Team Deathmatch

The Revelation

Death is a factor in all of our lives. We can't avoid it, we can't change it, and it will happen to all of us. That's why I seek to do as much as I can before then.

-James Woodrow, The New Frontier: The Dream of Woodrow, 2030

At first, I was confused as to what Woodrow was talking about. I mean, we technically did kill them in-game, but it was a weird choice of words to use when referring to them in real life. That, mixed with the serious expression on his face, made me and everyone else uneasy, and we all fell silent to stare at the screen.

Woodrow clasped his hands together, then drew in a breath. "There's something I neglected to mention to all of you before this tournament started. The only reason I didn't tell you is due to the fact that all of you would most likely drop out if this information was made available before we began. But, perhaps it is better to show you, in order for you to fully understand." 

The screen switched back to a dual feed of several images. The one that was on the top layer of the screen was the match we had just participated in, near the final minutes of the game. The bottom layer was split up into 5 sections, and each of them was showing who I assumed was the other team all individually strapped into their Optik Duos. I saw myself cross the flag, and the feed showing the game flash a victory symbol. At the exact same moment, every player on the other team jerked up in their seats simultaneously, like they had been shocked. I could see blood dripping out of their noses. Then, they all went limp, and were unmoving.

I couldn't believe what I had seen. I had just watched as 5 people died on screen. And the worst part? It was all my fault.I suddenly wanted, no, needed my cube more than anything in the world right now. I needed a tether, a way to calm down, but I couldn't. All I could do was stare at the screen. I saw that Yumi had her hands over her mouth, and Jasper and Maya were staring with wide, disbelieving eyes. Even Leo, who normally sat with a neutral expression, showed signs of fear and discomfort.

The screen switched back to Woodrow, who was looking at all of us with sad eyes. I wondered in the back of my mind if the other teams were seeing the same thing. "Now you understand. Whichever team loses the game is killed. Something to make this tournament more...interesting. And for those of you who are thinking of quitting, that would not be a wise decision. If any of you decide you don't want to play anymore, you and your family will be...forfeit."

My heart dropped like a stone into a river. I thought of Mom, her smiling face flashing through my head. Then, the thought of her being held hostage and killed because of me made my chest seize up and grip my lungs like a vice. I couldn't believe any of this was happening. All of this was like a nightmare I desperately wanted to wake up from.

Woodrow's expression suddenly changed, like he had just been told something offscreen. Then, he sighed. "It appears we have someone who wants to challenge my rules." He snapped his fingers, and the screen flickered to a live feed of another theatre with another team inside of it. One of the players, a boy who couldn't have been more than 14 years old, was yelling at the screen. "Are you actually believing this crap?! This is just some kinda sick joke man! Screw this, I'm leaving!"

I saw the avatar open his menu, and was about to click the log out button. I almost shouted out at him, but was too scared to speak. No! Don't do it! He clicked the button, and the screen switched instantly to a live feed of a person sitting in a chair hooked up to an Optik. Then, the person jerked up, emitting a low-pitched scream, his hands gripping the seats of the chair until his fingers were white. Blood ran out of his nose, then he went limp.