by A W Wang
After taking a quick survey, she sneaks away to reach our flag.
A chill runs up my spine.
“Brin,” Walt says, his goggles magnifying the terror in his eyes.
I finish the sentence for him. “It’s Suri.”
Forty-Five
There will be repercussions.
I don’t understand why the words won’t stay away.
“What do we do?” Walt says.
Panicked thoughts flood into my mind as I push him back and down the crumbling slope. While I desperately search for a solution, my heart leaps into my throat and my breaths shorten. In our last meeting, Suri ended our friendship for the good of both of us, but she’s still the person closest to me in this crazy place. If I kill her, the scenario will end, but can I live with myself? Unlike my real world memories, there are no guarantees I’ll ever forget anything I’ve done in the virtual universe. Certainly to this point, it hasn’t happened.
“Brin?”
Through taut lips, I reply, “We’re not killing her.”
“You’re going to let Syd do it?”
“No, that’s not what I mean.”
“Then how do we end this scenario?”
I look to the blue dome. The vast distance to the real world seems further away than ever. “We let her win.”
The idea sounds worse leaving my mouth than it did in my head.
“Brin,” Walt pleads. “Think about what you’re saying. You’re almost out of here. I love Suri, but you’ll be sending everyone to level zero.”
“But with more experience, coming back will be easier. We’ll have a chance that Suri doesn’t, not against Syd’s super-team and not against me. She’ll die unless we let her win.”
He frowns, knowing my reply is truthful. “I’m not that good.”
It kills me but he’s right. I wrestle in my mind before blowing out a sigh.
“Syd taught me a secret you can use to get out of here. When you drink the blue liquid in the cafeteria, imagine the taste of murder and you’ll become a better fighter like him.”
While I hope I haven’t made anything worse, I can’t condemn Walt to death either.
“What about the others on our side?”
“Everyone else is dead or less than a three. This is a small step backward. Except for Syd’s team. You saw them. They’ll need to take their chances like everyone else.”
The teen bites his lip, his posture shrinking.
“To win this scenario, we need to kill the other team. That means Suri has to die. Is this what you want?”
He shakes his head. “What do you need me to do?”
“Make Syd and his teammates stay away from the area. I’ll get her around the guards and to the flag.” I put my hand on his shoulder. “Be brave and do this.”
“Okay, Brin, I trust you believe you know what you’re doing.”
The response is a bit strange, but we need to act now. “Go, there isn’t much time.”
After quickly nodding, he leaps down the incline and rushes away.
The hasty plan is full of terrible logic, but I don’t know what else to do. Suri’s death at my hands would rob me of any humanity I have left.
I dash after her, hoping I don’t change my mind and everything turns out for the best.
Implementing the other half of my impulsive plan will be harder than convincing Walt. I have to grab Suri without harm to either of us and get her safely to the flag.
Improvisation isn’t my strength and anxiety fills my thoughts. Things are happening too quickly, but I can’t let her die.
“This is a terrible idea, and I’m having nothing to do with it,” says the strange voice inside my head.
“Shut up.”
I already feel queasy enough without internal me eroding my resolve.
The berm curves outward and away from the flag, affording me a precious minute to find another alternative as I catch up. While I run, my mind speeds into overdrive, searching through nonexistent alternatives. When Suri reaches the end of the wall and prepares to race for the flag, I’m not surprised when nothing offers itself.
My trepidations mount as I sprint over the remaining distance to the stealthy form, the brittle earth crunching under my heavy steps. The thudding approach is far too conspicuous and when I leap, she turns.
Her sword flashes in the sunlight and in midair, I yank out my own to block her swing.
The two blades meet with a clang, then I roll to the side, dodging a riposte. Loud crescendos of swordplay aren’t part of my hastily-conceived plan.
Before she can launch another attack, I jump to my feet and yank back my hood. “Suri, it’s me.”
A moment passes before the surprise in her eyes fades into recognition. “Brin? Oh, no,” she laments, sinking to her knees.
Suspiciously, I say, “You ended our friendship.”
She pulls off her bandanna. “I said that so you would move past breaking up the team and concentrate on surviving the program.”
“Get up,” I say, lowering my sword.
She tosses aside her weapons. “Please hurry and finish it.”
“Stop acting like an ass, Suri.”
“I won’t fight you.”
“That makes two of us. But Syd’s here too, and he and his team won’t have any problems hacking you into little shreds. You’re going to lose.”
She releases a heavy sigh. “What do you want to do?”
“I’ll get you around the guards and to the flag.”
“I can’t allow you to do that. Not for me.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I have to do this for myself. Not for anyone else.” When she doesn’t reply, I add, “This isn’t bragging, but I’m better equipped to reach ten sigmas than you. We both know it’s true.”
Despite the situation, I see she wants to make a joke, but thankfully, she holds off. “Even with more skill, you might not return to this level.”
I force a grin. Going to zero and returning will be virtually impossible. “Don’t worry, I’ll make it.”
The sounds of fighting dim.
“Do you hear that?” I say. “That’s the last of your team dying. We have to move, now.”
“I’ll owe you big time.”
“Yes, you will. When we’re sitting in the real world, you’ll be buying the first and second round of drinks.”
“Okay, but I hate doing this.”
“We’ll send Syd and his people to level zero, which at least is a good thing.”
A genuine smile crosses her face. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”
Me too.
I lead and guide her past an acacia tree and a shimmering pond instead of following the direct route. Although time-consuming, the serpentine path allows us to get behind the guards.
With nothing further to say, we move in silence. But with each step I take in Suri’s company, my conviction for the crazy plan strengthens.
Finally, I understand. The length of time Rick and then I held the original team together against all odds allowed friendships to form that should have been impossible given the nature of this program. And the overlords couldn’t erase those feelings because they’re a part of the fighters we’ve become. As long as I keep true to my friends, nothing can harm my humanity.
Although I’ll be heading back to level zero, for the first time since the loss of my memories, my moral compass is pointing in the right direction. After so much emptiness followed by the misguided emotions of the blue liquid, the sparks of life flooding into my being feel wonderful.
My footsteps lighten.
It’s good to care again.
As we leave the wet dirt surrounding the pond, Suri’s strides force me to move at a faster pace than I’d like. She’s serious about getting it done quickly. I want to slow her down, but I’m more afraid she’ll change her mind.
I grit my teeth. There are risks with whatever we do.
When the flag comes into view, I hesitate, rubbing my neck.
>
Instead of waiting, Suri runs to the goal.
We need caution, not speed. I sprint after her, struggling to close the distance and trying not to holler.
Sand sprays as a huge form erupts from the ground and grabs at her legs. It’s Mick, the largest of Syd’s team.
I fling my dagger at him, the blade catching perfectly in his neck. An irrational happiness passes over me as he falls.
Another dagger hisses through the air and hits Suri’s leg, and she tumbles to the ground.
Footsteps rush from behind me.
As I roll away from the ambush, two people rise from the sand and grab at my legs. I lash out with kicks and twist myself free from an arm lock.
Before I can regain my balance, a leaping form drives a stomp kick into my side, bruising several ribs. I groan in pain. But I have to reach Suri who is buried under a pile of attackers.
Another fist flies at my face.
I duck but a painful elbow jams into my kidney. I slam my head back and cartilage breaks.
As I crawl forward, someone else, heavier, kicks me in the stomach. I roll onto my side, pain radiating from my bruised ribs.
More people grab me, pinning my arms behind my back.
“Well, what do we have here?” Belle whispers in my ear.
Rough hands push my face into the hot sand.
Blowing out a dust-laden breath, I twist my head while futilely struggling against the many bodies restraining me.
Two people step forward and grab a battered Suri and drag her from the flag.
“I told you I hated this plan. It’s everything you’re not good at,” says internal me.
“Shut up.”
Belle and her companions haul me upright, careful to keep my arms immobilized.
I shiver. Their faces are painted in various blood designs.
They’re part of the worse things.
Belle leans into my vision, circles of red surrounding her eyes. “Syd will want you for himself, but we can have fun with your friend.”
I scream as the people pound Suri with their fists and rip her clothing to shreds. When she’s naked, they use the strips of her outfit to bind her arms and legs. Then trussed up like an animal for slaughter, they toss her at my feet.
The crowd parts for Syd.
When I see Walt walking next to him, my heart breaks.
As the teen approaches with tentative strides, I understand where happiness clouded my judgment. The lengthy stares, the unblinking eyes. Walt has been using the blue liquid, which is why he’s survived for so long. Syd must have taken the training part with him seriously enough to reveal the secret.
Syd stops in front of me and removes his goggles and pulls down his bandanna.
“You killed Mick, one of your own side,” he says with a smile. “That requires a consequence.”
“Go to hell.”
He delivers a backhand across my cheek and before I can straighten, follows with a punch into my body.
My injured ribs scream in agony.
With a mysterious smirk, he steps backward.
Although terrified of what’s coming, I’m more ashamed of my plan failing and losing to Syd.
“Just finish it,” I say to end Suri’s suffering.
“No, we won’t be killing her for at least a little while. First, we’re going to teach you a little lesson,” Syd says as he draws his dagger and slices my clothing.
Forty-Six
Covered by the shade of the rampart, I struggle from my knees against the unbreakable grips of Syd’s people. Ragged breaths spew through my clenched teeth while my bruised ribs cry with dull waves of pain. Except for my bra and panties, my clothing lies in tatters over the surrounding sand.
Suri writhes, the blood from many cuts flowing down her body.
I jerk my shoulders against the grasping hands and receive an agonizing kick to my ribs. Although I force back whimpers, my grimace draws a smile from Syd.
He turns his attention to Suri and runs his fingers down the blood covering her back, slowly tracing a pattern to her thighs.
Both Belle and Syrin chuckle at her cries of disgust.
After painting a rendition of some ancient god on his face, Syd gazes with a strange reverence to the blue dome, listening to something no one can see.
When the odd communion finishes, he stands and points at me. “No switching sides, Brin.”
Without any snarky retorts available, I only return a glare to the truthful accusation.
He raises his hands to his people. “This woman is a traitor to our cause, and we shall do everything to her that we desire.”
The statement garners many nods of approval. Belle kneels, stroking my hair. “So thick, so luxurious.”
Syd walks to us. “I’ve been studying anatomy with my prisoners,” he says with calm detachment. “It’s amazing what you can learn by taking time to enjoy the fruits of the scenarios. I’d like to teach you a few of the finer points of torture.”
I unclench my jaw long enough to say, “That’s okay.”
His dagger glints as he yanks it out. Then he steps into the shadow and uses it to tap his cheek. “I insist.”
“Syd, just end this,” Suri mumbles from the ground.
The plain-faced man rolls his eyes. “Gag the bitch.”
Syrin grabs Suri and places a dagger over her throat. “I can do better than that.”
Syd twists his head, saying with exasperation, “She’s the last one. The scenario’s over if you kill her.”
Flushing from embarrassment, Syrin shoves a ball of cloth between Suri’s lips then unwraps her sash and binds it over her mouth.
Syd fixes his attention on me. “I was very fond of you. We should have been partners in everything, but you broke your word.”
For unnecessary emphasis, Belle glares from behind him.
I spit. “You were trying to get everyone except us killed.”
He shrugs. “They were going to die, anyway.”
“You said you would save them—who’s lying?”
“Within reason, I would have done my best. However, no matter what was going to happen, they were going to die.”
Ugh.
While I hate the idiotic circular arguments with Haiku, this is worse. “Just get on with it.”
With a steady gaze coming from behind the crazy war paint, Syd says, “I’ve discovered a way to cut the nerves of your limbs without damaging the arteries. I’ll have you flopping around in no time.”
From the scenarios and our time in the sanctuary, I know Syd perhaps better than anyone in this universe, and he means every word. Despite my training and experiences, the loss of body control terrifies me. I twist and pull, struggling with everything I have, but only succeed in amusing the sadistic faces crowding behind Syd.
The tip of his dagger trails down my shoulder to the inside of my right arm.
I flinch.
“Careful, if you squirm too much, I might cut something I shouldn’t. That would be harmful to my pleasure.”
My scowl only excites the glow in his eyes.
There is a sharp pinch, and a splash of blood drips on the blade. The arm goes numb. Terrified, I thrash my body, but none of the muscles below my right shoulder will respond to my desperate commands.
A sting touches the inner part of my left arm, which fails too.
Despite trying to remain stoic, a shriek of terror leaves my throat.
When Syd leans over to slice inside my thighs, I thrust out with a knee.
“Cut her spine,” says Syrin with a hungry grin spread on her narrow face.
“No, that’s too much, I want her to enjoy certain things,” Syd replies, scraping the tip of his dagger down the triangle of my panties.
“Let me do it, I’ve been practicing,” Belle says.
Syd nods to her and steps away.
Rough hands yank me backward as my feet and legs are pulled apart. Belle sinks between my knees.
When she dips her head and kisses th
e material covering my privates, I snarl. Her dagger runs along the inside of my thigh, then my left leg goes numb.
I cry out more from the idea than any actual suffering. A moment later, the feeling leaves my other leg. Helpless, I gasp. Only my torso can move.
Belle stands and gives Syd a steamy kiss.
“That’s perfect,” he says with appreciation.
The sky rises above my head as I’m shoved flat to the ground. My wriggling only adds to the terror. Although there is minimal pain, the limitations are worse than any wound, surpassing even when my intestines were spilled over the street and the violet-eyed girl saved me.
Syd’s people leer, making lewd comments, as they remove their clothing. Some even have blood symbols painted down their chests and over their genitals.
Thinking of the bizarre things they must have been performing on Suri’s team, I tense my lips into a line to prevent my panic from exploding.
Syd kneels and brings his blood-decorated face close to mine. His breath rolls past as he speaks. “We perform a ritual to bind ourselves to the thoughts of the blue liquid. Don’t you wish you had married me when you had the chance?”
“You’re insane,” I sputter.
A hunched Walt stands behind the crowd, trembling.
Syd follows my stare. “Walt, you want to be the first?”
The teen edges backward.
“Oh, don’t worry. Once you’ve combined sex with violence, you won’t be so scared. Or impotent.”
Everyone laughs at the crude joke.
Syd returns his attention to me and slices away my remaining garments with deft flicks.
A whimper comes from Walt while more snickers fill the air.
I twist my head when Syd plants a sloppy kiss on my lips.
The part of my body that can still move trembles as his dagger scrapes past my navel and stops between my legs.
One of Syd’s men, stomps forward, removing his underwear. I’m not surprised to see him erect. “This is will be fun.”
Syrin yanks out her dagger. “Leave something for my turn.”