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The Final Five

You asked for warriors, but we are but children

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Kill Story: Gabriella vs. Ayla

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Status Update ✗ Arena Day 3

Gabriella vs Leonius  (☆)

Leo's dead... and it's because of me. With four other people standing in my way, I'm going to do my best to win for the two of us.

Injuries: Burns, left arm not functioning properly (possibly broken) 

Final Weapon: Leo's sword.

Final Two Items: One mustard and ham sandwich along with her portable hammock. 

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Kill Story: Gabriella vs. Leonius

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Status Update ✗ Arena Day 2

Injuries: None.

Allies: Leo.

Weapons: Survival Pack #4 

Important Notes: I noticed that my mindset has changed after three of my alliance members abandoned Leo and I. That bubbly and impulsive girl was replaced by someone more ambitious about getting to the end and worries less about her moral conduct. 

Dawn (☆)

Our Career Pack split sooner than I wanted it to, and I find myself with only my half-brother as my ally. I started to think that maybe it was for the best.

Metamorphosis (☆) 

As I wandered the Maze with Leo, I realized that he was the only one I can trust and rely on in the Games. I also felt a mixture of betrayal, anger, and sadness towards my alliance members who left us. They mattered little to me and all that mattered was that Leo and I got to the end.

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Status Update ✗ Arena Day 1

Injuries: None.

Allies: Ruby, Nick, Leo, Zale.

Weapons: Survival Pack #4.

Important Notes: The Arena wasn't what I was expecting. I had hoped my challenge from the Career Academy would help me, but it was nothing like what I was trained and prepared for. This Maze is endless and I worried that if somebody does rise as Victor, they still had to find their way out even if all the competition is gone. 

Path Finders  (☆)

The alliance I played a huge role in creating accomplished its first mission after the bloodbath. Unfortunately, there wasn't much left in the Cornucopia and I nearly became one of the Fallen once the ground turned into quicksand. Fortunately for me, Leo saved me just in time. We then wandered around the Maze, aimlessly, I might add since we went in a complete circle, and then set up camp. 

Mental Comfort (☆)

I grew closer to the boy from District One and found myself taking a liking to him. It didn't take long for me to notice that there's something wrong with him. I tried my best to ease his sanity and offered to be there for him so that he can face his inner demons. 

Under The Moon (☆) 

It was my turn to watch while everyone sleeps. I found myself having a conversation with Zale during my shift. He figured out how to deal with our water problem by using his powers.

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Metamorphosis || OS || Arena Day 2

Ever since my alliance members left, I felt my attitude change dramatically. I put so much trust into people that just left me behind. Did they feel so strongly about Leo and I dragging them down that they had to abandon us? There was another possibility that someone killed them while my half brother and I were asleep, but with the Maze's walls causing so many echoes, we should have been able to know much sooner. No matter what their reasons were, I didn't care. We were supposed to stick together 'till the end and they all broke every one of their promises.

Ruby and Zale must have been closer than I thought. I was taken aback when he volunteered to go with her to look around the Maze yesterday. From what I got from most of our conversations about the alliance, Zale didn't know Ruby very well. I had to question if they were keeping any other secrets. Had something happen between them during their time together? I had to admit I was a bit jealous, especially since I really liked Zale, but I figured by then that the feeling wasn't mutual. I just wished I realized sooner so I didn't have to put in so much time and effort in getting even the slightest amount of attention from him. Maybe that's why I felt my heart beat a certain way for Nick. When we hugged, it wasn't just comfort that I wanted to provide, but care as well. His sanity might not be in the best condition, but he returned the compassion I gave him. Something Zale just couldn't give me. 

I was mostly hurt that Nick left us. In one night, I managed to grow so close to him, compared to how much time I needed to gain Zale's trust and feelings which I didn't even know if I had due to what just happened. Nick was handsome and practically anyone could be smitten with his looks. I felt it in my responsibility to give him not only physical but mental comfort when no one else could. If only there were more chances for the two of us to create something bigger. I honestly wouldn't mind staying with him throughout the entire duration of the Games. Our last moments together would be painful but memorable, especially since we both would know that only one one of us will come out as a Victor.

Blood was thicker than water. That was all I can say when I was left with no one else besides Leo. Our bond as siblings, even only as half, was strong and kept us together this whole time. We were practically the only pair from the same District that got along besides the two girls from Seven. From the very start, he was the only one I was really close to, trusted, and felt safe with. If I had a choice to pick who to take in the Finale, it would be him. Thank the Gods and the Game Makers that we had each other.

Ambition was the dominant emotion inside me that toppled over all the others. I wanted my half-brother with me 'till the end, and I planned on taking down whoever stood in our way, even those we allied ourselves with in the beginning. We were pretty much the most powerful in the group, and I had no doubt that we could take them down if ever we needed too. My Career instincts started to kick in, and I all of a sudden craved blood in my hands or at least the knowledge that more people were declared as Fallen. 

I followed Leo around, staying behind mostly because the heat was getting the best of me. So much for being the daughter of Hephaestus. I wasn't very temperature resistant. The burn injury from the Obstacle Course' Lava Wall was still in my arm. Leo on the other hand seemed completely fine, and it made me wonder if his powers had to do something about it. I still wasn't completely aware of what he could do. But he doesn't know about all of mine either. 

Watching my half-brother do everything he can just to stay hydrated made me cringe a little. It was selfish of me to finish an entire bottle of water without sharing, but I knew from past Games that I had to put myself ahead of everyone. I finished the other half of the sandwich I gave to Zale and split another one to give to Leo. Benefit of being small, I didn't get hungry as much. We drank from the vines, having a bit more difficulty without Zale, but were quenched from our thirst nonetheless. 

Animals or anything we could cook sounded good right about now. Leo and I went another day without much food, and fasting isn't going to help us if ever we ran into anyone. Our exhaustion finally got us to stop and we stopped at a dead end to rest. I sat right next to Leo, leaning against the wall. "I'm glad we're together..." I began. "If that big alliance didn't pop up in my mind, I would have been fine with just the two of us," I confessed. Leo and I would have performed well in the Arena, even without the Career Pack. I held onto his hand and entwined my fingers with his. I haven't done so for a long time, and I really missed his touch. We shared this superb heat that I didn't notice before, almost like we were powering one another. 

"Speaking of that big alliance... I have to be honest and say that I used them as shock absorbers," I confessed. "I plan to stand behind them this whole time, let them attract all the attention and keep it away from us. In the end, I just wanted them to do all the work and take us to the end," I explained. Our well being was more important to me than my moral conduct. Most would probably admit that my strategy was brilliant. Let the strong fight for you and risk dying while you're in the back under their protection. It got Leo and I this far, with more than half of the competition gone. 

The Fallen faces in the night sky assured me that my alliance members who abandoned us were still in fact alive. "I bet we'll run into Ruby, Nick and Zale soon..." I trailed, a yawn escaping my lips. "We can take 'em..." My eyes grew heavy and I fell asleep. I had changed after Day 1. I no longer am that bubbly and impulsive girl people thought I was, but instead someone who heavily thinks before acting and less trusting towards other people. My true Career instincts finally surfaced and I almost craved to kill someone just to get Leo and I in the end. 

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My plans for talking to Ruby were cut off by fatigue after my shift. I made my way over to my portable hammock which Zale didn’t even use even though I lent it to him, and laid back down, finding myself drifting off to sleep. I didn’t know whether to be happy about getting no kills for the day. We should have played our role as the Deadly Career Pack and could have eliminated a large amount of our competition, but I was glad we didn’t risk losing any of our members in the process. Also, it appears that the other Tributes are doing that to each other. It was a shame there was only one canon fired. Then again, the Bloodbath was brutal and I’ve had enough deaths for the day.

A voice snapped me out of my slumber and I was presented with Leo's face, filled with concern. He informed me that the rest of our alliance members were nowhere to be seen. I looked around and found only the two of us by ourselves. Ruby, Nick and Zale were gone. Have they abandoned us? Anger swelled inside of me. Were they really so full of themselves that they thought of Leo and I as mere luggage and left us here? If there was one thing I can't stand, it's ungratefulness. They wouldn't be in a Career Pack hadn't I organized it. I was part of the reason why they made it this far.

"I can't believe they just left us... the nerve of some people," I stated bitterly. I narrowed my eyes and stood up out of my portable hammock. Then I folded it and put it back in my survival pack. "Let's just keep moving, yeah? We'll think about what to do along the way," I suggested. We can't stay in the same place for long unless we want someone or something to run into us. 

Dawn || Arena Day 2 || Gaby & Leo

The last thing on my mind before I drifted asleep was the faces that had lit up the sky. Resting on my newly made mat, slash backpack, I had stared at the stars, feeling almost giddy with relief.  Not only had it felt like a heavy burden had been lifted off my shoulders when I found out Ayla was still alive, but the one person to die after the bloodbath was Arlene of all people. She had been a huge threat, but I could not help but wonder what could have killed her in this maze. Whatever it was, I had no intention of running into it.

Although the mat I had plaited was nowhere as comfortable as my bed, I was so exhausted that I did not notice the ground digging into my shoulder, and the aching of my bruised rib. Gabriella was sleeping close by, and for a moment I felt bad for not sharing my mat or body heat. She was bound to get cold, but I was balancing on the brink of conscious and unconsciousness, so the commands to move my limbs just didn’t create any result. As my eyelids dropped I smiled drowsily. I had survived my first day in the arena, and so had Ayla. We might have a chance to find each other,

I woke up as everything seemed to lighten up. I was feeling groggy, my shoulder and side aching, and I could barely open my eyelids. I let out a groan and rolled over on my other side, something that caused me to bang my forehead into the cold stone wall. Purely by instinct I jumped to my feet, drew the sword and backed away until my back was pressed against another wall. My pulse was throbbing in my ears as I let my gaze swipe the surroundings in front of me in search of danger.  When I found none I let myself relax and step closer to the wall that definitely wasn’t there when I fell asleep.

 My hands trailed over the smooth surface of the wall. There was no evidence of it being placed there over the night; it looked like it had stood there for centuries.  In vain I pushed against it, but I knew that there was no use. I was separated from the pack and all by myself. Lovely. That was when I noticed Gaby, still sleeping, further down the corridor.  Thank god I wasn’t alone.

“Gaby! You have to wake up!” I poked her shoulder “We’re separated from the rest of the pack!”. We had to get a move on, and figure out how to get back to the pack. This is your chance to go and find Ayla, idiot, a small voice inside my head argued. My resolve was swayed by it.

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Before I knew it, Nick disappeared from my sight and into the Maze. It was stupid for me to shoot a flame orb in the air like that. People might already know our location because of the campfire, I only gave away even more information as to where we were. Then Zale told me to only do so in case of an emergency. In a way, I really wished Ruby and him were here so that they could help me with Nick, but no one came. It wasn't that powerful anyways, and only those who were really close by could have noticed. I only did it to let Nick know that there was nothing there.

A huge part of me wanted to help Nick. But as he got closer and closer to the brink of insanity, I found it even more difficult to bring him back. I wasn't just concerned for the group, I was worried about him. Those things he was hearing and seeing are going to be the cause of his canon firing, and as much as I was in these Games for myself, I didn't think Nick deserved to go out in such a way. 

When he finally came back, I couldn't help but rush over to him and wrap my arms around his for a second time. He was dealing with something bigger and more severe than all of us combined. "The demons I was talking about... you can't defeat them with any blade. You need a strong will and mental toughness to over come them," I explained, rubbing his back again. 

Mental Comfort || Gaby and Nick || Arena Day 1

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Back home, mom had this large curved television in our living room. You could see every detail that occured in the Games, and each one is bound to stick in your head for a long time. All of our neighbours would cheer when one of our Tributes gets a kill. It sickened me to watch, but it was helpful considering I knew a lot more of what happens in the Arena better than some of my competitors. "They usually play the National Anthem and then show the faces of the Fallen," I explained. "Where all of us asleep when it played?" I asked. Most likely, since we didn't know whose canon fired.

I looked up towards the sky and spotted the star Polaris. If our paths were straight and didn't consist of so many twists and turns, we could have followed it instead going around in circles. That what was so difficult about this Arena. We couldn't just go in one direction.

A laugh escaped my lips. I forgot all the specialties in Zale's powers. "This day could have been... better," I replied shrugging. "We could have eliminated another quarter of our competition instead of going around in circles, but I'm glad all of us are still in one piece."

Under the Moon || Zale and Gaby || Arena Day 1

I shrugged, “Is there a set time when they usually show who was killed? Maybe something’s going on as we speak and the GMs are waiting to see how it pans out? I dunno. Again, this is anyone’s game.” And in truth I didn’t really care who was killed, it was just another person who stood in the way of me getting back home. Sigh. No, that’s a lie, but I can’t concern myself with everyone else’s well being.

I nodded, “North it is.” And we won’t be going in circles this time around. I’ll make sure of it. I’m not wandering around here blindly again and wasting time and energy. At least I know I have an easy access to water.

Chilly? It’s kinda humid, and I could easily will every last drop of water off of me if I wanted to…and I did just that. “Wet like what?” I grinned up at her. I was totally dry, the water had dribbled off and accumulated in a small pool not far from me. I put my hands behind my head, “So whatcha think about our little entourage here?” I asked, stifling a yawn. I wanted to hear her reaction as to how we handled today. 

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A canon's been shot? That would be the first death since the bloodbath. I wonder who it was. There could be limitless possibilities of how that Tribute died. It could be due to a fight or because of a mutt that Zale's been talking about. At least it wasn't one of our members. Careers are usually able to stick around until the Finale. "Really? There would normally be a face in the sky..." I trailed. "Who do you think it was?" I asked him. My guess would be either the little girl from Six or her partner. 

I remembered Anatolia from the Puzzles Station. She was very pleasant and even told me who her Godly parent was. If I wasn't already in my Pack, I would have asked to be in an alliance with her and her partner. I honestly liked Anatolia. I just felt so threatened by her. Zale then told me not to underestimate the girl from Six. I recalled her doing great in the Obstacle Course and getting a high score during Private Training. Maybe she had tricks up her sleeve and we really should watch out for her. Also, the Capitol would most likely hate us if we kill such a precious and innocent child. 

The Career Pack should perform well if ever we ran into anyone. Our number is a huge advantage. Combine all our powers and skills and we're pretty much invincible. There is a risk of losing a member however in the process. I had to smile when Zale suggested we go hunting in the morning. It was great to be the predator rather than the prey. Our Pack of wolves are ready to rip anyone we encounter to shreds. "I think we should continue heading North. Hopefully we won't go around in a circle again. 

Zale laying on the ground still soaked concerned me a bit. He could freeze to death in his sleep in these temperatures. Unless of course he has the ability to withstand cold when in water. "It's pretty chilly... are you sure it's wise to stay wet like that?" I asked, trying to find out.

Under the Moon || Zale and Gaby || Arena Day 1

I slowed the water down to a faint stream and let it run over my hands. It was such a refreshing feeling, I wanted to savor it. I couldn’t help but let a light smile linger as I listened to Gaby.

"The sky’s been nice and quiet actually." Hearing the people who died referred to as the "Fallen" always disgusted me. It was as if it was some sacred title you should be proud of. Fuck that. Victims, sacrifices, those were better words to describe the sons and daughters, the friends and family lost. There was nothing sacred or righteous the way Xios and Eliza were killed, nothing to be proud of. "Though there was one cannon that went off, dunno if you guys were awake to hear it." 

"Well, the only way we’ll know who’s close to us is if we go hunting tomorrow. They’re skilled and trained and I can’t imagine what gifts Artemis gave ‘em." But, now that I know I can access water through these vines, I may be at an advantage, especially since I finished my net while talking with Nick. But I wasn’t about to get cocky. Next chance Ruby and I had to go off on our own I had something to try out. "But no one should be underestimated, not even the little one from Six." Part of me wondered how Marlee was doing, how Arlene was. But I quickly dismissed the thoughts. 

I “shut” the water off from the vine and let it hang limp against the wall and put my hoodie back on over my shirt. I slouched down and was pretty much laying on the ground at this point, my body finally relaxing. I pulled the compass up from beneath my shirt and took a gander, “Well, we haven’t gone far from where we were this morning, still south west.” I shut it and kept it held tight in my hand. This was my last connection to Four, to Pops. I sighed, “Think in the morning we should get a vote in from everyone as to where to go. I still say either direct north or south, but you know it won’t be easy.” I finally released the compass and tucked it back under.

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"You're welcome," I replied with a kiss on his cheek. I probably should have gave him the whole sandwich, but I knew the Academy Elites from back home wouldn't approve. They'd tell me not to share at all, and if I was, I should do so with my half-brother. He was the one that saved my life during the quicksand incident but Leo and I haven't spoken in a while. I wanted to know where his mind was at if ever the Career alliance finally had to split. 

I raised a brow in response to his request but used my index finger to serve as a lighter and created a small blue flame. I followed him to what he wanted me to illuminate. Vines. But didn't he say he was concerned with whether we could drink the water inside or not? I shrugged and let him examine them anyway. Zale looked like he knew what he was doing. He was probably had better survival skills than I did, and maybe he had good intel with plants. 

My eyes widened with amazement and I almost wanted to jump with glee after I saw water pour out like faucet. After he handed me the vine, I drank gratefully from it, taking huge gulps. I had a water bottle in my survival pack that I was saving, but I didn't realize how thirsty I was until I felt the cold liquid inside my mouth. "Thanks..." I stated, giving him another kiss on the cheek. 

He had a point. We can't just go after someone without a strategy. Although most bloodthirsty Careers kill that way, this wasn't an ordinary Hunger Games and we have to expect an opponent with powers. "Alright, who do you want to get a shot at first?" I asked. "I suggest someone whose close to us, but it could be those girls from Seven, and they could be trouble," I stated. "Do you know who the Fallen are?" I was asleep when the faces were in the sky.

Under the Moon || Zale and Gaby || Arena Day 1

I raised an eyebrow when she passed me food and told me not to tell anyone else. I chuckled, “Now who’s keeping secrets?” I winked. I can’t blame her. Though back home I firmly believed in the whole “what’s mine is yours and yours is mine” mentality, I’m here strictly for myself. but if she’s playing favorites with me for the sole fact she likes me, well…all the more reason to keep the act going.

I took a bite of the sandwich and wrapped the rest back up and placed it in my pocket, “Thanks, Gab.” I smiled and planted a kiss on her cheek. I didn’t know how long it would be ‘til my next meal and didn’t want to gorge myself. Truthfully, I just wanted water. This might be stupid, but I could use a source of light right now, “Hey, can you make a really small flame? I wanna see something.” Once I had a better look at the vines and vegetation around us I saw they looked incredibly healthy, nice vibrant green. “Dirty water wouldn’t produce stuff like this.” I took a moment to remember what I knew from back home and the brushing up I did at the poisons station back in the Capitol. Vines were an awesome source of water and granted how humid it is, they have to have water coursing through them if they look this good.

"Hmm." I took my trident and cut the vine, placing the detached part beside me. No sap or milky crap leaking out, that’s a good sign, means it’s not poisonous. "Now let’s see…" I mumbled as I held the cut-section of the vine in my hand towards my face and willed the water that coursed through it to drain out like a hose. Within moments water came pouring out and shot me right in the face. Not gonna lie, it felt great. I laughed lightly and wiped my face clean and willed it to taper off like a water fountain, "I’m good for something." I grinned at her as I sped up the flow and drank deeply before passing it to her. It was only fair since she gave me part of the sandwich. Also good to know I alone can ensure the group water..if I felt like ti.

Her mentioning of wanting to go after someone both concerned and peeked my interest. I wouldn’t mind finally shedding some blood, but as I did during the bloodbath, I wasn’t about to run in blind. “We should plan ahead if we’re going to hunt tomorrow. We have more things to worry about then just other tributes.” I said as I took my hoodie off and let the water spray me down. My tshirt was soaked and as much as I wanted to take it off, I didn’t want to leave both my bare skin and tattoos exposed. 

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I didn't let Zale see me frown as soon as he mentioned something about dying in the Maze. Perishing here wasn't in my list of what I want to do or happen. The benefits of being in a huge alliance was the strength and safety in numbers which so far was working great because we made it through Day One. Sooner or later however, mutts created to look like the monstrosities from Greek mythology or another Tribute is going to run into us and we could potentially lose a member. Hopefully it won't be me.

He brought up being able to use the vines to do something about our thirst but he unfortunately can't guarantee safe drinking water. "I sadly don't," I replied. I answered a portion of his question. "Well, at least not the iodine part. Don't tell the others, okay?" I whispered and gave him half of a sandwhich. "I only have one," I lied. In this situation, my moral conduct was the least of my worries. Hopefully my group didn't mind me being a little selfish. "But you did more walking than I did, so you deserve it," I stated with a smile. 

"Not really... and whilst I like the peace and quiet, I wouldn't mind taking down another Tribute right now," I claimed.

Under the Moon || Zale and Gaby || Arena Day 1

I couldn’t help but keep my smile on at the mention of the hammock, “It is, and I might take you up on that, be just like home.” Assuming we didn’t pass out on the dock or floor drunk, every time we stayed out on the ship we slept in hammocks down in the haul. I loved it, maybe more than a bed. 

I yawned and stretched my arms out behind me, speaking just as softly as I had with Ruby and Nick “Well, this is more than likely the Labyrinth, so lucky me for being able to die in my favorite bedtime story. We wouldn’t be surprised if the true creatures of Greek mythology are roaming around here considering everything we’ve encountered in the Capitol, ya know, the Titans, Gods, those Pegasus during training…” I paused and looked at the vines draping down the walls, “I can probably pull water out of these, or at least be able to find a source, it’s just a matter of whether or not it’s fine to drink. Did you get any iodine, food or water in that survival pack?” She never did reveal it’s contents aside from the hammock.

"Anything exciting happen while we were gone?"

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Exhaustion finally got the best of me, and so, after getting Nick to calm down the best I could, I made my way over to my portable hammock to lie down. My eyes focused on the flickering fire I created. It brought me ease even though Zale and Ruby still haven't returned. I trusted they can find their way back to us and hopefully bring something like an animal or maybe even the location of a water source. I wasn't too comfortable letting Nick have the first watch, but I couldn't do anything about it after I succumbed into slumber. 

A voice woke me up, so I fluttered my eyes gently and opened them, only to notice Zale in front of me. It was a great start to the morning to see his charming face. I returned his smile and sat up, a yawn escaping my lips soon after. "I believe it's my turn to watch, yeah?" I asked while stretching. "You can sleep in my hammock, if you want," I stated and got up.

It was about two or three in the morning, and I don't think I can sleep anymore. Ruby has the last shift, so maybe I can talk to her and keep her awake. I turned to face Zale. "Did Ruby and you find something last night?" I asked. If no, maybe during my watch I could head out into the Maze and look for something to eat. My alliance members and I are surely starving right this instance. 

Under the Moon || Zale and Gaby || Arena Day 1

My eyes were finally starting to grow heavy and as cautious as I was about sleeping in the middle of the Labyrinth, I knew I couldn’t resist. I needed as much strength as possible and I wouldn’t be surprised if something wakes us up in the middle of the night or abruptly in the morning. Nick had finally dozed off, might as well wake Gaby for her turn.

As quietly as possible I sat down beside her and laid my trident down and hesitated for a moment before prodding her awake. It seems like her flirty persona finally gave way to the Career in her, even though this wasn’t how I pictured a Career from Two acting. I was fine with that, especially after last night, but at the same time I knew that was an edge I can play up. As I realized in the Capitol last night, these assholes love a pair of star crossed lovers in the Arena. Begrudgingly I was willing to keep the charade up at her lead if it meant a sponsor decided to send us something. I just hope we didn’t run into Arlene for a multitude of reasons. I don’t think I’d be able to jump into that fight with the group and I wouldn’t be surprised if Ruby felt the same way.

I gently ran my hand up and down her back, “Wakey, wakey eggs n’ bakey…and all that other shit.” I whispered with a smile. 

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My efforts in trying to bring him mental comfort failed when he suddenly backed away from me again. Whatever voice he said was in his head came back and that insane person I was concerned for returned. "Don't give it a chance to get the best of you Nick! You're better than this!!!" I exclaimed.

I rushed over to him and tried to prevent him from harming himself any further. "Stop it!" I screamed. "Can't you see that this is what he wants to happen?! Nick, whatever it is you're fighting, punching yourself isn't going to help. It's going to make matters worse and right now, you're letting him win!" My feeble arms were no match for his and in order not to have one of his fist collide with me, I moved away. So I just stared at him, my eyes wide again with fear. 

Right when he got up to charge at what I saw was nothingness, I shot a fireball to the sky which burst into embers and illuminated the area around us. "There's nothing there, Nick!" I yelled. "Remember what I told you! Don't let it get the best of you!" 

Mental Comfort || Gaby and Nick || Arena Day 1

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I rubbed his back, comforting him and remaining silent as he sobbed. Inside him I felt a coldness I could explain. As a daughter of the God of Fire, it was my responsibility to give him warmth and ease of mind, so I did just that. It was strange to see the strongest member of our Pack break down like this, but I wanted to let him know that I'm a shoulder for him to cry on in case he ever needed me to be. Maybe with assurance and a few soothing words, I could get him back on his feet both physically and mentally.

In my arms he stayed for a couple minutes. I oddly felt safe in his embrace as well, even though after his outburst from earlier, I really shouldn't have. After we broke free I gave him a faint smile and for the first time since we entered the Arena I saw his golden locks. They brought out the colour in his eyes that anyone could get lost in if they were able to push aside his inner demons.

"We all are... but if we try hard enough, we can find and put together the pieces that can make us one again," I state. I moved a few strands of hair away from his eyes and smiled at him. "You don't have to go through things alone, I'm here for you, alright?"

Mental Comfort || Gaby and Nick || Arena Day 1

[gabriella-clementine-blog-blog]

His movements were strange, and it made me aware that there was definitely something wrong. Apart from the blood he just spat out, I didn't see any injuries on him. Was he inflicting pain upon himself? He didn't look like a masochist. I could tell however, that his problem was far beyond that of physical pain, but of the mind. Nick was breaking down, and it couldn't be good for him or for us.

I stepped back, my eyes wide after his outburst. "Nick..." I trailed, a mixture of fear and concern written all over my expression. Whatever he says, he's not okay, but I didn't know what to do. According to him, there was someone inside his head, torturing him mentally. If he continues, it'll lead to his downfall. 

Once he finally calmed down, I stood there just staring at him. The wisest thing to do was probably to have woke Leo up and ran away after that display, but I didn't. I felt bad for him. So instead, I pulled him close and hugged him, bring him the mental comfort that he needed. I wanted to let him know that I was there, and I would never hurt him. "It's okay to tell me... we all have our demons... we just have to slay them," I stated soothingly.

I looked up and gave him a smile. "I can help you face yours, if you let me..." 

Mental Comfort || Gaby and Nick || Arena Day 1