It was the morning of the opening game of the new season and Rye and Bloth had returned from the lakeside retreat just last night. She woke up first and looked over at him from the left side of his bed. His chest barely rose and fell, he was quiet sleeper. Rye smiled, planted a small kiss on his forehead, and swung out of bed. She was showered, dressed, and started fixing some eggs, toast, and coffee when Bloodhound joined her downstairs. He leaned against one of the counters and smiled over at her.
"Good morning, elski," he said. "Anything I can help with?"
"Good morning," Rye replied. "Why don't you have a seat? You're always cooking for me."
"Because I'm better at it," he said with a small grin. He gave her a peck on the cheek and then sat down on the couch. She shook her head at him and flipped the eggs sizzling away in the pan. They turned out alright. The toast was a little dark, but Rye plated them and made her way into the living room. She handed Bloth a plate and fork and sat down next to him. They ate the breakfast in its entirety in a peaceful silence. Rye was starting to prepare herself mentally for the game and she could tell Bloodhound was too. When they finished, Bloth grabbed her plate from her and promptly did the dishes. He was quietly looking down into the sink as he scrubbed with a blank expression.
"Is there something wrong, Bloth?" Rye asked, walking up and placing a hand on his shoulder. He paused from washing and just stared at the running water.
He finally asked, "Rye, would you meet me at the lake after the game?"
"Of course."
He nodded and finished up rinsing and drying the last dish. She figured that whatever he wanted to tell her, it was important and he didn't want to distract her. Rye left his side and went upstairs to start preparing for the game. She strapped on her jacket, her mask, and her jump pack and slid her hunting knife in the back coat pocket. Rye did some stretches and returned downstairs where Bloth was fully masked and standing by the front door, ready to go.
She gave him a nod and they wordlessly departed. It was a quiet walk to the hangar and they were the second and third to arrive, the first being Bangalore who greeted them with an upwards nod. After several minutes, the other Legends filtered in.
Usually by this time, the squads would be posted and people would start to group up. Rye checked her comm device and it was blank. She overheard murmurs that everyone's device was blank. The chatter was interrupted by a figure making their way into the hangar and approaching the group of Legends. Rye recognized him as Seven, the facility Host.
"Today's game will be a little different. We're mixing things up this season," he said. "You're all solo for this game, last Legend standing wins."
Rye's gut sank and she noticed others shifting in discomfort.
"There are some other surprises out there as well and some unique prizes for winning. Check your comms for more details when you land. Good luck."
With that, Seven made his exit.
"The fuck?" Rye heard Mirage say under his breath.
She felt Bloth nudge her arm and he leaned in and whispered, "Solo hasn't been done since the bloodsports. Trust your senses."
She nodded. The back of the dropship opened up and everyone began loading in. The normal rows of three seat across had been reconfigured to single seats that lined the perimeter of the interior. Rye and Bloodhound sat on opposite sides; both kept watchful eyes on the other Legends. The ship took its normal course towards King's Canyon and started to slow as it reached the coastline. Mirage was already up and leapt the moment the back hatch opened. Rye waited for a couple other people to jump and then she stepped out into the open air. What was once a terrifying free fall had become an exhilarating part of the games for her. She soared towards the large Repulsor tower and caught a glimpse of Bloth diving off to the opposite side of the island.
