Post by Fiona McFly on Mar 31, 2023 5:57:50 GMT
30 March 2023 ~ 11:30 AM
Inside the living room at Fiona's new residence...
We find Ram sitting on a white leather sofa, gazing around his new surroundings as he heard the muffled voice of Fiona McFly talking upstairs. In order to be closer to the Revolution Texas Academy campus near DFW Airport, Fiona had decided to take up residence in Midlothian, a city in northwestern Ellis County, and move into a heavily-renovated house on West Avenue D. It was a comfortable two-story home, featuring all of the trimmings and decor that made the house a hospitable place to visit.
Unfortunately for Ram, this wasn't exactly a pleasant visit to make. He had been awake since 5:30 this morning, when Fiona roused him out of his own bed and drove him to Midlothian, without even saying a single word to him during the ride. As she bounded downstairs and plunked herself in the living room recliner, she displayed a beet-red expression on her face. On this day, Fiona was visibly under a lot of strain -- her movie, Lunar Whale, had suffered numerous post-production delays that moved its relase date to her birthday, 7 April. Her friend and business partner, James Gilmore, was recovering from a heart attack whilst going through a messy divorce.
And now, the altercation between Ram and a drunken fan at a pub in Baldock.
FIONA:
A'right Ram? You and me, let's have a heart to heart...
Fiona's eyes made direct contact with Ram. The latter soon realised that she was in no mood for bullshit.
FIONA:
I want to know one thing...why? 'Cos I just spent nearly four-and-a-half fucking hours on a Skype video call, trying to convince the fucking whorebags that call themselves IWF management not to cut you loose after what happened in Baldock.
Ram sighed.
RAM:
You wanna know...?
FIONA:
Aye, God's honest truth.
Ram closed his eyes, pondering the events that took place at the White Lion earlier in the week.
RAM:
Drunk or sober, I couldn't bear to see any man treat a woman like shit -- especially Caroline.
Ha paused.
RAM:
JV lowlife needed to be taught a lesson.
Fiona snapped back.
FIONA:
You're goddamned right, he did. He needed to be held to account for his actions -- but not in that manner.
She sighed, her voice and lips quivering.
FIONA:
Not that way. Two wrongs don't make things right…
RAM:
Guy wasn't armed--
FIONA:
I don't give a FUCK if he was armed or not. You took a gamble with not only YOUR life, but someone else's! You ought to be grateful to God and sonny Jesus that it worked this time -- the next time, I could've been preparing for one funeral, much less two of them
As she said the word "fuck" out loud, she chucked an empty can of Dr. Pepper at a green recycling bin, but missed and hit the TV instead.
FIONA:
Between JJ's heart attack, divorce, and now this fucking shit, I'm very tempted to drag your ass upstairs, start another video call, and make everyone watch me strangle you on that FUCKING camera! 'Cos those BASTARDS want the Academy to die a slow and painful death -- and I'm seriously considering feeding you to them.
Fiona threw her hands up in the air.
FIONA:
Christ, I haven't even had my first cup of FUCKING Earl Grey this morning! I ought to wring your fucking neck out, right here and now!
She took a moment to collect and compose herself, then shook her head solemnly.
FIONA:
But I can't. I just can't do it…
RAM:
Why can't you...?!
FIONA:
I need to be straight-up and honest with you, lovely. You weren't Imperial's choice when it came to the tryout process. You were my choice, and so my responsibility, but I failed on my end to step in and help you temper and balance what you were learning from JJ and Caroline.
Ram's eyes widened.
RAM:
I thought I was everybody's choice…
FIONA:
Management wanted Kenny Konroe called up from Retro.
RAM:
Oh, shit...why'd you want to pick me?
Fiona sighed, then took out her red notebook featuring detailed notes on every prospect she had evaluated with James Gilmore -- including Ram and Kenny.
FIONA:
Kenny had a steady game about him, great work ethic and charismatic persona. I was planning on putting the Men's meTV title on him and, perhaps, pushing him for the World title. But during a TV taping last July, he suffered a fractured fibula and tibula in his right leg.
RAM:
Same thing that happened to Dak a few years ago, right?
FIONA:
Uh-huh, the same. Unfortunately, his career is gonna be set back for a while -- a year, at the most.
Ram couldn't help but stare wildly at Fiona, taking in what she had admitted.
RAM:
Are you tryin' to tell me that I only got to do this tryout only 'cause some other guy broke his leg on national TV?! Was I...was I not worthy or something...?!
FIONA:
More like you weren't ready -- at least, in my mind. That was what I thought at first...
Fiona took a deep breath before pulling out Ram's evaluation. She put her reading glasses on and went through the document from top to bottom.
FIONA:
JJ was the optimist, I was the realist. Given your checkered past, it was a long and hard sell for the both of us to convince the suits that you were ready. When you sparred in that ring that day in front of that camera, you showed those guys and gals an unbridled potential to become a huge star. I didn't step in to work with you when I should have 'cos I didn't think you'd last as long as you did -- and fuck me if I say this, you proved me wrong.
Fiona stood up and stepped towards the couch. Ram was hesitant at first but allowed her to sit next to him. She wrapped a gentle arm around him, obviously moved to tears.
FIONA:
I was wrong to doubt you -- and I humbly apologise. I got off that conference call this morning telling them that I couldn't afford to see a future prominent star like you throw it all away 'cos you chose to take a really foolish gamble with not only your own life, but with Caroline's life as well. My point is, if you love and cherish somebody, then it's not worth taking a massive risk over something so petty and trivial as dealing with a drunken wanker. I spent twelve years of my life dealing with drunks and druggies and thugs -- more than I can count with two hands -- and I wanted out of that bullshit. I wanted out of that life -- that's why I chose professional wrestling and the life I'm living now.
She closed her eyes, her voice nearly becoming a mother-like whisper.
FIONA:
And...I believe that you have a much better life ahead of you than simply being a deadly weapon.
RAM:
Heh, I've got two months left on my probation. That oughta say somethin', right?
FIONA:
Well, do you want to make those last two months mean something?
Ram nodded.
FIONA:
Good. 'Cos from this moment onward, I will personally train you -- just you and me, one-on-one. You will learn control, you will realise that it's not about how hard you can hit or how hard you can GET hit. Rather...about how long you can last on both ends of the game. Endurance and refinement, love...those are the hallmarks that turn contenders into Hall of Famers. What say you..?
Fiona pointed up to her official Hall of Fame induction plaque and photograph that hung above the couch. Yet as Ram sat silently, he listened to her voice as it grew more stern with each beat she was about to utter.
FIONA:
I'm gonna make two things perfectly crystal clear with you -- 'cos frankly, I will not tolerate being fucked around with. The first thing...if I EVER wake up in the morning and see something like THIS appear on my social media feeds again…
She pulled out her iPhone and pulled up the article on Ram's altercation, pointed it out before pointing to him, and then proceeded to perform the throat slash gesture.
FIONA:
...Imperial firing you will be the least of your worries -- 'cos I'm gonna PERSONALLY make you rue the moment you ever met me. You get my gist...?
Ram nodded, looking Fiona directly in the eye. She reached into her purse and pulled out her boatswain's whistle.
FIONA:
Second thing...whilst you're training with me? Only one word is gonna matter over anything else -- and that will be MY word. What I say, you will do. You will commit yourself to the training a hundred per cent at ALL times -- from the moment I blow this whistle to start to the moment I blow it again to end the session. No distractions, no questions, no bullshit.
She paused, her visage growing more intense by the second.
FIONA:
All killer, no filler...are we clear?
Ram nodded -- he knew it right away, that Fiona McFly meant business.
RAM:
Loud and clear.
Inside the living room at Fiona's new residence...
We find Ram sitting on a white leather sofa, gazing around his new surroundings as he heard the muffled voice of Fiona McFly talking upstairs. In order to be closer to the Revolution Texas Academy campus near DFW Airport, Fiona had decided to take up residence in Midlothian, a city in northwestern Ellis County, and move into a heavily-renovated house on West Avenue D. It was a comfortable two-story home, featuring all of the trimmings and decor that made the house a hospitable place to visit.
Unfortunately for Ram, this wasn't exactly a pleasant visit to make. He had been awake since 5:30 this morning, when Fiona roused him out of his own bed and drove him to Midlothian, without even saying a single word to him during the ride. As she bounded downstairs and plunked herself in the living room recliner, she displayed a beet-red expression on her face. On this day, Fiona was visibly under a lot of strain -- her movie, Lunar Whale, had suffered numerous post-production delays that moved its relase date to her birthday, 7 April. Her friend and business partner, James Gilmore, was recovering from a heart attack whilst going through a messy divorce.
And now, the altercation between Ram and a drunken fan at a pub in Baldock.
FIONA:
A'right Ram? You and me, let's have a heart to heart...
Fiona's eyes made direct contact with Ram. The latter soon realised that she was in no mood for bullshit.
FIONA:
I want to know one thing...why? 'Cos I just spent nearly four-and-a-half fucking hours on a Skype video call, trying to convince the fucking whorebags that call themselves IWF management not to cut you loose after what happened in Baldock.
Ram sighed.
RAM:
You wanna know...?
FIONA:
Aye, God's honest truth.
Ram closed his eyes, pondering the events that took place at the White Lion earlier in the week.
RAM:
Drunk or sober, I couldn't bear to see any man treat a woman like shit -- especially Caroline.
Ha paused.
RAM:
JV lowlife needed to be taught a lesson.
Fiona snapped back.
FIONA:
You're goddamned right, he did. He needed to be held to account for his actions -- but not in that manner.
She sighed, her voice and lips quivering.
FIONA:
Not that way. Two wrongs don't make things right…
RAM:
Guy wasn't armed--
FIONA:
I don't give a FUCK if he was armed or not. You took a gamble with not only YOUR life, but someone else's! You ought to be grateful to God and sonny Jesus that it worked this time -- the next time, I could've been preparing for one funeral, much less two of them
As she said the word "fuck" out loud, she chucked an empty can of Dr. Pepper at a green recycling bin, but missed and hit the TV instead.
FIONA:
Between JJ's heart attack, divorce, and now this fucking shit, I'm very tempted to drag your ass upstairs, start another video call, and make everyone watch me strangle you on that FUCKING camera! 'Cos those BASTARDS want the Academy to die a slow and painful death -- and I'm seriously considering feeding you to them.
Fiona threw her hands up in the air.
FIONA:
Christ, I haven't even had my first cup of FUCKING Earl Grey this morning! I ought to wring your fucking neck out, right here and now!
She took a moment to collect and compose herself, then shook her head solemnly.
FIONA:
But I can't. I just can't do it…
RAM:
Why can't you...?!
FIONA:
I need to be straight-up and honest with you, lovely. You weren't Imperial's choice when it came to the tryout process. You were my choice, and so my responsibility, but I failed on my end to step in and help you temper and balance what you were learning from JJ and Caroline.
Ram's eyes widened.
RAM:
I thought I was everybody's choice…
FIONA:
Management wanted Kenny Konroe called up from Retro.
RAM:
Oh, shit...why'd you want to pick me?
Fiona sighed, then took out her red notebook featuring detailed notes on every prospect she had evaluated with James Gilmore -- including Ram and Kenny.
FIONA:
Kenny had a steady game about him, great work ethic and charismatic persona. I was planning on putting the Men's meTV title on him and, perhaps, pushing him for the World title. But during a TV taping last July, he suffered a fractured fibula and tibula in his right leg.
RAM:
Same thing that happened to Dak a few years ago, right?
FIONA:
Uh-huh, the same. Unfortunately, his career is gonna be set back for a while -- a year, at the most.
Ram couldn't help but stare wildly at Fiona, taking in what she had admitted.
RAM:
Are you tryin' to tell me that I only got to do this tryout only 'cause some other guy broke his leg on national TV?! Was I...was I not worthy or something...?!
FIONA:
More like you weren't ready -- at least, in my mind. That was what I thought at first...
Fiona took a deep breath before pulling out Ram's evaluation. She put her reading glasses on and went through the document from top to bottom.
FIONA:
JJ was the optimist, I was the realist. Given your checkered past, it was a long and hard sell for the both of us to convince the suits that you were ready. When you sparred in that ring that day in front of that camera, you showed those guys and gals an unbridled potential to become a huge star. I didn't step in to work with you when I should have 'cos I didn't think you'd last as long as you did -- and fuck me if I say this, you proved me wrong.
Fiona stood up and stepped towards the couch. Ram was hesitant at first but allowed her to sit next to him. She wrapped a gentle arm around him, obviously moved to tears.
FIONA:
I was wrong to doubt you -- and I humbly apologise. I got off that conference call this morning telling them that I couldn't afford to see a future prominent star like you throw it all away 'cos you chose to take a really foolish gamble with not only your own life, but with Caroline's life as well. My point is, if you love and cherish somebody, then it's not worth taking a massive risk over something so petty and trivial as dealing with a drunken wanker. I spent twelve years of my life dealing with drunks and druggies and thugs -- more than I can count with two hands -- and I wanted out of that bullshit. I wanted out of that life -- that's why I chose professional wrestling and the life I'm living now.
She closed her eyes, her voice nearly becoming a mother-like whisper.
FIONA:
And...I believe that you have a much better life ahead of you than simply being a deadly weapon.
RAM:
Heh, I've got two months left on my probation. That oughta say somethin', right?
FIONA:
Well, do you want to make those last two months mean something?
Ram nodded.
FIONA:
Good. 'Cos from this moment onward, I will personally train you -- just you and me, one-on-one. You will learn control, you will realise that it's not about how hard you can hit or how hard you can GET hit. Rather...about how long you can last on both ends of the game. Endurance and refinement, love...those are the hallmarks that turn contenders into Hall of Famers. What say you..?
Fiona pointed up to her official Hall of Fame induction plaque and photograph that hung above the couch. Yet as Ram sat silently, he listened to her voice as it grew more stern with each beat she was about to utter.
FIONA:
I'm gonna make two things perfectly crystal clear with you -- 'cos frankly, I will not tolerate being fucked around with. The first thing...if I EVER wake up in the morning and see something like THIS appear on my social media feeds again…
She pulled out her iPhone and pulled up the article on Ram's altercation, pointed it out before pointing to him, and then proceeded to perform the throat slash gesture.
FIONA:
...Imperial firing you will be the least of your worries -- 'cos I'm gonna PERSONALLY make you rue the moment you ever met me. You get my gist...?
Ram nodded, looking Fiona directly in the eye. She reached into her purse and pulled out her boatswain's whistle.
FIONA:
Second thing...whilst you're training with me? Only one word is gonna matter over anything else -- and that will be MY word. What I say, you will do. You will commit yourself to the training a hundred per cent at ALL times -- from the moment I blow this whistle to start to the moment I blow it again to end the session. No distractions, no questions, no bullshit.
She paused, her visage growing more intense by the second.
FIONA:
All killer, no filler...are we clear?
Ram nodded -- he knew it right away, that Fiona McFly meant business.
RAM:
Loud and clear.
Well howdy there pardner.