<<>>

'Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!!' Leaping out of reach. From some kind of beast other than me.

It: red, large and mean. Keeping pace as I try in creating space between us. Spinning from the land, energy fuming; I fire an over-scorching shot, at the thing. Without the use of my skates, I was slow like the rest of these assholes. Except that, I'm the only one left standing, since I killed many of them. While those that remained, well... let's just say became fodder food for those three other Sand Vipers.

Speaking of whom.

Manifesting a dome, I protected my left from a viper's attack. And after that, I immediately enlarge it, as the thing soon tries in overclimbing my spectral shield. Deciding to give it a hand, minus the mental strain and physical exertion already. My arms aim the shield how I want to. Gradually lifting up, as the shield follows their exact movement. Their command.

Mimicry.

Faster than these two. My actions followed that, in throwing out a table. Literally. With a hard push to my construct, I threw that fucker on top of my shield, straight into the red devil. It flying firm and fast. Soon to meet its projected target. However, this devilish predator bats it out of its way, simply with the brush of its tail. Having the pup yelp in pain from the bruising and crash-fall.

"OOoooh!!" I heard the gasps of the crowd. As I leap back in stride; never taking my eyes off of it, sending shot after shot of ghost energy. All the while it pursues after me, in an unquenchable state.

A chase.

Getting tired of the short routine, quickly. 'Just fall, asshole!'

I pack my new found energy tightly in my left hand. As my spectral green, fumes to dangerous heights, in my right. It nearing, coming closer, I stop my running & instead, this time. I take it head-on. Bringing my hands together now in a hard clasp, they fire my accumulated energy into a ray of spectral-fire. Mixing between dark green and violet.

Knocking the creature back hard with a forceful push, completely out of its run. It colliding into & through, several glassed structures from my attack. Leaving the arena into a shard of dangerous terrain. Needing to catch a breath I reign back in my energy, but I was a fool in doing so. Not to long, the red devil scurries onto its feet. Checking its wound, right before sniffing the air and seeing me in its crosshair, across the burning spectral terrain.

'Oh no, you don't!' Bellowing back up my energies.

I fire the same technique again. This time, planning to finish it. No remorse.

Not liking the taste of roast on its forefront, the predator--or really the soon to be cooked beef--does what it can, in running away. Trying to take the now ruptured terrain, in hopes to obscure itself from my attack. Or in the least, to minimize the damage upon it.

'Yea, like that's gonna work!' My hot-beam following after it. Laying down the beating and tearing, of its scales. No matter where it went my arms followed in the direction of its path. Pouring in the onslaught, of my combined energies. Eviscerating between the glass-sized boulders and rocks, giving it no room to shelter behind.

"Nrgh...Nraah!!" Giving my all. To end this.

'Come on Queen. Don't let up. I wanna have a taste of that burnt barbecue!' Her voice... savoring.

However, at that same moment, something else other than Levy broke my train of thought; as the sounds of spinning was getting closer and some, on my right. Sensing what, before I could even look. My body followed its own motions of crouching first, then leaping high, as a viper rolls from under me; my back to it. It nearly scraping me in my flip, as the rest of my body maneuvers in the air; correcting itself, landing on all four.

Regaining my senses immediately from the sudden surprise & and shock, before I could delay myself any further. I leap forward in a roll, evading a third incoming Viper. Scraping against the ground into a halt. Hearing another set of prints, I spun left crossing my arms over in an X shape; followed by a shield. As the first attacker came back, joining in on the fray once more. Sending me back, now skidding across the sharp glass and sand. Gaining control of my inertia and near the arena's wall, I got up in a spin; kicking off the ground. With a toe on the surface, I stuck to it as I continued my run.

Leaning forward in my pace, I quickened it. It wasn't an option to slow down now. Not with Tweedledee, Tweedledum, and Tweedlestupid down there chasing me; running around this Merry-go-Round.

'Man, I wish I had a sword... or a gun. A gun would be really useful right about now!' I grit from the nuisance.

Reaching my left hand out, down to them. I fired a shot out of my fingertips with ghost energy. Continuing to so in an attempt to slow 'em down.

They begin to scatter now but only minimally while chasing me. Dodging, weaving, and altering their speed in staying with me. Hunting me... as if prey.

..little annoying fucks.

On one side, I could get out of here. Now, even more so than ever... but that damn man... Draesus. He has Faust's people and something of mine. Something precious. Something I can't leave this city without! And until I deal with them-

'-I won't be able to kill him!!' Mixing in my new Chaos energy, to add more ompf to the blasts. Sending me staggering, of balance.

Gaining composure, by spinning on the wall multiple times in order to stop myself. I round up my energy carefully this time, as, like the barrel of a shotgun; my arms reign in and fire forth scatter shots of ghost energy, lacened with chaos. Bombarding the trio.

Explosions upon explosions surrounded them on either side, front and back. Leaving no room to evade any of these. A new technique and way to use my powers on multiple foes at once. I fired for a couple more seconds, not giving them a chance to recoup. Knowing fully well, that their armor shell is pretty durable, but nothing soon, that won't become a pile of-

"Oompf!!" A hard tackle of something wedged its way across my abdomen, as another scrape against the side of my head; cutting my focus. Staggering me back sideways, while my touch on the wall becomes loosen. The pain in my side forcing me to take a knee. Watching... as my blood pooled from an open wound. A sharp jig-like rock, for a decent size, poking out. Imbedded, in the hole. Cutting deeply.

"Wha-what?" I staggered out, as I feel my loss of concentration. Slowly... falling forward.

Reaching with my left in turning over, I try to hold on. But all I managed to do was skid the tips of my fingers against a brazen wall. No longer having the touch.

"Gagh!" I hit the ground hard. Nearly popping my neck.

'What happened? What is this?' I feel the weapon.

Grabbing firm. Pulling hard. It hurted like a mother when I got it out, but nothing I'm not already used to. My breath caught in my throat, I heaved a couple of times, beginning to choke a metallic fluid myself. Turning over, I got what I needed out. Still confused. Like, why didn't I sense that coming?

Holding onto the tool, angrily. 'How did it lodge its way into me? Was it the bystanders, did those fucks actually do this? Who?!' My blood spilling. Definitely making me like the rest, before me. 'Damn.'

'You gonna kneel there all day or are you GOING TO MOVE!

"What?!" My head looks up. Momentarily catching the sight of red before something swings itself into me, sending me flying. My body hitting. Skidding the wall like a ragdoll across its surface before it crashes against the sand, doing the same.

'...nrh.' Feeling the exhaust now.

Reaching with my left again, I couldn't help but drag in the sand in my hold.

'Damn... that hurt.' My head lifts, softly. No longer taking in the view of darkness. Revealing the root of my sudden distress.

It: four-legged, a shriek of horns, tail larger than the Vipers in length, and bloodthirsty; shown, in its eyes. Stalked ever close, upon this broken terrain. Taking step after step, showcasing its display of teeth. But also displeased, greatly with the large burnt gashes it had on it. Staining that red, with black.

'Reyna... I think its time you got serious.'

I chuckle slightly, greatly regretting that immediately.

'..what do you think... I've been doing this whole time.' I answered, wryly.

Pushing myself up slowly, with my only available hand as my right was busy tending to the wound. It throthed in pain, by my continued effort in rising. However, that was the least of my concerns. Noticing the swish of the Devil's tail, I rolled quickly or at least tried to, as something was hurled at me.

Crashing on my left side in a skid I managed to evade something fast. Looking back momentarily to what, it finally dawned on me the reason why I am in such a state. Facing back, to the beast, it locks eyes with me; angry. Digging deep, then releasing its head high. Another loud shriek escapes its mouth, greatly hurting my eardrums.

'Fuck!! That's loud!' Expressing my very thoughts.

On the offside behind it, the trio from earlier rumbled out from the debris, upon them. Their armor chipped, in certain spots and large cracks in them. They were in serious conditions as I could see two limp over to the Devil's side, while the other had a problem telling directions. Facing every way, as if for a clue of something. Finally giving in, the thing sniffs the air: gradually turning in my direction, growling in distaste.

Not good. I steadily rise.

'Reyna, as it is you've done your best but your stamina is dwindling. Your strength fading. You've done all you can in your base form... but if you do not transform now. It will be over for you.' His voice... worried.

On my knees now, I leaned back. Using the wall as a rest point. Just for a minute.

'Relax Zangetsu. I still have plenty of energy to spare. I'm nowhere near done to-'

'Then transform. Use us! If you don't do it now, this will be your end, and I will not sit back as your life has just started!'

Feeling his care. It, reassuring and nice. But...

'..you know I can't.' I tell him. 'I can't show them it. That me... the real me. It'll be a problem later if anyone here witnesses what I can really do... and it just might put them in danger.' Referring to Silver & the others. 'So I can't. Not unless for certain emergencies. And this isn't one of them.

I huff a breath. Focusing on my spectral reserves. Wishing to know exactly how much I got in the tank.

Closing my eyes. Concentrating on myself. I focused on the space inside me. It quiet and dark but the more I focused, the more something appeared in the form of light; representations. As if stepping up, I appeared in the middle of my energies. Each one I could visually see, different in texture and imagery. My ghost energy was the first thing I immediately noticed, however.

Upon looking at it, it stared back with the visualization of my other-self, in its color.

Yet, she was huge. Floating. I was like a speck compared to her size. A sudden deja vu feeling like I have seen this before or something, from Avatar.

But she didn't move. Nor speak or anything for the matter. And upon a closer look, her eyes were closed. As if she was... asleep?...

..this is so trippy.

Just wishing to know how was my reserves; when all of a sudden, the spectral green within her moved and shapen-ed itself like a measuring cup: filling to the brim. Reaching her shoulders. The upper part cleared out as if telling me.

Showing me.

That I still have a lot more within.

Grabbing that energy with practice finesse, I place my hand, in the void to the side of my abdomen. Feeling the warmth it brought, barely consuming any energy at all. I was at like seventy-eight percent, just from this simple presentation.

Once done, I let that be as the other me, was perhaps a representation of my ghostly-self. Entailing how much energy... how much of me... is left.

Sensing a chaotic force in nature, I turn in confusion at what I saw. Because that's just impossible. But before I could even approach it, in studying this gem, I was awakened by the sense of bloodlust.

Opening my eyes and seeing the world, I leaped up onto the wall. Dodging a Devil's pounce. Sticking to the surface, I felt fine. Upon checking my stomach, the hole was healed. Not even showing the case of a scar.

I smiled. But this damn thing around my head reminded me of its nuisance too.

'When this is over, I am so going to kill him.'

'You already said that.'

The infantile lizard flicks its tail. Shooting more shards at me.

'Then I'll say it as many times as I WANT! Nraaag~hh!!' My power flexes, shooting out a torrent of ghost and chaos energy. Bathing the foes below in a sea of vibrant-chaotic flames. I: the showerhead... them: the crying infant. 'Burn!!'

My flames washing the arena and spreading against the wall. Smelting the coliseum in a wave of heat as stones began to melt. The sand burning to crisps and glass-to-glaciers. The scent of burning meat in the air, strong. And the crowd gasping in shock or fright, but I didn't really care. I needed to end this. Now.

Canceling my flow. I relied heavily on my senses; my other nature. And being creative, my right-hand swings to my side as I leap off the wall. Plummeting to the sea of fire, that started to vanish. I channel my ghostly weapon out into the world, for the first time without fully transforming; as a certain beast see's me. Scarred over half its face & body.

An eye cooked out.

Bringing Zangetsu down with my right-hand and ghost energy swelling, I cut off a good chunk. Off of this sucker. However, he dodged midway out of my swing, avoiding the fatal blow. Still... if he loses a horn out of all this, then it's not a total loss.

Smacking right dab, into the sand. I cracked some glass, feeling a jolt of pain in my feet. Wincing briefly, I channeled my energy to my feet, launching myself to the beast. Completely ignoring the other cooked appetizers.

"You wanna eat me?! I got something for you to eat!!" Bringing my fang. Leashing it across the Devil's side.

Blood spurts out by the open gash I gave him, as he howls in pain, feigning on his left. Turning around, ready to deliver a second blow, he doesn't give me a chance to do so. Instead, it whips its tail around. Throwing more of those things at me. Giving itself room.

Maneuvering back, I ran diagonally to its weaker side; its right. Switching lanes, I conjured up my ghost energy with my right. Shooting rays at him. Getting it to focus on guarding, while in my left. Zangetsu was slowly charging now by my spectral fumes. Giving him a better edge.

Body feeling heavy, I knew I needed to end this quick. So dashing forward, in-ward on its weaker side, I grew near to kill it. Thrusting Zangetsu past its guard and into its chest, the Devil howls. Crying, from the pain. Augmenting my strength and my fang driven-through. I grip the handle with both hands, slashing. And cleaving through, taking its right arm as my next piece.

That sorely stinging. Not only for me but I guess for him as well.

'Try regrowing that.' My smugness wanting to show.

However, as soon as I got comfortable from this little victory, the Red-devil piles its body forward. Knocking me off my feet as more shards of broken glass had there filled, puncturing my jacket and back. Yet, somehow, yet again. That was the least of my worries.

I grunt in frustration.

Struggling in keeping my blade between me and this chomping mad dog.

This bastard pins me, holding me down with its only remaining arm on Zangetsu. All the while trying to gnaw at me with those teeth of his. Focusing more energy; I heave my sword upwards to lighten up on the pressure, but it was beginning to get hard to maintain. I had the energy. The control...

..but it was getting harder and harder to breathe. To stay alert... to be awake. My hands, on the hilt and blade, as I turn my face away in disgust from lizard-breath. I had to create a shield in separating our faces.

'Heh. I guess it has something to say to you, Queen. Real personal too if its this close.'

'Nrgh!... Well, if it has a complaint... it should take it up with management.' I gritted, unpleased. 'Cause they're the ones who placed it against me.' Nearly tuckered out. My back pressing.

More and more against the ground. Almost sinking!

'Reyna... dig deep. You can do this... I know you can.'

I breathe in, hearing his praise. 'Alright... let's try it.' I exhale a large breath.

With that miniature shield guarding my face and this idiot's constant head-bashing; I had to time this well, perfectly. So when its mouth opened up next to take a bite out of my energy, I manipulated my construct. Shrinking its size, until I got it into the beast's mouth, before widening.

Moving my head quickly, I somehow dodged it out of harm's way. As the beast dove, its fore-front into the terrain. Focusing on a different source, I will my construct to expand. It opening up the Devil's mouth for all to see. Growing. Growing. And some... until it just doesn't.

I see the beast resist, clamping hard: twisting its head side-to-side, back & forth. As if trying like an animal, to get whatever out. Or in the least, struggling to crush my construct. It thrashes; leaning more onto my sword. Giving my muscles a hell of a workout, leaving my arms and shoulders sore, to the bone.

"Nrghh!" I struggle. It starting to feel, to be too much.

This whole day.

'.....No... not yet... I got this...' Finding within myself something new, on pushing forward.

Anything at all.

'..I can't lose. Not here... I ain't going to...' Pushing up my blade. Fighting. Refusing. Resisting! Never letting this, to be it.

My chaos, surges. Feeling its rise, inside.

'I've died enough... I ain't dying again. I won't lose! Not to you!' The pumping of my heart rings in my ears. As I bite down, measuringly pushing back the Devil's remaining paw. Giving it my all. My resolve.

I ain't Gonna Lose Damn it!'

"Nrgh--Nraaaaa~ghh!!" I bellow out a cry. It resounding my will, to the entire arena and this fucking City.

Reaching its rise and peak from inactivity: my new found energy flares slightly in a different sensual feel. And before I knew it; what was the creature holding me down and on top, pinning me for the kill. Was now a bright yellow sun & a clear blue sky.

Blinking, in weary disbelief.

I could also see the chains, they set up as a roof over the arena ground's; somewhat, closer now. It, peculiar and weird... as to how did it even get so close to me?! My body lightens. No longer feeling the patch of a rough surface below but definitely, still the feeling of the abrasions of glass.

While the force of me, slowly beginning to plummet; startled a shocking realization. As I could sense the red beast behind me, still struggling with my construct, and confused about my sudden disappearance.

'Did...did I just...?' My head turns back to see it. It, completely unaware.

'Who cares. This is your chance. Finish it off already!' I grip tighter on my fang. With the last drop of strength and tap, into my reserves. My body gradually spins left the faster gravity had control. Channeling my ghostly nature, it fumes around my zanpakuto. Giving him a more ghastly look.

"Yea, that's it! Get him!"
"You got this Champion! Finish it!"
"Nail that Son-of-a-bitch!"
"You go, Reyna! I believe in you!!"
"Kill it!!!"

'Shut it!'

The crowd wild. Chanting cheers and waiting for the final verdict to be swung. Confusing the victim down below in a more confused & desperate look, because it doesn't know that I'm on it... Its execution.

"Hey! Dipshit!!" Hearing my voice, it looks up. From its one good eye.

As I crash down, into the ground. Splitting a crater into multiple spider-webs; with my sword swung out fully, crouched on one knee, and a hollowed glare within my eyes. Told whoever had just watched, that I had cleaved this fucker, in two. And for those who've yet to believe; a large head motionlessly hovers in the air. Taking its bitter time before hitting the ground, coming to a halt beside's me.

Splattering its red content on the soil, after its ruff and tumble. While the large body behind me, belonging to the devil, twitches for a moment; convulsing. Spraying too, its red riches to the plains of the arena from the base of its neck. Inevitably, drenching me... bathing me.

In its peak of color...

Its warmth.

The scent upon me. Its dampness--weighing on the touches of my skin, my clothes. Washes itself down, along the strands of my hair & off their end-tips. But truly, soaking my blade in that crimson delight. Giving me a satisfying feel.

A well, insurance.

For the next moment, everything was silent. Everything was still. It was all I needed. Cause, I did it... I actually won. Now...

The only thing I want is some sleep.

A white band appears, taking Zangetsu away in my hold.

It, as dead as the field.

While the colors of the world, begin to swirl from sight. My mind... fading adrift.

As everything's quiet.

...

....

As too, is this final thought.

'.. you're dead.' I fade, asleep.

<<<??Point of View??>>>

A crowd roars, by the faint of their Champion. They loud, cheerful, ecstatic, shocked, roused and noisy but most importantly... are overjoyed. They breathless at first in disbelief upon what they've just seen. Upon what they just saw; the death of a Horn-crawler, in such a way like nothing ever before witnessed, in coliseum history. Not even in such a way, dating back to the City's first ruler and grand games. Yet, after the realization hits them, everyone below gets up from their seats. Applauding, to the girl: torn and frayed, bloodied & beaten, who lays past out on the Aberration's battle-grounds.

Completely forgetting the loss of those who died... not too long ago.

"How... interesting. Don't you think so, Minar?"

I watched the spectacle from afar, in an entrance's south corner up top. It intriguing and entertaining to see such a high level of combat. To witness first-hand, this... Reyna.

An interesting girl she is. I thought.

"Yes, princes-."

"Minar," I spoke his name, immediately. "We're out in public remember? Would be pretty pointless of these shaws and cloaks if we were so easily identifiable." Reminding him.

"Yes, my prin--I mean, my lady." Quickly correcting himself. Continuing again, "She was truly something to see first hand. By the gods' good graces, it seems she was spared such a great culling but I fear her time on the field may have finally cost her, her life."

"Don't be naive Minar. The gods had nothing to do with it! She survived completely on her own. By, her own will. Her own strength. Have you not been watching the same fight as I?" I face away.

"My apologies. You are right my lady."

Hearing the continuous cheers.

Looking further below, the gates of the arena has opened up. Revealing a party of hired-guards, the security of this place. Carefully, navigating their way through the fractured terrain, and over to the downed woman. Upon making the necessary requirements, they load her carefully, onto a stretcher; and quietly but quickly begin to head back from where they came.

"..I have to see her closer," I muttered to myself. However.

"My lady, that would be a very unwise decision. We are already far, from your home's ground as-is. We're not even supposed to be here; on the third level." Whispering that part. "Your mother and father would be very displeased if they knew you were here, without their perm-"

I cut him, again. "Oh, come now Minar. What's the point of being a privileged, if I'm not even allowed to explore my own home a little?" I looked back. Giving him a reassuring-knowing smirk. "Besides, I have you with me. If anything does happen, I know you have my best interests at heart."

"..prince..." Minar pauses. Before sighing in defeat. "As you wish... but if your father catches wind of this in any way, its not your tail on the line here. And I rather like mine's, my lady."

"Uncle... Minar."

"I'm sorry, I did not hear. What was that?"

Turning my body in facing him, I got up real close in his face. Discomfort-ly so...

To the point where he nearly takes a step back. His eyes averting my own, to look elsewhere but me. Trying to usher words, only to do so in continuous failure.

"I said..." Getting closer to face length. His cheeks, a different glow. "That we should probably go meet this Draesus fellow." I begin to lean back. Getting a kick out his frozen posture. "So quit gawking like that and let's get a move on. We'll have plenty of time for horse-play, later." Throwing in a wink.

"My lady! I would--I...*humph*." Releasing a fake cough. "O-of course. Shall we?" Turning about, exiting out of the entrance. Bringing me to chuckle slightly inward. Shaking my head.

'Oh, you've always been so fun to tease... Minar.'

Beginning to make our way around through, the Aberration Arena. To talk with a certain announcer, in his little custodial box.

<<>>

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...heh...hehe... ah hahaha..... AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"

I burst into a fit. My lungs exuberating life, as I found this to good to be true.

"She did it!... by the gods... She did it! She did it!!!" My voice is overwashed by a rigorous, heart-pounding cheer. Screamed by the depths of the audience. Of hundreds! Washed away, into the current of their volumes. As I just won more than just my bloody retirement money. Enough to actually get me out of here. Enough, to move me up a barrack. A level, in this City.

A new status class.

I pause. Looking down to the stadium. As a group of Khuruk's men rushes onto the scene. Carefully making their way over to my prized fighter... The people's Champion. Placing her gently onto a stretcher and then lifting her. Moving away from the decapitated head of a Horn-crawler; once a prized beast, of Khuruk's main revenue. Leaving the stage, heading straight into the gates from once they came.

Looking to my hands, rested these fine pair of metal shoes. A ring of gold encompassed on them. Thinking I just might sell these instead, for it seems she didn't need them after all... however, perhaps she will... for future events.

I raise my head back up. Beginning to move with the rest of the audience now, as the show was done. The match over. The final event, done. Heading too, to the entrance but on an entirely different route. Straight to that fucking fat dwarf-of-a-swine, known as Khuruk.

Upon reaching the doors. I prepared myself mentally for any oncoming situation. Anything, at all. There's really, no telling how he will respond after I step through...or even honer his word in letting me leave here, alive. Shoot, I might even toss myself off of a balcony if I were in his shoes, after losing such a wager. That's how much it must suck for him. Because he didn't just lose his prized beast or betted fighters... it was the fact that he betted... and lost.

Every. Single. One, of them.

The pommel of my left hand once again touches the texture of the doors. It rugged, like the feeling that now encompasses me, into staying alive. For, I knew better.

What lies in wait.

Pushing the doors, apart. I step on through, entering the VIP Sky Box. Standing ever near, the spot of his announcement, Khuruk doesn't even look upon my arrival. Instead, he stares... questionably. Across the glorified and lifeless grounds, empty of its fighters. Its spectators too.

It was quiet after my approach. Real silent and building. Creating a void I needed to prepare for... just in case.

Just soon...

"..I gotta say Draesus... this was quite something. Wasn't, it?" Still remaining in his neutral stance. Six guards stationed near him. Six others, accompanying my side. And many more, guarding the entrances. "To think a little thing like her could kill all them." He waves out his hand, gesturing.

"She's not like the others you've brought me, is she?... Like the ones' in the Kings' Coliseum?" He waited. For my response. Feeling a nudge from behind, I guess that was my cue to speak now.

How chivalrous.

"Is any other person really similar? Maybe we're all just different in our own ways but showing a little of the same perks. Our appearance the same, but our intellect just vast and dissimilar." I answered wryly.

"Are you fucking with me Draesus?" For once, his tone serious. No longer showcasing that obnoxious announcer. Raising my chin, from the touch of a spear's tip running under it. He finally faces me; hate on his very features. It displeased, immeasurably, by my sense of antagonizing. "Cause if you are, I don't think this is a very funny situation you're in. In fact, I can't find the humor in it... so why don't you help me out a little?" Beginning to walk my way.

As a guard head-locks me from behind. Another too, grabbing my left while my right was snagged by a third, into submission. I didn't resist, not like I could hold my own in this tight space.

Closing the gap while speaking. "First, killing my Champion, Xintarak... then those four next up & comers... and by the Gods, my damn dog. My Typhus! Do you have any idea, how long it takes to train one of these things from birth?! They're not so easy to acquire, you know."

"I imagine not. Still, you have to admit. She's a good fighter. A decent one, at that..."

"..Yes... she is. Which is why I already had my people pick her up from the arena. And is why, if you value your life, you are going to sign her over to me. Right now." His assistant steps from the side somewhere, carrying too, something else other than parchment-scripts in hand. Something like a frightened, scarred look.

A bruising to his left eye.

I snort through my nose.

"I'm surprised, you just don't take her Khuruk. You seem like a capable fellow in doing so. What, you want to see my penmanship?" I looked, amused.

"No need, I already know you draw in scribbles." His men chuckle from that.

"However, it's true, I really should. But I already announced earlier to whom she belongs too, didn't I? And if I were to kill you right here and she partakes in my Arena without your mug or signed signature anywhere near, that'll raise questions and bring down the hand of the royal authorities, on me... after all. It is one of the eight Grand Laws in the city: 'That ye, who finds fortune, in the tide of sands, shall forever reap fortune themselve's; less they sign away their finding treasure, to another.' Something that can never be broken or weaseled through. And besides, I have a feeling you already arranged documentation upon the third law, when you entered the city. So I can't exactly, take her from you. Illegally."

"Heh. I guess not."

"As well as the others. Which is strange because I got a report saying that your men and your other items are nowhere to be found in my cell blocks. Not even inside this entire structure. Care to explain how?"

"That is strange. I should have a word with Azan when I next see him." Sarcasm, rolling off.

"..hehe." He chuckles. Taking a swing to my face...

A frivolous slap.

"It doesn't matter where they've gone or how they alluded my guards. Once I get your signature, they'll be in violation of the grand law, and then I'll own those pretty little things to do as I please. Especially her, that Reyna. She'll make up for that loss with her dying breath. She'll fight and fight and fight until she's rugged, weary and dry. If not, well, I'm sure I could prophet her body in a more... useful way."

"And if I don't?" I looked back. Unpressured.

"Oh, you will. You will sign, when it's your life that's been rugged & beaten. Begging for mercy or pause to the least. But if not... then I guess I'll just have you killed and take this offer to Azan. Given, that he's the second smartest in your group. But he'll know, unlike you, she isn't worth dying over." Tapping my face a few times.

"Azan? You're kidding, right? What if I wrote the next owner's name already, should anything unfortunate happens to me. They'll receive everything I have. Including my items."

"Please Draesus, exactly who in this city do you have in mind? Your father? Your mother? Perhaps a sibling or a family member? You forget I know you, my boy. I know this third level like the back of my hand. I know every family, every debt ever made, and you sir, ain't have a living member that you can rely on."

"Maybe... but I still signed someone as a recipient."

"Doesn't matter, I'll find out who. Make them the same offer and if nothing... he or she will experience your greater levels of pain... but again... I doubt there's anyone you had in mind. So if you die, they'll be Azan's property now." Turning his back to me. "You know what... why am I even debating this with you. When your dead, it'll only be a matter of time when I find him... kill him."

"With pleasure." That annoying guard from before says out.

"Hold on Khuruk! Do you truly want her?!" I position my legs. Needing to get ready.

"..What I need no longer concerns you, Draesus. Don't even think for a moment, that I'll allow you to beg your way out of this one."

"Oh... I wasn't... I just needed you to pause, for a moment."

"Wha-" He manages to say before the solid floor beneath us, gives way. Configuring into a body mass of falling sand. The tight hold from the others loose, as we fall hitting the spectators column.

Breaking my fall, the bastard from behind had the worst of it, and with my arms freed now. I elbow him to the face, drawing blood, as he rears his head in pain. Rising to my feet before anyone else could, I swerved my left foot around on the ground; creating a rising curved wall in separating me from the other guards, further in front.

Well... behind me.

While, those who I now was facing, barely had the time to comprehend my next move. As I shifted the soil from under them, having them fall another flight or two by my right arm, connected to the ground's surface. With practiced experience, I raise a dagger out of the stone floor below, in my rising. Making my way over to an oblivious man, who has barely even registered what just happened.

Rolling my neck, I call his name in disdain.

"Khuruk..." He opens his eyes, seeing me. A blade of stone pointed directly at him, while immediately, he backs away. Hitting the length of the wall in fear. The fear... for his very life. Opening his mouth he ushers to speak, to do what people like him do best. However, I cut him off. No longer wishing to hear another speech. "You really are repulsive, you know that? Even when you lose, you're just sore in admitting defeat." I draw nearer.

Twisting this dagger in hand.

"So you can't really blame me for your shortcomings. Your losses Your defeat."

"Y-your right, Draesus. You're absolutely right. So let's talk about this-Gargh!!" I shove my feet into his stomach. Withdrawing my leg, I then placed it on him, in shutting him up.

"Oh, I know I'm right. Trust me, that I do. But it still doesn't change the fact that you've been screwing me over since the day started. Changing events, unanimous bets, setting my fighter into an unfair match up. And not to mention, you just tried to have me killed but a moment ago... funny how things changed now, huh Khuruk?" I steadily apply pressure on him, hearing him grunt. "Now it's I who gets to kill you."

"..hragh... guards! Guards!! Where the hell are my guards?!!" Crying for help.

"In worthless positions..." Stepping further. "Like you." He fights my footing. Gasping for breath.

"Do you remember what I said yesterday? When we shook? 'To die or strive in the Badlands, I'm in it completely.' The one, where you called me a fool for having such a motto... well, it looks like that motto got me here. To this point. And your only a fool, if you are not willing to risk it all; to completely accept this ideal." I placed the sharp edges of this thing across his neck. "..and it seems that you... weren't ready." I stare him dead in the eyes.

With all the rotten luck he tried to bring me. To foil my plans and goals set in mind, from even reaching fruition. I stared back into his sockets with disdain. My hate! His pupils, shriveling from this close proximity. Knowing fully well, he's crossed a line of no return. Trembling, almost in a piss-full state. "I will kill you Khuruk--" The terror in his face. Like a frightened lamb. "--if you so much as try this again or ever get in my way. I will end you. Do you understand me?! I will kill you!!"

I slash the knife, leaving a mild wound but an impressionable one at that. One that told him otherwise. The serious, of my nature... that I too am prepared even, to break a city's law if it means getting him out of my way.

No matter the cost.

Reaching to the side of his neck, he fizzes over the small cut but remains locked on me. Agasp, by the sudden display.

"I said do you?!!" I bellow at him. To which he nods his head, furiously, as if his life depended on it. "Then I never want to see you again. From here on... we're done. And my fighter is mine, alone. Mine, to do with... she's not to be shared."

*Clap.*

The smooth sounds, of approaching clapping took my current view elsewhere. For they were soon replaced by the sight of two individuals above head, standing near the hole in the VIP box I made. One of them still bringing their hands together as if congratulating some late after-performance. While the other stood behind 'em, watching, as if waiting.

"Who are you?" I ask the two strangers, for it was hard to get a beat on them. The garbs they wore... was a bit much in person. Too plain and normal, as if purposefully trying to conceal their faces. Their identities. "On second thought, never mind. If you want him, he's all yours." I take my boot off, beginning to walk back in leaving the spectator's column.

"Actually, I'm here to see you. Draesus." The mysterious fellow talked. Their voice, sounding a bit feminine.

Without even turning around, "And why's that?" Needing to get on guard again, for one, never knows.

"Just to discuss some things, really. I was quite pleased by the performance your champion put on and I wanted to meet the man who caught her, in asking for a little favor. What I didn't expect, however, upon passing through these doors was... well, this... and quite the performance yourself I might add. Really have the ring's master petrified." Knowing for certain that I was speaking to a woman. Yet, her face was covered up, unlike her partner's.

"Well, thanks for the review. But I don't think I have the time now for fans." Wanting to get a move on.

"You sure? I'm certain I can be an exception."

"Lady, if you saw what just went down, then you should know I'm not particularly in a very good mood, for this. Have a nice day." I wave her off. Only to hear the print touch of a fall.

"Oh, I'm quite aware but I'm sure it could get better-" I stomp my left foot. Sending the floor-board that she dropped onto, into rising back, in through the whole with Khuruk and co. However, something cancels out my rune-work by the second the pillar rises.

Now sliding down to its original position, taking its sweet time in showcasing the two individuals; the man with her, had his fingers on the floor. "A rune-smith, huh?" I turn the rest of me, in facing them. As they finally came back to the same level.

Giving me a placid glare. She takes a few steps forward. Followed by the other guy. Upon, simply flicking her risk and pointing her finger up. The man with her understood and placed his hands on the floor once more. Rising Khuruk and his men away from us. The last bewildered piss-ridden look I saw him with, before the pillar separates our view, at last.

"Now that I've got your attention--" a wall of stone rises behind me. Blocking my previous path. "I think we should speak more openly. And I do hope, this convinces you to hear what I have to say." She begins to reach for her shall, overhead.

"My lady! Are you sure that is a good idea?!"

'So he speaks, after all.' Not giving a flarg.

"If it gets this conversation underway, then yes. As he is, he just showed he isn't in the mental state to talk. So I best rectify that, then.

With a roll of my eyes. "Really? You think I'll consider whatever it is you have to say, simply because you--!!" I dropped to a knee. Retracting my current statement. A cold sweat cutting down my spine. For if I had known... if I had known it was her!

I lower my head to touch the ground. Cursing my past action.

"My apologies! I meant no disrespect! If I had known that you were her, I would have never done what I did. Please forgive me!" I dug further. Burrowing my head in the cold stone. "Please, your benevolence." This day just a flip of surprises after the next.

A sound of nothing passes between us three. Drawing in an unwanted atmosphere towards me. For I screwed, royally, with this blundered action.

"There is no need, Draesus." She says, calling my name. Looking up slightly, to meet her gaze. The princess's... "After all, I only want to talk." She, as stunning and beautiful as the Queen.

"As you wish, Princess Raasna."

*....To be continued.*

Author's Note

Hey guys,

Hope all is well. I admit, this latest update took me a bit longer than I would have liked but you know what they say: practice, makes perfect. And I certainly put my all into doing this chapter right, to entail what happens next. So let me know down below what your thoughts were while reading. Ecstatic? Pumping? Interesting? Don't be shy to express yourselves. I am curious sometimes on what you think, as the audience.

Anywho, I do hope you enjoyed. Stay tuned for more!!