[center][h1] The Professor [/h1][/center]

Centuries pass, and some things never change. That was something a lone male amid the crowds mused, dressed in a trenchcoat and fedora, that hid his appearance from view. Legend that he was, wanderer that he was, he had learned it was best to hide one's appearance as best able, to avoid standing out. With his coat collar turned up, and hat pulled low, it was doubtful anyone would pay him a second glance. It worked in his favor, allowing the dragon to move between the crowds, until close enough to hear the newest information. His lips had curled into a frown at the news of the cancellation. So the rumors he'd heard could be true. It would take nothing short of a war to cancel this event, which concerned him. His timing was perfect as usual. Red eyes flickered around the crowds, reading the mood...most were angry or disappointed. There were probably a few who were afraid or relieved. The Professor mulled, considering the information again.

[i]"At least this gives me time to pick up something for my lair..."[/i] Truth be told, part of him was relieved that the tournament was cancelled. He didn't want to fight too much this time around, given the recent rumors. Keep his presence low, incase it became apparent that a hero was needed, and that it would require his aid. That said...there was that museum gift shop he'd passed on the way, yes, that would do. He turned around, making his way back through the crowd, passing right past the human Victor, eyes briefly flickering towards the rich man, before just as quickly flickering away. There was a King Tut's tomb DVD with the Professor's name on it, and a few astronaut food items. Perhaps he'd hit up the local library, read some of their texts. Perhaps even run into another inhuman like himself, that would make for some good story swaps. So of course, unless someone had the bright idea of challenging the trenchcoat clad Nomad, he'd not be stopped as he made his way elsewhere. Or if something happened. But now, time for the second player in the mix.


[center][h2]The Nameless Predator [/h2][/center]

Even robots need places to crash, and for the hunter who had made her way across the world in search of the bio-data the tournament would yield, that was a small cave she'd found while exploring the area around the upcoming tournament. Her systems let her listen in on chatter, and when news came over the radio of the cancellation...

[i]"OH FOR FUCKS SAKE!"[/i] An audible thud echoed through her makeshift lair, as the android punched the floor in anger, pissed off at the news. Fuming, she hauled herself to her feet, slamming a foot against the ground now, hopping mad. She'd dodged border patrols and customs officials in dozens of places, all for her time to be wasted?! How in the Goddess's graces was she supposed to earn her adulthood?! The tournament was a perfect window! She kept up the minor tantrum, soon completely trashing her hideout...not that hard given it was literally just her and the cave. But after enough time thrashing around and probably making anyone near by think a monster or earthquake was around, she collapsed onto her back, coughing a tad. Now that the anger had dwindled, she seriously began to consider the situation. Sure, the tournament was cancelled...but there were still hundreds, if not thousands of skilled fighters here. Besides! There had to be a reason for that tournament to get shut down. Perhaps...the Goddess had intervened, and made this her name trial? The thought made Nameless haul herself back to her feet, the young android grinning in excitement at the thought. She punched the fist of one hand into her palm, her grin widening even more. Even if it wasn't a trial, this was a perfect window! Find out the cause, and beat the shit out of anyone who gets in your way! Brilliant!

Of course, her fellow Rockroids would probably be facepalming at her actions, but that's a Brawler for you. All about the next fight. And without further ado, she quickly left her lair, and began heading through the terrain, making a bee line for where the big announcement had just come in, like an actual juggernaut. Hopefully no one got run over by the rapidly moving metal warrior.

Meanwhile...

[center]Orbit; Rock Imperium Rough Rider Transport [/center]

It was quiet, on the monitoring ship. So far, of the four Rockroids dropped onto the surface a year ago, only one, a Caster, had completed their trial, and that one was now hanging with the adults. For the ship's commander, a quiet, but stern Rider, green eyes gazed at data feeds, displaying global news, most of which was in response to the tournament cancellation. One screen marked the Brawler currently making their way along the surface. A Rock Soldier, clad in the standard black garments, stepped up, pale skin shining just a tad in the display lights, and silently exchanged a look with the Commander, before peeling away, walking back into the shadows. While they were the only Rough Riders around, that didn't prevent the possibility that other Imperium Factions were also in the area, but those ones at least were keeping a low profile. Otherwise, they barely gave any care to the cancelling, unless it impacted them or their mission, most events were ignored. That was how things went.

[i]//Hope this is good![/i]