Post by gvb on Jan 30, 2022 18:46:55 GMT -6
2x14 BAD COMPANY
The Lunch Room
January 25th, 2022
2:02 PM
Having made herself at home here in the Academy we find ourselves looking at Erika Eldon in the kitchen area. Her feet up on the counter, a sight most would not enjoy seeing where they might prepare food. Sitting on a chair with a bowl of fruit out on the counter, wearing sweats and a gray tank top. Clearly in relaxation mode around the academy talking on the phone with an unknown individual.
Erika Eldon:
Yeah, Rainer really is great. He is totally going to get his Gold Star back quickly. They set him up…
Erika takes a bite out of a pineapple as whoever is on the other end of this call responds as they do. We see Gabriel Landry enter the room. He looks prepared to exit once he sees Erika rolling his eyes hearing what she said. He turns to go when Erika speaks again.
Erika Eldon:
Yeah Rainer really is smart, like the whole Gabriel thing. That guy still doesn’t know it was me. He is so clueless just like the rest of the Academy!
Gabriel stops full on. He needed a moment to process what he just heard. He changes his mind about leaving the room. Naturally he storms straight to Erika. He uncharacteristically grabs her by her blonde hair. Clutching his fist he screams!
Gabriel Landry:
You bitch!!
Cowering in fear as she drops her phone, closing her eyes and flinching.
Erika Eldon:
Rainer!!!! Security!!!
Screaming out for help.
Gabriel Landry:
HOW COULD YOU?! YOU COULD HAVE ENDED MY CAREER. YOU ROBBED ME OF A CHANCE TO TAKE THE GOLD STAR OFF RAINER. GOD I KNEW YOU WERE AN IDIOT, TO BE HIS OWN PERSONAL HITWOMAN. I WOULD LOVE NOTHING MORE THAN TO PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE RIGHT NOW...
Gabriel clenches his fist tighter. He closes his eyes. Looks like he is going to go through with it, something comes over him. He lets Erika’s hair go!
Gabriel Landry:
You’re not worth me getting kicked out The Academy! I am going to go to Gian. We are going to settle this in the ring!!
Gabriel gets right in Erika’s face.
Gabriel Landry:
I HATE YOU! THERE IS NO COMING BACK FROM THIS! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!
Erika Eldon:
I didn't do anything! I was just joking. I am telling my mom on you!!!
Erika says this while holding her head in pain like he really did a lot of damage. Gabriel scoffs.
Gabriel Landry:
Save it. If Rainer told you to jump off a bridge you would.
He chuckles.
Gabriel Landry.
I was a fool, I thought there was some hope for you but no! You’re pathetic, Erika. You’re an embarrassment to the Eldon name. Just hope your mother doesn’t hate me for what’s going to happen next. We will meet in the ring. And I won’t regret what happens next.
Gabriel turns around. He storms off before any possible action from him gets him kicked out of The Academy.
The Gym
January 26th, 2021
3:36 PM
The scene opens inside the gym, to a surely appreciated sighting after a long, forced absence. Under the watchful eyes of coach Taylor Wheeler in the role of sparring partner, Emma Wakefield is looking good as she moves her first steps in a ring since her injury at Below Zero.
Taylor Wheeler:
Easy…
He says with a smile, ducking a right hand and putting her in a rear waistlock.
Taylor Wheeler:
No point in risking another inj…
He’s cut off by an elbow to the face, thanks to which Emma breaks free from the hold. Quickly turning to face him, Wakefield sends the trainer to the mat with a quick headscissors takedown. From the mat Taylor lets out a chuckle, rubbing his hand to the back of his neck.
Taylor Wheeler:
Nevermind, you look ready to kick some ass.
With the persistent smile on his face, he extends the hand toward Emma who quickly grabs it and helps him up to his feet. There’s a small sheepish smile on the young blonde’s face as she lets go of his hand once he’s on his feet, taking the time to adjust her ponytail briefly.
Emma Wakefield:
I guess all that time sitting on the sidelines did me some good.
There’s a pause for a moment as Emma rubs her shoulder with one hand, a small frown forming on her face, at least for the briefest of moments. She quickly clears her throat and allows for the cloud of doubt to pass from her mind.
Emma Wakefield:
There’s just one thing…
Emma bites down on her bottom lip as she hesitates to finish her thought.Taylor seems to understand what Emma is thinking. Having had his fair share of injuries in his short career as a wrestler, he’s likely been in her shoes before. Offering her a gentle smile, he reaches up with his hand, resting it on her injured shoulder and giving it the lightest squeeze.
Taylor Wheeler:
I know. But the doctor cleared you, and I can testify you move your arm just fine.
Removing his hand from her shoulder, he brings it to his jaw, rubbing where Emma hit him moments ago.
Taylor Wheeler:
Lady asked me how your recovery is proceeding, she’d like to give you a match next week. After this session, I would say that you’re more than ready to get back in the ring… But the real question here is, do you feel ready?
Emma takes in a deep breath, holding it in for a few moments, clearly debating on whether or not she did feel ready. More mentally than physically at this point. Finally she exhales the breath.
Emma Wakefield:
I want to say yes, after all, this entire time that I’ve been sitting on the sidelines all I’ve wanted to do was get back to my training. Get back to the ring.
There’s a pause once more as she lowers her eyes down to the canvas of the ring.
Emma Wakefield:
…but there’s that nagging doubt in the back of my mind too. The one that won’t let go of this notion that it could all happen again. Maybe even worse this time.
Taylor Wheeler:
Of course it could.
The reply is likely not what Emma was hoping to hear. Taylor’s tone is as blunt and honest as you’d expect from someone who had his career cut short from an injury.
Taylor Wheeler:
But you can’t let this eat you up, Emma. Injuries are part of this life you chose, unfortunately. And when you’re in that ring, there’s only this much you can control. Accidents happen, mistakes do too… And as you learned, other factors can come into play too.
After a brief pause he continues.
Taylor Wheeler:
One thing you can, and should be able to control though, is fear. While it could be useful to have to a degree, as self-preservation, you can’t let it take over. I always say that when we are in that ring, we’re walking a tightrope. Finding your balance is the key to keep moving forward.
Emma listened carefully to his words, letting them sink in.
Taylor Wheeler:
Enough with the theory, I’ve always been more for the practice, anyway. Ready to go again?
He walked back to the center of the ring, inviting Wakefield to come forward. Emma gladly joined him, resuming the training for her comeback.
The Auditorium
January 27th, 2022
2:45 PM
The students, all eleven of them, are sitting in the Auditorium, Team Noir on the left and Team Strike on the right side of the room. The two team leaders are there as well for what appears to be an important announcement about to be made. They're sitting at each side of Gian, in front of the respective students.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Thank you for coming here. I know some of you were about to start their personal training session but I have an announcement to make, one I hope will pick your nterest.
Jasper King raises his hand, looking for permission to ask a questiion. The unexpected behavior causes Gianluigi to raise an eyebrow, but he still allows the first Gold Star to speak.
Jasper King:
Is this about who is gonna replace Bey? It's been one week and we're still short one person.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
No Jasper, that's not what I was going to say. But since you brought it up... No, we haven't find a replacement for Bey yet. Or rather, we have cut down to two names and Helena is taking a few days to decide who's a better fit for her team. And I understand it.
He glances quickly at the former Liberty Champion who nods back at him.
Gianlugi Vaccaro:
I'm actually here to talk about seminars. I know it's been a while since we last had one and not everyone was satisfied with what Echo brought to the table. Even though I believe she provided a few interesting inputs.
Evelyn, who had a particularly close encounter with the Junior Heavyweight champion, couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
While I can confirm that more guests will be joining us in the upcoming months, I'm pleased to announce that a seventeen years veteran of the sport will join us here next Wednesday. Being the actual Chicago Way champion, Andrew Raynes can provide some precous advice about the hardcore aspects of the business, which I believe is something that can always come in handy, even if you don't choose to go down that particular path. You never know what kind of matches you'll get thrown in in the future.
The news that the Chicago Way champion will be here got the students buzzing. Gian gives them some time to comment, measuring their reaction on their facial expressions.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
As always, the seminars are not mandatory. If you want to sign up for it, you can talk to your team leader as per usual. If you don't wish to attend, the trainers will be available for individual sessions. Any further question?
A few students raise their hands, but the feed cuts before we can hear them.
Singles Match
Devin Levandrier VS Bebe LeBeau
WINNER: Devin Levandrier BY: Submission (Sharpshooter), 12:17 |
Team Title Match
Team Strike (Rainer Nordhagen & Evelyn Carter) VS Team Noir (Jasper King & Gabriel Landry)
WINNER: Team Noir (NEW TEAM CHAMPIONS) BY: Pinfall (450 splash), 15:07 |