The Ark

An Exchange of Words

The spar between Projekt Red and Apollo went like this. Projekt Red was launching a constant stream of attacks trying to get Apollo off his balance and not giving him any breathing room. Projekt Red being an expert in close combat understood how much a mere second of breathing room truly means in combat. Others would likely take it easy on Apollo upon seeing him shiver, however Projekt Red's instinct wouldn't allow her to do that, understanding that there is something more to Apollo. Her opponent on the other hand was purposely barely dodging all of Projekt Red's attacks making it looks as if he was on the defensive.

    This went on for a while before Apollo decided that he lasted long enough. He purposely left himself open for attack but over extending his hand to palm Projekt Red's face. This opening was so obvious even for experienced fighters that Projekt Red was easily able to dodge and counter attack by using his momentum and throwing him over his shoulder in a judo technique like manner.

    "Damn, that hurt. Projekt Red you're really strong. A lot stronger than I thought you'll be with how short you were. Imagine a fight so one-sided it was boring for Dobermann to watch" Apollo said as he stayed laid out on the floor.

    He heard the sound of a boot moving towards him until he saw Dobermann standing above him looking down.

    "I don't watch operators train for entertainment, it watches so they can improve and stand on their own. However on the topic of watching I must say that if you were in a real fight you would have died many times over, you have the speed but the overwhelming amount of openings you left yourself with will equal your death at some point." Dobermann said in a scolding tone. It reminded Apollo of the times he and Romani got scolded by Olga back in the day.

    As Dobermann told off Apollo and pointed out how he can reduce the number of openings. Projekt Red left the room leaving only a few words. "You should be a combat operator."

    While Dobermann explained that his fighting technique needed work she also complemented that his physical skills are average, meaning that there is improvement that can be realized. Dobermann pointed out how normally the physical test is the last thing new operators go through, adding the fact it's late she recommended him to call it a night.  

 
Not sure what to do anymore Apollo decided to listen to her and call it a day. However instead of going to his room that is written on the same piece of paper that had Angelina's name, he decided to go to the deck of the landship. "I wonder what the sky is like here."

As Apollo walked through the halls the normally loud and active halls were quiet. You'll hear little whispers here and there, but nothing compared to when he first got here. Once he reached the deck Apollo looked straight into the sky. The bright white stars that straightened beyond the horizon was a sight Apollo hadn't had the ability to fully enjoy in a long, long time.

 
"I wish I had some water to drink. I feel sweaty from all that running and that spar." Apollo said as he walked near the end of the deck and took a seat.

Apollo didn't know how much time passed but just like in Lungmen, time seemed to not matter. His heart was feeling conflicted however, it felt as if he was constantly being pulled into the past. It was like this world was overlapping with the last one. This time not having a large white space tree in his view.

"Is that you Mr. Apollo?"

Apollo didn't even need to turn around to know who it was.

"What can I do for you Marth? Did everything go well for you?" Apollo asked as he continued to look upward at the stars.

 
"Nothing. I- I was just talking to my new roommates."

Apollo whipped around turning towards Marth. This quick action startled her. "You're making friends already. That's always good to see." Apollo said as he replied with a thumbs up.