Priorities

[Ameronth]

***The scene opens in the parking garage of the PWA Arena. Rebel and Akira Wyld are standing near the G.W.S.W. team van, waiting for Alyssa. Rebel has his hands in his pockets as he scans the parking garage for their sister. Akira sighs and looks at his watch.***

AKIRA: "Where is she? We have dinner with Dad and Aldo at Valentino's in thrity minutes."

REBEL: "I texted her five minutes ago. Told her we were in a hurry."

***Just then, the elevator at the end of the garage opens and Alyssa Wyld steps out. She has her brown and silver hair pulled into a loose ponytail and her gym bag thrown over her shoulder. Rebel gives her an impatient wave. Alyssa salutes casually back and walks to her brothers.***

ALYSSA: "What are you guys doing down here?"

AKIRA: "What do you mean? We have dinner reservations in half an hour."

***Alyssa slaps her forehead.***

ALYSSA: "Right! Damn, I completely forgot."

REBEL: "I've been trying to reach you on your cell for the past twenty minutes."

ALYSSA: "Yeah, I must have left my phone somewhere. I've been looking for it all day."

AKIRA: "Well if we hurry we can still make it."

***Alyssa shakes her head.***

ALYSSA: "Sorry guys, I'm going to have to take a rain check on dinner. I've got an important meeting to get to."

REBEL: "A meeting? At 6:30?"

ALYSSA: "Yeah, sorry. I'll get ahold of Dad and let him know I'll see him later this week."

AKIRA: "Now wait a minute... what kind of meeting..."

***Just then, a loud engine roar can be heard near the entrance of the garage. An expensive black and red sports car pulls into the building and makes its way toward the Wylds. Akira and Rebel take a step back and exchange a look. The car stops near Alyssa and the tinted driver-side window lowers. Damion Black leans his head out of the window and lowers his sunglasses. He raises an eyebrow at Akira an Rebel.***

DAMION: “Gentlemen."

***He then turns to Alyssa and smiles.***

DAMION: "Ready, partner? My private booth at Angelo’s awaits us.”

***Akira puts his hands on his hips.***

AKIRA: "THIS is the important meeting you have to go to? Dinner with DAMION BLACK? At ANGELO'S?"

REBEL: "We already have reservations for tonight! At Valentino's! We've been on their waiting list for three weeks!"

DAMION: "Ah yes... Valentino's. Quaint little place. I went their last month. Didn't have to make reservations though. Just walked in and told them who I was. Must have been a slow night. Angelo's however... their wait list is six weeks out in the off season. Good thing my regular table is always ready for me."

AKIRA: "This is ridiculous. What kind of important meeting is this?"

ALYSSA: "Relax Akira. Black and I are still in the King of Deathmatch Tournament. We have important strategy to discuss before our next match."

DAMION: “Of course. And what's wrong with meeting to a backdrop of fine Italian dining? After all, it is important for a team to bond in order to become stronger and more efficient. We’ve a win to celebrate and strategy to discuss.”

***Akira leans in close to Damion and sneers. He speaks discreetly so Alyssa can't hear.***

AKIRA: "I don't trust you Black. You're up to something. If you think you can get at me by sweet talking my sister..."

***Damion narrows his eyes and smiles.***

DAMION: “Akira, you must truly have a very high opinion of me. You think me so charming and smooth that, after everything I’ve done, I can still seduce a woman as canny as Alyssa. You really think the world of me, don’t you? Either that, or you don't think much of your sister's judgement at all.”

***Alyssa puts her hand on Akira's shoulder and pulls him smoothly away from the car.***

ALYSSA: "Stand down boys."

AKIRA: "Alyssa, I really don't think you should..."

ALYSSA: "And I don't think this is about you Akira. Now, go to dinner and apologize to Dad and Aldo for me. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

***Akira takes a step back. He turns to Black and begins to advance on him, but Rebel catches his arm and shakes his head. Akira looks from his brother to his sister to Black and grits his teeth. Alyssa walks toward the car and opens the passenger-side door."

DAMION: "Oh before I forget, here's your cell phone. You left it at my penthouse last night."

***Black tosses Alyssa her phone as she gets in the car. Black starts to roll up his window. Halfway done, he stops and calls out to Akira.***

DAMION: “Oh, Akira? If you still plan on pursuing the Heavyweight title, better keep your insurance paid up and a room reserved at San Diego General. Sokolov is not as merciful as I am.”

***Black revs his engine and peels out of the garage. Rebel and Akira exchange an uneasy look.***