Akira Wyld encounters Nikki Wyld after Assault...

[Quillz]

***The scene opens backstage shortly after PWA Assault. Akira Wyld is walking with his Union Dues kendo stick slung over his shoulder. His head is down and he looks deep in thought. He turns a corner and nearly runs into his niece Nikki Wyld. He stops short and grips the strap of his scabbard instinctively, before relaxing and exhaling.***

AKIRA: “I didn’t see you there.”

***Akira looks over her shoulder and down the empty hall.***

AKIRA: “Where are your mom and uncle at?”

NIKKI: “Hah, don’t worry, they aren’t here. Mom’s with uncle Rebel in the trainer’s room. He got his bell rung by Johnny Ecks.”

AKIRA: “Huh... he going to be okay?”

NIKKI: “Ah don’t worry about it. He’s gonna be fine. And I’ll make sure not to tell him you were worried about him.”

***Akira scoffs and shakes his head.***

AKIRA: “Shut up Nikki. Listen, I’ve got business in the Union locker room. So if you’ll excuse me...”

NIKKI: “Oh I’m sure you’ve got serious Union business to get to. But hey... since I have you here, I just wanted to say... awesome work in the main event. You really kicked ass out there. I’ve never EVER seen that kind of teamwork. You and the Union are a well oiled machine.”

***Akira raises an eyebrow.***

AKIRA: “Huh... at least ONE member of this family appreciates talent when they see it.”

NIKKI: “Are you kidding? You’re awesome! I’ve been glued to the TV for the past three seasons watching you take down everyone and anyone in your way. Look at my hair! I’ve modeled everything about my persona on you.”

***Akira takes a step back and cocks his head.***

AKIRA: “You... have?”

NIKKI: “Damn right! I want to be just like you. You take what you want, when you want it. Mom doesn’t get you... but I do. You see that glass ceiling and you shatter it.”

AKIRA: “Well... huh. Well that’s good. Because I’ve always said that this was a dirty business. If you want to succeed in this cutthroat industry, you have to stand up for yourself. Always remember... from the beginning, you have a legacy to protect.”

***Nikki rolls her eyes and crosses her arms.***

NIKKI: “Oh don’t remind me. Mom AND Rebel are always talking about how I have to live up to the Wyld Family Legacy. Honestly I’m kind of sick of it.”

AKIRA: “That’s not what I mean Nikki. You have one legacy to build and protect... and that’s YOURS. You’re Nikki Wyld. And at the end of your career, you’re not Greco’s granddaughter. You’re not Akira’s niece. You’re NIKKI WYLD. And your legacy is whatever you make of it. So... advice from me... you be yourself. Don’t be your mother... don’t be ME. Be yourself, and to hell with anyone says otherwise.”

NIKKI: “See, THAT’S what I’m saying. You really know what’s up. I could learn a lot following your example.”

***Nikki eyes Akira’s kendo stick and nods. Akira sees her... and then shakes his head.***

AKIRA: “Hold up... before you try anything you see me do... remember this. It begins and ends with what you can get done in the ring on your own. I’ve made a lot of enemies around the world.... I’ve charted a path that I don’t regret for a minute... but it’s not an easy one. So... before you decide to blindside the biggest dogs in the yard here in PWA, make sure you can back it up. That means get it done... without cheating... without help. You do it on your own.”

NIKKI: “Ok... now you sound like Rebel.”

***Akira grimaces... then softens.***

AKIRA: “Well... he’s not wrong. When you’re ready, you can do it your way. But first... earn your stripes. Listen to Alyssa and Rebel... and even Damion Black. You don’t have enemies here Nikki. Use that. Get people on your side and BUILD that legacy. You have plenty of time to burn bridges later.”

***Nikki looks up at her uncle and smiles.***

NIKKI: “See, I knew you had good advice to teach me. You know... maybe you should take some of that advice yourself too.”

***Akira gives Nikki an irritated look and rolls his eyes.***

AKIRA: “Don’t you have someplace to be?”

NIKKI: “Hah... yeah probably. Later Uncle Akira.”

***Nikki shrugs her shoulders and continues down the hall. Akira watches her go... shrugs his shoulders, and continues toward the Union locker room. Fade to black.***