The House of Frost vs. The Happy Farmstead Friends

[SnowQueenSCW]

OOC: Deanna’s second. Counts for both matches.

The Witches of Alden

”Believability”

Black Arrow Neighbourhood 
Manhattan, New York
October 31st, 2022
8:47pm

It had been adorable to watch her children grow more and more tired – each one nodding off as the night dwindled on. 

They had started altogether – The Frost Family – the children running up and down the streets excitedly, well, David mostly. The boy had been the most excited. He had written out his page of ‘apology’, showing it to both Deanna and Selena to prove that he had, and been beyond well-behaved the last few days. In short, he had re-earned his ‘trick-or-treat’ privileges, as Deanna had put it. So, his excitement was understandable. 

Although, when Deanna had reviewed his ‘written punishment’, as it were, she did make an interesting discovery. The boy, perhaps during a ‘break’ in his writing, had drawn a small sketch in the upper left corner of the gargoyle he had been climbing – the very act that had gotten him grounded in the first place. And for a young boy of nearly six, it was a decent drawing snugly places in the corner of the lined paper. 

Deanna smiled to herself as she walked down the street. Perhaps it was the excitement and all the extra running he had done in joy of regaining Halloween that had worn him out, but the poor boy had started getting sleepy shortly after Amiliah. Every time one of the children got too tired, Selena would pick them up and carry them back home, with Gerda there to watch them, before rejoining the others. Amiliah had lasted only an hour, with David following shortly thereafter. Elsianna had wanted to stay longer, wanting to gather more candy for her brother and sister. She had chosen to wear the costume she had worn for the school play of “Frankenstein” she had performed a week or so ago, which Selena had helped her get past (perhaps another story for another time…), but she, eventually, had nodded off as well, which was why Deanna was walking the streets of the neighbourhood by herself, with Selena dropping off Elsianna at their house. 

Would Selena even come back at this point? Or with all their children done for the night, would she leave Deanna to make her own way home? Maybe she was already asleep – the Snow Queen sleeping on the couch in the living room since their fight in Washington DC. 

The notions brought a myriad of emotions to the redhead. On one hand, she didn’t need her wife to help her find her way home in their neighbourhood. She knew exactly where she was and she could take care of herself. On the other hand… Deanna’s eyes looked down at her empty left hand. On the other hand, she wanted to hold her wife’s hand and keep walking…

The children may have loved the trick-or-treating candy-grabbing the most of Halloween, but Deanna’s favourite part was the houses. It was the same for Christmas, seeing the multitude of decorations. And with the contest coming to a close tonight, she partially had wanted to see her ‘competition’ as well. 

No… that wasn’t entirely accurate. Her only competition, really, was Leslie. She wanted to beat Leslie. If someone else beat her, then that would be okay. It was very different from her feelings with SCW. At the thought, Deanna felt the familiar soreness in her back and legs. She had overdone her training this morning and the night before, not to mention the spare time she had, she had dedicated to studying the chamber combatants. As much as she wanted to study the Farmstead Friends of Dancing Bear and Hairless Penguin, she had done enough of that. Additionally, she felt that the chamber was where she needed to prove something. It was there that everyone believed she would not last. The tag-match? She had Selena, so she would be fine with her wife protecting her – she exhaled in frustration at that perception, though that turned into a tired yawn which belied her exhaustion as she walked down the street.

She had not wanted to be part of the chamber. Had had zero ambition to join it, but being thrown into it by Lexy? And hearing Shaun and Selena’s words back in DC? Things had changed. And she refused to simply be pitied by anyone, including the combatants of the chamber. So what if she wasn’t ‘ready’ or she ‘couldn’t handle it’? Who were they all to judge her? Who was Selena to decide for her? It was why Deanna had worked harder than ever to better her chances not just of surviving but winning it all – the tag-titles and the chamber. She knew of Cruze’s speed, but he had been on a ‘big match losing streak’ of sorts, losing to the likes of Selena and Adam recently. Adam was strategically-speaking the most dangerous but since his loss to Xander, the spring in his step was diminished, his momentum halted. Power moves and strikes could slow him down. The One was arrogant and fool-hardy, Deanna knew that from experience. Nicole was easily distracted, and Greene simply didn’t care how he fared in the ring. He was more focused in having fun. In short, Deanna had learned in her studies that each combatant, like her, had weaknesses and she needed to know them all if she hoped to have a sliver of a chance. 

Hearing some more noises nearby, Deanna looked up to see one of the families walking their children down the other side of the road on the sidewalk, the children – dressed as a mouse and a cat – looking very tired, dragging their feet as they walked. Despite herself, Deanna checked her watch. It was almost nine o’clock. It would almost be time for the announcement of the contest winner. She had already taken the majority of the neighbourhood through her house-display/entry hours ago at the “start” of the trick-or-treating and had enjoyed seeing not only the smiling and entertained faces of the neighbourhood-kids and adults, but also the scowling face of Leslie as she had walked through the property, grumbling all the way (though what she had said, Deanna hadn’t cared to listen to). Sadly, she hadn’t the time to visit the other displays till now, her children deserving their time for their revelries. 

Continuing to travel up the sidewalk, her destination came into view. The large house at the turn in the street/cul-de-sac, if Black Arrow neighbourhood could be called that. One of the largest houses in the neighbourhood, certainly larger than her own, it stood like a castle overlooking the entire neighbourhood. The oldest family/residents lived there, and it was always the ‘meeting ground’ for the neighbourhood for outdoor announcements, which wasn’t very often, but still, least it was consistent. Deann couldn’t even recall meeting the owners/residents. If anything, the large space was deserted, not in the best condition considering the rest of the houses/estates. It would have been perfect for a haunted house or meeting ground, but that idea never seemed to come up in meetings or discussions with the others. Evidently, the owners were fine with it being used for a meeting place outside it, but not within it. 

Deanna smiled to herself as the large ‘palace’ came closer into view. It was a cool little mystery to think about when she was walking or jogging past it, but she didn’t care to dwell on it. She had more important things to worry about-

“Deanna!” she heard her name called out, looking up and out to see the smiling face of the vampires – The Grays, Dorian and Sybil, waving to her. With a smile of her own, Deanna put on a short burst of speed, jogging towards her friends. They had dressed as simple vampires for tonight, and Deanna could guess that Sybil, being the former actress, had been the one responsible for hers and Dorian’s flawless makeup. The pair stood on the outside of the small crowd that was slowly growing of the neighbourhood adults. 

“Hey!” she smiled brightly as she reached them, admiring their capes for a moment. “Where’s Asuna?”

“Oh, she conked out hours ago.” Sybil remarked. “Becky’s watching her now.”
“Same with Elsa, Amiliah, and David.” Deanna nodded.
“That where Selena is now?” Dorian asked, though seemed to regret his question as the smile faltered on Deanna’s face.

“I’m…I’m not sure.” Deanna answered honestly. “She might have turned in after taking Elsianna home. I’m not too sure.”

While Dorian said nothing in response beyond a nod of his head, Sybil, the more dramatic one, was not so easily swayed by such an answer. “Something going on between you two?” she asked, moving closer so she could lower her voice. “Dorian and I were walking a few days ago and heard you arguing in your yard.”

Deanna’s head shot up, her eyes wide. “You heard that.” She asked, guilt and shame washing over her in abundance. “I am so sorry. We just…I mean I just…”

“Relax, sweetheart.” Sybil, only a few years older than Deanna, touched her shoulder. “Couples fight. I don’t think a relationship is a real one without some squabbles to work through.”

“It’s not…” Deanna tried to find the words. “It’s not the first fight we’d had, but it’s never made me this angry.”

A moment of silence fell between the two, Sybil checking to see if any of the other waiting neighbours were listening in on their conversation, her voice still soft and low. “Can I ask what happened?”

“Sybil…” Dorian warned, the young man, a few years younger than Selena, stepped in a bit closer to his wife. “We have no right to pry like this.”

“No, it’s okay.” Deanna sighed. “Maybe it’s better if I talk about it – and you two are the closest friends aside from Gerda and Kai that we have. Elsianna adores Asuna.”
“And she is fond of Elsianna.” Dorian smiled genuinely, Sybil waiting patiently for Deanna to speak.

“You…” the redhead tried, adjusting her simple costume of a female pirate, complete with black, tight pants, white puffy shirt, brown corset, and hat. “You guys know what I do? What Selena and I do.”

The Grays gave a nod. “We’re very excited about your tag-title match!” Sybil exclaimed. 
“And less than excited about that chamber announcement.” Dorian added, his lips forming a grim line.
“Right…” Deanna nodded. “I forgot you guys watch us.”
“Only when Asuna goes to bed.” Dorian explained. “I’m sure you’re the same with your children.”

“Mostly.” Deanna nodded. “Anyway, that chamber match… I sort of found Selena and my boss, of sorts, Shaun, talking about convincing me to quit it…”
“So?” Dorian shrugged.
“Without me there to discuss it with them.”

Immediately, both Dorian and Sybil seized a little, inhaling almost at the same time through clenched teeth.

“Ah…ouch.” Sybil remarked. 
“Yeah.” Dorian nodded his head. “I’m so sorry, Deanna.”

Deanna nodded, appreciative of her friends’ remarks.

“So…” Sybil tried. “Can I guess that your fight had to do with her making the decisions for you? Leaving you out and treating you like a child? Something to that effect?”

Again, the redheaded pirate nodded. “Something like that. It’s a myriad of emotions. Are you going to tell me I am in the wrong and should apologize?”
“Did you say something that warrants an apology?” Dorian asked.

“I…” the memory seized Deanna of the previous day – what she had said in that yard about Regan and Dawn. “I did.” She admitted, casting her eyes downward. “Selena pushed me and I went too far, I think.”
“Well, then I would apologize for that.” Dorian advised.

“But…” Deanna tried, her head snapping up to meet her friends’ gaze. “Why me? Why do I have to apologize first? Why is it always me that had to be the peacemaker?”
“I didn’t say you had to apologize first.” Dorian tried, holding up his hands to try and calm Deanna. “I mean that when the time comes for apology, make sure you apologize for your part.”

“Oh…okay.” Deanna breathed. “That does make sense.”

“Deanna…” Sybil reached out, taking Deanna’s hand in hers. “Mind if I share a story with you?”
“Considering we’re all waiting for the same thing here, I’d say go ahead.” Deanna shrugged.

“When Dorian and I were engaged – I was 18 and he was 21 – Dorian wanted me to give up the theatre life. He went to my agent and asked him to drop me and for the director of the current play I was doing downtown to recast me.”

Deanna’s eyes went wide in surprise, flying to Dorian’s guilty expression. “How could you do that? You know how much Sybil loves acting!”

“I…” Dorian sighed. “It was a very youthful mistake. A moment I regret.” He admitted.

“Dorian…” Sybil comforted, pulling his hand up to kiss it gently. “Let me explain to Deanna.” She turned her attention back to Dorian. “The problem was far more complicated than I imagined. At first, I thought Dorian was jealous of the idea of me being successful, or making more money than him. But it was far more complicated than that.”

Deanna turned to Dorian. “What was the reason?”

Despite his shame, Dorian sighed before explaining. “At the time, I thought Sybil becoming successful on Broadway or wherever would lead her to see more excitement than life with a doctor. Since we were kids, she had always loved adventure and, with my practice just starting, I couldn’t just give it to her. I had to stay here and build my reputation and business. Then there was all the horror stories I heard of Hollywood and Broadway – scandals, drug-use, assault cases…”

Deanna kept nodding. There was certainly a dark side to New York and all its burrows that few here really wanted to talk about. The residents of Black Arrow tried to keep such things out of their ‘world’, and it seemed Dorian was of a similar make, wanting a safe haven for him and Sybil, much in the same way Selena had found this place for them to live their lives together with their children and dog.

“It wasn’t that Dorian didn’t trust me or believe in me becoming successful. He was afraid what would happen if I did.” Sybil explained, turning her gaze to Dorian, the fondness in her eyes.

“So…” Deanna hopped a little from foot to foot. “You two fought?”
“Pffft…intensely.” Dorian explained. “Almost called off the engagement.”
“You did?”
“No, I did.” Sybil stated. “Because I was also young and very foolish.”
“In several ways, you still are.” Dorian teased, earning a shoulder shove from Sybil.

“Hush.” She admonished. “I went to live with my parents for a few weeks while I worked through my shows. Dorian would call every day and visit whenever he was able. We’d walk and talk through my parents’ neighbourhood, trying to explain our feelings best we could.”

“So, what happened?” Deanna asked, surprised at the eagerness she felt in hearing the end of this story.

“I realized that Dorian’s real reasons were rooted in his love for me. He was scared for me. He was protective of me. He was afraid for me.”
“And I realized…” Dorian added. “That Sybil’s desire to be successful wasn’t because she loved theatre more than me or because she was stubborn. She wanted to be successful so she could see herself as equal to me.”

Deanna’s eyes flew to Sybil. “That’s how I feel!” she felt the emotional click, like a hammer striking a nail on the head perfectly. “All I want is to be seen as Selena’s equal. Her partner, wife, all of that. But all people can see me as is ‘Selena Frost’s wife’ and I thought that was okay for awhile, but now? I feel even she sees me the same way.”

“I wish it was simpler.” Sybil offered, reaching out to take Deanna’s hand. “But you have to also see it from Selena’s point of view. She was wrong in how she went about it, but consider everything she knows – her experience in that chamber. Consider everything you two have gone through.” She doesn’t know the half of it… Deanna thought. “I was too wrapped up in the present to see Dorian’s view at the time…”

“And I was too wrapped up in the potential futures to see Sybil’s.” Dorian added. “You have to find a middle ground.”

“A middle ground?” Deanna asked. “But…” she gave a shrug. “I don’t know what that is.”
“That’s why you have to talk to her, silly.” Sybil smiled moreso. “Trust me. I’ll wager she’s just waiting to talk to you.”

Not after what I said… Deanna thought but was unable to speak when the loud voice echoed around the large group of residents.

“Alright!” called out the head of the neighbourhood committee, Allan Strong, the fifty-year old dressed in a knight-costume and looking around excitedly. “I am so glad to see so many people here tonight! Did we all have a fun trick-or-treating with our kids?”

A chorus of ‘Yes!’ was heard, Deanna merely clapping her hands in agreement, her mind only half-present as she contemplated Sybil’s and Dorian’s words. A middle ground between the present-thinking and future-thinking… what does that even mean? she wondered. Far as she was concerned, neither of them were thinking about the future, and according to the Farmstead Friends and Lexy, they HAD no future or whatever.

Selena was terrified of Deanna being in the chamber.
Deanna needed to be in the chamber to deal with everything that had happened to her to this point. It was all present stuff. No future whatsoever. 

The only person that had even said anything about futures had been Dancing Bear and Shaun Cruze, but that was all about her getting destroyed by the tag-champions or in the chamber-

“And what a turnout!” Allan remarked, regaining Deanna’s attention. “I have to admit, this was the hardest year to judge the houses!”

“Sure it was!” a nasal-annoying voice remarked followed by the irritating laugh that could only belong to Leslie Sanderson. I guess it was wishful thinking to hope she wouldn’t show up. Deanna sighed, steering clear of the general area the voice had come from, though she assumed the costume with the big, poofy, Cinderella dress – the one that was taking up the most amount of space and literally… LITERALLY… glowing with some sewn-in lights was Leslie. 

Least when Selena and I did it, it was for something very special like Rise to Greatness or something-

“You’d think she already won the contest.”

The voice caused the redhead to jump a little, spinning around to be gently caught in the familiar hands of her wife. For a second, in Selena’s arms, Deanna forgot that the two were in the middle of a fight, her body acting of its own accord and relaxing in the familiar embrace.

“Easy.” Selena weakly smiled. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”

“It’s…” Deanna breathed. “It’s fine.” She finished, stepping out of the Snow Queen’s arms. Like Deanna, Selena had dressed simply this year, neither really being in the spirit of costumes tonight after the fight they had. And like the redhead, the platinum-blonde had dressed as a pirate, matching her wife with black leggings, but choosing no corset or hat but a white cotton shirt with eyelets in the arms and collar. Her hair was in its braid and her boots rode almost to her knees. 

“Did I miss anything?” Selena asked, earning a shake of the head from Deanna.
“No. Allan’s just getting started.” She eyed Selena from the corner of her eye. “I began to think you were going to just stay home after taking Elsianna to bed.”

The question seemed to throw off the Snow Queen, who turned her head to gaze at Deanna. “Why on earth would you think that?”
“Because…” Deanna’s voice trailed off, trying to find the words, but instead spying Dorian and Sybil standing nearby, giving her a thumbs up. “Because we had a fight.”

“Deanna…” Selena sighed, reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose between her eyes. “I’m not going to miss something that is important to you just because we’re at odds.”

“Well…” Deanna shrugged, though she could not ignore the warmth that spread her – the relief she felt. “That’s at least something good, I guess.” She offered quietly.

“AND! For the most ‘classic’ house décor? This was an easy one!” Allan announced. “The Frost family for the ‘Trio of Ghouls’ walkway!” 

Hearing their name, Deanna smiled before making her way through the applauding crowd, reaching Allan to be handed a small certificate that said as much about her home. It was a participation award – basically every house got one. Casting her eyes outward, she saw a number of certificates already handed out, probably with names like ‘Biggest decoration’ or ‘Brightest light display’. The committee always made up awards to every house to include everyone. Still, she liked the idea of being ‘classic’ a little.

Quietly, she made her way out of the crowd, stealing a glance at Leslie to read her certificate as she passed.

”Most Expensive?!” she almost snorted loudly at that award. That’s what they settled on? It was like a bad joke! Reaching Selena, she showed her wife the certificate before settling back to listen to the other awards. It did not take long before they all handed out, some really funny and interesting like ‘Scariest’ and ‘Most Lit!’ and others rather silly like ‘Most number of ghouls attending’ for the Zombie displays or ‘Best Use of a Window’. Deanna hadn’t seen that one.

Regardless, Allan waited for a moment as the last certificate was handed out. “Well, that leaves just one. And with every display offering something special, it was hard to choose this year’s winner. But… after much thought deliberation with the judges, I am proud to say that we have a winner for this year’s ‘Best Halloween Display’.”

Despite herself, Deanna’s hand flew out to grab Selena’s, grasping it. She barely registered Selena’s head jerking to look at her in surprise or how the pale hand squeezed her affectionately. She just kept watching Allen as he took a deep breath before speaking.

“Ladies and Gentlemen – Boys and Ghouls of Black Arrow… our 2022 Best Halloween Display winner is…” he gave one last pause before shouting it out. “THE CUNNINGHAMS for their display ‘The Jack O’Lantern Family Reunion!”

Immediately, there were two sounds. First, the loud applause that came from the majority of the group, some even cheering. The other sound was a loud “WHAT?!” from a familiar voice before Deanna spied poofy and illuminated Cinderella (Leslie) stomping away from the group, perhaps back to her house. 

Undeterred by such a poor-sportsmanship display, Walter and Hannah stepped forward to claim their trophy – an actual trophy and not a certificate. Despite herself, Deanna felt the breath leave her body, her hand releasing Selena’s as she sighed in… was it relief? It was sadness, sure, but there was relief there. She could feel it, and it aided her in clapping her hands in congratulations to the Cunninghams. 

“Wow…” Walter remarked as he stared out to the crowd, Hannah holding the trophy. “I want to say thank you to all of you and I mean that. This would not have been possible without all of you and the children here visiting us to make the pumpkins. I very much…” he smiled. “I very much feel that this is a win for everyone here that contributed a pumpkin design.” His eyes spotted the flashy costume stomping away. “Which, I guess, excludes Leslie, I suppose.” He added, earning a laugh from the crowd, including a giggle from Deanna.

The crowd slowly dispersed shortly after that, everyone, including the Frosts giving Walter and Hannah congratulations. With the night winding down for the adults as well, Selena turned to head down the street, the quickest way to the Frost home, only for something to grab her hand and hold her still. Turning, the Snow Queen saw her emerald-eyed wife gazing at her.

“Can…” Deanna breathed, quickly stealing a glance towards the exiting Dorian and Sybil as they were already making their way back to their home. “Can we take the long walk back? I really…”

“Yeah.” Selena nodded. “Me too.”

Nodding her head, Deanna released Selena’s hand and began walking in the opposite direction, taking the longer roundabout way to their home. She kept her arms wrapped around her as they walked, silent for a good few minutes, but both admiring the various house decorations and displays that had been discussed earlier. Some were beyond amazing and others were, well Deanna liked them for being simple and cute! They must have reached the farthest side of the drive when Deanna spoke.

“You hurt me.” She stated. “I mean… you REALLY hurt me.”
“I know.” Selena sighed, the older woman crossing her arms over her chest. And I’m sorry.”

“I know you had the best of intentions, Selena, but it’s just…” Deanna sighed, casting her gaze up. Already, her eyes were moist with forming tears. “All I’ve heard since I started being a wrestler was that I was either living in your shadow, feeding off your fame, or would never be as good as you. And I was fine with that. I could prove them wrong. I could keep trying and keep fighting like you did when you started.”

Selena remained silent, waiting her wife to finish her thoughts.

“But…to hear you talk like that to Shaun. To make decisions about me behind my back – No, it isn’t even that!” Deanna laughed. “To hear that you don’t believe in me. That was what hurt more than anything.”

Biting her lower lip, Deanna turned around to face Selena, causing them both to stop for a moment. “Can you imagine how that feels? Eight years knowing you and I’ve never stopped believing in you. Not even for a second. Even when you lost or were hurt or scarred or bleeding, I knew you would make it out. I knew you could do anything. I still believe that. The only reason this tag-title match doesn’t terrify me is because I have you. And I believe in you. But you…” Deanna shook her head, reaching up to rub at her eyes. “It just hurts so much because I never imagined it be you that lost faith in me…”

“Deanna…” Selena sighed. “I love you…more than anything. But you’ve never been more wrong in your life.”

Deanna stopped, sniffling a little, turning her gaze towards Selena. “What? I don’t understand.”

“You honestly think I wanted you out of the match because I thought you couldn’t win? When did I say that?” Selena shrugged. “Did you ever hear me say that ‘you can’t win’?”

“I…” Deanna tried. “I heard you say I wasn’t ready for it.”

“And I meant it.” Selena nodded. “And I’m not ready for it.” 

Sniffling again, Deanna shrugged her shoulders. “Still so confused.”

Nodding her head, Selena walked ahead of her wife a few steps before turning around to face her. “I never said I didn’t believe you could win the chamber. I went to Shaun because I knew you could. And I know how you will likely almost kill yourself to do it. Whether it was to prove something or this talk of my ‘shadow’ or whatever.”

“Then why did you say I wasn’t ready for the chamber then, if you thought I could win it?” Deanna asked, still more confused than anything else.

“Because winning the chamber? Surviving it? That makes you a target. That puts a bullseye on your back that never goes away. That puts you on a standard that makes everyone want to beat you.”

“So?” Deanna shrugged. “It’s no different than winning a title and someone wanting it.”

“In this case, it’s far worse than that.” Selena bitterly laughed a little. “I mean… Deanna, have you given any though to what happens if you win?”

“Yes!” Deanna laughed back, crossing her arms over her chest. “I win the chamber and I prove you and Shaun and so many people wrong. People that said I ‘wasn’t ready’ or that I ‘couldn’t do it’-“

“Deanna!” Selena pressed, marching over towards her wife. Reaching out to grasp the redhead’s hands. “Stop and think like a manager for one second. There’s a part you’re missing here. You’re just thinking about the present. What about after? What if after you win? After you prove everyone wrong or whatever? What happens then?”

“I…” Deanna, truthfully, hadn’t thought that far. She had been so mad at Selena and, to a lesser extent, Shaun for being ‘forced’ to let her be in this match because they didn’t believe in her. She had never considered what would happen if she won the chamber other than sticking it to so many people that kept saying she wasn’t ready or good enough. 

But…that wasn’t all that would happen for the winner of the chamber, was it?

“I… would become the number one contender to the world title…” Deanna recalled, the last time she had thought that was mindlessly in an argument with Selena, never really considering it. 

“And who is the World Champion, Deanna.” Selena spoke slowly, a familiar look of fear in her eyes.

Deanna’s eyes widened. “X…Xander.”

Slowly, Selena released Deanna. “And there it is.” It was the Snow Queen’s turn to sniffle a little, for Deanna to see tears welling up in her wife’s eyes. “I’m scared of you being in the chamber… but I’m terrified that you could win it and face Xander.”

Deanna opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. How could she have missed that? How could the very prize slip her mind? Like the trophy she had failed to capture tonight, Deanna hadn’t cared about that – just beating Leslie. Similarly, she hadn’t cared about becoming number one contender, she just wanted to win the chamber match and prove everyone wrong, including Selena. She never had considered the future like Selena did.

“Xander…” Selena whispered. “You know what he did to me. Even if I look past all the mind games. In all SCW, no one has come close to putting me on the shelf, except him. Fighting him – as many times as I have – is terrifying. Look what he did to Adam!”

Despite herself, Deanna gulped. The man on a tear, the odds-on favorite to win the chamber, the man that had ended ‘The Reign of Integrity’, had been utterly manhandled and destroyed by Xander two weeks into the new SCW season, Allocco’s ‘promised reign’ ended before it could really begin.

Selena continued. “Deanna… he took Regan from me.” 

Deanna’s eyes widened. Regan, Selena’s sister and a good friend to Deanna… even if Xander swore it was an accident, there was no denying he was at fault for ending the Hellcat’s career. And he had swore up and down that he would do whatever he had to to keep the SCW world title with him. That was enough to make him more dangerous than ever before – as a wrestler, Deanna knew that, but as a manager? She understood it far better. Compared to facing Xander Valentine, being locked in the chamber, even against five such dangerous people as she would be facing, seemed like a breeze in terms of the very real danger.

That was what Selena was afraid of. That was what had motivated her to act. Not just the chamber itself, was a big enough danger, but because she believed enough that Deanna could win… and would then have to face Xander.

“So…” Deanna breathed. “You think I can win the chamber, but I can’t beat Xander?”

Selena looked up at her. “I don’t even want to think about you facing him. Win or lose, you’d lose something. That’s what it costs to beat him. Believe me, I know.”

It was then, in the dim glow of the streetlights and jack-o’lanterns, that Deanna could see the weariness in her wife. The sleepless nights, the years of aches and pains, of pushing her body past the breaking point and still keep going. Of being torn apart emotionally and almost physically. She was trying to keep that from happening to Deanna. Not because she didn’t believe in the redhead, but because she loved her.

The two stood there, both unable to find the words to say but everything laid bare between them.

Find a middle ground…

Sybil’s voice echoed in Deanna’s ears, the younger Frost looking at Selena as the former world champion had her eyes cast out on the large pond that the Black Arrow neighbourhood was built around, the moonlight reflecting off the still water. 

“Selena…” Deanna called out, walking over to stand beside her. “I… I don’t know what will happen if I ever face Xander. I don’t…” she could admit it. “I don’t want to think about facing him either. After everything he’s done to us… to Regan… it scares me too.” 

Selena said nothing, nor did she move. 

“But… I need us to get through this. Lexy put me in this chamber and I can’t just back down. Even if you believe in me. Shaun doesn’t. Most of SCW doesn’t. I know everyone in the chamber won’t take me seriously as an entrant. And I’m… I’m tired of that. I WANT to reach that level you talked about. Where I’m a target. Where there’s a bullseye on me just because I’m that good. You wear it, don’t you? I want it too. Because I’m tired of people not thinking I’m ‘good enough’.”

“But…” the redhead sighed. “I won’t ignore your fears because I share them. I don’t know what I am going to do if I win. I don’t want to face Xander – I…” she had to be honest with herself. “I’m not ready to face him. Not like you are.” She paused, hearing the surprised exhale from Selena at that confession. “But, I am ready for this chamber. And I need to see that through. So… please, let me do that. And we can deal with the aftermath if I win.”

There was a moment of silence between the two, the only sounds being a few neighbours returning home from the night’s events. Quietly, Selena turned back to Deanna, sapphire eyes pleading.

“Promise me you’ll be careful.”
“Against the Farmstead Friends?” Deanna teased, or tried to. “Hell no, I’m kicking Bear’s butt for what he said about our kids and getting us those tag-titles.”

“Deanna…” Selena tried, but stopped when Deanna was suddenly right in front of her, the shorter redhead stepping on her tiptoes to press her lips to Selena’s. The Snow Queen was silent for a moment, but protectively wrapped an arm around her wife’s waist to hold her in place.

Gently, Deanna chose when to disengage, leaning away to gaze at her wife’s face. “I promise I’ll be careful.” She whispered, her hands on Selena’s chest.

With a nod, Selena regarded her wife. “And…I’m sorry.” 
“You already said that.” Deanna remarked.
“But I want to say it again. I’m sorry for going behind your back.”
“And I’m sorry for what I said. All of it.” Deanna replied, taking Selena’s hand and continuing their walk through the trails that lead to their house. 

“I’m also sorry you didn’t win tonight.” Selena added as they walked. 
“Actually… I sort of did.” Deanna remarked. “Considering we helped with the pumpkins – or rather, our children did – Walter said it was our victory as well, and Leslie didn’t help at all not even with her son, William, so….”

“Sounds like a stretch.” Selena remarked, though a laugh and a smile escaped her.
“That’s my lovely wife.” Deanna smiled. “And yeah, it is, but I’ll take what I can get. I just wish I had seen Walter and Hannah’s display. He was still setting it up when we passed by his house with the kids, so I missed-“

Her voice halted when Selena stopped her, the Snow Queen having expertly lead her around the neighbourhood and to the desired house – how had she’d known Deanna wanted to see it?

“Nearly seven years of marriage.” Selena smiled. “And I can still figure some parts of you out.”

Deanna was agape. Before her was the Cunningham’s house, covered from rooftop to lawn in lit pumpkins! They were all over the house! They covered it! Illuminated images of cats, faces, characters…

“Wow…” Deanna smiled, mesmerized by the gorgeous display. “So beautiful.”

They spent the next thirty or so minutes admiring the various work of the neighbours, even finding the ones their children had made for the house, before finally returning home. 

“I’m…” Deanna whispered as the two changed out of their costumes and into their nightgowns. “I’m glad we could find a sort of middle-ground for this.”

Adjusting her magenta nightgown, Selena regarded her wife in their bedroom. “I’d say, instead of a middle-ground, we have a plan… well…”

“Half a plan.” They said at the same time, knowing one of the ‘Selenaisms’ she was known for. “Those are the best plans.” Deanna added.

“Yes.” Selena smiled a little, holding her pillow in her arms, her eyes cast down at it. “So… I’ll…” she gestured to the door. “I’ll see you in the morning…”

With a roll of her eyes from her place on the bed, Deanna threw Selena’s side of the blankets up. “Get in here.” She sighed, offering her wife the side of the bed. 

Relief and joy washed over Selena’s face before she was sliding under the covers, Deanna wasting little time to snuggle up to her beloved. “Getting too cold to sleep alone anyways.” Deanna teased.

“Not for-“
“If you say ‘the cold doesn’t bother you’.” Deanna warned. “I’m kicking you back out onto the couch.”

A laugh escaped the Snow Queen as she squeezed her wife tighter to her form. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” She whispered, feeling her redhead settling further into her arms as sleep began to claim them both. “I’ve seen how hard you can kick…” with her last bit of energy, Selena leaned into kiss her wife’s temple. “And everyone going against you this weekend… have no idea what’s coming…” 
_______________________________________________________________

After the graphic is shown before the camera fades into the empty Wembley Stadium in London, England, one of the first ‘international’ travels of the SCW crew and roster! And the site for tonight’s pay-per-view, Under Attack! An event that will see nearly every single title defended. However, more present in the shot is not the wrestling ring and the blue and white arctic lights, but the massive chamber that hangs above the ring. And, perhaps to match the mood of such a match as the elimination chamber, the blue lights of ‘Frozen Central’ slowly fade to red, the white still illuminating the middle of the ring.

The camera slowly changes to a shot of the interior to the woman that sits in the middle of the ring – except the woman is not the usual speaker of this segment. No, it is not the Snow Queen that smiles at the camera and audience.

Hi guys. Surprise! remarks the Queen’s Guard, Deanna Frost, tilting her head as she smiles. Let me guess, you were expecting Selena to be here, right? This is her segment after all. Well, I sort of asked her to let me do the ‘Frozen Central’ segment this time. Because… she bites her lip a little. Because I need to get this off my chest.

Slowly, the redhead’s gaze goes upwards, towards the chamber that hangs above her. I’ve never been in a chamber match before. Seen a lot of them. Like A LOT of them. Tactical Warfare, regular cage, Elimination chamber, roofed cage - the list is a long one. But… being outside of it and looking in and being inside of it and looking up… she lowers her head and shakes it in almost disbelief. Very different.

So, am I scared? she shrugs. Yeah, a little. Like I said, I’ve never been in a cage match of any kind before. And I could say ‘oh! It’s like Underground rules’ after being champion for that, but how the heck would I know that? she gives a sigh.

I’ve seen what these structures have done to my wife. The fractured ribs she had, the cuts on her head, the concussions, I’ve honestly lost track of how many injuries she’s had in chambers like this. But you don’t forget seeing your wife look so out of it, so pained and hurt. And when it’s your turn to take that on? You wonder if you can…

Cause I’m not like The One. I don’t see pain and go ‘YAY! PAIN! I’M THE WEAPON OF DESTRUCTION’. I don’t delight in hurting others. I want to beat others like her to prove I’m better. I want to beat superstars like her because I want to show what I can do. But if you expect me to laugh and go ‘Oooo! I will make you all hurt like never before!’ like some kind of sadist… or Luna… then I’m sorry… that isn’t me.

She shrugs her shoulders. 

And for those of you ready to pounce on me being ‘greedy’ or ‘wanting it all with titles and opportunities’ in being part of this chamber match, cause I can just imagine the gears working like that in your skulls, get a reality check. 

Why the hell would I endanger my dream of being tag-team champions with my wife just to win a chance to face Xander Valentine? Who the hell would face such a man – such a world champion – when they can’t promise to be at 100%? I’m sorry, but an idiot, that’s who! Nobody would willingly try to beat Xander Valentine when they’re already trying to be champion in another division. Why? Cause someone like Xander can’t be beaten with a half-ass attempt. It’s an endeavour. Ask my wife. 

My point is that I did not ask to be put in this match and I didn’t leap at the chance like everyone else did. I’m the only person on the roster that’s double-booked and I’m terrified of it because I’ve never had that happen to me either. Cause I know me. I know I am going to give everything I have to becoming the SCW tag-team champions with Selena. I need to. I have to. It’s our first chance at those titles, and it could very well be our last! So, how could I give anything less to her and to The House of Frost?

She gives a sigh, moving over to the ropes to sit on the middle one, her arms wrapped around the top as her legs dangle. 

But… thing is… I KNOW all of that and I know that I still need to do this match and, strange enough, it isn’t just to ‘stick it’ to Lexy Chapel who put me here in the first place. Although, can you imagine that? I win the chamber and go on to become not only tag-team champion but also world champion? Oh, she would have a fit! She might even lose some hair! That would be funny to see! Talk about backfire. That’s like backfire times a thousand!

But that isn’t my concern. I don’t want to think about then or Xander or the world title. I just want to focus on becoming tag-team champion and winning the chamber. And like I said, I’d like to say it was just cause of Lexy and call it a day – short promo, easy-peasy - but the truth is… it actually started with you, Adam Allocco.

Deanna’s head turns towards the camera, the red and white lights illuminating her features. Yeah, looks like we meet again. And I’m probably sure this will surprise you that I am starting with you, because you’re easily the odds-on favourite to win this, so why wouldn’t I save the biggest name, face on the poster, whatever for last? 

Because it was you, Adam, that put me in this mental-state I am in regarding my SCW career…

Quietly, Deanna kicks her feet a little, swinging a bit on the ropes. Do you remember the last time you and I fought, Adam? I was defending my wife’s honor after you mouthed off in the buildup to Rise to Greatness? You remember what you said to me? she pauses for a moment, as if awaiting an answer. You told me that I wasn’t ready to face someone like you. That I wasn’t good enough to face someone like you. And if that was it, I guess I could understand that. You are an arrogant man that thinks he’s this gift to wrestling, so yeah, I could deal with a few barbs about being ‘unworthy’ or ‘undeserving’ or ‘not ready’. But then? In the ring? What did you do? You remember?

Let me refresh your memory. Five moves of doom. Emerald-eyes narrow. Remember? That was all you felt you needed in dealing with me. Five moves. That’s it. You didn’t need your whole moveset like you did with Selena. You didn’t need any surprises. You didn’t need anything but those five moves against someone like me. 

I wasn’t worth more to you. I wasn’t worth your best effort…

Imagine how that made me feel. That I, the Television Champion at the time, wasn’t worth the best of Adam Allocco…

She inhales and exhales slowly. That night – that match – was blazoned into my mind, Adam. Because not being ‘good enough’ or ‘not being ready’ – I hated that. I hated that someone like you, who came out of nowhere after being fired here, won ONE battle royale, and was dictating to me my worth. I hated that I lost to someone with such a disrespectful strategy! I hated that I couldn’t do anything but just eat crow after that defeat and try and get better.

She casts her gaze out to the empty seats. I can imagine you can relate considering how Xander Valentine manhandled you two weeks into your reign, beat you with ease, and you’ve been living in the shadow of his wrath ever since. Still, your personal issues with Xander are not my concern. My issues with you are. Because now? I almost want to hear you say that again to me. I want to hear you say I am not ready or this isn’t my time or however you want to spin it! 

Just so I can feel that anger and drive to finally shove those words down your throat! Because since then, I’ve heard it over and over again! From Kim Williams who thought I wasn’t ready to fight Underground rules unless I sold my soul and morality, to The One mouthing off that I wasn’t ‘cruel enough’ or whatever to be the Underground champion, to even Shaun Cruze saying I wasn’t his choice at all for this match... 

It’s like your words, Adam, started something and now? I finally get why Selena is tired of hearing the same insults over and over again. But, in my case, I haven’t disproven those barbs yet.

That’s why I need to be here in this chamber. That’s why I need to beat you. I don’t care if its first or last, but I need to beat you.

She sighs as she pushes herself off the ropes and re-enters the ring wholly. I mean, I’ve won two titles in ten months! I’m on the cusp of winning my third with my wife! I’ve beaten several superstars of high calibre like Konrad Raab and Kim Williams! And yet, all I hear is ‘she’s not ready’.

Deanna looks away for a moment, as if something is simmering in her soul, before her head jerks up

Well newsflash to you, Adam, and The One and anyone else that wants to say I’m not ready for something like this – Cruze, you want to be an arrogant person considering the record YOU’VE had lately? Go ahead! Nicole, Ducky, whichever alter? You want to have someone laugh at me being here, be my guest. Greene? Jump on the bandwagon cause that’s what you do? Fine.

But here’s the newsflash. NONE of us are ready for this match! Not one of us! I don’t care how much experience you have. I don’t care how long you’ve been here! I don’t care how many people you’ve beaten, how many titles you’ve won, what your motivation is. Not one of us is ready to be in the Elimination Chamber.

Know why? Because it’s impossible to be ready! You don’t know who is coming out first or last. You don’t know what’s going to happen! You don’t know who might get involved! You don’t know who’s going to mess up and give an opening! You don’t know what that hit against the steel will do! None of us are ready because none of us truly know what is going to happen! That’s why this match is so dangerous. Because anything can happen!

She takes a few breaths. Maybe I am still not ready in your eyes, Adam, or in your eyes, One, or in your eyes, Owen, because of my inexperience with cage matches. But in my eyes? We’re all on equal ground, meaning if ever there was a time to prove myself to SCW and end the doubt, end the nay-sayers, including the man I respect in Shaun Cruze, it would be tonight! It would be now! To survive not only the Farmstead Friends, become the tag-team champion but beat all of you, including you, Adam Allocco?

Slowly, Deanna looks up at the chamber again. Tell me, Adam. Will that put an end to it? Will that make you respect me? Will being in that chamber make you treat me like a threat worthy of your best? Or will I need to beat you and surpass your abilities in the chamber to get that respect? 

Owen? One? Nicole? Greene? Will you see me as a threat? Or will you join with Allocco and dismiss me as he has in the past?

Clenching her hands into fists. I’ll be clear. I am not fighting for a world title shot tonight when I enter this chamber. I am not fighting for a fight with Xander Valentine or whoever the world champion is on December 1st. I am not even fighting for my wife or the True Believers when this chamber match starts. 

I am fighting for me. I am fighting for my worth here in SCW, because it’s not about the mottos, or the merchandise, it’s not about the money or the reward. To me, it’s not even about the world title shot at this point. It’s about the message I represent here in SCW! As someone that came from nothing like my wife did and fought through hell unlike any other to become an SCW superstar – because I AM AN SCW SUPERSTAR!

Her voice echoes throughout the arena, even up to the metal of the chamber.  And I don’t care if I’m ready or deserving or whatever verb or adverb or adjective you five want to slap on me, I will not yield! I will not surrender! I will dig deep and show my GRIT! And I will not stop until I have proven all that I say beyond a shadow of a doubt is true! That I belong here, that my time has come and I am not just some wife of a great wrestler – I AM DEANNA FROST!

Again, her words continue to echo as she lowers her head and glares at the camera. I am proud of who I am… I am proud of what I have become and tonight, tired, hurt, broken, I don’t care what condition I am in, I will prove that to every person, True Believer or otherwise, in the SCW Universe.

Deanna takes a slow breath. You fought like hell to get back here, Owen. You fought like hell to stay sober, Adam. You fought like hell to make a name for yourself, One. You fought like hell to come back and find your place, Nicole. You fought like hell to step out of your father’s shadow, Calvin. So understand that tonight, I will suffer every kind of hell to win my fight and earn my place here in Supreme Championship Wrestling.

A smile breaks across Deanna’s features. Checkmate, bitches. Because ready or not… here I come.

The camera fades on the Queen’s Guard before going entirely to black.