Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2023 19:26:16 GMT -5
November 20th, 2023
Krigarakademin Head Office
Howell, NJ
It had been a wet start to the week. Outside of her window, Eavan Maloney can see her girls in the large music room taking percussion lessons from Lexa Pellegrini, Zombie’s ol’ lady and Devil’s Doves Consigliere. At eleven a.m. sharp, she knew the mailman would come on a specific drop-off. This wasn’t the standard letters and bills that arrive on the daily. This was fan mail and calls to arms addressed specifically to Sykobitty to either the Doves compound in New Egypt, the occasional letter or package sent directly to her home address, or Academy requests. Eavan had designed this dropoff to keep DD business out of the Academy. While Topino managed the rest of any mail that would arrive through Chrissy’s (there is a P.O. Box there), stuff that came addressed to Eavan, under her myriad names, came to the Academy.
As became custom every week, the mail deliverer would hand Eavan a breakdown of what she received. Any openings of letters and parcels are opened offsite. Reading the breakdown allowed her to gauge her impact both professionally and personally. Seeing the rise in hate mail always gave her a chuckle or two; although seeing the amount of rejected mail or packages rise along with it terrified her. Rejected meant it had arrived for processing and was at a level beyond hate mail. These could include personal threats, suspicious parcels, and the like. One rejection description chilled her as it said it was a letter saying someone was going to come to her house and murder and rape her family. Anything considered rejected is immediately flagged to law enforcement, though Eavan also sends this information to the Doves. Knock on wood nothing has happened yet.
However, one letter was flagged simply “Family of yours?” Eavan wondered who in the family would have sent her something by post. With the amount of Shieldmaidens charters around the globe, it wasn’t inconceivable. She studied the envelope. Canadian postmark, and addressed to Olive Maloney. Definitely not a fan, Eavan thought to herself. Eavan sat down at her desk, and opened the letter.
‘Dear Olive,
You might not know me, but I know quite a bit about you. I won’t pussyfoot around, I’ll just get this out of the way right off the bat,but I hope you’ll at least read the rest of this letter, even if you’re skeptical.
I am your half-sister, Vaily Kash. Our father was Randall.
In 1996, our father met a woman named Regina Fitzgerald and began training her. The two were married in 1998 and I was born mere months later. I don’t really know our father very well, as my parents divorced when I was only three and have rarely seen him. He took care of us from afar, but as he was hyper-focused on his wrestling career, family wasn’t his strong suit. I’m sorry if that bursts any illusions you had about him. I can only speak on my experiences.
Mom died in 2018 of cancer, just as I was starting in the business. I’ve since designed my ring gear as a homage to her, though she was not well-known to many. For me, she was my hero, so I’m keeping her spirit alive.
I’m not writing you for any sort of help. One of the last conversations I had with Dad, he told me he had an opportunity to come clean to you. I’m not sure how much he told you, if anything, but he had been sick for quite some time. I know you moved him to Jersey for a bit before he moved out of town from me to die peacefully. I went by the house the day after you left, hoping to meet you, but you had already left.
Unfortunately, working as a barista and an indie wrestler around here barely gets the bills paid, but if you get the chance to come back up north, I’d like to finally say hello in person if you wish to do the same.
Sincerely,
Vaily’
Enclosed with the letter were two pictures. One was a picture of her as a baby with Randall and a goth woman she knew immediately was Regina. Eavan had seen this very picture at the Wakefield home but never put two and two together at the time. The other was of Vaily at a show in red and black gear that was definitely an homage to her mother. Eavan folded up the letter and placed it in the envelope, and pulled her phone out. After scrolling for a second, she put the phone to her ear.
Eavan: I need to be in Ottawa, Canada, yesterday. Make it happen.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 20th, 2023
Ottawa International Airport
Ottawa, ON
Eavan steps off her chartered plane and walks through the airport, the only bag she brought sits on her shoulder. First stop, Tim Hortons coffee. As she sat on a bench, she put her bag beside her and rooted for her phone. During her flight, Topino had tracked Vaily down and sent the coordinates to Eavan. Eavan stepped out into the frigid Ottawa air for a few moments, reflecting on the last time she had walked through these doors. She had come up to die. She had willed everything away, made sure everyone was taken care of, and was heading to Wakefield never to return. Since then, the Krigarakademin had almost doubled in number of girls in the program. She adopted two of the girls herself. Her newest patch, Sinner, reunited with her daughter who is in the program currently. Life was on an upswing now, and yet for a minute, Eavan felt a pinch in her chest. She crossed the road to the parkade, on Topino’s very-detailed instructions, and found the car rental place she was supposed to go. Eavan pulls out her wallet at the counter.
Eavan: Aye, my friend got me a car here to pick up?
The guy at the counter, maybe just out of high school, takes Eavan’s license and looks at her before his eyes widen.
Counter Guy: Aren’t you…
Eavan (sarcastically): My name’s right there on the license, kid. I know it’s from the US, but it IS valid.
Counter Guy: You’re Eavan Maloney! I didn’t realize there was a show in town.
Eavan (becoming more frustrated): First of all, yeah, I’m me. Second, I’m not here for wrestling, and I’d rather not attract attention.
The guy at the counter finally catches Eavan’s drift and goes to the back for a couple of minutes. When he comes back, he has a set of keys in hand. Eavan immediately shakes her head no.
Eavan: That isn’t the car that was ordered. That is a 2024 Stingray, I can tell by the logo on the fob. A Ford Timberline was the car ordered.
Counter Guy: I just thought you would prefer something sportier and faster, seeing as you ride motorcycles a lot…
Eavan closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath, before stretching her neck one side and then the other. When she finishes, she looks up at the kid behind the counter, trying very hard to keep her composure.
Eavan: I want. The car. I was ordered. I get it, you’re a fan, you’re trying to be nice, and thank you. Like I said, I’m not here on wrestling business. I hadn’t even planned on BEING here until just a few hours ago, and I’m kinda in a hurry. You have five seconds, or I’m coming over this counter and stapling the invoice to your Fuding forehead. You feel me?
The kid practically sprints to the back again and retrieves the keys to the Ford. When he comes back, Eavan is all smiles.
Eavan: That wasn’t so hard, was it?
Counter Guy: S-sorry Ms. Maloney.
Eavan: It’s Mrs. Zdunich, but apology accepted.
Eavan turns on her heels and exits the car rental place and pushes the starter on the key fob to hear a rumble a few cars away. Throwing her bag in the passenger seat and setting herself up in the SUV, she plugs in Vaily’s address into the GPS and floors it out of the airport.
—-------------------------------------------------------
November 20th, 2023
Outside the apartment of Vaily Kash
Ottawa, ON
Eavan pulls into the visitor’s parking of a low-rise apartment building just as the feeling of regret hits her. She dials up Jersey and puts it on speakerphone.
Eavan: Chris, I’m here. You sure this is the right place?
Chris, aka Topino, can be heard tapping away on her laptop.
Topino: Yep, I have your cell pinged being in the parking lot.
Eavan: This place feels sketchy. Noticed a few wannabe gangbangers hanging about. You know what I’m going to ask, right?
Topino: Plans were in motion before you jetted out, boss. You sure about this though?
Eavan: I don’t doubt she is who she says she is. And if she’s anything like Dad, she’s going to want to refuse right out of the gate. Set it up anyways with the caveat that I may need to cancel just as quickly. And if there’s an issue, they can call me direct.
Topino: I’m on it.
Eavan: Oh, and make sure she’s able to fly. I should be able to convince her to come down for the weekend. If she’s trying to make contact with family, she’ll get to meet a large chunk right away.
Topino: Was already on that as well. Keep us posted.
Eavan hangs up and steps out of the SUV and looks at the building again. It appears to be in different stages of disrepair, with shoddy patchwork to delay the inevitable. As she walks to the front door, she passes the teenagers in baggy pants and bomber jackets with a chuckle to herself.
Gangbanger #1: Something funny, little girl?
Eavan stops, turns around, and cocks an eyebrow.
Eavan: Yeah, actually.
Gangbanger #2: And what is that?
Eavan: Look at th’ three o’ya. Standin’ ‘round, shakin’ like leaves in da wind, with ya vapes tryin’ t’look all badass. Ya fookin’ look sad. An’ ah ain’t a little girl.
The third gangbanger steps back and between the first two, trying to tug the jackets of his buddies. The first one, however, isn’t having it.
Gangbanger #1: Ok, so you’re a leprechaun. Look, guys! A real-life leprechaun!
Eavan smiles and takes off her larger winter coat, revealing her Devils’ Doves leather kutte underneath. Two of the three guys take a step back, but the first gangbanger just doesn’t know when to quit.
Gangbanger #1: Ooooh look who’s the badass now! What are you going to do, Leprechaun, fight the three of us?
Eavan: Nah. See, ya buddy in the back is the smartest of th’lot, tryin’ t’save yer asses. This one here is about t’piss hisself, and you? You’re just th’mouthy puppy with the brains of a tractor. Do yaselves a favor and walk away now. Ah ain’t here t’fight, but yous made at least one decision I had today that much easier. Do ya live here or what?
Gangbanger #2: We were going to see Lady V.
Eavan: An’ who’s that?
The first guy was about to answer but Eavan puts a finger to his mouth to silence him as she focuses her attention on the second one.
Gangbanger #2: She’s…
Gangbanger #3: We sell her drugs for…
Eavan turns to the third guy now, who steps back again.
Eavan: Vaily?
The third guy nods, fearfully.
Eavan: Not today, not anymore. I’m guessing she’s home if you boys are here. What apartment?
Gangbanger #2: She’s not home yet, she said she was on her way.
Eavan: Leave. Now. I’ll wait for her. And if I see you fucks again, I will break every one of your limbs. EVERY one of your limbs. We good here?
The three nod and hop into a beat-up Honda Civic that was parked behind them, and leave the area just as a ratty-looking Ford Fiesta pulls in. Eavan notices that the woman looked perplexed that the Civic was leaving. The Fiesta pulls into the parking lot not far from where Eavan was parked. As she walks towards the front door, Eavan recognizes her instantly as Vaily. Vaily stops cold.
Vaily: O-Olive?
Eavan: I got your letter this morning. I think we need to talk. Shall we go upstairs?
As they enter Vaily’s apartment, Eavan is immediately saddened by the state of the place. Dishes stacked up all over the kitchen, the pungent smell of cat urine instantly violating her nostrils. The furniture looks like pieces found on the side of the road and should have been left there. Vaily drops into her couch, Eavan cautiously checks out an armchair before sitting on it.
Eavan: I’m guessing Dad didn’t leave you much?
Vaily slowly closes her eyes, realizing Eavan has the same cut-to-the-quick attitude their father did.
Vaily: It’s complicated.
Eavan: Uncomplicate it for me then. You’re a Kash, the hell are you doing?
Vaily lays her head back, still with eyes closed, before pounding the arm of the sofa with her fist.
Vaily: I’m not doing so well as you’ve noticed. Mom and I had a lot of debts which Dad’s inheritance covered most of.
Eavan: And the drug addiction? I met your friends earlier, I sent them off.
Vaily: Do you do this with everyone you meet?
Eavan: Yeah, actually. And I go doubly hard on people who should be better than they are. Along with the sass, you get helped.
Vaily: I don’t want your help. I said that in the letter.
Eavan: That’s what you wrote, yes. That isn’t what you meant, so why don’t we cut the bullshit and you tell me what’s going on? See, here’s the thing. I have this rule that family doesn’t get left behind. And I have a LOT of families I’m either part of, or I’ve assumed. You figured out how to find me, so you must have some idea of what I am and what I do.
Vaily: I found you through Gionna.
Eavan: She didn’t come visit you, did she?
Vaily nods her head yes.
Vaily: She’s been trying to convince me to get out of here. She also warned me about you, that you’d do the same. She said you’d already have a plan in place the moment you showed up at my door.
Eavan chuckles at this as she looks around the apartment. Eavan walks into the kitchen and looks through her cupboards and inside her fridge, before quickly closing it.
Eavan: Did she tell you what this plan could entail?
Vaily: No, she said she didn’t want to spoil the surprise, but I’m going to guess it’s going to involve me moving.
Eavan: That’s step two. First thing you’re doing is I’m putting you in rehab. Actually, it’s a place that Gi and Dad started before they moved up here, and now I run it. Once you graduate, then you’ll have an apartment in town. But, before all of that, what you really need first is family so…
Eavan opens her jacket and pulls out an airline ticket.
Eavan: You’re already pre-booked, I made sure your passport was valid. I gotta ask though. Those fuckwits I met, obviously they sell to you, but they hinted about how they get paid…
Vaily: Yes, exactly what you’re thinking. And I Fuding hate it, but when money’s tight, you do what you have to.
Eavan nods.
Eavan: I know, I’ve been there. Was fucked up on coke for a long time. I lost everything. My wife, my family. Fucked off to LA, lived on the streets, moved into a shelter. Sold my body for hits. Thankfully today I’m clean and somewhat sober, I can drink socially without going overboard. Family helped me out. The same people I thought I lost were waiting for me to find them again. Now? I have a sisterhood of bikers. I have a place to help others the way I was helped and more. Two wives and three daughters. So there was no way in hell I was coming all the way up here and leaving you like this. I’ll continue to pay Poop forward til there isn’t a breath left to draw in me. You’re my sister, Fudge that half Poop. So, only question I have is this. You coming or staying?
Vaily looks at the airplane ticket in her hand, and looks around at the apartment.
Vaily: What will we do with this place?
Eavan: I’ll contact a cleaning company. What about your cat or cats?
Vaily: The smell, huh? That’s the carpet. It was like that when I moved in. I can barely take care of me, I couldn’t do that to a pet.
Eavan picks up a picture on Vaily’s cluttered table. It’s a picture of Vaily in her ring gear with her mother, Regina, smiling as a proud mother does. Eavan hands it to Vaily.
Eavan: I saw your mother wrestle once at an Immortal Wrestling Guild show. She was so beautiful, and kicked ass in that ring. She actually inspired little ten-year-old me. Funny how life worked out, huh? Let’s give her another reason to smile. They deserve it, and so do you.
Vaily: Give me a few minutes to pack some things. Um, if it isn’t much trouble, maybe…?
Eavan: Bring your gear. We’ll worry about the rest of whatever you need as you need it. The sooner we’re out of here, the better you’re going to be. I think we need to take a ride first before we go to the airport.
Vaily: Wakefield?
Eavan: Yeah, we can pop in on Gi as well, make sure she’s okay. Then we’ll focus on you.
Vaily: Alright. Hey sis?
Eavan stammers for a second as she turns to face Vaily again with a hand on the doorknob.
Eavan: Yeah?
Vaily: Thank you.
Before Eavan can respond, Vaily is already hugging her. Eavan hugs her back before pushing her out of the open door.
Eavan: No problem. And if you end up meeting my friend Khloe? Don’t tell her you hugged me. She’ll be heartbroken. We have a thing going on, I’ll explain on the road.
Krigarakademin Head Office
Howell, NJ
It had been a wet start to the week. Outside of her window, Eavan Maloney can see her girls in the large music room taking percussion lessons from Lexa Pellegrini, Zombie’s ol’ lady and Devil’s Doves Consigliere. At eleven a.m. sharp, she knew the mailman would come on a specific drop-off. This wasn’t the standard letters and bills that arrive on the daily. This was fan mail and calls to arms addressed specifically to Sykobitty to either the Doves compound in New Egypt, the occasional letter or package sent directly to her home address, or Academy requests. Eavan had designed this dropoff to keep DD business out of the Academy. While Topino managed the rest of any mail that would arrive through Chrissy’s (there is a P.O. Box there), stuff that came addressed to Eavan, under her myriad names, came to the Academy.
As became custom every week, the mail deliverer would hand Eavan a breakdown of what she received. Any openings of letters and parcels are opened offsite. Reading the breakdown allowed her to gauge her impact both professionally and personally. Seeing the rise in hate mail always gave her a chuckle or two; although seeing the amount of rejected mail or packages rise along with it terrified her. Rejected meant it had arrived for processing and was at a level beyond hate mail. These could include personal threats, suspicious parcels, and the like. One rejection description chilled her as it said it was a letter saying someone was going to come to her house and murder and rape her family. Anything considered rejected is immediately flagged to law enforcement, though Eavan also sends this information to the Doves. Knock on wood nothing has happened yet.
However, one letter was flagged simply “Family of yours?” Eavan wondered who in the family would have sent her something by post. With the amount of Shieldmaidens charters around the globe, it wasn’t inconceivable. She studied the envelope. Canadian postmark, and addressed to Olive Maloney. Definitely not a fan, Eavan thought to herself. Eavan sat down at her desk, and opened the letter.
‘Dear Olive,
You might not know me, but I know quite a bit about you. I won’t pussyfoot around, I’ll just get this out of the way right off the bat,but I hope you’ll at least read the rest of this letter, even if you’re skeptical.
I am your half-sister, Vaily Kash. Our father was Randall.
In 1996, our father met a woman named Regina Fitzgerald and began training her. The two were married in 1998 and I was born mere months later. I don’t really know our father very well, as my parents divorced when I was only three and have rarely seen him. He took care of us from afar, but as he was hyper-focused on his wrestling career, family wasn’t his strong suit. I’m sorry if that bursts any illusions you had about him. I can only speak on my experiences.
Mom died in 2018 of cancer, just as I was starting in the business. I’ve since designed my ring gear as a homage to her, though she was not well-known to many. For me, she was my hero, so I’m keeping her spirit alive.
I’m not writing you for any sort of help. One of the last conversations I had with Dad, he told me he had an opportunity to come clean to you. I’m not sure how much he told you, if anything, but he had been sick for quite some time. I know you moved him to Jersey for a bit before he moved out of town from me to die peacefully. I went by the house the day after you left, hoping to meet you, but you had already left.
Unfortunately, working as a barista and an indie wrestler around here barely gets the bills paid, but if you get the chance to come back up north, I’d like to finally say hello in person if you wish to do the same.
Sincerely,
Vaily’
Enclosed with the letter were two pictures. One was a picture of her as a baby with Randall and a goth woman she knew immediately was Regina. Eavan had seen this very picture at the Wakefield home but never put two and two together at the time. The other was of Vaily at a show in red and black gear that was definitely an homage to her mother. Eavan folded up the letter and placed it in the envelope, and pulled her phone out. After scrolling for a second, she put the phone to her ear.
Eavan: I need to be in Ottawa, Canada, yesterday. Make it happen.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 20th, 2023
Ottawa International Airport
Ottawa, ON
Eavan steps off her chartered plane and walks through the airport, the only bag she brought sits on her shoulder. First stop, Tim Hortons coffee. As she sat on a bench, she put her bag beside her and rooted for her phone. During her flight, Topino had tracked Vaily down and sent the coordinates to Eavan. Eavan stepped out into the frigid Ottawa air for a few moments, reflecting on the last time she had walked through these doors. She had come up to die. She had willed everything away, made sure everyone was taken care of, and was heading to Wakefield never to return. Since then, the Krigarakademin had almost doubled in number of girls in the program. She adopted two of the girls herself. Her newest patch, Sinner, reunited with her daughter who is in the program currently. Life was on an upswing now, and yet for a minute, Eavan felt a pinch in her chest. She crossed the road to the parkade, on Topino’s very-detailed instructions, and found the car rental place she was supposed to go. Eavan pulls out her wallet at the counter.
Eavan: Aye, my friend got me a car here to pick up?
The guy at the counter, maybe just out of high school, takes Eavan’s license and looks at her before his eyes widen.
Counter Guy: Aren’t you…
Eavan (sarcastically): My name’s right there on the license, kid. I know it’s from the US, but it IS valid.
Counter Guy: You’re Eavan Maloney! I didn’t realize there was a show in town.
Eavan (becoming more frustrated): First of all, yeah, I’m me. Second, I’m not here for wrestling, and I’d rather not attract attention.
The guy at the counter finally catches Eavan’s drift and goes to the back for a couple of minutes. When he comes back, he has a set of keys in hand. Eavan immediately shakes her head no.
Eavan: That isn’t the car that was ordered. That is a 2024 Stingray, I can tell by the logo on the fob. A Ford Timberline was the car ordered.
Counter Guy: I just thought you would prefer something sportier and faster, seeing as you ride motorcycles a lot…
Eavan closes her eyes and takes in a deep breath, before stretching her neck one side and then the other. When she finishes, she looks up at the kid behind the counter, trying very hard to keep her composure.
Eavan: I want. The car. I was ordered. I get it, you’re a fan, you’re trying to be nice, and thank you. Like I said, I’m not here on wrestling business. I hadn’t even planned on BEING here until just a few hours ago, and I’m kinda in a hurry. You have five seconds, or I’m coming over this counter and stapling the invoice to your Fuding forehead. You feel me?
The kid practically sprints to the back again and retrieves the keys to the Ford. When he comes back, Eavan is all smiles.
Eavan: That wasn’t so hard, was it?
Counter Guy: S-sorry Ms. Maloney.
Eavan: It’s Mrs. Zdunich, but apology accepted.
Eavan turns on her heels and exits the car rental place and pushes the starter on the key fob to hear a rumble a few cars away. Throwing her bag in the passenger seat and setting herself up in the SUV, she plugs in Vaily’s address into the GPS and floors it out of the airport.
—-------------------------------------------------------
November 20th, 2023
Outside the apartment of Vaily Kash
Ottawa, ON
Eavan pulls into the visitor’s parking of a low-rise apartment building just as the feeling of regret hits her. She dials up Jersey and puts it on speakerphone.
Eavan: Chris, I’m here. You sure this is the right place?
Chris, aka Topino, can be heard tapping away on her laptop.
Topino: Yep, I have your cell pinged being in the parking lot.
Eavan: This place feels sketchy. Noticed a few wannabe gangbangers hanging about. You know what I’m going to ask, right?
Topino: Plans were in motion before you jetted out, boss. You sure about this though?
Eavan: I don’t doubt she is who she says she is. And if she’s anything like Dad, she’s going to want to refuse right out of the gate. Set it up anyways with the caveat that I may need to cancel just as quickly. And if there’s an issue, they can call me direct.
Topino: I’m on it.
Eavan: Oh, and make sure she’s able to fly. I should be able to convince her to come down for the weekend. If she’s trying to make contact with family, she’ll get to meet a large chunk right away.
Topino: Was already on that as well. Keep us posted.
Eavan hangs up and steps out of the SUV and looks at the building again. It appears to be in different stages of disrepair, with shoddy patchwork to delay the inevitable. As she walks to the front door, she passes the teenagers in baggy pants and bomber jackets with a chuckle to herself.
Gangbanger #1: Something funny, little girl?
Eavan stops, turns around, and cocks an eyebrow.
Eavan: Yeah, actually.
Gangbanger #2: And what is that?
Eavan: Look at th’ three o’ya. Standin’ ‘round, shakin’ like leaves in da wind, with ya vapes tryin’ t’look all badass. Ya fookin’ look sad. An’ ah ain’t a little girl.
The third gangbanger steps back and between the first two, trying to tug the jackets of his buddies. The first one, however, isn’t having it.
Gangbanger #1: Ok, so you’re a leprechaun. Look, guys! A real-life leprechaun!
Eavan smiles and takes off her larger winter coat, revealing her Devils’ Doves leather kutte underneath. Two of the three guys take a step back, but the first gangbanger just doesn’t know when to quit.
Gangbanger #1: Ooooh look who’s the badass now! What are you going to do, Leprechaun, fight the three of us?
Eavan: Nah. See, ya buddy in the back is the smartest of th’lot, tryin’ t’save yer asses. This one here is about t’piss hisself, and you? You’re just th’mouthy puppy with the brains of a tractor. Do yaselves a favor and walk away now. Ah ain’t here t’fight, but yous made at least one decision I had today that much easier. Do ya live here or what?
Gangbanger #2: We were going to see Lady V.
Eavan: An’ who’s that?
The first guy was about to answer but Eavan puts a finger to his mouth to silence him as she focuses her attention on the second one.
Gangbanger #2: She’s…
Gangbanger #3: We sell her drugs for…
Eavan turns to the third guy now, who steps back again.
Eavan: Vaily?
The third guy nods, fearfully.
Eavan: Not today, not anymore. I’m guessing she’s home if you boys are here. What apartment?
Gangbanger #2: She’s not home yet, she said she was on her way.
Eavan: Leave. Now. I’ll wait for her. And if I see you fucks again, I will break every one of your limbs. EVERY one of your limbs. We good here?
The three nod and hop into a beat-up Honda Civic that was parked behind them, and leave the area just as a ratty-looking Ford Fiesta pulls in. Eavan notices that the woman looked perplexed that the Civic was leaving. The Fiesta pulls into the parking lot not far from where Eavan was parked. As she walks towards the front door, Eavan recognizes her instantly as Vaily. Vaily stops cold.
Vaily: O-Olive?
Eavan: I got your letter this morning. I think we need to talk. Shall we go upstairs?
As they enter Vaily’s apartment, Eavan is immediately saddened by the state of the place. Dishes stacked up all over the kitchen, the pungent smell of cat urine instantly violating her nostrils. The furniture looks like pieces found on the side of the road and should have been left there. Vaily drops into her couch, Eavan cautiously checks out an armchair before sitting on it.
Eavan: I’m guessing Dad didn’t leave you much?
Vaily slowly closes her eyes, realizing Eavan has the same cut-to-the-quick attitude their father did.
Vaily: It’s complicated.
Eavan: Uncomplicate it for me then. You’re a Kash, the hell are you doing?
Vaily lays her head back, still with eyes closed, before pounding the arm of the sofa with her fist.
Vaily: I’m not doing so well as you’ve noticed. Mom and I had a lot of debts which Dad’s inheritance covered most of.
Eavan: And the drug addiction? I met your friends earlier, I sent them off.
Vaily: Do you do this with everyone you meet?
Eavan: Yeah, actually. And I go doubly hard on people who should be better than they are. Along with the sass, you get helped.
Vaily: I don’t want your help. I said that in the letter.
Eavan: That’s what you wrote, yes. That isn’t what you meant, so why don’t we cut the bullshit and you tell me what’s going on? See, here’s the thing. I have this rule that family doesn’t get left behind. And I have a LOT of families I’m either part of, or I’ve assumed. You figured out how to find me, so you must have some idea of what I am and what I do.
Vaily: I found you through Gionna.
Eavan: She didn’t come visit you, did she?
Vaily nods her head yes.
Vaily: She’s been trying to convince me to get out of here. She also warned me about you, that you’d do the same. She said you’d already have a plan in place the moment you showed up at my door.
Eavan chuckles at this as she looks around the apartment. Eavan walks into the kitchen and looks through her cupboards and inside her fridge, before quickly closing it.
Eavan: Did she tell you what this plan could entail?
Vaily: No, she said she didn’t want to spoil the surprise, but I’m going to guess it’s going to involve me moving.
Eavan: That’s step two. First thing you’re doing is I’m putting you in rehab. Actually, it’s a place that Gi and Dad started before they moved up here, and now I run it. Once you graduate, then you’ll have an apartment in town. But, before all of that, what you really need first is family so…
Eavan opens her jacket and pulls out an airline ticket.
Eavan: You’re already pre-booked, I made sure your passport was valid. I gotta ask though. Those fuckwits I met, obviously they sell to you, but they hinted about how they get paid…
Vaily: Yes, exactly what you’re thinking. And I Fuding hate it, but when money’s tight, you do what you have to.
Eavan nods.
Eavan: I know, I’ve been there. Was fucked up on coke for a long time. I lost everything. My wife, my family. Fucked off to LA, lived on the streets, moved into a shelter. Sold my body for hits. Thankfully today I’m clean and somewhat sober, I can drink socially without going overboard. Family helped me out. The same people I thought I lost were waiting for me to find them again. Now? I have a sisterhood of bikers. I have a place to help others the way I was helped and more. Two wives and three daughters. So there was no way in hell I was coming all the way up here and leaving you like this. I’ll continue to pay Poop forward til there isn’t a breath left to draw in me. You’re my sister, Fudge that half Poop. So, only question I have is this. You coming or staying?
Vaily looks at the airplane ticket in her hand, and looks around at the apartment.
Vaily: What will we do with this place?
Eavan: I’ll contact a cleaning company. What about your cat or cats?
Vaily: The smell, huh? That’s the carpet. It was like that when I moved in. I can barely take care of me, I couldn’t do that to a pet.
Eavan picks up a picture on Vaily’s cluttered table. It’s a picture of Vaily in her ring gear with her mother, Regina, smiling as a proud mother does. Eavan hands it to Vaily.
Eavan: I saw your mother wrestle once at an Immortal Wrestling Guild show. She was so beautiful, and kicked ass in that ring. She actually inspired little ten-year-old me. Funny how life worked out, huh? Let’s give her another reason to smile. They deserve it, and so do you.
Vaily: Give me a few minutes to pack some things. Um, if it isn’t much trouble, maybe…?
Eavan: Bring your gear. We’ll worry about the rest of whatever you need as you need it. The sooner we’re out of here, the better you’re going to be. I think we need to take a ride first before we go to the airport.
Vaily: Wakefield?
Eavan: Yeah, we can pop in on Gi as well, make sure she’s okay. Then we’ll focus on you.
Vaily: Alright. Hey sis?
Eavan stammers for a second as she turns to face Vaily again with a hand on the doorknob.
Eavan: Yeah?
Vaily: Thank you.
Before Eavan can respond, Vaily is already hugging her. Eavan hugs her back before pushing her out of the open door.
Eavan: No problem. And if you end up meeting my friend Khloe? Don’t tell her you hugged me. She’ll be heartbroken. We have a thing going on, I’ll explain on the road.
