Day 3, 5:32 AM
Location: Nothern Control Booth
Diesel Malstrom had never been so stressed in his life.
He looked back over his shoulder as he stepped out of the small building. Verity was still asleep, tucked away in the corner of the room. Her back was to him, wrapped up in his jacket, and Diesel was sure she was okay for the moment. He wouldn't go far- he never did. Besides, there were plenty of traps set around the place.
The sun was just beginning to come up now, peeking above the horizon and lighting his way. He stepped into the treeline and, once he felt he was far enough from Verity, sighed deeply. He'd snapped at her, and she'd said everything was fine, told him everything was okay. And yet, Diesel still couldn't believe that Verity thought everything was okay. Diesel couldn't burden her with his problems like that. She had enough on her plate- the last thing she needed was to be spending energy worrying about him. He needed to remind himself that everything was fine, everything was going to be OK. But he'd said those words so many times that they'd lost all meaning.
Nothing was truly fine.
Diesel had to protect her- there was no other option- but how was he supposed to do that if he couldn't even help himself first?
How was he supposed to fix everything if he couldn't even find the tools to fix himself?
Diesel found himself pacing, wandering, though without the familiarity of his route from home. Wandering was nice, something to keep his body busy while his mind worked. Verity should be able to depend on him, he thought, should be able to know she's safe with him around. Yet Diesel couldn't even manage to properly express what she meant to him.
Could he do anything right?
Rubbing at his eyes, Diesel looped around their small hideout again. He felt as if he was being compressed, all of his energy- all his emotion squeezed out until he had nothing else to give anymore. The reality that he could only do so much was dawning on him, and it wasn't helping. But even then, he knew only one of them could win, and Diesel would do everything in his power to ensure Verity lived.
Perhaps Diesel could do one thing right. Maybe he could die right if nothing else.
Diesel pulled a few trinkets from his pocket, beginning to put together a small pulley. It was thoughtless, but it kept his hands busy as he thought. Diesel didn't want to die though- he wanted to live out the rest of his life happily with Verity. That was, if she even reciprocated his feelings. He couldn't even begin to describe those without making a fool of himself.
Diesel was truly selfish. Everything was about what he wanted- about how he wanted others to rely on him, how he wanted a bright spot to hang onto in his life, how he didn't want to die.
Perhaps, he realized, as he put together his little mechanism, there was more merit to the idea percolating in his head than he gave himself credit for. Maybe, there was something he could do to get them both out of here alive- but what they'd do next, Diesel didn't know. He just wanted them to be safe and happy, and was that really so much to ask for? Was that really so much to want? Was it so selfish of him to just want to be happy for once in his life? He knew he was doomed as soon as he stepped on that stage with Verity what felt like a lifetime ago. But he'd never been so happy in his life than in the few days between then and now.
He refused to let that go so easily. Even if it was selfish, or stupid of him, Diesel didn't care.
As the last few pieces of his small contraption clicked into place, Diesel paused for a moment. What was stopping him from getting them both out of here? Truly, what was preventing him? He had most of the components; he could figure something out if he really tried. He knew the Capitol wouldn't be happy about him doing anything like this, but if he could go about it in a way that meant they were more enamoured with the mystery than actively trying to stop it then there was no potential risk to Verity's life.
At the worst, he would die for his idea. At best they'd escape. It was risky, but what wasn't risky in this Arena? If it meant holding onto the fleeting joy Diesel had once experienced, everything would be worth it. So why wouldn't he try?
And so, Diesel began formulating a plan. As he sat, pieces coming together in his head, he kept repeating to himself over and over:
Verity would be worth it.
Day 3, 12:00 PM
Location: Southern Bridge
Mor cracked her knuckles, jumping up to grab the lowest hanging branch of the tree. She gripped it tightly, swinging herself on top of it, before making her way closer to the trunk. Continuing to climb, Mor periodically checked to see if she was high enough to look out over the rest of the surrounding trees. Eventually she found herself hanging off of a branch that gave her a clear view of the rest of the Arena. From her vantage point, Mor could see a sparkling river just off to one side. Curiously though, there was a large boat moving along the river. This intrigued her, but she pushed it to the side in her mind; for now, all Mor needed was to refill her water bottle.
Mor was not here to mess with things she didn't understand.
Mor scampered down the tree and began navigating in the direction of the river. As she drew closer, Mor could hear the rushing of water, familiar and comforting to her. She'd spent many, many hours on the water, and despite it being incredibly dangerous, Mor still appreciated it.
Some things here were familiar, at the very least.
Mor pushed out of the forest, finding herself on a gently sloping bank. It was a wide river, moving along almost lazily. She made her way up to the edge, pulling out her water bottle from the side of her bag. Kneeling down, Mor let her hand trail lazily in the cool water.
And as she sat for a moment, the very boat she'd seen earlier came into sight, chugging along the water. Mor quickly filled her bottle, looking around to see if there were any kinds of docks nearby, as the boat seemed to be slowing. Mor backed into the treeline. There was no telling what or who might be on that boat, and she'd been lucky enough to not have encountered anybody since seeing Jasper.
Peeking curiously out of the bushes, Mor watched as the boat followed along the curve of the river. Against her better judgement, she trailed along, curious to see where the boat was going. Perhaps she could get on it, or loot it for supplies. But she did still want to be careful, making sure to stay hidden as she followed the bend of the river.
Mor spotted a wooden dock up ahead. Keeping hidden, she edged over towards it as the boat came to a stop, rocking on the water as a board lowered itself over the side, making a ramp.
And as it came down, a figure appeared, scrambling down the ramp. Mor caught a glimpse of familiar pale hair and deep blue outfit.
It was Jasper. Of course it was Jasper.
Mor went still as he practically ran down the dock. He sank to the ground just in front of it, placing his head between his knees. She knew she probably shouldn't engage with him, should just leave him to whatever his issue was, but as she crouched in the bushes, unmoving, Mor heard something else off in the distance.
Voices.
Mor couldn't make out what they were saying, but she could tell they were growing closer, accompanied by heavy footsteps in the brush. Poking out of the foliage, she could see Jasper still sitting on the ground, completely unaware. What was she supposed to do? Rescue him and have to carry his burdens as well as her own? Or leave, and continue on alone without paying back her debt?
Her decision was quickly made for her. As she looked back towards the sounds she caught a glimpse of silver moving through the leaves- the same colour Claudia's jacket was.
These were Careers. There was no option but to move now.
Mor took off out of the treeline, running up to Jasper. The boat was still docked, rocking in the water, which was exactly what Mor was hoping for. She grabbed Jasper by the collar of his jacket, the small boy yelping as she hauled him to his feet.
"No- no!" Jasper cried, as Mor clapped a hand over his mouth.
"Be quiet," Mor hissed. "There are Careers back there. This is nothing but me paying the debt I owe you."
Jasper nodded, his eyes wide as Mor hauled him back up the ramp and onto the boat. He stumbled as Mor dragged him down to hide behind the railing, which was thankfully high enough for both of them to stay behind. Mor peeked over the edge, watching the boy from Two emerge from the treeline, sword in hand, followed by a girl decked out in dull gold.
Those were Careers alright,. Mor was certainly glad she'd avoided them.
The ramp to the boat clattered, moving itself up as the boat began moving again. Mor turned to Jasper, who was still on the ground, exactly where Mor had left him.
"Why- why did you help me?" Jasper asked, breathless. "And… There's something on this boat, we can't stay here."
"Anything on this boat is probably more manageable than two Careers," Mor replied, pulling her bag off her shoulder. "And I owed you. I don't like owing people things."
"No, no, you don't understand. We won't be able to get off for… I don't even know how long," Jasper replied frantically. "I got on this thing… the first day, and I don't know if I slept through the other stops or what but, I couldn't get off."
"I see," Mor nodded. "Can't you swim?"
"I can," Jasper shrugged. "But I wouldn't be surprised if there was something in the water."
Mor clicked her tongue at this. "I could make it."
"You could, but that doesn't mean you should," Jasper replied, straightening up. "And… I guess we're stuck together now?"
"I guess we are," Mor shook her head. "So what we're going to do is split the boat in half and stick to our own sides until this thing stops and we can get the fuck off."
"I- I can't say I disagree with your sentiment," Jasper nodded. "Just… don't go downstairs. There's something down there. I haven't exactly seen it yet but I've heard it."
"Heard it? What did you hear?"
"It's like uh… Like a scraping noise I guess? Almost like something slithering. My best guess is it's some kind of… animal, whether it be real or a mutt."
Mor nodded, swinging her bag over her shoulder. "Good to know. I'll let you know what I find down there."
"Wait-" Jasper yelped. "Take me with you."
"Why would I do that?" Mor shot back, already making her way towards the back of the boat.
"I can help."
Mor raised an inquisitive eyebrow. Jasper stared at her wide eyed until she replied, "Why the hell not. Just don't do anything stupid, and if you die that's your own fault."
Jasper nodded eagerly, scrambling to follow after her. They rounded the corner towards the back, Mor stopping in front of the door.
"This one, right?"
"Yeah," Jasper confirmed. Mor pulled the door open and started down the stairs, Jasper following behind at a distance.
"Keep up," Mor hissed quietly, as finally Jasper arrived at the bottom.
"Sorry."
Mor sighed. She pushed the door before her open, keeping her hands raised just in case. She stepped into the hallway, which was dimly lit but light enough for her to see. There was an odd, scraping noise resonating in the distance; it made the hair stand up on the back of her neck. Mor shook herself out, pushing the first door open. What she found was a small office space, littered with papers and files, the desk chair pushed back as if somebody had left only a few minutes prior.
"Nothing here," Mor muttered.
"It's an office?" Jasper whispered back, poking his head in as she moved onto the door across the hall. She tried the doorknob, but this one didn't open so easily. Sighing, Mor kicked the door, and it flew open with a resounding thud.
"Did you have to do that so loudly?" Jasper asked, his voice wavering.
"Yes," Mor replied as she pushed into the room. This one, larger than the last, appeared to be some kind of kitchen. It was full of large steel counters, gleaming in the light that poured in from windows high on the wall. Mor made her way around the counter island, careful where each foot fell, verifying that the room was empty.
"Nothing here," Mor muttered. "Gotta keep looking."
"Well we don't gotta, but if you want to," Jasper said as Mor moved past him into the hall again. The further down she went, the louder the sound got. She paused between the doors. trying to pinpoint where exactly it was coming from. At random, Mor picked the door on her left, pushing it open as she ducked in. This room was significantly darker, the shadows obscuring what appeared to be some kind of storage closet.
And, to her discontent, it was empty.
"Guess it's the last one," Mor muttered, as she darted across to the final door. She pushed it open, ducking in as Jasper scrambled to follow. Inside was what seemed to be some kind of sleeping quarters, small cots scattered around the room. In the middle of the room were a few low couches surrounding a table.
And as Mor paused, she realized exactly what was making the scraping noise.
"It's just a chair," Mor snorted.
"What?" Jasper replied, nervously peeking in from the door.
"It's just a chair," Mor repeated. She made her way towards a chair at the table, which was completely unsecured. Every time the boat rocked, it moved, scraping along the wooden floor, and knocking into the table it was in front of.
"Oh," Jasper laughed. "I'm so stupid."
"No you aren't," Mor replied, shaking her head. "You were just being cautious. I can't fault you for that; if it was something dangerous you could've died."
"Yeah," Jasper nodded. "Yeah!"
Mor pinched the bridge of her nose between her fingers. While he could understand where Jasper was coming from, the whole situation was still somewhat ridiculous to her. Mor was glad, though, that there wasn't anything else on this boat with them- sure, she could fight, but that didn't mean she wanted to, especially not against a mutt or whatever else could've been down here.
"Well, perhaps we should set up down here tonight?" Jasper said, taking a seat on the corner of one of the cots. "I mean, really, this is much better than sleeping on the deck."
Mor nodded, claiming her own cot clear across the room from Jasper. Just because they were stuck here together didn't mean Mor wanted to make friends. She wasn't here for that- Mor was here to win.
And nothing would get in the way of her victory.
Day 3, 3:45 PM
Location: Nothern Slides
Pluto stretched, cracking the knuckles on his one hand. It felt like they'd been climbing for years and years, the stairs seemingly never-ending. Ifer insisted that he hold onto the railing for as much of the trip upwards as he could manage. And Pluto had kept that promise. In fact, he didn't intend on breaking it any time soon. While it felt freeing to be up so high, Pluto couldn't help but think that everything could go so impossibly wrong up here.
Pluto came to a stop on one of the landings, looking out over the forest they'd exited earlier that day. It was, in fact, the same forest that he'd touched poison ivy in. Pluto turned his hand over, searching for any trace of the angry red rash, but it was entirely gone. He was glad for that- he didn't like the feeling of being itchy all over. And what was worse, Pluto couldn't exactly scratch the itch, considering his lack of a left hand. At least Revan was kind enough to send something in to fix it; Pluto was grateful for that.
"It's so pretty," Ifer exclaimed, pausing next to him. The sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky now, the trees casting long shadows over the ground. In the distance, Pluto could just make out what looked like a clearing- seemingly in the direction they'd originally come from. Wrapping around the forest was a sparkling river, and what was past it, Pluto didn't know.
"It is!" Pluto agreed. They lingered for a few moments longer, Pluto swinging his bag off his shoulder and placing it on the edge of the railing. He went to unzip it, but as he took his hand off it, the bag slipped.
Pluto could only watch as it fell to the ground far below.
"Oh fuck," Pluto gasped, grabbing for it, but his reaction time was much too slow.
"Oh, fuck!" Ifer exclaimed. "Pluto!"
"Sorry," Pluto muttered. "I'll go get it."
Ifer sighed, placing her head in her hands. "Whatever was in there is probably destroyed now."
"Key word is probably!" Pluto said, as he took off down the stairs. It was a long, long way down, but Pluto was determined to get his things back.
"Pluto! Wait up!" Ifer shouted, but Pluto had already turned a corner. He could hear Ifer following him, their footsteps rattling the corroded metal of the steps. Ifer quickly caught up to him, as Pluto was not exactly the fastest, ducking under his arm to pass him. This startled Pluto, tipping him off balance enough to send him somersaulting. He yelped as he tumbled, taking Ifer out with him; the two kept rolling until both of them came to a stop at the bottom of the flight.
"Ouch," Pluto muttered, gasping for air. A moment later, he realized that he was Pluto was halfway on top of Ifer, pinning her legs down. He quickly moved off her as to not crush her further, finally allowing her to gasp for air.
"Perhaps," Ifer gasped, "perhaps we should- we should go a little slower."
"I guess so," Pluto laughed, dragging himself up to his feet. "Are you okay?"
"I think so," Ifer groaned. Pluto offered her a hand up, which she took, letting him pull her up. Pluto dusted himself off, quickly checking himself over; though he barely felt it, there was a rather large gash on his arm.
"Well that doesn't look good," Ifer said, taking his arm in her hands. "You're like an injury magnet."
"Yeah," Pluto nodded. "Yeah, I am."
"And all the medical supplies were in your bag…" Ifer trailed off, sighing deeply. "Well, I guess that makes all the progress up completely pointless."
"Sorry," Pluto said softly, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. He did feel bad, but he wasn't quite sure how to express that outside of an apology. Usually the only one getting hurt was him, but this time it wasn't just Pluto.
It seemed he was just a walking hazard
"Um," Pluto muttered, blinking back tears. "Should we?"
"Get going again? Yes," Ifer nodded, turning away and starting down the stairs. Pluto trailed after her as carefully as he could manage.
Hopefully things would be better tomorrow.
Day 3, 6:02
Location: Western Pathway
Nugua hissed as she ducked under the fence. She tried to move forward, but something pulled her back, impeding her progress. Twisting around, Nugua realized her jacket had been caught in the fence; she slowly began to untangle it, trying not to rush despite the circumstances.
It was curious being so alone, she'd found. Nugua had grown up surrounded by so many kids. Sure, she'd always looked out for herself first, but that didn't mean she was used to the lonely, empty silence that the arena brought. It was only broken by the occasional canon signifying another dead tribute, putting her one place closer to getting home.
Just like Alfie had wanted. Nugua didn't like promises, but this one?
This one, she didn't mind so much.
Successfully untangling herself from the fence, Nugua pushed forwards. She found herself in an interesting area, right near the base of the giant slides. They loomed overhead, casting shadows across the path she followed. She couldn't help but gawk at the bright plastic things, and she almost considered going up one, but Nugua figured that might not be the best idea. If anybody followed her up then she'd likely be stuck. Although, Nugua hadn't seen anybody in the past two days since losing Alfie. In some ways, that confused Nugua; how long would the Gamemakers let them wander around like this before getting bored and forcing them all together? At the same time, though, she wasn't complaining; if it came down to it, she wouldn't be able to win a fight against most of the people in the Arena, as the vast majority of them had some kind of physical advantage over her.
This was why she had to be smart about what she did next. If she could just get half a step ahead of every other tribute, she'd be set.
Nugua would be smart. She'd live no matter the cost.
As Nugua walked, her footsteps and the sounds of distant running water were the only sounds she could pick up. But strangely enough, a rustling noise soon joined the cacophony - another tribute, perhaps, or some sort of mutt. She paused, turning towards the treeline which bordered the path. Carefully, Nugua pulled out the knife sheathed at her side, holding it steadily in her hand. A small part of Nugua registered that it could just be the wind, that she could be worrying for nothing. But Nugua wasn't planning on taking chances.
Pausing, as if holding her breath, Nugua watched as a tall boy clad in a deep red popped out of the foliage just a few feet ahead of her. He didn't seem to notice her at first, the large ten displayed on his arm for her to see. But then he turned around, eyes going wide at the sight of Nugua.
"Oh uh… Hello?" Ten said. He held his hands up, palms facing her.
"Hello," Nugua replied, her voice as steady as she could manage.
"Uh… I'll be goin' on my way now I suppose," Ten said, scratching the back of his head. As he did, Nugua realized just how large he was- he could easily take her down if he wanted. But as he nervously shifted side to side, she realized that he didn't seem to want to.
Perhaps this could be an opportunity.
"Wait," Nugua said, sheathing her knife. "Are you alone?"
"I sure am," Ten sighed.
"Perhaps we can trade some supplies then?" Nugua offered. "I don't have anything to sterilise water with. I can trade you food or other supplies."
"Oh," Ten nodded. "Yeah, that'd be okay I think." He swung his bag off his shoulder, placing it on the ground. Nugua did the same, pulling out a few packs of dried fruit.
"What's your name?" Nugua asked, as Ten set a bottle of iodine on the ground in front of him.
"Carter," he replied. "Yours?"
"Nugua."
"Nice to meet ya, Nugua," Carter smiled. "Are you alone too?"
"Sure am," Nugua replied softly. "My ally died on the first day."
"Oh," Carter nodded, taking the food she offered. She grabbed the bottle, shoving it in her own bag. "Are you… okay on your own?"
"I'm managing, why?" Nugua replied, feigning surprise. This was exactly what she was hoping for, although she wasn't expecting to get to this point so quickly. But Nugua would take what she could get.
"Oh," Carter nodded. "I was just wonderin' if you wanted to stick together for a bit."
Nugua grinned inwardly at this. "That would be wonderful, yes," she replied. "There's always more safety in numbers."
"True enough," Carter muttered. "Do you have anywhere in particular you're going?"
"Not exactly, just wandering," Nugua said. "I mean, really, where is there to go?"
Carter nodded, falling silent. He seemed tired, the bags under his eyes prominent. His hands shook slightly as he zipped up his bag, swinging it over his shoulder.
"Maybe we should set camp up here tonight then? Off the path?" Nugua suggested. "I don't know about you, but I know I'm fairly tired." Carter nodded. "Great."
As she made her way off the path, he followed behind her, and after a minute, they came to a stop in the nearly knee-high grass. "This seems alright," Carter remarked, setting his things down on the ground. Nugua did the same, sitting a few feet away from Carter. The boy sat staring down at something in his hands, clearly occupied by his own thoughts.
Nugua rested her head on her bag, letting her aching body rest for a moment. She couldn't help but think that things would turn out her way somehow. All she had to do was keep working hard, and she could make it.
Nugua Meng would make it.
Kills:
Reign Legatus: IIII
Chiffon Shivaan: II
Dean Karafanda: I
Morrigan Meadowlark: I
Arena: II
Alliances:
Two Bros Chilling In A Fountain: Chiffon, Dean.
Well Fuck: Mystic, Reign.
Gay Peepol: Diesel, Verity.
Vibes x2: Pluto, Ifer.
Well, guess we're stuck here: Mor, Jasper
Outer District Solidarity: Nugua, Carter
All my fucking allies died/Loners: Cecil, Ping
