Jaquan walked to the mirrored locker-room door admiring the suit Liana chosen for him. He liked clothes, but the clothing that Catlin made and enchanted was much better than he could ever buy. She had made a black silk tie, a red dress shirt, and black dress pants with red cloth on the outer half of the left leg.
The suit coat was mostly black as well. It was designed to match the red patch covering his left eye that trailed around to the back of his neck. Just as his red skin would touch the suit, red cloth replaced the black. It covered his left sleeve and a portion of the back, curving towards his left side at the bottom.
Interesting enough but when he put the suit on, the red portions of all his dress clothes turned reddish grey and sprouted glowing red cracks. It kept changing until it looked exactly like coals on a burning log. These “coals” were harmless, of course, but Catlin seemed to outdo herself more and more these days. He was wearing coals. It was amazing. This would light up the dance floor perfectly and let everyone know who the guest of honor was.
By the time he was ready to leave, even more reporters seemed to have gathered around the door. He could hear them. He also heard the cameras clicking and wondered why they needed pictures of a locker-room door. He would have to remember ask photographers later.
As soon as he opened the door reporters bombarded him. They made sure to say a minimal introduction as though it meant something. Then the question started. He pushed through using only his legs and chest, walking calmly and briskly as they swarmed him. He could have used a simple move to push them all away but he chose to contain himself for now.
The nearest reporter to his right muttered the first question he could understand. “It seemed like you were in trouble for the first portion of the fight. How did you turn it around?” He was barely keeping up having to push against the other reporters to finish his questions.
“With machines, you gotta be patient,” Jaquan answered without slowing his pace or turning completely, “They got really good burst damage so you outlast them. As fights get longer, sustained damage gets weak.”
The previous reporter’s microphone was long since out of range. By this time, another reporter managed to say a question. “What were you thinking when the blaster bolt hit your leg?”
“It hurts when you’re hit. Always does,” Jaquan said honestly, “Noobs panic and fall apart under pressure. Champions,” Jaquan said pointing to himself with his left hand, “Find ways to make things work out. I got tactics from my Talent Sets. They worked out pretty good.”
“How did you prepare for this fight,” spouted another reporter from behind him.
“One of my crew uses machines like Generosa Eh’s. We started practicing really hard once I chose her as the challenger. I was ready.”
One of the reporters started to mutter a question but was too close to Jaquan. The reporter had to press against Jaquan to talk but Jaquan didn’t stop walking. To late the reporter realized his mistake and was knocked over and walked on, without a thought from Jaquan. As he reached the reporters chest he looked above the reporters and saw the night club portion of the hotel. That is where his party will be.
“Orien Chuan says that he should have been next in line for the championship but you chose Generosa Eh because you were afraid to fight him. What is your response?”
At that, Jaquan stopped to give a response. “I’m not scared of nobody,” Jaquan said, stung by the question, “I’m the best! I‘ve proved it time and time again! I will be the best until someone can take the championship,” Jaquan spoke clear and purposefully, “I’ve opened challengers to anyone that wants the shot! They all lined up and I’ve beaten ‘em.”
The reporter looked smug, happy that she found something that could stop The World Champion. She continued, “Then, why is it that you chose Generosa Eh over Orien Chuan, a man that has the greatest chances to take your championship?”
Jaquan read her expression and saw that he had been trapped. He decided to finish the answer anyway. “I’m in it for the gold. Cars, clothes, and class, you think that’s free? Generosa Eh paid the bill and got her shot. All Orien got is talk and cheap tricks. Next time we fight, I’ll be ready for his cheese. I’ll beat him worse than last time.”
At that, Jaquan started walking towards the club again, put on a stone face, and stopped answering questions. The reporters eventually figured out that the interview was over as they could not enter the club without an invitation while it was reserved. They dispersed by the time he reached the club.