Option.

[Serenity Holmes]

Again, we are forced to work with the consequences of our actions. It's enough that I have to share the ring with others I consider below me, but I think God enjoys punishing those who know they can falter him. I have to remind everyone once again, whether friend or foe, who truly is the higher power.

---

LUCK.

Tokyo's visual of the night was described as a lighting array of colors that painted the city as live art, with the people playing the roles of inhabiting the technologically advanced city. However, one individual may not be too happy spending her time here as it housed the opponent she would face at Legacy for her IWF Invictus Championship. Serenity's time in Japan has been enjoyable, to say the least - perhaps the meaningful essence of the country has invoked her to seek different perspectives on her life. However, she's grown more and opened her mind to ways to conquer her mission of being the company's best wrestler while fulfilling the corporate will of her mentor, Roberto Verona.

She sat in the backseat of Tokyo, smoothing its travel on the clean roadways. Serenity's eyes took in the city's infrastructure, the complex designs that were elegant and simple in their approach. She always admired how peaceful the town looked, but peace was never her option. She had her demons to battle and her enemies to destroy, but it was the price she paid to be on top of the world.

"Thank you." Once the taxi pulled in front of her hotel, well in Japan, the aparthotel building, she exited and closed the door behind her, letting take off in peace. Serenity clutched her hands deep inside her jacket pockets and walked through the front doors. The hotel staff greeted her as she passed. She always appreciated the simple bow of respect but considered it an arrogant pleasure to know where people stood around her. On the way up to her room, there was an uneasy feeling regarding what happened in her life.

Serenity?

Her body jolted from the voice—the voice of her mother.

She looked around and rolled her eyes as the elevator opened. She walked down the hall to the luxury suite, paid for by Verona's expenses. Serenity opened the door and pledged herself inside without any concern about her surroundings after locking the door. At that moment, she captured herself lying on her bed after a long day and looking up at the ceiling fan whisking itself around. Her eyes fluttered to a close, and darkness became her vision as she fell into slumber.

Serenity...

She snapped awake again before her slumber deepened. Serenity slapped herself in the head several times to shake the cobwebs off. However, she leaned forward on the edge of her bed and sat in a hunch to render herself a wreck. When she tilted her head up, her body was reflected in the sliding mirror doors, and she saw a young girl's petite frame going through the motions.

If I had a dime for every time I had to be partnered with a woman who tried to take everything from me, I'd be a very wealthy woman. Once again, my name is tied to Natasha Walker, whom I tried to forsake in my career, but it seems she returns a ghost of my haunted past. Now, she's under my wing, as Roberto has taken me for hers because we are facing the IWF World Tag Team Champions, The Savage Kingdom.

It's the dumbest name I've ever heard, but when it comes to Black Widow and Stephen Terella, stupidity does suit them well.

After all, they've been handed the championships, to begin with, and have been spewing falsehoods regarding their overestimated dominance in the ring. Although Widow has pinned me, she wouldn't have had that opportunity if it wasn't for Allen Chaney interfering in our business. I guess luck has a way of supporting the worst kind of people when need be.

Serenity looked upwards and rubbed her face, removing strands of her hair to understand how her look had changed.

But you, Stephen? You once said you would do what's rightful justice in eventually challenging me for the Invictus Championship. However, fate has brought us together inside a tag team match where I can pin you and later receive an opportunity to humiliate the Savage Kingdom.

How fitting it would be for the one woman you overlooked to bring your kingdom down. The Legion is here to take everything, and despite Natasha's unwanted presence, I pray she will be useful in helping me create the demise of your fall. Stephen, despite your strength, talent, below-average vocabulary, and pathetic woman of a partner, you pose a threat, but a threat not strong enough to stop us both from beating you inside the ring.

In the end, there's only one woman in this match who matters, and that's me. I am the champion above all, but I have to settle for working with Natasha, who will enjoy also beating you both down.

Serenity rose from the edge of her bed to stand and walk to the balcony, where the city's cold winds brushed across her face. She closed her eyes, invoking the smooth touch of the air, then rested her hands on the balcony wall to lean in closer to the city.

Natasha. You're my partner.

That doesn't mean you're spared. You should be thankful. You're going to witness firsthand why I ascended faster than you, but all I ask is that you put aside your putrid emotions for me and don't treat this as a game. We can become champions in the future by destroying the Savage Kingdom.

This is your only chance to rise to glory because you don't have what it takes to beat me in the ring. It's better to be friends with the people of power than to pretend to be a clown with killer intentions in sight.

And do me one favor,

Please do not call me Ren-Ren during this match.