Post by Savannah Sunshine. on Feb 1, 2022 23:36:40 GMT -5
Lock up your sons, make way for the daughters.
You be the lamb, and we'll be the slaughter.
You've burned the witches, now you're defenseless.
Who needs a Y this many X's?
EXPERIMENT ON ME BY HALSEY
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30TH, 2022
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & THE ANDREWS HOUSEHOLD
BILLY MEETS THE ANDREWS FAMILY
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
FT. BILLY BENNETT & THE ANDREWS FAMILY
Savannah had arrived just a few days prior to the weekend, any chance to hangout with her family was a good one in her eyes. Even if things were a little strained right now due to her new change in attitude and looks and so forth. Fingers tapped against the steering wheel as she made the drive towards the airport. She had sent a text to Arik to let him know to not order for a ride for Billy. Instead, she was going to go pick up her new best friend since they were not too far from home. Humming softly to the sounds of "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar, Savannah smiled softly as she approached the pick up area of the airport.
To say she was excited was an understatement, after the sleepover and everything and the bonding, Savannah felt like she could genuinely trust Billy, and she hoped that one day Billy could feel like she could trust her as well. As she pulled up beside the sidewalk, Savannah grabbed the cheesy sign she had made herself. Covered in black glitter and all kinds of grungy pieces. Turning on her hazard lights, she shuffled her way into the airport upon locking her car up. With keys discarded into the pocket of her jacket, she headed right towards the gate where Billy would be making her arrival. Little legs and feet sprinted through the airport, gentle murmurs and apologies shouted out towards people she had bumped into along the way. Once she was satisfied and had wiped the sweat from her brow, she properly held up the sign as she stood on tiptoes to peer around for her friend.
The sign held promptly in her hands read WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA, BILLY in big bold letters. There were pictures of the two of them printed out from the sleepover that Savannah had cut out and posted all over the poster as well. She glanced at the clock above her head, there were only a few minutes before Billy would be exiting the plane and coming right towards her. Why was she suddenly so nervous? Hand slicked with sweat were wiped one by one onto her hoodie as she continued to hold the sign up. Finally, she caught sight of the woman she had been waiting for and a bright grin stretched practically from ear to ear.
"BILLY! HEY, BILLY! OVER HERE~" Savannah's voice carried across, reaching the dark haired woman who had been grabbing her bags from luggage. Billy glanced around for a moment, before her eyes landed upon the cheery new member of True Society. Eyes grew wider at the sight of her friend and Billy ducked her head a bit as she made her way towards Savannah. Savannah used one hand to wave at her friend as she approached, before she promptly held up the sign for Billy to see. "Do you like it? I made it myself. After I found out we were coming home for Fallout, I figured I would do something super cool for my new bestie." She blinked slightly, taking a deep breath as she awaited an answer.
Billy stood there, one hand on the handle of her bag and the other curled into a slight fist at her side. Her gaze drifted around the airport, where a few passersby took in the sight. Some of them whispered, others cooed over it, some stopped to take photos of the Project: Honor professional wrestlers. "It's-" Billy pauses, clears her throat as she starts over. "It's real nice, Sav', yeah. Um, thank you." One hand moved to rub the back of her neck sheepishly, but Savannah couldn't help but to pull her friend in for a hug. One arm wrapped tightly around Billy as she squished cheek to cheek with her friend.
"Okay, alright. C'mon, let's get outta here." Billy practically pried Savannah off of her as she headed towards the exit with Savannah in tow. There was perhaps a slight sign of annoyance in Billy's voice, but otherwise, she seemed fairly surprised that Savannah had been nice enough to do such a thing for her. Maybe, just maybe, there was a very slight hint of a blush on her cheeks as well. Mostly out of surprise and shock. Though, if anyone asked, she would promptly deny it.
As they approached Savannah's car, it's a 2019 Volkswagen Beetle and the last edition of its kind. But, it's exactly what you would expect from the bubbly woman. Keys are pulled from her hoodie pocket and the gentle chirp of the alarm echoes as Savannah reaches out both hands. "Here, let me take your bags. Don't worry, they're in good hands." She doesn't wait for a response, merely grabs Billy's bags and safely secures them in the backseat. Strapped in with seat belts and all, the works. "Alright bags, you guys will be safe back here all strapped in." She lightly pats Billy's bags before moving to open Billy's door for her on the passenger side. "Your chariot awaits, m'lady." She bows with dramatic flair, waiting until Billy is inside and secure before shutting the door behind her. She scurries back to the drivers side and promptly secures herself in before taking off down the freeway. Fingers move towards the radio where she presses a few buttons until the music plays again. The sounds of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees begins to fill the stereo as Savannah wiggles in her seat.
"Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk. I'm a woman's man, no time to talk. Music loud and women warm, I've been kicked around since I was born. And now it's alright, it's okay. And you may look the other way. We can try to understand, the New York Times' effect on man." The words leave Savannah's lips effortlessly as Billy slinks into the passenger seat. Savannah doesn't notice it though, merely continues singing and dancing before turning the volume down a bit. "Hey! How do you feel about meeting my family?" She shoots a look over at her friend briefly, bustling past the light that had been previously red. Her hands are on the steering wheel, settled gently as she navigates through her hometown. The Beetle is obnoxiously pink with accents of blue, the colors of cotton candy, the same colors it had been since she had first gotten the car. "I was thinking, since we're home and all, well my home anyway. That I could introduce you to my family. After all, we're friends now, so it's only right." She nods firmly, confirming her own thought as she hummed slightly.
Billy briefly glanced up from her gaze out the window, a look of surprise on her face. "What?" The word leaves her lips gently, almost in shock. "Me?" She blinks and Savannah nods a bit with a grin. Billy isn't sure how to respond, though there's a hesitant response that follows. "Don't have much of a choice I reckon?" She raises a brow and Savannah shakes her head cheekily as she taps her fingers against the steering wheel. "Alright, fine. I'll be on my best behavior." The response is mostly sarcastic, but Savannah accepts it for what it is. "I'm not gonna' like it, but I'll do it anyway." Billy grumbled, arms crossing over her chest as her gaze moved towards the window once more. There's a lot going on inside her head, but she won't talk about it, at least not right now. Instead, she leans against the door with cheek pressed against it as music fills the air once more for a moment.
"Don't worry, my family is non-judgmental. My mom died last year, so it's just my dad at home with my siblings. Which they might be the only ones you have to worry about. But, they won't bother you, promise." Savannah grins brightly, pulling into the Starbucks drive thru as she rolls her window down once she approaches the microphone. "Hi, can I please get two grande Pink Drinks and a chocolate cake pop?" The screen shows off the current order before Savannah taps her chin in thought, tongue hanging out slightly. "And three pup cups, please! Thanks." She takes a look at the total, pulls ahead to the window and slides her card as she approaches. She wears a gentle smile, taking the drinks and cake pop from the drive thru attendant before pulling off promptly. She takes her own drink out, takes a long sip and lets out a satisfied little sigh. "Perfection." She licks the remnants from her lips, settling her drink back into the cup holder as she continues the drive towards home.
The beetle pulls into the driveway as Savannah gathers up the drinks and pup cups, while Billy grabs her bags from the backseat. Using her hip to close the door, Savannah locks the doors and heads towards the house with Billy following hesitantly behind her. Carefully balancing the drinks, Savannah steps into the house with a loud call. "Hello~ I've brought a guest!" Her voice carries through as she closes the door behind Billy. Jacket settled onto a hook by the door as her father, Jaxon Andrews, comes out from the kitchen, hands being wiped onto a kitchen towel slung over his shoulder. "Dad, I'd like you to meet a friend." Savannah grabs a hold of one of Billy's hands and tugs her promptly to her side. "Billy, this is Jaxon Andrews, my father. Former wrestler turned trainer." Her voice drops to a mere whisper. "He's an old man now, so we have to make sure he doesn't break a hip or something." Savannah giggles softly afterwards, earning a playful glare from her father.
"Hey now! I'm not that old. Still got ears like a hawk." Jaxon crosses his arms over his chest briefly, eyeing Billy momentarily. Savannah chews anxiously at the skin of her bottom lip for a moment as Jaxon steps towards Billy. Without so much of a warning, Jaxon lets out a bellowing laugh and wraps Billy up in a hug so tight he lifts her off the floor. He promptly sets her down after a brief hug. "Welcome to the Andrews household. There's a couple of us runnin' around here somewhere. Our home is your home, kid. You make yourself comfortable and let me know if there's anything you need." He smiles softly, corners of his eyes crinkling in that old man kind of way. He waves a hand, before ducking back into the kitchen, as he sets to finishing up cooking dinner. Thankfully, he's making Spaghetti, so there will be enough to provide for everyone in the house.
Savannah lets out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding, eyes closing momentarily. "I'm sorry. We're a hugging kind of family. If he made you uncomfortable or anything, you just let me know and I'll go punch him in the arm or something." Savannah shakes her head, exhaling softly. "Alright, follow me." She leads the way towards the bedrooms at the end of the hallway, one of them being her own room, as she pops open the door and the light comes to life a moment later. Waving a hand around with a flourish, Savannah smiles brightly. "Annnnnd this is my room. Just don't tell anyone about the posters." Cheeks heat with a blush as she mentions the posters of various boy bands and other artists on her walls. Closing the door behind them, Savannah huffs slightly as she drops backwards into the bed. "Man, it feels so good to be home. Not like I haven't been here a bazillion times. But, it's different when so much has been going on." She spreads her arms out, glances up at the multitude of stars and planets stuck to her ceiling. "You can set your stuff wherever you'd like."
Billy walks deeper into the room, settling her bags close towards the closet. She glances around the room, takes in the entirety of it. It's less brightly colored than she had expected, but still pastel enough. "What's this?" Billy picks up a decorative piece and Savannah with almost superhuman speed, dashes from the bed to snatch the seemingly useless decorative piece. "Um..." She clears her throat, settling the piece back down onto the dresser. "Sorry. Those are..." She pauses, nose crinkling a bit. "It's my mom." She inhales a gentle breath, finger running along the hands held together. It was something made before she had died. Done with the entire family. "It's fine, I'm sorry." She sniffles slightly, quickly wiping at her face as she pulled herself together a moment later. "Alright, enough of that. Come on, I'll show you around." Without another word, Savannah leads Billy out of the room to give her the full tour.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, 2022
BIG MIKE'S WRESTLING ACADEMY
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
FT.HYPE MAN BILLY BENNETT
Sweat beads across Savannah's skin as she sits on the edge of the ring apron with Billy on the opposite side of her. They're both sweaty and tired from a sparring session, but Savannah feels like it was enough to give her the edge she would need in her upcoming match. "Remember what you did to the Jason Long model at the sleepover?" Billy speaks up, staring ahead as she sips from a water bottle. "Well, you should keep that in mind. It'll give you what you right motivation towards your goal. I can tell you're anxious about it, but it's easier if you focus on what you want, rather than what everyone else will think of you."
Billy shrugged, as Savannah frowned slightly. Not so much as being annoyed or upset, but in thought, at the advice Billy had just given her. During the sleepover, Billy had given her enough motivation to roll with the punches, to prove herself that she could handle whatever was thrown her way. Savannah could never find the words to thank Billy for being so nice to her. In fact, Billy was one of the rare friends she had these days, and she would like that to remain at the end of all of this.
"Hey, can you do me a favor? I think this is the perfect place to do some trash talking. We've got the place pretty much to ourselves right now, so it's a good way to kill some time." Savannah hops down from the apron, Billy following suit as Savannah sets up everything on her own cellphone. After some brief instructions, Savannah handed the cellphone to Billy, who had graciously taken it. After some brief deep breaths, Savannah leaned against the edge of the ring and nodded as a sign to show that she was ready for Billy to start filming. As the red button was pressed, Billy gave Savannah a thumbs up off screen as the curly haired woman pushed herself away from the ring.
"Well, look where we are. My old stomping grounds, the place where I got my start. You know, I've been thinking a lot lately. About what it's like to not be second choice, about what it's like to not put others before myself. It's selfish, really, isn't it?" There's a beat as she licks over her lips in trepidation, Billy mouths some words of encouragement off screen as Savannah continues. "For so long, I spent my days putting everyone before myself. I was naive, gullible, and easily manipulated into doing things I shouldn't have done. But now, I'm making my own conscious decisions and I've never felt better. For so long, I ignored this darkness that has slowly been filling me to the brim. But, in all reality, I should have been listening to it because it led me to where I am now." Hands fold behind her back as Billy follows her around expertly, getting all the good angles like a true professional.
"Not just here in True Society, but in the world. I've got a new friend who has been nothing but good to me. I've found my footing where others would say I've fallen into a trap. Where others would cast judgement upon me. Where others would say I've lost my mind. But, really, truthfully speaking... I lost my mind a long fucking time ago. I've been pushed well beyond my breaking point and now that I've finally snapped? Now, I'm the bad guy. Now, I'm the villain in the story. No, no... That's where you're all incredibly wrong. You should be taking a good hard look in the mirror at yourselves and asking yourselves what was it that you did to make me this way!" Her voice breaks slightly and there's a clear note of anger and frustration in her tone, Billy mumbles something incoherent to Savannah, who takes a few calming deep breaths before continuing.
"I used to think all of this shit was fun, until it wasn't fun anymore. Until I became a laughing stock. Until I was the big fat joke at the end of the day. Everyone walked all over me, used me as a stepping stone, even my own fiance ended my shot at a big fucking opportunity. Entity or not." She scoffs, eyes rolling a bit as she tilts her head slightly. "That's the thing though, I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately and I've come to realize... Everyone was right. I was holding Jason back, I was a big joke, I was bozo the fucking clown. But, no longer will I make the mistake of dragging anyone down with me. Instead, I'm going to elevate myself right to the fucking top where I should have been a long time ago. Though, I guess I should really be talking about my opponents, shouldn't I?" Hands rub together, before tucking into her gym hoodie as she paces around in an erratic kind of way.
"Dear sweet Alyssa... When are you ever going to learn? By technicality of the last show, you ended up with a win. But, you really came out of it all empty handed. Let's go down the list, shall we? You won your first ever match against jobber Guy. You lost at The Purge, then the following week to make matters even better, you loss to me because you simply were not the better woman that night. Wired Consequences II was a fat loss. Then, the wins racked up again by sheer luck. Right now, you're three for three. I know what you're thinking right now. You're thinking that my win loss record is absolutely horrible, right?" There's a humorless little giggle before a dark look crosses her face.
"You are absolutely wrong. In fact, my track record is a lot better than yours here. Fourteen wins, nine losses, and absolutely zero draws. That's a lot more than you can say for yourself, isn't it? Maybe you're just not cut out for this. Maybe the pressure is just too much for you to handle, but let me implore you with this... You are not walking away from this as the winner. It's not simply because I am better than you. It's because I have absolutely nothing left to lose and I'm not afraid to embarrass you a second time. You are nothing special, this isn't OWA where you're holding a fancy schmancy title. None of that bullshit matters here. So, before you even think about bringing up my track record there? I'd reconsider it. The only thing that matters right now is that you're the last person who will get close enough to gold with me in the way. But, you are very welcome to go ahead and test your luck."
There's a beat and a chuckle as Savannah waggles her finger. "That's if you even get past brother Julius. He is absolutely nothing to fuck with and is someone I admire in the ring. When it comes down to it, he knows how to bounce back from things. He gets back up when he's knocked down and he when he is knocked down? It's not without swinging for the goddamn fences. Honestly, I hope he's in this and you're not. Because it would suck for your safety to be put in danger. But, if Julius takes the spot instead? Well, that's even better! Someone who I know can rise to the challenge. But, can the same be said for you? I've always been second choice, Alyssa. Even to the likes of you. Even if you don't realize it. Even if you don't see it... and I am done being second choice to you."
"Mikey! My dear friend. I was really hoping it wouldn't come down to this. But, it seems like we're always crossing paths one way or another, eh? And what a shame it is. As if you haven't been embarrassed enough around here. But, that's normal for you, isn't it? At this rate, Embarrassment should be your middle name. You are two wins, three losses, and zero draws. Which is cutting it pretty close. You walk around here thinking that you can just waltz in and have opportunities handed to you. You act like your shit doesn't stink and that you're this saving grace to everyone around you, but let's face it. You need people to help you when it comes to moments like these. You've got a couple of allies, that is if the entity can stop being a bitch for five minutes, but will that be enough to help you get what you so badly crave?" Her head tilts curiously, leaning back onto the balls of her feet and then flat again.
"You've always been so close to gold in so many places. So close to reaching what you so badly desire... and sometimes, you get real lucky. You get by on the skin of your teeth. But, there's no saving grace for you here, Mikey. You've got three people in your way and one of 'em is me. I've got nothing left to lose, big guy. You know what that's like, don't you? So, you'll understand me when I say that I will stop at nothing to get what has slipped from my fingertips time and time again. When the stupid Viking bitch decided to takeover the Ascension Championship, it took so long to get the fucking stench off of it. Even now, it's tainted with stink. But, that can all be fixed with a simple touch. Just not yours and that's just how it's going to be. Once again, you will just barely get by with the skin of your teeth. You will survive. You will leave this match with your very breath. But, you won't leave with that gold wrapped around your waist. Not this time."
"You'll go home at the end of this all, you'll kiss your wife, and you'll apologize to Mrs. Bishop and Baby Bishop... for being a complete fucking failure yet again. Jason is gone. Jason is never coming back. Jason is no longer able to tell me what I can and cannot do. So, I'll not ask for your forgiveness when I'm beating the absolute living hell out of you if that's what it takes. You are the biggest motherfucker in this match and I know that you have nothing to lose. You and I are alike in that sense. But, we are on opposite sides now, Mikey. I want you to reconsider this, I want you to think about this long and hard and ask yourself "Can I go back to my wife and unborn child and fail them again?" Because we both know that you are going to do just that. You are going to go home. You are going to be empty handed. Then, you'll come back around next time and give the same godforsaken boring fucking speech as always. It doesn't have to be like this, Mike. You can give up at any moment. Preferably before that bell rings. It would be in your best interest. I care about you, Mike. You're the only one who has never given up on me. So, I don't want to be the one to have to put you down like the goddamn dog you are."
Billy can't help the proud little grin she's wearing the entire time as Savannah goes off the rails on her opponents. Something inside of her swims with pride, but she ignores it for now. Decides to focus on the task at hand as Savannah motions for a timeout. The recording pauses, allowing Savannah a moment to collect her thoughts as she moves to sit on one of the benches. The next person she had to discuss was not someone she was going to enjoy speaking about. But, she knew it had to be done. She just needed a minute to pull herself together. Taking a long and slow couple of sips from her water bottle, Billy takes a moment to consider comforting her friend. "Hey... Are you doing okay? I can get you a snack or something..." She seems a bit uncomfortable, not really knowing how to handle the situation. Though, it's clear that Savannah is on edge. For her friend, Billy would do her best to comfort her. So long as it didn't mean pink fingernails. Again.
For a few moments, Savannah doesn't respond, finds it hard to pull words together. "Could you get me a candy bar from the vending machine? I've got like two dollars in my gym bag, you can just grab it." She leaned back against the wall, Billy nodding as she walked away to grab the cash and get the candy bar. Savannah was lost in her own thoughts, still coming to grips with the fact that her fiance was no longer her fiance. That he was someone -- something -- that she no longer recognized. It still hurt her to realize that she no longer had him in her life. That he was no longer hers to have. That he was no longer there to help her through a panic attack. That he-- That he-- That he was gone. For the first time in a long time, she let herself mourn. Mourn the loss of him. Mourn the loss of who he was. Mourn what they once had. Tears spilled down her cheeks like a waterfall and it was hard to breathe. Her chest felt constricted, like a bag of bricks had just been dropped onto it. "Not right now..." She mumbled to herself, voice breaking as she sniffled and wiped hurriedly at her face when Billy had returned with the candy bar. Inhaling a deep breath and trying to play it off as mere exhaustion, she took it thankfully.
"It's got the gooey kinda caramel that I remembered you liked. Right in the center, hope it's what you like." Billy held the candy bar out towards Savannah, who slowly stood to her feet. "Thanks, Billy. I appreciate it, really. Do you think we could head back to the house? I'm a little tired and I could use a nap." She yawned, though she was actually tired in all reality. Billy nodded and they collected their things as they prepared to head back to the house. It wasn't far from the gym, just a mere five minute walk down the street, and for that Savannah was thankful. She could come back to all of this at a later time, but right now? She needed to go scream into a pillow for awhile or take a walk or have some time alone. But, she didn't know how to say it without offending Billy. Though, she was sure Billy could use some space as well. Probably too cooped up in the house and there were plenty of places Savannah knew Billy could go to catch a break. She would let her know of them upon returning to the house.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, 2022
SAVANNAH'S BALCONY
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
FT. NOBODY
Billy had gone off to do some exploring on her own, with Savannah begging her to stay out of trouble. Thus, she had been left alone to her own devices. So, what better time to finish the recording than now? Without another word, she stepped out onto the balcony attached to her bedroom, and set her phone up on the table to record her. Satisfied with the set up, she hit the record button and stepped backwards until she was leaning back against the railing there. Inhaling a steady breath, she took a moment, before she finally nodded.
"I've talked about everyone... Except for you. Guess you could say I saved the best for last, eh?" Tongue clicks and she tilts her head backwards towards the sunlight. She soaks up the warmth momentarily, before she sits up and focuses on the task at hand. "This is like that one match all over again. You know the one. Except there's four of us instead of three of us. But, the outcome will be a lot different. You are clearly not the same person that was then. In fact, you're not Jason entirely. Some bits, sure. But, you're a lot... different. That much is true, that much is made apparent. But, even immortal people can bleed just as mortals. You will be no exception to this rule when I'm making sure you stay down. For good."
She cracks her neck, knuckles following as she drops down to be level with the camera. "You are the reason that I had to repair the damage done to me after falling twenty goddamn feet from a cage. You are the reason that I have to look over my shoulder constantly. You are the reason that my fiance is no longer here and for that..." She sniffles, inhales another deep breath. Don't you fucking cry, she reminds herself mentally. "For that you must pay. This has nothing to do with True Society, Entity. This has to do with me and you and what you did to me for your own goddamn personal gain."
"I know it wasn't the love of my life who did that to me. I begged, I pleaded and when I looked into your eyes? I saw not an ounce of feeling or care. Then, you let me fall. You let me drop like useless dead weight from the heavens and down to the cold uncaring earth below. But, I won't make that same mistake, not twice. I know that I have a target on my back because of who I am now aligned with. But, there is strength in numbers and that's something all of you need to quickly realize. I'm strong enough on my own. I know I can do this on my own. But, with a group of people supporting me in this? Well, I'm stronger than I have ever been and you'll quickly realize that a woman scorned has nothing left to lose."
She stands up, takes a moment to collect herself before speaking once more. "You think you have all this fucking dirt on me. You think you know a damn thing about me. You ruined my life. You took away the one person who was there for me when nobody else was. You turned me into what I am now and really... I should be thanking you for it!" She lets out a cold laugh, head shaking as she stares coldly at the camera. "I'll thank you by sending you right to your fucking grave. Permanently. I'll thank you by making you swallow your own teeth. I'll thank you by sending you to the hospital with broken bones and limbs. I will not hold my punches. I will not go gentle into the good night. I will stop at nothing to make you pay for ruining my life. In the end, you'll realize that even immortal souls have a toll to pay... and you will pay for it in buckets and buckets and bucket of your own goddamn blood! I am sick and tired of people like you waltzing into this place and thinking that you are untouchable. You may have earned the right to book these matches. But, you're going to regret putting me into this one."
"I'm tired of being second choice and so second choice I will be no longer. It's time that I finally let go of all that is burdening me. You and all of your bullshit will no longer weigh me down. When it comes to the gold you hold in your possession? It will not walk out the same at the end of this all. This is a war that you have chosen to pick on your own... and it is a war you should know better than to partake in. If anything, a woman scorned is not to be fucked with. But, you made your own bed and so now you'll lie in it. Or perhaps grave is a better word? Either way, that gold you have is going home with me. Whether I have to shed my own blood, sweat, and goddamn tears to get it or not. I'll make sure you never ruin anyone's life again so long as I have a say about it." She kicks the table, sending the table and the phone crashing over as the screen fades to static a moment later.
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & THE ANDREWS HOUSEHOLD
BILLY MEETS THE ANDREWS FAMILY
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
FT. BILLY BENNETT & THE ANDREWS FAMILY
Savannah had arrived just a few days prior to the weekend, any chance to hangout with her family was a good one in her eyes. Even if things were a little strained right now due to her new change in attitude and looks and so forth. Fingers tapped against the steering wheel as she made the drive towards the airport. She had sent a text to Arik to let him know to not order for a ride for Billy. Instead, she was going to go pick up her new best friend since they were not too far from home. Humming softly to the sounds of "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" by Pat Benatar, Savannah smiled softly as she approached the pick up area of the airport.
To say she was excited was an understatement, after the sleepover and everything and the bonding, Savannah felt like she could genuinely trust Billy, and she hoped that one day Billy could feel like she could trust her as well. As she pulled up beside the sidewalk, Savannah grabbed the cheesy sign she had made herself. Covered in black glitter and all kinds of grungy pieces. Turning on her hazard lights, she shuffled her way into the airport upon locking her car up. With keys discarded into the pocket of her jacket, she headed right towards the gate where Billy would be making her arrival. Little legs and feet sprinted through the airport, gentle murmurs and apologies shouted out towards people she had bumped into along the way. Once she was satisfied and had wiped the sweat from her brow, she properly held up the sign as she stood on tiptoes to peer around for her friend.
The sign held promptly in her hands read WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA, BILLY in big bold letters. There were pictures of the two of them printed out from the sleepover that Savannah had cut out and posted all over the poster as well. She glanced at the clock above her head, there were only a few minutes before Billy would be exiting the plane and coming right towards her. Why was she suddenly so nervous? Hand slicked with sweat were wiped one by one onto her hoodie as she continued to hold the sign up. Finally, she caught sight of the woman she had been waiting for and a bright grin stretched practically from ear to ear.
"BILLY! HEY, BILLY! OVER HERE~" Savannah's voice carried across, reaching the dark haired woman who had been grabbing her bags from luggage. Billy glanced around for a moment, before her eyes landed upon the cheery new member of True Society. Eyes grew wider at the sight of her friend and Billy ducked her head a bit as she made her way towards Savannah. Savannah used one hand to wave at her friend as she approached, before she promptly held up the sign for Billy to see. "Do you like it? I made it myself. After I found out we were coming home for Fallout, I figured I would do something super cool for my new bestie." She blinked slightly, taking a deep breath as she awaited an answer.
Billy stood there, one hand on the handle of her bag and the other curled into a slight fist at her side. Her gaze drifted around the airport, where a few passersby took in the sight. Some of them whispered, others cooed over it, some stopped to take photos of the Project: Honor professional wrestlers. "It's-" Billy pauses, clears her throat as she starts over. "It's real nice, Sav', yeah. Um, thank you." One hand moved to rub the back of her neck sheepishly, but Savannah couldn't help but to pull her friend in for a hug. One arm wrapped tightly around Billy as she squished cheek to cheek with her friend.
"Okay, alright. C'mon, let's get outta here." Billy practically pried Savannah off of her as she headed towards the exit with Savannah in tow. There was perhaps a slight sign of annoyance in Billy's voice, but otherwise, she seemed fairly surprised that Savannah had been nice enough to do such a thing for her. Maybe, just maybe, there was a very slight hint of a blush on her cheeks as well. Mostly out of surprise and shock. Though, if anyone asked, she would promptly deny it.
As they approached Savannah's car, it's a 2019 Volkswagen Beetle and the last edition of its kind. But, it's exactly what you would expect from the bubbly woman. Keys are pulled from her hoodie pocket and the gentle chirp of the alarm echoes as Savannah reaches out both hands. "Here, let me take your bags. Don't worry, they're in good hands." She doesn't wait for a response, merely grabs Billy's bags and safely secures them in the backseat. Strapped in with seat belts and all, the works. "Alright bags, you guys will be safe back here all strapped in." She lightly pats Billy's bags before moving to open Billy's door for her on the passenger side. "Your chariot awaits, m'lady." She bows with dramatic flair, waiting until Billy is inside and secure before shutting the door behind her. She scurries back to the drivers side and promptly secures herself in before taking off down the freeway. Fingers move towards the radio where she presses a few buttons until the music plays again. The sounds of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees begins to fill the stereo as Savannah wiggles in her seat.
"Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk. I'm a woman's man, no time to talk. Music loud and women warm, I've been kicked around since I was born. And now it's alright, it's okay. And you may look the other way. We can try to understand, the New York Times' effect on man." The words leave Savannah's lips effortlessly as Billy slinks into the passenger seat. Savannah doesn't notice it though, merely continues singing and dancing before turning the volume down a bit. "Hey! How do you feel about meeting my family?" She shoots a look over at her friend briefly, bustling past the light that had been previously red. Her hands are on the steering wheel, settled gently as she navigates through her hometown. The Beetle is obnoxiously pink with accents of blue, the colors of cotton candy, the same colors it had been since she had first gotten the car. "I was thinking, since we're home and all, well my home anyway. That I could introduce you to my family. After all, we're friends now, so it's only right." She nods firmly, confirming her own thought as she hummed slightly.
Billy briefly glanced up from her gaze out the window, a look of surprise on her face. "What?" The word leaves her lips gently, almost in shock. "Me?" She blinks and Savannah nods a bit with a grin. Billy isn't sure how to respond, though there's a hesitant response that follows. "Don't have much of a choice I reckon?" She raises a brow and Savannah shakes her head cheekily as she taps her fingers against the steering wheel. "Alright, fine. I'll be on my best behavior." The response is mostly sarcastic, but Savannah accepts it for what it is. "I'm not gonna' like it, but I'll do it anyway." Billy grumbled, arms crossing over her chest as her gaze moved towards the window once more. There's a lot going on inside her head, but she won't talk about it, at least not right now. Instead, she leans against the door with cheek pressed against it as music fills the air once more for a moment.
"Don't worry, my family is non-judgmental. My mom died last year, so it's just my dad at home with my siblings. Which they might be the only ones you have to worry about. But, they won't bother you, promise." Savannah grins brightly, pulling into the Starbucks drive thru as she rolls her window down once she approaches the microphone. "Hi, can I please get two grande Pink Drinks and a chocolate cake pop?" The screen shows off the current order before Savannah taps her chin in thought, tongue hanging out slightly. "And three pup cups, please! Thanks." She takes a look at the total, pulls ahead to the window and slides her card as she approaches. She wears a gentle smile, taking the drinks and cake pop from the drive thru attendant before pulling off promptly. She takes her own drink out, takes a long sip and lets out a satisfied little sigh. "Perfection." She licks the remnants from her lips, settling her drink back into the cup holder as she continues the drive towards home.
The beetle pulls into the driveway as Savannah gathers up the drinks and pup cups, while Billy grabs her bags from the backseat. Using her hip to close the door, Savannah locks the doors and heads towards the house with Billy following hesitantly behind her. Carefully balancing the drinks, Savannah steps into the house with a loud call. "Hello~ I've brought a guest!" Her voice carries through as she closes the door behind Billy. Jacket settled onto a hook by the door as her father, Jaxon Andrews, comes out from the kitchen, hands being wiped onto a kitchen towel slung over his shoulder. "Dad, I'd like you to meet a friend." Savannah grabs a hold of one of Billy's hands and tugs her promptly to her side. "Billy, this is Jaxon Andrews, my father. Former wrestler turned trainer." Her voice drops to a mere whisper. "He's an old man now, so we have to make sure he doesn't break a hip or something." Savannah giggles softly afterwards, earning a playful glare from her father.
"Hey now! I'm not that old. Still got ears like a hawk." Jaxon crosses his arms over his chest briefly, eyeing Billy momentarily. Savannah chews anxiously at the skin of her bottom lip for a moment as Jaxon steps towards Billy. Without so much of a warning, Jaxon lets out a bellowing laugh and wraps Billy up in a hug so tight he lifts her off the floor. He promptly sets her down after a brief hug. "Welcome to the Andrews household. There's a couple of us runnin' around here somewhere. Our home is your home, kid. You make yourself comfortable and let me know if there's anything you need." He smiles softly, corners of his eyes crinkling in that old man kind of way. He waves a hand, before ducking back into the kitchen, as he sets to finishing up cooking dinner. Thankfully, he's making Spaghetti, so there will be enough to provide for everyone in the house.
Savannah lets out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding, eyes closing momentarily. "I'm sorry. We're a hugging kind of family. If he made you uncomfortable or anything, you just let me know and I'll go punch him in the arm or something." Savannah shakes her head, exhaling softly. "Alright, follow me." She leads the way towards the bedrooms at the end of the hallway, one of them being her own room, as she pops open the door and the light comes to life a moment later. Waving a hand around with a flourish, Savannah smiles brightly. "Annnnnd this is my room. Just don't tell anyone about the posters." Cheeks heat with a blush as she mentions the posters of various boy bands and other artists on her walls. Closing the door behind them, Savannah huffs slightly as she drops backwards into the bed. "Man, it feels so good to be home. Not like I haven't been here a bazillion times. But, it's different when so much has been going on." She spreads her arms out, glances up at the multitude of stars and planets stuck to her ceiling. "You can set your stuff wherever you'd like."
Billy walks deeper into the room, settling her bags close towards the closet. She glances around the room, takes in the entirety of it. It's less brightly colored than she had expected, but still pastel enough. "What's this?" Billy picks up a decorative piece and Savannah with almost superhuman speed, dashes from the bed to snatch the seemingly useless decorative piece. "Um..." She clears her throat, settling the piece back down onto the dresser. "Sorry. Those are..." She pauses, nose crinkling a bit. "It's my mom." She inhales a gentle breath, finger running along the hands held together. It was something made before she had died. Done with the entire family. "It's fine, I'm sorry." She sniffles slightly, quickly wiping at her face as she pulled herself together a moment later. "Alright, enough of that. Come on, I'll show you around." Without another word, Savannah leads Billy out of the room to give her the full tour.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, 2022
BIG MIKE'S WRESTLING ACADEMY
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
FT.
Sweat beads across Savannah's skin as she sits on the edge of the ring apron with Billy on the opposite side of her. They're both sweaty and tired from a sparring session, but Savannah feels like it was enough to give her the edge she would need in her upcoming match. "Remember what you did to the Jason Long model at the sleepover?" Billy speaks up, staring ahead as she sips from a water bottle. "Well, you should keep that in mind. It'll give you what you right motivation towards your goal. I can tell you're anxious about it, but it's easier if you focus on what you want, rather than what everyone else will think of you."
Billy shrugged, as Savannah frowned slightly. Not so much as being annoyed or upset, but in thought, at the advice Billy had just given her. During the sleepover, Billy had given her enough motivation to roll with the punches, to prove herself that she could handle whatever was thrown her way. Savannah could never find the words to thank Billy for being so nice to her. In fact, Billy was one of the rare friends she had these days, and she would like that to remain at the end of all of this.
"Hey, can you do me a favor? I think this is the perfect place to do some trash talking. We've got the place pretty much to ourselves right now, so it's a good way to kill some time." Savannah hops down from the apron, Billy following suit as Savannah sets up everything on her own cellphone. After some brief instructions, Savannah handed the cellphone to Billy, who had graciously taken it. After some brief deep breaths, Savannah leaned against the edge of the ring and nodded as a sign to show that she was ready for Billy to start filming. As the red button was pressed, Billy gave Savannah a thumbs up off screen as the curly haired woman pushed herself away from the ring.
"Well, look where we are. My old stomping grounds, the place where I got my start. You know, I've been thinking a lot lately. About what it's like to not be second choice, about what it's like to not put others before myself. It's selfish, really, isn't it?" There's a beat as she licks over her lips in trepidation, Billy mouths some words of encouragement off screen as Savannah continues. "For so long, I spent my days putting everyone before myself. I was naive, gullible, and easily manipulated into doing things I shouldn't have done. But now, I'm making my own conscious decisions and I've never felt better. For so long, I ignored this darkness that has slowly been filling me to the brim. But, in all reality, I should have been listening to it because it led me to where I am now." Hands fold behind her back as Billy follows her around expertly, getting all the good angles like a true professional.
"Not just here in True Society, but in the world. I've got a new friend who has been nothing but good to me. I've found my footing where others would say I've fallen into a trap. Where others would cast judgement upon me. Where others would say I've lost my mind. But, really, truthfully speaking... I lost my mind a long fucking time ago. I've been pushed well beyond my breaking point and now that I've finally snapped? Now, I'm the bad guy. Now, I'm the villain in the story. No, no... That's where you're all incredibly wrong. You should be taking a good hard look in the mirror at yourselves and asking yourselves what was it that you did to make me this way!" Her voice breaks slightly and there's a clear note of anger and frustration in her tone, Billy mumbles something incoherent to Savannah, who takes a few calming deep breaths before continuing.
"I used to think all of this shit was fun, until it wasn't fun anymore. Until I became a laughing stock. Until I was the big fat joke at the end of the day. Everyone walked all over me, used me as a stepping stone, even my own fiance ended my shot at a big fucking opportunity. Entity or not." She scoffs, eyes rolling a bit as she tilts her head slightly. "That's the thing though, I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately and I've come to realize... Everyone was right. I was holding Jason back, I was a big joke, I was bozo the fucking clown. But, no longer will I make the mistake of dragging anyone down with me. Instead, I'm going to elevate myself right to the fucking top where I should have been a long time ago. Though, I guess I should really be talking about my opponents, shouldn't I?" Hands rub together, before tucking into her gym hoodie as she paces around in an erratic kind of way.
"Dear sweet Alyssa... When are you ever going to learn? By technicality of the last show, you ended up with a win. But, you really came out of it all empty handed. Let's go down the list, shall we? You won your first ever match against jobber Guy. You lost at The Purge, then the following week to make matters even better, you loss to me because you simply were not the better woman that night. Wired Consequences II was a fat loss. Then, the wins racked up again by sheer luck. Right now, you're three for three. I know what you're thinking right now. You're thinking that my win loss record is absolutely horrible, right?" There's a humorless little giggle before a dark look crosses her face.
"You are absolutely wrong. In fact, my track record is a lot better than yours here. Fourteen wins, nine losses, and absolutely zero draws. That's a lot more than you can say for yourself, isn't it? Maybe you're just not cut out for this. Maybe the pressure is just too much for you to handle, but let me implore you with this... You are not walking away from this as the winner. It's not simply because I am better than you. It's because I have absolutely nothing left to lose and I'm not afraid to embarrass you a second time. You are nothing special, this isn't OWA where you're holding a fancy schmancy title. None of that bullshit matters here. So, before you even think about bringing up my track record there? I'd reconsider it. The only thing that matters right now is that you're the last person who will get close enough to gold with me in the way. But, you are very welcome to go ahead and test your luck."
There's a beat and a chuckle as Savannah waggles her finger. "That's if you even get past brother Julius. He is absolutely nothing to fuck with and is someone I admire in the ring. When it comes down to it, he knows how to bounce back from things. He gets back up when he's knocked down and he when he is knocked down? It's not without swinging for the goddamn fences. Honestly, I hope he's in this and you're not. Because it would suck for your safety to be put in danger. But, if Julius takes the spot instead? Well, that's even better! Someone who I know can rise to the challenge. But, can the same be said for you? I've always been second choice, Alyssa. Even to the likes of you. Even if you don't realize it. Even if you don't see it... and I am done being second choice to you."
"Mikey! My dear friend. I was really hoping it wouldn't come down to this. But, it seems like we're always crossing paths one way or another, eh? And what a shame it is. As if you haven't been embarrassed enough around here. But, that's normal for you, isn't it? At this rate, Embarrassment should be your middle name. You are two wins, three losses, and zero draws. Which is cutting it pretty close. You walk around here thinking that you can just waltz in and have opportunities handed to you. You act like your shit doesn't stink and that you're this saving grace to everyone around you, but let's face it. You need people to help you when it comes to moments like these. You've got a couple of allies, that is if the entity can stop being a bitch for five minutes, but will that be enough to help you get what you so badly crave?" Her head tilts curiously, leaning back onto the balls of her feet and then flat again.
"You've always been so close to gold in so many places. So close to reaching what you so badly desire... and sometimes, you get real lucky. You get by on the skin of your teeth. But, there's no saving grace for you here, Mikey. You've got three people in your way and one of 'em is me. I've got nothing left to lose, big guy. You know what that's like, don't you? So, you'll understand me when I say that I will stop at nothing to get what has slipped from my fingertips time and time again. When the stupid Viking bitch decided to takeover the Ascension Championship, it took so long to get the fucking stench off of it. Even now, it's tainted with stink. But, that can all be fixed with a simple touch. Just not yours and that's just how it's going to be. Once again, you will just barely get by with the skin of your teeth. You will survive. You will leave this match with your very breath. But, you won't leave with that gold wrapped around your waist. Not this time."
"You'll go home at the end of this all, you'll kiss your wife, and you'll apologize to Mrs. Bishop and Baby Bishop... for being a complete fucking failure yet again. Jason is gone. Jason is never coming back. Jason is no longer able to tell me what I can and cannot do. So, I'll not ask for your forgiveness when I'm beating the absolute living hell out of you if that's what it takes. You are the biggest motherfucker in this match and I know that you have nothing to lose. You and I are alike in that sense. But, we are on opposite sides now, Mikey. I want you to reconsider this, I want you to think about this long and hard and ask yourself "Can I go back to my wife and unborn child and fail them again?" Because we both know that you are going to do just that. You are going to go home. You are going to be empty handed. Then, you'll come back around next time and give the same godforsaken boring fucking speech as always. It doesn't have to be like this, Mike. You can give up at any moment. Preferably before that bell rings. It would be in your best interest. I care about you, Mike. You're the only one who has never given up on me. So, I don't want to be the one to have to put you down like the goddamn dog you are."
Billy can't help the proud little grin she's wearing the entire time as Savannah goes off the rails on her opponents. Something inside of her swims with pride, but she ignores it for now. Decides to focus on the task at hand as Savannah motions for a timeout. The recording pauses, allowing Savannah a moment to collect her thoughts as she moves to sit on one of the benches. The next person she had to discuss was not someone she was going to enjoy speaking about. But, she knew it had to be done. She just needed a minute to pull herself together. Taking a long and slow couple of sips from her water bottle, Billy takes a moment to consider comforting her friend. "Hey... Are you doing okay? I can get you a snack or something..." She seems a bit uncomfortable, not really knowing how to handle the situation. Though, it's clear that Savannah is on edge. For her friend, Billy would do her best to comfort her. So long as it didn't mean pink fingernails. Again.
For a few moments, Savannah doesn't respond, finds it hard to pull words together. "Could you get me a candy bar from the vending machine? I've got like two dollars in my gym bag, you can just grab it." She leaned back against the wall, Billy nodding as she walked away to grab the cash and get the candy bar. Savannah was lost in her own thoughts, still coming to grips with the fact that her fiance was no longer her fiance. That he was someone -- something -- that she no longer recognized. It still hurt her to realize that she no longer had him in her life. That he was no longer hers to have. That he was no longer there to help her through a panic attack. That he-- That he-- That he was gone. For the first time in a long time, she let herself mourn. Mourn the loss of him. Mourn the loss of who he was. Mourn what they once had. Tears spilled down her cheeks like a waterfall and it was hard to breathe. Her chest felt constricted, like a bag of bricks had just been dropped onto it. "Not right now..." She mumbled to herself, voice breaking as she sniffled and wiped hurriedly at her face when Billy had returned with the candy bar. Inhaling a deep breath and trying to play it off as mere exhaustion, she took it thankfully.
"It's got the gooey kinda caramel that I remembered you liked. Right in the center, hope it's what you like." Billy held the candy bar out towards Savannah, who slowly stood to her feet. "Thanks, Billy. I appreciate it, really. Do you think we could head back to the house? I'm a little tired and I could use a nap." She yawned, though she was actually tired in all reality. Billy nodded and they collected their things as they prepared to head back to the house. It wasn't far from the gym, just a mere five minute walk down the street, and for that Savannah was thankful. She could come back to all of this at a later time, but right now? She needed to go scream into a pillow for awhile or take a walk or have some time alone. But, she didn't know how to say it without offending Billy. Though, she was sure Billy could use some space as well. Probably too cooped up in the house and there were plenty of places Savannah knew Billy could go to catch a break. She would let her know of them upon returning to the house.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, 2022
SAVANNAH'S BALCONY
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
FT. NOBODY
Billy had gone off to do some exploring on her own, with Savannah begging her to stay out of trouble. Thus, she had been left alone to her own devices. So, what better time to finish the recording than now? Without another word, she stepped out onto the balcony attached to her bedroom, and set her phone up on the table to record her. Satisfied with the set up, she hit the record button and stepped backwards until she was leaning back against the railing there. Inhaling a steady breath, she took a moment, before she finally nodded.
"I've talked about everyone... Except for you. Guess you could say I saved the best for last, eh?" Tongue clicks and she tilts her head backwards towards the sunlight. She soaks up the warmth momentarily, before she sits up and focuses on the task at hand. "This is like that one match all over again. You know the one. Except there's four of us instead of three of us. But, the outcome will be a lot different. You are clearly not the same person that was then. In fact, you're not Jason entirely. Some bits, sure. But, you're a lot... different. That much is true, that much is made apparent. But, even immortal people can bleed just as mortals. You will be no exception to this rule when I'm making sure you stay down. For good."
She cracks her neck, knuckles following as she drops down to be level with the camera. "You are the reason that I had to repair the damage done to me after falling twenty goddamn feet from a cage. You are the reason that I have to look over my shoulder constantly. You are the reason that my fiance is no longer here and for that..." She sniffles, inhales another deep breath. Don't you fucking cry, she reminds herself mentally. "For that you must pay. This has nothing to do with True Society, Entity. This has to do with me and you and what you did to me for your own goddamn personal gain."
"I know it wasn't the love of my life who did that to me. I begged, I pleaded and when I looked into your eyes? I saw not an ounce of feeling or care. Then, you let me fall. You let me drop like useless dead weight from the heavens and down to the cold uncaring earth below. But, I won't make that same mistake, not twice. I know that I have a target on my back because of who I am now aligned with. But, there is strength in numbers and that's something all of you need to quickly realize. I'm strong enough on my own. I know I can do this on my own. But, with a group of people supporting me in this? Well, I'm stronger than I have ever been and you'll quickly realize that a woman scorned has nothing left to lose."
She stands up, takes a moment to collect herself before speaking once more. "You think you have all this fucking dirt on me. You think you know a damn thing about me. You ruined my life. You took away the one person who was there for me when nobody else was. You turned me into what I am now and really... I should be thanking you for it!" She lets out a cold laugh, head shaking as she stares coldly at the camera. "I'll thank you by sending you right to your fucking grave. Permanently. I'll thank you by making you swallow your own teeth. I'll thank you by sending you to the hospital with broken bones and limbs. I will not hold my punches. I will not go gentle into the good night. I will stop at nothing to make you pay for ruining my life. In the end, you'll realize that even immortal souls have a toll to pay... and you will pay for it in buckets and buckets and bucket of your own goddamn blood! I am sick and tired of people like you waltzing into this place and thinking that you are untouchable. You may have earned the right to book these matches. But, you're going to regret putting me into this one."
"I'm tired of being second choice and so second choice I will be no longer. It's time that I finally let go of all that is burdening me. You and all of your bullshit will no longer weigh me down. When it comes to the gold you hold in your possession? It will not walk out the same at the end of this all. This is a war that you have chosen to pick on your own... and it is a war you should know better than to partake in. If anything, a woman scorned is not to be fucked with. But, you made your own bed and so now you'll lie in it. Or perhaps grave is a better word? Either way, that gold you have is going home with me. Whether I have to shed my own blood, sweat, and goddamn tears to get it or not. I'll make sure you never ruin anyone's life again so long as I have a say about it." She kicks the table, sending the table and the phone crashing over as the screen fades to static a moment later.
