The Wyld Family prepares for Assault... and the upcoming challenges of Gehenna, Spencer Watts... and Johnny Ecks

[Quillz]

***The scene opens in the gymnasium of the Salem Oregon branch of the G.W.S.W. Several students and patrons can be seen moving between the various exercise machines strewn throughout the facility. The Wyld Family is in the room’s centrally located wrestling ring, finishing up a strenuous training session. Rebel Wyld is sitting on the ring apron with a towel over his neck while Alyssa Wyld and Damon Knight are in the ring practicing with their daughter Nikki. Damon is wearing an athletic knee brace over his running pants. Suddenly, the door to the gym opens and Akira Wyld walks into the facility, a gym bag over his shoulder. The Wylds stop and watch him enter. Rebel jumps down from the apron and approaches his younger brother. Rebel frowns and gives Akira a cool stare as he approaches.***

REBEL: “Akira. There something we can help you with?”

***Akira stops and sets his gym bag on the ground. He looks uncomfortably around the room and runs a hand through his hair.***

AKIRA: “What? I’m not welcome in my own gym anymore? Last I checked I still own a quarter of this place.”

***Rebel folds his arms across his chest and sighs through his teeth.***

REBEL: “The name above the door is Wyld. But that doesn’t mean you’ve put in the sweat equity to call this school home.”

***Akira’s brow furrows and he advances a step toward his brother and points a finger at him. Rebel doesn’t flinch and continues staring at him coldly. Akira sighs and puts his hand down. He relaxes and looks around the school again.***

AKIRA: “The truth is that Nick Spoils maintained all The Union’s gym memberships. In the time since we um... dissolved... I haven’t had the chance to set up a new... account anywhere.”

***Rebel cocks an eyebrow and continues to stare.***

AKIRA: “So... you know. I was in the area and...”

***Rebel rolls his eyes and begins to walk away.***

REBEL: “Whatever Akira... it’s like you said. You own the place so... enjoy.”

***Akira takes a step toward his brother and clears his throat.***

AKIRA: “So... I saw your match last week. You and Alyssa taking on Shooter and Lassiter. You didn’t beat The Samoan Storm’s time...”

***Rebel turns and shoots a dagger-like glare at Akira. Akira puts his hands up quickly in supplication.***

AKIRA: “BUT... but... you beat Shooter and Lassiter. Those two are damn good. You and Alyssa took them to school. Really amazing tag-team synergy.”

***Rebel glances back at his sister in the ring. She is standing with her arms draped over the ropes watching them with a cautious expression on her face. Nikki is behind her waving cheerfully in their direction and brandishing a sassy middle finger. Damon stands behind the two of them with a stern and angry look on his face. Rebel turns back to Akira.***

REBEL: “They were tough... beyond that really. Shooter and Lassiter are pros. The Shooter’s style is so close to our own. It was like fighting dad. They’re from the same generation.”

AKIRA: “They don’t make them like that anymore. You guys are going to be PWA Tag Champions before long.”

REBEL: “Hopefully... but in the meantime, we have other goals. I don’t know if you’ve been paying attention but Johnny Ecks has humiliated your twin sister this season.”

AKIRA: “I saw.”

REBEL: “And I notice you haven’t lifted a finger to help.”

AKIRA: “In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been a little busy. And furthermore, Alyssa is a fighter. She’s more than capable of taking the fight to Ecks on her own. Frankly it’s a little insulting that you’ve treated her like a kid who needs to be protected. You’re a big brother... but she’s no little sister.”

***Rebel shakes his head and laughs under his breath.***

REBEL: “The last thing I want right here and now is to have to tell you you’re right about anything. But... at any rate, the Supercard is coming up and I think Alyssa might have a final message to send to Johnny Ecks in a couple weeks. And it’s high time I got out of her way and let her deliver it. Meanwhile... I’ve got another challenge in front of me.”

AKIRA: “I saw that. At Assault you and Spencer Watts. I fought him earlier this season. It didn’t go well for me. That twerp has a rocket strapped to his back.”

REBEL: “And if I can knock him off his launch pad then I can stake my claim toward a World Title match.”

AKIRA: “You’re going to need to step up your game if you want to beat Watts. He’s an amazing technician. That kid’s got something special. He just might win that NWC Title if he’s given the chance.

REBEL: “You would have to talk him up wouldn’t you? That’s Akira logic 101. Praise the hell out of people who narrowly beat you, and then look good by being talked about in the same breath as them when they make it to the main event.”

AKIRA: “Yeah well... a rising tide raises all ships, right?”

***Rebel looks up at Akira and smiles a little.***

REBEL: “You realize this is the longest conversation you and I have had in at least five years.”

***Akira rolls his eyes.***

AKIRA: “Yeah don’t get used to it. I’m... just here for the equipment.”

REBEL: “Uh-huh.”

AKIRA: “Well... I’d better get to it.”

***Akira picks up his bag and turns toward the heavy weights.***

REBEL: “Hey...”

***Akira stops and turns.***

REBEL: “So... at Assault you and Gehenna... you sure you know what you’re walking into?”

AKIRA: “Oh yeah I’m sure. I’m going to finish what I started.”

REBEL: “Gehenna is no joke. You’re going to have to be at your best to take him on. And with Nakamura and Spoils backing him... it’s going to be dangerous for you in there.”

AKIRA: “Yeah well... nobody knows those snakes better than me. And... well it’s no exaggeration to say that I’ve got a responsibility to clean up this mess.”

REBEL: “You actually taking responsibility for your actions? That’s a new one.”

***Akira sighs and looks up at the G.W.S.W. logo on the wall.***

AKIRA: “Well... don’t get used to that either.”

REBEL: “Good luck Akira. I think maybe for the first time in a long time you’re fighting for something worth going to war over.”

***Akira doesn’t respond. He just walks off toward a wall of free weights. Rebel shrugs and heads toward the locker room. On his way, Damon Knight approaches him. Akira turns and looks warily at his former tag-team partner.***

KNIGHT: “I don’t know what your game is here Akira but I hope you’re planning on leaving your family out of it.”

***Akira frowns and flares up at Knight.***

AKIRA: “There’s no game Damon. I’m here to use the gym, nothing more.”

KNIGHT: “Uh huh... you’re going into Assault outnumbered and outgunned, and you just happen to swing by the gym to remind your estranged family about that?”

AKIRA: “What the hell are you implying? You think I’m here to beg for help?”

KNIGHT: “No, I think you’re too smart for that. But... putting in a little leg work to soften up your relationship with your siblings right before this big fight? It’s just like the Surgical Specialist to hedge his bets like that wouldn’t you say?”

***Akira sighs and looks down.***

AKIRA: “Yeah... I suppose most people would say that. But Damon... I’m telling the truth when I say that I know I’m in this on my own. I’m not expecting any help out there.”

KNIGHT: “Good... because you’re not going to get any. The Wyld Family is neck deep in a battle with aMx, and Nikki will be in the ring with them at Assault. You had better believe that Alyssa and Rebel are going to be focused on her that night, not you.”

AKIRA: “Yeah... that’s the way it should be.”

KNIGHT: “If you want to rebuild something with your family... with me even... you need to come see us when you don’t need something. Get clear of your mess with Spoils. Then, if you’re still interested, look us up.”

***Akira rolls his eyes and slaps Knight on the shoulder.***

AKIRA: “Good talk Damon. Right out of dad’s playbook. You fit right in here.”

***Akira walks off toward the locker room. Knight watches him go and shakes his head.***

KNIGHT: “At least one of us does.”