NOT DEAD!
*IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*
I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of my readers. I know the updates have been taking a stupid long time. However all of you have been very polite and respectful about that. I have gotten lots of messages, asking when the new chapter would be out. But everyone was very kind and polite. I just wanted to thank all of you for that, it really does mean a lot.
*END IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*
*SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION*
I put a poll up on my profile about what story I will post after this one. So head on over an vote, if you want!
*END SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION*
Regular musings about the chapter at the bottom.
I was the first to act. I launched forward with all my speed, blade striking towards Athena's currently undefended right side. I knew she had the skill to block the attack; it was merely a probing strike. I also knew that she knew this.
A simple pivot had my blade glancing off her shield. She was quick to offer a counter, blade thrusting out towards my exposed throat. I was able to sidestep the attack with little effort, my blade slashing at her torso. She deflected the attack with her own blade.
She moved with grace and quickness, but there was also a raw power behind her movements. In terms of pure strength, she may outmatch me. I avoided three of her follow up strikes, her blade a red blur as it whipped through the air. My own sword probed her defences, always finding only air or the solid metal of shield or blade.
Only a few moments into the fight and it was already the greatest thrill of my life. My heart beat fast with anticipation. Adrenaline flooded through my veins, eliminating any weariness I may have felt from my earlier slaughter.
There was no clumsy flailing, no wild shouts of exertion or fury. The only sound was that of metal striking, the soft crunch of boots on rocky ground. All of Pandora had faded away. There was only this, only us. Our weapons were only blurs of red and blue. I could only imagine how beautiful it must have looked from a distance.
My mind quieted during the fight. All concerns had faded away. I could only focus on the fight. On the red blade that swung down to remove my arm, how my body shifted to avoid the strike, the way her shield angled up to perfectly deflect my thrust.
It was a thrill I had never felt before and I relished the feeling. I never wanted it to end. This was where I belonged. This was my true calling. I was born, and raised, to fight—to kill. It was my purpose in life.
Athena deflected my blade with her own, then with blinding speed she flung her shield forward. It spun with deadly force and speed towards my chest. I spun to avoid the strike, but the distance between us and the speed of the shield made it difficult. As it was, the shield still managed to clip my shoulder, its obviously honed edge slicing through my suit and into my flesh.
I could feel my hot blood as it trickled from the open wound. I actually smiled as I looked down at the wound. It had been thirteen years since I had seen my own blood, since I had even been injured. That injury had occurred at the hands of seventeen trained guards simultaneously attacking me. Athena had managed it alone. She truly was my greatest opponent.
I looked back to her, a smile still on my face. Our duel had reached a pause. She looked between my wound and face. Her face was still set in steely determination, but I could see the faintest flicker of concern in her eyes.
I don't think I had ever smiled so brightly as I launched myself back into the fray. My blade slashed towards her torso and was easily deflected by her shield. I simply spun, slashing towards her legs. As her sword came down to deflect my blade, I let go of my blade [JV1] with my left hand. I could feel the familiar object digitize in my hand. I closed my palm around the hilt, thrusting with all my speed towards Athena's exposed side.
The attack took her by surprise. My new blade dug through her clothes and flesh, causing her to utter the smallest hiss of pain. Before she could retaliate, I twisted [JV2] away with a flourish of both blades, forcing her to jump back.
Athena immediately took a defensive position as she analyzed my new weapon. It was something I rarely used, especially in tandem with my sword. The small tanto glinted the same blue glow as my sword. I knew I would need my full might and arsenal to defeat Athena.
Before she could act I shot forward again, my sword striking out at her chest. But even as it was deflected I continued my momentum, travelling behind the gladiatrix and thrusting with my tanto towards her shoulder blade.
Athena spun, causing the strike to glance off her shoulder plate. Her sword slashed at my exposed side, forcing me to flip over the attack and to safety. The second my feet touched the ground, her shield was hurtling through the air towards me.
In a risky move, I attempted to remove the bothersome object from the battle. Once it either connected or missed then it would return to its owner, likely through some sort of tracking system. However, if I could apply enough force to disrupt its route and impede its movement then she would not be able to retrieve it.
As the shield neared me, I spun away, narrowly missing the object. It took a great deal of my focus and all my speed to use my momentum to bring my leg up and kick the shield as it blurred by. The contact occurred in my shin, where my armour was thicker. At the connection I could instantly feel the skin bruise as pain radiated up my leg, but, the attack was successful as the shield was sent skittering onto the ground.
My victory was short lived as Athena seized upon my distraction to attack. Her blade lashed out, slicing across my hip, cutting armour and skin. She followed by colliding her fist into my face. Pain shot through my cheek and radiated into my skull.
The attack caused me to stumble, but I was able to regain momentum by dropping to a crouch. By adding a slight twirl, I was able to avoid a booted foot to my torso and sink my tanto into an unarmoured thigh.
Athena was quick to defend herself, bringing her knee up—the tanto still in her flesh—to strike my chin. I used the momentum of the strike to roll backwards, but was forced to release my weapon in the process. Rising back to my full height I saw her pull the blade out and toss it aside without a second thought.
Pain was pulsing through my skull and I could feel the abrasions on my chin from the strike. Blood still seeped down my shoulder and hip. A dull throb in my shin and face reminded me of the large bruises that would be present within the hour. But still I was smiling. This was the greatest fight of my life!
I could feel the wind on my face, the sweat trickling down my skin. My chest heaved as I sucked in controlled breaths of unfiltered air. My own hot blood trickled down my suit, staining it a deep purple. I had never felt so alive!
I took a moment to look over Athena. Her breaths were heavy but controlled, like my own. Her own crimson blood flowed from her wounds, staining her clothes and armour. Sweat crawled down her face and neck, disappearing into her scarf. Still her face was set in a steely determination.
I knew that if this fight went unrestricted then one of us could very well die. She was the first being I had ever met that actually had a chance to kill me. But that only made me feel more alive. This was what I had been searching for. A battle that could be my last. An opponent to rival me.
However, I also knew I could not let it end in death. I did not wish Athena dead. Win or lose, I wanted her companionship. That was something I couldn't even doubt for a second. I valued her beyond her combat prowess. Her death would be a great regret. But still, one of us needed to win.
I grinned before launching myself back into the fray. I could see a matching grin on Athena's face as she met my attack with equal vigour. Our blades clashed over and over again. Gone were the great feats of athleticism. Gone were the advanced tactics. It became a contest of pure skill as our blades tried to pierce the others defence. It was the truest battle I had ever experienced.
Moments passed, and a dull ache had entered crept into my arms before I saw my opening. Deflecting a slash aimed for my throat, I darted forward, sliding inside her defences and coming to a stop just beside her, my blade resting neatly against her throat.
Our faces were mere inches apart. I could see every drop of sweat as it crawled down her face. I could see that twitch of a smirk on her lips as our eyes met. Before I could speak, I saw her eyes glance downwards. I followed them, seeing the red blade, its tip resting against my chest, just over my heart.
I couldn't help but smile. It seemed she was also ambidextrous. I hadn't even noticed the switch. She must have dropped the sword after I deflected it and caught it with her right hand. Amazing. I looked back up to her, still smiling. A true rival indeed.
"That was well fought," Athena said, her breathing heavier than usual. I could feel her hot breath on my face.
It was only in now that I realized our proximity. I could sense the heat radiating from her body. Every detail of her face was crystal clear. Her stone grey eyes were so vivid, so strong. I have never been this close to a human, and unmasked. The only person who has ever gotten this close was Maya. Yet with her I still wore my mask. Even then my whole body had surged at her proximity. My heart had beat faster, traces of adrenaline flowed through my veins. I had found myself unable to look away from her. My thoughts had become clouded, like a fog settling over my mind. I hadn't known what to do, yet deep down I wished for the moment to never end.
Here with Athena, I felt none of that. I felt thrilled with our fight. I felt enjoyment from her company. I found myself wishing to continue being in her presence, fighting with her and against her. Yet I am not captivated by her beauty. My mind is not clouded with a storm of foreign thoughts and feelings.
With Athena I feel…a bond. I find my feelings on her to be quite clear in this moment. I wish for her companionship. I wish to fight at her side. I trust in her actions and in her words. I would fight for her and never wish true harm upon her.
But I do not feel the same attraction, the same torrent of emotions I held…I still hold for Maya. The dull throb in my chest at the mere thought of her makes that abundantly clear. Despite all Athena has done for me, no matter the peace and opportunities she has given me, I cannot forget Maya.
I find myself wishing I could. I realize how much easier, even satisfying it would be, were I to feel these things for Athena instead. For someone who accepts me. But it turns out these emotions cannot simply be banished or replaced on a whim.
"You don't feel it, do you?" Athena spoke, her voice low. She lowered her weapon, but did nothing to create distance between us.
"No," I replied, lowering my blade. I refused to be dishonest with her. That would be dishonourable. She has earned my trust.
"That's alright." Athena simply nodded as she spoke. However, a moment later her lips twitched in a smile. "Honestly, I didn't either."
She didn't feel anything for me? But she had said-
"I mean not like that!" She said quickly, looking faintly panicked. "Uh…romantically I mean. I still think you are attractive, but uh…I guess the…spark isn't there?" She seems to struggle with her words. Her speech is slow and her eyes are concentrated as she obviously searches for the right phrase.
"I trust you," I say quickly, having the sudden urge to explain myself. "I feel a connection with you. You are a true rival and companion. I wish to fight alongside you, to provide…support when you need it."
"Like…a friend?" She seemed to choose the word carefully. Judging from what I know of the word I find it to be an apt description.
"Yes!" I answer quickly, glad to have a label for these feelings. "I wish us to be friends."
"Me too." Athena's lips twitch again, yet this is different than the others. They almost seem to pull downwards by a fraction before settling back into her stony mask.
"And we must have more duels!" I add excitedly. This was the greatest fight of my life. I crave more.
"Agreed." Athena gives a firm nod, her lips tugging into her faint smile. Silence passes between us for a moment before she speaks again. "So what are you going to do?"
I do not understand her question. Clearly my mission has not changed. The challenge of killing Jack is still a worthy one. It is something I look forward to. However, I suppose a few things have changed now. Perhaps that is what she-
"I mean about Maya. What are you going to do?"
What could I do? Maya is disgusted with me. She sees me only as an anomaly, a freak of nature. I do not wish to face her again. I do not think I could stand seeing that rejection in her face again. Once more I feel this unfamiliar cowardice begin to creep forward.
"You have feelings for her. Don't you?"
"She rejected my true form. I deceived her. What she saw is unnatural and she hates it." I know the image will be burned into my mind for the rest of my life.
"She actually said that?" Traces of anger entered Athena's voice, the grip on her blade tightened and her eyes flashed dangerously. I had to admit it felt…nice, to have someone who accepted me so.
"She didn't need to. I saw it all in her face." Words were not necessary; her face had said it all. Coupled with the fact that she hadn't even been able to speak past her disgust…the truth was clear.
Athena was silent for a moment, a contemplative look on her face. "Are…are you sure?" She seemed hesitant in her speech.
"What?" What was there not to be sure about?
"I…noticed how she looked at you. Talked about you. I think she felt something for you. Is it possible she was simply shocked? I know I was…if I had been in her place, it may have taken me a moment to say anything."
Shock. Maya was simply shocked? No that couldn't be it. I would have recognized such a reaction. I have seen Maya shocked before, I know what it looks like. Her eyes go wide and she is often unable to speak, her mouth opening and closing ever so slightly.
That's not what I saw…was it? No. No I didn't misinterpret. Maya was repulsed by me. That was the look I had seen. There could never be anything between us. Whatever it was I wished for, it would never be a reality.
"Zero… I think…you should give her a chance." Athena's eyes locked onto mine. "To explain herself. This is something you need to be sure about. There can be no room for error. You cannot give up on an objective based on potentially faulty intel. You need to be certain." There was an iron to her voice as she spoke.
"I…I can't." I couldn't face that rejection again. I couldn't allow hope to build within me again. This cowardice infected me, made me fearful.
"Zero, you can't give up on this so easily. We are going back to Sanctuary. You will talk with Maya and find out the truth. Let there be no doubt. If you are right, then we will leave. We will go and kill Jack and anyone that stands in our way."
Athena's voice was full of conviction and confidence. Her eyes never wavered from their hard gaze. Her entire being radiated how resolute she was in this plan. I found it inspiring. I could feel it banishing this cowardice within me. At least enough for me to nod my head in agreement.
I could still feel this fear within me. I was terrified of facing that rejection all over again. But now that Athena had planted this seed of doubt within me, I knew deep down that I could never truly accept what had happened until I knew for sure. With a firmer nod I replaced my helmet and headed back towards the fast travel station. It was time for the truth.
Maya had sequestered herself in her room for…well she actually didn't know how long. A good number of hours at least. She didn't emerge until she had become so hungry it was physically painful. When she did exit her room she noticed it was pitch black out and the headquarters was largely quiet. She could hear the TV going loudly downstairs along with Gaige, Axton, Salvador, and Lilith chatting overtop of it.
Luckily she was able to make her way to the kitchen without being noticed. She really wasn't in the mood to talk right now. She was mentally exhausted. Today had been a very trying day. She couldn't remember ever spending so much time trying to figure out her own feelings. Why couldn't her life just be simple?
Repressing a sigh, Maya grabbed a light meal from the fridge before silently making her way back to her room. She absently opened and closed the door behind her. She set her food down at the foot of her bed, deciding to get changed first. She would probably pass out soon.
"Maya."
Maya yelped at the voice, whirling around, her arm glowing with blue energy. It wasn't until she actually faced the speaker that she realized she recognized the voice. There in her room, stood Zero. The real Zero—her head was bare, exposing her alien yet beautiful features to the dimly lit room.
But Maya's eyes didn't focus on that face she had spent the past several hours obsessing over. Instead her eyes took in the massive amounts of blood coating Zero's entire body. It was even smeared across her beautiful face. Maya also noticed, much to her shock, that Zero's suit was cut along the shoulder and hip, giving a small flash of almond coloured skin.
"Holy shit Zero! Are you okay?" She didn't even think before stepping forward to see better, trying to check for more injuries. It wasn't until she was standing barely five inches away that she realized what she was doing.
Maya's breath caught in her throat as she looked up into those stunning amethyst eyes. Zero's silky white hair shone in the moonlight that filtered through the window, making it look like strands of silver. Her almond skin glowed in the dim lamp light. Her eyes sparkled like gems. Fuck…she was so beautiful.
Maya found herself at a loss for words. There were so many things that she wanted to say. So many things she wanted to clear up, to express. But they all spun around in her mind like a hurricane, making it impossible to pick any one thing to say.
She had so many things to say, so many things to explain. She needed Zero to understand how she felt. She needed her to understand that she didn't reject her real form. That she was willing to give them a shot. No matter how uncertain parts of her still were. She wanted to try. She needed to try.
But for all her planning, for all her hours of contemplation, Maya couldn't utter a word. She simply stood there frozen, unable to look away from the sight before her. Even with the blood, Zero still looked so incredible. Everything she felt for Zero all this time, it all came flooding back.
All the hours she spent searching her feelings today seemed wasted now. It was so obvious, here now. She didn't know why it was all so apparent in this exact moment. It was crazy. It didn't really make sense. Maybe it had been the thought of potentially losing Zero. Maybe it had been all the advice she had been given. But Maya couldn't care less.
What she did know is that all of her feelings for Zero were still there. She had decided to give this a shot. Deep down Maya knew how she felt. She knew Zero being a woman didn't change anything. No matter how weird it may be at first. She couldn't ignore how she felt. Still…it didn't hurt to be absolutely certain. And she had been given some advice on how to discover her true feelings.
Before she could talk herself out of it, Maya closed the gap between them, pressing her lips firmly onto Zero's. They were warm and oh so soft. Her whole body surged with energy at the contact. It was like when she used her powers. It filled her with such a euphoria, with such a pleasant, warm energy. It was amazing.
Of course with this being Maya's first kiss ever, she really didn't know what to do, so after only a few seconds she pulled back. Her heart was pounding in her ears and her face felt like it was on fire. She could still feel that same energy tingling through her body.
She looked into Zero's eyes, seeing them wide with surprise, and it brought a smile to her lips. At least now she knew for certain. There was no denying how much she had enjoyed that kiss.
"Zero," she began, her voice low, their eyes locked. "I'm sorry for how I reacted before. I was surprised and confused. I didn't know you were, are, a woman. I'm sorry if…if I hurt you. Or caused you some distress."
Judging from her appearance, Zero had gone looking for one hell of a fight after their confrontation. It made Maya's guts twist with guilt. She had been so stupid. So damn blind. But that was over now. She needed to move forward.
"But I still feel the same way about you. Everything I said on the rooftop…its still true. I want to give this, us, a shot. So…I need to know if you want the same thing."
Their eyes never left each others. Maya unconsciously held her breath as she waited for Zero's response. She had done it. She had taken the chance she needed to take. This was where everything would fall apart or come together.
Maya noticed the flush on Zero's cheeks before she noticed the smile that formed on her lips. An actual smile. Her eyes sparkled with warmth.
"Yes." Her voice was like the sweetest honey. It flowed through Maya and warmed her to her very core. She couldn't stop the smile from breaking out on her face. She didn't know where this would go, but she had never been more excited for a journey.
Athena waited in silence outside the door. Her and Zero had easily entered the building undetected. Now she just needed to make sure nobody intruded on the conversation beyond. It had been going on for a few minutes now. Athena had no idea how long it would last, but she would wait as long as it took. She would be there for Zero.
As it turns out it was only another minute before the door slid open and Zero came out. She closed the door behind her before turning to face Athena. A genuine smile lit up her alien features, giving her a glow that defied all description. She was absolutely beautiful.
"Are we staying?" Athena asked quietly, already knowing the answer.
"Yes." Zero's response was simple, but it still managed to reflect the warmth of her smile. Athena nodded, forcing a smile to her lips as she felt an unfamiliar pain throb in her chest.
Finally!
Ha ha, so it was actually a bit of a struggle to not pair Zero up with Athena. I think they are a great couple! But that isn't what you all signed up for!
So just some quick points.
First, I wanted to try and capture everyone's emotions accurately. Hopefully I did that. I wanted to show that you don't just magically stop having feelings for someone. What Zero feels for Athena is friendship, although her struggle for the word is amusing.
As for Athena's part. I really just wanted to show that she does care about Zero. Also she isn't one for running away from problems. More of her specific reasoning will be explained later on. She does have a reason for acting that way, it wasn't me just randomly making her OOC, I promise.
For Maya. Well her part was pretty straight forward. I know some people have mentioned that Maya has actually been on Pandora for a while and all that. But for the purposes of this story she is still new to the planet. Therefore relationships in general are still pretty foreign to her.
Also, I know I have been shit at responding to messages for a while now. But I promise I am back to regularly replaying. So feel free to message me with any questions or concerns.
Alright that's it from me!
Thank you all again for your continued support! You are all amazing and wonderful people!
Stay Classy!
