Futuristic Blacksun (Notorious x C.DEX)

[C.DEX]

Casar, not enjoying the bloodbath quite as much as the others, took a moment to recoil. It was an absolutely disgusting sight; he had been caked in purple blood and sweat, baked by the heat, making the grounds around them and himself smell like rotten metal. Showing weakness, the mage stifled vomit, for even through the respirator it was an absolutely horrid stench. Then, he was reminded of where he was. He was reminded by the Vekht across from Jagar; the ones he had left behind to attack the one he'd mounted. Strangely enough, they weren't attacking. They stopped in place, staring at both the techno-mage and the Exile, completely calm. Their hands didn't shake, nor were they afraid. They were almost confused.


"Exile forsake people... brother-killer. To what?!" One bit. "Gladiator... we made to do battle, or become Exile. But Exile return, bring humans... as mockery?! What point, Exile?" He asked. In another life, the Vekht could have been better; it showed in his hesitance to fight. Perhaps even an elder. But he was in the ring, being shouted at to murder the crew in front of him. The elders went silent, deliberating, while Sarkter's hands squeezed the bars of the gates so tight that they began to give way under his fingers.


"We don't want to fight!" Casar shouted, his voice barely making it above the crowd, gulping down his lunch and briefly regretting eating so much. "If you have honor you'll see that the judgement was wrong - Jagar should not have been exiled! We've proven that enough!"


The Vekht they were talking to steeled himself, glancing up at the elders. He was light-skinned, tan, but with plates adorning his arms and back like an armadillo. The other one, his clanmate, gripped his weapon. "We gladiator. No make decision. Just. Fight." He growled, to his clanmate. "Exile fight. No cheating human slave." He said, dropping his weapon and walking calmly to Jagar. Casar looked between them, resenting the comment but realizing that the culture still mattered to the Interceptor Vekht, and stepped back. The inquisitive gladiator paused, if only for a moment, and the stadium lulled slightly in curiosity of what would happen.


A bit further away, Imille, Nyx, and Psy looked out. As it happened, they weren't the only targets in the arena. Warring clans had torn each other apart, leaving wounded stragglers here and there. On the other side, Vekht fought with each other, some easily trumping the others and some still resolving a conflict that had started at the beginning of the round. But all eyes were on Jagar, then. Jagar, his challenger, the Interceptor crew, and the inquisitive Vekht.


"Should we help him?" Imille asked, nervously glancing around for other gladiators that had decided they needed someone else to kill.

 

[Notorious]

"Jagar not return to mock. Jagar love Vetka... Love Vekht. Did everything for both." He grunted, standing his ground ready for a fight as he spoke with the armored Vekht before him while the others either engaged in battle with other gladiators or defended the exchange. "Brother-killer is earned title, as brother killed father. He killed father to go up ranks, chances are he kill Elder too to take place. Brother Jajin was weak, sneaky... Not Vekht like. Just because Jagar smaller and at time weaker than others they think Jagar stab brother in back. Never did... Fought to avenge father, with honor. To avenge his dishonorable death. Jagar do this... Then punished for keeping to code." Some of the gladiators around were actually moved by the Exile, the first sign of progress when it came to the mostly close minded Vekht people.


The area soon erupted into battle however as a rival gladiator clan charged their position. Jagar stood in front of Casar while the other gladiator clan actually stood along side Jagar and Casar, not attacking their backs and opting to fight off their attackers. The battle was brief, bloody and brutal as Jagar and Casar fought side by side against their would-be attackers, not quite out of the woods yet but the act alone was more than they could have asked for. After the brief skirmish all of them had drawn more blood, lesser gladiators being slaughtered for trying such a cheap tactic.


"Jagar fight you... If that is what you wish. Jagar not want to fight, only want supplies to leave planet. Redemption pointless, Vekht close minded and weak like Saur." He said bitterly. "It also why you here. They barbaric. Send us to our deaths and painting it with 'honor'. Some men truly deserve to die... Like Jajin or some gladiator here... Sarkter... But... Not all men should go this way." He stated, looking at the armadillo-like Vekht. "So... fight me if must. But know, you will die for nothing."


"We need to regroup." Nyx stated. "They're across a big battlefield of bullshit over there. There's a lot of gladiators in our way too. Psy, we're gonna need some more weapons." She turned, looking at him. "Do you have a shield for me?" The android nodded enthusiastically, literally throwing a shield from his chest compartment with some other weapons spilling out as he did. Nyx barely caught the massive shield as Psy began to frantically pick up everything that had spilled out.


"Look at that, spilling my guts for you Nyx. I hope you appreciate this!"


"That... works..." She said, the shield was as big as her but she was able to carry it and keep the gladiators at bay with the trident. "Okay, Psy... Spears or pole arm weapons, you both stay behind me. Sarai I'm gonna need you to cover our backs. You're a damn good shot." She said with a smile before slamming the shield towards the ground then began to move forward towards Jagar and Casar. "Move!" The route would be slow but it was the safest way to survive any straggling gladiators instead of rushing over.

 

[C.DEX]

The armadillo-Vekht's clanmate looked down toward Jagar, only measuring above him by a few inches. He was a beacon of 'honor' amidst those who had been thrust into the gladiator arena for having little, squaring up to the exile and dropping his armaments. He was particularly vulnerable, but that was the way that the audience had liked it, as they roared with satisfaction about the earnest challenge. Then, he waited for Jagar to ready himself, and jutted his claws from his knuckles with a sickening squelch.


"No more words. Ox have purpose. If Ox die here - not for nothing. Exile kill leader Ern ... leader raise Ox. Raise Thorn." He said, gesturing back to the armadillo-Vekht who had looked on with curiosity. It seemed their leader had been the fellow that Casar garrotted to death. The mage didn't seem to care that his attribution had gone unnoticed, however, as he was simply grateful for the respite. "Ox avenge Ern. Like Exile say he avenge father." He growled, his reasoning for anger being completely sound. Then, only inches away, he lurched forward to headbutt Jagar. Their skirmish had begun.


Meanwhile, Imille, Nyx, and Psy had gotten stopped midway by a towering behemoth of a man. Seeing that the other gladiators had kept their distance from Jagar and Ox sheerly out of honor, Casar moved toward the three, intending on regrouping. Nyx's shield was like a footnote to the Vekht that stood inbetween them all, and he had made it clear simply by his roar, which almost seemed to skid them backwards. They had to keep moving, however, or the threat of being converged on from all sides would soon become a reality.


"Psy... cover me." The doctor said. She drew a corded arrow from her quiver. With a bit of adrenaline-fueled finesse, she wrapped the other end through another arrow. Then, she aimed up at the massive Vekht. It was an easy target to hit, his movements wild but still slower in light of his size. It careened through the air, the arrow designed to kill Vekht lodging in his arm. She drew the other, performing an about-face.


"He would make an awfully good obstacle if we could get past him!" Imille said, determination lining her features. "For now..."


The other end of the corded arrow careened through the air, piercing a black-skinned Vekht that was relatively close by.

 

[Notorious]

Jagar turned his head down out of reflex, as did Ox, making their horns interlock as they met in the clinch. Both Vekht roared out at eachother as one fought to avenge his leader while one simply fought to survive for his clan. This showed as Ox fought much more ferociously than Jagar initially, both of them armed simply with their own claws and strength. As they collided the sounds of their bodies snapping together was gruesome, both of them slamming into eachother ridiculously hard. The sound was sickening as both warriors began to claw one another whilst grappling, not wanting to give either the upper hand or an advantageous position.


The gladiators around them kept the fight clear, any rivaling vekht that ventured forward was quickly cut down. An entire stadium was watching the two battle as their cries were even louder some how as the fight escalated. Purple blood spilled from both Jagar and Ox, both fighting so desperately right out the gate. Both had clawed, kicked and punched their fair share only minutes into the fight. It was almost as if they were both on an even playing field for the longest time, each blow not landing as the other simply avoided or blocked it with precision. Soon the gridlock was beginning to clear as both fighters realized nothing was going to get done if they continued like this, they'd simply tire out and both die eventually so in an instant the battle turned into something barbaric and ferocious.


Jagar dodged one of Ox's attacks and decided to fight dirty, closing the distance and ramming the underneath of Ox's chin with his horns. Jagar's horns drew blood as he dug deep, using his head to tear up the gladiator's neck. He then started to slam his claws into Ox's already weakened chest, over and over he stabbed as he kept forcing the gladiator to walk back. Eventually Ox lost his footing and fell to the ground. Jagar raised his foot high to the air and was about to slam down on him, the gladiator would have to move incredibly fast to avoid the devastating blow.


With the two Vekht connected by the cord, Nyx then charged right down the middle. Psy and Imille barely had time to keep up as she began racing to the rope that had been embedded into the two Vekht by Imille.


"PSY GRAB THE TOP OF THIS!" Nyx said, lifting the shield up to where both her and Psy were holding it high. Imille was stuck in between them, having to run as fast as she could not to get left by Nyx or trampled by Psy. They moved so quickly that the shield made contact with the suspended cord and hit it as fast as they could manage, sending both the connected Vekht flying as they hit cord. While they charged forward the two massive Vekht both met eachother in the middle against their will as the cord pulled them in closer. Then, Nyx dropped the shield making the two gladiators meet in the middle of the arena causing the perfect distraction for them to meet up with Casar as they began to battle totally ignoring the fact that they had been hit by Imille. "Heya Cas!" Nyx called out as they finally crossed the battlefield. "Fancy seeing you here!"

 

[C.DEX]

Ox's eyes widened. In a surge of adrenaline, he rolled to the left and in the same swift movement, crawled up to his feet. Both he and Jagar were looking particularly bad; blood covering both of their bodies. In that moment, the avenging Vekht could not believe that the Exiled could get such an upper hand on him. He roared out a pained roar; one that curdled and gargled in his damaged throat. Suddenly, his hand shot up with claws jutted out, impaling Jagar's foot and slicing up through the arch and heel. It was excruciating, causing him to roar out. Then, the assault continued. Too weakened to fend off any further attacks, Jagar was able to withdraw his foot and slam it down again on Ox's skull, dazing him at first. Then, again. And again. So much still, until Ox had been rendered unconscious and bleeding from his neck, chest, and face. His head lulled, eyes shutting and healing factor delayed due to the amount of damage he had taken. Then, Jagar didn't relent. With one final stomp, Ox was dead.


The crowd roared in anger. At the gate, Sarkt screamed out in frustration at seeing the outlaw crew succeed. The mage looked over, then gave him a condescending thumbs up.


"Hi." Casar said. His eyes tracked behind Nyx, where the gladiators they had been fighting were wildly ripping the arrows out of themselves, causing a mist of purple spray to come out. Imille caught up late, huffing as she had done so. She looked to Casar, eyes widening slightly.


"Fucking gross, Cas." She said. "I can smell you through my respirator."


"We need to go. All we're doing is pissing them off and running. If we do that enough, we're going to die." He said, reminding them of the urgency of the situation. "Now, come -"

Before he could finish his sentence, a mass shot through the air from the top of a column; one of the highest points in the arena itself. It collided hard with Psy, taking Nyx down as well; she had been standing behind him. In that moment, the mage and the doctor saw her; a blackened Vekht, undoubtedly from the ashen regions of the planet. Lithe and smaller than most others, but that wasn't to say she didn't have a few inches on Psy. An ear-piercing shriek sounded out, as she thrust her claws into his chest. Imille immediately went to Nyx's aid, while Casar haphazardly lurched forward to tear her off.

 

[Notorious]

Jagar stood over Ox's corpse, his foot in an indescribable amount of pain as he limped away from it out of respect. He let out a long sigh and bowed his head to the brave warrior, he had been Jagar's toughest challenge so far and thus deserved the respect he had given him. Jagar didn't feel the slightest bit of regret as both his captain and Ox had tried to kill him or Casar in one way or another so he did what must be done. He looked up to Thorn and the other Vekht and held his arms out.


"I... Jagar... Will stop at nothing until this fight is won..." He growled, his healing factor kicking in as his foot began to mend itself. "They are needlessly killing us proud Vekht... But that does not mean Jagar not kill you. Leave, fight someone else... You will not win here." He threatened, a very viable threat after defeating one of the toughest Vekht they had. "There no honor in death to Exile... It dishonor... Right?" He said, a smirk appearing on his face. "Go. Do not make me dishonor you."


Nyx was stunned as she found herself trapped under Psy while the blackened Vekht began to tear at his chest. It wasn't causing much damage to him aside from scratching up his chest plate, annoying the robot who began to taunt the gladiator.


"Really? You're gonna try and claw metal? I knew you Vekht weren't the brightest but come on now... You seriously can't be this dumb." He taunted, his unmoving face an insult to the powerful Vekht gladiator who was trying her best to destroy one of the biggest targets. With a roar she began slamming her fists down into Psy's face, rattling his processor around as he did so causing sparks to fly. "Now I'm warning you lady... I like to play rough but if we're starting with fisting like this you are NOT going to like me." The vekht didn't answer, instead going for Nyx who was trapped underneath the android.


Psy wasn't going to have any of that.


Immediately the android bounced up to his feet and grabbed the lighter Vekht by the neck. He brought her over to the pillar she dropped out of and began bashing her head against it over and over again. Repeatedly, he bashed her head so hard and so fast her healing factor wasn't able to compensate for the damage and soon the blackened Vekht's brains were exposed as Psy kept bashing. He cackled as he did so, taking great enjoyment out of killing such a fearsome race so easily. It didn't dawn on him that all the gladiators were starved and meant to fight day in and day out for entertainment but that didn't matter to him, this was as satisfying as if he had killed Jagar when he attacked them on Curretch.


"Told you... I knew you wouldn't like me." Psy whispered, dropping the lifeless woman to the ground without a second thought. He looked back to the others and seen they were okay and held out his arms in victory. "ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!" He roared to the crowd, laughing as he did so. "Had to... When the hell is this thing over anyways? I'm tired of using sticks and stones, where are the energy guns and explosives at? Gettinggggg kind of bored here."

 

[C.DEX]

Thorn looked to Jagar, breathing heavily. He had been starved, forced to fight time in and time out, and on top of that, he was wise enough to see when he was outnumbered. He looked around to see the audience, who had soon realized one thing.


Everyone was dead.


Between them and the Vekht that had been facing each other, the arena had been filled with either the struggling, soon-to-be bodies of Vekht warriors, or the littered corpses of those who had torn each other apart. It was a massive event; one which had ended the current cycle of gladiators and made room for the new ones. Really, the elders in these particular events were used to everyone dying, but that wasn't the case. Not here. Now, one or two gladiators amongst the entirety of the Interceptor crew had been left, as well as Thorn.


Thorn, who was tired, injured, and who had listened to Jagar's words. It was hard to look past his companions, of course. But was the extreme dishonor he had brought the Vekht by not only returning, but returning with humans, outweighed by the sheer fact that he'd doubtlessly die at the hands of them, outnumbered? Casar lowered his glaive, pointing it toward the lone gladiator, ready to attack lest he moved.


"Thorn submit." Thorn said, dropping his weapon and falling to a knee in front of Jagar. "Not know... why Exile put so much effort into saving ... human and squid. But Thorn understand that Exile strong. Strong enough to do what he say he do."


This, of course, meant grave consequences for the gladiator. Not only had nearly no one submitted during a grand fight such as this, but it also meant a lifetime of subservience for the submitting Vekht. Slavery. If he hadn't been put to death before then. Silently, an elder stood from his chair in the levels. The stadium went quiet. He began to descend, going through the levels and down to where the Interceptor crew and Thorn quietly awaited their fates. It seemed like ages of deliberation, before they had finally met up.


Then, he approached Jagar. The elder, large but weakened by time, grabbed his wrist. He lifted it.


They had won.

 

[Notorious]

And with that victory came great applause. Or was that booing? The crowd erupted into such a loud, frenzied roar that what normally was cheers was yells of anger and defeat. The one group they had wanted to see die had not only became victorious, but also made the first Vekht gladiator ever to submit. It was a monumental sight, Vekht in the stands began to riot, throwing food and rocks down into the arena in a frenzy. They began to fight among themselves even, the one flaw of having such a powerful race was that meant the riots were that more chaotic. The Elder weakly let go of Jagar's arm and looked to the group that walked up to them. Sarkter stomped up to them all but stopped when he seen that the Elder was looking at him.


"You see what you cause by returning Exile?" The elder spoke quietly. "Your kind only bring dishonor and destruction to our world. You may be victorious... but this is no real victory. You have one more task before you are permitted to leave..." He said as Sarkter lined up. "You are given a day rest. We are fulfilling our end of deal and refueling ship. Outside patched as well. You must now go on a grand hunt to redeem self, or... we will behead you and your crew in this very arena." The Elder squinted at them all, "Where it should be right now." He then turned his back to them while Sarkter stared on. "Sarkter... Take prisoners back to gladiator ward. Then, first thing in morning, take them to the hunting grounds..." With that, the Elder walked away while Sarkter violently motioned for them to follow him, he being perhaps the most pissed out of all of the people in the arena.

End Scene 9: Are you Not Entertained?

​

The night felt like a fever dream when they returned. Not only had they won, but none of them had left without any severe injuries. The result had them all on edge, it was too convenient, too easy. Jagar explained to them they had basically slaughtered every old gladiator the planet had left, that now the young more strong would be released into the arena and that they had technically did a service. It didn't feel much like a victory however, especially with such a small reward. Now they were going on an unknown hunt, with no idea who or what they'd be hunting. As they awaited for Sarkter, they all sat ready and waiting in the ward.


"This Sarkter guy sure likes to keep us waiting... No offense Jagar but... Your planet and us don't exactly mix." Nyx said softly, sitting next to Imille. She was resting her head on her friend's shoulder, looking drearily out to Jagar as she tried to wake up properly.


"We leave soon... It is... different than Jagar remember. After seeing universe this place feel very small. Very not with times. Don't call us outriders for no reason, do they Neex?"


"Niselians might technically be Outriders too being this far out, but we were NOT this far behind." She replied. "There is something really scary on how you all function like this... I also think if you and the Saurs seen eye to eye you all would be best friends."


"Races too similar, too proud. Vetka will never be friends with outsiders."

 

[C.DEX]

In the morning, Casar awoke, feeling eerily well after having slaughtered Vekht in the arena the previous day. That wasn’t to say he wasn’t sore, of course; he wasn’t feeling in tip-top shape, but he had cleaned the blood and sweat off of his armor and himself after slaving away in the hot desert. That, and he was still alive. He didn’t show it in the face, however, as he was pulled away from good dreams of distant lands where he wasn’t forced to fight in an arena. He was the last of them all to awaken, with Sarai Imille being the second to last.


She was particularly sore, her arms feeling like limp noodles after forcing her adrenaline-addled self to pull back the heavy bowstrings meant for Vekht the night previous. She crawled from bed, joining them all at the dining room table. The room had felt somewhat empty, with some of the casualties from the night beforehand having been the very same gladiators that filled their own halls. With a deep sigh, she stuffed her head into her arms, taking her usual place next to Nyx as her friend rested her head on her shoulder.


“He can keep us waiting for as long as he wants. Momma needs more sleep. Guess what happened this morning? I woke up, looked down, and I was like, ‘hey, what the hell? when did I get purple nail polish?’ And then, fridge horror. It was Vekht blood. All up in my big, beautiful nails. And the smell!” she exclaimed, a shiver shooting itself through her spine. “My arms feel like hot noodles. And my feet hurt. And there’s a hole in my shirt’s armpit, and I forgot the sewing kit back on the Interceptor and I’m sure as hell not going back with Sark to get it.” she said, listing complaint after complaint.


“We’re all tired.” Casar said, slumping into his seat next to Psy. “Yesterday was… rough.” he admitted. “But… the hunt we’re going on… it can’t be worse than the Kraken, and it can’t be worse than fighting all of those people. Hey, Jagar. What’s going to happen to Thorn?” he asked, genuinely curious and showing new empathy for someone other than his immediate friends.


“Thorn submit.” Sarkter growled, appearing from the entrance of the hall. “Submission means slavery. But… Exile cannot have non-Exile slave.” he said. “Elder make decision to put him in next arena cycle. Where he will be torn apart by younger Vekht. Limb from limb. Or, he exile, too.” A grimace snuck up on the guardian’s face as he looked down at them all. He wanted no more than to rip them limb from limb and scatter their parts to the wind … But that was for another time. “Ready self. Go on hunt. Then Elder refuel you, and let you leave. Simple as that.”


Casar quirked a brow at Sarkt’s non-combativeness. Firstly, he had shown confidence in their abilities to finish the hunt. Secondly, he wasn’t lashing out, or bullying them. “Something wrong?” he asked.

 

[Notorious]

"Yes, something wrong." The brute replied almost immediately. "Simple as that is wrong. You should be challenged proper. Not against dying gladiators but against real men. Like me..." He said, his brow lowering as he grimaced at Casar. "Now they give you beast to kill that probably be just as easy. Elders growing soft, weak... Like gladiators you kill. Runt like Jagar not able to take on full Vekht. Too small. Too weak. Humans rely on tricks to fight. They-"


"They don't have super healing, dickhead." Nyx said, getting fed up with Sarkter. This was the first time she had spoken out against the man and her patience was running thin. "And the way I seen it those gladiators were big, strong and just as good as any of you Vekht. Infact, I'd argue better. They're actually fighting for something while you're stuck guarding an empty landing pad. This must be the most action you've had in years, be thankful." Sarkter's eyes widened as he had to use every bit of self control he had from bashing in the Calivarian's skull in.


"Be thankful?... Oh girl... You have made big mistake. You all talk so freely, act as if you so strong. Sarkter show you now... Get ready. Speak with council, going to get approval for bigger hunt." He said, a smile forming on his face. It was off putting the way he went from pure anger to relief so quickly, he must have gotten an idea for their hunt. "You have ten minutes. When Sarkter return, we leave. Whether you prepared or not." He thought to himself for a moment then looked to the back of the ward. "You!" He shouted out to another squad of gladiators. "You also hunt today. Join me now, we speak to elders." The group of younger, more powerful gladiators walked around the Interceptor crew without much thought and followed Sarkter out of the room.


"Good riddance, pussy." Nyx said, crossing her arms and looking out into the hallway he left in. "Got him leaving in a hurry."


"You know Nyx... The more you're around the more I like you. You're like me..." Psy said, chuckling to himself. "You say stupid shit to the wrong people! We're cut from the same cloth."


"Someone needs to teach that guy a lesson." She said bitterly. "What I wouldn't give to fight him instead of some beast... We all just swarm him... Rip his face off. Ever since he pushed you Sarai I've been furious. I've been trying to bury it but I'm tired of being on the losing side. I'm tired of being pushed around and I'm sure as shit tired of being told what to do. This isn't any way to live, I haven't had a drink in fucking DAYS and if we don't get off this fucking planet soon I'm going to blow my brains out."

 

[C.DEX]

"I'm fine." Sarai replied, almost immediately, waving it off. "Honestly. As long as I'm alive, I'm happy. This isn't the ideal home, but it's temporary. And you can bet once we get out of here we're going to get fucking blasted." she said, leaning back in her seat lazily. "I don't know what he has planned, but I think we can take on whatever. Gladiator, gigantic monsters ... well, you guys can take on whatever. I just kind of take the backseat and make sure y'don't die."


"That's a problem." Casar said, looking to Imille. "You need to do something to make yourself hardier. Augments ... training. I mean, I guess it's too late now. But if you intend on staying with us -"


"That's even a question at this point?"


"-If you intend on staying with us, you should consider the fact that you're a bullet away from dying at any given time." Casar finished. Imille slowly nodded, looking down to her blistered hands. He was right; she was by far the weakest member. It was almost sweet, and it was probably as close as she'd get to affection from him.


"Probably. I always kinda prided myself on being like, the badass augment doctor without anything herself. Like a tattoo artist without tattoos! That, and I don't trust anyone else to do surgery on me. But that's not really a reality anymore, I guess. I was actually going over some plans - maybe an exosuuuit, or something like that." Imille theorized, propping her head up on her hand.


Casar stood up from his seat, still tired. Knowing that the time was ticking down, he and Imille made their way back to the dorms to grab their weapons, presuming that they would be able to use them on the hunt. Then, they returned to the hall where everyone had convened. Right on time, or rather, a minute early, Sarkter had made his appearance once again. The gladiators from before hadn't returned with him, presumably having already been boarded up. "Time." he said, grimacing down them.


"You're a minute early, actually." Casar said.

 

[Notorious]

"Don't care. Move. You move when I say you move." When they hesitated Sarkter began reaching for his weapon, the first time he had done so around them which made them all hurry along. Jagar was feeling rather strange, being silent as Sarkter ordered them what to do. He felt that something was off with the way the man was acting, his patience was completely gone and he seemed to be angered even more easily which was a bad sign when it came to most Vekht. It was understandable though, they were supposed to die in that arena yesterday and now they were insulting his honor at any given moment. Jagar and the others had all gotten prepared in time, grabbing their equipment and suiting up for who knows what was about to happen. It sure beat being stuck with primitive weaponry, especially for Imille as now she was equipped with her medical gear and her syringe gun. Nyx had opted for a few of Psy's guns along with a few Niselian crafted spears, the last few of their kind until she had more created.


As they walked out of the gladiator ward they noticed the ship they were taking was much different than the one they had taken to the arena. It was bigger, sleeker, it looked as if it could cover a lot more distance quicker than the other one had. They boarded and were surprised to see the whole thing packed with gladiators, more than they had seen leave the ward previously.


"And I thought we were special... Looks like everyone is being forced to hunt today." Psy mumbled, walking to the back as that was where the only seats were left. "Fucking racists!" He called out as they ended up in the very back seats of the ship. No one understood his reference however, one of the many that went over his friend's heads.


Whilst taking their seats the ship immediately took off, not wasting any time to leave the hub city. They blasted across the Vetka skies, soaring over the massive forest below them and leaving the ground behind them nearly in an instant. As the Interceptor crew took their seats Sarkter walked out from the cockpit and spoke to all the gladiators in the room.


"Today... We test true strength. Strength of not relying on familiar faces. Every gladiator here will be assigned new team. We all hunt in new hunting party, prove strength and honor by fighting alongside strangers. If you get human assigned to you, they...." He hated saying this, "Are honorary hunter today. Treat them like brothers... You need them to fight beasts in dark woods. Forbidden part of planet for hunters unless allowed by elders." He said to the Interceptor crew, the first smile creeping up on his face they had seen. "Most don't get honor of seeing them woods. Elder allow it as final test... Hope you ready."

 

[C.DEX]

Casar and Imille looked out to the gladiators across from them, unknowing but getting the feeling that they would be their partners. Casar's was a particularly large Vekht, whose skin was patterned with the jungle. Imille's was a blackened hunter, the same lithe and tall sort that had assaulted Psy in the arena. Then, Nyx's was a dark Vekht, bearing the same tone as Jagar. He seemed to be fixated on Jagar, at that. Then, Psy's had been an odd-looking Vekht, with gnarled horns that often ended in breaks or nubs. Jagar sat across from no-one.


"Who will Jagar get?" Imille questioned, breaking the silence throughout the carrier ship. Sarkter let out a brief, demented chuckle.


"Sarkter. Exile learn today how true hunter hunt. Equally." He growled, his statement having been the most cryptic they'd heard from him yet. Imille went silent, twiddling her hands together in her lap while Casar stared down his hunt power with the discerning gaze of someone far larger than he.


The ride was longer than the one to the desert had been, strangely enough. The jungles that spanned the huge planet stretched on and on, lending to its length. Then, finally, when the ship had bordered the darkened, deep-blue treetops of the deep forest, the carrier ship immediately turned downward. It jolted them all momentarily, before they adjusted back into their seats. It skidded to a stop, the back hatch opening and allowing everyone out.


The Interceptor crew came last; the last people to step out into the dark jungles, whose treetops were so thick and wide that it stopped all natural light from coming through. Imille's medical headset allowed her to see, while Casar's augments, Psy's built-in vision, Nyx's depth-adjusted eyes and Jagar's natural dark vision illuminated the areas for them. It was almost loud with the sound of life from every corner; the growl of the Vekht forest already threatening its guests. The doctor shifted nervously, while Casar looked to the other Vekht.


"You split up with hunter across from you." Sarkter said, confirming their suspicions. "Go into dark wood. Find Maul. When hunter find Maul... rest will know, by screams." He grinned. "Maul said to have killed many Vekht, elder, men, women, child... Three-mouthed creature from dark depths, claws bigger than human itself, flying winged predator." He said, still grinning. "May take days. May take hours. May not come back at all." Sarkter looked to Nyx and Imille, grinning at the thought of separating the two.


"We start ... now."

 

[Notorious]

Nyx looked to Imille silently as her Vekht began walking in the opposite direction of them. They had no choice but to separate, the two women looking towards eachother with fear in their eyes as they had to split up. They had worked really well together and knew how the other operated so it had been a dynamic duo for the ages. Now, Sarkter had split them up effectively gimping the both of them. Psy was feeling the same way towards Casar but had an idea, since he knew that the Vekht were inefficient with their technology he began to create a radar ping for all of them. He pinged each of the Interceptor crew by their communicator, allowing them to keep an eye on where everyone was. Jagar noticed this and smirked as he began to walk with Sarkter, his crew was a lot faster than he gave them credit for.


"At the first sign of Maul we all go help the other. Vekht be damned." Psy said through the communicator, muting himself outloud as he walked with his gladiator being able to speak unlike what the others could do. Unfortunately he was the only friendly voice the Interceptor crew could hear, everyone else muted unless they spoke outloud next to their gladiator too. "Don't let them know we can see where everyone is, and don't talk outloud. Don't worry... Radio Psy begins now." Psy then began to play elevator music in their ears for a moment before laughing at the situation, "Gotcha, too serious of a hunt. Going silent."


Each of the groups had splintered off into different directions from the ship. Jagar walked by Sarkter, silently but scanning the woods in front of them. He kept his eyes peeled, looking for this Maul.


"Maul still alive?" Jagar asked quietly, low enough to communicate but not high enough to alert their prescience to anyone. "Been years since Jagar left and it still roam... How many hunters we lose now? Beast knows our pattern, our strength. Should know better than to go to woods with gladiators only. Need full hunting party if want Maul dead." And that was the truth, Maul was absolutely massive and a Vetka legend, this hunting party was far too small to even think about taking it out.


"Hey there." Nyx said to the hunter next to her. "I'm Nyx... What is your name?" She was met with silence. "I'm a Calivarian if you didn't notice. We loved our Vekht visitors, even though you all are kinda spooky and... horny." She said, chuckling to herself at her pun. All she was met with was a long sigh. "Say there big guy... Did you ever get the chance to hunt at Nisela or even go there? Ya know... before the Exodlites blew it up and killed the majority of my people?" She not only was trying to make the Vekht feel sympathy for her, but relate to him. "I got to kill one of the final Kraken's on the world before it was bombed. Massive beast, multiple barbed tentacles, poison ink. Me and my uhh... 'clan' killed it. If Jagar wasn't exiled maybe we all could have been friends, tell about our hunts."

 

[C.DEX]

Imille glanced over to her hunter, wondering if they had been the same ill temperament as Sarkter. Unfortunately, they were in the dense wilds, and unfortunately still, she had been separated from one of the few people that made her feel safe out in the badlands of Vetka. The hunter she traveled with was dark-skinned, with illuminated yellow eyes staring out into the darkness of the jungle. The doctor felt trepidation, unsure if she should speak at all. Then, she opened her mouth.


"Um... I'm Sarai Imille, but Jagar calls me Em-Lee, if that's easier to pronounce." She said, gripping the handle of her gun as they walked. "I know you guys have the whole healing thing, but I'm pretty good at doing that, happen you get hurt or whatnot."


"Won't get hurt." the hunter said, adamantly.


"Right. What's your name?" Imille asked, curious.


"Hatil." the stoic hunter replied. For a moment, his eyes shifted downwards, landing on the curious doctor. It sent a shiver down her spine, shaking her a bit.


"Why... are you here, Hatil?" Imille asked, perhaps a bit too eager to get along than she should have been. It was her normal survival strategy, and recently, it hadn't really been working. But she didn't have much else.


Casar grumbled as he separated from Psy, unwanting for the first time in his life to be left alone. He chose silence with his partner, simply wanting to get the experience over with. For a little while, they walked in silence, with the massive jungle Vekht leading the way. Then, to both the mage's discontent and surprise, the Vekht broke the silence.


"Small ballsy man... slave to Exile? And robot slave to small ballsy man?" He asked, genuinely curious.


"Once again, no. We're not slaves. It doesn't work in the central universe like it does here. Your people exiled Jagar, so you can't expect him to abide by your laws." Casar said, eyes scanning the jungles above. Rather, his radar did. In reality, he could have had his eyes closed. "This place... is backwards. And if you knew where I was from, that would be a very offensive comment." He said, attention focusing back on the Vekht to be sure he wasn't blindsided. "But I suppose you don't understand, or care. Or wonder."


"Massive to Calivari probably size of fish." Nyx's Vekht replied, with a gruff laugh. "Probably not 'friend'. Probably talk too much on hunt, like doing now. Scare away beasts. Or attract wrong ones. Calivari good for fresh water. Vekht trade ... but don't think 'friend'. Understand? Especially now." He said. "Name Juk. Clan Jacht." He said, the naming theme causing Nyx to giggle.


"If Exile is big and bad as say he is... should be no problem." Sarkter said, grinning. "Unless... He having second thoughts? Killing old gladiator not as big ego boost as he think? Would like to see how quickly tough Exile and friends fall ... to Maul." Sarkter said, though the last bit seemed tacked on as an afterthought. "Not big loss, anyway."

 

[Notorious]

"I am Nyx from Nisela, from the town of Nehope." She said, continuing to giggle. "Us outriders sure do love our naming conventions huh? Helps know where someone is from. Plus I don't know about you but it sounds cooler than what humans or other races do. All strange sounding names with too much variation. As for us not being friends well... That's expected, a friend would be there when their friend's planet was blown up for no reason." She said bluntly, her voice unwavering however when she said it. It seemed as if she was tucking away her problems instead of dealing with them and when they were brought up she used it as comic relief, hiding behind her own words to seem tougher. And, so she wouldn't have to deal with a grim reality anymore. "That doesn't mean we can't be friends." She said with a smirk, "I'm pretty good to look at putting it bluntly, I put your Vekht women to shame. Annnd... I'm a damn good shot. Once we see Maul it's gonna be Juk and Nyx who took that bitch out... They won't believe it but they'll have to." She said, whispering to not alert the creatures of the woods but talking light enough to enthrall Juk into a conversation.


She was working her charm, whether or not that was working was to be seen but she had a talent of getting people to like her one way or another. She figured if she had to hunt with this guy then the least she could do was be on good terms with him on the off chance something bad happened.


"You out here too Sarkter." Jagar replied, his face unmoving as he remained stoic. "So Jagar guess you right, no big losses here. Sark go down with me." He said chuckling. "Jagar require no ego boost. Gladiators slaughtered for people entertainment. Pointless. Senseless. When Jagar naive Vekht use to love watching men fight to death. Now... Those gladiators could be used for army. To defend Vetka. Many bad people wanting to kill and take what we have out there. Wasting good bodies here instead of defending home mistake. One that will destroy us." He said solemnly, trying to connect to Sarkter. "...I... may be exile... But Jagar will always care for home. Whether home like me or not, always fight for it. Hope day where those people come never happen. It happen to neighbor Nisela... Has me worried it happen here. Then... instead of not big loss, it the biggest."


They continued to walk deeper in the forest, so deep in fact that Jagar had lost track of where the others had went and he couldn't look at his wrist computer currently to check in on them. His senses were heightened being in Maul's woods, the air thicker than that of the lighter woods and the trees teeming with life.


Psy hated it.


"This is disgusting. Insects and reptiles just crawling all over this place. It's like... this forest is alive or something." Psy said, if he could shiver he would as he looked all around.


"Forest is alive." The Vekht beside him grunted. "Plants living thing. Insect. Reptile. Bird. Only fake thing here is you robot man." He chuckled, "Too shiny. Scare away Maul."


"If anything is scaring that freaky creature away its all this nasty organic bullshit! I get the whole paradox of me being created by organics and I shouldn't hate them thing, but come on. You can't tell me this air doesn't smell terrible. That this dirt and nature isn't repulsive? I have bugs crawling up my legs and into my circuits! Can you believe that? Right now I have some of the grossest critters crawling up in my insides and you don't care." Psy slammed his arm down real hard and a loud crunch was heard. "See! That big ass beetle was laying eggs in my arm pit! How are they not doing this to you?"


"Creatures love metal. They eat it here. Use it for shelter. Here on Vetka only strong animals hunt other living things. The rest survive off of rocks, metal, and vegetables. Even those fight here though. You a full buffet metal man."


"Fuck. Me."

 

[C.DEX]

Juk looked down to Nyx, quirking a brow as he had done so. "Not use looks here. Vekht women strong, and strength ... beauty. Smaller than men; can outrun, sometimes can outfight. Squid is small thing. Probably die to weakest Vekht woman. If not ... maybe impressed. But for now, ugly. Nux shoot Maul, Nux be prettier. " Juk said. For a moment, it almost seemed as if he were reminiscing. He gave a wistful sigh, looking down to the Calivarian woman. "After this ... Juk be free. Like Nux supposed to be. Go back to Juk's woman. She bite a Starstag in half on hunt once. Most beautiful of all. And she wait."


Surprisingly enough, the Vekht that Nyx had been partnered with was showing his colors. Whether that was due to Nyx's charm or simply homesickness was up in the air; after all, the gladiators now were relatively new and young.


"Hatil here ... voluntarily." Imille's gladiator replied, steely eyes searching the treeline. The comment caused the doctor to almost recoil. Voluntarily? She considered questioning his definition of the word, but decided against it in the end. After all, that couldn't quite be right. Why would anyone - even a Vekht, want to subject themselves to a life like this?

"Why?" Imille asked, genuinely interested now. "This life is so hard... even for Vekht. I know you're all strong, but... you're confined to such a small space, you don't get to leave, you're practically slaves." She said, voice quieting as not to offend him or scare anything away. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but... that's crazy."


"Vekht go through life ... seeking approval. From elders. From others. From women. Trying to do something great to be seen. What better can Vex do than live hardest life?" Imille's gladiator said, finally speaking for the first time. He glared down at her once again, sending another shiver through her spine. "And ... Vex like killing."


The doctor suddenly went silent, heart pounding in her chest.


"Home not ask Exile to fight for it. For some reason, Exile think he is important. That he do something. Vekht will be fine without him. All Exile do by associating with home still is bring dishonor to it and elders. The gladiators that do survive... they strongest. They go on to defend home, if need be. If gladiators die, not a waste. Simply make the better ones stronger. Or, we stop. Let our people become weaklings, rely on cheap tricks and tactics. Become your clan." He said, barking a laugh. "Any threat come will be dealt with."


Casar's gladiator huffed. "Can always expect Vekht to be Vekht. But there is a reason why Exile clan leader is Exile." He said.


"There isn't a reason, actually." Casar snapped, his patience wearing thin. "I don't give a fuck if your gladiators are old. We killed them all. It's amazing to me that there's even a doubt in your small minds that he's done anything but tell the truth. But it'll be rubbed in your faces soon, anyways."

 

[Notorious]

"A romantic huh? I like you Juk. Love is one of the most powerful things we can have. She bit a whole starstag in half? Wow... No wonder you like her." She said smiling genuinely, finding it adorable how her gladiator was a bit of a romantic. "I had someone like that once. He was an Aqui, big, tall, kinda like yourself actually. And oh man was he powerful, in more ways than one. He was uhh... A bit too rough though. Didn't know how to treat a lady with respect and was a real bad man. He was a pirate and stole from people, their belongings, their lives... And ironically he was a bit of a pussy too." She said giggling. "Wanted me to be his pirate queen and all sorts of other sappy shit, so... I shoot him in the face!" The twist in her story even made Juk recoil. "Got paid for it too. Don't piss off your lady Juk, if she can bite a starstag in half she can bite something else in half just as easy." She said shrugging, teasing the gladiator a little to see how far he would go with talking with her. "Do you have a picture or anything of her? I'd love to see her face when you tell her we killed Maul."


She was rather confident when it came to telling him how they were going to kill Maul, a trait that the Vekht appreciated.


"I'm sure you've done a lot of great things Juk but as soon as we take on that beast and you are one of the people who did it wow... That most beautiful Vekht will be your's forever. So let's hurry and take it out and don't worry about me, I ain't just some Calivari. I'm full of surprises."


"If Jagar remember right... Jacht clan beat Sekt clan in battle of Vetka. Gain first elder seat... And if Jagar remember right... Sekt clan warriors always second to Jacht in gladiator ring." He smirked, "Maybe it change since Jagar leave but rivalry between clan great. But... most Jacht and Sekt respect and like one another. Think Sarkter may be Jagar friend if Jagar did not bear these marks." He said quietly, trying to put forth an olive branch. "Know exile but... after this trial and kill Maul show that Jagar never kill father. Kill brother for betraying clan and Vetka. It why I fight for planet even when not asked for it. Vetka WON'T be fine if we continue this way. If you continue this way..." He said quietly. "Once exile brand remove we talk for real. Jagar can tell you not like me, but one day you will. Jagar great warrior, better than most of your gladiators." He smirked, "Probably you too." As quickly as he held out that olive branch he snatched it away for a challenge, a much more appropriate Vekht action than what Jagar had been saying.


"Are we there yet?" Psy asked obnoxiously loud. "I don't see this freak yet and I'm getting pissed off at all the waiting. Let's kill this thing and go home already."


"Enjoy your time here..." The nature loving gladiator said. "Listen to sounds. Look at sights. Might be last time you ever see place like this."


"If it was my last time it would be my best time as I wouldn't have to come back to somewhere THIS fucking terrible. I can see how you spiky headed fucks come from a place like this. Even the trees have horns!" Psy paused, "What do you mean it might be my last time?"


"Maul might eat you." The Vekht added, but not speaking much after that. His hand tightened around his weapon as he looked into the distance. Psy looked suspiciously at the gladiator whilst they continued on.


"He might, but I'll just explode out of his belly. Did that to a kraken last week. Shit was SO funny. She was crying because my new squid friend Nyx was aborting the kraken's children into the water. You should have heard this beast crying, she was like 'OH NO MY BABIES!' and we were just beating the shit out of her. We got super rich off her though so it's totally cool. That, and anything that massive and organic needs to die. Full offense." He added at the end, humming to himself as he kept swatting at the bugs.


"You disrespect hunt? Destroy eggs? Did you not even cook them?"


"Of course not! Those things were probably priceless but if they birthed more of those gross krakens good riddance. Even them squish organics I own wouldn't be able to finish one so we smashed most of them. We sold some of them but well, all of those eggs are fried by now!"

 

[C.DEX]

"Yes, it will be." Casar's gladiator growled. "Small man will be wise to keep his tongue, might find it taken out of if does not."


Seemingly fed up of this particular turn of events, the mage spoke up once again. "Want to hear about the last person who thought they were big enough to take me?" He asked, simmering. "I wrapped a chain around their neck and squeezed until their neck resembled a whitehead, and then took care of the issue. Might be wise to stop threatening me." He said, his words causing the maddened Vekht to stop in his place.


Though in reality, it wasn't him that could take credit for that. Birds rushed from the treetops, suddenly making the jungle a much quieter place than beforehand. Almost simultaneously, all of the gladiators stopped in place. Most of them jutted hands out, in symbolism for their partners to stop.


After a brief moment of silence, Imille spoke up. "...what was that?" She questioned, equal parts fear to her curiosity.


"...Maul." the hunter replied, sniffing the air. "Or... one of friends dying." He said, cackling lightly. "Vex smell blood."


Imille silently checked the vitals update of all of her crew. Thankfully, all of her crew were alive and well, if a little stressed from the situation at hand. "No .. not that. Must be Maul. Vex, you're scary and all, but let me know when you need a boost, alright? I got a syringe for you, and one to knock the fuck outta this miracle beast." She said, hand falling to her hip to prep her gun.


"Juk worry about you. May be honorary hunter, but... not know what get self into. Whatever happens, Nux, know that Juk just ... Want to get back to Jexx." He admitted, with a sigh. It was cryptic in itself, with no real meaning apart from almost somewhat sounding like an apology.


"Maybe Sarkter take you up on that challenge. Be one final one ... before you go." Sarkter said, with a grin. "Would hate for Exile to disappoint, especially after getting close." He finished, bitterly. "Sekt warriors also may have been second in ring before, but..." the man stopped, looking down to Jagar and taking on a fairly frightening visage. "Exile not Jacht warrior. Exile Jacht coward, hide behind squishy body humans. Sarkter show him what happens when humans get in the way of unstoppable force, and through to 'pussy' hiding on other side." He growled.

 

[Notorious]

"I'll help you get back to Jexx. No matter the cost, Juk. You have something great to fight for and I sure as hell am not going to let anything stop you or us." She paused, smiling to herself. "That's a beautiful name, Jexx, for a powerful warrior." Nyx replied quietly, her dark eyes scanning the woods for any sort of movement. "I don't see any movement but Vetka is full of surprises. I might not know what I'm getting myself into but we're in this together. Right?" She said, looking back to Juk and smiling at him. Nyx felt something was off, her nerves starting to get the best of her as she waited for Maul.


Psy reached to his back and pulled out two massive assault rifles, lugging them about with ease due to his synthetic strength. He looked around and noticed the strange looking Vekht he had been with had stopped moving once the sounds in the forest changed.


"Is that big bitch here yet? I need to take an oil bath." Psy asked obnoxiously, his eyes tracing the woods and scanning for all life but his scanner was getting muddled by all the nature. "Can't see anything, too much life. This place is terrible..."


"This place great. Won many battles here in my day." The older Vekht said. "Take it in robot. Maul focuses on the brighter object first. Its why we camouflage."


"Makes sense. Kill the strongest first, leave the old knubby looking Vekht for last. Works for me!"


"How about you think for one second and realize Jagar never hide behind human? Jagar fought in arena alone, for years Jagar fight alone because of Elders making mistake, forever has Jagar been the one to fight while others use him as shield. Is there sense to your words? No. For final challenge though Jagar like that. No... Jagar love that. Wouldn't be worth no honor or glory as killing Sarkter means killing gate guard. Elder's bitch." He said, growling back at him. He knew being assigned to Sarkter would be a bad idea, both of the Vekht feeling as if any word could set off a fight in an instant. "You hide behind gladiators. Want to fight against Elder's wishes. After Jagar kill Maul I will kill you. In arena, in front of everyone. Then they will know that I falsely exile." Jagar eyed around, everything seemed still which was uncharacteristic of Maul. The wildlife had stopped chirping and hollering.


Something was about to happen.


"No sound of wings. No growling... Not usual sighting spot for her. Jagar recognize these woods." He said, back turned to Sarkter as he surveyed the land. "Maul... not here... is she? We not come here for Maul."

 

[C.DEX]

Juk looked down to Nyx, frowning. For a moment, he even seemed sympathetic. "Jexx... beautiful name, for beautiful Vekht. Calivari now understand ... why do this. Juk told by Sarkter, free to go home to Jexx after this. After hunt. Understand? It not personal." He said, and as soon as those words had left his mouth, after a brief moment in which Nyx attempted to understand his words, Juk's claws came out from his knuckles. "Juk make it quick."


Luckily for Nyx, the romantic Vekht had elaborated and she had gotten a hint on what his intentions had been. He shot out, inhumanely fast but expectedly, rearing his claws up to impale the Calivarian woman. She dodged, just in time for her to glance up and notice the somewhat kind visage he'd borne beforehand turning into a murderous scowl.


Animals scattered from their direction, disturbing the eerily quiet forest. It behaved like a chain reaction, and soon, the other gladiators had been given the signal to enact Sarkter's plan. The most eager had been Casar's gladiator, who as soon as the boy had finished describing how he'd killed the Vekht leader in the arena, swung an open hand to catch the mage in his grip. Expecting retaliation from a long history of taunting others where he shouldn't have, Casar shot backwards, stumbling as he had done so. He immediately shouted out into his telecommunications, warning his teammates and throwing caution to the wind.


"My gladiator is attacking me!" He hissed, drawing his weapon from his side.


Imille got the warning a fair amount too late. She looked up to Vex, only to find him gone. "Oh fuck." She whispered. "Nyx? Nyx, are you -" suddenly, the doctor's speech cut out.


On Jagar's end, Sarkter grinned at him, waiting for his move. He wasn't aware of the screams of his companions sounding out in his ears. Before the exile could lurch out to save them, however, Sarkter grabbed for him, holding him in place by the neck. "Exile... Jagar die in forest. Alone. His friends ... hunting casualties, die alone without Exile shield to protect them, too. Hear animals? That sign... sign it has begun. No crowd to watch you die. No grand words, speak about how Jagar innocent. Just DIE!" He roared, letting all of the rage and anger he had been holding in for so long come out as his fist came soaring for Jagar's face.

 

[Notorious]

"No Juk!" Nyx shouted as she dodged, then dodged again not wanting to hurt the lovesick Vekht. "Don't make me hurt you!" In any other situation a Vekht would have laughed at her but the brief bond they had developed was more than enough for him to remain serious as he clawed out at the Calivari. "WHAT WOULD JEXX THINK?! YOU KILLING A NEW FRIEND JUST TO COME HOME EARLY!" She dodged again, "THIS IS NOT WHAT A WARRIOR DOES, BUT A COWARD!" Juk caught Nyx with a claw across the midsection, causing her bleed out blue blood almost instantly but the woman was more annoyed than hurt. "WHY DO YOU C U N T S WANT TO RUIN MY ABS?!" That's when she returned fire, reaching for her pistols and yanking them off her belt. She began to ran away from Juk while firing, her energy bullets hitting him in his unarmored areas for maximum damage.


That's when she heard Imille whispering to her only for it to cut out. Nyx roared with anger and looked at the tracker to find Imille's last location, totally ignoring Juk as she hopped incredibly high into the air and landed on a tree branch. She then kicked off, soaring through the air as she jumped from tree to tree racing towards Imille while fleeing away from Juk. She knew this would mean that they'd most likely have to deal with two Vekht, but if it meant saving Imille she was about to do anything it took.


Psy and his gladiator sparred no time to talk, the old warrior charging at the android and tackling him to a tree as soon as the attack began. Psy was impaled on a tree branch and stuck in place. The warrior reached to his belt and grabbed his axe and began to slam it down into Psy's chest only for it to bounce off time and time again. The android raised his hand and did a faux-yawn, looking at his guns that had fallen down on the ground next to him.


"Aim for my head. That's where you can deal the most damage." He said, moving his neck as the warrior slammed his axe towards his head only to miss. "Too slow old man. That's why you organics should-" Psy dodged again, and again, taunting the Vekht the entire time as he moved much faster than the old man could handle. "-be put down once you reach a certain age. I think that's a fair compromise. I want you all dead but if I can start with the old people that'd be great." He dodged one final time and the tree began to crash down knocking him loose. "Thanks, dumbass!" Psy said giggling while jumping away from the crashing tree. He landed behind the gladiator and struck him in the back of the head with a hard metallic fist, causing the warrior to stumble. He then had to make his way back to his guns with the massive Vekht in the way, otherwise, this was going to be a lot tougher than it needed to be.


With Jagar being choked and Sarkter's fist coming in he did the only thing a Vekht could do in that situation. Turn his head, and let Sarkter's fist meet Jagar's horns. The two collided causing Sarkter to let go of Jagar's neck as two of Jagar's remaining horns impaled themselves into Sarkter. He tore away and they literally ripped out of Jagar's skull causing him a great amount of pain but it was either that or be killed that quickly. Blood began to pour out of Sarkter's hand and Jagar's head, coating the Exile's face in dark purple blood.


"Attack like coward when back is turned..." Jagar grunted, unfazed by Sark's deception. "You should know Jagar history with cowards... How I break them." With a flick of his wrist his long under used holographic blade appeared, illuminating the area in an orange glow as it generated. "Say words to your ancestors now... They will mark you as exile in afterlife." And with that, Jagar charged forward at a lightning fast speed. Sarkter may have been bigger and physically stronger, but Jagar was more nimble and tactical. He sliced through Sarkter's chest plate and exposed his chest all within one blow, followed by a devastating punch to the warrior's chest.

 

[C.DEX]

Juk followed after Nyx. While she was quick, her domain was water. His had been the very lands beneath them, and he tore away from his place with a scary quickness. The Vekht landed on the side of the tree, quite literally ripping a chunk of it out as he'd tore off of it and after the Calivarian woman. His one ticket to leaving the hellhole of an arena he'd be forced to fight in for the next upcoming years otherwise. It really wasn't personal; that much was true. But the Vekht had already drawn blood, and taken up a trail. It would either end with him dying or her, and the Vekht had someone to get back to.


Meanwhile, the doctor, whose transmission had cut out and alerted her friends, was struggling to stay alive. As she had cried out for Nyx, Vex had slammed into her, taking her to the ground. She instinctively lurched for her gun, which had been pre-loaded with a syringe full of tranquilizers on the ride over. The Vekht attacking her almost seemed ... was it disappointed? After all, he hadn't taken the task because he wanted out. With a rattling hiss, and a hesitation that could very well lead to his downfall, he slammed pointed claws down through the barrel of the gun. It was too late, however, as the syringe had left the barrel and plunged into his chest.


He pulled it out and discarded it, confidently unaware of what he'd been dosed with. Imille yelled out, scrambling to her feet. "Wait! WAIT!" She yelled, trying to bide for time. "Vex - Vex, why do this?! You said you were looking for a challenge - I'm just... I'm just the doctor. Understand? If you want a challenge, you'll fight us together." She said, violently scrapping for something - anything to change the violent Vekht's mind.


Casar had been particularly unlucky; despite being prepared to be attacked in light of his not-so-kind threats, he wasn't nearly as quick as the jungle-colored Vekht. Despite the gladiator's massive size, he was quick on his toes. Certainly a lot quicker than the gladiator in the arena had been. The Vekht grabbed him by the neck, strangling him. Then, the mage did something fairly unexpected.


He ripped off his respirator, plunging his teeth deep into the tissue and muscle of the jungle Vekht's hand. The Vekht reacted violently, throwing the mage down, who took a portion of his hand with him. Almost immediately, Casar raised his weapon and fired several armor-penetrating energy shots point-blank at the man.


Sarkter ripped backwards, his roar filling the jungle around them and scaring what little life had been still been present away. He drew his own weapon from his back; a deathly sharp spear he hadn't gotten the opportunity to use previously.


"Stupid Exile. Think people care about words. May fool the elder with them, but in jungle... words don't matter." He growled, pacing away from Jagar's radius of attack, waiting for an opportunity to strike. "Longer you take ... more friends suffer. Gave gladiator express direction to stretch it out." He said, with a sickening smile.

 

[Notorious]

"SARAI! JUST HANG ON!" Nyx looked back screaming to her friend over the comms as she ran away from someone who she thought she had connected to really well. "JUK STOP!" She shouted. "HELP ME FIGHT SARKTER AND THE OTHERS AND WE'LL GO GET JEXX! PLEASE!" She screamed as the gladiator finally caught up to her. He clawed at her, slicing up her back and sending her down to the forest floor. She landed gracefully, rolling out of the way as Juk slammed down where she had just been at moments ago. Nyx grabbed one of her harpoons and flung it at Juk who simply side stepped it, only for it to splinter into several harpoon shafts and hitting him all over his body all at once with deadly precision. Nyx then continued to fire at him, turning to the offensive now as she completely swarmed Juk with a staggering amount of damage. "SUBMIT! I DON'T WANT TO KILL YOU!" She called out as she kept the fire up as he tried to regain his footing and heal.


"Metal man be food for forest..." The gladiator said, pounding on his chest. "Droug of Clan Dyne will destroy you!" The massive beast of a Vekht called out, his broken horns and tusks showing just the amount of fighting this veteran had done. He had been picked for Psy specifically due to his size and strength, a heavy opponent for a hard hitting droid. The behemoth charged at Psy who barely got out of the way, Droug completely demolishing the brush they were around and clearing out their surroundings. Bugs and creatures alike all scattered as the massive Vekht stomped on the ground, the entire area shaking as he did so.


"You're so big it's like you ate an entire forest!" Psy shot back, diving for his weapons and getting them. "EAT THIS!" He paused, "That was way too cheesy even for me, just die asshole." And with that he began to open fire with both assault rifles, peppering Droug with heavy hitting rounds that send the Vekht jumping for cover. Psy was on the offensive now, spraying the entire woods with his bullets going out of his way to shoot animals that were fleeing while Droug hid. "COME ON OUT BUDDY WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED!" Psy began to hover off the ground thanks to his thrusters in which he redirected extra fuel to them, scorching the forest ground below him and causing fire to rapidly spread throughout the area.


"Stretch it out? All gladiators will die." Jagar said with confidence in his voice. "Should have made them fight like cowards, like you." He added, running toward Sarkter with so much anger boiling inside of him. All he wanted to do was help his friends, not even caring about Sarkter as much as helping them. He dodged a swipe from Sarkter's spear and deflected it upwards with his holographic blade, getting in close to the Vekht and tackling him to the ground. Jagar was about to jump on him only to get a spear stab to his shoulder, causing him to stumble back. As Sarkter got up Jagar growled, "Lot of talk for weak fighter... Give me your all. Show you why Jagar stronger... Enough talk."

 

[C.DEX]

Casar's energy bullets peppered his gladiator's body, causing him to scream out in surprise at the amount of damage he was taking. To the mage's surprise, the Vekht actually charged at him, almost ignoring the charges that ripped through him and out the other side. He began to heal before the mage's very eyes, wounds closing as fast as they had opened up. Then, they met.


Casar skillfully shot to the side, grabbing the gladiator's arm and pushing himself away with it. He was recovering quicker and quicker, probably a result of the adrenaline and synaptic accelerators. Soon, he was on his feet again, trying to back up to get distance between them. But it wasn't happening. The gladiator had backed him up toward a tree, blocking his escape route.


Except, not. The mage backed up against the sloped tree, then sprung off of it. His real goal had been making enough height in order to plunge his hip-sheathed dagger into the Vekht's neck. It was a dangerous tactic, but there really was no other way out than up.


"Juk... sorry." Juk said, clutching his chest. To Nyx's horror, he stood up through everything, inching toward her step by step. He was slower, then, but submitting wasn't an option. Shot by shot, harpoon by harpoon, the Vekht advanced further and further, until he had finally reached Nyx. Then, he fell to a knee. Not out of submission, but through his body shutting down.


Imille wasn't having as much luck. As she had attempted to coax the savage Vex down, he advanced further and further, claws unsheathed. She had managed to scramble to her feet, but as Vex's movements became more sluggish, he began to notice. "What did you do...?" He growled, before shooting forward and tackling her to the ground. He angrily lifted a clawed hand, and plunged it into her side as she'd tried to roll away. She screamed out, thrashing at the Vekht, whose eyes were slowly drawing into a close. Now, it was a matter of if she'd survive it until then.


Sarkter was enraged by Jagar's words, letting his anger get the best of him. All he had wanted to do since seeing the overconfident leader and his teammates soil his planet was kill them. Slowly, and painfully. Now he was the one being mocked? Incredibly angry, he closed the distance between Jagar and himself, blade be damned, gripping his arm in his hand and slamming him against the tree behind them.


"Listen close. Hear that?" He asked, challenging Jagar to listen. "...Which one that sound like?"