Post by Aurora Graves on Jul 30, 2024 18:59:07 GMT -5
Capital Lanes Bowling Alley
Tallahassee, FL
Monday, July 29, 2024
Aurora, clad in a black cropped tank top and red jeans, sat behind the wheel at the Need For Speed machine, a purple 1971 Dodge Challenger roaring through the course at top speed. Rap music played in the background, but she didn’t bother paying attention. She merely kept her eyes on the screen, focusing on the drive. In the top left corner of the screen, the 1st Place indicator appeared in bright blue, with less than 10% of the course remaining. A car crept up alongside, but Aurora managed to push forward for one final quick burst of speed, which carried her over the finish line, leaving the other car in her dust. As her initials flashed on the screen in first place, she released her grip on the steering wheel and leaned back, smiling as she closed her eyes.
Aurora: What a long, strange trip it’s been, hasn’t it, Damon? To think that 8 years ago, we met in the ring, not even as friends, but as opponents. And even though we could barely tolerate each other, we managed to gel better than any tag team on the roster at the time.
She got up from her seat, making her way past a wall of lockers and out into the hallway that led to the lanes.
Aurora: 8 years… two kids… and seven tag team championships later, we’ve come full circle. But there’s one thing that’s always eluded me, something I know you’re probably sick and tired of hearing about by now… and don’t think I haven’t noticed the eyerolls.
She smirked as she turned toward the main door that led outside and left the building, giving her eyes a moment to adjust to the sudden blast of sunlight as she stepped out. She then began walking out into the parking lot.
Aurora: I remember the first time we faced off… after I ripped everyone else in that Battle Royal a new one – well, verbally, at that point – I saved you for last. I remember calling you a 10 in the looks department, but that you were one of the biggest dickwads I’d ever met.
She chuckled, shrugging her shoulders.
Aurora: Don’t get me wrong, though; you’re still a dick… but now it’s just to the ones that deserve it.
She reached into her pocket, pulling out a key fob. As she hit the button to unlock her car, the headlights of a red Dodge Charger flashed. She walked up to her rental and opened the driver’s side door.
Aurora: We’ve come such a long way since that night in Portland, haven’t we? Snapping up gold in every company we set foot in… you’d think I would at least be happy with that. After all, Alicia paired us together because she saw what the world saw that night… we work pretty damn well together. You were the first person I ever felt comfortable teaming with because you could read me so well, even back then.
She leaned against the door frame, propping her foot against the sill of the door.
Aurora: I’m beyond proud of what we’ve accomplished as a unit, but you know damn well that from the very beginning, I wanted to see what I could accomplish on my own. And I wanted the same for you as well. After all, neither one of us started this journey with the intent on becoming one of the best damn tag teams in the business. And I was beyond proud when you brought the Young Lions Championship home.
A smile of genuine pride spread across her face, but just for a moment. It soon faded into a narrow-eyed, pensive expression.
Aurora: But at the same time, something just didn’t sit right with me. Throughout our entire career, they called you the “lesser Graves,” and that I was always the better one in the ring. I always thought it was the biggest load of horse shit I’d ever heard in my life! Hell, I still do! And while I DID find myself involved in a lot of high profile matches, there was one thing that always bugged me.
She gestured toward her bare midriff with her hands, shaking her head.
Aurora: I had absolutely nothing to show for it. No matter how close I came, the chance to call myself a champion in my own right always slipped through my fingers. And as much as you want to prove yourself in this match, there’s one thing you can’t deny… at least you have something to show for your efforts.
She sighed.
Aurora: When we came to Florida Wrestling Prestige, it was with the same goal in mind that we had 8 years ago… to stand on our own. To spit in the proverbial faces of anyone and everyone that has ever doubted us. We BOTH have something to prove, Damon. I know this. And I know how much you want to be able to call yourself the FWP Prestige Champion.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she continued.
Aurora: But the difference between you and I is that I NEED this just a little bit more than you do. I guess you could say that no matter what, the record books will always show a Graves as the first Prestige Champion...
She pointed to herself as she flashed a determined smile.
Aurora: But if I have anything to say about it, it won’t be the one that was born with the last name.
She finally slipped into the driver’s seat, but lingered there for a moment with the door open.
Aurora: One way or another, one of us is leaving as the champion. And I know you won’t take it personally if – no… WHEN – it’s my hand that gets raised.
She shut the door and turned the engine over, turning on the car’s sound system. Over the roar of the engine, the intro to “The One You Love to Hate” began to play…
Aurora: Heh… you know, you and your cousin Ian have the same taste in music...
She chuckled before rolling up the window and backing out to leave, driving off as the music picked up.