GR   It is a pleasure to meet all of you.

GR   I hope for us, an unforgettable season. =)

You aren't camera-shy. In fact, the flashing lights, the watchful crowds, they all fill you with excitement. The light is an opportunity for humanity to shine. And, from what you've heard of this illustrious Synesthetic Program, it seeks to highlight exactly that.

It's fortunate that your peers are excited as well. Enough to speak to you in private, their eyes glowing with a determination.

BK   whats your endgame, exactly?

She's been watching you from a distance for some time now. Not timid, like that cute sketch artist, nor threatening, like the few self-assured competitors.

No, Berenike is a third kind that hasn't been deciphered yet.

GR   My 'end game'?

GR   I am afraid I do not understand.

BK   your plan.

BK   your approach for the competition.

BK   niceties alone isnt enough for podium. we both know that.

Her words are as unmarred as her gladius; if you were more impressionable, they would've cut you like it, too.

GR   I will perform my best, as I am sure you will.

GR   There is no harm in establishing good relations while I do so.

BK   is that all it is? good relations?

GR   Do you imagine me capable of using others?

BK   ive seen a lot of things.

BK   most of all, people who only strike when others let their guards down.

BK   and weve already seen how people are, with the stakes this high.

These words ring true as well. Your spirit cannot eliminate the pressure placed upon them. You know how things will escalate; it is how they all go.

GR   Yes. It is not ideal.

GR   I can only believe in my comrades, that they will act wisely.

BK   to your benefit, im sure.

GR   Would it not be to all of our benefit?

BK   gods, how long are you going to keep that up?

BK   you know its not true. no person right in their head would think that.

Something clicks. It's the way she glares at you sidelong, as if you will lunge at her any second.

GR   You... distrust me?

She grunts. If you didn't know any better, you'd think she had laughed out of disbelief.

BK   i think youre capable enough.

BK   and that means youre capable of anything.

You feel the light shine fully on the woman in front of you.

Then, you breathe a sigh of release, your shoulders loosening.

GR   Alhamdulillah... I have worried for nothing.

BK   what?

You place a hand on Berenike's shoulder, which is easy now that she's standing frozen still.

GR   Thank you. It gives me much relief to hear you say that.

BK   you...

BK   what are you talking about?

GR   Would you like to get refreshments with me?

GR   I am sure it would be more comfortable than all of this standing.

GR   We may also walk. I know you value your training.

BK   no! stop that!

She brushes your hand away, irritation engraved onto her features.

BK   did you hear a word ive been saying?

BK   i dont trust you. i dont like you.

BK   why would you thank me for that?

GR   Well, I had considered that you may not respect me altogether.

GR   That would cause me great sorrow, for I respect all of you.

GR   However, now I see that this is all just a misunderstanding.

GR   I feel foolish. Am I not foolish? =)

BK   yes! you are!

She makes a guttural noise between clenched teeth.

BK   how could you put a positive spin on this?

BK   do you think im stupid?

GR   Oh, no. I think you are one of our brightest.

GR   In fact, to be recognized as a threat is a great honor.

GR   I have noticed your abilities in combat. You are well-trained.

GR   I can do little with my scythe besides harvest. =D

BK   ...

BK   gods above.

BK   maybe i had it all wrong.

Her demeanor cools, though her frown remains pointed.

BK   i thought i wouldnt be fooled, but...

BK   you really are as innocent as you present.

BK   once theyll weed out the weak and sickly, theyll take care of you.

BK   a shame.

GR   ...

She brushes past you, her gaze directed straight to the dormitories. You call out when she makes it a few steps away.

GR   I have seen you help the others.

Her footsteps still.

GR   When they are... what is the word?

GR   Stumbling. Unable to handle their fear.

GR   It is... difficult for all of us. But you do not let it show.

GR   You are not so different. You lend your hand as well.

GR   If you truly value victory above all...

GR   Why?

A long moment passes before she turns to face you. Though her Code is a metallic orange, her eyes are a striking brown.

BK   combatants need to understand the arena theyre in.

BK   its not a fair fight otherwise.

That was the first conversation you have ever had with Berenike Gucciardo. A productive one, all things considered.

When the next trial commenced, you found her lurking in your periphery again. You gave her a welcoming wave, though her scowl and posture remained unchanged. A shame, indeed. You had once believed in smothering people with warmth to receive their praises, but you aren't a child anymore. If she desired to join you, she would.

Fortunately, she does - when the both of you stumble upon the same obstacle.

GR   Ah, Berenike!

GR   How are you faring?

BK   ...

She must be quite focused on the trial, considering her gaze is locked squarely onto the sign and the accompanying display.

BK   sucker punch.

BK   cute.

The wall is nearly the length of a house. There are dozens of boxing gloves attacking randomly through various holes, making crossing the narrow ledge without contact impossible. Underneath, a 19-foot fall. Appropriate for the season, you think numbly.

Berenike starts to stretch, adjusting her headband whenever her bangs fall in front of her eyes. You find yourself mimicking her subconsciously. If she is bothered by that, she doesn't let it show. Few emotions break free from that stone face when she is determined, you've discovered.

BK   alright.

She makes a running start so that her stride upon reaching the platform is a sprint. Some of the gloves hit her, but she punches them right back, nearly hard enough to flatten the wall once more. When she leaps onto the platform at the end, panting, only the dirty glove stains indicate any kind of damage.

GR   Well done!

GR   As expected of a POWER user. They have hardly left a mark.

GR   In fact, I would be surprised if your strength has not broken them.

As winded as she looks, Berenike still has the strength to glower at you.

BK   are you mocking me?

GR   No! I mean this sincerely!

BK   hmf.

BK   the way you talk sounds anything but sincere.

Is she referring to your accent? It isn't your fault that American English lacks the tonal expressiveness of Hausa.

GR   Wait right there!

GR   I will join you, so we do not have to be yelling to each other.

Before she can respond, you step onto the long platform. You wait patiently for the first glove to appear; then, you climb onto it, planting your foot between the rod and glove so it cannot recede completely. You repeat this, ascending higher and higher with each glove until you can reach the top of the wall itself. From there, you can pretend you are at home, balancing on the neighbors' sidewalk. The sun is brighter up here.

It is over all too soon when you jump down onto the smaller platform at the end. You make sure not to land on Berenike, though she still jolts when your feet hit the ground.

BK   what was that?

GR   I believe that is what people call the 'scenic route'.

GR   The placement of the gloves reminded me of a rock wall.

GR   What is the purpose of a rock wall if not to climb?

The surprise has not left her face, even as she absent-mindedly grabs a bronze-colored flag from the table.

BK   i dont think the producers are going to be happy about that.

GR   I have not broken any rules.

BK   what you can do and what youre meant to do are different, here.

BK   theyre going to make sure you cant pull a move like that again.

You recall Berenike's words from your previous interaction. Then, unburdened, you grab your flag as well.

GR   =)

On the journey back, a punch sends you tumbling into the deep pit. Berenike laughs, finally bringing a grin onto that steely face. It wasn't the most honest maneuver, but it was worth the dirt and delay, you think.