The scene opens up onto Hans von Richtoven’s bedroom, several hours before ‘The Other Side’ is due to begin. Placed on the king-sized bed, is a small duffel bag, into which Hans is packing his wrestling attire and various other odds and ends. Besides it, freshly buffed and sparkling under the ceiling lights, is his All-Star title.

Realizing that the camera is present, Hans ceases his packing, and turns to face it.

(Hans): Forgive me Ronnie, but what you’ve been saying as of late has me slightly confused. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that English is my second language, and idioms and certain phrases still, from time to time, catch me out, but nevertheless…

He returns to packing, placing a can of deodorant into the duffel bag.

(Hans): You see Ronnie; I don't see how this hatred can go with this sudden announcement of respect. To me, they're incompatible with one another. Mutually exclusive. Perhaps this is an example of this TRUE HATE that you speak off though, where because it's a term used solely by yourself, it's able to fluctuate, and to back pedal over whatever it is you find yourself needing to do so over...? Take what's happened. You paint yourself as this individual with a burning desire to choke me half to death, as an individual who cannot bring himself to listen to what I have to say, as an individual who sees only negatives.

He finishes up packing, and begins to walk into the lounge area of the villa, his head tilted to the side somewhat, allowing the camera to still catch his voice.

(Hans): I laugh in your face, proverbially speaking of course, and out comes the 'I respect you' line, followed by ‘it’s not hate, I actually just don’t like you’. Please. Stop right there Ronnie.

He walks to one of the large leather recliners, and settles himself in, folding his left leg across his right, and placing the palms of his hands in his lap.

(Hans): A question for you though, if I may. You bring up that you still study tapes, train rigorously and hone your craft. Do you think that makes you any different from the rest of us? That it elevates you? I can only speak for myself, but in-between ‘pandering to the press’ and spending time with either Vanessa or my brother, I certainly do my own fair share of burning the midnight oil in that respect. As for breaking me down mentally? *Smirks* Well, if you say so Ronnie…

The smirk turns into a dry smile.

(Hans): As for your new title, the embellishments on it are a little gaudy for my tastes, but having watched the match earlier on in the day, you certainly did earn it. Believe me when I say though, that I’m not scared of what I saw. I don’t know the individual you fought personally, but I wouldn’t have any real trouble in replicating the result were I to have been in your place.

He leans forward, musing.

(Hans): Much like I’d be capable of doing so against Talon. Minus the ‘submission’ based ending to the match of course, a mere pinfall would suffice. That you feel I don’t have it in me doesn’t bother me in the slightest, but seeing as how you like to study matches, if this one does occur, I’ll be sure to set aside a space ringside so you can observe and eat your words well within view of myself. It’ll be history repeating itself of course, as you’ll be doing the same at ‘The Other Side’… believe that.

The scene fades to black.

OOC: Sorry for taking longer than usual to get a response up Ronnie, hard to work up a response to you in between getting something done for Heinrich and having to devote the weekend to 'the other half'... ;-) Pleasure r-p'ing against you though, and I hope you've got time for a response!