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Post by Kalvin "Kal" Dayspring on Apr 7, 2023 13:47:22 GMT
The women's division is really starting to flourish since its arrived on combat, as we open the show in an exhibition designed to show this growth when long time FNC Vet Aaliyah Landerson takes on new Face Melissa Thornton a bout which both women should want to move up the women rankings in a chance to challenge 'Daddy' Marisol in the future. Aaliyah Landerson Melissa Thorton
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Post by Melissa Thorton on Apr 8, 2023 17:01:01 GMT
The office is Melissa's sanctuary.
Situated at the back of the Vermillion fitness and martial arts center, it is quaint with a rustic design and a feeling that is intended to be both welcoming and homely to anyone who enters. People like Kaylee Davis, who she met with in this very office or any of the students in the classes she teaches at this gym. Whether as the lead instructor or alongside Angela and Michelle. Two women who she has forged a friendship with, both inside and outside of the gym and women who have influenced her ever since she first met them.
It is them that helped her to understand that they weren't just helping the kids with their fitness, but were rather helping them develop as people. Nurturing them and teaching them how to be more confident in themselves. Just as Melissa had done earlier when she brought Kaylee into this office to talk about her doubts. Offering her a way to escape from her life and the vice grip that the stress and turmoil was holding over her.
She knew that she wanted to help Kaylee not just as her teacher, but as somebody who truly cared about her on a personal level.
She ponders the words Kaylee told her. The ones about "not knowing how to break free from the chains," and how even if she didn't show it while Kaylee was occupying the empty chair opposite her, they struck a chord with her. Hitting her right in the heart. It was a similar tale to her childhood best friend back home in Orange City. A woman who found herself treading water in her life and unsure of what to do. How she could escape from the expectations that she would become a lawyer like her parents had, even though she had no interest in the profession. She saw her transform from friendly, affectionate and earnestly enjoying life to cynical and hollow inside, yet Melissa couldn't do a thing to stop her from slipping into the grip of depression. Of alcohol and drugs, eventually leading to the two of them drifting away from one another and their friendship becoming more and more a distant memory.
A scar that has never truly healed within Melissa, no matter how much she tries to push it aside and dedicate herself to making sure it never happens again. Trying to ensure that nobody else has to suffer the pain she had. That the person she loved like a sister had before her descent.
Olivia... she whispers, a small tear landing atop the table as she allows the name to echo inside of her mind.
She uses her legs to push the chair she is seated on back, giving herself some space from the table as she looks over to the silver framed picture she keeps on the right-hand corner of the table. One of her and Olivia from when they went on vacation to Miami together, back in 10th grade. Smiling as they stood in front of the beach, the ocean providing the perfect backdrop, sparkling as the sunlight overhead shines down on the water. A reminder of how close they used to me. How they would go on vacations with one another and with their families. How they were inseparable.
She keeps it close, because even as they drifted apart. Even if they haven't spoken in almost seven years, Melissa still cares about her deeply. She wants things to heal between them, but knows that in order for that to occur. In order for them to find the bond. The spark they had, Olivia has to find her escape from the chains. The vices and rediscover herself and find what her calling is in this life. Melissa sees herself as being fortunate that she knew she wanted to get into fitness in some capacity from a young age and understood the course she would need to take to fulfill her purpose and evade the chains from entrapping her within them.
It's not something that a lot of people manage to do.
She empathizes with those who can't, whether it be due to their circumstances or not having that guiding light to lead them on the right part. To show them what they should do in order to follow their purpose. To achieve whatever, it is what they aspire for in their lives. It is why she saw it as a duty to lead Kaylee toward wrestling. Toward Japan and Miracle Galaxy Pro, even if it is a world that she knows nothing about. Even if it is completely foreign to her, for she knows the foundation Kaylee holds in Kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu enables her to at least have something. At least have a baseline she can use, yet the primary reason was that she saw her eyes. She saw the sorrow held deep within them and the pleas for somebody. Anybody to guide her. Lead her away from the life she had been living. It was the same look that Olivia had within her eyes.
She had promised herself that she wouldn't fail anybody else, the way she failed Olivia.
Turning her head away from the picture, she swings her legs across to look at her computer screen. Her eyes fixated on the e-mails. Some of which she hadn't been able to read due to them being sent while she was teaching her kickboxing class. Others she had overlooked in the past or just ignored until she had a better time to read them, as well as ones that she had read but remained on the first page of her email folder. She goes through each one methodically, processing everything within them before moving onto the next one and repeating the process.
Most of them are either from parents informing her about their child being unable to attend a class or from other instructions, asking her if she wants to meet up with them at some point, or confirming details if she had previously answered in the affirmative. There are some others that are from different sources. Primarily nutrition and health companies promoting their services, but there is one that is different. It's one that she had overlooked but now that she is alone. Now that the only comfort she has around her is the silence she has become accustomed to, she opens.
It is from a wrestling company, and unlike the Miracle Galaxy Pro email, is specifically addressed to her.
She knew a little bit about wrestling, having seen snippets of it as well as working around wrestling coaches when she was first cutting her teeth in the fitness industry, but wouldn't consider herself an expert. Especially not somebody who a promotion would specifically seek out. Curiosity fills her mind as she presses on the email, expanding it on her screen and her eyes stare directly at the logo at the top. One that she is vaguely familiar with, having seen it on TV while she was sitting at home and surfing through television channels but never thought much more about it.
"Intense International Wrestling," she remarks, her lips pursing with every word while she continues to read the email. It's an invitation to join them and specifically, their up-and-coming women's division. Crease lines appearing on her forehead and around her eyes, her focus remains directly on the words in front of her. The fact that they had seen her videos about kickboxing. About fitness that she produced out of boredom back in January and believe that despite her not being a wrestler, that she would be a fit within their company. Within their division.
Why not? she whispers to herself, seeing it as an opportunity to pick up information she can use to help enhance her teachings. Whether it be with her classes or with Kaylee. After all, she had promised Kaylee that she would be with her every step of the way. To her, sharing in the experience of being a wrestler is a means of accomplishing that and upholding her end of their deal. It'll let me understand how best to guide Kaylee.
Reading further down, she feels her eyeballs slightly move forward within her eye socket as she notices that they even have a match opportunity lined up for her, if she chooses to accept. Something that she has heard of in kickboxing circles with vacancies on event cards needing to be filled, but not something she personally has had occurred to her.
The bout, or match as written in the email, would be against somebody called Aaliyah Landerson.
Reaching the end of the invitation, she lets out a soft breath. She may have limited knowledge of the sport, but she cannot turn down a promotion that has gone out of the way to seek her and took the time to reach out through her personal email, rather than her business one like most other promotions. To her, that shows they are dedicated and want her, rather than just anybody that could fill the required role. Makes it feel more personal and lures her in even more. Pressing the reply button, she types out "I'll do it," before scrolling the mouse and clicking send, then closing her emails once more.
It's her turn to be the example she wishes to set.
Rising to her feet, she remarks "It's time for me to lead. To step up," as she pushes the chair back into its rightful position at the edge of the table and walks around it and toward the exit of her office. "My time to shine."
Opening the door, it creaks as she enters the main portion of the gym. Passing the cleaners as they wipe down the mats, making sure they don't smell as much of sweat and bodily fluids as well as sanitizing the equipment for usage when the gym re-opens in the morning.
A morning that for now, will be her last working here.
She can't help but feel a little emotional about it, yet she knows that the sooner she integrates herself within her new job. Her new company, the easier it will be for her to step into the ring against Aaliyah and give her the best she can. Show her what kickboxing and martial arts has taught her. The hardest part about it, will be telling the students she'll no longer be there after the class. She's going to miss them more than anything, but she also knows that it is the cycle of life. People come and go all the time and it is now her turn to say her farewells. Her goodbyes. Plus, they'll be able to watch her on TV if they watch wrestling, which some of them are bound to do.
This is how it has to be. She internally comments, justifying to herself the decision she has made. One that she will inform Michelle and Angela of on the phone when she gets home. Hopefully, they'll understand...
Sauntering toward the exit of the gym, she utters "I'm going to give this all I have, just like I told Kaylee to give Miracle Galaxy Pro all she has," as she considers just what must be done. How she can go out there and bring her best. Acclimatize herself within the wrestling sanctum. In her mind, it is all a blank slate. A new start, where she is a nobody. The same as when she was in college or when she started at this gym. Leaving the gym, she feels the cold, frigid air brush against her clothing, a soft smile curling on her lips.
"This is a new world, but I plan on making sure I make every move count. That I don't forget who I am, starting from when I step into the ring against Aaliyah." Her words float into the air as she begins making her way toward her car.
Preparing to take the next step.
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Post by Aaliyah Landerson on Apr 14, 2023 4:20:32 GMT
[when Aaliyah is sitting alone side with her beloved mother Angie Landerson she was proud of her Daughter and Ally Anderson comes in between Aaliyah and Angie while asking her some questions]
Ally Anderson: Aaliyah. how does it feel to get back into the Friday night Combat ring when you step foot inside against Melissa Thornton. next week on Combat care to explain Ms Landerson.
(IIW Universe cheers for Princess of Six one nine Aaliyah in the background standing with her mother Angie)
Princess of The Six one nine|Aalyah Landerson: it's great to be back where I rightfully belong and besides when I get back into that Combat ring I promise every single one of those women on Friday night Combat and specially Melissa Thornton. she better get ready for what's coming towards her next week on Combat at IIW.
Ally Anderson: and what about your legendary father he will be in action as well in a tag team match for Sebastian Hamilton both Uprising and Hardcore Championship and he gets to team up with The Silence. on Combat.
Princess of The Six one nine|Aalyah landerson: after watching my lovely father he was this close of beating Sebastian but instead he gets to fight him again in this time it will be a tag team for Hamilton's both Championship at Friday night Combat next week on IIW.
Ally Anderson: but what if you can't handle Melissa Thornton.
Princess of The six one nine|Aalyah Landerson: Melissa Thornton. doesn't scare me but she really need to be focusing on me next Friday when I hit her with everything that I have in the Combat ring and once that's over with Melissa Thornton. then someday I will be the next IIW tag team Champion after I settle with Melissa Thornton on Combat next week on IIW.
Ally Anderson: can you even defeat Melissa Thornton. next Friday.
Princess of The six one nine|Aalyah landerson: Melissa Thornton. listen to me very closely if you ever talk about me behind my back or disrespect my familia again then you won't be walking out f Friday night Combat next week cause I'll be the last woman standing when you and I fight each other next Friday on IIW at Friday night Combat.
Princess of The Six one nine|Aalyah Landerson: in when I hit you with the most dangerous letters of IIW is The Six One nine.
(Aalyah walks off when Ally Anderson continues talking)
Ally Anderson: thanks for your time Aalyah.
Ally Anderson: we hope that Aalyah. can win her return match when she faces Melissa Thornton. to see who will be the last woman remaining on Friday night Combat next week on IIW.
[Camera fades when Aalyah heads back to her parents locker room before her return match begins next week]
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Post by Melissa Thorton on Apr 17, 2023 21:11:09 GMT
The drive home was serene, calming the nerves that lingered within Melissa as she focused solely on the road ahead of her. Both in a literal sense and a metaphorical sense as it relates to her joining the sport of wrestling. Shifting the gear to five, she turns into her street, catching a glimpse of the golden Nissan driving on the opposite side of the road, belonging to the son of the elderly couple who live four doors down from her. She had only met him once when she dropped off some groceries she had picked up for them, but he seemed like a nice enough person. Generous and willing to help out his parents with tasks that they aren't capable of doing anymore. Giving him a friendly wave as he drives off, she pulls into her driveway. Noticing that the space usually occupied by the black Nissan of her cousin Tiffany is unoccupied, meaning that she has gone out, or more realistically, is visiting her boyfriend at his place.
"I'll tell her later," she whispers, knowing that she'll eventually need to reveal her new career to her, especially as she is the one that will be tending to the house alone in Melissa's absence. Even if Melissa is still going to be splitting the rent. "I'm sure she'll be okay with it. After all, she knows this is my chance to branch out and make something of myself."
Locking the car door behind her as she closes it, Melissa glances at the line of violet roses and Bluebell bellflowers lining the miniature garden she set up in order to spruce up the otherwise barren yard and give visitors a warm, comfortable feeling as they walk toward the house.
A feeling that gives her a deep sense of pride.
Swinging the door open, she exhales before ambling inside, her eyes surveying the silver picture frames and what they hold within them. Memories of her past, as well as of her family. A reminder of where she came from and how they helped shape her into the person she is today. Ensuring that no matter where she is, or what passages she ventures down in life, they will always be in her heart. By her side, supporting her, just as they always have been. Just as she supports and helps them, no matter the path they choose to wander down within their own lives.
To her, family is the most important thing.
Don't worry. she ponders, remembering her promise to her parents that one day, she would buy them the home they have always dreamed of. That she would finance everything so that they can rest easy in life, as appreciation for all they have done for her. Soon, I will finally be able to buy that home.
Entering her living room, her face slightly scrunches up as one name continues to linger in her mind. Aaliyah Landerson. The first woman she would be facing off against in the wrestling ring, and her introduction to what wrestling has to offer. She didn't know why, but the name echos in her mind, bouncing around as she sits down atop a black bean bag positioned next to a scarlet couch. Her nose crinkling, she doesn't wish to get too obsessed over her, but realizes that in competition, sometimes your opponent's names are going to find some residence inside of your head. It is something she recalls reading in a book by Jessica Morris. One of her favorite kickboxers and in a sense, a motivating factor behind her dedicating herself to the sport.
The silence in the air penetrates into her mind, as she remarks "I just need to let myself focus. Take charge and it'll play out at Combat," as she stretched her body out against the bean bag, the beans inside shifting to better manage her weight.
BZZT
The low, humming vibrations of her phone cause her to feel around for her phone, managing to grip it in her hand and extract it. Michelle had replied to the text she shot her as she was leaving the gym, informing her that after the classes tomorrow, she was leaving and commencing her wrestling career. "I'll miss you, but I understand. Go out there and kick ass," it reads, causing Melissa's eyes to widen and a smile to appear on her lips.
"I'll miss you too, and don't worry. I will," she replies back, placing the phone back into her pocket as she allows herself to just become lost within herself. Her memories of the gym and putting both the children and herself through challenges to ensure they could extract as much as possible out of themselves. Both in terms of their fitness and as humans. Her eyes focusing on the ceiling, she takes a deep inhale, then exhales.
BZZT.
Her phone vibrates again, but she doesn't move a muscle. It can wait until later. Until she is finished with the thoughts in her mind. Juggling those that pertain to her and those that pertain to the sport of wrestling. To her upcoming match against Landerson, in the hopes of finding some sort of harmony. Place herself in a mindset where she doesn't let one side swallow her internally. Stretching her body out, she anticipates the flight to Florida, specifically Tallahassee she will be taking, as that is the first landing spot for her. The location that she is headed to, in order to take on Landerson, and a place she remembers visiting when she was younger. Whether it was on vacation during the summer with her family, or with Olivia.
Florida is where the best memories are... she whispers, her words tailing off as she feels them flooding into her mind. The days she would spend in the beach house, the soft sand of the beach as it ran through her fingers and the sparkling water as she swam in the ocean, uninhibited by anything but the sunlight shining down and having as much fun as she desired.
It's different this time.
It's going to be her, alone. There for business rather than leisure and likely leaving almost as soon as she flew in. Unable to truly immerse herself as she had been able to in the past, even if she intends on giving herself some self time. Allowing some enjoyment of the sights and sounds Florida, and Tallahassee, has to offer. A sigh leaves her lips as her nose crinkles further, her eyes fixated on the ceiling and the soft glow of the light.
"I want this. I need this," she remarks, tilting her head back slightly so that the back wall of the room comes into her sight. "I can't afford to let this slip through my fingers. Not just for me, but for everyone."
BZZT.
Another message. Pulling her phone out once again, she tilts her head forward, noticing both the unread messages. The first one, as she had expected, is from Michelle. The second one, however, is from Kaylee. She had given her number to her when they last saw one another as a means for them to stay in contact, even after Kaylee flew to Japan. Opening the message, it is a simple "Thank you," to which she simply responds "You're welcome," before putting her phone back down. She'll get back to Michelle later, or maybe even give her a call.
Right now, she just needs this time by herself, surrounded by nothing but silence.
She attempts to process her thoughts as they continue to flow like a stream. Decompress and focus in on the ones that matter the most, whilst locking the others away to focus on later. It is then that she hears the sound of the door creaking open and footsteps in the hallway. Tiffany must have returned home from wherever she had been.
"Melissa?" she calls out, confirming her return as Melissa sits up, wiggling slightly to get more comfortable atop the bean bag.
"I'm in the lounge," is the response from Melissa, slightly louder than usual, but still with her usual soft voice. "You want me to make dinner?" she inquired, having glances at the time on her phone and realized it was nearly time to begin preparing dinner.
"No. I picked up some Chinese before coming home," Tiffany remarks, entering the lounge to show her cousin, as the sweet and sour combination of the food within the paper bag attacking her nostrils.
Chinese food is one of her favorite meals and the perfect dinner to eat as she informs Tiffany about what is to come. Her lipstick glistening, Tiffany smiles as she notices the solemn expression on her cousin's face.
"What's up?" she inquires sincerely, focusing her look on Melissa. She knows the look within her eyes. It's one she has seen before and an indication Melissa has something important to tell her.
"I'll tell you over dinner," is the short but sweet response.
"Is everything okay?" Tiffany follows up with, walking toward the sofa. I just hope it's not that her father has passed... she internally states, knowing that Melissa's dad. Her uncle has struggled with her health in recent times. The side effects of diabetes.
Melissa nods, small dimples appearing in her cheeks. "Yeah. It's nothing bad. Don't worry," she affirms, before pondering something. "It's just... I got an offer to join a wrestling company."
"A... wrestling company?" is the resulting question, matched by the quizzical look on Tiffany's face. She knew Melissa was into sports and has always been athletic but didn't think she would venture into wrestling. After all, she had never dabbled outside of kickboxing and martial arts.
"Yeah. They emailed me earlier, telling me they saw my DVDs and wanted me to join them," she comments, staring into Tiffany's eyes further.
"Are you going to do it?" Tiffany remarks, the nod in response being all that she needs to see to realize what this means. "So, that means you're not going to be here?"
"Not as often," she affirms, maintaining her calm tone and jovial demeanor. "I'll still come here whenever there isn't an event and help out, but you're in charge now. Just make sure nothing happens, okay."
"I will," Tiffany states, a sense of pride evident in her voice. "When's your first match?"
"This upcoming week," she remarks, her own smile growing to where she can feel her facial muscles stretching.
"Where is it?" Tiffany questions, wondering if she will be able to come along too. Or if it's close to home, so Melissa can stay while she prepares.
"It's in Tallahassee," is her comment in response, causing Tiffany's face to droop a bit, even if the happiness remains. "It's against someone called Aaliyah."
"Do me a favor," Tiffany states, eliciting an eyebrow raise.
"What?" Melissa queries.
"Kick her ass," she responds, remembering the times she would visit Melissa during her classes at the gym. Seeing how she would put her heart and soul into each kick she delivered to the bags. How they would rock upon impact.
"I plan on it. I don't know her, but I know I'm not going to rest until I walk out with the victory. It's what everyone expects and it's what I know. I'm going there to fight." she asserts, an aura of confidence around her.
She may not have much of a grip on wrestling, but for her: it's just another fight. Another way for her to challenge herself.
She wouldn’t have it any other way.
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Post by Aaliyah Landerson on Apr 19, 2023 9:05:02 GMT
[Aalyah was walking in the back to find her mother and father until her match this Friday on Combat while Jason Byrd stops her]
Princess of The six one nine|Aalyah landerson: have you seen my parents I'm looking for them as anyone seen them or not just let me know.
Jason Byrd: Aalyah. your father is in a tag team match.
Princess of The six one nine|Aalyah landerson: oh my father is in a tag team and who's his tag partner.
Jason Byrd: his tag partner is The Silence and your father is fighting for the Uprising and Hardcore Championship on Friday night Combat.
Princess of The Six one nine|Aalyah landerson: I just hope that my father wins his tag team at Friday night Combat.
Jason Byrd: but speaking of your father why don't you tell me about your match that you will compete this week against Melissa Thornton.
Princess of The Six one nine|Aalyah landerson: Melissa Thornton. thinks she's better than anyone on the FNC brand but I got news flash for her when I get back into the Combat ring then maybe when I get through with Melissa Thornton hopefully I can get myself an IIW Women's tag team Championship after I win my match with Melissa Thornton this week on Combat.
Jason Byrd: but we don't have no Women's tag team Champs on IIW the only IIW title we have is the Women's Championship and what if you can't handle Melissa Thornton. on Combat.
Princess of The Six one nine|Aalyah landerson: oh I can handle Melissa Thornton. rather I win or lose I'm still gonna able fighting for a IIW Championship after I get a victory score over Melissa Thornton. so help me god that one day I will be a Champion sooner as you all think cause come Friday on Combat I will beat Melissa Thornton and front of thousands of people will be watching it on there computer or at home and I will get a chance of a Championship until I win this match against Melissa Thornton at Friday night Combat.
Jason Byrd: can you actually defeat Melissa Thornton. this coming Friday
Princess of The Six one nine|Aalyah landerson: if she has what it takes then she'll meet in and the ring and I promise her one thing if I ever see her screw me over or even cheat in our match oh I will get my rematch against Melissa Thornton. as long as it takes for me and my father to be the next IIW Tag team Champions and take it to Friday night Combat after I settle the difference with Melissa Thornton. on Friday night Combat at IIW.
Princess of The six one nine|Aalyah landerson: and Melissa Thornton. I'm not just gonna humiliate you I'm gonna hit you with the most dangerous letter of sports of IIW The Six One nine.
(Aalyah walks off when Jason Byrd continues talking)
Jason Byrd: thanks or the support Aalyah. and good luck on Friday
Jason Byrd: we hope that Aalyah. can win her singles match when she steps up to the plate against Melissa Thornton. to see who's the better female really is when the two of them squash each other's throats on Friday night Combat.
[Scene fades when Aalyah goes meeting up with her Mother Angie landerson in her locker room before her Daughter match begins this Friday]
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