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She hoped that the amount she had to drink would help her not fall prone to a fit of rage.
Her opponent was a woman, but not as cautious as the fighters in the previous fights. Ghost met her approach straight up, blocking the heavy blow aimed at her, and realised that this dance won’t be long – the opponent would be winded soon, if left unchecked.
«Boring.» Ghost sighed, swirling with her body and catching her opponent with a series of punches and kicks.
As she straightened, landing one hefty punch from downside up, the woman in front of her swayed, but stayed standing, her arms hung by her sides.
Ghost tilted her head and saw the woman swaying harder and falling flat on her back.
Not amused by the easy – and quick – win, Ghost walked out and heard someone walking up.
«You’re fast…» a woman’s voice sounded. «Ever fought in cages before?»
«I did. Elsewhere.» Ghost shrugged.
«Tell you what… if you win this open cage tournament, I can represent you. You have potential.»
Ghost glanced at the woman and saw a beautiful face with tanned skin and bright purple eyes. Her hair was a faint lavender colour, shimmering in the lighting of the club.
«Ghost.» the fighter offered her hand.
«Sierra.» the woman shook her hand. «Good luck.»
«I don’t need luck, Sierra. I have my fists and my skills.» Ghost shrugged, heading off.
She didn’t really care for any of the business that was related with the organisational side of the fights – she could easily be on her own. If one of the fighting coordinators laid her eyes on Ghost, it wasn’t of any significance.
Before Ghost entered the cage again, she managed to get even drunker. Her second opponent was a bit more interesting and kept her attention up until the finishing blow the woman landed to his face, throwing the man to the floor.
By the time she reached the ending fight of this open cage tournament, Sierra approached her again, promising her that she’ll have her represented even if she loses. Ghost didn’t reply, walking into the cage and wishing for the pain that haunted her to subside.
The last opponent brought her some semblance of calm, allowing her to have a couple of minutes of an interesting fight. Winning didn’t ease her pain and she didn’t even smile, when Sierra walked up, raising her hand up, announcing her as the winner.
Not really interested, Ghost agreed to be represented by the woman, understanding that it would be easier to find more interesting matches instead of the rookies she could challenge on her own.
Sierra introduced Pauliss – the very same man who was rude to Ghost when she was signing into the tournament – as her assistant and the fighter thought if that would bring any problems in the long run. Still, she signed the contract to be represented by Sierra and her local fighting career began, as she appeared in the club every week to fight whoever Sierra or Pauliss found for her.
Slowly getting into the routine, Ghost began to find some solace in the fact that she was no longer bothered by people to find out what she felt – Sierra and her assistant were more worried if she was able to fight. And that was no problem for her at all.
By the time a few weeks passed, Sierra understood the potential of having Ghost fighting more often and it was exactly what the woman fighter wanted.
Chapter 4. Trace
«Active Captain Lindon…» Lyssa’s voice tore Lindon out of his sleep.
«What is it?» the man growled.
«I believe you need to see this…» the AI said, switching on the screen near his bed.
Lindon wiped his face, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep from his eyes, and understand what exactly he was looking at.
On the screen was a short video of a fight going on in one of the many cages that were scattered all over the human colonies in the known Universe. In it was a very athletic woman, arms covered in intricate tattoos, and a large man. By the way both moved Lindon understood that they were both Veluthians – their manner of hand-to-hand combat was definitely belonging to that of Velutha.
«And what am I supposed to see here?» Lindon frowned, still barely awake.
«The female fighter is known as the Silver Ghost. Look at her closely.» the AI said.
Lindon squinted, studying the woman. Though she moved fast, he suddenly caught glimpse of her face and his jaw dropped.
«Serena…» he exhaled.
«Exactly.» Lyssa said. «This video was intercepted from a passing Laithorian Space Ship half an hour ago.»
«And it took you that long to wake me up?» Lindon jumped out of his bed, quickly getting some clothes on.
«I was scanning the ships logs for directions where it came from and what was the origin of this video. According to my analysis, the video came from Daruta, from one of the clubs located in the fighting district in Demogen city.»
Lindon darted out, immediately pommelling at Wolfin’s door:
«Wolfin! Get your ass up!» Lindon screamed.
The door slipped open to a very irritated looking man, who grasped at the sheet on his waist – a newly obtained habit since Kayla loved appearing at the most unexpected of times:
«What the fuck got you so riled up at this hour?» Wolfin growled.
«We found her!» Lindon nodded aside. «Get dressed, we’re going after her.»
Wolfin’s face lengthened, surprised to hear such news:
«Wait! You found Serena? Or Falana?»
«Serena! Get dressed! Meet me at the bridge!» Lindon hurried away. «Lyssa! Connect me to Cipher!»
«Yes, sir!» the AI replied.
As Lindon ran over to the bridge, he was already anticipating seeing Serena again. He didn’t care for her reasoning behind leaving them – he knew very well what urged her to do that. But what he was more worried about was the fact that she left when she needed them most.
Within half an hour the crew of MSS Lyssandra was gathered and ready for the jump. And SS Growler was notified of the new development and sent the information – in case Cipher and his crew won’t be able to follow up on their own chase and search for Falana and her associates.
And though Lindon and Wolfin were eager to find Serena, Laneth was hesitant, understanding that their Captain might still be hurting from the loss they took from their last encounter with Falana.
The woman glanced at Kayla, who followed her even though the girl was still half-asleep. The child lay curled up on Laneth’s lap and fell back into slumber, but for some reason Laneth knew what the girl could say.
Over the time that passed, she heard it more than once – Kayla made it evident that she knew the reasons for Serena’s disappearance.
«When we arrive, Laneth…» Lindon caught the mechanic’s gaze. «I will need you to help Lyssa sift through the articles and reports on the fighting clubs in Demogen.»
Laneth nodded, accepting her role. If she could – she would help them in any way she could, however unsure she was of their wish to get Serena back.
Maybe, she thought, it was better for Serena to grieve on her own. Perhaps, this way she didn’t need the sedatives she’s been using while she was still aboard the ship.
But she kept those thoughts to herself, realising that the Veluthian men probably won’t listen to her – just like they didn’t listen to Kayla, when she asked them to leave Serena be for some time.
Arriving in Daruthian orbit, Laneth kept thinking that Serena must have chosen this planet for a reason. This way she could easily send them word whenever she would be feeling better – after all, they did visit Velutha from time to time to see if there were any updates from the Empress’ men.
Laneth still felt a pinch of guilt, knowing they never told the Empress that Serena was nowhere near MSS Lyssandra for the past couple of months. Though, this wasn’t an issue – at least, not to Laneth’s knowledge.
Undergoing the usual check and passing it easily – this was thanks to the Imperial decree that allowed them to visit any planet within the Laithorian Empire without any sophisticated checks or usual questions about their business – they descended to Demogen city and rented a parking plot in the nearest space port. With the Decree and available funds they could stay there as long as they liked – most of the rental price was always covered due to them being in direct employ of the Empress.
Laneth glanced at the Veluthians and for a moment thought if she could persuade them to wait and, perhaps, allow her to talk to Serena instead. Seeing how tense the men were, she decided to keep quiet – the two were obviously in no mood to discuss the matter further.
With a sigh, the woman caressed Kayla’s hair, watching her sleeping, and thinking about how drastic their life became with the job they found themselves on. If it weren’t for Falana and her crazy experiments – Hunter would have still been alive. And Serena could still be happy.
«Laneth!» Lindon’s voice made her flinch and Kayla grumbled through her sleep.
«Yes?» the woman raised her eyes to the man.
She saw him looking straight at her with a frown:
«Start sifting through the media to find traces of Serena. We need to know which club she’s fighting in.»
«Yes, sir.»
«Stay on comms and let us know when Cipher will get here.» Lindon slapped Wolfin’s shoulder and the men headed out.
Laneth nodded, knowing they were going to try and ask around the city in search for Serena – just to stay busy, so that their worry won’t become an issue if they’d be staying on board of the ship.
Chapter 5. Stalkers
«Do you see her?» Wolfin’s voice sounded in Lindon’s earpiece.
«She turned by Link’s Market, heading west.» the Veluthian walked far back, but trying to keep himself inconspicuous.
As he turned, he saw Serena purchasing something at one of the vendors, and continuing her path – her steps slow, as if she didn’t care at all if anyone was watching or possibly following her.
Lindon felt horrible seeing the woman slouched, and her head down. It was as if she didn’t even want to look up from the street. Still, he wanted to approach her, but allowed Wolfin to persuade him to fall back and watch her for a bit before doing that.
For two days they watched her, learning that she was fighting at the club and then simply returning to her home. And by the things she’s been buying every evening, Lindon could make the assumption that she either ate very little, or not at all. This made his heart ache for the woman even more.
On the third day, after watching her fight a bulky opponent in the cage, they finally decided to approach the woman. They split up just in case – Wolfin heading towards her apartment building ahead, while Lindon stayed back, waiting to follow her home.
He saw her usual slow walk back, her short stop at one of the grocery stores and her purchase – a couple of bottles of alcohol and something that resembled a pack of dried fruits.
Walking behind her Lindon thought if she was feeling any better in the life she found on Daruta. Deep inside he hoped she would be happy to see them. But he also feared that she would push them away.
Seeing Serena disappearing on the stairs that lead up, Lindon saw Wolfin glancing out from behind a corner and hurried to him.
«Fifth floor. Apartment 537.» the man reminded him.
«Did you see anyone else there?» Lindon looked up.
«No. So… do we approach now? Or do you want to wait a little more?»
Lindon pressed his lips together and gestured to him to follow, heading up the stairs. They ascended the stairs to the fifth floor and walked up to the door, marked 537, but for a few moments Lindon seemed to be hesitant if he should press the button that hailed the resident inside. Wolfin, however, sighed and pressed it, seeing the man deep in his thoughts.
It took a few long moments before the door slid open and they saw the woman. Her face was covered in bruises from the fight she had, she was dressed only in a tank top and panties and obviously drunk. Leaning over the wall next to the door, she grimaced, seeing them at her door. Taking a swig from a bottle in her hand, she turned without a word and went back inside, leaving the door open. Lindon shook off his shock first, stepping into the small, almost cramped apartment that was littered with empty alcohol bottles. The helper-bot that was supposed to be keeping the apartment clean lay in the corner – smashed to pieces.
Wolfin stepped in a moment later, pressing the door to close, and stood a bit at the entrance, feeling his heart aching for his named daughter.
Serena plopped down onto the couch and took a cigarette, lighting it. She didn’t look at the men, but her face – which was now as expressionless, as when they parted – was aimed at the only piece of evidence that the woman before them was really Serena.
She was looking at a photographic frame, where she and her crew were standing happy – with her kissing Hunter.
«Serena…» Lindon approached her and kneeled down next to the woman.
She shook her head:
«That’s not my name anymore.» she said quietly. «I’m Ghost.»
«Please don’t say that…»
«Why not, huh?» she suddenly grimaced in anger. «Why the fuck not? Why can’t I grieve in the way I can at least cope with the loss? I know you’re not grieving – you’re obviously happy he’s gone! Now you can pursue your dream to make me yours!»
«That’s not how it is, Serena…» Lindon felt hurt by her words, but knew that she was saying that only because she couldn’t let go of Hunter’s death.
«We all lost him, Scorpi.» Wolfin stepped up. «He was a good friend to all of us. So don’t…»
She emptied the bottle in a big sip and threw it aside, taking a deep breath of the aromatic smoke from her cigarette. Wolfin suddenly realised that the cigarettes she was smoking weren’t the plain type, carrying a slight tint of some herbs that were usually offered as sedatives when someone was hurt.
«Don’t what, Woofy?» Serena asked angrily. «Don’t what?»
She leaned with her elbows on her knees and grasped at her head, closing her eyes in an attempt to keep her tears from bursting.
«I tried.» she exhaled shakily. «I really did. I tried to cope and live on. And I can’t… I can’t… I didn’t even have anything left of him… You have no idea how much it hurts… and how many times I’ve climbed up to the last floor of this building, sitting on the edge and contemplating if I should just let myself fall…»
Lindon reached out and touched her leg, offering her a bit of comfort, but she seemed to have not noticed this.
«I can’t be there anymore. I can’t be on the ship and walk the corridors where he walked before… I can’t…» Serena finally let her tears flow down her cheeks. «Go. I’m not leaving. If you’re so eager to get me back, check in with me in a year. Maybe by that time, if I’m still alive, I’ll be somewhat ready to move on. But not now.»
Wolfin gritted his teeth:
«Serena, please don’t…»
«Serena, what about the bitch that killed him?» Lindon asked. «Don’t you want to kill her for what she did?»
He saw her grimacing from pain, and felt his heart stop for a couple of moments from the realisation he brought back the memory of what happened to Hunter that day.
«Leave!» Serena suddenly screamed, raising her eyes to the man. «Now!»
«Serena…» Lindon said, hoping to talk her out of this.
The woman darted up, grabbing his clothes and shoving the man away from her:
«Leave now, before I throw you out!»
Wolfin put his palm onto Lindon’s shoulder and sighed:
«Let’s go, Lindon.»
The men shook their heads and walked out, hearing the woman crashing the empty bottles – no doubt, in search of one that was full. As soon as the door closed behind them, they stepped to the railing of the long walkway.
«I can’t leave her like this.» Lindon said, feeling his eyes filling with tears for the pain that Serena was experiencing.
«We’re not leaving.» Wolfin said, growling. «Not just yet. The ship and the crew need their captain. And our Captain needs her crew.»
Chapter 6. Unexpected
Serena sat on the bench, looking at her fists. She was supposed to be getting ready for a fight, but all she could think about was the visit she received two days ago. Ever since Wolfin and Lindon appeared on her doorstep, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that wherever she would run, the two will always find a way to trace her down and find her.
She hoped they took her advice to leave her alone, but she also knew that they probably stayed around to watch her for the time being – hoping she would change her mind, no less. Serena really didn’t want them to be in her life at that moment.
«You’re sure you want to fight this cyborg that came in?» her fighting manager Sierra walked into the room, glancing at the Silver Ghost with worry.
«I don’t care who it is I must fight. Just get me into the cage.» Serena didn’t even look up.
«Tell me you’re sober, at least?»
Serena sighed, looking up, and didn’t answer, tilting her head to the side. Sierra ruffled her purple-dyed hair and grimaced:
«I swear! Sometimes I look at you and I think you’re not looking for a fight, but want to get yourself killed.»
«Does it matter? All the more entertaining for the crowd, all the more money for you.» Serena shook her head.
«It does matter, Ghost! I don’t care what your real name is or why you’re really here, but I can’t sit back and watch you kill yourself over… I don’t even know what!»
«Then don’t bother, Sierra. It’s my choice to be here. It’s your choice to represent me. Take it or leave it.»
Sierra took a really deep breath and shook her head once again:
«Fine. You do you, Ghost.» she stepped to the door. «I’ll send Pauliss to fetch you. Two minutes.»
When Sierra left, Serena glanced to her bag and took out a syringe, giving herself a shot of some sedatives – just in case, because she’s already had a couple of instances when her rage made her almost kill her opponents. She didn’t want to make that mistake again – mostly because she didn’t want Sierra to get into trouble. Throwing the syringe back inside, she stood and stretched, wondering if Pauliss will be flirting with her again. She hated the man – to her he was just a bastard who wanted to get a ride on the popularity Serena has gained over the two months she was fighting in the cage.
By the time Pauliss entered, she was warming up, hoping that the fight will be interesting enough.
«Ready, babe?» Pauliss made his usual attempt to slap her ass.
Serena caught his wrist and tightened her grip, meeting his gaze:
«How many times do I have to repeat myself, Pauliss?» she asked. «Or should I just break your arm for you to remember not to touch me?»
The man smiled and leaned in:
«I’ll stop only after you agree to spend the night with me, babe.»
The woman squinted:
«I’m allowing you to call me babe. That should be enough for you, asshole.» she said. «Don’t test my patience.»
She rudely pushed his hand away and headed out.
The woman heard the crowd chanting her name – the corridor that led to the cage filled with the muffled voices of Darutans cheering for her:
«Ghost! Ghost! Ghost!»
Serena closed her eyes, feeling the calmness before the fight. She didn’t care much for the people who loved seeing her fight in the cage. But hearing the crowd chanting her name made her remember the past. More than enough times she wished she could go back to the simpler days.
But that was an impossible dream.
She opened her eyes just as she was stepping out into the lights.
A couple of drones flew past – a usual sight for the club – and Serena aimed her eyes at the cage. The club was packed – lots of people came to see her fight. The woman walked into the cage and stopped in her corner, leaning over the bars that surrounded it. Even though she saw people before her eyes, she didn’t bother to give them a single thought, glance or any other sort of attention. She never cared for her fans.
A minute passed and Serena heard heavy footsteps behind her – her cyborg opponent walked into the cage, ready to meet her in combat.
Serena closed her eyes for a second, then opened them, ready to fight. She straightened, and turned to her opponent.
Immediately she felt her knees becoming weak and her breath escaping her throat.
In front of her stood Hunter – a little taller, a bit more massive than he used to be, augmented to the brim, flashing with a fully enhanced cybernetic body made in some matte dark metal, he watched her, but his face didn’t show a single emotion. It was as if he didn’t recognise her at all.
«Hunter?!» the woman breathed out.
The cyborg didn’t even flinch, continuing to watch her, expressionless.
She didn’t hear the sound starting the fight. She didn’t move when Hunter began approaching. She watched him, shocked and not believing her eyes, until he walked up close enough.
«Hunter!» she whispered, a smile crawling to her lips. «You’re… alive?»
The cyborg leaned in a bit, tilted his head and punched her.
The blow was so hard that Serena flew back, hitting the bars of the cage. The crowd around them roared, excited to see the fight.
«Hunter!» she gasped, straightening. «What are…»
He stepped up, landing another blow to her gut and making he gasp for air. His metal fingers grasped her short hair and jerked her up.
«Hunter…» the woman made yet another attempt to call to him.
The cyborg watched her without a single emotion in his blue eyes.
Serena felt his fist crashing into her ribs. The sharp pain immediately hit her, making her gasp for air, her lungs rapidly filling with blood. Another hit swept her off her feet, but the cyborg didn’t stop, kicking her in the gut and slamming her into the wall of the cage.
As the cyborg kneeled in, grabbing her clothes, Serena forced out:
«Hunter, please…»
Something in his face flinched, but only for a moment. He tilted his head, as emotionless, as before, and punched her in the face, knocking her out.
Straightening, he turned and left the cage, allowing for Pauliss to run in and check Serena’s pulse. The man threw her hand over his shoulder and dragged her out, hurrying into the locker rooms to get her some first aid.
Chapter 7. Near-Death
«Hunter…» Serena whispered, feeling blood trickling from her mouth.
She could barely hold her consciousness from slipping, dragged by someone through the streets towards her apartment. Fortunately, she lived quite close to the club.
«I’ll be whoever you wish, honey.» Pauliss chuckled, carrying her on his shoulder. «Just don’t die on me right now…»
He carried her to the fifth floor and opened her apartment, dragging her inside. The man threw down her bag and stepped towards the bedroom, but Serena finally tried to catch anything to stop him.
«No… Hunter…» she grabbed at the doorframe.
«Sure, whatever you say, pretty.» Pauliss pressed her to the wall, landing a kiss to her neck.
She felt so frail and incapable of moving her pained body, that couldn’t even push him away.
«Oh, I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for so long…» the man purred, caressing her body and making her bare her teeth in pain.
Suddenly the entrance door slid open and a man walked in, gritting his teeth.
Pauliss stepped away, surprised to see anyone appearing at such a time:
«Who the fuck are you? Get the fuck out!»
Serena slipped down to the floor, almost losing consciousness. Lindon growled, jolting to Pauliss and grabbing his clothes.
«And who the fuck do you think you are?» he asked. «She’s injured, and all you can think about is satisfying your lust for her?»
«Hey, I was doing what she asked for!» Pauliss tried talking himself out of this situation.
«Hunter…» Serena exhaled, trying hard to keep herself awake with the thought of Hunter being alive.
«See? Hunter! That’s me! I’m Hunter!»
«You have no honour!» Lindon threw Pauliss across the room, slamming him into the wall. «You’re not Hunter! Get out, before I break your neck!»
«Listen here, you jerk!» Pauliss straightened, angry at the stranger. «I don’t care who you think you are, but she’s mine!»
«Yeah, right! That’s why she’s calling someone else’s name!» Lindon walked up to Pauliss. «I know you’re not Hunter, you know you’re not Hunter. If you want, we can settle this the honourable way. A duel? Or would you prefer to leave intact, on your own and without any broken bones?»