Outnumbered
I closed the hologram after sending the alert to the arena. Hopefully, Stella got it.
I scanned the area. The creatures kept closing in.
I glanced at Black. He was ready, gripping his weapon tightly. I knew he'd hold the line beside me.
Then I turned to White Watch, narrowing my eyes.
There was something off about her—everything from her words to her manner.
I didn't get what Black saw in her. Was it because their names matched?
Even the arena was in on it—same weapons, same suit design, just swapped colors.
Maybe it will help sell White Watch to the public but to me, it felt fake.
She felt fake.
What did the arena see in her?
Was she Hornet's pick? Ojamaris's pick?
She definitely doesn't seem like Solare or Ava's pick.
She seems like trouble.
"Hey, stop looking at her," Black whined, smacking my forearm.
My eyes narrowed.
What a fool? Oblivious enough not to see White Watch's true colors.
How do I even warn this fool that she seemed out of touch?
Her attention was diverted to the white watch on her wrist.
Weird if I say so myself.
I leaned close to Black. "You know the rules—no dating, no revealing your identity."
I swear I felt him roll his eyes at me behind his mask. My hands clenched. I wanted to punch him at least once.
Everyone in the arena knew that these rules heavily only implied on us. The bottom of the arena. Even the human staff were treated better than us.
It was just us four—now five that everyone had a feud with. I witnessed it again the day Spawn almost killed White Watch.
Not once did Hornet or Solare punish Spawn for her behaviour?
I almost feel bad for White Watch if only I didn't get a strong, ugly vibe from her.
"Umm… guys…"
My head snapped towards White Watch.
Stomp. Stomp.
The creatures were closing in.
Fuck—this was bad.
"Come here!!"
I yelled, taking out a pink chip from my hip.
The long, humanoid creatures came too close.
I took a step back, along with Black and White Watch. Our backs pressed against each other.
I tossed the chip to the ground. A pink barrier flared up around us.
Not as strong as Barrier Girl herself, but enough to hold… at least for now.
Hopefully, it lasts until Barnaby shows up.
Clang! Clang!
We were surrounded by the creatures; pounding on the barrier.
I prepared my gun for the time when the barrier will break and leave us defenseless.
Crack.
Crack.
It slowly started to crack from the continuous assault. Barriers created by Barrier Girl were always stronger.
Though the pain she goes through to extract the essence of her barrier, this small chip will do.
The shield slowly began to crack. The continuous smashes from the creatures were draining the shield's ability to hold on.
"When the shield breaks, teleport away White Watch."
I said.
I may not like this new team member but I wasn't about to put her in harm's way.
"Black," I looked towards him, making eye contact and nodding our heads.
I reloaded my gun and aimed towards the creature in front of me behind the shield. I was prepared for the time when the barrier will finally break down.
Black prepared his own weapon.
Any minute now.
Crack. Crack.
The barrier was giving way.
Any second now…
Crackkkk.
I saw White Watch draw her weapon—just like Black's, but black instead of white.
I rolled my eyes. Typical design team stunt to "sell" her.
She was new, untested, and yet Stella had thrown her into this city like it was nothing.
Why?
Stella was smart… so why this stupid move?
"You are not to engage," I repeated.
Her head turned towards me, staring at me. I held her gaze, piercing through her until she finally put away her weapon.
Crack. Crack.
The shield was close to breaking down.
Hummm.
If I don't hold the line, neither will Black.
My gun clicked to full charge, ready to unleash hell. I aimed, holding my breath as the shield trembled.
Whoosh!
The shield shattered.
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