Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ To Fight for Life and Love ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

Cheers and chants rose from the streets as soldiers made their way through the city. Wives, girlfriends and lovers were rushing through the ranks looking for their men. It had been a long battle, but they had finally won. Everyone was giddy with relief and success. A festival must be held. A celebration of their victory and the return of the men. It would be a time to be remembered by all. Thousands of animals were killed for the feasts that would take place; wine was sold by the casket. And, of course, there were the games to prepare. It would be held for days, weeks even, if needs be. Man verses man, man verses beast, even beast verses beast. There would be something for everyone. As the week wore by, one school after another sent their best fighters to the arena. People flocked from all around to look at the men, betting on the winners and wondering who would survive.

Omi nearly clung to Ken as they were herded through the crowd. The older boy kept a protective arm around the blonde as they were pushed around, glaring and snarling at anyone that touched him. There were so many people around just leering at them, pointing and making comments behind their hands to their neighbors. Omi had never felt so degraded and humiliated in his life. This was something beyond his experience; but Ken's presence helped calm him. Over the past few weeks, the brunette had gone to extremes to keep Omi safe. It was annoying, to an extent, but comforting nonetheless. No one had ever really cared about what happened to him and now he suddenly had one of the best gladiators around acting as his body guard. It was quite an honor.

When they finally reached their destination, Omi couldn't have been happier to see the dark stones or smell the stench of death and blood. At least those people wouldn't follow them down here. As horrible and ironic as it seemed, Omi felt safe in the arena walls. Ken's hold on him, however, had not lessened one bit, though he hardly minded. Tightening his own hold on the gladiator's tunic, Omi smiled up at his friend as they walked on. Here, he felt safe.

It wasn't long before the games began. There wasn't much to do other than wait, so wait was what they did. Every now and then, the two were able to find an empty corner or room and just rest, sometimes talking, sometimes taking comfort in the other's presence. They were inseperable. But, it all had to come to an end at some point. Ken was finally summoned to fight and with great reluctance he picked up his sword and armor.

"I'll be waiting for you by the gate. I promise." Omi reassured him as he helped Ken fix his shoulder plate.

"You won't leave the gate? You promise you won't?" Even as he was walking away, Ken tried to make sure Omi would remain safe. He wanted the boy where he could see him. Rolling his eyes, Omi shoved Ken down the hall.

"I promise. Next you'll be wanting a kiss goodbye or something. Now go and stay safe." With those parting words, Ken walked out of the gate and into the arena. He only hoped that the bright blush he felt on his cheeks wouldn't be visible. Omi kiss him? That idea did not have an effect on him. Then again, there was that dream. Or more like those dreams, but....No! He wasn't going to think of that. Daring to take one last look at the gate, Ken saw Omi watching him intently. Blushing once more, he turned around to face his oppenent.

The fight began in an instant. Ken barely had time to draw his sword before the other gladiator was on him. Clumsily blocking the sword coming at him, Ken stumbled backwards a few steps nearly tripping. He pivoted on his heels to gain some space between him and the other boy. The crowd, still excited from the last fight, eagerly waited the next death. Their cries felt distant to Ken, however, as he concentrated on the boy before him. Ken waited for his opponent to turn around keeping low to the ground. With jerky motions, the smaller boy did so. Even from a distance, Ken could see his eyes were wide from fear. The boy's breath was quick and ragid, his sword trembling slightly in his hands.

It's his first fight, Ken thought sadly as he watched. First fight or not, Ken either had to kill him or be killed. And since he had no intention to die that day it seemed that he had to kill the boy. Gripping his sword, Ken cautiously approached the other gladiator. Fear didn't immobilize the boy and with a hoarse cry, he charged at Ken again. Once more taken off guard, Ken broght his sword up to block the blade as he turned. He grunted as he felt the metal cut his arm. Some distant part of his mind cursed him for getting wounded and giving Omi work to do. Unlike other gladiators, Ken's new opponent didn't seem to like the sight of blood at all. The boy froze on the spot, staring at the cut on Ken's arm. Steeling his resolve Ken approached the boy, his sword kept low.

"I'm sorry." Was all Ken could think to tell the boy at the moment. Wide eyes looked up at him as Ken drew closer, fear nearly radiating off the small fighter. Closing his eyes, Ken gripped his sword more tightly before running it through his opponent. He heard a soft cry as the boy fell. Not wanting to look, Ken turned away from the sight before seeking out the gate and Omi.

******

"You didn't have a choice, Ken." Omi had finished looking over Ken's wound and was now trying to console his friend, "He would've killed you. And look at it this way, at least he didn't go up against one of the lions they have. That would've been worse for him, right?"

Omi shuddered as he remembered the cries of agony that had traveled down the halls as some of the men were forced to fight the animals. Ken nodded solemnly. It worried Omi to see him so torn up, so, without thinking, Omi wrapped his arms around the older boy. That certainly broke Ken's reverie. He started slightly as he felt Omi's arms around him, but soon relaxed into the hold. It felt so good to be held by the blonde, almost too good. But at the moment, Ken didn't care.

He didn't know what made him look up, but he was thankful he did. At that moment, a familiar red head descended into the gladiator's quarters and began making it's way through the crowd. Not wanting to alarm Omi, Ken shifted out of the embrace while holding the boy's hand. At Omi's questioning look, he just smiled and tugged the blonde's hand forcing him to stand up. Keeping one eye on Ran Ken made his way through the crowd, pulling Omi after him. Thankfully Omi hadn't seen the aristocrat and followed Ken willingly, even laughing softly as they hurried past people. Still smiling, Ken looked back at Omi, quickly glancing around for any sight of the red headed aristocrat. He felt rather than saw the man at first; his eyes straying back to where he and Omi had just been, Ken found Ran looking at them. Tightening his hold on Omi's hand, Ken took them further into the crowd before finally disappearing from sight.

******

Growling under his breath, Ran watched the two boy's get away. Angered by their actions, and blaming them on the slave, Ran turned around sharply, not noticing the slight woman behind him and ran right into her. Not giving an apology, he stalked out of the room. The red haired woman watched the aristocrat leave, her eyes narrowing in suspicion before she resumed her work.

******

Patiently waiting his friend's return, Youji wandered around the balcony. He had noticed Ran slip away as soon as Ken's fight had finished and had no doubt as to where he went. No matter what the younger man said about only being interested in getting to know a gladiator, Youji knew that there were alterior motives to Ran's reasoning. He could only hope that everything ran a smooth course or Ran would loose interest. His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by his friend's quick return. Youji could sense the irritation Ran was hiding and wisely kept his mouth shut. In an attempt to soothe his friend, the blonde offered Ran a glass of wine while also pouring one for himself. Maybe things wouldn't go smoothly after all.

******

Even if most of the city was celebrating the recent victory, the gladiators and slaves occupying the arena felt no need to join in the festivites. So, it wasn't a surprise to find the halls and rooms under the arena empty and quiet. It was a surprise to Ken, however, when he was suddenly woken up, a hand clasped tightly over his mouth. His instincts told him to fight back but they were quickly subdued when a familiar blonde head popped into view. His heart twisted oddly and he was quite aware of Omi's hand on his mouth. There was an odd sparkle in the boy's eyes that brighted them considerably. Confused, Ken waited for an explanation. Omi just raised one finger to his mouth motioning for Ken to be silent. Ken nodded his agreement.

Omi removed his hand and Ken found himself missing the contact; only to nearly jump for joy when the boy grasped his hand. Ken allowed Omi to lead him through halls and empty rooms, too giddy to ask questions. The few torches still lit offered enough light for them to move with ease while still keeping them hidden fairly well. They paused for a moment as Omi looked around the corner for any prying eyes. Just as they were about to move, the soft sound of feet hitting stone drifted down the hall. Ken looked at Omi as the boy frantically searched the hall they were in. He nearly fell as the boy suddenly pulled his arm, forcing him to run. They slide into a small opening in the rock that offered just enough room for the two of them. Seconds passed as they waited, the sound of footsteps getting closer then slowly fading away. In the back of his mind Ken cursed the noise for leaving giving them the chance to move.

They continued on their way, dodging the odd slave and guard every now and then. Ken was quite happy whenever they had to hide; he had discovered that he liked the feelig of Omi pressed against him. Finally, Omi stopped and let go of the gladiator's hand. Ken watched as the slave walked out slightly, crouching low to the ground before motioning to him. Shrugging, Ken followed Omi's lead. He tried to remember where they went; right down an alleyway, left through a wide street, but after awhile, everything began to look the same. After a few minutes of wandering around the town they ended up on the edge of a forest. Looking back to give Ken a mischievous smile, Omi entered the wooded area.

"Omi!" Ken cried softly as he took off after his friend. Giggling, Omi dodged in and out of the trees all the while making sure Ken didn't lose sight of him. Ken didn't know what to think of Omi's behavior as he stumbled over a tree root. He had never seen the boy act so carefree. But he certainly liked the change, "Omi!" he called out a little louder.

Omi appeared before him instantly, a wide smile plastered on his face. Still giggling, he took the brunette's hand once more and pulled him along.

"Come'on." he urged Ken on. Not at all reluctant, Ken followed Omi. He was sure his jaw must have hit the ground. As they came to a clearing, Ken noticed a giant fire in the middle. Around it were probably a hundred or more people all shabbily dressed. People were dancing all around, some playing instruments, other drinking heartily from their glasses. Children chased each other around the circle while their mother's scolded them from afar. Laughing once more, Omi squeezed Ken's hand and pulled him out into the clearing.

"Omi!" he heard a few people greet his friend. The boy smiled and waved at everyone he passed, exchanging greetings with some. Ken knew people were pointing at him, trying to figure out who he was, but at the moment, he didn't care. He hadn't seen a sight like this in years. It was enough to make him homesick, "Omi! Who's your friend?"

"Chan! Where have you been?" A tall boy with raven black hair suddenly appeared next to them surprising Ken. The boy, Chan, shrugged carelessly while eyeing Ken.

"Around. But I could ask you the same thing. Haven't seen you in a few months. What's kept you away? And who's he?"

"This is my friend Ken. He's one of the gladiators at my master's school." Omi swung their clasped hands as he spoke. Ken looked around at the rest of their surroundings but could still feel Chan's gaze on him, "Ahhhh, I see. Well, it's good to see you again, Omi."

As the boy disppeared into the crowd, Ken let out an audible sigh of relief. Omi giggled and nudged the brunette's side playfully, "You don't have to worry so much. Chan just doesn't like new people that much. But don't worry; everyone will like you fine."

Ken was about to reply when a high-pitched voice cried out.

"Omi!!!" Not a second later, a small, blonde haired body jumped on to the slave. With a slight wince, Omi wrapped his arms around the bundle before laughing merrily, "Omi, Omi! Where were you? You didn't dance with me last time! You promised."

Wide, round eyes were turned up to look at Omi in childish anger. Omi patted the girl's back before placing her back on the ground.

"Sorry, Perdita. Some things came up. But, I will dance with you tonight to make up for it." A smile broke out on the child's face as she grabbed Omi's arm and proceeded to pull him in to the crowd. Ken stood still, bewildered by the past few events. He watched as his friend was pulled away quite willingly and suddenly felt lost. All around him were people he didn't know, his one friend gone and probably already forgotten about him. Ken quickly edged his way to the edge of the crowd looking for somewhere to sit. Music and chatter filled the air, making Ken want feel at ease.

On the other side of the fire, he could just make out Omi; his eyes shining brightly as he danced with the small girl. Smiling at the image, Ken watched his friend for awhile. It was amazing what coming here had done to the boy; Ken couldn't remember the last time he had seen the blonde so happy and, for some odd reason, it made his heart ache. His attention was pulled away from Omi for a moment as one of the girl's dancing bumped into him clumsily. She offered a half-apology before running back to her partner. Not feeling the least bit perturbed, Ken allowed his gaze to wander again and once more found himself watching his friend.

Ken was transfixed by the sight Omi made. The boy moved with a grace that he had never seen before and that no one else could match. Simply put, Omi was beautiful. Ken soon found himself wanting to join in. The flames of the fire leapt higher for a moment making Ken blink. As the flames calmed down, the brunette found himself looking straight into Omi's eyes. His heart jumped a beat as he continued to stare. He could tell the boy was flushed from dancing, his hair was disheveled and he was breathing hard. They continued to stare at each other as other people danced by. Omi smiled at his friend, waving him over, but Ken's body refused to act. He nearly screamed, however, when a large group passed in front of him, blocking Omi from his view.

Jumping up, Ken looked across the fire to see that Omi was gone. His eyes quickly scanned the area in search for the boy. He had to see Omi again. No, he wanted to see him again. But people were everywhere. They were blocking his view of certain areas and every time he saw a blonde head, he thought it was Omi. He didn't notice when the boy he was seeking stepped up beside him. Nor did he noticed when said boy reached called his name. He did notice when Omi reached out and grabbed his arm. Jumping back in shock, Ken tripped over the log he had been sitting on and landed on the ground. Dazed, he stared up at the sky, Omi's face popping into view a moment later.

"Ken!" he cried out, "Are you okay? I'm sorry!"

"I'm fine, I'm fine." Ken reassured as he stood up, rubbing his back. He nearly tripped again when he felt Omi's hands run down his back, searching for anything broken.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah...quite sure." Ken croaked out breathlessly. Letting out a sigh of relief, Omi smiled up at the brunette before taking hold of his hand.

"Then come on!" They ran past people in a hurry as Omi pulled his friend along. Ken found himself easily getting caught up in the boy's cheerfulness and chased after him. Finally stopping before the fire, Omi turned to look at Ken, not letting go of the other's hand. As Ken listend to the music and watched the people around him, he noticed that Omi seemed to be waiting for something. Before he had time to wonder what it was he was pulled away as Omi began to move to the music, weaving in and out among the other dancers.

For all the complexity of the moves, Omi made everything look so easy. At first, Ken felt very stiff with the moves worried about ruining the show Omi was able to put on. But with time, he soon shed his stiffness and danced the best he could. Even if he didn't have the same grace Omi did, he could at least dance with the same enthusiasm. And dance he did. He loved the way Omi looked at him, smiling as he caught on to steps and synched up with him. Loved the way their hands meet and held each other; and he definitely loved the way Omi felt against his side when they meet for a few, brief seconds. Whenever they parted during the dance, he found he missed the contact only to have his heart flutter when they touched again. As the night wore on and Omi continued to dance with him, Ken realized that he simply loved everything about Omi. The way he smiled, the way he laughed, even the way he criticized Ken for acting too rash. He loved the way Omi's eyes darkened with concentraion and the way his whole face lit up when he smiled.

As the night wore on and the peasant party grew louder and louder, Ken found himself wrapped up in just being with Omi and was glad to discover that the other people were leaving them along. He didn't want to share his friend with anyone else. He didn't care if he was being selfish or unconsiderate; Omi was his for the moment, and he wasn't willing to let him go.

'But, why?' he thought as the beat picked up. Omi was breathing hard but wasn't showing any sign of stopping any time soon, 'Why do I want to be with him so much? Why do I care? Maybe, maybe there's something more; something that I haven't noticed yet. But what?'

As the song ended Omi fell into Ken's arms, laughing and clinging to his friend. Ken returned the light embrace and laughter, enjoying the feeling of Omi pressed against him, feeling the boy's heart racing from the exercise. It was only when Omi pulled away, leaving Ken feeling cold and alone despite the fire and number of people that he understood. He watched Omi through new eyes as he began to dance again, automatically pulling Ken along with him. Everything had been pointing to this all along and he had just been too blind to notice. The firelight bounced off Omi's hair adding an allure to his presence, while also making Ken's blood run hotter. The brunette watched as the slave turned and dipped to the music, feeling oddly possessive of the boy. Everything had pointed to his falling in love with Omi...and he had only now just realized it.

******

"You're joking!" Hardly anyone noticed the commotion from the blonde as he stood up furiously. He would have made a fairly more intimidating figure if he hadn't yawned at that moment, covering his mouth with his hand. Youji gave the slave a blank stare before continuing.

"It's not like there's another choice. All my other gladiators are laid up wounded and I need someone to fight. He's the only choice; plus, it'll make them happy." he motioned with his head to the walls which separated them from the public. Ken just watched the scene bemused. He didn't really see what the big deal about fighting again was, but the way Omi had jumped to his protection at the mere thought of Ken out there again, well, it made Ken's chest tighten in an undefinable way.

"I'm not letting him go!" Omi wanted to cry from frustration. This wasn't supposed to happen; Ken was only supposed to fight once every game. He wasn't allowed two chances to lose his friend. Shaking the tears from his eyes, Omi continued, "He's only supposed to fight once. What if he dies out there? It wouldn't have happened if he hadn't fought when he wasn't supposed. Death isn't allowed two chances."

Youji stood silently before the boy. There was nothing he could say or do to comfort him, but he had no choice. His school needed to fight and Ken was the only available gladiator. Finally the object of their argument stood up and took the crying slave in his arms. He gave Youji a nod of consent as he led Omi away, most likely to calm him down. Scratching his head in relief and amazement, Youji turned and left. Ran was still attending the games so that most likely meant Aya was there as well. A bounce entered the ex-gladiators step as he continued down the hall.

A loud, agony filled 'you can't' bounced off the walls reminding Youji of what he left behind.

******

"I have to Omi. If I don't fight, who will? You can't expect one of them to." he motioned to one of the injured fighters while making his point, "And I've always come out of other fights. Why should this be any different?" Nudging the young blonde's head up, he gave Omi a quirky smile hoping to ease the boy's worry.

"It's not fair." Omi turned his head away, hiding his eyes behind his long bangs, "What if this time is different? What if you don't make it? What if you get injured and I can't heal you?! That shouldn't happen twice!"

Omi shook with emotion as they silently stood together. The hall seemed incredibly empty although it was nearly packed. Nothing mattered more at the moment than making Omi feel better. Forlorn, Ken watched Omi turn away and hold himself, trying to derive comfort from his own arms. Instinctively, Ken stepped forward and wrapped his arms around the smaller boy. Omi stiffened for the slightest of moments reminding Ken once again of how far they had come.

"I promise you," he whispered into Omi's ear making the boy shiver, "I will make it back alive."

With a lip held between his teeth, Omi turned around and stared in to Ken's eyes as if verifying his words. With a slight nod, he agreed before burying his head in Ken's chest, his arms wrapping around the brunette. It was enough.

******

Everything was unreasonably calm at the moment. The crowd was nearly silent as they awaited the next match lending an eery feeling to the atmosphere. The sun blazed with unwavering intensity upon the crowd making the arena seem more enclosed and unwelcome. Ran ignored everything as he patiently waited for the gate across him to open. His eyes remained glued to the metal barrier as if his will alone would make it move. Aya sat beside him uneasily, glancing over her shoulder every now and then. Her every attempt at making conversation with her brother had ended badly making her wish more than ever that she hadn't come to the games. It was an intense moment that was suddenly broken by the jovial voice of Youji.

"What do we have here? Is Aya still sticking out the games for her brother's less than enthusiastic companionship?" He winked at the girl as he took a seat, propping his legs up on the arm of the chair. Aya giggled behind her hand feeling immensely relieved by their friend's appearance. Ran's gaze did not waver, however.

"Where did you go?" he asked. Youji shrugged before reaching for some food.

"Arranging the next match. I was out of gladiators and had to ask one of them to fight a second time."

"Did you have to?" Aya spoke up, the regret Youji was hiding from doing the task showing through her eyes. Swallowing, he nodded before adverting his eyes once more, "You up to seeing another game?" he let the question hang in the air for either sibling to answer.

"Hn." was Ran's reply, his gaze unbroken. Aya gave him an uneasy smile while clapping her hands together in false joy, "Well, I'm finding that I don't mind them as much as I used to. And it gives me a chance to spend time with two of the best men in Rome."

Youji admired the girl's courage and resilience. It was hard to find anyone so giving; he only hoped this experience wouldn't change her.

"Who did you ask?"

"Eh? Ask what?" Shaken from his musings, Youji could only stare at the red head in confusion.

"Who did you ask to fight?" Of course he would want to know. Youji waved his hand in the air, dismissing the question.

"One of the unhurt gladiators. It took me a while to find one, and then a longer time to convince one to fight again. I'm sure you'll understand if I don't remember who agreed." It was a lie, but Youji was unwilling to part with the knowledge that Ken was fighting again.

"Well, we'll soon see. Won't we." As the words left Ran's mouth, the gates finally opened drawing a loud cheer from the crowd. The game had begun.

******

Ken fidgeted nervously with his armor as he entered the arena. He had to make sure he came out of this alive; Omi would never forgive himself if Ken died now. And Ken would never forgive himself either. He would be letting Omi down if he lost. A quick glance around the arena showed Ken that it was packed. People were everywhere, some nearly falling over the walls. And, as usual, above the crowd on their own balconies were the aristocrats. Ken was able to spot the red head that had been visiting him the past few weeks. He blushed darkly as he thought of the man. The aristocrat made him nervous and flustered for some reason. He couldn't exactly think straight when the man was around and he didn't like it. It wasn't like the easy rapport he had with Omi nor the comraderie Youji offered. It was something different and it threw him off.

His attention was finally drawn to the man facing him as they drew their weapons. Unconsciously, Ken sized him up. The man was of the same build he was, not big but by no means small and weak either. He held his weapon with great ease and familiarity so he had probably been fighting for a while now, one way or another. His stance was also tense yet calm which also added to the idea that he had fought before. Pushing back his doubts, Ken faced his new opponent with the same mentality that he had with his previous fights; this man was no better than he and he was not going to lose to him. Especially since he had promised Omi now. Shaking his head, Ken pushed back that thought as well. Thinking of the boy would do him no good now. It would only distract him; to a greater degree now that he had come to grips with the fact that he loved Omi.

Letting his own weapon trail behind him, Ken circled his target.

******

Why had he let Ken go? Why hadn't he fought harder? It wasn't fair that he had to fight again. There had to be other gladiators available, someone that could've taken the risk instead of Ken. It wasn't fair. Death shouldn't get a second chance. Especially not now. Forcing back his tears, Omi gripped the metal gate to keep steady. He silently prayed to every god and goddess that he could think of to keep Ken safe. If the gladiator made it out of the fight alive, Omi swore he would kill him himself. He shouldn't make Omi worry so much; shouldn't let there be another chance where he could be taken out of the slave's life. It wasn't fair.

Omi's grip on the bars tightened considerably as the fight began. It was fascinating in a horrible way; drew your attention to it even if you didn't want to watch. Shaking with every breath he took, Omi watched. It was stupid to worry, part of his mind told him. Ken was an excellent fighter and wouldn't die out there. But still....Omi didn't notice the pain in his hands as blood slowly slid down the bars he was gripping. Ken would be alright, he chanted over and over in his mind.

******

Out of the corner of his eye, Youji watched Ran as the fight progressed. He had never before noticed how enrapt the aristocrat would become during a fight. But, he told himself, you never watched him before. Something about Ran's behavior, however, made Youji more attentive to his friend. Every instinct in his body told Youji that something was wrong and whatever lay ahead was dangerous. Throwing Aya a brief glance, Youji only hoped that the girl would make it through the future unharmed. He would never forgive himself if something happened to her.

******

The first strike was quick and over before the audience knew what was happening. Ken blocked the blows easily, backing off to gain more room as his opponent fell back. Dark eyes darted around the arena, looking for the best area to fight. Ken didn't get much rest as hardly a second later, his opponent flung himself at Ken once more, sword raised partway as he charged in low. Again, Ken blocked the blows but didn't return them. After a few more attacks from the gladiator, Ken returned some of the blows he received with some of his own. There was a gleam in the other man's eye as Ken finally began to fight back.

Yells and jeers could be heard from the crowd as Ken allowed himself to be backed into the wall. This was not one of his better performances and the people were not happy. Growling, Ken raised his sword and slid along the wall while looking for a way past his opponent. The other man wouldn't let Ken have his way and continued to follow him, slashing at Ken every few minutes. The moves were blocked easily but kept Ken pinned to a small area.

"Charge him low! Keep your sword at him!" The voice rang out above the crowd. Not risking a look at the person, Ken followed the advice and charged his opponent. The man was caught off guard and barely jumped out of the way, Ken's blade barely cutting him. Now free of the wall, Ken attacked the other gladiator more willingly than before. They fought quick and hard barely leaving the other a moments rest before attacking again. The crowd delighted in the action, calling for more. Ken was finally able to trap the other man, cutting into his leg deeply. The man fell on his knees with blood pouring onto the ground. As Ken stood above him, he raised a finger in the air, hailing the crowd for his life. They waited for an eternal moment, both holding their breaths as the crowd decided.

It started slowly, on one side of the stadium and working its way around. Nearly every person, it seemed, agreed to the man's fate. Palms faced down, thumbs tucked in; the gladiator's life was spared.

******

"An interesting fight." Youji waved off the remark flippidly.

"He probably just didn't want to fight again. It's sometimes just a matter of will; that's all. It has nothing to do with his ability. And he did win, by the way." Downing the rest of his drink in one gulp, Youji stood and bowed to his host, "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have some business to take care of."

Aya watched as the blonde man disappeared through the doorway. With a heavy sigh, she turned back around to her brother only to find the red head rising from his chair.

"Ran...?"

"I'll be back shortly." Again, Aya watched as the man disappeared, feeling very lonely and isolated on the balcony. Barely a moment after her brother left, Aya rose and sought out some of the slaves. Even if they were just slaves, they seemed to provide better company than her brother did at the moment.

******

Ken hopped impatiently from foot to foot as the slaves took of his armor. They sure seemed to be taking their damned time about it this time and he wasn't even hurt. His eyes scanned the area before him, searching out his love. Ht blushed at that thought and hoped that it didn't show. Admitting that he loved Omi had seemed natural enough; but now, actually thinking about it seemed odd, wrong even. What if Omi didn't feel the same? It had taken the blonde a long time to actually warm up to being his friend, so what would he do if Ken tried to go further? Would he reject him? Become disgusted and demand that he never help Ken again? Ken froze; what if he thought that was the reason Youji had placed him under Ken's care? What if he acted just as tense around Ken as he did around that red head.

Not wanting to let these thoughts worry him, Ken shook his head and turned his attention back to the slaves helping him. He watched as they unhooked the latches of his armor, wondering why he couldn't do it himself. It was then that he noticed how one of the girls helping was holding her arm. He watched her a little longer and noticed that she wasn't using it at all, which was making her quite slow. Her other hand trembled as she fumbled with the straps. But it was more than just her arm that worried Ken. She had bruises on her arms and legs that Ken had remembered seeing on Omi. As the last piece of armor fell, the brunette turned to the girl to demand some answers. He was stopped, however, when a familiar deep voice rose above the crowd.

"You were holding back. Why now? Were you that worried about your opposition?" Turning, Ken found himself facing Ran once more. Holding back a sigh of irritation, at having the girl escape him and at having to face the man once more, Ken shrugged slightly.

"I dunno. Just a little cautious this time, I guess."

"You would have lost if Youji's man hadn't told you what to do." Ran pressed.

"Maybe." Ken returned defensively, "And so what? If I lost, I woulda been saved by the crowd just as he was." Ken didn't want to admit that he didn't know about the finger trick; but it was certainly one he'd remember.

"I still believe you were lucky."

"Ya just come here to make fun of me?!" Ken was hopping from foot to foot again, eager to get away. Ran just smiled and spread his hands out in a gesture of peace.

"I am sorry to have upset you. It was not my intention. I merely wanted to talk with you." Eyeing the aristocrat warily, Ken settled down a little, "Yeah, well...." What exactly was he supposed to tell this man?

Before another word passed between them, Ken turned his head as he caught some motion out of the corner of his eye. Ran watched as the gladiator's eyes brightened and a smile tugged at his lips. Casually, he followed the boy's glance. Once again, he felt hatred and envy well up in him as he watched a small blonde slave make his way through the crowd. It was obvious the boy was worried and making his way to the gate. Not willing to lose his time with Ken, Ran turned back around with the intention of leading the brunette away. Hurt washed over him for a moment as he noticed that Ken had already moved to intercept Omi. In fact, Ken had already reached the boy by the time Ran found him again.

"Ken!!!" the boy wailed as he was picked up by the waist, "Let me go!!! Ken!!!" the relief in his voice was noticeable, however, and it was clear that the boy didn't mean what he said. Small fists pounded on Ken's broad shoulders as he tightened his grip on the boy. Ran watched, transfixed by the way Ken's eyes had lit up and how at ease he was. He wanted to make the gladiator feel that way. He wanted the boy to notice him and not that slave; to come to him when he was happy or sad. Plain out, Ran just wanted Ken.

Omi, blushing brightly and still pounding on Ken, was laughing along with his friend. No one else seemed to really notice the interaction between the two. They were given a few annoyed glances or catcalls, but other than that, no one else was bothered by their display. No one noticed as Ran disappeared into the crowd, an intense look of anger and planning on his face. And no one noticed...no one except Youji.

******

How was he supposed to talk to Ran about this? It wasn't everyday you told an aristocrat they couldn't have something. Hell, you never told them that. And yet, as Youji climbed the stairs back to Ran's balcony, he was intending to do just that. He had yet to actually come up with a good reason for doing so, though. Ran wouldn't accept it if Youji just said that it was wrong for him to go after the fighter and all his instincts agreed with him. He would just receive the regular 'Hn' and be brushed aside. So, he would have to reason with the red head in some way. Make him *see* reason.

"Yeah, good luck with that." Youji muttered as he walked onto the balcony.

"What was that?" Dammit, he had to be more careful about where and when he spoke to himself. Smiling at Aya, Youji winked and bowed to her.

"I was just commenting on the lovely sight you made, wishing I could paint a portrait of you." Aya giggled at the compliment while Ran just growled softly from his seat. Youji nearly fell over at the glare he received, "But, seeing as I can't paint, I'll just have to do with the memory."

He was quick to sit down, as far away from the coal haired girl as possible. It seemed to be enough to placate the protective side in Ran as he settled down and offered Youji some wine. Politely refusing, Youji decided it was best to get straight to business, "Ran, we need to talk."

Nodding his consent, Ran turned and dismissed Aya. Nearly jumping out of her seat, the girl complied. She paused at the curtains to look back at the two men before leaving once more.

"What is it?" Now that the time had come, Youji wished he hadn't gone through with it.

"Look, Ran. I've noticed you spending a lot of time around the gladiators lately." The red head nodded as he agreed, "And I've also noticed you spending a lot of time talking with Ken, my protege as you've called him. And well, I'm worried Ran. I'm worried that you're going after something that can't be yours. I'm worried that when you do try something, it won't turn out the way you'd like. And, most of all, I'm worried about the consequences."

Calmly drinking his wine, Ran waited until Youji had finished. Youji hated when his friend got like this; it really scared him. The crowd cheered below them as the games progressed, but it did nothing to cut the tension between the two men. Sweat beaded on Youji's forehead as the sun beat down intensely; it wasn't a very hot afternoon, but without the canvas over the arena the sun became very intense. Ran still sat there, gazing out over the arena solemnly.

"Why?" He asked finally, causing the blonde to sigh audibly.

"Because, Ran. You can be very dangerous. And as an aristocrat, you're used to getting what you want. And there are other reasons you shouldn't persue him. The other aristcrats won't like it..." Ran cut him off.

"But the people will. I will only gain favor with them."

"He could die any day in that ring..."

"I thought you had confidence in him. And he's lasted this long. A little longer and he'll be set free." Youji ground his teeth together to keep his anger from getting the better of him.

"Yes, and I agree. But that doesn't mean that he might not die. I've seen a number of great gladiators die in the arena because of a small mistake on either their part or someone elses. Death is always a possibility out there. Look, Ran. This time I'm going to have to step in and put an end to this obsession of yours. I can't allow you to see Ken anymore." Still, Ran gazed forward. His posture hadn't changed in the slightest but Youji could feel the irritation and tension radiating from the red head.

"You shouldn't worry over things that don't concern you. What I do is my business. And if it involves one of your gladiators, it's still my business. Don't forget who owns your school, Youji. You may run it and have freedom to do as you please, but it is still my family's school. Nothing will happen, I assure you."

With that, Ran stood and left the balcony, leaving Youji with his thoughts. The clanging of metal against metal roused him and he made his way to the edge of the balcony. He leaned over the side to get a better view of the fight, though it held no interest for him. He couldn't agree with his friend this time. Something would happen, though what it was was anyone's guess. Sighing heavily, Youji flung himself onto the chair Ran had just occupied. Only time would tell what would happen.