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AS73: Amber Warren vs. Aleksandr Cuba
- Thread starter Harthan
- Start date
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- Not open for further replies.
We open on a news reporter standing outside of a district court. It is a dank, horrid January morning, and the reporter looks miserable as the rain lashes down, and the wind makes keeping hold of her umbrella a painful chore. In an instance though her demeanor changes as she is alerted that she is now live, and her professionalism takes over.
"Yes Ron, Im here outside of the North Carolina middle district court where the trial of Mr Carson Jeung has begun this morning. Mr Jeung was charged with five counts of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence."
He is accused of handling approximately one million dollars which were the proceeds of crime. He pleaded not guilty to five counts of money laundering, which the prosecution alleges happened between 2004 and 2011, in five separate bank accounts. The trial is expected to last a month.
We then cut to inside the court where the defendants attorney is currently in the middle of his opening statement.
As we pan across the various different jurors, whose body language range from boredom to annoyance, we finally see Aleksandr Cuba seated in the top right. He looks contemplative as he fiddles with his scarf. As he looks over at his fellow jurors, one catches his eye and squints, almost as if he recognises Cuba.
and Mr Jeung's wealth had been made in lawful and legitimate stock trading, and the properties he owns were all bought through legitimate means. In no way has the defendant ever been involved with illegal activities. That is why over the next few weeks it will be proven that he is an innocent man involved in an unprecedented failure by this system.
The defence attorney takes a seat as the Judge removes his glasses.
Thank you Mr Harris. We will now proceed with a short lunch break.
As the people pour out of the courtroom we follow Aleksandr as he makes his way into a small, empty break room populated with only a few tables and some vending machines. As Aleksandr approaches a vending machine and observes the wares inside, he suddenly feels a tap on his shoulder.
Hey Youre that Aleksandr Cuba, right? The wrestler? From WZCW?
As Aleksandr looks to his right he notices a balding, sweaty man standing beside him. It is the same juror that caught his eye earlier in the courtroom.
Yeah, sure.
Oh wow, awesome! Im a big WZCW fan! But hey, arent you Russian? How are you on a US jury?
Aleksandr rolls his eyes and chuckles to himself.
Ill let you figure that one out.
Oh hmm Anyway, how did they manage to rope you into doing this? I mean youre a wrestler travelling all over the country, pretty good excuse if ever there was any, Id say.
They didnt rope me in, I came here willingly. This is the best brain exercise I can get. Deducing if a man is guilty or innocent, holding the power of someones future in your hands, I find it exhilarating. It is a menial task only to those lacking the mental capability to truly understand the responsibility they possess.
The jurors brow furrows like he didnt get half the words Aleksandrs just said. Aleksandr takes this as a sign the conversation is over and returns his focus to the vending machine, but the man continues.
Right Well I gotta say its really cool meeting one of you guys in person. Ive been a WZCW fan since the beginning, and you and that Japanese fella are interesting.
It is now Aleksandrs turn for his brow to furrow.
Interesting?
Well I mean you know I havent seen a lot of you. I mean you didn't have a match at Apocalypse. And you lost to Los Magnificos Dragones before then...
A hint of irritation can be seen on Aleksandrs face but the man is oblivious to this.
...Man I love Los Magnificos Dragones though, so glad they captured the Tag Team Gold. Truly deserving and
Cuba seemingly hears enough of this and pushes the guy up against the wall aggressively with one arm, his hand grabbing some of the jurors shirt.
How dare you.
Wait! What did I do? I was just saying
You approach me lacking formal introductions, I then have to listen to you drivel on about god knows what and then you have the gall to mention Los Magnificos Dragones and our failings to me?
I I
Shut up. You mention the Dragones in front of me again and Ill have no hesitation in letting your wife know about your extra-marital activities. Got it?
Aleksandr releases his grip on the mans shirt, as the guy looks at him in horror and confusion.
How do you know
Aleksandr cuts him off.
Its obvious really. I know youre married because of your ring, and Im assuming your wife is of a similar age to you, Im guessing, ooo 38? 39? Now no respectable 39-year-old women in her right mind would be wearing a Katy Perry perfume, of which a slight smell permeates from your shirt collar. And with the creases in the shirt and the dried pit stains, its obvious you wore this shirt yesterday too. Why not? Its a nice formal, shirt, suitable for courting and court it seems.
Cuba grabs his water from the bottom of the vending machine and takes a seat at a nearby table, satisfied the situation is resolved.
The man stands frozen for a few moments, before regaining himself and looking at Aleksandr. He hesitates, almost as if hes internally struggling with what do, before deciding to take a seat opposite Aleksandr, much to Cubas chagrin.
How did you do that? That was incredible.
Aleksandr takes a sip of his water and taps his temple with his finger.
I observe people. Everyone has a tell, something that exposes themselves, whether its a weakness or a secret, physical or mental. Then its simply a case of deducing how to exploit it to its fullest. Some are obvious like yours, others are more difficult, but theres always something. Something I can manifest to my own advantage
Even in wrestling?
Yes, especially in wrestling. Have you seen the WZCW roster? A bunch of freaks and frauds, some vain, some arrogant, some harboring deep hatred, some multiple personalities. Its my greatest asset. I may not be the smartest competitor in WZCW, but I am the one who will utilise my intelligence to its full potential.
Look I didn't mean to offend you before when I mentioned Los
Aleksandr glares at the juror.
I mean the tag champions. I just got over-excited I guess.
Aleksandr smirks that smirk, devilish in its propensity.
Its fine, as you said, you really like the Dragones. Doesnt everyone? Arent they billed as the great saviours of the tag division?
The division isnt what it once was, but at least we have a tag team to be proud of, they chatter inanely to themselves.
Well its heady praise indeed for total frauds.
Hey Come on now.
The Dragones sit atop the mountain with their stolen gold like Smaug the stupendous. Bellies full of arrogance and false pride. And people like you eat it up, too stupid to see the great lie right in front of your eyes.
The jurors enthusiasm for conversation seems to wane and it is his turn to feel irritation towards Cuba. Aleksandr looks like a man with a mouth full of poison. But the man takes the bait.
What lie?
A lie that will be exposed soon enough, my man. The Dragones are sitting on borrowed time, the mountain crumbling beneath their feet. This week I am going to hurt and defeat Amber Warren, and that is just the beginning of what's in store for "LMD".
What makes you so sure of that huh? Ambers tough, damn tough. Why are you so confident?
Aleksandr leans back in his chair laughing with his arms spread out wide. He then brings them in and clasps his hands together.
I forgot how much of a kindred spirit she is to people like you. Shes the little firecracker, the young dragon; she never gives up, never backs down.
But you fail to see what I see when I look at her. Amber Warren is in a role well above her worth, and she is about to drown in expectation. People like you with your misplaced confidence will ultimately be her undoing.
How can she carry that twenty-two pound belt around and convince people shes deserving of it, when she cant even convince herself?
What is she going to do when she looks over to her corner and El Califa isnt there to tag in? She is nothing more than a leech, plucked from the masked mans arm and thrown into the demons pit. The poor girls weakness is burned to her forehead like a target. Exploit her emotions, stick the knife in deep and watch her implode from within.
I am the bearer of that knife and I will cut her open and expose her true form to the world.
Convinced yet?
The juror shakes his head, half in defiance and half like hes just heard the horrible, vicious truth pour out in front of him. A few moments pass and the man says nothing, he just sits there awkwardly.
A women in a business suit disrupts the silence with a knock at the door, telling them both that court is about to reconvene. Aleksandr gets up and walks towards the door but stops suddenly and turns towards the man.
Ive left you speechless it seems, I do that. My advice to you is threefold.
One, dont ever interrupt me like that again.
Two, whatever call I make in the verdict Id go with, Ill probably be right.
Finally, I recommend you find a new tag team to enjoy, the one you currently court is about to expire.
Aleksandr adjusts his scarf and walks out of the room as we fade to black.
"Yes Ron, Im here outside of the North Carolina middle district court where the trial of Mr Carson Jeung has begun this morning. Mr Jeung was charged with five counts of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence."
He is accused of handling approximately one million dollars which were the proceeds of crime. He pleaded not guilty to five counts of money laundering, which the prosecution alleges happened between 2004 and 2011, in five separate bank accounts. The trial is expected to last a month.
We then cut to inside the court where the defendants attorney is currently in the middle of his opening statement.
As we pan across the various different jurors, whose body language range from boredom to annoyance, we finally see Aleksandr Cuba seated in the top right. He looks contemplative as he fiddles with his scarf. As he looks over at his fellow jurors, one catches his eye and squints, almost as if he recognises Cuba.
and Mr Jeung's wealth had been made in lawful and legitimate stock trading, and the properties he owns were all bought through legitimate means. In no way has the defendant ever been involved with illegal activities. That is why over the next few weeks it will be proven that he is an innocent man involved in an unprecedented failure by this system.
The defence attorney takes a seat as the Judge removes his glasses.
Thank you Mr Harris. We will now proceed with a short lunch break.
As the people pour out of the courtroom we follow Aleksandr as he makes his way into a small, empty break room populated with only a few tables and some vending machines. As Aleksandr approaches a vending machine and observes the wares inside, he suddenly feels a tap on his shoulder.
Hey Youre that Aleksandr Cuba, right? The wrestler? From WZCW?
As Aleksandr looks to his right he notices a balding, sweaty man standing beside him. It is the same juror that caught his eye earlier in the courtroom.
Yeah, sure.
Oh wow, awesome! Im a big WZCW fan! But hey, arent you Russian? How are you on a US jury?
Aleksandr rolls his eyes and chuckles to himself.
Ill let you figure that one out.
Oh hmm Anyway, how did they manage to rope you into doing this? I mean youre a wrestler travelling all over the country, pretty good excuse if ever there was any, Id say.
They didnt rope me in, I came here willingly. This is the best brain exercise I can get. Deducing if a man is guilty or innocent, holding the power of someones future in your hands, I find it exhilarating. It is a menial task only to those lacking the mental capability to truly understand the responsibility they possess.
The jurors brow furrows like he didnt get half the words Aleksandrs just said. Aleksandr takes this as a sign the conversation is over and returns his focus to the vending machine, but the man continues.
Right Well I gotta say its really cool meeting one of you guys in person. Ive been a WZCW fan since the beginning, and you and that Japanese fella are interesting.
It is now Aleksandrs turn for his brow to furrow.
Interesting?
Well I mean you know I havent seen a lot of you. I mean you didn't have a match at Apocalypse. And you lost to Los Magnificos Dragones before then...
A hint of irritation can be seen on Aleksandrs face but the man is oblivious to this.
...Man I love Los Magnificos Dragones though, so glad they captured the Tag Team Gold. Truly deserving and
Cuba seemingly hears enough of this and pushes the guy up against the wall aggressively with one arm, his hand grabbing some of the jurors shirt.
How dare you.
Wait! What did I do? I was just saying
You approach me lacking formal introductions, I then have to listen to you drivel on about god knows what and then you have the gall to mention Los Magnificos Dragones and our failings to me?
I I
Shut up. You mention the Dragones in front of me again and Ill have no hesitation in letting your wife know about your extra-marital activities. Got it?
Aleksandr releases his grip on the mans shirt, as the guy looks at him in horror and confusion.
How do you know
Aleksandr cuts him off.
Its obvious really. I know youre married because of your ring, and Im assuming your wife is of a similar age to you, Im guessing, ooo 38? 39? Now no respectable 39-year-old women in her right mind would be wearing a Katy Perry perfume, of which a slight smell permeates from your shirt collar. And with the creases in the shirt and the dried pit stains, its obvious you wore this shirt yesterday too. Why not? Its a nice formal, shirt, suitable for courting and court it seems.
Cuba grabs his water from the bottom of the vending machine and takes a seat at a nearby table, satisfied the situation is resolved.
The man stands frozen for a few moments, before regaining himself and looking at Aleksandr. He hesitates, almost as if hes internally struggling with what do, before deciding to take a seat opposite Aleksandr, much to Cubas chagrin.
How did you do that? That was incredible.
Aleksandr takes a sip of his water and taps his temple with his finger.
I observe people. Everyone has a tell, something that exposes themselves, whether its a weakness or a secret, physical or mental. Then its simply a case of deducing how to exploit it to its fullest. Some are obvious like yours, others are more difficult, but theres always something. Something I can manifest to my own advantage
Even in wrestling?
Yes, especially in wrestling. Have you seen the WZCW roster? A bunch of freaks and frauds, some vain, some arrogant, some harboring deep hatred, some multiple personalities. Its my greatest asset. I may not be the smartest competitor in WZCW, but I am the one who will utilise my intelligence to its full potential.
Look I didn't mean to offend you before when I mentioned Los
Aleksandr glares at the juror.
I mean the tag champions. I just got over-excited I guess.
Aleksandr smirks that smirk, devilish in its propensity.
Its fine, as you said, you really like the Dragones. Doesnt everyone? Arent they billed as the great saviours of the tag division?
The division isnt what it once was, but at least we have a tag team to be proud of, they chatter inanely to themselves.
Well its heady praise indeed for total frauds.
Hey Come on now.
The Dragones sit atop the mountain with their stolen gold like Smaug the stupendous. Bellies full of arrogance and false pride. And people like you eat it up, too stupid to see the great lie right in front of your eyes.
The jurors enthusiasm for conversation seems to wane and it is his turn to feel irritation towards Cuba. Aleksandr looks like a man with a mouth full of poison. But the man takes the bait.
What lie?
A lie that will be exposed soon enough, my man. The Dragones are sitting on borrowed time, the mountain crumbling beneath their feet. This week I am going to hurt and defeat Amber Warren, and that is just the beginning of what's in store for "LMD".
What makes you so sure of that huh? Ambers tough, damn tough. Why are you so confident?
Aleksandr leans back in his chair laughing with his arms spread out wide. He then brings them in and clasps his hands together.
I forgot how much of a kindred spirit she is to people like you. Shes the little firecracker, the young dragon; she never gives up, never backs down.
But you fail to see what I see when I look at her. Amber Warren is in a role well above her worth, and she is about to drown in expectation. People like you with your misplaced confidence will ultimately be her undoing.
How can she carry that twenty-two pound belt around and convince people shes deserving of it, when she cant even convince herself?
What is she going to do when she looks over to her corner and El Califa isnt there to tag in? She is nothing more than a leech, plucked from the masked mans arm and thrown into the demons pit. The poor girls weakness is burned to her forehead like a target. Exploit her emotions, stick the knife in deep and watch her implode from within.
I am the bearer of that knife and I will cut her open and expose her true form to the world.
Convinced yet?
The juror shakes his head, half in defiance and half like hes just heard the horrible, vicious truth pour out in front of him. A few moments pass and the man says nothing, he just sits there awkwardly.
A women in a business suit disrupts the silence with a knock at the door, telling them both that court is about to reconvene. Aleksandr gets up and walks towards the door but stops suddenly and turns towards the man.
Ive left you speechless it seems, I do that. My advice to you is threefold.
One, dont ever interrupt me like that again.
Two, whatever call I make in the verdict Id go with, Ill probably be right.
Finally, I recommend you find a new tag team to enjoy, the one you currently court is about to expire.
Aleksandr adjusts his scarf and walks out of the room as we fade to black.
Backstage at Apocalypse, Amber and Nate are popping the cover of a champagne bottle as the newly-won tag team title is slung over Ambers shoulder. The joy is clearly there and it seems nothing can ruin this moment for the Warren siblings.
Nate: I knew you could do it sis. Great job out there, great job.
Amber is in a very jovial mood after winning her first title in her career in WZCW. She shakes another bottle of champagne before popping the lid once more only for the champagne to burst out. She pours herself and her older brother each a glass of champagne as the two toast to a great ending to Apocalypse for the Dragons.
Nate: Speaking of which, wheres your partner sis? He should be here celebrating with us.
Amber shoots Nate a look as if saying she totally forgot about El Califa because of how happy she is about winning the tag team titles.
Amber: Oh shoot, youre right. He told me right after the match that hed catch up because he wanted to go to his locker room first and take it all in.
Nate: Hmm, I see.
As if on cue, El Califa opens the door and enters the scene. El Califa has the title slung over his shoulder as well but something feels a little odd here. You wouldnt know that because of the happy moods that the Warren siblings are in. But El Califa stands there stoic for a moment.
Amber: Uhh hello? El Califa? You there?
The young dragon snaps her fingers in front of El Califas face but she gets no answer. But a few moments later, El Califa takes a seat on the nearby chair. Amber and Nate immediately follow suit by grabbing a chair to find out whats going on with El Califa.
Amber: Hey El Califa, you mind telling me whats wrong? This is supposed to be the happiest time ever since weve finally reached our goal of winning the tag team titles? Whats your deal?
El Califa still doesnt answer but its clearly seen that El Califa is looking down, seemingly a little disappointed. But at what, no one really knows.
El Califa: El Califa would like to apologize Amber. El Califa knows this is a huge accomplishment for you and for El Califa as well. Its a big accomplishment for Los Magnificos Dragones.
Amber and Nate have confused looks on their faces as they listen in on what else El Califa has to say to them.
El Califa: However, El Califa doesnt approve of the way Los Magnificos Dragones won these tag team titles.
Amber: What?! Are you serious right now El Califa? Ive trained day and night for too long for you to ruin this moment for me. Whats important is that we won right? Winning is good and thats what we did. Cmon El Califa, lighten up.
El Califa stands which prompts Nate to his feet as well to break up any verbal war that may ensue. Amber stays seated on her chair while looking up at El Califa.
El Califa: Like El Califa has said, El Califa apologizes if it seems that El Califa isnt overjoyed to win the tag team titles. El Califa doesnt want you to feel this way Amber. What El Califa is trying to say is that Los Magnificos Dragones is all about honor and pride. And the way El Califa and Amber won those titles tonight was not right.
Amber then takes her stand to which Nate moves closer to his sister because he knows how aggressive Amber can be.
Amber: Oh cmon El Califa. I get it, I really do. I didnt like that we won this in a handicap match either. You think I didnt want to beat Holmes and Celeste fairly? Of course I did! I wanted to prove to everyone that I could hang with the big time players in this company. You cant imagine how disappointed I was when I learned that Celeste wasnt able to find a partner.
The young dragon gets louder with each other. She holds her head for a moment trying to calm herself but it doesnt seem to be working.
Amber: Ive worked too god damn hard for you to ruin this moment for me El Califa. I appreciate all that youve done for me but just this once, can you be happy for what we accomplished tonight? Is that so hard to ask? IS IT?!
Nate steps in between Amber and El Califa. He holds back Amber a bit as she advances towards El Califa who doesnt budge.
El Califa: There you go again Amber. That rage inside of you is eating away at you once more. El Califa has tried to teach you numerous times on how to control it but you just dont listen. Before things get out of hand though, El Califa hasjust been informed that our next matches will be singles matches against separate members of the Demon Foreigners. El Califa will be in a match against Atsushi Kiriyama and you will be in a match against Aleksandr Cuba. El Califa suggests that we train separately for these matches. Now, this isnt punishment if thats what youre thinking. El Califa just thinks that training separately for these matches will help us in the long run. Again, El Califa apologizes. But you know El Califa Amber, El Califa doesnt take the easy way out.
El Califa continues on looking to cheer Amber up a little. Amber isn't too pleased with El Califa right now but she is listening.
El Califa: We are great as a team, however we must also learn to continue to excel individually. There will be times we cannot rely on each other Amber Warren, and this week is when we should test ourselves. We are more than just a tag team, we are both great wrestlers. Let us prove that to everyone that individually we are great, but together we are unstoppable.
With that, El Califa puts his hand on Ambers shoulder as if saying that there is no tension in the team despite the verbal war that just happened while El Califa simply nods at Nate before exiting their locker room.
--
Its a nice day for a run in the park and thats exactly what Amber and Nate are doing at this very moment. Its not too hot and its not too cold. Dressed in running attire, the Warren siblings venture out on their training regimen. The park has a myriad of people in it with other joggers, kids with their parents, kids hanging out, all the usual.
Nate: You think its fair the way you snapped at El Califa?
Amber: Dont even start with me Nate. We won our match and he couldnt even be slightly happy with what we accomplished that night? Please.
Nate: Look, I get your upset but the way youve been lately, your aggressiveness has been evident. And honestly, its starting to scare me. You need to relax sis.
As the two siblings have their run in the park, they pass by bikers, parents, kids, a couple dogs, all the things youd see in a park.
Amber: What do you think Im doing Nate? Im training for my match against Aleksandr Cuba arent I? Quit pestering me will you?
Nate: Do you even know anything about this Cuba guy?
As their run progresses, we start to hear some heavy breathing from both Amber and Nate who decide to have a little breather.
Amber: Of course I do. Me and El Califa have faced the Demon Foreigners before and weve beaten them.
Nate: Yeah, I know. But this time, youre in singles matches. Its a whole different ball game especially against someone as dangerous as Cuba.
Amber: Yeah, I know I know. The guy is one hell of an athlete so Im not sure if quickness will be the way to beat him. He can does things that I do as well so its kind of tough to think of a strategy against him. What he doesnt know is this new-found aggressiveness of mine shouldnt go unnoticed.
Nate: I think he knows that sis.
Amber: Yeah, well. Im just gonna throw everything that I can at him. I just became one half of the tag team champions Nate. You think Im gonna let up? Of course not. Theres no where else to go but up from here. If that means more challenges are coming our way, then so be it. I welcome that. No one said being a champion was gonna be easy.
Nate: That's what I like to hear. You alright being in singles matches though? I mean, you're pretty much used to having El Califa in your corner.
Amber: You of all people should know the answer to this Nate. I wasn't always a tag team wrestler. I've had a couple of bouts as a singles competitor in WZCW and I think I did pretty fine on my own don't you think? And with what I learned from El Califa, just imagine how much more dangerous I'll be. I'm not underestimating Cuba but he sure as hell better not underestimate me as well because he's got another thing coming.
With confidence radiating throughout every ounce of her body, Amber continues her run leaving her brother who simply nods his head at the words from his sister. Nate takes a moment to breath leaving a fairly wide gap between him and his sister.
The scene shifts back to Amber and it seems that she has her eye on something. On the corner of her eye, we see three young boys who can't be more than 10 years old near the sandy area of the park. The two who are standing are pretty tall for their age maybe they're more than 10 years old while the one on the ground is slightly smaller than the other two. She sees that the two older boys are ganging up on the smallest kid. The smallest kid is seated on the sand looking upset while the two older boys are laughing at him even kicking sand to the little boy.
This takes Amber back to a place she never wanted to go to. She remembers her days back in school where she would get bullied by her peers. All those times of sitting alone during lunch time, getting shoved into lockers, recess time when no one would want to play with her, and all those times when she was called names. The anger was beginning to build up inside her as her nostrils started to flare and her hands turned into fists.
Without thinking, she walks up to the the three young boys. She pulls one of the older kids who was kicking sand to the smallest boy there a little too hard, hard enough to make him fall down.
Amber: What do you think you're doing huh?! Do you think this is right?
The two older boys begin to cry but moreso the kid who was pulled off a little too strong by Amber. The two older boys run away crying but Amber doesn't even care about that. She checks on the smallest by who was getting sand all over him but even he is scared of Amber as she tries to console the little boy. Her good intentions came off the wrong way as the little boy himself ran away from Amber who looked distraught.
Amber again has that feeling of rejection just as she was rejected by everyone as a kid. She began weeping on the sand as well.
Amber: What have I done? I can't believe I just did that. El Califa was right about me all along.
Her face is now in her hands, she cries into them.
Amber: Was I the problem all this time? Was it my fault that I wasn't accepted like all those other kids? Was it my fault that I didn't fit in? That I didn't meet the standards of everyone else?
Finally, Nate caught up to Amber. But when Amber spots her brother, she quickly gets up and runs away. Nate is confused at all of this not sure what just happened. Sensing that something was wrong, he runs after his sister.
The cameras shift back to Amber who is running as fast as she can looking to escape. Escape her dark past that seems to have caught up to her just then even for a moment.
Amber: El Califa was right all along. This aggression in me is out of control. I need to learn how to control it. How to use it for good, how to use it to help win us matches.
Now that she has distanced herself from Nate a little more, she takes a moment to breath. She doubles over, hands on her knees as she breathes heavily. She stares up at the bright sunny day ahead of her. She spots a large area of grass right to her left side and simply falls back and lays there, thinking god knows what.
Nate: I knew you could do it sis. Great job out there, great job.
Amber is in a very jovial mood after winning her first title in her career in WZCW. She shakes another bottle of champagne before popping the lid once more only for the champagne to burst out. She pours herself and her older brother each a glass of champagne as the two toast to a great ending to Apocalypse for the Dragons.
Nate: Speaking of which, wheres your partner sis? He should be here celebrating with us.
Amber shoots Nate a look as if saying she totally forgot about El Califa because of how happy she is about winning the tag team titles.
Amber: Oh shoot, youre right. He told me right after the match that hed catch up because he wanted to go to his locker room first and take it all in.
Nate: Hmm, I see.
As if on cue, El Califa opens the door and enters the scene. El Califa has the title slung over his shoulder as well but something feels a little odd here. You wouldnt know that because of the happy moods that the Warren siblings are in. But El Califa stands there stoic for a moment.
Amber: Uhh hello? El Califa? You there?
The young dragon snaps her fingers in front of El Califas face but she gets no answer. But a few moments later, El Califa takes a seat on the nearby chair. Amber and Nate immediately follow suit by grabbing a chair to find out whats going on with El Califa.
Amber: Hey El Califa, you mind telling me whats wrong? This is supposed to be the happiest time ever since weve finally reached our goal of winning the tag team titles? Whats your deal?
El Califa still doesnt answer but its clearly seen that El Califa is looking down, seemingly a little disappointed. But at what, no one really knows.
El Califa: El Califa would like to apologize Amber. El Califa knows this is a huge accomplishment for you and for El Califa as well. Its a big accomplishment for Los Magnificos Dragones.
Amber and Nate have confused looks on their faces as they listen in on what else El Califa has to say to them.
El Califa: However, El Califa doesnt approve of the way Los Magnificos Dragones won these tag team titles.
Amber: What?! Are you serious right now El Califa? Ive trained day and night for too long for you to ruin this moment for me. Whats important is that we won right? Winning is good and thats what we did. Cmon El Califa, lighten up.
El Califa stands which prompts Nate to his feet as well to break up any verbal war that may ensue. Amber stays seated on her chair while looking up at El Califa.
El Califa: Like El Califa has said, El Califa apologizes if it seems that El Califa isnt overjoyed to win the tag team titles. El Califa doesnt want you to feel this way Amber. What El Califa is trying to say is that Los Magnificos Dragones is all about honor and pride. And the way El Califa and Amber won those titles tonight was not right.
Amber then takes her stand to which Nate moves closer to his sister because he knows how aggressive Amber can be.
Amber: Oh cmon El Califa. I get it, I really do. I didnt like that we won this in a handicap match either. You think I didnt want to beat Holmes and Celeste fairly? Of course I did! I wanted to prove to everyone that I could hang with the big time players in this company. You cant imagine how disappointed I was when I learned that Celeste wasnt able to find a partner.
The young dragon gets louder with each other. She holds her head for a moment trying to calm herself but it doesnt seem to be working.
Amber: Ive worked too god damn hard for you to ruin this moment for me El Califa. I appreciate all that youve done for me but just this once, can you be happy for what we accomplished tonight? Is that so hard to ask? IS IT?!
Nate steps in between Amber and El Califa. He holds back Amber a bit as she advances towards El Califa who doesnt budge.
El Califa: There you go again Amber. That rage inside of you is eating away at you once more. El Califa has tried to teach you numerous times on how to control it but you just dont listen. Before things get out of hand though, El Califa hasjust been informed that our next matches will be singles matches against separate members of the Demon Foreigners. El Califa will be in a match against Atsushi Kiriyama and you will be in a match against Aleksandr Cuba. El Califa suggests that we train separately for these matches. Now, this isnt punishment if thats what youre thinking. El Califa just thinks that training separately for these matches will help us in the long run. Again, El Califa apologizes. But you know El Califa Amber, El Califa doesnt take the easy way out.
El Califa continues on looking to cheer Amber up a little. Amber isn't too pleased with El Califa right now but she is listening.
El Califa: We are great as a team, however we must also learn to continue to excel individually. There will be times we cannot rely on each other Amber Warren, and this week is when we should test ourselves. We are more than just a tag team, we are both great wrestlers. Let us prove that to everyone that individually we are great, but together we are unstoppable.
With that, El Califa puts his hand on Ambers shoulder as if saying that there is no tension in the team despite the verbal war that just happened while El Califa simply nods at Nate before exiting their locker room.
--
Its a nice day for a run in the park and thats exactly what Amber and Nate are doing at this very moment. Its not too hot and its not too cold. Dressed in running attire, the Warren siblings venture out on their training regimen. The park has a myriad of people in it with other joggers, kids with their parents, kids hanging out, all the usual.
Nate: You think its fair the way you snapped at El Califa?
Amber: Dont even start with me Nate. We won our match and he couldnt even be slightly happy with what we accomplished that night? Please.
Nate: Look, I get your upset but the way youve been lately, your aggressiveness has been evident. And honestly, its starting to scare me. You need to relax sis.
As the two siblings have their run in the park, they pass by bikers, parents, kids, a couple dogs, all the things youd see in a park.
Amber: What do you think Im doing Nate? Im training for my match against Aleksandr Cuba arent I? Quit pestering me will you?
Nate: Do you even know anything about this Cuba guy?
As their run progresses, we start to hear some heavy breathing from both Amber and Nate who decide to have a little breather.
Amber: Of course I do. Me and El Califa have faced the Demon Foreigners before and weve beaten them.
Nate: Yeah, I know. But this time, youre in singles matches. Its a whole different ball game especially against someone as dangerous as Cuba.
Amber: Yeah, I know I know. The guy is one hell of an athlete so Im not sure if quickness will be the way to beat him. He can does things that I do as well so its kind of tough to think of a strategy against him. What he doesnt know is this new-found aggressiveness of mine shouldnt go unnoticed.
Nate: I think he knows that sis.
Amber: Yeah, well. Im just gonna throw everything that I can at him. I just became one half of the tag team champions Nate. You think Im gonna let up? Of course not. Theres no where else to go but up from here. If that means more challenges are coming our way, then so be it. I welcome that. No one said being a champion was gonna be easy.
Nate: That's what I like to hear. You alright being in singles matches though? I mean, you're pretty much used to having El Califa in your corner.
Amber: You of all people should know the answer to this Nate. I wasn't always a tag team wrestler. I've had a couple of bouts as a singles competitor in WZCW and I think I did pretty fine on my own don't you think? And with what I learned from El Califa, just imagine how much more dangerous I'll be. I'm not underestimating Cuba but he sure as hell better not underestimate me as well because he's got another thing coming.
With confidence radiating throughout every ounce of her body, Amber continues her run leaving her brother who simply nods his head at the words from his sister. Nate takes a moment to breath leaving a fairly wide gap between him and his sister.
The scene shifts back to Amber and it seems that she has her eye on something. On the corner of her eye, we see three young boys who can't be more than 10 years old near the sandy area of the park. The two who are standing are pretty tall for their age maybe they're more than 10 years old while the one on the ground is slightly smaller than the other two. She sees that the two older boys are ganging up on the smallest kid. The smallest kid is seated on the sand looking upset while the two older boys are laughing at him even kicking sand to the little boy.
This takes Amber back to a place she never wanted to go to. She remembers her days back in school where she would get bullied by her peers. All those times of sitting alone during lunch time, getting shoved into lockers, recess time when no one would want to play with her, and all those times when she was called names. The anger was beginning to build up inside her as her nostrils started to flare and her hands turned into fists.
Without thinking, she walks up to the the three young boys. She pulls one of the older kids who was kicking sand to the smallest boy there a little too hard, hard enough to make him fall down.
Amber: What do you think you're doing huh?! Do you think this is right?
The two older boys begin to cry but moreso the kid who was pulled off a little too strong by Amber. The two older boys run away crying but Amber doesn't even care about that. She checks on the smallest by who was getting sand all over him but even he is scared of Amber as she tries to console the little boy. Her good intentions came off the wrong way as the little boy himself ran away from Amber who looked distraught.
Amber again has that feeling of rejection just as she was rejected by everyone as a kid. She began weeping on the sand as well.
Amber: What have I done? I can't believe I just did that. El Califa was right about me all along.
Her face is now in her hands, she cries into them.
Amber: Was I the problem all this time? Was it my fault that I wasn't accepted like all those other kids? Was it my fault that I didn't fit in? That I didn't meet the standards of everyone else?
Finally, Nate caught up to Amber. But when Amber spots her brother, she quickly gets up and runs away. Nate is confused at all of this not sure what just happened. Sensing that something was wrong, he runs after his sister.
The cameras shift back to Amber who is running as fast as she can looking to escape. Escape her dark past that seems to have caught up to her just then even for a moment.
Amber: El Califa was right all along. This aggression in me is out of control. I need to learn how to control it. How to use it for good, how to use it to help win us matches.
Now that she has distanced herself from Nate a little more, she takes a moment to breath. She doubles over, hands on her knees as she breathes heavily. She stares up at the bright sunny day ahead of her. She spots a large area of grass right to her left side and simply falls back and lays there, thinking god knows what.
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