Rebel 2

by Riker Kane

  “Both of you. In the Sanctum.”

  “That’s it?” The blond twisted her lips in disappointment. “Why would I do something like that?”

  “Mercy. You can either wake up in a regenerator or you can not wake up at all. Your choice.”

  Venom narrowed her eyes. The disdain had never been so intense.

  Max’s adrenaline was pumping through him so hard, he was ready for anything. Nothing Venom or Slug could do would get him to move from his spot.

  The suite fell silent except for Max’s breathing.

  Venom raised her chin up and looked down her nose at him. “It’s a shame. You would have made so many credits working for us. We could have expanded our grip on this city to every district. You had the opportunity of a lifetime. Now the Rebel is choosing to tarnish his legacy in the Vicious Sanctum…” She moved close enough to Max he could smell the scent of her perfume. “…Be careful what you wish for. Slug here will pound you into dust and I’ll sweep up the remains.”

  “If you know I’m the Rebel, you know I’m not one to be intimidated.”

  “I suppose not. That’s fine. The line will move in your favor. Placing a bet on Slug and me will be the biggest bounty of credits you’ve ever made for us. I can’t be upset with that… Bring the android with you. Maybe then you’ll actually have a chance.”

  Slug slammed his fist in his palm and cracked his knuckles. Max looked him up and down and shook his head. “There’s nothing you can do,” Max said. “You already sealed your fate when you put your hands on Sammy.”

  Max slowly backed away. He kept his eyes on both of them before he was far enough he didn’t have to worry about them trying anything.

  He turned around and left the suite, his stare enough to deter the Disciple guards from trying to detain him. Max stepped back into the elevator and put his AllDevice to his ear.

  “Hudson.”

  “You all right?”

  “I got Venom and Slug in the Sanctum. Everything’s set.”

  ~ ~ ~

  It was only a few hours after the battle in the Vicious Sanctum was scheduled when Max found himself back at Club Reincarnation early in the morning.

  He sat inside of the lavish suite, the aroma of fresh fruits and flowery fragrances filling his nostrils. But not even the smells of luxury or the scenic view or the comfort of the plush leather chair were enough to distract him from the older man sitting across from him.

  The thin man in his expensive suit cut at a kiwi with a small paring knife, making slices thin enough he could eat them without having to chew.

  “Fresh fruit,” the man said. “Genetic engineering has advanced so much they can be grown without the skin and prepared in bite-size form. I also have enough credits to pay someone to do this for me. But I prefer getting my hands a little dirty. Part of eating a kiwi is the satisfaction of working to get at its center.”

  He held up a slice of the kiwi and stuffed it between his lips. His face puckered slightly, accentuating the wrinkles on his tan skin.

  “Would you like a piece?”

  Max shook his head. “You don’t have to extend your hospitality to me, Irving. I know you want something from me.”

  “Hmm… Straight to the point. I can respect that. I do business with a lot of people and there’s nothing more annoying than one who dawdles.” He chopped away another slice of kiwi. “The promotion for your next bout has begun. The Rebel and the android versus Venom and Slug. Some people are surprised after you’ve been witnessed in Reincarnation spending time around them. But I’m not. A relationship with the Disciples is always volatile at best.”

  “It’s about to get even more volatile when they step into the Sanctum with me.”

  “I wouldn’t doubt that. Maximilian. The Champion of the War Gamez in New Austin and his android companion. You two are a formidable duo. A lot of credits will be placed on you in the coming days.”

  “If you’re smart, you’ll put everything you’ve got on me.”

  “I plan on it. Club Reincarnation officials are doing everything they can to make sure this battle goes off without a hitch. Entry fees will have to be paid to watch it live. Judges will be standing by to officially sanction it. It will be as legitimate as a match in the Sanctum can get. Though, a couple of questions remain…”

  Irving sliced a piece of kiwi then held it on the end of his knife. He examined it closely for a moment before chewing on it.

  “Back in New Austin, there were rumors of collusion in the War Zone. Contenders were paid an undisclosed amount of credits to lose on purpose. It didn’t happen very often, as the repercussions weren’t worth the risk, but there was always the possibility. I can assure you the repercussions in the Vicious Sanctum will be a lot more difficult to avoid if that were to occur in your upcoming bout.”

  Max shook his head softly. “I’ve got no intention of lying down. Venom and Slug are ruthless. They’ll suffer the same way they’ve made others suffer.”

  “Indeed.” Irving chewed on his fruit, smacking his lips with satisfaction. “That just leaves one more question to be asked.” He put his knife down and leaned forward slightly. “Are you prepared for the consequences of the victory you’re so confident you’ll achieve?”

  The look in Irving’s eyes told Max it wasn’t such a simple question. He held back his response and watched as the older man got up from his seat.

  “Venom and Slug don’t compete in the Sanctum any longer,” he said as he paced back and forth. “The Disciples make a living pushing their loot. It supplements the bets they place. Their attempts at brokering in the Sanctum are for amusement. But this bout… There’s a different air to it.”

  “I thought you said you don’t like it when people dawdle. So why are you doing it?”

  Irving stopped in his tracks and grinned. “Straight to the point.” He put his hands behind his back. “It’s no secret there are four people leading the Disciples. The Gears of Destruction, as they’re so commonly referred to. Slug. Lotto. The feisty woman. And a fourth person who’s done an excellent job of keeping their identity a secret.

  “Mr. Shaw, if you intend on following through with your convictions, I worry you may draw out this fourth person. Are you prepared to do so?”

  “What’s going on?”

  Max looked into Irving’s eyes as if he could see what he was up to. But the man stood rigid as he always was, patiently waiting for a response.

  “You say that like it’s already a fact,” Max said. “Is there something you’re trying to tell me?”

  “If you’re implying I’m in league with the Disciples, I regret to inform you I’m not. I’m merely an innocent broker with an added interest.”

  “If you’re innocent, you’ve got nothing to worry about. I’ll stomp through Venom and Slug and be on my way. This fourth person I keep hearing about… Maybe they’re real… Maybe they’re a myth. It doesn’t matter to me. My business in Santa Fe will be done after I give them the justice they deserve.”

  Max got up from his seat. Despite the tension in the room, he was able to keep his composure. Irving was as non-threatening as could be and became more so when he grinned.

  “The rumors are true,” Irving said. “The Rebel is here just to settle some personal business. I wish you luck in your bout.” He took a seat back at his desk and went back to slicing his kiwi.

  Max watched him for a moment. “Did you really just bring me in here to warn me about the GODs?”

  Irving picked up a piece of kiwi and sighed. “When you’ve heard the things I have, I think it’s only fair you be warned.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m a citizen of Santa Fe. And though I make a fine living for myself, my compassion is not lost on the city and the Cobalt District. All the credits in the world aren’t enough to get rid of the Disciples’ influence. I thought maybe you would be the one to change that. But you’re not from here. That’s not your responsibility, as you say.”

  Irving ate hi
s fruit as if Max was no longer there.

  Max ignored the uncertainty in his thoughts and left the suite. All of the doubts and questions he had would have to wait for another time. The battle with Venom and Slug was looming.

  Chapter 25

  “How are you feeling?”

  HP: 115%

  Energy: 130%

  Max glanced down at the boost his stimulant had given him and nodded to Hudson. “Never better. Sabrina gave me a little more energy to use all of these new abilities I got.”

  Colossal Blast MAX

  Short-range concussive energy blast with earth-shaking force

  Energy drain: High

  Energy Shield III

  A heavy barrier that protects from energy projectiles and melee attacks. Drains energy upon absorption.

  Energy drain: High

  Plasma Cutter IV

  A one-meter long energy blade. Causes greater poison damage to opponent’s HP.

  Energy drain: Medium

  Inferno Grenade IV

  Arcing explosives with a massive explosion radius. Causes fire damage to opponent’s HP.

  Energy drain: High

  PASSIVE ABILITIES

  High Jump II

  Increase jumping height and distance by 50%

  Speed Boost III

  Movement speed is increased by 75%

  “Spent a lot of creds putting all this together.”

  “We’ve already come this far,” Hudson said. “A few more credits are a small price to pay. Besides. I put everything on you. Officials are hanging around to make sure this thing is legitimate. You’ll get paid your winnings plus half of what I bet on you. Fifty-fifty. Like always.”

  “Fifty-fifty. But I’ll handle this myself. Venom and Slug will get what’s coming to them.”

  In the small locker room leading into the Vicious Sanctum, Max gathered with Hudson and Zigzag in preparation for his biggest battle since arriving in Santa Fe. The android was as calm as she always was, waiting for Max’s signal to move forward.

  Hudson was the opposite, staring at the ground with an undeniable nervous anxiety that made him shake.

  “Shit…” Hudson chuckled softly. “I thought after the War Gamez, we’d be done with all these high-stakes battles. I never meant to make you strap your ACE on again, my man.”

  Max stared at the neon blue display on his left forearm and smirked. “I don’t like the feeling. Not because I can’t handle it. Nah… You wear this too long, you start to get used to it. All this power… I can take on the world with it.”

  “You don’t need to take on the world. Just two assholes who deserve what’s coming to them.”

  Max reached up and put a hand on Hudson’s shoulder. “We came to Santa Fe to bring a little justice. This is payback.”

  Hudson swallowed, his jaw clenched as he stared hard at Max. “Make ‘em bleed. For Sammy.”

  Max gave him a confident nod and squeezed his shoulder. “For Sammy.”

  “Sabrina and I will be watching along with everybody else. Celebration’s on me.”

  Hudson worked a smile onto his face before stepping out of the locker room. Max took a moment to gather himself before standing by Zigzag’s side.

  The two stared forward toward the dark entrance leading into the arena. The walls were already vibrating from the crowd anticipating their entrance.

  “The circumstances of this battle are different,” Zigzag said. “Elevated heartrate. Dilated pupils. Increased perspiration. You exhibit all the signs of increased adrenaline.”

  “That obvious, huh? I’m not nervous.”

  “This battle means a lot to you and Hudson. It is our purpose for coming to Santa Fe. But the combat itself does not change. My motor functions and central processes are operating at maximum capacity. As long as we fight to our full capabilities, we will be victorious. ”

  The android gave him a smile to further reassure him. Max chuckled and patted her on the back.

  “When this is all over, you can tuck your sword away and we’ll celebrate.”

  “You are my friend, Max. It is an honor to fight by your side.”

  He gave her one last nod before stepping forward.

  The neon red lights glowed. The steel grid in front of him began to shake from the noise of the crowd. When he stepped out underneath the bright lights of the Vicious Sanctum, the audience erupted with noise as loud as thunder.

  “Full house,” Proxy said in his earpiece. “Not an empty seat in the arena.”

  Max looked at the hundreds gathered then up at the Operator in her booth.

  “One more battle, Proxy. Let’s get to it.”

  “Two towers are active. Couldn’t find any info on your opponents.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” Max straightened out his jacket and dug his feet into the grid as he stared forward at the other side of the arena.

  “Ladies and gentlemen! It is with a great privilege Club Reincarnation brings to you this special main event! Introducing our first competitors at the southern end. Champions of the War Gamez in New Austin, they are the team of Zigzag and Maximilian, the Rebel!”

  Max ignored the roar of the crowd, his eyes focused on the figures appearing in the pathway across from him. A spotlight shined on them as they came into view. A booming guitar riff squealed through the speakers and electronic drums followed.

  “And their opponents… Making their return to the Vicious Sanctum. The unstoppable and dangerous duo of Slug and Venom!”

  Slug looked different than he usually did. Black battle armor covered him from head to toe, the only visible part of his body his gritted teeth. He pounded his gloved fists together and the metal sparked.

  “Looks like black steel armor,” Proxy said. “Fists look reinforced, too. He could try to punch you or tackle you. His ACE is like an afterthought.”

  Venom’s armor wasn’t as bulky. Green sheets of metal had been forged together to give her full coverage except for her head. Her short platinum-blond hair cascaded down the sides of her face as she programmed her ACE. Even from a distance, Max could see the devious grin on her lips.

  “She’s small,” Proxy said. “But don’t take her lightly.”

  “I don’t intend on taking it lightly on her at all. They’re both responsible for what happened to Sammy.”

  “You’ll get your payback. You just gotta stay focused.”

  Zigzag pulled her hilt from the compartment on her leg. The magnetic blade extended from it and a pink aura glowed around it. The same energy pulsed through the lines in her armor and her eye sockets glowed.

  “Ladies and gentlemen! It’s Zigzag and the Rebel versus Venom and Slug! Let the battle in the Vicious Sanctum… begin!”

  Max immediately began running forward to the western end. “We’re both going west,” he said. “Ignore the other turret.”

  “Affirmative.”

  Zigzag sped behind him but her increased speed allowed her to overtake him quickly. The android’s legs pumped like a blur and she reached the tower before anybody else was within thirty meters.

  “Not so fast!”

  Slug roared as he suddenly charged forward. A fiery red aura surrounded him as he moved like a meteor in Zigzag’s direction.

  “Look out!” Max called out just in time.

  Zigzag tumbled out of the way and Slug crashed into the tower in a fiery explosion. Max let off a flurry of Inferno Grenades. Slug immediately raised his arm up, bracing himself as the volley exploded on and around him.

  “He’s taking it all,” Proxy said. “He’s still at 126-percent though. The guy’s built like a tank.”

  “I can take down a tank.” Max rushed forward to engage while Zigzag climbed the wall to strike down. He ignored Venom activating the tower on the eastern end and drew his Plasma Cutter. “Let’s go!”

  Max and Zigzag joined in unison as they descended on Slug. They both slashed with their blades, slicing to try and take down the man in the black armor. But Slug ducked out of the way o
f Zigzag’s swings with surprising deftness while he blocked Max’s swings with his arms.

  “Is that the best you got?”

  Slug roared as he activated his ACE. His fists turned red like molten steel. A sudden hard swing caught Zigzag in the midsection and sent her flying across the steel grid into the wall.

  “Flame Fists,” Proxy said. “Watch out!”

  Slug turned and aimed another Flame Fist at Max. Max was just able to get out of the way, rolling forward at the last moment. He fired a Colossal Blast, forcing Slug to block it with both arms. The full brunt of the blow made him slide back and dig his heels into the ground to stop from falling over.

  “You should’ve stayed in New Austin.”

  Max turned around to see Venom pointing her ACE at him. She fired a green mist into the air. Only a whiff of it was enough to immediately make Max feel nauseous.

  “Poison Cloud,” Proxy said. “If you’re anywhere near it, it’ll drain your HP.”

  “Shit…” Max moved away and ran over to check on Zigzag. Neither Venom or Slug pursued, instead taking control of the second tower.

  Max knelt down next to Zigzag and helped her up to her feet.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “My motor functions have not been compromised,” the android said. “I am ready to continue.”

  Max looked up and saw his opponents waiting next to the tower.

  “They’re trying to draw us in proximity,” he said. “I can’t get close while Venom has her poison up… But… Proxy, the poison shouldn’t affect Zigzag, right?”

  “It only affects organic tissue,” she said. “She should be fine.”

  He looked at Zigzag and nodded. “Make sure you save some for me.”

  “Affirmative.” The android smiled then raced forward.

  Slug slammed his fists together and the fiery aura surrounded his entire body. He lowered his shoulder and charged in Zigzag’s direction. The android jumped to easily avoid him then landed down in front of Venom. She was about to raise her sword up to attack but a blast from the turret forced her to back away.