Xander Valentine, Heaven & Blythe vs. Selena Frost, Polly & Raynes

[Konrad Raab]

Finals of the 2024 Trios Tournament

6 RP Limit per team for Trios

Deadline: 11:59:59 pm ET Sunday, September 29, 2024

[Xander Valentine]

1 of 2: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y0sb...sp=sharing

[Matt Hodges]

The Booth

[SnowQueenSCW]

DISCLAIMER: The following is a work of fiction and not to be confused as complete or accurate representation of any beliefs, religions, etc. Please refer to research/articles by experts for that.

OOC: Takes place following the final Breakdown episode. All characters appear with permission. Royal Letter is privately sent to the recipients, not publicly aired.

Villain of the Year

”Mental Wargames”

Smoothie King Center
New Orleans, Louisiana
September 21, 2024
11:17pm

She had moved quickly to the back of the arena, out of sight of the fans that hated her, as soon as she had noticed that the cameras had stopped rolling, the red light going off and the tech-hand – she was certainly it had been Gerald that had been filming the shot on her, moving away and starting to gather up his camera cord. With the Breakdown show officially ‘over’, she had marched past Blake Mason – ignoring the returning ‘legend’ (for lack of a better word) without a sound.

She didn’t have time to deal with him or to entertain what his presence behind her at meant. The final segment/match of the show belonged to her – the persona she had adopted and ‘schtick’ she had used to catapult herself to new heights as the ‘most hated wrestler in SCW – possibly the world’, and while Mason’s presence would have bothered her, she simply didn’t have time for him. The man wanted the world title. That was it. Since she was staying out of the way of that… for now… she wasn’t really a threat to Mason, unless the idiot wanted to risk falling further down the totem pole of SCW rankings. The man had already lost his first match back – being eliminated in the FIRST ROUND of the Trios Tournament, along with the ‘current’ SCW World Champion…

Selena Frost felt a smile grace her lips as she recalled that little fact. She had been utterly delighted that not only as Mason’s ‘great return to the ring’ had been a loss, but also Hudson’s first official match as SCW World Champion had as well! And here she was after RTG, back to her winning ways. Winning two matches in a row AND making it to the finals of the Trios Tournament.

He may have the title… she thought darkly. But the advantage is STILL mine…

There were no words for the empowerment she felt at such a realization. She had been savouring it all week, while strategizing her next move, which was why she was on the move now. She only had this one chance to make this move. With this being the last Breakdown before Apocalypse and the finals of Trios (a match that seemed to fill the platinum-blonde with excitement – so close to getting that damn contract!), she would need to move now in order to succeed!

With time being of the essence, the young woman mentally cursed herself for the detour she had to take, veering left when she wanted to veer right, increasing the pacing of her march as she did. She should have grabbed the damn thing and kept it on her when she left her changeroom in the first place! Then she wouldn’t have to waste time… Still, she had wanted to get the last word on Hudson and Chastaine before Breakdown ended.

Truthfully, it was laughable at best! Did she respect Amy? Of course! There wasn’t a person in SCW who didn’t, or if they did, like the new guys like Billy Heaven and his horde of cockroaches, then they were damn fools asking to get their faces stomped in. Selena, herself, actually admired Amy. The two of them had, sort of, risen through the ranks together, fighting in the Shot of Adrenaline Tournaments, waging war through the years, Selena watching Amy fight her ‘sister’, Regan Street – there was quite a bit of history between the two in the past ten or so years of Selena’s career until Amy had ‘retired’.

Even so, despite the respect, to name Amy the new number one contender for the SCW world championship after Selena had held back? Choosing Amy after the woman had won a SINGLE match at RTG against a man that had failed against Kandis, Asher, Selena, herself, and countless others? Sure, it had been a damn-decent match between the Simon Lyman and Amy, but beating Simon? Who hadn’t done that?! And THAT got the title shot?

I’m starting to see a pattern in people Alex ‘picks’… she chuckled at her own observation. Picking the ‘formerly retired’ people to ‘bring SCW up’ or whatever.

It…was…laughable. He had wanted Xander originally, clearly, with those discussions – giving the man ANOTHER shot after Selena had soundly beaten him by choking him out. Another legend…another shot. Not to mention the IDEA of Mason, another retiree ‘back from the dead’ - HA!. And now Amy! What was next? Was Alex going to have another ‘senior moment’ and dig up Shilo Valiant from whatever hole was hiding in? Jason Zero? Vixen Cain?

She shook her head before returning her focus to the task at hand. It didn’t matter to her, really. None of it did. It didn’t matter to her who was the SCW world champion now. Anymore than who was challenging for it now. In the end, when the time was right, regardless of these factors, the world championship would return to her and her seventh reign would begin. One way… or another…

All in good time… Selena thought, that smirk returning to her face as she turned the handle on the door she approached, allowing her to enter her changeroom. It was exactly as she had left it twenty or so minutes ago, complete with the leather chairs, television to watch Breakdown, which was now playing some sport-coverage as Breakdown had ended (Selena having left the TV on when she had left to confront Hudson and Amy), her bag filled with a change of clothes and her wrestling gear, which she hadn’t needed tonight (not being booked) but always kept in case the situation called for it. The only new addition to her changeroom since her previous time there was the tall, dark-skinned Amazonian woman standing there, arms crossed over her chest and staring straight at Selena as she entered. Unlike Selena’s attire of a dark-blue cocktail that hugged her curves while allowing her long, toned legs to be displayed, this woman wore dark pants, a white dress-shirt and a leather jacket - close to Selena’s usual attire. which was probably a reason why Selena had ‘changed it up’ tonight, wanting to stand majestic and powerful compared to the ‘almost rugged/tough looking’ Xander, the sleezy looking Billy and, honestly, the ‘I’m so innocent’ Amelia. Stupidly naïve…

Thinking of the girl, Selena began walking around the change room, seemingly ignoring the other woman standing there.

“The bus is ready.” She heard the dark-skinned woman say.
“Thank you.” Selena replied sharply. “I figured you weren’t here to take in the sights of a sweaty wrestlers. Unless…” she eyed the woman. “You didn’t come here for the catering, did you? For the love of Odin, Ra, we’re in New Orleans! You could have gotten some local cuisine! Gumbo, Crawfish, Jambalaya-ya-ya!” she sung the last one, earning an eye roll from the tall woman.

“You understand that it’s about twenty hours of driving from here to New York City, right?” Otrera Ishtar remarked, crossing her arms over her chest.

“You understand that you work for me?” Selena narrowed her eyes at the woman, despite being a good several inches shorter than her. “Besides, didn’t your people cross the desert for years? What’s twenty hours?”

“Okay, one! That was the Israelites. Not Egyptians.”
“Right…” Selena nodded. “You were the ones enslaving them.” She clicked her tongue. “And gave us mummies, so thank you for that. Love the one with Boris Karloff and Brendan Fraiser.”
“What? Brendan Fraiser wasn’t-“
“Two different movies, same title.” Selena explained with a wave of her hand.

“And speaking of two, I had a second point!” the raven-haired woman pressed. From an aesthetic point of view, she was beautiful to Selena, but that was merely an observation. Ra was ‘beautiful-looking’ but there was nothing there for Selena beyond that. One of the reason the Snow Queen had hired her in the first place. “And that second point was you promised when you hired me that, while long drives would happen, I would be properly compensated and given rest.”

“Your point?”

“I’m the only driver you brought!” the taller woman practically yelled as if it was obvious.
“Oh, relax!” Selena sighed. “We’ll get you parked in a hotel halfway home, maybe somewhere in Tennessee or Kentucky or Virgina. I’ll even put you up in a nice hotel room for the night – but if you raid the mini-bar – that’s on you!” she warned. “I pay your expenses, not your indulgences!”

The chauffer rolled her eyes at that. “What are you even doing here?” she asked, her bluntness another reason Selena hired her – the woman’s total transparency and lack-of-fucks-to-give.

“Just calm down.” She ordered the woman as she moved stuff around, checking her bag, then her coat hanging on the wall, then the tables. “I just need to handle something quickly before she leaves.”

“Before who leaves?”

“I’ll explain later!” Selena barked back before finding the item she had been seeking. Pulling out the envelope, which had already been opened and had her name written on it by hand-writing she recognized instantly, the platinum-blonde smiled, holding it up. “It’s interesting how things work out…” she whispered aloud before turning towards the door, her steps towards it already in motion. “Just give me another fifteen or twenty minutes.” She ordered to Ra, earning her another eyeroll (a common gesture from the Egyptian woman). “I’ll handle-“

“SELENA!”

Her name being called out in disdain, she was used to it. And yet, she was still surprised to hear it, particularly because it wasn’t coming from her companion of sorts, but the short woman that had seemingly taken up space in the doorway! Why didn’t I close and lock that damn thing? Selena cursed herself as, before her eyes stood Polly Pignotti. She had the same attire she had when they had stood in the ring together earlier in the show – this being her wrestling attire – which Selena found odd as hell considering she hadn’t been booked but whatever.

“We need to talk.”

“Uh-huh.” Selena nodded, trying to side-step the woman. “Make an appointment with my aide there, okay?”

“No, now!” ordered Polly, putting her hand up to push the former world champion further inside the changeroom.

“I really don’t have time, Polly!” Selena spat. “I have to be somewhere-“ she thought quickly, choosing truth over excuse. “To better our chances at the finals. Or don’t you want to win that?”

“Of course I want to win that!” Polly remarked sharply, pushing Selena back further. “Do you? I mean REALLY?”

Truthfully, Selena could have grappled the woman into an armbar based how Polly’s hand had touched her shoulder, but that would only have hurt Polly and, thus, their chances in the finals. I need her… for now. Selena thought bitterly, which was the only reason she was restraining herself.

“You’ve got something to say me, be quick.” She warned.

“Fine. I’ll be quick.” Polly shot back, refusing to back down. Just like when they had faced in that brutal cage match – the girl putting out, Selena silently could admit, a rather respectable display of toughness and ability, even if she had lost. “I want to know what the hell you did just there?”

“Just where?” Selena asked with a raised eyebrow. “And again… be quick. Tick tock.”

“I mean that crap you just pulled with Hudson and Chastaine! That had NOTHING to do with you!”

“Me showing up at the last segment of the show? What part of that is ‘out-of-character’?” Selena asked with a raised eyebrow, even shrugging her shoulders. “It’s my show. Even without the world title – I fail to see your point.”

“Do you even care about the Trios finals at all?” Polly asked. “I…” she breathed, as if trying to control her own urge to lash out with violence. “I bit my tongue and teamed with you – even if it made me sick to my stomach.”

“You weren’t my top choice either.” Selena shot back, crossing her arms over her chest.

“The point is – I swallowed my pride and walked beside you because I believed you actually wanted this. I thought that working together, you could actually be reminded what hard work here does! Fighting honorably with no tricks, no nothing…”

“Really?” Selena tilted her head, wanting to laugh but, suddenly, not wanting to. “You’re going to play the noble card on me?” She shook her head. “Sort of hard from someone that’s done their own ‘questionable’ things in their time here, am I right?”

“I admit it!” Polly shot out unapologetically. “I fucked up in the past. I own my mistakes! Can you say the same?”

“I don’t have to.” Selena narrowed her eyes. “I don’t make mistakes here. Everything I do is for the best of SCW and for the-“

“Integrity, right.” Polly remarked. “Then explain that illegal tag you pulled in the semi-finals!”

Selena felt her jaw clench, being unable to say a word, which only prompted Polly further.

“Last week, you pulled a ‘trick’ – something I’ve never seen you do. And then, you barge out and put yourself in the focus of Amy and Josh – after all we did to establish where our focus was – you pulled that crap!”

“You don’t have to worry about me.” Selena stated firmly. “I’ve actually won Trios before. Can you say the same?”

It was Polly’s turn for her jaw to clench, but unlike Selena, the woman didn’t allow it to silence her. As Selena turned to head for the door, she found herself, again, being pulled back, this time with Polly grabbing her by the shoulder to do so.

“Don’t dismiss me like I don’t matter!” Polly ordered. “You may think you’re in charge here, Selena, but you’re not! You’re not the captain of this team anymore than I am or Raynes is! Maybe you don’t care because you’ve got the protection of that stupid rematch contract but I do! I need this! And you’re not going to screw me out of this because you’re more focused on the world title. Got it?!”

Selena wanted to get it. Part of her DID get it! Poor Polly was just trying to further her career and place in the ranks of SCW, something she had been working so hard for for so long! With her determination alone, she should have been a champion several times over, maybe even the WORLD champion! Yes, part of her did get that… but the majority of her? Was too pissed off being mouthed off to by this short runt that thought she could speak to her that way!

“You know what else I do now that I never did before, Polly?” She asked darkly, tilting her head before smiling wickedly. “Let others fight my battles for me…” her grin widened. “Anubis.”

Before Polly could even comprehend what had been uttered, she suddenly found herself grabbed and flung against the wall with a thud. Immediately, while still under the shock, she was unable to react to the elbow pressed against her throat and another hand gripping her right hand and pinning it to the wall at her side. It was only after all this had happened had she realized what actually HAD happened.

Soon as Selena as spoken that word - ‘Anubis’ – the tall woman Polly had eyed when entering the changeroom though had dismissed, had suddenly acted, now having her pinned against the wall.

“I wouldn’t struggle.” Selena remarked with a smug smile on her face. “Ra here is trained in Muay-Thai and Tahtib. Don’t ask me what that last one is, but it’s Egyptian and involves using sticks as weapons so…” Selena shrugged eyeing the two women at the wall. If Otrera had a few inches on Selena, then the six-foot woman towered over the five-foot-two Polly, making the pinning predicament even easier for the Egyptian woman. Of course, had Ra not gotten the element of surprise on Polly, then it may not have ended that way, but as it was, Polly was neutralized. Least for a moment, which was all Selena needed.

“Long as I’ve got you there, Polly, pay attention.” Her sapphire eyes travelled down to her own attire, an idea suddenly forming in her head. Immediately, while Ra kept Polly pinned, Selena started, unashamedly, unzipping her dress.

“Something you need to understand.” Her tone was cold as she shrugged out of her dress. She saw Polly’s eyes go wide, more out of shock, than anything else, but Selena continued, undeterred by her undress (only in her underwear). “Much as you don’t want it to be… I am in charge of this team.” She stated. “You’ll remember who it was that pinned Prime? And who made it possible for Raynes to pin Lawler?” Reaching into her bag to pull out her other set of clothes, Selena quickly pulled the pair of blue jeans on as she continued to speak. “And Raynes played his part well when I gave him the opportunity. The only person that hasn’t done a pin and hasn’t shown their ‘up to the task’.” She eyed Polly. “Has been you…”

If Polly gave any reaction, it was very small due to the pinning predicament with the towering Ra.

“And going from there… You weren’t ‘up to the task’ of beating be in the cage, were you? Or beating Josh Hudson for that matter… or being United States Champion. In fact… have you even won a high-tier title here in SCW yet? How’s THAT glass ceiling going?”

If looks could kill, Selena would be dead on the floor – she knew – with the way Polly was looking at her. Perhaps to ‘shield herself’, the platinum-blonde chose then to pick up the shirt from her clothes, a magenta t-shirt with black snowflake designs on the left side, and pulled it on, covering her from Polly’s ‘death-glare’ for a moment before she was fully dressed. Tugging her braid out from the neck-hole to let it fall back down, Selena adjusted herself and slid on a pair of running shoes that were also in the bag before approaching the pinned Polly.

“You’re right about one thing, Polly. You do need this Trios. You need this because if you don’t get it… you’ll NEVER break the glass-ceiling.” She stood next to the woman, leaning against the wall near the pinned-arm-side. “And while it makes you ‘sick to your stomach’, the real reason is because you know you’ve won the fucking lottery with me. This is the best chance you’ll EVER have to getting that contract. Because I’m the only one that can stop Xander. I’m the only one that can outsmart him. And out-experience Billy and Amelia.”

She leaned a closer, her voice dropping down to a whisper. “So… if I have to make a ‘fake tag’ or maybe low-blow an opponent to give you or Raynes an opening… like Billy did… rest assured I am going to do it… and you are going to let it happen and be fucking grateful for it!” she hissed. “Is that clear?!”

Polly’s jaw only clenched further as she stood there against the wall. She didn’t nod or say a word, not that Selena was looking for one.

“Glad you get it. So… the next time you talk to me, I expect there to be a little gratefulness coming from you. Because you’re right… I don’t need that contract. I want it. But I don’t need it. You do… and if you come at me like this again… you’ll NEVER get it. And I’ll make sure you never leave the mid-card!”

“Whoa whoa whoa!”

For the first time in this entire exchange, there was a masculine voice that spoke, causing Selena to turn her head in time to see Andrew Raynes standing there, leaning against the doorframe. “Giving wrestling tips, Selena?”

“Is he a problem?” Otrera asked, eyeing the man though she kept her forearm against Polly’s throat.

“I doubt it.” Selena remarked. “You hear to mouth off too?” Selena raised an eyebrow.

“About what?” Raynes asked with a shrug. “I just wanted to chat about strategies and all that – maybe get a feel for what you think given our little ‘back and forth’ with our opponents. Call me crazy, but none of them seem to like you.” He laughed a little. “Things sure have changed since I was last here. I find that just funny.”

“Well, Mr. Funny-man…” Selena half-spat as she moved away from Polly and Ra and approached Raynes, taking only a few steps towards him. Maybe you can talk some sense into her about who’s in charge her and what is necessary to win this whole thing. I get the feeling you don’t want to be screwed by her ‘morals’, do you?”

“No, I do not.” Raynes remarked simply.

“Then talk to her.” Selena ordered. “For both your sakes.” She turned her head towards the two women by the wall. “Ra. Release her and hand me your jacket.”

Without a word of protest, the taller woman was suddenly several steps away from Polly, causing the fighter to fall to her knees, rubbing her hand with her throat, even coughing a little. Ra, meanwhile, had shrugged out of her leather jacket and tossed to Selena, who effectively threw it on over her frame, completing her usual ‘casual’ look.

“Biker chick?” Raynes asked. “That look looks familiar.” He remarked.

“The difference between your fashion-taste and mine, Raynes, is that I actually have some.” Selena countered before grabbing the envelope she had left on the table. Taking a few steps, she past the wild-card in this whole tournament. “Make her see reason.” Selena whispered to him before redirecting her words to Otrera. “Take my…”

She wasn’t able to finish her sentence, for as soon as Ra turned her head, and her attention, towards Selena, Polly – faster than thought possible – had smashed her free hand at Otrera, striking the larger woman in the throat – a blatant cheap-shot if ever there was one! Despite her taller statue, a frame without much air can’t function, and Ra crumpled to the floor, gasping and coughing for much needed air. Selena watched her aide struggle for a few moments, her eyes then gazing up at Polly – at the wild, untamed look in the shorter woman’s eyes.

It was oh so satisfying.

“See?” Selena grinned. “I knew you had in you if I pushed hard enough.” She tilted her head. “So much for your high road.” Her smirk never faltering, the platinum-blonde cast her eyes turned back to her fallen hire. “Ra, when you’re able to get back up, take my bag to the bus and wait for me there.”

Her eyes lingered back onto Polly for a moment, but she said nothing else before walking out of the doorway. As soon as she was out of sight, her legs picked up the pace, rushing down the halls back the way she had come. Her heart was half-pissed and half-panicked at the wasted time Polly had caused her. Stupid girl doesn’t realize what I am doing for her! She thought darkly as she re-found the hallway she had passed earlier, this time taking the path she hadn’t taken the first time. She had spied the changeroom in question (having looked for it long before Breakdown). Reaching the door, she threw a quick prayer to Odin - please be here… – before knocking on the door. To her relief, she heard the sound of feet shuffling and other movement, causing her breath to immediately exhale a breath before the door was pulled open.

The split second between that and seeing the person slowed to almost no speed at all, the Snow Queen’s mind adjusting and estimating her next moves in microseconds. Quickly, she dropped the tension in her face, brought her prepared ‘speech’ to her mind, and just as she spotted the brown hair of the young woman – slightly shorter than her – turning and then looking up, dark eyes widening at the sight of the woman before.

“Hey…” Selena huffed, seemingly ‘exhausted’. “Can we talk for a minute? I just…” she gestured to the hall she stood in. “I just don’t want what happened out there to be the only thing, okay?”

“You barely said anything.” Amelia Blythe, still in her wrestling attire, remarked. “Other than not having your or Deanna there to prep you up.”

“I know…” Selena sighed, looking away. “Can I just come in and explain? I promise I won’t do anything or hurt you. You know me.”

The tag-team champion opened her mouth as if to speak before slowly closing it. It took a moment for her to step aside, allowing the former world champion to gracefully step in.

“Can you close…” Selena started to say but stopped as she saw Amelia do the same thing. “Thanks.” She smiled gratefully before turning her head to look around the room. “Where’s Luz? I wanted to talk to her to.”

“She’s getting the car.” Amelia stated, crossing her arms over her chest. “I really shouldn’t be talking to you.”

“Believe me, I know.” Selena sighed. “I just won’t get another chance and then the promos are going to have to come out and…ahhhh!” she yelled a little, reaching up to shake her hands on either side of her head, imitating a headache. “I just wanted to talk to you and just… I don’t know…” she gave a shrug for good measure. “Clear the air?”

“Clear the air?” Amelia asked, her skepticism still (and rightfully so) at an all time high.

“Yes.” Selena nodded, returning her gaze to Amelia as she took a seat on the nearby couch. “Truthfully, I don’t care what Xander thinks of me. He’s always envied me because I continuously beat him in the worst possible way. Knocked him out...” she gaze a smirk to Amelia, holding up two fingers. “Twice. Choked him out, double-pinned him. I mean…”  she shrugged. “I’ve always got his number so he’ll say or do anything to have SOMETHING on me.” She eyed Amelia out of the corner of her eye as she turned away. “You know he actually invaded my house once? Not to mention he smashed the side of my bus with a sledgehammer to try and get to Deanna and my baby.” She gave a shudder (again for good measure). “He’s always been desperate to ruin me and try and get me out of SCW – you know he once called me ‘The Shadow of SCW’ to try and-“

“Is there a point to this?” Amelia cut her off, not budging from her place against the wall.

“Yes.” Selena sighed. “Sorry, it’s a sore subject – his and my history. The way he can’t kept things in the ring and I…well… I try to.” Selena smiled gently at the champion again. “I’d never go after Luz or anything, I promise you.”

Gods, I wish I could keep that promise… Selena thought, but deep down, she knew… if it came between that promise and her winning Trios… if she was willing to team with Polly Pignotti? She knew she’d not hesitate to ‘act’ towards Luz if it slowed Amelia down. But the tag-team champion didn’t need to know that.

“My point is…” she sighed. “Is I don’t care what Xander and that new kid think of me. But I care what you think of me. And I don’t want you to take any of this personally. I don’t… I don’t mean everything I say. I just…” she shook her head. “I have to be… this…” she gestured towards herself. “This ‘Hated Woman’ in SCW. I have to give them someone to hate – because that’s who they wanted me to be. I didn’t ask for it, Amelia.” She looked away from Blythe and gazed at the wall. “Sometimes… I just wish things could be like they were when you and Luz fought Deanna and I… remember that?” She didn’t wait for an answer. She knew Amelia remembered. “One of the top candidates for Match of the Year. I was so proud of all of us – proud of you.” She eyed Amelia again. “After everything that was starting to happen, I actually believed things would work out and could go back to normal. That people would get what ‘integrity’ was…. But I was wrong.” She sighed. “And now… I have to be this.”

What makes a lie so damn convincing… when a little bit of the truth is used… Thank you, Malcolm…

“And I have to keep being this ‘big, bad villain’… and it’s so exhausting. I can’t just let things go and be ‘just Selena’ when I’m here. Everyone expects me to be the villain and if I am myself, then it’s either ‘disingenuous’ or I’m back to ‘boring Selena that wants integrity and we hate that’. I can’t win one way or another and I’m just…” she let her head drop into her hands. “I’m just so tired of it…” she sighed. “It’s cost me everything. My reputation, my marriage, my children…” she sniffled a little, lifting her head a little to see that Amelia had taken a step towards her, the sweet-hearted woman playing right into the Snow Queen’s hands.

I’m sorry, Amelia… she thought, letting the guilt wash over her and guide her. But I truly am too far in to stop now. I can only go forward and see this to its end.

“It’s not been worth it, but… I don’t have any choice now.” She added. “I don’t have a place to let my guard down and just… be me. And I’m trying right now, Amelia. I really am… Because despite… everything…” she sighed. “I still see you both as good friends. And I know you feel the same way.”

“I…” Amelia opened her mouth to speak, the storm of emotions readable across her features even from where Selena sat. “How do you…”

Before she could finish, Selena reached into the jacket pocket of Ra’s coat to pull out the envelope… the wedding invitation Amelia and Luz had mailed Deanna – one specifically for Selena due to the ‘mystery-status’ of the Frost’s marriage. “Deanna left it in my changeroom.” Selena stated. “I was… honestly I was so touched and so happy for you.”

“You were?” Amelia asked, a little surprise on her face.

“Of course!” Selena pressed, pushing herself up to her full feet. Now reel her in with the truth… “Amelia, regardless of this stupid tournament. Regardless of us facing each other, I have ALWAYS been in your corner. You know that! I…” she breathed. “I have been so proud of you both! What did I say? What did I tell you after that tag-match? I said you both could be an incredible tag-team – amazing tag-team champions – and you are! Look at you!” She gestured to Amelia. “You’re a THREE time champion now! Easily tag-team of the year, just like last year! How could I not be…” she let her throat hitch (for effect) “… how could I not be proud of you? How could I not be the proudest person in the world for you both? Gods… I wish I had been on your team.” She laughed. “You, me, and Luz? That would be incredible! But it is what it is.” She shrugged. “Nothing against Polly and Raynes, but I trust you far more because I’ve always believed in you and what you stand for. Always.”

“T…thanks.” Amelia shrugged, perhaps a little uncomfortable with the praise, though there seemed to be a growing warmth in her face that Selena recognized – the notion of being in the company of a friend and confidante. “I’m still a little mad you took Luz out of the tournament.”

“Oh believe me! That wasn’t something I WANTED to do.” Selena sighed. “I just have to… You know… keep this going. ‘Believe it or not! Believe it or not!’ blah blah blah. Gods, it’s exhausting. But… I sort of have to.” She shrugged. “Plus the last thing I want is to be entangled in some grudge with Polly or Raynes. I don’t have time for that.”

“It’s alright.” Amelia shrugged. “Nature of the beast. Competition and all that.”
“Yeah. Tests the relationships of everyone. That’s why I wanted to talk to you.” Selena added earnestly.

“Because I don’t want you to think I don’t have your best interests at heart. I do. I want you to be successful. Luz too! I want you both to achieve great things – more great things…” she corrected herself. “And I know the pressure that is on you, Amelia.”

And here we go…

“Pressure?” Amelia asked. “You mean facing you with Xander on my team?”
“No… well, yes…” Selena dismissed with a wave of her hand. “But I mean the pressure of falling behind Luz.”

“Falling behind?”

“Well…” Selena shrugged. “Luz is set to possibly become the number one contender for the United States Championship, right? If she wins and you don’t, what does that say?” she gave a shrug. “Sure Luz didn’t win either but she’s got one hell of a consolation prize, and I know – I KNOW – that Deanna would love to face her once this whole matter with the Enigma is finished. But hell, if De loses, Luz could be the United States Champion at the pay-per-view!” she had recalled that caveat Alex had mentioned regarding Deanna’s ‘choices’, which Selena refused to dwell on (avoiding as panic attacks she could privately). “I’m just… I’m worried about you, you know? The singles titles didn’t help me any with my marriage to Deanna. I mean… it basically kept us from really going back together as the House of Frost. And that… that was really the start of the end for us…”

“Are you saying Luz and I…”

“NO!” Selena shot back. “Gods no! I hope not! You’re about to get married! I was already firmly established as a singles star before Deanna married me. But I just want you to be careful, okay? This is big… you two getting married. The next chapter. And if Light in the Darkness happens the way of the House of Frost… I just…” she shook her head. “I just didn’t want to sit around and say nothing to you.”

She watched Amelia’s jaw clench a little, the ‘advice’ clearly hitting home.

“Guess that just means I’ll have to beat you.” Amelia shrugged. “Solves the problem…”

“Yeah…” Selena winced a little. “I hope so… I mean… No.” she shook her head.

“What?” Amelia asked. “What is it now?”

“No, nevermind.” Selena pushed back a little. “I said what I needed to say – we’re on the same page. The last thing I want to do is spoil that with hearsay and rumors. Just…”

“What?!” Amelia asked. “You might as well say it!”

Gotcha… the devil mind whispered darkly in Selena’s mind, almost causing her to smirk outwardly, which she barely managed to avoid. Instead, she hid it behind a long sigh.

“Fine.” She said. “But I’m keeping the wedding invite! You can’t uninvite me now! Got it?!” she feigned. “I’ll go stag if I have to!”

Amelia’s only answer was to roll her eyes at Selena.

“Okay…” the platinum-blonde breathed. “But you have to understand… I don’t have anything more then rumors here, okay? And I bring this up ONLY so you can be aware of it, okay? It is NOT gospel! It’s not confirmed! It’s just a rumor!”

“Fine.” Amelia nodded, recrossing her arms over her chest, waiting for the former world champion to speak, even impatiently tapping her foot on the ground.

“I…” Selena started, playing her cards perfectly. “I get winning the tournament will solve some issues with singles careers, or at least put them on hold for the time being. And you’ll have a solid year to make a choice that benefits both you and maintain your tag-team. I know you’re smart like that… but…” she walked around the room, immediately spying the pair of SCW tag-team titles… titles she and Dawn had held… titles she and Regan Street had held… titles she and Deanna had held.

“Just spit it out!” Amelia barked.

“Xander wants your tag-team titles!!”

She let the words sink in, silence being her key weapon, watching the shock come across Amelia’s face for a moment, then confusion, then disbelief. Naturally…

“Bullshit.” Amelia scoffed.

“I thought so too!” Selena sighed. “Xander’s never been a tag-team guy. Never really been a team-player, even with Gavin and Nicole that time they won Trios. Look at it now, I mean…” She shrugged. “I said the same thing, Amelia! I didn’t believe it, okay? I know Xander better than mostly anyone, okay? The man fucked up my back, broke my body so many times and I… I just know him! And I know he doesn’t trust beyond the immediate and certainly not long-term! But…” she gave a sigh. “The more I heard, the more… the more things didn’t seem so impossible.”

“What do you mean?” the shorter woman asked.

“It’s…it’s a matter of his change.” Selena shrugged. “Everyone knows he’s not playing to all of his strengths anymore. He’s keeping everything morally good – which I respect!” she affirmed. “I was actually disappointed that he allowed Billy to low blow Gavin like that. That’s not how you wanted to win, I know.” She spotted the look of guilt flash across Amelia’s face, prompting her further. “But everyone knows he’s playing by the rules… and everyone knows he’s retiring. He's counting down the days.” She waited to see Amelia nod her head in agreement. These were facts! Everyone knew about Xander’s time running down. It wasn’t a secret.

“Apparently, with all of that… Xander wants to target certain people…” she eyed Amelia. “And certain titles.”

“Why?”

“If I had to guess?” Selena huffed. “Probably in the same vein as Hudson and Mason and Allocco – gods I’ve seen so many. Old tigers wanting one last hooray. And with Xander… it’s probably the Grand-Slam status.” She shrugged. “He’s only got two titles to go. But he can get a title-shot against the Adrenaline champion on his own. No one really wants to tag with him. But if he uses Trios and FORCES someone to team…” she shrugged again. “Hate to say it but that DOES sound like the Xander I know.” She sighed.

“You…” Amelia took a moment before shaking her head. “You’re just making a theory.”

“I am!” Selena insisted. “That’s all it is! A conjecture, okay?! I told you not to take it as gospel, didn’t I? He’ll probably deny it and be telling the truth! This could just be some stupid rumor and nothing more! But…” the Snow Queen pressed. “If there is even a 1% truth to it… you know of it. If it came to past and I said nothing I… I couldn’t live with myself if I caused that rift in your new marriage.” She shook her head vehemently.

“Rift?”

“Well… yeah…” Selena shrugged matter-of-factly. “If it’s true and Xander uses it to take the tag-titles from you… what do you think Luz will think? That you were responsible for giving him that tool in the first place? Kimberly forced me to have Ace Marshall’s name attached to mine in the history of tag-team champions. I feel sick every time I think about it. It’s… it’s what began the ruination of my marriage. I never really forgave her for that black mark on my reigns.”

She could see Amelia’s eyes widen, the platinum-blonde’s every word working over a nerve…a fear…

“Look, if it’s untrue, great! You’re in the clear! And even if it is true, you’re in ‘the know’. You can prepare for it, okay? That’s huge!” Selena pressed. “That’s… that’s a relief for me. What Xander did to me? To MY wife?” she emphasized. “I just didn’t want you to be caught unaware if it was true.”

The tag-team champion stood there, looking away from Selena, simply processing. Whether or not she believed Selena was something the former world champion didn’t know – or didn’t even care to know. Being fully ‘believed’ was never the intention…

“Why are you doing this?” Amelia asked, finally turning her head to Selena.

“What?” Selena asked with a tilt of her head.

“Coming here and saying all this?” Blythe asked. “Is this some sick mind game of yours?”

“I don’t do mind games, Amelia.” Selena shook her head. “You know that. I solve my problems in the ring. Always have.”

“Until this rematch clause nonsense you’re holding over everyone.”

“That’s…” Selena looked away. “That bravado.” She tried. “That’s me putting on a show and messing with Hudson. That’s it. I’m not going to do anything with that beyond a fair warning when I cash in. It’ll be fine. Let him have his fun in the Wild West and his last ‘blaze of glory’ or whatever. I don’t… I just have other things to do.”

“And this? All this warning and talking?”

“Just me…” Selena shrugged. “Doing what I’ve always done. Look out for you. Because you’re my friend and I… I want what’s best for you and Luz. Like you would for me.”

“Then let me be your friend and return the favor.” Amelia pressed, her tone suddenly becoming bold, which surprised Selena. “Stop all of this.” She ordered.

“Stop what?”

“This!” Amelia gestured to her. “I don’t care about rumors and that but what you showed me in that seat!” She pointed to the couch Selena had been seated on. “What you said about being tired of being the bad-guy? Or the villain? I know you. And that was true! You DO hate this! You DO hate being this! So stop! Stop being the villain! Let everything go and just be you again! Just be ‘Selena’! It’s not too late! I know Deanna would give you another chance! You can save your marriage! You can fix everything! If you love each other enough and if you trust SCW and us enough!”

A heavy silence sat between the two, champion and Snow Queen. And for what it was worth, Selena genuinely felt proud of the woman. Beyond proud. She could feel tears prick the backs of her eyes.

“You…” she spoke slowly. “You make it sound so easy.” She smiled sadly.

“That’s because it is! It’s called forgiveness. You forgave so many people, didn’t you? Regan? Kelsey? Kennedy? Let yourself be forgiven this time!”

A sigh escaped the platinum-blonde again, and she was suddenly back in her home in Eyrie Tower, sitting in the dark while she threw her phone against the wall, waiting to say all the things in her heart… and knowing it wouldn’t make a damn bit of difference.

Poor Amelia didn’t understand it. Somethings… some people… couldn’t be redeemed.

“It’s…it’s too late for me.” Selena gave a small smile to Amelia. “Polly wants the same thing. Hudson ‘claimed’ the same thing. Xander did too… they all want to ‘save me’ but that just translates to beating me in the ring. None of them truly want to.”

“But Deanna, Luz and I…”

“And it’s too late for those that truly do.” Selena interrupted. “I’m too far gone, Amelia. That’s why I’m warning you now. That’s why I am telling you not to take this personally. I don’t want you to. I want you to understand that whatever happens, it’s what I have to do. As your friend… I just want you to be warned as well.”

“But…”

“There’s only one end for me, Amelia.” Selena kept her sad smile, reaching out to place her hand on Amelia’s shoulder. “And it’s not one last ‘blaze of glory’ like Hudson or Xander. My end will come… with being taken out for good in SCW… with a thunderous applause as I lay there.” She admitted. “No one can save me from that now. No one.”

Giving the shoulder a gentle squeeze, Selena released her friend before excusing herself, leaving Amelia to her thoughts and closing the door behind herself.

The task was done. Doubt had been sewn. There was already enough of it with Billy and Xander. But Xander and Amelia was the true glue that held her opponents together. Now? That foundation would be on shaky grounds… which was all Selena would need to take them down.

Sorry, Amelia… Selena thought darkly. But I did warn you…

“SELENA!” again, she felt the spike of irritation at someone screaming her name, but she quelled it fast as she turned towards the voice, seeing, ironically enough, Gerald rushing towards her – though he held no camera this time.

“What is it, Gerry?” she asked. “I have a bus to-“

Not waiting to let her finish, the young man blurted out. “Deanna’s collapsed backstage! She’s getting put in an ambulance and-“

But the time the words had left his lips and she had fully processed them, Selena was already running down the hall, everything out of her mind save for one thought.

Not Trios.
Not Polly.
Not Raynes.
Not Xander or Billy.
Not even Amelia.

One thought: Run…

_______________________________________________________________

The Royal Letter

The shot opens up to none other than Selena Frost, the Snow Queen, sitting in her throne chair, a bookshelf behind her, reminiscent of the setting of her old Royal Letters, interestingly enough. She wears blue jeans and a red t-shirt with a leather jacket over her frame. Giving the camera a second of silence to let the shot sit, the former world champion gives a smile as she looks into the camera.

Polly… Andrew… she tilts her head, resting it on her hand.

Have you had your little pow-wow since Breakdown? Because I am willing to overlook the slights, Polly. In fact, I can respect it. she gives a shrug of her shoulders.

I get it. I’ve won Trios. I know what it can do. I know how much pressure is on you, specifically, Polly. After ‘coming close’ so often. You know what I mean when I say that, don’t you? Or should I repeat myself from earlier?

Almost tag-team champion?
Almost United States Champion?
Almost beat Hudson?
Almost beat me?

She shrugs.

I won’t deny it, Polly. I won’t. You’re good. Very good! You came close to beating me in that cage. Came close to beating Hudson, whether he’ll admit it or not…. I doubt it.

But that’s him. I’m me. I’m honest. Say what you will about me but at least I am honest. That’s why I am truly hated despite my integrity. Despite my skills and history. Because I don’t lie to anyone. I tell it like it is, just like I did back in NOLA with you.

You needed to hear that. You needed to see it. Because it’s pissed me off to no end to see you unable to break that glass ceiling each and every time. Just like I’m pissed off that nobody remembers Andrew for his reign as Adrenaline champion!

She shifts her gaze a little as if looking at someone different.

Surprised someone remembers, Andrew? 2018? 224 days? Not even Regan Street could hold it that long. I certainly didn’t. I mean, besides David Helms, Jake Starr, and Red Rayne, you’re pretty much there in the title’s longest reigns.

But does anyone remember that? Do the fans recall that with respect? Selena scoffs.  Of course not. To them, Andrew, you’re the guy that got ‘picked’ by Bree Lancaster and handed the tag-team titles that one time and lost them thirty days later. You’re the guy that was around with some grudge with Amy but has anyone mentioned your dominance? Do they even remember something like that from six or so years ago?

Sadly, Selena shakes her head. Polly isn’t any different, and she knows it. ‘Coming close’ has done nothing for her. She’s been ‘the stepping stone’.

To show Josh Hudson hadn’t ‘lost a step’.
To show Deanna was a ‘credible’ champion.
To show Scott Reed was a ‘future champion’.

Always stepped on… never given the chance to step on anyone else. Always that girl that crawled around on all fours, went into a little cage… and barked like a little doggie.

Selena sighs. You think I’m looking down on both of you. I’m not. This isn’t some ploy where I undervalue to put myself as the ‘leader’ of this team. Why would I care about that? My destiny is set. Sooner or later, I’ll be back as the world champion. Nothing you say or do will change that – either of you. Nothing Xander, Billy or Amelia can do. Nothing Josh can do. Nothing ANYONE can do.

So why would I care about being ‘better’ than two people for a night? Why would I care about being the ‘leader’ of a team that won’t exist after Apocalypse? Just like Xander, Billy and Amelia’s little ‘team’ won’t exist afterwards?

No… the reason I am speaking to you like this is for you to understand the reality of this situation. Where we are… and where THEY are!

Her hands tighten around the arm rests, her knuckles turning a little whiter. Because I, too, have been where you are. I am there now!

You think people remember the ten years I GAVE to this company? The scars on my back? You saw them Polly! That’s all from SCW! That’s just a microcosm of what I’ve sacrificed for this company! But do they care? Do they remember? Does Alex realize I’m the reason he HAS his job in the first place? You think Katya D. would have hired him? Or Giovanni Aries? HA!

She laughs bitterly.

But no one remembers that. No one remembers the records, the greatest world championship reign in history. No, I’m the woman that ‘fooled’ them and held SCW in an iron fist and insisted on integrity. I’m ‘the bad guy’. I’m ‘the villain’. And that’s all I’ve ever been to them, unaware that THEY are the ones that made me this way!

She shakes her head. That’s the cruel truth, guys. Xander can speak egotistically about his
‘place’ and his ‘retirement’ because NO ONE has dared look down on him except me. No one has dared truly defy him except me. And the fans of SCW? They wouldn’t dare either. Cause they know they wouldn’t have me to save them this time around! And Billy? Hasn’t been around long enough to know shit or care about it. The fans haven’t done anything.

And Amelia… Another sigh escapes her. Sadly, she is so good-natured and kind and loved since day one that she doesn’t understand what it is like to be hated for doing nothing wrong. For doing NOTHING wrong. she stresses the last word.

But you both do. Just like I do. THEY – SCW and the SCW Universe – have looked down on us for too long! To the point where those three? They are laughing and talking about ‘teamwork’ when it’s so easy for them say that!

Xander has nothing to lose! He’s done it all!
Billy has nothing to lose! He just got here!
Amelia has nothing to lose! She’s tag-team champion AND getting married!

Selena stares coldly into the camera. Not like you… not like us…

Taking a moment, the Snow Queen relaxes her features, a spark of the woman she truly is showing under the cold glares. I’m sorry, Polly. I’m sorry that I had to be that way with you, but you have to understand that I had to be. You look at me and think I need to be a certain way. What you fail to see is just what we are up against!

The Executioner
The tag-team champion and part of the tag-team of the year, no doubt.
The wildcard.

And an advantage has been placed right at our feet!

A smile graces her lips. Andrew brilliantly pointed it out! Xander and Amelia won’t do what is necessary! You saw it, didn’t you? In their matches? With that low blow? They cannot exist long with Billy! They can’t! They will argue! They will fight on morals! They will fight on ethics! She leans forward. THAT is our advantage!

That’s why I had to push you, Polly. I had to see where you would go. I had to see that, deep down, you’ve still got that in you! The ability to do what is necessary to be more than just a ‘victim’, a ‘stepping stone’. That you can do whatever the hell you need to be free!

Because FREEDOM is your prize! Screw just a contract here, Polly! That’s great! I am talking about shattering that glass ceiling and being able to fly the skies of SCW to its fullest! I am talking about being ready for ANY tier and ANY superstar! Where people challenge YOU, not the other way around! Where you are the one with the accolades and the prestige, not them! Free from your cage! Free to be whatever you desire to be!

That is what I want for you! She insists, her eyes never leaving the camera. Because I know… if you only just believe it. Only just listen to me, you will have it!

And Andrew… the same is true with you! To be remembered not as the +1 to Bree Lancaster or Amy Chastaine… but the dominant champion that you were! The man that you were in 2018! Feared – valued – KNOWN! Before it was all taken from you…

You want to know what is motivating me in this, guys? It’s not some shiny contract. It’s not MORE power. I’ve got that in spades. It’s doing what Alex promised you, what Hudson promised you, but SCW promised you… and NEVER delivered!

Freedom.
Opportunity.
Respect.
Accolades.

The chance to look down on those that have ignored you! Dismissed you! Who see you as less than what you are! That is what I am offering you!

Slowly, Selena sits back in her chair. That’s why I handed you the pin in the semis, Andrew, and gave you that moment! That was a taste of what I can give you at Apocalypse if you follow me. That’s why I let you speak predominantly last Breakdown, Polly, to give you that spotlight – the spotlight you have longed for.

You both are on the cusp. The cusp of getting EVERYTHING you wish for and more!

But only if you trust me.

Reaching up, the Snow Queen runs a hand through her platinum-blonde hair. Only if you believe – truly believe – in my words and strategy. We have our advantage. We cannot forsake it over squabbling. Because they will DESTROY us if we do, and what then? I continue my quest of inevitably becoming world champion again. But what of you two?

Back in your cage, Polly?
Back to obscurity, Andrew?

Is that what you want?

She gives a shrug. Ultimately, the choice will be up to both of you. How badly you desire this. What you will give to have it… because if it’s anything less than EVERYTHING.

Your mind.
Your body.
Your soul?

Then Apocalypse will truly be the end. Not just for our teams. Not just the end of the Trios Tournaments… but for the both of you.

She gives cold glare. Whether you both want to believe it… or not…

The camera focuses once more on the Snow Queen before fading to black, her last words echoing a moment before it all goes to black.

[Wisteria Waltz]

OOC: This CD references some things from the Selena CD that was just posted for this match. The contents of the letter in this piece are not public knowledge, with only The Light In The Darkness and Selena Frost (its intended recipient) knowing of what it says.
------------------------------

There was a lot going through the mind of Amelia Blythe, and she couldn't recall the last time she'd struggled this much to get her mental library organized so she could tackle these things one at a time.

Surprisingly, SCW matters were near the top of the list, which hadn't been the case in what felt like forever because of all the chaos that tended to follow The Light In The Darkness no matter where they went. It was an odd feeling, but far from an unwelcome one, having concerns about her career take priority for once instead of having to have eyes in the back of her head for anybody coming for her, Luz and their found family beyond the ropes. It felt refreshing to worry about things like her and Luz's next World Tag Title defense, especially after the Trios Tournament had kind of upended things a bit, or how they were faring solo thus far, as opposed to whether or not The Empire would try to rise again and seek revenge or people obsessed only with how things can benefit them trying to weaponize the couple to achieve their end goals.

Admittedly, Amelia had her concerns at the road to Apocalypse continued. After all, the last time they not only had chances to prove themselves in singles matches but were tied up with other things, they had ultimately lost the titles in a defense on Breakdown that had thrown them way off mentally. At least this time they knew who would be waiting for them and it wasn't a chance for history to be made at their expense for a third time, but they still felt bad about the delay on defending their titles since they had yet to do so after winning them back at Rise to Greatness.

Still, David Striker would hopefully be tided over with his opportunity to earn another title shot in the meantime, as would Luz given her own opportunity she'd been given.

Amelia had felt bad for Luz considering how the tournament had played out. The thought of actually facing one another in the finals had been an exciting prospect considering how long it had been since they'd actually squared off in a proper match to see who was better at this moment, but she had been worried for another reason. After all, this now marked two tournament finals that Amelia had managed to fight her way to, and while Luz hadn't been in the U.S. Title tournament last year, knowing that her Trios efforts across two tournaments hadn't brought her to that moment where she could win the contract couldn't have been sitting well with her, especially since Luz had been encouraging her to keep the contract in mind for herself should her team win and not worry about trying to do something nice for Luz to make up for it.

She didn't know if that was just Luz being selfless again and putting others before her own desires, but that would be a conversation to have for later. After all, Luz did have a chance of her own to still step up and potentially find herself with singles gold again, so ultimately it was working out and they were proving themselves in the way they had hoped to.

Of course, there were still other matters to attend to beyond SCW that were important, and one of them was currently staring her in the face and grating on her last nerves.

'It's not too late. There's still a chance to call off your sinful display and find comfort in His welcoming embrace.'

Amelia wanted to gag as she read through the random text message that she had woken up to this morning, knowing that Luz had received the exact same one. Well... she wanted to say it was random, but truth be told, it fell in line with the other cryptic threats the couple had been getting for weeks now begging them to call off their wedding. The way it was consistently portrayed with such a holy coat of paint made them immediately think that someone from the remnants of The Empire was desperately trying to 'save' them even without Caleb calling the shots, but unfortunately they had no concrete proof. Any attempts from their allies in law enforcement to dig into it hadn't yielded much in the way of results: any letters they got had no prints aside from those of the people who had actually delivered them, none of whom had any known connections to The Empire and were simply doing their regular jobs. The texts kept coming despite them constantly blocking the numbers because it had been confirmed they were all coming from burner phones.

What Amelia would really love to know was why they were still being harassed by these lunatics. Their leader was going to rot in a jail cell for the rest of his life, where he belonged, and the other high-ranking members of the cult were either serving prison time of their own (such as Amelia's parents) or had completely turned on Caleb once the truth was out that the vast majority of them were just expendable pawns that Caleb never intended to 'save,' only give himself the numbers to try and pull off his crazy self-serving plan. At this point, only those truly devoted to Caleb's cause despite everything that was out in the open now had any reason to, and by now they knew that attempting to do so would end in failure with the FBI and the NCA both still actively trying to hunt them down.

“You'd think they would have thrown in the towel by now,” Luz had said that morning while the two were getting ready for the day.

“They're persistent,” Amelia admitted. “It's one thing when we and anyone else show it in the business, but it's another entirely when you're clearly beaten in a messed-up game we didn't want any part of to begin with and you just don't take the hint.”

As the couple got dressed and had breakfast, they discussed their plans for the day. The final Breakdown before Apocalypse had been last night, so there was plenty of time until Apocalypse to prepare for their respective matches. While they were still in New Orleans, Luz had agreed to head out to the old magick shop that ran in Marilyn's family to help her clean the place up a bit, maybe see if there was anything that could be incorporated into their wedding plans since she and Amelia were going all-in on holding the ceremony on Día de Muertos. Amelia had plans of her own, but she was hesitant to tell Luz about them and her fiancée respected that, picking up on it being something that Amelia didn't want to fully share until she was ready.

The topic of conversation eventually turned to other wedding matters, namely the invitations they had sent out. Granted, everyone in their found family was already coming and many were even in the wedding party, but they had all been amused to receive invitations anyway as a keepsake. There weren't too many people who had been invited beyond that, mostly some of Luz's father's old colleagues in the business and a few people who had actually cared for Amelia and not just interacted with her because of dealings with her parents. Despite not officially being invited, agents from both the FBI and NCA would also be in attendance providing security along with local officers, just in case these bizarre warnings were active hints at a desire to crash the wedding if they went through with it. Given that members of The Empire had vandalized various ofrendas, especially the one for Luz's father, during Día de Muertos last year, local law enforcement had every reason to defend their home turf this year given the possibilities.

There were a few RSVPs that hadn't come back to them yet to confirm or deny attending, and one in particular on that short list stood out in Amelia's mind.

“Luz?” Amelia asked after swallowing another bite of her pancakes. “Do you know if we officially got word back from the Frosts yet?”

“I...” Luz started before sighing. “No, I didn't see their RSVP come back through. I want to hope they got it, but between Deanna spiraling over that Enigma creep and Selena being... well, Selena, I guess? Maybe we won't hear back until after Apocalypse when everything kind of clears up... hopefully.”

Amelia couldn't help but sigh as well. She and Luz had wanted to hope it was all just something Selena was doing because she was still frustrated over everything she felt had gone downhill after the announcement that Mr. D was selling SCW early last year, but these past few weeks had started to convince them otherwise. Luz had been annoyed that despite Selena's claims of wanting to still put forth a clean fight even with her new attitude, she had bent the rules the first chance she could to bring a premature end to their dance all so she could keep trying to get under the skin of one of her partners. And then there was last night... the confrontation between Amelia and Selena during the interview between their respective Trios teams had been brief, but she and Luz could both tell by the tone in Selena's voice that maybe this hadn't been some sort of act this whole time.

Add in the fact that Selena had found a moment where Amelia had been alone to talk with her backstage before she made her presence known during the closing segment of the show, attempting to actually get into her head the same way her parents and so many others have tried to do over the years, and it was all but confirmed now that maybe the Selena Frost they had come to respect both in and out of the ring was long gone... whether or not that fact genuinely bothered Selena was hard to tell, but there was a fire burning beneath Amelia's skin about how painfully familiar this whole thing felt, and it was not sitting well with her.

“What should we do?” Luz suddenly asked, snapping Amelia out of her thoughts. “I don't want to just give Mamá the go-ahead to start working on a seating chart, especially since we're still waiting to hear back from a few more people, but especially after what you told me happened last night when I went to pull our car around... I feel like Selena could care less anymore about being a part of our big day, especially since it'd be happening so close to Under Attack. Heck, for all I know I could be lucky enough to find myself facing Deanna for her title on that show if Apocalypse plays out like I hope it will!”

“I might prefer defending the titles we've already got on that show personally,” Amelia mused. “Especially considering it'd be our first time teaming together as Mrs. and Mrs. Nevado.”

Amelia may have grinned at the thought, but Luz picked up on a flicker of worry in that expression. She didn't know what it was about, considering the two had long since agreed that Amelia would be ditching her family name for Luz's, but she wasn't going to push the issue if Amelia didn't feel like discussing it.

“Well...” Luz started to respond, gently taking Amelia's hand from across the table and kissing the back of it before offering the kind of cheesy grin that always brought a genuine smile to her partner's face. “Whatever the plan is for that night, we need to make Apocalypse work for us first. And as far as Selena and Deanna are concerned... we at least know they got the invite since Selena mentioned it to you, but she technically hasn't confirmed she wants to be there, and I know Deanna's been distracted...”

“We'll figure something out,” Amelia mused as she smiled back at Luz. “I just... I've been down that road before, even if I wasn't given a choice in the matter, and I'd hate to see Selena become anything like that just because she's putting success in this business above all else.”

Luz nodded, knowing full well how cold and obsessed Amelia was back when they'd first met, before she'd had a chance to show her that they truly weren't that different after all and she didn't have to be nothing more than a tool to further her family's legacy.

Once breakfast was finished, the couple agreed to talk more about this later and decide what to do on that front. After all, they still had to figure out their training plan for Apocalypse given their respective matches and what was at stake for each of them. Right now, however, they were parting ways, and once Amelia confirmed that Luz had left with Marilyn to go do their thing and she wouldn't be coming back because she'd forgotten anything, she knew it was time to do something she'd been planning on doing for quite some time now.

It wasn't something she truly needed to do, in all honesty, and she had a feeling she already knew what the answer was... but the need for formality was deeply ingrained into Amelia's very being whether she liked it or not, and she wanted to make this official.

Well... as official as she could, given the circumstances.

That was what led to her finding a very specific hotel room and knocking on the door, stiffly assuming an 'appropriate' posture as she waited for the door to open. Once it did, she locked eyes with the woman she'd been hoping to speak with, that being Luz's mother, Dr. Camila Nevado.

“Amelia?” Camila asked, looking a little surprised to see Amelia but no sign of her own daughter. “¿Está todo bien?”

“Sí, lo es,” Amelia replied, hoping to put Camila at ease. Maybe it would've worked if she hadn't been so stiffly trying to replicate the posture of a 'perfect young woman' like she tended to only do during her entrance these days, because Camila still looked concerned.

“Did something happen with Luna?” was her next question.

“Luz is fine ma'am,” Amelia replied. “She and Marilyn just left to go check out the Clauson family's old magick shop here in New Orleans.”

“Right, I almost forgot that's what they were up to today,” Camila mumbled to herself. “In that case... is there something I can help you with Amelia? You're looking a little too tense if everything's truly alright.”

Amelia let out a shaky breath in response as her posture relaxed a little. “I'm sorry Ms. Noceda...”

“Please cariño, we've talked about this,” Camila laughed as she gently put a hand on Amelia's shoulder. “You don't have to feel you need to be so formal with me. Just Camila is fine.”

“Sorry...” Amelia mumbled again. “Um... can I come in? I wanted to talk with you about something, kind of pertaining to the wedding.”

“Of course, come in,” Camila offered as she ushered Amelia inside and closed the door behind them. “I will say right now, though: if you're hoping to see Luz's outfit for the wedding, I'm afraid I'm going to have to say no.”

“I have no intention of breaking tradition,” Amelia chuckled, though it quickly faded as her nervous tone quickly returned. “That's... kind of something I wanted to actually talk with you about, though. Something about tradition, I mean.”

“OK?” Camila sat down on the edge of her bed, curious as to where this was going.

Amelia took a deep breath, trying to steady herself for a conversation she knew wasn't going to be as stressful as she thought it would, but she still had her doubts given she'd never actually had to do this before.

“I know this is probably silly to even ask at this point, but I still wanted to do this the right way. It's probably awkward given that nothing about what Luz and I have been doing has been very 'traditional' when it comes to this whole marriage process, and we're ignoring the fact that my parents would never approve but their opinion doesn't matter anymore anyway because they're rightfully sitting in prison. Still, in my head, I feel I need to do this the right way, as awkward as this might be all things considered, and I certainly don't mean to offend or anything, but... I wanted to officially ask for the blessing of both you and your late husband for Luna's hand in marriage and to take her last name once we're wed.”

Amelia smiled nervously at Camila, knowing that certainly came off way more awkward than she would've liked, but she'd put it out in the open now. For her part, Camila certainly looked surprised, and Amelia was really hoping that wasn't a bad thing. Slowly, Camila rose to a stand and approached her, Amelia growing more nervous with every step that closed the gap between them. She knew deep in the back of her head she probably had nothing to worry about, but they were slowly being buried by the intrusive thoughts of worrying she'd screwed this up with a little over a month to go before the wedding was supposed to happen.

So lost in the impending mental spiral was Amelia that she was genuinely surprised when Camila pulled her into a tight hug, proving that Luz had to have gotten her tendency for such hugs from somewhere. It was also proof that she had nothing to worry about after all, but it was hard to argue with what ran through her head sometimes when she was fixated on certain things she was raised to believe transcended even being a Blythe... things she had a feeling might have been more lies force-fed to her throughout her childhood to some degree.

“You poor thing,” Camila finally said as she pulled back enough to look Amelia in the eyes. “I'm sorry if I feel like I'm ruining this for you, it's just... I thought it was clear that you certainly have my blessing because you've been so good to mi bebé and she's so happy being with you.”

“It's not that I'm questioning that Camila,” Amelia admitted. “It's just... this is probably going to sound so stupid, but... even though I know a lot of the way they raised me was wrong, it's still so hard to just let go of a lot of what my parents raised me to believe. One of those things was the requirement of formality in asking for your blessing for Luz's hand in marriage, something I've put off for too long because of... well, everything else going on. I've probably stressed too much about this, especially since my brain wants to think this isn't going to work because I can't ask Luz's father for his blessing, but I want to hope he would be fine with me becoming a Nevado and leaving the Blythe name behind for good, but I don't know for sure...”

“Oh cariño... you've suffered so much all over a name that's only brought you undeserved pain,” Camila spoke softly, pulling Amelia back in for another hug. “Well, I think—no, I know—my husband's spirit would agree with me that you will always have a place in our family, and if you wish to bear the Nevado name, then we would be honored if you take it.”

“I... are- are you sure?” Amelia stammered, almost as if she wasn't fully expecting that.

“I do,” Camila firmly responded. She could see just how torn up Amelia was about something so trivial and, admittedly, unnecessary at this late stage of her and Luz's wedding planning, but that was hardly her fault. She'd heard all about it from her daughter and even seen some of it firsthand, how poorly Amelia had been treated by her own parents growing up. Thinking about everything Aleister and Ophelia did to this young woman, how hard they worked to force her to be the spitting image of them and demanding nothing less than absolute perfection in all aspects of her life to 'thank' them for molding her into that... Camila wasn't a violent woman, it simply wasn't in her nature, but what those two had done to their own flesh and blood made it hard not to want to beat them half to death with the first object she could get her hands on.

Truth be told, Camila was so very proud of Amelia for as far as she had come. Her daughter may have had a hand in it, but only Amelia herself could truly overcome a lot of the mental and emotional scars that she knew would probably linger for the rest of her life. Seeing Amelia's need to do something in the vein of 'traditional' because she'd been raised to believe it was absolutely necessary truly hurt Camila's heart, but if Amelia needed this to be able to feel like she was worthy of taking on the Nevado name, then she would do her best to show her what kind of love and support she could expect from her new in-laws.

“Would you mind stepping out onto the balcony with me for a moment?” Camila suddenly asked, surprising Amelia.

“Oh! Um... OK?” Amelia questioned as Camila led her out onto the balcony of her room, the two of them staring out at a beautiful view of New Orleans. There was a nice breeze in the air, carrying with it a calming sensation as Amelia took a deep breath.

“Can you feel it?” Camila asked her with a soft smile. “The wind gently blowing through your hair, as if it's trying to provide a feeling that everything's going to be alright?” She watched Amelia nod before she continued. “That would be the spirit of my late husband communicating with us. The world knew him as El Espíritu Angélico, but my daughter and I also got to know the kind, strong, compassionate man beneath the mask... the man we knew as Manuel Nevado. He was the kind of man who we always knew was a fighter, and I've always believed that he would be the kind of man who wouldn't just sit still even in the afterlife. We may be able to commune with his spirit and honor his memory every year on Día de Muertos, but I know my husband... a man whose luchador name literally translates to The Angelic Spirit would be the kind of angel whose always watching over mi hija and I, always.”

“So... you're saying he's seen everything about me since I entered Luna's life?” Amelia asked.

“I wouldn't doubt it,” Camila sighed happily. “I know he would've loved you, Amelia, and encouraged you to pursue your own happiness just as Luna has. Everything that both of you have accomplished both inside and out of the ring, he has smiled down upon you. Close your eyes Amelia... clear your mind for a moment, and listen carefully.”

Amelia gave Camila curious look, but did as she instructed. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, listening to the wind as it gently blew through the city. She had to admit that it was very relaxing, just taking it all in without seeing anything. Just as she felt her mind begin to find peace...

“I am proud of you, Amelia Nevado. You have my blessing.”

Amelia gasped as her eyes snapped open, her head darting around but finding no one else outside in their general vicinity aside from Camila, who was still smiling at her.

“Did you hear that?” she had to ask the older woman.

“Hear what?” Camila chuckled.

“I... I swear I heard a voice...” Amelia stammered out. “It... it called me Amelia Nevado and... and...”

“I told you he was here with us,” Camila said, removing her glasses for a moment to wipe a tear from her eyes. “You've been with Mi Pequeña Luz for long enough to know how important on a spiritual level Día de Muertos is to our culture, and I am honored to know that my husband is watching over our family from the next life... and that includes you, Amelia.”

Amelia couldn't help but wipe a tear away from her own eye, letting it sink in the newfound connection she had to her wife-to-be and the family she would soon officially be a part of. She didn't truly know if it was the work of a spirit looking out for her just as it did for Luz or if it was actually all in her head, but she was willing to believe that El Espíritu Angélico had given her his blessing to marry his daughter... and with any luck, guide them both to a long and prosperous marriage in the long term, and maybe even success at Apocalypse in the short term.

“For what it's worth Amelia,” Camila continued as Amelia turned to face her fully. “I know it's not truly official yet, but... I already consider you part of the family.”

“Thank you...” Amelia breathed out before she threw herself into another hug that Camila tightly returned.

There may still have been a while until she officially became Amelia Nevado, but as far as she was concerned, she already felt more welcomed than she ever felt as a Blythe. She didn't known exactly what the future would hold, and maybe Selena would be right about any potential future bumps in the road between her and Luz, but she was confident they could weather any storm and come out the other end of it stronger than ever, just as they always have.

After all, they had so many incredible people all around them to forge a unusual but unique family that was always looking out for them and keeping them honest with themselves and each other... and that included the spirit of a legend who knew that Amelia would love and care for his daughter no matter what happened.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Selena,

Perhaps receiving this will come as a surprise to you. Perhaps your first instinct will be to accuse me of ripping off your old Royal Letters to try and prove some sort of point. Personally, you can believe whatever you wish, but I want to make something very clear right off the bat:

This letter isn't addressed to Selena Frost the wrestler. This is addressed to Selena Frost, the human being behind the image you've so painstakingly crafted for SCW.

The fact that this letter is being delivered to you in a sealed envelope should hopefully confirm that what you're about to read is NOT public knowledge. Aside from the two of us, the only other person who knows what is contained herein is my wife-to-be, La Pequeña Luz, as I am sharing these thoughts on behalf of the both of us. If you wish to publicly address any of this whenever you see fit, I cannot stop you from doing so, but know that I am not sabotaging myself to give you free ammunition considering that I've made no secret about anything I am writing about.

I won't lie Selena... that was pretty cold of you—pun not intended—to pull what you did backstage during the previous Breakdown. Cornering me while I was alone, attempting to play into my fears and insecurities so you could twist them into something that could give you the upper hand... I actually had to double-check and see if that was anywhere on the replays because I wanted to hope that I was speaking with who you're trying to be in front of all those fans and that I wasn't speaking with the real you. But I only saw you twice on that broadcast, the two times you stood out in that arena. Part of me was hoping that maybe it was a bad dream, but you actually did talk with me one-on-one, trying to convince me that Luz and I might fall apart like so many other couples have before us because the allure of success in this business got in the way, among so many other claims that may or may not admittedly have some truth to them.

Do you know why it didn't work, Selena?

I could sit here and write about how Luz and I have long established an open and healthy communication with one another to make sure we're aware of any issues and can figure out how to work through them, I could even point to the many times that Luz and I have actually wrestled against one another over the years, even taking championship gold from one another... something that wouldn't have given any cause for concern on our end had Luz's team managed to prevail over yours two Breakdowns ago. I could go into detail about the extensive support system that the both of us have around ourselves now, our little found family that all care for us as much as we care for them and want to ensure a long and prosperous relationship for the two of us.

All of those are contributing factors, but the real, honest-to-God reason why I saw through your efforts?

It's because once upon a time, I was you.

I'm sure you've heard me talk about this in front of a camera plenty of times, but not a single word of it has ever been a lie Selena. As far as my parents were concerned, I was born into this world for one reason and one reason only: to be the perfect heir to the Blythe wrestling empire. I had to be the best, no exceptions, not because it was expected of me but because it was the bare minimum required of me. It was drilled into my head from an early age that I could never lose because I was supposed to be superior to every other wrestler through whatever combination of abuse training and genetics I was told to regurgitate to back up my words. I was hated simply because of who I was, because I existed at all, but it was supposed to be irrelevant because as long as I was the absolute best wrestler in the entire world, bar none, nothing else mattered.

Truth be told, I was absolutely miserable. But I couldn't show it. “Never show weakness” was our family's motto, because we weren't supposed to be just ordinary wrestlers in the eyes of the public... we were supposed to be perfect wrestling machines.

Do you know why that's not the kind of person I am today?

It's because someone out there dared to take a chance on me.

You told me that it's too late for you to be redeemed, that you're too far gone... I know, deep in my heart, that's not true Selena. I know because I've been there, believing I was irredeemable, that there was absolutely nothing else for me because my sole purpose for existing was to be an extension of my family's legacy and I had to achieve greatness by any means necessary to justify all of it. And yet, there was someone out there who believed otherwise, who took a chance on speaking with me when the cameras weren't rolling, not wrestler-to-wrestler but human-to-human. That someone is the same person who went on to become the one to break a year-long perfect undefeated streak that was the symbol of everything that represented how far gone I was, and instead of rubbing it in my face, she offered me her hand and asked me to trust in her, to let her show me that even someone like me was worthy of redemption... all I had to do was try.

And now, I'm offering my hand to you, Selena.

I know what it's like to become consumed by the idea of having to stand at the top because nothing else matters, what it's like to believe you have nothing else because you don't deserve it, to be hated for doing nothing more than existing at all. I've been in the shoes you now wear Selena, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I still bear those scars even to this day. When you spoke with me backstage in the Smoothie King Center, it truly felt like I was looking in a broken mirror at the woman I used to be.

I won't deny that the circumstances aren't quite the same... after all, you chose this path while I was never given a choice, but that doesn't mean I can't offer you a chance to see that you're not beyond redemption, no matter how much you may believe otherwise. You just need to be willing to fight for it.

That's why, even knowing what we know now about your marriage with Deanna, Luz and I were still willing to extend the olive branch and invite the both of you to our wedding... and we sincerely hope you'll attend.

This isn't some sort of elaborate scheme to try and use our big day to fix anything between you and Deanna, because for as concerned as we honestly are, at the end of the day we know that only the two of you can address whatever issues have led you to this point. And, full disclosure, we haven't gotten confirmation from Deanna yet that she plans on attending, though we can understand where her head's been at lately. But even if you decide to attend and she doesn't, Luz and I will welcome you with open arms because we don't care what anyone would say about you being present at our wedding, just as we never cared about any of the times where we happened to catch a few stray boos just because we were associating with you when the fans began to change their tune.

It's easy to turn your back on someone when they begin to slip into the darkness. But those who truly care about you? They're willing to follow you into the darkness and endure whatever they find within to show you the light.

I'm not asking you to abandon the woman you want to portray in front of the SCW fans, because if you want to play the villain then I have no right to stop you. But I've watched you for long enough to know that the real Selena Frost isn't a villain... you all but confirmed it when you did come back, because despite the attitude you chose to approach it with, you still told the world that you wanted things to return to being honorable and fair. You don't have to pretend with me Selena, because I've been that proverbial devil in my own right, and you don't have to let that mindset consume your entire life. No one deserves to make themselves suffer, especially when you've already done more than enough to guarantee that you'll be immortalized in SCW history until the end of time.

You don't need to force yourself to stand at the top until you draw your final breath, because who and when would even be the one you would want to be your swansong?

Luz and I? We're no strangers to fighting the odds to make the impossible happen, no matter the circumstances. After all, without Luz, I wouldn't even be who I am today. She showed me that there was another way, that I could become the person I truly wanted to be and not the villain my family demanded of me, she fought like hell to prove that I wasn't the perfect wrestler just so I could have the chance to rebuild myself from scratch into the woman I am today.

If I have to do that to get through to you Selena, then I will.

But know this... I'm not going to watch as someone I honestly consider a friend destroys herself all because you refuse to think you can come back from this, because I can tell you from firsthand experience Selena: once the darkness takes you, not even achieving what you feel you deserve will give you any satisfaction. You'll be nothing more than a hollow shell, lamenting the life you wanted but feel like you can no longer have, all because you refuse to fight for it.

You can tell me all you want that Selena Frost is irredeemable.

But Luz and I?

We still believe in you.

And we'll happily tell you as much face-to-face on our wedding night.

Call us naive if you want, but there's a reason Luz always tries to find the good in others, why I'm still willing to offer you the chance you won't give yourself even after our conversation. We're stubborn, we're resilient, and we're willing to fight to prove you wrong, no matter what form that takes.

We believe in each other.

We believe in Selena Frost.

We believe... and nothing you say or do is ever going to make us stop believing.

Sincerely,
Amelia

P.S. For what it's worth, I'm genuinely looking forward to sharing the ring with you again, even despite everything.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amelia finished writing the letter as Luz read it from over her shoulder, nodding in confirmation before they sealed the letter up in an envelope and addressed it to Selena, making sure to give explicit instructions to ensure it would find its way to her and not be seen by anyone else.

“I really hope this works,” Amelia admitted.

“I believe,” Luz firmly stated, giving Amelia a genuine smile and getting one in return.

“If you've taught me anything over the years Luz,” Amelia said as she looked back down at the envelope, “it's that sometimes all someone needs is to be given a chance to see that they can change.”

“You, my mom, your siblings, Valentina, Henry, Ivy...” Luz listed off.

“And hopefully, Selena will see that we have no plans on giving up on her either,” Amelia added, silently acknowledging the darkness that she and Luz would be diving back into, but knowing they would be prepared.

After all, they've never backed down from a challenge in their lives, especially when that challenge involved people they genuinely cared about, and they didn't plan on starting now.

[Jay Gold]

OOC:  As stated by Hayden, all characters appear with permission.  The first piece of the following is Polly's point-of-view of what occurred after Breakdown went off the air last Saturday.  Video recording was privately sent to Selena and Andrew only and is not public knowledge.  Enjoy.  More to come...



Season 5 / Episode 32 / Who She Is (Part 1 - Lashing Out)

[DeeSizzle]

July 24th, 2024 – Niagara Falls, ON
The Decision Looming

It had only been a couple of days since he had spoken to Jaina but the conversation, they had was really eating away at him. There was some kind of message that Jaina had sent that really sparked a nerve inside him. There was always the case that no matter how badly you hated someone or how badly your situation was perceived, there was always something that was worse somewhere else that you had to reflect on. Jaina was right, Andrew only hated Amy now because of what had happened between them when their relationship ended. By all logic, their match at Rise to Greatness in 2019 should have severed that hatred; however, it was why he left SCW in the first place when their match was over. He needed that space finally, the space he had when Amy left in the first place to clear his head once again. There was such a surge of emotions after he destroyed Amy’s knee that he did not know where his head was at anymore. It was mission accomplished but what did he really accomplish? He lost the match but wrecked her career but there was still some kind of weird emptiness inside of him, five years away from the company and minimal interaction with the company or Amy herself really helped shape some perspective for him. It allowed the conversation with Jaina to come to fruition and really help shape what was going to happen, but Andrew had not clicked on it yet.

He was still conflicted though, the conversation with Jaina really struck a nerve deep inside him, there were moments where he looked at her and knew she was right, that he had held onto such a grudge for so long that even small interactions with Amy down the road were explosive and he really wondered if they needed to be that way. Why was he still holding on so tightly to what went down between them seemed like a storm brewing inside him that he just did not know whether to hold onto anymore. Between that and all the other animosity he had been building for years that went on seemed like another issue altogether and Andrew just needed to digest everything he had heard from Jaina and take it all in. When she had mentioned the kidnapping, he knew that it was a step beyond what Andrew would have ever considered when it came to his hatred towards Amy. He had hated her, but it was just for personal reasons, there would have never been a moment where he became so diabolical that he would have stooped that low. It was one thing for him to superkick Kelsi to send a message but that was simply to rattle her cage and get in her head. He had no legit reason to go after Jaina or anyone else truly personally close to Amy to send a message because it was all about her and nothing else. It changed some perspective for Andrew which resonated in the conversation that he had with Jaina which helped turn the tide on whether Andrew would listen to her and go ahead and save Amy at Rise to Greatness.

Andrew needed more soul searching.

He had decided that he needed to talk to someone that knew the history of what Andrew and Amy had gone through, there were very few people that knew the true history of their relationship and their fallout better than the man Andrew spent many years talking to. Andrew knew it would be the only way he would get a clear answer on this and the only man that would be able to have the conversation he wanted to have. Dr Vandenberg was a therapist, but he was the only one who was willing to tell Andrew how it was. Andrew knew that he needed deeper insight into this. It was not enough just talking to Jaina and being left to his own thoughts on the matter, there was a strong possibility that he would have just pushed it all aside and gone about his business, as usual, but this was different. The conversation had been eating at him for a few days, he hadn't been able to get it out of his head because of how much it meant for Jaina to reach out to him and try to reason with him to do something knowing no one else would, or could, do anything about it.

It had been a while since he had last seen the doctor; after moving to Montreal, he barely had the time to keep flying out there to meet with him. They had phone and zoom calls when needed but this felt more personal for him. Andrew needed to have this conversation face to face to be able to have the mindset on what to do. Whether Andrew likes it or not, this was a position he never wanted to find himself in but was staring him in the face. Everything he had built was coming to a screeching halt for a return he was sure he was ready to face. Even while he was speaking to Jaina, he could feel his heart racing and his mind racing over the fact that without even knowing it, Amy needed him. That was a thought he did not think he would ever have again, and its low key terrified him. This was why he needed to come back to talk to the doc. Without having that clarity, he did not know how he would approach this and wanted to have the proper direction.

He arrived at the office, but he sat inside the car for a few extra moments, he was nervous. The sweat dripped off him as his heart raced once again. IF you did not know he was nervous, he had been gripping the steering wheel a little extra tightly where the rubber was slightly peeling from it. Andrew looked a little shook over that, he looked at his palms as they came off the wheel and you could see the grime off the wheel embedded there. He wiped his hands slightly and quickly grabbed some Kleenex to wipe the sweat off his brow. He took a few deep breaths and finally got around to opening the car door. He got out and slowly closed the door, still feeling a little bit of anxiety having to face this once again. He did not like the idea that he was feeling this way which is why he was here in the first place, but this was where the path had taken him. There was a part of him that wanted to get back into the car and just drive off, avoiding this situation all together but he knew that he would be doing Jaina a great disservice if he were to avoid trying to face this. The way they spoke to each other, he knew that she had gotten to him in some way, the way that you grab a hold of a loose thread and watch the entire thing start to slowly come apart. He could sense it; it had been falling apart from the minute he left the cafe and had to get it all straightened out before it was too late. Knowing he was past the point of no return, he took another deep breath and started making his way towards the office.

He placed his hand on the door handle and took another breath, he creaked the door open slowly as he walked into the reception area. It had been a minute since he was last here, but the secretary knew him very well. She looked up and immediately took notice of him walking in, as if he had been here every day.

Secretary: It is a pleasure to see you Andrew, I hope you are well?

Andrew looked over at her, he smirked a bit but was still feeling internal tension inside of him.

Andrew: I have seen better days, thanks.

Secretary: He will be with you momentarily.

Andrew smiles over at her and he makes his way into the waiting area. He sits down a little nervously as he scuffles through a few books to look over while he waits. He anxiously looked around the office, on the outside he was looking calm and collected but, on the inside, he felt like a beaten mess. It was a mess that felt worse than being inside the ring because he really did not want to confront this. He knew that it was getting closer to the reality that there was no avoiding this. Also, it did not help that it was time sensitive because Rise to Greatness was just around the corner and Andrew did not have all that much time to really sit and decide what he wanted to do. Maybe if he had weeks or months, he could have really sat down with his thoughts and really made a cognitive decision on the matter. In this case, he only had a matter of days to figure this out, which is why he had to come here and talk to DR Vandenberg about it to sort this shit out with some assistance. IT was a basic full circle moment for Andrew, one he thought he may never have to come back around to, but he learned quickly that the past always finds a way to come back around.

After a few more moments, DVR comes out and signals for Andrew to come into his office. It had been a while since Andrew had been there, but it looked all too familiar to him. He looked around and saw the couch and the chair, he smirked after all the times he had sat on that couch and went through his transition from being the man that everyone loved to someone who became one of the most hated men in all of wrestling. It helped guide him through all those emotions and now finding himself back in the place where it started was a weird feeling for him. DVR was over at his desk getting his notes ready, it had been a few months since they had last spoken but they could easily pack up where they left off and not miss a beat. After a few moments, DVR came back over to his chair and looked over at Andrew.

DVR: Andrew, it has been a while since we last met face to face. How are you doing?

Andrew just looks down for a second, taking a deep breath. He was honestly unsure at this point. Still trying to process everything in real time while trying to get the words out was a real problem. Still though, he knew he was not going to get anywhere just sitting there saying nothing or trying to beat around the bush.

Andrew: To be honest, I was doing well up until a few days ago. Things career wise had been going well since I moved to Montreal, you were right about the change though, I have felt much better and more at peace since being out there.

DVR: I am glad to hear that, I told you that getting out of that house where everything went down would be the best thing for you. Tell me though, what ended up happening a few days ago?

Andrew knew that he had to rip the band aid off to get through this, if he just beat around it was going to be too late and he would be left up in the air with what to do. He lifts his head up and tilts it slightly over.

Andrew: So, you remember all the shit with Amy, right?

DVR: Yes.

Andrew: Well, her daughter reached out to me a few days ago and started telling me about someone who had betrayed Amy and everyone around her. She was saying that she had threatened her and put her in dangerous situations to manipulate and goad Amy into a match that puts her at risk.

DVR looks concerned, making some notes as Andrew was talking. It still felt weird to Andrew talking about this stuff, but he knew that he had to get it out there to have someone make sense of it.

DVR: And what does she want you to do?

Andrew: She wants me to intervene on Amy’s behalf, She’s pretty sure that the guy is going to go too far in trying to prove a point and she knows that everyone else that could get involved have their own shit to deal with and doesn’t want this to affect them in a way that could cost them.

DVR continues making notes, a little surprised himself that she would reach out to Andrew about something like this. He looks over at Andrew to try and read his body language as he’s talking and notices that there’s a small level of concern about him, but he can also see that there, s a ton of hesitancy as well.

DVR: I can imagine that was not something you were expecting to have her ask of you. How did you react to it?

Andrew: I just sat there, listening to her. When she was talking about how he had attempted to kidnap her there was something that resonated with that. Because I knew what had happened to her back when she was younger. For him to try something like that, just to get to Amy showed just how serious he was about trying to destroy Amy. It was hard not to walk away even though there was a part of me that really wanted to have nothing to do with it.

DVR: But you could not walk away, could you. What did you gather from her?

Andrew: I could tell how concerned she was, she knew if there was anyone else close enough to get involved, she would have gone to them. I do not want to say it was a final effort coming to me but essentially if I do not go out there and do something about it, who knows what could end up happening if the guy ends up pulling the trigger on going too far.

DVR: And that bothers you.

Andrew looked down a little, it was weird but with everything he had undergone over the last few years. There was a strong sense of letting go, he didn't want to outright admit that he was mostly over it, he knew that it was something that was important to Jaina and reaching out took a lot. If Jaina did not end up getting through to him then something could seriously happen to her and knowing Andrew could have done something was slowly eating away at him. Even though Andrew was a man that had built a reputation on hate and ruthlessness, there was still something decent within him and that is what Jaina had been hoping to get to in getting him to set aside everything that had happened between them.

Andrew: I did not think that it would, even though I ended up going to meet with Jaina to find out what was going on. I already had it in the back of my mind that it was about Amy or at least connected to her in some way. There were parts of me that begged to ignore it, but I had grown so much since then. Everything with being away from SCW, being elsewhere and then dealing with the Division just had me walking down a new path. A way to find balance between who I was and who I became. I felt like I owed it to myself to see how much I had changed.

DVR: Which is leading you to……

Andrew was looking at him leading him in the direction that he was going to end up doing it. It seemed like it would be weird being the one who needed to jump in to save Amy in some capacity. One he was not even going to be sure how it would even happen. He had little contact with SCW Management over the last five years that even getting back into the company might seem like an issue. He knew he had some leverage and some way to get back inside and given everything would be able to finagle his way back into the company. Jaina would not have reached out if Andrew did not have a way back into the company to be able to pull it off so it seemed like the only thing left would be Andrew’s internal confirmation to go through with it.
Andrew: Going to St Louis to save Amy from Simon.

DVR: You owe it to yourself to see how much you really have changed, how much you have forgiven yourself for what happened between you two and everything that happened after that. It is likely what Jaina was trying to accomplish by talking to you. You told me before that you had low key interactions that were defined which already suggests that you have slightly buried the hatchet and now you need to take it to the end. It is not even to say you need to be friends with her after that. Andrew, you do not even need to say anything to her afterwards, what is the point of changing who you are if you are still going to continue holding onto what made you who you are in the first place. You need to look deep down and ask yourself if you are going to be genuine or it is all superficial bullshit you have been asking all these years. You do not get a truly turn the corner unless you face to face and finally go all the way and bury that hatchet not for Amy but for yourself. You do not need to make this about Amy at the end of the day. You need to make this about yourself and the proof that you have become who you say you are, and you can finally find that final moment of pieces and put you on the path you rightfully want to be on.

It was more than Jaina presented but it is why Andrew had to come here in the first place. Everything he was saying really clicked inside the head of Andrew. It needed to be less about saving Amy and more about Andrew showing that he had finally let go, without having to say anything. He took a deep breath, processing everything that DVR had just said to him. It was what he needed to hear, even if Jaina was the one who started it. It certainly provided more clarity, but Andrew still really needed the time to think about it. This certainly was essential in speeding up the process given the time and certainly made things easier. It was everything Andrew could manage to help make that decision, but it certainly was a big step forward.

Andrew: You are right, it still feels so odd that this is where we are right now. One minute I was going about my life and then this curveball came out of nowhere. Though that it was meant to happen, I have been on the belief that everything happens for a reason, and I walk the path I am meant to walk. I had been going about everything one day at a time and not being concerned with what came next and maybe this is simply the next step. I appreciate you talking to me, I am certainly glad that I made the trip here to talk about this in person rather than a phone call. I will see you again soon.

Andrew gets up and DVR follows, they shake hands and then Andrew makes his way out. Andrew had the clarity he was looking for, coming here really helped put things in perspective and gave him a direction he would begin to walk down, it was only a matter of whether he would follow it through to the end.

On Camera
Andrew had found himself in a pretty good position coming into Apocalypse, on the cusp of winning one of the coveted Trios contracts that was essentially carte blanche to do whatever he wanted at any given time. It was a nice consolation from what he had originally come back to SCW for and now he was a win away from something potentially much sweeter. Good deeds can be rewarded I suppose. Andrew needed his head in the game though, knowing what he was up against he needed every bit of focus.

Given everything that has happened since I have been back, I find myself in a nice position to benefit from what I have done.

Make no mistake, there was a deep hope that the little coward would have been able to recover from his humiliation at Rise to Greatness, after everything he had said and done, to have that on moment where he looked over and saw a ghost he would have never imagined would be staring him in the face to shatter everything around him, I knew that he would be too cowardly to actually make a quick return to get what was going to keep coming to him.

Not withstanding, the benefits of my return and deeds have now given me something even better to hold on to, something more motivational to push me to a new level.

There’s a lot of motivating factors that come into play here in the Trios finals, for everyone who wants to hold onto something worthwhile and give them that little push to get over the hump. I know that you stared over at us while we were in the ring, trying to size everyone up to gain an advantage, there is an experience factor that I don’t think you are truly ready for when it comes to this final. I know that I have been away for a very long time but the way that Selena, Polly and I were able to make things work will go a long way into making your chances of winning that much harder.

Andrew smirks, he was really focused for this match and getting one of those contracts would be a big deal for him. Given that he wasn’t expecting to be involved in this, it’s a wonderful little sidestep in the right direction.

I definitely took pleasure in smashing that phone on the ground, I could see right there and then, Billy, that the phone meant a lot more to you then what was going to happen at Apocalypse when we come face to face. IT’s why Xander had to desperately pull you back and maintain control. He knows that his days are numbered, coming down the winding road where he can barely even keep pace with Selena on a good day and now having to carry a pathetic little boy more concerned about his followers than getting wins is downright laughable. However, I know that this is a world where anything can happen and its all about hitting the right move at the right time.

Though really, you all seem convinced that it’s simply going to come down to Selena carrying everything and I can imagine that you’re going to do whatever it takes, if you’re capable of it, to neutralize her and give yourselves the advantage. That would ultimately be foolish and a major mistake on your parts. I know that looking over at me and not knowing what you’re truly up against can be a little concerning, I saw that fear you all had in your eyes though. Knowing that Xander can’t get the job done, knowing that you are all really afraid of what’s coming. I could care less if you implode or not, I could care less if you think you have game plan coming into this match and how desperate you all are to try and take this away from us. We are the ones that come into this match with the momentum necessary to win this and claim those contracts. Whether you like it or not, you have to look deep down inside and ask yourselves if you truly have what it takes in order to get the job done.

Can you?

Andrew was enjoying himself, given what happened on the last Breakdown before Apocalypse, he was very motivated to get the job done. Watching them show that fear and focusing solely on Selena was an advantage for Polly and Andrew who would be able to come out of nowhere and change the trajectory of the match at a moment’s notice.

I can honestly admit that I didn’t find myself in this position purposely, the path that I was walking was going to take my focus on someone more important, someone that had been getting away with things for too long. Someone who I decided to come in and play a part in getting the job done without having to say a word. I still refuse to make that acknowledgement in that regards because it is not important.

I know that it’s eating away at her, wondering why I would have ever bothered to come out at Rise to Greatness and do what I did, just like I will come out of nowhere and steal this match when you think you have it won. There’s so much arrogance oozing from your end, Billy thinking that he’s going to ride the coattails of his partners to a win he wouldn’t even know how to handle. I may not have been back long, but this tournament has been a good sign of what to expect from the likes of you guys and what sort of path I will be required to walk in order to get to where I need to be. I am not someone who is desperate to win this, I’ll admit I feel pretty good having two former champions in my corner and someone that seemingly everyone despises which will put the focus solely on her. WE could see it when we were looking over at you, all you wanted to focus on was Selena, except for Billy who cared more about the phone I destroyed. It is easy to see where your focus will lie and what it will take in order to beat the three of you. It was a dead giveaway, a moment that allowed us to get a true sense of what it would take to beat you, and I can say that it doesn’t look good.

Call it arrogance on my part but I have been around long enough to decipher things quickly no matter how long I have been back for. It was quite easy to pick it apart and know what to expect.

Andrew smirked again; he had a level of confidence in his voice that he had been missing for a little while. While this was unexpected, this became something that was important to him because it would allow him to chart a path on his terms, something he has been missing for awhile. While it was easy for him to just walk the path given, taking that shortcut and truly creating his own path was one that was very motivating for him, one he wasn’t planning on letting go of.

I know that this is important to some of you, almost a last ditch effort to be relevant, we saw that desperation in your eyes when we were staring back at you, knowing that you would have a major mountain to climb in order to get the job done. We know that we have a strong chance going into this. It’s simply a matter of how far you are willing to go in order to try and beat us.

Make one wrong move and the glass will shatter around you and with that, your chances of taking these contracts from us. We have what it takes in order to get the job done, ask yourselves if you can say the same.

[Xander Valentine]

2 of 2: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EEGs...p=drivesdk

[Matt Hodges]

Get That Work

[SnowQueenSCW]

DISCLAIMER: The following is a work of fiction and not to be confused as complete or accurate representation of any beliefs, religions, etc. Please refer to research/articles by experts for that.

OOC: Takes place after first and after Deanna's CD rp. Good luck everyone!

Villain of the Year

”A Moment to Myself”

I-59 N
New Orleans, Louisiana
September 22nd, 2024
2:13am

Selena gripped the guardrail that served as a barrier between the descending stairs of her bus and the rest of the interior of it, her knuckles white and her fingers showing patches and streaks of red across various parts due to the blood flow. Her jaw was clenched to the point she was sure her back molars were going to crush each other and reduce themselves to a white powder that she’s have to spit out later. And if she was anything like that comic-book character from X-men that her son enjoyed watching (Cyclops, I think… the one with the laser-beam), then there’d be a hole through the front window of her ‘Believe it or Not’ bus and currently blasting away the interstate road as said bus travelled, her sapphire eyes locked on the road as if she could will the damn vehicle to go faster!

Away from NOLA.
Away from The Enigma.
Away from the fucking SCW!

Total collapse…

Those were the words she had been told by the doctor. She couldn’t remember the medical term, her mind had been too jumbled to recall it. Everything felt that way! How had it spiralled so out of control?!

Even in her current state, her calm, darker, logical devil mind was still present, doing what it could to keep the Snow Queen in a constant state of quiet and, barely sustainable, mental balance. She knew why things had spiralled that way. It was beyond clear.

She had made the progress she needed. She had roughed up Polly, triggering the woman’s PTSD so she’d drop those ‘inhibitions’ and show that ‘killer side’ she needed. She had put Raynes on a path to force cooperation between the two of them and… while she regretted part of it… she had planted doubts in the mind of Amelia Blythe – the true glue that held the team together.

It was beyond clear that she was the biggest threat to Selena’s team. Yes, Xander was stronger, more powerful, more dangerous and more accomplished. There was nothing to contest in that regard. He was ‘the heavy hitter’ in the same way that Selena was. In fact, both teams were actually quite well matched for the Trios Finals set for Apocalypse.

Selena and Xander – the main-eventers.
Polly and Amelia – the hungry mid-tier eager to ascend
Raynes and Billy – the wildcards that had come out of nowhere

On paper, Selena had concluded that the match, simply put, could go either way with such a combination. And had this been a simple Breakdown match or some match without any real stakes in it, she’d have accepted that, been thrilled at the notion of such competition, played her part as ‘The Blue-Eyed Devil’ and taken whatever she got (win or lose) and used it to her advantage later on, as she had with her loss at Rise to Greatness, using it to gain more leverage and presence within SCW. She didn’t even need the World title anymore to take Breakdown’s main-event/final segment hostage every week! Hudson had provided her the perfect opportunity without even realizing it with his “Wild, Wild West” concept.

The issue with having such a mentality as ‘going with whatever’ this time around? Was that this wasn’t just ‘any’ match. This was Trios. And she was so fucking close to having it! So close to getting that contract! What she had said was true. She didn’t NEED the contract any more than Xander did. She had done it all, as he had, mostly, and she still had her rematch clause for the world title that she only had to sign to get. Even so, the desire to have it – that golden ticket – it had consumed her thoughts from the second her name was drawn. The names attached to her had been insignificant. She would make it work! Play any card or trick she knew and had learned from the likes of Syren, Regan, Kelcey, Red Rayne, D.… even Malcolm Scythe himself!

That was why she had known Amelia was the true threat. Xander and Billy – there was clear dissension there. Billy favoured cheating, not to mention he appeared to not take this seriously beyond his shallow wants and wishes. He was, in many ways, like Selena was (secretly) now. Willing to do anything to get what he wanted.

Xander, on the other hand… Selena felt the traces of a grin form on her lips, but her tension quickly squashed it down. Xander was… compromised. She had seen it back at Taking Hold of the Flame when they had faced. Alone with her thoughts, she could admit it – The Executioner had had her that night. He was as strong and as resilient as ever and had knocked her for a loop so many times, she had lost count. She had felt the world championship – and the ‘Unbelievable Main Event’ – slipping through her fingers with each second that the match progressed.

And then… Kandis had run down to the ring to hedge her own ‘bet’ in seeing the Snow Queen dethroned. And from that. Selena had seen Xander drop his guard, attack Kandis and declare that he ‘would do it himself with NO help’. It was as if the tables had turned, the script flipped, and the odds shifted in a second. In that moment, like drawing the lucky card in Texas Hold ‘Em that radically flipped the percentages, Selena’s had shot up to 100% and she had gotten past Xander. All because of his arrogance and ego…

But Amelia – Selena felt her jaw clench tighter at the new thought - Amelia was the counter-measure. She was there to keep Billy and Xander civil. To prevent another incident like that happening between the now ‘Noble’ Executioner and the overzealous, arrogant newcomer that wanted a fast track to stardom. She was the one keeping the team from killing each other.

But if she could be reduced… or minimized… or given doubts? Selena exhaled through her nose. True, Amelia was smart and she probably hadn’t been so easily convinced with Selena’s show, but the seed had been planted at the very least, giving Selena something to work with and look for when Apocalypse arrived. Because without Amelia, the two men would barely be able to function. And whether it was her, Polly or Raynes that made the pin, Selena would do all she could to give her team openings to do so, like she had in the semis.

Yes, it was a perfect plan… And then this SHIT had happened!

“Eric says he’s right behind us.”

Turning her head away from her ‘staring contest’ with the asphalt of the interstate, she eyed Otrera, her aide driving the bus at a steady pace. Near her, attached to the dashboard via a clamp, the Egyptian’s cellphone used its GPS to guide the bus to its destination. However, there was also a ‘text notification’ on the top of the screen, which was probably what Ra had read.

Instead of answering, Selena simply gave a nod of her head before, finally, turning away from the open road, walking the necessary steps further into the bus to flop onto the couch, sitting on the familiar, cushioned seats. Her plan had worked up to that point – but then she had been approached by Gerald and told the news about Deanna… that her wife – ex-wife – had collapsed.

Truthfully, for the most part, Selena had done all she could to avoid the redhead up to this point. She had stayed in her bus or changeroom most of the time during shows – playing it up as part of her ‘persona’, waited until everyone had left the arena before leaving herself, and aside from interaction with dealing with their children, she had stayed away from Deanna for both their sakes.

It just… it still hurt.

It still hurt the young woman on the inside, and that was a side she couldn’t allow herself to show much of. The side Amelia had apparently seen, that Xander had tried to get out back at THOTF, that Hudson had ‘apparently’ wanted to bring back (though that was probably just the bastard spouting whatever was buzzworthy or would get people’s attention – only wanting to ‘save’ Selena so he could be world champion).

But she had stayed away from Deanna as best she could, even avoiding the champion’s little ‘crusade’ against the Enigma. Sure, she knew of it, hard not to when watching Breakdown and hearing the rumors. Her little redhead had become sort of an outcast… like ‘the crazy miner’s daughter’… Selena sighed at the old nickname she had been given. So many people didn’t want anything to do with the United States Champion. They believed she was slipping, becoming obsessed, losing her mind, blah blah blah. The idiots didn’t realize that this WAS who Deanna was. Whenever the young Frost had desired something, she would stop at nothing to get it. Her current reign as champion was proof of that – the only difference was that her current ‘desire’ was not something that could be acquired through winning a match or a title. Even if she beat Engima again, there was no promise that he would release Jessica. She was running a hamster wheel, being denied her desire time and time again, which was WHY she was becoming so unhinged.

This is where Selena differed. She valued the notion of ‘biding her time’. Of waiting until the pieces were in play and her path was clear. Of waiting to ‘call her shot’ before firing the proverbial ‘bullet’. She didn’t need to rush in, guns blazing and screaming on the microphone like Xander and Billy. She could hang back… wait things out… and then…

But hearing of Deanna’s collapse? There was no waiting. She had run as fast as she could to find her, sprinting through the halls and towards the parking lot where Gerald was leading her until she had seen the ambulance.

The paramedics were there, four of them, helping Deanna (who was on a stretcher) into the van. Beside her though…

Was Colleen MacDonald.
Asling.
And Polly…

Selena felt her jaw clench at the memory, but not for the reason one would think. Yes, admittedly at first, she had assumed that Polly had had her girls and her attack Deanna as some sort of ‘punishment’ or ‘retribution’ or ‘proving ground’ to Selena – some sort of statement after the roughhousing Selena had employed through Ra on Polly back in her changeroom – and maybe some retribution for the history between Polly and Deanna as well. It would have made sense… she had certainly pissed off Polly and turnabout was fair play. Yes, she had assumed that at first glance, but as she saw Polly helping Deanna into the ambulance, being so gentle with her and the stretcher, as the woman had then spotted Selena and run to her and carefully explained everything to her from what she had learned from Colleen and, then, from Jaina Lancaster – about Deanna visiting Body, Heart and Soul, wanting to apologize, getting an interview and then collapsing during said interview – that was where Selena had fucked up.

She had thanked and hugged Polly…

A low growl came from deep within the platinum-blonde’s throat, meeting resistance from her clenched jaw and, thus, being muffled. She had let her mask fucking break in that moment! In that moment, she had just been so thankful to Polly for coming to Deanna’s aid that she had thrown her own guise out the goddamn window and HUGGED her! And THANKED her! And been GRATEFUL to her!

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! she mentally screamed. She had just risked all the progress she had made tonight with Polly and the strategy for Apocalypse! If Amelia was clinging to some kind of ‘hope’ that Selena could be ‘saved’ due to a ‘glimpse’ of something, then Polly had just been given the fucking proof that the ‘old Selena Frost’ was still there!

Angrily, pale hands gripped at her hair, the Snow Queen continuing to mentally berate herself. They didn’t have time for such ‘fools’ errands’! They had to focus on Trios! Her ‘salvation’ could be some stupid tagline Xander and Amelia could waste their time and their promos on! Let them be distracted by it for all she cared! All the more chances for her team to seize the win!

I’ll have to send something to Raynes and Polly to put everything back together. she thought quickly. A video or something to push the narrative she had spun before all this happened. After I deal with this…

Her head turned to gaze further down the bus, towards the closed doors where her bedroom was. She didn’t need to see inside it. She knew who was there.

Total collapse. She exhaled slowly. How had she not seen it? Even if she was ignoring Deanna in-person, she had still seen the aforementioned signs. And as Selena had rummaged around Deanna’s changeroom to gather her things for her, she sure as hell had spied all the Energy drinks in the mini-fridge and in the trash.

The situation was beyond clear: much like the name of her finisher, Deanna had finally hit burnout. The lack of sleep, combined with the massive amounts of caffeine in her system had all come to a head, and her love- Selena caught herself – her former partner had simply collapsed from the sheer exhaustion of it all. The strain on her heart had been the biggest issue, but thankfully, there had been no long-term or permanent issues with it. It just had had an ‘episode’. With a sigh, Selena finally allowed herself to feel a sense of relief from the whole ordeal, at least in the knowledge that Deanna was going to be okay.

She just needs rest… she repeated the doctor’s orders. Away from any stress or work… Heh, easier said than done. Selena let out a short, bitter laugh. She knew the redhead well enough to know such a thing would never be easy. Keeping her away from SCW for even a day would be tricky, let alone away from their children. But she also knew the seriousness of the situation. She had never seen Deanna in such a state, even during the redhead’s near OD-experience with the NX…

Remembering the drug, Selena quietly did the math in her head, double-checking to make sure she was still in the ‘window’ of her last dosage’s ‘effectiveness’. She had no desire to take it if she didn’t need it, which she, thankfully, didn’t in this moment. Apocalypse? She would definitely need it, which was why she had kept a full bottle of them on the bus and near her for most of the time. Every advantage would be needed against Xander and his team for them to get by – even if it was by a hair’s length.

As for Deanna – Selena breathed another sigh of relief. The doctor had given her a mild sedative to put her to sleep for a few hours. Her body will take over from there in healing itself but it’ll take time. He explained.

Slowly, Selena began racking her brain. She couldn’t take Deanna back home to Manhattan. She’d immediately get back to work in preparing for Apocalypse, or taking care of their children, or something. And having her in NYC in her Eyrie Tower would be out of the question – she’d only be a distraction to Selena and the Snow Queen knew it. It may not happen right away, but being so close to the redhead would trigger Selena’s desire for her. Her need for her, emotionally and physically. It had happened during their ‘dates’ as ‘Chica’ and ‘Evelyn’. It had happened in the throngs of their fights. It was inevitable. It ALWAYS happened.

It was just their chemistry and connection. Even divorced, it was there. And Selena didn’t need that right now. Not when she had more pressing matters to concern herself with.

But what did that leave her? Eric? She shook her head. The family friend was a good man. Noble, kind, dependable… but he was a complete pushover. Selena had lost track of how many times Deanna had convinced him to do something he shouldn’t. All it would take is a few orders and strong words from the redhead once she awoke and Anderson would be taking her right back to Manhattan!

So, what choice did that give her?!

Angrily, the platinum-blonde flopped back against the cushioned seat, every idea she could conceive coming up dry. “Maybe I should just ship her out to Nome.” She whispered jokingly. “Couple days in my hometown and she’d be right as rain-“

Her eyes went wide as the idea hit her like a bolt of lightning, causing her to leap to her feet – a stupid decision as the movement of the bus made the rise rather shaky, forcing her to throw her leg ahead of her to regain her temporary loss of balance. She almost lost the idea due to the shift in movement but her brain clung onto it as tightly as she could. Once on stable footing, the Snow Queen pulled out her phone and double checked the route Otrera was taking, specifically the states she was leaping over. As her eyes settled on the names, a grin slowly came to her.

It was perfect! Too perfect…

Turning slowly, wishing to maintain her steady stance, the former world champion was back at the front of the bus, Ra barely acknowledging her as she stood there. Without hesitation, she grasped the driver’s phone and pulled it out of its clamp. If Ra saw it, she gave no reaction to it, which was fine with Selena. Carefully, the Snow Queen cancelled the GPS’ current trip before punching in a new destination, using the address she had from memory. That completed, she wedged the phone back in its clamp. “Go there.” She ordered, pointing a sharp finger to the phone screen. Only then did Ra turn her head to gaze at the screen, a black eyebrow rising as she turned her head to gaze at the standing woman.

“You realize that’s a detour, right?” she asked. “It’d be faster to go through the Virginas and Washington.”
“I know.” Selena stated coldly. “But I’m not paying you to take me where you think we should go. I’m paying you to take me where I WANT to go.”

“Uh-huh.” Ra clicked her tongue inside her mouth, seemingly unaffected. “And when would I be able to take a break and rest exactly?”

“Considering we just had two days in New Orleans? I think you can manage a 12-hour shift, Ra.” Selena shot back. “Or are you still sore about getting your ass handed to you by a 5-foot-2 munchkin?” she added, goading the woman and watching her tense up. She knew that must have hurt, to be taken down by Polly and so easily. Not that Selena truly held that against her aide. She, herself, would have crumpled like a ragdoll too if Polly ever landed such a shot on her – not that she was about to admit that to either Polly or Ra.

“It was a cheap shot.” Ra growled. “If I had seen it coming…”

“Ah, let it go.” Selena dismissed. “The only thing hurt now is your ego.” She added in a slightly chastising tone. “Never take your eyes off an enemy. Thought they taught you that.”

“She didn’t seem too much of a threat.” The tanned-skin woman remarked.
“Well, now you know better, but I appreciate you making that assumption.” Selena answered honestly.

It was her dark horse – that assumption. She was betting EVERYTHING on that. Raynes was a wildcard and would be treated as such and she was the dominant world champion of 2024, even if Hudson held the title for the rest of the year, she’d still be the one that held it longer and with far more to show for it. But Polly?

No… Billy hadn’t taken her seriously. Xander hadn’t. And Amelia had focused entirely on Selena. Just like Xander and Billy had until Raynes had played his part well. But still, Selena was where everyone’s eyes were. And that was another advantage. Polly was the trojan horse. The one that could be the difference maker in all of this. Because if no one paid attention to her – if no one was truly taking her seriously if Breakdown was any indication… if Ra’s view of her due to the woman’s ‘size’ was any indication…

Another secret weapon… Selena grinned to herself before refocusing on the present.

“Just keep driving.” Selena ordered. “I want us there before tomorrow evening.”

A sigh escaped the driver before she eventually nodded. “As you wish, boss.”

The matter closed, the former world champion pulled away, calling out as she moved further into the bus. “Update Eric when you make a stop. And don’t disturb me until we’re there.”

She did not receive a response this time around but she didn’t need one. She simply kept walking to the back, slowing her steps to a softer sound until she had reached the door. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she slowly pulled the back door open and quickly slid inside the back section, closing it quickly to keep any more light from spilling in.

There, in the room, she stood against the door. It was mostly dark. The curtains were drawn, allowing only the barest of light to spill in from the streetlamps from outside. The windows were two high to capture the headlights of passing/passed vehicles, and there was enough structure from the bus to muffle most traffic sounds from outside. It allowed her to, eventually, as she strained her ears to hear, the soft breathing coming from the woman on the bed. She had personally, and privately, ‘shooed’ Eric and Ra out of the room after they had carried Deanna out of the hospital and into this bedroom, sending them to their respective driver-seats to begin the trip. Alone with Deanna, the young woman had carefully, focusing on the task and nothing else, undressed the redhead and slipped her into one of the Snow Queen’s nightgowns – or rather, one of Deanna’s nightgowns that Selena had kept hanging in the closet on the bus since the younger woman had last rode on it – one of the few ‘mementos’ Selena had kept nearby.

Still, in the dark room, just her and Deanna, she finally allowed herself to fully breathe. She allowed herself to slowly let her thoughts of Trios and her partners go, if only for a few moments. She allowed herself to drop the guise of “The Blue-Eyed Devil” that everyone so badly wanted to destroy. And she let herself feel the full relief that her love was going to be okay.

“My poor pet…” Selena whispered in the dark, watching Deanna sleep. She could only imagine how bad things had truly been for the redhead. This obsession with Enigma, righteous as it was. She knew the woman who still held her heart was no idiot. Foolish was one thing, but that didn’t make her stupid. Surely, the redhead had seen what this was doing to her health. How things were eroding away. Surely she had noticed these things… and yet she had kept going. Pushing through.

Are you doing things any differently? came the chastising voice in her mind – not the devil voice… her own voice. You want her to drop all of this and just let it go. Yet, you’ve had two people tonight talk about ‘saving’ you and you told both of them that it couldn’t be done. You’re ‘too far in’. Is that any different?

Selena sighed at her own inner-voice – her ego. It was different. Deanna’s obsession would be solved soon as Enigma was handled and Jessica was freed. Then, she could rest more like this and refocus on being the United States Champion or just an SCW superstar or whatever was normal for her.

Selena? It wasn’t so simple. She wasn’t chasing demons or magic-users or shadow-monsters, sure enough, but her ‘cause’ was not simply an enemy.

It was herself.

She had made her choice late last year when she had put her plans into motion to recapture the world championship. She had betrayed so many of her ideals to get to where she needed to be. Warped the very notion of integrity and settling matters ‘in the ring’ until she barely recognized it. All to get what she wanted for herself and those she felt had been wronged by SCW.

She had burned every conceivable bridge to ashes. And no matter how much Amelia pleaded. How much she ‘believed’. How much Polly stated it. How much she believed. How much any one else saw it… how much they believed…

No bridge could be made of such ashes. It couldn’t be done. There was no ‘way back’ for Selena. She was… what she was. A villain, a user of NX, a divorced queen, alone… all of her own choices.

And with ‘the way back’ burnt and inaccessible, all she could do was go forward. Go forward and either meet her end or… if she were TRULY lucky – luckier than she had ever been in her entire life – go all the way around and come full-circle…

Like anyone would be waiting for me that long. She scoffed at the mere idea before finally taking a step around the bed to the other side of the room. She knew the space inside and out and easily found the closet to pull out her own nightgown before disappearing into the bathroom beside the bedroom, once more being careful not to turn the light on until the door was closed behind her. She had no reason to believe Deanna would even stir awake for several hours, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to risk it just to get an earful from her ex and demands to be ‘taken back to SCW’ or whatever she knew her fiery-redhead would do. No, thank you…

Alone in the bathroom, she was quick to strip out of her own clothes – the same clothes she had worn backstage when she met up with Amelia – she would have to return Ra’s jacket to her later – and placed them neatly on the counter by the closet. That accomplished, she was quick to undo her hair and run an ice-cube bath for herself, settling into the cold embrace of floating ice amidst the water and allowing herself to relax and semi-meditate, her mind loosening its grip on the thoughts of Deanna, of Polly, of Raynes and Amelia and of Trios.

How long she laid there, she wasn’t sure – she didn’t have a clock in the room and had left her phone elsewhere on the bus. However, it was needed far more than she had realized, the calming effects of the familiar cold giving her a bit of focus in her next set of moves.

The video to Raynes and Polly to re-establish matters was a good idea. She could do a “Royal Letter” to them like she had with Aaron Demitria and CHBK in the past. Then, she would bide her time, watching the others squirm or plan or air their promo videos – letting them all focus on poor, little her.

“The biggest threat”

She smiled at that. She knew Xander. She knew Amelia. Billy? Well, he had already played his entire hand earlier in the night. She was ‘the golden goose’, which meant Raynes and Polly could take advantage. Again, it didn’t matter to Selena if she was the one that made the pin – that had been all for show for the quarterfinals and the semis. In truth, winning was her only concern. If Polly wanted to do it, so be it, and if Raynes had the chance, so be it. The result would be the same for all three of them, especially for Selena, regardless of who made the pin/submission.

Content, the Snow Queen reached over to grab her favorite shampoo: Vanilla-lavender. As with the soaking in the bath, she took her time shampooing her hair, letting the scent soak into the platinum-blonde strands at the roots, same with the body wash (same scent, of course), even standing to let it soak fully into her skin before lowering herself down to wash herself completely.

She still, very much, enjoyed feeling clean and washed. The saying ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ was true to her, sure, but it was much more personal than that. She had spent so many years not caring about her appearance, being Nome’s ‘Snow Queen’ and ‘the Crazy Miner’s Daughter’, and living on meager minimum-wage as a waitress, that when she could finally afford to truly take care of herself, she had learned quickly. For Selena, it was a personal representation of herself. It was her showing herself where she was now, and where she had come from – and the person she never wished to return to again!

Finished, the clean wrestler dried herself off, again taking her time. Normally, she would have blow-dried her hair, but her concern for the noise waking the redhead in the next room prevented her from doing that, instead choosing to just be more meticulous with her towel, gripping her hair firmer with it as if to wring out as much water as possible. It stung a little, but she didn’t mind. Seeing herself in the bolted down mirror, she allowed her sapphire eyes to linger on her own reflection.

It was a stark contrast to what she had seen of the young woman in the adjoining room. She taken notice of Deanna’s pale face, the mess of red that was her hair (complete with knots and wild strands, the bags under her eyes and even opening one eyelid to see the bloodshot red that had run rampant on her beautiful emerald orbs. It was heartbreaking for Selena to behold, despite her desire to hide it (which she had barely managed). Compared to that, with her own pale skin free of blemishes, her eyes shining and well-rested and her hair sleek and equally shining, the Snow Queen could not stop the guilt she felt.

She knew she wasn’t to blame. She had done all she could to get Deanna off the path of facing The Enigma, but the redhead had persisted. She had given all her warnings and even tried enforcing her will by trying to remove Jessica – the source of Deanna’s drive – from the equation, which had only served Selena a divorce paper from Deanna. As it was, she had quietly vowed not to enforce her will on Deanna again. She was not her wife anymore, assuming Deanna had handed the paper in and it had been processed, but that was just legality. They were not together anymore. It was beyond apparent and that was enough for Selena, for it meant that Deanna was no longer her concern, despite her feelings for the redhead.

She wanted to get involved but she couldn’t. It wasn’t her place now. She had to let things play out. Even so, she knew her actions now were a contradiction to that vow. She had immediately gotten involved upon hearing of Deanna’s collapse and, rather than leave her in the hospital to recover, which was probably the smarter idea, she had taken it upon herself to try and get her away from hospitals and SCW. And her new plan? Where they were headed?

Am I doing the right thing? she asked herself for the first time, staring into the face in the mirror and, actually, seeing her own reflection. Not ‘The Blue Eyed Devil”, but rather of Selena Frost – herself – the woman. The woman that loved her children, her job, and loved the redhead in the next room. Alone, and savoring the safety and privacy of it, she allowed herself to breathe this identity in, inhaling and exhaling slowly. She let herself feel those buried feelings again. That love. That warmth. That precious gift that she held in her heart. She would have to bury them again as soon as she was out of the bedroom, but that would be in the morning when she woke up. For now, she merely stared at herself, missing herself, and missing how things were, and allowing herself to dream.

Was it possible? Was Amelia right? Was Polly right? Was Deanna right? Could she be ‘saved’?

Silly as it sounded, she entertained the thought for a moment, imagining what it would be like. Where she came out to music, not of a villain, but of a hero. Of a good woman. Where she was cheered because she was good and worked hard, not because she was ‘Selena Frost, the bad girl’. Where she was believed in for her morals and integrity. Where she had a good repour with the SCW Universe, being ‘The Face of SCW’ once more and a queen of the people. Where she had friends that followed her example of doing the right thing. Where she inspired people to be better, like she had with Light in the Darkness…

The wedding!

Sapphire eyes widened as the thought came to Selena. She had merely used the invitation as a tool to talk to Amelia and sow the seeds of doubt, but with that task done, and her ‘mask’ dropped, Selena allowed herself to actually consider it.

There had been some truth to her words to Amelia – more than she cared to admit. On one hand, she was beyond proud of the young woman and of Luz and them taking this ‘next step’ together in their lives. She was, truly, excited in seeing them get married, even regretting that she hadn’t really known them when Deanna and her had tied the knot.

But… she could see the signs. The same signs she had missed in her own marriage. The same little things that, at the time, had seemed inconsequential to both Frost women, but had, ultimately, driven them apart.

The difference in their ‘status’ within the company.
Selena’s obsession with integrity.
Deanna’s obsession with making Selena happy.
Selena’s refusal to simply ‘return’ but, instead to seek ‘justice’.
Deanna’s desire to do the right thing and forge her own identity out from “Selena’s shadow”.

They were little things but they had dogpiled until… even in love… their marriage had crumbled. And with her friends Luz and Amelia, Selena could see similar ‘cracks’. Small, infinitesimal it seemed, but they were still there. But she doubted Amelia would take all her words to heart. Or, at the very least, not dissect and question them as coming from a friend, yes, but also a prospective opponent, which wasn’t a complete lie either.

Trying to calm her mind from the onslaught of thoughts, Selena slowly inhaled and exhaled, turning away from her reflection to change into her magenta nightgown. In the end, much with Deanna, she couldn’t control or stop Light in the Darkness. They were going to do what they were going to do, and she would simply have to wait out and see if she was right or wrong. If the signs were there or just in her imagination.

Settling on that, she moved her hand towards the door to open it but quickly switched the direction of her hand to turn the lights off first, remembering her ‘guest’ in the other room. However, as she opened the door, once more in darkness, the voice sailed into her ears immediately.

“No…NO!” The words were repeated, along with some whines and cries. Immediately, as before when she was backstage, Selena was on the move, moving the few steps necessary to draw closer to the bed. With no other option – and not wishing to turn on the lights – she could only wait for each passing light from outside to illuminate the room just enough to give her better vision. In those flashes, her eyes spotted Deanna lying there, tossing and turning in the throngs of sleep.

“Please…no…help…please…” The cries were mere whimpers now, making it clear to Selena what was happening.

A nightmare. No different than when her children had had them in their youth. What Deanna was dreaming, the Snow Queen could only guess, but from the tone of Deanna’s cries, the fear laced within them, suddenly the woman’s ‘sleep-depravation’ had made a degree of sense. How could someone go to sleep when they knew what terrors were waiting for them the moment they closed their eyes?

For what it was, Selena could understand. Anastasia DeCarlo had, after all, tried to drown her in the tub at a young age using a door as sort of ‘roof’ over it – at least that was how Selena remembered it, though she had every reason to question the details from her child-like memory at the time. Still, the facts were still there. Anastasia had wanted to drown her stepchild and it had been Selena’s own biological mother that had saved the young infant – a part Selena had not remembered beyond flashes of terror in her mind. But the nightmares would last for many years and her claustrophobia still persisted in her because of it.

For the woman lying in the bed, Deanna had had nightmares in the past, but none had ever lead to such a degree of insomnia and exhaustion, which only further explained to Selena the level of terror they held within the redhead’s mind.

“S…” Deanna hissed. “It burns…” she cried out. “Don’t, Jessica… Please…”

Standing there, Selena felt utterly powerless, her heart breaking for the unknown time at the sight. What could she do? Deanna was not a child. A mere lullaby would not work on her like it had her children. And she dared not wake the redhead up when she needed some rest, even the nightmarish kind. So what option did that give her?

“S…” the redhead hissed again, her body stiffening and rolling a little. “Selena…”

Selena’s eyes widened in shock, her head turning more towards the woman, even drawing closer. She hadn’t misheard! She had heard her name! Was… was it her? Was she the one causing Deanna’s nightmares?

It made sense… she thought bitterly. She was quite the monster in the world these days. Quite the villain. And she had been quite cold and cruel to Jessica and to Deanna on several occasions. Carefully, she stepped back, putting her back to the door. She would sleep on the couch outside in the main ‘body’ of the bus. That would be fine for her for tonight. Least if she was away from Deanna, her lack of ‘presence’ might allow the redhead to sleep better and-

“Help…” She heard the whisper in the dark as her hand touched the door handle. “Help me…Selena… please…” and froze immediately in place, the former world champion turning around to gaze at the sleeping beauty. Again, she had no reason to doubt her ears capabilities. She knew she hadn’t misheard.

“Where are you…” Deanna cried out. “I don’t… I don’t want to die… alone…”

Slowly, Selena stepped back over to the side of the bed she had been standing, gazing down at the woman who continued in her nightmarish journey. In the dark, the platinum-blonde gazed down to her hand as she held it up, the pale limb a focal point in her inner-debate.

“Hell with it.” She whispered before reaching out that hand and placing it on Deanna’s shoulder, ceasing her movements. “Deanna…” Selena whispered. “I’m right here…”

She immediately felt Deanna’s movements stop, though her mumbling persisted. “So dark…and fire…not alone… please…” her voice trailed off. Selena couldn’t understand what it was her love was dreaming, but… it didn’t matter in that moment. Giving one more fleeting glance at the door, her last attempt to ‘stay away’ from Deanna for the aforementioned reasons, she slowly surrendered, moving herself up and onto the bed.

She didn’t need to see the woman in the dark to know how to position herself. It was second nature, and within seconds, she had the smaller redhead wrapped in her arms and pulled against her, feeling her back against her front. “I’ve got you.” She whispered. “You don’t have to be alone.”

Slowly, very slowly, she felt Deanna’s breathing slow, her heart along with it. The movements ceased altogether, and before long, the champion was back into the state of peaceful slumber, her nightmares banished to the dark corners of her mind. Relieved, not for the first time today, Selena exhaled a breath slowly, further settling her head against the pillow it rested on.

Yes… tomorrow she would be ‘The Blue-Eyed Devil’ again.
Tomorrow, she’d hand Deanna off somewhere she could truly recover.
Tomorrow, she’d disappear from the redhead’s sight and return to her tower – alone as Deanna had been in her dreams.

But tonight…

“I’ll stay tonight.” She whispered against Deanna’s neck, allowing herself to lean and brush her lips against the soft skin of the woman’s neck in a tender, loving kiss. “Tonight, I’ll be yours.” Her voice drifted against Deanna’s ear as Selena settled into sleep beside her former partner.

Tonight, she could be herself. Because tomorrow…

Tomorrow would be the beginning of the end. One way… or another.
_______________________________________________________________

The camera opens up to reveal the interior of The Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C., the site for this weekend’s SCW Pay-Per-View, Apocalypse. The arena is mostly empty, devoid of people, despite the set being practically completed for the big event. From the ramp to the ring, despite the white, blue and purple lights shining down on them, the arena looks ready to house an incredible show.

But as the camera changes shot to one closer to the ring, the woman standing in the middle of it is finally seen. Her hair, in its iconic braid, is a stark contrast to the black and gold trim dress she wears. The dress hugs her curves and leaves her shoulders and arms bare, hugging around her bust and hips, accentuating her trim figure. Her makeup matches the look perfectly, and Selena Frost, for all intents and purposes, stands like a monarch inside the ring, patiently giving her audience time to adjust to this powerful sight.

Ah… Vancouver… she smiles knowingly. Tell me something, truly… do you believe me now?

The Snow Queen gives a tilt of her head. Oh come on… She tsks, her tongue clicking a little to make the sound. You really don’t have much of a choice, do you? I mean, I could understand a few weeks ago, when you all were singing the same tune as you did at Rise to Greatness for Josh Hudson. After all, after ALL your favorite little heroes failed one after another, you finally got one that managed to take the world title from me.

She laughs a little. And if he HADN’T been eliminated in the first round – losing his FIRST match as the SCW World champion, I could almost understand your siding with him. But, alas, what did I say months ago? Weeks ago?

Let me think… the former world champion tilts her head, as if in thought before snapping her fingers. That’s right! I remember! I said he would disappoint you! I said he would ‘let you all down’!

And look what’s happened! She gestures towards the empty arena. The man is knocked down and basically taken out in the first Breakdown of the season. Then he can’t keep his word in giving you all a match against Kandis and One or some variation of, THEN, when he finally DOES officially wrestle, he loses. And then… icing on the cake here! While I am here, doing what he COULDN’T do… he’s off shaking hands with Amy Chastaine with ‘May the best wrestler win’!

Selena’s eyes shift left and right a little. So… basically, his ‘Wild Wild West’… is what I was doing the whole time? She sighs knowingly.

I honestly am not surprised, Josh. Really, I’m not. You’re of a certain breed of wrestler. A certain breed that promises the world and everything in it to these fans and yet, when push comes to shove, you can’t deliver. I mean… what happened to the ‘amazing challenges’ you said you were going to do? What happened to ‘accepting every challenge’? Pretty sure neither One nor Kandis got their match when they challenged you. Not that I have any issue with Kandis being suspended once again and Scott seeing… she chuckles a little. Anger management… It certainly has been somewhat enjoyable to watch as you struggle in your first month as World champion, excusing the month-off you got to have right after RTG.

But I digress… she sighs. Once again, I have to step in and do what one of CHBK’s boys and ‘legends’ couldn’t do and bring the Trios Tournament to a satisfying and exciting end. I mean… can we really expect another one of ‘Alex’s boys’ to do the job?

And yes, Xander, I am talking to you. In fact… you’re really the ONLY person I am going to be talking to here. She tilts her head. What? Surprised? Don’t be. I’ve already talked to Amelia, privately, I’m sure she’s told you about that, and as for Billy… well, as Andrew pointed out, I don’t waste my time with people that care more about their cellphones and date-nights then they do about their careers. With any luck, Raynes will grab the boy’s damned phone again, but this time, he’ll chuck it as hard as he can into the audience and watch Billy run away to try and find it, allowing us to get to business.

Which is what we should do now… her sapphire eyes narrow. Because you seriously disappointed me, Xander. And before you roll your eyes or count to ten to calm down or fetch your girl, Artemis, to fetch your pills, old man, I’m still aware of your accolades. We’ve been over this not too long ago. All you’ve done, the Hall of Fame status. Aside from Amelia’s tag-titles and TV title reign, you’re the big name on your team – the exo-facto leader it would seem… though that may be in question after seeing you in the ring during this whole tournament last week.

But back to my earlier statement of you disappointing me, Xander. All that lovely talk about whether I can team with my partners, be there for them... Typical YOU would try that tactic given YOUR history. Disappointingly obvious, I mean, I could understand when you did nothing and you let Billy Heaven cheat and steal the victory for you and your team in the semis. I really could, Xander… after all, the last time you had any real ‘morals’ to do the right thing… she shrugs. You lost to me. She smiles knowingly.

So it stands to reason that you really can’t ‘teach an old dog new tricks’ and that this ‘moral compass’ of yours was just a phase. One you would throw away when reality reared its ugly head.

But even so, since that is so and your little ‘nobility’ was all an act that I saw right through… an act that broke the second it failed… how could you LET Heaven disrespect you like that? she shakes her head.

And before you deny it, Xander, remember. I was there in the ring with you. I was there when Billy, first, demanded to speak before you. Demanded that he talk before the ‘captain’ and ‘Hall of Famer’. Then, I watched as he humiliated you by making your first statements be about hitting on Jaina and eyeballing me.

And oh yes, the crème de la crème, Xander! The cherry on top! I got to watch as he called his shot right in front of you.

Moving over to the turnbuckle, Selena leans against it on her side and elbow, still facing camera.

So… am I really talking to the right guy here? Am I really talking to the captain? The Hall of Famer? The leader of my opponent’s team like you clearly chose to do? Or should I restart this promo and talk only to Billy instead? Because the Xander I know wouldn’t have simply grabbed Billy’s shoulder, pulled him back and given him a ‘stern talking to’ like he was his kid after such disrespectful behavior. Has fatherhood – or the pitiful excuse I’m sure you call ‘fatherhood’ – taken the edge off the axe, Executioner?

She glares into the camera daringly.

Because there was a time when Xander Valentine rampaged through an entire crowd of SCW fans! Attacking innocent men and women and children! All because someone dared to disrespect him by knocking him out in record time…

There was a time that Xander Valentine systematically tried to destroy a woman’s career by invading her home, attacking her property, and break her spirit, simply because he believed she was trying to ‘steal’ his place within SCW.

There was a time that Xander Valentine tried to reduce a ‘Face of SCW’ to ‘The Shadow of SCW’, simply because it amused him to do so!

Hell… there was a time where you swore to take my head and skewer it onto a lance and display it for all SCW to see… that one might be easier for your age-riddled brain to recall, cause it was earlier this year!

Selena shakes her head. My point is, Xander, is that I’ve seen you do far worse… because of far less. And yet… a scolding? Really? she laughs sadly. You asked me what Trios means to me, let me return it. Does winning Trios mean THAT much to you, Xander? Are you that desperate for it that you let Billy put you on a ‘leash’? Get you to ‘heel’ and ‘be a good boy'?

Relax, I won’t keep up these dog references. I have no desire to trigger one of my partners too much. But you have to admit, it’s not hard to see what I am saying here, Xander. You’re desperate to win Trios, which wouldn’t be surprising because the last time you won it, you allowed yourself to be associated with rainbows and unicorns… she almost snorts at the vivid memory.

What was the name? Unicorn Puke or something like that? I guess, when it comes to Trios, Xander really WILL sell-out his ‘morals’ and ‘integrity’ and ‘self-respect’. Such a shame… because I was excited to beat you again. She sighs before holding up her hand.

Alright, alright. I’ll ease up a little, Xander. But what do you expect?! I am upset. I am! See, this wasn’t SUPPOSED to be my team against yours. You saw what everyone was saying! Everyone wanted it to be you or Josh’s team. You were going to fight Hudson, one way or another. Wasn’t that why Alex was talking to you? Back to one of his ‘boys’ to get the SCW world title shot? He’s starting to get predictable, isn’t he? Hudson, Mason, you, Chastaine… You think he’s got one of the Black Cell boys on speed-dial? Can he dig up Zero, Riddick or Savior for a quick one-off? Or should we expect one of The Mercenaries to come bumbling in after this weekend?

But still, back to you. When the situation came about and I got my team to the finals, I was excited to face you again. I mean, wouldn’t that just be the most magical moment? An unbelievable moment? The man that got me to my fourth Rise to Greatness main-event being the man that also got me to my second Trios Tournament contract… oh… she gives a chef’s kiss. Such an incredible story. Especially when I know how, and what it takes, to beat you, first of all, but also because I… I thought you cared about me.

Her eyes grow sad. Not in THAT way, Xander. I’m not Billy Junior, after all. But I thought that you would see this opportunity for what it was! The greatest chance… and easily the last chance, that you will ever have!

Reaching up with one hand, she adjusts her braid a little, flicking it back over her shoulder. Did you not say that my victory over you at Taking Hold of the Flame still lives rent-free inside your head with the intensity as our match at Rise to Greatness years ago does? That you replay that moment over and over again in your mind? Wishing you had just let Kandis do whatever she wanted to do with me or if she never came out at all… would you have faced Hudson? Would you have won where I didn’t? Would you then be able to retire peacefully on such a sendoff?

But no… I took that away, and with it, I remain the person that’s had your number more often than not. I mean, officially, you’ve only beaten me once. You called it ‘even’ because you thought an unsanctioned match counted…HA! she laughs. Go talk to Deanna about that when you get a chance, I doubt she’ll care. But as it TRULY, OFFICIALLY stands… You’ve beaten me once… I’ve beaten you FOUR times! Most of which by knocking you out…

She sighs. I’ll bet they all play in your head, Xander. I’m sure they do. Which is why I was so upset and surprised and disappointed in you. Because I could almost look the other way for the rest of the stuff with Billy, truly. I could! Like I said, you’ve sold out for Trios before...

But for him to point at me… YOUR Mount Everest. YOUR unconquered foe that’s defeated you far more than once… for that BOY to point at me and declare that he was gunning for me. That HE would be the one to pin me. To be the one that defeated me and lead you and Amelia to victory.

Xander… How could you let him do such a thing? How could you let him cross such a line? Selena shakes her head. How could you let him not only take your morals, your spine, your very image as Xander F’N Valentine – the nigh unstoppable Executioner! – but also let him take YOUR pinfall. YOUR victory. YOUR last chance to put me down…

Moving off the turnbuckle, the former world champion strolls around the ring, gazing at the empty seats away and above.

We all know the truth, Xander… this is your last season in SCW, isn’t it? Your last Trios Tournament. Your last chance to get that golden ticket… she turns her head towards the camera. And your last chance to beat me.

Because we both know I’ve got other things to do than to deal with you – a contract of my own, actually, and so much more. And since I already fought you and beat you… I doubt you’ll get another chance to face me before that final bell of yours rings.

This… this could very well be your last chance to get the victory you’ve dreamed up for FIVE LONG YEARS! The victory to give you the ‘last laugh’ of sorts…

And you want to give it to Mr. Cellphone? Mr. Hit-on-Every-Girl-in-SCW? Mr. Cant-win-a-match-without-cheating?

A sad sigh escapes her once more. I hope you realize, Xander, how much respect you’ve lost in my eyes. Because I believed that you were so much more that. At the very least, I thought you were going to try and ‘help me’ or ‘save me’ or ‘teach me a lesson’ like you promised to do at Taking Hold of the Flame – another promise by a ‘legend’ that fell flat, I suppose… just like the other Alex-boys…

But I suppose my ‘lesson’ will have to come from Billy. What do you suppose it will be, Xander? How to get a million followers on my X account? Perhaps how to do the perfect shot for Instagram? What about picking the best phone-model? Mine got destroyed a little while ago – I think it was thrown against a wall or something… She bites her lower lip, as if in thought again, before snapping out of it. Though… that just makes me wonder what kind of example you are leaving… you know, for your ‘fans’… your family… your offspring?

Because the Xander I saw last week? He seems fine with pigs hitting on women like that. He seems fine to let other people have what is rightfully his. He seems fine with being disrespected and talked down to. He seems fine with cheating to win. she shrugs. I do feel sorry for those that look up to you, Xander, if that’s the kind of man you are now. I feel sorry for Amelia, who’s put her trust in you to do the right thing and be an example of integrity and good-form here in SCW – so she can truly, and proudly, say that she EARNED a Trios Contract – thanks to you, she can’t. I feel sorry for Alex, who believed you were worthy of an SCW world championship shot. Perhaps, when this is over and he comes back to give it to you, you can give THAT to Billy too! Not like he’s going to say no to a free ride with you carrying him like his pack mule while he parades himself as ‘better than you’.

Slowly, Selena ‘dusts off’ her hands. Regardless, I just wanted to tell you not to worry about it. Because you may not be coming to Apocalypse as the Executioner I knew, but I sure as hell am coming to Apocalypse as ‘The Blue-Eyed Devil’ that you know! Complete with a Devil’s Gate for you, for Billy… even for Amelia if I have to! Selena’s cold eyes narrow. And don’t worry about breaking your promises, your morals, or even your integrity for Billy, Xander. Because, like with Hudson, I’ll be the one to pick up the slack on a legend and give the SCW Universe what they need. What your fans and family needs.

Someone they can be proud of.
Someone that can keep her word.
Someone that wouldn’t give their ‘last chance’ against an opponent like me to an undeserving piece of shit just for a ‘win’.
Someone that WILL lead their team to victory, and make them proud to be part of it!

The Snow Queen glances once more at the camera, at her old rival. I’ll enjoy the night being one of the three Trios Tournament winners, Xander. You? she grins wickedly. You can enjoy the night being Billy’s bitch.

Whether you want to believe it… or not…

The camera slowly fades on the grinning, and knowing, face of Selena before entirely fading to black.