Final Guidance
Mar 10, 2010 0:46:29 GMT -5
Post by OrochiGeese on Mar 10, 2010 0:46:29 GMT -5
*We fade into General Celes' office which appear a lot emptier then usual. There is a knock on the door and Alicia Gordon walks in. She looks around, nods and takes a seat.*
[Alicia:] "So...I take it this will be our last meeting?"
[Celes:] "That's not guaranteed but it's also not in my hands."
[Alicia:] "I guess you called me in to give me that final speech."
[Celes:] "I think that you know everything i could possibly say to you. You've even made strides in realizing it. I just have a few final comments to make....in case Voltage plays out a certain way."
[Alicia:] "Well you're probably wondering about Haley."
[Celes:] "Why she challenged you?"
[Alicia:] "Right."
[Celes:] "I asked her to."
*Alicia looks shocked at first but then she nods, almost looking embarrassed.*
[Alicia:] "I really should have picked up on that."
[Celes:] "Your attention was on defeating her and the deserved feeling of accomplishment of doing so."
*Alicia laughs a bit.*
[Alicia:] "You know....what you did: Secretly putting Haley up to fight me to give my best in the ring. It's like the exact opposite of what Holly had done. She wanted to hurt me and bring me down. You wanted to help me refind my passion in the ring. I don't say this enough...but thank you."
*Celes smiles and nods.*
[Celes:] "Now I believe that you and Haley aren't quite done yet. Since she is one of the wrestlers who best represent OG-Joshi in my view, I want her as your new mentor. I have discussed this with her and she is going to help you on the next phase of your recovery."
[Alicia:] "First I admitted I had a problem."
[Celes:] "That was a necessary step. And facing Haley was the next step because she was a tough opponent. One who you could grow frustrated in facing but one that you had no rage towards. So what happens when you face someone you have a history with or reason to hate?"
[Alicia:] "I don't know. That's my honest response. I could snap again."
[Celes:] "Which is why Haley is going to help you. Do you remember when Haley fought Holly? She did it with a totally calm mind. Granted Holly did not try to hurt her as she did to you but she certainly did defame her and attempt to get into her head. Haley was a machine and concentrated on winning."
[Alicia:] "A lot of people say Haley is even more dangerous then I am."
[Celes:] "A lot of those people do not deserve to be in the ring. Haley has never intentionally hurt one person in OG-Joshi. It is true that many wrestlers come out of matches with her very weakened and in some cases, with minor injuries. But that is a result of their own inability to defend her attacks. She has never used an illegal maneuver or done something to permanently hurt a fellow wrestler."
[Alicia:] "So she is going to teach me how to wrestle someone I hate and not snap?"
[Celes:] "Exactly. And at the next Voltage, I am going to have you team together against two of Holly's more questionably able cronies: Jill Chambers and Linda Parker."
*Alicia's eyes narrow a bit.*
[Alicia:] "That doesn't sound very competitive, General."
[Celes:] "Either Haley or yourself alone could easily defeat these opponents. The competition, the challenge is purely a mental one for you. You must defeat these opponents without hurting them.
[Alicia:] "I see."
[Celes:] "They don't know the situation here. I doubt they'd understand it anyway. But if you or Haley legitimately injure either of these two wrestlers, you lose the match."
[Alicia:] "Is that the only stipulation? Can't you threaten to suspend me?"
[Celes:] "The challenge needs to come from within you, not from outside forces. If an external rule set is the only thing stopping your hatred from manifesting into violence, you'll never recover on your own."
*Alicia is silent for a few seconds.*
[Alicia:] "Ok, if I'm able to do this and properly win the match, I'd like a harder challenge for my next one."
[Celes:] "I think that situation will work itself out, if the information I've been privy to turns out correct."
[Alicia:] "Could you maybe elaborate on that?"
[Celes:] "I want you and Haley to keep your eyes open the entire night on Voltage. I request that when your match is over that you do not go home. You may be needed. I can't say any more about this now. I'm asking you to just trust me... and if you see Jean Carter that night, to put your trust in her too."
*Alicia frowns and looks down*
[Alicia:] "I don't think the feeling will be mutual there."
[Celes:] "You and her will need to trust each other like you and I have. She may be General soon. As such, I am not going to beat around the bush: She does partially blame you for what happened to Dizzy."
*Alicia shakes her head, still looking down.*
[Celes:] "It is one of the few things her mind is stubborn about. That and not blaming me even though I bear more responsibility for what happened to Dizzy then anyone besides Holly and Juli."
[Alicia:] "I don't really think that's true-"
[Celes:] "I allowed an environment to fester where violence was allowed and even encouraged by me by and against certain people. That was the wrong decision and resulted in Holly's desperation and moral sanction to do what she did in response. However, what matters here is you and Jean."
[Alicia:] "She doesn't have to like me but I hope she at least knows what I'm going through now."
[Celes:] "I've tried to show her but we have an opportunity to do more. Your assistance at Voltage and behavior in your match will be further proof. Even if you two never become friends, i hope that you can at least have a stable working environment. You both can help each other. I believe that once you have fully recovered, you will be a pillar in this promotion. Jean needs to be able to trust and rely on you."
[Alicia:] "It won't happen overnight but I have realized the error of impatience."
*Celes pauses, nods to herself, and continues.*
[Celes:] "May I ask you a personal question?"
[Alicia:] "You can certainly ask it."
[Celes:] "Am I correct in assuming that once the Battalion is over and the Cease Fire is thereby voided...that you will in fact not attack Holly, ignoring legitimate self-defense for the moment?"
*Alicia stares ahead for a few seconds, not at anything in particular.*
[Alicia:] "I haven't come to that decision yet but I am leaning towards fully apologizing to myself by no longer dwelling on my hatred towards her. However, I will not stand by idly if she attacks myself, my friends, or any innocents. That goes for before the Cease Fire ends too."
[Celes:] "Do not worry about Voltage. Holly and you will have no reason to clash.
[Alicia:] "If Voltage goes down the way you think....will this be our last meeting?"
[Celes:] "Last meeting with me as General. But I will make it a point to catch up with you again in a place where we can speak more freely without any threat of eavesdropping."
[Alicia:] "I know Jang welcomes you in his Dojo anytime. Same with Clyde...and Figaro too."
*Celes smiles very furtively.*
[Celes:] "The gesture is appreciated. Now Alicia...I think you are on the path to becoming what will make you happy. Good luck in your upcoming match and one final word of wisdom."
[Alicia:] "Yes?"
[Celes:] "Truly moving forwards means not taking enjoyment in anyone's misfortunes, not even that of your enemies. So no matter what occurs at Voltage, try not to smile even if someone finally gets what is coming to them. Whatever I do, I always have preferred that it not come to the point of violence."
[Alicia:] "I see. Well as much as I will miss these cryptic meetings, I thank you for all you have done for me. The trust, the advice, and the friendship. If you need me out there at Voltage, I'll fight along side you."
*Alicia gets up and shakes Celes' hand, bows quickly, and leaves. A few seconds later, Clyde pops out.*
[Clyde:] "Keep the future open. Even with what we believe, it will work to our disadvantage if we treat it as a guarantee. Flexible minds adjust better and are harder to be fooled or stopped."
[Celes:] "I know, Clyde. Wise words but I am capable of whatever is needed."
[Clyde:] "I just hope Figaro is as well."
[Celes:] "For as long as I've known that man, this may be his toughest challenge ever."
*Fade out*
[Alicia:] "So...I take it this will be our last meeting?"
[Celes:] "That's not guaranteed but it's also not in my hands."
[Alicia:] "I guess you called me in to give me that final speech."
[Celes:] "I think that you know everything i could possibly say to you. You've even made strides in realizing it. I just have a few final comments to make....in case Voltage plays out a certain way."
[Alicia:] "Well you're probably wondering about Haley."
[Celes:] "Why she challenged you?"
[Alicia:] "Right."
[Celes:] "I asked her to."
*Alicia looks shocked at first but then she nods, almost looking embarrassed.*
[Alicia:] "I really should have picked up on that."
[Celes:] "Your attention was on defeating her and the deserved feeling of accomplishment of doing so."
*Alicia laughs a bit.*
[Alicia:] "You know....what you did: Secretly putting Haley up to fight me to give my best in the ring. It's like the exact opposite of what Holly had done. She wanted to hurt me and bring me down. You wanted to help me refind my passion in the ring. I don't say this enough...but thank you."
*Celes smiles and nods.*
[Celes:] "Now I believe that you and Haley aren't quite done yet. Since she is one of the wrestlers who best represent OG-Joshi in my view, I want her as your new mentor. I have discussed this with her and she is going to help you on the next phase of your recovery."
[Alicia:] "First I admitted I had a problem."
[Celes:] "That was a necessary step. And facing Haley was the next step because she was a tough opponent. One who you could grow frustrated in facing but one that you had no rage towards. So what happens when you face someone you have a history with or reason to hate?"
[Alicia:] "I don't know. That's my honest response. I could snap again."
[Celes:] "Which is why Haley is going to help you. Do you remember when Haley fought Holly? She did it with a totally calm mind. Granted Holly did not try to hurt her as she did to you but she certainly did defame her and attempt to get into her head. Haley was a machine and concentrated on winning."
[Alicia:] "A lot of people say Haley is even more dangerous then I am."
[Celes:] "A lot of those people do not deserve to be in the ring. Haley has never intentionally hurt one person in OG-Joshi. It is true that many wrestlers come out of matches with her very weakened and in some cases, with minor injuries. But that is a result of their own inability to defend her attacks. She has never used an illegal maneuver or done something to permanently hurt a fellow wrestler."
[Alicia:] "So she is going to teach me how to wrestle someone I hate and not snap?"
[Celes:] "Exactly. And at the next Voltage, I am going to have you team together against two of Holly's more questionably able cronies: Jill Chambers and Linda Parker."
*Alicia's eyes narrow a bit.*
[Alicia:] "That doesn't sound very competitive, General."
[Celes:] "Either Haley or yourself alone could easily defeat these opponents. The competition, the challenge is purely a mental one for you. You must defeat these opponents without hurting them.
[Alicia:] "I see."
[Celes:] "They don't know the situation here. I doubt they'd understand it anyway. But if you or Haley legitimately injure either of these two wrestlers, you lose the match."
[Alicia:] "Is that the only stipulation? Can't you threaten to suspend me?"
[Celes:] "The challenge needs to come from within you, not from outside forces. If an external rule set is the only thing stopping your hatred from manifesting into violence, you'll never recover on your own."
*Alicia is silent for a few seconds.*
[Alicia:] "Ok, if I'm able to do this and properly win the match, I'd like a harder challenge for my next one."
[Celes:] "I think that situation will work itself out, if the information I've been privy to turns out correct."
[Alicia:] "Could you maybe elaborate on that?"
[Celes:] "I want you and Haley to keep your eyes open the entire night on Voltage. I request that when your match is over that you do not go home. You may be needed. I can't say any more about this now. I'm asking you to just trust me... and if you see Jean Carter that night, to put your trust in her too."
*Alicia frowns and looks down*
[Alicia:] "I don't think the feeling will be mutual there."
[Celes:] "You and her will need to trust each other like you and I have. She may be General soon. As such, I am not going to beat around the bush: She does partially blame you for what happened to Dizzy."
*Alicia shakes her head, still looking down.*
[Celes:] "It is one of the few things her mind is stubborn about. That and not blaming me even though I bear more responsibility for what happened to Dizzy then anyone besides Holly and Juli."
[Alicia:] "I don't really think that's true-"
[Celes:] "I allowed an environment to fester where violence was allowed and even encouraged by me by and against certain people. That was the wrong decision and resulted in Holly's desperation and moral sanction to do what she did in response. However, what matters here is you and Jean."
[Alicia:] "She doesn't have to like me but I hope she at least knows what I'm going through now."
[Celes:] "I've tried to show her but we have an opportunity to do more. Your assistance at Voltage and behavior in your match will be further proof. Even if you two never become friends, i hope that you can at least have a stable working environment. You both can help each other. I believe that once you have fully recovered, you will be a pillar in this promotion. Jean needs to be able to trust and rely on you."
[Alicia:] "It won't happen overnight but I have realized the error of impatience."
*Celes pauses, nods to herself, and continues.*
[Celes:] "May I ask you a personal question?"
[Alicia:] "You can certainly ask it."
[Celes:] "Am I correct in assuming that once the Battalion is over and the Cease Fire is thereby voided...that you will in fact not attack Holly, ignoring legitimate self-defense for the moment?"
*Alicia stares ahead for a few seconds, not at anything in particular.*
[Alicia:] "I haven't come to that decision yet but I am leaning towards fully apologizing to myself by no longer dwelling on my hatred towards her. However, I will not stand by idly if she attacks myself, my friends, or any innocents. That goes for before the Cease Fire ends too."
[Celes:] "Do not worry about Voltage. Holly and you will have no reason to clash.
[Alicia:] "If Voltage goes down the way you think....will this be our last meeting?"
[Celes:] "Last meeting with me as General. But I will make it a point to catch up with you again in a place where we can speak more freely without any threat of eavesdropping."
[Alicia:] "I know Jang welcomes you in his Dojo anytime. Same with Clyde...and Figaro too."
*Celes smiles very furtively.*
[Celes:] "The gesture is appreciated. Now Alicia...I think you are on the path to becoming what will make you happy. Good luck in your upcoming match and one final word of wisdom."
[Alicia:] "Yes?"
[Celes:] "Truly moving forwards means not taking enjoyment in anyone's misfortunes, not even that of your enemies. So no matter what occurs at Voltage, try not to smile even if someone finally gets what is coming to them. Whatever I do, I always have preferred that it not come to the point of violence."
[Alicia:] "I see. Well as much as I will miss these cryptic meetings, I thank you for all you have done for me. The trust, the advice, and the friendship. If you need me out there at Voltage, I'll fight along side you."
*Alicia gets up and shakes Celes' hand, bows quickly, and leaves. A few seconds later, Clyde pops out.*
[Clyde:] "Keep the future open. Even with what we believe, it will work to our disadvantage if we treat it as a guarantee. Flexible minds adjust better and are harder to be fooled or stopped."
[Celes:] "I know, Clyde. Wise words but I am capable of whatever is needed."
[Clyde:] "I just hope Figaro is as well."
[Celes:] "For as long as I've known that man, this may be his toughest challenge ever."
*Fade out*