I'm on a bit of a roll. Shout out! =) A HUGE thank you to skycord1990. Comments mean the world to me! This one's a little longer. Hope you enjoy.
CLU pushed the cycle faster, leaning forward over the body of the vehicle. The speed calmed his thoughts as he wound through the light cycle course. Kevin had left a few cycles prior and CLU needed to feel control. He owned this cycle and he was the only one it obeyed. His helmet whistled as the air moved over it. A grin curled over his lips and he took a ramp upward toward the surface. His arms prickled with anticipation as he took the incline, soaring up into the air. He let out a laugh, sounding exactly like Kevin. Then he hit the ground and turned hard, his body tensing against the change in direction.
A program stood near the outside of the course, watching him silently. CLU rolled his eyes when he recognized Jarvis. Kevin had made the annoying assistant for him to compensate for his absence. CLU didn't care much for the program, wishing instead that Kevin would stay dedicated to their mission and not leave the grid. Jarvis was always following him and it was getting tiresome.
CLU slowed his cycle and pulled up next to Jarvis. The program lit up.
"That was a fantastic run sir." He gushed. CLU didn't bother to retract his helmet.
"What is it?" He asked, rolling his eyes. Jarvis lurched forward, approaching the cycle.
"TRON wishes to see you sir."
"Where?" CLU growled, unhappy at being summoned like a child. Jarvis smiled, happy to be useful.
"He's in the arena, I have a ship waiting for your transport." He practically sang the words. CLU leaned back over the cycle.
"I'll ride." He murmured, taking off before Jarvis could respond. The program slumped as his master grew fainter in the distance.
CLU sped through the outer grid, his yellow glow noticeable by every program he passed. Several slowed when he approached, gazing at him while he'd whip by in a blur of light. The arena wasn't lit completely but CLU could see the lower level's glow from the street. He decelerated and deactivated his cycle in mid ride, rolling gracefully to a standing position. He was the best cyclist on the grid and he had the tricks to prove it. CLU walked into the arena through a large entrance, taking in the activities inside. Programs, all shielded by helmets surrounded TRON in a wide circle in the middle of the arena. One program came running at TRON and leapt, landing an attack near his head. TRON blocked it and flipped backwards, touched down in a crouch. His opponent came at him again, jutting a disc at TRON's left while landing a swift kick on his right side. TRON groaned and stumbled, whipping around in a circle. The program ripped a leg under the distracted TRON and he fell. CLU recognized the move and he smiled under his helmet. ZOE.
TRON blocked her incoming disc and pushed, reeling her backwards enough to free himself. He stood and lunged at her with his disc, which she blocked. He struck again and again but ZOE blocked him easily, her stance strong and steady. CLU held his breath. She was fearless and fast, rivaling her teacher. TRON swiped at her again and she ducked, pushing off the ground with both feet, ramming TRON in the waist with her shoulder. He fell backwards and she straddled him as he fell, bringing her disc to his throat. The programs around them had been cheering but went silent at TRON's defeat. CLU felt his suit tighten around his waist and he went rigid. He didn't want to reveal his attraction to this program but his body was betraying him. He swore mentally, trying to steady the warmth that spread through is body.
ZOE was still straddling TRON but she removed her disc, replacing it behind her back. CLU's thoughts shifted from arousal to anger. TRON ran a hand up her thigh briefly and CLU growled quietly in his helmet. His touch disappeared before it was noticed by the rest of the crowd, ZOE standing up and offering him a hand. TRON took it and stood, coming almost helmet-to-helmet with his student. CLU strode forward, ready to break up the events.
"TRON." He said sternly, his helmet still over his face. TRON looked over at him and retracted his helmet. His breathing was slightly labored and CLU grinned. ZOE retracted hers as well. Her eyes were a steely green. CLU loved how different she looked when she fought. Her face was solid, revealing little emotion and her eyes were always dark, almost hungry. TRON turned to the rest of his students.
"Continue working, then maybe you all could be that good." CLU retracted his helmet, wearing a cocky smile.
"Careful TRON, they might get ideas." Soft chuckles were exchanged between students as they revealed their faces. TRON just laughed.
"I'm already in trouble with this one." He motioned to ZOE. She was watching CLU with a fierce seriousness and he almost raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. She is truly a warrior." The term caused her to lower her gaze. TRON laughed and ran a hand through his hair.
"It's just a game CLU." He said patting ZOE on the shoulder. "Go get some rest." He murmured to her. She nodded curtly to TRON and CLU, turning and leaving the arena. CLU watched her go and TRON noticed it.
"She's a loyal program." He said carefully. CLU felt TRON's jealously and he wanted to laugh. Serves him right.
"You wanted to speak to me?" CLU said, wandering past TRON.
"Kevin won't be returning for longer than expected." CLU closed his eyes, frustration mounting in his throat. This was becoming more and more of a habit. "The plans to expand the grid will be delayed." He added, watching CLU's back rise and fall.
"No." CLU finally bellowed, turning a furious glare on TRON. "No they won't be. We will expand without him." TRON frowned.
"CLU, that's foolish, we need the creato—" CLU stepped closer to him, raising himself taller than TRON.
"I was made in his image, I will continue his vision." He growled, stepping away when the echoes faded. CLU started back towards the exit, unwilling to converse with TRON any longer. His helmet formed over his face again and he murmured to himself as he left the arena.
"…with or without him."
The second disc battle could have filled the arena twice. CLU grinned as he looked down at the screaming programs through his gleaming helmet. Their excitement made him proud of his magnificent system. TRON filed into the arena with the rest of the players as they exited their craft in the center of the field. It rose and floated away leaving them surrounded by their fans. Some players raise their arms, evoking chants and cheers. ZOE stood silent next to TRON. CLU knew her eyes were dark beneath her helmet and a tingling ran through his chest. He was genuinely looking forward to this match.
Cells formed from the floor of the arena and the combatants stepped inside. CLU noticed that TRON tensed when ZOE stepped away from him. He knew that the teacher had grown fond of the student, too fond for his taste. When all were standing inside, the cells lifted from the ground, raising high for all to see. CLU's stomach swirled with excitement. They paired off randomly and ZOE faced a program called VAN. CLU smirked, knowing no one stood a chance against her.
The game began and the crowd roared. CLU watched ZOE fly around her cell, soon pinning VAN to the floor.
"Combatant 2, Eliminated." VAN fell through the cell and met TRON who patted him encouragingly. ZOE waited.
"Combatant 7, Eliminated." A male program dropped and ZOE rose to meet the victor. CLU smiled. She was doing splendidly. Her new opponent was a female. The two immediately lunged at each other, kicking and flipping around the cell. ZOE bounced her disc and twisted past an attack, catching her disc and pinning her opponent.
"Combatants 9, 3, 1, 8, Eliminated." The announcer boomed. TRON helped his students to their feet. ZOE's cell sank, meeting a male program. CLU reclined, assured that she was the finest fighter. TRON watched her cell, his gaze exposed by his retracted helmet.
"This match is going quickly." CLU didn't turn to look at Jarvis. Ignoring him proved more productive. "Don't you think sir?" Jarvis begged for attention. CLU rolled his eyes under his dark helmet, wishing he could turn him off. Jarvis neared him and CLU allowed it, hoping the proximity would quiet his annoying questions.
"Combatants 5, 10, Eliminated." ZOE had dispatched another player, rising once more.
"Combatants 4, 6, Final Round." CLU's stomach tightened. He wanted her to be ruthless. The thought of her defeating TRON rose into his mind and he hardened slightly. She was his warrior. CLU moved his leg in his slouched position, covering his growing erection with his cape.
ZOE let her opponent, a program called EDI, charge at her. She stood still, her stance wide. CLU felt himself stiffen further. She was growing more confident, cocky even. EDI swung at her and she dodged him, her feet still planted. CLU's pulse rose. EDI swung again and ZOE shifted her weight, avoiding him. She was making her opponent look foolish with very little effort. EDI paused and ZOE swiped at him, missing his arm by inches. CLU inhaled sharply. Any closer and he would have lost the limb to deresolution; she was playing dangerously. EDI stumbled backward, shocked by ZOE's sudden aggressiveness. CLU glanced at TRON who was pacing under her like a trapped animal.
"She's not a student anymore." CLU growled, his arousal steadily increasing. Jarvis took a step forward, leaning down to him.
"I'm sorry, sir?" He asked. CLU barked at him before he could get any closer.
"Bring her to me when she wins." He ordered. Jarvis took a step back and left the room in a hurry, eager to please. CLU returned his attention to ZOE. EDI had charged her and she stood her ground. At the last second, she moved and he passed her. She struck out with the heel of her foot, sending him face-first into the cell floor. EDI scrambled to stand and ZOE didn't advance but stood over him, cocking her head. TRON froze beneath her, watching with a frown on his face. He hadn't taught her this; she was teasing, prolonging an inevitable win. EDI whirled and faced her.
"What are you doing?" He asked, his voice barely audible over the cheering in the stands. CLU leaned forward, awaiting her response. ZOE stepped back from EDI several paces, then ran at him full speed. He shrunk back and she kicked off the floor and flipped over his head, extending her legs in a hands-free cartwheel.
"Magnificent." CLU purred. She landed behind EDI and he spun to face her. ZOE grabbed the side of his helmet and pushed him sideways, sending him to the floor once again. Then she was over him, hovering her disc over his throat.
"Combatant 4, Winner." The announcer boomed. The cell lowered and ZOE remained over EDI until they reached the ground. He retracted his helmet, gasping for air under his attacker. When the walls dissolved, ZOE stood and replaced her disc. TRON rushed forward, offering a hand to EDI. The crowd was chanting her name, screaming wildly. Jarvis appeared and CLU watched him approach the still-masked ZOE. The program leant forward cautiously, whispering to her. Her gaze lifted to CLU's craft, looming over the stadium. Then she stalked past Jarvis who flinched away.
TRON reached out and he gripped her arm. CLU wished she'd strike him like she'd done EDI, but she halted. TRON leaned into her and his face was lined with a frown, his teeth showing as he spoke. CLU chuckled to himself. TRON was obviously unhappy, the opposite of CLU's current mood. He practically purred when TRON dropped ZOE's arm and she continued toward the exit.
Aren't you glad I'm not leaving you hanging ;) No worries, next chapter will follow shortly.