Light in the Darkness vs. Twisted & Sadistic vs. Team Desire

[Braddock]

==========
July 11th, 2024
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Off Camera
==========

With Rise To Greatness and their opportunity at regaining the SCW World Tag Team Championship just a little over two weeks away, Glory Braddock and Brittany Lohan had hoped things would just be a simple, smooth path to the big stage and their big opportunity. After all, they have had enough surprises and change of plans lately. First they were expecting to challenge Light in the Darkness until Luz and Amelia lost the gold to Team Desire. Then just when they thought it would it be against Team Desire, Braddock and Lohan learned that they would be part of a three way dance against both Team Desire and Light in the Darkness for the tag gold. This time triple threat rules, one fall to a finish, isn’t the case. This time it’s elimination rules. This time Twisted & Sadistic have to be beaten in order to lose their opportunity at the tag titles. Glory was ok with this and as for Lohan, well, she just wants to crack some skulls no matter who it is. Twisted & Sadistic were satisfied with this compromise and were prepared for Rise To Greatness. They hoped that there would be no further surprises. Unfortunately things did not go as they had hoped. In the middle of their match against The Shining Maidens, a new group interfered. A new trio of wrestlers involved themselves in Twisted & Sadistic business by assaulting The Shining Maidens, drawing a disqualification and costing Glory and Brittany some much needed momentum as they head into Rise To Greatness. The last thing they need right now is another group eying to involve themselves in the tag team championship picture. If Glory and Brittany become champions at Rise To Greatness, they may end up confronting this new trio sooner than expected. Still, as annoying as it is that yet another group got involved in their business, as annoying as it is that they lost the match against the Maidens via disqualification, Glory and Brittany must now try and ignore it all, they must try to forget about that and focus only on the task at hand; defeating Light in the Darkness, defeating Team Desire, regaining the SCW World Tag Team Championship, and cementing themselves as the best tag team in SCW.

Now that Breakdown has come to a close, Glory and Brittany see no reason to stick around and are looking to get out as soon as they can, collect themselves, and plan their next move. They walk through the backstage area of the Scotiabank Arena which is buzzing and humming with activity as many officials get ready to shut everything down for the night. Glory and Brittany ignore the noise and activity as they walk the halls. Braddock is wearing a flowing, pastel-colored blouse that fluttered slightly with each step, paired with fitted jeans that hugged her figure comfortably. Her feet were adorned with stylish yet practical flats, allowing her to move with ease through the bustling environment. Her long blonde hair cascaded in loose waves over her shoulders. Lohan, meanwhile, wore a simple, well-fitted black t-shirt that revealed toned arms, and a pair of dark jeans that hung low on her hips. Completing her outfit were sturdy, worn-in boots. Neither seem to be in a very pleasant mood right at this moment. Then again, can you blame them? Their paths to Rise To Greatness seem to constantly be changing and evolving. Nothing ever seems certain and more and more people keep getting involved in their business. It’s as if they have no control over their own destiny.

“This is NOT how I had envisioned it…” Brittany gripes. Glory sighs and nods her head in agreement.

“Yeah, I know.”

“We had that match won. We were well on our way to beating The Shining Maidens. But then those idiots stuck their nose into OUR business! Whatever momentum we might have had is gone!”

“I know you’re frustrated, I get it.” Glory remarks quietly. “I agree, we might have beaten the Maidens…” she shrugs her shoulders “...now we’ll never know.”

“Who the hell do they think they are?!” Lohan growls. “We should find them and…”

“No.” Glory shakes her head.

“No?!”

“No, we shouldn’t do anything about them. Not now. Not to the Maidens, either. Besides, do we have much room to complain? Those guys just did to us what we were doing to others in SCW.”

“So you want to just let them get away with this?!” Lohan exclaims. Glory just shakes her head.

“I’m not saying that at all. I’m just saying we should maintain our focus on what IS important right now. We fought like hell and raised a lot of hell to earn this opportunity at the SCW World Tag Team Title, to earn our rematch…”

“That’s another thing!” Lohan shakes her head. “We earned a one on one shot! Yet again we’re up against two other teams!”

“But so what?” Glory asks. “Unlike the last time, unlike Retribution, this time we will not be screwed over. This time if Team Desire or Light in the Darkness hope to leave with the tag titles, they HAVE TO BEAT US, they have to actually pin or submit one of us. Besides…” Glory smirks “...didn’t we just beat a bunch of teams at Taking the Leap to earn this shot? Haven’t we beat BOTH Light in the Darkness and Team Desire already? I think our chances at Rise To Greatness are high.”

“Maybe you’re right…” Lohan just sighs and shakes her head “...I just think we’re getting soft. Y’know? We used to be feared. Now what?”

“Feared? How about respected? Trust me on this, we will be respected and maybe even feared again when we get the championships back. But first we HAVE to get the belts back. That is priority number one. Everything else is secondary.”

“I get it.” Lohan nods her head. “Don’t worry about me, Glory. I am committed to getting the job done, finishing what we started, whatever you want to call it. I’m committed to this team.”

Commitment. That word hits Glory hard, it hits her like a ton of bricks. The British Bombshell sighs and nods her head. “Yeah…committed…that’s uh, that’s good…” obviously Braddock is not exactly feeling good right now. She has had her own commitment questioned lately, she has questioned her own commitment lately, and thus she doesn’t feel good about this right now. Lohan immediately notices this and tilts her head, studying her closely.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“You’re lying.” Brittany says with a smirk of her own. “I know when you’re lying. You’re lying.”

“Seriously, Britt, I’m good.” Glory insists.

“You say that, but I know you better than that. Now we’re partners. I got your back. If there’s something bothering you, maybe you should tell me? We are a team. We’re committed to having each other’s back.”

There’s that word again; commitment. It still stings. Glory realizes, however, that Brittany has a point. They are a team, they are Twisted & Sadistic. Perhaps she should trust Lohan enough to confide in her with what is troubling her?

“It’s nothing, really, just that…” she pauses as she tries to find the words “...it’s just that I question myself, my own commitment to this, to us, to everything really. So you talking about commitment, it kinda bothered me because I am worried about my own commitment.”

“Are you nuts?” Lohan asks. “Shit, if anything you are the most committed person I have personally ever met. After we lost the tag titles, YOU were the one who remained committed to this team and to regaining the tag titles when you had an excuse right then and there to move on. Where the hell did you get this notion that you lack commitment?”

“Kurt’s mother.”

“Seriously?” Lohan rolls her eyes. “Didn’t you just do a good deed by reuniting her family? And she repays you with criticism?”

“Yes but she makes a good point. I mean, she was complaining about the fact that I didn’t take his last name when we married, but that’s a small thing, and she is a bit old fashioned anyway. Still, though, I did cheat on him once.” She shrugs her shoulders. “Doesn’t that mean I lack commitment?”

“Your mother-in-law doesn’t know what the hell she’s talking about.” Brittany insists. “You and Kurt are rock solid and if she had bothered to take time to get to know you, she’d know that. And like I said, you have also proven that you are committed to this team, to Twisted & Sadistic, and to tag team wrestling. When Luz and Blythe beat us for the titles, you had an excuse to chase singles glory again, but you remained committed to this team and to rebuilding the tag team division in SCW. Anyone who questions your commitment just doesn’t know you. Period. End of story.”

“Those are good points, and thanks, it does make me feel a little better.” She sighs. “But still…” her voice trails off.

“What?”

“What about Aphrodite?”

“I don’t want to talk about her.” Lohan rolls her eyes.

“But this is another aspect of my life where I question my commitment. Only those closest to me…like you…know about mine and Aphrodite’s unique relationship. Outside of my closest friends and family, it is a private relationship. Why is that?” Braddock shrugs her shoulders. “Am I ashamed of her? Am I ashamed of my Mother?”

“First of all she’s not your mother.” Lohan snaps back. “Secondly, you should ditch her altogether.”

“You know I can’t do that.” Glory answers.

“Hence why I would rather not talk about her anyway.” Lohan points out. “I know it would just degenerate into an argument. So how about we just go to the car, drive back to the hotel, and forget about everything…forget about what happened tonight, forget about your lack of commitment nonsense, and focus on winning the tag titles at Rise To Greatness. How does that sound?”

“That sounds…that sounds good…” Glory nods her head.

That was that. Braddock agreed it was best to just leave. Lohan was grateful for this as she, too, was anxious to get out. Slowly but surely they exited the Scotiabank Arena, the transition from the dimly lit backstage to the nighttime light of the moon and the street lights did create for much of a contrast. They walked side by side across the expansive parking area, their footsteps echoing slightly in the open space. As they approached a designated spot, a sleek, black luxury car glided up to them. The car was immaculate, its polished exterior reflecting the afternoon sun in sharp, crisp lines. The windows were tinted, offering only a vague hint of the interior. The engine hummed quietly before shutting off with a smooth purr, and the driver’s door opened. Much to the surprise of both Braddock and Lohan, out steps Aphrodite Noel herself.

“Mother?” Glory is taken aback by this unexpected arrival. Brittany, however, is not exactly thrilled with this surprise.

“What are you doing here?” Lohan growls. “I thought you agreed to stay out of Twisted & Sadistic business?”

“I did. But just because I am not managing your team’s affairs does not mean I should just ignore my daughter’s career. She was competing tonight, I wanted to watch. And I am glad I did because I saw how you squandered the momentum my daughter had built up for you both.”

“Me?!” Lohan exclaims. “Right, so it’s my fault three random idiots decided to stick their nose in our business?”

“I’m glad you agree that it’s your fault.” Aphrodite states, acting as if she couldn’t detect Brittany’s sarcasm. “Come with me, Gloria. Get in the car. I am going to take you with me.” Glory starts to follow Aphrodite but Brittany grabs her by the arm.

“Don’t.” Lohan says sternly. “You don’t need her. We don’t need her.”

“Quit trying to corrupt her!” Aphrodite commands.

“You need to keep out of our business like you promised.”

“STOP!” Glory shouts, silencing both Brittany and Aphrodite. They turn and stare at Glory. This outburst was certainly unexpected. Glory rarely raises her voice at either of them, and definitely not at Noel. Finally, after an awkward silence, Braddock speaks. “I’m just going to get a taxi back to the hotel, or maybe uber…?” Braddock shrugs and walks away.

“Gloria! Wait!” Aphrodite tries to follow but Glory doesn’t stop. She just keeps walking. Brittany meanwhile watches on. She feels something must be done. Glory has never raised her voice to Aphrodite before. Perhaps the hold Noel has on her is about to break? Brittany must remind Glory of who she is, that she doesn’t need Aphrodite. Brittany knows what she needs to do next.

==========
July 15th, 2024
Miami, Florida
Off Camera
==========

It has been several days since Breakdown, since the incident in Toronto at the Scotiabank Arena. Brittany Lohan decided it would be wise not to leave her tag team partner alone for very long. Not only do they need to remain focused on Rise To Greatness, but Lohan knows that Glory could very well be mentally and emotionally vulnerable right now. She is questioning her own commitment and then the incident involving Aphrodite Noel certainly didn’t help matters. Thus Brittany and Glory have been hanging out these past few days, including this night in a bar in Miami, Florida. The vibrant nightlife of Miami pulsed through the bar, an eclectic mix of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses.

The British Bombshell, now dressed in a stunning, feminine ensemble, sat at a high-top table near the bar. Her dress was a deep shade of emerald green, hugging her curves and shimmering subtly under the dim, ambient lighting. The neckline was elegantly cut, and the fabric flowed gracefully when she moved, giving her an air of sophistication and grace. She sipped on a glass of red wine, the glass delicate in her manicured hand. A short distance away was Brittany Lohan, who was engaged in a game of pool. She wore a fitted black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing toned forearms. Her dark jeans, slightly faded and worn in just the right places, hung low on her hips. She moved around the pool table with practiced ease, her focus intense as she lined up her shots. The clack of the billiard balls echoed softly as she executed a particularly skillful shot, sinking the eight ball into the corner pocket. This was Brittany’s second game and she has grown bored and frustrated, frustrated with the fact that her tag partner and friend Glory Braddock has still not involved herself. Lohan decides to put her pool stick down and walk over to Braddock’s place at the bar. The British Bombshell had saved Lohan a stool, so Lohan sits down in that stool next to Glory.

“This was a great idea, mate.” Glory says smiling. “The music, the drinks, it’s all been great!”

“Has it?” She motions for the bartender to bring her a drink. The bartender quickly grabs a bottle of Budweiser and hands it to Lohan. She quickly takes a drink.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t it?” Glory smiles. “This is just the thing we both needed to loosen up after Breakdown.”

“Yeah, I agree, WE need to loosen up.” She points a finger at Glory. “But YOU are not loosening up.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m going to be real with you.” Brittany begins rather bluntly. “I’ve known you for almost fourteen years. Do you remember what I was like when I first met you?”

“Yeah…” Glory chuckles “...you hated my bloody guts.”

“The feeling was mutual, if I recall.” Lohan smirks. “You were a smart ass, you played practical jokes, and I just wanted to hurt you. You were the type of person who beating someone in the ring wasn’t enough, you enjoyed embarrassing people.”

“And if I recall, I only embarrassed those who deserved it.” Glory winks playfully. “The cruel, the so-called ‘evil-doers’ so to speak.”

“I admit, back then I probably deserved every bit of that humiliation and embarrassment you sent my way.”

“Good to hear that you’re finally doing some introspection, mate.” Glory smirks. “But, uh, as much fun as this trip down memory lane has been, I gotta ask…is there a point to all of this?”

“The point is that I have had fourteen years to get to know you and I know that this isn’t you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Where to begin?” Brittany shrugs. “I mean, the Glory Braddock I know never once questioned herself or doubted herself, because she had a strong moral compass. Now you doubt your commitment?

“We already talked about this…” Glory begins but before she can finish Brittany cuts her off.

“You were also not like all of the other cookie cutter princesses that run around the wrestling business nowadays. Yet these past few years you have been behaving just like the biggest one there is, Aphrodite.”

“I really don’t think…” again Glory is cut off by Lohan.

“And where has your smart ass prankster attitude gone? The woman who used to get a thrill out of humiliating and embarrassing bad people, where did she go?” She points at Glory. “You are a good pool player.” She points towards the pool tables where there are many individuals, mostly men, playing games of pool. “And I just got through playing a few games myself. I know for a fact that in that group there are more than a few bad characters in that group…nearly all are male chauvinist assholes, a few I suspect are abusing their significant others…why aren’t you hustling them right now?”

“What are you suggesting?”

“Go up there. Play dumb, play the part of a naive girl who knows nothing about pool, then take all their money.” Lohan smirks. “That’s what the Glory I met fourteen years ago would do.”

“I don’t know.” Braddock shrugs her shoulders. “Isn’t it just easier and just as satisfying to let those idiots drool over me and spend their money on me by buying me drinks?”

“You learned that from Aphrodite.” Brittany points out.

“I’d rather not talk about her.”

“Good answer.” Brittany smirks. “That proves to me that the Glory Braddock I knew from fourteen years ago is still there. You didn’t like how pushy Aphrodite has been lately? You didn’t like the stunt she pulled a few days ago in Toronto? You don’t lack commitment when it comes to Aphrodite. You just don’t want her running your life.”

“I told you, I don’t want to talk about her.” Glory states more definitively.

“If you don’t want to talk about her then let’s talk about your ridiculous belief that you lack commitment. Like I said it’s ridiculous, but you have been inconsistent. The Glory I met fourteen years ago had a strong moral compass and never broke the rules, always played fair, and always did what was right even if what was right was unpopular. Now you’re different.”

“How do you figure that?” Glory demands.

“After we lost the tag titles, you threw the rules out the window. Hell, you threw your entire moral compass out the damn window. I didn’t notice it at first because I enjoyed raising hell. But I quickly figured out you were different. Now suddenly you’re back to playing fair?” She shrugs her shoulders. “What gives? What Glory am I getting at Rise To Greatness?”

“Look, you’re right, maybe I am different.” She sighs and shakes her head. “It’s just that…” her voice trails off.

“What?”

“I’m torn. I’m torn between doing what is right and wrong, and…uh…” Glory cannot finish her sentence. Brittany does it for her.

“...torn between following the rules and doing what you thought Aphrodite wanted you to do, right?”

“Yeah.” Glory admits quietly.

“You know, I thought I wanted a more ruthless and aggressive Glory Braddock. Shit, when I first met you, I thought if only you were more like me, we would be great friends. But after teaming with you I realize that what makes us a great team and great friends is the fact that we are different. Our differences complement each other. I bring the brute force, the power, and the fight. You bring the speed, the wrestling prowess, and the strategy. Hell, people call me The War Machine for a reason, but you need someone who can properly use that machine otherwise complete chaos can be created.”

“Like what happened following Retribution.” Glory says. Brittany nods her head.

“Right. You and that moral compass that sometimes annoys the ever loving crap out of me is what we need as a team to guide us to victory at Rise To Greatness.”

“Maybe…” Glory shrugs her shoulders “...maybe you’re right…but you just pointed out that I am following the rules again, doesn’t that mean my moral compass is back? Isn’t that what you wanted?”

“You’ve been inconsistent. I need to know that you’re here to stay. Besides, I don’t just want your annoying moral compass back, I need every bit of the wise ass Glory Braddock I met fourteen years ago.”

“So what do I do?” Glory asks.

“I think you know what you should do.” Lohan motions to the pool tables across the room. She smirks and Glory smiles in kind.

“You think I can still hustle?”

“I know you can.”

==========
July 18th, 2024
Detroit, Michigan
Off Camera
==========

The final Breakdown before Rise To Greatness has just concluded. No more surprises, no more games, and all of the cards have been dealt. It is now or never as Glory Braddock and Brittany Lohan, the duo known as Twisted & Sadistic, march towards the biggest event of the SCW calendar year in hopes of defeating Light in the Darkness and Team Desire and regain the SCW World Tag Team Championship. This Twisted & Sadistic reunion started out as a quest to help Braddock become Supreme Champion but now everything has changed. Glory Braddock is full on committed to this tag team and to give it and her friend Brittany Lohan one more shot at regaining the gold and one more shot at a proper reign as tag team champion. She is committed to doing whatever it takes to help Twisted & Sadistic become champions. This commitment for Glory Braddock means doing whatever it takes to ensure that she and Brittany are on the same page heading into Rise To Greatness. For Brittany Lohan, that commitment means making sure Glory Braddock is ready for this challenge. The War Machine believes that this current version of Glory Braddock won’t be enough to get the job done at Rise To Greatness. She wants the Glory of old, her friend that gave her hell fourteen years ago. She wants to remind Glory of who she is and what she is capable of when her mind is right. Lohan started by taking Braddock to a bar hoping she could convince her to hustle a game of pool like she used to do. Now, in another step on this trip down memory lane, Lohan has brought her best friend to a bar where they are hosting karaoke.

This bar in Detroit, the city that played host to Breakdown earlier tonight, had a gritty charm, its dim lighting casting a cozy glow over the patrons. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of anticipation and camaraderie as people prepared for a night of karaoke.

Braddock, radiant in her elegant, feminine attire, was perched on a barstool near the small stage. She wore tight form fitting denim jeans that hugged her curves and a lavender t-shirt. Her golden hair was styled in soft waves that framed her face, and she had paired her outfit with delicate jewelry. Nearby, Brittany Lohan, with her more rugged attire, was leaning casually against the bar, a beer in hand. She wore her fitted black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and dark, well-worn jeans. Her stance was relaxed, yet there was an air of quiet strength about her. She watched the performances without a care for whether the singers were good or bad. That’s not the purpose for this evening. The purpose is to take yet another step closer towards bringing back the Glory Braddock of old. The War Machine recalls how her friend enjoys karaoke nights, especially after a night of wrestling. Karaoke is one of the few times that seems to force Braddock to loosen up and be herself. So far Lohan’s plan is working. Braddock has been singing all night.

“So when are you getting up there, mate?” Glory asks jokingly. Brittany shakes her head.

“No way, not tonight.”

“Oh come on! Am I going to have to pull the weight for us tonight?”

“The karaoke weight, yes. I’ll make it up to you by winning the tag titles for us at Rise To Greatness.”

“Fair enough.” Glory smirks. She sips on her glass of wine. “So what should I sing next?”

“Doesn’t matter to me.” Lohan shrugs. “As long as you keep singing.”

“Well let me think…” her voice trails off “...I sang Rolling Stones, then Pat Benetar, and my most recent was Black Sabbath. Should I sing some country?”

“God no!” Lohan exclaims. “Unless you’re singing some traditional country. Not any of this new pop country or bro country crap.”

“Is Martina McBride traditional enough?” Glory asks. Lohan nods her head.

“Good enough.”

“Great.” Glory smiles from ear to ear. “I sometimes forget how much I enjoy karaoke nights.”

“I remember how you would search high and low in whatever city you were wrestling in that particular night for a bar that hosted karaoke. It didn’t matter what promotion you wrestled for, you did that. It was like a ritual for you.”

“I know.” Glory nods her head. “It was a fun ritual. I wonder why I quit?”

“Do you really wanna know?” Lohan asks.

“Sure.”

“Aphrodite.”

“Not this again.” Glory rolls her eyes.

“Seriously. Its her influence. I mean, you still would sing karaoke once in awhile but nowhere near as much. I think your so-called ‘Mother’ doesn’t view karaoke as very ladylike.”

“You’re nuts, Britt.” Glory smirks.

“And you’re brainwashed.” Brittany counters. “Aphrodite has you brainwashed.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Think about it, Glory. This is the first time in several days that we spoke about her. The past few nights from Miami to here in Detroit, we have played pool, done karaoke, and all of this whilst ignoring the subject of Aphrodite. Admit it, you’re enjoying yourself. You’re having a blast.”

“Well of course. But…”

“You don’t look like Aphrodite’s Glory. You don’t behave like Aphrodite’s Glory. You haven’t in weeks. You are clinging onto that relationship by a string and you’re afraid to let go because you are afraid, you are brainwashed.” She places a hand on Glory’s shoulder. “This is the Glory Braddock I want by my side at Rise To Greatness.”

There is a tense pause as Glory Braddock and Brittany Lohan lock eyes. The British Bombshell then finally lets out a small, quiet laugh and nods her head.

“I admit, it has been fun running together as Twisted & Sadistic again. It has been fun hanging out and doing some of our old post match rituals like bar hopping for pool and karaoke and drinks.” Glory shakes her head. “But I am still fond of her, Britt.”

“Glory…” Brittany begins “...if she truly was as fond of you as you apparently believe she is, she wouldn’t care about whatever life decisions you choose to make. She would respect you for who you want to be.”

Braddock sighs and nods her head. “I suppose you have a point. Mother…Aphrodite, I mean, she should respect my decisions.” Glory points a finger at Brittany. “But you know, one could argue that you have been pressuring me lately.”

“I am.” Lohan nods her head. “But I have my reasons and, more importantly, I am honest about it.”

“Fair enough. But Britt, if I were to decide to remain committed to Aphrodite, in other words be this new version of myself that she helped mold as opposed to the version that you clearly want back. If I were to make that decision, would you respect it?”

“I would.” Brittany nods her head.

“Seriously?”

“Yes. I would respect it. Would I like it? No. But I would respect it.”

“That’s all I ask.” Braddock says as she sips on more of her wine.

“You know, Glory. I legit have been enjoying this trip down memory lane. But I got to thinking, we were in Detroit for Breakdown. This gives us a unique opportunity for one final stop on our trip down memory lane.”

“Oh really?” Glory asks, arching her brow curiously. “What’s your plan?”

“You’ll see soon enough.” Lohan smirks knowingly. “All I am going to say is that this will be far more interesting than the billiards or the karaoke.”