MCYT RANDOMNESS 2

The Arena pt. 2

I have changed the name of this set of oneshots because 'Vexed Life' was far too weak for my liking.

Trigger warnings (I let Cub and Scar loose, possessed, in a death ring, it's bad) -->

PoV: Martyn

Holy fucking shit.

We’re all going to die.

I back into the middle of the arena. The only ways out are through leaving the world (my communicator won't let me, and they’d hurt us more if they saw me try), or through the hoard of possessed vexlings screeching for our death. Cub and Scar pace around, just chatting, as if nothing’s happened, trapping the rest of us in the middle of the room. My heart races. I try to keep my communicator hidden as I type a simple SOS to the Listeners.

‘It’s been so long, Cub! Those Hermitcrabs keep trapping us in those stinking rooms,’ Scar says.

‘Yeah… they do…’

‘Still love the new look, by the way. Who knew hair would suit you so well! And we can see your big beautiful smile so much better now… Fountain of Youth, right?’

‘He screamed a lot,’ Cub says, with a sadistic laugh. ‘His idea, and he screamed a lot.’

‘And now… a slot at The Arena, Cub! After so long away… you looking forward to the show, you lot?’

The crowd of vexlings only screech louder at Scar’s addressal. I take Cleo’s hand.

‘Scared too?’ they ask. I nod.

‘Obviously. I don't even have anything to put us out of our misery with.’

‘So we’re that desperate.’

‘Now… who do we start with? Scar? Any ideas?’ Cub flicks a knife into his hand, soulless white gaze flicking over us all in anticipation.

‘Ooooh… good question… good question… do we go for one of the filthy watchers maybe?’

‘I’ve heard stories about what Grian did in Double Life… I’m in the mood for cutting off some watcher wings, man.’

‘Don’t we want that to be a great finisher though? Can we warm up with Martyn maybe?’ Scar’s gaze turns towards me. Terror crawls up my back. I struggle to breathe. ‘He’s messed with us enough to justify it, but he’s not Grian, a wonderful showstopper… no offense, Martyn.’

Scar steps closer. I hide further in the centre of the group. Cleo steps in front of me, Scott behind. Grian’s mid-panic attack, comforted by Pearl’s hug. Joel’s fallen silent at last.

‘Maaartyn…’ Scar continues creeping around us. ‘Come on, Martyn. We want to talk to you…’

‘Martyn?’ Cub calls too. ‘Martyn you hiding somewhere?’

‘You don't get to hurt him,’ Cleo snaps back, blocking me further. ‘I’ll break your legs. We’ll fight you.’

‘We didn't do anything to you. We can talk this out.’

‘So BORING, Scott! Always so boring! Why do you insist on being so, so boring? Where’s your sense of adventure, your taste for blood?’ Scar sighs. ‘Cub, you spotted Martyn yet?’

‘Oh, I know exactly where he is. Just letting him sweat.’ A chuckle from Cub. Scar giggles back. ‘Get his guard down. Make him think he’s escaped.’

‘Escaped US? Really? Someone needs to be taught a lesson, Cub!’

‘Indeed they do, Scar… indeed… they… DO!’