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chapter three, What happens in the bunker, stays in the bunker...

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6 YEARS IN THE BUNKER
(PRESENT)

THERE SHE WAS. NOVA BAILEY. Keket, Goddess of Darkness, sat imperiously on her golden throne, an intricate seat adorned with ancient symbols etched into its surface. The throne was a testament to her power, and atop her head rested a golden crown, its brilliance a reflection of her formidable status. Nova's attire was both striking and commanding: a sleek black leather bodysuit complemented by a shimmering cloak. Her face was marked with Fio's war paint, adding a fierce edge to her imposing presence.

Flanking her on either side stood her loyal seconds-Octavia, now known as Blood Reina, and Indra. They were her right and left hands, their own power and authority clear in their posture and the respect they commanded.

Nova surveyed the scene from her throne, her gaze fixed on the pit below. The crowd in the arena, visible through the bars of the fence, roared with anticipation, their voices a cacophony of cheers and demands for bloodshed. Her eyes met Kane's, who stood in the pit, and she felt a cold, unyielding detachment. There was no room for sympathy or regret in her heart. When you committed a crime against Wonkru, the punishment was absolute and unforgiving. No matter who you were.

Gaia stepped up and lifted both of her hands quieting the arena. Ever since Nova showed her true self she has been determined to stay by her side. "Each of these four combatants have committed crimes against Wonkru. They are our enemies--traitors to our people, traitors to our code of strength, unity, and honor-- but today one of you will be given a chance to once again be called brother or sister. However, first, you must survive. The only rule in this arena is, be the last. As always, as we invite death into this hall, we honor it. All of me for all of us" Gaia states as Nova looks around at the combatant in shame.

"You heard Gaia. She said... Be the last!" Nova shouts, sitting up in her throne.

Once Nova shouts that the combatants waste no time in grabbing a weapon off the fence, making the arena ignite into loud roars. Kane stood in the middle and Nova kept her eyes on him, wondering why he wasn't moving until he finally did and ran up to the fence grabbing a shield using it to defend himself against the man that rushed for him first.

Nova sat on the edge of her seat eager to see who was going to win.

When Kane fell to the ground, surely losing the fight, Nova and Octavia looked to each other before looking back down at the pit where blood stained the walls and floors of other contestants in the past.

The other two forgot about Kane and began fighting each other, giving Kane time to grab an actual weapon and begin putting up and actual fight, which he did until he was on verge of being executed, the woman who was about to kill him was hit in the head with another players weapon which killed her instantly but that wasn't good for Kane since the biggest man was the last left standing.

Kane continues to use his shield as protection even though he was being thrown around and hit at every angle. He was still standing and able to fight until the other man got the advantage and sliced Kane in his side making him let out a painful scream. The man cheers in his victory leaving Kane to slowly leave blood on the ground.

When the man went to finish the job, Kane pulled the unexpected and grabbed an axe off the ground and began stabbing the man in his stomach multiple times. Kane wasn't finished and grabbed a large hammer and beat the man's head in even though he was already dead. The cheering died down and everyone in the crowd began to boo him.

"He's losing them" Indra states and Nova looks back down at Kane. "He's over killing and showing remorse" Nova states looking down at Kane hitting the man once more and falling to his knees in tears.

"Dammit Kane" Nova mumbles as she hits her palm on the arm of her throne.

"Marcus Kane, in stealing life-giving medicine from Wonkru, you have committed a crime against our people, but you are the last. Has he earned his freedom, Keket?" Gaia asks and the room falls silent wonder her answer. Nova stands to her feet and walks up to the railing looking down to Kane who is now defenseless and crying his eyes out with blood dripping from his hands.

"No freedom has been earned. He fights again tomorrow" Nova states and the arena erupt in cheers as Nova leans her throne and exits the bloody arena with Octavia by her side.

"You made the right choice, Keket" Octavia states and Nova looks over at her. "Thank you, Bloodreina" Nova says as she turns her head forward and continues to walk down the hall.

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4 YEARS AGO

NOVA WAS IN HER ROOM, looking at herself in the mirror. Her hair was braided back, and she now had tattoos on the side of her arm, revealing the amount of kills she had, and it was a lot. Nova hears a knock at her door, and she turned her head.

"Come in" Nova called out and when the door opened it was Octavia. "Oh- Hey, is everything okay?" Nova asks walking over to Octavia who nods.

"Yes, but the farm is getting worse" Octavia says and Nova sighs.

"We still have food right now, right?" Nova asks and Octavia nods hesitantly.

"Yes, but- We'll be starving in no time Nova" Octavia tries to warn and Nova turns around and walks over to her bed taking a seat on it. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have bothered you" Octavia says walking over to Nova and placing a hand on her shoulder.

"No, I needed to know" Nova says sending a smile to Octavia but never looks away. Octavia continues to run Nova's shoulder and doesn't look away either leaving them staring into each other's eyes.

"It's not easy being a leader..." Nova murmured, her voice barely audible as she sank into the weight of her responsibilities. Octavia, sensing the vulnerability beneath Nova's stoic exterior, moved closer, her warmth a comforting presence.

"Nobody ever said it would be," Octavia whispered, her breath mingling with Nova's as she gently pressed her lips to hers. The kiss was soft, a fleeting moment of solace amid the chaos. When they parted, their eyes met, and Nova, driven by a need for connection, pulled Octavia into another kiss. This time, Octavia responded with equal fervor, the world outside fading away.

With a tender urgency, Octavia shed her jacket and straddled Nova, their kisses deepening as Nova guided them both toward the bed. Their bodies moved together, the intimacy between them a refuge from the harsh realities they faced. Nova's hands traced the curve of Octavia's back, eventually lifting her shirt over her head with a delicate touch. The fabric fell away, leaving Octavia exposed and vulnerable, and Nova's lips followed, trailing kisses down her neck, each touch a balm for their shared pain.

What happens in the bunker stays in the bunker... and in this case, it lingered long after the echoes of their passion faded into the night.