Magpie: There you have it, folks! The final buzzer of the tournament!
Flamingo: What a spectacular event! Our final results are in!
Team Wolf: 1st Place
Team Owl: 2nd Place
Team Hawk: 3rd Place
Team Cheetah: 4th Place
Congratulations Team Wolf!
My heart stopped….
I made it just in time for the buzzer….
The crowd went wild.
Spectators erupted into howls. Colorful confetti popped off in the sky, and on the big screen afloat, our names flashed in bright neon lights. Cheers, shouts, and songs echoed throughout the stadium, bouncing off the walls and even shaking the very earth beneath our feet. Uncontainable energy surged through the coliseum as fans whooped and waved their team flags high, showing their appreciation for the spectacular event.
I was beyond myself as I tried to catch my breath….
All together, we were released from full immersion, lining up together in one spot. Bram had his eyes on me and me alone, and I could tell he was boiling under his skin. We’d stolen his win, and everyone who swore he’d defeat us were just as pissed off. I had no counter for him, besides a soft smile, because honestly, there was nothing in the world that could ruin my good mood right now. I was basking in the fact that Reina, Naomi, and I made it to the second top position for the entire tournament!
The magnificent Molly Melody swooped in with her hovercraft platform, inviting the two winning teams on it. Team Wolf to her left, and Team Owl to her right. She helped Reina up, taking her hand as she stepped on the platform before she whispered to the side, “You did amazing today, Reina!”
Reina looked up to Molly like she was some type of angel,lost in her crystal blue eyes.
Magpie: Molly Melody is now joining our winners on the hovercraft! This is truly a moment for the history books!
Flamingo: Indeed Magpie. All of these teams have shown an outstanding performance. To be part of this experience is truly magical!
The craft hummed beneath us, rising with a smooth motion to bring us to the center of the stadium. The crowd roared louder, the awesome noise sending shivers down my spine. Suddenly, the stadium lights hovered over to us, and the crowd’s volume began to taper off. The words GAME OVER glowed on the big screen, and Molly Melody began speaking into her microphone.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“Congratulations to Team Wolf and Team Owl for their unbelievable performances tonight! Let’s give our contestants a round of applause!”
The crowd amplified, and then went silent again to allow Molly to continue. “Before we move on to the awards, let’s have a chat with our champions. Team Wolf, you were the second team predicted to take it home today, with Team Hawk being the first. We saw you out there giving them an immodest beatdown! What plays do you think helped you score over them?”
She brought the microphone to Sal. “Unbreakable leadership,” Sal said, referring to himself. “You have to know when you jump in and when to step back. And Bram, he’s too high sprung. He didn’t know when to sit down, relax, and let his team handle it. He was full of himself, leaving his team out there to babysit while he played hero. But he’s forgetting that this is a team effort. We all have to do our part.”
“Words of a ferocious hunter!” Molly complimented, and then turned to me, the leader of Team Owl. “And Nero, the Airplane Angel!” She smiled. “You and your team had a lot of hoops to jump through this tournament! And every time, you came on top! This was no small feat! Being titled the underdogs in this competition, and yet here you are taking second place! That’s quite a statement. How does it feel?”
The crowd held their breath as I stepped forward, microphone in hand. “It... It’s unbelievable,” I stammered, my voice echoing throughout the stadium. “We worked so hard for this moment. We’re just... overwhelmed.”
“Anyone you want to thank?” Molly asked, her dazzling smile never wavering. I felt a lump forming in my throat. Looking around at my team, their faces shining with sweat and pride. “I want to thank Reina and Naomi, my team.” Reina smiled, her eyes glassy with tears as she folded her hands to her chest. And Naomi smirked, both of them proud of themselves for our accomplishment. I swallowed hard, and then looked out to the audience, giving them a shout-out, too. “Everyone... everyone who believed in us,” I started, my gaze falling on each of them. “My fans out there, thank you. Thank you for not doubting us!” They applauded. “And lastly, I want to thank my family for supporting me. I wouldn’t be here without their love. Thank you Mom. Thank you Sophie. You two are the best!”
“You’re jerking tears right out of my eyes, Nero!” Molly tweeted. “Such heartwarming words. Thank you for giving us a competition we’ll never forget! And now, we move onto the most thrilling part of the day: The Prize Presentation!”
As though on cue, a large opaque capsule slowly descended from above. Applause filled the vast arena once more as Molly continued, “This is more than just a trophy. It is proof of dedication, teamwork and an indomitable spirit. A symbol of your grit, your will to succeed and your ability to soar above the challenges laid in front of you. And, it is an embodiment of the countless hours spent training, strategizing and pushing your limits.” She pressed a button on the shell of the capsule and the top of it opened up. “As we continue this tradition, remember that it’s hunters like you who make our league so incredibly special. Each and every one of you define the spirit of this competition. It’s your victory today, Team Wolf! You’ve earned it!”
Molly turned around and pressed another button and the capsule split apart with a hiss of pressurized air, revealing within it a gleaming and radiant trophy of a platinum dragon’s hand holding an egg. “The dragon, king of predators! The arena is your throne! Let’s give it up one more time for the winners of this season’s Hunter Games!”
Along with everyone, I clapped for Sal, Belhem, and Jane. Reina and Naomi showed their sportsmanship too, Sal grabbing the trophy and reveling in the glory. He had the spotlight today, and we were all happy for him and his team.