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Post by ~Steph~ on Jan 21, 2022 17:56:37 GMT
She struggles to open her eyes, lying motionless on the mat as the crowd roars her name around her, except that isn’t what it sounds like… It sounds more like fish chit-chatting under the ocean as a speedboat motor circles her head…
Voice - ”I’ve got to get up… I need to move…”
She blinks once, twice then a third time in rapid succession… The lights above her head almost blinding her, as the underwater conversation slowly fizzles into a ringing in the ears, as the noise of the crowd gains some clarity. She turns her head slowly and sees Denise DiMarco flat on her stomach, face down on the canvas…
Voice - ”Come on, get yourself up… Denise is down, but she isn’t the…”
Turning her head the other way slightly, she catches sight of her Evolution Title hanging a little to the left and above her head… Hearing a scraping sound she moves her head a little more in the same direction and spots Alessia Capello. She’s dragging the ladder toward the belt, planting it right underneath… She watches her climbing and as she’s halfway up; Steph begins to climb to her feet…
Steph - ”Oh no you don’t!”
Steph jumps up and elbows Alessia in the back of the head, sending both Capello’s sprawling a few rungs down. She grabs at the ladder, watching it away as the two Denise DiMarco’s roll around on the mat. Steph tries to make sense of what’s happening as she climbs the opposite side of the ladder… She watches as two Alessia Capello’s turn into just the one now, climbing on the opposite side. Reaching the top of the ladder, Steph outstretches her arm to grab the belt, her ears continuing to ring and the house lights blinding her…
Steph - ”C’mon… Just a little more… One, mo… Shit! Oof!”
Capello catches Steph straight in the face, exploding her nose and opening up her lip. Steph tries to regain ground but three elbows to the same area of the face almost sends Steph falling off the ladder. She can just about still hear the crowd but the throbbing explosion in her skull drowns it out… Suddenly Alessia grabs her head and goes to shove it into the ladder top, but Steph stops her with her hands.
Steph - ”Aw, no you don’t… Bitch!”
The crowd go absolutely nuts as a partially blinded, almost completely deafened, Stephanie LaCroix, begins whaling on Alessia Capello. Punch after punch and just won’t stop! Suddenly without even thinking, Steph grabs Alessia’s head and jumps up spinning and absolutely destroying Capello with the “Stephacide” from the top of the ladder!! Hitting the canvas she doubles over and rolls onto her knees as the crowd explodes through her eardrums!
Steph - ”Hooollllyyy shhhiiit I should NOT have done that! Christ… Oh God I’m hurting…”
She hurls herself towards the ladder, climbing again, quicker this time using the noise of the crowd to spur her on. She takes a deep breath and reaches up, but she’s stuck! Her arm gets yanked down and she realised she still has a strap attached to Alessia.
Steph - ”YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!”
She almost falls down the ladder again, grabbing Alessia and dragging her back to the ladder. She looks around, tasting the blood; but the victory more! The crowd going absolutely ballistic as Steph looks over at Denise DiMarco. She spits blood out toward her fallen competitor as she launches Alessia into the ladder, quite literally shunting her between rungs! She jumps up the ladder, standing on Capello’s back using her to springboard the rest of the way up, unhooking the belt and almost falling back down as she sits on the ladder, screaming at the top of her lungs, raising the belt high…
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… As we watch Steph sitting on top of the ladder, the screen pans back to find the match is being watched on a television. It suddenly freezes and the pause symbol appears in the centre of the screen… The basic white and blue painted walls and the aluminium blinds give the tell-tale sign of a Hospital room. As we scan the room, we see two blue chairs, one of them being sat on, by Casie Debonair, an IV drip stand, with saline hooked up and tubes going from the drip, to the arm of Stephanie LaCroix. Attached to the other arm, is a blood pressure cuff, which is connected to an observation machine, the other side of Steph’s bed. Casie places the remote control down after pausing the Nor’Easter show…
Casie - ”See that girl? That’s why everybody is so proud of you. I’ve not spoken to Tyler yet but I bet he’s so damn happy, has he called?”
Steph - ”Yeah, he called me pretty much as soon as the match was over. I told him I had to go though because we’d both planned to watch you, but then I collapsed and didn’t come to until just after the three count!”
Casie - ”Well that’s what a match that intense will do to you, eh? Seriously though, Steph… All those write ups when we first joined First Class, all that talk about you being the weakest link and whatever else those hacks could muster and here you are still holding your belt! Whilst I, lose mine in my first big defence…”
Steph - ”Oh c’mon Cas’, you gave it your all. Nova Skye is one of the best athletes I’ve seen out of First Class for a while. It’s no shame losing the match, that’s for sure.”
Casie - ”No, you’re right… It was more her behaviour and volatile nature after the match, I can’t believe she attacked me like she did and left me bloodied like that, thanks by the way…”
Steph - ”Hey, all I did was turn up… Half concussed too! Just goes to show what kind of “Champion” that chick is going to turn out to be…”
Casie - ”And you? What’s next for you, chica?”
Steph - ”Well, once I’m out of here, it’s fly back to Manchester, hook up with Tyler… And work out the best way to approach Ada Pierce.”
Casie places the television control on Steph’s bedside as she stands and hobbles gingerly over to the window of the fourth floor of the NY-Presbyterian Hospital. Steph eases herself back, grabbing the jug of water and a glass, from her table. She pours herself a glass and swigs it down before placing the jug and glass back on the table.
Casie - ”That’s right, another defence for you in a months time eh? I bet Mercedes is absolutely frothing at the mouth, Ada set her right, once again eh?”
Steph - ”I’ll be honest, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Ada Pierce has probably been one of my toughest competitors since I won the belt. The other two, I took care of at Nor’Easter… But Mercedes clearly hasn’t learned her lesson yet…”
Casie - ”That she hasn’t, I’ve seen her lurking, I’ve seen her skulking but after the other night, I’m wondering if she’ll show her face in First Class again…”
Steph - ”Cas’ this is Mercy we’re talking about.”
Casie - ”Eh, you’re right… She hasn’t been learning her lesson since she left school, maybe even while she was in school.”
Steph - ”Well IF she’s still around when I get back to England and IIW, I’ll make sure she understands what family is supposed to be about.”
Casie turns to Steph and smiles, she switches out of the Nor’Easter replay to see something else on the IIW/First Class search bar, it’s an announcement by Solace Tatum regarding an “Ice Crown Tournament” taking place in a fortnights time…
Steph - ”Well, would you look at that? Seems interesting.”
Casie - ”Count me out, I’ve got to rebuild slowly after losing that belt… I was the top of that roster for a while and now it’s gone I need to take a moment.”
Steph - ”I’ll wait it out, I’d like to see who enters yet, it’s open to outside competition so I’m not sure I wanna take that risk opening myself up just yet but it’ll be exciting! Hey, you ok??”
Casie - ”Huh? Oh, yeah… I just erm, I wanted to tell you when I got here. The promotion managed to book me back out to Manchester this evening, I’m sorry sweetie!”
Steph - ”Oh God, no! Don’t be silly, Casie! Just do me a favour and let Tyler know I’m really okay will you? I know he’ll be thinking I’m just saying I am so he doesn’t worry…”
Casie - ”Of course I will. I’d better go as I still have stuff at the hotel. I’ll text you before I fly and let you know when I touchdown ok?”
Casie and Steph share a cheek kiss and hug before the Debonair girl exits the hospital room, leaving Steph to go back to Nor’Easter on Netflix as we fade out…
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…When the next scene opens up we find ourselves back in dreary Manchester, England three weeks later. Steph is sat outside a Starbucks in the Manchester Arndale. She’s wearing a pair of skinny jeans, white sneakers and a black wooly turtleneck sweater, with a black long wool coat, large caramel latte in hand. As she watches all the people going around in their Christmas and New Year getup, she spots Casie taking a seat beside her, with her own Starbucks beverage.
Casie - ”Hey girl! How you doing??”
Steph - ”Eh, I’m okay… What’s going on?”
Casie - ”Well believe it or not, a lot has happened since you got back but honey I’m so sorry you’ve not been cleared to wrestle yet, I know you were really looking forward to have taken part in that Ice Crown Tournament…”
Steph - ”Oh I’m over it, Cas’ don’t worry… I’ve been paying attention to it though! Isn’t Ada smashing it up out there??”
Casie - ”Oh damn straight she is! The way she dispatched that Wilhelm Screem with the heel kick?! Man!”
Steph - ”That was savage! But coming up on night two, she’s got her hands full with the likes of Shawn Wylde and if she can get past him, Kelsey Frost… Before reaching the finals that is…”
Steph’s words trail off as she looks down at her phone which has made a pinging sound to alert her of a new message.
Casie - ”Speaking of night two, you may wanna look at that.”
Steph - ”What’s… Wait, are we going??”
Casie - ”Well I felt so bad that you weren’t able to participate and Tyler was telling me you were really enjoying watching it so I figured that, ah shit. Have I read the room wrong?!”
Steph stares at the notification on her phone, which shows a private invitation to her, (because of course she’s an IIW athlete therefore doesn’t have to purchase tickets) and a smile creeps across her lips…
Steph - ”Oh, no…. Not at all! I’ve been debating whether or not to go, after watching the first night and why shouldn’t I go support the IIW and First Class rosters, just because I can’t compete? Even with what some people have been saying…”
Casie - ”What do you mean, what some people have been saying??”
Steph - ”It’s nothing, just listened to some Podcast the other night that basically asked if Alessia Capello and Denise DiMarco can get themselves up and ready for the Ice Crown Tournament, why can’t the Evolution Champion? Said I was “crying off”…”
Casie - ”What?! Oh hell no! Do they forget you put it all on the line week in and week out, to defend that belt?! And besides it’s not like you weren’t itching to get in that ring! They wouldn’t clear you to compete!”
Steph - ”Hey, I know that and you know that… But let em talk! Okay listen, I think we need to grab some winter wear because that tournament is Ice Cold!”
Casie smirks and the two of them do a little finger dance and body shake girls do when they feel like they’ve just come up with some ingenious plan. They jump up and head towards the parade of stores as the scene fades out….
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…It’s the night of January ninth and both Casie and Steph are backstage at the Ice Crown Tournament. Both are quite dressed down, in thick knitted wide legged trousers, fluffy jumpers and puffer Parka jackets. Casie has just stepped away from a kiosk with two cups and small plastic bags. She hands a cup to Steph and shows the two bags are filled with marshmallows.
Casie - ”Hot chocolate and marshmallows before the next match! We can take them back to our seats c’mon!”
Steph - ”Ah wow, that looks delicious, thanks! How well did Ada do against Kelsey just now?! And Whyte earlier, I mean…”
Suddenly, Steph is cut off by a grating voice… A voice that she recognised a mile off and the owner of that voice seemed to recognise both her and Casie, even with their hoods up among the fans. Sally Bird, First Class’ insane interviewer.
Sally - ”Oh my God! Get that camera rolling! It on? Okay good! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! Ladies and gentlemen of First Class fandom! I, Sally Bird, the eye on everything have just spotted our VERY OWN EVO CHAMP! Stephanie LaCroix in attendance here at the Ice Crown Tournament! Hi Steph how are you?! And how did Christmas and the New Year treat you??”
Steph - ”Hey, Sally… I’m good thank you, Christmas and New Year were fun, even in a new country! I was actually hoping to enjoy the tournament without all the pomp and pageantry but now you’re here! What can I do you for, sister?”
Sally - ”Well firstly, I just want to say I’m really sorry that you’ve not been cleared to wrestle yet… It must have been a pain that you couldn’t capitalise on what was an AMAZING victory for you at Nor’Easter against two great talents, here at the Ice Crown Tournament… But what’s your take so far?”
Steph - ”Well thank you, Sally, I appreciate the kind words… I wasn’t able to make night one but I did catch it on TV that’s for sure! But I’m here tonight as a fan and there’s only one thing I’m taking away from tonight so far! And that’s that the female of the species ARE more deadlier than the male! Rudyard Kipling by the way…”
Sally - ”Well, as somewhat of a female myself, I can definitely say you’re one hundred percent accurate in your assessment there, Steph! And the fact that Ada Pierce has reached the final and before that we saw another First Class roster member, Alessia Capello do the same, is every bit a testament to that! Now, one thing that I feel has caught everybody’s attention here, if not just mine, is that both these women have been in previous times opponents of yours for your Evolution Title… What’s your take on this final event about to take place here??”
Casie looks around, as numerous fans have spotted the interview taking place and are loitering in the vicinity. She pours her marshmallows into her hot chocolate as Steph does the same and they both sip from their cups as Steph is in clear thought mode…
Steph - ”I’m not quite sure what it is, you’re looking for me to say here, Sally? I’ve faced off against both Alessia Capello and Ada Pierce as you pointed out and I’ve said in the past which I’ll say again; they’ve been two of the most fierce battles I’ve had since winning the Evo belt! The only thing I’ve not taken kindly to, mind you, is the excuses made by Capello.”
Sally - ”What do you mean, Steph??”
Steph - ”Before the tournament, I heard Alessia talking about how the only reason she lost in the match against me and Denise DiMarco at Nor’Easter, was because she focused too much on Denise…. Now whether or not she paid more attention to Denise than the Champion, is her own doing and her own fault… But to use it as an excuse for losing out? That’s pretty poor in my eyes, Sal! I mean DiMarco didn’t make any excuses and she got battered from pillar to post!”
Sally - ”I make you right, Steph and also just to add we’ve noticed a turnaround in thoughts and actions from the likes of the new First Class GM, Solace Tatum and of course your next opponent, Ada Pierce, where you are concerned…”
Steph - ”Well I always knew it was going to be a long road, Sally, I knew that it was going to take a lot from myself and Casie to show the world that we aren’t the people they assumed us to be, lumping us in the same category as Mercedes and that’s evidently starting to show through now! But my focus is fully on defending the First Class Evolution Title and keeping my nose clean for the most part.”
Sally - ”Well, thank you so much for granting me this interview Steph! I can just about hear them gearing up at ringside for the upcoming spectacular final! So I’ll let you guys get back to your seat!”
Steph smiles politely at Sally and the camera before turning to leave, but noticing Casie staring off at something in the distance whilst sipping her hot chocolate.
Steph - ”Well, that was unexpected! Hey, you okay??”
Casie - ”Huh? Oh, yeah sorry… I just thought I saw something… C’mon I wanna get back.”
Casie walks off, leaving Steph to shrug before chucking her empty cup into the trash, as the scene once again, dissolves…
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…The lights are glaring above the ring as Alessia Capello and Ada Pierce are going toe to toe in the final of the Ice Crown Tournament. Ada flips out of a German Suplex attempt by Alessia which causes both girls to cheer out loud for Pierce. Suddenly Casie nudges Steph and as she looks in the direction Casie has pointed, she sees it… Sees her, Mercedes creeping up towards the barrier, attempting to strike. Somehow the tournament cameras failed to pick up what followed at ringside…
Both Casie and Steph bolt towards the area of the crowd where Mercedes is and Steph spears her into a chair! Mercy jumps straight back up and the two fight through the crowd to the back of the arena once again… Out the back Mercedes squares up and hisses at Steph and Casie… Steph balks and raises an eyebrow looking at Casie.
Steph - ”Erm, did she just hiss at us?”
Casie - ”I think she did…”
Steph - ”Mercedes, it’s been some time since we saw you last. Are you… Ok?”
MJ - ”Oh you think you’re so clever eh? So much better than me, because I refused to be blinded by the disinformation that was pressed upon us and you two feeble minded…”
Casie - ”Mercy, sweetie… You’re my niece and I do love you… But God help me I WILL beat you into oblivion if you don’t fix up soon enough.”
Mercedes narrows her eyes and scowls at the two of them…
MJ - ”You’ll both feel the full wrath when it comes, because it is coming and soon enough all will be revealed! You’re both so weak!”
Mercedes throws something on the floor and it explodes, sending smoke everywhere which causes Casie and Steph to cough and splutter. When it’s clear, she is gone.
Steph - ”Did, she just hit us with cheap parlour tricks?!”
Casie - ”I think she may have! Oh, wait listen?! She did it, Steph!”
Steph and Casie stand there as the crowd in the arena roar, while Ada Pierce’s name is being announced as the winner of the Ice Crown Tournament. They both nod and smile, happy for Ada as they begin to make their way to the car park exit of the arena as the scene once against envelopes into darkness.
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…The sky is clear as the moon shines down on the roof, of The Courthouse. Stephanie LaCroix is walking around just checking the skyline as she does. She’s dressed in a pair of black skinny jeans, a hooded “La Revolución” sweater and black sneakers. Her hair is tied back in a ponytail which she flicks as she walks, seemingly in thought.
Steph - ”Wow, I think it’s fair to say that a lot has gone on since before Christmas, probably from my last defence of the First Class Evolution Title, at Nor’Easter. Alessia Capello has grown in confidence and brutality, Denise DiMarco is losing followers left right and center and of course my opposition for my next defence, the magnificent Ada Pierce, has just been crowned The Ice Queen of IIW and First Class! Yours truly was on hand to witness her destroying Alessia Capello… Okay so she didn’t quite destroy Capello that match was insane and both girls gave it their all, but I think it’s safe to say that Ada had all the tools at her disposal and she wasn’t afraid to use them! Now, I’ll be honest I did miss out on the last bit of the match, because I’d got a little distracted, when a certain someone tried to interfere and cost Ada!
That’s right, neither Casie or I were going to allow Mercedes to drop herself straight back into the spotlight by causing Ada Pierce to lose the final of The Ice Crown Tournament, not on my watch! And if Ada does find out what happened, I don’t want a thank you… It is what it is. As a fan I wanted you to to win that tournament but as an athlete and a very fighting champion I didn’t want you going into our match worse off than you could have been, had Mercy got hold of you during or post-match! But that’s been and gone now and what we’re left with is yet another match where Stephanie LaCroix and Ada Pierce suit up and give the crowd everything they’ve got, because their bloodlust is unmatched!”
Steph traces her hand along the brickwork of the roof edge and stares out into the pale moonlight. She smiles as if revisiting a memory as she sits in the edge, feet still roof-side and continues to address us all…
Steph - ”You know there would have been a time where that full moon would have been the perfect time for an embodiment spell, or some kind of incantation but I’ll be brutally honest with you… As much as I was legitimately practicing Wicca, it just wasn’t something I could get to grips with; it wasn’t for me… Ironic being as my surname is LaCroix; if you know you know… But I digress. As soon as I began to realise just what Mercedes was standing for and once I became the inaugural Evolution Champion, my own true evolution began. My true self came out and I began to shed that “persona” that was effectively created for me, when I stepped into the organisation! And this is how it’ll be from now on…
Ada, when you and I first met… When we first came eye to eye it was on difficult grounds and I was not the same person I am now, I’m sure you’re aware of this but I don’t think you’re too bothered are you? You made a promise back then that you had a goal and that goal was to “break” every one of us… Mercedes I really don’t care about but I’d like to think you’ve given me a chance to redeem myself but honestly, if you haven’t then I wouldn’t blame you. Ada you’ve been hell bent for the last what is it now? Three months? On taking the First Class Evolution Title from me and I’ve been just as hell bent on making sure that it stays around my waist… So far I’ve been successful and I’ve defended this beauty from all-comers, but I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. There would be absolutely no shame in losing the Evolution Championship to you… Because like myself you are the next step up in the evolutionary chain of First Class and IIW as a whole!”
Steph runs her hand over her shoulders, finding her hood and throwing it up over her head, letting one leg dangle over the edge of The Courthouse now.
Steph - ”You haven’t quite got the Evolution Title yet, Ada, but I’d argue that you’ve almost done just as well winning the Ice Crown Tournament and you can be damn sure that everybody knows your name now just as you wanted them to! It makes me even more sure that when we clash at First Class: Purge, this coming weekend, it’s going to be one of the best matches First Class has had, since it’s grand opening! You were livid, fuming even, when you heard me talking about how Casie and I were two of the athletes who’ve given their all for First Class, in fact Ada I’m sure you called it “bullshit” if I’m not mistaken? I do wonder if you’ve done some rethinking and come to the realisation since that time that I was actually being truthful and meant every word I said back then? I was one of the first three to sign my contract when the doors to First Class opened and have been busting my ass since as is evidenced by the fact I’m still holding the belt, but what is done can be undone and I’m in no delusional state of denial about that.
Going back to what I said before regarding my actions when you and I first set sights on each other, Ada… I truly hope it can be forgiven but I know just as well, it can’t be forgotten and I’m sure somewhere deep down, despite you perhaps understanding which side of the divide I fight on, you cannot wait until we lock up again because there’ll be part of you that truly wishes to hurt me and… I’m okay with that. I’m okay with it because it’s no less than I deserve, I’ve been trying to play my way out of this since I first came to the understanding of the consequences my actions have but proving yourself isn’t the same as taking pennants, is it Ada? You wrongly assumed I’d washed my hands of the whole Coven saga but I most certainly had not and I wished people would have called me out and hung me out to dry for it but you know something? Nobody did and so it was left to myself, to reprimand myself but again it can never truly work that way! So perhaps you can at least give me a small taste of sweet revenge and comeuppance when we meet on First Class: Purge.”
Steph pushes herself back and rolls onto the roof, hopping up and dusting herself down. She grins broadly as she picks something up from the floor beside her, throwing it over her shoulder we see that it’s the First Class Evolution Title.
Steph - ”Before we met previously, Ada, you said something that had caught my attention. I’m not sure if it was genuine hype or if you were simply trying to mock, but it’s water under the bridge now… But what you’d said was that you were going to be a lesson in humility for me, you were going to be the one to help me, help me go out as a dignified Champion and that I’d come crawling back to the top if I’m the woman I say I am… Well it rung true alright didn’t it, Ada? Except in reverse! Because it was me who taught you a lesson and you most certainly crawled your way back to the top, in fact I’d more say you glided, eh? There was no crawling from you and now you’re walking into our match at Purge with a title bestowed upon you, it may not be The Evo Championship and you won’t be leaning with that either, but you’ll be walking in being declared The Ice Queen and you know, all context aside Ada… The monicker actually really suits you. At the same time you said I’d done nothing to prove myself a different person, a better person and I would love to think that as we stand on the other side of the ring from each other Sunday night you also see that… However a few things about me have definitely not changed, Ada and that’s my tenacity in the ring, my ferocity, my heart and desire to continue being your Evolution Champion!
I believe you truly know I’ve changed as a person, Ada, but you’re also of the knowledge and belief that I’ve not changed as an athlete. You know that this match will be as big for you as the last time, it’ll be as important for you as any other time you’ve stepped in the ring; especially against me… But I’ve also seen you having self doubts recently, Ada and I hope those don’t creep into the match against me because I will not allow that to happen… And if that means I’ve got to Stephide and Conquer to get you to buck your ideas up and comprehend you’re more than a capable and deserving opponent for my First Class Evolution Championship, then I will do! If I have to re-introduce you to Sunny Daze then that’ll have to be what happens… Because I won’t be stepping into the ring with somebody who doubts their own abilities! When I beat you to retain the Evo Title, Ada, I want to do it knowing you gave your all… I want to do it knowing you were confident enough in yourself that you didn’t pull your punches, that you didn’t soften the blows you sent my way! Because when the three-count comes and you’re looking up at me I want you to BELIEVE and have faith that perhaps on another day you’d have won…”
Steph grins and readjusts the Evolution Title on her shoulder before turning to head towards the rooftop door, as the scene fades to black.
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Post by Ada Pierce on Jan 21, 2022 23:56:12 GMT
Part 1: Aftermath Ice Crown Tournament: Night Two - January 9th, 2022
The Ice Crown Tournament has finally concluded. In the First Class-led-finals, we saw Ada Pierce take on Alessia Capello. After a hellacious battle that no doubt changed both women after all was said and mostly done, it was the Karateka that found it within herself to weather the storm and realize her destiny, personally crowned by Solace Tatum as the Ice Queen of IIW. Stumbling down the halls in the backstage area, Ada Pierce, Ice Crown in hand, is taken aback when she spots her Sensei, Sam Burke, waiting for her with tears in his eyes. Without saying a word, the teacher and student run at each other before tightly embracing as they deeply hug one another. Placing his hand on the back of Ada’s head, the Sensei is overcome with emotion as he whispers into his student’s ear. “You did it… you did it, kid… God, I’m so friggin’ proud of you…”
Giving her Sensei a squeeze, Ada pulls away before holding up the Ice Crown, showing it off in all its glory as tears of joy roll down her cheeks. “Look at it… I can’t believe this…”
Sam places his hand on Ada’s shoulder, widely smiling, having known that the woman he’s grown to view as his own daughter had what it took to achieve greatness all along. Suddenly, a sly grin forms on Ada’s face as she locks eyes with Sam, and before he can do anything about it, she places the crown on his head before kneeling. “Hey, what’re you–!”
Pierce presses her fist against her chest, bowing her head. “Couldn’t have done it without you, my liege.”
“Oh, stop that.”
Sharing a laugh, Sam pulls Ada back up to her feet before pulling out his phone. “Vickie’s been blowing this thing up since the second the match ended. Been ghosting her though. Figured we should call her together.”
Ada excitedly nods, prompting Sam to call his daughter. Not two rings in, Vickie answers the Facetime call. “I lived, bitch.” the Karateka blurts out the second Vickie’s face appears on the screen, sending her best friend into a laughing fit as Sam bites his tongue to keep his cool. “Jesus Christ, you fucking did it!!! You did it, Dad!!!”
“Yeah I did– what?”
“Look at him with the crown on his head! All hail Ice King Dad!”
Sam angrily rips the crown off his head before planting it on Ada’s, annoyed by the girls wasting no time before harassing him. “Goddammit. Here, hold it.” responds Sam, handing the phone over to Ada. “God, you look like shit.”
“Good. I should look like shit after all the bullshit I just dealt with.”
Vickie angrily slams her fist down on a nearby table, sending a static hiss through the phone before addressing the shenanigans Ada had to deal with. “What the hell was that all about?! First you got Robin Vengeance interjecting every two seconds, then goddamn Mercedes pops up out of nowhere?! How in the hell did you even kick out at the end?!”
Ada takes a moment, catching her breath as she remembers the feeling of anger within her after Mercedes’ attack nearly left her unconscious and on a silver platter for Alessia Capello. But hearing all those fans in the arena chanting her name, cheering her on… all of it unleashed something out of the Karateka. It helped her tap into strength she never knew she had. “It was all them fans, Vicks. It was the fact that I knew you were watching. It was for Kelsey Frost. I knew I couldn’t let it all go to waste. Not like that.”
“Well, I’m proud of you, A. For the first time since all that Coven business… I felt like you were finally just… you out there. Like your mind was clear.”
Ada chuckles as Vickie takes the words right out of her own mouth. “Couldn’t have said it any better, Vicks. For once, it felt like everything was going well leading up to this night. And I can’t thank you and your buddy enough for all the help with getting that promo video up before the tournament. It really helped me get everything off my chest and make sure everyone knew what I’m about.”
Vickie widens her eyes before loudly exhaling, laughing as she’s about to drop a bombshell on her best friend. “Yeah… about that whole thing…”
“What?”
“...my team and I have been getting e-mails and calls from literally everyone. That video is at 300k views and it ain’t stopping.”
Ada covers her mouth with her free hand, shocked by the news of their success. “You’re a regular Denise DiMarco now, girl. Got your brand and everything, Ice Queen.”
Ada laughs, her face reddening as Vickie teases her. “Get this, though. And you can’t back out because I’ve already booked it for you.”
“Booked it for me? You my manager now?”
“A, I’ve BEEN your manager! But check it out… you are gonna be doing DJ Bear’s radio show on the 16th!”
Ada’s eyes widen, her anxiety flaring as Vickie stares through the camera with a shit-eating grin on her face. “So you better get that ass ready for next week. And bring your crown!”
“Vicks, I don’t know what to say… I still can’t believe I actually won this bloody tournament…”
The Sensei’s daughter shakes her head, refusing to take no for an answer. “In case you forgot, you’ve got a shot at the Evolution title this month when First Class comes back. This is your chance, A. I know you’re gonna go crazy heading into this match, but I won’t let you. You won the Ice Crown Tournament. You can do this. This is your chance to know what it’ll be like after you win the title. You’re gonna be doing this media stuff whether you like it or not. And what better way to send a message to LaCroix than to broadcast your thoughts on the biggest local radio show?”
Pierce takes a moment to think about Vickie’s very convincing argument, nodding as she trails off. Before long, however, she agrees to it. “Screw it, you’re right. I’ll do it.”
“YES!”
“But hold the phone, damnit. That’s next week. Right now, I’m dying. I need to rest up and just… process what I went through tonight.”
“You earned it, Ada. Take care, sweetheart.”
Ada blows Vickie a kiss before the call ends. Turning around to hand the phone back to Sam, Ada is alarmed when she cannot find him anywhere nearby. Confused, she questions a nearby backstage crew member. “Hey, did you see where the guy with me went?”
“Yeah, he asked me where the restroom was when you were on the phone and bolted. He didn’t look too well.”
“Uh… thanks.”
Ada removes the crown off her head before making her way to the restroom, and right on cue, the Sensei walks out of the men’s room, smiling at Ada. “Hey, how’d the call go?”
“It was good… Vickie let me know that I’m gonna be doing a radio show on the… 16th, I think. Are you okay? Guy over there said you didn’t look well.”
“Pfft, I’m fine!” quickly retorts the Sensei, his smile awkwardly growing as Ada squints at him, clearly worried. “I had to go before your match but I couldn't miss it, so I just had to hold it in. Figured I’d let you talk privately to Vickie while I, err, handled my business.”
Sam wipes his hands over his coat, quickly moving along with the conversation in hopes of not letting Ada question him any further. “I’ll go wait for you in the car, alright? Take your time changing and all that. I’ll be in the parking lot.”
The Sensei pats Ada on the shoulder before bolting, leaving her with more questions than answers. It’s only when he’s completely out of sight that Ada realizes he didn’t even ask for his phone back, confirming that something’s on his mind. Regardless, Pierce just wants this night to be over as she heads to the locker room to change into her street clothes and leave the arena. The next few weeks are gonna be busy.
Interlude: Light Ada’s Apartment - January 16th, 2022
Ada stands in the middle of a wrestling ring as darkness surrounds her and the entire arena. Suddenly, one by one, giant monitors, spread out across the arena where the fans usually sit, turn on, illuminating the ringside area. The Karateka is filled with dread, remembering this place and scene all too well. Months ago, after nearly training herself into a coma as she collapsed in the dojo, Ada experienced a nightmare exactly like this one. But why? Why is this happening again? Ada’s questions go unanswered when a figure slowly steps out of the darkness and into the center of the ring, and just like last time, the giant monitors begin to go out, one by one, covering the ring in darkness. Suddenly, a single spotlight hits the center of the ring, revealing Stephanie LaCroix with the Evolution championship around her waist. Ada tries to move… but can’t. Just like last time, she’s frozen. Confusion truly sets in for the Karateka, taken aback by the fact that she’s back in the same nightmare she was in before her very first bout against LaCroix. Back then, Ada had been dealing with a losing battle against her inner demons, demons that manifested into this nightmare that forced her out of the darkness. But why is it happening again? Fortunately, before long… quiet chants slowly grow louder and louder. “Ada! Ada! Ada! Ada!”
As the fans’ chant grows louder and louder, the darkness fades, replaced by the fans that willed Ada to keep on fighting in the Ice Crown Tournament. The hellish darkness is instantly replaced by normalcy as Ada finds herself in the ring, facing the Evolution champion. Unlike last time, Ada isn’t filled with anger and hatred. Her mind isn’t racing to formulate a plan to brutalize the woman standing before her. Instead, Ada simply smiles at Steph… before taking a step forward, no longer frozen in the fear that had its hooks in the Karateka back in November. This time, Ada knows that the woman standing before her is a bonafide warrior. A champion that’s willing to prove that she’s no longer the puppet Mercedes had toyed with for months. Knowing this, and with the fans on her side, Ada simply bows to Steph… only for the champion to bow back to her. Ada opens her eyes. It was a dream. Not a nightmare. Just a normal dream. For the first time in months, Ada wakes up to… nothing. Her head is clear. The negative voices are gone. All Ada is filled with is the strength to take on whatever the day has in store for her. And in exactly one week, she’ll be in the ring with the woman she just saw in her dream… and she’ll be ready to give her and the fans everything she’s got to give.
Part 2: Airwaves The Studio - Seven Hours Later
“There she is! Get in here!”
Ada enters the studio where DJ Bear’s radio show is currently live and on the airwaves. In her hand is the Ice Crown in all its glory. Taking her seat across from DJ Bear, Ada places the crown on the table before putting on her headset. “Ladies & Gents, we got the Ice Queen herself, IIW's Ada Pierce in the studio! How’ve you been, Ada?”
“Good, thank you! How ‘bout yourself, Bear?”
“I’m doing fantastic. It’s great to have you on the show.”
“Great to be here.”
Ada adjusts the microphone, bringing it a little closer to her mouth. This environment is… overwhelming. Exciting, but overwhelming. The last time she had done a radio show like this was with Vickie Burke, someone she’s more than comfortable with, but this mainstream show has her a little on edge. “Now tell us, Ada… what was it like wrestling in the freezing cold for IIW’s Ice Crown Tournament?”
“Tell you the truth? I barely even felt it. As you know, in the first night, I had to deal with someone who was threatening to murder me.” responds Ada, smiling at the host and the producer. “Mmm, Wilhelm. Weird chap, he was.”
“He was the real deal. Night Two was no different. Shawn Wylde, Kelsey Frost… Alessia Capello. All of them pushed me to the limit.”
“And yet you’re sitting here with that crown as the Ice Queen of not just First Class, but IIW as a whole. How does that feel?”
Ada licks her lip, taking a moment to formulate a proper response to such a loaded question. After all, it was her desire to test herself against not just First Class talent, but Mayhem’s locker room that made her sign up for the tournament in the first place. “Overwhelming, honestly. It’s part of why I’m, to be honest, doing this show at all.”
“Aww, not a fan of us are ya?”
“Quite the opposite. I know you’d gotten in touch with my best friend Vickie, yeah?”
“That’s right.”
DJ Bear nods as the producer does the same as Ada continues. “I’m a big fan of your work, listen to it every day. But I’m sure, as everyone knows, I’m not, uh… a media person, let’s say?” continues Ada, chuckling.
“But… dunno, I tend to be a little private, you know what I mean? But now that I’ve gone ahead and won the bloody tournament, I do feel a responsibility to represent the wonderful locker room I’m honoured to be a member of.” “I can respect that. But I guess that means we won’t be getting any interesting tidbits regarding your upcoming shot at the Evolution championship, eh?”
“About that… you will, actually. I did come here with some words for Stephanie LaCroix.”
“Ooh, here we go.”
“Don’t worry… it’s nothing that’s out there.”
“That’s surprising. I mean, if I’m not mistaken, the last time you faced her for her title, the match ended in a disqualification, didn’t it?”
Ada bites her tongue, holding back from unleashing a rant on Mercedes-Jane Debonair who not only ruined that match, but also tried to ruin Ada’s chances at becoming the Ice Queen during the tournament. “It did…”
“Surely Steph must’ve had something to do with it, right? You said it yourself in November. You didn’t buy Steph’s act. You don’t just go from evil to heroine overnight. And to have Mercedes, a woman she was a follower of, attack you in front of the referee when you, arguably, had the match won? Suspicious, innit?”
Despite the valid suspicions by the radio host, Ada finds herself growing frustrated by his accusatory tone and his obvious attempt at drumming up some controversy. “Look, Bear.. I get how it seems. Really, I do. I know it’s been a while since that match and a lot’s happened since then, but… I can, without a shadow of a doubt, say that Steph had nothing to do with Mercedes’ attack.”
“What makes you so confident that she's innocent?”
“Well, Steph defended the title against Alessia Capello, didn’t she? Did Mercedes pop out of nowhere that night? She didn’t. Then there was Noreaster. Did Mercedes help Steph against Alessia Capello AND Denise DiMarco? She didn’t. But when I was the one in the ring against Miss Left Hand in the Ice Crown finals, boom. There was a Mercedes.”
The radio host leans in closer to the microphone, continuing to press Ada for a soundbite. “So you’re saying Steph and Mercedes have it out for you specifically?” he questions, playing it off with a casual laugh that only gets a chuckle from his producer. “I’m saying Mercedes still has a problem with me even after I kicked her head off. Not Steph. When it comes to Steph… I’m not above saying I was wrong. Because I was. I was wrong. I said this in the promo video we did before the tournament, and I’ll say it again: Steph is a warrior. She’s one of the few women we currently have that I honestly feel honoured to share the ring with.”
“Despite her affiliation with Mercedes?”
“Former affiliation. That’s clear now. And it’s been clear ever since I fought her. The woman I wrestled for the title… she gave me everything she had and I did the same. Did I have a grudge against her when the bell rang? Absolutely. But that grudge was gone by the end of it. Because she proved me wrong. She really did change.” concludes Ada, her tone confident and almost proud of the woman Stephanie LaCroix has proven herself to be. “So what happens now? In exactly one week for First Class’ big return, you’ll be facing her again. What will you do? How do you know Mercedes won’t get involved again?”
Ada smirks, amused by the idea that Mercedes would dare ruin another title match. With Solace Tatum now leading the brand, Ada knows that the main event will go smoothly. “After what Mercy did at the Ice Crown? She already played that card. She already proved that she’s still a conniving little bitch that won’t stop until she puts me down for good. And that’s exactly why I must beat Stephanie.”
The radio host is filled with excitement, hoping to hear Ada absolutely tear into Steph… but she doesn’t. “Steph… she’s a good woman. A good fighter. A great champion. Hell, I know how hard it is to beat Alessia Capello. And if you’re heart isn’t in the right place.. That Left Hand lady will eat you up. But she didn’t when she tried to take Steph’s title, did she? But sadly for LaCroix… my meteoric rise doesn’t stop with this crown.”
Ada continues with a stern tone as she places her hand on the Ice Crown. “People like Alessia Capello, Mercedes-Jane Debonair… they won’t stop until they have everything. They want to rule this brand. But I’m not gonna let that happen. So next week… when I face Steph in the ring again… I’m gonna do exactly what I did last time and that’s give her everything I’ve got. But this time, it isn’t because I’m driven by a misplaced grudge against her. It’s because I’m driven to give a woman I respect the fight of her life and see what she’s truly made of. No interference. No shenanigans. If she beats me, then good. That tells me that the Evolution title is in the right place. It’s with the right woman. But if she can’t take what I have in store for her, if she can’t withstand it… then that title will be my way of challenging little shits like Mercedes to come find me. Because when you call yourself a champion in this business, that paints a giant target on your back. I’m fine with that target being on mine. I welcome it. I welcome women like Mercedes, women like Alessia to try and take me out. But they won’t.”
Grinning, Ada grabs the Ice Crown, lifting it up, showing it off to the host and the producer. “This crown? I fought with all my soul, all my heart to win this. It was a test. I wanted to test myself. See if I had what it took to make sure that nobody has to deal with what I dealt with when I first debuted back in August. Evil, ill-intentioned women like Mercedes-Jane Debonair trying to end my career. And it’s safe to say that I passed my own test with flying colours. This is what Stephanie LaCroix needs to prepare for. If I hadn’t silenced my inner demons, I would’ve never won the tournament. When I faced her back in November, I hadn’t done that. I was still lost. I was still unsure if I had what it took to defeat Mercedes-Jane Debonair let alone win the Evolution championship… but here we are.”
Ada slowly places the Ice Crown back on the desk before grabbing the microphone, pulling it closer to her lips. “Here we are. Mercedes-Jane Debonair. Jolie Vexx. Wilhelm Screem. Shawn Wylde. Kelsey Frost. Alessia Capello. Ice Crown Tournament. I’ve changed, Bear. I finally know exactly what I’m capable of. So my question is… does Stephanie LaCroix know what she’s capable of? Simply put, that’ll be the deciding factor when I meet her in the ring next week. I’ve beaten my inner demons. I’m ready for her. I just don’t know if she’s ready for this version of me.”
Impressed, the radio host smiles at Ada before wrapping the segment up. “Ada Pierce… I wish you nothing but good luck for next week.”
“Thanks. She’ll need it.”
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Post by ~Steph~ on Jan 22, 2022 23:52:14 GMT
It’s almost midnight on Monday night, January 17th; Manchester General Hospital. Steph is sat next to Tyler in a waiting area, head down in thought and hugging a sobbing Frankie, whilst Tyler has his head in his hands… Fred is pacing up and down between the seats cursing under his breath…
Fred - ”I cannot believe we didn’t make it to the back before that son of a bitch left the arena!”
Tyler - ”They were probably gone before the video even played pops, you know what John is like, probably paid someone to set it up later.”
Fred - ”You’re probably right, kid… Man what the fuck is that guy thinking?! I’ve got to do something about this or I’m going to end up letting loose on the wrong person…”
Everybody looks up as they hear a door open and a Doctor emerge from a room to their left. This is Doctor Bryant, who’s been treating Casie since she came in.
Doc - ”Mr. Debonair. Casie suffered from internal damage and some bruising and swelling across her body, as well as concussion. Now having said all that she is stable but she is resting. You guys should really go home, it’s real late and she definitely won’t be up for visitors anyway.”
Everybody says their thank you’s to the Doctor who requests again they all go home, before leaving himself. Fred takes a deep breath and shakes his head.
Fred - ”I’ve got to go and see Mitchell. If I don’t get something done about this, I’ll end up doing something off my own back and get arrested.”
Steph - ”He won’t be around now, Fred. How about we call it a night, come up and see Casie in the morning, then go and see Bob and organise something…”
Fred - ”Yeah, you’re right… Ok, I’m going to head home I’ll see you guys tomorrow…”
Tyler - ”You don’t wanna come back to ours pops? You don’t wanna be alone right?”
Fred - ”Nah I’m good, son. Thanks though.”
Steph - ”You’re coming with us, Frankie and I’m not taking no for an answer! You’re not going back to The Courthouse by yourself. And has anybody contacted Michaela? She was back in New York when Mayhem was on…”
Fred - ”I’ll do it now, speak to you guys tomorrow and I’ll call if any updates.”
Frankie nods at Steph and sighs, a little relieved at the latest news from the Doctor as the group make their way out to the car park. Fred gets hugs all around as he climbs into his car. Tyler climbs into the drivers seat of his own car, as Steph helps Frankie climb into the back seat… As she walks around to the passenger side door, her phone goes off indicating a text message. She looks down and sees a number she doesn’t recognise, the text reads “I’m sorry about Casie…”. Steph looks around but can’t see anybody as Tyler guns the engine and she climbs into the car leaving the scene to fade out…
^^^^^^^^
We reopen a couple of days later and we find ourselves back at Manchester General. Micki has flown back from NYC and right now she, Steph and Frankie are all sat in Casie’s hospital room. Steph is sat looking out of the window whilst Frankie holds Casie’s hand, Micki stands by the door, every now and then looking up at her mother who has tubes and machines all around her.
Micki - ”I can’t believe this happened to her and I was all the way across the pond…”
Steph - ”Hey! This isn’t your fault, Micki… This is John Cavanagh, Shannon and The Celtic Club! They did this to make a point to Fred and La Revolución… And now Fred is dealing with it.”
Micki - ”Oh yeah? How’s he doing that then? Going to Bob Mitchell and asking for a match!!?!”
Frankie - ”Yes actually and I’m pretty happy he is, it’s better than the alternative.”
Micki - ”I get that Fred also doesn’t want to risk his reputation or that of you guys… I just wish they’d get a taste of good ol’ fashion Hell’s Kitchen justice!”
Steph - ”Absolutely agreed and believe me when it comes down to it, Fred will make sure it’s handed out and The Celtic Club won’t know what hit them… But for now Fred and Tyler have said we should carry on and wait until she wakes up.”
Frankie - ”You still doing your training, at The Courthouse, Michaela?”
Micki - ”Of course but I think the bigger question is, Steph are you ready to step it up again, against Ada Pierce?”
Steph doesn’t take her eyes off the window, or what she’s looking at outside of it. She just mutters…
Steph - ”I was, very much so… I was ready until this happened. I was confident and pretty hyped about stepping into the ring with that girl again, until…
Steph points at Casie laying in the bed as Micki pushes herself from the wall and walks over to her, she hugs her as Casie now begins to softly cry into her shoulder. Micki pulls back a little and looks at Steph.
Micki - ”Hey I’m not gonna lie though, Ada is FIRE HOT in that ring!”
Steph - ”She is right?!”
Micki - ”I’m talking white flames hot!”
Steph - ”Oh yeah she definitely is…”
Micki - ”I mean, if I could pick…”
Steph - ”Ok! Ok, point taken!”
Steph laughs and playfully pushes Micki away as she grabs a bag down by the bed, turning to leave.
Steph - ”Guys I’m really sorry, but I’ve got to jet… If anything changes please let me know instantly ok? And I know the guys will be here shortly.”
The girls say their goodbyes and Steph heads out the door looking down at the “one new voicemail” message on her phone. She hits play and listens as we slowly begin to fade out…
^^^^^^^^
As we reopen we find ourselves in one of the church squares that encompass Manchester… Steph is moving around slowly as the area begins to empty out of people, leaving her almost standing alone as she’s made to jump by her phone ringing. She looks at it, the same number that text her the other night and hits the answer button…
Steph - ”I got your voicemail… You said to meet you, I’m here.”
MJ - ”I saw you arrive, but I couldn’t stick around I’m sorry…”
Steph - ”I haven’t got time for these games, Mercy… What do you want?”
MJ - ”I did send you a message the other night but I’m not sure now much recognition it got, I’m sorry about Casie…”
Steph - ”Sure you are…”
MJ - ”No, really I am… I did try to warn you bot, things are happening but neither of you want to listen and this is the exact kind of thing I was talking about!”
Steph - ”A random attack by John Cavanagh’s girlfriend? You can’t be serious, Mercedes??”
MJ - ”You see it as random, I see it as patterns! There have been so many warnings throughout time but people don’t heed them! It is coming, there is nothing you can do about it! Casie’s incident was one of hundreds that will occur over time!”
Steph pulls the phone from her ear and looks at it, with a look on her face that embodies confusion. Mercedes continues as Steph just walks off again with the phone set to speaker.
MJ - ”I didn’t get back in-touch to argue or fight with you, I contacted you to apologise but to let you know everything I spoke to you and Casie about, even before the formation of The Coven, is about to come to fruition. But if you don’t want to listen, there isn’t much else I can do, Stephanie…”
Before she can do or say anything, Steph hears the line go dead and just sighs, shaking her head. For all the time she’s been missing, this wasn’t the kind of reunion she wanted with Mercedes. Steph sighs, shakes her head and walks toward the city centre, as once again the scene fades out…
^^^^^^^^
The walls are white in the room, a little too white. They’re rubbery, but they look shiney. The floor is stuck down lino flooring but it looks like it took man an age to set it up… Two huge black couch chairs sit on each end of the room and in one of those chairs, dressed in a black catsuit, sits Stephanie LaCroix.
Steph - ”In one day, I’m set to go head to head once again with Ada Pierce for my Evolution Championship! And whilst I’d love to say I’m looking forward to it, really excited about it… I’ve had so much going on in my life that the match has become a secondary notion to me and that just doesn’t sit right! Thanks to Mercedes, thanks to Mayhem’s Celtic Club, so many things are now running through my head that unfortunately, Ada Pierce has become something of an after thought. I apologise in advance because of course I want to give this match everything I have! I want to give this match what it deserves and I want to give my opponent what SHE deserves! Now I want to also apologise to Ada about Mercedes’ actions too. Casie and I figured we’d stopped her interference at the tournament and we didn’t, I really thought I’d run her from the arena but of course she managed to get her claws into you and that just isn’t ok!
I’m so glad you’ve come to realise that I’m really not that kind of athlete, Ada. I’m glad you’re realising that I AM a warrior, I AM a fighting champion and that I mean everything I say and do everything I say I’m going to. This match is going to be something even you and I never expected, Ada. This match is going to blow the roof off of the IIW arena because the atmosphere is going to be so different! When we last faced each other things were so tense you could cut them with a knife but I honestly feel this coming together is going to be different… This match is truly going to showcase what the two of us are capable of and what grit and determination we both have! I mean initially we had separate goals, outside of meeting one another in the ring and now I think that has slightly changed in itself as the respect levels between us have grown exponentially…”
Steph turns in the seat slightly and stands herself up. She walks through the crisp white room, deep in thought as she does so, eyes never wavering from her focus.
Steph - ”I said it the other day and I’ll say it again, Ada. Women like you are the EVOLUTION of this company! Not The Left Hand, not Mercedes… You and of course myself, but that’s not the point here. You say you’re going to give me everything when we meet?? I damn well hope so because if not then as I say we’re going to have a bit of an issue aren’t we? Because I won’t let you half-arse this for yourself, chica… You also said your rise doesn’t end with the belt, I’m so happy you’ve got that mindset, Ada, I mean of course I’m so sorry that I will have to bring you back down again, but it’s that confidence and self belief that you have, that makes me such a fan outside of our duels! I get it, Ada, I really do… You want a belt to go along with your crown. Perhaps you take this one and I’ll head on over to Nova Skye then? Take Casie’s belt back… Or of course you can realise that perhaps you’re a step or two above me and YOU can go pay a visit to Nova, how’s that sit for you, Pierce?
I love what you’re bringing to the table, Ada and I sure as hell hope you don’t stop. If anyone holds this belt aside from me, I truly hope it’s you. I’ve always respected you Ada, it’s just a shame that mutual respect has only just surfaced because I think we may have made a formidable team too! But as I always say, it is what it is… But just promise me that should you get your hands on this baby, you don’t start plateauing, you don’t nosedive spectacularly and waste your talents?! Because if you do… If you so much as even consider turning your back on what you’ve thrown at me, each and every time we’ve fought up until this stage, I’ll make sure you live to regret it, every single day. Got it? Heh! All jokes aside sweetie, I wish you the best of luck taking the First Class Evolution Title from me and if you do, well as I keep saying… I couldn’t ask for a more suited Champion. I’ve honestly run out of words for this match, Ada, so I’m going to say au revoir and let my actions do the talking inside the ring, come First Class: Purge. Bye for now, Ada!”
Steph leans forward slightly, one hand behind her back as she blows a kiss and the scene begins to fade - to - black.
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Post by Ada Pierce on Jan 22, 2022 23:56:01 GMT
Part 3: Diverging Paths Burke’s Dojo - One Hour Later
With the scheduled media appearance behind her, Ada Pierce heads back to the dojo. Parking her car outside the entrance, the Karateka turns the engine off, taking in a few moments of silence in the car after the overwhelming atmosphere in DJ Bear’s studio. “Must’ve taken me for a bloody idiot.” Pierce mumbles to herself, still annoyed by the radio host’s attempts at goading her into saying something about Stephanie LaCroix she’d most likely end up regretting. But such is the life of showbiz. Ada turns her attention to the Ice Crown, neatly placed on the passenger seat. She stares into it, the shiny jewels catching her attention. This is what everyone sees. Not the hard work that went into winning the crown, no. All they care about is the crown itself. Whoever holds it brings the ratings, the listeners, the attention. To say that Ada is disappointed in the media appearance would be putting it lightly. The host had little interest in learning more about who Ada Pierce was, is and who she intends to be moving forward. All the attention was on the Ice Crown itself and less on the human being that fought with all their heart to win it. No questions aimed at giving Ada Pierce the platform to speak on the impressive heart and skill that fueled her opponents. It was all shallow, showbiz bullshit. All the host did was drop a quick zinger asking how it felt to wrestle in the freezing cold before quickly goading Ada into trashing Stephanie LaCroix for their YouTube headlines and thumbnails. “What makes you so confident that she's innocent?” It’s that question posed to Ada earlier in the day by the radio host that keeps ringing in her head. After all, there is no physical evidence that proves Steph’s innocence. The interference by Mercedes during Ada and Steph’s first bout against each other for the Evolution championship in November… the attack by Mercedes during the Ice Crown finals… the pieces could easily fall into place if Ada were to point the finger at Steph. Ada could let her ego drive her into thinking that the reason she’s been specifically targeted is that Steph is simply afraid of her. Afraid that Ada Pierce is the one that has what it takes to rip the title off her waist. But that would be too easy. Too convenient. Refusing to let this radio show be the only avenue for First Class fans to hear what the Ice Queen has to say to Stephanie LaCroix, a woman Ada has grown to deeply respect, the Karateka pulls her phone out to text Vickie Burke. Unsurprisingly, Vickie has already shot her a text to let her know what she thought of the media appearance.
“Time to head in.” Ada says to herself as she unlocks the door, exiting the car with the Ice Crown in hand. Pierce is quick on her way to the entrance, the freezing cold causing her to see her own breath before she enters the dojo to see… something she didn’t expect. Nolan and Marcus, two of the dojo’s brightest new students, flanked by two larger men in gym gear. She doesn’t instantly recognize them until the slightly larger man speaks.“Coach! Ada’s here!” “...Coach?” Ada instinctively utters as she places the Ice Crown on a nearby shelf before slipping out of her shoes. Before long, “Coach”, the man who led Ada’s short-lived wrestling training regime before her debut back in August, walks out of the backroom as Sensei Sam Burke gives chase. Clapping his hands together with a shit-eating grin on his face, Coach addresses his former student.“There she is, the big star! Just the woman I wanted to see!” “What’re you doing here?” the Karateka questions, noticing her Sensei’s visible anger as he stares a hole through the back of Coach’s head. “Don’t be like that. Take a seat, Queen!” the rugged man yells out as he points at the mats before turning to face the frustrated Sensei, inviting him to do the same. Reluctantly, both student and master sit on the mat, crossing their legs as the Coach does the same in front of them.“Great little appearance on Bear’s show today, Pierce. Me and the boys here were huddled over in a corner listening t’ya. Just had to drop by and see you.” he continues as Ada raises her eyebrow, clearly suspicious of Coach’s change in attitude since the last time she saw him.“Yeah, uh… what’s this about, Coach?” “What? I can’t come in here and congratulate my student after her big win?” the Coach responds, innocently throwing his hands up in the air before Sensei Sam cuts right through his stupidity.“Cut the shit, Coach. Ada’s not your student and she never was. I foolishly thought you had something to offer her before her debut, but I was wrong. All Ada ever needed was herself and this dojo. Now get out.”“...You’ve got some nerve tryin’ t’kick me out, Sammy. Not even gonna hear me out, huh?” “I already heard you out. And I told you to leave before Ada got back, but you didn’t. You dragged it out because you wanted this to happen. Now leave.” Ada turns to face her Sensei, attempting to call him down as she places her hand on his shoulder. The Coach responds, his tone now roughening up as he ignores Sam’s words, turning his attention to Ada.“Listen up, Pierce. I saw what you did at the Ice Crown. You were great. Mean… ferocious… almost split Alessia Capello’s head in two, didn’t you? Just like you did to ol’ Buck back here.” The slightly larger student, Buck, rolls his eyes as his mentor brings back the memory of Ada’s first-ever springboard move in Coach’s wrestling school when she almost split his head with a karate chop.“Thing is… I also watched the Battle on the Atlantic show back in November. Ada Pierce vs. Stephanie LaCroix… Evolution Championship match. Was a doozy, wasn’t it? ‘Least until Mercedes chucked a hammer at your knee and got Steph disqualified. You took your eye off the ball, Pierce. Like I said in August before you had your first match. No breathers. Nobody gives a shit about your breathers. You take your eye off the ball and they’ll eat you alive. And that’s exactly what Mercedes did. You survived your match against her to earn this second shot at LaCroix, but she took a piece of you with her, didn’t she?” the Coach continues, leaning in as Sam is on the verge of socking him in the jaw.“Everyone knows that Ada Pierce is Mercedes-Jane Debonair’s bitch.” Suddenly, the Sensei pops back up to his feet.“Get the HELL OUT OF MY DOJO, YOU PIECE OF SHIT!” screams the Sensei as he shoots his finger at the exit, his eyes on the verge of popping out their sockets as his voice echoes in the dojo. As Coach rises to his feet, Ada does so even quicker, standing between the former friends.“Sam, breathe. It’s okay–” “No, it ISN’T! This asshole ain’t welcome here, you hear!?” “Better watch your tone, Sammy. It won’t be like last time. You try something and this time I fight back.” Ada places her hand on the Sensei’s chest before turning around to face the Coach, shooting daggers at him.“It’s best you leave. Now.” “Heh, I figured you wouldn’t have a response for me today. Not with this soft geezer around. But you got my number, Pierce. That monster I saw in you after Robin Vengeance was ejected and you had Alessia all to yourself? I can help you control it. I can make sure you win that title next week and become richer than you could possibly imagine. Maybe then you’ll finally leave this dusty old dojo behind you.” the Coach concludes, smirking as he turns around to leave.“...You deaf? I said get the hell out!!!” the Sensei screams out once more, prompting the Coach to throw out a middle finger as he walks out of the dojo, leaving the three Burke Dojo students to calm the Sensei down.“Goddamn vulture…” the Sensei mutters, breathing heavily before his vision turns hazy as he lands on his knee.“Sensei!!!” Ada yells out as she grabs Sam’s arm, preventing him from collapsing to the ground.“I’m… I’m okay… Just need to… catch my breath…” he retorts before coughing up a storm. Ada tightly clutches his arm, leaning in as he wipes his mouth before quickly slipping his hand into his pocket, rising back up to his feet. “Sensei was that… blood?” asks Ada, her voice shaking in fear.“I’m… gonna go wash my face… Be back in a bit… We got a lot of training before next week…” Sam pats Ada on the shoulder before walking away, but Pierce chases after him, grabbing his pocket hand, pulling out to reveal that it is, indeed, covered in blood.“Oh my god… Sam, we need to go to the hosp–” “I’M FINE!” the Sensei yells as Ada’s eyes widen, slowly tearing up as she has no idea what to do.“Listen… kid. I’m okay. Really. It’s just this goddamn cold, you know how it is with me and the cold. Coach just… got me worked up. I’m sorry. I just can’t have you worrying about me right now. I’m fine. We need to train. Next week…” he stops, looking down on the floor before slowly raising his head, locking eyes with Ada.“Next week’s your biggest match. And I… I need to make sure I have nothing left to teach you before the end of this week.” Sam bows his head before heading to the restroom as the confused Karateka worriedly turns to face Nolan and Marcus, who both share her concern for the Sensei. Something’s not right with him.Interlude: Midnight Ada’s Apartment - January 17th, 2022
Later that night, Ada’s very long day is hopefully minutes away from ending. After switching the lights off, Pierce drops dead on her bed, letting out a loud exhale as she stares up at the ceiling before closing her eyes. After a short while, Ada’s mind starts racing, preventing her from falling asleep. Uneasiness manifests through a cold sensation in her chest as she furrows her brows, now visualizing herself standing in the ring opposite the Evolution Champion, Steph LaCroix. The scene is similar to the one from her recent dream. A callback to the nightmare she experienced leading up to her first match against Stephanie. Ada’s uneasiness cannot be explained, as this most recent dream ended as best as it could’ve with herself and Steph bowing to each other out of respect, leaving their baggage at the door. But something isn’t right this time. As Ada looks out at the crowd, her nerves flare up, knowing that something is off but she just can’t immediately pinpoint what it is that’s off. The fans are chanting her name, chanting Steph’s name, ready for both women to put on a match that will no doubt be talked about for the rest of the year… but something just [isn’t right]. Eventually, as the darkness slowly returns, swallowing the fans whole, Pierce begins to stir in bed, feeling like she’s almost out of time. She needs to know what’s wrong. She has to figure it out. Everything should be right but it isn’t……until it hits her. In the front row, where she previously saw Sensei Sam Burke cheering her on in her dream… is nothing. The Sensei is nowhere to be found. And upon realizing this, the entire arena succumbs to the darkness, the lights going off as the scene in Ada’s head turns to nothing but pitch black, causing her to violently shake in bed before opening her eyes, crawling back against the headboard in a panic. “Breathe… breathe… breathe…” Ada repeats the word over and over, closing her eyes, placing her hand over her chest as she does everything in her power to get ahold of herself. Fortunately, after a few moments, Ada’s phone buzzes on the bedside table, bringing her attention to the bright screen. Reaching over, Ada grabs the phone, unlocking it to read the text she just received.
Ada questions if she should inform Vickie of the situation with her father, worrying that it’ll distract her best friend… but she quickly decides against hiding the truth, instinctively hitting the call button before placing the phone against her ear. After two short rings, Vickie answers.“M’gurrrl, whaddya doin’ awake at this time? Did I wake you up?” “Uhh… are you busy?” “No… why? I just got home from the studio, taking the rest of the day off. What’s up?” Pierce wipes her eyes, sighing as she finds it difficult to start. Deciding not to overthink things, Ada decides to just say whatever comes to mind.“Vickie… your dad… something’s going on with him.” “W-What do you mean?” “I, u-uh… I think he’s… sick or something.” “...” “When we called you after the tournament, when I hung up, he just… disappeared. Eventually found him leaving the nearby bathroom but he looked… off. And earlier today, after the radio thing, we got a visit from Coach. Dunno if you remember him, but he’s the asshole who owns the nearby wrestling school Sam wanted me to train in months ago.” “Is Dad okay…?” Ada sighs once more, wanting to assure Vickie that everything’s okay but finding it impossible to do so. “I… don’t know. He was… scary. Coach crossed the line, said some terrible things and Sam just flew off the handle, kicked him out. He almost collapsed after that idiot left but I grabbed him. But then… he coughed up blood.” “Jesus…” “Yeah… I told him to go to the hospital then he flew off the handle with me too. He’s never yelled at me like that before.” “...I’m gonna call him. I’m sure he’s asleep right now but I’m gonna text him and I’m gonna call him when it’s morning for you guys.” “Thanks, Vicks.” “No, thank YOU, A. Jesus, I can’t believe he hasn’t said anything to me. He’s never like this. Something’s going on.” Ada zones out as Sam’s words to her echo in her head. “I need to make sure I have nothing left to teach you before the end of this week.” It could’ve been nothing, but Ada’s anxiety goes haywire. She fears the worst. Why would he say something like this…?“A, you there?” “Y-Yeah. Just… thinking about this whole thing. I’m gonna see him in two days to resume our training. He practically banned me from the dojo, said I needed my rest after everything with the Coach douche. So I’m just gonna try to unwind tomorrow.” “Good, you do that. Tell you the truth, I think I’m just gonna stay up until he texts me back so I can call him.” “Let me know what happens, yeah?” “Will do. Get some sleep, Ada. I got the old man. Good night, hun.” “G’night…”
Part 4: Paradigm Shift Burke’s Dojo - January 18th, 2022
“Just like that.” utters the Karateka with a smile on her face as she watches Nolan perfectly execute her trademark “K.O.!” Spinning Heel Kick finisher for the tenth consecutive time. The student smiles at Ada, confident in his ability to replicate what his idol does best in the ring. This whole Sensei thing is working out well for Ada, who’s been applying Sam’s tactics in training upstarts. Despite her joy that she has two bright-eyed students learning directly from her as she learned from Sam, the Karateka begins to worry about Burke. He’d asked to take a break earlier on, heading to the backroom while entrusting Ada with the task of training Nolan and Marcus. “Hey, I’m gonna go check on the Sensei, be back soon, yeah?” she states before heading to the backroom. Upon opening the door, however, her eyes widen when she catches Sam, holding his phone as he watches something on it, smoking a cigarette next to the open window. Before his brain can register the fact that he’s been caught, Ada quickly runs in, slapping the cigarette out of his hand, causing it to fly out the window.“Hey!” the Sensei yells out before Ada unleashes a rant at him.“Are you kidding me right now!? What the hell!” she angrily yells, shooting daggers at Sam as he has nothing to say for himself.“You cough up blood two days ago and now I catch you smoking again? I thought you said that was a ‘New York thing’ and you’re still at it!?” Out of words and frustrated, Ada takes a seat on the couch, burying her face into her hands.“Ada, I’m fine. I’m just stressed out about the upcoming match and I just need to unwind every now and then–” “Since when have you been the one to stress out over my matches? I finally get over myself and now you’re the one losing your mind?” “Kid… Listen, I know you talked to Vickie about what happened. She gave me an earful. I’m fine. I can moderate myself.” “Sam, until you go back to normal and you don’t look like you got hit by six variations of the flu all at once, I don’t want you smoking. Got it?” The Sensei laughs as he takes a seat next to Ada, smiling.“You know, I’m the one who’s supposed to lecture you. I don’t like this new dynamic.” “Well, stop being irresponsible and maybe you can go back to telling me off! Until then, I’m the Sensei around here.” Sam leans back, raising his eyebrow at Ada as his smile grows wider. It’s exactly what he wanted to hear from her. That’s the confidence he wanted to see before her big match.“Hope you keep up that confidence ‘cause I was just watching the champ address you. Had some loaded words for you.” “Did she now?” “Mhm.” “Good thing I’ll be doing another video package later today. And I got a lot to say to her.” Suddenly, Sam and Ada’s conversation comes to an abrupt end when they hear Nolan calling out for them shortly after hearing someone enter the dojo. Wasting no time, the Sensei flies off his seat, rushing out of the backroom as Ada gives chase. Lo and behold… it’s none other than Coach, flanked by his two students. “So. Had enough time to consider my offer, Pierce. What’ll it be?” “You son of a…” Sam mutters to himself as he balls his hand into a fist, but Ada quickly grabs him, stopping him dead in his tracks before taking steps forward, standing directly in front of her Sensei to address the Coach.“Had more than enough time. I made my decision when my Sensei booted you out of our dojo. Not interested.” she states as bluntly as she possibly can while staring a hole through the brash Coach and his students. Naturally, the Coach scoffs, offended by Pierce’s rebellious attitude.“Soft. Still soft. Just like the guy hiding behind you.” the Coach retorts, causing Sam to try and rush past Ada before she holds him back.“Shame. You really impressed me. I thought y’had what it took to do great things, become a big name after having that Ice Crown placed on your head. But now I realize that head is still empty. Because your ideals, the principles you hold oh so dear mean nothing in that ring. And you’re gonna find this out the hard way when Stephanie LaCroix plants your head in the mat and sends you packing to the irrelevancy you deserve to rot in.”Ada chuckles in response, shaking her head as the Coach’s words fail to bring out the desired reaction he was looking for.“What’s so funny, girl?” “You. You’re a joke.” The Coach sneers at Ada, furrowing his brows before snapping.“Me? I’M the joke!? I’m not the one stuck in the same garbage dojo after barely winning a tournament. It truly is a shame that you let me down. Because the fire I saw in you when you were hammering away at Alessia Capello fooled me into thinking you’d finally outgrown this dump. But no. Hearing you on the radio two days ago should’ve told me all I needed to know when you were kissing LaCroix’s ass. I thought you were finally gonna let her have it, let her hear it. Embrace the monster we all know is inside you, the one we saw a glimpse of in the Ice Crown Tournament. But no. Soft. Too soft.”“What you saw in the tournament was me dealing with evil incarnate. Someone like Alessia Capello had to be stopped at all costs. But let’s rewind a bit and discuss why you’re a joke. It’s because you fail to see the difference between a woman like Capello and a woman like LaCroix. But I do. I see it. Hell, I felt it when I fought her in the ring two months ago. And a man, a much wiser man than you, told me that you never know the measure of a person until you fight them.” continues Ada, turning around to smile at Sam before turning her attention back to the slimy Coach before her.“I’m not gonna be gunning for Steph’s head like I was with Alessia. That much I can promise. I don’t care if soulless people like you think that my principles hold me back from being some big, bourgeois champion. And if you don’t like it, if anybody doesn’t like it, then THEY can kiss MY ass. Now get the bloody hell out of our dojo. I’m not gonna ask again.” The Coach is left speechless as Ada looks more than ready to kick his head off. Realizing that he will never be able to get through to her, he turns around, balling his hands into fists as he starts to stomp his way to the exit. Right on cue, Ada’s phone begins ringing, most likely getting a call from the director that helped her shoot the video package for the Ice Crown Tournament, prompting her to head into the backroom. Unfortunately, the Coach stops… and turns to address Sam Burke for the last time.“One last thing, old bud…” he quietly speaks, turning around before walking over to Sam. “I’m gonna enjoy watching that little bitch get her ass handed to her by Stephanie LaCroix. And after the champ is done with her, I hope Mercedes shows up to put her out of her misery–” he continues before a swift forearm to the throat by Sam interrupts him. Much like he did back in August, Sam attempts to rush the Coach back against the wall, but due to his weakened state, he is overpowered as Coach turns the tables, slamming Sam against the wall as Nolan and Marcus panic, not knowing what to do.“Told you NOT TO MESS WITH ME, SAM! I TOLD YOU I’D FIGHT BACK THIS TIME!” the brash Coach yells out, pressing his forearm against Sam’s throat. Angered, the students rush to their Sensei’s aid, but they are held back by the Coach’s muscle.“You’re pathetic! Just like I always said you were! Total waste of your–” Out of nowhere, Ada appears, grabbing the Coach by his collar before harshly pulling him off of her Sensei, tossing his ass down to the ground. As Sam nurses his throat, collapsing to his knees, the Coach slowly rises up to his feet, giant smile on his face.“There it is. There’s the monster I knew you had in you. Nobody but me can bring it out. I can help you, Pierce. Help you becom–” he continues before Ada smashes his throat with the edge of her hand, bringing an end to the garbage he’s been spewing since arriving. With the Karate Chop causing him to cover his throat, unable to breathe, Ada kicks him in the chest, bringing him crashing down to the floor as his muscle attempt to interject, but Nolan and Marcus quickly stand in between them.“You take one more bloody step and I’ll chop your daddy’s head off. GOT IT!?” screams the Karateka before turning her attention back to the wheezing Coach beneath her.“If I ever see you sniffing around our dojo again, I’ll kick your bloody head off. YOU HEAR ME!?” she screams as the Coach desperately nods out of fear. With her message signed and delivered to him, Ada grabs him by the collar once more, pulling him back up to his feet before tossing him at his students who quickly rush in to catch him.“Now GET THE FUCK out of our dojo!!!” The Coach and his students quickly scramble, rushing out of the dojo. Unfortunately, Ada’s attention is brought to the coughing Sensei laid out on the floor, causing her to quickly slide in, pulling him up, resting his back against the wall. “Sam, breathe! Breathe!” she desperately yells out, but once again, the Sensei coughs out some blood, alarming his students. “Marcus, start the car! We’re taking him to the hospital! NOW!” Pierce yells out while attempting to comfort the Sensei as he weakly attempts to protest to no avail…Interlude: Emergency Trafford General Hospital - Three Hours Later
After restlessly waiting for hours to hear any news on the Sensei’s condition, a doctor finally approaches Ada, along with Nolan and Marcus, in the waiting area.“Ada Pierce?” “Yes, that’s me. Is Sam okay…?” “He’s stable.” “Thank god. Thank you.” “I just wanted to inform you that he will be staying with us for at least another day so we can make sure that he is good to go. Unfortunately, it appears that Sam’s been going through a lot of stress recently and it’s done a real number on him, and frankly, he’s been neglectful of his health. So we just want to make sure he’s fine, run some tests and let you know as soon as he’s ready to go.” “Can I see him?” “Unfortunately Mr. Burke made it very clear to us that he’d like to be alone tonight, and I sadly have to say that it’s best if he simply takes tonight off to rest up. Stress has been the main driving force behind his declining health so it’s best he rests the night off.” Ada’s mind races as she begins to fear for Sam’s health, but thankfully, the doctor assures her that all is well.“We have your contact information, Ms. Pierce. The second Mr. Burke is ready to leave, we will immediately call you. You have nothing to worry about. He’ll be fine.” “...Thank you.” With nothing left for them to do, Ada, Marcus and Nolan smile at the doctor before turning to leave.“Oh and one more thing.” the doctor speaks, causing Ada to turn around.“Make sure you win on Sunday, yeah? I’m sure seeing you win the big one will be the jolt Mr. Burke needs to fully recover.” Ada’s face reddens as the doctor smiles at her before heading off as Nolan and Marcus encouragingly place their hands on Ada’s shoulders, smiling at her.
Finale: Principles Burke’s Dojo - One Hour Later
Returning to the empty dojo by herself, Ada Pierce heads into the back room to retrieve her phone and belongings before heading back to her apartment. But upon re-entering the dojo’s hall, Ada is brought back to the night of October 31st. It was the night of First Class after she’d defeated Denise DiMarco to earn her first shot at the Evolution Championship. Feeling empty, she’d returned to the dojo with a bottle of vodka, drowning her sorrows with it before training herself silly out of the stress she’d been dealing with. The idea that she’d face Steph, a woman who was involved with the group that attacked her backstage, overwhelmed the Karateka. She wasn’t sure if she had it in her to succeed, but she knew she couldn’t back down. Instead of remaining as the prey, Ada made it a personal goal to become a hunter. Hunt down every single member of the Coven, she said to herself. Even after Steph and Casie made it clear that they wanted nothing to do with Mercedes-Jane, Ada wouldn’t hear it. She wouldn’t buy it.But it’s been months since then. The woman that passed out in this very dojo has gone on to defeat Mercedes, sign up for the Ice Crown Tournament and emerge as the Ice Queen of the IIW. Between all of that and the media appearance, her run-ins with her wrestling Coach… Ada’s motivation is now clear. The life that the Coach promised her, a life of glamour as a champion, isn’t for her. This became crystal clear to her when she appeared on the local radio show and found herself disgusted by the host’s attempts at goading Ada into trashing Steph. This isn’t for her. Sadly, with the Sensei’s emergency hospital visit, Ada had missed her appointment to record the video package she planned on releasing before the first 2022 edition of First Class. Yet, she doesn’t care. It’s clear to her now. Clear that she doesn’t need a fancy studio to record a fancy promo for her to send to Vickie Burke’s fancy VFX team. All she’s ever needed? It surrounds her at this very moment. The Dojo. With her emotions running high, Ada places her phone sideways on a chair before sitting directly in front of it. With the phone’s camera rolling, Ada decides to speak from the heart.“Stephanie LaCroix… I’ll try to keep this as short as I can. You and I… we don’t need to go back and forth for hours, trashing each other as much as some people would love to see that. You and I… we both know what to expect from each other, don’t we? Last time we faced off, you had your own image of me as I did of you. I was overthinking things. Worried that you had a trick up your sleeve. But I was ready for it. I was…” Ada rubs her hands together, staring at the ground for a few moments before raising her head to face the camera.“But then our match went on and on and on. And I started to get a feel for the kind of woman you are. I was wrong. You weren’t bullshitting us when you said you regretted what Mercedes made you do. I believed you. When I decked you right in the forehead, you had no business getting up after that. But you did. You kicked out. I didn’t wanna believe it, but I had to. I knew that my crusade against you and Casie was a bad idea. Because the woman I faced couldn’t be a two-faced liar after showing me that much heart. That much of a will to keep on fighting. I let my guard down. I didn’t expect any tricks. Until…” The Karateka balls her hands into fists, gnashing her teeth as she remembers seeing Mercedes run in before attacking her, causing the highly-contested title match to end in a disqualification.“Until that little bitch Mercedes just had to come in and ruin it all. I’m sure you’ve heard what people have been saying. That you put her up to it. That she was your Plan B. If it looked like you couldn’t beat me, and trust me, I had you right where I wanted you… You’d pull Mercedes out of a hat and end the match. Just like that. But much like I didn’t buy your sudden transformation back then, I didn’t buy that theory. And I still don’t.” Pierce leans in, speaking with a heated purpose.“You’re better than that, LaCroix. I couldn’t possibly deny that after our match. Certainly can’t deny it after watching you survive Alessia Capello and Denise DiMarco. I know what those two women are capable of, and if you aren’t the woman I know you are, you would’ve never been able to beat them. But you did. You held onto that title while I kicked Mercedes’ head off at Noreaster. And while you’ve been resting up since then, I was in the Ice Crown Tournament, preparing for this moment. The moment I’d be able to finally get my hands on you again. But as we all know, that tournament played out in a way I’d argue none of us expected it to. Myself included.” Ada continues, leaning back against her seat as looks out the window.“Ice Queen. That’s what people have been calling me since the finals. Since I beat the very same woman you had to beat to keep your title. I never expected to win it. I’d dare say nobody did. How could they when I was surrounded by fellow First Class stars. Mayhem stars. Legends. And in the midst of all of them was me. A five-month rookie to the wrestling world.” The Karateka chuckles, still dumbfounded by the fact that she was able to go on and win the whole thing.“Five months ago, I was an unknown 22-year-old from Wolverhampton looking to test myself against the best of the best in this company. And I’ve done just that and found myself beating all who’ve stood in my path… except you, Steph. That did a number on me, I’ll admit. Started to doubt myself. Even after I was done with Mercedes at Noreaster, I knew she wouldn’t stop coming after me, and I was right. With all the odds stacked against me in the finals, she came for me. Dropped me again. But what truly gave me the strength to kick out when Alessia tried to put me down for good… was the fact that I faced someone like Kelsey Frost earlier on in the tournament.” Speaking with conviction, Ada leans in once more, staring directly at the camera.“The main reason I came here to begin with, the main reason I signed up for the tournament was to spread my message. A simple message. One that I hoped would inspire people to stick to their convictions and their principles. To honour their opponents. Respect them. When I was faced with an opponent like Kelsey Frost… that was it for me. It was the moment I realized that I truly have been doing the right thing. A badass, pure-hearted warrior like her called me her hero. And whether or not I deserve to be anybody’s hero is a whole other topic for another day, but I didn’t take it lightly when she said that to me. We gave each other our best that night, and whatever piece Mercedes had taken from me when all was said and done was restored when I faced Kelsey Frost. That’s the moment I realized… that I have to beat you, Steph. I have to take your Evolution Championship. Not for the glitz and glamour. Not for the status. None of that bullshit. I have to take that title to make sure that my message can spread to more women like Kelsey. Because I want more women like Kelsey in this company. More women… like you. And after the hell I went through, I still managed to go from unknown Karate Girl to Ice Queen in five months time. That gave me the strength I needed to take you down.” As Ada begins to think of Sensei Burke, who is now at his most vulnerable, watching her take on Steph, she begins to tear up.“But that isn’t all… my family… people who’ve sacrificed so much to make sure I was able to follow my dream… I have to do this for them, Steph. This last week, this entire month… it’s proven to me that I have a responsibility to be the very best version of myself every time I step into that ring. I know that Mercedes will continue to target me. I know that Alessia Capello and the Left Hand will no doubt want revenge for what I did at the tournament. I know that when I beat you, I’m going to have a giant target on my back. But that’s fine. I don’t give a shit. I welcome it. Because this isn't about me. It’s about my family, it’s about women like Kelsey Frost that I have a duty to inspire. The man who taught me everything that’s gotten me this far… I have to do this for him, Steph. And I truly apologize, but I’m not gonna hold back when I see you this Sunday. You are going to be getting the absolute best version of me. I guarantee it. Not because I want a champion’s bonus for my paycheck. Not because I wanna do media appearances. It’s because my family is counting on me. They believe in me. And the last thing I’m going to do is let them down. And if that means finishing my business with you for good… then so be it. Because when all is said and done… the Ice Crown will be but a mere drop of rain. And one drop of rain ain’t enough to quench my thirst, champ. Not when I’m doing this for my Dad…” With fire in her eyes, Ada silently stares at the camera, making sure that Stephanie LaCroix knows exactly what she’s going to have to do in order to remain the Evolution Champion…
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