You know that sound that you hear in old movies when a bomb's being dropped, or in old cartoons when a character falls from a really high place to their imminent doom? Yeah, that whistle. That was the whistle that could clearly be heard outside of the Firebrand as a hulking shadow swept over the sandy beach. Anyone who dared look up, fighters, spectators, and media alike, would all see a ever-growing speck in the sky that seemed to be the cause of all the sound.
Reporters everywhere were temporarily swayed from covering the fight, instead covering what appeared to be a man plummeting towards the ground.
"... seem to have caught sight of some rogue, possibly insane man that has jumped off the back of... a dragon?! James, are you getting this? Wait a second, it's... no, wait... ladies and gentlemen, I think we're catching sight of...."
Rage.
It was the only thing on his mind as he tumbled haphazardly through the air, seeming to drift lazily in and out of realizing how incredibly dumb this was. Or maybe, just maybe, he had said something to piss off his mode of transport and wasn't trying terribly hard to stay on. It was hard to tell when one was falling at terminal velocity towards the Barton / Gambino ocean.
"... towards the water at incredible speed. Whoever this man is, he's clearly not of the right mind. He's only seconds away from impact with the water, I don't see how he could possibly..."
SPLOOSH.
About fifty yards away from shore, a massive cloud of steam erupted, where there should have been a splash. A mid-sized wave rippled towards the shore, before drawing back a light layer of sand with it. A few bubbles pierced the otherwise calm of the water. Then a few more, and a few more after that, then....
"Ackpth. I hate sea water."
It was too bad Vahn wasn't around. The name "Seaweed-head" would have worked wonders right now as a green (yet surprisingly dry) mop rose from the depths. Cue cheesy sound effects and monster music. Steam rose from the man's body, battered bomber jacket and all, as he made his final few steps from the water and into the sunlight.
And about seven microphones.
"Rage, what's your opinion on your second-place victory last year?"
"Where's Sakura? The fans want to see her!"
"What's your shoe size?"
"Is it true that you'll be reprising your role as lead voice actor for Rage in Rage V?"
"Where's Poley? We came to see Poley!"
Shove, push, push, shove... it was impossible to get through all these people. A wave of steam erupted from his body as a result, and the resulting heat coming off his body was enough to keep most people away, save for the rogue demon who happened to like it hot. Who would also get a threatening glare in the process.
He made his way up the sandy shore towards the Firebrand, stepping lightly onto the porch, and finally through the door that some jackass had conveniently kicked open earlier. A short look around. Drinking contest, half-naked girl, people shooting they damn mouths off.
None of that really mattered to him right now. "Watts."
One of the dwarfen staff trying to keep things in line waddled up to Rage's feet. Bad idea, as he was quickly picked up by the scruff of his beard and held a few inches away from the man's face. "WHERE THE HELL IS WATTS?!" The dwarf took a moment to open his eyes, making sure that there wasn't going to be anything else yelled at him.
"He... left. Said he knew you were coming... thought you might want to watch the fight... don't hurt me...."
He landed on the ground with a thump, but otherwise was unhurt. Rage, realizing that he was forced to be part of the sidelines and not part of the fight (a strange feeling for him), took a seat at the closest place he could that was still considered a spectator area. "So help me Gaia's various gods if one of you BONEHEADS busts up my place, I'm gonna break my foot off in your asses."
How many feet did this guy have?