Day Two

[Violet]

Trust was a precious thing. Out here, placing it in the wrong hands would get you killed, guaranteed. However, it is only through taking a chance and placing it in an unknown’s possession would it help you succeed. It’s not a surefire way to a solid victory, but it could get you far. Lifelong enemies could produce a truce and force an alliance whose bonds are strong – at least until one or both are dead. Sometimes, it would last for even longer, severing the cords of a long history of aggression towards one another, possibly even creating a new path for both people.

On this battlefield, it was so full of unknowns. As she climbed higher, the rain becoming lighter, transforming into a thick fog that clung to her face and obscured her vision, Violet knew her trust in Blink was right. She knew so little about her companion, but that didn’t matter right now. The fact that Blink had every opportunity to turn on her and didn’t told Violet she’d found someone worthy of placing her trust in. Whether it was because of Blink’s lack of a viable weapon, or just because she genuinely didn’t want to kill her, Vi felt that they could make it. Hell, they might even win.

The phase’s announcement of ten dead gave her some hope. Ten down, thirty five left, maybe less if more died since then. With the storm in full force, Vi felt that most of the other players have sought shelter, perhaps have even battled already. She felt fortunate that her and her partner were untouched so far, but that might not last for long. Up ahead, the square shapes she saw earlier began to materialize, but she still couldn’t tell whether they were trees, rocks or buildings. Either offered a promise of some sort of shelter.

Suddenly, Violet froze. Voices. “Blink, stop.” She held out her arm, blocking her partner from going further. Her voice dropped low. “There are people nearby.”

Blink gave her a look of concern. “Should we…?”

Violet shook her head. “Let’s check it out first.”

Dropping to a crouch, Violet advanced forward. Up ahead, she definitely saw something, but couldn’t make it out. Her crouch turned into a crawl, and she dragged herself through the muck on her elbows towards the voices. It didn’t take long to realize her companion had followed suit, but she was smart enough to stay low enough not to be detected easily.

“Over there, you see ‘em?” Violet gave a nod towards some figures in the distance.

Blink nodded. “I can’t tell if they’re injured or not, but they are walking funny.”

“Probably not a good idea to assume they’re injured. They could be playing us.”

“Do you think they already know we’re here?”

“I don’t know.” Violet said, giving the pink-tinged woman a look of both fear, curiosity and somewhere underneath all of that…hope. She could only lay there, watching them plow forward, whether they were friend…or foe.