(a/n): Hello guys. Sorry for such a long delay. I won't go into details of what happened because it's usually the same story. Work, work, work and more work. Yay...
Anyway, the chapter is finally up. Prepare yourselves for Facing Worlds 3. But before that, a quick thanks to:
Dynamis, Daniel Wesley Rydell, UTFreak, and Poddy. Thanks guys for the suport.
And now. Enjoy everyone.

Chapter 16: Clashing Warriors
"For now I see the true old times are dead" - Alfred, Lord Tennyson

A rare night passed by this time. It quickly dispersed into the dawn, and the moment when I opened my eyes felt like I only blinked. It was still early in the morning, before 7, but I felt refreshed and vivacious. These types of mornings I never mind waking up to.

The room was quiet and empty. The way it was for some time now. Quickly, I shook my thoughts away and sprawled on the bed, stretching as far as I could. A new day had come. Perhaps new beginnings would follow, but for now, I had things to do.

When I sat up and placed my bare feet on the floor, I heard whispers outside my room, chattering in exciting voices. I tried listening, but the voices were to low. Sighing, I stood up and slipped on my suit and boots. After curling my hair into a bun, I turned the knob and entered the living quarters to see the whole team assembled there. All the eyes glanced at me, and Romulus was the first to jump to his feet with a big smile on his face.

"Good morning, Trini!" He chirped and ran up to me. "Have you heard? Malcolm's challenging us!"

I sighed and nodded. Romulus, just like a huge bundle of energy, as always.

"I can't believe it!" If he decided to jump, he would have touched the sky. "THE Malcolm challenging us! He must have seen that our team is truly the best." A couple of eyes rolled and looked away. "You're coming, right?" He took my hand and pulled like a little a kid. "Come on! You, me and Wraith!" He let go and scratched his head lightly. "Actually, I would have said Boris, but since Wraith was so persistent to a point where he almost chopped my head off, I had no choice." Then he grinned evilly. "But look on the bright side! I see the announcer's saying 'Romulus pushed Wraith off the edge' in some near future."

"Thanks, Romulus." Wraith put a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "If I were you, I'd keep a mile distance."

"Yeah, yeah." Romulus shrugged Wraith's hand off. "You're all talk but no show."

"Really? Should I go as far as to remind you of what happened yesterday?"

"That was a cheap shot." Romulus folded his arms and looked away. "We all know Trini's better than you. Plus, I was going easy on you."

Wraith chuckled and shook his head. "Wow. You and Trinity must be the long lost siblings."

"You guessed it." Romulus came up to me and put an arm around my shoulders. "Me and Trini here are brother and sister. You could see the similarity, can't you?"

"Ah." Wraith nodded. "You must be the little brat brother."

I couldn't help but chuckle as Romulus frowned.

"Look at these children." For the first time Prism had voiced her opinion. She stood up, an angry look on her face. "If you truly want to win, Wraith, you'll kick these children off this team and hire real professionals."

"Oh, look." Romulus mumbled. "The ice queen awoke."

Wraith ignored him and turned to Prism. "Their just playing around. You shouldn't take them seriously."

"This is the tournament. There is no room for playing around." She snapped back.

"Why don't you go vent elsewhere." Romulus' challenged.

"And why don't you grab a pacifier and shut yourself." She practically screamed.

Romulus stuck out his tongue.

"Enough." Wraith raised his voice and looked at Prism. "We are a team, Prism. And whether you like or not you are stuck with this team."

She humfed and walked towards the exit. "You should hear the things they say about you behind your back." She looked back at Wraith. "You are an unwanted leader. If Trinity would have won, you would've had a straight one-way ticket off this team." And she walked out.

"What's with her?" Romulus said, gritting his teeth.

Wraith looked at me and an uncomfortable silence settled in. I hoped he wasn't thinking what I thought he was thinking. If Trinity would have won, you would've had a straight one-way ticket off this team. Truly, I had no idea what I would have done if I had won. If me and Wraith never had that conversation on Phobos and I would have won, I might have kicked him off the team. I never did like him before.

"Wraith." I decided to break the silence. "Don't listen—"

"It's okay, Trinity." He smiled. "You know me. The 'know-it-all-bastard'."

I didn't have the heart to smile back. "You heard that, huh?" I forgot about the nickname I had given him. Obviously, he remembered.

He came up to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "That's the past. This is now." He looked into my eyes and took my chin, forcing me to stare back into his. "Don't let the words of a fool let you down. What's important is what the loved ones think of you." He let me go and looked at Romulus. "I'm sure Romulus thinks you could've kicked my ass 'round the galaxy thrice." I chuckled at his words. "So, come on. Don't let one fly spoil your day."

"Thank you." I said quietly.

"Let's go." He nodded. "We have a match coming up."

"Right." I couldn't explain why, but there was this unsettling feeling inside. Despite Wraith's words, I felt guilty. Because somewhere deep down inside I knew Prism wasn't so far off from the truth. I forced myself to think that things were different now. But when Wraith, Romulus, and I walked out into the hall, an evil voice whispered inside my head, are they really different? I blocked out my thoughts and continued down the hall.

When we made our way down to the lockers, Malcolm was nowhere to be seen. Wraith said that Malcolm was on the other side of the stadium, and we will meet him there shortly.

I wasted no time getting ready, quickly slipping the respawn device into it's slot. I swung the backpack over my shoulders and grabbed for the rifle, inspecting it hastily.

Suddenly, the speakers turned on and the female announcer I heard before began her description of our upcoming match. "Welcome to the practice arena. You will be facing a team of three contestants in a CTF practice match. The first team to capture two flags wins. Good luck."

Three opponents, two flags, gotcha. Piece of cake. Two years felt like a world away, and yet here I am meeting with my past.

"Is everything okay?" Wraith asked me as he looked over his shoulder.

I nodded. "Yeah. Just fine." I smiled and gripped the assault rifle harder.

"Good. Okay, let's do this one by the book." Wraith said as he looked at me and Romulus.

"You mean there is actually a book written on this?" Romulus asked with revelation and shock in his eyes.

Wraith ignored him as he continued. "I'll take their flag. Trinity, I want you to assist me. Romulus, you will defend the base."

"Defend the base?" Romulus didn't sound so sure. "How come I get the boring shit. I'll fall asleep before anyone comes." He paused. "It's because you think I'm a rookie, don't you?"

"Defending the flag is an important job, Romulus, I don't have time to go into details."

"You say that because there are no details." Romulus frowned and folded his arms.

"It is a very hard job, I admit." I told Romulus, pasting a serious face while fighting off the smile. "The defender almost always is outnumbered." I closed my eyes and placed my hand on my chest while shaking my head, miserably, making sure my tone matched my look. "It takes the most skillful contestant to successfully defend the base. It is the defender who faces multiple opponents and cannot afford himself to be fragged."

Then I turned my back to Romulus and looked at Wraith and winked. "He's right, Wraith. Let me defend the base. I'm used to this. I'll be able to fight the two of them off."

Wraith nodded. "You're right. We need a much skillful player. It is set. Romulus, you will cover me. Tri—"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Romulus exclaimed. "What the hell is this. I can handle it." I looked at Wraith and saw a sly smile on his face. "I'll defend the base with my life. You can count on it." When Romulus turned to look at Wraith, the commander's smile vanished instantly.

"Are you sure?" He asked Romulus.

"Of course. Watch and learn."

"Very well." Wraith nodded. "I trust you." Then he looked at me. "What is it that you say?" Wraith smiled. "Let's rock?"

I grinned wider and nodded. "Yeah. Let's rock." We clasped hands together and shook them hard.

"Alright then!" Romulus exclaimed as he put his hand on top of ours. "Let's go kick some ass!"

All together, we stood on the lift and allowed it to take us up into the roaring stadium. The crowd was wild, screaming and jumping in insanity. Ah, just like the old days. How I missed them.

"And here we have the Blood Reavers!" The announcer had a hard time talking over the screaming fans.

"Aren't they the same Reavers who disbanded two years ago?" Another one asked.

"The one and the same. Only two original members remain, though. Zenith and Trinity."

"Trinity? But wasn't she the leader?"

I heard one of them laughing. "Pity, isn't it? Their new leader is Wraith. Guess it's time for the newer contestants to win this tournament."

"Yeah, right! It's Malcolm who is the Champion, and he is going to wipe the floor with them."

"You said it!"

I completely ignored them as I marched towards the middle where Malcolm and his team was standing. I was surprised to see Lauren and Brock part of his team. But then again, it made sense. The old competitors did stick together. But I knew I didn't belong on that team. My team was and always will be the Blood Reavers.

Besides, it was good to see that Malcolm earned quite a reputation here. He didn't disappoint me. He was the rightful Champion. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to give it my all. A Champion deserved a Champion, no one less. This would be just like the old times.

I glanced at Wraith and saw his serious look written his face. "Hey." I whispered to get his attention and he looked at me almost immediately. "You have a look like you are going to your funeral."

He chuckled. "I hope not."

"Don't worry." I glanced at Malcolm watching us patiently. "He only looks tough. He's a real baby at heart."

"That is out or inside the arena?"

I bit my lower lip and observed the deadly team in front of us. "Good point." I said and sighed.

"Well, this is it." The announcer nearly screamed over the crowd. "Since this is a practice match, the challengers get to pick a map of their choice."

"And they choose—" Their was a slight pause. "—Facing Worlds 3! One asteroid, two towers, and a thousand headshots! A sniper's dream."

Facing Worlds? How appropriate. I told myself that I must win this time. Face was a small, and fast map. Just have to watch out for snipers and that will be all. Too bad Boris gave up his place to Romulus. A good sniper would have been great to have on Face. Hopefully, Romulus was a good shot. Yeah, hopefully. Hope was a good thing, no doubt. But when would I learn that hoping rarely got the things I hoped for.

As the machine deployed above us, my suit activated and covered my entire body in light, durable metal. A mask and blue sunglasses snaked towards my face and covered it. Malcolm smirked and nodded. "Just like the old times."

"Yeah." I nodded back and smiled. "Exactly like the old times."

And we spawned into the great Facing Worlds—Facing Worlds? What's this? I asked myself as I looked around. This isn't Face...is it? I looked around the map, turning my head right then left, observing the tall edifice. In front of me was what looked like small portico to a tall tower, and above it was a magnificent wall with two Egyptian sculptures with their hands crossed over to the shoulders. As I slowly turned my gaze to my left, I saw a terrain of sand and heat blazing down from the clear sky. A tall pyramid stood erect at the hill, blocking view to the other side.

"Well what do you know?" Romulus stated. "There is space to fall. Maybe my predictions were true. Careful, Wraith. I might accidentally push you."

"Talk more and you'll make a small crater in the ground." Wraith replied.

I ignored them as I turned full circle, observing similar towers in the distance of the horizon. This is not Facing Worlds. Then I looked at the sky to see two planets. Call it what you want, but this is not Face. Where's the endless space, the Earth, the moon? Where the hell was I?

To my left, I saw a small orange figure running across the sand towards the large pyramid. "Wraith, wait!" I exclaimed into the mic and witnessed the figure halt and turn around, scanning the front of the base.

Then he saw me, and said "What is it?"

"Let me come with you. Wait for me, we'll attack in pairs."

There was a slight pause. Then, "Fine. I'll wait for you."

"Great." I smiled sheepishly. "In the meantime, can you show me around the base?"

Another pause, followed by a sigh. "Oh, alright."

It took a minute or two for him to show me where my favorites were held, including the flak cannon, sniper—lighting gun, and the shields. He didn't bother running around our base to show every detail—that was for my own free time—but he did briefly explain where most items were.

By the time we were geared up and ready to go with shields to max and ammo loaded to our teeth, Brock and Lauren had made it to our base just in time for our ambush. The two of them ran in from the front entrance just as Wraith predicted, and we were ready for them. Wraith stood at the top ledges, legs spread over the edges and rained hell on them with rockets, and I stood at the side entrance of the hall and fired grenades that exploded from the rockets splash damage. The chain reaction was splendid, shaking the entire hall as dust and small concrete plummeted from the walls.

When the smoke cleared, there were no bodies to ID. But the splashed blood that painted the walls was proof enough for their deaths. Wraith clattered his empty launcher up at the ledge and grabbed the minigun that was leaning against the wall. He looked down and carefully jumped, landing in a crouch. Quickly recovering, he flashed me a wide smile as he rested the minigun on his shoulder. "Not bad. Not bad at all."

I winked, but he would never know, and we both ran out into the blazing sun, running up the opposite sides towards the pyramid. It was difficult to run up the inclined terrain that was all in sand with the heat pouring down. Tinkles of sweat began to form on my forehead and around my mouth. Without hesitation I retracted the mask by manual control and continued my way on climbing towards the pyramid.

"Romulus. Give us some cover fire. Grab a sniper rifle and get to the top of the tower." I said into the mic when I was nearing the intersection. I knew Wraith didn't mind me giving orders.

"Yeah, sure." Romulus' voice spoke through the earpiece. I was glad to know he didn't mind, either. I had enough experience as a leader, and I knew I was adequate. I depended on Wraith to be just as good, which he was, and on Romulus to give great back up.

Haha. Yeah right. Who was I kidding?

When Wraith and I reached the pyramid in the middle of the "asteroid", I met up with Brock and Wraith with Lauren. Instead of like real gentleman and lady to shake hands on our first encounter in all these years, we exchanged fire. The sound of flak and minigun pierced through my ears and I dashed and rolled sideways away from the trailing bullets. I expected a nice bullet to rip through his head by now, as I got to my feet and ran with the trail closing in. Anytime would be good, Romulus. Anytime now.

"How the hell do you zoom in on this shit?" I heard him say instead. My heart was beating like loud rapid strokes on the drum. Brock didn't cease fire, and my only chance at living was to kill him first. I switched to alternative fire and leaped forward, twisting my body to aim at my pursuer. I squeezed the trigger and a ball of flak went to greet him. In an instant, I saw his eyes widen and he rolled to his right. A half second later I hit the ground as the ball exploded. I was rewarded with a cry, but not loud enough to hint a kill.

I scrambled to my feet and readied my aim for any further danger. None. Brock didn't come into view. It was either a trap or he was severely wounded. I didn't take chances. "Romulus, take him down." I said it loud enough only for the mic to pick up.

"I would if you would tell me how to zoom in on this thing. There's no scope." I groaned, thinking I don't have the time right now. Fine, I could do it myself. I un-holstered my rifle and loaded my final grenade. I crouched, aimed at an low angle, and fired. The grenade rolled and slightly bounced.

And before the grenade exploded, Romulus exclaimed, "He's moving to the other side!" Then it exploded, picking up sand from the floor. I looked towards the other side where the pyramid's edge was in the way of my view. I could have ran down the ramp to get a better shot. After all, I did have a sniper—err lightning gun—to take him out quickly. But why not play a mind game with him? I could always take him out with the lightning gun if he tries to run towards our base.

It was decided. I turned and ran back and around the pyramid from our half of the asteroid, following Brock's footsteps. I did see him take a corner. I picked up speed, sprinting as fast as I could to close the gap before he realized I followed him. I switched back to primary fire before I got to the edge and turned to see his back. It was too late for him when he finally looked to other side of the pyramid and came to a realization. And I plugged him full of hot iron from flak. He gurgled his blood and fell dead to the floor.

"Red flag taken!" I was told into my earpiece. I looked across the entire side of their island. A smile grew on my lips and I ran towards middle of the land alongside the pyramid, switching weapons with the lighting gun. When I found a good enough spot I dropped to my stomach and aimed through the monitor at the front entrance.

"In position, covering front entrance." I said as I zoomed in at the front entrance, waiting for it to slide open.

"Roger." Wraith breathed out heavily. Then I saw him run out of the front entrance and sprint towards the ramp to my left. I kept my cursor aimed at the entrance. The door slid open again and two figures ran out. The first kill I got instantly, green armor, darked skin.

"Headshot!" I was awarded as his beret fell to the floor. The second attacker shot at me with his minigun, and I flattened my face against the sand. At the angle he was shooting at, the bullets had a small chance of hitting me. Still, I didn't take any chances. I rolled to my right, as he neared the incline that Wraith took, still shooting at me to make sure I didn't get up.

When I got near the edge of the pyramid I rolled backwards in a hurry. A bullet rammed into my boot and was stopped by the metal. Lucky, lucky. I turned and quickly ran towards our side of the asteroid and knelt where I had a clear view of the diagonal incline. I drew in breath and quickly aimed at the incline that Wraith ran down towards our base.

Then a lightning trail zapped through the air and hit Wraith in the small of his back as the shields activated and took in most of the damage. He tumbled down the entire way down and gasped, "Sniper!"

"I see him!" Romulus exclaimed. "Top ledge."

"Romulus, listen. You can zoom in with the disk on the side of the screen. Find him, zoom in, and take that sniper out!" I guessed it was now or never that the kid had to learn how to use the lightning gun.

"Oh..." Romulus answered, when I heard footsteps behind me. I dashed right, as the minigun spit out the bullets fast and mercilessly, digging into the pyramid wall I used as shield.

"Target acquired." Romulus said and with that followed an arc of lighting from our base, as I ran along side the pyramid with the trail of bullets following behind me. I turned at the corner, still runnin. "Got him!" Romulus exclaimed a second later.

I didn't share his excitement as fear clogged in my throat when the bullets rammed into the back of my legs and up mine spine. I collapsed in pain, screaming from the crushing force of the bullets in armor. The armor remained intact. It was at what speed the bullet dug into my back that was hurting me.

"Red flag dropped!" Was what was said when lighting claws teared through the sky. I snapped my head to see Wraith fall to the floor, burned to death, dropping the flag. The sound of foot against the gravel behind me brought back my flexes. With only a mere reaction, I switched firing modes, turned, aimed, and shot a shrilling ball of flak into Brock's shocked faced, all in two seconds. Nothing was left to tell it was him who died.

I got up and shrieked as I worked against the begging of my back, which felt like it wanted to crane inward so as if the dented armor wouldn't touch it. Abiding by its pleadings, I deactivated my abdominal armor. The light metal sheets extracted back towards the belt and upper armor. I felt I could breath again.

I looked into the sky and craned my back in a stretch—and electric arc snaked to our base and a green armored body fell from the top ledge of our tower. "Romulus!" I screamed, and noticed the red flag on the ground and Wraith waiting at the front entrance, crouching behind the leg of the sitting Anubis.

"Trinity, take out that sniper." He screamed as a Redeemer spawned in front of me.

"Right!" I screamed. Without thinking I dropped the flak, grabbing the nuke instead, aiming, and firing at the lower edge where a green figure stood. Either Malcolm saw it too late, or he was waiting Wraith out. The nuke was nearly in his face when the figure disappeared into the building and I screamed, "GO!"

And he ran. Within seconds Wraith picked up the flag and dashed into base. And I decided to run towards the enemy base before they had a chance to recover. If I had a chance to take them by surprise, I had to take it. "I'm going in." I informed my team and ran down the ramp as fast as my feet could take me. The incline pulled down on me harder, and I nearly skidded my way down in seconds.

I caught my breath when I neared the base and ran past it towards their right side entrance. Through the portico, I entered and took sharp left into their flag room. I stopped and glanced at the empty room, breathing steady controlled breaths. The room was spectacular. With up to three levels circling the room with a giant structure of Anubis sitting above the flag's platform, the sight was absolutely stunning. No one was in sight. Perhaps they took up sniper positions or I missed them when they ran on the opposite side of the pyramid.

"Blue team scores!" The announcer boomed, and I saw small particles slowly come together to form the red flag. I ran towards the spawned flag and grabbed it by it's pole. "Red flag taken!" Turning to run, a patch slammed into the front of my upper armor and a screech of electricity followed. I was knocked off my feet with the shock running through my body. And when my head hit the steps, I saw Malcolm standing on the highest level aiming the lighting gun.

I quickly jumped to my feet, ignoring the pain throbbing through my body, and dashed towards the left hallway. It was too late when his weapon recharged; I was long gone through the hallway and out the left side of their base. A splitting headache was forming at the place I hit my head. I shook the pain away and ran towards the nearest boost.

I was shoved against gravity, my heart, suddenly, feeling too heavy, and then my feet dug into the gravel onto the left incline. I stumbled as pain ripped through my calves from the earlier inflicted bruises. I cursed, got back up, and ran for my life, hoping I wasn't going to face the same fate Wraith did.

No matter what happens, Tanya—I pushed the thoughts aside as I picked up speed. Now was not the time to think about it. Then lightning roared from our base and rammed into somewhere at the tower behind me. I read the small green lettering at the bottom of my glasses' display. It read 'Malcolm's cranium was made extra crispy by Wraith's lighting gun.' Good, I thought when ran up to the middle and continued my way down.

The burning in my chest was tiring me out, and my lungs felt like they were ready to burst. My running slowed as I breathed faster and my lungs burned hotter. I tried to take deeper breaths, but the burning prevented me. So I continued on the blazing incline of sand. The sun wasn't helping and I was ready to kiss Cripton's feet for providing me with polarized sunglasses.

A green figure ran towards me. As he neared, his mask betrayed his identity. He caught up to me, exclaiming, "You okay?"

What a stupid question. But I guess if I could still run, I was fine. I nodded as I continued down the road.

Romulus told me that he had my back, as I continued my way down the incline, accelerating slightly. I got to the entrance when my lungs were ready to burst and bile running up my throat. I swallowed and I practically stumbled over the stairs with the doors opening.

Rockets roared and burned from my right and past my face. Too close. Romulus dashed past me and fired a ball of flak.

Meanwhile I took left and dragged my feet towards the flag room. The hallway opened up into the giant round room with Anubis looking straight ahead, mercilessly. I stumbled over the few steps and leaned my arm to stick the flag into the hole with ours. Just a few more centimeters. Sweat poured down me, and with every millimeter I pushed with my left hand, it seemed to get harder, and the flag appeared to be further.

Behind me, someone shouted something I couldn't make out. I closed my eyes, stretching the final few millimeters and straining in pain.

Suddenly, a wet patch slapped at the back off my hair, and claws ripped through my skull with excruciating pain. "Red flag dropped!" I couldn't scream as I respawned at the side entrance of my base. A hedge hammer was splitting my head apart. I was forced to the sands on all fours when I felt acid rush up my throat, and I vomited.

Then a message blinked on my display, reading that Wraith fried Lauren's cranium and Brock was shredded by Romulus' flak. I could've kissed those guys, but that would be for later, I thought when what felt like I threw up my stomach.

"Red flag taken!" Almost immediately after, "Red team increases their lead," followed "Congratulations, you have won the match."

I was happily taken back to the roaring stadium, with me still on all my fours. I didn't feel so good, and felt like I had to hurl again, but nothing came.

Strong hands lifted me, and I looked into Wraith's face. "Hey." I smiled, drunk from pain.

"Shit, you're a mess." He said and wiped my mouth away with his fingers. "Come on, let's take you to medical."

"That was one hell of a match, eh?" I didn't resist as he hugged an arm around me and led me towards the exit. Behind me the echoes evaporated of what seemed to be a repetition of 'Reavers,' and Romulus' voice.

"Is she alright? Is she okay? Trini, is everything going to be okay? Everything is going to be fine, right? Trini, Trinity? Please, tell me you're alright!" Romulus sounded like he was about to have an ulcer until Wraith looked back at him.

Actually, we all needed to go to medical. The nurses separated us into different wards, and Veronica almost immediately rushed in with anesthetics. She drugged me and swore if I got out of bed, she would sedate me. I didn't argue with THE doctor Ross. She could be really scary at times like these.

After what seemed like forever, Wraith came into the room. Veronica didn't shoo him away, as I expected. In fact she nodded politely and walked out. He waited a moment till she was gone, and only then he looked at me and smiled.

"Hi there, 'Trini'. Sorry, I wasn't there earlier." He started as he sat next to me. I flashed him a tired smile and closed my eyes.

"Not your fault." My voice sounded funny after the flushing of my empty stomach. Ow. Stomach. I just realized I was hungry as hell. "Any chance you could get me breakfast?" I smiled wider.

He chuckled and softly pushed my bangs from my eyes. "Yeah, sure."

I carefully looked into his eyes, and saw no expression other than honesty and softens. "You really are something." I told him and tried chuckling. "I knew you were good, but that good. Wow." I tried at a conversation.

"Save your strength. You need rest."

"Are you my new, doctor?" I asked, sounding coy.

"I could be." He played along.

"Well. I have this pain in my back, it's really hurting." I arched slightly. "And did I mention, I was hungry, doctor?"

He chuckled again. "Yes, yes you did. Let me go get some now." He stood up. "You did a good job, today. You were fantastic."

"Thanks. Oh, and do me a favor."

"What's that?"

"Don't call me, Trini. I don't see you as a 5 year old kid, jumping up and down like there's Christmas everyday."

Wraith started laughing and shook his head. "A little brat brother for sure, huh?"

"Uh huh." I said and smiled.

"Alright." He sat down and smiled. "How about Trin?" I made a face. He chuckled. "Okay. How about—" He pretended to think, then smiled wickedly. "Trishy?"

"Ew. No way. Don't you dare. Sheesh, what's wrong with Trinity. Is it not good enough for you? Or are you too lazy to say all the three syllables?"

He started laughing. "Well then. How about Trish? You like that?"

"What?" My smile suddenly disappeared.

He revolted back. "Okay. Definitely not that one. Guess something is wrong with that too." Then his eyes softened. "I guess Trinity will have to do. Damn., stuck with all three syllables. Hey—" He smiled. "How about if I just call you Tanya? You know, less syllables that way."

I chuckled. "Say anymore, and you'll be stuck with something as ridiculous as Wraithy."

"It wouldn't stick. It's harder to say."

"Oh, it'll stick."

"Oh fine. Trinity it is. The group of three. So who are the three that makes you you."

I smiled. "Me, myself, and I"

He chuckled. "Little narcissistic, don't you think? I thought it had a little more of an enigma to it."

I chuckled. "You never know."

"Well, I'd better get going. I'll see you in a while." He squeezed my hand and got up.

Before he touched the knob, he paused to look at me. "Trishy." He finished and ran out the door.

"Hey!" I screamed after him, but he was long gone. Bastard. I'll get him for that.