The scene opens out onto a plain sidewalk in the Brisbane outskirts. It’s early morning, and the sun’s rays are beating down mercilessly. The camera pans upwards, to see Hans von Richtoven, clad in full jogging regalia come into view. White shorts, a red sleeveless t-shirt, white Adidas running shoes, a pair of Ray Ban aviators covering his eyes while strapped to a small pocket on his waist is his iPhone, earphone jack attached; the corresponding ends embedded in his ears.

The camera begins to follow the All-Star champion as he makes his way down the sidewalk, detouring at points to take him further into the outskirts of Brisbane, eventually bringing parkland into view on one side of the path.

Hans’ attention is taken from the route he’s running however, as a small buzzing sound comes from his phone. Whipping out his earphones and stuffing them in the small pocket, he takes a look at the caller ID, before accepting it with a touch, and raising it to his ears.

(Hans): Mark!

The sound of Mark Spencer's voice can be heard clearly emanating from the iPhone.

(Mark): Hans old buddy! This a bad time?

(Hans): No, as good a time as ever.

(Mark): You sure, there's a lot of noise in the background.

(Hans): That's because I'm out jogging.

Several cars make their way past Hans at speed.

(Mark): In the middle of a freeway by the sound of it…

Hans laughs, as he slows down to a walk. With a quick glance to his rear to ensure he wouldn't cross anyone's path, he angles to his right, and down the grass bank and into the thin line of trees and parkland that follow the stream on its course through the outskirts.

(Hans): That better for you?

(Mark): Much.

(Hans): How was the flight home then?

(Mark): Relatively painless, saw more than a few folk still being affected by that damn volcano on my way out, but San Francisco, for all of it's own problems, ain't really had too much to worry about.

(Hans): Wife and kids?

(Mark): Ha! They had the time of their lives while I was away. I've only been back a few hours and I'm already being made to feel guilty for bringing an end to it all.

Mark's laughter filters down through the line, bringing a smile to Hans' face.

(Hans): Good to be back though?

(Mark): Oh yeah, definitely. I can't believe you've not gone home once during this tour.

(Hans): I've got family over here though Mark, Heinrich and Vanessa, no kids and I flew the nest long ago, so a month or so in Australia holds no fears for me.

(Mark): Stop it, you're making me jealous. *Laughs* How's your brother coming along anyway? Still popping those pills?

It's Hans' turn to laugh, as he continues his walk between the rows of trees.

(Hans): He's managed to either bin three of the prescriptions, or get the doctor to agree taking them is pointless, I'm not sure which. But he's on the final doses for one of them still. Another day or two and he'll be off them.

(Mark): Back in training?

(Hans): Yeah, we did a bit of light sparring earlier on. Provided he doesn't take any blows to the head he's able to keep up with me.

(Mark): Grade one, that's what, a week before the doctors are satisfied that recovery's complete?

(Hans): That sounds about right.

Hans' tone leaves it obvious that he's obviously still concerned over his brother's injury. Sympathetically, Mark responds.

(Mark): Think he'll be ok to face Logan?

(Hans): He should be. There's no danger of him being hesitant and unwilling to commit. And besides, Logan's not the underhanded type. Heinrich will be in for a fight…

Mark cuts across him.

(Mark): But it'll be a fair fight.

A grin tugs at the corner of Hans' mouth, unfazed by the interruption.

(Hans): Exactly.

(Mark): What about yourself then bro? Ronnie McNeil, one on one, you ready to get him back for all the attacks and bullsh*t he’s spewed recently?

Hans comes to a slow halt under the shade of a palm tree, leaning against it with his free hand. He glances round to take in his surroundings as he responds.

(Hans): I do hope that was rhetorical Mark.

(Mark): *Chuckles* Yeah man, of course. But he’s coming off a good win against Logan.

(Hans): And I’ve come off a good win against Senester only a fortnight or so ago, and retained my title against both him and Buff before that.

(Mark): Heh, point taken my friend.

Hans resumes walking at a slow pace, happy to take in the suns rays as he passes underneath the various palm trees in his path.

(Hans): Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure it’ll be a challenge. Frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m sure he’ll try to belittle my achievements, all the while glossing over his recent failings, incorrect statements and petty actions in the meantime, but it’s child’s play to me. In-ring I have one of the best ratio’s in the entire HWA. I have that for a reason, I’m good. I’m very good. I’m the best All-Star champion the HWA has ever had. Whoever topples me has some mighty big shoes to fill.

He pauses for a brief moment, allowing Mark to speak up.

(Mark): As modest as ever I see…

Laughter once more filters down the line, Hans joining in.

(Hans): Well, when you’re regarded by various peers as being the best, why not announce it once in a while.

(Mark): Speaking of your peers, it’s quite a card that Talon’s put together.

Hans runs his free hand through his hair as he responds.

(Hans): Yeah, you’re right there. Given himself the best opportunity to get back into the limelight too.

(Mark): Yeah, Eddie and AC. Two matches in the same night again for that boy, he’ll be hurting at the end, that’s for sure. Hell, probably even before actually.

(Hans): I’d imagine that’s what he’s counting on. Talon can take Eddie, anytime, anyplace. But AC, he’s the one it all hinges on. I quite fancy the Sons of Anarchy to take their tag titles from them as it is, so that could really sour any game plan for the World title that they had together.

(Mark): I’m not so sure Talon can take Eddie man. He’s been AWOL for weeks at a time now. Something’s obviously up. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be all for your side if he’d been showing face, but he’s not, for whatever reason. I think his personal life’s gotten the better off him again.

Hans glances up at the clear blue skies.

(Hans): Since it’s such a nice day, and I’d hate to ruin it by arguing, let’s agree to disagree. Deal?

(Mark): Deal.

The pair of them laugh quietly.

(Mark): Any plans for this evening then Hans?

(Hans): Well if Vanessa finishes up her promotional work with Jason, I’ll see if we can’t do dinner together. There’s a nice Thai restaurant that Robert Herrington’s been raving about.

(Mark): Well speaking of food…

His voice cuts off as a few yells and screams cut through the speaker; his two young kids entering the room. The sound of Mark begging them to be quiet is barely audible. After several torturous seconds, Marks voice, somewhat rattled comes back on.

(Mark): Well listen Hans, when you're back from Oz, you, Heinrich and the lady friend are more than welcome round here. We'll get the barbecue out, crack open a few beers and talk about manly things, while Vanessa can go out and pamper herself with the wife.

(Hans): Sounds good to me Mark.

The sound of yelling children in the background grows ever louder.

(Hans): I'll let you get going now though, all the best!

(Mark): Catch you bro!

Hans lowers the iPhone from his ear as Mark disconnects the call. Shaking his head in amusement, he unravels his headphones from his pocket, before connecting it to the iPhone, and then sliding the earphones into place. Thumbing the option to resume his music, he takes another look around, taking in the pleasant surroundings, sliding his iPhone back into it's clasp on his waist as he does so.

Taking a deep breath, he resumes his run, now making his way down the path, instead of the sidewalk, as the scene fades to black.