So, this intro is going to be short and sweet. First up, this chapter is going to be a bit shorter than most of the previous ones as it's basically an unofficial prologue to what Jade and Liam are about to face. I did say that this was the Yerba arc but, I never said that their time was going to be solely in the prison. I decided to expand the story to the country of Yerba, specifically a new location.

Anyway, enjoy this shorter chapter and be on the lookout for the next one to come as we'll dive into the action between these two and their plight.

Chapter 13: A Deadly Game

Jade stared at the disgustingly obese man sitting behind the pristine wooden desk with a visible frown on her face. He smoked a cigar which only made her grimace even more as he blew the retched scented smoke in the air, letting it fill the room. Feeling her stomach churn, she cut her gaze to the stone-faced Liam who didn't so much as flinch. She wondered where he found the strength to endure this nauseating smell, especially after the last three days of torture he faced upon their return. She'd have to get her answer to that later as the messy male finally put out the damned thing while leaving a trail of saliva between it and his greying beard.

"So, I've been told that you two were the only ones who were brought back to my lovely prison." The warden growled at the teens, firing spit all over the place. He then rose from his plush chair and approached his prisoners, sizing them both up. "On top of that, you refused to aid in our investigation, even lasting three days with our interrogators? Is that correct?"

"Yes..." Liam said curtly.

The fat leader eyed the defiant boy, his black soulless eyes igniting an unspoken war. Rage vs Confidence. The staring contest ensued with neither combatant submitting to the other, drawing a stalemate as the soldiers and Jade watched silently. Even with the man's rancid breath, he couldn't seem to break the will of the much younger male. What came next would surprise everyone in the room.

He erupted in laughter.

"BWAHAHAHA! You have guts!" he slapped Liam in the arm. "I like that fire in you, boy! You have a powerful spirit that is not easily broken!"

The confusion on the guard's face was matched only by Jade's face at the reaction. In truth, the tension seemed thick enough to cause a miniature explosion yet now, everyone was watching the man slap his knee as if he'd been told the funniest joke ever. Regardless, she made sure to keep her guard up for anything that could happen.

"What are you going to do with us?" she politely uttered, careful to watch her tone. Catching his breath, the warden eyed her stern expression. "By now, the others are long gone now so you have no other reason to keep us here. So why don't let us go?"

"While the girl who blinded our beloved chancellor has indeed escaped, there is still the matter involving his precious octopus..." He replied with a sour scowl. "You both were serving a sentence for that crime if I'm not mistaken."

"That's not fair! The person who did that escaped as well," she yelled back only to be grabbed by the men surrounding her.

The overweight man plopped back in his seat, stroking his facial hair while contemplating the girl's words. Sure, she had a valid point as he was informed of the details of the act against his undisputed leader but, they had laws and regulations that made things perfectly clear in regards to these type of situations. On the other hand, these rules were mainly for the citizens of Yerba, not American children. Silently, he contemplated every option he could think of while shifting his gaze between the pair of teens standing before him. It seemed that both of them held a powerful flame that fueled them which was admirable, to say the least.

Then, a smile began to tug at his lips.

"Perhaps you're right..." he began, spinning in his seat so that his back was to them. "...it is not fair to punish two people for the sins of another. Even still, we are a country of customs and traditions, many that are non-negotiable in terms of their purpose. Normally, I would just have you two thrown back in with the population and be done with it but, unlike the chancellor, he was deemed a fair and just man, well, at least by comparison. "But, I think I have what you Americans would call a 'proposition'."

Their eyes narrowed showing their suspicions at whatever the man was driving at.

"What are you 'offering' us?" Liam asked cautiously as the warden abruptly held up a single digit.

"I'm offering you two choices. The first one is that you both go back with the other inmates and serve out the remainder of your sentences in full."

"And what's the second?" Jade cut in.

"The other choice is that you participate in a special game. If you win, then I will grant you both clemency and set you both free without question."

Even without seeing them, the warden could feel the shocked stares which only served to amuse him. It was such a common thing for him to witness, he didn't even have to see it for him to know what would come next. First, there was the look of utter surprise. Next, they would flash a look of contemplation. Lastly, came the million ruble question.

"Are you serious?" His lips curled into a devious grin as he looked out the window, observing the lush jungle outside. Even though the boy's tone was laced heavily with disbelief, there was the smallest hint of intrigue; enough to let him know that they were seriously considering his proposal. "How do we know that you're not just playing us?"

"I told you that we are governed by customs and it is customary to give those like you a chance to gain the freedom that you both so desperately seek. I realize that you are wary of this but, I assure you that I am willing to keep my word should you choose to take part in this little game. Or, you are welcome to go back to your respective sides and hope for the best."

While Jade was still uncertain, Liam weighed out the options presented to them. Serve time for a pair of crimes that they weren't even involved in, or take a risk playing a game that could give them their freedom. Was it worth it? He turned carefully to his friend and lover, giving her a look that asked for her input about this whole situation. He wasn't willing to agree to something without her agreement. Of course, she nodded and smirked confidently, giving him all he needed to move forward.

"What is this special game?"

The duo sat quietly in the back of the military truck, each surrounded by armed guards. Their minds were filled with so many things as they spared glances at the trail behind them. Liam monitored what little surroundings he could register in his mind while recalling the terms of this 'game' he and Jade had been coaxed into playing. For starters, it was a game of survival. Warden Pahtik informed them that they would be taken to a special checkpoint that would be their starting point and that they were to last three days without getting killed by the other inmates who were chosen to take part in this act of sadism.

Sadly, they weren't told of that last part until after they'd agreed thus, neither were at ease as they realized that they were thrust into a twisted situation, one that they weren't sure they could win.

"We're here!" they heard the driver call out, causing their stomachs to drop.

They were still dressed in their prison garbs at this point and still hadn't showered since their first time in the prison, back when they were with their... well, some of their friends. This realization made Jade's eyes burn with hatred as she recalled the event that put them in this death game in the first place. Had they made it, they both would've been at home getting ready for school or practicing for some upcoming musical. Instead, they were about to enter a new world that would surely change them forever...

...If they survived, that is.

After they were checked in, Liam and Jade were taken to an area where they were finally granted the opportunity to shower. Stepping inside, they both found it devoid of others which truly was a relief. They were instructed to hurry up and wash before being afforded breakfast. Jade eagerly slipped out of the baggy jumpsuit and placed the garment on a small table where they would remain dry. Grabbing the knob, she turned on the water only to have to suppress the yelp that threatened to shoot out after feeling the icy water kiss her body.

Liam mirrored her actions though he made sure to keep his back to her. He still had some decency when it came to a woman's body and that wasn't going to change anytime soon. He shuddered as the frigid liquid cascaded down his body, alerting him completely as he grabbed a nearby bar of soap. Shivering, the two scrubbed as best they could with the tattered rags to remove the dirt and grime off of them.

Once finished, they both rung out the water from their hair and stood behind one of the tables before calling out to the guards who returned swiftly. In their hands were freshly cleaned clothes that resembled military outfits. Green shirts, camo pants, and black boots were traded in for the worn orange outfits, much to the teen's delight. Neither wasted time in putting back on their underwear before putting on the clothes quickly after. Jade couldn't help but notice and admire how good Liam looked while tucking her pants into the boots. Maybe it was just how his muscles looked under the shirt or perhaps it was the look of determination that had her staring at him, but either was a good enough reason for her to pay attention.

No. Now wasn't the time to be fawning over physical appearance.

They both needed to get their heads on the task at hand or else they wouldn't get back home. Everything rode on their ability to endure whatever they had to for the next three days. 72 hours. Her mind took her to the dark crevices of her mind as she finished tying the laces of her boots.

"Are you ready?" A stoic Liam turned to her, eyes filled with something that she'd never seen before. Apathy. Behind his eyes, there were no emotions to be found. If this was rage or even sorrow, Jade could handle that with no problem. But, this cold detachment in his gaze made her body shudder anxiously. It was something completely foreign to her and she didn't like it one bit. But, could she really blame him? Where they were about to go, maybe this was the right thing to do... Still, the coldness in his voice made her tremble a little when he inquired about her preparedness. "Jade?"

"Y-yeah..." she whispered, unable to look him directly in the eye. "I'm ready."

It just wasn't the same; the way he said her name. Normally, hearing him call to her would incite a joyful feeling inside of her. Sadly, this time it only stoked fear in her heart as he headed for the only way in or out. But then she heard him call her name again, only in a more familiar way. She felt that well-known touch as she was wrapped in his arms once more. She recognized this person and his scent. She felt the urge to break down but she didn't; she couldn't afford to right now. She took one of his hands and intertwined their fingers as she inhaled deeply. "We're going to get through this..." He whispered in her ear.

She raised her head and the saw the boy she grew up with again. "How can you be sure? For all we know, we could die before the first day passes..."

He gave her a confident smile. "Because we're both warriors, Jade. Everything we've been through, we fought through and we survived."

She couldn't help but smirk a little at his response, but, it was clear that she was still greatly worried about what was to come.

"But, Liam..."

He silenced her by pressing his lips on hers gently, feeding her his energy as he held her tighter in his arms. It wasn't long, but it was enough to get his point across. She simply moaned softly before they pulled away, processing the transferal of energy. His promise. His fire. Everything he wanted to say was explained in that one gesture for now.

"Come on. We need to hurry up and get some grub..."

After breakfast, the pair were taken to what appeared to be a weapon's shed outside. Once there, they were greeted by the other 'players' who all stared at them as if they were raw meat and they were starving hyenas. Instinctively, they both glared back in an attempt to not be seen as easy prey. It did little to intimidate but it seemed to be enough to declare their intentions to survive.

"This way..." the guard ordered, taking them to another shelter nearby where a lone bag sat on a table.

Under it, Jade and Liam spotted various knives, bow and arrows, and more. To say that they were uncomfortable at the implications were an understatement as they eyed one another. Despite their inhibition, they knew there was no room for weakness if they were to make it out of this with their lives. Jade swiftly grabbed as many knives as she could, hiding them in multiple areas of her clothes in a similar way to how she kept her scissors.

Liam grabbed a couple of knives himself but grabbed a quiver and bow as well. He then noticed something that went relatively unseen behind the many piles of weapons. There were small orbs that looked weird to him. Showing them to a nearby guard, he gained confirmation that they were mini-bombs. It was also mentioned that while all of the weapon's shelters carried these, they were hidden in plain sight since most of the participants wouldn't normally engage in strategic actions anyway. That was all the two needed to hear as they discreetly stuffed their pockets and bag with as many of the spheres as they could carry.

"Attention, warriors!" The voice of none other than the warden himself on a megaphone grabbed their attention followed by the blaring sound of a horn. Both teens noticed that he was standing on a grand podium while surrounded by the armed guards on both sides. "In the next few minutes, you will be put in the jungle and left to fend for yourselves. Before that, I am here to give the rules for this special game!" He pompously proclaimed, letting out a hearty laugh that echoed throughout. "Rule number one: The goal is to survive the perils of the jungle and potentially one another for three days. Rule number two: There are special items that will grant the holders automatic freedom. The catch is that there are only two of those artifacts which means that only two teams will be granted automatic clemency. If you find one of these artifacts, then you'll have to either bring it back here or be spotted by one of our prestigious soldiers to win. The final rule is simple: While the two teams that claim an artifact will be granted their freedom, the remaining teams will have to fight to the death to be the last one standing."

"No..." Liam turned to the now visibly unwell goth who looked like she was about to vomit the oatmeal she forced down earlier.

"Breathe, Jade." he coached low enough to only be heard by her.

"I wish you all the best of luck! May Ashura smile on you and let the games begin!" the fat sadist announced before leaving with his 'entourage' closely in tow.

By a quick count, Liam could make out eight teams, sixteen men and women including him and Jade. That meant that aside from the elements, wildlife, and the competition, there was a good chance at being picked off if they weren't careful. They needed a plan and quick. Turning to a still and stunned Jade West, he shook her lightly to get her attention on him and off of the cruel reality of things. In truth, she looked as if she was going to hyperventilate at any minute and that was going to make things even more difficult if he didn't nip this now.

"Jade? Listen to me..." he calmly stated. "I have an idea that could help us get out of this without any bloodshed on our end. I need you to focus though."

"They want us... to..."

"I know, but don't worry about that!" She looked at him with a terror-filled gaze but managed to scrape up enough willpower to nod. "Now, listen closely. When we get into this jungle, the first thing we're going to have to find some form of shelter that is well hidden from what's in that jungle as well as these guys. If nothing else, we'll have a good base to stay alive if we don't find those artifacts. Secondly, we'll have these bombs to distract the enemy should we find ourselves spotted. Always keep some on you at all times, understand?"

"Okay..." she breathed. "So, we just wait things out?"

"Well, that's the backup plan. The main objective is to get at least one of those artifacts and get the hell back here. If we can make and set some traps, that'll help up in the long run and most of all, don't lose our nerves. We can't afford to hesitate if we find ourselves to be a target."

"What if we're forced to... you know?"

Liam knew where this was going but he could only sigh in frustration. "We'll cross that bridge if we have to."

While Jade didn't like that answer, she understood. Still, she'd hoped that it never came down to it.

She took a breath and thought back on what happened so far, never expecting for things to turn out this way. One moment she was confessing her feelings to Liam and now, here she was about to embark on a real-life 'Call of Duty' mission only there was no respawn. It was all or nothing and the stakes couldn't be any higher. "Combatants, follow the nearest guards. They will escort you to your designated starting location." They grabbed the supply bag and followed the same soldier that informed them about the bombs. He was a burly and heavily tattooed man with a traditional buzz cut with a little scruff on his chin. He let them in the vehicle and drove them to a bullet-riddled beach where he then revealed their starting point.

"If you're going to survive, then leave your souls on this shore. Otherwise, we'll be getting the call that you've been eliminated."

His tone was gruff as expected from a trained creature of warfare but, there was also the most minuscule amount of caring in his words. Liam and Jade thanked him as they hopped out of the truck. Each step drew them closer to their unknown fate. Either they'd succeed or they would perish trying. Remembering the man's advice, the duo stopped just short of the jungle and looked at one another. Of course, they'd share another long kiss before resting their foreheads on one another's.

"If we make it out..."

"WHEN we make it out..." she corrected.

"Right. When we make it out of this, we'll pick up where we left off at this spot."

"Do you promise?"

"I promise," he chuckled softly.

"Then, as your future girlfriend, I don't give you permission to die." she poked his chest emphatically. "Got it?"

"Got it. The same goes for you."

With that said, they pulled apart and took in the fresh Yerba air. They then turned their attention to the deepest and darkest crevices of their minds to prepare them for the impending barbarism that may await them. They were about to potentially encounter bloodthirsty rebels, traitors, murderers, and war prisoners so they needed to be prepared. For Liam, it was his time at PCA and the fact that Jade was hurt again by Beck. Jade imagined the mental representation of Trina Vega, that bitch who caused all of this feeling her most evil impulses taking over. She needed to be heartless, without remorse, and that's exactly how she would be as they entered the depths of the wildland, finding themselves 'serenaded' by the sounds of the animals that called it home.

This monstrous game had officially begun...