This is No Game [EDITING]

Chapter 12-And Run*

~~Rhines POV~~

Zane.

I've never really been someone to judge instantly, although I do sometimes. It's human nature. So when I see Zane, hatchet dripping blood, a crazed look in his eyes I instantly judge him. In a bad way. He's staring me down right now with about as much hate as I do when bullies beat up my friends.

That's a lot of hate.

And I can't help it. What scares me the most is, that he looks happy almost. Excited even. I'd never thought my best friend would be excited to slaughter me. I guess I better lower my expectations. Zane has always been one of those people who stick with his friends till the end, wherever that may be. I certainly didn't expect that though, especially from him.

He growls at me menacingly, and his hair is sticking up at odd angles. I back up slowly, wearily of this new Zane. He blinks a couple times, and backs up, lowering the hatchet.

"Oh my god Rhine. I am so sorry." He reaches toward me but I shiver away from him, flinching slightly. He shakes and backs away, setting down the hatchet gently. He sits on the ground probably to show he isn't a threat, but I honestly don't know what to think anymore. He puts his face in his hands. "I had no idea it was you, I am so sorry if I scared you."

Well, being scared is the understatment of the century.

I turn my head away, thinking of what just happened. "How far would you have gone?" I ask almost inaudibly.

"I-I don't think I could tell you." His voice shakes violently. I look over at him to find a lone tear wipe the skin clear of dirt and grime off of his cheek. And blood.

I take a deep breath and close my eyes. "Z-Zane." I manage to croak out. I'm shaking now. He looks at me, eyes swollen and red.

"Y-Yeah?" He stammers out, not quite looking me in the eyes.

"Look at m-me." I murmur. His baby blue eyes finally reach mine. And I can see regret. I forgive him instantly, but I won't tell him that. He needs to earn it. "Who have you killed?" My voice comes out stronger this time, thankfully.

As soon as the question is out, he looks down. "Well, I didn't expect to get out alive now did I?" He glances in my direction thoughtfully.

I narrow my eyes. "You making excuses now. Who did you kill?" I whisper-yell towards him. I won't take no for an answer.

He smirks. "I did what I had to do to get back to you, sweetie." The boy who was just crying is gone now, buried in secrets an lies. His face is a mix of fake sympathy and no regret. The regret I saw in his eyes earlier was for me and only me. I am shocked to see this new side of Zane, but the arena does crazy things to you and I can't fully blame him because I did reject him. I had no idea this was how it would affect him.

"Who. Did. You. Kill?" I say, pronouncing each word slowly so maybe he'll understand I will find out.

Another smirk graces his lips. "Why do you care? It's not like we're getting out alive..." He drawls slowly. I shake my head.

"Zane we haven't even been in here for three days and you've already gone insane haven't you?" I plaster a look of fake sympathy on my face. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Wonder what mother will think of you if you do get home alive? Bet she won't feel so sympathetic..." I say slowly, letting the words sink in. Zane cares a lot for his mother. It's like how I am with Chris.