[Intuit Arena - Inglewood California]
The arena roars, every seat filled to the brim with spectators. Banners and flags waving as music booms from the overhead speakers.
The two announcers sit in the booth. The first of the two leans forward in his chair to the mic. His slicked back brown hair and blue eyes.
"Good morning folks…! old, young, teen, male and female alike, my name is Daniel Mignin and I'll be one of your hosts today!" The crowd continues to roar as the announcer smiles. "And boy, do we have a game for you today!" the other announcer, his buzzed blonde hair covered by a ball cap.
"That's right Daniel! I'm your other Host, Harrui Tanaka! And today will be exhilarating with Team USA facing off against Poland first, then Brazil up against France after a lunch break! Two amazing matchups to start off this Round Robin Bracket!"
"You can say that again, so without further ado… We'll call a five minute warning! This is your last chance to grab something to eat or use the bathroom before both teams enter the Gyms!"
"Better pick up the pace so as not to miss anything!" the arena roars. A large number of guests rushed to stand and move from their seats. Tanaka sits up straight.
"Now, while we wait these last few minutes, we'll be doing something different for this years VNL… this particular qualifier group will be split in half, with the first half of the matches taking place here in the Intuit Arena, and the second half occurring in Vlast Arena" Daniel nods.
"Pair that with today being our LARGEST crowd we've ever had at a VNL qualifiers game? This should be an interesting season!" The arena roars as the announcers fall silent for a moment, the lights dimming, spotlights echoing onto the two separate entrance tunnels to the center court. "...I've just been notified that both teams are ready and we're good to go, so let's bring them out!"
The light brightens on Team USA's side.
Emelio stands just out of view, taking a deep breath as Kurai pats him on the back.
"You've got this, Emelio"
"Up first is the home team for this match, Team USA!" the crowd roars as all spotlights fall on the tunnel. Team USA walking out single file. Emelio smirking as Jaden walks behind. Sean cracking his knuckles. Kyle pops his back as Max hops on his toes. "Of course, Team USA isn't coming into this match blind! They've got some new players including Monster Generation Member; Emelio Alvaro!" Emelio's eyes light up as he high fives spectators in the seats as he walks out.
"But we don't wanna forget about the team's central nervous system, Emperor of the Court, Kurai Vlast, now do we!?"
"No we do not! Dude's a MENACE out on the court!" Kurai calmly exhales as he steps into the central court space.
"And now, for the away team this game is Team Poland! Well known for their overwhelming offense and strong defense!"
"What a well rounded team"
"I know right? And their team captain, Lucas Baker, makes it all possible!" Team Poland jogs out from the tunnel, waving to the roaring fans of the arena. Lucas still sports his undercut hair with the top dyed blonde. Sporting a full beard and a calm smile.
"But we don't want to forget about Poland's top spiker who himself can compete with THE Kaneko Vlast of Team Russia!" Brine Sanders steps out from the tunnel, the crowd roaring. He steps forward with dark skin, a thin beard and short black hair.
"And with that, while both teams settle into their benches, both team captains step up to the net to decide who serves and who receives to start this game" Kurai steps forward. Walking up to the net. Locking eyes with Lucas. The two shaking hands. Lucas grinning.
"Good to see you again, Kurai" Kurai chuckles.
"Last time we played against each other, I lost 25 to 15 against you… that won't happen again" Lucas pauses.
"You remember back to your Freshman year??" Kurai raises an eyebrow.
"Yeah, because I promised to beat you the next time we met in an official match… and what do you know, here we are" Lucas smirks, tightening his grip in the handshake. "Tails never fails," Kurai nods.
"Fine then, Heads" The head ref nods. Flipping the coin, catching it and flipping it again.
"Heads, serve or receive first?" Kurai locks eyes with Lucas. Kuri grins.
"Serve… deal with it, Lucas" Lucas tightens his grip as the two stare at each other for an extra moment before nodding and turning away.
"I will, thanks"
Coach Copley clapped as everyone rushed over.
"Poland's practicing their spike lines first, so while we wait, let's go over our plan again… When you're in the front and not spiking, focus purely on defense, shift block their main canon Brine Sanders… Kurai will shift to wherever he's needed but will remain focused on taking Lucas Baker on one on one" the team all agrees nodding. The bench players in the back, warming up and peppering the bell around. Coach Copley turns to Kurai. "Kurai, don't strain yourself… you have plenty of options and methods in your arsenal now so as to not overstrain yourself to be taken out before the end of the game, remember that" Kurai nods.
"Yes sir, will do" Copley stretches his hand in.
"Good, then let's win this game…!" The team all stretch their hands into the middle, huddling in tight. "No matter the circumstance, no matter the cost, let's play as a team who'll fight no matter what!... We are…" the team leans further in.
"Team USA!!"