Post by gvb on May 14, 2021 16:38:16 GMT -6
1x29 ALMA MATER
The Auditorium
May 14, 2021
4:00 PM
The students have all taken their seats and friends and family, invited to share in the special event, sit just a little ways away, in their place as spectators. After Gian gave an insightful and inspiring speech to the graduates, he invited the ‘Valedictorian’ of the class to take center stage. Faith Savell rises from her seat and walks towards the microphone. A very mixed reaction from students and guests alike is exactly what was expected. Faith made a point to wave at Karen Eldon, who had tried to claim Faith’s position at top of the class, for someone else.
As Faith steadied herself behind the microphone, her eyes seemed to focus on Coen, who was sitting just behind the students. A prideful smile on his face, beside him sits Faith’s family. Her mother and younger sister, her father and her half siblings from whom she had borrowed the ring name; Julian and Hallie sit on the other side of her father.
Faith Savell:
When Gian called me into his office, to award me with the honor of being the First Ever Valedictorian for The Academy, I accepted immediately. Of course I did. Who else in this class has had the impact that I have? Who in the seats who sit before me, has pulled in the numbers or put in the hours that I have? If you’re honest with yourselves, you know that I deserve to be here. Hate me all you want, but my work ethic is undeniable.
If nothing else, you should learn from me that life isn’t always fair. There will always be girls like me. The ones with pretty privilege and natural born talent, the girls who work twice as hard as you simply because that's the work ethic they were born with.
Faith offers a smug smile to her fellow graduates, staring a hole into Trinity for a moment before bringing her gaze back to where she had been looking moments before.
Faith Savell:
Of course, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the love and support I have received. Gian and Lady both have fostered my talent and encouraged me to be my best self. You have ensured that not only have I worked hard for the opportunities afforded to me… But also that things have been kept fair at /almost/ all times.
My family, especially Julian and Riley, have ensured that I make the most of my every moment here. I know finding out about me was a shock but they have been a constant source of encouragement and support. I know we all appreciate the support of our loved ones, being away from home isn’t always easy… But it has been worth it.
My classmates, as much as you all want to hate me and deny me, you all have a place in building The Academy to be what it is now. Any class that comes after us will have a lot to live up to and I don’t doubt that most of us, at least, will go on to do great things. So thanks, Trinity, Tiana, Faziah… Thank you for never making this easy. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to show the world that no matter how hard people try? I won’t be kept down.
And there is of course, one more person I need to thank. He has been… Nothing short of incredible. He has held my hand at moments when I needed it most and he has shown me just how strong I can be, I honestly don’t believe I would have excelled in the way that I have with his support.
As she talks, mic in hand, Faith is walking towards the same direction as she was looking just moments ago. She stops just in front of the line where the students are sitting, she looks up and over at Coen, a small smile on her lips.
Faith Savell:
Coen.
She looks down a little, as though she’s acting coy. Eventually she lets out a soft sigh and shakes her head.
Faith Savell:
We’re over. In fact, we never really begun.
And with those words, Faith leans down to become face to face with her ‘bestie’ Olly the pair share a look before she leans in and kisses him softly, her words spoken against his lips as the students try to contain their reactions around the duo.
The students are buzzing, incredulous about what they just witnessed. Everybody saw the fallout between Faith and Olly, they remember him walking out on her during their tag match the day she introduced Coen as her boyfriend, they all saw him faking an injury to pin her in their match the week after, and then again Faith getting her measure of vengeance by stealing the pinfall that could’ve earned Olly a shot at the Gold Star on episode 26… Was all of that staged? Have they been in cahoots all this time? Did they just play everyone for weeks?
That definitely seems to be the case, the Valedictorian now sits next to Olly and rests her head on his shoulder. Olly turns to her and places a soft kiss to the top of her head, draping his arm around her shoulders as they wait for Gian to conclude the ceremony, not minding at all the eyes of their fellow students glued on them.
As for Coen? He was still standing there, frozen on the spot, his eyes staring into space. The young skater eventually shakes from that state, and his first reaction is one of rage. He clenches his fists, turning his attention to the duo. For a fleeting moment, the idea of attacking them and making them pay for the biggest humiliation in his life, for using him as a pawn in whatever wicked game they played with Tiffany, crossed his mind.
This was the second time someone used him to get to his ex-girlfriend, a similar thing happened with Luna a little over a year ago. How could he fall for it again? Maybe that realization is what made him change his mind, maybe remembering that, unlike him, both Olly and Faith are trained wrestlers and will likely put him on his ass before he could raise a fist is what did the trick. But eventually Coen turns around and darts out of the room, walking past Tiffany without even glancing at her.
It's hard to read the look on Tiff's face, but everyone could tell one thing: she was not happy. Even despite their estranged relationship, it was difficult for her to see Coen betrayed in such a humiliating manner, but the wicked glare she gave her upcoming opponent made it perfectly clear what her intentions her. Faith has done everything in the book to try and tear down Tiffany, but this was the last straw. With her fists clenched, she stormed out of sight, possibly for further preparations for their match. As far as she was concerned, this was the last time Faith will hurt anyone again under her watch.
Getting the students' attention back after the events that just unfolded is not an easy task. Luckily Gian has an ace up his sleeve.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
On September 16, during the press conference held to introduce The Academy a referred to it as a journey. And let me tell you, it's been one hell of a ride in the past seven months. Sure, there have been a few bumps on the road, but none of us thought that locking ten teenagers in a facility like this was going to be a walk in the park.
He glances back at Lady and Michael who nod in agreement to his words.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Regardless, we all are proud of the wrestlers you have become, and even more importantly, the men and women you've become. Every single one of you, with no exception. Tonight, this part of your journey comes to an end, and the first thing I have to say to you is congratulations, you've made it.
The principal gives the students a quick round of applause, imitated by some of the trainers that followed the group in the past months.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
But this is hardly the end for you. Your journey is not over, you're just moving to new pastures. As of tomorrow, you will officially be member of MWE, and it's now time to find out which roster each and every one of you has been assigned.
A quick pause to create some suspense.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Let's start with the Grade A contracts, reserved to those who held the Gold Star. Allow me to remind you that these students have a granted shot at one of the brand specific titles, and that they must use it before the end of the year.
So, without further ado, allow me to announce that our Valedictorian Faith Savell and Faizah Marshall will join Millennium, and therefore they can challenge for the Lockdown Championship, the Chicago Way championship or the Cloud Gate.
Tiana Petrova-Hammond and, should he win his match at Hic Sunt Leones, JJ Night are members of the Riot roster and can fight for the Junior Heavyweight, the MENTV or the Riot championship.
The camera zoom on the students' faces, catching their reactions to the announcement.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
For clarity, JJ will join Riot regardless of the outcome of his match. But he will receive the granted title shot only if he beats Faizah tomorrow night. Should he fail that task, he'll join the Orange Brand with a Grade B contract. Olly, instead, will join the Millennium roster with the same type of contract, followed by Rian Ellis with a grade C while Cash Blye and Dez Ali who share his same tier will wrestle on Sunday Nights.
It's not by chance that the camera scans through the crowd to spot Trinity Thompson and Millie Smith, who haven't been nominated by the Prinicpal.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I didn't forget about you two. The reason why I haven't announced which roster you've been assigned to is because we worked on a tag team contract for Team Trillie, and as you know, tag teams have crossbrand priviliges and you can compete on both shows.
Gian gives everyone a moment to process and comment the announcements. Students as well as their families and friends eventually burst into a spontaneous round of applause, at the end of which the principal takes word once again.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Before offically closing the first year of The Academy, there is something else I want to say, from the deep of my heart. It's been an honor and a privilege for me to play a minor role in your personal and professional growth, but it's time to let you spread your wings and fly to reach the heights I know you can reach.
His voice slightly cracked with emotions. A rarity for the always calm and collected Italian, who now smiles at the students sitting in front of him, his glance stopping on each and everyone of them as she scrolled them from left to right.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Class, you're dismissed.
And on those words, the first year of the Academy and the graduation ceremony comes to an end.
As Faith steadied herself behind the microphone, her eyes seemed to focus on Coen, who was sitting just behind the students. A prideful smile on his face, beside him sits Faith’s family. Her mother and younger sister, her father and her half siblings from whom she had borrowed the ring name; Julian and Hallie sit on the other side of her father.
Faith Savell:
When Gian called me into his office, to award me with the honor of being the First Ever Valedictorian for The Academy, I accepted immediately. Of course I did. Who else in this class has had the impact that I have? Who in the seats who sit before me, has pulled in the numbers or put in the hours that I have? If you’re honest with yourselves, you know that I deserve to be here. Hate me all you want, but my work ethic is undeniable.
If nothing else, you should learn from me that life isn’t always fair. There will always be girls like me. The ones with pretty privilege and natural born talent, the girls who work twice as hard as you simply because that's the work ethic they were born with.
Faith offers a smug smile to her fellow graduates, staring a hole into Trinity for a moment before bringing her gaze back to where she had been looking moments before.
Faith Savell:
Of course, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the love and support I have received. Gian and Lady both have fostered my talent and encouraged me to be my best self. You have ensured that not only have I worked hard for the opportunities afforded to me… But also that things have been kept fair at /almost/ all times.
My family, especially Julian and Riley, have ensured that I make the most of my every moment here. I know finding out about me was a shock but they have been a constant source of encouragement and support. I know we all appreciate the support of our loved ones, being away from home isn’t always easy… But it has been worth it.
My classmates, as much as you all want to hate me and deny me, you all have a place in building The Academy to be what it is now. Any class that comes after us will have a lot to live up to and I don’t doubt that most of us, at least, will go on to do great things. So thanks, Trinity, Tiana, Faziah… Thank you for never making this easy. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to show the world that no matter how hard people try? I won’t be kept down.
And there is of course, one more person I need to thank. He has been… Nothing short of incredible. He has held my hand at moments when I needed it most and he has shown me just how strong I can be, I honestly don’t believe I would have excelled in the way that I have with his support.
As she talks, mic in hand, Faith is walking towards the same direction as she was looking just moments ago. She stops just in front of the line where the students are sitting, she looks up and over at Coen, a small smile on her lips.
Faith Savell:
Coen.
She looks down a little, as though she’s acting coy. Eventually she lets out a soft sigh and shakes her head.
Faith Savell:
We’re over. In fact, we never really begun.
And with those words, Faith leans down to become face to face with her ‘bestie’ Olly the pair share a look before she leans in and kisses him softly, her words spoken against his lips as the students try to contain their reactions around the duo.
The students are buzzing, incredulous about what they just witnessed. Everybody saw the fallout between Faith and Olly, they remember him walking out on her during their tag match the day she introduced Coen as her boyfriend, they all saw him faking an injury to pin her in their match the week after, and then again Faith getting her measure of vengeance by stealing the pinfall that could’ve earned Olly a shot at the Gold Star on episode 26… Was all of that staged? Have they been in cahoots all this time? Did they just play everyone for weeks?
That definitely seems to be the case, the Valedictorian now sits next to Olly and rests her head on his shoulder. Olly turns to her and places a soft kiss to the top of her head, draping his arm around her shoulders as they wait for Gian to conclude the ceremony, not minding at all the eyes of their fellow students glued on them.
As for Coen? He was still standing there, frozen on the spot, his eyes staring into space. The young skater eventually shakes from that state, and his first reaction is one of rage. He clenches his fists, turning his attention to the duo. For a fleeting moment, the idea of attacking them and making them pay for the biggest humiliation in his life, for using him as a pawn in whatever wicked game they played with Tiffany, crossed his mind.
This was the second time someone used him to get to his ex-girlfriend, a similar thing happened with Luna a little over a year ago. How could he fall for it again? Maybe that realization is what made him change his mind, maybe remembering that, unlike him, both Olly and Faith are trained wrestlers and will likely put him on his ass before he could raise a fist is what did the trick. But eventually Coen turns around and darts out of the room, walking past Tiffany without even glancing at her.
It's hard to read the look on Tiff's face, but everyone could tell one thing: she was not happy. Even despite their estranged relationship, it was difficult for her to see Coen betrayed in such a humiliating manner, but the wicked glare she gave her upcoming opponent made it perfectly clear what her intentions her. Faith has done everything in the book to try and tear down Tiffany, but this was the last straw. With her fists clenched, she stormed out of sight, possibly for further preparations for their match. As far as she was concerned, this was the last time Faith will hurt anyone again under her watch.
Getting the students' attention back after the events that just unfolded is not an easy task. Luckily Gian has an ace up his sleeve.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
On September 16, during the press conference held to introduce The Academy a referred to it as a journey. And let me tell you, it's been one hell of a ride in the past seven months. Sure, there have been a few bumps on the road, but none of us thought that locking ten teenagers in a facility like this was going to be a walk in the park.
He glances back at Lady and Michael who nod in agreement to his words.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Regardless, we all are proud of the wrestlers you have become, and even more importantly, the men and women you've become. Every single one of you, with no exception. Tonight, this part of your journey comes to an end, and the first thing I have to say to you is congratulations, you've made it.
The principal gives the students a quick round of applause, imitated by some of the trainers that followed the group in the past months.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
But this is hardly the end for you. Your journey is not over, you're just moving to new pastures. As of tomorrow, you will officially be member of MWE, and it's now time to find out which roster each and every one of you has been assigned.
A quick pause to create some suspense.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Let's start with the Grade A contracts, reserved to those who held the Gold Star. Allow me to remind you that these students have a granted shot at one of the brand specific titles, and that they must use it before the end of the year.
So, without further ado, allow me to announce that our Valedictorian Faith Savell and Faizah Marshall will join Millennium, and therefore they can challenge for the Lockdown Championship, the Chicago Way championship or the Cloud Gate.
Tiana Petrova-Hammond and, should he win his match at Hic Sunt Leones, JJ Night are members of the Riot roster and can fight for the Junior Heavyweight, the MENTV or the Riot championship.
The camera zoom on the students' faces, catching their reactions to the announcement.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
For clarity, JJ will join Riot regardless of the outcome of his match. But he will receive the granted title shot only if he beats Faizah tomorrow night. Should he fail that task, he'll join the Orange Brand with a Grade B contract. Olly, instead, will join the Millennium roster with the same type of contract, followed by Rian Ellis with a grade C while Cash Blye and Dez Ali who share his same tier will wrestle on Sunday Nights.
It's not by chance that the camera scans through the crowd to spot Trinity Thompson and Millie Smith, who haven't been nominated by the Prinicpal.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I didn't forget about you two. The reason why I haven't announced which roster you've been assigned to is because we worked on a tag team contract for Team Trillie, and as you know, tag teams have crossbrand priviliges and you can compete on both shows.
Gian gives everyone a moment to process and comment the announcements. Students as well as their families and friends eventually burst into a spontaneous round of applause, at the end of which the principal takes word once again.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Before offically closing the first year of The Academy, there is something else I want to say, from the deep of my heart. It's been an honor and a privilege for me to play a minor role in your personal and professional growth, but it's time to let you spread your wings and fly to reach the heights I know you can reach.
His voice slightly cracked with emotions. A rarity for the always calm and collected Italian, who now smiles at the students sitting in front of him, his glance stopping on each and everyone of them as she scrolled them from left to right.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Class, you're dismissed.
And on those words, the first year of the Academy and the graduation ceremony comes to an end.