Post by gvb on Nov 11, 2022 19:07:29 GMT -6
3x06 EVERYBODY'S GOT SOMETHING TO HIDE EXCEPT ME AND MY MONKEY
Helena Noir’s office
November 7th, 2022
2:30 PM
A lot was going through Helena’s mind as she walked the hallway, heading to her office. Earlier that morning, she had summoned all her students to a meeting before the afternoon training session. She wasn’t really expecting them all to be on time but, to her surprise, when she opened the door they were all there.
Even better, they weren’t at each other’s throat just yet.
Helena Noir:
Thank you all for coming.
She greeted them, her eyes scanning the expressions on their faces, trying to read what was going through their minds.
Helena Noir:
I’m sure you already figured out the reason why I called this meeting…
She glanced over at Sammy Grimes, catching that smirk that briefly appeared on his face.
Helena Noir:
So, let’s just cut to the chase, shall we? Sammy, would you please stand up? I believe you have something to say to your fellow team members.
Sammy looked around at his fellow team members before he cleared his throat. He stood up and walked to the front of the room, right next to Helena. He looked down nervously for a few seconds before he looked back up and nodded.
Sammy Grimes:
I just want to say from the bottom of my heart… I’d like to take this chance to apologize.
A slight smirk started to roll across his lips before he continued on.
Sammy Grimes:
TO ABSOLUTELY NOBODY! Sammy Grimes does whatever the hell he wants!
Sammy laughed before he grinned widely and shrugged clearly satisfied with his almost word for word Connor McGregor quote. He couldn’t help but be defiant, as it clearly ran in his DNA.
Helena didn't seem impressed, almost as if she was expecting this attitude from the young man.
Helena Noir:
Nice try, Sammy. But I never asked you to apologize, and quite frankly, I wasn't expecting one anyway. What you owe them, as the leader of the team…
Air quote on the word leader.
Helena Noir:
Is an explanation on why you screwed them of a title opportunity. I'm sure you thought this through and you didn't act on a whim when you attacked Saoirse and cost us the match. So please, share with the rest of the team what's the thought process that got you there, and how this will benefit the team in the long run.
The smirk on Sammy’s face washed away as he looked at Helena and shook his head.
Sammy Grimes:
I screwed them out of a shot at an opportunity? I didn’t screw anyone but you screw me, Helena. You made me your number one pick but you haven’t treated me like it. And now you’re calling me the leader? Now you’re throwing that responsibility on me?
Sammy pointed at Jamie James.
Sammy Grimes:
First off, Jamie screwed everyone out of it the first night the tag championships were on the line when he failed me as a partner. I could only carry his sorry ass so far. Then you gave away my rightful shot at the Gold Star to Saoirse. Sure, she won it.
Sammy clapped toward her direction.
Sammy Grimes:
Good for her. But that spot was mine and you know what? I’m not going to sit back and let her have the spotlight when I’m the guy of Team Noir.
Sammy stepped up to Helena and stood face to face with her.
Sammy Grimes:
You question why I did what I did but here’s the thing, teach, I did exactly what you would have done when you were still an active competitor. You can’t convince me otherwise. Helena Noir was out for herself and if she needed to make a statement, even if it meant knocking out a friend and a partner, like she did to Honey, she did it.
Sammy looked toward the rest of his ‘teammates’ and shook his head.
Sammy Grimes:
Don’t depend on me to make it big here. Depend on yourselves. Because I’m not doing anything for any of you.
At the mention of Honey, Helena’s eyes flicked in toward Clementine to see her reaction.
Helena Noir:
I’m only going to say one thing, before I allow your teammates to speak.
She was now staring directly at Grimes.
Helena Noir:
I didn’t give your shot to Saoirse. She won her first match and earned it while you lost to Scott, who competed in that five-way match on episode three.
She sat back on an empty chair, signaling that she was ready to leave the stage to the other students.
Helena Noir:
Now, listen carefully, all of you, because this might come as a shock but I didn’t choose you because of your skills, your athleticism, your personality. It’s not your strengths that made me call your names. It’s the flaws you showed during that first week.
The confusion was visible on the student’s faces, but she kept talking, keeping a calm demeanor.
Helena Noir:
I want you all to understand that I get paid all the same whether you are successful or not, whether you quit tomorrow or become the Valedictorian at the end of the year. I don’t get a bonus if you win a World title once you’re out of here and my salary doesn’t get any cut if you don’t step in a ring ever again. But I want to see you succeed, I want you to achieve your dreams and become everything you ever hoped to be. My goal is, coming your graduation in May, to eliminate those flaws, or prepare you for when your opponents will eventually try to exploit them. And I don’t give a damn about how many Gold Stars each of you gets in the process, how many times and for how long we hold the Team Title.
Her glance now stopped once again on Sammy.
Helena Noir:
My problem with what you did is that you took an opportunity to grow away from your teammates. It could’ve been a chance for Scott to test his leg after the injury, for Clem and Jamie to make some more experience, to see how they do when the pressure is on. This is what you took from them, and now I want to hear how they feel about it. I want to hear if they still see you as one of them, or if their trust in you is completely gone.
Leaning back into the chair, she simply added.
Helena Noir:
So, who’s going to start?
Silently watching as she most often does, Saoirse Tyrell finally decided it was time to speak. Sat in the darkest corner of the room, her voice was calm, soothing, yet colder than ice.
Saoirse Tyrell:
Would you chastise a wolf for howling? A dog for barking? This is his nature.
Saoirse leaned forward in her chair slightly, plunging herself into the light, her Gold Star shining as it hung over her shoulder. Surprisingly, it was clear that she was speaking in his favor.
Saoirse Tyrell:
When I told his little lass that I saw this coming I wasn’t trying to save face. It’s the truth. To call a, what is this, a team meeting…? Because a dishonorable individual acted dishonorably? From what I’ve seen, Helena, you are a good teacher, but you should know that you can’t force someone to act against their nature forever. This is who he is.
Her eyes darted across to Sammy, studying him for a moment.
Saoirse Tyrell:
Yes. He let this team down. He let me down. Punish him however you see fit. He should learn that actions have consequences - from you first. Because I can promise you that the consequences he reaps from me will be far more damning than whatever you can hope to muster.
Saoirse paused for a moment, her icy gaze returning to Helena.
Saoirse Tyrell:
You decided to take a team of flawed individuals, don’t be so shocked when they show you how flawed they truly are. I think you would agree that I’ve been playing nice, Helena. Don’t force me to extend an invitation to the one whom I truly serve. This is your mess.
Helena Noir:
I don't think you are in position to extend an invitation to nobody, Saoirse. If I felt like he deserved a punishment, I would have punished him, but what would I have accomplished with that? What would he learn?
She replied calmly, keeping her eyes on the Gold Star.
Helena Noir:
Actions do have consequences, you're right about that. And we're here to determine what are the consequences of his actions. Next.
She commented, waiting for the next student to speak. There was a figure who had remained largely silent in the past couple of weeks, sat there in an MWE Riot t-shirt and a pair of Nike branded shorts. On their knee was a brace, though when they hopped down from the table they were seated upon, they didn’t seem to have any walking difficulty.
Scott Martell:
You picked us because of our flaws? What if the flaws are what are surrounding us in this room?
Great Scott uttered, his first public words since that ill fated tag team encounter a couple of weeks ago. He paced over to Noir, towering over her, but his demeanor didn’t seem threatening at all, an eyebrow raised as he spoke to his coach.
Clementine Smith:
Ok so I think it's my turn to speak. Maybe? Um, well Firstly. I think we've met the daily quota for "actions" and "consequences" for the group. "Flaws" might be getting there too. Just saying.
Clem tried to break the tension that had been built up with a little joke.
Clementine Smith:
So on to what you asked of us. To be here, to address that main event on Friday. It didn't feel great, pretty deflating the team didn't get a shot. I think we're here to learn the skills to be great on our own, like Sammy said.
She says gesturing to Mr. Grimes.
Clementine Smith:
But, Sammy, at the same time working as a unit is sometimes something that you have to do. Can any of us say in our studies we've not seen teams form to fend off or disband other problematic teams? Or all those strange bedfellow matches we went through last week?
She asks this to everyone as a little moot question, before tucking the loose hair behind her ear, clears her throat, and continues
Clementine Smith:
So I don't know what should happen here. I didn't get the feeling what he did means he wants to stay on the team. Do you want to be?
Sammy shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.
Sammy Grimes:
I’m just here to learn from Helena. As for the rest of you? I could care less if we’re teammates or not. The people I care about are on other teams. Ava. CJ. Obviously Reign. So, what does that tell you, Clem? It tells you that I don’t give a crap about this forced team stuff.
Sammy looked at every single person in the room before his eyes stopped on Saoirse.
Sammy Grimes:
I don’t care about any of you. Especially you. In my opinion? You’re all standing in my way.
Martell hadn’t flinched when Clementine darted in with her two cents, his eyes focused on his coach as everything else went on around him. Clem’s speech, Sammy’s proclamation, Saorise’s threats and James’ silence. Scott cracked a smile as he finally broke his gaze, giving a short scowl in the Gold Star’s direction, before moving on from the room.
Scott Martell:
This is what you’ve taught them.
Martell marched right past the group heading towards the door. He paused for a moment, turning his head to Sammy.
Scott Martell:
And you’re “The Guy”? “The Leader”?
Scott shook his head, stepping through the door as he exited, leaving one last barb as he went.
Scott Martell:
More like “The Bitch”...
But before anyone could respond to him directly, Martell was already gone and out.
Helena Noir:
You’ve been quiet, Jamie. Anything you wanted to add?
Jamie James:
Nah dawg, what's there to say? This meeting's been a total failure.
Jamie replied, shaking his head.
Helena Noir:
I wouldn't call it a total failure. If anything we estabilished that there's no leader in Team Noir.
Her eyes rested on Sammy.
Helena Noir:
Sammy, you made it clear where your allegiance lies. Last friday you turned your back on your team Sammy. Not on Saoirse, but on every single one of them. And yet, nobody said they want you out of this team. You may not care, you've been pretty honest about it. But I do.
She never moved her eyes from Gavin's brother, and he didn't either. Everybody else but Scott was still in the room, but to Helena and Sammy, in this very moment, it felt like they were alone.
Helena Noir:
You have one week to decide if you want to stay on our team or if you want to join your sister or your girlfriend. If you chose to say, and this goes for everyone so please someone tells Scott whenever you see him, be aware that I won't tolerate anyone damaging their teammate, in any way. You all can go back to your training now. Coach Taylor has your individual drills, I'll be seeing you there in a minute.
The former Liberty champion sat at her desk, watching as her students left the room.
The Gym
November 9th, 2022
4:28 PM
The scene opens inside the gym, with a view of the training ring. Ava and Arina are standing on opposite corners, and while the young Grimes looks perfectly at ease up there, her partner is definitely more uncertain, struggling a bit to keep her balance.
Arina:
Do we have to do it again?
Ava Grimes:
Yup. Until we finally get it done properly and then we'll do it again until we master it. This might be the key to beat Team Jones and retain our title. So, are you ready?
Ava said from the opposite corner. Laying in the middle of the ring at an almost equal distance from both of them was one of those mannequins used in training, This one though had a print of Rizz' face strapped to its faceless head.
Ava Grimes:
Alright, I'm not gonna count this time so just look at me. And when you see I bend my knees to jump, you do the same. And remember, I do the legdrop, you only need to worry about landing on his chest with a simple splash. Got it?
Arina nodded, understanding the task. Ava looked at the target, then at her partner and back to the mannequin. They both jumped, but the timing was a bit off and the diving legdrop/splash combination didn't connect as they hoped for.
Ava Grimes:
Damnit!!!
Showing a little frustration, Grimes slammed her hand on the canvas.
Arina:
I'm sorry Ava....
She quickly apologized, but Grimes waved her off.
Ava Grimes:
No, don't be. I didn't mean to go off like that, it's just... Nevermind, we just gotta keep trying.
Arina:
But I'm tired... Can't we have a quick break?
Ava sighed, clearly she would've prefered to continue.
Ava Grimes:
Alright, a couple of minutes then we're back to work.
While Arina took that moment to refresh and drink some water, the restless Grimes used her break to stretch her muscles.
Ava Grimes:
Time's up girl.
She said at the stroke of the two minutes. Before going back in position, she put Rizz' face back on the mannequin. Arina just looked at the man who leaked what was supposed to be a private moment with the principal and let out a sigh.
Ava Grimes:
You hate him, don't you?
Arina:
I don't know...
It wasn't the answer Ava was expecting, but Arina seemed honest.
Ava Grimes:
I would. If he did me dirty like he did to you... I probably wouldn't have waited for a match to get my hands on him.
She shrugged her shoulders, looking at her partner.
Arina:
I'm upset yeah. And I really wanted to slap him when I saw the video. And all those comments... But hate is such a strong word.
Seeing an opportunity to fire up the usually calm partner, which would definitely come in handy coming their match, Ava pressed on.
Ava Grimes:
Call it how you want Arina, but I know it's there. I know you feel it, that desire to make him pay. That's what you need to hang onto, let it be the fuel for Friday. You can't change the fact that he outed you as Gian's secret daughter...
Whatever point she was trying to make her, she got interrupted by a visibly upset Arina.
Arina:
What the... I already said Gian is not my dad!
Ava Grimes:
Okay, chill... I didn't mean to offend you. Okay, he's not your father so I guess Reign was wrong... Personally, I don't care if you two see each other...
Arina:
How dare you!!
She yelled, pushing herself to her feet.
Arina:
I'm not having this conversation, you and everyone else should start minding your business!
Ava Grimes:
Wait, I literally said that I don't care... I'm trying to help you here, just let me finish...
Grimes tried to apologize, but Arina was already gone. So much for training together...
The Principal’s Office
November 10th, 2022
10:42 AM
The scene cuts to Gianluigi Vaccaro sitting at his desk, toiling away with the day to day business of running the Academy. Without so much as a word Reign Reyes walks into the office and deposits herself into one of the chairs across the desk from Gianluigi. Dressed in baggy sweats and a custom ordered #TeamReyes tee, she draws her knees into her body and waits to be acknowledged.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Good morning, Reign. Just give me one minute…
The principal speaks without raising his eyes from his laptop. His fingers tap frantically on the keyboard, answering what looks like a very important email, at least judging by the look on his face. As soon as he hits “send”, he switches his focus back on the student.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
So, what can I do for you? Have you considered your options?
Reign chuckles at the mention of options, her brow arching before responding.
Reign Reyes:
Before we start I want to preface this by saying, Ava took my phone and said she won’t give it back until I come talk to you. That’s the only reason I’m here. But options? I have options? That’s rich. Sure from an administrative standpoint I have options. I would love to move to Lady’s team but a) she doesn’t want to make a trade and b) I wouldn’t want to saddle someone on her team with my supposed coach. Helena’s an option. I mean she does takes a vested interest but Saoirse is there and I’m pretty sure that ends with us murdering one another.
Before the principal can respond, Reign continues.
Reign Reyes:
I know what you’re thinking, trade me for Saoirse, problem solved. Right? Wrong. Then I’d have to deal with Saoirse talking about how Team Jones is amazing and I was just disgruntled. Why? Because Saoirse doesn’t care if she has a coach or not, she only cares about following Nine. So with all due respect sir, your options are bullshit… and while we’re on the subject I’m lowkey sick of you painting this coaching situation as a me problem, it’s not. It’s just that I’m the only one who gives enough of a shit to say something about it. You think Rizz is gonna complain? He just got off scot-free after planting a camera in your office. What about Missy? Nope, she’s benefitting from me pinning Saoirse. You act like me volunteering to manage my team is crazy but I’ve got news for you, the inmates are already running the asylum on Team Jones.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
You’ll forgive me if I don’t take your word as gospel.
He replies calmly, keeping his eyes on Reyes.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I can only intervene on the problems I’m aware of, and so far you’re the only one who brought up an issue with Kayla as a coach. I’m not saying that I don’t believe you, if I didn’t, we wouldn’t be talking tonight.
A moment of silence follows his words, in which Gian seems to be spacing out, as if a memory suddenly resurfaced.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
We had a situation, two years ago, where a trade between two teams was forced. I’m not suggesting we should get there, that was, no offense, a much more extreme case…
He’s referring to the Olly/Dez Ali situation on Year One.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
But I can talk with the team leaders and find a solution. Or at least I can try.
Reign sighs, clearly not on board with the plan.
Reign Reyes:
Look, all I want is the ability to recruit some other people from the MWE roster to help with training.
Before Gianluigi can protest, Reign raises her right hand.
Reign Reyes:
I swear, no one from the Division. No one who’s going to threaten staff or students. Honestly, I’d like to see Coach Cross take more of a hands-on role with the team. I’ve been going to him for extra training when he’s around.
Her brow furrows for a moment.
Reign Reyes:
Though he has been spending a lot of time in Miami lately.
Reign suddenly perks up with an idea.
Reign Reyes:
What if you name Coach Cross as an assistant coach for Team…
It kills Reign to say it…
Reign Reyes:
…Jones.
Gian takes a moment to consider Reign’s idea.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I don’t think appointing Mr. Cross as an assistant for Team Jones is a viable solution..
Reyes scoffs and rolls her eyes, as if she was expecting a negative answer from the principal.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Because that would prevent him from working with students of the other teams. But nobody is stopping you from working with him more consistently, as long as he complies with Kayla’s program and remains available to work with other students and team leaders should they require him.
Reign has about a million wise ass responses ready to go but instead of being a brat she considers the principal’s proposal.
Reign Reyes:
Huh.
Reign clicks her tongue against the inside of her cheek before rising and extending her hand across the desk for a handshake, as if they’d just completed some sort of business deal.
Reign Reyes:
That works for me. I’m still going to push the Team Reign bit though, cuz marketing.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I don’t see a problem with that.
The principal replies with a smile.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Just be wary that it doesn’t get in the way of yours, or someone else’s growth.
After saying those words, the principal stands up from his chair and heads to the door, holding it open for Reign and signaling that the meeting is over. Reign rises from her chair and makes her way towards the door but suddenly poses, her tone turning very sincere, possibly the most sincere she’s been on camera.
Reign Reyes:
Hey, I think I sort of upset Arina last week when I piled on. That wasn’t cool. I shouldn’t have done it. Whatever’s going on with you two is private and none of my business but if she needs a friend, I suppose there are worse options than me.
Reign doesn’t wait for a response, she immediately dips out the door and down the hall. Gian just watches her until she turns a corner, then simply closes the door.
The Courtyard
November 10th, 2022
3:30 PM
In the crisp Chicago air, the sound of a basketball bouncing off the concrete was heard well before the cameras found the source. Dakota Emerson was lazily dribbling with one hand, toying with her phone in the other. Upon reaching a bench, she sat down with the ball resting on her lap, and finally pressed the call button she had been debating with. Her anxiousness was easy to see as she held the phone up, waiting…
Dakota:
Hi daddy! I… No… No, I won’t keep you long, I just hadn’t called in a bit and I… No, I wasn’t asking for anything, it’s…
She sighed, listening to her father.
Dakota:
I was just wondering if you’d managed to see any of the Academy show yet. We’re all working pretty…. Oh, no I haven’t won yet but maybe t-... I am trying!
She bit her lip, then started shaking her head.
Dakota:
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell… I know you’re busy, but everything is on demand… But tomorrow night I get to try again, and I’ve worked really hard since my last match. It’d mean a lot if maybe y-...
She ball slipped from her possession and rolled across the courtyard, Dakota watching it with misty eyes.
Dakota:
I get it, daddy. You’re busy and… I’ll let you know if I win, sure… B-..
She pulled the phone away from her ear, seeing the call ended screen. She tucked her phone away in the pocket of her hoodie, then used its sleeve to wipe her eyes. She pushed herself off the bench, dragging her feet toward the lost ball without much apparent care. Dakota bent over to pick it up, and instead found herself sitting on the cold ground, her face burned in her arms.
Singles Match
Clementine Smith VS Dakota
WINNER: Clementine Smith BY: Pinfall (Cutter), 8:07 |
In The Ring
November 11th, 2022
Showtime
During a break in the show Reign Reyes snatches up the house mic and slides into the ring. A collective groan can be heard from her fellow students as Reign raises the mic.
Reign Reyes:
I know. I know. Reign’s at it again. She just loves to hear the sound of her own voice. First of all, that’s because my voice is awesome…
Sammy Grimes:
WOOOO! Go babe!!
Reign Reyes:
Thank you, Sammy. And second of all, I want to address something… or someone… who’s been a thorn in all of our sides. A bigger nuisance to this year’s class than even I’ve been. I believe our hatred for this individual may be the one thing that actually unites us. I’m talking about Karen Eldon.
Some jeers ring out from those in attendance.
Reign Reyes:
Right? So I wanted to take this moment to give Karen a piece of our collective mind. Karen, if you’re at home right now, elbow deep in a gallon of Rocky Road while ugly crying over your failed relationship, you need to listen to what I’m about to…
"Minuetto" by Luigi Boccherini rings out over the PA system and a confused Reign looks around, trying to figure out what the hell is going on. One of the gym doors swings open and the silhouette of a rather large woman looms over the ring. Reign’s jaw drops as the figure begins to approach. Is Karen Eldon actually here?! Has the supposed queen of MWE graced the Academy riff-raff with her presence?! Not exactly.
As the figure comes into focus the students and staff recognize the guest as none other than Hal, one of the custodians at the Academy. Hal is decked out in his dirty, smelly coveralls but he’s also gussied up a bit. In fact, Hal is dressed in drag, complete with blonde wig and makeup that would make even the most accomplished of drag queens envious. Around Hal’s waist is a championship belt, but this isn’t just any championship, this is a replica of the Lockdown Championship, hastily constructed out of cardboard, tin foil and permanent marker. Honestly, if not for the five o’clock shadow, you’d swear it were Karen.
The Karen imposter steps through the ropes and takes a moment to primp, fixing her hair and throwing it back over her shoulders as she plays to the crowd and points to her foil belt. All the while Reign has a huge smile plastered across her face.
Reign Reyes:
Karen Eldon, in the flesh! Do I bow or do I curtsy?
Reign elects for some sort of bow/curtsy hybrid. A burtsy if you will.
Reign Reyes:
I have to be honest Karen, your pics on social media don’t do you justice. You’re MUCH more attractive in person. I just hope that we can bury the hatchet and put all this foolishness… check that… all YOUR foolishness, behind us.
Reign lowers the mic and extends her hand towards imposter Karen. Drag Karen isn’t having it through. “She” looks down at Reign’s hand and scoffs before winding up to throw a badly telegraphed punch. Thanks to all the hands-on training Reign’s received from Kayla she’s able to block the punch before sending Hal/Karen into the ropes. The custodian hits the ropes with gusto, clearly enjoying every second of this orchestrated farce, and Reign catches him with a drop toe hold that sends him plummeting face first into the canvas. Then, just as she’s been taught, Reign rolls the imposter over, hooks the leg and slaps the mat for a count of three.
Even though there’s no referee, Reign jumps up and celebrates her victory, snatching the fake belt from “Karen’s” waist and hoisting it in the air for all to see. Reign scoops up the mic while tossing the foil belt over her shoulder.
Reign Reyes:
Screw your Gold Star, Saoirse. You’re looking at the new MWE Lockdown Champion!
As Reign makes her way back to her seat, faux title in hand, Hal raises his head from the canvas and waves to the crowd. As he rises and heads to the back he’s greeted to a smattering of applause for his uncanny performance.
Team Noir Triple Threat Match
Soirse Tyrell VS Sammy Grimes VS Scott Martell
WINNER: Saoirse Tyrell BY: Pinfall (punt kick), 14:25 |
Team Title Match
Team Strike © (Arina & Ava Grimes) VS Team Jones (The Rizz & Missy Propaganda)
WINNER: Team Jones (NEW TEAM CHAMPIONS) BY: Pinfall (Roll Up), 16:55 |