Nick Figarino

Born a warrior, will live a warrior, will die a warrior.

[zalecorsair-blog]

String Me Along || Ruby/Zale/Nick || Arena Day 2

[cotcrubyblaze]

"If you two would like to fulfill your cuddling urges, I can take first watch." There was a slight smile to my voice. Boys being boys was something I’d seen plenty of times at the academy, but I certainly wasn’t a cuddler. I’d slept with boys before, to be sure, but there was no point in sticking around for a snooze. 

I agreed with that, loathe as I was to think about killing Marlee. “Agreed. I would not kill someone in their sleep — they deserve a fighting chance. We’re all human, all people. We deserve to go down fighting.” 

Marlee’s power… I recalled when she’d told me, about powers but also about how lonely it was, growing up around people who didn’t understand her ability and didn’t want to. Families who thought she was too strange and gave her up. I didn’t want to betray her trust, but I couldn’t lose theirs, either. “She turns invisible. If she gets scared, or upset, or angry. Only for a few moments. But in a fight, she’d probably be going in and out of visibility.” 

It was good to create a plan for attack with as many people as we could, even if they’d once been allies. “I would kill either one. If Zale can send me to higher ground during the fight, I’ll take the first available opening. If not… don’t get distracted when you see an arrow fly — it won’t hit anything I don’t want it to.” It was time to be ruthless. It was time to grow up.

[zalecorsair-blog]

I was actually surprised to see Ruby jab in on Nick and I’s humor. It was nice, if only for the moment. “Pft, you’re the bigger of us two, it’ll look awkward if I’m on top.” I grinned, “I’ll take second then. But in all seriousness, we should stay close together tonight, no wandering off.”

Killing someone in their sleep…hell, that’s dirty, and right up my alley. But, I couldn’t let that pass here. “Agreed.” I said with a nod. As long as you don’t give me a reason to. "And don’t think that’ll give us the jump on someone else. Anyone riding this solo probably has traps set up around them." I added. 

My eyes widened a bit when Ruby revealed Marlees power, “Huh, and to think she and I spent some time at the camouflage station together during training.” I paused, “I could help with keeping her in view, rather her steps in view. Flood the floor, see the puddles when she steps.” I shrugged. It was an honest strategy, visible or not you’d still leave a trail. “Out of curiosity, did she say where her lineage was from?” 

"We can use height to our advantage, all of us. Should we come across Gaby and Leo, or the Huntresses, anyone for that matter, let me put us to higher ground first." I could create paths of water for us to climb on, keep both myself and my allies afloat to give us an edge, and well..if she tried to toss an arrow my way, I’d drop her right on her neck. I took note of Nick’s remark about preferring Leo over Gaby. I wouldn’t be surprised if she started schmoozing up to him while Ruby and I were gone, I guess it had more of an effect on him than it had me.

"Alright," I sat up straight. "Aside from us and the pair from Two: Ayla is still alive, from Three. She’s bright, her mind is just as deadly as whatever gift she possesses; For Six, Marlee we’re covered, Ford I’m not sure what he can do. Then the Huntresses; Maxwell from Nine I’m clueless on." I held back mentioning that since he and Arlene are from the same line maybe their powers are similar. Also, it felt weird conspiring to kill the son of the God who sponsored me, but I still wouldn’t hold back. "And then there’s the girl from Eleven, never met her." 

[nick-thefists]

"Well, I guess I'll take third, unless there's anyone else here that wants that shift?" I motioned around to nobody, "Gaby? Leo?" Still motioning to thin air. "Alright, guess I'll take it then." I smiled, a bit of humor can go a long way in the arena. Especially this far in.

"Alright. We have a deal then." I smiled, they had actually listened to me. I was part of this alliance. For definite now. I could tell. "I ain't killing anybody if they're asleep. If they haven't set traps, I'm still not gonna do it. It might be an easy kill, but that isn't how shit goes down." Any hint of humor hidden in my face was now gone. I would beat the living daylights out of you, but I'd look you in the face whilst doing so.

"Holy fuck that's a good power. Invisibility? That's good, that's good. But I can counter it. She can go invisible for a few seconds, right?" I smiled, finally, a use for my power. "I'll just look a few seconds into the future when she disappears from our view, so when she comes back into view, we'll already know where, and there'll be a blade meeting her. Alright, that's sorted. I just.. I hope it doesn't come down to that." I was prepared to do that. To end it, but only for survival. There is nothing noble about killing a 12 year old.

"Alright, that seems like a good plan, but if need be, you'll have to drop me to the floor safely with a moments notice. There's not really much I can do from a range, other than insult and tell you where a knife's gonna go. Other than that, up high is only a defense mechanism for me. Nothing else." My hands ripped a vine off of the nearby wall, I wrapped a chunk of meat in it and then threw it into my mouth. Chewing down no the food that also kept me hydrated. "Not bad."

"There's three of us. No matter who we are battling, we can use that to our advantage. Always keep an eye out for each other, if you're fighting one person off, and out of the corner of your eye, see another tribute closing down on me, for instance, shout. Just shout my name, anything like that. Then I'll know what you mean, and vice versa. We keep on top of these little things, we'll become a force to be reckoned with." I smiled, without that damn voice in my head, I found it a heck of a lot easier to think. It was nice.

[zalecorsair-blog]

String Me Along || Ruby/Zale/Nick || Arena Day 2

[cotcrubyblaze]

nick-thefists:

[zalecorsair-blog]

  I wasn’t a talkative person, even at home. I was quiet, I didn’t like to talk when I didn’t have to, because I didn’t want to waste my breath. To most it made me stand-offish, rude, but I believed in keeping quiet until I had anything meaningful left to say.

I wondered if that was a mistake, listening to Nick and Zale. They could team up against me and, with their powers, slaughter me in their sleep. I didn’t think Zale would go back on his word, but the only honor I could be sure of was my own.

To ensure my survival I would probably have to be a little more… likeable. It wasn’t my forte. But Nick was considerably better than he had been; I’d rather have been with him than the others. I could do this… probably. 

"Anatolia has a great tactical mind, while Mallory is pure ferocity and skill — together, their alliance makes them incredibly powerful," I agreed. They would be the ones to hunt rather than waiting to happen upon a tribute, and I didn’t like knowing they were out there, ready to strike. "Separating them makes them emotional; they love each other. Rely on each other too much."

At the mention of Marlee, I gritted my teeth. “She wouldn’t. Unless she was fighting for her own life, of course. Her ability is strong as well — don’t count Marlee as weak. She’ll surprise you. But I agree. The pattern is… I do think it’s them. They’re going quickly; hunting us down.” 

Zale already knew my answer, but hearing Nick’s I might as well say it.. I would kill them. I didn’t hate them, but they weren’t on my list of people allowed to win if I couldn’t. There wasn’t room for them to survive. “I agree; we’ll take them when we see them.” 

Body language sometimes speaks louder than words and based on how Nick is acting and speaking now, I had to guess we were getting somewhere with him, or rather, he was getting somewhere with himself. “I dunno, I’m not one to share.” I grinned at him when he mentioned the three of us curling up together. I could only imagine what’s going through Ruby’s mind right now watching me drop my guard and be well, a guy. 

I picked it back up when we began discussing our options, “I never saw the two girls together, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they approach say the three of us with the same strategy, to separate us.” I paused and glanced up at the walls, knowing just behind them my water sat idly, making our team not a trio, but a four-person squad. “The three of us are well trained, but as far as what they can do beyond their own melee abilities,” I shrugged, “I can only imagine what they’re capable of” 

I nodded in agreement with Ruby, “Marlee is strong in her own way. Whether she really is out there on her own or not is beyond me.” I clenched my jaw before I began my next statement, “We approach her as anyone else.” I said quietly. I knew from my first meeting with her that I would have to do whatever was to be done in order to preserve myself, as far as the rest of the team goes… I know she’s close with Ruby. I looked to her, “I doubt she’ll approach you or I with trust in here, but you know what she can do. What her gift is, I mean?” 

I was relieved to hear the two of them were fine with going up against Gaby and Leo, and after the week I had with the gal from Two well…I wouldn’t hesitate in the slightest. I don’t know where I was going with her all week, call it a combination of nerves and curiosity, curiosity to see where she would go with me and in truth it reminded me why I truly hate people like her: the lavish, yuppy Careers who recklessly approach everything like their shit doesn’t stink. “The two of them shouldn’t be taken lightly either, despite the fact Gaby and I’s gift counter each other.”

[nick-thefists]

"Alright, all joking aside. If we are going to cuddle, dibs being at the bottom. That's where shit goes down!" I joked, raising my voice slightly, but not enough for anyone to be able to hear if they were round the corner. "Shit, sorry about that, got a bit.. Excited?"

"Okay, so we've got our strategy then? No matter who we see, 12 year old, 16 year old, 18 year old. No matter their power, no matter how much blood it will put on our hands, we kill." My smile dropped, my face now forming a much more serious expression. "This is where the games really begin. No pussy footing. None of this 'I'll kill you in your sleep' cowardly bullshit. Deal?" I asked, raising an eyebrow towards my.. Colleagues?

"Alright. Marlee's strong in her own way? Noted. That's in the safe." I tapped my forehead, and that was when I realized. No voice! I smiled largely, not just on the inside. Then wiped all happiness from my face when I realized I must look like some sort of a fool, smiling to myself in the games.

"If it does come down to use three fighting the other two. I'd hate to sit back with my thumb up my arse, but I'd prefer it if I could deliver the final blow to Leo, not Gaby. For.. Reasons." I said sternly. She was there when the voice was boring inside my skull. I couldn't just take her life like that.

[zalecorsair-blog]

String Me Along || Ruby/Zale/Nick || Arena Day 2

[zalecorsair-blog]

I couldn’t help but let a light laugh out, “Only if I can be the little spoon.” It was remarks like that, our talk yesterday about the fighting we did back home that made me wish I had met Nick under different circumstances. But, fate dealt the cards, we just played ‘em. “I figure if we’re closer together we’ll be able to react faster if we’re separated throughout the night.” I looked at the vines on the walls, “Unless you have other ideas.” I shot a wink back at him.

The playful moment ended when he began listing what he knew, “Nah, don’t be sorry, every but helps.” I assured him. “Well, Arlene and Rose are gone, I think we all agree that Ana and Mallory are going to be an issue,” I looked to Ruby for her nod of agreement. “We need to separate them if we come across them, maybe that’ll slow ‘em down.” 

I paused for a moment, “Be honest with me here, if we run into Gaby and Leo again…what do you guys want to do?” It was a legitimate concern. I knew what I would do, Ruby would no doubt feel the same but I wanted to see where Nick stood. I still saw it as a boon or a bust in my eyes linking back up with them and wanted to get a group consensus.

But now that I had a seemingly endless supply of water at my command, it would be…easier… 

[nick-thefists]

"Well we could all sleep in a vine hammock, one hammock between the three of us sound cozy enough for you, Zale-y?" I chuckled, then sat up from my lying position, and leaned against the wall. I didn’t want to drop off mid-conversation. Not if we’re talking strategy. That ain’t acceptable.

"Well, at least we know what to do if Rose’s spirit haunts us then, right?" I joked, then nodded along with Ruby at his point about the two girls. "No doubt they’re the ones doing all the killing that’s going on. It isn’t us, there’s that little girl, Marlee? She wouldn’t have been able to take them out.. Call it a gut feeling? I don’t know."

When the names of the other half of our alliance popped into conversation, my ears perked up. I could tell this choice would have to be made sooner or later, if at all. But if the time did come where an option must be chosen, I’d prefer having the answer already in my mind.

"3 of us. 2 of them.. We could take ‘em." I forced a smile, that was my answer, I wasn’t happy about it, but this is where the games really start. This is where the saying ‘survival of the fittest’ actually comes into play. "Yeah. We could do it."

I tucked my knees towards my chest and pulled them close, using them for stability more than comfort, I no longer wanted to use the wall to keep myself up. It was beginning to make my back ache.

For the first time since we had been split from the others, I felt like part of an alliance. Not just like some pet. For this reason, my hood dropped, releasing my blonde locks into the open air.

I was comfortable with these people.

[zalecorsair-blog]

String Me Along || Ruby/Zale/Nick || Arena Day 2

[zalecorsair-blog]

Our walk for the remainder of the afternoon was quiet, almost too quiet. Ruby was working the thread and I continued to cut off the occasional vines as we moved, I wasn’t taking any chances. Part of me was thankful though, it meant we had our energy about us, yet at the same time the possibility of the three of us having to kill one another became all the more greater. At least I’m learning more about the two of them in the off chance that possibility does become a reality.

Which reminds me.

Ruby and I had talked for a great while after our interviews and agreed that if push came to shove the two of us were willing to break away from the group and go on our own. The good news is, we are on our own, the bad news is, we have a bit of luggage, although Nick has shown he can haul ass when need be, not that I doubted he could.

He had caught on to Ruby and I’s subtle movements, has kept his voice down and hasn’t had a fit since we woke up this morning. Maybe the extra body isn’t a bad addition. If he was going to be tagging along though, we should probably reorganize our plans that originally were for a duo, not a trio. Who knows, maybe the big guy picked up on some useful information that can help us when we inevitably fight another tribute. I was confident in my abilities, but this was anyones game. I really thought Arlene was going to last ‘til the end.

The sun was starting to set and without Gaby we were quite literally in the dark. I didn’t want to risk lighting a fire to help us get around. Maybe it’d be best to bunker down for the night at this point. Last thing we need is to walk into a mutt in the middle of the night. My eyes were decent in low light, having traversed the tunnels under Four with little light, but, I’m not in Four, I don’t know these routes.

We found a little nook to form camp and discussed our set up for the night, “We should probably stay quite literally as close together as possible tonight. Last thing we need is for us to get separated again.” It almost felt counter-productive saying that, but we needed the numbers right now. I drained a bit of a vine into my mouth and looked to Nick, “If ya don’t mind me asking, ya pick up on anything about anyone, something that can maybe help us plan now instead of later?” 

[nick-thefists]

I realised that as long as I mirrored my allies movements, I'd be alright. Kept quiet, walked light-footed, kept the chit chat to a minimum. If I kept all these things in place, we'd clear a lot of ground, safely.

It seemed as though the second I looked up at the setting sun, as did Zale. Our eyes met momentarily, and I knew the plan. We're gonna call it a day. I followed the two of them until we found a reasonably protected dead end, then set up camp. Or rather, made myself as comfortable as I could on the stone floor.

"Does Zale want a cuddle?" I chuckled, patting his shoulder mockingly. "Alright, safety, right?" I asked with a slight wink at the end of the sentence. When the question was raised, I threw my mind back to training. I tried to think of anything I could remember that might help us out at this current moment in time.

"I will tell you everything I know on a tribute, dead or not. Arlene can fight pretty well hand to hand, not too sure about her with weapons though. What she lacks in size she makes up for in skill. Rose, I remember seeing her in water, she absolutely hated it. Anatolia is good with her blades. She knew just about everything about every type of blade imaginable, and then some. That's just about it. Not even sure if any of it is useful..." I smiled weakly at my feeble attempt of helping. "Sorry.."

[nick-thefists]

In the arena with Nick - Day 2

Where: North-East ish What: A single axe, the minotaurs head, 2 severed horns and some meat. (All in a vine backpack) Who: Zale and Ruby. Injuries: Bloody fists.

Notes We were awoken to quite the surprise today. Gaby and Leo had both been separated by a maze wall that seemingly appeared over night. After calming myself down, and formulating a plan with Zale and Ruby, we set off. Zale used his water powers to traverse us across part of the arena quickly. After getting down from the wall, and walking some more, we came across a beast. Half man, half bull. The minotaur. After beheading the beast and recovering its body, we were rewarded with Ariadnes thread, which will prove very crucial in the following days. We then rested up for a little bit, ate some meat, I severed the horns from the head, and attached it to my pack, then we carried on moving. Using the thread to help navigate the arena.

[zalecorsair-blog]

String Me Along || Ruby/Zale/Nick || Arena Day 2

[zalecorsair-blog]

I watched Ruby as she began stringing the thread against the vines, hiding it from sight. She thought ahead, I admired that. I held my back mentioning that we should have gathered up some of the Minotaur’s blood to mark the walls just in case some asshole did pick up on our trail or cut the cord.

She took lead, I positioned myself beside her and to the left, my trident ready while Nick had our backs. I was constantly rotating in a circle as we walked, my attention going to our sides, in front of us, behind us and more importantly, above us. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone else here can hop the walls as we had. Last thing we needed was an ambush from above. Lucky for us, the water I summoned was just on the other side of these walls, read to strike at anyone who tried. As Ruby tied off the thread along the vines, I too worked my way over to the walls, cutting the occasional vine to ensure my access to extra water remained constant.

Just as we had before, our movement was near silent. It made me almost thankful Gaby and Leo weren’t with us, I don’t think the gal would be able to stay subtle and given the fact my patience with her was growing thin to begin with, I probably would have said a thing or two that I normally would have been able to hold back. Though I will say, I did miss the extra bodies but I wasn’t about to become dependent on my allies like that. I valued Nick and Ruby’s company for now, but at the end of all this they were just another obstacle to overcome.

As we followed the thread we found ourselves heading further east, a bit off course of true north but who knows, maybe its taking us on a roundabout way?

[nick-thefists]

Meat, finally! The vines were enough to keep you alive, but if you want to stay alive and healthy, you had to have meat. The only thing that weirded me out a little by this, was that the meat came from a half human.. Is this classed as cannibalism?

After using my axe to gently cut the horns off, I placed them both in my vine backpack, and then cut another vine from the wall, to tie the head to the bottom of the pack, just in case I could find a use for it in the near future.

With everything tucked away in my pack, or tied to it, I grabbed a few chunks of meat, wrapped them in a few vines, ate a little bit more meat then chewed on a vine as we walked, me taking up the back of the pack to keep watch, and make sure the thread did its job correctly.

Nick-

I mentally cut the voice off before it could get the better of me. It wasn't even real. I could control this, I could.. But it seemed the only time it doesn't bother me, is when I'm fighting...

[zalecorsair-blog]

No Bull About It [The Minotaur] || Zale/Ruby/Nick || Arena Day 2

[cotcrubyblaze]

The others were too far to see it, but having stayed behind, I was the one who spotted it. A shimmer in the dull, white sand — a dark line standing out. “Zale, I’m going back into the sand!” Before I did, I tied a vine around my waist so I could pull myself out if necessary — it would have to be enough. I stepped off the water platform and rushed over, closer to the hard land the opposite way that the others had gone. 

I had to get to my knees, my legs quickly beginning to sink into the sand, but there it was. A thread. I picked it up, sand falling through my fingers — it was thin, but incredibly strong, and the more I pulled at it the more it came out. If it was what I thought it was, there would be a spool — I plunged my hand into the quicksand and produced it, gripping tight and tearing at whatever was anchoring to the sand.

"Ariadne’s thread," I whispered, awed. My shock could only hold me for a moment; it was time to get out. Using the vine I had around my waist, I used my right hand to pull me, gripping tight to the wound thread in my other hand. 

This thread could guide us through the labyrinth; it was the most important thing we’d found yet. 

[callofthecapitol]

Congratulation! You got the thread! You can continue your para freely

[nick-thefists]

"Ariadne's thread?" I asked as I helped pull the vine keeping Ruby above ground. When she was back with me and Zale, I looked down at the spool in her hand. "That means. This maze has an exit. An exit we can get to!" I almost cheered, but remembered I had to keep quiet, so simply smiled.

I bent down towards the ground and picked up my axe, then passed Zale his trident. I kicked the minotaurs body at our feet, and my mouth almost began salivating there and then. I placed my axe into the pack I had made out of vines, and then picked the head up with my right hand. "I'm claiming this, and some meat off of the body. You two can have the rest of it, yeah?" I asked, inspecting the head.

Yeah.. I can use this. I smiled internally and looked down at the body.. "Zale, think you can use your fancy water trick to move this body to a dead end or something? We can have a rest, eat up and get moving?"

[zalecorsair-blog]

No Bull About It [The Minotaur] || Zale/Ruby/Nick || Arena Day 2

[callofthecapitol]

The Minotaur starts to get away but there is a prize for you to catch! Quick try to find what the Minotaur can give you before he gets away! 

[nick-thefists]

I began walking towards the dead, headless Minotaur body, but when Zale's water washed away from the body, we were all ankle deep in sand. Sand that was slowly sinking, and taking the minotaur down with it. My pace quickened and I ran towards the minotaur's body. As I reached it, I first grabbed the head by both horns, and threw it as far down the corridor as I could, away from the sand. It landed on the concrete floor, clattered for a second as the horns collided with the floor, then settled. Not moving.

"We just killed this beast, and I don't care if it's classed as cannibalism. There's still bull there, and I need some meat. We might even find something useful in the carcass!" I yelled towards Ruby and Zale before throwing my axe towards the minotaur head. I'd need as many hands on deck as possible for this.

"Vines, grab three from from the bottom of the wall, pull them up, wrap them around each other. Do not pull them off of the wall!" As I spoke, I did exactly as I was explaining, and in my hands I held a thick twist of vines, much like a plait.

"Then tie it onto the body and go again! As long as we can get these tied to him and the wall, we can keep him on top of the sand, then we'll work on getting him out when he stops sinking!" I ran towards the other side of the minotaur and repeated my steps, tying it on to the minotaur.

"Quick quick, we need this!"

[zalecorsair-blog]

No Bull About It [The Minotaur] || Zale/Ruby/Nick || Arena Day 2

[zalecorsair-blog]

She wasn’t lying when she said she was good. As the beast stumbled when her arrow pierced through its eye, I saw the opportunity to let my trident fly. I was racing backwards, altering my footwork to keep me light and as the Minotaur swatted the arrow that stuck out of its eye, I took a step forward, launching the weapon and letting the momentum of the throw spin me in a complete circle as I continued moving backwards. The trident found its home in the Minotaur’s collar bone. It bellowed and pulled the blade out and tossed it to the side. No matter, I would have it back in my hands in mere moments, Ruby’s first arrow as well.

The water raced towards us from behind the beast, coating the whole floor of the corridor and not slowing the Minotaur in the slightest as it resumed its charge. As the water reached beneath our feet I willed it to rise, lifting my allies and I onto a platform of water twenty feet from the ground, well above the Minotaur’s reach. It jumped and swatted, feebly trying to grab us and I took advantage of it being distracted to call up two tendrils of solid water: one that raced towards and up to our position, latching onto my trident and Ruby’s stray arrow along the way and delivering it to us without fault. I took my weapon and passed Ruby hers.

The second tendril shot forward and wrapped itself around the Minotaur’s legs, pulling them out from underneath it and bringing the beast to the ground with a thud!, holding it in place. The water then convened on its fallen position, and I willed it to wash over the creature continuously, as if it was being assaulted by endless waves. It gave us a minute to recoup and plan.

"Had Minos sacrificed the white bull and not have betrayed you we wouldn’t be dealing with this shit.” I hissed quietly, speaking to my father and watching the beast thrash under the water. ”We need to take it’s fucking head.” I said, raising my voice slightly so the others could hear.

Nick looked out of sorts, overwhelmed. The last thing we need is for him to have a fit right here and get us all killed. I’ll toss his ass over as a diversion if need be, we can’t afford recklessness right now. I raised an eyebrow looking at his ax, “Lemme borrow that for a sec.” I demanded, ripping it from his grasp, “I’ll give it right back, promise.” I grinned. I looked to Ruby, “Your move, Alpha.” I said, twirling the ax in my hand.

[nick-thefists]

When the minotaur came into view, I couldn't help but smile. Finally, something I could kill, and satisfy the voice in my head. If I could satisfy the voice, maybe it would leave me alone. I watched as the arrow pierced the beasts eye, and then the trident stab into the collar bone.

Just as I was about to attack the beast, I was pulled up into the air on some water, and we hung above the minotaur. I watched it flail around as it tried to reach us, but to no avail. Moments later, Zale's weapon flew back to his hand, and Ruby's arrow found its place back in her possession.

The next thing I knew, my axe was in Zale's hand, and I was almost at his throat. But as long as he got me it back very soon, I could stay calm. I had to. As the tendrils of water that brought up Zale's trident, I dived into it, it was only just enough to hold my weight. As it slowly moved back to the floor, I bent my legs, and rolled on impact with the floor.

The minotaur was still on the floor due to Zale's water trip. I took a second to look at the continuous waves washing over the beast, and i have to hand it to him. Zale's powerful. I crouched down gently, placed my feet in a sprinting position then took off.

I ran as fast as I could towards the minotaur, and at the last second, I dropped down, sliding on the water Zale had still moving. The water carried me towards the minotaurs head, where I latched my arms around its neck.

My right hand balled into a fist, bar my forefinger and middle finger, and I dropped in front of its face. The arms of the monster reached up for me, but a swift kick to each shoulder knocked them off balance to give me enough time to plunge my hand towards the only eye the monster still had intact. My fingers dove into its eye, popping it almost instantly.

When I pulled out, the gooey mess on my fingers dripped slowly, and I placed both of my feet on the minotaurs chest, bending them in the process. With one fast extension of my legs, I pushed off of the monster and moved away from it rapidly.

When I was in the clear, I stood on to my feet, turned towards the maze walls and ran away from the now blind beast. I skid to a halt towards the end of the tunnel, and turned back to Zale and Ruby.

"Kill the fucker!" I yelled at the top of my voice, then I crouched down to regain my breath, and speak to 10.

"There, I blinded him. Is that enough for you?!"

No. There'll never be enough.

[zalecorsair-blog]

Not According to Plan || Zale/Nick/Ruby || Arena Day 2

[zalecorsair-blog]

I stopped moving when Nick asked about what else can be in here. We had been moving all day and this would seem like a good time for a breather. I slid down against a wall and stretched my legs out in front of me, “Mm, sadly, anything can be in here.

There’s the possibility of a Minotaur mutt, a gorgon, hell just about anything from Greek mythology.” I sighed, “part of me wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a Titan among us already trying to take us out early.” And where are the Gods in this? How could they be silent, despite the possible bad relationship they had with their children. How could the God of War sit back and watch Ruby and Nick be killed? How could Pops…I shook the thought from my head. 

I shifted uncomfortably, “We should find something to eat soon.” I said quietly. I had the rest of the sandwich but again, I can’t pull it out in front of them. “We can only live off of water for so long.” I stated as I cut a nearby vine and pulled the water up. 

[nick-thefists]

"Damn.. That doesn't sound too appealing, if you ask me." I sat down opposite Zale and pulled the pack off of my shoulder, placing it on the floor next to me with the axe handle jutting out. I pulled my hood over my head, and made sure it wouldn't fall.

"Wait, Zale.. Our dad's a knob, what about yours? God of water, right? He's got to be pretty cool.." I smiled weakly, and clenched my fists at the thought of Ares, and what I would give to break his neck right here and now. "If he is nice, why can't he just send us some food? Sponsor us?"

It was a long shot, but I couldn't live off of chewing vines. Not in here.

[zalecorsair-blog]

Not According to Plan || Zale/Nick/Ruby || Arena Day 2

[zalecorsair-blog]

I suddenly felt a bit uneasy being up this high: I didn’t know what the gamemakers would throw at us up here and last thing I needed was for a manticore or something to swoop down and kill us, or worse, Nick have a fit and end up tossing Ruby or myself over. We didn’t walk far, maybe a few feet before I saw we were directly north. “True north, guys.” I grinned at them, “Let’s get the fuck down.” 

I called the pool of water to us. It raced up the wall and shot over, forming an arch that would bring us down. I stood backwards and extended my hands again, “watch my back?” I winked at them as the water began pulling us gently back down. Once we were back on solid ground I shot the water back up over the wall where it came from, hoping it would mislead anyone who took note of it. Then again, we were pretty damn high up. “Shall we?” I asked. We walked a few paces to the left, made a turn and found ourselves heading east. 

[nick-thefists]

When Zale let us know we were headed back down, I was overjoyed. I hated being up this high, I'd much rather be down in the maze, between the walls, with solid ground under my feet. "Alright, this way then?" I raised an eyebrow, and began walking into the maze after them both.

"Any idea what's in this maze with us then? Other than the other tributes, that is?" I asked Zale, who seemed to know a lot about this subject. I hadn't heard anything from 10 recently, which I quite liked. He was a knob if I dare say so myself, which I probably shouldn't.

[zalecorsair-blog]

Not According to Plan || Zale/Nick/Ruby || Arena Day 2

[zalecorsair-blog]

I looked along the walls at all the cut vines, and nodded, “Damn straight.” I said with a smile. I began pulling the water from all the vines, it came rushing forward and pooled together in front of one wall, an endless supply from the earth itself. Here’s that multi-tasking Pops showed me and I had used effectively during private training, “Check this out.” I said to my allies as the water shot up from the seemingly endless pool I created in an arch, climbing up the wall until it stopped at the top of the Labyrinth. “Come on.” I said as I moved into the pool at the base of the path I created.

"Trust me on this." I said noting the hesitancy in their faces. I tucked my weapon under my arm and extended a hand to each of them, "Just stay still, I got ya." Once they stood in the water with me I willed the water to pull us upwards, along the path that brought us to the top of the wall, the top of the Labyrinth.

"Holy shit." I mumbled looking at the full maze. I cant even lie, it was breath taking, and it gave us a full lay of the land. "The water’ll follow us in case we need to get down." I assured them. The vines I called to taper off and the path that brought us back here silently collapsed back down into the pool, which I willed to follow us along the way. Failing, there were plenty of vines lining the top of the maze and as I showed during my private training, a little bit can take me a long way.

"So, north then?" I smiled at them pulling the compass out.

[nick-thefists]

I stepped into the water after Ruby, and held on to her hand. The vine backpack securing the axe tightly. I held my breath as the water rushed us to the top, Once we stepped out, I looked over the edge, it was a long way down. The fall would not be fun.

Jump.

The single word was almost enough for me to flip, and just jump. But I wouldn't let him get the better of me. I didn't want to. I blinked him away, then began following Zale and Ruby slowly.

"North sounds good, yeah. Just. Be careful." I kept checking behind me, didn't want anything sneaking up on us. At this point, I felt safer holding the axe in my hand rather than in the pack.

"What's the plan then? Walk North until we find something or someone?" I asked, a single eyebrow raised, and I looked over the edge one more time.

"Fuck that's high."

[zalecorsair-blog]

Not According to Plan || Zale/Nick/Ruby || Arena Day 2

[zalecorsair-blog]

Now I was starting to wish he was left with Leo and Gaby. I didn’t like how he snatched the ax from me, didn’t like the look in his eye or the way he spoke. He was weak, and it was really starting to show. I kept reminding myself that Ruby and I can easily lose or take him down, even use him as a meat shield if need be. I heard what he said, about “He,” who I can only assume is the guy from Ten still haunting him. He isn’t going to last long, and hopefully Ruby and I won’t be in the line of fire when he finally snaps.

The water from the vine slowed to a dribble and I kept my position light and grip on my weapon firm. My head was high, I wasn’t going to be intimidated by him. I licked my lips, “Head north.” I said pulling the compass back out and finding our direction. Ruby nodded and we began to follow the path. “Keep light on your feet, speak with your eyes and hands, it’ll let your ears pick up more.” I said to Nick with a reassuring clasp on his back. As irritated as I was with him, I wasn’t going to let it make me sloppy or distract me.

We ended up back at the cornucopia, which was pretty much a sand pit at this point. We hooked left and hit a series of dead ends, “Fucking hell.” I grumbled as we stopped for a moment. I checked the compass again, “Well, we’re north west now, that’s something.” I whispered to the group. I didn’t want to back track, I wish fucking Nick could just plow through these damn walls or-

…now there’s an idea.

I looked around at the walls. Covered in vines. And all those vines drew their water from the earth. A light grin too my face as I looked to my allies, “Ya’ll up for going topside?” I asked nodding to the sky. “Cut as many vines as you can.” I instructed, “Quietly.” I added as I went to work. I sliced off ten vines on one side of the path, gently laying the severed parts on the ground. Nick and Ruby were working on the other side.

[nick-thefists]

It was clear to see my mentality was now getting on Zale's nerves, but as long as I stayed quiet, and he let me keep the axe in my grip. I think we would have a mutual agreement here. I followed his steps. Being quiet, I trudged along behind them, gently keeping up. We navigted through the maze for quite some time, until finally making it to where Zale suggest we went.. topside?

I did what he said, and used my axe to slice as many vines off as I could, but did it quietly. Laying them down next to Zale's, I placed the axe back in my vine pack and turned to Zle.

"Topside? What do you mean?" I questioned, lining up a few more vines I was able to pull off with my hands. I pulled one vine off and stripped it of its leaves, then popped it into my mouth. After chewing for a while, I swallowed, and looked up at the sky.

"Some meat would be good." I chuckled, and picked up a few more vines, placing them down on the floor.

Picking up vines? What are you, someone from 11?

I shook my head, ignoring the voice, I collected a few more vines and turned to Zale. "This enough?"

[zalecorsair-blog]

Not According to Plan || Zale/Nick/Ruby || Arena Day 2

[zalecorsair-blog]

The more I watched him the more concerned I was getting. He wasn’t stable and him being alone with Ruby and I maybe wasn’t the best choice. I wouldn’t be surprised if the GMs did that on purpose, though I have to say I’m glad I was with my co-conspirator. She and I could take Nick down if we need to. And come to think of it, Nick didn’t know what I could do and that vine I severed last night was only a pace or two away. If need be I’ll drown him where he stands.

I raised an eyebrow when he began towards us with his ax in his hand. I tightened my grip on my trident and casually spun it in front of me. “Alright, but I’m not about to start shouting to find out where they are.” I gave him a bit of a stern look, “And we’d be best to keep our voices down.” I added softly, hoping he’d get my message.

I took a step or two back towards the wall behind me and cut a new vine and called the water forward so that it shot out like a hose again. I tapered it off to a light stream. I drank deeply and let it run over my hands. I ran my wet hands under my hoodie and tshirt, over the healing burns and my tattoo. Everything was feeling fine and I knew I could last maybe another day on just water and the rest of the sandwich. “We should try and find something to eat while we’re at-“

And then he was on the ground screaming. I acted purely on instinct. The water from the vine in my hand burst forward with the force of a jet stream and crashed into his chest, pushing him down to the ground and holding him in place. The water was virtually silent, as was the growl that left the back of my throat as I threw myself on top of him, putting my hand over his mouth and silencing him. I spoke with my eyes as oppose to my voice. I wasn’t going to get killed because of this idiot, and to think I usually had more patience than this. After a few moments I pushed off and got back to my feet, snatching up both my trident and his ax before calling the water to retreat back into the vine.

I exhaled softly, “Take a drink, man. Cool down.” I said, willing the water from the vine to leak out again. 

[nick-thefists]

All the wind was knocked out of me as the water slammed into me, and then Zale got on top of me. I'm going to admit, I didn't like him being on top. I had half a mind to push him off and start something now, but when I saw his eyes, I knew I was in the wrong.

I stood up, feeling around for my axe, but then I saw it in his hands. I drank some of the water coming from the vine, and dropped it when I was done. "I'm sorry. It's just. He's. Never mind." I said calmly, and grabbed my axe from Zale's hand. "You have your water power and your trident, as well as Ruby on your side. Knock me down, tackle me, whatever. Just don't take away the only thing I have to show for at this point in my life." I spat out the final part, then hooked the axe into the vine backpack I had made with Leo last night.

Turning away from both of my allies, I squeezed my eyes shut. They couldn't know I was losing it. I wouldn't let them. I shook my head slightly, rubbed my eyes and willed for the voice to stay away.

"Alright. What's the plan?"

[zalecorsair-blog]

Not According to Plan || Zale/Nick/Ruby || Arena Day 2

[zalecorsair-blog]

Ruby and I bounced back without missing a beat when he predictably grabbed his weapon as if to attack us. I chuckled at his remark, “Can’t say I wouldn’t do the same.” I stood up straight and relaxed myself, looking to Ruby with an eye roll as Nick turned his back on us and smacked the wall. “Hey man, not for nothing you’re gonna run out of skin if you keep trying to beat the crap out of the wall.” I said when he turned back around.

I shrugged, “I’m guessing the GMs didn’t like the idea of a big pack?” I looked to the newest wall. “We’re gonna have to sleep closer together tonight now that our numbers are smaller. Who knows if Gaby and Leo are even beyond this wall or they didn’t get shifted to some other part of the maze.” Or even killed. Sigh. Either way, maybe this was a better line up now, Ruby and I can take charge and we have Nick as the brawn.

"We can either try and link back up with them or keep heading north." I wrinkled my nose, "Personally, I’d want to keep moving, and I don’t want to create any excess noise." I looked up to the sky, "I’m sure the gal’ll toss up a fireball to let us know where the are. What do you think?"

[nick-thefists]

As Zale spoke, I paced around nervously. I wanted to get back to them. I needed to. Gaby was there. She knew what to do. Even better, her hugs.. They were calming.. Like being back home, like being safe again.

"Alright. I'm good.. I'm good. Walls won't get it. Noted." I forced a smile, but the look on my face was obvious that I didn't fully mean it. "Link up with them. We need to. Please?" I asked, walking towards them, axe hanging low towards the ground.

Nick, kill them both, now.

"Shut up!" I yelled, crouching down I faced away from Ruby and Zale, then tugged on my hair tightly, "Get out of my head! Get out! get out!" I fell down to the floor in a sprawl, "Get out, I've had enough!"

[zalecorsair-blog]

Not According to Plan || Zale/Nick/Ruby || Arena Day 2

I woke up feeling somewhat rested. I guess I was that drained from everything yesterday. Slowly I sat up, laying the trident next to me as I stretched, feeling my new blades in my pocket. I looked around and saw Ruby and Nick passed out not too far from me, and Gaby and Leo are…gone.

Wait.

I suddenly became alert and quietly got to my feet. I was smart enough not to go screaming their names out, though I’m kind of surprised they weren’t yelling out for us. That’s when I noticed a new wall that wasn’t there last night. Man, the GMs wasted no time separating us. Ugh, fuck. The numbers could have done us well today, but then again Ruby and I were thinking about splitting off, though not like this. Damn it.

Before I went to wake the duo from One I took out the sandwich Gaby gave me and took another small bite. Last thing I needed was to pull food out in front of them and have to explain where I got it. I pocketed the rest and tapped Ruby on the shoulder to wake her up, then moved to Nick, but before I poked him awake I stepped back and crouched down low. Given how jumpy he was yesterday the last thing I needed was him to wake up with a start and take a swing at me.

I held the head of the trident in my hand and used the staff to prod at his arm, keeping myself at a safe distance and ready to react. “Dude, relax, it’s just us!” I whispered hoarsely when he inevitably woke with a start. Luckily Ruby and I were far enough back to avoid his abrupt reaction, though if he kept up the racket I’ll quickly turn this trident on him.

[nick-thefists]

After finally drifting to sleep, I got a few nice hours of recovery, and surprisingly, I hadn't had any dreams, nightmares.. Anything of the sort. Just as my eyelids were slowly opening, I heard a slight whisper, then felt a trident on my arm. Diving to my feet, I readied my axe. I wasn't about to go down without a feet. But when I saw who it was, I dropped the axe and my voice, being quieter.

Nick, kill them.

"No." I spat out, slightly to my left and directed at the floor, to rid my head of the voice.

"I mean, no problem. Yeah, no worries. Sorry 'bout that little jump scare there. Didn't mean to do that." I smiled weakly, and looked around, Zale, Ruby, Gaby, Leo.

Wait. Where was Leo. Where was Gaby? I ran towards the nearby wall, just about to yell out for Gaby, and pound my fists on the wall. But I kept my calm, looking towards Zale and Ruby. I wasn't going to lose it now. Not today.

"Alright. The fuck happened, and what's the plan?"

[victoriariver-blog]

Insomnia || Arena day 1 || Nick & Leo

[victoriariver-blog]

“Well, you might want to improve it even further then.” I said and threw a couple of vines his way. I was getting better and better at it, and it was starting to become the size I wanted. But Nick had a point. What exactly were we supposed to carry in it? I thought about it for a second. If we killed someone, I shuddered slightly, we could scavenge the body. Plus it wouldn’t be practical to carry it under my arm the whole time.

“I’m sorry.” And I really was. This wasn’t the first time I had automatically assumed that everyone came from a loving family like me. I knew I was lucky, and it became clearer when he described his life in one. I wasn’t sure of what I would have done if I had been in his shoes. “Then you are at least skilled in the art of survival.” I smiled weakly, feeling like a douche for rubbing my former carefree life in his face.

[nick-thefists]

I caught the vines from the air, and in no time at all, I had woven those vines into a long strap, and attached them onto the bag. So if needs be, I could sling it over my shoulder and not have to worry about losing everything.

"Hey hey, no worries. You were a few hundred miles away. Nothing you did caused it, no need to be sorry." I forced a smile, meaning it this time, just still finding it hard to smile willingly. I chuckled at his point about survival, and leaned backwards. "Boy I am feeling the tiredness now. Think I'm gonna hit the hay. It's your turn to watch, right? If not, just take a nap, someone'll turn up eventually. Or wake someone. Hell, I don't care. Night man." I tapped him on the back before walking back towards my original sleeping spot and copied the exact same routine as before. Get comfortable, well.. As comfortable as I could in this place, shut out the voices, drift off.