CHAPTER 072: Isolation room networking...

The semifinalists, their managers and coaches all teleported into an old school gymnasium. At least, that is what is looked like at first; but the metal sheeting over the windows, and the total lack of cellphone reception, suggested this place served a more important function.

"Ahem!"

Everyone turned to see Drill Sergeant Drill-bit standing on stage. Beside him, a large CRT TV was mounted atop a rolling cart.

Several people shouted atop each other, all roughly saying something along the lines of

"What's the big idea!?!"

"Yeah, I was in the middle of something," Prom Queen added, a brush in one hand and a can of hair spray in the other.

"Please, hold your questions until after the video," Drill-bit ordered while holding up a Betamax tape. He turned on the television, and inserted the tape in its player below.

A jingle, probably uncool the day after it was created, played. A title in edgy 90s font appeared, reading,

"[So, you're a Semi-finalist?]"

WHOOSH!

The title went picture-in-picture, zooming around the screen like a fly. A hand swatted it, and the camera pulled back to reveal its owner.

"Hello, freshman fighters! It's America's favorite hero, Cowboy slim, here!"

"Who," the freshman fighters asked, collectively.

"Didn't he die of lung cancer," one of the older managers asked.

"Oh yeah, that was what? 20 years ago?"

"Quiet! Watch the video!"

Back on the screen, Cowboy slim had changed locations to the very gymnasium everyone now stood in. It looked much more state of the art in the video, however.

"You may find yourself asking, 'what is this marvelous place?'"

"I think I just saw a rat," one of the fighters said. It got laughs, and garnered a glare from Drill-bit.

"Well, have no fear! This is simply to get you used to the life of a hero. You all may be competitors now but, as semi-finalists of the Freshman 15 tournament, you are also the next generation's guiding lights! So take this time in-between your matches to network, and never forget our acronym: HERO!"

"It's almost over, right?"

"Ha! This is a two part video," Drill-bit snickered in response, while holding up the second tape.

"NOOOOOO!"

40 MINUTES LATER...

The TV, having done its duty, died an ignoble death. As it powered down, Drill-bit turned to his half-asleep audience.

"Okay, any questions? No? Good! Remember not to cause trouble, nor fight before your assigned match. I'll be watching, understand!?!"

"Yes, Drill-Sergeant!"

"Okay, now get out of here. You'll find your assigned dorm in the hall outside, so get to bed!"

He walked off, dreaming of the lovely nap he'll soon be taking in the SOC room. The other fighters each did their own thing, at this point.

Prom Queen, for example, ran into the hall.

"Don't worry, babies! We'll get this nest fixed up in a jiffy," she said in a soothing tone while working her hair with the back comb.

"So, are you ready to talk contracts," Running back asked from behind the two Nigerians.

"How did you get here," Amobi asked, shocked.

"Oh, I added him. How else were we supposed to meet up later," Cyber Dambe said.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I did! You may have been busy with surgery at the time, but I totally told you!"

"Fine! But I still have theories to test, so let's talk over the operating table."

The three then left the gymnasium.

"That's a lovely horse you got there," Red Cap said before having to stop due to drooling.

"Uh, yeah. Are you okay?"

"Fine, fine! So what's his name?"

"Oh, Steve?"

"I was asking the unicorn!"

In another corner, Mistress Stunlock complained aloud.

"Ugh, this place smells like feet."

"I wonder if we got adjacent rooms," La Tejóna wistfully said.

Meanwhile, Li Bao approached Logan.

"Happy Rabbit, was it?"

"That's my hero name, at least. Did you enjoy the costume change I suggested?"

"Ha! It was embarrassing, for sure! Do you have a lot of experience in punishment games?"

"You could say..."

"Are you alright? You are drooling."

"Huh? Oh, so I am..."

Logan's eyes began scanning the room, ignoring Li Bao completely. Across the room, Pioneer was similarly experiencing salivation problems.

"Brother, is it that thing?"

Their eyes locked on one another at the same time, and both had the same thought:

"Shit, not now..."

"It would appear so," Pioneer said, wiping the drool on his sleeve.

"Got to go," Logan said as he walked away from Li Bao. He crossed the room, to appear in front of Pioneer, and the two shook hands.

"Pleasure to meet you, my name is Oscar."

"Logan, likewise... So, how shall we do this?"

"I've got too many eyes on me."

"Same, but we have to decide something. Eventually, we will meet in the ring."

"Neither of us has issued the challenge, yet. Why not have one of us forfeit, and we can arrange a duel after the competition."

"Ha! Are you going to be the one to give up an auction item?"

"You don't think choosing the time and place is a fair trade-off?"

Logan looked at the tournament brackets posted on one of the gymnasium walls.

"According to this, we won't meet till the finals. Why not use that as a plan B, in case we think of something better in the meantime?"

"Fine by me. How should we act in-between, though?"

"Hm... I could make fun of your sister. You know, give us an excuse not to interact."

"Fine, but don't actually make fun of her. Just whisper under your breath, or something."

Five minutes later, they had shoved each other out of the gymnasium.

"Don't let me catch you talking about my sister again, creep!"

"Ha! Just wait till I see you in the finals, mister perfect!"

They stomped off in opposite directions, secretly pleased in the show they put on for the cameras. As they walked to their room, Penelope couldn't help but worry.

"Brother, are you sure you can take him?"

"I have to, don't I? I'm not leaving you alone..."