Chapter 6: Damn Gravity
"I hope you learned how to dodge after yesterday!" Swift's cry of challenge stoked the fire in my chest. I braced myself as a torrent of Chaos rained down on me as she threw herself at me, surrounding herself in daggers of the stuff. Sprinting to the right, I launched myself up the wall, narrowly avoiding the navy cannonball as she crashed into the dirt floor of the battlefield we were fighting on. I leapt off of the wall and threw a Chaos Spear into the large hole she had created, connecting with a loud crack, and hovered in midair with my Jet Shoes.
Seems like my new 15-year-old body is more nimble.
But not enough!
Swift used a Spin Dash to charge up out at me, nailing me directly in the chest. I slid back several feet, holding my breath until I drove my fist into her side while she recovered, and then sharply drawing in air. We paused in our attacks, glaring at each other from a short distance. Seconds later, we engaged in a high speed and intricate 'game' composed of feinting and dodging. It was a deadly game, for a single mistake on either of our parts could result in a tangle of broken limbs to a fatal collision. I could almost smell the blood, see it spattered across the dirt, white-coats rushing out in a panic…
Oh c'mon, Shads! Focus!
Swift darted out of the dance and kicked hard at me, catching my ankle. I careened into the dirt, rolling until I found the concentration to claw at the ground until I stopped, twisting myself into a sprinter's stance. I burst into an all out sprint and drew my fist back, redirecting slightly as she flipped to the side. I flew by her.
"You missed me!" She shouted teasingly.
Or did I? I smirked in triumph, turning and wheeling around. Swift gasped in her mind as I barreled straight at her, once again adjusting as she struggled to dodge. I closed my eyes a second before impact.
"Projects!" The Professor's voice suddenly called from the intercom.
Chaos Control! Swift yelped in her mind, freezing the both of us in place. I relaxed my muscles and opened my eyes, catching a gasp in my throat as they found my fist a mere inch from Swift's side. At the current position and speed, I could have easily killed her with a 'kidney' punch. That was close. She breathed as her eyes too discovered her predicament.
You're getting better though. You've learned how to use Chaos Control without the verbal command. I tweaked my position with a little energy, forcing my body lower.
Thanks, but you're just trying to make me feel better. She replied bitterly, unfreezing us. I slid harmlessly under her as she flew over me. Though I landed perfectly, she allowed herself to crash into the dirt.
"Swift!" I shouted and rushed towards her.
"Quit it. If I had no consequence for a bad move, I'd never learn." She picked herself off of the ground as I dug my heels into the ground to wait for her.
"Yes, Professor." We yelled, I as I stood, she as she walked to stand by me.
"Time's up for today. You're free to go until the evening hours." His voice sounded slightly strained.
"Is there something wrong, Professor?" Swift asked, giving me a quizzical look. I shrugged in response.
"No, no, Swift. Everything's okay." His reply wasn't the most convincing. Swift gave me a concerned glance.
He can handle it himself. He's okay. I passed her reassuring words, walking to the right side of the stadium and boarding the elevator that took me up to the 'media' box of the arena. When the door slid open, I scanned the area, but found that the Professor did not linger. Ignoring congratulations, I strode across the room to the opposite elevator, where Swift stood, head hanging dejectedly.
"Swift." I muttered her name, holding my hand out to her. She lifted her head slowly, chocolate eyes dull. Swift gently placed her hand in mine, to which I responded by lightly prodding one corner of her mouth, pulling it up in a half- smile. "Show me that smile." I grinned brightly at her. Her ears lifted a bit and she gave me a small smile. "Race you to The Center." I smirked, released her hand, and took off. I knew I'd need the head start. Even without Jet Shoes, Swift could match and possibly overtake my top speed. I dreaded the day that the Professor would give her a pair of her own Jet Shoes.
"Shadow!" Swift moaned after me, but quickly gave chase. She caught up to me faster than she had any time before, surprising me as she nosed forward a bit, then gasped and lurched to the side. Confused, I looked forward just in time to watch myself nearly collide with a group of scientists. I swung my right leg out wide, allowing the skate to pull the rest of my body behind it, dodging the group by inches. When the dodge was complete, I glanced around for Swift, but didn't see her. Just when I was about to give a howl in victory, Swift came out of nowhere, running down the wall and out in front of me.
"How'd you do that?!" I shouted, slightly angered that she had come up with that clever trick way before I had even thought about it.
Think beyond the boundaries of normal beings, Shadow. There's no point in staying inside the box if you were meant to go further. Swift's voice was a mixture of excitement and solemnity in my mind.
"Thanks for the tip." I said out loud.
"Not a problem." She replied, sounding a bit strained. The end became visible as the seconds passed, a blinking red strip of paneling on the floor. I had closed most of the distance in the time allowed, only because sustained running was harder than sustained gliding. She still had to fight friction, I didn't. I lowered my stance and started pumping my legs faster, but Swift only grew faster as well. I noted a slight increase over mine; she was digging for it. I blinked.
We soared past the finish line a second after each other.
"A battle for a battle, then." I panted my congratulations to her, helping her off of the ground. Swift had slid into the finish, providing the last burst of speed she needed to defeat me. She gave me a wry grin as she took my hand and allowed me to pull her to her feet.
"I think I'll need a new pair of shoes." She lifted one foot to show me her absolutely destroyed tennis shoe.
"Where's the sole?" I asked, poking her heel through the gaping hole that remained of the bottom of her shoe.
"I lost it about halfway through. I think I clipped a light fixture back there. Probably hung up on that thing." Swift laughed as she thought about it.
"Well, we're in the right place, huh?" I looked up to face The Center.
The Center was a massive structure of glass and metal built 'near' the actual center of the ARK. If Swift and I had kept running, we would have gone straight through it. The hallway we had raced on went through the middle of The Center and out the other side of the center glass dome to the opposite side of the ARK. The Center had four domes that extended from the middle dome, connected by metal walkways. Each dome contained a different sort of recreational dealio: the 2 Dome contained a zoo and aquarium, housing animals and plants of the planet below; the 3 Dome sheltered a collection of rest rooms for the staff; 4 Dome housed an arcade and a small sports arena, half the size of the arena Swift and I dueled in that morning; 5 Dome held an assortment of stores, where anything from toys to ammunition could be purchased between the several hundred shops. The middle dome, 1 Dome, contained the food court where we stood and was by far the largest of all the domes.
"I suppose." She shrugged, then started off for the Häagan Dazs stall. I turned and headed for the Starbucks. We returned to the center of the dome, Swift with a Belgian Chocolate Shake in hand, me with a hot chocolate. Swift, with the straw still in her mouth, asked, "Where to first?"
"5 Dome." I replied, carefully sipping at my cocoa. With near-perfect synchronization, we pivoted on our heels and strode off towards the 'mall'.
Several hours later, I was laden with bags and clear out of cash. Without Swift nearby, I was forced to push out to her to form a goodbye statement, a concept I still wasn't all that comfortable with. Pushing out of the boundaries of my mind still presented itself to me as a fearful venture, not one to partake in lightly. However, I broke the lines anyway.
Hey Swift, I'm done for the day. Meet you back in our room? I asked, sitting the bags down on a bench and hovering over them edgily.
Sure Shadow, see you back there. I still have to get those new shoes. Swift's response came quickly, much to my relief.
Still? I groaned. I thought that was the first thing you did.
Nope. I went to the Apple store first, silly.
Okay then, see ya.
Bye, Shadow!
I drew back into my own mind, thankful for the walls that were instantly thrown up around me. And yet, Swift's existence was omnipresent, but muted, like the moon behind translucent curtains.
I threw away the remnants of the hot-chocolate-that-was-now-cold and began my long walk back to my dormitory.
About halfway to the room, a warning sign slammed against the inside of my skull and sirens wailed in my ears. Obeying my internal warning, I lurched into the hallway beside me, tossing my bags beside a door opposite one of very few lights that were out in the whole colony. The shadow the lack of light created just below the fixture was just enough. I pressed my back against the wall and watched as my hands became part of the darkness. After a few moments, I could hear hushed voices coming from the other end of the hallway I had evacuated. My ears strained to pick up the words and my eyes struggled to piece together the image at least seven football fields away. Eventually, the two blurs became the Professor and a floating black and red creature unlike any I had seen in my Biology lessons. It had two long hornlike spikes protruding horizontally from its head, three dark crimson eyes, and appeared to have no legs. It was just about the most ugly thing I had ever seen in my entire life. The robes and necklace it wore really didn't help. I grimaced as the two approached and wondered why the Professor was in the company of such a gruesome creature. I knew of his communication with beings of other species, but never one I couldn't name. As they drew within a hundred yards of my hiding spot, I became aware of a draining force that was attempting to rend me of my lifeforce. Attempting would be the key word, as it had no effect on me, other than the feeling of being dragged inside out through a vacuum. I could pick out words within a few seconds of coming across the draining.
"I mean no disrespect but, I don't understand why you only wanted one if you gave enough DNA for many. You did choose how much blood you gave, after all." The Professor's voice was quaky and it seemed like he was being careful in his word choice.
"Humans make mistakes. I found you might needed some breathing room." The being grunted. I carefully closed my mind in, preventing Swift from dropping in on me unexpectedly. Something told me I needed to keep this to myself.
"I-I really d-don't know what you mean, Black Doom." The Professor stuttered, something I had never heard him do. He was always clear and articulate, no matter who he was speaking to. Clearly, this Black Doom wasn't exactly on his side. However, I resisted the urge to leap out and rip out Black Doom's throat, not at least until he started for the Professor.
"Well it's obvious. You've made a mistake here, have you not?" Doom sighed.
"I wouldn't exactly call her a mistake." My breath caught in my throat. "She actually faster than Project 102-."
"Speed cannot make up for what one strike can if one is already dead." Doom said simply.
Her? They can't mean-?
"They are a pair though. Meant to conceal the other's flaws with his and her strengths."
They do mean her. Shi-.
"I only need one for my purpose."
"But, they are a pair. They are too attached to each other. It's impossible for us to destroy her."
"I didn't say I needed the boy specifically. I want the best of what you have." Doom growled.
"Neither is the better."
"And the duel this morning supports that?"
"No, but-."
"I just want to succeed in my part of the deal. If I wasn't to get the best possible on my part, that would be a tragedy, would it not?" Doom's voice was rather threatening, almost enough to make me lunge. The fact that Black Doom was speaking lowly of Swift added to that urge.
"Yes, it would. However, I don't think it is fair to Shadow and Swift-."
"Oh, they have names? You really have grown attached to them, then."
"Maria, my granddaughter, named the boy. Shadow named his sister."
"This should make it interesting then."
"What?" The Professor's worry wrinkles grew more visible as they grew closer.
"A fight to the death between the two. Obviously, whichever is the victor will be the only one left, and the one I will use for my purposes." The Professor's face became a mask, hiding the look of horror and disgust that had only flashed for a moment.
"When?" The Professor replied, hiding other emotions behind diplomacy.
You've got to be joking. I pressed my back flatter against the wall to avoid falling over out of shock. I couldn't believe that the Professor was just going to let that go through.
"As soon as possible. I'll be back in two weeks and I expect to only find one Project still alive. Namely, Shadow. Is that clear, Professor?"
As soon as possible… Tomorrow, probably. Cover it all up as an accident in training. We won't even know. They'll just forget to stop us when it gets too heated.
"Yes, sir."
"Good." Doom disappeared into thin air with a sweep of his robes and I had to choke down a gasp.
Was that… Chaos Control? I swallowed silently. I'm pretty sure that some of the scientists would do anything to help Doom insure that I won… I shuddered at the thought. Blood flashed in front of my mind's eye.
"If I don't…" The Professor shook. He stood at the entrance of the hallway where I was hidden. It was only then that I noticed the package he held in his hands, wrapped in plain brown paper.
Swift's shoes?
"He'll kill more than just Swift." The Professor shook his head sadly, then strode through the entryway to The Center.
Feeling a bit regretful for listening in on the Professor's conversation, I quickly departed upon the Professor's exit. After a few moments of internal consolation, I opened my mind back up to the world. Swift barged in immediately.
Where'd ya go? I couldn't tell you anything for a while. What's up?
Nothing.
That's not really reassuring. I'm happy to see you've upped your defense, though. I imagined a huge grin on her face.
I take it, you've something exciting to tell me.
More than exciting. It's actually rather fantastic.
Lemme guess. You got your Jet Shoes?
Correct-a-mundo, my brother. I'll have to show you them soon. Where're you?
Making my way to the room. I had to deal with a big traffic jam.
Oh.
For the next few minutes, she explained to me how the Professor went all the way into The Center to find her and present her with the Jet Shoes in the middle of the shoe store, and of course how many people inside cheered as she slipped them on. Other than the owner, who was a bit angry that he wouldn't be receiving Swift's almost everyday business.
That's great, Swift. Congratulations.
Now, you get back to the room and find me ASAP. There's a celebration to be held.
I've already been to one. I moaned back.
But yours was interrupted by one of Maria's attacks. C'mon. I'll share my success party with you.
"How can they tease you like that?" I whispered to the empty passageway, now understanding why it was void of people when the Professor and Black Doom were talking.
Sure. Thanks. I replied shortly, careful to keep my thoughts free of the burden I bore.
See you shortly, then. Swift severed the connection on a happy note, but I could feel Black Doom's words smoldering in the recesses of my mind. I trudged onward until I reached our room, and then entered after sliding my card key through the reader on the left and looking into an eye scanner. I walked to the bed, sat the bags down beside it, and vaulted onto the bed. Quickly, I buried my head in my pillow and chewed on the dilemma I faced. I wasn't sure exactly what my options were, since my mind was clouded with the fact that none of the fake situations the scientists put me through were personal.
This was real. This was personal.
Tears came to my eyes, but I blinked them away, refusing to let this overcome me. As I thought, only one option seemed to pop out at me and I wouldn't like it, but I'd like it more than killing Swift. Suddenly, the door slid open and Maria strode in, a sly simper on her face.
"Shadow, I need your help." She said commandingly.
"Alright, but first I need yours." I gritted my teeth as I pondered how to word my question without giving anything away.
"Okay. Make it fast, though. We have to hurry." She huffed impatiently.
"If you had to choose whether to hurt me or send me away, what would you do?" I asked quickly.
"Send you away." Maria said simply.
"Thanks. Now, what do you need me to do?"
"Well…"
Maria and I spent the next hour attempting to surprise Swift with a party. Ours turned out to be a bust, so we (meaning Maria) pretended that we threw the original success party.
And that's how my afternoon went… I finished.
Nice, Shadow. You're supposed to avoid Maria when she gets those crazy ideas. Or talk her out of them. Swift just looked at me blankly.
I know, right? I shouldn't have gone for that, but I did to make her happy.
It's the thought that counts, I suppose.
That's what I was thinking. I was relieved she was on my side. An argument between us at this moment would rip me to shreds. Besides, I didn't exactly have the energy to fight; I was putting all of my strength into planning.
You do like 'um, don't you? Swift began to admire her Jet Shoes again, lifting one foot and rotating it.
Of course, I've told you so about ten times. I think it's time we ditched this party; what do you think?
Yeah, I'm getting pretty bored. Any suggestions?
The observatory.
Good one.
I led the way out of the control room and down the hallway a little bit to the first doorway on the right. We waited for the door to slide open, then trekked up several flights of stairs to come up from the floor of the giant observatory. Huge panes of glass were all that separated us from outer space 360 degrees around, held in place by metal roofing. The floor of the observatory was clear only because seats were attached to the walls below each window. Swift walked over to one bench and sat down. I plopped down beside her and placed my hand on the glass. Though the glass was several inches thick, I could still feel the cold of space through the glass and my glove.
That's the cold Swift will be in. I couldn't help but think it, and begin to worry as a result.
"It sure is cold in here." Swift remarked out loud, gazing solemnly out into the blackness.
"Yeah." I nodded, shutting my eyes to prevent her from seeing the fear and anguish within them. I was, after all, supposed to be the strong one. I cautiously sealed off my mind so I could allow the utter clarity to swallow me.
I'm out of time.
A/N: Whew! Sorry for the delay between chapters! -winces- Anywho, I think I've found a song for this playlist. -jumps for joy- It's "You Fight Me" by Breaking Benjamin. The song title's probably going to end up being the title for the next chapter. I'm proud and sad to announce that we are nearing the end of this fic, dear readers. -sniffles- However, it isn't the end of the journey, but merely the beginning. There are actually several other stories that follow this. I'll let you know after the last chapter on these stories' locations and other stuff. The next chapter may or may not be the last, I'm not quite sure just yet. Wait and see! -devious grin-
I've got to hurry and get this up before I get in trouble. And yes, this is ya'lls Thanksgiving present, mostly for DemonOfLight69696, shadougexx, and most of all, Hero Memory. Thanks so much for your support, everyone!
Remember to drop me a review!
