Hi guys!

Again, a late update. I think at this point I'll promise to update at the weekend but I can't guarantee the date. I'm really not lying, there is just so much work to do at uni and it's very depressing :(

Thank you for all the lovely reviews! I really love them all so much and thank you!

Answers to reviews –

- Eight/Joseph is definitely not dying in my story. I would die too :/

- Guest – I say this every time: I will do Jix. But I'm not going to suddenly put it in because it won't make sense to do such a major character change and the two don't even know each other that well. I will also not kill Sarah at the time being, but she won't be around forever. Please just be a little patient, because I'm going to start building up Jix from now on but it won't be a sudden gradual change.

Please read on and enjoy!

Chapter 37 – Getting Stronger

Stanley – Day 6, Fight 6

"Just don't do anything stupid" Sandor says, standing in front of me. He looks slightly concerned, as though worried I'm going to mess up, but I know better. This is my moment. This is the moment I've been waiting for.

I snort derisively, looking for my partner instead of replying to him. He knows how I feel. Ella stands nearby, shaking a little as Marina holds her in a hug. But when she breaks free to come to me her face is determined and her jaw is set. She's brave for her age.

"Come on kid, time to go," I tell her gently. She swallows but nods, her weapons clutched in her hands. Her knuckles have gone white from her tight grip.

"Look after her" Marina says as she passes me to go to her seat. I don't need to reassure her; after spending time with Ella I've grown protective over her. I won't let anything happen to her, even if that means endangering myself.

The doors begin to slowly creak open, the sandy fighting area coming into view. I feel a hot breeze on my face, whipping sand into my eyes, but I blink it away quickly. The roar of the crowd washes over me as we begin to walk to the centre of the arena. Ella walks steadily next to me and I'm filled with a fierce, strong pride.

"Just stay behind me no matter what" I tell her in a low voice as I spot our combatants coming for us. They look serious, their confidence potentially knocked from the earlier fights. Or maybe it's me.

"Unless they try to hurt you," Ella whispers back, her eyes wide as she stares around. We come to a stop, the doors shutting behind us, and our enemies ahead. I'll let them make the first move. Let them think they have the upper hand.

It doesn't take long for them to start. They stand opposite us too, trying to wait us out but the roar of crowd pushes them forward. The girl begins to run first, her partner lightly following her to watch her back. A feral grin makes its way onto my face as I step forward to meet them. Ella keeps back; she knows I want my space and she knows it's safer to stay behind.

The mog girl sends a spear flying but instead of dodging or knocking it away with telekinesis, I catch it with my right hand. I spin it in my hand, still running and I hear the crowd cheer at my show. I might as well entertain them whilst killing these mogs.

I throw the spear hard and the boy barely has time to move out of the way. It grazes his arm, making him fall to his knees, and then it's just the girl in front of me. She lunges for me with a punch, but I grab her fist. I spin her around, pulling her arm painfully behind her back and she cries out in pain. I hear a snapping sound and she screams louder.

Something hits my back, not very hard, and I turn to see the mog boy back on his feet. I throw a punch to his face, but he blocks it, and a flash of pain streaks up my arm. I don't let it unsettle me though and I kick out at his legs, but again he dodges.

That's when the mog girl manages to get to her feet, despite the pain in her arm, and throws herself at me. Having to fend off two mogs throws me, and I barely miss her tackle. By dodging her I fall into the mog boy's range and that's when he socks me. Right in the nose.

I fall to the ground, blood running down my face, and my nose burns with pain. I spit out blood onto the sand, rolling out of the way of the mogs' kicks and I lightly jump to my feet again. I'm grinning, an exhilarated smile that only comes with the joy of a fight and the sight of blood. I feint to the right and the mog boy falls for it, and I lunge to the left, smacking him in his face. He falls to the ground but he doesn't get up as quickly as I did.

The mog girl's arm hangs limply at her side but she still manages to jump forwards, her sword raised. I skip out of the way; using telekinesis to wrench the weapon out of her arms and I throw it to the ground. I'm barely breaking a sweat in this fight and as the girl tries to get me again, this time with the dagger, I easily throw her to the ground.

I'm barely aware that I'm laughing as both of them try again and again to come at me. The boy is better but simply because he's uninjured. But the girl is determined and again and again I have to knock her back down. When I get a scratch down my arm I grunt in pain but ignore it. When I'm hit in the eye I simply get back up again. I laugh the whole time.

The boy lunges for me one last time, still sweating and panting. He's exhausted whereas I'm ready for anything. But it's time to end now, the crowd's cheering and shouting it getting on my nerves and Ella will want to go back to safety. I grab the mog's arm as he tries to tackle me and then I pull him into an easy headlock. My hands twist into his hair as he desperately punches my side, maybe fracturing a few ribs. I grunt in pain but easily twist his head sharply to a side.

There's a large cannon boom as he explodes into ash. I cough and take a few steps away, a mad grin on my face. I can taste blood and ash in my mouth and I wipe my hands on my dirty clothes. I barely feel the pain from my wounds.

There's a scream of anger and I turn to see the mog girl, looking horrified and furious at the remains of her partner. She staggers forward towards me, as if to attack me, but then lunges for the dagger at her feet. I snort disdainfully, about to make a move towards her, when she snatches it up and throws it.

But not towards me. Not anywhere near me. Towards Ella.

I'm frozen at this turn of events, my mouth open in horror. The dagger slices through the air straight for Ella but then as if by instinct she throws her arms up with a cry. The dagger stops inches from her heart. Her mouth drops open and her wide eyes meet mine.

She's just got a legacy. She's got her first legacy.

Relief that she's all right floods through me, almost making me dizzy, but I get a grip on myself before the mog has a chance to attack again. I grab a sword with telekinesis, racing for the girl. The girl's death is short and quick; she's so shocked by Ella's legacy that she doesn't seem to realise me charging for her with the sword. It sinks into her neck, turning her into ash instantly.

The cannon booms but I ignore the audience and the opening doors that means safety. I reach Ella and not caring that everyone's watching, I pull her into my arms and swing her around. She's laughing, still shocked, but delighted too and her arms wrap around me tightly. The crowd seem to love our celebration because I'm almost deaf from the cheering as I put her down. They don't even seem to care that I killed their own tributes.

"You're a Garde!" I tell her, proud of her. "You've got a legacy kid!" I ruffle her hair and she laughs, light on relief like me. She looks a bit dazed, as though she can't believe that just happened.

I'm still buzzing from the fight and the adrenalin is still rushing through me. But I'm starting to calm down a little and what I've just done sinks in. I don't feel bad at all, killing mogs is the least they deserve, but I realise how easily I could have died. It's good that I go into a zone when I'm killing otherwise I'd probably be terrified of dying every second. I wonder how annoyed Sandor will be when I see him.

The audience are still cheering as we enter the small waiting room and then we're swamped with noise and people. Ella's mentor scoops her up and swings her around just like I did, clearly as proud of her as I am. Everyone is rushing forward to talk to Ella, to congratulate her on her new legacy. I stand back, watching with a proud grin, when there's a soft touch on my arm.

Marina stands next to me, a proud, soft smile on her face as she watches Ella. I bet I have an identical expression on my face. Sandor is making his way towards me, looking relieved and a bit annoyed. I wonder how many times I've worried him in the course of these games and I feel a sheepish grin make it's way on my face.

"Thanks" Marina says, her voice a soft whisper. I look down at her, feeling like we're a secret team, made to protect Ella. Not that she really needs it after her display earlier.

"You don't have to thank me" I reply. Sandor comes forward and pulls me into a hug, muttering about how worn his nerves are because of me. My cheeks hurt from my grinning.

"I know" Marina murmurs. "You love her just as much as I do," she says as she moves away to hug Ella.

I don't know whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Xxx

John

"So do you have any advice? Or are you just going to stare at that leaflet all day?"

Sam looks up, a bit dazed as I scowl at him in exasperation. His glasses are crooked on his nose and he looks as though he's being pulled out of a deep sleep. He begins to blush, looking embarrassed.

"Sorry" he grins sheepishly. "I was reading" the tips of his ears are pink and I can't help but roll my eyes.

"Yeah, I kind of got that" I chuck a pillow at him good-naturedly and he lets it hit his back, clearly too lazy to move.

"You should read it though" Sam chuckles, flipping over a page of the tacky leaflet. "It's so funny. It's these crazy Loric guys who write these crappy magazines about aliens" he snorts as he tries to find a page.

"Oh yeah?" I try to be interested. Sam has to deal with my shit all day long; I might as well try and get involved in something that interests him.

"Like this one" he grins as he scans it. "Apparently a contentious race called the Centuri live in the centre of Earth's core and every time they get into a Civil War, there's a natural disaster…like a tsunami or an earthquake"

We both laugh at that because we know there aren't any alien races called Centuri, and Earth, our nearest neighbour in the solar system doesn't have any races in its core. I reach over and pluck the tacky paper from Sam's hand, reading the cover of the magazine.

"They Walk Among Us" I read and then roll my eyes. "What a terrible name. If they're talking about the mogs, that's pretty obvious" Sam snorts and takes it back, flicking to another page.

"It's supposed to mock Earth and how they don't believe in aliens, but mogs secretly work there" Sam explains. "But I swear, like every time I read the new edition the editor has to explain that" he rolls his eyes. "I think they should just choose a new name" he grins. I don't join in though; something is troubling me.

"Wait, mogs are on Earth?" I frown. Sam turns more serious, nodding his head. Earth is the next habitable planet apart from Mogadore sand the thought that it could be in danger from the mogs worries me. Humans don't even know about aliens; how are they supposed to fight an alien attack?

"Oh great" I mutter, putting my head in my hands. "Why are the mogs doing that? They have everything they need on Lorien," I point out. Sam looks around, a little nervously and then chucks the leaflet on the floor, clearly done with it.

"It's called being greedy" he tells me. "But they have a fancy name for it: The Great Expansion" he rolls his eyes. "They want to take over the universe and every planet in it and say it's their right," he snorts.

I sigh and change the subject. The thought of mogs ruling the universe is a depressing one. "I'm surprised that magazine is allowed to be published," I say. Sam shrugs, chewing on his fingernails. It's a bad habit of his, but there's no point stopping it if we're going to die any day.

"Why not?" he replies. "It doesn't undermine the mogs' rule or anything. Just filled with nerdy theories for geeks like me," he grins, proud of that.

"I can't believe you buy into any of those theories" I tease him. He laughs, shuffling a little on the sofa next to me. We're in my rooms, chilling, even though we should be training. But I'd rather have a break, even if that could endanger my chances of survival in Round 3.

"If you didn't have a girlfriend, you'd believe in them just like I would" he teases me. "We'd be working for this magazine, coming up with crappy theories and doing rubbish copying and paste jobs for the print job" he grins. I roll my eyes again, chucking the leaflet onto the glass table.

"Talking about my girlfriend…" I grin at Sam's wary face. He's probably wondering what the best way to escape is. "I think Sarah's going to break up with me" I worry.

Sam raises an eyebrow. "Yeah, I can totally see that coming" sarcasm drips off his voice and I smile a little. "Why would you think that?" he asks, interested.

"Because she knows our relationship is causing issues with Henri and me and you know how nice she is! She doesn't want to be the problem! So she thinks breaking up is the right thing to do," I groan. Sam laughs, despite the seriousness of the conversation.

"She won't break up with you," he tells me. "Not if you sort things out with Henri" he adds. I sigh, still annoyed with my mentor. But I feel bad most of all. I threw him against a wall with telekinesis; how am I supposed to apologise after that? How am I supposed to rekindle our old relationship?

"You know, you could beg for forgiveness" he grins. He seems to understand my reservations. "Bring him flowers, cook him a meal…" Sam grins and I shove him with telekinesis, making him howl with laughter.

"Shut up!" I groan. He continues to chuckle, that annoying grin of his still on his face.

"So if I do make up with Henri…" I begin slowly. "Then you think things will still work with Sarah and I?" Sam stands up, stretching his arms out. He looks more serious now, looking at me kindly.

"John, you're being ridiculous. Nothing is ever going to go wrong between you and Sarah. I don't think you need to worry at all" he reassures me. "Come on, let's get out of here. Your relationship issues or lack of them is boring me" he jokes. I laugh and stand up, shoving him lightly. Being the skinny, light thing he is he nearly falls over and I have to steady him with telekinesis.

"Any improvements with Maren?" I ask him as we wander aimlessly down the corridor. It's pretty grim to realise this will be my life if I survive Round 3. I'm going to get bored. A lot.

"Well she's promised to maybe give it a go after the Games" Sam shrugs, looking wistful. "But she's the kind of girl that you'd rather just have in your life, relationship or not" he smiles. I nod, knowing what he means. I'd rather know Sarah, even if we're just friends, than not know her at all.

"But you don't think anything will happen?" I ask, feeling a bit disappointed for him. I know he likes her and he deserves someone like her. Maybe someone better than her.

"Probably not…but then I've always known that" he shrugs. He looks a bit upset, a bit hurt but there's acceptance in his face too. He's a realist after all.

"You'll find someone else," I promise him, patting his shoulder. Sam grins, rolling his eyes.

"Hey, hope's not lost yet. The Games aren't over yet and then Maren may suddenly change" he jokes. I laugh at the thought but nod. I'll support Sam, no matter what.

"Man, this time last year I was just worrying about getting through Round 1, never mind worrying about a girl" Sam chuckles. "How times change," he adds. I nod, agreeing with him.

"I wonder what we'll be doing this time next year…if we live" I murmur. Sam looks up at me, an odd look on his face.

"I don't think we want to know" he sighs.

I couldn't agree more.

Xxx

Maren

It's very early in the morning when I enter the gym; the sun has only just risen in the sky. I expect the gym to be empty, and I relish the idea of the huge room all to myself with the equipment there just for me. But when I enter the gym, the lights are already on and a figure is already attacking the punching bags.

At first I don't recognise her. With her hair tied back and her usual gentle expression filled with determination, Marina looks different. But as the door slams shut behind me, she whirls around in shock and it's the shy Marina I've gotten to know that greets me.

"Maren" she breathes a sigh of relief. "You scared me" she shakily tucks some hair behind her ear, starting to look self-conscious about being caught out by me. I grin, and dump my water bottle on the bench by the door, heading over to her. I guess I don't mind sharing the gym with her; better than someone like Stanley.

"Sorry" I grin sheepishly. "Didn't realise you'd be in here. It's like, really early. What time did you get here?" I ask curiously. She blushes, looking a little flustered.

"I don't know" she shrugs. "A few hours ago?" she guesses. I feel impressed by her dedication, especially because even I wouldn't consider getting up any earlier just to train. Or maybe she just wanted to be alone like I did.

"You still up for training or are you going to get something to eat?" I ask her. She shrugs again, fiddling nervously with her ponytail.

"Um, I'm not that good" she stutters. "I don't think you'd find training with me any fun," she murmurs. I smile good-naturedly, punching her gently in the arm to loosen her up.

"I don't know, you managed to get through Round 2 without surrendering" I tease her. "I might be at a disadvantage here" I joke. She smiles nervously but nods all the same, heading over to the training mats.

We both take up fighting stances, and I notice that her position is sloppy, as if she's copying me. I lash out at once for her right cheek but she dodges out of the way, stumbling a little. I lash out again, this time for her left side and she moves again, but slower. My fist grazes her waist and she stumbles. I grab her arm and then throw her to the mats easily. She looks dazed.

"Sorry" I apologise, feeling bad at once. I hadn't thought it would be so easy to knock her down. She scrambles to her feet, her cheeks flaming in shame.

"That's all right" her voice is hushed, and her eyes are lowered. I think back on her sloppy technique and how she didn't seem to have an idea of what to do.

I remember in her fight that there'd been a lot of messy tackles and telekinesis use. It had done the trick, she'd won, but she'd never been particularly good at hand-to-hand combat. And in the arena, from what I've seen in the few clips I've watched, she was mostly running, mostly using that bow and arrow of hers. She's never fought hand-to-hand before. Not like I have. I wonder if she's never been trained in it at all.

"Hasn't your mentor shown you how to fight?" I finally ask her. She doesn't blush, honestly I think her cheeks are red enough as it is, but she looks very embarrassed.

"No" she finally sighs. "She didn't want to train me" she chews on her lip.

I feel appalled. What kind of mentor lets their tribute go into the arena without any type of basic training? It's terrible to let someone be that defenceless and ready to die. It also explains why Marina's technique is bad but she's very good at messy fights. She's used to getting through fights with basic instinct and a lot of struggling.

"Well let me help then," I say. She looks up hopefully, and I smile, feeling strangely protective over her. Like an older sister, even though she's the older one.

"You stand like this" I correct her position at once, raising her fists and adjusting her legs. "So that you have the best chance of dodging either way. And your fists should be shaped, no not like that" I ball up my fist to show her. "Like that, yeah, that's right. So you don't hurt yourself"

"Ok" Marina looks slightly awkward in her new position but she holds it, looking determined. I stand in front of her, adopting the same position. "Now what?"

"You watch your opponent the whole time" I tell her. "Never keep your eyes off them. Body language never lies and it gives away their move. Once you know what they're going to do, respond. Dodge, or block, or attack" I instruct her. She nods.

"So, if I were to attack you like this" I move forward very slowly, my right fist aimed for her face. "Then you should move to the left" she does as I tell her, looking a little clumsy. "And then try to hit my stomach"

"Why?" she asks, hesitating. I smile, still holding my fist out. She's moved out of the way now, just like I told her to.

"Because it's undefended and it winds the opponent," I tell her. She nods and then moves as if to hit my stomach. I block it with my other arm.

"But now look, both my arms are occupied and I would be unbalanced from the momentum of my punch not hitting you" I tell her. "So the best thing to do is attack with your other fist, preferably for the face, or if not, go for the knees" she nods, concentrating hard.

"So that they give way?" she guesses. I nod and she lightly kicks out, as if to knock my feet out from under me. I dodge, but just because I know what she's doing.

"Even though I moved, you've still got me on the defence" I tell her. "My arms will be raised for defence, not attack and there will be a weak spot," I tell her. She nods, watching me closely, as if to find the weak spot. "You just have to find it"

"Ok" she nods again and then lowers her hands. "I guess there's a lot more than that?" she grins ruefully. I laugh and grin, lowering my hands.

"Right. But let's do that mini fight much faster now" I tell her. "Let's see if you've learnt form it" She takes position again, her technique perfect this time.

I lunge out with my right hand, really quickly, but she dodges to the left like I told her. She stumbles at the speed of her movement and I try another punch, but she dodges again. She's steadier that time and like I told her to, she lashes out at my stomach. I easily block but then her foot hits my knees, not the blow to my face like I expected her to do, and my left knee gives way. I stumble too and that's when she socks me in the face.

It's a beautiful moment. One moment I'm ready to dodge, ready to overwhelm her and then the next her fist hits my nose and I'm sent flying back. My head hits the mat and my vision goes cloudy. I hear her yelp my name and then she's next to me, pressing her hands to my nose. I think I'm laughing.

"That's what I'm talking about!" I grin up at her, proud of her. "That was a punch!"

Her healing legacy takes hold and I can feel the blood stop flowing. The bones in my nose begin to reform and the tissue knots together. It's painful but I'm just glad that she's got the hang of fighting. She keeps saying sorry over and over but I just ignore her. That was awesome!

She helps me stand, looking a little shy about hitting me but I can tell she's pleased. I clap her on the back as we head to the door, about to get some food before we can start training again. I'm going to make her a fighter.

"And another thing Marina" I tell her, still grinning, as we leave the room. She looks at me curiously, still a little confused about what she just did. She should be proud of herself. I am. I feel like there's a close bond between us, like we're really good friends, despite not knowing each other for long.

"Yeah?" she furrows her brow.

"Never underestimate your opponent"

Hope you enjoyed! There was a bit of foreshadowing in one of the POVs, I wonder if you guys can guess it!

Please review!