Adrien laughed hysterically. "You? In a Cybrawl? Ha! You can't be serious."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA8XjiubwJ
Gabriel slapped him but didn't refute his point.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxcpIsM0JY
I crossed my arms defiantly. "I am serious. Sometimes, Cybrawls have celebrity guests, right? I could be your guest today!"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78AtY9zSe2
Adrien scoffed. "It's going to be a short match."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5cLwoeF8s
Gabriel stroked his chin. "Celebrity guests do bring in excellent ratings."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2IYmOoKGD
"You can't seriously be considering this?" Adrien spluttered.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nxLwFDVC3
"I'm considering all my options," Gabriel said, glancing out the large window that overlooked the arena.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpR76u46VUM
Atlas gave me a firm shove. "Are you out of your damn mind? Back out now while you still have the chance!"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRlG7RgWO0
"One of us has to get the map. Did you forget why we came here?" I said.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRHxySqisx
Atlas scowled at me. "The cyborg you're going to be fighting against is dangerous."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5laKtMWJFn
I threw up my hands in frustration. "Do you think we should just give up and go home?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGd2d1KmMTB
Atlas stared down at the ground, refusing to make eye contact. "I don't know."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVJlENczRQ
"Well, I'm going out there, like it or not!" Why was Atlas freaking out about this? I've seen Cybrawls on TV before, it's obviously fake. They're all just actors pretending to fight. How dangerous could a fake fight be? Atlas has no right to be upset; it was his idea to come here in the first place.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsTKk0RQSW
"I've made up my mind," Gabriel said. "I'll allow Chase to fight in Atlas' place in the Cybrawl."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWcweCFLLx
Adrien rolled his eyes.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DDMGpP9ju
I pumped my fist in the air. "I won't let you down, sir!
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOTjDvmZTN
A wary smile spread across Gabriel's lips. "I hope you're right."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkFyGeYcCD
Atlas had an expression of absolute dread. What, he doesn't think I can handle a fake fight?
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0s8erbR5FG
"Adrien, can you please escort Mister Huxley to the locker room, so he can prepare for the fight?" Gabriel requested.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGty4g3Myql
"Why me?" Adrien whined.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgJemUKynt
"Because I'd like to have a private conversation with Atlas."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINKEFKtmB0
Adrien groaned. "Fine!" He marched towards the elevator and beckoned for me to follow. "Let's get this over with, loser."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVnJAhkisg
Rude. I followed him into the elevator and caught a glimpse of Atlas' somber expression as the doors closed. My stomach began to churn. I should've asked more questions before agreeing to do this.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg6HgCBURh
The elevator let us off on the lowest floor. Adrien pointed me towards the first door on the left. We stepped foot into an empty locker room. The surrounding air reeked of a mix of bleach, sweat, and blood. A thick layer of dirt coated the floors, and clung to the bottoms of my shoes. Delightful.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7QMXHUTA0
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDdUIBV57V
I surveyed the room for any sign of life. "Where is everyone?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZlxSmhMTg
"All the other fighters are already prepared for their fights. As you know, today is a very special day and everything must be in order."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlpYiseWwB
I racked my brain, trying to remember what day it was, but I came up blank. "What's so special about today?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEvaWqg99j
"Today's the thirtieth anniversary of the Cybrawl; everyone knows that, Chase." Adrien snapped.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuWELyxxCE
"Sorry," I muttered.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UwDXm928y
"You're hopeless. I'm rooting against you in today's fight."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISIVevw4I2
I quirked an eyebrow. "Are commentators allowed to be biased?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBftQYYBxp
"I do what I want," Adrien replied.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc7sajvMBE
My eyes wandered to a poster plastered on the wall. It prominently displayed several well-known Cybrawl fighters. I pointed to a buff fighter in a skull mask. "Is that the guy I'm going to fight against."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpyCsCWYLa
Adrien admired the poster and gave a firm nod. "You know, Vindicator is a fighter I can get behind. He understands the true meaning of the Cybrawl."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1lQUx2Rz0
"Bloodshed?" I recalled from earlier.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSL4HfGkxC
Adrien shot me a satisfied smile. "Maybe, you're not as hopeless as I thought." He began to walk towards the elevator.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv3sVxQTHf
"Wait! Where are you going?" I ran after him.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGq7HkLTH3
He shrugged. "My job here is done."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQICPQ6CymT
"But you didn't do anything!" I protested.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG02j4K8xWq
He adjusted his glasses. "What? Did you expect me to hold your hand the whole time?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFefVPCDY0
"Do I get a script or something?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtwGJuBp2B
"What?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6drCYPlIah
"I'm an amazing actor. I starred in a Hallmark Holofilm called A Christmas Darryl, It was about a hotshot billionaire named Darryl who got stranded in a small town and–"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUFFb8geCs
Adrien clamped a hand over my mouth. "I don't care." He continued his journey to the elevator.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lVAo4Xw4T
"Are you at least going to tell me who's supposed to win the fight?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcg0KDN495
He laughed as the elevator doors shut. "That's not how it works here." Just like that, he was gone. I was seized by a sense of dread. I sense I've made a mistake of some kind.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVqjC3m1H0
I plopped down on the cold floor, defeated.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfvKIiMy6u
A loud chime sounded from the elevator. The doors slid open and Atlas stepped out, with a lit cigarette in his mouth. The dark circles beneath his eyes had significantly darkened. "I begged Gabriel to let you back out of the fight, but he refused."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWsFw9dMHP
I stood to my feet. "You shouldn't be smoking inside. It could start a fire."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dufK041j6
Atlas blew a cloud of cotton candy-flavored smoke in my face. "Good, I hope the whole stadium burns down."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTJMdZ88Ys
"That's harsh." I let out a loud cough, as I attempted to clear the smoke from my lungs.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkN8hmcYCjN
He sighed. "I know, I'm just angry right now."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwAaIOxtzl
I forced a smile. "It's okay, I'll just ask Vindicator to go easy on me."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOoqsvSPGHF
"That's not how Cybrawls work on Ikigai II." Atlas doused his cigarette in the grimy water fountain, putting it out.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj42dn4rcV
I threw up my hands in frustration. "Well, is someone gonna explain how Cybrawls work on Ikigai II?
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUw7O6mi54D
Atlas refused to make eye contact, as he broke me the news. "The fights aren't scripted here."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oKJ3auYJY
"What?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52ME3cAWXG
"All the fights on Ikigai II are real." He frowned. "All of the violence and brutality you see on TV is real here."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvE7VPQ2Db
I gaped at him. "How is this legal?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqOCS1GZZ4
It's like I told you before, no one cares about cyborgs. As long as the stadiums pay taxes, the government doesn't care if cyborgs kill each other for sport. Why would they?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqVBL7aFYP
"Because it's wrong."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPVteCx4ef
He let out a sharp exhale that resembled a humorless laugh. "Humans believe cyborgs exist to die, either on the battlefield or in a stadium for their entertainment. This is why Gabriel and I had a falling out. He's complicit in the exploitation of cyborgs, even though he is one."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY3Sq5RvNN
I gave an understanding nod.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp1sSVMO1l
Atlas reached into his pockets and pulled out two gleaming ruby-colored knives. He extended them towards me and motioned for me to take them.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9irHjysi3
I gladly accepted his bestowal. "These things are badass!"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpUeaXVzhZ
"I want you to take them into your fight today."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GbqELmHn6
I eyed the knives suspiciously. "Is that allowed?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMlcsDb7Y8
"Everything is allowed in an Ikegai Brawl." Atlas signed, without a smidge of sarcasm.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqhunpIxk6
That isn't comforting, Vindicator is going to kill me, or worse, damage my face even further! My breath began to quicken.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp2bqYaHvT
Atlas must've sensed my distress because he signed, "Vindicator is dangerous, but I've beaten fighters larger than him, and you can too."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmGsedy79F
I glanced over at the poster of Vindicator swinging a battleaxe over his head, then I glanced down at the knives in my hands. My stomach lurched with anxiety. "Are you sure about that?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSMJ18cDCE
Atlas gave a confident nod. "Fighters like him are all about showmanship. They always choose the largest weapon they can find, regardless of whether they know how to wield it. My knives are sharp and reliable; they can easily gut an opponent."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWsgW1sRzj
"Are you speaking from experience?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscVxsZa9wr
He refused to make eye contact. "I made my very first kill with those knives."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKzYQSAx30
"I thought you only killed people with the code."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZbftyRSFL
"Not the first time I killed. There's a reason Bionic Corp chose me over all the others to be their killer; it's because I'd done it before."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACz3pLX2yG
I shot him a look of bewilderment.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqzvrmDygj
He grimaced. "I'll tell you all about it if you survive today's brawl."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnkhBY0DFe
I twirled the knives around in my hands. "That seems unlikely." I said, accepting my fate. My grasp slipped and I accidentally sliced my thumb. I dropped the knife, and it clattered to the ground. "See."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8R2P6wxHVU
"You're going to win because I'm going to coach you."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKYrQL6zqN
I raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Doesn't the fight start in ten minutes?" I glanced down at my Holowatch to confirm.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAbjDnVCcu
He lifted his shoulders in a half shrug. "That's plenty of time. Now, show me your fighting stance!"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmzIBAd2rh
I faltered. "What's a fighting stance?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchX5WFvXDw
Atlas shook his head in disbelief. "You don't know anything about fighting, do you?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfkcZ1VaRx
"Of course not. I'm a fashion model! Why the hell would I need to know how to fight?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfwokl9AEa
"Fair enough." Atlas pulled me by the wrists into the center of the locker room. "I'm going to show you how to do a fighting stance." He nudged my feet apart and adjusted my elbows into place. "Now point your blades at me."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS58iKgvTJ
"Am I doing it right?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9B8pzIdQn
Atlas scrutinized my posture. "Bend your knees more."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7bDwcElJ0
I did as I was told.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmwRlNSYBw
He eyed me up and down. "Much better."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvZtmbXKrG
I smirked, satisfied by Atlas's approval. I stayed in the exact same position, not daring to move a muscle, even though an itch was forming on my right shoulder. "Now what?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqj3fM9bpT8
"The objective of a Cybrawl is to render your opponent immobile. Since you have no fighting experience, your best strategy is to focus on blocking and dodging. Only strike when you have a clear shot."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j8X6D3NKt
I nodded, trying to keep a mental note of all of his advice.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7c9baKwdd
"When you slash, use the force of your whole body. Like this," Atlas mimicked the motion of swinging the knives. "Let's practice what you've learned."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KgBtnSYkw
I narrowed my focus completely on Atlas. "I'm ready."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXtC3oSRkR
Before I had time to react, Atlas lunged towards me, twisted my wrists backwards, forcing me to drop the knives, then kneed me in the stomach, causing me to tumble to the ground. "What the hell, man?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOWTFhub99
A disappointed expression spread across his face. "You were supposed to block me." He offered his hand to help me up.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdJPqO102U
I didn't protest this time. I greatfully accepted his assistance.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVyHYNnOa9
Atlas squared up for a fight. "Now, try to hit me. you have my permission."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9e92HaeUKL
I gavea firm nod.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOJx5iUTLN
During our remaining time before the fight, we practiced sparring. After every one of Atlas's strikes, I got a little better at dodging his attacks, and after a while, I even managed to get a few blows in.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq6QFyKWeH
When it was time for the fight to begin, someone came to escort me to the center of the stadium, where the brawl would be held.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6ocqXKKzQ
"Remember to aim for the tendons." Atlas advised.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfJskaw62S
I tried to recall my high school biology class. "Where are the tendons located again?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwObsj4f2M
Atlas rubbed the bridge of his nose, exasperated.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasfLq4FEXp
I feel bad for him. He tried his best to teach me to fight. It's not his fault that I'm a walking disaster.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9btIKsXSsO
He placed a hand on the side of my face and hooked up to my cybernetics. He downloaded several fighting tutorials into my brain. "Here, these should help."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkxUTexPvW
I'd forgotten that was something I could do. "Why didn't you do that sooner?" I asked Atlas.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEWV94ujhj
He smirked. "Because it was funny, watching you fall down repeatedly."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyOF5zGrwK
I directed an obscene hand gesture at him, but there was no real animosity behind it. Overall, I was more thankful for his help than anything else.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWrK9PkF0U
Without another word, I was dragged off. Before I even stepped foot into the arena, I could hear the screams of tens of thousands of Cybrawl fans awaiting an epic brawl. It was daunting, to say the least.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMls4pRuxc
"In our next fight, we have everyone's favorite newcomer, Vindicator!" Adrien announced, and the audience erupted into applause. "Versus today's celebrity guest, Chase Huxley!" I exited the backstage area and stepped out into the arena. The crowd was much less enthusiastic. Some audience members clapped politely, while others actively booed me.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudKRxwDujX
"Boo you guys!" I spat in the direction of my hecklers.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXE4bfYKOg
The audience jeered louder in response.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp5gNGk3Fu
I took a moment to familiarize myself with my surroundings. Blindingly bright LED lights illuminated the entire stadium, which made it difficult to get my bearings. I stood on an elevated platform in the heart of the circular arena. Somehow, fresh grass grew out of the platform beneath us. Bleachers crowded with fans surrounded us on every side. Drones with cameras attached circled us. This entire fight was going to be televised.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHKz82qdji
The entire world is going to see my face! In the past, that would've thrilled me, but now the very thought fills me with dread. Everyone is going to find out that I'm a cyborg. Everyone I know probably assumed I was dead. Maybe it was better that way.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AM9uxkbEd
I angled the scarred half of my face away from the drones and faced my opponent instead. Vindicator stood firmly on the other side of the arena, patiently waiting for the fight to begin. He tilted his head to the side inquisitively. He appeared to be sizing me up.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QVbmImfdE
I did the same. I wonder how much of him is cybernetic. I knew it was a requirement for all Cybrawl Fighters to be at least 10% bionic, but Vindicator kept every inch of his body concealed behind thick leather armor, so I couldn't tell if he was cybernetic at all. I glanced around the arena for a referee, but there wasn't one. I pointed at my adversary. "Hey! Is he allowed to wear armor?" I shouted.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZTw3P5tpw
"Everything is allowed in an Ikigai Cybrawl." Adrien replied dryly over the loudspeakers.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7KSI8xrVf
Wow. Things keep getting worse for me.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7SaZF7QJF
A loud horn blared and the crowd cheered.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxK7KYhg2X
Vindicator charged toward me.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeXFNOgqRO
I retreated to the edge of the platform.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdMhqzHKHq
He took a swing at me with his battleaxe, but I dove out of the way.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkVi1Q3n5T
He grabbed me by the throat and dangled me over the edge.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkiYAY1qK1
He definitely has cyborg strength.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0NI2knIY4
"I don't want to fight you, Chase." Vindicator said. He used a voice modulator, most likely to make his voice deeper and more menacing.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0oiXOYFmu
"Then don't." I rasped. "I'll let you win. Okay?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA4GIrW2kb
He spun me away from the edge and threw me face-first onto the ground in front of him.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrTcauOx4T
I accidentally swallowed a mouthful of dirt and grass, as he rammed my face into the ground.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwF3GBgbNgd
"I don't want you! I want to fight Curseword!" He roared.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCSE5m4B2E
Curseword? "Do you mean Atlas?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs4MR0F814
Vindicator stopped beating me for a moment. "Oh, is that the name he goes by now? When I knew him, he went by a different name." He let out a sigh that was almost wistful.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYuUYve0JC
"Do you two know each other?" I asked as I tried to rise to my feet.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBX7pD6dsB
He kicked me in the gut with his steel toed boot, sending me crashing to the ground again. "Curseword and I go way back."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0CnsV866J
A throbbing pain grabbed hold of my stomach and I began to cough up blood.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVEaJNcwQp
Vindicator tried to kick me again, but this time I rolled out of the way, dodging his attack.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡloEfHnFNa6
Vindicator was stunned for a brief moment. He wasn't expecting me to elude him. Good. I like defying expectations.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWg2VD8yje
I sprung to my feet. I had no strategy, so I sprinted to the other end of the area in a zigzag motion. I hoped I could evade him long enough to come up with a plan.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Amqvp8L4h
Vindicator's pounding footsteps sounded behind me as he approached. "I have no desire to harm you."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUHF7uNOdZ
I clutched my throbbing stomach. "You could've fooled me!"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2E5A4Fpjk
He raised his battleaxe over his head, preparing to swing. "Tell me, where Curseword is hiding!"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBn9Fnk6iI
I surveyed the bleachers for any sign of Atlas. Where the hell was he? Did he ditch me here? "I swear, I have no idea where he is!" With lightning speed, I reached into my pockets, equipped Atlas's knives, and prepared to defend myself.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKjHmWtiud
I was quick, but my adversary was faster. He assaulted me with his axe. Despite my best attempts to block it, the sharp edge sliced across my rib cage. A sharp pain tore through my body, causing me to shout. A rusty, metallic scent filled my nostrils. When I gazed down at my now blood-soaked shirt, I realized it was the smell of my own blood. My legs trembled, but this time I refused to fall.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbia8GmtG6
Vindicator snatched one of the drones out of the air and pointed the camera directly at me. "Poor little Chase Huxley. Look how the mighty has fallen." He traced the outlines of my burn scars with his finger. He was mocking me, the way a cat taunts a mouse before it eats it. "You're nothing without your pretty face."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhTVE3zxTJ
Those words hurt almost as much as the bleeding wound on my chest because he was right. I've never been smart or cool or particularly talented in any way, but I was born with a pretty face, and that was enough to get by. Now my only asset is gone. I'm not sure who I am without with it.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybGw5DXUCy
"Come on, Curseword I know it hurts to watch your friend suffer. I bet it's tearing you apart." Vindicator chuckled.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCqWlILaSc
"What's so funny?" I asked, clutching the knives tighter.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl0kwFFst79
"You wouldn't get it." Vindicator waved a hand dismissively. "It's a little inside joke between me and Curseword." As he turned his head and scoured the audience for Atlas, I examined his armor. I may be stupid about most things, but I know all about clothing. If my hypothesis is correct, his armor should be thinner on his shoulders, elbows, and knees. If I play my cards right, I might be able to get the drop on him. While he was distracted, I silently crept towards him.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fLf8OuXOw
When I was within stabbing distance, I raised my arm and plunged my knife into his shoulder blade.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMuchTOcpV
Before the knife made contact with his skin, he spun around and grabbed my wrist. "Did you seriously think that would work?" He twisted my arm, painfully, causing me to drop the knife in my right hand.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzUGMkefMu
Before he had time to realize what was happening, I drove my second knife into his knee, tearing his flesh. "Now, that's what I call misdirection!"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrUw1s4QZG
He let out a faint wince in pain.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTcKAM3WoZ
I ripped the knife out of his leg, reclaiming it for myself.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD0DyYpl5l
He clenched his jaw. "Not bad."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zCTeDPWq0
"Thank you." I attempted to twirl the bloody knife around, like the badass hero in a Holofilm, but I accidentally sliced my pinky instead. Dammit. I hope Vindicator doesn't have any bloodborne diseases.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWjMTLmCeI
He lunged towards me, and prepared to swing. Before he could reach me, he let out a pained gasp and hunched over. There was a knife buried deep into his shoulder.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmN2C2qIUr
I gazed up to see Atlas standing behind him, with a satisfied smirk on his face.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WJt6jgoWM
"Atlas! You came back for me!"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKWDShJ5o0
"What? Did you think I was going to leave you here." Atlas signed, then tore the knife free from Vindicator's shoulder. "Do you want to team up to beat this scumbag?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwjZoBZYnN
"Is that allowed?" I asked.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rStXqsW2Z
Atlas' eyes lit up with mischief. "Everything is allowed in an Ikigai Cybrawl."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sx51RndIX
I smiled crookedly. "In that case, it would be an honor to join forces against this asshole."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOdWy3PgkH
Vindicator let out a humorless snicker under his breath. "I was starting to think you weren't gonna show up, Curseword. I'm glad I was wrong."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3ElGXLaMv
Atlas scowled and held the knife up to Vindicator's throat.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS8oFeuhvw
Vindicator shook his head. "Look at you, you're terrified of me. I can see it in your eyes."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6TdB6jCKH
Atlas didn't waver.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8kBHb9zLL
"Deep down, you're still the scared little boy I met all those years ago."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rf4cpPHi4
Atlas drove his fist into his opponent's face. Every inch of his body trembled.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkATU5wn7EL
I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSu9fIrIBzV
Atlas clenched his jaw, and nodded.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbw17f0xdx
Vindicator readjusted his mask, then turned to me. "Are you aware that the man you've chosen to align yourself with has murdered a dozen of our fellow cyborgs?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbMIUOYTIv
"First of all Atlas has only killed eleven cyborgs, Second—"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBkAPfhwM2
"And you're okay with that? You don't feel guilty for associating with someone who's slaughtered our brothers and sisters?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK31BC1aBL
I shrugged. "Not really. My friend Mason always says I have a terrible moral compass."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86b8yAajAx
"Your friend right. Clearly, you lack a conscious." Vindicator clutched his axe. "Now, Curseword and I have unfinished business we need to resolve."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqix796qmKN
Atlas tucked the knife away in his pocket. "No. I don't have time to deal with you today. Chase and I are leaving."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInWXlF5n8y
"We are?" I asked. What about the map? Does he plan to leave without it?
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXMGf5bwFs
"No one is allowed to leave the area until someone is unconscious." Adrien protested over the loudspeakers.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLLvwUvocd
"I thought everything was allowed in an Ikigai Cybrawl!" I retorted.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2v4jbGEZN
Adrien muttered something unintelligible under his breath.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsALkdGc2HG
My eyes darted around the stadium. I didn't see any way off the platform we were currently standing on. "How are we supposed to get out of here?" I asked Atlas.
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7myqNecMut
I noticed a twinkle of mischief in his eye. "We're going to jump."
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY8cIwhbOQ
"What?"
353Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DMNcJROpo
"Follow my lead."
ns18.217.79.15da2
