Post by Sah'ta Thor on Apr 2, 2024 0:11:40 GMT -5
OOC Note: This does get heavy and deals with some complex emotions.
The Nightmare
The sound of the crowd echoes as she fights with her opponent. She is irish whipped across the ring and hits the chainlink of the cage. As the resulting blood streams down her face the image shifts to slightly distorting for a second before she and her opponent are shown fighting atop the cage. After a few seconds she picks her opponent off the cage and suddenly the identity of the opponent becomes clear as the blood coated face of Sah'ta Thor is clearly seen. The sound of the loud shattering wood followed by the thud of a body impacting concrete echoes through the arena as the ring bells signals the end of the match.
Isabella bolts upwards in a cold sweat as she is finally able to wake up from the recurring nightmare. As she sits there in the dark dimly lit bedroom her eyes dart around the room looking to find something to calm herself once more. After a few seconds her eyes lock on the sleeping face of her husband Ace and she takes a few deep breaths. Once her breath was steadied Isabella slips out of bed. Careful not to wake up Ace she walks silently out of the bedroom grabbing a bathrobe on the way.
A minute later the desk light comes on in the study as Isabella sits down behind a desk. With a few deep breaths Isabella opens the top drawer and pulls out a journal that she sets on the desk. Once there she opens it to a blank page before reaching over to a cup to grab a black pen. After another couple deep breaths she begins to write.
With that Isabella returns the pen to the cup before closing her journal. She then opens the drawer and returns the journal to it before sliding it closed once more. Reaching over she turns off the desk light before standing back up. Once the darkness settles back over the room Isabella stands up and walks back to her bedroom. She crawls back into bed as things fade to nothing.
Easter Turmoil
Isabella had gotten to the family estate in Colorado about six hours earlier. She had taken a red-eye out of Washington D.C following GEW's Collision Course 2024 event into Denver before the drive into mountain forest that held Castle Thorn. After a failed attempt at sleeping she had spent quite a few hours talking with her father's ashes. Thing was that his resting spot in the estate's rose garden maze was one of four places she could have such a conversation. The others are at the Phoenix Nest, the family home in Scotland, and her grandfather's home town in Norway. She had done a lot of soul searching the last couple of hours but hadn't really come to any solid conclusions. She hoped the rest of the stay before she had to fly to Melbourne would bring her some clarity.
At that precise moment she was standing in the kitchen working on breakfast with her sisters and sister-in-laws. Between the five of them things were going smoothly as each of them worked on their own project. From waffles to scrambled eggs and bacon the food was being made and plattered as the rest of the family was scattered in pockets around the large estate. While they worked there was a conversation going on.
Katie Thorn: Are you guys ready for Final Destination?
Astryd Thorn: Yes though to be honest my job is going to be difficult with having my clients be in matches in both arenas.
Isabella Thorn: Well you know Ace and I can manage with you helping out stateside sis. You know we are crafty enough to make things work.
There is a momentary lull in the conversation as the sounds of cooking are heard while each woman contemplates the upcoming week.
Astryd Thorn: Good enough and I know the guys will be there to back you up if it is needed. After all, your match is going to be hectic and intense given who else is in it.
Lu Chen Hudson: I know Aaron and I will appreciate your being there Astryd. Plus I am pretty sure Sujir will be over the moon to have you.
Katie: I know for a fact that Sujir is excited for his match with BRADDOCK. It is going be brutal but since Sujir's one year anniversary of being champion is on Tuesday this match means a lot to him. After all, we all know that he has some big plans for the rest of the year.
They all share a knowing nod as Imanov's wife Anya grabs a pitcher of orange juice from the fridge.
Anya Chovsceh: I know Imanov is looking to get back into the thick of things. I know Thorn Enterprises has some long term plans but not sure on the timing.
Astryd: Well things after Final Destination will be getting interesting for sure.
The conversation continues for a bit long as the women finish up with the feast that was breakfast. As they finish up and start to carry the platters and various drinks to the table the 13 year old Kayla comes into the kitchen. She looks around for a minute with a half-asleep confusion before her eyes lock on Isabella. Her eyes narrow slightly before takes a breath before speaking.
Kayla Bree Grant: What is for breakfast?
Katie: Waffles, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit…
Before Katie can finish she is cut off by a comment from Kayla.
Kayla: If Isabella hadn't killed dad we would be having his waffles.
With those words Kayla glares at Isabella for a second before turning on her heel and storming out of the room. As Kayla leaves the kitchen there is a moment of stunned silence as Isabella's face drains of color. She hands Katie the platter she had been holding in her hand before running out of the kitchen.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Sometime later Isabella is still alone sitting on the bench in front of the engraved pillar that housed her father's urn. One look at her was enough to reveal that she had been crying. Though at the moment the tears had stopped as she sat there trying to regain control over her emotions. As she sits there the sounds of footsteps could be heard on the paving stones behind her. Isabella takes a deep breath as she waits to see who is coming to talk to her. There is a moment of extended silence as the newcomer sits down next to her slowly. It takes a couple of minutes for Isabella's new companion to settle comfortably.
Aaron Frederick Hudson: How are you doing Izzy?"
Hearing the question from her brother-in-law causes Isabella to lift her head and turn to look at him with a pain filled expression on her face. She takes a deep breath before answering.
Isabella: Honestly I am a mess. I have been since Retribution. We knew dad was sick and running out of time but did you ever think he would go out like that? I mean he made no secret of his desire to fight to the end but.
There is a pregnant pause as Isabella struggles to find the words to continue.
Aaron: Listen Izzy, we both know that dad went out on his terms. I actually hope I have the same amount of control over my death. Yet, I thought he had more time. Truth be told, I miss him so much. For all the drama that we portrayed in the ring over the years your father was my mentor.
Aaron stops to take a halting breath as he lets his mind drift back to the night he had first meant the legendary Sah'ta Thor.
Isabella: I can't help but wonder why he didn't warn us. Though thinking back to the night and how he spoke to each of us in the locker room should have clued me in. However, I just thought he was having a moment so he didn't forget things. Then he left and it was time to do the final preparations for the match. As for the match itself it was everything we talked about doing and more. It was only at the end after he crashed through the table and didn't move that I started to feel that something was wrong.
Aaron: It wasn't your fault Isabella.
Before Aaron can continue speaking Isabella cuts him off.
Isabella: I know it wasn't Aaron after all the hours I have spent rewatching that moment in every imaginable way. I know he intentionally twisted slightly after I kicked him off. I know that twist moved him out of the safe zone for the landing. In my head I KNOW that it was his choice. Yet, that is what my head and brain know, not how I feel and what my emotions say."
Aaron just nods as he lets Isabella speak. He understood that she needed this moment and would let her finish before making a reply.
Isabella: My heart tells me I killed the man who saved me. My heart tells me it is my fault he is dead. My heart won't stop hurting. Emotionally, I am a mess of quilt, rage, pain, frustration, despair swirling in a maelstrom of confusion and desperation. I know you will understand when I say that emotionally I am on the edge all the while showing the world I am good. The brutal truth is that what Kayla said was nothing but fact. I DID kick dad off that cage and he died. It is there in living color on video and clipped all over the internet. Even with all Kayla knows of the business we haven't gotten to what it takes to be in a cage match and what we do to train for them.
Isabella falls silent as she turns to look at the stone pillar for a moment. Aaron watches her in silence for a moment of contemplative silence.
Aaron: All of that is true Isabella but YOU didn't do anything wrong. You know how I first met dad when I literally had a gun to my head. My own father had just died a few months before and I had inherited all the family business. Which included some enemies. One of such had come to collect on an unpaid grudge and well you have heard the rest already. But do you remember what I told you about how I first got into wrestling? It was after I lost my best friend in a shoutout with some rival street punks. For months afterward I had nightmares and had a less than stellar disposition. I poured it all into my wrestling and the family business. Eventually, it became manageable enough to deal with.
Isabella: I am so tired.
Isabella chokes out these words before turning and throwing her arms around Aaron as she breaks down again. Her head pressing into his shoulder as he just sits there holding her.
3/27/24
2:37 AM PDT
Casa de Pena
The sound of the crowd echoes as she fights with her opponent. She is irish whipped across the ring and hits the chainlink of the cage. As the resulting blood streams down her face the image shifts to slightly distorting for a second before she and her opponent are shown fighting atop the cage. After a few seconds she picks her opponent off the cage and suddenly the identity of the opponent becomes clear as the blood coated face of Sah'ta Thor is clearly seen. The sound of the loud shattering wood followed by the thud of a body impacting concrete echoes through the arena as the ring bells signals the end of the match.
Isabella bolts upwards in a cold sweat as she is finally able to wake up from the recurring nightmare. As she sits there in the dark dimly lit bedroom her eyes dart around the room looking to find something to calm herself once more. After a few seconds her eyes lock on the sleeping face of her husband Ace and she takes a few deep breaths. Once her breath was steadied Isabella slips out of bed. Careful not to wake up Ace she walks silently out of the bedroom grabbing a bathrobe on the way.
A minute later the desk light comes on in the study as Isabella sits down behind a desk. With a few deep breaths Isabella opens the top drawer and pulls out a journal that she sets on the desk. Once there she opens it to a blank page before reaching over to a cup to grab a black pen. After another couple deep breaths she begins to write.
I had the nightmare again. It has been waking me up since the week after Retribution. Before then I was too emotionally numb to feel and have any dreams. The therapists I had as a kid told me it was normal when dealing with a trauma. Yet, honestly I am not entirely sure how to feel about what happened. On the one hand I know my father would have done what he did no matter who he faced that night. However, on the other hand I can't help but wonder why he chose me to be his last opponent. I have been asking myself that everyday since Retribution and I am no closer to an answer. The truth is I should probably talk to someone about all this but I am still trying to work out what to say. Besides, life right now is currently too busy to take the time off.
Speaking of which, Ace and I are going to Castle Thorn for Easter and will be flying up tomorrow. I will be spending quite a bit of time in the rose garden where one of my father's four ash filled urns is stored. Maybe by talking to his ashes I can clear my mind though only time will tell. I hope the visit with the family will recharge my mental state. I will have to see how it goes.
On Tuesday, Ace and I will be flying down to Melbourne for our big tag title defense. Which means at least a week until things settle down enough to even think about scheduling an appointment with a therapist. Between the media appearances and last minute training sessions the trip to Melbourne will be a hectic one. Yet, even after the last couple of months I wouldn't have it anyother way. I am not even 20 years old and already held two different professional wrestling championships. I have held championship gold for 245 days in EHWF and that is honestly only the tip of the iceberg with my career. We will have to see how Final Destination goes to see what my next step is but I have faith that Ace and I will walk out still holding the gold.
Well, I think my brain has calmed enough for me to try and go back to bed. I will be back later with more thoughts and hopefully some uninterrupted sleep.
Speaking of which, Ace and I are going to Castle Thorn for Easter and will be flying up tomorrow. I will be spending quite a bit of time in the rose garden where one of my father's four ash filled urns is stored. Maybe by talking to his ashes I can clear my mind though only time will tell. I hope the visit with the family will recharge my mental state. I will have to see how it goes.
On Tuesday, Ace and I will be flying down to Melbourne for our big tag title defense. Which means at least a week until things settle down enough to even think about scheduling an appointment with a therapist. Between the media appearances and last minute training sessions the trip to Melbourne will be a hectic one. Yet, even after the last couple of months I wouldn't have it anyother way. I am not even 20 years old and already held two different professional wrestling championships. I have held championship gold for 245 days in EHWF and that is honestly only the tip of the iceberg with my career. We will have to see how Final Destination goes to see what my next step is but I have faith that Ace and I will walk out still holding the gold.
Well, I think my brain has calmed enough for me to try and go back to bed. I will be back later with more thoughts and hopefully some uninterrupted sleep.
Easter Turmoil
3/31/24
9:04 AM MDT
Castle Thorn
Isabella had gotten to the family estate in Colorado about six hours earlier. She had taken a red-eye out of Washington D.C following GEW's Collision Course 2024 event into Denver before the drive into mountain forest that held Castle Thorn. After a failed attempt at sleeping she had spent quite a few hours talking with her father's ashes. Thing was that his resting spot in the estate's rose garden maze was one of four places she could have such a conversation. The others are at the Phoenix Nest, the family home in Scotland, and her grandfather's home town in Norway. She had done a lot of soul searching the last couple of hours but hadn't really come to any solid conclusions. She hoped the rest of the stay before she had to fly to Melbourne would bring her some clarity.
At that precise moment she was standing in the kitchen working on breakfast with her sisters and sister-in-laws. Between the five of them things were going smoothly as each of them worked on their own project. From waffles to scrambled eggs and bacon the food was being made and plattered as the rest of the family was scattered in pockets around the large estate. While they worked there was a conversation going on.
Katie Thorn: Are you guys ready for Final Destination?
Astryd Thorn: Yes though to be honest my job is going to be difficult with having my clients be in matches in both arenas.
Isabella Thorn: Well you know Ace and I can manage with you helping out stateside sis. You know we are crafty enough to make things work.
There is a momentary lull in the conversation as the sounds of cooking are heard while each woman contemplates the upcoming week.
Astryd Thorn: Good enough and I know the guys will be there to back you up if it is needed. After all, your match is going to be hectic and intense given who else is in it.
Lu Chen Hudson: I know Aaron and I will appreciate your being there Astryd. Plus I am pretty sure Sujir will be over the moon to have you.
Katie: I know for a fact that Sujir is excited for his match with BRADDOCK. It is going be brutal but since Sujir's one year anniversary of being champion is on Tuesday this match means a lot to him. After all, we all know that he has some big plans for the rest of the year.
They all share a knowing nod as Imanov's wife Anya grabs a pitcher of orange juice from the fridge.
Anya Chovsceh: I know Imanov is looking to get back into the thick of things. I know Thorn Enterprises has some long term plans but not sure on the timing.
Astryd: Well things after Final Destination will be getting interesting for sure.
The conversation continues for a bit long as the women finish up with the feast that was breakfast. As they finish up and start to carry the platters and various drinks to the table the 13 year old Kayla comes into the kitchen. She looks around for a minute with a half-asleep confusion before her eyes lock on Isabella. Her eyes narrow slightly before takes a breath before speaking.
Kayla Bree Grant: What is for breakfast?
Katie: Waffles, bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit…
Before Katie can finish she is cut off by a comment from Kayla.
Kayla: If Isabella hadn't killed dad we would be having his waffles.
With those words Kayla glares at Isabella for a second before turning on her heel and storming out of the room. As Kayla leaves the kitchen there is a moment of stunned silence as Isabella's face drains of color. She hands Katie the platter she had been holding in her hand before running out of the kitchen.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Sometime later Isabella is still alone sitting on the bench in front of the engraved pillar that housed her father's urn. One look at her was enough to reveal that she had been crying. Though at the moment the tears had stopped as she sat there trying to regain control over her emotions. As she sits there the sounds of footsteps could be heard on the paving stones behind her. Isabella takes a deep breath as she waits to see who is coming to talk to her. There is a moment of extended silence as the newcomer sits down next to her slowly. It takes a couple of minutes for Isabella's new companion to settle comfortably.
Aaron Frederick Hudson: How are you doing Izzy?"
Hearing the question from her brother-in-law causes Isabella to lift her head and turn to look at him with a pain filled expression on her face. She takes a deep breath before answering.
Isabella: Honestly I am a mess. I have been since Retribution. We knew dad was sick and running out of time but did you ever think he would go out like that? I mean he made no secret of his desire to fight to the end but.
There is a pregnant pause as Isabella struggles to find the words to continue.
Aaron: Listen Izzy, we both know that dad went out on his terms. I actually hope I have the same amount of control over my death. Yet, I thought he had more time. Truth be told, I miss him so much. For all the drama that we portrayed in the ring over the years your father was my mentor.
Aaron stops to take a halting breath as he lets his mind drift back to the night he had first meant the legendary Sah'ta Thor.
Isabella: I can't help but wonder why he didn't warn us. Though thinking back to the night and how he spoke to each of us in the locker room should have clued me in. However, I just thought he was having a moment so he didn't forget things. Then he left and it was time to do the final preparations for the match. As for the match itself it was everything we talked about doing and more. It was only at the end after he crashed through the table and didn't move that I started to feel that something was wrong.
Aaron: It wasn't your fault Isabella.
Before Aaron can continue speaking Isabella cuts him off.
Isabella: I know it wasn't Aaron after all the hours I have spent rewatching that moment in every imaginable way. I know he intentionally twisted slightly after I kicked him off. I know that twist moved him out of the safe zone for the landing. In my head I KNOW that it was his choice. Yet, that is what my head and brain know, not how I feel and what my emotions say."
Aaron just nods as he lets Isabella speak. He understood that she needed this moment and would let her finish before making a reply.
Isabella: My heart tells me I killed the man who saved me. My heart tells me it is my fault he is dead. My heart won't stop hurting. Emotionally, I am a mess of quilt, rage, pain, frustration, despair swirling in a maelstrom of confusion and desperation. I know you will understand when I say that emotionally I am on the edge all the while showing the world I am good. The brutal truth is that what Kayla said was nothing but fact. I DID kick dad off that cage and he died. It is there in living color on video and clipped all over the internet. Even with all Kayla knows of the business we haven't gotten to what it takes to be in a cage match and what we do to train for them.
Isabella falls silent as she turns to look at the stone pillar for a moment. Aaron watches her in silence for a moment of contemplative silence.
Aaron: All of that is true Isabella but YOU didn't do anything wrong. You know how I first met dad when I literally had a gun to my head. My own father had just died a few months before and I had inherited all the family business. Which included some enemies. One of such had come to collect on an unpaid grudge and well you have heard the rest already. But do you remember what I told you about how I first got into wrestling? It was after I lost my best friend in a shoutout with some rival street punks. For months afterward I had nightmares and had a less than stellar disposition. I poured it all into my wrestling and the family business. Eventually, it became manageable enough to deal with.
Isabella: I am so tired.
Isabella chokes out these words before turning and throwing her arms around Aaron as she breaks down again. Her head pressing into his shoulder as he just sits there holding her.