(Jay)

For two weeks, the talent had been training inside the warehouse, which had just got a complete makeover. It was starting to feel more like a small arena, ready for real shows. New equipment like chairs, tables, and even office supplies had been donated, some just dropped off at the front door.

“Gather around everyone, we’ve got exciting news to share with you all!” Jay shouted. His voice echoed through the warehouse. He looked around, making sure everyone was present, and waited for Kaya to walk up from the front of his office.

“I’m excited to announce our next phase in this project,” Jay said, a huge grin splitting his face. He waved his hands in the air, a grand gesture of excitement. Everyone exchanged curious looks, wondering what the news could be.

“We’re going to have a tournament to crown our first Women’s Thunderbird Champion,” Jay announced. The warehouse burst into chatter and cheers, the excitement bouncing off the walls.

Kaya waited for everyone to settle before she spoke.

“I managed to book us our first gig at a Comic Convention for Native comics and pop culture,” Kaya said, holding up her clipboard stacked with notes.

“We’ll have the final two from the tournament battle it out at the Comic event. And the name we’ll advertise it under is... Thunderbird: Sacred Entry!” Jay added, pulling out a rough draft of a poster for the event.

“Looks real rezzy,” Sha snarled,  snatching it from his hand, holding it up between two fingers as if afraid the coffee stain would soil her skin.

The room buzzed with excitement. This was it. Their first show in front of a real audience. Most of the talent had experience, but some didn’t. Like Desirae. Her time in Indigenous Wrestling had been so short that nobody even remembered her being on the roster.

“But we don’t have a championship belt yet?” Kaya asked, flipping through her clipboard to double-check.

“Where are we doing the tournament?” Tessa Bison asked.

“Will the tournament be a live show with an audience? Here at the warehouse?” Nakia chimed in, adjusting the towel around her neck that she wore like an accessory.

“Listen up!” Jay called. “We’ll have Round One and Round Two of the tournament right here at the warehouse. It’ll be open to the public, but not for profit. We’ll ask for donations. The goal is to build hype for Sacred Entry at the convention and attract fans.”

“Will the shows always be held here?” Jade asked, walking up and standing behind the group.

“I’ve got plans to bring fans here first,” Jay said. “And starting next year, we’ll host events here on the rez full-time.”

Kaya unclipped a page from her clipboard and handed it to Jay.

“This is the list for Round One of the tournament. It starts next week. Kaya will oversee things while I’m out handling other business,” Jay said, holding the list like it was a sacred scroll.

“Mia Fox let us know she won’t be participating, which makes the bracket even,” he added before rolling up the list. Kaya handed out copies to everyone.

“The Hawk and me? This should be cool,” Nakia said, glancing around, looking for Ravina, who wasn’t there, as usual.

“Good luck in the tournament,” Mia Fox whispered to Tessa, her gaze  flickering quickly to Nakia before returning to her friend.

“Thanks for the compliment... but I don’t need luck,” Nakia said, turning slowly to face Mia, having overheard. A tight, challenging smile touched her lips.

“Where are we getting the championship belt, though?” Kaya asked, her eyes scanning her clipboard again. “Those online were way over our budget.”

“It’ll be ready next week. That’s actually where I’m going to pick it up,” Jay said.

“Where’d you afford a championship belt? Please tell me it’s not some cheap looking one or custom junk,” Kaya huffed, her pen tearing slightly into the paper as she scribbled down notes.

“I special ordered it from the best silversmith I know,” Jay said, watching the talent run drills as Kaya walked beside him.

“Who would that be?” she asked, her eyes narrowing as she looked up from her clipboard. Jay smirked, the corner of his mouth curling up in a way that told her she already knew the answer.

“Ayyyyy... not your uncle?” Kaya said, raising an eyebrow. Jay nodded, confirming it.

“I was joking about hiring your uncle as security, but now he’s making the belt?” Kaya said, half laughing but concerned about how it might turn out.

“You’ll be surprised. It’s exactly what I hoped for. He sent me a picture when it was finished,” Jay said.

Kaya reached into her pocket and handed Jay a business card.

“I know your uncle’s the best at silverwork, but save this for future projects,” she said before walking off to chat with Tessa.

Jay read the card.

“Wrestling Promotions: The Number One Belt Makers. Low prices, better quality,” he whispered to himself.