>>5354980“Thanks to each and every one of you, your belief in me that I could triumph over even the mighty and unstoppable Chaya.” you continue, suppressing your own sadistic grin. You did it. “It was only through our combi-“
“She might want Chilli to fix this, when she wakes up.” Caulifla says, landing back down beside her father and sister once more. You again try ignoring them, focusing on reciting your lines as Karn talks.
“Good thinking kiddo.” you say, reaching out with your right hand and ruffling her hair before returning it to your forehead. “Let's go home.”
Then they’re gone, leaving just you and the camera. Finally, you can give your victory speech in peace.
“It was only through our combined efforts that the mighty Champion Chaya, or should I say <span class="mu-i">former</span> Champion Chaya, was felled. Without each and every one of you supporting and encouraging me, I would not have had the resolve or the strength to push through, and come out of this clash of titans on top. My believers, your faith in me wasn’t misplaced. And as for those who didn’t believe, I hope that with my performance today, I have earned your faith. Together we’re going to keep reaching even higher, and with you all behind me I will never falter!”
Finishing your speech you give the camera a sweeping bow, raising up just as the announcer pod for Dallas and Juanita to descend down within arm’s reach of you.
“What an explosive ending to the most exciting season of Dreadzone yet!” he shouts into the mic, as loud and over-the-top as ever. “Tell us, how does it feel to be the new Champion of Dreadzone?”
“It almost doesn’t feel real, y’know?” you reply as he holds down the microphone towards you. “I’ve been working towards this goal for years, and to finally be here is almost surreal.”
“I’m sure it does.” Juanita, the much more intelligent machine answers sarcastically. “But what do you have to say to your critics, those who’re already calling foul on the fight or saying Chaya didn’t actually try her best?”
“D-Didn’t try her best?” you reply, trying your best to appear shocked. As if this interview wasn’t mostly pre-scripted. “If she wasn’t trying her best, I’d hate to see what else she could do. That first punch she landed broke my sternum, and the second one...well...”
You trail off, gestuing to the fist-sized hole in your uniform above your chest but below your right collar bone, then stepping and spinning slowly in a circle to show it pierced you all the way through before continuing your talk.
