Post by gvb on Apr 15, 2023 4:32:47 GMT -6
3x20 ALL TOGETHER NOW
The Gym
April 12th, 2023
5:28
It was almost the end of Team Strike’s group session. In the ring, under the watchful eye of Lady Magdalena, the four students were sparring in a tag match. On one side, CJ Night and Marina Marston, on the other Dakota and the last addition to the team, her future partner in the upcoming tag match on episode 20 Scott Martell. Lady’s focus mostly on them, giving them advice and trying to get them to find a good chemistry even in such a short time.
The session was interrupted when Ava Grimes stepped inside the gym for the first time in months since her second concussion. Just seeing her dressed in her gym clothes with beads of sweat rolling down her forehead after a light workout was enough to put a smile on her teammates’ faces, especially on those of CJ and Scott.
Ava Grimes:
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt…
She said in an almost apologetic tone to her Team Leader. The Fair Lady offered her a soft smile and a light nod of her head, suggesting that she didn’t mind it.
Ava Grimes:
I just wanted to stop by and say that I miss all this… And I miss all of you.
It was such a different Ava from the angry and aggressive person we saw recently on social media during her verbal war against her former best friend Reign Reyes.
Ava Grimes:
Well, barring Scott of course, there hasn’t been a day he wasn’t at my bedside… Gee dude, give me some space!
The obvious joke, followed by an exaggerated eye roll and a chuckle caused the whole group to laugh along with her. She blew her boyfriend a kiss, Scottie shaking his head with a slight smile as he mopped his brow with a towel, before Ava began continuing.
Ava Grimes:
Jokes aside, thank you all for your messages during these past couple of months. I know that limiting visits was kind of a bitch move, but it’s been very rough. There’s been a time when I really thought I’d never come back. Recovery hasn’t been all smooth sailing, there’s been ups and there’s been downs and as Scott can testify, I wasn’t pleasant to be around on those bad days.
All eyes shifted to Scott who just nodded his head, still with a twinkle in his eye as he smiled at his girlfriend.
Ava Grimes:
Which brings me to the reason why I came here today. I wanted to say that I’m sorry. I’m sorry for letting the team one person short for pretty much the whole year, even though that clearly wasn’t my choice. I’m sorry if I wasn’t as supportive as I could, and should, have been. Even from a hospital bed.
One by one, she glanced at all her teammates.
Ava Grimes:
Dealing with Reign was, and still is, painful for me, but that was never an excuse for letting her do or say the things she did and said to you and to our team.
Her eyes inevitably stopped on Dakota, who had been verbally abused and attacked by the Gold Star.
Ava Grimes:
But the time of reckoning is nigh, Dakota and Scott, you’ll have the chance to take the Gold Star from her soon, and I expect one of you to bring the gold home. I promise you both right here and now that I will not interfere in the match,..
Ava’s focus now shifted back to her Team Leader.
Ava Grimes:
And here’s my second apology to you, Lady Magdalena. I know my actions reflected badly on our team and on you as a Team Leader, especially after you had just booted Reign from the team. I let my emotions get the best of me and by doing that, I put you in a bad light. That won’t happen again, you have my word. I’m terribly sorry.
Lady Magdalena, dressed in her French themed tracksuit and her hair tied up in a tidy bun, simply shook her head. She paced over to her young charge and wrapped her in a warm embrace.
Lady Magdalena:
There, there my dear girl. No apologies are required.
She let go of Ava, turning to her students and then back to her.
Lady Magdalena:
There is simply no reason for you to apologise for not being able to compete and train. That is out of your hands. And whilst your actions against Reign were against the code and morals that I have tried to instill on this ground, and such actions were quite disappointing… If you had taken a slightly different route, I would have said the bitch had it coming.
A chuckle escaped Ava’s lips.
Ava Grimes:
Yeah, I could’ve handled it better, that’s for sure. But I guess I really wanted to see her lose the title, and when I saw the chance to cost her her precious Gold Star, I had to take it. It didn’t quite work as I planned, but who would have guessed that Alice was going to walk out?
She shrugged her shoulders and continued.
Ava Grimes:
But it still worked out in the end, because now one of you, a member of Team Strike, is going to win the Gold Star. And seeing how she treated our team, that’s even a better ending. Almost poetic, in a way.
Once again her focus shifted on Scott and Dakota who, in a week, will challenge Reign for the Academy’s top prize.
Dakota was keeping to herself in a corner, wiping sweat off her forehead, listening to Ava and Lady Mags, but was fairly aloof to the now silence. That is, until she caught Ava’s eyes. She rolled from the ring and stepped up to Ava, smiling.
Dakota:
First off, welcome back to the fold. Not that I should have to be welcoming you back, you shoulda never been put on the shelf in the first place…
Dakota frowned, her eyes darting to the floor.
Dakota:
But with that said, this should be you getting ready to take Reign down, not either of us, but I’m gonna promise you right now that she’s not walking out as Gold Star. If it was up to me she wouldn’t be walking out at all, but I feel like I’d get in trouble for that, so…yeah.
Lady took a little glance towards Dakota as she said this, looking proud of her fiery determination, but shaking her head ever so slightly at the notion of ending her ability to walk.
Ava Grimes:
Oh, I will be taking her down, make no mistakes.. It just won’t be for the Gold Star.
Ava quickly replied.
Ava Grimes:
I still need a couple of weeks to be back in ring shape and get fully cleared, so in the best case scenario, we’re looking at early May for my return to the ring. I trust she won’t be wearing any gold around her waist by then, and that’s perfectly fine. This is no longer about the Gold Star for me. She made it personal.
Martell was watching on, sipping from a bottle of water, listening in to his girlfriend, one of his new training partners in Dakota and his new coach, Lady Magdalena. The tall New Yorker nodded his head, looking over to Ava with a smile.
Scott Martell:
My Dad gave her that estimation, and he’s usually spot on. It’s gonna be a great thing when you are back to 100%, babe.
Scottie nodded his head, giving her a wink as he looked over to the rest of the team, and Lady Magdalena.
Scott Martell:
First off, I just wanna say that for the first time since I’ve been at the Academy, this feels like a real team. My last group worked together in training with the coach, but it all seemed like they were only doing it for themselves. You are all working together to help each other as well as yourselves. That’s refreshing.
He took a sip of his water again, before screwing the top on.
Scott Martell:
And yeah, I’ve been kinda quiet lately. Least in regards to the Academy. My focus lately is standing right over there.
He points over to Ava, making his partner blush a little.
Scott Martell:
But I’ve been biding my time, and I should have had this opportunity sooner. And I would have if it wasn’t for a series of suggestions and recommendations that were out of my hands… You would have had yours too, Dakota.
He nods his head to her, receiving one in return.
Scott Martell:
I came here to be Great. This opportunity is Great. And I know working with you all… It’s gonna make us all Great.
Ava nodded her head, a smile spreading on her lips as she listened to her boyfriend speaking. Her eyes then found CJ and Marina who had been standing in the background, inviting them to come closer. Ava was the first to extend her arm to reach the center of the circle the five of them formed. Scott caught the hint and gently placed his hand on top of hers. Then Kota, and Marina followed suit by placing her hand on top of Dakota’s. Finally CJ did the same as well.
Ava Grimes:
One month. We have one month left to show everybody that, despite all the difficulties we encountered, despite being one man down for the most of the year, Team Strike is still the best team. Gold Star, Team Title.. By the end of the year, every title in the Academy will be in our possession.
There was no yelling “Team Strike” in unison, nor any further over-the-top gesture. But the look of determination in those five pairs of eyes was telling the whole story. This wasn’t just a hype speech or a bold claim on their end. It was a promise, a pact the five of them signed. Lady Magdalena watched her five students coming together and backing each other up to face the final month of their journey. And she couldn’t help but smile, already proud of them.
The Video Room
April 13th, 2023
8:45 PM
It’s not often that we get a peek inside this specific room. The reason is quite obvious, this is where students come to watch tapes of their, and their opponent’s, matches to learn from their mistakes and possibly find weaknesses to exploit. Nothing particularly exciting has ever happened in this dark room, but today, for the first time, the night vision camera placed in there is about to record something noteworthy.
Alice Wagner is sitting in front of the screen, watching the match between Sammy Grimes and Clementine Smith from episode 11, paying particular attention to the movements and moveset of the blonde gymnast, her opponent in this week’s triple threat. The door suddenly opens, messing briefly with the camera. Wagner stops the footage and turns her attention to the unexpected guest.
Alice Wagner:
Reign? What are you doing here?
She asks the Gold Star as she walks inside the room and plops down next to Alice with a grin.
Reign Reyes:
You said I was free to bother my new bestie whenever, wherever so here I am.
Reign smiles brightly and scooches in close to Alice as if they were on a date.
Reign Reyes:
Had I known we’d be meeting here I’d have brought popcorn. What we watchin?
Reign’s eyes scan the screen for a moment and she smiles as she points to Sammy.
Reign Reyes:
He’s cute!
Alice Wagner:
Haha! I feel like whatever I reply here is gonna get me in trouble so I’m just going to say that I was more interested in Clementine.
Alice replies as she pauses the video. Her expression suddenly changes as she sees that smirk forming on Reign’s lips.
Alice Wagner:
Wait… Not like that! I mean that I’m studying Clem’s style… She’s so quick and unpredictable.
Reign Reyes:
Mmmmhmmmmm….
Reign grins teasingly but nods in agreement.
Reign Reyes:
Let’s be honest, she’s everything Ava wishes she was. It’s why she hates her so much. So petty. Can’t we all just get along? Like us! Look at us…
She punches Alice playfully in the shoulder.
Reign Reyes:
Just last week we had THE biggest match in Academy history and now we’re totally on a date.
Alice Wagner:
Don’t let that pretty boy on this video know, he’d be so heartbroken!
Alice replies jokingly, returning the light shoulder punch. Her face quickly turns back to a serious look.
Alice Wagner:
So, I assume she’s the reason why you’re here? Ava, I mean.. Because with all the respect I have for Clementine, saying that she’s better than Ava was before the injury is a bit of a stretch. And kinda petty too.
Reign rolls her eyes.
Reign Reyes:
Definitely not here about her. The last thing I want is to saddle you even more with my Ava bullshit. Which yes, I know I created. I’m actually here to talk about you and all the sacrifices you’re making for the greater good. Choosing not to pin me. Not asking for a rematch. Pretending Dakota deserves to be there. I get it, you’re trying to do things differently than the rest of us. You’re hoping to change the sport and that change starts with you, but still…
Reign glances over, regarding her friend/adversary.
Reign Reyes:
At some point you need to do right by you in order to get to a place where you can affect real change in this business. If you keep making noble sacrifices from the middle of the card no one will notice, but if you have a title around your waist then maybe, just maybe, you can create real change. All of that is really my roundabout way of saying I’m sorry you got cheated because of my shit with Ava. You deserved better than that.
Alice lets out a sigh, forcing a smile toward Reign.
Alice Wagner:
I get what you mean, and I really appreciate the sentiment. You’re right, if I were a champion I would definitely have greater visibility and my actions and words may mean more to those who see and hear them. But I need to get there my way, without taking any shortcuts. It will take me longer, hell, I might not even get there… But at least I will always be at peace with myself.
She sounds calm as she speaks.
Alice Wagner:
I’m not mad at you for “creating” that situation with Ava. I’m not even really mad at her for costing me my shot. Walking out was my choice, and I’m cool with that. So was turning down a rematch. I know we will be back in that ring one day, it probably won’t be for the Gold Star, it might be for another championship or none at all. But regardless, we’ll finish what we started at Anarchy, and personally I’m looking forward to it.
Reign quirks her brow, still regarding Alice.
Reign Reyes:
I’m starting to feel like you really enjoy fighting me.
A chuckle escapes Alice’s lips.
Alice Wagner:
I do, actually. I love a challenge and you definitely gave me one. Besides, we still haven’t figured out who the better wrestler is. And the fact that you didn’t cheat when you had the chance tells me you want to find out too.
Reign smirks a little and that smirk turns into a genuine smile.
Reign Reyes:
Maybe a little. It would’ve been cool to beat you with your own finisher.
She sighs.
Reign Reyes:
Speaking of finishers, I need to pick your brilliant wrestling mind… can you think of a counter to the Scoop? Because I swear to god, if I get pinned by that move one more time…
Reign makes a clearly frustrated face. She’s done with the Scoop. Heard enough about the Scoop. She loathes the Scoop! Alice’s expression turns serious. It always does when the subject of the matter becomes wrestling.
Alice Wagner:
Yeah… Prayers.
She replies as she grabs a notebook from the empty chair on her right. She scrolls through the pages before pressing a few buttons on the remote.
Alice Wagner:
Believe me, I’ve been racking my brains when I was preparing for my match against Scott, but I couldn’t find one. It’s such a great move, so sudden and quick you literally have no time to react.
Reign rolls her eyes, she’s definitely not enjoying hearing Alice singing Scott’s praises.
Alice Wagner:
But just because I couldn’t find it, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a weakness. I really wish you brought popcorn, I have a feeling we’re staying here for a while.
Checking her notebook where she wrote down at what minute of which matches Scott hit his infamous finisher, she plays the first clip. Hard to tell how long they stayed there, luckily the clip skips through the endless replays of The Scoop they went through. But they both look exhausted and ready to give up when…
Alice Wagner:
Well, fuck me… How didn’t I notice this before?
She hits the rewind button, showing once again The Scoop that gave Scott his most recent win over Reign.
Alice Wagner:
Did you see it?
Reign doesn’t seem to know what Alice is talking about as she plays the clip over and over again.
Alice Wagner:
It’s right there…
She stops the clip and switches to another Scoop, this time on Sammy. Once again she pauses the clip before Martell hits the move.
Alice Wagner:
And here. And I bet it’s on every other clip too…
She repeats this with a few more clips. Finally Reign’s eyes open wide.
Reign Reyes:
Oh. My. God. I see it. He has a tell!
A huge grin forms on Reign’s face.
Reign Reyes:
Now all I have to do is not get spun around so much that I can’t see it.
Reign turns and looks at Alice.
Reign Reyes:
You really are the best. I could kiss you! But we all know how that ended last time and the school would frown upon you trashing the video room.
Reign smiles mischievously.
Alice Wagner:
Yeah, there’s some expensive stuff here, and I feel I’m gonna need it again between now and the end of the year so… No kisses!
She replies with a laugh, glancing back at the TV screen.
Alice Wagner:
It’s not much, but if you can see it coming, you may have a chance to counter it. But you need to be quick… Wanna do some practice? I’m not as good as Scott, but my scoop powerslam is not too shabby.
Reign reaches over and fist bumps Alice before hopping up out of her seat.
Reign Reyes:
I’ll take all the help I can get! Once we’re done with this you can help unravel the mystery of why Ava’s mad at me. That one may take more than just a video review.
Reign winks and heads for the exit, leaving Alice to respond with nothing more than a sigh.
The Principal's Office
April 14th, 2023
4:45 PM
Minutes prior to the start of episode 20, we are taken inside Gian's office. The principal is sitting behind his desk, and apparently he has an announcement to make.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Good evening everyone and welcome to another episode of The Academy. We're only a few weeks away from wrapping up this year, and I expect the students to keep working as hard as they did up to this moment. It's been an eventful year, the first one juggling three teams for us. And while I can't say that everything has worked perfectly, I believe everyone will agree that, overall, this was a great year for us.
The principal can barely hide how proud he is of his roster.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Anarchy In The UK was the last Pay-per-View featuring Academy pre-show matches, and we ended it on a high note, showing everyone the future is in good hands. Alice and Reign graced the wrestling fans with not only the best match in the Academy history, but one of the best matches in MWE history as well. Surely, the interference of one of their fellow students was a sour note, but it doesn't take anything away from their performance. On a personal note, if I may, I'm proud of how Alice handled it. But I digress.
After a brief pause, Gian resumes his speech.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
That, obviously, doesn't mean that the students won't perform that night, or that our titles won't be on the line. Zeitgeist, a German word that coincidentally can be translated with Spirit Of The Time, will see the Gold Star on the line for one final time, giving the challenger one last shot to earn the A Grade contract which, I shall remind you, grants a shot at one of the brands titles. And that challenger will be crowned in our first match tonight.
Another pause to let the big announcement sinking in.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
They will challenge whoever will be holding the Gold Star after next week's triple threat when Reign Reyes will defend her title against Dakota and Scott Martell in a triple threat. We will have a little preview of that match in tonight's main event which is now a Team Title match. Best of luck to all the students competing tonight, keep making us proud.
Triple Threat Match
#1 Contendership for the Gold Star at Zeitgeist
#1 Contendership for the Gold Star at Zeitgeist
Alice Wagner VS CJ Night VS Clementine Smith
WINNER: CJ Night BY: Pinfall (Nightfall Splash), 13:44 |
Team Title Match
Team Noir © (Reign Reyes & Sammy Grimes) VS Team Strike (Scott Martell & Dakota)
WINNER: Team Noir (STILL TEAM CHAMPIONS) BY: Pinfall (CTE), 16:59 |