Post by gvb on Jan 23, 2021 10:15:30 GMT -6
1x13 CAVE CANEM
The Gym
January 21, 2021
3:18 PM
The gym has seen plenty of action here in the Academy. A lot of potential from so many young prodigies. This is also the place where the former Cloud Gate champion, Tiffany Rollins, has slowly bonded with some of the nicer students at the Academy. Although she wasn’t exactly in the best shape of her life, she now at least had the utilities to try and help her get back into the form she once had before ending her career a year ago. While she would normally keep to herself however, some of the students were eager to acquire some advice from her; questions that she could only answer from memory alone at this point. Her answers were short and sweet, never straying too far into personal territory, and whether they were actually useful or not would never be realized, but it did restore a little bit of pride in her every time she would do it. This was the only place in the entire Academy where she actually felt wanted.
Not too far from Tiffany was one of those students who still looks up to the former Cloud Gate champion, the one who stood up for her last week, Trinity Thompson. Apparently that episode created somewhat of a bond between them, to the point where Rollins was coaching the younger student. A training dummy was on its knees in front of Thompson who was unleashing a flurry of kicks to the mannequin’s chest in the same fashion we saw her kicking the opponents in the past weeks, including the Gold Star Faith Savell on the last episode.
Shades of Rollins herself in that sequence of shoot kicks to the chest and a superkick right to the face, no doubts it was Trin’s tribute to her idol Tiffany. But unlike the original Death Kick, Thompson’s last superkick always seemed to lack the necessary force to knock the opponent down for the three count, and perhaps that was what the two girls were talking about.
Trinity Thompson:
UGH! What am I doing wrong?
She cried out, kicking away an empty bottle of water in frustration. Noticing this frustration, Tiffany, after watching such a flurry that echoed her old self, finally spoke up.
Tiff:
What are you talking about? That was awesome…
Her words seemed to take Trinity by surprise. Was she being too hard to herself? Or was Tiffany being too nice?
Trinity Thompson:
I don’t know… I think the kicks are okay-ish, I’ve worked a lot with Ti on those… But the superkick… It totally sucks, I can’t win any match with it! Did you see last week? I thought i had Faith there but she still kicked out…
Tiff:
Well...I mean…
As much as she took pride in giving advice, Tiff was never really comfortable giving it, especially without knowing how helpful it was.
Tiff:
...I don’t know about you, but when I used to do it, I used to put my whole body into it. I didn’t just superkick with my legs, I put everything into it. Maybe try it with a running start?
Trinity was literally hanging from Tiff’s lips, carefully listening to that simple advice.
Trinity Thompson:
Hmm, you mean like this?
She put those words into practice, warming her leg up with five hard kicks to the dummy’s chest. Rather than going for the superkick immediately, Thompson took a couple of steps back and then went for it, aiming at the head. The result wasn’t quite a Death Kick yet, but surely it looked more effective than her previous attempts. Still enough for Trinity, who looked back to Tiffany, proud and happy with that slight improvement.
Trinity Thompson:
How was it?
Of course Tiff was taken back by this. Even around someone as eager to learn from her as Trinity, she was still fairly cautious around physical contact. She saw the ferocity in what Trinity just did and, with the student expecting a response, Tiff gave a nervous smile and a thumbs up.
Tiff:
Much better…
She let out an unintentionally nervous laugh.
Tiff:
I think you got this…
Their moment was interrupted by loud laughter from across the gym. A slow clap echoed along with her steps as Faith Savell made her way over to the pair. She wore that same look of superiority on her face.
Faith:
Aww, the loser is helping the loser. FYI Trin you don’t “got this”. I’m the champion for a reason, I am the best there is in the academy and leaning on a has-been who cries in the bathroom isn’t going to help you beat me.
Faith casted a disgusted glance over Tiff before stepping closer to Trinity, getting in the young contender's face with a smug smirk.
Faith:
If I were you, I’d work on your cardio… because I’m going to run circles around you. After what you and this LOSER pulled with my bestie last week? I’m going to make this hurt.
Trinity rolled her eyes at the sight of the Gold Star.
Trinity Thompson:
Jeez, you and your “bestie”...
She said that last word with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
Trinity Thompson:
… surely have a thing for sneaking up on people! Why are you so obsessed with us anyway? Like, why do you even care who I train with anyway? More so since you’re so convinced that Tiff can’t help me, that should make it even more easy for you, right? Unless…
Feeling bold, Thompson took a step forward, going right in Faith’s face as Tiff simply looked on in silence.
Trinity Thompson:
Unless you’re not as confident as you pretend to be. What happened, Faith? Losing to me and Faizah last week made you realize that you’re not as much better than everyone as you thought you were? That the gap is closing and that Faizah can beat you? That I can beat you?
Faith laughed before she placed both hands on Trinity’s shoulders and shoved her back, catching the young woman by surprise and knocking her onto her ass. Faith stood over her with a huge grin.
Faith:
The only thing I’ve come to realise is that THIS is your place. Beneath me, you think some tag loss means anything to me? Not hardly.
When Trinity went to sit up, Faith used her foot to nudge her weight bearing arm from under Trinity so that she fell back again.
Faith:
And while you’re down there, consider this… Tiff is standing right there, WATCHING this happen. You have an issue with Olly and I? That’s pure jealousy in knowing we would do anything for each other and you? You can’t even make a friend that has your back.
Faith finally backed off while laughing at the both of them, turning as if to walk away. Trinity quickly glanced at Tiffany, expecting her to stand up for her the same way she did last week, when Olly came to mock the former Cloud Gate champion during their lunch time. But Rollins wasn’t moving, she wasn’t even looking at Faith leaving. Her eyes were casted on the floor, too scared to do anything.
At that point, Trinity stood up to her feet, clenching her fists visibly frustrated at this whole situation. She took a step toward Faith, seemingly wanting to make her pay for the humiliation suffered, but then she stopped, limiting herself to yell at the Gold Star.
Trinity Thompson:
We’ll see if you’ll still be laughing when I take that title from you on Friday, you stupid bitch!
But she was gone already, disappeared behind the gym’s door. Trin turned back to Tiffany, sharing her frustration with her friend.
Trinity Thompson:
God, I HATE HER!
Unfortunately she too was gone. Obviously upset over what just happened, Tiffany couldn’t face Trinity anymore. How could she, after uselessly standing there as her so-called friend got the same treatment as she did only two weeks ago. After realizing she wasn’t speaking to anyone, Trin sighed and sat down on the floor, staying there with the head in her hands.
Alone.
The Gym
January 21, 2021
8:57 PM
The thuds of gloved fists and padded legs smashing against a heavy bag echoed throughout the near empty gym and connecting hallways, as Tiana kept hammering away. Despite being dubbed Ms. No Days Off, she’d had a bit of an extended vacation as she recovered from a small shoulder tweak competing in the Submission Madness tournament.
Lincoln Gray:
Take it easy now, love, you’re due back tomorrow and at this rate you’re going to have the energy of a snail.
Her attention whipped to a door on the far side of the gym, where Linc was standing with his suit jacket thrown over his shoulder. The bag swung back from the last push kick and near knocked her over, prompting the smallest of laughs from her ‘agent’.
Tiana Petrova-Hammond:
You’re not supposed to be here, Linc. It’s late.
Lincoln Gray:
And you should be up in your room, preparing yourself for tomorrow. Yet here you are. Honestly, darling, they should just set up a bed in here for you because you live in here.
He took a few steps into the room, taking hold of a chair by the door and sat it in front of Tiana. He motioned for her to sit, and she did so, while he strolled around to once again be facing her.
Tiana Petrova-Hammond:
Yeah.. What are you even doing here? Trying to get me in trouble?
Lincoln Gray:
I had to drop some paperwork off to Luigi, regarding the independent doctor and your shoulder. Nothing to worry about, they agreed with the medical staff here that you’re a hundred percent. Or, well, close enough to it that you shouldn’t be reaggravating it anytime soon unless you’re working out twelve hours straight the day before a match.
Tiana Petrova-Hammond:
It’s what I do. I workout, I hit things, I fight. You already know this.
Lincoln Gray:
Yes, yes, that’s all fine and well when it’s just about you. But you’re part of a team now, more so this week because you are literally teaming with Cash. Against your best friend, no less, Dez!
She rolled her eyes in response, strongly resisting the urge to kick Lincoln and it probably showed on her face.
Lincoln Gray:
Listen, Ti, in all seriousness. Your career is my priority. If you wear yourself down until there’s nothing left, what are you going to do when it’s time to graduate from The Academy? Hit the main roster, having shown everything, with nothing left in the tank? I’m not saying don’t go all out in that ring, but there’s no competition in the gym, Ti. All the work you did in here didn’t get you past Faith when it counted.
Tiana sighed, the mention of losing the Gold Star stinging more and more every day. She rose up from her seat, fists clenched tightly.
Lincoln Gray:
Ms. No Days Off is a moniker that will wear thin as you wear down. Now, I know it’s so very sad, because you really want to hit me right now, but I really must be taking my leave. I’ve a FaceTime meeting with your father, since you’ve been too busy to call him lately.
Tiana Petrova-Hammond:
I’ll call him tomorrow…
She relaxed herself, throwing herself forward to wrap Linc in a hug.
Tiana Petrova-Hammond:
And I’ll head to my room after I grab a shower. Thanks for stopping by, Linc.
He gently patted her on the back before wriggling free of her grip. With a smile, he brushed by her and right out the door he entered from.
The Gym
January 22, 2021
5:26 PM
"A win is a win bro, yuh gotta move on."
The familiar voice on speaker is Dezmond's best friend Véon Ortiz. A shirtless and sweaty Dez Ali (wearing camouflage cargo joggers and black UA sneakers, finger tips covered black UA workout gloves) is seen in the empty gym placing a couple twenty fives on the bar.
Dez Ali:
I understand bro, but it's like an hard to out flame burning a hole in my soul. I hate myself bro, for allowing myself get into such position where I coukdnt control the outcome.
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
Who cares?!
Dez quickly answers back.
Dez Ali:
I care!!!! .....I care Véon.
Dez is now staring at himself in the large mirror in front of the bench.
Dez Ali:
Nobody is better than me in this Academy. I won and look at me, it's as if I loss. I'm not The MVP, like I was for weeks, dominating the spotlight, headlining episode after episode. It's like, who is Dez Ali?
He now takes a seat still staring at the reflection looking back at him.
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
You need to start from scratch.
Dez Ali:
Start from scratch? Are you crazy?!
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
Here me out bro. Like you said,it's like you're not The MVP anymore. You need to decide you are either The MVP and you're gonna prove it or you are Dez Ali, the, ......the whatever the fuck you want to be. Either direction, you start from scratch. Wipe the slate clean and climb, and you don't stop until you are at the top. You take down whoever is in your way. You pull them off that ladder and you keep climbing with your eyes locked on the prize.
Dez pauses for a moment as he lays down on the bench and begins pushing the bar up. He repeats this several times, testing his strength and limit before. After putting the bar down, he sits up breathing heavy.
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
That's a good set.
Dez Ali:
Yeah!
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
So what's next bro?
Dez Ali:
Successfully defending the Tag Titles with Millie whatever her name is.
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
Who's Millie whatever her name is?! You kidding right? Who's you're tag partner bro?
Dez Ali:
I told you Millie, .....ummm, I doesn't really know her last name.
Véon laughs hard.
Dez Ali:
What's so funny bro?
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
You not knowing who your tag partner is.
Dez Ali:
I know who Millie is. We're class mates. We're on the same team. And tonight we are defending the Tag Titles for Team Ali. It's just that I ain't good with last names. You know that.
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
Really bro?! You do know who you are talking to?
Dez finally lays back down and begins pushing again. This time he lift the bar five times, before putting it down and immediately sitting up, sweat running from his forehead down his face, dripping on his chiseled body.
Dez Ali:
You're my best friend. Of course I know who I am talking to.
As if he was waiting for Dez to say it, Véon immediately ask him a follow up question.
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
Okay, ......so where is this Millie from?
Dez Ali:
How the fuck should I know?
Ortiz burst out into laughter.
Dez Ali:
Bro the hell?!
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
That's the real Dez Ali I know.
Dez Ali suddenly goes quiet without responding to Véon.
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
You alright bro?!
Dez Ali:
Yo!!!! I got to go. Thanks for the chat and genius idea.
Véon Ortiz (on the phone):
What genius idea?!
Dez Ali:
The Real Dez Ali. I'll talk to you later about it.
Dez Ali grabs his brag and shirt, takes off his phone and the gym in a rush.
Team Title Match
Team Ali © (Dez Ali & Millie Smith) VS Team Strike (Tiana Petrova-Hammond & Cash Blye)
WINNER: Cash Blye and Tiana Petrova-Hammond (NEW CHAMPIONS: TEAM STRIKE) BY: Pinfall (Roll-Up), 12:28 |
Gold Star Match
Faith Savell © VS Trinity Thompson
WINNER: Faith Savell (STILL GOLD STAR) BY: Pinfall (Northern Lights Suplex), 18:42 |