Luna Through The Looking Glass
Scene One | Off-Camera
Another night, another series of nightmares. For all the positives of this world tour, and in particular this run of the Blast From The Past tournament, the homelife of the Rabenschwarz family? Not so pretty. Alex hadn’t been himself, half-lucid, arguing with the air. There was the collapse at Vimy Ridge where he had thrown up all over himself. Luna was doing her best to be supportive but he couldn’t even articulate what was going on. He’d taken off to see Vita Mors before he’d joined up with her in Normandy. Ever since, something had just been… off.
He’d been a little more himself since they’d arrived in Turkey. They’d made the call for Alex to take some R&R in Istanbul. She suspected it was mainly because he wanted to go and visit the city full of cats. It also meant that Luna was free to tee up some team-building time with Sean again. The calls had been fun, and he hadn’t let her plunge to her death in Hastings, so by all accounts she thought it was off to a fantastic start. They’d easily had the most impressive debut outing of any of the teams in the opening round. Quick work, and tandem finishers. For a little reminder of who the fuck she was she’d even got the pin herself.
It did mean however, that after Alex’s back to back wins with Calaway… there was a real possibility that at the end of it, they’d be facing each other from opposite ends of the ring. That made her heart hurt. As much as she trusted Sean to get the job done, there was not a single instance in which she’d ever want to see Alex lose. Conversely, she knew the same from the other side. Perhaps that was part of why he’d seemed so out of it? That's what she was going to have to believe for the moment. That Alex was battling his own difficulties with the situation.
‘In Troy, going to see the horse. See you at the horse. Neigh.’ Luna had shot off the text not long after arriving in Troy. She assumed Sean would let her know when he touched down, details of when to meet up and all that. Luna was anything but an organiser when it came to things. She sort of just liked to let details float.
Hair, make-up, getting dressed, changing her hair because it doesn’t match her clothes. Changing her clothes because she no longer likes what she decided to wear. The day was off to a flying good start. At some point in her mindless prepping, a message from Sean, telling he’d be landing in a few hours, and then being another few hours from Troy. What did that mean? That meant she had far too much time on her hands. Time for a nap, time to call Alex, time to go for a few early morning mimosas. The options were limitless.
She decided on calling Alex first. Placing her phone up against the bathroom mirror as she decided to reapply her face for the third time that morning, having settled on a hairstyle and an outfit. Now she just needed to match the make-up and hope that her incessant need to change and alter didn’t get in the way. It rang a couple times before Alex answered. He was laying down somewhere, maybe a park? She wasn’t too sure. Yet at the same time a legion of cats had decided he was going to be their plaything for the day. She counted at least two on his back, and another couple trying to butt their way in between his face and the camera.
“Catstanbul treating you good baby-boy?” Luna asked, beaming brightly. She was well aware that he was currently getting a fantastic shot of the inside of her nostrils.
“What can I say? I’m like a pussy magnet.” Alex said, sounding far more at peace, and far more full of cheek than he had been for a while.
“You ever call yourself a pussy magnet again, we’re getting a divorce.” Luna said, shaking her head a little. Applying the last little bit of lipstick she took a long look at herself in the mirror. Purples, reds and touches of gold were the choices for the day. Content, she picked her phone up and wandered through the hotel room. It was days like this, she missed Duchess.
“Sorry again, Lu. I’m really not sure what’s going on with me lately. First the ghosts come back, and then I’m treading water after going to see that Vita Mors bloke. I think I just needed the R&R. Wish you were here.” Alex said, stroking the length of an orange cat who decided to put its butt straight up to the camera.
“You owe me a date, daddy. You can swing me some wine, some fine dining and a night of love when we get together next.” Luna said, turning away from the camera to avoid the cat butt for as long as possible. She really did miss her dog.
“I think I can swing that, baby girl. How are you feeling about it all? You know, the match? Good luck this week too, Lu. You catching up with Sean?” Alex asked. Luna sighed a little, the thought of crawling closer toward the finals was a mixed bag.
“Yeah, he’s a fair few hours out there, so I got time to blow. Thinkin’ I might go and get lubed up. Mama needs herself a mimosa.” Luna replied, turning back as the cat wandered off. Alex was now being headbutted by at least two new cats.
“But, how I’m feeling? I’m stressed. All this travel is awful on my skin, and I’m just very tired. Nothing a few drinks can’t fix, I’m sure. But I’m missing you too, sweet thing. Missing you deeply.” Luna continued on.
“Yeah, I keep promising Calaway I’ll sit down with her. Next city maybe. Before the semis. We may have to have a deeper conversation about what happens come the reality that we both make the finals.” Alex said, laying his head down on his arm. Luna just smiled a bit in response, placing a cigarette in her mouth. Standing on her balcony as she lit it.
“I don’t want to think about it. Not today at least. I should get to it. Go find somewhere to sit and drink. I love you, Lexi-baby. Call me later, okay?” Luna said, with a wink and a kiss.
“Love you, Lu. Tell me how it goes with Sean.” Alex smiled, directing one of the cats to pay attention to the phone. Winking back at her as he ended the call. Moments of serenity in a turbulent sea. Part of her was glad they were trapped, so they could still travel this way. Yet, early retirement would’ve also meant they could’ve travelled at their own leisure. A double-edged sword, really.
Another message to Sean, as she took a long and heavy drag on her cigarette.
‘Change of plans. I want a couple of cheeky mimosas and try some Turkish beer. See you at the Helix Pub, when you get in.’When she thought about it, sometimes it felt like she was talking to Jimmy. Just swapping up plans and switching out decisions at the drop of a dime. A woman in constant motion. She missed Jimmy on days like this. She missed her brother. Not quite as painfully, but there wasn’t a day he didn’t cross her mind. In the way she talked to someone, or even in the moments of Alex dropping little pet names.
He’d actually called her baby girl today. Alex never called her baby girl. He really must be in cat heaven.
“I’m going to make you proud, Jimmy. I promise.” Luna whispered to herself.
Stirring Up This Stew
Scene Two | On-Camera
“I said it, and it came true. Funny how things work. Loopy Luna is just a shade too crazy, but when she goes to work. Everybody stops to fucking watch. I’ve said it over and over. I am the inevitable fucking future of Sin City Wrestling. The woman who cannot be touched, for everything I do turns to gold. The lady they all want to hate. The woman that all the other bombshells wish would just go away, because they know. They know that I’m going to walk all over their pretty fucking faces as I climb to the peak.”
“See, I listen to what is going on around here. I pay attention to all the things that people are saying. Loopy Luna, oh she’s just a crazy mouthy bitch. The attention whore who just won’t go away. Except, when it comes down to brass tacks. When it comes down to whether or not it's you or me, well baby. Every damn time, it’s me. The one throwing people through tables. The one throwing women through fire. The bitch who tears with barbed wire and breaks with brass.”
“So when they threw Kat Jones at me, I just knew they thought it was going to go their way. That the perennial poster child of Sin City. She was going to put Luna in her place. That’s not how it went down though was it? No, Kat Jones was shown exactly what was meant for her the first time around. Twice, I’ve beaten her. Twice I’ve shown that this is the era of fucking Luna Pasilno. That the only queen worth a damn when it comes to stepping to Kayla Richards, is me. So when I see the ranting and raving former top, Julianna DiMaria filling my feed with void screaming and empty threats. I’m glad that it’s me here.”
“I’m glad that it’s me who stepped past Kat Jones. I’m glad that it’s me who is going to turn the wannabe bad child inside out and upside down. I’m glad that it’s me that is going to be able to sit pretty at ringside when Julianna falters and fails against Kayla Richards again. Why do I say that? Because we all know that is where it’s headed. A rematch for the breakdown queen herself, just to be reminded why she skirted by on the laurels of a reign that she barely even fucking showed up for. Learning from the wisdom tree that is J2H, that just ain’t it baby-girl. That just ain’t how we fly.”
“But that? That’s for another day. Today isn’t for Julianna. Today isn’t even for Kayla Richards. No, today? Today is for little baby Roux. The bad child herself. The wannabe stand-out. The inevitable future, to take a note from my own little playbook. Unfortunate name, don’t you think? I guess it’s pretty sounding. Not fun to think of the cooking mixture, and she’s not quite a red-head. Small benefits of fate I suppose.”
“Cocky little bitch that she is, I can admire it. Smart-mouthed is generally something I can appreciate. Although, she did seem to have her priorities of focus in just slightly the wrong place. Belittling poor baby Bill? I mean he might be as simple as two bricks tied together on a stick, but he’s a fence-swinger when he needs to be. So maybe a little less vitriol for the man who is expected to carry your tiny little ass up the totem pole towards the winner’s podium. What do you say, sugar-plum?”
“What did strike me as interesting is how much of a little reader our sweet little Roux baby is. She deep-dived into Nakita, and she disregarded Caleb. I can respect some research. I mean, I’ve clearly done just a touch of my own. How’s the sister, by the way? Last I saw her, she was getting squashed by Tempest and failing to defend the Bombshell Internet Championship. Oh, but family drama, right? You wanna be your own person. Step on your own two feet and be seen for who you truly are. Funny about that though. Funny, because I’ve got this sneaking gut wrenching suspicion that one of the first things that are going to come out of little Roux’s mouth? How I’m just a side piece of Alexander Raven.”
“Why do I think this? Because it’s the easy path to take. It’s the path everyone else seems to take. It’s the only path that seems to mean anything in the eyes of those who prance and dance around here. Doesn’t matter how many championships I win. How many I fight for. How many undeserved returning nobody veterans I put in their place, or how many up-start bitchy little slags I put down. People are always going to downplay what I do. But I’m not going to let them, Roux. I’m not going to let anyone downplay what I can do. I went out and I made a fucking mockery of Kat Jones. I’m going to step to you and stop this little journey before it even really gets started. Or maybe Sean does what you expect?”
“Maybe Sean steps to ol’ Billy Boy himself, and puts the old man in his place. Takes him down a peg and reminds him why us, those of the inevitable future, are the ones to watch. Because even though this is your story, this is also fate outside your hands. So confident, yet trembling and quivering at the idea of a challenge from the word go. A child. I’m not so dumb to discount based on age or inexperience. Hell, I’ve only got a year in this.”
“What I can do however? I can point out how fucking stupid the idea of a barely legal sprite prancing about talking about her fucking story. Barely knee high to a fucking cricket and already full of piss and vigour. I had some stories to tell too coming up, but I’ll be real with you baby girl. Your story ain’t been told by nobody else, ‘cause you haven’t had a fucking story to tell. You’re going to learn real quick. That you haven’t experienced jack shit up to this point. That the learning, the pain, the quivering agony you got ahead of you? That’s the real fucking story. So you were right about one thing.”
“You are writing the first chapters. But let me spell it out for you real easy. The early chapters? They’re all just laying the field. Setting up for the journey of pain. For the mountain you need to get over. No good story starts with a shit ending. No good story goes without troubles. So, I’m thinking, Roux. I’m thinking you're in line for a real short story. A terrible start of far too much happiness, a middling nothing of a guaranteed loss, and then a failure of an ending because the baby was too big for her boots.”
“This isn’t a case of me being too confident. No, this is a case of me being certain. Being certain that I can step to the rookie. That I can step to the arrogant child who wants to be her own person, but hasn’t even had her first real suckle of life. This is me being certain that Sean Parker is going to take your partner, Bill Barnhart to school. Lift him up out of the bygone eras and bring him to the modern day. Bring him to the ball with all of us kiddies who just want a sip of that spiked punch.”
“But enough about the rebellious toddler, and more about the sweetheart Bulldog. Hi, Bill. It’s funny that this happens to us again. Opposite sides, and yet the outcome is going to be the same. It doesn’t really matter who you’re partnered up with, does it? It doesn’t even really matter who I’m partnered up with. As much as we adore you. As much as we wish the Barnharts would get their due respect, there’s a certain truth to the failings, isn’t there? See, I can see straight through you Billy. Through both you and Bea. One of the other power couples of Sin City, except… Nobody ever has anything nice to say about us either.”
“Not even your own partner has faith in you, Bill. Little toxic and cocky Roux hasn’t got an ounce of faith in you being able to contend with the rest of the field. She didn’t even expect to make it out of the first round. Not because of her inexperience, or inability. She didn’t think you could remain vertical. Against Caleb Storm of all people. A guy she sees as a consummate jobber. She didn’t even trust you to get the job done against Caleb fucking Storm. Poor sweet Billiam. That’s a harsh call. But is she wrong?”
“I don’t think she is, Bill. I don’t think she’s wrong for doubting you. I think Roux is actually smart for having her doubts. Having her doubts about you. Realistically, they’re somewhat founded aren’t they? As confident as you can be, you know that you just aren’t quick enough anymore. You’re a strong man, but you’re just not strong enough. You’re a smart man, apparently. Though I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything come out of your mouth that hasn’t been regurgitated by every wannabe MENSA member. I do love the little dog though. Maybe I could steal that idea. Prance my way around with my beautiful little Beagle. Have her get into all sorts of trouble. We could have a six man tag. You, baby Roux and your dumb fucking bulldog, against Sean, Duchess the Queen of pups and me. What do you say Billiam?”
“No, no. That’d be silly. It’s bad enough you’re going to be shown up by Roux and Sean. Let alone shown up by your own fucking dog. So maybe we just let that one lie. I do wish you the best, Bill. I truly do. I just hope you can bounce back from this failure, like you have every other time. I mean, we’re always going to need a tune up match. Alex and I have to crash toward those Mixed Tag Titles eventually, and get ourselves nice and lubricated. Well that’s just the tale of the tape. So I wish you the best Bill.”
“Just not when it involves me.”
“And remember.”“The Conspiracy is here.”
Would You Want To Know?
Scene Three | Off-Camera
There was something familiar about Helix. It reminded her of being in Melbourne, if she really thought about it. Sitting outside, the smell of beer, cigarettes and food. No amount of cleaning could ever fix that. Deep-seated smells. Something told her that at night the place came a bit more alive. Quick google searches showed in house DJs, and a copious amount of poor decision making. Maybe her and Alex could swing by before they flew out. See if they couldn’t somehow manage to barter a week off. They had to be somewhat back in the good books with all the eyeballs and money they were bringing in.
At least they’d deluded themselves into thinking it was them that was doing it. It was hard to argue against. The most high-profile match going into the last super card. The two favourites going into the Blast from the Past tournament, and if tweets were anything to be believed, they were also on track to be the most hated people of the year, and only five months in. They were truly working overtime. She thought they deserved a break. Yet, if the death of her brother wasn’t enough to get them out of their contract. She doubted making them money was going to give them a moment’s reprieve.
Had she timed her starting of drinking poorly? Yes. She was already three mimosas, and two beers, deep at this point. A fourth and fifth mimosa on their way. By the time Sean would arrive, she’d likely be three sails to the wind. Fortunately, she was a well controlled drunk woman. Had to be when you worked in bars as much as she did. Couldn’t be floating off with the faeries when the shots were outnumbering you nine to one. So in the very least, besides the flush and the rambling, she’d be able to cover herself well.
Which was a good thing, being that it was only still early in the day. It also meant that she was bound to actually get a good night’s rest in for once. Maybe she’d even be able to convince Alex to take the few hours trip from Istanbul to come spend the evening with her. Sugar-coated and sweet thoughts. She took her phone out, and checked her messages. Seeing if Sean had sent anything further to let her know how far out he was.
In the meantime, food would be a good choice. It would have been pertinent to choose something local. Experience the culture, get to know Turkey a little bit better. That being said? She was hungry. And the burgers they had looked far too enticing to simply knock back. And so, that was that. What she assumed was a chicken burger got ordered, and she started on mimosa number four. In a race against time, Sean had managed to beat the clock. Probably a good thing too. Easier to hug someone when you’re not half covered in food and sauce.
“Hey, Lover! You took your sweet-ass time!” Luna exclaimed, arms thrown about the man, a soft peck to the lip, before she dragged him to sit down opposite her.
“Well, if you hadn’t decided to change plans at the last minute again, I wouldn’t have to make a detour! How’s the Turkish beer?” Sean said. Luna shrugged a little, as she settled in. Another sip of her drink.
“It’s serviceable. Call me a snob, but Melbourne did spoil me with crafts. Jimmy and Alex ran a bar, so I got to try a whole plethora of tasty brews. It’s no Moon Dog Pale, but it does the trick. They do make a good mimosa though, so… win win really.” Luna babbled.
“But, but. How was the trip, sugar? Do you like flying? I fucking hate flying. I feel like normally we get around these long overseas flights by getting on a cruise ship. But I guess the surrogate daddies decided they want to torture me into submission. I ordered something to eat, by the by. It’s hungry work being this carefree, darling.” Sean just scrunched his face up slightly, pursing his lips.
“Long-haul flights are a pain in the arse. Even in First-Class I couldn’t even get settled but it’s been a rough week.”Sean had picked up on Luna mentioning she’d ordered something to eat and he had avoided eating a lot on the plane out of principle. His stomach growled slightly and picked up a menu lying on the table.
“What did you order, Crazy? Kebab? Falafel?” Sean queried.
“Do not let my looks deceive you. I am not cultured, love. I think I ordered a chicken burger. I just kind of smiled, and pointed and they nodded. At least, I hope it’s chicken. I guess it could be tofu.” Luna said, suddenly less certain of her order. She shrugged at the thought, and finished her drink. In preparation for the next one.
“They put you in first class? I’m going to have to have a word with those fuckers. Talking about rough weeks. Alex is in Istanbul being loved on by cats. Can you believe he had the audacity to say he was a pussy magnet? The nerve.” Luna continued on, pulling her phone out. She opened up to a picture of Alex being absolutely swamped by an array of cats, showing it to Sean. He smiled that kind of forced smile when someone shows you a picture of their kids you couldn’t care less about. Something was up with him and Luna couldn’t quite put her finger on it. The minute she’d mentioned Alex, his demeanour changed.
“Listen…Luna…” Sean stammered, absentmindedly playing with a beer mat.
“I need to talk to you about something and I need you to keep an open mind…”Sean then delved into his pocket and pulled out a device that almost resembled a pocket watch. He clicked it open, revealing a blank face, no hands or numbers, just…well, nothing. He rolled it between his fingers.
“I think your wife might question why you’ve got a picture of lil’ ol me on you at all times. But if you just cannot be without, I guess I can oblige.” Luna mocked a little, looking at the funny little object he’d pulled out. She assumed it was a locket of some kind.
“Just shoot, sugar. Worst thing I can say is no, tip my next drink on your head, and run away.” She continued on teasing, attempting to take some of the tension out of the situation. Sean held up the trinket and it looked like some sort of red mist was swirling in the center.
“No, no, not like that… have you heard of Vita Mors?” Sean asked.
Luna rolled her eyes a little at the mention of Vita Mors. Her body stiffening just slightly at the thought of it. Seemed like everything came back to that masked weirdo lately.
“Know of him. Alex went to see him recently, and got into his head about Jimmy. My brother. Has been a little off ever since. Whatever that is, I’m guessing it has something to do with the spooky masked man and his greasy little gremlin of a second?” Luna said, as her burger and next mimosa were dropped off at the table. A smile, a bat of the eyelashes and the server walked off with a smile on his face.
“You know, that Ashton guy? Somehow he sends me a message one night, telling me that Alex was doing something stupid. He was, mind you. But, what kind of creep messages in the dead of night to tell someone their husband is off being a drunken menace? The nerve on those people.” Luna went on again. Clearly, the alcohol had finally hit her head a bit.
“Look, I’ve been involved with Mors and Mire before. This?” Sean started.
Sean held the device up again.
“This was a gift from him, it’s… how do I put this? It lets me see things… things that have happened, things that haven’t but could have if the road less travelled had been taken. I don’t know what Alex is caught up in with Mors but unless you’re willing to play ball, it never ends well, trust me.” Sean went on.
Sean stopped for a moment, as if contemplating his next words carefully.
“I can’t even begin to tell you the crazy shit I’ve seen in the last few months but I can show you. Through this, I can show you aspects of what your life could have been. Your career, your childhood… motherhood…” Sean said.
“You’re telling me, I can see what Alex and I’s baby would be?” Luna asked, incredulously. She didn’t really seem all that phased by it all. More so a case of not believing than anything.
“Alright then. Show me.” Luna said.
And then…
