The Blade in the City

The Truth

The next morning Alex woke early, she got ready and waited for the timetable to be released. Whilst she was waiting she received a text from the countess asking her to come alone to her office, it popped up in the corner of her vision. Alex couldn't disobey, she headed out into the deserted corridors. Like usual the countess was wearing one of her dresses, the countess stood looking out over the complex, the golden light peeking over the buildings lighting up the room. Alex headed over to her, she too looked out over the buildings, the sun reflected off the windows making the morning a flaming golden sea.

Alex heard the countesses exhale, "Alex, I hope you do well today. You're like the daughter I never had, I know I may seem cold to you but believe me I want what's best for you" Alex could see the emotion in her eyes, she didn't know what to think anymore, "I have something for you" Alex followed her movements with her eyes, watching intently as the countess walked over to a cupboard. She pulled out a thick black material, it had red accents on the belt and down the arm.

"This was my fighting armour, it may seem small but it will fit. I want you to wear it in your fight today" they looked at each other for a moment Alex having to remind herself that she needs to say something.

"Thank you very much" Alex didn't really know what to say, she had so many questions.

"Now you probably have a lot of questions, let me just say I think you have me wrong, you see Alex I just want the best for my people here in America"

Alex merely nodded her head, she couldn't tell if she was lying.

"I know your mother Alex, she would be so proud of what you have become here" the countess said quietly, "she would be devastated if you left, she might even die of heartbreak"

Alex rubbed the black material between her fingers, "I don't even remember her"

"That's okay, you'll see her again, but you really must stay here. For her." The countess placed a hand on Alex's shoulder, "she is a lovely woman, we were close when we were younger, I would never hurt her. But what happens happens, you need to stay."

"I wasn't planning to leave" Alex had practiced not changing her facial expressions, she would never show emotion around those she didn't trust.

The countess smiled and laughed, "no why would you, not when your mother's life depends on it" Alex thought that sounded more like a threat then anything else, "we don't want her dying of grief do we?" The countess was smiling at her.

"Yeah not at all" Alex chuckled slightly, but didn't smile.

"Good luck with the tournament, you're going to win. I can feel it"

"Do I have to kill someone though? What if I don't want to" Alex asked.

"Alex I make the rules, so yes you have to" Alex left behind the golden glow and walked back into the hallways. The material in her hand was soft and firm at the same time, she was excited to wear it. Alex walked through the hallways which were splatter with golden squares each square coming from a window on the right. She passed a few other people but not many.

Alex looked herself up and down in the mirror, the armour was soft and flexible and it had red bands strapping across it. It was a high neck, tight fitting suit. It made her look deadly. Alex was still going through this morning's conversation and was slightly perplexed, the countess sounded like she had been threatening Alex. Alex couldn't even remember her mother, what if the countess had been lying just to get her to stay, what if her mother was already dead?

"Hey Alex" Ben groggily said as he walked into her wardrobe. He placed his hands on the armour, "this is new"

"Yeah the countess gave it to me" she replied, Ben hugged her from behind, this sent tingles through Alex.