Chapter 16：Episode 15 - Siege pt. 5 (1/2)

–– GREEN TEAM POV ––

Stella and Carter were outside the warehouse. In just a few hours the match will start. Sitting below a tree, talking between themselves, far from their team. Neither of them considered themselves as strong enough to fight. They were never strong. They became part of the armed force just to be a support for the stronger ones, because they knew they would never be strong. As much as they trained, as much as they exercised, they could never develop the stamina they desired. Never developed the strength they longed for. Stella hid her face between her knees. The nerves were eating them alive; they couldn't think about anything else that wasn't death. They knew they won't be of help. Just Cole and Zoe could save them.

– Stella… do you think… we'll win…?

– … Are you seriously asking me? —she raised her head and looked defiantly at him— Of course we won't win! We're trash! We exist just to help the strongest out of the battlefield! We could never win… not even if Cole tries… we won't…

Carter's expression alone was enough of an answer. He knew they will lose. But hearing it so bluntly still hurt. It hurt hearing it with his own ears. He bit his lip and punched the ground with his fist. They felt powerless. Totally helpless.

Just a few more minutes passed by.

”Green and Orange Teams, come to the coliseum. I repeat: Green and Orange Teams, come to the coliseum.”

It was time. Nobody was ready. Carter got up and took Stella's hand, helping her get up. Odine ran out of the warehouse and noticed two familiar silhouettes near the tree.

What are you doing here!? We were planning our strategy and you two weren't present! Tch. I don't know how you entered the army.

With that said, Odine walked out first. Zoe and Cole approached Carter and Stella. Both laid their hands down on their shoulders, letting them know that everything is going to be alright, with a bright smile on their faces.

After hearing the announcement, everyone from the team got up of their beds and made their way to the coliseum. After what happened a few days ago with Ray, Jade and Phoebe, the atmosphere became tense and awkward. Almost no one talked, just Alec and Augustus, the others would just hear them talk.

Everyone went to their respective pods. Ray side eyed Jade. Jade had her eyes closed, harshly biting her lip. She clenched her fists and looked up. She will avenge her sister's death. She was willing to win that stupid game all of them were forced in. For Gin. Ray unknowingly smiled. He knew what Jade was thinking, and he thought the same about Hal. Phoebe noticed how Ray was looking at Jade. She could only sigh. That was not the time to think about emotions, it was the time to win.

Immediately, everyone lay down, not even 5 seconds later and everyone was inside the match. Following their strategy, Phoebe was going alone, Ray and Jade together, and lastly their leader and right-hand man. Even inside the match, their communication was scarce.

Alec and Augustus were situated in Base 1. They were looking everything around them in case someone from the enemy team approached. They noticed two figures walking up to the base, trying to get the first 5 points. But these guys wouldn't let them do as they pleased, so, the Orange Team got their first 4 points.

–– GREEN TEAM POV ––

Stella and Carter were the first ones to get killed. After respawning, Odine was near the warehouse.

– What are you doing!? Look carefully where you're going! They could be hiding!

– We're doing the best we can!

– It doesn't look like it since you gave 4 points away!

In that instant, Cole was walking near the warehouse and heard Odine scream.

– What is happening?

– These two weaklings are giving points away!

– Odine, they're trying to do their best…

– Screw that! They can't do anything right! I'm going to win this game alone!

With that, Odine ran as fast as she could out of the warehouse. She was extremely mad. One could almost see fire in her eyes. The smoke out of her skin. Stella couldn't hold on any longer and fell to her knees, hiding her face in both of her hands.

I can't do this… —she said, barely audible above her crying—.

Cole kneeled beside her.

– We can't win…Don't give up, guys… we c—

Right then, Odine reappeared in the warehouse. Without saying anything, she ran out again. Zoe reappeared too a few seconds later.