Post by Kaji Fireson on Mar 17, 2012 18:51:07 GMT -4
March 11th, 2012
Locker Room Area
American Airlines Arena
Dallas, Texas
The scene opens on Isamu Suzuki unlacing his ring boots. His expression seems crestfallen, but it's nothing compared to the aggravation on the face of his trainer.
David Fireson
A great fucking team you're going to be working with in two weeks, isn't it?
Isamu says nothing, only continuing to unlace his boots. David is not mollified.
David Fireson
The team captain, the guy that was supposed to be the anchor, got himself injured right before the big game. So now you're left with a guy even older than me and twice as useless, a guy that seems to be jumping onto the team almost by default, and fucking Matlock, who I don't trust any further than I can throw you, which is to right about where you're sitting.
Isamu looks up as he takes one boot off and sees David pacing at the other end of the bench, about three feet from where he's sitting. Maybe five at the furthest points of his frantic oscillation.
David Fireson
If I were you, I'd be buckling down and settling in for the long haul, because I think you're going to have to be the guy to lead team Asylum, now that the Survive and Conquer winner has departed, having neither survived nor conquered a damn thing.
Isamu says nothing, having returned to removing his boots. Apparently this takes intense concentration, as he is staring down at his feet as he works.
David's not impressed.
David Fireson
Are you gonna' say anything, or are you gonna' just fiddle with your shoelaces all the way back to San Antonio?
Isamu Suzuki
(quietly)
What would you have me say?
David Fireson
Anything, really. Acknowledge that you're listening. Acknowledge that you are upset at Alioth for being a fraud. Acknowledge that Matlock has terrible ideas.
Isamu Suzuki
(quietly)
And if I did not believe any of those statements?
David raises an eyebrow as he stops pacing, walking over to face Isamu proper.
David Fireson
I'd wonder who the hell I was talking to. I HAVE gone over all this before, right? The last few years of your career weren't a dream, right?
Isamu looks up at David as he extracts his other foot from his other boot. He has a look of sadness on his face and his eyes are empty, void of emotion.
David Fireson
Okay, I've been around you a long damn time, and I've never seen you like this. Start talking.
Isamu looks back down at the ground as he pulls his street shoes, a pair of basic white sneakers, over to stick his feet in them.
Isamu Suzuki
I have nothing to say.
David Fireson
I disagree.
David kneels down in front of Isamu, and Isamu does not look away from him, but with the blank expression on his face, it's clear Isamu is not truly looking at him, either.
David Fireson
Fine, we don't have to do this here. But we are going to hash this out.
David stares hard at Isamu, who sits there for a few moments without moving. After a tense moment, he nods, almost imperceptibly, and David stands back up.
David Fireson
You pick the time and place, but I'm not letting you anywhere near the ring while you're in this state.
Isamu seems to react to this, but when he looks up at David, he finds a softer expression.
David Fireson
Take a few days. You clearly need it.
Isamu's eyes seem to light up at this concession, though whether the light is from within, a light of gratitude, or external, the locker room's lighting reflecting off of tears unshed, is uncertain.
March 16th, 2012
Dormitory
American Branch
Golden Phoenix Institute
San Antonio, Texas
David Fireson
You know, when I said you could choose the time and place, "Never and Nowhere" was not one of the options.
David is once again standing in the doorway of Isamu's room. Unlike three months or so ago, the room at least seems to be maintained. The table along the wall to David's right, which had many cooking surfaces, cooking implements, and other dishes, both on it and stashed beneath, has been cleared off for the most part. The cabinet with all his implements of food preparation and consumption is still there and full of clean pots, plates, knives, and skillets, but since Isamu has started eating with the rest of the school again, it's easier to keep up with what little dishes he does mess up. Right now all that is on the table is an electric wok, a plate, and a fork, and it isn't too grody yet, so he probably just used them this evening.
The look on Isamu's face, an almost perfect mirror of the look of despair he wore backstage five nights ago, might explain why he's started holing himself back up in his room again. He is dressed in a white low cut tank top and khaki knee length shorts as he sits, shoulders sagged, on his cot of a bed, eyes grazing the floor at David's sneaker-clad feet.
David Fireson
If you want to wrestle at Rasslemania, you have to start talking to me.
Isamu Suzuki
(quietly)
I'm not sure.
David Fireson
You're not sure...what?
Isamu Suzuki
If I want to wrestle.
David raises an eyebrow, watching Isamu carefully.
David Fireson
Is that so? Because this time last year, you were telling me all about how you'd watch wrestling whenever you could catch it and that it was all you ever wanted to do.
(beat)
What changed?
Isamu's first response is a heavy sigh. David stays quiet, waiting for Isamu to speak, and eventually is rewarded with an answer in English.
Somewhat.
Isamu Suzuki
It's okaasan.
David Fireson
(eyebrow raised)
Noriko?
(shaking head)
We've been over this. She fucked up, you're free to do what you want.
Isamu Suzuki
But all I've ever wanted was to bring honor to my name...her name. Now that I know she has no honor to maintain, I have no reason to fight.
David chuckles. Isamu responds by looking up at his face, a look of indignation, almost rage, upon his face.
Isamu Suzuki
What is so funny?
David Fireson
(still chuckling)
I think I understand your problem, kid.
That cuts Isamu's annoyance right fast.
Isamu Suzuki
...you do?
David Fireson
All this time you've been bitching and complaining about bringing honor, maintaining honor, restoring honor...I thought your loss of face with your mother was what was making you struggle.
Isamu Suzuki
If that's not it, then what?
David Fireson
You want to bring honor to your name, correct?
Isamu Suzuki
Yes.
David Fireson
But you feel you will never be able to restore the honor of your name because it will always remind you of your mother's treachery.
Isamu Suzuki
(confused)
...yes...?
David Fireson
(beaming)
Then get a new name!
Silence reigns in the dorm room as Isamu just kind of stares up at his mentor.
David Fireson
What?
Isamu Suzuki
(still confused)
Get...a new...name?
David Fireson
Why not? This is professional wrestling. I've seen guys change their names like they were changing their underwear.
(grimaces)
Of course that brings to mind the guys that change their name back to what they had before...
David shudders while Isamu just looks up at him, silent.
David Fireson
Sorry, that mental image was less than flattering. The point is that I think you need a new name. Probably a new identity, too.
Isamu Suzuki
A new identity?
David Fireson
Well yeah. I don't mean literally becoming a different person, because that's just impossible. I mean you should reinvent yourself. Hold yourself differently.
Isamu still has a blank stare on his face, so David furrows his brow, casting about for a way to make this concept make sense.
David Fireson
Okay, let's see...well, since you're familiar with him, take Rico Casteel.
Isamu's gaze darkens almost immediately, so David tries to keep things from getting worse.
David Fireson
I'm not saying you should BECOME Rico Casteel...just follow me for a minute, okay?
Isamu nods, so David takes a deep breath before continuing.
David Fireson
Let's say Rico decided he didn't like who he was anymore, so he's going to reinvent himself. One route he might take is to not be so violent anymore. He's gonna' be a super good guy from now on, see? Almost like an angel. So he could say he's been redeemed or something, and start spelling his name Castiel, as a callout to the angel character in Supernatural.
David pauses a moment to see if Isamu comprehends. Isamu blinks, then speaks.
Isamu Suzuki
That's really stupid, Sensei.
David Fireson
Well yeah, I didn't think it'd be inspiring enough to make Rico himself stop killing guys in the ring. Nor do I want him too; those SoCal Gangstas or whatever need some more decimation in their lives. The point is that IF Rico wanted a fresh start, that's something he might do.
Isamu Suzuki
Oh.
(beat)
So what do you think I should do?
David responds by shaking his head.
David Fireson
What I think you should do is irrelevant, because that's the other part of your problem.
Isamu Suzuki
Oh?
David Fireson
You are too used to following. All your life you've been listening to someone else. First your mother, then me. You've done nothing but follow instructions and orders for so long that your own inner voice has been drowned out, and has just fallen silent.
David walks further into the room, kneels down in front of Isamu, and slaps him across the face.
The shock in Isamu's face is obvious, as he doesn't even recoil at first, his face staying to one side. His shoulders are no longer sagged though.
David grits his teeth and reaches around, slapping Isamu on the other side of the face with his other hand. Isamu recoils properly from this slap, snapping his face back to face David, furrowed brow and teary eyes creating a stark contrast.
David looks at him, nods a little bit, and slaps him a third time, with his strong hand again. Isamu recoils and faces him again, anger starting to take over.
Isamu Suzuki
Please do not slap me again.
David Fireson
Not good enough.
David slaps him a fourth time, second from the off hand. Isamu grits his teeth, taking a deep, slow breath, trying to keep himself composed. Tears are flowing freely now, but it's unclear whether he's going to start sobbing or swinging.
Isamu Suzuki
(shakily)
Do not slap me again.
David Fireson
Or you'll do what?
This gives Isamu pause. David slaps him a fifth time. Isamu's cheeks are starting to turn red and his breathing has become peppered with sniffles.
David Fireson
What are you gonna' do about it?
Isamu Suzuki
I'll...stop--
David slaps him a sixth time, which makes Isamu cry out in frustration.
Isamu Suzuki
FUCK!
David Fireson
That's who I wanted to find...that's who you have to listen to now. What does he want to do to me?
Isamu Suzuki
(through tears and gritted teeth)
He wants to slap the shit out of you!
David Fireson
Why haven't you let him?
Isamu Suzuki
Because you're--
David slaps him again and Isamu screams, putting his whole body into an open-palm slap across his trainer's face.
RRRAAGH--CRACK
The sound of the slap, and the scream, could be heard all along the hall, and the few students in their rooms so early at night come running to see David turned to the side, Isamu's handprint fresh on his face. The students are all unsure of what to do.
As soon as Isamu realizes what he's done, he jumps and recoils in horror, hands to his mouth, eyes wide, chest heaving, but David doesn't seem upset.
He's actually laughing a little bit.
Isamu Suzuki
(breathing hard)
What's...funny now?
David Fireson
Not to go back to comparing you to a past student...but do you know what would have happened to me if I'd slapped Siegfried seven times?
The greenhorns behind him offer suggestions.
Student #1
He would have kneed you in the face until you stopped moving?
Student #2
Strangled you with his mesh shirt?
Student #3
Forced you to listen to My Chemical Romance?
Student #4
Made you wear copious amounts of guyliner?
You're all wrong. He woulda' never made it to seven.
This actually seems to bring David back to the moment as he whirls around, watching the small crowd of his students part for a woman no taller than them, and in many cases significantly shorter. Once she's visible in the doorway, the heavy scarring on the left side of her face, left bare with long black hair pulled back into a ponytail, would give the impression of a woman not to be fucked with, especially since, dressed in a basic white button-down shirt and faded denim jeans, it's clear she doesn't have a social event she'd miss if she got mussed up in a brawl.
David's terseness as he addresses her gives another impression: that they are not friends.
David Fireson
(to his students)
Allison Detorre, former world champion and my daughter-in-law.
(to Allison)
What are you doing here?
Allison Detorre
Former multiple time world champion and destroyer of worlds, if you listen to the rumors--and your son insisted that since FCW is on hiatus, I quote-unqoute "make myself useful."
David Fireson
And how do you intend to do that, exactly?
The Scourge smirks.
Allison Detorre
By making sure you don't fuck up this batch of kids like you did Siggie.
Ignoring how David glowers at her--and how most of the students are looking at her with a mixture of shock and awe--she smirks.
Allison Detorre
And for the record? David would've been able to slap me once before I put him in an early grave--
David Fireson
Alright, Allison, that's quite enough. How about you help me "not fuck up this batch" by helping me with this one.
David turns his attention back to Isamu, jerking his head to beckon Allison to join him. When she does, the rest of the students kind of huddle around the door. David glares at them for a moment before they start to disperse, letting him turn his attention back to Isamu.
Allison Detorre
This is the kid that's havin' trouble findin' his own feet, right?
David nods. Isamu seems to have calmed down, but his eyes are still moist and his cheeks have turned a bright red from the abuse.
Isamu Suzuki
...what does slapping me around have to do with "finding my own feet," as you say?
Allison Detorre
Ever heard the phrase, "breaking someone down to build them back up"? I'm not psychic, but I'm guessin' David was hoping to start that process.
Isamu Suzuki
Then why the slaps...?
David Fireson
Because you have already broken yourself down. You've spent twenty plus years trying to live up to someone else's ideals, so you have no idea who you actually are. Ideal Japanese Isamu didn't want to slap me because I'm an elder and to be respected.
Allison Detorre
I thought you didn't know anything about the culture?
David Fireson
(to Allison)
I know the common sense shit, now let me finish.
(to Isamu)
Idealistic Isamu didn't want to hurt me, but real live human being Isamu has a breaking point. Real life Isamu can't endlessly endure assault because he has a sense of self-worth that includes not putting up with senseless and unjustified abuse.
(grinning)
That's also the loudest I've ever heard him talk. Real life Isamu seems to be bolder than Idealistic Isamu, too.
Allison Detorre
And that real-life Isamu is who comes out when the bell rings. I've seen some of your matches, kid--and you've got the same potential I saw in Siegfried. David over there dabbles in what we do, but I'm a goddamn expert. Between the two of us...we might just be able to help you.
Isamu smiles weakly, a hopeful look in his eyes, but David has an eyebrow crooked at Allison. Allison just smirks back at him.
Allison Detorre
What? Even when you were active, you never did much flying.
David Fireson
I'm more wondering why you admitted that you might fail at something.
Allison Detorre
I've got to factor in how I've got to drag your ass's dead weight.
David rolls his eyes, then turns back to Isamu.
David Fireson
As long as she helps me get through to you, she can haul my ass as much as she wants, because this school is not about me, and it's not about her. It's about them--
David makes a sweeping arm gesture toward the rest of the building.
David Fireson
--and it's about you.
David reaches for Isamu, causing him to instinctively recoil, but he relaxes when David doesn't slap him, instead taking him by the chin and angling his gaze back up to David's.
David Fireson
But it's all for naught if you decide you don't want to do this anymore. So this is where you tell me whether you still want to be in this business.
There is a tense silence where Allison and David study Isamu's face while he looks from David to Allison and back again.
After a moment, Isamu smiles weakly and speaks.
Isamu Suzuki
Will I have to change my signature moves, too?
David barks out a laugh, leaving the opening to Allison to respond.
Allison Detorre
Only if you see somethin' you like more'n what you've got now.
Isamu processes this for a moment before nodding. David nods, standing up.
David Fireson
Now get some rest, kid. We've got four days to make up for, and we start tomorrow.
(smiles wryly)
And with the added help, we might just make it.
The Scourge actually finds herself nodding in agreement with a man she's none too fond of as the scene fades out.
Locker Room Area
American Airlines Arena
Dallas, Texas
The scene opens on Isamu Suzuki unlacing his ring boots. His expression seems crestfallen, but it's nothing compared to the aggravation on the face of his trainer.
David Fireson
A great fucking team you're going to be working with in two weeks, isn't it?
Isamu says nothing, only continuing to unlace his boots. David is not mollified.
David Fireson
The team captain, the guy that was supposed to be the anchor, got himself injured right before the big game. So now you're left with a guy even older than me and twice as useless, a guy that seems to be jumping onto the team almost by default, and fucking Matlock, who I don't trust any further than I can throw you, which is to right about where you're sitting.
Isamu looks up as he takes one boot off and sees David pacing at the other end of the bench, about three feet from where he's sitting. Maybe five at the furthest points of his frantic oscillation.
David Fireson
If I were you, I'd be buckling down and settling in for the long haul, because I think you're going to have to be the guy to lead team Asylum, now that the Survive and Conquer winner has departed, having neither survived nor conquered a damn thing.
Isamu says nothing, having returned to removing his boots. Apparently this takes intense concentration, as he is staring down at his feet as he works.
David's not impressed.
David Fireson
Are you gonna' say anything, or are you gonna' just fiddle with your shoelaces all the way back to San Antonio?
Isamu Suzuki
(quietly)
What would you have me say?
David Fireson
Anything, really. Acknowledge that you're listening. Acknowledge that you are upset at Alioth for being a fraud. Acknowledge that Matlock has terrible ideas.
Isamu Suzuki
(quietly)
And if I did not believe any of those statements?
David raises an eyebrow as he stops pacing, walking over to face Isamu proper.
David Fireson
I'd wonder who the hell I was talking to. I HAVE gone over all this before, right? The last few years of your career weren't a dream, right?
Isamu looks up at David as he extracts his other foot from his other boot. He has a look of sadness on his face and his eyes are empty, void of emotion.
David Fireson
Okay, I've been around you a long damn time, and I've never seen you like this. Start talking.
Isamu looks back down at the ground as he pulls his street shoes, a pair of basic white sneakers, over to stick his feet in them.
Isamu Suzuki
I have nothing to say.
David Fireson
I disagree.
David kneels down in front of Isamu, and Isamu does not look away from him, but with the blank expression on his face, it's clear Isamu is not truly looking at him, either.
David Fireson
Fine, we don't have to do this here. But we are going to hash this out.
David stares hard at Isamu, who sits there for a few moments without moving. After a tense moment, he nods, almost imperceptibly, and David stands back up.
David Fireson
You pick the time and place, but I'm not letting you anywhere near the ring while you're in this state.
Isamu seems to react to this, but when he looks up at David, he finds a softer expression.
David Fireson
Take a few days. You clearly need it.
Isamu's eyes seem to light up at this concession, though whether the light is from within, a light of gratitude, or external, the locker room's lighting reflecting off of tears unshed, is uncertain.
March 16th, 2012
Dormitory
American Branch
Golden Phoenix Institute
San Antonio, Texas
David Fireson
You know, when I said you could choose the time and place, "Never and Nowhere" was not one of the options.
David is once again standing in the doorway of Isamu's room. Unlike three months or so ago, the room at least seems to be maintained. The table along the wall to David's right, which had many cooking surfaces, cooking implements, and other dishes, both on it and stashed beneath, has been cleared off for the most part. The cabinet with all his implements of food preparation and consumption is still there and full of clean pots, plates, knives, and skillets, but since Isamu has started eating with the rest of the school again, it's easier to keep up with what little dishes he does mess up. Right now all that is on the table is an electric wok, a plate, and a fork, and it isn't too grody yet, so he probably just used them this evening.
The look on Isamu's face, an almost perfect mirror of the look of despair he wore backstage five nights ago, might explain why he's started holing himself back up in his room again. He is dressed in a white low cut tank top and khaki knee length shorts as he sits, shoulders sagged, on his cot of a bed, eyes grazing the floor at David's sneaker-clad feet.
David Fireson
If you want to wrestle at Rasslemania, you have to start talking to me.
Isamu Suzuki
(quietly)
I'm not sure.
David Fireson
You're not sure...what?
Isamu Suzuki
If I want to wrestle.
David raises an eyebrow, watching Isamu carefully.
David Fireson
Is that so? Because this time last year, you were telling me all about how you'd watch wrestling whenever you could catch it and that it was all you ever wanted to do.
(beat)
What changed?
Isamu's first response is a heavy sigh. David stays quiet, waiting for Isamu to speak, and eventually is rewarded with an answer in English.
Somewhat.
Isamu Suzuki
It's okaasan.
David Fireson
(eyebrow raised)
Noriko?
(shaking head)
We've been over this. She fucked up, you're free to do what you want.
Isamu Suzuki
But all I've ever wanted was to bring honor to my name...her name. Now that I know she has no honor to maintain, I have no reason to fight.
David chuckles. Isamu responds by looking up at his face, a look of indignation, almost rage, upon his face.
Isamu Suzuki
What is so funny?
David Fireson
(still chuckling)
I think I understand your problem, kid.
That cuts Isamu's annoyance right fast.
Isamu Suzuki
...you do?
David Fireson
All this time you've been bitching and complaining about bringing honor, maintaining honor, restoring honor...I thought your loss of face with your mother was what was making you struggle.
Isamu Suzuki
If that's not it, then what?
David Fireson
You want to bring honor to your name, correct?
Isamu Suzuki
Yes.
David Fireson
But you feel you will never be able to restore the honor of your name because it will always remind you of your mother's treachery.
Isamu Suzuki
(confused)
...yes...?
David Fireson
(beaming)
Then get a new name!
Silence reigns in the dorm room as Isamu just kind of stares up at his mentor.
David Fireson
What?
Isamu Suzuki
(still confused)
Get...a new...name?
David Fireson
Why not? This is professional wrestling. I've seen guys change their names like they were changing their underwear.
(grimaces)
Of course that brings to mind the guys that change their name back to what they had before...
David shudders while Isamu just looks up at him, silent.
David Fireson
Sorry, that mental image was less than flattering. The point is that I think you need a new name. Probably a new identity, too.
Isamu Suzuki
A new identity?
David Fireson
Well yeah. I don't mean literally becoming a different person, because that's just impossible. I mean you should reinvent yourself. Hold yourself differently.
Isamu still has a blank stare on his face, so David furrows his brow, casting about for a way to make this concept make sense.
David Fireson
Okay, let's see...well, since you're familiar with him, take Rico Casteel.
Isamu's gaze darkens almost immediately, so David tries to keep things from getting worse.
David Fireson
I'm not saying you should BECOME Rico Casteel...just follow me for a minute, okay?
Isamu nods, so David takes a deep breath before continuing.
David Fireson
Let's say Rico decided he didn't like who he was anymore, so he's going to reinvent himself. One route he might take is to not be so violent anymore. He's gonna' be a super good guy from now on, see? Almost like an angel. So he could say he's been redeemed or something, and start spelling his name Castiel, as a callout to the angel character in Supernatural.
David pauses a moment to see if Isamu comprehends. Isamu blinks, then speaks.
Isamu Suzuki
That's really stupid, Sensei.
David Fireson
Well yeah, I didn't think it'd be inspiring enough to make Rico himself stop killing guys in the ring. Nor do I want him too; those SoCal Gangstas or whatever need some more decimation in their lives. The point is that IF Rico wanted a fresh start, that's something he might do.
Isamu Suzuki
Oh.
(beat)
So what do you think I should do?
David responds by shaking his head.
David Fireson
What I think you should do is irrelevant, because that's the other part of your problem.
Isamu Suzuki
Oh?
David Fireson
You are too used to following. All your life you've been listening to someone else. First your mother, then me. You've done nothing but follow instructions and orders for so long that your own inner voice has been drowned out, and has just fallen silent.
David walks further into the room, kneels down in front of Isamu, and slaps him across the face.
The shock in Isamu's face is obvious, as he doesn't even recoil at first, his face staying to one side. His shoulders are no longer sagged though.
David grits his teeth and reaches around, slapping Isamu on the other side of the face with his other hand. Isamu recoils properly from this slap, snapping his face back to face David, furrowed brow and teary eyes creating a stark contrast.
David looks at him, nods a little bit, and slaps him a third time, with his strong hand again. Isamu recoils and faces him again, anger starting to take over.
Isamu Suzuki
Please do not slap me again.
David Fireson
Not good enough.
David slaps him a fourth time, second from the off hand. Isamu grits his teeth, taking a deep, slow breath, trying to keep himself composed. Tears are flowing freely now, but it's unclear whether he's going to start sobbing or swinging.
Isamu Suzuki
(shakily)
Do not slap me again.
David Fireson
Or you'll do what?
This gives Isamu pause. David slaps him a fifth time. Isamu's cheeks are starting to turn red and his breathing has become peppered with sniffles.
David Fireson
What are you gonna' do about it?
Isamu Suzuki
I'll...stop--
David slaps him a sixth time, which makes Isamu cry out in frustration.
Isamu Suzuki
FUCK!
David Fireson
That's who I wanted to find...that's who you have to listen to now. What does he want to do to me?
Isamu Suzuki
(through tears and gritted teeth)
He wants to slap the shit out of you!
David Fireson
Why haven't you let him?
Isamu Suzuki
Because you're--
David slaps him again and Isamu screams, putting his whole body into an open-palm slap across his trainer's face.
RRRAAGH--CRACK
The sound of the slap, and the scream, could be heard all along the hall, and the few students in their rooms so early at night come running to see David turned to the side, Isamu's handprint fresh on his face. The students are all unsure of what to do.
As soon as Isamu realizes what he's done, he jumps and recoils in horror, hands to his mouth, eyes wide, chest heaving, but David doesn't seem upset.
He's actually laughing a little bit.
Isamu Suzuki
(breathing hard)
What's...funny now?
David Fireson
Not to go back to comparing you to a past student...but do you know what would have happened to me if I'd slapped Siegfried seven times?
The greenhorns behind him offer suggestions.
Student #1
He would have kneed you in the face until you stopped moving?
Student #2
Strangled you with his mesh shirt?
Student #3
Forced you to listen to My Chemical Romance?
Student #4
Made you wear copious amounts of guyliner?
You're all wrong. He woulda' never made it to seven.
This actually seems to bring David back to the moment as he whirls around, watching the small crowd of his students part for a woman no taller than them, and in many cases significantly shorter. Once she's visible in the doorway, the heavy scarring on the left side of her face, left bare with long black hair pulled back into a ponytail, would give the impression of a woman not to be fucked with, especially since, dressed in a basic white button-down shirt and faded denim jeans, it's clear she doesn't have a social event she'd miss if she got mussed up in a brawl.
David's terseness as he addresses her gives another impression: that they are not friends.
David Fireson
(to his students)
Allison Detorre, former world champion and my daughter-in-law.
(to Allison)
What are you doing here?
Allison Detorre
Former multiple time world champion and destroyer of worlds, if you listen to the rumors--and your son insisted that since FCW is on hiatus, I quote-unqoute "make myself useful."
David Fireson
And how do you intend to do that, exactly?
The Scourge smirks.
Allison Detorre
By making sure you don't fuck up this batch of kids like you did Siggie.
Ignoring how David glowers at her--and how most of the students are looking at her with a mixture of shock and awe--she smirks.
Allison Detorre
And for the record? David would've been able to slap me once before I put him in an early grave--
David Fireson
Alright, Allison, that's quite enough. How about you help me "not fuck up this batch" by helping me with this one.
David turns his attention back to Isamu, jerking his head to beckon Allison to join him. When she does, the rest of the students kind of huddle around the door. David glares at them for a moment before they start to disperse, letting him turn his attention back to Isamu.
Allison Detorre
This is the kid that's havin' trouble findin' his own feet, right?
David nods. Isamu seems to have calmed down, but his eyes are still moist and his cheeks have turned a bright red from the abuse.
Isamu Suzuki
...what does slapping me around have to do with "finding my own feet," as you say?
Allison Detorre
Ever heard the phrase, "breaking someone down to build them back up"? I'm not psychic, but I'm guessin' David was hoping to start that process.
Isamu Suzuki
Then why the slaps...?
David Fireson
Because you have already broken yourself down. You've spent twenty plus years trying to live up to someone else's ideals, so you have no idea who you actually are. Ideal Japanese Isamu didn't want to slap me because I'm an elder and to be respected.
Allison Detorre
I thought you didn't know anything about the culture?
David Fireson
(to Allison)
I know the common sense shit, now let me finish.
(to Isamu)
Idealistic Isamu didn't want to hurt me, but real live human being Isamu has a breaking point. Real life Isamu can't endlessly endure assault because he has a sense of self-worth that includes not putting up with senseless and unjustified abuse.
(grinning)
That's also the loudest I've ever heard him talk. Real life Isamu seems to be bolder than Idealistic Isamu, too.
Allison Detorre
And that real-life Isamu is who comes out when the bell rings. I've seen some of your matches, kid--and you've got the same potential I saw in Siegfried. David over there dabbles in what we do, but I'm a goddamn expert. Between the two of us...we might just be able to help you.
Isamu smiles weakly, a hopeful look in his eyes, but David has an eyebrow crooked at Allison. Allison just smirks back at him.
Allison Detorre
What? Even when you were active, you never did much flying.
David Fireson
I'm more wondering why you admitted that you might fail at something.
Allison Detorre
I've got to factor in how I've got to drag your ass's dead weight.
David rolls his eyes, then turns back to Isamu.
David Fireson
As long as she helps me get through to you, she can haul my ass as much as she wants, because this school is not about me, and it's not about her. It's about them--
David makes a sweeping arm gesture toward the rest of the building.
David Fireson
--and it's about you.
David reaches for Isamu, causing him to instinctively recoil, but he relaxes when David doesn't slap him, instead taking him by the chin and angling his gaze back up to David's.
David Fireson
But it's all for naught if you decide you don't want to do this anymore. So this is where you tell me whether you still want to be in this business.
There is a tense silence where Allison and David study Isamu's face while he looks from David to Allison and back again.
After a moment, Isamu smiles weakly and speaks.
Isamu Suzuki
Will I have to change my signature moves, too?
David barks out a laugh, leaving the opening to Allison to respond.
Allison Detorre
Only if you see somethin' you like more'n what you've got now.
Isamu processes this for a moment before nodding. David nods, standing up.
David Fireson
Now get some rest, kid. We've got four days to make up for, and we start tomorrow.
(smiles wryly)
And with the added help, we might just make it.
The Scourge actually finds herself nodding in agreement with a man she's none too fond of as the scene fades out.
