Rebel Wyld after Assault...

[Quillz]

***The scene opens backstage, shortly after the close of PWA Assault. Rebel Wyld steps gingerly through the backstage curtain, a reddened towel pressed against his forehead. One of his eyes is beginning to swell shut. He lets out a deep breath as he turns the corner and leans his back up against the wall. Alyssa and Nikki Wyld run up to him from around the corner. Nikki has a huge smile on her face as she throws her arms around Rebel’s shoulders in an embrace. Rebel lets out a pained groan and slams back-first against the wall.”

NIKKI: “Uncle Rebel you did it! You actually beat that giant jerk 1, 2, 3 in the center of the ring!”

***Rebel smiles through wincing eyes.***

ALYSSA: “I knew you had it in you. How do you feel?”

***Nikki jumps off her uncle and he steadies himself with a hand against the wall.***

REBEL: “Never felt better. That monster is every bit as strong as people say he is. I feel like I’ve been run over by a car. But... dammit I feel alive. After six seasons in PWA, I have a shot at the company’s biggest title. It’s... validating.”

ALYSSA: “It looked like you were running on instinct for those last 10 min. How do you feel about pulling that same trick for two or three falls?”

NIKKI: “Rebel can do it! He’s got that Russian bear’s number!”

REBEL: “I *can* do it. I’ve never felt more sure of myself. I just need to heal up... rest and get my wind back. I’m not going to lose my best chance at cementing my legacy.”

ALYSSA: “You deserve it. For too long you’ve sacrificed your own ambitions for the family name. For the school. For us. You deserve to be recognized as the champion you are.”

***Rebel puts his hand on his sister’s shoulder and nods. Then he looks down the empty hallway and frowns.***

REBEL: “I don’t suppose Akira is anywhere around is he?”

***Alyssa frowns and shakes his head.***

ALYSSA: “He... he left before your match finished. He didn’t even say goodbye.”

***Rebel’s eyes flash with anger.***

REBEL: “Of course he did. I’ve had it up to here with his bullcrap attitude. I don’t know what the hell is going on with him, but I’m going to find out. Even if I have to beat it out of him.”

ALYSSA: “Now come on... you have a title match to worry about. Don’t let yourself get distracted by Akira. He’ll come around.”

REBEL: “You know what? This all started around the time he lost the Sokolov Challenge at Assault weeks ago. Is that what this is all about?”

ALYSSA: “Just talk to him. He’s probably gone back to the school.”

REBEL: “Oh he and I are going to have words... that much I guarantee.”

***Alyssa and Nikki help steady Rebel as he makes his way to the locker room as the scene fades to black.***