O and Two and Down On Her Luck

Location: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California

The scene opens with a wide shot of San Francisco International Airport. The hustle and bustle of the busy terminal serve as a backdrop to Octavia Bakas, the Athenian Eagle, who stands alone, her figure slightly slouched, a stark contrast to the confident athlete who arrived in the United States months ago. Her eyes, usually bright with determination, now reflect a deep introspection.

Inner Monologue - Octavia: This is not how I imagined my journey in Full Throttle Wrestling would begin. Two matches, two losses. First to Classy Christopher Charles and then, more painfully, to Alessia Capello, my countryman. I thought my Olympic background would be my edge, but it feels more like a handicap now.

She retrieves her bags from the carousel, her movements automatic, her mind elsewhere.

Inner Monologue - Octavia: I came to America overconfident, thinking my Olympic wrestling would easily translate to success in the ring. But I've learned and learned the hard way. These defeats... they're lessons. Painful, yes, but necessary.

Octavia spots her Uncle Niko waiting by a sleek black car when exiting the terminal. His face lights up upon seeing her, but she greets him with a subdued nod.

Octavia: Hello, Uncle Niko. Thanks for picking me up.

Niko Bakas: Of course, Octavia! I would never miss it. How are you holding up?"

Octavia (sighing): Let's not talk about wrestling right now, Uncle. I just... need some time.

Niko nods understandingly as they enter the car and drive through the city. The car weaves its way through the streets of San Francisco, eventually entering the Tenderloin district. Octavia gazes out the window, her eyes widening as she takes in the sight of tent cities and the homeless population.

Octavia (confused): Uncle Niko, I thought America was a land of wealth and opportunity. What is all this?

Niko, his expression turning serious, glances at her before focusing back on the road.

Niko Bakas: Ah, Octavia, this is the illusion that America sells to the world. But the truth is that America faces many of the same problems as other countries. Things have changed since President Nixon took the U.S. Dollar off the gold standard. The Federal Reserve can print money without restraint, leading to inflation. And when wages don't rise as fast as inflation, you end up with such scenes.

Octavia listens intently, her gaze still fixed on the scenes outside the window, a mix of shock and understanding dawning on her.

Niko Bakas (continuing): It's a tough reality; drugs and addiction don't help either, but it's important to see. Just like in wrestling, only some things are as it appears. There are struggles and unseen battles. It's a reminder, Octavia, that every place has challenges, defeats, and lessons.

Octavia nods slowly, her thoughts shifting from her defeats in the ring to the broader struggles of life.

Inner Monologue - Octavia: Maybe this is part of what I needed to see, to understand. My losses in the ring are not the end of the world. There are people out here starving on the street without a home to go to, and I'm being put up in a 5-star hotel. This was a sign I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself because no one else would feel sorry for me.

As the car continues its journey through the city, Octavia's inner monologue is interrupted by her Uncle Niko's curious glance.

Niko Bakas: Octavia, you seem deep in thought. Are you sure you don't want to talk about it? Sometimes, sharing helps lighten the load.

Octavia sighs, realizing that perhaps sharing her thoughts might indeed be cathartic.

Octavia: Uncle, there is something on my mind. I have my first-ever triple threat match coming up in Full Throttle Wrestling. It's against Ace Sky and TJ Alexander.

Niko nods, listening intently as Octavia continues.

Octavia: This match... it's different. Not just because it's a triple threat but because it's a chance to reset, to apply what I've learned from my defeats. I've been reflecting on my approach and know I can be confident like before.

She gazes out the window, her eyes following the cityscape as she articulates her strategy.

Octavia: In a triple threat, the dynamics are unpredictable. You can't just focus on one opponent; you must be aware of both, anticipate their moves, and find the right moment to strike. It's like playing chess on a board that's constantly shifting.

Niko Bakas: Sounds challenging, but if anyone can adapt, it's you, Octavia. Remember, your strength isn't just physical. You can learn to grow.

Octavia: Exactly. My Olympic wrestling background might just be what I need here, while it didn't give me an edge in traditional matches. Precision, technique, and the discipline to wait for the right moment could be my key to victory.

Octavia's tone becomes more confident, her posture straightening as she speaks.

Octavia: Ace Sky is known for his high-flying maneuvers, and TJ Alexander is a powerhouse. But I can use their strengths against them. If Sky takes to the air, I'll ground him. If Alexander tries to overpower me, I'll use his momentum.

Niko smiles, proud of her niece's resilience and strategic thinking.

Niko Bakas: That's the spirit, Octavia! You're a quick learner, and your experiences, both wins and losses, shape you into a better wrestler. This match could be your turning point.

Octavia nods, a determined glint in her eye.

Octavia: It has to be. I'm not just fighting for a win; I'm fighting to prove that I can adapt and overcome any challenge. This match... it's more than a competition; it's a test of my resolve and growth.

As the car weaves through the vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco, the city's eclectic mix of people and architecture passes by the window. Octavia's gaze is introspective, her mind wrestling with the possibilities of the upcoming match.

Octavia: This triple threat match is not just a physical battle. It's a mental one. Ace Sky and TJ Alexander are not just opponents; they're puzzles waiting to be solved. I need to dissect their fighting styles and understand their weaknesses.

Niko watches Octavia, seeing the wheels turning in her head.

Niko Bakas: It's like a chess game, Octavia. Each move must be calculated but also instinctual. You must be two steps ahead, always anticipating their next move while concealing your own.

Octavia (nodding): Exactly. I focused too much on my strategy and strengths in my past matches. This time, I need to adapt and be fluid. I must turn their tactics against them and use their momentum and aggression to my advantage.

The car crosses the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the vast expanse of the bay stretching out on either side. Octavia's reflection in the window merges with the passing scenery.

Inner Monologue - Octavia: Ace Sky, with his high-flying theatrics, 'll be looking to dazzle to dominate with his aerial prowess. But that's where he's most vulnerable. If I can ground him and disrupt his rhythm, I can control the match's pace.

The car descends into the city's heart, the dense urban landscape a stark contrast to the open expanse of the bridge.

Inner Monologue - Octavia: TJ Alexander is a powerhouse, but power can be a double-edged sword. If I can evade his initial onslaught and use his force against him, I can turn the match in my favor.

Niko pulls the car over to a scenic viewpoint, allowing them both to take in the panoramic view of the city.

Niko Bakas: Remember, Octavia, in a triple threat, alliances can be as fleeting as they are strategic. Keep an eye out for temporary partnerships, but trust no one. Your focus must be absolute.

Octavia exits the car, the cool breeze off the bay refreshing her thoughts.

Octavia: I won't make the same mistakes again. This match is about being adaptable and responsive. In the Olympics, I learned discipline and precision. Now, I need to blend those with cunning and opportunism.

She looks out over the city, her determination solidifying.

Octavia: I won't underestimate them, but I won't underestimate myself. I've trained hard and learned from the best. My defeats have only sharpened my resolve. This match is more than just another bout; it's a statement. I'm not just here to compete but to win.

Niko nods in agreement, a proud smile on his face.

Niko Bakas: That's the spirit! You're a fighter, Octavia, in and out of the ring. With all its contrasts and challenges, this city is a lot like the wrestling world. It can be tough and unpredictable but also full of opportunity. You have what it takes to seize that opportunity.

Location: Hotel in Oakland, California

After some sightseeing, Uncle Niko drops Octavia off at her luxurious hotel in Oakland, where the Acceleration show will be held. A sense of calm and determination washed over her as she entered her room. She moves to the window, gazing at the Oakland cityscape, focusing on the ring.

Inner Monologue - Octavia: That match with Alessia Capello... was more than a defeat. It was a lesson in humility and respect. In the end, despite our fierce competition, there seemed to be a mutual understanding, a respect that only true warriors can share.

She sits down, her thoughts drifting to the possibility of a future alliance or friendship with Capello.

Octavia: Perhaps there's more to learn from Alessia. Our styles and heritage differ, yet there's a common thread of strength and honor. A partnership, or even a friendship with her, could be beneficial. We could learn from each other and grow stronger together.

Octavia reflects on the match, replaying key moments in her head, analyzing each move and counter-move.

Inner Monologue - Octavia: Alessia's tactics and resilience pushed me to my limits. I admire a fierceness in her, a raw power that's controlled and precise. If we were to team up, that combination of her strength and my agility, her power and my technique could be unstoppable.

She ponders the potential dynamics of such a partnership, the strategies they could employ, and the victories they could achieve.

Octavia: But my focus is on the triple threat match. Ace Sky, TJ Alexander, and I are about to dance a dangerous ballet in the ring. I need to be at my best, sharp, adaptable, and ready for anything.

Octavia stands up, her determination renewed. She begins a series of stretches, preparing her body and mind for the upcoming challenge.

Inner Monologue - Octavia: This match is not just about winning. It's about proving that I've grown and learned from my past. It's about showing Full Throttle Wrestling, the fans, and most importantly, myself, that Octavia Bakas, the Athenian Eagle, is a force to be reckoned with.

As she continues her preparations, quiet confidence fills the room. Octavia Bakas is no longer just a wrestler from Greece; she's a competitor in full-throttle wrestling, ready to face challenges and soar to new heights.

The scene fades with Octavia looking out the window again, her eyes reflecting the city lights - a symbol of the opportunities and challenges ahead.