Once the heavy canvas jumpsuits, padded vests, and protective face masks were fully fastened, the group looked like a makeshift tactical unit. The resident referee gathered everyone around a dry-erase briefing board, pointing out the field boundaries, safety rules, and hit registration protocol with practiced efficiency. Beside him, Neon was practically vibrating with excitement. His oversized camouflage jumpsuit sagged slightly at the elbows, but he handled his paint marker like a prized artifact, peering into the hopper with starry-eyed enthusiasm.
"Alright, let's balance the field, so no one gets entirely slaughtered," Jackson announced with a grin. "Don't expect me to take it easy on you just because you bought the pre-game snacks, Belle," Jackson declared, slapping a fresh hopper onto his marker and wiggling his eyebrows. "In this arena, family ties are severed!"
