The competitors gathered in a massive, dimly lit hall, tension thick in the air. Samantha and Leo exchanged glances, each aware of the stakes. Each pair stood shoulder-to-shoulder, trying to gauge the skill of those around them. Samantha noticed a deliberate pattern: every team consisted of one male and one female, paired up for balance—or perhaps, for the entertainment of the viewers.
Suddenly, the sharp sound of heels echoed through the hall. A woman strode to the front, her presence radiating authority. She wore a fitted police uniform, complete with stockings and high-heeled boots, her gaze icy and commanding.
"Listen up," she commanded, her voice both smooth and intense. "My name is Officer Vale, and I'll be overseeing your first game."
As she spoke, support staff moved down the rows, fitting a sleek, high-tech watch on each player's wrist. "This watch," Officer Vale explained, "tracks your location and health. We'll be able to monitor you every second of the game. If anything is amiss, we'll know."
Samantha examined her watch. The screen displayed her heart rate, a countdown timer, and a small map of the building. Leo adjusted his own watch, his brows drawn in concentration.
The next round of staff brought a gleaming pair of silver handcuffs for each pair, snapping them onto the left wrists of each partner. Samantha and Leo looked at each other as the cold metal locked around their wrists, a reminder that their success depended on their cooperation.
"These cuffs are non-negotiable," Officer Vale continued, her gaze cold. "They will keep you together. If you manage to break them, your team will be immediately disqualified. You'll need to work as one unit. Should either of you be hit by an opponent, the whole team is out. Consider this your tether for survival."
Officer Vale gestured to a support staff member, who held a tray of guns, each loaded with bright, foam-tipped bullets. "Each of you will receive a gun equipped with non-lethal rounds. They're harmless, but if you're hit, you'll be rendered unconscious for a short time, and your team will fail the test. Your objective is simple: survive for one hour without getting knocked out. Points will be awarded to the top three teams who take down the most opponents: first place earns 1000 points, second earns 600, and third 200."
Just then, the intercom crackled to life, and Officer Vale's voice took on a new, almost playful tone. "Remember, competitors—this game is being broadcast live. The audience is ready with their popcorn, waiting to be entertained. Show them what you're made of. Make it thrilling."
The room filled with quiet murmurs as the players took in the stakes. It wasn't just a survival game—it was a live spectacle for viewers everywhere.
"You have 15 minutes before the game begins," Officer Vale announced, glancing at the competitors. "Use this time wisely. Make your strategies, get to know your partner. The clock starts soon."
With that, she turned on her heel and exited the hall, her figure disappearing through a steel door at the end of the room.
As Samantha and Leo began whispering their plan, she noticed a towering man approaching them, a grin on his face that sent a chill down her spine. He had the build of a bodybuilder, his biceps straining against the sleeves of his shirt. His partner, a tall woman with a muscular build, followed just behind him, her eyes scanning Samantha with a smug look.
The man stopped in front of Samantha, his gaze sweeping over her. "A woman like you doesn't belong with some kid," he said, jerking his chin toward Leo. "Stick with me, and I'll keep you safe from the competition. No one would dare mess with us if we teamed up."
He leaned closer, dropping his voice to a low, suggestive tone. "But the price for my protection would be a little favor… you know, in my room tonight."
Samantha's expression remained cool, though a flicker of irritation flashed in her eyes. She was about to respond, but Leo stepped forward, squaring his shoulders against the much larger man.
"She already has a partner," Leo said, his voice steady and unyielding. "We don't need any offers from you."
The man's smirk faded, his eyes narrowing. "You've got a big mouth for a kid. I'd watch what you say, or you might just regret it."
His partner crossed her arms, glancing over Samantha with a sneer. "Looks like we've got some cocky competition," she added with a smirk. "We'll be sure to give you both a warm welcome."
Samantha felt the tension radiating from Leo beside her, but she gave the muscular man a cold, steady look, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. She and Leo had just made an enemy, and they'd need to tread carefully. But she wasn't about to back down from anyone.
As the two walked away, Samantha turned back to Leo, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks for standing up to him," she murmured, her voice softer now. "But let's be careful. They'll be looking for any chance to take us down."
Leo nodded, giving her a reassuring look. "I couldn't just let him talk to you like that. You're my partner, and we're in this together. Besides," he added with a slight smirk, "they don't scare me."
A warmth flickered between them for a brief moment before they turned their attention back to the task at hand.
"Alright," Samantha said, her voice low but determined. "We've got fifteen minutes. Let's make a plan."
They leaned in close, whispering strategy. They decided to stick close to walls to minimize exposure, with Leo covering one direction and Samantha the other. If they could keep each other's blind spots covered, they'd have a decent chance of making it through the hour without getting hit.
The intercom blared to life once more, and Officer Vale's voice filled the hall. "Competitors, proceed to your starting positions. The game is about to begin. Remember—survive for one hour without getting hit, and entertain the audience. Good luck."
Leo gave Samantha a small nod, and they both made their way toward the exit, handcuffed together, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Samantha took a final steadying breath as she reached the entrance of the game arena. She glanced at Leo, her expression firm and resolute. They were in this together, bound by more than just metal cuffs.
The countdown had begun, and the game was on.