by CS Patra
"I really wonder where I truly belong," he began. "You know, ever since Harrison died, I've questioned if my parents are really my parents. They never treated me the way they treated my brother. Then again, Harrison was perfect."
"You are perfect too."
"You're only saying that because you're my girlfriend." Ash shook his head. "No, I'm a spoiled brat. That's what everyone sees me as."
"Well, if you opened up a little bit and tried to be nicer_"
"Carolina, we've been through this. I'm not like other people. I can't mingle with other people without judging them."
"You interact with me just fine. You could do that with anyone else if you wanted."
"Most people aren't worth my time. I try to converse with them, but...I'd have better luck talking to wallpaper." Ash rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I'm not sure what's going on with me right now. I'm supposed to go somewhere tonight. Once I come back from there, I will tell you everything that happened. I promise you that."
"Are you in danger?"
"I don't know." Ash shook his head. "I'd like to think I'm not, but..." He shrugged his shoulders. "That's the curse of being wealthy and powerful. Everyone wants a piece of you."
"Have you told your parents?"
He snorted. "What good is that going to do? They'll probably be thrilled when I'm gone."
“Don’t say that, Ash.”
“You know it’s true. Have you ever seen me interact with my parents? It’s never a pretty picture,” he sighed. “I wish I could bring my brother back. I never really understood how or why he died the way he did. I never really asked those questions before and now I am.”
“Maybe it’s time you talked to your parents.” Carolina suggested. “They probably know more than you realize.”
“Maybe.” Ash nodded. “I gotta go, Lina. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, all right?”
“Take care of yourself, Ash. Love ya.”
“Right back at you.”
For this crowd, he decided that he couldn't dress too nicely. He didn't want to get anything dirty. Instead, he found an old black hoodie, black jeans that were losing color, his long black combat boots that went up to his knees, and an olive green jacket to put over his shoulders in case it got cold. He told his mother and father that he was going out late, but he would try to be back before midnight. Not that either of them were going to care. He could be lying dead on the streets and neither one of them would notice.
"Call us if you get into trouble," his father said.
"Yeah, sure." Ash replied. “I’m taking my car by the way.”
“That’s nice, dear,” his mother said. “Be careful on the road.”
The underground arena was not his place to hang out in. It was filled with people he didn’t want to talk to, it was cold, it was dark, and it smelled of something foul. Nonetheless, he wanted to know what this woman was talking about so he drove on down to it. Tonight was a very crowded night as so many people were lined up outside. They were all talking about some nonsense that he didn’t care too much for. He tried to keep warm by huddling close to a group of people. After a few minutes, the gates were opened and everyone rushed inside to find their seats.
Ash looked around the arena and he could feel his heart racing. He always wanted to participate in the Battle of Bots down here, but he didn't have the perfect fighter. He had been working on one for days, but it wasn't ready in time for any competition. Curious, he wanted to see this fight so he found a seat in the corner and settled in. This didn't look like it was going to be a typical battle of the bots. Instead, two guys were inside the ring and it seemed more like a wrestling match.
I wonder what is going on. He thought, looking around for someone that could explain this situation. Someone was right in front of him, he decided to strike up a conversation. At the very least, this would entertain him if no one else could. "Excuse me?"
The man turned around. "Yes?"
"I was wondering if this was the Battle of the Bots."
"Sometimes it is, but today is a special day. It's different from a typical battle. Here, people use their own armor to battle. These are the Armor Battles."
"Armor Battles?" Suddenly, Ash was intrigued by everything he was hearing. "How does one sign up to be part of it?"
"You have to register at the front. They'll take your information and give you a number. If you're lucky, you might be able to fight the same night that you register. Be warned that the line is long. You may not get your chance to fight until weeks later."
"Weeks later, huh?" Ash mused. "You know what? I think I will sign up for it now."
The man looked a little worried when he said that. "I don't think you should. These battles are meant for professionals and you are far too young. It would be better to wait until you're an adult. You can gain some more experience throughout the years. You'll also need someone who can build you the best armor out there."
Ash chuckled at that. "I don't need anyone to help me make anything. I'll do it all on my own."
"Oh, that's what all young kids say when they see this." The man said. "They're always so excited by these battles and they think they can win with whatever they make. It's usually not the case. I mean, you can try, but don’t think you’re going to win right away. It takes a lot of work.”
“I’m willing to put in the work. I can do it.”
“Yes, we’ll see.” The man finally found his row and went to sit down. “It was nice talking to you, kid.”
“Yeah, sure.” Ash muttered as he went to find a place. There was a little corner at the end of one row that had no people. That seemed like the perfect spot. He could hide there and not have to interact with anyone. Once he got comfortable, he looked out at the arena. For a place that was underground and hidden, it was huge. He had no idea how many people were actually down here. No one seemed to be bothered by the dim lights or the funny smells. They were all loud and ready to have fun.
“Finally! I managed to find a place!” An old man sat down next to him. "I hope this seat isn't taken."
"No, I'm here by myself." Ash said, looking over at the man. He saw that he was holding a book. "Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury."
"Have you ever read it?"
"Once." Ash nodded. "I had to read it for class, but it is a good book all the same. Still, I think Something Wicked This Way Comes is a much better book of his."
"I enjoyed that one as well." The old man agreed, opening up the book. "I've read Bradbury's books more than once, but they're always great. I'm so glad that I went to the second-hand bookstore down the street and was able to get this for only a dollar! It's still in very good condition too!"
"You actually bought a paperback book? You don't have a Kindle?"
"Oh, I do and I enjoy that as well. It's great to carry something small that holds so many books. Still, there's nothing like the feel and smell of a real paperback book." The man explained. "My name is Doug, by the way. Doug Ruskin."
"I'm Ash." Ash shook his hand. "Are you a fan of these battles, Mr. Ruskin?"
"You can call me Doug. I'll be honest. I've been to only one in my life and that's because my son took me to see it." Doug explained. "I didn't really understand what was going on though I seem to get the basic idea. Robots basically battle each other and the last one standing wins."
"Pretty much. I'm more interested in the armored battles. I might try out for one someday." Ash murmured. "Everyone keeps saying I'm too young for them though. Well, most of these guys are what, four or five years older than me? I think I've got a good shot like everyone else."
"Well, let's see what goes on here first." Doug said. He seemed more interested in his book than in the battle. Ash looked down at the program that he’d gotten. He was intrigued by it, but he also had no idea what this woman meant with her message. How could he find answers over here? He started to look around, but then the lights started to go down.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!" The announcer
boomed over the crowd. "Welcome to Battle of Bots #99! Today, we are going to see the Crusher versus the Annihilator! Who will advance to the next round? Find out in about five minutes!"
Ash wrinkled his nose at the names. "Crusher and Annihilator? I hope they both lose."
Doug chuckled at that. "Yeah, I don't think those are the most creative names out there."
"They definitely didn't try at all to name them. If I was down there, I would have come up with something better." Ash murmured. Since they had five minutes, he could go and sign up for the Armored Battles. "Can you excuse me for a second and watch my seat? I'll be right back."
"Sure, go ahead. Your seat is safe with me."
"Thank you." Ash excused himself and started walking up to the front where the signup sheet was. He could prove to everyone that he was strong enough to compete with these other men and women. He would work on his armor over the weekend and show them that he could rise to the top.
As he was walking by, he accidentally bumped into a man that was completely wet. "Oh, sorry!"
The man didn't seem to realize what had happened until he turned around. His expression was completely blank and he said nothing. All he did was stare at Ash. It didn't make sense how the hell he got wet since it wasn't raining. Then he turned back around and headed down the stairs. Ash stared at him for a second before writing his name on the list and following the wet man down the steps. He found his seat again, but didn’t lose sight of the man.
“Do you see him?” He asked Doug.
Doug was ten pages into his novel when he heard Ash. “See who?”
“There’s a guy that’s completely soaked. I have no idea how because it’s not raining.” He explained, looking to see if he could find the man again. “Crap, I lost sight of him! Where did he go?”
“Where did who go?”
“That wet guy.”
"I... I don't know what's happening, folks." The announcer went on. "This isn't... this is not part of the program. Please... security! Security!"
"Run, everyone!" The man yelled. "You are not safe here! They are coming for you!"
"Security!" The announcer was yelling and a couple of men began to run down the stairs.
"Everything is a lie, people! Everything!"
Then without further ado, the man set himself ablaze. People began screaming and gasping as he lit up. Ash recoiled in his seat as he watched the man stand there and burn. Doug was trying to cover his eyes, but no one could stop watching this. His words still echoing in Ash's mind as he tried to get up.
Everything is a lie.
"What do you think he meant by that?" Doug whispered to Ash. "Everything is a lie."
Ash shuddered. "You've heard that too?"
"We better get out of here now!" Doug took Ash's hand and helped him up to his feet. "Come on, let's go! Get out now!"
Ash finally found the strength to get up and leave his seat. He didn’t know where he was going or where he should go at that moment. He tried to find his cell phone to call his parents and tell them what had happened. It didn’t matter if they didn’t pick up or not. He just wanted to make sure that they knew something was very wrong over here.
“Mom… Dad… it’s me.” He tried to get out as he was running out the doors. “Please… if you hear this… something’s going on. I… I’m trying to get home…”
“Come with me!” He heard someone yell and grab his hand before he could react. He didn’t get the chance to hang up his phone as he was pulled out of the crowd.
“Hey! Hey, wait!” He called after the person that was leading him out. “Who are you?! Where are you taking me?!”
“You will see!” The person shot back. “Just don’t ask any more questions!”
He found himself being dragged out into the streets and sent towards a set of apartments. He had no time to catch his breath or ask anyone where he was. The only moment he was able to stop was when he was in front of someone’s apartment with six other people. He only recognized Doug who had been sitting next to him.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
Doug shrugged. “I got pushed in here. Someone told me to go in this building and so I did.”
“Someone told me the same thing.” One of the girls said. “What is going on? I was in that arena one moment and I’m here the next. I’ve lost my sister in the process. I’ve got to let her know that I’m okay.”
The door opened at that moment. “Go ahead and let your loved ones know you’ll be out for a little bit. It’s not safe to go out now.”
They all looked up to see an Indian man standing in the doorway. “Hi, everyone. I’m Nikhil Sampath.”
Ash blinked. “What’s going on?”
Nikhil nodded. “You’ll find out in time. Right now, I’m about to change your life.”
Chapter 6- Nikhil
There was now a group of eight people assembled inside of Nikhil Sampath's apartment. They were all confused, scared, and wondering the same things. He was the only one who felt confident enough to answer questions. Then again, he was also the only one who had some research prior to all this. He knew that they had all been invited to the underground arena, because he received the same invitation. Unlike the others, however, he opted not to go. He knew they would all come to him. Somehow, he had the feeling they would all end up at his doorstep. He was told that they would be led here and sure enough, they had arrived.
He spoke to the woman that had given him this information. She told him whatever she knew about Project 99 and all these people. He didn't believe any of it at first, but it was starting to make sense. These people were supposed to have a part of him. They were connected to each other. They were created by Project 99 and none of them knew about it until now. He was a little nervous to talk to them, but he had to get the air clear.
"I know there's a lot going on outside," he began. "I know you want to go home. Above all, I know you're confused."
“Yeah, I am confused.” Misty said. “I lost my sister in the crowd. I told my parents I would be home by ten. What am I supposed to do now?”
“Let your sister know that you’re okay and that you’re in a friend’s house.” Nikhil suggested. “Tell her that you need at least an hour here. Afterwards, she can come pick you up.”
“An hour?” Crystal repeated. “What are we going to do for an hour here?”
“Yeah, I don’t know who you are.” Jackie added. “Why did you bring us over here? Are you the one that sent all those notes?”
Nikhil knew he would be bombarded with confused looks and a million questions. They all began asking him everything he expected them to ask. Who was he? What did he want with them? Where were they? He had all the answers, but he needed them to slow down long enough to answer.
"I can't stay out here all night." Pam said. "I have two kids that need to be picked up from my mother's house. Can you just please give us a brief explanation as to what's going on?
"Don't worry, Pam. I won't hold you here for long."
"How do you know my name?"
"I know all your names." He pointed to each person as he named them off. "I found out about you."
"And why did you find out about us? You know I can have you arrested for kidnapping me, right?" Ash said. “So what is it that you want? Money? I’ve got tons of it. I can lead you to my vault and you can have whatever you want.”
"Relax, Ash. I don’t want money. I did not kidnap you. You were brought to me and for good reason. You want to hear what I have to say. You can threaten me all you want, but you are curious. You want to know what the whole deal is."
"So tell us." Misty suggested. "What is the whole deal?"
"All right, just sit down. Breathe. Collect all your thoughts." Nikhil said. "Take a seat wherever you can and I will answer everything you have. I will answer to the best of my ability. Before we do anything, does anyone want anything to eat or drink? I have mostly vegetarian food here, but I'm sure
it will be something you'll like."
"No, I think I'm good." Doug nodded. "I just want some clear answers. I've never been to anything like that arena before. I knew it was there, but had no real interest in it. Even more shocking, someone killed themselves in front of me! Did you know this would happen?
"I didn't. I didn't expect any of that. However, it also doesn't surprise me. Nothing that happens with us is going to surprise me."
"With us?" Crystal repeated. "What's going on with us?"
Nikhil crossed the room to face her. “Let me see, you are Crystal Garrison,” he said. “Am I right?”
“Yeah, you’re right.” Crystal said. “Now one big question remains; who are you? What do you want with us? What is really going on over here?”