The Veil by Stuart Meczes

difficult!”
    The Hunter stabbed out with his blade, but Hunter Vadnir spun around and smashed his tail into the Merman’s face, sending him sprawling backwards. Blazer Rendai thrust forward through the water, followed closely by his Blazer teammate. They broke towards the scoring zone and the two Sentinels darted towards the Oris-carrying Rendai. He performed a sharp underhand pass to his fellow Blazer, but Sentinel Wilok had doubled back, racing towards the receiving Blazer. As the two collided, they both fumbled at the Oris and it sailed past both of their grips, bouncing off the rear end of the pool and back into the scoring zone.
    The second Blazer and Sentinel charged after it, and at the same time so did Blazer Rendai and his opponent. The four collided, forming a large cluster of limbs and blades, each trying to grab at the floating Oris. Sentinel Wilok came down with his blade towards Rendai’s reaching hand, with the clear aim to stab his hand out of the way. But at the same time, the other Sentinel smashed against the Blazer, accidently forcing his head upwards. There was a sickening sound that was amplified by the underwater speakers, and a cold wave washed over me as on the large screen, I saw the blade nestled to the hilt in one of Blazer Rendai’s eye sockets.
    The crowd fell into a deathly silence and next to me Gabriella let out horrified moan. Even Grey looked shocked, his arms falling into his lap and his mouth wide open. A jet of dark blue poured out of the wound, and Sentinel Willok sank backwards, his webbed hand uncurling from the offending weapon, his face still with shock. The knife stayed where it was, the six-inch blade buried deep within Blazer Rendai’s brain. Alarmingly, what could only be described as excited chatter broke out among the crowd, as the rest of the Merlake Magnificents crowded around the Blazer. His head had lolled down to his chest and his tail dangled down below his slumped torso like a broken appendage.
    “Blazer Yumin, can you confirm that Blazer Rendai is dead?”
    The camera on the screen zoomed in to show a close-up up of the Blazer checking his teammate’s vitals. After a moment he looked up despondently and curled a cupped hand downwards.
    The commentator’s voice burst out so loud it made me jump. “What an unexpected turn! The first incident of accidental murder, which means that the Fractured Isle Furies are disqualified and the Merlake Magnificents are automatically through to the next stage of Kor’Istis!”
    The crowd broke into thunderous cheering.
    Are you kidding me?
    “I’m done.” Gabriella stood up and stormed away from the group, following the aisles and heading back down to the entrance.
    “Ella, wait up!” I called after her.
    “Alex, should we come too?” said Danny, clearly unsure how to handle the situation.
    “No, look, I’ll go after her. Just stay here or whatever. I’ll Biomote link you later.”
    I charged off after Gabriella, who was moving with pure anger through the crowds, barging those who were in her way very effectively out of her way. Shouts of indignation followed us as we moved down the crowds.
    “Gabriella, wait!” I insisted, trying to take her shoulder.
    “No. They let an innocent die, and they didn’t give a shit. They cheered. That wasn’t entertainment – that was bloodsport. What kind of fucked-up city is this?”
    “I know Ella, I know. It’s sick and disgusting. But where are you going?”
    “I can’t stay in this horrible stadium for one more second. I need fresh air, I need to think.”
    “Okay, I’ll come with you.”
    We made our way back down to the docking area and were cut off by the golden-haired Pixie and her entourage of Lightwardens.
    “I do apologise, Guardians, but it is not usually permitted for citizens to leave the Aquadome when the Kor’Istis is taking place. If you needed to use the facilities then…”
    Gabriella glared daggers at the Pixie and she shrank backwards, her position