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| Selena Frost Fatal Fortunes roleplays |
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Posted by: SnowQueenSCW - 01-06-2026, 09:00 PM - Forum: Breakdown: Fatal Fortunes || January 8 & 15, 2026
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OOC: Takes place immediately following Deanna's first FF roleplay.
Scars of a Fascade
”Was it Worth it?”
Streets of NYC
New York City, New York
December 22nd, 2025
8:13pm
Selena’s boots crunched through the snow-covered sidewalks, not caring if she had to shove her way past a group of people or use what agility she still possessed, thanks to be a wrestler, to ‘dance’ around them as she looked this way and that. The cold wrapped around her in sharp fingers, further heightening her senses as it rejuvenated the Alaskan-native. Still, she didn’t notice it too much. Her mind was elsewhere.
Elsianna.
The name repeated itself endlessly, and loudly, in her mind - a mantra she could not silence. Every sound, every shadow, every light along the streets and stores seemed to carry the possibility that her daughter had passed this way or that way... or that she might vanish completely if they didn’t act fast.
“Deanna,” Selena called, voice carrying just enough to cut through the wind, “have you seen—”
Deanna’s was beside her before the words had entirely left her lips, the woman wrapped up in a thicker coat than the long, black one Selena wore. Oberon padded close to her side, tail flicking nervously as he gave a small whine. The Samoyed’s ears were pricked, alert to every sound and movement, his head twisting left and right, looking too. Deanna’s emerald eyes met Selena’s sapphire ones with a steady determination the Snow Queen recognized instantly.
“She’s not in the park.” Deanna stated immediately, voice low but firm. “I just came from there. Even asked some of the stragglers.
“Did you try-”
“Calling Asuna?” Deanna tilted her head, as if to say ‘Really?!’. “Yes. No one’s seen her.” The redhead looked around the area they occupied. The weather was certainly set for Christmas, given the lights and snow, but neither of them were able to enjoy the view.
Selena’s stomach sank at the redhead’s words. “I was hoping she’d just calm down when she went to her room...” she admitted. “Not do something stupid like this.”
Pressing her gloved hand against the cold metal of a lamp post, she let the cold bite into her sleeve. She spied some snowflakes cling to the long braid of her hair before melting into tiny droplets that quickly disappeared. She can’t have gone ‘anywhere’. Selena reminded herself, heart pounding. The image of her daughter disappearing into the night stayed fixed in her mind, a small figure against the snow and the dark.
Like the night she was taken from me...
Deanna’s voice broke through her panic. “We need to think of someone else to call.” she said, reaching for her phone, though her fingers (bare to allow use of her phone-screen) fumbled a little in the cold.
Selena exhaled sharply, nodding before taking the exposed/phone with her own, holding it gently. “I know. But I can’t think of anyone she would reach out to besides Asuna. Gerda would have told us if she was called. Same with Alejandra and Jonathan...” The platinum-blonde shook her head in growing frustration. “Gods, it shouldn’t be this hard to find a twelve-year old!”
Deanna’s hand released the phone, allowing it to drop into her other hand so she could briefly squeeze Selena’s. “She’s fast.” the redhead remarked. “Even with her recovering leg. And she’s smart. She doesn’t usually wander off like this. That’s why…” Her voice faltered, but the meaning was clear. She was worried, just like Selena was.
“I know. That’s why this doesn’t make sense. There must have been a place for her to go in this ‘plan’ of hers. ”
They walked together down the street, every step making Selena more aware of the city’s vast size and coldness with the winter in full bloom. She forced herself to breathe, to focus, letting the sound of Oberon’s paws crunching snow beside her and Deanna anchor her to the present. They moved along the paths together, slipping past the couples far more quietly than the initial search, the snow swirling in sudden gusts. Every instinct the Snow Queen had screamed at her to hurry, but she held back. She couldn’t keep rushing around like a chicken with its head cut off. Panic would not guide her.
She needed to be methodical. Meticulous. Like the Snow Queen in SCW.
True, her ‘plans’ had not laid out the best results as of late. Her matches continued to be mired in controversy, often not by her own hand, but still... But even so, she continued to push her way to getting what she wanted. She was now on the fast-track to a match with BOTH the Glimmers, as Shattered Reality had resulted in her becoming the number one contender for their world titles, which meant that a match with them was no longer something to be ‘earned’ but ‘inevitable’. Yes, there was still the pressing matter of Xander Valentine, Selena rather annoyed (though not surprised) at the Executioner’s resilience.
In truth, his loss had surprised her more. She had, away from her ‘World Ruler’ person and just being Selena, had believed Xander would have mopped the floor with Enigma during their Underground title bout at Night One. She had been stunned for several seconds to see someone manhandle her greatest rival so viciously and then beat him. Of course, it changed nothing of her plan which had concluded in the attack...
At the very least... she thought with the cold whipping around her. Everyone, including Xander, knows how much farther I’ll go...
She had felt some guilt, but compared to the man’s attacks on her family – not to mention herself and Regan – through the years, she would be lying to herself to deny that slight feeling of justification/satisfaction. To be the one dismantling the Executioner after years of him trying to dismantle her! She was less concerned about Fatal Fortunes. It never seemed to favour her despite numerous attendance. She would deal with whatever came her way and then focus back on the Glimmer Sisters, no different than her other basic matches of Breakdown that management seemed content to ‘saddle’ her with.
A muffled sound echoed somewhere down the street, causing her heart to leap. Her head jerked up towards the sound just as Deanna’s did. Nothing followed. A shadow moved briefly at the edge of her vision, causing her to turn another way... just to see a rabbit scampering towards someplace warmer, away from the winds.
“This is my fault.”
She finally said it aloud. She had been turning the statement in her head over and over again since she had left the Eyrie Tower. But with every sound simultaneously raising and crashing her hopes in a second, causing her to make so many mistakes. Too many times she had been rigid, demanding, distant. Too many times she had tried to control rather than guide her daughter.
She felt Deanna’s hand squeeze hers again. “You can blame yourself later.” she amended. “That isn’t going to help us find her.” when had her focus and resolve become stronger than Selena’s, the Snow Queen wondered? “We need to sit her down and reason this out. You’re both being unfair.”
“Both of us?” Selena’s eyes widened. “I get me, but why her?”
“Because she doesn’t understand what YOU are going through and that you have a job to do at SCW. I don’t like the stuff you do and think there is a better way, but if she thinks it’s your fault that people are bullying her and using you as ‘justification’ for it... No.” she shook her head. “There is no justification for bullying or harassment. And the fact she is blaming you for it, while understandable with her being a kid, is the same unfair tactic.” Deanna sighed. “Like I said, we can talk about it later.”
Selena was too stunned to give much of a reply. Instead, she merely nodded her head as they continued walking, her mind racing. Was it possible that Elsianna COULD be brought around to such a mindset? Maybe she couldn’t be the girl’s ‘hero’ anymore, but maybe she could ration like David could. That it was her job. That she was just doing what she felt was right and necessary. And that Selena ‘The Face of SCW/The Snow Queen/The World Ruler’ was different in many ways to Selena Michelle Frost.
Was it even possible?
Deanna huffed, inhaling and exhaling the cold air. “Okay, first... I want hot ramen when we get home!” she breathed. “Second! She can’t be out here too long. She’d have to get somewhere safe. Somewhere she trusts.”
Selena’s chest tightened. Memories of every time Elsianna had run along the rooftops, parks, or empty streets in the past pressed into her mind. A thousand tiny flashes—childhood adventures, scraped knees, moments of defiance—reminded her that her daughter’s mind was always working, always planning. That same intelligence Selena possessed had, without question, passed onto the daughter, and now guided her steps into the snowstorm, her small figure moving with careful precision...
The idea was coming to her – but it was blurry. She couldn’t quite grasp it yet. But she was close. Deanna’s words had triggered a possible idea...
Oberon growled softly beside her, ears twitching. Selena felt her stomach clench.
“Elsianna?!” She heard Deanna call out, only meeting some muffled sounds from distant, probably drunk, travellers. “Had to try.” she said quietly with a shrug.
“We’ll find her,” Selena replied quietly. “We have to.”
They turned down a narrower alley, the walls rising on either side. Snow had drifted into deep piles here, and every footstep sent powder scattering. Selena slowed, listening.
Somewhere above: a stray cat yowled. A door creaked under the wind. A lamp buzzed with illumination.
Every ordinary sound sent her pulse hammering. That could have been her. That could have been her step. Over and over again despite her best efforts.
Every corner, every storefront, every pile of snow became a potential hiding spot to Selena. Her chest tightened, breath forming clouds in the freezing night. Memories of Elsianna’s defiant, fearless childhood flashed unbidden: scaling a playground ladder with reckless abandon, disappearing into neighborhood streets while calling back only cryptic hints of where she was going. Fighting so that the stone gargoyles could have a home with them.
Again, that flash of realization – there and gone in an instant before Selena could grab it and see what it was. But it was stronger, lasting a fraction of a second longer than the first. It was on the edge of her mind...
They pushed on, following the paths into another small park. Snow drifted over benches and bare trees, and the distant hum of traffic was muffled by the heavy night air. Selena’s boots sank slightly further into fresh drifts, and her hands grew colder with every step. A small alley follow, which opened onto a quieter street, lined with townhouses and shuttered shops. The Christmas decorations shone brightly within so many of the shops interiors.
Selena could only sigh on it. She had tried for so many years with the children to ‘enjoy’ Christmas, but it never happened. She just couldn’t get past it. And yet, she still tried to make it enjoyable for her children. Letting them go see Santa, running around the light displays that the parks put on. Their smiling faces – Elsa’s too – that innocence, that joy, that wonder... that was enough for her. If she had to endure some ill-feelings from her past to see it every year? So be it. Easy choice. If she had to let Deanna decorate the Forever Home until it resembled something out of a classic Christmas Special? That was fine too!
And then it hit her—not certainty, not yet—but a spark. A pattern she knew instinctively. Something in her chest tightened as recognition began to form. She froze mid-step, eyes narrowing, heart hammering. It wasn’t just running away this time! This idea... She could see it’s shape. Reach out to it mentally... almost touch it....
“Deanna,” she said, voice low and urgent, shaking slightly with the force of it.
Deanna glanced at her, question in her gaze. “What?”
Selena didn’t answer. Not yet. She scanned the darkness, snowflakes settling on her coat, clinging to her hair. Her breath came in sharp clouds. She could feel it in her bones, that sudden tightening, the first whisper of knowing.
“We’re forgetting – been forgetting one stupidly obvious thing...” Selena whispered, almost to herself. “What?”
“Elsianna... is still just a teenager...” Selena sighed. “And what did she say she wished for more than anything?” She turned her head towards Deanna, who could only shake her head in uncertainty. “That things could go back to the way they were...”
Deanna’s eyes widened a little, though she wasn’t quite able to connect the dots to Selena’s logic.
“I know where she might be.” The Snow Queen declared, the idea firm in her mind. Of course the girl was there. It was the only thing that made sense!
Deanna frowned. “What do you mean?”
Selena shook her head quickly, not ready to speak it aloud. Not yet. But the spark was there. The moment of clarity, sudden and fierce, lighting her entire focus. She moved forward, following the crushed snow that served as a walkway to minimize slipping. The snow dampened her boots, seeping slowly into the leather. Oberon stayed close, his ears still twitching, tail high, sniffing the air with intense focus and barking once in awhile.
“You told her about it weeks ago.” Selena muttered quietly as she explained, brushing snow from her gloves. “Her face lit up when you did.”
Selena was no longer looking around wildly. Instead, her direction was deliberate. She led them down several more streets, turning on corners and refusing to slow even as the wind picked up a bit more. Glass and steel gave way to older brick. Chain-link fences half-buried in snow.
But the hill was instantly recognizable, even as they pushed their way to the top of it. And the Christmas lights... There were so many more! Every house was decorated in an assortment of colour and design! Every house gave a different image. But that was how this place was...
Deanna recognized it a second before Selena stopped, her gasp easily heard by the taller platimum-blonde.
“…No,” the redhead breathed.
Selena’s jaw tightened. “Yes. Where else would she go?”
Ahead of them, past the dark, black, metal, snow-covered fence and snow-drowned lot, stood the large house. There were no trucks or cars nearby it, but the building like so... so close to completion. The windows were no longer boarded unevenly. The color was uniform... It was so close to looking the exact same...
The Forever Home.
The home they had brought Elsianna too over ten years ago. The place they had built for a life-together. For their children to grow into adults and for Selena and Deanna to retire. But it was more than that. It was where – unknown to them at the time – dreams could be born. David wanted to be a soccer or baseball player (Or BOTH! As he had said) or a comic-book writer. Amiliah dreamed of being whatever Elsianna was. And Elsianna... the oldest...
She had dreamed for so long to be just like her mother... Selena. To be a wrestler of SCW and to carry on the Frost name.
Oberon let out a low, insistent bark, pulling forward now, snow spraying beneath his paws, as if he understood exactly what was happening.
“How could we not think about this?” Deanna asked aloud.
“Because we were too busy trying to think with our heads...” Selena sighed. “When I’m the one that taught her how to think with her heart.”
That was so long ago... Her heart slammed inside her chest so hard that it hurt.
She was already moving before Deanna spoke again, boots crunching hard as she crossed the lot, ignoring the sting of cold, the ache in her chest, the sudden fear clawing up her spine. She reached the front door, unlocked, and shoved it open.
It wasn’t much warmer inside than outside, but that was to be expected. At least there was protection from the cruel winds. Everything seemed pretty bare still. No furniture or decor, but that would come about quickly once the renovations were completed.
“Elsi-” Deanna started, only for Selena to silence with with a hand over her mouth. Turning to the surprised redhead, she could only shake her head slow. Without another word, she silently made her way up the stairs, the winds outside drowning out any foot-sounds as it howled against the home.
Up they went to the second floor until they reached the door Selena knew well. Reaching out, her hand gently took the handle and turned it, carefully and quietly pushing it open to reveal the girl sitting in the middle of the room. A pillow beside her and her blanket, thick and wooly, wrapped around her.
“Elsianna...” Selena breathed in relief.
The girl looked at her mother, and even in the dimly lit room of moonlight and lamplight Elsianna had plugged in, Selena could see the exhaustion from the cold. The area around her was wet from what snow had melted off the child and fallen to the rug.
“…You weren’t supposed to find me.” she whispered quietly, bundling the blanket tighter around herself. The sound of her voice — strained, tired, but unmistakably there - nearly brought Selena to her knees. Her crutches leaned against the wall – probably in case the excursion was too much for her recovering leg.
But Deanna would not be denied, the redhead waiting long enough before rushing into embrace her daughter, her words a mixture of names and cries of relief.
“I just wanted to remember,” Elsianna said quietly. “What it felt like before everything got…”
Crazy? Out of hand? Out of control? A nightmare? Selena thought.
“Worse.” Elsianna finished, which actually sounded worse than the other words Selena had come up with.
It caused her to stay where she was.
Watching.
Breathing.
Realizing.
She had been wrong in her initial assessment. This place—this choice— it wasn’t rebellion or hatred.
It was grief.
“I didn’t want to hate you,” Elsianna said into Deanna’s coat, though the voice seemed to be sent towards Selena, muffled but sharp enough to cut. “I still don’t. But every time people say your name like it means something ugly… every time they look at me like I’m supposed to apologize for it…” She swallowed. “I just wanted it to stop.”
Selena stepped forward then. Slowly. Carefully. Afraid...
Afraid?! What did she have to be afraid of? She was Selena Frost! She had survived wars, chambers, corrupt managers holding her back, factions trying to destroy SCW with only her in the way, people that wanted her out of SCW, people that wanted her injured and hurt... people that wanted her dead! She had survived them all! Against every odd! What did she have to be afraid of...
Of this little snow child shattering like ice in your ‘unstoppable’ grip... her heart spoke sharply, though her ears picked up her eldest daughter still talking.
“I didn’t ask if it was worth it.” Selena admitted, voice low, stripped of its edge. “You did.”
Elsianna finally looked at her. Selena knelt too, snow melting off her coat, hands resting uselessly on her knees.
“And I don’t know the answer.” Selena admitted. “Not tonight. Not yet.” Her voice wavered, just slightly. “But if being right costs me you, Elsianna…” She shook her head. “Then no. It isn’t worth it.”
The words hung there, heavy and imperfect and terrifyingly honest.
Inside the broken ring, the Frost family sat in silence—fractured, hurting, but together.
For now.
And for the first time all night, Selena allowed herself to hope that maybe… there was a way it could stay that together.
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| Deanna Frost Fatal Fortunes Roleplays |
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Posted by: SnowQueenSCW - 01-06-2026, 08:57 PM - Forum: Breakdown: Fatal Fortunes || January 8 & 15, 2026
- Replies (1)
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Frost No More
”Celebration Derailed”
Eyrie Tower
New York City, New York
December 22nd, 2025
6:48pm
Christmas had a way of making the penthouse suite feel more like a home to Deanna. Granted, it was nothing compared to the beauty and homeliness of her ‘Forever Home’, a continued dull ache in her heart, but still... she had refused to the let this holiday-time with its new location ruin the Christmas her family sorely needed!
Even if my wife hates it.
Ex-wife... hiss-mocked the dark voice in her head.
Not for much longer! Deanna mentally shot back, confidence flaring in that moment.
She had made the decision when Selena had offered it, but it had been the pay-per-view that had driven her will to a level to believe she could get it. Whether it was after she had fixed everything and saved Selena or before, she was going to take the platinum-blonde up on her offer and remarry her. She would be Selena’s wife again.
We never should have divorced in the first place... she quietly admitted.
They were both flawed but who in this world wasn’t? They both made mistakes – continued to – but again, who didn’t? What mattered was they both were trying. Trying to balance their work-lives and their privates-lives together. And they both loved one another. Deanna couldn’t doubt that. She knew Selena loved her more than anything and the feeling was more than mutual.
So what if that meant she was married to the most hated person in SCW? Did she hate the things Selena did? Sometimes – especially at work. But that didn’t just ‘erase’ who Selena truly was. The point was... there was nothing Deanna could do. She was in love with Selena. She wanted to be her wife again. And that... well, that was that.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, the redhead felt her bare feet under the wooden floors. She had done her best to decorate the place weeks ago and was quite pleased with how the place had been turned out. For her part, Selena had said nothing about it, other than a compliment here and there. No griping or pointing out the issues of the holiday, though Deanna wasn’t sure if that was just the older woman accepting things after so many years...
Or not wanting to piss off Elsianna more than she already has...
Taking a moment, Deanna gazed around the large room once more. Selena belonged in places like this. Places built to intimidate, to elevate, to remind everyone inside them who mattered most. Selena wore the height, the glass, the stone like armor—like proof that she deserved to be seen from miles away. That she mattered. That she was powerful.
But Deanna, herself? She didn’t need it. She didn’t really want it. She had learned to exist here differently. She chose warmth, chose noise that didn’t echo with dominance but with living and heart and home. She fought the building every day, in small stubborn ways, like cleaning and decor and activity. This wasn’t a fortress now that she and the children were here. No! This was a home! A rogue scarf thrown over a chair, a stack of comic books on a polished table, a mug left too long on the counter— she chose these things! Small acts of rebellion, sure, but enough to bend the space toward humanity and personality.
And for Christmas? Like the SoA tournament, she had fought harder than ever before!
Red and emerald lights wound around bannisters and columns. Electronic candles glowed on nearly every surface, filling the air with warmth, while the real candles filled the space with the faint scent of pine, vanilla, and sugar. But it was the Christmas tree that dominated the living area. It had been such a trial getting THAT into the elevator and up to the top floor! Still, it had been worth it!
Ornaments weighed down the branches: some cheap plastic ones from school fundraisers with names written on the back in crooked marker, while some were delicate glass pieces Selena had eyed quietly years ago. Others still were handmade by the children: construction paper, glue, glitter applied far too thickly.
Deanna’s gaze lingered on one ornament shaped like a cracked star, taped together years ago after Amiliah had dropped it, a faint smile coming to the redhead’s lips at the sight of it. Elsianna had insisted it still belonged on the tree and, she had to admit, Elsianna had been right.
“It’s still a star.” Deanna said, recalling her oldest daughter’s logic. “It just got hurt.”
The redhead lingered in the doorway, leaning her hip against the frame, fingers wrapped around a mug of spiced cider. Her body still hummed with the aftershock of the pay-per-view—muscles buzzing with that familiar ache that meant she’d pushed herself harder than ever before... and come back alive.
She felt the warmth of her drink in her hands. The adrenaline, the noise, the memory of the crowd chanting for her—she couldn’t shake the memory of it, like proof that the last nine months hadn’t been a dream, or a lie she’d told herself just to survive. Out of the corner of her eye, sitting on the nearby coffee-table, she saw the Christmas lights bouncing off the gold of the plates.... The SCW Adrenaline Championship...
Even now, days later, Deanna caught herself glancing at it as if it might vanish in a flash if she didn’t keep it in sight. The gold plates gleamed, catching reflections from the tree, the candles, the windows. The SCW insignia flashed back at her when she shifted. She’d placed the belt carefully beside a tray of sugar cookies shaped like snowflakes and stars. Approaching it, she traced one line of engraving absentmindedly with her finger.
It had been so satisfying to deal that defeat to Dexter Grant, she had to admit. It had been bad enough how he had ‘gotten through’ this tournament favouring short-cuts and ‘deals’ and ‘interference’. But to turn all that on her? To declare everything she had gone through as a ‘sham’? A ‘ploy’? Something to ‘garner attention’? And then, to try and barter his way out of the match? To put it off to the finals? To declare that he would end the SoA tournament by defeating her? And then to regurgitate it as they stood in the ring?
Deanna’s extended hand tightened into a fist. Grant didn’t give a damn about the tournament or the title or the fans. He was a coward, pure and simple. Always wanting the easy path rather than earning his way through – and maybe that was fine for him... but it wasn’t the way Deanna wanted. Nor was it the way she wanted the tournament or the division to head. And now? She could actually try and ensure that.
Provided you don’t fuck it up at Fatal Fortunes or against your last opponent in the rounds...
The redhead drew her hand back, emerald eyes eyeing the plate of cookies beside the title-belt. Elsianna had helped bake the treats earlier. The young girl, Deanna recalled, had worked in focused silence, spacing the cookies perfectly, measuring icing lines with near-military precision. So like Selena.... Of course, when Deanna had joked about it, Elsianna hadn’t smiled.
“I just don’t want them to be wrong,” she’d said.
One cookie leaned against the belt now, frosting smudged, imperfect. The imperfection further brightened Deanna’s smile.
She was imperfect. Even broken still in some ways. And yet... she was also... Undefeated. Adrenaline Champion.
The words still felt unreal in her head. Nine months ago, she hadn’t been sure she’d ever step into a ring again—hadn’t been sure she’d ever feel safe under those lights. There had been nights when the thought of ropes and crowds made her chest seize. Nights where she’d lain awake beside Selena, staring at the ceiling, wondering if coming back so early meant breaking herself all over again. Or breaking what little peace she’d managed to rebuild...
A sharp bark pulled her out of the thoughts. Oberon trotted past her legs, tail wagging lazily, white fur bright against the dark floor. The Samoyed paused near the tree, head tilting as if considering something... then he sniffed suspiciously at one of the lower branches.
“No...” Deanna murmured automatically. “That is not THAT kind of tree!”
From within the tree came a soft crash, earning a sigh from the redhead. “Midna,” Deanna warned without looking.
Two bright eyes blinked at her as a furry head poked out from between branches. The black kitten remained entirely unfazed, tail flicking lazily. But with its voice seemed to come more noise, breaking the silence Deanna had enjoyed. From across the room, growing louder, came the human voices Deanna recognized:
“I’m telling you,” David insisted as he entered the room, Nintendo Switch in his hands, “Thor wins. Every time.”
“No he doesn’t!” Amiliah protested, hands planted firmly on her hips. “Captain Marvel can fly into space!”
“So can Thor!”
“But he needs a hammer!”
“That’s like saying Iron Man needs a suit!”
“Exactly!”
Their argument dissolved into overlapping voices, neither listening because both were convinced they were right. Still, rather than be annoyed, Deanna merely smiled faintly. David’s black hair had fallen into his eyes again, the white streak at his temples catching the light as he gestured wildly as he sat on the couch. Amiliah bounced on her toes, fierce and unyielding, her small frame vibrating with certainty. And yet, every few seconds, Amiliah’s gaze flicked toward the stairs, causing Deanna’s gaze to, eventually, do the same.
Elsianna stood on the upper landing. She was hanging paper snowflakes along the railing, her gloved hands moving methodically, measuring spacing, straightening edges, and even comparing designs so they ‘complimented’ each other. Platinum-blonde hair fell straight down her back, like Selena’s though Elsianna wore it loose more often, as if deliberately refusing the echo.
Reserved. Controlled. That’s what every action her daughter did screamed. It was only when she was arguing with Selena that that mask would slip, revealing the emotions – both good and bad – that lay buried underneath.
Deanna’s chest tightened at the thought, her memories filling her head on their own. She remembered how Elsianna used to laugh louder. She used to run down the stairs two at a time, fearlessly, calling out stories about school before her backpack even hit the floor. She used to idolize Selena openly, proudly, wearing the Frost name like armour. Now she wore gloves year-round and weighed every smile like it might cost her something.
And just with those thoughts, Deanna heard behind her, another set of footsteps approaching—measured, restless. She knew without having to look.
Selena.
“You’re pacing,” Deanna said softly without turning her head, causing the platinum-blonde to stop beside her.
“Am I?” she asked.
“Yes.”
A pause stretched between them. Eventually, Selena exhaled. “You’re still keeping it on display.”
Deanna glanced over at the belt sitting by the cookies. “I earned it.”
“I didn’t say you didn’t.”
But there it was—that edge. That subtle twist that made even acknowledgement feel like comparison. Like a scoreboard neither of them had agreed to keep. It wasn’t that surprising. For the whole time of this tournament, Deanna had been the one that was compared to Selena – the redhead taking part of the tournament that the Snow Queen had helped make famous. Now? For the first time, there was a difference forming. In neither year had Selena run the table, going undefeated throughout the tournament. Never had she WON the title until the finals of the 2016 version.
But Deanna? She was so close to doing that – what Selena never could. And now? Now that was what people were comparing them to. How much ‘better’ Deanna was doing it. The redhead had to admit, it felt kind of good to be so regarded, if only marginally. Still, she refused to brag about it verbally. That would be unfair. But proudly displaying the title she had won and fought like hell for? She wasn’t above that!
Finally, she turned towards the taller woman. Selena stood there, arms crossed, and platinum-blonde hair pulled back into a loose braid. Her sapphire-blue eyes flicked to the belt a few times, then always away.
“You okay?” Deanna asked.
Selena shrugged. “You’re the one glowing.”
“I’m allowed.” Deanna shrugged with a smile. “I’m a champion again.”
“Yeah,” Selena replied. “Whole arena noticed.”
Deanna heard what Selena didn’t say. Least they still love and respect you. She swallowed. “You won too.”
Selena’s lips twitched a little, the disgust clear. “Technically.”
The word sat between them. Yes, Selena had won and gotten her guaranteed shot against the Glimmers after months of what the Snow Queen called “Ring around the goddamn rosey” but the win had come like all her other matches. Controversial. Tainted. Deanna also wanted to say ‘karma’ and ‘comeuppance’ but she held her tongue at that. Still, there was no denying the satisfaction she felt after seeing Selena so smug after her actions against Xander, only for those actions to come back and bite the platinum-blonde – hopefully a lesson learned.
Before Deanna could respond, Amiliah’s voice rang out. “Mom! Mommy! Come see!”
Deanna turned toward the living room. “I’ll be right there, Lia.” she affectionately called out, using the nickname Amiliah had asked for weeks ago. She took a step forward before the thought came to her – causing her to turn back towards Selena. “Tonight’s supposed to be good.” she said quietly.
Selena didn’t answer, merely giving a shrug for a response. Knowing she wouldn’t get more, Deanna crossed the room, ruffling David’s hair as she passed. “Cake!” she announced.
Cheers erupted instantly. Amiliah bounced. David fist-pumped. Even Elsianna smiled faintly as she came down the stairs, careful but steadier now that her cast was gone. As they gathered around the table—dragged closer to the tree— and the cake was brought out, Deanna felt a fragile peace settle over her. All the kids had demanded some kind of celebration for Deanna’s victory, though the redhead suspected they were just looking for a reason – any reason – to have ice-cream cake! Still, Selena had complied, and Deanna could only go along with it – quietly loving it more than she could say.
Carefully, Elsianna cut the cake while Amiliah narrated every step. Elsa passed out plates and when she reached Deanna, her gaze flicked to the championship belt, eyes lighting up despite herself.
“It looks cooler up close,” Elsianna said quietly as she sat beside the redhead.
“You helped me win it.” Deanna whispered, smiling at her daughter.
“I just told you not to quit.”
“Still counts.”
Selena sat last. She didn’t reach for cake right away. Instead, she looked at them, eyes lingering on Elsianna, then Deanna. Finally, she lifted her glass.
“To Mom.” she said with a smile. “Adrenaline Champion. Undefeated.”
“To Mom!” Everyone responded, while Deanna beamed, unable to stop herself.
They clinked glasses. For a heartbeat, it almost felt like before... imperfect but perfect at the same time...
“So why were people booing Mother again?”
The warmth shattered instantly by David’s question. Deanna’s eyes flew to Selena in time to see the Snow Queen stiffen immediately. Taking a deep breath, the platinum-blonde settled on a familiar answer. “It’s complicated.”
“Is it because of the chair?” Amiliah asked innocently.
With a sigh, Deanna closed her eyes, sensing the tension mounting unknowingly by the children and their questions.
Biting her lower lip, Selena stood. “Fine.” she stated, her patience reaching its limit. “He was sticking his nose where it didn’t belong.”
There was only a moment of silence while Elsianna looked around. “That’s it?” she asked, staring at her mother. “That’s all you can say? You tried to take him out for good!”
“I tried to protect myself.” Selena remarked. “He would have done the same thing to me, especially after Enigma hurt his ego like that. He was a liability that would have come after me-”
“He’s had concussions!” Elsianna countered. “You’re telling me you’re risking someone’s well-being, their life, just because he ‘might’ go after you?”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Selena remarked. “That man has done so much damage to me and to us – this family – so I KNOW what he would have done if I hadn’t!”
Despite knowing it wouldn’t work, Deanna stood up, trying to calm emotions. “Selena—”
“Come on, Deanna!” Selena interjected. “How many times has he tried to end my career like he did Regan’s? How many times did he go after you? He came to our house! He’s threatened my life more times than practically anyone! Putting my head on a stake! Tearing my face off! Making our children orphans-”
“Selena!” Deanna warned. “Not here and not now!”
“Why does everyone think I’m wrong?” Selena asked. “That man’s ego has ruined so many people’s lives and made my career go through hell! Trust me! If I had just let things be, he would have attacked me in Montreal anyway! Just to prove he wasn’t weak! I just wanted to end things and get management off my back over this forced team-up!”
“What you did wasn’t ‘ending thing’.” Deanna said quietly. “It was escalating. I watched it back.” she added. “And I hated it.”
The words shattered the room, creating a void of sound. One that was broken by something just as raw and damaging.
“That’s why I don’t want the Frost name anymore,” Elsianna said quietly, yet strongly. Silence once more, though shorter than the last. “To Springs.” Elsianna added.
“This again.” Selena sighed in frustration. “That name is our legacy.” she tried to explain.
“It’s YOUR legacy!” Elsianna countered.
“Look, Elsa...” Selena tried again. “I know it’s been hard on you with how things have been going the last year or two. I’m sorry, okay? But you’re seeing that short time instead of over a decade of good that I did!”
“No, I’m not.” Elsianna countered. “It’s BECAUSE of the good I know you’re capable of that all of this now hurts so damn much!”
“That isn’t a reason to want a different name!”
“Are you kidding?” Elsianna asked, gesturing a hand towards Deanna. “Your own WIFE wants to be out of your shadow! Or are you too egotistical to see that she’s actually smiling for the first time now that people are looking at her as her own person-”
“Enough!”
The voice came from Deanna, sharp and commanding. “This is not the time or place for this!” she added, eyeing both women. “
Slowly, Elsianna looked away, shaking her head. “I can’t do this.” she stated, turning to leave. “Things were better back in Manhattan!” she stated before leaving the room. David and Amiliah could only gaze at one another awkwardly, while the pets stayed silent, thankfully.
Giving a long sigh, Deanna shook her head, eyeing Selena. Though it was David that broke the silence.
“Did... Did I ruin things?”
Immediately, Deanna was shaking her head, regarding her son. “No, David.” She explained. “It’s just... it’s hard right now. Your mom and sister are at odds.”
The young boy huffed. “I don’t get it!” he shrugged his shoulders. “Mom’s just playing a role on TV. Like the Marvel movies. Why does Elsa gotta be so butthurt about that?”
“DAVID!” Deanna recoiled in shock.
“What? It’s true!” he turned to Selena. “You’re a good mom, mostly.” he shrugged. “Why she so upset that you don’t play one on TV? Can’t she tell it’s a part?”
“It’s...” Selena had been shocked by her son’s assessment, but chose her words carefully. “It’s a little more complicated than that, David. It’s not always so black-and-white when it comes to SCW. And some people can’t see that I’m...” she gave a shrug. “I’m just trying to help.”
“Can’t mommy just go back to being good again?” Amiliah asked with a shrug.
“Good question.” Deanna stated, eyeing Selena. “Well?”
“It’s not that simple.” Selena replied. “I’m not as lovable as your mom is.” Was all she could finish, causing Amiliah to nod, then shake her head before excusing herself to check on her sister.
Selena’s response was a dodge, but Deanna couldn’t counter it. The issue was that so much of Selena’s ‘issues’ were rooted in some genuine problems with SCW – their choices and actions adding fuel to the fire, making such a ‘transition’ beyond impossible.
Still... there had to be a way...
“I’m going to go talk to her.” Deanna decided, moving past Selena, only to stop as she heard a familiar ‘ding’ coming from the adjacent hallway.
The elevator...
Perhaps it was the sudden dread that gripped her that made her move towards the sound, or maybe it was some kind of motherly intuition. Whatever the reason, she pivoted and marched towards the elevator, reaching it just in time to see the doors close fully – simultaneous with Amiliah suddenly rushing back into the room where everyone else was.
“Elsa’s not in her room!”
It was like the pieces fell into place in Deanna’s mind as the others worked to figure it out. However, it didn’t take long for her to hear those familiar footsteps as Selena stood behind Deanna once more.
“She wouldn’t—” Selena half-stated, half-begged.
“She did.” Deanna said, voice breaking, not needing so much confirmation anymore to trust her instincts.
Elsa was gone. Their daughter had run away. And the room glowed so much less without her in it...
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| Your Fate will be sealed in this SUTTER thread |
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Posted by: The Assassin - 01-05-2026, 05:17 PM - Forum: Breakdown: Fatal Fortunes || January 8 & 15, 2026
- Replies (1)
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December 25th, 2025
Birmingham, England
Off Camera
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Clyde Sutter may appear to be a stoic, cold hearted, emotionless asshole on the outside; but to say that he doesn’t have feelings or that he doesn’t care about anyone is most definitely wrong. The Harbinger of Fate most definitely cares; he cares a great deal for his beloved Melinda Braddock. He would quite literally do anything she asked of him. He is almost as loyal to Melinda’s adopted sister Fiona Logan, but not quite. Only Melinda and Melinda alone holds the soul of The Assassin in the palm of her hand. Sutter is fiercely loyal to the sisters, to the duo known as The Vision. Therefore Sutter feels bad that they failed in their quest to become SCW World Tag Team Champions at Shattered Reality. Despite what many may think, The Harbinger of Fate is disappointed in himself; he is disappointed that he did not fulfill his promise to end Shaun Cruze’s return before it even got under way. Sutter may be a disciple of Fate, he may believe strongly in Fate, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about the spotlight, winning gold, and earning money.
Still, Fate has told him to be patient and wait, that his time will come; and that time might very well be coming sooner than expected. Fatal Fortunes is next on the list and that event is the one event on the SCW calendar that Sutter likes more than anything else. Fatal Fortunes relies heavily on Fate. No one truly controls their destiny, Fate controls their destiny, and on these two nights no one can deny otherwise. The Assassin, being an ally of Fate and disciple of Fate, believes that this event will favor him over the others. Fate may very well use Fatal Fortunes to reward not only Clyde Sutter but The Vision as well for their fierce loyalty to the cause and for their belief.
He certainly hopes so, because things have not been well in The Vision camp lately. Sutter can feel the tension and it isn’t just from the losses at Shattered Reality. Fiona Logan is being stalked by her abusive former foster father. Sutter and beloved Melinda hated leaving Fiona behind in Miami with Todd Osbourne on the loose but they know she is safe in the care of Glory Braddock and Kurt Logan. Besides, Clyde has issues of his own to deal with; namely his sister, Lilith Sutter, issues that require his presence in England.
The house sat quietly along a narrow Birmingham street, one of many modest homes pressed shoulder to shoulder in a neat row, its brick exterior darkened slightly by years of rain and city air. There was nothing about it that demanded attention, and that was part of its charm. A small front window glowed softly from within, curtains drawn just enough to let the light spill onto the pavement outside. The evening was cool, carrying the distant sounds of traffic and the occasional echo of footsteps, reminders that the city was still awake even as this particular home retreated inward. Inside, the warmth was immediate. The living room was compact but comfortable, shaped by practicality rather than excess. The furniture did not match in any deliberate way, but everything felt chosen with care and kept with intention. A well worn sofa faced a simple television stand, and a low coffee table bore the quiet evidence of daily life. A few framed photographs lined the walls, moments captured from different chapters of their lives, blending past and present into a single shared space. The lighting was gentle and unassuming, coming from a single lamp that cast soft shadows across the room.
Melinda Braddock moved easily through the space, as though the house responded to her presence. She was dressed in a feminine outfit that felt almost poetic in its contrast to the humble setting. A soft, flowing skirt fell to just below her knees, the fabric light and elegant, swaying subtly with each step she took. The color was refined without being loud, a shade that complemented her almost platinum blonde hair and fair complexion. Her top was fitted and graceful, tucked neatly into the waistband of the skirt, its fabric smooth and delicate. The neckline was modest but flattering, emphasizing her posture and the natural elegance she carried even in quiet moments. Her shoes were simple yet refined, low heeled and practical enough for the home, but still undeniably feminine. They made only the faintest sound against the floor as she moved. A delicate necklace rested at her collarbone, catching the lamplight in brief flashes, and small earrings framed her face without drawing attention away from it. Her hair was styled softly, not rigid or overdone, falling neatly around her shoulders in a way that felt natural rather than staged. The overall effect was one of effortless grace, as though she had dressed not to impress an audience but simply to be herself.
Clyde Sutter, by contrast, looked as though he had shed every layer of performance the moment he crossed the threshold. He was dressed down to the bare essentials, his clothing chosen entirely for comfort. A loose, worn t shirt clung lightly to his frame, the fabric softened by countless washes. The sleeves hung casually against his arms, and the collar sat slightly stretched, a testament to familiarity rather than neglect. He wore a pair of relaxed sweatpants, dark and unassuming, sitting low on his hips, and his feet were bare against the floor. His long black hair was pulled back loosely, not with any particular care, strands escaping to frame his face. There was no trace of the imposing presence he carried in arenas, no calculated posture or intensity. Here, his shoulders were relaxed, his movements unguarded. He looked at ease in a way that only came from being completely at home, both in the space and with the person beside him.
The house itself reflected their shared life in subtle ways. A folded blanket rested over the arm of the sofa, suggesting evenings spent together in quiet comfort. A mug sat forgotten on the coffee table, its contents long gone cold. The air carried a faint mix of familiar scents, clean laundry, brewed tea, and something warm that lingered from earlier cooking. Outside, the city pressed close, but inside, the walls held firm, creating a small pocket of calm.
“You know, while we are here in England, we could train at my grandfather’s wrestling school.” Melinda says cheerfully.
“You do recall that the the trainers are not all that fond of me, do you not?”
“Of course but you are about to be family.” Melinda winks playfully. “My future husband. You get the family perks. Besides, we DO have Fatal Fortunes coming up, and my grandfather always knew the craziest, wildest, most inventive of ways to prepare for any and every scenario. The staff at the Braddock Wrestling School has kept up that tradition.”
“As well they should.” Clyde remarks. “Fatal Fortunes will bring about chaos to the roster, chaos because they are all taught to anticipate, to prepare, to believe that they are in control. When Fate takes away their control they descend into anarchy. But you and I, we already KNOW that Fate is in control. We are loyal to Fate and that chaos will have no affect on us.”
“You sound confident.”
“I am confident because I trust in Fate.” Sutter states boldly. “Regardless of what may have happened in the past, at Shattered Reality, our opportunity to take the next big step in SCW is right here and right now with Fatal Fortunes. This should be OUR event, my love. No one should be able to stop us at Fatal Fortunes.”
“You make it sound too easy.” Melinda runs her hand across his strong, chiseled chest. “We will not know what Fate has in store for us, either.”
“Correct, but I still trust in Fate, and that is what Fatal Fortunes is built upon…Fate. Fatal Fortunes was created in order to remind the arrogant stars of SCW that FATE is in control of their destinies.”
“I just hope Fate will reward us.” Melinda states. “I think you and I both deserve some gold. You know what I mean?”
“You deserve all of the gold in the world, my love.” Clyde says sweetly. “I hope you do get the title match you want. However, if you do not, and if I am lucky enough to get a title match, I promise you that I will win it FOR YOU and I will gift it TO YOU.” Sutter’s eyes are intense. “I mean it.”
“Thanks, babe, but you shouldn’t just ignore yourself.” Melinda smirks. “I wouldn’t mind marrying a SCW Champion.”
“I know you wouldn’t.” Clyde smiles warmly. “And I am certain that Fate will fall in OUR direction these two nights of Fatal Fortunes.”
“I hope so, but my point stands, trying to prepare for anything and everything we can possibly prepare for wouldn’t hurt.” Melinda remarks. “And my grandfather’s school isn’t that far away.”
“Fair enough.” Clyde nods his head. “Just remember, my beloved, we are not here because of Fatal Fortunes. We are not even here to tour my old stomping grounds or your old home. We are here for other, graver, more serious business.”
“Lilith.”
The name comes across Melinda’s lips as if it were a plague. Lately she has been a plague. She is Clyde’s sister and harassed him for months trying to get him to join her criminal empire. Clyde and Melinda thought she was gone but she still stalked him, secretly and covertly. Now Lilith has made a full blown return and wants to speak with Clyde. He is suspicious, of course, despite her offer of peace and goodwill. She claims that she is not in the criminal business anymore, that her operations are completely legitimate. Melinda does not think seeing Lilith is a good idea but Clyde fears that she will not go away unless he listens to what she has to say.
“I know you feel strongly about her…”
“She called me a whore.” Melinda snaps back. “Not to mention she is a criminal.”
“Is…was…we are not sure. She claims she is legitimate.” Sutter sighs as he digs through his pockets. “Although that did remind me…” he produces a small box. He passes it over to Melinda. She opens it up and it contains a huge diamond.
“Oh my God…” Melinda’s voice trails off “...Clyde, how did you…”
“I didn’t.” He shakes his head. “That was a gift from Lilith. She insisted that you take it. She wanted you to consider it a peace offering for the nasty things she has said about you.”
“So she’s trying to buy me off?” Melinda frowns.
“I honestly have no idea, my love.”
“For God’s sake, Clyde, she is YOUR sister!” Melinda exclaims. “How could you NOT know your own sister?”
“That’s the only reason I am even considering her offer…” his voice trails off. Melinda’s eyes grow wide with shock.
“You cannot be seriously considering working with her?”
“No, not working with her.” He shakes his head. “But LISTENING to what she has to say? Yes, I am considering it.”
“Why?!” Melinda asks. “She’s dangerous!”
“She is family.” Sutter says stoically. “She is my only connection to a past that I know very little about.”
The Assassin’s rough exterior begins to show cracks, signs of real emotion which are rare from this intimidating figure. Even Melinda is surprised. She watches him as he slowly walks past her and sits down on the sofa. Braddock approaches slowly and joins him on the sofa, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.
“It’s ok…you can talk to me…” she says gently with compassion in her voice.
“All I know for a fact about my father is that his name was Ethan. Ethan Sutter. Everything else I have heard is all hearsay. It is all talk and rumor. I heard that he was a common criminal. I heard he was a drug user. I heard he was a cult leader. Then again I also heard he was just part of some strange Christian sect.”
“You know your mother.” Melinda remarks. “Autumn Van Stanton.”
“Yes, my mother.” Clyde chuckles. “That is the only other thing I know about my father. Whether he was acting on a cultish religious belief or if he was just an unfaithful bastard, he had no faith towards any one female. Lilith and I have different mothers due to our father sleeping around.” He turns towards Melinda, runs a strong hand through her long blonde hair. “I do not want to be like my father…but I do want to know ABOUT him. I want to know where I came from. Lilith may have the answers. She is the only way I can find any answers. Besides, she is my sister and I cannot change that.”
“You cannot pick your family, that is for sure.” Melinda sighs. “You’re going to see her whether I like it or not.”
“I would walk to hell and back for you, my love, but on this one occasion I must do something you will not like. I must visit my sister. I must hear what she has to say in hopes of learning about my past.”
“Very well…” Melinda nods her head “...you have my blessing.”
“Thank you.”
“Just be careful.”
Melinda Braddock hugs Clyde Sutter tightly. She is afraid for him, afraid of what he is getting himself into. Clyde himself is anxious, though he would never show it. He knows how dangerous his sister is; he knows what she is capable of. Still, he wants to know where he came from. He wants to know about his past, specifically about a father he never got to know. Lilith is the only possible connection he has, not to mention the fact that Lilith may never go away or leave them alone unless he at least listens to what she has to say. It may be dangerous but it is a risk The Assassin is willing to take.
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| The Re-evaluation of Shaun Cruze |
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Posted by: Shaun2025 - 01-05-2026, 02:58 PM - Forum: Breakdown: Fatal Fortunes || January 8 & 15, 2026
- Replies (1)
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PREVIOUSLY…OFF CAMERA
Shaun: So, what do you want from me?
(She hesitates, her eyes narrowing as she stares directly at him.)
Angyalka: Right now, space. Because I can’t even stand to look at you.
Shaun: Angy?
Angyalka: Out
Shaun: Angyalka?
Angyalka: OUT!!!!
(Shaun lets a deep breath escape, before getting to his feet.)
Shaun: I’m sorry
Angyalka: Sorry you got caught.
(As the door shut behind him, he realizes that he hadn’t even said goodbye to Dorothea who wouldn’t have a clue what was going on. For a moment he thought about walking back inside but knew that would be the worst thing he could possibly do. Instead, he gets in his car and just sits there, for a moment glancing at Angyalka looking through the window, probably to ensure he was going to leave, Dorothea in her arms, possibly a parting shot at him, purposely designed to hurt him. He starts the engine, and then with a sigh, takes the car down the driveway, pulling out onto the road and making his way away from the house. It isn’t long until he finds himself in probably the most predictable of places, a downtown bar where he knew he could drown his troubles. And after a few Jack Daniels, the process is at least part working, the pain certainly numbed. Perhaps it also draws some Dutch courage, because he finds himself pulling his cellphone out of his pocket, and dialing the one number he knows he shouldn’t. He waits a few moments, then hangs up, common sense getting the better of him. He then holds up a single finger, the barman nodding his acknowledgement, and his need for another drink.)
TWO HOURS LATER
(Having helped the bars profits for the evening, a round for the whole place a particular highlight, Shaun finds himself in his hotel room for the night. The mini bar was well stocked, and once again Shaun helps himself, knowing that the reality is that he wasn’t. Again, he calls the same number from earlier, this time allowing it to ring that little bit longer. This time he gets an answer, a woman’s voice.)
Woman: Hey… wasn’t expecting your call.
Shaun: Hi, wasn’t sure if you’d be awake.
Woman: Yeah, just reading, the husband is away on business.
Shaun: No difference there then
(The bitterness in his voice obvious, he makes no attempt to hide it. Why should he?
Woman: Are you ok, you sound weird?
Shaun: Thanks
Woman: No, you just don’t sound the same that’s all.
Shaun: Guess that’s my good friend Jack.
Woman: …
(The silence tells its own story, but Shaun was passed caring right now, the drink having yes numbed the pain, but also taken away an of his inhibitions.)
Woman: So, your drunk then?
Shaun: Seems so
Woman: Well, you know I prefer you sober, so how about you call me in the morning.
Shaun: No, I mean… I had to call you; there’s something I need to tell you.
(She scoffs)
Woman: I swear Shaun, if you say you love me, I’m hanging up. You know this was only ever a bit of fun.
Shaun: I know…
Woman: OK, so what’s this all about?
Shaun: He knows.
Woman: What do you mean?
Shaun: He knows about you and me Sarah. Angyalka knows as well.
(The woman we now know is named Sarah goes silent again, this time not out of concern as to what is going to be said, but more of a shock. When her and Shaun had met, it wasn’t ever going to be anything special, and in fact, she had been the one who had done all the chasing until Shaun eventually succumbed. A few late-night texts, many pictures of her in various states of undress, and eventually Shaun had agreed to meet, and since they had met many times. She understood men, and how they couldn’t help themselves, and with her husband almost ignoring her for the sake of his business, she craved attention and with Shaun she had gotten it. What she hadn’t planned for, was being found out.)
Sarah: How did he find out? We were discreet.
Shaun: Obviously not discrete enough… he hired a private investigator to follow you. Unfortunately, he hired one of the very best.
Sarah: Hold on though… have you spoken to my husband? How do you know that he knows about us?
Shaun: Because the private investigator is Chris Clay… who is a friend of mine. He gave me a heads up so I could come clean to Angyalka before she found out second hand. He’s not going to spill what he knows until I tell him I’ve told Angyalka. So, I’m giving you the same opportunity.
Sarah: Where are you now?
Shaun: I’m in a hotel room downtown… Angy asked me to leave.
Sarah: Oh… I’m sorry Shaun. Guess that explains why you are drunk
Shaun: Answer to everything… well for me anyways. Can you come round?
(Even saying the words, he knew he was wrong. He knew that meeting with Sarah tonight wouldn’t do him any favors tomorrow… but that was tomorrow. That was the thing with alcohol, many people thought it made you do things you didn’t realize you were doing, when the truth was it was more you didn’t care. And in his current state, with his wife no doubt questioning him, and their marriage more than ever before, he didn’t care. He just wanted to feel… something else.)
Sarah: No, I can’t come round Shaun
Shaun: You said he was on business.
Sarah: He is. But like I said, you and I was only ever supposed to be about fun. What happens next isn’t going to be anything like.
Shaun: So what are you saying?
Sarah: I’m saying it’s over Shaun. Sort things out with your wife, do everything that you can to make things better. But you and I can’t see each other again.
Shaun: But…
Sarah: No, we are done. Do not contact me again.
(The line goes dead abruptly; Shaun left in obvious shock. There was a more than a sense of having your cake and eating it, and he knew it. He also knew that the best thing to do now was go to sleep, and deal with everything in the morning. Instead, he does what every idiot on the brink of losing everything does, and puts himself further into the abyss, reaching once again for the mini bar, and chugging the liquid straight from the bottle, not even hesitating to see what it was he was drinking. That was the pattern of the evening, an evening that only came to an end when Shaun eventually and inevitably passed out.)
TWO DAYS LATER
(Shaun had tried, and failed to speak to Angyalka, the day after the big reveal Shaun going around to the house and found Angyalka and Dorothea gone, and a note left to say she had gone to stay with her parents. Truth was, her parents had never really taken to Shaun so would be reveling in this latest news, whilst at the same time showing concern for their daughter. Every call he tried to make when to voicemail, every text read but never replied to. The husband now knew of Sarah’s infidelity, but already she had wormed her way back in with him, he a lot more pathetic that Angyalka apparently. So getting out of Los Angeles and finding his way to Miami and Owen seemed to be his best option. Unfortunately for him, the welcome when he knocked on the door of his nephew wasn’t as warm as he’d expected.)
Owen: You’ve got some nerve showing up here you really do.
Shaun: Well, I guess I know who’s side you’re on. Been speaking with Angy I take it?
Owen: Not a case of sides, is it? It’s the case of someone who had everything, and may have just thrown it all away.
Shaun: I know…
Owen: Do you, because from where I’m looking, if you knew, you wouldn’t have skulked over here, and you’d be in LA trying to save your marriage.
Shaun: She’s not there… she’s gone back to Hungary.
(There is none of the usual command in Shaun’s voice. In fact, his tone comes across as nothing but pitiful. Owen closes his eyes and sighs.)
Owen: What have you done Shaun?
(Puffing out his cheeks, Owen makes his way to the fridge, pulling out a couple of orange juices. He knew right now, Shaun would be looking for something stronger, but he also knew that self-destruction wasn’t something he could allow Shaun to do. Handing Shaun the drink, the two of them go out onto the terrace overlooking the ocean, the boat that Orlando had left Owen, now restored, tied to the dock. They both take a seat, and for a moment sit in silence. It is Owen that breaks it first.)
Owen: Can I be honest with you Shaun?
Shaun: Sure…
Owen: I never once believed that you could just ‘be’ without wrestling, or Impact Media. I know, you wanted what I had, and I appreciated it when you told me that I had it all, but neither you, or my Dad could ever be someone who just ‘exists’. Your ego wouldn’t have ever allowed it.
Shaun: So why didn’t you say so at the time?
Owen: Wasn’t my place to was it? And for a while I thought you were going to prove me wrong, but then you had to have that last match with Konrad Raab. It was then when I really started to question it. I knew that in time, you were always going to get bored… it’s in your nature. And so you’ve proven.
Shaun: Not pulling your punches huh?
Owen: It’s something you need to hear. My family… my wife and kid, even my dick of a dog, they will always be the most important thing to me, I made sure that was always going to be the case. But for you, and Orlando… family could never be enough.
(Shaun lowers his head, knowing that his nephew was right.)
Shaun: I really wanted it to be
Owen: I know you did Shaun, but the moment you didn’t have something else, you started looking for something else didn’t you? That’s where this ‘woman’ came in. She was something for you to get excited about again. Something to relieve the ‘tedium’ you felt just being at home with the family. You shouldn’t have ever needed it, because you had something that millions will never possess, and now in chasing that excitement, you could have lost it all.
(Shaun can only listen and nod, agreeing with the sentiment. Truth was, he wished it was Angyalka giving him this lecture because she was the one he needed to really talk to. These were home truths, and hearing his character decimated by his nephew could have come across as patronizing, but Owen had been on the other end plenty of times.)
Owen: And, my guess is, you didn’t even love this woman, did you?
(It was a perfectly logical opinion, but it was still surprising to hear, as if it would have made any difference if he had.)
Shaun: No
Owen: A bit of fun yeah? Bet you both told each other a lot of times?
Shaun: Yeah.
Owen: I’m sorry Shaun, but it’s pathetic… and could have been so easily avoided if you’d not tried to chase your impossible dream. You could have gone part-time with SCW. You could have kept Impact Media on instead of selling it for a steal to Blake. Heck, you weren’t even that shit an actor… you could have done some more films, I’m sure you’d have got some work. It’s not nice having to say this Shaun because I love you. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for you, and I’ll always have to thank you for giving me this life. But you’ve fucked up, and you’ve fucked up bad, and right now, I’m not sure even you can wrangle your way out of this one. Angy is furious, and I can’t blame her.
Shaun: So, what do I do?
(It was a question that Owen knew he would be asked. A full circle moment, with Owen now the one taking the moral high ground and providing what advice he had to give. In Owen’s opinion, right now there was nothing Shaun could do but wait. Wait for an opportunity for Angyalka to give him a chance. But having spoken with her only twenty-four hours ago, Owen wasn’t sure she would even give him that chance. In her mind, the trust was broken, and potentially forever.)
Owen: I honestly believe your only option is to remain patient, because Angyalka rightfully holds all the cards. There is going to be a time when she has calmed down enough to talk to you, and that will be the moment where you decide if Angyalka is what you truly want or is this something that you are just going to do again, and again. More than anything though Shaun, you have GOT to make sure that Dorothea doesn’t suffer. Because if she does, and you don’t get things right with her, then it won’t just be Angyalka you’ll be dealing with.
(It was a thinly veiled threat, which showed just how much of a man Owen had become over the years. Owen cared for Dorothea deeply… Angyalka was an adult that could look after herself and then some… Dorothea was just a little girl. If she suffered, in any way, Owen wouldn’t hold his tongue, and he left Shaun with no doubts regarding that.)
Owen: One thing you don’t do Shaun, is revert to type and turn to the drink to solve all your problems, because that isn’t going to serve you well. Though recent events show otherwise, you aren’t stupid, and you are going to need a clear head for whatever comes next. I never thought I’d be the one to say this to you, but you need to sort out your life… one way or another.
(Again, every word rings true, with the burn of the sharpest knife. The fact he was hearing it from his nephew, and it wasn’t the other way around made the hurt still more. There was no debate, he HAD fucked up, and what happened from here on in, may not ever be on his terms. Nor was there any certainty of the perfect ending.)
LATER THAT DAY
(Though there had been some harsh words, Shaun and Owen still spent some time together at the Miami section of Owen and Adam Lucas’s wrestling franchise. No more was said about the elephant in the room, and Shaun had almost enjoyed himself passing on some wisdom to the students who didn’t have the first clue what he was going through, or the mistakes he had made. As they are packing up however, Shaun sat in his car ready to make his way back to the airport and head back to LA to wait for Angyalka’s return, his phone rings loudly, connected to the car itself. Shaun doesn’t recognize the number, but connects the call regardless, wondering if it might be Angy from a different phone.)
Shaun: Hello…
Man: So, you’re the asshole who’s been fucking my wife
(Shaun immediately goes on the defensive, and half thinks about hanging up.)
Shaun: Who is this?
Man: My name is David… I believe you have become quite close to my wife… Sarah.
(There isn’t anger in his voice, but a tone that comes across as quite threatening.)
Shaun: How did you get my number?
David: That doesn’t matter. What does matter is thanks to your friend Chris, I know who you are, and more importantly, what you are.
Shaun: What do you mean by that?
David: Former Professional Wrestler, Actor, Producer… only recently sold Impact Media for no doubt an extortionate amount of money. More importantly though, I’m guessing that you are the type of guy who would want to protect his public image… especially when you have a wife and daughter who could be affected by your little ‘indiscretions’ getting out.
Shaun: So that’s what this is about… money?
David: You tried to take my wife from me, so now I intend to take something from you.
Shaun: And the wife isn’t enough?
(David laughs)
David: Come now Shaun, that’s a bit like the pot calling the kettle black, is it not? Was your wife enough for you?
Shaun: Well, maybe if you’d not always been away on business…
David: Oh, the irony… I was away, because the business was in trouble. Sarah didn’t know the sacrifices I was making for her, but she does now. Thanks to you.
Shaun: So, what do you want?
David: That’s simple Shaun. I need five million dollars to get my company out of trouble, and you are going to give it to me.
Shaun: So, blackmail?
David: Let’s call it more bankrolling some debts. My guess is that to someone like you, your ‘name’ is everything, not to mention the hurt this coming out would bring on the family. Five million, and that all goes away. No five million, then I guess I reveal my story to the world and any ‘honor’ you had, is lost forever… with probably your family too.
(Shaun doesn’t miss the ‘honor’ dig. David had obviously done his homework. Nor was he naïve to the fact that this information would destroy all the credibility he had built over the years. And David knew it, the smugness in his voice obvious.)
David: I’ll give you a couple of days to make your decision, but I reckon you’ve already decided. Speak to you real soon Shaun… how’s that for an impact?
(The line goes dead, Shaun throwing the phone on the bed, shaking his head, something else for him to consider when he was at his lowest.)
Shaun: Can this get any worse?
(He’s only talking to himself… but what he didn’t know at this point was that it WAS going to get worse. MUCH worse.
Scene fades)
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