Dr. Murray – I must thank you, for the rescue, but I’m afraid that you won’t be able to keep me safe forever. Not from the bookie’s anyway.
Roxi – I’m not here to keep them away from you.
Dr. Murray – What? Then why are you helping me?
Roxi – Because, Harold Peterson is looking for you.
Dr. Murray – Harold? Why?
Roxi – He wants that formula you created.
Dr. Murray – …Oh lord.
Roxi – The Guild had to get to you first.
Dr. Murray – He helped me work on it. He knows it already. He doesn’t need me.
Roxi – Well, that’s kinda my fault.
Dr. Murray – Your fault?
Roxi – Yeah, I dealt with a few of the goons a while back. They were on that formula, and they were nearly invincible.
Dr. Murray – You managed to stop them, though…right?
Roxi – I did, but only after injecting myself with the serum too. Plus, Harold found out who was under the mask. It's a long story...
<HR>
[Flashback time ]
Well, that could have been worse. Could have been better too. But, all things considered, an impressive showing if I do say so myself.
Not to mention saving the world prior to doing it. All in all, a good week.
But, now the focus shifts to this week and Amanda.
[ Roxi sits in her apartment, getting a much deserved massage The female masseuse rubs her down, as she lays on her stomach, her bare back to the camera, and a towel covering her waist to her calves. ]
Roxi - Mmm..that feels great.
Masseuse - Ms. Johnson, I have to say that you are the most tense client I think I've ever had.
Roxi - Really?
Masseuse - I know you wrestle for a living, but seriously, It feels like you do a whole lot more than that.
Roxi - Sometimes.
Masseuse - What else do you do?
Roxi - I...play Tennis.
Masseuse - Tennis?
Roxi - Yeah.
Masseuse - You must play every day to be in as good of shape as you are.
Roxi - I try.
Masseuse - Any good?
Roxi - I got a great backhand.
Masseuse - Are we still talking about tennis?
Roxi - Maybe.
Masseuse - Honestly, though, it feels like you have a great weight on your shoulders.
Roxi - (whispering) you don't know the half of it.
Masseuse - What?
Roxi - Nothing, just surprised I'm so tense.
Masseuse - Still, this massage was long overdue.
Roxi - Well, you're earning your money.
Masseuse - I do what I can.
Roxi - We still talking about massaging?
Masseuse - ...maybe.
[ The girls share a giggle together. ]
Masseuse - Actually, funny story, My husband roped me into watching you on TV last week. I thought you were great.
Roxi - Thanks.
Masseuse - He's a big wrestling fan, I never understood the appeal, but still, It was mostly enjoyable.
Roxi - Glad it was.
Masseuse - So, you're not wrestling this week are you?
Roxi - Yeah. I am.
Masseuse - How do you do it?
Roxi - It's my job.
Masseuse - Yeah, but, the injuries, the travel...
Roxi - Comes with the territory.
[ The Masseuse reaches into her bag and pulls out her business card. ]
Masseuse - Something tells me you'll be needing me again.
Roxi - Probably....thanks.
Masseuse - No problem.
[ Vision makes his appearence on the skype screen. Just as the masseuse is putting her coat on. ]
Vision - Hey Rox...uh...am I interrupting anything?
Roxi - Not at all. She was just finishing up with me.
Masseuse - Oh...I...was just leaving.
Roxi - Thanks for everything.
[ Roxi pays her, then guides herself off the massage table. She wraps a towel around herself. ]
Masseuse - That your boyfriend?
Roxi - More like my mother.
[ They share another giggle, and the masseuse leaves. Roxi sits down at the computer. ]
Vision - So...
Roxi - No Vision, I get that what you saw looked vaguely lesbian, but I'm not.
Vision - I didn't say...
Roxi - But you were thinking it.
Vision - Whatever.
Roxi - So, what's up?
Vision - Uh...
Roxi - What?
Vision - I....
Roxi - What is wrong with you?
Vision - Could you...maybe put a shirt on?
Roxi - Wha...really? You act like I'm naked or something.
[ She gets up, and finds the nearest shirt, and throws it on. Then sits back down. ]
Roxi - Happy?
Vision - Yes.
Roxi - Can we get on with this now?
Vision - Certainly. I just wanted to let you know about the match you have this week.
Roxi - Already know. Amanda Cortez.
Vision - Did you hear what he said?
Roxi - Nope. Been busy. World saving. It's kinda my deal.
Vision - Right.
Roxi - So...what was it.
Vision - That you are a rookie, and she's not worried about you.
Roxi - Oh, that's great. Really original.
Vision - She may have a point. You do dress up in spandex and go around fighting people. You've run yourself ragged lately.
Roxi - Are we talking wrestling or being a Superhero?
Vision - Both...I guess.
Roxi - So...let me understand this for a moment, I'm going to be an easy win because I run around and save the world? Almost weekly? And a woman who has a strange tickle fetish is just going to beat me?
Vision - Apparently.
Roxi - That's...interesting, I guess.
Vision - That's one way to put it.
Roxi - Anything else?
Vision - Uh, let's see here...You won't be able to match her in strength.
Roxi - Well, I think she may be delusional. I don't think she understands that physical strength, while an attribute, does not make her any better than me. And let's not even mention the fact that I am bigger than she is. Except in the chest. But that's another story. I don't think she knows who she's fighting Figuring that bigger and stronger always wins the day. It doesn't.
Vision - Well, neither does speed.
Roxi - I know. I mean, the first match of UFC #1 was this big, heavy sumo wrestler against a smaller, martial arts expert, and what happened? that Sumo guy lost in about 20 seconds.
Vision - Good point.
Roxi - So, I'm not really intimidated by a tiny girl, everybody is the same size on the ground, and everybody's bones break, everybody's muscles tear. Even a airheaded biker chick with a tickle fetish.
Vision - Unless your Wolverine.
Roxi - He cheats.
Vision - Funny...uh-oh.
Roxi - What?
[ Vision looks away from the screen. ]
Vision - Silent alarm 4th and Main, Looks like a jewelry store.
Roxi - Any camera in the area?
Vision - Checking...they've been taken out. Only one on an kitty corner rooftop.
Roxi - Can we see it?
Vision - Trying...damn, it's a stationary one. Bad view of the building.
Roxi - I hate walking in blind.
Vision - Sorry Rox.
Roxi - But, then again, it does raise the excitement.
Vision - Be careful.
[ Moments later, in full costume and riding her new motorcycle, she speeds towards the spot. ]
Alright, well time to save the day again.
[ She activates the on-board GPS and hangs a sharp right after viewing it. She pushes a button and the on-board targeting system is brought it. ]
Good thing this interface isn't hard to use. Or Windows ME.
[ She arrives on the bike, spotting men attempting to make a get-away. She pulls up alongside them ]
Roxi - Hey! Pull over, you got a tail-light out!
[ They veer the car towards the bike, she has to quickly veer away. ]
Whoa! Jerks. You don't own the whole road you know!
[ She get alongside them again. ]
Roxi - Watch it, I just got this baby detailed.!
[ They veer the car towards her again. Again she dodges. ]
This is getting out of hand, gotta stop 'em.
[ She lets up on the bike to let them get ahead. She brings up the targeting computer and aims. ]
And....now!
[ She she shoots, aiming for the tires, they instantly blow and the car veers wildly out of control and spins out, coming to a stop. ]
Now, let's see what all the fuss was.
[ 4 Men groggily step out of the car, and begin staring her down. ]
Roxi - See what happens when you don't pull over?
[ They look at each other. they are all masked, wearing heavy jackets and combat boots. ]
Roxi - So, you guys aren't talkative I take it?
[ 1 of the men turns to the other three and nods. He looks back at her and begins advancing.]
Roxi - Oh, just you? Pity.
Masked Thug - We had to be sure it was you.
Roxi - *Gasp* Fans? You really like me?
Masked Thug - He knew you would come. Predictable and stupid, Just like he said.
Roxi - Ouch. Everybody's a critic.
Masked Thug - Soon, you'll understand.
Roxi - Well, tell me this, if your boss is so smart, why'd he send punching bags to rob a jewelry store?
[ He chuckles a bit. ]
Masked Thug - To get you here.
Roxi - He could have just sent flowers.
Masked Thug - Funny.
[ He continues to advance, until they are about 5 feet from each other.
He's just inside my reactionary gap. He's either supremely skilled, or really dumb.
Roxi - So, are we gonna fight? Or you gonna try and talk me to death?
Masked Thug - We can, if you like, you'll lose though.
Roxi - Really?
He's stalling. Waiting for something...
[ Her eyes dart around, scanning the area. Nothing. ]
Roxi - I think I'll take my chances.
Masked Thug - Very well then.
Roxi - Then you can send Mr. Big a message that I don't take kindly to strangers....unless they buy me dinner first.
Masked Thug - You can tell him yourself.
[ He advances with super-human speed and hits a palm thrust dead in her chest. The impact sends her flying backwards into a wall. She bounces and splats on the ground. ]
Ugh..What was that? He was like lightning just then.
[ Like a flash she's barely made it to her knees when he's standing over her. He by the arm and throws her violently through a building window. She bounces off the store counter and onto the floor. ]
H..h...holy...holy crap. He separated.... my shoulder.
[He busts through the door, and walks over to her. Grabbing her neck and lifting her up, before tossing her back into the street. ]
Masked Thug - I do not desire to hurt you any more. Surrender now, and I will be merciful.
[ He reaches down and lifts her by the throat to her feet, then applies a reverse chokehold. ]
*ACK* His....gr...grip...is...like metal...
Masked Thug - Submit. For your own well-being.
[ He tightens the grip as she struggles. Out of desperation, she begins elbowing him in the ribcage. He looks annoyed, and spins her around and punches her in the face, sending her flying backwards. She lands on her back, and rolls over, motionless. He walks over and kneels down ]
Masked Thug - She is unconscious. Bring acquire a new vehicle for transport.
[ Within moments, they bring a new car around. The thug carries her over to the trunk and dumps her in. Slamming it shut. He gets in and they drive off. ]
[ She slowly starts to stir from her unconscious state. Her long red hair dangling in her face. Panning back reveals she's been stripped on her mask, belt, and boots. She's handcuffed to a chair. ]
Ugh...that...what happened?
[ She slowly comes to, struggling to keep herself awake. She slowly scans the area look at her surroundings.]
Where am I?
[ The door she's facing slowly opens and three of the masked goons walk in. ]
Masked Thug - Good. You are awake.
Roxi - Who are you?
Masked Thug - We are your destruction.
Roxi - Oh, that works.
Masked Thug - We have studied you for some time Ms. Johnson. And now, our operation will be complete.
Roxi - So..now what?
Masked Thug - That isn't up to us.
Roxi - Oh.
[ The door opens again and a man in a wheelchair rolls in. ]
Man - Hello Ms. Johnson.
Roxi - And, you must be wheels.
Man - Clever. Actually My name is Harold Peterson.
Roxi - Well Harry, you mind telling me what this is all about.
Harold - Ah, I'm glad you asked. You stopped my men from getting materials required for me to do my job.
Roxi - You'll have to be specific, I do that a lot.
Harold - Clever to the end. And a hero to the end, or so you think.
Roxi - What are you talking about?
Harold - I served this country for 20 years. I did my time. 2 wars and this is what happened to me. But do I get sympathy? NO!
Roxi - Oh boy...
Harold - I get stared at like some freak. Those people look at me like I'm some sideshow attraction. And to think, I fought for these people's freedom!
Roxi - Ugh...
Harold - What?
Roxi - Can you do me a favor and knock me out again. I can stand to listen to this drivel.
[ He smacks her. ]
Harold - Shut up! Do I not deserve respect? I fought bravely.
Roxi - You deserve respect, this isn't the way to keep it though.
Harold - I lost my legs for you!
Roxi - You hear that?
Harold - What?
Roxi - It's the world's smallest violin. Playing for you.
Harold - Joke all you like. But here you are, unmasked and helpless. You will not stand my way.
[ She struggles to get free, and can't. ]
Roxi - So...what do you want?
Harold - I wanted to save the world. But people refused to let me. Now, I will instead take over the world.
Roxi - Great.
Harold - Be quiet.
[ He smacks her again, she falls over. ]
The chair...it gave.
Roxi - Ow.
Harold - Now so mouthy now? Nothing smart to say?
Roxi - ....
Harold - C'mon hot pants, I know you have something to say.
Roxi - ....I do...This chair is broken.
Harold - What?
[ She leaps to her feet and jumps up, swinging her arms under her and brings the cuffs in front of her body. ]
Roxi - Now...let's start round 2.
Harold - You can't win. These men have been injected with my super soldier formula.
[ Roxi stares out at both the three men . ]
Roxi - If you think they can stop me, you're wrong, soldier boy.
Harold - kill her!
[ They rush her, but she is able to get behind one and start choking him out with her cuffs. He instictivley grabs the cuffs and snaps them to break free. ]
There!
[ She looks down and assumes a fighting pose, before rushing Harold and tackling him into the other room. In this room there are a bunch of controls and other items. She punches him, knocking him backwards and out. She looks around the room and finds a syringe.]
Hope this is the serum.
[ She stabs herself in the neck, then she goes back into the other room. ]
[ Moments later she emerges, having defeated the guards. She wonders around, looking. ]
There's got to be an emergency shut down. Wait, never mind. I'll just blow this place up. Can't let these guys keep working.
[ She locates her belt and items and then her time bomb. She pulls the pin, grabs Harold and escapes. She looks at then building...nothing. ]
Huh. I thought I could get that cool running away from an explosion thing.
[ Then...nothing. ]
What a gyp.
[ Then...it EXPLODES! ]
Ah, there it is.
[Flashback over. Back to present day. ]
Dr. Murray – You took the serum?
Roxi – Yes.
Dr. Murray – Then you should have no problem beating them now.
Roxi – I don’t think the serum is permanent. I felt stronger, faster, and all that, but, I think its effects have worn off.
Dr. Murray – That doesn’t sound right.
Roxi – It was only a small dose.
Dr. Murray – And what became of the rest of it?
Roxi – Blew it up. Destroyed in the explosion.
Dr. Murray – Why?
Roxi – I didn’t want the Guild facing an army of those guys.
Dr. Murray – I see. What happened to Harold?
Roxi – I had him mind wiped about my identity, and how to make that formula again. But he still retained his memory of you…
Dr. Murray – Oh my…
Roxi – So, I’m gonna get you out of here.
Dr. Murray – We can’t leave yet.
Roxi – Why not?
Dr. Murray – We have to return to my lab.
Roxi – No-can-do Doc.
Dr. Murray – You must.
Roxi – Why?
Dr. Murray – That formula is there.
Great.
Roxi – You have it there? Peterson can’t be allowed get his hands on it. Where is it?
Dr. Murray – It’s 10 minutes away.
Roxi – I don’t like this Doc, not one bit.
Dr. Murray – Please.
Roxi – …*sigh*
So, Amanda Cortez. I have to tell you that I was looking forward to this match ever since I signed up here in SCW. Because looking over the Bombshell roster, I thought that you were one of the best here. You were the Bombshell champion. You had it all, I was really looking at you like you were the one to beat. The one Bombshell I was going to have to really contend with down the road in order to really accomplish something.
But then, you lost. You lost it all.
What now is there to gain by defeating you now? Nothing. You have been passed by, by everyone in this place. You've lost everything. And now, you expect to simply beat me, treat me like a pushover? And why? Because I haven't had a title match yet? Well, had it not been for Laura Jackson, I would have gone on to face Misty, and I could have beaten her. In fact, I know I could have beaten her, because I know how talented I am and how much I've already done in my short time here.
Honestly, I expected a lot more from you. You are Amanda Cortez, and you had the chance to be a dominant champion, but instead you lost everything. So if you think that you are simply are about to just walk all over me to get yourself back in contention, you have another thing coming, sister. I've dealt with bigger, stronger, faster, and much better looking in my short time here. If anything, I don't see YOU being a problem.
At least, not as much as I once did.
I don't know if you are just really confident or really dumb, but either way, you're going to get a serious reality check come Sunday, when I beat you, and provide a boost for team SCW.
I must admit, I was unsure of what was really going on with this "Team SCW vs. Team Eric" thing, I just didn't want it to end like Twilight. So, I took the side of the eventual winning team. As a hero, I know I must stand against any sort of injustice, because well, evil never sleeps, it just waits. If you want to stand on Team Eric Amanda, that's fine. It'll give you an excuse to fall back on after you lose this match too.
You know what Amanda, for seriously overestimating yourself, I'm not going to go easy on you. Normally, I'd let insults roll down my back, but this time, I'm not. I already lost to Amy Marshall, and that shouldn't happen. I'm already not in the mood for this kind of nonsense, so all bets are off.
But then again, with that you do, I'm sure a little pain is right up your alley. You'll just have to remind them to be gentle after I'm through with you.
I'll see you Sunday Amanda, It's been a rough couple of weeks, and I'm going to ease my pain a little, sorry in advance.
Ta-ta for now.
