Post by Aurora Graves on Jul 16, 2017 18:59:52 GMT -5
CTC/Arena Station
Charlotte, NC
Sunday, July 16, 2017
On the train platform, a few people stood by, some reading newspapers, others scrolling through their smartphones. Still others were peering down the track, hoping to catch any glimpse of an arriving train. The usual sounds of city noise were soon cut by a high-pitched ringing as the bell signaling the arrival of the train pierced the air.
PA: Train approaching... please stand clear from the platform edge.
The announcement rang out over the PA system as the Lynx light rail pulled into the CTC/Arena Station. As the doors slid open out onto the platform, scores of passengers spilled out. Some of the passengers were dressed as though they were eagerly anticipating the events taking place at the Spectrum Center, with t-shirts heralding their favorite Redemption Wrestling superstars – from Adrien Cochrane to Rebel Ink, and even a few that are sporting “Beat Up John Blade” shirts.
As the crowd began to thin out, and the people waiting to board the train began to make their way onto the train, one other passenger remained on the platform, pausing to take in the scenery as she stared across the track, the Spectrum Center in full view before her. She stood there, clad in black shorts and a red tank top, with a championship belt slung over her shoulder.
The belt in question, one half of the Redemption Tag Team Championship belts. The woman holding the belt turned around, revealing the face of Aurora Graves, who gazed into the camera with her sapphire eyes filled with her usual determination.
Aurora: Nothing like getting out and experiencing a new city through the marvel that is public transportation, am I right? Now granted, I could have just as easily taken the car Damon and I rented, and not been bound to strict routes and pushy crowds, but this way, I don’t have to worry about where I parked. Plus, for the same price, I can travel from one end of the route all the way to the other. Besides, you never know what kind of people you’re going to meet when you ride these things.
Aurora stepped back from the platform as the doors slid closed, looking on as the train continued its path down the track. Once it was out of sight, Aurora began walking slowly along the path leading from the platform. She gripped the edge of her championship belt, looping the thumb of her other hand into one of the belt loops of her shorts.
Aurora: But I think I’ve let my inner tourist have enough fun for now. You see, tonight, Redemption Wrestling is set to tear the roof off of the very arena you see on the other side of these tracks – the Spectrum Center. It’s there where I am set to face off against one of our newest signed talents, a woman known only as Lava.
Lava, from the very beginning of the All Female Invitational, you’ve been very vocal about facing one woman in particular, Gaia Galanos. And while tonight, that dream matchup of yours won’t be taking place, you find yourself stepping into the ring with one half of the Tag Team Champions. And while on the one hand, I don’t bear you any ill will – hell, I actually hope you do well here in Redemption Wrestling – on the other hand, I’m not exactly the type of girl that likes the idea of having a rookie make a name for themselves at my expense. While it may seem like I have nothing to lose, as a champion, it wouldn’t look good for me to lose to someone brand new to the scene. Nothing personal, Lava, but I have to look at this like every other fight.
From across the tracks, Aurora could see the crowd of fans already filing into the arena. Some of them she recognized from the train, while others were coming from the parking lot, carrying signs celebrating the various wrestlers set to appear. Aurora smirked as she saw a poster bearing a hand-drawn image of her, but holding her fists up in front of her, with her husband’s knuckle tattoos reading “Stay Down” showing in – of all things – red glitter. She looked down at her own knuckles, bare, save for her ruby and diamond wedding ring, letting out a chuckle before she moved on.
Aurora: You stand between me and my goal of hearing my music blaring over the sound system after the bell rings with my arms raised in victory. And I don’t care who you are, what your goals here in Redemption are, but whenever I see an obstacle placed in front of me, I do my damnedest to make sure that obstacle is removed from my path. Sorry to say, Lava, but tonight, you are that obstacle. So if you were thinking of leaving your mark by taking out one of the company’s top champions straight out of the gate, then I’m afraid I’m going to have to be the one to rain on your parade. Nothing against you, but I’m coming into that ring with one vision in my head... and that’s you, staring up at the lights.
I’ll see you in a few hours, Lava. I know you’re chomping at the bit for a good fight. The one thing you can look forward to is that that’s exactly what I plan on bringing to this fight. As for the rest, well...
Aurora shrugged her shoulders as she made her way toward the street. In truth, she probably could have crossed over as soon as the barricades on either side of the tracks had ended, but a part of her told her not to risk it. As she reached the other side of the tracks, she looked up to find a banner featuring all of the champions in Redemption. Smiling at the sight, she turned around to face the camera once more.
Aurora: Sorry, Lava... you may be on fire right now, but sooner or later, your flow is gonna cool down.
With a wink of her eye, Aurora turned and walked away, heading toward the Spectrum Center as she disappeared into a swarm of autograph-seeking fans.
