We Were Always Destined To Do This Again (UtL #1 vs Mack)

[betsy]

“You might have thought you were rid of me… But you were wrong.”

The camera was unfocused on the room she sat in, but the unmistakable voice of Betsy Granger comes through loud and clear. It takes several more seconds for the camera to clear; it quickly zooms in on the current OCW TransAtlantic Champion. Green eyes sparkle like emeralds against sun kissed skin, golden locks tumbling down her back like a river. A smug grin is plastered on her face as she shifts the belt from one shoulder to the other.

“You didn’t seem very pleased to see me, Mack; don’t tell me you didn’t miss me after all this time apart? Was your excitement that unmanageable or were you just that irked over me raining on your parade? I just couldn’t help it, I wanted to see you again that badly! What we had in GCWA was special, you can’t deny that.. It’s funny, in all the losses I suffered in my short time in the ring, the one against you still burns the most. Nothing about that night sits well with me to this day, but there’s no point dwelling on the past! I’ve spent many a night wondering how to draw you out for a rematch. No stipulations, nothing on the line, just you and me in that ring, letting all our grievances air out.

Because I’m willing to bet you can’t beat me twice.”

The camera widens, showing the inside of her ship, Excellence. The engine chugs along merrily behind her, casting her in a bright glow.

“Consider that your challenge, Mack. I dare you to do everything in your power to put me down again.

I’d bet you that you can’t; there is already a group of wise sports betters that put down good money that says you can’t. Because they’ve been watching, and they’ve seen how much I’ve grown since our previous encounter. I can admit that the green, indulgent girl you met then was foolhardy and impulsive. An emotional wreck who lost sight of the prize in an unnecessary bid to seek vengeance over her unscathed boyfriend. I defied the lessons of Shawn Warstein and allowed my emotions to drive me forward and it cost me the richest prize in GCWA. I suppose what I’m getting at is that I made a lot of stupid rookie mistakes that made me trip over my own two feet. I walked on my pride and that was a very thin line to begin with.

I’ve shed that skin and torn off the rose-colored glasses; many things became clear after GCWA closed and I had time to reflect. There are some things I would do differently, but I don’t regret a moment of the experience. Even my stinging loss to you is something I look back on with a bittersweet taste on my tongue. I wasn’t ready to jump into the big pond yet, something else Warstein tried to warn me about. I ignored a lot of sage advice from that and in my rush to be the best as quickly as I can. I ignored my own motto of taking the long way around; it’s safe to say that I can chalk that up to earning too much, too quickly.”

Betsy tips her head and gives a rueful smile before continuing.

“Worry not dear, I’m all about the here and now… Well, I still roam all over the past and future too. Oh yeah, all that time travel stuff you called me a psycho over, that’s still a thing. Whatever helps you sleep at night, mate. Have another round or ten, you’ll start to believe the impossible soon enough.”

A faraway look crosses her face as her words trail off and a peaceful silence falls. This remains for a few moments, then she speaks.

“I do love a good role reversal, don’t you? I’m remembering when last we met, you carried the prize I coveted so badly. The problem I had then is that I wasn’t prepared to do whatever it took to claim it. You managed to get one over on me, something I never properly congratulated you for. It’s not getting any better than that, so take it with whatever you want. A grain of salt, a shot of tequila, whatever floats your boat. But look at us now! You thought you were going to come out and go one on one with Vodka; after all, it certainly seemed to be what the fans wanted. It’s only because they didn’t realize who else was in the building that night. You heard them when my music hit, they were out of their seats like someone shocked them in their taints! As soon as they saw my face, the roof just about came off; talk about making a girl feel welcome. Is it any wonder I went on to win this beauty and sign that contract?”

A smug smile tugs at her lips as she holds the title up above her head.

“Have you heard these haters going in on the design of this thing? I believe one person hearkened it to someone tweaking on cocaine while watching Miami Vice. I’m heavily paraphrasing, but I always recognize jealousy when I see it. The weak and the cowardly always bark the loudest when it comes to denying what they want. In reality, everyone wants a shot at championship gold, no matter how it’s designed. Those who would prostrate on it’s appearance are hiding the fact that they know it’ll never adorn their waist or shoulder. In their hearts, they know that when the Impossible Traveler gets her hands on something, it would take a miracle to take it from her. Luckily, most of these people are self-aware enough to know they aren’t up to the task; a hard truth that you clearly haven’t gotten through your thick chrome dome just yet.

A truth I’m going to have to share with you at Under the Lights.”

Her smile fades as her expression grows intense.

“We’re not destined for a repeat performance, Mack. I may have won at House of Cards, but I didn’t beat YOU. All I managed to do was cock block you enough to snatch what you came out there for. How did you like having your thunder stolen in what should have been your moment of triumph? I know how it felt for me; that sinking, heavy feeling in the pit of your stomach when you hear that bell ring and know that it isn’t ringing for you… It’s bitter, turning into bile, creeping its way up your esophagus and burning at the back of your throat. Your head buzzes uncontrollably, trying to take in every sound, scent, sensation… Then it suddenly all clears and you're left with this emptiness, a void that only comes after the most crushing of blows.

THAT is the baggage I carry with me coming into this most anticipated of rematches, Mack. I hated feeling that way and I vowed that someway, somehow, I’d make you feel that way in return. Heh, maybe I am still a bit spiteful about how things went down between us. I honestly can’t control that shit, it’s genetically ingrained in female DNA. Unfortunately, it’s exactly those feelings of wrath and hellfire that are going to ensure I put the big dog down in his own yard.

You better come prepared Mack, because you aren’t ready for this side of Betsy Granger.”

Shoving her hand in the camera, she ends the transmission.

____________________

7/25/2021

6 Hours Before House of Cards Begins

It’s the quintessential summer day: an azure blue sky being wooed by massive, fluffy clouds. A soft, warm breeze causes bright green foliage to shimmy on it’s branches. Rows of perfectly potted garden plants line the middle of the row, creating an attractive divider for those who found themselves traveling along this particular path. Later that night, the path would be filled with vehicles and fans eagerly heading en mass to the OCW arena that lay ahead. For the time being, the only sound breaking the tranquil silence is the singing of birds going about their day.

Honestly, Bob Ross would be in his element right now.

At least until the loud roar of a motorcycle engine cuts through the peace. As it comes into view over the hill, it’s obvious right away that the driver is a man. He’s hunched, helmet obstructing his face, leaving anyone who might be observing wondering who was causing such a racket. Behind him, riding pillion, was a tall, lean female who leaned against him comfortably, arms wrapped tightly around his torso. They leaned in unison, movements that were obviously well practiced through many rides together.

The cycle rips down the road and eventually comes to a halt directly in front of the doors to the superstar entrance. Kicking the stand down, the driver removes his helmet, revealing James Raven underneath. His hair is messy, but he doesn’t seem to care as he offers his hand to his companion. Once she’s on her feet, she removes her own helmet and not a soul is surprised to see that it is Betsy Granger. Hanging the helmets off the handlebars, James takes Betsy by the hand and leads her into the arena.

“And you’re positive you want to do this? I don’t want you to overwork yourself again…” This inquiry is met with a sideways glare from his lady. “Okay, okay… I just want you to be alright, you know? You haven’t juggled three feds in a while.”

“Honestly beloved, I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t think I could handle it. There’s too much opportunity here for me to pass up on.” a wicked grin crosses her face. “Don’t tell me you’re worried that little ol’ me is gonna come in and steal your spotlight?”

Her tone is light and teasing, but the statement earns her a growl from Raven. Tugging her arm to pull her into him, he backs her against a wall and pins her there playfully. “Can’t steal something we already share, wouldn’t you say?”

As he leans in and nips her neck playfully, neither of them notice the figure lurking in the shadows, watching intensely. Betsy’s giggles float down the hall as she pretends to struggle under his grip. Taking his time, James nibbles at her ear before kissing his way across her cheek and down to her lips. As they share a moment, the figure smirks and slinks away, unnoticed by the couple. When they finally part, Betsy’s eyes are hazy, cheeks tinged with pink and her breath was shallow. “Correct you are, darling; honestly, though, why are you suddenly so concerned about this now?”

James doesn’t answer right away, instead he kisses her tenderly one more time before stepping back. Taking her hand, he begins walking them down the hall again, towards the private room he had arranged for them. “You just seem like you’re trying to carry too much. I know you feel like you have something to prove, just… don’t kill yourself trying to make your point.” Nudging open the door, a quick inspection shows that everything had been set up exactly to rights. He guides Betsy to the soft sofa for two and sits them down. “I know what you have in mind for tonight, and I support you completely. Just don’t forget what you learned… And be prepared for anything.”

“He’s not going to know what hit him this time… And that’s if my plan works out exactly as I want it to.” She shoots James a grin and rises to her feet. She walks towards the shower, slipping casually out of her sundress and looks over her shoulder. “For now, my current plan is to wash off some of the road dust. You’re more than welcome to join me, if you’re so inclined.”

Needing no further prompting, James wastes no time following Betsy into the shower...