Post by gvb on Feb 5, 2023 17:18:54 GMT -6
3x13 IN SPITE OF ALL THE DANGER
The Main Hall
February 2nd, 2023
11:51 PM
Definitely an unusual time for Academy footage to be recorded, you’d expect everyone to be sleeping at this hour, or at least not hanging around past curfew. But apparently exceptions can be made under extraordinary circumstances, like the ones that convinced Gian to grant Saoirse Tyrell an extra day to stay with her injured leader before coming back to The Academy.
The Gold Star was never one to show her emotions, but the person who entered the main door that night was not the cold and bold Gold Star the Academy fans grew familiar with. She looked… Human. And lost. The scary injury suffered by her leader Nine van der Hoek at the last Pay-per-View clearly hit the young woman, and while her being so detached and almost a stranger among the other students was unlikely going to gain her any sympathy, someone had been waiting for her until such late hours to welcome her back and check how she was doing.
Helena Noir:
I hope the trip back was, if anything, comfortable.
The Team Leader said emerging from a dark corner of the hall. Saoirse was unwilling, or perhaps unable to make direct eye contact with Helena, instead looking down at the floor, shrugging at her words.
Saoirse Tyrell:
I don’t know. I guess. I slept for most of it.
Helena Noir:
That’s good.
The former MWE Intercontinental champion started walking next to her student as they slowly crossed the room.
Helena Noir:
Any updates on Nine? That looked awful from where I was standing.
The wheels on her suitcase almost sounded sad as they rolled along the floor, the Gold Star belt wrapped around its pulled-up handle. There was a silence from Saoirse for a while, a solemn one, before she finally answered.
Saoirse Tyrell:
They wouldn’t let us see her, for the most part. So truthfully, I’m not so sure. I heard murmurings of surgery, fusions and whatever. So I suppose the update is that it doesn’t look good. Everyone got what they wanted.
For the first time perhaps ever, Saoirse’s tone was backed with genuine emotion, words hitched in her throat here and there, the monotony was all but gone. Her eyes still didn’t meet her Team Leader’s, instead looking to the floor, or glancing ahead.
Helena Noir:
Not everyone.
Helena raised her hand and gently rested it on Saoirse’s shoulder, a rare and unexpected gesture of comfort.
Helena Noir:
What about you? How are you holding up?
Usually Saoirse’s first and overwhelming instinct would be to shrug or shake off the hand on her shoulder, but in her weakened and fragile emotional state, it seems as if she made a concession - or simply couldn’t muster the energy to remove the hand from her shoulder.
Saoirse Tyrell:
Lost. The Band of Nine, it’s all I’ve ever known. Nine plucked me out of Ireland, she saw something in me that no one else could see, or something no one else was willing to see. She built me in her image, with her gone, what am I? E.M.P is gone too. Echo pretty much made sure of that - she hasn’t been in touch. So I’ve got nothing. I’m finally alone.
At that point, Helena picked up the pace and walked past the Gold Star, stepping in front of her and forcing her to stop on her tracks. She then pushed Tyrell’s chin up, forcing her to look in her eyes for the first time.
Helena Noir:
You are Saoirse Tyrell. What Nine saw in you, isn’t going to disappear just because she’s gone. Your talent, your personality, her teachings… They’re still there. The only thing you’re missing right now is a direction but now, for the first time, YOU can choose what’s next for you.
Noir’s words were sincere and heartfelt. Despite the differences she had with her student in the past and an ill-concealed disapproval for Saoirse’s affiliation with the Band Of Nine and what they stood for, she cared about the Irish native. Even more now that Saoirse had lost the most important figure in her life.
Helena Noir:
I know this can be scary, changes always are. Nine and her Band may be yesterday’s news, but tomorrow will still come for you. All you have to do is embrace what you were always meant to be.
Saoirse took a moment, letting Helena’s words really resonate with her before she slowly began to nod.
Saoirse Tyrell:
That’s the part I need to figure out. Where to go from here…I need time, it’s still too raw.
Helena took a step aside, getting out of Saoirse’s way.
Helena Noir:
If you need someone to talk to, you know where to find me.
They exchanged one last glance, before the Gold Star disappeared around the corner.
Helena’s Office
February 5th, 2023
8:05 AM
In a rare idle moment, Helena Noir was sitting inside her office, reviewing clips of her student’s performances and taking notes on what they should work on. That quietness was soon interrupted by a knock at the door.
Helena Noir:
Door’s open, come on in.
She paused the video and raised her eyes, seeing Saoirse Tyrell stepping inside her office.
Helena Noir:
It’s you.. Please, take a seat.
Saoirse hesitated for a moment, before closing the door behind her, unhooking the belt around her waist, taking a seat and laying the Gold Star across her lap.
Saoirse Tyrell:
I thought a lot about what you said a few nights ago.
Tyrell paused, shifting in her seat, as if to search for the correct words to say.
Saoirse Tyrell:
I’ve been a follower for as long as I can remember. A lost pup searching for a pack. The Band of Nine was that pack. Maybe if I was stronger, I could’ve resisted them, resisted Nine. Now that it’s all over, now that they’re all gone, I feel like that lost little pup, all over again.
She sighed, her fingertips brushing against the Gold Star, before finally gripping it, leaning forward and laying it across Helena Noir’s desk.
Saoirse Tyrell:
This is the part of me that I need to kill. The part of me that must die. I can’t be your Gold Star, Helena…and I can’t be in The Academy. Not anymore.
Helena was understandably shocked. She just stared at Tyrell without saying a word for a few, seemingly eternal seconds.
Helena Noir:
Saoirse… You are hands down one of the most polarizing figures in the Academy. Your look, your actions, your affiliations… It’s hard to see through all that, but I tried my best and not let any of that influence my opinion on you.
She tried to keep her usual composure, but her voice betrayed a mix of emotions. Disappointment, upset, surprise.. And the awareness that nothing she could do or say would change the young student’s mind.
Helena Noir:
It’s easy to judge, a lot harder to understand. But I tried, I really did. And I thought I had you quite figured out, until today. I really don’t get it. Why are you throwing this away? If you are seeking answers, if you are trying to find yourself, this place is where you should start.
Suddenly, that same monotony returned to Saoirse’s words as she spoke, sitting back in her chair, seemingly completely relaxed and at peace with the decision.
Saoirse Tyrell:
The answer has been right in front of me the whole time. I’ve just been so…shellshocked, that I’ve completely looked past it. I see it oh so clearly now. This is what I need to do, Helena. I appreciate this might come as a bit of a surprise to you, but I can’t be here any longer.
Helena Noir:
I believe you’re making a mistake.
Helena bluntly answered, keeping her glance on the tattooed student.
Helena Noir:
But I can’t change your mind, nor do I want to. If this is your decision, I accept it.
Her right hand moved on the Gold Star, which she pushed back toward Tyrell.
Helena Noir:
But you have one last commitment to The Academy, to the other students and to yourself. There’s a match booked for tonight, an opportunity that Scott, Ava and Reign have earned. All I’m asking you is to honor your duty as the Gold Star. Win or lose, tomorrow you’ll be out of here.
Saoirse sat forward in the chair, her face visibly annoyed, ultimately, however, she knew that Helena was right. Saoirse Tyrell wasn’t the sort of person to bail on a commitment. She reached her hand out, snatching the title from the desk as she stood.
Saoirse Tyrell:
Fine. I suppose I owe you that, Helena. I suppose, in a way, I owe them that, too. I’ll be there.
The Gold Star continued on to the door, about to step out into the hallway before she stopped herself, a hand placed on the door frame. She turned back, looking at Noir for just a moment, making eye contact.
Saoirse Tyrell:
Thanks for everything, Helena. You tried…you really did. Sorry about everything.
Opting not to allow Helena to respond, at least in person, she walked through the door, and disappeared out into the corridor. Noir stared into space, following her student until she got out of sight, keeping her thoughts to herself.
The Gym
February 5th, 2023
2:47 PM
The scene opens in a practice ring located in the Academy gymnasium. In the middle of that ring stands CJ Night, practicing his footwork and running through some reaction moves in solitude… at least he was in solitude. From the opposite side of the ring Reign Reyes hops onto the apron and slingshots herself over the top rope, landing directly in front of CJ with a smile.
Reign Reyes:
Heya squirt. Ready for your big match?
CJ looks over at Reign and rolls his eyes.
CJ Night:
I don’t think you should be calling someone squirt when you’re under five feet tall.
He shook his head.
CJ Night:
And you know me, you know I’m always ready, even when I have to fight a childhood friend like Alice in a tag match. I know I got this. What about you, squirt? Are you ready?
Reign instinctively rose to her toes.
Reign Reyes:
I’m over five feet, thank you very much.
She scowled for a moment before continuing.
Reign Reyes:
What is it with you and childhood friends, right? First me, now Alice. Hopefully she doesn’t beat your butt like I did.
Reign grinned playfully.
Reign Reyes:
As for my match…
Reign shrugged a bit, not really the enthusiasm you’d expect from her after all she accomplished at On Thin Ice.
Reign Reyes:
I just wish it wasn’t Ava’s first match back after her concussion. The concussion that I gave her. While I’ll admit that I like her better post concussion, I’d rather not ride that emotional roller coaster again. Not gonna lie, her being there is a bit of a distraction for me. I’d rather just pin Saorise or Scotty and be done with it.
CJ shrugs his shoulders.
CJ Night:
You have to get that out of your head. The past is the past. Ava is out there looking to take you and everyone else out to be the Gold Star Champion and you should be looking to have the same mentality. I know Ava, and she isn’t second guessing anything.
He pointed at Reign.
CJ Night:
So, if you really want to finish the job with Saorise? You need to get past what you did to Ava and fight your heart out when you’re out there.
CJ then shook his head.
CJ Night:
And if you respect Ava? That’s what you’re going to do. Because it’s what she would want as well. No excuses, no hesitation. Just go out there and fight.
Reign couldn’t help but smirk before breaking into a slow but steady clap.
Reign Reyes:
Look at you making inspirational speeches. I like it. Do we have that Lizbeth girl to thank for your new found confidence? Just saying up front, normally she wouldn’t be my type but I like her for you. She’s…
Reign thinks for a moment.
Reign Reyes:
…quirky.
CJ’s cheeks turned beet red as he looked away and shook his head.
CJ Night:
Uh, yeah. Something like that. Let’s just worry about the matches for now.
He cleared his throat before running his hand through the back of his hair nervously while Reign just smiled at this reaction.
Reign Reyes:
Fair enough. Hey, my mother told me to tell you that you’re telegraphing your dropkick and that it’s going to get you into trouble. I’ll text you the details…
She nods towards the camera.
Reign Reyes:
…that way the whole world doesn’t know what to look for.
Reign winks before pulling CJ in for a hug.
Reign Reyes:
Good luck this week and if you play your cards right I’ll let you touch the Gold Star after I win it.
CJ laughs at the last comment and nods.
CJ Night:
Sure, that’ll be fun. Tell your mom I said thanks and that she was my favorite babysitter. Gavin and Ashleigh kind of sucked. I’m sure that’ll warm her heart.
He smiled widely while Reign just shook her head and laughed.
Reign Reyes:
Yeah, I’m sure it will. She loves it when I remind her how old she is now.
Reign slid between the ropes and out onto the apron before stopping and turning to face CJ.
Reign Reyes:
I almost forgot… you’re my grandfather’s favorite Academy student. That’s gotta count for something, right?
CJ looked surprised before he smiled even bigger than he had just earlier.
CJ Night:
It does. You grandpa wasn’t the biggest winner but he did things the right way. He wasn’t just an inspiration for my dad, but for me as well. It really does mean a lot.
She narrowed her gaze and pointed at her friend.
Reign Reyes:
So don’t you dare let him down. Show him that people can win the right way. Since you know, my mom and I sort of let him down on the moral front.
CJ nodded confidently.
CJ Night:
I won’t let him down. Doing the right thing is what I was taught to do and the mistakes that my father did make? I’ve learned from them. And when I do win that Gold Star Championship the right way?
CJ pointed at Reign.
CJ Night:
I want it to be against you. Just saying.
Reign chuckled softly before hopping down from the ring apron.
Reign Reyes:
I love your optimism. Don’t ever change.
With that Reign exited the gym while the scene slowly faded to black.
Tag Team Match
Team Jones (Missy Propaganda & Alice Wagner) VS Team Strike (CJ Night & Dakota)
WINNER: Team Jones BY: Submission (Backbreaker Into Dragon Sleeper), 12:09 |
Gold Star Match
Fatal 4-way
Fatal 4-way
Saoirse Tyrell © VS Ava Grimes VS Reign Reyes VS Scott Martell
WINNER: // BY: Team Leader's Stoppage, 16:33 |
An eerie silence fell upon the Academy Gym as everyone's attention turned to the young Grimes. You could hear a pin drop, but most importantly we could hear the doctor's voice as he asked the small crowd of friends and family of Ava that gathered around the young girl to step back and make room. Lady Magdalena, visibly upset, took the situation in hand and kindly asked everyone to take a step back so that the doctor could take care of the young student.
Saoirse was standing aside, separated from the rest of them. An attitude that earned her the occasional glare from Ava's brothers and closest friends, even though she probably didn't even realize that. She was, in fact, looking in Grimes' direction with a blank expression on her face, somehow reminding of the one Trinity had after she put down Nine at the Pay-per-View.
A collective sigh of relief broke the silence as Ava regained consciousness. She tried to reassure everyone and stand up, but the doctor stopped her. He made her seat on the floor as he further evaluated her conditions, asking the routine questions. All eyes were on her, although everyone looked much more relieved now. Nobody noticed that sinister smirk on Tyrell's face, or perhaps they could have done something to avoid what happened next. Saoirse charged at full speed and kicked the already dazed Ava with all the strength she had to the back of her head, turning off her lights once again.
The initial shock for the brutal and completely unwarrented assault froze everyone. By the time they snapped out of it, Saoirse was already gone, disappeared backstage and likely on her way out from the Academy, forever. Reign still sprinted in that direction, but she only took two stepes before stopping and turning to check on her friend. Almost on the verge of tears, Reyes moved toward Ava but this time it was Sammy who stopped her, pulling her in a comforting, for both of them, hug.
Gavin's reaction was more visceral, as he literally got in Helena's face asking what the hell was that. He even brought up how he asked Noir to watch over his siblings when they signed up. The tension was, understandably, at an all time high and Helena knew the only thing she could do was stand in silence, letting Grimes pour out the volcano of emotions he was going through.
Everyone else was coping with that the best they could. Alice was trying to calm down CJ, one of Ava's closest friend. Other students were covering their face with their hands as more personnel rushed to the scene, pushing a stretcher. They carefully laid Grimes on top of it and accompanied her backstage, followed by everyone else. The camera followed them as they headed to the infirmary, everyone but Scott Martell. He stopped by the locker room, rushing in and closing the door behind him. A few moments later, we could hear him talking on the phone.
"D-Dad? Can you fly to Chicago? Yeah... Ava. Thank you."
It was a short conversation, at the end of which The Great One rushed out of the locker room, quickly heading toward the medical bay.
Saoirse was standing aside, separated from the rest of them. An attitude that earned her the occasional glare from Ava's brothers and closest friends, even though she probably didn't even realize that. She was, in fact, looking in Grimes' direction with a blank expression on her face, somehow reminding of the one Trinity had after she put down Nine at the Pay-per-View.
A collective sigh of relief broke the silence as Ava regained consciousness. She tried to reassure everyone and stand up, but the doctor stopped her. He made her seat on the floor as he further evaluated her conditions, asking the routine questions. All eyes were on her, although everyone looked much more relieved now. Nobody noticed that sinister smirk on Tyrell's face, or perhaps they could have done something to avoid what happened next. Saoirse charged at full speed and kicked the already dazed Ava with all the strength she had to the back of her head, turning off her lights once again.
The initial shock for the brutal and completely unwarrented assault froze everyone. By the time they snapped out of it, Saoirse was already gone, disappeared backstage and likely on her way out from the Academy, forever. Reign still sprinted in that direction, but she only took two stepes before stopping and turning to check on her friend. Almost on the verge of tears, Reyes moved toward Ava but this time it was Sammy who stopped her, pulling her in a comforting, for both of them, hug.
Gavin's reaction was more visceral, as he literally got in Helena's face asking what the hell was that. He even brought up how he asked Noir to watch over his siblings when they signed up. The tension was, understandably, at an all time high and Helena knew the only thing she could do was stand in silence, letting Grimes pour out the volcano of emotions he was going through.
Everyone else was coping with that the best they could. Alice was trying to calm down CJ, one of Ava's closest friend. Other students were covering their face with their hands as more personnel rushed to the scene, pushing a stretcher. They carefully laid Grimes on top of it and accompanied her backstage, followed by everyone else. The camera followed them as they headed to the infirmary, everyone but Scott Martell. He stopped by the locker room, rushing in and closing the door behind him. A few moments later, we could hear him talking on the phone.
"D-Dad? Can you fly to Chicago? Yeah... Ava. Thank you."
It was a short conversation, at the end of which The Great One rushed out of the locker room, quickly heading toward the medical bay.