Post by gvb on Dec 26, 2022 17:19:24 GMT -6
3x11 SHE'S LEAVING HOME
The Principal’s Office
December 21st, 2022
2:31 PM
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I appreciate coming here despite the short notice, Magdalena.
Gian spoke as he held the door open for the leader of Team Strike, welcoming her into his office. Sitting on one of two chairs in front of his desk was the student known as Arina, although she immediately stood up to greet her team leader as soon as she entered the threshold. Lady Magdalena glanced at the pair of them, before sharing a courteous smile and handshake, choosing to take a seat as she stared across at Gianluigi.
Lady Magdalena:
My charges are important to me, Gian. Why wouldn’t I take the time to discuss them with you?
She turned her head to the young lady beside her, before turning back to Gian.
Lady Magdalena:
That is what you intend to discuss, is it not?
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Indeed. Although, I’m not the one who has something to discuss with you.
The principal sat back in his chair, indicating Arina with a light gesture of his hand. The young student was visibly nervous, her eyes were now lowered, staring at the floor.
Arina:
I… I don’t even know where to start. I guess I can apologize if I made you think I’m wasting your time. But I’m very grateful for the patience you showed to me in all these months. I just… I just can’t do this anymore, I’m sorry.
Lady Magdalena:
Well… at least you learnt something.
She reached out to Arina, taking the visibly upset girl and squeezing her hand gently.
Lady Magdalena:
I do dearly appreciate your honesty, your willingness to listen and your effort. You can not say that you didn’t try.
Lady then shot a glance over to Gian, a slight scowl on her face.
Lady Magdalena:
I am more disappointed that you were admitted to this school when your skills and potential obviously lie in departments outside of the ring.
Gian nodded his head. He was taking full responsibility for that, but he wasn’t willing to give any explanation about why she brought Arina in.
Arina:
Please… It’s not Gian’s fault..
Arina took a deep breath, glancing quickly at the principal before focusing back on her Team Leader. It was clear that she was trying to get a weight that had become unbearable off her chest, but the words struggled to come out.
Arina:
He did what he thought was right by bringing me here, and I will forever be thankful to him for this, more than I can express with words.
Now that she was getting emotional, her perfect diction gave away a slight accent. An eastern-european one she did a great job at hiding until now.
Arina:
My real name is Jelena Shcherbakova, I was born 20 years ago in Russia, near Rostov. But I lived most of my life in Donetsk, that’s where…
Coming clean like this was much harder than she thought, and it wasn’t hard to guess why. She took another break, trying to push back the tears already forming in her glassy eyes.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
That’s where I first met her. She was the four or five years old daughter of a good friend and business partner, Mikhail.
Gian left his chair to walk to Arina’s side, resting a comforting hand on the young girl’s shoulder. She tilted her head, resting her cheek for a moment on the principal’s shoulder.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
I.. I lost my family this past summer. My dad, my mom and my little brother…
She shook her head, unable to continue. Lady now held the young woman’s hand in her own.
Lady Magdalena:
Jelena… It is a pleasure to finally meet you.
Lady then glanced up at Gian, that scowl upon her face.
Lady Magdalena:
I was aware that she wasn’t entirely forthright with who she was. I let that slide, Gian. I can understand bringing her to Chicago, that much is fair and right. But she never had a place in that ring. I’ve spent most of my days ensuring the poor girl didn’t get hurt.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I agree wholeheartedly and believe me, I tried to talk her out of it. As you remember, we had Faith’s cousin the first year joining one of the “non-wrestler” spots, but Jelena insisted.
The young russian swallowed hard, finally looking back to Lady Magdalena.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
I… I just wanted to fit in. I thought sharing a dream with the other students could help me make new friends. But this was never my dream, I hate fighting, I hate conflict…
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
That’s why you chose that name. Arina comes from Greek mythology, she was the goddess of peace. It was never about the situation you escaped from…
The principal added, a surprised look on his face.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
I tried… I thought I could start a new life, become a new person.. But it’s harder than I thought, pretending to be someone I’m not… I don’t want to do it anymore.
Lady Magdalena:
Having a hatred for fighting and conflict then entering a wrestling ring to become a combatant simply does not work.
She rolled her eyes, but still her voice was calm and her gestures to Jelena were sweet.
Lady Magdalena:
There are other ways to make friends, Jelena.
She then peered over to Gianluigi, raising an eyebrow at him.
Lady Magdalena:
And there were other ways to keep an eye on her to ensure she settled into a new life.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Perhaps you’re right. But I had to get her out of there, and I guess it’s hard to act rationally when someone you care about is in danger.
He glanced down at Jelena, flashing a rare soft smile. The expression quickly changed as he focused once again on Lady.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
For what it’s worth, I apologize for keeping you in the dark, but I felt I wasn’t at liberty to discuss such personal matters. Jelena wanted a new start, I did my best to help her with it. But honestly? I’m glad this farce is over. I’m glad Jelena is back, and I’m sure you and everyone else will appreciate her for who she really is. Thank you, you can go now.
He spoke softly to the former Arina, who thanked Lady once again before leaving the room, well aware that now she’ll have to go through this again with her fellow students.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I don’t want you to think I purposely wasted your time, Lady. But when Jelena told me she wanted to try this, I never had a doubt on my mind about who I wanted to coach her. And I stand by my decision, you’ve been perfect for her.
Lady stood now, the softest of smiles on her face.
Lady Magdalena:
She is undoubtedly a sweet girl, and has been a pleasure to get to know. I do hope she is not a stranger and keeps in contact with me.
But then in a sudden motion, she slammed her palms upon the desk, that Lasiewicz glare shooting a hole through the Academy Head.
Lady Magdalena:
But this is the final time you disadvantage my team, and my charges. I am here to coach and bring out the very best from my students, and guide them on to greater things. You have set me back weeks of preparation with this. None of my charges made the initial supershow, and this is exact evidence why it has occurred. You have hampered their progress for your own peace of mind.
Lady scraped those long nails of hers across the desk, making a screeching sound as she stepped back. In seconds her soft demeanor reappeared, that red smile showing on her ethereal features.
Lady Magdalena:
I hope you are now as focused on their progress now as I am.
Gianluigi looked back at her, not particularly impressed with the vaguely threatening tone in Lady’s voice. Or, if he was, he hid it perfectly.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I’m already looking for potential replacements, and I would like to go through the candidates with you so that we can find the perfect fit for your team. Unless…
He paused, leaving the words hanging for a brief moment.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Unless you feel the right candidate is already here. In that case, we can discuss with your colleague and see if we can find an agreement for a trade.
Lady reached into her bag, a stunning Armani number in navy blue which matched her training suit. Upon it was a wax sealed letter, and she slid it over to Vaccaro.
Lady Magdalena:
This is my request in regards to this. Make the arrangements for this to happen, and we’ll consider this matter dealt with.
The Fair Lady then stood, spinning dramatically on her heels and she made her way towards the door.
Lady Magdalena:
This Christmas, I desire for my team to Reign supreme. That would be a most wonderful gift, would it not?
She then paced towards the door and out of view. Gian opened the envelope and pulled out the letter. He quickly scrolled through it, confirming what he already guessed even before Lady’s allusion. With an amused smile on his face, he put the letter back in one of the drawers of his desk.
The Gym
December 22nd, 2022
4:18 PM
Sammy Grimes was training with CJ Night for a bit when the two took a break and started to strike up a conversation.
CJ Night:
So, do you think Clem stands a chance against you?
Sammy shrugged his shoulders.
Sammy Grimes:
Anyone has a chance at any time out there. Of course she has a chance. But it’s a small one. Because she’s not motivated for this like I am.
CJ furrowed his brow.
CJ Night:
Oh yeah? How do you figure that?
Sammy shook his head.
Sammy Grimes:
Because Clem is just happy to be here. She’s content and hey, I get it, I felt that way at first too but now? Things have changed. I mean, I could say that I want to beat Clem so that I can get this shot at the Gold Star and get some revenge for Reign. But I won’t say it, you want to know why? Because it wouldn’t be the truth.
Sammy nodded.
Sammy Grimes:
The reason I want that shot at the Gold Star and at Saoirse is for me and me only. To prove that I’m the best at this school. That I’m the guy from this class that people are going to talk about for ages. As cool as it was watching Reign fight Saoirse? It’s my turn now.
CJ Night:
What about Ava?
Sammy scoffs and rolls his eyes.
Sammy Grimes:
What about her? She has her shot coming eventually but I’ll jump the line if I can by beating Clem. Or maybe I’ll fight Ava and Saoirse at the same time? I don’t know. I don’t care. I will fight that match and win. I won’t fuck this up like you and Reign did. I’m going to be the one to put Saoirse down and show that I’m the best here.
CJ shook his head.
CJ Night:
Sammy… Just don’t get too big of a head.
CJ pats him on the back and walks off and Sammy watches him leave.
Sammy Grimes:
You’ll see what I’m talking about! I’m gonna be the best!
Team Jones Qualifier Match #1
Winner enters the Gold Star contender Four Way Match at On Thin Ice, Loser enter the Team Title Match
Winner enters the Gold Star contender Four Way Match at On Thin Ice, Loser enter the Team Title Match
Adrianna Garcia VS The Rizz
WINNER: Adrianna Garcia BY: Pinfall (Roundhouse Kick), 9:26 |
Team Noir Qualifier Match #1
Winner enters the Gold Star contender Four Way Match at On Thin Ice, Loser enter the Team Title Match
Winner enters the Gold Star contender Four Way Match at On Thin Ice, Loser enter the Team Title Match
Jamie James VS Scott Martell
WINNER: Scott Martell BY: Pinfall (Scoop Powerslam), 5:10 |
Team Jones Qualifier Match #2
Winner enters the Gold Star contender Four Way Match at On Thin Ice, Loser enter the Team Title Match
Winner enters the Gold Star contender Four Way Match at On Thin Ice, Loser enter the Team Title Match
Missy Propaganda VS Kyle Ashton
WINNER: Missy Propaganda BY: Pinfall (Claymore Kick In The Corner), 11:09 |
Team Noir Qualifier Match #2
Winner enters the Gold Star contender Four Way Match at On Thin Ice, Loser enter the Team Title Match
Winner enters the Gold Star contender Four Way Match at On Thin Ice, Loser enter the Team Title Match
Clementine Smith VS Sammy Grimes
WINNER: Clementine Smith BY: Pinfall (Shooting Star Press), 13:29 |