Post by icyartemis on May 30, 2023 18:18:52 GMT
For many years now, the sport of professional wrestling has been enjoyed by many people throughout the entire world. Whether they be children or adults wrestling in professional leagues, they have all had their hearts and minds captured by the sport. From time to time, a new generation of talents arises, looking to etch their names in the history books of the sport, building on the foundation of those who came before them, determined to reach the top just as those who they had heard about had. And they plan on making sure that their imprint is left on the sport. However, they know that the road won't be easy, and they will be met by resistance. Both from other newcomers into the sport as well as the older generations, who each hope to stake their own claims to the top spot. they have to be ready for whatever might be thrown their way.
In an office surrounded by a dark mist, there is a group of people, all invested in wrestling in some way, gathered for a meeting. On ten chairs positioned in a circle in the middle of the office, they sit. The leaders in red seats, their assistants in black chairs. In the center chair, the leader prepares to speak.
"So, is everything ready?" the leader asks.
On the chair to his right, a woman with short hair answers his question. "Yes, my master. Everything indicates that she is ready to take the next step. Just waiting on your command."
This response brings a smile to his face. "Very well. Go forth and make sure everything is set up for her when she arrives. I will handle talking to her about this myself."
As this society begins to make its move, there is a small hive of activity beginning to form at a fitness club in the city of Tonopah. The city has prospered in recent times, due to a population boom following the hosting of the "Silver Wrestling Conference" two years ago.
As people roam around, preparing to partake in their daily activities within the gym, an eighteen year old woman with medium length platinum blonde hair, tied into a ponytail, is pacing back and forth. Her eyes are a chocolate brown or hazel color and she is wearing a black t-shirt with a black jacket on top, denim jeans and black boots.
She continues to pace, as a woman around her age with slightly longer platinum blonde hair, tied into a ponytail rushes toward her. "Hi Holly!" she exclaims.
Holly, the girl pacing back and forth, looks at her, startled. "Mo... Monica! Don't startle me like that! Remember the last time you did."
Monica gives her an apologetic look. "Sorry, Holly. I didn't mean to. I just came by to say Riley wanted to meet with you. I don't know what about, but he asked me if I could find you."
Holly gave her a stare. "I hope it isn't that I'm on cleaning duty again. I remember the last time I had to clean the gym. Almost threw up due to the stench. I don't want to do that again."
Monica shook her head. "No. He assured me that it was nothing like that. He seemed to be in a very good mood, so I'm sure it's something good. Maybe even an opportunity that has opened up somewhere, now that we're graduated." she remarked in a cheerful voice.
Holly looked down at her feet. "I hope you're right and not just tricking me."
About forty minutes later, Holly made her way to Riley's gym. She sits in the black chair in the lobby, waiting for her name to be called.
"Holly Black. Riley said he's ready to meet with you now. Second door on the right, and please, don't forget to knock when you arrive." The secretary remarks. "You should know how Riley feels about respect and knocking before you enter. Especially seeing as it is something he preaches excessively to us."
Holly nods, remembering the lessons Riley has taught about respect as she makes her way down the hall and toward his office. Making sure to gently knock once she arrives.
"Come in." Riley calls out, as Holly slowly opens the door. Seeing her mentor sitting on his favorite chocolate brown chair behind his desk as she enters the office. He is wearing a charcoal gray t-shirt, black pants and white sneakers. She makes her way over to the black chair on the opposite side of the desk to him, sitting down and looking into his eyes.
Riley smirks. "Hey Holly. I'm guessing Monica told you?"
Holly smirked back. "Yes. I just hope this isn't one of your tricks again. I don't know if my stomach could take another cleaning day."
"Don't worry. It's not that. In fact, this is actually a good thing. There's a wrestling company who has expressed interest in signing you." He remarks.
Holly looked at him, intrigued. "Really?" she asked.
INTENSE INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING
STANDARD TALENT CONTRACT.
"Yes." he responded, sliding the contract across the table to her. "They asked me if I could recommend somebody to them, and I immediately told them you." Holly glances downward, scanning through the contract, making sure to reach each and every word that it contains thoroughly. "It's an opportunity for you to get out there and into the world."
Holly narrowed her eyes, focusing on the contract. "This is what I've been looking for. This is what everything has led me to," she thinks to herself as Riley rolls a black pen in her direction, Holly using her right hand in order to stop it from rolling off the edge. "Would you take the offer?"
"It's not up to me. You and only you know if this is the right place for you to start your career. It's your decision to make, Holly." Riley responds as he looks into his protégés eyes. "I'll be there every step of the way alongside you, no matter what you decide though. You deserve this, and honestly, it's the sort of opportunity I wish I could have received during my own career, but it wasn't to be. Just know I am proud of you, Holly."
Holly gives him a smile as she looks back down at the contract, seeing if she missed anything. "I don't want to make a mistake. This is my chance to make a first impression, so I want to make it matter. I want it to showcase who I am." she remarks as she picks up the pen, loosely positioning it in her right hand. "I want the world to see me for me."
"They will." Riley remarks, giving her a reassuring smile. Holly returns the smile as she looks at him once more, her hand hovering over the dotted line on the contract. "Take all the time you need to make this decision. Make sure that it is what you truly want."
Holly exhales deeply, letting his words fester within her mind. "I want to do this. I need to do this. Not just for you. Not just for Monica. Not just for mom and dad, but for myself. I need to prove that I can make it in the ocean."
"I know you can. You've come a long way from the woman who struggled to even run the ropes or land a single punch without hurting her hand to somebody who I believe can step into the ring against anybody." Riley states, making no attempt to hide the pride in his voice. Placing his right hand on top of Holly's left, his smile widens as he maintains his stare into her deep brown eyes. "You just have to trust in yourself." These words cause Holly to nod her head.
"I do. This is what I was born to do." she remarks, looking back down at the contract, her hand starting to go numb due to hovering in place for as long as it has. Lowering it, she rests the ballpoint of the pen atop the line. "This is who I am."
"I know you will prove me right with this. I know that you were the right choice to send them, because of the passion. The talent that you hold inside of you, that is waiting to be tapped into and brought out." he remarks, watching as Holly begins to sign her name atop the contract. "Just promise me that you will never forget where you came from. Never forget what has brought you to this position."
She allows those words to float into her ears as she finishes her signature, gently dropping the pen onto the table as she slides the paper back to Riley. An expression of relief and anticipation began to creep across her face. "I won't. I promise I won't." she affirms as she begins to look around the office, her eyes set on one picture in particular. "I still remember that day." she states, her voice almost a whisper.
KNIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY
BEGINNER'S CLASS - 2012
Holly gathers her emotions as she looks at the picture from her first summer camp with Riley. "I've come a long way since then. I could never have imagined this is where I would find myself." she thought to herself. "Back then, it was only a dream." she looks into the eyes of her younger self; noticing the innocence across her face.
Riley smiled as he looked over at the picture. "That was from the first time you walked into the gym. Who knew that all this time later, you would be sitting here, having found a company that's willing to give you a shot at the big time." he remarks, reflecting back on how far she has truly come from that day.
The words hit her eardrums as she sighs. "I know. I remember thinking about quitting back then, with how hard you would push us, but now I know it is only because you wanted to motivate us. To bring out the person you knew we could be."
"I'm glad you see that. I wanted to make sure you understood what it meant to be a wrestler. To step inside of the ring and stand toe to toe with your adversary. Something that many in the sport don't realize." He remarks, an air of reflection and memorizing certain moments from those camps beginning to arise within the office.
Holly continues to look at the picture. "Thank you. You were the one who let me see that I needed to search inside of myself. That I needed to push through the pain and just keep my eyes on what I sought."
"That's exactly what I wanted to do. This business is about finding who has it inside of them to persevere. To get back up whenever they are knocked down, or who is going to be spat out when it comes time to swim with the sharks." he comments.
Holly doesn't say anything in response, feeling her eyes beginning to water. Both because of Riley's statements and the memories that have begun to float around inside of her head.
"I wanted to be certain that everyone who came to the camp. Everyone who stepped inside of the ring was here for the right reasons. That they understood that this business can be cruel. It can be harsh and if you aren't willing to go through hell. If you aren't willing to push yourself beyond your limits, then this industry isn't for you. That is why I pushed you, and everyone. That is why I teach all of you about being resilient and taking whatever is thrown at you and bouncing back stronger from it." he remarks, Holly's eyes moving from the picture to the white and gold banner hanging on the wall. The same one she saw every time she entered the gym for the camp.
KNIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY
PAIN DEFINES CHARACTER
"You did that, Holly. More than anyone else I have ever seen. I'll admit, I wasn't sure how you were going to make it. I thought you were going to turn around and never come back after the first year, but you didn't. You came back and had a passion. A fire in your eyes. I knew how much this meant to you, and it was then that I knew I needed to nurture you. I knew you had a desire to become a wrestler, something a lot don't have." he remarks, as Holly remains fixated on the banner. The motto atop it, written in black block lettering.
"Mom told me that I couldn't give up. That it was as much a lesson about life as it was about wrestling." Holly replies, her glance turning from the banner to Riley.
Riley intently listens, pondering those words. "I'm glad she did."
"So am I. I always thought you were just mean for the sake of being mean, but I've become a better wrestler. A better person because of you... and if I had quit, I would never have met Monica. So, I have you to thank for that too." Holly states. laughing as she remembers the moment she met Monica, and how it was the camp that led to their friendship beginning, and blossoming into what it is now. The two of them still as inseparable as they had been back then.
HOLLY BLACK
KNIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY GRADUATE
Staring at the picture of herself on the "Wall of Fame" behind Riley, a smile crosses her face. It had been her dream to be up there. To have her portrait among the great trainees that had gone through the same torturous experiences she had. To her, it made it worth the pain. The tears. The sweat she had left on the floor. "I still cannot believe my name is up there. This all feels like a dream." she thinks to herself.
"I'll make you proud. I promise I will carry your name close to my heart." Holly states. happiness and excitement evident within her voice as her eyes scan across the pictures adorning the wall. "I'll be the beacon of light for the next generation. For those who are here now to see that you can make it, as long as you believe in yourself and find it within you to rise. To ignore the pain and the doubt." She returns her focus to Riley, who had been searching for something among the scattered pieces of paper and folders on the desk. "I want to be their hero. The one they look up to, just like those on that wall were for me."
"You will be." Riley stated in a relaxed tone. He had seen young girls and boys who would look at the picture of Holly. Both in here and in the gym, believing that one day, they can survive like she did. That just like her, they wi;; be on the wall. "In fact, you already are. There are people who look up to you. Who sees your picture and want to do as you did. I know they will be watching your every step in IIW." Holly feels a warmth within her body upon hearing that. She knows that she has to make them proud of her. Be the guiding light to bring forth the new generation when the time comes for them to ascend into the business.
"Tell them I believe in them. That I know one day, they will be shining in the bright lights and joining me in this sport, as long as they stay true to themselves." she remarks, her voice sweet and soft. Her eyes glance back at the contract, then at a folder Riley had snuck in front of her while she was focused on the wall.
HOLLY KNIGHT
GRADUATION CERTIFICATE
Holly opens the folder, seeing the golden trimmed paper inside of it. Her name and certification of graduating from training written in cursive atop it. "Wow. It's amazing... This all still feels like a dream to me."
Riley takes a deep breath, looking into Holly's eyes with joy. "I assure you it's real. You deserve it, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise." he stated, a sign leaving Holly's lips as her body relaxes.
"I don't know how else I can thank you." she admits, as Riley shakes his head. "I guess the only way I can truly pay you back for everything you do is by going out there and shining bright. Proving just why this is the best place to come for those looking to truly make it. Showcasing what you help people become to the world." She smiles as she notices the pride etched upon her trainer's face.
COACH
RILEY KNIGHT
"You don't need to do anything." Riley states, pulling the pen he had given her back to his side of the table.
Holly stares at her signature at the bottom of the certificate then looks at the IIW contract next to it. She feels a sensation of happiness and calm washing throughout her body. "Soon. Soon it will no longer just be a fantasy. Soon, I will be stepping into the ring for real." she returns her stare to Riley, her mind beginning to drift off into a daydreaming state. "There's no turning back now. I've come too far to let this go to waste."
As Riley looked across at his computer, Holly took a deep breath. Her thoughts turning to how she can bring Monica along with her on this journey and all that it will entail. Uphold the pact they had made to remain a tandem forever. "This is your stage now, Holly. Go out there and show the world what you are made of."
HOLLY BLACK
MONICA INGRAM
Holly couldn't stop thinking about Monica. About bringing her alongside her and entering the IIW together. "It's just like we imagined when we stood in the ring at camp. Us, doing this together against the world" she thought to herself.
A click is heard, as Riley appears to confirm something on the computer before turning to face his former student once more. Holly, on the other hand, was glancing around at the office. Its cream painted walls, the various pictures that adorned the walls and shelves that were pushed up against them, gave a sense of unity between antique and modern. Much like Riley's training methods. A feeling she will miss when she heads to the IIW, even if this is for the best.
"Alright. I just let them know that you signed the contract. They should be in contact with further details over the next few days." Riley remarks, attempting to steer Holly's focus back toward the reason why he had summoned her to this office.
"Okay, so just wait for them to get in touch?" she inquired, lifting her right hand and brushing her hair back slightly, making sure her ponytail was still intact. She matches Riley's stare once more, noticing the prideful smile on his face.
He nods, answering her question in the affirmative as he glances downward at the contract she had just signed. He's seen many people sign contracts in this office to begin their careers, but none of them had made him this excited for what is to come.
"Good luck. I know it may seem like a big move, but if there's anybody who can handle it, it's you. I truly believe that." he states, the warmth and sincerity of his words resonating with Holly. She lets it all sink in, her mind washing away any doubts she may have held.
"Thank you." she stated.
"None needed. I have to go now. Got another meeting, but you know you can reach out anytime if you need advice or just want to tell me how your career's going. I'll be watching and cheering you every step of the way, just like I know everyone will be. Remember, we are all with you." he states as Holly rises, giving him a look of appreciation and remarking that she'll talk to him later before she makes her way through the door and back down the hall she had come down.
KNIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY
RECEPTION
Walking past the reception desk, she exits the building, feeling the cool, frigid air brush against her body as she began her walk down the concrete pathway that leads toward the parking lot as she pulls her phone out of her pocket, dialing Monica's number. "Hey Monica, I just saw Riley. You were right." She makes her way toward her car, thinking about what had just transpired as she puts her seatbelt on, closing the door behind her.
"I'll be there soon. See you then." She responds, hanging up the phone as she prepares to drive to Monica's house. About fifteen minutes later, she arrives, knocking on the door.
"Hey Holly. How was it?" Monica remarks as she opens the door, wrapping Holly into a warm embrace that the woman returns.
Holly looks at her as the two break from their hug, entering Monica's spacious home. "It was good. I signed a contract with a wrestling league called the IIW."
The two continue to talk as they make their way into the lounge room of Monica's house. Playful teasing and general fun being the vibe emitting from both of them as Holly tells Monica she wishes for her to join her. "Of course! I told you I'd be there every step of the way, didn't I?" Monica remarks, smiling across at her best friend.
As they sit on the two couches within the lounge room, Monica on the black couch, Holly on the chocolate brown one to itself right, the two reflect on what has gotten them to this point, as well as what they have to look forward to, now that they are entering this sport together. The Sacred Lotuses as they are calling themselves.
"You and I against the world. Just how we dreamed it would be." Holly remarks in a soft, calm voice.
In an office surrounded by a dark mist, there is a group of people, all invested in wrestling in some way, gathered for a meeting. On ten chairs positioned in a circle in the middle of the office, they sit. The leaders in red seats, their assistants in black chairs. In the center chair, the leader prepares to speak.
"So, is everything ready?" the leader asks.
On the chair to his right, a woman with short hair answers his question. "Yes, my master. Everything indicates that she is ready to take the next step. Just waiting on your command."
This response brings a smile to his face. "Very well. Go forth and make sure everything is set up for her when she arrives. I will handle talking to her about this myself."
As this society begins to make its move, there is a small hive of activity beginning to form at a fitness club in the city of Tonopah. The city has prospered in recent times, due to a population boom following the hosting of the "Silver Wrestling Conference" two years ago.
As people roam around, preparing to partake in their daily activities within the gym, an eighteen year old woman with medium length platinum blonde hair, tied into a ponytail, is pacing back and forth. Her eyes are a chocolate brown or hazel color and she is wearing a black t-shirt with a black jacket on top, denim jeans and black boots.
She continues to pace, as a woman around her age with slightly longer platinum blonde hair, tied into a ponytail rushes toward her. "Hi Holly!" she exclaims.
Holly, the girl pacing back and forth, looks at her, startled. "Mo... Monica! Don't startle me like that! Remember the last time you did."
Monica gives her an apologetic look. "Sorry, Holly. I didn't mean to. I just came by to say Riley wanted to meet with you. I don't know what about, but he asked me if I could find you."
Holly gave her a stare. "I hope it isn't that I'm on cleaning duty again. I remember the last time I had to clean the gym. Almost threw up due to the stench. I don't want to do that again."
Monica shook her head. "No. He assured me that it was nothing like that. He seemed to be in a very good mood, so I'm sure it's something good. Maybe even an opportunity that has opened up somewhere, now that we're graduated." she remarked in a cheerful voice.
Holly looked down at her feet. "I hope you're right and not just tricking me."
About forty minutes later, Holly made her way to Riley's gym. She sits in the black chair in the lobby, waiting for her name to be called.
"Holly Black. Riley said he's ready to meet with you now. Second door on the right, and please, don't forget to knock when you arrive." The secretary remarks. "You should know how Riley feels about respect and knocking before you enter. Especially seeing as it is something he preaches excessively to us."
Holly nods, remembering the lessons Riley has taught about respect as she makes her way down the hall and toward his office. Making sure to gently knock once she arrives.
"Come in." Riley calls out, as Holly slowly opens the door. Seeing her mentor sitting on his favorite chocolate brown chair behind his desk as she enters the office. He is wearing a charcoal gray t-shirt, black pants and white sneakers. She makes her way over to the black chair on the opposite side of the desk to him, sitting down and looking into his eyes.
Riley smirks. "Hey Holly. I'm guessing Monica told you?"
Holly smirked back. "Yes. I just hope this isn't one of your tricks again. I don't know if my stomach could take another cleaning day."
"Don't worry. It's not that. In fact, this is actually a good thing. There's a wrestling company who has expressed interest in signing you." He remarks.
Holly looked at him, intrigued. "Really?" she asked.
INTENSE INTERNATIONAL WRESTLING
STANDARD TALENT CONTRACT.
"Yes." he responded, sliding the contract across the table to her. "They asked me if I could recommend somebody to them, and I immediately told them you." Holly glances downward, scanning through the contract, making sure to reach each and every word that it contains thoroughly. "It's an opportunity for you to get out there and into the world."
Holly narrowed her eyes, focusing on the contract. "This is what I've been looking for. This is what everything has led me to," she thinks to herself as Riley rolls a black pen in her direction, Holly using her right hand in order to stop it from rolling off the edge. "Would you take the offer?"
"It's not up to me. You and only you know if this is the right place for you to start your career. It's your decision to make, Holly." Riley responds as he looks into his protégés eyes. "I'll be there every step of the way alongside you, no matter what you decide though. You deserve this, and honestly, it's the sort of opportunity I wish I could have received during my own career, but it wasn't to be. Just know I am proud of you, Holly."
Holly gives him a smile as she looks back down at the contract, seeing if she missed anything. "I don't want to make a mistake. This is my chance to make a first impression, so I want to make it matter. I want it to showcase who I am." she remarks as she picks up the pen, loosely positioning it in her right hand. "I want the world to see me for me."
"They will." Riley remarks, giving her a reassuring smile. Holly returns the smile as she looks at him once more, her hand hovering over the dotted line on the contract. "Take all the time you need to make this decision. Make sure that it is what you truly want."
Holly exhales deeply, letting his words fester within her mind. "I want to do this. I need to do this. Not just for you. Not just for Monica. Not just for mom and dad, but for myself. I need to prove that I can make it in the ocean."
"I know you can. You've come a long way from the woman who struggled to even run the ropes or land a single punch without hurting her hand to somebody who I believe can step into the ring against anybody." Riley states, making no attempt to hide the pride in his voice. Placing his right hand on top of Holly's left, his smile widens as he maintains his stare into her deep brown eyes. "You just have to trust in yourself." These words cause Holly to nod her head.
"I do. This is what I was born to do." she remarks, looking back down at the contract, her hand starting to go numb due to hovering in place for as long as it has. Lowering it, she rests the ballpoint of the pen atop the line. "This is who I am."
"I know you will prove me right with this. I know that you were the right choice to send them, because of the passion. The talent that you hold inside of you, that is waiting to be tapped into and brought out." he remarks, watching as Holly begins to sign her name atop the contract. "Just promise me that you will never forget where you came from. Never forget what has brought you to this position."
She allows those words to float into her ears as she finishes her signature, gently dropping the pen onto the table as she slides the paper back to Riley. An expression of relief and anticipation began to creep across her face. "I won't. I promise I won't." she affirms as she begins to look around the office, her eyes set on one picture in particular. "I still remember that day." she states, her voice almost a whisper.
KNIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY
BEGINNER'S CLASS - 2012
Holly gathers her emotions as she looks at the picture from her first summer camp with Riley. "I've come a long way since then. I could never have imagined this is where I would find myself." she thought to herself. "Back then, it was only a dream." she looks into the eyes of her younger self; noticing the innocence across her face.
Riley smiled as he looked over at the picture. "That was from the first time you walked into the gym. Who knew that all this time later, you would be sitting here, having found a company that's willing to give you a shot at the big time." he remarks, reflecting back on how far she has truly come from that day.
The words hit her eardrums as she sighs. "I know. I remember thinking about quitting back then, with how hard you would push us, but now I know it is only because you wanted to motivate us. To bring out the person you knew we could be."
"I'm glad you see that. I wanted to make sure you understood what it meant to be a wrestler. To step inside of the ring and stand toe to toe with your adversary. Something that many in the sport don't realize." He remarks, an air of reflection and memorizing certain moments from those camps beginning to arise within the office.
Holly continues to look at the picture. "Thank you. You were the one who let me see that I needed to search inside of myself. That I needed to push through the pain and just keep my eyes on what I sought."
"That's exactly what I wanted to do. This business is about finding who has it inside of them to persevere. To get back up whenever they are knocked down, or who is going to be spat out when it comes time to swim with the sharks." he comments.
Holly doesn't say anything in response, feeling her eyes beginning to water. Both because of Riley's statements and the memories that have begun to float around inside of her head.
"I wanted to be certain that everyone who came to the camp. Everyone who stepped inside of the ring was here for the right reasons. That they understood that this business can be cruel. It can be harsh and if you aren't willing to go through hell. If you aren't willing to push yourself beyond your limits, then this industry isn't for you. That is why I pushed you, and everyone. That is why I teach all of you about being resilient and taking whatever is thrown at you and bouncing back stronger from it." he remarks, Holly's eyes moving from the picture to the white and gold banner hanging on the wall. The same one she saw every time she entered the gym for the camp.
KNIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY
PAIN DEFINES CHARACTER
"You did that, Holly. More than anyone else I have ever seen. I'll admit, I wasn't sure how you were going to make it. I thought you were going to turn around and never come back after the first year, but you didn't. You came back and had a passion. A fire in your eyes. I knew how much this meant to you, and it was then that I knew I needed to nurture you. I knew you had a desire to become a wrestler, something a lot don't have." he remarks, as Holly remains fixated on the banner. The motto atop it, written in black block lettering.
"Mom told me that I couldn't give up. That it was as much a lesson about life as it was about wrestling." Holly replies, her glance turning from the banner to Riley.
Riley intently listens, pondering those words. "I'm glad she did."
"So am I. I always thought you were just mean for the sake of being mean, but I've become a better wrestler. A better person because of you... and if I had quit, I would never have met Monica. So, I have you to thank for that too." Holly states. laughing as she remembers the moment she met Monica, and how it was the camp that led to their friendship beginning, and blossoming into what it is now. The two of them still as inseparable as they had been back then.
HOLLY BLACK
KNIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY GRADUATE
Staring at the picture of herself on the "Wall of Fame" behind Riley, a smile crosses her face. It had been her dream to be up there. To have her portrait among the great trainees that had gone through the same torturous experiences she had. To her, it made it worth the pain. The tears. The sweat she had left on the floor. "I still cannot believe my name is up there. This all feels like a dream." she thinks to herself.
"I'll make you proud. I promise I will carry your name close to my heart." Holly states. happiness and excitement evident within her voice as her eyes scan across the pictures adorning the wall. "I'll be the beacon of light for the next generation. For those who are here now to see that you can make it, as long as you believe in yourself and find it within you to rise. To ignore the pain and the doubt." She returns her focus to Riley, who had been searching for something among the scattered pieces of paper and folders on the desk. "I want to be their hero. The one they look up to, just like those on that wall were for me."
"You will be." Riley stated in a relaxed tone. He had seen young girls and boys who would look at the picture of Holly. Both in here and in the gym, believing that one day, they can survive like she did. That just like her, they wi;; be on the wall. "In fact, you already are. There are people who look up to you. Who sees your picture and want to do as you did. I know they will be watching your every step in IIW." Holly feels a warmth within her body upon hearing that. She knows that she has to make them proud of her. Be the guiding light to bring forth the new generation when the time comes for them to ascend into the business.
"Tell them I believe in them. That I know one day, they will be shining in the bright lights and joining me in this sport, as long as they stay true to themselves." she remarks, her voice sweet and soft. Her eyes glance back at the contract, then at a folder Riley had snuck in front of her while she was focused on the wall.
HOLLY KNIGHT
GRADUATION CERTIFICATE
Holly opens the folder, seeing the golden trimmed paper inside of it. Her name and certification of graduating from training written in cursive atop it. "Wow. It's amazing... This all still feels like a dream to me."
Riley takes a deep breath, looking into Holly's eyes with joy. "I assure you it's real. You deserve it, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise." he stated, a sign leaving Holly's lips as her body relaxes.
"I don't know how else I can thank you." she admits, as Riley shakes his head. "I guess the only way I can truly pay you back for everything you do is by going out there and shining bright. Proving just why this is the best place to come for those looking to truly make it. Showcasing what you help people become to the world." She smiles as she notices the pride etched upon her trainer's face.
COACH
RILEY KNIGHT
"You don't need to do anything." Riley states, pulling the pen he had given her back to his side of the table.
Holly stares at her signature at the bottom of the certificate then looks at the IIW contract next to it. She feels a sensation of happiness and calm washing throughout her body. "Soon. Soon it will no longer just be a fantasy. Soon, I will be stepping into the ring for real." she returns her stare to Riley, her mind beginning to drift off into a daydreaming state. "There's no turning back now. I've come too far to let this go to waste."
As Riley looked across at his computer, Holly took a deep breath. Her thoughts turning to how she can bring Monica along with her on this journey and all that it will entail. Uphold the pact they had made to remain a tandem forever. "This is your stage now, Holly. Go out there and show the world what you are made of."
HOLLY BLACK
MONICA INGRAM
Holly couldn't stop thinking about Monica. About bringing her alongside her and entering the IIW together. "It's just like we imagined when we stood in the ring at camp. Us, doing this together against the world" she thought to herself.
A click is heard, as Riley appears to confirm something on the computer before turning to face his former student once more. Holly, on the other hand, was glancing around at the office. Its cream painted walls, the various pictures that adorned the walls and shelves that were pushed up against them, gave a sense of unity between antique and modern. Much like Riley's training methods. A feeling she will miss when she heads to the IIW, even if this is for the best.
"Alright. I just let them know that you signed the contract. They should be in contact with further details over the next few days." Riley remarks, attempting to steer Holly's focus back toward the reason why he had summoned her to this office.
"Okay, so just wait for them to get in touch?" she inquired, lifting her right hand and brushing her hair back slightly, making sure her ponytail was still intact. She matches Riley's stare once more, noticing the prideful smile on his face.
He nods, answering her question in the affirmative as he glances downward at the contract she had just signed. He's seen many people sign contracts in this office to begin their careers, but none of them had made him this excited for what is to come.
"Good luck. I know it may seem like a big move, but if there's anybody who can handle it, it's you. I truly believe that." he states, the warmth and sincerity of his words resonating with Holly. She lets it all sink in, her mind washing away any doubts she may have held.
"Thank you." she stated.
"None needed. I have to go now. Got another meeting, but you know you can reach out anytime if you need advice or just want to tell me how your career's going. I'll be watching and cheering you every step of the way, just like I know everyone will be. Remember, we are all with you." he states as Holly rises, giving him a look of appreciation and remarking that she'll talk to him later before she makes her way through the door and back down the hall she had come down.
KNIGHT TRAINING ACADEMY
RECEPTION
Walking past the reception desk, she exits the building, feeling the cool, frigid air brush against her body as she began her walk down the concrete pathway that leads toward the parking lot as she pulls her phone out of her pocket, dialing Monica's number. "Hey Monica, I just saw Riley. You were right." She makes her way toward her car, thinking about what had just transpired as she puts her seatbelt on, closing the door behind her.
"I'll be there soon. See you then." She responds, hanging up the phone as she prepares to drive to Monica's house. About fifteen minutes later, she arrives, knocking on the door.
"Hey Holly. How was it?" Monica remarks as she opens the door, wrapping Holly into a warm embrace that the woman returns.
Holly looks at her as the two break from their hug, entering Monica's spacious home. "It was good. I signed a contract with a wrestling league called the IIW."
The two continue to talk as they make their way into the lounge room of Monica's house. Playful teasing and general fun being the vibe emitting from both of them as Holly tells Monica she wishes for her to join her. "Of course! I told you I'd be there every step of the way, didn't I?" Monica remarks, smiling across at her best friend.
As they sit on the two couches within the lounge room, Monica on the black couch, Holly on the chocolate brown one to itself right, the two reflect on what has gotten them to this point, as well as what they have to look forward to, now that they are entering this sport together. The Sacred Lotuses as they are calling themselves.
"You and I against the world. Just how we dreamed it would be." Holly remarks in a soft, calm voice.