Octavia Bakas: Ch.1 - "Rising from the Ashes"

Octavia Bakas: The Athenian Eagle's Journey Through Full Throttle Wrestling

Octavia Bakas, known as "The Athenian Eagle," embarked on her professional wrestling career with Full Throttle Wrestling, carrying the pride of her Olympic gold medalist past and the ancient spirit of her Greek heritage. Her transition from the Olympic rings to the squared circle was met with challenges that tested her resolve and compelled her to evolve beyond her initial overconfidence.

In her debut, Octavia faced "Classy" Christopher Charles, where her Olympic wrestling prowess was met with the harsh realities of professional wrestling's unpredictability. Despite a valiant effort, she was defeated, learning that success in this new arena would require more than her athletic pedigree.

Her subsequent match with fellow countrywoman Alessia Capello was a closer, more personal battle. Although Octavia was again on the losing side, the match forged respect between the two athletes, transcending rivalry. It was a pivotal moment for Octavia, showcasing her ability to earn admiration even in defeat and hinting at a potential alliance.

Octavia's resolve never wavered, and her dedication paid off in a triple-threat match, her first victory at Full Throttle Wrestling. This win was a testament to her adaptability and growth, proving she had the makings of a star in the wrestling world.

Location: San Francisco: Toronado Pub - Lower Haight St.

The scene opens in a grungy bar with a large beer selection, stickers, and graffiti covering the walls. The atmosphere is charged with the energy of triumph and hard punk music. The establishment buzzes with drunk patrons' chatter, but a particular table stands out. Octavia Bakas and Alessia Capello sit across from each other, their faces alight with the glow of victory and camaraderie.

Octavia: (raising a glass) To a hard-fought victory and the start of many more!

Alessia Capello lifts her glass, the clink resonating as a testament to Octavia's struggles since joining Full Throttle Wrestling.

Alessia: To victory and the tenacity of the Athenian Eagle. You've earned every bit of this, Octavia. You may not be good enough to beat me one-on-one, but I think you are about to run through this roster like a hot knife through butter.

Octavia: There were a lot of lessons I had to learn, and I had to adapt my style a bit, but yeah, I'm feeling a lot more confident, considering this was only my fourth match.

Alessia: Trust me, kid. Confidence is everything in wrestling.

The camera zooms in on Octavia, her usual stoic demeanor softened by the celebration. She's dressed down from her ring gear, now in casual attire, yet still carries the aura of a warrior. Her eyes, usually so focused and sharp, now dance with the light of joy.

Octavia: Thank you, Alessia. This win... it's not just mine. It's a testament to the lessons learned, the spirit of competition, and the friendship from unexpected places. I learned a lot wrestling you in that ring three weeks ago, and it helped me tonight.

The scene cuts to their hands, one adorned with a wrestler's calluses, the other with the scars of many battles, as they share a hearty handshake. The camera pulls back to include both wrestlers in the frame.

Alessia: When I first saw you step into Full Throttle Wrestling, I saw a rival—an Olympian, no less. But now, I see a friend and an ally. The ring reveals true character; yours, Octavia, is as genuine as they come, even if you are naive.

Octavia's smile broadens, her respect for Alessia evident.

Octavia: I've always believed that the ring is where we bear our souls, respect is earned, and alliances are forged in battle.

The camera captures the scene as they enjoy their beers, sharing stories of their matches, dissecting moments of their respective fights, and their laughter. Octavia's first victory isn't just celebrated with drink but with a shared respect that only true warriors understand.

Alessia: Remember this night, Octavia. This is just the beginning. We've both tasted defeat, but tonight, your victory is a beacon for what's to come. Together, we're stronger. I see a bright future for us in the tag team division. I just got to toughen you up a little.

Octavia nods, her gaze settling on a nearby TV screen showcasing highlights from their wrestling event. Her first victory plays on the screen, a moment captured in time.

Octavia: Together, stronger. I like that. I came here to prove myself, and tonight was a step in that journey. But with allies like you, Alessia, I feel there are no limits to what we can achieve.

The two continued celebrating late into the night until taking a cab home. As Octavia drifted to sleep that night, she felt she'd finally made it.

Location: Pacific West Bank, Oakland, California

The gleaming interior of the bank seems distant to Octavia Bakas as she steps up to the counter, her mind still riding the high of her recent victory. She hands her check to the teller with a proud smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes—a smile that's about to waver.

With a polite nod, the teller processes the check, but Octavia's smile falters as the teller's brow creases with concern. There's a pause, a moment of silence that feels like an eternity, before the teller looks up, regret in her eyes.

Bank Teller: Ms. Bakas, I'm sorry, there seems to be a problem. The check... it's not clearing.

Octavia's heart skips a beat, confusion lacing her tone.

Octavia: There must be some mistake. Please, could you check it again?

The teller obliges, but the result is the same. Before Octavia could ponder her next move, her phone buzzed. She steps aside, answering the call from Alessia Capello, the anticipation of camaraderie quickly turning into apprehension.

Octavia: Alessia, what's happening? My check—

Capello's voice comes through, brusque and devoid of its usual fire.

Capello: Octavia, listen. Full Throttle Wrestling's done for. Arnie Meyers has let us all down. My check bounced, too, and we're not getting paid. The promotion is bankrupt. It's a disaster!"

Octavia's spirit deflates, the weight of the revelation pressing down on her.

Octavia: So, what's our next step? Can we...?

Capello cuts her off; her tone is resolute and final.

Capello: Our next step? There is no 'our' in this, Octavia. It was good knowing you, but we're on our own now. If we want to keep wrestling, we must find a new promotion, which only our managers can help. Good luck. Maybe will cross paths again.

The line goes dead with a click, and Octavia's heart sinks. The bank fades into a blur around her as the realization hits—there would be no tag team, no alliance. The future she had started to imagine, one with a friend and ally by her side, dissolves into nothing.

The camera captures the stark shift in Octavia's demeanor, from the hopeful competitor to a solitary figure grappling with a newfound isolation. The bustling bank around her feels cold as she grapples with the reality that the world she knew in Full Throttle Wrestling is truly over.

As Octavia exits the bank, her steps are slow, the bounce of a victor replaced by the heavy walk of uncertainty. She pauses outside, taking a deep breath of the California air, trying to steady the storm of emotions within her. Only time would tell what was next, but she knew her manager, Uncle Niko, wouldn't let her down.

Location: Oakland International Airport, California

The camera transitions to a somber scene inside the bustling Oakland International Airport. Octavia, carrying her minimal luggage, walks alongside Uncle Niko. Her expression is a blend of contemplation and resolve. They make their way to the departure gates, bound for San Diego.

Niko breaks the silence, his voice filled with encouragement and practicality.

Niko Bakas: Octavia, life in the ring is like the waves of the Aegean—unpredictable and sometimes rough. But as the olive tree stands firm through the winds, so must you through these setbacks.

Octavia nods, taking solace in her uncle's words.

Octavia: Uncle Niko, I don't know what I would do without your guidance. The ground beneath me has shifted, but with your help, I'm finding my footing again.

They reach their gate, and as they wait to board the plane, Niko hands her a document—a contract with Thunder Pro Wrestling.

Niko Bakas: This is your six-month trial deal with Thunder Pro Wrestling. It's a larger promotion and an opportunity to rebuild, to show them what the Athenian Eagle is capable of.

Octavia takes the contract, her eyes scanning the pages, a spark igniting within her.

Octavia: A new chapter, then. It's daunting, Uncle, but I'm ready. After winning that triple-threat match, I feel I can take on the world.

Their conversation is cut short as they're called to board. The plane awaits a steel bird, ready to take them to new horizons.

Location: In-flight to San Diego

Seated comfortably, Octavia gazes out the window, watching the clouds drift by. Her thoughts drift to the upcoming match—a fatal four-way against Tony Savage, John Blade, and Larry Tact.

Uncle Niko, seated beside her, breaks into her reverie.

Niko Bakas: Octavia, remember, each match is an unwritten story. You pen it with your actions, your will, and your spirit. This four-way clash—it's a chance to inscribe a new beginning.

Octavia turns from the window, her eyes reflecting a newfound clarity.

Octavia: A four-way match is chaotic and unpredictable. But I've learned to find calm in the chaos. My victory in the triple threat wasn't just luck—it was proof I could adapt and thrive amidst uncertainty.

The plane climbs higher, and as it does, so does Octavia's sense of purpose.

Octavia: The strategies I honed with Alessia, the techniques perfected in the Olympic rings—they'll serve me well. Tony Savage's strength, John Blade's experience, Larry Tact's cunning—I'm ready for them all.

Niko watches her, a proud smile curving his lips.

Niko Bakas: That spirit will carry you through, Octavia. In the ring, as in life, we must adapt, grow, and overcome. You are an embodiment of that ethos.

Octavia's gaze returns to the clouds, but her mind is in the ring. She visualizes the match, her opponents, the movements, the counters, and the final pin.

Octavia: In less than 24 hours, I'll enter that ring to participate and dominate. These men are stepping stones on my path back to glory.

As the plane cruises towards its destination, Octavia's contemplative profile, her silhouette etched against the vast sky—a warrior in transit, her journey far from over, her story just beginning.