Villain Ch 2006. A Hell of A Match
Red's VR pod opened.
Warm light from the stadium stage bled into the narrow compartment, illuminating the sweat on his brow and the subtle tremble in his limbs. His heart still pounded in his chest like a war drum, the echo of that final clash ringing through his bones.
Then a familiar voice cut through the chaos.
"Red!"
Arms wrapped around him before he could fully stand, and the air rushed out of his lungs in a surprised grunt.
"Holy sh*t, you did it!" Mastercraft bellowed, nearly lifting him off the ground in a crushing hug. "I thought we were gonna have to jump back in for a damn rematch!"
"Don't thank me," Red panted, voice low, voice hoarse. He grinned tiredly and turned his head. "Thank him."
He gestured at the figure stepping out of the adjacent pod, Alex.
