Teen Romance Fantasy

Act 25 (Ty)

SOS-5, a team of five people that hid their true identities behind masks. Their first appearance on the internet had been when I was twelve years old. The online game Seeker had come to its peak when this team suddenly appeared out of nowhere and absolutely dominated the game. Since then they had become known as the greatest Seeker players in history.

Sam, the leader of the team. His mask was white and crumpled. It even wore a golden mask itself. In their streams Sam usually played the more difficult roles like Assassins or Jokers. He was known for his cold and serious attitude.

Samira, the supporter of the team. Her mask was plain white with red lips and the eyes highlighted with a black circle around them. She usually took over the role of the Mage, giving the team a perfect opening. She did not communicate at all with the other members, thus most people figured she was arrogant.

Otis, the initiator and father of the team. His mask, white with silver sparkling symbols. Most people considered him a gentle soul. He would often play heroes that depended on defence a lot and was even among the community considered as the perfect barrier.

Oz, the weakest member of the team. A white mask decorated with a purple and golden butterfly as well as flowers. His skill was significantly lower than the skills of the other members and yet he relied on logic and chance. He would protect the other teammates with his life.

Siren, the most pitiful member. Her mask was simply black and white and yet it was the most confusing one. Just like with Otis mask, there were symbols drawn in black around her eyes. Besides hers and Samira's masks, all the other masks had silly little hats. Her mask was different. There was a surprising structure around her forehead. A half circle with spikes and diamonds, as if the moon and the sun had become one. Inside the half circle was another unusual structure that upon closer inspection looked like a face with a star on each cheek.

Siren had become famous for many reasons. Depending on the strategy, she could play any role. Mostly however she was supposed to protect Sam by all means. Many looked up to her for being a so-called perfectly balanced player. Nevertheless, she never played any major roles like Sam.

It was not just her play style that made many people fall in love with her. Siren was broken. Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, you called it. All of these were basic necessities to Siren. Everyone knew and everyone pitied her for this. When was the last time she did not cry on a stream? It must have been years. In the end no one ever understood her.

-

Every time I saw the freak at school, I did not know how to face her. At night I would watch her break down and in the morning I would understand where the arrogant behaviour was coming from. All of a sudden it made sense why she always put on so much perfume. That way you would not be able to make out the scent of alcohol or cigarettes. She was not coming too late to school because she overslept. She was coming too late because of the hangovers. Why did it have to be the freak? Why could it not have been Alexy?

After I admitted to know who she really was at the school festival, she threatened me to never tell a soul about this. Otherwise she was ready to kill me. The two of us would act as if we never had this conversation. She was just the freak, I was just Tyson Wood. Nothing more, nothing less.

"What are you thinking about babe?" Alexy asked calmly. We were in my room studying for the upcoming math exam. No matter how often Alexy explained the formula, I just could not concentrate.

"Life is cruel."

"I wouldn't go as far as to say that life is cruel just because you don't understand math..."

I clenched my hands together, resting my chin on them as I watched Alexy gracefully writing down the solution to one of the questions. She looked so damn majestic.

"I've been thinking about the junior tournament in Seeker. How would you like teaming up with me?" Suddenly Alexy stopped writing. She put her pencil down and looked me directly in the eyes. The way her lips were parted, made me go crazy. I could feel the heat rush into my cheeks.

"Babe! You don't have to do this for me. I know how much you and the guys have trained together. I can't just steal you from them."

"They won't mind, I'm sure of it. Besides, if we manage to win, you can have my share of the money as well. It won't be as much but at least it would be enough to pay back your debt." Alexy sighed.

"If you really want this, then I won't stop you. I love you." With that her soft lips landed on mine. A taste of strawberries. The way our tongues danced around each other, hypnotised me. My fingers longingly traced her perfect curves. She got that lustful look in her eyes when she pushed me on my back. Why did she have to be so damn hot?!

As always the freak was late to school. When Anthony, Alexy and I sat in the classroom for lunch break, Anthony told me the news about his relationship with Aisha. Apparently Aisha gave him a second chance when he walked up to her at the school festival after their dance. Alexy reminded him to not mess this up again, which got Anthony rather annoyed. He mumbled something about her being arrogant. Only then I noticed that the freak was outside. This was my chance. I excused myself from them and ran after the freak, hoping no one would notice me.

When I caught up to the freak, she was not too happy about having to talk to me.

"Are you deaf or what the fucking hell is wrong with you?! I told you to not talk to me!"

"You seriously think I'd talk to a bitch like you out of free will?! Siren, listen..."

"Pssssst! Don't calm me that in public!" She held my mouth shut with her palm, as she looked around to make sure that no one had seen us. Her palm was so much colder than I had imagined. Even worse, it was covered by cuts and blisters.

"I need your help."

"What?!"

"Teach me how to win the junior tournament in Seeker!" Once she heard those words, she finally let go of me. The freak was too stunned to speak. She thought that I was joking but I was absolutely serious.

"And why should I do that?! What do I gain from teaching you? You think I'm that simple?!"

"Not simple but stupid. I heard you'll be held back a year if you don't pass the upcoming exams. We can help each other. Unlike you, I'm the grade valedictorian. Besides math perhaps, there's nothing I can't teach you. I'll make sure you pass and you help me get through the first round."

This was it. Would she take the bait or not? I had been thinking about this plan the entire time. All I needed was a chance from the freak. I went down on my knees, begging her as if I had no dignity left. I could tell how her face turned red from the embarrassment.

"Tomorrow right after school at your place. The deal is over if I fail just one exam." She mumbled before she left