The scene opens out onto the outside athletic’s track of the HWA Academy. The sky is blue and cloudless, the morning sun beating down on the orange-tinted track, cutting across the well manicured green grass on either side of the course. (Hans): Guten morgen Matthew. (Red Dragon): Ohayō, tomo yo (Good morning, my friend) how long have you been here? I’m usually the early bird around here. (Hans): Dreißig minuten mein freund, more or less. He throws his hands wide. (Hans): I like my time to myself in the morning, everyone else is shy of the track first thing. The pair of them fall into step, walking towards where Hans has left his training bag, bottle of water half exposed in it and his top draped over one of the bleachers that run alongside the track. (Hans): What can I do for you mein freund? Red Dragon gives a small shrug of his shoulders. His face morphs into an expression of slight concern and he chews furtively on his bottom lip. (Red Dragon): I don’t suppose you have heard anything from Sean or Jeremy-Kun since Havoc? (Hans): Nein, not a peep. I've messaged, I've called and left a voicemail... nothing back... A small hesitation, Hans debating internally his next steps. He’d respected Michelle Learner’s requests to keep their training arrangement between them, but to ask after her, surely that wasn’t a breach? No, he decides, it wouldn’t be. (Hans): Have you heard from Michelle at all Matthew? Red Dragon shakes his head subtly. (Red Dragon): Iie (No) not a word. I’m not pushing it though. She needs to come forward on her own terms. I’m still concerned about Sean-Kun. No one has heard from him since he dropped in on Butch’s press conference. I’ve already had Stu-E Price contacting us asking if we’ve heard from him… (Hans): One of the better ones on the roster for that. Wouldn't have had that happen when we last graced the HWA outwith one or two others. Gut though. He exhales slowly, grabbing the water bottle from his bag and taking a deep swig from it. (Hans): Have we had a steer from Butch on this? He's hands off when it comes to you and the academy unless it interferes with bookings and such, but still… Again, Red Dragon gives a shake of his head as he brings a hand up, scratching the back of it. (Red Dragon): I’m leaving him to it. He knows my thoughts on it and I’m not going to press it any further. I know the show is weeks away but I would be very surprised to Sean-Kun even turn up. (Hans): Fair… jah… Nodding along, he takes another sip, quickly adding. (Hans): Though I’d feel more comfortable knowing where Sean is if he’s not aiming to be in the arena. We’ll have our hands full anyway without another angry Scotsman running wild. Red Dragon can’t help but let a light laugh escape from his nostrils at Hans’ last comment his demeanor still remains serious. (Red Dragon): I don’t even know what action Butch-San plans to take against Fallen, if any or if he’s allowing Michelle to make that decision. He inhales deeply through his nose. (Red Dragon): You make a good point though, Hans-San. Although I don’t know what we can do short of tranquillising him like a runaway rhino at the zoo… His tone dry, Hans responds, glancing towards his friend as he does so. (Hans): Would it be the worst thing to happen to anyone if we did? I’d argue it’s on the tamer scale of things. They share a knowing look between them, eyes twinkling. (Hans): Well, it’s a problem for another day mein freund. What are you in here so early for. You know why I’m in, what about you? Most students don’t show for another half hour or so. Red Dragon inclines his head in acknowledgment of Hans’ astuteness. (Red Dragon): You’re not the only one with a match coming up soon, my friend. I need to start getting myself match-ready sooner rather than later. (Hans): Come now, you mean you’ve not been already getting yourself ready? I don’t believe that for a second. Red Dragon raises his eyebrows accompanied by a wry smile. (Red Dragon): Well, technically I’ve been doing some stuff but it’s a bit difficult when you’re teaching all day. (Hans): I don’t think they will begrudge you taking the time to prepare yourself correctly. You’re doing this for them as much as yourself, jah? Another swig of the water passes his lips. (Hans): Do you think it’ll sit well with yourself if you look back and think you weren’t prepared? Do you think the trainees will look at you give them the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ and not just roll their eyes…? Leaning in, Hans thumps the top of the water bottle against Red Dragon’s arm. (Hans): And being completely selfish, I don’t want you at anything less than 100% for our match either mein freund. (Red Dragon): Our match… He lingers on Hans’ words after repeating them himself. (Red Dragon): Did you ever think we’d be saying that? (Hans): Nein. But then, I didn't expect to be walking down that ramp with my music playing on a HWA branded card ever again either. Life has a way of surprising you. He pats his friend on the back of his shoulder. (Hans): I'm glad we're getting to do this. (Red Dragon): You say that now…. Wait till we’re across the ring from each other… (Hans): Touché. But there's something very different when it comes to facing a hund like I will do this coming Havoc to facing a true ’maestro’ like yourself. One is a sense of duty, the other is... intoxicating... Red Dragon scoffs at the inference to Maniac. Red Dragon): Please do me a favour and shut that idiot up…for our all sakes. (Hans): I'll do my best mein freund. I get the feeling that either which way, he'll be like the proverbial cockroach and speak out before long... (Red Dragon): Part of me wishes I could shut him up myself but I’d hate to deprive you and Matt-Kun of that joy. (Hans): Hate. Such a strong word. Very unlike you Matthew. Debating internally for a few moments, Hans purses his lips, considering his options. (Hans): You know I'll need eyes in the back of my head for this match, jah? (Red Dragon): Speaking of which, Erica will be at ringside. I’m guessing you wouldn’t be opposed to having a little back-up yourself? (Hans): Not so much for myself... I'm thinking of Vanessa and Jason. Would you mind keeping an eye on them in case she decides to act up? (Red Dragon): Hell’s Guardian will have that covered. I will come to ringside to make sure there’s no funny business. (Hans): Danke Matthew. Now, allow me to repay you by letting you get some training in today. What class were you taking first? Red Dragon bows his head slightly in an acknowledging gesture towards Hans at his offer. (Red Dragon): Dōitashimashite, Hans. It’s the intermediate group, Draconis’ kids. (Hans): It’s the least I could do. How have they been so far, Draconis’ kids? Anything I should be focusing on with them? Red Dragon dismisses Hans’ question with a wave of his hand. (Red Dragon): Just make sure they stay on point. Kratos and Jesse are doing well but they’re prone to distraction trying to one-up each other. (Hans): So like half the others in the academy then at one point or another each day, right… A low chuckle escapes his lips. (Hans): Sure I can manage. He points at himself. (Hans): Well if I’m taking your class, I’d best look presentable. I’ll get to the showers. You… you mein freund go and spend some time on your preparation, jah. (Red Dragon): I appreciate it, tomodachi. My first class isn’t for half an hour so you have time. In the meantime I’ll try not to break your one-mile record. Looking at him with a sneering expression, Hans gestures at his friends legs. (Hans): On those excuses? Mein freund, bring mich nicht zum lachen. Cracking up, pretense dropping even as the words come from his mouth, Red Dragon swats him away. (Red Dragon): Don't make me take back what I said about you shutting Maniac up. (Hans): You wouldn't dare... The two grin like Cheshire cats at one another, clearly amused at the ribbing. Red Dragon glances back towards the HWA Academy before pointing back over at where Hans had left his bag and top. (Red Dragon): You don't need me to hold your hand for you, Hans-San, no? (Hans): Frech Matthew, frech... He starts to walk towards his bag, shouting back over his shoulder at Red Dragon. (Hans): Now don't let me catch you taking any classes today. Dismissively waving his hand at Hans but smiling nevertheless, Red Dragon begins the walk across the training field towards the academy building as the scene slowly fades out to black.
Pounding his way around the track is Hans von Richtoven, shirtless, drenched in sweat and very much pushing himself as he eats up the distance.
A few minutes pass, the only sounds are the distant rush hour traffic and the muffled tread of Hans’ feet fading in and out as he passes the camera.
Into view steps Matthew Kiriyama, better known to all as Red Dragon.
Red Dragon is kitted out in his usual training attire of black Adidas shorts with red trim down the sides and the HWA logo on the right leg, a matching t-shirt with the HWA logo again emblazoned on to the upper right hand corner and on the left hand side, his initials are stitched on along with the Japanese characters for “Sensei”. On the back, the words “Head Coach” are stenciled in white. Red Dragon has his arms folded across his chest, his face etched in its ever-present poker-faced expression. He inclines his head in acknowledgement of Hans as he sees him sprint round the track, causing the latter to raising his arm up in greeting. Red Dragon waits patiently by the side of the track as Hans finishes his loop, crossing the line and then slowing down to a halt across from his fellow coach.
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