Post by gvb on Dec 5, 2020 20:22:02 GMT -6
1x08 Ante Bellum
The Principal’s Office
December 1, 2020
9:41
A soft classical music was playing inside Gian’s office. For anyone’s wondering, it was Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”, one of his favorite works of the Italian composer. The principal was chatting with Josie Hilliker, cousin and advocate to Faith Savell. But the talented student wasn’t the matter of their discussion, at least not directly. They appeared to be talking about the situation between Olly and Dez Ali, with Josie playing the devil’s advocate and taking Dez’ side. Something that was making her extremely uncomfortable, as one could tell at first glance. But this was the task Gian assigned her today in this role playing game to practice and develop Josie’s skills as a manager.
They were interrupted by a knock at the door. Gian glanced at his watch and shook his head.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
We can continue later.
He spoke to Josie before turning toward the door.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Come on in.
The door quickly swung open, almost knocking down Josie Hilliker, who was heading out.
Josie Hilliker:
Woah! What the heck!?
In walked Rian Ellis, the young cousin of Skylar Rayner, Who asked Peyton Holland to put in a word for him for The Academy. Rian’s eyes widened as he saw that he almost hit Josie and he was apologetic.
Rian Ellis:
Oh my God! I’m so sorry! I almost hit that pretty face of yours!
Josie crossed her arms and huffed.
Josie Hilliker:
I’m more than a pretty face.
She rolled her eyes before glancing back at Gian and shaking her head.
Josie Hilliker:
Good luck.
She walked past Rian and clipped him with her shoulder as she exited the office. Rian looked surprised for a moment but shrugged it off and smiled and waved at Gian before walking up to his desk and extending his hand.
Rian Ellis:
What’s up, boss man? I’m Rian Ellis but I’m sure you’ve heard all about me and how, you know, I’m the next big thing and all that.
Gian studied the young man in front of him for a few seconds before finally shaking his hand.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
You’re late, Rian. I was waiting for you ten minutes ago.
His tone was dead serious and it took Ellis off guard. But before the young man could apologize and explain himself, Gian let go of his hand and set back behind his desk, inviting his guest to do the same.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
But I’m sure there’s a good reason for this.
Rian Ellis:
Oh there was!
Rian sat down in his chair and leaned back comfortable in it, ready to tell his story.
Rian Ellis:
I took a wrong turn into the cafeteria and the lunch lady? Esperanza? She couldn’t give me the right directions to your office. I think it was the language barrier, to be honest. But I’ve gotta tell you, she makes a damn good jello. Have you tried it!?
Rian leaned up in his chair.
Rian Ellis:
I can go get you some! It’s to die for! Oh my God, I could LIVE off that jello. It was so good, Bill Cosby would want to be the spokesman for it.
He paused for a moment and his jaw dropped.
Rian Ellis:
Wait! I forgot he’s a creep now! Forget I said anything!
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Laura.
He said, seemingly not impressed with Rian’s excuse. The young man stared back at the principal a bit perplexed.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
The Lunchlady. Her name is Laura. But you’re right, she makes some great desserts. So good that people fight for them.
A reference to what happened in the second episode, the fight between The Kid and Olly over the last slice of cake.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Peyton told me you’d like to join the Academy, is that true?
The rhetorical question was more of a way to let the kid talk and hear his motivations to join. Rian scooted his chair forward, bringing himself closer to the desk as he leaned forward, a more serious tone is now on his face as the playful exterior quickly disappeared to the surprise of Gian.
Rian Ellis:
It is true. I’ve been keeping tabs on this place since you started it and I have to say, I’m impressed. I take wrestling seriously, very seriously, and I’ll do whatever it takes to be one of your students. All I’m asking for is a chance.
Rian paused for a moment before nodding his head confidently.
Rian Ellis:
And you and I both know that Peyton wouldn’t have talked to you just because I’m Skylar’s cousin. If I was a knucklehead, she wouldn’t have done it. But she did and that’s why you and I are both here right now in this office, talking about my future in your school. So, what’s the plan then?
A smile appeared on Gianluigi’s face.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
You’re smarter than you like to show.
The Principal leaned back on his chair, his eyes never leaving Rian, still studying him.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
And I’m sure you’re aware that both teams are complete. We had a vacancy after Braxton left, but that spot was quickly taken by Cash…
Ellis nodded, not even flinching. He seemed quite sure that Gian wouldn’t have asked him to come here just to say no. And he was right.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
But this is first and foremost a wrestling school. If what you’re seeking is top quality training, we can provide that. You won’t be on any team and you won’t compete on our Friday Night show, but you will receive the same formation as the other students.
Rian Ellis:
Hmm… I do have some other offers to consider though…
He trailed off before a playful grin crossed over his lips.
Rian Ellis:
Kidding! I’m all in on the Academy! And lucky for you, I already moved in!
He stood up and extended his hand, with a confident and almost contagious smile painted across his face.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I guess telling Peyton that there are no problems killed all the suspense, didn’t it?
Gian stood up as well and shook his hand.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Welcome to the Academy Rian.
The 2nd Floor
December 2, 2020
11:14 PM
It’s late at night at the Academy, and the students are going to bed after watching the last episode of Millennium in the recreation room downstairs. One by one they march past the camera in the hallway and head inside their rooms. Faith and the Kid, Tiana, Olly, Dez, Faizah, Cash… Last in the line are Millie and Trinity, discussing the events they just witnessed.
Trinity Thompson:
I’m sure your cousin Bree is ok..
She tries to comfort Millie who looks a bit worried about the former tag champion’s health after she got busted open in her match.
Millie Smith:
She got her eye all…….. opened up.
Millie then tugs on her draw strings of her Stitch hoody, tightening the hood behind her. She lets it hang over jeans.
Millie Smith:
Do you think that could happen to us?
Trinity Thompson:
Oh no… Faizah and Ti are our friends and they would never do anything that could potentially hurt us.
She quickly tries to reassure her tag team partner. Millie nods, as she didn't think Faizah would be the type to do that despite where they were on the teams.
Millie Smith:
Faiz is really nice, and great in the ring.
Millie sheds some light on their current 1-1 standing in tag team matches. Trinity nods, agreeing with the young Smith.
Trinity Thompson:
Oh, she surely is! And so is Tiana, she’s been the Gold Star for two months now… But we did good last time against her and Faith, and we’ve been working hard the whole week.
Millie Smith:
Maybe we can get the win this time, do you think we'd be able to do that?
Looking very confident, Trinity nods and smiles at her tag team partner.
Trinity Thompson:
It’s going to be a toughie, but we make a good team. We just have to trust each other and work together, like your cousin and Teagan.
Millie Smith:
Eep
Millie mutters out at the thought of being on the same level as her sister and sister-from-another-mister.
Millie Smith:
Or like Mimi and Daya, Manny and Trixie, Honey and, well, now Derrick.
She edges her neck back as she realizes the experience her family has in tag team wrestling and the pressure that puts on her, Trinity and the future of their team.
Trinity Thompson:
Exactly! See, that’s what I mean! You come from a family of great wrestlers, and some of them are part of the hottest teams in wrestling! This is in your DNA, Millie. You were born for this!
Clearly Trinity is trying to elevate her partner, and boost her confidence ahead of their Team Title match. Millie does feel a little more confident by her tag's partners words as they take the corner. Millie opens up the door of her bedroom, picking up the gym bag she hastily left right beyond the threshold.
Millie Smith:
Heh-maybe…
She nervously blushes and hid the bag out of sight.
Millie Smith:
I think you'll make your family proud winning the tag match too, right?
Trinity sighs softly.
Trinity Thompson:
I’m not even sure my dad will be able to watch…
She says with a hint of sadness in her voice. Millie lowers her brow and her lips curl down to show she found that upsetting for her partner.
Trinity Thompson:
But he’ll definitely be happy and proud when I call him and tell him.
That bright smile is quickly back on the young girl’s face as she glances at Millie picking up her ring gear.
Trinity Thompson:
Wait here for a second, I’ll be right back.
Before Millie could do or say anything, Tiffany sprints down the hallway and opens her room’s door. One moment later she comes back with a small packet for Millie.
Trinity Thompson:
Open it, I made it for you!
Millie takes the packet from her partner and gently opens it and reaches inside all nervous and anxious and excited. She pulls out a folded stack of ring gear.
Millie Smith:
How did-where did you-this is really nice and good quality, Trinity.
Millie manages to unfold them both and holds them up against herself. She nervously looks down and sees it's in her favourite colour: dark blue and the neat little design on the back that reads Team Trillie in a perfectly contrasting yellow to stand out.
Millie Smith:
This is so nice. How does it look?
If possible, Trinity’s smile widens even more after seeing how much Millie enjoyed her gift.
Trinity Thompson:
I hope it’s the right measure, if it’s not I can always make some tweaks and make it fit… I tried mine on and I have to say it looks really good! We’re going to have matching gear, like a real tag team!
She blurts out excitedly, making little jumps on the spot unable to contain her enthralling enthusiasm. Millie matches Trinity on the smile, but not quite with her jumping excitement given Millie being Millie
Millie Smith:
Like a real tag team.
She fully relaxes her shoulders and turns the gear over to see the name. She runs her hand over the team name at the back.
Millie Smith:
I'm glad you picked our team name too. It's not my strong suit.
Millie's smile disappears and her lips thin out as she presses them together nervous about admitting a weakness to her teammate.
Trinity Thompson:
Haha it’s no big deal really! Trinity + Millie = Trillie! It has a nice sound, kinda like a pixie name or something like that.. I’m glad you like it!
Millie Smith:
Like a sassy pixie. Maybe it'll be one of the teams people know in 2021….
Although as soon as Millie says that, her hands clam up and she gets a little heavier on her breathing, along with being more tight lipped, triggered by her own small dose of optimism. Trinity chuckles at her partner’s optimistic view.
Trinity Thompson:
Haha! Let’s start with a win on Friday, we take one step at the time and see where it takes us, okay?
Millie nods and puts her new ring gear into her bag, with a little plan to try it on with Trinity on their next class the next day. Thanking Thompson once again for the unexpected gift, Millie wished her friend good night and closed the door. Trinity headed back into her room and did the same.
The Gym
December 3, 2020
3:51 PM
The cameras caught Olly walking from the heavy sack area to the ring. He was covered in sweat after what appeared to be an intense training session, a white towel around his neck, his dripping black hair an absolute mess on his head. He walked through the ropes, taking the center stage and sitting down. A few moments passed as he sat still, making no sound barring his accelerated and irregular breath.
Olly:
Guys, let me tell you... Being suspended sucks...
He took a pause, longer than one would expect, taking those extra seconds to catch some breath.
Olly:
You may think that missing one show is not a big deal, after all there are weeks off for everyone... But as often happens in life, there's so much more than meets the eyes. A suspension is not just a Friday night spent sitting on idle hands watching your fellow students do what you all came here to do. A suspension means limited access to the gym, you only are allowed to attend the collective classes but no individual training for the bad guy, nope. No tête-à-tête with the Team Leader.
A light chuckle escaped his lips.
Olly:
Now, it's not that I was really excited to be in the same room with the father of the spoiled child who caused my suspension, the Most Vocal Pissbaby himsel Dez Ali. But as you may remember, last week was promo class, and I would have loved to talk to the camera and get a few things off my chest...
Imagine my disappointment when I found out that I couldn't because of my deliberate and unnecessarily vicious attack from the week before. Like, we all knew that Dez is a bitch, but one would expect a different reaction from a Bad Boyz... Wouldn't you agree?
Using the towel, Olly cleaned some sweat from his face.
Olly:
Since I didn't have the chance to do it last week, I thought I could use this time to practice my promo skills. And I'm doing it without Mr Ali overseeing me, I don't think he'd like what I'm going to tell anyway.
Again his lips curled in that smirk.
Olly:
And to make sure I don't get interrupted, I locked myself inside this gym. See?
He turned the camera toward the door, showing a chair wedged under the doorknob. A simple but surely effective way to barricade himself inside the gym. Perhaps unnecessary too, but Olly wouldn't miss a chance to make a spectacle of even such a small event.
Olly:
I'm always getting punished, might as well give them a good reason this time... Because God knows the last time was pure and utter bullshit.
I'm not even blaming Gian for it, I understand that he HAD to suspend me after that letter was made public. And let me focus on this for a moment, this guy writes a letter addressed to Lady Magdalena and the boss... And then posts in on the internet. Makes fucking sense, right?
He shook his head, clearly he wasn't over it yet.
Olly:
You wanted the attention, Dez. You wanted heat, I get it. But tell me, what happens when you realize that this is not the kind of attention you craved for? What happens when you realize that the heat is just too much to handle? That this fire has gone out of control and it's going to scorch the earth around you, that it's going to burn every bridge you ever built?
What happens when you find himself trapped by the same fire you so recklessly fueled?
I'll tell you what will happen.
He leaned forward toward the camera, a wicked smile on his face.
Olly:
You'll havet this ring of fire trapping you, quickly devouring everything on its path as it closes in. You'll feel the heat you thought you wanted suffocating you, the flames lapping at your skins...
You'll look at the flames and you'll see this face laughing.
Slowly, he pulled back to the previous position.
Olly:
You can dismiss, you can call me a failure and say that I haven't won a match since the beginning of this journey. All true, I won't be the one arguing with you there.
You can hide behind your w/l record and brag about putting me on the injured list, but the day of reckoning is about to come. And no, I'm not talking about our upcoming tag match.
Another pause.
Olly:
Sure, sharing the ring with Faith this Friday and kick yours and the two-faced bitch's ass into the weekend is going to be a whole lot of fun, but I'm more interested in the little stipulation that has been added.
We're bound to dance one more time in the near future, and the winner of Friday's match gets to call the shot.
I get to call it.
Olly stood up, adjusting the camera accordingly.
Olly:
I'm going to hurt you Dezmond.
A broken nose? That's nothing.
What you did to me? It would pale in comparison to what I plan to do to you.
The ass beating Tiana gave you? You'll wish you'd have gotten away so easily when I'm done with you.
And the best part?
Nobody is going to save you. Not Amelia, not Gian, not your father.
Once the ball is in my court, you're fucking done, my guy.
A knock at the door interrupred his promo.
Oliver, open the door, now!
It was a female voice calling from behind the door.
Olly:
Looks like my time here is over... Yours, Dez buddy... Will be over very soon.
Pointing the camera toward the door, Olly walked out of the ring, removing the chair that was blocking the doorknob. As it swung open, Tobie Nox Thorne is standing in front of Oliver.
Olly:
I'm done here, see you tomorrow Tobie.
He walked away, saying no more.
The Principal Office
December 3, 2020
6:48 PM
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Juliette is doing great, thanks for asking. She's growing so fast...
The Principal was sitting in his office, talking with someone on the phone.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Tobie? Some headaches with the students here, but that's par for the course, I guess. She told me to thank you for the opportunity. I'm pretty sure she was getting the itch to go back to the ring, teaching these kids is a viable alternative and it allows her to spend time with out daughter as well.
There's only one person who "gives opportunity" in MWE, and that would be the owner Grace van Beek.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
It's always a pleasure to talk with you, miss van Beek. And thank you for finding time in your tight schedule to call me back.
A moment of silence followed his words as he listened to Grace talking on the other side of the line.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I will tell them after this Friday's show. They're all working hard and don't really need the distraction. But I'm sure they will love it, performing on Pay-Per-View and in front of a live crowd it's not something that happens everyday. Even if it's just two pre-show matches, it's still a huge honor for those who will take part in them.
The cat's out of the bag. At Coupe De Grâce, the next MWE PPV, there will be two Academy matches opening the two night event.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I will confirm you the names as soon as I figure them out. Before Tuesday, that's perfectly understandable... Yes, I can do it.
Gian wrote something down on his notebook.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Can we have tickets for the other students? They loved attending the Anniversary event...
A smile appeared as the owner accepted the request.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Thank you, miss van Beek. See you in two weeks.
The Gym
December 4, 2020
5:40 PM
Despite being a close competitive and highly anticipated Gold Star Match between the self proclaimed Most Valuable Player Dez Ali and the Gold Star title holder Tiana Petrova-Hammond, Dez Ali's failure to hit a golden home run in what was his biggest match yet from weeks of a series of major matches for The MVP, was a serious strike on his inpressive résumé he's been building over the past few weeks. Streaming views for The Academy Episode 7 saw it's largest audience yet surpassing Episode 5's Triple Threat Match, by just twenty-five thousand views more than the previous highest viewed show. Nevertheless the Gold Star Match between Tiana and Dez was indeed the most watched match to date. Dez Ali's rise within The Academy came with new critics, or what Dez dubbed as haters and enemies in Olivier Kennedy and Faith Savell. The hatred for Dez Ali couldn't be anymore clearer, not just with their Twitter war of words, but what they have done to each other inside the square circle. Since losing to Tiana Petrova-Hammond, the arrogant and extremely confident Dez Ali has kept a low profile on campus, not showing his face unless it's classes or training. With the upcoming Tag Team Match between Olly, Faith, Dez and Amelia. With thw Tag Team Match just twenty-four hours away, Dez Ali has decided to come out of his comfort zone which has been his dorm room since his crushing defeat on Episode 7 to train inside the ring with Amelia Marks who have been asking and begging him since the last weekend.
We see Dez Ali (wearing a khaki cargo joggers, white & black Jordan's Retro 11's Concordia and black sports tape wrapped around his wrists and hands) rolling out of the ring, after trying to execute a new move he's been working, but botched it for a second time when he leaped from the apron and to the top rope, only to slip, crash and burn. He walks around back and fort on the outside holding his neck while Amelia Marks with a concern look on her face makes the exit of the ring and approaches the twenty year old from Boston, Massachusetts.
Amelia Marks:
Are you okay?
Dez Ali:
Yeah, I'm good.
Amelia Marks:
Are you sure?
Dez Ali:
Yeah!!!
Still with a concern look on her face she presses Dez.
Amelia Marks:
You seem distracted Dez. I mean that's the third time you tried it and messed up.
Dez Ali:
I SAID I'M FINE!!!!!
Dez yells at his tag partner for Episode 8 Tag Team Match. Dez's outburst caught Amelia off guard, but stands up for herself.
Amelia Marks:
You're not fine Dez. First you obsessed over the Gold Star, putting yourself in such a high pedestal, leaving no room for disappointment. So when Tiana defeated you, one, two, three, .....the disappointment that came with it, you were not prepared for it. So reacted negatively by staying in your room all day. You show up late for class all week. You've become anti-social, hanging out by yourself, on your phone all day talking to God knows who. You skip training and when you do show up, this happens. You're botching your moves, missing spots.......
Dez Ali:
ENOUGH!!!!!
Dez looks at her with a frown of annoyance on his face.
Dez Ali:
Would you just shut up and leave me alone?
Clearly upset, Amelia simply nods and walks pass Dez, bumping shoulders with him before making her exit.
That wasn't nice, treating your tag partner like that.
Dez turns in the direction from where the familiar voice came from. He did his dad, team leader of Team Ali approaching him.
Michael Ali:
You know she's right. But I get it. You lost and you probably haven't figured out yet, how you going to get back to that position as a contender to the Gold Star. You're ego was hurt, some of the kids are laughing at you as if they're the ones who defeated you. Quite frankly, Tiana's win over you was everyone's you did wrong to.
Michael gets close to his and walks behind him and whispers
Michael Ali:
Maybe it's a good time to click that reset button, don't you think?
Dez keeps looking forward as Michael circles around Dez and gets back to his face.
Michael Ali:
I don't know what's going to happen in this upcoming Tag Team Match. Quite frankly, I personally don't think you and Olly should be competing in the same ring. I mean the two of you are looking to physically injure each other and quite frankly, this is not what The Academy is about. Hopefully after this all of you can grow up, move on and work at becoming the best of yourselves.
Michael looks at Dez and ones again passes him by as he taps his son on the shoulder.
Michael Ali:
You are The MVP. ......Prove it.
As Michael walks off, and approaches the exit door he talks loud enough for his son to hear.
Michael Ali:
Remember this. It's not about wins and losses Dez. It's not about The Gold Star, it's not even about the characters in this Tag Team Match set to take place tomorrow. It's not about this, ......The Academy. Both you and I know you had other options, this the one you selected. Why? Because you want to walk in my foots. In your cousin's footsteps. You lost that focus son. ......Find it.
And then he hears the door slams shut before everything goes quite. He's at ring side by himself as he gets back up on the apron. He adjust his face guard. Takes a deep breath and leaps on the top rope only slip again. He gets up slowly, heads back to the apron and does the samething, with another botched result. He gets up again, and tries again. The MVP keeps on practicing the new move, but keeps screwing it up, but isn't giving up. He keeps trying.
Team Title Match
Team Strike © (Tiana Petrova-Hammond & Faizah Marshall) VS Team Ali (Millie Smith & Trinity Thompson)
WINNER: Team Ali (NEW TEAM CHAMPIONS) BY: Pinfall (Sparkle Splash), 16:14 |
Tag Team Match
Faith Savell & Olly VS Amelia Marx & Dez Ali
WINNER: Olly & Faith Savell BY: Pinfall (Implant DDT), 20:19 |