Post by Jaz on May 2, 2018 8:28:01 GMT -8
She had only been in this office one time before. That time being when she first arrived to the London Corbin Academy nearly a year ago to the date. Much like then she was a nervous wreck. She had no idea why she had called been summoned to the headmaster's office. She made sure to keep her nose clean and perform every task/chore given to her to the best of her ability and in a timely matter.
Taking a huge breath, Jaz steadied herself and knocked on the door.
"Come in..."
Opening the door, Jaz walks into the office.
Jazmin: You summoned me, sir?
Behind a desk, the shaven headed first born of James Corbin leans forward, looking over at the young woman as she heads inside.
Leon: I did…
She stands before the Ring of Honor Icon's desk, ready for the impending doom. His face was stone cold, adding to her anxiety.
Leon: You've been here a year now...And an eventful one at that, don't you think?
Jazmin: Uh...yes sir. I've learned quite a lot.
Leon: Do you think so?
Surprised at the question, Jaz nervously begins to twiddle her thumbs behind her back.
Jazmin: Well I mean I've had some issues in promo class but I've been puttin' in extra hours to get it right. I've also improved takin' landings. I've really come a long way with that, sir.
Leon: And live performances? Do you think I made a mistake putting you forward on the shows, in front of a crowd?
Jazmin: I don't think so...I guess. I mean...um…
Leon: If you're uncertain, Jazmin then what else are you unsure of? I thought you said you've learned quite a lot…
Jazmin: Well I guess I'm not quite ready then, huh?
Leon: Why are you asking me? I'm asking you, young lady...You tell me.
She began to feel the wave of tears welling up in her eyes.
Jazmin: I...uh...I don't know, Headmaster.
He just watched her, deliberately covering his left hand with his right as his brows furrowed.
Leon: Mm...do you like it here? I know it's been hard being here away from everything and everyone you know.
Jazmin: I love it here, sir. I know I've been given a great opportunity to learn here at the Corbin Academy. It's been a big change of things from Alpharetta, Georgia but I'm glad to be here. Not many can say that the were given this chance.
Leon: Especially not a sponsorship. Only a select few get that and that does not automatically include generational wrestlers either. I've always been of the opinion that it doesn't matter who your parents are or what they accomplished, you want it, you do it yourself and you do it from the very bottom. Would you agree with that?
Jazmin: Yes sir, I agree.
Leon: Why?
Jazmin: Huh, why what, sir?
Leon: Tell me why you agree, Jazmin. Tell me what you think.
Jazmin: Honestly, headmaster, I have no idea what to think. I mean, I'm tryin' to figure what I have done to get called into your office.
Leon: Then tell me why you even want to be a part of wrestling. Are you here because you want to be, because you're expected to be or because it's just what family does and it's an easy route to a career. Why do you want to do this? What do you think you can contribute to an industry that has seen every move, every race, gender, personality available already? What makes you different?
He looks genuinely interested even if he does sport the very shark-like stare belonging to his father, the Greatest of all Time, the one James Corbin.
Jazmin: Well...uh…
The nineteen year old girl was beyond nervous now. She had completely exhausted any scenarios which might have warranted her being her.
Jazmin: I definitely want to be here, sir. Not only to carry on my family's name in this sport but because this is what I've always wanted to do. Watchin' my uncles, my Daddy, my cousins, and even my brother do this has made the yearnin' stronger.
She looks down to the floor for an instant to regain her resolve before looking back up.
Jazmin: I'm different because I'm the first girl in my family to do this. My wrestlin' family is dominated by the guys and it's past time there is a girl to do something.
Leon: While that might be the case in the family, in the sport there have been some incredible women who have paved the way for you. How would you honour their sacrifices?
Jazmin: Oh yeah I know there have been plenty such as Headmistress Eva and "Auntie" Kandi that have set the standard at the highest level. It's because of them I'm inspired to give my all especially when I think my all isn't enough or I don't have any all to give.
Leon: I know...
He offers the teenager the briefest of smiles.
Leon: So, let me tell you why you are in here today. And let me be entirely honest. When you first arrived here, I saw you no different to any of the other students. As much as people say wrestling is in the blood, it's not. You either have the talent and aptitude for it or you do not. And while I am not always here at the school, I am still aware, still watching. I know raw talent when I see it, and dedication and love for what you do is hard to miss. I am constantly looking for it. Constantly searching. That is why this place is so intense, why it caters for every aspect of the industry. Not only does it give its students the tools of the trade but it highlights whether they are worthy of it, whether there is potential and a future for them in the sport. That is why, when I get an inkling, I start to push, why things get harder, why I put students in real matches in front of real audiences and cameras. I want to see if they can handle the pressure when all eyes are on them, if they can perform.
He looks at his hands, playing with his wedding and little finger nonchalantly before looking back at her.
Leon: What I have seen is that you go beyond what is expected. You are not one of those that will go out there, do what you have to do and go home types. You are the ones that have a respect that would see you dismantling the same ring you performed in after a show in front of the same fans. A wrestler who cares no matter whether it is the smaller leagues or whether it is the big time, you'd be the same. Truly you are a credit to your father, to your family. But because of that...and it pains me because you have a fan base growing here where people come to see you, your time here is coming to an end...
Jazmin: You're kicking me out?!
She was flabbergasted.
Jazmin: Whatever it is I have done, Headmaster, I promise I'm sorry and it'll never, ever happen again. I'll do whatever it takes to stay here!
Leon: You would? And what is it you think you've done, Jazmin?
Jazmin: I have no idea but please, please don't kick me out! I can do better...I WILL do better. I promise.
Leon: I know you will...That's why you have to go, Jazmin. It's not a punishment, it's a calling. A calling to bigger and better.
The youngest child of Ring of Honor Icon Nathaniel Davis stood dejectedly staring at the Lord of the Coliseum. His words floated about in her mind for a while before something seemed to click.
Jazmin: Wait a minute...you mean I'm not in trouble, sir?
Leon: For being among the best students? Absolutely not.
Jazmin: OMG!
With a sudden rush forward, Jazmin bounded around the desk to give the seated and totally surprised Leon a huge hug.
His eyes widened. He didn't stop her but he didn't hug her back either.
Leon: Jazmin?
Jazmin: Oh...shoot!
She quickly releases him and backs back to stand in front of his desk once again.
Jazmin: I'm sorry, sir. Well that's embarassin'...
Leon: It's alright. I just hope you remain this excited and enthusiastic in the future. Fact is, you need to return because you will be training further and beginning a career as a wrestler for UnderGround Zero. And with it still in its infancy, at such a crucial stage, it needs people like you, Jazmin. It needs the dedication and willingness. The selfless and not the selfish. Bettering the company coming before glory. Truly, I foresee you doing both equally...How do you feel about that?
Unable to hide neither the big grin or the blushing upon her face, Jazmin fights back the urge to once again rush in for another hug.
Jazmin: I'm...I'm...amazed, honored, almost speechless. Underground Zero, though. I've never heard of it. Where is it located?
Leon: A place that should be familiar to you. Atlanta. Your father has already made the arrangements for your travel but thought it was better the news came from me. We both agreed on that.
Jazmin: OMG!
Her excitement bubbling over, she began to move forward but quickly caught herself after catching the stern expression from Leon.
Leon: Not until next week. You still have one more show here so you can speak to your fans and give them something to remember you by and keep watching out for you for. And I have to say, I'm as pleased about this as I am gutted. You are well loved by the other students and the staff here only ever sing your praises. I'd love to have you continue here but it goes against my grain to see budding talent being held back from opportunity and success when it is so well deserved. And that's what I'd love to see from you. Success. But so you know, you are always welcome here, the doors to the Corbin Academy are always open to you, Jazmin…
Jazmin: Thank you so much, Headmaster. You don't know how much that means to me…
Leon: I think I do...
He offers the teen girl a smile.
Jazmin: Will that be all, sir? I'd like to go tell my classmates the good news.
Leon: Of course. I'll not keep you any longer. Just be prepared that there will be as many tears as there will be smiles.
With a beaming smile, Jazmin turns on her heels and makes it out of the office. With a sigh, the first born son of James Corbin breathes a sigh and leans back in his seat as he watches the door close behind her.
2007 Lord of the Coliseum Ring of Honor Icon Leon Corbin
