VBL

Nora stands at the front of the crowd, completely dumb founded. A majority of the crowd that didn’t see what just happened are still cheering. At this point, the announcer is beginning to look confused, but Nora looks at the winning ticket, now resting in her hand.

Nora inner thoughts: What the f@#$ was that?! Did Faith just leave me?! Where the hell did, she go?!

“Are you number 29?” The announcer asks Nora. Now that he was closer Nora got a closer look at him. He was a 5-foot tall, Black man with a short haircut. Wearing an all-red suit, topped off with a red snapback.

“Umm, well you see – “

“I’m sure Takeshi is a busy man, so we have to get this match underway. We have all of the equipment fired up and ready,” the announcer says.

“That is, if you still want to compete,” Takeshi says while looking at Nora. Nora looks back at him. There isn’t any malicious intent in his eyes. Instead, just genuine pity. “I didn’t think me being the contestant should’ve been a secret. So, there should be no judgement if she chooses to drop out now.”

“I’ve never backed down to anyone when it came to fighting games.” Nora retorts.

“Well, well. You can talk. I’m glad to hear it. So, I take it your contestant twenty-nine then?” Takeshi asks.

Nora inner thoughts: I’m feeling this sudden rush. My brain is telling me that this is crazy… but... my body, no. My heart is telling me that I want to play this game. That I want to fight this guy. The champion! I don’t know why Faith left me here, but I don’t care about that now.

“I am contestant twenty-nine. Let’s get this started.” Nora says.

The crowd roars in excitement. The announcer jumps down from the stand and walks up to Nora, placing a mic near her mouth.

“So, tell the crowd what your name is, contestant 29!” the announcer states.

“Nora Maxim.”

The crowd begins to chant Nora’s name.

“Nora! Nora! Nora!”

It clearly makes Nora uncomfortable as she starts to sweat again. Takeshi notices this.

Takeshi inner thoughts: I’ve never seen this girl here before but she’s still willing to fight me. She’s either very confident or very stupid. I already agreed to be here, although I’d much rather be at home, cuddling up with Devan. Watching anime. It is what it is. Since I’m here I mind as well test her resolve.

“Okay Nora. I’m looking forward to our match.” Takeshi says.

**

“You’ve never played before!?” Takeshi screams.

Nora, Takeshi, and the announcer are now inside the VBL HQ building. The large lobby is well air conditioned, with a few people idly talking and whispering to each other as they look at Takeshi. The walls are covered with monitors displaying different matches either currently happening or already happened. The announcer is just as surprised as Takeshi from the news. Nora looks down at her own feet, ashamed and embarrassed.

“Yeah, I just learned about VBL earlier this morning.” Nora explains.

“And yet here you are, challenging the current champion. Feels like something out of a manga. You either have great or horrible luck, depending on how you see it.” Takeshi says.

“So that girl you were with, she’s the real person that had the number 29?” the announcer clarifies.

Nora nods her head.

“So, I guess we can rule out her being a friend. Look kid, don’t feel pressured to do something you don’t want to, okay? I can just simply grab another number and continue this contest with someone else.” the announcer explains.

“No! I want to compete! I don’t know much about VBL, but I want to learn about it. The way I see it, the best way to learn what I need to, is trial by fire.” Nora sternly says.

Takeshi notices Nora now staring into his eyes.

Takeshi inner thoughts: Amazing. This girl is… exciting.

“Okay Nora. We’ll continue this contest, but just know this. I will show you the basics of VBL, but that’s it. I won’t hold back, but I promise to show you the allure of VBL. Just don’t hold any weird grudges when I beat you.” Takeshi says.

“I’ll keep up. Just be careful to not be left behind.” Nora confidently says.

Nora inner thoughts: What the hell am I saying?! I still don’t even know the moves or button layout! Damn it, shut up Nora!

Takeshi turns and walks toward the back of the large room, where there’s a long hallway. The announcer turns to Nora.

“Alright rookie, come with me. I’m assuming you don’t have an account so we’re going to make you one.” The announcer says while walking towards the same hallway Takeshi did. Nora follows right behind him.

“So, tell me Mr. announcer guy, does this fighting game follow Street Fighter button layout, or something like Tekken?” Nora asks.

“Button layout?! HA! You’re in for quite a shock rookie. Don’t worry I won’t spoil it for you.” announcer says.

Nora inner thoughts: What’s that all about?

“Oh, and my name is Derrick, okay? No more of that Mr. announcer crap. It makes me feel old.”

“Aren’t you old?”

“Not that old! I’m still in my 20’s. Damn teenagers have no respect nowadays.”

Derrick takes Nora to a public, vacant computer. He logs onto the computer and the screen displays a series of blank lines (Ex. First name, Last name, VBL name etc.) He stands up from the computer and motions for Nora to sit down. She does.

“Alright you seem to know your games so this screen should be familiar to you.”

Nora sits down and fills out everything that’s being asked for. When she’s done, she taps Derrick.

**

Derrick is guiding Nora down the long hallway. Doors are lined up on each side of the hallway. Each door has an LED sign that says either vacant or occupied.

“What are these rooms?” Nora asks.

“You want this match so bad, but you don’t even know what these rooms are?” Derrick teases.

“You heard the part about me just learning about VBL this morning, right?

“Yeah, yeah. Look each room is free to be rented by anyone to practice or participate in custom matches. They open 7 days a week, year-round. In each room are two monitors and 2 VBL pods.”

“Pods?” Nora asks. Derrick only laughs at her question.

“Ha! Oh, you’re in for a real show today girl.”

“Nora…” Nora specifies.

“Sure.” Derrick shrugs off her comment.

At the end of the hallway there stands a single metal door. Derrick opens it for Nora. The inside of the door is dark enough that she can’t see directly inside. Derrick places his hand at the entrance, welcoming her. Nora’s heart starts beating so hard she can feel it as she takes a deep breath and walks through the door. Derrick stays outside and closes the door behind her.

Nora takes small steps in order to not accidentally trip over something she can’t see. Although there’s this faint sound of clapping as she gets closer to wherever she’s walking. She takes a few more footsteps before finally spotting a curtain in front of her. She pulls the curtain back to reveal…

A large room outfitted to look like a small Esports stadium. Filled out with the people that were previously gathered outside. In the front of this room stands a stage that has an extra-large monitor in between two pods that are standing slanted. The pods are metal on the outside and outfitted with cushioned seats and leather walls on the interior. The audience is continuously cheering. Nora’s nerves send a shock up her back, as she stands completely still, dumbfounded.

Suddenly Derrick steps onto the stage, along with Takeshi.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! The moment you all waited for! Our defending regional champion Takeshi Fujimoto will have an exhibition match against the complete rookie, NORA MAXIM!” Derrick chants.

The crowd goes wild. Nora slowly walks down to the stage, walking past the frantic audience as they cheer her name and Takeshi’s. Eventually she finally walks on stage. Takeshi has his hands nonchalantly in his pockets, glaring at Nora through his own white hair. Nora looks clearly intimidated. Takeshi notices this and walks over to her.

“Hey, don’t mind me, I’m just giving these people a good show. You, okay?” Takeshi asks.

“Oh, don’t worry about me. Large crowds and lots of attention just make me uncomfortable.” Nora says.

“Oh honey, So I’m guessing both at the same time – “

“Exactly. Don’t worry, I’ll manage. I’m still fully committed to this match!” Nora says while glaring right into Takeshi’s eyes, not looking away.

Takeshi inner thoughts: She’s not afraid of me in the slightest. Interesting.

“I’ll keep up my end. I’ll show you the basics of VBL, afterward we can start the match.” Takeshi explains.

“Sounds good, let’s get started!” Nora says, showing an arrogant smile.