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91
Climax Control Archives / A Night With Dear Samantha
« Last post by Luna Pasilno on March 15, 2024, 10:09:10 PM »
A Night In
Scene One | Off-Camera

It had been fun having Adrienne around. Though it did a good job of dragging up old memories. It did a tremendous job of making her feel a little younger, a little more alive and a little happier too. But it reminded Luna of some terrible times and places in her life too. Addiction had been their lives, and though they had saved their sweet little Marigold from an abusive and overbearing partner. That had not saved Luna from the depths of her addictions.

So when she stumbled across that little bag of powder in their bathroom, it all came flooding back. Luna was vaguely impressed at the speed in which Adrienne had managed to find people pedalling stuff, but it also was a stark reminder of why she had distanced herself from the girl. It hadn’t been a pleasant conversation. Adrienne wasn’t much younger, but in behaviour and maturity. She was still a young party girl who didn’t understand the wrong she had committed.

She’d been asked to leave. Alex had to play the bad guy once again. Luna wasn’t in a state to be around her. She wasn’t in a state where that monkey called addiction wasn’t threatening to break her. She didn’t want to give up almost three years of sobriety for nothing. So Alex had asked Adrienne to leave. He’d given her the key to James’ bar and home, and had had a long talk with her. There were apology texts, and attempted phone calls. Maybe the verbal berating had gotten through to Adrienne.

Luna was a numb mess.

They were holed up on the couch for the night. Alex nestled in a pillow puddle in the deep corner of the L bend on the couch. Luna lay curled up on the short end, head in his lap, watching some mindless documentary that Alex had put on. They’d been better since that night. Since Adrienne had told her to go home. She suspected with Adrienne out of the house, they’d be better again. But there was still a need to talk about what happened. More than their car discussion allowed for.

But was tonight that night? No, not really. Tonight was to be… human for once. To not be the nasty and bitchy individuals that everyone seemed to see them as. To just be human for a minute. Not The Idol and The Napalm Kingslayer. To just be Luna and Alex, husband and wife, watching a crappy documentary, petting their obnoxiously cuddly beagle called ‘Duchess’.

“This show sucks.” Alex grunted, as he wiggled himself up a little. Reaching over her to grab the remote that was near her feet. She stuck her foot out in place of it, and made him grab a handful of her feet. The recoil in absolute horror that followed made it all worth it in that moment.

“I get to pick now.” He tickled the bottom of her foot briefly, making her body kick out. Sitting up as she did, lightly smacking him on the arm. The smile, the laugh, the flash of joy in his eyes. He leaned forward, and placed a kiss on her. A short, sweet and simple kiss. The kind that reminded her that even as she lay there, no make-up, messy haired and comfy clothes, she was the most gorgeous person in his world.

“I love you, idiot.” Luna said as she sat up a little. The dog takes this as a perfect time to crawl from being wedged into them, to being on Alex’s lap. Luna fake gasped, and Alex smiled, ruffling Duchess’s ears. She grabbed the remote, and sat upright, Alex’s arm draping over her shoulders.

She rested her head on his chest as she began to scroll, absent-mindedly scratching at the dog’s head. But in the moment of peace, there were flashes of that monkey on her shoulders. Had Adrienne remembered to take the bag from the bathroom? Had she remembered to clear out the drugs when she’d been asked to leave. What if the messages were her begging Luna not to go and check.

“I changed my mind, you pick. I need to pee.” Luna said, getting to her feet. Every part of her was screaming to tell Alex to go check the bathroom for her. The rational part of her mind begging her to not fall into the trap. To be free. To stay clean. But all the stress lately, the valium and the xanax prescriptions. The image of Alex with the gun pointed and held at Sullivan’s head. Her own screams echoing in her mind, as she played the thought over and over.

On the surface, a calm queen. Underneath, a struggling junkie who was looking for a fix. Alex eyed her with suspicion as he handed him the remote. The dog not moving, not deigning the need to follow her. Each step felt heavy, each step felt heavier than the last. What would she do if the ketamine was still there? Would she try and pretend that she was sober as she floated away into a world of happiness? Would she tip it down the drain and pat herself on the back? It wouldn’t even matter if Adrienne had remembered to…

It was gone. There was no little plastic bag on the bench. There were no lines, or glass. No cards and no notes rolled up. She smiled, but leaned against the doorway. Her mind racing. All these years later, and she was still a slave to it. Still a slave to the idea of floating away. There were no excuses that justified it, and yet. She just wanted to not feel like this for a minute. To not feel like the world hated her. To not be the bitch that everyone seemed to think she was.

She could feel the tears welling in her eyes. The anger, the frustration. The hatred for the world that continued to shun them, and made them out to be the bad guys. To be the bad guys for just trying to cope, to live. To move forward day to day. Every person needs to involve themselves. Every person having an opinion on who the fuck she was. Every which way she turned, there was just another person pushing her.

Krystal, Samantha, Mark, Christian, Ariana and hell, now even Harper. Everyone had an opinion on the actions they made, to keep themselves above water. To keep themselves from sinking, from just wanting to float. From just wanting to be alive, and to suffer in their own grief quietly. To suffer and bleed. To hurt in freedom. To mourn her fucking brother in peace.

An addict would run to the peace of their addiction. An addict had to fight every day just to be free of that monkey that sat on their shoulders. An addict had to be okay, and had to pretend that the world wasn’t forever attempting to push them down. To crush them under the heel of oppressive hate. She just wanted to be normal, just for a minute.

“Nothing fun to see in there, piss-pot.” Alex had somehow managed to come up behind her. Silent as a mouse. She jumped a little, but instantly relaxed as his arms slipped around her waist. Pulled her from the doorframe and onto him. Waddling them away from the bathroom. No judgement. There was never any judgement from him. How could there be? They were both addicts, just to different things. Cigarettes, alcohol, coffee. It just happened that her vice was downers, and his was… what was his addiction?

“I’ll be better one day, won’t I?” Luna asked, twisting around to face him. Arms up and wrapped around his neck, holding tightly to him. He tilted his head to rest against hers as she placed her chin on his shoulder, standing on the tips of her toes.

“You’re better today than you were yesterday, and you’re far better today than you were three years ago. We may never be fixed, Lu. But we’re better today than we were any other day.” Alex said gently, waddling them back to the couch slowly. Back into their little bubble of peace. The young couple, with their dog, watching shitty documentaries on Netflix. A bottle of wine, an ashtray with far too many cigarettes. Just them, being… normal.

“One day, you’ll be free, Lu. One day, we’ll all be free.” Alex said as he planted them back on the couch. She sat straddling his lap, much to the dismay of Duchess who tried valiantly to squeeze her way between the two of them. Nestling her body in between them. A hint of happiness.

“Tell me a story, Alex.” Luna asked, more a demand than a question. A soft demand. A gentle request. His arms tightened around her for a moment, feeling the warmth of Duchess pressed tightly against the both of them.

“There was once a boy named James.” Alex said softly.

Dear Samantha
Scene Two | On-Camera

“Dear Samantha, how beautiful it is that we are here again. I’d like to take a moment to talk to you. Dear Samantha, how wonderful it is to have you before me again, do you think we have a moment to talk? Hey Samantha, Luna again. I was just wondering if you’d take a moment to talk? Hey fuckface, it’s Luna. We’ve got some words to let loose, don’t we?”

“Dear Samantha, how’s the noggin’? Must be hurting after brass meets head. Hey Samantha, I’ve been thinking. What gave you the right to stick your nose into my business? Dear moron, I’ve got some ideas. Ideas on how we can save your career. Hey dickhead, it’s me again. Just wondering if you’ve got any idea of what you’ve started?”

Luna is sitting at a writing desk, her hair hanging loose around her neck and shoulders. Paper and pens are sprawled out all over the desk. Samantha’s name scrawled in different coloured inks in various erratic scratchings and sizings across the papers. The pen in her hand gripped tightly.

“I understand the resentment Samantha. There seems to be this theme. You come into my life, you lose, and I win. That’s the way it goes right? You come into my life, I win the Internet Championship, you don’t. I punch you in the back of the head, cost you a match, and then I go on to win later that night. Even with your attempts to break my face, and hurt my arm. Even with your attempts to batter my pretty little head, I went on to win my match. Funny how things like this seem to happen, over and over.”

“It’s funny to me, Samantha. That here you are again in my purview. An afterthought the first time, and again an afterthought now. Funny how you had to stick your fucking nose into my affairs. Did Ben go running to you, begging you to watch his back? No, I doubt he truly thought it was necessary. No, I think, you Samantha. Are a perpetual nobody. What was it you said? That you deserve to be here. That my ‘crocodile mouth  was writing cheques my canary rear end will have trouble cashing’. You learnt exactly what I was fucking capable of last time we banged heads Samantha. You learnt that in a pool of women your better, you came up short, and I stood as the victor. As much as women like Krystal Wolfe might want to try and take that away.”

“History says that Luna Pasilno is the superior woman. History says that Luna Pasilno is the lady to watch. History says that Luna Pasilno is the woman who will punch your fucking lights out, and you can’t even do enough to slow her down. How long has it been since you were fucking relevant? Three years? Four years? Seems like you fall into the same mouthy camp as the ratty Barossa Valley slag, Krystal Wolfe. Seems to me that you’re the one with a crocodile mouth, writing cheques that your canary rear end will have trouble cashing.”

Luna pushes a few of the pieces of paper aside. A chequebook hidden beneath the pile. She opens it, the first cheque stating it is payable to SAMANTHA MARLOWE, for ‘Medical Costs incurred for being a dumb fucking bitch.’

“So I wonder, Samantha. What possesses you to think that you deserve to be here? I’m just wondering because I haven’t seen anything to make me think you are worth a dime. I haven’t seen a word from you worth listening to. I haven’t seen a step from you that makes me think you could go toe to toe with The Troll, let alone anyone else in this current roster of Bombshells. I’d hazard that you, just like Ben, are finding this renewed fire as a result of us. The Conspiracy sets our sights on you two, and suddenly you’re full of bravado, vim and vigour. Suddenly you think that you’re worthy of the spotlight that you are so wholeheartedly hogging.”

“But no, Samantha. Just like Ben, you are not worthy of the spotlight hogging that you are getting. This wasn’t a journey into proving that you were worthwhile. This wasn’t a journey to shine light on those who are missing a step. This was to prove that you didn’t deserve the opportunities thrown your way. So I want you to remember the feeling of brass against bone. I want you to remember what steel against skin feels like. I want you to remember what it felt like to come up short against Luna Pasilno, because you’re going to have to get real familiar with that feeling.”

“But that’s not what this week is about. No, this week, Samantha. This is your week. The week for you to show the world that you’re a half-step better than Luna Pasilno. That you can out-wrestle and out-think her. That the pretty little face is nothing more than an empty headed bimbo hanging on to the better of her sweet dear husband. Isn’t that right? It seems to be what everyone else thinks of me. That I’m just coming along for the ride on the wings of the better. Except for when it means to say that Alex is the better. In which case he's nothing and deserves nothing, a failure. But only when it suits them. When it doesn’t, he’s a multi-time champion, a man to be feared. Because then Luna Pasilno is just his little hanger-on. Or as Samantha so eloquently put it ‘Raven’s sick little whatever she is’.”

She slams the pen down into the cheque book. Somehow managing to pierce straight through the entirety of it with one downward force. That iconic banshee scream rips from her throat, as she lifts and slams the penchequebook combination over and over onto the writing desk. The sheets of paper scrawled with Samantha’s name being thrown all over the place and knocked to the floor.

“I’m a fucking person, you dumb fucking bitch. Is that something that everyone seems to just magically forget? That beneath it all, I’m also my own fucking person. I’m a human being with a beating heart, and emotions. Fears, aspirations and everything in between. Clearly I’m not somebody to you, Samantha. I’m just ‘Raven’s sick little whatever she is.’ Just like I’m just Raven’s ‘hanger-on’ according to Krystal Wolfe. Sidekick, dropkick, whatever. It doesn’t matter as long as your attempts to dehumanise me work, right?”

“Doesn’t matter what you say about someone if they aren’t even a person in your fucking eyes. You want to know why I put my hands on Ben? So people would stop pretending that I am nothing. The only two people that ever saw me as more than just a piece of meat, a hanger-on, a bitch who needed protecting. The only two people were my fucking brother, and my husband. And I can’t hear my brother tell me that I matter anymore. I can’t ask my brother to remind me that I exist. No, I have to do it for myself now, and the more I try, the more people pretend like I don’t matter.”

“I’m in your sights now, right Samantha? I waved that red flag and made you come charging like a dog in heat. And now, you’re stuck with me. And I’m going to make sure you acknowledge me, Samantha. If it takes battering your pretty little brains all over the canvas, so be it. If it takes breaking the balls of your illegitimate partner, so be it. That’s the story, right? The married woman is having an illicit affair with her best friend. Oh, how juicy, Samantha.”

With one last slam, she leaves the penchequebook combination in the middle of the writing desk. She turns away from the table, running her hands up into her hair. The anger etched across her every feature. Fury bubbling behind her eyes. Hell hath no fury like Luna Pasilno slightly vexed. Pulling her hair back behind her with one hand, she extends the other out in front of her. A soothing calm washing over her face as her eyes lock upon the wedding band on her finger.

“Upsetting when people say things that aren’t really true, isn’t it? Upsetting when people make assumptions about you because that’s just how it seems to them. Upsetting that someone would go out of their way to take away your humanity. To take away your personality. To reduce you to nothing more than the cheating harlot. You have my sympathies, Samantha. You truly do. An afterthought you may be, but a woman and your own person, you still are.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing you again, dear Samantha. I’m looking forward to staring you right in the eye and telling you what I think of you. I’m looking forward to fighting you, Samantha. I’m looking forward to every step of the way, and you know why? Because then you can’t just think of me as the nothing that is only validated by the existence of someone else. I’m looking forward to making you see that Luna Pasilno is a human being. And that just like you, I bleed. That I cry. That I exist outside of the existence of someone else. Maybe it’s something you should try and do yourself. Maybe then, the world wouldn’t cast such aspersions on you.”

“Maybe temper your predictions this time, hey?”

Luna sighs heavily, and slowly stands up. Still holding all of her hair behind her with one hand. Lowering the free one to the desk, and tipping it. Surprisingly effortless for how heavy the desk looks. All the sheets of paper and pens falling to the floor.

“The Conspiracy thanks you for your time.”

On the floor, where all the pieces of paper had scattered. They’d fall in the shape of a large love heart. SAMANTHA and BENJAMIN scrawled across all the various papers. And in the centre, SM + BJ. The implication is quite clear.

And then…

Darkness.

Silence.

Nothing.
92
Climax Control Archives / Golden Opportunity
« Last post by Seleana Zdunich on March 15, 2024, 09:40:45 PM »
Off-Camera

Thursday, March 14, 2024
Gym
Shieldmaidens Clubhouse
San Clemente, California
9:01 PM  PDT





The warehouse the gym was inside of was massive and filled with every kind of workout equipment imaginable as well as four wrestling rings and even a practice MMA fighting cage. Having seen it many times and being invited to try it out several times, Seleana Zdunich had come here looking to vary her workouts leading to her golden opportunity of facing the champion, Julianna DiMaria on Sunday.

As she walks over to a heavy bag, Seleana starts pounding away, hammering at it with her taped fists.

Seleana Zdunich: Skit också!

She curses at herself for not bringing fight gloves of any kind and just continues to punch away.

Seleana Zdunich: Du skiter i det blå skåpet, Julianna!

She pounds on the bag as if she can see Julianna’s face in front of her and just hits it again and again and again.

Seleana Zdunich: Du gjorde höns av fjädrar, din jävla fitta!

Her punches get harder and nastier with every shot.

Seleana Zdunich: Det här är min jakt! Jag ska dra ut mitt pund kött!

As she continues on hitting the bag, she never notices the second woman who walks into the gym in a pair of workout pants and a sports bra under her Shieldmaidens kutte. The second woman watches as Seleana works over the bag for a minute before nodding to herself.

Woman: You’re Halo’s mother-in-law right?

Seleana turns, both startled by the sudden second voice and a lack of immediate recognition. It takes a second to register what was just asked but as it does, Seleana nods apologetically.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja…

She look at the woman, frowning momentarily.

Seleana Zdunich: How…?

The woman smiles.

Woman: Did I know?

Seleana nods.

Woman: We don’t hear much Swedish in here, much less somebody cursing the back out in it like that. I figured, the only Swedish woman any of us knows is Halo’s mother-in-law so I figured, that must be you.

Seleana nods and the woman walks over, extending her hand.

Woman: Cori Bayne… call me Doc.

Seleana nods, accepting the handshake.

Seleana Zdunich: Seleana Zdunich.

Doc smiles welcomingly.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: You got a fight this weekend?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Julianna DiMaria.

Doc whistles at the name.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: Big match.

Seleana nods again.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, I was just looking for a way to vary my preparation.

Doc nods knowingly.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: Good plan. I was just coming in from work. It’s only five minutes away so I just figured it was a good way to get ready for the fights this weekend here. I might just get to throw down myself.

Seleana nods knowingly. She knew the Maidens hosted fight night in their venus called the Palladium nearby.

Seleana Zdunich: I thought…
 
She frowns.
 
Seleana Zdunich: You do not work in San Diego?

Doc shakes her head.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: I work a couple days a week at a local clinic here in San Clemente and I work at the Palladium on most fight nights.

Seleana nods slowly as she takes in the sight of the well-built tattooed blonde woman. 

Seleana Zdunich: You fight as well.

Doc nods.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: Some, usually I’m the on-call doctor.

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: You want to work with me then? I could use the help, ja?

Doc smiles and nods.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: Love to.

Do walks over and takes up position, holding the bag as Seleana gets ready to rain punches again.

Seleana Zdunich: Det här är mitt gyllene tillfälle, Julianna och jag ska göra det rika!

Doc can’t help but grin at the words.

Cori "Doc" Bayne: With punches like that, I have no doubt! 

Seleana nod and continues to fire off, Doc giving her pointers every so often to make them hit more precisely and harder as they go.

Seleana Zdunich: Det finns ingen ko på isen, jag ska vara redo!





On-Camera

Friday, March 15, 2024
Parking Lot
Zdunich Zoological Gardens
Los Angeles, California
11:21 AM  PDT





The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich standing by a sidewalk that leads into the building that houses the main officers and the entrances for the Zdunich Zoological Gardens.

Seleana Zdunich: So we finally meet in the ring, Julianna, ja?

She nods as if the answer is obvious.

Seleana Zdunich: The funny part of this to me is that now we get to see two opposing thoughts of yours collide. On the one hand, you think I am old, obsolete and beneath you and thus this match is both unnecessary and a waste of your time. On the other, it was you that said my name and picked this fight so you obviously wanted it on some level.

She pauses and grins.

Seleana Zdunich: Which will win, I wonder?

A playful smirk adds to the sense of wonder going on here.

Seleana Zdunich: Eh, as you would likely say, it does not matter, ja?

She nods knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Thi is a Golden Opportunity match. If I win, I get you again for the championship which several former champions can attest…

Almost laughing, she points to herself knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: I only need one chance with the championship on the line.

A knowing and almost playful smile comes over her face.

Seleana Zdunich: I am certain there are those, yourself likely included, who will say I do not deserve this and I would say…

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: What does deserve matter? 

She nods, pointing to herself again.

Seleana Zdunich: I have the opportunity regardless of what you think. It is here, it is mine and there is nothing anyone who does not like it can do about it.

She runs her hands together anticipatorily.

Seleana Zdunich: I would say I do not care and it would not be a lie because this is not just a golden opportunity because of the chance at a championship match.

She shakes her head even as the smile turns suddenly sinister.

Seleana Zdunich: This is the opportunity I have been waiting for. Ever since you opened your mouth and allowed my name to sound, I have waited for this chance.

Nodding, Seleana slowly cocks her head to the right.

Seleana Zdunich: I am who I am and you will see that the woman who plays with lions for fun is not just someone to call out because you were bored and thought you could score cheap and easy points with people who do not matter and would not piss on you if you burned in front of them! 

The sinister smile starts to fade away, replaced with an icy anger.

Seleana Zdunich: I have been waiting for this opportunity, Julianna, ever since you said my name for no reason and could not stop yourself from retreading ground that is so well worn by others that it should have been paved over by now.

The anger manages to intensify even as it becomes more visible.

Seleana Zdunich: It is sad whenever you do this, you cannot mention me without bringing up my wife as if somehow anything she does is somehow also me even if I was not there or it happened to others completely unrelated to either of us.

She shakes her head in disgust.

Seleana Zdunich: You must remember when this happens, Julianna…

She nods and points into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You did this.

She nods even more pointedly.

Seleana Zdunich: You picked this fight.

She steps forward, still pointing accusingly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: You picked this fight by mentioning and talking down at me and then running away because you thought you would never have to worry about me because we would never stand across the ring from each other. I was too old, too far gone, too far below you for you to ever need to worry about me.

Shrugging, Seleana allows her hands to rise up as if she is showing how Jualianna would react to the idea of fighting her.

Seleana Zdunich: You are the champion and thus would never need to waste yourself in dealing with me, ja?

She nods knowingly, again as if the answer is self-evident and obvious.

Seleana Zdunich: Well here we are, Julianna, and you DO have to deal with me.

The anger rises yet again.

Seleana Zdunich: This is a golden opportunity, Jualianna, because I do not have to win anything to get my hands on you.

She grins, her eyes flashing hungrily at this idea.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not need to win anything to face you because I already get to.

She nods grimly.

Seleana Zdunich: This is my opportunity to take every word you said, every insult you hurled, every dismissal you gave..

She pantomimes balling things up together.

Seleana Zdunich: Do you realize I can get what I want, win or lose in this match, Julianna?

She nods knowingly, the anger simmering underneath everything.

Seleana Zdunich: You need to win this match or I prove you to not just be wrong, but so wrong that it almost makes you a liar. You need to win because if you do not, I prove that you were wrong and I get another match with you where the championship is on the line AND I get to beat on you some more.

She nods and then points to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: But I…

A venomous smile cracks through the rage.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not need to win anything to get what I want because all I want is to smack you around until my hand hurts and then smack you around some more for making my hand hurt. All I want is to beat on you until I have had my fill and enjoyed myself to the fullest.

A mirthless chuckle escapes her lips.

Seleana Zdunich: Du skiter i det blå skåpet när du gjorde höns av fjädrar och nu får jag plocka fjädrarna tills jag fångar ditt skägg i brevlådan!

She nods coldly.

Seleana Zdunich: I will enjoy this Julianna because you are caught in a trap of your own making. You designed this and caught yourself.

Collapsing her hands together, Seleana glares directly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: All I had to do was be patient and the hunt came to me…

She nods, rubbing her hands together in excited anticipation all over again.

Seleana Zdunich: Välkommen till djungeln…

The sick smile returns to her visage.

Seleana Zdunich: The lion does not sleep tonight with this opportunity. She just eats. 
   

 
93
Climax Control Archives / Protesters? Alright mate...
« Last post by Ben Jordan on March 15, 2024, 04:11:05 PM »
We fade in to Ben Jordan standing on a stage in an empty room, just pacing with his head down before looking to his left, staring down the camera.

"Alright people!" Ben says with a cheeky wink. "It's that time again and yep, I know it's the same old, same old formula which I might switch up at some point because people might just get bored of it, but today, we're going for the classic intro, what I've been up to and little chat about the match if that's alright with you lot. I mean if it ain't broke, no point fixing it at the moment."

Ben smiles.

"So it's bloody amazing how I seem to be doing these more and more." He muses. "Last week, this week, Ben Jordan on the show all the time. What's all that stuff about? I go from filling cards when needed to being on every show. Nice change of pace. Bit mental considering I'm not exactly one hundred percent but might as well earn my keep."

Ben stops pacing.

"Speaking of which, earning my keep has been something I have been up to this week believe it or not." Ben tells the camera. "You guys remember Oasis, right? Charity myself and Jamie Dean set up to help homeless gay teens a while ago? It was bonkers getting it set up, lemme fill ya in on it, in case you don't remember. So Jamie wanted to do this for a while and I was and am a charitable fella, I had the money to last me a lifetime and ya know, recent sales of assets from a painless divorce had kept that to be true, so I was and am funding this out of my SCW paycheck. Well, we had a bit of grief from the landlord, who didn't like the fact that we were using the place for homeless gay teens and refused to sign it over to Jamie, ring any bells?"

Ben stops for a second.

"Well, I stepped in as a rival to Jamie to take the place over." Ben says with a smile as he thinks back. "When I say rival, it was all a ploy, because the fella signed over a ninety nine year lease to me and my business partner... He nearly dropped a brick when it turned out Jamie was my business partner, and we've been running this place for donkeys years, except I haven't exactly been around as much as I should have."

Ben frowns.

"What with cutting the gold off my finger, serious bouts of depression and other stuff going on, my support to the place has been mostly financial while Jamie carried the can." Ben admits. "But my time is a little more free now, so JD asked me if I could do some time here and I agreed. I feel like it might actually be good for me, relaxing even."

Ben breathes deeply.

"Little did I know what awaited me when I got back here. Peaceful wasn't exactly what the universe ordered." Ben says with the frown returning to his face. "Actually, it was the start of something I didn't expect and that's what I've been up to this week, being more hands on and wanting to be more foot up someone's you know what."

Ben half smiles.

"You're probably a little confused by that last comment, so let me show you what I've been up to next week and you can figure out where I wanted to plant my boot." He says with a wider grin. "So lets get that airing about now and I'll show ya what that's all about."

Ben rolls his hand around in a circle to get the recording rolling.


Sunday night was another tough night for Ben Jordan but it had been announced, mixed tag team street fight, another match he would not have seen himself in until the strange career trajectory that he somehow seemed to find himself on. He had opted to keep his word to Jamie Dean from last week and head to Oasis for a couple of days to mentor people but knew he would be arriving late. He wasn't wrong as the time was a little after two in the morning when the car pulled up outside and Ben stepped out, nodding his appreciation to the driver before looking up at the security entrance leading to the offices.

"Christ." He said to himself. "I hope I can remember the security number."

He walked towards the nondescript door with his bag over his shoulder and moved to the keypad, tapping in a number and pulling down the door handle. To his half surprise, the door pulled open.

"Ha!" He said to himself in victory. "And they said too many blows to the head will make me forget things."

He walked through the door with a confident strut and up the stairs leading to the offices that he shared with Jamie Dean, hitting a light switch as he passed it. He took the first door at the top of the steps to his right and went in, reaching around the corner to hit another light switch. The office lit up with two desks, one a mess with papers and the other virtually empty. Ben looked at the empty desk and smiled.

"Dunno why he insisted on me having a desk here when I'm rarely here, but hey ho." Ben said to himself as he moved to the empty desk and sat behind hit. He looked at it for a few seconds before moving his head down, resting his hand on his head, then...

Nothing....

Darkness...

Until....

"What the hell?!?!" Jamie Dean's voice could be heard saying.

Ben's eyes opened from a sleep as he looked up slowly, realising he was more tired then he thought when he entered the office and had fallen asleep at the desk.

"Where's the fire?" Ben asked as he let out a huge yawn.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Jamie said surprised as Ben put his head up to smile. "You nearly gave me a god damn heart attack."

Jamie moved to the other side of the office towards a coffee machine and started to pour two cups out. Seconds later, one was sitting in front of Ben.

"I got in early hours of this morning." Ben explained. "I was so taken back by an announcement on an SCW show that happened last night, I had to come here in person and see if it was true. I mean imagine sitting back there, icing me bits up and stuff and seeing this promo from a guy who used to wrestle in SCW about him coming back to SCW for Blast From The Past. I was stunned, I was amazed, I am...."

"Laying it on a bit thick." Jamie said cutting him off.

"Well, maybe a little." Ben admitted. "But come on, it was decent. So how did that happen?"

Jamie took a seat behind his own desk and looked across at Ben.

"I guess I just wanted a change like you did." Jamie said with a calm shrug. "I miss the ring sometimes, and it's a good way to show the kids I'm not just the guy here, that I can do something inspiring."

"Nothing wrong with inspiring the next generation." Ben said with an approving nod. "Doesn't matter if it's in life or in wrestling. Whole point of this place is to do that, keep them safe, inspire, let them go."

Jamie took a sip of his coffee and raised an eyebrow at Ben.

"So what are you really doing here?" He asked.

"Well you said I could be here more, I was in the state so thought I'd drop on by." Ben said with a smile. "Get the feeling that there was more to the invite then you let on the other day."

Jamie gritted his teeth a little and Ben looked across at him with a slight smirk.

"I love being right." He said to Jamie with his smile growing by the second. "So what is it?"

Jamie shifted in his chair, slightly uncomfortable with the line of question, which quickly changed Ben's look from smug to more concern.

"Well?" Ben pushed.

"It's nothing I can't deal with." Jamie said to him with a weak smile. "You don't need to go all Superman or anything."

Ben and Jamie both turned to look at the camera staring at it with smiles on their faces as the turned back to the scene.

"Look mate, if their's issues." Ben told him. "I can help out a little bit. I am gonna be here more often, over the weekends and stuff a bit more often, maybe like every other week and when SCW are in California, can show up every week, so if something is kicking off, let me know."

Again, Jamie shared an uneasy glance towards Ben.

"It's just..." He said before a noise in the background stopped him in his tracks.

Ben raised an eyebrow at Jamie.

"The bloody hell is that?" Ben asked.

Jamie sighed as he looked at Ben. He rubbed the side of his temple with two fingers before continuing.

"It's just your about to find out I guess." Jamie said as he rose from his desk.

Ben sprung to his feet and the two left the office and down the same stairs Ben had walked up the night before and Jamie got to the door before Ben. He opened the door for Ben and Ben quickly walked through. His eyes diverted back to Jamie.

"Explain?" Ben said quickly.

"Protesters." Jamie replied. "They started up last week, apparently this place is unnatural."

Ben sighed deeply.

"I thought we ended this bollocks when we got one over on the landlord." Ben said.

"Did you just use a curse word?" Jamie said surprised.

"Bollocks and arse ain't curse words." Ben said to Jamie. "They're lower scale, but anyway, lemme get rid of these muppets."

Ben confidently walked toward the group of five women.

"The old Ben charm incoming." Jamie muttered, causing Ben to stop and turn back in his tracks to look at him before continuing.

"Can I help ya people?" Ben asked to get their attention.

One women looked at a smiling Ben and decided to take the lead, standing in front of the others.

"Who are you?" Said in a demanding tone.

"Well that depends." Ben said. "I can be the nicest bloke in the world, or I can be an horrible bloke that might not respond well to that nasty tone of yours. The thing is, you don't know which I am at this point, so sweetheart, until you work that one out, I suggest you try and be civil being as you're on my property having a go at some brick walls."

The woman looked shocked, as did Jamie at Ben's tone as Jamie joined in. Ben put one hand on Jamie's shoulder and clicked his fingers, causing the scene to freeze, other then him and Jamie.

"Always wanted to be a part of that." Jamie said with a smile. "But what's that tone for?"

"It's the English accent, it rattles them." Ben said with a wink. "Every bad guy millionaire in those blockbuster movies is English, so they might think I'm one of them and bugger off."

Jamie nodded his head and Ben clicked his fingers again and looked at the woman.

"See, us English don't like to mince words at times." Ben told her. "So what's this all about?"

"I... I... I mean we..." The woman stumbled out. "We think this place is unnatural. We think that there's no place in this area for these people."

Ben nodded seriously, keeping eye contact with the woman.

"All five of ya think that?" Ben asked. "Because this lovely lady here hasn't stopped smiling since I got here so not sure she agrees with you anymore."

Ben smiled towards a blonde woman who blushed instantly.

"We have more on the way!" The woman snaps back

"Bus break down did it?" Ben said with a chuckle. "When you say these people, do you mean homeless people that are no longer homeless? Because you know the way this world is, you could be homeless soon, money's tight for some people, you're one missed payment away from being turfed out on your arse."

"That will never happen, my husband has a good job." She told Ben.

"You have a husband?" Ben said to her before turning to Jamie and lowering his voice. "Brave fella."

Jamie tried to hide a smile.

"If you have issues with the homeless, then I do not get your issue with people like me and JD here, giving them a place to stay." Ben told her calmly.

"It's not that, it's because they're..." The woman stopped talking, unable to say the last word.

"Gay?" Jamie added

"Yes!" The woman yelled out.

"Well that's pretty funny." Ben said. "You have an issue because people are gay and they're here."

"That's right." The woman said, feeling that Ben is now swaying to her side. "They don't belong here, they're disgusting."

"Where do gay people belong?" Ben asked with an innocent tone.

The woman looked at Ben with her mouth open, surprised by the question.

"Guessing you never thought about that one before." Ben said, trying to keep his best serious face. "I mean everyone's gotta be somewhere right? You've gotta be somewhere, they've gotta be somewhere, everyone needs to be somewhere, but I think you should count your blessings here."

"What do ya mean?" The woman said softly.

"Well at least you know where these guys are." Ben said with a casual shoulder shrug. "You call human beings disgusting because who they're born to want, but these guys are here, it's the one you don't know about sweetheart, they're the ones who should be in your thoughts, because you never know when you're living your daily life next to someone who you deem as disgusting."

Ben's words tied her up, and Ben knew he had her on the ropes.

"Did you go for coffee this morning?" Ben asked. "Wait, of course you did, cause I'm gonna judge you like you're judging people. Course you went and bought an expensive coffee cause you're a middle aged American with too much time on her hands. I'm assuming that because well, judging people without knowing them is cool, right?"

The woman still had no reply to Ben.

"Did you ask the guy who grinded the beans if he prefers the arms of gentlemen?" Ben asked. "Or the person who delivered the cups? How about the person who placed that cup in your hands, and I'm gonna presume latte because well, presuming is alright today, right? Did you check any of that?"

The woman looked stunned at Ben.

"Did you grab the mail this morning?" Ben asked "Did you ask the postie what he was holding in his hand last night? How about the fella who bagged your groceries? Just sticking with the presumption theme that you got going on and guessing you didn't. Do you know if they was straight? I'm gonna take a punt and say you didn't ask that, so they too might be disgusting. You've probably walked past more gay people on your way here then you realise, so if you wanna shut down a place for not being the same as you, you're gonna be a very busy lady."

Ben wagged a finger at her.

"But this is not a place you will be getting rid of." Ben told her a little more sternly. "Because well, I ain't letting that happen, unless you wanna buy the place, but that's in the millions and I'll only buy the place next door to you, knock it down and build a skyscraper so I can have more people there. Now this is where I think you should bugger off and come up with a better plan because this place ain't going anywhere."

Ben looked at the woman stomp her feet and storm off. The others quickly followed, leaving Jamie and Ben standing there. As soon as the women are out of sight, the two men burst out in to fits of laughter.

"Now that was something else." Jamie said through his laughs.

"I thought so." Ben said also laughing. "I hate people like that. Self righteous and all that because people see things differently."

"You know she'll be back." Jamie informed Ben.

"Oh I hope so." Ben said with a nod. "Cause I got all the time in the world to put people like that down, adds a bit of fun to life."

The two turned and walked back towards the building.

"You know." Jamie said with a wide smile. "With some of those lines you came out with, you'd make a great Bong villain."

Ben put his arm around Jamie's shoulder.

"Mate..." Ben said as he stopped. "I'd make a great Bond."

The two shared a laugh as they entered the building and the scene faded to black.


We fade back in to Ben in current times on the stage.

"Did you figure out where I wanted to stick me boot?" He says with a smile. "Bloody annoying woman."

Ben clears his throat.

"So yeah, that's been going on this week." Ben says slowly. "It distracted me from some poor attempt at getting under my skin on social media from Alexander Raven, nice try son but I'm not rattled by keyboard warriors, especially when it's not really funny. You're a grown arse man, you can do better the balls joke, what's wrong with you?"

Ben looks genuinely confused.

"It didn't however distract me from what's around the corner." Ben says. "It didn't distract me from you Rodrigo Afonso.... I nearly called you Afonso Rodrigo then for some odd reason, can't for the life of me think why."

Ben scratches his head.

"I still thought about going in to this match with you Rodrigo." Ben says seriously. "Because I actually think this is the perfect match for me to be in at this point. Last week was a bit of a disappointment that Alexander Raven ruined a perfectly good match against a guy I was looking forward to testing myself against. He ruined something that I wanted and I can't help but think this is the perfect chance to remind him just who he's messing with, who he's actually dealing with. It's not disrespect to you Roddy, not at all. It's not a slight on your skills or what you can do in the ring, but it's a chance to show up against an awkward opponent with a skill set that I don't often come across when it comes to getting in the ring. These are the tests I need."

Ben looks at the camera.

"I always feel like I'm on a roll when I'm in the ring all the time, not stop start, not slowing down and mate, I've been booked like a loon lately so very much on that roll." Ben says thoughtfully. "It's a bit of a test to push myself through and show I can handle all comers with different styles as I build towards a crazy freaking match in a few weeks time and there's a reason I see Roddy as a bigger thing then most might. Most might look at this one and go what's the point but in my head, there's a point because you need to put respect on his name mate. Ya need to sit there and think about how this geezer is not a slouch in the ring, you gotta think this geezer knows what he's doing and is pulling up trees, causing a few surprises, doing things understated but effective. Guy walks away with a title opportunity at his own pace, you don't get that by being lucky so Roddy, this is me putting respect on ya name, because you earned it."

Ben runs his hand under his chin.

"And realistically, I'm probably the perfect opponent for you to continue that decent run of taking big names and you probably got me at the right time." Ben wonders. "I mean I'm a bit banged up, I got some plonker breathing down my neck at every opportunity, a match coming up that isn't really my style, so you would think my head could be all over the place and it could very well be, but the thing is, it really isn't. I'm actually blocking out the plonker, I'm blocking out the future challenges because all that matters is getting past you Roddy and getting myself on winning ways as I go towards Blaze of Glory. I know that's there in the future and although I'm not overly thinking about that, I know that I need to build momentum and make people question their actions."

Ben walks a little closer to the camera.

"I think a win over Roddy would be the perfect start." Ben says in thought. "I didn't come up trumps in the last match and that's fine, but this is where I wanna bounce back to winning ways and although a lot refuse to see it, this guy is bloody good. Thing is I've dealt with a lot and know how to adapt and even as black and blue as I am, I think I could still do a number on him and walk out celebrating. It's what I need to do to kick on because I need that momentum, I need that push, I need to repay a lot of faith put in me to show up every week and do what they pay me to do. This is why I need to put on a good show against Roddy and mate, it's gonna happen. There's a lot of great stuff on this card, some proper blinding matches, but this is a show I wanna stand out in and I would think that's more then possible."

Ben breathes in sharply.

"Last few weeks, I've been about constantly and left people talking about me, this week, I want them talking about me winning instead of the geezer who got mucked around again by outside players and people who don't belong near the ring at that time." He says seriously. "I wanna be talked about this week for having a cracking match against a very good opponent and coming out winning, instead of another poxy no contest or draw, because I've had a few of those things lately. It's time for this guy to step up to where he should be and Roddy, you're a tough opponent, you got that golden briefcase with ya which is no joke but I gotta get out there and show you all what I'm all about. These no contests do sod all for me so it's time to step up."

Ben points upwards.

"Contrary to what some believe, I do still have it and I still do have another gear to kick in to at this point." He says with a slight smile. "And this is the week to do so, this is the week to play through the pain, this is the week to show that the heart of the Cockney King still beats hard. Many think I've on the downhill slide, that I'm over the hill, that I'm just too long in the tooth to be doing this anymore, that my best days are so far behind me, they're in another country but nah, I ain't done yet. I still got a lot to prove now that the first in me has been lit once more. A few months ago, I might have agreed, I might have said yeah, my better days are gone, but that fire is burning bright this time, that fire is hotter then it ever was before because I got something to prove to myself, not to others, but to myself. I'm the one who has to get up every morning and look in the mirror and see this big ol' mush."

Ben points to his face.

"I'm the one who has to justify everything to myself." He says with a serious look. "I need to get up in the morning, look in that mirror and tell myself I am someone, I am a top wrestler and this Sunday, I get to prove it against another of SCW's young guns. I couldn't get the job done last week against Reyno but I will do this week. I respect ya talent Roddy but mate, I'm coming in to this match with the intention of walking out a winner. There ain't no ifs, buts or ands about it. This is just what's gonna happen on Sunday."

Ben pauses for breath.

"And I hope Alexander Raven does get a closer look at what's happening on Sunday. Mate, you're welcome to a front row seat." Ben says with a serious tone. "Because this is straight up wrestling, this is what I can do without any problems at all, anyone can swing a chair, but what you're about to see is wrestling class and it's what's gonna mess you up proper."

Ben slowly nods.

"Right, I've probably taken up enough of your time." Ben says with a firm nod. "Roddy, I will see you on Sunday, looking forward to it mate. I wish ya all the best, but I know for a fact who's walking out winner of this one."

Ben points to himself.

"Until then, have a cracking weekend you lovely lot and I'll see you soon." He says with a cheery smile.

"Later's people!"

Ben winks down the camera as the scene comes to an end.
94
Climax Control Archives / Challenges.
« Last post by Erika Moore on March 15, 2024, 02:30:18 AM »
“Wow.”

In the locker room area Erika sat there holding an ice pack to the back of her neck. The adrenaline was starting to wear off. Her body ached all over. Rightfully so considering she had just competed.

Her first wrestling match in about two years. Her first match since inking her name to a deal with SCW. It was no joke. Taylor came to fight and rocked her a couple different times.

There was even at one point when she got dropped. She considered not getting back up because of the amount of pain she was experiencing but she wasn’t raised to be a quitter. She fought through it.

It resulted in her hand being raised. Although it was no easy task and from here on out it was only going to get harder. Erika slowly lifted the ice pack of her neck and stood up.

“This is the lifestyle you chose, buttercup. You better learn to ride with the times now before they get even harder. That was just match one. Match two will be here before you know it.”

Feeling those post match effects. She proceeded to look up at a mirror that was there in the locker room. Putting her focus on her own appearance. Her face was super red.

Her hair was matted with sweat. There was no style to it at all now. Couple different welts and bruises she could already see forming on her skin. This was quite the profession she had chosen.

“Taylor Sweet was of equal talent. A young woman looking to sink her teeth into the flesh of SCW. She had just as much to gain as you did. But next time---”

“Next time is going to be a whole lot tougher.”

She hadn’t realized anyone else was nearby. Nearly causing her to have a heart attack as she shot a look in the direction of where the voice had come from.

Standing there in the doorway of the women’s locker room area stood a familiar face. That  being none other than Pussy Willow. Erika arched her eyebrow a little bit.

“Oh? Hello there?”

“Hello there darling. The name is Pussy, Pussy Willows. We’ll become more acquainted with each other as the weeks go by. I’m the lead for reporters here at Sin City Wrestlingl.”

“That’s quite an interesting name.”

Erika’s face was already red from a tough match. Now it was a little more red from slight embarrassment over something as simple as one word or in this case a name. Willow took a few steps towards her.

“Listen. Normally, I stay out of things that don’t involve me. I know what my job is and I am very good at it. Therefore I stick to it. But I overheard some things.”

“Overheard somethings? What does that even mean?”

“Let’s just say I overheard Mr. Ward and Mr. Underwood talking on their way out of the building. They sounded super impressed.”

“Oh. Oh! That’s a good thing then. I did something right out there tonight. Can’t be upset that I impressed the gentlemen that run the place. I didn’t want to make Mr. Ward regrets offering me a deal.”

“I can say you didn’t make him regret a thing. You were impressive but.”

“But? I strongly dislike when people do that. Such a heart-attack inducing thing. Just tell me, please!”

Erika’s face was scrunched up a little bit.

“Like I said I overheard some things. Nothing with too much detail but what I did hear is they want to really see what you got. They felt tonight was just scratching the surface of what you could do.”

“I don’t know about all of that. It sounds like they got a weird image of me. I’m nothing special. I’m still learning the ropes and the business. I just did what I know how to do and it worked out for me.”

“Better hope it works out for you next time too. From the sounds of it. You’re going to have your work cut out for you new girl.”

Willow found herself with a bit of a grin on her face. Before starting to make her way back over to the door. Leaning against it again and taking one last look at Erika.

“I like messing with the rookies from time to time. It gives me something to do. Don’t take it to heart.”

“Not very funny or very kind of you.”

“Oh come on like I said rook. Don’t take it to heart.”

A small chuckle left her lips.

“So, it was just you messing with me? Like I don't actually have anything to worry about. No need to be freaked out or pressured.”

“Oh no. I definitely overheard them talking about pushing you to your limits. I just don’t know when or who it’ll be against. Better make sure you're prepared, just in case it happens next week.”

Another chuckle left Willow’s lips leading to her walking out of the room. Erika all alone again and just looking at the door shaking her head a little bit. She wasn’t sure what that was all about.

However, the amount of pressure she was already feeling overcame her physical being. It was enough to make her want to have a panic attack. Everything was coming at her so fast.

She slowly turned her attention back to her reflection back in the mirror.

“You are always talking about putting you big girl pants on, saddling up, and getting the dirty work done that no one wants to do. Guess it’s time for you to live up to that.”

Erika shook her head again with those parting words to herself. She didn’t know what was next. She didn’t know where things would go. She didn’t know what to expect.

But that was the nature of the professional wrestling business. It was always a business that kept you on your toes, kept you guessing, and it could take a turn at any given moment.

Only time would tell where her next chapter would end up taking her.


KNOCK KNOCK!

The very sound that was heard against the wooden door. It started with the young woman standing there in the room. Erika was facing a full-sized mirror checking out the outfit she had on. An all white dress with the cutest little rose gold colored heels to match.

Before the startled woman could say anything. The door came open as a younger looking fellow with a clipboard in hand poked his head inside the room. Locking eyes with Erika across the room.

“Ms. Moore.”

“That’s me darling. What can I do ya for?”

“My name is Dennis. I’m the one in charge of today’s meet and greet for SCW. Checking to see if you were ready to head out there.”

“I’m going to have to be, aren't I?”

A bit of a nervous laugh left the woman’s lips.

“Something wrong Ms. Moore?”

“I wouldn’t say anything is wrong, doll. It’s just a situation where I’m a little nervous. First time I’ve done a meet and greet. Don’t know what to expect. Heck, do I even have anyone that showed up for this thing? No one knows who I am.”

“There’s quite the line out there for people not knowing who you are.”

Dennis took it upon himself to swing the door a little wider. Leaning his body weight into in order to keep it open. His focus is still on Erika.

“I’ve worked with a lot of newer talent over the years. They’re all nervous, but it’s such an easy gig Take a couple pictures. Answer a couple questions. It’s super simple. That and it really gets you familiarized with our audience.”

“Pretty sure it's your job to try and sell me on the fact this is easy.”

Another little nervous left filled the air from the young woman. Before she started to take a couple of steps over to that door where Dennis stood.

“Let’s do this cowboy!”

Erika then stepped out of the room ahead of Dennis. That’s when he let go of the door and made his way ahead of ehr a bit to start leading the way. Both of them heading down a hallway before taking a left turn.

Dennis walked up to a door and pulled it open for Erilka. Allowing her to step through and when she did she was met with a long line of fans. All of which began to cheer for the woman when she walked out.

The response from those fans. As well as seeing such a long line. It made her feel more nervous, but she put on a smile. Walking over to a table that was set up for her. Dennis walked by her side as he stood just to the right of her at the table.

“Alright ladies and gentlemen. Ms. Erika Moore, one of our newest Bombshells has graciously taken the time out of her schedule to meet with you all today. Please remember to be respectful.”

Erika waved to the crowd a little. Her smile still featured but her cheeks were starting to turn a rosy red. Clearly showing just how nervous all of this made her.

“Also, please ask any questions you may or may not have for her. Keep them short. We’re on a set time period here. Erika would love to meet with you all, this is the best way to make sure that happens. First person please come forward.”

Dennis found himself motioning for someone to come up. It happened to be an older woman. She had to be in her thirties with a young girl with her. Erika greeted both of them.

“Hello there! Thank you so much for being part of my first Meet and Greet! It’s all a bit nerve racking for me as it might be for you.”

“We are so honored to be here. My daughter got to see your debut a few weeks back. Then she saw somewhere online about this meet and greet. Hasn’t stopped asking me about coming since!”

“Aw, bless your heart darling. What’s your name?”

Erika made eye contact with the younger fan. She couldn’t have been no more than ten or eleven. The little girl shyly looked up at the blonde. Fidgeting with her hands a bit.

“My name is Sara!”

“Sara? That’s such a pretty name.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, sugar. Came to get yourself an autograph, I take it?”

“Yes please.”

“I can tell your mama sure did raise you right. Such a polite young lady.”

The little girl was smiling. As was her mother, but the smile from her mother was more so a sense of pride. It appeared the tension was being broken as the little girl extended her notepad.

Erika gently took it into her hands. Picking up a hot pink marker that was sat out on the table for her. Starting to sign her name to the pad.

“Can I ask you a question, ma’am?”

“You sure can. What’s on your mind?”

“Do you really like wrestling? Is it fun for you? My daddy always says wrestling is for boys.”

She finished signing her name as Erika put down the marker. Before handing over the pad back to the little girl.

“I mean no disrespect to your daddy when I say this. But wrestling isn’t just for boys. Nothing in today's world as far as sports and such go is just for boys and girls. You’re allowed to like whatever you like.”

This really made the younger girl’s facial features brighten up.

“And as far as liking wrestling? I adore it. I wouldn’t ever do something I don’t like. I won’t lie to you. It’s a lot of hard work. Lots of bumps and bruises. Scrapes and all types of stuff. It hurts, but it's so much fun!”

“It looks fun!”

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I can tell you that.”

Erika kept her smile in full form. Allowing herself to think about her young career. It really did let her see how much she loved what she did. Even though at times it was a little rough.

The little girl had turned back to her mother as they began to walk off.

“Momma. I want to be a wrestler just like her.”

“We’ll see darling. We’ll see.”

“I really-really want to be one. I swear momma.”

They began to get further and further away. Before the next person had stepped forward. Taller man with a bit of a scowl on his face. Kind of just shoving his piece of paper towards her.

Erika looked him up and down for a moment. The facial expression she was giving must’ve said a lot. Because his own expression seemed to get more sourer as he looked back at her.

“What are you looking at?”

“Looking right at someone that doesn't have any manners.”

“I don’t have all day. Just sign the thing. I am only here because my brother couldn’t get off work.”

“What a shame. I feel like your brother would’ve been a more pleasant meeting. However the bigger shame is you have to let your brother know you let him down.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Simple sweetheart. I’m not signing anything. Don’t care for rude people. Not my cup of tea.”

His facial turned super red within seconds. Anger consuming the young man. He slammed the paper he had down on the desk in front of Erika.

“Don’t be a bitch. Sign the damn autograph.”

“Hey now listen what we’re not going--”

“Dennis, darling. I got this.”

Erika found herself stepping forward. Planting her hand on top of the young man’s and pushing the paper back in his direction. Standing firm on her stance.

“You can call me all the names you want, little boy. All you’re doing is showing your immaturity with a little tantrum like that. It’s not going to get you anywhere with me like it would someone else.”

She watched his eyes narrow a little more with anger.

“I have declined the autograph. It sucks. I'm sure your brother is a nice guy, but clearly you need to be taught some hospitality and how to deal with people. Better luck next time little guy.”

“Whatever. Only losers like professional wrestling. The shit is fake!”

“Aw, everyone look at the little manchild. He’s not getting his way, so he’s going to lash out in front of hundreds of people.”

This got a little bit of a chuckle in unison from the fans standing in line. Erika clearly had no qualms about embarrassing someone that was going to act this way. Quickly, he snatched up his piece of paper.

Only to storm off out of the line and disappear within seconds. Erika found herself shaking her head a little before another fan approached her. They were decked out in all the SCW gear.

From the t-shirt the woman had on. The matching hat. Even had a personalized bracelet on her wrist that said: “I <3 SCW”. Whomever this woman was, she was a true die hard. Erika smiled in her direction.

“Good afternoon ma’am! Who might you be?”

“Me? You don’t know who I am?”

“Can’t say that I do. Don’t mean to be disrespectful or anything.”

“My name is Martha. I go to ALL the Sin City Wrestling events. All the Climax Controls. All the supercards. Meet and greets. Autograph signings. You’ll see me right there in the front row every time!”

“Well then Martha. I apologize for not being more familiar with who you are. I’m a little new to the roster, as you would know. But I’ll be sure to look out for you this Sunday at Climax Control.”

“You got your hands full. You won’t be looking for me at all.”

Martha’s statement caused Erika to be taken back a bit. Her eyebrow arched a little while looking in her direction.

“My hands are full? What do you mean by that?”

“Mercedes Vargas. She’s no slouch. Quite the talented woman. I know every match she’s had. Including every win, loss, draw. Not to mention every championship she’s held.”

“Must be quite a history buff or something when it comes to the record books huh?”

“I take being a fan of Sin City Wrestling very seriously. Almost as serious as I take being a fan of Mercedes. You got your work cut out for you.”

This was creating quite the awkward confrontation. Erika stood there looking at the woman. Remaining nice, but this woman was very forward to say the least.

“I assure you. I might not know everything about Mercedes, like you might. But I’ve done some of my research. I know I’m going to be in for a tough battle.”

“It is going to be more than a tough battle. Do you know that your odds of winning your second match in Sin City Wrestling is about sixty percent lower now that you’re against Mercedes? That’s a fact!”

“A fact?”

“I said what I said Ms. Moore. Shall I go out to my car and get my book where I write down all my stats for Mercedes?!”

“Uh, I don’t think that’ll be needed at all.”

“I do not aim to disrespect any wrestler I meet. However, I think you need to do more research. To understand exactly who it is you are up against.”

The tension was getting so tough between the two. Erika tried to take it in another direction for her sake.

“I’ll be sure to take all of that into consideration. Would you like an autograph? I am sure you got a bunch of them with how big of a fan you are of the company!”

“No, thank you.”

“Oh?”

“I only want the autographs of the Men and Women of SCW that are actually going to be around for a long period of time. Those that mean something to the company. Not sure if you’re someone that will even be there next month.”

“Ouch. A little harsh. Don’t you think so?”

“No, not at all. I don’t believe in anything being too harsh when you’re simply telling the truth. I simply wanted to come by and wish you the best of luck against Mercedes. Because you’re going to need it.”

“Thank you, I think?”

Right then the awkward reaction came to halt. Only because Martha had turned and walked away.Not even so much as saying goodbye. Erika looked over at Dennis.

“That was awkward.”

“Don’t mind Martha. She’s like that with most of our new Bombshells. She’ll warm up to you over the next couple weeks. I guarantee it.”

“After all of that. I don’t know if I want her to warm up to me. And I don’t even know if I want this match going forward on Sunday.”

A small shake of her head. Pressure was starting to really be put on the shoulders of Erika and she hadn’t even had her second match yet. Her attention proceeded to go back to the line of fans to carry on with her first ever meet and greet. Something she’d end up remembering.


► Challenges.

It was hours before the show. The Maples Pavilion wasn’t even set up all the way yet. Lots and lots of Sin City Wrestling ring crew were doing various things. From setting up the little makeshift entrance the wrestlers got to come out of. To make sure all the sound was good for Jason and Belinda on commentary.

Lots and lots going on. Including in the ring. The boards connected to the ring could be heard rattling around. Leading to the cameras cutting to that direction. Revealing that someone was running the ropes. Getting some reps in. Taking the time to go over the basics and get better like all wrestlers should.

Turns out that person was newly signed Bombshell, Erika Moore. She hit the ropes on the right side. Bouncing off them and letting her momentum carry her over to the left side. She bounced off those only to realize a camera crew was on her. Her face turned a little red from slight embarrassment.

Although she took a couple of steps towards them. This seemed like as good a time as any in her mind to address tonight’s matchup. A sweet smile crossed her makeupless expression. Before that southern accent of hers could be heard.

“Challenges, y’all. Challenges.”

She only smiled a little more.

“Every single day we’re met with some kind of new challenge. Some of those challenges might be small. Some of those challenges might be huge. Some of them might be a major inconvenience. While some of them just might be a minor one. No matter what, we're always going to be met with challenges in life.”

“My first challenge with Sin City Wrestling was learning the ropes. Getting my feet wet if you will. I knew I was going to have all eyes on me. People were going to see what I brought to the table. There were people probably wanting to see little ol’ me fail as well. But I didn’t. I put my big girl pants on.”

“And saddled up for a ride with Taylor Sweet. Once the dust was settled. I got to ride off into the sunset with a victory. Although it seems like that victory has impressed all the right people. Or it disappointed all the wrong people. Depending on how you look at it with the challenge I have now.”

The blonde found herself leaning against the ropes for a moment or two. In her head she didn’t expect too many people to be aware of what she was talking about. Or to even be paying attention to her young career. After all she had only been with the company for a small cup of coffee..

“This week I’ve found out that I’m being put in my second match. Something that I look forward to, but I know I’ve got my work cut out for me. As standing across the ring from Mercedes Vargas. Quite the challenge wouldn’t you agree?”

“She’s a two-time Hall of Famer. She’s held the Bombshell World Championship, the Bombshell Roulette Championship, the Bombshell Internet Championship, the Mixed Tag Team Championships, and even had some success with the defunct Bombshell Tag Team Championships.”

Erika found herself stepping through the ropes. Only to take a seat right there on the ring apron. Her hands folded in her lap ever so nearly. Letting her eyes fall right back in place.

“Mercedes is a pioneer of the Bombshell division. She’s a woman that’s been around for quite some time clearly. Seen plenty of women come and go. Has been able to constantly invent herself to remain a staple to this division. That says more than enough about the type of woman you are, Mercedes. You certainly deserve your flowers in more than one way. I’ve got no problem being the one to give them to you.”

“I can assure you, Mercedes. You’ll never hear me being a disrespectful gal. Like I said in my promo last week. I know the rules. I know you are meant to pave the way for you. You’ve done just that. There’s no doubt about it. You’ve earned every bit of success that you have.”

“But as much success as you’ve had. As long as you’ve been around. As much as you’ve reinvented yourself and remained relevant on the roster. Please don’t let that go to your head before our meeting. Don't allow it to cloud your mind and make a poor judgment call. Don’t be a gatekeeper to the division.”

She put a lot of emphasis on the word ‘gatekeeper’. It even made her eyes light up when looking at the camera. One would have to assume that was going to be a point of interest for the young woman..

“I saw that back home in the first promotion I ever worked for. A woman by the name of Miss Daisy. She had been around. Held down the fort of the women’s division. Very talented woman. However, she was quite the gatekeeper. She made every new girl’s life a nightmare.”

“She took personal pride in stressing the new girls out. She took personal pride in making things difficult. She took personal pride in making them essentially proved to her they belonged in her division. There were even terrible stories about her hazing the girls so bad. They quit.”

For a second Erika sat there shaking her head. The upset expression on her face said it all. She had sympathy for those women.

“Very disheartening to say the least. No one should ever have to go through those types of things. And no one should take pride in doing those things to people. However this is the world we live in. As sad as it is, it’s still the reality.”

“But I only tell you about this Mercedes. Because I won’t put up with it. I didn’t put up with it with Miss Daisy when I broke into this business. I stood up for myself. I didn’t back down. I didn’t let her put me in a corner. I didn’t allow her to make me question myself. I was going to be something.”

“I was going to have my own success. To which I did have that in the end. But that’s a different time period. It’s a new place, new challenge, and a new woman ahead of me. However, I want success here. I want to be a vital hand to the roster. I want to be the woman, little fans in the crowd can look up to.”

“I want to be a woman that draws interest to this division. To this brand. To this company. I want to be a woman that makes women want to come in and prove their worth against. All in all Mercedes what I want is to be remembered here during my time with Sin City Wrestling. That’s all.”

There was a certain amount of excitement in her voice. It really shined through with that accent of hers. It became heavier when she was excited or looking forward to something. Keeping that bright smile on her face. She hopped off the apron and made the camera person back up a little to keep her in the shot..

“If you think about being a gatekeeper or think about trying to pull the veteran card with me. I promise you, you’re going to have a bad time. Now on the flip of it. If you want to be the person I believe you are. A woman about respect and honor. A woman that is all about putting on the best match possible.”

“A woman that is about representing the Bombshell division at the highest competitive level. Then by all means, that’s something I’ll engage in. That’s something I will look forward to. That’s a challenge, I’ll without a doubt be looking forward to.”

The camera person found themselves taking a couple more steps backwards. Along with Erika stepping forward. She was starting to move away from the ringside area.

“See, that’s kind of the risk with this wrasslin’ thing from time to time. You never know what you’re going to get with people. Not until the match is on and you’re in the thick of it. I can only guess what side of you I could end up seeing tonight Mercedes. Course a guess is just an assumption.”

“And you know what they say about people that assume. I will simply have to come with two different game plans. One for each approach that you could take. Which will for sure put even more pressure on my shoulders. Put more pressure on my entire young career.”

“Pressure isn’t a bad thing. After all you need pressure to squeeze coal in order to make diamonds. I want to one day be a diamond that shines brightly in the halls of Sin City Wrestling. Therefore I gotta put my big girl pants on and deal with the pressure.”

By that point she was starting to journey up the little ramp still being built by the ring crew,

“Woman to woman. Good luck tonight, Mercedes. Our first time meeting has a chance to be iconic.”

Leaving the camera crew with that bright smile of hers. Before stepping right on past them to head up that ramp. Once Erika reached the curtain she grabbed it and disappeared. A few moments later the camera view went black.
95
Climax Control Archives / Chapter 35 More questions than answers
« Last post by Dreamkiller on March 14, 2024, 07:20:49 AM »
Chapter 35: More Questions Than Answers

One of the biggest problems having people who care about you is that they want to know everything about what is going on in your life. There are very few people who feel that way towards me. I’m not really what you would call a likable person, and I accept that. I have a handful of friends, And while I’m grateful to have them, I’m not entirely certain the feelings that we have are mutual. I would be more than happy to be left alone to just enjoy my life. Without them. But for some odd reason, there are a few certain individuals who can look past all of my anger, issues, and narcissism and see someone worth knowing.

Among these people are members of my family. I have an interesting relationship with my brother Jax. He and I never really got along. Not until he came back into our lives after he disappeared, and I saw what he went through. For years, I blamed him for leaving, but now there is quiet respect. Then there’s my oldest sister, Amber. A woman who I was constantly trying to follow in her footsteps, and live up to the reputation that she had earned as a professional wrestler. A woman who shadow that I had felt for the longest time.

But out of my siblings, the one who was closest to Me was Tasman. The baby of the family. The youngest, and in some ways, the black sheep. Out of the four of us, she was the one who had the nicest upbringing. Coming into her own, and having memories after our father had passed away. She had been raised without that dark cloud hanging over her head. As such she only heard stories of what myself, Amber, and Jax had to go through.

However, Jax and Amber knew that there would be certain things in our lives and the amount of patience and quiet we needed. To respect each other’s privacy. If something was going on in Amber‘s life, I was not going to press and prod. I was going to let her come to me with any problems that she had if she wanted to talk. And she had that same respect for Me. Tasmin, however, didn’t have that same respect.

She wanted to know what was going on, she wanted to know what everyone’s deep and dark secrets were. And she knew that I was hiding something. She knew I was hiding some kind of pain deep down inside, an anger that wasn’t there before, she could see a plane as day. And what made it worse was that I knew she could. I felt it, her eyes moving across the room and coming to a stop on Me. Studying Me, looking for any subtle movements that would clue her into what exactly was going through my mind

My upper right lip twitched, and my nostrils flared as I tried to keep myself from exploding at her and asking her just what it was. She was looking at. I took a deep breath and cracked my neck. Tasman moved closer, placing her hands on the black marble of my kitchen countertop, and leaning forward with a tilt of her head. I swallowed, closing my eyes to calm myself, so I would not yell right in her face, Tasman chuckled and shook her head, stepping back and folding her arms over her chest

”So, did you talk to Finn? Get all this nonsense sorted out?” I stayed silent, ignoring her. I really should have known better, she was never going to take that as an answer, and she was not going to let Me get away with it. ”Hmmm? Did you ask about that Kei guy? What was going on? Did you find out what you wanted to know?”

My eye twitched. Tasmin leaned in and got even closer. Her way to let me know she wasn’t going to let this go. ”No. I got nothing out of him. It is probably nothing anyway.”

Tasmin put her finger to her lips and made a small “tut” sound. She sneered and shook her head. She was having none of it. ”Do I look stupid to you Kay?” Before I could answer in my usual bitchy way she conti her. Ruining my fun. ”I can tell by the look on your face there was more than that. Spill the tea!” She folded her arms. Clearly, she was determined and that just annoyed me even more.

I huffed and rolled my eyes. ”Let's just say we had a difference in philosophy.” Tasmin blinked a few times. That answer didn’t satisfy her. She just continued to stare at me. Pushing further and deeper. I growled and threw my arms in the air unable to hold back the anger and frustration that was bubbling up about this entire situation. ”That man just refuses to listen to reason or my fucking opinion.”

Tasmins ears perked up. ”Oh? Opinion about what?

She was baiting me. She knew it. I knew it. But fuck it. In for a penny in for a pound. ”I know he’s hiding something Tas. That Kei is bad news and he gives me this sick messed up feeling I haven’t felt since I was with the Romani.” Tasmin raised an eyebrow. She had heard about it all third hand. In fact, the closest she came was one time that Jace saw her. The only time that he did. ”He’s playing a dangerous game here. I basically told him I was sorry for fucking caring.”

Her eyes widened she raised her hands to her mouth with a sharp inhale of surprise. ”Awwww you care about him!!!” She missed the point. Completely missed it. I blinked a few times and closed my eyes. She zeroed in on the one point I didn’t want her to or need her to. ”About time you admitted it…”

”I care because we’re tag team champions Tasmin, I need him to stay on top of his game..”

”Ya huh…bullshit.” She scoffed and shook her head, fluttering her hand with a dismissive arrogance. ”You don’t have that kind of tone in your voice if it’s professional care. It’s personal…” My nostrils flared, I closed my eyes again and took a deep breath before backing up and turning to Tasmin.

”Fuck off.”

Tasmin squealed and spun around with laughter. ”Ha! See!. You care about him, you keep trying to hide it but here you are…you see him in trouble, you’re worried, it’s cute…” My annoyance was palpable. My hands clasped into fists and I stayed staring ahead. I was angry, furious, frustrated. And it was for one simple reason…

She was right….

I did care about him. Very much so. Seeing him in pain, angry, or in trouble or hurt. I hated it. I growled under my breath and folded my arms over my chest closing myself off. ”So, what do I do?” I waited for an answer, stepping forward and throwing my hands in the air. ”Exactly. You don’t have an answer. I don’t know what he’s going through, he won’t tell me and if I care then I’m going to go fucking insane…”

I knew what was about to happen, I felt it, I folded my arms over my chest and I pouted. Yes, me, I pouted. But pfft, it’s only me and Tasmin, no one else knows.

”So…..you’re not going to admit it?”

” ….I hate you…”

Misdirection

”Last time you all saw me in a match I had my hand held high, the next time after that was standing toe to toe on the mic with Julianna DiMaria. Another victor as I verbally beat her down. But the last time you guys saw me in a non-in-ring role was the contract signing. And I hate that she got the better of me…”

Kayla growls, narrowing her eyes and trying to breathe

”But with a match of that magnitude looming on the horizon I’m sure most of you inbred, incel, incompetent idiots think I’ll lose focus on the mixed tag team titles. But you could not be further from the truth. But don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to that match, a chance to be the SCW bombshells champion…..”

“There is still so much work to be done with these tag titles I am not prepared to give them up. Even if I do have a huge match on the horizon I have never been someone to give in to pressure or crack. See Finn and I want to be the best mixed tag team champions ever. We want to overtake and be better than Wolfslair, Team Eggplant, Austin and Tempest, and of course London Underground.”

“You notice how I didn’t include Limitless in that little list?”

“You know why?”

“Cause they aren’t in the conversation for the best ever. But Finn and I are. From winning the titles to defending them against Miles and Alexandra, Ben and Samantha, and of course a rematch against Eiley and Oz, we have set the standard and will continue to do so.”

Kayla folds her arms over her chest, showing off her tattoos as she sneers and shakes her head.

”I am not going to let my aspirations to return to singles glory stop me from keeping my promises. My promise to make sure these tag team championships mean something. To return them to the glory that they have only had small sporadic moments in the past. We have had some great mixed tag team champions, but none of them have ever been able to get to the heights that they  deserve.”

“But why is that? One of the big reasons was the rule that if you were a mixed tag team champion, you could not go for singles gold. Now that that rule is dead buried where it should always have been, you will see a lot more people willing to come after these championships. which has made it all the more impressive that we have been able to hold onto them as long as we have. Turning back challenges of champions and former world champions who have been put together in teams..”

“So yes I will be going for that bombshell championship. And yes it will take some of my focus away from the mixed tag team championships. But not on days like today. Not on weeks like this week. Not when I have a defense looming.”

“So, now we get to a new defense. A few weeks after it should have happened. And all jokes aside about Miles Kasey and Carter I’m glad to see Carter has recovered and he is ready for this. It’s just too bad a talent like him is being weighed down by Ariana.”

Cute the classic eye-roll from Kayla as she remembered her matches against Ariana

”Now don’t get it twisted here. I’m not saying that Carter would be able to beat Finn and take that world championship. I’m not even saying that Carter is on the same level as Finn but what I am saying is that he would at least put up a fight, and he is at least someone who can have glory in SE as long as he actually tries. As long as he takes things seriously and steps up to the plate, the sky is the limit for a man like Carter. He is amazingly popular, flamboyant, charismatic, and so much more athletic than anyone gives him credit.”

“As well as being tough as nails. He took that beating from Austin like a champ.”

“I wish Carter had a halfway decent partner. Cause it isn’t fair that he’s being dragged down by Ariana. However, I don’t think Carter is ready for this. I don’t think he realizes just how sadistic Finn can be and how tough he is. Finn is our world champion. For a reason, he has had a sporadic time in this company that has always come out on top at is now two-time world champion. He’s one of the most dangerous men on the roster and one of the most dangerous human beings in this business. and he and I team together almost unstoppable, and Carter would’ve needed a partner with a damn”

“Too bad he has a partner that is worthless as the gum on my boot.”

She moves around and paces back and forth. An angry and annoyed look was etched on her face.

”The reason I can say that is simple. Ariana and I know each other very well. Don’t we Ariana? You and I have gone too many times in this company. And what has happened every single time? Tell me Ariana what has happened? Because I can tell you exactly what’s happened. I have beaten you. I beat you for my Internet championship time and time again, any time they put you against me. I have stood tall with my hand raised while you have laid on the mat crying like a little bitch because you couldn’t get the job done.”

“And now it’s even worse. Because now instead of you just letting yourself down or members of your family down you are going to let Carter down. This isn’t just about you anymore. It’s about him. The worst part about all of this is that you’ve been letting him down for a long time now. When you pick up your phone and put out a tweet or an ex or whatever they want to call it, you embarrass yourself and you embarrass your partner. The stupid things that you say in the stupid claims that you make always end up, coming back and biting in the ass”

“You don’t care though.”

“Cause you don’t care about anyone. You are selfish. You don’t care about Carter and you don’t care about how all of these things make him look. You don’t care that every single time you step in the ring with him, he has to drag you to victories while you drag him to losses. and this time you are going to lose the mixed tag team championships for him. Because that is all you know how to do. You drag everyone around you down because that’s the kind of person you are. Even now you want to be selfish when it comes to these championships.”

Kayla’s voice raises up into almost a yell

”These titles need champions that are going to push themselves further. These championships need champions who are going to be able to have one foot in the mixed tag team division at one foot in any singles division that they choose to be in. They need people who are good enough to shoulder that load and handle that pressure and sweetheart you are nowhere near that level. In fact, you aren’t even close.”

“You couldn’t handle playing second fiddle to me in the Internet division. You saw me rising up to become a champion that everyone looked up to and wanted to beat, and you decided to continuously throw, tantrums over and over again. And I couldn’t let you hold that championship. I couldn’t let you have it and say that you were the champion because all that would do Is devalue it.”

“So now, here we are. Another championship another division and another chance for you to make a complete asshole of yourself. But as I said this time, it’s not just yourself you’re dragging down it’s Carter as well.”

“So I can’t let someone like you hold these titles.”

“I will do everything in my power to keep them away from you. Anything that I have to do. Any trick that I need to pull, no matter how unbelievably brutal I need to be. I am going to do everything I can to stay one-half of the mixed tag champions. And then I will go on to do something that you can never dream of doing. I will become a double champion. But it all starts with beating you and Carter and you better believe that that’s what I’m going to do.”
96
Climax Control Archives / The Reunion
« Last post by MiloKasey on March 08, 2024, 11:58:07 PM »
Taking Care

As the SCW Internet Champion, Miles Kasey was no stranger to challenges. Whether it was facing off against formidable opponents in the ring or navigating the complexities of his personal life, he had always tackled obstacles head-on with unwavering determination. But nothing could have prepared him for the challenge he faced when Carter, his fiancé, fell ill with a severe case of bronchitis.

It started innocently enough, with Carter complaining of a persistent cough and mild fatigue. But as the days passed, his symptoms worsened, leaving him bedridden and miserable. Miles watched with growing concern as his normally energetic and vibrant partner became increasingly lethargic and irritable. And driving Miles completely insane beyond the typical.

He would have rather Carter stayed in their bed, which he knew Carter was the most comfortable in, but Carter insisted on moving himself into the secondary bedroom that was once upon a time his room. Something about not taking chances of Miles not getting sick, but it seemed like Miles was a bit immune to this particular sickness this time around.

Just like Carter did with Miles when Miles came down with a wicked case of food poisoning, Miles saw to Carter’s every need. From soup, to water, to tea...as much as Carter grumbled at the sight of it instead of his usual coffee along with medication he needed to kick this. He had more luck giving Ms. Thang her heartworm medication.

"Carter, please," Miles pleaded, his voice laced with worry, as he attempted to coax his stubborn fiancé into taking his medication on top of drinking tea instead of coffee, "You need to take this. It'll help with the cough."

Carter scowled, pushing the medication away with a stubborn shake of his head. "I don't need it," he insisted, his voice hoarse and strained. "I'll be fine."

Miles sighed, frustration bubbling beneath the surface as he struggled to conceal his concern. He knew Carter was fiercely independent and loathed being confined to bed, well at least when he was sick, but he couldn't stand idly by while his partner suffered.

"You're not fine, love," Miles said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "You're sick, and you need to take care of yourself. Please, just take the medication and have a sip of tea. It’s either this or I’ll grab the funnel and sit on you and I don’t think it’d be good for you for that kind of action right now."

“You keep saying this and part of me is really tempted to take you up on it,” Reluctantly, Carter relented, accepting the medication with a resigned sigh. Miles watched with relief as his partner finally acquiesced, hoping that the medication would provide some much-needed relief.

“Thank you,” Miles smirked, “You know I’m not much of a fan of you being in here by yourself.”

“I’m not going to risk you getting sick too. You have too much going for you right now.” Carter says setting up to take another sip of tea, making a face, “Usually, I don’t mind tea but I really rather have coffee.”

“Yeah, well tea is better for you and it’s too late for coffee anyways, especially the kind you have. That milk isn’t great right now for you. So deal, babe.” he places his hand on Carter’s forehead, “Not feeling warm but still, you should sleep.”

“If I can without coughing.”

Miles sighs and uses the same hand to push Carter back to the pillows, “Try. I’m gonna go grab a shower and I’ll check on ya in a few. No moving.”

If there was ever a pout that could have broken Miles' heart, Carter attempted it. Carter though only got a shake of the head and a laugh, “You’re no fair.”

“And yet you agreed to marry my arse,” Miles tease, “Sleep.”

Sure enough, in the short time that Miles was in there, Carter was fast asleep. Miles tried as he might to sleep in the other room but after about an hour, he couldn’t. There was nothing he could do. They hadn’t slept in different beds since the night before they had gotten together and it was hell to try and start now.

So without so much of a thought he left their bed, looked around noticing that Ms. Thang was nowhere to be seen and made his way back across the hall. As soon as he entered the room, he found where the cat had been, with Carter, laying on his chest looking as content as can be.

“Good girl,” he said giving her a scratch on the head before walking around to the other side of the bed and laying down next to Carter. Ms. Thang knew what was coming next and she moved quickly down to the end of the bed before Miles carefully tried to not wake up Carter by gathering him up, but Carter stirred. “Shhh, don’t mind me.”

“Miles, no...I don’t want you to-”

“I’ll be fine, but I couldn’t sleep.” Miles said settling in, and after a bit Carter realizes that he’s not gonna win this argument. A smile grew over Carter’s face, “Not one word, love.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”


Family Matters

Miles sat in front of his laptop, the screen glowing softly in the dimly lit room. He fidgeted nervously as he waited for the video call to connect, his mind swirling with a mix of excitement and apprehension. It had been a while since he had last spoken to his sister Brianna, and he couldn't help but wonder what news she had to share. He’d hear from her via text now and again but they had all been so busy.

Finally, Brianna's tired but welcoming face appeared on the screen, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her brother. "Miles! It's been too long," she exclaimed, stifling a yawn. "How are you?"

Miles returned her smile, relieved to see her familiar face. "I'm hanging in there," he replied, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "How about you? How are Garrett and Riley?"

Brianna's expression softened, her fatigue giving way to concern. "We've been better," she admitted, her voice heavy with worry. "We’re all trying to work a lot more and well...Garrett's mother found out about your wedding, and let's just say she didn't take it well."

Miles felt a knot form in his stomach at the mention of Garrett's mother. He had always known that she disapproved of his relationship with Carter, but he hadn't expected her reaction to be quite so harsh.

"Well she hasn’t been my biggest fan since the wedding," Miles said, his heart sinking. "Is everything okay?"

Brianna shook her head, her frustration evident. "Not really. We’ve had to have her watch Riley because of all of us taking on extra jobs lately to save up. Well Garrett let it slip about the reasons why and since then she's been giving Garrett a hard time about it, saying all sorts of hurtful things. She knows not to say that to me, because I will tell her where to take her shite opinions especially when it has to do with you AND Carter."

Miles clenched his jaw, his fists tightening with anger. He hated seeing his brother-in-law suffer because of his relationship with Carter, especially when Garrett had done nothing wrong.

"Unbelievable," Miles said, his voice brimming with righteous indignation. "Garrett deserves better than that. He's a good man, and he loves Riley more than anything."

Brianna nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "I know, Miles. It's just... hard. We're doing our best to ignore her, but it's not easy when she's constantly making snide remarks and trying to drive a wedge between us."

"I wish there was something I could do to help," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I hate knowing that you're going through this because of me and Carter. I think Carter is right, maybe planning a trip over and visiting may be a good idea."

Brianna shook her head, her gaze steady. "We would love that, Miles. But none of this isn't your fault. Garrett's mother has always been difficult, even before you and Carter got engaged. She’s just a gross human being that is unfortunately related to me by marriage."

“That whole saying about not being able to pick your family...”

“Well Garrett came with that mess. He adores you guys and you know it, she’s just...vile.”

“With a capital V. Look, I know Carter is going to be biting at the bit. Let us figure this out, but you let that bitch anywhere near my nephew after that-”

“Oh don’t you worry about that, after her last rant, even Garrett told her she’s off babysitting duty until she goes to Oz and gets a heart, a brain and a damn bit of common sense.”

“I knew he was a good man, but Wizard of Oz? Really?”

“Hey! That’s a good movie dammit!”

Miles chuckled, the tension in the room easing slightly at the familiar banter with his sister. "Alright, fair point. But seriously, Bri, if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know. I'll do whatever it takes to support you and Garrett."

Brianna smiled gratefully, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Thank you, Miles. That means the world to me. Just knowing that you're there for us, even from miles away, gives me strength."

Miles nodded, his heart swelling with love for his sister. "Always, Bri. You're not alone in this. We'll get through it together, just like we always do."


The Reunion

You know, it's been a minute since I teamed up with Ally. We've had our fair share of battles together, some victories, some not so much. But every time we step into that ring, there's this undeniable chemistry between us. It's like we can anticipate each other's moves without even having to say a word.

But this match, it's different. We're not going in as just another mixed tag team. Nah, this time it's personal. This time, it's about proving ourselves as individuals. After that last defeat, I knew we needed to switch gears, focus on our singles careers. And now, facing off against The Conspiracy, it's like the universe is giving us a chance to show just how far we've come.

Raven and Luna, they're no joke. I've seen the way they operate, the mind games they play. But we're not backing down. Not now, not ever. Raven may have his sights set on Ben, but tonight, it's all about us. It's about showing The Conspiracy that they picked the wrong opponents to mess with.

Sure, the title isn't on the line tonight. But that doesn't mean we're taking this match lightly. Every match, every opportunity to step into that ring is a chance to prove ourselves, to show the world what we're made of. And tonight, we're going to leave it all out there.

So, Ally, if you're listening, let's do this. Let's show The Conspiracy what happens when you underestimate us. Let's show them that we're not just another tag team, we're a force to be reckoned with. And when that final bell rings, they'll know that Miles Kasey and Alexandra Calaway are here to stay.

Under the starry Santa Barbara night sky, Miles Kasey sat on the edge of a weathered wooden pier, his feet dangling above the gently lapping waves below. The soft glow of the nearby harbor cast a warm, amber hue over the scene, creating an atmosphere of tranquility amidst the bustling city.

With a heavy sigh, Miles leaned back, his hands braced against the weathered planks as he gazed out at the horizon. The distant sound of seagulls mingled with the faint hum of traffic, a reminder of the world beyond the peaceful solitude of the pier.

"It's nights like these that make you appreciate the quiet," Miles remarked, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia as he turned to his companion, Alexandra Calaway, who sat beside him, her gaze fixed on the horizon.

"Yeah," Alexandra agreed, her tone soft as she absently traced patterns in the sand with her fingertips. "It's a welcome break from the chaos of the ring."

Miles nodded in agreement, his thoughts drifting to the upcoming match. "Speaking of which, I've been thinking about Climax Control," he said, his voice thoughtful. "I know it feels like just another match with nothing really on the line but...I think we both know...This isn't just any match, Ally. It's a chance for us to prove ourselves, to show that we're more than just a tag team."

Alexandra nodded, her expression serious as she met Miles' gaze. "I know what you mean," she said, her tone determined. "We've both come a long way since our last match together. I know I’ve been through a lot and...I still can’t help but apologize."

“Don’t even worry about it. We all go through the hard times in our lives,” Miles smiled, a flicker of excitement lighting up his eyes. "But I asked you last week if you were ready for this," he said, his voice filled with confidence. "And without skipping a beat, you knew and you responded. We've faced our fair share of challenges, but Sunday, we're going to take on The Conspiracy and come out on top. Nothing is going to stand in our way."

With a shared nod of determination, Miles and Alexandra rose to their feet, their spirits lifted by the promise of the challenge ahead. As they made their way back to the bustling streets of Santa Barbara, the echoes of their resolve lingered in the night air.

“You know my dear, I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.”


97
Climax Control Archives / thebutterflyeffect 2.0 🎔 aspirations
« Last post by missreznik on March 08, 2024, 11:54:24 PM »
thebutterflyeffect 2.0 🎔aspirations


♡♡♡♡♡♡


“Why are you doing this?”

We sat at a coffee shop. It was a rare occasion in which my coach showed that she was a human being, but it always weirded me out when we did these once-a-month conversations. I honestly felt like I was being interviewed, and the weirdest part was that it was the same question every single time that opened it.

Why are you doing this?

“This” was my chosen profession of getting slammed on the mat and vice versa. There was never a deviation, never a different question. She would sit there with her colorful hair and her resting bitch face and her expression wouldn’t change. There was never a physical response with her, no tilt of her head, no raise of her perfectly tweezed eyebrow. It was just…nothing. I’d gone through the gamut of answers in the past, the first of which was that I was doing this for Dax. Most people would smile when they mentioned babies, but that didn’t happen.

The second time I said it was because I wanted to prove myself to everyone. That garnered a slightly pursed lip.

The third time was because I wanted to make Aiden happy. I got a blank stare, like she couldn’t imagine making anyone else happy.

My coach was not very coach-y, but she was good at her job. Aaron Asphyxia was known a long time ago as a competitor who held multiple championships, fought for everything that she believed in and got annoyed at stupid shit that happened. But now? She was done wrestling, and decided that it was more important to train the next group of wrestlers.

Two years ago, when we met, I was a fledgling little wrestler, unable to see happiness even if it was shining in my face. Every failure was extremely immersed in awful thoughts. I’d just walked into Wolfslair one more time with Aiden, hand in hand. We’d scanned our cards, headed into the main room with our gear hanging over our shoulders and in our bags.

It was quiet that day, but it would be louder than a club once everyone else got there and started their routines. Aiden mumbled something about a program for us to follow before we separated and headed into our respective locker.

When I came out of mine, headphones in my ears and a bottle of water in my hand, I saw that Finn was already here. And strangely, he was talking to Alex and Sonja. That was a surprise, since Alex really didn’t like Finn and the feeling was mutual, but nevertheless, they were talking in low voices. When they saw me appear, they stopped talking, and Sonja began making a beeline for me.

I didn’t even hear Aiden pop out of the men’s locker room until he asked me, quietly, “Are you getting fired?”

“Probably,” I’d whispered then, panic seeping into my pores. Sonja was the queen of making everything look like there wasn’t a problem, but she was also a lawyer, and that was definitely part of her job. I swallowed and tried to smile.

“Good morning, Kallie! If you could come with me, that would be great.” She smiled widely, stopping in front of us. “Good morning, Aiden,” she added.

“‘Allo,” he stated, nodding his head. He slid a hand around my waist and pressed his lips to the side of my head with a kiss and then walked off. I frowned as I watched him go.

“It’ll only be a few minutes,” Sonja assured me, walking ahead of me. I jogged quickly to catch up with her, and followed her upstairs into the conference room where I’d previously signed all of my papers and had a conversation with Alex when I joined the gym. A lot had happened since the day I joined Wolkslair, and now here I was. I stepped into the room, sat at the end of the table across from Finn and Alex and inhaled as I tried to assure myself I would not be let go of my wrestling family just because I wasn’t doing well. Sonja sat down next to Alex, rifling through a small stack of papers.

Alex swiveled in his chair a bit, looking at me with his hand holding up his head. Finn looked merely at his phone, taking a sip of his coffee every few seconds. I folded my hands together and chewed on my lip. “Listen…if…if this is about my loss…”

Alex’s black eyebrow went up and he tilted his head to the side. He looked back at Sonja, who also looked confused and then to Finn, who raised an eyebrow of his own and shook his head. He snorted slightly as he leaned forward, “You’re not getting fired, kiddo. You can relax,” he stated, and then watched as I held my breath for a second, allowing the words to wash over me.

Okay.

Not getting fired.

The sound of heels clicking against the floor was my answer that day. I tried to listen as the de facto leader of the gym began to tell me that he was happy with my performances and I was continuing to meet expectations, but I was distracted by the rhythmic clicks. When the door opened behind me, I found another heavily tattooed individual that almost looked like she fit in with Finn and Dickie really well. She had very colorful hair that she probably changed often and a slight smile. No. A smirk. She was much smaller than me, but her Louboutins gave her quite some height with the platforms. She wore sunglasses that she pulled off a second later, her brown eyes surveying the room. She pursed her lips.

“Finn.”

“Cunt.” He replied, without missing a beat.

“Finn,” Alex snapped, but it didn’t seem completely forced. He stood and raised his hand to shake hers. “Nice to see you again.”

“So, this is why I'm here?” She was quick, cutting straight to the chase without allowing for small talk. She walked over to where Finn sat, and he automatically pushed his feet into the ground and rolled his chair backwards away from her as if she had the plague.

“I’m sorry about Finn, Aaron–”

That’s who this was. It clicked in my head very quickly. I’d remembered watching her as I was growing up. From Bare Bones Wrestling, way back to Ionic Wrestling Federation, all the way up to So-Call Ultraviolent. This was Aaron Asphyxia. And if I recalled correctly…”

“Wasn’t she married to you?” I blurted out, looking at Finn once.

Aaron sat down, leaning her head over the table as she propped it up with her hand. “Once upon a time. Small dick syndrome separated us.”

Finn looked up from his phone with the blase expression I’d ever seen cross his face. “Oh, is that why you fucked the kid you were training? The itty-bitty titty committee you’ve got goin’ on there must have thrilled him.”

Aaron looked at him, a smile rising up on her features. I couldn’t tell if she actually meant what she said, or if Finn was just not addressing it fully. Clearly, there was a lot of bad blood there, and ultimately, it definitely made me uncomfortable. I looked over to Alex, and found myself surprised. He’d turned slightly from the conversation and had the side of his hand covering his mouth and was laughing silently.

Finn leaned forward, reaching out and putting his hand in Aaron’s face, pushing her head back out of the way. “As much as she’s an adulterous bitch, she is one of the best, Kallie. You have more promise than we’ve been thinking you had originally, and now that your head is on your shoulders and it’s time we put you into some more…rigorous training. We’ve obviously enlisted this bitch to help.”

“I’m still feeling all the warm and fuzzies from you, Finneh.”

‘They’re placed in someone else now, thanks.”

“Aaron is a cruiserweight champion, essentially.” Alex cut in, before the other two could start bickering again. “The only other people in this gym that could help you are your peers. So, we’ve added her on the payroll for the next few months. She’ll help you with getting your moves faster, give you some tips on how to take down men and women bigger than you, and also give you some pointers on some of the people you may face and what they stand for. She’s been part of the scene for a long time, and she’ll guide you better than any of us can.”

Aaron grinned and held out her hand across Finn’s body for me to shake. “Aaron Asphyxia, Miss Kallisto.”

“Kallie,” I corrected, without really thinking about it. I paused and looked at her. She merely smiled.

But now, she was not smiling.

“Why are you doing this?” She repeated.

I’d exhausted all my answers that I could come up with, so I crossed my arms and leaned back in my chair. “I’ve given you every answer in the entire world, Aaron. I don’t know what you want me to say here.”

“There isn’t a right answer.”

“But you seem like you’re looking for the right answer. And I can’t think of anything else. Why am I wrestling? Because I love the sport. Because I love the fans, because I love my husband, because I love my son. I want to be great because of them, and I want to do the best I can in spite of everyone who says I can’t. I’ve given you all of these answers.”

Finally.

The bitch smiled.

Her pink lips curled up and her heavily done eyes crinkled in happiness at my response. Maybe it was a fire that she thought she lit under me, but I didn’t want to break it to her….I already had that. There was always a fire. There would always be a fire.

Now to show everyone in Sin City just what that was.

♡♡♡♡♡♡

Last time I was here, I had my first win in Sin City Wrestling. Miss Manners didn’t have much to say after the match, but I haven’t seen her complain in a bit. So. Yay! I have to say that I really really enjoyed the fans, and I’m glad that we had a really good match. I’m glad I was able to shoot for the stars like I always do, and push to be able to do what we do best for everyone.

That’s always super important to me, you know? It’s not about me so much, but everyone involved. Miss Manners certainly tried so hard, and like…I know she wanted to put me in my place for a super rude reason, but you know…it’s okay. Karma is my cat, or whatever Taylor Swift said. And it gets people. It just like, clamps down, and it’s super vicious and sometimes, like, I wish I could be like karma itself. Because no one expects to beat a little ol’ happy gal like me.

Some people say I’m too naive. Some people say I’m too trusting, and that I don’t know how to look out for number one. And to those people, I say this: you’re right. I could never look out for just me, myself and I. It’s important that all of us are strong, capable and well-enough to do the job that only we can do.

When I saw my opponent this week, I questioned myself and then I questioned my friends…and I questioned my gym owner, who laughed. I didn’t understand why he laughed, but now it’s starting to make sense. At least, it did after I did some research. See, I remember growing up with the name Crystal Hilton. I used to sit and watch every piece of wrestling I could get my hands on because I loved the sport so much.

Growing up is the key.

I don’t mean to be an ageist, Crystal, but it’s one of those things I question whether you’re like…okay to continue doing this sport. Since you’ve come back to Sin City Wrestling for the eightieth billion time, it seems like you’re strugglin’. I hate watching people struggle. It’s kind of sad. Like you’re unable to stop what you’re doing, that you’ve lost your drive, your reason for the aspiration of what we all want. A former Bombshells champion over and over again, you’ve been doing this a long time, and you’re so decorated! I am excited to step in the ring with you, but I’m also nervous for you.

Oh but Kalliekins, why are you nervous?

That’s a great question! There’s always people that are in this field that never know exactly when to quit, you know? They always come back for that one more time, thinking that this one more time is going to be their last time. The last time they can get retribution, the last time they can prove that they’re still something positive in this world. But Crystal…I’m honestly not sure what you’re thinking, ma’am. While I know that there could be great parts to this match, I just…I move really fast. I fight hard. I push hard. I mean it when I say that I’m always raring to go and I want to prove that I am worth the salt that has been paid into me so far. I move fast, because my trainer taught me to do so. I have to think fast, to be the speedy gonzales I know I have to be to best anyone around me.

But I’m not really like, sure I’m going to have to with you.

Sometimes people don’t know that their time is up. And Crystal, I hate to break it to you, but I’m just trying to help you here. You have to want this, and I’m not really sure you do. You’re lackadaisical, you never quite pull a punch when you should. It’s like you’re going to be one of those horror stories in which a wrestler – genderless, of course – can’t hack it anymore in the big leagues because they refuse to move on with the times, and they start performing in broken down high school gyms because they can’t let go of who they used to be. You’re the same person you were so many years ago, Cryssie, and I really think it’s time for you to either reinvent your Final Fantasy X2 Yuna self, or maybe start thinking that it would be better to start training the masses.

All I know is that on Sunday, it’s gonna be me and it’s like…gonna be you, and you’re not gonna know what hits ya. I’ve got my own aspirations. I want to be someone that’s remembered for what they did, and who they defeated. You were not someone that I needed on my bracket, but nevertheless, I’m not afraid of facing you. I’m just nervous for you, because…I dunno, when does osteoporosis set in? Or cataracts?

Are you going to be even able to see?!

I-Dee-Kay, man. I hope it’ll be okay. I hope it’ll be a great match. But I mean this when I say it: I’m bringing everything I have because I need to put in that one hundred percent. Don’t ever count me out, because this Butterfly stings like a bee.

…hehe.

I always wanted to say that.
98
Climax Control Archives / Ice Cream, and Plain Talk and TMZ - Oh my
« Last post by Sam Marlowe on March 08, 2024, 11:45:13 PM »
”How could you not be there for him!” 

A disgruntled redhead is seen charging down the hall towards the gorilla area, muttering angrily to herself.  Sam Marlowe growls slightly as she is blocked by techs and others before she can make her way down the hallway.  As she manages to get past the majority of the people, Pussy Willow steps up in front of her with a look of concern.

“Sam, did you see what happened to Ben?” she asks with a look towards the ring area.  “I swear that Alexander Raven must have had that planned all along to have Luna do that.  I am surprised that you weren’t there to help.”

Sam hangs her head as she sighs.  “Yes Pussy, I saw and I also should have been there but Ben said he wanted to step out there and well, I shouldn’t have let him go alone.  I swear to you Pussy, I am not going to let something like that go.  I am telling you now that Luna doesn’t know what she has started with that low blow.”

“But Ben can’t put his hands on her!” exclaims Pussy. 

“Maybe he can’t but I sure as hellfire can,” vows Sam as she slams a closed fist into her other hand.  “And let me just make this promise to you and for everyone’s understanding.  When a bombshell decides to involve herself with MY friend Ben Jordan, it is like wavin’ a red flag in front of a bull.  And when that happens, I definitely will respond in ways they won’t like at all.”

Pussy’s eyes widen in surprise at the anger displayed by Sam who rolls her neck before seeing Ben move gingerly through the curtain.  Offering Pussy an apologetic smile, she heads towards where Ben had sank into the nearest chair.  Putting her hand on the shoulder of her friend, Sam speaks to him.

“Ben!  I am so sorry…”

Sam snaps her fingers and turns to the fourth wall and has a proud look on her face.

“I suggest you go and check out what happened between Ben and I backstage.  Oh and if you are ever talking to Ben, let him know that I was able to do the snappy fingers thing,” boasts Sam before holding her hand up ready to snap once more but stops.

“Oh and let him know that I also learned how to change scenes with the snap too!” exclaims Sam as she snaps her fingers.

The interior of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor is seen as the sound of bells ring out as the pair of Ben Jordan and Sam Marlowe walk into the shop talking softly with Ben still a little slow and Sam still watching him with a concerned look on her face with her hands tucked into the front pocket of a University of Nevada hoodie.  The pair move to the counter where a young man dressed in a rather gaudy uniform and hat asks what he can get for the pair.

“Mint Chocolate Chip,” says Ben with a gleam in his eyes as he holds up two fingers.  “Two pints.  And what did you want Ginge?”

Sam looks at the array of ice cream in front of her and then gently points down at the salted caramel ice cream and smiles.  “Y’all can get me two scoops of the salted caramel.  But the ice cream Ben is on me, why don’t you go and find us a booth?” she suggests as she reaches for a pair of long spoons and hands them to the English man.

Ben nods and turns to spy out a spot and smiles as he spies the last booth on the end and motions at Sam who has been handed one of the mint chocolate chip pints which she hands to Ben.  He walks towards the booth and slides inside, disappearing as Sam waits for the other two orders of ice cream.  Moments later, with her hands full, she arrives at the table to find Ben sitting there, a somewhat blissful look on his face and no ice cream to be seen. 

“Wow, y’all must like Mint Chocolate Chip,” she teases as she sets down the second pint of it in front of Ben.  He picks up the spoon and traces it through the ice cream on the table.  Sam slides into the booth looking at the table and not seeing the pint.  “How did you eat that other pint so quickly?”

“Actually Ginge…haven’t eaten it yet…” offers Ben with a glance downward.  “Using it for first aid at the moment and it is working like a charm.” 

“Oh my goodness, Prat!  Tell me no one has seen you put it there…I mean…” Sam sputters as a blush rushes up her cheeks. Sam looks downward to hide her embarrassment only to hear her phone buzzing.  She pulls it out of her hoodie.

“Text from the mister?” wonders Ben as she reads the note. 

“Nope,” Sam replies, popping the “p”.  “Just an email with the card for next Sunday’s Climax Control.  Looks like I have myself a match and so do you.  You’re facing Aiden Reynolds and I have a match against Harper Mason,” says the redhead as she picks up her spoon and slides it through the treat in front of her. 

Ben looks interested in his ice cream and not in the card for the next show.  Sam brings the spoon to her lips and turning it over, savors the ice cream.  Pulling the spoon out of her mouth she points it at Ben.  “Hey, isn’t Harper Mason the rookie Bombshell that you talked to about coming to me for some training or pointers or something?”

“Yeah, so it is going to be a banger of a match because the two of you know each other’s moves,” offers Ben before taking a bite of his ice cream. 

“You would think so…if she had come to train with me but I never saw her,” replies Sam as she takes another bite then begins to trail her spoon through the melting ice cream.  “Only thing I know about her is that she is Jessie Salco’s cousin and that she has had a chance at a couple of titles but hasn’t really pulled the trigger on winning them.”  Sam sets an elbow on the table and turns her eyes to her friend. “If I am honest Ben, all I have to say is that I hope that getting in the ring with her isn’t going to end up like it has been for the past few matches.  Because I am not too happy and I am afraid that I might take my frustrations out on her.”

“Come on Sammi, what do you have to be frustrated of,” teases Ben which only earns him a glare from Sam who uses the spoon to mock threaten Ben who holds up his hands before shifting slightly as the ice cream in his lap is starting to shift and spill. Grabbing the carton, he quickly puts it on the table and scrambles for the napkins in the silver container and begins to wipe at himself as Sam starts to giggle.

“Serves ya right for teasin’ me darlin’,” taunts Sam as she takes another scoop of ice cream and brings it to her lips.  “And I am sure you weren’t doin’ that were you?”

Ben shakes his head.  “Ya got this Ginge,” he says as he balls up the napkins and tosses them onto the table.  From the side of the room a shocked gasp comes from a rather older lady who has her eyes on Ben then the napkins and back, tsking loudly.  Ben sees her then follows her gaze to the napkins then back to the lady before his eyes get wide when he realizes what she is thinking.

Sam turns slightly and covers her face with her hand as she collapses in laughter.   “Only you Ben, only you could get that kind of reaction by doing something so innocent,” giggles Samwhich draws a glare from Ben who takes a scoop of ice cream and flicks it at Sam who jumps back in surprise.  “Oh no you didn’t!” she warns as she leans forward to bring her own spoon to hover over her ice cream.  “I ain’t afraid to retaliate you know…”

“Is that a threat Ginge?” asks Ben with a raised eyebrow and cocky smirk as he reaches across to grab her hand.

“Ain’t a threat, it’s a promise!”

The two friends start to laugh totally not seeing the hand holding a cell phone snapping a picture at the two leaning towards each other looking more intimate than innocent and friendly.


Well once again I get to step into the ring as a singles wrestler.  Which is kind of interesting because I don’t really see myself as a singles wrestler.  Given the fact that I made my return as Ben’s tag team partner, I was expecting to be wearing the mixed tag titles by now and defending them regularly but if you have seen the last few matches as a tag team, we have had to deal with the fact that we fought Team Go to a time limit draw and then when Ben and I were about to win the titles, Alexander Raven decided to cost us the titles.

I don’t know what he had against Ben but to have him interfere and prevent us from the win is something that Ben could have handled on his own until Raven’s sick little whatever she is decided that she wanted to help Alexander and landed a low blow on MY partner.  I don’t know why you did it but when you did, you put yourself squarely into my sights.  See, Ben is my best friend here in Sin City Wrestling and you hurt him, you make me angry.  Putting yourself into the situation that you did on Climax Control only served to put a target on your back Luna and I for one would tell you to watch your back.

Payback is coming Luna and trust me, you are going to regret doin’ what you did, my promise to you.

But that is going to have to wait Luna because this week I have been put in a match with a bombshell that I have yet to have faced in Sin City Wrestling.  Now I do have some idea of what she is like because she is the cousin after all of one of the bombshells that have been my nemesis, one Jessie Salco.

Harper Mason is someone who is the younger cousin of Jessie and I am sure that she had been trained by Salco and more than likely has the same talent.  And I know that Jessie and I have had dragged down and outright wars when we have faced each other and Jessie has definitely won my respect.  But I also have a fairly strong record against Jessie because when she had to face me, she was focused but just when she needed to pull out the win, her focus shifted from me to whoever wore the gold.  Don’t get me wrong, when I had the gold, her full focus was on me and in those matches, I did have to be on top of my game.

Now Harper Mason is a different wrestler altogether.  She earned herself a title shot at My Bloody Valentine and even though she didn’t win, she put up a strong fight which only proves that she is ready for gold here in the company. 

And in all honesty, she reminds me a little bit of myself.  Oh not that I lost big matches, even though I did, but the desire and drive to be good at what I do in the ring.  I have watched Harper’s matches and boy is she super tough.  I have to give her credit that she learned her lessons well.  And I have to give her props on knowing what she wants and knows how to go and get it.

Maybe I should take a leaf out of her book and decide just what it is that I want and go after it with everything in my being.  See I could take this match as a chance to prove that by beating someone who almost won the Bombshell Roulette title, I should be the next in line for a title shot but no, actually that is for Bella Madison and trust me when I tell you that she also deserves that title shot. 

Maybe I could leverage a win against Harper into evidence that maybe I should be getting a title shot against someone else.  Now I know that Kayla Richards has already claimed her shot at Julianna DiMaria so the Bombshell championship is out of reach right now.  Besides, I have won that title twice too. 

So what can I use this match against Harper Mason as evidence for?  Another shot at the mixed tag titles or maybe…just maybe I could leverage it to put my name out there for the one title that has eluded me in my career so far.  The Bombshell Internet title.

Tell you what Harper, I think that I am going to step into the match on Sunday with the express purpose of sending a message to whoever is wearing the Bombshell Internet title…See, I haven’t thought that I could ever get back into the swing of things as a singles wrestler.  Oh sure, I have had a great career so far and won title after title.  And I am sure you would be thinking that I am going to be in that match this week Harper with my eyes on a title but you would be wrong.  I am going into the match to keep going on a winning streak.  See, you will be the second bombshell that I have gotten a win from in singles matches. 

Wow, did you hear that Harper, I am already predicting that I am going to beat you in our match?   How presumptuous of me don’t you think?  I should temper my confidence, shouldn’t I?  Because if I don’t, I tend to be too cocky and that is when people can get a win over me.  That and the fact that I lose focus myself.  But don’t you worry Harper, you have my focus for sure.  And what that will mean is that I am coming directly at you to prove to everyone that I am back as a singles wrestler as well as a mixed tag team wrestler.  So, I wish you the best of luck Harper.

I think you are going to need it on Sunday.   



A room full of people and monitors can be seen where the head of TMZ is standing in the front of a bank of television screens.  He is looking over the people in the room before speaking out.  “So who has anything for me?”

The group shares looks before a young woman stands up and smirks as she nods towards the screens behind the owner of TMZ.  “Well we have some more news about a certain mixed tag team from Sin City Wrestling.  Rumors have been running rampant that Ben Jordan and Sam Marlowe are more than just wrestling partners and another anonymous picture has been sent in to us.”

Turning around, on the screens are images of Sam and Ben holding hands in the booth at the ice cream shop as well as the pair talking backstage and walking away from the person taking the pictures.   

“Where are these images coming from?” wonders the host of TMZ.  “Doesn’t matter but only makes people wonder what could be going on because isn’t Sam Marlowe married?”

The image blinks out to a small white dot as Sam Marlowe sits up pointing a remote at the television screen in front of her.

“What the bubble,” exclaims Sam as she can’t believe her eyes.  “I have to talk to Colton!”

She scrambles to grab her cell phone then opens it to call Colton.  Dialing his number, she sets it on speaker as she waits for it to be answered but she is sent directly to voicemail.  She sighs and at the beep, she begins to speak…

“Colton, it is Sammi.  We need to talk.  I don’t know if you have been seeing what is on TMZ but I promise you that it is not what you think.  Ben and I are…”

A second beep is heard ending the recording which only has Sam look down in surprise.  She hangs up the phone and then redials Colton’s number.  When it goes to voicemail, she quickly speaks up.

“Colton, call me.  I want to explain what is happening but I have no idea what is going on.  Call me please before you get any wrong ideas…”

Taking a deep breath, Sam presses end on the call and tosses the phone to the side as she pulls her leg up on the couch and lays her forehead against her knee as a fist slams against the cushion of the couch.

99
Climax Control Archives / Fight 'Em Til You Can't
« Last post by Seleana Zdunich on March 08, 2024, 11:39:08 PM »
Off-Camera

Friday, March 8, 2024
Living Room
Hilton/Zdunich/Caldwell Residence
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
8:17 AM  PST



Thirteen-year-old Aurora Zdunich was confused. The young girl tended to ask questions quite often and now she had more to ask. On this occasion, as in many times previous, she walks into the living room to find her mother, Seleana Zdunich as the adult woman sits on the couch checking things on her phone.

Aurora Zdunich: Mommy?

Looking up from her phone as she sits on the couch, Seleana nods to her daughter.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja?

Aurora sits down next to her mother.

Aurora Zdunich: Why don’t you work in the same places as Mommy Christina and Mommy Alex?

Seleana shrugs as if it’s nothing serious.

Seleana Zdunich: I have before.

Aurora nods slowly.

Aurora Zdunich: But… you don’t now?

Seleana shrugs sight;y.

Seleana Zdunich: I do, but we cannot be a team in SCW currently.

Aurora frowns confusion.

Aurora Zdunich: Why not?

Seleana sighs slightly, the sadness evident in her eyes even as she tries to hide it.

Z: Because SCW does not utilize tag teams of the same gender on a regular basis and do not allow them to challenge for championships at all anymore.

Again, Aurora frowns in confusion.

Aurora Zdunich: Why?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not know. The company was structured that way when I was brought in and I did not ask because it was not my business to question their practices. Christina wanted me there so I was brought in and allowed employment following the closure of Ladies All-Star Wrestling. Christina seemed pleased enough with that at the time that the Hollywood Angels were not spoken of again for several years.

Nodding, Aurora cocks her head interrogatively.

Aurora Zdunich: What about the other ones?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: One of them, they do not work there, the other I am just a manager for Christina.

Aurora just stares at her.

Aurora Zdunich: Why not both?

Seleana Zdunich: Alexandra usually has somebody else managing and we have never discussed me taking their position.

Aurora frowns yet again.

Aurora Zdunich: Do you want to?

Seleana sits back on the couch, seemingly taken aback by the question.

Seleana Zdunich: Manage Alexandra?

Aurora nods and Seleana shrugs. 

Seleana Zdunich: I do not think about such things. I never wanted to manage but then Christina asked me to so I did. We have discussed being a team called the Hollywood Angels many times. She even promised me we would be years ago but we have not yet. The opportunity has not arisen since L.A.W. ceased operations.

She sighs heavily.

Seleana Zdunich: I would love to team with either of them but I do not think either of them wants to. They do not like tag teams as much as they like standing on their own two feet. Alexandra is reestablishing herself again and Christina has never needed my help to do so.

Aurora nods.

Aurora Zdunich: You’re all badasses, Mommy!

Seleana can’t help but smile at her daughter’s enthusiasm.

Seleana Zdunich: You like watching us, ja?

She nods.

Aurora Zdunich: I can’t wait to see you all in your next matches!

She pauses.

Aurora Zdunich: But I ave one more question.

Selena nods to her encouragingly.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja?  What is it?

Aurora looks her mother dead in the eyes.

Aurora Zdunich: Why do you say “Välkommen till djungeln” when you talk to the camera?

Seleana smiles slightly, shrugging her shoulders as if the answer is simple and obvious.

Seleana Zdunich: Because I am called the cat and I play with a lioness for fun.

Aurora nods.

Aurora Zdunich: That phrase is Swedish, right?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja.

Aurora continues to focus on her mother, hanging on every word.

Aurora Zdunich: What does it mean?

Seleana smiles at her daughter’s curiosity.

Seleana Zdunich: Welcome to the jungle. It works with me playing with Sarabi, ja?

Aurora smiles, nodding her agreement.

Aurora Zdunich: Sarabi is pretty.

Seleana smiles back at her daughter, nodding her agreement.

Seleana Zdunich: She is, ja.

Aurora embraces her mother.

Aurora Zdunich: So are you, Mommy!

Seleana hugs her back tightly.

Seleana Zdunich: You are beautiful as well, Little One.

Aurora smiles as she clings to her mother.

Aurora Zdunich: I love you, Mommy.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag älskar dig också!





On-Camera

Friday, March 8, 2024
Driveway
Hilton/Zdunich/Caldwell Residence
Hollywood Hills
Los Angeles, California
10:01 AM  PST





The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich standing in the driveway as she waits to get into her car and head off to the airport for her weekend bookings.

Seleana Zdunich: Here we come, main event, ja?

She nods knowingly.

Seleana Zdunich: The SCW Internet Championship against Tempest and Mercedes Vargas and I know some will say we do not deserve this because there was no match to declare anyone a contender but it was publicly voted on. Mercedes and I split the vote so we were both given the opportunity.

Looking down at her feet, she nods to herself again.

Seleana Zdunich: I have battle both of them before.

A small smile crosses her face though no actual joy seems to really be behind it.

Seleana Zdunich: Mercedes is a woman that some call hasbeen. They think she is no longer capable of the accolades she has already accumulated.

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: Those people are either lying to themselves or are simply too stupid to recognize that Mercedes has lost none of her potency. Now she simply has experience to add to her talent and abilities. Her skills are as they were despite what Juliana DiMaria likes to say of people like Mercedes.

Again, Seleana shakes her head in disgust.

Seleana Zdunich: Mercedes now has a target on her that people like Julianna simply cannot understand, ja?

She nods, a look of anger bordering on obsessive hatred crossing over her entire being.

Seleana Zdunich: Mercedes has been so good for so long that every opponent takes facing her an opportunity that they must take hold of like no other. They act as if it is a championship to be won in and of itself. The fact that Mercedes still wins more often than not is a testament to her skills, her tenacity and her ability to adapt to the changing challenges and difficulties she faces as the book on her gets longer and deeper. Many have read this book and yet still she ads new chapters that some do not see coming.

She places a hand against her chest, patting herself lightly.

Seleana Zdunich: I take facing Mercedes as both a serious challenge and a badge of honor. There is nothing easy about it and I know that whether I win or lose I will feel it after. There is no denying this.

Her hand falls away but her gaze remains steadfast.

Seleana Zdunich: Mercedes is a tough competitor to test myself against.

Her hand slashes through the shot as if brushing off any thought to the contrary.

Seleana Zdunich: She makes all of us have to step up just to escape injury, much less wish to escape with a victory.

A small smirk momentarily washes over her face.

Seleana Zdunich: Julianna wishes she could say the same for herself.

She shakes her head again, disgust evident all over her face as she does so.

Seleana Zdunich: And that brings us to the defending champion, Tempest.

She stops right where she is and looks directly into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Tempest is a primordial force…

A nod reinforces the point.

Seleana Zdunich: She is THE force.  That irresistible force looks to smash us against the Immovable Object and leave no doubt in any minds that she is the champion she was always meant to be.

Seleana nods grimly.

Seleana Zdunich: That has always been who she is.

She nods in acknowledgement.

Seleana Zdunich: What she is.

Her right fist lands against her left palm.

Seleana Zdunich: She is a beast of a champion that will always be a threat to smash anyone that steps in front of her and this time, there are two of us to step in front of her. Mercedes and I will step up to her and we will show that we will not be bullied. If Tempest defeats us, she will be showing the world that she is the best they should write songs about.

Going quiet, Seleana cocks her head slightly to the right.

Seleana Zdunich: I am ready for this challenge. I am ready for this fight. I have never won this championship and I will fight hard as for it because I know I have to.

She nods firmly.

Seleana Zdunich: I have to fight just to survive and I know Mercedes and Tempest will do the same. We will fight until we can fight no more and then we will force ourselves to fight some more because if we do not, we will not be able to live with ourselves anymore.

She nods and points to herself in the chest.

Seleana Zdunich: I will fight to show the lion can overcome whatever the fox and the crocodile can do! You wish to come at me?

She nods fiercely.

Seleana Zdunich: Välkommen till djungeln!
 
 
100
Climax Control Archives / A New Battlefield...
« Last post by Peter Vaughn on March 08, 2024, 11:30:24 PM »
~The picture slowly opens up on the outside of a multi-story building. The drone focuses on the side of the building, where we can see “Michaels, Manning, & Associates, Attorneys at Law”. The drone then flies upwards, going up floor after floor, until it focuses on the windows with lights coming on. The drone seems to fly right through a window (which must have been open), turning to show the two men walking into the room. They’re both security guards, with the first man having drawn his weapon, pointing it forward.~

Guard #1: I’m telling you, I heard something.

Guard #2: And I’m telling you, you’ve been watching too many movies. And what are you going to do with that, spice up your dinner? C’mon, man…

~The second guard grabs his friend’s arm, pushing down the pepper spray so it doesn’t face downwind of them. The first guard shakes his head, before walking further down the hallway, looking in both directions.~

Guard #1: You don’t take this job seriously enough, Evan. We have to be on guard all the time. Constant vigilance!

Guard #2: Yeah, right. For the rates they’re paying me, they’re lucky I’m out here walking around. It’s not like anyone would want to break in here anyway. What’s there to find at a real estate lawyers’ office? Now, that corporate lawyer down the street, he probably has stolen cash stashed everywhere.

Guard #1: NOW who’s watched too many movies?

~The two men give a final look around, checking the doors in the hallway. Surprisingly, one of the handles turns, catching both by surprise. The first guard raises his pepper spray again.~

Guard #1: One… Two… THREE!!

!The door swings open, with the first guard charging in… and finding nothing. Just the usual desktop computer and bookshelves you’d see in any office. He glances under the desk, just to be sure, but there’s nobody. He turns back, his head down, scratching his scalp.~

Guard #1: Guess one of the paralegals forgot to lock up. We’ll have to note that in our report.

~The second guard is still standing outside the room, smirking. The first guard steps out towards him, finally realizing where he is.~

Guard #1: Wait, you didn’t follow me in there? What if there was a gunman?

Guard #2: Then I would have been down the hall in a flash, using your body as a shield. But there’s nobody here, Gary! This is the most boring job in the world! At least it should be, without you trying to turn it into an episode of NCIS or something. We’re not high-tech security guards, and this isn’t the Pentagon. Nothing ever happens here.

~The first guard shakes his head, almost disappointed, as he shuts the door behind him. The camera, still in the room with him, slowly zooms upwards, showing above the doorway… where Peter Vaughn is hanging there, supporting his weight across the two walls. He lets out a slow sigh, still hanging on in case they come back. Although he’s not making any noise, Vaughn’s voice can be heard laid over what’s happening.~

Peter Vaughn: You’re probably wondering what’s brought me to the situation I find myself in today. Well, I’d like to say it’s a funny story. But, actually… it’s not. Well, okay, me ending up on the ceiling doing my best Tom Holland is a LITTLE humorous. You think I could have a future in the movies after wrestling? You never know, right? But for now, let’s go back to what caused me to be a wallcrawler.

~Vaughn takes another deep breath, trying to readjust his hands… and slips, falling out of view. We hear a thud, but thankfully, wrestlers are taught how to fall. The picture cuts to black.~


One Day Earlier

~As the picture comes back up, we now find ourselves on the PMV Ranch, the pride and joy of one Peter Vaughn. It’s taken a lot of work to build this ranch up from the ground up, through a lot of sweat, blood, and tears, He sunk his entire winnings from the Roth Tournament victory into it, fighting against the traditional powers that be, who didn’t want a new player showing up in their business. Vaughn didn’t care. He didn’t back down, and now the PMV Ranch was being talked about as one of the fastest growing ranches in Texas. But Vaughn isn’t satisfied. Not yet.~

~The camera takes us into one of the storage sheds on the ranch, where Vaughn is lying next to a large, old-school tractor. He’s twisting his ratchet underneath, locking another piece in place, before pulling himself back up. He readjusts something on the top, then, satisfied, steps to the front of the tractor and presses a button. The engine fires up, sounding extremely powerful… way too powerful, really, for an older tractor. Vaughn smiles… but his smile fades as the engine slowly comes to a choppy stop.~

Peter Vaughn: Damn.

Sadie Anderson: Serves you right, trying to put a Corvette motor into a John Deere tractor.

~Vaughn looks up, surprised, as Sadie walks into the room. She smiles at her fiance, as he shrugs his shoulders.~

Peter Vaughn: Actually, it’s from a Mustang. But I understand the confusion.

Sadie Anderson: Whatever the reason, a tractor doesn’t need that much torque. And really, we don’t need a tractor, anyway. We have the horses to get around, remember?

~Vaughn chuckles, as he leans over, making a few more adjustments to the engine.~

Peter Vaughn: Oh, this has nothing to do with transportation. That's not what we need a tractor for.

Sadie Anderson: Huh? Why else would you be working on this?

Peter Vaughn: To get it working hard enough so we can plow some fields.

~Vaughn reaches deeper inside, grabbing at something we can't see, as Sadie's eyebrows shoot up to the top of her brow.~

Sadie Anderson: You don't mean... actual crops? Out here?

Peter Vaughn: Once I'm done, this tractor will have more than enough power to plow down the land to the east, carving it up so we can use it.

Sadie Anderson: Peter... I love you, but you want us to become... farmers?

~Vaughn pulls his hand free, shaking it for a moment. He probably touched a still-hot section, slightly burning himself. He looks back at Sadie, still smiling.~

Peter Vaughn: You act like it's a huge shock. We have a ranch. Why not farm it as well?

Sadie Anderson: Maybe because, oh, I don't know, the soil around here stinks? What do you think would grow out this way?

Peter Vaughn: Oh, I have a few ideas on that. I've got someone working on it right now. Look, before you shoot it down outright, let me explain my reasoning.

~Sadie steps back, her arms crossed, as if saying "This ought to be good". Vaughn, meanwhile, keeps talking while tinkering, showing he's able to multitask.~

Peter Vaughn: There's a lot of revenue in adding farming to the ranch. The price of vegetables have been skyrocketing lately, and we would be able to cut out the price of shipping for the Dallas consumer. If we can make it work, we'd also have plenty of crops that could be used for our cattle & other animals, saving us money on food processing fees. We would really earn funds on both sides of the equation. It's a win/win.

Sadie Anderson: Uh huh. And how much of this explanation is to cover the fact that you're doing it all just to soup up a tractor?

~Sadie shakes her head as Vaughn finishes one more adjustment, turning and hitting the button once again. This time, the tractor engine roars to life, and continues on. Vaughn smiles at it, before turning back to Sadie... but with a slightly different, more somber expression on his face.~

Peter Vaughn: Did I ever tell you that my grandfather was a farmer? On my mom's side. I can't say I knew him all too well... but I do remember that he was happy in life. He's pretty much what inspired me to get this ranch in the first place. I guess, in some ways... I want to be that happy, too.

~This surprising admission from Vaughn catches Sadie off-guard. She steps forward, putting a hand on his shoulder. Vaughn slowly smiles at her.~

Peter Vaughn: And yes, I want to drive this tractor at a high rate of speed. So sue me.

~Sadie laughs, as Vaughn steps over and turns it off, quieting the room once again. It allows us to hear someone yelling, as both Vaughn and Sadie turn towards the door. Cliff bursts in, looking around.~

Peter Vaughn: What's up, Cliff?

Cliff: Trouble.

~Without another word, Cliff gestures to them and heads back out. Vaughn, confused, hurries after him, with Sadie right behind. They head to the parking area of the ranch, where we can see a mid-size vehicle sitting there. Standing near the car is a well-dressed woman, looking somewhat out of place on a ranch like this. Vaughn walks up to her, showing no fear, as she lowers her sunglasses to look at him.~

Woman: Peter Vaughn?

Peter Vaughn: That's me. What can I do for you, Miss?

~Vaughn reaches out a hand, and the woman automatically meets him for a handshake. She then looks down, her eyes widening, as she realizes that Vaughn's hand was covered in grease and oil. The handshake breaks off, with the woman looking disdainfully at the smudges on her hand. She then reaches out with her other hand... handing Vaughn a large envelope.~

Woman: Peter Vaughn... you have been served.

Peter Vaughn: Huh?

~Vaughn, puzzled, looks down at the legal envelope. He quickly opens it, not concerned with getting the contents dirty. He reads quickly, then, stone-faced, hands the letters back to Sadie, who reads through them as well.~

Sadie Anderson: Hold on... this is a claim... to our land?

Woman: All I know is that someone has approached our firm and started a suit, saying that you obtained this land illegally. It should not have been sold to you, since it previously belonged to... someone else.

Peter Vaughn: That's preposterous. I bought this land from the original owner, Sam... something or other. Everything was legitimate. Who's the person making this claim??

Woman: I'm not privy to that information. I'm just the process server, sir. I'm just doing my job.

Peter Vaughn: ... I know you are. You've got to make a living somehow, right? Thanks for coming by.

~Vaughn moves past her, reaching up to pat her on the shoulder on the way by. She stiffens, knowing that she just got a large, greasy handprint on her upper blouse. As the woman steps back to her car, annoyed, Vaughn and Sadie head for the main house, with Cliff behind them.~

Cliff: Sorry, boss. I knew she was trouble.

Peter Vaughn: Don't worry about it. We just need to figure this all out.

Sadie Anderson: This is a frivolous suit. I'm going to call our lawyers. I'm sure they can work everything out. I just can't believe this!

~Vaughn steps to the side, still reading over the documents that they were sent, as Sadie gets on the phone, dialing.~

Peter Vaughn: The real mystery is who's behind this. Why is the plaintiff staying anonymous? We need to find that out, to know what's going on.

Sadie Anderson: I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of that, Peter. Hello? This is Sadie Anderson. Yes, I need to speak to Henry. Thank you.

Peter Vaughn: Hmmm. Michaels, Manning, & Associates. I think I've seen their building...

~Vaughn's eyes gleam, as we've seen before when he's coming up with ideas. Sadie has seen it before, too.~

Sadie Anderson: Peter, don't even think about... whatever you're thinking about. Let's leave this one up to the lawyers, okay?

Peter Vaughn: Sure, Sadie. Sure.

~But the gleam doesn't leave Vaughn's eyes, as he gets up and walks out of the house, leaving Sadie to handle the lawful side of the business. He's got other things on his mind.~


You never know where your next choices are going to take you. Sometimes, when you take that right turn at Albuquerque, you actually find success. And sometimes, when you embark on a completely new journey, you end up at familiar places. Such as facing... Bulldog... Bill... Barnhart.

Billy boy... we meet again. It doesn't seem like I'm able to get away from you, really. Of all the Sin City faithful, I do believe I've fought you the most. I've certainly beaten you the most. You were there right at the beginning of my title reign, actually, you and Malachi. He certainly didn't last, but you, Billy, you can't be stopped, can you, no matter how many times you go down?

Let's see. There was the Ladder match at Into The Void, where I walked away the Roulette Champion, leaving you in the dust. After that, I believe it was the stretcher match, where you thought your superior dead weight would be enough to beat me. A few wraps of duct tape took care of that, making sure that your ass stayed on the stretcher. You failed once again to keep the Roulette Title away from me. You had one more opportunity, though, and it wasn't a high-flying match OR a brute strength match. It was pure luck, the Briefcase Bonanza... and you still failed.

Three strikes usually means you're out, boyo.

But that said, I'm not the Roulette Champion anymore, am I? Which means this is an entirely new game for you. We've fought many times now, Bulldog, but it's never been... normal. This time, it'll be a straight singles match. No weapons for me to use. No speedy ascents up a ladder, and no ridiculous briefcases to open. This time, it's all about the 1-2-3 for us. Maybe you think, hey, I'm a veteran, I'll be able to pin him quickly and show that Peter Vaughn is nothing without Roulette Rules in place. And you're more than welcome to think that.

You're entirely wrong, but by all means, keep thinking like this is going to be easier for you.

You see, I've competed the world over. I've fought in all sorts of matches, it's true, but just like you, the main fights have been one-on-one single pinfall affairs. I have plenty of experience in going where the rules take me, and even though beating you with a simple pin sounds... boring... I've done it to plenty of wrestlers over the years. I have a long, long List of the Vanquished that shows everyone who's fallen to me in the past. And sure, your name is already on there with three checkmarks, but I'm fine with adding a fourth style I can defeat you with.

You know, Billy, actually, you've missed out on some of my best moves, because I haven't had to use them in the confines of our extreme conflicts. I've got a series of maneuvers that all have been successful in getting me victories, and I'm looking forward to trying them all out on you, and see which one works the best. Will it be the Keyholder? Could I lock you down for good? Or maybe Revenged is the dish that should be served. Really, though, it usually comes down to an opponent taking the Plunge.

Or hell, I could simply roll you up and move on with my night, as I've got more important things to concern myself with.

After all, Bulldog, you're just a weak, faded speedbump in my road towards the next division, the Internet Championship. I've run you over plenty of times, and frankly, you're just a distraction at this point. I'm more concerned with getting some more gold around my waist. But don't worry. I won't come in with my eyes on Milo. I'll be ready to put you down, and send a message to the OTHER wrestler I've fought more than anyone in Sin City that things haven't changed, despite the alteration in levels.

I'm still miles and miles better than you both, and I'll prove that once again by squashing your 'legendary' status down once again.


Present Day

~We return back to the law offices, where we see Peter Vaughn nonchalantly walking along the sidewalk, moving around to the side of the building. He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a set of skeleton keys, and then heads to the Authorized Personnel Door on the side... aka the custodians' entrance. Vaughn quickly shifts through the keys, showing his skills haven't diminished in that regard, quickly choosing the right one and unlocking the door. He heads inside, shutting it behind him, before looking around.~

Peter Vaughn: So far so good. I wasn't sure Barney would come through, but I guess I owe that man a fish dinner... in Hawaii.

~Vaughn moves slowly through the narrow hallways, making his way out to where the main stairwell is at. He grabs at the door, about to open it, when he stops, noticing a sensor attached near the top. He shakes his head.~

Peter Vaughn: Barney, you forgot to mention that one... your trip's downgraded to Corpus Christi.

~With that, Vaughn reaches up, making a few quick adjustments to the sensor. He's able to redirect it to channel above the doorway, keeping its connection even as Vaughn can now open the stairway door and start on his way up. He gets to the top, checking carefully to make sure there's not another sensor before going out to a familiar-looking hallway. He walks down, looking at the doors, until he finds the one he's looking for. The skeleton keys come back out, and the paralegal's door is quickly opened. Vaughn steps inside, shutting it behind him, but failing to lock it. He's too interested in the computer sitting in front of him.~

Peter Vaughn: Alright. Now the tricky part.

~Vaughn reaches into one of his pockets, pulling out a flash drive. He considers it, looking a little nervous about its contents, as he's relying on someone else for this part of the plan.~

Peter Vaughn: If Jorge did his work right, this should get me into the system within 10 minutes. If he didn't, well, I guess I'll be trying to explain myself to the police... and worse, Sadie. All I can do is hope that this works...

~Anxiously, Vaughn starts to plug the flash drive in, inadvertently hitting the mouse as he leans closer. The computer screen immediately comes on... showing a database screen, completely unsecured. Vaughn stares at the screen for a few seconds, stunned by his luck.~

Peter Vaughn: Really? You didn't bother to log out? That's a major security violation, young lady...

~He whispers this to the picture frame nearby, which has a family shown in it. Apparently the lady there is the paralegal, who made a serious blunder, which works for Vaughn's benefit. He begins typing into the database, bringing up the files he wants to see.~

Peter Vaughn: Hmmm... so the client is apparently Augustus... Raymeth. Why does that last name sound familiar? Wait... I bought the land from Sam... Raymeth, didn't I? So who's this? His son? His brother? Hmmm. At least now I know more about what he's going to be claiming. But why'd he wait this long before... wait a second...

~Vaughn suddenly scrolls down further, noticing that there's another contact added to the contract below Augustus. Vaughn's eyes narrow as he scowls at the name on the screen.~

Peter Vaughn: ... Judd Harrison. I should have known...

~Vaughn remembers Judd quite well, as he was the rancher who worked the hardest to keep Vaughn from succeeding. Judd was the man who tried to block him from the cattle ranchers' union, and nearly blocked him from being able to purchase cattle. He was an extreme thorn in Vaughn's side, but Vaughn hadn't heard from him in some time.~

Peter Vaughn: Harrison... you've made a major mistake getting involved with me again, you son of a bitch!

~Vaughn's volume goes up a little high, understandably so, due to the shock he just received. But seconds later, Vaughn hears doors opening outside, as security begins to approach. Looking around the office, he considers diving under the desk, but changes his mind, as that's the first place people will look. He glances upwards, noticing the framework, but seems to second-guess that one... only to have to react when the doorknob starts to move. He leaps upwards, pinning himself high up, as the guards walk in, look around, and finally leave. Vaughn then falls, managing to catch himself on his hands and feet, muffling the impact. He gets back up, listening at the door, but hearing nothing else. Vaughn turn turns back to the computer.~

Peter Vaughn: They'd probably hear a printer running, wouldn't they? Okay then, plan B it is.

~With that, Vaughn gets out his cell phone, taking pictures of each document on the screen, getting the knowledge that he would need in this surprising battle to save his ranch. We cut away.~


It doesn't matter if you're a brand new foe to me, or an ancient enemy that just won't die. I'll fight you both just the same.

I have to ask, Barnhart: why do you still come in and fight? Don't you have enough money saved up at this point where you and your missus could go and enjoy retirement? Have you saved anything for the future? I started a 401K account as soon as I became a wrestler. I would have started it when I was a janitor, but let's face it, I wasn't been paid enough. But once the earnings increased, it was the only prudent thing to do. I really hope you haven't wasted all of your funds on beer and medical expenses. That'd be a damn shame.

At some point, man, you're just not going to be able to compete anymore... if what you do now is considered "competing". You've got to think of the future!

At least, your future after this Sunday, because that story has already pretty much been written. I'm going to be flying around you like airplanes going around King Kong, only you won't be able to swat me out of the sky. I'm going to run so many circles around you, you're probably going to need motion sickness pills afterwards. Quite frankly, you won't be keeping up with me, not that you ever could. Odds are, you won't even see the end coming until you wake up on the canvas, realizing that you're now 0-4 against me.

You should probably leave it at that. Don't accept any more bookings against me. It's just not fair.

Seriously, though, Bulldog, I do respect what you've done in the business. It may not sound like I do, but you've stuck around while a lot of other losers have bit the dust, and that's worth something in the long run. But I'm the one moving up the ladder, Billy. I'm the one fighting in a tougher division. You should really just go challenge Eddie Lyons and stay in your lane. I mean, I think Lyons would take you out quickly, too, but you'd have a much better chance against him.

When it comes to facing the Mechanic, the odds aren't just against you. They're crushing you to dust.

I mean, you think anyone's betting on you to come out victorious against me? If they are, they're a glutton for punishment, or just want to get rid of their money to the 'noble' cause of gambling. There's no possibility you're going to overcome the challenge in front of you. My victory is a sure thing. And when I come flying down onto you, with the last thing you might see in the arena that night, I hope you realize that, once again, you've been outclassed, outgunned, and out-and-out proven to be a failure against me.

And I'll have one more Sin City victory locked down, as I head towards the next challenges in life... while you slink back down to the bottom once more.


~The picture shifts once more, and now we find ourselves in daytime, standing outdoors. Vaughn is walking through one of his favorite places on earth, the Garden of Betrayal, an arboretum that he created in the middle of downtown Dallas. Next to him, the camera moves a little more unnaturally... as our favorite cameraman readjusts it to be able to focus on him.~

Cameraman: Alright, I'm rolling. So why are we back in the Garden, Mr. Vaughn? We haven't been here in quite some time.

~Vaughn moves off to the side, with the cameraman following him. Vaughn touches a couple of the flowers nearby, which are still able to bloom despite the wild temperature shifts the Dallas area has experienced lately.~

Peter Vaughn: I suppose it felt right... to return to where a lot of it began last year... when I was the Roulette Champion.

~The two men continue on down the path, as Vaughn gets a little sentimental about the past.~

Peter Vaughn: It was an incredible reign, my friend. I set a record that few people are going to be able to come close to challenging. I know Eddie wants to give it a go, and I give him my blessing... but it's hard to see him lasting 270 days as Roulette Champion. Hell, it took him several tries just to get past me, and sure, he learned a lot from those matches, but will it be enough to threaten my record? I guess we'll see.

~Vaughn suddenly takes them on a side path, one the cameraman hasn't seen before. He hurries to catch up, as Vaughn continues to speak.~

Peter Vaughn: It was time for a change. I never planned to stay in the lower division for so long. But what's done is done, and now it's time to make my way up towards the top. That's why I've challenged for the Internet Title at the next big show, to prove that I belong higher up the card. And how did the management respond to this match? They put me against my old 'friend', Bulldog.

~Vaughn sighs, even as he moves along the path, which has gotten more narrow. The cameraman has to move carefully to avoid the thorns from the large branches nearby, although Vaughn appears to be having no problems himself.~

Peter Vaughn: I'm all set to be living in the future, but they want me to fight in the past a few more times. That's fine by me. I'll castrate the Bulldog once again, I'll take the fight to ol' Milo, and I'll prove myself with another championship reign. And then, guys like Finn Whalen and Goth will have to start to wonder when I'm coming their direction for another bite at the main event apple. It's a brand new day for the Mechanic, guaranteed.

~Ahead of them, there appears to be a doorway hidden in the greenery. Vaughn pushes it open, stepping inside what appears to be a small greenhouse. The cameraman follows, looking around quickly. He seems to be suspicious about Vaughn's motives here.~

Cameraman: You sure you want me to film in here, Mr. Vaughn? Is this... legal?

Peter Vaughn: Legal? Of course it's legal. These plants just required a little more... protection, that's all. But they're coming along, aren't they? They're growing nicely. And when I transplant them soon enough... they're going to be the start of our new future, no matter what certain people think about my land...

~With that, Vaughn steps over to the right, reaching out and grabbing what appears to be a mostly ripe tomato from the vine. He looks it over, nodding and smiling, as he stares at the reddish tint of the tomato. He holds it up, offering it back to the cameraman, as we slowly fade out.~


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