A/N: *awkwardly waves* Hiya! Soooo, it's been a minute since my last update, and believe me I never intended to be gone so long but I've been dealing with ongoing writer's block for what feels like an eternity. On top of that, my last update was right before my first semester in undergrad and now I'm about to be in my final semester of grad school. Long story short, I'm back and hopefully, I'll be able to update more frequently going forward. Now, I know there's been a couple of other changes since I've been gone, namely the title of this story and the summary and I just felt like both were more suited to the story's plot. Another change I'll be making going forward is the name of Valentina's finisher Kiss of Death to Fatality as well as the move itself. The best visual for it is Beth Phoenix's Glam Slam Stretch. Mostly because I'm also a big Mortal Kombat fan lol. As always, don't forget to fav, follow, and review!
Chapter Fourteen – Back By Popular Demand
"Ivy? Gee, you look like crap! Maybe I can sneak ya some shampoo."
"The plants! Can't you hear them? They're crying out to me in agony!"
"Yeah? Well, I really don't have time for this."
"Please let me out! They'll die without me!"
"I dunno, Red. You're not on Mr. J's party list. Oh well…"
"Please!"
"Ah, what the heck, I'll cut ya a break!"
A sanguine sigh left my lips at the sound of Harley and Ivy's voices. Bless my spirit animals for cheering me up. It'd been almost two weeks since the incident with AJ occurred, and the only positive points of being MIA were that my eye had healed up nicely, the boys called and FaceTimed often to check in on me, and I was able to keep myself entertained by playing all of my favorite games, namely Batman: Arkham Asylum.
However, just because my mood had somewhat brightened didn't mean I was about to let what AJ did slide. What she did was the straw that broke the camel's back. I would make her pay for what she did to me if it was the last thing I ever did. When it came to having my vengeance on the Black Widow, the possibilities were endless. Sure, she was a very cunning woman and knew how to get in someone's head – I.E, Bryan, Punk, Kane, Cena, etc. -, I'll give her that. But like every human being, she also had weaknesses. All of which I couldn't wait to exploit. How to go about doing it was the real question.
Incoming Call: Seth Rollins
On this day, I see clearly,
Everything has come to life,
A bitter place and a broken dream,
And we'll leave it all behind.
"Puddin', you called!" I squealed, skipping into my bedroom and flopping down on my bed, allowing my head to dangle over the side.
There was a light nasally chuckle on the other side. "Well, it's comforting to know that you're in a better mood today, sweetheart. Last time we spoke you threatened to disembowel Dean with a spoon and put itching powder in Roman's shampoo."
"And there's a reason for that, Rollins. Dean not only butt-dialed me at shit o'clock in the morning but Roman wouldn't stop laughing in the background about it!" I huffed. "Though maybe it was for the best considering my dream involved me superplexing AJ through a thumbtack-covered table."
"….That's it, no more watching the Attitude Era and ECW in your spare time."
"NOOOOOOO! I swear I don't have a problem!" I playfully whined.
Incoming Call: Mark Carrano
"Hey, Carrano's on the other line, I'll call you back." I set the phone on the counter before using my other hand to press Accept. "Hi Mark, how are you?"
"I'm great, Valentina, thanks for asking," he replied. "I was just calling to inform you that you're all set to return this Monday. We'd also like you to be at the arena by 2 for your WrestleMania photoshoot and then stop by the merchandise table to check out your new merch."
"Wait, wait, wait, I'm getting my own merch?!" I asked eagerly.
"Absolutely, the fans have been dying for some Valentina Monroe representation and we managed to whip up some designs we're sure both you and the fans will love. I've also got some big news to tell you when you get to the arena as well."
"Should I be worried?" I laughed nervously and bit my lip.
"Of course not, I'll see you Monday."
"Thank you so much again, Carrano, I'll see you then." I hung up the phone, walked over to the sink, and washed my hands, giggling softly as Khaleesi skittered over to me and rubbed her head against my legs.
"You hungry, baby girl?" I asked, kneeling to rub her cheek while she purred happily and meowed in response.
"I'll take that as a yes, and I'll fill your sister's bowl too while I'm at it." I got up and walked over to the pantry, throwing open the door and picking up two bags of Purina. When that was done, I stretched out on the couch and resumed playing the game.
Raw
March 11th, 2013
Indianapolis, Indiana
Bankers Life Fieldhouse
"Gorgeous! Great job, Valentina!" Kylie, WWE's photographer, beamed as I posed in front of the backdrop. My hair was currently serving volume and luscious curls and my makeup screamed sex appeal. I was currently rocking some denim hot pants, black fishnets, a gray cropped WrestleMania 29 merch shirt, and gray slouchy boots. Around my neck was a silver pendant that said Queen.
I fluffed out my hair and grinned as she took a few more shots. "Thank you, I'll be here all week."
"Please, I've seen better poses on America's Next Top Model. Is this really what OUR division has been reduced to since we've been gone? What a joke."
I looked past Kylie to see none other than the Bella twins themselves walking up to me and I couldn't help but roll my eyes and clench my fists. What the fuck were they doing here?! They literally got fired last year!
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the Kardashians, to what do I owe the pleasure?" I asked rhetorically. "Better yet, how's retirement? You know, considering that happens to a lot of wrestlers when they decide to hang up the boots, have a career-ending injury or, I don't know, GET FIRED."
"Well, other than the fact that we're the stars of the E! Network's hottest upcoming reality show, Total Divas, we're also here to take back our division," Nikki simpered, crossing her arms over her fake boobs. "Especially since it's been in the hands of a talentless newbie."
"Bitch, the only thing you have up on me is bigger boobs and I could get them tomorrow if I wanted them," I retorted. "I've been carrying this division on my back these last four months and that's not about to change just because you two managed to give a little…"oral persuasion" to the right people in management. Speaking of talent, I was rewatching the Diva Search last weekend and it still amazes me that we managed to get so many talented women from it. Candice Michelle, Layla, Michelle McCool, Eve Torres, Maryse, Maria, Ashley Massarro, Christy Hemme, the list goes on. Then we got the two women who after all these years still can't wrestle for shit. Of course, when all you've been able to offer the division since 2008 is swimsuit matches and being eye candy for different Superstars every week there really is no hope for any improvement whatsoever."
"Why, you disrespectful little bitch!" Nikki sneered, lunging at me…only to immediately be held back by Brie.
"Nicole, stop!" She snapped. "We're too much of ladies to engage in her trashy, low-class behavior. FYI...Valentina, is it? You really have no room to talk about "oral persuasion" now do you? Isn't that how you became The Shield's girl in the first place? Enlighten me, sweetie, did you give that "oral persuasion" to your best friend Seth to get your spot in The Shield? Or do they all share you? I mean, you're all very close..."
"I suggest you shut your fucking mouth before I make sure you BOTH end up on live TV with black eyes, missing teeth, popped implants, and missing hair extensions," I bit out, my eyes narrowed into slits. "Now, while I may be focused on ending AJ at the moment, you can rest assured that when I'm finished with her ass.… I'm coming for yours. Believe that."
With that, I stormed past them. Once I was at mine and the boys' locker room, I threw open the door and took a few deep breaths to calm my anger. Who the fuck did those hos think they were?! I spent months putting my body through hell to rebuild the Divas division, all while making a name for myself. It'd be a cold day in hell before I let them ruin it. No fucking way.
"Holy shit, these are amazing!" I squealed, picking up a gray heathered hoodie out of the box. On the back it read in black and pink font Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Who Will Dominate Them All? with a sexy female silhouette below the writing. The rest of my merch consisted of gold pendants that said Killer Queen in cursive font, black flowy tank tops that read Long Live The Queen in pink font, white crop tops that read Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Who Will Dominate Them All? in black and pink with the same female silhouette under the writing, white long sleeve shirts that said The Killer Queen in purple font with the female silhouette on the front and Valentina Monroe in the same color font on the back, navy colored sweatshirts that read Valentina Monroe in bright pink font with a bright pink heart below the writing on the front of the sweatshirt while the back read She's A Killer Queen in bright pink font and white tube socks with pink stripes and a black crown in the center with Killer Queen written across it in pink.
"Glad you like them," Joe Hickey, the manager of Talent Merchandise, replied. "The fans have been asking for this nonstop on Twitter since December and I think it's safe to say they're gonna lose their minds when it's released on the WWE Shop next week. Feel free to take a few of the items with you too, in case you want to wear them tonight or tomorrow on SmackDown."
"Gladly," I grinned, digging through the box until I found my size for each item. "Well, my day has been somewhat shitty thanks to my two new coworkers, but this just put me in a great mood. Tonight I'm finally back in action and ready to put AJ on notice and let the WWE Universe know that my boys and I will not rest until justice is served." I sighed happily. "What could go wrong?"
I just had to open my big mouth.
To say I was a nervous wreck when I walked into Mark Carrano's office would be an understatement. It was a fucking miracle I wasn't sweating off my makeup from how on edge I was.
"So, Valentina," Mark began. "First thing's first, welcome back."
"Thank you, Mark," I replied with a smile. "It's great to be back."
"Now, I won't keep you too long because knowing you, you've got business to discuss with your boys," he said. "With that being said, I have good news and bad news, though the bad isn't so much as bad as it is…sudden. For a lack of a better word. Which do you want to hear first?"
"Let's start with the bad news," I replied tentatively. "Wait, I'm not getting released am I?"
"Of course not!" Mark laughed, shaking his head. "Plus, you wouldn't have just got new merch if that'd been the case. Anyway, as you know, WrestleMania is just a few weeks away and that means the next few weeks are going to be busy. Since The Shield's notoriety has skyrocketed since November we'd like to start the tour a little earlier than originally planned. This means - along with more house shows - more singings, interviews, press conferences, and appearances. We're thinking of kicking this all off around March 23rd."
"...March 23rd?" I repeated, feeling the color drain from my face.
"Correct," he nodded. "Did you have a prior engagement that day or something?"
Only a date I've been looking forward to for the past month with the man I've been in love with for the last five years…..
"None whatsoever," I lied, putting on a fake smile to hide my internal heartbreak. "Just wanted to confirm. So, what's the good news then?"
Mark grinned. "Have you heard of the bands New Years Day and Motionless in White?"
"Have I?!" I beamed, perking up almost immediately. "Oh my God, yeah! I've been a huge, huge fan of theirs forever!"
"Even better!" he replied ecstatically. "Because I received a phone call a few days ago from New Year's Day's frontwoman, Ash Costello. She's a big wrestling fan and a big fan of yours. She and the band are gonna be shooting a music video this weekend in LA for their new single Angel Eyes and she wants you to be the leading lady in it. And your leading man in the video is also featured on the song and it's none other than Chris Motionless of Motionless in White."
I couldn't contain my scream of excitement as I jumped up - knocking my chair over in the process - and clapped my hands. "OH MY GOD! ARE YOU SERIOUS, MARK?! THE ASH COSTELLO IS A FAN OF MINE?! AND SHE WANTS ME TO BE IN HER VIDEO?! WITH HER AND CHRIS MOTIONLESS?! THIS IS INCREDIBLE!" I promptly cleared my throat and smiled. "Seriously, thank you so, so much, Mark."
"Anytime," he said, laughing softly at my sudden outburst. "Well, that's all the news I have for you. Good luck tonight."
"Thanks," I said, turning around and exiting his office.
"Are you sure you don't want us out there tonight, baby girl?" Roman asked, plopping down next to Dean on one of the benches.
"Yeah, Vee, we don't mind," Seth said softly, taking my hands in his.
"Look, you know that I love you guys," I replied warmly, running my fingertips over Seth's gloved knuckles. "You know I love everything we've accomplished together as a team, but just for tonight, and I don't want you to take offense to this...I feel like I have a big thing to prove to myself so I feel like tonight I need to do this on my own. Without any backup, any interference, anything. Me and her, one on one. I'm gonna beat the shit out of her. Just for tonight, okay?" I squeezed his hands comfortingly. "Again, I hope you guys don't take offense to this. You know I love you all."
"C'mere, sweetheart," Seth breathed, pulling me into a warm embrace that made my heart race. "Kick her ass, we'll be watching. AJ's gonna be shaking in her boots when she sees what you do to poor Aksana."
"Pfft, Aksana doesn't stand a chance,," Dean replied bluntly, standing up from where he was sitting on the bench before encouragingly clapping me on the shoulder from behind. "This is gonna be a squash match. I predict her surviving maybe, five minutes max. I almost feel bad for her."
"Consider it collateral damage," I shrugged as Seth released me. "I would've gladly squashed any of the Divas tonight to get my point across. Aksana just happened to be a case of 'wrong place, wrong time'." I walked over to the mirror and did a final once-over of tonight's look. My lips were coated in a wine-colored gloss while my eyes were burgundy and smokey. My black leather cropped halter top and matching leather shorts clung to me like a second skin, my cleavage left little to the imagination and my curves were on full display. I tugged up my fingerless gloves and tightened the laces on my boots.
"You look good," Seth said, smiling warmly at me.
"You want us to leave so you can give her a little "pre-match warmup"?" Dean asked lewdly, elbowing Seth.
"Dean, so help me God-" My threat was cut off by a knock at the door, to which we all said, "come in!" A stagehand poked his head in and looked at me. "Valentina, you're needed in the gorilla."
"Rip her head off, baby girl," Roman said, giving me one last encouraging pat on the shoulder.
"You know it, Rome."
Hey did you know you're locking lips with a libertine?
Hey did you know you're knocking hips with a killer queen?
Another victim of my method of seduction,
I made 'ya look, but ya never saw me comin!
"Making her way to the ring, representing The Shield, from Brooklyn, New York: Valentina Monroe!" Justin Roberts announced.
"I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAACK!" I yelled as I made my way down the stairs to a chorus of cheers. I hopped over the barricade and looked around, flashing the crowd a confident grin. Despite only being sidelined for two weeks, it still felt like an eternity had gone by since I was in the ring. Nevertheless, I planned on reminding everyone tonight why I owned this division.
I hopped onto the apron and grabbed the top rope, shaking my ass up and down a few times- an ode to TNA's Velvet Sky and Angelina Love. Stepping onto the third rope, I then lowered myself into the splits, bouncing on them a couple of times before hopping to my feet. Stepping through the center rope, I sauntered over to the corner of the ring. Gripping the turnbuckle, I hoisted myself upward and shifted my body until I was laying between the turnbuckle and the top ropes. I looked at the entrance ramp with a taunting smirk and mockingly waved as the slow, sultry saxophones of Aksana's theme blared throughout the arena.
"And her opponent, from Alytus, Lithuania: Aksana!"
Aksana seductively walked down to the ring and I took that opportunity to swing myself sideways so I was standing in the ring. I waited for her to climb onto the apron before I launched myself at her, ramming my forearm into her face and sending her to the floor. The ref abruptly signaled for the bell.
"Ouch!" Lawler exclaimed from the commentary table. "Valentina wasting no time at all!"
"I think it's safe to say Valentina's out for blood tonight," Cole said. "She's sent out some very cryptic Tweets about AJ over the last two weeks and it looks like she's gonna be sending another message through Aksana. Valentina's also been undefeated since December, and I'd be lying if I said Aksana's gonna be the one to break that streak tonight."
Rolling out of the ring, I seized the brunette by her hair and slammed her head against the apron before throwing her under the bottom rope into the ring. Not letting up, I rolled in after her and slammed my fists against her back, then followed up with two more brutal head slams to the mat. I shot the ref a glare as he ordered me to let go of her hair.
Aksana cried out in agony as she rolled onto her back and gave me a pleading look. Rolling my eyes, I dropped to my knees and got on top of her, delivering five more punches to her head before standing up. As she rolled onto her stomach I placed my hands on her back, cartwheeling over her before driving my feet into her back in a cartwheel basement drop kick.
"Oooh, a brutal cartwheel basement dropkick from Valentina!" Cole said.
I was a woman scorned. If I had to send Aksana out on a stretcher tonight to put the fear of God in AJ, so be it. I had a goddamn point to prove. I'd be damned if I lost my first match back…especially to the likes of Aksana.
She clambered to her feet and I charged at her, shifting my body so my back was facing her, and jumped up, wrapping my legs around her waist. I curled my arm around her neck pivoted myself sideways, hooking my legs around her neck and executing a wheelbarrow headlock takedown. She stumbled backward, stunned from the blow, and fell into the middle rope, desperately clutching it for support. I grabbed the back of her long black hair and forced her to her knees so she was against the bottom rope and viciously pressed my knee against the back of her neck. I gripped the top rope with both hands and applied more pressure as she screamed out in agony.
"One! Two! Three! Valentina, off!" the ref warned.
"Alright, alright, alright!" I spat, backing up and raising my hands in defense.
"Man, Valentina's really showing no mercy on Aksana!" Lawler exclaimed.
"Yeah, no kidding!" Cole agreed. "I think AJ's gonna need to keep both eyes in the back of her head going forward."
Seizing hold of Aksana by her arm, I whipped her into the turnbuckle and then advanced on her. She suddenly raised her arm and rammed her elbow into my face, catching me off guard as I staggered backward. She took advantage of this, grabbing me by the waist from behind and going for a roll-up.
"One!"
"Two!"
I got the shoulder up, shoving her off me in the process. She tried to crawl away from me, only to be stopped by me driving my fists into her back, eliciting another scream from her. Aksana feebly lurched onto her side. With a sadistic giggle, I slammed my foot down onto her back two more times and snatched her up by her hair again. I tossed her out of the ring like a rag doll and mockingly dusted my hands off.
Whimpering, she staggered to her feet and weakly grabbed onto the apron in an attempt to pull herself up. Not allowing her the opportunity, I tangled my hands into her hair and flipped her over the top rope back into the ring. Her body hit the mat with a loud thud. I waited until she got to her feet again before launching myself forward, repeatedly planting her with a series of running clotheslines. After the fourth clothesline, she was laid out on her back and I knew it was time to put her out of her misery. Shuffling backward, I crouched down against one of the turnbuckles.
"Come on, Aksana!" I yelled tauntingly.
As I anticipated, she slowly got to her feet and I saw my opening. I charged at her, driving her to the mat with a spear so excruciating she would no doubt feel it in the morning.
I wasn't finished with her though.
Dropping to my knees, I leisurely crawled over to the fallen brunette and yanked her up by her hair. This was a new finisher I'd been planning on debuting for the last week and a half now. I was even able to practice it on Seth when he visited me last weekend and he was both impressed and somewhat scared. After what AJ did to me I wanted to return with a bang and this would for sure fuck with her head. The boys and I went over some possible names for it via text and Dean - being the horror junkie he is - came up with one I found both brilliant and dangerous: My Bloody Valentina.
Positioning myself behind Aksana, I wrapped my right arm around her neck while my left hand gripped the back of her head, keeping her in place. As I tightened my grip on her throat and continued to apply pressure, all she could do was weakly try to pry my hand away from her throat and gasp for air. It only took about ten seconds for her to lose consciousness. Once the ref checked to confirm she was out, he signaled for the bell.
The bell rang as the ref raised my arm high, with Justin Roberts announcing, "The winner of this match by submission: Valentina Monroe!"
Goddamn, it's good to be back.
"Damn, you annihilated her!" Seth laughed as soon as I pulled the curtain aside. He wrapped an arm around my waist and grinned as we walked down the hallway.
"I told you, I'm not fucking around tonight," I replied with a smug smirk. "Hopefully AJ got the message."
"Oh, I think she got it loud and clear," Seth retorted. "I overheard Nattie and Kaitlyn talking about five minutes before you came out. They said they saw AJ practically glued to one of the monitors backstage and Ziggler had to console her because she was shaking and she looked like she'd seen a ghost. Even had Big E guarding the area she was so paranoid and terrified!"
"Good," I replied cockily. "That's exactly what I wanted. She started this war with me and I intend on ending it." I paused and tapped my chin."You know, it just occurred to me. WrestleMania is in her home state…"
"Go on," he chuckled evilly, tenderly brushing some hair behind my ear.
"How humiliating would it be if I beat her in her own backyard for the second time?" I asked rhetorically. "And in her first WrestleMania match too? She'd be devastated…."
"I think you're onto something, sweetheart," he murmured as we stopped in front of our locker room.
"Oh babe, you have no idea," I replied haughtily, placing my hand on the door. "Come on, I have an idea for SmackDown tomorrow."
After Ziggler's match against Daniel Bryan - in which AJ's little Walmart Ken of a boyfriend ended up winning due to her distracting the ref and Big E proceeded to beat the living shit out of Daniel following the match - Seth's match against the Big Show followed suit. We weren't dumb. Not doubting Seth's abilities, but putting him up against the Big Show was the equivalent of throwing him into a pit of unhinged elephants and expecting him to come out unscathed. While Show was nowhere near as agile or fast as Seth, he still had strength and size on his side. Both of which we knew he'd take advantage of.
Sierra. Hotel. Echo. Lima. Delta. Shield.
"And his opponent, representing The Shield, from Davenport, Iowa, weighing 217 pounds: Seth Rollins!"
Seth and I trudged down the stairs whilst Roman and Dean entered from the opposite end. Our eyes never left Big Show as he stood in the middle of the ring. Once we were all outside the ring, Seth beckoned Roman and Dean towards us, briefly telling us to spread out so we surrounded the ring. I moved to stand near Dean, the two of us giving each other knowing smirks as the ref motioned for the bell.
Seth launched himself Show, only for the giant to immediately grab him by the shoulders and back him into the corner. He delivered two harsh kicks to Seth's stomach before whipping him into the opposite corner like he weighed nothing. He ran at Seth, but Seth used his speed to his advantage and sidestepped the larger man before following up with two blows to his body. Unfortunately, they did little damage and Show easily shoved him away. Seth wouldn't go down that easily though. Skittering to his feet, he sprinted at Show again and attempted to land more kicks and blows…only to get knocked down once again. Seth got to his feet and ran a third time. Show rolled his eyes and grabbed the back of Seth's neck and tossed him through the middle rope….right into Dean and I. My back slammed against the announcer's table, eliciting an agonized groan from me.
I heard Roman yell out in pain a few seconds later and I knew immediately that Show didn't hesitate to let him have it as well. Seth promptly pulled me to my feet before he and Dean pounced on Show, the two of them wearing him down with ease.
"Suddenly from behind and it only took a matter of moments before The Shield would go on a three-on-one assault against the Big Show!" Cole said as the ref called for a DQ. "Ambrose and Rollins!"
"You had to know it was gonna happen!" Lawler said. "I think Big Show knew it was gonna happen! But unfortunately, there's not much you can do about- oooh! Maybe there is!"
Show - who was held in place by Seth and Dean - booted Roman in the face as he lunged at him. Roman hit the floor, disorientation all over his features as Seth and Dean tried to fight back.
"Fuck this shit," I muttered under my breath. Marching over to the timekeeper's area, I grabbed a steel chair and snapped it shut.
"What on earth is Valentina doing?!" Cole exclaimed.
"Looks like she's taking matters into her own hands!" Lawler gulped.
I slid into the ring as Show hoisted Dean into the air and threw him down like a ragdoll. He then turned to look at me, quirking a brow as if to say, "Seriously?" Taking a page out of the legendary Eddie Guerrero's book, I threw the chair at him, which he reflexively caught. Dumbass.
Before he could realize his mistake, I lept up and executed Hail to the Killer Queen - formerly Sin City, I'd retooled the name during my time away from the ring. My foot collided with the chair, slamming it against his face with a deafening thud and sending him tumbling backward. He had no time to recover as Roman followed suit with a vicious spear. I couldn't help but laugh maliciously as the boys simultaneously stomped him while he was down, like a pack of wolves torturing their prey.
"Let's bring him up!" Dean snarled.
He and Seth dragged him to his feet as Roman let out his signature roar. They lifted him up onto Roman's shoulders before ending him with the triple powerbomb.
"Triple powerbomb to the giant!" Cole exclaimed.
"These four may truly be unstoppable," Lawler noted.
"The Hounds of Justice are upon us!" Cole said.
"The world's largest athlete laid out at the hands of The Shield," Lawler said in disbelief.
I couldn't keep the shit-eating grin off my face as I stood inside the bathroom that connected to the Shield's locker room. After taking a much-needed shower, I pulled on my black cropped sweater with white skulls on it, my gray studded shorts, and my black leather over-the-knee slouch boots.
The rest of the night had it's highs ...and it's lows. The lows were The Barbie Twins having a backstage segment in which they were hanging all over Damien Sandow and Cody Rhodes, much to Kaitlyn's dismay as she'd been flirting with Cody prior. If I was being brutally honest, she could do so much better than him, especially if he was going after a skank like Nikki fucking Bella.
Speaking of Rhodes and Sandow, the cherry on top of our night happened right after their match against Sheamus and Randy Orton. While Orton and Sheamus may have picked up the victory, they were definitely thrown for a loop when we pummeled them during the commercial break. Shockingly (not really though) AJ was nowhere to be found while we were decimating her teammates. Now, whether that was due to her still being scared shitless after what I did to Aksana, or if deep down Sheamus and Orton were expecting us and told her not to intervene, I didn't know. Either way, she could run, but she couldn't hide forever.
"Dean and Roman go to the car already?" I asked Seth as I exited the bathroom.
"Yeah, Dean got impatient waiting for you to finish," Seth replied, rolling his eyes. "Made a snide comment about girls always taking longer than guys to get ready. I told him to shut the hell up and he made another non-PG remark about me joining you in the shower. Then Roman decided to chime in with 'Yeah, have fun, bro. Just don't get fired for indecent exposure now!'"
"Remind me to kick both of their asses into next Tuesday the next time we train together."
"Will do."
"On that note, I've got some news," I began. "On top of getting new merch that's set to be released next week, I got called into Carrano's office today. He told me that I'm gonna be in New Years Day's new music video for their song Angel Eyes! Plus, Chris Motionless, the lead singer of Motionless in White is also on the song and he's gonna be in the video too! We're gonna be shooting it this weekend in LA!"
"What?!" he exclaimed, his mouth agape as he suddenly pulled me into a tight hug. "Vee, that's amazing! I'm so happy for you! I can't wait to see it! Shit, I'm even a little jealous. Although, if it was a music video for A Day To Remember I'd for sure die from jealousy."
"And I thought I had emo, angsty taste when it came to music," I snorted.
"You do," he replied bluntly, jeeringly ruffling my hair. "I lost count of all the times you made me endure The Pretty Reckless, Panic! At the Disco, Linkin Park, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Motionless in White, and New Years Day when we traveled together back in ROH and FCW. Then you added Ice Nine Kills to the mix a couple months ago."
"This coming from the man whose current Spotify playlist might as well be titled 'Myspace Hipster King'," I sassed back, shoving him off.
"...What's your point, Padmé Amidala?" he smirked, shaking his head and linking his arm with mine.
"Since when did I go from Princess Leia to Padmé?" I jokingly demanded, playfully slapping him on the arm. "Not that I don't love them both."
"Since you still insist on defending the abomination that is Attack of the Clones," he retorted. "I could only let it slide for so long, sweetheart. Now, come on, let's get out of here before Ambrose starts prank-calling people out of boredom again."
SmackDown Taping
March 12th 2013
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
"Randy, Sheamus, relax," Dean grinned, positioning the camcorder so the four of us were in frame, our video appearing on the titantron. "You don't have to be afraid."
"On the contrary, you do," I said sadistically, resting my head on Seth's shoulder. It took every ounce of willpower in me not to gasp when I felt his hand curl around my waist….only centimeters away from resting on my ass. Shit…Shit, shit! Stay calm, ignore the non-PG thoughts running through your head right now, Valentina!
"Couldn't agree more," Seth added cockily. "Rollins."
"Monroe," I said.
"Reigns," Roman said.
"Ambrose," Dean said. "And you should already know that ring you're standing in is ours and if you still don't believe that, well you can ask the Big Show. Cause on Monday night we dropped the Big Show and we served justice to the Big Show. Just like we served justice to every major force in this industry. Ryback, Sheamus, Orton, Cena, the Rock. Check, check, check, check, check!"
"AJ, AJ, AJ, I've handed you your ass so many times, and yet, you keep coming back for more," I said scathingly. "You never learn, do you? What I did to Aksana last night was a preview of coming events. You have no idea what you're in for. You have no idea what kind of hell I can bring you!"
"Which also brings up an interesting point," Seth said maliciously. "We've taken John Cena and the Rock - the WWE Champion - multiple times! And we've laid them out, flattened them in the center of the ring!" He looked at me with a smirk. "Valentina has dominated every Diva that has stood in her way and she's brought the division to its knees. It's her division now."
"Damn straight," I replied brazenly.
"One by one, they've all been flattened just like roadkill," Roman cut in, chuckling darkly.
"And yet, those first two criminals continue to take from us because they are the main event of WrestleMania," Seth said lowly, narrowing his eyes."And somehow the most dominant force in this company, the Shield, doesn't even have a match at WrestleMania. And THAT is the greatest injustice I have ever heard of."
"That's an injustice we're gonna serve ourselves," Dean said venemously. "Look, no more games, here's what we're gonna do. You two go get AJ and the three of you find another partner. Any partner you want, but just make sure you pick the right partner."
Orton glared at the tron and raised the microphone to his lips. "I'm in!"
Sheamus stalked forward and stood next to him, determination and rage evident in his eyes. "I'll see you at WrestleMania!"
"Glad you see it our way, boys," I said smugly.
"The Showcase of the Immortals!" Seth said. "Now and forever becomes the Showcase of Justice!"
"At WrestleMania, you WILL believe!" Dean sneered.
"Believe…in The Shield," Roman finished.
We shot our opponents one last patronizing smirk before Dean shut the camcorder off.
We spent the next half hour of the show in our dressing room going over the plan for the remainder of the night before stealthily making our way back down the hallway. Before this point of the show, Sheamus, AJ, and Orton rallied together and shockingly found themselves a partner in the form of Ryback. Kaitlyn went one-on-one with Tamina (which was originally supposed to be her and Layla versus Aksana and Tamina but said match had to be scrapped after the beating I gave Aksana last night) and defeated her. After AJ's boyfriend won his match against Kane (mostly due to Big E and AJ intervening) she rejoined Sheamus and Orton backstage for an interview with Matt Striker. We stayed hidden nearby and waited for the perfect moment to strike.
"Well everyone is looking forward to the main event at WrestleMania, everyone is looking forward to the match at WrestleMania just made official by General Manager Booker T," Striker said. "It will be The Shield versus Ryback, Sheamus, AJ Lee, and Randy Orton. Sheamus, you have to feel that the odds are even now with Ryback as your partner."
"Actually, Matt, I think the odds are in our favor right now," Sheamus replied confidently. Be careful what you wish for, Ronald McDonald.
"You're about to get an example of what Ryback is capable of in his match against Mark Henry," Orton said.
"You see, Matt, Valentina may think she's in my head right now after squashing Aksana last night but she's sadly mistaken," AJ said scornfully. "I'm not afraid of her. Come WrestleMania, I plan on exposing her for the untalented, worthless, sad, pathetic excuse of a woman she is. I've already mangled her face once, and after Mania, the makeup team here is gonna have a challenge on their hands. No amount of foundation is gonna cover up what I'm gonna do to her. Her little boyfriend Seth won't be able to nurse her back to health either, because my boys are gonna leave hers lying in a broken, bloody, battered heap-"
I'd heard enough. I flew at AJ with a scream that mirrored an enraged banshee and speared her through the curtain behind her onto the cold, hard floor. Simultaneously, Roman hit Sheamus with a spear through the same curtain. Resulting in both Sheamus and AJ lying on the floor moaning in pain.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Roman easily knock out Striker with a vicious punch whilst Seth and Dean were laying into Orton. My eyes then landed on a rack of steel chairs nearby. Perfect.
I got up grabbed one from the rack and dropped it next to AJ's body. Hauling her up by her hair, I coiled my arm around her neck and fell back, driving her face first into the chair with a swinging snap DDT.
"Night night," I murmured tauntingly as I sat up on my knees and stared down at her unconscious form.
Meanwhile, the boys had taken care of Orton by ramming him into the metal garage door twice, it was then that Sheamus had come to and tried to fight back.
"Oh no you don't!" I sneered, my leg shooting out and tripping him as he staggered towards the boys.
With a surprised grunt, he fell over and landed next to Roman, who instantly picked him up and threw him into the catering table. It broke upon impact, knocking the Celtic Warrior out cold and covered in food. Seth threw some plastic cutlery on top of him and delivered one last kick to his stomach.
"Hey! Come on! Let's go! Break it up!" The refs shouted as they came barreling towards us. We shot them a devious grin before leaving them to deal with the carnage.
"Three down," I said wickedly as we walked down the hallway toward the arena doors.
"One to go," Seth finished, draping an arm around my shoulders with a malicious smirk.
It didn't take long for Ryback to get word of what happened to his teammates. As in, he found them all still lying in a broken, unconscious heap shortly after Brooker T and Teddy Long did. Now, he was currently facing Mark Henry, but we had no intentions of letting him leave the arena either.
Sierra. Hotel. Indio. Echo. Lima. Delta. Shield.
The booming guitar riffs rang out as the four of us stalked down the stairs. I rolled my neck from side to side and menacingly cracked my knuckles as I followed behind Seth. Dean followed Roman down the stairs adjacent to ours. We'd already broken down our first three opponents both mentally and physically, and Ryback was about to face the same fate.
"Now, The Shield, on their way to the ring, Mark Henry and Ryback beware," Cole said.
"I've had my own personal run-in with The Shield and uh, I am a believer," Brad Maddox said tentatively.
"As Ryback and Mark Henry watch The Shield make their presence here, they're also keeping an eye on each other," Josh Matthews pointed out. "Very intense here on Friday Night SmackDown."
"Yeah, precarious situation for all involved," Cole nodded in agreement.
We stood behind the barricade, staring at Ryback and ready to go in for the kill. Mark - knowing he and Ryback were outnumbered - wasted zero time in stepping through the ropes and taking cover in the timekeeper's area. Smart move on his part.
Ryback, however, insisted on staying behind and avenging Sheamus, Orton, and AJ….which wasn't going to work out in his favor. At all.
The four of us entered the ring, with Ryback managing to bat Dean, Seth, and me away before backing Roman into the turnbuckles. Seth jumped on his back and held on for dear life and Dean ran at Ryback, only to eat a clothesline. Ryback dumped Seth over the top rope before turning to Roman and I. We both ran at him, but he was fired up and countered by clotheslining both of us over the top rope. A clothesline that damn near took my head off.
"Goddamnit!" I yelped as I landed next to Roman. I swear the man must've been built like the fucking Terminator like Dean because he was back on his feet in seconds. He looked down at me and gingerly began to pull me up.
"I'm okay, help them!" I said quickly, leaning against the apron for support.
Roman shot me a concerned, reluctant look before sliding back into the ring and pouncing on Ryback along with Seth and Dean. In seconds, Ryback was rendered powerless and the boys knew it was time to put the final nail in the coffin. Roman let out a roar and Dean and Seth hoisted Ryback onto his shoulders and decimated him with the triple powerbomb.
Smirking, I stood up straight and clapped my hands together ecstatically before joining them in the ring and pressing my fist against theirs.
Tonight was foreshadowing the outcome of our match against them at WrestleMania. AJ, Sheamus, Ryback, and Orton would fall. To quote Paul Heyman (don't get it twisted, I still think he's an insufferable cockroach): That's not a prediction….That's a spoiler.
TheKillerQueenOfWWE: Revenge is fun. Making your heroes crash and burn is even better. #DoYouBelieveNow? #TheBestIsYetToCome #BelieveInTheShield #BelieveInTheKillerQueen
After sending out the Tweet, I shrugged on my dark gray heathered Mirror Mirror on the Wall, Who Will Dominate Them All? hoodie over my dark pink cut-out top with twist detail, and adjusted my black slashed leggings with fishnet inserts. I already showered and decided to load my luggage into the rental while I was waiting. I'd been walking for about two minutes before I abruptly stopped and slapped myself on the forehead. Damn it, they're still in Seth's jacket!
Blowing out an irritated sigh, I turned around and dragged my luggage behind me. A couple of minutes later I was right outside our dressing room and was about ready to walk in and ask Seth for the keys. Until I overheard a conversation that had my immediate attention.
"Can you believe the Mania tour starts next week?" I heard Dean say. "Carrano said they're starting it earlier than expected since the WWE Universe can't get enough of us."
"Ain't that the truth," Seth snorted. "I think he said it's gonna kick off on the 23rd."
"Wait, isn't that when you and Valentina were supposed to go out?" Roman asked.
"Yeah…." Seth mumbled.
"Shit, sorry man, I know you were really looking forward to that hot date with your girl."
Seth blew out a sigh. "One, she's not my girl, Reigns. Two, as disappointed as I am about it, I think it's for the best."
"The fuck?" I whispered, my mouth dropping open in shock. He….He thinks our date getting canceled is for the best? Are you shitting me?! I don't know if he'd taken too many bumps this week or if all that hair bleach leaked into his brain and that's why he was suddenly making as much sense as Michael Cole being in the Royal Rumble last year.
"You're kidding, right?" Dean snorted. "If that were me and I missed out on a date with a fine piece of ass like Valentina I would've spent the rest of the year giving everyone - minus you three - hell."
"I know you would, Deano, but Valentina's not just any girl and she's more than just "a fine piece of ass", as you so charmingly put it. She's my best friend and she's very special to me. She's always been there for me and….I don't want to complicate things. My previous relationships didn't end well and I don't want to risk adding another failed relationship to that list."
"If that ain't the biggest load of bullshit I've ever heard," Roman replied bluntly. "Let me get this straight, you finally man up and ask out your best friend of five years, plan the perfect date for her, and not only are you not crushed or pissed off in the slightest that it's been canceled, but you actually think it's for the best. I think we should send you down to the medical room to get your brain checked."
"Tell me about it, I feel like I'm in the fucking Twilight Zone," Dean retorted.
"Whatever," Seth huffed. "Just drop it, okay? It's not important. It doesn't matter anymore, any of it. All that matters now is us walking out of WrestleMania still undefeated and continuing to cleanse this company one injustice at a time. As for Valentina? She'll understand. She's a big girl, she'll get over it."
I couldn't listen to this anymore. All I needed was to get the hell out of here and as far away as possible. My eyes welled up with tears as I angrily stormed down the hallway, rolling my suitcase behind me. I furiously wiped my tears with my free hand before yanking my phone out of my pocket and pulling up the Uber app. I quickly ordered one for the Fort Wayne International Airport.
I felt like a damn fool. I felt so pathetic and humiliated. It was stupid of me to think that Seth would ever see me as more than a friend. Still, like an idiot, I let my walls down in hopes of finally taking a chance on what I thought was going to be the start of a beautiful relationship…and look where it got me. Damn near sprinting down the arena hallway like a crazed woman. If anything, it confirmed all my worst fears of being rejected, feeling worthless, and not worth caring about.
Accidentally shoulder bumping Kaitlyn on my way out was enough to pull me out of my inner lament. "Whoa! Valentina, what's wrong?!" She asked urgently, concern etching her features.
"Nothing!" I choked out, shaking my head. "L-Listen, i-if you s-see t-the b-boys c-can y-you t-tell t-them t-hat I-I'm f-flying b-back t-to B-Brooklyn f-for t-the r-rest o-of t-the w-week. T-Tell t-them s-something j-just c-came u-up w-with m-my d-dad. F-Family e-emergency." I paused and blew out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Kait, I don't have time to explain right now. Just let them know, okay?"
I didn't wait for her response as I quickly turned around and made a beeline for the exit, not looking back as I finally reached the parking lot and located my Uber. I grabbed my purse from my suitcase and placed it on my shoulder before loading my suitcase into the trunk.
As my driver sped off, I made small conversation with him before staring out the window in silence, wiping away more tears that were welling up in my eyes as I fought to get Seth's words out of my head.
Incoming Call: Seth Rollins
On this day, I see clearly,
Everything has come to life,
A bitter place and a broken dream,
And we'll leave it all behind.
I immediately hit 'Decline' after seeing Seth's name flash across the screen. Sure he and the boys had no idea I overheard their conversation and sure, they were most definitely going out of their minds with worry right now, but I didn't care. I couldn't talk to any of them right now, not without wanting to scream at Seth until my face turned blue. About 30 seconds later, Roman's name appeared on the screen. I hit 'Decline' again. An annoyed sigh left my lips as Dean's name popped up after I declined Roman's call. Once again, I clicked 'Decline' and shook my head. They weren't giving up that easily though. My phone suddenly vibrated repetedy, a series of texts now appearing on my screen. Seth's came first.
Valentina, what the hell is going on?! Are you okay?! Kaitlyn said you just left in tears and had a family emergency with your dad! Sweetheart, please call me as soon as possible. We're all worried sick.
Oh, so now you fucking care, dipshit? I thought bitterly before scrolling down and opening Roman's text.
Baby girl, when you see this, please call or text one of us back. Kaitlyn told us where you went, she was pretty shaken up too. You don't have to explain what happened if you're not comfortable, I just need to know you're okay.
If only Dean's were that calm and kind….
Valentina Ava Monroe, pick up the goddamn phone! Kaitlyn just showed up saying you fucked off back to Brooklyn because something happened to your dad! Woman, I know there's only one airport near here and I know exactly where it is, and if you don't answer this fucking text…I swear to God, I'll drive down there myself and drag your little ass back to the car.
Scowling, I pulled up Roman's name - since he was the only one who wasn't pissing me off even more - and sent a quick reply.
I'm okay, bro. I'm on my way to the airport now and I don't want to talk about it. I'll explain everything to you when my flight lands. Just know I'm okay, and tell Dean and Seth they can relax. I'll see you guys next Monday.
A bit late for that, baby girl. Seth's losing his shit and I had to physically restrain Dean from hopping into our rental and driving down to the airport. He said no problem making a scene and dragging you back to the car kicking and screaming. I'll let them know you're okay, tell your dad I said hello and I'll keep him in my prayers. Take care, little sis. I love you.
I smiled fondly at his text as the Uber pulled up to the airport. Although I felt a small pang of guilt for lying about why I was suddenly flying back home, I wasn't about to turn back now. After grabbing my belongings, I walked through the airport's double doors. Lucky for me, the next flight out was leaving in an hour so I didn't have to stick around long. It was a one-stop flight, I'd be in Atlanta within two hours, have an hour-and-a-half layover, and then be on a two-and-a-half-hour flight back home.
Once I boarded the plane I wasted no time in collapsing in my seat and I was beyond thankful it was a window seat. I don't think I could deal with being sandwiched in-between two strangers right now. As the flight took off, I looked out the window with a deep sigh, knowing I'd have to talk to Seth eventually but I'd cross that bridge when I came to it. However, after tonight's unfortunate events, all I wanted was to leave my feelings for Seth in the rearview where they belonged.
A/N: Dun dun duuun! *insert Dr. Evil laugh* I know, I'm awful and I'm bracing myself for any oncoming torches and pitchforks but trust me when I say this will lead to something beautiful….maybe. *cue Cheshire Cat grin* Also I've decided to start listing each chapter song below instead of song lyrics at the beginning, and because Polyvore is sadly no more I'll be publishing all Valentina's outfits, gears, tattoos, piercings, etc. on my Fashmates account (which, thank God, is an amazing dupe for Polyvore) and my username is starfire-tamaran. I've also revised some of Valentina's tattoos mentioned in previous chapters as well as added new ones (and I'll go back and revise said chapters to include them) and they'll be on my Fashmates account also. And if you guys are wondering what Valentina's new finisher My Bloody Valentina looks like, the best visual for it is on YouTube, under 'Angelina Love Cramp'. Also, HUGE thanks to my friend LittleGee for the name of Valentina's new finisher. You're amazing, girl! And thank you all so much for your feedback and support! Ciao!
Chapter 14 playlist -
Stupid Girls - P!nk
Emperor's New Clothes - Panic! at the Disco
Wasting All These Tears - Cassadee Pope
When There Was Me and You - Vanessa Hudgens
Harden My Heart - Quarterflash