(a/n): Ahahaha!!! UT2004 ROOOCKSS!!!!!! I really like their new way of playing. It feels more realistic. It is very, very, very COOL!!!!!!!!!!! Ah!!!!!! Hehehehe. Get ready Xan. I'm coming.
Ahem…Anyrate. Here is another update. This is a short chapter with a very important idea. The problem is, it's not going to be easy to see it. Some of you might realize it right away, and some of you will get it in the later chapters. But, there is something really important in this chapter.
Here are some thanks to my reviewers.
Miranon: Thanks for your kind words. This chapter should raise a couple of questions. This probably will be the last chapter where Lostis will be in, since I'm planning for Trinity to enter the tournament in the next chapter. About Frostbite, I'll see what I can do. I really never played with him or against him. Oh, and while your playing your UT2004, say "Die!!!" to Xan for me. Spilling his guts all over my screen doesn't seem to satisfy me; I need more than one person to do the same ^_~. Oh, and about what the game developers say; "When it's done" is still ringing in my head about the UT2003 demo.
Slash, The Ironman: Sigh. You really won't be cutting any slack to Lostis, huh? Well, he is going to go on vacation soon, so you won't be hearing from him anytime soon. I guess Talon would need to work extra hard just to deliver his message. And if he does, I hope its not going to be like the one he gave to Fang in your new chapter, although I must admit that I was satisfied with his performance. Thanks for your compliments. Hope you'll enjoy this chapter.
Fun: You're asking very good questions. Unfortunately one of them won't be answered until the middle of this story. But is Lostis a friend or a foe will be answered in this chapter, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep an eye on him. About the new game; its cool, its kickass, and satisfaction guaranteed!!!! The down part is that Xan is back, but then its like a New Year's gift to experience his death once more!!! –In a more advanced environment. ^_^ Happy fragging.
Alex: Hehehe. He is just irresistible, isn't he? Well who could resist a bad ass, with a sly and yet professional attitude who can kick anybody's ass?? Ahem. I could think of one already. I shouldn't be saying this out loud, as well. I'm glad you like that Romulus is in here, he's going to be taking quite a major role in this story. About Remus, hold your horses. I need to give him a special introduction!!! But for now, enjoy a chapter with more of Romulus.
Dynamis: Thank you so much!!! I'm glad that you are enjoying this story, it's my job after all. Don't worry about Gorge, he will be more than just shot; he'll be electrocuted, burned, squashed, melted, eaten maybe, slammed, pushed off a cliff, and practically all those nice things that can happen in UT2003 and 4. I'm not letting him go that easily, especially after that rocket hit my face, and when I heard that he won the UT2003 tournament. That's just wrong! I had more problems with Malcolm than Gorge. Ahem. Enough of that. I'm digging into my old memories. Enjoy this chapter for now.
Poddy: Thank you for your generous words. It encourages me to hear that I'm doing well. I'm also very happy to hear that you enjoyed 'Vengeance For Blood,' it took much time to write that story. Thank you once again and hopefully you'll enjoy this story just as much if not more.
Enjoy everyone.
Chapter 8 -Corroded Endurance-"There is, however, a limit at which forbearance ceases to be a virtue." –Edmund Burke
I haven't seen Lostis since that time we have spoken. Either he was tired of me or he was following the orders of that Necris. Many questions poured out of me and I didn't know any of the answers. It must have been a day since I talked to him, that's his personal best, but somehow I felt that he had something really important to tell me. I was just too stubborn. Zack was right; the tournament changed me into a bad direction. When I think of it, the times when I was in the tournament I was different, very different in fact. It hurts sometimes, knowing that I had succumbed to the evil of this place.
"What happened back there?" Romulus came up and squatted to my side. "Nothing." I answered tonelessly. Lostis' words still was echoing in my head as I was staring down at my fingers. Is Lostis really on my side, I wondered. He certainly did not give me that first impression.
Sometimes, when I look back, I really do think that I have changed a lot. I really miss the times when you were here with me. Maybe it was your disappearance that really caused me to change. Maybe you were my pillar of strength after all.
It hurts, knowing that you are not here by my side any longer. I forget how fragile I can be when my loved ones are threatened. I forget sometimes that I go on these adventures because of my loved ones. But, I—I have failed. Winning the tournament didn't bring back my father. Even though I got a chance to spill Xan's blood, it is not enough to satisfy my needs. Killing Xan made you disappear because you were part of our so-called conspiracy. How easy it is to lose something precious when you are fighting for something else.
If only you were here with me, everything would be different. If only I would know that you are okay, that you are still fighting, that you are not giving up. You are the reason why I'm still going. You are the only reason why I'm still here today. I am not ready to let go of that yet…
"Trinity, I know something happened." Romulus' voice broke the chain of my thoughts, as he sat back. I looked at him, slowly, still trying to bury myself inside my thoughts.
"Just tell me that you don't want to tell me, or something like, 'take a hike'. All I'm trying to tell you is that you have to be strong. Maybe arms of steel won't crush you, but your mind certainly will." Romulus' voice was soft, calm, and somewhat educational. Those words forced me out of my pool of thoughts.
I smiled, glad to know he is able to see it, and said lightly, "You remind me of a very old friend, you know that?" His eyes lit up and looked surprised.
"Really?" He asked, sounding happy and impressed.
"Don't let it go over your head." I stood up and smiled, sweetly. "Now go on. 'Take a hike.'"
Romulus nodded and stood up. "Yes, M'am." He started to walk slowly. "I'm going to take a hike." He joked and looked back at me. "If ya need me. I'll be right over there talking to the wall." He pointed towards an empty spot that was opposite of where we were.
"If I feel like joining you, I'll come by and say hi," I smiled. On the final note, Romulus nodded and walked away slowly.
I sighed and allowed my back to rest on the wall as my eyes stared at the floor.
This is going to be a very long season. I remember how things were back then, it felt like centuries before I fought Xan, but then the match against him seemed like it was going to take forever. Oh, yes. I remember that day and I know that I will never forget it. The problem is my job here is not to win the tournament; it is to find Dessloch. So far I have no leads and to be quite honest; that is not a good start. If only I had access to the database of this place. I would really love to look at the information myself; I still don't trust Lostis with my goal.
Footsteps crumbled the rocks below and a familiar young man was standing in front of me. He looked down at me with his coal-staring eye and smiled. "Hello." His voice traveled clearly. "Mind if I speak with you or you don't feel like talking." I carefully observed him; his voice, the way he speaks it sounds so—so familiar.
"I'd rather be left alone." I said dryly as I looked back down at my hands.
"I see." His voice carried out each word perfectly. "I guess you never feel like talking to anyone, huh?" He knelt down beside me and I stared into his eyes.
"How did you know?" I asked, adding sarcasm behind my voice, which made him smile.
"I don't know." He shrugged as he said, "I guess I'm psychic, I can read minds." He didn't bother hiding his sarcasm in his playful tone.
"Look." I stood up. "I don't feel like talking, alright, and that's a final." I folded my hands and studied his frame as he stood up.
"Alright. You want to be left alone, I guess I know how you feel." He stepped back a little and looked at me. "Living in the past all the time, trying to figure what went wrong. Probably you can't get out of the time-trapping image that just won't fade or let go of you."
His words stunned me. "Look, pal. I don't know who you are, but just get off my back, alright?" I added my charming attitude with those words, but he didn't move at all.
"I'm sorry." His voice was cold. "It just happened to be that I live like that, too. I talk to others to forget, to forget many things. But I guess you rather keep living in your past." He turned his head to look back and then quickly looked back at me.
I was speechless; absolutely speechless. My mouth was opened to speak, but nothing came out except for, "Who are you?" Soon my paralyzed look turned into a furious one. "You don't know me and I don't know you. Let's leave it at that." I made sure my voice was brutal. I didn't know who this guy was, but I certainly didn't want him finding out anything about me.
"Right." His voice mirrored mine. "I am sorry that I upset you." He pursed his lips together. "I will see you in the arena." He nodded towards me and walked away.
What a freak, I thought as I slid down to the ground. "The know-it-all-bastard. That's is his nickname from now on." It sounded louder then I wanted it to, which caused some heads to turn my way, but that guy didn't overhear me; at least that's what I thought.
I watched him walk towards two people. One of them was a woman who was talking to a handsome man with red hair. The two looked at the jackass as he neared them and exchanged a couple of words. The know-it-all-bastard rested his back against the wall and looked at me, as he folded his hands.
I held the eye contact a while longer until the gates screeched open and three Liandri troops and a tall Necris stepped in. That same ugly alien that held a short leash on Lostis. His scarred eyes narrowed, his lips a thin line, as he scanned the room slowly.
"Tanya Menace." His deep voice caused the silence to spread and everyone in this place looked at him. He sounded just as deadly as he looked, and it didn't seem that I was invited to a tea party, either.
I hesitated, and that was one of the mistakes I made in my imperfect life. His alien eyes scanned the room and soon his white eyes met mine. He inclined his head to his right to whisper something to the Liandri soldiers. The three men armed their weapons and walked towards me while aiming their weapons at me. The people in front of me parted, creating a straight way towards me.
My heart raced when I remembered what happened in the room where I was chained up. I hoped that I was not called up for the same procedure; the bruises on my wrists and ankles still need to fade. But then again, there is no hope.
The distance between me and the troops closed. One of them came behind of me and curled the handcuffs around my wrists, tightly. The three men pulled me towards the ugly Necris.
His face was made of stone as he looked down at me, making me feel insignificant. He had a smile on his face that made my knees shake. His hand grabbed my shoulder, his fingers clasping around it very tightly.
"The tournament begins in six hours." A very clear voice spoke, enveloping each word perfectly. I looked at the owner of the voice and it was that know-it-all guy. "Liandri policy protects her." His cold voice rang through this place.
I couldn't believe what he was doing. He was out of his mind. This guy barely knows who I am and yet he is sticking his neck out for me. The question is; why? Why is he doing this?
"I am well aware of that, human, and if you won't step down you will be joining her." The ugly Necris responded as the guards pointed the weapons at the contestant.
The man stood his ground until the soldiers cocked their weapons, and took a step back. His brown eye looked at me, causing that same eye contact that we shared before. The gigantic Necris pulled at me and I was forced into my doom once again.
I was lead to a familiar place. It contained metallic tables with chains, tables with syringes, and a very familiar, ugly face. The alien smiled at me as I was shoved by the Necris behind me.
"It is a pleasure to see you again, Ms. Menace." He put on the rubber, white gloves and picked out a certain syringe. "What have you done, today?" The maniac asked as he carefully observed the object he was holding.
Strong hands pushed me towards one of the table and I retaliated. I hit one guard in his abdomen and he let go of my hand. I hit the other guard in the face with my free fist, but he held on to me tightly. Quickly, I stung his knee with my foot and I was rewarded with a crack and a scream. The guard let go of me as he fell to his knees. I used this moment to whip a good hit in his face with my foot, making him fall on his back.
Something hit me in the back, causing me to tumble on the floor. My head turned to look at the last Liandri guard who was standing near my feet. I curled my legs around his and rolled. He collapsed to the floor with a hard blow in his head against the floor. I brought down my foot hard to his face and that was all.
I quickly stood up and looked up at the doctor with my bangs falling in front of my face. The doctor put the needle down on the table and clapped. "Bravo." His sly voice hissed. "I will definitely make sure to use the best men to bring you here. After all, the best deserves the best, correct?" He didn't dare come near me, as he walked towards the other side of the table.
I was breathing fast with my mouth blowing at the bangs in front of me. I was carefully watching this freak; I remember what he had done to me the last time we met.
"But." Said the doctor. "What are you going to do about him?" He pointed behind me and an arm curled around my neck. My hands automatically tried to pull the arm away, but a sharp needle was inserted into my neck. The world went dark as I crumbled to the floor.
Where am I, I thought as I looked around the field that I was standing in. The grass beneath my feet rustled, as the wind picked up slowly. I looked at the dark skies with the moon peaking through the clouds. I was standing on an endless plain in a black silk dress.
The wind blew my hair over my shoulders and kissed my cheek as I turned around. I slowly started to walk; my high heels crushed the soil at every step. I carefully looked around, seeing nothing but the sky and the infinitive ground.
Someone's arms wrapped around my waist from behind and I felt a chin rested on my right shoulder. "Trish." A voice whispered.
I closed my eyes as fresh tears fell from them and rolled down my cheeks. I clenched my teeth to prevent myself from sobbing. "You left me, Dess." I barely whispered.
"I'm so sorry, Trish." The voice whispered again. I opened my eyes and took a deep breath. How long has it been? "Why did you leave me?" I whispered as more cold tears rolled down my cheeks. I looked up at the sky and noticed the rain coming down. I realized that I wasn't the one who was crying. It was the sky.
"Why did you leave me, Dess?" I asked again in a hushed voice and turned around to look at him. He was there; Dessloch, his yellow eyes studying mine. "Why?" I shook my head and looked at the floor.
"Because I didn't." His voice carefully pronounced each word. "I never left you." His hand took my chin as he came up to me. "We made a promise, Trish. Remember?" He asked softly.
"Yeah, that's right." I said bitterly, as the rain started to pour down harder. "Trish." He spilled my name and embraced me, tightly. "I will always be with you, I promise."
I promise…
I woke up when someone snapped open the final chain that was around my neck, and I saw Lostis' face. But something was wrong; he looked worried. His white eyes were studying me carefully with his eyebrows arched upward.
"What happened?" He asked me as he helped me sit up. I slowly rubbed my eyes and felt severe pain in my head. I rubbed my wrists and noticed the black and blue colors that festooned my wrists.
"I'm completely innocent." I said softly and looked down. "I haven't done anything, I swear." My voice sounded hurt and I felt very weak. "He just came and brought me here for no reason, for no reason at all." I stuttered, as uncontrollable fear started to rise in me.
"Shh. Calm down." Lostis softly said and helped get up from the table. I nearly collapsed to the floor as Lostis quickly caught me. "Tanya?" He asked me, sounding even worried then before.
"I'm okay." I lied as I put a hand on my forehead. What was wrong with me?
"You are sure? Your first match is in two hours." Lostis said as he forced me to sit back on the table.
My head turned towards the chains on that table and sweat poured down me. "Get me off this thing!" I screamed as I jumped off. "Tanya?" Lostis held me tightly, his eyes searching mine.
I observed the ugly chains where my hands used to be. My heartbeat raced with my blood as my breathing had gotten heavier. "Please. Get me out of here." I whispered and closed my eyes as my body was shaking, uncontrollably.
(a/n): This is it. So what is the big idea??? Well, its kind of useless asking the question since I won't give you the answer even if you'll guess. But don't worry; it will be clear in the later chapters.
Sorry for a short chapter. The next is going to be a long one, and Trinity will finally be compete in her first match, the Training Day. 'Till next time.
-L
The quote is about Trinity. Specifically of what has happened to her in this chapter.