Post by Vivienne Daniels on May 25, 2018 22:51:06 GMT
Viv is standing in a white dress with pockets with the Open Weight belt around her waist barefoot in the middle of a rose garden.
“Night of the immortals. Wow. Can I say wow? I want to say wow.”
Viv bounces once.
“This is the highest, the biggest show of IWF’s year. This is it. This is the show that can make or break a person. This is the show that defines a year. This is the moment you can look back and point at the card and go, ‘Yeah, I did that’.”
Viv grins wide, putting her hands in the pockets of her dress.
“Do you see how full the card is?”
Viv beams.
“We have Xavier facing Redcap, Fiona against Alexis Gold, and Nighthawk against Jayson. All really solid matches without a title on the line. All fantastic workers and even the new members clearly have impressed management enough to be here. I am looking forward to watching those play out.”
Viv bounces again.
“The Joker in The Pack is happening and The Tag Team World Cup. How cool is that? We also have every belt is being defended. Every belt. For the men we have Strong Style, we get to see Mike and Bob throw down after their tag team fell apart. Extreme, we see a new guy go against Caleb of The Pack fame. We get to see the clash of Age of Gods in the main event, I don’t imagine that is going to end well for anyone to be honest.”
Viv grimaces.
“For us girls, there isn’t a lot of options for us this card and I’m honored to be a part of one of the matches but before I get to that. Dawn and Brooklyn facing off for the Women’s World Title? Well, good luck.”
Viv takes her hands out of her pockets and makes a heart symbol with her hands.
“Do you have any idea what this means to me? To be here?”
Viv closes her eyes and takes an excited breath in.
“I started in this company last September. I had a rough patch, I struggled, I overcame. Here I am. I made it here on my talent, not on my family. I wanted to win a belt and I wanted to make it to this night. Dreams can come true if you work your butt off and really strive to get them.”
Viv puts a hand to her heart.
“I sacrificed a lot to get here. I spent a lot of time in the gym. I spent time learning from other people in the business. I did my time in the indies. Wrestling has been my life since I was a toddler. I missed my fair share of important life events to get where I am. I wouldn’t trade it for the world though. It’s hard but worth it when things are going your way.”
Viv drops her hand.
“I’ve fought so many great women in this company. I’ve made and lost friends. I’ve found mentors and enemies. I’ve found Xavier. And I get to enter Night of The Immortals holding the Open Weight belt high. Me. The hardest working belt in this company being held by me. Everyone I’ve faced ever in my life has talked about how I’m too nice and too kind to survive here. That I wouldn’t last. That I didn’t belong here.”
Viv bounces twice.
“To be here on Night of the Immortals for my fifth title defense is really amazing. I cannot overstate how amazing this has been for me. I am only three more defense away from getting on the level of Paige and Shea. By Night of the Immortals, I will have held this belt 92 days. This is the first belt I’ve held in this company and I want to set the record with it.”
Viv touches the belt gently.
“There’s a legacy to this belt. I’m hoping to help redefine it. This belt has helped prove that you do not have to be negative to make it in this company. That you can change the world, even if it’s just making a dent. And yeah, sometimes the bad guys might win but not always.”
Viv looks back at the camera looking a little teary eyed.
“I want to break the record that Eternity set with this belt. But even if I don’t, if I have only done one thing with this reign I hope it’s to help people understand that being jaded and bitter over things, that being cynical is not the only way to get ahead in this business. That you don’t have to be as Grim and Dark as a bad superhero movie. That it pays to be kind. Like, you shouldn’t let the jerks dull your sparkle regardless of the crap they say.”
Viv shrugs her shoulders.
“But for my fifth defense, I have to face the winner of the last couple weeks of work. Multi-women matches to get here. Hard work that others could have skipped the line for, but you didn’t. Guess it’s time we talked.”
Dinner was going well. Considering how bad things could have gone Viv was borderline ecstatic that nothing was breaking down or the topics she had been most worried about broaching had happened at the last dinner she’d had with her mother. Unpacking the Ciara situation had been a hard one on one but having Xavier there… she wasn’t sure if she’d been able to pass with the half-truths on how well she was handling it. Her mother and Xavier Cross sitting across the table from one another. Xavier was nervous but covering it decently. While they ordered and waited for drinks it had mostly small talk, about the flight from Wisconsin, how Viv’s grandfather was doing, what terrible disappointing thing her brother had done this month, a few questions were pitched in Xavier’s direction about where his people were from, what it was like to come back to the ring and what Green Arrow was like in person.
Ophira got up from the table to use the restroom while they waited for their food and Viv could feel Xavier let out a breath.
“Did your mother use to be in the army?” Xavier looked over at her. “She has scary look in her eyes when she asks a question.”
“I mean, depends who you ask. I’m not sure it falls under army or intelligence...” Viv shrugged.
“Not helping my calm here.”
“Okay, so two things.” Viv took his hand in hers.
“Oh no. Did I already screw up?” Xavier looked down at his outfit. “Is there a stain? I checked but did I miss out?”
“You are doing beautifully.” Viv reached into her purse and handed him a small black box. “But, what I was trying to say is, I got you a present.”
“I love presents.” Xavier smiled at her opening the box and looking inside.
“I love the bracelet you got me. I’ve been trying to figure out a good gift for you. I thought about a pocket watch but then like, who keeps pocket watches anymore?” Viv blushed slightly. “And then Chester suggested a flask or a knife but neither seemed super personal. So, I thought this might be better.”
Xavier held up the leather bracelet with sound wave pressed into the leatherworking of it. “What’s it say?”
“I love you and I’m proud of you.” Viv smiled. “It’s imprinted in the leather, so you can feel it even if I’m not there.”
Xavier traced a finger over it before smiling and kissing her quick. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“I wanted to.” Viv smiled widely at him. “Besides, it’s a good reminder. You’re super busy and I want you to know I love you even when you don’t get to hear me say it.”
“What’s the second thing?”
“You’re doing well. Just breathe.” Viv glanced towards the entrance before looking back at him.
“This is well?”
“My mom’s a little intense.” Viv tucked a hair behind her ears. “I mean, well-meaning but she can be pushy.”
“Right. Yeah. She’ll like me though, right?”
“I’ve been hyping you for months. Told her all your good points. She already likes you.”
“Cool, cool, cool.” Xavier took a deep breath.
“You’re going to be fine.” Viv squeezed his hand.
“Wait, does she watch the show?”
“Breathe, Xavier. You’re doing well.” Viv reassured him.
“It’s easy for you to say. Oh, she likely saw me grope you on Diamonds are Forever. She’s going to hate me.”
“I mean, yes she is aware of that event.”
Xavier groaned. “She hates me.”
“You know she traveled with my dad during his career, right? She knows how things are. I told her we hashed it out beforehand.” Viv winked.
“You’re amazing.”
“So are you.”
“What did I miss?” Ophira sat back down across the table with a big smile.
“We were talking about pay per views,” Viv explained. “You know Xavier has two matches? That’s pretty exciting.”
“I did. That’s very exciting, Mr. Cross.” Ophira smiled, sipping her water. “I’ll be interested to see how they go.”
“Have you been watching the shows leading up to the pay per view?”
“Well, her grandfather insists we do it as a family. Chester won’t come of course but I’m getting used to it.” Ophira looked at the waiter carrying their food over. “Oh, this all looks amazing.”
“Xavier selected the restaurant.” Viv smiled at him. “He has great taste in food.”
Ophira waited until the waiter had dropped off all their food before turning to Xavier with a smile, “Do you cook?”
“Uh, well, I mean I try to make sure I have home cooked meals.”
“You ever cooked for Vivienne?”
“Mom, that’s not that important.”
“Am I not allowed to ask?”
“Of course you are. Just don’t make it sound so dire.”
“So… um, are you excited to see your daughter defend her first title in person?” Xavier asked, switching topics.
“This isn’t the first title she defended in person I’ve seen.”
Viv winced putting a hand to her forehead, “Mom, that doesn’t count.”
“It counts to me. The Great Lakes belt had a proud history.”
“Mom…”
“Hang on, what?” Xavier asked.
“Have you not told him this?” Ophira sat up smiling. “So, The Great Lakes belt was this very important belt in the company David was in. This specific situation happened in the middle of this feud he was in. I swear, it was still going until the day he died. On again and off again. Regardless of the company they were in.”
“Mom, no one needs to hear this…”
“Anyways, so Great Lakes belt had a 24-hour challenge rule. The number of times that belt caused issues in our lives, but David had it going into the show. He gets attacked backstage, pinned. Jason demands the belt but David states he lost the belt already three days ago.”
“It was cheap heat. It was terrible.”
“What happened next?” Xavier was leaning forward, rapt in attention.
“So, the rest of the show he’s running about the place demanding to know who the champion is because it’s his by right. He says he wants a match to close out the show with whoever is holding the belt.”
“Mom.”
“Let me speak, Vivienne Yael Rodgers.” Ophira scolds. “So, the closeout match comes, he’s pacing in the ring like a madman and who should come out in footie PJs carry a belt too big for her?”
“No!” Xavier gasped.
“I was four. It was past my bedtime.” Viv groaned.
“So there is Jason Jacobsen having to decide if he is going to wrestle a four-year-old. The crowd, of course, loved it. It was the end of year highlight.” Ophira smiled proudly at Vivienne.
“How long did you hold it, honey?” Xavier smiled at her.
“A month, but it was cheap.”
“It was adorable.” Ophira beamed.
“So, should I expect a fist fight in the crowd with AJ’s dad being at the show?” Xavier asked.
“Oh no, I have no ill will towards the man. He’s been more than kind. Keeps saying his godfather to my children and I keep explaining we’re Jewish, but does anyone listen to me? No.”
Xavier laughs and Viv smiles at him.
“Speaking of Andrew, did you hear he got married?”
Oh no, Viv sat up.
“Hey, how is your food mom? Does-Does it taste good?”
“Actually yeah. It was a pretty small service, but they looked happy.” Xavier nodded, not getting Vivi’s hint to switch topics.
“Such a nice couple. Not as cute as you two are.”
“Mom-“
“Thank you, I think we are too. You’ve raised a wonderful woman.”Xavier squeezed Viv’s hand and took a sip of wine.
“So when are you two getting married?”
Xavier coughed, choking on the wine a little.
“Mom!”
“What? I can’t ask?”
“Helena Sawyer. Hi. I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting before. I did a little research on you, I hope that’s okay. I like to know the women I’m facing in the ring. I have to admit I’m not sure what to make of you.”
Viv bounced on her heels.
“You are absolutely without labels that really fit you, Helena. You seem to thrive on not fitting anyone’s expectations. You are an enigma and you like it that way.”
Viv takes a deep breath.
“I suppose that doesn’t really matter, does it? You won your way through a ladder match and a Hall of Famer to get here. You’re tough. You’re skilled. You’ve been in the ring a long time. You’ve faced women I never have, like Eternity. You’ve had hard-hitting matches against Rowan. I only faced her briefly during the Extinction Event and I know she hits hard enough to make you regret all your life choices.”
Viv rubs her shoulder self-consciously.
“So that tells me you’re strong and you got the endurance. That you’re smart. You’re tactically minded. That you have good awareness of what’s going on in the ring. So you play the spooky chick with a flare to the theatrical effect but you’ve got more skill then people seem to give you credit for. Which means lots of people have gone into matches against you with low expectations. You’ve been underestimated and more often than not you’ve made them pay for that, haven’t you?”
Viv tucks a piece of hair behind her ear.
“I refuse to do that. This belt means the world to me. I can’t afford to assume things about the women standing across from me. So, Helena, I hope you do me the same.”
Viv smiles.
“I hope you don’t take this as an insult, but I don’t find your unidentified spookiness weird or scary. I mean, I faced Charity Helms, self-proclaimed Super Saiyan with an evil future version of her brother, after that all weirdness kind of slides off like water off a duck.”
Viv giggles.
“I know your personal time was after what Rowan took someone important to you. I don’t want to assume the nature of the relationship. I don’t begrudge you for taking that time like others have. It’s important to take care of your life outside of work. To take care of people who’ve been hurt…”
Viv presses her lips together.
“I understand you want a chance to have a belt to make your time worth it. To make everyone understand you are both just what they thought you were and nothing like they thought. I don’t know you, but I understand the game.”
Viv shrugs.
“This is a game, right? To you. I mean you like hurting people. Not like Rowan, Max, Dawn or Brooklyn. It’s not about learning or growing or letting out your anger in an unhealthy coping mechanism. Not to you. To you, it’s fun and a game. I watched every match you’ve had in this company. You are the cat and the girl on the other side is the mouse. How far can you push, how much can they withstand, if you push will they pull? It’s a game.”
Viv presses her lips together.
“But pain isn’t your favorite part of the game, is it? It’s the chase.”
Viv takes a deep breath.
“You like going after things out of your reach. I don’t want to make assumptions about the way about how you talk to Pandora on twitter. But I remember that feeling, a line you tease crossing but never will. But daring just enough for her to do so if she wanted to. I get it. But that’s not the end, is it?”
Viv shakes her head.
“You like being chased. You like feeling appreciated. You like being on everyone’s lips. You like people to feel the inches between your form and their body is a confusing and dangerous territory they should edge into. You want to have your name in lights. You want to be everyone’s dream as well as their nightmare wrapped in face painted midnight visit.”
Viv smiles kindly.
“I get it.”
Viv smooths her skirt.
“I know getting the open Weight would give you the chance to be all of that. Would give you the chance to be everyone’s Best Girl. You could be persuaded to fight whomever you pleased. You could pay them in pain and show the world your aesthetic. That’s what you want, right Helena?”
Viv, picks a rose off the bush near her and smells it.
“I hate to disappoint you. I do. But I’m stronger than I look. I am not going to go down that easily. I am not going to let all my hard work go to waste. I want to come out of Night of The Immortals still holding onto this belt. If you feel sore about it we can do this dance again. but I know your tricks. I know your moves. I see how you play and I don’t plan to go down that easily. I know your game and I’m ready for it.”
Viv puts her finger to her lip and considers.
“Or maybe you just need a hug? Either way, looking forward to seeing you out there Helena.”
Viv waves before the camera feed cuts out.
“Night of the immortals. Wow. Can I say wow? I want to say wow.”
Viv bounces once.
“This is the highest, the biggest show of IWF’s year. This is it. This is the show that can make or break a person. This is the show that defines a year. This is the moment you can look back and point at the card and go, ‘Yeah, I did that’.”
Viv grins wide, putting her hands in the pockets of her dress.
“Do you see how full the card is?”
Viv beams.
“We have Xavier facing Redcap, Fiona against Alexis Gold, and Nighthawk against Jayson. All really solid matches without a title on the line. All fantastic workers and even the new members clearly have impressed management enough to be here. I am looking forward to watching those play out.”
Viv bounces again.
“The Joker in The Pack is happening and The Tag Team World Cup. How cool is that? We also have every belt is being defended. Every belt. For the men we have Strong Style, we get to see Mike and Bob throw down after their tag team fell apart. Extreme, we see a new guy go against Caleb of The Pack fame. We get to see the clash of Age of Gods in the main event, I don’t imagine that is going to end well for anyone to be honest.”
Viv grimaces.
“For us girls, there isn’t a lot of options for us this card and I’m honored to be a part of one of the matches but before I get to that. Dawn and Brooklyn facing off for the Women’s World Title? Well, good luck.”
Viv takes her hands out of her pockets and makes a heart symbol with her hands.
“Do you have any idea what this means to me? To be here?”
Viv closes her eyes and takes an excited breath in.
“I started in this company last September. I had a rough patch, I struggled, I overcame. Here I am. I made it here on my talent, not on my family. I wanted to win a belt and I wanted to make it to this night. Dreams can come true if you work your butt off and really strive to get them.”
Viv puts a hand to her heart.
“I sacrificed a lot to get here. I spent a lot of time in the gym. I spent time learning from other people in the business. I did my time in the indies. Wrestling has been my life since I was a toddler. I missed my fair share of important life events to get where I am. I wouldn’t trade it for the world though. It’s hard but worth it when things are going your way.”
Viv drops her hand.
“I’ve fought so many great women in this company. I’ve made and lost friends. I’ve found mentors and enemies. I’ve found Xavier. And I get to enter Night of The Immortals holding the Open Weight belt high. Me. The hardest working belt in this company being held by me. Everyone I’ve faced ever in my life has talked about how I’m too nice and too kind to survive here. That I wouldn’t last. That I didn’t belong here.”
Viv bounces twice.
“To be here on Night of the Immortals for my fifth title defense is really amazing. I cannot overstate how amazing this has been for me. I am only three more defense away from getting on the level of Paige and Shea. By Night of the Immortals, I will have held this belt 92 days. This is the first belt I’ve held in this company and I want to set the record with it.”
Viv touches the belt gently.
“There’s a legacy to this belt. I’m hoping to help redefine it. This belt has helped prove that you do not have to be negative to make it in this company. That you can change the world, even if it’s just making a dent. And yeah, sometimes the bad guys might win but not always.”
Viv looks back at the camera looking a little teary eyed.
“I want to break the record that Eternity set with this belt. But even if I don’t, if I have only done one thing with this reign I hope it’s to help people understand that being jaded and bitter over things, that being cynical is not the only way to get ahead in this business. That you don’t have to be as Grim and Dark as a bad superhero movie. That it pays to be kind. Like, you shouldn’t let the jerks dull your sparkle regardless of the crap they say.”
Viv shrugs her shoulders.
“But for my fifth defense, I have to face the winner of the last couple weeks of work. Multi-women matches to get here. Hard work that others could have skipped the line for, but you didn’t. Guess it’s time we talked.”
Dinner was going well. Considering how bad things could have gone Viv was borderline ecstatic that nothing was breaking down or the topics she had been most worried about broaching had happened at the last dinner she’d had with her mother. Unpacking the Ciara situation had been a hard one on one but having Xavier there… she wasn’t sure if she’d been able to pass with the half-truths on how well she was handling it. Her mother and Xavier Cross sitting across the table from one another. Xavier was nervous but covering it decently. While they ordered and waited for drinks it had mostly small talk, about the flight from Wisconsin, how Viv’s grandfather was doing, what terrible disappointing thing her brother had done this month, a few questions were pitched in Xavier’s direction about where his people were from, what it was like to come back to the ring and what Green Arrow was like in person.
Ophira got up from the table to use the restroom while they waited for their food and Viv could feel Xavier let out a breath.
“Did your mother use to be in the army?” Xavier looked over at her. “She has scary look in her eyes when she asks a question.”
“I mean, depends who you ask. I’m not sure it falls under army or intelligence...” Viv shrugged.
“Not helping my calm here.”
“Okay, so two things.” Viv took his hand in hers.
“Oh no. Did I already screw up?” Xavier looked down at his outfit. “Is there a stain? I checked but did I miss out?”
“You are doing beautifully.” Viv reached into her purse and handed him a small black box. “But, what I was trying to say is, I got you a present.”
“I love presents.” Xavier smiled at her opening the box and looking inside.
“I love the bracelet you got me. I’ve been trying to figure out a good gift for you. I thought about a pocket watch but then like, who keeps pocket watches anymore?” Viv blushed slightly. “And then Chester suggested a flask or a knife but neither seemed super personal. So, I thought this might be better.”
Xavier held up the leather bracelet with sound wave pressed into the leatherworking of it. “What’s it say?”
“I love you and I’m proud of you.” Viv smiled. “It’s imprinted in the leather, so you can feel it even if I’m not there.”
Xavier traced a finger over it before smiling and kissing her quick. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“I wanted to.” Viv smiled widely at him. “Besides, it’s a good reminder. You’re super busy and I want you to know I love you even when you don’t get to hear me say it.”
“What’s the second thing?”
“You’re doing well. Just breathe.” Viv glanced towards the entrance before looking back at him.
“This is well?”
“My mom’s a little intense.” Viv tucked a hair behind her ears. “I mean, well-meaning but she can be pushy.”
“Right. Yeah. She’ll like me though, right?”
“I’ve been hyping you for months. Told her all your good points. She already likes you.”
“Cool, cool, cool.” Xavier took a deep breath.
“You’re going to be fine.” Viv squeezed his hand.
“Wait, does she watch the show?”
“Breathe, Xavier. You’re doing well.” Viv reassured him.
“It’s easy for you to say. Oh, she likely saw me grope you on Diamonds are Forever. She’s going to hate me.”
“I mean, yes she is aware of that event.”
Xavier groaned. “She hates me.”
“You know she traveled with my dad during his career, right? She knows how things are. I told her we hashed it out beforehand.” Viv winked.
“You’re amazing.”
“So are you.”
“What did I miss?” Ophira sat back down across the table with a big smile.
“We were talking about pay per views,” Viv explained. “You know Xavier has two matches? That’s pretty exciting.”
“I did. That’s very exciting, Mr. Cross.” Ophira smiled, sipping her water. “I’ll be interested to see how they go.”
“Have you been watching the shows leading up to the pay per view?”
“Well, her grandfather insists we do it as a family. Chester won’t come of course but I’m getting used to it.” Ophira looked at the waiter carrying their food over. “Oh, this all looks amazing.”
“Xavier selected the restaurant.” Viv smiled at him. “He has great taste in food.”
Ophira waited until the waiter had dropped off all their food before turning to Xavier with a smile, “Do you cook?”
“Uh, well, I mean I try to make sure I have home cooked meals.”
“You ever cooked for Vivienne?”
“Mom, that’s not that important.”
“Am I not allowed to ask?”
“Of course you are. Just don’t make it sound so dire.”
“So… um, are you excited to see your daughter defend her first title in person?” Xavier asked, switching topics.
“This isn’t the first title she defended in person I’ve seen.”
Viv winced putting a hand to her forehead, “Mom, that doesn’t count.”
“It counts to me. The Great Lakes belt had a proud history.”
“Mom…”
“Hang on, what?” Xavier asked.
“Have you not told him this?” Ophira sat up smiling. “So, The Great Lakes belt was this very important belt in the company David was in. This specific situation happened in the middle of this feud he was in. I swear, it was still going until the day he died. On again and off again. Regardless of the company they were in.”
“Mom, no one needs to hear this…”
“Anyways, so Great Lakes belt had a 24-hour challenge rule. The number of times that belt caused issues in our lives, but David had it going into the show. He gets attacked backstage, pinned. Jason demands the belt but David states he lost the belt already three days ago.”
“It was cheap heat. It was terrible.”
“What happened next?” Xavier was leaning forward, rapt in attention.
“So, the rest of the show he’s running about the place demanding to know who the champion is because it’s his by right. He says he wants a match to close out the show with whoever is holding the belt.”
“Mom.”
“Let me speak, Vivienne Yael Rodgers.” Ophira scolds. “So, the closeout match comes, he’s pacing in the ring like a madman and who should come out in footie PJs carry a belt too big for her?”
“No!” Xavier gasped.
“I was four. It was past my bedtime.” Viv groaned.
“So there is Jason Jacobsen having to decide if he is going to wrestle a four-year-old. The crowd, of course, loved it. It was the end of year highlight.” Ophira smiled proudly at Vivienne.
“How long did you hold it, honey?” Xavier smiled at her.
“A month, but it was cheap.”
“It was adorable.” Ophira beamed.
“So, should I expect a fist fight in the crowd with AJ’s dad being at the show?” Xavier asked.
“Oh no, I have no ill will towards the man. He’s been more than kind. Keeps saying his godfather to my children and I keep explaining we’re Jewish, but does anyone listen to me? No.”
Xavier laughs and Viv smiles at him.
“Speaking of Andrew, did you hear he got married?”
Oh no, Viv sat up.
“Hey, how is your food mom? Does-Does it taste good?”
“Actually yeah. It was a pretty small service, but they looked happy.” Xavier nodded, not getting Vivi’s hint to switch topics.
“Such a nice couple. Not as cute as you two are.”
“Mom-“
“Thank you, I think we are too. You’ve raised a wonderful woman.”Xavier squeezed Viv’s hand and took a sip of wine.
“So when are you two getting married?”
Xavier coughed, choking on the wine a little.
“Mom!”
“What? I can’t ask?”
“Helena Sawyer. Hi. I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting before. I did a little research on you, I hope that’s okay. I like to know the women I’m facing in the ring. I have to admit I’m not sure what to make of you.”
Viv bounced on her heels.
“You are absolutely without labels that really fit you, Helena. You seem to thrive on not fitting anyone’s expectations. You are an enigma and you like it that way.”
Viv takes a deep breath.
“I suppose that doesn’t really matter, does it? You won your way through a ladder match and a Hall of Famer to get here. You’re tough. You’re skilled. You’ve been in the ring a long time. You’ve faced women I never have, like Eternity. You’ve had hard-hitting matches against Rowan. I only faced her briefly during the Extinction Event and I know she hits hard enough to make you regret all your life choices.”
Viv rubs her shoulder self-consciously.
“So that tells me you’re strong and you got the endurance. That you’re smart. You’re tactically minded. That you have good awareness of what’s going on in the ring. So you play the spooky chick with a flare to the theatrical effect but you’ve got more skill then people seem to give you credit for. Which means lots of people have gone into matches against you with low expectations. You’ve been underestimated and more often than not you’ve made them pay for that, haven’t you?”
Viv tucks a piece of hair behind her ear.
“I refuse to do that. This belt means the world to me. I can’t afford to assume things about the women standing across from me. So, Helena, I hope you do me the same.”
Viv smiles.
“I hope you don’t take this as an insult, but I don’t find your unidentified spookiness weird or scary. I mean, I faced Charity Helms, self-proclaimed Super Saiyan with an evil future version of her brother, after that all weirdness kind of slides off like water off a duck.”
Viv giggles.
“I know your personal time was after what Rowan took someone important to you. I don’t want to assume the nature of the relationship. I don’t begrudge you for taking that time like others have. It’s important to take care of your life outside of work. To take care of people who’ve been hurt…”
Viv presses her lips together.
“I understand you want a chance to have a belt to make your time worth it. To make everyone understand you are both just what they thought you were and nothing like they thought. I don’t know you, but I understand the game.”
Viv shrugs.
“This is a game, right? To you. I mean you like hurting people. Not like Rowan, Max, Dawn or Brooklyn. It’s not about learning or growing or letting out your anger in an unhealthy coping mechanism. Not to you. To you, it’s fun and a game. I watched every match you’ve had in this company. You are the cat and the girl on the other side is the mouse. How far can you push, how much can they withstand, if you push will they pull? It’s a game.”
Viv presses her lips together.
“But pain isn’t your favorite part of the game, is it? It’s the chase.”
Viv takes a deep breath.
“You like going after things out of your reach. I don’t want to make assumptions about the way about how you talk to Pandora on twitter. But I remember that feeling, a line you tease crossing but never will. But daring just enough for her to do so if she wanted to. I get it. But that’s not the end, is it?”
Viv shakes her head.
“You like being chased. You like feeling appreciated. You like being on everyone’s lips. You like people to feel the inches between your form and their body is a confusing and dangerous territory they should edge into. You want to have your name in lights. You want to be everyone’s dream as well as their nightmare wrapped in face painted midnight visit.”
Viv smiles kindly.
“I get it.”
Viv smooths her skirt.
“I know getting the open Weight would give you the chance to be all of that. Would give you the chance to be everyone’s Best Girl. You could be persuaded to fight whomever you pleased. You could pay them in pain and show the world your aesthetic. That’s what you want, right Helena?”
Viv, picks a rose off the bush near her and smells it.
“I hate to disappoint you. I do. But I’m stronger than I look. I am not going to go down that easily. I am not going to let all my hard work go to waste. I want to come out of Night of The Immortals still holding onto this belt. If you feel sore about it we can do this dance again. but I know your tricks. I know your moves. I see how you play and I don’t plan to go down that easily. I know your game and I’m ready for it.”
Viv puts her finger to her lip and considers.
“Or maybe you just need a hug? Either way, looking forward to seeing you out there Helena.”
Viv waves before the camera feed cuts out.
Well howdy there pardner.