For years I've waited. On the off chance of a single moment.

A golden opportunity.

Something ideal and strong enough to change the shitty way I live. To wake up one morning and not be bothered by the constant nuisances of others. To move about in my home, unannoyed with minimal labor. A status that spoke volume, every time I step out. An appealing business and means of income that outclasses anyone, in this harden-city. And a workforce of servants, to provide my every need.

My every want.

My rule.

..So who doesn't want that? To live in a lifestyle of ease, compared to the class that we are in now.

Just struggling to survive. To make ends meet.

Going day-in & day-out, for a decent day's worth; while in my case, means risking my life for something 'entertaining' and then selling it for what? Five, maybe six hundred silver shards if I'm lucky enough, a month. Only to go back into that deathtrap of lost sand and then do it, all over again to earn more. When really, it's never enough. Not for me or this group, I forged. Spending even longer stays for bigger risks.

All for the sake of the crowd's reaction... their money.

And if that wasn't the worst of it, I had to divide that pay among the nine of us. Spending my weeks... my hours... my every life-giving minute, with these pack of fools, just like me.

They bitter.

Depraved.

Idiotic mostly when it comes to it, so it's no wonder I'm in control but mainly, they just so... so... useless.

Complete and utterly...

They can't see themselves as of anything higher. Of anything more. But of this 'life.' This... freedom of leaving the city as they please and hunting explicit creatures wherever far, we go. The distant lands explored and thrills, of testing their might against some of the fiercest apex predators, out there. The skills developed over time, that could never be used properly or at all when in the city but in that, of the wild.

Ho, if only I knew then what I knew now... I would have spared myself the trouble of the choices and missed opportunities made, in getting out of this shabby lower class.

..this... failed career. This dead-end journey. With no retirement-plan to show for it.

But then again, what would I be if it weren't for those mistakes? A fucking merchant? A tailor? Or some crony for a stooge, not knowing the wiser? Not making any headway.

I chuckle, amused. Walking with my awaited ticket in hand.

Where would I be? Kissing up to some noble's ass for a chance to prove myself. Or with most of those unfortunate fools from earlier, driven in debt and sold into the colosseum's den?

My grip tightening. Pulling on the chains that hold my golden moment. Traversing the halls, from the holding blocks to the gates that awaited me. That awaited her.

'Where would I be... had I not placed that knife in my old man's heart, so long ago?'

I stood now, in front of the waiting steel behemoth. It's robust and heavy doors awakening with a slight glim of outside and hitting me with the sounds of overwhelming cheers, echoing from the battleground. It's source; the hundreds of spectators liven and spurred in the stands, in order to watch today's exhibition match. Today's Entertainment. The pressure of each individual's shouting built together, in volume, the more the door opens.

With a pleased smile. "Let's go."

I tug, one final time. Entering the desolate battleground with my prized warrior, following; chained behind. Upon seeing her, the crowd had a mixture of reactions. Some eyeing her skeptically, others with confused looks, and many with lust, into the bondage she's in. Real tide and bound for the sick in this city.

*Phew!*

"That a fine piece of ass! What's a matter Dreasus? Can't control your girl so you send her instead, to face the Butcher! There ain't going to be much left of her for you to handle, after this!!" A random commenter spoke.
"She's a featherweight. The Butcher's gonna rip another head off and use her spine as a toothpick. Let's go!!"
"You can't be serious, that's what's all the fuss is about? She's just another little girl. Xintarak got her dead to rights!!"
"Hey, doll!! Why don't you come here and I'll give you something special to slip off those toys. Something, warm and moist."
"Da fuck! Ugh, you men are such pigs! Fall asshole!!" A woman, in the crowd headlocks someone below them. As the others seated around, watch in interest, how proficiently she's able to easily drain the life out of the man. Never standing a chance as the world fades to black, for him. Letting go, he falls limply in his seat. Then raising her arms in triumph to this, "Hail to the Arena, let's see some blood!!!"

"Yeaaaa~!!!!"

The air flowed; like a monstrous voice carrying the desires of the crowd, gathered. A packed show.

A full Stadium.

Money, to be made.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Minos of all age!!" Taking advantage of the emotions in the air, as a perfect opportunity to make his announcement. Piling in the audience's exuberance, with an unknown expectation. "I welcome you proudly to the final event of today's Colosseum's match and I do hope you enjoyed that last exhibition. Oh, what am I saying? Of course, you did! It was gore~!!" Emphasizing the word, drawing in the mass. Getting them riled and stirred, due to the many years & practice, of his fluid speaking.

A skill developed and mastered, in the sense of his business.

"For those of you now joining us, you've missed quite a hell-of-a show today that won't ever be forgotten, any time soon! Meaning, you should have been here to have seen it. New warriors have risen, many have fallen, while the best reign supreme above all odds. But, don't fret! Now, we get down to the main event. The one, whom we've all been waiting for!" His every wording, precise.

Leading.

Opening his mouth, the words Khuruk bolstered from his lips, began to reach the ears of the mass again.

"Our champion Xintarak, the Butcher! The beheader of heads. The breaker of hope. And, record holder of defeating two Sand Vipers and a Horn-Crawler, in one bout! May just find this little critter, even too much of a match for him!!" His voice, echoes, through the arena. "For you see, we have ourselves something a little special before you."

Pointing past me. To her.

To a woman near me with a heavy lacened prisoner jacket; bound & held tightly with Mithril-ore chains, heavily wrapped around her body. Her hands this time were encased too, in a mithril-ore shackle behind her back. Leaving no room for what happened last time. As a collar, wrapped around her neck, finely replaced that pendant she had on. Making a new good home in my pocket, once I sell it. And last but not least, a muzzle covering her mouth and most of her face, was left bound to her head.

Giving her the appearance of an enraged dog. Too helpless in baring its bark or bite.

"A challenger unlike any other! Something, so vicious! Ruthless! Cunning and savaging in force! She's like an animal when let loose. Just look at her!!" Baiting them in. "It took one of our best hunters, Draesus here, to reign in such a beast and trust me, her looks aren't something to be underestimated. They found her out in the land, facing off against a Sand Viper by her lonesome. Playing with it, with ease! Moving so fast, it couldn't even keep up with her! Until she single-handedly, tore it apart, all in a matter of seconds! It alive and suffering to its final moments! And apparently, she created a draft so hot in her run, it cooked the sand into a glass road as far as the eye can see! Leaving a wonderful display!!"

Khuruk spoke, in his VIP stand. His section, grander and higher than most, proved his wealth & ownage of The Aberration Arena. One out of the big three in the city, but none of them, nowhere near as grand, as the Kings' Coliseum. Yet, among the three, he owns the second-best gladiatorial entertainment arena, around. Something that, I could possibly rectify with my champion here. And soon enough, maybe even get a shot to the King's Coliseum. Where the real money is.

The real title. The true, goal.

I listened to him. Reaching his end.

"But don't take my word for it! Believe it with your own eyes. Here & now, in the Aberration Arena!!" Hearing my cue. Turning to face her. The same hate she gave from earlier. Promising something almost of equal value from then... I couldn't bring myself to smile this time, cause I knew full well, the danger she could present to me if I'm not careful.

Luckily for me though, the rest of her compatriots are nice and tight, held back in the block. So she should think twice before attempting any moves. Carefully, eyeing her.

"So raise your fist's high--" Disattaching, the connected chain. "--scream out loud--" Unbinding her prisoner-jacket. "--make some noise--" Moving behind and slowly, unshackling her freed appendage. "--and welcome to the stage, the Glorified Butcher!!!"

She turns and grabs me. Sweeping me off my feet.

"Aahh~!!!" Astonished, the crowd felt. In complete surprise.

As was I.

Getting on top, her nails stung hard into my trachea. Breaching through my skin as the warmth of blood begins to run down the sides of my neck. Not having it, especially in front of all these fools, it's about time I showed Reyna her first lesson.

Using the runes on my arm. She reaches with a hand for her own throat, this time. Feeling a tight restraint to her breathing. However, as if by some stir, she persistently remains adamant with her other hand, in sinking deep. Drawing even more fluids of red. Reigning in my left, in rage from her defiance, I back-hand her hard, off of me.

Skidding over the Arena's ground & sand, till coming to a halt; covering her neck. She squirms about, back and forth, still unable to draw new breath. With flare, her hands ignite with that blasted fire of hers till she stops. Screaming in agony now. Realizing, that heating up the Mithril-ore will do more harm than good, to her.

Standing on my feet, in steam. "You really are a fool aren't you? Did you honestly think I wouldn't be prepared for something like this?!" My arm rises with malice, controlling the runes on her collar to obey me; to lift her up on her feet, then above the surface. Only to throw her face first, back down. "I own you!" Holding girth to these words. "You will do as I command, you wrench!!" Raising her off her feet and pulling her towards my grasp.

Her frame, tiny & small, held feebly in my hand. Her eyes going puffy.

Red. The life within them, almost gone.

Dropping her in disgust, I release the runes hold on her. Gifting her the sweet release, of air. As she wheezes uncontrollably, weakly. Taking every second of every breath in trying to regain her composure. Her strength. Although, it probably didn't help much with the muzzle on.

'I think I'll leave that on.' My smile coming back. Just from the mere thought.

"Try that shit again and it won't be you that suffers. I'll have the rest of your team tortured by the end of the day, begging for death. Do you understand me!" My voice, giving of hate.

"Necklace...my necklace..." Barely registering her talk.

Kneeling down, carefully inching closer. My eyes never off her.

"My necklace. Give it back... or I'll kill you."

Rolling my eyes in hubris I rose up, on a knee.

"What a waste of time." Someone new voiced in. Meeting the source, across the arena, it was the champion of the ring himself. "It'll be more of a show if I get to kill you alongside her and then, finally move on." A minotaur, slightly larger than me and build, in his prime. Dawned an armor shoulder guard-plate, spiked-knee strips, and a large gladius long-sword in hand; weighing itself heavily, on his shoulders. Strutting through the dried bloodied courtyard from another entrance.

"Ho-ho, everyone. Looks like Xintarak got bored of waiting and decided to come out early, himself! Well, let's not keep him waiting. Let the final event begin!!"

'He did not just do that?! That Fuck!!' I sigh. At the shit rate, this is going.

Deciding to walk back to the gates before they could fully close and trap me inside. "If you do what I ask, maybe... just maybe... I'll give it back to you afterward. But first, survive." I headed back. "Then, we'll see." I didn't even face her nor wait for her to reply. Because it was either now or never. The second lesson, my ten-to-one odds on her, and my life's gamble should she loses.

It all rides on her.

So I doubt she'd want to die now, only to give me the dissatisfaction.

Reaching the gate's entrance.

"You better win Reyna...for all our sakes." The door closing. The mechanic of gears working into place, shutting it. Only for me to hear the gasp sounds of the audience. As they shriek in sudden horror, causing me to glimpse behind quickly, only to see within the sliver of a second. Xintarak, the Butcher. The slayer of Three. Fall restlessly back, off his feet.

"What?"

<<>>

'..That asshole...' A heavy heave leaving my throat. Gasping for air. He walking away. Not even facing me.

"My... necklace..." My obsession. My only care to anything, anymore! "You ass..." A soothing sensation passes through in my throat. Silencing the pain. As bit by bit, that surge of violence escapes me in a wolfish growl. It threatening and lashing, but also so quiet, that I'm the only one who can hear it. It asking... asking to kill?

To Kill him!

Footsteps, approaching.

Screening my view, slightly a little to the left, there was a minotaur a few feet from me. An annoyed look like I was nothing more; that said, "You are just some little shit and that this is nothing more than a nuisance to me. A fucking petty." The look in his eyes...

'It pisses me off!'

"Just stay there. Right, where you are. I want a nice clean swing when I sever your head... who knows? Someone may just pay a price for that pretty little face of yours." A weapon, he raises in the air. It as big, as Zangetsu. Betting heavy too. Something to dingy for him to wield.

Feeling spurned by a selfish sudden desire, 'I am not going to have it. I am not going to suffer another humiliating disgrace, nor show it!!'

"Send Dahgur, my regards for me when you see him... In hell!!" Pouring his entire might into bringing the blade down. A cut clean swing. One piercing and deadly in blow to an enemy.

It cleaving and tearing through... as a hand grips onto a beating heart. Making the bearer scream in unholy despair.

"Why don't you tell him yourself." I yank hard. Pulling. Tugging. And ripping out his entrails. His rib cage. His beating, blood-pumping heart. It ticking away every second like a watch, all in the palm of my hand. "I'm sure, you both have much to say instead." I kick off his chest.

Watching him stutter, in both confusion and mix pain, as I land a few feet away. Slowly but immeasurably, reaching to a hole in his body & falling limply on his knees; causes the Buthcher, to drop his sword completely. Doing his best. His damndest, as he tries to cover up the wound; hoping to do so with both hands.

He reaching. Grabbing. And pooling, around the area, desperately trying to pull back in the flowing river of blood.

"What's wrong, fucker?" I step up closely. Watching his light dwindle and I feel it. "You don't look so good. You should really do something about that hole in your chest."

"G-Gagh. Omph!" He coughs up. Drooling his warm giving life, to the plains of this fucking arena. Making a mess all over himself. Before squeezing. Tightening, the area around the space between him. "Cold-gagh!"

"I can't hear you fucker, what was that?" The ticking, slowing. When really, I heard it.

Vomiting some more, in his own cesspool. He finally manages another whisper. "C-c-cold!"

"Still can't hear you, fucker. Why don't you say it a little louder? This time, with some of that spirit from a moment ago, so we all can hear you because if they can't... how am I supposed to?" The darkness, betraying the humor in my tone.

"C-c-c." He stammers. Trying hard. Stuttering even more. "C-c-co-c. It's. C-c-c-col. I-it co-omph!" Spewing some more of that familiar red. "I'm Cold... i-ITS COLD!" Croaking his final words. That essence of life, gone, from the features in his eyes.

Practically, sensing his soul departing.

All to a hellish place. As his husk remains on its knees in pure discord.

I smile. "Then why didn't you just say so. Here." I measly, toss his heart at him. "Wouldn't want you to catch a chill." My snark, remark.

<<>>

I rushed forward. Moving my ass in high time from the arena's gate. Passing the guards, warriors, and chained up beasts of the fiercest kind, to Silver and his shackled crew. Azan keeping watch, over them. "Stay with them! I need a view!" Running forth faster now.

"What's wrong?! Draesus! Oi! What's happening?!!" Shouting louder but I ignore it. Pressing on.

Making way, through numerous guards out of the holding cells, I gunned my way straight to the auditorium section. A few bystanders and spectators were present, with some, giving a questionable look to me. However, at the same time that was when the crowd started to erupt in rigorous cheers. Hailing out a cry of excitement. Boasting with new hype.

'Shit! What happened? Did she die already?! Don't tell me that's the case. Didn't you put up a fight at all, small-feet?!!'

Pushing harder. Running up the stairs and my heart pumping. Out of order. Out of resolve. I felt something tearing at me, with every step, closer to the V.I.P. box. It... infuriating from feel... because what if she lost. What if she's...

'What if she is dead? Was I careless with this?' The question hitting my mind, harder than anything could.

Reaching the doors, I felt for the first time the heavy weight, it resisted upon me. Never before, has a door felt so frustrating to go through. That just entering through... I am a damned, man.

I grit my teeth in frustration.

'I'd have to soothe things over with that shit, Khuruk if I want to keep my freedom. Perhaps, I can just sell Silver and them. Make some form of a new deal. Perhaps, maybe-'

The door opens. In it, waiting, the Arena's master.

..Fuck.

Is all that runs through my head.

Too late in turning back, I step through onto the box. Guards stationed around closed the door, that allowed me entrance. Eyeing carefully, there wasn't much of a chance to escape. The exits were blocked and too many to handle when the time comes.

A cold bead runs down me. Knowing that this could be it.

"Draesus, there you are. Come here, dear friend! Come here!" Standing on a balcony. Rapidly, motioning me to come.

Causing me to walk over to Khuruk. 'If I go down... then I'll be sure to-' My thought gets cut off.

By the cheers of the mass again, as they see me. They cheering in admiration, but not to me (specifically) but to that of the girl down there. She alive and well. Standing over a deceased minotaur. A deceased champion... making her the NEW one!!

"Was this not a shocker, ladies, and gents!! Never before have we seen such level of carnage! And I thought taking people's heads off was blood-thirsty enough but look at her." His voice echoes around the Coliseum. "She doesn't even care the slightest that she ripped his own heart out and threw it at him. Talk about a Heartless-monster!" They riling from the excitement while some were impressed. Waiting to see more.

"But we're not done. Not yet! To truly be earned the title of Champion & keep it..." He faces me, asking for her name again. After giving it to him. "Reyna will have to face the challenges that were meant for our beloved Xintarak, and overcome them!! Hopefully, now, she can do it! But of course, the odds are stacked greatly against her! For you see, the next couple of rounds of this special event is only for those of the best. The strongest! The relentless! The Fiercest!!... Those who have won victoriously today, in having a shot against the Champion, themselves! Yet, it seems the slot is currently being filled." Loving his talk.

The audience listening. Waiting. His damn talk drawing even me in. Just What the hell was he planning. What's with this change of scene? He mentioned nothing of this with me before. It was just to face Xintarak!!

"So whoever wins next--who all, will be gunning for her--will, without a doubt be, the Aberration's, Greatest Champion!!!"

A gate by the East side opens. The same on the West. Emptying a lot, of warriors upon the stage now. Armed to the teeth with different gear and weapons. A few out there with rune marks on their arm. Meaning, there somewhat like me.

"Khuruk! What's the meaning of this? This was not a part of the deal, we made!" Thankfully my voice was low, that it didn't echo over and to, the crowd.

"It is now, Draesus. You really should be thanking me. If she wins this bout with ten-to-one odds again, you'll be sitting in at least double the amount of the first round. Quite a good sum, than you ever earned in a year, if you ask me. Hehe. But if you're not as confident in your prized girl as you claim to be, then maybe I need to change my bets onto someone more... favorable." Looking down. At least a good dozen of fighters down there.

Motioning to someone else besides me, he calls forth someone suited as an attendant. Whispering in their ear, while they nod, listening. Before going away with whatever directives he's given them.

"Did you just-" (Sigh) "-never mind. Of course, you did." Changing his odds, I guess off of her or if they ever were. Believing and possibly knowing, that an outcome like this is impossible for her to win. Yet, my cards still rest on Reyna.

My ticket.

Taking notice, from above. The fight began, spurring the crowd and I, into a flabberghasted surprise. The first kill, of the second round, was underway. Starting off with a simple beginning, to a much gruesome display.

<<>>

The gates open. Releasing a locust swarm of idiots, coming straight at me. Right after some pig's, grand announcement.

How annoying.

'I guess they don't learn. What do you say, Levy? Should I show 'em exactly who they're fucking with?'

'By all means, Queen. Spew their carcass empty, all over this arena.'

Stepping forward, past this pile of shit. My left foot bore and bared; kicked up this Butcher's hand-me-down of a weapon. Catching it with ease, I swung it over on my right shoulder. Rolling my neck with pleasure.

"Gladly." Feeling revved.

Digging in. I launch myself against the sand. My sudden burst catching a minotaur off guard, by the split second--twenty feet gap.

Too late though to do anything as this toothpick of a blade slices clean through his abdomen. I twirl, spinning around before continuing the pace. Finding my next target. Just right in front. Hoisting the sword, I threw with accuracy. It piercing through, launching the man back in a distasteful shriek. But he refuses to fall, never the less.

Jumping, both of my feet found their way onto the pommel of the sword, as they kick off sending him back, colliding into a group of fighters. Landing from a backflip, I grab a spear before it even has the chance to fall. Twirling it in hand and behind my back, I parry a sword swing some asshole tried to deal me. Turning with practice foot-work, the end of the shaft found its way hitting his stomach before he could manage another one. Striking fast I hit him with continuous blows, till finally spinning the spear in hand; I sweep up. Cleaving his front side.

Stomach-to-chest. Blood gushing out, as he howls in agony.

Circling right, I spun with force. The spear following, behind my back, being manipulated twist-fully between my fingers. Holding firm, gripping tight. I swung hard. Sending him the hell out my way. He too flying but way off, into the stand & crowd. A surprised gasp by many up there.

Finding my new toy broken in half, I weaved left then right, holding onto the spear's pointed edge whilst dodging someone new. Swinging at me with mace in hand, I duck underneath and thrust with my right hand the spear, that was held.

"gAAAGHH!" The bastard screams, feeling it in his foot. Right as I followed up with a consecutive technique; swinging my elbows side-to-side, weakening his knees and spreading them apart. I followed with an uppercut to the chaw in rising. His grip loose, I quickly steal the mace in one hand, while my body spins for extra momentum. Colliding it, where it hurts most.

He lifting on his toes like a bitch, neutered.

"Sit boy." Dismal, in tone.

Hopping back. I dodged out of the way of a sword swing. My feet moving. My body turning. My spirit dancing. I escape, unscathed, from multiple blows and swings that came my way... or should I say, I, to them. Because I was moving past multiple people as if the ground became a Salsa party. All of them my partners.

My partners, to the death.

Like the wind, I get close to an attacker, unaware of the now-closed space. Striking with my palm seem to have heeded him back. The first move to come; following with a body blow to his right, I made a quick one-two jab to his kidney's side. Spinning back, around quick, I sidestepped out of a sword's length. Putting back in the effort double time, I ignited my hands with ghost energy, hopefully, in augmenting my strength. With a fiercer palm-strike, I strike hard. Hitting the attacker.

He smashing into the last guy like a wrecking ball, carrying him and breaking through many people. As some were unfortunate enough to get out of the way. Still ignited, I lean back, maneuvering like Neo.

Dodging an ax swing.

Leaning forward again, I begin to move back now, from the harm of multiple hard and soft swings that came at me. My arms rotating, along with me, in weaving. I kept on moving. This weapon, being used skillfully by its owner, does it hardest with its bloodied-sharpen edge. In trying to cut me. But no matter how many times it does, it misses by every second.

Ducking down. Leaning to roll back, my hand touches the arena's ground because a fool with high hope, tries in catching me off guard. Yet instead, this causes him to catch an ax swing to the chest, in my place instead. Much, to my thanks. Dropping his sword by the lack of control, I caught it in my left. Before dashing low and swinging it. Severing the leg of a surprised ax-men.

Hitting the ground and blood spraying the sand in new coloration. He weeps in a cry: an infant's bitching to a new pain for the first time of its life. I, its caretaker; by acting with the most reasonable response, ever. Taking this sharp blade I hush it asleep.

No longer feeling pain or anything for the matter.

'Baby.'

Rolling forward, in picking up the ax too in my right, I run with purpose. Cutting up whoever & whatever that comes my way. Be it man or bull, it didn't matter. I was a frenzy. An animal. A monster! So I'm going to make sure no one, gets out of here alive!!

<<>>

'Was I lucky?' The one question that soon plagued my mind.

Reaching for my neck. I felt the sting of soreness, from the wound she gave me. Reyna, down there... one by one... cutting to ribbons anyone, she gets near to. Displaying her quick feet and agile maneuverability but above all else--her strength. None of the challengers even laying close to a finger on her.

She killing. Desecrating. Leaving many in a cessation of fear in the chase she gives them.

The red pool, dripping over my fingers. As my neck felt tender. It... not too long ago in her hold. Narrowing my eyes, I was lucky. That collar was the only thing keeping her back, from finishing the job. A good insurance plan indeed I made.

Looking below, she goes handing that ax with a throw, into the back of a fleeing contestant. He numb to the feel as his running is startled to the length of a pause. While a guy knocks him over, out of the way. He young and nimble, wielding a bloodshed hammer. Using his size and strength upon arrival, he rises it up missing her, before bringing it back down. Shattering the soil and ground, beneath.

With a flick of her fingers, she reverses the sword's hold. Moving in, she slices and cuts at the hold of the parried hammer. It deflecting her blows but somehow unable to stop her advances, in pushing back the larger Mino. With his good foot, he pushed in. Standing his ground. Taking the front of her brute strikes, as her speed suddenly increased.

Rushing from either side of her, now. More contestants raced in with weapons held for the kill. As if knowing this and by some practiced skill, she somehow manages to cut off the fingers of the hammer's wielder. All of them. He screams in sheer pain, making my ear wince slightly by the annoyance.

Upon throwing the sword head high, Reyna grabs ahold of the freed weapon. Its size and dexterity to much for her to carry, perhaps even lift. But that didn't stop her. Not in any way that should be possible for something so small. Yet here she was.

With a heavy heave and something aglow in her eye, she spins battering anyone that came close. They all with something broken or misplaced. Steadying herself now, she raises the hammer with both hands; the former youngster, watching her, soon realizes what she intends to do but is helpless, however. As his hammer came crashing down.

Batting his skull.

"Ooohh~!!!" Putting on a show. THE show!

The soreness, stinging.

Raising it. Getting the stub to his knees and his neck crooked; bent, out of shape. The proud horns, of every minotaur when fully grown, caved in his forehead. Leaving his eyes a mess whilst blood runs between them.

Down his face.

Swinging again, she did it even harder this time, crushing him in. Then again! And again! The poor bastard's spine going in, while a gap was seen in between his shoulders now. Taking a break, for a quick moment. She stares at him. Almost admiring the scene before her. Inching closer.

Till, like a pop grape or in this case a blood vessel. The juice of life, showers into the air sprinkling down a mist of red rain all over her. Her fingers stirring, Reyna picks up that bludgeon hammer and...

..does it again.

'By the gods... she's a psychopath.'

It too much for me. For someone as I, as I couldn't help but to look away, momentarily.

There was no cheering. No sound of praise. Not even the sense of the hype, that ruptured through the Arena from so long ago. But only this. This... deafening, unreal void. I knew she was strong, perhaps as one of those mages' I've heard whispers about in the city, but I had no idea they were like this. This... blood-crazed.

I look back. Just in time to see a *Shink.*

As the sword, she threw from earlier, finally comes back down. Ending in a man's noggin; he paralyzed by an unknown phenomenon, drifts slowly into the fall of the abyss. Startled by this, the combatant's eye one another; agreeing on one simple term.

Something to get them together, in banding, against her.

Survival.

Like me, someone else down there activates the runes on his arm. Targeting the collar around her neck. However, whoever that idiot was, failed in recognizing one crucial thing. The writing I placed on that collar only responds to me, so that no one else may control her. Meaning, he just screwed himself... in the biggest way possible.

Not going unnoticed, Reyna sprints heavily fast towards the Rune-smith now, because with an infuriated look. She promised an agonizing end for him. Seeing this he and other rune-users connect to the ground; rushing & picking up the soil beneath. Conforming the mass of sand and pebble alike, into a formidable Mountain-class sea wave. Sending it. Catching many others along its path.

It rising. Building. And shredding.

Collecting every grain that comes into contact, while barrelling over anything that's not a part of it. Closing in, on top of her, over towering her by the heights. Completely and overwhelmingly, ready to drown her. It crashes down like nothing I've seen before. Not even her, in the next second that passes. Unfortunately, for everyone.

It fails...

Immeasurably...

To the same flames, that burst in her cell.

With a halt, the large tidal explodes back from a fiery force. It shocking the stadium's inhabitants and I, not only from its insane heat and sudden vibration but from its sudden surprise source, as well. The girl with rage in her, immersing, from her eyes. Screams a battle-cry, like none, heard today. Crypting & burning the sand/dirt around her, in a sheath of hardening glass.

It reaching and covering--no--Conforming! Everything in its blaze!

A draft of hot air reaches me, as those violet flames rage. Cooking away, anyone trapped down there, brittling to the heat. While others stuck inside, smelt and disappear into blacken-red figures; tapestry, in becoming one with this structure. Giving it, spots of color.

Cooling herself now, the wave--the tide--the whatever the hell. Is nothing more but a large glass flower now, if one can see it from up top. And trust me, the view I have shown me just that. Nearly reaching the sky box's balcony... It, a little chaotic in design though.

Coming out, from around her work and a loss of weapon; she closes the gap between her and the runecasters. The first to move to action, summons up a wall, between him and her. But fist colliding, ignited in green, she punches straight through and ruptures his stomach with her other, ignited hand. Drawing back, she continued the pace.

In hurry haste, the others close by, configured the ground in trying to slow her down: shifting the soil below to give her unequal footing. As others summon rising spikes that bend in her direction. Shooting at an unkept speed, in an attempt to do more than just graze her.

'Idiots.' I squint. Underestimating her agility.

Like practice finesse, from earlier, Reyna shows no sign of hesitation and scales through the bombardment of spikes that came upon her. Using them as platforms, getting into range of her next victim.

With a simple twist, she reverted their head backward's. Having him watch as she kills whoever next, available. In an unseemly way, just before the life is drained from him. Crashing sideways.

Dodging a rising pillar, she punches another rune-smith. Then consecutively till shooting a hole through him, marking another minotaur in the fallout, unaware. His left shoulder hurt and unable to script the earth to his command, he was in a much graver spot than before. Almost, in like what was left of the non-rune users.

"Dammit! Those useless pions!!-nrghH!!!" The fat worm of a Mino beside's me, rages. Practically feeling his steam. "Can't they take care of one mangy girl?! Those idiots are costing me money. Especially, her!!" I shift my view slightly. If it wasn't for the fact that I was in Khuruk's presence right now, I would find this greatly amusing. In fact, I actually do. Not because of how much money he's lost & is probably still losing; but because of how he just tried to screw me, less than five minutes ago, with some new arrangement. Only for it to work in my benefit.

I sneeze. Wiping away the grin before he or anyone can see. But clearly, that seem to have agitated him.

Funny.

"That's it. Change of plan. Bring them out." He commands. To the same assistant. "Just two of them and throw Typhus into the mix. My pet will finally finish her and draw in my loss.

"What?!" This time, putting my foot down. "Khuruk, that's not a fair match. What kind of bullshit, are you trying to pull here?! She can't fight those kinds of odds. Especially, much less survive it, after this much amount of time!"

"Oh, don't tell me you don't have enough faith in her again, Drae-"

Reigning him in by his fucking silk. I lift him up to eye level. "'Don't you Draesus me,' you little shit. Your just changing the terms of our agreement as you see fit. And its starting to piss me off."

"Unhand him, Draesus. Now!" A spear edges in my back. The arena's and this pompous ass's hired-protection, doing their work. As they gather around me now. Weapons held. "I won't ask again." Digging deeper. But I couldn't. Against my better judgment, I couldn't bring myself to. Not by what Khuruk was planning.

"You sure you wanna do this Draesus?" I eye the man. "You really think that you can get out of this unscathed? Let me tell you something. Something important, you seem to be forgetting." Repositioning himself into a better state. "This is my arena. Mine, and I own it! You are nothing more than a fucking fetch-me boy, that's been getting your pay by my good grace! And lest you forget, who was it that settled that debt of yours? The sum you owed."

"I paid you back, in full! Completely, and then some!!" Starting to feel infuriated like a certain someone. "I came here with a business opportunity for the both of us. To make some riches. To make something so alluring & grand, it'll be forever engraved in history but you seem so keen, as to fuck even that up, you can't see the bigger picture! If you betted on Reyna like I said, you wouldn't have lost so much already!!" I towered him.

"Are you joking? An outsider. A girl?... I was supposed to take your word and place my chips on such a little thing?" He scoffs. "Do you have any idea what this could mean if she actually becomes this arena's champion?! Like I'm going to let one of those vermins, these... Equines... to take the mantle. In my Arena no less! The shame she could bring. She could ruin me! Could ruin us!!"

My grip lessening.

"But that's alright. If these fools down there can't bring her down, then I'll simply have to send in a beast of my own. So don't you see, Draesus? You've had your fun and practically some good money out of it too but now, it's time for her Rise & Shine of glory... to dwindle." He back on the ground. I turn to leave, disgusted, that I ever made another deal with him.

However.

The foot soldier from a moment ago refuses to let me past.

"And just where do you think you're going. Hm?"

"To change my bet." My given answer. Uncaring to this little group of children.

"Haha~. So you're going with the better odds, after all. Not even you would be stupid enough to stay your bets on her. But too little to late, I won't allow you to change it on someone or something new. Not after what you did to me. I am a businessman, after all." Baring his crooked smile, over my shoulder.

"Oh, I wasn't. Just merely gonna increase them, now." I merely look back.

"..You're joking."

"No. Also, what does it matter if I do? Not only do you get back the money lost but with a little extra percentage, of how much I'm willing to bet. Should she loses... so its a win for you, either way."

"Ha... ahaha-ahahahaha~!! What are you doing Draesus?! This isn't like you. Gambling away everything you have like this, so recklessly too..." His cockle laughs, annoying as usual. "It seems you really wish to become my property or something. But whatever, you're right. It will be a win. Greatly, for me of course, so go. Place your bid and just to make certain, my guards will escort you there." Facing his assistant. "Make sure you see him bid and place my wager... nine hundred-to-four odds. That'll really bring me back in the game."

'Or more like your funeral.' My afterthought.

Waving me off. "Pleasure having this little chat Draesus. Oh, and do make sure to stop by later. For our next discussion of course." I ignored him. Making my way to the exit, nearly stepping through. "Tuhrgun, make it three instead. Just for a bit of an extra show. My pet will get some stretch out of this." His right-hand personal, nods. Then follows us out the V.I.P. section.

A few minutes passing, I was back on the first floor. Heading to a local area in speaking with a receptionist. She there, at the same booth, with a familiar face from earlier today. And from the many past interactions, before that. She slightly bored, until seeing me. Hinting at a curious look, upon my arrival.

"Back so soon Draesus? Here to check up on your winnings?" She asks me. Watching the guards and her eye, slightly on Khuruk's personal assistant.

"Something like that." I nodded. "I wish to increase my wager."

"Oh, by what odds and how much? You gonna double down?" She asks.

"Maybe, but first I wish to know where I'm at. You mind, telling me?" Needing to know how many shards I made.

Opening a book, in front of her. "Of course but one thing though. Believe it or not. Everyone and I literally mean that in every sense of the word, whom betted in the first round, wagered on your girl in a dead pool. Basically being killed and butchered by Xintarak, in numerous ways. The top favorite, 'death by beheading,' was the first choice many made. Go figure, right?... Guess they came to regret that decision now." She says, finding humor.

While I found this hard to believe.

Not at the fact that there was a dead pool on the roster--since that was for special occasions--but at the fact that I checked beforehand early today, finding none. So where did that even come from? When did.... 'That damn, swine.'

Of course, him.

"..hold up. Was there really no one else that bid on my fighter? On Reyna? You're saying that I'm the only one who did?" Also finding this hard to swallow... because then that means-

"Yea, I'm sure. Since the first round concluded the roster was made anew but luckily for you, we always record our bids in data scripts, just in case."

"Blah, blah, blah. Are you going to tell him or what? I got better things I need to get doing. So do me a favor and tell him, will you?" One of Khuruk's hired men spoke.

Moving closer to the bars, on the booth's other side.

"Just tell me. How much did I make?" She looks through the book, analyzing. Then on a separate paper, she scribbles down numerical letters, my guess in doing some math. Smart.

She always has been. Learned it herself when we were young, with only a few teaching from others. Making this the perfect job for her skills. One of the few people in the city, I can actually respect.

"Alright, so... woah." Her face lit up. Seeing this, and I guess the others too, I reel her in with the use of my index finger. In return, she happily obliges. "Luck must be on your side Daesus--" She whispers within ear-fold. "--because you're sitting on a little more than thirteen thousand shards, at the moment."

My heart skipped a beat. Uncertainty, by the words I heard.

Continuing. "It seems that from the first round, you made a little more than seven thousand shards but in this second one--at this rate of pace; your girl is not only surviving but taking the betted names off the board--earning you quite a hefty build, in the increase of sum. You are looking to at least eighteen thousand by this round's end."

"..Hm. Good." More than I earn in a single year. Than two. Today's worth only earned in less than an hour's time. It felt good to have, snickering amused. This grin of mine can't help but show. Rubbing my face with the palm of my left hand, this felt almost unreal.

'She's earned me a good sum today. More than I could ever have imagined.' A slight distaste of her, yet, I was fortunate enough to have caught her. 'Now Khuruk, I think its time I return the favor.' Still close and seeing my smile, the receptionist before me, returns the same expression in kind. Almost, in understanding my plan.

"You asked if I was going to double down? Well, I think I'm going to do more than just that. I want it tripled. Eighteen thousand-to-one

"..I'm sorry. I think I misheard you. D-did you just say..." Giving off another questionable expression.

"Yes. You heard me right, Frae. Eighteen thousand-to-one odd. Tripled." The look in her eyes. It trying to remain neutral and yet, betrays the concerned look within them, now. Always like that for as long as I've known her...

"Man, you really must have lost it or something because that's seriously dumb." Not even bothering to look at the meager guard; the one that held me at spear point. "Just because you won a few small winnings, doesn't mean you can keep up that hot-streak, Draesus. In fact, you are about to lose it, in the next round you idiot, and you want to wager the money you barely have? Talk about stupidity, am I, right boys." Earning, agreements by his lackeys. "But then again, what do I care? Go nuts, have your fill, and don't forget when this is done, to stop by afterwards... you wouldn't want us to search for you."

His threat hitting the door with a light knock, ineffective in even bothering a response. Instead, I shrug. Looking to the ceiling in thought.

"Can't wait. It'll be good to see the look on Khuruk's face when I win."

"Hmph. Such hubris. As if that girl will win, in what's about to come. Place his bid already and be done with it, attendant." A different voice chastised. From the one who's been tagging along, too gaudy, like his boss.

"Yes, sir. Right away." Frae rushes. Getting to work. Jotting down my bid in some book, like always. Once done, she pulls forth a ticket, marks it in writing, and then stamps it with a sigil. One, I knew very well who it belongs to, and represents. The official documentation of bidding, in this place. "May I see your old ticket?" She asks.

Reaching in my sleeve's pocket, I pull out my former bid. Handing it to her. "Thank you." After taking a hold of it, Frae marked a page within the book, moving the ticket to the back now. Going through some blinds, that I'm fairly certain leads to the office of a bigger, room. Coming back moments later, "Thank you for your patience. Your bid is being changed on the Aberration's board, as of this moment."

"Thank you..." I eyed her. But not for too long. "So am I free to do as I please now?" My view turning onto Tuhr...whoever.

"Like the guard said, you are free to do as you please, so long as you don't leave the area." Feeling the same mutual of annoyance. But in perfect timing, the announcement of Khuruk's voice was my cue to get my plan into action. Something that Reyna will need in order to survive what's to come. Something that even the Butcher himself, had a hard time in dealing with, and took months to recover from.

"Great, now if you'll excuse me. I need to find myself a seat for the show." I walk off. Making the round, around a corner.

Before sprinting.

'By the Gods! They're insufferable!!' Having a second run.

Making my way directly back, to the holding blocks and east gate. Running through the open space as the sounds of explosions and howls caught my attention, drawing me in. But now, was not the time for that. Not for doubt nor worry. Doing my best to ignore it. I instead, pondered on why Reyna, wasn't as fast as she once was today, compared to the time she went up against that Viper, from a few days ago...

It was the fact that she couldn't.

'She seemed slower than her usual self... connected to the ground more in that fight. So perhaps, without her shoes, she can't use that magic trick of hers to move extremely fast when she wants to. Which in this case, means...'

(Sigh)

Feeling parch. As my throat thickens with dryness... by a wound I barely had the time to address. Something I seriously need to take care of but I guess after when I can actually relax. Upon, entering through the final hall that leads to the gate and caged beasts. I made my way in a calm pace towards Azan now.

Noticing my return. He away, a few feet from our crew, that were watching our guests. "What happened to you? You look like a Frill-Worm had a go at your neck. And why are you sweating so?"

"Long story short--and I don't want to hear it--but that weasel Khuruk tried to set Reyna up in an unfair match event, broke the end of our deal, practically coerced me into letting her continue to fight, and-" An explosion goes off, near the gate as something crashes into it. Shaking the stones and rumbling the cell block, but thankfully though, its reinforce armor plating and ore substance, held whatever back. "-Is pretty much sore, when it comes to losing. Especially, in trying to gain back his winnings."

"Oh. So that's what's been going on... well ain't that great! Anything else you care to mention or is that all? Maybe perhaps, oh--I don't know--like, some kind of expected fallout, I should look out for? With the high signs of, I told you so!!" Feeling his snark. "She's screwed. No wait, that's you, and I'm not gonna make any money out of this whole damn thing. Damn it!"

Releasing another sigh of breath. I ignored that.

Instead onto Silver and his group as they eye me, suspiciously. Almost curious, to their current situation when another loud roar echoes on the other side of the gate. Shrieking in hunger and lust. Sprinting in a dash, heard from one end to another. It, large and fierce. Menacing to the cry, opposite of the one Reyna made.

"What was that!--don't tell me... please Draesus, tell me you did not just hand her into a fight with something that dangerous?!"

"Hand her? No, but she continuing to fight, in earning us some big shards, then yes. And I plan to make sure she does so; in winning."

"With what's out there, I doubt she really has the choice in facing loss. I know those growls and screeches, I know she's up against some vipers but exactly how many? What else is out there?" His tone on edge.

Moving past him to a certain bag on some boxes. I rummaged through it, finding what I needed. Taking notice of this, Silver eyes me in questioning. Moving, to beckon me. However, ignoring that too, I take the shoes out the bag, belonging to small feet. Now on my way, back to Azan.

"Three. She's up against three, however, that's the least of our problem." That deadly howl from before makes its comeback. Carrying weight over the ground's arena, blistering animosity. While explosions rumbled once more, seemingly sending that beast of Khuruk's, scurrying around. Alive and hard to kill. "She's up against that Horn-Crawler, Typhus... and taking on the same but a harder challenge, Xintarak had faced."

"......"

"Yeah, it's become that serious. Now if you don't mind, I have a bet to win. So I want you to get the others ready, just in case. Actually... perhaps it'll be safer to move Silver and his friends out of here. Khuruk may try to play me again and take them, instead, when he gets the chance. The exits are already being watched, for me and possibly... for you..." Thinking through this conundrum. The security of the Aberration Arena and hopefully a few certain blind spots, to sneak through. Some I got to know, with time.

It pays, to know exactly who you work with. Hopefully, this other plan could work.

"Return them to their cell, while you send Axel and Subus to fetch for some crates. Empty. One for each of them. Timing is key so don't let anyone see or notice where those crates are going. It'd probably be safer for those two to wear some robes when leaving from here. Take Brun, have him breach a hole in their cell, after five minutes. Then travel straight for sixty feet underground, and no more. That tunnel will lead under an alleyway, far enough out of the Aberration. Subus will dig a hole in the ground, so you'll know when to stop. When your out, plug back up the hole. Then the tunnel and take your time... we wouldn't want it collapsing under the plaza's surface."

Raising a brow, in questioning. He shakes his head, not even gonna ask or care as to how I know.

"We'll meet up by that spot. Don't let anyone follow you or for Silver & them to be awake, during transportation. If all goes well, we'll be sitting at around four-thousand silver-shards, each."

"Hmph, we better. Cause if not, you know what he'll do to us right?"

"..We'll cross that bridge when we get there." Another howl and scream. "I got to get going. Depart, as soon as I make it through those doors." Leaving them. Heading to the stands. Running for a third time today this afternoon with both Reyna's shoes in my hold.

'I wasted too much time.' Picking up the slack. Turning a corner, making it up a flight.

(Last time, I swear. Just need to HEAR IT!! >.<)

Upon entering the threshold of the spectator's seat, an iron tide balcony of chains was set as a dome, over the Aberration Arena's holy ground. It, littered with the mass of fresh-to-dry blood and broken glass of shards. However, what had me glued to its scene immediately, was the cornering of a certain individual: boxed in, her back against the wall. Huffing, puffs of breath. Wheezing in a tired state with a scratch over her eye, blood trickling. The rest of her attire in a worn & torn state; shredded, on their own.

Another growl escapes.

Catching not only the audience & I, in a moment of stillness but from where that sound was emanating from. A creature, so large and deadly. A real killer and apex. A predator of its kind, that at least took fifteen pros in catching. Stalked ever slowly, to its appetizer in sight. Stepping over the lives of countless, in its wake. While putting the vipers in line, just from its overwhelming will.

Its bloodthirstiness.

Aggression...

Ever coming closer, upon her.

"...Shit."

Author's Note

Hey guys! The latest chapter took a while and for that, I am sorry. I had to triple check things over, make sure the plot transitions smoothly, and most importantly; give depth. That, and because I reread my earlier chapters, and changed a few minor things. Nothing major, only a few dialogues into correction and what not.

Also a new method for 'skip scene.' It literally drove me crazy sometimes, when I would see this ~O~ So I thought I would dash it up a bit, with something better.

Anyways, I hope the chapter was to your liking. Stay tuned for more and find out what happens next, on The Phantom Wolf of Equus! Yay~