Ungrateful. Insolent whelps.That’s what they were. Not Raven, Calaway or Dimaria of course. They were quite wonderful, cordial even. The rest of them however, proved themselves to be ungrateful little cunts. In the eyes of the Queen of course. She was foolish to choose Diamond Steele as her solider of fortune, there was no way she was going to be able to follow through with the queens orders, and Kallie, rejecting the victory because of honor? She was as blinded by honor as Eddie was. Aiden wasn’t exactly as ungrateful as the rest, but he whined on and on about Eddie being treated unfairly. What did he know about that? That was family business, and as the (self-appointed) matriarch of the family she needed to teach her cousin a lesson by NOT letting him do what he loves, compete. Harper Mason took all sorts of shots at the queen, but even in loss Harper Mason now looks stronger than ever. She was forced to dig down and find strength she never knew she had in her. But does she take the time to be thankful? NO.
And then we have Carter and Kasey, their Shakespearean act ruining all of the queens fun, all of her goals. How cold they not understand she was trying to build them a stronger foundation? She had her own failed marriage years ago, to a man named Ace Micheals. She simply didn’t want these boys to go through what she did, but did they care? No. But a queen can only do so much, it’s their loss. Not hers.
Now they say her reign is over, but the crown? The crown is still hers. It’s her prize, she earned it and they can’t take it away. She will always be their queen because a queens work is never done, and can’t possibly be completed in a mere day.[/i]
—--------
Victoria pulled herself away from the mirror, slamming her fists on the sink. She couldn’t let her anger get the best of her. But Kasey and Carter had made a fool of her and that just wouldn’t stand. She would have to talk to the king. Surely he would help. That was it, she would just talk to the king at Climax Control, he would help her set this right. He did after all give her a chance to face the Bombshell Roulette Champion and unlike poor Ariana, Victoria had gone unpunished.
She took a heavy breath, and splashed water on her face. It was going to be okay. Sweet Harper Mason really showed her angry side. With the right push she could really find her darkness, like Victoria did.
After patting her face dry, she exits the washroom of The Lyons Den and it’s only moments before her path is blocked. She rolls her eyes and looks at the one blocking her path.
"Eddie.” she grumbled.
“What the hell was that?” Eddie said sternly, “I know you’ve changed over the years, but have you lost all your humanity?”
“Is this because I didn’t book you on MY show?” she replied back, with full snark.
“You know damn well that’s not it.” said Eddie, “That’s just you being petty. But the whole deal. Carter and Kasey, Diamond Steele, Harper Mason, Kallie all of it. What was the point?”
“Why are you even concerned?” Victoria said folding her arms, “Show’s over. It doesn’t matter anymore.”
“Because the Victoria I know.” Eddie continued, “The one I grew up with, went on daily trips with along with Vincent would have done none of that.”
“That bitch was weak.” growled Victoria, “A weak little girl who lived in the shadow of her brother. That Victoria is long gone, and her true self has taken her place.”
“I don’t believe that.” said Eddie, “I think she’s still in there somewhere, and I think you’re afraid of her. You need people to see you as this crazy, evil figure because you live off one thing…shock value.”
“That’s not true.” she scowled.
“Of course.” Eddie replied,”Look I know we have our differences, but I’m here for you if you need to talk. We’re still family after all.”
“I don’t need your help.” said Victoria, “And I’m fine. Perhaps you shouldn’t be so judgemental. Worry about your own business, like your slowly sinking SCW career.”
“I’m not sinking.” said Eddie, “I didn’t get booked because of you, and I guess Guy had no plans for me either. I’ll rebound just fine though, and always stand ready for whatever my next challenge is."
“That’s not even what I mean.” said Victoria, “I told you a long time ago about Coach Kaiser, and how he’ll get bored with his toys after a while. It was just you for a while, but now more eyes are on me. Cleo is about to possibly win a second world championship over in PWS, although I must say I’m pulling for Calaway in that one.”
“Well, good for you.” said Eddie, “But the truth is, he’s getting bored with you, and I think you know that as well. You need something to freshen yourself up. Clearly I know how to get people talking, so if YOU need help, then you can always come to me. We’re still family, after all."
She winks at Eddie, who only looks at her in annoyance as she pushes past. She didn’t care, this wasn’t his business. He was just mad that he wasn’t Roulette Champion anymore, and now she was enroute to be a Roulette Champion herself, all that lay in her way of a championship opportunity was four other women, and a whole lot of paint.
__________
Victoria sits on a throne surrounded by shadows as the scene opens. The queens crown still rests on her head despite her reign being over, and it probably won’t be going away anytime soon either.
“You know, I was only trying to open your eyes.” she began, her haunting gaze steady on the camera, “There is so much violence, so much injustice in this world, but you only cars when it’s right in front of you, or when it happens to you or someone close to you. It pains me to see that Carter and Kasey didn’t understand what I was trying to help them do. I had such high hopes for them. But I must continue onward, and continue to spread my message of change. If those two wish to remain blind and in stay in their box then that’s on them. I did what I could."
She shrugs arrogantly, casually leaning in her throne.
“So, what is it then our King has done?” she said, “Given me a route to become Bombshell Roulette Championship. A gracious king indeed and I even went unpunished. I can’t say the same for poor Ariana Angelos. I don’t know what you did to piss th king off, but it must have been AWFUL. I mean, look at the reaction my card got. Everyone said I took it too far, even Peter Vaughn felt it too much, but yet the king felt the need to punish YOU. That must mean it’s something personal. Sucks to be you I guess.”
She smirks, as she raps her fingers along the arm of her throne.
“So, we meet again do we Eiley?” Victoria grinned, continuing the rapping of her fingertips alongside the thrones arm.,”You were my favorite you know. From the match that made me queen, the match where I won the crown you see resting on my head. And I still like you. You were the only one with any gumption in that match. The only one who had the ladyballs to really say some shit to me. The only reason I didn’t give you an opportunity on my show was because I was told for your own personal reasons, you were unavailable. Be that as it may, I want the same from you again. You had some harsh words about me,and it’s safe to say you probably don’t like me. That’s fine, but I hope you know that only makes me respect you more. You don’t hide what’s really on your mind and the queen commends you for it.”
She paused for a moment, her gaze remaining on the camera.
“Melissa?” she said, tapping her brain, “I barely even know who you are. Seems as though you did some stuff a long time ago, but you failed to really capitalize on you own career, content to serve Goth. I guess you’re trying to make some sort of comeback now, is that it? Well, you already failed in Blast from the Past, and all you’re going to end up learning is you Melissa are simply better off being Goth’s bitch.”
She smirks, keeping that arrogant look on her face.
“Oh, and how could one forget Bella Madison.” she says, “My fellow second generation star. I’m sure you’re the most upset with me in this match. You’re friends with Carter and Kasey yeah?. I imagine you’ll try to seek some sort of revenge on their behalf. Just don’t let it blind you dearie, revenge can do that to you. And you’re going to need all the focus if you plan to best me."
Taking in a breath, she re-postures herself, sitting more upright before leaning forward.
“I must say ladies, I don’t quite understand the point of the paint in this match.” she continued, her face showing her slight confusion, “The king is a curious one, and I don’t quite understand hs motives. But I’d be a fool to not capitalize on the opportunity he’s given me, so rest assured ladies I am coming for blood, or paint. Whatever. I’m coming to take each of your heads off, so I can get my chance to become Bombshell Roulette Champion. The champ, Alexandra Calaway is someone I have respect for, and I know her and I will have a proper brawl, where we will maul one another limb by limb, for the entertainment of all the barbarians in attendance."
She giggles, and leans back again, crossing her legs.
“I am the fastest rising, most talked about Bombshell in recent memory.” said Victoria, “My rise will only continue because I am the future of the SCW Bombshell division, and more importantly I am your queen. I am the only one with any vision, I understand the cruelties of the world. I understand that there is far more cruel than me in the world.I only seek to open your eyes, pull you all out of the box they have you trapped in. To show you that the world is headed for destruction, and it’s too late to stop it. But we can start to build a new world to replace it, and my wisdom can guide you there if you let me in. We may have to travel through some dark valleys, and make some questionable decisions, but the grass is greener on the other side.That I can promise you. We just need to come together as one, because you can’t deny the simple fact that we as a people, are STRONGER TOGETHER."
With a nod, and one final smirk she gazes into the camera, going back to rapping her fingers long the throne arm, as the scene fades out.
__________
She wouldn’t be seen as a fool again, now was the time for the Head Lyoness to unleash her own feral side, it was time to become as vicious as the card she created. The SCW universe got a taste of the madness that resides in her mind on the Queens edition of Climax Control and now it was time for her madness to manifest physically.
She sat there, with her brother Vincent and her cousin Alexander, the infamous trio that were always stirring up drama at The Lyons Den, and since it was their family who owned the place, head trainer Coach Kaiser could do little about it.
“It’s time we take action into our own hands.” said Victoria, “Coach Kaiser is being too choosy with his contracts. We need to do something about that.”
“What do you propose?” Vincent asked.
“Must I do everything brother?” replied Victoria, aiming some snark at her twin brother, “You and Alex need to figure out things on your own. You want to become stronger right?”
“Of course.” said Vincent, “But….”
“But nothing.” said Victoria, “I can’t babysit either of you anymore. It’s stronger TOGETHER. But that also means you need to do some legwork and take action into your own hands. You want contracts? Force Coach Kaiser to give you one.”
“I’m not even sure how I would do that..” said Vincent. “I mean…..”
“I understand.” interjected their cousin Alex, “I’ve got it under control.”
“Oh, do share dear cousin.” Victoria said raising an eyebrow.
“You’ll see.” Alexander grinned, “Just know, I’ll be taking my spot back from a certain kitty cat."
Victoria smirked, she had some idea who and what he meant. Jazz Jaguar was one of the newer students, who Alex felt replaced by. Whatever he had planned, probably wasn’t good for her or her upstart career over in PWS: Legacy.
“Good for you Alex.” said Victoria, “Go get your spot, do what you gotta do.”
Alex laughed to himself, and left the room, now with a fresh mission in mind.
“See Vincent.” said Victoria, “Alex has taken action. He has his own goals in mind. You would be wise to figure out your own goals.”
“Can’t you convince Coach Kaiser to get me an SCW deal too?” asked Vincent, “We could be intergender tag champs, The Lyons Twins! It would be great!!
Victoria shook her head.
“No.” she said, “I want you do find your own way, you need to become The Young Lyon again, and you need to do it on your own. I can’t be your keeper forever. You’re supposed to be the original Lyons Den student, the first graduate of the new era.”
“But I..” Vincent started
“Go.” she snarled, “You don’t think I have my own problems? I’m being unfairly labeled as some sort of Mad Queen, because nobody understands anything anymore.”
“Well, I mean Harper Mason, that I understand.” said Vincent, “But honestly, wasn’t the knockout match a bit much? I mean Carter and Miles didn’t even do anything to you, or say anything about you, not until you made that match.”
Victoria furrowed her eyebrows, her own twin was daring to speak against her?
“Et tu Vincent?” she said, “Have you gone soft on me?"
“I mean..” said Vincent, “I just don’t know that they deserved that. They seem like nice people to me and….”
“GET OUT!!” Victoria growled, as a water bottle went flying by her brothers head.
Vincent sighed, shaking his head and walked out of the room.
Victoria sat there, wondering what had gotten into her brother. He was always on board with her ideas, and her motives. He was her twin, and they were always of one mind. Someone was leading him astray, and that person needed to be stopped. She knew who it was too, their other cousin, the one she worked with in SCW and the one who probably spent his time getting into her brothers head the night she banned him from her show.
That damn Eddie Lyons and his honor. Now she had another problem to deal with. At least Alex still listened, but it seemed Eddie may be trying to change Vincent. Victoria wasn’t going to let that stand, just right now…she had to try to stay focused on winning her number one contendership match.
__________
The camera opens, as we pan down an art gallery, we see various paintings of sunsets, fruit, happy little trees, just about anything considered art. We see a blonde woman in a crown looking up at four portraits, it only takes a moment to realize the woman is indeed Victoria Lyons, and the four paintings are of Eiley, Melissa, Bella Madison and Ariana Angelos. The Ariana painting, unlike the others has no arms.
“Four other woman, who will attempt to best a queen in hopes of a golden opportunity.” she began, keeping her eyes on the paintings, “Four woman who will find a very different story painted for themselves in the end.”
She winks at the camera, feeling herself clever.
“Let’s talk about Eiley.” said Victoria, as the camera cut to a closeup of Eileys painting for a moment before cutting back to Victoria, “When we faced off for Queen for a day, you called me a hypocrite. You thought me selfish enough to give myself the best match. But is that what I did? No. I gave opportunity to others. I made history with the first ever SCW handicap match. I didn’t even book myself. You talked about people not knowing you, but in the end you didn’t know me and I ended up winning the crown that now rests on my head. I still like you Eiley, I do. Once again you’re probably my favorite person in this match because you have the right energy. You tell it like you see it, and that is true strength. But this is also a matter of war Eiley, and once again you are my opponent and once again you will fail. You will keep failing, until you learn to let go. Let go of whatever is keeping your mind from being free. There’s a vicious killer in there somewhere Eiley, you just need to let her out and play. Do that, and I promise you will be unstoppable. But right now, while they peek out now and then, that killer is still trying to escape the darkness."
With a grin, she grabs a paint bucket that she had ready nearby and splashes black paint on Eileys painting, the camera then cuts to a closeup of the Bella Madison painting, before cutting back to Victoria.
“Bella Madison, we both just want to live up to our family name don’t we?” she began “It can be tough. But I think we both do just fine for ourselves no? You’re on a bit of roll too, trying to get another chance a that Bombshell championship after losing to Bobbie Dahl. But really, you can never truly seem to get it done can you? You pick up a few wins, but can’t quite capture the big one. Still you fight, and you stay strong. That’s the second generation in you. But you have to realize how hungry I am Bella. I mean you’ve been here a while in SCW and have yet to capture a championship. Is it because you’ve grown content? Are you happy simply being average? Because I can tell you the reason you have yet to capture gold, is because you have no killer instinct. You couldn’t even beat Bobbie Dahl, do you think you even have a chance against Alexandra Calaway? Because I can assure you Elizabeth, Calaway does have that killer instinct and she deserves an opponent who also does. She deserves better competition that you, and that is exactly what I will bring her, along with my own killer instinct so her and I can battle for the Bombshell Roulette Championship like proper ladies.”
Like Eiley’s before her, Bella’s painting finds itself covered in a huge splotch of black paint,courtsey of Victoria, who now turns her attention to Melissa.
“Melissa, Melissa, Melissa.” she said shaking her head, “It would have been wiser to stick back to the sidelines. I understand you had your day, but if your trying to mount some sort of comeback you chose the wrong time. Your day is done, accept that you were a flash in the pan, and have no staying power, move on and support Goth, as that’s the only thing you seem to be any good at. But winning this match? Eiley or Bella have a better chance than you at winning. Ariana would as well, if she wasn’t at a disadvantage. You though? I just don’t see it at all, and even if you did somehow squeak out a victory, Calaway would eat you alive.”
A bucket of black paint is thrown onto the Melissa painting, much like the others before her, leaving only one left.
“Ariana Angelos.” Victoria continued, “The sinner. I don’t know what it is you’ve done but it’s clear the king wants you to pay for your crimes. As queen I feel it my obligation to make sure the kings order is fulfilled. Truth be told, after the totally overblown reaction to my show I expected some sort of unjust recourse sent my way. But it appears the King is just after all, and you simply committed some sort of treason. Hopefully what happens to you Sunday will allow you to learn your lesson, and to know your place. Next time, be better and you won’t be punished. It’s unfair what’s been thrusted upon you, but you have nobody to blame but yourself.”
Black Paint sploshes all over the painting of Ariana, as the camera pans back to a wide shot of Victoria looking at all the now black splotched paintings of her opponents, before she turns and looks at the camera, a can of paint in her hands.
“My arrival has inserted a true wildcard into the Bombshell division.” she said with a grin on her face, “I am already your queen, and I’ve only just begun. Soon I’ll have championship gold as well. A crown, and a championship, suited for your head lioness. A symbol of my leadership, because I am the one that is here to lead you through the darkness to the light on the other side, where the grass is so much greener. Let me guide you, because we are always going to be……STRONGER TOGETHER.”
With that, she tosses the paint she’s holding at the camera, it drips down like an effect from a James Bond movie, as the scene fades out.
__________
