Psionic Gladiators part 3

"Rule Three: Be Ruthless,"

The three boys didn't sleep much, if at all. They were still in a state of shock of everything they had just been told. They might never be able to see their loved ones again. And if or when they did it'll be on a leash. They could not allow this MC character to keep them here for their natural lives or until someone kills them. They had to find a way out of here. But that wasn't the only issue though. MC already made it very obvious that he knows where to find them, how to hurt them, and is an extremely powerful being. They aren't even sure what MC even is. He could probably tear apart their atoms with just a look. His power set was also something of interest. It was a lot to think about. Everything was just too new and foreign, right down to the people in the cell. If Ninten was honest with himself, he wasn't sure he could trust them. Ness, maybe, they seemed to be on the same page so far. Lucas however…he's an enigma. In a world filled with so much he doesn't know, he doesn't need one more thing piled on that list. Least of all in the same cell. He didn't like bullies so he stood up for the kid, but that didn't mean he'd lay his life on the line for him. He was pretty sure Lucas wouldn't do the same based on how he spoke to them. But that may just be him being too harsh. Ninten figures Lucas is just as overwhelmed as they are and is taking it all in, in a less vocal way. Still these fights have him worried. The way this is looking he'd hate to have to fight one of these two. He can't say if he minds fighting, but taking another human life…that may be a little too intense for him. But honestly, the thought of taking the life of someone who may not even want to fight, just like them, makes him more than a little nauseous.

"Greetings Meatbags!" MC's voice rings throughout the cell. Eyes shoot up towards the door to see a creature, seemingly robotic in nature standing before them. With a spear in hand and helmet with horns on the side and a yellow visor. The armor plated is sapphire with sharp points all over the joints of the armor. There was also this whirring and clicking sound coming from it. From its chest a projection appeared showing MC. "I trust you slept well. Now then to prepare for the next season of fights I have to whip you all into shape. Make sure you're worth this trouble and get some promotional footage out there. Star attractions need to be publicized!"

Ninten mashes his teeth. This guy really pissed him off, "What is it you want?" he growls.

MC ignores the tone. It seems he isn't the type looking for respect, but only to be feared, "Well since you three are new meat I have to break you in. Get you accustomed to the way things work here. That means you three will engage in Preliminary matches, if you'd kindly follow my guardbot." The being in question turns its back to them before proceeding forward. All three boys share a look with one another before following. Ninten strides in the lead annoyance covering his features. Once stepping out their cage they are astounded by what they see. Peeking through the bars hardly did the place any justice. They still saw the numerous cages fixed in space all around them floating in the air. Each cage varying in size and shape. Ninten swore a cage was as big as a small city from the looks of it as it hangs overhead. Beyond the cages is the black sky with thousands of shining stars. Comets soaring through the sky, moons close in orbit and further away, and bright shining star like a sun possibly. It was as if they are standing in space. Being able to see all this and without a spacesuit. Ignoring the fact that they've been forced to be here, the view is breath taking. Ninten glances down to see what they were standing on. It was a floating platform that begins to descend toward an arena far below. From this height Ninten could make out a city sitting just beyond the stadium. The city was hard to describe as he was looking at it. He didn't see anything odd about it, but it seemed rather compact. It didn't seem very large unlike the cities he's seen before. Some of the prison cells could rival the size of it. It was a bit too far to discern any real details from it thought. But the one thing that drew his attention was the shining orb sitting ontop of a structure in the middle of it all easily the tallest.

"What is this place?" Ninten asks.

"Ah right you wouldn't recognize the stars since your species has only made it to their moon from what I understand. This is Rambor space about two million light years away from your remote solar system. It is an unusual portion of space as it distorts and contracts oddly even light used to have a hard time traveling through it. However, I find it rather enjoyable and have helped make this portion of space livable for other creatures using an object defined in your tongue as the Kosmos Power located in the heart of Rambor City. It is thanks to that device that space is stabilized here."

"So you're more than just some game show host, you're like a king?" Ness questions.

"I'm not fully familiar with all your Earth terms. But if you are indicating that I am in charge then yes, something along those lines."

The three boys arrive at the empty stadium without a single soul being present. It was rather odd seeing this spacious coliseum now empty. The seats all hover above the ground with millions from the looks of it surrounding the dome. Three exits were the only thing they could see that were a direct way outside. With two guards stationed at each. Possibly not to tempt them with the idea of just running off. The coliseum wasn't like anything they had seen in history books. Upon finally touching down to the floor of the ring they could see just how large it truly was. The giant monitor hanging above in midair possible just hovering. The ground is metallic with blue lights running through the bottom. Pillars and walls decorated the coliseum floor. The whole floor was the size of a football field from their point of view offering a wide variety of moves and places to find cover. If one was imaginative this could be used in their favor.

"The ring changes configurations on a daily basis now, so don't get used to this basic setting. I incorporate a few things from other worlds to spice things up a bit every now and then."

"Okay…so what are we doing now?" Ness asks cautiously glancing over his shoulder.

"Now, now, I'm not going to surprise you three again, that was just the capturing process. You meatbags are a bit squishier then I'm accustomed to. I'd hate for you to break the first match so I need to see what kind of skills you possess to better pair up your opponents. I thought of the idea of having you all fight each other…but why waste such a delicious idea so early. So I've selected your opponents over there." The three boys look forward to see what appeared to them three piles of rocks.

"We're fighting rocks?" Ness asks.

"Oh my mistake didn't wake them up," After that familiar looking collars begin glowing on the rocks and suddenly the piles stood up to reveal themselves as towering seven-foot rock creatures with similar collars strapped to them. They carried no face or any other means of expression either. There was just one glowing rock on the top of the body that shined red. Their arms were like a pack of small rocks pressed to together with jagged edges and sharp points. They are also wide creatures too easily dwarfing the boys. "This is a Golemite, a rather remote species. It said that their skin is some of the hardest in the universe, give or take. They are tough enough to survive in space too it seems. Now to the explaination you each will be fighting them one on one. And to make sure there is no babysitting of any kind."

Suddenly Ness and Lucas' collars begin glowing as they wince and laser chains attach to the guardbot. As if they've been put on a leash. Ninten looks back then stares forward to see one of the alien creatures step forward. "This guy is a tall drink of water…"

"Ah, before you begin I would like to remind you boys that even though this is preliminary let's make the stakes the same as in any match. Fight hard as these creatures will try to kill you so I suggest you not hold back."

Suddenly, Ninten's collar shuts off and he feels rejuvenated. He can feel it as his fingers begin to spark. His powers are back and it feels great! He lets a smile slip onto his face to feel strength return to him. The moment was taken over however by the Golemite rushing towards him. Each step feeling like an earthquake. Ninten didn't hesitate as he suddenly rushes the behemoth head on.

"Dude!" Ness exclaims.

"Wow, humans aren't too bright are they…" MC mutters bemused.

Ninten meets the rock monster head to be smacked away by hard back hand strike. The force of the blow sends Ninten sliding against the hard metal ground on his back. He lets out a harsh growl of pain. He sits up inspecting the damage on himself. Besides a few scraps nothing bad. He pops back to his feet then goes in again rushing the alien rock monster head on. The Golemite stands its ground as Ninten tackles it head on with a shoulder charge into its abdominal area. The creature hardly budges as Ninten falls back to the ground. He holds his shoulder growling at more pain shooting through his body. The Golemite takes it foot to bring it down on Ninten. The boy quickly rolls to the side getting his feet under him again to stand up.

"That all ya got tiny, come on hit me!" Ninten taunts waving his hand forward.

"This guy is crazy…" Ness mutters.

"I thought you all had psychic powers. From what I understand he was the hardest of you three to bring down. Apparently he can take a lot of punishment, doesn't serve him any good right now," MC says with a tone of voice that shows that he may be just a tad bit disappointed at the showcase.

The Golemite pulls back answering Ninten's taunt. It's rock arm comes rushing in as Ninten simply stands there. The hit lands hard and Ninten is sent flying back yards. The hit was enough to make Ness wince thinking he heard a small crackle as if bones had been shattered. Was Ninten crazy!? The crazed maniac said he'd destroy his world, why the hell would he be so reckless. Ninten simply lay out spread eagle on the ground of the coliseum. Unmoving for few moments. The Golemite moves over to Ninten's prone form walking slowly footsteps crashing and scraping against the metal. Then a slight chuckle could be heard. It made the Golemite pause for a moment although there was still no expression on the creature so it was hard to read. But Ness was sure he heard it too. He glances to Lucas who tilts his head for a moment, before a small smirk forms on his lips. Ness is astounded to see that as he gazes back to Ninten to see the boy sitting up now. He wipes his mouth of some blood running down his chin.

"Not bad…heheheh…even with that last minute shield I still felt some of that," Ninten stands up to his feet stretching before wincing. "Might've broke a rib there…damn…better end this then. I wanted to see how tough this thing was, and I'm glad it actually is pretty tough. I didn't want to end this too quick."

"Tch, cocky little brat…" MC mutters.

"PSI Powershield!" He calls for light to surround his fists. He glances at his hands before the barrier spreads to his arms as well. He lets out a breath before rushing forward fast and Ness was astounded at Ninten's foot speed. Ninten reeled back his arm and the Golemite did the same. The two fist met and the force of the blows meeting was enough to create a powerful shockwave. Ness and Lucas felt the brunt of it. It almost made them lose their footing as it hit them. The Golemite stumbled backwards on its feet clearly unprepared to be met with such force. Ninten smirks. "Come at me like you mean it!" Ninten rushes in again head on with a fist pulled back. The Golemite responds putting its weight into the next blow. Again a powerful shockwave rocks the arena but neither side back down. As a head on fist feet ensues between Ninten and the rock alien. It was unfathomable to see this small child matching blow for blow with this rock titan. Lucas shoots a glance at MC to see a face of astonishment on it. Lucas smirks.

"He had no idea…" He mutters.

It was clear that Ninten was the superior opponent as his punches came in faster and harder. The Golemite was losing ground as each blow was showing to be too much for it. It started to fall back because it was large and slow. It had no choice but to continue this losing fist fight. Only able to parry blows with its own. The problem being it couldn't possible hit as hard as Ninten was. It was crazy how strong this kid is! Eventually Ninten pulls back his fist to deliver a haymaker that caused the rock monster's arm to explode into a shower pebbles. It littered the ground as gravel covers the metal floors and liquid begins to pour out of the missing socket. The red shining rock begins to dim as if this was a signal that it was badly hurt. However, the alien didn't seem to care as it rushes with its other fist raised. Ninten raises his hand up to catch the arm easily his feet sliding against the ground a moment before gaining his footing again. Then pulling his fist back to deliver another powerful blow that shatters the forearm of the alien leaving him with the other half. The rock alien stumbles back again unsure of what it should do next.

"Alright, give up, obviously you can't beat me," Ninten says looking at the sad show in front of him. Ninten is still confused to see the Golemite still try to stumble over to him to try kicking him. It was a half attempt as Ninten steps to the side as it just falls to the ground. Ninten wonders what the creature could be thinking. Since this was after all a living creature, proof of that since it was bleeding out he looked into it's mind. To try pleading to it to stop and then maybe it can be healed up. Ninten is a skilled telepath and knows that even if they speak two different languages their minds can still communicate. But that spark of life, of a living creature, it was hardly there. The thoughts, they felt…artificial, forced. Ninten's stomach turns as he tries to find anything of the real creature within it. All he finds is a simple phrase…

"Thank you for ending me…" and the spark of life faded out. Everything faded out. Ninten pulls back startled as his nerve had been taken his breath heaves in his injured chest as he steps back hearing the squish sound beneath his feet. He looks down since the bright red-orange liquid pooling out from the Golemite. Ninten looks to the others and he can hear the same artificial thoughts. But before he could delve deeper it all shut out at once. His power, he felt it ripped away from him again. And the pain felt ever so present in his weakened state. He growled in agony now, but refused to succumb to it.

"Well…way to go Ninten, you've soundly defeated the Golemite. I've…honestly never seen that this'll be great for promotional," MC says happily. Although there was a slight edge to it no one could quite understand. "Now then human number 2, Ness step up." Ness was released from confinement and his powers returned. Like Ninten he felt rejuvenated and very pleased to have his powers back again. But before the fight could start he quickly runs over to Ninten who is slowly walking towards them.

"Here let me help," Ness says placing his hand on Ninten's chest. He used a combination of PK Heal and PK Lifeup to mend the damage and the pain. Ninten probably didn't have time to do this himself while in a one on one fight.

"Ness…I…they…" Ninten sighs before shaking his head. "Later…"

"Hey let's get this show on the road!" MC calls. Ness glares over to the projection before looking to Ninten to give him a nod. Ninten walks over to squat on the ground crossing his legs to watch next to Lucas who is sitting with his arms wrapped around his knees.

The Golemite on the right steps forward from the center where the three were gathered in the middle of the ring. Ness lets out a sharp whistle realizing this creature were a lot bigger up close. With a flash of the collar going off on the Golemite it rushes forward. Clearly it was not going to take it easy and be surprised like the last one was. The Golemite brings its arm down hard and Ness dodges to the side leaving little room for error. Ness actually touches the rocky surface with a questionable look on his face. Then he ducks into backwards tumble before he could be kicked. The Golemite moves in again swinging at Ness who moves around each and every swing.

Ninten stares in wonder. He knew he was fast on foot, but Ness was just fast period. Ness was studying the creature up close looking for any places to hit and dodging fast blows like an afterthought. "Heh, he's pretty good too…"

"Um…"

The mutter catches Ninten's attention. He turns to look at Lucas who seems to be stuck in thought before speaking. Finally, he relents with a small friendly smile, "That was…really cool…what you did…uh and…" He seemed to have lost his nerve mid-sentence. Ninten raises an eyebrow at the boy confused but shrugs.

"Thanks I guess. Took a long time for my true power to set in. I used to be pretty frail and sickly. But one day I found myself stronger than ever before."

Lucas was about to speak but his eyes soon glanced over to the hologram of MC who glanced at him. He suddenly silenced himself and withdrew back into silence. Ninten missed the exchanged so he was even more confused by that. So he deemed the conversation over as he laid his chin in his hands to watch Ness thrash the Golemite.

Ness knew what Ninten did was amazing. Something he could never ever imitate. He was used to being able to muscle enemies weaker then him, but learned that speed was needed for those he couldn't overpower. That's where his psychokinetic abilities came in. Ninten also proved for him that he could theoretically generate a shield stronger then these creatures. Which meant a well-placed attack would be enough to bring it down.

"PSI Paralysis," Ness says placing a hand on the arm he used to vault and dodge another blow. The statue halted as a purple glow covered its body halting its movements. "Wonder what kind of affect this will have, oh well let's see, PK Flash!" A green burst of energy flashed out of Ness' body hurled toward the Golemite. The attack varied in affects once it made contact with the target. Ness hoped for a good result since it doesn't seem like he'll be making the thing cry any time soon. The attack lands on the slowed Golemite for the green glow to take over its body. Nothing happens for a moment which makes Ness frown. But he was too impatient as a suddenly explosion of rocks scattered the alien rock monster and it collapsed to the ground. Ness smirk hoping for that affect and glad he could end this little fight quickly. He walks past the downed creature ignoring the way the charred rock turned black and more of the red-orange liquid pouring out of it.

"Well then…that was…quick," MC says rather dissatisfied. "I was hoping for a bit more of a show like Ninten. Guess I need to find moderately tougher opponents for you."

"Wait, what?" Ness gasps. Ninten snickers at the boy's expense. He earns a glare from Ness who suddenly deflates. He puts on a hand to the collar realizing his powers had been cut off again. It was rather disappointing honestly. He drags his feet over to sit next to Ninten with his legs straight out.

"Alright, my little monster, your turn," MC says with the smirk in his voice very hard not to hear. Lucas stands up with loud sigh before moving forward. "Oh and just to alert you, I'm only weakening the effect of your collar. You'll have more range of your abilities but it won't be full power. Can't have you decimate the poor creature in one attack."

Lucas looked wholly unconcerned about that. Ness and Ninten had forgotten that Lucas' collar was actually different from theirs. His collar is black with three bars on it instead of two like for them. Only one bar went out and Lucas raised his hand to for sparks of PSI energy to flow through his fingers. Possibly accessing how much of his power he had access too. Lucas stood still as the last Golemite approach this one more careful then first but still moving at a steady pace. Lucas kept his hood on but they could all see Lucas glance back at them. Then he faces the Golemite. It raises its fist to crush Lucas as he hadn't made a move yet.

"Counter…" he mutters. A cyan colored hexagon appears between Lucas and the flat stone appendage. Suddenly the barrier explodes throwing back the Golemite as it slides back trying to hold its ground. Lucas' eyes are overtaken as psionic energy flows through him and he raises his hand for a cyan hexagon to appear over it. "PK Love."

A blast of cyan charged psionic energy smashes into the Golemite. It staggers again as the attack was as big as it was. It was shaped like a comet rushing forward. Lucas doesn't falter shooting off another and another and another. He completely tears the poor creature apart before it could even get a chance to move. Complete and utter annihilation over the rapid fire of the attack. What was left was a charred rubble even worse off than the other two Golemites. Lucas drops his hand then turns back around suddenly feeling his powers short out as the psionic energy that was sparking around him suddenly vanishes. He looks at Ness and Ninten's shocked faces unsure of what they'd just seen. MC however had an unreadable expression on his face. Lucas wasn't sure what to make of it. He had pulled back more of his power even after being handicapped. Ness already one-shot his opponent so he didn't see the need of dragging it out. Technically, he didn't one-shot his, he hit the thing with at least twenty PK Love attacks before it went down.

"I see Ninten is the only one willing to at least put on a show for us," MC remarks sadly. "But I'm glad I've got an idea of just how powerful you all are. Next time I won't have you fighting a bunch of mindless pebbles. I still don't have much idea how much punishment Ness and Lucas can take. But I guess we shall see on your next evaluation match. Your spoils for winning will be found in your cell, for the moment I leave you with my guardbot." And with that the projection of MC was gone.

The robot abruptly turns around as soon as MC was gone to begin marching back to the platform. The three boys follow behind it still a little jarred. "I was hoping for more than that." Ness remarks.

"Don't trash talk them," Ninten retorts suddenly. Ness looks at the boy surprised. "And you didn't need to splatter yours all over the grounds."

"Well you're one to talk, you punched the arms off yours! I don't see how my way of taking them down was worse than yours," Ness remarks with a frown before folding his arms.

"You're such a-guh!" Ninten exclaims reaching for his neck as he felt a strong jolt shock him. He immediately simmers down.

"Ow, what the heck did I do!?" Ness exclaims feeling the shock as well. Ninten shoots a look at Lucas to see him quietly stewing in the pain of the shock.

"There shall be no fighting outside the ring," the bot responds. They reach their cell after a few quiet moments. The three boys walk in under the cold stare of the guard bot and just as Lucas is the last to enter the bot enters a five-digit code in some weird alien language. Lucas glanced back at the machine as it entered the code.

"Nine possible entrys…five digits…hmm…"

"Whoa, okay this is much better!" Ness's voice cuts into Lucas's thoughts. He turns to see the room actually lit with what appeared to be, to the best of Lucas' understanding, a small floating sun. They now had light, with also three beds each in a corner of the room, and lastly a toilet that could be seen from a makeshift bathroom. "Who knew the basic necessities could make me so happy!"

"One match and we get all this huh…" Ninten remarks picking the bed closets to the door. He lays a hand on it feeling the soft material. He frowns though. "But at what cost?"

"You say something?" Ness asks.

"This doesn't feel right…at all…those aliens…they were just like us! They didn't want to fight, what's worse were they were being forced! We killed them guys!"

"Yeah…I know…I felt it too…their minds were hardly even present…" Ness replied.

"It just doesn't sit right with me! We murdered them and they had no say in it! They were literal living practice dummies!"

"What were we going to do Ninten!?" Ness exclaims. "Lose…remove their collars, what would that accomplish!?"

"…" Ninten is silent as the crushing truth hits him. He hated doing it, but there was nothing else he could've done.

"Weather it was them or not doesn't matter. They would've killed us! That how it is here right…kill or be killed…"

"…how could we do that…I mean…I've fought monster, evil creatures, not beings who just want to survive. I hate this!" Ninten yells.

"He's gonna turn us into monsters…" Ness remarks collapsing on his bed.

"You're not monsters…" a quiet voice suddenly spoke up. Ness and Ninten were suddenly alerted to the fact that Lucas was also in the room with them. They look to the quiet boy sitting on the lone bed on the other side of the room with his arms wrapped around his knees and his face down. They were surprised his voice had managed to get above a whisper. "Monsters hurt everyone, because they can, monsters don't care about what's right and wrong. It doesn't matter who you are, a monster hurts everyone. You're not monsters…and you'll never be monsters."

The two boys were surprised. Shocked even. Lucas hardly said a word to them since being in this cell and he comes out with that pep talk. But still there was a clear disturbing undertone to it that was there. Ness decides to voice his thoughts on that, "Thank you for saying that. But…Lucas you don't seem too keen on lumping yourself with us."

"That's because I am a monster…"

"Don't call yourself that," Ninten says with a frown. "Don't start believing what that jerk says, he's just-."

"He's right Ninten…though I want to help you guys get out of here at least…but me," Lucas blue eyes stare up at them his hood casting a shadow over his face. But his blue eyes still shine through. "Monsters don't get happy endings…"