[Christian Underwood]

 Post all Roleplays here!

First RP Period Deadline:
United States: 11:59pm EST Saturday 05/17/2014
England: 04:59am Sunday 05/18/2014  

[Electra]

 THE STAKES ARE HIGH... BUT I WILL OVERCOME...

***

"Miss Styles....a word... if you please..."

I look up from my phone and turn around to see someone rushing after me. I was walking a long a type of boardwalk looking out at the cove here in Cape Town.  I don't immediately recognize the man but there is something vaguely familiar about him.  I offer him a smile before speaking, "I'm sorry but I have no idea who you are..."

He answers me with a shrug,    "Scott Oliver. I'm an interviewer for SCW."

"Oh...did we have something booked because I really don't remember..."

He shakes his head as he answers,  "No, we didn't but seeing as how you are here and I'm here maybe you could sit down with me for a few minutes. Everyone is dying to know a little more about this thing you have going with Roxi."

I'm a little hesitant but sure. I guess it wouldn't hurt to speak to the man.  I give him a nod and we walk toward a vacant table facing the water.



"So, Lexi...may I call you that?"

I nod as he continues.

"What prompted you to try and be the one to save Roxi? From what I've gathered, you know of Roxi but you were never really formally introduced before you came to SCW."

"That's right..." His fumbling with his tape recorder distracts me a second but he encourages me to continue while he plays with it.  "We were both employed with MPW for a time but I wasn't directly involved with Roxi.  I was working backstage as an assistant to the General Manager at the time and she was in the TV Division.  I had to leave rather abruptly after some personal drama. Plus I was also pregnant at the time."

"So other than the few encounters you've had here, you never faced Roxi in a ring before?"

"That's correct Scott.  And believe me, I'm not all that happy about the circumstances that I have to face her.  Apparently me helping her was in her eyes, nothing more than a ploy to try and sway her to some super plan of mine.  All I wanted was for her see how Cyrus was hurting her not helping.  The man as you saw, is not only mentally abusive but physically as well.  I've been there. I know how she must feel she just needs someone to help her break those chains of servitude."

"So your whole motive is what? To help someone that you feel is in a circumstance you yourself was once in...Lexi were you a victim of abuse as well?"

"Well it's not really a secret that I was sexually abused by my step-father for years growing up.  He used my sister as a way to keep me prisoner to his games and finally I grew a backbone and I...well I'm not proud of my actions but I got us out and ever since then I have continued to fight for others so that they do not have to be alone in this battle."

"Right, Besides the fight with Roxi and her manager Cyrus, you are getting a title shot. That's quite an accomplishment for someone that has only really been here in SCW a few weeks."

"I am not proud of the way this has come about.  I am the first to stand up and say that hard work earns title shots and I'm not a fan of overstepping people like Brandi who have a genuine #1 Contendership for the title...however... I am proud, happy... you name it I am in total awe that I have this honour and I will do everything in my power to win that title.  Maybe that's the only way that Roxi is going to wake up and realize that the manipulation that Cyrus is using is not the way you should get a title.  I mean all this has gotten to the former champion Vixen, a woman I respect immensely...she's just... ran away from her husband, from the company... Cyrus needs to be stopped and he needs to be pushed out of SCW. Heck the man needs to be put behind bars!"

"So you are going to try to win the title from Roxi?"

"Of course.  it may be a quick and surprising shot at the bombshell title but I will not let down or disappoint my fans.  I saw how they flocked to get my autograph this weekend.  How they told me about how excited they were to see me back in action.  I hadn't realized I still had such a following. I am grateful to every single one of them.  But not to give any one of those people any less credit but the main person I'm doing this for is me.  I want to win that title for me and there is no shame in that.  The whole point of me getting back in a ring was to prove that I could still do it.  That I was good enough to get to this point and take what I should have had years ago.  A title around my waist that means more."

"So if you do manage to take the strap from Roxi, are you going to go back into retirement?"

I smile.  Yes I guess by the way I'd been talking lately it did seem like I was only going to stay around long enough to win a title but that wasn't it.  This getting a shot at the title so soon in my tenure was a happy coincidence but that didn't' mean I was ready to hang up my boots just yet.

"No.  I'm not someone that only comes back for short appearances... I am here for a long haul.  I don't have a very good track record of staying put in one place for long and one of my personal goals is to overcome that...even if the reason for my leaving other places were all valid ones.  I miss not being home with my kids sure.  I miss not seeing my husband every night of course I do. I miss not seeing my sister and her husband and my beautiful niece.  Yes all of this is true but they also all understand why I have to do this right now."

He smiles,  "That's good to hear.  So tell us more about this thing with Roxi. You just come in and zone in on Roxi and want to help her. Forgive me but most people would assume that there is something deeper here then just wanting to save someone in a similar situation to what you faced."

"I can understand that but the only reason I have for helping Roxi is that I know this is not her.  The real Roxi would not allow anybody to tell her what to do, to treat her the way that Cyrus is treating her.  He's got her like some puppet.  He pulls her strings and she just does what he wants with a big painted smile on her face.  Her eyes are glassy and emotionless.  Like looking into glass.  Did you see her in the ring?  She may have beat Vixen two weeks ago but last week... last week the real Roxi would not have fell for that move by Emma."

He nods his head in agreement.    "But why didn't you go in a break up the pin?"

"Two reasons.  One is that I think Roxi needed that.  Maybe it was a reality check to be pined by Emma and second... second was that I wouldn't have made it in time anyway.  Good on both of those women, Emma and Mercedes.  Despite their rivalry they managed to get a win over us so congrats on that for sure.  I knew going into that match that I was going to be at an disadvantage.  Now, mind you, Roxi didn't attempt to take me out like I originally thought but still... still she was only half of the real Roxi everyone knows and loves. It's him doing that to her."

"You really believe that it's Cyrus that's making her act so differently?"

I nod my head. "Of course it is.  I can't explain what Roxi was thinking the day she let Cyrus take the wheel. I can only imagine that something very traumatic must have happened and my only regret is that I wasn't here sooner to help."

"Lexi do you consider yourself something akin to a superhero yourself?"

I laugh as a mental picture pops up in the forefront of my mind.



It makes me think of that new girl Zuri and then I shake it away. No, I wasn't a super hero

"No I'm just me.  This is who I am. I want to help people.  A good friend of mine says it's my one real flaw, that I take on things and people because I have this need to fix everything and I guess I kind of do.  I know that Roxi is in there somewhere and if I gotta kick her ass to get her back then that's what I'm going to do.  If I have to take the strap from her to make her kick that ass-clown to the curb then so be it. I will do whatever I have to do to get Roxi back."

He nods his head a little before writing something down on a notepad that I hadn't seen previously. I must have been really into what I was saying to not notice that he'd taken that out.

"So before we wrap this up, why don't you tell the SCW fans a little about yourself that we don't already know. I mean you've told us a little bit about your unfortunate childhood and we've seen your adorable children and husband on camera."

"Well not much to tell.  I started out a ring girl and made my way up the ladder with hard work and a will to survive and do what I needed to do."

"I always thought you were a perfect role model for young girls.  You not only have the looks but you are not just another Barbie doll cut out.  You fight for what's right and you have no problem standing up to people. It's admirable."

"Thank you Scott that means a lot to me.  And yes, If I truly believe that something is the right thing to do then I will stand up for it. I'll stand up for it until it's fixed.  Roxi is my current mission and I will take that belt if I have to.  I can only imagine the types of lies that Cyrus will try to fill everyone's heads with.  I would like to see him try and think of a reason why I haven't done everything I can to help Roxi and he won't find any proof of an alterative motive except that I want the regular super hero Roxi back in a ring.  Back fighting for what's right. I guess in a way, we are similar in the way we do things.  The way we make sure to right the wrongs and fight the 'evil'.  No body likes this new Roxi but it's easier for Cyrus to fill her head with lies when she's like this. If she had been really strong and at her best...well lets just say that Cyrus would be one nut short instead of giving a girl some undeserved sucker punches and hits."

He writes something else down on his paper and then looks back to me,   "Is there anything else you wanted to say about your match, about SCW even?"

Yes there was plenty I wanted to say but I wasn't going to turn this into a shoot simply just on Roxi and Cyrus.

"SCW is by far one of the best companies I've had the pleasure to have worked with. As I said earlier I can't believe the following I'm getting.  I love being here. Some of the people I've met over the last few weeks have been nothing short of amazing. I haven nothing but appreciation for being here today because frankly, at my age and being a woman, not many companies would have willingly took me on the roster but SCW did and look at where I have gone? Next week I battle it out for the Bombshell title, the big one.  There are probably not enough words to express how thankful I truly am for being here and given a real shot to showcase my abilities."

Scott smiles and clicks a button on the recorder and then offers me his hand. "Thank you for letting me speak with you, I haven't gotten many yes's to interviews lately so yours was truly a treat."

I give him a smile back,  "Anytime, just let me know and we can do a real interview...maybe as the new Bombshell champion eh?"

He laughs at my use of Canadian Slang, something I was more guilty of when back home but not as much when I was in the public.  Unlike some others, I was not ashamed my heritage and I certainly was not embarrassed of my quirks.  They made me who I was.

Scott once again gave his thanks and was quick to leave me.  I stayed sitting, looking out at the water long after the sun had turned the sky into a million different shades of orange, purple and blue.  it was beautiful here, no doubt.  I only wished that Ryan and the kids were here with me to enjoy it too.

I did know one thing for sure... when I walked out to that ring I was there to win.  Come hell or high water I was going to make sure Roxi knew I meant  business...however the thing i wanted to 'win' the most was Roxi's trust and furthermore I wanted her to really come to her senses...maybe me beating her was the way to do it after all.

{The scene fades out on the side profile of Electra, big sunglasses covering most of her face while her blonde hair waved in the slight breeze.  The colours of the sky illuminated and reflected in the lenses, she gives a slight smile}

[Roxi Johnson]

  Things will get better. They always do.



{Roxi and Cyrus are both seated on the floor, with Roxi basically sitting on Cyrus’ lap, though she’s still on the floor as well. Cyrus is stroking her hair, again almost petting her like a dog.}

Roxi – You’re not mad at me?

Cyrus – Not at all. Why would you think I was mad at you?

Roxi – Because I lost that match.

Cyrus – Pfft. That match was a joke. It meant nothing. Other than Ms. Styles proving she cannot be trusted. Like everyone else in your life it seems.

Roxi – But I trust you.

{Cyrus smirks.}

Cyrus – Almost everyone.

Roxi – So you forgive me?

Cyrus – I already told you, I’m not mad. Disappointed? Yes. But not mad.

Roxi – I’m sorry I let you down.

Cyrus – I’m disappointed for you, not because of you.

Roxi – What do you mean?

{Cyrus stands up, and sits in a chair as Roxi sits, listening like a student.}

Cyrus – These people are so disappointing. All they do is try to tell you how to live your life. All they do is make me out to be the bad guy. All they do, is try to take me away from you.

Roxi – They just don’t understand. I like being with you. You’re the only one who understands me. The only one, who cares.

Cyrus – It’s all because they assumed that you couldn’t have a problem. That you were incapable of a bad day, or a rough night. They all assumed, that you were like the sun, and you would rise without fail. They don’t think you’re a human being. You don’t have feelings and emotions. And then, when you showed them that you can have a moment of weakness…

Roxi – They turned on me.

Cyrus – Did you not beg and plead for understanding? Did you not ask for them for a chance?

Roxi – I did. And they never, ever, gave me one.

Cyrus – Exactly. So I say, who needs them?

Roxi – We don’t.

Cyrus – But you know what really makes me sick? Their indifference turns to disapproval.

Roxi – They judge me so harshly.

Cyrus – All because they hate you. They hate you because you bettered yourself.

Roxi – You’ve helped me so much.

Cyrus – I know. And that has made them jealous, envious, and hurtful.

Roxi – I see that. They don’t like me anymore.

Cyrus – It makes me sad too.

Roxi – But Electra is different. She says she wants to help me.

Cyrus – I know that. More lies. She’s more interested in using you. You see how she latched onto you as soon as she got here.

Roxi – And she didn’t even know me. That’s strange.

Cyrus – Strange is one word. Opportunistic is another.

Roxi – So what do I do now?

Cyrus – She’s interested only in using you as a stepping stone. If she were to defeat you at Chaos in Cape Town, she would easily give up on you. You know this. She’d drop you like a bad habit. All she wants is this title.

{Cyrus reaches down into his lap and pulls up the Bombshell’s title}

Roxi – My title?

Cyrus – Of course. If she takes this away from us, you think she’ll continue this…”quest” to help you? Please. Everyone know exactly she’ll do. She wants to teach us a lesson and beat you, but the moment she does that, boom, she’s taken everything away from you, and she, like all the others, will look at you from afar and wonder how low you can get. They’ll hate you even more. Call you pathetic.

Roxi – I’m not pathetic.

Cyrus – I know that! But they refuse to believe that you can do this! They just don’t want to see us, carrying this title, and making it the most important thing in SCW. Are you going to let that happen?!

Roxi – No!

Cyrus – Good. And don’t buy that friendly routine, remember, she kidnapped you. She kept you from me, trying to confuse you, trying to make you think I was the enemy. I am not your enemy. I am your friend. You know that, don’t you?

Roxi – Yes. You’re my friend.

{Cyrus smiles, pleased.}

Cyrus – Very good. You need only to remember who your true friends are.

{Roxi blinks for a moment, and cocks her head to the side, confused.}

Roxi – What did you say?

Cyrus – I said, you need to remember who your true friends are.

{Roxi nods.}

Roxi – Yes. I will.

Cyrus – Are you alright?

Roxi – Yes, Cyrus. I’m fine.

Cyrus – Good. Well, I’d like you to get some rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow.

Roxi – I don’t meant to question you…but what’s left for us to do?

Cyrus – Lex is coming, and she’s bringing some things to help you.

Roxi – What kind of stuff?

Cyrus – Oh, she’s so excited about it, I’ll let her tell you when she gets here.

Roxi – Okay.

Cyrus – Now go one, get some rest please.

Roxi – I will.

{Roxi gets up and leaves.}

<HR>

That girl is one of my most prized possessions.  And also, this championship.  I know some of you get angry when you see me holding this title, because this title doesn’t have my name on it. It has her name on it. But the facts are just that, I lead her to this championship.  My guidance led her back to the top, where she belongs. Does that allow for me to hold this title up with pride? Can I not enjoy the fruits of my labor? The reward for my struggle? Oh no, you all cast your judgmental fingers in my direction, as if my personal enjoyment means the end of the world. And it’s really because of what you think I did, rather than what I’ve done.

And what I’ve done, is turn your hypocrisy into the fuel that Roxi needed. There were people who Roxi once supported, once considered friends, who she always tried to bring up when they were down. You know who you are. And what they did, was become people who all could have cared less about her when she was down. Or, who they truly were the whole time. Don’t you dare tell me that you cared this whole time. Don’t insult my intelligence, or anyone who’s listening and watching’s intelligence either. You all were too concerned with everything going on in your lives to lift one finger to help her. And now that I’ve done exactly what I said I was going to do, you all hate me. And you’ve become mudslingers, trying to ruin my good name to make yourselves feel better about not helping when you had the chance.

But it seems that Electra Styles has become the leader of this group. She’s already kidnapped and tried to brainwash Roxi into believing all of your lies. And that came back and bit you on the ass, didn’t it Ms. Styles? Because there is only truth in my words. I’m not lying to Roxi. I never have. I am unleashing a new, better Roxi Johnson. This is for her own good, and her own self esteem.

But of course, you can’t see that. None of you can. But especially Electra. She’s becoming a thorn in our sides, trying to “Save” Roxi from me. New flash Ms. Styles: Roxi isn’t trapped. She can leave, whenever she wants to. She’s made the choice, all on her own, to stay with me, even after you found her, and tried to “save” her. She doesn’t want, or need your help. She never has, and she never will. She only needs me. And she needs this title, around her waist. And that’s exactly how it will stay after Cape Town. So you can spare me, and everyone else the hero speech.

People like me, who have actually rescued someone are qualified to talk about heroics. I’ve done what everyone else didn’t. And yet, here you are, trying to undo all the work I’ve done, and generally be a pest. And because of your persistence, you are getting a Bombshell’s title match, way before you deserve it. So, it made me wonder what you were about. Are you about saving Roxi? Are you are trying to win this title? I would wager that if this was all about Roxi, and not about you, you would have run down to that ring and stopped Roxi form winning the bombshell’s championship. But no, you hoped Roxi would win, so that you, you could take the title from her, leave her to her own life, and celebrate with the championship.

But it’s not going to happen Ms. Styles.

Roxi is going to swat you down like the fly you are, and prove to everyone, that the championship, isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. This championship, this title, means the world to us. For a long time, Roxi did not believe that she would ever hold it again. She was beginning to question herself, and her abilities. And then, I bring her back, I show her that she has no need to question herself, and that she’s just fine without the fans cheering, or trying to help every single person in the world with their problems. And low and behold, she wins the championship back, just as I said she would. And now, here you come, trying to take it away from her. Oh no, not today Ms. Styles. You will not take this title, the title we worked long and hard to have in our possession, not in Cape Town, not that night, not any night!

Roxi and I see through you’re selfishness Ms. Styles. We see what you’re trying to do. It’s not going to work. Roxi and I are a team. And I have full confidence that not only will she beat you, but she will obliterate you if given the opportunity. She already know the kind of tricks you pull, the kind of lies you feed her. It will not work. And Roxi might be mellowed out for a little while now, These two weeks will only serve to make her angry. It will make her focus. Because all the grief and misery you tried to cause us, will come back on you ten-fold. She will be given proper direction and motivation. She will be ready to defeat you.

And then, when you’re lying there, broken, beaten, It will be, by my hand, and my word, that Roxi finishes the job, and wipes you out of our hair forever.  I would say good luck to you Ms. Styles, but luck isn’t going to stop Roxi. Not after all you’ve done to her. You would be smart to simply walk away from this match, before your young SCW career, comes to a screeching halt. But I know the hero types like you, never going to give up, never going to back down. It some circles, it’s called bravery.

In this circle, it’s called stupidity.

You have no idea what you’re up against. But it will be made painfully clear to you in Cape Town.

You’ve been warned Ms. Styles.

<HR>

{It’s the next day, and Alexis is all smiles as she walks in the door, and greets Cyrus.}

Alexis – I hope things are well.

Cyrus – They could be better.

Alexis – Is she alright?

Cyrus – Something…is not right. I’m not sure exactly what it is, but, she could use some care.

Alexis – Oh no. I’ll make sure she’s okay.

Cyrus – Good. See to it she gets everything she needs.

Alexis – I will. Where is she?

Cyrus – She’s still asleep in the other room.

Alexis – I’ll makes sure everything is okay.

Cyrus – Do you have everything?

Alexis – Of course.

Cyrus – Good.

{Alexis seems hurried in her speech, which Cyrus picks up on.}

Alexis – What?

Cyrus – Is there anything wrong?

Alexis – I thought that’s what you called me in here for?

Cyrus – I meant with you.

Alexis – No…of course not. Why?

Cyrus – You seem…anxious.

Alexis – Right as rain Cy.

Cyrus – Are you sure?

Alexis – I’m just jet-lagged. Plus there was this guy in the terminal giving me crap about the stuff. And the plane took off later, the pilot couldn’t find his jacket and…

Cyrus – Okay, I get it. You’re a little stressed.

Alexis – Yeah. You have any wine around here?

Cyrus – Now, you know you cannot fall back into that habit.

Alexis – *sigh* you’re right. You saved me once before, I wouldn’t want to do that to do you again.

Cyrus – That’s my girl.

Alexis – I’ll go see if she’s awake.

Cyrus – I have some errands to run, make sure she doesn’t go anywhere. And no visitors.

Alexis – No problem.

{With that, Cyrus leaves, and Alexis walks into the other room, where Roxi is stirring from sleep.}

Alexis – Good, you’re awake.

Roxi – Hi.

Alexis – Listen…

{Alexis peeks back in through the doorway, as she sees Cyrus leave out of the door.}

Roxi – Are you okay?

Alexis – No. I’m not.

Roxi – What’s wrong? Is Cyrus in trouble?

Alexis – We all are.

Roxi – What are you talking about?

Alexis – She…she got to me.

Roxi – Who?

Alexis – Said she was coming for us all. You don’t understand the things she did to me!

{Alexis starts sobbing in Roxi’s arms.}

Roxi – Alexis, you have to calm down. Just tell me what’s going on. Did someone hurt you?

Alexis – She’s a monster! And she said she was coming for us!

Roxi – Who?

Alexis – Sin.

{Roxi pauses, and then hugs Alexis}

Roxi – Listen, everything will be okay. As soon as Cyrus gets back…

Alexis –No! You can’t! He can’t know I broke.

Roxi – What? That’s crazy!

Alexis – Please Roxi, you have to promise me! She did something to me…I can’t tell what she did. But she’s got some kind of control.

Roxi – You’re not making any sense.

Alexis – Roxi. Please. Help me.

Roxi – I can’t help you if I don’t know what you’re talking about. Sin isn’t here, and she’s not going to come here. She’s long gone.

{Alexis stands up.}

Alexis – You don’t believe me?

Roxi – Lex, what are you…

{Alexis turns around and pulls her shirt over her head, seemingly carved into her back is the word “soon”}


Roxi – No….

Alexis – Do you believe me now!?

Roxi – All the more reason to get Cyrus involved.

Alexis – She said to only tell you. That if Cyrus found out, that she’s come for me first.

Roxi – I’m sorry Alexis.

Alexis – You have to help me. I’m so scared!

Roxi – I….

Alexis – Please!

Roxi – I don’t want to keep anything from Cyrus. After all he done for us, this isn’t right.

Alexis – …I…got carved up like a fucking pumpkin! I need you to help me!

Roxi – Shhh! Okay.

Alexis – I saw the look in her eyes Roxi. I don’t think anything can help us.

Roxi – I… I’ll think of something. For now, just pretend like nothing happened. Let’s just…get on like this conversation never happened.

Alexis – Thank you.

{Alexis hugs Roxi tightly, burying her head in Roxi’s shoulder.}

Roxi – …Yeah…

We're so close, she can't ruin this now!

[Electra]

 I do so, in Remembrance of you!

::. WARNING: THIS ROLEPLAY CONTAINS MATURE SUBJECT MATTER, READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED .::

***

I would laugh except it wasn't funny. Nothing about this situation was but I wanted to laugh because I could see the glue letting go on the seems of Cyrus' hold on Roxi. I knew I was almost there. She only needed one more big push, perhaps off that proverbial cliff so she had no choice but to open her wings and fly.

I remember when I got pushed. That moment when something in me cracked and I refused to let him have any control over me. The moment I spread my wings the first time and then how every time after I only got better and stronger... Until finally... Finally I could keep flying. Fly away from the torment.

June 2007

The sound of the door softly closing always was like an indication that i could breath again.  It meant that he had left and I was free until he came again. It was never regular.  Sometimes I would go a week before he would visit but other times it would be nightly.  Whenever he was overstressed from work I was never alone.

I sat up in my bed. My room was still the bare white walls that had been there when Chrissy an I had moved in six years ago.  My desk was in the corner, books piled beside an ancient looking computer that wasn't really much better than a typewriter with how slow it went, but he hadn't been willing to buy us a brand new one.  Even though he had the money, He was always cheap when it came to us girls. I had always thought Chrissy and I were lucky that we had a step-father to take care of us after my mom died so tragically but it had been 2 years of the same torture. The same threats. I couldn't do this anymore.  I needed to find a way to get out.

The next morning I was thankful that he'd left before us girls.  My sister, Chrissy was only 10 months younger than me but in many ways she seemed years younger.  Born in the same calendar year, we were in the same grade and often we were mistaken as fraternal twins.  She sat eating her oatmeal, reading some gossip magazine while shovelling the homemade slop into her mouth.  We hated the housekeepers cooking but had learned to live with it over the years.  She looked up at me as I sat at the counter and gave me a look.

"What are you staring at?" she asked, annoyed that I was doing the 'big sister' thing again

"Nothing Christabel.  We gotta get going."

She stands, putting her dirty, empty bowl into the sink.  Then she notices that I've barely eaten from mine and shakes her head.

"Are you anorexic Lex?"

"What? No of course not!" I'm appalled that she would ask me that.

"Well all the signs are there you know... you barely eat most of the time but when you do it's like you shovel it in but yet you remain so skinny I'm jealous."

Chrissy wasn't what you would call supermodel thin.  She had been blessed with what I assumed was genetics from our father's side.  We never knew our father, a man who had run off with another woman after learning of my mom's surprise pregnancy with Chrissy.  My mother never even met his parents, their romance had been whirlwind but had never led to marriage so she always said our father was a free spirit and couldn't be tied down.  By that I always thought that she was trying to make it sound nice that both us girls were accidents.  It didn't change how she loved us though.

"I don't have an eating disorder.  I'm fine.  Let's go before we miss the bus."

I give her a playful shove and she rolls her eyes at me.  We manage to just catch the school bus.  As I get on I catch the eye of someone.  I turn to Chris to ask if she minded if I sat with him but she almost pushed me into the empty seat beside him. Ashley Justin Fischer was handsome. But only a select few knew that his first name was actually Ashley, he went by Justin mostly. My first boyfriend.  He leans in to kiss my cheek and I give him a smile but I know he suspects something is off.  I hadn't told anybody about my Step-father's late night visits.  Nobody knew.  I was too ashamed to tell anybody about it.

Justin's father was a famous Olympian Wrestler and ran a school out of their barn and basement.  Justin had been training since he was 12.

"What's wrong?" he immediately asks.

"I just didn't sleep well.  Hey listen, do you think you could show me a few of those wrestling moves of yours afterschool?"

He smirks raising an eyebrow at me, "Oh you mean that crazy wrestling stuff?"

"Yes."

He stares at me with a curious look for a few seconds, "Why do you suddenly want to learn about being a wrestler? I thought you 'hated gratuitous violence'?"

"I Still do...but a girl's gotta learn how to defend herself you know."

He chuckles, taking my hand and squeezing it. "I can show you some stuff.  Come to dinner tonight and then me and Jerry can show you some stuff."

Jerry, or Jeremy Fischer was the oldest Fischer sibling. Nearly 14 years older than Justin, and 18 years older than the youngest, Kahlan.  A girl that hated me the moment I walked in the door.

October 2000

I heard his footsteps before the door opened, but I was waiting for him.  I wasn't going to let it happen this time.  He opened the door, walking in with bare feet, his robe rubbing against the door, a noise that in the quiet seemed so loud, at least to me, being as terrified as I always had been, it had always been the signal of what was about to happen, this time it was a noise I knew I'd never have to hear again.

He walks over to the bed and stops when he sees me sitting on it, fully clothed in the dark.  I reach over and flick on the light beside the bed and an orange glow fills part of the room.  It shows him, his dark hair still neatly parted but he wasn't wearing the large glasses that he wore during the day when he pretended to be a caring surrogate father.  His brown eyes went large seeing me in the tight black spandex pants and sports bra.  My wrestling gear.  something I had only just purchased a couple days ago in anticipation.  His robe, which he had slightly open left nothing to the imagination, not that I needed to imagine.  He quickly tightened the belt but then that nasty scowl crossed his face and then a smirk.

"What's this Lexi?  You know what will happen if you fight me..."

"I'll win." I reply as I stand.  He's quick to round the bed and grab me by my hair, wrenching my face back so he can look directly into my eyes, something he did often if I had fought him.  

"How do you think a weak little doll like yourself is going to win against me eh?"   he pulls a little harder and the pain shoots through my scalp.  Good. I wanted him to think he had all the advantage and then, I spit in his face.  He lets go of me to wipe the spittle from his eyes and I knee him in the balls.  He drops down to his knees, with no air in his lungs he lets out a little whine of pain.  Then it was if I went into auto pilot.  I think I even blacked out because when it was over, I was panting with the effort.  I was looking at myself in a bathroom mirror and when I looked down my hands were covered in blood.  Some of it was my own, from cuts on my knuckles but the rest wasn't mine. Washing it off I go back to my room and I stop short.  there on the floor was my step-father and he was breathing shallowly...but there was a dark stain under his head.  his face was littered with cuts but the worse was that he had fallen against my desk chair it seemed and there was a large gash across his forehead, which had been the cause of the major bleed.  Thinking fast I change out of the gear and stow it away into my closet, pulling on a nightdress I then cross the distance and crouch down.  He's barely conscious but he looks up at me with watery brown eyes.

"Listen to me and listen closely.  I am going to call 911 and tell them that you were assaulted by a burglar.  You ran into my room to protect me and that's when he beat you.  If you so much as mention that it was me...well I have a little something to use.  You see for the last few nights I've been setting up a video camera. I have everything on tape.  Imagine what your investors and country club friends will think when they learn that you have been raping your step-daughter for the better part of 2 years?"

He gives me a head nod before whispering, "I can't feel my legs..."

I look over him.  His rope has lifted and i can see his back is twisted at an odd angle. It was probably broken. 'crouching back down I look at him. "It will heal. God knows you have enough doctor friends and money that you can pay for the best surgeons if need be. The other thing I want from you is an account for both Chrissy and I.  A couple thousand each.  We are leaving in the next couple weeks. I am not going to wait until you are all healed up and you make good on your promise to do to my sister what you have been doing to me.  I am done being your victim."

I stand, straighten out my dress and then immediately start to scream as I pick up a paperweight from the desk and throw it through the window, creating a loud crash.  Loud enough to wake the entire house.  I then push the window up part way so it looks like someone has just escaped.  I catch his eye one last time before my sister dressed in her pyjamas runs into the room, her hair tussled by deep sleep.  Not far behind her is one of the maids, in a robe, her hair done up in curlers.

I keep the terrified look on my face while I explain what happened.

***

I remember later that I reminded him of our arrangement in the hospital.  Days later Chrissy and I were staying with the Fischers until I turned 18 and took official custody of Chrissy and we found a small apartment.  I started training more and eventually got my job with the boxing club.  I took care of Chrissy for a few years before she met her husband.

I never did tell Justin.  I never told Ryan.  The first person I ever told besides Chrissy, later in our lives, was Drake.  I remember his eyes the moment I told him.  He wanted to kill him and the old me probably would have let him fly out to Toronto and take the make out finally...but my words about how he was permanently crippled had stopped him for only a minute....

June 2012

I had just woken up after being in a match against a woman named Laura Travares and Drake, still struggling with his voices had attacked me by accident. I had to tell him, I'd been going back and forth with the decision for so long.

“No.”  I clear my throat. “I think I should tell you about…about my step-father…”

He stands up and turns away from me. “You don’t have to tell me Lexi.  I don’t know what happened but I read Twitter.  I know it was something bad…”

“No, Drake.  I trust you.  I have never trusted anybody but my sister with this.  I was reluctant to tell you only because I thought it would just push you further over the edge.  You don’t want to tell me anymore about AWA…fine.  It doesn’t matter but just know that whatever it is that you know who knows, I’m going to find out anyway.  He is going to tell the world in 3 weeks whether you like it or not.”

He’s silent.

“Despite what Justin thought, I wasn’t going to break up with you.  I was upset and I shouldn’t have ended our conversation like that before going out to my match.  I felt like you couldn’t trust me.  Maybe in time you will but it’s not important.  I don’t care what you did in your past.”

He still hasn’t turned around.

“When I was 10, my mom married this asshole named Daniel Coulson.  Came from a big family with money.  Married my mother because she was young and pretty and he could manipulate her into doing anything he wanted, but she had a stubborn streak and she always wanted to do things that tested the limit of human abilities.  Sky Diving, bungee jumping, learning to fly…. We never thought it would be the learning to fly that would get her killed.  The crash… it wasn’t her fault.  The plane was improperly maintenanced and the engine died or something.  I don’t remember the exact details.  Anyway, since my Father was MIA and we had no other relatives, we were left in the Guardianship of Daniel.  At first, he was just indifferent.  You know, treating us like some awful relatives that were an inconvenience.  He never bought us anything new, it was always hand me downs and donations.  Said that we weren’t his kids therefore we didn’t deserve anything from him. But kept up appearances to his friends about how he was taking care of these poor orphans. Most of the time he wasn’t even home, we were raised by this very nice maid named Azalea.  She was from Spain. But her cooking was awful...”

“You can stop Lexi….” He says it but his voice is low and I can tell he’s preparing himself for what I’m about to say next.

“It really started when I was about 13.  I was kind of clumsy you know, seeing as how I was tall with these awkward long limps and I came into the house one day and accidently knocked over some vase that was worth a lot of money.  He happened to be home and he yelled at me for what seemed like hours and then, he slapped me.  I was scared of him and I guess he liked the feeling so for the next 2 years he continued to find reasons to hit me or punish me.  He’d do it to Chrissy too but not as much as me.  I guess because I looked more like my mother and he was always upset that she’d left him like she had.”

I take a deep breath because the next part was the worse part.  The part that I knew might just push him.

“When I was 15 I met Justin.  It’s no secret that we started dating.  I could tell he loved me and I helped him.  We helped each other.  He invited me over to his house a lot and I got away from the abuse for a long time.  I even considered telling Justin about what he was doing but I was still afraid of Daniel and I was afraid of what he might do to Chrissy.  She wasn’t as strong as I was.  One night I came in late, Justin and I had gone to a movie and Jeremy, his brother, had driven me home.  He’d stayed up waiting.  Started off accusing me of being a whore and that I was just like my mother.  He’d slapped me around and then before I know it, he’s got me pinned and that was it.  Things like that continued on for another year or so.  He’d come into my room at night and tell me that if I made any noise he’d kill Chrissy.  But He never did anything like that to Chrissy, only me. And for a while, I didn’t even tell her.   I started to go to the youth counselling group more and more and I took the classes to become a counsellor.  I learned that I didn’t have to be a victim anymore. Finally when I was 17  I started self defence.  I started Judo.  I started training with Mr. Fischer.  I was going to get even with him.”

I can see that his fists are clenched now, but he still hasn’t turned to face me.

“I had two ways that I could get him.  I could use my new skills to beat the shit out of him or I could find a way to blackmail him and his precious reputation.  I didn’t know I’d end up doing both.   I set up a camera in my room.  Left a side light on so that the picture would be clear enough and I filmed the bastard.  I filmed him doing that to me and then after I beat him to a bloody pulp….I told him what I did.  I destroyed him.  I beat him so bad that it left a stain on my bedroom carpet.  I made it so that he could never have children of his own.  I made it so that he had to go the hospital for surgery for internal bleeding.   When I saw him in the hospital, I reminded him to lie.  I told him to tell the cops that he was attacked by a burglar and that if he ever touched me or Chrissy again I would release that tape and he would lose everything.”

I took a few deep breaths to release the anger inside of me.  I’d never felt the kind of anger I felt that night since and I didn’t want to.  It was scary.  It was like I blacked out.  Yes, I had a monster inside me too.

“Drake…say something….” I finally let out.  His fists are still clenched, but he turns.

“Why didn’t you tell Rage?”

“There wasn’t any point.  By the time I met him, Daniel was long gone from my life and I’d forgotten it.  I wasn’t holding on to those memories anymore because I had found something else.”

“What about Justin?”

“Are you kidding?  Justin would have ended up in Jail for what he would have done to him.  It would have been way worse than what I did.”

“You didn’t have to tell me this….”

“I know.  I didn’t tell you because I wanted you to feel obligated to tell me about your past.  I did it because in all my life, you are the first man I’ve been with that I’ve felt more than just sexual attraction.  I was young and stupid when I married Ryan.  I mistook that fire we had as love.  Like I said, I’ll always have that piece of me that will love him but it’s not the same kind I feel for you.  See the other thing that Daniel took from me was the ability to have children.  I’m so damaged that when we tried to get pregnant…Ryan and Me, the doctors told us it would be a miracle.  And it was….a whole bottle of tequila and a round of strip poker.” I laughed at the memory.  It had actually been fun and I was glad for that. “I guess Ryan never understood why I couldn’t give him children and it was part of the reason why our marriage fell apart, because I never told him about what happened to me, he couldn’t know.”

“I’m sorry.”  He was still just standing there, looking lost and a mix between angry and tortured.

“Why?  You didn’t do those things to me.  That asshole that has to spend his life in a wheelchair now, did.”

He looked up at me with surprise. “You put him in a wheelchair….”

“I’m not proud of it.  He had spine damage.  He can walk a little but mostly, he just uses one of those motorized scooters.”

“Lexi….”

“That’s why I said to Hacker that if he knew what I had done to Daniel, he’d think I should be in Jail.”

“He was a child molester.  He deserved it.”

“Despite what he did to me and Chrissy, no one deserves the kind of beating I did to him.  I could have just used the tape and been done with it but I snapped.  I’d had enough.  I did the first thing they teach you not to do in martial arts.  I used my training in anger.”

My headache was starting to fade now but I still felt a little light headed.  I think staying in this bed today was probably a good plan.  I patted the bed beside me and he came over slowly and sat beside me.  I put my head on his shoulder.

“It’s okay you know.  I know you didn’t kick me on purpose….sometimes when we’re so caught up in a moment we can’t see everything around us.  I’ll recover pretty quickly.”

He put an arm around my back and pulled me in tight to his side. “I promise that I won’t do anything like that again.  I’d never hurt you Lexi.”

“I know you wouldn’t.  That’s why I’m still here.  When your ready baby, you can tell me whatever you want.  And no matter what information is released at caged aggression, I will still be here.  I’m no angel either.”

“You’re my Angel.” He whispered into my ear.

I didn’t know if I believed that.  

***

Later I had told Aidan about what had happened, and much like Drake it had taken everything in him not to kill the man. I shake the memory away as I look out from the balcony of my cape town hotel.  That was before he became like he was now.  Before I'd gotten back together with Ryan. Before I'd been called to Daniel's bedside as he lay dying.

October 2012

The Nurse pointed to the room and I thanked her. With a false strength in my step I started toward the room, Caine and Chrissy followed closely behind. My hand went to the door handle and I took a deep breath and paused, closing my eyes momentarily. Caine put a hand on my shoulder and I knew he was going to ask if I was okay... so before he could ask I pushed the door open with what I hoped was the determination I needed to tell Daniel that he had no more control over my life.

The room felt too sterile. the man I had come to intimately know, not that I had wanted to, looked small and frail on the small bed. The only one in a big room. I was sure the private room was not being covered by OHIP. There was a nurse jotting something down on a clipboard and shaking her head. She had a disgusted look on her face when she noticed the visitors, it changed to a tight smile instead.

"You must be the daughters...."

"STEP-daughters." Chrissy replied with venom in her voice

The nurse gives a slight grimace, "Right... well..."

The nurse shook her head again and left the room and I looked at her a little confused as to why she looked so upset when the man’s head suddenly turned and looked at the group with watery brown eyes. I faltered a little. I really had been hoping he’d be out of it. His mouth was blocked by the large breathing tube and I was instantly reminded of only days ago when I’d seen something similar in Caine’s mouth. He lifted his arm weakly, pointing to a table where a wooden board was sitting, with bright coloured fridge magnet letters and several pieces of chalk. With a sigh, I crossed the distance and picked it up. The man took it from my hands and then pointed to an empty chair beside the bed.

"I prefer to stand thank you." I crossed my arms across my breasts, already larger with my pregnancy. Caine wasted no time in walking to my side, narrowing his eyes and sneering slightly at the man in the bed. Daniel’s eyes went a little wider in shock or surprise, she wasn’t sure. Daniel started to use the letters to spell out what he wanted to say.

HI ELEXTRA

I nodded at him, trying to have patience even if he didn’t deserve it.

GLD U CAM

I shook my head, "You know very well why I came Daniel and it wasn’t to exchange small talk."

He moves the letters slowly until finally flipping it to show me,

NO U CAM TO KILL ME

I caught Chrissy clenching her fists but still remained on the farther side of the room.

CANT BLAM U I WOUD KILL ME 2

I rolled her eyes. I remembered that after he’d had his way with me, sometimes he’d cry. Sometimes he’d beg me to forgive him, that it hadn’t been his fault...it was because he missed my mother, that it wasn’t his fault, it was her fault for leaving, for being so reckless.  Then he would leave me and act like none of it had ever happened. For the first little while, I’d believed him... thinking that one day he wouldn’t need to treat me like this... I’d been wrong....

"This isn’t about revenge Daniel. I already had my revenge on you, this is about making sure that you can’t steal something from someone else. There are a lot of sick people that could easily make better use of the equipment and the room. I was told that you had no chance of getting better."

The breathing machine wheezes as he takes a breath of labour as he once again re-arranged the letters;

NO NO CHANCE CANT BREATH ANYMOR

He moved the letters again after that.

ALONE NO BELLE NO MAN

Instantly Aidan seemed to tense up as Chrissy put a hand to her mouth and tears started in the corner of her eyes.

"You have no right to call me that! Only my mother could call me that...."

The tears started to stream down her cheeks. I rarely saw Chrissy get upset to this degree, the use of our mother’s nickname for her by a man as horrible as Daniel seemed to really bother her.

SORRY

Chrissy, enraged started to dive toward the bed. Caine was quick to react, grabbing the woman in his arms before she could get close. Chrissy stopped and started to sob into Aidan’s shirt. She fought his grip although weakly as she screamed at the man in the bed, "Sorry? Sorry!?! That’s all you can fucking say...."

I started to move toward the two but I felt a hand on her knee. Daniel shook his head, insistent that we talk alone.

"Adian, take her out to Terry. I’ll be fine." He gave me a look of doubt but also offered me a tight smile before putting an arm around Chrissy and leaving the room. I turned back to Daniel. He was already beginning to use the board again.

I DESRVED TO DIE B4

"I don’t agree with you. In fact I don’t think you deserved to get beat up as badly as I did to you."

WRONG I WAS 2

"Well that’s obvious."

I WAS CRUEL EVEN B4

I knew what he meant. he was talking about how he would always put me down for being so tall, awkward and clumsy. The physical abuse had started with the vase. An expensive priceless vase that a maid had moved to clean and not yet had the chance to put back. Not watching where I was going, I had managed to bump into it, causing it to smash onto the hardwood floor into a million unrecognizable pieces. I’d been devastated. Up until that time, Daniel had hardly talked to either me or Chrissy. Gave us the bare minimum of what we needed in regards to clothing, bedding and toys. He also had always been distant and it was rare to actually see him in person. usually the we were taken care of by the main housekeeper Mrs. Azalea Rothberg, who also wasn’t a motherly figure in any one’s eyes, her cooking sucked and although nice in her own way, she didn't fill that role we both had needed so desperately.

He’d come out of his office, looked at the mess and realized which vase it was. He’d screamed profanities at me. Telling me that I was useless just like my mother. I’d gotten a slap across the face too. I tried many times to say, among the tears, that I was sorry and that I didn’t mean to. There had also been on moment, after he’d slapped me that he’d looked at my face and there seemed to be recognition there... like he was seeing me for the first time even though I’d been in his house for nearly 6 years. It had been that night when he’d first started coming into my room at night, telling me that if I made any noise or told anyone, he would hurt Chrissy too. It was only touching.  It wasn't until that night I'd returned home with Justin late that he'd finally gone through with it completely.

I looked back at the dying man after pushing the memory back into the recesses of my mind, "Yes, you were"

ANGRY AT ROSE

There it was again, his supposed reason for abusing me. That it was because I looked almost identical to my mother...but part of me often wondered if it wouldn’t have happened anyway, even if my mother had been alive. Of course it wouldn’t have continued as long as it had because Rose had always had a knack for knowing when something was up with her children.

"Still using that old excuse. Fine. You can justify what you did to me anyway you want. Here’s what you need to know. I survived. You beat me and abused me so bad that I have trouble having children now. I’ve been blessed through you know. I have a son, he’s 3 and that man you saw in here, he’s my boyfriend and on top of all that I’m pregnant."

GOOD U DESRVE TO BE HAPPY

"For the most part I am happy. I think I’m finally getting to a point where I can come to terms with what you did to me. I will move on enough that your actions don’t haunt me every single day and night. I’m also thankful that even though you raped me relentlessly, I don’t have issues with men...because I know they aren’t like you."

PIC OF SON?

I clenched my fists. Part of me wanted to show him a pic of Matty. To prove that although he had made my life dark and miserable for so long, Matthew had been my ray of sunshine through the rain. I shook my head, "No. You don’t deserve to see a picture of him."

STRONG CUZ OF ME

I laughed. "You think that the reason I’m strong is because of what you did to me? And your proud of that? I was starting to think that maybe you’d changed...seen the error of what you did but it’s obvious that you haven’t changed. You want to take credit for things that you have no business taking credit for. Tell me one thing Daniel, was I the only one... was I the only girl you did that too? I know you were married before but not for long...did you hurt your ex wife like that too?"

Daniel averted my gaze, which in my eyes was an admission of guilt. So it was that he was using my mother as an excuse. it wouldn’t have mattered if she had died or not, he probably still would have tried to hurt me and that made me angry. I felt it bubbling up in my stomach like it had 12 years ago. For some reason the only way the anger would be satiated would be if I saw his blood saturating the pillow behind his head. I clenched my fists, digging my nails into my palms so hard that it didn’t take long until I felt the greasy wetness under the pads of my fingers.

"I’m starting to think the only reason you married my mother was because she had two young daughters. You were planning it all along, how you would marry her... take advantage and then when you thought she wasn’t looking you’d move in on her daughters. You're a sick man Daniel"

TIRED

I was shaking my head with an ironic smile on my face, "I know you have limited use of words here but let me let tell you something else, I didn’t come here to hear you say that you were sorry. I didn’t come just to sign the papers either. I came here because I wanted to have one last chance to look you in your eyes and tell you what a goddamn bastard you were. I also wanted to tell you that you didn’t beat me in the true sense of the word. You may have taken my body as your own personal toy but you didn’t have my soul or my heart. I’m not going to continue to let you have control of me anymore."

I took a deep breath and then leaned into the man so that she was close to his ear.

"Adian is 4 million times the man you are, in and out of bed. I hope you rot in hell."

I stood up, Daniel watching my eyes the entire time. "You should feel blessed to have the option to go peacefully because if it were up to me I think maybe I would do what Chrissy wanted to do and that was just unplug you from everything and watch you gasp for air, or maybe I’d even put my own hands around your neck."

I stopped, suddenly realizing that I was going someplace I had promised myself I wouldn't go. It wouldn’t help me feel better... it wouldn’t help with closure. What I had come to do I had. I’d told him that he wasn’t going to be a major part of my life anymore and when I returned to Vegas, I was going to see Dr. Auttenberg, the therapist. But I wasn't’ going to tell Daniel I was seeing a doctor.

"Goodbye Daniel."

I turned with a sigh and walked right out of the room without looking at him again. Caine stopped mid pace and gave me an uncertain smile, wondering what my vacant unreadable expression meant. He walked over slowly, cautiously, pulling me into his arms. I let him but didn’t return the hug. Not that I didn’t want to return the affection but I knew that if I did, I’d end up bursting into tears and Daniel didn't deserve any more of my tears. Ever. I tilted my head upwards, kissing his cheek before moving out his arms and walking to the nurses station. Without a falter or hesitation I spoke:

"I’m ready for those papers now."

The nurse from earlier looked up at me and something new was in her eyes, it almost seemed like relief. She handed Lexi a clipboard.

"If you just read this paragraph here it explains the procedure we go through and what Mr. Coulson will experience when we slowly take him off the respirator and the other machines. We will sedate him..."

Hardly listening to her I flipped the page and scrawled my signature to it and handed it back to the nurse, cutting her off. The nurse furrowed her brow at my words. "I really don’t want to know. He’s sick, he won’t get better. At this point, as cruel as it sounds, I don’t care if he’s in pain or not. We aren’t close, I just happen to be his only relative. I can see by the look in your eyes Nurse..." I looked down at the name tag on her pocket. "Deanne... that he’s probably tried to do things to you even in his weakened state, hence the look I received when we walked in there."

The nurse didn’t comment. Her professionalism was obvious but I already knew.

She clears her throat before asking, " Funeral arrangements...."

"His lawyer will take care of it."

"Right, Mr. Rogers."

She gave another disgusted look and she leaned closer to me, looking beside her to make sure the other nurse wasn’t listening "He’s not really any better. He’s made some comments to me and the other women that work on this floor. I’ll be glad to not have to pretend to be nice to him anymore."

Caine overheard the nurses words and strides toward the desk to stand beside me, not saying anything but listening. "You and me both. thank you anyway nurse... for everything you’ve done."

She nodded and I turned and started to walk toward the exit, not missing a beat or stopping. I heard Caine tell Chrissy and Terry to take their time since they’d come in their own vehicle and ran after me  as I kept walking until I came to an empty chair, far enough away from the rest of me family that no one would hear my sobs.

***

Part of me shuddered at my memories of Adian in all of that.  A man that had been so bad in the end that they had started to censor his name from all future productions like a swear word. But at that time, I did truly love him, I did truly believe that my baby was his.  Thank god she wasn't.  The fact that something insignificant as asking Justin to protect me while he was in the hospital had forced him into Kahlan's bed just always confused me and even when I gave him the chance to explore his feelings he still betrayed me.

I had told Ryan everything after we'd gotten back together.  I hated keeping everything inside and that was the final step to my getting over it but Daniel's life being taken off the life support had been my real closure.  That and the 3.5 million dollars he left me and my sister.  It seems like  a lot of money but after lawyer fees, creating trust accounts for Matthew, Alyson and Sofia. Buying some Baby things... well there wasn't much left for anything else. I'd made sure that each of our kids, mine and my niece, would be very well off when they turned 18...not that I wanted them to be trust fund babies but I knew that if anything happened to me, to Ryan or to Chrissy and Terry... those kids would never have to worry about a thing.

Even though he was dead, dead almost 2 years, I still felt the pain of what he did to me.  How it affected the type of person I was.  Even though I was well loved and respected for my wanting to help everyone selflessly, I had to wonder if my mother had survived...what kind of person I would be. Would I still be that girl that rushed out into a busy street to save a stranger?  The girl that joined a company and immediately saw someone in trouble and risked herself to save her?

Despite what Cyrus said, I wasn't doing this for a title shot.  Of course I said from the getgo that I wanted to win the bombshell title but I never expected or demanded to get that shot only a month in.  

Cyrus is so caught up in his own lies that he tries to deflect by making everything think that I'm just some title hungry woman.  that I'm only doing it because I think I can beat Roxi and take the title.  News Flash... I was going to do this match regardless of a title on the line.  I'd even agree to it being a non stipulation match if they asked.  The title is  a non issue here.  My concern is and always was with helping Roxi to see the light.

Here's the thing I've learned about liars.  Liars cannot stick to one story.  It always changes even slightly.  I've been around enough of them in my life to have been able to pick up on this.  My story has never changed, never faulted.  My convictions have always been true.  My story is only half way written.  That was the part of my life that made me who I am now.  Made me want to save other women from the same thing I went through.  It's taken me years upon years to come to grips with those feelings of hatred.  For awhile, I was even taking out those feelings in a wrestling ring and it cost me.

I look out at another sunset and once again I am missing my family.  Who would have known that I'd end up back with Ryan.  I guess it's true what they say, true soul mates will always find a way.  

***

Cyrus... isn't it sad that in this I have to address you. That Roxi can't even speak for herself without fear of you striking her for saying something wrong.  You seem to think you've helped her? Helped her do what exactly?  She isn't better with you hitting her, putting her down for being independent.  When I took Roxi home she came willingly. I didn't force her. I never touched her except to offer a supportive hug.  If she had walked out of my house I would have opened the gates for her. I never stopped her from anything.  The fact that I sent my kids away was for protection.  The state of mind that Roxi is in... I wasn't willing to put my young kids at risk, I mean look at how easily she turned on both of us Cyrus.

You claim the same, that you aren't keep her against her will, that if she left you'd let her but yet when she was away from you for those few days you freaked out.  You would stop at nothing to get her back even threatening me on Twitter. I did exactly what I said I would. I brought her with me to Climax Control.

Yes she turned on me.  I survived just fine.  Just like I will survive at Chaos.  Win or lose, Roxi is not going to break me and further more neither will you Cyrus.  I have dealt with a selfish little man before.  In the end he ended up in a wheelchair at my actions.  Don't take that the wrong way Cyrus, that isn't a threat on your life, it's a promise that you are not without guilt or blame and you will pay for what you are doing.  You say I don't understand what you're doing?  Oh I understand... unfortunately all too well.

I don't believe that any man or woman for that matter should have that kinda control over anybody.  Roxi was fine on her own.  The type of support she needed she could have gotten from any number of people that would not have tried to fill her head with lies.

You want to question my motives, go ahead. You won't find any holes, no matter how many times you try to poke the fabric of my morality with your laughable accusations of wanting glory.  Honey, I don't need to pick on poor brainwashed women to get that.  I don't even need to attack you to get that.  

Did I know Roxi would win that title?  No.  How could I have known that, are you giving me credit for being some kind of psychic? if so ok... but no I don't possess any over worldly talents that let me predict the future.  I haven't done anything to try and get ahead of other bombshells that are far closer to contention for a title than me.  In fact I apologised to Brandi who obviously should not be refereeing this match but a part of it.  

I am not and I repeat, no doing this because I wanted to take the title of Roxi and I'm don't doing it because I think she's weak.  Look back in my history if you must and you will find that I have never been that kind of person except maybe when I first started out in a ring...but I am not that woman anymore an I haven't been for a number of years

I appreciate that you are grasping at any straws you can to try and make Roxi hate me...because that's what manipulators do.  First they use guilt, then they twist it around so that the person they are manipulating will feel guilty for thinking any thoughts against them.

Any person that thinks that physical abuse of a someone is the best way to get them to bend to your will is sick.  You use the really old tired adage of any abuser. "I'm sorry I had to do this but it was the only way you'd learn"  Any apology followed up with a 'but' is not really an apology...it's just another tool to try and keep that person chained up.

Now Roxi, I know you're in there somewhere.  The real Roxi, not this shell of a woman that parades around and claims to be a new and improved Roxi.  The real Roxi wouldn't stand for this from anybody else....I don't know what happened girl.  I only wish I'd been here sooner.  Yes it's true before all of this we barely knew each other.  Our only connection really was Kahlan and even than that's stretching it.  Cyrus has you believing that I'm doing this for my own personal reasons and part of that is true.  You wanna know my personal reasons?  I was in the same place you are right now.  I crawled into a safe place in my mind and stayed there. I thought for the longest time that it was better to just play dead and let it happen because I had no other choice.  If I rebelled then people I loved would be hurt.  that I would be hurt more...then one day I finally snapped.  I'd had enough of being someone else's doll to string up and make dance....I'm waiting for that moment from you because I can only do so much for you, the rest has to come from within yourself.  Don't give up Roxi.  And I will tell you this and it comes from the bottom of my heart. I will even go on a polygraph if that's what you want, if I win that title from you in cape town, I'm not going anywhere.  I am still going to stand here until I'm blue in the face telling you that I will not abandon you.

I will not leave you to be feasted on by the wolves.  Must I remind you that inside that sadistic word who calls herself Sin is the woman who loves you, has always loved you and she depends on you but not because she's selfish like Cyrus would have you believe, no that's a matter of that she knows you are strong.  You are strong enough to keep her from falling apart.  When you are in a relationship with someone... you have to take care of each other.  I know that if you came back to us Roxi, be the strong independent woman everyone knows and loves, Keira wouldn't be far behind.  Cyrus can laugh all this off as fake and insincere all he wants but what evidence does he have Roxi.  Of all the times you've seen my promos.  All the years you've probably watched me fight other people, when have I ever not done something I said I would do? When have I ever backstabbed anybody. If anything I was the one being backstabbed.  I was used by Justin, by Drake, by Rage, by Aidan and even more so by Kahlan...but all that... it hasn't made me bitter it's only made me stand stronger than ever....that's what you need to do.  You need to take this whole thing and use it to only build yourself up from those ashes and rise again.  I know that when this is finally over and Cyrus is in jail where he belongs... you won't be the same woman you were before.  That would be impossible.  But I know that this new you, you can go one of two ways.  

You can choose to be stronger for it.  Take this experience and use it to build up your walls of defence and be a better person.  Of you can wallow in it.  Use it as an excuse to be forever a victim.  You aren't a victim Roxi, despite how you act now.  You are not submissive.  You deserve better than this, I agree with Cyrus there but what you don't deserve is to have your mind broken apart into tiny pieces by some little man that obviously could never make it a wrestling ring himself and has to live out his fantasies through you.  Don't let him do this to you.

I don't know what else to say right now Roxi.  I've talked this till I'm blue in the face.  Our talks at my house... I thought I'd gotten through to you.. in fact I KNOW I got through to you and it's why you are starting to doubt Cyrus' motives.  Starting to see the way things should be and seeing the flaws in the way he does things.

Yes this is personal against Cyrus but not for the reasons he thinks.  He thinks this is about the Fucking bombshell title.  His little mind can't comprehend that someone actually wants to help something without some kind of prize or reward.  I don't want anything for myself Roxi.

I'm not going to lie and say that I don't want that title.  I do.  Very much.  I never expected to be in a title run this soon in my career in SCW.  I've said this from day one.  And I will kick your ass all over that ring but it's not because I want to control you like Cyrus does.  It's business...but maybe, just maybe it will knock some much  needed sense into you.  That seeing me holding up that title will finally make you see that Cyrus only motive is to help one person and that's himself.  Once again I don't completely understand what he's after exactly.  I don't understand those that abuse for pleasure because I am not that kind of person...

Make your own judgements, make your own assumptions and don't base them on anything either of us says to you, make them on your own research.  Base them on what you see with your own eyes and not what he tells you to see.  Stop reaching beyond see for some hidden agenda.  He tries to cover up the fact that he has his own hidden agenda by deflecting to others.  To take the heat off him.  He knows Roxi.

He knows that you're breaking his walls.  You are starting to see the sunlight in your prison.  Only you can really get out of his control but I will be there. I will be there on the other side and I will walk, I will run and I will hide you if that's what you need because one thing I've learned is that you can't always just rely on yourself.  You need to have others you can trust in your life and if you can't trust anyone else in your life you can trust me.

And that's the truth.

I was abused for 2 years Roxi.  Both physically and Mentally.  I know what it feels like to feel like there is no exit.  No way out...but I found it. When I thought I would never be free I found a way and I did it myself.  You are not alone anymore.

I don't know what else to say to you that won't risk me repeating myself.  You have my number. You know my twitter handle in fact you know the hotel I'm staying at since it's the same one as you.  I will be here waiting.

***

I turn away from the sunset as a knock on my door disturbs my thoughts.  Coming through the screen door I walk to ward the main entrance of my suite only to be confronted with a rather annoyed looking Keira.  She looks at me with a pure anger in her eyes... sorry I was mistaken. It's not Keira at all, it's Still Sin beneath those brown depths.

"You wanna tell me what the hell you are going to do?  You told me to be patient. That everything was going to work out but yet here we are, two weeks later and still Roxi is with that Freakshow!"

I give her a smile and open the door wider, letting her enter my room.  She stomps across the laminate floor and drops into one of the chairs.  She immediately puts her feet up on the coffee table and crosses her hands across her chest.  With a smirk I walk over and sit across from her.

"I never told you when she'd be free Keira.  I only said that it would happen. Things take time.  This isn't just a simple case of rescuing a kidnapped victim.  Roxi has a pure case of Stockholm Syndrome and she's not going to leave Cyrus easily."

"But when we were at your place.... and don't call me Keira..."

I hold up my hands, "My apologises, Sin... Roxi seemed to have a breakthrough at my house yes but I never expected that would be all it took to bring her back to us.  Please, as I said, you need to be patient. Threatening Roxi, Cyrus and his girlfriend is not going to help anything but make her even more distrustful of you."

She gives a grunt as I look up at the camera.  I stand and walk over, putting a hand over the lens as the scene fades out.

[Roxi Johnson]

 ***Warning*** This following contains graphic violence that is in no way endorsed or condoned by the author.


{Picking up from last time, Alexis lays on the hotel bed on her stomach, with the word “Soon” having been carved into her back. Roxi has grabbed some alcohol and is dabbing her bare back, trying to clean the wound.}

Alexis – Ahh! Dammit that stings.

Roxi – I’m sorry. I’m trying my best. I don’t want this to get infected.

Alexis – I know, just - ahh! Just take it easy.

Roxi – You’re going to need to go to a hospital to get his healed correctly.

Alexis – I had…ahh! I had to get here to ahh! Tell you.

Roxi – I understand. But this is pretty severe.

Alexis – As long as Cyrus doesn’t find out, we’ll be okay.

Roxi – I’m not so sure about that. Did Sin tell you when she was…coming?

Alexis – No. She ahh! She said something about being tired of waiting. Do you know anything about that?

Roxi – …

Alexis – Do you?

Roxi – No. She’s crazy. She’s been getting stronger with each passing day. I would venture to guess she’s already here.

{Alexis’ eyes widen and dart around the room}

Alexis – Where?

Roxi – I meant in the country.

Alexis – She’s going to show up and she’ll kill us all. I saw her eyes, Roxi. There’s nothing there.

Roxi – It’s going to be alright. I’ll think of something.

Alexis – I don’t want to die.

Roxi – I still think we should tell Cyrus, maybe he can get us out of here quicker.

Alexis – No! You can’t!

Roxi – I know, but…

Alexis – No, you have to keep him out of this!

Roxi – I’ll try.

{The door in the next room is opened, and we can hear Cyrus has returned.}

Alexis – Dammit, he’s back!

Roxi – Just…put the blanket over you. Pretend to be asleep.

Alexis – Okay.
{Cyrus enters the room, and sees Roxi stroking Alexis on the bed.}

Cyrus – Is she alright?

Roxi – Just tired. Probably jetlag.

Cyrus – *sigh* She’s not used to traveling.

Roxi – She’ll be okay.

Cyrus – And what about you? Are you alright?

Roxi – Yes. Of course, now that your back, I feel much better.

Cyrus – Thank you my dear. But I need you to be serious here.

Roxi – I was being serious. I didn’t feel as safe as I do now.

Cyrus – Flattery. I do enjoy it.

Roxi – I think we should leave. Let her get some rest.

{Roxi gets up and she leads Cyrus out of the room.}

Cyrus – Well, things are –

{Cyrus is interrupted by a notification on his phone.}

Roxi – What’s that?

Cyrus – Your twitter account.

Roxi – What happened?

{Cyrus checks the message.}

Cyrus – Ugh. It’s Sin.

{Roxi’s eyes widen for a moment, but she regains her composure.}

Roxi – What’s it about?

Cyrus – Something about ruining my things. Whatever. Gah! She’s such a pest.

Roxi – Ignore her. She can’t hurt us.

Cyrus – I’m tired of her. Once you finish with Electra, we’re going back, to eliminate her for good.

Roxi – Don’t let it distract you.

Cyrus – I’m not, I’m just letting her know we’re coming for her.

Roxi – I’ll gladly handle her later. But let’s not let her get to us.

{Another notification. Cyrus reads it to himself.}

Cyrus – “I hope you love what I left for you.”

Roxi – What?

Cyrus – I KNEW something was off! What happened?

Roxi – Nothing, it’s just us!

Cyrus – She’s here isn’t she?

Roxi – No. She’s not.

Cyrus – Then what is she talking about?

{Roxi struggles to come up with anything plausible.}

Roxi – I….I don’t know. But we’re okay.

Cyrus – Wait….

Roxi – What?

Cyrus begins walking towards the bedroom.

Cyrus – She could be here with Alexis!

Roxi – I…

{Roxi is too late to stop Cyrus as he opens the door, searching for Sin.}

Cyrus – Where is she?

Roxi – Cyrus, please!

{Alexis perks up and continues to hide the covers over her body.}

Cyrus – Lex….where is she?

Alexis –  Who?

Cyrus – I know she’s here!

Alexis – Roxi? Yeah, she’s right there.

Cyrus – I mean Sin!

Alexis – Sin isn’t here.

Roxi – Cyrus, you’re letting her get to you.

{Cyrus peers down at Alexis, still covering herself up. Without warning, he rips the blankets out of her hand, the momentum causing Alexis to fall on the floor, and Alexis’ back to be exposed…}

Cyrus – What…..what is this?

{Cyrus’ hand trembles as it traces the word on Alexis’ back.}

Cyrus – She did this to you?

Alexis – I…..I’m so sorry.
Cyrus – She did this to you?

{Roxi walks in and goes to help Alexis up}

Cyrus – Bring her into the kitchen.

{The monotone inflection in Cyrus’ voice only adds to the tension. Roxi helps Alexis into the kitchen, where he sits down as Roxi again grabs the rubbing alcohol, going over Alexis’ wounds again.}

Roxi – Try to hold still.

Cyrus – She has crossed the line. I want her eliminated.

Roxi – Anything you want.

Cyrus – Alexis, how did this happen?

Alexis – She…she came in right before I left. *sniff* she said I had to deliver a message.

Cyrus – Why would you hide this from me?

Alexis – She….she made me swear to not tell anyone…

Cyrus – Then who was the message for?

{Roxi and Alexis share a look for only a second, but Roxi thinks quickly.}

Roxi – It had to be for you. Maybe when you two were alone so you saw it. She’s trying to scare us.

{Cyrus rubs his chin, but his anger is still prevalent on his face.}

Cyrus – I suppose. But you had to have seen it Roxi. Didn’t you?

{Roxi struggles to come up with an answer.}

Roxi – No. I didn’t.

Cyrus – Roxi, please don’t lie to me. You know how I hate liars.

Roxi – I…I didn’t. I swear.

{Cyrus stands up, and begins walking towards Roxi. Alexis stands in front of her.}

Cyrus – Alexis. Get out of the way.

Alexis – It was my fault.  I told her not to tell. She only wanted to protect me.

{Cyrus looks at Alexis, with tears welling up in her eyes.}

Cyrus – Why would you hide this from me? You know I care about you? You have disappointed me Alexis.

{Cyrus grabs Alexis by the hair and throws her to the ground. He kneels down and begins beating her with closed fists.}

Cyrus – I WARNED YOU ABOUT KEEPING SECRETS!

{We can see Roxi’s face, as the combination of both anger and shame swell up inside her. Her body trembles with rage, her hands form fists and she looks like she could snap at any moment.}

Roxi – …

{But it seemingly subsides.

She just watches as Cyrus continues to wail on Alexis, who is pleading and begging for the attack to let up. After a few moments, Alexis isn’t making any more noise. Her eye is swollen shut, and there are massive bruises on her arms and body. Roxi kneels down beside Cyrus.}

Roxi – Stop. Please.

{Cyrus shoots a glare at Roxi who bows her head, but continues to keep her arm in between Cyrus and the now unconscious Alexis.}

Cyrus – What did you say?

Roxi – You’ll kill her if you continue. She can’t take much more. She’s has to make it back with us.

Cyrus – No. She doesn’t.

Roxi – You’re….not going to…

Cyrus – No. She’s going back right now.

{Cyrus gets up, and pulls his phone out, and dails. He walks into the bedroom, leaving Roxi and Alexis alone.}

Roxi – Alexis…

{Alexis does not respond, as Roxi looks over the beating she received. Their moment only last that long as Cyrus returns.}

Cyrus – Get her up, bring her into the bedroom.

Roxi – Yes, Cyrus.

{Roxi scoops up Alexis and brings her back into the bedroom and lays her on the bed.}

Cyrus – In her bag, there is a bottle of Morphine. She used to be addicted to it. Get it.

Roxi – …Yes, Cyrus.

{Roxi returns moments later with the bottle and a syringe. Cyrus eventually shoots it into Alexis arm.}

Cyrus – She’ll be fine for now.

Roxi – Cyrus…how can get her out of here? She can’t go back like this.

Cyrus – I made a phone call, everything will be just fine. Boyd and Emily will be here as soon as they can.

Roxi – Who are Boyd and Emily?

Cyrus – They are friends who accompany me everywhere I go. They are never more than a phone call away.

Roxi – Whatever you say.

Cyrus – Leave her for now. Help me wash up before I cut the promo for your match.

Roxi – Yes, Cyrus.


{We flash to a short time later, and Cyrus has cleaned up, and the SCW promo, starts up. Cyrus is clutching the Bombshell’s title in his arms, leaning back in a chair.}

And so, we have heard the hero’s origin story. We all got that tearful, remorseful tale about Electra Styles journey to becoming a modern day Rosie the Riveter. You know if you wish Ms. Styles, I can perhaps speak with a director friend of mine. Your story seems ripe for a live action version. A sad, pathetic sob story of a woman who trusted too many people who used her time and time again. Your story is remarkably similar to that of Roxi wouldn’t you agree? People like you, using her for your own means, and then making her feel insignificant. People hurting her, and they just wouldn’t stop. Until she smartened up and found the comfort she needed. For you, it was piece of mind, and revenge. For Roxi, it was me.

But you can’t let her have that can you?

No, of course not. You have to jump in where you aren’t wanted, where you aren’t needed, to try and “help” Roxi when I would say that it’s quite clear she doesn’t want it. Perhaps that blow to the head you got erased some memories. It doesn’t matter anyway, because what Roxi is going to do to you will pale in comparison to your past. Now, I will say that she’ll most likely bring back the pain of those memories, giving you both mental and physical anguish to look back on. Another bad memory for you to regret. The time you tried to play the hero one too many times, and you paid the price for it. A lesson to remember us by after Roxi is finished with you.

You see, every hero knows you can’t save everyone, no matter how hard you try. Roxi is a prime example of that. She tried, very hard, to make sure that everyone was okay. That everyone got along, and the world was sunshine and rainbows, but then, she realized that the world is a cruel place, and those that sing your praises can bash you time and time again when it serves their agenda. Roxi had no such agenda, but now she has seen the world for what it truly is, a place filled with evil, greedy people, who only want to take as much as they can before they lay rotting in the earth. And you know that’s the truth Electra. And now Roxi knows this, and yet, people like you judge her for seeing this. I’m baffled as to why this is the case, but I only relayed this to her, and she agrees. She gave chance after chance, and all that has happened, is the world has shown its ugly face, and she doesn’t approve. And you don’t approve of that. You’re trying to “save” Roxi from the truth. Why do you feel the need to lie to her? What purpose does that serve Ms. Styles? You are a very confusing creature.

What’s also confusing is why you even chose to jump in, in the first place. You said it yourself, you and Roxi have no history. You have no friendship, even acquaintanceship to a strong word. Kahlan is the only link between you two, and that’s not strong at all. It just doesn’t add up that you, you would try on this suicide mission to “save” Roxi and “bring her back”, When the fact of the matter is, she’s always been here. She hasn’t gone anywhere. She simply wised up and now sees the world from a different view. She simply rejected your help, and found solace in my care. But for some reason, you don’t like that. You don’t like me. And that’s okay, I’m not here to be liked. I didn’t get where I am with people standing and cheering for my accomplishments, and I don’t need to now. I simply asked to be left alone with Roxi and to complete my work. But everyone and their mothers want to butt in and tell me how bad of a person I am. That I took Roxi away from them. And that they see me as a bad influence. And why? Because I expose them for the people they are. I shed the light on their dark personas, and I’m labeled a bad guy. I’m filling Roxi’s head with lies. What lies? I told her Odette was no good, and I was right. I told her everyone wants to take her away from me and try to tell her how to live, and they are. I told her that the world wouldn’t understand, and they would turn on her, and they did. She didn’t boo the people, the people booed her. So, we gave them a reason to boo.

But the most important thing, was that I told her she could be champion again, and she is. And yet, still the mudslinging persists. The interruptions persist, the finger waging persists. And now you stand before us with your sob story and expect Roxi to do what? Understand your problem? I can solve it for you, Ms. Styles. It’s very simple: Just keep out of our business. That’s all you had to do. You aren’t her friend, you are a parasite. A would-be hero trying to make up for all your failures.  Do you expect Roxi to feel sorry for you as you attempt to take her title? What kind of fool do you take us for?

Roxi Johnson is no fool. She is simply a misguided soul that found a solution to her problems, without the help of so-called friends and hangers on. And because of that, you can’t stand it. Because she believes in the person who believes in her, you can’t stand it. I’ve seen jealousy before, but this is absurd Ms. Styles. It only saddens me that you, who has seen this before, as you have demonstrated, fail to understand what I’m doing. I’ve helped. I’ve brought Roxi the success she wanted, without having to appease 10,000 screaming idiots who would just as easily cheer if she was naked, rather than just good. She realized she doesn’t have to fight for anyone, but herself, and all of a sudden, you jump in and tell her she’s wrong. That I’m wrong. You are once again, woefully misinformed Ms. Styles.

In wrestling, as if life, no one will help you without expecting something out of it. No one will promote you, but you, no one will give up their spot for you. It’s a dog eat dog world out there. Roxi knows this, so she’s wrestling to her full potential, and keeping the distractions out of her life. Why do you think I keep her away from twitter and other forms of social media? Why do you think I do her talking for her? It’s not because I want to. It’s because I need to. I am her protector from all the evil backlash, all the hate-filled comments that come her way, based on her association with me. I am an umbrella from all the cruelties of the world. I do it, because people like you, try to hurt her emotionally, at a time where she is most venerable. I knew that when we began this journey. I’ve seen it a hundred times before. And this time was no different.

But none of that matters now. Roxi has accepted me and what I’ve shown her. But I merely opened the door, she, through all of the hate, and the judging, stepped through the door herself. No one twisted her arm, no one forced her to do anything. I may use…some harsh methods at times, but only when the situation calls for it. But if was Roxi who made those choices, and now she’s become a pariah when she would never do that to anyone else. But you think that she’s been brainwashed, or developed Stockholm syndrome because I’m here. But this doesn’t surprise me, as you know very little about me.

I was never a wrestler. I was never the athlete, I was the one who tried very hard, not to bother anyone. I simply wanted to see the world for what it was, and what it was, was not the world schoolbooks and parents make it out to be. When I saw it, I understood, and I made something of myself. I became who I am, and what I am is very simple: I’m a teacher. A teacher of how the world really works and operates. I am a slice of the reality pie.  And thus, I am hated.  Because the truth is ugly. I’ve simply served as a reality check for those who still bought into the world being fair. That people are good. Sure, people can rally around each other in times of need, but it’s only to keep up appearances.

An ugly remark, but true none the less.

I helped Alexis. I helped Boyd. I helped Emily. And I helped Roxi. I’ve been the person who has open their eyes. And every day, no matter what people say and do, they prove me right. Without fail.

Is that what you so angry with me Ms. Styles? You’ve called me a lair, you’ve sullied my good name, and you helped turn Roxi into what you see before you today. As did Misty. As did Simon Jones. As did Keira. All of them in some form or fashion did this. And you don’t like the results. And you blame me. How dare you. But I can see why you did it. You, and people like you, you need me. You need me so you can point your fingers and cast me as the bad guy. That doesn’t make you good. It makes you simply afraid to step over the line when that time comes. We’ve all done bad things Ms. Styles, but I seem to be the one getting called onto the chopping block, because I’m worse than you. But really, you’re just not as willing as I am.

But I’m not going to get angry. In fact, I already offered a warning to you. But obviously, you’re not going to heed it. And that’s too bad. But I will, because I can be agreeable, I can offer you something you desperately want: attention.

After Roxi disposes of you, after she breaks you, I can be there to pick up the pieces. I can put you back together just as I did her. I want you to take some time and think about that. The hero in you, the prideful side of you will reject that offer, I’m aware. But when you really stop and think, when you fail so many times, as you will again in Cape Town, when you act out the definition of insanity, what are you accomplishing? I can offer you a fresh perspective on things. Sometimes, a second pair of eyes is useful. I will only offer this one time Ms. Styles, you can choose to pick yourself up, and trust in me, or try to become a martyr for a lost cause.

But I get it. You want to go the route of the fanatic. You’re doubling your efforts, but have you lost sight of your goal? Beating Roxi for the title won’t “save” her. She will only look at you as the person who robbed her of something we cherish so much. Are you going to do that? That only helps you. What does she learn from that, Ms. Styles? How does that “save” anyone or anything? Besides your ego?

It would make you feel so good to win the title this early in your career, wouldn’t it? A star is born. All hail Electra Styles as the queen of the mountain. Even if this wasn’t a title match, you’d want to beat her up, make her feel weak and helpless, so you could swoop in and make yourself feel better. You sad sack story types make me sick.

I’m going to see to it that that does not happen. I will have Roxi prepared like never before. No more partners, no more distractions, no more pity. We are going to march in Cape Town with one goal, your systematic destruction. And after we take you apart, we’ll go after Sin, and finish her off as well. It makes no difference to me. The only thing that matters is that Roxi is happy. And, that she keep this title, right where it belongs.

But I can already feel our victory. Because mentally, we’ve already beaten you. And that’s much more powerful than any physical blow. We’ve hurt you emotionally. Given you another failure to add to the list. And this one you can’t get back. One than will haunt you forever. I dare say it will be downright therapeutic for both you and Roxi when she puts you down in Cape Town.

I would say it’s been nice knowing you, but that would be lie. You’ve been nothing but a pest. And so, Roxi will treat you as such, and she will wipe your remains on her shoe and throw it in the trash. That’s what she’ll do. And, because of your asinine attempts to cloud her mind and judgment, I will take great pleasure, in having Roxi wipe you on the wrestling map as well.

Roxi Johnson, MY Roxi Johnson will strike down all of those who fail to accept her for who she is, and who she has become.

Starting with you.

{Cut to static.}



{It’s an hour later, as there is a knock at the door. Cyrus opens it and a small, petite woman, and a lumbering monstrous man walk in.}

Cyrus – Emily. Boyd.

Emily – Hello Cyrus. Where is she?

Cyrus – In the other room.

Emily – Very well then. Boyd?

{The hulking giant begins walking towards the bedroom, as Roxi comes out of it.}

Boyd – Ma’am.

{Roxi curiously stares, but walks by and joins Cyrus.}

Cyrus – Emily, this is Roxi.

Emily – Hello.

Roxi – Hello.

Cyrus – Emily is a doctor, and she will take care of Alexis, and send her back home.

Roxi – She’s got ….

Emily – We’ll take care of it. That’s what Boyd and I do.

{Boyd walks out of the room, carrying Alexis.}

Cyrus – Take good care of her.

Emily – We’ll take it from here.

{As soon as they arrive, they’re gone.}

Cyrus – She’s in good hands. They should be able to remove what that monster did.

Roxi – I hope so.

Cyrus – Roxi, I hope you learned not to keep anything from me.

Roxi – I know better than to keep things from you.

Cyrus – This pleases me. You always know how to make me proud.

Roxi – Thank you Cyrus.

Cyrus – Now, I have something you need to see.

Roxi – What’s that?

{Roxi is lead to a laptop, where Electra’s latest promo airs.}

Cyrus – I want you to watch this, and I need you to realize something for me.

Roxi – What’s that?

Cyrus – That this woman is your enemy. She doesn’t know you. She doesn’t like you. She let you down in that tag match, she knew she could have done something to help you, and she didn’t. She, like all those other fools, led you down the wrong path. She did these horrible things to you, and now, she wants this.

{Cyrus points at the bombshell’s title on the table.}

Roxi – My title?

Cyrus – Oh yes. You can listen to her talk about how much she wants to help you. But if she takes this from you, she’ll go away, just like the rest of them did. She’s a liar, she’s a user. She is the person who wants to take everything away from you.

Roxi – Everything?

Cyrus – Think about it. She took you away and kept you from me, instead of bringing you back, so we could continue.

Roxi – She kept me locked away. She wouldn’t let me leave.

Cyrus – You see! You see! She’s a bad person! A terrible person. You cannot let her win Roxi. You must, must defeat her.

Roxi – I will.

Cyrus – This woman is scum. She is deceitful, and she only wants this title. She’s not trying to help anyone but herself. You know that. She keeps talking about helping you, but dammit, she’s done nothing but hurt you since she arrived. Is that what friends do? Is that how people are helped?

Roxi – No.

Cyrus – Good. I want you to remember all the time she hurt you, and I want you to extract that onto to her tenfold. Make her remember this failure Roxi. Make her remember that she cannot, and will not be successful. She won’t take your title, she won’t beat you. She won’t take you away from me.

Roxi – Nothing will take me away from you.

Cyrus – Yes. That’s it. Remember that I only want what’s best for you. Unlike her, I am a true friend.

Roxi – I will remember Cyrus.

Cyrus – Thank you. Whew, all this has released some of my tension from earlier. But, I’m going to need you to help me release a little more of it.

Roxi – …Anything you want.

Cyrus – Good. Follow me.

{Cyrus leads Roxi by the hand into the next room, but the camera cuts out before it goes any further.}

<HR>

{The computer’s webcam is turned on. It’s the dead of night, and Roxi, all alone stares at the camera, obviously with something on her mind.}

I have a message for all of you. I don’t need Cyrus to talk for me. But many have whined and complained, wondering why I don’t speak for myself. The truth of the matter is, it just doesn’t sound as good coming from me, as is does from his mouth. I’ve been told and I see some of what you people have said about me, judging me, trying your best to “help me.” To you, I deliver this message.

The time has come to set the record straight. I chose to do this. This is who I am now. If you don’t like that, that’s too bad.

He has opened my eyes, and shown me exactly what all of you are about. It’s been tough to digest that I used to respect and admire most of you.

All the finger pointing and name calling haven’t helped any. It’s getting old.

None of you are above criticism, yet you all act like it. Cyrus has exposed many of you for who you really are. And that has made our bond stronger, but you did nothing to prove otherwise.

Knowing then, what I know now, I should have made this choice a long time ago. I’m just now getting around to it, and I must say, it feels pretty good.

You all need to just back off, and let me live my life. Cyrus is a great man, and you never gave him a chance. You question his methods, and his methods, have brought me a championship I never thought I would have again.

Over time, you’ll begin to understand, and some of you, may actually enjoy what he and I are about to do, starting with Electra. Maybe then you’ll realize just how great he is.

Until I feel like doing this again, I’ll let Cyrus talk for me, you’ve heard all you needed to hear from me. Good-bye.

{Roxi shuts the webcam off. Fade to black.}