I've honed my body and mind to do this. I trained to near physical perfection based on gymnastics, Jiu-jitsu, and regular cardio. I have learned to push myself beyond my limits. I've had combat training to engage 5 adult attackers at once.
I have studied the human body and how to break it down for years. Pressure points, arteries, how to instantly take people down as quickly as possible.
But, I'm still human.
Yeah, I know, there's plenty of superheroes out there without powers. But sadly, I'm not a billionaire with a sweet ride, or a genius inventor. Heck, I barely passed Chemistry in High School. But that's the only thing that keeps me grounded. The fact that I am human. The fact that I do what seems impossible for a ordinary human to do.
I guess what I'm really getting at here is....
I don't have any superpowers, and it totally sucks.
You know, I would love to able to fly, or have super strength, or be invisible. But, sadly, I can't. Stupid Science not making it possible. Nope, I gotta use my motorcycle. Plus I heard bad things about invisibility. So scratch that one maybe. In the end, I just want to be happy with my life.
But, some people just can't let me be happy. Some people can't things go. Some people can't leave well enough alone....
...Some people need to stop adding cleche's and get to the point.
This Sunday I have to defend SCW against Vampires, Mummies, Werewolves, and whatever else Team Erik wants to throw at me. Wait, is it Eric, or Erik? Whatever the case is, the idea that I can walk out a tag team champion . Oh well. They all have talked a good game, and come up and said their piece. Of course, I get mocked for being a hero and doing what's right. New flash ladies, I don't need a costume to do it. I do what is right, even when it's not the most popular thing.
But this is popular choice. The popular choice is to stop team Skaggs and take control on SCW for the people.
Which is exactly what I'm about to do.
[ Sirens wail in the background..
Roxi stands on the roof of a building, staring down at a burning building about a half mile away. She has her arms folded across her chest as if trying to keep warm. Her costume is in tatters, with huge shreds fabric missing, of so she has a reason to do this.
But it's not the reason.
She stares off at the fire, and she's unmasked. And tears are rolling down her face. As the sirens blare, she drops her head, almost in shame... ]
There are some nights, some days, some times I wonder if I make the right choices. I wonder if what I'm doing makes any difference whatsoever.
And then there's some nights I want to quit. Just give up.
How many times can you save the world before it gets to be a burden? And how many times can you put yourself at risk before it's just not worth it?
When I took the hero's oath, I meant it. Sometimes, it's what keeps me going.
But then, there's nights like tonight.
[ Now that we've successfully "Tarintino'd" our story, I guess we need to begin at the beginning. ]
Vision - What's this all about?
Roxi - I want some superpowers.
Vision - Uh, alright.
Roxi - Know a place I can get them?
Vision - No. You can't just obtain superpowers Roxi. It doesn't work that way. Most are burdened by them anyway.
Roxi - But it's not fair. I am extremely handicapped here.
Vision - You've survived.
Roxi - But Vision...it's powers!
Vision - Do you know how lucky you'd have to be to have gamma radiation not kill you? Or not be poisoned to death by a radioactive insect?
Roxi - Not really.
Vision - Extremely. The chances of that happening are microscopic.
Roxi - So there's nothing?
Vision - No.
Roxi - Are you sure?
Vision - Nothing. Nothing definite anyway.
Roxi - ....So...there's a chance?
Vision - Forget I said anything.
Roxi - Just...humor me.
Vision - *sigh* Fine, Dr. Bill Birkin is doing research with cells. There's nothing concrete, just theories.
Roxi - About what?
Vision - His work may, if he's right, which is...a HUGE shot in the dark...may help regrow limbs and damaged tissue.
Roxi - How is he doing that?
Vision - With...Pig Bladders.
Roxi - Shut up!
Vision - I'm serious.
Roxi - So...what's the hold-up?
Vision - There's no way to know if it works. But, if you're really that desperate...
Roxi - I am.
Vision - He's speaking at USC this week.
Roxi - I'll be there.
[ Suddenly there's a knock at the door ]
Voice -
Oh crap. I totally forgot!
Vision - Who is that?
Roxi - It's Claire!
Vision - Who's Claire?
Roxi - No time to explain, just...act natural.
Vision - Natural?
Roxi - Just do it!
Vision - You're still in your costume.
Roxi - I know!
[ After shedding her costume and hiding it, Roxi answers the door and a tall, lanky, brunette wearing six inch heels is outside smiling. Roxi hugs her. ]
Claire - Hey girl, how you been?
Roxi - I'm...I'm great.
Claire - You...forgot I was coming didn't you?
Roxi - Of course not! ....why would you think that?
Claire - You're not wearing any pants.
Crap.
Roxi - ...Yeah, I do that from time to time. It's just me here anyway. C'mon in.
[ Roxi lets Claire in, and she drops her stuff off. ]
Roxi - Well...this is it.
Claire - Nice place. Great view.
Roxi - Aw, thanks.
Claire - Must cost a fortune.
Roxi - I get paid pretty well.
Claire - I know, big famous wrestler and all.
Roxi - Bah, nice of you to say, but I...I'm not famous.
Claire - Well, You do well.
[ Claire looks around the apartment finally taking a seat at Vision's computer. ]
Claire - Do you know what the weather's going to be like?
Roxi - Nope, haven't had a chance to look yet.
Claire - Well, let's look now.
Roxi - Wait!
[ It's too late as Claire touches the computer and Vision's face pops up ]
Claire - AHHH!
Roxi - It's not what it looks like.
Claire - Really?
Roxi - No.
Claire - I think I know what's going on here.
Roxi - You do?
[ Claire stands up and walks toward Roxi with a smirk on her face. ]
She knows...terrific.
Claire - (Whispering) You and him...were...
Wait...she thinks....
Roxi - ...Yes. Yes we were.
Claire - No wonder you weren't wearing pants.
Roxi - Yeah. Can't sneak anything by you.
Claire - You don't need to hide your relationships from me. Even if it is a little....kinky.
Roxi - *nervous chuckle* yeah.
Claire - So...aren't you going to introduce him?
Roxi - Uh...sure. Claire...this is....
Vision - Leon.
Roxi - Leon.
Vision - Pleasure to meet you Claire.
Claire - Likewise.
Roxi - So..uh, Leon, I'm sure you have things to do.
Vision - Yes...Well, I'll be back later. Just call if you need me.
Roxi - Right.
[ With that, Vision logs off. Roxi takes a deep breath.]
Claire - You okay?
Roxi - What!? Fine.
Claire - You sure?
Roxi - Yeah. Nothing a little shopping won't fix.
Claire - Well, I think you need pants for that.
Roxi - *nervous laugh* You're right.
Claire - I'll wait.
Okay, that...could have been worse.
Claire has been my friend since the 3rd grade. She grew up the next street over, directly behind my house. We've done everything together...
Not that way, you freaks...
Anyway, after high school she went off to Northwestern. I stayed here and read comic books. Some of us make poor choices sometimes. Don't judge me. So, she's back in town for a little while to...she what she was missing I guess. We kept in contact and I did offer to let her stay with me. A fact that I promptly forgot. With her here, it's going to hard to get out. But I gotta make something work. And keep my secret.
No sweat.
[ Roxi and Claire get their shop on, and we get a montage. ]
Listen to "Hungry eyes" while imagining.
[ Again with the Hungry eyes? ]
What?
[ A bit Lesbian-ish, don't you think? ]
....You win this round Narrator.
[ Let's just say it's "Crazy" by Aerosmith. ]
Deal.
[ Moving on. Day is now night and we're back at the apartment. ]
Roxi - Well...I'm beat.
Claire - Me too.
Roxi - You can...have the bedroom.
Claire - Oh, I couldn't.
Roxi - It's cool.
Claire - You sure?
Roxi - Not a lot of things going on in there anyway. I'll take the couch.
Claire - ....I...Alright.
Roxi - You're my guest. Just...don't ruin my sheets. This isn't a hotel.
Claire - Ha. Ha. Ha.
Roxi - Good night.
Claire - Good night.
[ Claire disappears into the bedroom, and Roxi makes a mad dash to grab her costume. She starts to undress to put it on. But has to quickly cover herself with a blanket when Claire opens the door. ]
Claire - Hey uh...
Roxi - What?!
Claire - ...Just wanted to know if you wanted to shower first.
Roxi - Uh...no...you can go first.
Claire - You sure?
Roxi - Positive.
Claire - Alright. So...jumpy.
[ Claire shuts the door and Roxi resumes putting her outfit on, and after Claire enters the shower, she places a few pillows and covers them with the blanket, before tip-toeing out of the window of the apartment. ]
Hopefully that keeps her out of trouble while I go see Dr. Birkin.
[ Flash to USC Campus, and Dr. Birkin in the medical lab there. Even after hours Birkin is there going over notes and reviewing everything he needs. ]
Roxi - Knock Knock.
Dr. Birkin - (Startled) Who are you?
Roxi - I'm Lady Bedlam, and...Dr. Birkin I could really use you're help.
Dr. Birkin - How can I help you?
Roxi - Is what you say true? Can you give people the ability to heal from any wound?
Dr. Birkin - In theory, yes....Wait, why are you so curious?
Roxi - I'm hoping that it works, so that I can use it...for good that is.
Dr. Birkin - It's only a theory, my dear.
Roxi - How does it work?
Dr. Birkin - Have you ever heard of the extra-cellular matrix?
Roxi - I'm not good with computers. Or Chemistry.
Dr. Birkin - No no. This is Biology
Roxi - Oh, that too.
Dr. Birkin - The ECM is inside of pig bladders and human fetuses. It prevents and repairs injuries that happen inside the womb. In it's powder form, when applied to skin, it forces cells to re-grow lost and damaged tissue.
Roxi - But that's just a theory
Dr. Birkin - Until I can test it on a human subject. But that will take a brave soul.
Roxi - .... Twist my arm why don't you?
Dr. Birkin - It's too dangerous.
Roxi - Doctor, I'm willing to help if it helps us both.
Dr. Birkin - I can't. It's not worth it.
Roxi - It is to me. I'll be back tomorrow. And you're going to do it.
Dr. Birkin - I can't.
[ Roxi shoots off a grappling hook and flies out through an open window. Seconds after she leaves, the door is blown off the entrance to the lab. In his wheelchair, accompanied by serveral armed guards is Harold Peterson.
Harold - Hello, Doctor.
Dr. Birkin - Who are you?
Harold - A man who can use your talents.
Dr. Birkin - ...
Dr. Birkin looked excited about what his discovery could do.
Although I feel like a bully for what I said to him. I should apologize to him. I'll do it when I go back. Now I feel bad.
What else could go wrong?
[ Roxi makes the climb along the rooftops and re-enters her apartment, pulling off her mask before.... ]
Claire - Roxi?
Roxi - Uh....Hi..
Great.
Claire - Roxi?
Roxi - Uh....Hi..
Great.
Claire - Roxi?
Roxi - Uh....Hi..
Great.
[ Roxi stares at her friend clad in full costume. Claire looks at her, shocked. ]
Claire - Okay...first of all, did you just come in through the window? And second, why are dressed like that?
Roxi - I can explain...
Claire - (Cutting her off) Wait, wait, wait. Are you...dressed like a superhero?
Roxi - I...
Claire - I knew you were a pretty big nerd, but this takes the cake.
Roxi - Claire..I...
Claire - Are...are you really a superhero?
Roxi - ...Yes. Okay, but you can't tell anybody.
Claire - Tell them that my friend plays dress-up every night and fights crime? I like my reputation as a sane person.
Roxi - ....
Claire - Besides, it's not like you really do that.
Roxi - ...
Claire - Right?
Roxi - I...uh...
Claire - Oh my god you do. You do! You're crazy. Why would you do a thing like that?
Roxi - Because.
Claire - Because? Because what?
Roxi - Because it keeps people safe. I like to contribute.
Claire - Really?
Roxi - Hey, I'll have you know...that..
Wait, what am I saying. I'm admitting something that I don't need to.
Claire - Well?
Roxi - Nothing. Nothing.
Claire - So...what were you doing anyway?
Roxi - I...was...out on patrol. That's all.
Claire - Patrol? What, you gonna tell me you have superpowers too?
Roxi - No. I don't have any powers.
Claire - I think you may need therapy.
Roxi - ...
[ Just then, Vision appears back on her computer screen. ]
Vision - Roxi, I don't mean to...
[ He sees what's going on... ]
Vision - ...Oh. Uh..I assume this is pretty awkward.
Claire - No kidding.
Roxi - ... What's going on?
Vision - Harold Peterson is back. He kidnapped Dr. Birkin. Now...he's looking for you.
Claire - For her?
Roxi - Why?
Vision - Said he wants to finish what you started. He contacted us directly.
Claire - Who's us?
Roxi - It's nobody. Just...wait for me, I'll be back later. Don't leave the apartment.
Vision - Roxi...this is extremely dangerous. I would wait for backup.
Roxi - There's no time. He wants me, I'll be there.
Vision - I'll send you the directions.
Claire - Wait...you guys are serious? I thought this was all a joke.
Roxi - Well, it's not. That's why you need to stay here, and wait for me to come back.
Claire - You're not considering this are you? Am I being punk'd? You're crazy.
Roxi - Maybe I am, but for tonight, just assume I'm not. And do as I say.
Vision - Be careful, this sounds like a trap.
Roxi - It's always a trap.
Claire - Wait..wait..where are you going?
Roxi - To do my job.
[ Roxi puts her mask back and and leaps out of the window. Her wrist communicator buzzes as she gets the directions. ]
Vision - Good luck.
Claire - You're letting her go?
Vision - It's what she does.
Claire - You're letting her risk her life?
Vision - She knows the risks.
Claire - What other crazy jobs does she do. I can't believe this. You're name's not Leon is it?
Vision - No. It's Chris.
Great. Just great. Now my best friend thinks I'm crazy. And knows my secret. Could this day get any worse?
Okay, I am about to walk straight into a trap and I will still have to deal with a hostile take over match too. So yes, it could get worse.
Luckily Claire's out of the way while I deal with this.
[ Having arrived at the location. Roxi cautiously enters what looks like a warehouse. ]
Harold - Ah, you made it.
Roxi - I aim to please.
Harold - Are you alone?
[ His voice echoing in the room, she can't tell where he is, until he wheels himself into her view. ]
Roxi - I know how this works, I come alone or you kill Dr. Birkin.
Harold - Very good.
Roxi - Except you're not going to kill him, are you? You need him.
Harold - Do I?
[ Harold snaps his fingers and a few henchmen pull Dr. Birkin into view, he's tied up. ]
Roxi - Let him go, you got what you want.
Harold - Indeed I do. You and your people stopped me before, but you won't stop me now.
Roxi - Don't bet on it.
Harold - Oh, I'm not a gambling man. But, if I was, I wouldn't bet on you leaving her alive.
Roxi - Well then, Let's do this.
[ Harold smirks, then slowly rises from his chair, the smirk turning into a wide grin.
What?
Harold - Surprised? Dr. Murray's treatment was a success. I no longer need a wheelchair. And Dr. Birkin will make it so I never need it again, and that I will be invincible.
Roxi - All you megalomaniacs have such a weird sense of humor.
[ Roxi leaps and delivers a jumping side kick to Harold, knocking him down. Harold stands back up, brushing himself off.]
Harold - Nice shot. But it's really all for nothing.
Roxi - I will take you down.
Harold - Oh, I don't think so.
[ Roxi rushes and tackles Harold to the ground, only to be launched into the air and land on her back. ]
Roxi - Ow!
Harold - What's wrong? did that hurt? I'm sorry.
[ Roxi scrambles to her feet, only to be met with a solid kick to the chest which send her flying backwards. Landing with a thud, She groans in pain. Harold marches over and begins kicking her in the ribs. After 4 good kicks, he lifts her to the her feet, and tosses her over a table, knocking over some boxes and whatnot. ]
Harold - I must say, I thought you'd put up more of a fight.
[ Harold casually walks over and picks up Roxi and holds her in a chokehold. Roxi tries to break free but can't. ]
Harold - You know, I could just put you down right here, right now. I could break your neck. I could cripple you for life, just like they did to me. I could be merciful and just put you to sleep.
Roxi - *Cough* *gag*
[ Harold tightens his grip, but then throws Roxi to the ground. ]
Harold - But that would be too good for you. No, I want you alive and awake for this.
[ As Roxi chokes and tries to breathe, Harold waits until she is up to her knee before kicking in the side of the head sending her back down. She slowly keeps moving, but Harold simply steps in her back, causing her to yell in pain. Harold smiles and then jumps in her hand. Roxi comes to life clutching at her seemingly broken hand. ]
Harold - Ouch. I could feel that break.
[ Harold chuckles as Roxi tires to get up, she gets to her knees and he arrogantly smacks her in the head. She scrambles away to create some distance. Harold slowly stalks her, but she is able to fire off a kick then sends him back a few steps. She tries again, but he catches her foot, and begins swinging her and tosses her halfway across the warehouse, crashing down on the floor. ]
Ugh....he's...he's...too...strong.
[ Roxi crawls on her hands and knees trying to find something, anything to help her. Harold again grabs a chokehold, but then simply pulls her mask off. before slamming her face into the cold, hard, ground. ]
Harold - I have waited a long time for this. For you to be laying there, at my feet, defeated. And then you, would surrender and acknowledge me as the winner! As your better! I want to hear it!
[ Harold takes a lighter from his pocket and sets her mask on fire. It quickly burns out. ]
Harold - Whenever you're ready.
[ Roxi slowly starts to move, then looks down at the puddle of blood that is coming from her nose and mouth. ]
Roxi - (groaning) You.... want to hear it? Fine. You...have oddly....specific...dreams.
[ Harold chuckles as he picks her up. ]
Harold - Defiant to the end. I admire that, but sadly, the end..is now.
[ Harold wraps a tight bear hug on Roxi, squeezing for all he's worth. ]
Harold - You can make the pain stop, just surrender!
Roxi - Never!
[ He continues to squeeze, all seems lost when there are gunshots! ]
Harold - What?
[ Harold drops Roxi, who falls limply to the ground. ]
Claire - Let her go, I will use this thing.
Not her...not now...
Harold - Look, you have friends. Child, please. You cannot stop me. Coming here was the biggest mistake of your life. A-
[ Claire is armed with a pistol, and the two dead henchman prove she's not bluffing. Claire then grabs Dr. Birkin as a hostage. ]
Claire - I'll kill him.
Harold - Now, child, don't do anything foolish.
Claire - (whispering) Doctor, see if you can get to her, I'm going to buy you some time.
[ He nods. ]
Claire - Foolish? You know what? Just for that...
[ Without warning, She throws the Doctor to the ground and shoots. ]
Harold - NO!
[ Claire then begins firing bullets at Harold, who is dodging out of the way. In the meantime...]
Dr. Birkin - Good god, you're still alive.
Roxi - What...ever...doesn't kill you...
Dr. Birkin - I'm sorry, I should have given you the chance. I have a prototype healing solution. It should...speed up you're healing process ten fold.
Roxi - Thanks...Doc...
[ The Doctor gives Roxi the solution and she swallows it. And in mere seconds... ]
I'm...I'm okay!...I'm better than okay! I feel great.
[ Roxi stands as Claire has run out of bullets... ]
Roxi - Hey! Our fight isn't over!
Harold - What! You shouldn't be standing.
Roxi - The miracles of modern science.
Harold - No matter, I will crush you again, like this!
[ Harold swings and blasts Claire sending her flying. Harold shows his fist to Roxi covered in blood. ]
No!
Harold - Oops.
Roxi - You bastard!
[ Harold swings at Roxi but she moves out of the way, before hitting with an ear clap. Harold stumbles around, and Roxi jumps on his head, wrapping her legs around it. ]
Roxi - I don't care how powerful you are...your brain need oxygen to function.
[ She begins squeezing and slowly, Harold starts to go limp. But he starts thrashing around, knocking over various items, once of which is a loose live wire, which starts a large fire from the amount of boxes in the room. Slowly, he stops fighting and slumps unconscious.]
Roxi - Claire!? Dr. Birkin!?
[ She searches for Claire and Dr. Birkin, first stumbling across Birkin. She tells her to follow her, and continues to search for Claire as the thick smoke begins impairing their vision. ]
Roxi - Claire!? Claire?
[ She finds Claire a bloody mess, and barely alive. ]
Roxi - Claire! Hang on, we're gonna get you out of here.
Claire - N...no...you...go...
Roxi - Claire, I am not leaving you.
Claire - N...no...you...go...
Dr. Birkin - We must get out of here.
Roxi - Quick...help me with her...
Claire - It's...too...too..late.
[ Roxi looks down and see Claire is impaled on a metal rod. ]
Dr. Birkin - Please!
Roxi - Quick...help me with her...
Claire - It's...too...too..late.
Roxi - I am not leaving you to die!
Claire - I’m…not gonna make it…I’m sorry.
Dr. Birkin - The building is going to collapse!
Roxi - I…I…
Claire - Go..
Roxi - ….Thank you. For saving my life.
[ Roxi looks back as she rushes Dr. Birkin out of the building. Soon, the rest of the building starts to fall. Roxi gets Brikin to safety. ]
Roxi - I could have saved her.
Dr. Birkin - No, you did the right thing.
Roxi - I failed! I could have gotten her out. Then you could have healed her with that stuff!
Dr. Birkin - It was miracle that it worked on you. Now you have that power. There’s hope for others.
Roxi - But no hope for Claire. Or Peterson.
Dr. Birkin - I'm sorry. You can’t save everyone.
Roxi - That’s my job. And if I can’t do it. Maybe there’s no hope for me…
[ Roxi looks back at Brikin before swinging off on her grappling hook.]
<HR>
[ And on cue, now you know the whole story. So now, Back to where we began. ]
And then, there are nights like tonight.
Night where I wonder if I should just stop doing this. Have I failed enough now? Was this the worst thing that could have happened? Was it for the best? All this time I wanted superpowers. And I have them. And it still didn’t mean a damn thing.
Is my work done? No. I still have to deal with four crazy people. And get him out of my life just like I did Peterson.
Claire…I’m sorry.
[ Her wrist communicator goes off... ]
Vision - Roxi…there’s a robbery going on downtown…
[ She looks out, and reaches into her pouch and produces a spare Mask… ]
Roxi - That’s my job.
