Atlas watched the furry nurse bandaging Dax with caution. The overbearing aura made the staff swallow involuntarily.
"You're g...baa...good to...go." the sheep nurse stammered
Atlas asked, "How are you feeling?"
"Great actually. The medicine is kicking in quickly." Dax nodded with satisfaction
Atlas frowned, "This wouldn't have happened if you dodged or were more careful."
Dax laughed awkwardly avoiding his teammate's accusing gaze and pulled him to watch the last battle. The duo have been in the infirmary since the end of their battle because Atlas forced the utmost best treatment on Dax.
"We spent too much time there." Dax smiled with a brief frown
Atlas ignored him and Dax continued to lay down the disadvantages of to being able to watch their opponents battles.
"THAT WAS EXHILARATING! TO WELCOME THE NEW CONTESTANTS THEY WILL HAVE THEIR FIRST TRAILS!!" The commentator yelled
Dax touched his shoulder with concern and hoped nothing strenuous would occur. Atlas noticed his hidden movements and had the same wish.
"SINCE THE ENERGY IS SO GOOD, DOES EVERYONE WANT MORE BATTLES!?!?!" the commentator asked
The audience yelled in agreement with crazed eyes.
"VERY WELL! YOU'LL BE SENT TO A ISLAND AND THE LAST ONE STANDING SHALL BE THE WINNER!!" the commentator responded to the crowd's enthusiasm
A bright light engulfed them and they were in a lush forest. Atlas looked at Dax crouched on the floor covering his mouth.
"Motion sickness?" Atlas smirked
Dax snapped, "Shut it!"
The other contestant looked at the duo with a mixture of caution, fear and anticipation. Dax grabbed him and began running deeper into the trees.
"They're not chasing us." Atlas told
Dax told, "It's because they're scared. That feeling will disappear eventually and they could form an alliance to attack."
"Fair point." Atlas agreed
He lead him to a mountains area. Dax looked around and his smile widened
"What to do something fun?" The teenager smiled
Atlas felt a headache start regardless he listened to his idea....the crazy idea.
"No." Atlas told
Dax smiled, "Why not? It will speed things up and we get to win."
"We're not a team any more. The commentator said last man standing not team." Atlas told
Dax's smile vanished as he looked at Atlas with an emotionless expression. His once comfortable aura became suffocating and hostile.
"We're...not a team?" Dax asked
Atlas thought really hard about his next words, the potential pros and cons.
Atlas finally answered, "...we're a team..."
There was a flash of light and Dax returned.
"Hypothetically, if I had said no-" Atlas began
Dax shrugged, "I'd do what I must to win obviously."
The teenager looked at him with confusion like he'd asked a stupid question. Atlas decided to shelf the odd problem for a later time when they're not fighting for their lives.
"My idea?" Dax called
Atlas sighed, "Just do it."
They made a slightly tall wall in the area that faced the forest. Ever fiber of Atlas mind was against the idea but he couldn't take back his word. He turned to look at Dax hold a torch with fire on the end.
"Well...bon voyage." Dax smiled as he tossed the torch into the forest.
The flames grew quickly and spread out hungrily. Moments later a pained scream echoed sharply through the small island.
"I hope they're okay." Dax said without a drop of concern
Atlas blurted out, "Why are you like this?"
"It's in my nature." Dax told like it was the answer to everything
The teenager was silent and he knew that nothing else would come from him. The flames reflected in Dax's emotionless eyes and something came to mind.
"Please teach me how to shoot." Dax smiled
Atlas frowned, "Why would I?"
"Moving target will be coming. It's perfect to learn a basic skill, never know when I'll need it." Dax told
Atlas sighed. Being with Dax was like a roller coaster, one minute he was high and then low. Under the boy's facts he agreed and took out his gun.
Their gaze moved to incoming shadows. Dax noticed that except the area they were on the rest of the island was rich in fuel...I mean vegetation so they'd have tar...guest soon. Although his smile remained, the sparkle in his eyes changed.
Atlas taught him the basic of a gun and how to shoot. Coincidentally a woman came out of the flames.
"Shot." Atlas shrugged
Dax tried and the woman tumbled to the ground while gripping her thigh. Atlas explained why his aim was off and tips on various things. After several survivors Dax finally got the hang of it and his eyes were bright with happiness.
"You are an odd one." Atlas couldn't help but say
Dax laughed, "You haven't met my big brother."
Soon the targets stopped and Dax looked at Atlas for a long moment with his usual smile.
"I forfeit." Atlas called out with a serious expression
Dax burst out into laughter and wiped his tears.
"I knew it. You're fun." Dax said with certainty in his voice
They were teleported back the the arena and were met with silence?
"Are they okay?" Dax wondered
Atlas scoffed, "Maybe they saw something terrifying...I don't know, a few moments ago."
"That's oddly specific...I'm now interested." Dax smirked with a knowing gaze
"AHEM...SO..." The commentator began putting extra cheer in its voice "THE WINNER IS THE DARK HORSE OF THE NEW ARRIVALS DAXTON NYX!!!"
Twenty banners rose the the sky. Different floating pieces of land with varying sizes and buildings became visible.
"AS THE WINNER YOU GET TO CHOOSE WHICH FACTION TO ENTER WHEREAS THE OTHERS WILL NEED TO BE CHOSEN!" the commentator explained
"Orion Faction will offer a low-medium position and D-rank equipment!"
"Mirage Faction will offer--"
The representative of each banner began yelling out offers and promising different items with pride. Unfortunately Dax didn't know what ranked equipment were or skill books? Was this not a survival game but a game?
"Golden Gate Faction will give you a medium position, C-rank equipment and C-rank trait!"
The other faction gaped at the surprising offer. From their reaction and previous offers Dax deduced that this Golden Gate Faction offered more than the usual.
"Well?" the commentator probed
Dax smiled with cold eyes, "I refuse all offers."