Trapped: Ending the Games

Chapter Six: The Next Move

Anthony stares out the few remaining Seasiders and their war-torn homes, unsure of what to do next. Everyone injured is carted off to the local hospital and those who remain push away the press as Anthony gather everyone in the bar for a speech. He stands in front of about 30 people and has no words for them until Mia walks into the bar and stands up next to him.

Mia: Seasiders! Today we suffered at the hands of a corporation focused on making the common man suffer into silence. However we stood our ground and took the fight to them when they dared to step into our turf. We proved that together we are strong and in fact stronger then those suit wearing bastards who follow the command of some anonymous coward. We fought alongside a true leader in Demetrius and whether he recovers or not we must continue to fight for him and for Seaside.

Mia looks to Anthony to continue the speech.

Anthony: This has become something much bigger then just us folks. This is a national and potentially global issue. This company whatever they are called is killing 100's if not 1000's of people each year all for their dark entertainment. We are only but the beginning and must continue to gather those willing to listen. Now we have a plan Seasiders. Mia and I worked with James and Demetrius to formulate all of our information into a article and with some effort and a hell of a lot of luck it will reach the tv's and phones of every American and the rest of the world so that we can take these bastards down for good. Now who is with me?

The crowd cheers and Mia and Anthony smile to each other before heading to the backroom to upload the article.

James wakes up once again next to Katie and barely remembers what happened the night previous. He's only really reminded by both of them being naked and brief memories of the nights escapades. He quickly throws on some boxers and goes to the bathroom and splash some water in his face to fully wake up. When he looks up he sees that Katie has gotten up still naked and in standing in the doorway.

Katie: Hey there sexy

James: You scared me Katie.

Katie: Aw I'm sorry. I can make it up to you if you want.

James: I don't. I regret ever staying here.

Katie: Why's that? Did you not enjoy last night?

James pauses before answering

James: It's not that it wasn't enjoyable...it just wasn't right and isn't going to happen again.

Katie: Why not? I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed you.

James: Katie are you ok?

Katie: As good as I could be. Why?

James: Because you've been very different since we got here. Everything I had seen of you made you seem more shy and of course scared for your life, but kind and soft spoken.

Katie: Didn't know you were so philosophical James. Look the truth is when I'm scared I grow close to those around me that have shown me kindness or protected me.

James: Do you want to talk about it?

Katie: No. But I probably should.

The two sit down on the bed and start getting dressed as they begin talking

Katie: So where do I begin...When I was little my father was very overprotective of me and my older brother, a little too protective. We couldn't go anywhere without him and rarely went to any events. He always blamed it on the neighbor being odd and seemingly knowing everyone in the neighborhood. His name was John, but I never knew his last name.

James: So what happened? What does this John have to do with this?

Katie: My dad said he always just felt off about John and he was right. One night when my father had no choice, but to leave for business the man barged into our home. My brother tried to fight him, but he was only 15 and the man stabbed him over and over with a shard of glass as my mom and I ran upstairs. We tried to hide, but he found us and threw us both too the ground, tying us up. He said he planned to do terrible things to me, but my mom offered herself instead. He made me watch as he assaulted and left her in a pool of tears. He left and my mom eventually freed herself and called my dad who rang the police. The man has already disappeared and later we found out my mom was pregnant with his kid.

James: My god I'm so sorry Katie.

Katie: It's fine. My father after that never let me leave the house or school without him there until I was 18, then I could go to work and back alone. Until John showed up to my job and I recognized him. I texted my dad and he was there in 3 minutes. The two fought and my father beat the man to near death. Both my dad and John were arrested and sentenced for physical assault and breaking and entering respectively. Eventually they added the murder charge for my brother, but "couldn't prove" he assaulted my mom. My father would pass in prison, but John is still in prison to this day.

James: I'm sorry.

Katie: I always stayed super close to my brother and dad, and so I do it anytime a guy shows me care and protection. I did the same to my two exes, Anthony, and now you. I'm sorry.

James: Don't apologize. I'll try to do what I can to get us through this and will help you, but know we can't do what we did last night.

Katie: I understand.

James: Alright Katie. I have to go to my family's holiday dinner. You can come if you want?

Katie: I never had a normal family dinner...I'd love to if you want me to go.

James: Of course. Let's go!

The two leave the room and Katie slowly inches her hand into James's hand. The two leave the motel and head towards the childhood home of James.

Back in Seaside

Mia: It's officially being posted. My connections are also posting and spreading it as much as possible. These assholes are getting exposed big time.

Anthony: Perfect. Demetrius will be proud of us Seasiders.

Mia: Now we wait right?

Anthony: For now, but this is becoming much bigger then just Portsmith. We have to keep up the fight all around the nation. I think it is time we take a online presence and expose these fools.

Mia: What do you mean?

Anthony: I mean we go to social media and spread our message on places like Youtube. We make a channel and post everything we have and bolster support.

Mia: You think it'll work?

Anthony: Well it's risky because we risk getting tracked, but it is the easiest way to keep gathering support from the public.

Mia: Well then we should start working on a small studio here. I think this could work.

Anthony: I hope so because this is only the beginning of our mission.