Making their way through the crowd, stopping occasionally to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans and well-wishers, are the two von Richtoven brothers, flanking Vanessa Lang on either shoulder.
As they make their way towards the exit of the concourse, a young child, clearly ecstatic to be in their presence runs up, followed by an apologetic mother. Brushing away her apologies, Hans kneels down beside the small boy, flashing a thumbs up at the camera, while Heinrich unzips the travel bag, taking out both the Spotlight, and his newly acquired All-Star belt, giving the latter to the kid; Hans having to help him hold it up, while the Spotlight goes over one of Heinrich’s shoulders; as they all pose together for a photo.
Exchanging pleasantries, and with Vanessa blowing a kiss at the small boy; whose cheeks immediately turn bright red, they resume their walk towards the exit, smiles plastered across their faces.
The smiles fade somewhat, as a veritable tide of reporters and cameras stalk towards them, but, they close ranks, and stand their ground.
(Dean Martin): Hans, Heinrich, Vanessa, everyone’s talking about the explosive end to “Blood, Sweat & Tears”. Tell us your thoughts on what happened?
Both brothers tilt their gaze towards Vanessa, Hans meanwhile making a ‘on you go’ gesture with his hand at his fiancée.
(Heinrich): Ladies first.
Vanessa is looking away as the question brings tears to her eyes.
(Vanessa): My heart is broken to be honest. I'm glad that Hans and Heinrich are okay, they can take a bad night like this in relative stride but for Ally and Logan..... I..... It just breaks my heart. It wasn't but several years back when I lost a child to a similar incident of betrayal. I know what Ally is going through but to see them go through it is hard. Talon and Senester will pay for what they've done. A little light in the world didn't even get to shine because of them.
Hans wraps his right arm around her waist, and gives her a comforting squeeze, as Heinrich merely nods, lips drawn taut as his eyes go distant. He gives a wave of his hand to pass over the question.
(Hans): As Vanessa said, it’s… shocking… no other words come to mind.
(Holly Pearson): Any words you’d like to say towards Talon?
(Hans): What’s the use? He’s not going to realize he’s burned his bridges down to their very ashes until it’s far too late.
(Holly Pearson): Heinrich?
(Heinrich): I’ll pass thanks; got better things to do with my time.
(Vanessa): I do!
Vanessa clears her throat
(Vanessa): You know you came to the HWA as nothing more than an invader, and when you found yourself out of a job you endeared yourself to the HWA fans and got signed on. All this time you've really been about nothing but yourself, we were all just to blind to see it. Senester knew all along, he wouldn't have wasted his time on you otherwise, that's our fault for being ignorant. But you hurt people Talon; your family, your friends, an innocent life. It may not be today while you’re up there riding on cloud nine, but one day you'll answer for that and God help you when you do. You won't fool us again, none of us.
With that, she settles back, returning Hans concerned look with a reassuring one of her own.
(Troy Dennings): Heinrich, moving on. Congratulations on unifying the Spotlight and All-Star divisions. How’s it feel?
(Heinrich): How do you think it feels?
He defuses any potential tension immediately with a smile, before carrying on.
(Heinrich): It feels amazing. I’ve never once in my life unified two belts, much less in such well established federation like the HWA, so I’m very much on a cloud nine of my own at the moment.
(Troy Dennings): Any words for your opponent; Eddie Phoenix?
(Heinrich): Commiserations. I got a chance to view the tapes on the way to the airport; saw what was happening to him… I didn’t have a clue at the time, seemed it was happening when I was well and truly on the backfoot, which was a spot of good luck for myself if I’m honest. I thought it was down to the toll the match was taking on our bodies more than anything else…
(Troy Dennings): Do you think you’d have won if he hadn’t suffered those debilitating moments Heinrich?
(Heinrich): I’d really rather not get into that ‘what if’ territory. I’m standing here in front of you with both my Spotlight, and my new All-Star belts. That’s what counts. But to answer your question, yes, I do think I’d have won in the end anyway. If I didn’t, then what would be the point in me getting in the ring in the first place?
A small sigh escapes from him, as he concedes a point.
(Heinrich): It’s not exactly how I’d have wanted to win it in the end admittedly, so I’m extending a rematch opportunity for him when he’s good and ready for it. There’ll be no ‘what ifs’ after that.
(Holly Pearson): What do you feel about your brother’s victory Hans?
(Hans): I’m so proud of him, really, I am. He’s had some tough times in the HWA in past months, but you give him a chance to shine, and look at what he’s accomplished!
(Holly Pearson): You’ve always been the ‘main draw’ out of the two of you Hans, worried that that’ll now change?
(Hans): Nope…
He flashes his brother a grin.
(Hans): … I’m not worried at all.
Glancing once more at his brother, he catches him rolling his eyes and laughs.
(Hans): In all seriousness though, let him be the ‘main draw’ if it matters to people. He’s earned it. Who am I to take away from his achievements these past few months? I couldn’t be happier for him.
(Holly Pearson): Tempted to go after the All-Star, since Ronnie McNeil seems to have ruled you out of challenging for the World title while he still holds it?
(Hans): Correction, he had nothing to do with me being ruled out, it was my decision alone. Not that it ultimately matters though, management have the final say in any case. But no, I’m not tempted to go after the All-Star belt… yet…
Butting in, Heinrich cuts across his brother.
(Heinrich): Which really means ‘never’…
The pair smirk at one another, playing along to one another’s tune.
(Sam Ryan): Vanessa, you kept it quiet at the PPV, but now that its common knowledge, congratulations on your engagement. Has it been a long time coming? How’d Jason take it? Your parents must be thrilled!
(Vanessa): The night was really about the PPV, and we had planned to make a more public announcement when the time was right, but thank you... I couldn't be more thrilled and excited. I was very much surprised by Hans who always makes me feel very special. Jason has demanded to organize the bacherolette party... I think he's thrilled.... but before he goes getting 20 strippers he'll have to run the do-s and don't by Hans. My parents on the other hand.... My dad from what I now understand knew for weeks, ever since Hans and I visited in the summer. He's spent all last night trying to reason with my mom. I actually haven't talked to her just yet… dad just says give her a few days. He only told her the night because he thought the ring would show on TV, and she'd be shocked… so she's still processing it. Other than that I'm the happiest woman on the planet right now!
Once more, Hans gives her an affectionate squeeze at the waist, blissfully happy.
The clamour rises from the various other reporters, but he soon raises up his hands, and begins to walk forwards to emphasis his words.
(Hans): Look people, thank you, but we really must be going now. You’ll have plenty of time to interview us before the next event.
With that, they push past the reporters and cameras, Hans and Heinrich clearing a way for Vanessa to follow in their wake, as the scene fades out to black.
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