Let the Games Begin
The Characters
Dawn: {Played by Dream_dancer14, font color Deepsky Blue.}
Spike: (Played by Dream_dancer14, font color Tan. }
Brad: (Played by Darkblade, font color Royal Blue. }
Gabrielle: {Played by Amazonwarrior7, font color Deep Pink. }
Kree: {Played by Celestial_forces, font color Dark Green. }
Braeden: {Played by Megabookworm 22, font color Apple Juice. }
Que: {Played by Amazonwarrior7, font color Silver. }
Riley: {Played by Moonwarrior13, font color White. }
Atticus: {Played by Dream_dancer14, font color Cadet Blue. }
Aislin: {Played by Megabookworm22, font color Teal. }
Quinn: Played by Prof_snape, font color Olive. }
Veronica: {Played by Pixie_312, font color Dark Gray. }
The light, summer gales of night wind playing around the manor tossed long locks of crimson and blonde across the shadowed facial features of young Dawn, who was just connecting with the cobblestone pavement after a brief encounter with a few feeble flying elements of the outdoors obstacle course. It was nothing like the Danger Room, of course, but it was such a beautiful night to be outdoors.. Times like these called for reverence of the Earth; it may be the last time the beauty is worth observation. The light of the stars glimmered across the exquisitely engraved blade of a scythe that was still poised behind her back cast a number of reflections along the path before her. Raising up, Dawn snapped the weapon to her back, pulled a few tresses away from her lightly sunburned face, result of a day entirely outdoors, and adjusted the Brooklyn style cap on her head.
Eyes of translucent ice cut to the scene behind her, checking to see if there were any surprises left on the course, for, as stated before, she hadn’t taken part in the sequence in some time. Today, Dawn had limited her mental prowess; she had to be prepared for what was upcoming.. If they had some sort of way to deny the mutants of their powers, they had to be ready...
Thick clouds billowed across the horizon, pulling towards the manor at a speed unnatural to the wonders of the night sky; stars were blotted out, even the light of the moon became dim. The travels of the supernatural clouds ended just above the school; a single beam of light struck the balcony, beckoning all to come near, but if any that were not chosen tried to approach, they’d be struck down from their glory.. Snapping to battle stance hastily, Dawn held her scythe at her side as she took flight.
The sharp echo of boot heels against the rooftop announced her presence to the one waiting there. Dawn looked him over, crossing her arms across her chest. He looked to be human, except for his eyes.. They were all vortex like; swirling colors... “You come to pick us up? How nice…”
The human language.. Primitive… Cocking his head to the side, the retriever waited for the translation device that had been planted in his neck to kick in, informing him of what the young lady had said, “It is Olympiad specifications that all participants be escorted to the coliseum.” A strained look of supremacy crossed his features; obviously not used to a human form. A few seconds later, the translation chip buzzed a time or two, indicating undertones in the young ladies voice, “Or was that -what is it called- sarcasm in your voice? It’s not polite to be so rude to one that merely requests your compliance with the retrieval.”
During the little introduction that Dawn was forced to undergo, she had mentally beckoned for her numerous bags of luggage to join her on the roof. “Of course we’re complying,” She smirked, innocently mocking the one in front of her as she sat the luggage bags at his feet, “You can pack this for us now, if that’s alright.. You can beam us up in a moment…”
“I’d bloody get used to it now if I was you..” Smirked Spike as he made himself apparent to those on the roof. When the light suddenly struck the manor, Spike dashed behind a lawn chair that occupied the rooftop balcony, trying to shield himself from the radiating light.. It took a moment for him to realize that space light was pretty special.. He wasn’t dusted yet, you know? Maybe he could get himself a soddin’ tan. “You’re getting’ a ship, yeah I said ship, load of them lil’ gits.. Sarcasm is the only bloody thing you’ll be hearin’.”
Quinn blinked up at the beam of light, rubbing his eyes as to make sure he was seeing what he was seeing. His teeth began to chatter. The boy immediently went into regular human appearance as he stared, not wanting to give away any un-nessisary information to the people. The green-head then spotted Dawn. "Is this for rea-real?" he chocked out.
Using the intensely bright beam of light to guide her path from the outskirts of the school yard to the balcony, Gabrielle’s mind raced as she could spot three figures already gathered. Two of them were familiar and easily recognized. Not recognizing the third form, the young woman assumed it was some sort of escort to guide them to.. Wherever the heck it was they were going. Realizing this, Gabrielle’s pace quickened.
Throwing her bag of supplies over her shoulder, the blonde levitated herself up and away from the ground below, and landed just behind Spike and Dawn. Overhearing the last part of Spike’s statement, smiled ever so slightly, know it to be true. Out of the entire human race, it would seem the selected individuals each had a bit of an attitude…
Taking a few steps forward, Gabrielle added her own bag to the pile, remaining silent, for she did not know what to say…
Que had also taken note of the rather ambient signal, and clad in an perfectly clean, white suit, emerged from the inside the manor. Though it was indeed night outside, a pair of sunglasses covered his brown eyes. This was merely his own way of making up for the lack of that indescribable something that the other residents possessed.. Something so profound, even he couldn’t explain it, but somehow knew it was not also inside of him.
“I’m not wearing the uniform.” Que stated bluntly, folding the specks and placing it inside his jacket as his eyes remained fixed on the -other- alien being.
The gears in Quinn's brain were in motion. A road trip...That would explain the roadtrip. And if the other students were like him, absolutely terrified of the idea of aliens, that would tell why his fellow students had been so depressed. But the real question that still hung in his mind was 'Why?'.
Sharp breaths came from his body as he sat there on the bed, gazing over all his stuff. He sighed, his mind constantly considering what could happen, or go horribly wrong. His pessimistic and paranoid instincts never seemed to ever want to leave him.
‘…What if we get there, and it’s a trap? What if it isn’t a trap, but we get there and… we lose…’ he thought. But the last suggestion made a shudder run down his spine. ‘If we lose, it appears we’ll…be killed…’ He shuddered yet again.
Realization was suddenly hitting him. There would be no shelter where he was going. There would be no backing out. He couldn’t decide he didn’t want to be there anymore and just tell the aliens he wanted to leave. It wasn’t going to work like that, and he knew it.
“The world is going to be upon us…” he said slowly. “ And I’m not sure I can make it with that kind of pressure… I don’t want…to fail…” he finally stated. He knew his decision had to be made now. But he just couldn’t decide if he would even be able to make
His bags were fully ready after only a few minutes. He picked them up in his hands slowly, a deep sigh escaping over his lips. He walked out of his room slowly, making his way down the hall as he eventually made his way outside. He had gone outside to talk with Gabrielle and Dawn, since he figured they would be outside.
But as he stepped outside, he found something quite different. A beam of light appeared to come down from the sky, falling upon the rooftop of the manor. He didn’t question it as soon as he began to think about it. He knew exactly what it was.
After a few minutes he was atop the roof, via a few stairwells. He walked towards the group slowly, sullenness in his walk. He was slightly dreading what was coming.
Arching an eyebrow, Spike eyed Que a few times.. “You can’t tell me you think you’re bloody better than the rest of us!” He snarled, cigarette poised in the crevice of his lips hiding a smirk as he pried apart the buttons of his beloved leather coat, revealing the jumpsuit that was made for him, “Kinda becomin’, ya know? Well… It’s quite flattering on me..” He was about to add more, but instead he took a step up, lining himself in rank with Dawn and any of the others that happened to join the force. This was a serious time, you know? Not a time for his bloody antics, even though they were kind of a relief from the stress.
Tossing her cap to a lawn chair a few feet behind the crew that was assembling along the roof, Dawn shoved her headband all dramatic-like on her forehead. A look of utter contempt radiated across her face, flashing every moment or so when the beam of light shuddered to illuminate the mutant force that had assembled on the roof of their beloved school. This was it.. No turning back… There they were, about to embark on travels unheard of; not an advantage to their name. They would be on unfamiliar grounds, facing technology and wisdom that far surpassed that of Earth. And yet, Dawn remained emotionless… How many times before had she awakened in tears and cold sweats, fearing for the sake of the lives of her and her friends? But this? It wasn’t some battle against a mutant or human force… It was a war… A tradition; a heritage to all those in the galaxy. So many lost their lives for the entertainment of others… Yet, she felt no pity.. No, not pity, not fear… Dawn wanted revenge…
The rag-tag team of mutant misfits had assembled quickly.. Very well then.. Better for his time… “You will follow me,” The young man nodded sharply, gesturing to the light for reassurance to those that may not understand the commands. “I will be your guide during your Olympic trials, as for introductions, you may call me Atticus.” A solemn look crossed over his enlightened features as he backed into the beam of light, “You may not realize this, but you are battling for more than your lives.. Being I was assigned to your team, I endure the same victories and losses as you. It is my job to say ‘Good luck’ but I can’t bring myself to do so.. These are blood games, not something of luck.. So take one last look at your world, and fight for it…”
Quinn glanced around, not really knowing what was going on. He felt in his pockets for his Rabbit's foot. He grinned, feeling it was there. He then saw that he was wearing his favorite dark green hoodie with a large lizard on it, and army-print cargo pants. Well..he was ready..he wouldn't go first though so he waited to follow..
Brad listened intently as the man in front of the group spoke, watching him closely. He took in the words, only concentrating on the man and the light. He feared the thought of thoroughly thinking about what was going on. If he did, he was afraid he would fully regret his decision. If he did that, he would be practically useless. The last thing he wanted to do is fail his team, let alone his home planet. He would try his best to fight for it with all his heart. Whether that would be good enough or not, he wasn’t sure.
He placed his forefinger and thumb on the necklace that was against his collarbone, rubbing it slowly. He smoothed out the sides of the outfit he was wearing that they were all given, an awkward smile now perched upon his lips. A new reassurance had taken over him suddenly. He wasn’t worried. He knew he wouldn’t fail. He couldn’t.
His slightly foggy eyes then looked forward at the light, tracing it upward. He took a step forward, unknowing if anyone else was moving towards the beam. It didn’t seem to really matter to him at that moment.
Atticus’s words hit Gabrielle hard. Though she had been well aware of the fact it was more than just their lives that they were battling before, never before had she looked beyond the surface.. Winning the trails meant that others would have to loose.. How many civilizations would fall before a victor was finally declared? How many lives would be lost?
Gradually, the young woman forced the thoughts at the back of her mind. The most important thing at the moment was the survival of not only her friends, but the entire human race. Sure as hell they’d fight for it.. Silently, Gabrielle neared the edge of the beam of light, not wanting to be the first one to be “beamed up”. She edged away, waiting for someone else to be the first person to be "beamed up" before she too, ventured onward. <./font>
Foregoing his usual complaints of being ordered about in a such a manner, Que swallowed his pride, and with determined, systematic movements, stepped foot into the ambient beam. There would be time queries later, he reasoned. But for the moment, a sense of urgency overcame him. “See you up there, Vampire…”
Just after Dawn stepped into the light, a warm sensation encompassed her, lifting her slowly towards their retrieval ship that was concealed by the night clouds... Amazing… Every aspect of the immaculate interior of their escort ship captivated Dawn. Lights lined the upper corners of the corridors, brightening the entire scene; if one shut their eyes, they’d still get the impression that it was noon. Stainless steel walls reflected nothing short of a mirror, magnifying every move made by those that had just entered. As for what Dawn expected, this ship exceeded all every preliminary thought.. In fact, it seemed as if they were the only forms of life present on the ship; Dawn had a slight hint of suspicion that there would be an attack or bombardment of some sort on their team as soon as they were boarded. Perhaps things were more professional than what she had first thought, well, it made since.. Everything had to be to the mark.
“You will find you have respective rooms along this corridor.. Males to the left, females to the right…” Atticus explained, growing rather weary of the introductory procedures.. He hadn’t asked for this, not at all… He hated the trials that have plagued the galaxies for untold years… It was his right, though, after all, his family was an enslaved race after their race fell to the champions just a few game years before.
If it were possible for the young man to have any sort of emotion, he’d pity those that were coming from the human world of Earth. Mutants were gifted, yes, but there were some alien races that were- they really didn’t know what they were getting themselves in. “You shouldn’t get lost here, it’s a relatively small ship.. If you find that you can’t make your way back to your chamber, continue your path, the corridors all form something short of a circle.” He paused a moment, giving the mutants just enough time to eye their favored resting place before he continued with the tour.
Taping a steel plated door with a single finger, Atticus turned to face the crew behind him, “This is the control room. Everything is auto-mated.. The ship has one function, and it is carrying it out at the moment. If you try to alter the course or what-not, it will be your downfall…” Pausing, once again, for dramatic effect, he ushered the group to what seemed to be the center of the ship.. A vast glass globe enveloped what appeared to be a piece of pure earth that had been taken up especially for those on the ship. A few trees adorned the lining on the opposite side, boulders, sand, water.. A little habitat to please all, “It’s to ease the transition, I’m guessing..” Atticus smirked, “The great-ones up there wouldn’t want your experience at their Games to be unpleasant… Anyway, I suggest training and ambulatory procedures to take place there. It’s the best place on the ship…” Propping his back against the glass, Atticus once again eyed the group in front of him; would he survive another Olympic year? It depended upon them.. “Any questions?”
True to her form, for this night at least, Gabrielle shook her head after Atticus’s query. Truth was, a hundred different things raced through her mind, and hardly any of them were effable.. It was rare for the young blonde to be so meek, but then again, these were extraordinary circumstances.
She did, however, make it a point to see that all of her friends had arrived safely onto the ship. Making eye contact with all, it was apparent that at least a few of the same emotions were present within all in the group.
Feeling as if he was prompted to ask a question that had been on his mind for quiet some time, Que shifted his gaze towards Atticus. “Can we get to meet ‘The Great-Ones’ now?" The question was simple enough, and Que could already guess as to what the answer would be. He’d been around the galaxy a time or two, and was vaguely aware of how these beings operated. “Or do we need an appointment?”
Slightly amused by the query verbalized by the man, Atticus gave a little shrug before pulling away from the glass and heading towards his own chamber, “You see them at the games.. That’s about it…” Without another word, he trekked on, out of sight to those that he left standing there.
“Well, this is it, you guys..” Dawn breathed lightly, “We’re here… Let the Games begin…”
|X| To be Continued |X|
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