Chapter 23: Old Wounds

Chapter 23: Old Wounds

After the scrimmage against Astral Vanguard, the team had logged off for the night, exhausted but determined to improve. But Kai remained at their desk, staring at the lobby screen, unable to shake the lingering frustration from the loss. Facing Victor Harrington again had dredged up old memories—ones Kai had worked hard to bury.

The message pinged before Kai could log off.

Victor:

Well, that went about as I expected.

Kai's jaw clenched as they saw the familiar username flash on their screen. They knew this conversation was inevitable, but they weren't prepared for how raw the emotions would feel.

Kai:

You always did know how to pick apart a team, Victor.

Victor:

And you always underestimated me, Kai. Just like old times. But then again, things haven't changed much, have they?

Kai could feel the weight of Victor's words settling in—words that were designed to cut deep. Their history was complicated, full of shared victories and bitter betrayals. And now, facing Victor again, those old wounds were being reopened.

Kai:

You've always been good at getting under people's skin, Victor. What do you want?

There was a pause before Victor's response came through, and when it did, it carried a tone Kai hadn't heard in years—half taunting, half reflective.

Victor:

It's funny, seeing you lead a team again. I remember when you were the one on top, Kai. You had everything—your own team, sponsorships, a shot at going pro. And now here you are, clawing your way back up with a bunch of amateurs. It must be humbling.

The words stung, but Kai wasn't going to give Victor the satisfaction of seeing them falter. They had faced the darkest part of their career and come out the other side. This time, they weren't going to let Victor twist the knife.

Kai:

You never understood, Kai. The game isn't about who has the most friends—it's about who's willing to sacrifice the most. And that's why I'm here, leading a semi-pro team, and you're barely making waves in the amateur circuit. The difference is, I didn't hesitate. I didn't let people like you hold me back.

Kai clenched their fists, but they didn't let Victor's words shake them. They had been through this before, and while it had hurt to leave the professional scene, they had learned to rebuild from the ground up. Phoenix Reborn was a testament to that. They had found a new purpose—one that wasn't defined by ruthless ambition but by trust, growth, and teamwork.

Kai:

You think the only way to win is to sacrifice everything. But I'm not playing your game anymore, Victor. I'm building something real, something that lasts. Phoenix Reborn is more than just a team to me—we're a family. We win together, and we lose together. And that's something you'll never understand.

Another pause followed, and when Victor replied, the tone was quieter, almost reflective, though still laced with bitterness.

Victor:

You always were too soft, Kai. Maybe you've changed, maybe not. But let's see how long that family of yours lasts when the stakes get higher. We'll cross paths again, and when we do, you'll see that nothing's changed. The game is still the game. You either adapt or you get left behind.

Kai knew there was no point in arguing with Victor. They had seen firsthand the cost of his mindset, and they weren't going to fall into the same trap. Victor had chosen his path, and Kai had chosen theirs. The difference was, Kai was building something worth fighting for.

Kai:

We'll see, Victor. But I'm not afraid of losing anymore. We'll see who's left standing when the dust settles.

Victor's final message came through, short and cold.

Victor:

Good luck, Kai. You'll need it.

As the chat window closed, Kai sat back, exhaling deeply. The conversation had stirred up old wounds, but it had also deepened their resolve. Victor was right about one thing: they had fallen from grace, and it had been painful. But that fall had given Kai something Victor would never have—perspective.

Kai wasn't here to relive the past or to chase hollow victories. They were here to build something real, and Phoenix Reborn was the proof of that. Every scrimmage, every loss, every win—they were all steps toward something greater. Victor might have been ruthless, but Kai had something he didn't—a team that believed in each other, and a leader who believed in them.

The road ahead was long, and the challenges would keep coming. But Kai knew now, more than ever, that they were on the right path.

Old wounds still ached, but they were the foundation on which Kai's new strength was built.