opens up her text messages, opening one from her sister Desiree just a few hours ago.

"Hey I won't be in Chicago when you get here...Leaving for a couple days.  Call or message me with any updates-Des"

Great.  That would mean Misty no doubt have to spend time alone with her mother, who was already getting her hopes up that some loving family reunion was in the works.  Her grandmother's health had put them on speaking terms, yes, but that didn't change anything in Misty's eyes.  This was about her grandmother and that was it.  She wasn't going to bring any family drama into all of this.  She and Desiree were already under that understanding.  Just as she places her phone back in her pocket, there is an announcement over the intercom that her flight was now being boarded.  Misty grabs her bag and makes her way to the plane, her mind focused on one thing and one thing only.

Her grandmother.

******************************

Tuesday Evening

The past couple of days had been exhausting, to say the least.  Misty had been back and forth from her hotel, to the nursing home where her grandmother was, numerous times, and she was running on little to no sleep.  Her grandmother's condition had declined since she last saw her, but for what it was worth, she was hanging on.  It remained unclear just how much longer she could hang on, but everyone in Misty's family were too afraid to even ask.  

Her mother had gone home for a little while just a few hours ago, leaving Misty some alone time with her grandmother, except for the few times when the nurses would come into the room to check on her.  At this moment, Misty had made her own recliner of sorts, pulling two chairs together, and propping her feet up so she could lay back and get some rest.  Her grandmother was resting comfortably in her bed, fast asleep as her last dose of pain medication was given just about an hour ago.  The nurses had told Misty her grandmother would be able to hear her if she wanted to speak to her, but Misty had decided against it, instead allowing her to sleep and rest, which is what she needed the most.

And clearly, so did Misty.  As soon as she had layed her head back in the chair, and pulled a blanket over herself, she could barely keep her eyes open.  She soon drifted off to sleep, although less comfortable than her grandmother was, and when the nurses came in to check on her, they did so quietly, and as Misty drifted into a deeper sleep, it was apparent that it was far from restful one.

Dream Sequence

Misty is not completely aware that she is asleep.  In her mind, she sees the surroundings in which she fell asleep in...her grandmother's room.  She sits in a chair, with her feet propped up on another, and when she opens her eyes, thinking she just dozed off for a little cat nap, she looks over to check on her grandmother and gets the shock of a lifetime.  While she is still laying in her bed, she has her head turned towards Misty, and is looking right at her, wide-eyed and completely coherent!  Misty jumps out of the chair, looking at her grandmother in shock.

Misty: Oh my God...Grandma!  You're...you're awake!  

Her grandmother smiles and nods as Misty stands next to her bed, still in shock and slightly confused.

Grandma: In a way, yes...

Misty: What do you mean in a way?  

Misty's grandmother points past Misty, to the chair she was just laying in.  Misty turns around, confused, but jumps back as she sees what her grandmother is pointing to...or rather who she is pointing at.  Misty looks directly at herself, still fast asleep in her chair, and she shakes her head.

Misty: I should have known...I'm dreaming.  You being awake...speaking to me...it's all in my head.  

Grandma: It is, but it isn't, sweetie.  I may not have passed yet, but I'm still with you.  You clearly need me, so I'm here.

Misty: I can't stand seeing you like this, Grandma.  I may be a horrible person when it comes to everything else, but you are the only person who I care about unconditionally.  You are the only person who I never wanted to see in this condition.

Misty's grandmother smiles, but she shakes her head and reaches for Misty's hand, taking it in her own frail hand.

Grandma: You know you don't mean that, sweetie.  You have plenty of family that you would absolutely hate to see in my situation.  You care about everyone else, too.

Misty shakes her head and fights back the tears.

Misty: No...I don't!  Everyone else...they either abandoned me, or they wanted me to be someone I'm not.  You never did.  You never once judged me, or called me out on any mistakes that I made.  And you're still not!

Grandma: What about your little girl?  Has she ever wanted you to be someone you're not?

Misty doesn't respond to that right away.  Instead, she thinks about it, then looks at her Grandma, thinking about how she is going to respond.

Misty: In a way, yes.  She's always been a Daddy's girl when it came to Spike.  I've always been the bad guy.

Her grandmother laughs a little and then pats her hand.

Grandma: That is all part of being a mother, sweetie.  All of us go through it, but you have to take a second and think, she's just a little girl.  She's only five years old.  Trust me when I say when she gets to be a teenager, she'll be ten times worse, especially if you stay out of her life completely.

Misty: Spike never wants to let me near her again, anyway.  He doesn't want me to hurt again.  He's probably right.  It's probably better for her if I stay away anyway.  

Grandma: Are you trying to convince me, or convince yourself?  If she grows up thinking you don't want to be in her life, what kind of impact do you think that will have on her?  You say everyone else wants you to be someone you're not, but listen to yourself now.  You're trying to convince yourself that you're this horrible person.

Misty: It's because I am, Grandma!  I've done horrible things over the past year..things that are unforgivable.  The only reason I am here alone is because I don't want to expose you to that part of my life...

Misty pulls her hand away from her grandmother's and takes a step back.  She turns around, needing a second to look away from her loving grandmother, even in this dream state.

Grandma: You think I don't know about that part of your life?  Sweetie, I've seen those horrible people that follow you around like a bunch of lap dogs.

Misty suddenly spins around, shocked to hear her grandmother say this.  She looks at her with her jaw slightly dropped, and her grandmother nods.

Grandma: Oh yes, I've watched a few of those wrestling shows of yours.  Your mother brought that computer thing of hers here a few times and somehow pulled up the shows on it.  That technology stuff still amazes me.

Misty can't stop herself from letting out a laugh.

Misty: You're joking, right?

Her grandmother shakes her head.

Grandma: Of course not!  I've watched it a few times.  It scared the hell out of me a few times, especially with that match of yours against that trashy redhead...

Misty: She's not so bad..

Grandma: If you grew up in my time, you'd say the same thing, sweetie.  Anyway, I've seen those minions or whatever you call them.

Misty: Disciples, Grandma.

Her grandmother waves her off.

Grandma: Same thing.  I've seen them, and sweetie, they are like a disease to you.  Especially that crazy she-devil.  I'm not sure if you know this or not, but I think she has some unnatural thoughts about you.

Misty again laughs.

Misty: I can not believe I am having an imaginary conversation about this with my Grandma...Thankfully this is all in my head.

Grandma: You haven't done anything with her, have you?  Oh, please tell me you haven't...

Misty: What?!  Grandma, absolutely not!  I'm going to pretend you didn't just ask me that, by the way.

Grandma: Okay, good, because that would be the only thing I'd have to scold you for.  IF you have a thing for women, it makes no difference to me, but that woman?  You can do better than that!

Misty is still completely shocked, and a little baffled, at the things her grandmother is saying...even if it is all in her head.

Misty: Can we change the subject, please?  Because for some reason, I am clearly incapable of waking myself up from this dream, and even if I'm dreaming, it is highly uncomfortable to be speaking about this with you.

Grandma: Oh, please.  We're both adults.  You understand my point with all of this, though, don't you?

Misty shakes her head, not quite sure.

Misty: At the moment, no.  You completely lost me when you started talking about Ruby and unnatural thoughts and all that.  

Grandma: My point, sweetie, is that those people...THEY are poison to you.  Ever since you joined up with them, that's when you started trying to convince yourself that you're the awful person.  You did nothing to try and convince everyone else of it, either.  

Misty: Grandma, I abandoned my daughter way before they came into the picture.

Grandma: You didn't abandon her.  You left her father.  Granted, it was in a terrible way, but you made a mistake.

Misty closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath.

Misty: As if any of that matters anymore?  I can't change what I did.  Spike will never forgive me--

Grandma: You listen to me right now, Misty.  The only way they will never forgive you, is if you just give up, and don't make an effort to try and earn their forgiveness.  If you want to hear my dying wish--

Misty: Please...stop right there.  Don't even say it...

Grandma: Hey, who is older here?  You will listen to me one way or another, do you hear me?  I don't care how long it takes you, but you WILL get your butt in gear and try and earn their forgiveness.  It'll never happen if you don't try.

Misty stares at her grandmother, at a loss for words.

Grandma: Go on..Get to it!  What are you still doing here?

Misty: I'm not leaving, not with you in this condition.

Grandma: And why not?  Don't you have a match this weekend?

Misty shrugs and nods, though she doesn't seem to care.

Misty: Yeah, but I don't really care about any of that right now.  I can't leave you.

Grandma: Nonsense!  I'm not going anywhere.  Not yet.

Misty: How am I supposed to know that?  You could just be telling me what I want to hear.  I don't need to face Jessie Salco again, anyway.  I've already proved I can beat her.  She picked me as her dream match?  Well guess what...I'm going to ruin that dream match, and not even show up.

Grandma: Don't you dare!  You work hard at everything you do, and I'll be damned...

Misty looks at her grandmother, wide-eyed, but her Grandmother shrugs it off.

Grandma: I'll be damned if I have to lay here, unable to really force you to get your butt back to Las Vegas.  Now, wake your stubborn butt up and get out of here.

Misty stares at her Grandmother, looking around her.  She clearly remains where she is.

Grandma: Wake up, Misty...

Misty shakes her head as her grandmother turns her head and closes her eyes, drifting off to sleep though Misty continues to hear a voice.

******************************

"Wake up Misty...Wake up...

Misty's mother has her hand on her shoulder and gently shakes her, trying to wake her from her deep sleep.  Misty is shaking her head, refusing to wake up, but her mother continues to try.

Colleen: Misty...Wake up.  Wake up!

She finally shakes her hard enough that Misty snaps out of it and jumps up out of the chair, looking around her confused.  She looks over to her grandmother, and her condition has not changed, and Misty places her hand on her head, confused.

Misty: I...I was dreaming.

Colleen: Clearly you were in a deep sleep.  What the hell were you dreaming about?  I was ready to call one of the nurses down here for you.

Misty thinks back to her dream, and everything her Grandmother said to her.  She looks at her grandmother, then quickly to her mother.

Misty: Did...Did you ever watch any of my matches with Grandma?

Her mother's eyes widen in surprise, and she folds her arms across her chest.

Colleen: A few times, yes.  How did you know about that?

Misty turns her head and stares at her grandmother as she is sleeping peacefully and comfortably in her bed.  Misty closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath, then begins shaking her head.

Misty: I...I have to go...I have to get out of here.

Misty's mother tries to stop her, but Misty shoves her way past her and dashes out of the room quickly, not even looking back.  Misty's mother stands there, confused and a little taken back and she shakes her head, before walking over to her mother's bed side and she kisses her on the forehead and greets her.

******************************

From The Mind of Your Queen
Journal Entry #??

Jessie, Jessie, Jessie.  You aren't exactly the brightest crayon in the box, are ya sweetie?  I had fully expected someone on Team SCW to choose me as their opponent in their dream match, but when I find out that YOU were the one to choose me, I was very surprised, and highly amused to be quite honest.  And I have a few reasons why.

Of all the women you could have chosen to face, Jessie, you picked me.  You chose a woman who you have faced not once, but TWICE and lost BOTH TIMES! Are you really that confident that the third time will be charm?  If you are, you are a lot more stupid than I ever thought.  Do you think that just because I am no longer the Bombshell Champion, that I am somehow easier to beat?  That perhaps I've lost a little steam and that you actually stand a chance against me?  Think again, sweetheart.  Nothing has changed.  You haven't beat me yet, and you will NOT beat me this time around either, and you have yourself to blame for it.

Think about it, Jessie.  You used your dream match against ME...the Queen of the Damned...and it is a REGULAR MATCH! I am more surprised at that fact than anything else.  You could have made this match with any stipulation you so wanted, making it easier for you to defeat me...giving me the disadvantage, but you didn't?  Why, Jessie?  Why would you waste you dream match like that?  And you honestly think it'll be MY nightmare?  Please...I am not afraid of you, little girl, nor do I believe for even a single millisecond that you will beat me!

Let me make something else perfectly clear, Jessie.  I don't give a damn that you THINK almost had me beat in our match in the Super J-Cup tournament earlier this year, because you most certainly did NOT!  Not only do you continue to think you nearly had me beat, but you actually think that if, by some miracle you had, that SCW would have won the Super J-Cup?  That YOU would have won the Super J-Cup?  Oh, little girl, you have no idea how much that made me laugh!  I may not be a fan of Ben Jordan, but you couldn't even last five seconds in the ring with him, let alone BEAT him!  

Oh, and then there is the fact that now you are comparing yourself to our new Bombshell Champion, Roxi Johnson, because she was the underdog in our match at Into The Void.  Jessie...do you ever listen to yourself talk and realize how completely absurd you sound?!  First of all, Roxi Johnson was just the underdog against me.  Unlike you, she is not THE underdog in every single match she competes in.  How long have you been around, Jessie?  And how much have you learned?  Absolutely NOTHING!

I am going to show you how big of a mistake you made choosing me as your opponent in your dream match, Jessie.  You want to further your career as an SCW Bombshell?  Good for you, but you'll have to find a different way to do it, because beating me won't be that way.  You'll be going into this match calling it your dream match, but if you somehow manage to walk away unharmed, which if I get my way you won't, you'll be crying because I will have just become your worst nightmare.  I hope you're ready, little girl, because the fight that is in store for you will be much worse than the first two that you experienced.  

But, hey, if it helps you sleep at night thinking you actually stand a chance, by all means...go right ahead.  I'll just enjoy the look of you walking away disappointed...once again.  But like I said, you have only yourself to blame for this loss, sweetie.  See you Sunday...

Oh, and one more thing...Do yourself a favor and rent an apartment...or buy a house.  The whole hotel scene...**shakes head**...Well, I think you catch my drift.

**END FEED**

 Sunday May 19th

San Francisco, California...the next stop for SCW Climax Control, and not just a regular show for Climax Control.  Today marks the fiftieth episode of Climax Control.  A year and a half has come and gone since Sin City Wrestling opens its doors and held its very first show at the Star of the Desert Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and now the War Memorial Gymnasium gets to be the site of this special episode.  Though I have to admit to being slightly disappointed already, and the show hasn't even started.  

There are only four people left on the active roster in SCW who wrestled in the very first show, and I am one of those four people, and the only Bombshell.  Fantasia has since retired, again.  And Kittie...well, her current situation is quite interesting to say the least, but she has not returned to the active roster.  You would think that because there are just the four originals left on the roster that they would book us in matches for sentimental reasons, right?  

Apparently not.

Sure I just defended my title against Roxi Johnson last week, but I should be on every show damn it!  I'll defend my title every week if I have to.  I don't care.  Mark and Christian clearly don't know how to book their champions properly, although given the fact that Christian is currently...missing...I guess I can't blame him for this one, can I?

I should be main eventing not only this week but every single week!  Instead, what do they have main eventing the fiftieth episode of Climax Control?  Thatcher Rex versus Matthew Kennedy...the Roulette Championship match.  No offense to my Team Erik team mate, Matthew Kennedy, but it's not right, and I know just the person to go to about this huge mistake.  After all, he currently has the most power in SCW, doesn't he?  Yes...Erik Staggs and I are going to have a little chat.  It is why I showed up to the War Memorial Gymnasium early, and without my disciples, so I could have a private conversation with Erik Staggs before the show starts.  I burst into his office, interrupting him on a phone call, but I don't care.  

I close the door behind me, and he looks at me, holding a finger up signaling he'll be just a moment.  I fold my arms across my chest and begin tapping my foot impatiently as he finishes his phone call, and finally a few moments later he ends the call and places his phone on his inside jacket pocket, then gives me his undivided attention.

"Misty." He says. "You seem a little on edge.  What can I do for you?"

I look towards the ground and let out a sarcastic sounding laugh. "A little on edge?  Gee, I wonder why that could be, Mr. Staggs."

He raises an eyebrow and I can tell I have confused him. "I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what you're talking about.  Is there a problem?"

"Is there a problem?  Is there a problem?  Of course there is a problem!" I say venomously and clearly upset. "You do realize that I have been one of your most loyal supporters in all of this, right?  And not only that, I am your Bombshell Champion."

He nods, still confused. "Yes, I do realize that, but what seems to be the problem?"

"Mark finally gave you the power you deserve in this company when he signed over thirty percent to you, and how do you use that new power?" I stare at him as he shrugs. "You leave me off of the fiftieth show?!  Where is my match, Erik?  Where is Gi--" I quickly stop myself from saying Giani's name, but the look on Erik's face says he is well aware of what I was about to ask.  I don't know why I was worried about Giani not being booked either, but clearly it has peaked Erik's interest.

"Looking out for your new best friend, Giani Di Luca are you, Misty?" He says sounding quite amused. "I have to admit, you two seem to be getting rather cozy these days."

"We're on the same side, Erik!  And I'm not here to talk about Giani!" I attempt to quickly change the subject.

"Of course not." He replies. "But I find it rather intriguing that you are the one who almost mentioned him in the first place."

I glare at him with a low growl and he holds his hands up defensively.

"Alright, alright...Relax." He says. "Clearly you are upset about not having a match this evening, but there is a good reason for that.  You have the Lord of The Ring match approaching.  Giani has the King of the Deathmatch.  I need you both at the top of your game, because if either of you win--"

"IF either of us win?" I say, interrupting him.

He rolls his eyes and takes in a deep breath. "I apologize.  When the both of you win these very important matches, the bragging rights alone will be great.  Especially for you!"

I fold my arms across my chest, thinking long and hard about what he is saying.  

"Okay, you have a point but come on, Erik!  You know I'd go into the Lord of The Ring match with a broken leg.  You don't think some of these other people will have any aches or pains going into this?  I can handle myself just fine, trust me.  As for Climax Control tonight.  Well, considering I'm not booked in a match, I don't have high expectations for this show one bit, but I guess that is your loss isn't it?"

"You can still make an impact without being booked.  You know that." He reassures me.

"That may be, but I'd rather be proving to all of those skanks why I am the Bombshell Champion, in the ring.  Actions speak louder than words, you know."

He nods and I can hear his phone ringing once again from inside his jacket pocket.  He tries to ignore it, but I shake my head. "Go ahead and take that.  I think we're done here.  Ruby and the Brothers will be arriving any minute so I'll leave you to your work then."

"I've got your back, Misty.  Don't you worry." He says as he pulls his cell phone back from out of his pocket once again.  He answers the call and waves a hand at me, and I wave back as I turn and walk out of his office.  Admittedly I'm not watching where I am walking as I head out the door and I bump right into...Giani Di Luca.  He catches me before I manage to fall right on my ass, and I look up at him, a little embarrassed, but I'm not sure if it is from my clumsiness, or the sudden memory from just a few days ago that floods my brain...

******************************

Thursday May 16th

I don't know how I let Giani talk me into staying in New Jersey a little while longer, or how I managed to keep Ruby and the Brother's from flying here after I told them I wasn't going to be home when I planned, but somehow I managed to do both.  I don't have much of anything to do before heading to California for SCW's next show.  I don't mind traveling, but I must admit I'm rather thankful that the Lord of the Ring show is taking place in Las Vegas, as it makes the traveling much easier.

I sent a tweet earlier, thinking out loud about what I would do the rest of the week before Climax Control, and who was the first to respond?  Giani Di Luca of course.  He made a wonderful suggestion, and after giving it some thought, I decided to take him up on that offer.  After all, I think what he has in mind could do us both some good.  Clearly we both have some serious aggression to release, so why not?  Oh get your mind out of the gutter, people, I'm talking about a good old fashioned training session!  

I pull my rental car into the long driveway leading to Giani's rather extravagant home.  I'd been here already a few times this week, but the size of this place alone amazes me.  It makes me wonder if....Nevermind, I'm NOT going there.  I shut the engine off and take the keys out of the ignition, and grab my duffel bag from the passenger seat.  As I sling it over my shoulder and head for the front door, the door swings open.  I stop dead in my tracks, and look at a grinning Giani and shake my head.

"Why am I not surprised?" I say, staring at Giani as is wearing just a towel around his waist.  I keep my eyes locked on his face, doing my best not to do exactly what he would, and look a little further down.

"Damn.  I guess I shoulda went with my original plan and greeted ya naked."  He replies with a wink. "You might be resisting me now, but if ya saw what I've got underneath this towel...Well, you'd be all over this!" I roll my eyes as Giani begins to move his hips seductively as if it will make me weak in the knees.  Sadly for him, I am able to resist.

"I certainly don't hope you expect to go through with our training session wearing...that." I point to the towel wrapped around his waist. "Because, if you do, I have a very good feeling you might just happen to let it accidentally fall to the floor."  

He smiles a wickedly mischievous smile, not even bothering to hide what is on his mind.  I walk up to the door, standing directly in front of him, and I keep my eyes locked on his.  He stares at me, moving his eyes as if daring me to look down.

"Don't try and hide it, Misty." He says, taking a step closer to me.  He moves his face next to mine so he can whisper in my ear.  I feel the heat from his breath on my neck, but I don't move in inch. "I wouldn't have to let this towel accidentally hit the floor, because I have a good feeling you'd be the one removing it."

He pulls his head back and locks his eyes with mine again, giving me another wink.  I shake my head and try not to smirk. "I find it quite amusing how much you think you know about me, Mr. Di Luca.  If you plan to stand here and continue these little attempts at seducing me, I can turn right back around and leave.  I thought the point of this was to keep our minds on our approaching matches?"

He eyes me up and down, getting a good long look at everything I have to offer, yet not offering to him.  He goes so far as to step aside and look behind me at my...well, behind, then steps back and shrugs.  "Like I said earlier, I don't want to see you leave, but baby I love to see you go."

Oh where is Ruby when I need her.  I'm sure she would just be going absolutely insane with Giani's increasing advances.

"If you insist." I say, turning around. "You ogling my ass is a small price to pay.  I have a match to prepare for, and you're just wasting my time..." Giani grabs my hand, pulling me back.  I spin around, looking at him with a raised eyebrow, and he holds his hands up in defeat and takes a step back.

"Okay! Okay!" He says, defeated. "You win.  I'll behave."

"Somehow, I doubt that..." I reply.  

"I give you my word and to prove it, I'll go put my damn clothes on." He snaps back, but I just offer him a laugh.  "You can use the bathroom down the hall to change into something more...comfortable."

He winks at me again and lets out a laugh.  I pull my hand back, ready to smack him, causing him to flinch as he steps aside, letting me inside his home.

"Hey, hey, hey!" He says defensively. "No need to get physical...yet."

"Keep it up, Giani." I say in a warning tone. "I already wasn't planning on taking it easy on you.  Don't make it worse for you."  I step through the door, and he follows behind me, closing the door behind him.  I don't even have to turn my head to know that his eyes are currently centered on my ass, but I'll let him have his fun...for now.

"Baby you need to relax a little." He walks up behind me and smacks my ass, surprising me.  I jump a little and spin around to glare at him as he laughs. "Then again, maybe not.  Get as pissed off as ya want.  I'll gladly be ya punching bag."

"What?  And risk me leaving a bruise on that precious body of yours?" I say with a laugh. "Guess we'll find out soon enough.  If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go get changed." I turn away from him and head off down the hall to the bathroom to change into my training gear.  Giani heads off down a different hallway, I assume the one leading to his bedroom, to get dressed in his own gear...at least I hope anyway.  Knowing Giani, he may very well test my patience and show up in his training room in that damn towel.

A short while later, I wander through the halls of his home until I find the door leading to his training room.  When I open the door and walk inside, my jaw nearly hits the ground as I look around this spectacular training room he has made for himself.  It is made almost entirely of reinforced windows.  Several weights are stationed in the corner, and there is a ring in the center of the room, and from out of the windows I can see the amazing ocean view that is behind his property.  All in all, this is one state of the art facility, and not exactly what I imagined. I'm too awestruck by this room that I don't even notice Giani standing in the ring, staring at me with that signature smirk of his.

"You're a little overdressed, don'tcha think?" I jump as he breaks his silence and startles me.  

I look at my training attire for today, then give him a confused glare. "Are you crazy?  This is less than I wear in the ring as it is!  I'm wearing shorts for crying out loud!"

"I see that." He says, letting his eyes wander down to my ass for the millionth time today. "Nice choice, by the way.  They show of ya ass-ets very well."

I growl again as I make my way towards the ring.  Giani is really starting to annoy me, and I don't think he fully understand just what I can do in a wrestling ring, but he is about to find out shortly.  I walk up the steps and onto the ring apron, and not surprisingly, Giani holds the ropes open for me.  I step through the ropes and stand a few feet away from him, glancing at his own ring attire.  He, of course, is wearing his normal ring gear for this.

"You know, Giani, you could have worn a pair of shorts and a wifebeater for this one.  You didn't have to wear your actual ring gear." I try not to joke with him, but I fail miserably.  He runs his hands over his well chiseled chest and I shake my head.

"Nah, I prefer this just fine." He says, shooting down that thought almost immediately. "If I can't wrestle ya naked, this is the next best thing.  Besides, ya know ya want to run those hands all over this hot body of mine."

I close my eyes and take in a few deep breaths, trying not to tackle him to the mat right then and there, and not for the reason he so desperately wants.  I keep my eyes closed and can hear him walking around me.

"Yeah, that's what I thought.  You and I both know you're picturing it in your mind right now." He stops behind me, putting his face next to mine.  

I stay silent, admittedly leading him on  as I wait for the right moment to strike.  Knowing Giani, his next move will seal his fate...Ahh, yes...there it is.  He runs his hand down my side, and at that moment, I quickly grab a hold of his arm and spin around, wrenching his arm behind his back.  I dig my knee into the back of his leg, forcing him to fall on his knees, as I increase the pressure on his arm, but it doesn't phase him much.  From out of my view, he is grinning from ear to ear, enjoying this.

"Ya know, Misty," he says, clearly holding back a laugh. "The Lord of The Ring match is a royal rumble style thing.  Ya gotta get ya opponent over the top rope."

"Yeah, so?  What's your point?" I snap back.

Giani lets out an arrogant laugh before he takes me by surprise when he grabs me with his free arm, spins me around him and pins me to the mat, holding my shoulders down as he gains the advantage, not to mention has me in a compromising position.  He looks down at me, but I am unimpressed and a little agitated.

"My point is that moves like that won't help ya out any." He says as I struggle to get free from his grasp, but of course he is too strong for me. "Add to that the fact that there will be fourteen losers in the ring with you, so it'll be impossible."

"I know that." I say through gritted teeth. "Now, would you kindly let me up?!"

He thinks for a moment, then shakes his head. "Nah, I'm having too much fun with this.  Ya gotta learn how to get out of compromising positions, though this is one I don't think you can get out of."

"Really?  Are you sure about that one?" I stop struggling and smirk, debating my next move over in my mind.  

"Go ahead and try it."

I laugh evilly as I stare at him. "Oh, you shouldn't have said that..."

What Giani doesn't realize is that while he has my shoulders and arms pinned down, my legs are not, and is in a very vulnerable position himself.  I move my leg from underneath him, ready to kick him where I know it will hurt, and his eyes grow wide as he realizes what I am about to do.  He quickly jumps off of me, holding his hands over the Di Luca family jewels and looks at me horrified.  I continue to laugh.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" He shouts, backing away from me. "That's just cruel, dawg!  I knew you were hard to get, but damn...that's harsh!"

I pull myself to a sitting position, pulling my knees in close to me as I look at him and laugh with a simple shrugs of my shoulders.  I get myself back to my feet and stand there as he still looks at me shocked I was even considering such a move.

"Hey, it get you let me go didn't it?" I say proudly.

"You sure you don't dig other chicks?" He asks, and I suddenly scowl at him. "Ya had me on top of you, and you were ready to kick me in the balls!"

"Seriously, Giani?!" I'm now furious.  A little joking every now and then is fine and dandy, but he just won't give up. "Enough with the lesbian shit.  I've already told you, I'm not a lesbian.  Get it through your thick skull would you?"

"Ya keep saying that, but ya haven't proved otherwise!" He says, finally feeling safe enough to move his hands. "I've been around chicks who were hard to get before, but damn...You gotta be the worst!  It's not a big deal, but the next time you and the redheaded chick hook up, can I watch?"

I let out a loud ferocious growl and clench my hands into fists at my side.  Giani is looking at me, completely serious with that request and I shake my head, more than annoyed, but I'm don't know if it is because everyone else still thinks I'm a lesbian, or if because Giani still believes it.  I walk up to him very calmly, but given my current mood, he once again protects himself and I back him against the ropes.

"I have never, nor will I ever, hook up with Ruby!" I say slowly, once again through gritted teeth.

"If that is what makes ya sleep at night..."

I shove him hard, nearly sending him sailing over the ropes, but he quickly grabs a hold of the top rope, saving himself. "SHUT UP GIANI!  JUST SHUT UP!"

He is about to say something in protest again, but I take him by surprise, and I think myself as well, as I grab his arm and pull him towards me bringing his lips to mine, planting a long and passionate kiss on him.  He wraps his arms around me, returning the kiss for a while, and when I think we've had enough, I pull myself back, and look at him.  He seems sort of in a daze, but a smile creeps on to his face, as he looks into my eyes and remains almost speechless.

"Now...would I do that if I was a lesbian?" I ask, folding my arms across my chest.  I expect him to shake his head and respond quickly, but as he thinks about it longer, I frown as I wait for his answer.

"I'd like to say no, but...Yeah, ya would." He finally says, breaking his long silence. "Chicks do it all the time."

I roll my eyes and growl again before I charge forward, and deliver a very awkward clothesline, sending him over the top rope and to the floor below.  It is quite an accomplishment, given his height advantage over me, but I look down at him with a proud smile.

"You act like you're even worthy of anything more.  You're not even a King." I lean against the ropes and he looks up at me, a little shocked I was able to get him over the top rope.  He grabs a hold of my ankles, trips me, then pulls me under the bottom rope.

"Baby I will be when I win King of The Deathmatch." He leans in close to me, backing me against the ring apron.  He goes to kiss me again, but I hold my finger up to his lips, stopping him short.

"Once is enough for today." I say with a grin. "You win King of The Deathmatch, and then we'll talk." I quickly roll back inside the ring under the bottom rope and get back to my feet before looking at Giani, noticing the dejected look on his face.  Giani climbs back into the ring and the two begin what can only be described as an interesting stare down.  Misty continues to taunt him and he grins before he charges at her, and she's ready for him.

******************************

Back To May 19th

"Where are your lap dogs your majesty?" Giani says to me as he helps me back to a standing position.  I quickly dust myself off and regain my composure and shake my head as I look away from him.

"They're not lap dogs, Giani." I growl at him. "And they're on they should be on their way.  I had some business to attend to with Erik."

"Yeah no kiddin'.  Why else would you be walking out of his office, unless..." He raises an eyebrow, looking at me curiously.  I turn my head and glare at him, reading that expression on his face and know exactly what he is implying.

"You're kidding, right Giani?" I don't even bother to hide my clear annoyance at what he is thinking. "I was grilling him about why I wasn't booked tonight!  He's got all this damn power now and leaves us...Err, me...off the damn show!"

Giani grins as I let the word "us" slip from my mouth.  I quickly look away, hoping he didn't notice, but I know for a fact it didn't go unnoticed.

"If I didn't know any better, Misty, I'd say..." I hold my hand up, silencing him before he can even finish that thought.  I am about to say something in response, when I notice Ruby and the Brothers walking in the entrance down the hall.  Giani notices me glance behind him, turns around and rolls his eyes as he sees my disciples, particularly Ruby, as the two exchange evil glares...or at least Ruby does.

"Excuse me Giani, I have to get going."  I walk past him, not giving him a chance to respond as I quickly head over to Ruby and the Brothers.  

We walk past Giani, but I don't even make an attempt to look at him again, but Ruby's satisfied smirk says it all.  She waves at Giani as we walk past.  He rolls his eyes and flips her off.

"Fuhgeddaboudit!" He yells at her.  She snarls and turns her head away quickly as we turn down another hall and out of Giani's view.  Giani smirks and says matter-of-factly, "The Queen wants me bad..."

He laughs and disappears inside Erik Staggs' office as the scene fades.

******************************

From The Mind of Your Queen
Journal Entry #12

What a crazy couple of weeks this has been, huh?  Especially this last week alone after Hot Stuff's big announcement on Climax Control last Sunday.  Ten thousand dollars to anyone who attacks any member of Team Erik?  Drastic decision, but am I really surprised?  Not really.  While I am sure some of my fellow Team Erik members will no doubt fall victim to the madness that is about to ensue, as they already have, there is one person on Team Erik who most definitely will NOT...And that is yours truly.

You see, ever since Mark's big announcement regarding the bounties on every member of Team Erik, Ruby and the Brothers have upped their security over me ten fold.  They don't leave me alone for a SECOND, so how can any of you expect anyone to make a quick ten thousand bucks by attacking me?  It's just not going to happen!  Mark may have been smart enough to issue the bounties, but if he wants to see me taken down, he's gonna have to be a little smarter.

Maybe that was his plan when he made that traitorous bitch Amy Marshall my tag team partner for the week?  She wasn't getting the title shot she deserved so she played into Mark's little game and got what she wanted...Bravo, Amy.  Bravo.  But here is a bit of a newsflash for you?  Do you think Mark really thinks you are worth holding that title?  Do you think he honestly EXPECTS you to win the title?  Sorry to disappoint you, but he doesn't.  He's feeding you to the wolves sweetie and you only have yourself to blame.  You may have saved yourself from being the target of the bounties he issued, but trust me when I say you have NOT saved yourself from the target that every Bombshell on Team Erik has put on your back as of this moment.  Your own former tag team partner, and current Bombshell Roulette Champion, Necra especially.  Do you really think she's going to let you take her title?  She may be defending that title against Faith on Sunday, but I promise you that you shouldn't be worried about having to face Faith for that title, because Necra is going to keep that title.  It's staying with Team Erik and you know it, don't you?

I understand why you did what you did, though.  You were trying to save your big disappointment of a boyfriend, Kevin Carter.  Erik Staggs may have believed in him, but look at what happened?  He was stupid, not once but TWICE and still failed to get the job done and bring the Heavyweight Title to right side of this war.  He may try and say that Erik was running the show all he wants, but in reality...Erik listens to the concerns of his true supporters.  You don't run around demanding things from Erik Staggs.  Oh no...you have to earn it.  Keep trying to boss around your boss and look at what happens?  I had high hopes for you at one point, Amy, but you made the biggest mistake of your life when you played in Mark's game and kissed his ass just to get a title shot.  Good luck, though.  I'm sure Necra will have fun feasting on your dead carcass once all is said and done.

As for our match this week?  I'm going to be crystal clear with you.  I don't trust you, and quite honestly, you shouldn't trust me either.  You may want to walk away with the win for this one, but let me remind you of something...I don't give a rat's ass about tag team matches, especially when I am teamed with someone I can't trust.  You say I need you?  Bullshit!  Listen to me right now you disease infested two cent tramp...I don't need you to win this match.  Let me remind you of something...I've beaten both of our opponents before...I've beaten YOU before.  What makes you think I could possibly need you?

Do yourself a favor, Amy, and get your facts straight before you go making assumptions.  I'm the Bombshell Champion for a reason.  Mark Ward could have done something a hell of a lot smarter booking this match if he wanted to try and see me defeated.  He could have booked me in a handicap match, but even THAT wouldn't have worked, and why?  

Because I'm simply the best he has, and there's not a damn thing he can do about it.

Vixen...a woman I have faced so many times I've already lost count, and each time, who has walked away the winner?  Me.  No matter how hard she has tried, she simply can't defeat me, but I get it now.  Mark wants to see her beat me just once, so he made the decision to make Roxi Johnson her tag team partner.  Oh wait...I beat her, too...just a couple of weeks ago in fact.  Some smart decision that was.

I know the ultimate plan, though...I'm predicting it already.  Amy, you yourself gave it away.  Yet another stupid move on your part.  You really think the three of you are going to collect a bounty on me?  Silly little girl, you're gonna have to be smarter than that.  I have the strongest protection around.  You won't touch me...and if you try, you'll all get taken out and that is a promise.

There is only one weak link on this team, Amy, and that is you.  Call me crazy for singling you out over our opponents, but what can I say about them that I haven't already said before?  I've proven over and over I can beat each and every one of you.  I'm smarter than all of you, but if it helps you sleep at night thinking otherwise...go right ahead.  Amy, I'm not expecting us to lose on Sunday, because quite honestly, you've got ME as a tag team partner.  YOU are the one who NEEDS ME, because if we lose this match who do you think will be the cause of it?  It sure as hell won't be me, and I intend to prove it on Sunday.  If you want to win this match so bad, do yourself another favor and let me handle all the dirty work, because against our opponents...I'm the only one who can guarantee a victory.  

Vixen...Roxi Johnson...I know the both of you have got the target on my back in your sights.  I know you both want the Bombshell Title, but neither of you will get it.  You can try all you want, but this title is staying around MY waist.  Work as a team as much as you want..The two of you combined can't defeat me, but I look forward to seeing you try.  The Superhero and her Sidekick Vixen...It has a nice ring to it, but the Villain will walk away the winner of this battle girls.  

Maybe after losing to me again, the two of you will see just how serious I am...Maybe the two of you will see that you just...CAN'T DEFEAT ME.  Come at me with everything you got ladies.  I'm much looking forward to the fight.

And one final warning to you, Amy....I'd watch YOUR back, because pissing off the Goddess of The Dead is bad enough, but add to that The Queen of the Damned?  You might as well dig your own grave...

See you ladies Sunday....The Queen of the Damned reign continues!

**END FEED**

 It has been a relaxing week to say the very least.  The week following a Supercard usually is relaxing, and rightfully so.  Not only was Hostile Takeover a huge success for myself and most of my fellow rebels on Team Erik, but the Capital Punishment tour had ended on a rather high note.  My partners and I in the Bombshell Mega Match did exactly what we knew we were going to do all along.  We kept my Bombshell title and The Fallen's Bombshell Tag Team titles on our side and brought the Bombshell Roulette title to its rightful place at the same time.  Yes, it was a glorious night, indeed.

Very few of us involved in that main event walked away unharmed, however.  I, myself, required several stitches in my head on top of a very sore leg, but I was hardly worse for wear.  It is no secret the hell Roxanne and I put ourselves through just last Summer, putting an end to our blood feud.  This Bombshell Mega match was nearly the same as far as the tension was concerned, but the outcome was far from the same was it?  There was bloodshed, yes, but after all was said and done, each and every one of us walked out of that ring.  The same couldn't be said after I faced Roxanne.

Even after I secured the victory for my team...for myself and my Bombshell title, what are some people saying?  Some people have the audacity to suggest that I just barely won that match for us!  They honestly think that I was close to losing and that that ghetto piece of trash, Faith, was actually going to escape the ring before I did?  Oh, please!  That is simply laughable!  

I am well aware of the rules involving a steel cage match.  I understand fully that, at least in THIS instance, the rules stated that all members of a single team had to escape the cage in order for their team to win.  There was no pinfalls or submission victories.  It all depended on you escaping that cage, and my team did very well for themselves, but let me fill you in on just why I was the one to win it for my team, shall I?

What would everyone have said had I been the first one to escape the cage?  I doubt they all would have been praising me for my speedy exit.  No!  They wouldn't have!  Had I been the first to exit, you know what they would have been saying to me?  Everyone who doubts me, which is a fair amount of people as you all know, would have probably said a few different things.  They could have said I exited the cage first because I was afraid to face the fan favorites in Team SCW, more importantly Odette Ryder.  Or perhaps they would have said that I exited first as, on the very minimal possibility Team SCW walked away the winners, an excuse to blame either Necra, Raynin or Gothika for that potential loss.  

But I didn't do that, did I?  I stayed in the ring, fighting and clawing doing what I do best and still...STILL people doubt me!  It is absurd and I won't stand for it any longer!  I may have been the last to exit that cage for Team Erik, but I won that damn match for my team!  I DID! You all want to applaud every other Bombshell for getting out before that, go right ahead, but I will not sit back and allow any of you suggest that my escaping that cage was anything BUT spectacular!  I showed just why I am the Bombshell Champion and will be for a very long time, and there's not a damn thing anyone can do about it!

********************

No.  I don't want to wake up.  I just want to stay sleeping and I fight to keep my eyes closed, though my body wakes up from its long night sleeping.  But, something seems off.  I don't open my eyes just yet, but instead listen to my surroundings.  The noises I am hearing are not familiar to me, and every now and then I swear I can hear the faint sounds of distant screaming, followed by the clanking of chains or something.  

Where the hell am I?

I open my eyelids and look around the room, frozen from the shock.  That is not my ceiling.  These are not my walls.  I'm not even sleeping on a damn bed!  I bolt upright to a sitting position on the ground, and my back and neck are slightly sore now.  There is no furniture or windows, save for the tiny one on the door.  I push myself to my feet with my back against the wall and I stare at the door for a short while, wondering what to do, as I begin to panic even more.  I run over to the door, and search around for any way to open the damn thing, but alas, there isn't even a handle!

"Hello?!" I scream as I pound on the door. "Let me out of here!  HELLO!!  I KNOW SOMEONE IS OUT THERE!!"

No one answers me, and as I continue to shout and pound on the door, I hear other people beginning to do the same as well, and my curiosity and worry over where I am only increases as each minute passes.  I finally have no choice but to give up for now, and I collapse down to the floor once again, leaning against the door, terrified and exhausted.  

I lean my head against the door, pulling my knees against my chest and wrapping my arm around my legs.  I take deep breaths, trying to calm myself down as I hold back the tears that are fighting to stream down my face.  Just then, I hear the sound of a lock turning and I quickly scurry away from the door, expecting it to swing open and for my captor to set me free, but that is not the case.  The little window on the door opens from the outside, and a set of eyes peeks inside, followed by a slow maniacal laugh.

"Enjoying your stay boo?" Amused sarcasm shines through that female voice as she continues to laugh.

"Who the hell are you?!" I shout at her.  My mood quickly changes to rage as this mystery woman is clearly having fun at my expense.  I take a few steps toward the door, glaring at her from inside this cell.

She laughs again and rolls her eyes quickly. "I'm not the one you want to be screaming at, and if you continue that attitude, it will only make what is going to happen to you so much more fun, which is not a good thing for you."

"I DON'T CARE!  WHO ARE YOU?!  WHERE THE HELL AM I?!  WHAT THE FUCK AM I DOING HERE YOU CRAZY BITCH?!"

The woman narrows her eyes at me and then slams the little window shut.  I hear the door being unlocked, and I quickly back away from the door again as, this time, it slowly creeks open, to reveal the woman standing before me.  Her dark hair falls down past her shoulders and she is looking at me as if she wants to kill me as she takes slow methodical steps towards me, backing me against the wall.

"You haven't seen crazy yet, lady.  I'd quit worrying about who I am, because I'm not the reason you are here." She informs me with little care as she folds her arms across her chest.  From the look on her face, she is taking great pride in the fear that I am failing miserably at hiding.

"Fine.  If YOU are keeping me here, then bring me the bastard that is!" I may regret making that demand soon enough, but if someone is going to keep me hostage, I'd like to know damn well who it is, and why!  She laughs and just as she is about to respond, I hear it.

He clears his throat behind her, causing her to smile and take a step aside.  When she does, I am slightly surprised, yet I should have seen known all along.  He has a smug look on his face as he takes a step inside my cell and glares at me.

"You called?"

Upon seeing him and hearing that British accent of his, any fear I had before was now gone, and I'm consumed with pure rage, but I don't move.  I stand right where I am and narrow my eyes at him, waiting for the right, if any, moment to strike.

"YOU?!" I try to sound surprised, and clearly he is amused as he lets out a laugh.

"Oh please, Misty." He says, glancing towards his female companion, or whatever she is to him. "I didn't think you were that stupid, but clearly if you didn't see this one coming, I guess I was wrong.  Enjoying your accommodations your highness?" I don't appreciate his mocking tone as he addresses me that way, and I let it known as I snarl at him.  He and the woman laugh again, but I don't.

"Fuck you and your little whore here!" I snap, looking between the both of them. "You can't keep me here!"

"Oh I can, and I will, sweetheart." He says very calmly, and I don't sense that he is lying with that statement.  The gravity of the situation hasn't started to sink in yet, though I am sure it will very soon as I can hear faint crying coming from down the hall.  How many other people are here? "You have only yourself to blame, you know."

"What the fuck are you talking about?!"

The woman takes a step towards me, ready to attack, but He holds his arm out and holds her back, to my surprise as well as hers.  Judging by this place, pain and torture is not beneath their every day activities.

"Not now, Meg." He tells her and she looks at him, shocked and almost furious, but she ultimately takes a step back.

"Consider yourself lucky, Misty." She growls at me. "Trust me when I say that once I get the go ahead, I'm going to take great pleasure in torturing you."

"Bring it, bitch." I snap back, causing her to snarl once again and she turns and walks out of the cell, standing just outside the door.

I look back to Him, and he takes in a long sigh and shakes his head. "You might want to play nice with Meg while you can.  Aside from myself, she's the nastiest one in these parts and she will make your stay a living nightmare."

I let out a laugh and respond very loudly so Miss Meg can hear me. "Yeah well she can bring her worst, because I don't give a shit!  Besides, I'm not planning on staying here, and you shouldn't plan on it either.  If I know my disciples well enough, I'd imagine they are looking for me at this very moment, and they won't stop until they find me."

"Unfortunately for you, Misty, they won't find you.  They will be looking for a very...very...VERY long time sweetheart." He says, interrupting me.  My expression soon changes as I stare at him, now very nervous, and he takes a couple steps towards me. "I'd get comfortable, sweetheart, because you're not going anywhere."

I'm left speechless and unable to move and He turns and walks out the door.  He looks to Meg outside the cell and simply nods to her, as if giving her the go ahead, and the gravity of what is about to happen crashes down on me like a tsunami.  Meg takes her slow steps inside the cell, looking at me with a malicious smile on her face, and she cracks her neck.  I take a few steps back again until I hit the wall, realizing I have nowhere to go, and this causes Meg to laugh, as she lunges forward.

The last thing that went through my mind before everything went black, is wondering what Ruby and the Brothers were doing...and if I would ever get out of this hell hole.

********************

Meanwhile, back at Misty's home...

It is mid-morning in Las Vegas, and Ruby has been awake for some time now.  As was usually the case, she was up sooner than Misty, but around the same time as the Brothers as they all started their day bright and early.  The Brothers were still working on various repairs and upgrade projects around the home, while Ruby made the entire group breakfast, allowing their Queen as much time to sleep as she so wished.  Misty was not having as much trouble sleeping as she had over the past several months, and things were slowing returning to a normal state, but after returning to the United States after the tour of South America, everyone was rather exhausted.

The breakfast table is set, and the food is nearly finished.  Damien sent Zane to the kitchen to check on Ruby, where Ruby told him breakfast was ready and sent him back to get the brothers to join them.  She placed everything aside for the moment, looking at the clock on the wall.  While her Queen had liked to sleep in from time to time, normally she was awake by now, and the fact that none of them had heard anything from her was highly unusual, so Ruby headed out of the kitchen for a moment and headed to Misty's room.

She stood directly outside Misty's room, placing her ear to the door for a moment.  She didn't want to disturb her Queen if Misty was already awake and getting ready, but she heard no sound coming from inside the room, so she gently knocked on the door.

"My Queen?" She said quietly, as she grabbed the handle to the door and slowly opened it. "Are you awake?  Breakfast is ready."

Ruby peeks her head inside Misty's room, noticing the dark interior, signaling that the window shades have not been opened.  But that is not what worries her more.  The room is far too quiet, and she doesn't even hear the sound of Misty's quiet breathing.

"My Queen?  Are you in here?" Ruby quickly fumbles around for the light switch and illuminates the room, and what she finds horrifies her.  Misty's bed is empty, and it is still made, as if it hasn't been slept in.  Her cell phone is on the table beside the bed, and her jacket is laying on the bed.  Misty was no where to be seen.  

Ruby looks around the room frantically, and when she finds no sign of her, she runs out of the room and to the bathroom, hoping to find her there.  But the bathroom is empty as well, and there is no sign that Misty had even been in there recently.  

"Zane!!!"  Ruby yells down the hall, loud enough so all of the Brothers can hear her.  A few moments later, all four appear in the hallway, looking at Ruby with worried expressions on their faces, as Ruby looks terrified.

"Ruby?  What is wrong?" Zane asks, though one look around and he, Damien, Dante and Sebastian can almost guess to what is wrong.

Ruby pulls at her hair, struggling to find the words. "She...She is gone!  Our Queen is gone!"

"What?  Where has she gone?" Damien asks as Dante and Zane bolt for Misty's room.  Ruby can't even make eye contact with them as she shakes her head frantically.

"I...I don't know.  Her phone is still in her room, and none of her clothes are gone."

Damien looks to Sebastian. "Sebastian, get down to the garage right now.  Check to see if her car is still here.  Maybe she just went for a drive and did not tell us.  She has been known to do that."

Sebastian nods and wastes no time in running downstairs and to the garage.  Damien looks at Ruby again, but she keeps shaking her head.

"Damien, this is not like her." Ruby says, the fear overwhelming her. "Her bed wasn't even slept in last night, and she always takes her phone with her where ever she goes."

They both turn and look to Dante and Zane who have  just appeared after their search of Misty's room.  Dante and Zane shake their heads, confirming what Ruby had already told them...that Misty was not in her room, nor was there any sign of her.  A few minutes later, Sebastian reappears.

"Her car is still in the garage, Damien.  I checked the training room real quick as well, but she's not there."  He tells them, and this only disappoints Ruby further.  She shakes her head and looks to the ground, trying to think of any place Misty could be.

"Right then." Damien says, as all eyes have now fallen on him. "Brothers, we will split up and search everywhere for her, or any sign of her.  Ruby, you stay here in case she returns or perhaps calls.  We will find her, and we won't stop until we do.  Understood?"

They all nod and agree.  Sebastian and Damien take the van, while Dante and Zane take Misty's vehicle as they begin their search for Misty.  Ruby heads back to Misty's room, taking a seat on Misty's bed and staring at her cell phone.  She does her best to stay calm and strong, knowing that where ever Misty was, she would return safe and sound.

********************

Ow.  My head is throbbing right now.  What the hell did that bitch do to me?  How long have I been unconscious?  I blink my eyes quickly, and it surprises me that they aren't even swollen shut.  Surely Meg would have been smart enough to bust me in my eyes a few good times, right?  Apparently not.  I'm laying on the ground again, and as I try and push myself up to a sitting position again, a sharp pain radiates up my arm, and through my ribs, causing me to collapse right back to the floor.

"Son of a...." I mumble and groan as I feel nothing but the pain, an then I hear her.

Meg is still in the room, and she is laughing.  I open my eyes again and see her just a few feet in front of me, bent down to my eye level.  She has a satisfied look on her face, but I can tell she is nowhere near done with me yet.  Her right hand is covered in blood, but it is not hers.  I reach my hand up to my face, my nose specifically and wince.

"You...bitch!" I yell at her, spitting out blood in the process. "I think you broke my nose!"

She laughs again, nodding proudly. "Gee, what gave that away?  A broken nose is the very least of your concerns, and once I'm through with you, you're going to wish that I stopped there."

She stands up, and I manage to push myself up against the wall, all be it very painfully.  Meg folds her arms across her chest and I stare at her, holding my midsection, trying to remain as still as I can.

"Fuck...you." I say with a laugh.  If she's going to continue her assault, I'm going to take whatever she dishes out on me, because that is what I do.

She is suddenly in my face once again and she grabs my hair, yanking my head back.  I let out a scream as my body twists a bit, causing my injuries to spasm further, and she takes great pride in seeing me in pain.  She then wraps her hand around my throat and begins choking me, and I try grasping for air.  Just as I am on the verge of passing out again, He appears back in my cell, and stops Meg quickly.

"Back off, Meg."

She releases me quickly and I begin coughing and gasping, filling my lungs with the oxygen I desperately needed.  Meg stands up, looking at Him disappointedly.

"You've gotta be fucking kidding me?!" She shouts at him, wishing she could have finished what she started. "I'm not through with her!"

"Yes, I know that, but neither am I." He scolds her. "Give me a little while and then you can have more fun, yeah?"

She growls, and I can't help but laugh inside.  I'm taken by surprise as she spins around and kicks me in my midsection again, knocking what oxygen I had just gotten right back out of me.

"Laugh at me again, bitch, and orders be damned, I'll finish you off right now."

Okay...maybe I didn't laugh inside, but I don't care.  I'm enjoying pissing her off just as much as she is enjoying beating the shit out of me.  Two can play at this game after all.  Meg turns and walks away a few seconds later, disappearing out of my cell and leaving Him and I alone yet again.  He looks at me with a shake of his head as I carefully adjust my position, trying to find a comfortable position.

"You brought this on yourself, you know." He reminds me yet again.

"And yet you haven't filled me in on just what you're talking about." I reply with a slight cough.

He bends down so he is eye level with me and looks almost disappointed with me. "Quit playing stupid with me, Misty.  You know damn well what I'm talking about.  When were you planning on telling me that you're giving up on your mission...Odette Ryder?"

I roll my eyes and laugh.  Of course this was about the precious little Aussie. "Giving up?  I can't give up on a job that I finished!  I beat Odette at Hostile Takeover."

"You know damn well this is about more than just some petty little wrestling match!  You haven't beat her yet...Not really!" He shouts, growing angry with my resistance.

"Look," I say, trying to come up with the right way to finish my train of thought. "I know what the whole point to going after Odette was, but it's been months...MONTHS...and she hasn't budged!  She's a lost cause, and she's clearly never going to embrace whatever darkness is in her."

"You haven't tried hard enough."

"No?" I say with another laugh, remembering just how much I've done to try and get Odette to break. "I think I've done plenty.  I had that dumb ass blonde, Melody Grace, kidnapped and Odette still stays the way she is...bubbly as ever!  Give it up already, because it's clearly never going to happen."

"And as long as you say that and think that, you're staying right where you are and Meg will get to have all the fun she wants." He states very calmly and without care. "It's your decision really."

I shake my head, now very annoyed. "You just don't get it do you?  I'm the Bombshell Champion.  I've got I don't know how many other women gunning for me and my title right now, and clearly, Odette is NOT one of them.  I can't keep going after her and focusing on her while I've got a damn title to defend.  If Odette doesn't want the title, then I'm done with her.  Plain and simple."

"There is a simple solution to that, Misty." He replies.

"And what might that be?"

"You MAKE her want it.  I'm sure you are more than capable of that, don't you think?" He says, surprisingly very confident in my ability to do what he says.

I shake my head and laugh again, finally ignoring the pain that jolts through my midsection. "When it comes to Odette, I have to disagree unfortunately.  She's too focused on her disgusting love life, that she doesn't want the title.  She wants to let other women step up and go after it, but what she doesn't realize is there is not one other Bombshell on the roster who is even worthy of taking this title away from me.  None of them are capable of leading the division."

"I don't CARE about the other Bombshells.  If you don't want to finish what you started, then I'm not letting you go anywhere."

I take in a deep breath, going over in my head what I am supposed to do.  I couldn't admit it out loud, but he was right.  I knew Odette would break eventually, but as the Bombshell Champion, I can't keep going after her if she doesn't want the title, because I'd be given other opponents instead.

"Okay, I understand what you're saying,"I begin, sitting up straighter with another wince from the pain. "But the bitch out there did a number on me and it's going to take a while for me to heal properly.  Now, normally I don't give a shit and I'll fight with a broken leg, but against Odette, or even anyone else, they'll use this shit to their advantage."

He smiles and stands up straight.  Outside my cell, Meg stands against the wall smiling as well, waiting patiently for her chance to continue her assault.  I appear next to her, tapping her on the shoulder.  She turns her head, surprised to see me there, completely healed as I look at her with a vicious smile.  Meg pulls her arm back, clenching her hand into a fist and as she attempts to punch me, I catch her fist in my hand, squeezing it as hard as I can.  A pained expression appears on her face as I increase the pressure, and ultimately forcing her to the ground in front of me.

"If you don't kneel willingly, I will FORCE you to kneel before me, filth!" I say slowly through gritted teeth as I force her to kneel before me.  After a few moments, I release my grip on her hand, and she holds it and looks at me stunned.  I smile wickedly again and walk away, with neither Meg nor Him trying to stop me.

********************

Three days.  It has been three days since their Queen disappeared, and Misty's disciples only worry and fear more as each day passes.  They haven't had a single phone call or heard anything on her whereabouts, leaving them to wonder what happened to her.  Had someone taken her?  Had she run away simply to get away from everything?  Was she even alive?

Ruby can't help but let the thoughts run rampant through her mind, but the only plausible explanation going through her mind was that someone had indeed taken her.  Misty would never just abandon them, or more importantly, her title and just disappear.  There's now way.  Ruby sits in the windowsill in Misty's room, watching and waiting for the Brothers to return from their latest search, though they had looked everywhere they could think of.  She looks down the gravel road leading to their home and sees someone walking towards the building.  She squints, trying to get a good look, and as the person gets closer, her eyes grow wide and she smiles.  She bolts from the windowsill, running downstairs and out the front of the building, where she meets her Queen at the front gate.

"My Queen!!" She yells, running up to Misty and throwing her arms around her.  Misty is taken by surprise at Ruby's display of affection, and she pushes her loyal disciple away from her, shaking her head.  Ruby looks her over, as if checking for any injuries. "Are you alright?!  Where have you been?!  We've all been so worried!"

"Do not worry where I was, Ruby.  I am fine, and NEVER embrace me like that again.  Do you understand?" Misty shouts at her.  Ruby looks at her, confused and slightly concerned, but Misty glares at her, waiting for an answer.

"I...I apologize, my Queen." Ruby stumbles over her words. "Forgive me, I have just been--"

"I don't CARE, Ruby!  I only want ONE response from you." Ruby stares at her with a confused look, trying to figure out what Misty is talking about, when Misty grabs a hold of her shoulder, squeezing tightly.  She increases pressure and forces Ruby, very painfully, to kneel before her, but Ruby does not scream out from the pain.  Instead, she takes it all, and bows her head.

"I tell you to do something, Ruby, and you will [/b]kneel[/b] before me as a sign of your obedience.  There will be NO disobedience from you any further, otherwise you WILL be punished.  Understood?"

Ruby keeps her head bowed. "Yes, my Queen.  I will remain obedient."

"Good.  I trust you will inform the Brothers of the same when they return from where ever they are.  I'm going to go take a shower and change my clothes.  Wait here because I am anticipating a very important visitor." Misty orders her.  Ruby nods and bows in obedience, but doesn't say a word as Misty walks past her and heads inside to go take a shower.

About an hour later...

Misty emerges from the bathroom, feeling refreshed after taking her shower and putting on a clean set of clothes.  Ruby is standing outside the bathroom door, leaning against the wall waiting for her, and upon seeing her Queen, she bows once then stands back up.

"Has she arrived?"

Ruby nods with a smile. "Yes, my Queen.  Just a short while ago.  I hope you don't mind, but I have her waiting in your room.  I thought you would be more comfortable speaking in there."

"Good girl, Ruby.  We are NOT to be disturbed."

"As you wish.  Call if you need anything at all." Ruby bows one last time before she disappears down the hall.  

Misty waits until she is out of sight before she heads over to her bedroom door, and grabs a hold of the handle.  She slowly turns the handle and opens the door, peeking inside, when she hears a child-like high pitched laughing.  She smiles wickedly as she walks inside and closes the door behind her, looking directly at her visitor.

"I've been expecting you." Misty says, as the laughter dies down, and from out of the darkened corner of the room, her visitor appears, walking directly up to her, and who should walk into view of the camera?  Kittie!  

Or...is it?  Kittie walks up to Misty, and without looking into her eyes, she falls to her knees before Misty, bowing her head, but she doesn't speak a word.

"Well....Isn't this...interesting." Misty mumbles to herself with a wicked grin as she looks down to Kittie(?) and the scene fades to black.

********************

From The Mind of Your Queen
Journal Entry #11

The time has finally arrived for the ultimate battle between good and evil, and no I am not talking about the war between Odette Ryder and myself.  No, this week I have a much more appropriate opponent.  This match will truly define good vs evil.

Superhero vs. Villain.

Roxi Johnson vs. Misty.

Ms. Johnson, I have to hand it to you.  You talk a very big game.  You're highly motivated and determined as you head into this match against me...your toughest challenge to date, but do you realize just what you are in for?  Do you understand that I plan to DESTROY you simply because I can?  You're walking around, whining and crying because of a fact that you can not change.

I AM the best of the best, Roxi.  No one can defeat me, and my record over the last seven months proves that.  I am not pretending to be the best, Roxi.  I just...[/b]AM[/b].  I don't walk into every match and lose, Ms. Johnson.  I win...plain and simple.  You should try it sometime, you know.  You're not exactly on a winning streak around here, are you?

Let's get another thing clear, Roxi...I am not being thrown to the lions.  I'm not being thrown into a battle I can't win by facing you, because think about it this way.  Amy Marshall defeated you.  I defeated Amy Marshall.  I, and team Erik, beat you and Team SCW, at Hostile Takeover, so therefore, I've already beaten you once.  I can, and WILL do it again!  I never picked a fight with you, Roxi.  It was a fight I was given, and I never turn down a fight.  I never walk away from a fight.

I understand why you want to beat me so badly, Roxi.  I really do.  You walked into SCW to make an impression, and sure, in the beginning you did, but lately, you've been nothing but a big disappointment.  You're out to restore the name you were trying to build for yourself, but guess what?  It's not going to happen.  You want vindication?  Redemption?  Look for it elsewhere, because against me, you can't win.  I'm going to treat this match as if it were a title defense, because in a way, it's almost as such.  You want my title, and should you defeat me, you may very well get that chance, but again....It is NOT going to happen.  

Roxi, you walk around playing this lovable Superhero, but guess what?  I'm going to destroy that image of you this Sunday.  I'm going to walk into this match as the ultimate villain, going against you, the precious Superhero, and I am going to prove to everyone just what you are.

A fake.

A nobody.

A normal...defeatable human being.

You can't be a hero every time, Roxi, and come Sunday night....Evil will prevail, and you will walk away disappointed.  But, I'm sure you're used to that by now.

See you on Sunday, Crab Girl.

**END FEED**

 Sunday- After Climax Control

The final Climax Control before Hostile Takeover has just gone off the air, and what a night it was for both Team Erik and Team SCW.  Sides were chosen, attacks were made and a few were even suspended, making it a drama filled night indeed.  But the biggest announcement of the night came from Erik Staggs himself, when he had laid down the challenge for the Bombshell Mega Match in which ALL of the Bombshell Titles would be on the line in the same match, and the winner would take all!  Mark Ward and Christian Underwood had quickly accepted, and the teams were decided.  All should be fine and dandy at the moment, right?  

Wrong.

While Erik Staggs is backstage, looking proud of himself and his team, and satisfied with the lines that have been drawn for Hostile Takeover, the Bombshell Champion herself is far from happy.  She is storming around backstage, searching for her team leader, and when she finds him, she does not hide her frustration one bit.  She storms up to him as he is just about to walk into his office when she grabs his arm and spins him around.

Misty: Do you mind telling me what the HELL you were thinking suggesting this match?!

Erik pulls his arm from Misty's grasp as she folds her arms across her chest, waiting for an answer.  He dusts himself off, looking better than he was earlier this evening after being chokeslammed by Rage, but he had apparently bounced back rather quickly from that attack.  He looks at his upset Bombshell Champion, keeping a calm expression on his face.

Erik: I'm sorry, you're not pleased with this idea?  

Misty: Gee, what gave you that idea?  Why didn't you discuss this with me first and get my opinion on it before you went and threw out the idea!  It's not just the other titles on the line, Erik!  MY title is on the line in this match, too and winner takes all? REALLY?!

Erik holds his hands up, trying to calm Misty down, but given the night she has had, it clearly doesn't work.  He takes in a deep breath as Misty glares at him.

Erik: Perhaps we should step inside my office and discuss privately, yes?  Clearly you are upset, but I would like to explain my decision to suggest this match, and hopefully you will understand a little better and be okay with it.

Misty shakes her head and takes a step back.

Misty: We don't need to discuss anything in private, Mr. Staggs!  I am NOT okay with this, and now there is no way out of it!  

Erik: There is no reason for you to be concerned here, Misty.  Do you not believe in yourself, The Fallen or Necra to get the job done?

Misty: Oh I know I can get the job done just fine, Mr. Staggs.  I even trust Necra enough to do her part, but if I'm honest, I haven't had the chance to speak with Raynin or Gothika lately to know if I can trust either of them or not.  Need I remind you that Raynin lost the Bombshell Championship last year to me, and we've never really seen eye to eye on anything.

Misty lowers her voice so she is no longer shouting, but her facial expression tells a different story.  Erik nods, listening to her concerns carefully.

Erik: Yes, I am well aware of that, Misty, but Raynin and Gothika have chosen our side.  Their titles are on the line as well, so don't be concerned that they will not do their part to make sure those titles stay around their waists, because I can assure you they will do everything in their power.  We have the strongest on our side.  You can't deny that.

Misty closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath.  She shakes her head and growls under her breath, the stress of the evening overwhelming her.

Misty: I'm not denying that one bit, Mr. Staggs.  I know the we have their number in strength.  Forgive me if I'm not keen on this idea at the moment, but tonight did not exactly go as I had planned.  I still haven't heard back from any of the brothers yet.

Erik nods, remembering what had happened earlier, and now understanding the mood Misty was currently in.

Erik: Forgive me, Misty, I had forgotten all about that given tonight's events.  When was the last time you heard from any of them?  

Misty shakes her head and runs her hand through her hair, trying to recall the time.

Misty: I'm not sure exactly.  After they gave chase to that damn truck, I hightailed it backstage to get my phone to call Damien, and they said they were still in pursuit.  I swear...if Ruby is harmed in any way or if we don't find her, Odette Ryder and Melody Grace will pay a steep price.

Erik: Don't worry.  I am sure your men will find Ruby safe and in one piece, but you still have the opportunity coming up to make Odette pay for what they did tonight.  Speaking of Odette, Misty I have to ask...Did you really believe she would join our side?  I can understand before that whole charade with Jordan Williams, maybe, but now?  I hadn't even considered recruiting her.

Misty lets out a laugh, finally seeming in a more relaxed mood.

Misty: She's more than capable of being corrupted, Mr. Staggs, and I am not through with her.  She may seem like she's this love-stricken little puppy dog over Gabriel, but there is a darkness in her just dying to be released.  

Erik: If you say so, but I am not convinced.  So, are you feeling better about this match then?

Misty: I am sure I will be fine later.  Right now, I am too distracted worrying about Ruby at the moment.  I don't need to be worrying about my title as well.

Erik places a reassuring hand on Misty's shoulder, offering her an equally reassuring smile.

Erik: I already told you not to worry.  Everything will work in our favor, and a win for our team will be a lovely late birthday present for you, my queen.

Misty looks at Erik, slightly surprised.

Misty: You remembered my birthday?  I'm impressed.

Erik: Of course I remembered.  After all, you are the mother to my great-niece, and you are practically family.  I hope you don't mind I've taken the liberty of planning something extra special.

Misty: I'm flattered, Mr. Staggs, but I am not one to celebrate my birthday much these days.  Last year wasn't exactly the greatest birthday.

Misty frowns, and Erik nods, as they recall the events surrounding Misty's birthday last year, more specifically a cake that had been filled with live snakes and delivered to her.  That cake, of course, had ended up being sent as a message from Roxanne.

Erik: Yes, well I am sure Roxanne remembers that quite well also, which is why she was also involved in this idea.  She wanted to make up for it in a way, but she also suggested something else, which I hope you don't mind.

Misty: And what is that?

Erik: We are going to use your birthday get together as  a means to hopefully get everyone on our team together in one place.  Let's call it a pre-Hostile Takeover extravaganza, and we can all celebrate your birthday at the same time.  How does that sound?

Misty thinks for a moment, before she lets out a laugh.

Misty: I am perfectly fine with that.  Some of the others need a bit of a pep talk anyway.

Misty's phone suddenly starts ringing from inside her pocket.  She fumbles around for a moment then holds up a finger, telling Erik she'll be just a moment as she steps away to take the call.  About a minute later, Misty walks back up to him, looking very relieved and in a much better mood.

Misty: That was Dante.  They've got Ruby and they are heading back to the hotel as we speak.

Erik: Excellent news!  You should probably get heading over there then.  Anything else I can do for you before you leave?

Misty shakes her head.

Misty: No, thanks.  Be sure to let me know where this meeting will be on Thursday.

Erik: Of course.  I will either call or send a message out to everyone when the details have been set.  We'll see you Thursday then.

Misty: See you then.

Misty then turns on her heels and quickly heads off down the hall and back to the locker rooms to get her things.  Erik disappears back inside his office and the scene fades out.

********************

A short while later the scene opens up in the parking lot of the hotel Misty and her disciples are staying at.  Misty had to call a taxi to transport her to the hotel, and that taxi is just pulling up in the lot.  She pays the driver and steps out of the backseat with her duffel bag slung over her shoulder.  After the taxi drives off, Misty's rental van pulls up.  The back doors open, and Sebastian and Zane jump out of the back, followed by Ruby.  Considering all she has been through this evening, she looks rather relaxed and unharmed.  Once Zane closes the doors, he taps the back of the van, and Damien drives off to go park the van.  Misty runs over to Ruby, looking relieved to see her.

Misty: Ruby!  Oh thank God!  Are you hurt?

Misty wraps her arms around Ruby in a tight embrace, slightly taking Ruby by surprise.  Sebastian and Zane also seem a bit surprised at Misty's display, but they keep quiet.  Misty releases her hold and she looks at Ruby, checking for any visible injuries as she waits for a response.

Ruby: I was not harmed, my Queen.  I admit to being a little shaken, but I am fine.  What about you?  Are you alright?

Misty can't help but smile as Ruby quickly takes the attention off of herself and back to her Queen.

Misty: I'm better now that I know you're safe.  I should have seen something like this coming.  I'm so sorry, Ruby.

Ruby: Do not apologize, my Queen.  It is not your fault, and I am perfectly fine.  Needless to say, I will get my revenge one way or another!

Misty: Don't worry, Ruby.  I will make sure they pay for what they did.  I've got Miss Ryder in a cage match in Brazil in two weeks, and there will be plenty opportunity to inflict pain.

Ruby looks at Misty in surprise, but an evil smirk appears on her face soon after.

Ruby: How perfect, my Queen!  It seems as though siding with Mr. Staggs is paying off after all.

Misty: Well, in a way at least.  Unfortunately there will be six other women involved in this match.

Ruby's eyes widen, and her jaw drops open a little.  She turns and looks at Sebastian and Zane, and they are just as surprised.  Damien and Dante then walk up to the group, taking notice of the surprised looks on their faces.

Dante: What is wrong?  What did we miss?

Damien turns his attention to Misty.

Damien: What is wrong, my Queen?

Misty: Nothing is wrong, Damien.  Everything is fine now that Ruby is safe.  I was just filling the others in on my match for Hostile Takeover.  It seems as though, in a stroke of genius, Mr. Staggs suggested a Bombshell Mega Match, in which all the Bombshell titles would be defended in the same match, and the winning team would take all titles.  

Ruby: He did WHAT?!  

Misty holds her hand up, in the same manner Erik had done to her earlier, in an effort to calm Ruby down.  Ruby and the brothers are all stunned, and have all but forgotten Ruby's ordeal now.

Misty: Calm down, Ruby.  I wasn't exactly happy about it at first either, but I had a talk with Mr. Staggs and he made me see reason.  We have the strongest players on our side.  Raynin and Gothika, the newest members of the team, Necra and myself against Vixen, Roxi, Faith and Miss Ryder.  It may as well be four on one as far as they are concerned.

Ruby: Raynin and Gothika?  The Fallen have sided with Team Erik?

Misty nods, offering Ruby a half-hearted smile.

Misty: They did.  They made their decision earlier this evening.  I have to admit I wasn't too sure which way they were going to go, but I guess it isn't a bad thing we have them on our side, especially now that this match was made.  If the tag titles weren't on the line as well, I'm not so sure I would completely trust The Fallen in this one.  Anyway, I don't want to worry about this match just yet.  I need to have a serious conversation with all of you and I think it would be best if we discuss this upstairs in one of our rooms.

Ruby and the brothers all look at each other curiously, then to their Queen.  She doesn't say another word as she motions for them to head inside, and they bow their heads in obedience.  The brothers walk inside first as Misty and Ruby follow behind them.  They all head upstairs where Misty leads them into her room for this impromptu meeting.  Ruby takes a seat on the bed, while the brothers stand  by the wall, and they all give Misty their full attention.

Misty This may come as a surprise to each of you, but after the events from last week, and then tonight, I've made a decision, and I want you all to take what I am about to offer you under serious consideration.

Ruby: What is it, my Queen?  I don't know about the brothers but I am a little concerned now.

Sebastian steps forward, nodding in agreement with Ruby.

Sebastian: I am with Ruby on this one, my Queen.  What is this all about?

Misty: Okay, I'll be honest with you all.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you have done for me the last nine months.  You were so supportive and helpful throughout my entire recovery last summer, and I am so grateful for all that you've done since then, but...

Damien holds his hand up just as Ruby is about to speak up.

Damien: Forgive my interruption, my Queen, but I think I speak for the others when I say that it is our pleasure to serve you and to help you.  

Misty: I know that Damien, and I can't thank each of you enough.  But after the last two weeks, I think I need to give all of you your freedom back.  I don't want to you to think that I consider any of you slaves, because that is not what any of you are to me, and I am sick and tired of watching any of you get hurt because of me or my decisions in SCW.

Ruby quickly jumps to her feet, shaking her head vehemently as she steps towards Misty.

Ruby: Absolutely not!  I will NOT leave you, my Queen!  The brothers may choose to do so, but I will not!  I am here to serve you, and I always will.

Zane: As will I, my Queen.  We do not blame you for anything that has happened.  We are here to protect you.

Dante: Same goes for me, my Queen.  

Misty watches as one by one, they all kneel before her, once again displaying their obedience and loyalty to her.  She takes in a deep breath and sighs, shaking her head.

Misty: How can you all continue to display this loyalty after all that has happened to you?  First, you somehow manage to get outsmarted by Despayre and that...bear.  Then last week, those NXT misfits somehow took the four of you down, when you outnumbered them, and tonight Odette Ryder and Melody Grace tried to send Ruby to lord only knows where!  I can not let this continue!

Ruby is the first to stand, while the brothers remain kneeling before Misty with their heads bowed as a sign of respect.  Ruby stands just inches away from Misty, looking into her eyes with an undying loyalty, and for a moment, almost a loving look, which causes Misty to quickly look away.

Ruby: You can try and blame yourself all you like, my Queen, but we all knew the risks involved when we sided with you.  We all know what could potentially happen to us just by protecting you, but we put your safety and your happiness above our own.  Always.  We serve and protect you because it is our choice to do so, and there has not been a single moment where we every thought you saw us as slaves.  

Misty: Do not feel obligated to stick around, Ruby...or any of you for that matter.  I don't want you to think that I need your protection, because I don't.  I appreciate it, but I did just fine on my own before, and I'd rather see myself get hurt, than any of you.  

Ruby: We do not feel obligated, my Queen.  You can allow us to walk away if you like, but we are staying, and that is final.  If you want us to be more lenient in your security, that is your decision and we will respect it, but it will make us feel better knowing that you are safe.  Your safety is all that matters to us.

Misty looks at each of them, her expression remaining blank and uncertain.  She remains silent for a few long moments as she waits for any of them to stand and walk out, which she expects them to.  None of them do, however, as the brothers remain kneeling before her and Ruby stands directly in front of her, remaining loyal and true to their word.  Misty nods and takes in a deep breath.

Misty: If that is what you all want, then so be it, but my I will not rescind my offer to you.  Any of you are welcome to walk away at any time if it is what you wish.  I will not be offended or upset if it is your choice.  Do you understand?

Each of the brothers look up at Misty and nod, as does Ruby.

Ruby: Understood, my Queen.  

Misty: Very well then.  That is all I needed to say.  You can all head back to your own rooms now.  I'm going to go take a quick shower and call it a night.

The brothers nod once again then leave Misty's room, heading back to their own rooms.  Ruby stays behind for a few minutes, and Misty looks at her curiously.

Misty: Something wrong, Ruby?  

Misty heads over to her suitcase, taking out her pajamas for the night, and turns to look at Ruby before she heads into the bathroom.  Ruby seems lost in her own world, and Misty snaps her fingers in front of Ruby's face a few times before Ruby finally comes back to reality.

Ruby: Forgive me, my Queen.  Is there anything else you need before I retreat to my room for the night?

Misty can tell Ruby is hiding something , but she shakes her head.

Misty: No, thank you.  I'm fine.  I'm exhausted, and I am sure you are as well.  Go ahead and go get some rest.

Ruby: As you wish.  Goodnight, my Queen.  Sleep well, and as always, if you need anything at all, you know where to find me.

Ruby then bows and walks towards the door as Misty responds with only a reassuring smile.  Ruby disappears out of the room, and to her own room next door and Misty heads into the bathroom to take a shower before she heads to bed for the night, and the scene fades away.

********************

Thursday April 18th- The Birthday Extravaganza

Today is the day...today the Queen of the Damned, your SCW Bombshell Champion, Misty, is another year older, and what a day Erik Staggs and fellow bombshell and former arch enemy, Roxanne, have planned for the birthday girl.  The whole team was invited and encouraged to attend this very special gathering, which would serve as not only Misty's birthday celebration, but also a use for a pre-Hostile Takeover meeting.  And so far, pretty much everyone has shown up for the event, with just a few exceptions.  

They have gathered inside a banquet room inside an unknown restaurant in Brasilia, Brazil...perhaps within the hotel they are all staying in.  A table with several presents, presumably for Misty, is placed near the entrance to the room, and all of the members of Team Erik are dispersed at different tables throughout the room.  Amy Marshall, Kevin Carter and Necra Octavian Kane, with her boyfriend and personal assistant are seated at one table.  Joanne "The Jersey Devil Diva" Canelli, her bodyguards, Laura Jackson and Amanda Cortez are seated at the table just a few feet away from them.  Seated at the larger table towards the front of the group are Misty, Erik Staggs, Roxanne, and there are three empty seats at the table.  Misty's disciples are at a table directly next to Misty.

As the group chats amongst themselves, waiting for their meal to be served, two stragglers finally appear in the doorway, one of them wearing an arrogant smile on his face.  Giani Di Luca, James Huntington Hawkes the third, and Simpson have just arrived, though James clearly doesn't look at all pleased to be there.

James: I don't know why we have to be here.  We're suspended, remember?!  We're not even allowed at the show!

Simpson: This is not just a team meeting, sir.  Remember, we are celebrating Misty's birthday also?

James just shrugs it off and doesn't seem to care, and Giani just elbows him in the arm.  James shakes his arm and almost looks hurt as he glares at Giani.

Giani: Relax, bro!  We're heading back to the states afterwards.

James: Who cares about Misty's birthday anyway?!  The only birthday that matters is mine!  Misty is old...like way old!  What is she fifty now?!

Misty: Thirty-four actually, James.

James is taken by surprise as Misty approaches the two, offering them a polite smile, even though she is unamused with James' exaggeration of her age.

James: Same thing to women, isn't it?  You girls freak out when you get past twenty!

Misty: You apparently don't know me as well as you think you do, James.  I do not concern myself with getting older at the moment.  It hasn't affected my performance in the ring at all.

Giani: And I bet it hasn't affected it out of the ring either, has it?

Giani winks at Misty, and she lets out a laugh.  James just looks stares at Giani, then turns and looks at Misty and rolls his eyes.

James: Gross...Get a room!  Come on Simpson!  Let's see what this disgusting place has to eat.

James then walks past them, heading over to the table to join Erik and Roxanne.  Simpson offers Misty a Happy Birthday greeting, and she nods to him with a smile before he follows behind James, joining the others at their table.  Giani holds out a small gift to Misty.

Giani: My Queen...Happy Birthday.

Misty: Thank you Mr. Di Luca.  That was very thoughtful of you.  You can just place that on the table with the other gifts.  I believe dinner is about to be served so we should join the others at our table.

Misty points to the table with the gifts, and Giani turns and places his gift to her with the others.  They then turn around and head back to their table under the watchful eye of Ruby.  The other disciples don't seem to care much over the two interacting, but Ruby seems very interested, and not at all pleased.  Giani notices her staring, and winks at her, causing her to scowl in disgust, and the two take their seats at their table next to the others.  Erik looks around the room at everyone in attendance, and over all seems satisfied.

Erik: I'm very pleased that most everyone showed, however there are a few noticeable absences.  

Misty: Yes, well I never heard back from Tom and Casey or Matthew, and Ace hasn't exactly been a sure fire member of this team.  I'm happy with who we have here.

Erik: And what about the Fallen?  Any explanation as to why they aren't here?

Misty bites her bottom lip and gets a very guilty expression on her face.

Misty: Yeah...about that...

Erik narrows his eyes at Misty, leans back in his chair and folds his arms across his chest as everyone at the table remains silent but curious.

Erik: You did invite them, didn't you?  Their presence means a great deal to this team, Misty.

Misty: As if they would have showed anyway?  I trust that they will do their part in this match to make sure they keep their titles, but I'm still a little hesitant.  I will be sure to get in contact with them before Hostile Takeover, but I did not want to risk getting into a potential argument with either of them on MY day.  I'm already doing you a big enough favor by allowing a part of today to focus on Hostile Takeover, but I think the majority of us here can get along well enough to not let anything cloud today.  

Erik takes in a deep annoyed breath, but ultimately nods.

Erik: Fair enough, but I was hoping they would be here.  It would have been better if all of your partners for this Bombshell Mega match were here to listen to your speech later.

Giani seems surprised to hear this, and James rolls his eyes yet again and lets out a very loud and obnoxious sigh.

James: Oh good...I could use a nap!

Giani: Shut up dawg!  

Giani then turns and looks at Misty.

Giani: You're giving a speech later?

Misty: Consider it more of a pep talk, actually.  But yes, I am.  A lot is at stake for all of us next week at Hostile Takeover, and I just want to make sure they all understand that, though I am sure they do.

Giani offers an impressed nod, and before anyone else can continue the conversation, the waiters come out from the kitchen area with their first course.   They serve each member their plates, and they all continue to quietly carry on their conversations for the duration of the meal.  About an hour or so later, after everyone has finished, the chatter in the room goes relatively quiet.  Erik looks at Misty and clears his throat, signaling now would be the appropriate time for her to speak.

Misty: Right then.  I guess it is now or never.

Misty pushes her seat away from the table, and to everyone's surprise, Giani stands and is about to pull her chair out for her.  Misty looks at him with a polite smile, and nods, signaling he can take his seat again, and he does so.  Erik, Roxanne and James all look at Giani curiously, but he shrugs, and they all turn their attention to Misty as she walks up to a podium at the front of the room, and grabs the microphone that was left for her.  She turns in on, and taps it, making sure it is working.

Misty: Hello...is this thing working?

Everyone in the room then focuses their full attention on Misty as she stands in front of the podium holding the microphone.  She smiles as her question is answered when they all look at her.

Misty: Apparently so.  Okay, first off, let me start by thanking you all for being here today.  I understand that I am not exactly a favorite for anyone in Sin City Wrestling, but as we are all on the same side, and are looking to accomplish the same goal as we fight for what we all deserve, I am proud of you all for showing your support today.  And I thank you for the birthday wishes, as well as the gifts to those of you who might have brought one.

They all remain silent as Misty pauses for a brief moment.  She glances to her disciples and notices that Ruby is watching on intently with a proud smile.

Misty: That being said, while it may come as a surprise to some of you, I am not going to sit here and ramble on and on about my birthday, or make this all about me, because that is not what I am going to do.  Hostile Takeover is approaching quickly, a lot is at stake for all of us.  We currently control half of the titles within SCW, and at Hostile Takeover, we get our chance to bring one more title to the mix as we fight to keep the titles we do control.

Misty looks directly at Kevin Carter, seated next to Amy Marshall.

Misty: Kevin, I have no doubt in my mind that you will do all that you can to keep the tag titles in your possession, along with your partner, Ace Baldwin, who unfortunately chose not to join us today.  And while you may not legally be known as the Heavyweight Champion, each and every one of us knows that you rightfully are the champion.  And after Hostile Takeover, you WILL get your chance at bringing the title to Team Erik.

Kevin raises his glass with an arrogant smile, toasting Misty and her encouraging words.

Misty: I have full faith in each and every one of us in attendance today to walk out of Hostile Takeover victorious over our Team SCW, or as of yet undecided opponents, further proving why we are NOT to be seen as a joke!  Mark Ward and Christian Underwood know...They know, but they continue to deny the fact that we are stronger and we will do EVERYTHING we have said we will do.  After Hostile Takeover we will be known as the dominant force within SCW.  Especially when it comes to the Bombshell Division.

The Bombshells of the group all smile and nod in agreement and Misty looks to Necra.

Misty: Necra, you may not carry a title around your waist at this moment, but after Hostile Takeover, you will.  You and I, along with The Fallen, will step into that steel cage as we go up against those that Mark Ward and Christian Underwood have chosen as the best Bombshells they have to offer.  Vixen...Roxi Johnson...Faith...Odette Ryder...

Misty says Odette's name very slowly and scowls at the thought of her Australian enemy.

Misty: We own two out of three of the Bombshell titles, and after Hostile Takeover, we will have all three.  We will officially own the Bombshell Division and they will no longer be able to deny it.  As your Bombshell Champion, I have stepped forward to lead you all as I should, but once Hostile Takeover is said and done, I expect not only The Fallen to show their leadership skills as the tag team champions, but you as well Necra.  Answer me this.  What have any of the Bombshells on Team SCW done to deserve to hold ANY of the titles?  When Vixen was Bombshell Champion, did she make an effort to lead the division as was her responsibility?

They all shake their heads.  Erik Staggs watches on with a proud smile as Misty addresses the entire group with enough confidence for them all.

Misty: No, she did not!  Faith has only held the roulette title a short while, but in her time in SCW has she shown any sort of leadership skills what-so-ever?

They once again shake their heads.

Misty: Of course not!  They are all followers, not leaders!  And don't even get me started on Roxi Johnson...the so-called superhero of SCW.  SCW doesn't need pathetic superhero wannabes!  We need people who are serious and can focus their whole attention on what needs to be done!  

Misty pauses for a second and closes her eyes as she chooses her words on Odette Ryder carefully.  They all wait quietly and patiently as she takes her time.  A minute or so later, she raises the microphone once again.

Misty: And as expected...the only one showing even an ounce of leadership is the ever bubbly, Odette Ryder.  She has finally given in and decided that she wants to take MY title from me.  The girl has been so back and forth over the past few months, she's making me dizzy!  She wants the title.  She doesn't want the title and now she wants it again.  If you ask me, she doesn't know WHAT she truly wants.  At least as far as her career is concerned.  She is not like any of us.  WE know without a shadow of doubt in our minds what we want...what we are destined to have.  Each and every one of us are born to be leaders and to be champions. At the moment, some of us are, and some of us are not, but that does not mean anything!  We are all fighters, and that is how we will remain!  We don't do things because others tell us we should.  We don't need to be convinced we deserve to be champions, because we KNOW we do, and at Hostile Takeover, everyone will know.  

Erik Staggs begins a round of applause, and the rest follow suit.  Misty lowers the microphone for a few moments while they applaud her, and she nods.  When the applause finally dies down, she speaks again.

Misty: I will leave you all with my promise not only to myself, but to each and every one of you as well.  I will walk in to Hostile Takeover as the Bombshell Champion, and I WILL walk out as the Bombshell Champion.  I will not let Odette Ryder, who is too wrapped up and distracted with her love life or her plans to open some pathetic little zoo drag the Bombshell division down with her!  She is not serious about this, and the Bombshell Championship will NOT go around her waist and into the hands of NXT or Team SCW!  The Fallen will remain tag team champions and Necra will be crowned the roulette champion as she so rightfully deserves!  Together we will lead the Bombshells and Team Erik as we prove to everyone that we are to be taken seriously, and anything less will bring severe consequences!  

Another round of applause ensues, only this time it is accompanied by a standing ovation.  Misty places the microphone down and is about to head back to her table, when the room falls silent and their attention is turned to the entrance of the room where an unexpected guest has just walked in.  Misty turns to see the "God of Professional Wrestling" himself, Jordan Williams, standing in the doorway, holding a wrapped gift.  Misty heads over to him, looking at him curiously.

Misty: Mr. Williams, to what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?

Jordan: I thought I heard your voice, lady!  Sorry to crash your party, I just got a little curious and thought I'd stop in and see what was going on.

Misty cracks a bit of a smile and she looks at the gift in Jordan's hands.

Misty: And yet you brought me a gift.  That was very kind of you.

Jordan shakes his head and looks at the gift.  He also has a curious look on his face as he holds it out to Misty.

Jordan: Oh this isn't from me!  I'm sure I'd like to take credit for it, but it was being delivered at the front when I was walking inside, so I said I'd bring it here myself.  Apparently you're supposed to open it right away.

Misty takes the gift from him looking at it with a puzzled look on her face.  She turns around and gives Erik and Roxanne a questioning look, but they both shrug their shoulders, equally confused and unsure of who the gift is from.  Misty looks towards her disciples, and they too, deny that it is from any of them.  She eyes the gift suspiciously, wondering if she should even open it, and against her better judgement, she does so as they all watch.  Misty very carefully removes the wrapping from the box, and Jordan kindly takes it from her.  She opens the box, revealing a card on top of some white tissue paper.  She doesn't open the card first, however, as her curiosity over what is being gifted to her overshadows who it is from.  Misty immediately regrets that decision as she gets a good look at what she has been given, and the look on her face reveals that she is far from impressed.  She is almost livid in fact.

Jordan: What is it?  What did you get?

Misty: It seems as though Ben Jordan continues to use his victory over me against me.  

Misty proceeds to take the three things out of the box...A baby bottle.  A baby blanket.  And last, but not least, a miniature souvenir sized replica of the J-Cup tournament, complete with an engraving of Ben Jordan's name on in.  Misty snarls as she throws Ben's "gifts" to her on the floor, and opens the card, reading Ben's greeting to her.

"Tap Tap- It's your party and you can cry if you want to!  As I am expecting nothing less, here is a baby bottle and blanket to calm the whiny little baby as you throw tantrum after tantrum.  As an added bonus, I threw in something you can look at every day to remind you that the Cockney King rules over the Queen of the Damned.  Cheers sweets and Happy Birthday! - 2013 J-Cup Winner Ben Jordan"

Misty lets out a loud frustrated growl as she throws the card on the floor next to the gifts he sent and storms out of the room quickly, leaving everyone even more confused and shocked.  Her disciples quickly stand from their seats and hightail it out of there, following after her, as Jordan bends down and picks up the card and reads it.  He can't help but crack a smile as everyone else begins to chat amongst themselves once again and the scene fades out.

********************

From The Mind of Your Queen
Journal Entry #8

What an interesting week it has been, and that is putting it very lightly!  The week started out very relaxed and positive, but what happened just yesterday completely ruined everything, and I won't let it slide.  Not by a long shot!  I am sick and tired of certain people making me look like a joke, when that couldn't be farther from the truth!  My actions in the coming weeks will speak louder than my words, and I will show everyone that when you mess with me, it will not go unpunished!

Yes, I am talking about your little gift, Benny Boy.  I know you are watching this, because let's face it, as much as you say you can't stand me, you're drawn to me for some reason.  You just can't resist watching my promos, or watching my matches and commenting on them in some way or another.  Admit it, Benny Boy.  You think you're done with me and you'll never have to deal with me again, Mr. Jordan?  In your dreams, buddy.  You're decision to play that little joke will come back to bite you in the ass.

As I said on Twitter yesterday, I've been debating making a decision over the last few weeks, maybe even over a month or so.  I was waiting for a sign that it needed to be done, and you Benny Boy, have just sealed the deal.  You have made the decision for me, and anything that happens from here on out, you only have yourself to blame.  I won't reveal my little surprise yet, as everything will fall in to place in due time.  Just know, Benny Boy, you've angered the wrong woman.

But enough about you, Mr. Jordan, because you are not the problem at hand.  I have several ladies I need to address right now, and I hope they are all watching and paying close attention.  If not, Ben, I'm sure you could relay the message, as three of them are ladies of NXT.  You may grow tired of facing the same old people, Mr. Jordan, but I must admit, I never grow tired of beating the ladies of NXT, as I relish in each and every moment that I prove that I am far superior to any of you.

I'll start with the only opponent I am facing that is not NXT...the resident superhero of SCW...Crab Girl.  Oh, sorry, I mean Roxi Johnson.  You can't tell me I don't pay attention, right?  Roxi, I've had my eyes on you since you first stepped foot in SCW.  Anytime a new Bombshell steps on to the scene, I make it a point to pay close attention, because I like to get a feel for the women who could potentially challenge for my title some day.  In the beginning, Roxi, you impressed me.  I had fully expected that you would challenged for the Bombshell title by now, but sadly, over the last month or so, you've started to do nothing but disappoint me!  Tell me something, Miss Johnson, what brought you to SCW?  If you can't even devote all of your time to SCW, but instead to some childish superhero shenanigans, you have no reason to be here!  Your activities outside of SCW are nothing but a complete distraction, and because of that, you will NEVER touch this Bombshell Title unless you figure out what is more important...being a superhero, or a wrestler.  Decide quickly, Roxi, because the more you disappoint, the more you prove you are not worthy to be a champion.

And your assigned tag team partner, for whatever reason, Vixen...**chuckles**...Oh Vix, we meet again.  Well, in a way we do.  It is your team against mine. I am sure at one point or another we will square off in the ring.  This can be your change at redemption.  This could be your shot at unleashing the aggression you no doubt feel over losing the Bombshell Championship to me just six weeks ago at Blaze of Glory II.  No doubt you want to see me lose the title and never get it back, but that is never going to happen Vix.  I am the ONLY one worthy of holding this title, and the fact that I defeat everyone that stands in my way is more than enough proof of that.  Consider yourself lucky that your new found friend, Ben Jordan, not only somehow managed to defeat me at the J-Cup, because if he hadn't, you wouldn't have that Cruiserweight Championship for much longer either...and who knows, Simon Jones just might get lucky enough and beat you, though we all know I should have been given this shot and not him.

Perhaps he should be introduced to Faith...the new, but not for very long, Bombshell Roulette Champion.  After all, she, like Simon, was practically given a shot at the roulette title without properly earning it first.  Contention means nothing to Team SCW, as left and right people are just handed titles shots over seasoned stars within SCW.  Faith, on what planet did you deserve a shot at the roulette championship, much less to become the champion over Necra?!  She has been around far longer than you have and has proven herself worthy much more than you have, yet she was never once given a shot at the title.  Faith, listen to me carefully.  Enjoy that belt while you can, because at Hostile Takeover, your reign ends.  Necra, Raynin, Gothika and myself will all escape that steel cage and walk away with OUR titles in our possession.  You joined the wrong side, Faith, but you're just too stupid to realize that.  Choosing Spike as your mentor?  Joining the likes of NXT?  I just don't understand!

What is so damn special about NXT that the Bombshells are just flocking to join them?  Vixen...Odette Ryder...Jessie Salco...Faith...That must have been one hell of a pep talk Spikey boy gave you all, though in Vixen's case, it has been a bit more than a pep talk.  Ooooh, wait just a minute!  It just hit me.  That MUST be it!  At one point or another, Spike gave you all a little pep talk between the sheets, didn't he?  Your curiosity just got the better of you all, and you gave in, right?  Don't try to deny it ladies.  I did fall for his smooth talking ways once before and stayed around for six years, so I understand.  Sadly, I know how much Spike exaggerates about a lot of things.  

Hmmm...I wonder if little Miss Perfect, Odette Ryder even fell for it.  She'll probably try to deny it, because she is soooo in love with Magic Man Gabriel, but  she was joined NXT before she even got involved with Gabriel, so it is highly possible if you ask me.  Oh and lets not forget that she just swoons and falls to her knees over the most pathetic things.  The girl is just too easy!  And yes, I meant that in the way you all no doubt took that.  Miss Ryder, you are just too easily manipulated, but at the same time, you manipulate people just as easily, and you know it.  You have Gabriel so brainwashed...so whipped over your, as he calls it, perfection, that he gives in to your every wanting desire.  Animals...ugly shoes...a damn zoo!  Where will it all end, Miss Ryder?  When will it all stop being about you, you, you, and instead about other people around you?  Now, before you go and spin this around on me, let me stop you before you even think of choosing to call me selfish, considering my situation with my loyal disciples.

You see, Miss Ryder, I gave them a choice earlier this week.  After that stunt you and the returning Melody Grace pulled with Ruby, I spoke to them.  I told them all they can leave if they so wish, because it pains me to sit back and watch them get hurt because of me.  They have been so loyal and devoted to me for almost a year now, and with this...I am not thinking about myself!  But have you ever done the same?  Have you ever given Gabriel the option to walk away, or better yet, have you even considered walking away from him because in all honesty, Miss Ryder, you know that sooner or later, your precious Gabriel will get hurt because of you!  Hell, he already did in a way, even though he was in on that pathetic charade the whole time!  You are bound to break his heart in some way or another eventually, Miss Ryder.  So tell me, are you going to sit back and let it happen?  Are you just going to wait for that moment, when you have to watch the love of your life emotionally, or perhaps even physically hurt because of you?  Think about the answer to that long and hard, Miss Ryder, because I don't think you can.  

Where exactly do your priorities lie, Miss Ryder?  Have you decided to give in and take your shot at the Bombshell Championship once again because it is what you truly want, or are you doing it because Gabriel and everyone else keep telling you that you should...that you deserve it.  Be honest, Miss Ryder!  Over the past several months, you've been so back and forth, up and down, I'm sure it's making everyone, like myself, quite dizzy.  If you don't truly want the title, then why are you even here?  If you don't want to try and take leadership amongst the ladies of NXT and even the Bombshell Division, then tell me, what is it that you DO want to accomplish out of your career here in SCW?  You've been around for a year now and I still don't know the answer to that question.  No matter how many times I ask, the answer never hits me, so please...enlighten me.  

You have your shot at becoming the Bombshell Champion once again at Hostile Takeover, Miss Ryder, but you can't get the job done alone, you know.  This is a team effort after all, so if you want my title, the other three ladies will need to make it out of that steel cage as well, and me and my team do.  It's going to be quite a challenge going up against the power that we possess, and you know it.  I don't think Team SCW can truly handle this one, though it will be amusing to watch, and to take part of.  You four will be walking into this match with one title on your side, and if you are able to walk out unassisted, you will have NOTHING!  

Sunday April 28th...Brasilia, Brazil...Everyone will witness as the very face of the Bombshell Division is changed forever.  It will truly be a Hostile Takeover.  

See you soon ladies.

**END FEED**