Post by penelope on Sept 11, 2023 21:56:20 GMT -5
The summer of 2023 had been utter insanity for the black hat villain, Penelope. She had been bouncing around, making waves in a multitude of organizations, both new and old. For the better part of three months, she had been competing with some of the best in the world, all for a chance at claiming the piece of Bravery as part of the Triad trials.
But now, as summer melted away into autumn. As the days grew shorter and colder, she was about to embark on her next great challenge…Last (Wo)Man Standing. The former World Series of Wrestling, rebranded, of course, had been on her periphery for a while. Never quite out of mind, continually stirring in the background.
This time, however, unlike most of her professional situations, she at least had one ally. Eli Buchanan, owner/operator of The Hotel California. The knowledge that the Buchanan family patriarch, wrestling savant, and father figure for Penelope, was also in the event gave her some space to breathe.
She had been through the proverbial wringer recently, both physically and mentally. The toll her recent endeavours had taken on Penelope was evident as she looked at herself in the mirror.
GVZ: "Are you sure you'll be up for this?"
The soft, South African accent of her fianceé, Gina Van Zyl called to Penelope, grabbing her attention. She turns, giving Gina a weary smile.
Penelope: "But of course…you should know better than most what it takes to keep me down."
GVZ: "I am, but I've also seen what you've been putting yourself through lately. I realize I shouldn't worry, but sometimes I can't help it."
Penelope walks over, the pair sharing a brief kiss as Penelope puts her arms around Gina's neck.
Penelope: "I know, it's one of the many things I love about you."
The pair are interrupted by a knock at the door, their heads turning in unison. Penelope snaps her fingers, the door to her private suite at The Hotel California opening on command. Behind it stands an imposing man, tall, fit, with a thick beard and dark eyes. Dressed all in formal black, he steps into the suite. He nods respectfully at the two women.
Drake: "Penelope…Gina."
Gina smiles back.
Gina: "Good to see you again, Drake."
Penelope: "I take it the preparations have been made, Mr. Hemingway?"
Drake walks over to the pair, holding out a small stack of stapled papers.
Drake: "Exactly as you specified. Here's your itinerary and a map of the compound until Team Blue's accommodation and the various amenities."
Penelope: "Splendid! Whatever would I do without you?"
The corner of Drake Hemingway's mouth curls ever so slightly upwards into a partial smile.
Drake: "What indeed. Are you ready to depart? We've got confirmation that Eli has checked in already."
Penelope: "I was just finishing up my packing."
Penelope turns to Gina, the two hugging tightly and kissing again, though this one lingers more than the first.
GVZ: "I'll call you later once you've settled in."
Penelope nods, and Drake steps aside as Gina walks out of the suite. Drake turns back to Penelope and her multitude of suitcases.
Drake: "Shall I take your bags down? The organizers from TIA Productions have organized a car to take you to the airport, and you'll have a ticket waiting for you courtesy of Kayfabe Airlines."
Penelope giggles, resting her hand with a clap on his shoulder.
Penelope: "Goodness gracious, no, Mr. Hemingway. We'll be there in two shakes of a lamb's tail."
She says to him whimsically before retrieving a book from the countertop of the adjacent kitchenette. She opens the book, flipping through the pages until she finally stops. She enters her lounge room and faces the sparsely decorated wall to her right. She holds out her hand and begins to recite from the book. Her hand begins to glow slightly purple as she speaks.
Penelope: "Ingressus Portam Revelare…Per Nubila et Stellae…Ad Mundos Novos quae Petimus…Veritas ex Oculis Meis,
Ad Astra per Portam Mystici…Omnia Vincit Veritas, Portam Aperio!"
Penelope finishes the spell, and a purplish orb floats out from her outstretched hand and collides with the wall. The purple spot glows brightly and begins to grow. Larger, and larger, and larger still until it's more than enough to accommodate a full-grown adult. The wall within the purple spot begins to shimmer, like a mirage, before melting away. Penelope walks towards the hole, placing her hand against the wall and watching her arm slowly disappear up to her elbow.
Penelope: "By George, I think we've done it, Mr. Hemingway."
She calls behind her as she sticks her head through the shimmering purple patch on her wall. She closes her eyes and steps into it, her whole body disappearing. When she opens them again, she's standing inside one of the Team Blue bungalows inside the compound. She turns around, looking behind her, her lounge room and Drake Hemingway visible through the shimmering purple portal she's opened. Her smile of accomplishment melts away as she begins to eye the bright, vibrantly decorated living space. The look slowly turns into one of disgust.
Penelope: "This won't do…this won't do at all."
She turns and sticks her head back through the portal. Drake stifles a laugh as Penelope's bodiless head appears from within the doorway on her wall.
Penelope: "Mr. Hemingway, ensure the front desk notifies the TIA organizers that my car will no longer be needed. Then, make sure that they will contact Kayfabe Airlines regarding my ticket. I'll also need you to round up some of the staff and get them up here at once."
Drake: "Yes, ma'am."
Penelope: "This bungalow they have me in is utterly atrocious! I shan't be expected to compete in such an illustrious competition whilst living in such conditions. I want my suite amenities moved over here. They can take everything in the bungalow out and place it down in storage during the duration of my stay. Am I understood?"
Drake nods, making his mental notes.
Drake: "I'll get them up here immediately, Penelope."
Penelope: "Splendid, Mr Hemingway! Hurry now; time waits for no man."
The imposing man nods briefly, his long hair swaying slightly as he turns and quickly exits the suite. Penelope pulls her head back through the portal, once again affronted by the decor. She shakes her head, walking over to the table in the middle of the living area. A vase of ornate flowers sits in the middle, a small card attached peeking out from the bouquet. The name Penelope is written in calligraphy on the envelope. She reaches down, removing the card. As she does, the flowers in the vase wilt and die.
Penelope: "And what do we have here?"
She asks no one in particular as she removes the card from the envelope.
Penelope: "Dear Ms. Plimmswood…please allow us to welcome you to…we have several places onsight…you can contact the staff for…we hope you enjoy your stay."
She scoffs and tosses the card onto the table.
Penelope: "Blah, blah, fucking blah."
Penelope feels the buzz buzz of the smartphone in her pocket go off. She quickly pulls it out, checking her notifications. One missed text. She quickly unlocks the phone and checks the missed text from the unknown number.
Penelope: "Jacoby Spencer huh? Team Blue is meeting at The Arm Bar. Looks like I got here just in time. This is going to be swell."
She says as she rolls her eyes and places the phone back into her pocket. She turns as she sees a half dozen Hotel California staff walk through the purple portal in the wall. They're followed closely by Drake Hemingway and Penelope's great dane, Ripley.
Drake: "Someone was getting everyone's way."
He says as he mentions to the dog. Penelope pats her shoulders as the giant dog barrels over, lifting itself up on its hind legs. It places its paws on Penelope's shoulders. She hugs her dog and kiss as she attempts to avoid getting licked.
Penelope: "Are you causing trouble? Hm. Are you getting in everyone's way?"
The dog barks a reply before it returns to all fours
Penelope: "Yes, of course, you can go for a walk. But for now, settle."
The dog hops up onto the couch as it's lifted by two of the Hotel workers and walked back through the portal.
Penelope: "I want you all to listen to Mr. Hemingway in my absence! What he says goes. I want this entire bungalow cleared out and my essentials brought in and placed properly! Be quick, gentlemen, we don't have all day."
They all nod as they continue removing the various furniture pieces and decor from the bungalow. Penelope and Drake walk towards the door. They open it and are greeted by a small, stocky man with thinning hair. He smiles nervously in his suit that's in need of tailoring.
Manager: "Oh! Yes, hi…I'm the manager of the er, compound here. We had some noise complaints from one of the other bungalows. However, this particular room shows no occupant, so…can I ask who you are and what exactly you're doing here?"
Penelope smiles, holding out her hand, which the man takes and shakes awkwardly.
Penelope: "Penelope, charmed I'm sure. I'm here for the Last Man Standing competition. Part of Team Blue…check the reservations, I'm sure to be there."
Manager: "OH! Oh, yes, well…I'm sure that will be the case. Can I ask how you got in here? Our concierge doesn't have you booked in."
His eyes fall beyond Penelope to the various staff moving things out through the portal.
Manager: "Excuse me, but are they removing our property?! And that thing on the wall! What is that doing there?! What is going-"
Penelope blocks his view, staring him in the eyes as she places her hands on his shoulders.
Penelope: "Silentium."
She whispers as the man instantly falls silent, his panicked expression evaporating.
Penelope: "Mr. Hemingway here will escort you back to the lobby to complete my registration. He'll answer any questions you have, yes?"
The man nods but appears to be entirely out of it. She looks at Drake, who nods to her in affirmation before taking the man by the arm and leading him back down the path towards the main desk. Penelope steps out of the doorway; the rumbling of thunder nearby can be heard as the wind picks up.
Eli Buchanan: "Ah, there you are, Penelope! I knew you'd finally arrived…always bringing the weather with you, my dear."
She turns towards the voice of Eli, whose bungalow is two away from hers. She waves to him and walks down the path to meet him.
Penelope: "That seems to be the case, Eli. Shall you accompany me to the Team Blue meeting?"
Eli Buchanan: "What perfect timing. I was just headed in that direction."
He says with a smile as he holds out his arm for her to take. As they begin to walk towards the Arm Bar, the first drops of rain can be felt. Penelope points above them with her finger.
Penelope: "Praesidium."
She says aloud, as the rain begins to fall around them, not on them. As if there was some sort of invisible umbrella sheltering them. The pair make small talk as they head off to join their teammates.