(A few days after the previous chapter)
A video is playing. Akamai presents herself to the audience.
“Hey everyone, your favorite developer is back with huge news! So, you had better sit back for this one! So, remember back when I announced the upcoming patch and mentioned how I have several groups of developers working on different projects around the clock? Well, do we have good news for you! Thanks to their constant hard work, and dedication to providing our players with a stream of content updates, we are proud to present the return of a fan favorite mode... 2-V-2! That’s right, you and a friend can team up against other players, or if you’re solo you can easily create a team with someone else. Whatever suits your playstyle best! Long time players of VBL will remember when this mode was held for our second anniversary event! It was such a smash hit that I knew we had to bring it back as regularly available content! We are sorry that it took so long! On top of that, we’ll be bringing in four more VBL pods, which are open to public use for the first time. Which means no more having to rent a training room just to play VBL. We plan to roll out more of these at an upcoming date. Everyone on the VBL production team is highly ambitious, but we are driven by a commitment to quality over quantity. While it may have taken some time, you can be sure your experience will be both enjoyable and stable. So, for all of us here, have fun and battle on! This update is going live as soon as this video is posted to the official website! See you later!”
We pull back to reveal Nora is watching this video in class, with earbuds on. Hiding her phone under her textbook. That is until the final bell rings, ending school today.
Nora’s inner thoughts: Yes!
Nora quickly packs her bag and sprints out of her school. When she gets to the front yard, she notices that she doesn’t see Faith anywhere. She immediately texts her friend. The text reads “Hey, did you head home already?” After about 30 seconds she receives a text from Faith that reads “Yeah, sorry. I had a family emergency. I’ll see you tomorrow though.” Nora is slightly saddened by realizing she couldn’t spend time together with her friend, but the excitement of the latest announcement carries Nora through it. She continues to run through the front yard of her school, going her usual route toward the VBL HQ.
**
When Nora finally reaches the block of the VBL building, she stops to catch her breath.
Nora’s inner thoughts: I’m so stoked! Who would’ve thought VBL would bring back 2v2?! Since I wasn’t around for the first one, I’m definitely going to play it this time! Who should I challenge first? Should I just challenge someone random or purposely look for a powerful opponent? Hang on, if I saw that announcement, there’s no doubt in my mind that Javier saw it too. We could make an effective team and dominate whoever we’re up against!
Nora rests against the outer wall of the VBL building. Texting Javier. She receives a quick reply from Javier that says 'I have to manage some responsibilities at the gym today' but I got you tomorrow!” Which causes Nora to lower her phone in saddened defeat.
Nora inner thoughts: Damn. Everyone is doing something today. This sucks. Well, looks like I’ll be forced to team up with some stranger.
Nora walks into the nicely air-conditioned building and towards the monitors. Her eye(‘s) graze over each monitor of currently streamed matches. That is, until she spots a familiar face, Eduardo locked in another match with a nameless opponent.
Nora inner thoughts: Wait a minute? Is that Eduardo Nunez? The pro gamer that just signed to the Counter X company. What’s he doing here? Shouldn’t he be training for the next Block Fighter tournament next month?! How can he find the time to play VBL, while not only being a top competitor, but entertaining a large stream regularly too?
Nora takes a second to look around the building for any more top-level pro players. But no one really stands out.
Nora inner thoughts: I don’t see another pro gamer here. So, he’s by himself? Crazy to think, but he might just be another fan of VBL. I knew the game has been gaining traction thanks to growing viewership and the high prize pool but to be getting a name like Eduardo this fast is crazy. I wonder who else I’ll see.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Back on the monitors Eduardo’s match is over. He stands victorious in the middle of the central square level until the stream ends.
**
Eduardo is walking out of one of the training rooms while checking his phone. He barely makes it to the lobby before Nora intercepts him. He almost jumps out of his skin.
“Nunez?” Nora investigates.
“Ughh, not another one.” Eduardo says while getting prepared to run but Nora stops him.
“No, I don’t want an autograph or anything. I don’t want to blow your cover either.” Nora reassures him.
“You say that, but you just yelled my name.”
“I only used your last name.” Nora points out.
Eduardo takes a second to think about it, figuring that Nora had a point. As he looked around to see a few eyes on him but no one else was running over. He lets out a sigh of relief.
“Um, okay. So, what’s on your mind?” Eduardo asks.
“Two things. First, are you transferring to VBL?” Nora asks bluntly.
“Whoa straight to the point. The answer is no. It’s a cool game, but I have sponsorship obligations. Plus, a big Block Fighter tournament coming up soon.” Eduardo explains.
“That’s exactly what I thought. I was taken back to see you here in the first place though.” Nora says.
“So, what’s the second question?” Eduardo asks.
“You don’t remember me, do you?” Nora sternly asks.
The sudden sternness in her voice takes Eduardo off guard.
Eduardo inner thoughts: Whoa, her whole demeanor has changed.
“Umm, sorry. Can’t say I do.” Eduardo admits.
“It was last year. At the last Block fighter championship. In the Semifinals, you knocked out at girl named Nora.”
“I get it. That girl is you, so what does that have to do with here and now?” Eduardo asks.
“Simple.”
Nora lifts her arm, pointing directly at Eduardo with her index finger and her thumb pointed down.
“I want a rematch. Right here. Right now.” Nora declares.
Eduardo inner thoughts: This girl know’s exactly who I am. I’ve even beaten her before. Yet she still challenges me? This girl is…
“Sure.” Eduardo accepts.
“That was easier than I thought.” Nora says.
“What else is there to do when someone asks for a match. Except, there is one condition. It must be in 2v2 mode.” Eduardo states.
“Done.” Nora agrees.
“No hesitation..” Eduardo says.
For a second there is a dense, competitive tension between both teenagers. That is, until Jin walks up behind Nora. He’s wearing a White Tee, a long, thin, gold chain that stops at his chest, showing both of his arms that are covered in tattoos. A cigarette resting behind his right ear.
“Hey, you’re that pro player I’ve heard about, right? I saw one of your matches a few days ago.” Jin addresses Eduardo.
Eduardo is shocked to see Jin. A man he also knew of.
“You’re that prodigy? The one everyone is talking about.” Eduardo addresses Jin.
“Oh? People are talking about me? No one’s ever called me a prodigy to my face.” Jin says.
“Not at all... in fact, this is perfect. We need a person for a 2v2. You mind being on the team with this young lady?” Eduardo asks.
Jin looks at Nora. At first, Nora felt like his glare was uninterested in her. Then his deep brown eyes seemed to study her.
“Not at all, how could I decline being on a team with this cutie.” Jin says.
Nora is briefly stunned.
Nora inner thought: cutie?
Nora composes herself.
“Wait a second. I didn’t hear about any VBL prodigy. That’s supposed to be you?” Nora asks Jin.
“I guess so. It’s my first time hearing about it too. I thought I was on the same learning curve as everyone else. I mean I won a few times but nothing special.” Jin explains.
“Our new edition is being very modest. I checked his match history, and he hasn’t lost a single match since his first.” Eduardo explains.
“What?! Now way! How many matches have he had?” Nora asks.
“More than 20.” Eduardo confirms.
Nora turns to Jin, addressing him now.
“And how long have you been playing?” Nora asks.
“About a week. Maybe a week and half.” Jin reveals.
Nora is stunned at this revelation.
Nora inner thoughts: No way! A week?! And he hasn’t lost once? That’s crazy! I’ve never heard of that in VBL, or any fighting game. You’re telling me that in this highly competitive world, this guy is undefeated? … and he’s on my team?!
“Wait.” Nora says.
Both boys look at her.
“That makes two for us. But who’s going to be your teammate?” Nora asks.
On que, a hyper teenage boy with dirty blonde hair, sharpened teeth (visually, not literally) and toned build jumps over to the group. Causing everyone to jump in shock except Jin, who instead raises his hand in self-defense.
“You guys looking for a fourth player?! I’m your man!” dirty blonde boy says.
“Umm and you are?” Jin asks.
“My name is Desmond Arnold, and I’m going to win a VBL championship!” Desmond declares.
“Easy there Desmond, first and fore most, were you ease dropping on us?” Eduardo asks.
“Only towards the end, I promise. Though once I noticed who you all are, I knew I had to get in on this match. If nothing else, then to gauge my own abilities.” Desmond admits.
“Oh, so you’re just using us to assess your own strength. I can respect that.” Eduardo says.
“Did you say you knew all of us?” Nora asks.
“Yeah of course! Eduardo, the rising star of the FGC, Jin the generational prodigy, and you (pointing to Nora) the girl that got destroyed in that match against Takeshi.” Desmond says.
Nora inner thoughts: I am never going to live that down, am I?
“Well then, looks like we have our teams.” Eduardo says.
We see each player give an intense and determined look. Eduardo raises his head to look down on his new opponents. Desmond opens his arms, welcoming the competition. Nora licks her lips with anticipation and Jin runs his right hand through his hair.
"Let's go wild."