Fenris Perrywinkle: The Great Galactic Duel

Chapter XVIII: Maximum Unity

A very large alien warthog-looking thing tries to stop me at the stadium entrance. I think it was trying to ask for my ticket or something. I barely even feel the back of my hand connecting with its flabby cheek. The pig-man is completely caught off-guard by my strength and is sent head first into the composite metal wall beside him.

I pause a moment to study my hand. About fifty percent of my body is now covered in thin ribbons of whatever material the cube was made of. What I can only describe as glowing circuitry decorates the thin strands of golden material.

I clench my fist. I can feel power surging through my body. Not quite as much as when I was wearing the Everbright champion suit – but close. I'll have to remember to thank Center the next time our paths cross. Actually, since she's the center of all knowledge, this crazy alien exoskeleton has probably already relayed my thoughts to her.

I sprint through the intake tunnel much faster than I thought I could, and emerge on the floor of the arena. Jennifer and Amanda are already encased in the force field dome and are locked in mortal combat. I watch as the blonde blasts the brunette with her eye beams, only to have the brunette grab her ankle and slam her face-first into the force wall.

I can't watch this. The thought of the two loves of my life fighting to the death makes me want to vomit. I glance at my hand once again. I know what I have to do.

I glance up again in time to see Jenn pin Amanda to the side of the force wall with a flurry of body blows. Nope. I can't watch this.

An all too familiar drone buzzes into my line of vision. "Prisoner 776! I knew you couldn't stay away! This time, you're mine!"

I point at the annoying technological insect. "You want me, Philander? Come and get me! Right after I expose you for the criminal you truly are!"

The end of my finger begins to glow. I smirk as I feel a burst of power building up inside of me. In another instant, the Games Master will be down yet another drone.

I'm rudely interrupted by large metal clamps which crush and encase me; I'm lifting me off the ground and flung twenty meters away.

I land hard and have the wind knocked out of me. Loud laughter fills the air and mixes with the roar of the crowd. A familiar blob of flesh sits at the controls of a large utility robot. Its vice grip hands open and close in a menacing fashion. The floor bounces a tiny bit as it begins walking toward me with its industrial sized legs.

"I knew you couldn't stay away. It was nice of you to gift wrap yourself for me. I'm going to enjoy popping you like a grape, Prisoner 776!"

Pop me like a grape? His insults I can take; incorrect fruit metaphors though? That has to stop.

The crowd roars and try as I might, I can't help taking a quick peek at the girl fight happening beside me. Jennifer is picking herself up off the floor – I think I see blood. Nope. Must look away.

The Games Master roars as well and launches one of the industrial sized vice grips at me. Apparently he can fire them off like grappling hooks.

I manage to catch it – man, I really am strong! Thanks again, Center!

A moment later, however, I'm yanked off my feet as Warden Jefferson reels the vice grip back in. Apparently it has a cable attached to the end. That makes sense.

I leap for dear life as he brings both vice grips together in an effort to... "pop me like a grape". I think I leapt a good forty feet in the air. I clearly don't know my own strength.

I see Jennifer round house kick Amanda and send her sailing. I think I remember her taking Karate or something when we were together.

I land hard on top of the Warden's robot suit and begin punching my way through the metal roof. I think I see something move out of the corner of my eye, but I'm not quick enough. Apparently the robot arms are more agile than I first thought – one bats me off the roof and I find myself sprawled out on the stadium floor again.