Post by cooltubesource on Jan 11, 2020 19:15:35 GMT -5
Hello, dear friends. And family. And people like Destroyer. And that shitty loser group of weirdos who think that they can make an impact murdering Pierce. And
Ya know what. Let me start over.
So, it's 2020, right? 2019 ended the way literally everyone smarter than a slug (aka: NOT Kate Steel) would figure it would end: With the year being known as the Rise of the Cool Kids. As the year in which my family, the House of Lacklan, DOMINATED every aspect of this business. As the year that I and my compatriots FORCED the aged Coalition to push past it's obsession with what people did fifteen years ago in feds long dead. As the year that the Coalition finally accepted the reality that wrestling had changed, that professional fighting had changed, that the WORLD had changed.
And 2020 will be the year that the Coalition realizes its ROLE in this world.
I stand not just before you all as your World Champion, but I stand above you as THE World Champion. I stand resolute in what God wants of us as people and warriors, as His children who have been raised out of darkness, with my championship being the Bishop's silver to your Valjean's soul. And, yes, I expect, like, three of you to fully grasp that reference and infer how deep and accurate it is, but that is a big chunk of why I am the World Champion, a big chunk about how I set the record for consecutive wins within the Coalition at twelve, a big chunk of why I am, as I have always said I would be, the very FACE of this company's salvation.
And yes, I said 'salvation,' because that IS what I am to you all. I AM the Path to the Light. I AM the way to greatness. I AM the way to-
"ARE YOU MONOLOGUING IN THERE, AGAIN?!"
Sarah Grey-Lacklan's eyes widen as she looks into the mirror. The albino's skin carries a slight redness to it, as if she had been left out in the dreaded sun without her prescription strength sunblock, and her odd eyes shine with a tinge of worry.
"...no?"
A deep and resigned sigh comes to her, muted by the door behind her.
"Come ON, babe! We're going to be late for the Dance Contest!"
"Be right out!"
Sarah smiles at her reflection in the mirror, despite her burnt skin. Once again dressed in the new green dress she wore the other day when the cruise ship took off...which Kenzi rolled her eyes at repeatedly for her being "over-dressed"...she was very happy with her preparations for the contest. This particular dress, inspired by her second favorite Disney Princess, Rapunzel, had taken a team of Lacklanlander tailors over one hundred hours to complete, and she was going to get her fill of it. The shoulders were delightfully puffy, her cleavage looked amazing (and Kenzi's eyes unconsciously diving into it whenever she saw her made her smile smugly), and the train hung to the very bottom of her heels. It was a dress truly befitting the World Champion.
Sarah stands even straighter as that thought fills her. She was the UGWC World Champion, and had been since Outlast. She had designed a plan to win the tournament and, though it had been somewhat maligned by Johnny Bonecrusher, she had ultimately succeeded. And while she had been annoyed by her step-mother taking that opportunity to be...well...her...as part of that evening, she had been able to put a stamp on the validation of her ability to defeat Roxy Cotton at Battleground, and then earned a measure of vengeance against Johnny by defending her championship against him at Horizons. Not every moment had been perfect during her reign...she had gone down a VERY dark path for a few weeks while Kenzi was dealing with her own issues...but she was, without doubt, deserved of all that she had.
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!
Sarah jumps as the door behind her bangs several times. She growls and turns on her heels, pausing a moment to push away the dizziness caused by her thick contacts, and then opens the door. Her breath catches as she sees her wife and partner, Kenzi Grey-Lacklan, with her arm raised and ready to slam on the door again. Dark of skin with a hint of caramel, Kenzi's physical difference from her had always had a tantalizing effect, and her face was fiery with firmness. Her microbraids, which Sarah had just that day unbraided and rebraided in one of their rituals of intimacy, hung loosely around her shoulders, and she was sure she could see one of Lael's legs sticking out. Kenzi's own attire was decidedly muted in comparison to hers...Kenzi had plenty of taste but was nowhere NEAR the fashionista her New Englander wife was...in the form of her trusted Simple Black Dress and heels to keep her eyes level with Sarah's. Those dark eyes momentarily lower themselves to Sarah's chest...which, indeed, does make the World Champion again smile smugly...but they flash back up to her.
"Let's GO! Do you want to win this thing, or not?"
Sarah giggles as Kenzi takes her hand and pulls her away from the bathroom of their suite. Of COURSE she wanted to win. She ALWAYS wanted to win!
Monday
January 6, 2020
All Kenzi had wanted for Christmas was peace between the #CoolKids. 2019 had been a rough one for the group, in spite of having one of the greatest seasons of any faction in recent memory. All of them had become multi-time champions…some of those reigns coming at the expense of other stable members, but championships didn’t recognize friendship, or even family. Revelations about Angie Vaughn’s true parentage had led to dissension and a match for the World Championship between Sarah and Roxy had left them both at odds as the group sped towards the New Year. Rumors of the group’s ultimate demise was running rampant through the industry and no one took more umbrage than Kenzi. Family meant the world to her…even more than the pursuit of championships and wrestling accolades…or at least that is what she told herself.
When Sarah had asked Kenzi what she wanted, the obvious answer would have been peace, but Kenzi was crafty and she asked for a cruise. She knew that Sarah would jump at the chance, especially seeing as she had proposed to Kenzi on one. Sarah was no doubt more than ready to relive many a magical moment between the two from that week, but Kenzi wasn’t done…she wanted Angie and Roxy to come along. Angie, who was just as eager to patch things up as Kenzi was, quickly agreed.
That was one down, but she knew that getting Sarah to set aside her animosity toward Roxy would be far more difficult. Sarah had been at Roxy’s throat from the moment she had become number 1 contender to her World Title. The war of words had been vicious, but the match had been even more violent. Honestly, Kenzi didn’t understand it. She knew that Sarah wanted that title…no, she needed that title, but the vile things she had said to and about Kenzi’s best friend had really hurt her. Now that the matches between the two were finally done, she had hoped that Sarah would find a way to move past her irrational anger.
However, much to her chagrin, Sarah had been the least of her worries. Her wife hadn’t been the one to nix the trip…it was Roxy, firing off a tweet that made it plain to see that she didn’t care about Kenzi’s efforts to restore the #CoolKids…and she didn’t care about her #SisterInClarity. Clearly, the loss of the World Title had fractured things, not only between her and Sarah, but between Roxy and everyone else. No amount of coaxing from Kenzi could get her to change her mind, and frankly, Kenzi had become tired of trying.
Kenzi had all but dismissed the idea of the cruise as well after that…content to stay home and do nothing. Fortunately, it was Sarah that had taken things to heart and pushed the issue of making her wife’s Christmas wish come true. The ship was booked and the Lacklans were on their way to a week of painstakingly organized fun and excitement.
The sea air was cold coming off the water as Kenzi, Sarah and Angie made their way up the gangway to the massive ship. Sarah and Angie were all smiles, but Kenzi seemed much less enthused. Sarah held on tight to her wife’s hand, pulling her close.
“Beloved I hope you’ll find a reason to put a smile on that face this week! I’ve spared no expense making sure that this cruise is the most fun that you can possibly have with all your clothes on! So, cheer the fuck up!”
Kenzi gave her a big fake smile, but not much more after that.
“I’m fine…everything is fine.”
When Kenzi attempted to continue up the gangway, Sarah stopped her. Years of marriage had taught her that ‘I’m fine’ meant the exact opposite coming from Kenzi. She pinned her caramel skinned wife with her red hued gaze.
“Beloved! I know better than that! What’s wrong? It’s Roxy isn’t it?! That useless whor-“
Sarah didn’t finish her sentence, as the look on Kenzi’s face made it apparent that she didn’t want to hear anymore negativity. Sarah relented, putting up her hands in mocking surrender. Kenzi turned and started to head towards the boat, but a car horn honking loudly as it pulled through the crowd of people all waiting to board got their attention. The three women turned and watched as Vinnie Lane got out of the car and started pulling out bag after bag. Roxy got out of the passenger side and watched her fiancé struggle with enough luggage for half the ship’s complement. Kenzi brightened, looking at Angie and then at Sarah.
“SHE CAME! I KNEW SHE WOULDN’T LET ME DOWN!”
Angie put her arm around Kenzi’s shoulder as the tall #CoolKid leaned down.
“No way I was letting her pass on this trip, Sis! I talked some sense into her and got her to come.”
Kenzi’s demeanor cooled dramatically as Angie’s words illustrated the true catalyst for Roxy’s surprise appearance. Kenzi had talked to Roxy until she was blue in the face, but Roxy had repeatedly refused to listen to her. Apparently, Angie’s word carried much more weight with the ‘Peroxide Princess.’ She didn't say a word, but the look on her face spoke volumes. Roxy directed Vinnie to drop off her bags, then gave him a hug and kiss…one of her legs rising up behind her as he lifted her off the ground and spun her around.
Angie clasped her hands to her chest as she watched the spectacle with literal hearts in her eyes. Roxy made her way up the gangway, hardly giving Sarah more than a sideways glance, as she greeted Angie and Kenzi.
“I really hope they have White Claw onboard! Did you guys check? I’m not going if they just have that swill you bitches always drink!”
Kenzi stood there, staring at her, then turned around and walked onto the ship, not bothering to acknowledge Roxy. The remaining three #CoolKids stood there, all looking at one another before Roxy spoke up again.
“Wow! The bitch invited me and she can’t even speak when I show up?”
“It’s not too late for you to fly out of here on your fucking broomstick!”
“I knew this was a bad idea.”
Roxy turned to leave, but Angie grabbed her arm and stopped her, literally pulling her back up the ramp as Sarah rolled her eyes and pushed past them, looking to catch up to her wife. A few deep breaths later, and the two tall blondes followed the diminutive pair and moved through the process of checking in and being situated.
Kenzi had been in a foul mood, avoiding Roxy at every turn and making up reasons not to join in whenever she was there. Her piss poor demeanor was starting to take its toll on everyone…which was exactly what this trip was supposed to be about fixing. She was quickly becoming the problem now.
Eventually, the four women sat on the open-air deck enjoying a sumptuous breakfast as the ship pulled out of the port. While Sarah and Angie seemed to be getting along much better, the tension between the #SistersInClarity was so thick that it could only be cut with a knife…or a very sharp tongue.
“Kenzi, could you please pass the non-GMO butter substitute?”
Kenzi absently grabbed a butter packet and tossed it across the table, nearly landing in her morning mimosa. Roxy’s mouth fell open as she glared at Kenzi.
“OMG! WHAT’S YOUR FUCKING DAMAGE KEN?!”
“ME?! SO, I’M THE FUCKING PROBLEM NOW?!”
Angie started to get between them, but Sarah put her hand on her sister’s leg and gave it a gentle squeeze. She wanted the pair to work through their issues…assuming they could.
“You asked me to come on Sarah’s dumb Noah’s Ark wet dream, but when I show up you’re being a total bitch! I could have stayed home with Vinnie, but I decided to be magnanimous and make your shitty trip better!”
Kenzi’s glare could have cracked a glacier in two. “To make MY shitty trip better? No! The way I hear it, you didn’t decide to be magnanimous until Angie invited you, so ask her for your fucking stupid non-GMO butter! NO! Ask her to bust her ass tag teaming with you to win titles and tournaments! NO! Ask her to stand up for you and get punched in the vagina really fucking hard for it! NO! Ask her to get turned into a goddamn baby with you by a buck tooth, cross eyed, voodoo queen! Obviously, what she wants means way more to you than me!”
“Well, maybe you need to find that voodoo lady because it’s pretty clear that you’re still functioning like a damn four-year old bb! Not everything is about you Kenz!”
Kenzi blinked in utter confusion. “WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!”
Roxy narrowed her eyes at Kenzi. “You’ve been pissy over my relationship with Angie every since I handed you a chance to win the World Title from her and you shit the bed! It’s not MY fault that you’re not the center of attention! Hell, I gave you the Chaos Title, isn’t that worth something?!”
Kenzi was on her feet in a flash as things started to quickly escalate. “GAVE ME?! YOU DIDN’T GIVE ME ANYTHING! I EARNED THAT TITLE! That’s why I ended 2019 as a champion and I started 2020 as one!” Kenzi narrowed her eyes at Roxy, “I’m not the jealous one around here…that’s all YOU!”
Roxy sat back and sipped her drink. “Angie…hopefully that Lacklan attitude is sexually transmitted, so you’ll never turn out like the two of them!”
“PARDON?!”
Roxy ignored Sarah, “Seriously, if either of you get pinned on Monday and have to eat a little crow, we might have to call in a fucking shrink!”
Kenzi’s anger quickly bubbled over, “Excuse me?! You’ve been a 100% Grade A BITCH since losing your precious World Title! Everyone who hates us in the Coalition was so damn quick to call you a one and done…say you were a flash in the pan…”
“Don’t forget vapid and useless Beloved!”
“AT LEAST I WAS A WORLD CHAMPION…like everyone sitting at this table.” She looked at Kenzi, who was still standing. She looked away as she sipped her drink. “…oops…”
Sarah started to get up, but Kenzi put her hand on her wife’s shoulder to keep her in her seat. Kenzi nodded her head. “You’re right…I haven’t been World Champion…and I also haven’t been a goddamn asshole about it either.” Kenzi finished her earlier thought, “Like I was saying…when everyone was calling you a one hit wonder…vapid and useless…I was the one who reminded them that you had done something that none of them had ever done…now…something none of them ever will do! I didn’t say those things because I was a Cool Kid…I said those things because they were true…of the vapid, useless, cunt I thought was my friend!”
As Kenzi stomped off, Angie called out to her, “Kenz…” but she ignored her.
Sarah narrowed her gaze on Roxy, obviously upset as well. “I don’t know what she saw in you…but I’m glad she doesn’t see it anymore!”
Sarah ran off to catch Kenzi, and Angie shook her head and sighed.
“I know bb…lesbians are always so dramatic.” She looked at Angie, “Do you know if they even have non-GMO butter substitute on this damn slave ship?”
Tuesday
January 7, 2020
"As you'll see, you have all of your character sheets filled out for you in the folder."
Sarah beams behind her Game Master screen at some of the closest people in her life...yes, even her wife's friend "Ms Vapid and Useless." MUCH of their cruise, which they were on the second day of ALREADY, had been planned and organized by the World's Champion, which was only proper, of course. Organized Fun was the BEST fun, after all! And who BETTER to organize their fun than her?! This was Kenzi's Christmas gift, one of the many, extremely personal, gifts she had given, and perhaps the most important. The insane lovemaking session with the FIRST gift was one thing, and quitting her vaping habits completely was still yet another, but THIS was the most important and difficult.
Fixing the Cool Kids.
Fixing the group that SHE had broken.
"Beloved, you will see that you are an Earth Pony with high Body stats, and-"
She was nowhere near admitting it, but she fully understood that SHE had been the majority of the problem the last few months. Yes yes, she and Roxy had NEVER gotten along in any real sense...they were too similar in some ways...but the way her ambition had taken over when it came to both winning and keeping the World Championship had made her quite ugly. She was used to being ugly in that regard...it had always been “Oh hey! Kenzi’s here! And...sigh...so is her bitch wife…” when it came to her interactions with people...and was even WORSE before they had met, though there seemed to be few people in the business lately who knew Sarah before she turned pro...but the last few months had made for a very ugly Sarah Selena Grey-Lacklan. She had pushed away every bit of “Good” that was in Roxy...the little bit there was, to be honest...and pulled out every bit of the “Evil” and made that the forefront. She carried the narrative of “Evil Bitch Roxy” to high into the air that the world could see little else.
"Sister, you will see that you are a Pegasi with a maxed out Charm...yes, you can fly...and-"
Ugh. Her reaction to Angie had NOT gone well. But! Oh BUT! It was NOT wholly her fault! Yes yes, she could have NOT tried to cause her sister brain damage with several kicks to her head via stiletto heels, but the entire NIGHT was set up to be that way! SIXTEEN MONTHS! A Lacklan...regardless of her “Vaughn” stage name...did NOT keep something THAT massive from someone for THAT long without a MAJOR design or plan! She was CERTAIN that Angie’s “non-spouse BFF” status was just a ruse to STEAL her life from her, the life SHE didn’t get to have and WANTED.
That was, after all, something that Sarah herself might have done had the positions been reversed. Maybe. Probably. Okay, most definitely. SHE would have ripped Kenzi out of the bleeding, dying, smoking hands of her rival. Hell, she DID! So it made PERFECT SENSE to try to maim her competitor!
But then
Sigh
Christmas.
Christmas was at “home,” at the compound in Bangor. Ava was there, of course, though Sidney was “sick” and couldn’t make it...though she likely just couldn’t “make it” out of the bottom of a bottle of gin...as well as the Grey-Lacklans. But so were the Vaughns. Initially, Sarah had asked Angie to join them, mostly at the request of Kenzi, but it turned out Ava had already invited them. ALL of the family...minus their brother, of course, though the less she thought about THAT hot mess, the better...and it...well…
It turned out to be wonderful.
Kenzi had always insisted that Sarah was wrong about Angie. Angie herself had told her, over and again when she asked, that she hadn’t known until last year. Angie had, indeed, looked Sarah straight in the eye...after bending over to get to her height, of course...and PROMISED her, AGAIN AND AGAIN, that she did NOT know, and didn’t tell her because she just didn’t know what to do. Sarah wanted to trust her, to believe her, to have her (non-spouse) best friend back, but she couldn’t trust her. She had to speak to the one person alive who would know the truth.
Mary.
"Roxy, you're picking up the magic in this game, okay? You're a Unicorn with extra Mind, and-"
THAT conversation had been ROUGH. Lots of crying, and screaming, and yelling, and tears, and the desire to rip out her tonsils for STEALING HER BABY SISTER…
…….
……
“Now, everyone has traits that they can use, and-”
Sarah wasn’t positive...though pretty sure...that some part of Ms. Vaughn was still the 20-Something sister-wife that was deeply in love with her father...but was positive that she held little of that love for “The Demon Child.” But...the important part...she could trust Angie.
She had a sister.
“...I hate this game…”
Sarah narrows her eyes at the barely-there attempt from Roxy to mumble her complaint. She said the SAME THING about playing Dungeons & Dragons a couple of years ago as a team-building exercise, and she was GREAT as bb the Barbarian! She should do just as well as Sprinkledink, House Wizard of the great Unicornia tribe! Sarah had made all of the characters for them...and filled out all their paths, quirks, tendencies, and skills...and detailed character progression paths into Epic after attaining 10th Level...to go along with the 60-ish pages of world building and backstory that was conveniently supplied to them in their folders...so she KNEW that they were going to have a blast!
“OW!”
Roxy’s mock whisper was followed up by that yelp of pain, and Sarah’s eyes turn to Kenzi, no doubt the source of the under-the-table kick, but she looked as confused as she herself felt. Angie, on the other hand, had a plain face that told the tale of the kick.
“This is obvs already fun, Rox! And its abs to be even MORE, right Sar-Sar?”
Sarah gives her sister an enthusiastic nod before opening her hands wide and breaking into the intensely-detailed backstory.
“In the far-away land of Equestia, there is an evil witch queen named Pompedilous Fink, and she-
~~Six Hours of “fun” Later~~
Sarah smiles as she looks over the remnants of their gaming session. My Little Pony: Tales of Equestia was a simple game, but it was fun and silly, and reminded her of when she first watched the cartoon when she was twelve. Not only was Twilight Sparkle her spirit animal, she even (somewhat) named her future blog after her! And this revisit to that carefree silliness was fun, even IF the “team” wasn’t exactly 100%.
Sarah looks down at her lap, where the sleeping head of Kenzi lays, and smiles wider. That tiny line of drool that often seeped from a sleeping Kenzi’s mouth...which Kenzi vehemently, and incorrectly, denied was an occurrence...shined in the soft light of their suite. Sarah’s hands get lost in the mass of braids, giving them a slight tug of love and comfort, and she then looks back up. Roxy had left as soon as the game had finished...she HAD done well, as Sarah knew she would...and gone to her own...much smaller...room elsewhere on the cruise ship. Things were still pretty tense after the blowup at breakfast in the morning, and while they had been better, it would be a time until they were smooth again.
“zzzzz...bad Ser Bobbi! You know better!”
A sleeping Angie mumbled to a naughty cat...no doubt trying to hit on her precious Lil’ Has, again...and Sarah knew she needed to get Angie back to her own room, too. Sarah had...plans...for the G-Ls in the morning before Kenzi went back to work in the business section of the ship, and her sister sleeping the night away in their suite wasn’t going help that. Sarah gently moves Kenzi to the side before getting to her feet and pulling Angie to hers.
“...c’mon, you giantess cockblocker...lets go…”
Angie snorts awake, the Lacklanlander Blue eyes filled with the haze of too much to drink...as usual...and she smiles down at her much shorter older sister.
“S...su...sure, Sis…”
She smiles wider at that proclamation and Sarah gives her one of her patented Massive Eyerolls of Doom before pulling her towards the door.
“Lets go, 5 Foot Eleven, before you hit six feet!”
Sarah drags Angie out through the door and down the hall, passing two doors before coming to a stop before Angie’s. Angie fumbles with her room key and Sarah rolls her eyes again before taking it from her and unlocking the door.
“You going to be okay on Monday?”
“W...what do you mean?”
“Well, you ARE facing the Cross-Hemisphere Champ...AND the guy that beat you for it...so I know how hard that can be. That’s a big match right out the gate, ya know?”
Angie’s hand pushing the door shut just as Sarah opens it, and she looks down at her older sister.
“...wut?”
Sarah rolls her eyes again.
“Oh, my alcoholic-”
“...functioning…”
“-sister...SEB! You’re facing the Sebmeister on Monday!”
Angie’s cheeks redden, which Sarah assumes is just more of that appletini blush, but her eyes seem to clear off their haze.
“Yes...but he’s not the Cross-Hemi Champ, Sar.”
Sarah rolls her eyes yet again.
“Yes yes, British Heavyweight Whatever Champ. Listen, speaking as a Cross-Hemisphere Champion Expert, I can say that-”
“Sar-Sar...Phrixy is the Cross-Hemi Champ.”
Sarah’s jaw opens but no words come out for a moment. She blinks a few times.
“wut”
“Abs! Phrixy won their Fatal Fourway Thingie at Horizons.”
Sarah’s eyes go wide.
“Now way!”
“Abs way!”
“Why don’t I know that?!”
Angie shrugs.
“Well...you had your own match to worry about...and then you came to see me right after...you know, when you said MMPH”
Sarah’s hands press into Angie’s lips and silence her. Angie’s eyes widen in question and Sarah narrows hers.
“...that’s a flashback for a later date, Sister…”
Angie’s eyes fill with understanding and she winks. Sarah removes her hands and then immediately spins on her heels and begins throwing her arms around as she begins a short and stomping pace.
“NOW this match makes SENSE!!
One of Angie’s eyebrows raise in question, but she knows better than to interrupt Sarah when she’s in Angry Pace Mode.
“This whole WEEK I have been wondering what the FUCK this match was all about! Look, I have ZERO idea who our revolving Creative Director is going to be this year...which is something I abs SHOULD have been told about, since I am the World’s Heavyweight Champion, in case you didn’t know-”
Yes, Angie knew.
“-but he and/or she booked the WEIRDEST match! Like, obvs, I GET that my Beloved and I are in the first Main Event of the year...kinda cool when I think about how my Beloved is actually your sis-in-law…”
It was #CoolBeans.
“...since we ARE two thirds of the current singles champions, ya know? And, as I will be reminding everyone many MANY times throughout the year, our family spent the vast majority as some kind of UGWC champion last year-”
Pretty #CoolBeans how “family” now included her, too!
“-it makes COMPLETE sense to feature us as much as possible? But...Phrixy? Why? Why take this decrepit old man...yes, I know he’s not THAT old, but, I mean, c’mon, ya know...and put him with the G-Ls? I mean, sure, the dude being booked on the first Synergy of the year is basically a Must Happen at this stage...he’s only missed out on one...but the dude NEVER wins! Okay, technically that’s not true. He has won ONE of those first Synergy of the Year matches. One and Eight, Bay-Bay! But! BUT! The fact that he’s got his Precious again makes WAY more sense! All of the singles champs on one side!”
She stops suddenly and puts a finger to her chin, the dimples on her cheeks popping as she ponders.
“Hmmm. I wonder if our soon-to-be-named Creative Director just wants Phrixy to pick up his very first main event win in this first Synergy of the year scenario? Putting him with a team who has held tag gold in three different companies would certainly help. AND THAT MAKES SENSE WITH SLOANE!”
She bursts back into her pacing.
“I could NOT figure out why Sloane was booked in this match! See, during the break, I suggested to her that she should do a couple of things, right? Spread her wings a bit, like all of us have, and head over to a place like Carnage for some flavor, AND get involved with the Cross-Hemisphere title. So when I saw that YOU were booked against Sebastian Everette-Bryce-”
“The Third!”
“-and when she was NOT, I was all kinds of confuzzled. Because, yeah, YOU being in that picture makes a lot of sense, too, since you’re such a recent champ and all, but why wasn’t it some kind of triple threat? But now...BLAM! I get it! Dave’s here because of me, Pierce is here because of my Beloved, and Sloane is here because of the C-H Champ!”
She stops immediately after her latest spin.
“Interesting new rules, yes? A callback to the olden days of our sport, back when even our father, He is Risen, was young. Back to when a challenger could leap up the ladder by putting the champion’s shoulders down for three seconds. Why, if THAT had been the case within the company before, our entire family would have dominated in 2018, as well! Hell, my Beloved pinned literally every champ there was to pin! And now Sloane gets her chance to make herself VERY relevant right out the proverbial gate. Because that chance certainly doesn’t apply to her teammates.”
She begins stalking again, her thick heels slamming loudly in the halls of the ship.
“Travis Pierce is much akin to Phrixy, as you know. He’s also been there for 90% of the ‘First’ Synergies...though has won far more of them than Phri-Dei...but a looksie at some of those opponents makes me roll my eyes harder than that time Kate paid Kenzi a ton of money to put her over in her debut promotional video. T-Pie has always been someone who is there to fill out the card, and perhaps give rookies some wins, with occasional bouts of equal parts luck and surprising skill.”
“...that’s my Pierce…”
“Hmm?”
“Nothing!”
“Now, I KNOW that there have been people who have been ready to jump to his defense, like Jet and even Eden, but I will NOT suffer who he IS because they only remember who he WAS. Sure, Travipoo has won plenty of titles in the past, and YES I KNOW that he came up with the idea for MY WrestleStock Cup, but he forever remains better as a concept than a reality. Hell, his entire media company is something which is only good in small doses...very, VERY small doses...where he can quip or quibble for a moment and then go POOF! like a graduate of the Covert Jay School of Ninjitutsu. Because ANY time he has to make ANY kind of extended or elongated appearance, ANY time he has to succeed for more than a few seconds, he falters and falls faster than a Roxy Cotton World Title run.”
“....rude….”
“And that is the legacy of Travis Pierce, Sister. A man with middling skill who has been able to make a name for himself not through ability, and not even through longevity, but through an ability to ingratiate himself with people far above his level who allow him to take in the occasional scrap like a diseased dog who has found enough pity to not be put to sleep. But those greater masters, blessed they may have been for giving a mangy Pierce the scraps of their table, are long gone. Jet has become the epitome of the champion who finds himself wrestling too long after his body has given way, and embarrasses himself whenever he tries to embrace his days of glory. Eden sits at the Creator’s side with our father, He is Risen. And not one other man, woman, or child is left within the Coalition’s audience who bothers to put up with his momentary brilliance awash in his sea of sub-mediocrity. Hell, people probably won’t even NOTICE that the Piercing Media Network no longer has distribution rights for UGWC content! No one will even NOTICE that it will be Circle Television distribution the image of me taking that pound of flesh from Rydell in a few weeks!”
She comes to a stop after another spin, her eyes are flaming with fury, and her voice carrying far too loud in the quiet hallway.
“HIS place in this match was NEVER a question. HIS place in this match is to get Round One of his asskicking!”
Her stomps as she paces again fill the hallway like cracks of thunder in a ravine.
“Make no mistake: Dave has EARNED this asskicking! He has EARNED the Mark of Cain! If there ever was a man who has earned ANYTHING in his life, it is HIM!”
She splays open her hand and counts off her fingers.
“First, he tries to rip you away from us when you became Cooperative Champions...you’re welcome for that, bee-tee-dubs...all the while proclaiming that WE were the problem! Excuse me! My (non-spouse) BFF has this gross old man leering at her bony butt-”
“...its not that bony…”
“-and salivating over it like a Kemopotumus at the local Golden Corral-”
“...not ALL of us put all of their weight in their booty, Sis…”
“-and THEN making a move on your MOM-”
“...just jealous that some of us kept growing after the age of nine…”
“-and then leaving HER when things got rough? Hell, that dude’s entire LIFE is rough! He attacks YOU because YOU are somehow the bad guy in all of this? Because YOU were some vicious, evil, conniving whore who just didn’t listen to him? Bitch, PLEASE! YOU were the ONLY one who has given him and his repetitive shoots from that same dumb bar ANY weight, at ALL! YOU were the ONLY ONE to give a DAMN about him in YEARS! How fucking deluded is he? And then Horizons?!”
She rushes forward suddenly and Angie freezes, caught off guard by the quick movement while she was wrapped up in her musing about their body differences. Sarah’s eyes blaze as she cranes her neck and looks upward.
“He sealed his fate, Sister.”
She reaches up and places a hand on Angie’s head, her lithe fingers gently touching the golden hair.
“He sealed his-”
Around them, the air seems to shimmer with sparkling waves.
“NO!”
Her eyes go wide and her voice fills with authoritative force.
“I said NO flashbacks! Not until its time!”
The air submits and the shining waves retreat. For now. She gives the insubordinate Horizons flashback a stern nod before returning to Angie.
“Dave Rydell has EARNED what is going to happen to him over the next few weeks. He has EARNED every moment of our time in the ring together. Over and again, his comments about my insipidness...though I doubt he is smart enough to be as concise as to use that word...have reached the ears of the company. An utter fool who has fallen for every social trap I have laid. My vlogging days may be well behind me, but their effect is still strong. Dave Rydell walks into Horizons with his eyes on his first World Championship, but he will fall because they are not where they are supposed to be: On ME. And it starts on Monday when I get to kick him in the head over and over again.”
She backs away from Angie and holds her head high.
“Whereas Travis Pierce is the epitome of the man in this business who has shocking moments of success in a career of failure, Dave Rydell is the poster boy for the ‘Could Have Been.’ He has been chasing my championship his entire time in the Coalition, and his time goes back to the beginning as Fusion. His career is one of starts and stutters, of stops without a finish. He goes on a run, enjoys the hope of possibility, and then sends it into the trash by reverting back to the undercard lackey he is at his core. He has EARNED the right to challenge me at Infinity, has EARNED the right to be featured the next few weeks. But he has also EARNED the right to be tied to the stock for both whipping and laughing. He has EARNED the right to FAIL.”
Sarah breathes out deeply and reaches into her pocket. She pulls out a round silver watch on a chain and grimaces at what she sees.
“Far past bedtime. Sleep well, Sister.”
Thursday
January 9, 2020
Kenzi leaned against the railing near the bow of the ship as the breeze from the ocean blew cool against her skin. It countered the burning fury within her after her blow up with Roxy the other morning. It had been a couple of days, but she still felt the way she felt. She knew that she had been in the wrong for being jealous and hurt over her friend blowing off her invitation, then accepting Angie’s…but she couldn’t help the way she felt. She had always worn her emotions on her sleeve, and she suspected she always would, no matter how hard she tried. Just like with her wife’s lovefest with HER Cutie, Sloane Taylor.
While ‘The Sky Queen’ had been absolved of the attacks against her last year following WrestleStock and the two had seemingly made peace…there was always an undercurrent of aggression from Kenzi towards her. Some of that was history, but more than a little was jealousy on her part. Sarah’s infatuation with the pink haired call-girl was a source of irritation that had just not yet bubbled over like it had with Roxy and Angie…yet. Monday night would be an entirely different matter when she found herself standing across the ring from the woman that cut short her amazing Cooperative Title run with Donovan Hastings…only after she and Sebastian had been defeated, fair and square weeks prior.
It would be quite some time before Kenzi came to grips with the fact that The Coalition had taken a team that had been defeated and just handed them a do-over after she had suffered a heinous attack from said team. Winning the Chaos Title a week later had been cold comfort, but comfort all the same. Sebastian and Sloane’s loss of their titles at the end of the year had left them hungry for more opportunity…one that SEB had alluded to during one of their social interactions, but it was Sloane who now had the most direct path to that opportunity. The change in the UGWC rules that would have prevented Sloane and SEB from getting a ‘re-do’ last year, now put Sloane in the cat-bird’s seat for a title shot if she could manage to defeat any of the three titleholders on Monday night…and no matter how humble she was on Twitter, Kenzi knew she was licking her chops over the chance.
Phrixus Deimos was the Cross Hemisphere Champion and after Sloane’s go arounds with him and Rydell over the Cooperative Titles, Kenzi was sure that, given the chance, Sloane would gladly make him pay for every foul word he’d uttered by beating him and getting a future title match. That was a no-brainer, but Deimos was deceptive, crafty, and patient. Kenzi had destroyed him in spectacular fashion on her way to WrestleStock to deal with The Saviors and he had uttered not a word about it. Months later Deimos returned the favor in spades when he allied with Rydell and further damaged her knee, prompting her to get surgery.
Deimos wasn’t easy pickings by any stretch of the imagination and while Sloane or Travis Pierce would be more than happy to punch their ticket by defeating him, Kenzi knew that she was every bit of a target for them than he was…perhaps even more so. Rydell wouldn’t care about Deimos, that was his one ally among a sea of enemies. His focus would be on Kenzi’s wife. His ticket was already punched and his focus would be singular. He would do what he could to make his point in advance of their PPV match…just as he had done against Angie last year. If anything, he was the ace in the hole for the champions because he had nothing to lose, only a chance to improve his position, even at the expense of Sloane and Travis.
That left her…the wounded Chaos Champion. Travis was probably still left stinging over his defeat which now gave CTN control of the UGWC’s media footprint. He might have said that this was only a temporary setback, but it was pretty clear that he wasn’t one to rest on his laurels or take defeat lightly. Travis would be looking to get The PMN back into prime position to retake its place in the Coalition and that would mean giving CTN a black eye. Beating Deimos or Sarah would be great PR, but erasing a black mark would be even better. Kenzi would be fighting for her life in this match, whether anyone knew it or not. Someone who knew it very well was Sloane.
Sloane hadn’t outwardly said that she was gunning for anyone in particular, but that was just how she operated. Last year she spent weeks smiling in Kenzi’s face, just so she could spring a challenge on her and try to take her title. It was no secret that Kenzi had been responsible for leaving the WrestleStock winner with egg on her face after she squandered her title opportunity and had to be gifted a second and wholly undeserved one weeks later. Sloane still felt that sting and seeing Kenzi rebound with another title one week later while she and SEBIII ended the year empty handed wouldn’t be something that sat well with her. In spite of Sloane’s affable demeanor, Kenzi would never fully trust or like her.
Monday was yet another chance for Sloane to find a way to erase her colossal fuck up after WrestleStock. Would she happily go after Deimos or even Sarah? Yes, she was a liar and a sneak! But Kenzi knew that she was the one that Sloane wanted to get the leg up on…but Kenzi was going to be ready for that eventuality…in fact, she was going to welcome it!
Everyone saw her as the weak link of the Cool Kids, and Roxy’s hurtful words only reinforced it. No matter the success she had, it was never going to be anything until she set herself apart and realized the expectations of people like Alan Wallace, Donovan Hastings, and the current UGWC Champion…her wife, Sarah. Being part of the Cool Kids and being part of their over-all success didn’t set her apart, it only made her a target for ridicule and those who had ambition to take what she had. That is what Monday was all about…not showcasing the champions, but feeding them to those who were looking to supplant them…to supplant HER!
Just like Angie had supplanted her as Roxy’s ‘sister.’
It was funny how Kenzi had been on Angie’s side after learning of her true relation to her wife. She hadn’t liked that Angie had kept the secret, but she knew that Sarah needed that connection even more than she was willing to admit. Sarah’s violent reaction had shocked and frightened her…but now…she was starting to understand it when she saw that same fierce anger in herself with her own complex relationship with Roxy.
“Beloved?”
Kenzi put her head down in shame as she heard her wife’s voice and felt her hand on her shoulder. She knew that her outburst had been embarrassing and seemingly out of left field. She hated that her wife had to be there to witness that weakness in her character.
“I’m…sorry.” Kenzi’s voice was weak, but filled with sincerity.
Sarah pulled her wife into her as the pair leaned against the railing with the ocean moving past them in the night as the ship knifed its way towards its next stop. Sarah pressed her head against Kenzi. “I may never understand what you see in that woman…why her friendship is so important to you. She’s vile and nasty…not just to you, but to practically everyone. She has caused you to lose friendships, she has humiliated you over and over…but you always forgive her. Even after today…you’ll forgive her again. I hate and love that about you…even if I never understand it.”
Kenzi was silent for a moment, enjoying the closeness that made the hurt melt away. “I love Roxy…the real Roxy…the one before all of the Semi-Circles, Grand Slams, and World Championships. I mean, I know she is the same person…but ambition changes you…it changes everyone I guess. When you have something and someone comes along to steal it away, that makes you a bit crazy. I didn’t understand how you felt that way about Angie being your sister…but now…maybe I guess I do…”
“…Beloved…”
Kenzi pulled away and stopped her. “No…I get it. You think you understand things…you think you understand people, but you realize that they have wants and desires that might not be what you think or what you hope. I thought I understood my friendship with Roxy like you thought you understood yours with Angie. When you found out that it wasn’t what you thought, it hurt…and I guess I see that now with Roxy.”
More silence passed between them and Sarah struggled with the idea that she would tell Kenzi that she was right about Roxy, and she didn’t need her…but she knew better. “I’m going to say something…don’t stop me.” Sarah took a deep breath as she readied herself to bare her soul. “I know now that my actions after Angie was force to tell me her secret…was born of the fierceness of my love for her and the betrayal I perceived. Just like with you and Roxy…I see it. You sided with her at WrestleStock to protect her title when you should have been trying to take it. You left that match injured, and all you cared about was that your friend was happy…even at your expense. The entire Coalition railed against her when she defeated Angie and claimed every title…but you always sang her praises…and you always will.”
“…she doesn’t care…”
Sarah allowed a small chuckle to escape her. “I wish that were the case, that she would just turn her back and not care…but I can’t ignore the fact that there was never this strife before she became World Champion…and I became #1 contender. I *may* have been responsible for much of the issues between you two…” Sarah looked away. “…not the Angie part…that’s all you…”
Kenzi couldn’t deny it, that was all her. It always had been. She sighed, giving voice to her issues as well. “My relationship with Angie began with the thought that she was trying to steal you away from me. Now, that the two of you are related by blood…it’s a bond that I can never compete with, nor would I try. I just thought that my bond with Roxy was special like that as well…like she was my sister, you know?”
“She wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t…regardless of her vapid uselessness.” Sarah countered, though it pained her to do it. “Look at us…who would have thought it? Not me! Peas in a pod, two jealous bitches, angry over friendships and family that have never really left our sides. Maybe we do need a shrink…”
“…or maybe it is sexually transmitted…” Kenzi countered as she hugged her wife and whispered in her ear. “…wanna find out?”
Sarah leaned back, looking at her in shock. “You’re nothing but a nasty lesbian!” She stood there for a second, then a devious grin touched her lips as she grabbed her wife’s hand and pulled her away. “Let’s find out!”
In January of the year 2020, MOST of the world understands that Sarah Grey-Lacklan is an over-planner. The #CoolKidsCruise was not, in any way or form, special or different when it comes to the current World Champion's tendency to control the things and people around her. In fact, Sarah created an entire schedule days in advance for everyone to follow! This (and more!) was the extra special "organized fun" for everyone:
Want MORE of the #CoolKidsCruise content! Look NO FURTHER than YOUR favorite entertainment company...CIRCLE TV! You will find EXCLUSIVE #CoolKidsCruise content such as:
[li]Roxy secretly cuddling with Chewie![/li]
[li]Sarah losing her glasses and making a move on a mop she mistook for Kenzi![/li]
[li]The G-Ls winning the Dance Contest![/li]
[li]Angie getting INSANELY competitive during the Table Tennis Tournament and blasting a kid in the face as hard as possible with an ace ping pong serve![/li]
[li]Roxy hosting pole dancing class as part of her Flat Earth Society fundraiser![/li]
[li]Angie getting INSANELY competitive during a video game sesh and everyone not wanting to play any more after she made Sarah cry a lil bit with her smacktalk[/li]
[li]The farewells that were nowhere NEAR as touching and "coming together" as originally planned![/li]
[li]Sarah turning on Ninja Mode sending Sloane a postcard that you can see RIGHT HERE[/li]
[li]AND MORE![/li]
[/ul]
Ya know what. Let me start over.
So, it's 2020, right? 2019 ended the way literally everyone smarter than a slug (aka: NOT Kate Steel) would figure it would end: With the year being known as the Rise of the Cool Kids. As the year in which my family, the House of Lacklan, DOMINATED every aspect of this business. As the year that I and my compatriots FORCED the aged Coalition to push past it's obsession with what people did fifteen years ago in feds long dead. As the year that the Coalition finally accepted the reality that wrestling had changed, that professional fighting had changed, that the WORLD had changed.
And 2020 will be the year that the Coalition realizes its ROLE in this world.
I stand not just before you all as your World Champion, but I stand above you as THE World Champion. I stand resolute in what God wants of us as people and warriors, as His children who have been raised out of darkness, with my championship being the Bishop's silver to your Valjean's soul. And, yes, I expect, like, three of you to fully grasp that reference and infer how deep and accurate it is, but that is a big chunk of why I am the World Champion, a big chunk about how I set the record for consecutive wins within the Coalition at twelve, a big chunk of why I am, as I have always said I would be, the very FACE of this company's salvation.
And yes, I said 'salvation,' because that IS what I am to you all. I AM the Path to the Light. I AM the way to greatness. I AM the way to-
"ARE YOU MONOLOGUING IN THERE, AGAIN?!"
Sarah Grey-Lacklan's eyes widen as she looks into the mirror. The albino's skin carries a slight redness to it, as if she had been left out in the dreaded sun without her prescription strength sunblock, and her odd eyes shine with a tinge of worry.
"...no?"
A deep and resigned sigh comes to her, muted by the door behind her.
"Come ON, babe! We're going to be late for the Dance Contest!"
"Be right out!"
Sarah smiles at her reflection in the mirror, despite her burnt skin. Once again dressed in the new green dress she wore the other day when the cruise ship took off...which Kenzi rolled her eyes at repeatedly for her being "over-dressed"...she was very happy with her preparations for the contest. This particular dress, inspired by her second favorite Disney Princess, Rapunzel, had taken a team of Lacklanlander tailors over one hundred hours to complete, and she was going to get her fill of it. The shoulders were delightfully puffy, her cleavage looked amazing (and Kenzi's eyes unconsciously diving into it whenever she saw her made her smile smugly), and the train hung to the very bottom of her heels. It was a dress truly befitting the World Champion.
Sarah stands even straighter as that thought fills her. She was the UGWC World Champion, and had been since Outlast. She had designed a plan to win the tournament and, though it had been somewhat maligned by Johnny Bonecrusher, she had ultimately succeeded. And while she had been annoyed by her step-mother taking that opportunity to be...well...her...as part of that evening, she had been able to put a stamp on the validation of her ability to defeat Roxy Cotton at Battleground, and then earned a measure of vengeance against Johnny by defending her championship against him at Horizons. Not every moment had been perfect during her reign...she had gone down a VERY dark path for a few weeks while Kenzi was dealing with her own issues...but she was, without doubt, deserved of all that she had.
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!
Sarah jumps as the door behind her bangs several times. She growls and turns on her heels, pausing a moment to push away the dizziness caused by her thick contacts, and then opens the door. Her breath catches as she sees her wife and partner, Kenzi Grey-Lacklan, with her arm raised and ready to slam on the door again. Dark of skin with a hint of caramel, Kenzi's physical difference from her had always had a tantalizing effect, and her face was fiery with firmness. Her microbraids, which Sarah had just that day unbraided and rebraided in one of their rituals of intimacy, hung loosely around her shoulders, and she was sure she could see one of Lael's legs sticking out. Kenzi's own attire was decidedly muted in comparison to hers...Kenzi had plenty of taste but was nowhere NEAR the fashionista her New Englander wife was...in the form of her trusted Simple Black Dress and heels to keep her eyes level with Sarah's. Those dark eyes momentarily lower themselves to Sarah's chest...which, indeed, does make the World Champion again smile smugly...but they flash back up to her.
"Let's GO! Do you want to win this thing, or not?"
Sarah giggles as Kenzi takes her hand and pulls her away from the bathroom of their suite. Of COURSE she wanted to win. She ALWAYS wanted to win!
~Three Days Before~
Monday
January 6, 2020
All Kenzi had wanted for Christmas was peace between the #CoolKids. 2019 had been a rough one for the group, in spite of having one of the greatest seasons of any faction in recent memory. All of them had become multi-time champions…some of those reigns coming at the expense of other stable members, but championships didn’t recognize friendship, or even family. Revelations about Angie Vaughn’s true parentage had led to dissension and a match for the World Championship between Sarah and Roxy had left them both at odds as the group sped towards the New Year. Rumors of the group’s ultimate demise was running rampant through the industry and no one took more umbrage than Kenzi. Family meant the world to her…even more than the pursuit of championships and wrestling accolades…or at least that is what she told herself.
When Sarah had asked Kenzi what she wanted, the obvious answer would have been peace, but Kenzi was crafty and she asked for a cruise. She knew that Sarah would jump at the chance, especially seeing as she had proposed to Kenzi on one. Sarah was no doubt more than ready to relive many a magical moment between the two from that week, but Kenzi wasn’t done…she wanted Angie and Roxy to come along. Angie, who was just as eager to patch things up as Kenzi was, quickly agreed.
That was one down, but she knew that getting Sarah to set aside her animosity toward Roxy would be far more difficult. Sarah had been at Roxy’s throat from the moment she had become number 1 contender to her World Title. The war of words had been vicious, but the match had been even more violent. Honestly, Kenzi didn’t understand it. She knew that Sarah wanted that title…no, she needed that title, but the vile things she had said to and about Kenzi’s best friend had really hurt her. Now that the matches between the two were finally done, she had hoped that Sarah would find a way to move past her irrational anger.
However, much to her chagrin, Sarah had been the least of her worries. Her wife hadn’t been the one to nix the trip…it was Roxy, firing off a tweet that made it plain to see that she didn’t care about Kenzi’s efforts to restore the #CoolKids…and she didn’t care about her #SisterInClarity. Clearly, the loss of the World Title had fractured things, not only between her and Sarah, but between Roxy and everyone else. No amount of coaxing from Kenzi could get her to change her mind, and frankly, Kenzi had become tired of trying.
Kenzi had all but dismissed the idea of the cruise as well after that…content to stay home and do nothing. Fortunately, it was Sarah that had taken things to heart and pushed the issue of making her wife’s Christmas wish come true. The ship was booked and the Lacklans were on their way to a week of painstakingly organized fun and excitement.
The sea air was cold coming off the water as Kenzi, Sarah and Angie made their way up the gangway to the massive ship. Sarah and Angie were all smiles, but Kenzi seemed much less enthused. Sarah held on tight to her wife’s hand, pulling her close.
“Beloved I hope you’ll find a reason to put a smile on that face this week! I’ve spared no expense making sure that this cruise is the most fun that you can possibly have with all your clothes on! So, cheer the fuck up!”
Kenzi gave her a big fake smile, but not much more after that.
“I’m fine…everything is fine.”
When Kenzi attempted to continue up the gangway, Sarah stopped her. Years of marriage had taught her that ‘I’m fine’ meant the exact opposite coming from Kenzi. She pinned her caramel skinned wife with her red hued gaze.
“Beloved! I know better than that! What’s wrong? It’s Roxy isn’t it?! That useless whor-“
Sarah didn’t finish her sentence, as the look on Kenzi’s face made it apparent that she didn’t want to hear anymore negativity. Sarah relented, putting up her hands in mocking surrender. Kenzi turned and started to head towards the boat, but a car horn honking loudly as it pulled through the crowd of people all waiting to board got their attention. The three women turned and watched as Vinnie Lane got out of the car and started pulling out bag after bag. Roxy got out of the passenger side and watched her fiancé struggle with enough luggage for half the ship’s complement. Kenzi brightened, looking at Angie and then at Sarah.
“SHE CAME! I KNEW SHE WOULDN’T LET ME DOWN!”
Angie put her arm around Kenzi’s shoulder as the tall #CoolKid leaned down.
“No way I was letting her pass on this trip, Sis! I talked some sense into her and got her to come.”
Kenzi’s demeanor cooled dramatically as Angie’s words illustrated the true catalyst for Roxy’s surprise appearance. Kenzi had talked to Roxy until she was blue in the face, but Roxy had repeatedly refused to listen to her. Apparently, Angie’s word carried much more weight with the ‘Peroxide Princess.’ She didn't say a word, but the look on her face spoke volumes. Roxy directed Vinnie to drop off her bags, then gave him a hug and kiss…one of her legs rising up behind her as he lifted her off the ground and spun her around.
Angie clasped her hands to her chest as she watched the spectacle with literal hearts in her eyes. Roxy made her way up the gangway, hardly giving Sarah more than a sideways glance, as she greeted Angie and Kenzi.
“I really hope they have White Claw onboard! Did you guys check? I’m not going if they just have that swill you bitches always drink!”
Kenzi stood there, staring at her, then turned around and walked onto the ship, not bothering to acknowledge Roxy. The remaining three #CoolKids stood there, all looking at one another before Roxy spoke up again.
“Wow! The bitch invited me and she can’t even speak when I show up?”
“It’s not too late for you to fly out of here on your fucking broomstick!”
“I knew this was a bad idea.”
Roxy turned to leave, but Angie grabbed her arm and stopped her, literally pulling her back up the ramp as Sarah rolled her eyes and pushed past them, looking to catch up to her wife. A few deep breaths later, and the two tall blondes followed the diminutive pair and moved through the process of checking in and being situated.
Kenzi had been in a foul mood, avoiding Roxy at every turn and making up reasons not to join in whenever she was there. Her piss poor demeanor was starting to take its toll on everyone…which was exactly what this trip was supposed to be about fixing. She was quickly becoming the problem now.
Eventually, the four women sat on the open-air deck enjoying a sumptuous breakfast as the ship pulled out of the port. While Sarah and Angie seemed to be getting along much better, the tension between the #SistersInClarity was so thick that it could only be cut with a knife…or a very sharp tongue.
“Kenzi, could you please pass the non-GMO butter substitute?”
Kenzi absently grabbed a butter packet and tossed it across the table, nearly landing in her morning mimosa. Roxy’s mouth fell open as she glared at Kenzi.
“OMG! WHAT’S YOUR FUCKING DAMAGE KEN?!”
“ME?! SO, I’M THE FUCKING PROBLEM NOW?!”
Angie started to get between them, but Sarah put her hand on her sister’s leg and gave it a gentle squeeze. She wanted the pair to work through their issues…assuming they could.
“You asked me to come on Sarah’s dumb Noah’s Ark wet dream, but when I show up you’re being a total bitch! I could have stayed home with Vinnie, but I decided to be magnanimous and make your shitty trip better!”
Kenzi’s glare could have cracked a glacier in two. “To make MY shitty trip better? No! The way I hear it, you didn’t decide to be magnanimous until Angie invited you, so ask her for your fucking stupid non-GMO butter! NO! Ask her to bust her ass tag teaming with you to win titles and tournaments! NO! Ask her to stand up for you and get punched in the vagina really fucking hard for it! NO! Ask her to get turned into a goddamn baby with you by a buck tooth, cross eyed, voodoo queen! Obviously, what she wants means way more to you than me!”
“Well, maybe you need to find that voodoo lady because it’s pretty clear that you’re still functioning like a damn four-year old bb! Not everything is about you Kenz!”
Kenzi blinked in utter confusion. “WHAT IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!”
Roxy narrowed her eyes at Kenzi. “You’ve been pissy over my relationship with Angie every since I handed you a chance to win the World Title from her and you shit the bed! It’s not MY fault that you’re not the center of attention! Hell, I gave you the Chaos Title, isn’t that worth something?!”
Kenzi was on her feet in a flash as things started to quickly escalate. “GAVE ME?! YOU DIDN’T GIVE ME ANYTHING! I EARNED THAT TITLE! That’s why I ended 2019 as a champion and I started 2020 as one!” Kenzi narrowed her eyes at Roxy, “I’m not the jealous one around here…that’s all YOU!”
Roxy sat back and sipped her drink. “Angie…hopefully that Lacklan attitude is sexually transmitted, so you’ll never turn out like the two of them!”
“PARDON?!”
Roxy ignored Sarah, “Seriously, if either of you get pinned on Monday and have to eat a little crow, we might have to call in a fucking shrink!”
Kenzi’s anger quickly bubbled over, “Excuse me?! You’ve been a 100% Grade A BITCH since losing your precious World Title! Everyone who hates us in the Coalition was so damn quick to call you a one and done…say you were a flash in the pan…”
“Don’t forget vapid and useless Beloved!”
“AT LEAST I WAS A WORLD CHAMPION…like everyone sitting at this table.” She looked at Kenzi, who was still standing. She looked away as she sipped her drink. “…oops…”
Sarah started to get up, but Kenzi put her hand on her wife’s shoulder to keep her in her seat. Kenzi nodded her head. “You’re right…I haven’t been World Champion…and I also haven’t been a goddamn asshole about it either.” Kenzi finished her earlier thought, “Like I was saying…when everyone was calling you a one hit wonder…vapid and useless…I was the one who reminded them that you had done something that none of them had ever done…now…something none of them ever will do! I didn’t say those things because I was a Cool Kid…I said those things because they were true…of the vapid, useless, cunt I thought was my friend!”
As Kenzi stomped off, Angie called out to her, “Kenz…” but she ignored her.
Sarah narrowed her gaze on Roxy, obviously upset as well. “I don’t know what she saw in you…but I’m glad she doesn’t see it anymore!”
Sarah ran off to catch Kenzi, and Angie shook her head and sighed.
“I know bb…lesbians are always so dramatic.” She looked at Angie, “Do you know if they even have non-GMO butter substitute on this damn slave ship?”
* * * * * * * * * * *
Tuesday
January 7, 2020
"As you'll see, you have all of your character sheets filled out for you in the folder."
Sarah beams behind her Game Master screen at some of the closest people in her life...yes, even her wife's friend "Ms Vapid and Useless." MUCH of their cruise, which they were on the second day of ALREADY, had been planned and organized by the World's Champion, which was only proper, of course. Organized Fun was the BEST fun, after all! And who BETTER to organize their fun than her?! This was Kenzi's Christmas gift, one of the many, extremely personal, gifts she had given, and perhaps the most important. The insane lovemaking session with the FIRST gift was one thing, and quitting her vaping habits completely was still yet another, but THIS was the most important and difficult.
Fixing the Cool Kids.
Fixing the group that SHE had broken.
"Beloved, you will see that you are an Earth Pony with high Body stats, and-"
She was nowhere near admitting it, but she fully understood that SHE had been the majority of the problem the last few months. Yes yes, she and Roxy had NEVER gotten along in any real sense...they were too similar in some ways...but the way her ambition had taken over when it came to both winning and keeping the World Championship had made her quite ugly. She was used to being ugly in that regard...it had always been “Oh hey! Kenzi’s here! And...sigh...so is her bitch wife…” when it came to her interactions with people...and was even WORSE before they had met, though there seemed to be few people in the business lately who knew Sarah before she turned pro...but the last few months had made for a very ugly Sarah Selena Grey-Lacklan. She had pushed away every bit of “Good” that was in Roxy...the little bit there was, to be honest...and pulled out every bit of the “Evil” and made that the forefront. She carried the narrative of “Evil Bitch Roxy” to high into the air that the world could see little else.
"Sister, you will see that you are a Pegasi with a maxed out Charm...yes, you can fly...and-"
Ugh. Her reaction to Angie had NOT gone well. But! Oh BUT! It was NOT wholly her fault! Yes yes, she could have NOT tried to cause her sister brain damage with several kicks to her head via stiletto heels, but the entire NIGHT was set up to be that way! SIXTEEN MONTHS! A Lacklan...regardless of her “Vaughn” stage name...did NOT keep something THAT massive from someone for THAT long without a MAJOR design or plan! She was CERTAIN that Angie’s “non-spouse BFF” status was just a ruse to STEAL her life from her, the life SHE didn’t get to have and WANTED.
That was, after all, something that Sarah herself might have done had the positions been reversed. Maybe. Probably. Okay, most definitely. SHE would have ripped Kenzi out of the bleeding, dying, smoking hands of her rival. Hell, she DID! So it made PERFECT SENSE to try to maim her competitor!
But then
Sigh
Christmas.
Christmas was at “home,” at the compound in Bangor. Ava was there, of course, though Sidney was “sick” and couldn’t make it...though she likely just couldn’t “make it” out of the bottom of a bottle of gin...as well as the Grey-Lacklans. But so were the Vaughns. Initially, Sarah had asked Angie to join them, mostly at the request of Kenzi, but it turned out Ava had already invited them. ALL of the family...minus their brother, of course, though the less she thought about THAT hot mess, the better...and it...well…
It turned out to be wonderful.
Kenzi had always insisted that Sarah was wrong about Angie. Angie herself had told her, over and again when she asked, that she hadn’t known until last year. Angie had, indeed, looked Sarah straight in the eye...after bending over to get to her height, of course...and PROMISED her, AGAIN AND AGAIN, that she did NOT know, and didn’t tell her because she just didn’t know what to do. Sarah wanted to trust her, to believe her, to have her (non-spouse) best friend back, but she couldn’t trust her. She had to speak to the one person alive who would know the truth.
Mary.
"Roxy, you're picking up the magic in this game, okay? You're a Unicorn with extra Mind, and-"
THAT conversation had been ROUGH. Lots of crying, and screaming, and yelling, and tears, and the desire to rip out her tonsils for STEALING HER BABY SISTER…
…….
……
“Now, everyone has traits that they can use, and-”
Sarah wasn’t positive...though pretty sure...that some part of Ms. Vaughn was still the 20-Something sister-wife that was deeply in love with her father...but was positive that she held little of that love for “The Demon Child.” But...the important part...she could trust Angie.
She had a sister.
“...I hate this game…”
Sarah narrows her eyes at the barely-there attempt from Roxy to mumble her complaint. She said the SAME THING about playing Dungeons & Dragons a couple of years ago as a team-building exercise, and she was GREAT as bb the Barbarian! She should do just as well as Sprinkledink, House Wizard of the great Unicornia tribe! Sarah had made all of the characters for them...and filled out all their paths, quirks, tendencies, and skills...and detailed character progression paths into Epic after attaining 10th Level...to go along with the 60-ish pages of world building and backstory that was conveniently supplied to them in their folders...so she KNEW that they were going to have a blast!
“OW!”
Roxy’s mock whisper was followed up by that yelp of pain, and Sarah’s eyes turn to Kenzi, no doubt the source of the under-the-table kick, but she looked as confused as she herself felt. Angie, on the other hand, had a plain face that told the tale of the kick.
“This is obvs already fun, Rox! And its abs to be even MORE, right Sar-Sar?”
Sarah gives her sister an enthusiastic nod before opening her hands wide and breaking into the intensely-detailed backstory.
“In the far-away land of Equestia, there is an evil witch queen named Pompedilous Fink, and she-
~~Six Hours of “fun” Later~~
Sarah smiles as she looks over the remnants of their gaming session. My Little Pony: Tales of Equestia was a simple game, but it was fun and silly, and reminded her of when she first watched the cartoon when she was twelve. Not only was Twilight Sparkle her spirit animal, she even (somewhat) named her future blog after her! And this revisit to that carefree silliness was fun, even IF the “team” wasn’t exactly 100%.
Sarah looks down at her lap, where the sleeping head of Kenzi lays, and smiles wider. That tiny line of drool that often seeped from a sleeping Kenzi’s mouth...which Kenzi vehemently, and incorrectly, denied was an occurrence...shined in the soft light of their suite. Sarah’s hands get lost in the mass of braids, giving them a slight tug of love and comfort, and she then looks back up. Roxy had left as soon as the game had finished...she HAD done well, as Sarah knew she would...and gone to her own...much smaller...room elsewhere on the cruise ship. Things were still pretty tense after the blowup at breakfast in the morning, and while they had been better, it would be a time until they were smooth again.
“zzzzz...bad Ser Bobbi! You know better!”
A sleeping Angie mumbled to a naughty cat...no doubt trying to hit on her precious Lil’ Has, again...and Sarah knew she needed to get Angie back to her own room, too. Sarah had...plans...for the G-Ls in the morning before Kenzi went back to work in the business section of the ship, and her sister sleeping the night away in their suite wasn’t going help that. Sarah gently moves Kenzi to the side before getting to her feet and pulling Angie to hers.
“...c’mon, you giantess cockblocker...lets go…”
Angie snorts awake, the Lacklanlander Blue eyes filled with the haze of too much to drink...as usual...and she smiles down at her much shorter older sister.
“S...su...sure, Sis…”
She smiles wider at that proclamation and Sarah gives her one of her patented Massive Eyerolls of Doom before pulling her towards the door.
“Lets go, 5 Foot Eleven, before you hit six feet!”
Sarah drags Angie out through the door and down the hall, passing two doors before coming to a stop before Angie’s. Angie fumbles with her room key and Sarah rolls her eyes again before taking it from her and unlocking the door.
“You going to be okay on Monday?”
“W...what do you mean?”
“Well, you ARE facing the Cross-Hemisphere Champ...AND the guy that beat you for it...so I know how hard that can be. That’s a big match right out the gate, ya know?”
Angie’s hand pushing the door shut just as Sarah opens it, and she looks down at her older sister.
“...wut?”
Sarah rolls her eyes again.
“Oh, my alcoholic-”
“...functioning…”
“-sister...SEB! You’re facing the Sebmeister on Monday!”
Angie’s cheeks redden, which Sarah assumes is just more of that appletini blush, but her eyes seem to clear off their haze.
“Yes...but he’s not the Cross-Hemi Champ, Sar.”
Sarah rolls her eyes yet again.
“Yes yes, British Heavyweight Whatever Champ. Listen, speaking as a Cross-Hemisphere Champion Expert, I can say that-”
“Sar-Sar...Phrixy is the Cross-Hemi Champ.”
Sarah’s jaw opens but no words come out for a moment. She blinks a few times.
“wut”
“Abs! Phrixy won their Fatal Fourway Thingie at Horizons.”
Sarah’s eyes go wide.
“Now way!”
“Abs way!”
“Why don’t I know that?!”
Angie shrugs.
“Well...you had your own match to worry about...and then you came to see me right after...you know, when you said MMPH”
Sarah’s hands press into Angie’s lips and silence her. Angie’s eyes widen in question and Sarah narrows hers.
“...that’s a flashback for a later date, Sister…”
Angie’s eyes fill with understanding and she winks. Sarah removes her hands and then immediately spins on her heels and begins throwing her arms around as she begins a short and stomping pace.
“NOW this match makes SENSE!!
One of Angie’s eyebrows raise in question, but she knows better than to interrupt Sarah when she’s in Angry Pace Mode.
“This whole WEEK I have been wondering what the FUCK this match was all about! Look, I have ZERO idea who our revolving Creative Director is going to be this year...which is something I abs SHOULD have been told about, since I am the World’s Heavyweight Champion, in case you didn’t know-”
Yes, Angie knew.
“-but he and/or she booked the WEIRDEST match! Like, obvs, I GET that my Beloved and I are in the first Main Event of the year...kinda cool when I think about how my Beloved is actually your sis-in-law…”
It was #CoolBeans.
“...since we ARE two thirds of the current singles champions, ya know? And, as I will be reminding everyone many MANY times throughout the year, our family spent the vast majority as some kind of UGWC champion last year-”
Pretty #CoolBeans how “family” now included her, too!
“-it makes COMPLETE sense to feature us as much as possible? But...Phrixy? Why? Why take this decrepit old man...yes, I know he’s not THAT old, but, I mean, c’mon, ya know...and put him with the G-Ls? I mean, sure, the dude being booked on the first Synergy of the year is basically a Must Happen at this stage...he’s only missed out on one...but the dude NEVER wins! Okay, technically that’s not true. He has won ONE of those first Synergy of the Year matches. One and Eight, Bay-Bay! But! BUT! The fact that he’s got his Precious again makes WAY more sense! All of the singles champs on one side!”
She stops suddenly and puts a finger to her chin, the dimples on her cheeks popping as she ponders.
“Hmmm. I wonder if our soon-to-be-named Creative Director just wants Phrixy to pick up his very first main event win in this first Synergy of the year scenario? Putting him with a team who has held tag gold in three different companies would certainly help. AND THAT MAKES SENSE WITH SLOANE!”
She bursts back into her pacing.
“I could NOT figure out why Sloane was booked in this match! See, during the break, I suggested to her that she should do a couple of things, right? Spread her wings a bit, like all of us have, and head over to a place like Carnage for some flavor, AND get involved with the Cross-Hemisphere title. So when I saw that YOU were booked against Sebastian Everette-Bryce-”
“The Third!”
“-and when she was NOT, I was all kinds of confuzzled. Because, yeah, YOU being in that picture makes a lot of sense, too, since you’re such a recent champ and all, but why wasn’t it some kind of triple threat? But now...BLAM! I get it! Dave’s here because of me, Pierce is here because of my Beloved, and Sloane is here because of the C-H Champ!”
She stops immediately after her latest spin.
“Interesting new rules, yes? A callback to the olden days of our sport, back when even our father, He is Risen, was young. Back to when a challenger could leap up the ladder by putting the champion’s shoulders down for three seconds. Why, if THAT had been the case within the company before, our entire family would have dominated in 2018, as well! Hell, my Beloved pinned literally every champ there was to pin! And now Sloane gets her chance to make herself VERY relevant right out the proverbial gate. Because that chance certainly doesn’t apply to her teammates.”
She begins stalking again, her thick heels slamming loudly in the halls of the ship.
“Travis Pierce is much akin to Phrixy, as you know. He’s also been there for 90% of the ‘First’ Synergies...though has won far more of them than Phri-Dei...but a looksie at some of those opponents makes me roll my eyes harder than that time Kate paid Kenzi a ton of money to put her over in her debut promotional video. T-Pie has always been someone who is there to fill out the card, and perhaps give rookies some wins, with occasional bouts of equal parts luck and surprising skill.”
“...that’s my Pierce…”
“Hmm?”
“Nothing!”
“Now, I KNOW that there have been people who have been ready to jump to his defense, like Jet and even Eden, but I will NOT suffer who he IS because they only remember who he WAS. Sure, Travipoo has won plenty of titles in the past, and YES I KNOW that he came up with the idea for MY WrestleStock Cup, but he forever remains better as a concept than a reality. Hell, his entire media company is something which is only good in small doses...very, VERY small doses...where he can quip or quibble for a moment and then go POOF! like a graduate of the Covert Jay School of Ninjitutsu. Because ANY time he has to make ANY kind of extended or elongated appearance, ANY time he has to succeed for more than a few seconds, he falters and falls faster than a Roxy Cotton World Title run.”
“....rude….”
“And that is the legacy of Travis Pierce, Sister. A man with middling skill who has been able to make a name for himself not through ability, and not even through longevity, but through an ability to ingratiate himself with people far above his level who allow him to take in the occasional scrap like a diseased dog who has found enough pity to not be put to sleep. But those greater masters, blessed they may have been for giving a mangy Pierce the scraps of their table, are long gone. Jet has become the epitome of the champion who finds himself wrestling too long after his body has given way, and embarrasses himself whenever he tries to embrace his days of glory. Eden sits at the Creator’s side with our father, He is Risen. And not one other man, woman, or child is left within the Coalition’s audience who bothers to put up with his momentary brilliance awash in his sea of sub-mediocrity. Hell, people probably won’t even NOTICE that the Piercing Media Network no longer has distribution rights for UGWC content! No one will even NOTICE that it will be Circle Television distribution the image of me taking that pound of flesh from Rydell in a few weeks!”
She comes to a stop after another spin, her eyes are flaming with fury, and her voice carrying far too loud in the quiet hallway.
“HIS place in this match was NEVER a question. HIS place in this match is to get Round One of his asskicking!”
Her stomps as she paces again fill the hallway like cracks of thunder in a ravine.
“Make no mistake: Dave has EARNED this asskicking! He has EARNED the Mark of Cain! If there ever was a man who has earned ANYTHING in his life, it is HIM!”
She splays open her hand and counts off her fingers.
“First, he tries to rip you away from us when you became Cooperative Champions...you’re welcome for that, bee-tee-dubs...all the while proclaiming that WE were the problem! Excuse me! My (non-spouse) BFF has this gross old man leering at her bony butt-”
“...its not that bony…”
“-and salivating over it like a Kemopotumus at the local Golden Corral-”
“...not ALL of us put all of their weight in their booty, Sis…”
“-and THEN making a move on your MOM-”
“...just jealous that some of us kept growing after the age of nine…”
“-and then leaving HER when things got rough? Hell, that dude’s entire LIFE is rough! He attacks YOU because YOU are somehow the bad guy in all of this? Because YOU were some vicious, evil, conniving whore who just didn’t listen to him? Bitch, PLEASE! YOU were the ONLY one who has given him and his repetitive shoots from that same dumb bar ANY weight, at ALL! YOU were the ONLY ONE to give a DAMN about him in YEARS! How fucking deluded is he? And then Horizons?!”
She rushes forward suddenly and Angie freezes, caught off guard by the quick movement while she was wrapped up in her musing about their body differences. Sarah’s eyes blaze as she cranes her neck and looks upward.
“He sealed his fate, Sister.”
She reaches up and places a hand on Angie’s head, her lithe fingers gently touching the golden hair.
“He sealed his-”
Around them, the air seems to shimmer with sparkling waves.
“NO!”
Her eyes go wide and her voice fills with authoritative force.
“I said NO flashbacks! Not until its time!”
The air submits and the shining waves retreat. For now. She gives the insubordinate Horizons flashback a stern nod before returning to Angie.
“Dave Rydell has EARNED what is going to happen to him over the next few weeks. He has EARNED every moment of our time in the ring together. Over and again, his comments about my insipidness...though I doubt he is smart enough to be as concise as to use that word...have reached the ears of the company. An utter fool who has fallen for every social trap I have laid. My vlogging days may be well behind me, but their effect is still strong. Dave Rydell walks into Horizons with his eyes on his first World Championship, but he will fall because they are not where they are supposed to be: On ME. And it starts on Monday when I get to kick him in the head over and over again.”
She backs away from Angie and holds her head high.
“Whereas Travis Pierce is the epitome of the man in this business who has shocking moments of success in a career of failure, Dave Rydell is the poster boy for the ‘Could Have Been.’ He has been chasing my championship his entire time in the Coalition, and his time goes back to the beginning as Fusion. His career is one of starts and stutters, of stops without a finish. He goes on a run, enjoys the hope of possibility, and then sends it into the trash by reverting back to the undercard lackey he is at his core. He has EARNED the right to challenge me at Infinity, has EARNED the right to be featured the next few weeks. But he has also EARNED the right to be tied to the stock for both whipping and laughing. He has EARNED the right to FAIL.”
Sarah breathes out deeply and reaches into her pocket. She pulls out a round silver watch on a chain and grimaces at what she sees.
“Far past bedtime. Sleep well, Sister.”
* * * * * * * * * * *
Thursday
January 9, 2020
Kenzi leaned against the railing near the bow of the ship as the breeze from the ocean blew cool against her skin. It countered the burning fury within her after her blow up with Roxy the other morning. It had been a couple of days, but she still felt the way she felt. She knew that she had been in the wrong for being jealous and hurt over her friend blowing off her invitation, then accepting Angie’s…but she couldn’t help the way she felt. She had always worn her emotions on her sleeve, and she suspected she always would, no matter how hard she tried. Just like with her wife’s lovefest with HER Cutie, Sloane Taylor.
While ‘The Sky Queen’ had been absolved of the attacks against her last year following WrestleStock and the two had seemingly made peace…there was always an undercurrent of aggression from Kenzi towards her. Some of that was history, but more than a little was jealousy on her part. Sarah’s infatuation with the pink haired call-girl was a source of irritation that had just not yet bubbled over like it had with Roxy and Angie…yet. Monday night would be an entirely different matter when she found herself standing across the ring from the woman that cut short her amazing Cooperative Title run with Donovan Hastings…only after she and Sebastian had been defeated, fair and square weeks prior.
It would be quite some time before Kenzi came to grips with the fact that The Coalition had taken a team that had been defeated and just handed them a do-over after she had suffered a heinous attack from said team. Winning the Chaos Title a week later had been cold comfort, but comfort all the same. Sebastian and Sloane’s loss of their titles at the end of the year had left them hungry for more opportunity…one that SEB had alluded to during one of their social interactions, but it was Sloane who now had the most direct path to that opportunity. The change in the UGWC rules that would have prevented Sloane and SEB from getting a ‘re-do’ last year, now put Sloane in the cat-bird’s seat for a title shot if she could manage to defeat any of the three titleholders on Monday night…and no matter how humble she was on Twitter, Kenzi knew she was licking her chops over the chance.
Phrixus Deimos was the Cross Hemisphere Champion and after Sloane’s go arounds with him and Rydell over the Cooperative Titles, Kenzi was sure that, given the chance, Sloane would gladly make him pay for every foul word he’d uttered by beating him and getting a future title match. That was a no-brainer, but Deimos was deceptive, crafty, and patient. Kenzi had destroyed him in spectacular fashion on her way to WrestleStock to deal with The Saviors and he had uttered not a word about it. Months later Deimos returned the favor in spades when he allied with Rydell and further damaged her knee, prompting her to get surgery.
Deimos wasn’t easy pickings by any stretch of the imagination and while Sloane or Travis Pierce would be more than happy to punch their ticket by defeating him, Kenzi knew that she was every bit of a target for them than he was…perhaps even more so. Rydell wouldn’t care about Deimos, that was his one ally among a sea of enemies. His focus would be on Kenzi’s wife. His ticket was already punched and his focus would be singular. He would do what he could to make his point in advance of their PPV match…just as he had done against Angie last year. If anything, he was the ace in the hole for the champions because he had nothing to lose, only a chance to improve his position, even at the expense of Sloane and Travis.
That left her…the wounded Chaos Champion. Travis was probably still left stinging over his defeat which now gave CTN control of the UGWC’s media footprint. He might have said that this was only a temporary setback, but it was pretty clear that he wasn’t one to rest on his laurels or take defeat lightly. Travis would be looking to get The PMN back into prime position to retake its place in the Coalition and that would mean giving CTN a black eye. Beating Deimos or Sarah would be great PR, but erasing a black mark would be even better. Kenzi would be fighting for her life in this match, whether anyone knew it or not. Someone who knew it very well was Sloane.
Sloane hadn’t outwardly said that she was gunning for anyone in particular, but that was just how she operated. Last year she spent weeks smiling in Kenzi’s face, just so she could spring a challenge on her and try to take her title. It was no secret that Kenzi had been responsible for leaving the WrestleStock winner with egg on her face after she squandered her title opportunity and had to be gifted a second and wholly undeserved one weeks later. Sloane still felt that sting and seeing Kenzi rebound with another title one week later while she and SEBIII ended the year empty handed wouldn’t be something that sat well with her. In spite of Sloane’s affable demeanor, Kenzi would never fully trust or like her.
Monday was yet another chance for Sloane to find a way to erase her colossal fuck up after WrestleStock. Would she happily go after Deimos or even Sarah? Yes, she was a liar and a sneak! But Kenzi knew that she was the one that Sloane wanted to get the leg up on…but Kenzi was going to be ready for that eventuality…in fact, she was going to welcome it!
Everyone saw her as the weak link of the Cool Kids, and Roxy’s hurtful words only reinforced it. No matter the success she had, it was never going to be anything until she set herself apart and realized the expectations of people like Alan Wallace, Donovan Hastings, and the current UGWC Champion…her wife, Sarah. Being part of the Cool Kids and being part of their over-all success didn’t set her apart, it only made her a target for ridicule and those who had ambition to take what she had. That is what Monday was all about…not showcasing the champions, but feeding them to those who were looking to supplant them…to supplant HER!
Just like Angie had supplanted her as Roxy’s ‘sister.’
It was funny how Kenzi had been on Angie’s side after learning of her true relation to her wife. She hadn’t liked that Angie had kept the secret, but she knew that Sarah needed that connection even more than she was willing to admit. Sarah’s violent reaction had shocked and frightened her…but now…she was starting to understand it when she saw that same fierce anger in herself with her own complex relationship with Roxy.
“Beloved?”
Kenzi put her head down in shame as she heard her wife’s voice and felt her hand on her shoulder. She knew that her outburst had been embarrassing and seemingly out of left field. She hated that her wife had to be there to witness that weakness in her character.
“I’m…sorry.” Kenzi’s voice was weak, but filled with sincerity.
Sarah pulled her wife into her as the pair leaned against the railing with the ocean moving past them in the night as the ship knifed its way towards its next stop. Sarah pressed her head against Kenzi. “I may never understand what you see in that woman…why her friendship is so important to you. She’s vile and nasty…not just to you, but to practically everyone. She has caused you to lose friendships, she has humiliated you over and over…but you always forgive her. Even after today…you’ll forgive her again. I hate and love that about you…even if I never understand it.”
Kenzi was silent for a moment, enjoying the closeness that made the hurt melt away. “I love Roxy…the real Roxy…the one before all of the Semi-Circles, Grand Slams, and World Championships. I mean, I know she is the same person…but ambition changes you…it changes everyone I guess. When you have something and someone comes along to steal it away, that makes you a bit crazy. I didn’t understand how you felt that way about Angie being your sister…but now…maybe I guess I do…”
“…Beloved…”
Kenzi pulled away and stopped her. “No…I get it. You think you understand things…you think you understand people, but you realize that they have wants and desires that might not be what you think or what you hope. I thought I understood my friendship with Roxy like you thought you understood yours with Angie. When you found out that it wasn’t what you thought, it hurt…and I guess I see that now with Roxy.”
More silence passed between them and Sarah struggled with the idea that she would tell Kenzi that she was right about Roxy, and she didn’t need her…but she knew better. “I’m going to say something…don’t stop me.” Sarah took a deep breath as she readied herself to bare her soul. “I know now that my actions after Angie was force to tell me her secret…was born of the fierceness of my love for her and the betrayal I perceived. Just like with you and Roxy…I see it. You sided with her at WrestleStock to protect her title when you should have been trying to take it. You left that match injured, and all you cared about was that your friend was happy…even at your expense. The entire Coalition railed against her when she defeated Angie and claimed every title…but you always sang her praises…and you always will.”
“…she doesn’t care…”
Sarah allowed a small chuckle to escape her. “I wish that were the case, that she would just turn her back and not care…but I can’t ignore the fact that there was never this strife before she became World Champion…and I became #1 contender. I *may* have been responsible for much of the issues between you two…” Sarah looked away. “…not the Angie part…that’s all you…”
Kenzi couldn’t deny it, that was all her. It always had been. She sighed, giving voice to her issues as well. “My relationship with Angie began with the thought that she was trying to steal you away from me. Now, that the two of you are related by blood…it’s a bond that I can never compete with, nor would I try. I just thought that my bond with Roxy was special like that as well…like she was my sister, you know?”
“She wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t…regardless of her vapid uselessness.” Sarah countered, though it pained her to do it. “Look at us…who would have thought it? Not me! Peas in a pod, two jealous bitches, angry over friendships and family that have never really left our sides. Maybe we do need a shrink…”
“…or maybe it is sexually transmitted…” Kenzi countered as she hugged her wife and whispered in her ear. “…wanna find out?”
Sarah leaned back, looking at her in shock. “You’re nothing but a nasty lesbian!” She stood there for a second, then a devious grin touched her lips as she grabbed her wife’s hand and pulled her away. “Let’s find out!”
In January of the year 2020, MOST of the world understands that Sarah Grey-Lacklan is an over-planner. The #CoolKidsCruise was not, in any way or form, special or different when it comes to the current World Champion's tendency to control the things and people around her. In fact, Sarah created an entire schedule days in advance for everyone to follow! This (and more!) was the extra special "organized fun" for everyone:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| 8:00 AM | All: CAST OFF, BAY-BAY | Angie: Up WAY too early, considering the late night RPG sesh | Angie: Grumbles about how she doesn't have any cows to milk Sar: Becomes embarrassed by how her sister is a hick or something Kenzi: Still doing that drooling thing she does while she's sleeping. Yes, Kenzi, you drool, its literally in, like, 27 of my comics Roxy: Slips away so that she can start drinking away this stupid cruise already | Ang/Sar: First Round of Double Table Tennis Tourney Kenzi: Rooting for The Lacklan Sisters (TLS) from the stands Roxy: Rooting for Ang from the bar | All: Grumble about how it's the last day. Yep, even Rox. Last chance to get gifts or postcards or whatev! |
| 9:00 AM | All: Break our fast | All: Break our fast | All Break our fast Roxy: Convinces Angie that she's on an "All liquid diet, bb" and her drunken sway is just part of the process | Ang/Sar: Second round after CRUSHING their opponents! Kenzi: Gets distracted and starts working an another project Roxy: Still just rooting for Ang | All: Eat ALL the foods after that long-ass day yesterday and last night. We leave none for Chewie |
| 10:00 AM | Kenzi: Work in our SWEET suite via the insanely expensive blazing fast internet I paid a premium for Sarah: Teaching promo class, likely while bitching about how expensive that damn internet is Angie: Taking promo class Roxy: Go back to sleep? I guess? Honestly, she probably won't even want to be here | Kenzi: Work...sigh... Sarah/Angie/Roxy: Workout time! This includes Sarah teaching a steady rate cardio class, which is WAY better than that shitty HIIT crap that Sloane likes to do, because F THAT CRAP | Kenzi: TAKING THE FUCKING DAY OFF SO HELP ME Sarah/Angie: Talk strategy about tomorrow's *SPOILERS* | All: Early lunch before the Semi's. | All: One last party on the deck Sar/Ken: Wow everyone with their insanely l33t dancing skillz Roxy/Ang: Try to gross each other out with weird drinks. |
| 11:00 AM | Sarah: Sets up game for later Angie: Watches Sar set up game/takes notes Roxy: Slowly wakes up | Sarah/Angie/Roxy: Cool down and pool time! | All: MOAR POOL TIME | Roxy: Taps out because she forgot that my sister is a MASSIVE MASSIVE MASSIVE ALCOHOLIC and literally everything tastes yummy as long as she can get drunk of it, regardless of how foul it really is | |
| 12:00 PM | Sarah: Takes lunch to Kenzi and NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS Angie: Firmly believes that NOTHING ELSE HAPPENS while she watches some kitty videos Roxy: Strongly suspects what else happens...... | Sarah: IS lunch for Kenzi! Angie: Still blithely unaware, thank Baby Jesus Roxy: Starts drinking to avoid having to deal with even MORE G-L sexcapades | Sar/Ang: Reapply super powerful prescription strength sunblock | Ang/Sar: MURDER their Finals opponents! Kenzi: Thinks about recording her promotional video and decides to just defend her #TwitterLezChampionship, instead Roxy: Begins a special fundraiser addition of her cam show for the Flat Earth Society | All: Several in-depth and personal conversations about what happened over the last month or so which conveniently get all of the UGWC peeps updated on why Sar isn't trying to kill Ang and why Rox/Sar are kinda-sorta-somewhat-maybe getting along |
| 1:00 PM | Sarah: Accepts award from captain for being a Cruise Expert Angie: Applauds the award Roxy: Tries to drown Chewie | Sarah/Roxy: Try to get Chewie kicked off the ship Angie: Stop the #BullySisters from being mean to Choo-Choo | All: Lunch yummies! | Ang/Sar: Celebrate with a MASSIVE trophy that is, to their shock, WAY bigger than the UGWC WrestleStock Cup Kenzi: Still being all KINDS of twitter lez | All: Lots and lots of ugly crying and goodbyes as the ship returns to the dock Sar: Receives ANOTHER award for being a Cruise Expert |
| 2:00 PM | Sarah: Gets a little bored with being so awesome all the time Angie: Struggles with NOT trying to upstage her sister in literally everything Roxy: Tries to drown Chewie again | Kenzi: Completely switches gears and starts working on a different project entirely because of course she does | Kenzi: Twitches fingers because she comes up with ANOTHER show idea Sar: Threatens to punch her in her stupid face Rox: Puts money down on Kenzi Ang: Breaks them apart because goodie two-shoes | Ken/Sar/Roxy: the 5'2" Mafia appears on Roxy's fundraiser in order to raise awareness and funds for their food drive to help "Skin&Bones" Claire Rodgers get some food Angie: Gets mad for some reason | |
| 3:00 PM | Sarah: Takes nap Roxy/Angie: Start drinking | All: Killer nap after binging on some Mandolarian | Angie: Hosts a special "Cat Costume" event on the deck of the ship Sar: Gets mad when she's not allowed to enter Lil Has or Lael into the event Ken: Gets mad when Lael leaps right back into her hair afterward Roxy: Is extremely happy that she doesn't need to see Sar's stupid Noah's Ark bullshit while she's doing her show | ||
| 4:00 PM | Sarah: Wakes up and enjoys time looking in mirror Roxy/Angie: Start creating brand new drinks | Angie: Gives out awards to Bobbi and Alex who just SO HAPPEN to SHOCKINGLY win her cat costume event Kenzi: Gets all KINDS of googly-eyed over a cute puppy someone brought Sar: Continues to be confused over how much Kenzi wants this cute-ass puppy but also DOESN'T want to take it home and then decides to get a drink | |||
| 5:00 PM | Kenzi: FINALLY STOPS WORKING FFS | Ken/Sar: Compete in (AND WIN!) the Couples Dance Competition, primarily thanks to Sar's killer waltz skills Ang: "Not" drunk Roxy: Totally drunk | Roxy: Finishes her show and makes BANK for the Flat Earth Society | ||
| 6:00 PM | All: Dinner in the captain's cabin! | All: DANCING ALL NIGHT! | |||
| 7:00 PM | All: Play My Little Ponies RPG until, like, 2 in the morning | All: MOAR MLP RPG!!! TWILIGHT SPARKLE FTW | All: CAW Tournament! We got new wrestlers and gear, yo! Ken will no doubt win by blatantly cheating |
Want MORE of the #CoolKidsCruise content! Look NO FURTHER than YOUR favorite entertainment company...CIRCLE TV! You will find EXCLUSIVE #CoolKidsCruise content such as:
[li]Roxy secretly cuddling with Chewie![/li]
[li]Sarah losing her glasses and making a move on a mop she mistook for Kenzi![/li]
[li]The G-Ls winning the Dance Contest![/li]
[li]Angie getting INSANELY competitive during the Table Tennis Tournament and blasting a kid in the face as hard as possible with an ace ping pong serve![/li]
[li]Roxy hosting pole dancing class as part of her Flat Earth Society fundraiser![/li]
[li]Angie getting INSANELY competitive during a video game sesh and everyone not wanting to play any more after she made Sarah cry a lil bit with her smacktalk[/li]
[li]The farewells that were nowhere NEAR as touching and "coming together" as originally planned![/li]
[li]Sarah turning on Ninja Mode sending Sloane a postcard that you can see RIGHT HERE[/li]
[li]AND MORE![/li]
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