Scared Straight

It was a typical Monday for Erica Harrell, as she was seated at her desk, in her fifth period English class, fast asleep. Erica's passion was less about learning and attending classes, and more about attending the latest wrestling event. Erica was supposed to do a big weekend assignment, but she couldn't help but attend that event, especially since the event featured a wrestler known as Queen Chaos, one of the most feared villainesses in women's wrestling.

Erica's slumber was halted by her teacher, Vanessa Russo, a genial but stern instructor who wanted the best for all of her students, but couldn't help but notice Erica's apathy. After the class ended, Vanessa wanted to talk to Erica for a few minutes before sixth period began. "Erica," said Vanessa, "why didn't you do your weekend assignment?"

"I'm so sorry, Professor Russo," said Erica. "I had a family emergency. Couldn't be helped." Vanessa gave a nod and a bit of a side eye to her student, before actually inviting Erica to her place to discuss Erica's studies. Later that night, Erica appeared at Vanessa's home, feeling a bit nervous. Strangely, the door was unlocked, almost as if Erica's appearance was anticipated.

"Enter!" Vanessa said in a sharp and commanding tone. Erica entered and noticed the house was somewhat dark, almost ominous.

"Family emergency, you said, right?" Vanessa said with a bit of an intimidating snarl. "Are you sure that 'emergency' wasn't the last wrestling extravaganza?"

"How did you know that?" asked Erica.

"Call it a hunch," said Vanessa. At that moment, Erica found herself face to face with an imposing figure in attire that was familiar to Erica: a black and gold bodysuit, flowing cape, and a lucha-style mask, with a crown attached.

"Professor Russo?"

"Your dear teacher isn't here, little one," Vanessa snarled. "Say my name. Say it."

"Queen Chaos," said Erica, who was still stunned that her kindly and genial English teacher actually had a side gig as the evil Queen Chaos, a feared and vicious villainess in women's wrestling.

"Queen Chaos knows all, Erica," Vanessa hissed. "And I did see you in the stands as I made another opponent bow before me. You want this life, do you? I can sense it." Vanessa slowly walked closer to Erica; her heel persona in full display with a sneer and a glare through her mask.

"Heed my words," said Vanessa, "study hard so you have a backup plan. Because I will know if you don't." Vanessa chuckled wickedly as Erica nodded in agreement. "Now begone!"

Erica ran out of the house, while Vanessa cackled maniacally, still in character. The encounter changed Erica; she took her studies seriously, and Vanessa was proud of Erica for her efforts, while also showing some sinister pleasure in scaring Erica straight. Erica saw Vanessa in a different light since the encounter. While Erica loved that Vanessa was the villainous Queen Chaos, she was even more elated that Vanessa was a dedicated teacher who believed in her.