[Christian Underwood]

 Please post all roleplays for this match here!

RP Word limit: 10k per character

[Crystal Zdunich]

 Beverly Hills Hilton
Off Camera

Despite how things may have gone at Climax Control, Crystal did not win in her quest to beat Mikah. Crystal didn’t even have time to feel sorry for herself because it was the week of her wedding. Christina had a lot to get ready for and things started off with a huge rehearsal ceremony. Christina was all grins as both her and Seleana walked down the aisle together.  The officiant smiles at the both of them as he begins to speak.

“So you both are going to come down the aisle each with a separate entrance. You will stand right here as I go through the motions of the ceremony. You will share your vows with one another say I Do from there we follow with a kiss and everybody will be cheering for the both of you. Are there any questions?!”

Christina just shakes her head smirking as she glances back at her fiancée who just shrugs her shoulders.

“Not really… I just can’t wait to get married to Star. She is beautiful and this is going to be an exciting time.”

Christina slowly nods her head in agreement as she looks back at the officiant before she turns her head over to her future wife. She slowly nods her head in agreement before she slowly begins to let some tears roll down her cheek.  Seleana looks right into the eyes of Christina.

“What is wrong chickie? Did I do something to you?!”

Christina just runs out of the hotel as Seleana follows her. Christina walks to the side of the building as Seleana quickly makes her way over to where Christina is standing and reaches out to her.

“Christina did I do something wrong?!”

Christina just shakes her head with a sigh as she glares into the eyes of the Swedish woman.

“No it’s not you by any means Seleana. I love you with everything babe but in my heart I saw all of this going a totally different way. I saw myself holding the World Bombshell Championship. I was supposed to have the perfect story book ending and I felt like I failed myself, just like I felt like I failed the wrestling school and of course my father. My father had been gone for the past four years and the way I welcome him back is by showing that I am not good enough? That I can’t win when it really matters. What’s the point if I can’t deliver when things are expected of me…”

“Christina it’s not really that big of a deal. You did your best. As long as you did your best that’s all that matters in the end right?!”

Christina however shakes her head as she screams at the top of her lungs.

“NO IT’S NOT FUCKING OKAY! I have busted my entire ass competing in the ring! This is my entire livelihood. This is what I live for, and at the end of the day this is what I am all about. I am a professional wrestler  first and foremost and I don’t want to get caught up in a world where I am not the best nor where people aren’t talking about me…”

“Christina…”

“WHAT SELEANA?!”

Christina says angrily as she offers a sigh in return before she looks into the eyes of her future bride.

“And how do you feel about me? I am not as talented to you and I am just getting into wrestling. How do you feel about the way that I get into the ring and I give my all and never really win, how do you think I feel about myself?!”

Seleana looks as if she is on the verge of tears but Christina just takes a long deep breath as she smiles back at her fiancé. She wraps her arms around her for a tight and long passionate hug. She gazes into her eyes as she kisses her.

“Sorry… I didn’t mean for it to come out that way Sel… Look beyond the world of wrestling you are the most important thing to me. Nothing will ever come in the way for my love for you. I treasure you more than you could ever fathom…”

Seleana can only nod her head in agreement as she glances back at Crystal.

“Do you really mean that Star?!”

Christina nods her head in agreement as she smiles in return.

“Of course I mean that. Did you know my dad wasn’t accepting of me being gay? I basically had to change his perspective of me and make him realize that he should support his daughter instead of taking a stupid political stance on what he felt was right. However to me it isn’t about being gay, straight, or bi. Those labels and titles don’t mean shit. The only thing that is important to me is the fact that I truly do love you. I was willing to take a stand to my father just to showcase to you that I love you so much. You are amazing Seleana. When it comes to your wrestling career you are just starting out at the age of 31. Most of the people I know have started this craft when they are much younger. It seems like 17 is becoming the new age when people find their way into a ring and start to really work on this sport…”

Christina points at Seleana as she smiles at her.

“You however haven’t had that luxury. You are just starting out and of course Rome wasn’t built in one night. You have to work to get to where I am at or to even get to where Brittany is at. It will take time but if there is somebody who can do it I know for a fact it’s you Seleana. You are so amazing and you are perfect the way that you are.”

“How so?!”

“Seleana you have made Brittany into your own. Even though she is my daughter you treat her as if she was your very own. You have managed to really adapt well to my family and that is amazing. You basically have taken an interest to all of my interest and have taken the time to study me in ways that I didn’t think anybody could. For the first time in my life I feel as if I am not a trophy wife. I feel like I am not a woman who is only there for show. You love me for who I am beyond the realm of the cameras or anything like that. You love me for me and that means everything to me. I wish I had what you had Seleana but I just don’t. I know for a fact that I don’t.”

Christina offers a long drawn out sigh as Crystal hugs her as tightly as she possibly can. She smiles as she looks right into the eyes of her fiancée.

“What do you mean you don’t have it Star, what do you mean?”

“You know Seleana… I don’t have what you have. People generally like you. They appreciate you. Every Wednesday can go by and you will get mentioned by multiple people as a #WCW and you have friends that appreciate you as a person. As much as I might talk I doubt I have any real friends.”

Seleana runs her fingers through her hair as she stares down into the eyes Christina.

“But you are Crystal Hilton. Of course you have to have friends. That’s absurd that you would think elsewise.”

“Not really Seleana… the only one that ever mentions me is Roxi Johnson and she is pretty much nice to just about everybody. Nobody ever talks about me. If anything people always talk down to me especially when it comes to everyone in the wrestling industry. I can conquer everything there is to do but nobody will ever respect me for doing so. It just gets tossed to the side and it’s as if it didn’t really matter. They will talk me down and make me feel like shit…”

Christina lets some tears roll down her cheek as she lets herself get overwhelmed by her own emotions.

“So what I try to do is do everything in my power to win them over. I do acts in order to seek attention, and I purposely throw myself into conversations that don’t involve me but I feel this need to really be involved in them. It’s one of my biggest weaknesses because at the end of the day I am weak Seleana. Why do you think I came up with Christina Rose to begin with?!”

Seleana runs her hands through her hair as she shrugs her shoulders.

“Well I always thought it’s because it is your first and middle name…”

“No it goes beyond the realm of it just being about that. The real reason that I came up with it is because I didn’t like how people talked about Crystal Hilton. I thought being something else would get people to think more positively about me but that isn’t even the case. They talk me down even more. It went from me being a selfish brat and things like that, to simply not being good enough. People are now mentioning that the only reason I became Mark’s assistant is so that I could get favors from working with him. It really was such much about that as it was about being accepted. At the end of the day that is all I really want. I just want to be accepted to feel as if I belong somewhere but I am weak and I know this…”

Seleana however shakes her head as she smiles back at her bride to be.

“But Star you are far from being weak! You are simply amazing and you are strong!”

“And how do you figure that Sel? Please tell me how do you feel that I am strong!”

“Well for starters you just told me you stood up to your father about being in love to me. You could have let his feelings dictate your very own but instead you stood your ground and that’s simply stunning. I don’t know what I would do if I was in your place. You go through a lot and I know it’s not easy being you. You have been through a lot through your lifetime. You had a child at 13 years of age and guess what you weren’t a teenage mother who decided to give the child up.”

Seleana grabs Crystal as she shakes her.

“You decided to own up to what you did, and you did the very best you could for Brittany. Look at Brittany now she is beautiful has become. That girl is amazing, she is a superb athlete, and she is holding a championship in wrestling. You cannot tell me that you didn’t have a say to do in any of that. Don’t sell yourself short because none of it even matters. You know how great you are, and you shouldn’t have to mold yourself just because you want to be accepted by everyone. What is that honestly going to solve in the end?!”

Christina doesn’t say a word as she just shrugs her shoulders.

“It won’t solve anything. They don’t know what it feels like to walk a mile in your shoes. They are only judging you by what they see on the surface. They can’t feel your emotions, they haven’t walked down the same path that you have. You can’t let one wrestling match get to you. So what you lost a match. That doesn’t mean you won’t have the chance to build yourself back up. That doesn’t mean you can’t overcome those hurdles and get to where you need to go. If there is anybody who can go through it I know it’s you. The road to the top is a hard one but the road to fall off from it but pick yourself up and bring yourself back to it is an even tougher one, and you have already showcased you have what it takes.”

“You don’t understand though Seleana. I need to win and need a title to feel accomplished. It’s how I cope with everything…”

“That’s silly you don’t need any of that. You are already accomplished and I wished you would just see it. You have always been the best of the best Christina. You don’t need a trinket to tell you that. Your journey to get here is more than enough.14 years in this business and you have been inducted into three Hall of Fames among win championship after championship. What more could you want to accomplish. If I may ask Star who’s words are getting to you?”

Christina just sighs as she shakes her head.

“Mercedes Vargas, Mikah, Jessie Salco….”

“Seriously?! Out of everybody in the company it’s the words of them that you are worried about?! I may not know much but what I do know Vargas is just jealous because she isn’t you. Mikah well she is mean to just about everybody, and Salco is always finding a reason to complain. You shouldn’t get bent out of shape because of the way that they feel. You especially shouldn’t let those three ruin what is going to be our wedding day. This is our moment Star, and I am happy to have found you. I am ready for commitment and ready to spend the rest of my life with you. I want you to feel the same. I don’t want you to get caught up in something trivial especially considering I know you are eventually going to get back what you lost. It’s not the end of the world! But right now what I need you to focus on is this wedding…”

Christina slowly nods her head as Seleana continues to speak to her.

“Whether you want to be Christina, Crystal, Rose, Witch, Goddess… It doesn’t matter what you call yourself I just want your all into this. After all this is your vision and I want it to go the way you wanted it to go. I love you Star and at the end of the day I will support you no matter what you do or say. I just want you to feel the same in return”

“But I do feel the same Seleana… You know you are the most important thing to me.  Sometimes I just a little carried away with my wrestling career but you know it’s always been about you, and only you. I just want for us to really move in the right direction. I am sorry if things haven’t been going in the right direction. I just want things to get better, and I want you to feel the love.”

“I already do chickie… You are doing an amazing job at making me feel it… I just worry about you sometimes is all. You have always given me your all. It’s time to just relax a bit and stop beating yourself up so much. I want you to focus on just having fun and maybe worrying about the better things in life…”

Crystal nods her head as she gazes into the eyes of Seleana.

“Thank you so much for that… I really needed to hear that…”

“Of course Star… I am your future wife I am here for you. I honestly can’t believe that you and I are going to be getting married soon. This all feels surreal to me.”

Christina can’t help but smile as she looks at Seleana and she hugs her tightly again. She stares deeply into her eyes as she nods her head with a wicked grin.

“Look I just want you to feel the love as well Seleana… I am sorry that I get so wrapped up like this over my wrestling career. It’s just I put so much into wrestling that when things don’t go the way that I had hoped for them to go. It hurts me in ways I couldn’t imagine. I guess I have a problem with wearing my heart on my sleeve..”

“Christina you don’t have to say anything else. Everyone knows you put everything into every single match. That’s just the nature of how things work. I just want you to be calm babe. I don’t want you to feel like you have to get so down or you are all by yourself. We are together for a reason. We are a team. Those days of carrying everything by yourself are long gone. Friday you and I will be married and it’s going to be a beautiful ceremony…”

“I agree…. Friday is going to be the day that life changes for the both of us. So the real question is where do we go from here. We have a few days until our big wedding. Any idea on what we could do until then?!”

Seleana smiles.

“Oh I definitely have some ideas Chickie… Let’s have a date night! Our last date night as non married people…”

“Wow… That wasn’t where I thought you were going with it but let’s make sure it will be a night we both remember for a very long time.”

With that Crystal looks at Seleana as the two of them kiss one another passionately.

It’s on this lovely image that we fade out on one another.







Beverly Hills Hilton
Hollywood, California

It’s the day of the wedding and we are able to see Christina Rose clad in her wedding dress. She has about four different people working on her. One person is curling her hair, as another one seems to be putting the final touches on her nails, as another one is finishing her makeup. The last person is her personal bridal attendant which happens to be that of Chloe Martin the COO for her company of Rose Productions. Christina smirks as she stands up as she looks absolutely stunning. Her wedding dress is has a very long train, and she just shakes her head as she gazes at her wedding party.

“Okay ladies so how do I look?!”

Roxi Johnson and Keira both smirk as they are clad in their Bridesmaids dresses. They look at Christina as Keira is the first one to speak.

“You look beautiful except you know everyone would say that Keira does it better!”

Roxi nudges Keira.

“Keira be nice. As far as you go Christina you look absolutely beautiful. However this is your day you should feel like a princess and I think you have captured that today.”

“Princess?!”

Christina says with a raised eyebrow as she can’t help but giggle.

“I am more like a QUEEN! This is going to be a wedding that everybody will remember for a very long time!”

Brittany just shakes her head as she crosses her arms and glares right into the eyes of her mother.

“Right... Coming from the woman who has been down this road on three different occasions.  You sure this wedding is going to be that much better? How long is it going to last, and…”

“Brittany don’t even talk like that. You know I love Seleana. You know she is everything to me. I just want this to be absolutely perfect. Although today I am nervous. It will be the very first time that my father will have ever given me away. This is a magical moment for me and nothing will ever take that moment…”

Once Brittany hears about her grandfather she just sighs as she glances back at her mother. Christina covers her mouth as she shakes her head.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to say it like that…”

“No it’s okay… You should have grandpa here. This is what you really wanted. I know it meant the entire world for him to be here…”

Christina nods her head as she keeps her eyes fixated on that of her daughter.

“As important as it means for him to be here. I think it’s more important that I have you here Brittany. You are everything to me and I promise when things die down we are going to save Ryleigh. We are going to rescue her and change the events of the past. I know it might be hard to understand just how we are going to do that but we will. Once we do that you won’t have to worry about being a failure because Ryleigh will be right by your side and it will be like you two haven’t even missed a beat…”

“I just want her back mom…”

“I know you do. I don’t know how life would be if I didn’t have my best friend by my side!”

Because Christina could say another word a Nintendo DS Stylus is immediately thrown at her head. .Crystal grabs at her head in pain and when Christina turns around she sees her best friend Zelda Knite standing there with her arms crossed. She shakes her head as she gazes deeply into Christina’s eyes.

“Are we going to hurry up with this Goomba? Nobody ever pays attention to the wedding. They just want to go to the reception and we will have the time of our lives there. This whole Friday the 13th theme is going to be so special, and that’s what I can’t wait for. I have this nerdy girl costume which everyone is going to love and…”

“Zelda! Brittany and I were having a conversation and you just interrupted it!”

Zelda just shakes her head as she looks back at Brittany.

“Boo Hoo… You are crying over the fact that Brittany got my niece killed. Woman up so we can get through this party already…”

Brittany’s eyes open wide up as she glares daggers into Zelda.

“Wait a minute you knew this entire time?! I don’t understand how you actually knew!”

“It’s not that hard to figure out plus I am the biggest nerd in the entire room. It’s not hard to figure out when a man who is supposed to be dead in Christina’s father just shows up out of the blue. Acts like he has amnesia from the past four years. You obviously found some type of loophole to change his fate so you can have him now. I care about my niece but I also know how all of this is going to go down…”

Brittany and Crystal just stare at one another before they turn their attention over to Zelda.

“What do you mean you know how this is going to go down?!”

“Yeah Christina I already know. Who do you think test drove the time machine when Jenny first had it built?! I might have peeked into the future a bit. I just had to check some things out?!”

Christina looks at Zelda as she crosses her arms.

“And check what exactly?!”

“You know if I actually do become a real life Jedi… IF I get swayed from being Darth Militus to actually joining the light side, that sort of thing. I have to say if I really am humanity’s only hope…”

“You do realize that was Obi Wan right?! But in any case Zelda can I ask that….”

Zelda shakes her head as she looks at Brittany.

“Everything is going to work out trust me Brittany, and as far as this marriage goes well….”

Before Zelda could even finish her sentence that is when Chloe glares directly at Crystal and she shakes her head in utter disgust. She gazes deeply into her eyes as she begins to yell at her.

“Christina you are running late! We do not have time for this! You promised you would not be a Bridezilla. You promised to be on time and seeing as everything is done with you it’s time for us to go to the actual ceremony. It’s up to you. We have a very jam packed day. We have the reveal to the father with pictures. We have pictures with your Bridesmaids and then we have the actual ceremony. Are you excited for everything?!”

“As excited as you are going to be…”

“Good so now we are going to bring your father into the room. Photographer get ready to capture this moment.”

Christina is pulled in so many different directions. The photographer gets into position and as soon as the door is open we are able to see Christina’s father walking into the room with a blind fold on. They take the blindfold off of them and he opens his eyes. He is stunned as he sees his daughter.

“You are so beautiful Christina! Words can’t express how you look today. You will always be my little Princess and I am glad you brought me back to witness this.”

“Thank you so much. Today is going to be an amazing day I can feel it. Anyway you ready to do this?!”

Christina and her father take pictures with one another. There are smiles all around as Crystal makes sure she poses for the cameras. She takes a picture with all of her Bridesmaids and grins as she looks at Chloe who nods her head in agreement and smirks.

“Ladies it is go time! Time to get into positions are you ready for this?!”

Christina smirks as she looks at her father and plants a long passionate kiss on his lips.

“Let’s go out there and rock this thing today. Today is going to be a magical day and I am so appreciative that all of you could share this moment with me. Thank you for being there for me. I know I don’t have that many friends but…”

Roxi just smiles in return.

“Christina we are your friends. Don’t get caught up in your feelings or your emotions, or if people like you or not. This is about you and Seleana today. Just enjoy the moment, we are so blessed to be here for the ride.”

“Even if I would do it better!”

Keira smirks as Zelda is the next one to speak.

“Seleana’s princess is definitely in another castle because I see a Queen today!”

The boardwalk angels smiles as they glare at Crystal.

“And just remember no one flies higher than that of an Angel!”

“You are the greatest best friend a girl could have even if you are a Padawan, and a big noob…”

Zelda smiles as Brittany speaks now.

“You are the best mother in my book and I love you so much.”

“And you are the daughter that I am so proud of. I am happy with the way you have taken wrestling into your hands. Your legacy and everything lives on. Enjoy your day Christina we are all here for you.”

Christina nods her head with a wicked grin as she glances back at her dad. She smiles as she looks back at everyone in the room.

“I just want to thank you all for being part of my big day. I can tell you all care and love me so much. I really was beating myself up over wrestling but you have really turned my frown upside down. I honestly don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have you all in my life. It doesn’t get any better than that of you all in my life. You have made my day and I can’t be thankful enough for it. Let’s just get through this ceremony so we can go out there and party!”

Everybody claps their hands as they smirk at the Bride. Christina just smiles as she holds her bouquet high into the air.

“Let’s just go out there and have some fun shall we?! This is such a beautiful day and I am glad to be able to share it with all of you…”

With that they all nod as Chloe holds her clipboard tightly.

“Okay time to start moving so let’s get everything going shall we?!  We are already running a few minutes late. Seleana has her side up there already. Christina you ready?!”

“As ready as I am going to be!”

“Good! Time to get a move on it then!”

With that the women all begin to make their way out of the room.  Christina wraps her arms around that of father as the two of them head arm in arm out of the room. It was going to be a beautiful day.








On Camera
Wedding Day Pissy Rant

The cameras come into focus and as it does we are treated to the sight of Christina Rose in a beautiful wedding dress. She cracks an evil grin on her lips as she nods her head and begins to speak.

“Hello everybody my name is Christina Rose or it could be Crystal Hilton. As a matter of fact it could be whatever you want it to be. The fact is as you can see this week is extremely busy. It’s the week of my wedding well to be brutally honest it’s my wedding day and between everything this is the only day that I have to present my promotional video for SCW. Seeing as it’s supposed to be my wedding day I am honestly supposed to be all smiles. Everything should feel close to that of perfect but I am extremely pissed with how things went down in the main event of Climax Control. It was supposed to be my night. I love wrestling with all of my heart. It is my livelihood and it’s honestly the very thing that drives me like none other.

I know there are some people who can call me every name under the sun. They can call me delusional, they can laugh at me when things don’t go my way. They love to make fun of me when I fail and don’t accomplish the things that I had set out to do. Honestly I used to get so bent out of shape over what people like that have to say to me. People like Mercedes Vargas and Jessie Salco who can’t even let me breathe. They love to poke fun at me and keep on trampling on this rose.

But let me explain something to you. If you haven’t pulled me by the fucking root! Then you truly haven’t broken me. I will still find a way to grow and spring up through the cracks. Something beautiful will emerge because that’s how much I am passionate for this very business. That’s how I view wrestling. I will do whatever it takes to get to the stop and nobody will stop this drive of mines. I am determined and more hungry than ever to get to the very top. Now as it currently stands I lost in an I Quit match. Mikah once again did get the best of me. She made me quit for all of the world to see, and I honestly thought things were going to end right there. I thought that would be the end of my story but as things would pan out. It seems as if fate has a strange of working at times. “

Christina nods her head with a chuckle as she takes a long deep breath and continues to speak again.

“I made a promise to the entire world that I would in fact be in the main event Bombshell match at Summer XXXTreme. I told everybody and their mother that I would be in that World Bombshell Championship match, I know it sounds crazy but I was in that match for the last two years. It’s only right that I would once again grace the ring for the big title match for a third consecutive year. When I truly want something I simply go out there and obtain it. I am a big believer that if one door closes another one will surely open up.

I know I didn’t win but because of what happened to Courtney it seems like there is a vacancy to be the number one contender. So instead of letting me drift away into that of the mid card the company has allowed me the very chance to be in that main event match. I simply need to go through a battle royal in an ultimate x match over a pool. As long as I don’t fall into the drink I will get what I want and will face Mikah.

I am extremely pissed off and at the same time I am hungry to have that fourth match with Mikah. You better believe I will meet her in the main event and I will go on to face Mikah. I will go on to become SCW Champion for a record setting fourth time, and history will be made. Just like Mikah’s title reign it will simply be history.

I am not going to sit here and give everyone the good luck speech because with the way that I am feeling I WILL WIN THIS BATTLE ROYAL! I will go on to the big dance and nothing will deter me from obtaining what rightfully belongs to me! Standing in my way however are five other women who are relatively new to this company, five women who haven’t made the strides that I have made in SCW, and that won’t bode well for them.”

Christina flicks her hair as she chuckles in return.

“Let’s face it you put me in a match with five newer wrestlers basically. This is my playground you aren’t going to come into my yard and tell me I am not the Queen of the Hill anymore. It doesn’t work like that. In this match you have some newer women. First and foremost let’s start off with that of Lady Apple.  Now first and foremost I just want to say congratulations on getting a win over my wife. Seriously congratulations on making it to SCW or at least signing up for a contract here. That is a big accomplishment in itself. You seem to have a riches to wrestling story which is much different from my very own. I come from rags to riches. I had to earn my keep as being a wrestling and everything I have ever accomplished is because of wrestling. You basically had an easy life and now you want to get your hands dirty as a wrestler?!

Fuck that… I had to build myself in this business. I had to build myself from the ground up and things didn’t go so well for me when I came through this business. Despite being trained under my father in his wrestling school I still had to pay my dues in the professional circuit. I was forced to be a valet for the early stages of my career and even an interviewer. I was a victim and through every single beat down of every interview. I simply got better, it gave me more drive and determination. It put me into a position where I could really soar. Things were rough for me growing up in Detroit. If I simply had what you had who knows where I would be. But adopted mother or my biological Aunt had to struggle as a single mother in a household of five children not including me. It was tough but it taught me humility and we made it. I am going to teach you what it means to work for what you want. I wasn’t handed a chance to compete for a World title match in my second match. I will break you, and prove you don’t belong here!:”

Christina shakes her head with a loud sigh as she continues to speak.

“As far as it comes to Avianna Faith. Welcome to SCW… You are going to love it here and I just want to personally tell you to keep your head up. I know it’s been a little tough for you and wrestling against Evie Baang is no easy feat but you just need to keep at it. Rome wasn’t built overnight and if you really want to achieve something you just need to work hard for it. When I first came to SCW I got beaten night in and night out by the likes of Natalie Mckinley. She would always beat me and I had a very hard time at finding a way to beat her. One day I put my all into facing her and I somehow won the Roulette Championship from here. It was one of my biggest accomplishments and it showcased the start of something beautiful.

The big thing Avianna is it will take time to build yourself up. Just because you lose doesn’t mean you don’t have what it takes to pick yourself off of the ground and to throw yourself right into the fray of things. You just need to work hard and everything you ever imagined will come to pass. Keep your head up and keep on persevering. SCW is a very tough company. Everybody has their break out moment at different times. For all we know yours could come by eliminating me from this match and if that does happen it will be well deserved.

Anyway I can’t wait to mix it up with you but just keep in mind you will not beat me. I have too much riding at stake in this match. I can’t lose and I refuse to be a disappointment to myself and my fans. I need this win more than you could ever fathom.”

Christina smirks as she continues to speak.

“Dani Weston damn another girl who signed up for SCW at just the right time. Another girl who gets the opportunity of a lifetime! Hi there Dani. A woman who is new to wrestling! Well this should be fun I guess right? A chance to open an SCW supercard. That’s a very special thing to be apart of. I can name some bombshells who didn’t even get that opportunity but you did.

That is something to be very happy about making it to your first Super Card! It’s like a moment that is like none other. You should be thrilled because it’s moments like this that you can’t ever get back. It’s matches like this that will groom you for what’s to come and it should be a great time. After all you will be enjoying the pool. The pool will be nice and cool and hopefully it’s a really hot day so you can personally enjoy it.

The fact is as great of an opportunity as this might be. It really isn’t meant for you to win. That right is reserved for me. It’s a right I fully plan to take advantage of, and it’s not one that I am going to let pass me by. This might be my last chance at competing for the title for a very long time, and if that is the case than by all means you know I am going to give it my very all in this match. You know I am going to fight like I haven’t fought before. You all have so much to grow from this match. You have much to obtain and experience is a major plus but for me it’s all or nothing. If I lose it’s going to be a long climb to get back to the very top. It’s a journey I really don’t want to make if I don’t have to. So I am pouring all of my eggs into this one basket. I will make the best of it. I just hope the exposure will do wonders for you. It will give you a chance to really blossom. Try not to fall into the drink too early into the match okay?!”

Christina begins to laugh as she sighs in return.

“And of course there is Portia Alexander and when it comes to her I am going to be completely honest. I don’t know anything about her. I know very little. I have no idea at what to think when it comes to her but whatever. When she strolls her way to this match you can rest assured I will be waiting for her. I will be ready to fight her with everything I got and I am not going to be caught off guard…”

Christina can’t help but let the loud sigh escape her lips before she forms a really wide smile.

“The other woman in this match is my wife Seleana Zdunich. I just want to say that I love you with all of my heart. I love you with everything Seleana. However everything you know is because of what I taught you. I taught you how to be a wrestler and today is going to be the happiest day of our lives. It’s a day where we join together in matrimony and I am excited to spend the rest of my life with you.

Seleana it’s been a real pleasure training you how to wrestle. It’s been exciting watch you learn how to do what I love to do and being in my world. You are stunning in the ring and when it comes to this match I am hoping that this match comes down to the two of us. Let us prepare one another to fight Mikah and take that title away from her. She doesn’t deserve it. However as great as it will be to share a match with you, I just want you to know you won’t be winning this match. I will be winning this match and I am going to do whatever it takes to win Seleana.

I just want you to respect that about me. When the match starts I am not your wife I am the three time former World Champion. I am the woman who is destined to become a four time champion, and I will do everything in my heart to get to that career defining moment. I will do everything in my power to make my dream come true and I need this match with Mikah for my own sanity. I love you so much but I also love my World Bombshell Championship. Don’t make any mistake about this if there is a moment where I have to pull a Scar and you are hanging like Mufasa I will happily throw you into the water by any means necessary. It could be a kiss, it could stabbing you in the back, it could be anything.

Rest assured I will win this match. It needs to be me hun. Sorry it had to come to this but there can only be one in the end, and you better believe it’s me by any means necessary…

You will look sexy all wet though. I at least know that much. Trust me I would know…”

Christina smirks as she winks to that of the camera as she shakes her head as she looks deeply into the cameras and begins to speak.

“Now there comes to the likes of Mikah Green. I tried to be nice to you Mikah and every time I ever congratulated you on beating me you always had to bitch about it. You always had to take my respect and flush it right down the toilet. I can see the reason why you aren’t friends with any of the bombshells and it’s because you truly are a cunt. I might respect you as an athlete and a competitor but as a person I absolutely hate you. I don’t really like you, and the biggest thing you are is a fucking hypocrite. When things don’t go your way you are the first person to BITCH!

As soon as I beat you at the last Super Card you were the first person to demand a rematch. You immediately had to ask for more as if you were Olliver Twist and didn’t have enough already. You threatened to leave the company fi your demands weren’t meant and it’s always been about you and you alone. It’s never about the roster but simply about you.

I been meaning to tell you this for a long time but FUCK YOU, you selfish piece of shit! I pour my all into this business. Sammi Marlowe and I went to war at one point and we were able to emerge with respect as athletes. There were others as well but you can’t even bring yourself to do that. As soon as you won this last time you were gloating all over Twitter to rub it in. When I became Mark’s assistant you admitted to buttering up Christian just to get an edge in our match.

You are a very sick individual and are the absolute worst!  I can’t respect that about you! Not only did you Bitch when Christian added me to the battle royal but you are afraid to face me again. As a World Champion you need to be ready to defend against whoever, whenever. You don’t get to bitch when a challenger you don’t like gets thrown your way.

When people start to make it a foregone conclusion that we would face a fourth time once again you are bitching. Are you really that afraid of facing me again? It seems that I strike a nerve with you and at the end of the day I know I piss you off. I know you are afraid that I am going to surpass everything you ever accomplished. It happened when I first won the title the first time around.

You never gave a fuck about the division. You never once paid any attention until I was weeks away from passing your title reign. Only then would you take me seriously. You know that there’s something special about me because I am going to beat you to the chase. I will become the first ever Four time champion and I am going to do so not only by your expense when I beat you, but I am going to do so by winning TWO MATCHES in one night.

You aren’t good Mikah you are the worst”

Christina shakes her head as she continues pouring her heart out.

“When you were in the middle of your long title reign you won a match where you could have defended your title against anybody in the company and yet you took a newbie in Marlowe instead of branching out against a seasoned veteran. You can talk me down and my family but at least we aren’t afraid to leap out into deep water.

Why do you think my daughter chose to fight Evie Baang?! It’s because she wants to fight the best of the best. She wants a challenge and that goes the same for me. That’s the type of family that we have. We are always ready for a fight and a challenge but can the same be said about you?!”

Christina shakes her head as she seems disgusted.

“No because deep down you don’t want those type of matches. You only want to fight who you want to fight and when it suits you and your schedule. Listen to me clearly and I want you to hear it really good.

GO FUCK YOURSELF who are you to judge me in any shape or form?! You are the biggest hypocrite in this company and yes I can say so MUCH more about you. You go on Twitter and act as if I am the bully but when I make the simple comment that my wife and I could perhaps have our honey moon on the cruise you SUB TWEET that it’s very tacky. You say how you and Drake could afford to have a proper honey moon and what have you. Oh well excuse me MIKAH. I am so sorry that my wedding came before the moment we got on the cruise. I am sorry that is how the schedule worked out. You know what would be a big hypocrite moment?

What would be even more dumb is if the fact that you took over the entire cruise with YOUR WEDDING which what you exactly you did! You OVERWHELMED THE SHIP WITH YOUR WEDDING TWO YEARS AGO and yet when my wife and I want to keep it private and still keep it about wrestling you make idiotic comments. That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

Before you leap out and say shit maybe you should think some things through. Vargas and Salco can both bitch and you can start liking all of their comments but the difference is I have worked hard for everything I gotten. I didn’t get a bullshit title shot. I have earned them. I am not bitching about title matches every week. I simply wrestle and earn what I achieve, and if no… WHEN I face you again it will because I won a battle royal to EARN that match. Don’t like it? Too bad you are the World Champion. You have a target on your back and if you don’t want that you could always just give that right up by losing the title.

I am more focused than ever. I am more hungry than ever and on everything I promise that I will emerge as the World Bombshell Champion through hell or high water. History will be made and I will go on to being the best champion that this company has ever witnessed. So you better get ready because we will face again. I promise you that and it’s going to end in a result that you don’t want. It doesn’t matter if I would have wrestled in a match earlier that day. The adrenaline is going to push me to win and it’s as simple as that.”

Christina forms a serious expression as she nods her head in agreement.

“Nothing and I mean nothing will stop this from all coming true. I am the rose that refuses to wither away. I am the blossoming rose, I am Christina Rose, and I will keep on blooming. I hope you are ready because you will see me Mikah whether you want to or not. Believe the hype because I am taking back what belongs to me…”

Christina nods her head in agreement as the smirk escapes her lips. She looks deep into the camera and it’s on this image that we fade out on.






Off Camera
Wedding Day

The Beverly Hills Hilton was filled with people. It was a basically a room of who’s who in the biggest ballroom that the hotel had to offer. The décor was extremely beautiful as there were flowers everywhere. Seleana was already waiting peacefully at the end of the aisle along were her set of Bridesmaids. Now it was time for Crystal to make her big entrance. Some music started to play and that is when Crystal’s wedding party made their way down the aisle. Farrah, Zoey. Roxi, Keira, Stephanie, Zelda and of course Brittany all had made their grand entrance and now it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for. A few moments go by and that is when we could hear the music change and Christina made her big entrance right down the aisle.

Everybody was standing up for Christina as she made her way down the aisle. Tears emerged from Seleana’s eyes as she glared into Crystal’s eyes. Both women were in very beautiful dresses as Seleana mouthed out some words to Crystal.

“I love you Star…”

“I love you as well my little Swedish fish. You are beautiful…”

“Not as much as you Star…”

They couldn’t stop staring at one another as they focused on the officiant who started to get the ceremony underway.

“Today we have gathered here to witness a union between two women who truly love one another. It is a beautiful sight to see you two standing here but first I have to ask who gives permission to give these two brides away…”

Both of the fathers smile at one another before they stare at the officiant.

“We do…”

The officiant nods his head as they move out of the way and take their seats. He glares at the both of them with a wide grin on his face as he keeps smirking. They both just keep on smiling as the officiant nods his head.

“Anyway shall we go on with the vows?!”

Both women nod their head with an eager grin as Seleana and Christina glare at one another. The officiant looks at Seleana nodding her head at her she begins to speak.

“Christina Rose Hilton Lopez. I just want you to know when I met you I was hurting. You have helped me find out what love truly is. I love being in your world and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You complete me in ways I could have never imagined. You are amazing in your own right, and I definitely wouldn’t have it any other way. You are all I think about and I am so thankful that I have found you in my life. You truly are that of a star. A star that is about is shooting all across space and you are shining brighter than anything I could ever imagine. You always find a way to brighten my life and I am thankful that you are in my life. I honestly don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have someone such as you in my life. Thank you for helping me with everything. I couldn’t imagine life without you. I will be there for whatever you need and I will always put you first. I love you Estrellita and I couldn’t imagine this moment with anybody else…”

Christina can’t help but let some tears roll down her cheek as she glances back at Seleana as she begins to speak.

“Seleana Zdunich I promise to be there for you. To be honest you are the first person who makes me feel as if I am worth something. I feel like I am not a trophy with you. I feel as if I am alive and you truly make me feel honored to be loved. I know I have been a failure in two marriages but I really feel as if I have found the one that my heart is destined to be with. I couldn’t imagine life without you. You have done so many things for me that I can’t stop thanking you for it. You have really adapted to being there for Brittany as well and viewing her as your very own. I know I am not the easiest person to deal with but thank you for understanding me and really being there for me in my time in need. When we met we both were hurting and broken. You don’t have to think about those days anymore. This is about us. This is our moment, and I want to take things to the next level. I am ready to share the rest of my life with you and I know that the third time is the charm. I love you Seleana Zdunich and I wouldn’t want this moment with anyone but you…”

The officiant smirks as he grins at both of them. He smiles as he looks around before he starts speaking.

“Simply amazing, and now what you really came here for. Seleana Zdunich do you take Christina Rose Hilton Lopez do be your bride. To love her and cherish her, and to spend the rest of your life with her?!”

“I do…”

“And Christina do you take Seleana Zdunich to be your bride. To love her and cherish her for the rest of your life, to be with her for the rest of your life, for better or for worse?!

Christina smiles as she nods her head with a wicked grin.

“I do…”

He nods his head as he glares at the both of them. There are smiles all in the room as everyone gets their cameras ready as he begins to speak some more.

“Well with the powers invested in me I now pronounce you wife and wife…. You may now kiss one another!”

With that the two of them glare at one another. They both grin as they put their lips against one another and kiss each other passionately. It is an amazing kiss that actually has some of the people cheering loudly.

“For the first time ever I give to you The Zdunichs!”

With that They both raise their bouquets in the air as they walk hand and hand out of the ceremony. There is an applause all across the room as everyone is cheering for the newly married couple. Crystal squeezes her hand as tightly as she can as grins just escape her. As soon as they walk out they are treated to a loud applause and to bubbles being blown in their direction. It is a happy occasion as the photographer makes sure to capture the moment. It’s something they cherish with one another. Christina is all grins as she holds Seleana as she stands by her side.

“Thank you so much for this moment Seleana… Thank you for being there for me and dealing with me when I was at my worst. I know it’s been rough for the both of us but we have personally made it. We have overcome everything together and from here on out it is us against the world.”

“Star you don’t have to thank me. We are doing this together. It’s our story to write and together we will create beautiful chapters in this book .Whatever happens from here on out we will do this together. I couldn’t imagine a life without you. As long as we are together that is all that matters in the end. You are special to me. You are very important and I love you so much…”

Christina smiles as she keeps on holding her by the hand.

“I can’t believe this is actually happening. I truly can’t believe we have made it this far. We have been through so much together but we finally have our story book moment. How could it get better from here?!”

“Well one of us could win the World Bombshell Championship. I know that would make it even more beautiful especially if it’s you…”

Christina just shakes her head as she looks at her wife.

“Whatever happens in the ring stays in the ring. I am not worried about that right now. All I really care about this very moment is what is next for us in our lives. As long as we have each other does anything else really matter?!”

“No it doesn’t it you and I babe. I am excited for the future. I am excited to be standing here with you. Tonight is going to be amazing. We are going to have a beautiful reception and I can’t wait to bring you to the hotel room. It’s going to be something to remember for years to come.”

Seleana smiles as Christina begins to speak again.

“You ready for this Seleana? It doesn’t get any better than this. This is our moment, and we can make the very most of it. There is no turning back now.”

“Star let’s just take it one day at a time. We don’t have to rush into anything. The wedding is more than enough. Let’s just focus on having a fun night together shall we?!”

“Sounds good wife…”

“I love that term of wife…”

With that the two of them smile with one another and it’s on this image that we fade out on.

[Dani]

 <FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Oh, my life, what is happening to me?”

Her voice was song like as she looked at her phone with a smile plastered on her face. From ear to ear she was glowing, Dani couldn’t believe her luck.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Sin City Wrestling presents Summer XXXTreme on the Sun Princess Cruise and I’m in the opening match?”

She couldn’t believe her lucky stars as she continued to hold onto her rose gold IPhone for dear life. Afraid it could slip out of her shaking hands at any moment as she couldn’t control her excitement. Dani kept reading the card out loud to herself, without even a care in the world she was out in middle of a busy café.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Apple Coren, Portia Alexander, Seleana Zdunich, Aviana Faith, Christian Rose and myself have a chance to go on, to the female main event of the night and face Mikah Green for the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Championship? Tell me I’m dreaming? Tell me I’m dreaming.”

Dani couldn’t help but repeat herself as she finally placed her phone down on the round table in front of her. Sadly, she wasn’t in attendance for Climax Control 210 as she was sent back to Vegas to handle some personal business.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Good things really do happen to those who wait.”

Dani smiled as she pushed a strand of her short brown hair behind her left ear. This was truly the best day of her life, especially with what had been going on in her personal life lately. As the newbie to the wrestling world, reached out to grab hold of her chai latte, she took a sip before she sunk back into her chair. Looking up at the beautiful blue sky, taking a moment to let this wonderful news sink in. Her lips couldn’t stay together as she smiled brightly, her happiness almost matching the brightness of the sun as she blushed. To her this wasn’t just a dream opportunity, this was validation that regardless of her not having one single win under her belt, that someone in the management saw something in her.

Reaching forward with her right-hand Dani went to pick up her phone, to fire off some quick messages she sent both her bosses a “thank you xoxo” text before she quickly rallied off some messages Gabriel’s way hoping to book in some more training time. There was a little fire burning in her belly, sure she was the least obvious one to stand a chance in this monstrous match up, but what if? WHAT IF? Those magical words couldn’t stop playing over and over in her mind, right now she had a golden opportunity right at her doorstep and she would be foolish to not try and greet it. Taking her time, she let this morning’s great news settle in her mind, she was going to have to put a lot of work in to try and turn her luck around but if anyone could spin a negative into a positive lately, that seemed to be her.

As Dani continued to enjoy her morning, alone people watching and sipping on her latte while devouring her pancake stack, things looked pretty peachy for the twenty-three-year-old as the pieces of her life started to come together. However, things aren’t always sunny in Las Vegas and sure enough time was just ticking away to remind her of that. Looking up from her tall latte glass Dani’s big beautiful brown eyes, fell onto a sight she didn’t think she would have to come to terms with for a very long time. Standing before her was her ex-boyfriend Eli, however the rock and roller wasn’t alone as he was standing hand in hand with a young blonde. The two were flirting and giggling while placing their orders at the counter.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “You’ve got to be kidding me?”

Was all she could mutter from her glossed lips, before she quickly dropped the black sunglasses that were perched on top of her head, down over her eyes. And within one fleeting moment all of the butterflies in her stomach returned to their cocoons, to hibernate. All those positive vibes that were flowing, were now at a halt. As Dani had to process what she was looking at.

Eli and Dani had broken up just two weeks ago, in an explosive disagreement so to see him so happy and taken by someone new already was like the dagger through her heart. Dani just closed her eyes, before she collected her thoughts, before she did the same with her personal belongings and she made a beeline out of the café. Dani didn’t have time to waste, as she felt the air around her was trying to choke her, the struggle to find fresh air wasn’t complete until she had whisked herself away to the parking lot. She quickly opened the car door to her old green Honda civic and plonked herself into the driver’s seat, before she hung her head and started to cry.

The tears didn’t last long, for as soon as she lowered her head she saw the screen of her IPhone light up and a message from Gabriel was displayed on the front screen. “We’re free now, if you want to pop in.” Was what the message read and with those nine written words, Dani quickly dried her eyes before rapidly sending off the return text. “I’m on my way. See you soon.” She hastily put her belongings on the passenger seat, before she buckled up and before you could blink the key was in the ignition and away she went.

Just a soft sigh was heard as Dani just put up some walls and headed off to train. Right now, she was staring down a real possibility of becoming the next Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Champion, she didn’t have time to waste her positive outlook or her tears on some guy. Well that’s what she told herself as she put on her big girl attitude and headed off to work.

--

The twenty-minute drive was all she needed to clear her head and once she was parked in the carpark of Gabriel and Odette’s gym Dani knew she had to put what she had just witnessed behind her. She took a few moments in the car before she, got out collected her gym bag from the boot and headed towards the front doors with purpose. Danielle Weston had one thing on her mind and that was to get her first victory in Sin City Wrestling and she was aiming to make that special night of her life the same night as Summer XXXTreme.

The competition was thick in this match up, but she had to put that to the back of her mind for now, as Dani’s main focus was trying to perfect her art. Wrestling. Truth be told she wasn’t the worst when it came to being a new comer in this business, but she was far from being polished and that was well on display for the whole world. So far, she was the disappointment story that had come from the Odette and Gabriel gym and that was enough to eat her alive. Not everyone gets their fairy-tale beginnings, but surely her luck was only just a few matches away from changing.

Dani was quick to hit the locker rooms, to change from her stress clothes to her gym gear and within a matter of minutes she was inside that six-sided ring that Gabriel and Odette had custom made for the talent that worked in Sin City Wrestling. It was so they could have an advantage when they first step foot into SCW as most companies worked with the traditional four-sided square circle. Once she was inside the ring, Gabriel wasted very little time in putting Dani through her paces. He started to dissect her opponents for Summer XXXTreme one by one, teaching her how to over comes their offence, reminding her of their defences. Gabriel wanted Dani to be light on her toes, always in motion because when it came to Battle Royals, if you stand for too long that would make you an easy target.

Knowing that the new comer Apple Coren was a British brawler, Gabriel had some tricks up his sleeve that he could share with Dani. Hoping they would all sink in, as Apple was for sure the type of girl who would cut you off at the knees, just to pick you up and dump your over the top rope. Dani learn that is Apple was seen coming towards her, what her best responses would be. It wouldn’t be easy to take down the confident, strong new bombshell but she was learning and as time ticked by Dani was getting pretty good at learning to protect herself from the harsh strikes that Apple would send her way.

Aviana Faith was a highflyer, mixed in with a little technical that would work well with Gabriel as he mentored Dani through some direct and assertive counters when it came to catching people in the air. This was one of his many strengths but one he knew like the back of his hand as Odette was much the same as Aviana when it came to their in-ring style and if there was one person on this earth that knew about Odette, it was Gabriel. So, he took some time showing Dani how to overcome, springboard attacks, high rope attacks, flying attacks. Dani took them all in, soaking up what she was being shown and taught like a sponge, she needed to withhold this information if she was going to survive the battle royal with Aviana Faith. Dani knew she would be gunning for redemption after her last match where she failed to beat Evie Baang, so the freshness of wanting to prove yourself was all too real of a threat coming from Ms Faith. After all she was in the same boat as Dani. Or well, if you want to look at it this way, they would both be on the same boat, in just a matter of days.

Next up was Selena Zdunich, a highflying speedster. Dani knew Selena all too well as weeks ago she had suffered a loss at her hands, that fact alone riled her up to prove to everyone that she could beat her. Gabriel was patient as he took Dani over some counters for when Selena tried to come at her with finishers. He taught her a bridging motion that could be used to counter the Asai DDT and a rolling motion that lead into a power plant that would save her if Selena was coming towards her looking for the Pin Up Strong. Gabriel was clear when he instructed Dani on the next following piece of advice… Selena would be in the match with her soon to be wife and it would be wise of Dani to play on that. However, Dani wasn’t the type to do mind games, but she picked up what Gabriel was putting down and that was that Crystal / Christina and Selena couldn’t and shouldn’t be trusted in that ring together and that would do whatever they needed to do to become the last woman standing. No doubt, with Selena sacrificing herself in the end for Christina.

Gabriel and Dani briefly touched on Portia Alexander as not a lot was known about the debuting bombshell. All that Gabriel could work out was that she was a highflying bombshell as well, so he just made a point to remind Dani of staying grounded. Especially when it came to battle royal matches. If Dani was going to try and avoid being tossed from the ring, into the pool below she was going to have to put all her new skills to work.

As the hours ticked by and Gabriel started to wind up the training session he turned his attention to Christina Rose that final competitor in the battle royal. Even though Dani had the chance of possibly facing Mikah at the end of the night Gabriel thought, that throwing her name in front of Dani right now wouldn’t be a wise idea. As Dani was struggling at times to get her head around facing Christina Rose. Sure, she claimed that she was a different competitor than Crystal Hilton, but Gabriel and Dani knew better, they knew that it was only a matter of matches before the Crystal sides seeps out of Christina and she would show dominance. There was a very high possibility that coming night would be next Sunday, I mean after all Crystal was intoxicated with the thought of becoming the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Champion, why would she let this chance slip from her fingers while pretending to be Christina Rose. This was also very confusing for young Dani, as well she just couldn’t get her head around the two people one body concept that Rose, and Hilton had going on.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “Good work Dani, keep it up.”

Gabriel had to admit he was pretty impressed with Dani’s performance here today, she was giving everything her all almost as if something was driving her on to be better. Although as Gabriel had Dani locked up in a school girl pin position he noticed that while he was trying to teach Dani a counter attack to get out of the Power Absorption she wasn’t holding her neck right. Sure, this move wasn’t going to come into play at Summer XXXTreme, but Gabriel felt the need to touch base on all of Christina’s moves to have Dani ready for the future. After all he was just weeks away from becoming a father for the second time, no one knew what his schedule would be like. As Dani pulled back, her neck was in a dangerous position, and Gabriel was quick to correct her efforts.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “Remember to tuck your head in, or you’ll end up getting injured.”

Dani adjusted her neck, before rolling the position over and managing to get the better of Gabriel in this move. He smiled, before he spoke to her with a smile on his face.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “Again.”

The two locked up for about the one hundredth time today but they both needed to make sure what Dani had just accomplished wasn’t just a fluke. Because, if she got this wrong next Sunday or in the future she wouldn’t be feeling the glow at all in fact she could very well be paralysed. As the trainer and the trainee rolled up, Dani was able to tuck her head in, before she wrapped her legs around, over powering Gabriel and pinning him onto his back. The two separated quickly before Gabriel spoke.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “Again.”

This time he made his way to a standing position, dragging Dani up to her feet before she swept her legs out from under her, he rolled her up and was hoping that Dani would react accordingly. She did and without skipping a beat, she repeated her actions from behind. Rolling herself over and taking control of the Power Absorption finisher that Crystal / Christina were known for.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “Excellent. Now you’re getting it… now do it again.”

He was praising her for being able to think on her feet, this time they both got up standing face to face and they weren’t over the whole drill of countering Christina / Crystal’s moves. Dani tried to keep the smile off her face as she watched Gabriel come towards her with a chick kick, something people would never get to see in the ring, but he was her coach, so he had to do things he wasn’t comfortable with. As the two ducked, weaved, dived and crashed tackled into one another, Dani was able to put everything that she had learnt today in practice and was able to get the better of Gabriel each and every time. As the two scuffled, on the canvas, it wasn’t long until Dani had Gabriel pinned to the canvas before Gabriel called it a day.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “Alright that’s enough for today.”

As the two sat side by side in the middle of the ring, Dani couldn’t help but smile she was excited and today’s training session had gone swimmingly, well so she thought. Gabriel just tapped her on the shoulder which was sign that she had done well. They were both sweaty and gross, but they both needed a moment to catch their breath before they exited the ring.  

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Shouldn’t we keep going, like I only have two weeks?”

Dani’s voice was riddled with concern, even though she had pushed herself to the limit she still wanted to do more. After all she had to prove to everyone that she had it in her to pick up a victory in Sin City Wrestling. It wasn’t so much the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Championship that was driving her this week, or the fact of having the honour of facing possibly facing Mikah. It was the drive she had within her to want to do better, she wanted to get a win, so people could stop doubting her.  

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “Patience, Dani… I know how eager you are to get your first win, but don’t go breaking yourself to accomplish it. What good will you be then?”

He had a point, but then again, when didn’t he? Gabriel couldn’t help but chuckle at the enthusiasm that was pouring out of Dani. It was a refreshing change from the others he had trained. Evie was always so violent, so angry, so guarded, while Fenris had become a handful, while London Underground where a puzzle within themselves as it was four personalities all at once he had to adapt to and help. Dani just rested her back down to the canvas and looked up at the bright lights beaming down from the ceiling.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “I guess you’re right.”

She sighed but before Gabriel could agree with her, another accent filed the room. The sound of clicking heels as well, followed by the over excitement of a young boy, seeing his father after a long day of missing him.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Oh God, don’t go giving him a big head. It already rivals my belly at times.”

Dani sat up instantly as she heard Odette’s voice and was quick to wave hello towards her. Meanwhile Odette has managed to let go of Lucas’ hand, so her son was now running up the ring steps to get inside the ring to tackle Gabriel. Gabriel of course being the devoted father played the part of “injured” so that his son could feel strong, before Lucas turned to Dani to wave and smile.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “O, Hi…”

Dani made her way up to her feet making her way over to Odette who was now standing on the ring apron, looking into her ring. Watching her boys play wrestle in the background. Odette reached out and placed her hand on Dani’s as she spoke to her.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Hello, you’re looking better in there Dani… I told you hard work pays off.”

It sounded so motherly coming from Odette, especially as she was cradling her well rounded baby bump. Proudly, like only a mother could. Gabriel had managed to wrestling Lucas into submission, before her got up to his feet, swinging his son up onto his back to piggyback him over towards his wife and Dani.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “I just really wish I could capture that win, I’ve been so close… so close… I mean Mercedes even gave me props so that has to mean something right?”

She sounded optimistic, which was better than sounding defeated, but Odette and Gabriel shared a look between themselves, almost exchanging in a conversation that didn’t have words. Before her husband could dish out some advice, Odette’s mixed accent cut him off.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “It does, if you like taking compliments for a lady who has a fetish for statistics.”

She rolled her green eyes, before she looked towards Gabriel. He knew that Odette wasn’t Mercedes’ biggest fan and well he found that out the night, he found out she was pregnant with Lucas so that memory was burned into his mind for what would be the rest of his life. Gabriel just smirked, he liked seeing this side of his wife, it meant she felt protective over him even if she was a little crazy at times. As Dani watched the two communicate without words, she pulled at her short brown hair as she swept her right hand through it.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “How are you feeling about Summer XXXTreme now?”

Gabriel broke the silence as he rested his forearms on the top rope, while Lucas cling on to his back whilst being a good boy and not disturbing his father. He knew that when Gabriel or Odette were talking to someone, he had to be patient and wait. It was old fashion manners like that, that both Stevens knew from day one they would teach their children. Dani heard Gabriel’s question, but she needed a moment to collect her thoughts before she answered, she didn’t want to jump the gun or come across as too defeated or too confident.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “I’m not going to lie I’m really nervous about this, like a battle royal? Against all those talented girls and then maybe, moving on to face Mikah? That’s crazy. That’s like winning to lotto and I don’t know, I really don’t know if I have the winning numbers.”

She lowered her head, this scene alone made Odette feel sad. Odette hated seeing her friends sad, especially when it came to self-doubt, it grinded her gears and not in a good way. Dani just exhaled before her attention was stolen by the voice of Odette once more.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Dani, you want to know my favourite thing about that cruise liner?”

Odette’s green eyes were almost glistening as she thought back about her times on the Princess Cruise ship, but she didn’t have time to walk down memory lane when she was trying to make a point.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “What’s that?”

Dani looked up and across to Odette, who was smiling from ear to ear. Glowing in fact as she did so. She was so happy about what she was going to say, that Dani could tell by her expressions before she even put them into words.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “It’s that anything can happen. I won my first every Bombshell Championship on that ship, it could happen to you as well.”

She had a point, and something for Dani to think about. The overall thought of winning the championship was far from her mind to be honest, she was mainly thinking about doing everything it took to win the battle royal to prove to herself that wrestling was her calling in life. Now Odette was dangling a carrot before her eyes and of course the Australian was going to shake it.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “I don’t think you could put me in the same boat as you, O. that’s crazy talk.”

Dani shrugged off Odette’s words, she didn’t see how she would or could go on to win the World Bombshell Championship. Mikah was a forced to be reckoned with a strong calculated force that many struggled to get past. Not only that, Mikah had just recaptured the World Bombshell Championship, so there was no way on good’s little green earth that she was going to part with it, without the belt being pried from her cold dead hands. The more Dani thought about winning the Championship, the more nervous she got. But she quickly shook her head, removing the fairyland day dream that was unfolding in there.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Anything is possible Dani, you just have to want it. So how badly do you want to get your first win in SCW?”

That hungry glimmer was alive and well in Odette’s green eyes. Gabriel found it hard to hold back a chuckle, there was something about his wife that could talk even the most fragile around to thinking they were unbreakable. However, she was just as sinister when it came to the reverse. Her intentions weren’t setting Dani up to fail, she was just trying to jump start something in that belly of hers.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “More than anything right now, I can’t handle having some much doubt looming around my career.”

Dani was being truthful, she needed a win after all she was letting herself down week after week. That wasn’t the worst part, she was letting down Casey her tag team partner and her trainers Odette and Gabriel. She felt like she was the gyms embarrassment and Dani wanted nothing more but to shake that feeling and create some buzz about her.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “Ignore the critics.”

Gabriel’s English accent was thick and fast as he spoke, but as he went to go on with a long speech he was cut off once again by his heavily pregnant wife.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Fuck them, people say what they want behind the protection of their phone screens, they are doing that to rile you up, too ruin your focus.”

Odette was firing up, as she spoke after all she had her fair share of people who didn’t believe in her back in the day. Dani’s eyes flicked between Odette and Gabriel as they spoke, trying to catch up with all this advice that was flooding her way.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “I mean, I really wish I could ignore them, but it’s hard.”

It was hard career for a rookie to be in, especially one that had a little bit of hype around her because of who trained her. So, to fail in her first few matches was heart breaking for Dani, she didn’t know which way was up or which way was down, all she knew is that she wasn’t helping anyone’s reputation by continuing this losing streak. Not hers, not Casey’, not Gabriel or Odette’s. Something had to be done, but the weight form the voices of the people weighing in on her career thus far was heavy and right now her knees were shaking, struggling to stand.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Rome wasn’t built in a day, Dani… so don’t stress over the words of people who can’t control your next step. You want your next step to be for the victory no? So, instead of focusing on what people are saying about you how about to focus that energy into getting ready to face Mikah?”

Odette winked at her, if Dani wasn’t going to have any confidence Odette was going to make it up for them both. She knew Dani had it in her, she just wanted to shake the tree and see how long it took for Dani to snap out of the pity party and come to her senses. Dani was trying to process what Odette had just said, why would she be focusing on facing Mikah? When there was one crucial step to combat before she even thought of fathoming that.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “But I have to beat all the other girls in the battle royal first.”

It was more of a sulk, than a statement Dani couldn’t understand where all the confidence Odette was trying to get to realise she had was coming from. She was the bottom of the food chain and the thought of having to prepare to face Mikah was enough to send her back to her losing ways.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “That’s correct, but what my wife is trying to say is that you need to look a few spots in front of your feet before you take a step.”

Now she was really confused, thanks to Gabriel’s words of advice. Both Gabriel and Odette looked to one another as Dani stood there in front of them trying to put their words together to come out with a clear-cut answer of what she needed to do on Sunday. Gabriel and Odette were cut from a different cloth, they didn’t struggle with confidence like Dani did so, trying to understand the two former Sin City Wrestling Champions was starting to become a mind field od riddles.  

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “So, put all my focus on Mikah?”

Both Hall of Famers turned their attention from each other as she looked down at Dani and both at the same time they answered her, abruptly.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “No.”

It was taking a little while for this to sink in and just as Odette was about to open her mouth and make a comment, her husband cut her off. Getting back at her for all the times she had done it to him in the last twenty minutes or so.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “Just work as hard as the people who have beaten her.”

Dani narrowed her eyes as she tried to make sense of what was going on, but she was starting to make sense of the advice she was being given. A smile crept across her face as something clicked, but she still had to ask some questions that no doubt were a little bit silly.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “But Crystal worked hard, and she came up short.”

Dani had a point, but Odette was quick to shut that debate down. She wasn’t going to have Dani think that she couldn’t beat Mikah if it came down to the both of them in the World Bombshell Championship match later on in the evening.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Did she though?”

Odette’s voice came across with a bucket load of confidence as she spoke against Crystal, while Dani just looked at her confused, for the one hundredth time today. The Aussie was quick to follow up with what she was meant.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “What I’m saying is that you are putting too much focus on what is going on in here, when you should be focusing on what’s going on in here.”

Leaning into the ring, Odette tapped Danu’s head before she moved her right hand down to point at her chest. Focusing on Dani’s heart. Dani flinched at she was tapped on the head, before she watched Odette’s right index finger point at her heart. It finally clicked, but before she could say anything Gabriel’s voice took over the conversation.

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “You have the heart for this business Dani, you just have to tap into it some more and everything will fall into place. So, instead of just watching your feet, always keep your eyes on where you want to go and trust in yourself and after a while, you won’t be so hesitant to take your first step.”

It was like the perfect parenting advice, like if someone could put that in a book they would probably sell millions. Dani looked at Gabriel and smiled, before her attention was turned back to Odette as she spoke sweetly but directly towards her.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Start by de-stressing, what will be next Sunday night will be… but trust that you have the skills… that Gabriel and I both know that you do and use them.”

She said with a smile as Gabriel nodded his head in agreement, Dani just smiled up at them taking it all in, but she had to be honest with them.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “You both make it sound so easy.”

Her big brown eyes looked a little helpless as she spoke but both Gabriel and Odette knew that it would only be a matter of time until Dani found her footing in Sin City Wrestling and when that day came the rest of the roster would have to be on the lookout. Dani might have been new to this sport, but she was dedicated and a fast learning making her a like sponge that adsorbed knowledge endlessly and rapidly. At times making her one of the easiest to train and help.  

<FONT COLOR=#98AFC7> “It’s not at first but it gets easier. Trust us.”

Gabriel just smiled, as he turned his attention to his son before swiftly exiting the conversation to play with Lucas. After all his son had done an amazing job staying silent for so long, letting the grownups talk. However, now it was play time as both boys ran around in circle chasing one another in what looked like would be an endless game of tag.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “So, who are you facing?”

Odette hadn’t checked the line-up for next week’s supercard as of yet as she was too busy creating life inside of her, which didn’t surprise Dani. The Aussie had taken a back seat when it came to the gym lately as she had other things to be worrying about. Nevertheless, that didn’t stop her from stopping by every now and then to check up on her investments. It was also good to see if Gabriel was still alive and well after having to deal with Fenris, as he was a handful at times.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Apple Coren, Portia Alexander, Seleana Zdunich, Aviana Faith and Christian Rose.”

Dani listed off the names of the females she knew for sure she was facing next Sunday night, a lot of names she knew very little or nothing about while there was one she had faced before and another one that was notorious in Sin City Wrestling. Dani was going to be pushing it if she thought she was going to win this battle royal, but she wasn’t going to back down from a challenge. She hadn’t done so yet in her career so why start now?

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Fuck me, those are some mythical woodland creature names.”

Odette couldn’t help but laugh at her own joke as she walked along the ring apron, before she walked down the steps carefully. Once she reached the floor she held her large rounded belly as she chuckled. It reminded Dani a little bit like Santa rubbing his belly, but she would never say that out loud as she cherished the messed up little life that she was living.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Don’t you laugh too hard, I’m not qualified to deliver a little princess.”

Dani stepped out of the ring, between the top and middle rope before she jumped down the floor landing on her feet just a few steps away from Odette. Odette was still laughing at her own joke, whilst Dani was looking at her, it wasn’t that funny, but she let out a nervous giggle to make Odette feel better about laughing so hard over something so stupid. As Odette finally came to her senses, she reached over and grabbed Dani’s right hand making sure she had her full attention before she spoke.  

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “So, how about you go hit the showers and we go out for some girl time, as I think Gabriel has some company coming in soon, we can talk more about your match next week? Or just girl talk?”

It’s not that Dani and Odette didn’t hang out it’s just they rarely ever had time for just the both of them to do so. Dani just smiled and agreed before she took off towards the showers to clean herself up and get ready to spend the afternoon with Odette. Today was really going wonderfully for her career wise. Dani was able to spend majority of it in the ring with Gabriel learning some neat moves and some tricks of the trade to help her with counters and defensive switches that would help her if she found herself heading towards the top rope.

Her match next Sunday wasn’t going to be like anything she had ever competed in before. It wasn’t a pin, or submission type of victory she was looking for… she was looking to outwit, outlast and outplay her competition, while surviving the battle royal so she could make her way to face Mikah. She would be happy just to overcome the first hurdle, but since talking to Odette and Gabriel she couldn’t help but ask herself. What if you went for it all? That was a huge leap for such a young girl, but boy wouldn’t that be the best story? The little girl from Daytona Beach Florida, who can’t seem to find her footing inside the wrestling ring, over comes the odds wins the battle royal and the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Championship in one night?

Maybe she was dreaming, but maybe dreams really do sometimes, come true?  

--

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Are you ready to go or what?”

Odette called out from the door of the female’s changing rooms at her gym, she was waiting patiently for Dani to emerge ready to go on an afternoon / dinner date with one of her students. Dani could be heard from behind the closed door, gathering her items before she shouted out to Odette.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “I’m coming, I’m coming, keep your baby in.”

Dani spoke as she swung open the door, as she did so Odette smiled down at her before she slightly cringed at what the young bombshell was wearing. Dani was dressed in a pair of black ripped jeans, that weren’t slightly ripped, they looked as if she had been mauled by a tiger, while she rocked a bright yellow tank top. Odette tried her hardest to approve her young Dani’s fashion choice, but it was going to be hard to keep biting her tongue.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “That’s not funny.”

She narrowed her green eyes down towards Dani, who was flashing her a big toothy grin. Dani had no makeup on, her short hair was still a little bit wet from her shower, but she still managed to look shabby chic, which I think is a good thing?

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Maybe just a little?”

She winked at her female trainer, before she slung her gym bag over her shoulder. The two females waved at Gabriel who was waiting on the arrival of his next guest, whilst he was playing rodeo round up with his son. Lucas was play shooting his father, as of course Gabriel was the baby guy and Lucas was the respective law man from these parts of the land. Odette just blew her little boy a kiss, who just waved her off before his attention went back to trying to knock his father to his feet.

As the two females left the gym, they entered the carpark, before Dani stopped dead in her tracks. Looking over towards her vehicle, she noticed there was a man standing beside it. It wasn’t just any man however, it was her ex-boyfriend Eli. He was dressed in ripped jeans, with a black leather jacket, covering his shoulders as a white ripped t-shirt was covering his chest. Dani didn’t know what to do as she just stood frozen, before she reached out and grabbed Odette’s arm stopping her in her tracks.  

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Oh no!”

Was all she could say in just above a whisper as, Eli hadn’t noticed that both girls were standing at the doors of the gym. He was too busy scrolling through his phone, to see them but Dani was fearful that he would hear her. Odette looked back at Dani, drawing her eyebrows together confused at what on earth was going on right now.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “Oh, what now?”

The Aussie spat out as she looked at Dani, who was now hiding behind her mentor. Hoping that Eli wouldn’t see her. Dani just quietly spoke to Odette, who was now looking around the carpark trying to find what had spooked her.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “The boy standing by my car, that’s my ex.”

Odette’s eyes trailed across the carpark until it saw Dani’s green Honda Civic, which then she saw the man leaning up against it with his cell phone in hand. She quickly turned to Dani and spoke, whilst looking on a little confused as to why she would be hiding from him. Odette didn’t know the story, but she was sure going to find out after their little outing today.

<FONT COLOR=#A74AC7> “So, we take my car and leave before he sees us?”

She ushered Dani towards the first carpark, that was currently housing a black Mercedes ML AMG, it was Odette’s soccer mum car, or football mum depending on who you said that loudly around. As both females went to walk off in that direction, Dani caught Eli waving towards her from the corner of her eye. A loud sigh escaped her lips as she looked at Odette like a deer in headlights.  

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Too late.”

Odette just whispered to Dani, “just tell him to nick off.” Before she ushered her over towards him, it couldn’t be that hard to tell him to go away and if any bastard like business started happening her Husband was only one yell away from making the grand save. Odette stayed by her car, but she remained in ear shot of the two as Eli came racing across the car park eating the distance up between them.

<FONT COLOR=#89C35C> “Dani! Dani! Dani!”

He was waving furiously trying to catch her attention, however, he didn’t need to Dani was well aware of him being there and she wasn’t too pleased to see him. Clutching onto the bag straps of her gym bag, Dani just greeted him with a half-arsed smile and a look of defeat across her face.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “What do you want, Eli?”

She was rarely ever blunt, as Dani was a nice girl, but it was taking all her strength in the world to stand there and not yell at him. He had to be out of his mind, coming to her gym and doing this too her. Yet Dani waited for what he had to say, I mean after all their break up was still fresh and anything could happen.

<FONT COLOR=#89C35C> “I just wanted to check in on you, I haven’t heard from your in days… what’s going on?”

Eli stopped just a few steps in front of her as he finished talking, reaching out as if he was looking for a hug. Dani just stopped him as she raised her right-hand palm out to halt his movements. He was close enough in her opinion that that was as good as it was going to get.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “What’s going on? You haven’t heard from me? We broke up remember, it was your idea…”

She was looking at him confused, as she narrowed her eyes to see if he was drunk. It wasn’t uncommon for him to stumble home at all ungodly hours of the day. After all he thought he was a Rockstar. Sadly, she couldn’t put this down to alcohol as Eli seemed to be sober, as her opened his arms, almost asking for a hug as she spoke.

<FONT COLOR=#89C35C> “Baby you know it was just a fight, we have tons of them… it’s our thing.”

His hands were flapping about as she motioned from himself to her, with that smirk on his face that drove women crazy. Dani just rolled her eyes, she didn’t have time for this. We was over it, plus she had other things to think about like her career, her match at Summer XXXTreme and potentially facing Mikah for the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Championship. She didn’t have time, to play mind games with her ex.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “It’s our thing? Is that kinda like… you holding hands with a cute blonde this morning at the Café, is your new thing?”

The right side of her lip curled up as Dani knew she had caught him red-handed and seeing him try and back pedal out of this was almost going to be entertaining. Eli played his roll to the script as she shrugged his shoulders, like painting a confused look across his face, as if he was struggling to understand what she was saying to him.

<FONT COLOR=#89C35C> “Whoa, I don’t know who is giving you information, but they have their wires crossed. I wasn’t with anyone this morning.”

Lies, all lies, and Dani knew it, because she had seen him with her own eyes. He must have thought she was stupid, but she played along as she titled her head to the side as she questioned him.  

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Oh really.”

Eli confused expression changed to a smirk as he took a step up towards her, leaving just a small gap between them as he looked down at her, his big beautiful eyes were beaming at her. Begging her to take him back.

<FONT COLOR=#89C35C> “Honest to God.”

Dani rolled her eyes and before she knew it, she was speaking at him angrily. Odette took a step up from her position in the background, but Dani looked over her shoulder and gave her a look that let her know that she was okay. Odette reluctantly stepped back, but she was quick to get her phone out of her bag.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “So, I must be blind right? Because I’m my own source on this little story. Just leave me alone.”

Eli was a little taken back as he was caught out in his lie, but he was quick talker and was rapidly thinking of a lie he could use to get himself out of this situation. Dain just watched on as Eli, so effortlessly started to tell her a story.  

<FONT COLOR=#89C35C> “Baby, it’s not what you’re thinking, she’s just a friend.”

Of course, she was, Dani brought her hands together to applaud him before she shook her head from side to side. He was a real piece of work and the more she was looking at him right now, the more she couldn’t believe that she had wasted so many years with him.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “That you hold hands with, yet we have been dating on and off for like four years and yet you flat out hold mine. Yeah right. Just go… you’re making a scene.”

Dani waved him off, before she spun on her heels but as she went to take a step and walk off Eli reached out and grabbed her on her left arm, pulling her back towards him. He wasn’t rough with her, but still she was quick to pull her arm out of his grasp, as she spun around and looked up at him.

<FONT COLOR=#89C35C> “Dani, baby… come on… I wouldn’t lie to you.”

He was pleading with her, as if he wanted her back but Dani couldn’t stand to look at him. She was already embarrassed by all of this. How humiliating to have her love life, playing out for Odette to witness. Just as Odette was about to dial a number, she noticed someone approaching from the distance and an evil smirk crossed her face.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Well you are… and I’m over it. Please Eli just leave me alone, this is hard enough as is.”

Dani once again took a step to the side, wanting to make her exit but Eli stepped in front of her blocking her. He was being a dick, a grade A dick but he didn’t care. Dani cringed as she heard his growling voice as he spoke to her trying to get her to stay and listen to him.

<FONT COLOR=#89C35C> “Dani, Dani… Danielle May… please.”

Really? Her middle name what are you her father? Dani just sighed as she shoulders just deflated it was almost as if she was going to give into him just, so he could say his bit before hopefully leaving. However, just as Dani was about to speak, she opened her lips, but a different accent took poured out.

<FONT COLOR=#1589FF> “Is this lad bothering you, Dani?”

Stepping up from around the corner, Daniel from London Underground could be found. The red is Dani’s cheeks flushed as she groaned, like this wasn’t horrible enough to go through, now more people were going to know her business. Dani was a private girl but right now, it was like the pages of her diary were being read out loud. Daniel stepped between Dani and Eli, pushing himself in there so Eli was forced to take a few steps back.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “No, it’s fine, Eli was just leaving.”

Dani reached out and gently touched Daniel’s arm, before she shook her head. She didn’t know much about him, but something told her he might have loved to brawl and Dani’ didn’t want to risk that. Not that seeing Eli with a black eye wasn’t interesting, it was just she wanted all of this to stop.

<FONT COLOR=#89C35C> “No, I wasn’t”

Eli muscled up and took a step up towards Daniel, but soon Daniel was joined by Os’ Dani just put her head in her hands and shook them from side to side, this was turning into a living nightmare. Os’ looked back at Dani and he slightly frowned before he turned back to look down at Eli cracking his knuckles in the process.

<FONT COLOR=#1589FF> “I think you were son, go on then…”

Daniel shooed Eli away by moving his right hand is a sweeping motion, Eli didn’t look to back down but as he tried to take a step towards Dani, his actioned were mirrored by Daniel’s. Seeing that he was out muscled and numbered, Eli just shouted out to Dani, as he looked at her between Daniel’s and Os’ shoulders.

<FONT COLOR=#89C35C> “We’ll talk about this later…”

Eli took a few steps backwards before she spun around wand walked off stuffing his hands into his jean pockets. Before anyone could say anything to Dani just she muttered quietly to herself, hoping that no one would hear her.

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “Or never, I’m good with never.”

She wanted to die, this was so humiliating. Looking up from her hands she looked at Daniel, Odette and Os’ who were all staring down at her, like she was kid at school that had a massive zit on her face. Odette placed her hands-on Dani’s shoulders and comforted her as Daniel’s thick British accent was heard once more.

<FONT COLOR=#1589FF> “You okay Dan?”

Nicknames, I like them. Dani just looked up at Daniel and smiled, even if it was a desperate ploy to try and get him to drop this. She quickly nodded her head up and down before she spoke, trying to sound convincing.  

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94> “I’m fine, thank you… you didn’t have to do that… I had everything covered.”

She was playing with them, right? Well of course she was but all three of them looked at one another before Daniel spoke out with a cheeky grin on his face.

<FONT COLOR=#1589FF> “Clearly.”

Dani just frowned, she didn’t have any more words to sum up how she was feeling or what on earth just happened, but all she knew is that she wanted to get out of there. As Daniel and Os’ made their exit, Dani made sure she stole a hug from the two gentle giants before she let them pass her it was all she could do to show that she was grateful. Turning towards Odette, she watched as the Aussie just smiled as if she was planning something, but Dani put her foot down, with a simple shake of her head. Odette threw her hands up innocently, before both girls turned and headed back towards Odette’s family car, to finally head off for their girl’s afternoon.

It was going to be a long afternoon for Miss Weston, because if you know Odette like I know Odette she will be pressing for answers. Dani just gritted her teeth together and tried to put all of what just happened at the back of her mind, after all she was getting pretty good at blocking things out. She would have to deal with Eli at another time, because right now she needed to put herself first.

--

<FONT COLOR=#FFFF94>Boy oh boy, or girl… we are almost a week away from the biggest match in my career to date and it’s totally out of this world that I can say that. Considering my debut match up was at Disney World, tagging with Casey for the Sin City Wrestling Mixed Tag Team championships. This is crazy, that my fourth match in my professional career is a six woman over the top battle royal, where the winners heads off to the female main event of the evening to have a chance at beating Mikah for the Sin City Wrestling WORLD Bombshell Championship. This just blows my mind.

Never in a million years did I expect to be in this type of match up so early in my career. I mean I must be doing something right? Right? Or maybe I just hit the jackpot and was slid into this match because they didn’t have anything else for me, but that’s okay because sometimes… even the littlest of fish can put up the biggest fight. Yes, that was a basically a cruise / ocean pun and well to be honest, you baiter get used to them. See what I did there? Okay I’ll reel it in…

Okay for real, I’m stopping I need to be focusing on what is about to be the biggest night of my life. I’m just days away from facing Apple Coren, Portia Alexander, Seleana Zdunich, Aviana Faith, Christian Rose and potentially Mikah and to say I’m ready? Well that question can be answered two ways, if you ask Gabriel and Odette they have all the faith in the world in me and they will tell you without doubt that I’m ready. Yet on the other hand, if you ask certain people in Sin City Wrestling, they will tell you I’m kidding myself. I mean, I can’t blame them? What have I done to prove them otherwise. I think those were Christian’s words from his tweet. I mean I get it, you’re a Mikah fan but really? That was a little cold, but hey… maybe he is just my biggest critic that I have to prove wrong. It won’t be easy, but I’m willing to grit my teeth and try and make this work.

Now, when I had my little lady date with Odette she told me one piece of advice and that was to never count anyone out. Always expect the unexpected in this match because the smell and taste of potential Sin City Wrestling gold has a way of changing people. It has a way of influencing people to do things they wouldn’t normally be doing… so this math could go any which way, even if everyone is always banking on Christian Rose walking away with the victory, without ever even stepping foot into the ring. I mean, even Mikah said that this match was basically just another way for Crystal / Christina to get another shot at her World Bombshell Championship. It kinda looks that way doesn’t it?

I mean that’s if everyone has their rose-tinted sunglasses on and can’t see past their noses to actually count the members in this match up. I don’t want to seem rude but it’s a little upsetting to have the likes of Apple, Portia, Seleana, Aviana not even added in contention for Mikah’s prestigious championship. Now just bear with me for a moment as I fillet this fish and explain to you all why this is straight up on the nose. Kinda like my jokes.

I get it, I do Apple, Portia, Seleana, Aviana and myself might be the newest bombshells on this roster, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be a surprise. Nevertheless, people want to overlook the talent that is Apple, she is dominate, fierce and has her eyes fixated on the prize, even if she is looking at a mirror half the time. Apple knows exactly want she wants and she is here to get what she deserves, and do you think this lady, is going to sit down and just let people count her out? You have another thing coming. Apple means business and overlooking her, well that’s your own stupid decision.

Portia, I don’t know anything about her, but do you really think that Mark Ward and Christian Underwood would just throw her into this match without thinking she isn’t worthy? I mean Mark may have thrown her into this bout, to mess with Jessie… I get that, but I think she harbours one of the many things we all fear… she is unknown. We don’t know what she is capable of and that right there is frightening to me… not like bump in the dark type scared, but no one knows what she is like inside the ring, so how can we count her out? How can we say, that she is just one of the ones that will end up a wet mess by the end of the match? We can’t, and it would be foolish to think otherwise.

Aviana Faith is going to come into this match swinging, she just lost to Evie Baang, so she will be livid. Aviana will be just as hungry as what I am to get over her pass loses, because no one wants to be on that streak, so to sit there and think she won’t be walking into Summer XXXTreme without her guns a blazing is crazy talk. Ms Faith has equal chance of walking away with a victory at on that boat and none of you can convince me otherwise.

Seleana, well if you want to talk about her, she has a higher chance of walking away with the victory in the battle royal. Let’s be honest her wife is going to be in the ring with her next Sunday night and that isn’t pulling the wool over my eyes at all, I know they will work together I know they will be teaming up and planning to conquer us all. They would be silly not to, I wouldn’t even be mad that’s just straight up game playing and sometimes, a little bit of help goes along way. Just know I will be keeping an eye out on Seleana and Christina, I just hope I have the skills to outwit them if they start rolling the dice and coming my way.

Speaking of Christina or Crystal which or whomever is planning to come to ring on Sunday night. I think it’s pretty clear to see she is the favourite in this match up. She is the one people are saying will take it all, people are even betting she will topple Mikah and once again become the World Bombshell Champion. I’m not mindless I can see that Christina will be just as hungry for the gold as what Crystal is, so I know that she can’t be trusted. I also know that regardless of what personality shows up, they both had a hatred for Mikah Green, so the will to survive the battle royal will be strong… I just hope Christina / Crystal realises this isn’t going to be a walk in the park for her… this match isn’t going to be a given because Apple Coren, Portia Alexander, Seleana Zdunich, Aviana Faith and I are going to make her work for it.

This leads me to Mikah, and well I know my chances of beating of you are pretty slim but mark my words, if I’m able to win the battle royal I promise you to give you my all. You seem a little bored with facing Crystal / Christina back to back, so let me tell you this… I hope facing me, gives you a little pep in your step because right now, you’re a little bit angry all the time… when really you should be the happiest girl in the world. You have the dream job, the dream life, a family, a loving husband and the Sin City Wrestling Word Bombshell Championship, yet you’re always so angry… always so resting bitch face. it’s heart breaking really, how the girl who has it all, seems to be the one that also has the least.

Be it for me to give anyone life advice, but just know that if we do end up facing each other. I will try my hardest to give you something new and exciting. I hope I will awaken something inside you, that seems to be motionless inside you, your will. You’re begging for a challenge and IF big IF I get to lace my boots up and get the honour of facing you… I will try to give you the fight of my life because I know I need to be on my best form, to knock you off yours.

No disrespect, just facts.

I will see you all next Sunday, I just ask that no one gives up on me, as my best is yet to come.

[Avi]

 "Secrets"

Looking in my closet, you would hardly call my wardrobe fashionable. I wasn't the type to show a lot of skin. So there were not very many options for a cruise ship. I chew on my lower lip while trying to decide what I should pack. I supposed t-shirts for sure, although I owned very few of them. I hated the idea of getting burnt and skin cancer so the majority of my tops were light long sleeve cotton. Mostly plain white. And jeans. Jeans were utilitarian. It was easy to fit into a social setting, although I did own a few pairs or cords and a pair of Bermuda shorts. I put the shorts in my open bag, along with my socks and underwear. I owned only one bra and I was wearing it currently.

There is a light knock on my door and Ana enters. She smiles as she enters with a handful of multicolored clothes. She walks in placing them in the bed.

Avi: “Did Karen leave already?”

Karen was the nurse that came in the mornings to help with Ana’s dialysis treatments. We had two other nurses that came as well. One in the afternoon and one in the evening. It was easier that going to the hospital that often.

Ana nods. I look at the clothes she has brought in and I shake my head.

Avi: I’m not going to wear your clothes Ana...

Ana takes a seat on my bed, placing her hands on her lap. She looks too skinny to me. Maybe because we had been inseparable since conception I noticed even slight changes. It could also be because I was perceptive though.

Ana: You are going on a cruise, you should look pretty Avi. Not that you aren't pretty now, just... you have guys asking you out. Think of the possibilities with a spruce up of your old boring wardrobe.

I shake my head as she holds up a bright blue tank top. I had never shown that much skin before. It was bad enough my wrestling gear was tight.

Ana: Avi, you can't stop living because I’m sick. What happens if they don't find a donor? I can only be on dialysis for so long.

Avi: If you let me find Bethany...

Ana holds up her hand. The look on her face was enough to shut me up though.

Ana: We talked about this. I don't want anything to do with her. She is not our mother Aviana. Our parents gave her the option to be part of our lives and she disrespected them. She abandoned us.

I didn't see it that way. I think Bethany gave us a better opportunity to bond with our mom, without her around to undermine that. Ana saw it as abandonment. I saw it as mercy. Plus, imagine how hard it was to have to give up her biological children.

Avi: Okay, Ana. I won't go looking.

Ana: Promise me Avi. Promise me you won't go poking around. We will be okay. We have spent the last 23 years doing just fine without her.

The determined set of her face has me nodding my head. Now I had it on my conscience that I was going to betray my twin.

***
Promo

Avi: “I’m going to tell you all a secret. I am terrified of this match.”

Aviana sits against a window, the lower manhattan skyline evident through it. It is raining, the sky is grey and miserable.

Avi: “My third match in and I am being put in a position I was not expecting. I position I have not earned. I really appreciate Crystal’s kind words of encouragement. It really means a lot but it still doesn't change the fact that I feel like I am getting a shot on the back of someone's misfortune.”

She looks out the window, the camera catches her side profile. She uses her finger to trace a droplet down the pane of glass.

Avi: “What's worse is that Courtney is in that position because of me. If Ty hadn't asked me out, she never would have gotten angry at him. Never would have foolishly acted out. And honestly, her injury is her own fault but the events leading up to it involve me and I cannot help but feel guilty about that. Maybe she needs to take some anger management. She did tell him she wasn't interested and he walked away. What else did she want from him?”

She shrugs, turning back to the camera.

Avi: “Ty said he would like to get a cup of coffee. As friends. I don't have any of those so I am not going to turn that away. Maybe I am too inexperienced with guys to not see some hidden innuendo or meaning but when someone tells me something I take it at face value.”

She sighs heavily, it is easy to see that this weighs heavily on her mind.

Avi: “And should I be lucky enough to come out the winner, I go on to face my instructor. This woman trained me, she knows my moves. Me going up against her well, I don't know if I am ready for that but I am going to give it my all. This ring is going to be full of people with different levels of experience but the thing about it though is that the winner is not going to be a winner because they were the best wrestler, it will be because they outsmarted the rest. I don't know why people are saying I am going to be gunning for this win. That somehow I am going to turn into someone I am not. I am not some fierce, powerful woman. I do want to earn my chances based on my skill. That skill will lead to accomplishments. I want to be recognized for that, not for becoming a unrecognizable beast, hulking up in a ring.”

She wipes at her eyes with the back of her hand. Aviana was never great at expressing her emotions but it is obvious that she wears her heart on her sleeve.

Avi: “I know... there is no crying in wrestling. I get that. I know my opponents will see this as a weakness but my ability to feel and care is one of my greatest assets. I am not out there to purposely hurt people, or take anyone for granted. I am not willing to step on people to be first in line. I want to be first in line because I earned that spot.”

She pulls her legs up under her on the window seat. Her oversized T-Shirt has the SCW logo on it, but it seems to swallow her small frame within it.

Avi: “That is what people like Apple and Mikah do. They will do whatever it takes to win. Crystal also seems to often flip between being a mentor and being on the verge of insanity. Seleana has had kind of tough go lately but maybe this is the push she needs, pun unintentional. Dani Weston seems to be a lot like me. She is here for the right reasons, at least what I think are the right reasons. Portia, well? There isn't even a lick of information on her available. I hope she doesn't think this means that she will have an advantage simply because her opponents are going in blind. No one is headed into SummerXXtreme more Blind than Mikah. She has to prepare for six different opponents, because she doesn't know who is going to be lucky enough to stay on dry land.”

She looks down at her fingers, which can't seem to keep from fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. Her fingernails are short and clean. Her hands though show more lines and wisdom than someone half her age. She constantly is keeping herself busy, being interested and knowledgeable in a variety of subjects.

Avi: “I don't really know much about any of these five girls I am facing. I am not here to talk trash about them and tell you how I am better. That isn't going to win me this match. Knowing their weaknesses and strengths isn't going to.help me either. The only way to move on is to dump five other girls over the ropes and into the drink. That involves using your brain. It involves watching and waiting for opportunities.”

She seems to have gained a little more confidence now, her voice becoming stronger, no stopping to hold back her sobs.

Avi: “That kind of planning is best suited for the second round. A one on one with Mikah. And you know, I don't even know her on a personal level. She plays it all close to the chest. Doesn't let anyone in. I don't begin to understand or know why but I believe it is because some dramatic happened that caused her pain. She just couldn't stand to feel that sort of pain again. I suppose I can respect that, but closing off your heart isn't going to do anyone any good. Not in wrestling, not out there in the real world.”

Avi reaches off screen and comes back with a picture frame. The camera can only see the back of it and not the actual picture inside it.

Avi: “I am doing this in my brother's memory. This was his dream. And now it is mine. I am doing this to help keep his memory alive. Using some of the moves he taught me as well as those that Mikah showed me. I have natural athletic ability and I’m a perfectionist. When I lost to Evie last week, I was devastated but I did make her earn it. I didn't crumble like other rookies. I have spent hours in a practice ring working on the things I got wrong. I have done nothing but prove what I could be capable of. Will that be the next bombshell champion? It could very well be. I know I want to be.”

She clasps her fidgety hands tightly together to still them and gives the camera a smile.

Avi: “I do know this, I am not going down without a fight. I am not going to be a girl known for just giving up. I am going to fight until there is no fight left. Show me someone else on the roster willing to do that, and I will prove they are liars. I am going to be, unstoppable.”
***

I look down at the paper in my hands while standing across the street from a pizza place, the address matches the one I was given at the records office. Our mother lived in the apartment above the store while pregnant with us. No wonder Ana and I both loved pizza with the works.

With a deep breath I step out, narrowly making it across before a yellow cab speeds by me honking. This was New York for you though. Everyone was always in a hurry. It had taken me years to perfect a way to maneuver through crowds without being in anyone's way while still able to maintain my own pace. The door for the apartment is beside the one leading into the restaurant but it is locked. Deciding to be bold and not give up on this journey, I pull open the door to the restaurant and step inside.

My senses are overwhelmed by the true Italian feel of the place. The background music is low but I distinctly hear the crooning of Dean Martin in the background. The restaurant is fairly empty except for one man in the back corner, nursing a tiny cup of what I assumed was expresso and reading an Italian imported newspaper.

I take a deep breath as I walk up to the counter and hit the bell, waiting for someone to come. My hands begin to shake as I hear the words,

“Qualcuno è qui...”

I was fluent in Italian. Just one of the things I excelled at in school. The man that comes through the swinging doors has my next words catch in my throat. He looked so much like Ana. Could he be related to Bethany somehow? In return, the man stops, blue eyes going wide.

“Beth...”

When he gets closer, he realizes I am much too young to be her but he continues to appraise me before shaking himself.

“I’m sorry, you just look like my daughter...”

It was time to break the ice. This was my grandfather. Something I never thought I would ever have and here he was, standing in front of me.

“Is your daughter Bethany Masterson?”

The man's eyes roll as he mutters some swear words.

“Masterson is not her last name. She changed it when she ran away from us. My name is Corrado Alessandri. Why are you looking for Beth?”

He was the type to cut to the chase. Ana was like that too.

“Because she's my birth mother...”

***

When we were children, Ana and I made a pact, to tell each other everything. To never have secrets. It killed me that I had to break so many promises just to save her life. I would do anything, even if it meant Ana was mad at me for a while. I would rather a lifetime of her hating me then going the rest of my life knowing that my siblings both died when I could have done something about it. Finding our birth family was a ticket to finding a donor.

***

Corrado moves my chin from side to side in his palm. He has a goofy smile on his face as he appraises me.

“Elena... she looks just like Bethy... it is amazing....”

Elena was Corrado’s sister. A plump older woman with greying hair. She steps forward while placing a pair of reading glasses on the tip of her nose. She looks me over as well. I feel like a zoo animal at this point.

“Her eyes are a different colour though. Bethy had blue eyes.”

Had? Was it just a figure of speech because she was no longer living here?

“My dad has hazel eyes.”

I speak up and my voice cracks. Both of them look at me curiously.

“So tell me, are you the baby she had with the man that paid her?”

I could understand why this man would feel so indifferent to in vitro. I had learned that Corrado and his sister had immigrated to New York when they were both in their 20’s. Corrado had married young but lost his wife due to complications from Bethany's birth. Elena, unmarried, had stepped up as the matriarch of the family.

“Yes, me and my sister...”

The two elders identical eyes go wide and I suddenly realized they were fraternal twins, like me an Ana were. Usually, twinning was passed down on the mother's side of a family but maybe my grandmother had it in her family too?

“You have a sister? Is she the same as you?” Corrado waves over a waiter and tells him to put on a pot of espresso in quick short Italian.

“I’ve never tried Expresso.”

Corrado beams at me. It is obvious that my knowledge of his language has impressed him.

“You speak our language. Did you know that your family was from Italy?”

I shake my head no.

“I want to be transparent here. I have always been curious about my birth mother but my sister never was. She asked me not to go digging.”

“but?”

“But Ana is sick. She has a kidney disease and needs a transplant. She has a rare blood type so me nor my dad are matches...”

Elena seems to turn white. She makes the sign of the cross while muttering a prayer. I look at Corrado and notice he too seems to have become sadder.

“Beth was engaged once. A fine young man but he had a kidney disease and because of a rare blood type they could not find a donor in time. He died before Beth gave birth.”

Elena pulls a handkerchief from her bosom to dab at her eyes. Corrado looks equally grief stricken. Something suddenly clicks. Ana wasn't anything like my Dad. Like me he was reserved, shy. Caring and sensitive. Not to say Ana wasn't caring, she just had a different way of showing it. What if, by some fluke, Ana wasn't really my twin? That somehow Bethany had hyper ovulated because of the fertility drugs? And in so doing, she got pregnant by her fianceè as well...

There was no doubt that I was my Dad's daughter. But Ana... including a rare genetic kidney disease and rare blood type...

“Did he have any family?”

***

Although I wanted to continue to search for Bethany, if my suspicions were right, I needed to find out if Ana’s potential birth father had family that matched. It was a matter of life and death. Maybe I could convince a matching family member to donate anonymously. Corrado and Elena had directed me across town. Calvin Masterson was the fianceè's name. It explained why Bethany had changed her name. In was in honour of Calvin.

I was now standing in front of a house, complete with white picket fence and tire swing. It was pure American at it's finest.  With a deep breath, I forced myself up the driveway and rang the doorbell. I didn't know what to expect. It was all happening so fast.

The door is answered by a young girl, probably only a few years younger than me. She looked like she could be Ana and I’s sister she was so similar. She seems to see the resemblance as well.

“Who are you?”

“Stephanie, whose at the door?”

A middle aged woman with salt and pepper hair appears behind the girl at the door.

“Bethany? But it can't be...”

It was the second time today I had been mistaken for my birth mother. I had never even seen a picture of her to see the similarities myself.

“I am Aviana O’Connor. Bethany is my birth mother.”

Susan Masterson is reluctant to let me in so we sit on the porch. She is Calvin's mother and Stephanie is his sister, born after Calvin's death. Since Calvin was an only child, the Masterson’s decided to try again. Not a replacement for Calvin though, as she made sure to tell me a few times during our conversation. I did learn however that Stephanie might be a match and was willing to at least get tested to see.

The sense of relief I had leaving the Masterson residence relieved a bit of my tension but there was still the waiting. I didn't want to talk to Ana about any of it until I had definite answers. I knew she was going to get angry, so better to make it worth it.

[Lady Apple]

 A limo slowly moves past the LAX sign outside of the airport.  Inside sits a rather bored Apple Coren who seems to be reading an unnamed European fashion magazine.  Beside her, a rather frazzled Ivy can be seen tapping an Ipad that she has on her lap.  Between the two seats rests a tall flute glass with a platinum coloured liquid that sloshes against the sides of the glass in the drink holder on one side, a dark liquid in a drinking bottle with a Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy image on it rests in the other holder.   The pair seem lost in their individual mindsets as the car moves towards Los Angeles.   Soft latino music can be heard coming from the front of the limo as the Hispanic driver bobs his head to the beat which finally is noticed by Apple whose head moves upward to glare through the Jackie Onassis sunglasses that hide her eyes.  The brim of the floppy Philip Treacy hat floats over the shades and compliments the soft peach sundress being worn by Apple.

Ivy continues to watch the screen in front of her as Apple gves her a side eye then motions with her head at the driver.  Ivy looks up at Apple then the driver and back to Apple before the realization of what she wants strikes her.  Moving along the body of the limo, she leans towards the driver with a soft British accent.

Ivy the Assistant:  Could you please turn down the music or change the channel.  Milady over there isn’t into…salsa is it?  She would quite appreciate a change por favor?

The driver gives Ivy a look as she offers him an apologetic smile.  Grumbling, he hits a switch and the back of the limo is filled with soft rock music as the partition slowly begins to rise to block out the Latin music in the front.  Ivy murmurs thanks as she makes her way back to sit on the seat opposite Apple who has turned her attention back to the magazine.  Ivy once more begins to tap on the screen only to have her attention caught by Apple who hasn’t looks up but begins to speak.  

Apple Coren: Since we arrived you have had your nose glued to that Ipad.  I mean I suppose you are able to take a break here and there but I would have thought you would be confirming all this week before we have to get on that boat for the supercard.  So can you explain to me what you are bloody doing rather than your job.

Ivy the Assistant:   I am sorry my lady but I thought you were relaxing and I didn’t want to disturb you.  So I was playing a bit of football manager…

Apple Coren:   Football manager?  Yours or mine?

Ivy the Assistant:  Yours of course.  I have you near the top of the league.

Apple Coren:  Near the top of the league?  Why am I not at the top?

Ivy the Assistant:  Ummm there is this bloke with a Millwall team that is topping the league right now.  He’s brilliant with his team but I face, I mean you face him soon and could topple him.

Apple smirks as a very fake chuckle can be heard.  Flipping a page, Apple again  

Apple Coren:  Think positive Ivy, I will topple him just like I won my match last night.  And everyone was saying that I wouldn’t.  Sometimes I wish that people took me for more than just a pretty face you know.  They seem to think that I am just talking and sounding like some kind of bragging little girl that needs to be patted on the head like a precocious child.  I proved I wasn’t just that pet didn’t I?  

Ivy the Assistant:  You certainly did my lady.  I mean to see everyone who were suspecting you to lose have their minds blown, it was brilliant if I say so myself and I very much enjoyed seeing backstage with all the surprised looks on the faces of the bombshells.

Apple Coren:  I wish I could have seen that Ivy.  I dearly love to watch as the realization that I am more than a pretty face and fabulous body wash over the faces of those that doubt me.  And trust me when it comes down to it, everyone does you know.

Ivy raises a one eyebrow inquisitively as Apple sighs and closes the magazine to lay it on the seat across from her and pick up the flute to sip at the liquid.  Ivy spares a quick glance at the football manager game before swiping it closed.  She looks up again and offers her boss a sympathetic look

Ivy the Assistant: They don’t know you like I do ma’am.  I could tell them stories about how good you are.  But I do think ma’am that you should use that to your advantage of course.  Given that most will second guess you, it gives you the advantage and allows you to exploit all of them.  Think about it ma’am, no one will see you coming at all and when all is said and done you will reign as you are meant to.

Apple Coren :  Oh Ivy, you are so good for one’s ego.  Just for that, you can take some time later tonight for yourself.  Now, since I am feeling energized, shall we go over our diary for the next few days?

Ivy nods and swipes once more on the Ipad to bring up a calendar with Apple’s schedule on it.  Looking down, Ivy begins to read to herself the schedule looking for anything that might bring down the positive energy infecting her boss.  Lady Apple sips once more at the drink, draining it with one final sip before reaching again for a bottle resting in an icebucket.  Pulling out the bottle, Apple serves herself another glass of sparkling cider before returning the half empty bottle to the bucket.  Turning to Ivy, she crosses her legs and pulls the glasses from her eyes.

Apple Coren: Well?  Do I have anything on the diary this week or is this a little holiday before the cruise?

Ivy scans it once more then begins to speak.

Ivy the Assistant: Looking at your diary, we will be arriving at the Beverly Hilton where you are booked into a suite for the week.  Tomorrow you have an appointment with your friend Doralea to go shopping on Rodeo Drive.  Later in the week you have an interview with Pussy Willow about the Summer XXXTreme six supercard and what your reaction is to the announcement…

Apple holds up a hand to stop Ivy who looks up in concern.  

Apple Coren:  What announcement Ivy?

Ivy the Assistant:  Oh…apologies ma’am, you received an email from management at Sin City Wrestling and it appears that you have been booked in a match at the supercard in a..

Ivy once more looks over the email that she quickly opens.  A surprised look comes over her face that is still there as she looks at Apple in horror.

Apple Coren: What is it Ivy?

Ivy the Assistant:  The original email ma’am stated that you were one of six bombshells in an over the pool ultimate x battle royal…

Ivy’s voice registers shock and surprise and a bit of a smile as Apple brings her hand to her chest in modesty.

Apple Coren:  Royal…of course, my specialty considering that I am the only one in Sin City Wrestling that is royal.  Continue Ivy, what has happened to the battle royal?

Ivy the Assistant:  Well ma’am, it has been given more significance.  Not only is it a battle royal but the winner will go on to face the champion later that night for her title.

Apple’s eyes widen as she begins to rub her hands together before waving one in front of the face of Ivy.  

Apple Coren:   This is impossible, how mean can the bosses be for making me wrestle and win twice in one night.  I mean of course it is a given that I win the battle royal but then to have me face the Bombshell champion…who is it again?

Ivy the Assistant: Mikah ma’am.

Apple Coren:  Michael?  What kind of name is that for a bombshell?  Wait, this isn’t one of those women who…

Ivy the Assistant:  Oh no my lady, she isn’t transitional if that is what you are asking.  Her name is spelled M I K A H…Mikah.

Apple Coren:  Thank you for clearing that up Ivy but I must say that I differ from you on the transitional when it comes to Mikah.  For all intents and purposes this bombshell is a transitional champion.  Hasn’t she just spent the last few weeks trading the title back and forth with that bipolar so and so?

Ivy the Assistant:  That’s a fact ma’am.  But one can say that Mikah has been dominant while holding titles here in SCW.  So back to the diary…

Apple interrupts again, this time, her brows are knit as she looks at her assistant.  Before she can speak, the partition begins to lower and the driver calls back to tell the two women that they are approaching the Beverly Hilton.  Apple picks up her glass and drains it completely and sets it aside.  Ivy grabs her water bottle and sets it into a beach bag that she slides over her shoulder as the car glides towards the entrance of the hotel.

Pulling up in front of the door, the driver shuts the engine down and then exiting the car, he moves to the trunk of the limo to open it and let a gasp escape as he sees the number of bags and suitcases that are in the trunk.    The Hilton’s valet moves to the side of the limo and opens the door to let Ivy out.  She slides out and smiles at the valet, the stereotypical blonde actor type who is either studying for a role or paying his dues before he is discovered.  A soft cough can be heard out of the limo as one hand extends toward the blond who reaches out and helps Apple from the limo.  He offers her a smile before she turns to the driver and walks to the trunk.

Apple Coren: Be careful with those, they are genuine Louis’ and if you get one scratch on them it will come out of your payment!  Ivy, you stay here and make sure that this driver doesn’t do damage to my Louis’ and I will have this gentleman guide me to the main desk so I can get our room.  

Apple moves to slide her hand through the arm of the valet who gives her a cocky grin and begins to guide her towards the door.  Apple chuckles at something that he says as she taps him on the arm with a smirk.  Ivy watches them go then turns to the driver who gives her a sympathetic look.    

Ivy the Assistant:  It is okay, she is just a little high strung you know.  I mean she is a lady and all.  Let me help you with those…

The driver moves towards a hotel cart and pulls it to the limo where he and Ivy load up the multiple Louis Vuittons and the one regular old suitcase that has seen better days.  With a smile, Ivy pushes against the cart to start it rolling towards the hotel as the driver closes the trunk and then the car door.  

Inside the hotel, Apple can be seen flirting with the doorman as the girl behind the desk is shooting her dirty looks and tapping hard on the keyboard.  

Desk attendant: Welcome to the Beverly Hilton.  Can I have your name please?

Apple Coren:  Lady Apple Coren.  

Ivy comes up to the desk, slightly out of breath from pushing the cart as Apple continues to flirt with the valet who smiles at her ladyship earning a growl from the desk attendant.    

Ivy the Assistant: Her ladyship has a reservation under Apple Coren.  We booked her in the Governor’s suite and here is her credit card.

Ivy slides a black credit card across the desk as the valet gives Apple a final smile while indicating that he needed to get back to work and maybe they might meet up later once his shift was over.  Ever noncommittal, Apple gives him an airy wave to acknowledge the comment then turns back to see Ivy grabbing a pair of keycards and then move to the luggage.  Apple offers a bright smile to the desk attendant and then with another airy wave, follows the heavily burdened Ivy to the elevator.  

Ivy the Assistant:  Well my lady, we have our rooms and we have your diary to discuss still and the announcement that your match will determine who the challenger to Mikah will be.  

Apple Coren:  Is there any doubt it will be me Ivy?  Really?  So once we get to the suite, I want you to take some notes because there is so much to arrange for that night and we only have less than two weeks to do it.  

Ivy the Assistant:  Of course ma’am.  

The soft chime of the arriving elevator interrupts the pair.  The doors open with a swish and Apple glides inside before the luggage is pushed inside followed by Ivy.  The doors close and the soft bell of each floor is registered as Ivy watches the numbers light up and apple checks on her manicure.  Suddenly a soft bump signals their arrival at the floor where her suite is.  Ivy backs out of the now open door of the elevator tugging and dragging the cart with her.  Apple moves gracefully out of the doors and moves to the door of the suite only to stop and look down at the lock then at Ivy before holding out an impatient hand for the key card.  Ivy hands it over and Apple waves it over the lock which buzzes acceptance of the card and the door is pushed open by the young lady who walks in with an air of ‘this will have to do’ as she reaches for her hat and pulls it from her dark locks and tosses it on the table in the small hallway of the suite.

Apple Coren :  Okay Ivy, now that we are here and checked in, here is a list of things that I need for you to do.  I want you to arrange to have a hair dresser, make up artist and stylist to be ready for me after I win the battle royal in the extreme case that I fall into the pool.  It would not do to have me competing for the Bombshell title in anything less that perfection.  After all, do you think that the new Bombshell champion should be seen in anything less?  Now I want you to also arrange for a separate locker room for me because I can’t share the same air as losers that will be in that match.  I also want you to make sure that should anyone want an interview that night, they will have to wait until I am ready and not before.  Oh speaking of interviews, I want you to arrange for Ms. Willow to meet me at Gucci tomorrow.  

Ivy the Assistant: Yes ma’am, of course ma’am, I am on it.

Apple moves further into the suite followed by Ivy who is furiously writing on her Ipad with each word uttered by Apple.  Stopping to admire the skyline that goes out to the distance, Apple turns and with a ‘let’s go’ to Ivy, motions her towards the living area of the suite to recline on the sunken sectional that is facing the French doors that lead to the outside. Ivy joins her after dropping her bag on the floor by the cart and shutting the door to the suite.  

<img src=http://canadian-spitfire.webs.com/appledivide.png>

A pair of young women can be seen walking along Rodeo Drive.  One is the very familiar Apple Coren dressed to the nines in a pair of black thigh high boots and a rather bohemian slip dress and hat.  The other woman is a petite blonde in a denim jumpsuit with a rather horsey laugh that can be heard as the pair share a conversation.  Behind them, is a weighed down Ivy who is seen carrying a few rather large bags and trailed by a few others valets who had been hired by Apple to accompany them on the shopping trip that had been planned.  

DoraLee Donaldson:   Oh Pomme, I can’t believe that you are a wrestler for sobbing out loud.  

Apple can’t help but smile as she nods sagely at her friend and the use of her nickname from boarding school.      

Apple Coren:  I can not tell a lie Dee Dee, you are looking at the undefeated Apple Coren of Sin city Wrestling fame.  Here I am, one step away from challenging for the championship.  They obviously knew talent when they see it.  And can you believe it, undefeated and stepping into a match that I am specifically suited for.  A battle royal.  And I have to beg your pardon for an interruption that will be happening at Gucci.  I have to address the masses by giving a Ms. Willow an interview.  So please bear with me while I slum it for a bit to talk to her.

DoraLee Donaldson:   Ms Willow?

Ivy rushes up to the pair and points between the two women to Sin city wrestling interviewer Pussy Willow causing Apple to roll her eyes and nod towards the interviewer who has spotted them and is moving down the drive towards them.  

Apple Coren:   Yes, Pussy Willow, Interviewer to the superstars and bombshells of SCW.

Another horsey laugh escapes DoraLee as she stops Apple with a hand on her arm.

DoraLee Donaldson:   You are telling me that her name is ACTUALLY Pussy?  That is too rich Pomme, next you will be telling me that she lets you call her Pussy.  This I can’t wait to see.

The two women begin to stroll towards Pussy who is accompanied by a camera person who begins to film the approach of Apple and DoraLee.  Pussy rushes up to the bombshell and stops the two with a smile.

Pussy Willow: Hi there Apple!  I am so glad you had Ivy call me before I had to get to the studio to prepare the interviews for posting on the SCW webpage.  I knew I should get an interview with you considering that you are in a very important match at the supercard.  So where shall we go to do this interview?  Oh hi…I am Pussy Willow, you can call me Pussy.

DoraLee Donaldson: Yes, you are.  I am DoraLee Donaldson  

Dee Dee smiles as Apple motions towards Pussy to offer her the introduction.

Apple Coren:  Dee Dee, allow me to introduce Ms Willow.   And this is my best friend Dee Dee

Apple chuckles as Dee Dee looks over Pussy who begins to act a bit selfconscious as Apple is approached by Ivy who points down the street to a café where the interview could take place.  Pussy follows Apple and Dee Dee towards the café and while Apple and Dee Dee sit down, Pussy arranges herself across from the pair and the cameraman moves behind Pussy to film Apple.  Ivy moves closer but is sent off to get some drinks for her boss.

Apple Coren:  Now Ms Willow, lets get this interview under way.  I am sure that there is so many people you need to talk to about this upcoming show.  And I am also sure that you want to be able to give my condolences to the other bombshells in the match with me.  So where should we begin?

Pussy nods as she brings the microphone to her lips and begins to speak.

Pussy Willow:  First let me start by saying congratulations on your debut with Sin City Wrestling and your very first win with the company.  Did you think it would be a stepping stone to a match at the supercard where you would be participating in a battle royal that will now see the six of you facing off for a chance to face our bombshell champion for the title at the end of the night.

Apple Coren: Thank you Ms Willow and before you say it, there is no way on this earth that I will ever refer to you as Pussy so I am afraid you will be addressed formally or not at all.

Pussy Willow: I guess then you can call me Ms Willow.

Apple spares a glance at her friend and then turns back to the interviewer with a look of condescendence and continues to speak.

Apple Coren:  At Climax Control I did what I said  I would do and I beat Seleana Zdunich in the middle of the ring and here I sit, undefeated and now I am challenging for the bombshell title at the supercard…
Pussy Willow:  I hate to burst your bubble Apple but you aren’t challenging for the Bombshell title.

Apple straightens up and then turns on Ivy who is approaching her with her latte that she sets in front of Apple.  The young lady’s eyes narrow as she looks at her assistant.  

Apple Coren:   I thought you told me that the winner of the battle royal will be facing Mikah for the bombshell title at the supercard.  Now I find out that you lied!

Ivy shakes her head in surprise as Pussy pulls the microphone towards herself.

Pussy Willow:  Wait, she didn’t lie but she didn’t say you automatically would face for the title.  You do have to beat five other women to advance to that match against Mikah.  So I guess it isn’t going to be as easy as you think it is going to be.  

Apple stops and then gives Ivy a dismissal wave before clasping her hands on the table in front of herself.  Taking a calming breath as her eyes close, Apple exhales slowly, and smiles at Pussy as if sharing a secret.  Before she can speak, Pussy speaks up first.

Pussy Willow: So tell me Apple, in the first match of the night you will be in a battle royal over a pool of water.  This is a very traditional match and every year we see this and it is a fan favorite.  Do you have any concerns going into a match of this type?

Apple Coren:  Do you think that I would be worried about a match over a pool?  Seriously Ms Willow, that is like asking the Queen if she likes corgis.  The obvious answer is that no, I am not in any way concerned about being in a match over a pool.  You see, I am not concerned in the least about this match.  It is a mere formality before I move on to face Mikah.  

Picking up her latte, she sips at it, her eyes closing at the taste of the brew.  A sigh of contentment escapes as her eyes open to take in Pussy who is leaning towards her expecting more from the Brit.  No one to disappoint, Apple sets the drink down and then leans forward herself.  

Apple Coren:  Now if you think that I am thinking that I am in for a challenge, you obviously have the wrong idea about me.  I am someone that those others need to worry about because I am someone that is steeped in centuries worth of battle readiness.  There have been generations of Corens who have been in some of the major battles in English history and have always been successful.  And now I am going into battle like my ancestors and I will be as successful as they have been.   I will be showing no fear about who it is I have to beat to advance.  But I do make this promise…I will advance.

Pussy Willow: That is good to have confidence but have you seen some of the women in the match?  I mean there are a couple of bombshells that could give you a run for your money.  First of all we do have Seleana Zdunich in this match…

A scoff escapes Apple as she waves off the mirth that she is trying to control.  Ivy looks on with concern as Dee Dee leans back, her arms crossing over her chest as she smirks listening to the line of questioning.

Apple Coren: Seleana Zdunich…who is that again?  Oh yes, the woman that I beat in my debut.  The woman that I will beat again.  You see once you gain the advantage of beating someone, that defeat eats away at their thoughts, crippling them with the idea that once more they must step in the ring with the person that beat them so badly.  What kind of weight does that lay on their confidence hmmm?  I mean she could talk about how strong she is, how she will overcome the loss to me and how she will get back at me.  But we both know that she is nothing if not a lost cause.  I have to ask Ms Willow..what is she to me but a stepping stone towards my destiny.

Apple arrogantly scoffs once more before raising the cup of latte to her lips.  

Pussy Willow: That may be so but you can’t count her out and neither can you discount that her soon to be wife will also be in the match.  Christina Rose is a former champion who…  

Apple Coren: A former champion that has more personalities than Sybil.  Do you understand the fact that no matter what she does, she wins, loses, changes personality thinking that she can reinvent herself only to offer the same sad joke that is Christina, Crystal or which ever name she is going by this week?  See what I don’t understand about Christina is her desperate need to be relevant.  If she didn’t keep making a joke of herself she might actually be someone to give credit to but how can one do that with that person.  And let me add that I noted that she calls herself the Silver Screen queen.  In reality, the only royalty that is in that ring on the ship is myself.  After all, I was born to nobility.  I have a pedigree better than any bombshell in that ring, I am bloody royalty.   I am the only one of the bombshells that can claim that.  And if Christina thinks that she can claim what is mine, this I look forward to making her unhappy ever after.  

Pussy Willow: Whoa harsh words for Christina Rose who is the former champion Apple.  

Apple Coren:  Of course they are seen as harsh words by you Ms Willow.  After all you have not had to deal with such commoners like I have.  And I have learned that if you do not put them in their place, they tend to get airs above their station.  So I am keeping it real enough to keep Christina in the know that there is a new royal in Sin City Wrestling and it isn’t her.  

Apple lets her finger tap on the table to emphasize her point before leaning back with eyes locked on Pussy who fidgets slightly and then looks at the microphone as if willing Pussy to say something else.  Almost reluctantly, Pussy pulls the microphone back and speaks.

Pussy Willow:  Okay so we talked about Seleana Zdunich and Christina Rose.  Now what about Portia Alexander?  She is debuting at the supercard.  
Apple Coren:   A nobody that no one knows about and really, no one cares about.  We have yet to see, hear or even register Portia.  I mean I suppose that if she was given a contract by the company, they must see something in her but for the life of me I can’t.  Can you offer any insight?  

Pussy herself shrugs in doubt.  Ivy leans forward to whisper something to Apple who lets one corner of her lip curl into a smirk before turning back to Pussy who has brought the microphone to her side of the table.  

Pussy Willow:  I guess we need to talk about Aviana Faith.  This is a woman that is coming off a loss against Evie Baang and now has this opportunity.  What are your thoughts on this competitor?

Apple Coren: The only thought I have about her is a sympathetic one.  Imagine how she must feel having to come out of one loss only to step into the ring for another?  I could tell you that I have every faith that she will put up one bloody brilliant fight but when all is said and done, she will just be another statistic on the books as a loss.  I will say though, she might be a goer…

Apple tries to keep the serious look on her face but her mirth gets to be too much as she collapses in laughter joined by Dee Dee with a sympathetic grimace offered by Ivy from behind Apple.  Pussy shakes her head and sighs  

Pussy Willow:  I guess that leaves Dani Weston, what mean thing about her are you going to say?

Apple looks affronted as if Pussy had just accused her of being a mean girl.    

Apple Coren: Why Ms Willow, it sounds like you think that I can’t say anything nice about my opponents.  I take offense at that.  I can be positive about Dani Weston!

Pussy Willow: I don’t believe you!  

Apple Coren: Believe this, I am positive that Dani will be in that match at Summer XXXTreme.  And I am positive that she is going to put up a fight.  And I am positive that it will be in a losing cause but don’t think I can’t be positive when I need to be.   Believe what you want Ms Willow but there is something you need to know about me and that is that I am a very confident young woman who has the utmost faith in myself to rise to the top and win that match and when I do I will face Mikah and I will take her title and do you know why?

Pussy Willow: Why?  

Apple Coren:  Because there is nothing I want more.  I have riches, I have status, I am someone that believes that everyone in Sin City Wrestling is beneath me.  And with that belief, nothing is going to stand in the way of me being the person to challenge for the title.    And there will be nothing to stop me from being declared the Bombshell champion.

Apple slowly begins to rise intent on ending the interview when Pussy speaks once more.

Pussy Willow:  You have to realize that if you do win the battle royal, you will be stepping in the ring with Mikah, someone that has been dominant in the past and is dominant now as the champion.  You have to get past her to claim the title.  Do you think you can?

Apple Coren:  Really?  

Apple stops, her nose wrinkling as if Pussy just dropped a stinkbomb in front of them.

Apple Coren: You can honestly sit there with a straight face and ask me that question?  What more proof can I give you that will put your mind to rest that I can pin Mikah in the middle of the ring?  I am going to beat five women to advance to challenge for the title and then I am going to beat that woman to within an inch of her pathetic ego deflating like a Donald Trump blow up.  Underestimate me at your peril Ms Willow but once that title is around my waist, there will be no shadow of a doubt that I and I alone will the last woman standing at the end of the night.

Ivy the Assistant: Excuse me my lady but you have a fitting at Gucci in ten minutes.  I suggest you and Ms Donaldson go to the boutique and I will make arrangements for Ms Willow to get an exclusive next week.

Apple Coren: Thank you Ivy, I do definitely not want to keep them waiting for me.  Good afternoon Ms Willow.  Come on Dee Dee, you will not believe what my designer sent to this store for me.  You are going to die…

Ivy the Assistant: Of course ma’am.  I will meet you there.

Apple and Dee Dee get to their feet and leave the patio of the café and make their way towards the block of Rodeo where they will find the Gucci store as Ivy remains behind to confront Pussy who is shellshocked by the response from Apple.  

Ivy the Assistant: Let me apologize for Lady Apple, she has been very spoiled you can say.  But don’t think that she isn’t ready for this match at the supercard.  I mean she has been training for this and she will be ready.  If I was a betting person, I would bet that Apple Coren will be willing ready and able to do what needs to be done to win.  But don’t quote me…

With a final apologetic smile, Ivy picks up the bags at her feet and then with a jaunty wave at Pussy, quickly sets off after her boss leaving Pussy sitting at the café with the cameraman filming her until she waves him off and walks away leaving the final image on the film of her back before it goes to black.

<img src=http://canadian-spitfire.webs.com/appledivide.png>

A rather large wing chair can be seen in front of a fireplace where a large storybook is lain on the table under a crimson glow of a tiffany lamp.  A hand reaches for the book and the view moves to the front of the wingback chair where a woman is sitting.  Dressed in light organza almost faerie like, Apple Coren looks into the camera to offer a smile as she lets the book fall open in her hands.  

Apple Coren:  I am here to tell you a story.  How does it go again…oh yes, once upon a time…there were six women who were part of a story where there was an invitation to attend a ball where there was a title to be won.  These girls were all strong-willed women that knew that somehow each would be the one invited to attend the title ball.  

Apple let a twinkle and wink of an eye be caught by the camera before she continued.  

Apple Coren: The first girl was a girl of the people named Dani.  She was the meek and mild maid that looked up to everyone and depended on them for every little thing.  She would hang on the coattails of others.  If not for them, this girl was just a pale shadow of what one would consider a woman that deserved anything.  Mousy little girl that needs to have someone stand up for her rather than having the courage to stand on her own feet.  And when she stood before the Queen, she cowered and hid behind others and the queen shook her head and the girl was banished.

Apple turns the page and then begins to read.  

Apple Coren:  Then there was a young Aviana who was the one girl who was defined by her actions.  Secretive and sneaky, she would move thought life with the appearance of light and innocence but when it came down to it, she was someone that causes reactions from others that end up getting her an advantage which made the queen wonder just what she was capable of.  And when Aviana cast her eyes to the queen, the royal shook her head no and Aviana was banished.

Another smile breaks over the face of Apple as she turns that page only to find it torn from the book with only a name, Portia across the top of it.  Apple begins to read the page underneath.  

Apple Coren:  And then there were the Zdunich women.  One a regal blonde who kowtowed to the other, a woman who never knew who she was.  Upon waking one morning she was Christina, another Paloma, another Crystal.  The queen looked down on this woman and scorned her for her lack of singularity calling her bipolar and banished her in contempt.  She tried to sway the queen with an open hand of friendship only to slip it away with no thought to remain one personality.  The queen sent her away over and over again and this girl would return desiring nothing more than to be loved. And the queen kept banishing her but she would return over and over again.  Tsk tsk…

Apple tuts at the story as if she was excusing the behaviour.  She then turns the page to read eagerly at the words written there.  

Apple Coren: Finally there was a young woman named Lady Apple, a woman of character and skill.  A confident woman that stood proudly in front of the queen who recognized the strength in the girl.  The queen then offered her hand to the young lady who took it and used it to pull her from the throne.  Stepping over the queen, Apple found herself mounting the throne to rule over the kingdom.  And she lived happily ever after while the others lived unhappily ever after.

Apple closes the book and lays it on the table beside her before turning to the camera and folding her hands over her lap.  

Apple Coren:  Now boys and girls, what is the moral of the story?  The moral is that at Summer XXXTreme I am coming to win.  And if this story is to be believed, I am the only one that can challenge the queen Mikah with any hope of defeating her decisively.  But I am sure you already know that.  And all those girls in this story, they will end up having to deal with my confidence and I know that none of them will be ready.  The ultimate x will be mine and so with that win will the title be within my reach.    

With that, Apple levers herself out of the chair and moves out of camera view her voice barely heard as she speaks in soft tones with someone to the side.  

[Seleana Zdunich]

 The camera opens on a radio station studio with a skinny curly-haired man sitting behind the microphone in the interviewer spot, Seleana Zdunich sitting across from him. The man sports a beaten-up black t-shirt with faded KMAF letters on it that makes his vaguely red curly hair stand out even more. Seleana is wearing an SCW Summer XXXTreme 6 t-shirt and tight jeans. The man seems quite interested in what has just sat down in front of him.  

Cool Johnny Coolidge: Welcome to the internet’s loudest bullhorn for screaming about whatever happens to be in the news today, KMAF, your number one destination for all kinds of talking points from Sin City and SoCal! I’m Cool Johnny Coolidge..  

He presses a button for a sound effect of a wind blowing.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: And with us today is one of the competitors for the Bombshell Ultimate X Over The Pool Battle Royal at SCW’s Summer XXXTreme 6, Seleana Zdunich. Hello, Seleana, What’s… the… HAPS?!!!?

Seleana can’t help but smile in amusement.

Seleana Zdunich: Hello Johnny, thank you for having me here.

Johnny can’t help but smile at the accent flowing from Seleana's lips.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: So this is with you, your wife, Christina, Dani Weston, Apple Coren, Aviana Faith and Portia Alexander?

Seleana nods quickly.

S: Ja!

Johnny’s smirk deepens.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: And this is happening onboard a cruise ship?

Seleana nods, her accent coming across even more pronounced with the usage of the Swedish word for yes.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, this is so.

Johnny looks at her, obviously intrigued by something here.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: Have you ever wrestled on a cruise ship before?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: No, I cannot say I have. There is a lot that is still new to me even after eight months. I have never wrestled on a cruise ship, never participated in an Ultimate X match of any kind so this will all be new to me.

Johnny nods, still keeping his gaze focused on her.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: And this is for a prize of some sort?

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: The size of us are competing for the honor of facing the SCW Bombshell Champion later in the night.

Johnny nods absently.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: And how does this all work?

Seleana frowns.

Seleana Zdunich: The match itself?

Johnny nods.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: Yerah, explain it to me because this thing has so many names going in it, I’m just like, what in the hell is this thing? What are they doing and why are they doing it?

Seleana nods, clearly pondering how best to do this.

Seleana Zdunich: Well, they take two cables and stretch them over the pool so that they form a giant X over the water. The six of us with climb up onto the wires and try to be the last one not knocked off into the pool.

Johnny nods slowly.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: So… you’re saying there will be six extremely sexy and scantily clad women hanging from wires and trying to send each other fon into the water?

Seleana nods, smiling happily as she does so.

Seleana Zdunich: Ja, that is it!  

Johnny sits back in his chair and just shakes his head, looking somewhere between confused and excited.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: Are you sure this isn’t a bikini or wet t-shirt contest and not wrestling?

Seleana frowns.

Seleana Zdunich: No sir, we will not be wearing such things!

Johnny snaps his fingers playfully.

Seleana Zdunich: Even you and your wife?  

Shaking her head, Seleana’s frown deepens.

Seleana Zdunich: Why would we do that?

Johnny shrugs.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: Why would you do a match over the pool if the point wasn’t to see you all get wet?

Seleana shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: Not all of us will get wet. One will remain above…

Johnny snickers.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: And how will she get down if she doesn’t drop into the pool?

Seleana starts to answer but then stops for a second, staring at him clearly dumbfounded.

Seleana Zdunich: I…

She trails off and Johnny shrugs.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: See?

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: I don’t see where this is going that way. None of us are going to be dressed any different than usual for a wrestling match.

Johnny nods, shrugging slightly.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: So, what is your strategy in a match like this?

Seleana shrugs right back.

Seleana Zdunich: Hold on and hope you do not get knocked off, I guess? I do not know that there really is a strategy in something such as this. Apple Coren and Portia Alexander will play dirty. Dani Weston and Aviana Faith will not. Everyone will probably expect Christina and I to work together…

Johnny just starts shaking his head as if he is about to laugh. Seleana frowns in confusion.

Seleana Zdunich: What is so funny?

Johnny shrugs.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: That you can honestly sit there and tell me a bunch of hotties with porn star names are gonna be “wrestling” above a pool and that it’s not just supposed to be titillating.

Seleana shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: The men are having one just like it.

Johnny shrugs again, that playful yet lascivious smirk still glued to his face.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: Only fair, right? No reason to have it just be Playboy when you can have Chippendales and appeal to everyone that way on some level!

Seleana just shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: The men will be dressed normally as well.

Johnny laughs out loud.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: Aren’t they usually dressed in basically nothing but skimpy spandex underwear? And don’t you guys usually wear what amounts to bikinis? There is no way this is not for titillation!

Seleana just shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: We are professional wrestlers. We fight for a living! When we get in that ring, there is nothing salacious about it, nothing gratuitous. We are not there just to get you off!

Johnny laughs again.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: So you admit there is a part of that there…

Seleana glares over at him.

Seleana Zdunich: Do you treat all guests like this or am I special for it somehow?

Johnny shakes his head, still laughing.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: Come on, you’re a pro fighter who looks like a swimsuit model and you just told me you’re gonna be in a match with five other hot women trying to throw the others into a pool. That doesn’t seem overly gratuitous to you?

Seleana shakes her head pointedly.

Seleana Zdunich: Not when it’s everyone and not just a few of us with X chromosome. I came here to talk about a great opportunity that I’m receiving along with five others and instead, I get the feeling you’d rather talk about photoshoots and ask me if I was going to be making any special movies sometime soon.

She shakes her head as she looks almost ready to spit in anger.

Seleana Zdunich: För fan i helvete! Din jävla idiot! Vi är inte jävla strippare!

She shakes her head and starts to angrily stand up.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: Wait, what did you just say?

Seleana just glares at him.

Seleana Zdunich: We are not strippers!

Johnny shrugs playfully again.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: No, your names sound more like porn stars…

He pauses, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

Cool Johnny Coolidge: Then again, most porn stars are strippers too so I guess that IS a good thought.

Seleana just stares at him in disgusted disbelief.  

Seleana Zdunich: Du är också skit!

She stands up, pushes away and starts to storm off, shaking her head.

Seleana Zdunich: Jag har aldrig varit mer förolämpad i mitt liv! Din jävla idiot!

She makes it to the door and almost punches the little window.

Seleana Zdunich: För fan i helvete!

She steps outside as Johnny watches in stunned silence behind her. She grabs her phone and almost throws it, now angry at herself.

Seleana Zdunich: Din jävla…

As she stares forward, almost ready to cry, her phone rings. She sees the name and answers.

Seleana Zdunich: ¡Bueno!

The voice of her fiancee meets her ears.

Christina Rose: Hey, Babe, how’d your interview go?

Seleana leans against the wall and shakes her head.

Seleana Zdunich: Muy mala…

Christina Rose: I’m picking you up in five minutes to go to our rehearsal. It’s gonna be ok.

Seleana nods, still leaning against the wall.

Seleana Zdunich: He was such an asshole. Kept calling us bad things.

Christina Rose: Nevermind him now… cheer up. Our big day is only forty-eight hours away! I can’t believe I’m about to be Christina Zdunich!!!

Seleana smiles.

Seleana Zdunich: I still can’t believe you want my name!

Christina Rose: It’s who we are, Seleana. It’s an awesome name and it lets the world see the new me standing with you.

Seleana nods.

Seleana Zdunich: I like that picture, Estrellita.

Christina Rose: Me too, Babe. I’m pulling up outside the door.

Seleana nods and starts walking again.

Seleana Zdunich: I be there now.

She pauses, her smile broadening.

Seleana Zdunich: Thank you for call. I feel better now.

Christina Rose: I love you, Babe!

Seleana Zdunich: I love you, Estrellita!

Several hours later...

The camera opens upon Seleana Zdunich standing outside of the Beverly Hills Hilton, dressed in a white button-down blouse with dark blue dress slacks and dark heels, her long blonde hair flowing behind her.  

Seleana Zdunich: So my first match as a married woman and it will be against my wife and four other women for a chance to face Mikah for the Bombshell World Championship…

She looks down to the sidewalk, her jaw clenching, anger starts to pass through her but she manages to swallow it back down inside.

Seleana Zdunich: I did an interview recently where he repeatedly called us what amounted to skökor.

Looking up into the camera again, Seleana exhales heavily.

Seleana Zdunich: I do not care what that idiot says, we are not a bunch of harlots just because we are taking part in this Ultimate X Over The Pool Battle Royal! This is the opportunity all of us have waiting for since we entered this sport and specifically since we entered this company! To get the chance to face Mikah for the Bombshell World Championship is the highest any of us can hope for in Sin City Wrestling and now we’ve all been handed that opportunity by fate.

Her hands clasp together and she waves them at the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: We must all make the most of this opportunity because even if we do not win, this is the chance to make sure everyone leaves Summer XXXTreme 6 talking about us and our match! We have the chance to steal the show right out from under everyone else because we’re all fresh and hungry! Dani Weston, Aviana Faith, Apple Coren, Portia Alexander and myself are all trying to establish our names in SCW and here the chance sits to do just that!

Pausing again, her hands lower and she nods to the concrete just as she did before.

Seleana Zdunich: Naturally, my wife does not need to worry about establishing her name. She has a brand known throughout SCW and beyond but what makes her hunger just as worrisome as the rest of us is that she’s trying to re-brand herself and put herself back into the title picture.

She nods and looks back up into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: If my wife wants to do that…

A pause brings a nod of acknowledgement.

Seleana Zdunich: And I know she does…

Another pointed nod.

Seleana Zdunich: This is her one major opportunity to make everyone sit up and see she was serious about turning over a different leaf to go with the different name. No more is she the person you all think she is, the one you all know and love to hate. The one that Mercedes Vargas and Jessie Salco love to hate so much that they droned on and on about it to the point that you could be forgiven if you forgot that they were actually fighting me when they were speaking of her!

She trails off and then nods to herself.

Seleana Zdunich: So that makes her just like the rest of us in that Christina Rose needs to establish herself just as much as I do and that makes her the single most dangerous woman in this match. She’s the one who’s had a taste of what it’s like to get in the ring with Mikah, knows what it tastes like to defeat her, knows what it’s like to taste and hold that gold that Mikah holds so close to her own heart right now. My wife knows what it takes to win championships here in SCW, having worn that very championship three times before and I know from talking to her every night that she will do anything she has to in order to get back to where she used to be.

Seleana smiles genuinely into the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: But I also know that she does not want to go back to who she thinks she was before and for that, I commend her. I love you, Estrellita, and I will have your back until the end of time!            

She nods and then brightens even more.

Seleana Zdunich: And that brings me to the young and hungry end of this match where Dani Weston and Aviana Faith, two twenty-three year-old women with hearts of gold, come into this match with absolutely nothing to lose! Neither girl has been here very long and both would skyrocket to the top if they were the one who managed to pluck this opportunity from the great hand of the gods in the sky!

She pauses, glancing down before returning her gaze to the camera.

Seleana Zdunich: Dani Weston is a girl trying to not just make a name for herself but move on from a rumored break-up and if that rumor is true, I’m sorry to hear it, Chickie. Before I met Christina, I had a short-lived relationship that ended in a less than happy fashion as well and I know how that pain can drive someone to go to heights even they had never dreamed of before! I was not even a wrestler before Christina and, now, here I am, ready to reach over and grab that brass ring hanging there. I know you can use this for the same thing and I expect nothing less than everything you have!

Again, she pauses, looking as if this makes her uncomfortable to speak of.

Seleana Zdunich: Aviana Faith did a young lady I can also identify with because of circumstances from outside the ring. My sister turned to drugs once upon a time and only in recent years has she managed to pull herself from that black abyss. I would say I cannot fathom how that feels, and yet between my sister and my old boyfriend, I can and it absolutely sickens and terrified me that I can do such a thing. I would expect that to be the rocket fuel that takes you to the moon and lets you grab the star your brother now rests amongst. I can’t wait to see what you can do!    

The smile fades away.

Seleana Zdunich: And this brings me to the two women in this match with no respect for anyone else in it, Apple Coren and Portia Alexander.

Her teeth grind in outraged indignation.

Seleana Zdunich: Apple Coren made it very clear last week that none of us mean anything to her unless we can be the stools she uses to step up and take what she believes is her rightful place as true bred royalty. She believes that none of us can ever hold a candle to her and it sickens me to haver to even breathe the same air as her because I know she already thinks I’m polluting said air by existing. And why?

Seleana shrugs indignantly.

Seleana Zdunich: Because there is a piece of paper somewhere that says she was born of a certain stock and this makes her simply born better, as if we are all livestock being raised to slaughter to feed the princess as she sits on her gilded throne!

She turns and almost spits in outrage.

Seleana Zdunich: I don’t care what you think you need to prove or feel you are entitled to because the truth is you are owed and entitled to nothing and if we get nothing else from this match, I want to see you fall from your porch and splash down into the water like all us lowly commoners just to see the look on your face when you realize you just had to share the same pool as everyone else on that damn ship!

She nods angrily.

Seleana Zdunich: It will be the single most glorious thing I have ever seen that did not involve my wife and I behind closed doors and I will revel in every second of that look on your face as if it WAS my wife and I behind closed doors!    

Her teeth grind as she takes in a deep breath.

Seleana Zdunich: And that doesn’t even start to cover what I think of Portia Alexander and how sahe has been booked into an opportunity like this before she has even bothered to submit her application where the rest of us can see it. She thinks so little of us that she doesn’t think we deserve the slightest sniff or snippet of information on her. We rate so lowly on ehr ardar that it was a waste of her precious time to make sure we could all see the new girl’s information in any kind of as timely manner.

Seleana shakes her head in angry disbelief.

Seleana Zdunich: And beyond that, it tells me you’re not only taking us all lightly but you’re not really confident in your own abilities because if you were, you would have out that up the second the match was announced, pointed at it and told us all to study as if our lives depended on it because they obviously do because you were going to destroy us all and you wanted us to know who it was that would destroy you.

Pausing, she shakes her head, the anger growing.

Seleana Zdunich: But you didn’t do that, did you?

She shakes her head even harder.

Seleana Zdunich: No, you sat on your ass doing whatever it is you do and did not bother to give us the common courtesy and now we all need to make you splash down into that pool in such a manner that you realize exactly how big a mistake you made by doing that!

She pauses, taking a second to regain her composure.

Seleana Zdunich: And that would bring em to you, Mikah, because if I am successful in getting passed all of these gifted women, that means I come to you and the SCW Bombshell World Championship and I’m sure you would start laughing hysterically if it is me because you already beat my wife and that means, since you beat my teacher, you will obviously defeat me, ja?

She nods as if she knows the answer is already coming.

Seleana Zdunich: It is true, Christina did get me to try this sport and trained me to compete. She has taught me almost everything i know about competing in a wrestling ring…

She pauses, shaking her head yet again.

Seleana Zdunich: But she is not the only person who has ever taken an interest in me and my career. My family is also filled with other wrestlers as well and while i know none of them will strike fear in your heart because, well…

She shrugs.

Seleana Zdunich: You would have to have a heart first in order for me to strike fear into it, however, my cousin was a championship level tag team wrestler and she married a five-time world champion. My sister wrestles in a top level tag team with another cousin and my future sister-in-law is in the main event mix where she wrestles. I have a soon-to-be stepdaughter who is the Bombshell Roulette Champion here so do not think that just because you have gotten lucky against Christina in the past, that it automatically means you will steamroll me! If fortune smiles upon me and blesses me with the opportunity to face you, i will show you first hand that this Cat has claws and she is not afraid to use them!  Go on, talk down to me, if you bother talking about me at all…

She nods pointedly.

Seleana Zdunich: It won’t be the first time somebody ignored me and it wouldn’t be the first time I made somebody pay for it either! See you soon, Champ!  





 

[Dani]

 “WOOOOOOOOOOOW”
 
Was all Dani could say as she stepped foot on the princess cruise ship, it was a lot to take in for a girl like her. As she marvelled at the all the glitz and glamour she made her way through the hallways looking for her room. Miss Weston had seen that many of the Sin City Wrestling superstars and bombshells had already tweeted about their rooms, so she was eager to see what she would be spending the next seven nights in. when she finally got to the front door of her room, she looked at her door feeling a flutter of butterflies come to life. She slipped her key card across the sensor and waited to hear the beep before she pushed her door inwards and entered her room.
 
“OH, MY LIFE.”
 
She was looking at her small room, with her eyes wide but still she was smiling. It wasn’t the smallest room on the ship she still had plenty of space to put her items and enjoy herself. However, she wasn’t upset about the fact it only really had a bed, a bathroom and a small round window. She didn’t plan on spending a lot of her time in this room anyways, she had a full cruise ship at her disposal to enjoy and there wasn’t a single activity she wasn’t going to commit to having a go at. Dani walked into her room and placed her black clutch on her bed, before she spun around to look in the mirror. To see her smiling reflection looking back at her.
 
“We truly are lucky, little Dans.”
 
Dani had a knack for talking to herself, she wasn’t crazy it’s just sometimes she had to process things out loud. Nothing was going to remove this smile from her face this week, she had come too far in her life to let the size of a room melt her golden opportunity and the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Championship. Deep down Dani knew she wasn’t going to be put up in a fancy suite, but it didn’t matter, all she could focus on was that she had finally made her dream become a reality. She was working in the career she always wanted, walking along the path nicely and now she was just days away from her first ever supercard match up. To say things were coming up millhouse, would have been an understatement. Right now, she was on cloud nine and that’s all that mattered to her. The relative new comer to SCW quickly looked down at her watch before she quickly jumped into action.
 
“Hurry, hurry, hurry… or you’re going to miss it.”
 
Just as Dani turned around to look at her door, there was a knock. She quickly answered it, she saw that her one suitcase was being delivered and she took it graciously with a smile. Once she finally had her possessions she made a mad dash for her bed, chucking her bag up on top of it. She quickly unzipped it and rummaged through her belongings before she quickly located her wide floppy brimmed black hat. She grabbed on to it in one hand before she grabbed her black clutch with the other and she quickly made a run for the door.
 
Dani had already thought a head of time and was in a pair of black and white Nike sneakers, with a pair of mini denim shorts covering her purple bikini bottoms. Her toned midriff was on display as a tied up black tank tope covered her bikini top. Her short brown hair was effortlessly curled and now the top of her head housed her black floppy hat. Once she was outside of her room, she quickly took off towards her first activity.
 
The joys about Sin City Wrestling’s Summer XXXTreme is that it was like no other event and each and every superstar, bombshell or staff member had at least one fan fest or forum to attend to and there was no way that Dani was going to miss the very first one. It was a panel with the three referees of Sin City Wrestling it wasn’t very popular for the wrestlers to attend, but Dani had taken Gabriel and Odette’s advice on board and that was if she wanted to make it to the top of this business she should really learn the in’s and outs of it.
 
A massive part of a successful wrestling match is having a knowledgeable referee to guide it and Dani wanted to listen and learn everything that Jasmine St. John, Drew Patton and Jacob Summers had to offer. As Dani made her mad dash towards the meeting room, she noticed one of her competitors for this Sunday night Aviana Faith walking down the hall. Not wanting to be rude, Dani quickly waved towards her before she scooted off down the hall and slipped into the room just before the door closed and she scattered to take a seat.
 
Dani was just in time to hear Jasmine, Drew and Jacob start their panel, giving her enough time to settle into her chair and listen to the wise words that the three of them spoke. It wasn’t a long panel but is was enough for Dani to take in what it was like to be a referee, the highs the lows, the mistakes the glory, also the blood, sweat and tears that each of them had put into this business over their time. It was uplifting to hear about their careers before they put on the black and white stripes. Dani couldn’t believe the things they knew; the things they had witnessed and the wonderful advice they had to the crowd before them if they were thinking about getting into the wrestling business. At the end of the panel, Jasmine opened to floor to some questions which of course Dani couldn’t help herself as she fired her arm up into the air. Jasmine nodded her way with a smile.
 
“I just have one question, what advice could you give me leading into Bombshell Battle Royal? Like you have all officiated them before, what’s the best advice for someone wanting to survive the Ultimate X?”
 
Dani had a bright smile beaming on her face, while the three referees talked amongst themselves it was Jacob Summers that came out with the witty and bold answer.
 
“Don’t get wet and by that, I mean don’t fall into the pool and stay away from the ropes.”
 
The referees and the members of the public shared a laugh at Dani’s expense, but she didn’t care as she just took a mental note of everything she had learnt here today before she listened to the other questions before leaving the meeting room once the referee panel was complete.
 
After the panel Dani took herself on a tour of the boat, so she could get hear bearings of where everything was, so she could fully enjoy her stay on this working vacation. She spent the next two hours, learning the schedules for all the appearances and shows while taking in her beautiful surroundings. As she walked by one of the pools she noticed Despy and Cat were working on something in secret, while Synn was keeping a watchful eye on them both from a distance. This brought a smile to her face, because only the lord knows what those two were up to.
 
It was getting late on the first night on the ship as the cruise liner sailed off on the Sunday afternoon and after the first afternoon of panels and meet and greets a lot of the guests moved off towards the dining hall to enjoy their first dinner on the boat. Still being fairly new to SCW Dani just headed back towards her room. On her way back towards her home away from home she managed to see Justin, Jason and Belinda walking together, running over their planners for the week. It must have been a painful conversation as Belinda looked as if she was trying her best not to throw Jason overboard.
 
It might have seemed lame for Dani to be retiring to her room so early, but truth be told she didn’t actually have any friends in SCW as of yet. Don’t get her wrong she knew a lot of them, but she wasn’t exactly what you would call close to them, so she felt a little out of place thinking about heading into the packed dining room like a little loner. Her grand plan was to settle in with some room service and a late-night movie, before tucking herself into bed to get ready for a busy day tomorrow.
 
--
 
It was Monday morning, a new day filled with endless opportunities for Dani. She didn’t waste a single second of her time as she was up at 6am dressed and ready for the day a head. She was wearing a long flowing black halter neck dress, with some sandals on her feet with her big floppy hat on her head. After she was ready with her morning routine she took off, ready for the adventures that today would bring. It was early and not a lot of people were out and about, but Dani was an early bird, the thought of sleeping in was foreign to her. She made her way to the top deck of the boat, to see Matt Spears and the Elders running around the track, getting in their morning workout. That reminded her, she was going to have to hit up the gym at some stage or all this food was going to be the death of her six-pack.
 
Dani spent the morning, lounging by the pool reading a book while watching the sun move up the sky to claim ownership of the day. She had a few hours to kill before her first activity for the day. That was the Evie Baang meet and greet, sure she knew her, but they weren’t even remotely close and regardless of the fact that Dani worked for SCW she was still a fan, so she was going to make the most of her time on the boat. Looking over to her left Dani spied, Keira and Roxi Johnson spending some rare alone time together wrapped in each other’s arms while looking for dolphins in the crystal blue ocean below them. The sight of seeing two lovers, together brought a sad sigh to her lips but Dani was quick to replace any thoughts of Eli with plans on how to make it out of the Ultimate X Battle Royal match up this Sunday night. She didn’t know how she would beat Apple, Aviana, Portia, Seleana or Crystal but she had to pull something together if she was going to even stand a slight chance.
 
9am rolled on pretty quickly and Dani made her way towards the meet and greet area, looking forward to having the chance to meet Evie Baang however after thirty minutes of waiting the event was cancelled leaving her a little confused. Dani took her concerns to twitter before she picked herself up and moved onto her next planned event. It was the “How to conduct an interview” spot with Pussy Willow, Rocky Mountains and Stoner Scott Oliver. It was a funny, delightful 30-minute expo that left a lot of the crowd in stitches. Mainly because of Stoner and his crazy antics, Dani took in any information she could that would or could help her when she was behind the microphone because truth be told that wasn’t her strong suit when it came to being a wrestler. It was something she was keen to work on, improving meant the world to Dani and what better way to sneak a foot in the door than learning from the three people that have to talk week in and week out behind a microphone.  Dani made sure she introduced herself to all three of them, hoping that one day she would find herself in an exclusive Sin City Wrestling backstage interview.
 
As lunch time approached Dani just headed off towards the pool side bar taking a seat at the high counter she people watched as she sucked on her straw, letting the sweet taste of her Pina Colada hit her taste buds bringing a smile to her already beaming face. So far everything was going swimmingly for her, but she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling of being alone from the forefront of her mind. As she spun on her chair to look back towards the bartender, she noticed the chair beside her was now taken by one of her training buddies, Fenris.
 
Fenris had a mean, cold hard stare on his face as he just looked into his glass of brown liquid. Without even a second though, he lifted it to his lips swigging it down in one giant gulp. Dani went to say something, but she caught herself before any words could come out. Sure, she knew Fenris but she didn’t really know him personally so there was a grey area about how she could approach him. Not only that but he had the look of death on his face, like he was just seconds away from flicking a switch and slamming the bottom of his foot into someone’s face. Dani just licked her lips, before she exhaled and decided to give this conversation thing a go. 
 
“Are you enjoying your cruise?”
 
Dani looked at him with her big innocent hazel eyes, Fenris heard her and turned to look towards her before her shook his empty glass to the bartender showing him that he was empty and wanted another. He didn’t say a word, but honestly, he didn’t need to as the feral look that was across his face was enough for Dani to know that he wasn’t in the mood for small talk. Dani just frowned before she spoke once more.
 
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
 
He just glared at her before he received his second round, knocking that back as quickly as the first one he left his glass on the counter before he walked off. As the bartender turns around, he went to shout out towards Fenris about the bill, but Dani quickly interjected, potentially saving the man from a broken jaw.
 
“It’s okay, they were on me.”
 
The bartender looked at her, confused as if she had lost her mind because he knew damn well that Fenris didn’t even say a single word to her. However, Dani just smiled, glowing up at him as if there wasn’t a single care in her world.
 
“I know him, I swear, we train together… well not together… together… but you know, together in the same gym.”
 
The bartender really didn’t care for this small talk, he just shrugged his shoulders and added Fenris’ two drinks onto Dani’s tab. She just smiled at him as he turned away before she dropped her head down to look into her glass, after all she had a few hours to kill before her next planned item she wanted to see. Looking back up and to her left, a part of Sin City Wrestling came back to her mind as she remembered this was the exact spot that Gabriel and Odette had sat on that beautiful clear blue-sky day, where Gabriel managed to pull a bunch of roses out from behind Odette’s ear. Suddenly Dani wasn’t frowning anymore as a smile was brought back to her face, as the thought of endless love was enough to make any girl happy.
 
After she finished her drink, Dani got up and moved from her spot at the bar as she headed towards the back of the boat but in her rush and day dream she had managed to run smack bang into someone. Looking up slowly her eyes finally showed her, who she had accidently barged into.
 
“OH, MY, GOD… IT’S DRAKE GREEN.”
 
That’s all she could say as she admired his effortless handsomeness, he was a dream boat and he was standing right before her. Dani had to shut her bottom jaw, before her face flushed red from embarrassment she felt like she was going to explode she was so humiliated. Reaching out she dusted off his shirt, before she realised what she was doing, quickly snapping her hands back to her sides.
 
“I’m so sorry, so sorry… I’ll be more careful… OH MY, It’s Ben Jordan.”
 
Dani was a little too lost in Drake’s eyes to notice that Ben Jordan was standing beside him the whole time. She flushed red again, before she ducked her head down praying to god they wouldn’t notice.
 
“Sorry, I feel like an idiot, you must get this all the time. I’m really sorry… I, should… I should definitely go.”
 
Both men just looked at her as she walked off, kicking herself inside for making a fool out of herself as she did so. Meanwhile Drake had turned to be with a smirk on his face.
 
“Who was that?”
 
Ben just smiled before he let out a chuckle.
 
“New girl on the block, Dani Weston… she could be facing your misses this Sunday night.”
 
They both just looked back at Dani who was walking off at pace to have a freak out, before they turned back to look at one another, they both shrugged their shoulders and continued on their walk - off to discuss old times in ACW. For the rest of the day Dani kept a low profile as she just hit back to back meet and greet sessions, before finishing her night up by attending the talk that Hot Stuff Mark Ward put on about his past, and now what his plans for the future were. It was an insightful talk, as he spoke of the highs and lows of his in-ring career before he spoke about the matching waves of being a boss of one of the most successful wrestling federations in history. There was a brief question time, but Dani didn’t dare raise her hand in fear of once again being left red faced.
 
After another long day Dani headed to her room to repeat yesterdays, room service, late-night movie and bed routine. She still wasn’t confident enough to venture into the restaurant area to share a table with her colleagues that were still very new to her. To be honest, she felt like the new girl at school and that was nauseating. Dani knew there was only one way to fix how she was feeling and that was her grabbing the bull by the horns and just jumping right in. Making a silent promise to herself, she vouched that tonight would be the last night she dined alone. Nevertheless, she used this time to look at her phone, looking through old pictures of a massive part of her life that was now gone. It was a pity party, for one and yet no one seemed to be looking for her.
 
--
 
Tuesday was another early start for Dani as she left her room at 6am once again, to hit the top deck. This morning she thought it would be best to get back into some training, so she joined, the likes of Kain and Mercedes (well from a far) as they jogged around the running track. Before she slipped into the gym to work out with the weights. She over heard Kain and Mercedes talking about how they planned on taking the mixed tag team titles from London Underground on Sunday night, and Dani couldn’t help but giggle to herself. They were in for a rude awakening on Sunday night, as it wasn’t going to be an easy task to take the belts off the reigning champions.
 
Once Dani finished up with her workout, she hit the showers and, on her way, out of the gym on the boat she walked past Amy Marshall who was heading towards the sauna. Dani didn’t know Amy, but she smiled towards her, not really getting anything in return. It was a big step thinking that an esteemed hall of famer would acknowledge a new comer with open arms but at least she tried. Taking off towards the meet and greet area Dani lined up to meet the one and only Casey Williams. Sure, she already knew him, he was her mixed tag team partner after all, but she thought she would surprise him. Casey didn’t recognize her at first as he had his head down, forcefully signing his life away on any and all merchandise that fans presented him. It was Dani’s turn to stepped up to Casey and he spoke without lifting his head at first.
 
“What’s your name?”
 
Dani just smiled down at him as he sat behind his desk, before she placed her hands on the wooden table.
 
“Dani, Dani Weston.”
 
She didn’t even have to say her name because Casey recognized her voice, he quickly shifted from robotic mode. Because let’s be honest, fan signings could become very mundane after a while. He made his way to his feet, offering his tag team partner a smile before the two share a hug.
 
“What are you up to?”
 
Casey was eager to see what she was up to, I mean he was one of the only ones that really cared about her and had taken an interest in her career. Casey was also always there to offer her support.
 
“I’m just mingling today, I have my meet and greet tomorrow, that should be interesting… I don’t think this many people will show up to see me?”
 
She looked back at the long line waiting for their turn to meet Casey with a smile, regardless of what anyone said about him he was a staple in Sin City Wrestling and the fans loved him for it. Casey just shook his head before he offered her some sound advice.
 
‘Don’t stress Dani, if you build it, they will come. You’re going to do fine tomorrow and on Sunday night. I believe in you.”
 
Dani just smiled at her partner, before she went to leave. As she was just about to step off the stage Casey gently grabbed her hand, stealing her attention.
 
“You should really join the rest of us for dinner tonight, don’t think we haven’t noticed your absence.”
 
Dani just nodded her head, not really sure what she was agreeing too but she was nervous, and this was making her feel like a little bit of a fool. She quickly flashed Casey a smile and made a promise to see him later at dinner before she took her leave from the stage, letting the Sin City Wrestling fans have their chance to meet the freight train of pain. Heading off towards to games room on the ship, she brushed past Ty West and Effie who were going over plans for Ty’s match on Sunday night. Dani just gave them a smile as she disappeared down one of the many hallways on the ship, looking for a well needed distraction for the next couple of hours.
 
As the day came towards a close, Dani had managed to lay low in the games room interacting with some fans before she headed off to the dining room. She was unaware that it was formal dress night, so naturally she turned up under dressed. Just as she was about to turn on her heels and walk away, Casey signalled her over meaning she was busted.
 
“Just be cool, Dani… Just be cool.”
 
Dani reluctantly made her way over to the table, it’s not that she didn’t want to get to know her work colleagues it was just she knew she was awkward to be around. Nevertheless, she made her way towards one of the long table that the ship had set up for the Sin City Wrestling performers. She made a bee line for Casey, making sure she sat beside him as she looked down the table at some more familiar faces. The rest of the night was filled with random small talk and laughs with the likes of Jessie Salco, Caleb Storms, Wyatt Peterson and Joshua Acquin as they blew in and blew out of the dining room. It wasn’t as bad as what Dani first thought, but as soon as she was done and dusted with her dinner she made her exit and headed back down to her room. She had a busy day tomorrow and she didn’t want to tardy for her first ever fan signing.
 
--
 
It was early on Wednesday, but Dani didn’t have the freedom to go for her morning walk on the top deck as she eagerly waited for the SCW hair and makeup team to arrive. Sure, she could have done it herself, but she was nervous enough about her little meet and greet session today, she decided to just book in the professionals. 7am rolled on and the team of two had entered her room and got busy at styling her hair, with some long brown extension, whiles the makeup lady made Dani’s face glow with a natural easy breezy beachy vibe. It was a big day for her and honestly, she thought in the back of her mind that no one would show up, she groaned at that thought but did her best to shake it from her mind.
 
It was crazy to think that he life had changed within a blink of an eye almost over a month to go but she was going to have to get used to the lifestyle of this is what she wanted. As Dani was getting made up, she was holding her phone in her hand frantically texting Odette asking her for advice. “Just be yourself” was the over-powering message that Mrs Stevens had to offer her. What did that even mean? Be yourself, like who else was she going to be but then Dani had to laugh because she knew when she got nervous sometimes she would talk to much and end up with foot in mouth syndrome.
 
8:30am rolled around and now she was dressed and ready for her first day to greet her fans. Dani made her way out of her room, wearing a sun kisses yellow dress, with her black hat perched on the top of her head. It was sitting on the crown, tilted to the side, so it didn’t hide her now long brown curly hair. She had a small pair of black heels on her feet, in a rare event of her dressing up. As she made her way down the hallway towards the elevator she nodded at Portia one of her opponents on Sunday night, but Portia didn’t respond. Dani just put it down to the fact that she was also new and didn’t really know what her, but still I hurt to not even be warranted a response.
 
She would have to stew over that later, as now she mad her way up to the meeting rooms, making her entrance into the hall as there was a small line up of fans waiting for her. As soon as she saw them Dani was smiling, this was crazy she had fans? Regardless of how many of hem were there she promised herself to make this the best experience of the cruise ship. Taking a seat behind the long table, Dani watched as the people made an orderly cue to meet her. One by one they approached her, asking for her autograph and a photo to remember this occasion. The third lady made her way up towards Dani and as the two were talking she couldn’t help but ask her about a certain aspect of her life that had been pretty well documented since her arrival.
 
“Girl are you and Eli okay? I mean he is hot, please don’t let him go.”
 
Dani just smiled her bravest smile as she looked up at the girl, who looked o be about seventeen. Her brown eyes were wide as she was stumbling to find an appropriate answer.
 
“Um, Eli and I probably are never going to get back together. Things change. I mean he is very handsome but sometime that doesn’t make up for the fact he is an idiot. I’ll always love him, I just can’t be with him right now.”
 
The girl sighed, obviously she was one of those crazy shipping fan girls who made their whole life revolve around the idea of two people being perfect for each other. Her name was probably Courtney to be honest, it was such a Courtney thing to do. As the girl looked a little deflated from hearing that Eli and Dani weren’t going to get back together, she put on a small smile for her photo before she stepped off the stage to Instagram her experience.
 
It was weird to have all these people still lined up to greet her, so Dani made her way through the line as thoroughly as she could. She wanted everyone to have a unique encounter with her as she did crazy Comicon style photos with them all. Dani remembered a big factor that Odette had told her about, thank them all for their time and ask them questions. If Dani wanted to connect with her fans and she did, she loved people she had to get over this girly fear of being in the spotlight and just embrace it. After a jammed packed three hour meet and greet session, Dani had signed her autograph more than ever before and taken enough selfies to light up the #SummerXXXTreme hashtag for the next couple of hours. A few fans stayed in the room as Dani made her exit, they waved at her as she took her leave making her feel like a Rockstar.
 
As Dani slipped out of the room, that’s when she almost smashed into her biggest competition on Sunday night. Well that’s if she was able to make it out of the ultimate X match up. Mikah Green. Mikah was standing to the left of her in the flesh, she was perfectly made up not a hair out of place, she was just perfect. She was like barbie, but like Dani didn’t mean any disrespect. The woman was flawless, once again Dani found herself staring and she quickly made a turn on the balls of her feet to scared to even whimper a word out towards the headlining Bombshell of Sin City Wrestling. I mean what could she honestly say to her? Not only that, she didn’t look pleased to be down in the meeting rooms next to the fans. Miss Weston just made moves to get up to the top deck to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.
 
Dani made a run for the elevator, that’s doors was slowly closing. She was able to slip into it before they did. As she turned around she looked to her right to see that Jon Dough was standing slightly behind her. A fan girlish smiled crawled over her face, but Dani was quick to bring her hand up over her lips to try and hide the redness that was flaring up on her face. Behind her on the right, slumped into the corner was Tommy Crimson and when Dani’s eyes laid on him she instantly stood up straight. Tommy scared her, even if his actions were done on camera she couldn’t help to think he was a bit nutty in real life. A judgement that she probably shouldn’t have been making but she couldn’t help it. Once day, she would have to find the courage to find out about him because mysterious people were always a work of art to Dani and to be honest she enjoyed analysing them. The ding of the elevator stole Dani’s attention away from Tommy and before she knew it she was back poolside to spend the rest of her day in the sun.
 
As she made her way to the pool, she walked past Seleana and Crystal / Christina who were snuggled up to each other walking hand in hand as two newly weds should. Turning to look away, she was met with the image of Ben Jordan and Evie Baang sitting at the bar both sharing what looked like a milk shake. That alone was a scary image, but Ben was holding the side of Evie’s face gently, whilst brushing some fly away strands of hair out of her face before kissing her gently. Dani couldn’t believe her eyes, this was a massive shock to her. They were like chalk and cheese but, yet they just clicked. Turning away so it didn’t look like she was crazy. Dani headed towards a few sun longue chairs, pulling up the one that was beside Brittany Williams. The two just shared a half smile before they both slipped back into their routine of relaxing. The rest of Dani’s day was spent by the pool before she mingled with some fans and before she knew it was time for bed.
 
--
 
Thursday had rolled around way to fast for Dani’s liking as her time on this ship was coming to and end. She felt free on this boat, there was no stress of her failed relationship annoying her as he was unable to get to her whilst she was on the boat and he on dry land. Not only that she was having the time of her life hanging with the Sin City Wrestling fans, meeting as many as she could, hanging out with them by the pool, playing water volleyball. She was the definition of living the dream and to be honest Dani didn’t want this dream to end.
 
She had spent the morning working out, whilst taking the laughing yoga class with some fans before she moved to the hall to listen to Christian Underwood talk about how he got into the wrestling business. It was a delightful insight into the world of the pink flamingo, who Dani had heard so much about. Christian didn’t stop for questions at the end of his panel, after all he was a busy man and he had a show to put on Sunday night, so his time needed to be spent elsewhere. The fans gave him a standing send off as he retired back to the makeshift offices on the boat.
 
As the afternoon quickly came into play Dani made her way back up to the main deck, to hang by the pool. This time on her travels up the stairs she stopped on the half way deck to look out to the horizon taking in the view where it was quiet. That’s until she heard the English accent of Apple as she spoke to her assistant in the distance probably about losing WIFI signal and not being happy. Dani just smiled, but quickly moved out of the way as the two passed her as if she wasn’t even there. Dani made her final leg of the journey to the pool deck, that’s when she saw a sight for sore eyes.
 
London Underground were out and about, laying lazily by the pool. Mackenzie and Charlotte were under the broad brim of an umbrella protecting themselves from the sun, whilst Os was soaking up the rays as he sat up right in the lawn style chair. Daniel however, was laying face down on a layabout leaving himself open for attack. Dani knew all of them, not overly well but enough to have a laugh with them and as she made her way over towards them she could barely hold it together. Dani noticed on the table in the centre of the group there was a bottle of sunscreen. She swiftly picked it up and squirted a blob into the palm of her right hand before she crept over to Daniel. Putting on her best fake pommy accent she went to work.
 
“Excuse me Sir, but you seem to be burning.”
 
Before Daniel could lift his head or do anything, Dani started applying the sunscreen on his back however, she wasn’t rubbing it over his entire back she was spelling out D A N I in hopes that if Daniel did get sunburnt her name would be there. It was a joke, a prank if you will. As Dani was working on her evil plan, Mackenzie and Charlotte just giggled amongst themselves while Os had a big grin on his face. Once Dani finished up, she went to take her leave from the group, however as she stepped away, Daniel’s hand reached out gently grabbing Dani’s right ankle with his left hand before her jetted his right thumb over his shoulder. All of this without even lifting his head from the pillow.
 
“Nice try sweetheart, but I’m decent with those things called letters.”
 
Dani just burst out laughing, before she made her way back over towards Daniel to rub her name off his back. She was glad that he had seen the funny side of it and wasn’t being his notorious self and giving her a stern talking to about her actions. Daniel just effortlessly lifted his head from the chair to flash her a smirk. It was unknown to Dani, but Gabriel and Odette had asked Daniel and Os to keep and eye on Dani whilst she was on the cruise liner. It’s not because he thought she would get into any trouble it was just that she was going to be alone as her best friend Aria was meant to join her, but she had to pull out at the last minute.
 
It’s not that she was fragile or reckless it was just that all of this could be a little too much to take in or handle and Dani already didn’t have the best confidence when it came to fitting in, but she was trying. Daniel tapped to the side of his chair, leading Dani to take a seat beside him.
 
“You alright?”
 
Dani just smiled as she nodded towards him, she thought she was going okay and that was enough for him to believer her. As the five of them settled in for a small chat (well four, Os didn’t want to surprise anyone) the group shared stories, and experiences of what they have done so far for Summer XXXTreme. However, as they were talking something caught Dani’s attention from the corner of her eye. In the pool that was somewhat people free, she could see bubbles making their way to the surface to pop. Getting up from her chair, she left the conversation mid-sentence to go investigate what was going on.  Sitting at the bottom of the pool was a small girl, who didn’t seem to be moving and without any thought Dani dived in. The sound of the splash stole everyone’s attention, as the life guard was busy looking after a small boy who had lost his family.
 
Diving down to the bottom of the pool Dani fully dressed in her white dress and ankle high sandals started to swim towards her. The little girl wasn’t moving and time for some reason felt like it was at a standstill. Dani reached out for what felt like forever in this pool, that didn’t seem like a pool anymore but more like the ocean of how deep it was in her mind. Just as the girl was within reach Dani grabbed on to her, pulling the child into her side, before she made a beeline for the surface of the water. The sound of screaming was ringing in Dani’s ears as everyone’s attention was now on the pool. Swimming over to the side, Dani lifted the little girls body up and out of the pool where the life guard was now present and working his magic on the little girl. Dani just stayed frozen in the pool on the step, watching as the little girl cough up a mouthful of water, followed by a lung full before she started coughing. A round of applause echoed in her head, she wasn’t sure why people clapped at a time like this. I mean it was great news the little girl was breathing but like it just felt weird to be clapping.
 
The little girl was rushed off with her family to the medics room, while Dani just was inundated by people. Os could see that she was frozen stiff, so he made his way through the crowd reached into the pool and grabbed onto Dani’s hand and pulled her up and out of the water. All of a sudden Dani was shaking, even though the sun was blazing down on everyone. Her big brown eyes looked up at Os and before she could say anything. She turned on the balls of her feet and left. As Dani left the pool area, a group of people were following her, she ducked her dead down in the soaking wet dress and just wanted to get back to her room. That was until she was side stepped in front of and the beaming face of Tony Thorn was standing before her.
 
“Great save, did you know that…”
 
As Tony was about to give her a lesson on odds, facts and numbers Dani’s eyes glazed over. She didn’t mean to be rude, but it was all a bit too much. Her eyes started to well and sting as she tried to fight back tears of shock. While a group gathered around her to check up on her and praise her.
 
“You have great technique, Dani.”
 
Was the last of what she heard Tony talking about before she just offered him a slight smile before making her exit. Looking down at her dress, she couldn’t help but notice it was now see through. Sure, she had a bikini on underneath but all of a sudden, she felt a little naked. Making a mad dash for her room, Dani locked herself away in there for the rest of the afternoon and night.
 
--
 
Friday brought on a new day and it was a cracker, the sun was shining, and the pool deck was free. However, it was 6am in the morning and once again only the odd few were awake at this time. Dani spied Dmitri, lurking in the shadows near the bar as he looks as if he was getting into the right frame of mind for his match up this Sunday. Something that Dani needed to do also. Taking herself down to the back of the boat, Dani looked out into the water before she turned around seeing the camera crew approach her. She had asked them to join her for her first on camera promotional. This was going to be fun. Well at least she hoped it would be. The two-man crew didn’t waste any time as they set up their cameras and the boom microphone giving Dani the thumbs up when they were ready to go. With the count of three inside her head, Dani sighed and away she went.
 
“Hello fans of Sin City Wrestling.”
 
That sounded so stupid, but she smiled and waved at the camera she really had no idea what she was doing with this, but she was just going to have to iron out the kinks as she went along.
 
“We are just days away from the biggest event of the Summer, Summer XXXTreme coming to you from the Sun Princess Cruise. I know that I’m excited about this Sunday night and from being with all the fans on this cruise, I can tell their just as eager to see how the night will unfold.”
 
Still she had no real direction with what she was doing but she just smiled at the camera and continued.
 
“Not only on this historic night will Roxi and Keira Johnson return to host the evenings shenanigans but each and every match will play a part in creating history and I for one are super excited that I get the honours of opening up the night with five other bombshells in the traditional over the pool battle royal. Or as others call it the Ultimate X.”
 
Now she was thinking about Eli and she didn’t have time for that horrid distraction, she just closed her eyes for a second before opening them to continue.
 
“Myself, Apple, Portia, Seleana, Aviana and Christina set this thing off with a splash as we all fight for the potential golden opportunity to face off against Mikah later in the night. I’m not going to lie when I say, this is a scary chance. Scary good. But still scary, I mean trying to outwit, outlast and outplay the likes of Apple, Portia, Seleana, Aviana and Christina will not be easy. These girls know exactly what they are doing. They are driven, they are thirsty and well they all wanted to be crowned the NEW Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Champion. I would be lying if I said that thought hadn’t crossed my mind. Imagine that fair-tale story. The little girl that couldn’t get a win, wins it all in one magical night?”
 
A smile was glowing on Dani’s face as she spoke.
 
“It’s a farfetched idea, but if you think about it. It’s not crazy. I mean anything could happen. The Ultimate X is anyone’s game there is no clear favourite in that type of match up. Regardless of Crystal being in this game for so long, that doesn’t make her the be all and end all of Battle Royals. That doesn’t make her the queen of the ring. She might have the experience, but when it comes to going over the top rope, anything could happen. There is only so much you and control, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Crystal lets her guard down. I mean she is already boasting that she has this match in the bag and well, sometimes when you count your chicken before they hatch… you end up just having yolk.”
 
Dani smiles as she backs up her statement.
 
“I’m not cutting Crystal’s chance down or saying that she doesn’t have it in her to win. She does, we all know that… what I’m saying is that she has basically removed any scenario from her mind where she doesn’t walk out of this match as the winner. Overlooking us, basically saying that the rest of us don’t matter in this match because she is the be all and end all. I don’t like that. I don’t like it when people think that they are the only ones that matter, its disrespectful, its greedy and it damn right wrong.”
 
She shook her head from side to side, before she clicked her tongue off her teeth and continued.
 
“I get that the rest of us in this match are as decorated as you are Christina or Crystal, but I find it disgusting that you would write us off so quickly. Do you think you’re the only one in this match with something to lose? Let me remind you that you’re not… we all have a golden chance, we all have something to prove and regardless of your endless saga of wanting to capture the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Championship, they worst mistake you made on your campaign back to the top was unmind the rest of us. As one for the top nice girls in this business, you sure has a pretty terrible way of showing the rest of the Bombshell locker room that they mean something or that you give a damn. You’re meant to be a leader, yet all you really care about is yourself… and if that picture of yourself in your mind doesn’t have the gold around your waist then watch your claws come out.”
 
Dani sighed before she continued, keeping her focus on the camera in front of her.
 
“Your so hell bent on winning this match, that you even stated you would take out your wife if you had to. I get that this is the business we work in, but seriously… don’t you think that’s a bit much? To put the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Championship, before your marriage? Would you really steal that opportunity from your wives hands, if she was in the position to take it? Shame on you.”
 
Dani shouldn’t really be judging it wasn’t in her nature but maybe her time with Odette was rubbing off on her.
 
“I really hope that Seleana eliminates you, I mean you did say no hard feelings, right? Speaking of your wife, I didn’t realise that she thought it was necessary for our match to bring up my ex-boyfriend? Like I didn’t realise that’s how low of the barrel people were going to scrap when it came to talking about me. Yes, sure I have an ex-boyfriend… so does a lot of other people in this world. That’s not going to stop me from doing my best, to win this match. I’m not crippled because of it, I’m not crying over it and if I don’t make it our of the Ultimate X match up I’m sure as hell not going to use it as an excuse.”
 
Dani brushed a strand of her short brown hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear before she continued.
 
“I’m coming to this match no less focused if I did or didn’t have a partner. I’m coming into our match on Sunday night at Summer XXXTreme with one goal in mind and that’s to not be the first girl that ends up into the drink. IF I happen to win the match, then so be it… I know I have worked hard enough for it. I know that anything can happen, but I know that regardless of my heart ache as you put it, my heart is in this match one hundred per-cent… win, lose… whatever happens. I’m putting it all on the line to give the fans the show they deserve, so please don’t try and get into my head by bringing up my personal life because trust me, it’s won’t work.”
 
A sigh left her glossed lips before she turned her attention to her next opponent.
 
“Now moving onto someone who doesn’t seem the slightest bit interested in making history at Summer XXXTreme Portia… where are you girl? You have the world at your feet for your debut match up and you’re not even going to make a murmur about it? You’re just going to stand back and let everyone else do all the work? I mean, if I was looking to make an impact in a new company I would be coming out swinging, I would be banging pots and pans together to get people to notice me. I tried that when in my very first match I had the chance to walk out one half of the mixed tag team champions… yet you? You’ve gone for the silent type. I’m not sure if it’s a smart move or not, but hopefully we will see you Sunday night. I mean it would be nice to put a face to the name and I look forward to seeing what you have to offer in Sin City Wrestling.”
 
Dani smiled towards the camera before she carried on.
 
“Aviana, I can’t wait to face you inside that ring on Sunday Night, because when it comes down to it, I think you and I could have a lot of chemistry inside that ring together. No… I’m not making a move at you, I just think that we could and would have what it takes to build beautiful moments together in this match up. Our styles gel well, and I think, magic could happen that would leave the Sin City Wrestling fans speechless. I know you have your eyes on the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Championship but let us first go out there in the ultimate x and give these fans what they deserve? A perfect opening match that will set the tone for the rest of the evening. I know this isn’t exactly how you’re meant to trash talk you up and coming opponents but what can I say, I’m excited about what Aviana and I can do in that ring together.”
 
She waved at the camera before smiling, before Dani continued on the last girl left in the Ultimate X match up.
 
“Now we move on to Apple Coren, I mean I’m not really sure what I have ever done to get such a tarnished perspective from you? I’m the meek mild maid in your story? That rides off the coattails of others? Umm wow, I don’t really know where your getting your information from, but if that’s what you want to run with to make yourself feel more powerful, then sure… knock yourself out. Because at the end of the day, when it comes down to it. I’m doing this for myself and by myself. Sure, I have connections with Gabriel and Odette but are they going to be in that ring Sunday night? NOPE! It will just be you, Portia, Seleana, Aviana, Christina and myself, so I’m not entirely sure how you think that others are going to do my bidding? I mean maybe if your removed your head out of your royal arse once an awhile, you actually see things through clearer eyes?”
 
Dani seemed a little upset about Apple’s words against her, but she just powered on with her next words.
 
“I gotten to where I am in life because of the hard work and dedication that I have put into it. Not because of who I know… and for you to try and spit on my name without even knowing me or my story, makes you an idiot. I’ll sow you exactly what I’m made of on Sunday night and I just pray that I get to be the girl that sends you up over that top rope and into the pool below.”
 
That’s all Dani was going to say about that, as she needed to change her focus onto the last woman who could come into play for Dani later that night.
 
“That leaves me with just one more person, Mikah Green. I mean that’s IF I’m able to make it out of the Ultimate X match with a win. I will get to go head to head, toe to toe with the current Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Champion. That thought right there, is scary… I mean Mikah is the best at what she does, and she is even better when she is holding the Championship. It’s like it gives her more power, more energy and she will defend it with in an inch of her life.”
 
Dani’s eyes widened as she spoke as she processed what she was saying.
 
“I don’t have anything against Mikah I don’t even know her personally, but what I don’t understand is why she feels the need to take out Courtney’s bad luck out on us? Did we injury her? No? Did we make the Ultimate X match basically a number one contenders match for her Championship? No. Yet she can sit on Twitter and say that it shouldn’t be any of us that she is facing, it should be Court. Yes you’re right but sometimes things happen that can’t be helped and well Sin City Wrestling is trying to make the best out of a bad situation. I’m sorry that you don’t get to face Courtney. I’m sorry that this is all one big inconvenience to you… but believe me when I say this. IF I win the Ultimate X match up and IF you and I get to two at it in the middle of the six-sided ring I will do whatever I can to put on the match of my life. I will try and prove myself to you and the world that I deserve to be in the women’s main event. I’M NOT going to replace Courtney, nor am I stealing her chance at your championship because no doubt once she is healed she will get her chance… it’s just a matter of whom will she be facing?”
 
Dani smiled, before she let out a slight girlish giggle.
 
“Will Courtney come back and get to face the current champion Mikah Green? Or will she come back and get to face the NEW Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Champion… Danielle Weston. Sure, it will be a stretch in your mind, to see anyone but yourself walking off this cruise ship with your championship but I’m here to remind you that anything can happen and that is a fact. So, I really hope I get the chance to move on to face you later in the evening Mikah because I want nothing more than to shake up this division… not only that I want to give the fans something they have never seen before. I want to save them from another Crystal, Mikah showdown… so I will be bust my arse to make my way towards facing you in the main event.”
 
That smile was still beaming on her face as she looked into the camera, her hair blowing in the sea breeze.
 
“I must say I was shocked to hear, that you’re rooting for me that clearly means that I’m doing something right in my career… or does it mean that you just think I will be easier to pick apart than Crystal? Either way, I’m coming into that match up with one gaol in mind… to put on the best show I can and do the very best I can. If I so happen to make it to the great dance and we get to face off… win or lose that match… I’m still walking out a very happy lady… I’ll still walking out a winner. Just making it to the final round, would be a dream come true… walking out with the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Championship would just eb the cherry on top.”
 
She blushed as she thought about winning it all, it was pretty hard to believe that she was just days away from maybe living this fairy-tale.
 
“So, Apple, Portia, Seleana, Aviana, Christina and possibly Mikah I will see all of you girls on Sunday night… for what I hope is the most historic night in Sin City Wrestling history after all we are at sea and the tide is forever changing. I just hope you all know that I’m coming into Summer XXXTreme with one thing on my mind, that’s the fans and giving them everything they deserve.”
 
Dani smiled shyly before she wrapped this one up.
 
“To say a fire has been lit inside me would be an understatement, you see I no longer want to be the little girl, who is letting down the legacy of Gabriel and Odette Stevens… so I’m gunning for my first win. It has taken me a while to find my footing in Sin City Wrestling, but I truly believe that I have my feet on solid ground, so I will dig my heels in and do the work, until I’m finally where I ultimately want to be… and that’s at the top of Sin City Wrestling… and with the Sin City Wrestling World Bombshell Championship.”
 
Dani nodded as if to agree with herself before she continued.
 
“So, don’t count me out of the Ultimate X match… in fact very much count me in because I’m coming for the victory and I really don’t want to end up getting wet.”
 
Dani smiled before she signed off.
 
“I’ll see you all on Sunday night… I can’t wait to see how the night unfolds. Until then Dani Dino’s safe cruising.”
 
Dani waved at the cameras before the scene started to fade on her smiling, laughing face. She was giddy with excitement.

Live, laugh, love.

[Crystal Zdunich]

 Sun Princess Cruise

The two had made their way onto the Cruise Ship for the first time as a married couple. Christina and Seleana Zdunich were both in separable, wherever one went the other was tugged right at the seam. It was the definition of true love, and as soon as they both boarded the ship they were summoned to the makeshift office of Mark Ward. Christina smiled as she wore her glasses tight fitting jeans and Mega Man t shirt, and her wife Seleana was clad in a beautiful sun dress. Christina smirked as she stood in front of Mark Ward and the Englishman looked back at him.

“Hey Christina thanks for stopping by just like I asked you to do.”

“Of course Mark… That’s why I am here. I mean it is my job and all but…”

Mark however shakes his head as he glances back at Christina with a smile on his lips.

“But nothing the real reason why I decided to call you into my office is because I planned on upgrading you. This is a very special time for you and Seleana and I know it must feel real amazing to be married again. I know it’s rough with the way our schedule works in SCW that you two have to rush to a show and be away from your little honeymoon privacy but we appreciate you coming through, and spending the entire time with us. I have seen some weird stuff with these cruises such as people wanting to take a helicopter in and it’s all bloody nonsense. I am just happy that you are here with us and I wanted to make sure you two both had the best possible accommodations while on board. “

Seleana’s eyes open wide up as she nods her head in agreement.

“Thank you so much. Star and I are definitely going to enjoy it together…”

“Right you two just make sure you have absolute fun and you can consider it a gift from SCW but you can thank Christian for everything…”

Christina rolls her eyes as she folds her arms together.

“Seriously?!”

“Well no… He would never do anything for you both mainly because he despises you Christina but let’s just say this gift is from him. Consider it my coping mechanism for England not winning the World Cup. It should definitely bring a few laughs from me on my end. On a serious note though just enjoy your time while on board. We only do these cruises once a year so you might as well make the absolute best of it.”

Christina doesn’t say anything as she just shrugs her shoulders Seleana however smiles as she nods her head in agreement as she looks back at Mark with a wide grin so much.

“Thank you so much. We will make sure to enjoy it. Christina and I will have so much fun. We are going to do everything that we possibly can and it’s all going to be amazing! Isn’t that right chickie?!”

Seleana smirks as she turns her attention to Christina who doesn’t say anything. She just shrugs her shoulders again as Mark and Seleana both take notice to her actions and glare directly at her.

“Are you feeling okay?!”

The British man says back as she just walks away. Seleana seems a bit befuddled as she looks back at Mark.

“Thank you so much for your hospitality. If there is anything that we can do for you let us know. We will enjoy this cruise together and we will have as much fun as we possibly can.”

“Don’t worry I want you to have fun, and don’t worry about your bags. We will have somebody that will personally bring it to your room. Just have fun okay?!”

Seleana smiles warmly as she looks back in Christina direction and begins to run towards her.

“Star wait up is everything okay? There is so much we can do on this ship. Do you want to head to the deck and maybe go swimming in the pool on the deck, or perhaps we could see a show or maybe do some dancing on the boat. There is so much to do and we are going to have so much fun with one another. As long as we do it together that is all that matters right?!”

Christina however shakes her head as she glares daggers back at her wife.

“Look you can do whatever you want Seleana but to be completely honest I am not feeling any of it!”

“Why is that chickie?!”

“Because this isn’t how I imagined things going. Granted you are the most important thing to happen to me in my life, and it was fun marrying you and I love you more than you could ever imagine but when it comes to my wrestling career this is what is always running through my mind. Being on this ship gave me the realization that I am not the best and somewhere on this ship there is a stupid blonde bitch holding what rightfully belongs to me. How am I supposed to have fun when I am going to constantly be mocked?! People are going to question why I have yet another title match. People are going to complain and tell me that I am not good enough. They are going to rub it in my face, and it’s going to haunt me over and over again…”

Christina shakes her head in disgust as she continues to walk away as she looks back at Seleana.

“I hate having to feel that way. I fucking hate all of it. I have to put on this façade as if things are okay but deep down they really aren’t okay. They are far from being so. I just put on a smile because it’s the only way that I can cope with it but THINGS ARE NOT OKAY!”

Seleana grabs her wife as she pulls her in close. She holds her tightly as she looks deeply into her eyes.

“Christina you don’t have to ever feel that way especially considering you have me now! I am here for you. I am right by your side and we are both in this together. Stop trying to act like you have to carry all of the weight of the world on your shoulders. We are a married couple now and that heavy load you are carrying is my load as well. It might seem a lot for one single person but between the both of us we are going to get through this. We are going to manage, and we are going to get by. So just please stop it…”

Christina is taken back as she didn’t expect to hear that from her wife. Seleana however isn’t going to back down as she just keeps her eyes fixated on that of her wife.

“And don’t you dare give me that look. I had to put up with this for a very long time Christina. It’s been a year of having to deal with you hiding your emotions or try to act like nothing bothers you but then you run off and feel the need to do things all on your own. You don’t need to feel that way with me. I am here for you and I am here to do things WITH YOU. So you just need to let me into your heart so I know what I need to do in order to be there for you…”

Christina didn’t know what to say as she knew that Seleana was absolutely right. Christina just shook her head as she looks back at Seleana and sighs in return.

“I don’t know why I tend to feel this way. I know I should be happy and it really isn’t fair to you that I have to feel so down in the dumps after getting married to you. It’s just maintaining this is really too much for me.”

“Maintaining what exactly?! That you are one of the best female wrestlers in the entire world? You honestly didn’t think that putting on a pair of eye glasses, changing your look and calling yourself Christina would really change all of that did you? You didn’t think it would take away the pain of losses? No matter what you change on the surface it will never change on what’s really going on deep inside of you. That’s something that will always be there because you know the truth. You know what you are going through and only you can properly deal with that. You shouldn’t get down over being you though. You should actually take it as the biggest blessing.”

“And how exactly is it the biggest blessing Seleana?! How do you figure that it’s a good thing?!”

Seleana smiles as she looks deeply into the eyes of her wife.

“Because it will always keep you on your toes, it will always keep you pushing in that of the right direction. I may not know that much of the business like everybody else. I may not be the sensational world athlete who has been doing this since she was a teenager and have accolades that I can brag about. One thing I do know is that when I see you Christina I see everything that I am not. I see how much it means to you and in turn that means the world to me. You shouldn’t escape who you are just to make pain go away. As I said before it’s okay that everybody expects the absolute best from you. After all you are Crystal Hilton. You are the movie star! You are the big name! You are the reason why people come to the shows or why people watch women’s wrestling but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t believe it…”

Christina just shakes her head with a loud sigh.

“If that’s what you want to call it then by all means sure. It just means I am a big fluke when I don’t deliver…”

“Stop thinking like that. I used to work in a zoo and I was so happy being with all of the animals and spending time with all of them…”

“Okay where exactly are you going with this? You know I am allergic to animals right?!”

Seleana nods her head as she glares at Crystal and continues to speak.

“You didn’t let me finish. Anyway I love animals so much I pretty much have watched every single movie that has to deal with animals. That’s how much it means to me. Anyway you remind me exactly of one of my favorite movies of all time.”

“And what movie is that exactly Seleana?!”

“Rock A Doodle!”

“Rock A Doodle?! How in the fuck do I remind you of Rock A Doodle?!”

Seleana takes a long deep breath as she continues to speak.

“Because there was a rooster on a farm named Chanticler. Every day he would crow and the sun would come all and grace the entire farm with a sunrise, but one day he didn’t wake up in time and the sun came up without him. So everybody thought he was a fake. He felt embarrassed and left to become something else. He stopped believing in who he was. However when he left the owls took over and the sun never came up again. The world was consumed in darkness and he had already forgot who he was and lived life as something else. He never wanted to return again. The same people that were making fun of him were the same people who needed him the most. When they did bring him back he felt as if he never really did crow. He believed in the doubt and he acted like that past self of him never existed.”

Seleana takes a long deep breath.

“The point I am trying to make is the people started to believe in him again yet he lost all belief in himself, and only when he heard everybody chant his name did he believe in himself again. This world will beat you down Christina but just because you have the minor slip up doesn’t mean everything is a lost cause. It doesn’t mean you should stop and lose sense of everything that you are because at the end of the day everybody knows who you are. You just need to remember. You need to crow and show everyone that the sun will come up again.”

“Well maybe the sun was never up in the first place Seleana…”

Seleana crosses her arms as she looks back at Crystal.

“Seriously?! That’s how you feel… You are better than that. I guess by walking away everything that everybody has been saying about you is true. You are merely handed another title shot. You really don’t belong here. You are what’s wrong with SCW and…”

“AND NOTHING I PAID MY FUCKING DUES SELEANA!!!!”

“Right… And getting three straight title shots is paying dues?!”

Crystal shakes her head as she glares directly into the eyes of her wife.

“I paid my fucking dues… Being who I am didn’t happen overnight. I had to bust my ass to get to where I am and if you don’t like it then you can go fuck yourself!”

Seleana begins to smile as she nods her head in agreement.

“That is exactly what I wanted to hear or at least that type of spunk. That’s what people want to see from you Christina. That’s what is missing and you really need to slap whatever it is that you are going through right in the face. That is the only way you are going to get closure on whatever it is that you are feeling or dealing with. I know things can hurt at times. I know it sucks when you on the losing end but out of everybody you have the power to get to where you want to be. You especially because you are Crystal Hilton! Everybody else believes it you just need to feel the same as well…”

Crystal thinks about it as she just offers a long sigh in return as Seleana begins to speak some more.

“Do you believe in yourself Crystal or are you going to let the words of just about everyone really get to you? I know you are much better than that. I know you have the power and the ability to do whatever you wish because I have seen you do it before.”

Christina thinks about it for a long while as she sighs in return. Seleana takes Crystal by the hand and leads her to one of the cruise’s public bathrooms. They both walk inside together and Seleana smiles as she makes Crystal glare at her own reflection in the mirror.

“Now tell me what do you see when you look into that mirror?!”

Crystal takes a long deep breath as she slowly runs her fingers through her hair.

“I see a woman who seems lost… She has all of the makings to be a champion again she is just….”

“Confused…” Seleana says back in return as she nods her head and continues to speak.

“And there is nothing wrong with being confused. There are a lot of things that I personally am confused about.”

Christina shakes her head as she crosses her arms together.

“And what exactly are you confused about?!”

“Sometimes I question why do I even bother to step into the ring? Why is it worth it for me who is now 32 years old to step out as a rookie and try to do this sport when many others have started out so much earlier than I have. Why do I bother to even try when people have it in their blood or have this mean streak for them? After all every time I step into the ring it tends to be the same old, same old. People always talk about me being your fiancé or in this case your wife, and that is where the conversation always starts. They never once ever mention me as an individual. It somehow always gets brought back to you and it always stays on that topic.”

Christina doesn’t know what to say as Seleana just continues to speak.

“It annoys me because I have sisters and cousins who wrestle but they always mention to bring you up, and in return thinking about you gives me the spirit to want to step into the ring and prove them wrong. It gives me the courage to fight because I channel what you would say if you were in my shoes. You have a life that is like none other Christina. You have been in this business for a very long time. Yet as much as people try to talk you down you always find a way to bounce back. You always find a way to turn things around, and you always come through in the clutch. So just channel what you normally channel. You are the reason I fight, and I want you to get to where I know you can go. Be the woman that you want to be deep down inside.”

Seleana smiles as she looks at the mirror.

“I don’t know what you see but what I see when I look at you is a woman full of confidence. I see a woman who knows exactly who she is and a woman who will do anything to maintain that status. So prove it Christina. Prove that it’s all for real. Prove that you are hungry for it as well. Prove to the entire world that you are among the very best of the best and don’t let anything bring you down.”

Christina nods her head with a grin as she looks back at Seleana smirking at her. Seleana speaks again.

“So tell me what do you see when you look into the mirror?!”

Christina licks her lips as she takes her glasses off as she puts them to the side. She keeps glaring at herself as she lets a wicked grin escape her lips.

“Well besides from being Christina Zdunich…. I see Crystal Hilton. I see a woman who won’t rest until she gets back what she wants and she will be damned if she lets anybody take her spotlight. Who am I?! CRYSTAL FUCKING HILTON!”

Seleana smiles as she nods her head in agreement.

“Say it like you mean it!”

“I am CRYSTAL FUCKING HILTON!!!”

“Okay Star… One more time, and like you REALLY MEAN IT!”

“I am CRYSTAL HILTON AND I AM GOING TO BE THE BOMBSHELL CHAMPION AGAIN!!!!”

“Good that’s what I wanted to hear out of you. You totally got this chickie but then again you always knew you had it you just needed to look beneath the surface to really find it out. Anyway I am going to head to our room. It’s going to be exciting there is so much to do on this ship and as long as we do things together that is all that really matters at the end. I can’t wait to spend so much time with you. I am truly happy to be a major part of your life. I know our future together is going to be so bright. Thank you for being my wife. I love you so much…”

“And I love you too Seleana… Honestly thank you for all of this. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t have a strong woman like you in my wife…”

Seleana shakes her head.

“And that certainly needs to go. I don’t know how much I could take of you constantly apologizing for something that I am supposed to do. I am your wife. No reason to thank me. Just be one with your emotions.  I wouldn’t be a great wife if I wasn’t paying attention to what’s happening in your life. You honestly just need to put this feeling sorry about yourself behind you. You can’t allow yourself to get so hurt and overwhelmed when things don’t go your way. You are way better than that Chickie… Anyway I am going to go to the suite. It’s going to be super fun, and maybe tonight we can do something really fun. I want a real date night it will be our first as a married couple!”

Seleana nods her head as she keeps on speaking.

“We could perhaps see a show or something along those lines…”

Crystal nods her head just smirking.

“Sure whatever you want babe. Look your absolute best. It’s going to be a fun night for sure.”

With that Christina just walks away leaving her wife to head for the room. Crystal walks with a purpose and we leave her on this image.





On Camera
Gym Time


The cameras come into focus and believe it or not we are taken to the wonderful gym that is aboard the cruise ship. Our image is on that of Crystal Hilton and the sweat seems to be steadily dripping down her face. She flicks her purple hair as she looks deeply into the lens of the camera.

“I know what all of you are thinking. There is so much to do on this cruise. I could be by the pool or partaking in one of the many activities that would be amazing for a newly married woman such as myself but to be honest the only place that really feels comforting me at this point is the gym. It’s the place that I can work out and to be honest I feel at home. I would be lying if I said that losing my championship hasn’t made me felt down these past few weeks. I feel empty without it. The words have gotten to me and I thought about quitting as soon as this cruise is over. There are so many stupid thoughts going through my mind but in all sense of reality the truth is I don’t want to quit. The truth is I am far from a quitter because at the end of the day no matter how much I try to escape it. No matter how much I try to put eye glasses on, come out with a nerdy look and get the best possible gig in the office of Mark Ward. I can’t escape who I am inside of the ring…

I can’t escape being Crystal Hilton and that in itself means the entire world to me. I get it I am supposed to be thrilled. I am married I have the woman of my dreams, and I have that feel good moment but since being aboard this ship. It’s been hard for me to sleep or think about anything constructive because I want my SCW World Bombshell Championship. I will do whatever it takes to obtain it and I don’t give a flying fuck about what hurdles I have to jump over because at the end of the day I guarantee you all that I will be standing tall as your champion. I will be the woman you all fucking loathe or love. I honestly don’t give a damn. I know the fans are going to love me because they are my ride or die. They have always been with me and they support me no matter what I do, but there are going to be those haters who don’t want me to succeed. They are going to hate me for everything that I do. I am talking about those women in the back who are a bunch of haters.

The haters who don’t like me being in this position and complain every chance they get about me and the things I have done. Honestly it’s very sickening and I just want to make them all eat their words so can hate me more for it. They are just jealous because I have paid my dues and all they want to do is run their mouths like I don’t matter. Truth be told I do matter because I have busted my ass to get to where I am. I didn’t get here overnight or by mere chance. I got here because I worked hard and I never stopped. I just kept on pushing ahead and eventually I accomplished everything I could have ever imagined.

Now I could sit here and rant all day but I think everybody gets the point that I am ready for the next step. I want to become the SCW World Bombshell Champion and I will do whatever it takes to get there. The ultimate goal is to get one more match with Mikah and I am going to flat out just tell the entire world that I really hate that Bitch. I do not like her. I might be a nutcase or a psycho or whatever generic name she wishes to call me every week but she is a big fat fucking phony. She only cares when it suits her and in reality she never really cared in the first place.

I know I could focus on everybody in the Pool Match but I rather start with the task at hand and that is Mikah herself. She is a shallow individual. She is friends with none of the females on the roster because nobody can stand to be around her stupid ass. All she ever does is run her mouth to no end. She expects people to listen to her rants but in reality she makes herself sound stupid.”

Crystal takes a long deep breath as she continues to speak.

“I am proud to be with Seleana… I am extremely happy and it’s something I will treasure for the rest of my life because she is everything to me. She is my better half and she completes me but with you Mikah can you honestly say the same thing. You are a married woman. You are with Drake Green except all of your passion goes into being happy over Despy, being happy over Simon, or even on that of the man you claimed to be your title husband in Kristopher Ryans. That sounds amazing and everything but what about your own husband?! Why not talk him up nonstop. Why do you continuously try to put the name of all of these other male figures in your mouth? Give them a break what you should be doing is focusing on that of your husband….

Granted I know I can be egotistical at times and I am one who often gets to be self-centered, but everything I do is focused around that of my wife. I have talked about Seleana nonstop. It’s always been about her as being the female for me, and I think everybody knows that I am happy of who I am married too. I think that’s your biggest issue, and honestly there’s nothing wrong with having male friends but the way you go about them just seems really off. But you will never look at that because you will try to spin things around. You will make things about you and that’s a bunch of horse shit!”

Crystal shakes her head in utter disgust as she continues to speak.

“I can’t wait until we get into the ring with one another because I am going to wipe that stupid smirk right off of your face.  I am going to emerge as a champion once again and I am going to enjoy doing so at your expense. You aren’t as great as you think you are. You just love living in your bubble when you think everything revolves around you and that isn’t the case. You gave up on the division. That is a fact. You never treasured anything but yourself. You would often come to shows drunk, you never gave a fuck. You admitted that you hated just about every place that SCW had gone at one point and on shows you would be seen telling the world you couldn’t wait to hit a flight and go back to New York. That was your life in a nutshell and when you lost the title the first time you simply didn’t want to be involved anymore. Yet when I build momentum and have my big moment. When I start accomplishing things and making a name for myself then you suddenly start to have a chance of heart and want to start getting involved.

It was never about the title to you. You merely hated the fact that I was going to erase everything you have ever accomplished. I was starting to become a bigger name then you well let me give you a bit of news. I don’t need to be a bigger name because I AM THE BIGGER NAME. You can keep on calling me crazy but it is a fact! I AM SIMPLY THE BETTER WOMAN BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN CONSISTENT in the wrestling business SINCE DAY ONE! You are far from that and when you had the chance to have your first break out moment in the Internet Championship match to crown the first champion you dropped the ball. Joanne Canelli ended up winning a woman who isn’t even around anymore, and you had to wait for another chance down the road.  Yeah you won of course but then you would have a long title reign….

Impressive yes but certainly doesn’t mean jack shit especially considering you beat me once during that time during it in the middle of a tourney to crown the next contender to face you which makes absolutely no fucking sense. You pinned Vargas in that triple threat match of ours and that’s a few weeks after I pinned the number one contender which just shows you how legit of a contender she was in the first place. Then instead of fighting the best of the best you pull some Apollo Creed shit and hand a title opportunity to a newcomer but the joke was on you when she actually beta you!”

Crystal shakes her head as she continues to vent.

“That is the story of your life and you love to talk so much shit about me but in reality you are the one who eggs me on, and you never wish to bring that fact up. You rather sit back and act like everything was my fault to begin with. I was happy with my Personal assistant gig but yet YOU had to get to the office not to be an assistant but as a way to get to me! That’s one example. I try to break your streak and moments when I am about to beat your streak THAN YOU WANT TO FACE ME, that’s another example. I try to tell the world that I am going to be a great mother for Brittany and of course YOU WANT TO TALK UP HOW YOU ARE THERE FOR LEIGHTON… Seriously just shut the fuck up nobody is buying the bullshit.

I can only worry about me but you wish to ride me, and you have this undying need to undermine everything and anything I try to do and up in one bit. I can talk about a honey moon to my Twitter followers and you sub tweet me, then try to state how you get bullied and I start shit with you. Seriously grow the fuck up. You need to be afraid because I am taking my title back. I will be a four time champion and at first I will admit it was to stroke my own ego. It was to say look I was the first person to have ever accomplished this feat in this company and it was supposed to be a real look at me moment, but deep down now it goes beyond wanting to make history. It goes to me wanting to beat the living shit out of you because I simply do not like you. I don’t like anything about you. I told you the respect is there but I definitely don’t like you because you are the one who is fake…”

Crystal nods her head as she continues to share her heart.

“You are the one that talks about all of these random guys on her Twitter feed. You are the one who loves to try to make me look stupid but you really should look in the mirror and look at yourself. You aren’t so innocent either. Maybe it was wrong for SCW to put me in this match, maybe I shouldn’t have another crack at you but stop being a whiny little bitch. Act like a champion. Be prepared to defend your title against whoever may step up to the plate. You don’t have a heart of a champion at all. You just want things to go the way you want them too. Well newsflash it doesn’t work like that. I plan to haunt you wherever you go, and it will be my face you see in that main event bombshells match. I made a promise to my fans and I will deliver on it. I will be in that match and I have all of the passion that is driving me to get there too. This means everything to me. Everything you do is for show. It’s to feel good about yourself and this company needs a champion they can respect…. They need me, and of course they want me.”

Crystal shakes her head as she continues to speak.

“I finally know who I am. I am Crystal FUCKING Hilton. I am the woman is the best in the business and she will do whatever it takes to get and remain there. When I get knocked down I get back up and I keep on fighting, and I don’t let anybody stop my drive. Are you worthy of being here?! Are you deserving of it? I don’t think so. Your wrestling schedule is very suspect. You might appear in segments from week to week but you aren’t out there wrestling. You aren’t out there demanding matches, doing what you can to stay on your toes or to make the belt mean the world. That’s what I bring to the table. A spirit of fighting and a drive to be a fighting champion! Count the days champ because you will be liberated of that title. It won’t be long until I am the champion and you are an afterthought. From there it will be the threats to leave the company. It will be crying like a bitch for a rematch or maybe you just might walk out the door like you always say you will. It doesn’t matter to me. I am going to go out to that ring and do my part, point fucking blank nothing less and nothing more.

I am here to make a statement and I will not be denied especially not by someone like you. So take that for what you want. The only thing that matters to me is getting to you at all costs. I need to get through this Pool match. I need to be the last one remaining so I can make my way to you. We need this last encounter between the both of us Mikah. This is the stage that has been set. It doesn’t get any bigger than that of Summer XXXTreme and I know I have all of the makings to be the biggest star in this business. So keep wishing for all of the other competitors to win because when you find out it’s me. All of your fears will come to past. I will win and I will be champion again. That is a promise for I am the Rose that simply refuses to wither away. See you soon…”

Crystal can only keep smiling as she keeps on working out.

Off Camera
Basketball Court

Things come into focus and we find ourselves on the deck of the ship. Crystal is clad in a pair of cyan shorts matching white and cyan Jordan sneakers and she is wearing a Mega Man t shirt. She has a wide grin on her lips as she could be seen dribbling a basketball. She takes a jump shot and makes it with ease as her grin gets even wider. She isn’t alone as her wife Seleana is on the court as well clad in similar attire.

“Chickie when I said a romantic date I was thinking of a formal dinner I wasn’t talking about basketball.”

Christina cracks a wide grin as she looks back at her wife.

“Basketball is relaxing well mostly any sport is. We could always do dinner and all of that other stuff any time but there is no better feeling like a great pick up game.”

It isn’t long before Roxi And Keira walk into the picture. Roxi. Roxi smiles as she walks over to Seleana and smiles at her.

“You have to forgive Christina she is always super competitive and it is for no reason whatsoever. You should hear the way she complains when we are playing Friday the 13th the game. Always yelling or complaining when I grab her and what not.”

“... I don’t complain that much… Okay maybe a little but there’s nothing wrong with being competitive. Of course I want to go to dinner and do all of the girly stuff while on this cruise but we have time for all of that away from the cruise. We need to build teamwork and I think a good game of basketball could really do that for us!”

Keira sighs in return as she looks at all of them.

“Can we just hit the buffet up already?! You girls made a promise…”

Crystal shakes her head.

“Do you only think about food?! Seriously that is the only thing I ever hear from you. Perhaps you need to relax a bit.”

Keira just shakes her head as she sighs in return.

“I just want what was promised to me. A beautiful formal dinner. A stop at the pizzeria and that dessert buffet.”

Crystal shakes her head.

“Sure but after we play basketball first! This is a team game and…”

Roxi just shakes her head with a sigh.

“This is not going to end well. I mean basketball is fun but you of all people shouldn’t be teaching people what is and isn’t a team sport. I know you want a great team building exercise which would be amazing for your relationship but you aren’t the best example pf a team player. I mean everybody has seen the way you complain about your LFL team. Nothing good could come out of a game of pick up basketball…”

Crystal smiles widely.

“Just have faith I’ll be running point guard and…”

“Which is exactly the reason on why we are going to lose. Don’t get me wrong you are an amazing athlete but you are a shooting guard not a point. You don’t like to pass and…”

Crystal ignores Roxi as she turns her attention to that of four female fans who walk onto the court.

“OMG it’s the SCW Bombshells and TEAM HERO. Can we get an autograph?l

“Su…”

Roxi was about to say sure when Crystal cuts the fan right off.

“What do you mean bombshells?! I am a little more than that. I am a three time champion! A future four time champion and a hall of famer if I have my way. You don’t come onto the court and disrespect me. How about a game if you girls win we will sign whatever you want but if we win…”

Roxi quickly interjects.

“This is a SCW cruise you just can’t deny an autograph.”

The four girls just grin as they look back at Crystal.

“It’s okay we just want a little pick up game. Basketball season isn’t for a while. We play for Uconn and a scrimmage game would do us good.”

Christina shakes her head.

“Whatever if we win you have to be me and Seleana’s personal photographers all around the ship. Amazing newly wed photos just about everywhere.”

“And if we win autographs from everybody in the company and the full blown VIP experience.”

“Sure whatever check ball”

Crystal says angrily as she checks the ball st one of the girls. Roxi just sighs as she shakes her head in disgust.

“Are you sure about this Christina? I mean they play for an actual college team and we don’t even play at that level. Plus it is UCONN everybody knows about the UCONN women’s basketball team.”

“Whatever with me playing point we won’t lose”

Crystal checks the ball and as soon as she does she begins to dribble. She manages to do a nice crossover and she dishes it to Seleana who is standing under the rim. Seleana doesn’t shoot however as she dribbles it out and shoots a random jump shot and misses. Crystal shakes her head in disgust as she begins to yell.

“SELEANA WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Come on you are 5’10 you need to post up down low. GET BIG YOU SHOULDN’T be taking jump shots! It doesn’t help you are almost 6 ft tall just post up! Stop trying to play like you are Pa…. No I am not even going to say his name!”

Roxi just shakes her head.

“Crystal relax it is just a game and there is nothing wrong with Paul Millsap. He gets big or at least that is what I hear.”

The game goes on and the bombshells are getting decimated except for the fact that Roxi is giving her team a few points here and there. The score is 20-4 Crystal somehow steals the ball and despite having her entire team open she decides to dribble her way to the hoop and lay it in to make the score 20-5.”

“That’s what I am talking about! Did you see that?! Did you see me take it to the rack. That is what I do. There is a reason why I am the best! That is all day. I get buckets all day! Best point guard on this entire ship!”

Roxi sighs in return.

“Did you look at the score? It is nothing to gloat about especially when we are losing.”

“Whatever Roxi just let me gloat just one time! Now check the ball”

Roxi just shakes her head with a disappointed sigh. She glares directly into the eyes of Crystal as she just looks at her.

“Great play although you do realize you had three players open right? On top of that you were very selfish with the ball. That is not what makes a great point guard.”

Crystal ignores her friend and it is at this point where she looks at her teammates. Seleana is wide but instead Crystal immediately passes it to Keira and as soon as she catches the ball Crystal claps her hands together.

“Keira give me the ball”

Crystal repeatedly claps her hands but it confuses Keira and she gets the ball stolen from her. The other team easily scores the ball and wins the game. Crystal begins to get upset as she shakes her head in utter disgust and glares daggers at Keira.

“Damn Keira you were supposed to give me the ball back!”

Keira just sighs.

“Can we just go to the buffet now?!”

Roxi shakes her head.

“Good try Keira. You tried your best. It would have been better if Crystal didn’t chuck the ball at you. You did your best and that is all that counts. Crystal had somebody open she should have had her eyes open and gave her the ball.”

Crystal just sighs as the women from the pickup game make their way over to Crystal.

“Good game now how about that bet?! You plan to hook us up?!”

Crystal quickly shakes her head in disgust.

“I am not giving you shit. You don’t deserve it!”

Crystal walks away and that is when the four girls from the opposite team grab Crystal. They lift her high above their heads and carry her towards the pool.

“PUT ME DOWN!!! I am Crystal Hilton you do not put your hands on me like that!”

“You going to pay up the bet?!”

Crystal shakes her head refusing to do so and it is on that notion that the girls all throw Crystal into the pool. Crystal goes under water before she swims back up. The girls walk away with grins on their faces as Seleana and the Johnsons walk over.

“Are you okay Star? How is the water?!”

“Warm… it is really warm…”

Seleana grins as she looks back at her wife.

“Ohhh that’s good! At least you know how it feels like. It will get you prepared for when I send you into the pool and the temperature will be just right.”

Crystal just stares blankly back at Seleana as she swims over to the side and pulls herself off. She shakes her head as she can’t help but let the giggle escape her lips.

“Very funny but I won’t be going into the water. I am going to do everything in my power to make sure it’s not me. You should be the one to be feeling the water after all it’s going to feel nice and cool for you.”

Seleana can’t help but giggle as she offers Crystal a hand to help her out but Roxi quickly tries to talk back to the blonde.

“Wait don’t try to help her o…”

As soon as Seleana places her hand down that is when Christina pulls her right into the pool. Christina can’t help but giggle as she looks back at her wife and she begins to splash her.

“I told you Sel you can’t trust me! I am going to do whatever it takes to make sure you get in this pool!”

“That’s not nice Star! This calls for only one thing. WATER FIGHT!”

With that the two girls begin to splash one another. Roxi tries her best to break it up but Keira makes sure to push her right into the water as the four of them are all splashing one another. Who would have thought that a simple team building activity would have turned into a big fun filled event. Everybody seems to be enjoying themselves as Seleana smiles and looks back at Crystal.

“So how does it feel to be married Star?! Are you enjoying the married life?”

Christina thinks about it for a few moments before she smirks back.

“It’s absolutely amazing. I am truly blessed to have you in my life Seleana. You are amazing in every single way.”

“Thank you chickie it’s about time you lightened up. Whatever happens just do your best and be yourself, but for now ZDUNICHS VS THE JOHNSONS IN A WATER FIGHT!”

Seleana and Christina smile at one another before they turn their attention over to Roxi and Keira. Without hesitation they begin to splash the married couple, and both couples seem to be splashing one another non stop. It just seems like a fun time all around and that what was being on the cruise is all about. Having fun and enjoying the company of everybody else. The newly married couple seems to be really enjoying themselves. Keira gets upset as she turns her attention and begins to splash everybody in sight.

“STOPPPPPPPPPPPP… All I want is my buffet!”

Christina throws her hands up.

“Fine… As soon as we get out we will go to the buffet! Just relax! I promise we will make it there just take it easy okay…”

Everybody begins to laugh as that statement seems to have soothed the blonde woman for a bit, and it’s on this that we leave them be.

On Camera
Super Buffet

It’s late at night and we are taken to the ship’s All You Can Eat Dessert buffet. All of the baked goods look absolutely beautiful. It is breathtaking. Christina smirks as she watches Keira glare at just about everything in the room. Some others are making sure to take photos of the gorgeous food. Seleana seems to be hanging with Roxi and the cameras pans in on that of Christina Rose. She smirks as she slowly turns her eyes to that of the camera.

“It’s about time they finally put this thing together. This is what everybody has been waiting for. A trademark on practically every cruise that I have been on. Everyone loves it when they put all of the delicious treats out. It is what they are looking to dine for but for me personally i am a big fan of buffets. You can help yourself to as many servings as you want and it doesn’t end until you personally say you had enough. I guess my road to the World Bombshell Championship is exactly of that on being on a buffet line. I just haven’t had my fill yet. I might have stated i Quit a few weeks ago and it really got me down but guess what. Here i am with yet another plate and i have a hunger that won’t be denied. I won’t find myself full until I get back that championship that I love so much. Now as I mentioned early I have Mikah on my mind. She is what I am aiming for. She is the only thought that seems to consistently go through my mind over and over again, and I am longing to personally shut her the fuck up, but I can’t count my chickens before they hatch. I can’t overlook the steps and path to get to what I am after and that road seems to go through the likes of this Ultimate X Battle Royal. It’s the ultimate test of endurance and survival. It’s not only about wrestling but it’s about doing what’s necessary to stay atop so you don’t fall into the water.

That in itself is a very hard thing. I can personally attest that I made it to the very top. That’s what happened to me when I beat Mikah. I was on the top for two weeks and just like that it all went away when she beat me at Disney World. My world was shattered and what felt like a long ascent to the top was a quick descent to the bottom. I don’t want to fall back into the water. I been down there long enough. This is when I get back into the fray. This is when I get back to where I belong. This is where I get to the top once again!”

Crystal takes a long deep breath as she smirks as she continues to speak.

“However there will be five other women who don’t want me to make that climb, okay so maybe like four considering my wife is one of those five. There are women who are also in this match who don’t want me to make it to the top because they want to make that climb for themselves, and most of these women are newcomers so for me it’s like I have my back pressed against a wall and it is in a most win situation. It’s either all or nothing. I can’t afford to lose nad if I do lose it’s because I will have lost to someone who is looking to make a name for themselves at my expense. I can’t allow that to be the case. I have to have more drive than everybody else, and I have to show I want it. For starters you have Portia Alexander and I am going to be completely honest I know nothing about this woman. Who signs a contract to be part of one of the biggest divisions in all of wrestling and goes about doing absolutely nothing?!”

Crystal shakes her head with a sigh.

“It’s an absolute waste and they should be better than that. It’s like they weren’t prepared for this buffet. You can’t just take a doggy bag home because you wasn’t ready. You need to be hungry for this opportunity! You need to desire it and you damn sure need to want it. I can already tell out of everybody she doesn’t want it like the rest of all do. This is for the right to face Mikah Green. That in itself is very important. Championship matches are hard to come by so you better be going all out for it. It’s either you give your all or you give absolutely nothing. If you aren’t ready to die in that ring for what you desire the most then you are best not even showing up to the match. Just stay in the cabin and let the people who really want this go out to that ring and fight for what they believe in. Anyway it’s no secret you will go right into the water because you just wasn’t ready for it.”

Crystal smiles as she continues to speak.

“Of course you have the likes of Dani Weston and Dani ever since I have seen you talk you seemed to be nothing more than a fan girl. You are swooning over the rest of the competition and I don’t think it’s something you are doing for show. That is simply who you are. You are an athlete you need to be committed to doing this for the sake of being the best, you can’t get by with trying to cheer for others. It’s amazing to have friends but you need to do this for you. Who cares about meet and greets. Who cares about being an over the top fan. You are a wrestler you need to act like such. It just seems to me you are really too green for this perhaps more than you could ever realize. You are getting excited over nothing when your focus should be solely on this of this wrestling match.

I think personally you are doing way too much to try to win people over. You are getting too eager over everything that is on the ship when in reality your focus should be on this match. Everything I have done has been about this match. I can’t even enjoy my honeymoon period that much because of this match. I live and die for this business and you truly seem to be a deer in headlights. You rather take up the scenery than to actually be involved. I am going to make you pay for it though. I know you are simply trying to get your feet wet but by Sunday you will be fully engulfed by the pool. Welcome to the big pond. It’s time to be a big fish and to swim with everyone else. It’s tough in the World Bombshell division but prices must be paid if you want to keep swimming up here…”

Christina just laughs as she speaks some more.

“And of course there is Apple Coren I fully understand what you are going through coming into this match. You have a holier than thou type of complex. You feel that you are superior to everyone else in every single way but it really doesn’t mean anything. It doesn’t matter on your social status or your background. The only thing that matters is if you have that desire to get ahead in this business. Do you want your fill of getting more and perhaps being the very best? I don’t know if you truly have that drive or not. Time will tell when you step inside of that ring. What I do know however is I been in your shoes. I have acted like I was better than everybody else and you know where it got me? Absolutely nowhere.

In the beginning things might have been alright but in the long run it left me empty and broken, and only now am I figuring where things became seriously fucked up in my life. You can’t act like everything belongs to you. You need to work for it honey and if you aren’t ready to put that work in consider yourself thrown right into the water…”

Christina begins to put some food on her plate as she just smiles.

“I guess that brings me to that of Avianna and I have been in your shoes before. I know this match means everything to you. After all if you can get past me you can face your mentor in the middle of the ring. That’s an amazing thought. It’s would truly be an honor to face a mentor and I know that is the showdown you are longing for. Don’t get too comfortable waiting for that match however because it’s not going to happen. I want this match way too damn much for it to slip through my fingers. I have put way too much work into just about everything to watch somebody waltz right in and take that chance from me. It’s moments like these that I live for. It’s do or die and while it may be a dream come true for you and Mikah to go at it. I need this win for justification and redemption. I need it for a sense of accomplishment. I need it so I can finally move on past Mikah and to clear my own sanity… So sorry huh I just think I want this more…”

Christina lets the grins escape her lips as she begins to speak some more.

“Seleana I love you so much. You are my backbone. You are everything to me but you know how I am when it comes to my wrestling career. You know I am willing to pull out every stunt and do whatever is necessary to come ahead. I am happy that you understand that I did train you but you were merely sitting on the bleachers until I taught you to take a stand. You let people walk all over you. Don’t talk up your family tradition when you simply watched others from afar.

I know sometimes I can be hard to deal with. Sometimes my words can sting but it’s all tough love. Deep down as much as I want to win I want you to have this moment too. I want you to make me eat my words and throw me into the water. Prove to everyone that you are more than just my wife. Prove to the world that you aren’t the other Zdunich sibling. Prove to the world that you are an individual and you can stand up for yourself. Bring the fight and do this not because of me or tradition but do this because you simply want to be the best and you are willing to go through your own wife to chase after your dreams.

That is what I will be channeling and I hope the same for you. Rest assured it doesn’t matter who is standing in that ring. I will be back to this buffet over and over again. I want as many helpings as I can get. I live, breathe, and would die for this business and I won’t let anything or anyone come in the way of what I am chasing. It is my dream to beat Mikah on this stage. She may have gotten me on Climax Control but on a Super Card she WILL NOT BEAT ME! I live my life for the big moment, for the thrill of the crowd, and to hear my music play. Summer XXXtreme is about me and I won’t rest until I am the first ever Four Time Bombshell Champion. Nothing will ever stop this rose from blossoming. I am Christina Rose and this is my moment. All I can eat...And I’m still hungry!”

End Scene

[Avi]

 Ana and my parents had come with me to the airport. I was flying to Los Angeles where I was boarding the cruise ship. It wasn't an ideal place for me at all. I was horrible at social interaction, and I had a phobia of getting burned in the sun. It was like a game from the movie Saw, at least to me.

In a Jigsaw voice...
“Hello Avianna, do you want to play a game? All your life the idea of being trapped and large unavoidable crowds have been two of your major fears. Survive the week in order to get out.. “

Shaking myself from my thoughts, I look my twin in the face.

Me: “I dunno Ana. I want to believe that this is going to be the thing that pushes me but I feel lost without you there with me. Without Mom, Dad or Ethan...”

Ana takes my head in both her hands. She gives me that reassuring, loving smile that only she can give me.

Ana: “I have faith in you, Avi. Even if you don't make it to the end, you are not a failure. Don't listen to Mikah. Mikah is being Mikah. You be Avi. Don't let anyone tell you that you are not strong enough.”

She envelopes me in a massive hug. My Dad steps up next, although he was much like me. Shy, reserved, he was warm and easy to talk to.

Dad: “Monkey, look at you... I am so proud of you. You have the love and support of your family back home. It is unconditional.”

I nod. My mom doesn't say anything, only hugs me impossibly tight. Her chest heaves with sobs she is trying to hold back. This was the longest I will ever be away from home, or at least the longest and farthest. And the longest I will be away from Ana too. I kiss my mom's cheek when she pulls back. She nods and moves back into my father's arms. They announce that my boarding is happening and I point to the ceiling.

Me: “That's me.”

They wave me off as I move through the gate. I could do this. Couldn't I? I had my family, even if I came back empty handed. At least, until Ana’s remaining kidney gave out. It was enough to make me that much more nervous leaving home. What if there was an emergency? What if she died and I didn't make it home in time?

My phone dings as I step into line behind others that are waiting to board. It's a text from Ana.

Ana
I love you Avi. Thank you for being the best sister in the world. Don't worry, nothing bad is going to happen to me and we will talk on the phone everyday that you are gone. Go bring me home a title!

Ana really was my rock. I needed her, sometimes I felt like maybe I needed her more than she needed me. What would I do if I lost her? I was only able to handle Ethan's death because she was there. Who would be there if she died too?

I sent her back a bunch of emojis and quickly checked my email. Still no word about whether Stephanie was a match. I had so much going on but I had to block it all out, focus on winning. That's what I needed to do first.

Flight Attendant: “Boarding pass Please “

I hand the attendant my package. She smiles politely.

Flight attendant: “Enjoy your flight, Ms. O’Connor.”

Not likely. Did I mention I hate flying too?


***

I hated lines. I hated waiting in them. I hated that other people in lines usually had no consideration for others, like the woman who was currently holding us up. Her big straw beach hat hid her face from me but she was arguing with the attendant about the yappy dog in her purse.  Don't get me wrong, I love animals but when people like this woman saw them more as accessories than pets, it really grinds my gears. Eventually she hands the dog over to her driver and pulls her luggage toward the ramp leading up to the ship. There were two people ahead of me and one antsy guy behind me that shifts his weight from one foot to the other. I can hear him huffing as we waited for people to dig out their ID, even though they clearly mentioned you needed it on every sign lining the poles to the checkpoint.

After another few minutes, finally it's my turn when the guy behind me pushes me forward. I stumble onto my hands as he walks around me. As he does he curls his lip in disgust.

Odd Guy: “No wonder Mikah has got a new protege. You suck.”

He quickly flashes his passport. I felt something in my belly. I wasn't prone to anger but this guy had made my blood boil. Uncharacteristically, I chase after the guy, pushing him. He takes off in a sprint as the attendants shout after me to come back.  I followed him through the crowds of people as we both dodge people coming from all angles. When he is suddenly stopped by a bunch of neatly stacked crates, I move in.

Me: “What do you mean, Mikah has a new student? Where did you hear this?”

Mikah had been blowing me off for weeks. No communication. Nothing.

Odd Guy: “I didn't hear it from anywhere okay, I saw it. At Mikah's new training center, okay?”

New training center? What in the actual fu... The guy is young, probably younger than me. He's in shape with a thin athletic frame.  His hair is the same colour of sandy blonde that you couldn't tell if it was a dark blonde or a light brown. But it was his eyes that really stuck out, Green was such a rare colour.

Odd Guy: “You didn't know, did you?”

The man's voice is snide and he laughs. I should have been used to people talking to me like this. When they confused naivety for being unintelligent. I was just uninformed.

Odd Guy: “You are a hot mess, girl.”

The attendant has caught up with us, he is huffing as he puts his hands to his knees to catch his breath. I turn toward him, wearily eyeing the man. I wanted... no NEEDED to know more.

Cruise worker: “Miss... you... need... to... show us... your ID.”

Me: “Sorry...”

I turn back only to see the new guy has disappeared. Who was he? How did he see Mikah with someone new? As the attendant checks my ID, My mind wanders. Who was that guy anyway? Why did he seem to know more about my supposed mentor than I did? Maybe it was time for a change.

***
Promo:
***On Camera***

Once again, Avi has opted for something low key. She is sitting in her room on the ship, using her phone. For once she is showing a little skin with a V-neck sleeveless blouse and Khaki shorts.

“The only one that really said anything bad about me was Mikah. Everyone else seemed to have some respect for me. They made guesses about how I was going to be coming into the match. That I would be determined to prove something after losing to Evie. I know what I can do in the ring. Yes, I am new. I am only two matches in and I am still finding a balance but I do not need to be someone I am not to win this match. I am not putting on fake confidence to fool you all into thinking I am hiding anything. This is me. There is no ulterior motive. There is no game. What you see is what you get and if all the people in this match, other than Mikah, are assuming I am not who I say I am, they will be disappointed.”

She offers a half hearted shrug, as if to say that there was nothing she could do about what people say or think.

“Why is being a decent human being such a skeptical thing? Is it because everybody nowadays is fake? The only thing I want to impress people with is my wrestling skill. My personality is irrelevant. I am nothing if not completely transparent. Lying has never been something I enjoy doing, nor is it something I am particularly skilled at either.”

She offers a smile smile to the camera. Despite her words, there is no ounce of anger in her voice.

“I may not be a lady, I may not be as sweet as Dani. I am not as relentless as Mikah or determined like Christina. I may not have my family in the ring with me but I am not unknown like Portia. I am a rookie, like newborn baby rookie. This is my third match in my career. I know the odds are stacked against me. I may be naive out there in the world but one thing I do know is what needs to be done in that ring.”

She hits her hand with her fist as she makes each point, her voice growing more and more confident with every syllable she says.

“Yes Evie beat me. To be honest, I would have been disappointed if she had been easy to defeat. She is a skilled, seasoned bombshell. No one should have been confident in me getting out of that match with a win. But I did win against Parard Ara. She is a ruthless, take no, excuse my language, shit individual but I got that pin. I earned it. You can't say I didn't. Two career matches against two very tough people. Instead of talking about how I lost, talk about how I got out alive. That is a real skill.”

She straightens her shoulders, sitting taller.

“Let's also remember that everyone in this match is new other than Christina. Dani has had a handful of matches with no wins. Seleana talks about how she is still learning. Apple is also entering this match as a rookie on her third in an SCW ring. Portia well... she didn't even say a word about this match last week so I think maybe she got scared and backed out.  If anyone has an advantage, it is Christina.”

She readjusts herself on the bed, stretching out her legs.

“I am all for people getting a fair shake but Christina has had more than her share. This will be her what? 4th time challenging for the bombshell title in a month? Maybe she needs to step back and reevaluate her strategy. I look at this match as more than just an opportunity to get a shot at the bombshell title. Mr. Underwood and Mr. Ward put us in this match to see who the next star is. Who among us can step up and lead the new generation of bombshells. I gotta be honest, I have never seen myself as a leader but my Dad tells me that with a little push I can be a role model. I want to be someone other girls can look up to just like I looked up to my Brother. Yes, he got involved with something bad but I am here to prove that not every O’Connor in wrestling is like that. I can show the world that you don't have to be an asshole to get to the top of the mountain.”

She takes a moment to compose her thoughts before continuing.

“I didn't start school until high school. I went in thinking that it was just like how they portray it on tv and movies. The truth was that tv only glamorized it. I hated High School. It was all about fitting in to a group. I had nothing in common with any of them. So needless to say I am used to sitting on the outside looking in. I didn't come to SCW expecting to find common ground with anyone. And knowing how petty and jealous women get, especially of each other, I wasn't expecting to make friends with the other bombshells. The one way to tell who someone really is, put them in a competitive setting. People in general will sacrifice anyone for a prize.”

Her hand goes to a silver locket around her neck, closing around it and holding it.

“Are Christina and Seleana willing to sacrifice each other for a shot at that title? Christina has been in a back and forth battle with Mikah for months. It seems to be the only thing that matters to either of them. I am not going to discount how skilled Christina is. I know how good Mikah is, and she has beat her on several occasions, but I think having her wife, newlywed wife I might add, is going to have her doubting herself. And Seleana? She seems like a sweet person. I don't want to stereotype her, since that is what people do to me on a constant basis, but is she fierce enough to push her wife over the rope? More than likely they will work together at first, eliminating people as a team until it is simply the two of them squaring off. At least, I would think that if it weren't for the other competitors in the match.”

She opens the locket, looking at the pictures before looking back up at the camera with soulful hazel eyes.

“I appreciate your words to me about my brother, Christina. It is nice to know that there are other people who have walked a mile in the same shoes. After this match is done, maybe we could get a coffee. I do not have many friends and the ones I do have still don't understand the loss in my heart.”

She closes the charm abruptly, her eyes seemingly a little glossy.

“Apple Coren. Effie was right, that really is an unfortunate name. But I am not one to pick on people over petty details. She has already proven herself to be someone who doesn't stand around and wait for things...  wait... yes she does. She waits for water and food. All while her assistant does the work for her. She calls herself a lady. Does she realize that this distinction in the United States really doesn't mean anything? That in the wrestling ring, you could be a bonafide princess and you could still end up with broken bones and missing teeth? It seems just as strange for a woman with so much social and economical advantages as it does for this nerdy little bookworm to want to beat people up for a living.”

She shrugs with a smirk.

“Wrestling brings a plethora of different people together, all in the name of being seen as a winner. What I don't get is with all your advantages, what are you compensating for?  I know personally I am doing this not just for the memory of my brother, but because I don't want people to think I am not strong. Is that your reason Apple? Do you need people to take you seriously? Do the people closest to you see you as some doll they can dress up and pose to impress others? I am not going to offer my pity. That, in my opinion is worse than demeaning you with insults. But I do know how to play on that weakness. You are going to fight tooth and nail to avoid being embarrassed. That and the disaster it would be should you get soaked.”

She chuckles a little.

“I can see you using that fire to push yourself far Apple. As much as my words probably don't mean much to you. Just know that you are not the first bully I have encountered and you won't be the last. I am not dying at your hands. Not on Sunday. It means too much to me even to get the opportunity to stand opposite Mikah in that ring. You wouldn't understand and I don't expect you to, just needed to be said.”

With a quick nod she moves on.

“Portia Alexander. The mysterious opponent that none of us know anything about. Other than you are from a ghost town in Mohave County, Arizona. I have never been there but my friend Ty is from Tucson and he has said it is creepy. The other thing we know is that you have Dragon themed names for your moves. What those moves are, not sure, but it gives me reason to believe you fancy yourself some sort of Dragon Lady.”

She smiles, it reaching up to crinkle the skin in the corners showing true amusement.

“Well Khaleesi, unfortunately in this realm Dragons don't exist, at least not anymore, if you believe that research. And you don't seem especially tough when you cannot even get in front of a camera to talk about how lucky you are to have a title opportunity in your debut match. It will probably earn you a quick dunk in the drink. That should extinguish that flame and roar.”

She hooks her fingers, imitating a creature as she gives a soft ‘roar’ sound, before going back to her quiet, reserved voice.

“Where does that leave us? Dani right? I like Dani. She is sweet, kind and also tough. It is everything I think a bombshell should be. I commend you on your tenacity and the fact that after so many losses you are still sticking it out. You are a true fighter. I can appreciate that. I think that you and I would probably get along well outside of wrestling. However, the one thing I have that I didn't really see you having was adaptive learning. That is the ability to take the mistakes you have made and use them as your motivation to improve, so you don't make the same mistakes again. That's my strength. After losing to Evie, I have made it my goal to improve on anything that contributed to that loss. I know you don't do that because you continue to lose. It is why, I do not have confidence that you will move on to face Mikah. But, it is anyone's game. Maybe you will surprise everyone on Sunday.”

She offers a thumbs up and it is in no way mocking or sarcastic. Then her face takes on a dark turn, her lips curling into an emotion not yet seen on the young rookie before.

“And of course, Mikah. You are the ultimate prize. In my quest to prove that you didn't give me enough credit, I want to be the one challenging you. What makes it better is that you already expect me to lose. And I may get eliminated before I can but I will chalk that up to having a mentor who never comes to her scheduled training sessions. You gave up on me long before I joined SCW. You saw me as a bug. You hate that I wear my heart on my sleeve because it is scary. It is scary to you that someone can walk around, exposed. Why would I make myself so vulnerable, right? Your job was not to rewire me into a carbon copy. Your job was to give me the knowledge to win wrestling matches. How can I learn when you never show up to teach me?”

Her voice is raised higher than normal, this is the first time this audience has seen Aviana this angry. Tears well in her eyes as her voice takes on a snarl.

“Damn you Mikah. That's right. You are counting me out over one loss. Two matches in SCW and you’re saying you are tired of seeing ME lose? No. I am not buying it. I can see where this is heading. You are opening your new facility and you haven't even told me personally about it. I had to learn from other people. I also learned that you have a new girl. Were you even going to tell me about it? Were you ever going to complete my training? I chose you because you came recommended. Ethan may not have trained under you, but he did know you and when he mentioned you in passing one day, I remembered your name. I suppose I was wrong to put my faith in you.”

She shakes her head before wiping her angry tears with the back of her hand.

“You are a selfish woman Mikah Green. Whenever something doesn't go the way you plan, you abandon it for a new project. And I know this new girl you have is just that. I am not going to let you use me as a doormat. Thank you for the knowledge and experience but I am not going to do this anymore. I am not a nobody. I no longer require your services, I will find someone that actually wants to train me and be there. So don't worry, the ‘disappoint’ you feel right now you can let go of because as of right now, I am no longer your student.”

A new tear drops from her eye and runs down her cheek but her initial anger is gone, replaced with reason and determination to succeed.

“I don't need people in my life that treat me like garbage. And I know that you brush all of this off like you don't care, but that is a common occurrence with you. You only care when it benefits you and even then you are cold. I have been doing just fine training with all the,   replacements you send, so why am I paying you? I will be stronger for this but I am not going to stand here and let you count me out. I am better than that. Let's face facts, you never wanted to train me, did you? I don't know why you agreed in the first place. It couldn't be about the money, lord knows you like to brag about how much you have already. I wasn't coming to you because I needed to change who I was, I came to you because you are noted as one of the best female wrestlers this business. I wanted to learn how to wrestle. I would say you assimilated Courtney into your image but I just think she was always a bitch.”

She doesn't even try to apologize for the cuss word.

“Effie showed me your comments. So instead of coming to me yourself, you chose to belittle me on a public forum where I cannot even defend myself. I think Effie is a nice person, at least she has been to me, but I don't need her defending me but, the most amusing thing about this whole situation is that you are opening a training center. You want to train other people but yet you can't even train me. You give up and run when things get tough. Maybe not in a ring, but in life. You disappeared for weeks. I can't even begin to know why and at this point, I am done caring what happens to you. Ana says that you ‘Shit on the most precious gift’ by abandoning me. I want to believe her but I do not consider myself precious or a gift, but I do know that my trust is not easily earned and once earned it is hard to lose. But you managed to do both.”

She laughs sardonically.

“I hope that none of your other new students have to be subjected to your hot and cold nature. That you don't give up on them like you did me. They don't deserve to have their feelings toyed with anymore than I did.”

She takes a deep, steadying breath.

“So I am going to be the last woman standing in that match, come hell or high water so that I can stand toe-to-toe with you. The bombshell title is a bonus. Not to impune how much of an honor it is to be in this opportunity, but the real prize is going to be that I beat you. I will have beat my giant. I think it is the last lesson I want to learn from you, Mikah. After that? I will be able to move forward and continue with my own dream. You know at first I felt bad that Courtney has to wait but now it is just going to push me to be the last woman standing. And if I end up in that ring against you Mikah, I’m going to make sure you eat your words about me. Even if I don't end up the bombshell champion, I will not just be an easy conquest ”

The confidence in the young girl is a huge change from her earlier promos.

“Not all of us are ogres Miks, but we all have layers like one. Too bad you weren't willing to see more of mine.”

She offers a wave before the promo ends abruptly.

***
“So how did you end up getting trained by Mikah. You are nothing like her, and when she picked Courtney it kind of makes sense...”

Ty West sits across from me, he was very handsome and all sinewy muscle that threatens to rip the tight white tank top. It is hard not to stare so I avert my eyes into the cup in my hands. A iced drink that was more cream then actual coffee.

Me: “I know it seems weird. I am not someone that Mikah would associate with in the real world.”

He chuckles at me, eyeing me over the rim of his mug of coffee.

Ty: “...Real world? You don't think this is real?”

He moves his hand, referring to the crowds of people on the ship. I bite my lower lip. I did often refer to wrestling like this. I suppose it was just because that is how my parents always treated it.

Me: “No... it's... complicated...I dunno...”

He smiles again. I am being appraised. For what I didn't know.

Ty: “Are you nervous around me Aviana?”

I give him a nod and he reaches across the table to pat my hand.

Ty: “You don't have to be. When I said I wanted to be friends, I meant it. I was stupid to listen to Effie and should have just followed my own instincts.”

I look up. What did that mean?

Ty: “Effie told me that asking you out would make Courtney jealous. I honestly thought she didn't care.”

What the fuck! I was over here feeling bad about it all and the whole time I was being used!

Me: “So you only did this because of Courtney? Not because you genuinely wanted to be friends?”

I don't think I had ever felt more infuriated with someone. But I tried not to let that show too much in the tone of my voice. Not even Mikah had made me this mad before. He immediately shakes his head. The first thing I do is look into his pupils. They enlarge. It was usually a sign of sincerity in people.

Ty: “I know, it was a jackass move. It is not something I would normally ever do. Can you forgive me?”

I had to admit, he did look sincere. I could tell that he regretted the whole situation. I couldn't punish him for that when he seemed to be punishing himself internally already.

Me: “Fine! But if you take advantage again I will do worse than try to punch you in the face.”

He laughs. Good. That's what I was going for. I got the feeling he was looking for someone other than Effie to confide in. I didn't know her well at all, but she struck me as someone that had a lot of pent up issues not yet dealt with.

Ty: “Deal. I don't have a whole lot of friends and people around here seem to think I am this vain jackass. I hardly talk about my looks, even in promos. It's that damn nickname.”

I shrug. There was one way to stop it.

Me: “Drop it then. Stop acknowledging when people use it. They want to keep bringing your looks into the mix then just ignore it. Eventually, when they see that it isn't making its mark, people will find something else to try and get under your skin.”

He nods, taking a sip of his coffee and then looking at me.

Ty: “And you? How are you dealing with people assuming you have no wins in SCW?”

I had to admit that did bother me. It was like no one acknowledged my debut match at all, it was all about that loss to Evie Baang.l

Me: “People are focusing on the one loss I had against someone that has been a wrestler for way longer. I am new, a loss should be expected and not a surprise. Yes, Mikah trained me, but I am not Mikah. I do things differently, think differently. I let people see the real me. I know it comes with risks. I know that makes me vulnerable but it also takes away any power they might get by finding some secret to use against me. Mikah tried to do that by bringing up Ethan. It is no secret that he died, but she can't use him against me like that. He would be proud of me for getting this far. What bothered me was her saying I had no chance or that I shouldn't even be counted as a threat. It actually shows a lot about her.”

Ty nods. He gets it. You know, people want to try and say he is just some pretty boy nitwit but if they took time to actually talk to him they would see how wrong they were.

Ty: “It shows that she failed as an instructor when you lose, she is saving face by acting like she never cared.”

Me: “Bingo. Mikah wants to play all her hands close to the chest. She also is angry that Courtney did something stupid. So who better to take it out on then me, right? And she has this girl now. I bet Mikah treats her better than me. So I think it might be time to move out of Mikah’s shadow, just like Courtney did. Who by the way lost to Evie too.”

Ty smirks. Then he chuckles.

Ty: “The mouse does have a little bite back. I like it. You should do that more often, especially in promos.”

I feel suddenly insecure and slouch in my chair. I was so afraid that people would judge me or not accept me. But he was right. I needed to take back my power. I had been so focused on impressing Mikah that it was hurting me. I was hurting myself way more than Mikah ever could.

Me: “Do you know anyone looking to take on students? I might be in the market.”

Ty smirks and nods.

Ty: “Bliss recently took on that GM job but there are plenty of qualified trainers at Olympia. I’m sure they can help you out.”

It was nice to talk to people that actually thought I had potential. A lot could be said for having faith and patience.

***
“You fired her? In a promo? What were you thinking Avi? You still need some polishing and who is going to do that?”

Ana’s voice is disappointed over the phone. I was just at my breaking point.

Me: “I will find another trainer, Ana. It's not a huge deal. She has taken me for granted for months. She had no intention of telling me about the new training center. To her, I’m a failure because I am not beating everyone like Courtney. She just wants to forget that I exist and I will not stand for it. Everyone in this match thinks that I shouldn't be here because I am too nice. That I’m scared.”

Ana: “Avi, you are strong. You are strong when it counts and you are good at this. Don't compromise who you are just so some dummies don't say some untrue things about you. I think Mikah is actually scared of you. She knows that the moment you get some confidence she is in trouble, so by belittling you it keeps you under her thumb.”

So why was she trying to convince me not to fire her?

Ana: “Maybe that's why she was doing it? To grab a psychological advantage?”

I shake my head, and then remember that Ana can't see me.

Me: “No. I just think she doesn't care. She hasn't cared in months. I am not wasting anymore money. We were paying her for her expertise only for her to send others. She is just taking advantage. When I get back, I'm going to start looking for another trainer. Someone that actually wants to help me get better. Don't worry Ana.”

She was going to have other things to worry about. Like the fact that in a few short weeks, her biological aunt could be donating a kidney...

Ana: “Easier said then done, Avi... I always worry about you.”

***