Post by Mercedes Vargas on Jul 25, 2014 7:07:07 GMT
Scene opens inside the Your Hairiscope Beauty Salon in Queens, New York. Mercedes is seated in the chair, getting her haircut by Marta, a no-nonsense Brooklyn woman in a chic business suit and her hair up in a ponytail – up in a ponytail because she's been up since 8 AM.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
So, I hear you're taking a trip to Italy?
.::MERCEDES::..
Really? How did you get that information?
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Wouldn't you like to know.
.::MERCEDES::..
Yes, I would. That's why I asked. See, that's how rumors get started.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
News travels fast, especially if the source comes from Estelle Vargas.
.::MERCEDES::..
Isn't there anything my mother can't keep to herself?
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Apparently not.
Marta turns on a hairdryer and uses it on Mercedes.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
So, where you heading off to? Venice. Florence...
.::MERCEDES::..
Rome.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
ROME! Why on earth would you want to go there? It's a crowded dirty city filled with Mafioso. You'd be crazy to go there.
.::MERCEDES::..
I'd be crazy not to. I have a wrestling match that night. Besides, it's my first trip there.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
No kidding! You? Little Miss Carmen Sandiego? You've practically been to every place on earth!
.::MERCEDES::..
Except for Antarctica.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Except for Antarctica.
Marta begins adding a brush while using the hairdryer. A few moments later, she spreads hairspray over Mercedes, causing her to cough.
.::MERCEDES::..
Easy there! I'm allergic to second hand hairspray!
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Sorry. So, how are you getting there?
.::MERCEDES::..
I'm taking JetBlue.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
JetBlue? That airline is terrible! The baggage fees are expensive, the flight attendants are so-so, and the flights are always late.
.::MERCEDES::..
No crazy attendant will be harmed during my flight, I assure you.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
And where are you staying?
.::MERCEDES::..
I heard about this nice little hotel downtown. The Romulus.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
You picked a pretty bad hotel. Service is slow, the food is overpriced, and there's just something about three-star hotels that rub me the wrong way.
.::MERCEDES::..
Marta?
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Yes?
.::MERCEDES::..
You've never been to Rome, have you?
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
I really envy you. I wish I could get away for a while.
.::MERCEDES::..
Don't you get vacations?
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Not until the end of August. My husband and I haven't had a chance to have a vacation over the past three years. So we are planning t o travel to Europe this time. I need to ask you for a big favor today.
.::MERCEDES::..
Sorry, I can't. I've got a pretty tight schedule today and throughout the weekend.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Oh, what have we got going on?
.::MERCEDES::..
Well, let's see: I've got a promo to do by ten. Then I'm leaving for LA tomorrow for a match I have Saturday night. After that, I'm off to Rome on Sunday. I guess I won't be free until the middle of the week, Wednesday-ish, but by then I'll be in California for the weekend.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
That's cutting it close.
.::MERCEDES::..
You can say that again.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
That's cutting it close.
Marta picks up a handheld mirror and shows Mercedes her haircut before the hairdresser motions for the till.
.::MERCEDES::..
So, how much do I owe you again?
Marta gives a small smile and refuses the payment.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Merce, you've been seeing me for three years. It's on the house, honey.
.::MERCEDES::..
Seriously?
Mercedes stares at her as she absently puts her cash back in her purse.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Is it true that you're actually wearing a wig? I did hear something about you losing a bet or something?
.::MERCEDES::..
And I'm leaving now...
Bemused, Marta crosses her arms and watches her walk off.
_______≈₪≈_______
..::PROLOGUE::..
Tutte le strade portano a Roma — All roads lead to Rome.
So it all comes down to this.
It all comes down to who wants it more.
For five weeks, six of the best Diamonds in Imperial Wrestling Federation scratched and clawed and fought their way to get enough points as possible, then had to survive the semifinals to reach this stage.
And now, it all comes down to one match.
Somehow, I knew it would.
Amber Richards vs. Mercedes Vargas. The winner goes on to becomes the 2014 Heiress to the Throne and the number one contender to the Diamonds Championship, the other goes home with nothing, except regret and “what ifs”?
What if Jessica Reed was able to enter her second Heiress to the Throne? Would I even be in this position right now? Probably not. Having the first-ever Heiress to the Throne winner step aside was noble of her. She very could have decided to defend her title. She did consider wanting to face me for the Ruby Championship at one point, but she was still injured at the time. Though I wonder if she ever returned from that convention? Facing her in a match is still my ultimate dream.
What if Alice Pleasant didn't have a bun in the oven, or so we were led to believe? She'd probably be one of the favorites to win. Then again, maybe not. Still, she would make things interesting.
What if Ana Valentine decided to compete in the tournament? I'm almost sure every Diamond would be on high alert. She may claim that she isn't interested in chasing for the title anymore, but we all know she's lying through her teeth. She's very good at it and seems to be doing that a lot lately. Ana may be a vindictive bitch, but she's IWF's vindictive bitch, and that's something we can never take away from her.
What if Alexis Caffrey decided to throw her hat in the ring? Despite being lucky against me three times over, I've been fantasizing for weeks wanting to face her for my Ruby Championship. After recent events, that's likely a pipe dream now.
What if instead of facing Ashley and Sunny, Amber and I had to face Kate and Maria in the semifinals last week, would it had made a difference? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA......Not really.
Aside from Eternity and Jess, what if some of the other Diamonds who competed in the first Heiress to the Throne last year came back to IWF, or never left at all? Ayla St. James. Gardner. Danielson. Heafy. Maldini. What about names like Alexis Morrison and Portia Roberts and Freya Kane and Tara Fenix?
What if Jessica Harmony and Jennie Docherty and Addisyn Starr and Lilith and Jade Wylder and Lexie Lane and Desiree St. James and Shelly the Bod and Joanne Canelli and Avery McCullen and April Maddox stayed a little longer? Cynthia Warren and Crystal Hilton and Jennifer Famularo?
Kat Conway hasn't had a match since Diamonds are Forever. Louise McDowell has been on and off again. What if they decided to compete in the tournament? The Diamonds Division would be a lot bigger than it is now, that's for sure.
What if Angel Bl- ahem – “God” wanted to mind screw the Diamonds division by placing Zelda Knite in the tournament, do you think any of us would just wave the flight flag and go home? I highly doubt it, though for me, I have owned Little Miss “Best Ever” time and time again. Don't take my word for it. Next time you're in the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington area, why don't you head on down to her house and ask her. You'll be glad you did.
What if neither Amber or I even made it this far? What, are you stupid? Are you not getting enough oxygen in your brain? Despite what I think about her, Amber is as tough as they come, but at the same time she knows that I'm one of the few Diamonds who isn't going to stand around and take any of her bullshit. Thinking she's one of the Big Three is supposedly a joke in itself. Like I said before, she may think she and Ana sees eye to eye, but Ana still looks down at her, and Jess Reed, I'm sure, will probably never forgive her for Diamonds are Forever.
I don't know, maybe I'm the minority here. Maybe I'm the only one who has taken off the rose colored glasses and see Amber for what she truly is. This sob story and turning over a new leaf is great for her ego. It's great for her self-confidence, but let's face it: It's all a copout.
It took Ashley to knock her off that pedestal when she was Ruby Champion.
Ana Valentine knocked her off the mountain when she was Diamonds Champion.
Now it's my turn to make sure she doesn't get back up there.
Today is Day 128 of my Ruby Championship title reign.
At least, it would have been if the powers that be didn't strip me of my title.
Oh, well. No use crying of spilt milk and all that jazz.
I've already come to terms that some people will never understand why I held the championship as long as I did. I mean, it's not my fault competition is scarce these days. But just the same, it doesn't matter what they say. The record book is the final authority. When the fans look back at the history of this championship and wonder who held this title the longest, it's not going to be the first-ever champion or Ana Valentine or Amber Richards.
It's going to read: "Longest reigning champion: Mercedes Vargas. 119 Days."
So for all those haters out there.
Keep calm and get over it.
_______≈₪≈_______
The scene moves to show an exterior shot of one of a futuristic modern home nestled in the Santa Monica area of Los Angeles. We head inside, finding a spacious abode, all in white. Closeup shot of an aquarium. A female hand is seen holding a salt shaker above it. Placing a small sample in her hand, she holds up a few flakes and sprinkles it into the water as a school of goldfish begin a mad dash for the flakes.
A picture is worth a thousand words. After my victory this past Sunday at Sacrifice, I only needed four.
I told you so.
Mercedes is smiling as she holds up an 8×10 photo of her with her hand raised in victory standing over the defeated Sunshine Sparkles.
I landed in LAX in the afternoon. Probably around 4 PM where my cousin picked me up. Something about Los Angeles always got to me.
Does it ever rains in Southern California?
The extremely catchy theme song of Sunshine Street can be heard playing on the television, the episode is a rerun from last week. Mercedes barely pays attention to it, but for the life of her, she just can't get that tune out of her head.
.::MERCEDES::..
Paint the whole world with a rainbow.
Red, the colour of a sunrise. White clouds floating in a sky of blue.
Green for the rivers, Gold for the cornfields, the day is shining new.
Red, the colour of a sunset, grey shadows creep across the hills,
The sun is sinking, colours are fading, the fields are dark and still.
.::ANNOUNCER (TV)::..
Join us next time for another episode of “Sunshine Street” right here on KTLA
As I hummed the lyrics of that ungodly theme song, another question needed to be asked. A question that had such philosophical meaning and purpose than the meaning of life or why the Lone Ranger was called such when he always had his Indian friend with him, or what's a picture of a thousand words worth.
No, it was much deeper than these trivial questions.
Who writes this crap?
Carmen walks in wearing a Dodgers baseball hat and apparel. She stares at the television.
.::CARMEN::..
Um, aren't you a little too old to be watching kid TV shows?
.::MERCEDES::..
I couldn't help it.
.::CARMEN::..
Okay.
She rolls her eyes as she heads to the kitchen.
.::CARMEN::..
I'm learning new things about you everyday, and it scares me. I think it's the jetlag. Maybe you should lie down.
.::MERCEDES::..
I'm fine. So, where did you go off to?
.::CARMEN::..
Went to see a movie.
.::MERCEDES::..
Oh? Which one?
.::CARMEN::..
The one Jorge was talking about.
.::MERCEDES::..
The Godmother?
.::CARMEN::..
No, the other one.
.::MERCEDES::..
The Hunt for Red September?
.::CARMEN::..
No, the other one, but there's a sequel in the works.
.::MERCEDES::..
Men in Black Swan?
Carmen returns to the room and sits in her usual spot, the armchair across from the television.
.::CARMEN::..
Saw it a few months ago.
(pauses, then immediately snaps her fingers as it comes to mind)
Now I remember. It was called Brokeback Valley. Did you ever see Brokeback Hill?
.::MERCEDES::..
It's the sequel to Brock Back Hill but the sequel to Brockback Mountain.
.::CARMEN::..
Yes, how did you know?
.::MERCEDES::..
Lucky guess?
She picks up a copy of the Los Angeles times crossword puzzle she was working on.
.::CARMEN::..
At least you did something productive with your time.
.::MERCEDES::..
It's just not the same.
.::CARMEN::..
Crosswords are crosswords. What's the difference?
.::MERCEDES::..
That depends on the day. It's all a matter of perspective, and how difficult I want my crossword to be.
.::CARMEN::..
I don't follow.
I've seen that look before. It was the look that said, “I have no idea what you just said. Merce. Try to give am an illustration or something.” And so, I used an illustration to get my point across.
.::MERCEDES::..
The New York Times gets more difficult during the week. Monday is the easiest. Saturday is next to impossible. Most papers are run by subscription service, but the Times is one of a very few that has good editor like Will Shortz.
.::CARMEN::..
Uh huh.
.::MERCEDES::..
And it's not really about the ease of the crossword, but the ease of finding the crossword. Also, the folding, the reading, the jotting. If I'm late for the bus, the crease has to be folded at just the right angle. By reading, I mean whether I have to squint to see everything or use my reading glasses, and jotting obviously whether there's enough space to scribbling next to clues themselves.
.::CARMEN::..
Because you write crosswords only in pen.
.::MERCEDES::..
Exactly. It's a blessing and a curse. You're on vacation and suddenly you know that tourist who always want to borrow a pen, only to forget to return it? That's the most frustrating part. Now, you're the one needing to borrow a pen and everyone is looking at you Ike you're the tourist.
.::CARMEN::..
Still haven't gotten over the Stanley Cup thing, have you?
.::MERCEDES::..
No.
.::CARMEN::..
That's what I thought.
Carmen grabs the remote.
.::CARMEN::..
Let's see what's on TV.
_______≈₪≈_______
..::EPILOGUE::..
This tournament kind of brings back old wounds, it brings back painful memories for me. See, I've won tournaments before to become number one contender to world titles or tag titles, and I won those, sure. But the one specific tournament I'm talking about happened in a little place you might know as New Championship Wrestling. And throughout my tumultuous almost two years there, I've pretty much became a household name. I was a contender, much like I am now in IWF. You might also know that I was one-half of the second-ever Starlets Tag Team Champions.
In my second year in NCW, I competed in a single-elimination tournament called the Road to the Gold (which may or may not have what inspired IWF's Heir/Heiress to the Throne, just saying). Last year's tournament, I was eliminated in the first round by Crystal Hilton. This next time round though, I vowed that history wasn't going to repeat itself. Unlike last year, the tournament doubled in size with 16 Starlets gunning for that number one contendership. You had all the cool kids in the yard. The Emma Danielsons, the Ayla St. James, the Alysson Gardners, the Shelly Taylor-Jones, the Kat Conways and Freya Kanes and Zelda Knites. Now that was a real tournament.
From late September to late October, for those last three weeks, you had your dominant victories and your shocking upsets, but that wasn't the best part. Oh no. I held my own during that tournament, and one by one as the field started to dwindle and I got past the round of 16 and the quarter finals. As the unknowns and the Gardners and the St. James and the Danielsons were falling like dominoes, there were only be four.
Now, Freya had a difficult time with her opponent, some upstart I forget the name of, but she got through to the finals. Me? I had it easy.
I had Sydney Knite as my opponent.
The same Sydney Knite that everyone so revered in NCW. The same Sydney Knite who became a three-time Starlets Champion, and the last NCW World Champion. (Ask Alex Jones. He'll tell you that part of the story). The same Sydney Knite that sat atop her throne laughing at the poor, unfortunate girls who made up that roster.
The same Sydney Knite who built up a 27-month singles unbeaten streak and hadn't been defeated in well over two years.
Until that night in Rochester, New York.
She ended up on her back and I pinned her shoulders to the mat, and I went on to the finals. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Try as I might, Freya Kane found the way to win, and she beat me to become the second and final Starlets Road to the Gold winner. For Freya, the night she defeated me and won the tournament was probably the greatest moment of her life.
For me, that was almost two years ago.
And almost two years ago, Freya Kane went on to become Starlets Champion. And almost two years ago, Freya Kane, five weeks into her reign, was supposed to defend her title against her sister-in-law on pay-per-view, but was instead stripped of her title and suspended indefinitely to deal with whatever BS family drama scandal that was going on in her life.
And if I had a chance to go back in time and do it all over again, almost two years ago the Starlets Championship wouldn't have been vacated. Almost two years ago, Jennifer Famularo wouldn't have had a second reign. Almost two years ago, that title wouldn't have been sitting there around her waist for a good two months. Almost two years ago, I would have won the tournament. Almost two years ago, it would be me instead of Freya who would have ended Famularo's first reign. Almost two years ago, the 2012 Starlets Road to the Gold winner and new Starlets Champion would be Mercedes Vargas.
Now, I've been in the ring before with Freya Kane. I know Freya Kane. Freya Kane has, is, and always will be a rival of mine.
But Freya Kane is no Amber Richards.
Amber is better, stronger, faster. And, yes, she has quite the mouth on her. Believe me, I've noticed. But this Sunday, she's met her match. This Sunday, in Rome, Italy, under the bright coliseum lights and on the biggest stage, the only thing standing between her and destiny – or should I say Eternity – is me.
I know what Amber brings to the table, I know that she's as tough as they come. But if she wants to look past me, if she wants to see me as just another match, if she thinks of me as a pebble in her shoe instead of a road block in her path, if she think I'm some pushover and don't want to take me seriously, that's fine. I'm okay with that. Because like I said before, I have a very good track record of proving people wrong. Rayne? Sent her packing after Diamonds are Forever. Christine Rochette? Both of her losses were to me and now she's back in Canada. Eternity? You can count all of her losses in IWF on one hand. One of those defeats were to me, and who is to say that I can't do it again?
11 matches. 5 weeks. 6 Diamonds. 1 winner. What did it take for me to get here? Well, a lot of hard work, a little luck, and a lot of talent. Then again, some might say this year's tournament was more of a sympathy card than anything else. Whatever. The bottom line is, I've advanced past the group stage, I got past Sunny Sparkles in the semis, and now I'm two matches away from becoming Diamonds Champion. Two matches away from making history, yet again, in IWF. And, let's face it, history should be my middle name. I have a pretty good track record of doing that in my career. I've practically done it all. Former television champion, multiple-time tag team champion, multiple time world champion. I've won over ten titles in my career. I've won accolades and tournaments. I'm among the best female wrestlers in the world and ranked in the top six. I am undefeated in debut matches with ten wins, zero losses, and 1 draw. Countless names have fallen before me and cast away by the wayside. Others have got through the cracks, but eventually they were added to my checklist. And on that checklist, there is over 100 plus names on there, among them the members of this roster.
But it all comes down to this, right, Amber?
Despite what we both think about Eternity, this match is practically in her hands. We know that she's misunderstood, we know that she's certified crazy, but I know that deep down inside, Eternity has a heart. I know that she can be an impartial referee and call this match down the middle, the way it should be. You can talk about how you've got this match won. You can talk about how I don't stand a snowball's chance in hell in winning this match.
That makes one of us.
That's just wishful thinking.
This match, I guess you can say, is as much as an international incident more than anything else. It goes a little further than the current events between our respective countries over a piece of rock, maybe something to do with the intense rivalry on the pitch. See, I found it funny that you want to go ahead and talk about that semifinal match in the World Cup and while it did leave a lot of shocked fans around the world, including myself, I can promise you that this Sunday isn't going to end like that massacre.
One thing for sure, two things for certain. I'm no Australia or Brazil, and you damn sure are no Germany. If people are expecting something like that actual game two weeks ago, then they're going to be in for one disappointing Heiress to the Throne final.
So yeah, Amber, I guess it looks like we meet again.
And yeah, this Sunday is going to get real serious.
Oh, and yeah. I still think you're full of it.
Now we all make mistakes in life. I've made mistakes, and I'm sure you have, too. Eventually, we have to own up to them. Almost two years ago I made a mistake, but never got that chance to own up to it, because I left NCW two months before they closed their doors. And all I was left with is a case of the “what ifs”.
Underestimating me will be your biggest mistake.
And I'm going to make you own up to it.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
So, I hear you're taking a trip to Italy?
.::MERCEDES::..
Really? How did you get that information?
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Wouldn't you like to know.
.::MERCEDES::..
Yes, I would. That's why I asked. See, that's how rumors get started.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
News travels fast, especially if the source comes from Estelle Vargas.
.::MERCEDES::..
Isn't there anything my mother can't keep to herself?
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Apparently not.
Marta turns on a hairdryer and uses it on Mercedes.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
So, where you heading off to? Venice. Florence...
.::MERCEDES::..
Rome.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
ROME! Why on earth would you want to go there? It's a crowded dirty city filled with Mafioso. You'd be crazy to go there.
.::MERCEDES::..
I'd be crazy not to. I have a wrestling match that night. Besides, it's my first trip there.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
No kidding! You? Little Miss Carmen Sandiego? You've practically been to every place on earth!
.::MERCEDES::..
Except for Antarctica.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Except for Antarctica.
Marta begins adding a brush while using the hairdryer. A few moments later, she spreads hairspray over Mercedes, causing her to cough.
.::MERCEDES::..
Easy there! I'm allergic to second hand hairspray!
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Sorry. So, how are you getting there?
.::MERCEDES::..
I'm taking JetBlue.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
JetBlue? That airline is terrible! The baggage fees are expensive, the flight attendants are so-so, and the flights are always late.
.::MERCEDES::..
No crazy attendant will be harmed during my flight, I assure you.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
And where are you staying?
.::MERCEDES::..
I heard about this nice little hotel downtown. The Romulus.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
You picked a pretty bad hotel. Service is slow, the food is overpriced, and there's just something about three-star hotels that rub me the wrong way.
.::MERCEDES::..
Marta?
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Yes?
.::MERCEDES::..
You've never been to Rome, have you?
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
I really envy you. I wish I could get away for a while.
.::MERCEDES::..
Don't you get vacations?
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Not until the end of August. My husband and I haven't had a chance to have a vacation over the past three years. So we are planning t o travel to Europe this time. I need to ask you for a big favor today.
.::MERCEDES::..
Sorry, I can't. I've got a pretty tight schedule today and throughout the weekend.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Oh, what have we got going on?
.::MERCEDES::..
Well, let's see: I've got a promo to do by ten. Then I'm leaving for LA tomorrow for a match I have Saturday night. After that, I'm off to Rome on Sunday. I guess I won't be free until the middle of the week, Wednesday-ish, but by then I'll be in California for the weekend.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
That's cutting it close.
.::MERCEDES::..
You can say that again.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
That's cutting it close.
Marta picks up a handheld mirror and shows Mercedes her haircut before the hairdresser motions for the till.
.::MERCEDES::..
So, how much do I owe you again?
Marta gives a small smile and refuses the payment.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Merce, you've been seeing me for three years. It's on the house, honey.
.::MERCEDES::..
Seriously?
Mercedes stares at her as she absently puts her cash back in her purse.
.::MARTA, THE HAIRDRESSER::..
Is it true that you're actually wearing a wig? I did hear something about you losing a bet or something?
.::MERCEDES::..
And I'm leaving now...
Bemused, Marta crosses her arms and watches her walk off.
_______≈₪≈_______
..::PROLOGUE::..
Tutte le strade portano a Roma — All roads lead to Rome.
So it all comes down to this.
It all comes down to who wants it more.
For five weeks, six of the best Diamonds in Imperial Wrestling Federation scratched and clawed and fought their way to get enough points as possible, then had to survive the semifinals to reach this stage.
And now, it all comes down to one match.
Somehow, I knew it would.
Amber Richards vs. Mercedes Vargas. The winner goes on to becomes the 2014 Heiress to the Throne and the number one contender to the Diamonds Championship, the other goes home with nothing, except regret and “what ifs”?
What if Jessica Reed was able to enter her second Heiress to the Throne? Would I even be in this position right now? Probably not. Having the first-ever Heiress to the Throne winner step aside was noble of her. She very could have decided to defend her title. She did consider wanting to face me for the Ruby Championship at one point, but she was still injured at the time. Though I wonder if she ever returned from that convention? Facing her in a match is still my ultimate dream.
What if Alice Pleasant didn't have a bun in the oven, or so we were led to believe? She'd probably be one of the favorites to win. Then again, maybe not. Still, she would make things interesting.
What if Ana Valentine decided to compete in the tournament? I'm almost sure every Diamond would be on high alert. She may claim that she isn't interested in chasing for the title anymore, but we all know she's lying through her teeth. She's very good at it and seems to be doing that a lot lately. Ana may be a vindictive bitch, but she's IWF's vindictive bitch, and that's something we can never take away from her.
What if Alexis Caffrey decided to throw her hat in the ring? Despite being lucky against me three times over, I've been fantasizing for weeks wanting to face her for my Ruby Championship. After recent events, that's likely a pipe dream now.
What if instead of facing Ashley and Sunny, Amber and I had to face Kate and Maria in the semifinals last week, would it had made a difference? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA......Not really.
Aside from Eternity and Jess, what if some of the other Diamonds who competed in the first Heiress to the Throne last year came back to IWF, or never left at all? Ayla St. James. Gardner. Danielson. Heafy. Maldini. What about names like Alexis Morrison and Portia Roberts and Freya Kane and Tara Fenix?
What if Jessica Harmony and Jennie Docherty and Addisyn Starr and Lilith and Jade Wylder and Lexie Lane and Desiree St. James and Shelly the Bod and Joanne Canelli and Avery McCullen and April Maddox stayed a little longer? Cynthia Warren and Crystal Hilton and Jennifer Famularo?
Kat Conway hasn't had a match since Diamonds are Forever. Louise McDowell has been on and off again. What if they decided to compete in the tournament? The Diamonds Division would be a lot bigger than it is now, that's for sure.
What if Angel Bl- ahem – “God” wanted to mind screw the Diamonds division by placing Zelda Knite in the tournament, do you think any of us would just wave the flight flag and go home? I highly doubt it, though for me, I have owned Little Miss “Best Ever” time and time again. Don't take my word for it. Next time you're in the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington area, why don't you head on down to her house and ask her. You'll be glad you did.
What if neither Amber or I even made it this far? What, are you stupid? Are you not getting enough oxygen in your brain? Despite what I think about her, Amber is as tough as they come, but at the same time she knows that I'm one of the few Diamonds who isn't going to stand around and take any of her bullshit. Thinking she's one of the Big Three is supposedly a joke in itself. Like I said before, she may think she and Ana sees eye to eye, but Ana still looks down at her, and Jess Reed, I'm sure, will probably never forgive her for Diamonds are Forever.
I don't know, maybe I'm the minority here. Maybe I'm the only one who has taken off the rose colored glasses and see Amber for what she truly is. This sob story and turning over a new leaf is great for her ego. It's great for her self-confidence, but let's face it: It's all a copout.
It took Ashley to knock her off that pedestal when she was Ruby Champion.
Ana Valentine knocked her off the mountain when she was Diamonds Champion.
Now it's my turn to make sure she doesn't get back up there.
Today is Day 128 of my Ruby Championship title reign.
At least, it would have been if the powers that be didn't strip me of my title.
Oh, well. No use crying of spilt milk and all that jazz.
I've already come to terms that some people will never understand why I held the championship as long as I did. I mean, it's not my fault competition is scarce these days. But just the same, it doesn't matter what they say. The record book is the final authority. When the fans look back at the history of this championship and wonder who held this title the longest, it's not going to be the first-ever champion or Ana Valentine or Amber Richards.
It's going to read: "Longest reigning champion: Mercedes Vargas. 119 Days."
So for all those haters out there.
Keep calm and get over it.
_______≈₪≈_______
The scene moves to show an exterior shot of one of a futuristic modern home nestled in the Santa Monica area of Los Angeles. We head inside, finding a spacious abode, all in white. Closeup shot of an aquarium. A female hand is seen holding a salt shaker above it. Placing a small sample in her hand, she holds up a few flakes and sprinkles it into the water as a school of goldfish begin a mad dash for the flakes.
A picture is worth a thousand words. After my victory this past Sunday at Sacrifice, I only needed four.
I told you so.
Mercedes is smiling as she holds up an 8×10 photo of her with her hand raised in victory standing over the defeated Sunshine Sparkles.
I landed in LAX in the afternoon. Probably around 4 PM where my cousin picked me up. Something about Los Angeles always got to me.
Does it ever rains in Southern California?
The extremely catchy theme song of Sunshine Street can be heard playing on the television, the episode is a rerun from last week. Mercedes barely pays attention to it, but for the life of her, she just can't get that tune out of her head.
.::MERCEDES::..
Paint the whole world with a rainbow.
Red, the colour of a sunrise. White clouds floating in a sky of blue.
Green for the rivers, Gold for the cornfields, the day is shining new.
Red, the colour of a sunset, grey shadows creep across the hills,
The sun is sinking, colours are fading, the fields are dark and still.
.::ANNOUNCER (TV)::..
Join us next time for another episode of “Sunshine Street” right here on KTLA
As I hummed the lyrics of that ungodly theme song, another question needed to be asked. A question that had such philosophical meaning and purpose than the meaning of life or why the Lone Ranger was called such when he always had his Indian friend with him, or what's a picture of a thousand words worth.
No, it was much deeper than these trivial questions.
Who writes this crap?
Carmen walks in wearing a Dodgers baseball hat and apparel. She stares at the television.
.::CARMEN::..
Um, aren't you a little too old to be watching kid TV shows?
.::MERCEDES::..
I couldn't help it.
.::CARMEN::..
Okay.
She rolls her eyes as she heads to the kitchen.
.::CARMEN::..
I'm learning new things about you everyday, and it scares me. I think it's the jetlag. Maybe you should lie down.
.::MERCEDES::..
I'm fine. So, where did you go off to?
.::CARMEN::..
Went to see a movie.
.::MERCEDES::..
Oh? Which one?
.::CARMEN::..
The one Jorge was talking about.
.::MERCEDES::..
The Godmother?
.::CARMEN::..
No, the other one.
.::MERCEDES::..
The Hunt for Red September?
.::CARMEN::..
No, the other one, but there's a sequel in the works.
.::MERCEDES::..
Men in Black Swan?
Carmen returns to the room and sits in her usual spot, the armchair across from the television.
.::CARMEN::..
Saw it a few months ago.
(pauses, then immediately snaps her fingers as it comes to mind)
Now I remember. It was called Brokeback Valley. Did you ever see Brokeback Hill?
.::MERCEDES::..
It's the sequel to Brock Back Hill but the sequel to Brockback Mountain.
.::CARMEN::..
Yes, how did you know?
.::MERCEDES::..
Lucky guess?
She picks up a copy of the Los Angeles times crossword puzzle she was working on.
.::CARMEN::..
At least you did something productive with your time.
.::MERCEDES::..
It's just not the same.
.::CARMEN::..
Crosswords are crosswords. What's the difference?
.::MERCEDES::..
That depends on the day. It's all a matter of perspective, and how difficult I want my crossword to be.
.::CARMEN::..
I don't follow.
I've seen that look before. It was the look that said, “I have no idea what you just said. Merce. Try to give am an illustration or something.” And so, I used an illustration to get my point across.
.::MERCEDES::..
The New York Times gets more difficult during the week. Monday is the easiest. Saturday is next to impossible. Most papers are run by subscription service, but the Times is one of a very few that has good editor like Will Shortz.
.::CARMEN::..
Uh huh.
.::MERCEDES::..
And it's not really about the ease of the crossword, but the ease of finding the crossword. Also, the folding, the reading, the jotting. If I'm late for the bus, the crease has to be folded at just the right angle. By reading, I mean whether I have to squint to see everything or use my reading glasses, and jotting obviously whether there's enough space to scribbling next to clues themselves.
.::CARMEN::..
Because you write crosswords only in pen.
.::MERCEDES::..
Exactly. It's a blessing and a curse. You're on vacation and suddenly you know that tourist who always want to borrow a pen, only to forget to return it? That's the most frustrating part. Now, you're the one needing to borrow a pen and everyone is looking at you Ike you're the tourist.
.::CARMEN::..
Still haven't gotten over the Stanley Cup thing, have you?
.::MERCEDES::..
No.
.::CARMEN::..
That's what I thought.
Carmen grabs the remote.
.::CARMEN::..
Let's see what's on TV.
_______≈₪≈_______
..::EPILOGUE::..
This tournament kind of brings back old wounds, it brings back painful memories for me. See, I've won tournaments before to become number one contender to world titles or tag titles, and I won those, sure. But the one specific tournament I'm talking about happened in a little place you might know as New Championship Wrestling. And throughout my tumultuous almost two years there, I've pretty much became a household name. I was a contender, much like I am now in IWF. You might also know that I was one-half of the second-ever Starlets Tag Team Champions.
In my second year in NCW, I competed in a single-elimination tournament called the Road to the Gold (which may or may not have what inspired IWF's Heir/Heiress to the Throne, just saying). Last year's tournament, I was eliminated in the first round by Crystal Hilton. This next time round though, I vowed that history wasn't going to repeat itself. Unlike last year, the tournament doubled in size with 16 Starlets gunning for that number one contendership. You had all the cool kids in the yard. The Emma Danielsons, the Ayla St. James, the Alysson Gardners, the Shelly Taylor-Jones, the Kat Conways and Freya Kanes and Zelda Knites. Now that was a real tournament.
From late September to late October, for those last three weeks, you had your dominant victories and your shocking upsets, but that wasn't the best part. Oh no. I held my own during that tournament, and one by one as the field started to dwindle and I got past the round of 16 and the quarter finals. As the unknowns and the Gardners and the St. James and the Danielsons were falling like dominoes, there were only be four.
Now, Freya had a difficult time with her opponent, some upstart I forget the name of, but she got through to the finals. Me? I had it easy.
I had Sydney Knite as my opponent.
The same Sydney Knite that everyone so revered in NCW. The same Sydney Knite who became a three-time Starlets Champion, and the last NCW World Champion. (Ask Alex Jones. He'll tell you that part of the story). The same Sydney Knite that sat atop her throne laughing at the poor, unfortunate girls who made up that roster.
The same Sydney Knite who built up a 27-month singles unbeaten streak and hadn't been defeated in well over two years.
Until that night in Rochester, New York.
She ended up on her back and I pinned her shoulders to the mat, and I went on to the finals. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Try as I might, Freya Kane found the way to win, and she beat me to become the second and final Starlets Road to the Gold winner. For Freya, the night she defeated me and won the tournament was probably the greatest moment of her life.
For me, that was almost two years ago.
And almost two years ago, Freya Kane went on to become Starlets Champion. And almost two years ago, Freya Kane, five weeks into her reign, was supposed to defend her title against her sister-in-law on pay-per-view, but was instead stripped of her title and suspended indefinitely to deal with whatever BS family drama scandal that was going on in her life.
And if I had a chance to go back in time and do it all over again, almost two years ago the Starlets Championship wouldn't have been vacated. Almost two years ago, Jennifer Famularo wouldn't have had a second reign. Almost two years ago, that title wouldn't have been sitting there around her waist for a good two months. Almost two years ago, I would have won the tournament. Almost two years ago, it would be me instead of Freya who would have ended Famularo's first reign. Almost two years ago, the 2012 Starlets Road to the Gold winner and new Starlets Champion would be Mercedes Vargas.
Now, I've been in the ring before with Freya Kane. I know Freya Kane. Freya Kane has, is, and always will be a rival of mine.
But Freya Kane is no Amber Richards.
Amber is better, stronger, faster. And, yes, she has quite the mouth on her. Believe me, I've noticed. But this Sunday, she's met her match. This Sunday, in Rome, Italy, under the bright coliseum lights and on the biggest stage, the only thing standing between her and destiny – or should I say Eternity – is me.
I know what Amber brings to the table, I know that she's as tough as they come. But if she wants to look past me, if she wants to see me as just another match, if she thinks of me as a pebble in her shoe instead of a road block in her path, if she think I'm some pushover and don't want to take me seriously, that's fine. I'm okay with that. Because like I said before, I have a very good track record of proving people wrong. Rayne? Sent her packing after Diamonds are Forever. Christine Rochette? Both of her losses were to me and now she's back in Canada. Eternity? You can count all of her losses in IWF on one hand. One of those defeats were to me, and who is to say that I can't do it again?
11 matches. 5 weeks. 6 Diamonds. 1 winner. What did it take for me to get here? Well, a lot of hard work, a little luck, and a lot of talent. Then again, some might say this year's tournament was more of a sympathy card than anything else. Whatever. The bottom line is, I've advanced past the group stage, I got past Sunny Sparkles in the semis, and now I'm two matches away from becoming Diamonds Champion. Two matches away from making history, yet again, in IWF. And, let's face it, history should be my middle name. I have a pretty good track record of doing that in my career. I've practically done it all. Former television champion, multiple-time tag team champion, multiple time world champion. I've won over ten titles in my career. I've won accolades and tournaments. I'm among the best female wrestlers in the world and ranked in the top six. I am undefeated in debut matches with ten wins, zero losses, and 1 draw. Countless names have fallen before me and cast away by the wayside. Others have got through the cracks, but eventually they were added to my checklist. And on that checklist, there is over 100 plus names on there, among them the members of this roster.
But it all comes down to this, right, Amber?
Despite what we both think about Eternity, this match is practically in her hands. We know that she's misunderstood, we know that she's certified crazy, but I know that deep down inside, Eternity has a heart. I know that she can be an impartial referee and call this match down the middle, the way it should be. You can talk about how you've got this match won. You can talk about how I don't stand a snowball's chance in hell in winning this match.
That makes one of us.
That's just wishful thinking.
This match, I guess you can say, is as much as an international incident more than anything else. It goes a little further than the current events between our respective countries over a piece of rock, maybe something to do with the intense rivalry on the pitch. See, I found it funny that you want to go ahead and talk about that semifinal match in the World Cup and while it did leave a lot of shocked fans around the world, including myself, I can promise you that this Sunday isn't going to end like that massacre.
One thing for sure, two things for certain. I'm no Australia or Brazil, and you damn sure are no Germany. If people are expecting something like that actual game two weeks ago, then they're going to be in for one disappointing Heiress to the Throne final.
So yeah, Amber, I guess it looks like we meet again.
And yeah, this Sunday is going to get real serious.
Oh, and yeah. I still think you're full of it.
Now we all make mistakes in life. I've made mistakes, and I'm sure you have, too. Eventually, we have to own up to them. Almost two years ago I made a mistake, but never got that chance to own up to it, because I left NCW two months before they closed their doors. And all I was left with is a case of the “what ifs”.
Underestimating me will be your biggest mistake.
And I'm going to make you own up to it.
Well howdy there pardner.