"Please welcome the triumphant winners of this exhilarating tournament, the Predacons!" the commentator's voice boomed with fervent enthusiasm. As the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, a team of five players clad in white tees, bomber jackets adorned with red trim, and caps on their heads ascended the stage.
In the center stood a remarkable woman whom everyone seemed to hold in high regard. The commentator's attention turned towards her, and the crowd's anticipation grew.
"And now, let's hear a few words from our leader. Please welcome Ms. Lewis Carlene!" The commentator handed her the microphone and respectfully stepped aside, allowing her to claim the spotlight.
Carlene waved graciously to the crowd, removing her cap to reveal her face for the first time. The audience was captivated by her fair complexion, and fan clubs were formed instantly in her honor.
With her rosy lips parting to speak, she lightly tapped the microphone twice with her slender fingers, silencing the crowd in an instant. She swept her hazel eyes across the audience, taking a deep breath before commencing her speech.
"There are so many individuals I would like to express my gratitude to for my success. First and foremost, my parents, who provided unwavering support and stood by my side during the challenging times. My friends, who constantly fueled my growth with their ideas and pushed me to become the person I am today. And lastly, I extend my gratitude to the coaches and teammates who have been instrumental in shaping my journey. Without their guidance and collaboration, I cannot fathom where my path would have led."
Pausing to let her words resonate, she observed the crowd, savoring the moment. Suddenly, cheers erupted, resonating throughout the venue. Lee, standing in a dimly lit corner of the stage, wore a smile on his face despite his defeat. He pressed his hand against his heart, feeling a mixture of emotions.
"I am glad to have lost to someone like you rather than to an unworthy adversary," he thought as he quietly departed, heading backstage to reunite with his team in the designated meeting area.
"I also want to express my appreciation to the reigning champions, the Extremists. Without their remarkable skills and inspiring gameplay, we could not have envisioned our journey towards professionalism, let alone securing victory in the finals. We are grateful for the excitement and lessons they have provided us with thus far."
"We shall now take our leave, as the intensity of this match has taken its toll on us. We are weary from pushing ourselves to the extreme limits. For any questions, we will go live on The Gram tomorrow to address them. Thank you all for your patience," she concluded, bowing gracefully to the crowd.
The audience erupted into applause, and chants of her name reverberated throughout the venue.
"CARLENE! CARLENE! CARLENE!"
The cheers persisted until the Predacons left the stage, and the commentator stepped forward to regain control, soothing the exuberant crowd.
"Now, now. We cannot let the Predacons have all the glory. We must also hear from the Extremists! After all, they held the title for three consecutive years until today. We must interview them as well!" he declared, rousing the crowd's anticipation. The spectators clamored for the appearance of the fallen champions, eager to pose questions and express their disappointment.
Lee, hearing the commotion, decided to confront the situation head-on. Stepping onto the stage, he grabbed the microphone, tapping it twice as Carlene had done. A mask concealed his face, ensuring no one caught a glimpse of his identity.
"Today marks a day I have been anticipating for the past three years. As winners of past competitions, there inevitably comes a day when we must face defeat, and now that day has arrived. It is disheartening," he shared, his voice resonating through the venue.
"However, the Extremists will return next year with renewed determination. We will reclaim the title from the Predacons. We will retrieve what we have lost. We will push ourselves to the utmost limits, as we have always done, and return stronger than ever. Until then..."
"Surpass your limits, Extremists!"
His final statement ignited the Extremist team's fans, and Lee exited the stage amid a sea of cheering supporters. He stood alone, the only member to appear, speak, and defend the team's honor. The rest had retreated in shame, unwilling to face the disgruntled fans.
Removing his mask and changing into nondescript attire, Lee reminisced about the backlash both his team and the losing team faced outside the stadium after their initial victory. They had naively worn their team's attire, inviting a storm of criticism.
Donning a black outfit that concealed his identity from head to toe, with a cap shielding his eyes, he departed through a backstage alley. Retrieving his cellphone, he noticed a text message bearing an unexpected revelation.
"Location compromised. Come to this alternate rendezvous point."
Attached was a location. Though skeptical, Lee decided to investigate, concerned for the well-being of his teammates. His instincts warned him that something was amiss, and he felt a responsibility to ensure their safety.
Hailing a taxi, he arrived at the specified spot, only to find his teammates sprawled on the ground, their bodies bruised and battered. He rushed to one of the boys, lifting him up, desperate to understand what had occurred.
"What happened here, Curren?" he urgently asked, gripping his collar. Curren, badly beaten, could only whisper broken words in response.
"Betrayal. Run. Away," he gasped, slowly succumbing to unconsciousness. Alarmed, Lee swiftly dialed emergency services, ensuring his teammates would receive the necessary medical attention.
"Well, well. If it isn't Savior Lee," a sarcastic voice sounded from behind him. As Lee turned, shock washed over him, his mind struggling to comprehend the figure standing before him.
"This can't be..." his thoughts raced, stunned by the identity of the person standing in front of him.