Author's Note:
Wow, it's so nice to get feedback!
Many thanks to erika, wades wife and joolR for the reviews, and everyone who added me to a favourite/alert list.
Anyway, this chapter is our introduction to our obligatory OC.
Crossing my fingers Chapter 3 shouldn't be long in the writing – I was initially going 2 & 3 together, but it seemed like it would be too much.
Hope you enjoy!
Cruel Device
Chapter 2
"Good job last week girl!"
The next week, prior to another episode of Raw, Ivy Venom's contemplation of a second helping of pineapple in the catering area was interrupted by her mentor and former NXT pro. Seeing the older gentleman in a smart suit collecting a cup of tea, a gleeful grin spread across her face, in contrast to her usual eye-rolling arrogance.
"Evening boss!" she called as she bounded over to William Regal.
Being placed with him had been one of the things that persuaded her to even consider NXT in the first place. She had assumed that an all female series would feature only divas as pros, and had been pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. Instead, she was honoured to have been put with a mentor who had a wealth of experience in every aspect of the industry, from competing against champions, to kissing ass…literally.
They had been paired initially as the powers that be thought it best to keep the Brits together. Perhaps there was also an element of trying to tame her rebellious streak using the influence of someone who had a strong allegiance to the status quo. However, despite being very much a company man, Regal had privately approved her actions in gaining a contract, letting her know that he admired her deviousness. Though her tenure on NXT was over, he continued to give her tips and advice wherever he could.
In the few weeks they had been working together, he had helped her improve her technical ringwork, correcting any sloppy execution, going over strategy and teaching her a number of new moves. This had let her become even more dominant in matches - most divas had never been hit with a European Uppercut before. Ivy swore that there was no move that Regal did not know how to pull off. Even the Worm, though he would never admit it in public!
She was happier having a good friend like the veteran superstar than being generally popular backstage. Whereas many divas had been models, dancers or fitness competitors who had been headhunted, she had got into wrestling because she loved the business and as such, she was focused on little else than making a successful career for herself. No distractions needed. For his part, Regal was impressed with the seriousness with which his rookie took her ringwork and career, even if she was rather more light-hearted about everything else. He had thought it was a complete joke when he had been informed he would be coaching on the female series of NXT, but, despite an early exit, he had been pleasantly surprised. And the girl understood football - the proper kind rather than that American nonsense with padding - which was always a bonus in his eyes!
Respectful too, for the most part at least. As she'd taken to calling him boss, rather than trying to be so terribly matey as Skip Sheffield had done. He'd tried to tell her that wasn't necessary, but her rather sadistic sense of humour had caused her to instead start calling him "guvnah" in a terrible cockney accent, until "boss" didn't seem at all bad by comparison.
"So you were impressed with me last week huh?"
"There were some nice moves going on there. And it was a decisive win, so I'm sure it has been taken notice of by the General Manager. At least one of the rookies they gave me is turning out well enough"
Arrogant smirk firmly back in place at this praise, Ivy moved to sit down at one of the vacant tables. "Oh I don't know, your cowboy seems to have done alright for himself! Until he got injured at least."
"Once an idiotic fool, always an idiotic fool! Just because he was sensible enough to fall in with the only one of that crop with a brain doesn't mean I'm going to change my opinion on him. Besides, what would you know about the Nexus? Don't you think you cause enough trouble without more distractions?"
"Ah, nothing boss. You know my focus is on getting into the Divas Title picture, rather than what the men are doing."
"Just as well! Don't bother yourself with what the men's roster are doing or you'll take your eyes off the goal. You remember what I've said all along: how many times does a female wrestler get remembered for who she was shagging rather than for her abilities?"
"As if I could forget! You always sound like my grandmother when you say that!"
"Pah! Anyway, you daft creature, shouldn't you be getting ready for your match?"
Ivy glanced at her watch, suddenly remembering that she had been pushed for time already when she had popped in to the canteen. "Crap! Only an hour to go!" she said, scrambling to her feet. "I'll catch you later, ok boss?"
"Just go out there and win!" Regal dismissed her with a wave of his hand, turning his attention back to his tea.
Ivy ran off to the locker room with lots to do - changing, sorting hair and make-up, warming up, and getting into the right frame of mind to notch up another victory. Rushing more than usual, she didn't notice the black and yellow shirts lurking at the end of the locker room corridor, gazing in her direction.
Ignoring the other divas, she changed into her black and green ring gear. For all her disdain, it was nothing personal, it just so happened that sometimes you had to ruin somebody's day to get ahead. There was no use in distracting yourself with whether you were going to hurt someone's feelings by pounding them into the mat. Winning was what mattered.
Winning was exactly what she was planning tonight. Another Monday, another match. And hopefully, another step on her way to some gold! Lay-cool had been monopolising the title competition of late, but Ivy still had hopes in that direction. Having to face two divas at once would make things more problematic, but even that was nothing that couldn't be solved without a well placed boot to the face!
As usual, Ivy was brimming over with confidence about her future in the company.
She had the skills, she had the dedication and she had the WWE contract. That was all she needed on the path to the Divas' Title and success. Nothing was going to get in the way of her plans!
As always, reviews, be they short or long, greatly appreciated.
Next chapter: Enter the Nexus and their ultimatum
