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Chapter 6 - the Combat Arena

Chapter 6 – the Combat Arena

Vertigo Town
Arlington County, VA
Wednesday, April 29, 2076
11:30 EST GMT-5

No sooner did we arrive to the combat arena, did we already catch a glimpse of Wheeler, walking towards the arena himself.

"Alright, I've already spoken to them, and I've signed each of you for combat training. It's essential if you ever leave the city, or if our town is ambushed by mutants and vicious robots, that we stay combat ready." Wheeler explained. "You'll need to first complete a difficult obstacle course and collect each holographic token you find. There are fifteen of them. Once that's done, we'll see more action. Shouldn't be hard for you, considering you were in the Armed Forces prior to this."

"Let's do it!" the three of us said, simultaneously.

After getting inside the arena, we looked around. They had a whole stadium seating scheme across the large room. There were also people sitting and waiting to see the action going on. I looked carefully, and it looked like the city council members and a few civilians. The arena consisted of platforms, moving up and down, some steel bars, perhaps to use to jump from platform to platform, and bars coming out of the wall.

"Alright then!" the announcer spoke on the loudspeaker. "You must complete the task of collecting fifteen tokens in five minutes. The tokens are scattered, and you must traverse the arena until you find them all. Failure to complete this task could lead to imprisonment and exile. Completion of the task will reward and grant you mercy, and you will be able to stay in this city. There will be no second chances, no second tries."

We gulped hearing this, but mentally prepared ourselves for it. Of course, we each had to go one at a time. I voted to go first, just so I can clear it with ease. I then stepped forward into the light, being shined from the ceiling above.

"On your marks," said the announcer. "Get set, GO!"

I then made an instant run towards the first holographic token I saw; it was a glowing blue light. I just kept at it, jumping whenever I could, wherever I could, collecting the tokens as I saw them. The more I collected, the more I saw the number of tokens on the board ahead on the wall reducing, along with the timer. Yes, I got knocked down twice at least. But got back up. Less than thirty seconds were left, by the time I collected fourteen. I couldn't find the last one. I frantically looked here and there, until I saw it. Then I split a break for it. It was on another platform, with a bar in between the platforms. I ran as fast as I could, then jumped off the platform towards the bar, reaching my arms out to grab it. I caught the bar, thankfully, with ten seconds left, and countdown had begun in the crowd. I didn't hesitate to swing for at all and made the jump. I landed upon hearing 'five', then quickly got back up to run towards the token. I caught it as soon as I heard 'two'. Then I heard the chime, knowing I succeeded within the time limit.

"Congratulations!" said the announcer. "One down, two more to go."

"Alright, my turn!" said Aurora.

Then she made her move, and wow. She did no different than me. In fact, no sooner had she begun, she had already finished it in four minutes. Okay, so much quicker than I did. Then Ranger went up, and damn. Dude finished it within the same amount of time I did, just three seconds sooner than me. But the first task, was completed. Wheeler then came to us.

"Anyone can make a few measly jumps!" exclaimed Wheeler. "Now grab a weapon, from the table there. Each of you gets a pistol. And get ready. Prepare the arena for full combat! Get the mutants ready! We've 'borrowed some volunteers' from the prison, to participate in this. You goal it so kill all of them. They'll be carrying huge daggers and swords."

"Sounds harsh!" said Ranger.

"Well, they never were our friends nor allies." Wheeler said with a grin.