VBL

Nora finally gets her tray of food and walks into the large and crowded cafeteria. Most students are already sitting with their desired groups/friends. Nora scans the large cafeteria for any open seats. While scanning she notices a few people give her the ‘what are you looking at glare.’ Causing Nora to sweat slightly. She always hated feeling like all eyes were on her for no reason. With this, she decides to go outside to eat her lunch. Walking through the cafeteria and out on to the decently sized school yard. There’re a few students out in the yard but not as cluttered. The atmosphere feels more open. Nora finds a spot on an empty bench and begins eating her food.

Nora inner thought: Better.

A pretty, red headed student suddenly sits next to her. It’s Faith.

“Hey there, Nora, right?” Faith clarifies.

“Oh yes… You’re that girl that’s in my first class.” Nora says.

“Faith Storm, nice to formally meet you.”

Faith extends her hand to Nora. Nora, being a little hesitant at first, finally shakes her hand.

“I liked the way you introduced yourself.” Faith says.

Nora inner thoughts: uh oh, is she going to tell me how things are at this school? Or to not try to be more popular than her?

“I’m a military brat too.” Faith reveals.

“Wha- wait you are?” Nora asks.

“Well, I was. My mom was married to someone that was in active service for about 5 years before she decided she couldn’t take it anymore. They got divorced and she decided to move here. Me being a little girl I was just along for the ride.” Faith says.

“I’m glad I can relate to someone in class then.” Nora says.

Nore inner thoughts: She’s so pretty. Why is she talking to me? Surely, she has a lot of friends to talk to during lunch.

“Yeah, we moved at least twice during the marriage. He was also a big gamer. I’d often watch him play some of his games. I think that’s what drew me to you.” Faith admits. “I remember you said that you played a lot of fighting games. Did you ever join in tournaments?”

“Yes, actually! I won a few street fighter and Tekken tournaments and competed in a few online tournaments!” Nora admits.

Nora inner thoughts: Oh crap! Why did I just reveal that! What if she looks me up!?

“Wow really?! What was your – “Faith is about to ask but she’s interrupted.

“Faith!”

Faith and Nora looked around to see where the sudden voice came from. The see a blonde-haired girl with her hair down running towards them.

“Faith, come on! You promised you would help decorate the gym during lunch! We’re waiting for you!” The blonde girl yells.

“Oh right, Sorry I forgot-” before Faith can finish her sentence the blonde girl begins pulling Faith away.

“Sorry Nira, I have to borrow Faith!” The blonde girl yells.

“Actually, it’s Nor- “, before Nora could finish her sentence the two teens ran across the yard.

Nora inner thoughts: And she’s gone… great.

**

Nora is inside her last class of the day. The class is filled with students simply running the clock out. Most are on their phones while a few students are gathered to one side of the room, talking about after-school plans. The substitute teacher is reading her weekly schedule for the class. Nora is on her phone looking up VBL.

Nora inner thoughts: I knew it! It was a game.

As Nora scrolls through a few links, she comes across a few videos. These appear to be recent matches.

Nora inner thoughts: “vs” is it a fighting game? Whoa, how haven’t I heard about this? I’m usually up to date. This game seems to be one v one.

Nora clicks one of the links that directs her to the official VBL streaming website. The front page of the website shows a blackened window where a live stream would be, except there doesn’t seem to be a current live stream. Followed by a few tabs on the right side of the screen. These tabs read “About. Current Tournaments. Find VBL. Contact us. Community. Another tab says, “Javier vs. Brian,” Nora’s finger hovers the community button before –

“Ms. Maxim, do you wish to stay overnight?” The history teacher asks Nora.

Nora looks up to realize she’s the only one in the class. She embarrassingly grabs her bag and quickly walks out of the classroom. The teacher locks the door behind her.

**

Nora walks out of the school and onto the crowded schoolyard. Some students walk off campus, while others stay and converse with their friends. Conversations of new shows, anime’s, fashion, and everything in between fill the air. All of which is a little too much for Nora. She makes her way toward the school gate to leave. Until –

“Nora!”

Nora turns around to see Faith running toward her.

Nora inner thoughts: It’s that red head again. What was her name? Faith?

Nora waits for Faith to run across the schoolyard, catching the eye of a few people that look in her direction. Eventually she catches up to Nora.

“Faith, right?” Nora asks.

“Yeah, that’s me. By the way sorry my friend got your name wrong earlier. That was rude.” Faith apologizes.

“No, it’s fine. I don’t expect anyone to remember me honestly.” Nora admits.

“Well, I remembered you.” Faith articulates.

“I uhh, umm.” Nora stammers.

“Anyway, were you heading home?” Faith asks.

“I was. Did you want to walk with me? I’m still getting to know the city, so I don’t quite know where everything is yet. You might have a quicker way.”

“Well, you take the J train to get here, right?” Faith asks.

“No, I took the N bus.” Nora articulates.

“Well, where do you live?”

“Webster St.”

“What?! That adds a whole 20 minutes to your trip! I’m surprised you even made to school on time today!”

“Yeah, I was cutting it pretty close, not gonna lie.”

“See this is why you need me; I’ll show you a shortcut.” Faith offers.

“I’d appreciate it.” Nora says.

Nora and Faith leave the campus. A few girls see Faith leave the campus with Nora.

“Where is Faith going?”

“Isn’t that the new girl she’s walking with? I heard she was kind of cold. Like she told people to not try to be her friend.”

“That’s mean. Then why is Faith hanging out with her?”

“Maybe the new girl has a thing for Faith.”

**

Nora and Faith are walking down an empty street block, the sun is setting on the city, causing a smooth and calm sunlight to breach through the skyscrapers. A soft breeze blows past Nora and Faith as they walk in silence.

Nora inner thoughts: How did things end up like this? This girl is clearly more popular than me, and she has better communication skills. She has this attracting aura about her, it just makes you want to do what she does.

Faith inner thoughts: Why did I ask to walk her home?! It’s the gaming comment she made. That must be why I was so excited to talk to her.

“I.” Before Faith interjects, Nora interrupts her.

“Thank you for walking me home by the way.” Nora says.

“Yeah, no worries. It is my job as class president to make sure all my classmates are safe.” Faith says.

“You’re “job.” Got it.” Nora repeats while looking slightly saddened.

“No, no I didn’t mean it like that! It’s just-” Faith stammers.

Faith inner thoughts: Aww man, why did I say it like that!

“No, it’s okay. I mean I did say in class that I shouldn’t even try to make friends.” Nora says while not making eye contact with Faith. Which makes Faith feel even worse.

“No. It was just my poor choice of words. If we’re being honest, I thought it was cool how you bluntly said what you liked. It was like you didn’t have a care in the world. I wish I felt like that.” Faith says while looking down at her own feet.

Nora observes Faith while she says this. While this is happening another girl duo is walking past them on the street, living their own lives and having their own conversation.

Nora inner thoughts: Did she say she thinks I’m “cool”?

“Hey Faith, could you help me with something else?” Nora asks.

“Sure, what is it?” Faith obliges.

“I heard some students talking about this game called VBL, did you know anything about it?” Nora asks. When she looks over, she sees Faith’s face light up with excitement.

“You know about VBL?!” Faith excitedly asks.

“Well, I only learned about it today. Some students were talking about it in the lunch line. I know it’s a fighting game.”

“You know anything else?”

“Not really.”

“You just moved here so that’s to be expected – “

Nora inner thought: I don’t know if I should be offended by that or not.

“Yeah, it’s a local fighting game that. The creator lives here in Strand city. It’s different, I’ve never seen a game like it! The depth, and the immersion!” Faith proclaimed.

Nora inner thoughts: Wow, she got really excited as soon as I mentioned VBL, it’s a substantial change from her more girly demeanor a few seconds ago…

“We’re actually close by, did you want to see the VBL HQ?!” Faith asks.

“Wait… what?! How close are we? How do you know where the HQ is?! Is it a tag team fighting game or 1v1?” Nora barrages Faith with questions.

“Whoa, so many questions! Tell you what, I can answer all your questions on the way there!” Faith says while grabbing Nora’s hand and pulling her down the street.

“Oh?!” Nora yells while being pulled.