Love Olympus

Love Olympus (2)

Bruno's voice boomed through the stadium, causing the crowd to erupt in a new wave of cheers. I knew why I was here but that didn't stop the anxiety from making my stomach churn. The word 'regret' flashed through my mind but how could someone really regret something they had no choice in. Sure, I could've said no but the thought of seeing the light poll crash sent chills down my spine.

The bright light shining in my eyes still prevented me from seeing my partner properly but that wasn't the only problem. He was exceptionally tall, almost... in a eerie way and that hid his face from my peripheral view.

I tilted my head sideways and attempted to look at the other teams but Bruno's loud voice made me snap back to attention.

"Let's start the introductions!" He shouted, causing the crowd to shout another cheer before becoming quiet. "Black team please step forward."

A couple crossed the stage. They had matching black hair which, oddly enough, was the same color as their jumpsuits. The female gave Bruno a questioning look.

He seemed irritated but smiled anyway. "Your name young lady. Please tell the crowd your name."

"Hi everyone," she blinked in surprise. Her voice was echoing through the stadium even though no visible microphone was attached to her. "My name is Krystal and obviously I'm part of the black team."

Two large screens showed a picture of her along with some basic information. Her age, where she's from, and a few basic hobbies that might help her in the games. One of these was track even though it looked like the girl cringed at the sight of dirt and sweat.

The crowd began to whistle and shout which caused a malicious smile to form across her face. She reminded me of the Grinch but without the bright colors.

The young man cleared his throat which made the audience quiet down. "Hi, my name is Caspian."

The same profile showed up on the screens. I glanced over and saw that he was born in Russia but moved to the U.S. when he was ten. It would explain the soft accent I could hear that was mixed with the American one.

Again, the crowd cheered but, to my surprise, he seemed indifferent. I couldn't understand where his attitude came from because mine was completely opposite. The further Bruno went down the line the more my knees began to shake. I was the girl who had an invisible friend which basically labeled me as an outcast. I wasn't use to having the spotlight on me and it was simply terrifying.

Profiles appeared for everyone when they stated their names.

Two more couples introduced themselves but I wasn't paying attention. It wasn't until the girl with light brown skin and a visible limp walked forward that I actually started to watch the contestants again. They were both wearing orange jumpsuits which made them look like convicts in prison.

"Orange team, your names please," said Bruno, waving a hand through the air like royalty.

The girl held her head high and gave the stadium a quick look before simply saying, "June."

Her black, shoulder length hair brushed her cheeks but I could still see the challenging look in her brown eyes. The limp was a disadvantage but taking this girl lightly would be a huge mistake.

The next was her partner who was nervously rubbing a hand on his shaved head. He was tall but it didn't look like athleticism ran in his family. I knew this to be true after he tripped over his own feet while trying to introduce himself. His blue eyes scanned the crowd before he let out a loud sigh.

"Um hi, I'm Minroe."

Despite my anxiety I couldn't help smile at his cute British accent. He was clumsy and adorable which seemed like a good combination for a trustworthy friend.

"Your turn green team," said Bruno, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

The epitome of gorgeous walked forward and caused a hush over the crowd. Even the angels, who were pretty good looking, didn't compare to this couple. I watched in awe as the male smiled confidently and flexed his tattooed arms without making it too obvious.

"My name is Archer and I'm happy to be on the green team." His brown, perfectly tousled hair, fell over his eyes as he sent a wink to his equally good looking partner. 

I brought my hands up to my mouth as a snort escaped. This was a competition but did these people realize that death is what the losers got? Obviously Archer and his partner thought that they were going to win the whole thing.

My partner shifted from side to side and let out a low chuckle. Well at least tall guy thinks I'm funny even if it was just a snort.

My eyes snapped back to the girl as her angelic voice rang through the stadium. "My name is Corin and I'm equally as happy to be on the green team."

She moved back next to her partner and brushed a strand of red hair away from her gorgeous face. I envied the way that confidence oozed from their pores. The mumbles from all the other teams made it seem like they agreed with me.

I barely heard the other two teams introduce themselves because of how nervous I was.

"And finally the red team," boomed Bruno, giving us a brilliant smile.

I followed my partner's lead and stepped to the front of the stage. For the first time I could see his features and it made my breath catch in my throat.

"Holy cr-,"

"Your name please," said Bruno. It seemed like he wanted introductions to be over and my moment of silence had irritated him.

"S-s-orry. Hi, my name is Venus."

My partner had the same look on his face that I did when my name was announced. He glanced down for a second before giving the crowd a small smile and rocking back on his feet.

"Hello everyone, I'm Clark."

Hollers and cheers erupted through the large stadium but I wasn't focused on that. Instead, my eyes were locked on the tall guy standing next to me. It was hard to tell if he was the same boy from seven years ago but there was one definite way to make sure.

"Clark," I mumbled out of the corner of my lip.

"Hmm?" He turned to face me and right away my eyes fell on the scar under his left eye.

"Nothing"

"Okay..."

It seemed like his attention was focused somewhere else but I would never forget a face like his. In elementary school while everyone else teased me he would always just stare. Sure, there were times that he made fun of me but it was never too hurtful or about Mr. Smirk. It was how little boys and girls liked to poke fun at each other. There were even times he would sit next to me at lunch when no one else would. We didn't say much to each other but at least it was comforting knowing that not everyone thought I was a freak. Well, at least I hoped not.

All thoughts of him were halted when Bruno's deep voice echoed through the stadium.

"Show them to the house," he ordered. Four cupids step forwarded and waited for everyone to walk off the stage. "Get a good nights sleep contestants, you'll need it."

He gave all of us one last brilliant smile before folding his hands behind his back and walking towards the exit.

I walked side by side with Clark just like everyone else did with their partners. The situation was terrible but at least I was partners with a familiar face.

There was excited chatter amongst the crowd so I couldn't help but look up. People were scurrying through the crowds selling colored t-shirts with our names on them. I spotted a few red colors but a lot seemed to be buying green. It was a little deflating but that didn't make me call it quits. Not even close.

"Whatever," I mumbled, shaking my head.

"I don't blame them," said Clark, glancing over the crowd. "They do look pretty competitive and there's a rumor going around that Corin use to be on the Olympic gymnastic team."

"Figures...but she does look older than all of us. Maybe she'll crack a hip or something."

I watched his shoulder shake as a chuckle escaped his lips. Pink made its way across my cheeks but for once, I was glad that his height made my face invisible to him.

"Hmm." I ran a hand through my blond, pixie cut hair. My mom wasn't really a fan of my fashionable female Mohawk but it suited me. She said it made my skinny frame look even tinier which made my brown eyes stand out. What was wrong with dark brown eyes? I liked them. The only thing that slightly irritated me were the freckles on my nose but it seemed like those were permanent.

Speaking of that, what was my Mom going to think when she didn't find me in my room? What would everyone's family think when they didn't find them. What about the people that never returned? Would they just be another face, on a flyer, in a missing person's data base? It didn't matter now because only two of us were going home...if we're lucky.

I pushed these thoughts aside and focused on the leading couple, Corin and Archer. They were at the front of the line and seemed be really be enjoying the competition that we were forced in to. Archer even offered a few high fives to the fans that cold reach while Corin waved like a pageant model.

All of us were lead through a dark tunnel that eventually opened up into a smaller circle. In the center was a large house, no, more like a mansion. A chubby cupid stepped forward and held the door open.

I didn't even get the chance to explore before the rather fat cupid opened his tiny mouth.

"Each team is designated one room. You'll find out which room is yours by the color of the door."

"So our door is orange?" asked Minroe, excitedly.

He gave him a flat look before nodding once and continuing. "Each room comes equipped with the basic necessities. By that I mean underwear, white shirts, socks, shoes, bathroom items, and a few extra jumpers in each closet."

"We have to wear these all the time?" asked Krystal, tugging at her black sleeves with disgust.

"Yes, clothes aren't really necessary since some of you won't be here for very long."

I tried to suppress a shudder but it seemed like everyone was equally horrified. The only people that didn't look like they were about to pee themselves was the green team and the black team. Poor Minroe looked like he wanted to faint.

"Suck it up," mumbled June, elbowing him in the side. He gave her a quick glare but the color never returned to his face.

I looked around and noticed that the three other cupids were running around the house. They seemed to be checking various corners and...plants?

"We'll leave you guys now."

The three of them walked out and the fat one followed. He was about to close the door but quickly poked his chubby cheeks back in.

"Oh, one more thing. There's multiply cameras in each room so our people can watch you guys even when the games aren't being played. No use in trying to hide anything so have fun while it lasts."

His eerie smile was the last thing I saw before the door slammed shut. The first one to move was Minroe who went directly to the kitchen. He opened up every cabinet, like a kid in a candy store, and started to squeal in delight.

He returned to the living room a few minutes later with a large bag of potato chips in his hands.

"They have good food and it reappears once you take it out!" he exclaimed, stuffing a handful of chips in his mouth.

Everyone awkwardly looked at each other before beginning to explore the house. I decided to check out the room first and it seemed like Clark had the same idea. Maybe I would get to talk to...

"Hey Clark!" shouted a shrill voice. I looked over my shoulder and cringed as Krystal came skipping forward.

I'm not sure why I cringed because I didn't really know the girl but, it's the way her voice became so high pitched that even dogs would run away in fear. Caspian was following behind with an indifferent look on his face. He nodded once towards me before looking back at the hallway floor.

"Hey Krystal, pretty crazy huh?"

"Yeah," she said, grabbing a hold of his arm. "Who's your partner?"

"Umm, it's-"

"Venus. Nice to meet you," I said, offering her a fake smile.

"I'm Krystal but I think you already know that."

"Yeah...How do you guys know each other?"

"We go to school together," she said, flashing me a perfect smile.

I rolled my eyes and headed into the red door which happened to be the last room in the hall. Clark entered a few seconds later with Krystal hanging on him like a leech. No, more like an odd growth that you needed to have surgically removed.

There were two beds, with the heads against the back wall, and a small dresser in between. A side door leads to our own bathroom that had a shower made for twenty people. Along the far right wall was a long mirror where I saw Krystal flop down on the left bed.

'Looks like I'll be taking the one on the right,' I thought.

The other thing I noticed was Clark staring at me like he use to as a child. He quickly looked away and focused on Krystal who was rambling on about the Love Games.

I know he remembers me. If he didn't then why did he keep looking at me? There was only so long he could pretend before we were forced to be team mates. My life depended on his and visa-versa. 

"Krystal?" said a soft silky voice with a slight accent. Caspian's dark eyes were peaking into the room.

"Oh, I guess I better get going. I'll be back in a bit."

She bent down and awkwardly hugged Clark before leaving the room. Caspian forced a smile at us before closing the door in a hurry.

"They look like they're related," I said, laying down on my bed in a huff.

"She had blond hair last year but decided to dye it black." he shrugged and put both hands behind his head. His brown hair fell across his left eye but the scar was still visible. It was faded now but I still remembered when it was fresh and pink.

"What do you think we'll have to do?" he asked, still keeping his eyes focused on the ceiling.

"I have no idea. My cupid just said that-"

"Wait," he said, sitting up and looking at me. "You talked to your cupid?"

"Yeah, that's the reason why I'm kind of in this situation to begin with. He broke the rules by showing himself to me so my reward is to be part of some bet."

I sighed and began to rub my own arm in a soothing manner.

"No use in complaining now, right?" he said offering me a small smile. I couldn't help feel offended either way.

I thought about getting mad but he was right, complaining wouldn't do me any good. The bet was already made and my fate had been sealed. At least here I could fight for my life where on earth it will eventually end as a form of punishment.

"Maybe we should go downstairs and meet some of the other couples."

He nodded in agreement and headed towards the door without a backwards glance. His height still intimidated me but I had to admit that he was good looking. Not to mention his build would probably help in the games if it required physical work. Maybe he was smart but knowing Krystal really did knock a few points off his I.Q.

I sighed and hoisted myself off the bed. There was a lot of chatter downstairs so I assumed that most of the teams had become acquainted. This was all thrown out the window when I saw Corin and Archer sitting in the love seat, demanding everyone's attention.

"What do you think the games will be like?" asked Corin, flipping her red hair to the side.

Some of the other boys stared at her while the girls just looked envious. I had to admit, she was beautiful but her attitude was annoying.

"You want to punch her too?" whispered a girl as she leaned close to my ear.

"What makes you say that?"

"You had that sour look on your face like finding that hidden yogurt in your car after two years. I'm June by the way." She flipped her hair dramatically, mimicking Corin. I couldn't help smile back as she grinned devilishly.