— ORANGE TEAM POV —

Alec and Augustus were at the back of their warehouse. Their life or death match against the Blue Team was in two days. Alec was starting to get stressed because he still didn’t have any clues about anything and Luke haven’t told them anything of what he promised to tell. They were supposed to meet behind Orange Team’s warehouse half an hour ago.

– Where could Luke be? I hope you’re right, Augustus.

– Don’t worry, he’ll arrived at any moment.

A few more minutes passed by until they could finally hear footsteps approaching. And certainly, it was Luke.

– What took you so long!? —exclaimed Alec—.

– I’m sorry. Ready to hear something that will change your lives?

– Just talk, you’re stressing me.

Luke just laughed. The 3 of them sat down in the shadows below a tree, as hidden away as they could. It would be too suspicious if someone were to see them, even more so if it were someone from a different team.

– Alright, listen.

Alec and Augustus were listening attentively to Luke. He started by explaining why he knew more than the others. His father was part on his country’s government. That’s why, he trusted him with a lot of valuable information that no one else could know. Thanks to his position, his father too assisted the conferences that the regions held in order to investigate who were that anonymous group and discuss the supposed key to ending the war. At the conference, it was decided to not give the leaders more information than necessary, since the rest were matters that the leaders of each region needed to decide for themselves. It was rumored that everything was a farce, that the war wasn’t real. Meaning that the anonymous group lied and just wanted to use the regions and their strongest troupes to their advantage.

In that, Alec clenched his fists feeling impotent. Luke continued, confirming that the reason he would get close and talk to the walls was to try and communicate with his father, who was providing him with additional information about what was going on. For example, Luke knew about all the rounds and their mechanics. Knew which team will fight against which.

But lately, he was unable to contact his father. The last thing he knew was that, the way things were going, something was going to happen. Something bad. Something that was going to change their lives and the way Alvea functioned completely.

– Are you telling me that, on top of everything being a farce, something bad is going to happen!? WHAT ELSE COULD HAPPEN? I’VE LOST ALMOST ALL OF MY SOLDIERS! —screamed Alec—.

– Chill, you don’t want us to be discovered, do you?

– So… everything is a farce. And now we know that the person behind it all is amongst us… it couldn’t be you, Luke, right?

– Do I look like I could plan all of this? I’m in the same boat as you. I just want to get out of here.

– Don’t you think that if we find the culprit… and get rid of them… all of this could end before that “bad thing” happens?

– … Augustus… —Alec stood up— You’re totally right. We should do that.

– Then, first I suggest that we spy everyone at night —said Luke—. We only have 3 nights.

– We have to make our way. Let’s go now.

The remaining two stood up too. They decided to sneak around at night to see if anyone did anything suspicious. They couldn’t do anything else but to trust each other, because not even their teams were from the same region. They started their plan that night. The coliseum was empty and quiet, only the wind could be heard resonating against the walls. They went from warehouse to warehouse, checking every nook and cranny. The cafeteria, the center of the coliseum, the training center, everywhere. But there was absolutely anyone.

– We better do this the night before the match, maybe whomever is behind this will make a move then. You’re right, Augustus. Luke. We will meet again at the same place in two days.

– Alright, I’ll see you then.

And so, each made their own way back, not speaking to each other until the accorded day.

— PURPLE TEAM POV —

Raphael decided to train to the maximum for the next match. He was always bad at sports, so he had to train more than normal. He was lifting some weights when he noticed Zorn was behind him.

– Are you gonna use that? —he pointed at the weights that were at his feet—.

Raphael stared at him speechless. He felt how his cheeks started to blush slightly. Zorn looked back at him with curiosity.

– … Is that a yes or no? —he laughed lightly—.

–U-um, ah! N-no, you can t-take them. —He looked away quickly—.

– Thanks!

Zorn smiled at him and took the weights, making his way back to train with who apparently was Luna. Raphael observed him the whole time. And sighed. Knowing that Luna was always with him made him feel jealous. But that wouldn’t stop him. He had been observing Zorn for some time. The first day he saw him at the coliseum, he felt an arrow go straight through his heart.

Raphael was never a man who liked girls. Of course, he had lots of girl friends both inside and out of the military field, but never felt any attraction for them. Guys, on the other side, always picked his attention and interest. Raphael knew that this match was the last chance he had to tell him how he felt. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He was set on it. Even thought he knew that Zorn was probably in love with Luna, that wouldn’t stop him. He didn’t want to die without confessing. That’s why he made his way to his warehouse.

– …. Dominik, right? —he approached him—.

– You still don’t know my name? After all this time together? —he sighed— What is it?

– You’re Zorn’s cousin, right?

– … I am, what’s wrong with that?

– Can you tell me about him?

Dominik was confused. He didn’t know why a guy like him was asking about his cousin, to know about him. Truthfully, he didn’t mind talking about him, so he decided to tell him about his childhood and how they got along. It’s been a few years since they’ve been together, so they weren’t as close as before. Even so, Dominik still appreciated him greatly. Him and Selene.

– Hmmm, what a cute story! Can I ask you a favor? Since you’re his cousin, I know he will listen to you. Can you tell him to go to the back of this warehouse in a few hours?

– What? For what?

– I just have something to tell him.

Dominik shrugged. It was going to be a bit awkward after Selene and Dorian’s deaths, but he still decided to help Raphael.

A few hours passed by, and Raphael was already in the place. Every second that passed made him more and more nervous. He put his hand to his chest, feeling his heartbeat. He closed his eyes to try to calm down. Thinking about villages and water made him feel at ease, he loved the sound of rivers. That easiness disappeared when he heard footsteps getting closer.

– Oh, you’re the guy from this morning! Where’s Dominik?

Raphael cleared his throat.

– Dominik isn’t here… it’s just me.

– Oh… I see… what’s wrong?

Zorn got a bit closer to him. By inertia, Raphael took a few steps back, sticking to the wall. Zorn blinked in confusion.

– E-eh am… w-well I……

– You?

The nerves wouldn’t let him talk at all. Raphael slapped himself. Zorn laughed lightly.

– Z-Zorn! I-I’m in love with you! S-since the first m-moment I saw you!

Zorn widened his eyes in surprise. He was expecting anything but that. Even less coming from a guy. Raphael was looking at him with caution. He finally got it out of his chest, but the lack of words from Zorn made him feel nervous again.

– Ehm… well… I’m sorry, but I really don’t like guys at all… much less guys like you.

– E-excuse me…?

– What you heard. You’re a bit… weak? Honestly, like that I don’t think you’d be able to win.

– What a-are you saying… —Raphael felt a lump forming in his throat—.

– That’s all I have to say, goodbye.

Like that, Zorn turned around and walked away. Raphael fell down to the floor and started to cry. He felt as if a part of him was torn apart. Zorn took his heart and destroyed it. He punched the floor with all his strength and swore that things won’t end up there. He will seek revenge against him.

Regina was just a few steps behind from the scene. Zorn side eyed her, but didn’t say anything. Dominik saw how Zorn was walking away from the place, got closer and noticed Regina was there.

– What were you doing there, Regina? Were you spying on them?

– N-no! … Well, yes… But! Who would’ve thought that we had a guy who liked other guys! Isn’t that funny?

– … Are you making fun of his feelings?

– Mmmm, maybe… maybe not…

– You’re despicable.

– Tch.

But, apparently there was something Dominik didn’t know: how Zorn truly was. And Regina would not remain silent about it.

TO BE CONTINUED.