HoH Episode 1

The registration for Heaven or Hell 2007 has begun, and already teams are coming out of the woodwork to publicly declare their readiness to go for the gold in this year's competition. With things looking the way they are, this year might even be hotter and more intense than last year's explosive competition.

The moment that the registrants became publicly known, the press swarmed on them, every reporter wanting to be the first to interview these men of steel and to cover the story behind the rockstar lifestyles of these instant celebrities. Everyone wanted to know about them, from the smallest child staring in through a store window to the bartenders keeping their sets tuned in to the event coverage.

Heaven or Hell is not an underground street fight held in back rooms and warehouses, it is an event televised worldwide and has a following that can only be accurately compared to the World Cup. The Heaven or Hell tournament can make a star out of a nobody, it can make a man rich beyond his wildest dreams, and can put him on top of the world. Even the teams that are beaten still find themselves flooded with offers for endorsements and movie contracts from business owners hoping to capitalize on the popularity of the event.

GAIA9 Action News was the first on the scene with their star reporter Cindy Donovinh going to the greatest lengths to get the teams to agree to a public interview.

Press Conferences can be posted here.

Note from the editor/administrator/god of you people: Do not RP in this thread. If you want to RP your interview do it elsewhere and post a summary or quotes of it here. There are a lot of people in HoH and everyone taking three pages to RP an interview over drinks fills up a lot of space, which drowns out other people's work.

Respect your fellow contestants, don't flood the thread. Makes things easier to find.

Lady Sierra Wrote:

An elven woman exits the residential area of Leviathan Stadium, a handful of papers occupying her attention as she makes her way down to the stadium arena. She was on her way to meet her Vice Captain for a brew and a chat about how to proceed with things. Her crimson hair wasdrawn back into a high ponytail that bobs behind her as she walks with a slight bounce in her step and her vuluptuous figure was graced with a silk battle kimono, simillar to the costume she'd worn a year ago as team Captain of the Femmes Fatales.

She nearly walks right into one of the cameras that had been set up by the arena entrance to catch members of Leviathan's community as various teams recieved the yay or nay to proceed with tourny plans. It was as if all hell broke loose, the formerly peaceful calm was shattered as a media circus descended on the elf in an erruption of noise pollution.

Microphones were shoved in her face, along with the furry 'booms' weilded by the ever dilligant sound crews. Her reaction was to unfurl one wing and surround herself in a partial shield, pushing the swarm back a few feet and giving herself some breathing room.

Golden eyes flash as she tries to take in the situation, deciding how to best respond to the situation she'd literally walked right into.

========

"Sierra how does it feel returning to Heaven or Hell after losing to TEAM GLACIER last year?"

"Why did you choose to take a new team instead of returning with the Femmes Fatales, a crowd favourite?"

"Do you feel that the addition of two male members has strengthened your chances for victory?"

"Are you going to fight Vahn again?"

"Did fighting your lover in such a prestegious event have any adverse effects on your relationship?"

"Where have you been for the last year?"

"Is it true that you're a mother now?"

"Is Vahn the father?"

========

The elven woman laughs and holds up her hands in mock surrender.

"Please, one at a time."

She flashes the pack an ice-melting smile and tucks the papers under her arm as she looks over the faces crowded around her.

"I'll answer a few questions, about Heaven or Hell only. I prefer my family affairs are not to be made a tabloid free-for-all."

She picks out a middle aged man, holding a microphone for Latent's Latest and Greatest, a show that increased tremendously in popularity since last years tournament. They had done a feature on the All female team led by Ra'kar a year ago.

"It's good to see you George."

"Ahhh, Ms. Ethelstan, you remembered my name, I'm touched."

She smiles.

"Could you please tell our viewers why you chose to captain a co-ed team this year as opposed to bringing back the Femmes Fatales, did you find that an all women team was outpowered?"

"No. I simply wasn't sure if I would be entering this year or not, my life has been rather chaotic as of late and I wasn't sure I'd have the time to captain a team again. By the time I'd decided to enter, two of my girls from last year has already been signed to other teams and the third didn't desire to compete again.

My decision to take on a co-ed team has nothing to do with gender or needing more muscle. I judged the men the same as the women and chose my team according to individual ability."

"Thank you, although I think it's safe to say that the fans will miss the Famous Femmes, especially all of our male viewers."

"Your viewers shouldn't be dissapointed. Fae Decker is a beautiful and talented fighter and I'm proud to name her as the third member of the Liberei Fatali's. Lucind and Rose are both still competing, just for different teams, but we're every bit as Fatal."

She turns to a petite woman with light framed glasses, and honey blond hair, pulled back into a buisness like bun. Her power suite neatly pressed.

"Hello, Angelina."

"Hello Ms. Ethelstan. Would you please tell watchers of Barton Broadcast, if you think having a male vice captain and alternate has bettered your chances of victory and do the other teams take you more seriously as a co-ed entry this year"

"No I do not, I've already stated that this team was selected based on ability and style. The fact that it turned out to be a perfect balance of gender is irrelevant. My team members are all very skilled combatants in their own right and I urge viewers to watch us as individuals who are good at what we do. As for the other teams, it's their own misfortune if they underestimate us. "

"One more question Ms. Ethelstan, why the 'Liberei Fatali's'? The Femmes Fatales was self explanitory, but is there any significance to your new team's namesake?"

"Actually, yes there is. Liberei Fatali translated into common, means 'Children of Fate'. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some buisness to attend to..."

She would push past them, leaving them to shout after her with a torrent of even more questions. She was going to have to contact someone from her guild's media department to come take charge of this stuff, otherwise her team would spend all their time being hassled and not enough preparing....

Ah well, something else to discuss with Kain. For now, it would be all she could do to make it to the bar unspotted by another possee of reporters.

Fae Decker Wrote:

Meria leaned against a wall, giving Sierra a small salute with her forefinger and middle as she passed on her way to meet with Kain. Fae was tiny enough that in that crowd of people, Fae's petite height was easily missed.

"Good luck, little mother."

In addition, Meria wasn't noticed as Fae yet. She had black hair where Fae's was red, hell, Fae was semi famous for the long red hair she used to have, one of the three mini Titans Terrors of Levi, along with Hono and Nedy. All of whom were tiny if dangerous women. Then again, that was before Sierra. Whereas The three prefferred to keep a low profile, Sierra seemed to almost revel in the attention.

Was I ever so boisterous and full of life? But before she could answer herself, a mike was shoved in her face by a passing reporter who'd caught her words to Sierra.

"Do you know Ms. Ethelstan?"The reporter didn't wait on an answer before continuing. "You seemed rather familiar with her. Are you enemy or foe? To which Meria burst out laughing, shocking the man into silence.

"I'm her teammate."

"The roster lists Fae Decker as the only other female teammate."

Meria shrugged and slid past. "Guess you people need to do better research then." She brushed aside a tendril of hair and slid her sunglasses upon her nose, those lights hurt, damnit. She shoved through one small cluster of reporters only to find herself in another cluster of them that had just turned back.

She was then face to face with another reporter. Unfortunately, it was one she knew, and who knew her.

"Hello, Mrs Decker..."

Slimy cretin. She tried to smile as pleasantly as possible. She was trying to behave, damnit. She'd only come to the stadium to see if she could find a bit of a spar, she hadn't realized that Sierra had just recieved word of their acceptance.

"Hello, Robert. Are you going to get out of my way, or should I take your other eye?" Deciding to hell with it, she wasn't going to play nice if they weren't. He'd tried to turn the story of her and Lucian into a scandal for Levi and Enki and when he'd gotten too close during the last part of her pregnancy, she'd taken his eye. He'd sued her for assault and he'd been countersued for assault, harrassment and a host of other charges till he'd dropped the suit.There was a host of other questions popping up now that she'd been identified.

"Mrs Decker, why the hair change.?"

"Mrs Decker, why are you entering HoH? You've been as reclusive as your new husband in recent years.

"Why Team Liberei Fatali? The team captain is the fiancee of the man who stole your ex fiancee's wife. Does that bring tension to the team?"

"Of course not, Mrs. Decker." There was that slimy grin as he held the door to the building she was headed for open. "Just one last question. What does Dante, your overprotective husband think about all of this...or does he even know?"

SlamThe key turned, and the door was locked.

Dragosani Kain Wrote:

A newcomer to this Tavern and to HoH, Kain wasn't much prepared for the deluge of media personnel flocking towards everyone in the room. As far as he was concerned at the moment one of them might bump him and spill his ale...would not make for a happy Kain---

"Kain, are you confident that you can help bring Sierra to victory this year?" to which he stayed wide eyed and left to answer in mid-drink, but before-

"As Sierra's teammate, what are your thoughts on the chance of facing Vahn, Sierra's lover?"

"Does Rain ever wear shoes?"

"Why HoH and why now?"

"Taking on Vice Captain of last year's 'Femme Fatales' now, 'Liberi Fatali', do you think you can live up to the prestige they gathered?"

Kain wasn't used to these 'broadcasts' and answering without conferring to his employer/Captain didn't seem something to have specific answers to questions on concerning the media horde.

"Yes, don't know the guy, no, more so, and I have some business with Sierra, I'll speak to you all after."

He wiped the froth from his mouth and slammed down the mug before lighting up another cigarette. Some of the mics were still stuck in his face, not going to miss a thing should he say something. They didn't get a verbal response as much as a subtle sigh and then a new placement as the Devil plowed through the crowd, trying for the exit of the Tavern.

::Sierra, where the hell are you and what is with all of these people?::

Ryugi Kazamaru Wrote:

Ryugi Kazamaru, Vice-Captain of Team Ryugin: The Silver Dragons, wandered about the area. He'd expected there would be press, but not NEARLY this many. And what was WORSE was that he was part of a high-profile team. One doesn't get into the finals to fight Team Glacier and go unremembered. All Ryugi really wanted was to get some ramen noodles for lunch, but he was caught up playing ninja as he tried to avoid the hawk-eyed paparazzi that swarmed the other teams and their members.

Almost to the entrance... Just a little more... Almost there...

Owle Isohos Wrote:

POUNCE!

Hyperactive cat girl Hiroko had always wanted to be a journalist, ever since she was a little girl, and she had finally gotten hired on by a reputable newspaper. She had practically imploded with glee when they assigned her to cover HoH, and just knew that if she got them a couple good stories she'd move right to the top. So when her sharp amber eyes caught sight of Ryugin's Vice-Captain sneaking around her peers, she seized the moment and pounced him.

Quite literally, infact. Just launched herself bodily at him and hoped to all her kitty gods that she'd land in some position from which she could ask questions.

"Hi! I'm with the Gaian Sun Times, and I'd like to ask you a few questions about HoH!"

...is what she would say assuming she didn't end up faceplanted in the dirt.

Ryugi Kazamaru Wrote:

It seemed cruel fate had decided to deny Ryugi the simple pleasure of enjoying his lunch in peace. He was caught fully unaware by this strange girl as she tackled him, causing him to jump nearly three feet into the air in surprise before turning around to face the girl.

Well, my lunch is a little out of reach now...so I guess you've got yourself an interview.

Owle Isohos Wrote:

Hiroko spent a few moments dancing around saying "Yay!" before she actually settled down to asking any questions.

"So, how does it feel to be back in HoH after making it to the finals last year? Do you feel your chances of winning are better this time around?"

Her pen flew over a small pad she was holding, jotting down notes in an odd short hand that looked a lot like she was just scribbling smiley faces and hearts as something to do.

Ryugi Kazamaru Wrote:

Owle Isohos Wrote:

"So, how does it feel to be back in HoH after making it to the finals last year? Do you feel your chances of winning are better this time around?" Ryugi thought for a moment and then spoke.

It doesn't really feel all that different really. It just amazing how time flies by. I don't know about our chances of winning, but I'd like to think they are. Team Ryugin is more in it for the sake of the competition than for the prize money, of course I can't speak for ALL the members of my group.

Owle Isohos Wrote:

Hiroko nodded, awed by his answer. The fans would gobble that one right up.

"I see," she said, purring giddily. "You're returning with the same group as last year, aren't you? I've heard a few teams have split up and formed new ones...was it hard persuading everyone to come back and fight again?"

Ryugi Kazamaru Wrote:

Owle Isohos Wrote:

"I see," she said, purring giddily. "You're returning with the same group as last year, aren't you? I've heard a few teams have split up and formed new ones...was it hard persuading everyone to come back and fight again?" Ryugi nodded in a yes, and then shook his head in a no.

Team Ryugin is still Team Ryugin. We were unable to contact Meryl Tomorrow in time for registration this year, but we have a new alternate that I have my full trust in. Nayako Tadaya. He's a good man, and I fought alongside his brother many times in the past.

In actuality, it wasn't difficult to get everyone to join up again. Rather, the Tournament was mentioned, and everyone immediately mentioned that we should participate again this year. It was as if the team had just gone off on vacation for a year, and then came back ready to go once more.

Ryugi smiled as he finished.

Gamma had been offered a free room at the Crimson Hawk Hotel on behalf of the Heaven or Hell committee. Being staff had its own set of perks, like this bitchin' limo he was in. Never having rode in a limo before, getting a chance to do it for free wasn't an opportunity he was going let slip.

Apparently the Crimson Hawk was housing for competitors and staff members alike; and Gamma was warned about the press swarming about. Not really caring a whole hell of a lot due to an utter lack of fame and not competing, so he figured he'd just go to his room and take a nap. Maybe find a bar.

The limo slowed and the driver commented to Gamma about the massive structure off to the right. Big, luxury hotel. Gamma wasn't impressed; he'd seen bigger. Then the driver mentioned the horde of people out in front of it with microphones for hands and cameras for heads. That's what it seemed like anyway.

Then it happened. A limo had stopped in front of one of the nicest hotels in the area which was playing home to the competitors for THE biggest tournament of the year. As a whole, the press-monster turned and rushed away from the entrance of the hotel and waited for the limousine door to open.

Gamma could only laugh. Fame wasn't really his thing, so he'd tell them all to ******** off and be on his way. The driver was already out of the vehicle, coming around to open Gamma's door for him. Outside lights flashed with all the photographers while the corespondents shouted inquiry at the sound-proof window.

The door flew open and silently thudded against the driver who was about to reach for it; taking a very professional step back and muffling a grunt after getting hit in the family jewels by a car door. Gamma, with a hand on the door handle, pulled himself free of the sleek black craft and shut the door behind him.

Grinning madly around a cigar in his mouth, he stared out into the lenses of several cameras while flashes filled the air. Totally bald in that signature black/green pinstripe suit and tie. Microphones were jammed in his face while more and more questions surfaced.

Gamma then realized that they had no idea who he was.

"Sir, sir!"

"Are you a competitor?"

"What brings you to the Crimson Hawk hotel?"

"What team are you cheering for?"

"Are you going to be a part of Heaven or Hell?"

Staring into the face of about seven different microphones just inches from his nose, Gamma grinned wider. Reaching up to pluck the cigar from his mouth; he butted it out on the foam-rubber head of some microphone with a big white 7 emblazoned on the side. After it sizzled out Gamma flicked it at a nearby camera where it bounced harmlessly to the ground.

No one noticed. A hand retreated momentarily and brought out a fresh microphone.

More questions.

"Why aren't you answering these questions, sir?"

"What's your name? How are you involved?"

"Are you bound to secrecy by the committee?"

"Are you on the Heaven or Hell committee?"

"Do you know Team Glacier?"

Ignoring them, Gamma stepped forward. Content to swim and push his way through the crowd and head for the hotel entrance.

Only to find that they moved with him. A step forward; they stepped backward.

Gamma, almost in awe, took another step back.

The news mob stepped forward to keep their microphones in danger of going up his nose.

After a moment, listening briefly to the shouts directed at him; picking out a specific voice and comment.

"...onovihn with the Gaia 9 News. Can we get a comment from you, sir?"

With a slap he batted the microphone from her hand and closed his own around it. His microphone now. In an instant Gamma's face was a professional neutral as he stared into a nearby camera, microphone in hand. He started walking as he talked and the horde was quick to match.

"This is Gamma on the scene with the Gaia 9 ACTION News."

They still didn't seem to notice. Kept on asking questions as Gamma stole the show from them, and kept walking.

"I'm here in front of the Crimson Hawk hotel where sources tell me--" Silent for a moment, looking at some point off screen, he stuck a finger in his ear like he had an earpiece. Gamma had seen them do that on TV before.

"--what sources tell me could quite possibly be the lamest **** ever put on television!"

Someone back at the station had the good sense to bleep the inappropriate word, but didn't have a problem with Gamma stealing a microphone and speaking to Gaia-wide audiences. And still, Gamma walked.

"It seems a man has been spotted stepping out a limousine where a pack of ruthless paparazzi swarmed in on him." With a sweep of his arm in a move characteristic of a newscaster talking about the stuff around him.

"In a horrifying turn of events the man was forced to defend himself and brutally murdered all of the press present at the time. Local authorities tell us that bodies are still coming in."

Apparently nobody around Gamma was listening. Questions still poured in from off screen while Gamma shouted into his microphone.

"Local authorities maintain that the suspect is male, nearly eight feet tall, unbelievably handsome, and was last seen wearing a nice suit."

Looking out of frame of the camera once again, he reached out while shouting 'sir! sir!' before pulling some unwitting reporter into a casual headlock while continuing his report. A bewildered look on the reporter's face as Gamma started talking, hair in a cheesy greasy looking comb-over, wearing a cheap brown suit.

"Gamma with the Gaia 9 ACTION News, can we have a word?" No pause. Just more talking from Gamma.

"Did you see what transpired here, sir?" Gamma looked over and jammed the microphone into the captive reporter's face. Hitting him somewhere above the nose and holding it there for a second, before bringing it back to speak again.

"Do you think things would have happened differently if maybe the press had left the man the **** alone?" Again, Gamma pressed the microphone into the reporter's face. Still utterly confused and probably scared.

With a heave, Gamma openly shoved the guy aside without a word. He fell down somewhere off-screen because the cameraman seemed more interested in Gamma. Who, as it seemed, finally made it to the stairs leading to the front door of the hotel. Jogging up them three at a time, he had left the cameras and reporters at the bottom.

Stopping at the top, he turned back around to address the cameras once more. Microphone in hand, still holding the professional neutral on his face, he started again.

"That's all from out here. This has been Gamma and on behalf of Gaia 9 ACTION News, get ****ed by a goat!" Raising his free hand up, he pointed square at the camera.

"Back to you in the studio, ****face!"

And with that, his hand shot open and the microphone fell down the stairs. Turning quickly, he pressed the double doors open and disappeared into the hotel.

Foot steps were planted as joints moved, obviously someone was walking. This someone was a Tazon, the General of Malachite Fortress. This male wore a mixture of casual and formal wear. His trade mark crimson scarf which wrapped carelessly about his shoulders up to his upper lip, was currently being tugged on from the end which was behind the General.

Dyne had endured the bombardment of questions by the elite of media since his entrance into Latent, it had been two hours and the Tazon's patience was beginning to wear thin. The formal proof if his status, his cap, would seem to tilt downwards, shading his eyes. This of course was done with a bit of gravity's help. Crimson hair poked from all sides as he stopped in his tracks, currently mere foot steps from the hotel, Crimson Hawk.

General Tazon! We have heard rumors that you have given up your reign over the FFA, is this true?

Said the fastest of the media slaves who had clenched the end of the red scarf, and had uttered the question through wheezing. While Dyne had stopped, the rest of the media wolves had come to surround the object of desire, the lenses would make connection with his own optical lenses Dyne would take his time to organize his thoughts and glance at the camera.

Questions continued to pour in, ranging from FFA related news, to personal hygiene, the Tazon family, and of course Team XD.

The glance turned into a glare, the reporter clenching the fabric's end like some sort of medal of honor, would instantly let go. The Tazon would only answer one question.

"What does "XD" stand for?"

Dyne would take small casual steps forth while allowing the words to gently roll off his tongue.

"@#%$ do I know."

A side step would swiftly be put into action just before making contact with the camera face to lens, this would be avoided, and the male would close the distance, swiftly opening the entrance of the hotel, allowing the doors to close on their own.

Of course the pack of hounds would now just realize that the Tazon had left their field of vision. The cameras went off for the time being, one of the reporters could be heard muttering What the hell did he just say?

Dyne would lift the Officer's hat off his head, revealing a tangle of crimson strands. Why the hell didn't I join last year? Of course, he knew the answer, he was busy with the maintenance of the Malachite. Not anymore.

Media swarms, an instinct mob of microphones and blurring faces as each broadcast station pursues racial equality to look tolerant. All of them dressed up in fine clothing. Buttoned blouses, suit coats, those fancy pants you have to fold just so, and skirts of all colours and design. God one could hardly look at it for long without feeling a pit of sickness in their stomachs. The tournament wouldn't even start for a while and already they were in full swing. It couldn't be helped, nothing was threatening the world so news was slow.

Slow enough that when any vehicle showed up the rushed it, no matter who the occupants where.

The occupant of one specific vehicle was Gammu and he had caught the footage of Gamma on the news the other night. It had been amusing; but then Gammu wasn't likely to copy his brother's actions. Gammu was far more civilized then his barbaric brother, at least that's what he thought.

Coming up to the hotel in a rather nondescript black car, because black is such a stylish colour, Gammu reclined in the back seat. The plush leather interior a great comfort compared to the hard cold seats he was used to sitting on in the Charon transports. Speaking of cold the air conditioning was working over time to the extent that he could see his breath.

And then it happened. Before the car even came to a full stop he swung the door open and sun light poured in. Then there was darkness as the media stormed the breach. Quickly following was the flashes as dozens of cameras going off and even more voices trying to shout over one another. Then they recognized him, the distinctive tattoos on his face.

Their faces grew pale and they stepped back, giving him room to leave the car. Stepping out he tugged at his suit and straightened it out, a smile of sorts bordered upon a grin as he swept his eyes at each camera. Laying a hand on the closest shoulder he pulled the person closer.

A face grimaced and flinched at the touch but didn't refuse the pull.

"Please, tell me. Is this live?"

A furtive nod of the head was the answer and a stuttering yes was the answered Gammu got.

"Good."

Stepping forward again the crowd gave him space. He was at the focal point of it all; but each was in turn afraid. The car revved its engine and left the scene and then Gammu was surrounded from all sides. Spreading his feet to shoulder's width apart he held up his hands palm up for all to see.

"So you met my brother then. So sorry for us all to start off on the wrong foot then."

Turning his head from side to side he had a sincere look in his eyes.

"Well then you know me; but to all those watching let me introduce myself."

Camera lens zoomed in to capture his face. The clear light blue lines of his other wise black pinstripe suit were caught along with his stern but soft face. The narrow lines of its proportions speaking of a brutal life and eyes that could glaze over if not occupied. In a calm authoritative voice he gestured to himself.

"I am Gammu. Employed by Deity Inc, a proud sponsor of this years Heaven or Hell tournament. For those that wonder Deity Inc deals primarily in the pharmaceutical industry; but does have branches in other fields. Currently though we operate a courier service out of Barton. Beyond that we are a mail order industry. Please don't let this concern you though. Deity Inc is one of the finest suppliers of goods. I have had the honour of working for Deity Inc since I first started working and it has only treated me good."

By now most of the reporters could tell he had stolen the show and was getting free advertisement from it all. Unlike his brother Gammu was a shrewed man. A few began to venture out of the circle that had formed around him. Speaking of how they would get an interview with this man. One of them got close enough to Gammu that he wrapped an arm around their shoulders towards the end of his spiel.

It turned out to be a woman, overly stylized blond hair and a face you would sooner forget then remember and wearing red, thrust a microphone into Gammu's face.

"Sir. Does it not say you judging this year?"

Giving a massive shrug of his shoulders he nodded and tilted his head to speak directly into the microphone.

"Yes, that would be true. As a deal with those hosting this fine event Deity Inc has agreed to supply them with materials, funds, and services. I am one of those services and I find it to be a great honour to be able to purview over this great tournament."

A shove and she was gone for another one had come up. She fell to the ground but quickly scrambled to her feet and merged back with the swarm. It seemed Gammu wasn't all that different from his brother after all. Another microphone, another question.

"So what do you expect to see in this tournament?"

There was no need to consider but he kept quiet for a while as though musing it over. Then throwing his head back he let out a roar. Shouting for all to hear even beyond the crowd.

"I expect nothing but the finest display of combat prowess I shall ever witness! And if any fail me then I expect to see their bodies broken and beaten!"

"Would this mean that you won't care about rule violations?"

Taken aback by the question Gammu glared at the speaker. It was a short man with sweat stains forming on his rather sky blue suit, he wore a clashing green tie and his hair looked more like a wig then actual hair.

"I am trusted to uphold the rules and regulations and I shall do so. Does that mean that I won't look for the entertainment of the crowd and myself? No, it does not. It means I shall watch and see that matches progress in the way desired by the founders so that all may enjoy."

That line of questioning was at an end. Cut off before it could get further. At least the people watching could tell that a judge was looking for their best interests. Well at least the people that were looking for blood shed and snapping of bones. Those that were too afraid and just caught it by accident would probably issue a complaint and go pray in the corner.

"Who do you expect to win then?"

"I wouldn't know. I haven't had the chance to see much of any of the teams so I wouldn't know who the favorites are."

As though he were trying to whisper and pass on a secret Gammu leaned towards a reporter. Sadly he didn't lower his voice much.

"Though once you find me a betting ring let me know."

They gave an exaggeratedly slow nod of the head. A judge gambling? Was it comedy or was he serious? There wasn't a chance to dwell upon it as another question was fired away.

"Why didn't Deity Inc enter a team?"

"A simple case really. You need at least three individuals with a maximum of four with an alternate. I tend to work only with Gamma and Deity Inc didn't have the time to train us to work with some others. Besides, it wouldn't have been nice to do that to the other teams. We're just too destructive as Gamma proved to you."

Nodded heads performed a wave as they agreed with the sentiment.

Gammu would grab one of the reporters near him and snap their arm with a snap that was heard clearly by all. The reporter fell to the ground in pain as Gammu looked down at them.

"You should go find a Deity Inc med. There should be a booth near by. We supply medical supplies of all types."

Stepping over the body the media swarm surged around him like a rock on water until he was out of it. No one wanted a broken limb. Once out he turned around and bowed.

"I hope you all enjoy your time at Heaven or Hell."

And with that Gammu vanished into the hotel and left the cameras trailing after his disappearing form as he went through the doors. They then panned around to focus upon the reporter he had dropped. It all faded to black then as the video feeds were cut. What a dangerous man this judge was.

Psychofish Wrote:

Kalis felt utterly ridiculous as he left his room. He was wading and swimming through the sea of the reporters and assorted media folks swarming into the Firebrand to get first crack. Literally wading and swimming. He was working his arms in a breast stroke type motion trying to part them enough to get room to slip through.

The were still asking questions over each other, squabbling over who could get in his face for the questions first.

It took him a long time to get down the stairs. And then he could hear familiar voices.

"Mr. Acineres, you're entering Heaven or Hell tournament, but there is no record of you competing in other competitions on Gaia. In fact, there are NO records we've been able to recover of you on Gaia. Would you care to explain this?"

"Not so much. I haven't been on Gaia that long is all."

"Where have you been, if I might ask?"

"Umm, sure, ask, but I'm not gonna answer just now."

"How did you fall in with Project Swords!, also housing Flare Sithfallen, who had a significant part in an important battle of Barton, and Athan Cole, recent hero from the bizarre events that threatened much of Gaia?"

"Umm, they asked me to come? OWLE! Hey, OWLE!"

He pushed through the crowed, trying to slip between two of the reporters, and stepped back, grabbing at his towel and retightening it. "Hey, c'mon now...."

"Can you say what drew the attention of such figures to you, Kalis?"

"We were here, they wanted a team... just kinda happened..."

"So it was completely incidental? If there was no real reason for them to invite you, Mr. Acineres, then why you? Is it possible you have no actual combat experience?"

"Don't be obnoxious, I wouldn't be entering if I thought I was just going to be a big punching bag.... HEY!" he tried to shout over their heads, suddenly anxious. There was a lot more room to move around, and for more reporters, down here, and while the mics were still right in his face, the cameras seemed to be backing up unecessary amounts... and there were an undue number of them turned on him, much more than before, not doubt stealing a few from the others as he blindly stumbled around them in the swelling crowed, trying to find someone. Way tooo many flashes.... "OWLE! They came into my room, and they won't leave! It's your bar!" he shouted, voice taking on a decidedly pitiful whine as he finished with "Make them go away..."

Reporters laughed mostly, some just smiled sacracstically, and none by any means backed off.

Owle Isohos Wrote:

Owle Isohos Wrote:

"Actually, I've found that waking up in that clearing has been the best thing that's happened to me. If it weren't for that, I would never have found the family I have now."

"Tell us about your family. Have you been adopted since then?"

Owle blinked. There had never been any forms filled out, no papers filed...though Rage was willing to crack a few skulls to get her into one of his family gatherings.

"No, but you could say that...my brother, Rage, who owns this bar & grill, has been looking after me for a long time. And I have my sister, Flare."

"Flare Sithfallin, who led not one but two evil armies against the walls of Barton?"

"Well, technically she only led one of them against the walls of Barton...the other one she led against a camp of demons that were planning to enslave Barton. And technically that army wasn't evil, the shades were puppets of the Forgotten, who made them do terrible things. But now that they have a free will of their own, well..."

"Are you talking about the one-eyed monsters who ravaged the Vale?"

"Omikron's not a monster!"

Owle clapped her hands over her mouth. She had meant to say "they're not monsters", but what had come out...

"So you know these creatures personally?"

Owle nodded.

"Yes, well, their leader, at least. And they didn't ravage the Vale, they were only looking for a place to settle down where they could live in peace, and the humans didn't let them."

Someone stopped to whisper something in the reporter's ear.

"I hear you were involved in the battle on Barton's walls, as well, the one where your sister was leading all these armies. Is it true that you're responsible for the telepathic massacre of the East Wall?"

"What? No! I was sleeping, I'd been helping out the Defenders, I died out there and I had fallen asleep in Nigel's pocket! Nigel Peter Chancy, ask him if you don't believe me," Owle sighed deeply. "When I woke up, it was too late to save them."

"A likely story. Didn't you admit that not more than months before the battle, you willingly violated a man's mind, forcing him to kill himself?"

Owle froze.

Willingly? She remembered that time, remembered how her own power had turned on her, trapping her within herself, the black snakes coiling around her and tightening. Trapped and held and motionless, able to do nothing but watch as her body advanced mercilessly on that of her friend. He was lying on the sand outside the Firebrand, writhing and twisting as the snakes clawed at his brain...

"OWLE! They came into my room, and they won't leave! It's your bar! Make them go away..."

But Owle was beyond doing anything of the sort. She was beyond even defending herself. The woman's body shriveled up, melted down, into a black viscous liquid that soon solidified into a perfect beige bar of soap, sitting atop the bar.

Flare Sithfallin Wrote:

"We hear that you've defeated at least one dragon. Is this true?"

"Well, I've fought a few dragons in my lifetime...they're difficult to deal with. I find it best not to anger them in the first place, but if it comes to a fight I don't think I would lose."

All answered smoothly, despite the inherent lie.

"Owle Isohos called you her sister, but the two of you look nothing alike. Care to explain this?"

"No."

Speaking of Owle...Flare could sense the girl's emotions, and they were roiling. Not to mention that Kalis was running through the bar shouting something about getting the reporters to stop. Flare didn't really care for the reporters, either, but she wasn't as upset by their presence as Kalis and Owle.

"Your team is relatively unknown. How would you say you measure up to the other teams?"

"I'd say that I haven't fought them yet. Until that time comes, anything I say is merely words, and will tell you nothing. Now, if you'll excuse me."

The wings flared out one more time, this time beating and lifting Flare over the heads of the crowd. Somebody whistled. Flare, however, was in no mood to pay them any mind. They would soon be running for their lives, but first Flare had to get Owle out of the line of potential fire.

Designated Hero Wrote:

Athan, meanwhile, was done with the reporters. And likewise, they seemed to be growing tired of him. After awhile, he just had to keep answering the same questions, over and over again.

"How do you think your team will do?" "What do you do for a living?" "What's the point of having such a big sword?" "Are you single?" "What do you think of Team Glacier?" "Did you have anything to do with (such and such incident)?"

It was just getting a little bit too repetitive, so when he left his makeshift podium, he left in style. He stepped back, tore off his shirt, and dropped his pants around his ankles before heading up the stairs in his boxers.

And well, that was that. No real point in talking to him anymore. Although they definetly had a bit more footage to work with now.

So Athan retired to his room in the Firebrand to pack. They'd be leaving for their hotel soon, so he had to make sure he had everything. Nothing worse than showing up to a tournament without your lucky underwear.

Psychofish Wrote:

"Mr. Acineres," one voice slyly cut through the rest, a better composed man with a tape recorder- and better yet, no camera to be seen "you don't seem to be particularly put together."

Well, no, duh. Was about as best he put together stumbling among the other people, trying to wave away cameras.

"What sort of things will you bring to the Heaven or Hell?"

"My sort of things."

"Maybe it'd be better for you to try this in a calmer scenario some other time...?" The man put out. He had a few touches of gray, but seemed fairly young, and something about how he was wall dressed and prepared but seemed a bit lazily slack seemed to imply a sort of more casual style Kalis could agree with; less shoving things into his face.

Kalis shoved his way by the guy, slipping in a few words as he passed by. "Leave a name and number on a napkin somewhere. I might try and work something private out." and kept on shoving through. It was getting annoying going in circles. Luckily, several of them with cameras seemed to have been distracted by something else beyond him suddenly.

"Mr. Acineres, how do you expect your team to fare in this contest against such famous returning teams as-"

"I've never heard of any of the other names I've been hearing. I think I would have if I needed to worry."

No. Acting confident didn't make them lay off trying to push him into letting something slip. They just got more interested.

"What are your thoughts on your team and team-mates?"

"They're cool." he responded, missing the point entirely. Again.

"What's youre occupation outside such tournaments?"

"I'm currently a vagrant."

"Unemployed?"

"Yes, but that sounds like a fluffy, over-nice way to put it."

Owle Isohos Wrote:

"Any love interests?"

"So just what do you bring to the tournament?"

"Are you antibacterial?"

The flow of questions continued, but the bar of soap just sat there. When Owle became a bar of soap, she was a respectable bar of soap who did exactly what bars of soap did on their own: absolutely nothing. The word inanimate comes to mind.

Flare Sithfallin Wrote:

Flare landed just on top of where the bar of soap was, backing the reporters up with a single glare. She scooped up her sister, placing the soap into her jacket pocket.

"All of you. Out. NOW."

The flames burst from her fingertips. The fools took a step back. Some fled, some remained.

"I said NOW." The fire show continued as she added more and more flames to the air, controlling them to chase the wayward reporters out the door, catching a suit on fire here or setting some hair aflame there. Nothing serious, nothing life-threatening...just enough so that they got the message.

In the now empty Firebrand, she stared at Kalis.

"Get some clothes on." And then she trudged upstairs, to the girl's room, calling over her shoulder, "We leave for the hotel in fifteen minutes, best be ready."

Kitsune Konnou Wrote:

The doors of the hotel opened wide, and in came a figure, surrounded by a group of reporters, as the person seemed to try to hasten away from them.

There stood a figure in a deep maroon cloak, as she dropped the hood and pulled the drawstring, relieving the garment from her skin as she held it draped on her arm. There stood a feminine figure, paw-like shoes that kept her small feet warm, long slender legs covered by a pair of tight slit blue jeans, a rusty red colored fox tail swishing behind her in a fluid motion. Wide hips and a small waist that made a perfect hourglass figure that led up to a large, full bust, covered by a sleeveless black tight-fitting tank top, revealing toned shoulders and arms that reached down to her white-gloved fingertips. The ball of her throat moved up and down as she cleared it with a swallow, obsidian black eyes covered slightly by her short sandy-blonde hair as she swept it out of her face, around her black-tipped fox ears.

Kitsune made her way to the center of the lobby, allowing the press to fan out, seeing as it was inevitable to avoid them forever.

"Please, please, one at a time," Kitsune requested, as she pointed to a short brown-haired lady in glasses who was holding a mic. "Yes, you first."

"Kitsune, as a rookie team who is competing for the first time in the Heaven or Hell tournament, are you at all nervous about upcoming matches? How well do you think your team will fare against the upcoming opponents? Not having an alternate is a risky move, do you think it'll set your team back with a disadvantage?"

Kitsune put her hands on her hips. "Naturally, I don't know what to expect, seeing as most of these fighters I've never witnessed in combat before, if at all, but I'd rather look on the upside before I try to plan out my fatal flaws. As for a lack of an alternate, we were unfortunate not to find one in time, but we'll manage. Only three are allowed to participate per round, so Umbriel, Matthew and I are all that are needed."

"You next," Kitsune said, pointing to a tall man with red hair.

"Is it true that you were previously accused of stealing private information in the Reikai's hall of records? Or is it just gossip?"

The vixen sighed. "All I can say is that what did happen is no one's business but mine and Koenma's, but a pardon has been issued. All charges have been erased," she answered.

"You," she picked a young man with flaxen hair and green eyes.

"Is it true that you've also just given birth to a litter? Our media source says nine pups were born, and that there were two fathers! Can you back this information? How do your lovers feel about you fighting in such a dangerous tournament as a new mother?"

Kitsune's black eyes widened for a moment, and then she calmed herself. "Yes, it is true, I did just give birth to nine. As for my relationships, that's my business alone. No comment."

"However, I will say that the children are in perfect health, and are being taken care of Koenma's highest esteemed child caretakers, and each of the children are being taken care of. I have five boys: Helios, Chronos, Eros, Troy, and Alexander; and four girls: Penelope, Alcyone, and two twin girls, Circe and Callisto."

Kitsune pointed to another female reporter in the crowd.

"Your ringblade is a unique weapon, as well as your style. Was the sendo no odori derived by yourself?" she asked.

Kitsune nodded. "Yes, I created the Sendo no Odori style to accomodate my rather large weapon to allow smoother refined movements. It enables movements of dance to enable elemental use, as well as a strong physical attack from my escudo-based weapon."

"There have been reports that you've also aspired to an affair with Kurama of team Urameshi, is that correct?" another reporter asked. "How will the opposition of team Shinimusha and team Urameshi affect your relationship?"

The vixen's black eyes narrowed irritably. "No comment."

Kitsune sighed, she was feeling a little tired. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get situated. I'll answer any further questions tommorrow."

As the crowd dispersed, Kitsune looked around the lobby, she noticed a few familiar faces. The entire team Urameshi was in the lobby, along with Matthew, the captain of her own team. Giving each of them a wave and a smile, she sat down on the couch, looking up at the ceiling as she let out a tired sigh.

A rookie, but she already had this much attention? She didn't know the tournament would be this big of a deal.

Leanne...over here...

Another voice then shouted, trying to get her attention.

So how do you feel about the Heaven or Hell Tournament?

What is it like to be in the HoH this year after your twin sister 'Lenne' was in it last year?

Is Lenne going to be around to cheer you on?

Is there a secret love?

Leanne at this point was abit speechless, she never expected all this and all these people. Too many questions and where were they getting all this info on her.

Leanne you were seen together with Nicholas, team captain of 'XD'. You seemed to get on very well and spent quite abit of time together recently, are you two together?

Why is your sister not taking part this year?

What has happened to your sister recently?

She was getting slightly pissed by this point, but would remain calm for now.

"I'll answer your questions, but please one at a time..."

Leanne would let out a low sigh and a small growl, oh well best to get it over with.....

"To your fist question- I am very happy to be in this years HoH after what my sister told me, so I really wanted to be in it this year.

To your second question- It feels good, I just hope I can make my sister proud after what she did last year.

Third question- Yes Lenne will be around at times to cheer the team on.

Forth question- There might be..."

Leanne paused for a moment, then skipped onto the next question.

"Fifth question- Yes me and Nicholas have spent some time together and yes we get on well, but as to us together or not that is mine and his buisness alone....

Sixth question- My sister is not taking part this year as she needed to sort some things out and plus wanted to rest some, also that is her own buiness so I will not go into it any further,

Seventh question- That is family buisness and such and will not be spoken about...."

Leanne what do you think of your team mates?

"My team are good fighters and we have fun....what more can I say. I am honered to fight beside everyone of them and glad that they are on the team."

Leanne had enough now, she wanted to go find her team mates. But just as she was about to speak again more and more questions were asked of her...

Leanne why are you not in team Lu Bu?

How do you feel if you have to fight Nicholas and his team?

Just before one more question could be asked Leanne would shout firmly to the reporters.

"NO MORE QUESTIONS...."

With that being said Leanne would push her way through the ground and walk off away from the hotel, she was going to find her team.