PSIonic Gladiators part 8
"Total Carnage,"
"Maybe I should just apologize…" Ness mutters to himself quietly with his face pressed into his pillow. After a few hours of awkward silence, with the random sniffles of Lucas to slip in, no one said anything. Ness wasn't a bully. He did not take any sort of pleasure from making Lucas cry. That wasn't his intention. It's just once again he simply acted without thinking about the future consequences of his actions. Ninten wasn't too happy with how he handled that either based on the scathing looks he receives as he stays seated next to Lucas. Ness doesn't get how Ninten couldn't be upset. Lucas was willing to let himself, his world, and everything die! But he was totally committed to seeing Ninten and himself out of this mess safely. It didn't make sense. This outlook doesn't make sense and the only one who can properly explain it is sitting in a corner not talking.
Then again he did yell at him…which ended with the boy crying.
He made someone cry…
Ness supposes that's the thing that really bothers him the most. It made him look like a total monster picking on Lucas like that. The blonde didn't deserve that. Ness was only trying to break though that tough exterior. Seems like he successfully did that. The results were clearly varying.
Ness turns over in his bed to look over at the corner to see Ninten still crying to soothe Lucas. Ninten at least was beginning to soften up on him. Ninten pats Lucas on the back before standing up then turning toward Ness. Their eyes meet and Ninten fixes him with another scathing look as he approaches. Ninten reaches the foot of his bed then grabs Ness' ankle then pulls him off the bed to the floor. Then he drags Ness across the floor ignoring the boy's protest as he brings him back over to Lucas' corner. Ninten drops his grip on Ness then glares at him as he points to Lucas. Ness didn't need telepathy or to be verbally told to know what Ninten meant.
"Listen Lucas-," Ness began.
Lucas cuts him off though, "You don't need to feel bad. Honestly, what you said wasn't wrong. You didn't say anything that wasn't true."
"That doesn't make it right Lucas. I shouldn't have said those things to you, but I was frustrated. Which isn't an excuse either so I'm really sorry."
"You don't need to apologize."
"I made you cry…" Ness states uncomfortably.
"I'm a crybaby, I cry over anything, so don't feel bad about that."
"Come on Lucas, accept his apology if you really want him to let this go," Ninten advises.
"I don't deserve it."
"What are you-?"
"Attention meatbags! Our first showcase will be in a few hours. If you collar flashes prepare for combat and stand by for further instructions. The match will be explained upon entering the arena!" MC's voices rings in their heads. Ness and Ninten seemed taken aback which means that MC didn't mess with their heads like he did to Lucas. The two couldn't question things further until they notice Lucas' collar flash. Both boys look at each other to see their collars had not.
"Whoa, uh wait MC why aren't we all going into this?" Ness asks. However, his words didn't get in response. "MC!?"
"What the hell is he playing at?" Ninten wonders aloud. The boys failed to notice that Lucas had already moved to their small armory to prepare for the fight. "Lucas hold on, let's try and figure something out first!"
"My collar glowed, neither of yours did. Which means we have to play by the rules, remember?"
"But…uh Lucas-,"
"Don't worry, it will all work out."
"How can you say that, after all you said what I said was true!? You'd protect us but you don't care about your own life!" Ness exclaims.
Lucas looks through the armor section of their tools. The room was small only able to have one person inside at a time. Lucas grabs metal gauntlets quickly strapping them on. He then grabs a breast plate quickly slipping it on and strapping on the armor. It was relatively easy surprisingly. The metal was light too with a light blue armor. Lucas thought about grabbing a shield but decided he didn't need the extra weight. Instead he grabbed a simple broadsword. Once he felt equipped he step out to see Ness and Ninten still fretting over him going into battle alone. They even give his armor a quick check before he heads toward the door. Lucas would be lying if he said he wasn't just a bit touched to be fret over like this.
"Lucas," Ness states plainly placing his hands on the younger boy's shoulders. "I need you to survive. I'm scared that you might get hurt or worse…I am sorry for how I said those things. But that doesn't mean I didn't mean what I said. We should die together if we die at all. This isn't about just friendship."
The door suddenly powers down as the guardbot is positioned outside the door. Lucas gives Ness and Ninten a brief look before heading to leave with the robot. Ness and Ninten were tempted go out anyway but the way the guardbot was looking that them signaled that they probably shouldn't try anything funny. As the door flashes back on they are left to watch as Lucas fades from view. They were scared for him. They themselves didn't fully understand why they were scared. They didn't know Lucas that well. However, they both agreed that Lucas didn't deserve to be here anymore than they did. He didn't deserve to actually think he belongs here. Why would a shy, soft spoken, compassionate kid think he deserves this kind of punishment?
Lucas stares out at the arena as he can see a few other warriors are moving down a lift as well. He wasn't really sure what kind of match this was but it seemed as soon as the lifts started coming down the crowd began to roar in excitement. Lucas glances around counting seven fighters, including himself, in this round. Lucas focus shifts to the enormous crowd. All of them seated in bleacher like seats that stand up thousands of feet high. Lucas was startled that the arena was redesigned in the brief amount since they'd last saw it. Fluorescent lights align the lift as it carriers the fighters down allowing the crowd to get an up close and personal look at each fighter before they enter the ring. Lucas couldn't really understand all the myriad of languages being thrown in his direction, but it was easy to tell that the creatures who noticed him were not impressed. Lucas had neglected to get headgear, but merely lifts his hood over his head to try to ignore the stares. His collar limiters release allowing the sparks of his powers to spring to life. He looked like a small lightning cloud of psionic sparks dancing around his body. Lucas had to make a small effort to bringing his powers back under control after so long of not having access to them. Although he feels he still has trouble accessing his full powers. The collar must not be fully shut off. The lifts land onto soiled dirt ground that didn't feel metallic in a large ring. Shining lights drilling into his eyeballs from above. The roar of the crowd not depleting in volume the entire time. Lucas looks out toward his opponents to get an idea of what kind of battle this will be.
He sees that some creatures are humanoid others more feral. One creature looked like some kind of slime monster covered in red with blackened claws, void giant white bug eyes, and was even shackled to the lift. Another has the shape of a dragon but with three mouths! One on the shoulders the other on its two arms, and it seemed the heads on the arms has absolute control of the appendages with free 360 movement. Three giant feral like hairy creatures with yellow eyes all snarling at one another. Their claws covered with mud and dried stained blood. They were covered in muscles too with biceps as big as Lucas' head standing at eight feet easily. What appeared as a three headed snake on one body with the height of 35 ft., black colored, with green eyes, and oddly calm despite the noise. It was as if the three snakes were communicating. Finally, the last combatant is a pale distinct blob. Lucas is unsure what to make of the creature but he could make out the collar within the creature's insides.
"Welcome all you vile creatures to this new grand opening season of Gladiators in Warrior Madness!" MC's voice rings out right before he appears above the crowd. His image flashing and distorting before Lucas' eyes. He wondered why that was happening. However, he saw that as only a distraction as he starts to take in the crowd. He noticed what Ness and Ninten referred to as 'box seats' with a number of beings all gathered there. Lucas tries to make them out but he was too far to really get a good idea. Those people may be important. "We have a very special season this time around for you my special guests. Now to introduce you all to the first battle of this madness. A battle of monsters!" The crowd roars in clear approval.
Back with Ness and Ninten the crowd around the window standing on Lucas's bed. They balk in clear disapproval. "What the hell…" Ness mutters.
"What is he trying to prove? Oh man Lucas…" Ninten states nervously.
"He'll be fine…we just have to hope for the best…" Ness says.
"Now I'm sure you all are very interested in our combatants today so allow me to introduce you to them all. Now first and foremost is a creature known as an extinct species. A living parasitic creature that feeds off it's host turning them into brain dead homicidal monsters. Introducing the symbnotic known as Acid!"
The red creature barely stirs as it still remains chained and in place presumably only letting it out till the match starts.
"Introducing the cold blooded reptile known as one of the deadliest predators on the planet known as Vega 9. These creatures are so dangerous that they've single handedly reduce their homeworld inhabitants into endangered species. They operate off taking in three different perspectives and senses all at once. The creatures known as Snaviles!"
The three headed snake seems slithers onto the battlefield.
"Now, for one of my personal favorites, the drago monster that represents an insatiable appetite as it requires to feed its three mouths. It is always hungry and needs to constantly be feasting. Lacking in intelligence but strong instincts, the Cerebrago!"
Despite being a creature of instinct it seemed to recognize that it was being introduced. In response it lets out an ear splitting roar that completely overpowers the crowds' volume.
"Onto the best feral hunters that rely on strength in number. I've taken the liberty of creating a small pack of three which all operate off each other's strengths. Heightened senses, hyper awareness, with feral strength and speed. Introducing Alpha Pack."
All three furry creature let out a howl as if they've already won this contest.
"Now onto the mysterious blob. A primordial creature that alters itself, it can absorb and mimic whatever it sees or consumes. Taking on similar characteristic of its target. This specific creature is only a small part of the hive mind I had encountered. These things are capable of consuming planets given the right stimulus. I have taken to calling this creature, Stareater!"
The blob had no facial features, appendages, or any real defining features aside from the red outline of its body, the collar submerged in the surface, and the pale white jelly like substance.
"Finally another of my personal favorites. A monster contained in a tiny package. These creatures are called humans, and this one is special. Having vastly different abilities then most humans and single handedly caused the destruction of his people. Creating a war torn society of constant struggle, the cold logical human child with PSI abilities known as Lucas!"
Lucas didn't seem to interested in the attention as the crowd sounded rather pensive about him. The crowds roar was considerably lower than it had been for the other monsters. Ness and Ninten took the liberty of screaming in encouragement for Lucas. Lucas didn't worry about it as he starts to take in his opponents. None of them have any weapons or armor with them. Which means that most likely he is the most intelligent of these creatures. No matter how smart a monster may be, if they rely on impulse and instinct, they can't be all that intelligent. Armed with that knowledge Lucas decides to plan on who his first target should be.
"Now I won't waste time with anymore talk. You beautiful creatures came to see some fights, so allow me to bring forth that entertainment. Now the monster brawl is simply. A last being standing, no holds barred, full out free for all with the most vicious creatures in my cast. Now guardbots release my hunters into the wild!"
Lucas readies his sword as the all the fighters were dropped onto the battlefield. With the roar of the crowd backing them each creature moves to take on an opponent of their choice. Lucas figured that he looked the least appealing of targets as he seemed like easy prey. Of course the easy prey as also appealing in its own way. The majority of the monsters began to move in on the Cerebrago who is the biggest and strongest looking target. The cold intelligence of the Snavile makes it quickly slither towards Lucas. It was much faster than Lucas anticipated. It's jaws could easily swallow Lucas whole or between the three heads tear him apart. Lucas jumps back only to realize his back is against the arena. He was far too distracted in picking a target then finding a more ideal spot. He was instantly cornered within the first few minutes of the match.
Lucas decided to react. After all the cornered rat, bites the cat. So, Lucas bites. He pushes his empty hand forward to unleash a blast of psionic energy knocks the snake back. It wasn't prepared for that response. Lucas rushes forward intending to plunge his sword into the Snavile's underbelly. However, one of the snake head responds quickly swiping its mouth at Lucas. Lucas was taken totally by surprise to swallow him whole. Luckily, Lucas had already created a barrier around himself. Although, it wasn't as strong as Ninten's so it started to crack under the strain instantly. Lucas quickly raises his forearm guard to block the teeth on the upper mouth as he places his foot on the bottom jaw to prevent it from closing on him. Lucas wouldn't be able to hold this for long. But he knew he didn't need to as he thrust the sword upwards into the top of the Snavile's jaw as the blade comes out the top of its head. Instantly Lucas is splashed with a thick spray of green blood covering his hands and gauntlets.
Lucas wasn't sure if it could regenerate, so he quickly follows up by pointing his empty hand forward. To unleash PK Love γ. The attack was forced down it's throat blowing its head clean off. Lucas assumed the liquid dripping from the fangs was poisonous. He breaks the fang off before rolling along the ground dodging one of the retailiating heads. It then tries to circle around Lucas to constrict him. Lucas noticed the advancement the creature was trying to make so he jumps up into the air above the constriction. Lucas lands on the ground before he quickly turns raising his sword in a horizontal position blocking the fangs of another attack. Lucas loses his grip as he is knocked off his feet. The other head moves in to impale him. Lucas raises his hand but the snake head jukes him. As the other head strikes from Lucas' blind spot. Lucas had again created a barrier to cover his blind spot. Although again the fang cracks the barrier. The tip slips through as it impales Lucas's shoulder. Lucas growls as his eyes sharpens as he throws up a PK Flash up into the air. It easily blinded the snake, however Lucas knew he could still be smelled. Snake vision is notoriously poor. Lucas rolls back to his feet as he quickly makes a hasty retreat away from the Snavile.
"Damn poison is coursing through, starting to get numb already," Lucas knew he could heal some of the poisonous affects if he had a chance. However, that chance wouldn't be given. As Acid the symbnotic lunged onto him. Its razor sharp teeth gleam in his face. The yellow plaque covered teeth part to let out a breath of hot fowl air. Lucas felt his stomach churn just from the smell. Lucas felt his body growing number as time ticks by.
"…Scream…" it moans. Its tongue slithers out to wrap around Lucas' throat. Its grip tightens around his windpipe squeezing tighter and tighter. Lucas was beginning to panic. Fear was starting to overcome his ever sense. He can't feel his lower body anymore, he can't breathe, claws of the creature begin to dig into his chest. Digging through the armor and he could feel them dip just on the surface of his skin. "…Beg…Scream…Beg…"
"Death means the death of their worlds…you're suffering will spread to them, and you will cause pain to all those around you. Sounds like you belong in this ring after all…"
Lucas cringes as he focuses on what he has to do. He has to figure out a way, but he can't think. So much pain, so much panic, so much fear, and after a moment. The emotions begin to overwhelm him until suddenly…
Emptiness…
Acid pauses senses the shift. It stares into Lucas' eyes seeing a vacant expression take over. Lucas looks into the white voids of Acid's eyes. Suddenly, Acid starts to wail out in utter agony as it falls back away from Lucas holding its head. The slime covering its body begins to move erratically as if having a mind of its own.
"I see…you feed on negative emotions. It's not enough to consume other beings, you need them in a state of fear. That chemical response gives you strength. PSI Heal…" Lucas focuses his healing to fight the poison through his system. "That was just a small brainshock, you should recover." Lucas pulls out the fang he had stashed away while focusing on healing the poison and negating it's affects. Lucas restores the feeling in his legs just before he rushes forward stabbing the fang into Acid's chest. Lucas was not sure on the regenerative properties on the creature so he jabs the fang into its chest multiple times. "If it can regenerate I have to overwhelm it." Lucas reaches his hand on to telekinetic pull his sword towards him. Then he blasts Acid backwards with PK Love toward where Snavile was moving to take the two of them by surprise. A creature of opportunity obviously. Acid manages to stay on its feet which allows Lucas to run forward thrusting his sword through the symbnotic creature. Pushes it back towards the Snavile's open mouth. Lucas uses Acid's body to take the brunt of the fangs impaling it. "PK Love γ!" Lucas fires out a powerful psionic attack taking out another head of the Snavile. "PK Flash!"
Lucas launches another PSI attack in succession at the last snake head completely obliterating the last head. Lucas sighs before turning to see the Cerebrago let out a victorious roar as it fully consumes the alpha pack. Their blood smear among the teeth was the only evidence that the battle had even happen. The Stareater hadn't even moved yet. Which meant that it was a creature that held some semblance of intelligence or MC was holding it back. Whichever the case, Lucas needed to pick an opponent and strike. Lucas decided to focus on the actual organic monster. One that he could actually strike and one that was currently wounded. The poison had been reduced but he could still feel it coursing through his veins. The numbing feeling may work in his advantage. So with his sword now smashed to pieces he moves to confront the only other active enemy, the Cerebrago. It notices Lucas within an instant. As it turns to rush him down in response. It was instant as he runs forward with its mouths hanging open ready to devour him. The monster heads don't seem to be working together like the Snavile, as each one seems to crave different things. That makes things relatively easy. Lucas plants his feet then push his hands forward unleashing a shining blast of psionic energy. Although it was only beta level PK Love. The attack makes the monster balk only creating a stutter step before the right mouth dives in.
"Counter!" Lucas yells out as a yellow barrier appears right before the jaws close in on him. The force of the attack was split but of course Lucas was still a bit numb so he hardly felt it. The head however recoils. Lucas pulls back his fist blast out another PK Love that makes the monster fall back on its feet. The monster heads were still diving towards him. Each one fighting to land the first bite. Lucas lets out a grunt of pain as he was bashed to the ground. It seemed that the beast was at least in agreement that they wanted him dead. Lucas grunts as he felt teeth sink through his armor. "PK Shield!" He exclaims creating a bubble around the left mouth. He points his hand forward. Through the bash he could tell the skull was a bit thicker than that of the Snavile. "PK Love β!" Lucas starts raining down shot after shot of psionic blasts into the monster's throat. The monster head clenches its jaw on the barrier beginning to crush it. The head then throws Lucas to the ground harshly. Lucas lands hard shattering the barrier around himself as he goes rolling on the ground. Lucas reaches up to rub his shoulder wincing. "My landing must've dislocated it…"
The Cerebrago was upon Lucas again as all three mouths move to work in unison on the single target. Lucas creates a combination of barrier and counter to fend off the attack. As Lucas predicted the numbing of the poison lessoned the pain allowing him to ignore it and focus on his PSI. He's sure Ninten or Ness could've dealt with this thing quickly in only a couple of blows. He would need time to charge a powerful enough PSI attack to take it down in one shot.
"Damn, don't think about them, focus on this…" Lucas grunts under the pressure bearing down on him.
"Uh oh, looks like our human is under a bit of pressure at the moment!" MC's voice calls out to the crowd.
Back with Ness and Ninten they could hardly look away. Their nerves getting the best of them as they try to restrain themselves from tearing the bars off their cage. Lucas was doing better than either of them expected, and they were so happy to see he was still fighting. But he needs help, he needs them, his fighting abilities rely heavily on PSI, so if he can't focus he's ultimately defenseless. Lucas would've done the creature in already if he had enough time to charge his omega PK Love.
"Come on Lucas, come on Lucas…" Ness mutters.
"Come on Lucas you got this!" Ninten calls. His voice was beginning to go hoarse since he had been screaming constantly. "This kid is tougher then he looks."
"He is…so why were so protective of him?" Ness questions.
"What do you mean?"
"Come on man, in that free for all we were practically hovering over him. And after realizing how shy he was you sure softened up on him."
"Well…I admit it was pity…but I bet he's a real good person if we got to know him. Maybe instead of trying to bash through his shell, we kinda convince him to come out of it. After all the shell is to protect something fragile on the inside right?"
"Well he needs to survive this first. Come on Lucas!" Ness calls out.
Back down in the arena Lucas falls to his knees. The pressure beginning to grow too much. The poison again rearing it's ugly head as the numbness starts to course through his body again. He finds his vision getting blurry and coughing harshly.
"So my little monster, I can release your full powers so you can fight with your full strength, or suffer a painful death. Which do you-."
"Shut up and just do it!" Lucas growls. "I have to get back to my friends."
"Friends? So this is interesting…"
"Not really, it was bound to happen. Not let me kill this thing…" And like that the collar was fully deactivated. This allowed Lucas full control of his powers again. He didn't need as much concentration to fire out a powerful ball of PK Love that smashes into the Cerebrago's chest. Its thrown back a few solid feet. "About to pass out…" Lucas slumps dragging his feet before he looks over to the Stareater which begins moving towards him. It devours creatures and obtains their properties right? Lucas then charges toward it barely able to stand upright. "Only chance…"
He then dives directly into the gue like creature. The creature begins sparking with PSI energy as it begins to eat away at Lucas.
"LUCAS!" Ness and Nitnen yell.
"Well, folks would you look at that!? Seems like Lucas would rather be slowly broken down then be torn to pieces. Wow, did not see that coming!" MC calls out over the crowd.
The Cerebrago was still hungry as it rushes forward uncaring of what may happen or of the sparking Stareater. It begins tearing into the goop trying to devour it piece by piece. It was a fight of who will be eaten first between the two monsters. Each trying to obtain sustenance. The Stareater even begins taking the form of Lucas, well a blob version of Lucas that stands seven feet tall. The blob was trying to discharge PSI attacks from its hand but it would fizzle out. It was only after a few tries it was successful taking off the center head of the Cerebrago. With that opening creating the Stareater moves to consume the body in one go. Suddenly a blast of PSI burst out the back of the Stareater, and then a batter Lucas throws himself out covered in the goop of the creature. He lays on the ground his armor destroyed, his clothes torn and fizzled away, while he's covered in what could only be seen as his own blood. Ness and Ninten's stomach turn as they can actually see the muscles in Lucas' arm. Lucas shivers as he holds himself tightly.
The Cerebrago is completely consumed now by the Stareater as it is condensed and shrunken before the Stareater takes the form of the creature. Once it was converted it lets out a loud roar. Lucas stays on the ground seemingly unable to move either by being in too much pain or paralyzed by the poison.
"Our boy Lucas survived only to be devoured all over again!" MC exclaims. However, the Stareater started to behave strangely. It starts to sway on its feet as it falls to a knee. "Oh, what's this, some kind of newfound psychic attack!" The Stareater continues to sway on its feet until it collapses with Lucas laying prone in its open jaw. "Oh would you look at that, the Stareater and the Cerebrago goes down all at once! This is unfounded folks! Our human Lucas stands as the monsters of all monsters!The Titan of this Madness, let's hear it!"
The cheers of the crowd were empty to Lucas. He won by the skin of his teeth. The StarEater had absorbed the powerful toxins in his body. Without Lucas's PK Healing, it could not fight off the toxins which was killing it much faster. Of course Lucas was still poisoned which is why he started to struggle to breath, blood spilling from his mouth as the poison started to kill him too. The Snavile venom was clearly more potent the longer it stayed in his system. Quickly one of the guardbots stick a needle into his neck under the collar, presumably a fast acting antivenmon that allowed air to flow into Lucas' lung at least. The crowd with clear appreciation as Lucas is pulled to his feet by the guardbot. Lucas is forced to raise his right fist to illustrate his victory, but the entire time Lucas' dull eyes scanned everything he could see. Taking in notes, seeing faces, and studying the ring. He'd remember these things. So, after MC clears Lucas to return to his cage MC announces a short intervention before the next match is to take place. Guardbot takes the lift back toward Lucas' dwelling. It allows Lucas to collapse on the ground as more of Lucas' blood pool below him. Once at his door the bot picks Lucas up to toss him inside like a sack of garbage. Luckily, Ness and Ninten were already waiting for him as his body went through the air Ness caught him.
"Hey careful you bastard!" Ninten yells.
"I will deactivate your collars. Heal him to stop his wounds from getting worse. Then proper medical attention will be given along with his reward." The guardbot states tapping his arm. Strength returns to Ness and Ninten. They both quickly move to heal Lucas quickly as the boy is slumped against Ness.
"Sorry…I'm…get…getting blood on you…" Lucas mutters.
"Shut up you're fine just relax," Ness says rubbing Lucas' hair. Ness feels Lucas tighten his grip around him. "Lucas?"
"I'm sorry…I was…so mean…"
"Lucas stop talking like that. You are legit scaring me," Ninten replies unsettled.
"I'm sorry I was mean to you both. You shouldn't be so nice to me. What MC said was true. I am a monster…"
"Lucas you did what you had to do, don't even worry about it. Just relax we got you buddy," Ness says.
"But…you hate me…"
"No I don't Lucas, I promise you I dont. I was frustrated and like an idiot I took it out on you. I'm sorry, god Luke I am so, so sorry."
"I don't deserve it…"
"We'll work on that, just relax we got you," Ninten states simply seeing the wounds on Lucas' skin began to close. Lucas begins to shake in Ness's hold which at first scares the crap out of Ness until he notices Lucas isn't shaking from pain, he's crying.
"Please don't hate me…please…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…just don't hate me. I know I deserve it…but…please don't…"
"Hey, hey, hey relax we don't okay. I don't I promise," Ness assures the blonde as his healing PSI continues doing its job, while he tries to calm Lucas down.
"Are you sure…?"
"Positive."
"Even after what I might tell you?"
"And what's that?" Ninten asks.
"I think…I figured out what my passive ability is…"
"Well that's actually good news man. What is it?" Ness asks.
Lucas sighs loudly before he buries his face in Ness' chest, "I think my passive makes me become a monster…"