In the land of Gods and Monsters
Oct 13, 2016 19:41:52 GMT -5
Post by Savannah Taylor on Oct 13, 2016 19:41:52 GMT -5
Saturday, October 8th, 2016
City Athletic Club
Las Vegas, Nevada
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In the wee hours of the morning, when the normal citizens of the world are safely hunkered down within the comfortable confines of their beds, there are a select few people who rouse themselves from a comfortable sleep and out of their comfort zones. For some, the pre-dawn hours are the only time in their busy lives where people are able to carve out time for themselves. It is the only time of the day where people are free to be alone and bask in the peace that is their quiet time. For others, the early time of the morning is the perfect chance to get a jumpstart on their daily workout routines. In a city such as Las Vegas, there is an oasis hidden in the neon desert. The famed City Athletic Club is a popular, yet exclusive destination for Sin City’s most fitness minded citizens. It offers everything from cardio equipment to perhaps the most impressive collection of free weights in the entire metropolitan area, and it even boasts a spa that rivals any five star spa anywhere. But perhaps more important than any of these was the spacious area in the lower part of the gym that was reserved for heavy bag training, mixed martial arts training and the ever so popular fitness sensation, CrossFit.
The gravely voice of Godsmack lead singer Sully Erna plays as background noise in the lower level of the gym. It is about seven in the morning and there is next to no one in the entire facility except for a handful of trainers and two figures standing in the middle of the mixed martial arts cage. The two figures, both blindingly obvious to be female, are going through a series of chain wrestling drills, each series of moves appearing to flow right into the net one. The taller, younger one of the two is Las Vegas native Savannah Taylor. She is dressed down in a pair of black spandex workout capris and a black tank top with the words “Fight Like A Girl” written in pink on the front. Her sparring partner, wearing black and teal workout pants and a teal Jacksonville Jaguars tank top, is veteran wrestler Angela Jameson. The two ladies continue their drill for another minute or so before Angela stops.
Angela Jameson: Not bad. Let's take a break, yeah?
She says as the two women stand up and begin to walk over to the entrance to the cage and step outside, taking a seat on a bench just outside of the structure. Savannah reaches down for her water bottle and takes a sip.
Savannah Taylor: Hey Angela, I just wanted to say thank you for this…..for everything.
Angela Jameson: You’re welcome. The original plan I had in mind was for you to come to Florida, but obviously Matthew had other plans.
She was referring to Hurricane Matthew, which was churning it’s way up the East coast of Florida. Her hometown of St. Augustine was expected to get hammered by the storm, which caused her and her family to evacuate the city ahead of the mandatory warning. It would be unclear for a couple of days when people would be allowed to return to the oldest city in the United States.
Savannah Taylor: Any idea when they’ll let people back in?
Angela Jameson: No idea. I’m hoping sometime next week.
The younger woman nods as she takes another sip from her bottle. Angela takes a drink from her own bottle and glances over at Savannah.
Angela Jameson: There's something else, isn’t there?
Savannah Taylor: It’s just…..why are you doing this?
Angela Jameson: Doing what?
Savannah Taylor: This. Volunteering to help me before next Saturday. Wanting to work with me even after everything that has happened in the past.
Angela pauses for a second as she listens to the younger woman speak.
Angela Jameson: What happened in the past is just that, in the past. I’ve long since moved past that. To be honest…...I’m concerned about you.
Savannah Taylor: You are?
Angela Jameson: Yes I am. I’m not looking at this from a wrestling standpoint. I’m looking at your life outside of the ring. To be quite frank...you don’t look like yourself. You look exhausted.
She says, taking in Savannah’s appearance. It was true. The normally confident and vivacious Las Vegas native was looking very much like a shell of what she was. Her blue eyes didn’t sparkle as much as they used to. Her skin didn’t seem to have that glow it normally did whenever she was out in public. Even when she spoke, she was speaking in a softer tone of voice and not the kind that made people stand up and take notice.
Savannah Taylor: It’s because I am, more mentally than physically. It’s like life is all hitting me at one time and I have NO idea how to deal with everything. I don’t even know where to begin.
Angela Jameson: I’ve heard that the beginning is always a great place to start. Have things gotten worse since your mom passed away?
Savannah Taylor: It hasn’t gotten any better, I can say that. This whole…...THING with Magnus started the day I found out about my mom. Since then, it has just seemed to be one misstep after another.
Angela motions for Savannah to continue, which she does, albeit somewhat reluctantly.
Savannah Taylor: Life just seemed to come to a slow crawl uphill after my mom died. I just got her back in my life last year, and now God has decided that I’ve done something to piss him off, so he took her from me. Just the story of my life, you know? It’s almost like I’m not meant to have good things happen to me because one way or another, something happens and I mess things up.
She stands up and slowly begins to pace around the bench, running a hand through her hair as she continues to speak. Each time she speaks, the tone in her voice keeps reaching the point where she could break down at any point.
Savannah Taylor: Did you know that my father isn’t speaking to me after what happened a few weeks ago after Magnus paid him a little visit? On top of that, my sister, my FREAKING sister isn’t even speaking to me because of what happened to my father. They both blame me for what happened. I can’t say that I blame them though. I’m the reason why that monster has resurfaced. It’s because of me that the people I work with and the fans are now in danger.
She turns around and faces Angela, who has stood up from the bench and was watching Savannah intently.
Savannah Taylor: I don’t know. Maybe things wouldn’t be so completely screwed up if I had never come here in the first place. Maybe I wouldn’t be in such a slump right now if I was working elsewhere. Perhaps things would have been better if I had just gone off into the sunset after what happened in San Diego……
The sound of a hand connecting with a face echoed throughout the gym as Savannah’s head suddenly jerks to the side. Her hand goes immediately to her cheek as she turns her head back around. If looks could kill, then the look Angela was currently giving Savannah would see the blond six feet under. Angela’s own blue eyes were staring daggers into Savannah’s head as folds her arms across her chest.
Angela Jameson: Enough. I didn’t come out here just to watch you beat yourself up. I didn’t volunteer my time and energy to help you get ready for Retribution just so you would spend the entire time talking down about yourself. I’m here because I believe in you. I’m here because I know that underneath what I am seeing and have seen, there is untapped greatness waiting to come out. So if you think for one goddamn second I’m going to stand idly by and let you go further and further down the proverbial rabbit hole, think again. You are better than this.
Something about that last phrase stuck with Savannah as she stood there rubbing her stinging cheek. She draws in a breath as she drops her arms down to her sides.
Savannah Taylor: Someone else told me that recently.
Angela Jameson: I’m well aware of that. You want to know something? He is one hundred percent correct. You know it and I know it.
Savannah nods her head as she glances down at her feet, her voice a couple of levels above a whisper.
Savannah Taylor: I fucked up, Angela.
Angela Jameson: What happened?
Savannah Taylor: After my mom died, I pushed him away. I pushed away the one person who was able to look past everything that I’ve done and was able to love me for me.
Angela Jameson: Why in God’s name would you fucking do something like that?
Savannah Taylor: I don’t know!
She looks up, her eyes glistening with the threat of unshed tears. Listening to her speak, it was clear as day one could hear the regret and uncertainty in her voice.
Savannah Taylor: I wasn’t dealing well with my mom’s passing and I took it out on those around me. I thought that I didn’t need anyone and that I could deal with the grief on my own. I only fucked things up beyond belief. I couldn’t see that people were only trying to help me so I wouldn’t have to go through this alone. That sure worked out well. This is probably a sign that I am not meant to have nice things.
Savannah shuts her eyes to prevent the tears from spilling down onto her cheeks. Angela rubs the bridge of her nose and sighs. She could sympathize with the younger woman probably more than Savannah realized. This was unfortunately out of her control and would have to fix itself on its own, if it even could be fixed.
Angela Jameson: I’m letting my inner nerd show through for a second. On the show ‘Game Of Thrones’ as well as in the books, the people who live on the Iron Islands all worship a deity known as the Drowned God. In this worship, they utter a phrase that goes as such….What is dead may never die.
To Angela’s surprise, Savannah opens her eyes and responds in kind.
Savannah Taylor: But rises again, harder and stronger.
Angela smirks as she nods her head.
Angela Jameson: You’re a fan.
Savannah Taylor: I don’t let many people know I am.
Angela Jameson: I don’t have a crystal ball so I can’t see what the future holds for you. What I do know is if you want things to be made right…….you have to leave that up to him. You have to let HIM decide things, okay? I know this hurts to hear and I know it sounds harsh, but maybe this is the wake up call that you need.
Savannah Taylor: You’re right.
Angela Jameson: Now I know this is a subject very near and dear to your heart, but you’re going to have to push it to the back of your mind for right now. I don’t need to tell you of all people just how serious this match is next week. You can’t let your focus on Magnus Gunner waiver for a single second. Focus on Magnus first and then when things settle down after Retribution…..you can revisit how you’re going to resolve whatever is going on with Chandler. Just make sure you prepare yourself if the answer and or outcome isn’t the one you want.
Savannah can only nod because she knew deep down that Angela was correct. Angela looked at the clock on the wall, then back at Savannah.
Angela Jameson: It’s seven thirty right now and we’ve been here since five. What do you say we go get cleaned up and get some breakfast? I think you could use some.
Savannah Taylor: That sounds genuinely amazing right now.
She says with the first trace of a smile that has been on her face in God knows how long. The two women gather up their things and make their way towards the exit, slipping on their shoes as they go. As they walked, Savannah was reminded of a saying that she heard somewhere not too long ago. Sometimes just have to die a little inside in order to be reborn and rise again as a stronger and wiser version of you. Maybe this whole training with Angela was what she needed. Perhaps working with someone as respected, not to mention intimidating, as Angela would help give her the edge that she needed heading into Retribution. What awaits her a week from today was by far the biggest challenge she had ever faced since she debuted in the sport. She was willing to do any and everything to make sure that no one had to suffer under a Magnus Gunner threat again. A quote from one of her favorite movies, Training Day, seemed appropriate. In order to protect the sheep, you gotta catch the wolf, and it takes a wolf to catch a wolf. If stopping Magnus Gunner meant that she had to turn into the woman that she used to be prior to joining Frontier Grappling Arts, then she would do it in a heartbeat. If it meant protecting people that she cares about that may not care too much for her, then she was willing to lay everything out in the open. One way or another, this situation with Gunner would end at Retribution. If she failed to stop a Gunner onslaught, then the alternative wouldn’t be a very pretty picture. Game on.
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
(The achingly familiar voice of Savannah Taylor is heard calling out as the camera comes into focus. The back of a mahogany colored armchair comes into view as it suddenly whirls around, revealing the Las Vegas native herself. Dressed in black jeans, black ankle boots and a simple black fitted t-shirt, the only color that is visible is the pink ribbon fastened at heart level on the left side of her shirt. The pink ribbon, which obviously represents breast cancer awareness, is a subject that Savannah takes to heart. But what is somewhat shocking about her appearance is the fact that her face is completely void of any trace of makeup. The bruise on her left cheek is slowly starting to fade away, but remains untouched by makeup. Her blue eyes focus directly at the camera as she begins to speak once more.)
Spanish philosopher George Santayana is well known the world over for this popular phrase about making sure that the past stays a constant thought in someone’s mind. The past is something that, despite what some people may think or say, is something I’ve never forgotten.
(Her eyes narrow slightly as she remains as stoic in her facial expressions as she can muster.)
After a near two year wait, our paths have finally come to cross in the ring. This is already proving to be a very tumultuous two thousand sixteen, isn’t it Magnus? In another time and on another coast, a match between the two of us would make for what some would call must see television. Now? While the match carries some level of importance, it is nowhere near the marquee level as other matches going on. To the people who are questioning why this match is even on the Retribution card in the first place, I have two words for them…..fuck off. I didn’t make this challenge to you Magnus because I cared what people thought about me. I didn’t make this challenge to you because I thought it would be a right good time between two former coworkers. I made this challenge because I want to prove a point, not just to me but to everyone who has had anything negative to say about me over the past two or so years. A lot of what people have had to say about me stems from my involvement with you and your ideals.
One thing that people to toss around in interviews, either with us wrestlers or any celebrity really, is the question “If you could go back to any point in history and change the outcome, what would it be and why?” For me, there is one date that, if given the chance I would go back and erase in a heartbeat. That date is February tenth of two thousand and fourteen. Do you remember that particular date, Magnus? You should. That was the day where you approached me and gave me this speech about the quality of life in the company at the time and how those in power looked down upon people like me from their gilded cages. If I could change anything about that point in time, I would have told you no. I would have said toodles and went on my merry way, determined to make my own way. Like a fool, I bought into your smoke and mirrors show and joined your crusade to bring about a new age of chaos to San Diego. Did I enjoy being part of a group that ran roughshod over the company for the longest time? At the time i did. I was finally able to make a dent in the once pristine armor that surrounded the hierarchy and their cohorts. In hindsight, while I got the biggest rush out of making those who didn’t adhere to our wishes, there are things that happened that I wouldn’t have normally done on my own. But all of that is in the past and it is something that I’ve managed to put it behind me. Don’t you think it’s time you did the same? If people who knew nothing about you saw you and the crap that you have pulled these past couple of months, they would just assume that you were a madman out for some measure of revenge against someone who supposedly wronged you. To the untrained eye, that is a legit case, but come on Magnus. Look at who you are talking to here. I know you better than most and I know enough to realize that this is simply a continuation of the last time most people saw you. Because I know you as well as I do Magnus, allow me to congratulate you. You have finally done it. After a long process, you have finally evolved into the same brand of sociopath that you spent all those years rallying against in San Diego. The only difference between the two of you is that he is locked up somewhere, hopefully with the key buried under cement. With any luck after Saturday, you can join him and the two of you can live out the rest of your days wallowing in your own misery.
(Savannah brushes a few loose strands of hair out of her face as she clenches and unclenches her fists, choosing to rest her hands on the arms of the chair.)
When you first approached me about coming on board with your merry band of misfits, I was a sad, scared little girl who was trying to find her way in the wrestling world and going up against some seemingly insurmountable odds. It may have looked like I was the walking definition of grace under pressure, but underneath the mirror like surface, everything was chaos. Having to deal with all the things that came with the never ending war that YOU brought on yourself, it took everything I had not to crack. Having to play the part of the dutiful soldier and remain stone faced while everyone and their uncle’s cousin’s nephew was hurling any and all insult at you was a LOT to take on for someone who was never really all there or never felt like a complete person for much of their adult life. I bet you never once gave much thought about what the opposition’s mindset was during this whole ‘war.’ Allow me to refresh your memory with a little song from a popular Disney movie.
(She shifts in her seat and pulls out her iPhone 6S Plus. Unlocking it, she makes a few swipes until she comes to the content that she wants. Turning the volume up, she waits a few seconds before a song begins to play. The trademark voice of Governor Ratcliffe soon floats out into the room.)
Savages. Evil. Untrustworthy. You probably don’t, but do you have ANY idea what insults like that, especially hearing them day in and day out and across all social media platforms, really does to a person? It makes them hate themselves. It makes them begin to question things, things that once seemed perfectly normal. Something happened along this journey that made me question if your so called cause was even worth a damn. I should have known better than to trust you to care about anything or anyone other than yourself. Am I just as guilty of being selfish? You’re damn right I am. I have made mistakes that I am still living with to this day and that are affecting me on a personal level. That is something that I have to deal with. That is something that I have to do WITHOUT you playing the role of puppet master and controlling everything everyone says and does. Is that the real issue here, Magnus? Is part of the reason you have been relentless in your psychological and physical attacks on me is because you lost control of someone you once called loyal? Here is a friendly little piece of advice………….GET OVER IT!
Here is another piece of advice for you, Magnus. Keep in mind this is something I’ve had to learn the hard way and am still learning to this day. How about instead of blaming other for things going wrong, why don’t you take responsibility for your OWN actions? You want to blame me for all of your plans going awry? Why not take a close look at your own mania and realize that the only person to blame is yourself. The only person who is truly to blame for your delusions of grandeur going up in flames is Magnus Gunner. You want to blame me for what happened to Nick Kramer? How about instead of blaming me, someone who had NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM, why don’t you take into account the fact that throughout his entire life, he was a sick individual? Come to think about it, when was the last time you tried to reach out to him? I mean, if you cared about him as much as you claimed, then you would have done everything in your power to get him the help that he needed. This just proves my point that the only person you have ever cared about….is yourself.
(She stands up from her chair and begins to slowly pace around.)
And since I’m on the topic of your OBVIOUS lack of compassion for your fellow foot soldiers, let me jog your memory with another ‘blast from the past’ so to speak. The date was November seventeenth, two thousand fourteen. As i recall, that was NOT the best of nights for our ragtag little group of rebels. Where were you when your precious little clairvoyant was getting her body broken and beaten by the former West Coast Princess? You were off in your own zone trying to get your dick wet. Where were you when the Little Bird was dragged from pillar to post? You were off doing God only knows what with God only knows who. Where the HELL were you when I was lying in a goddamn hospital bed after having been jumped from behind backstage, wondering not only if my career was over, but if I would even wake up? Surely you would have been dug out of the little grave that Chris dug for you by then. But you didn’t. You not showing up proved to me that you didn’t care and you possibly never did. I only had three people wonder if I would be okay, wondering if I would even wake up. One of them is off living her life to the fullest and I wish I was able to talk to her more. One of them has been giving me a MUCH needed verbal and physical ass kicking in preparation for this match. And the third person? Well, let’s just say they want nothing to do with me at the moment. This only further proves my point that the whole time w all fought beside you, we were fighting for someone who would never even consider shedding blood on our behalf. He would never even give a thought to risking his life if it meant protecting us. Not only that, but it shows that you are no leader. You are no God. You are no monster. Hell, you aren’t even much of a MAN. The only thing you really are…...is a coward.
I have no idea what awaits me on Saturday in St. Paul. All I really know is that since this match if your brainchild, nothing good is going to come out of this. I know that I stand a very good chance of getting hurt. That is a risk I am more than willing to take. I’m pretty much willing to sacrifice myself for the sake of this company. If sacrificing myself in this match means that the FGA fans don’t have to live in fear of attending a show because they don’t know what kind of dark and twisted plans you may have in mind, then I am prepared to do that. If sacrificing myself means that the wrestlers in the back don’t have to look over their shoulders and worry about their own safety because they know you could be lurking anywhere, then I’m prepared to make that sacrifice. I know I am not the most popular backstage. I know people hold where I came from prior to here against me. I know people don’t care for me. I’m okay with that. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to to any and everything in my power to put an end to you before your latest schemes have a chance to take root.
You wanted to get my attention by playing those little mind games with me? You want to get inside of my head by bringing my FAMILY into this? Mission accomplished, Magnus. You have officially gone and made an enemy out of me. Only this time, things are a little different. I’m not Ryuji Kamigawa. I’m not Jerry Matthews. I’m not Kira Zeppeli. I’m not Sally Talfourd. I’m not Lady Magdalena. I’m not even the man whose death you blame me for, Nick Kramer. I am the Siren who is going to lead you right to your downfall. I am the fury that is going to make never get to see the sun rise again. More importantly, I am the woman who is going to bring about the end of the false God once and for all.
(She stands with her arms outstretched in a manner that clearly is mocking the same pose Magnus Gunner is famous for.)
Welcome to MY New Age.
(She drops her arms to her side and walks off as the scene fades out.)
City Athletic Club
Las Vegas, Nevada
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In the wee hours of the morning, when the normal citizens of the world are safely hunkered down within the comfortable confines of their beds, there are a select few people who rouse themselves from a comfortable sleep and out of their comfort zones. For some, the pre-dawn hours are the only time in their busy lives where people are able to carve out time for themselves. It is the only time of the day where people are free to be alone and bask in the peace that is their quiet time. For others, the early time of the morning is the perfect chance to get a jumpstart on their daily workout routines. In a city such as Las Vegas, there is an oasis hidden in the neon desert. The famed City Athletic Club is a popular, yet exclusive destination for Sin City’s most fitness minded citizens. It offers everything from cardio equipment to perhaps the most impressive collection of free weights in the entire metropolitan area, and it even boasts a spa that rivals any five star spa anywhere. But perhaps more important than any of these was the spacious area in the lower part of the gym that was reserved for heavy bag training, mixed martial arts training and the ever so popular fitness sensation, CrossFit.
The gravely voice of Godsmack lead singer Sully Erna plays as background noise in the lower level of the gym. It is about seven in the morning and there is next to no one in the entire facility except for a handful of trainers and two figures standing in the middle of the mixed martial arts cage. The two figures, both blindingly obvious to be female, are going through a series of chain wrestling drills, each series of moves appearing to flow right into the net one. The taller, younger one of the two is Las Vegas native Savannah Taylor. She is dressed down in a pair of black spandex workout capris and a black tank top with the words “Fight Like A Girl” written in pink on the front. Her sparring partner, wearing black and teal workout pants and a teal Jacksonville Jaguars tank top, is veteran wrestler Angela Jameson. The two ladies continue their drill for another minute or so before Angela stops.
Angela Jameson: Not bad. Let's take a break, yeah?
She says as the two women stand up and begin to walk over to the entrance to the cage and step outside, taking a seat on a bench just outside of the structure. Savannah reaches down for her water bottle and takes a sip.
Savannah Taylor: Hey Angela, I just wanted to say thank you for this…..for everything.
Angela Jameson: You’re welcome. The original plan I had in mind was for you to come to Florida, but obviously Matthew had other plans.
She was referring to Hurricane Matthew, which was churning it’s way up the East coast of Florida. Her hometown of St. Augustine was expected to get hammered by the storm, which caused her and her family to evacuate the city ahead of the mandatory warning. It would be unclear for a couple of days when people would be allowed to return to the oldest city in the United States.
Savannah Taylor: Any idea when they’ll let people back in?
Angela Jameson: No idea. I’m hoping sometime next week.
The younger woman nods as she takes another sip from her bottle. Angela takes a drink from her own bottle and glances over at Savannah.
Angela Jameson: There's something else, isn’t there?
Savannah Taylor: It’s just…..why are you doing this?
Angela Jameson: Doing what?
Savannah Taylor: This. Volunteering to help me before next Saturday. Wanting to work with me even after everything that has happened in the past.
Angela pauses for a second as she listens to the younger woman speak.
Angela Jameson: What happened in the past is just that, in the past. I’ve long since moved past that. To be honest…...I’m concerned about you.
Savannah Taylor: You are?
Angela Jameson: Yes I am. I’m not looking at this from a wrestling standpoint. I’m looking at your life outside of the ring. To be quite frank...you don’t look like yourself. You look exhausted.
She says, taking in Savannah’s appearance. It was true. The normally confident and vivacious Las Vegas native was looking very much like a shell of what she was. Her blue eyes didn’t sparkle as much as they used to. Her skin didn’t seem to have that glow it normally did whenever she was out in public. Even when she spoke, she was speaking in a softer tone of voice and not the kind that made people stand up and take notice.
Savannah Taylor: It’s because I am, more mentally than physically. It’s like life is all hitting me at one time and I have NO idea how to deal with everything. I don’t even know where to begin.
Angela Jameson: I’ve heard that the beginning is always a great place to start. Have things gotten worse since your mom passed away?
Savannah Taylor: It hasn’t gotten any better, I can say that. This whole…...THING with Magnus started the day I found out about my mom. Since then, it has just seemed to be one misstep after another.
Angela motions for Savannah to continue, which she does, albeit somewhat reluctantly.
Savannah Taylor: Life just seemed to come to a slow crawl uphill after my mom died. I just got her back in my life last year, and now God has decided that I’ve done something to piss him off, so he took her from me. Just the story of my life, you know? It’s almost like I’m not meant to have good things happen to me because one way or another, something happens and I mess things up.
She stands up and slowly begins to pace around the bench, running a hand through her hair as she continues to speak. Each time she speaks, the tone in her voice keeps reaching the point where she could break down at any point.
Savannah Taylor: Did you know that my father isn’t speaking to me after what happened a few weeks ago after Magnus paid him a little visit? On top of that, my sister, my FREAKING sister isn’t even speaking to me because of what happened to my father. They both blame me for what happened. I can’t say that I blame them though. I’m the reason why that monster has resurfaced. It’s because of me that the people I work with and the fans are now in danger.
She turns around and faces Angela, who has stood up from the bench and was watching Savannah intently.
Savannah Taylor: I don’t know. Maybe things wouldn’t be so completely screwed up if I had never come here in the first place. Maybe I wouldn’t be in such a slump right now if I was working elsewhere. Perhaps things would have been better if I had just gone off into the sunset after what happened in San Diego……
The sound of a hand connecting with a face echoed throughout the gym as Savannah’s head suddenly jerks to the side. Her hand goes immediately to her cheek as she turns her head back around. If looks could kill, then the look Angela was currently giving Savannah would see the blond six feet under. Angela’s own blue eyes were staring daggers into Savannah’s head as folds her arms across her chest.
Angela Jameson: Enough. I didn’t come out here just to watch you beat yourself up. I didn’t volunteer my time and energy to help you get ready for Retribution just so you would spend the entire time talking down about yourself. I’m here because I believe in you. I’m here because I know that underneath what I am seeing and have seen, there is untapped greatness waiting to come out. So if you think for one goddamn second I’m going to stand idly by and let you go further and further down the proverbial rabbit hole, think again. You are better than this.
Something about that last phrase stuck with Savannah as she stood there rubbing her stinging cheek. She draws in a breath as she drops her arms down to her sides.
Savannah Taylor: Someone else told me that recently.
Angela Jameson: I’m well aware of that. You want to know something? He is one hundred percent correct. You know it and I know it.
Savannah nods her head as she glances down at her feet, her voice a couple of levels above a whisper.
Savannah Taylor: I fucked up, Angela.
Angela Jameson: What happened?
Savannah Taylor: After my mom died, I pushed him away. I pushed away the one person who was able to look past everything that I’ve done and was able to love me for me.
Angela Jameson: Why in God’s name would you fucking do something like that?
Savannah Taylor: I don’t know!
She looks up, her eyes glistening with the threat of unshed tears. Listening to her speak, it was clear as day one could hear the regret and uncertainty in her voice.
Savannah Taylor: I wasn’t dealing well with my mom’s passing and I took it out on those around me. I thought that I didn’t need anyone and that I could deal with the grief on my own. I only fucked things up beyond belief. I couldn’t see that people were only trying to help me so I wouldn’t have to go through this alone. That sure worked out well. This is probably a sign that I am not meant to have nice things.
Savannah shuts her eyes to prevent the tears from spilling down onto her cheeks. Angela rubs the bridge of her nose and sighs. She could sympathize with the younger woman probably more than Savannah realized. This was unfortunately out of her control and would have to fix itself on its own, if it even could be fixed.
Angela Jameson: I’m letting my inner nerd show through for a second. On the show ‘Game Of Thrones’ as well as in the books, the people who live on the Iron Islands all worship a deity known as the Drowned God. In this worship, they utter a phrase that goes as such….What is dead may never die.
To Angela’s surprise, Savannah opens her eyes and responds in kind.
Savannah Taylor: But rises again, harder and stronger.
Angela smirks as she nods her head.
Angela Jameson: You’re a fan.
Savannah Taylor: I don’t let many people know I am.
Angela Jameson: I don’t have a crystal ball so I can’t see what the future holds for you. What I do know is if you want things to be made right…….you have to leave that up to him. You have to let HIM decide things, okay? I know this hurts to hear and I know it sounds harsh, but maybe this is the wake up call that you need.
Savannah Taylor: You’re right.
Angela Jameson: Now I know this is a subject very near and dear to your heart, but you’re going to have to push it to the back of your mind for right now. I don’t need to tell you of all people just how serious this match is next week. You can’t let your focus on Magnus Gunner waiver for a single second. Focus on Magnus first and then when things settle down after Retribution…..you can revisit how you’re going to resolve whatever is going on with Chandler. Just make sure you prepare yourself if the answer and or outcome isn’t the one you want.
Savannah can only nod because she knew deep down that Angela was correct. Angela looked at the clock on the wall, then back at Savannah.
Angela Jameson: It’s seven thirty right now and we’ve been here since five. What do you say we go get cleaned up and get some breakfast? I think you could use some.
Savannah Taylor: That sounds genuinely amazing right now.
She says with the first trace of a smile that has been on her face in God knows how long. The two women gather up their things and make their way towards the exit, slipping on their shoes as they go. As they walked, Savannah was reminded of a saying that she heard somewhere not too long ago. Sometimes just have to die a little inside in order to be reborn and rise again as a stronger and wiser version of you. Maybe this whole training with Angela was what she needed. Perhaps working with someone as respected, not to mention intimidating, as Angela would help give her the edge that she needed heading into Retribution. What awaits her a week from today was by far the biggest challenge she had ever faced since she debuted in the sport. She was willing to do any and everything to make sure that no one had to suffer under a Magnus Gunner threat again. A quote from one of her favorite movies, Training Day, seemed appropriate. In order to protect the sheep, you gotta catch the wolf, and it takes a wolf to catch a wolf. If stopping Magnus Gunner meant that she had to turn into the woman that she used to be prior to joining Frontier Grappling Arts, then she would do it in a heartbeat. If it meant protecting people that she cares about that may not care too much for her, then she was willing to lay everything out in the open. One way or another, this situation with Gunner would end at Retribution. If she failed to stop a Gunner onslaught, then the alternative wouldn’t be a very pretty picture. Game on.
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
(The achingly familiar voice of Savannah Taylor is heard calling out as the camera comes into focus. The back of a mahogany colored armchair comes into view as it suddenly whirls around, revealing the Las Vegas native herself. Dressed in black jeans, black ankle boots and a simple black fitted t-shirt, the only color that is visible is the pink ribbon fastened at heart level on the left side of her shirt. The pink ribbon, which obviously represents breast cancer awareness, is a subject that Savannah takes to heart. But what is somewhat shocking about her appearance is the fact that her face is completely void of any trace of makeup. The bruise on her left cheek is slowly starting to fade away, but remains untouched by makeup. Her blue eyes focus directly at the camera as she begins to speak once more.)
Spanish philosopher George Santayana is well known the world over for this popular phrase about making sure that the past stays a constant thought in someone’s mind. The past is something that, despite what some people may think or say, is something I’ve never forgotten.
(Her eyes narrow slightly as she remains as stoic in her facial expressions as she can muster.)
After a near two year wait, our paths have finally come to cross in the ring. This is already proving to be a very tumultuous two thousand sixteen, isn’t it Magnus? In another time and on another coast, a match between the two of us would make for what some would call must see television. Now? While the match carries some level of importance, it is nowhere near the marquee level as other matches going on. To the people who are questioning why this match is even on the Retribution card in the first place, I have two words for them…..fuck off. I didn’t make this challenge to you Magnus because I cared what people thought about me. I didn’t make this challenge to you because I thought it would be a right good time between two former coworkers. I made this challenge because I want to prove a point, not just to me but to everyone who has had anything negative to say about me over the past two or so years. A lot of what people have had to say about me stems from my involvement with you and your ideals.
One thing that people to toss around in interviews, either with us wrestlers or any celebrity really, is the question “If you could go back to any point in history and change the outcome, what would it be and why?” For me, there is one date that, if given the chance I would go back and erase in a heartbeat. That date is February tenth of two thousand and fourteen. Do you remember that particular date, Magnus? You should. That was the day where you approached me and gave me this speech about the quality of life in the company at the time and how those in power looked down upon people like me from their gilded cages. If I could change anything about that point in time, I would have told you no. I would have said toodles and went on my merry way, determined to make my own way. Like a fool, I bought into your smoke and mirrors show and joined your crusade to bring about a new age of chaos to San Diego. Did I enjoy being part of a group that ran roughshod over the company for the longest time? At the time i did. I was finally able to make a dent in the once pristine armor that surrounded the hierarchy and their cohorts. In hindsight, while I got the biggest rush out of making those who didn’t adhere to our wishes, there are things that happened that I wouldn’t have normally done on my own. But all of that is in the past and it is something that I’ve managed to put it behind me. Don’t you think it’s time you did the same? If people who knew nothing about you saw you and the crap that you have pulled these past couple of months, they would just assume that you were a madman out for some measure of revenge against someone who supposedly wronged you. To the untrained eye, that is a legit case, but come on Magnus. Look at who you are talking to here. I know you better than most and I know enough to realize that this is simply a continuation of the last time most people saw you. Because I know you as well as I do Magnus, allow me to congratulate you. You have finally done it. After a long process, you have finally evolved into the same brand of sociopath that you spent all those years rallying against in San Diego. The only difference between the two of you is that he is locked up somewhere, hopefully with the key buried under cement. With any luck after Saturday, you can join him and the two of you can live out the rest of your days wallowing in your own misery.
(Savannah brushes a few loose strands of hair out of her face as she clenches and unclenches her fists, choosing to rest her hands on the arms of the chair.)
When you first approached me about coming on board with your merry band of misfits, I was a sad, scared little girl who was trying to find her way in the wrestling world and going up against some seemingly insurmountable odds. It may have looked like I was the walking definition of grace under pressure, but underneath the mirror like surface, everything was chaos. Having to deal with all the things that came with the never ending war that YOU brought on yourself, it took everything I had not to crack. Having to play the part of the dutiful soldier and remain stone faced while everyone and their uncle’s cousin’s nephew was hurling any and all insult at you was a LOT to take on for someone who was never really all there or never felt like a complete person for much of their adult life. I bet you never once gave much thought about what the opposition’s mindset was during this whole ‘war.’ Allow me to refresh your memory with a little song from a popular Disney movie.
(She shifts in her seat and pulls out her iPhone 6S Plus. Unlocking it, she makes a few swipes until she comes to the content that she wants. Turning the volume up, she waits a few seconds before a song begins to play. The trademark voice of Governor Ratcliffe soon floats out into the room.)
“They’re savages! Savages!
Barely even human.
Savages! Savages!
Drive them from our shores!
They’re not like you and me
Which means they must be evil.
We must sound the drums of war!”
(She stops the song right after the first refrain and slides her phone back into the safety of her pocket.)
Savages. Evil. Untrustworthy. You probably don’t, but do you have ANY idea what insults like that, especially hearing them day in and day out and across all social media platforms, really does to a person? It makes them hate themselves. It makes them begin to question things, things that once seemed perfectly normal. Something happened along this journey that made me question if your so called cause was even worth a damn. I should have known better than to trust you to care about anything or anyone other than yourself. Am I just as guilty of being selfish? You’re damn right I am. I have made mistakes that I am still living with to this day and that are affecting me on a personal level. That is something that I have to deal with. That is something that I have to do WITHOUT you playing the role of puppet master and controlling everything everyone says and does. Is that the real issue here, Magnus? Is part of the reason you have been relentless in your psychological and physical attacks on me is because you lost control of someone you once called loyal? Here is a friendly little piece of advice………….GET OVER IT!
Here is another piece of advice for you, Magnus. Keep in mind this is something I’ve had to learn the hard way and am still learning to this day. How about instead of blaming other for things going wrong, why don’t you take responsibility for your OWN actions? You want to blame me for all of your plans going awry? Why not take a close look at your own mania and realize that the only person to blame is yourself. The only person who is truly to blame for your delusions of grandeur going up in flames is Magnus Gunner. You want to blame me for what happened to Nick Kramer? How about instead of blaming me, someone who had NOTHING TO DO WITH HIM, why don’t you take into account the fact that throughout his entire life, he was a sick individual? Come to think about it, when was the last time you tried to reach out to him? I mean, if you cared about him as much as you claimed, then you would have done everything in your power to get him the help that he needed. This just proves my point that the only person you have ever cared about….is yourself.
(She stands up from her chair and begins to slowly pace around.)
And since I’m on the topic of your OBVIOUS lack of compassion for your fellow foot soldiers, let me jog your memory with another ‘blast from the past’ so to speak. The date was November seventeenth, two thousand fourteen. As i recall, that was NOT the best of nights for our ragtag little group of rebels. Where were you when your precious little clairvoyant was getting her body broken and beaten by the former West Coast Princess? You were off in your own zone trying to get your dick wet. Where were you when the Little Bird was dragged from pillar to post? You were off doing God only knows what with God only knows who. Where the HELL were you when I was lying in a goddamn hospital bed after having been jumped from behind backstage, wondering not only if my career was over, but if I would even wake up? Surely you would have been dug out of the little grave that Chris dug for you by then. But you didn’t. You not showing up proved to me that you didn’t care and you possibly never did. I only had three people wonder if I would be okay, wondering if I would even wake up. One of them is off living her life to the fullest and I wish I was able to talk to her more. One of them has been giving me a MUCH needed verbal and physical ass kicking in preparation for this match. And the third person? Well, let’s just say they want nothing to do with me at the moment. This only further proves my point that the whole time w all fought beside you, we were fighting for someone who would never even consider shedding blood on our behalf. He would never even give a thought to risking his life if it meant protecting us. Not only that, but it shows that you are no leader. You are no God. You are no monster. Hell, you aren’t even much of a MAN. The only thing you really are…...is a coward.
I have no idea what awaits me on Saturday in St. Paul. All I really know is that since this match if your brainchild, nothing good is going to come out of this. I know that I stand a very good chance of getting hurt. That is a risk I am more than willing to take. I’m pretty much willing to sacrifice myself for the sake of this company. If sacrificing myself in this match means that the FGA fans don’t have to live in fear of attending a show because they don’t know what kind of dark and twisted plans you may have in mind, then I am prepared to do that. If sacrificing myself means that the wrestlers in the back don’t have to look over their shoulders and worry about their own safety because they know you could be lurking anywhere, then I’m prepared to make that sacrifice. I know I am not the most popular backstage. I know people hold where I came from prior to here against me. I know people don’t care for me. I’m okay with that. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to to any and everything in my power to put an end to you before your latest schemes have a chance to take root.
You wanted to get my attention by playing those little mind games with me? You want to get inside of my head by bringing my FAMILY into this? Mission accomplished, Magnus. You have officially gone and made an enemy out of me. Only this time, things are a little different. I’m not Ryuji Kamigawa. I’m not Jerry Matthews. I’m not Kira Zeppeli. I’m not Sally Talfourd. I’m not Lady Magdalena. I’m not even the man whose death you blame me for, Nick Kramer. I am the Siren who is going to lead you right to your downfall. I am the fury that is going to make never get to see the sun rise again. More importantly, I am the woman who is going to bring about the end of the false God once and for all.
(She stands with her arms outstretched in a manner that clearly is mocking the same pose Magnus Gunner is famous for.)
Welcome to MY New Age.
(She drops her arms to her side and walks off as the scene fades out.)