Double The Fun

” Let’s get the biggest elephant out of the room straight away, shall we?

The First Victory did not go quite as… well, victoriously as I would have liked. Damian Ayla packs a hell of a punch, but I had him on his toes until Kayla Richards decided to take exception to some of my recent comments.

Way to put a stamp on those, you royal pain in the ass. Damien walked away as the inaugural Excellence Champion and I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth and revenge on my mind.”

A small camera crew follows Betsy Granger through the streets of Los Angeles, weaving carefully through the sea of people who were bustling down the high-end streets of the famous city. In her usual ripped jeans and colorful Converse high-tops, Betsy once again wears a shirt with the words #PinkieFearsGranger written across the front. This time, however, #StarFearsGranger was added to it.

”Now we have The Consequences and instead of being able to hand out some good old-fashioned street justice, I’m stuck in a merry little threesome with two people who just can’t hang. It’s nothing personal guys, but I have bigger fish sizzling in my skillet and both of you are just gonna get tossed back into the pond.”

As the cameras follow the Impossible Traveler down the street, it becomes obvious that a good portion of the crowd recognizes her. With a wave and a mega-watt smile, Betsy acknowledges her fans graciously as she passes by. A gaggle of young teenage girls begins to follow her, obviously too starstruck to let her out of their sight just yet.

”So here we are again, Zoey; are you looking forward to getting another crack at me? It’s just such a shame that you couldn’t get your shot a touch more intimately; I’m sure by now you’d like to wipe the smug grin off my face, right?”

She grins mockingly at the camera.

”As much fun as it would be to watch you try, I’m afraid you’ll have to share me with the bumbling success that is Monsieur Quatre-Mouvements. Speaking of whom, he’s starting to get a little better every time he successfully makes it through a match without dying. Who knew a St. Judes Make-A-Wish looking kid would last this long without getting snapped clean in half? His stamina and durability must be through the roof; no wonder Pheely was quick to put a ring on it.”

The girls giggle loudly at her last comment; Betsy turns her head slightly, gracing them with a wink.

”See Pinkie; I can be nice, but it’s just so much more fun to poke fun at you. How else am I going to eventually claim the top spot on the Bitch List… Have you even done one lately? I wouldn’t know, if I’m not on it, it doesn’t matter. But since I have everyone’s attention, allow me to clear this up: I don’t hate LC Pinkston. I tease him mercilessly because it’s easy… And because, unlike most of you, he takes it in stride. I actually rather like the fella and hope to see him make it far in this crazy business of ours; just not at my expense. I have to draw the line somewhere.”

Turning on her heel, Betsy faces the group of teen girls that had been following her, their cellphones all recording her every move. They gasp and hop around when they realize she’s going to address them.

”Tell me, ladies, are you wrestling fans or do you recognize me from somewhere else?”

The “leader” steps forward, suddenly very shy. She’s a blonde girl with brilliant blue eyes and a body that must drive her parents absolutely nannerboats.

”I’m a wrestling fan, grew up watching it with my brothers. You’ve quickly become my favorite; watching you has inspired me to chase the dream of the ring myself.”

Genuinely awestruck, Betsy can only stare at the girl in stunned silence for a few moments before she grabbed her up in a hug.

”You’re the first person who has ever bestowed that sentiment on me and I can’t thank you enough for it.”

Keeping her arm around the girl, Betsy turns them both towards the camera with a smile brighter than the afternoon sky.

”This is what it’s all about right here. Championships, wealth, so many people are blinded by shallow goals. Yes, of course, I’m disappointed I’m not toting the Excellence Championship. Yes, I could stamp my foot and scream about how I was screwed out of it. I could discredit Damian, call him a false champion and hollow his victory…

I could, but I’m not going to. I have much more productive ways to get what I want.”

She removes her arm from the teen, who reluctantly releases her own hold over the Impossible Traveler.

“Just as the name of the show implies, there will be consequences for actions made against me during The First Victory. I wish I could deliver that retribution sooner, but I’ll be a good Traveler for now and deliver what they want from me. If watching me utterly slaughter Pinkie and embarrass Zoey again is what gets them off, I’ll give them a fucking show.”

From within the back pocket of her jeans, Fame on Fire’s cover of “Montero” begins to play loudly. Betsy gives a grin as she reaches into her back pocket with her left hand while holding up the index finger of her right.

“Let’s see what we have here… Ah! It seems Miss Magical Madigan herself has had a few things to say. Kind of Twitter to let me know that’s out there; I’m sure whatever the Zoester has to say will be positively riveting. Although, I’m putting into question if she uses charms or spells of some sort to keep the audience engaged; if you do girl, that’s cheating! I saw the way you feed off the energy of those people, are you a bruja or Colin Robinson? Sometimes when I listen to you, I can’t tell the difference.

Shout out to those of you who know the reference.”

As she starts to slip her phone back in her pocket, it starts to sing to her again. Pausing for only a moment, Betsy brings the phone back around and peers at it again. Her face breaks out into an enthusiastic grin as she thumbs the screen.

“Pinkie, Pinkie, Pinkie; ask and you shall receive, am I right?”

Holding up the phone to the camera, the world can see that LC Pinkston had put out a new Bitch List and she had made number three.

“Did you guys see that he actually tried to start a #GrangerFearsPinkie trend on Twitter recently? Silly Pinkie, brains are for Betsy’s; don’t try to out-fox the smartest person in the room. Trying to turn my own hashtag back on me? You can do better than that. Don’t be so lazy that you reach for the lowest hanging fruit on the tree; that shit is fermented and worthless. Although…”

A thoughtful expression crosses her face as she ponders Pinkston a moment longer.

“There’s more to you than meets the eye, and infinitely more than you let on, for sure. You try to play dumb for the world, but anyone who takes the time to look wouldn’t be fooled by the intelligence in your eyes. You can’t hide that. You’re a fascinating creature in my eyes, even if the rest of the world would write you off as fairly unremarkable. You’re absolutely in over your head for the time being, but the way you tread water until you adapt has been a wonder to behold. You’re gonna go far, kid… Just not this week.”

She gives a big shrug as her grin returns.

“I guess only time will tell us if my guess about you is right, Pinkie.”

Just as she goes to put her phone away, it sings out to her again loudly. Now even her fangirls are looking at her with strained grins as Betsy’s own smile twitches in vexation. Glancing down at the message from Shawn Warstein, her eyes roll back into her head dramatically as she stuffs the phone back into her pocket.

“That was just Brother Mine, demanding his meager royalties for the shrug. He’s worse than a bagman when he’s ready to come collecting...”

As the words leave her lips, another thoughtful expression crosses her face; this time, however, worry is evident in her green eyes.

“... Oh well.”

Her face clears up once more as she refocuses and sets her gaze directly into the camera.

“Are you hoping to bippity, boppity, boo your way into victory against me this week, Zoester? Maybe send a little hex my way that allows you the chance to vindicate being fingertips away from my spot in the semi-finals? Oooohhhh, maybe you’ll attempt to turn the crowd’s energy against me one more time; let’s see if it actually works this time around!”

The Impossible Traveler’s smile turns sinister as she walks closer to the camera. The girls follow, completely enraptured by her now.

“I’ve got news for you, amiga: last week was no fluke. There’s no amount of spells, no font of magic that you can tap into that’s going to give you the outcome you desire. You’re good, Zoey… Quite good, but you aren’t on my level and that’s not a place you’ll reach in a mere week.

At least in both of these excursions, you’ll be able to walk away with enough pride left to walk back through those curtains with your head held high. You’ll receive your runner-up trophy in the mail in seven to ten business days.”

Giving a wide, game show host smile, Betsy flips a double thumbs-up to the camera for a moment. In zero to sixty, the smile fades and her eyes turn to fire again.

“As for you Pinkie Pink Pinkston, it’s time you were kicked back into the shallow end of the pool where you belong. At least for time being; I know Pheely isn’t going to like me saying this shit, but you need to hear it and so does she. You aren’t ready to hang with heavy-hitters and for as much shit as I’m giving Zoey, she’s too much for you to handle right now.

And if she’s too much… How do you think you’ll fair against me?”

Betsy shakes her head as she gives a mockingly mournful expression.

“I meant it when I said I admire your ability to survive; what I didn’t mention was how much I look forward to putting that to the test. I hope you and all four of your moves are ready for what’s coming tomorrow night because you’ll need every instinct in your arsenal to save you. I don’t intend to maim you, amigo, I don’t even wish to do you harm; consider it a lesson in tough love as you get tossed around the ring like a ragdoll.”

Her eyes widen for a moment as another thought crosses her mind.

“And, uh… talking as a friend, I would say maybe wear a cup during the match? I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t trust miss Sorceress Supreme worth a damn. You never know what ingredients a bruja will need for her potions if you catch my drift. If everything Pheely gushes about on Girls Nights is true, you’ve got exactly the kind of specimen Zoester’s Love Potion Number Nine might be looking for.”

The fangirls let out a burst of giggles, earning them a sideways grin from Betsy. She puts a finger to her lips playfully and gives them a wink.

“I should stop, I wouldn’t want to give away the secrets to Zoey’s success. And as much as I’d love to hang out all day and give my opponents more foreplay, I’m afraid this is as much of me as they for now. I’ve already made my impact in Pro Wrestling Excellence at The First Victory; all eyes are on me without question. Come Victory, The Consequences, I only make my statement clearer. Zoey Madigan-Star and LC Pinkston?

Minor obstacles in my path back to the Excellence Championship.

A warm-up for what’s to come with Kayla Richards.

The future is looking undeniably… Impossible.”

As her words trail off, Betsy sticks her hand in the camera, signaling her intent to end it. With a nod of acknowledgment, the camera crew begins to break down as she turns back to the gaggle of girls. They immediately encircle her, their excited energy palpable to the Impossible Traveler. She can’t help but grin as they surround her, holding out autograph books and sharpies.

“That was amazing to see live, Miss Granger!”

Betsy chuckles as she signs the first book.

“Please, call me Betsy. I’m glad you enjoyed that, you girls were great! I might have to hire you ladies to be my personal hype crew."

The girl's giggles are infectious, causing Betsy to smile widely. She continues signing the books, unaware that the girls had drawn even closer to her. When she signs the last and hands it back, she looks up, her eyes widening in surprise. The smiles had disappeared from each of the girls who now stared at her without emotion. Betsy tenses as she realizes she is surrounded, the stance becoming slightly defensive.

"What is this?"

The blonde who had taken charge before reaches into her back pocket and pulls out an envelope. Betsy takes it cautiously, keeping her eyes glued on the girl, who stared back at her with empty eyes.

"Our maker would request an audience at your earliest convenience, Lady Granger."

"Your... Maker?"

"Indeed. Our mission here was in hopes of finding you well and delivering that letter."

"I see..."

Looking down at the green envelope, Betsy notices a familiar emblem etched in silver. She runs her finger over it, giving the envelope a squeeze. It's thin, giving away nothing about its contents.

"Our Maker would also have us advise you to open that in a safe space."

Betsy's head jerks up in surprise.

"Excuse me?"

"Our Maker would also have us advise you to-"

"Ugh, stop, I get it. Safe space got it."

"Our mission is complete. It was an honor, Lady Granger, and our Maker eagerly awaits your arrival."

As the "girls" turn to leave, Betsy pulls an indignant face and follows them swiftly.

"Who says I plan to accept their invite?"

The androids say nothing as they continue to walk away from her. Betsy finally stops as they fall into a single file line down the busy boulevard and disappear around a corner. Behind her, the camera crew watches as the attractive jail-bait disappears while Betsy pauses, her hands on her hips and head tilted in confusion. They hurry to busy themselves as she turns back towards them, studying the envelope in her hand....

*** A FEW HOURS LATER***

James Raven stares at Betsy as she explains what happened after the cameras had shut off earlier that afternoon. As soon as she'd walked through the door, he'd sensed something was off; he was openly relieved that she had been ready to talk. After they had spent at least an hour pondering what the envelope contained and who the "Maker" could possibly be, they had agreed that the only way to find out would be to open the letter.

"I don't like it... Especially with everything going on."

His inhumanly handsome face crumples into a look of worry as he turns away from her. Betsy remains silent, giving him a chance to grab the correct words.

"This weird time-hop courtship the Admiral is trying with you... How do we know this isn't a trap he's trying to lure you into?"

She tilts her head upwards slightly to glance at James.

"He tends to be obnoxiously direct about his intentions when it comes to me; whoever this is, they are trying to stay on the DL. And they weren't hostile... maybe a bit intimidating, but they weren't a danger, at least not to me."

"I still don't like it."

He turns his head back to her as she takes his hand and squeezes it gently.

"I hate it too, but there's just as much a chance it could be a friend. We'll never know unless I open it and for what it's worth... they warned me to open this in a safe space."

Sliding straddle-style into his lap, she wraps her arms and legs around him tightly as she presses her forehead against his.

"There's no safer space for me than one I share with you."

The People's G.O.A.T. sighs heavily as his arms slide around her, pulling her into him tighter.

"You really are a pain in my ass Granger; you're lucky I think you're worth all the trouble you cause me."

The Impossible Traveler lets out a seductive giggle as she lifts her head to place a soft kiss between his eyes.

"I love you too, babe."

One of his hands travels up her back, into her thick blonde hair. As his fingers tangle into her golden locks, he pulls her head to his, crushing her lips in a passionate kiss. They stay this way for a long time, seemingly unwilling to part until Betsy finally pulls away gently, placing her hand over his heart. Closing her eyes, she presses her forehead against his once more and whispers softly.

"Stay with me."

"Always and forever, Bets."

They hug tightly as they exchange one more quick kiss. Sliding reluctantly off his lap, Betsy walks over to the desk, where they had kept the envelope during their conversation. Taking a deep breath, she opens it up and peers inside warily. A thin slip of paper rested inside; she holds the envelope out before her as she slowly removes the paper within.

"So far so good."

She says with a smile at James, but he doesn't share her optimism. His brown eyes continue to watch her intently as she unfolds the paper, reading the short message out loud.

"Dearest Orianna,

Forgive us for being unable to come ourselves, but security has been tightened ever since the Grand Admiral has found you. There is much to discuss, but for all of our safety, we can not put it into this letter. Having said that, we do hope that you took the advice of our androids and opened this letter in an area in which you are well-protected. We're sorry for the method in which we are about to receive you, but we do look forward to seeing you. Contained within this envelope is an invisible chemical agent of our design that will transport you to us; however, as this is more of a telepathic form of travel, this will cause your physical self to shut down right about... now."

Betsy barely has time to look up at James with wide eyes before the green disappears into the top of her head. Realizing she's about to faceplant, James leaps from the bed and catches her smoothly before she crashes to the floor. Setting her down gently on the bed, he brushes the hair out of her face as he makes sure she's breathing...

... meanwhile, the sudden smell of lemon and chamomile causes Betsy to awaken with a start. She realizes immediately that she was no longer where she had been a moment ago, followed by the fact that she was now sitting.

"It's about time you got here, Bets."

A familiar voice greets her playfully from her right. Turning her head quickly in that direction, she can't help the smile that splits her face in half.

"Ahsoka!"

Without hesitation, Betsy rises to her feet and rushes over to hug her friend. Ahsoka Tano smiles wanly at her and gestures to the other two chairs of which the occupants had risen. Turning towards them, Betsy gasps as she stares into the smiling faces of her parents. A lump forms in her throat as the sudden wave of emotions hits her like a brick.

"Daughter..."

Tautania Khan, Betsy's birth mother, glides over and embraces her bewildered daughter. Following behind is her father, Alcanda, who wraps his arms around both women and squeezes them tightly. Instinctively, Betsy hugs both of them back, allowing the moment to go on until Ahsoka clears her throat loudly. The three finally release one another and each of them takes their seats around the table. Ahsoka stays on her feet and begins to pour tea for everyone.

"Sorry for the mean of transport Betsy; this was the only way the four of us could talk safely."

"This was a bit abrupt, but I've experienced worse. What brings us all here today anyway?"

Her green eyes scan the company, sipping her tea as she now attempts to wrap her head around...

"Wait, how do you two know Ahsoka? How long have you known them?"

She sets her tea now as all eyes turn to her. Ahsoka gazes at her calmly.

"We came into contact when you were still a child; I was still acting as Fulcrum when they reached out. I'm sorry for the deception, but our meeting was no accident of fate. I've been watching you for much of your life and reporting all I could back to your folks."

The mouth of the Impossible Traveler hits the floor as she takes in Ahsoka's confession. Tautania reaches across the table and touches Betsy's hand gently.

"We're sorry for the deception dear, but we haven't much time to discuss this right now."

Anger flashes in Betsy's eyes as she glares around the room.

"Then what are we here to discuss?"

Her voice had gone cold as she allowed the conversation to be steered to the business that had brought her here. Her parents exchange a worried look as Tautania removes her hand from Betsy's. Ahsoka takes the lead in a commanding tone, forcing Betsy's green gaze to sweep over to her.

"We were looking for ways to help you get out of the contract with the Admiral. I've been doing some research and I may have something that would solve your problem."

Betsy perks up immediately at this, leaning forward now as Ahsoka continues.

"According to the laws of the Empire itself, if you put forth a petition that the Grangers are the family you claim to be your TRUE bloodline; it would dissolve any contract withstanding made by the Khan's with the Admiral. Without the blood claim attached, they can't offer you as a bargaining piece."

"What's the catch?"

Ahsoka's face gives away her surprise for a moment at Betsy's icy question. A mirthless smile passes over Betsy's face as she leans back in her chair again.

"Come on, there's always a catch with arrangements like that."

Alcanda breaks his silence, his voice trembling with emotion.

"Should you disown the Khan bloodline, it would dissolve the contract; it would also mean that we would never be able to see you again."

Now it was Betsy's turn to give away her shock.

"That can't be right; just because I look at the Grangers as my family doesn't mean I don't want to get to know you too..."

"Oh Daughter, it's not that simple. Of course, we want to remain a presence in your life; but if you succeed in dissolving the contract, that leaves up entirely at the Admiral's mercy. He'd never allow us permission to see you once you've slighted him, and that's if he allowed any of us to survive your slight against him."

As Alcanda explained their circumstances, Tautania became noticeably more rigid. Though Betsy is distracted by her father's words, Ahsoka begins to sense something is off. As Alcanda trails off, he follows Ahsoka's gaze towards his wife.

"My love?"

As her face contorts with fear, Tautania's gaze grows wide as she turns her head blindly towards her husband's voice.

"They found us... Alc, they're here, they...."

Her words turn into a scream of agony; a moment later, Tautania goes eerily silent as her body grows limp in her chair. A moment later, she vanishes from the room as the remaining three rises. Alcanda turns panicked eyes towards Betsy as he reaches out to her. Reaching for him back, they grasp hands as he speaks in a rushed tone.

"Be strong, be brave, we love you, Daughter... We'll see you again..."

His body shudders violently as he groans in pain before disappearing in the same way as his wife. Ahsoka and Betsy look at one another, neither of them able to hide their concern.

"What do you think he'll do to them for this?"

Ahsoka looks at Betsy, her expression becoming grim.

"The Admiral is as ruthless as they come, and he was recently noticed by Emperor Palpatine himself. Rumors of promotion are imminent because of his callousness in the way he deals with his enemies."

"I can only imagine how he'll deal with those he considers traitors..."

Her stomach churns as she considers the possibilities. Ahsoka, sensing Betsy's deep-rooted panic, crosses the room and rests a comforting hand on the shoulder of the troubled Traveler.

"We'll find a way to get them to us, Betsy; I promise that the Rebel forces and I won't stop until we see them safely out of the Admiral's grip."

Betsy can only nod as she hugs herself tightly, her stomach tightening into knots. She begins to shake violently as a disembodied voice begins to fill the space.

"Bets? Come on Bets, wake up!"

She can feel a gentle slapping sensation on her cheek as Ahsoka gives her a gentle smile.

"I believe someone is attempting to get your attention. We've done all we can here; we'll meet again soon. I'll start planning a way to rescue your parents. You have my word Betsy, we will bring them home safely."

As she nods, Ahsoka gives her a gentle push...

... her eyes fly open and her vision is filled with James' concerned face.

"Bets! Thank fucking christ, I didn't know what the hell had happened to you!"

Pulling her up into his arms, he pulls her back into his lap and hugs her tightly, rocking them both as he leans against the backboard.

"I'm alright James it was just a mild sleeping agent my parents cooked up."

"So it really WAS your folks who drugged you?!"

"I wouldn't exactly say drugged, but they are responsible for what happened."

James looks dubious as he gently lifts her face towards his, the thumb under her chin sliding up to caress her cheek.

"I know that look on your face, Bets, something has you bothered. Talk to me."

With a heavy sigh, Betsy nestles snugly into James' lap and begins to tell him the details of the meeting that had just occurred...