[6 years before the Brevon Incident]
It's the morning of the monthly Red Scarves Martial Arts Exhibition Tournament, and most of the Scarves are either making their way to the arena to spectate, or in the locker rooms making final preparations. However, two of the Leaders have their concerns about an overly cocky new combatant, and are meeting privately to discuss whether she's really ready.
"I know she's a naturally talented fighter, but the training period is about a lot more than just combat skills," the bronze civet reminds. "Two months isn't long enough."
"I understand your concerns," the slate-grey pangolin responds, "but it's not a decision that would have been taken lightly. If the trainers think she's ready, then I see no reason to overrule them."
"From a talent point of view, I don't doubt her in the slightest," the civet reaffirms. "She's one of the most naturally talented fighters I've ever seen. But surely I'm not the only one to notice she's got a serious arrogant streak."
"She's young and inexperienced," the pangolin reminds. "No-one's ever won a tournament first time out. Once she's suffered a loss or two, she'll tame her arrogance."
"I don't know about that Tracy," the civet replies. "That sort of arrogance isn't easy to beat out of a person, especially one that can fight as instinctively as she does."
"Come off it Lillith!" Tracy chuckles. "I can remember, all those years ago, a cocky young civet with buckets of natural talent preparing for her first tourney. Whatever happened to her, I wonder?" she finishes with a wink.
"I don't know who you're talking about," Lillith bluffs, unable to hide a slight smile.
"I remember who defeated her too," Tracy continues, teasing more. "She was a… pangolin, I think. Slate-grey, talented, beautiful, great singing voice-" Tracy is halted by a cushion hitting her in the face.
"You've made your point," Lillith sighs in amusement. "And yes, I was rather cocky when I was younger, but I wasn't arrogant like Hanna Skarlett. The way she walks around here, you'd think she was the reigning AAMAC champion three years running."
"You never know," Tracy ventures, "one day she might be."
"Only if she tames her arrogance," Lillith comments.
"True," Tracy agrees.
The two leaders share a moment of silence.
"Well, I guess we'd better get over to the arena," Lillith decides, looking at her watch.
"You do know we're not obligated to watch, right?" Tracy reminds.
"I know," Lillith assures. "But you have to admit you're curious about how Hanna will perform."
"Obviously," Tracy confirms.
"So what are we waiting for?" Lillith asks.
"No idea," Tracy admits. "Let's go."