Roleplay/Promo

On Camera

 

Emily: 644 days. 644 days I proved I was truly a champion, and I was one who had standing power defeating competitor after competitor, retaining a title, making it as prestigious as the World title here in SCW. For 644 days I was the Alternative champion and then Paige Lewis came along and she did want so many others, men like Alzy Hawkshaw and Brian Kennedy, and so many others thought they could do. She defeated me, and it was for the title.

 

Maybe the saying of pride goeth before the fall applies here. Maybe I did get a bit ahead of myself, thinking I could be the one…..well to do what Paige Lewis is doing, to be both Alternative and World champion. There…I admit it. That WAS my plan, because next to Jessica Tendonin, I see myself as one of the strongest champions SCW has ever had. But isn’t it ironic though, most other feds cringe at the idea of having women taking on the men, they flinch at the idea of women facing men for their prescious titles, but SCW? Look at the record and with the except of Kennedy and Brian Brewster, that title has been held by ladies who are beyond impressive in this business, but SCW it almost seems to be the norm. It started with the lady who currently is serving as our general manager, Neela Shizeguma, and carries to our current champions Paige Lewis and Adatu Urikah. In fact there are times that the men have been greatly outnumbered, even if there are two men who hold titles here. One is Priest, our…..intermediate or temporary or whatever champion, and Brian Kennedy, tag champion who is teamed with….a woman! Jessica Tendonin herself, ironically. So……

 

So what does this have to do with you Cash? A great deal. You see, unlike your run of the mill usual company, you are strangely part of the minority. How many time would someone think they’d hear that? Plus you are in a very bad position because you see you get the very dubious position of getting to face me…..when I’m in a VERY bad mood.

 

See Cash, I don’t have something that I feel Paige STOLE from me. She took a match that I should have won without a blink, tried to not just beat me, but destroy me, and THAT is why I’m taking my loss very easily. She wasn’t just looking to defeat me, to finally put an end to the streak, she was looking to end my career, and that……

 

Cannot go unanswered.

 

Cash, we will face each othe rin there….[/color[

 

Emily gestures at the Adelaide Entertainment Center.

 

Emily: But you….friend….will find out why I’m not just dangerous, but deadly. You get the unfortunate position of being the one who I will use to show why I will not only get my Alternative title back, not only why I’ll be the next World champion, but why I’ll DESTROY PAIGE LEWIS!!!

 

Emily stops, the outburst uncharacteristic of her, but then she has been smarting since her loss to Paige, and she has been trying to keep the anger under control. Problem is the more she tries…..the more dangerous she is becoming….the more she is becoming like her mom, both her adoptive mom Lynn Brewster, and her real mom Selena Desmond. Only one person truly knows everything there was to know about Selena, and he has seen the signs that Emily is developing the same characteristics as Selena. Lynn is known for her temper, and usually it appears easily when she’s in the ring. Selena’s anger would burn white hot, and become very calculating, very…..career ending. Emily is looking end a career, not caring who is hurt in that goal. Cash Allan?

 

Emily: Cash Allan you will be an example. Your luck has plain run out. I will be the one to end your streak, I’ll be the one who stands over you, and you will be forgotten. Good……bye Cash. I hope you enjoyed your stay here. Because it ends now.

 

Emily looks at a paper she is holding in her hand, then rips it in two and throws it down on the ground, being sure to step on it. As Emily walks off its a picture of Cash Allan, a man who stands in Emily’s way.

*******

Her routine was simple. She would wake up around 7, go for a run, get home and have breakfast, and then relax in the bath. If, by noon, none of her mates made plans with her, Paige Lewis would lounge about her home. She would read, watch television, and sometimes even go for another run in the afternoon. It was a good routine. At least thrice a week, she met up with her parents for lunch or even dinner. Sometimes, she spent the night. Her old bedroom was exactly as it was as she was growing up. She enjoyed going home to her parents and hanging out. Especially when her baby brother was awake.

But today was different. Paige was awake at 5 AM. Instead of her normal 4 kilometers, she had set the lofty goal of going for 10. Her body ached, but she got it done. When she made it home, her father was waiting for her, and after a quick shower, she changed into another set of workout gear, and went to the home gym he’d set for her a few months ago. He had her start with weights. Paige could deadlift around 100KG without an issue. John made her go for 120. It was a struggle, but she managed it. After another hour of weights, he had her get on the treadmill. The goal was to get her maximum speed while under physical stress.

38km/h. It was a respectable number, she thought. John told her to aim for 40 next time. The hardest part of his wild training regimine, however, was that after all of this, she had to wrestle with him. John Lewis was a big strong man. That paired with him being well rested made for quite a challenge for the young blonde. He overpowered her easily, every time. Much as they both expected. By noon, she was exhausted. They wrapped things up and each had a shower before having lunch. They had been doing this twice a week for about 3 weeks now. Paige was still not able to overpower her father and pin him, but she was getting closer.

****

Sitting on the floor of her living room, Paige Lewis was finishing up her afternoon yoga as the cameraman finished setting up. She returned to a natural position and opened her eyes, looking into the camera.

Paige: Emily Desmond. This day has been coming for a long time. And now, it is here. I know SCW has always been a place with strong women who can really handle themselves. But, I think the only other time we’ve seen SCW be headed with a pair like you and I is many year ago, when Jessica was where you are, and Neela was where I am. We both have very big shoes to fill. So far, you are the longest reigning SCW Alternative Champion of all time, and I’m working on being the best world champion this company has ever had.

It’s only natural that at some point, the pair of us would meet each other in the ring. I want to say at the beginning that I have a great deal of respect for what you’ve accomplished for yourself. You and I started on similar footing. Both rookies looking to make a name for ourselves. Both wanting the world, and doing everything in our power to achieve it. And we’ve both been successful. I know you come from good stock, and are surrounded by wrestling relatives. I can’t say the same. But I can say that I am proud to be part of the same class of SCW rookies as you. You’re a very strong and determined champion, much like myself.

You never back down from ANY challenge. You take everything someone throws at you, and do the best you can. And often, your best is more than enough to get the job done. But as I said weeks ago…I can’t allow your reign to continue. I know all about the Alternative Championship. If you leave Survival, you’re eligible to trade the championship in for a shot at the SCW World Heavyweight Championship. You often talk about having this goal of hold the belt for a specific amount of time. But ask yourself…can you honestly say that the allure of the grandest championship in the company can be denied?

I promise, it can’t. When Jessica took it from me, I endured 77 days of heartbreak. I couldn’t wait to have it back. I know it’s not the same, since you’ve never felt the 20lbs of gold around your waist. But if you were in my shoes, could you really stand walking around with a very visible bullseye on you? I know I’ve got a target on my back as the World Heavyweight Champion, but only one person can actually DEMAND a match of me, and get it, whenever they want, and that is the Alternative Champion.

Paige stood up and and was handed the SCW World Heavyweight Championship.

Paige: I have watched your bit, Emily. You begged me not to lose to Brian Kennedy. That’s a very easy task to accomplish at Survival 2. Brian Kennedy has never beaten me, for starters, and then I’m not even scheduled to face him, for the SCW World Heavyweight Championship or any other match. You said you were going to not get ahead of yourself and focus on the here and now, but you don’t even know what the main event is. That’s a really discouraging thing to find out, to be honest.

But nonetheless, our time has come. I want you to understand something very clearly, Emily. My only goal is to take the Alternative Championship. I have no malice for you. I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to end your career. I don’t want to maim you. But, if that is what it takes, that is what I’m going to do. I will do what it takes to beat you into submission long enough to place you in the casket and slam it shut. I must admit, I’ve been looking forward to the day we met for a while now. Even if the strap wasn’t on the line, I know you and I will put on an amazing show.

You are without a doubt one of the toughest people in SCW, Emily. There is a natural toughness about you that can’t be taught. It can only be bred. I can’t let my excitement of facing you cloud my mind, though. I’m on a mission, and I can’t fail. As for my captors and their agents…I can assure you, it will not be a factor again. You say many people think I’m the only person capable of being a double champion. That’s very kind of you all to catch up. At Spring Meltdown 2017, I left as the SCW North American Champion and SCW World Heavyweight Champion. I’ve done it before. In fact, on several occasions, I’ve pulled double duty. Don’t worry, Emily. I can handle myself in two matches without an issue.

Just then, a snicker is heard. Adatu Urakih steps into frame at Paige’s left. Candice Karicia Kingston then joins on the right. And then, Jessica Tendonin herself steps into the frame.

Paige: Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying these three will be helping me in matches, but rather they will be watching my back from now until…well…let’s just say there isn’t a force on earth that can get to me. Win or lose, understand that you have my respect before this match, and you’ll have it after, as well.

The scene faded now as the four women bowed their heads.

Off Camera[/u]

 

Emily is looking out her window over the lake outside the Grand Floridian hotel. Some might wonder why Emily chose to stay at “the happiest place on earth” , as Walt Disney World is referred to, but it was a place Emily has always liked. Although this is the first time she has ever stayed in one of their suites, and she was definitely liking the idea. Sure she could have stayed near the arena, she could have stayed anywhere she wanted, but this place had always brought back memories of when she was younger, when it was her with Lynn and Chris, and with Marie. Now they were scattered across the globe. Chris was meeting her and Alzy at the arena, Lynn and Marie were in Tokyo, and even Cam wasn’t there, having stayed in Savannah to deal with some issues with his mother. But Emily had arrived a couple days ago, and had been able to explore the parks in relative anonymity, which was a pleasure after being recognized at every turn. The view from her balcony was relaxing, the weather comfortable, and only a handful of things could make this stay better. She takes a deep breath and stretches, and then pours a large glass of ice water, and takes a healthy drink of it. She knows the camera crew will be arriving soon, and then later she’ll be headed to the arena, taking on perhaps one of a few who really does stand the chance of beating her. She sits down, and props her feet up on the edge of the balcony, thinking of Paige Lewis. There was no denying the girl was extremely talented, like herself, she had to be to beat Jessica Tendonin. But Emily wonders can she truly focus when she’s taking on Larissa for the World title as well. Although Emily can tell Paige what kind of threat Larissa is, but then Paige hasn’t bothered to ask. If she did Emily would provide all the information she knew from having face Larissa herself, but right now Emily’s train of thought isn’t Larissa, but Paige, a woman who granted was extremely talented, but Emily would be one of two matches Paige has, while Emily has just the one match. But Emily knows she can’t take Paige lightly.

 

Emily hears a knock on the door, and then hears Sean talking to someone. She stands and looks into the room and it’s the camera crew. She goes in and approaches the person who appears to be in charge of this small group. She shakes hands and then looks around.

 

Emily: Where would you like to set up?

 

Camera Man: Um……let me look.

 

He glances into the other room (a bedroom with a king size bed), and then steps onto the small balcony. He comes back in and looks around the room they are all standing in, and Emily is trying to stay extremely calm.

 

Camera Man: I think out on the balcony would be the best. I think we can find a position that would work perfect.

 

Emily: Ok you set up, I’ll take like five minutes to get ready.

 

The crew nods and pushes between Sean and Emily, and they both watch the three men. Emily finally looks at Sean.

 

Sean: You ok?

 

Emily: I think so. Although if these damn butterflies get much larger I’ll need a FAA license for them.

 

Sean: Just take a deep breath, and try to concentrate on this match, and nothing else. Paige is the one who’s pulling double duty, not you.

 

Emily looks at Sean and gives a weak smile. She kisses him on the cheek and goes in the bedroom to change and get ready. Not five minutes later she reappears wearing a light pink silk shirt, blue jeans, her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, and she has with her the SCW Alternative title. She starts towards the balcony but Sean stops her. She looks at him, confused until he leans in and kisses her.

 

Sean: Just stay calm. You’ll do fine.

 

Emily nods and then a member of the camera crew pokes his head in the room, looking for her.

 

Camera Man: You ready?

 

Emily:  As I’ll ever be.

 

Emily follows him outside to where the director of this little clip is waiting.

 

Camera Man #2: I’m thinking you sit there next to that table, and um…..you want that on the table?

 

He’s gesturing towards the title belt over Emily’s shoulder.

 

Emily: I’ll put it in my lap, thanks.

 

Emily takes a seat in the chair that not half hour ago she occupied. She takes a drink of water trying to chase away the case of dry mouth she is trying to get. She gets comfortable, places the belt in her lap and tucks a stray strand of hair behind her left ear. Emily remembers what she had been told, talk to her opponent, make them believe she had it all, and was ready.

 

On Camera

 

The camera opens to show Emily sitting on the balcony of her hotel room. In the background is a lake of some size, and trees blowing in the breeze. Its sunny, but not scorching hot as it can be in summer, and Emily Desmond seems relaxed. But one shouldn’t think she doesn’t care about this match because she does care, and she does care who she’s facing. This match will, one way or another, lead to the next step in her career.

 

Emily: Paige Lewis, I have to wonder where you are. I would say friend but I don’t know you that well, to say you’re a friend. But you are a worthy opponent, and I won’t deny that. You’ve taken on some of the best not just in SCW but one of the best in the industry. That’s quite impressive, especially at your age. I do hope that this is indeed the start of an incredible career that will span not just years, but perhaps decades. I admit I would like to be able to say twenty years from now “Paige Lewis? I knew her when……” and have people look at me with astonishment. I would hope you would want something similar with me. I mean you’re…..I think 26, and I’m 21. We’re in the beginnings of what can be, and we both are starting in the best way, as champions.

 

But there is something I do have that you don’t…..well two things. First has to do with the title I have right here, the SCW Alternative title, something I’ve held since June 17th of 2017. Do you realize in just a few months it will be two years? And I’ve defended it against some of the best SCW has to offer, names that I think even you can’t deny they are worthy opponents. I’ve faced my own tag partner Alzy, took care of Kennedy in quick order with a ladder match. Hell look at how I won this belt, I got Priest to say “ I quit”, not necessarily easy to do. Hell even last pay per view I took on Johnathan Mills in a cage….and I added weapons! I made a match that would play to his strengths, and instead they were his demise. See when I designed that match I was…..ok I admit I was inspired by Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. It’s one of my…..guilty pleasures. You can thank my mom, she watches some strange things, and I’ve come to love them. So I was thinking of Thunderdome but I didn’t think I wanted to add a top to it, so I even gave Mills a chance to win, a larger chance to win, and he couldn’t do it. I am still the Alternative champion.

 

Emily reaches for a bottle of water, and she takes the cap off and takes a long drink. She sets the bottle back on the table, but without the lid.

 

In fact, with the exception of Alzy, only one man has come THIS close to beat me, and that match was a non-title match, and that was Requiem, a man who had to take care of family business. I do hope to one day see him return, but I’m also not counting my chickens before they hatch. But Requiem took me to the time limit on our match, and I honestly thought he had me beat a couple times during that match. But I walked out of that match with a draw, and for me? I know that for now it’s the closest I’ve come to losing, and he’s an extremely worthy adversary. At least until Survival 2019. See I’m facing someone who…..is in the same realm as Requiem, and that’s you Paige.

 

You’ve accomplished a great deal in your life, not letting your …..well handicap slow you down at all. Trust me, I’m not going to go easy on you because of it, and I don’t think you would want me to go easy. I also know that many see you as being perhaps the one person in SCW who can do…..well what others couldn’t, and that is become a dual champion, holding the SCW World Heavyweight championship title AND the SCW Alternative champion. They see you as the person to end my reign, and I’ve had a lot of challengers, a list that I keep up here…..

 

Emily points to her head.

 

And if you said “what was it like to face…..” all you have to do is name them. Priest? I beat him to win this title and what has he done since then? He comes and goes, and is like some annoying insect that buzzes around your head. You swat at him, and he goes away, or he gets his feelings hurt and he sulks off. I’m not saying that losses dont smart, because they do. Believe me, I’ve had them when Alzy and I have come THIS close to the tag titles, only to have the win taken from us. So I get that feeling. Kennedy? The man can’t come near a singles title if his life depended on it. His only claim in SCW is the tag championships, and if it wasn’t for Jessica he would have lost them long before now. Jessica is what keeps that team on the correct side of the tag titles, but like Priest, he can’t get shit done on a singles title. We’ve talked about Alzy, and I had two matches that would make …..ok I’ll say it. One of those matches I took from her, and she got it from a man she has nothing but the utmost respect for. See Paige, maybe I should have asked for this match to be a chairs and cuffs, and no….I wanted something else, something more. Something that Alzy….Kennedy…..and even Priest hasn’t seen in SCW and that was a casket match. I would have thought that of all the people there are, Priest would have called for one before now, but then you have to stay in a fed long enough to make these type of requests.

 

Emily stops to take another long drink of water, then she replaces the lid this time, slowly turning the bottle around in her hands.

 

A casket match is surely different, and I’m sure you’ve done your homework so you know the general idea of how they work. See Paige, you have to get me to the point I barely know which way is up, get me out of the ring one way or another, get me IN the casket…..and here is where some people differ on their approach. Some would say that at this point you would win. But nope, we’re not stopping there Paige. You have to get the lid fully closed. THEN you win, and if YOU manage to do that, you become the one to take my title. But look at all those variables Paige, and tell me, and please be honest, can you pull it off? Can you honestly say that you can control all of those and be the one? Its asking a lot of you Paige, plus you have to think about the after. IF, and that’s a mighty big if, if you do win are you ready to try and defend the World Heavyweight AND the Alternative?

 

But then while I’m not looking too far in the future, I know what my future will be, and if you think this will be our one and only time we will compete against each other, please rest assured….you’re wrong. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

 

I’m ready for Survival, and I know it means a great deal to you, because I know when you lost to the Jessica, it was at Survival on December 30, 2017 and I know that if you lose to me, people will think that you and this date are cursed. In a way they would be right, because I have a great deal of faith, and perhaps a few dollars down on you defeating Larissa. However I hope you didn’t put money on yourself, or tell your friends to put money on you beating me because Paige you are not walking out of  Survival with both belts. You will have to pry it out of my cold hands. This title means a great deal to me, and I am not going quietly into the night, and I will go down fighting with my last breath. So I’m prepared…..are you?

 

Camera fades to black.

 

The blonde wasn’t accustomed to be driven around. She enjoyed driving herself. But, Jessica had insisted. And so, when the Cessna Citation X+ sent by the Paraguayan to Heathrow to pick her up landed at Hopkins, there was a car waiting. But not just any car. The black Mercedes-Maybach S650 was an impressive vehicle. Not quite as long as the Pullman line, and lacking a few of the exclusives, but it was definitely a high society vehicle.

Paige Lewis relaxed in the back seat, looking out the windows as her driver silently drove. After a while, he asked if she would like to play some music of her own. She smiled and paired her phone. Turning the sound up, her phone played “I Know” by D Savage. Paige was really enjoying more American hip hop lately. She closed her eyes as she danced in her seat.

Paige: Catch me crusin’ through the 9, posted at the corner store!

Paige had fun on the ride. It was nice to cut loose a bit. She wasn’t quite sure what Jessica wanted, but Jessica had made things very clear on the Gulfstream weeks ago. When she called, it would be within Paige’s best interests to move heaven and earth to be there when request. And, so, when Jessica told her that the Cessna was en route and would be touching down in Heathrow within an hour, the SCW World Heavyweight Champion tore across London in her Mustang.

A short while later, the S650 arrived at Tendonin Manor 4. The driver opened her door and Paige slowly climbed out. Lucius Tendonin opened the door, and stood waiting for her. As the SCW World Heavyweight Champion walked in, the big man put his hand on her shoulder.

Lucius: Alright there, Paige?

Paige: Yes, thank you. How are the kids?

Lucius: Growing, and fast. I’m still shocked that they are 5 years old already.

The blonde smiled, seeing that twinkle in his eyes. This was a man who adored his family. Her other father had the same look, she knew, when speaking of her and her baby brother. He led her to Jessica’s study, where the Paraguayan was waiting. Even with her arm in a cast, her hair in a messy bun, and wearing eyeglasses, Jessica Tendonin was still formidable looking. Hearing them enter, Jessica looked up and smiled as she rose.

Jessica: Paige, dear! You made it!

As the redhead embraced her, Paige relaxed. Jessica was an intense person often, but she had a very kind side. Paige was happy to have seen both sides.

Jessica: There’s someone here I’d like you to see.

Paige looked confused as she stepped back, and then Jessica pointed in the corner behind her. Paige turned, and with a squeal ran across the study to hug Lt. Brown. He looked like shit, but there he was, in the flesh. As she collided with him, he spilled a bit of the brandy he’d been sipping.

Lt. Brown: Now now, Paige.

Paige: I thought you were dead!

Lt. Brown: I can’t imagine why.

The blonde turned to Jessica now, her eyes narrow.

Paige: Wait, it was YOU who told me he was dead.

Jessica: Nay. I said he hadn’t been seen in weeks. I never said he was dead. As it stands, he’s been loaned out to help with the cause. He’s going to be part of your guard. As well as Urakih and Candice. You’re now under the protection of the Order of the Dragon, Paige. You will never have anything to fear, ever again. There is not a force on this planet that can touch you.

Paige: But Ki-

Jessica: I will deal with Princess Kiya myself, when the time comes.

Paige: But she-

Jessica: Is no longer your concern. Now, you have a pair of matches to prepare for.

****

A few hours later, in Jessica’s studio, Paige Lewis was sitting on a grand chair. It almost looked like a throne. He golden locks fell around her facing, framing a very concentrated looking Paige. She was dressed in all black, wearing new ring attire. Her SCW World Heavyweight Championship was around her waist. She sat up straight before speaking.

Paige Lewis: Larissa, you’ve gotten bold. You’ve got one win on your record worthy of praise, and it’s a fluke. Now, you’ve let it go to your head. You suddenly think you are untouchable because of it. You may have defeated Jessica Tendonin. You may have put her on the shelf. You may have taken her coveted International Heavyweight Championship. But rest assured, by the time you crawl your scrawny ass down the ramp, and pull yourself into the ring to face me, you’ll realize that all of that was a matter of luck.

You’re a rookie who got lucky on the best night to do so. You’re not ready to be where you are, and it very clearly shows. I am the premier of SCW. You are a greenie who is riding a wave of luck. That wave will crash and break when you step into the ring with Urakih. And then, after she breaks you, I’m going to continue it. You somehow believe you are capable of beating not just one, but both of us? In one night? Impossible.

The champion began tracing lines on her championship, looking down at it. For a moment, she was silent. When she looked up again, she was smiling.

Paige: I’m actually looking forward to this match, Larissa. I want to get a good look at the only other person to defeat Jessica Tendonin in two years since SCW reopened. I took her to the limit for an hour before falling. And then, I beat her in 5 minutes. I didn’t have to take a cheap win, and cripple her. So, when you run your mouth about how you beat Jessica, I can’t help but laugh. Yeah, I suppose you did. But this notion that you are suddenly this amazing wrestler and ready for the big leagues is amazing to me.

You see, Jessica could have named anyone as her replacement. She called up the Machine from Musashino, because Urakih is the most dangerous Dragon in the Order. Even more than Jessica. That is a very clear and concise message being sent, Larissa. And you’re blinded by your own pride that you can’t see it. The cards have been laid, and they all show your demise. Urakih alone is going to hurt you. And then, I’m going to send you packing back to whatever tiny hole you crawled your way out of.

On the miniscule chance you manage to get passed Urakih, I can assure you, you are not leaving Survival with MY SCW World Heavyweight Championship. I am not leaving this event empty handed again. I learned an important lesson a year ago. Perhaps you will eventually learn that lesson. But for now, I’ll have to settle for watching you get taken out. Because make no mistake about it. Those are our marching orders, Larissa. If you are still able to walk by the end of the night, Jessica will be very cross with us, and we do not want to be on her bad side. We are going to do everything in our power to cripple you, since you think that shit is so cool. At Survival, you won’t survive.

With that, Paige flipped her hair as the recording faded to nothing.

Off Camera

 

Emily Desmond is looking out the windows at Central Park but she’s not in her father’s apartment. In fact she’s four floors above his apartment looking at a vacancy that had occured and Chris had mentioned it to Emily. She wasn’t looking to rent, she had enough of that. Instead she’s thinking of buying the place, something that she can call her own. But she’s hesitant because she would be living so close to her father, and she’s afraid that her personal life would be taken over by Chris. He hasn’t said anything so far about how Sean Foster, SCW reporter, is living with her but then she’s not a hundred percent he knows. But she knows if she buys this place, he will eventually find out for certain. But the location and the price are next to impossible to beat. Finally Emily looks at the real estate agent.

 

Emily: How much they asking again?

 

Agent: They’re asking a million dollars.

 

Emily: I see…..

 

Sean Foster appears out of one of the bedrooms. He has a tape measure in one hand and piece of paper that he’s writing on in the other. He looks at Emily.

 

Sean: You want me to measure the guest room as well?

 

Emily: Please.

 

He goes into the bedroom and Emily turns her attention back to the real estate agent.

 

Emily: Look, I realize that Central Park is literally right outside the window but the flooring is in desperate need of being replaced, the appliances are far from being the top of the line, and I’m going to need for someone to come in and paint and deep clean. Nine hundred…..I don’t know.

 

Agent: But as you said, Central Park is right there.

 

Emily: Indeed……but…..

 

Sean comes out writing on the paper. He walks over to Emily and hands it to her. She smiles at him and reads the numbers, nodding her head at them. Sean can almost see the wheels turning in Emily’s head as she looks at the agent, who might be holding her breath.

 

Emily: I’ll offer them $800, and I can have it to them by tomorrow evening.

 

Agent: You have a mortgage ready to go?

 

Emily: Mortgage? Did I say anything about mortgage? I’m talking cash.

 

There are two gasps of surprise, one is the agent, the other is Sean.

 

Emily: What?

 

Agent: I….um….well……

 

Emily: What?

 

Agent: Umm If you can wait a few minutes, I can call their agent and…..

 

Emily: Oh come call them directly. I don’t want to drag this out for the next month.

 

The agent nods and she goes into the bedroom. Emily goes over to the sliding door and opens it. The chill of the wind nearly takes her breath away but she knows in better temperatures that this will be an excellent place to live.She’s on the southeast corner, with the bedroom looking onto another building, and the view out the living room being of Central Park. There is a wrap around balcony from the bedroom to the living room, and both have sliding glass doors. Right now there is a good bit of snow on the balcony as the apartment has been empty since Thanksgiving. Emily walks around in a circle and then realizes Sean is staring at her.

 

Emily: What?

 

Sean: What? THAT is all you have to say is what?

 

Emily: Um….ok how do you like it? I mean, I’m the one buying it but I presume you’re going to live here with me.

 

Sean: As long as your dad doesn’t try to chase me off.

 

Emily: Pfft, he’s past that. And if Mom tries throwing a fit I can remind her of a few things. So you do like it?

 

Sean: Yes and…..Em you just offered them CASH.

 

Emily: Yes I did. If they’re serious about selling it they’ll at least think about it.

 

Sean: CASH.

 

Emily: Sean, are you ok? You seem on the verge of having some attack.

 

Sean opens his mouth to say something but before he can, the real estate agent walks back into the room.

 

Agent: You were serious about the eight hundred…..right?

 

Emily signals Sean to hand her what appears to be a bag to carry laptops. He hands it to her and she unzips it while walking over towards the kitchen area where there is an island. She reaches in and pulls out of stack of something and sets it on the island, then repeats the action. Both the real estate and agent and Sean walk over to Emily and we can see the stacks are money. The agent looks from Emily to the stacks of cash, then back but seems to have been rendered a mute. Sean is trying to keep his eyes from popping out of his head, and come off totally at ease with the idea he’s looking at a small fortune.

 

Emily: There’s a hundred thousand in cash, as a show that I’m good for the rest by….end of tomorrow soon enough?

 

The agent just stares, not moving, not saying anything.

 

Emily: Hello? Do you need to call your clients?

 

Agent: What? Oh…..um yeah, excuse me.

 

The agent walks away from Emily while furiously dialing a number on her cell phone. Once she walks away Sean steps up to Emily.

 

Sean: Well you’re full of surprises today. What’s next? A rabbit out of a hat?

 

Emily: Please don’t fret. I’m only spending what is mind from my real mom. When Selena died, her life insurance policy was in my name, and it matured when I turned 18. I’ve been trying to decide if there was anything I truly  wanted and it dawned on me that I want a place to call my own.

 

Sean: But what about Lynn?

 

Emily: What about her?

 

Sean: Well shall we start that she lives in Savannah? Or that she’s not going to like this? And what about Marie? Do you think she’ll understand that her sister wants to live in New York and not Georgia? And……

 

Emily: I know what I’m doing and…..

 

The agent walks back in the room, a slight sheet of sweat on her forehead.

 

Agent: I told her of your offer AND your cash down payment. All I need to know is when you would like to meet to sign the paperwork and make payment and then by Friday this will be all yours.

 

Emily: Do you think they would mind if we had some contractors and designers in to give me estimates on a few things I want to spruce up?

 

Agent: I don’t know why not. In fact I’m so sure……

 

The agent peels a couple keys off a keyring, then pulls out her organizer and pulls out what looks like a credit card. She hands all this to Emily.

 

Agent: The card will let you in the building, the keys are to the front door. I’ll let the doorman know you’re expecting people. Shall we meet here…..at say 6pm tomorrow evening? To sign the documents and complete the sale?

 

Emily: Certainly. Once you have the documents filled out send them to my lo lawyer…..

 

Emily looks in her own organizer for a card that she hands to the real estate agent.

 

Emily: I’ll tell him to expect it. As long as he has it by 3pm tomorrow, then we’re on. If there are any delays we can meet Friday. After that I’ll be unavailable until about this time next week.

 

Agent: I understand. And….congratulations.

 

She quickly writes a receipt for the cash, closes up her briefcase and organize and leaves, leaving Emily and Sean in the huge space alone. They both look around in a circle, turning until they nearly  bump into each other.

 

Sean: So what are you thinking?

 

Emily: Hardwood floors, high quality throw rugs. We’ll need furniture cause what we have is about 2 steps up from thrift store, in the kitchen new oven and range, maybe put in a convection oven. New dishwasher, everything in stainless steel. As for paint…..what do you think?

 

Sean: Something…..neutral. Not just plain white but maybe a beige color, and definitely an accent wall in say……I don’t know, something warm.

 

Emily: Like an orange?

 

Sean: Orange……red, somewhere in that realm.

 

Emily looks at her phone to see the time.

 

Emily: Someone should be here soon. Maybe they can get most of this done while we’re gone.

 

Sean: Only if they’re supermen.

 

Emily: The money will be a huge motivator.

 

The doorbell sounds, and it’s been maybe all of fifteen minutes since the real estate agent left. Emily goes over and opens it to see an interior designer standing there. Emily smiles and lets him in. He looks around and Emily can tell from the look on his face that he has a lot he’s thinking about. Finally he looks at her and holds out a hand.

 

Man: Greg Williams. My office said to come right over here and now I see why.

 

Emily: As you can tell it needs some help, and I hope I don’t have to babysit you or anyone working for you. You’ll be running the show until it’s done.

 

Greg pulls out a legal pad and leans on the kitchen island. He makes a few notes then looks at Emily.

 

Greg: So sweetie….tell me what YOU want.

 

Emily starts telling him as Sean listens in and the camera fades to black as they discuss it.

 

On Camera

 

It’s late at night and Emily is sitting on a stool inside a white room, no curtains on the windows, no artwork on the walls, not even furniture or a throw rug. Just Emily and the stool next to a kitchen island. Emily is leaning forward on her hands, her elbows propped up as she seems lost in her thoughts. Finally she looks up, and straightens up, grabbing the water bottle next to her. She opens it, takes a drink, then replaces the lid and sets it down as she makes sure she has her thoughts about her.

 

Emily: So Paige Lewis the time has come since that moment you stuck your nose into the Alternative title for us to face each other. You know Paige it still makes no sense to me that the world champion of SCW would want to take on the Alternative champion. Now if you wanted to take me on, no titles on the line, to see if you could beat me? That would actually make a great deal more sense than this. I still remember that night when you were in that match, it felt like you expected to NOT be the world champion when you got this chance. And that would have made sense. But not ……not a world champion wanting a secondary title.

 

Now some may call me out on saying secondary, but it’s true, I’m the Alternative champion and I am NOT the top wrestler in SCW, you are. Yes I’ve held my title the longest, which hasn’t been simple, but see I was actually giving some thought to asking Neela if I could have a match for you, but it wouldn’t be for the Alternative title, it would be for the World title. Yes I know that you’ve been an incredible champion and hell you can boast something that not many around here can, and that is the fact you’ve beaten Jessica Tendonin. Not too many people, in or out of the fed, can say that. I’m not sure I’ve ever faced her one on one, only in tag action, so know that I won’t sit here boast about something that I haven’t done.

 

Emily leans forward, her chin resting on her hand as she thinks. She doesn’t straighten up just yet, but seems lost in thought just a bit.

 

I look over my time in SCW and …..I’ve accomplished a great deal. I’ve been champion since June of 2017. I’ve faced some of the toughest people there have been……Requiem, Johnathan MIlls, the man who I beat for the title …Priest. Even my own tag partner Alzy not once, but twice.

 

Emily straightens up.

 

If you think I’m saying all these names because I’m bragging, no I’m not bragging, I’m merely stating. Oh I looked at those who you took on and…..the list is a bit impressive. I mean…..Alzy? I know that my tag partner isn’t perfect, but I know he gave you a fight. Jessica? Paige she beat you, she proved that you do have chinks in your armor, chinks I’m going to expose even more. Yes you managed to beat her to get the title back but really Paige, you shouldn’t have lost it in the first place.

 

Then I look and seriously you beat Jacina…..wow. Please forgive me if I’m not impressed with that. Brian Kennedy? He’s so full of hot air I’m surprised he hasn’t just floated away. All Brian Kennedy cares about is himself and whatever titles he can get his mitts on.

 

So Paige if we look at who you beat, and then who I’ve beaten….I have a few more wins, wins against people who have some talent, while the only two people I’m pressed with on  your list is Alzy, because….well duh, he’s my partner, and Drew, who is no longer with SCW. Oh wait add Jessica to that list but thats it Paige. You’ve been in SCW for nearly as long as I have yet…….

 

But still I will be facing you at Survival, and it will be in a casket match. I went back a couple years and there haven’t been any casket matches. See as the Alternative champion I can pick what I’ll defend my title in. I’ve done ladders, I’ve done weapons in a cage, submissions only, and a few others. But not even the gentleman who held this title before me, Priest, had done a casket match so I felt it was time to shake things up in SCW and do it. It’s pretty simple thing Paige. The first person to get the other into the casket AND get it fully closed wins. I know, you might be thinking “hell I can do that” but its not that simple. Have you ever……well this isn’t the perfect comparison but have you ever tried to give a cat a bath? That’s the type of fight you can expect from me if you try to put me in that casket. I will fight with everything I got so you better pretty much knock me out if you want a chance to get me anywhere near the casket. The other thing you have to contend with is that I’m not about to lose my streak. I’ve been champion since June 17,2017. And I actually sat down with a calendar and counted it out to be double sure of what I’m about to say…..I’ve been Alternative champion 584 days as of January 22, 2019. Impressive numbers to be sure, and I intend to keep that number alive.

 

Emily stretches her neck backwards, then side to side, as if she wants it to pop. She’s actually thinking about her next comments.

 

Now there are whispers backstage, but no one will ask me directly, but if I win will I ask for a world title shot. You know, I hadn’t even thought about it. I guess I figured it would be Paige Lewis as World champion, myself as Alternative champion. But now Paige is straying into my territory, something she should be careful about. Now as for will I ask for that title shot, I’m not one to get ahead of myself. I’m focusing on Paige in the here and now, not what might happen down the road. I will say this however, Paige you have a rather busy night at Survival, facing me and then Brian Kennedy. What I’m about to say is coming from deep inside me. Please do….not…..lose…..to…..Brian Kennedy. I am so serious it’s not funny. If you …..let him beat you, SCW could be facing its demise. Plus I don’t want him getting this bright idea that if hey, if I beat Paige I get both titles. Well that presumes first you’ll beat me, and two that Neela would let the Alternative title be defended at the very same time. But that’s definitely putting the cart way before the horse because you would have to defeat me. That won’t be happening so Kennedy can just quit thinking of my title, it’s not up for grabs. Not by nefarious methods of his, nor because I lost straight up to you. You may not like that, but I’m not one to beat around the bush.

 

So Paige, I sit here waiting. Oh I’m waiting on my interior decorator, on contractors, to make my new apartment mine, but I’m also waiting for you, to see what the woman who has managed to lead SCW for so long, has to say. Oh by the way I do hope after this pav per view you don’t go missing again. I don’t like bringing that up, but you seem to ….well vanish and then people are wondering will you ever return, and all that. Well I think you know who is after you, I have no one after me, at least to my knowledge, and that kind of distraction can also affect your game. So worrying about outside influences, worrying about what might happen after the matches, worrying about your next match of the evening, and so forth, that’s a lot to worry about. As for me? I have a simple, singular worry and that is defeating you, so that I remain SCW Alternative champion. I plan on retaining, and showing that I i can’t be beat, that even the great Paige Lewis couldn’t stop me. And I plan on keeping it that way.

 

Camera fades to black as Emily gets up and walks towards the camera that gets shut off.

She’d been driving for hours. Coming down from Toledo, the trip was long and boring. But, her master had demanded her presence in Charlotte. Now, she was waiting. Urakih’s hair was wrapped in her knit hat as she leaned against her Nissan GTR. Looking up, she saw it. The livery of Jessica’s Gulfstream was quite eye-catching. The beautiful craft came in for a landing, coming down smoothly.

Urakih watched as it taxied toward her. Into the hangar the jet went. A few minutes later, a black Mustang and a Red Hellcat crept out. Jessica pulled up alongside Urakih as the Mustang took off.

Jessica: Paige will catch up with us later. You ready to cruise?

Urakih: Yeah, sure.

Jessica: You gonna be able to keep up? Is that the Alpha?

Urakih: Master?! As if I would dare bring anything else while running with you!

Jessica: Well then…keep up, kid!

With that, the redhead peeled off. Urakih gasped before quickly climbing into her car. Catching up with Jessica was no problem as she wasn’t going very fast. Urakih overtook the Hellcat and took a turn, completely flying through a red light. Jessica followed and the pair sped away from the airport. It had been too long since she’d been on a cruise with Jessica. Looking in her rearview, she was impressed that Jessica could control her car so well, having no use of her left arm. Then again, Jessica was a professional driver. This was child’s play.

Almost as if reading her thoughts, Jessica went into the next lane and sped up, coming alongside the GTR. Urakih looked over, rolling down her window. Jessica did the same.

Jessica: You’re too slow!!!

Urakih knew Jessica’s car was fast. Fast, however, didn’t describe how she took off just then. Like a rocket, in an instant, Jessica was 100 yards ahead. Clenching her teeth, Urakih shifted up to the next gear. The beast affectionately known as Godzilla roared as she tried to catch up with Jessica. After a moment, Jessica was still far ahead. Traffic lights were completely ignored as the pair weaved through traffic. Then, Urakih laughed.

Urakih: You little…you boosted that damn thing!

With one hand, Urakih closed all the clasps on her harness. Changing hands, she grabbed her helmet. Now, it was time to get serious. A kid on a bike was crossing the street. Urakih was going too fast stop. Tapping a button, her second horn blared. The kid, perhaps 15 or 16, jumped off of his bike. Urakih swerved around the bike, and continued through the intersection. They were out moving towards a residential area, now. She didn’t like driving this through populated areas. Ahead, Jessica had come to a stop suddenly, and Urakih groaned as she inched to the next lane and then slammed on her brake. Jessica was laughing uncontrollably. Then, she saw the helmet with Urakih lowered her window again.

Jessica: Scared, dear?

Urakih: This is an Alpha 12, Jessica. You’re fast, but I’m faster. I’m also more careful.

Jessica: Oh really? Why don’t we head back to the airport and put that to the test?

Urakih: How much money you got on you?

Jessica: Oh hush, you know I’m good for it…IF you win…

The Paraguayan was antagonizing her, she knew, but Urakih was already worked up. Now, she really DID want to race. Jessica looked at her watch.

Jessica: You know, we might have to do this later. The show started 10 minutes ago. I want to get a clip of you riding down the interstate. Then, we have to actually show up.

And so, the pair headed for the interstate. It took a bit, but they got the clip finished. Jessica sent it in, then she made a call. It was answered after several rings.

Jessica: Hey. It’s Jessica.

Neela: How can I help you, Mrs. Tendonin?

Jessica: I’m on my way in. I’d like to have a camera crew waiting for me backstage.

Neela: Done. They’ll be ready and standing by.

Jessica: Thank you!

The call ended, and Jessica looked over at Urakih with a pleased nod. Urakih smiled back.

***********

The camera was on, but there was no illumination. Only darkness. A strong gust of wind revealed whoever was working the camera was inside some structure, not out in the elements. In the distance, the sound titanium tipped stiletto heels striking the concrete arose. There was a confidence in the footfalls as they came closer. A confidence that was rooted in fact, experience, and not an unearned inflation of the ego. As they drew closer, a new sound joined. The sound of scales sliding over concrete. A light above the camera was turned on, but it wasn’t very bright. The silhouette of a woman was seen as she approached. As they came into the light, Adatu Urakih was revealed. Slithering at her heel was a boa constrictor.

Urakih: Well now…in time, some of you will realize just how dire your situation has just become. For those of you who may not know who I am, my name Urakih, and I am here to hurt people. I could go on and on about what that means, but I think it will be more fun to show you in time. For those sitting on the edges of your seat, running through your memories of all the horrendous things I’ve done…I want to address a really annoying rumor.

They say I’ve grown soft. The reason ranges from marriage, motherhood, time away, and about a dozen other things. Let me be very clear; it’s all bullshit. I’m still that bitch. I will still fuck any and every person up. I will wade through a river of your blood to reach my goal. And right now, I have one goal.

The Japanese woman was wearing a form fitting red dress, her long dark hair curling over her shoulders. Urakih’s dark eyes stared into the camera, an unnerving stare. With an evil sounding whisper, she turned her face toward the snake. It reacted by biting her in the leg. Her one side of her mouth pulled upwards as she grinned.

Urakih: Larissa…you know, you’ve been confusing from day one. First of all, Larissa Kim? But you’re Chinese royalty? I won’t pretend to be expertly versed and knowledgeable about my Asian neighbors, but isn’t Kim a Korean family name? And being Chinese royalty is like being a member of the Royal family of Saudi Arabia. Being born doesn’t impress me. You know what does impress me? The fact that you’re still breathing.

But at Survival…oh yes, what a fitting name, because you will be lucky if you survive. You broke my masters arm. Such an offense will not go unrewarded. This is about more than just the International Heavyweight Championship. This is about you disrespecting a legend. Disrespecting a pillar of this organization. You didn’t just take her championship, Larissa. You broke her goddamn. You hindered her ability to navigate daily life.

Her husband has to help her dress everyday, help her shower, and when she gets tired, even feed her. And don’t get me started on her three babies. You can’t imagine how heartbreaking it is to see how frightened they are when they look at her arm. She can’t roll around in the floor with them like she likes to. No chasing them around the house. No working out between matches.

She whispered to the snake again in that weird tone, and as before, it bit her in the leg. Now, it began slithering up her leg, and then wrapping itself around her waist.

Urakih: Plain and simple, Larissa, you fucked up. And typically, you’d have just had to deal with Jessica later, after she healed. But you’ve pissed her off. I’m not just going to take the SCW International Heavyweight Championship, Larissa. I’m going to hurt you. I’m going to introduce you to levels of pain that you never would have dreamed existed. You’re going to be bloody. You’re going to be broken.

When I’m done with you, you’ll have to crawl to the ring to face Paige Lewis. There is not a single person in this company who can run the gauntlet against the pair of us, and you’ve angered both of us and must face us both in one night. You’re going to have a very bad night, Larissa.

Turned, Urakih began walking away, that same confidence coming from her steps as they faded. The boa had slipped back down to the flood now and was slithering alongside her. The light flickered off, and now only those footsteps were heard…and then, not even them.