Groom Wars

55. The Human Tree

The next challenge happened in a snowy landscape. Unfortunately, due to Steven's scrutiny, I couldn't ignore the feeling that I was close to being exposed. But why did I have to change to fit in? Why did I have to become someone else?

Pure white snow draped what might have once been a field of green grass. Douglas Firs and Western Hemlock speckled with white surrounded us. This would be our last challenge before leaving for a two-week break, then escorted to the royal palace in Ottawa, where we would meet the princess and go on dates. To protect against the powerful rays, most of us sported sunglasses. The snow was almost blinding otherwise.

Mike and I were partners because Steven felt more comfortable with Luke. Honestly, I didn't mind. The farther I kept from Steven, the better. Van cut across the land on a snowmobile, drawing sighs from the audience. He parked in front of us, atop a red 'X', alighted his ride, and approached us, wearing a ski helmet and a winter camouflage coat consisting of white, grey, and black blobs. I missed Leandro and even Cadmus. They were locked in their rooms, away from the cameras, after getting into a stupid fight.

Van said, "Good morning, everyone. Welcome to the final challenge of part one, phase one."

The crowd released an honest, loud, whooping cheer.

Mike and I exchanged a glance.

Van said, "The next elimination will be the last time I see any of you till we meet again."

Another loud cheer. I didn't have the heart to join in due to my internal turmoil.

Van said, "Today, you will be split into ten teams and handed paintball guns. You'll have one round, and you'll all start at different locations. If you get hit once, you're dead and unable to participate further. The last team surviving wins immunity and decides who goes into the next elimination."

I told Mike, "It would be better to find a group of people outside of our alliance, or we'll be the first ones eliminated."

Mike concurred.

We found a group of participants, strays from the Sons of Zeus. Six people. They were reluctant to let us in, so I challenged the leader to a game of rock, paper, scissors, but he denied. He was a tall, broad-shouldered fellow with a thick build, definitely in the heavyweight category. His hair was dyed dark blonde, but his brows were black, so you could tell it wasn't his original hair colour. His nose was small yet broad. His lips were full, and a black mustache grew above them. I held out my hand.

He shook it.

"Adriel," I said.

"I know who you are."

"I don't know you."

"You don't have to." He surveyed me from head to toe, snorted, then said, "I can pick you up with one hand."

"Give it a try," I challenged. The man crouched, looped an arm around my chest, and lifted my feet off the snow before gently placing me on the ground.

After he had displayed his strength, I said, "Now I'll lift you."

He and his friends laughed.

Their mockery didn't dissuade me; I went and hugged the stranger's back, but try as I might, he wouldn't budge. My veins protruded, and teeth gritted as I strained, but he remained rooted in the snow as if he had been planted there. A human-shaped tree.

Rubbing his hands, Mike said, "Let me have a go."

I backed away to give Mike access. Mike found a secure way to hold his opponent, and while he didn't exactly lift him, Mike tumbled backwards and fell on the snowy cushion. The man fell on top of him, and Mike let out a strangled breath, "Oh God." Mike raised a shaking hand. "Dying. I'm... dying." His face turned red.