What if Kaias hurt? By her own admission, she would be throwing down with prison rules.
A flash of red in his eyes, his fingers clenching on his legs. Kaia was a damn good fighter, he reminded himself. If he trusted anyone on her team to succeed, it was her.
Lysander! Bianka called again. Look up, baby. Im over here!
There are too many. I cant findBianka? Lysanders jaw dropped.
Guess he hadnt seen her since theyd left the heavens. Then, she had worn a scarlet robe.
Lysander, did you see this? Bianka turned and lifted her shirt, showing himand everyone elsethe panties she wore. They were neon-green with the words Property of Lysandy scripted across the ass.
Lysander stood, as if to fly over to her, then caught himself and plopped back down. Sweet Deity.
Your woman wears underwear out in public, Sabin said. Must be nice. Howd you manage that little miracle?
Only the Deity knows.
Great. Now Strider couldnt stop wondering about Kaia. What kind of panties did sheor did she notwear?
The girl beside Bianka must have complained about the high-pitched tenor of her voice, because Biankas grin faded and she leveled the girl with a scowl. An argument ensued. Then, of course, the two leapt at each other in a tangle of flailing limbs.
She is magnificent, isnt she? Lysander asked no one in particular.
Sure, Sabin said, distracted now. He was stroking the bullhorn at his feet. So where are our girls?
Our girls. Strider liked the sound of that. He shouldnt like the sound of that. Dont know.
Do you truly think Kaia can bring home the victory?
The insidious voice filled Striders head. Male. Familiar.
She might be killed
Oh, hell, no. Sabin, he growled. This time, he didnt have to wonder about the speaker. As the keeper of Doubt, Sabin fed off the insecurities of those around him.
Sorry, his leader replied.
Get your demon under control.
Believe me, Im trying. I dont want him going after anyone on Team Kaia.
Win. She must win.
And there was Striders demon, whowait just a sec. She must win? Defeat had never cared about a victory other than Striders before. Why Kaia? Why now? Because her triumph was (perhaps) linked to the Paring Rod? Because the demon knewand fearedthe consequences of her failure? Because, she washis? Their personal playground? Hed wondered before
Cant think like that. He wouldnt do what needed doing.
To Defeat, he said, First, I plan to obtain the Paring Rod before the games end. Second, shell win. If she didnthe speculated about the likelihood of Defeat hurting him, even though the loss was not his own. Strider wouldnt have protected her, as the challenge hed already accepted demanded. So
Likelihood high, he decided. He should have talked her out of this. Whatever happened next was his fault.
For once the prospect of the pain he might suffer held no sway. He simply didnt like the thought of Kaia being harmed.
Lysander! Bianka called, once again drawing Striders notice. Her fight with the other Harpy had ended with the poor woman draped over the back of the bleachers, unconscious. Did you like them or what?
Lysanders expression softened. I did, my love. I liked them. I like everything you wear.
Pathetic, Strider thought. Just because a guy was in love didnt mean he had to pussy up.
Oh, look, there was Kaia! Strider jumped to his feet, waving at her to get her attention. He planned to tell her to be careful, but she was too focused on the happenings in front of her as she strode from the double doors leading into the gym. Her teammates flanked her sides. They wore matching uniforms of bloodred leather, the half tops crisscrossing in back to reveal their wings, the shorts fringed at the hem to allow for easier movements.
Kaias red curls were pulled back in a ponytail that swung left and right. No elbow or kneepads safeguarded her. Damn it, he wished shed worn pads. If the girls fought on that planked floor, they were going to lose some skin, and he liked her skin how it was.
Win!
I know. I heard you the first time, asshole.
The Harpies in the stands noticed the incoming team and started booing. A frown pulled at Kaias lips, but she gave no other indication that she cared. Popcorn rained down, showering them, a few kernels even popping members of Team Kaia in the eye.
Hey, Millicent, Bianka screamed down at one of the popcorn launchers. I see youve set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public. Your aim sucks!
A pretty blonde whipped around, hands fisted on her hips. Hey, there, twin-half number one. Or is it two? I can never remember. Youre both just too insignificant. If I throw a stick, will you leave to fetch it?
I am not a dog, you bitch. Bianka propped her hands on her hips. At least, your dad doesnt think so. This morning he told me Im the hottest chili pepper hes ever had. You know, as I crawled out of his bed.
There was an audible gasp among the crowd, and Strider could only blink. The dad thing was worthy of such horror?
My fathers dead, you heartless mutt, the one named Millicent gritted out.
Oh, Bianka said, her shoulder sagging. Then she brightened. Your mom thinks Im chili-pepper hot. She told me so this morning when I crawled out of her bed!
The gasps turned to snickers. Millicent flew up the steps to tackle Bianka. Ding, ding. Another fight was on.
Strider found himself grinning. Do you think she realizes what she just implied?
Yes, Lysander said on a sigh.
Fingers crossed she and the woman shes pounding stop fighting and start kissing, Sabin said. That happens, and someone better cue the bow-chicka-wow-wow.
Lysander straightened, clearly intrigued. I see what you mean about engines being revved.
Suddenly the Harpies who were booing erupted into deafening cheers, and Strider forgot everything else as he turned his head to find out why. His jaw clenched. Tabitha and her crew had just entered the court.
They wore half tops and fringed shorts, too, only theirs were blue. Then another team stalked in behind them, wearing purple. Another team in pink. Another team in yellow. Damn. How many teams were there? Another in green. Another in black.
His mouth dried up when he noticed that some of the women were bigger than he was. More muscled, taller, and hell, he would not have been surprised to see beans and franks. Although some of the contestants were as seemingly delicate as Kaia.
The women formed a large circle on the court, leaving the center empty. The one called Juliette, the brunette whod run the orientation, stepped forward and held up her hands. Finally the crowd quieted.
If youre like me, youve been waiting for this moment for a long time, she called, and had to stop when cheers once again rang out. Only when they faded did she add, And so, lets not waste a moment. First rule, you dont talk about Tag. Second rule, you dont talk about Tag.
More cheers.
Grinning, Juliette said, Just kidding. Now for the real rules. Only one member of each team is allowed in the ring at any given time. When that member wants out, more boos rippled, faded, all she has to do is tag one of her teammates. If she can reach one.
Annndeven more cheers exploded through the gym.
If someone is too injured to continue, she must tap out for good. But think carefully before you go that route, ladies, because even if you heal, you cant go back in.
I didnt pay to see cowards, someone shouted.
Juliette nodded her agreement. For those of you who have never before played this type of game, you should know that the competition doesnt end until only one team remains. Heres a hintfight dirty.
Eagleshields are gonna kick ass, someone else called.
Juliettes grin acquired a dark, evil edge as she focused on Kaia. Good luck, everyone. Youre going to need it. With that, she strode off, disappearing from view as the contestants swallowed her up.
Kaia tossed Strider a quick glance. So. Shed known where he was, had been as aware of him as he was of her. He nodded in encouragement, even as the bottom dropped out of his stomach. The females surrounding Kaia were eyeing her like she was a juicy filet and theyd just ended a week-long fast. He should be down there, shielding her, not sitting up here, doing nothing.
Dont worry, Sabin said, patting him on the back. Gwen wont let anything happen to her.
Im not worried, he gritted out. No way would he let Sabin, Doubt himself, have more confidence in his womans abilities than Strider had in his. Just no way. Kaia will protect Gwen.
Boss man blinked at him, incredulous. You want to argue about that? Really?
Yes, damn it, he did.
Win.
Always. Just shut the hell up and watch the game, he said. Ill let you know before I head to the other side and start my spying.
CHAPTER TWELVE
I WILL NOT FAIL. I WILL not fail. I will not freaking fail. The mantra blazed through Kaias mind as she settled into position.
Neeka was the first in the ring for Team Kaia. Shoulders squared, head high, the girl strode to the center of the court, alongside the first from every other team. Soon, twelve Harpies stood there, facing off, waiting for the whistle to blow. The rest of the combatants waited on the sidelines like Kaia, crouched, one hand extended.
Weve got this, Gwen muttered beside her.
I know, she said, glad there wasnt a tremor in her voice. Strider was up in the stands, looking edible in a T-shirt with an ironed-on tie, and ripped jeans. The only glance shed allowed herself had been a mistake. He was a distraction she couldnt afford, but shed had to assure herself that he was up there, that he hadnt abandoned her. She only prayed he witnessed her victory, not her defeat.
I will not fail. Too much was at stake. Her reputation. Striders respect. Hell, his life.
Not that hed agreed to her terms. Hed never flat-out said hed wait for her to win the Rod and keep his thieving hands to himself. Shed realized that only an hour ago as shed prepared for Tag. Shed needed a distraction from her the-world-is-at-stake panic and had replayed her every conversation with Strider.
Was he planning to search for the Rod during the game? Most likely. She wondered if he didnt trust her to bring home the gold, or if he was simply too impatient to wait.
Dont think about that now. Concentrate.
I will not fail.
Wait till you see Neeka fight, Taliyah said, almostgrinning? Surely not. Taliyah never grinned. Or scowled. Or yelled.
If shes so good, whyd her clan let her go? Kaia asked.
Cause shes deaf and theyre idiots. Plus, she was voted Most Likely to Go Off the Deep End and Kill Everyone Around Her.
And she was now on Kaias side? Sweet!
The shrill screech of the whistle sounded, echoing from the walls and blasting Kaias ears.
Game on.
Immediately the girls in the center of the court leapt into action. Kaia stiffened, watching. They attacked each other, claws and fangs bared, and within seconds bodies were slamming into the wall of waiting onlookers. Blood sprayed, warm and rich. Her Harpy caught the coppery odor of it and squawked for a taste.
Calm, she would remain calm. The only people she could harm were the ones in the ring. Hurting anyone outside it would result in a disqualification. If her Harpy took over, she would hurt everyone.
Each team could be disqualified from one event, and one event only, and still qualify for the grand prize. If that happened, though, you had to hope and pray you had a good showing at the other three events, earning at least third place each time, or you wouldnt stand a chance.
An unholy shriek drew her attention, and she found herself concentrating on Neeka. The sweet-looking beautydear gods. Neeka jumped up and hovered over the battling girls Matrix-style, slow motion, arms outstretched, knees drawn up, gaze quickly roving, taking stock, before picking her prey and dropping in a blink. She landed atop a wide set of shoulders, her hands wrapping around the attached head and twisting. Bone snapped, and the poor girl collapsed.
Ouch! Neck injuries were the worst.
Neeka grinned in satisfactionjust as a muscle-stacked brunette slammed into her, knocking her down. Neekas head cracked on the floor, blood quickly pooling around her. She was dazed, unable to rise, and her opponent used her unstable condition to her advantage, punching and punching and punching, fists raining like poisoned hail.
Shit. If Neeka were knocked unconscious, no one from Team Kaia would be able to enter the ring anytime soon. Or at all. They had to be tagged in.
Several others noticed that Neeka was down and swarmed her helpless, prone body, pummeling her senseless.
Come on, Neeka! Bianka shouted from the stands. Kaia would have recognized her twins beloved voice anywhere, amid any kind of noise. She only prayed Neeka could somehow discern the praise since she couldnt hear it. Show em your titanium balls!
Kill her! someone else shouted. And hack off those balls of hers!
How about I kill you instead, hater? Bianka snapped back. Then there was the stomp of feet, a pained hmph.
Kaia didnt switch her attention, though she knew her twin had just attacked whoever had spoken.
Somehow, Neeka collected her wits. Bodies flew in every direction as she once again Matrixed over the combatants. This time she didnt attack, but dove for Gwen, slapping their palms together.
Gwen darted into the ring, and Kaia breathed a sigh of relief. Good job, she said. She wouldve patted Neeka on the back, but feared knocking the poor, shaking thing to her knees.
They punched out a tooth! Neeka slurred past cut, swollen lips.
Youll have a chance at revenge, Taliyah assured her.
What Juliette hadnt explained to the crowd was that every team member had to enter the fray at least three times. If someone failed to do so because they were, say, dead, that team was considered out, disqualified. And to be declared the winner, every member of your team had to be conscious by the final round.
Apparently, this particular game had been played at the last three bi-century competitions. Rumor was, Tag could churn on for days, but even then, there were no breaks allowed. Not to drink or heal or use the bathroom.
Rumor also was, the winner was sometimes declared simply by waiting to see who woke up first.
As the fight continued, other team members tagged in and out. Like the first group had done to Neeka, the new ones swarmed Gwen en masse. She was fast, though, dodging with the speed of a bullet.
You can do it, baby! Sabins proud voice boomed through the gym, louder than everyone else.
Bullhorn, Kaia thought.
The member of Team Skyhawk managed to grab Gwens arm as she passed, swinging her in the opposite direction. Gwen used the action to her advantage, knocking down several of her opponents bowling-ball style. Practically vibrating with the need to retaliate, the fallen jumped up and turned on her. When they realized who they had in their sights, they dove on her. For a moment, all Kaia could see was her sisters flailing legs.
Sparks of rage heated Kaia. And guess who played dirty, leaping in there and going for Gwens wings? That same member of Team Skyhawk. Worse, the bitch was laughing. The sparks grewspread
Get off her! Sabin shouted now. Or I swear to the godsthere you go, baby! Yeah! Thats the way.
Gwen roared with pain and rage as she kicked a few of the girls off her.
That just happened, Sabin blasted arrogantly.
Of course, the girls came back for more.
Kaia had never felt so helpless.
Another roar, and then Gwen was clawing her way out. Tension had whitened her face, making the blood splattered there stark and obscene in comparison. She managed to fight her way to the sidelines and tag Taliyah, who sprang in with a vengeance.
First person she attacked was her mothers soldier, tossing the girl to the ground and grinding her face into the wooden planks.
You okay? Kaia asked Gwen.
Theybroke mywing, her sister panted.
Oh, shit. Kaias hopes plummeted, her body cooling down. A Harpys wings were the source of her strength. When those wings were disabled, she weakened unbearably. Gwen would have to go back in and fight at least two more times, but how effective would she be when she would hit and move as feebly as a human?
Before the question formed completely, Kaia had begun to strategize. They were warriors; they could deal. Gwen would go in a second time toward the end of the match, remaining in the ring for only a few seconds, and then tag out. Then, when every other team had been disabled, Gwen could go in for her third and final time. Boom, done. Easy.
Win.
Kaia blinked in astonishment. Okay, that hadnt been her inner voice, but a mans. Familiar, and yetnot. Only one personor creature?craved victory as much as she did. Automatically, she looked up. Strider was no longer situated between the pale-faced Sabin and the stoic Lysander. He wasnt in the stands at all.
Red flickered in her line of vision as she returned her attention to the battle. The wolves had descended on Taliyah in unison, pinning her in as they punched and kicked her to the ground. Only, they couldnt hold her down. She was there, the center of their fury one moment, but gone the next, a cloud of black smoke in her place.
Confused, the combatants looked around. Another cloud of smoke appeared behind them, and Taliyah stepped from its center. She twisted, giving herself an unstoppable momentum, and lashed out. Heads banged together, and bodies fell.
When those who were standing realized what was happening, they once again descended on the tall, slender Taliyah. And once again, Kaias older sister disappeared in a cloud of smoke, reappearing elsewhere.
The same scene repeated itself over and over again. Taliyah was merciless, slashing and biting before dancing away. But the Harpies she felled soon made their way to their feet and tagged in another team member.
Like Kaia, the ones on the sidelines had been watching her, and theyd learned to anticipate her moves, to watch for the smoke. So the next time Taliyah appeared, they were waiting for her. A fist immediately met her jaw, propelling her backward. No one approached her, because they knew. And yep, when she righted herself, she disappeared as expected. Another fist met her jaw when she reappeared, once again sending her flying.
She shook her head, probably seeing stars. They didnt jump her this time, either. They simply waited.
Taliyahs ice-blue gaze sought Kaia.
My turn, she thought, eagerly holding out her hand. Come on.
Taliyah raced forward, enduring pummeling fists and jackhammering boots to reachNeeka.
For a moment, Kaia stood frozen with shock. Then reality slammed into her like a strong right hook, and she snarled with affront. What the hell, Tal!
Better this way, was all her panting sister said.
What, her sis doubted her skills? Oh, that cut. You know I have to go in three times.
Yeah, but itll be better if you go in at the end.
When everyone was bruised and battered and at their weakest. Oh, that cut deeper. Gwens wings are damaged. She needs to go in at the end, not me.
She will. Shell just go in before you.
This time, she wasnt cut. She was destroyed. Her family loved her, yes, but like her motherlike Striderthey had no faith in her. Youre not the leader of this team. You gave that right to me.
Do you see what theyre doing to us, baby sister? Warring teams are working together to destroy us. But you, you theyre going to try and massacre.
I know. She raised her chin. Im prepared.
Win.
There was that deep, raspy voice again. Not Strider, not his demon as shed hoped. How could it be, when the warrior was nowhere to be seen? Butwho did that leave?
Taliyah sighed. All right. Fine. You want in next, youll go in next. But the loss will be on your shoulders.
The loss. As if defeat was a given.
Tears burned Kaias eyes as she concentrated on the fight. The swelling in Neekas face had gone down, so her vision was no longer obscured. Still, every single one of her opponents knew she was deaf and opted to use the infirmity against her. They called out instructions to each other, outlining a demolition she couldnt hearor defend herself against.
You take the left and Ill take the right.
Ive got middle.
Ive got rear.
Neeka lifted herself into the air.
Grab her ankle!
The girl in the middle did as commanded, swinging Neeka around and tossing her away from her teammates, ensuring there would be no tagging out. Breath gushed from her parted, bleeding lips when she landed. Someone was there, waiting, and kicked her in the stomach. She curled into a ball, trying to suck in a breath.
The red dotting Kaias gaze darkened to black. To her knowledge, opposing teams had never worked together before. That they were, that Kaias demise was the goal that united themthat they still hated her so muchshe felt scraped raw inside.
Shed been a kid when shed inadvertently destroyed their families, for gods sake.
Well, she wasnt a kid anymore, and it was past time these women learned she wouldnt lie down and take their shit. As her determination increased, the black dots wove together, nearly obscuring her vision completely, leaving only the haze of body heat.
Calm down before you forget where you are and what you can and cannot do.
Inhale deeplyexhale sharply That didnt help. Kaia pictured Strider, his fall of blond hair, those navy blue eyes, that wicked smile. Finally the black faded, and her sight returned to normal. She watched as Neeka battled her way from the midst of the violence and scrambled toward Taliyah.
As promised, her sister kept her hands at her sides. Kaia reached out and gently tapped Neekas obviously broken fingers. The girl collapsed on the sidelines as Kaia stepped into the ring. As one, everyone stilled and glared over at her. They were bleeding, sweating, panting. And clearly, theyd been waiting for her.
My sister died because of you.
I lost a daughter.
We never sought revenge against you out of respect for your mother, but she has at last disavowed you.
No reaction. The burn started up in her chest again, but she willed it away. Locked it up tight. No going Harpy. Or whatever else. Good. Now lets see what I can do to each of you.
I have a feeling Ill be disappointed in your skill.
They chuckled, and her cheeks flushed. And then, as one, they turned and tagged in a new team member. She recognized the woman on her mothers team. Had once trained with her.
Like Kaia, these women had yet to fight. They were at full strength and utterly determined to use it. Against her face, no doubt.
Youre strong. You can take them.
Win!
Yes. She would.
That was her last thought before her opponents descended. Kaia ducked and spun, going low and slashing. Someone managed to nail her in the temple with a hard rasp of knuckles, but that didnt stop her claws from slicing into several Achilles tendons. Grunts of pain sounded, and then the crash of knees hitting wood.
Thats the way! Strider shouted.
He was here. He was still here. Dizzy pleasure rushed through her, but she didnt have time to stop and focus. The Harpies again rushed her. This time, she allowed them to surround her, arching her spine as they punched, swinging her elbows forward and backward, kicking, every motion fluidly blending into the next.
WIN!
Pluck out their eyes! Bianka screamed.
The dance never slowed, even though she did not remain unscathed. She was punchedeverywhere. She was kickedeverywhere. Soon her muscles were knotted and bruised, her limbs shaking. Strider was up there, watching, and the knowledge kept her strong. A few times, the burn tried to work free of its cage, but she maintained a sturdy enough grip to keep it hidden.
With an elbow to the trachea, she finally took out one of her opponents for good. That left ten more to go. Then another one went down as Kaia took a page from Neekas book and broke a neck.
This enraged the nine remaining, and they attacked with greater fervor.
Kaia darted out of the center of the horde, intending to run and gain enough momentum to leap and kick someones teeth into her brain. But she was grabbed her by the hair and jerked backward. She crashed into a hard wall before multiple fists battered at her.
Come on! Strider roared. Youre better than this. Fight!
Eat their tongues for dinner! Bianka shouted.
Though she fought with all of her might, they managed to pin her with embarrassing ease, holding her arms and legs to the floor. Those who didnt have a grip on her rose above her and rained down their damage. She felt bones breaking, organs rupturing.
They laughed. Then, thankfully, she couldnt see their smug expressions, the world around her fading to black. And not the good kind of black that might have saved her. Before her Harpy could come out of the shadows swinging, before the burn could spring from the cage, she was flipped over, her wings receiving equal punishment.
So much painagonylossfailure
Damn it, Kaia! Strider.
No! Noooo! Bianka.
Snap out of it. Taliyah.
Just move, Kye. Just get to me. Gwen.
Win! Win!
A warm flood in her throat, spilling out her mouth. Maybe blood filled her ears, as well, because the noise level dulleddulleduntil there was only silence. Then a fist hammered into her temple, again and again, and she was no longer aware of the silence.
Only oblivion, such sweet oblivion.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
STRIDER WAS READY TO COMMIT cold-blooded murder. Hed start with Sabin and Lysander, who tried to force him to remain in his seat. They might not realize it, but their actions challenged his demon and Strider face-planted them both. They released him, but rather than bolt for the basketball court, he stayed put. Barely.
Hed tried to leave once before this, determined to reach the Eagleshields on the other side. Then Kaia had been tagged into the ring. Hed found himself racing back to his seat.
If he allowed himself to act, he would slaughter his way through those women. Game over. No first prize awardedand if he failed to find the Paring Rod himself, he would need Kaia to win. Also, Kaia would be humiliated by his interference. But just then, he didnt really give a flying fuck about first prize or humiliation.
Was Kaia okay?
Shed gone limp, and an eternity seemed to pass as she was beaten. And beaten some more. Thankfully, the Harpies soon lost interest in her unconscious form and turned on each other. When Strider saw her, he nearly leapt from his seat again. Blood covered every inch of her face. Her clothes were ripped, and just as bloody. Her hands were swollen, her chest motionless.
Sabin straightened and dusted the dirty popcorn from his shoulders. Shell be okay, he said. Look at Bianka over there. Shes pissed, not frightened.
Funny that the keeper of Doubt was trying to reassure him, but Strider obeyed. He looked. Bianka paced the top of the bleachers, and everyone around her had long since moved out of her way. She stomped so hard the wood was probably cracked underneath her.
He scrubbed a handa trembling hand!down his face, his attention returning to Kaia, where it remained for yet another eternity. She needed to drink from him. He wanted her to drink from him. She just had to move, just had to finish this.
Come on, baby doll. You can do it.
Her team could still pull through and win. And even if they didnt No. He wouldnt let himself contemplate that. What mattered, surprisingly, was Kaia. Shed been doing so well, fighting with a skill that had aroused him. Yeah. Hed watched her while sporting a hard-on. Then theyd gang-banged her.
What the hell had she done to warrant such hatred?
Next time they were alone, she would tell him. No more lies, either. No matter how sexy she was while she spun them.
Finally, movement. She twitched. Every muscle in his body tensed. No one noticed her as she blinked open her eyes. He knew the exact moment clarity struck her because her teeth flashed in a crimson snarl. But broken as she currently was, there was nothing she could do to hurt those who had hurt her. So she did the next best thing. She crawled to Taliyah.