The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 40: Your attention please. (Part 2)

"And there we have it everyone!" Cher yelled out. "Your champions in the 5v5 tournament, team Friends!"

Erin raised her sword high in the sky having just taken out the fifth and last member of the other team. Maggie stood beside her having just swapped in and used the opportunity to end the fight. The rest of the team were transported to the field not long after. Vanter, Aria and I along with Maggie and Erin formed team Friends. We raised our hands and waved to the crowd.

Cher appeared on the other stage alongside her usual partner, Larry.

"An absolutely amazing performance," Cher began as she moved to interview us. "How do you feel after you victory?"

"Pretty good," Erin grinned. "Team Blaze were tough opponents but we came out the better."

"Indeed, you did," Cher nodded. "Not just better, but you dominated the Oceania Tournament. We didn't even get to see our Friend fight at all, and his sister only came in occasionally."

I tipped my head to her and Larry, "That's because we're saving our energy for the 1 vs 1 that's coming next."

Larry laughed, "So you're saying you're saving the best for last?"

"That's about right," I replied easily.

"Well your entire team have made it to the round of 32. Chances are that you'll be facing off against each other. Just what can we expect from that?"

Aria took the question, "You'll be seeing some good fights that's what. Oceania may be first in the regional tournament line up but you're not going to see much better than this."

"Those are some strong words to look forward to," Cher remarked. "Now let's hear it once more for team Friends, your Oceania champions for the 5v5!"

The crowd cheered but it was clear to see some were still disappointed and wanted more. When it came down to it, the Oceania region didn't have that many great players. They weren't bad by any means, but compared to us, there was little competition. Erin and Maggie basically took on all the other teams by themselves in the 5v5. Vanter appeared when he got bored and Aria when they managed to take out Erin. I never even had to show my face. The people wanted to see more and in just over an hour, the round of 32 would start.

**

???:

Staring at a TV a man leans back in his chair. On the screen five individuals raise their hands to a cheering crowd as they are interviewed for winning their tournament. The man regards them with interest but soon frowns.

"That girl...," he focuses on the green haired girl holding a large sword in one hand. "Isn't that that Erin Storm girl? Didn't I put a bounty on her?"

He doesn't look back but immediately a woman wearing a tight-fitting suit appears behind him. She holds a tablet and quickly checks it.

"Master it seems like the bounty hunters failed to capture her."

"Failed?" the man frowns, his voice rising. "How could they fail!? What happened to those Violet Oath idiots, didn't they say it would be ensured?"

The women again looks at her tablet. She begins to sweat but holds the composure in her voice, "The Violet Oath have rescinded the contract. They have blocked all communication with us."

"What!?" the man yells this time in fury but remains in his chair. "Do you know how much money I sent their way?" He grits his teeth in anger, "For all their talk about being super humans.... I'll deal with them later." Right now, the man's focus is still on the TV, "I want that Erin girl. Double the bounty on her head."