X. Fractures
Tactus Carthii, District Two
The tensions in the Career pack had not gone unnoticed by Valerius and Octavia.
"You have to find a way to tolerate them." Octavia implored "If you run off on your own they'll come you not only because your strong but you betrayed the pack"
"Prospero 'betrayed the pack' and still won" Tactus retorted. Prospero was strategic and cunning. You are neither, not even your dreams could manged to pull off what Prospero did. Beside Prospero's from One and you are not. You must win had tribute from Two would striking down your foes in combat, not stabbing in the back a like a coward. Perhaps that's the trait you and Prospero share- cowardice.
"And he's a pariah because of it." countered Octavia
"Octavia's right, you must ally with One and Four. Prospero is an exception." added Valerius "Now that has been cleared up, besides your so-called disappoint what other impression did you get from One and Four"
"Neptune's to laid back, he underestimates us and Udine places a lot of weight on honour so probably be unwilling to use underhanded tactics. As for One, Malachite seems forceful and controlling but brash and short-tempered. Radiance want to hold the pack together the best that she can" Bellona stated coldly
"At least one you is paying attention." Octavia snapped
Tactus sighed. "I'm going down to train now."
Tactus found that Neptune sitting around waiting for him.
"Late again." Neptune jeered
"I was discussing strategies with my mentor," Tactus said calmly. How full of lies you are. You were quarrelling with them.
"The same mentor, that hasn't produced a single victor, his strategies can't be much good."
"Look Neptune, I like don't one bit we have to work together, or the lowly outers will exploit it." Tactus hissed
"Even when you're this weak," Neptune said.
"Run off on your own then. Then we'll hunt you down and see just how strong you then!" Tactus yelled
"Calm you self Tactus, you just like Undine allowing a little taunting to anger to so much," Neptune said nonchalantly.
In spite of his arrogance, he has point. You can't allow yourself to be manipulated so easily if you want to have even the slightest chance of victory. Look at yourself you pathetic, weak, undeserving. Silence!. Tactus calmed himself. "My point is, we must appear to ruthless and cold warriors to but some fear in the outers," Tactus said to keep a measured tone.
"Typical Two," Neptune noted
"What the hell's that supposed to mean?" Tactus questioned
Neptune, however, did reply and simply walked off.
"Explain your self" Tactus yelled futilely across the training centre
Look at how plays with you. He doesn't see you as a warrior but has a fool and he's right and you know it. No matter how much you try to deny it. He's right your a fool. A fool for thinking you can win.
Seras Bolten, District Six
Seras has been at the edible plants station and had been eavesdropping on Two and Four's conversation. Fractures in the Career pack were good, hopefully, they would kill each other instead of going after her and her allies. A large outer district alliance would surely bet target for the Careers if we were all cohesively working together. What if they managed to work their disagreements and become an organised and deadly force? Would it be better to ditch the Tens? They seemed reluctant to ally with others anyway. A smaller alliance would less three would less of a concern than an alliance of five. But there was a strength in greater numbers, a clash with the Careers with strong possibility regardless, five vs. six has better odd than three vs. six. The offer had been extended to the Tens, retracting could draw their ire against her too.
Yuri and Vida approached her.
"Finally your here" Seras noted
"Mentor had us held up," Vida said, "Either of the Tens come to speak to you?"
"Not yet," Seras replied,
"Frustrating. It would be could confirm them as our allies," Vida said
"What d'you think's stopping them?" Seras enquired
"The Strauss Siblings they both won as heard they loners and so they are reluctant to let their tributes ally. Think they aren't needed" Yuri answered
"But they seem to stick together."
"Probably some sort of a compromise," Yuri said "Did we miss anything exciting?" he added changing the subject
"As a matter of fact, you did. Two and Four have a little argument. Four pranced away clearly pleased with himself and whilst Two just acting huffy" Seras replied
"A fracture in the pack is good for us," Yuri said.
"If only there was a way for us widen it. Attempting to talk either will draw too much attention." Vida added
"I reckon it might be able to help with that"
"How so?" Vida questioned
"On the first night here. I went for midnight stroll ended up roof talking to the boy from Two. I might just find him there again" Seras explained
"Sounds promising" Yuri noted
Seras watched as the Tens entered the training centre and walked to snares section together, making no acknowledgement of her and the Fives'. Perhaps they aren't allying with us after all.
"Should go talking to them?" Instead of waiting around waiting for them to come to us?" Vida asked
"Not sure, if they have decided to not work with us, it'd be better not speak them, they might glean something from that they could use against us," Yuri replied.
"So do we wait or seek out the boy from Nine?" Seras asked
"We shall wait for now. Nine's seems like a loner. Only going to stations that no else is working at. Doing everything he can to avoid others. Watch him if you don't believe me." Yuri replied
Frustration surged through Seras' mind. She hoped the Tens seemingly meant that Yuri and Vida were interested in gaining another ally and thus solve the issue her not being the only in the alliance not with a district partner. If it were just three of them it would mean that Yuri and Vida would likely to turn on her first. Seras watched Nine just like Yuri said, he was right. Nine was determined to be solitary. She would attempt to talk to Two this evening hoping to find him on the roof of the Tribute Tower. Perhaps she could turn him to their side? But it was a foolish idea, Yuri and Vida would never accept a Career into their alliance, nor would any Career join an outer district alliance. Her mission was not to sway Two to her side but to Turn him against Four and the other Careers.