10-01-2024, 10:32 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 after first and after Deanna's CD rp. Good luck everyone!
I-59 N
New Orleans, Louisiana
September 22nd, 2024
2:13am
Selena gripped the guardrail that served as a barrier between the descending stairs of her bus and the rest of the interior of it, her knuckles white and her fingers showing patches and streaks of red across various parts due to the blood flow. Her jaw was clenched to the point she was sure her back molars were going to crush each other and reduce themselves to a white powder that she’s have to spit out later. And if she was anything like that comic-book character from X-men that her son enjoyed watching (Cyclops, I think… the one with the laser-beam), then there’d be a hole through the front window of her ‘Believe it or Not’ bus and currently blasting away the interstate road as said bus travelled, her sapphire eyes locked on the road as if she could will the damn vehicle to go faster!
Away from NOLA.
Away from The Enigma.
Away from the fucking SCW!
Total collapse…
Those were the words she had been told by the doctor. She couldn’t remember the medical term, her mind had been too jumbled to recall it. Everything felt that way! How had it spiralled so out of control?!
Even in her current state, her calm, darker, logical devil mind was still present, doing what it could to keep the Snow Queen in a constant state of quiet and, barely sustainable, mental balance. She knew why things had spiralled that way. It was beyond clear.
She had made the progress she needed. She had roughed up Polly, triggering the woman’s PTSD so she’d drop those ‘inhibitions’ and show that ‘killer side’ she needed. She had put Raynes on a path to force cooperation between the two of them and… while she regretted part of it… she had planted doubts in the mind of Amelia Blythe – the true glue that held the team together.
It was beyond clear that she was the biggest threat to Selena’s team. Yes, Xander was stronger, more powerful, more dangerous and more accomplished. There was nothing to contest in that regard. He was ‘the heavy hitter’ in the same way that Selena was. In fact, both teams were actually quite well matched for the Trios Finals set for Apocalypse.
Selena and Xander – the main-eventers.
Polly and Amelia – the hungry mid-tier eager to ascend
Raynes and Billy – the wildcards that had come out of nowhere
On paper, Selena had concluded that the match, simply put, could go either way with such a combination. And had this been a simple Breakdown match or some match without any real stakes in it, she’d have accepted that, been thrilled at the notion of such competition, played her part as ‘The Blue-Eyed Devil’ and taken whatever she got (win or lose) and used it to her advantage later on, as she had with her loss at Rise to Greatness, using it to gain more leverage and presence within SCW. She didn’t even need the World title anymore to take Breakdown’s main-event/final segment hostage every week! Hudson had provided her the perfect opportunity without even realizing it with his “Wild, Wild West” concept.
The issue with having such a mentality as ‘going with whatever’ this time around? Was that this wasn’t just ‘any’ match. This was Trios. And she was so fucking close to having it! So close to getting that contract! What she had said was true. She didn’t NEED the contract any more than Xander did. She had done it all, as he had, mostly, and she still had her rematch clause for the world title that she only had to sign to get. Even so, the desire to have it – that golden ticket – it had consumed her thoughts from the second her name was drawn. The names attached to her had been insignificant. She would make it work! Play any card or trick she knew and had learned from the likes of Syren, Regan, Kelcey, Red Rayne, D.… even Malcolm Scythe himself!
That was why she had known Amelia was the true threat. Xander and Billy – there was clear dissension there. Billy favoured cheating, not to mention he appeared to not take this seriously beyond his shallow wants and wishes. He was, in many ways, like Selena was (secretly) now. Willing to do anything to get what he wanted.
Xander, on the other hand… Selena felt the traces of a grin form on her lips, but her tension quickly squashed it down. Xander was… compromised. She had seen it back at Taking Hold of the Flame when they had faced. Alone with her thoughts, she could admit it – The Executioner had had her that night. He was as strong and as resilient as ever and had knocked her for a loop so many times, she had lost count. She had felt the world championship – and the ‘Unbelievable Main Event’ – slipping through her fingers with each second that the match progressed.
And then… Kandis had run down to the ring to hedge her own ‘bet’ in seeing the Snow Queen dethroned. And from that. Selena had seen Xander drop his guard, attack Kandis and declare that he ‘would do it himself with NO help’. It was as if the tables had turned, the script flipped, and the odds shifted in a second. In that moment, like drawing the lucky card in Texas Hold ‘Em that radically flipped the percentages, Selena’s had shot up to 100% and she had gotten past Xander. All because of his arrogance and ego…
But Amelia – Selena felt her jaw clench tighter at the new thought - Amelia was the counter-measure. She was there to keep Billy and Xander civil. To prevent another incident like that happening between the now ‘Noble’ Executioner and the overzealous, arrogant newcomer that wanted a fast track to stardom. She was the one keeping the team from killing each other.
But if she could be reduced… or minimized… or given doubts? Selena exhaled through her nose. True, Amelia was smart and she probably hadn’t been so easily convinced with Selena’s show, but the seed had been planted at the very least, giving Selena something to work with and look for when Apocalypse arrived. Because without Amelia, the two men would barely be able to function. And whether it was her, Polly or Raynes that made the pin, Selena would do all she could to give her team openings to do so, like she had in the semis.
Yes, it was a perfect plan… And then this SHIT had happened!
“Eric says he’s right behind us.”
Turning her head away from her ‘staring contest’ with the asphalt of the interstate, she eyed Otrera, her aide driving the bus at a steady pace. Near her, attached to the dashboard via a clamp, the Egyptian’s cellphone used its GPS to guide the bus to its destination. However, there was also a ‘text notification’ on the top of the screen, which was probably what Ra had read.
Instead of answering, Selena simply gave a nod of her head before, finally, turning away from the open road, walking the necessary steps further into the bus to flop onto the couch, sitting on the familiar, cushioned seats. Her plan had worked up to that point – but then she had been approached by Gerald and told the news about Deanna… that her wife – ex-wife – had collapsed.
Truthfully, for the most part, Selena had done all she could to avoid the redhead up to this point. She had stayed in her bus or changeroom most of the time during shows – playing it up as part of her ‘persona’, waited until everyone had left the arena before leaving herself, and aside from interaction with dealing with their children, she had stayed away from Deanna for both their sakes.
It just… it still hurt.
It still hurt the young woman on the inside, and that was a side she couldn’t allow herself to show much of. The side Amelia had apparently seen, that Xander had tried to get out back at THOTF, that Hudson had ‘apparently’ wanted to bring back (though that was probably just the bastard spouting whatever was buzzworthy or would get people’s attention – only wanting to ‘save’ Selena so he could be world champion).
But she had stayed away from Deanna as best she could, even avoiding the champion’s little ‘crusade’ against the Enigma. Sure, she knew of it, hard not to when watching Breakdown and hearing the rumors. Her little redhead had become sort of an outcast… like ‘the crazy miner’s daughter’… Selena sighed at the old nickname she had been given. So many people didn’t want anything to do with the United States Champion. They believed she was slipping, becoming obsessed, losing her mind, blah blah blah. The idiots didn’t realize that this WAS who Deanna was. Whenever the young Frost had desired something, she would stop at nothing to get it. Her current reign as champion was proof of that – the only difference was that her current ‘desire’ was not something that could be acquired through winning a match or a title. Even if she beat Engima again, there was no promise that he would release Jessica. She was running a hamster wheel, being denied her desire time and time again, which was WHY she was becoming so unhinged.
This is where Selena differed. She valued the notion of ‘biding her time’. Of waiting until the pieces were in play and her path was clear. Of waiting to ‘call her shot’ before firing the proverbial ‘bullet’. She didn’t need to rush in, guns blazing and screaming on the microphone like Xander and Billy. She could hang back… wait things out… and then…
But hearing of Deanna’s collapse? There was no waiting. She had run as fast as she could to find her, sprinting through the halls and towards the parking lot where Gerald was leading her until she had seen the ambulance.
The paramedics were there, four of them, helping Deanna (who was on a stretcher) into the van. Beside her though…
Was Colleen MacDonald.
Asling.
And Polly…
Selena felt her jaw clench at the memory, but not for the reason one would think. Yes, admittedly at first, she had assumed that Polly had had her girls and her attack Deanna as some sort of ‘punishment’ or ‘retribution’ or ‘proving ground’ to Selena – some sort of statement after the roughhousing Selena had employed through Ra on Polly back in her changeroom – and maybe some retribution for the history between Polly and Deanna as well. It would have made sense… she had certainly pissed off Polly and turnabout was fair play. Yes, she had assumed that at first glance, but as she saw Polly helping Deanna into the ambulance, being so gentle with her and the stretcher, as the woman had then spotted Selena and run to her and carefully explained everything to her from what she had learned from Colleen and, then, from Jaina Lancaster – about Deanna visiting Body, Heart and Soul, wanting to apologize, getting an interview and then collapsing during said interview – that was where Selena had fucked up.
She had thanked and hugged Polly…
A low growl came from deep within the platinum-blonde’s throat, meeting resistance from her clenched jaw and, thus, being muffled. She had let her mask fucking break in that moment! In that moment, she had just been so thankful to Polly for coming to Deanna’s aid that she had thrown her own guise out the goddamn window and HUGGED her! And THANKED her! And been GRATEFUL to her!
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! she mentally screamed. She had just risked all the progress she had made tonight with Polly and the strategy for Apocalypse! If Amelia was clinging to some kind of ‘hope’ that Selena could be ‘saved’ due to a ‘glimpse’ of something, then Polly had just been given the fucking proof that the ‘old Selena Frost’ was still there!
Angrily, pale hands gripped at her hair, the Snow Queen continuing to mentally berate herself. They didn’t have time for such ‘fools’ errands’! They had to focus on Trios! Her ‘salvation’ could be some stupid tagline Xander and Amelia could waste their time and their promos on! Let them be distracted by it for all she cared! All the more chances for her team to seize the win!
I’ll have to send something to Raynes and Polly to put everything back together. she thought quickly. A video or something to push the narrative she had spun before all this happened. After I deal with this…
Her head turned to gaze further down the bus, towards the closed doors where her bedroom was. She didn’t need to see inside it. She knew who was there.
Total collapse. She exhaled slowly. How had she not seen it? Even if she was ignoring Deanna in-person, she had still seen the aforementioned signs. And as Selena had rummaged around Deanna’s changeroom to gather her things for her, she sure as hell had spied all the Energy drinks in the mini-fridge and in the trash.
The situation was beyond clear: much like the name of her finisher, Deanna had finally hit burnout. The lack of sleep, combined with the massive amounts of caffeine in her system had all come to a head, and her love- Selena caught herself – her former partner had simply collapsed from the sheer exhaustion of it all. The strain on her heart had been the biggest issue, but thankfully, there had been no long-term or permanent issues with it. It just had had an ‘episode’. With a sigh, Selena finally allowed herself to feel a sense of relief from the whole ordeal, at least in the knowledge that Deanna was going to be okay.
She just needs rest… she repeated the doctor’s orders. Away from any stress or work… Heh, easier said than done. Selena let out a short, bitter laugh. She knew the redhead well enough to know such a thing would never be easy. Keeping her away from SCW for even a day would be tricky, let alone away from their children. But she also knew the seriousness of the situation. She had never seen Deanna in such a state, even during the redhead’s near OD-experience with the NX…
Remembering the drug, Selena quietly did the math in her head, double-checking to make sure she was still in the ‘window’ of her last dosage’s ‘effectiveness’. She had no desire to take it if she didn’t need it, which she, thankfully, didn’t in this moment. Apocalypse? She would definitely need it, which was why she had kept a full bottle of them on the bus and near her for most of the time. Every advantage would be needed against Xander and his team for them to get by – even if it was by a hair’s length.
As for Deanna – Selena breathed another sigh of relief. The doctor had given her a mild sedative to put her to sleep for a few hours. Her body will take over from there in healing itself but it’ll take time. He explained.
Slowly, Selena began racking her brain. She couldn’t take Deanna back home to Manhattan. She’d immediately get back to work in preparing for Apocalypse, or taking care of their children, or something. And having her in NYC in her Eyrie Tower would be out of the question – she’d only be a distraction to Selena and the Snow Queen knew it. It may not happen right away, but being so close to the redhead would trigger Selena’s desire for her. Her need for her, emotionally and physically. It had happened during their ‘dates’ as ‘Chica’ and ‘Evelyn’. It had happened in the throngs of their fights. It was inevitable. It ALWAYS happened.
It was just their chemistry and connection. Even divorced, it was there. And Selena didn’t need that right now. Not when she had more pressing matters to concern herself with.
But what did that leave her? Eric? She shook her head. The family friend was a good man. Noble, kind, dependable… but he was a complete pushover. Selena had lost track of how many times Deanna had convinced him to do something he shouldn’t. All it would take is a few orders and strong words from the redhead once she awoke and Anderson would be taking her right back to Manhattan!
So, what choice did that give her?!
Angrily, the platinum-blonde flopped back against the cushioned seat, every idea she could conceive coming up dry. “Maybe I should just ship her out to Nome.” She whispered jokingly. “Couple days in my hometown and she’d be right as rain-“
Her eyes went wide as the idea hit her like a bolt of lightning, causing her to leap to her feet – a stupid decision as the movement of the bus made the rise rather shaky, forcing her to throw her leg ahead of her to regain her temporary loss of balance. She almost lost the idea due to the shift in movement but her brain clung onto it as tightly as she could. Once on stable footing, the Snow Queen pulled out her phone and double checked the route Otrera was taking, specifically the states she was leaping over. As her eyes settled on the names, a grin slowly came to her.
It was perfect! Too perfect…
Turning slowly, wishing to maintain her steady stance, the former world champion was back at the front of the bus, Ra barely acknowledging her as she stood there. Without hesitation, she grasped the driver’s phone and pulled it out of its clamp. If Ra saw it, she gave no reaction to it, which was fine with Selena. Carefully, the Snow Queen cancelled the GPS’ current trip before punching in a new destination, using the address she had from memory. That completed, she wedged the phone back in its clamp. “Go there.” She ordered, pointing a sharp finger to the phone screen. Only then did Ra turn her head to gaze at the screen, a black eyebrow rising as she turned her head to gaze at the standing woman.
“You realize that’s a detour, right?” she asked. “It’d be faster to go through the Virginas and Washington.”
“I know.” Selena stated coldly. “But I’m not paying you to take me where you think we should go. I’m paying you to take me where I WANT to go.”
“Uh-huh.” Ra clicked her tongue inside her mouth, seemingly unaffected. “And when would I be able to take a break and rest exactly?”
“Considering we just had two days in New Orleans? I think you can manage a 12-hour shift, Ra.” Selena shot back. “Or are you still sore about getting your ass handed to you by a 5-foot-2 munchkin?” she added, goading the woman and watching her tense up. She knew that must have hurt, to be taken down by Polly and so easily. Not that Selena truly held that against her aide. She, herself, would have crumpled like a ragdoll too if Polly ever landed such a shot on her – not that she was about to admit that to either Polly or Ra.
“It was a cheap shot.” Ra growled. “If I had seen it coming…”
“Ah, let it go.” Selena dismissed. “The only thing hurt now is your ego.” She added in a slightly chastising tone. “Never take your eyes off an enemy. Thought they taught you that.”
“She didn’t seem too much of a threat.” The tanned-skin woman remarked.
“Well, now you know better, but I appreciate you making that assumption.” Selena answered honestly.
It was her dark horse – that assumption. She was betting EVERYTHING on that. Raynes was a wildcard and would be treated as such and she was the dominant world champion of 2024, even if Hudson held the title for the rest of the year, she’d still be the one that held it longer and with far more to show for it. But Polly?
No… Billy hadn’t taken her seriously. Xander hadn’t. And Amelia had focused entirely on Selena. Just like Xander and Billy had until Raynes had played his part well. But still, Selena was where everyone’s eyes were. And that was another advantage. Polly was the trojan horse. The one that could be the difference maker in all of this. Because if no one paid attention to her – if no one was truly taking her seriously if Breakdown was any indication… if Ra’s view of her due to the woman’s ‘size’ was any indication…
Another secret weapon… Selena grinned to herself before refocusing on the present.
“Just keep driving.” Selena ordered. “I want us there before tomorrow evening.”
A sigh escaped the driver before she eventually nodded. “As you wish, boss.”
The matter closed, the former world champion pulled away, calling out as she moved further into the bus. “Update Eric when you make a stop. And don’t disturb me until we’re there.”
She did not receive a response this time around but she didn’t need one. She simply kept walking to the back, slowing her steps to a softer sound until she had reached the door. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she slowly pulled the back door open and quickly slid inside the back section, closing it quickly to keep any more light from spilling in.
There, in the room, she stood against the door. It was mostly dark. The curtains were drawn, allowing only the barest of light to spill in from the streetlamps from outside. The windows were two high to capture the headlights of passing/passed vehicles, and there was enough structure from the bus to muffle most traffic sounds from outside. It allowed her to, eventually, as she strained her ears to hear, the soft breathing coming from the woman on the bed. She had personally, and privately, ‘shooed’ Eric and Ra out of the room after they had carried Deanna out of the hospital and into this bedroom, sending them to their respective driver-seats to begin the trip. Alone with Deanna, the young woman had carefully, focusing on the task and nothing else, undressed the redhead and slipped her into one of the Snow Queen’s nightgowns – or rather, one of Deanna’s nightgowns that Selena had kept hanging in the closet on the bus since the younger woman had last rode on it – one of the few ‘mementos’ Selena had kept nearby.
Still, in the dark room, just her and Deanna, she finally allowed herself to fully breathe. She allowed herself to slowly let her thoughts of Trios and her partners go, if only for a few moments. She allowed herself to drop the guise of “The Blue-Eyed Devil” that everyone so badly wanted to destroy. And she let herself feel the full relief that her love was going to be okay.
“My poor pet…” Selena whispered in the dark, watching Deanna sleep. She could only imagine how bad things had truly been for the redhead. This obsession with Enigma, righteous as it was. She knew the woman who still held her heart was no idiot. Foolish was one thing, but that didn’t make her stupid. Surely, the redhead had seen what this was doing to her health. How things were eroding away. Surely she had noticed these things… and yet she had kept going. Pushing through.
Are you doing things any differently? came the chastising voice in her mind – not the devil voice… her own voice. You want her to drop all of this and just let it go. Yet, you’ve had two people tonight talk about ‘saving’ you and you told both of them that it couldn’t be done. You’re ‘too far in’. Is that any different?
Selena sighed at her own inner-voice – her ego. It was different. Deanna’s obsession would be solved soon as Enigma was handled and Jessica was freed. Then, she could rest more like this and refocus on being the United States Champion or just an SCW superstar or whatever was normal for her.
Selena? It wasn’t so simple. She wasn’t chasing demons or magic-users or shadow-monsters, sure enough, but her ‘cause’ was not simply an enemy.
It was herself.
She had made her choice late last year when she had put her plans into motion to recapture the world championship. She had betrayed so many of her ideals to get to where she needed to be. Warped the very notion of integrity and settling matters ‘in the ring’ until she barely recognized it. All to get what she wanted for herself and those she felt had been wronged by SCW.
She had burned every conceivable bridge to ashes. And no matter how much Amelia pleaded. How much she ‘believed’. How much Polly stated it. How much she believed. How much any one else saw it… how much they believed…
No bridge could be made of such ashes. It couldn’t be done. There was no ‘way back’ for Selena. She was… what she was. A villain, a user of NX, a divorced queen, alone… all of her own choices.
And with ‘the way back’ burnt and inaccessible, all she could do was go forward. Go forward and either meet her end or… if she were TRULY lucky – luckier than she had ever been in her entire life – go all the way around and come full-circle…
Like anyone would be waiting for me that long. She scoffed at the mere idea before finally taking a step around the bed to the other side of the room. She knew the space inside and out and easily found the closet to pull out her own nightgown before disappearing into the bathroom beside the bedroom, once more being careful not to turn the light on until the door was closed behind her. She had no reason to believe Deanna would even stir awake for several hours, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to risk it just to get an earful from her ex and demands to be ‘taken back to SCW’ or whatever she knew her fiery-redhead would do. No, thank you…
Alone in the bathroom, she was quick to strip out of her own clothes – the same clothes she had worn backstage when she met up with Amelia – she would have to return Ra’s jacket to her later – and placed them neatly on the counter by the closet. That accomplished, she was quick to undo her hair and run an ice-cube bath for herself, settling into the cold embrace of floating ice amidst the water and allowing herself to relax and semi-meditate, her mind loosening its grip on the thoughts of Deanna, of Polly, of Raynes and Amelia and of Trios.
How long she laid there, she wasn’t sure – she didn’t have a clock in the room and had left her phone elsewhere on the bus. However, it was needed far more than she had realized, the calming effects of the familiar cold giving her a bit of focus in her next set of moves.
The video to Raynes and Polly to re-establish matters was a good idea. She could do a “Royal Letter” to them like she had with Aaron Demitria and CHBK in the past. Then, she would bide her time, watching the others squirm or plan or air their promo videos – letting them all focus on poor, little her.
“The biggest threat”
She smiled at that. She knew Xander. She knew Amelia. Billy? Well, he had already played his entire hand earlier in the night. She was ‘the golden goose’, which meant Raynes and Polly could take advantage. Again, it didn’t matter to Selena if she was the one that made the pin – that had been all for show for the quarterfinals and the semis. In truth, winning was her only concern. If Polly wanted to do it, so be it, and if Raynes had the chance, so be it. The result would be the same for all three of them, especially for Selena, regardless of who made the pin/submission.
Content, the Snow Queen reached over to grab her favorite shampoo: Vanilla-lavender. As with the soaking in the bath, she took her time shampooing her hair, letting the scent soak into the platinum-blonde strands at the roots, same with the body wash (same scent, of course), even standing to let it soak fully into her skin before lowering herself down to wash herself completely.
She still, very much, enjoyed feeling clean and washed. The saying ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ was true to her, sure, but it was much more personal than that. She had spent so many years not caring about her appearance, being Nome’s ‘Snow Queen’ and ‘the Crazy Miner’s Daughter’, and living on meager minimum-wage as a waitress, that when she could finally afford to truly take care of herself, she had learned quickly. For Selena, it was a personal representation of herself. It was her showing herself where she was now, and where she had come from – and the person she never wished to return to again!
Finished, the clean wrestler dried herself off, again taking her time. Normally, she would have blow-dried her hair, but her concern for the noise waking the redhead in the next room prevented her from doing that, instead choosing to just be more meticulous with her towel, gripping her hair firmer with it as if to wring out as much water as possible. It stung a little, but she didn’t mind. Seeing herself in the bolted down mirror, she allowed her sapphire eyes to linger on her own reflection.
It was a stark contrast to what she had seen of the young woman in the adjoining room. She taken notice of Deanna’s pale face, the mess of red that was her hair (complete with knots and wild strands, the bags under her eyes and even opening one eyelid to see the bloodshot red that had run rampant on her beautiful emerald orbs. It was heartbreaking for Selena to behold, despite her desire to hide it (which she had barely managed). Compared to that, with her own pale skin free of blemishes, her eyes shining and well-rested and her hair sleek and equally shining, the Snow Queen could not stop the guilt she felt.
She knew she wasn’t to blame. She had done all she could to get Deanna off the path of facing The Enigma, but the redhead had persisted. She had given all her warnings and even tried enforcing her will by trying to remove Jessica – the source of Deanna’s drive – from the equation, which had only served Selena a divorce paper from Deanna. As it was, she had quietly vowed not to enforce her will on Deanna again. She was not her wife anymore, assuming Deanna had handed the paper in and it had been processed, but that was just legality. They were not together anymore. It was beyond apparent and that was enough for Selena, for it meant that Deanna was no longer her concern, despite her feelings for the redhead.
She wanted to get involved but she couldn’t. It wasn’t her place now. She had to let things play out. Even so, she knew her actions now were a contradiction to that vow. She had immediately gotten involved upon hearing of Deanna’s collapse and, rather than leave her in the hospital to recover, which was probably the smarter idea, she had taken it upon herself to try and get her away from hospitals and SCW. And her new plan? Where they were headed?
Am I doing the right thing? she asked herself for the first time, staring into the face in the mirror and, actually, seeing her own reflection. Not ‘The Blue Eyed Devil”, but rather of Selena Frost – herself – the woman. The woman that loved her children, her job, and loved the redhead in the next room. Alone, and savoring the safety and privacy of it, she allowed herself to breathe this identity in, inhaling and exhaling slowly. She let herself feel those buried feelings again. That love. That warmth. That precious gift that she held in her heart. She would have to bury them again as soon as she was out of the bedroom, but that would be in the morning when she woke up. For now, she merely stared at herself, missing herself, and missing how things were, and allowing herself to dream.
Was it possible? Was Amelia right? Was Polly right? Was Deanna right? Could she be ‘saved’?
Silly as it sounded, she entertained the thought for a moment, imagining what it would be like. Where she came out to music, not of a villain, but of a hero. Of a good woman. Where she was cheered because she was good and worked hard, not because she was ‘Selena Frost, the bad girl’. Where she was believed in for her morals and integrity. Where she had a good repour with the SCW Universe, being ‘The Face of SCW’ once more and a queen of the people. Where she had friends that followed her example of doing the right thing. Where she inspired people to be better, like she had with Light in the Darkness…
The wedding!
Sapphire eyes widened as the thought came to Selena. She had merely used the invitation as a tool to talk to Amelia and sow the seeds of doubt, but with that task done, and her ‘mask’ dropped, Selena allowed herself to actually consider it.
There had been some truth to her words to Amelia – more than she cared to admit. On one hand, she was beyond proud of the young woman and of Luz and them taking this ‘next step’ together in their lives. She was, truly, excited in seeing them get married, even regretting that she hadn’t really known them when Deanna and her had tied the knot.
But… she could see the signs. The same signs she had missed in her own marriage. The same little things that, at the time, had seemed inconsequential to both Frost women, but had, ultimately, driven them apart.
The difference in their ‘status’ within the company.
Selena’s obsession with integrity.
Deanna’s obsession with making Selena happy.
Selena’s refusal to simply ‘return’ but, instead to seek ‘justice’.
Deanna’s desire to do the right thing and forge her own identity out from “Selena’s shadow”.
They were little things but they had dogpiled until… even in love… their marriage had crumbled. And with her friends Luz and Amelia, Selena could see similar ‘cracks’. Small, infinitesimal it seemed, but they were still there. But she doubted Amelia would take all her words to heart. Or, at the very least, not dissect and question them as coming from a friend, yes, but also a prospective opponent, which wasn’t a complete lie either.
Trying to calm her mind from the onslaught of thoughts, Selena slowly inhaled and exhaled, turning away from her reflection to change into her magenta nightgown. In the end, much with Deanna, she couldn’t control or stop Light in the Darkness. They were going to do what they were going to do, and she would simply have to wait out and see if she was right or wrong. If the signs were there or just in her imagination.
Settling on that, she moved her hand towards the door to open it but quickly switched the direction of her hand to turn the lights off first, remembering her ‘guest’ in the other room. However, as she opened the door, once more in darkness, the voice sailed into her ears immediately.
“No…NO!” The words were repeated, along with some whines and cries. Immediately, as before when she was backstage, Selena was on the move, moving the few steps necessary to draw closer to the bed. With no other option – and not wishing to turn on the lights – she could only wait for each passing light from outside to illuminate the room just enough to give her better vision. In those flashes, her eyes spotted Deanna lying there, tossing and turning in the throngs of sleep.
“Please…no…help…please…” The cries were mere whimpers now, making it clear to Selena what was happening.
A nightmare. No different than when her children had had them in their youth. What Deanna was dreaming, the Snow Queen could only guess, but from the tone of Deanna’s cries, the fear laced within them, suddenly the woman’s ‘sleep-depravation’ had made a degree of sense. How could someone go to sleep when they knew what terrors were waiting for them the moment they closed their eyes?
For what it was, Selena could understand. Anastasia DeCarlo had, after all, tried to drown her in the tub at a young age using a door as sort of ‘roof’ over it – at least that was how Selena remembered it, though she had every reason to question the details from her child-like memory at the time. Still, the facts were still there. Anastasia had wanted to drown her stepchild and it had been Selena’s own biological mother that had saved the young infant – a part Selena had not remembered beyond flashes of terror in her mind. But the nightmares would last for many years and her claustrophobia still persisted in her because of it.
For the woman lying in the bed, Deanna had had nightmares in the past, but none had ever lead to such a degree of insomnia and exhaustion, which only further explained to Selena the level of terror they held within the redhead’s mind.
“S…” Deanna hissed. “It burns…” she cried out. “Don’t, Jessica… Please…”
Standing there, Selena felt utterly powerless, her heart breaking for the unknown time at the sight. What could she do? Deanna was not a child. A mere lullaby would not work on her like it had her children. And she dared not wake the redhead up when she needed some rest, even the nightmarish kind. So what option did that give her?
“S…” the redhead hissed again, her body stiffening and rolling a little. “Selena…”
Selena’s eyes widened in shock, her head turning more towards the woman, even drawing closer. She hadn’t misheard! She had heard her name! Was… was it her? Was she the one causing Deanna’s nightmares?
It made sense… she thought bitterly. She was quite the monster in the world these days. Quite the villain. And she had been quite cold and cruel to Jessica and to Deanna on several occasions. Carefully, she stepped back, putting her back to the door. She would sleep on the couch outside in the main ‘body’ of the bus. That would be fine for her for tonight. Least if she was away from Deanna, her lack of ‘presence’ might allow the redhead to sleep better and-
“Help…” She heard the whisper in the dark as her hand touched the door handle. “Help me…Selena… please…” and froze immediately in place, the former world champion turning around to gaze at the sleeping beauty. Again, she had no reason to doubt her ears capabilities. She knew she hadn’t misheard.
“Where are you…” Deanna cried out. “I don’t… I don’t want to die… alone…”
Slowly, Selena stepped back over to the side of the bed she had been standing, gazing down at the woman who continued in her nightmarish journey. In the dark, the platinum-blonde gazed down to her hand as she held it up, the pale limb a focal point in her inner-debate.
“Hell with it.” She whispered before reaching out that hand and placing it on Deanna’s shoulder, ceasing her movements. “Deanna…” Selena whispered. “I’m right here…”
She immediately felt Deanna’s movements stop, though her mumbling persisted. “So dark…and fire…not alone… please…” her voice trailed off. Selena couldn’t understand what it was her love was dreaming, but… it didn’t matter in that moment. Giving one more fleeting glance at the door, her last attempt to ‘stay away’ from Deanna for the aforementioned reasons, she slowly surrendered, moving herself up and onto the bed.
She didn’t need to see the woman in the dark to know how to position herself. It was second nature, and within seconds, she had the smaller redhead wrapped in her arms and pulled against her, feeling her back against her front. “I’ve got you.” She whispered. “You don’t have to be alone.”
Slowly, very slowly, she felt Deanna’s breathing slow, her heart along with it. The movements ceased altogether, and before long, the champion was back into the state of peaceful slumber, her nightmares banished to the dark corners of her mind. Relieved, not for the first time today, Selena exhaled a breath slowly, further settling her head against the pillow it rested on.
Yes… tomorrow she would be ‘The Blue-Eyed Devil’ again.
Tomorrow, she’d hand Deanna off somewhere she could truly recover.
Tomorrow, she’d disappear from the redhead’s sight and return to her tower – alone as Deanna had been in her dreams.
But tonight…
“I’ll stay tonight.” She whispered against Deanna’s neck, allowing herself to lean and brush her lips against the soft skin of the woman’s neck in a tender, loving kiss. “Tonight, I’ll be yours.” Her voice drifted against Deanna’s ear as Selena settled into sleep beside her former partner.
Tonight, she could be herself. Because tomorrow…
Tomorrow would be the beginning of the end. One way… or another.
_______________________________________________________________
![[Image: tetXUW1.gif]](https://i.imgur.com/tetXUW1.gif)
The camera opens up to reveal the interior of The Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C., the site for this weekend’s SCW Pay-Per-View, Apocalypse. The arena is mostly empty, devoid of people, despite the set being practically completed for the big event. From the ramp to the ring, despite the white, blue and purple lights shining down on them, the arena looks ready to house an incredible show.
But as the camera changes shot to one closer to the ring, the woman standing in the middle of it is finally seen. Her hair, in its iconic braid, is a stark contrast to the black and gold trim dress she wears. The dress hugs her curves and leaves her shoulders and arms bare, hugging around her bust and hips, accentuating her trim figure. Her makeup matches the look perfectly, and Selena Frost, for all intents and purposes, stands like a monarch inside the ring, patiently giving her audience time to adjust to this powerful sight.
Ah… Vancouver… she smiles knowingly. Tell me something, truly… do you believe me now?
The Snow Queen gives a tilt of her head. Oh come on… She tsks, her tongue clicking a little to make the sound. You really don’t have much of a choice, do you? I mean, I could understand a few weeks ago, when you all were singing the same tune as you did at Rise to Greatness for Josh Hudson. After all, after ALL your favorite little heroes failed one after another, you finally got one that managed to take the world title from me.
She laughs a little. And if he HADN’T been eliminated in the first round – losing his FIRST match as the SCW World champion, I could almost understand your siding with him. But, alas, what did I say months ago? Weeks ago?
Let me think… the former world champion tilts her head, as if in thought before snapping her fingers. That’s right! I remember! I said he would disappoint you! I said he would ‘let you all down’!
And look what’s happened! She gestures towards the empty arena. The man is knocked down and basically taken out in the first Breakdown of the season. Then he can’t keep his word in giving you all a match against Kandis and One or some variation of, THEN, when he finally DOES officially wrestle, he loses. And then… icing on the cake here! While I am here, doing what he COULDN’T do… he’s off shaking hands with Amy Chastaine with ‘May the best wrestler win’!
Selena’s eyes shift left and right a little. So… basically, his ‘Wild Wild West’… is what I was doing the whole time? She sighs knowingly.
I honestly am not surprised, Josh. Really, I’m not. You’re of a certain breed of wrestler. A certain breed that promises the world and everything in it to these fans and yet, when push comes to shove, you can’t deliver. I mean… what happened to the ‘amazing challenges’ you said you were going to do? What happened to ‘accepting every challenge’? Pretty sure neither One nor Kandis got their match when they challenged you. Not that I have any issue with Kandis being suspended once again and Scott seeing… she chuckles a little. Anger management… It certainly has been somewhat enjoyable to watch as you struggle in your first month as World champion, excusing the month-off you got to have right after RTG.
But I digress… she sighs. Once again, I have to step in and do what one of CHBK’s boys and ‘legends’ couldn’t do and bring the Trios Tournament to a satisfying and exciting end. I mean… can we really expect another one of ‘Alex’s boys’ to do the job?
And yes, Xander, I am talking to you. In fact… you’re really the ONLY person I am going to be talking to here. She tilts her head. What? Surprised? Don’t be. I’ve already talked to Amelia, privately, I’m sure she’s told you about that, and as for Billy… well, as Andrew pointed out, I don’t waste my time with people that care more about their cellphones and date-nights then they do about their careers. With any luck, Raynes will grab the boy’s damned phone again, but this time, he’ll chuck it as hard as he can into the audience and watch Billy run away to try and find it, allowing us to get to business.
Which is what we should do now… her sapphire eyes narrow. Because you seriously disappointed me, Xander. And before you roll your eyes or count to ten to calm down or fetch your girl, Artemis, to fetch your pills, old man, I’m still aware of your accolades. We’ve been over this not too long ago. All you’ve done, the Hall of Fame status. Aside from Amelia’s tag-titles and TV title reign, you’re the big name on your team – the exo-facto leader it would seem… though that may be in question after seeing you in the ring during this whole tournament last week.
But back to my earlier statement of you disappointing me, Xander. All that lovely talk about whether I can team with my partners, be there for them... Typical YOU would try that tactic given YOUR history. Disappointingly obvious, I mean, I could understand when you did nothing and you let Billy Heaven cheat and steal the victory for you and your team in the semis. I really could, Xander… after all, the last time you had any real ‘morals’ to do the right thing… she shrugs. You lost to me. She smiles knowingly.
So it stands to reason that you really can’t ‘teach an old dog new tricks’ and that this ‘moral compass’ of yours was just a phase. One you would throw away when reality reared its ugly head.
But even so, since that is so and your little ‘nobility’ was all an act that I saw right through… an act that broke the second it failed… how could you LET Heaven disrespect you like that? she shakes her head.
And before you deny it, Xander, remember. I was there in the ring with you. I was there when Billy, first, demanded to speak before you. Demanded that he talk before the ‘captain’ and ‘Hall of Famer’. Then, I watched as he humiliated you by making your first statements be about hitting on Jaina and eyeballing me.
And oh yes, the crème de la crème, Xander! The cherry on top! I got to watch as he called his shot right in front of you.
Moving over to the turnbuckle, Selena leans against it on her side and elbow, still facing camera.
So… am I really talking to the right guy here? Am I really talking to the captain? The Hall of Famer? The leader of my opponent’s team like you clearly chose to do? Or should I restart this promo and talk only to Billy instead? Because the Xander I know wouldn’t have simply grabbed Billy’s shoulder, pulled him back and given him a ‘stern talking to’ like he was his kid after such disrespectful behavior. Has fatherhood – or the pitiful excuse I’m sure you call ‘fatherhood’ – taken the edge off the axe, Executioner?
She glares into the camera daringly.
Because there was a time when Xander Valentine rampaged through an entire crowd of SCW fans! Attacking innocent men and women and children! All because someone dared to disrespect him by knocking him out in record time…
There was a time that Xander Valentine systematically tried to destroy a woman’s career by invading her home, attacking her property, and break her spirit, simply because he believed she was trying to ‘steal’ his place within SCW.
There was a time that Xander Valentine tried to reduce a ‘Face of SCW’ to ‘The Shadow of SCW’, simply because it amused him to do so!
Hell… there was a time where you swore to take my head and skewer it onto a lance and display it for all SCW to see… that one might be easier for your age-riddled brain to recall, cause it was earlier this year!
Selena shakes her head. My point is, Xander, is that I’ve seen you do far worse… because of far less. And yet… a scolding? Really? she laughs sadly. You asked me what Trios means to me, let me return it. Does winning Trios mean THAT much to you, Xander? Are you that desperate for it that you let Billy put you on a ‘leash’? Get you to ‘heel’ and ‘be a good boy'?
Relax, I won’t keep up these dog references. I have no desire to trigger one of my partners too much. But you have to admit, it’s not hard to see what I am saying here, Xander. You’re desperate to win Trios, which wouldn’t be surprising because the last time you won it, you allowed yourself to be associated with rainbows and unicorns… she almost snorts at the vivid memory.
What was the name? Unicorn Puke or something like that? I guess, when it comes to Trios, Xander really WILL sell-out his ‘morals’ and ‘integrity’ and ‘self-respect’. Such a shame… because I was excited to beat you again. She sighs before holding up her hand.
Alright, alright. I’ll ease up a little, Xander. But what do you expect?! I am upset. I am! See, this wasn’t SUPPOSED to be my team against yours. You saw what everyone was saying! Everyone wanted it to be you or Josh’s team. You were going to fight Hudson, one way or another. Wasn’t that why Alex was talking to you? Back to one of his ‘boys’ to get the SCW world title shot? He’s starting to get predictable, isn’t he? Hudson, Mason, you, Chastaine… You think he’s got one of the Black Cell boys on speed-dial? Can he dig up Zero, Riddick or Savior for a quick one-off? Or should we expect one of The Mercenaries to come bumbling in after this weekend?
But still, back to you. When the situation came about and I got my team to the finals, I was excited to face you again. I mean, wouldn’t that just be the most magical moment? An unbelievable moment? The man that got me to my fourth Rise to Greatness main-event being the man that also got me to my second Trios Tournament contract… oh… she gives a chef’s kiss. Such an incredible story. Especially when I know how, and what it takes, to beat you, first of all, but also because I… I thought you cared about me.
Her eyes grow sad. Not in THAT way, Xander. I’m not Billy Junior, after all. But I thought that you would see this opportunity for what it was! The greatest chance… and easily the last chance, that you will ever have!
Reaching up with one hand, she adjusts her braid a little, flicking it back over her shoulder. Did you not say that my victory over you at Taking Hold of the Flame still lives rent-free inside your head with the intensity as our match at Rise to Greatness years ago does? That you replay that moment over and over again in your mind? Wishing you had just let Kandis do whatever she wanted to do with me or if she never came out at all… would you have faced Hudson? Would you have won where I didn’t? Would you then be able to retire peacefully on such a sendoff?
But no… I took that away, and with it, I remain the person that’s had your number more often than not. I mean, officially, you’ve only beaten me once. You called it ‘even’ because you thought an unsanctioned match counted…HA! she laughs. Go talk to Deanna about that when you get a chance, I doubt she’ll care. But as it TRULY, OFFICIALLY stands… You’ve beaten me once… I’ve beaten you FOUR times! Most of which by knocking you out…
She sighs. I’ll bet they all play in your head, Xander. I’m sure they do. Which is why I was so upset and surprised and disappointed in you. Because I could almost look the other way for the rest of the stuff with Billy, truly. I could! Like I said, you’ve sold out for Trios before...
But for him to point at me… YOUR Mount Everest. YOUR unconquered foe that’s defeated you far more than once… for that BOY to point at me and declare that he was gunning for me. That HE would be the one to pin me. To be the one that defeated me and lead you and Amelia to victory.
Xander… How could you let him do such a thing? How could you let him cross such a line? Selena shakes her head. How could you let him not only take your morals, your spine, your very image as Xander F’N Valentine – the nigh unstoppable Executioner! – but also let him take YOUR pinfall. YOUR victory. YOUR last chance to put me down…
Moving off the turnbuckle, the former world champion strolls around the ring, gazing at the empty seats away and above.
We all know the truth, Xander… this is your last season in SCW, isn’t it? Your last Trios Tournament. Your last chance to get that golden ticket… she turns her head towards the camera. And your last chance to beat me.
Because we both know I’ve got other things to do than to deal with you – a contract of my own, actually, and so much more. And since I already fought you and beat you… I doubt you’ll get another chance to face me before that final bell of yours rings.
This… this could very well be your last chance to get the victory you’ve dreamed up for FIVE LONG YEARS! The victory to give you the ‘last laugh’ of sorts…
And you want to give it to Mr. Cellphone? Mr. Hit-on-Every-Girl-in-SCW? Mr. Cant-win-a-match-without-cheating?
A sad sigh escapes her once more. I hope you realize, Xander, how much respect you’ve lost in my eyes. Because I believed that you were so much more that. At the very least, I thought you were going to try and ‘help me’ or ‘save me’ or ‘teach me a lesson’ like you promised to do at Taking Hold of the Flame – another promise by a ‘legend’ that fell flat, I suppose… just like the other Alex-boys…
But I suppose my ‘lesson’ will have to come from Billy. What do you suppose it will be, Xander? How to get a million followers on my X account? Perhaps how to do the perfect shot for Instagram? What about picking the best phone-model? Mine got destroyed a little while ago – I think it was thrown against a wall or something… She bites her lower lip, as if in thought again, before snapping out of it. Though… that just makes me wonder what kind of example you are leaving… you know, for your ‘fans’… your family… your offspring?
Because the Xander I saw last week? He seems fine with pigs hitting on women like that. He seems fine to let other people have what is rightfully his. He seems fine with being disrespected and talked down to. He seems fine with cheating to win. she shrugs. I do feel sorry for those that look up to you, Xander, if that’s the kind of man you are now. I feel sorry for Amelia, who’s put her trust in you to do the right thing and be an example of integrity and good-form here in SCW – so she can truly, and proudly, say that she EARNED a Trios Contract – thanks to you, she can’t. I feel sorry for Alex, who believed you were worthy of an SCW world championship shot. Perhaps, when this is over and he comes back to give it to you, you can give THAT to Billy too! Not like he’s going to say no to a free ride with you carrying him like his pack mule while he parades himself as ‘better than you’.
Slowly, Selena ‘dusts off’ her hands. Regardless, I just wanted to tell you not to worry about it. Because you may not be coming to Apocalypse as the Executioner I knew, but I sure as hell am coming to Apocalypse as ‘The Blue-Eyed Devil’ that you know! Complete with a Devil’s Gate for you, for Billy… even for Amelia if I have to! Selena’s cold eyes narrow. And don’t worry about breaking your promises, your morals, or even your integrity for Billy, Xander. Because, like with Hudson, I’ll be the one to pick up the slack on a legend and give the SCW Universe what they need. What your fans and family needs.
Someone they can be proud of.
Someone that can keep her word.
Someone that wouldn’t give their ‘last chance’ against an opponent like me to an undeserving piece of shit just for a ‘win’.
Someone that WILL lead their team to victory, and make them proud to be part of it!
The Snow Queen glances once more at the camera, at her old rival. I’ll enjoy the night being one of the three Trios Tournament winners, Xander. You? she grins wickedly. You can enjoy the night being Billy’s bitch.
Whether you want to believe it… or not…
The camera slowly fades on the grinning, and knowing, face of Selena before entirely fading to black.
OOC: Takes place after first and after Deanna's CD rp. Good luck everyone!
Villain of the Year
”A Moment to Myself”
I-59 N
New Orleans, Louisiana
September 22nd, 2024
2:13am
Selena gripped the guardrail that served as a barrier between the descending stairs of her bus and the rest of the interior of it, her knuckles white and her fingers showing patches and streaks of red across various parts due to the blood flow. Her jaw was clenched to the point she was sure her back molars were going to crush each other and reduce themselves to a white powder that she’s have to spit out later. And if she was anything like that comic-book character from X-men that her son enjoyed watching (Cyclops, I think… the one with the laser-beam), then there’d be a hole through the front window of her ‘Believe it or Not’ bus and currently blasting away the interstate road as said bus travelled, her sapphire eyes locked on the road as if she could will the damn vehicle to go faster!
Away from NOLA.
Away from The Enigma.
Away from the fucking SCW!
Total collapse…
Those were the words she had been told by the doctor. She couldn’t remember the medical term, her mind had been too jumbled to recall it. Everything felt that way! How had it spiralled so out of control?!
Even in her current state, her calm, darker, logical devil mind was still present, doing what it could to keep the Snow Queen in a constant state of quiet and, barely sustainable, mental balance. She knew why things had spiralled that way. It was beyond clear.
She had made the progress she needed. She had roughed up Polly, triggering the woman’s PTSD so she’d drop those ‘inhibitions’ and show that ‘killer side’ she needed. She had put Raynes on a path to force cooperation between the two of them and… while she regretted part of it… she had planted doubts in the mind of Amelia Blythe – the true glue that held the team together.
It was beyond clear that she was the biggest threat to Selena’s team. Yes, Xander was stronger, more powerful, more dangerous and more accomplished. There was nothing to contest in that regard. He was ‘the heavy hitter’ in the same way that Selena was. In fact, both teams were actually quite well matched for the Trios Finals set for Apocalypse.
Selena and Xander – the main-eventers.
Polly and Amelia – the hungry mid-tier eager to ascend
Raynes and Billy – the wildcards that had come out of nowhere
On paper, Selena had concluded that the match, simply put, could go either way with such a combination. And had this been a simple Breakdown match or some match without any real stakes in it, she’d have accepted that, been thrilled at the notion of such competition, played her part as ‘The Blue-Eyed Devil’ and taken whatever she got (win or lose) and used it to her advantage later on, as she had with her loss at Rise to Greatness, using it to gain more leverage and presence within SCW. She didn’t even need the World title anymore to take Breakdown’s main-event/final segment hostage every week! Hudson had provided her the perfect opportunity without even realizing it with his “Wild, Wild West” concept.
The issue with having such a mentality as ‘going with whatever’ this time around? Was that this wasn’t just ‘any’ match. This was Trios. And she was so fucking close to having it! So close to getting that contract! What she had said was true. She didn’t NEED the contract any more than Xander did. She had done it all, as he had, mostly, and she still had her rematch clause for the world title that she only had to sign to get. Even so, the desire to have it – that golden ticket – it had consumed her thoughts from the second her name was drawn. The names attached to her had been insignificant. She would make it work! Play any card or trick she knew and had learned from the likes of Syren, Regan, Kelcey, Red Rayne, D.… even Malcolm Scythe himself!
That was why she had known Amelia was the true threat. Xander and Billy – there was clear dissension there. Billy favoured cheating, not to mention he appeared to not take this seriously beyond his shallow wants and wishes. He was, in many ways, like Selena was (secretly) now. Willing to do anything to get what he wanted.
Xander, on the other hand… Selena felt the traces of a grin form on her lips, but her tension quickly squashed it down. Xander was… compromised. She had seen it back at Taking Hold of the Flame when they had faced. Alone with her thoughts, she could admit it – The Executioner had had her that night. He was as strong and as resilient as ever and had knocked her for a loop so many times, she had lost count. She had felt the world championship – and the ‘Unbelievable Main Event’ – slipping through her fingers with each second that the match progressed.
And then… Kandis had run down to the ring to hedge her own ‘bet’ in seeing the Snow Queen dethroned. And from that. Selena had seen Xander drop his guard, attack Kandis and declare that he ‘would do it himself with NO help’. It was as if the tables had turned, the script flipped, and the odds shifted in a second. In that moment, like drawing the lucky card in Texas Hold ‘Em that radically flipped the percentages, Selena’s had shot up to 100% and she had gotten past Xander. All because of his arrogance and ego…
But Amelia – Selena felt her jaw clench tighter at the new thought - Amelia was the counter-measure. She was there to keep Billy and Xander civil. To prevent another incident like that happening between the now ‘Noble’ Executioner and the overzealous, arrogant newcomer that wanted a fast track to stardom. She was the one keeping the team from killing each other.
But if she could be reduced… or minimized… or given doubts? Selena exhaled through her nose. True, Amelia was smart and she probably hadn’t been so easily convinced with Selena’s show, but the seed had been planted at the very least, giving Selena something to work with and look for when Apocalypse arrived. Because without Amelia, the two men would barely be able to function. And whether it was her, Polly or Raynes that made the pin, Selena would do all she could to give her team openings to do so, like she had in the semis.
Yes, it was a perfect plan… And then this SHIT had happened!
“Eric says he’s right behind us.”
Turning her head away from her ‘staring contest’ with the asphalt of the interstate, she eyed Otrera, her aide driving the bus at a steady pace. Near her, attached to the dashboard via a clamp, the Egyptian’s cellphone used its GPS to guide the bus to its destination. However, there was also a ‘text notification’ on the top of the screen, which was probably what Ra had read.
Instead of answering, Selena simply gave a nod of her head before, finally, turning away from the open road, walking the necessary steps further into the bus to flop onto the couch, sitting on the familiar, cushioned seats. Her plan had worked up to that point – but then she had been approached by Gerald and told the news about Deanna… that her wife – ex-wife – had collapsed.
Truthfully, for the most part, Selena had done all she could to avoid the redhead up to this point. She had stayed in her bus or changeroom most of the time during shows – playing it up as part of her ‘persona’, waited until everyone had left the arena before leaving herself, and aside from interaction with dealing with their children, she had stayed away from Deanna for both their sakes.
It just… it still hurt.
It still hurt the young woman on the inside, and that was a side she couldn’t allow herself to show much of. The side Amelia had apparently seen, that Xander had tried to get out back at THOTF, that Hudson had ‘apparently’ wanted to bring back (though that was probably just the bastard spouting whatever was buzzworthy or would get people’s attention – only wanting to ‘save’ Selena so he could be world champion).
But she had stayed away from Deanna as best she could, even avoiding the champion’s little ‘crusade’ against the Enigma. Sure, she knew of it, hard not to when watching Breakdown and hearing the rumors. Her little redhead had become sort of an outcast… like ‘the crazy miner’s daughter’… Selena sighed at the old nickname she had been given. So many people didn’t want anything to do with the United States Champion. They believed she was slipping, becoming obsessed, losing her mind, blah blah blah. The idiots didn’t realize that this WAS who Deanna was. Whenever the young Frost had desired something, she would stop at nothing to get it. Her current reign as champion was proof of that – the only difference was that her current ‘desire’ was not something that could be acquired through winning a match or a title. Even if she beat Engima again, there was no promise that he would release Jessica. She was running a hamster wheel, being denied her desire time and time again, which was WHY she was becoming so unhinged.
This is where Selena differed. She valued the notion of ‘biding her time’. Of waiting until the pieces were in play and her path was clear. Of waiting to ‘call her shot’ before firing the proverbial ‘bullet’. She didn’t need to rush in, guns blazing and screaming on the microphone like Xander and Billy. She could hang back… wait things out… and then…
But hearing of Deanna’s collapse? There was no waiting. She had run as fast as she could to find her, sprinting through the halls and towards the parking lot where Gerald was leading her until she had seen the ambulance.
The paramedics were there, four of them, helping Deanna (who was on a stretcher) into the van. Beside her though…
Was Colleen MacDonald.
Asling.
And Polly…
Selena felt her jaw clench at the memory, but not for the reason one would think. Yes, admittedly at first, she had assumed that Polly had had her girls and her attack Deanna as some sort of ‘punishment’ or ‘retribution’ or ‘proving ground’ to Selena – some sort of statement after the roughhousing Selena had employed through Ra on Polly back in her changeroom – and maybe some retribution for the history between Polly and Deanna as well. It would have made sense… she had certainly pissed off Polly and turnabout was fair play. Yes, she had assumed that at first glance, but as she saw Polly helping Deanna into the ambulance, being so gentle with her and the stretcher, as the woman had then spotted Selena and run to her and carefully explained everything to her from what she had learned from Colleen and, then, from Jaina Lancaster – about Deanna visiting Body, Heart and Soul, wanting to apologize, getting an interview and then collapsing during said interview – that was where Selena had fucked up.
She had thanked and hugged Polly…
A low growl came from deep within the platinum-blonde’s throat, meeting resistance from her clenched jaw and, thus, being muffled. She had let her mask fucking break in that moment! In that moment, she had just been so thankful to Polly for coming to Deanna’s aid that she had thrown her own guise out the goddamn window and HUGGED her! And THANKED her! And been GRATEFUL to her!
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! she mentally screamed. She had just risked all the progress she had made tonight with Polly and the strategy for Apocalypse! If Amelia was clinging to some kind of ‘hope’ that Selena could be ‘saved’ due to a ‘glimpse’ of something, then Polly had just been given the fucking proof that the ‘old Selena Frost’ was still there!
Angrily, pale hands gripped at her hair, the Snow Queen continuing to mentally berate herself. They didn’t have time for such ‘fools’ errands’! They had to focus on Trios! Her ‘salvation’ could be some stupid tagline Xander and Amelia could waste their time and their promos on! Let them be distracted by it for all she cared! All the more chances for her team to seize the win!
I’ll have to send something to Raynes and Polly to put everything back together. she thought quickly. A video or something to push the narrative she had spun before all this happened. After I deal with this…
Her head turned to gaze further down the bus, towards the closed doors where her bedroom was. She didn’t need to see inside it. She knew who was there.
Total collapse. She exhaled slowly. How had she not seen it? Even if she was ignoring Deanna in-person, she had still seen the aforementioned signs. And as Selena had rummaged around Deanna’s changeroom to gather her things for her, she sure as hell had spied all the Energy drinks in the mini-fridge and in the trash.
The situation was beyond clear: much like the name of her finisher, Deanna had finally hit burnout. The lack of sleep, combined with the massive amounts of caffeine in her system had all come to a head, and her love- Selena caught herself – her former partner had simply collapsed from the sheer exhaustion of it all. The strain on her heart had been the biggest issue, but thankfully, there had been no long-term or permanent issues with it. It just had had an ‘episode’. With a sigh, Selena finally allowed herself to feel a sense of relief from the whole ordeal, at least in the knowledge that Deanna was going to be okay.
She just needs rest… she repeated the doctor’s orders. Away from any stress or work… Heh, easier said than done. Selena let out a short, bitter laugh. She knew the redhead well enough to know such a thing would never be easy. Keeping her away from SCW for even a day would be tricky, let alone away from their children. But she also knew the seriousness of the situation. She had never seen Deanna in such a state, even during the redhead’s near OD-experience with the NX…
Remembering the drug, Selena quietly did the math in her head, double-checking to make sure she was still in the ‘window’ of her last dosage’s ‘effectiveness’. She had no desire to take it if she didn’t need it, which she, thankfully, didn’t in this moment. Apocalypse? She would definitely need it, which was why she had kept a full bottle of them on the bus and near her for most of the time. Every advantage would be needed against Xander and his team for them to get by – even if it was by a hair’s length.
As for Deanna – Selena breathed another sigh of relief. The doctor had given her a mild sedative to put her to sleep for a few hours. Her body will take over from there in healing itself but it’ll take time. He explained.
Slowly, Selena began racking her brain. She couldn’t take Deanna back home to Manhattan. She’d immediately get back to work in preparing for Apocalypse, or taking care of their children, or something. And having her in NYC in her Eyrie Tower would be out of the question – she’d only be a distraction to Selena and the Snow Queen knew it. It may not happen right away, but being so close to the redhead would trigger Selena’s desire for her. Her need for her, emotionally and physically. It had happened during their ‘dates’ as ‘Chica’ and ‘Evelyn’. It had happened in the throngs of their fights. It was inevitable. It ALWAYS happened.
It was just their chemistry and connection. Even divorced, it was there. And Selena didn’t need that right now. Not when she had more pressing matters to concern herself with.
But what did that leave her? Eric? She shook her head. The family friend was a good man. Noble, kind, dependable… but he was a complete pushover. Selena had lost track of how many times Deanna had convinced him to do something he shouldn’t. All it would take is a few orders and strong words from the redhead once she awoke and Anderson would be taking her right back to Manhattan!
So, what choice did that give her?!
Angrily, the platinum-blonde flopped back against the cushioned seat, every idea she could conceive coming up dry. “Maybe I should just ship her out to Nome.” She whispered jokingly. “Couple days in my hometown and she’d be right as rain-“
Her eyes went wide as the idea hit her like a bolt of lightning, causing her to leap to her feet – a stupid decision as the movement of the bus made the rise rather shaky, forcing her to throw her leg ahead of her to regain her temporary loss of balance. She almost lost the idea due to the shift in movement but her brain clung onto it as tightly as she could. Once on stable footing, the Snow Queen pulled out her phone and double checked the route Otrera was taking, specifically the states she was leaping over. As her eyes settled on the names, a grin slowly came to her.
It was perfect! Too perfect…
Turning slowly, wishing to maintain her steady stance, the former world champion was back at the front of the bus, Ra barely acknowledging her as she stood there. Without hesitation, she grasped the driver’s phone and pulled it out of its clamp. If Ra saw it, she gave no reaction to it, which was fine with Selena. Carefully, the Snow Queen cancelled the GPS’ current trip before punching in a new destination, using the address she had from memory. That completed, she wedged the phone back in its clamp. “Go there.” She ordered, pointing a sharp finger to the phone screen. Only then did Ra turn her head to gaze at the screen, a black eyebrow rising as she turned her head to gaze at the standing woman.
“You realize that’s a detour, right?” she asked. “It’d be faster to go through the Virginas and Washington.”
“I know.” Selena stated coldly. “But I’m not paying you to take me where you think we should go. I’m paying you to take me where I WANT to go.”
“Uh-huh.” Ra clicked her tongue inside her mouth, seemingly unaffected. “And when would I be able to take a break and rest exactly?”
“Considering we just had two days in New Orleans? I think you can manage a 12-hour shift, Ra.” Selena shot back. “Or are you still sore about getting your ass handed to you by a 5-foot-2 munchkin?” she added, goading the woman and watching her tense up. She knew that must have hurt, to be taken down by Polly and so easily. Not that Selena truly held that against her aide. She, herself, would have crumpled like a ragdoll too if Polly ever landed such a shot on her – not that she was about to admit that to either Polly or Ra.
“It was a cheap shot.” Ra growled. “If I had seen it coming…”
“Ah, let it go.” Selena dismissed. “The only thing hurt now is your ego.” She added in a slightly chastising tone. “Never take your eyes off an enemy. Thought they taught you that.”
“She didn’t seem too much of a threat.” The tanned-skin woman remarked.
“Well, now you know better, but I appreciate you making that assumption.” Selena answered honestly.
It was her dark horse – that assumption. She was betting EVERYTHING on that. Raynes was a wildcard and would be treated as such and she was the dominant world champion of 2024, even if Hudson held the title for the rest of the year, she’d still be the one that held it longer and with far more to show for it. But Polly?
No… Billy hadn’t taken her seriously. Xander hadn’t. And Amelia had focused entirely on Selena. Just like Xander and Billy had until Raynes had played his part well. But still, Selena was where everyone’s eyes were. And that was another advantage. Polly was the trojan horse. The one that could be the difference maker in all of this. Because if no one paid attention to her – if no one was truly taking her seriously if Breakdown was any indication… if Ra’s view of her due to the woman’s ‘size’ was any indication…
Another secret weapon… Selena grinned to herself before refocusing on the present.
“Just keep driving.” Selena ordered. “I want us there before tomorrow evening.”
A sigh escaped the driver before she eventually nodded. “As you wish, boss.”
The matter closed, the former world champion pulled away, calling out as she moved further into the bus. “Update Eric when you make a stop. And don’t disturb me until we’re there.”
She did not receive a response this time around but she didn’t need one. She simply kept walking to the back, slowing her steps to a softer sound until she had reached the door. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she slowly pulled the back door open and quickly slid inside the back section, closing it quickly to keep any more light from spilling in.
There, in the room, she stood against the door. It was mostly dark. The curtains were drawn, allowing only the barest of light to spill in from the streetlamps from outside. The windows were two high to capture the headlights of passing/passed vehicles, and there was enough structure from the bus to muffle most traffic sounds from outside. It allowed her to, eventually, as she strained her ears to hear, the soft breathing coming from the woman on the bed. She had personally, and privately, ‘shooed’ Eric and Ra out of the room after they had carried Deanna out of the hospital and into this bedroom, sending them to their respective driver-seats to begin the trip. Alone with Deanna, the young woman had carefully, focusing on the task and nothing else, undressed the redhead and slipped her into one of the Snow Queen’s nightgowns – or rather, one of Deanna’s nightgowns that Selena had kept hanging in the closet on the bus since the younger woman had last rode on it – one of the few ‘mementos’ Selena had kept nearby.
Still, in the dark room, just her and Deanna, she finally allowed herself to fully breathe. She allowed herself to slowly let her thoughts of Trios and her partners go, if only for a few moments. She allowed herself to drop the guise of “The Blue-Eyed Devil” that everyone so badly wanted to destroy. And she let herself feel the full relief that her love was going to be okay.
“My poor pet…” Selena whispered in the dark, watching Deanna sleep. She could only imagine how bad things had truly been for the redhead. This obsession with Enigma, righteous as it was. She knew the woman who still held her heart was no idiot. Foolish was one thing, but that didn’t make her stupid. Surely, the redhead had seen what this was doing to her health. How things were eroding away. Surely she had noticed these things… and yet she had kept going. Pushing through.
Are you doing things any differently? came the chastising voice in her mind – not the devil voice… her own voice. You want her to drop all of this and just let it go. Yet, you’ve had two people tonight talk about ‘saving’ you and you told both of them that it couldn’t be done. You’re ‘too far in’. Is that any different?
Selena sighed at her own inner-voice – her ego. It was different. Deanna’s obsession would be solved soon as Enigma was handled and Jessica was freed. Then, she could rest more like this and refocus on being the United States Champion or just an SCW superstar or whatever was normal for her.
Selena? It wasn’t so simple. She wasn’t chasing demons or magic-users or shadow-monsters, sure enough, but her ‘cause’ was not simply an enemy.
It was herself.
She had made her choice late last year when she had put her plans into motion to recapture the world championship. She had betrayed so many of her ideals to get to where she needed to be. Warped the very notion of integrity and settling matters ‘in the ring’ until she barely recognized it. All to get what she wanted for herself and those she felt had been wronged by SCW.
She had burned every conceivable bridge to ashes. And no matter how much Amelia pleaded. How much she ‘believed’. How much Polly stated it. How much she believed. How much any one else saw it… how much they believed…
No bridge could be made of such ashes. It couldn’t be done. There was no ‘way back’ for Selena. She was… what she was. A villain, a user of NX, a divorced queen, alone… all of her own choices.
And with ‘the way back’ burnt and inaccessible, all she could do was go forward. Go forward and either meet her end or… if she were TRULY lucky – luckier than she had ever been in her entire life – go all the way around and come full-circle…
Like anyone would be waiting for me that long. She scoffed at the mere idea before finally taking a step around the bed to the other side of the room. She knew the space inside and out and easily found the closet to pull out her own nightgown before disappearing into the bathroom beside the bedroom, once more being careful not to turn the light on until the door was closed behind her. She had no reason to believe Deanna would even stir awake for several hours, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to risk it just to get an earful from her ex and demands to be ‘taken back to SCW’ or whatever she knew her fiery-redhead would do. No, thank you…
Alone in the bathroom, she was quick to strip out of her own clothes – the same clothes she had worn backstage when she met up with Amelia – she would have to return Ra’s jacket to her later – and placed them neatly on the counter by the closet. That accomplished, she was quick to undo her hair and run an ice-cube bath for herself, settling into the cold embrace of floating ice amidst the water and allowing herself to relax and semi-meditate, her mind loosening its grip on the thoughts of Deanna, of Polly, of Raynes and Amelia and of Trios.
How long she laid there, she wasn’t sure – she didn’t have a clock in the room and had left her phone elsewhere on the bus. However, it was needed far more than she had realized, the calming effects of the familiar cold giving her a bit of focus in her next set of moves.
The video to Raynes and Polly to re-establish matters was a good idea. She could do a “Royal Letter” to them like she had with Aaron Demitria and CHBK in the past. Then, she would bide her time, watching the others squirm or plan or air their promo videos – letting them all focus on poor, little her.
“The biggest threat”
She smiled at that. She knew Xander. She knew Amelia. Billy? Well, he had already played his entire hand earlier in the night. She was ‘the golden goose’, which meant Raynes and Polly could take advantage. Again, it didn’t matter to Selena if she was the one that made the pin – that had been all for show for the quarterfinals and the semis. In truth, winning was her only concern. If Polly wanted to do it, so be it, and if Raynes had the chance, so be it. The result would be the same for all three of them, especially for Selena, regardless of who made the pin/submission.
Content, the Snow Queen reached over to grab her favorite shampoo: Vanilla-lavender. As with the soaking in the bath, she took her time shampooing her hair, letting the scent soak into the platinum-blonde strands at the roots, same with the body wash (same scent, of course), even standing to let it soak fully into her skin before lowering herself down to wash herself completely.
She still, very much, enjoyed feeling clean and washed. The saying ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’ was true to her, sure, but it was much more personal than that. She had spent so many years not caring about her appearance, being Nome’s ‘Snow Queen’ and ‘the Crazy Miner’s Daughter’, and living on meager minimum-wage as a waitress, that when she could finally afford to truly take care of herself, she had learned quickly. For Selena, it was a personal representation of herself. It was her showing herself where she was now, and where she had come from – and the person she never wished to return to again!
Finished, the clean wrestler dried herself off, again taking her time. Normally, she would have blow-dried her hair, but her concern for the noise waking the redhead in the next room prevented her from doing that, instead choosing to just be more meticulous with her towel, gripping her hair firmer with it as if to wring out as much water as possible. It stung a little, but she didn’t mind. Seeing herself in the bolted down mirror, she allowed her sapphire eyes to linger on her own reflection.
It was a stark contrast to what she had seen of the young woman in the adjoining room. She taken notice of Deanna’s pale face, the mess of red that was her hair (complete with knots and wild strands, the bags under her eyes and even opening one eyelid to see the bloodshot red that had run rampant on her beautiful emerald orbs. It was heartbreaking for Selena to behold, despite her desire to hide it (which she had barely managed). Compared to that, with her own pale skin free of blemishes, her eyes shining and well-rested and her hair sleek and equally shining, the Snow Queen could not stop the guilt she felt.
She knew she wasn’t to blame. She had done all she could to get Deanna off the path of facing The Enigma, but the redhead had persisted. She had given all her warnings and even tried enforcing her will by trying to remove Jessica – the source of Deanna’s drive – from the equation, which had only served Selena a divorce paper from Deanna. As it was, she had quietly vowed not to enforce her will on Deanna again. She was not her wife anymore, assuming Deanna had handed the paper in and it had been processed, but that was just legality. They were not together anymore. It was beyond apparent and that was enough for Selena, for it meant that Deanna was no longer her concern, despite her feelings for the redhead.
She wanted to get involved but she couldn’t. It wasn’t her place now. She had to let things play out. Even so, she knew her actions now were a contradiction to that vow. She had immediately gotten involved upon hearing of Deanna’s collapse and, rather than leave her in the hospital to recover, which was probably the smarter idea, she had taken it upon herself to try and get her away from hospitals and SCW. And her new plan? Where they were headed?
Am I doing the right thing? she asked herself for the first time, staring into the face in the mirror and, actually, seeing her own reflection. Not ‘The Blue Eyed Devil”, but rather of Selena Frost – herself – the woman. The woman that loved her children, her job, and loved the redhead in the next room. Alone, and savoring the safety and privacy of it, she allowed herself to breathe this identity in, inhaling and exhaling slowly. She let herself feel those buried feelings again. That love. That warmth. That precious gift that she held in her heart. She would have to bury them again as soon as she was out of the bedroom, but that would be in the morning when she woke up. For now, she merely stared at herself, missing herself, and missing how things were, and allowing herself to dream.
Was it possible? Was Amelia right? Was Polly right? Was Deanna right? Could she be ‘saved’?
Silly as it sounded, she entertained the thought for a moment, imagining what it would be like. Where she came out to music, not of a villain, but of a hero. Of a good woman. Where she was cheered because she was good and worked hard, not because she was ‘Selena Frost, the bad girl’. Where she was believed in for her morals and integrity. Where she had a good repour with the SCW Universe, being ‘The Face of SCW’ once more and a queen of the people. Where she had friends that followed her example of doing the right thing. Where she inspired people to be better, like she had with Light in the Darkness…
The wedding!
Sapphire eyes widened as the thought came to Selena. She had merely used the invitation as a tool to talk to Amelia and sow the seeds of doubt, but with that task done, and her ‘mask’ dropped, Selena allowed herself to actually consider it.
There had been some truth to her words to Amelia – more than she cared to admit. On one hand, she was beyond proud of the young woman and of Luz and them taking this ‘next step’ together in their lives. She was, truly, excited in seeing them get married, even regretting that she hadn’t really known them when Deanna and her had tied the knot.
But… she could see the signs. The same signs she had missed in her own marriage. The same little things that, at the time, had seemed inconsequential to both Frost women, but had, ultimately, driven them apart.
The difference in their ‘status’ within the company.
Selena’s obsession with integrity.
Deanna’s obsession with making Selena happy.
Selena’s refusal to simply ‘return’ but, instead to seek ‘justice’.
Deanna’s desire to do the right thing and forge her own identity out from “Selena’s shadow”.
They were little things but they had dogpiled until… even in love… their marriage had crumbled. And with her friends Luz and Amelia, Selena could see similar ‘cracks’. Small, infinitesimal it seemed, but they were still there. But she doubted Amelia would take all her words to heart. Or, at the very least, not dissect and question them as coming from a friend, yes, but also a prospective opponent, which wasn’t a complete lie either.
Trying to calm her mind from the onslaught of thoughts, Selena slowly inhaled and exhaled, turning away from her reflection to change into her magenta nightgown. In the end, much with Deanna, she couldn’t control or stop Light in the Darkness. They were going to do what they were going to do, and she would simply have to wait out and see if she was right or wrong. If the signs were there or just in her imagination.
Settling on that, she moved her hand towards the door to open it but quickly switched the direction of her hand to turn the lights off first, remembering her ‘guest’ in the other room. However, as she opened the door, once more in darkness, the voice sailed into her ears immediately.
“No…NO!” The words were repeated, along with some whines and cries. Immediately, as before when she was backstage, Selena was on the move, moving the few steps necessary to draw closer to the bed. With no other option – and not wishing to turn on the lights – she could only wait for each passing light from outside to illuminate the room just enough to give her better vision. In those flashes, her eyes spotted Deanna lying there, tossing and turning in the throngs of sleep.
“Please…no…help…please…” The cries were mere whimpers now, making it clear to Selena what was happening.
A nightmare. No different than when her children had had them in their youth. What Deanna was dreaming, the Snow Queen could only guess, but from the tone of Deanna’s cries, the fear laced within them, suddenly the woman’s ‘sleep-depravation’ had made a degree of sense. How could someone go to sleep when they knew what terrors were waiting for them the moment they closed their eyes?
For what it was, Selena could understand. Anastasia DeCarlo had, after all, tried to drown her in the tub at a young age using a door as sort of ‘roof’ over it – at least that was how Selena remembered it, though she had every reason to question the details from her child-like memory at the time. Still, the facts were still there. Anastasia had wanted to drown her stepchild and it had been Selena’s own biological mother that had saved the young infant – a part Selena had not remembered beyond flashes of terror in her mind. But the nightmares would last for many years and her claustrophobia still persisted in her because of it.
For the woman lying in the bed, Deanna had had nightmares in the past, but none had ever lead to such a degree of insomnia and exhaustion, which only further explained to Selena the level of terror they held within the redhead’s mind.
“S…” Deanna hissed. “It burns…” she cried out. “Don’t, Jessica… Please…”
Standing there, Selena felt utterly powerless, her heart breaking for the unknown time at the sight. What could she do? Deanna was not a child. A mere lullaby would not work on her like it had her children. And she dared not wake the redhead up when she needed some rest, even the nightmarish kind. So what option did that give her?
“S…” the redhead hissed again, her body stiffening and rolling a little. “Selena…”
Selena’s eyes widened in shock, her head turning more towards the woman, even drawing closer. She hadn’t misheard! She had heard her name! Was… was it her? Was she the one causing Deanna’s nightmares?
It made sense… she thought bitterly. She was quite the monster in the world these days. Quite the villain. And she had been quite cold and cruel to Jessica and to Deanna on several occasions. Carefully, she stepped back, putting her back to the door. She would sleep on the couch outside in the main ‘body’ of the bus. That would be fine for her for tonight. Least if she was away from Deanna, her lack of ‘presence’ might allow the redhead to sleep better and-
“Help…” She heard the whisper in the dark as her hand touched the door handle. “Help me…Selena… please…” and froze immediately in place, the former world champion turning around to gaze at the sleeping beauty. Again, she had no reason to doubt her ears capabilities. She knew she hadn’t misheard.
“Where are you…” Deanna cried out. “I don’t… I don’t want to die… alone…”
Slowly, Selena stepped back over to the side of the bed she had been standing, gazing down at the woman who continued in her nightmarish journey. In the dark, the platinum-blonde gazed down to her hand as she held it up, the pale limb a focal point in her inner-debate.
“Hell with it.” She whispered before reaching out that hand and placing it on Deanna’s shoulder, ceasing her movements. “Deanna…” Selena whispered. “I’m right here…”
She immediately felt Deanna’s movements stop, though her mumbling persisted. “So dark…and fire…not alone… please…” her voice trailed off. Selena couldn’t understand what it was her love was dreaming, but… it didn’t matter in that moment. Giving one more fleeting glance at the door, her last attempt to ‘stay away’ from Deanna for the aforementioned reasons, she slowly surrendered, moving herself up and onto the bed.
She didn’t need to see the woman in the dark to know how to position herself. It was second nature, and within seconds, she had the smaller redhead wrapped in her arms and pulled against her, feeling her back against her front. “I’ve got you.” She whispered. “You don’t have to be alone.”
Slowly, very slowly, she felt Deanna’s breathing slow, her heart along with it. The movements ceased altogether, and before long, the champion was back into the state of peaceful slumber, her nightmares banished to the dark corners of her mind. Relieved, not for the first time today, Selena exhaled a breath slowly, further settling her head against the pillow it rested on.
Yes… tomorrow she would be ‘The Blue-Eyed Devil’ again.
Tomorrow, she’d hand Deanna off somewhere she could truly recover.
Tomorrow, she’d disappear from the redhead’s sight and return to her tower – alone as Deanna had been in her dreams.
But tonight…
“I’ll stay tonight.” She whispered against Deanna’s neck, allowing herself to lean and brush her lips against the soft skin of the woman’s neck in a tender, loving kiss. “Tonight, I’ll be yours.” Her voice drifted against Deanna’s ear as Selena settled into sleep beside her former partner.
Tonight, she could be herself. Because tomorrow…
Tomorrow would be the beginning of the end. One way… or another.
_______________________________________________________________
The camera opens up to reveal the interior of The Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C., the site for this weekend’s SCW Pay-Per-View, Apocalypse. The arena is mostly empty, devoid of people, despite the set being practically completed for the big event. From the ramp to the ring, despite the white, blue and purple lights shining down on them, the arena looks ready to house an incredible show.
But as the camera changes shot to one closer to the ring, the woman standing in the middle of it is finally seen. Her hair, in its iconic braid, is a stark contrast to the black and gold trim dress she wears. The dress hugs her curves and leaves her shoulders and arms bare, hugging around her bust and hips, accentuating her trim figure. Her makeup matches the look perfectly, and Selena Frost, for all intents and purposes, stands like a monarch inside the ring, patiently giving her audience time to adjust to this powerful sight.
Ah… Vancouver… she smiles knowingly. Tell me something, truly… do you believe me now?
The Snow Queen gives a tilt of her head. Oh come on… She tsks, her tongue clicking a little to make the sound. You really don’t have much of a choice, do you? I mean, I could understand a few weeks ago, when you all were singing the same tune as you did at Rise to Greatness for Josh Hudson. After all, after ALL your favorite little heroes failed one after another, you finally got one that managed to take the world title from me.
She laughs a little. And if he HADN’T been eliminated in the first round – losing his FIRST match as the SCW World champion, I could almost understand your siding with him. But, alas, what did I say months ago? Weeks ago?
Let me think… the former world champion tilts her head, as if in thought before snapping her fingers. That’s right! I remember! I said he would disappoint you! I said he would ‘let you all down’!
And look what’s happened! She gestures towards the empty arena. The man is knocked down and basically taken out in the first Breakdown of the season. Then he can’t keep his word in giving you all a match against Kandis and One or some variation of, THEN, when he finally DOES officially wrestle, he loses. And then… icing on the cake here! While I am here, doing what he COULDN’T do… he’s off shaking hands with Amy Chastaine with ‘May the best wrestler win’!
Selena’s eyes shift left and right a little. So… basically, his ‘Wild Wild West’… is what I was doing the whole time? She sighs knowingly.
I honestly am not surprised, Josh. Really, I’m not. You’re of a certain breed of wrestler. A certain breed that promises the world and everything in it to these fans and yet, when push comes to shove, you can’t deliver. I mean… what happened to the ‘amazing challenges’ you said you were going to do? What happened to ‘accepting every challenge’? Pretty sure neither One nor Kandis got their match when they challenged you. Not that I have any issue with Kandis being suspended once again and Scott seeing… she chuckles a little. Anger management… It certainly has been somewhat enjoyable to watch as you struggle in your first month as World champion, excusing the month-off you got to have right after RTG.
But I digress… she sighs. Once again, I have to step in and do what one of CHBK’s boys and ‘legends’ couldn’t do and bring the Trios Tournament to a satisfying and exciting end. I mean… can we really expect another one of ‘Alex’s boys’ to do the job?
And yes, Xander, I am talking to you. In fact… you’re really the ONLY person I am going to be talking to here. She tilts her head. What? Surprised? Don’t be. I’ve already talked to Amelia, privately, I’m sure she’s told you about that, and as for Billy… well, as Andrew pointed out, I don’t waste my time with people that care more about their cellphones and date-nights then they do about their careers. With any luck, Raynes will grab the boy’s damned phone again, but this time, he’ll chuck it as hard as he can into the audience and watch Billy run away to try and find it, allowing us to get to business.
Which is what we should do now… her sapphire eyes narrow. Because you seriously disappointed me, Xander. And before you roll your eyes or count to ten to calm down or fetch your girl, Artemis, to fetch your pills, old man, I’m still aware of your accolades. We’ve been over this not too long ago. All you’ve done, the Hall of Fame status. Aside from Amelia’s tag-titles and TV title reign, you’re the big name on your team – the exo-facto leader it would seem… though that may be in question after seeing you in the ring during this whole tournament last week.
But back to my earlier statement of you disappointing me, Xander. All that lovely talk about whether I can team with my partners, be there for them... Typical YOU would try that tactic given YOUR history. Disappointingly obvious, I mean, I could understand when you did nothing and you let Billy Heaven cheat and steal the victory for you and your team in the semis. I really could, Xander… after all, the last time you had any real ‘morals’ to do the right thing… she shrugs. You lost to me. She smiles knowingly.
So it stands to reason that you really can’t ‘teach an old dog new tricks’ and that this ‘moral compass’ of yours was just a phase. One you would throw away when reality reared its ugly head.
But even so, since that is so and your little ‘nobility’ was all an act that I saw right through… an act that broke the second it failed… how could you LET Heaven disrespect you like that? she shakes her head.
And before you deny it, Xander, remember. I was there in the ring with you. I was there when Billy, first, demanded to speak before you. Demanded that he talk before the ‘captain’ and ‘Hall of Famer’. Then, I watched as he humiliated you by making your first statements be about hitting on Jaina and eyeballing me.
And oh yes, the crème de la crème, Xander! The cherry on top! I got to watch as he called his shot right in front of you.
Moving over to the turnbuckle, Selena leans against it on her side and elbow, still facing camera.
So… am I really talking to the right guy here? Am I really talking to the captain? The Hall of Famer? The leader of my opponent’s team like you clearly chose to do? Or should I restart this promo and talk only to Billy instead? Because the Xander I know wouldn’t have simply grabbed Billy’s shoulder, pulled him back and given him a ‘stern talking to’ like he was his kid after such disrespectful behavior. Has fatherhood – or the pitiful excuse I’m sure you call ‘fatherhood’ – taken the edge off the axe, Executioner?
She glares into the camera daringly.
Because there was a time when Xander Valentine rampaged through an entire crowd of SCW fans! Attacking innocent men and women and children! All because someone dared to disrespect him by knocking him out in record time…
There was a time that Xander Valentine systematically tried to destroy a woman’s career by invading her home, attacking her property, and break her spirit, simply because he believed she was trying to ‘steal’ his place within SCW.
There was a time that Xander Valentine tried to reduce a ‘Face of SCW’ to ‘The Shadow of SCW’, simply because it amused him to do so!
Hell… there was a time where you swore to take my head and skewer it onto a lance and display it for all SCW to see… that one might be easier for your age-riddled brain to recall, cause it was earlier this year!
Selena shakes her head. My point is, Xander, is that I’ve seen you do far worse… because of far less. And yet… a scolding? Really? she laughs sadly. You asked me what Trios means to me, let me return it. Does winning Trios mean THAT much to you, Xander? Are you that desperate for it that you let Billy put you on a ‘leash’? Get you to ‘heel’ and ‘be a good boy'?
Relax, I won’t keep up these dog references. I have no desire to trigger one of my partners too much. But you have to admit, it’s not hard to see what I am saying here, Xander. You’re desperate to win Trios, which wouldn’t be surprising because the last time you won it, you allowed yourself to be associated with rainbows and unicorns… she almost snorts at the vivid memory.
What was the name? Unicorn Puke or something like that? I guess, when it comes to Trios, Xander really WILL sell-out his ‘morals’ and ‘integrity’ and ‘self-respect’. Such a shame… because I was excited to beat you again. She sighs before holding up her hand.
Alright, alright. I’ll ease up a little, Xander. But what do you expect?! I am upset. I am! See, this wasn’t SUPPOSED to be my team against yours. You saw what everyone was saying! Everyone wanted it to be you or Josh’s team. You were going to fight Hudson, one way or another. Wasn’t that why Alex was talking to you? Back to one of his ‘boys’ to get the SCW world title shot? He’s starting to get predictable, isn’t he? Hudson, Mason, you, Chastaine… You think he’s got one of the Black Cell boys on speed-dial? Can he dig up Zero, Riddick or Savior for a quick one-off? Or should we expect one of The Mercenaries to come bumbling in after this weekend?
But still, back to you. When the situation came about and I got my team to the finals, I was excited to face you again. I mean, wouldn’t that just be the most magical moment? An unbelievable moment? The man that got me to my fourth Rise to Greatness main-event being the man that also got me to my second Trios Tournament contract… oh… she gives a chef’s kiss. Such an incredible story. Especially when I know how, and what it takes, to beat you, first of all, but also because I… I thought you cared about me.
Her eyes grow sad. Not in THAT way, Xander. I’m not Billy Junior, after all. But I thought that you would see this opportunity for what it was! The greatest chance… and easily the last chance, that you will ever have!
Reaching up with one hand, she adjusts her braid a little, flicking it back over her shoulder. Did you not say that my victory over you at Taking Hold of the Flame still lives rent-free inside your head with the intensity as our match at Rise to Greatness years ago does? That you replay that moment over and over again in your mind? Wishing you had just let Kandis do whatever she wanted to do with me or if she never came out at all… would you have faced Hudson? Would you have won where I didn’t? Would you then be able to retire peacefully on such a sendoff?
But no… I took that away, and with it, I remain the person that’s had your number more often than not. I mean, officially, you’ve only beaten me once. You called it ‘even’ because you thought an unsanctioned match counted…HA! she laughs. Go talk to Deanna about that when you get a chance, I doubt she’ll care. But as it TRULY, OFFICIALLY stands… You’ve beaten me once… I’ve beaten you FOUR times! Most of which by knocking you out…
She sighs. I’ll bet they all play in your head, Xander. I’m sure they do. Which is why I was so upset and surprised and disappointed in you. Because I could almost look the other way for the rest of the stuff with Billy, truly. I could! Like I said, you’ve sold out for Trios before...
But for him to point at me… YOUR Mount Everest. YOUR unconquered foe that’s defeated you far more than once… for that BOY to point at me and declare that he was gunning for me. That HE would be the one to pin me. To be the one that defeated me and lead you and Amelia to victory.
Xander… How could you let him do such a thing? How could you let him cross such a line? Selena shakes her head. How could you let him not only take your morals, your spine, your very image as Xander F’N Valentine – the nigh unstoppable Executioner! – but also let him take YOUR pinfall. YOUR victory. YOUR last chance to put me down…
Moving off the turnbuckle, the former world champion strolls around the ring, gazing at the empty seats away and above.
We all know the truth, Xander… this is your last season in SCW, isn’t it? Your last Trios Tournament. Your last chance to get that golden ticket… she turns her head towards the camera. And your last chance to beat me.
Because we both know I’ve got other things to do than to deal with you – a contract of my own, actually, and so much more. And since I already fought you and beat you… I doubt you’ll get another chance to face me before that final bell of yours rings.
This… this could very well be your last chance to get the victory you’ve dreamed up for FIVE LONG YEARS! The victory to give you the ‘last laugh’ of sorts…
And you want to give it to Mr. Cellphone? Mr. Hit-on-Every-Girl-in-SCW? Mr. Cant-win-a-match-without-cheating?
A sad sigh escapes her once more. I hope you realize, Xander, how much respect you’ve lost in my eyes. Because I believed that you were so much more that. At the very least, I thought you were going to try and ‘help me’ or ‘save me’ or ‘teach me a lesson’ like you promised to do at Taking Hold of the Flame – another promise by a ‘legend’ that fell flat, I suppose… just like the other Alex-boys…
But I suppose my ‘lesson’ will have to come from Billy. What do you suppose it will be, Xander? How to get a million followers on my X account? Perhaps how to do the perfect shot for Instagram? What about picking the best phone-model? Mine got destroyed a little while ago – I think it was thrown against a wall or something… She bites her lower lip, as if in thought again, before snapping out of it. Though… that just makes me wonder what kind of example you are leaving… you know, for your ‘fans’… your family… your offspring?
Because the Xander I saw last week? He seems fine with pigs hitting on women like that. He seems fine to let other people have what is rightfully his. He seems fine with being disrespected and talked down to. He seems fine with cheating to win. she shrugs. I do feel sorry for those that look up to you, Xander, if that’s the kind of man you are now. I feel sorry for Amelia, who’s put her trust in you to do the right thing and be an example of integrity and good-form here in SCW – so she can truly, and proudly, say that she EARNED a Trios Contract – thanks to you, she can’t. I feel sorry for Alex, who believed you were worthy of an SCW world championship shot. Perhaps, when this is over and he comes back to give it to you, you can give THAT to Billy too! Not like he’s going to say no to a free ride with you carrying him like his pack mule while he parades himself as ‘better than you’.
Slowly, Selena ‘dusts off’ her hands. Regardless, I just wanted to tell you not to worry about it. Because you may not be coming to Apocalypse as the Executioner I knew, but I sure as hell am coming to Apocalypse as ‘The Blue-Eyed Devil’ that you know! Complete with a Devil’s Gate for you, for Billy… even for Amelia if I have to! Selena’s cold eyes narrow. And don’t worry about breaking your promises, your morals, or even your integrity for Billy, Xander. Because, like with Hudson, I’ll be the one to pick up the slack on a legend and give the SCW Universe what they need. What your fans and family needs.
Someone they can be proud of.
Someone that can keep her word.
Someone that wouldn’t give their ‘last chance’ against an opponent like me to an undeserving piece of shit just for a ‘win’.
Someone that WILL lead their team to victory, and make them proud to be part of it!
The Snow Queen glances once more at the camera, at her old rival. I’ll enjoy the night being one of the three Trios Tournament winners, Xander. You? she grins wickedly. You can enjoy the night being Billy’s bitch.
Whether you want to believe it… or not…
The camera slowly fades on the grinning, and knowing, face of Selena before entirely fading to black.
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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)
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