CTF(6)

Nursing his leg, Ares grimaced as he applied an ointment. "I get it, okay? I was reckless. Happy now?"

Kolson let out an exasperated sigh. "This isn't about pointing fingers. We need to think and strategize. I can't always be there to pull you out of the fire."

Ares shot him a rueful smirk, "Knew you had a soft spot for me."

The dense forest provided a momentary sanctuary, with leaves rustling overhead and the distant chirping of unseen creatures. The ambiance of the surroundings was almost peaceful if not for the looming tension between the two.

Kolson, Rolling his eyes, shot a reproachful glance at Ares. "You know, this isn't just about your recklessness or this injury," he began, frustration evident in his voice. "While they're hunting for their flag, they'll also be out for blood - our blood. They're going to make a beeline for our base."

Ares grimaced, wincing as he adjusted his position to alleviate the pain from his leg. "I get that, but it can't be that bad, can it?"

Kolson's voice took on a lecturing tone, "If we had taken the stealthy approach, we would've had the advantage of surprise. They would've spent time searching their own base, questioning their teammates, and doubting themselves. All that time spent on confusion would have given us a greater lead. Plus, you wouldn't be sitting here with that gash on your leg."

Ares winced as he tightened a makeshift bandage around his leg. "Fine, you've got a point. I should've been more careful. But what's done is done. What's the plan now?"

Kolson looked thoughtful for a moment, mapping out their next steps in his mind. "First, we send out a false signal, lure some of them away from our base. That'll give us a bit of breathing room. Next, we make a straight run for our base, drop off the flag, and set up a defense. With you injured, we'll be at a disadvantage in a straight fight. So, we need to play smart."

Ares leaned back against a tree, letting out a long breath. "Alright, sounds like a plan. But I have to ask... where did you get that smoke bomb?"

Kolson grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Always come prepared. And remember that little supply stash we found earlier? Let's just say I pocketed a few handy items."

Ares chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "a tricky one, aren't you?"

Kolson just shrugged, his playful demeanor contrasting with the serious situation. "It's all about strategy, my friend. And speaking of strategy, let's get moving. Time's ticking."

With that, the duo cautiously made their way through the forest, the weight of their responsibility pressing on their minds, but also with the confidence that they had a plan to see it through.

***

In the shadows of the dense forest, Zero, Mike, Orion, and Clara stood still, surveying the situation. Zero's sharp gaze took in the entirety of the Ringles base, especially noting the guards - a quartet with distinctly different appearances. There was a tall figure with electric blue streaks in his hair (Student 1), an average-built boy with a mischievous smirk (Student 2), a fiery redhead with bright green eyes (Student 3), and a large, imposing figure with a thick beard (Student 4).

Signaling to his team, Zero whispered, his voice barely audible.

Zero: "Mike, Orion, I need you two to flank from the east side. Distract them - throw them off guard. We want at least half of them to stray away."

Mike nodded, and with a look of understanding, Orion flexed his fingers, ready to cause a commotion.

Moving stealthily, Orion, with his camouflage suit blending seamlessly into the surroundings, positioned himself up a towering tree, its branches providing a perfect vantage point. From his elevated position, he started hurling rocks towards the Ringles students' vicinity.

Student 1, his sharp grey eyes narrowing: "Did you hear that?"

Student 2, scoffing: "Probably just some wild animals."

Student 3, his green eyes flashing with annoyance: "Do you honestly believe they'd introduce animals into this game? Go and inspect."

Student 2, muttering under his breath: "Always me..."

Student 3: "Hey, you, back him up!"

Student 4, his deep voice rumbling: "Seriously? Alright, alright..."

As the two students grudgingly moved to inspect the source of the noise, Orion seized the opportunity. Jumping with finesse from one tree to another, he created a series of echoing thuds, further attracting their attention.

Mike, meanwhile, saw this as the perfect chance. Swiftly and silently, he dug a shallow pit, camouflaging it expertly with fallen leaves and debris. All set, he retreated to a hidden spot, waiting for the Ringles students to fall into their trap, both literally and figuratively.

As Student 2 and Student 4 began moving further away, distracted by the orchestrated chaos Mike and Orion were creating, Zero turned his attention to the remaining guards. Zero assessed the situation, his gaze settling on the tall, lean figure of Student 1 and the fiery, shorter stature of Student 3.

Zero whispered to Clara, his tone firm and deliberate, "See that fiery redhead? Can you incapacitate him without raising an alarm?"

Clara, her eyes narrowing with determination, responded with a smirk, "You know I've handled tougher. Consider it done."

Zero gave her a nod of acknowledgment, "Alright. On my mark, we move. I'll handle the tall one."

Using the dense foliage as their cover, Zero and Clara stealthily moved into position. As Zero approached Student 1 from behind, he took a deep breath, timing his attack to Clara's. With a swift and precise movement, Zero delivered a sharp neck chop to Student 1, targeting the pressure points. Almost immediately, the tall student's eyes rolled up, and he collapsed, unconscious.

Simultaneously, Clara lunged at Student 3. Using her superior agility, she quickly wrapped her arm around his neck, applying pressure. Student 3 struggled, his bright green eyes widening in surprise, but Clara's grip was relentless. Within moments, he too was unconscious, his fiery red hair covering his face as he slumped to the ground.

both of their bracelets turn red and ring loudly, but Zero knows this will happen so he covers both of their bracelets with their own clothing reducing the sound, making it so the other two wondering around won't know what is happening.

The two moved swiftly, dragging the unconscious students into the shadows, ensuring they remained hidden from any prying eyes.