Chapter Three
Crusade
Christmas GiftThursday, December 17, 2pm(The scene opens with Dante at Maria’s house. He and Maria are standing out on the porch, as Amber is inside.)
Maria: So, I’ve been thinking about you asking to take Amber.
Dante: Yeah?
Maria: Isn’t that the place Dillon was in?
Dante: Yeah, but they’re under new management. The people at the top now seem like they’d take care of the people that work for them.
Maria: I saw the last show, and what happened with you.
Dante: Wait, you watched the show?
Maria: Well, a clip on the internet of your match. I know you had the match won, but then all that stuff happened. If Amber is going to go to Crusade with you, how will I know that she’ll be safe?
Dante: Do you REALLY think I would let anything happen to her?
Maria: I know, but what about when you’re out for your match? Who will be watching her? And I don’t really want her watching your match.
Dante: You know she’s going to want to…
Maria: I just...I know how you can get when you’re tying to impress, promise me it won’t get that bad?
Dante: It’s a pre-show match, and it’s Puppies and Rider. They’ll have issues with each other, it’s not a hardcore match, so no, I don’t think it will get that bad. I will try not to let it.
Maria: What kind of message do you think it’s sending our daughter that you’re fighting a woman?
Dante: That she can do whatever she sets her mind to. Just because she’s a girl, doesn’t mean she can’t stand up for herself.
Maria: I’m still not completely comfortable with it...but you’ve done everything I’ve asked, and I know how much it killed you not to see her on Thanksgiving…
Dante: So…..
Maria: So yes, she can go with you to New York. But once you get back, you will have to quarantine.
Dante: Yeah I know.
Maria: I’ll go get her so you can tell her.
Dante: Okay.
(Maria starts to open the door.)
Dante: Maria?
Maria: Yes?
Dante: Thank you.
Maria: Just make sure she has a good trip.
Dante: I will.
(She walks inside the house, and a few moments later, she comes back out with Amber.)
Maria: Your dad has something to talk to you about.
Amber: What’s up, dad?
Dante: So, I’ve been talking with your mom about what I can do for you for Christmas.
Amber: Yeah?
Dante: Well first, I won’t be able to be here for Christmas.
(You can see the despair in Amber’s eyes.)
Amber: You won’t?
Dante: No, but I have a good reason.
Amber: I’m sure you do…
Dante: I’ll be too busy taking my daughter to New York Ciry. We won’t be getting back till Christmas Eve, and we’ll have to quarantine after that.
(Amber’s face instantly lights up.)
Amber: Wait...what!? New York City!?
Dante: Yeah, I have a big show on the 22nd, and your mom has agreed to let you come with me…that is if you want to.
Amber: Hell yeah I want to!
Maria: Amber!
Amber: Sorry! I’m just so excited!
(Amber runs and hugs Dante.)
Amber: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Dante: Your mom is the one that agreed to it.
(Amber runs and hugs Maria.)
Amber: Thank you! Thank you! Thank youuuu!
Maria: just make sure to have fun.
Amber: I know I will. Thank you both so much. I love you!
Maria: We love you too babygirl.
Amber: When do we leave?
Dante: We fly out early on the twentieth. Then we’ll be back sometime in the evening on the twenty-fourth so I can drop you off and you can be home for Christmas morning.
Maria: Acrually….
(Amber looks up at Maria.)
Maria: This time of year is all about family...so, I’d you don’t mind sleeping on the couch, Dante. I’m sure you’ll be tired after a day of flying, so you can stay the night and be here for Christmas morning.
Amber: REALLY!?!?
Dante: Are you sure?
Maria: It’s only right. What would you be doing for Christmas if you weren’t here?
Dante: Probably nothing.
Maria: So it’s settled. You two are getting here on Christmas Wve and you’re staying the night and will be here for Christmas morning.
Dante: I...I don’t know what to say..
Amber: Say yes!
(Dante laughs.)
Dante: Haba, yes I’ll do it.
Amber: YAY!
(She runs back and hugs Dante tight.)
Maria: Why don’t you go get your clothes and if there’s any that need to be washed for the trip?
Amber: Okay, mom.
(Amber skips inside the house, as Dante and Maria laugh.)
Maria: Safe to say that made her happy.
Dante: Yeah I’d say so.
Maria: Keep her safe.
Dante: Always will.
(The scene fades as they walk back inside the house.)
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Talk With a Legend[/b[
New York City
Sunday, December 20, 4pm
(Scene opens with Dante and Amber sitting in their hotel room in New York City.)
Dante: Have you had a good time?
Amber: It’s been awesome! I mean I wish the whole pandemic wasn’t going on, but just being here is a dream.
Dante: Even the test?
Amber: Oh, I hated that, but I get it. We have to be safe.
(Suddenly there’s a knock on the door. Dante gets up and walks over to the door. He looks through the peephole, before taking a step back.)
Amber: Who is it?
Dante: It’s...Josiah Cena..
(Dante opens the door.)
Josiah: Hey Dante, how’s it going?
Dante: I’m good...what can I do for you? Come on in.
(Josiah walks in.)
Dante: This is my daughter, Amber. Amber, this is PWS Hall of Famer Josiah Cena.
Amber: It’s great to meet you.
Josiah: Great to meet you too sweetie.
Dante: So what can I for ya!
Josiah: So the company wanted me to get some thoughts from you about your match. Got a recorder for our conversation so it can be used for an online article.)
Dante: Ah okay. Well, have a seat and let’s get it done.
(They sit down at the foot of each bed, as Josiah pulls out the recorder. He starts recording and sets it down.)
Josiah: So what are your thoughts going into the match?
Dante: I’m looking forward to it. It’s great to be a part of such a big show.
Josiah: Thoughts on what happened last show?
Dante: I wish I could say I was surprised, but I wasn’t. A coward like Jacobs will always try to weasel out of every situation. Looking forward to watching him get his ass kicked by Mack.
(Dante looks over to Amber.)
Dante: Sorry for the language.
Amber: It’s okay.
Josiah: How do you feel about being on the pre-show against Rider and Puppies?
Dante: I’m still new in the company, so I’m thankful just to be on the show. Both Luppies and Rider have been established in the company. Yeah, they might not be the best wrestlers, but to his credit, Riser is a former tag champ. It’ll be fun out there, as long as Puppies can stay sober long enough, and Rider can stop looking at himself long enough.
Josiah: You think you can win?
Dante: Yeah I do.
Amber: Yeah he’s gonna win! He’s the best!
(Dante chuckles and looks at Amber.)
Dante: Shhh.
Josiah: No no, it’s all good. You really do love your dad, huh?
Amber: Yeah I do.
Josiah: What’s the plan for you for during his match?
Amber: I don’t know…
Dante: Still need to find someone to watch her while I’m out there. Can’t have her running out there if she gets scared for me haha.
(They both laugh.)
Josiah: I get that. What about if you being her to our dressing room and her and Ari can hang out with me and Skylar?
Dante: Really? That’d be great. Thank you so much. How does that sound to you Amber?
Amber: Sounds great!
Josiah: We’ll get it done. I think I’ve got all I needed. They also wanted you to cut a promo here on your phone and send it in. You don’t have to do it now, just before Tuesday.
(Josiah looks at Amber.)
Josiah: Sorry hun, but he probably needs to do that alone.
Amber: It’s okay. I understand.
Josiah: Alright, well I’ll get out of here and let you two enjoy your time. I’ll see you on Tuesday.
Dante: Sounds good. Thanks for stopping by.
(The two get up as Josiah walks out of the door.
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Unfortunate Task
Née York City
Monday, December 21, 5am
(The camera shows the city in the early morning. before turning around to show Dante sitting on the balcony of his hotel room.)
Dante: Miss Puppies and Richard Riser...the two of you have the unfortunate task of facing me this week. You have the unfortunate task of facing me after I was robbed of a win in my first main event. You have the unfortunate task of facing me when I promise to make an impact. So I don’t care what kind of drama you two have. I don’t care what’s gone on in the past few weeks with you. I don’t care if you used to be a tag team. I don’t care if you think you can win this match...I. Don’t. Care.
(Dante lets out a sigh.)
Dante: I’m coming to Crusade to put on a show and impress everyone. After the shit that happened on Riot, I’m pissed off. So you two, you are the unlucky bitches that have to be in the ring with me. So get ready, because you’re both about to feel the wrath….
(Dante brings the camera close, looking with intensity in his eyes.)
Dante: Et...Irae.