Time to get FOCUSED (o2a)

[chloe]

~Chloe sits backstage in the halls of the arena. Perched on top of a storage crate, she sits with a pair of earplug headphones on, and her trusty Ipod in hand. Music was they way she psyched herself up for a before a match, and tonight would be the biggest match of her XWA career since taking on Ashley Diamond for the Diamond Title. SHe'd have to go through five other women to become the Pearl Champion, but she wasn't at all nervous. She was focused on getting things done, and getting back on the winning track. However, Chloe was soon joined by another XWA superstar. She pulls out and earplug and greets them~

Hey, what's up?

[van]

The newcomer, Van Hayden steps up. He gives Chloe a friendly nod before speaking up.

Chloe Lockheart, am I correct? I've seen you in action before. I've gotta say, you've got heart. That's for sure. I don't think there's many chicks in the biz as hardnosed as you. And it's funny since you don't exactly LOOK like one of those tough chicks.

Oh, and my name's Van. Van Hayden.

Van leans against the crate alongside her.

[chloe]

~Chloe smiles back. She recognized him from earlier on in the evening~

You're the guy who stepped up and answered that nutjob Jussi earlier. I took on his crazy chick at the last show. They're BOTH are a pair of whackos. But I guess you saw that first hand already. I've got bigger fish to fry tonight. The Pearl Championship. Hopefully I don't end up the first girl out. That would suck ROYALLY. That's why I got my Ipod here with me. A little Slipknot goes a long way to gettin' me in the mood to kick a little ass.

[jussi]

A hush would overtake the two as a chill in the air sets, Bone chilling at that. The awkward silence setting in as they look one another over, however that would not last long as one loud thud sounded behind Chloe ontop of the crate, nearly making her fall off the crate onto her head. However she remains where she is and quickly spins around to see the cold face of Jussi staring down on her.

"Chloe Lockheart.......a soul of greed, one that worries constantly of such useless things as title. A Shiny Belt is all you desire.......A soul, a Sacrifice."

His monotone voice nearly making the hairs on everyones necks stand up. ALl the while Chloe trying to show no hint of fear stands to her feet to look this man in the face while Van stared on from down below to be sure Jussi didn't do anything he may regret. Chloe now in his face glaring at him couldn't help but be a bit freaked out as his hand slowly moves upwards and his fingers glide across her face even slower. Though normally this wouldn't have been much but in the state of mind she found herself in, the littlest touch now seemed magnified tenfold. Jussi however seemed uninterested in what he was doing.

"Hmph, such a soft face for someone as yourself.......Just a shame you couldn't be more like myself or Ayume, But yet you remain ignorant to the truth and ignorant to the reality of things......."

His slowed voice hanging on to his words as his fingers continue to gradually glide across her cheeks, but not without being watched.

[chloe]

~Chloe swipes his hand from her with a rather peeved look on her face~

Hands off the merchandise you Cradle Of Filth reject. Show's how much you know. I could expect that a whacko like you wouldn't get the symbolism behind being a champion. Seeing as I doubt you'll ever be one. But I guess you'd actually need to WIN a few matches for that to happen now, wouldn't you?

The only IGNORANCE I see here is what spews out of YOUR mouth. Whatever you and garbage disposal of a girlfriend smoke, you need to lay off of it for a bit.

~Chloe scowls at the brash advances of Jussi. She waits to see what him or Van would next~

[jussi]

Jussi's eyes not shifting a bit, nor his face even changing the slightest. He couldn't help but seem a bit amused however.

"Hmph, Winning isn't everything darling. You'd do good to remember that, However for your sake we better hope Van was a sports guy."

Chloe stares back at this man puzzled but soon finds out what he meant as he takes one hand and barely gives her a slight shove, but that would be enough to throw her off balance and allow her to fall down and be caught by Van who looked Furious at Jussi.

" What a Shame.....I was hoping to hear your neck break......."

[chloe]

~Chloe stands tall. Never one to be out done, she responds~

Sorry,you'd never even get the satisfaction of that, pal. Ryan Fierhart was SO right in calling you an angry midget. You've got a serious napoleon complex, and you'd best be lucky I'm not a guy, or I'd put my foot up your ass. The next time you even lay a FINGER on me, damn breaking your neck, i'll rip that two inch noodle you call your JUNK off and force feed it to you.

[van]

Van opts to help Chloe, then looks over to Jussi.

I can add another one to the list now. Deaf, dumb AND spineless. Takes a real winner to shove a chick. Earlier tonight I tried to get a gauge on what kinda man you were. I've got my answer now. You're not a man. You're a gutless pussy who's gotta pick on people to make his own sorry ass existence mean something.

Van steps in front of Chloe, and now looks down at Jussi.

Let's see you try that against someone bigger then you, asshole.

[jussi]

His glare staying on her, he uneffected by such idle threats from this sniveling little girl. His remark would come quick.

"Ah yes ofcourse. I'm sure you will never have the pleasure of this either little girl. However I have had the pleasure of watching your despair. It will only come again as I stand tall in the ring and offer Van's body as a Sacrifice to the Reaper. Be careful Chloe, for if you get in the ring with Ayume again......it could be your last."

With that said he just stares down at her, leaving nothing but a broken tale. What could he mean by that? They would never know for as if right on timing, Down below in the basement of this arena. Ayume was laughing as she pulls a lever which shut down the electricity for the building, leaving everyone in darkness. However in no time flat they were back on, only to reveal Jussi was gone. However the eerie sound of Ayume's laugh erupted up the vents and into their ears as they sat in wonder.

[chloe]

~Unimpressed, or even concerned with the mention of Ayume, Chloe responds~

You tell you're thunder thighed, cheeseburger eatin', dumb as a stump bitch to bring it on ANYTIME, ANY PLACE, and I'll be happy to beat her ass for old times sake again, and again and AGAIN. You really think all your reaper talk phases people? All it does is make you look like an idiot. In which from where I'm standing doesn't exactly take much to do. So go on and tell lil' miss laughing girl to come on out from under her garbage can lid if she wants. She's got tha five knuckle special waitin' for her. And I DO hope she's saved some room from stuffing her fat fuckin' face from the Dollar Menu.

[van]

Van adds in his own reply after Chloe finishes.

All I see is a guy who's all show and no "go". You talk a real good one, little man. But talkin' it and DOING it is a different ballgame entirely.

Van looks at Chloe.

Iknow we've just met and all, but I'm gonna kick this chumps ass tonight just for you. I'm gonna show him that real men don't push around ladies.

He focuses back on Jussi.

I bet this lil' Chihuahua's bark is worse then his bite. Damn shame he's goin' up against a Doberman tonight.

[Morning Star]

In the shadows Morning Star stood and watched everything that just occurred. He thinks to himself.

’This Jussi character intrigues me. I believe that I may have to setup a meeting with him, Massacre, and myself.’

With that Morning Star slinks away into the darkness.

[chloe]

~Chloe giggles a bit from the Chihuahua joke made by Van before responding~

Don't kick his ass for me. Do it because he's a gutless asshat who needs a fist shoved down his throat. I don't you need much reason other then that actually.

[jussi]

From high up in the raptors now, Jussi couldn't help but stay amused at these people far far below screaming into the darkness at him. Knowing they couldn't possibly see him he would just make his way from gurder to gurder and further away from this scene as possible.

"No worries young Lockheart.......Ayumes coming.......and more fierce then ever."

He lets out a very slight chuckle as he soon disappears further via the buildings construction. Knowing that Chloe nor Van had heard him

[chloe]

~Shaking her head, Chloe looks at Van and speaks~

Welcome to XWA. TRUST me when I say they only get even weirder, pompous and even MORE arrogant then him. You'll love it here.

~Her words had a playful hint of sarcasm in them. She waits to hear his reaction~