The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 10: Disturbance (Part 1)

Chapter 10: Disturbance

1 year, 1 month, 1 day after the fall:

"Squad Captain!" the elven man called for me. His handsome face marred by a serious expression.

I rolled my eyes, "Are you really going to keep going with that Vanter?"

"I don't know what you mean sir," he saluted, sticking up his nose. "You are the Captain."

I sighed and shook my head, "Maybe as your Captain I should push you for a demotion."

"That would be abuse of power Captain," his expression broke back to his usual casual appearance. "Fine I'll lay off."

"So what did you need anyway?" I asked.

"Your sister got pulled into a duel."

"What!?" I shot up. "Why didn't you say so earlier!? Where is she?"

Vanter laughed, "She's in the second training room. A bunch of old blood players annoyed that she was getting so much attention."

I quickly made my way out the room and into the enclosed tunnel beyond. Vanter followed me as I rushed to find Aria. The space was crowded with many people lingering in the halls. The small dungeon we had captured and now called a base still needing many necessities. We entered the training room. It was one of the larger spaces that sunk down to a flattened earth square. Dozens of onlookers filled the upper deck and below a fight was finishing.

Aria floated inches above the ground, her white hair flayed out from static power that coursed through her body. On the ground were three women. Compared to Aria they bore significant damage to their armour and were barely able to move.

"Are you done?" Aria eyed them coldly.

One managed to stand up, "You think you're so tough, don't you?"

"No, I really don't," Aria grimaced. "We've both seen what we're up against. All I ask is that you respect me and my brother."

The women grew angry, "Of course I respect Ardent. It's you who I can't stand! But I get it. You weren't just some hussy sticking on to his coat tails. I'll admit it."

"Good," Aria descended to the floor. She turned away to spot me and Vanter on the upper deck. Her cold attitude faded to one of panic. "I-I didn't start the fight I swear!"

I folded my arms and sighed, "Pack it up people. Show's over."

*

I woke to an unfamiliar room but one I clearly recognised. I was in a hospital ward. A curtain surrounded my bed, giving me a slight privacy. I tried to move and felt a wincing pain all over, especially in my arms and legs where I had been shot. Yep, I had pushed myself a little too much but, in the end, I was still alive, Aria was still alive. I needed to find her.

I went to rise up only for the curtain to pull open. It was Zen.

"You shouldn't move yet," she smiled softly as she sat down beside me. "Aria is fine. She's in the bed beside yours. Just sleeping."

I expressed my relief and turned to Zen, "Thank you. If you hadn't appeared... I'd probably be dead."

"Maybe...," her usual vigour was absent, instead she seemed conflicted and almost afraid.

"Zen, you're not hurt are you?"

She pushed a single laugh, "As if those thugs could hurt me."

"Then what's up?" I asked concerned. It felt like she would vanish, as if I turned away she may never appear again.