LogFAQs > #927059013

(Backstage, same room as the gimmick's debut, but... different. TV screens in the back off for the most part, other than the one next to the 'throne', for lack of a better word, and various obscured figures moving various implements and furniture around the room. An intern interns the room with another camera-man, and he waves down one of the people, a slim but well-muscled tattooed man with long black hair.)

Intern: "Oi, I'm looking for the guy in the gas mask to ask a few questions about what happened on the show last night, have you seen him?"

Man: "You're looking for-" (The man nods and claps off to the right, ECHO, in more casual clothing but still wearing the gas mask, walks over, a little confused.)

ECHO: "Oi oi? I was setting up the new trainin' area, whatcha need Shinsi-" (ECHO then sees, and everyone watch can *feel* him frowning, even with the mask hiding his face.) "Ah, I see. Could you take over, it's half-way set up, but the striking pads that one of the Council bought has been giving me trouble. ...Keeps smacking me in the face."

Man: "Gotcha, will get right on it boss." *He laughs as the cyborg shoots him a look at the 'boss' comment and pats him on the head as he passes.*

ECHO: *Chuckling despite himself, looks back at the intern* "What's up? Things are a little busy right now, prepping for the Rumble, and for ambitions... past the Rumble."

Intern: *Clearly unphased by this point.* "Obviously. Just came to ask a few questions, then you can go back to whatever you're doing he-" The intern pauses. "...You said Council?"

ECHO: *Curses to themself, then nods* "Yeah, I figured since I'm... somehow.... a face now, that I needed a new group of people to watch after me, and to try to prevent something like what happened to my last body again. Called in some favors from elsewhere in the industry, and have a group of people to keep me focused and watch my back. Felt it was needed here, with how things have gone since this place opened. ...Especially considering what the B8BL's security let what happened to Bowser. *The gas mask clouds over for a moment.)

Intern: "But a *Council?*"

ECHO: "Hmm- oh, the name it-" *They nod.* "Group of nine people to help me train and stay in shape, make sure I don't over-exert myself or do anything exceptionally stupid, like almost cause an international incident. That fricking war criminal and his diplomatic immunity. They won't be coming to the ring to help, just staying backstage to try to help keep some order back here. ...And to keep me company. ...Honestly, it's a bit... lonely back here by myself."

Intern: "...Ah... Are you going to introduce them to...?"

ECHO: "They'll introduce themselves if they think it's necessary, don't worry."

Intern: *nods, then goes back to the questions he planned to ask.* "So, concerning what happened with Mrs. DuPree and her group last week..."

ECHO: "...What happened with- ooh, right, right, the brawl after the match with Bison. ....And Undertaker's urn. *They take a deep breath.* "That is part of the reason I'm training. *They grin, humorlessly.* "After I win the Rumble, I'm going after Mrs. DuPree for her disrespect to Mr. Taker. I know how strong she is, and how unpredictable she is. I need to be in peak condition for her. Her partners might be an issue, but if I can handle her, I can handle them. And besides, I have the Council to ask for advice now."

Intern: "And the Cueto and Panthera situation?"

ECHO: "I can multitask with him and Madame DuPree. He's still a menace that needs to be removed. ...And as to his offer to Panthera... If he's a coward and actually takes that offer, then I will remove it from his possession, and return it to it's proper owner." / (Brief continuation.)
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"Death is only the end if you assume the story is about you." Night Vale Radio