CH4: The New Topdogs

We leave the locker room and find Tatiana looking over various supplies. It’s all the stuff the Recreationists left behind in the gym. Among them are over a dozen pistols. That reminds me of the plan Calliope had. We would’ve fought with those pistols in a fair fight and decided the winners in a clean way. Now we are scrapping around cluelessly and tracking each other down like prey. Tatiana shrugs as we walk to her.

“Nothing interesting. If you want to restock your health and ammo usbs then go ahead. We should go find the rest.” She says firmly and I look at Vinora a little unsure, but only see her buzzing around happily. “Yeah! Come on, Lilah! Now we are the ones in charge here! The three of us will win this thing, right?” She smiles at me and I get a knot in my stomach and feel conflicted. It’s true. We have come a long way, and Tatiana and Vinora both deserve to win. But I still haven’t given up hope for Grace, even after what she did. I have tried to not think about it, but it’s sometimes difficult not to. Then there’s also Arleth who has really been a big help recently. Is it really right to not let her win after all she’s done?

“What’s that?” Tatiana asks and points at the crossbow Vinora has hanging on her back. “Oh, just something my girlfriend got me.” She teases me and nudges my shoulder which makes me blush: “I-it’s not like that! I already said we aren’t together!” I insist and she just giggles as Tatiana crosses her arms: “Oh… so that’s what took you so long, eh? Alright then.” She gets a little smirk and I shake my head and let Vinora show Tatiana the crossbow while I turn to some footsteps coming from the right. It’s Arleth in that pale suit of hers, but she’s now wearing Calliope’s vest.

“Hello.” She says and looks down at me. She’s a bit taller than me, about the same height as Calliope, although Arleth is much skinnier and her tits aren’t huge like the mean one had hers. “Hey. So… what’s up?” I ask. I’m unsure about Arleth still. I had some questions I wanted to ask her and she seems to be willing to hang around. “I was about to ask the same thing.” She says plainly and Tatiana and Vinora turn to her too. Arleth looks back at me and raises her eyebrow.

“Oh, we were thinking of going after the others. Maybe… go in teams of two?” Vinora suggests and slaps my butt which feels very inappropariate. “Hmm… yes, I suppose. Can I go with Lilah?” Arleth asks and Vinora crosses her arms: “Ey! Didn’t you catch the subtle clue I just did?” I feel another, harder slap and turn so she can’t keep slapping my ass and pout. Arleth looks at Vinora squinting her eyes and shakes her head: “I do not understand.”

Tatiana looks a little bothered and I feel awkward too and Vinora steps closer to the black haired girl who has a calm expression on her face. “I’m going with her, you can go with Tatiana, bitch!” I feel a little scared with Vinora getting so heated with Arleth. Last time someone did that they got shot. Arleth blinks and thinks for a moment: “I would rather not. I want your leader to be accompanied by your own.” She hasn’t moved, and I get an unwelcoming vibe about the girl. She seems stoic and serious, which is something I’m not entirely familiar with. She comes across like one of those girls with straight A’s in school with no friends.

“She’s right, Vinora. It makes sense.” Tatiana tells the hotheaded girl who bites her teeth and looks at me: “Fine. But… Tatiana, I will dick you in an hour. Mentally prepare yourself.” She points at Tatiana who gets a surprised expression: “W-what?” The two talk it through and I turn to Arleth who motions for me to walk with her. I am not happy I have to go with Arleth, but I understand the logic. Tatiana keeps us together, Arleth can’t get along with Vinora and I am the one who remains. The thing is, I would’ve rather gone as a big group. Not in pairs. So far being together has been our strength. I don’t know if we are doing it right like this.