Chloe, an old friend of yours.

You take a quick look at the bookings to find out who you’re up against next, then do a double-take in shock—your opponent is Chloe, who you’ve been close friends with since high school...and have harbored a powerful crush on almost as long.

You were aware that she’d joined the ECL—in fact, on hearing about your interest, she was the one who’d encouraged you to try out for it—but you didn’t expect to be facing her nearly so soon. The prospect actually worries you as much as it excites you; Chloe has far more experience in this arena than you do and she’s got a competitive streak a mile wide. This is going to be a tough match.

That thought is still running through your head as you step down into the entrance ramp, hearing the announcer’s already-familiar cadences heralding your arrival. “{if Won first match = true}Fresh off his debut victory against Melody{endif}{if Won first match = false}On the rebound from a loss to Melody in his debut match{endif}, John has set his sights on a new opponent. While certainly the underdog in this rookie vs. veteran match, he’s determined to give it his all. Has he bitten off more than he can chew, or will he triumph over long odds?”

You head up to the ring and disrobe as before, leaning casually against the turnbuckle in your briefs and trying to seem cool and nonchalant. But you can’t help but perk up and take notice when Chloe makes her entrance. The white robe she’s wearing contrasts sharply with her dark skin, and it seems a little too short for her tall and willowy build. Her black hair hangs loose and free around her shoulders, and as she comes closer, you see her dark eyes sparkle with anticipation as she notices you watching her.

“Chloe’s bombastic and flashy style has earned her a great deal of notice since she joined the League,” you hear as she strides down the ramp. “And she has the skill to put that style to good use. But will she be able to flaunt another dramatic, overpowering win, or will she let her guard down and allow John to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat?”

As the announcer finishes her speech, Chloe reaches the ring. She throws open her robe in one smooth motion to reveal a shimmering silver monokini, then jumps up on the ropes and pumps her fist, getting the crowd hyped up. After a second, she hops back down and turns to face you.

“So, you finally joined up,” she says quietly as the two of you shake hands.

“Yeah,” you say. “I’m really looking forward to this match.”

“Me, too!” she responds brightly. “I’m proud of you, and I really think you’re gonna go far. But that doesn’t mean I plan to go easy on you.”

You nod. It’s not like you expected any different. “Wasn’t gonna ask for it.”

“I hope we can still be friends after I kick your ass,” she says with a fierce grin, and the bell rings.