We All Fall Down {Pierce/Zeus Day Five}

[cameo]

~Location J of Red Path~

A deep demonic squeal intrudes upon the hearing senses before eyes even slant to an opening, let alone adjust to the misty surrounding. But eventually the environment does focus… unfortunately. Each Runner sluggishly resides within their own personal cage, captured even further by the Maze-Makers horrific imagination - they’re not solely accompanied by another Runner however. Within another larger cage a sadistic, oversized pig is fuming over their own captivity. Before understanding can be comprehended the luscious voice of Layla’s startles the confusions.

“Good morning, our lovely Runners!” Layla sequels with excitement. “Now I’m sure you’re all curious by what’s going on - and the buttons each of you have in your cages.” The buttons reach attention, to brew more curiosity within Layla’s pause. “If you press your cage’s buttons, your friends will be released… HOWEVER, if both buttons are pressed - then the Griever will be released as well, and a new battle will ignite.” Another break in words to allow absorption. “Will everyone be freed to fight? Or will some be left to die? The decisions are in your hands today Runners. Have fun!” The mic cuts, and the silence seeps.

Task: Runners must decide to press button in their cage or not, if all buttons are pressed they must fight the Big Bad Pig.

[Arrow]

Pierce Vilamanix

    The night began normal, enchanted with skin upon skin and snow swirling upon the forest floor. Crawling creatures cried from their hidden holes in the bramble brush while intimate interactions kept Charlie and myself wonderfully warm. Her seductive sighs swept my brain down endless trails all least concerned with what tortures tomorrow could create. We didn't even break for a momentary breath as the anthem lit ablaze within the shimmering sky of stars, alone together as always no danger seemed near. That was the last thing I remember, her soft skin still sitting against my chest and her white hair still similarly shining to the falling flakes of snow. 

    Throbs thwart my thoughts as I blunder into drugged existence. Around me the bars of branches contain me in a captor's cage and around my skin still lies absolutely free of clothes. Slowly standing I slightly angle my gaze towards the now silver stained sky. "Cages. That's a bit kinky, even for you Layla." I turn and begin to start sliding back into my clothes when I finally figure out who the person in the cage next to me is. A half laugh lifts from my lips as I pull my pants fully up. "What are the fucking odds? Putting us together again, they must really like our shit. Right, uh, fuck. I think its Zeus or something like that?" 

    I barely listen for his answer as Layla soon reveals precisely why we are in the problem we are. My eyes find the button and I can't help but let out another laugh. "That's just great." I turn towards the boy from Seven leaning my back against the branches of my cage. "Listen, you don't like me I don't give a shit about you. But," I give a thrust of my head towards the grievers cage. "Together we can kill those brats and then finish things like men. I don't like having people meddle in my fights. What do you say?"

Pierce does not press the button, yet.

[Kaplan]

ZEUS PRANK

There's times I stayed alive for you

Ever since Hera's death, I was broken. I laid her body down in a peaceful place, away from the fighting. At least, it was as peaceful of a place as one could find in the part of the Maze I was in. I planted one final kiss on her soft lips before I departed, and I wandered further into the darkness that night. I wanted out of this Maze, but I wasn't ready to die, even though Hera was gone.

I cared about Hera so much, it may have even blinded my judgement in some situations. At this point, though, I didn't care. If Hera, even after her death, was what kept me going, then so be it. When I saw her face during the anthem, I did something I rarely ever did. I cried. The crying didn't last long, but it happened. I wanted her back. I knew that for sure. Although, I also knew it wasn't possible. She was dead, and I saw it happen.

When the next 'day' was upon us and small flakes of snow were falling to the ground, I awoke in a wooden cage. It wasn't what I was expecting, but then again, what could anyone really predict in the Maze? I took a deep breath, eyes shut. I didn't want to think about what could possibly happen to me right then. What I heard next, though, caused rage inside me. I heard the voice of Pierce. Hera's killer was in a cage right next to my own.

As a Maze Maker's voice came over the loudspeaker, it was explained as to what was going on. Immediately, I knew I had to get out. The only problem was, I didn't want to let Pierce out, and I knew there was no way I could convince him to let me go if I didn't release him as well. Pierce had stated the obvious- that we hated each other. Or, at least, that I hated him and he didn't care about me. He somehow even remembered my name. I had figured that someone that thick-headed wouldn't even bother to try to remember it.

Then, he said something that I knew I'd have to reluctantly agree with, one way or another. We'd let one another out and fight the mutts. We couldn't let the Maze Makers meddle in our own conflicts. Those would have to be settled later.

"Fine," I told him reluctantly. "You're a rotten bastard, and you killed the only person I've ever cared about, but if it means we may have a chance to settle that later instead of dying in cages, I'll do it."

I paused before I spoke again.

"You go first."

[Zeus doesn't press the button yet]

There's times I would have died for you

450 words

[Arrow]

Pierce Vilamanix

    The laughter which lifts from my lips honestly can't be contained a single second longer. Even I admit that I'm fond of Charlie, of her body, of her spunk. But I don't love her. To love someone so quickly after meeting them is ridiculous, not to mention when only a single person can survive its a direct conflict with your instincts. Frankly its bullshit, hence why I never told her something that simply isn't true. Whatever makes Zeus believe though that the red head was his soul mate who the hell cares. Still, I'm far from the person to keep my mouth closed, especially in a situation where mutual compliance is a must for staying alive. 

    "What the hell man." I start as I finish pulling on the final remnants of my clothes. "I don't know what kind of crap you have going on back home but don't be stupid. You met that girl at most ten days ago. You also knew both of you couldn't live. Your idea of caring is crazy, but you do you man." I grin cheekily as always hoping at least a good amount of sponsors are watching, after the fight with the damn dragons I'll probably need at least some help healing. For an instant I look at the little beasts, if I manage to survive this after all. 

    My shadow slips over the button before me as I remove a jar from my basket. Carefully, letting the boy in the other cage watch, I douse my gauntlets in glittering green poison. "Fine. I'm not afraid to." I bring a fist down on the button releasing the boy from the district of trees, time to see if he is more of a man than I've already seen by living up to his word. 

Pierce presses his button
Uses Jar of Poison

[Kaplan]

ZEUS PRANK

There's times I stayed alive for you

Pierce was an ass. That was obvious. The problem was, no matter how much of an ass he was, I needed him to get me out of here. Even if he treated me like absolute shit, at least I'd have a chance of actually surviving a bit longer. The only problem was, I said I'd let him out, too.

His words stung. Sure, I'd only just met Hera, but she was actually nice to me. No one back home was like that. They all hated me. All thirteen of my siblings were jerks. I didn't really like any of them all that much.

The laughter that erupts from Pierce makes me want to kill him, but I know that now isn't the time. There's always the chance that the Maze Makers will release the mutt for me to fight even if Pierce isn't let out, and right then, Pierce had pressed the button to free me. I glared at Pierce once more.

"Stop being an ass, and just get out here to fight."

I press the button to release Pierce.

[Zeus presses the button]

There's times I would have died for you

180 words

[cameo]

The Big Bad Pig

    Damp. Dark. Cold. Confined. He hates it all. Anger anchors its invasion of the beast's shallow mind. Grunts and growls of clear dissatisfaction release from the pit of its empty stomach. Saliva slides down from its mouth as its teeth spin in circles of anguish. From the Control Center the cameras focus on the pig mutant as it waits watching the boys discuss. Suddenly its cage creaks as it shatters through an opening door of broken branches. Squeals of excitement and growls of hunger fill the snow crested forest as the beast locks onto its next meal. Claudius' nearly kneels over in sheer delight at such a sight. The pig charges. 

The Big Bad Pig attacks Zeus with Teeth(Spear)
Cyhj|ak_151-200
{Minor Gash On Right Bicep — 5 damage}

The Big Bad Pig attacks Pierce with Hooves(Blunt)
551-600
{Broken Right Ankle -- 15 damage}

The Big Bad Pig's Damage: 0/150

151-200·551-600

[Arrow]

Pierce Vilamanix

    It takes no time at all for hell to descend from the reaches of the Capitol. Branches break sending shock through my skin as the monstrosity we must face fires forward from its enclosure. In an instant I am thrown to the ground gasping for breath as pain prickles up from my ankle. "Fuck!" I say loudly fingers barely being able to touch the broken bone. My eyes shoot a glare towards the large griever and it freezes, it looks right back at me. I feel my spine stiffen with something I haven't felt yet in this hell hole. Fear.

    Forcing myself to my feet I try to hide the sound of fright in my voice. "We have to kill that, thing, fast." Its all I can manage to say in between my shaking breaking breaths of pain and worry. Up until now danger seemed smaller, things seemed safer. Now it is able to stare back into my eyes and send one clear message to my brain. It will do anything to kill me. My jaw tightens mirroring my forming fists. 

    A smirk despite the worry forms across my face. I chose to fight for this. I've pushed myself to this stage of danger for a reason, for a different kind of life. Fear settles into fury, into determination. I will do whatever it takes to get the life I want. I will do whatever it takes to get out of Twelve. I force weight onto my broken ankle with a wince. "Let's go lover boy. If you can love a girl after a few days you can help me kill this freak of nature."

Pierce attacks The Big Bad Pig with Werewolf Claws{Gauntlets}
fCwnlZB051-100
{Crushed Windpipe -- 200 damage}

Poison Roll
1-50
{Poison Reaches Brain, Sudden Brain Death -- 200 damage aka Overkill}

What Poison Results Mean
1-5: Poison Doesn't Enter Body -- 0 damage
6-15: Minor Area Poisoning -- 5 damage
16-25: Major Area Poisoning -- 15 damage
26-35: Poison Enter Blood Stream, Organ System Slight Damage -- 20 damage
36-45: Poison Enters Blood Stream, Organ System Heavy Damage -- 25 damage
46-50: Poison Reaches Brain, Sudden Brain Death -- 200 damage

Pierce's Current Damage: 15/100

51-100·1-50

[Kaplan]

ZEUS PRANK

There's times I stayed alive for you

The giant, salivating, sharp-toothed pig griever that emerged from its cage after Pierce and I were released from our own was not the most appealing thing to look at. I had my hammer in hand to attack it, but before I could, it hit me. The first thing it did was leave a minor gash on my arm. It didn’t hurt too much, but it still wasn’t pleasant. I didn’t find pain to really be pleasant, most of the time. It hit Pierce, too, but I ignored him. I didn’t care how much damage it did to Pierce. I just wanted to kill it and get away with my life.

Pierce referred to me as ‘lover boy’ and said that if I could love a girl after just a few days, I could kill this ‘freak of nature’. I clenched the fist that didn’t hold my hammer tightly. Clearly, he didn’t understand. I’d just have to explain it to him. Although, there wasn’t exactly much time. The thing was bound to attack again if I didn’t just swing.

Before I could even swing at it, though, it had fallen to the ground. Pierce had killed it in one shot. How, I wasn’t entirely sure. I just knew that that wouldn’t make the Maze Makers very happy. Now that it was dead, though, I turned to look Pierce in the eyes.

“I never said I loved her,” I told him. “I said I cared about her. If I’m being entirely blunt with you, I don’t even know what it feels like to love someone, so I wouldn’t even know if I did love her while she was alive. Thanks to you, I’ll never know for sure.” Then, I turned away from him and left.

[Zeus flees]

There's times I would have died for you

293 words