And Now You Die, My Darling

(I'm sorry I wasn't able to code this. If allowed, I'll do so when I get home from work tonight.)


“Hello, everyone. Especially you, Kayla, because I know you’ll be watching this soon enough.”



From the massive stone figures of the Monumento de la Fundación de México-Tenochtitlan, the Rogue Wanderer greets Their opponent coldly, Their face showing no emotion. All around Them, locals were bustling about, rushing to enter the government buildings where they worked. Some of them paused to stare at Them, recognizing the young blonde and waving eagerly.



No doubt they would be at Magnificence to watch Them tear Kayla apart in the cage.



“Fate has kept us bound tightly together; I feel like every time one of us turns around, the other is there in some form or fashion. We’ve played this game long enough, Kayla.



Quite frankly, I’m getting bored with it, and you.”



They move around the monument, running a finger over the snake in the eagle’s mouth.



“I know you’re expecting another long-winded Betsy Granger promo, yapping uselessly about how I’m going to finally wipe the stain of my loss to you from my record. How I’m going to come out on top and finally beat the big, bad bully once and for all.



You’re expecting a repeat of what’s already failed.



I’m afraid I must disappoint you and everyone else.”



Climbing the statue slightly, They hang from it carelessly, attracting the attention of passing security guards. As they eye Them suspiciously as they inch closer, but say nothing yet.



“I no longer care whether I get a win put in the record books over you, Kayla. When it comes to you, wins and losses no long matter. So please, brag as loud and as much as you like about your undefeated streak around here. Go on and take as many victories over me as you like, as can anyone else who cares to step up and try me. That’s the difference between the rest of you and me. All of you run about, trying to win and capture shiny trinkets to boast of your greatness.



I don’t want to defeat you in a wrestling match, Kayla. I want to hurt you, as much as I possibly can.”



They grin, baring Their teeth threateningly.



“It was kind of Ophelia and Charlie to put us in a cage together; now there’s nowhere for you to run when I introduce you to the nightmare I’ve become. No one will be able to come and save you when I turn you inside out and begin feasting on your organs.



Poor Finn will just have to watch in horror from the outside when I tear out your black heart with my bare hands and devour it while it still beats in my palm. I’ll throw him what’s left of your lady bits to use as a homemade fleshlight.”



They lick Their lips playfully before gnashing their teeth together.





“But that act of mercy only comes after I’ve made you suffer for every trespass you’ve committed against me. I wouldn’t start with the grand finale without giving the fine folks of Mexico City the show they paid to see.



So, for their entertainment, I will be sure to take my time and work you over with the care and patience you deserve. They recognize the monster you behave as, now I’m going to make the outside match the in. Then again, you aren’t exactly a blue-ribbon hog in the state fair, but I’ve seen worse.



Who knows, maybe the things I have planned for you would be an improvement.”



Sliding down from the statue of the eagle with the snake, They plop themselves down before the stone Aztecs and grin up at the camera.



“You’re so full of your own hot air and hype that you’ve completely missed the metamorphosis that’s transpired right before your very eyes. You look at me and see the same milksop pushover Betsy Granger that you’ve already screwed over multiple times and defeated in combat. You expect to do much of the same in that cage they decided to put us in.



All those expectations will fly out of the cage when I dump you on your neck and leave you for dead.”



Her face twists into a hideous mask of dark delight.



“I’ve been dreaming up the ways I’m going to punish you, Kayla. How would you enjoy having your fingernails removed, one by one, with a set of pliers, hmmm? Or perhaps I’ll scalp that pretty, dark hair off your head and take it as a trophy. I could always skin you alive and use your ink-filled flesh as a human-skin rug in front of the fire. Then again, I could just fillet you outright, cook you up and feed you to your sisters.



It’s not like they’d miss you.”



A pair of women who had been walking by catch this last and stop, staring at Betsy with disgust. They return the gaze, a sadistic smile crossing Their face as green eyes began to glow a dangerous red. The women gasp and hurry away, arousing the interest of the security guards again. They hiss towards the guards before continuing.



“In fact, someone get the siblings and their families front row seats for this event. They’re not going to want to miss what I’m going to do to this blemish on their bloodline. In their honor, and as a free favor, I’m going to prune her from their family tree.



It’ll be as though she never existed. Doesn’t that sound nice, guys?



Let’s face it, Kayla: you’re fucking trash. Not just as an athlete; sure, a win is a win, but you can’t even come by those without bucking the odds. Is it because you know how fucking terrible you actually are? Does it sting, knowing that I’ll always be better than you, no matter what any official records might say?



For as shitty are you are between the ropes, you suck even harder outside of them. And I’m not just talking about the way you wrapped your lips around Finn’s dick the moment you and what’s his face broke off your engagement. There’s nothing endearing about your personality, nor any redeeming qualities that could convince me you aren’t the absolute worst.



Everything about you is repugnant and a waste of stardust.”



Their expression twists even more, a dangerous gleam of intent lighting up Their red eyes.



“Continue clinging to those cheap victories like they mean something; enjoy feeling some sense of dominance or importance while you can.



Live every day to the fullest while you still have the ability to walk on your own two feet. Make sure you get one last decent photo shoot in before I rip your face right off of your skull. Go for a hike, climb Everest, do something to make use of your body before I put it in a wheelchair, because you aren’t walking out of this match on your own two feet. Use that shrill, ear-bleed of a voice to talk your shit one last time before I rip out your vocal cords and turn your teeth into a necklace.



Whatever is left, I’ll send to anyone who says they care in gift boxes.”



Her eyes turn to the statue of the eagle with the snake in its mouth again.



“The Aztec were a people who believed in human sacrifice to appease their Gods, like many before and after them. Tribesmen and women would gladly volunteer to be slaughtered if it meant their lands were fertile and their people prospered. I once thought them foolish, allowing themselves to lower their numbers on a fruitless attempt to keep their land bountiful and their people safe.



Perhaps they were on to something. I spent so much of my first year back in the industry trying to be a good person, trying to prove that you don’t need to lie or cheat your way through life. That you don’t need to use sneaky, conniving methods to accomplish your goals and reach your wildest dreams. But it’s thanks to people like you, Kayla, who tore off those rose-colored glasses and introduced me to the true reality of professional wrestling. You made sure my first months in Pro Wrestling Excellence were all about you and how much you dislike me. How much you want to tear me apart and run me out of here, once and for all.



All you’ve done is help awaken the monster that was sleeping peacefully beneath the surface.



You were offered up to me as a sacrificial lamb once before, but I wasn’t ready to take the swing that would end your life and this unnecessary drama between us. I could, and should, have ended this the last time we were in the ring together. But Betsy was too weak, her heart too pure; she would never take the necessary shot to put a bitch like you down for good.



But Daddy’s home now, and guess what?



I’m ready to slice your throat wide open.



Maybe if I spill your blood in the ring, it will cleanse PWE of your repulsive energy and unwelcome presence once and for all.”



Caressing the eagle now, They appear to get lost in thought as they continue.



“You’re but one of many diseases in business that needs to be eradicated permanently. You’ve paraded around a great deal of federations, portraying yourself as one of the best there is. Acting like everything you’ve ever achieved means a fucking thing in the grand scheme of it all.



I’m afraid all of it meant nothing. Because you, Kayla Richards, are absolutely nothing.



If you were any good at it, I could appreciate the fact that you stray away from the path often traveled to do your own thing. Here’s the thing, though: you haven’t done anything different or special from the rest.



There have been a lot of misguided, misbehaved women in this field since its inception. And you, Kayla, have managed to cause each and every one of them to roll over in their graves.”



They grin once more, showing their teeth and licking their lips.



“I’m going to enjoy tearing you down to your most exposed self. You’re long over-due for a deep self-inspection and I’m going to hand deliver it to you, come Magnificence. I don’t just want to break your body, Kayla; I’m going to break your everything.



You haven’t been forced to see yourself for the broken-down, mewling pathetic piece of shit you actually are. Nobody has stepped up or had what it takes to strip you of your bravado and force you to look yourself in the rawest of ways.



I can be that for you.



Everything you thought of yourself, believed of yourself, is about to be put on the table and tested to its limits. Soon, you’ll be able to see what the rest of us have always seen when we look at you.



A tiny, weak, pathetically useless lump of flesh covered in tattoos and bad attitude with a loud mouth and dirty tricks.



You aren’t a success story; you’ve barely made yourself a name after all these years. Yeah, some people know who you are, but on the grand scale? You’re nobody.



I’ll change that for you, soon enough. When I’m through with you, everyone will know your name; they’ll whisper it behind their hands as they try not to stare at the hideous mess, I’m going to make of you.”



Their eyes turn to onyx orbs as white-hot bursts of energy emit from Their skin.



“Mercy and justice have not served me as I had once hoped; now is the time for violence and blood.



I will destroy Kayla Richards if it means burning everyone and everything else down to accomplish it.



The woman you’re entering the cage with is not the same woman you screwed over for the Excellence Championship. Nor is she the same play-by-the-rules good-girl the world has come to know her as. Take anything you thought you knew about the Impossible Traveler and throw it away. That girl, that Betsy, is dead and buried.



Allow me to reintroduce myself to you and the rest of the world...



I am the Rogue Wanderer and my punishment will come swift and severe.



Enjoy your life while you can, Kayla. Because Hell is right around the corner and I’m going to escort you there myself.



See you soon.”



Blowing a kiss playfully to the camera, They wink before walking off towards the heart of Mexico City.



//Fade to Black



February 3rd, 2022

Zona Rosa, Mexico City, Mexico



The sun had barely set, but the city was already alive with people ready to make the most of the night. Clubs and bars were beginning to open doors that already had lines wrapped around the building. Natives and tourists alike were dressed to the nines, brimming with excitement and buzzing over what the night could possibly bring. Zona Rosa was famous for its heavy LGBTQ+ support, as well as its burgeoning Korean population. If one was in search of a warm community, decent clubbing, and better drinks to be had, you couldn’t go wrong with a walk down the streets of Zona Rosa.



Walking amongst them this particular winters night, They stood out in all Their splendor. Wearing a sparkling, black romper over a red camisole top and knee-high black leather boots, They turn heads as they stroll slowly through the streets. Their blonde hair falls in a tumble of golden curls, which are kept out of Their face by a big, red headband. A smug smirk graces Their lips as green eyes sweep the faces around her, inviting any one of them to come entertain her. Many started to approach, but something in Their predatory smile would scare them off every time.



“Hey honey, you looking for a good time?”



A voice calls to Them from directly behind; spinning around, They take a defensive pose. Before them is an exquisite drag queen, looking at Them with inviting eyes. Her blonde hair is teased out as far as it could go, the white evening gown clinging to surprisingly feminine curves. At Their defensive stance, the queen only laughs and playfully swipes at Them with her white, feather boa. Relaxing now, They give the queen a friendly smile in return and shrug.



“I’m always in the mood for a good time. What did you have in mind, pretty lady?”



The drag queen giggles and throws her arm over Their shoulders, guiding them towards a nondescript looking door. It’s tucked away between several connecting buildings, but They can hear the loud dance music coming from inside. The bouncer at the door nods towards the queen and tilts his head towards the door, signaling for them both to enter. With a grin, the queen throws open the doors and They step through.



The music blasts Their eardrums, the pulsing electronic beats echoing off the walls. Already, the dance floor was filled with drag queen, gay couples, and groups of friends looking to lose themselves for the night. Adjacent to the dance floor was a huge stage, where nearly-naked go-go dancers of many varieties were grinding and twerking for the entertainment of the crowd. The bar had four bartenders, two guys and two gals, all of them dressed sexy.



They take it all in as a grin begins to light up Their face. “Not too shabby, I must say.”



“The best spot in town, honey!” The queen says, guiding Them to the bar. One of the male bartenders gives them both a wide smile. “She’ll take one of the house specials, on me.”



With a wink and a nod, the bartender grabs several colorful bottles and begins to concoct some fruity mixture. With a surprised smile at the queen, They pull out their wallet, but the queen shakes her head firmly. “Please, this is too generous...”



“First one’s on me, baby; enjoy.” And with that, she disappears through the crowd.



Shaking Their head, They turn back to the bartender, who was just putting a freshly cut lime on the brim of the glass. Against the blacklights, the drink glowed an angry shade of magenta, looking more like poison than a cocktail. Sliding it over to Them, They pick it up and take a tentative sip. A mixture of tangy, tropical fruits explodes over their tastebuds pleasantly, earning the bartender a wide-eyed smile of surprise. He winks playfully at Them and heads to the next person who had just walked up.





*Several House Specials Later*





Working on yet another House Special, They watch from a VIP booth as the premiere Drag Queens and Kings parade around the stage. The effects of the fruity beverage have made Their brain much fuzzier than normal; any inhibitions Betsy still clung to were falling away with each sip. More and more every day, the Impossible Traveler gave up control to Him, allowing heartbreak and anger to eat her alive. In her stead, He thrived on the rage and jealousy that she tried and failed to suppress. His disdain towards Raven grew every time He saw the man’s face; but that would have to wait to be dealt with.



Their target right now was Kayla Richards, and it was too important to lose focus now.



They had meant what They said when it came to the results for the record books. A win wasn’t what They were aiming for.



Only Kayla’s mangled, twisted body in a pile of blood and flesh would do.



“Girl, what’s with that look on your face?!”



Breaking from Their reverie, They turn and come face to face with the top Queen of the place. Incidentally, it was the same one who had found Them traversing the streets, looking for a place to unwind. Allowing a friendly smile to spread across her features, They turn towards Deborah La Grande, who had changed into a classy black evening gown and blonde wig.



“My apologies, new friend. Just thinking a bit too much about work...”



“Oh, you mean that wrestling shindig at Arena Mexico in a few days?” They turn towards Deborah in surprise. She replies with a cheeky grin. “I knew who you were the moment I saw you, Betsy Granger. Did you forget you were in Mexico?”



“No, I just...” He stammers, caught off guard by Deborah’s candor. “I’m sorry, I just assumed that this crowd wouldn’t be big on the wrestling thing.”



“American wrestling is a bit of a joke, but you’re in Mexico now, sweetie. We live and breathe Lucha, no matter who you are.” She replies sweetly, pinching His cheek playfully. “As it happens, me and the gang have tickets to go, and we happen to be Impossible Traveler marks.”



The title makes Him cringe, but the smile never fades. “How lucky for me... I wonder, though. How do you feel about the rest of my little family?”



Deborah looks nervous for a moment. “If you mean James Raven...”



Before He could stop it, emerald eyes flash crimson. “He is NOT family; he was NEVER my family. He was nothing but a liar and a coward who hides behind the people around him and pretends to still be someone of any importance. James Raven is NOTHING to me.”



Deborah had taken several steps back at the flash of anger. “My apologies, Miss Granger, I didn’t mean to poke around that wound...”



“It’s not even a scratch.” He growls as He pulls out Betsy’s phone. “But enough of New Status Quo is here to really get this party started. One phone call is all it takes...”



*Two More House Specials Later*



“Sister...”



“SHAWNZY!”



Perfectly obliterated now, They rush forward at the sight of Shawn Warstein and Kasey Winterborn. At full speed, They collide with the man They call Brother and throw Their arms around him. The overly warm greeting causes his eyebrow to rise; even Kasey gave a quizzical expression over Betsy’s shoulder. Ignoring the brunette beauty, They leave their eyes on Shawn, a sultry smile crossing Their lips.



“I think you’ve had a few too many.” Shawn replies, gently unhooking Betsy’s arms from around his neck and pushing her away gently.



“I’ve had just enough!” He replies, His voice slurring heavily with every syllable.



Grabbing her arm, Shawn pulls Him away to a quieter area so they could speak alone. Deborah, casting a worried look in their direction, puts her arm around Kasey and offers her a warm smile. Once they were alone, Shawn stares coldly at Him and crosses his arms over his chest.



“What’s gotten into you?” He asks, cutting directly to the chase.



“You’d never believe me if I told you.” They purr, attempting once again to cozy up to Shawn.



Shawn takes a step back to compensate, keeping his demeanor icy. “Try me.”



He hesitates, realizing that He was losing the most important person to his plans. “I’m just acting out after a hard time, Bro. After everything that’s happened... Haven’t I earned a chance to cut loose? James certainly has.” The last comes out in a bitter tone, Betsy’s disappointment creeping through.



It was enough for him to jump on. “I’m not getting in the middle of that, Betsy. But you know you can talk to me about anything.”



“Can I?” He asks, casting an intense gaze towards her.



“You doubt?” Shawn asks, tipping his head curiously. “Since when have you ever doubted me?”



As silence falls between them, Deborah and Kasey poke their heads around the corner. “Is everything alright?” Kasey asks, stepping up to Shawn and putting an arm around his waist.



“Peachy.” He replies, turning back towards Deborah. “I think another House Special is just what the doctor ordered.”



Pushing past Shawn and Kasey, He heads back into the club, His mind racing furiously over His next course of action...