18th July, 2019
09:30 AM EST
Washington D.C.
Exact Location: MedStar Washington Hospital Center (Room #125)
Status: Off-Camera Silence. It had been the main sound Joseph had been surrounded by save for nurses occasionally coming in and leaving after typically checking up on Sam’s vitals. Or … some other less-than-pleasant, but very necessary, tasks that had to be done. With it now having been almost exactly seventy-two hours since Sam was rushed here, the sight of her still out was taking its toll on Orion.
And not just him, but Lio.
Granted, Lio had been doing a much better job at maintaining a strong front over Joseph. But even without watching the Nightmare King openly break down into tears, his expression said that he was definitely on the same page.
Save for the few times it was insisted he
had to leave, Joseph had never really left Sam’s side. And one of those exceptions had been when Essie and the nurse from Ruthann Hunter had arrived.
It really had been quite the surprise for someone they hardly knew within EWC to be as helpful as they were. Maybe one of these days, he’d pry and ask. But for now, Joseph was just accepted any and everything he could when it came to help of any kind.
But with nothing seeming to change, it really did look like everyone had been serious about how low her grade on the GCS, better known as Glasgow Coma Scale, had been. Low enough to be graded as ‘severe’.
His eyes were red from the times he had cried. Fuck those who thought it was a very weak gesture for a man to do; this was his
wife for fuck’s sakes! Orion’s head moved from side to side, his hands clasped tightly together. Joseph was easily one of the least religious men alive, but he’d be fine briefly converting if it meant being able to beg for and receive some sort of miracle.
A trembling hand lowered, fingers lightly rolling over Sam’s left hand. Though his gaze remained on Sam, the words were clearly directed at Lio.
”I’m so sorry. This isn’t what I --”Lio quickly shook his head from side to side, refusing to hear the rest of his thoughts.
”Don’t even talk like that. You know damn well this wasn’t your fault.” But he’d be damned if he didn’t admit to himself it only gave him further incentive to consider joining Sam in at least one other place she fought in. The move from New Orleans to Washington D.C. had, in his and Joseph’s mind, been the smart thing to do. Now if there had been any doubt at all, it was removed.
Next time … she could get a break. Assuming she wasn’t booked in too many consecutive matches, anyway. She could come back and let her body heal.
By default, Falls Count Anywhere implied it would have been dangerous. And both Orion and Sam agreed - upon being able to see and view the tapes - the same man who eliminated herself as well as Xavier Reid would be one of the people to watch out for. Morgan Darkwater was, apparently, the name he went by.
He just … didn’t think he had it in him to force his wife into a coma.
There was one definite saving grace compared to the last time this had happened. It wasn’t an act of spite or malice. F.M. Young … she knew that had been a person who purposely ensured she hurt Sam bad enough in hopes of taking her out. And that thought was only stronger proven when Young tried to have Vitoly Volkov literally euthanize Sam that same night.
It was one of the least proud moments of Joseph’s life. Had Kai Atticus not gotten involved … Volkov very likely would have succeeded in killing Sam off. Which made his frustrations a bit more irritating. Nearly two years later … and he
still couldn’t do anything.
This truly had happened at the worst timing. Just as he promised Sam, the other Maidens, and Lio, he had started attending college. The move, unfortunately, didn’t allow for him to easily accept Bullet’s original offer to go to the exact same location, as it had been in New Orleans.
His fists must have clenched … or something subconsciously happened. Either way, the sound of Lio speaking helped Orion leave his thoughts and focus on his suggestion.
”Try … what Essie and the other nurse suggested. Talk to her. If she needs to react to stimuli more, then you’re already on the right track.” He nodded towards his hand holding onto Sam’s to help indicate what he was referring to.
“ … You can too, if you want. She’s going to be your wife soon enough, eventually.” The words caused Lio to weakly smile and take the offer up. He sat next to Sam’s right hand, mimicking Orion and intertwining his hand with his lover’s.
A shaky breath elicited from Joseph as he thought briefly how to start … before just relaying everything coming to his frantic mind.
”You literally can’t do this, Sam. Not now. You have way too much coming up. And we still need to talk more on whether accepting Melinda Rhode’s offer would be smart or not. You still have laws to break and Lio to marry.”Lio’s smirk widened, but he otherwise remained silent for the time being.
”How many times have you told others you’re about defying odds? Here’s another for you. Everyone’s saying you won’t wake for weeks, maybe even longer, but … fuck that. Even if not for my sake, you have to prove them wrong. I … can’t imagine you being happy about staying like … this. Hooked to too many IVs and wearing those electrodes.”Unfortunately, everything had been a necessary, medical-related evil.
Joseph’s jaw and teeth clenched tightly as his grip got a bit stronger on Sam’s hand.
”There is no way you’re happy with not even having celebrated our one month anniversary. I know the thought of maybe not being able to enjoy that with you is making me furious enough to take Solomon’s offer up. He may not be at fault for this either, but fuck it. I’ll return to the ring to get some aggression out if needed.”Tears pricked at his eyes as Orion forced them to stay put rather than fall then and there. He’d already done enough crying, and found it did nothing to make this situation any better. Granted, it would have been a justified reaction, but … still.
Lio took note of Joseph’s silence and decided to take his turn. He didn’t need to think long to know what he wanted to say.
”Aphrodite’s been looking everywhere for you. You’ve … had quite a few people send cards and flowers over. What you’ll wake up to .. it isn’t just from myself or Joseph. It’s from others in all of the federations you’ve joined up with. I know you’re hard on yourself, and likely smacking yourself for failing to come out as the winner in that royale. But Sam … there is no shame. You may not have gotten as far as you wanted, no. But you gave everyone a hell of a fight … like you always do.
“So if that part of your brain is trying to insist you should remain asleep because you failed …”His eyes narrowed at the thought.
”You tell it to shut up right now. You’re not giving up. That’s not who you are. Bounce back … you can and have done this so many times. But first thing’s first; you have to wake up.”Her head turned once again. It had been one of the few signs they saw that gave either man a glimmer of hope this wasn’t going to be nearly as long as doctors originally assumed. This time, though, a low groan passed her lips … but that was it. Her eyes stayed shut, and no coherent words were spoken.
Even still, it was enough. It was a start.
”Come on,” Joseph encouraged, his voice getting a bit more firm.
”You can do this. Wake up, Sam …” ”Sir, it’s not that easy. I appreciate your efforts and all, but …”In the doorway was the usual nurse that tended to check up on Sam in the morning.
”So what do you want us to do, huh? Pace around while probably looking like idiots? Just keep playing the waiting game?” Lio’s head tilted slightly as he nodded down towards Sam.
”Do you even know who she is, exactly, miss?”The nurse gave an affirmative nod.
”I do. Not to insult her or her career lifestyle, but she knew the risks going into that match. Maybe she should give it up. We’ve seen all the hospital visits she’s had since the past few years and just … Jesus. It’s a miracle she hasn’t died.” That made Joseph get up to his feet, daggers glaring in his eyes.
”You think I don’t know that? Or that we don’t?! You know the number of times I’ve watched those very close calls first hand myself?!””So why not convince her to stop while she’s ahead. It’d be a tragedy for someone not even thirty to die in the ring and all.” A low chuckle would make them all turn. Finally, Sam’s eyes fluttered open as she spoke without missing a beat.
”Because, nurse, we’ve had that talk time and time again. It’s never worked before. Why should it now?” ” … Sam!”As quickly as he’d stood up, he sat right back down, giving his wife a careful hug, if only to avoid yanking the IVs out of her palm.
The nurse, meanwhile, just stared … clearly shocked to watch what was likely a one in a ten thousand chance sort of situation happen before her eyes. Her head eventually shook and she cleared her throat.
”Well Titaness, congratulations. Would you mind asking your lovers to move away for a bit? I need to -- hey! What are you doing?!”Already, Sam was going through her texts and Twitter, seeing what had happened … what she’d missed. Without glancing up, she nodded and continued scrolling through everything.
”I do mind. I’m up, I’m ….”She frowned, seeing her reflection via her phone screen and cringing at the electrodes in her hair.
”Very much ready to have those out of my hair, thank you very much. And you’ve done more than enough surveillance. I want my dismissal papers ASAP.”A smirk formed on her face as she looked over towards the door.
”And this, miss, is a live example of why talking me out of wrestling will never work. You think I’m annoying now? Try shifting the topic to my job.” A frustrated huff was all the nurse replied with. She remained in the doorway for a few more moments … before reluctantly pivoting and leaving. Likely to go see about getting what Samantha had asked for.
” … Three days? Fuck me, really?””Welcome back, my beloved.”Sam grinned, giving each male a light kiss on the lips before plopping back against the pillows.
”Thank you. I’m giving her thirty minutes. Otherwise, I’m gonna annoy the hell out of her with the call button. And Joseph, love?”Her head moved from side to side.
”You don’t have jack shit to prove to Cain. If you come back … do so because you wanna, not because he’s trying to make you. If anything, I’ll handle the fucker when the time comes. And not just because I’m the still active fighter. I have taken note of certain things he’s been hinting and saying. I just have no reason to acknowledge them … not yet.”At this, one of Orion’s eyebrows rose.
”So … that weird-ass pun about himself being hung … you noticed that?””Mhm, and I’m pretty sure I know where he’s going with that.”A smug grin spread over Sam’s face.
”But you know that’s what he is; a load of shit.””What’s been going on now?” ”Just some bullshit rumors from an attention whore. Maybe if he’d …”Sam quickly shook her head, gently closing her eyes.
”Nah. That doesn’t matter. I’ll fill you in more later. Right now, I’m resting my eyes until the next twenty-six minutes tick by.” True to her words, her eyes remained closed. However, both Lio and Joseph would feel their hands gently squeezed to help show she hadn’t slipped back into her coma. She truly was just relaxing - now on her own terms instead of a coerced one.
18th July, 2019
14:59 PM MST
Denver, Colorado
Exact Location: Magness Arena
Status: On-Camera The camera pans in on The Titaness whom, upon closer inspection, we see is in the dead center of the Magness Arena. She’s not standing though - likely as a precaution. Or part of one. Instead, she’s using the ropes and leaning against them. She waves to the camera before moving a few strands of her hair away.
It’s still a bit damp … which gives us a fair assumption she probably showered prior to arriving here.
”Well … fuck. Sorry, Leah. I somehow took a vacation I did not plan nor ask for. Sorry. I don’t usually take this long to get back to my opponents.”Her hand rose as she stifled a yawn.
”That’s not me talking to or about our match. That's jet lag. So … before I focus on you, what’d I tell you guys?”Sam proudly pats her shoulder, where her Tag Team Championship is resting. All while smirking smugly at the camera.
”For now, I’m gonna leave it at that. Just because I really am sick of your high and mighty crap. Me and Bandit have proved ourselves once again, so like us or not, we have these straps for a damn good reason. Now try being actual good boys by shutting up and re-waiting your turn in line. Though frankly, I see others who deserve the chance to go against us much sooner than you wannabe thugs.”A soft sigh passes Samantha’s lips as she gathers her thoughts before slowly nodding.
”So … ‘War Queen’ Leah, is it? It greatly interested me to see just you come over here. See, like you know who I am, the same is true vice versa. To say it was a shock you didn’t come with all of TNP was an understatement. And yet …”An actual smile replaces her smirk.
”I commend you. I sorta did the reverse. For the longest time, I fought alone. I didn’t join the Shieldmaidens until about a year ago. But in the midst of doing so, I took a hell of a risk. And frankly? It paid off. No matter what anyone tries to tell you, it was very worth it. Every day that goes by, I only feel more glad I accepted RJ’s offer rather than turning her down.
“You have a mindset I can not only appreciate, but respect. You don’t care who your opponent is; you just want a good fight.”Sam claps.
”No sarcasm attached. Good on you. Really. You know how hard it is to find people like you these days? Too many people notice things like my cut and start tossing over stupid-ass insults or assumptions. The amount of ‘lesbian biker gang’ quips I’ve heard is just beyond lame at this point. Redundant too and, worse off, not even accurate. But no. You don’t sink to those degrees, and for that, you have my thanks. Also …”Her hands press together as Sam’s smile widens further.
”Finally … finally! Someone has done their fucking homework on me! Halle-fucking-lujah! It’s really not that hard. But, again, it’s hard to find opponents who’ll not only take the time and effort to look up what I’ve done, but acknowledge it all. Mind you, you don’t have to make it sound like I’m the most perfect fighter out there, because … I’m not that naive anymore. I’m not that arrogant.
“But with that being said … there was one mistake - a very rookie one - that you said. As far as my career in Mile High, yes. This will be my first singles match. But sweetie? If you think it’s my first singles in 2019, period?”Sam’s head moved from side to side.
”Very, very much wrong. For me, this will be like riding a bike.”Slowly, Sam began to pace inside the ring.
”You do seem to know the basics about me and my professional life, so here’s the parts few people know. My personal life. Don’t worry, it’s all appropriate for anyone to hear. I may have started fighting in underground rings when I was sixteen, but if we wanna go back even further, then this lifestyle …”She taps the ring lightly with her boot, emphasizing what exactly she’s talking about.
”This has been what I’ve worked on every day of my life since I was nine years old.”Her head lifts as she stops, looking right at the lens with a very stoic expression.
”You heard right. Nine. Let that sink in. That’s more than half of my life span so far. Fifteen years, if you want an exact number. The moment I knew fully well what I wanted to do with my life, I devoted every waking second to making myself a better athlete. I joined in any and every ‘aggressive’ sport; football, basketball, rugby, high school wrestling, anything that gave me the chance to be up close and personal with my opponents.
“So while you’re not wrong about noticing it’s been a while since I’ve been in a singles fray … you thinking that will work for you is foolish. In fact, it should be pointed out that a good chunk of my wins from Mile High were from singles fights. In fact … let’s go back to the very beginning. Episode Number One, because there’s another thing you’re probably taking lightly, though this is a more fair and typical thing to brush off. The very fact we’re in a usual, traditional match. But that is also a flaw on your behalf.”Finally, Sam pulls her phone out, turning it back around after a few moments and showing her very first fight against ‘The Sex Symbol’ Chris Connor.
”Spoiler alert, since I sorta skipped the line that mattered. The commentators were right. That night … was the last time anyone saw ‘The Sex Symbol’ in a wrestling ring. And I would count the house show, but …”Sam shrugs.
”Even there, he still got his ass handed to him. In a tag match, no less, so … nope. I can’t really say he made any sort of comeback, so to speak. Night one … and he was permanently gone. But luckily, I don’t think you’ll have that issue. You’re ready to go and meet me in the ring, not try to flirt with me. You’ve already got a much better mindset than Connor ever did.
“Here, though, is where my next concern kicks in. Since you’re coming over without your comrades, it’s obvious why. To branch out, to prove your worth to yourself. Commendable … but here’s the thing, and it’s a huge one. What happens if things don’t go your way? What happens if one loss becomes a pattern?” Sam holds a finger up.
”Don’t think I’m wishing this upon you, Leah. I’m just being realistic. In fact, that was how my own professional career began. It was very, very rocky. And the consecutive losses to F.M. Young? Ugh, they annoyed the fuck out of me. To a point where I seriously wondered if I’d made a mistake in leaving the underground and making myself a pro.”A low chuckle leaves her lips as the flashbacks go through her mind.
”But that’s not what happened. Instead, I found a second place to fight at. It was then I was recruited by Jonny D and joined the ranks of HcW and you know what? Not only did I make myself one of their best fighters ever, I improved within Elysium also. I may not have ever won a strap whilst in Elysium, but .. I at least ensured I got some Ws. And some of them were even more impressive than others.
“I grew. I made mistakes. I learned from them. But I have seen some people so horrible with handling losses that they quit. And, especially in this sport, that’s never a good thing. So I suppose my main question I’m tossing over to you is will you truly be able to keep to your nickname even after losing to me?”The tone in her voice holds absolute confidence.
”I applaud your bravery, but I have never been a stepping stone for anyone. Especially not here in Mile High. I’m not about to start now, not even with a new, but possibly very competent, opponent. If I had been allowed to choose my matches when Mile High reopened, I would have gone straight to singles matches. Or even Triple Threats, Fatal Four Ways, things like that.
“Apparently, though, Robert decided he wanted to see me tag with Bandit. Which was fine .. up until we lost due to technicalities. So you better believe that I was very much alright with helping her reclaim what was ours. But had he not gone down that route? I very likely would have been shining in singles.”Sam points down to the ring.
”The unfortunate truth is you’re about to step into my domain. Into the place where I’ve always shined. While No Disqualifications make it much easier to hurt someone, I don’t need to have that stipulation added to do serious damage. You may very well be ready to test yourself, Leah. I’ll give you that benefit of the doubt. You just aren’t ready for me … not yet.
“Honestly, this was one of the worst possible matches you could have been put in. None of this, for the record, is being said out of spite or disdain for you. It’s just the truth. But don’t think I won’t acknowledge you as a fighter; no, that’d be stupid of me. I will. I’m just refusing to let you get by me, and not simply because I’m stubborn like that.
“Word has likely gone around, but I was forced into a coma for a few days. Not the proudest day of my life, but …”She gestures up and down herself, her smirk widening.
”Here I am all the same. And considering the score on that stupid coma scale? Everyone was thinking it’d be weeks, months, maybe even longer before I regained my consciousness. Yet, I’m here. Standing. Alive. Mostly well. But above all of that? I’m very ready to show that despite being forced into an unwanted nap, I do still have what my magical touch in one-on-one frays.
“Not that I hadn’t beforehand. In fact, that desire was already fueled within me the moment Robert revealed we would be fighting at Rise Again. It just has gotten stronger. Defying odds is one of the many themes that has always surrounded and blessed me. And that is exactly what I intend to do at Rise Again; face you and show that even after the past three days, I’m nowhere near done.
I’m second among the rankings of the entire roster’s win-loss record, and I can assure you, that wasn’t a fluke. I acquired each and all of those wins through skill and willing to sacrifice myself in every possible way.”Finally, Sam pauses, her more serious look returning to her face.
”You very likely will find a day when you can shine. It just won’t be at Rise Again. Hell, if I didn’t have enough reasons, then there’s one more. At the very first Pay-Per-View, the first Rise In Phoenix … I fell. Literally so, off a ladder. Rise Again will be my redemption for that.
“Not to say I’m ashamed. Bullet worked damn hard to beat me and secure the Phoenix Championship for herself. Still … the very first Pay-Per-View and it didn’t go nearly as well as I’d wanted. I need to make up for that. And unfortunately, it seems Rob decided to give you a very rocky beginning to your solo career.”Another soft breath escapes Samantha’s lips before she nods.
”No matter what, you’ll have my gratitude and respect when our match comes to its end. Just don’t be too amazed when I’m the last one standing and having my arm raised up. You’re not the only one who never backs down from fights. I don’t either. And I never hold back … never.”Sam waves to the camera, turning to leave the ring.
”I’ll see you soon, Leah. And for once? I’m actually very much looking forward to our fight. Thank god for meeting another kindred spirit instead of a simple-minded idiot trying to stupidly label me or insult me due to association with the Maidens. Goodness.” As her rambling ends, the lights go out, surrounding the Magness Arena in darkness. Sam’s footfalls can be heard for a few moments before they fade away. The combination of the lingering darkness plus static eventually replacing the feed signals the end of the shoot.
