Strife: A Red vs Blue Fan Fiction

Challenge [ pt. 3 ]

May, 12, 2546

Mother of Invention, UNSC controlled space

17:16

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I looked down into the training arena, studying Maine for several seconds. I may not 'trust' them, either of them, but they were my best bet to get the information I want. Sure, there could be... others that would help me, maybe even on my team, but right now... I'd rather stick with these two, and a select few others.

I held my helmet in the crook of my arm, adjusting my gloves one at a time. I compared his body type to mine, the pure brute strength that he possessed compared to my small form. Sure, there were certain pros to the situation, my speed easily tops his, while his strength obviously beats mine, but in the end, what really matters? Just gotta play it smart and not get careless halfway through, if I don't want to lose. An AI helps in combat, doesn't it? If I have to account for that, I don't know how this is going to turn out.

I pulled on my helmet, the sound as it locked in place oddly comforting. That's the only thing about this armour that comforts me. It's great, don't get me wrong, but... I shook my head, pushing the thoughts from my head. That's not what I need to think about right now. I bounced on my toes for a moment, still staring down at Maine. He was looking back up at me, unmoving. Something about him sent chills up and down my spine.

Spot it, Ireland. You don't need to think about it right now. I mentally scolded myself, turning away from the window, towards the steps down to the area. I clenched and unclenched my fist several times during the short walk, keeping my eyes closed.

I barely got a second to stand opposite of him before the match started out of the blue, the buzzer sounding before I got my attention back on the lumbering bulk of a man that I had to fight. He was quick, I'd give him that. Before I had a chance to react, his fist slammed against the side of my helmet, throwing me to the side. I didn't stop myself when I landed, my body not reacting the way I wanted it to. I clenched and unclenched my hand, pressing it against the floor and pushing myself up slightly.

He was already in front of me, just far enough away that my foot could lock around the back of his knee. I made him buckle slightly, throwing his weight off balance just enough so I could push myself off the floor with my hands and slam both feet into his chest plate, jumping off right after the collision, flipping as more of a show move than anything, and landing on my feet several feet away.

He didn't fall, even if I put all the force I could manage into the kick. He merely stumbled backwards, off balance. I swear I heard a laugh emanate from him, but I couldn't be sure. It was hoarse, quiet, only slightly terrifying. I arched a brow even though he couldn't see it, shaking it off for the time being.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Russia, Germany, Aussie, and Italy watching the two of us. I made it a point to not look at them again, their gazes throwing me off my game. Why do they have to watch? Why can't they just leave me alone for this one time? They can try to talk to me after, though I'm not necessarily going to be friendly about it.

Maine took the time I had lost myself in my own thoughts to grab me by the front of my armour, his eyes set on mine, presumably, lifting me into the air, staring right at me for a moment. Even if he did pause before throwing me, it didn't seem like he hesitated in the slightest, determined to end this match even if it just started.

I couldn't help but let out a yelp as I was sent through the air, landing squarely on my side, the initial contact with the floor being my hip, then my side, shoulder, head, and several rolls before I could stop myself with my hands and knees, sliding to a stop a fair distance away from him.

Get. it. together. I had to keep reminding myself, over and over again, the only way I could keep my mind focused on the fight at hand, and not with them. I closed my eyes for a moment, collecting my thoughts, going back over the comparisons I made between Maine and myself. I pushed myself to my feet, ignoring my team up in the observation room.

He was already in front of me, a few paces right in front of my face. He swung.

I took a second off my time to see which hand he swung at me with. Right. I replayed the other times he attacked me, along with the other, odd times that I've seen him fight. Dominate hand. Attacks with that first in the attempt to get his opponent down faster, coming in with the left hand if it's needed. I held up my arm, blocking with my forearm. He pushed me, but I didn't lose my balance. I kept my footing, and followed the same motion with my other arm, blocking his other attack easily. I slammed my foot flat against his abdomen, satisfied by the way he stumbled and fell backwards. Got it.

I smiled lightly, nodding, not taking my eyes off the man. That's where I went wrong earlier, taking my eyes off him and getting distracted, not keeping my stance or balance. It left me wide open.

Maine stood back up, looking like he was going to charge back at me just like that. I braced myself, but the attack never came. I looked forward, seeing a small, red, figure between the two of us. Maine straightened his back and crossed his arms across his chest, staring at Sigma, or maybe me. I couldn't tell.

"I've seen all I need. Thank you, Agent Ireland. You'll finish this another time,"

I didn't know what to think of it, of him, of Maine. The fight was just getting good, and he cut in and ended it. I was confused for several moments, watching Maine walk towards the door without casting me another glance. I looked at the observation room, barely catching the Director walking away from the glass.

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A/n: AHA! See, I am not dead. Wait, I'm the one that said I was getting there. Oh well. The thing is, I AM ALIIIIIIIIIIIIVE. Yet, good enough entrance, I do say so myself.

I am incredibly sorry for the lack of updates over the summer. I had a lot on my mind, and to be perfectly honest writing was not the top option there, you know? I have several pieces of art [ covers/otherwise ] that I should probably get to, but I need to make sure I have my stuff mapped out, surprises for you guys planned, and all that shit that just so happens to go along with my wattpad... stuff. I was gonna say career, but that's far away from the truth, and doesn't fit, but..... it's my wattpad stuff. There. Broad category for a lotta things so I do not have to worry about it.

And, I was very distracted while writing this, so forgive any errors or points where I got off track. It's been happening a lot.

So, how have you guys been? Haven't exactly heard from you guys, and I'm curious.

I had a great summer. You know, besides stress, stress, and more stress, and the current stress I'm going through that there is no way in hell I'm sharing with you guys, but you know. Made two hundred bucks every other week, so that's a thing. And I didn't do anything besides sit on my ass, well, lay technically, and watch Netflix. Yep, that's me for ya.

Writing will pick up again now, hopefully. Why I write more during school than summer, I don't know. It's just a... thing, you know? Hell, I finished most of BOOH during the school year, and I still don't even know how!

Welllllllllll, I guess I should end this a/n here for now. I'll start rambling on and on in the next chapter's, anyways. What can you expect?

It's me, remember?

-Seekers