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"This is the last race and the stakes are high. Three teams are neck and neck on points. This last race will decide who will be continuing and who won't" the announcer said, "I'm feeling stressed and I'm not even playing the game."
"We have to win this race...or get a decent amount of points that will keep us from being eliminated," Marinette whispered to her partner. Adrien nodded, replying, "Yeah, but I don't think Donkey Kong or Princess Daisy will make it very easy."
Marinette hummed in agreement, "We will have to wisely strategize out our next track to our advantage...whatever that course turns out to be, that is."
"I'm just hoping it's nothing too difficult. In the last race, I would've ended up in tenth place if it weren't for the thundercloud's shrinking lightning," the blonde said. The class president perked up at the newfound knowledge, quietly proclaiming, "That was you?"
Adrien sheepishly scratched the back of his neck, earning a glare and shaking head from the bluenette.
"We made it folks! The last race of round 1!" The announcer spoke as the wheel began to spin, "Our final race will be..."
"Please let it be something easy," Adrien thought, testing his luck.
"...Rainbow Road!"
"Son of a-" Adrien paused, noticing the intense scowl on Marinette's face before hesitatingly finishing off, "...female dog?"
The blonde teen let out a nervous chuckle then notice the scowl wasn't towards him.
"What is she doing here?" Marinette spat, heatedly. Adrien tried to search for the victim of the bluenette's nasty look. He spotted a very familiar girl and tried to figure out where he had seen her.
Then, it hit.
"Is that Violin—wait, no. Was it Voltron? Vulture?" Adrien murmured to himself, trying to figure out the name.
"At the arcade, she is known as Volpina but was given the name Lila Rossi. She used to be the raining champion at the arcade before I de-throned her in an avalanche. She has been trying to reclaim that throne ever since," Marinette explained in spite.
"Sounds like your rival boils your kettle to the point steam is released from your ears," Adrien spoke, earning a raised eyebrow from the bluenette.
"What I mean is, it sounds like you really hate her guts."
"Oh, I do," Marinette replied in confirmation, "That beast is a slippery fox. So, do not believe a word that vitiatam mendax says. I am always disappointed when that falsifier's pants do not actually catch on fire."
Adrien blinked, earning a sigh from Marinette, "A pathological liar. I apologize, Latin was one of the languages I had studied and it sometimes slips."
Adrien formed an "o" shape with his mouth, now understanding the term. Before looking back over at Lila to see who her partner was.
"Wait...is that-"
"Ready your engines racers!" The announcer bellowed, causing the blonde to shift his attention back to the screen quickly.
Then, the final race began.
Some of the racers were pushed or knocked off the side of the rainbow road into the inky black, starry space scene. Adrien and Marinette had luckily managed to stay in the middle of the road, earning them a good place. Yet, there was a little problem.
Daisy and Donkey Kong were getting uncomfortably closer to Mario and Luigi, practically on their tails.
"The first lap has been completed with Mario in the lead with his brother, Luigi, holding second. But, Donkey Kong and Daisy may not let the brother duo hold those places for much longer," the announcer explained.
Adrien could feel an intense sweat start to form on his forehead. He glanced over at Marinette to see her seemingly calm but was just as rattled.
They needed some way to-
"It looks like Daisy has stolen second place from Luigi," the announcer cut through Adrien's train of thought, making the teen concentrate on the race again. He was taken aback when seeing the ginger in yellow crossing the line, completing the second lap moments before Luigi.
Adrien growled before having his avatar absorb a mystery box, waiting for the item to pop up.
"Daisy has taken first place!"
"What?!" Adrien screamed in this head, seeing that it was true. Daisy had taken the lead, surpassing Marinette's character by a mere foot. Just when Adrien thought they might lose, the item had been chosen.
A turtle shell.
More specifically, a green turtle shell.
Adrien had to wait for the right moment—the perfect moment—to launch the shell. He couldn't miss, seeing how it was the final lap of the circuit.
The blonde narrowed his eyebrows and concentrated on the back of Daisy's car. The finish line was getting undeniably closer, seeing how it was up ahead. Adrien managed to pass Marinette for the first time and better yet, it made it easier to aim.
Once he was able to find a good spot, Adrien fired the turtle shell. Much to his dismay, the shell missed its target and the finish line was getting even closer.
"Shoot! No!" The blonde frantically thought, the hope of winning the race deteriorating.
"You idiot!" one of the competitors hissed, angrily from beside Adrien. The teen didn't have time to process why the guy was angry when a flying blue shell zipped right above Daisy. It circled once before falling straight down on the princess and let out a massive explosion.
Adrien was very close to being caught in it but was able to stay clear.
While Daisy was recomposing, Mario and Luigi crossed the finish line. Marinette and Adrien leaped off their stools, cheering gleefully for their win.
"Up high, short stacks!" Adrien said hand raised and waiting for his partner to high-five him. Marinette was giddy from the thrill of their win and giggled, slapping her hand against Adrien's.
"Wow, folks! What an amazing turn of events for our final race in the first round?" The announcer exclaimed, happily, "I can't wait to see what other table turners will become of us for the rest of this tournament!"
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"What an exhilarating rush!" the bluenette spoke almost breathlessly, "I thought for sure Daisy would have won the race but we were given a stroke of luck!"
Adrien watched the proper lady jump around like a child that was in a candy store. He snickered, feeling ecstasy.
"Now, we have enough points to cushion us in case we don't do so good on any of the other rounds," he replied.
"Yes, but do not dally just cause we have a lot of points. We need to win this competition," Marinette warned before wistfully smiling, "I have not felt this way in a very long time. It is...quite nice."
Adrien couldn't help but let a soft smile spread across his face. He'd grown really fond of the class president in the span of a week they spent together. Sure, they've had a few ups and downs. Yet, it seemed to only make them closer than ever.
"What happens when this deal is over?"
That question has been bothering him to no extent. Would they just go back to their everyday lives after this was over? Would they continue to hang out with each other?
"Are you alright, Mister Agreste?" Marinette asked, snapping Adrien out of his racing mind. He played it off with a smirk, teasingly replying, "It's cute to see you worry about little ole' me, Princess."
Marinette tilted her head to the side, eyes narrowed in speculation. She was carefully studying the blonde's body language for any signs of something off. She never got the chance to finish her analysis when two people blocked their path. Marinette and Adrien paused when seeing two familiar faces.
"Volpina," the bluenette hissed, only making Lila smirk in amusement.
"Lady Luck, what a surprise to see you here of all places?" Lila spoke in an almost enthusiastic way, "I had never taken you to be a person who would come to a place like this. I guess I was wrong."
Then, she gestured to her partner, "I'm sure you already know my partner. Isn't that right, Max?"
Marinette and Adrien both turned their attention over to the short male standing by Lila. Max gave Marinette a sheepish wave, not giving Adrien a single glance of acknowledgment.
"Mister Kanté!" Marinette spoke in disbelief, "What absurd idea made you think to be partners with this monstrosity?"
"Well," Max began, readjusting his glasses, "Half of the reward money and some sweet revenge."
He gave the blonde a stern stare that looked a little out of character for the short nerd.
"Honestly, I should be asking you the same of you. Why...him?" Max added, questionably, "You know he could stab you in the back at any moment."
Adrien almost winced, knowing Max was right. He actually did plan to go behind Marinette's back and take all the money for himself. Yet, that changed. He didn't feel like a whole new person for doing something noble. Maybe, he felt more like...just more of his old self slowly coming out of the depths and added on.
It was a weird thought, to say the least.
Although, even if he felt this way, he never knew what Marinette's point of view of him was. With a nervous side glance, the blonde watched as his partner seemed to gather her words.
"I did think that at first, I will admit," Marinette explained, "That was until I started to get to know him. I realized there is more to Mister Agreste than what meets the eye. Sure, he can still be an atrocious scumbag to look down on at times but he also has his endearing moments that make me look up to him."
Adrien felt his heart swell in joy and let a relaxed smile form on his lips. Max scoffed under his breath while Lila gave a fake smile.
"Isn't that sweet?" Lila said in a sugarcoated voice, "Not only that, he is quite a sight as well."
Adrien scrunched his nose, not needing his hair standing warning tactic to know that this girl is trouble.
"Our next round will commence in twenty minutes! Gamers will be meeting in the preparatory room until further notice!" The announcer exclaimed.
"Well, good luck out there you two! May the best gamers win!" Lila chirped, gesturing for Max to follow. While passing, Lila "accidentally" bumped into Marinette's shoulder and earned a glance from Max.
"Wow, that was...something," was all Adrien could say.
"The nerve!" Marinette huffed, clenching her fists and looking like she was about to punch something.
"As much as I would love to watch a catfight go down, I think you should settle your britches. We don't need to be getting ourselves disqualified," Adrien said, hearing his partner let out a sigh. Marinette nodded, "Indeed. We should probably get to that preparatory room, anyway."
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It was the next day, everyone was preparing for the fifth round of the tournament.
Round two consisted of the game Fortnite (much to Marinette's displeasure). The third round was a zombie apocalypse game and the fourth had been Just Dance (much to Adrien's displeasure).
Quite a few teams had been eliminated throughout the course of the rounds. Adrien and Marinette were doing decently well for staying in the tournament but had to obtain a great number of points if they were going to win.
"Welcome back to our fifth round of this event, folks!" The announcer said, "For the fifth round, the gamers will be playing a short version of Alien: Isolation! Whichever team escapes with the least amount of time wins."
"What's Alien: Isolation?" Adrien asked.
"It is a survival horror game of an engineer named Amanda Ripely trying to escape a space station while facing foes like high-tech androids, non-trustworthy survivors, and obviously, an alien," Marinette explained, "Since we are playing a shorter version, I assume we will only encounter the alien. Although, I do not see how this is a team game. It is only one player."
"Sounds interesting. If this sort of play-through makes a good impression, I might just have to play it myself," Adrien replied.
"But, there's a twist," the announcer suddenly said, gaining the two teens' attention, "Each player will be wearing VR goggles to receive the full experience. If a person falls off their stool, their team will lose five points."
"Things just got a whole lot harder but I'm sure it'll be fine. Right, Pri-" Adrien paused when noticing Marinette's tremble body and wide eyes. The blonde felt a seed of concern sprout in his chest, asking, "Are you okay?"
"Ne-Never better," Marinette lied, forcing the strangest fake smile Adrien has ever seen. The blonde crossed his arms and rolled his eyes, "Even the densest knuckleheads that I know would be able to tell that you are not okay."
"Do not flatter yourself like that. You already have a big enough ego as is," Marinette joked, trying to evade the conversation from continuing.
"Okay, rude," Adrien scoffed, "especially when I'm trying to be worried for my sweet little lady."
Marinette fiddled with her fingers out of nervous habit, worriedly glancing at the hall leading towards the ring.
"I am not a big fan of anything horror such as movies and games. I can cope with it if the screen is small and no special effects are included. But, they are unbearable when turned into something you feel like you are living," she explained, grimacing.
"Hey," Adrien began, placing a hand on her shoulder, "You got this. I've seen you face way scarier things."
"Really?" Marinette questioned, raising an eyebrow, "What exactly did I face that was scary?"
"Chloe," Adrien simply said, earning an eye roll from the bluenette.
"Please...that is more of handling a toddler than anything," Marinette replied, arms folded but stifled back a laugh, "Is she your fear?"
"That girl gives me the willies and wears more makeup than a clown. She would probably win the Pennywise award or something," the blonde male said, feeling shivers run up and down his spine.
"Alright, but how does this exactly help me get rid of my fear?" Marinette asked. Adrien sighed, seeing how one of the brightest teens in the school still couldn't see the truth surrounding her...literally.
"Princess," he began, gesturing to their surroundings, "...look around you. You are literally standing in the middle of a super illegal tournament full of criminals, drug lords, con artists, and possibly, some murderers. Do you think a lot of teenagers would have the guts to come to a place like this?"
"Max and Volpina," the class president pointed out.
"Yeah, but they're here for their own selfish purposes. You're here risking a lot just to help someone you care about. Just...remember what you came here to do," Adrien explained, "Isn't that who Lady Luck is? Someone who protects others from the vile Voltron—or whatever her name was—even if she has to face something scary like man-slaughtering aliens."
"I...suppose you are correct," Marinette agreed, bluebell eyes gazing at the floor before returning to meet emerald green orbs. A small smile was drawn onto her face, determination flowing through her veins.
"Of course, I am," Adrien said, puffing out his chest, "and good thing you figured it out. If I kept up that speech any longer, I think I would've thrown up rainbows."
The bluenette snorted, "You must still have Andre's sweet ice cream magic in your system."
"Yeah, the worst feeling ever. How do you do it, Milady?" Adrien replied, giving a wink. Marinette felt herself become a little flustered until a passing thought of realization glued itself to her brain and slightly frowned.
"Mister Agreste," she spoke, catching the blonde's attention, "I never was able to ask, but what exactly are you going to do with your half of the reward if we do win?"
Adrien's eyes widened at the question, not sure how to answer. Scratching the back of his neck, he opened his mouth to reply.
"Well-"
"Competitors! The next round will begin shortly! Head to the ring and take a seat next to your partner!" the announcer informed, causing the teams to start flowing out of the room towards the ring.
"I'll tell you later," Adrien said, grabbing his partner's wrist, "We gotta go win a game."
Marinette stared at the blonde for a moment longer before her determination returned. She let a giant grin settle on her features and gave a curt nod.
"Let us kick some buttocks!"
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Marinette gulped, looking around the small, gray room of the spaceship as she tested out the controls.
"Flamethrower..." the bluenette listed within her head and pressing the right button to activate it. The beautifully destructive flower of heat burst menacingly from the gun.
"...check. Radar...check. Tool...check," she continued, repeatedly remembering how everything works so it would stick to her memory.
"If you look ahead of you, there is a button that will open the door. But, once it's open, the game will begin," the announcer explained, happily, "Now...begin!"
Marinette could feel her hands start to produce sweat and tremble in fear. It all looked so...life-like and messing with her mind.
"Remember what you came here to do..." Adrien's words echoed.
Taking in a deep breath, she pushed the button and the door slid open with a hiss.
The game began.
Marinette made her character move forward into the ship, scanning the premises. There is a cart full of stuff and a box next to it, sitting in the walkway with just enough room to walk in between the two randomly placed objects.
An animal-like screech made the bluenette jump a little in her seat. She quickly moved her character to crouch down behind the box. Marinette's heart leaped before dropping into her stomach when seeing the alien menacingly walk by the hallway she was in.
With a gulp and cautiousness nipping at her skin, Marinette stood her character back up and went into the hallway the alien had just come from. Many unnecessary noises spooked the teen every now and then. She would duck down behind or under something if she heard or saw the monster lurking in the ship's corridors.
"You are doing wonderful so far, Marinette. You just have to keep going and escape this madness," Marinette encouraged herself.
The bluenette thought she was almost there once making up the stairs. She froze and paled all at once, seeing the alien fall out of the ventilation system.
"Et caseum fragor!" Marinette shouted inside her head and quickly chose her flamethrower option. The alien let out a screech before charging at the bluenette's character. At the last moment, Marinette pressed her firing button and torched the specimen.
The alien knocked her character down, almost making Marinette fall off her stool.
But, she was okay.
She is alive.
Sure, her heart was rapidly pounding and her hands were shaking. Yet, she is still in the game! Once her character was back onto their feet, Marinette cautiously continued again without many issues until reaching her destination.
She won!
"I did it," Marinette whispered in disbelief and took off her VR goggles, excitedly exclaiming, "I did it!"
"It looks like we have our first place winner!" The announcer said, "And, it looks like we have a second place as well!"
Marinette searched for the other player until locking eyes with Max. Max gave a small smile and a sheepish wave. The bluenette returned the gesture. As much as she felt betrayed by Max being Lila's partner, Marinette thought she understood.
Max wasn't in for the money. He was here for the same reason Lila was. They both wanted to beat their rivals. Although, Lila didn't deserve to win but Max had been cheated multiple times by Adrien. Marinette assumed he just wanted to beat Adrien for once at his own game fair and square.
"Heck yeah! I escaped that dump of a ship! Beat that, you giant extraterrestrial lizard!" Adrien cheered, ripping off his goggles and earning him third place.
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