Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ To Fight for Life and Love ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

The wheels creaked as the wagon made its way through the busy streets adding to the noise. Some people stopped to stare at the passing caravan while others ignored them except for when the wagons got in their way. Children ran alongside the passing carts, pointing and laughing. Ken stared at the passing scene, amazed at the number of shops and people.

"Omi," he asked the boy without looking at him, "where are we?"

"Hmmm?" the slave turned his attention to the gladiator. Over the past few weeks, Omi had found himself becoming more attached to the boy and, although that frightened him, he was glad to have someone to talk to.

"What town is this? I've never seen one so big." Brown eyes widened as they passed large and magnificent buildings, each one seemingly trying to outdo its neighbor.

"This isn't a town. This is Rome."

Omi tightened his grip on the wagon as it turned sharply. One of the other slaves that had found a spot on the wagon fell off, quickly rising to her feet to run after the wagon. The boy beside Omi reached out and grabbed the girl's hand, pulling her back on the cart. Omi returned his attention to Ken as he heard the girl being reprimanded.

"So why is Rome so great?"

"Rome is the capital of the empire." A small hand ran through blonde locks as Ken was shot an exasperated look, "Not only does most of the business come through here but the Senate and the Emperor are housed here as well. Rome is the empire."

Ken sat back and watched the people around him, letting what Omi had told him sink in. As he once again turned to the boy a shout was heard from the driver. Seconds later, the cart was violently rocked as another backed into it. The gladiators steadied themselves easily but the slaves hanging on weren't so lucky. Many fell off into the crowd of people causing more chaos. Omi reached for one of the bars on the wagon as he fell backwards, his fingers just brushing the wood. He closed his eyes and braced himself for the fall. Without thinking, Ken reached forward and grabbed the boy's tunic pulling on it to keep him from falling. Once Omi realized he hadn't hit the ground, he slowly opened one eye and found himself almost nose to nose with the dark haired gladiator.

Blushing profusely, Omi shoved Ken's hands away and edged away from him as much as the small cart allowed. Ken watched the boy for a moment, a frown on his lips but concern in his eyes. He opened his mouth to say something but the cart rocked forward once more and the shouts of the still angry drivers rang through the air. For the rest of the short trip, Omi avoided looking at Ken while Ken tried to talk to him. Feeling frustrated, the gladiator leaned against the side of the cart in a huff. As the cart rolled to a stop outside a large building, Ken saw Omi hop off out of the corner of his eye. He turned to say something, to get Omi to just look at him, but the blonde had already run off into the crowd and it was impossible to find him.

'What the hell did I do?' he thought as all the gladiators were herded out of the wagon and into the building.

"So you came." Ran didn't even turn to acknowledge his friend's entrance. Non-pulsed, Youji took a seat beside him and slumped in the chair.

"I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to show off my fighters." he replied jokily, running a hand through his hair.

"You like showing off anything."

"I'm hurt, m'lord." Youji raised a hand to his chest as if he had been wounded. Ran turned to face Youji and chuckled.

"It is good to see your pride hasn't broken. Share some wine with me while we wait." Ran motioned to one of the servants and soon a tray carrying a pitcher of wine and two glasses was produced. Picking up one of the finely crafted glasses, Youji admired it while waiting to be served.

"Don't mind if I do. Who am I to turn down such fine drink?"

"You don't turn down much of anything, Youji. Though you do seem to have quite a soft spot for wine and women." Carefully, Ran poured some of the dark liquid into Youji's glass giving him a liberal amount. He smirked as a smile played on Youji's lips and his green eyes brightened considerably.

"Speaking of women, how is Aya? I haven't seen her since the match at my school." The bitterness couldn't be hidden. Ran frowned and set his shoulders.

"She's doing well. You shouldn't worry yourself about her." Youji was about to reply when he caught the cold posture and tone radiating from his friend.

'Always the protective one, aren't you Ran?'

The sounds of clanging metal, harsh laughter and the shouts of gladiators were not making him feel at ease. Ken paced the small corridor trying to sort his thoughts. Once they entered the building, he had been rushed around with the others he had traveled with. He was able to find his sword and armor easily but had been caught in the middle of an argument as he went to find a place to rest. There would be a few bruises he'd have to deal with later, but right now that wasn't bothering him. The day was quickly ending and tomorrow would be another round of games. And Ken had yet to see Omi.

Aggravated, the brunette kicked at an innocent stone and sent it flying down the hall. He growled, wishing he had more stones to kick. There had to be some way to let out some energy. The squeal of a woman's voice followed by the grunt of a man's made him blush. Well, there was that way. As he stood there trying to find a way to calm down, a stone came hopping into his view. Cocking his head to the side, Ken kicked it back down the hall only to have it return moments later. He kicked it again and again, it returned. Laughing softly, Ken continued with his game not noticing when the rock was being returned more quickly. Keeping his head bent, Ken didn't notice the other person until a pair of feet appeared where the stone was supposed to be.

Looking up, Ken felt his nervousness disappear. In front of his stood Omi, a small smile on his face which made Ken's heart twist in a strange way. Ken didn't move, didn't say anything at first. He just stood there staring at the boy he had wanted to see all day. Finally Omi cleared his throat, bringing the gladiator back to the present.

"O-Omi!" he felt like smacking himself. He really knew how to take advantage of a moment. The blonde smiled a little more then, in a nervous gesture, he bowed his head allowing his hair to cover his face. Moments of silence stretched between them and still, neither boy moved or spoke. Then, simultaneously, both moved. Omi turned as if to run away while Ken reached out and grabbed his arm. Wide blue eyes caught confused brown. Whatever it was Ken wanted to say was lost. His mind just didn't want to work. Acting on impulse, Ken drew the boy to him and wrapped his arms around the smaller body.

He felt Omi protest but didn't let go. His heart was racing and his mind was running in circles. What did he need to tell Omi? Was it important? Right then, all he knew was that it had something to do with the way Omi looked at him. It had something to do with the way he craved Omi's company. With the way Omi felt against to him at that moment. He leaned down and laid his head against the blonde's. Rapid breath was flitting across his neck

"Omi, I..." Ken paused as he tried to grab a thought, "I'm sorry about scaring you away all the time. I don't know why I do it or how, but I'm sorry. I get so scared when you're gone and I don't know why. Maybe it's because I think you'll never come back. I don't know. But, you're the only friend I have here and I don't want to keep hurting you or scaring you away. I don't want to lose you."

Before he could go on, small hands came up tentatively to his sides. His breath caught in his throat at the feeling. Ever so slowly, those hands wrapped around his back until Omi was returning the embrace. It took him a while longer to relax completely into it, but once he did, he seemed quite content where he was. Suddenly, it was about those arms around him, feeling Omi against him.

"I won't leave," came the soft reply. So soft, Ken had to strain his ears to hear it. Smiling, Ken tightened his grip on the slave for a moment.

The light shone dully in the room. The small windows didn't allow much light to pass through. It took a few minutes for Ken's eyes to adjust and once they did, he continued to stare at the same spot on the ceiling. Finally getting up and stretching Ken looked at the room's other occupant. He smiled as he took in the sight of the sleeping blonde slave. Quietly, Ken padded across the room to the other bed. Pausing to brush some pieces of hair out of the boy's face, Ken pulled the thin cover over Omi's shoulders before making his way to the door.

Just before he left, though, the sounds of a yawn and moan drew his attention. Omi had just woken up and didn't seem too pleased with the prospect. Ken noticed the frightened expression on the boy's face as he realized that he and Ken were in the same room. That they had spent the night in the same room. But just as quickly, the fear disappeared and Omi gave him a weak smile.

"Morning," Ken greeted as he leaned against the doorway. Omi fiddled with the blanket while he answered.

"Morning. Ken...I...ummmm...that is..." the words trailed off as Omi cast his eyes down. Carefully, Ken made his way to his friend's side and, just as carefully, he reached out to put a hand on one of the blonde's small shoulders. He smiled as Omi looked up at him and he was able to see the boy's eyes.

"Don't worry. Nothing happened. I promise." The weak smile on Omi's face disappeared as he looked more closely at the other boy's face. Instantly, his hands flew to grab Ken's head and bring him closer so Omi could inspect the bruises. If he didn't think he would scare the boy, Ken would have laughed. It was amazing how he could go from nervous and shy to being confident enough to demand he look at Ken's wounds. Strong, small fingers brushed over the cut on his lip. Ken fought back a pleasurable sigh and the almost caress.

"Omi, I'm fine. Really. You don't have to worry about those." In return, Omi gave Ken a stern look that shut him up quickly.

"I'm the one with medical training, right? I'll tell you if it's nothing to worry about." That said, the boy returned his attention to Ken's face. Omi started when he felt Ken grab his arms. The confidence disappeared from his face and his eyes grew wide in fright.

"I think I'll be able to survive a few bruises, Omi." The gladiator reassured him. Then, noticing the look on the boy's face, Ken released his grip and stepped back. Making sure Omi had calmed down, Ken walked to the door and opened it.

"Where are you going?" He was stopped before he had left the room. Feeling suddenly like he had been caught doing something wrong, Ken laughed nervously.

"I do have things to do. The games start today after all." The flash of surprise and fear on Omi's face did not go unnoticed by the brunette. Seeing he had a chance to slip out, Ken did so.

"Hey! Wait! I need to treat those bruises!" Omi called out, chasing after the older boy.

"I'm fine, Omi! I told you already!"

Giggling, Aya ran down the hall chased by one of her servants. She slowed as she reached Ran's room and glanced inside. Her brother's servants were scurrying about the room picking up clothing and cleaning it. At the far end stood Ran, allowing two servants to dress him. As the coal-haired girl entered, some of the people paused in their work and greeted her. Smiling back, Aya walked through the mess of workers and clutter until she reached her brother.

"Good morning, Ran!" the girl chirped as she stood before the red head. Ran looked down at her and allowed her to see him smile.

"Morning, Aya. Why are you up so early?" he questioned as one of his servants straightened his robes. Shrugging, Aya rocked back and forth on her heels.

"It's a nice day out and I just felt like being up." Pausing to take in her brother's attire, Aya became serious, "You're going out today, aren't you?"

"Yes. I have business to attend to." Ran replied, placing a hand on his sister's shoulder, "I'll make it up to you later. Promise."

"You're going to the games." It was a statement, not a question, and one that made Ran flinch. Not lowering his gaze he nodded, "Why?"

"Even if I don't like it, the people expect to see me there. I must prove that I'm the same as them. And Youji's school will be there so as his patron, I should be there to support him."

Aya looked up at him, a weak smile in place of her bright one.

"Ran really cares about his friends, doesn't he?" Laughing softly, Ran wrapped his arms around the small girl, hugging her lightly.

"Yes, Ran does." Pushing away, Aya looked him right in the eye.

"But there's another reason as well, isn't there?" Feeling uncomfortable under her scrutiny, Ran turned away pretending to smooth out some wrinkles in his robes.

"What makes you say that?" he asked nonchalantly.

"I know you, Ran. And you're in your best clothes, so why wouldn't I suspect something?" Instead of answering, the aristocrat strode to the door while calling over his shoulder.

"You shouldn't be so concerned about me. I'm quite able to take care of myself. I'll be back late today, so don't make any plans expecting me to be home and, if it comes down to it, don't wait up for me." Aya rushed after her brother, refusing to let him have the final say.

"Ran!" she called out to him. Ran paused briefly before continuing on his way. The young girl reached her brother just as he was stepping into his carriage. Turning his head, Ran saw the disappointment and worry on his sister's face. Giving her a soft smile, he reached out and pulled her close.

"Don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing and promise you I won't get hurt. I'll make it back for dinner, all right?" Aya cheered up slightly and smiled up at the red head.

"Yes. Have fun, and tell Youji I said hello." They broke apart and Aya watched as Ran left for the arena. Even once the carriage was out of sight, the girl remained there, staring off into the distance.

'Please, brother, be careful.'

"Hey, Omi?" The boy in question was currently bent over the back of an unconscious gladiator. He glanced up, eyebrows bent in annoyance and concentration as he spotted the one that had called him.

"What is it, Ken?"

"How long do the games last?" A dark head peered down at the slave as he continued his work. The lights flickered as people rushed by and the shouting and cries of pain from various fighters and slaves filled the halls. Ken tilted his head to both listen to the crowd better and to get a better view of Omi's face. Blowing long bangs out of his face, Omi checked over the unconscious man's wound before answering Ken.

"It depends on a lot of things. Why the games are being held, where they are, who put them on, if it's for a festival. All kind of things; so it's hard to say when they'll be over for sure." In a sudden rush, a group of men came running into one of the rooms connected to the hall. Quickly, Omi gathered his materials and scurried after them to see if his help was needed. Ken followed him closely, still questioning him as they walked.

"Who usually puts on games? And why?"

"Aristocrats and just because they can." The boy responded, a little irritated about the constant flow of questions.

"Why do they do it?"

"I don't know."

"Well, what about the gladiators? What happens to them if they die?" Finally, Omi's patience snapped. He turned sharply and grabbed at Ken's tunic, pulling him down until they were face to face. Taken by surprise, the gladiator just gulped and stared into the intense eyes before him.

"Ken, I don't have time to deal with you right now! There are men coming in that need help and if you keep bothering me with questions, I can't do my job! Go bother someone else!" Brown eyes narrowed as Ken pulled himself out of Omi's grip. Straightening his clothes, he stared back at Omi for a moment before turning around and walking out of the room.

"Fine. If I'm being such a bother to you, I'll leave you alone." came the bitter reply. Small hands clenched into fists by Omi's side as he turned back to his patient, a small huff escaping his lips.

Ken walked down the hall at a quick pace, not caring about the people around him. Soon, he found himself staring at the arena. The roar of the crowd was somehow more unpleasant to him than the noise from inside the tunnels. To keep his mind off of the previous events, Ken watched the fight that was in progress, trying to guess the moves of the gladiators. But he quickly lost interest in his game and found his thoughts circling back to his fight with Omi, if it could be called that.

'I'm such an idiot. Why do I always do the wrong things around him? How come I always make him mad? Isn't anything I do good enough for him?' he thought bitterly. In a burst of anger, he slammed his hand against the fencing causing it to rattle. Several people turned to look at him and, once finding that it was nothing important, moved on.

Only one person continued to stare. The large, scarred man sauntered over to him, looking him up and down the whole time. Finally, feeling unnerved by the attention, Ken turned to his new companion.

"What?!" he shouted, trying to gather some confidence. The man just looked him over once more before nodding slightly. He motioned to a few of the other men he had been with and they too nodded. By now, Ken was feeling extremely uncomfortable. His grip tightened on the gate as he tense himself, preparing for a fight. Without warning, the man turned to him and grabbed his arm, pulling him away from the gate and shoving him into the crowd.

"You're fighting next. Get ready." Nodding dumbly, the brunette made his way through the crowded halls to find his armor.

Youji quickly made his way up to the balcony section where he knew his aristocratic friend would be, with the most luxurious items of course. He nodded to a few of the slaves as he hurried past them. Slightly winded, he finally made it to the balcony just in time to see Ran claiming a drink from one of his servant's tray. Another glass goblet was lifted from the tray as the servant boy left; Youji just winked at the boy as he turned to him, startled. Casually, he let himself down on to the plush chair next to his red headed friend.

"Don't you ever ask before taking anything?" the deep voice of his comrade drifted over to Youji just as the crowd erupted in cheer. He shrugged nonchalantly, taking a sip of the wine from his glass.

"Not when it comes from you."

"You take advantage of my generosity." Ran stated calmly, turning to face the blonde. Youji waved his hand flippantly.

"You need someone to take advantage of you. I just happen to be perfect for the job, so I do it. Besides, it's not like you don't like it." Much to Youji's delight, Ran chuckled softly.

"Then you won't mind if I join you." The soft, cold voice quickly snapped Ran out of his good mood. His back stiffened and jaw tightened; he refused to turn to greet the newcomer. Youji, however, did twist in his chair to see the owner of the voice; a man with stainless robes, short dark hair and piercing eyes.

"Who's this?" he asked Ran, his eyes not leaving the other man. Ran didn't answer. Instead, he pointedly ignored the question and paid rapt attention to the game that had just begun.

"You shouldn't be so rude, Ran. You wouldn't want the public to discover anything bad about you." The newcomer turned to Youji, judging him in one glance, "I am Brad Crawford, a fellow aristocrat like your friend here."

"And you know Ran? Why haven't I seen you here before?" Youji gazed at his friend out of the corner of his eye, not ready to turn away from the brunette. Calmly, Crawford strode to one of the empty chairs and sat down. Youji's gaze was still on him while Ran did his best to ignore his presence. Smirking, he straightened his robes and accepted a glass of wine from the serving boy.

"I do know Ran. It is hard not to know of the Fujiyima family. And you've never meet me before because Ran and I are not friends." Youji hmphed and leaned back in his chair lazily. His eyes were diverted to the game in progress but his attention to the conversation was not.

"If you're not friends, why are you here? Business?"

"No." was the crisp reply, "I have no business with Ran. He simply has the best seat in the house and I wish to see a certain battle more clearly. One of my school's prize gladiators will be in the next battle."

This caught the blonde's interest. He leaned forward in his chair slightly to get a better view of Crawford. The crowd's cheering picked up as the two gladiators in the arena closed in on each other, each one desperate to finish his opponent. A quick glance let Youji know who the winner was.

"You're a patron? What school and who's the fighter?" However, the other man was not so interested in picking up the conversation.

"You'll see him soon. He is next; I've made sure of that." Defeated, Youji slumped back in his seat, finishing his wine with one gulp. Throughout the exchange, Ran had sat impassively. His eyes were trained on the scene below as he tried to ignore the other aristocrat. Luckily for the red head the gates opened again and the crowd's yelling increased. Three pairs of eyes focused on the arena from above as the new fighters entered the ring.

"You're man is Farfarello?!" Youji cried indignantly, jumping up from his seat. Crawford looked at the school owner indifferently, sipping his wine.

"He is. Why does that matter?"

"Because that's one of my gladiators fighting him!" To emphasize his point, Youji pointed to the other man on the field. Suddenly taking an interest, Ran leaned over the edge of the balcony to get a better look at Youji's gladiator. His breath caught in his throat as he recognized the brown head and lean form. The crowd erupted in a loud applause as he sat back down. One slim eyebrow raised as Crawford turned back to the scene below.

"Then this should be an interesting match."

Huffing, Omi wiped his face with his arm. Finally, he was finished with the gladiator. Checking over his work, he nodded to himself as if agreeing with the bandaging. He stood up and brushed his legs off, looking to see if his help was needed elsewhere. Fortunately all of the other slaves were able to take care of minor injuries so he wasn't needed at the moment. Mindlessly, he picked up his tools and put them away. As he left the unconscious man, something nagged at the back of his mind. He quickly checked over his materials to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. Noting that he had everything, he quickly made his way to an empty hall.

He slumped against the wall and once again wiped his arm across his face. He had been working nearly nonstop all day. But once again, the feeling that he had forgotten something crept back on him. Feeling stupid he again checked his tools and again found that he had everything. Gnawing on his thumbnail, his eyebrows bent in concentration. What was he forgetting? The roar of the crowd broke his train of thought. Annoyed, he made his way to the gate when it suddenly dawned on him.

Ken. Ken was missing.

'Please...don't let him be out there.' He pleaded silently to any god that was listening. He ran to the gate and blinked against the bright light. Once his eyes adjusted to the sun, he quickly scanned the dusty area for the brunette. For one moment, his fears seemed to be unfounded as he only saw one gladiator out there with white hair. He relaxed slightly and let out the breath he didn't known he had been holding. Chiding himself for worrying, he started to turn away when the other fighter became clear. Not wanting to believe what he was seeing, Omi's hands gripped the bars of the gate. 'No...'

Transfixed by fear, he watched the fight play out.

The sun shone down harshly on the two gladiators. Absentmindedly, Ken wiped the sweat from his face as he tried to size up his opponent. The other man didn't seem like much of a fighter; pale skin, a shallow complexion and a demeanor that screamed indifference. But there was also a gleam in his one eye that Ken couldn't ignore. Not knowing what to expect, Ken did the only thing he could do. He waited.

His wait wasn't long, however, because moments later Farfarello launched himself at the brunette with a piercing yelp. Unprepared for the attack, Ken could only duck and roll out of the way. Farfarello landed right where Ken had been, his sword buried deep in the ground. Quickly getting to his feet, Ken gripped his sword and waited tensely for the next move. On the other hand Farfarello calmly pulled his sword out of the ground and lazily turned to face his opponent. His lips curved upward in a twisted smirk.

"If I kill you, will I hurt the gods? Will they listen if I kill you?"

Ken barely had time to register what his opponent said before he charged again. He blocked Farfarello's attack and back-stepped quickly to gain more room to move. When Farfarello ran past him, Ken swung his sword low hoping to offset him. The blade sliced through the man's leg, blood pouring freely onto the ground. As if he had only received a scratch, Farfarello turned around and slowly approached Ken. He glanced down at the wound, running a finger across it. Ken shuddered in disgust as the man brought his now blood soaked finger to his mouth. Licking the blood, Farfarello smiled insanely.

The crowd roared at the small amount of action. Either that, or the blood, Ken guessed. Glancing over his shoulder, he snarled in disgust at the mob. He started as his opponent's voice rose over those of the thousands.

"They revel in it. They love our pain. Does that excite you? Does your blood flow faster for it?"

Ken turned to face the white haired lunatic, snapping into an offensive position. He needed to get away from this person. Needed to get away from the crowd. His muscles tensed for a moment before he sprang into action. He ran toward Farfarello, his sword kept low to the ground. Once he was close enough he raised the sword and swung sideways at the other man. His blow was blocked easily. Farfarello used Ken's momentum to shoulder him and throw the boy off balance. Ken stumbled to the ground, his hand shooting out to catch his fall. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Farfarello's sword fall towards him. He pushed himself away and rolled quickly.

Righting himself, Ken stood defensively as he was charged again. Farfarello raised his sword above his head as he ran towards Ken, his eye gleaming from the excitement. Just in time, Ken raised his sword to block the blow. He pushed back against Farfarello, one of his hands moving to the flat of his blade. Sweat dripped down his face as he grunted with effort. Farfarello's breath swept across his face, a low laugh building in his throat. Ken glanced down quickly assessing what he could do. Looking back up, he pushed against his sword with all his remaining strength, pushing his opponent away slightly.

Taking the chance, Ken stepped closer to the man. He waited for a moment then quickly moved and hooked his ankle behind Farfarello's. Using the little momentum he had, Ken pushed against the other man effectively knocking him off balance. As Farfarello went down, Ken unhooked his leg and pushed himself away. He rolled again, hoping he would be the quickest up. Luck was with him. He ran back to Farfarello and placed the point of his sword at the man's neck. Ken's breath was coming quickly, his heart pounding against his chest. Farfarello grinned up at him and even raised himself up to press the sword point into his neck.

The noise from the crowd was deafening as they waited for the fatal blow. Ken glanced up and snarled at them once more. Below him, Farfarello laughed.

"Give them what they want. Make the gods hurt. Send me to them!"

Everything was getting confusing. Ken shook his head to clear it, trying to find something to hold on to...something sane. His eyes scanned the arena for anything familiar. The hint of gold behind one of the arena gates held his attention. He stared for a moment trying to get a better idea of who that was. In moments, everything became lucid. Backing away, Ken lowered his sword letting his opponent get up. Without waiting for anything else to happen, Ken turned and stalked toward the gate he had come out of.

Omi watched as the gladiator walked towards him. His rapid breathing was beginning to slow down finally, now that Ken was okay. As the gate creaked open he let go. Moments later, Ken was standing in front of him, watching him intently. Blue eyes meet brown for a moment; thoughts flashed between them. Finally, Omi turned away and walked down the hallway. Not moving, Ken watched him leave, a small smile on his lips.

Above the arena, Youji sat quite contently, rubbing in his win. Crawford glanced at him in annoyance before standing up. He drained the rest of the wine from his cup before bowing slightly to the other two men and making his exit. The blonde smirked and slouched in his chair. Calling to a nearby servant, he grabbed another cup of wine, oblivious to his companion. Ran, on the other hand, ignored the servant as he sat deep in thought. He knew Youji was saying something, but what it was was totally lost to him.

"Ran?" Youji asked, turning to the other man. "Hey, Ran! Are you even listening?" Quirking an eyebrow, Ran glanced at Youji from the corner of his eye.

"Where did you find that boy?" he asked, returning his gaze to the arena below. Running his fingers through his hair, Youji sat back in his chair in thought.

"He actually came to us about...three years ago, I think." The wine sat forgotten in Youji's hand as he pulled up his memories, "I can't remember much about him then. Father wasn't too impressed with him, though. But he made remarkable progress during his time at the school. And you've been to all the games he's participated in."

"What about before that." Ran interrupted, "Before he came to your school. Where did he come from? What happened to him?"

"You expect me to know all that? I wasn't watching him his whole life, ya know. We don't follow people to see if they'd make a good fighter. They just come to us." Youji replied indignantly, "All I can tell you is that he was probably a prisoner. That's how most of them start. Taken from his home during a battle and brought here to become a slave. How he came to us, I don't know. Either his master wasn't happy with him or he did something so extreme that they decided the arena was best for him."

"So how did you get him?" Youji shrugged, taking a sip from his almost empty glass.

"Don't know. Father took care of that. He probably bought him from his previous owners or was asked to buy him. For someone that didn't think much of him a few months ago, you sure have changed your outlook. Do you finally see what I see then?"

Ran stood up abruptly. He looked down at Youji for a moment before turning, his robes swirling around his legs.

"No, I don't see what you see." Youji watched his friend go. Shrugging, he drained his cup and left the balcony as well, waving to the slaves as he left. Ran watched him for a moment before continuing on his way.

'I see something in him. But it's not what you see.'