Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ To Fight for Life and Love ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Warnings are the same as in the past chapters. However, I feel that I should add that there is Ran+Ken. But this is one-sided love. Or obsession...however you see it ^_~

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It was a beautiful day out. They had just come out of a week's worth of rain and now everything and everyone was refreshed and itching to get outside. The scent of wet stone and mud hung in the air as the crowd pushed into the arena. What better way to celebrate spring and the recent rains than having a festival? And what better to have at a festival than gladiatorial games? The chattering of the people was deafening, their cries for blood even worse. How a time for celebrating new life called for the deaths of so many would always confuse him. But right now, the only thing that mattered was killing the man across from him.

It had been over a year since everything had started, since he had participated in his first fight, since he met his best, and probably only, friend, and since he had promised himself to win his freedom. He had grown much in that time. Now, he was one of the more popular gladiators and he had learned to kill without thinking. The crowd roared to life as the fighters' blades crashed together. Ken's brows bent in concentration as he searched for any weakness from his opponent. The other man was snarling from the effort of fighting Ken off; and probably also from the fact that although he was bigger, Ken was still beating him.

They broke apart, metal skimming across skin. For an eternal moment they circled each other, waiting for the best opportunity to attack. Ken winced as he stepped on a shard of pottery. Caught up in the celebrations, some of the crowd had flung bottles over the wall. The broken pottery was making it harder to fight; having to worry about dodging blows from your opponent and not tripping or cutting yourself on the shards was quite difficult. With a loud grunt, Ken's opponent flung himself forward, sword kept low to the ground. Patiently, Ken waited for the man to draw closer; his heart pounded madly in his chest with anticipation and nervousness, a reminder of his own mortality.

The gladiator's sword rose as he got closer and still, Ken waited, not moving to even lift his own weapon. A mad smile lifted the bigger man's lips making him look desperate. Finally, Ken tensed, crouching slightly. The man got closer and closer, his sword rising above his head with every step he took. In a flash, Ken shot out from his position keeping his sword as his side. The crowd rose to their feet, eager for the death that was about to come. Sunlight glinted off the metal blinding both gladiators for a moment. Ken squinted his eyes and kept his attention on his target. With a cry, he gripped the handle of his sword more tightly and swung it around. He only knew he had hit his target by the gasp of pain he heard.

Breathing hard, the brunette stood still for a moment before turning around to face his opponent. The man must have died instantly. Blood and intestines were pouring out from the wound on his stomach; his eyes already glazed over. Fighting down his nausea, Ken closed his eyes and walked away. He didn't want to be out in the madness anymore. He wanted to find Omi.

******

There was a chill in the air as Omi waited. Shivering, he wrapped his arms around himself to find warmth. The clanking of metal alerted him to the fact that a fight had finished or was beginning. Either way, he didn't care. Wounded men were carried before him, a group of slaves following the gladiators closely. Omi's hands twitched every time he saw someone hurt. He wanted to go and help, to do something other than sit around and wait. But with the extra medical slaves that had been brought in a few months before, his help was hardly needed any more. Or, at least not to the extent that it had been. Sighing, Omi slid down the wall as he waited.

Now that the other slaves had been brought in, he had basically nothing to do. At least, until he had been assigned to Ken. The blonde was sure that something had gone on between his master and his friend. What it was, he would probably never know. All he knew was that he had personally been asked by Youji to look after Ken. And only Ken. Blowing some stray strands of hair out of his eyes, Omi smirked. Youji only thought he was following his orders. Ken, however, had improved drastically over the past year and hardly came out of a fight hurt. So, Omi took to taking care of some of the mildly wounded gladiators in his spare time.

Finally, Omi felt Ken near him. Looking up, the slave spotted his friend leaning wearily against the wall. Slowly, the older boy opened his eyes and looked at the blonde. Omi offered him a comforting smile while standing up. Trying to ease the blonde's worry, Ken smiled back. Omi made his way over to Ken while shaking his head. They stood facing each other for a few moments neither saying anything. Then, without a word spoken between them, they both turned and headed down the hall for a fairly empty area. One of the back corners offered the space they needed and as Ken carefully sat down on one of the benches available, Omi hurried off for some rags and water.

Worry etched the blonde's face as he looked his friend over. Ken wasn't responding at all; still dazed from the fight, Omi figured. So, wrapped in silence, Omi continued his work. The water held in the bowl dirtied quickly as the boy wiped the dirt and blood away from fresh cuts. None of the wounds seemed to be too serious and Omi thought Ken extremely lucky. But that thought quickly changed when he saw the cuts on the gladiators feet. Gasping as the sight, Omi hurried off to get fresh water and rags.

Omi returned to find Ken just as he had left him. It worried him that the brunette was still so affected by killing. He finished cleaning and wrapping Ken's wounds quickly hoping he had gotten all the dirt out. Still Ken sat there, unaffected by the activities around him. So Omi just sat next to him, taking the gladiator's hand in his in a comforting gesture. He didn't know how long they sat there nor did he care. All that mattered was that he be there for Ken; and when he felt the brunette squeeze his hand, Omi knew it was enough. Letting the tension drain from him, Omi slumped against Ken, unknowingly drawing a smile from the fighter. It was enough.

******

The game had ended as expected, giving Youji even more reason to partake in Ran's alcohol, "What d'ya think now? After a year he's still alive and one of the public's favorites. Not too bad, is he?

"He is a good fighter, I will say that," Ran sighed as he signaled for his friend's glass to be refilled, "But I still don't see what makes you think he is so great. He seems to be best suited for the arena."

"Ahhhh....but you don't know him. That's the thing. All you see him as is a gladiator. Have you ever gotten to personally know a gladiator? Besides me? They are as human as everyone else; it's just their misfortune to be stuck in the role of entertainment." Youji stopped the slave girl from filling his cup, suddenly losing interest in gloating. Countenance solemn, the trainer looked out over the arena. Ran took the moment to study his friend. It was a tempting invitation even if Youji wasn't aware he had made it. And it would give him a reason for visiting more often; getting to know a gladiator, trying to see the other side of the arena. It might work in his favor with the people as well.

"Well, then. I guess this means I will just have to get to know him. I'll take you up on your offer." Once more, the red head signaled for Youji's glass to be filled. Stunned, the blonde didn't stop the girl.

"What are you talking about? What offer?"

"To get to know a gladiator. Besides you, that is. I want to get to know that boy; I want to see what you see in him." I want him, was the unspoken message. Cautiously, Youji eyed the aristocrat. He couldn't exactly tell his school's patron no, but something inside him was against the idea.

"Sure. Whatever you want."

******

A deep, nauseating aroma hung in the air making it nearly impossible to draw a full breath. Ran forced himself not to gag as he once again entered the gladiators' area of the arena. How people could live in filth like this was beyond him. Youji stood at his shoulder pointing out one of his men every now and then. Violet eyes skimmed over the crowd looking for one particular gladiator. Just as he felt like giving up and ordering one of the passing slaves to find the boy, Ran spotted him. Eyes narrowing in some fierce emotion, Ran cut his way through the crowd leaving Youji alone. Anger and jealousy colored Ran's thinking.

That slave was sitting there...touching Ken. A slave. A slave was able to get closer to a gladiator than he was. Though the idea shouldn't have surprised him, it fueled a hatred toward the blonde slave that he couldn't understand. Hiding these thoughts under a mask of cool indifference Ran approached the pair. The blonde was the first to notice the new presence, raising his eyes to meet Ran's. The nearly unnoticeable stiffening of the boy's shoulders did not go undetected by the aristocrat. Forcing down the smirk he felt, Ran stood before Ken and Omi, looking down on the latter. With a flick of his wrist, Ran motioned for Omi to leave then turned his attention to the brunette.

Frowning, Omi glanced at Ken then Ran. He didn't want to leave Ken alone right then; and certainly not with this man. The uneasy feeling he got from him at their first meeting still lingered in Omi's mind. But, remembering his position, Omi quietly left the two men alone even if he did hover a short distance away. Minutes stretched out before Ran spoke, Ken still gazing off in a daze.

"Youji has told me a great deal about you. He has great faith in you; that you will go far and bring some kind of honor to his school." There was no response from Ken. Clearing his throat, Ran spoke again, "I have watched you fight and have seen your skill. I would like to congratulate you on making it this far." Ken blinked and turned his head in Ran's direction. Clenching his jaw together, the aristocrat pulled his robes up slightly and knelt till he was looking Ken in the eye. With only a slight hesitation the red head reached a hand out, placing it on Ken's shoulder gently.

Starting, Ken jerked backwards, hitting his head on the wall in the process. Ran gave the gladiator a smile as the boy rubbed his head. Finally Ken looked up and noticed the man before him. He looked to his side expectantly, face showing his disappointment at his friend's absence. It was not quite the reception Ran was looking for but he was quick to hide his displeasure as Ken faced him once more. Silence stretched between them for a moment; Ran flexed his hand, lightly rubbing the brunette's shoulder. The movement made Ken aware that Ran was touching him. He looked into the aristocrat's eyes for a moment before a blush spread across his face and he ducked his head. Because of this, he missed the smirk Ran gave him.

The moment was interrupted by the shouts of gladiators as a fight broke out. Ken jumped off the bench in concern, eyes scanning for Omi.

"Omi!" he yelled, worried the boy had gotten caught in the middle of it. However, his worry was soon unfounded, as Omi appeared by him a moment later only to push him into an empty hallway. Left alone, Ran quickly made his way out of the area before he could be pulled into the brawl. With one last disdainful look back at the room, he turned and stalked down the hall.

******

Peaceful evenings were rare at the school. There was always something going on, something to do. And usually, Ken found the noise a nice distraction. He could get lost in the stories of his comrades and forget about life for a while. Or he would find himself so busy with training and other activities that he wouldn't have any time to think. But now, even with all the noise and people around him, Ken found himself getting lost in his thoughts; each and every one of them focusing on his missing friend.

He hadn't seen Omi all day and was only now getting worried. Well, that wasn't true; he had caught a glimpse of him earlier, but that's not what he meant. The two of them usually found some time during the day to just be together. And now, as much larger men jostled Ken at the table, he noted how sorely he missed the slave's presence. However, glaring at his food wasn't getting him what he wanted and he knew he was sulking. But, finding Omi was a task that he wasn't quite ready to do. That boy could hide for days if he wanted; and he had before. Ken had gone weeks without seeing the blonde once before. And even if he didn't like it, he respected his friend's privacy.

The sudden disappearances Omi pulled worried him a lot. He would always come back with a new bruise, or a limp that he hadn't had before. Omi, of course, always brushed off him questions, saying that he was fine. But still, Ken worried.

Food was dumped onto his plate and Ken glanced up casually. The red haired slave smiled down at him and continued on her way. Something tickled the back of Ken's brain as he watched her go. She was familiar; he knew he had seen her before, but where? An elbow to his ribs brought the brunette out of his reverie. Rubbing his side, he glared at the man next to him. The smirk he was given threw him off balance for a moment.

"What?" he asked, genuinely confused.

"Lots a guys have been watchin' her. She doesn't seem ta take kindly to any of us, though. Wouldn' get ma hopes up, if I were ya." A rough laugh forced its way out of the gladiator's throat as he shoved some food in his mouth. Ken frowned at the man before picking at his own food. Suddenly losing his appetite, Ken pushed his plate away and abruptly left the table. The man next to him watched Ken for a moment before shrugging his shoulders and taking the abandoned food.

Ken rushed through the crowded hall trying to catch up with the red headed slave. He pushed past people, not caring if he was causing a problem. He had finally remembered where he had seen her. And he needed to talk to her.

"Wait! You! Stop!" About twenty people stopped and turned at Ken's yell, but he was only interested in the one woman. He finally reached her and grabbed her shoulder to get her attention. As calmly as if she had been expecting Ken to catch her, the woman turned and faced the brunette, "Yes?" She asked.

"You....you know Omi, don't you?" He fought to catch his breath, getting the question out in one breath.

"I do."

"Where is he?" He tried to sound nonchalant, even just curious, but Ken knew that the worry and desperation he felt shone through. The woman turned around quickly, placing food on some people's plates.

"He's busy. He'll see you once he's able." Ken frowned at the response. That, too, was familiar. He wanted to press the issue further, to get more information out of the red head, but she had already left him, filling more plates as she went along. Something was wrong. But, whatever it was, he wouldn't be able to find out from that woman. He spun around to return to his seat and ended up running into a smaller slave.

"I-I'm sorry!!" the boy squeaked out as he fell to the floor. Ken shook his head and helped the boy up before going on his way. He was so lost in his thoughts that he failed to notice the bruises the boy was sporting. Bruises very similar to those that Omi had.

******

Aya fidgeted nervously beside her brother. It was her first real time attending gladiator games, and she wasn't quite sure what to think of it. Ran never said much about them other than if the school they were supporting was doing well. And, there was that one time she had visited Youji's school. She shuddered at the memory. No, she wasn't quite sure what to think of them. But she was sure she didn't like them.

Pushing coal colored bangs out of her eyes, Aya stared up at the arena walls as they drew nearer. The place had always seemed so foreboding when she had looked at it from far away. It wasn't at all friendly looking, nor did it radiate the feeling as she got closer. It was as if the very stones the arena was made of bore some dark secret making the place that much more ominous. Keeping a calm outer appearance, Aya smiled up at her brother and grasped his hand. At least Ran would be near her. And as long as he was near, nothing bad could happen. She was sure of it.

Finally they arrived at their family's area. As a few familiar slaves hurried by, Aya smiled and waved, feeling her spirits lift. Ran ushered her through the curtains and onto the balcony while he himself continued on down the hall. No matter how nice and caring he was, there was always something about her brother that scared Aya. With a sigh, Aya fell on to one of the nearby chairs. Although she hadn't looked, she could tell the stadium was nearly full just by the noise of the crowd. All these people came just to watch others die? People, Aya thought, are sick.

Behind her, the curtains shuffled slightly as someone walked through. Not bothering to look up, she was surprised when a pair of hands covered her eyes. She raised her own, small hands to grasp at those holding her. Panic flared inside her for just a moment before a calm, flirtatious voice rose above the noise of the crowd.

"And who do we have here?" Smiling, Aya pulled out of the person's grasp and turned on her knees to find Youji behind her.

"Youji!" she cried, flinging her arms around the blonde's neck. Youji returned the embrace, chuckling softly.

"And who else would it be? I didn't think you'd ever come here, Aya." A frown replaced the smile on the girl's face as she pulled away.

"I didn't really want to. But, Ran's been so busy lately that I haven't had a chance to be with him. So I came with him today." Aya bit her lip and hung her head as if she were ashamed of her actions. A calloused hand cupped her cheek, tilting her face upwards. She looked into Youji's eyes for a moment, a slight blush spreading across her cheeks.

"I understand. You're quite mature for your age. Most girls probably would have thrown a fit. And with Ran, you know all you needed to do was look a little sad. He would agree to anything to keep his sister happy." Aya laughed merrily as Youji chatted with her for a bit. Both quieted as they felt Ran's presence nearby. Youji turned and regarded with friend with a smile, the twinkle that his eye had held for Aya gone, "Ran, good to see ya."

"Likewise." With a grace all his own, the red head sat in his chair and cocked his head in Youji's direction, "Would you like to have a seat?"

The coldness in his voice and demeanor were not unnoticed by Youji as he took the seat Ran had motioned too. The one furthest from Aya. Before any conversation could be started, the gates below them opened and new gladiators stepped out. Youji watched with rapt interest as his own man took the field; however, he also noticed Ran's interest pique as well as how Aya took to talking to one of the nearby slaves. She shouldn't have come, even if she wanted to spend time with her brother. It was a good match, filled with enough gore and blood to please the masses. Once again, Ken had put on a great show. Youji partook of the wine his friend had available before settling down into his chair.

"He's come quite a long way. One of the people's favorites these days. Even you have to see that, Ran." The blonde took a long sip from his glass, his eyes flicking over to Aya for a second before focusing on Ran once more.

"Yes, he is becoming quite popular." Youji nearly choked on his drink, amazed that the aristocrat had agreed with him. Aya hid a smile behind her hand, "It makes me wonder. Does he have any....female admirers?"

Blushing brightly, Aya turned her head away, once more taking refuge in conversing with a slave. Youji glanced at her, confused by her actions. Was he mistaken and Ran was only interested in Ken because of Aya? For some reason, that thought hurt. More than he would've cared to admit. But the girl didn't seem to be interested in their conversation. Clearing his throat, the trainer contemplated what to do.

"Well....I haven't heard or seen of anyone interested in him. Other than in the arena, that is. While he seems to be drawing the crowds attention, he doesn't seem to have caught anyone's real interest." There was a heavy pause while Ran thought this over. Picking up his glass, the red head swirled the drink for a moment before taking a sip.

"Hn." was all he said in response. Without another word, Ran left his friend and sister, his robes flowing behind him. Aya snuck a glance at Ran as he left, then looked towards Youji. The blonde just sat there, slightly confused by Ran's actions. Finally, he looked up and caught Aya's eye. He could see the worry she felt for her brother. Breaking the girl's gaze, Youji turned his attention to the doorway as if expecting Ran to still be there. No matter what he tried to tell himself, he couldn't stop from feeling as if things had gone from bad to worse.

******

Limping, Ken walked under the gateway and into the dark hallways. It only took a moment for him to spot Omi, giving the boy a reassuring smile as he walked toward the blonde. He was very happy that Omi was waiting for him; the feeling that the slave would disappear for another week always haunting him. But also, lurking under that worry was another feeling he had yet to understand. Whatever it was, though, it always increased when the younger boy was near. They never spoke right away. Talking always waited until after Ken was looked over and bandaged; it was a pattern he had come to respect. They were once again able to find a clear spot towards the back of the room. Omi propped up Ken's leg as he began to clean off the blood.

The odd peace that they shared during this moment was broken by the appearance of a red haired man. Ken noticed Omi stiffen beside him and felt a surge of protectiveness. Whoever this man was, Omi obviously didn't like being around and Ken would make sure the boy was safe. Glancing down at Omi, the gladiator missed the man's eyes narrow as he motioned for Omi to leave. This time, however, the slave refused, feeling a little more confident because of Ken's presence.

"I need to finish bandaging him, sir." Omi's eyes quickly moved between the red head and Ken's wound, not staying on either long. To keep from looking at the man again, he began to grind a paste together. Ran stiffened noticeably at being refused but ignored the slave as he looked at Ken. He took a moment to admire the gladiator, the scars the boy wore catching his interest slightly. The brunette was even more admirable up close. Ken cleared his throat loudly to get the aristocrat's attention.

"You fought well, again." Ran began, his eyes still traveling over Ken, "I believe you will do great things once you are out of the arena." Ken blushed from the compliments, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. He scratched his head, fidgeting under the intense stare.

"Ya think so? I'm just worried bout livin' that long." Was the somber reply. Ran didn't miss the glance that Ken threw Omi. His eyes narrowed as he watched Omi cover the gladiator's wound, giving the brunette a small smile.

"I would like to talk to you a little more....privately. If you wouldn't mind." He lowered his voice, hoping Ken might catch the significance; hoping that he would leave the slave and talk to him more.

"I'm sorry. I'm kinda tired and hungry. If you don't mind, maybe some other time?" Ken either didn't understand or simply didn't want to be around Ran. Either way, the red head was not happy. With a strained smile the man nodded to Ken, still ignoring Omi.

"Yes, maybe some other time. I wish you luck in your next fight then." Omi sighed with relief as Ran left, his hands faltering slightly. Ken looked down at his friend and smiled. As he thought about Omi's actions, the smile was quickly replaced by a frown. Whatever was going on between that man and Omi, he wouldn't allow his friend to be hurt. Unconsciously, Ken placed a hand on Omi's back in a protective manner.

"Done." Omi announced, sitting back on his heels, "It should heal quickly. It wasn't that bad of a cut." The smile Omi gave him was enough to strengthen Ken's resolve. No one would hurt the boy as long as he was around. That train of thought was soon chased out of his head as his hunger became more evident. Laughing, Ken ruffled Omi's hair.

"How bout getting some food?" Omi smiled at him once more before helping him stand. Ken felt his heart skip a few beats as he looked at Omi once more. He wouldn't allow anyone to hurt the boy. Even if it meant his life.