09-28-2024, 10:18 PM
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.
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 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.
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.
![[Image: hffOaUZ.png]](https://i.imgur.com/hffOaUZ.png)
SCW Supreme Champion
6x SCW World Champion
4x SCW World Tag-Team Champion
2x SCW United States Champion
3x SCW Adrenaline Champion
SCW Television Champion
Longest Reigning SCW World Champion (234 days)
Winner of Shot of Adrenaline Tournament (2016)
Winner of Best of the Best Tournament (2016)
Winner of Trios Tournament (2018)
Winner of U.S. Championship Tournament (2020)
Winner of World Championship Tournament (2023)
Winner of Tactical Warfare (2014, 2019)
Winner of Elimination Chamber (2015, 2024)
Winner of Roofed Cage Match (2019)
Winner of Last Person Standing Match (2019)
The Unbelievable Main Event (2021-2025)
Winner of Double Jeopardy Match (2022)
Winner of EOTY Invitational (2023)
Winner of EOTY Invitational (2023)
Winner of Ironman Match (2024)
Wrestler of the Year (2016, 2021, 2022, 2024)
Tag-Team of the Year (2020 - w/ Regan Street)
Match of the Year (2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024)
Feud of the Year (2014, 2019)
Shocking Moment of the Year (2024)
![[Image: 34zetxl.png]](https://i.ibb.co/SnpvD5T/34zetxl.png)