Now it has grown to be so clear,
the unfamiliar shadow amidst those cheers.
As much as Stella hated to admit it, she loved the adrenaline and danger that came with the Apex Games.
Blood was shed and people died. But thanks to technology on other planets, this was a normal occurrence.
She didn't know why she was afraid.
Maybe it was the crowd cheering, "Invis," every time she stepped into the Ring.
Perhaps I wouldn't be able to believe the words:
"Let's see and hear only good things," no more.
Your silent sadness, it shakes me.
In my quiet sea, waves would sometimes rise.
Stella hated it. All of the blood that came from the people when she knocked them down - they were her friends.
Even Crypto, the anti-social hacker.
Louder than bombs, I break.
All the pain pour out.
Their first battle was intense - Crypto was new and so was she. They both were introduced as Legends at the same time, so all eyes were on them when they were the last ones alive in the fifth Ring.
From the moment I knew
the expression you had on wasn't that expression.
Crypto looked scared.
Louder than bombs, I break.
Stella had never seen him with anything more than a blank, Todoroki-like expression. It was strange. It threw her aim off, but she still managed to win her first fight against him.
She felt bad.
Baby, I'm nothin'er than nothin',
brighter than the light,
don't you want a thing from me?
He held no hostility towards her for it, though. He often hung out with her, asking questions about where she was from and how she lived there.
She explained about Earth and how her best friend wanted to be a Legend as well. She told Crypto about them - his response was, "Mirage would like them. Definitely."
The two steadily grew closer as the Apex Games continued, and she was happy about that.
Extremely happy.
But you say I'm somethin'er than somethin',
brighter than the light,
don't you give up your life.
The battle was taking a toll on Crypto. He was bleeding and he had no Syringes to heal himself with. All he had was his shield - and that wasn't enough to protect him from Bangalore's barrage of missiles coming from the sky.
Crypto grabbed Stella's arm and looked at her with intense eyes. He dropped his Self-Ressurection shield and shoved it into her hands.
"Go. Take this. You'll be more useful than me."
Here I stay, pray,
just for better days.
Everyday a maze,
wonder if this is my place.
Stella nodded shakily as she took the shield.
She thanked him as she ran, small tears forming in her eyes.
Where's my way?
Stella navigated through the missiles as they exploded, barely making it out of there with only half of her shield left. She recharged it, looking around cautiously for Bloodhound who could be scanning the area.
Their sensors never showed up, so she was safe.
The ground keeps quaking,
I collapse on my own, mute.
Louder than bombs, yeah.
I want to tell you, that darkness
exists everywhere, don't be afraid of it.
That is.. until Bangalore's smoke went off in front of her, preventing her from seeing.
Whatever night may swallow me, I won't give up
the fight for you, we'll shine.
Stella held her breath as Bangalore sped past her, not noticing her shadow in the midst of the smoke. She silently thanked Crypto, hoping he was alright.
You and I, we feel it together:
sadness and pain.
She looked around. Bangalore was alive, which meant-
It's not a coincidence,
yeah, we picked this game.
Crypto's lifeless body laid next to his DeathBox as he stared up at the sky, his body dissipating as his items were left.
Louder than bombs, I say.
I'll tell it in front of the world.
Stella screamed, giving away her position to Bangalore. She took out her Peacekeeper, staring her dead in the eyes.
Bangalore took out her R-99, aiming at Stella and shooting her. She took her shield away, breaking it.
Stella wasn't fazed. She charged her Peacekeeper as Bangalore reloaded, and aimed at her head.
If she missed, she was a goner.
The times I've ignored you,
the days where I kept running away, there won't be any more.
Louder than bombs, I say.
A loud gunshot rang through the arena.
People say they're jealous of us.
The pain I have, they say it's hypocrisy.
"You are the Apex Champion," sounded out from the feminine A.I. voice, echoing through the Ring as Bangalore died immediately.
No matter what I do, I get caught up in shit.
If not us, yeah, who will do it?
Stella stared at the DeathBox of the man she loved.
Was it worth it? Was her victory worth his death?
People say they're jealous of us.
The pain I have, they say it's hypocrisy.
Stella sighed as she was transported back to the Waiting Room.
Crypto was there with a small smile, looking at her with shining eyes.
"You did very well. I'm proud."
No matter what I do, I get caught up in shit.
If not us, yeah, who will do it?
Stella smiled back at him sadly, nodding quietly.
Louder than bombs, I sing.
Make a promise for you and I.
Whatever wave may sweep over us,
we will endlessly sing to you.
Louder than bombs, I sing.
It was all just a game - and Crypto was okay. She wasn't sure what she was so worried about in the first place.
Blood was shed and people died. But thanks to technology on other planets, this was a normal occurrence.
She was no longer afraid.
