Beneath the Surface

On a Friday afternoon, Ruby Dayne had just finished another week of college classes, and as she was on the parking lot heading to her car, Ruby was approached by the dean of her college, Valeria Stanton.

"Ruby!" exclaimed Valeria. "I just want to say, again, that you have absolutely excelled as a student. You have done so well!"

"Thank you, Dean Stanton," said Ruby. "You're making me blush."

"I truly mean it," said Valeria. "And you remember our conversation from last week? When you see something you want, go for it and take it. It's an important life lesson."

Later that evening, at an arena not too far from the college, wrestling fans were treated to a big show. Empire Women's Wrestling's latest show had a stacked card with four championships on the line, with one of them being the top title, the World Championship, held by the popular Grace Blaze. Grace defended her title against a pair of hungry challengers in the form of Zoey Green and the "Iron Princess" Claudia Ford, and after 20 minutes, Grace was still the champion.

However, Grace's night was not done. Grace found herself attacked in the ring by the Dark Dragon, a mysterious masked competitor who invaded the promotion three months prior, and has just won a Brass Ring Gauntlet Match for a future title opportunity. She was the last entrant in that match, and she was attacking Grace with a giant Brass Ring trophy, which she gave to the referee to signal that she wanted her title on the spot. The bell rings, and all the Dragon needed was just over a minute to win the title from Grace.

The surprises didn't end there. After the match, the Dark Dragon removed her mask, and shocked everyone with her unveiling.

"Oh my God, it's Ruby Dayne!"

When Ruby isn't hitting the books, she's fighting in the ring. Ruby had been in wrestling for two years, and not only did she just become champion, she also just turned heel, as Grace was actually Ruby's tag team partner. Ruby basked in the negative reactions as she walked up the ramp showing off her prize. As cameras remained backstage, Ruby heard a familiar, yet sinister voice congratulating her.

"Excellent, my girl."

The voice belonged to someone familiar to Ruby: Dean Valeria Stanton. But that was by day. By night, she was Starla Hart, a villainous manager with 20 years in the business, and quite a stylish look, donning a diamond studded blazer, leather pants, and glamorous high heels. Starla had been attempting to recruit and corrupt Ruby, and she managed to succeed.

"I couldn't have done it without you, Starla," said Ruby.

"It's like I said to you before, kid," Starla said with a wicked smile. "When you see something you want, go for it and take it!" Starla cackled in victorious delight, while Ruby basked over becoming champion, all the while, the wrestling world was turned upside down by their new villainous alliance.