Chapter Text
"Tell me, do you want to become stronger?"
"That's not even a question!"
An arm sleeved in black appears in my line of sight, the hand at the end held out towards me with the intention of helping me to my feet. I almost shove it away, feeling too pathetic to even fathom accepting help- to even being looked at, because I thought I was so much stronger than I am, what kind of fool am I not to know my own strength?!
I'm so stupid. I'm so pathetic. I'm so furious! I just want to-
"Shu," A voice calls, snapping me back to focus and letting the red drain from my sight slowly but surely. "Come with me, hmm? We have much to discuss."
I let out a heavy sigh, accepting his hand and allowing him to pull me up. For some reason he doesn't let me go as he leads me into his office and guides me into sitting at the chair before it, then he takes the one opposite of me. Feeling utterly drained now that the fire's extinguished, all I can really do is clasp my hands in my lap and murmur,
"Mister Glass, I have no idea where to go from here. What do I do? H- How do I even begin to grow strong enough to beat him? How..."
"You'll never beat me as the Blader you are now."
"How do I change who I am to beat him?"
Theodore frowns deeply, steepling his fingers over his desk and closing his eyes thoughtfully. "Once upon a time, I had the answer to that very question."
"What is it? Please, Mister Glass, I have to know!"
"I'm afraid it is very sensitive information. You have to swear that you'll never utter a word about it to another person, Shu."
"I swear it on Spryzen, I would tell anyone else."
He gives a brief smile, opening his eyes again. "I expected no less from you. You're a young man with a strong sense of loyalty, after all."
"It's not hard to garner loyalty when you're someone easy to trust."
"So, then... Have you ever heard of the Snake Pit?" I pause at the strange question, slowly shaking my head. "It's a secret training facility located in Mexico. Bladers from all over would flock to it and train without limitations in order to become their strongest selves. To train harder than ever before, breaking their limits and raising the bar higher and higher."
He lets out a somber sigh, pushing himself up and turning to face the window that looks outside, where the sun shines bright over the city of New York. "It was a temple of power and determination. And I was its governor, overlooking every single facet and ensuring all were working in harmony for the best interest of the facility as a whole. But everything changed when my most powerful allies rebelled against me. The Masked Bladers banded together and overthrew me for their own selfish interests- they wanted the power of the Snake Pit for theirselves. They wanted to rule it their own way, and with the power of that bloodthirsty animatronic they snuck in, it was all too easy for them to beat me down."
"They- they really did that to you?" I gasp softly, standing up from my chair and treading over to his side. "I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine being betrayed by someone I used to trust so deeply... And you said they had a bloodthirsty... Animatronic? As in, a robot mascot?"
"Yes. In the days before they'd overthrown me, one of my Masked Bladers had smuggled in an animatronic that escaped the fire that destroyed its home. I thought it was programmed to do no harm, but I was quickly proven wrong. It threatened me with death and the Masked Bladers did nothing to stop it- they only encouraged it."
"That's disgusting," I hiss lowly, glaring at the floor. "There must be some way to make them face justice!"
"Indeed, there must be. But I'd need help to make it happen- I can't return to the Pit, they've banished me from it and would have me torn to shreds the moment I stepped foot near it."
"... And if you had still been in control, you would have taken me there to find the power to beat Free?"
"Yes. I think it would have done you a great deal of good- you would have broken past your limits and risen from the ashes anew."
I meet his gaze, my heart pounding with determination as I speak, "Then I'll go to the Snake Pit and fight on your side. I'll do whatever it takes to beat Free, even if it means training for years to beat the Masked Bladers and destroy the corruption among them!"
"Really? Shu, you don't know how much this means to me!" He smiles and turns to me, holding my shoulders as he kneels before me. I understand where the gesture is coming from and appreciate the sentiment, but it takes everything I've got not to squirm in his grip. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
"I just want to do the right thing, and right now that's helping you. How soon can I go to the Snake Pit?"
"As soon as possible," He answers, going to the desk and picking up his phone. "Go and pack a bag of clothes suited for a hike through the jungle. I'll arrange a private jet to fly you there."
"Yes, sir." I nod dutifully, leaving the office and making my way to the room I stay in within the Raging Bulls' building. Once I'm there, I grab my bag and open the drawers of my dresser, sorting through my clothes and packing the ones that will combat the heat best alongside my ripcord and launcher.
Right as I reach for the doorknob to leave, I feel Spryzen release a surge of warmth against my hip and pause, pulling it from its case and looking at it. "Partner? What's wrong?"
It gives off an aura of unease, clearly unsure about this venture. I sigh softly, holding it close to my chest. "It will be dangerous, but I think that this is the right thing to do. Who knows what kind of cruelty is going on at the Snake Pit? The Masked Bladers could be abusing the Bladers underneath them, and regardless, there's no way I can leave the issue be in good conscious."
Spryzen's unease doesn't fade, but I can tell it understands my intentions. I brush my thumb over the spin track before tucking it away and leaving the room, going to meet Theodore back in his office.
"I'm ready, Mister Glass," I tell him, and he turns from the window to face me.
"Good. Let's make our way to the airport, then. The jet will be ready by the time we arrive."
"Yes, sir."
He stands beside me at the door, stopping to hand me what looks like a black, thin flip phone. "This is a communicator of my own design. With it, you can keep me updated on your progress and I can follow your movements to ensure your safety. No one in the Snake Pit will be able to access it without the special code you will input."
I nod dutifully, tucking it into my inner vest pocket. I'll think of a code on the flight over.
We drive to the airport, and once we arrive Theodore lays a hand on my shoulder to guide me through it. He flashes some special ID at the baggage check and we're able to bypass absolutely everything, heading straight to the boarding hall. At the end of it, he faces me and says, "This is where we have to part ways, I'm afraid. I would gladly see you straight to the Snake Pit, but that won't be possible without revealing your alliance with me."
"I understand completely, Mister Glass."
"If you start to lose your way in the jungle, refer back to your communicator. It has a map that will guide you there. The path is well-worn and there's little danger in it so long as you keep your eyes peeled."
"Of course. I'll be safe, I promise."
"Good." He pats my shoulder and pulls away, crossing his arms behind his back. "Goodbye for now, Shu. I know you and Spryzen will not disappoint me."
"Goodbye for now, Mister Glass. I will save the Snake Pit, I swear it on my Bey."
He smirks, and with that we part ways. I board the jet and settle into my seat as instructed by the flight attendant, then once the jet is in the air and I'm allowed to unbuckle, I roll my shoulder a bit and brush off my sleeve.
---
Slowing to a stop under the shade of the trees, I turn on the communicator and type in 5P4YZ3N to open it. According to the map, it looks like I'm almost there. I just have to reach the clearing ahead.
I look over the makeshift bandages wrapped around my arm- my tie- and am relieved to see that the bleeding has stopped. I better get going. Hopefully I'll be able to disinfect and treat this properly when I'm there.
After I tuck away the communicator I push on for the last time, clearing the last few feet before entering a clearing in the jungle that's home to a grand, ancient temple. The stone structure has been almost completely consumed by moss and plant growth on every surface, only lending to the oppressive aura of power it exudes.
"I finally made it," I breathe out, my voice quiet as I step closer to the temple looming over me. "Now I just have to find a way in..."
"So, you want to join the ranks of the Snake Pit?"
I almost jump at the unexpected voice, its echo weaving through the clearing, but I manage to contain myself. Instead, I lift my head and stand tall as I call back, "Yes, I do! I want to undergo your training and become stronger with Legend Spryzen!" I whip out my Bey and present it, sure that there's a camera hidden somewhere along the face of the temple.
The voice is silent for only a moment, then the stone doors slowly slide apart, opening wide and revealing a long hallway inside.
"Then come inside."
I put Spryzen away and do as told, making my way through the long hall to the elevator at the end. It automatically begins its descent deep below the surface, and I have to take a breath to quell the unease building in my chest. It's a long way down. A long way to be trapped under the earth...
Soon, the doors slide open to reveal a room with steel walls, green and blue flooring, and dozens upon dozens of exercise machines. In the center, the floor lifts up into a steels stage with four Bey stadiums and a tall pillar displaying four screens with Blading stats on display.
Occupying nearly all of the stadiums and machines are Bladers close to my age, all training harder and harder, determined and steadfast- as far as I can tell, none of them seem to be in any distress even as masked individuals watch them closely. They're all garbed in dark green, form-fitting shirts and green pants with sneakers colored in between those two greens. The overseers wear green shirts and pants, their masks all ash black.
Quite a few heads turn to me as I step further into the room, and I take note of three other doors that lead out. One of them must take me to meet the leader of the Snake Pit, but which one?
Before I can try to deduce the answer, one of the masked overseers appears before me, staring me down from under his mask with his arms crossed. I bristle and straighten up, wary and ready for whatever move he may make next.
... All he does is drop his arms to his side before pointing to the door on the left side of the room. "Go to the left once you step into that hallway and follow the path until you reach the staircase."
I glance in that direction, slowly nodding. "Thank you."
Following those directions, I'm lead right where I wanted to be- the room where I can meet with the leader. It's clearly meant to be a place for watching the trainees, with the upper half of the walls being glass that give a clear view of the training floor.
Within it are two young men, standing side-by-side. One wears a mask with silver lenses, the other wears a mask with gold lenses.
"Welcome to the Snake Pit. You've done well to make it here on your own," The one in gold says, and I recognize his voice as the one that I heard in the clearing.
"So, are you two the leaders of this facility?" I question, glancing between them warily. They must have been the ones to lead the rebellion and control that animatronic.
"Not exactly. We lead alongside five other Masked Bladers as a team."
They were willing to share control over the facility? That's interesting... "What do I have to do to prove that I'm fit to train here?"
"Just having the determination that you do is enough. No one would trek the scorching-hot jungle and cross the ravine on a zip-line if they weren't certain that they wanted to be here."
My brows knit together and I regard them both with hidden surprise. "There's no test-battle or trial of some kind?"
He nods once. "There's no need for it. You're here, aren't you? That's proof enough that you deserve to join."
That's strange. Theodore seemed sure that they would have some kind of trial for me to undertake in order to become a trainee here.
"But before you can start battling here, we need to get you looked over and patched up by the nurse," The Masked Blader in silver interjects, wearing a deep frown that gives the impression of- of worry?
"Right. Looks like you got a bit roughed up along the way," The gold Blader agrees, wearing a similar frown. He nods towards the door I came through and walks towards it with his silver counterpart following behind him. "We'll take you there. C'mon."
"Okay." I nod and trail after them, not too far but not too close. As we traverse the hall, the one in gold speaks again.
"In the Snake Pit, the strongest Bladers protect their true identities with masks and aliases, which is why we're called the Masked Bladers. There are only seven of us as of now, but at the end of the week we'll be holding a tournament for the trainees that will allow the winner to join us."
"I see." Then I have to win that tournament. If I become a Masked Blader, then maybe soon I'll get my own fraction of control over the facility and find a way to gain more. Not to mention, I'll be closer to them and can study their weaknesses to ascertain a way to stop them.
"I'm Gold Eye, and this is Silver Eye," He continues, and Silver Eye nods as he's introduced. "The others are still training, but you'll have a chance to meet them today at lunch."
We get lunch? That seems awfully generous for such a hardboiled training facility.
"As for the nurse, I'd like to give you a warning in advance: he's not human. He's an animatronic that Silver Eye, ah... Rescued, we'll say." Gold Eye glances at Silver Eye, who purses his lips and folds his arms behind his back.
I feel my chest tighten nervously. The animatronic who wanted to hurt Theodore. I'm meeting it so soon? I suck in a deep, quiet breath and let it out slowly. It's for the best. I have to know what I'm dealing with. "Is it a Masked Blader as well?"
"He," Silver Eye corrects, giving me a hard look from under his mask. Despite myself I duck my head, feeling incredibly rude.
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that..."
"Apology accepted, just don't let it happen again. And no, he isn't a Masked Blader, but he has the same authority and deserves as much respect as us."
"I understand."
We slow to a stop in the hall, and I abruptly realize we've arrived at door with a red cross painted onto it. Gold Eye opens the door and steps in, and as I follow after him and Silver Eye I can feel my nerves beginning to act up.
"Sundrop, we've got a new Blader who needs some tending to," The former says, calling the attention of the nurse- who's got almost half of his body shoved into a cabinet on the floor as he rifles around for something.
Alright, just get ready for anything. I have no idea what kind of animatronic this will be, but if he's so bloodthirsty then he'll surely be horrify-
The animatronic instantly pulls himself out of the cabinet and springs to his feet, revealing his full, intimidating height and his... Incredibly adorable face. He takes one look at me and his expression immediately shifts in concern as he squeaks, "Oh, goodness gracious, you poor thing! Sit right here and I'll patch you up lickety split!"
"O- Okay." I sit in the chair he indicated as he retrieves some bandages and antibiotic from a different section of the cabinet, then he kneels beside me and unwinds my tie from my arm.
Once it's off he inspects the damage and winces. "Ouch! What happened here, little one?"
"Ah, while I- while I was walking through the jungle, I thought I heard the sound of a big animal lurking in the underbrush, and while I was watching out for any sign of a threat I forgot to watch my feet... And I tripped over a tree root," I explain, averting my gaze as my brows furrow. "It was careless of me. If there really had been something watching me, it definitely would have pounced the moment I was down."
"Don't say that, you couldn't have known there would be a root right there." He gets a cloth and dampens it, coming back and beginning to clean the scrapes, his touch surprisingly light and careful. "It was super smart of you to use your tie to stop the bleeding, you know."
"Oh, um, thank you."
As he tends to my arm and my cheek, I take a moment to study his features. He was clearly designed to be a cute, comforting animatronic that works with children, whereas I had the impression that he would be a terrifying animatronic meant to work at a horror attraction.
Once he's finished his work, his eyes light up cyan and he gives me a careful once-over, finishing with a satisfied hum. "Alrighty, you're all patched up now! I've detected two anomalies, but both are injuries that have since healed. If you're shoulder ever starts to give you trouble again, please let me know right away and I can get to treating it!"
"What kind of trouble?" I ask, glancing at my right shoulder uncertainly. It aches every now and then, but only when I push myself too hard while training.
"If you start to experience any soreness, muscle stiffness or pain when launching, that's a sign that your rotator cuff is beginning to tear again."
"I- I see. I'll be sure to come to you at the first sign of any symptoms." I am not dealing with that shit again.
"Wait, you say he tore his rotator cuff? In his right shoulder?" Silver Eye asks, sounding baffled for some strange reason. I exchange glances with the animatronic, and we both nod.
"Back in spring, I had to keep training so I could stay prepared for the district tournament I was in. It wasn't negotiable, but I did my best to care for it while I battled."
All three of them fall dead silent, expressions unreadable. I think Gold Eye could be a bit embarrassed, crossing his arms over his chest and averting his gaze. I rub my shoulder self-consciously, murmuring, "I couldn't just drop out. I had a promise to keep and a goal to fulfill."
"Oh! Sorry about that, little one, we didn't mean to be rude! It's just- well, goodness, I think you and Gold Eye here are going to be great friends," The animatronic laughs sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. The bells around his wrist jingle sweetly with his motions.
"How come?"
"A few months ago, Gold Eye almost tore the rotator cuff of his right shoulder, and he was super stubborn about resting. For good reason, just like you, but still!" He sighs, putting his hands on his hips as he treats Gold Eye to a very motherly look. "And even after all the trouble was sorted out, you still dug in your heels about taking a break!"
"Old habits die hard." Gold Eye shrugs nonchalantly, then he shakes his head. "Anyway, we forgot to ask for his name. So, mind introducing yourself for us?"
"Shu. My name is Shu Kurenai," I tell them, and the animatronic smiles sweetly.
"Oh, what a cool name! And gosh, it's so fitting!"
"Thank you." I can't help but smile at his sincerity, but I have to admit that this isn't the first time someone's told me my name suits me. Even Valt has said as much. "And your name is?..."
He puts his hands on his hips, chiming proudly, "It's Sun! But you can call me whatever you like- Sunny, Sunnydrop, Sundrop, Sunrise, Sunbite- I've got a bunch of nicknames, from both the kids at my old daycare and from the Bladers around the Snake Pit!"
"Except, isn't Sunbite the nickname Violet uses when he's being weird about you?" Gold Eye snorts, wearing a faint grimace.
"Hey, he's not being weird, he's simply being affectionate in his own special manner!" Sun huffs, crossing his arms sternly. Gold Eye and Silver Eye exchange dubious glances. I am very confused.
Both by what they could mean by "weird about Sun," and by... Just what a turn this has taken. All three of them are nothing like what I came to expect from the Snake Pit thus far. I thought the leaders would be far colder, far more sinister, and I thought Sun would be more homicidal. But then, it's possible that Silver Eye and Gold Eye are acting, and it's possible that Sun was an unwilling accomplice in the takeover- someone could have programmed some kind of homicide code into him to activate at their whims.
If that is the case, then I think I'll definitely be beating the stuffing out of them. Imagine dragging an animatronic away from its home and forcing it to do your dirty work...
"That's beside the point," Sun sighs, then he turns to me with a patient smile. "You can stay in my office to rest and cool off for a bit, and if you feel ready for it today, you can start training with the others whenever you like! I'll happily escort you to get your trainee uniform, and then to the training floor!"
"May I ask why I need a uniform?"
"They're lightweight and breathable, with the added benefit of being formfitting so no loose fabric can get caught in any of the machines," Gold Eye explains.
"Understood. And I'd like to get to training as soon as possible, so-" I start to stand up, but Sun holds out a hand to stop me, frowning.
"Just take five minutes to rest and cool off, okay? You need to gain back the energy and water you lost making your way here."
"... Okay," I sigh softly.
"And while you wait, if you have any questions, you can ask Sun. But if he doesn't have the answer, then you'll need to ask one of the overseers on the training floor or wait until lunch to ask one of the Masked Bladers," Silver Eye tells me. I nod in understanding. "For now, we've gotta get back to work. We'll see you at lunch, Shu. Sun."
"See you at lunch," I reply.
"See you both!" Sun chirps back, waving to them cheerfully. Both Silver Eye and Gold Eye smile and wave in return as they leave the room. Once the door is shut, the animatronic turns back to me and asks, "So, Shu, do you like yogurt? What's your favorite kind?"
I blink twice, taken aback by the odd question. "Huh?..."
"If you're not lactose intolerant, then you can have some yogurt alongside the water to cool off! And if you are, or you don't like yogurt, then we have plenty of fruits and veggies, or applesauce!"
"Oh, I see!" For hurt or overheated Bladers? That's... Incredibly considerate. "Um, I- I do like yogurt. My favorite is strawberry and banana, but I'm not picky."
"Gosh, you really are going to get along with Gold Eye- that's his favorite, too!" He grins brightly, bounding over to a mini-fridge to retrieve the yogurt and water, handing me both items alongside a clean spoon.
"Thank you," I say as I take the items, unable to help the smile that tugs at my lips. He's so sweet and energetic, it reminds me much of Valt and Rantaro.
I take a sip of the water, then I set it between my legs and open the yogurt, eating a spoonful and letting out a contented breath. I really am feeling a lot better already. That jungle was far hotter than anything I'm used to back home. Agh, but don't forget what you're here for! Now is a good time to be gathering some intel, or- at least as much as I can. I don't know if there are any cameras in here.
I glance around the office, unable to ascertain for sure where any security cameras may be, if there are any at all. I just have to take the risk I suppose. "Sun, may I ask you something?"
"Of course!"
"What did Gold Eye mean when he said Silver Eye "rescued" you?" Sun pauses in the midst of his cleaning and his gaze falls to the floor, making me feel that maybe I shouldn't ask. "If it's personal, you don't have to say anything. I'm sorry, I-"
"No, no, it's okay." He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes for a moment. "I had been damaged in a fire that destroyed my home, so Silver Eye brought me to the Snake Pit to repair me. But I hadn't actually been activated when he found me- my battery had depleted- so I didn't technically have in say in whether or not I wanted to go. The others like to joke that he essentially kidnapped me, and I can't exactly deny it because that is the definition of kidnapping..."
He grimaces, tapping his fingertips together awkwardly before shaking his head. "But I'm happy here. I do miss my home, my old work and my old friends, but the people here are kinder to me. Back at the Pizzaplex, I was just an animatronic. Here, I'm one of the team." His smile returns, slightly saddened but wholly content. "And I wouldn't give up my new friends for anything! They're so kind and wonderful, every single one of them."
"I see. I'm happy that you've found people who make you feel loved like you deserve," I tell him, mustering a smile in return... But I have to admit, in the back of my mind I'm positively reeling. Is it possible to have such a positive, happy view of people who are unkind and manipulative towards others? It shouldn't be, right?
They might be wiping his memory to make him see only the best in them. Or gaslighting him? Gods, I hope not. Either of those things would be so horrible...
"Thank you, Shu." He steps over, gently patting my left shoulder and humming, "And I hope you have something like that for yourself. It's important to surround yourself with people who only lift you up."
"Absolutely. I've been lucky to come across the best friends in the world so early in my life- I wouldn't trade them for all the money or power in the world. Not in my right mind." I nod, smiling fondly as I think of my beloved Bey Club.
Then I feel the homesickness beginning to leach in and eat another spoonful of yogurt to try and distract myself. Sun seems to understand without me even saying anything, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze before changing the subject.
"So, what brought you to the Snake Pit? What did you come looking for here?"
I frown at that, taking a breath as I think of an honest answer that won't give myself away. Before long I find my words, murmuring, "I came here to help someone I know, and I came here to best an enemy. I came here looking to change the Blader I am and become someone who can beat Free De La Hoya."
"Oh, goodness," He hums, sitting down beside the chair. "Free De La Hoya is the world champion, right?"
I nod slowly. "I had a chance to battle him today... But I overestimated myself and that was my undoing." I grit my teeth in frustration, hissing, "I made a fool of myself, plain and simple. I need to find the flaw in me that brought this failure and obliterate it for good."
"Well, I certainly see the merit in wanting to improve yourself, but if you don't mind me saying, your viewpoint feels a little... Harsh."
Hearing that reminds me to calm myself and I let out a heavy breath, averting my gaze. "Mmgh."
I hear a whirr as Sun moves, but I don't turn back to watch his movements so I don't know what he's doing. "Alright, well, why don't you get back to your snack? Just remember to let me know if you have any questions."
I nod, doing as he suggested and eating more of my yogurt. Before long, I've finished that and the water, and I'm ready to get to training. Sun offers to hold my hand as we walk to get my uniform, and with no reason not to I accept. His shell feels strangely silky in my hand, making it all the more comfortable.
Honestly, when was the last time I held anyone's hand? I can't help wondering, glancing at the hall around us as he leads me along. I haven't even held hands with Valt to walk in a good while. It's... A little weird to think about it, but I miss it.
Before I can get too hung up on it, we reach our destination and Sun helps me find pieces to the uniform that are my side. I get dressed in a stall inside the room, tucking my old clothes into my bag before meeting Sun in the hallway.
"What should I do with this while I'm training?" I ask, showing him my bag.
"Oh, right! Well, if you'd like, after I drop you off on the training floor, I can take that to your bunk in the trainees' barracks."
"Yes, please. I would appreciate it."
He smiles warmly and holds my bag with one arm, then takes my hand with his free one as he begins to lead me back to the training floor. We reach it in a matter of minutes, and I reluctantly let go of his hand with a murmur, "Thank you for everything, Sun. I appreciate it."
"Don't mention it, Shu! Now, get out there and do your best, but remember not to push yourself!"
I nod, and we part ways from there. An overseer meets me as I approach the rest of the trainees, letting me know what machines are free for use, some of which being the standing machines with weighted cords to pull in order to strengthen your launch.
That sounds good to me. I need to ensure my launch is at its most powerful in time for the tournament.
I walk over to the respective corner of the training floor, noticing that some of the trainees using them wear thick, metal cuffs on their wrists and ankles.
Curious, I take a breath and ask no one trainee in particular, "What are those you're wearing on your wrists? Weighted cuffs?"
Most of them ignore me, unsurprisingly. But all I need is one to answer, and luckily there is a trainee willing to- a brunet with green eyes. He looks to me and nods in answer, elaborating, "They make it harder to pull the cord, but the benefit is that it works the muscles of your arms even harder, making them stronger faster." Immediately, he seems to catch on to my train of thought following that. "But the overseers won't give you them right away. You have to prove you can handle the exercise as-is so you don't cause any strain by overestimating yourself,"
That's fair. Strangely so- but then again, is it? So far, everything else here has been fair. "I see. Thank you."
He nods again, and I take my place at the free machine beside him. It's not hard to figure out, especially not with the others to demonstrate whether they mean to or not. So, I get started on the launch exercises, pulling on the cords carefully, slowly lifting the weights attached and testing how heavy they are.
Not as heavy as I expected, but a good start. I need to warm up before I get to training hard or else I'll hurt myself, anyway.
I start at a slow pace, pulling against and lowering back again and again, quickly finding a rhythm and building it up.
For a while, it's like training as usual. Even with a dozen Bladers around me, I'm focused on myself and myself only, on the burn in my muscles, on the goal I have to reach no matter what. Beating Free. I have to beat Free.
"You'll never beat me as the Blader you are now."
Those words echo tauntingly through my mind, lighting a fire of burning shame within my core, the fuel of it dripping across my vision in shades of red.
Rrgh, Free-!
I clench my jaw and pull harder, feeling a rumble in my throat as I begin to growl.
Fine then. Just you watch, Free, I'll break my limits and destroy the what's holding me back, and then I'll rise from the ashes as everything you fear most!
I pull harder and harder, my rhythm speeding up as my fury grows white-hot. The metal of the machine creaks with each move I make.
I won't hold back! I can't hold back! Whatever it takes to become the strongest, I'll do it!
"Shu, that's enough!"
I startle as the world around me comes rushing back in, freezing in place while I try to comprehend what's changed. It's not hard at all when he's holding my hands to stop me.
Sun lets out a breath of relief, his brows almost completely furrowed aside from the slight crease to them. He brushes his thumbs over the backs of my hands, coaxing me into relaxing my grips on the handles and lowering the weights back into their resting position.
"That's it. That's it," He coos, his frown deepening. "Are you okay, Shu? You were real intense there..."
"I- I'm fine. Sorry, I didn't mean to upset anyone," I murmur, biting my lip as I realize everyone around me is staring.
His eyes alight cyan as he scans me again, but I know without the scan that I'm not hurt. I didn't even come close to pushing past my limit.
In the end he gives a short nod, closing his eyes briefly. "Thank goodness, I've detected no new injuries or any strain in your old ones."
"Even after he nearly broke the machine?!" Gasps the trainee I spoke with before, his eyes wide with awe I didn't expect to see. "Just how strong are you?!"
"Wait, I did what-?" I turn on my heel, bristling up when I see what he's talking about.
It's not obvious to someone who didn't pay close enough attention to the machines before, but the top of it has bent forward slightly, like it couldn't withstand the strength of my pulls against it. The backside of the machine has flakes of silver metal peeking through in a straight line, whereas the front has a line of crunched, distended material pushed out.
"Oh, my gods," I croak out, whipping around back to face Sun. "Oh, my gods, I am so sorry! I had- I didn't- I'll help you guys fix it, I swear it on Spryzen!"
"It's fine, Shu, it's not your fault." He shakes his head and lays his hands on my shoulders, squeezing them reassuringly. But even as he goes on, his gaze drifts back to the machine and his thoughts seem to be somewhere else, almost like he's talking it out with himself.
"... The machines have been here since the Pit's creation. They're all pretty old, and the years of wear and tear are most likely starting to catch up to some of them. It's not on you, okay?"
"Okay," I murmur, glancing back at the machine. The trainees do the same, then one looks at his own and pipes in,
"So, why haven't the rest of them broken down yet, then?"
Sun pauses, considering it, then answers quietly, "It's likely to do with the statistics of which machines were used most often. After all, there's a constant shuffle of which machines are in use at a time, some go unused more often than others and retain more durability while the ones in constant use break down faster."
"Ohhh, I totally get that," He says, even though he clearly doesn't.
But before anyone can say anything else, the sound of a horn blares throughout the room and its occupants all eagerly perk up.
"Huh, is it that late already?" The green-eyed trainee hums, unclipping the cuffs around his wrists and ankles.
"What's going on?" I ask Sun, who offers a small smile.
"It's lunchtime now. Are you hungry?"
"Oh, um. Yes, sir."
He begins to urge me along with one hand still on my shoulder, chuckling quietly and saying, "Gosh, Shu, you don't have to call me sir! That's for stiff grownups."
I nod in understanding, looking over my shoulder only to find him doing the same, glancing at the machine with clear concern and uncertainty written in his features. Then he notices me looking and replaces it with a smile, taking my hand and leading me along.
"It's not too far from here, never you fret!"
I let it be for now, instead simply following Sun to where we're going to be eating, which turns out to be a simple yet large cafeteria with plenty of food and space for Bladers to sit.
"Here we are! We have plenty of options that are friendly to anyone with food specifications, as well as healthy, filling, and super duper yummy!"
"I see! You guys have really made this an inclusive facility, then." I say, trying and slightly failing to mask my surprise. This is even more thoughtful than even what the Raging Bulls offered. There's no way this could be anything left over from Theodore's time here, right? He would surely offer the same considerations to the Bulls that he does in an underground Blading facility.
"You don't have any allergies or anything, do you?"
"Not food allergies, no. I am allergic to antibiotics that contain sulfonamides, though."
"I'll be sure to remember that!"
I stand in line with Sun by my side, getting a tray and a fork. "How long have you offered all these options?"
"A few months now, actually! We started providing them a little after I came to the Snake Pit, and even though the options before were, um, okay, everyone is much happier with what we have now!"
"If I never have to eat any barn muck ever again, it will be too soon," The green-eyed trainee remarks from where he stands behind me.
"Barn muck?" I mumble, raising an eyebrow.
"It was this grainy slop that was textured like vomit and tasted like dirt and plain oatmeal." He grimaces at the memory, shaking his head. "It struck me as being more suitable for farm animals."
"That sounds very gross. And liable to get someone sick..."
"Trust me, people definitely got sick from it." There's only a moment of silence after that, which he quickly fills with a greeting. "My name is Boa, by the way."
"Shu. It's nice to meet you." I nod at him, offering a brief smile. "How long have you been here for?"
"Half a year now, but it feels like it's been forever. And you came in just today?"
"Yeah. I haven't even been here for two hours."
"It's been exactly an hour and twenty-six minutes," Sun tells us helpfully, his eyes briefly displaying clock symbols.
"And already, you've made quite an impression," Boa remarks, clearly meaning it as a compliment, yet I can't help ducking my head self-consciously.
"Not in the way I would have liked."
Sun gently pats my shoulder, and as the line moves forward he urges me along. For lunch, I get some hard boiled eggs, rice and a piece of toast. Boa gets some eggs and toast of his own but goes for some meat patties over the rice, and Sun lets us sit at his usual table.
"I can't eat food, but I absolutely enjoy sitting and having lovely conversation with all my friends!" He tells us, smiling brightly.
"I don't think I'd call all the conversations with the Masked Bladers "lovely," but I think it's sweet that you did," Boa chuckles fondly, smiling up at him in return.
"Wait, is this where they all usually sit? Is it okay for me to be here, then?" I question, uncertain.
"Of course! The Masked Bladers are always fine with trainees joining them at lunch, whether it's for advice in training or just for because!" Sun reassures me, glancing up just a moment after and asking, "Isn't that right, Gold Eye?"
I startle a bit and whip to face Gold Eye- who sits across from us with Silver Eye- and he nods in answer. "It's not like we're at a high school with assigned seating based on cliques or some shit. We really don't care if trainees sit with us, so long as they're not hassling us about anything."
"Oh. It sounds like you guys hear that question a lot."
"The new trainees are always a bit skittish about where they can or can't sit." Silver Eye shrugs. "We intimidate them, being the strongest- and for the most part oldest- Bladers in the facility. But usually, they listen to us all squawking at each other over lunch and they get over it."
"Hey, I don't squawk!" Gold Eye protests, receiving a simple snicker in response. He huffs, shaking his head and giving his companion a half-hearted shove.
It is a little easier to relax with them as they act like, well, teenagers- which I guess they must be- but I have to internally kick myself and remember what Theodore told me. The Masked Bladers betrayed his trust and threatened his life with Sun. No amount of them goofing around makes that okay.
"Anyways, before we get too far into the goofery- Sun, did something happen on the training floor? I got a notification that one of the machines malfunctioned," Silver Eye says, and I can't help but bite my lip and duck my head in shame. He notices, frowning a bit as the animatronic lays a hand on my shoulder.
"I- that was my fault, I'm sorry," I admit, lifting my head to meet their gazes. "I got stuck in my own head as I was training with one of the launch machines, and the duress was more than it could handle."
"The upper half of the machine bent forward a bit," Sun explains further, and both Masked Bladers exchange surprised glances.
"I- I see. Er, well, thank you for your honesty, Shu, and don't worry about it. Those machines are fossils at this point, it was bound to happen eventually." Silver Eye shakes his head dismissively, and Gold Eye nods in agreement.
"We'll fix it after lunch, no sweat."
I nod in understanding, then I jump again when someone suddenly shouts behind me, "Yooo, I don't recognize this kid! Are you a brand new trainee?!" Looking over my shoulder, I meet the yellow-lensed gaze of a new Masked Blader who wears a big grin as he rounds to my side.
"Oh, um, yes. I am new, I just arrived here almost two hours ago," I answer, squeezing one eye shut when he ruffles my hair roughly.
"Hell yeah, it's about time we got in some new blood! What's your name, Christmas Tree?"
"Guh- it's- it's Shu." Okay, Gold Eye and Silver Eye were not this handsy, what the hell?
"Mind your personal space, Yellow, not everyone appreciates the ruffles without permission!" Sun chides, gently pulling his hand away and instead guiding him into sitting down.
"Well, welcome to the Snake Pit, Shu," A new voice says, and when I look to Silver Eye's side, a Masked Blader with gray accents has taken a seat beside him. "I'm sure these three have already told you, but if you have any questions at all, you just have to ask. We're here to help you."
"Thank you. Thank you all, I appreciate it." I nod gratefully, offering a small smile.
"So, just how strong a Blader are you?"
"I'm one of the Supreme Four, one of the top four Bladers in Japan," I answer simply, not wanting to elaborate too much at the risk of sounding like a braggart.
"Awesome! Sounds like we got a real score for our first new trainee since taking control of the Snake Pit!"
Out of my peripherals, I notice the other three frown in what could be displeasure. None of them say anything, so I decide to take an opportunity to root around for more information, asking, "What do you mean by that? Were you guys not always the leaders?"
"Uh, no? I thought you'd have known that it used to be A-"
"Yellow Eye. That's enough," Gold Eye interrupts sternly, his tone immediately discouraging any protest from either of us. Yellow Eye frowns and sits down, murmuring,
"Sorry, Goldie. I forgot you..." He trails off, shaking his head. Then the Masked Blader in gray sighs softly.
"I'm Gray Eye, by the way. It's nice to meet you, Shu."
"Likewise. Do all the Masked Bladers have aliases based on their uniform coloration?"
"Yes, we do. The coloration itself is dependent on our eye colors, as well."
"So if I were to win the tournament and join you guys, I would be Green Eye or something of the like," Boa says, receiving a nod in response.
"Or maybe something with a bit more flair! Like Juniper Eye- oh! Or even Jade Eye!" Sun chirps with a bright smile.
"Well, I think that settles our previous discussion of who would figure out the aliases from now on," Gold Eye snorts, wearing a small grin.
"That works for me! I suck at coming up with names, anyway." Yellow Eye crosses his arms with a huff. Meanwhile, Sun taps the side of his face-plate, either thinking about something or listening to a noise I can't hear, his smile only growing wider.
"Oh, those are wonderful ideas!" He cheers out of nowhere, turning to me and adding, "If you won the tournament, Shu, then you could have a bunch of possible aliases! Red Eye, Scarlet Eye, Vermillion Eye, Rose Eye, so on so forth!"
Wow, there really are a lot of options. I think about it for a moment, offering a little smile as I say, "I like the sound of Red Eye. It's simple but has charm."
"Nice!"
"Are you actually planning on entering the tournament?" Boa questions, giving me a hard look from around Sun. I simply nod. "Well, good luck, but just know I don't plan on losing."
"Neither do I." I can't afford to. This is my best route to regain control of the Snake Pit.
"Brr, it got super chilly all of a sudden!" Sun chuckles nervously, patting our shoulders before waving one hand dismissively. "Why don't we put away all this tournament talk for now, hmm? Your lunches are getting cold!"
Wordlessly, Boa and I get back to eating. At some point, we're finally joined by the rest of the Masked Bladers and they introduce themselves, then once lunch ends I return to the training floor to battle the other trainees. All the while, Boa watches me like a hawk, clearly trying to learn as many of my battle strategies as he can. I refrain from using my Crux Boost or special moves, not wanting to chance a powerful opponent knowing how to beat me.
Nothing of importance happens for the rest of the day. At the end, I lay down in my bed- the bunk just over Boa, I have no idea if Sun did that on purpose or not- and wait patiently for all signs of alertness to cease from my fellow trainees. Once I'm sure everyone is asleep, I slip my communicator out from my bag and send a message to Theodore...
I've infiltrated the Snake Pit and started my reconnaissance. There was no trial for gaining entrance to the facility, though. They said that my reaching the Pit was proof enough that I deserved to be there. The nurse and all Masked Bladers seem good at heart, but I suspect deception on behalf of the latter. Regarding the former, I think he may have been hacked by any one of the Masked Bladers to act as they want him to.
"Don't be taken in by their tricks, Shu," Theodore advises. "I thought them good at heart as well, only to be stabbed in the back and exiled by those same Bladers. As for the nurse, don't be lulled into a false sense of security, he is still dangerous."
Yes, sir. I'm planning to join the upcoming tournament for trainees and win to become a Masked Blader. Gold Eye and Silver Eye said that control of the Snake Pit had been divided between all seven Masked Bladers. I can think I can earn a portion of control over time and use that to my advantage.
"Do whatever it takes to win that tournament and overthrow the Masked Bladers. Anything less, and you will be exiled just as I was."
Is there a punishment for losing, sir? What do I do about that?
"Simple. You don't fail me."