THE DOMINANCE GAMES

CHAPTER 5

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ENTRY NO. 4
0805 HOURS
C-6 JADE SECTOR: ASHTON HEIGHTS
MY APARTMENT: No. 24
35'C INDOORS
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One day -

That's how much time has passed since River's death. Yet still I manage to force myself into an outfit to attend the Patriot's Parade. It's last year's. A hand made replica of  Danica Shoreman's first costume.  Her victory 2 years ago made history, being Capital 8's first female patriot to win the dominance trophy.

Hopefully it doesn't look too tight.

I remember how I used to look forward to days like today:  the dressing up in elaborate costumes just for the fun of it, the going out to the pier to watch the parade floats glide by, waiting anxiously for the fireworks to shoot up into the night sky, projecting the names of our chosen patriots.

But River's death has left me a shell of my former self. A stiff, miserable, empty shell.

I peer at myself in the dressing table mirror. I'll admit, I don't look that bad. The only thing that my outfit is missing is Danica's signature red wig. It doesn't take long for me to remedy that.

My sparkly boots click against the wooden floorboards as I shuffle out of my bedroom, almost completley forgetting the model cross bow that lays across my bed.

Every patriot has a weapon they've displayed throughout the tournament. Who knows, maybe mine will be as iconic as Danica's.

A rap sounds at the front door. Great, Pointer is here. He beeped me last night saying that he would be coming over this morning. To be honest I really wish he hadn't. I'm in no mood to talk to anyone, not even my best friend. He didn't exactly take it well when I told him I'll be competing in this year's Dominance games. He did, however, try to talk me out of it. To no avail, of course.

I've already explained it to him before. I will do anything for my brother. And entering a deadly competition in order to exact revenge on his killers? Piece of cake.

Tibbs hisses at me as I approach the front door. She's curled up in a tight ball on top of the Kitchen Island, in front of a giant bowl of cat food.  I roll my eyes. That's all she does these days: Sleep, eat, hiss. Maybe she depressed. I know I am.

When I open the door, Pointer's eyes are focused intently on the ground, and I have to cough akwardly before he finally looks up at me.

"Oh no, Is it that bad?" I moan, slapping my forehead as his eyes grow wide. I gasp. "Should I go change?"

But he doesn't say anything. He just keeps staring at me, eyes bulging, mouth hanging slightly open.

I wave my fingers in front of his face.
"Hello? Earth to Pointer?"

He blinks, shaking his head a little.
"Sorry, It's just that you look.... wow!"

I make a face. "Okay, wow in a good way, or in a bad way?" 

"In a good way. Definetly in a good way."

My cheeks grow warm. "Thanks."

We walk out of the building in silence. I'm marveling at the decorations that disguise  the buildings on the street when Pointer suddenly stops.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" He mutters.

I watch him in suprise as he fumbles around in his trouser pockets. He hands me a tiny box. It's wrapped with blue paper, my favourite color. "Happy birthday!" He sing-songs.

I groan. That's right - It's my birthday! How could I have forgotten?I guess between River's death and the games, it kind off slipped my mind. I thank Pointer for the gift and start to unwravel It's wrapping. The paper gives way to a tiny black box.

I open it and gasp. A small jade pendant sits inside. It's leather strap almost completely worn away. My thumb traces the golden 'Believe' that is engraved in the center of the jade.

This is River's. I've seen him wear it around his neck countless times.

I turn to Pointer with a dazed expression. He watches me quietly with a small smile.

"How come you... how did you get this?" My voice comes out like a hoarse whisper. I barely recognize it.

"I called in a few favours down at the labs. Let's just say thanks to my mom, I know a few people." He winks and I grin.

Sometimes I forget that his mother Is Captain Tricketts. It's always been a little odd, though, to think of them as mother and son.

We find a clean bench to sit on at the pier, one that isn't dilapadated or covered in bird poop,  and he offers to helps me put it on.

"There!" He sighs, fastening the clasp.

I finger the pendant. "Thank you very much for the gift, Pointer. And I promise to get you something just as memorable for your birthday."

He flashes a sheepish smile. "I'm going to miss this - us. When you, you know, go and compete."

I frown. I was really hoping he wouldn't bring this topic up. The last thing I want is to have an akward conversation with him, and on my birthday.

"Pointer...."

"You know you don't have to do this right?" He says and I sigh. "I'm sure Commander Mirrors can find another patriot. There's no need for you to have to join the dominance games."

Those words could have come straight from River's mouth.

"I'll be fine. Besides, it's just a simple competition." As soon as I mumble the last bit I Instantly wish I could stuff it back in my mouth. I bite my tongue.

Pointer tenses up, and I can tell what is coming next. "It's not just a simple competition, Ant! It's a matter of life and death. And the last thing I want is to watch the girl I lo -" He pauses, takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. "The last thing I want Is to watch you to die in a stupid televised tournament."

I'm taken aback by the seriousness in his tone. I never seen Pointer get so angry about something  trivial. It's as if he hones some kind of  hatred towards the games....

"Look, why don't we go and check out the carnival down the pier?" I jump up, desperate for something to change the subject.

I can see Pointer isn't ready to drop the conversation, but he nods anyways. I guess he finally realises that nothing is going to change my mind.

No matter what, I will compete in the games. I will be capital 6's next patriot. And I will win.