Octavia Bakas: Ch.3: A Short Return Home.

in #freewritinglast year
Authored by @MoonChild

OctaviaBakas.jpg

Location: The Panathenaic Stadium, Athens, Greece

The scene opens at dawn, with the first rays of sunlight illuminating the Panathenaic Stadium marble seats, the modern Olympics's birthplace. Octavia Bakas, the Athenian Eagle, stands in the stadium's center, her gaze sweeping over the ancient arena. A gentle breeze stirs her hair as she begins to speak, her voice resonating with the weight of history and anticipation.

Octavia Bakas: Here, in this hallowed ground, where athletes have competed for centuries, where the spirit of the Olympics was reborn, I find myself at a crossroads. Alessia Capello, you've thrown down the gauntlet, speaking of the legacies and strength of Athens and Sparta. Your words echo in the chambers of history. I accept your challenge, not with bravado, but with the solemn understanding.

Octavia walks slowly along the track, her footsteps echoing in the stillness of the morning.

Octavia: Alessia, this isn't just a match. This is a continuation of a story that began long before us. Athens and Sparta were two city-states that shaped the world in ways that still resonate today. As a child, I grew up on tales of their rivalry, battles, and heroes. I am an Athenian, ready to face a Spartan in a different arena.

She pauses, looking up at the rows of empty seats, imagining them filled with the ghosts of the past.

Octavia: Athens, my home, taught me that strength is more than physical prowess. It's about wisdom, strategy, and the courage to stand for what's right. In this stadium, where the echoes of ancient Olympians linger, I am reminded of the values that have guided me - honor, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Octavia's expression becomes introspective as she reflects on her journey and her opponent.

Octavia: Alessia, your journey, your struggles, I respect them. You embody the Spartan spirit, the unyielding resilience, the ferocious determination. But know this – while Sparta was known for its might, Athens was revered for its mind. Our upcoming match will be a battle of both.

She strides to the edge of the stadium, overlooking the city of Athens as it awakens.

Octavia: This city, with its ancient ruins and modern vibrancy, has seen empires rise and fall. It has witnessed the triumphs of heroes and the tragedies of conflict. And it has always endured, always adapted. That is the legacy I carry with me - the legacy of adaptability, intelligence, and finding a way to overcome, no matter the odds.

Octavia's tone becomes more personal and emotional as she delves into her story.

Octavia: My path to wrestling was a challenging one. I didn't grow up dreaming of the ring; I was an athlete, but my battlefield was the wrestling mat, my arena the Olympics. On the greatest stage of all, it was there that I learned what it means to compete with integrity, to push my body and mind to their limits.

She runs her hand along the rough surface of the stone seats, a gesture of connection to the past.

Octavia: When I transitioned to professional wrestling, it was a leap into the unknown. I had to adapt to learn a new way of fighting, a new way of entertaining, But what never changed was my core, Athenian heart, belief in fair play, and respect for my opponents.

Her gaze returns to the camera, fierce and unflinching.

Octavia: Alessia, you call yourself the Queen of Carnage, the storm that will wash away my hopes. But I have faced storms before. I have stood in the eye of the hurricane and emerged stronger. Your fury, your strength, I do not underestimate them. But I also know that the strongest armor is the one we forge within ourselves.

Octavia begins a series of training exercises, each movement precise and powerful.

Octavia: I train my body and spirit in these ancient halls among the relics of heroes and legends. Each drop of sweat, each strained muscle, is an homage to the warriors who once graced this land. I train with the knowledge that every hold, throw, and maneuver carries the weight of history.

Her training intensifies, a physical manifestation of her inner fire.

Octavia: This match, Alessia, is more than a test of strength. It's a test of wills, of philosophies, of legacies. You come from the land of Spartans, warriors unparalleled in their ferocity. I come from Athens, where strategy and wisdom were as prized as physical might. In the ring, we will see which prevails.

She pauses, catching her breath, her eyes blazing with determination.

Octavia: But let's remember, in the end, this is about more than ancient rivalries. This is about us, here and now, about proving ourselves in the modern arena. I have watched your matches, Alessia, and studied your approach style. I see your power and aggression and raise my agility and technique.

Octavia looks towards the horizon, where the sun has begun to rise over Athens.

Octavia: As the sun rises over this ancient city, I feel the weight of history on my shoulders, the expectations of those who believe in me. But I also feel a surge of strength, a clarity of purpose. I am Octavia Bakas, the Athenian Eagle, and I am ready.

Her voice grows stronger, more passionate.

Octavia: I am ready to enter that ring with you, Alessia. Ready to face your storm with the calm of Athena, the wisdom of Socrates, the cunning of Odysseus. I am ready to show the world what happens when an immovable object meets an unstoppable force.

The camera pulls back, capturing Octavia against the backdrop of the Panathenaic Stadium, symbolizing her connection to her heritage, determination, and readiness for the challenge ahead.

Octavia: So, Alessia Capello, prepare yourself. Prepare for a match that will be talked about for years to come, a match that will honor the legacies of both Athens and Sparta. Prepare to face the Athenian Eagle in her element, where history, skill, and heart collide.

As Octavia finishes training, the camera lingers on her figure, standing tall and proud amidst the echoes of ancient glory. The scene fades to black, leaving a sense of anticipation for the epic showdown between two warriors, each embodying the spirit of their ancestral cities.

Later that evening...

Location: Octavia's Family Home, Athens, Greece

The scene opens with Octavia Bakas walking down a quaint, sun-dappled street in Athens, her footsteps slow and reflective. She carries an envelope, its contents a symbol of her hard work and dedication in the ring. The door opens as she approaches a modest yet welcoming house, and her family greets her with warm smiles and open arms.

Mother: Octavia! You're home, my child!

Octavia embraces her mother, her eyes shining with joy and fatigue. Her father, a sturdy man with kind eyes, stands back, observing the reunion with a gentle smile.

Octavia: Yes, Mitera. It's good to be home, even if it's just for a little while.

She turns to her father, extending the envelope towards him.

Octavia: Pateras, this is from my first match. It's not much, but it's a start. I wanted you and Mitera to have it.

Her father gently pushes the envelope back towards her.

Father: Keep it, Octavia. You've earned it. We're proud of you, not for the money, but for following your dreams, for standing up in that ring with courage and honor.

Octavia's eyes well up with emotion, the pride in her father's voice resonating deeply within her.

Octavia: Thank you, Pateras. But there's more. I have a big match coming up against Alessia Capello. It's... it's a big opportunity.

Her father nods, understanding the gravity of the match.

Father: Alessia Capello, the Spartan descendant. A formidable opponent but not unbeatable.

He places his hands on Octavia's shoulders, looking into her eyes with seriousness and affection.

Father: Octavia, remember the story of David and Goliath. In every challenge, there is an opportunity, a chance to rise above. Use your strengths, your speed, and your agility. But most importantly, use your heart and your mind.

Octavia listens intently, absorbing her father's words.

Father: In the ring, it's not just about physical strength. It's about outthinking your opponent, about being two steps ahead. You have the spirit of Athens and the wisdom of the ancients. Combine that with your training, and you will be unstoppable.

Octavia nods, a newfound determination lighting up her features.

Octavia: I understand, Pateras. I'll remember your words in the ring. I'll fight with honor, with strategy, and with the heart of an Athenian.

Her mother joins them, placing a comforting hand on Octavia's back.

Mother: We believe in you, Octavia. You carry our hopes and our pride with you. No matter what happens, you are our champion.

The family shares a group embrace, a moment of unity and strength.

Octavia: Thank you. I won't let you down. I'll make you proud, I promise. And when I win, it will be a victory for us, Athens, and our family.

As Octavia prepares to leave, her father pulls her aside for one last piece of advice.

Father: Octavia, in the heat of the match, when the crowd is roaring and the pressure is mounting, remember where you come from. Remember this home, these streets, the history that flows in your veins. Let that be your anchor, your strength.

Octavia smiles, a tear escaping her eye, filled with gratitude and love.

Octavia: I will, Pateras. I'll remember.

With a final wave goodbye, Octavia departs, her heart full of her family's love and her father's wisdom, ready to face the challenge in the ring.