SAN JOSE.
December. 6th. 2018.
2:43PM.

“Hi, Lucy. This is Doctor Itzkof. I just wanted to check in, make sure you are doing okay. You missed your third appointment yesterday. Just remember, don’t isolate yourself. You can always come to me to talk about anything. I have been keeping an eye on Synergies lately so that we’d have something to talk about when you come in – and so that I would understand what you are talking about.. Haha. Anyway, Lucy.. Take care of yourself and please, schedule another appointment soon.”

*Click*

Without much of a thought, I put my phone back into my pocket, deciding that I’ll figure all of that out later. I know I’ve skipped three sessions and I know of at least one person who would be upset with me if they found out that I hadn’t been to see the doctor for a few weeks. I haven’t been in the mood to be psychoanalyzed by someone who has no idea what’s in my brain, well other than what I decide to tell her.

Of course, there really isn’t much that I’ve hidden up to this point. She knows more about the inner workings of my brain than just about anyone else.. Up until lately, I suppose. A week ago or so, Gabriel and I just happened to be in the UGWC headquarters at the same time, and happened into the same room.. Where we both experienced something that I’d never imagined.

He and I both re-lived a piece of our intertwined past that I think both of us would much rather forget.

It was an experience like no other, and it got me thinking… What else could I see.. What else could I experience? Jase.. Before Gabriel had taken him away from me.. He gave me access to this very building that I stand in front of right now. He gave me the ability to come here and use the facility for whatever use I deemed necessary.

At first, I never thought I’d have a reason to come here.

Until I happened upon that room. Until I realized what this place could do for me.

But as I reach out for the door, I remember the warning that Jase had given me: “San Jose is open to you. SAM will answer your commands. Just— be careful. There are worlds other than this,”

Be careful.

As someone who’s only been here a handful of times… I know I need to heed that advice. I know I need to watch out and keep my mind about me, but after last week.. I need to see more. I need to know more.

LUCY WYLDE.

I hear my name as soon as I close the door behind me, trying to remember my way around by memory.. Trying to make my way to the main hub of the complex, where SAM is held. It doesn’t really take me long to make it there, considering the building isn’t all too complicated to begin with.. That is until you start venturing down the halls that extend out from the center hub.

“Hi, SAM.”

LUCY WYLDE.

“Long time no see, huh?”

I ask, glancing at the jar that holds SAM’s brain, still sitting on the desk where it was the last time I was here. SAM doesn’t like to be touched.

YOU ARE HERE FOR EXPLORATION.

The statement takes me by surprise, even though I know it shouldn’t. It creeps me out how much this thing knows about everyone that comes into contact with it, so I should have known it would immediately pick up on my reason for being here. I shrug my shoulders and move to sit down at the desk.

“You could say that I guess. Something happened last week and it got me to thinking.”

LUCY WYLDE. YOU WISH TO KNOW THE NATURE OF YOURS AND GABRIEL BAALS RELATIONSHIP IN OTHER TIMELINES.

I nod my head.

“It sounds silly, I know.. I guess I just wanna see how things could have turned out for us if things hadn’t happened as they did.”

PROCESSING.

Well, that’s that, I suppose. If only everyone understood me as well as SAM did. Heh.

YOU MAY PROCEED LUCY WYLDE.

I raise my eyebrows in question.

“Proceed? Huh?”

LUCY WYLDE THERE ARE MANY ROOMS FOR YOU TO EXPLORE. PROCEED.

I get up from the desk, smoothing down my outfit as butterflies begin dancing around in my stomach. This is exactly what I wanted, I wanted to see this.. I wanted to know what things would have been like, so why am I getting cold feet now?

DO NOT BE NERVOUS LUCY WYLDE. PLEASE PROCEED.

Who am I to question SAM?

I move off to the left, heading down one of the adjoining hallways, stopping in front of the first door I come to. Before I reach out to open it, I wonder what is going to be behind the door. I wonder —

THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IS TO OPEN THE DOOR, LUCY WYLDE.

“Got it, SAM.”

I sigh and turn the doorknob…

UGWC SYNERGY.
August. 7th. 2017.
Time Unknown.

It’s like the moment I opened the door and stepped inside, I was transported into a different world. I should have expected that though. Apparently this is a different world.

But how different?

I turn around to find that there is no door behind me as I stand in the center of the UGWC locker room, watching stagehands running around trying to do their jobs as various fighters make their way to their private locker rooms or out to the arena itself.

Wow…

I think to myself, trying to figure out what night this is supposed to be.. That is until I hear his voice.

Gabriel: Are you okay?

I turn to my left and I see him, standing in front of Lucy as she sits on a medical table. I remember this night… I move towards them, watching her nod her head.

Lucy: I’m just fine…

She says, smiling at him, laying her hand softly on the side of his face, running her fingers along his jawline. I stop and watch, my mouth agape as Gabriel smiles and visibly shivers at her touch. She closes her eyes and lays her head on his chest, sighing happily.

Lucy: But I’m better now.

Gabriel: Lucy…

He replies softly as she turns her head and softly kisses his neck.

Lucy: What? I like you, Gabriel…

Lucy’s hands come up to his back, laying them upon his bare skin – sliding them up and down – feeling the sweat that still covers his body.

Gabriel: And I you, Lucy. But we have to be careful… We can’t let things go…

He hesitates.

Gabriel: Too far…

Lucy pulls herself back and looks up into his eyes, smirking.

Lucy: Can’t we though?

This isn’t what happened… I never said that…

OF COURSE IT IS NOT LUCY WYLDE.

THIS IS A DIFFERENT TIMELINE.

I close my eyes and sigh. Great. First my father was in my head, and now SAM. This is going to make therapy real fun.. If I go back, that is.

I refocus myself on them. It’s odd seeing this night again, almost as weird as seeing the night I was given to my father, or seeing my stay in that warehouse from this point of view. It’s weird seeing it all again, remembering what happened that night, remembering that I was still married to CJ at this time and knowing that Gabriel had rejected my advances.

Even weirder still is watching him actually welcome them.

I can see the thoughts running through Gabriel’s mind as he and Lucy share a moment of silence before a soft smile plays over his lips and he shakes his head.

Gabriel: You’re trouble, Mrs. Wylde.

Lucy tilts her head to the side.

Lucy: But I’m your kind of trouble, Mr. Baal.

Gabriel: And how do you come to that conclusion, love?

Gabriel softly places his hand on Lucy’s hip as he leans in, the two of them getting pretty damn close as I stand there and watch. There were points in which I thought back to this very night and I wished it would have gone this way.. Regardless of the fact that I had a husband at home and I knew I shouldn’t have wanted Gabriel’s advances.. But I wanted them anyway.

Lucy grins.

Lucy: That look in your eyes, dear.

He chuckles softly, leaning in and burying his face in the side of her neck.

Gabriel: Can’t get anything past you..

He replies as she again wraps her arms around his frame, tracing the lines of his shoulder blades with her fingertips.

Lucy: Mmm.. Nope.

Gabriel: What do you say..

Gabriel says, finally pulling himself away from Lucy enough to look her in her eyes once again, that familiar playful grin on his face.

Gabriel: We get out of here… And you let me nurse you back to health?

Lucy bites her lip as I watch on, my mind unable to wrap around this interaction happening right in front of my eyes.

Lucy: I say… I’d love nothing more, Mr. Baal.

Gabriel: But.. don’t you need to be getting home?

He asks, running his lips along her jawline before pulling away entirely. Lucy shrugs her shoulders and rolls her eyes.

Lucy: Don’t worry.. I’ll think of something..

With that, he grabs Lucy by the waist, helping her off of the medical table and the two walk away, down the hallway together, Gabriel’s arm wrapped around her back. I just stand there in shock, seeing in person what I’d always wanted…

What I’d dreamed of way back when..

UGWC Horizons
December. 10th. 2018.
Time Unknown.

Suddenly the orientation of the room… Hell, the room itself changes and now I’m sitting out in an arena, surrounded by cheering fans who are watching the action inside the ring. To my side, I see Nick Vinegar, Hans Lieberjosch, and Covert Jay, all talking about what’s going on.

Finally, I look up into the ring and when I see who’s in there; my jaw drops.

Lieberjosch: Let us not forget what’s at stake tonight for the Court!

Vinegar: How could we forget? If the Court loses, they’re gone! Gone!

Jay: Things aren’t looking too good for Lucy, Gabriel and Eden right now!

I can’t even comprehend what I’m seeing right now… Inside the ring, Lucy Wylde and Magdalena Lockheart circle one another, both looking beat up and tired.. But both looking angry and spiteful towards the other. Neither woman looks ready to give into the other as their respective teams look on from their corners. Gabriel Baal and Eden Morgan, cheering for Lucy.. and Kem Dynamo and Jet Somers cheering Maggie on.

I never thought I’d see the day when the crowd would be booing Lucy Wylde.. Then again, seeing a Lucy Wylde that’s a part of the Court and not fighting against them? Shit gives me chills.

Inside the ring, Maggie lunges at Lucy but Lucy dodges her, grabbing her by her silver hair and slamming the back of her head down into the mat, throwing her arms out to her sides as she uses her feet to kick ‘dirt’ onto Lockheart. Lucy smiles at Eden and Gabriel who taunt the already booing crowd. Lucy turns back around and begins stalking Lockheart as she begins crawling towards the outstretched hands of her partners.

Vinegar: And just like that, the Court has turned things around! Of course I could certainly do without the showboating and the childish taunts.

Lieberjosch: What do you expect? That’s all we’ve seen from these three since they kicked Jet Somers out of the group, what… Six Months ago?

Jay: If by ‘kicked out’ you mean beat him until he was barely recognizable by his own family, then yes. They’ve been awful full of themselves since then. I’m still surprised Jet is even here competing tonight.

Vinegar: I guess hatred is a great motivator.

Lieberjosch: Speaking of… That’s just one factor that brought us to this match here tonight. Let’s not forget how Lucy and Eden had our World Champion locked away in a mental institution for a few weeks not too long ago. Since then, Lockheart has been hell bent on making the entirety of the Court pay for what they’ve done.

Jay: And Kem hasn’t gotten over what those three did to her Cooperative partner at Battleground where they were set to challenge Sarah Lacklan and Kenzi Grey for the Cooperative titles.

Vinegar: Have we heard anything about how Alan is doing?

Lieberjosch: He’s still in the hospital, I heard he’s starting to be able to feel his hands again… That serum of Gabriel’s certainly did a number on his nervous system.

Wow…

Maggie’s back up in the ring but instead of tagging in one of her partners, she comes at the laughing Lucy and slaps the taste out of her mouth which gets a huge cheer from the sold out crowd in this arena. Lucy staggers back a step and wipes a drop of blood from her lip as she grins and nods her head. Lockheart and Wylde get into a slapping contest, each of them hitting the other as hard as they can. Surprisingly enough, Lockheart gets the advantage, backing Lucy into the empty corner, away from her partners. Maggie doesn’t let up, hitting Lucy with everything she’s got before dragging Lucy out of the corner by her hair and letting her fall to her knees in front of Maggie.

The hatred in her eyes… I can feel it all the way over here. It’s scary. It’s downright fucking terrifying as I watch Lucy crawling on that mat, with Maggie stalking over her and even though this is a different timeline… I know exactly what Maggie is going to do next..

Oh… Fuck…

Vinegar: LACRIMOSA!!! LACRIMOSA!!! SHE GOT ALL OF IT!!

Maggie absolutely drills Lucy’s head into the mat, dropping to the mat and hooking the leg as Gabriel and Eden climb through the ropes to break up the pin…

Jay: NO! Kem and Jet are in! They’re holding Eden and Gabriel back!!!

One!!

TWO!!!!

THREEEEEE!!!!

Maggie throws Lucy’s legs down and gets up, staring down at Lucy for a few moments before Kem and Jet collect her and the three leave the ring, obviously happy that they ended the careers of the Court here tonight. In the ring, however, Eden and Gabriel look like the air has been completely taken from their sails as they kneel down over Lucy who’s just now beginning to stir.

Lieberjosch: I can’t believe it. The Court is through. Their reign of terror is over…

Jay: I can’t say it’s not a welcome sight to see the three of them having gotten what was coming to them…

They got what was coming to them.. That much is obvious.. Wow. Seeing myself so cruel, so mean.. It’s unsettling. That’s not the image I’ve worked so hard to maintain.. But then again, this is a Lucy Wylde who got what she wanted.. Gabriel Baal’s affections. His love, even.

I don’t know.

What I do know is I’m standing here knowing that I’m glad he rebuffed my affection. Back then, I knew it was wrong… but now… I really know.

Vinegar: Wait, what the hell?!

My attention is drawn back to the ring where both Gabriel and Eden have stood up, Lucy finally getting back to her knees and speaking to her partners. There are tears in her eyes as Eden glares across at Gabriel and he shakes his head before the two turn their backs to Lucy and exit the ring – leaving her crying and beating her fists on the mat.

Jay: It looks like Gabriel and Eden are finished with Lucy. Funny, considering how inseparable Gabriel and Lucy have been over these last few years.

Lieberjosch: Well she did lose all three of them their careers.

Jay: I thought that ‘love knows no bounds’?

Vinegar: Apparently Gabriel just found one.

As Gabriel and Eden make their way up the entrance ramp, Lucy is back to her feet, screaming over the top rope at them. She screams for a microphone and rips it from the hands of the worker who brings it to her.

Lucy: HEY!

She screams, tears pouring from her eyes. The crowd boos even louder the moment they hear her voice come in over the PA.

Lucy: YOU WANNA WALK AWAY FROM ME?!

Her former partners ignore her and continue backstage. The crowd begins cheering them as Lucy turns her ire on them.

Lucy: YOU PEOPLE FUCKING SHUT YOUR MOUTHS! YOU’RE NOTHING.. NOTHING WITHOUT ME! NONE OF YOU ARE SHIT WITHOUT ME!!!

My eyes widen and I shake my head. I don’t want to see anymore.

I don’t want to be here any–

SAN JOSE.
December. 6th. 2018.
6:09PM.

–more.

Wait.. What?

AS YOU WISH, LUCY WYLDE.

I look around, realizing that I’m back in the hallway, in front of the door I’d just went into a few minutes ago.

“Christ.. How long was I in there, SAM?”

APPROXIMATELY THREE HOURS AND FOUR MINUTES.

Okay, so it was more than a few minutes. Wow. Turning away from that door, I look down the hall and see the rest of the doors, wondering if I even want to see what the rest of them hold. After this one, I can only imagine. But this is exactly what I came here for.. And if I came here just to see one shitty turnout in one shitty future then this entire trip was a total waste.

So, I turn and head further down the hall, towards the next door, stopping just outside of it and taking a deep breath before turning the doorknob and heading inside.

“Here goes nothing…”

UGWC OUTLAST DRAFT SPECIAL.
September. 11th. 2017
Time Unknown.

In an instant I’m looking around a room full of cameras and people. I move past most of them, trying to get to where all the lights and cameras are focused only to find the six captains from last years Outlast standing where I remember them all being as we picked our teams.

Vines: Eden Morgan selects Olivia Price. Mr. King, you are up.

Lieberjosch: What happened to your cat?

I chuckle and move in beside the camera, watching Lucy shake her head from her spot on the set. I won the captains match earlier that night, setting myself up with the first pick for the draft which I was incredibly happy about.

Killian King: What cat?

An awkward silence overtakes the set for a few moments.

Vines: Your pick, please.

Killian King: KvK.

Eden turns her head and spits her water out.

Killian King: See, there’s the problem in a nut shell.

I laugh as Eden glares across the set at Killian. Damn, I’d forgotten how funny this entire thing was, watching those two go at each other like children.

Vines: Klaus vonKnorre joins Killian King. Ms. Lacklan, your final selection.

I roll my eyes, watching those red eyes of hers look around the room as a smirk comes across those perfectly painted lips of hers.

Sarah Lacklan: The person who I trust in this business more than any other… the light of my life… my wife… Mackenzie Michaela Grey-Lacklan.

I shake my head. It’s funny, I know now that I stole who was going to be her first pick. Maggie. At the time I thought just having Maggie on my team was wonderful, but then finding out later that I’d fucked Sarah’s plans up by doing so… That was the icing on the cake.

I’m enjoying this far more than I thought I would.. I–

Vines: And the final pick of the draft belongs to Lucy Wylde.

I feel my heart drop down into my stomach as I turn my attention to Lucy who’s scanning the room around her, taking a chance to stare down every other captain as a smile creeps across her face.

Fuck..

This is the night I picked–

Lucy: Lucky.

Oh shit.. She didn’t pick Gabriel. Oh my God…

I’d always wondered what would have happened had I not have picked Gabriel in that Outlast draft… I’d always thought that was the beginning of the end for our friendship, and well, I think I was right.

Can’t really blame him though.

If I were the World Champion and someone picked me for their Outlast team, I guess I’d feel like they were trying to soften me up for the Main Event too. What made that entire thing worse though is that no matter what I said, it didn’t matter because by some fucked up chance.. CJ ended up being a part of Outlast that year too, so Gabriel thought that my picking him to be on my team was to soften him up for my husband…

No matter how much I tried to tell him that it wasn’t true…

I mean he ended up losing and frankly, I still blame myself a little for it. Maybe if he hadn’t of been forced to wrestle in the opening match, he’d of kept his world title in the main event. Of course, I don’t know that, I could never know th–

UGWC Horizons
December. 10th. 2018.
Time Unknown.

–at. Right?

Obviously not, as I’m standing directly in front of a very nervous looking Lucy Wylde as she paces around the locker room. As I take a step closer to her, a loud knock comes to the door, startling both of us.

“Wylde.. FIVE MINUTES!”

Someone says, and instantly, Lucy’s face contorts into a look of pure dread. She takes a seat on the chair beside her, putting her head down, staring at her trembling hands until another, softer knock comes to the door.

She looks up from her hands, her eyes widened as the door opens and Gabriel walks in, the UGWC world championship on his shoulder. He gently closes the door behind him before he moves across the room, taking a seat in front of Lucy, taking her shaking hands into his own.

Gabriel: Come now, Love. What’s the matter?

Lucy shakes her head and looks away from him.

Lucy: I don’t think I can do this.

Gabriel smiles and squeezes her hands.

Gabriel: Nonsense. It’s only me.

Lucy sighs and shakes her head.

Lucy: It’s not just you, Gabriel. It’s you and we’re fighting for that…

She points to the title belt on his shoulder. He shrugs his shoulders in reply.

Lucy: I haven’t had a shot at that.. Well, since Outlast last year and I fucked that up pretty good, huh?

Gabriel: You can’t worry about the past, dear. That was then, this is now and tonight? Tonight we’re going to go out there and we’re going to have a good match. Whoever wins, wins.. But that doesn’t change this…

He again squeezes her hands and smiles broader when she looks up into his eyes.

Gabriel: You and I. No matter what, I owe you for always being there for me, Lucy Wylde and showing me that I could be a better man than what I was. You’re the reason I’ve held this belt for over a year and I couldn’t think of a better night and a better person to be defending it against… You’ve earned it.

Lucy’s cheeks take on a slightly pink hue as I sit down behind them, watching this interaction intently.

Lucy: I appreciate that, Gabriel.. I–

Gabriel: You’ve been a great friend to me.. You won the Battleground match this year.. You’ve gone through one of the toughest years of your life this year… I think.. CJ would have wanted this for you.

Instantly Lucy’s eyes well up with tears.

Lucy: I still can’t believe he’s gone. It’s been a year now… It hasn’t felt like it.

My eyes widen. CJ? What happened to CJ? He and I were still together? Wow… I guess everything worked itself out after everything that had happened between us.. I mean them.

Gabriel nods his head.

Gabriel: I know.. But you’ve made it through. You’re a strong woman, Lucy and whether you believe it or not, you are here because you’ve worked hard and you have earned it.

He reaches up and wipes a tear from her cheek before bringing her hand up to his mouth and kissing it softly.

Lucy: But what about after… After tonight? Are you…

Gabriel nods again.

Gabriel: This is it, Lucy. I haven’t changed my mind. Either I go out tonight on top, or I lose and I go out passing this thing off to the most deserving person I know.

Lucy looks back down at her hands and sighs. I’m having a hard time watching this… what could have been a great friendship between me and him.. Something that I honestly would have never thought..

Lucy: I’m going to miss you…

Gabriel: And I you. But let’s not worry about that right now…

He stands up, pulling her up to her feet along with him.

Gabriel: Right now we have a match…

Another loud knock to the door alerts them that it’s time and Gabriel wraps his arm around Lucy’s shoulders and kisses her forehead as they walk towards the door.

I get up to follow them, wanting to see the match.. And what happens. I follow them through the doorway and–

SAN JOSE.
December. 6th. 2018.
8:27PM.

–I’m back in the hallway again, staring at the door I’d just entered.. However long ago.

“What gives, SAM?”

I wasn’t ready to leave yet… I wanted to see what happened. Damnit. I sigh and move back towards the door.. Maybe if I go back in, I’ll get to see what happens. But this time, when I reach for the door, I can’t turn the knob. I shake it, to no avail.

“Come on.. I just wanted to see the ending.”

LUCY WYLDE. THERE IS MORE TO SEE.

I nod my head, trying the door again.

“Exactly! Just let me back in so I can–”

IN OTHER ROOMS. PLEASE CONTINUE LUCY WYLDE.

I sigh and roll my eyes. Apparently I’m not allowed to see what happens between them in the end because.. Reasons. I nod my head and continue down the hall, stopping at the next door.

“What does this room hold, I wonder…”

PLEASE PROCEED TO FIND OUT LUCY WYLDE.

“I know, I know…”

UGWC MASSIVE MELEE 2018.
June. 4th. 2018.
8:27PM.

The door closes behind me and now I’m standing in a nearly pitch black place for a few moments, listening to the murmurs around me. I move forward, trying to figure out where I am when suddenly a single spotlight comes on, illuminating one Gabriel Baal who’s standing directly in front of me as “God’s Gonna Cut you Down” begins playing over the PA system.

I step back a few steps, watching Gabriel’s face as he stares at the entryway – obviously wondering who is going to be coming out to face him.

This is Massive Melee. This is my return from the kidnapping. I look over his shoulder to see a figure climb into the ring behind him as another spotlight begins at the ramp and comes slowly down the entrance way and into the ring where it stops just behind Gabriel…

His eyes widen as the crowd goes wild at the sight of her. He slowly turns around to see her in that mask.

It was too bad that mask got broken. It was pretty badass. Can’t help but to smile seeing it again, even though it was mainly there to protect my broken ass face. Not only that, but he didn’t expect it one bit. He honestly thought I wasn’t going to show up.. I remember being unsure of it at the time but I just couldn’t let him get away with what he did…

I had to show up. I had to get my revenge.

I reach up and cover my ears as Lucy lets out a horrifying scream and Gabriel takes a step back as the ref calls for the opening bell. He tries to turn away, but Lucy jumps on his back and starts clawing at his eyes.. Which gives me a strange sense of satisfaction, especially watching it from this point of view.

Although.. It’s hard looking at myself, being so thin and obviously injured severely from what happened in that warehouse. I’m honestly surprised I was able to hold onto him as well as I did as he tries to get her off of him.

He finally does, throwing her off of him like a sack of potatoes and she howls in pain.

She doesn’t give up though, getting back to her feet and throwing herself at him, fists flying, trying to dig out his eyes. He throws her off again and the cycle continues for a few more minutes and I grin, noticing a few deep scratches on his face. She gets back up after he throws her off again, but before she can lunge at him they both hear a soft, feminine voice, making them both turn around and stare at the entrance way.

I turn with them and my eyes widen as I see Maggie standing there smiling, waving at the two of them inside the ring.

What in the…

Maggie: Lucy… Lucy, Lucy, Lucy…

Lucy approaches the ropes, asking what she’s doing out there and Maggie laughs as she begins walking towards the ring.

Maggie: Sorry for… Interrupting? Your little match here tonight. I know how much this means to you. I mean, I was there when you were laid up in that hospital bed, asking yourself if you could even make it here tonight to exact your sweet, sweet revenge on Gabriel for what he did to you. I’m so glad you did.. That makes this moment even sweeter for me…

Lucy throws her arms up, continuing to ask Maggie what this is all about and I feel my stomach turning in knots. Something bad is about to happen.. I can feel it.

And I don’t like it.

Maggie eventually makes it to ringside where she stands directly in front and below Lucy.

Maggie: You see.. There are a few things I need to tell you, sweetie. Do you remember that night a few weeks ago.. When he beat me up and drugged me while you watched? How horrific for you, right?

Maggie laughs.

Maggie: How terrible, watching him terrorize and brutalize the woman you love.. Before he took you away to Daddy dearest. I bet you were wondering if I was okay, wondering if he came back and finished the job once he dumped you with Gary.. And I’m here to tell you he did… He came back alright and we celebrated late into the night.

Lucy’s jaw drops and so does mine. Lucy shakes her head and continues asking questions, all of which Maggie ignores.

Maggie: That’s right. He didn’t hurt me.. He didn’t drug me, Lucy. Actually, I’m the one that came up with that particular plan… And it went off without a hitch. Just like I’m the one that came up with this one… and it wouldn’t have worked nearly as well if you would have pussied out of this match, Lucy.

I hear Lucy ask what she’s talking about before Gabriel approaches her from behind, turning her around suddenly and hitting a brutal ‘the fall’ on her. I shudder listening to her body hitting the mat with all of the impact hitting her head and neck.

Gabriel looks up at Maggie and grins, blowing her a kiss before he rolls Lucy over and pins her.

One. Two. Three.

Maggie claps happily as she climbs up onto the apron and gets into the ring with Gabriel. As he climbs back to his feet, she wraps her arms around him and kisses him before the two turn their attention down at Lucy who hasn’t moved an inch since he rolled her over.

I back myself into the corner, shaking my head as Maggie kneels down beside Lucy and puts the mic back up to her mouth.

Maggie: Oh, and the other thing? Well, I don’t think we’re going to work out, Luce. You see, I found someone who can be everything that you never could be… And now he’s the UGWC World Champion…

She stands back up and throws the mic down on top of Lucy as she and Gabriel continue their celebration and the EMT’s come down to secure Lucy, who I can’t stop staring at…

UGWC Horizons
December. 10th. 2018.
Time Unknown.

…

And now I’m staring at a scene in the ring that I never thought I’d see.

Gabriel Baal and Magdalena Lockheart in one corner, facing down Lucy Wylde and JC. Wow. The hatred on all their faces is unsettling and it almost pains me to see things happening this way.

Apparently this match… it’s broken down into an all out brawl between the two sides – Maggie and Lucy beating on one another while JC and Gabriel both continue to bloody each other. Gabriel’s nose is pouring blood, JC’s face is nearly covered.. Blood oozing from a wound just above his eye.

Maggie and Lucy don’t look much better but they’re not bleeding. Maggie’s got a black eye and Lucy’s got a swollen lip.

My stomach can’t take it as Lucy finally gets the upperhand on Maggie, pushing her into the corner and beating the ever-loving shit out of her for what feels like hours… until Maggie finally falls down and rolls out of the ring, hitting the ground with a thud.. Leaving Lucy alone in the ring with the two men.

JC has Gabriel down on the mat, raining down closed fists into Gabriel’s face, blood splattering everywhere, all over Joe, all over the mat around them… everywhere.

He looks like a man possessed as I can easily see that there is no part of Gabriel that is conscious anymore, and I think Lucy sees that too as she approaches JC and tries to yell at him to stop.. But he doesn’t listen. He just.. Keeps.. Going…

Behind them, Maggie is slowly climbing back onto the apron but she’s powerless to do anything as JC just keeps bludgeoning Gabriel over and over until he finally sits up, releasing a guttural scream, breathing heavy as he looks down at Gabriel’s nearly unrecognizable face. And then he smiles…

Lucy comes in and pulls him off of Gabriel, putting her hands on either side of his face as she looks to Gabriel with horror in her eyes, shaking her head as she pulls her gaze away from Gabriel to focus on the man in front of her.

Paramedics rush the ring, I guess the match was called before now.. But I didn’t hear it. I’m not sure if anyone did… Maggie rushes to Gabriel’s side, tears pouring from her eyes as they check him… check him… and stabilize him on a stretcher.

As the EMT’s rush Gabriel out of the arena with Maggie in close pursuit, Lucy gets JC out of the ring and guides him backstage. I follow them, keeping close just in case they say anything.

Lucy: Joe.. Joe… Baby.. Talk to me.

Lucy says as they get backstage where the other wrestlers are standing around, in silent shock at what just transpired out in the ring. JC however, doesn’t say anything. He just keeps walking. Without a direction.. Without anything.

Lucy: JOE!

Lucy screams, stopping him and shaking him. Finally he looks up into her eyes.

JC: Luce…

Before Lucy can respond, a few police officers surround the two of them, grabbing Joe’s arms and forcing them behind his back.

Lucy: What’s going on?! What are you doing?!

Police Officer: This man is under arrest.

Lucy’s eyes widen.

Lucy: Under arrest?!

Police Officer: Joseph Lee.. You are under arrest for murder.

Lucy gasps and puts her hands over her mouth as Joe nods his head calmly.

Lucy: Murder? Oh my God… Gabriel…

Joe nods his head again as Lucy is in hysterics, arguing with the police.

JC: Lucy…

His voice jolts her out of her argument and she turns her attention to him.

Lucy: What is it baby?

JC: I had to.. For everything he’s done to you.

Lucy starts crying and I feel a few tears falling down my own face as Lucy shakes her head.

Lucy: No.. No… Joe… I’m so sorry.. I wish I’d of never–

JC: I wish I would have done it sooner…

Lucy: Don’t say that Joe… I–HEY! No, don’t take him! Don’t take him!! Please! Please?

Lucy begins pleading with the officers as they force Joe away from her, pushing him down the hallway towards the exit. But Joe stops and turns his head as Lucy rushes forward and wraps her arms around him, begging them to leave him there…

JC: I love you Lucy.. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. It’s okay. Everything will be okay…

The officers pull Lucy off of him and continue towards the exit, leaving Lucy a mess in the middle of the hall with everyone watching. She falls to her knees and sobs.

I–

SAN JOSE.
December. 7th. 2018.
12:31AM.

I stumble backwards, nearly falling on my ass as I realize I’m back in the hallway. I reach up and realize I’m still crying…

“Fuck… I can’t do this anymore…”

LUCY WYLDE.

I wipe my face clean and turn away from the rest of the hallway, heading back towards the center hub of the facility, shaking my head.

“SAM.. SAM.. I can’t. I shouldn’t have come here today. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

YOU WERE WONDERING IF THERE WERE ANY BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR YOU AND GABRIEL BAAL.

I nod my head and sigh as I reach the center and look around, trying to get the visions out of my head.. Trying to forget what I’d seen.

“I was.. But..”

But what?

But from what I’ve seen.. This is our best case scenario? Is that what I want to say? Is that really true? I mean, I haven’t seen all the possible outcomes, I’m sure it would take me fucking years to see everything I could possibly see and then there would still be more.

More outcomes where I got what I wanted, but everyone elses lives got fucked.. Or where Gabriel got what he wanted and everyone elses lives got fucked.. Or even better, where we both don’t get what we want and…

Wait a minute.

That’s exactly what this is…

Neither I nor he are getting what we want this time. We’ve gone back and forth for a long time now, but each time, neither of us has truly ended up with what we’ve wanted.

That’s it.

I grab my bag and head for the door.

LUCY WYLDE.

“SAM… God damnit SAM, I’ve figured it out. Thank you… Thank you…”

 

Gabriel.

Here we are, huh?

A couple of months ago I’d of been all too happy to be the one stepping into the ring with you, with your career on the line. All too happy to be the one to put the proverbial nail in your UGWC coffin. All too happy to finally get mine after all of the horrible shit you’ve done to me over these last two years.

But now?

Well, I’ve really made no qualms about the fact that I’m not happy being in the position that the UGWC has put me in. I don’t want to be that person. I don’t want to be the one that has to look you in the eye after I end your career, Gabriel.

I don’t want to have to live with the knowledge that I was the one that took your career from you. I don’t want to have to look myself in the mirror each morning, questioning myself, doubting myself for what I did… Like I’ve done each and every morning since our match was announced… looking into my own eyes, wondering who the fuck I am anymore.. Wondering if I actually can go out there and do what everyone and their brother wants me to do.. Wondering if I even should.

We know they all want it Gabriel.

They want you gone.

But they’re all too God damned lazy to do it themselves.

Do I want it?

That’s not the question any of them bothered to ask me. Do I want to be the one to end The Gabriel Baal’s career?

They assumed the answer would be a resounding ‘yes’. They assumed I’d be beating down their doors with gifts and ‘thank you’s for the opportunity they’ve afforded me. They assumed that I’d be all too fucking happy to put you down once and for all.

And a couple of months ago, they’d be right.

But as another man we both knew always says… ‘Changes come’.

After the last few weeks, Gabriel.. I understand you better than I ever have and in spite of the things you’ve done… I can see that deep down in there somewhere is a man who does feel.. Who does want something better for himself. And I think you’ve found it.

Or should I say ‘her’.

Far be it from me to say anything though.. I’m just the woman that’s been drafted into facing you in what could be your final match. I’m just the woman who’s name is written beside yours on the Horizons 2018 card… But I’m also a woman who gets you, Gabriel. I always have.

I think you know that as well as I do.

And I’m also the woman who is going to end your career. But not out of hatred, or malice.. Or revenge. Those things are in the past now. No, I’m the woman who’s going to end your career because that’s what I have to do. You wouldn’t forgive me if I gave you any less than my best at Horizons… Even though I could see it in your eyes when we last spoke..

I know you were thinking it Gabriel.

I know you wanted to ask me to spare your career.. Or maybe you wanted me to just take pity on you. And I do pity you Gabriel. This isn’t an admirable spot that you’re in. You’re a proud man, and that’s one of the things I respect most about you.

But I’m a proud woman too.

And there’s no way that I can half ass this match. There’s no way I can give you any less than my best because it’s what we both deserve. It’s what we both have earned with our tenure here in UGWC… all other opinions be damned.

Understand though that neither of us are getting what we want here.

That’s what I’ve learned over the last few days. Really, that’s what our entire relationship has been if you really sit here and think about it.

When we first became friends.. I wanted something more from you… and you just wanted a friend… Neither of us got what we wanted.

When you came after my world title… You wanted that belt and I wanted.. Well, I wanted my friends to be able to share it with me… Neither of us got what we wanted again.

Here and now… You want to keep your career and I don’t want to be the instrument of your demise… And in a few days, we’re both going to realize that again we didn’t get what we wanted.

Story of our lives, huh?

So it seems, my friend.

So it seems.

I’ve realized, as this match grows ever closer.. That this was always how it was meant to be for us, Gabriel. You and I.. we were always destined to be here, together at this very moment in time. From the moment we met, our paths have always, somehow been intertwined with each other.. Even in the smallest of ways.

You’ve always been a part of me just as I’ve always been a part of you.

A lot of the time I don’t think we realized it. A lot of the time I think we both just brushed it off as annoyance or anger.. But think about it Gabriel… How else could this have gone? You with your livelihood on the line and me with my own moral compass teetering on rocky ground.. We were always destined to be the ones that looked each other in the eyes at the end of it.

I just hate that it has to be this way.

I know you do too.

And I’m sorry. God damnit, I’m so fucking sorry for what I have to do at Horizons. And if you ask me a few days, months, or even years down the road… I’ll say the exact same thing.

I’m going to end your career, but I’m not going to like it.

I’m not walking away from Horizons happy. I’m not walking away from Horizons feeling like I’ve done the world, or UGWC for that matter any good. If anything, I’m taking something rom UGWC that they’ll never get back and they’re too stupid to realize it now.

But they will.

They’ll realize it when it’s too late and they’re too god damned fucked to do anything about it.

The only thing I can still say to you, Gabriel is I wish you happiness because God knows you deserve it. God knows you deserve to live your life and be happy. Don’t look at your past with regret or sadness because it’s over. There’s nothing more to be done about it… and just know that I’m here.

I’m always going to be because that’s just who I am.

They may think I’m stupid, or too forgiving… but that’s just who I am.

I might be burdened with the most unpleasant of tasks at Horizons, but in all honesty.. If it were my career on the line, there’s no one I could think of that I’d rather be facing than you. Like I said, you and I… we’ve always been on this collision course… and honey, we’re about to collide.

Are you ready?

I know I’m not.

Hell, I’m sitting here shaking and crying at the thought of it. How’s it going to be when we’re actually standing there, face to face.. Beside Eden and Jet.. consumed by their own collision course. It’ll really hit then. The gravity of the entire thing, I mean.

I’m nervous. I should be. It’s not everyday one holds another’s future in their hands, knowing that they’ve got to end it because there can be no other.

And for you, there is no other.

Only me.

I respect you Gabriel.

I always have and I always will.

I appreciate you, Gabriel.

I understand you and I have truly been humbled to have been able to know you, not only as a competitor.. But as a man. As a human being.

Don’t lose that part of yourself, please.

You’re a good man. You may have gotten lost a few times along the way, but I see you for what you really are. It may have taken me a long time and a couple bumps and bruises along the way.. But I see you Gabriel and I pray to the heavens above that you let other people see it too.

You have my love.

You have my gratitude.

But most of all, you have my respect and my friendship.

So, here’s to us, Gabriel.

Here’s to one last time, you and I.

Let’s make it a good one.