Breath of Fire: Brothers in All but Blood

by Blackshadow999

A normal story of heroes saving the world? Not really, World saving yes, but your normal kind of heroes, no. Follow Kai Bateson and the rest of the characters from Breath of Fire II on a journey that is out of the ordinary!

2. 2 Chaos at the Colosseum

A/n

Here's chapter 2 and like Chapter 1 I have done revisions. Again the fixing and adding more depth throughout the chapter.

Chapter 2: Chaos at the Coliseum!

We left Newhaven without many problems coming or going. Of course Ryu had to report the situation to Elder Allen of the guild, which I agreed was a good idea. Elder Allen I had learned was understanding and knew when it was best to keep his mouth shut to those in the town; specifically, the town guard. It isn't like I had anything against the town guard; I knew a couple of them on a more personal level and knew that many of the men that made up the guard were good guys. However, their leader was a bit quick at coming to conclusions. But the real reason I have an issue with the leader of Newhaven's guard is that he tends to listen to the preacher from that church that came here a couple of years ago… that church of St. Eva, I think it's called.

I have heard some things about the church of St. Eva while I was on assignments and it didn't sound bad, at least the teachings I have heard some of the 'believers' had said to me. I'm not one to be big on religion, I believe in the guidance of Landon and he has never led me wrong. It wasn't the belief that irked me; no, it was the actions of their leaders and preachers that had me watchful and wary of this Church of St. Eva. The preacher here, Father Luke; had tried to convince the town's people to destroy the dragon statue that is made for those that pray to Landon. And why? Was it because it was hurting anyone or effecting the lives of any townsfolk? Not in the slightest; no, it was because Father Luke said that the statue was an insult to their God; a crummy excuse if you ask me. Thank goodness most of the townspeople just ignored him; they had more common sense thankfully and so the statue was left alone, but the fact that he had tried to incense a riot all to get rid of a statue was ridiculous! It told me to be watchful and prepare for trouble that could come from them!

Anyways, Ryu and I got supplies; for me I got the rest of my equipment, including my armor and the rest of my weapons. I also decided to lock up my house so that none would have the temptation to make themselves at home in my home while I was out. After we had what we needed, Ryu and I started off on the journey towards Colossea. We went east and crossed the bridge and then headed the north for the majority of the day. Night was falling by the time we arrived at the city of Colossea or the 'city of the Coliseum' as it is also called. When we had arrived at Colossea; Ryu had stood and gaped at the sight of the coliseum. I glanced back at my brother and smiled a bit at seeing his face.

"I believe this is your first time seeing the coliseum in person, isn't it Ryu?"

Ryu didn't say anything as he apparently lost use of his voice, so he nodded instead. I waved him to follow me and so he did. I have to remind myself that Ryu hasn't traveled anywhere near as much as I have. I have seen much of the world, where my brother has been kept in the local area around Newhaven. As we made our way further into town, Ryu then found use of his voice.

"So, why are we here? I would doubt the thief is here."

I looked at Ryu for a moment, and then answered him.

"Colossea is a city that many people come to and through that come from lots of different places. There is a chance that one of them might have heard or seen someone that fits the description of the thief."

Ryu was slowly nodding, when I overheard someone ahead of us by the coliseum.

"Have you heard about the fighter girl that just got here a few weeks ago? She is supposed to be really good and a favorite in the betting. I'm in line to see her, but she is so popular, it's hard to get tickets to see her fights."

A new fighter? That's somewhat rare for new fighters to come here. As I recall Leon say to me last time I was here; new fighters are rare due to the fact that the veterans are very good. That's not to say new fights didn't come along every now and then; it just wasn't a common thing. I listened harder to hear what the people in front of the coliseum were saying.

"A girl is going to be in the fight but I don't know who she is. It's almost a guarantee that a girl who enters a show like this will be tough. So, I'm already her fan."

Okay that's nothing to remember; more likely just a guy that wants to see a girl fight. What a simple minded idiot.

"They say that the girl that is going to be in the fight is very strong and cute"

Well, I think we have heard all useful information that we can from those here just outside the coliseum. I looked back to Ryu and saw he was shaking his head at what these people were saying. I signaled him to follow me to the pub. And so we enter the pub and we took two chairs at an empty table. We were both listening to the talk of those here.

"The girl's opponent is a lumber jack from TagWoods named Baba, right? Weird name… He looks like a guy that wouldn't hesitate to fight with a girl."

Now that's nice to know; so this female fighter is going against a Lumber jack from the TagWoods. Nasty neighborhood the TagWoods are, makes me wonder what this guy is like. Leon had never mentioned anyone by the name of Baba that I know of.

"Because of the popularity of the fights in the arena; strange people have started coming to the show."

That's kind of worrisome to know. Strange people showing up; how strange I would ask. I turned to Ryu.

"Well Ryu, by the sound of it; there is a chance that we could get some information if we were able to talk to some that will be at this fight that will happen the day after tomorrow. Yet with all the tickets sold out that would be hard for us to get into the spectators' seats. It would be nice if one of us could be in the fight; it would be the other way we could get in. Then we could do some talking after the fight with the people there. But still getting into the fight would be kind of difficult."

"And how could we even get either of us into the fight? By what the people are saying, the opponent is set already."

I tried to think about how we could do what Ryu had asked. While I was thinking I heard the door of the bar opened and I glanced over at the door to see one of the heavy set members of the Shell clan. The Shell Clan were a race that resembled a pangolin-rhino cross type of idea. It was kind of rare to see them outside their homeland, let alone this far from it. The only reason I could come up with was needing work and the coliseum would fit their expertise. Not in the fighting arena mind you; the Shell clan are more the peace loving kind of folk.

This particular Shell clan member was wearing a purple shirt. He looked tired as he entered the pub. He went to the counter and sunk to one of the chairs. Well, if he works at the coliseum, then perhaps he could help us get in so we could talk to those watching the fight. I looked over at Ryu, giving him a look to stay put and I rose and went over to where the Shellman was sitting.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken?"

I was pointing to the chair next to him. He looked at me somewhat strangely, but shook his head and so I sat down next to him. I signaled the bartender over and when he came over he asked what he could get me.

"Well bartender, I would like to buy a drink for my drinking buddy here, I'll pay for it."

The Shellman looked shocked now at what I had just said. I just smiled at him in return. The guy ordered the drink and I paid the bill and as the Shellman drank the liquid in his glass he was just staring at me.

"What are you after?"

I looked him in the eye.

"Nothing really, you just looked like you could use a drink after a long day's hard work, I assume you work at the coliseum?"

He nodded still staring at me.

"My apologies, my name is Kai; Kai Bateson."

"I'm Rand Marks."

"I hear there is a fight going to happen day after tomorrow. There anyway to get a seat for it still?"

"No, all the tickets are sold out. If you must see the show, why don't you enter the fight? But the opponent in the debut competition is always Baba…"

I thanked Rand for the information and then made my way back to Ryu. When I had sat down I told him of what I had learned about the fight and its participant.

"So if we could get something of this Baba's one of us could pose as him and be in the fight?"

I nodded.

"That's the simple truth of the matter, though you would have to be the one to pose as Baba, not me."

"Why?"

I stared at Ryu for a moment and then answered him as if the answer should have been obvious.

"I can't as I have become fairly well known from my travels around the world. There are quite a few on the staff at the coliseum that know my face and so would instantly know I wasn't Baba."

"Oh… right."

I leaned back in my chair.

"And while you go fetch the item; I will stay here and see what I can find out about our quarry and the fight you're going to be in."

Ryu ended up agreeing with my view and said that it was the best way to get this done. So Ryu started off right then and there in the dead of night to the TagWoods to find Baba and get something that would have Ryu be seen as Baba. I on the other hand went to the inn and went to bed so that I could be up the next day to go gathering information.

-Scene change-

The following morning, I got up and started out on gathering information. I decided to begin with the Coliseum as it tended to have the most traffic. I entered the coliseum. I hoped to find a friend who happened to work in the coliseum. Though for me to say that my friend just works at the coliseum, would be untruthful. The truth is he runs the coliseum from 'behind the scenes'. Without him fights wouldn't happen often if at all, and there would just be chaos all around here.

As I looked around I felt a vibration. I turned around and found myself looking at what to most at first would be mistaken for a giant bear. Yet this creature was no bear, but a man; just a very large man. His name was Goliath and he was one of the veteran fighters here at the coliseum. He stood at nine feet three inches in height and was built like a mountain, solid and nigh unmovable! The man had not a bit of fat on him, just sheer muscle and lots of it! He was also the reason the floor had been shaking a bit. The big man stopped seeing me, and then stooping down to my level, which is almost half his height.

"Well, well, look who's come back around again, Kai; where have you been shorty?"

I gave Goliath a deadpan look.

"Goliath, everyone is short to you. You're a giant for Landon's sake; how can any person with natural height not be shorter than you?!"

Goliath gave a hardy laugh at my statement.

"By the way Goliath, you know where I could find Leon? I wanted to have a talk with him. You know, catch up and all."

I learned from Goliath that I could find my friend in the bottom of the arena right now. Apparently Leon was checking over things for the fight that was going to happen tomorrow. I made my way to the ground floor of the arena, which was known as the 'pit'. It was where the fighters duked and fought out in the test of strength. And I indeed found my friend Leon, checking on everything from the walls to the log that the fighters started on. There was a group of soldiers checking the entire area while Leon supervised them and double checked their inspections.

"Hey Leon, long time no see."

My friend's name was Leon Frostail. He is 3 inches shorter than I am and more of a lean build than me. He has thick black hair that looks more like a mane for him than hair. However, that mane didn't cover up his ears on the top of his head, which were the ears of beastmen. His hair actually does better at hiding his ears as they blend in to his mane of hair. Leon has golden yellow eyes that are rather distinct. He has a mixed heritage; one parent was human, the other was a member of the beast tribe. Hence where the distinct yellow eyes come from, the beastmen blood. He is level headed and tends to think of others first. One of the reasons I believe he is the one here at the coliseum that's unofficially in charge… there was no official head of staff here, but Leon did what the position would do. Leon turned at the sound of my voice.

"Kai! It's been ages man."

We closed the distance between each other and embraced one another. Leon and I had been friends for 7 years. So, we weren't embarrassed to show that we were close friends in front of others. We had been through thick and thin together!

"So Kai, what brings you around my neck of the woods?"

I looked around at the soldiers who had either slowed down their work or had stopped altogether to listen to Leon and me. I could nearly feel Leon's ears turning from one way to another listening to the sounds or lack thereof in the arena, signaling that work had ceased. I noticed Leon's left eye twitch, a sign that he was annoyed. He spun around and glared at the soldiers who had stopped working.

"If any of you have time to slack off and listen in on conversations that don't concern you; then I will find more labor for you to do as there is more than enough to go around at this time! Now get those inspections done or the fight tomorrow isn't happening! Then you lot can personally tell those who bought tickets why the fight was cancelled!"

The soldiers quickly made themselves busy. I chuckled softly at Leon's actions.

"I see you are as strict as ever Leon. Still running a very tight ship then?"

Leon frowned, but nodded.

"Well, someone has to for all those concerned."

I leaned in so that only Leon would hear me.

"Leon, there a chance you and I can speak and not have to worry about others listening in?"

Leon nodded, turned back to face the group of soldiers with a serious expression set on his face.

"Listen up you lot! I'm going to check and see if the other preparations for this upcoming fight are on schedule to being done on time. I'll be back to check on your inspections after that! Do them, and do the right! If they shouldn't be up to acceptable standards; then you do them over from the very beginning and do the job over completely while I supervise you all to make sure the inspection is done to my expected standards!"

There was a collective groan from the soldiers.

"But Leon; that would take us hours to do over again from the start! And the cleaning portion hasn't even been started. It can't be done until this is, per the rules you set!"

Leon's serious expression didn't change.

"Then let that motivate you to do the job right! None of you leave until it is done!"

There was a second louder collective groan. I held in a snickered at the groaning of those working, before Leon led the way out of the pit. We ended out in the room that served as Leon's office. Leon took his chair behind his desk and I took the one in front of the desk.

"So why have you come to Colossea Kai? You don't just travel for the fun of it like you did once upon a time."

I nodded at Leon's statement as it was right.

"As usual, you are correct Leon. I'm here helping my brother find someone. I'm hoping you might be able to help me on finding a lead."

I gave the description of the bat-winged thief as Bow had given to Ryu and myself. Leon didn't answer me right away. He was obviously trying to think of anyone that fit the one I was looking for.

"Sorry to say Kai; haven't seen anyone that fits that picture, nor heard of anyone from others."

I shrugged. It had been a slim chance to start with; still worth trying. I looked at Leon and saw the downcast expression he had, which was different for Leon. Plus, it looked like he hadn't gotten decent sleep for a week or more.

"Leon, what's troubling you? You look much more stressed than normal, is this fight coming up really that big of a deal?"

Leon let out a huff.

"I see you still, have a knack of being able to see other's emotions. No, this fight is a debut, which are popular with some people. I wouldn't normally be this strung out over a debut fight; nor would Faith… and she is as stressed as I am right now. But this fight… I don't know, is being pushed much more than any other debut I can recall in the time I've been here."

Faith Cards; Leon's second in command and his right hand… well, woman pretty much. If both of them was stressed like this, then there is something out of place in the coliseum. Leon paused and didn't say anything for a few minutes. I knew it would be better to just let him gather his thoughts and tell me when he was ready. So I waited.

"Kai, there has been funny things going on around here lately. Not humorous, ha ha things, but things that worry me. Things that have quietly happened that I just can't figure out why. Some of the staff that have worked here for years suddenly just disappeared without a word. Then others that replace those that up and vanish I don't know where they came from. I certainly didn't bring them in; there more the shady type of people and I can't throw them out. Workers are blatantly cutting corners that none have ever done before! Sometimes when I talk to some of the staff members I know and work with for a while… I feel like I'm talking to a life like doll of the person! There are those here I think I know who they are, yet they smell like a completely different person than I know. And on the subject of smell, I can't put it into words, still something has smelled foul lately around here. I have been on edge in every way with all that's going on lately."

Leon shifted restlessly. It was clear that whatever was happening; Leon didn't like it at all! His sense of smell is on the same level as a beast tribe's; so when he says something smells wrong, it's to be taken seriously! My friend continued.

"Then, there is this fight that was scheduled out of nowhere with little time to make preparations!"

I held up a hand to stop Leon so that I could ask a question.

"Leon, can you tell me anything about this Baba guy who is supposed to be the new fighter's opponent?"

Leon blinked at my question, before shaking his head and answering.

"I have never met the guy personally, but Faith has and I trust her judgement. He lives in the TagWoods, some kind of hermit maybe. He does like to take things a tad too far on occasion, so he isn't really allowed to fight a great deal. Yet, with his weapon of choice, he can't do much serious injury… heck doubt the man has sharpened it after using it on trees years ago."

Faith was also the assistant head of the staff here, though Leon wasn't the technical head of the staff. I have met the woman and she was almost as strict as Leon. The funny thing was, there really wasn't a head of staff here, oddly; the position was never filled, but Leon did the job.

"And his weapon of choice is?"

"An axe."

I nodded understanding. Leon sighed before he continued.

"It's almost like someone is trying to make the fight here not just risky or dangerous, but perhaps deadly. That's why I have had all the check made that I have! If I need to, I will shut down the whole coliseum to stop whatever or whoever is trying to do something wrong! I mean, ever since we got a new manager for some of the new fighters, all these things started happening. That was around six months ago, but I got nothing on the guy! Nevertheless, he smells… off and just wrong somehow!"

After my talking to Leon; I had left his office and I chose to walk around the coliseum. I was looking at what had changed and what hadn't. I was hoping to spot something that would prove the suspicions that Leon's suspicions that he had whispered to me were true. I felt there was a palpable difference in the feel here than the last time I was here, which was a year and a half ago. I had to admit there were a lot of workers that were of a different… mindset than those I met a year and a half ago. They were quiet and kept to themselves. They still did the work, but it was almost like they were… just going through the motions. Like Leon had aptly put it; they were like living dolls. It wasn't natural; that was clear to me as I watched some of the workers.

The coliseum I was walking around right now wasn't the same one I had been in a year and a half ago. The feel was completely different! Previously you could feel the rise and fall of the emotions in the fights where the combatants would pit their strength against one another. Now it was like the air was dead and stagnate; no emotion at all! There were members of the staff that looked and acted like dolls than people. It was unsettling and at times down right freaky!

While I was thinking to myself about this, I ran into someone and fell backwards. I shook my head and looked up seeing who I bumped into. I found myself looking into a pair of green eyes and an admittedly very pretty face if I was truthful to myself. I got my thoughts back in order and stood back up before I faced the one I had knocked to the floor with me who had already gotten to their feet.

"I'm terribly sorry for knocking you to the ground…"

I wasn't even halfway through my apology when I sensed something coming in a path that would hit me. On pure instinct, my left hand shot up and intercepted whatever had been on its way to hit me. I glanced over to see what had been trying to strike me and to my slight surprise I saw a fist. I halted my apology and looked into the face of the owner of the fist. I observed that it was the owner of the green eyes too. The owner was a female, with orange red hair that was kind of short but thick. She had a lean figure, yet it was obvious she led a VERY active life. The strength that was behind the fist I was holding was proof of this point; it was just most people don't have the type of strength I do. When you fight huge deadly creatures regularly, put down riots now and then and have fought in a war every once and a while; you get a rather amazing physique. That's not taking into account my heritage… but that's something to explain later.

The woman was a couple of inches shorter than me and two inches shorter than Ryu who isn't all that much shorter than me. I caught movement of something on the sides of her head. My gaze flicked to either side of her face to identify the movement and I noted that she had… ears, but not human ears; cat ears actually and they were twitching currently. That's unexpected; she looks like a human from what I have seen except the ears. My gaze returned to its previous place at her neck and I scanned downward. She was wearing a kind of purple chest piece that seemed to act as light leather armor or something similar as well as covering her… modesty and decency. That piece covering this female's fairly ample chest if I'm seeing correctly. Under the chest piece was a brass halter with four jewels inset. Her arms had bracelets on the mid upper arms. She had heavy fabric gloves that were fingerless that extended to the middle of her forearms. That meant she likely favored using a close-quarter fighting style, couldn't tell at the moment if it was with a weapon or not. Though I did see she had rather sharp looking nails and I would rather like to avoid knowing just how sharp they were. I have a personal rule with women, if they look like they could do damage; they likely can when angered, best to not anger them and put assumption to the test!

My sight kept going lower and below her midriff and waist; her human features ended abruptly and fur replaced it. … Ah, I think I understand now; she's a mixed breed, or more specifically I would say a half human and half Woren. The reason I say that was her cat ears and all below her waist was covered in tiger fur in a sleek as well as thick coat. I caught sight of a long appendage behind her; likely her tail and said tail is likely similar to a tiger's like her fur is. Her mid thighs were wrapped in what looked like bandages. While more bandages started a bit below her knees and a little above her ankles had collar like belts and thick fabric went down and covered her feet like open toed shoes. After my overall view of her; my gaze went back to her face. I smiled somewhat hoping, she would lower her guard and release her tension so she would talk to me. However, her response was to swing her other fist at me and my right hand blocked her fist like my left hand had and was still her other.

"As I was saying, I'm sorry for bumping into you miss. My name is Kai Bateson. I was lost in thought and wasn't looking where I was going."

The expression on her face said she was exerting most if not all of her strength to attempt to push me back. Not to say that I don't admire the determination and the will to overcome, but I'm not someone she can beat in a contest of strength. Although, I would doubt she would know that or admit it. I found out with the Worens, their kind love a good fight and a challenge. She continued this fruitless battle for around two minutes before she pulled her hands back and moved a few paces back, just staring at me while she was breathing hard.

"You're stronger than most men I have ever been around; I will give you that!"

She said that with mild surprise as she stared at me. I smiled slightly.

"Yeah, comes with the jobs I get hired to do most of the time. Anyways, it is nice to see a Woren around here. So you here for business or for pleasure?"

"I'm here to fight."

I nodded suddenly connecting her and realizing that she was the girl fighter that I had been hearing about.

"Ah, I see; then you are one of the new fighters I heard about from Leon."

A shocked look spread on her face.

"How do you know him? Most don't know that he runs this place."

I chuckled.

"I'm one of those who do know that he does a lot of work to keep this place running smoothly. Plus, he is a friend of mine from before he settled down here."

The woman seemed to calm down and stopped being so defensive towards me by this time.

"As I said earlier, my name is Kai; what would your name be?"

"I'm Katt."

I smile again, to which I did catch her having a slight blush. But that's not unusual, females tend to have that reaction with me. I guess it's like I have told Bow once when he asked me how I have the women swooning over me; 'when you got the looks, you just will hook them'. It's not like I ask or want the girls to swoon to me! They just do, so I have gotten use to the idea!

"Well it is nice to meet you Katt."

I hold out my right hand, not for a handshake as some would think. I will do that most of the time for the males of humans and the other races. However, for females as I'm a gentleman; I give a slightly different greeting. It's likely one of the reason why the girls swoon over me to an extent.

Katt looked a little confused, but after a few seconds stretched her right hand out. I took Katt's right hand gently and lightly kissed the top of her gloved hand in such a way as to show respect. Katt pulled back a few steps and just stared at me holding her right hand.

"What do you think you're doing?!"

… Now this is somewhat different reaction then I normally get. It's kind of refreshing to me! I bowed to Katt.

"I'm sorry if that was rude or uncomfortable. It is a bit of a habit for me. It's my way of showing respect towards the opposite gender. Nothing more than to be a greeting really."

I thought for a moment and then had a good idea on how I could not only make up us getting off on the wrong foot, but also provide a chance for me to get to know her better and maybe get some information.

"Perhaps I can make it up to you. I mean, I did bump into you, knock you over and embarrass you. So it is fair that I do something for you to apologize, right?"

The female fighter was staring at me warily, yet also with curiosity.

"Like what?"

"Well, how about I buy you an early lunch; my treat. We could go to the pub and you can order whatever you wish and how much you wish. What do you say?"

Katt's eyes had widened a bit at my offer. She kept looking at me as if she was trying to tell if I was lying to her or not. After two minutes of a staring contest she gave her response.

"You really mean that?"

I just continued to smile and nod.

"I wouldn't have offered if I hadn't fully intended to do what I said."

"Well then… that sounds great!"

And so, Katt and I went to the pub. It was still morning, but the pub here, was pretty much open all day and all night. I grabbed a table for the two of us to have a meal and hopefully a conversation. Not more than a minute after we sat down; Katt began to order food and drink. As for me I had already had breakfast earlier, but not wanting to be rude I did have a little snack. I was finished eating within five minutes.

My companion on the other hand… well, I wonder when the last time she had a meal was, with how fast she is consuming food. Of course, I was polite and didn't voice such a question, I thought it though. I know Worens in general have large appetites, but… this was just getting as ridiculous to the point that it was becoming comical! Heck, I want to know where Katt is putting all that food she is stuffing down her gullet! I'm dead serious! If I ate that much… well, I'm not a good example. Honestly, my stomach can be a bottomless pit, no joke! If a normal person tried to eat the amount Katt was; they would either be sick already, or be fatter than Trout! And that's saying something with the girth that Trout hauls around… back and front!

I propped my head up with my hands, my elbows on the table and just silently watching Katt eat. Using my peripheral vision, I could tell I wasn't the only one watching Katt. Landon sakes! The pile of dishes was nothing short than impressive, and no short height about that stack. And all of the stack made in a little under a half an hour! I couldn't help myself but smile slightly as I watched her keep going on stuffing her face. I was amazed that Katt's figure hadn't changed at all yet! She's still lean as when she started stuffing! Where does this girl put it all?!

Finally, after 40 minutes in total had passed from the time Katt had started; she let out a great burp that could have easily been heard outside the pub and leaned back in her chair. I just continued to stare bemusedly at her.

"Wow, I haven't had a meal that good for a while! That will help me during the fight tomorrow!"

I could no longer help myself and I clapped softly. Katt glanced at me as she heard me clap.

"Have to say, that was incredible to witness Katt. I have never seen anyone eat that amount of food in that short of time. Simply incredible! I'm kind of curious though, can you really eat that much food and still keep your figure?"

Katt once again looked embarrassed.

"You watched me eat?!"

My smile faltered a bit as I thought how to answer.

"Well… with the amount of food you were stuffing and the speed at which you were doing the said stuffing at; it's kind of hard not to watch."

"You must think me disgusting now."

I shook my head in the negative.

"Not in the slightest. I more impressed that you can consume that much really. I don't hold one's table manners against anyone."

Katt fidgeted a bit, prior to giving me her response.

"Thank you. Most treat me as just a fighter or…"

"Someone or something different?"

Katt nodded at what I had said to finish her statement. I understood, I had gotten similar treatment over the years of growing up. I always had a hard time fitting in. Whether it was when I was with Ryu and Bow or separate from them. When I was with Ryu and Bow; I was seen as the older child and so should be the responsible one of the three. I was supposed to watch out and over Ryu and Bow to make sure they didn't get into or cause trouble. When I wasn't with those two; I was a child that didn't know anything. It was only after I became a mercenary that things changed. So yeah I can understand Katt's feelings.

"Should you wish to talk; I will listen."

I have heard someone once said that those with bad pasts are common and that there is no such thing as a horrible past. Whoever said that hasn't a freaking clue what they are talking about and should go die in a terrible fire that burns them slowly! My past is a perfect example of what horror is and can be defined as! I admit that it isn't right to compare one's past with another's, but Katt's past was very bad to her and some others! Much of the shunning she had gone through stemmed from her being half Woren and half human. Her mother had been the Woren and her father a human. Her mother died when she was young from a group who hated Woren. Her father hadn't been there to prevent that as at the time he had been off fighting in the Goonheim war. He hadn't come back from the war, but then there were many that didn't come back from that hell. That war was horrible beyond the things of nightmares; I would know as I fought in it!

Unfortunately, that left Katt as an orphan, and one that none in the town she and her mother had been living in wanted. So Katt had been forced to wander for nearly a year on her own. Then she found an old man that had taken her in and looked after her for a time. The man had been a Woren that lived outside Colossea. He had taught Katt how to defend herself and how to fight. After he had died, which had been a little over a year ago, she had come here to enter the arena.

After the meal and talk with Katt, we parted ways and on much better terms than we met on. I decided that now that I had started learning information around here; why should I stop? I have acquired social and interrogation skills over the years and jobs I have lived through. It is time I put them to use!

I meandered around town talking to those I would either pass by or just come into contact with. The general message I was gleaning, there were indeed odd and strange people showing up in town for the last few months. Not all of them were there just to see the fights. People from the church of St. Eva had suddenly shown up approximately 6 months earlier and had built the church that was here now. I still have nothing personally against the church of St. Eva nor its followers; yet its leaders I am wary of. I'm that way mostly because of their actions, which imply they have some sort of agenda.

Since the time that the church was built the influx of not just general weirdos and vagabonds had an increase, but just plain strange folk started appearing. Granted, it may have nothing to do with the Church of St. Eva at all; yet I doubt that. It's too closely timed and convenient for there to be such events! Not without there being a reason and a relationship.

After talking with the inhabitance of the town, I grabbed lunch before heading back to the Coliseum. I only caught a brief glimpse of Leon as he was busy. Actually it was like he was running around with his hair on fire, to be perfectly honest; but in his defense, Leon was preparing for an upcoming fight. Normally he has a couple of weeks to prepare, but as the fight is tomorrow… Leon has today and that's it. So, I can see and understand that he is stressed right now. I would be as well were I in his position and under the same stress!

However, being the kind of person I am; I helped where I could. While I did, I got to speak to some of those on the staff that I still knew. I even got to talk to a few of the veteran fighters here. By what they told me, the new fighter manager Argus, was the one pushing for the fight to be tomorrow. … When I say pushing, I think the term forcefully insisting is a more accurate way of putting it. The guy was apparently saying that the fight would go on tomorrow by whatever means necessary. I'm surprised that someone like this got to be a manager here! Well, the rest of my day got spent helping at the coliseum, which at the end of the day Leon thanked me for. I went back to the inn to wait for Ryu to return if he hadn't already.

I had sat in one of the chairs at the table rather than take the bed. I fear if I had laid down on the bed then I would have shortly been out like a light at night! So I chose the chair as I would then be upright and less likely to fall asleep. I was during the middle of the night that I hear the door to the room that Ryu and I were sharing open. I looked to the door I saw my brother standing there. I gave him a tired smile.

"Ah, got back at last, did you? So, you get something that will make others think you're Baba? Supposedly he is known by his axe, or something along those lines by what I heard in the coliseum."

Ryu nodded and lifted an axe showing it to me. I just stared at the thing for it was as Leon had told and described to me.

"That's the guy's axe?! Looks more like an odd pick of malformed junk if you ask me. I mean, yeah it's big and I wouldn't doubt heavy, but that thing doesn't look like it has seen a sharpening tool for ages!"

Ryu and I took some time to catch one another up on what he had done, seen and heard during the day. But before long, it was clear that we both needed sleep. Ryu… I mean Baba had a fight to do tomorrow and being sleep deprived would be rather detrimental. So we got to our beds and both of us were out within minutes.

-Scene change-

Ryu and I got up the next morning and had breakfast, which was a silent affair. After we had eaten; I retrieved the equipment I would carry, which consisted of my breastplate belts, boots and armor on my hips. I didn't take my great blade or any of the armor I would have on my arms. Then the two of us proceeded to the Coliseum; where Ryu was informed that his 'manager' wanted one last word with him before the match today. So Ryu and I parted ways at the foyer. I thought it would be a wise idea to find Leon and see if he was doing okay. I mean he had been working like mad yesterday. The stress can't be good for his health!

I looked for my friend for what I would guess was a good twenty minutes, before I was starting to worry. I had looked in the places I knew that Leon tended to go and be at when he was here at the coliseum and I haven't seen even a trace of him. I know that days fights occur are busy for everyone here, Leon even more so than others; but for me not to find him at all on a fight day? Something definitely isn't right here. I shook my head and put my doubts and suspicions in the back of my mind to deal with later. I headed to the locker room where I could meet up with Baba one more time before the fight.

I was waiting in the locker room to give him a last minute good luck and I was here to hopefully give Ryu a bit of a morale boost. There was a soldier there to direct 'Baba' where to go to enter the arena, but he didn't talk at all the me and I saw no reason to say anything to him. I mean Ryu had been looking a little out of it since he had woken up this morning, for some reason. Maybe it was nerves; many tend to get them before a huge event like this. It is one thing to fight against an opponent in a simple battle or contest of strength; completely another to do it in front of an audience. During my walk around the coliseum, I heard whispers of how many wanted Baba to lose or worse. Thankfully with the safety measures that Leon had here, I wasn't all that worried. I just wanted Ryu to know that when he entered that arena; that at least he had one person rooting for him. I heard the door open and I turned to it with a smile set on my face… which quickly disappeared when I saw the expression on Ryu's face.

Ryu had looked like he had witnessed something horrible! And when I say horrible, I mean something I would consider horrible and I have seen wars and things of the like to give an idea of the material I have to choose from! The feelings of suspicions crept up in me about there possibly being foul play as I had seen a number of shady characters here today. Now those were reaffirmed; something was definitely wrong about this whole situation! First, I couldn't find Leon at all this morning. That worried me; this was a day when tickets to the fight had been sold out, Leon has never been out on a day when there was a sold out fight! And now Ryu looks like he's seen or heard something that will haunt him for a long while! Well first things first! Once I had taken in Ryu's expression, I spun around to face the soldier, gave him an intimidating look and pointed at the door that Ryu had entered the locker room through.

"You, out, now!"

The soldier facing me and began trembling a bit, but he didn't move.

"I'm to direct the fighters to the arena…"

I glared with cold anger and I swear that the temperature in the room dropped.

"I know the way. Now I said, GET OUT!"

The soldier at my shout ran out the door. I went over and closed the door behind the soldier. I then went over and put my hands on my brother's shoulders.

"Ryu, listen to my voice."

Ryu looked at me and nodded to say that he was listening.

"I need you to tell me what put you in this state. What did you see or hear that has you looking like you are possibly walking to see death? And not in a friendly way."

Ryu took a couple of steadying breaths before he told me what he had gotten himself into. And as I listened to my brother's plight; I inwardly cursed myself for not being able to have done this for Ryu. But, I simply couldn't! As I had told Ryu earlier, I was too well known here to pass as Baba. And Ryu needed to get an understanding of what the world can be like. I just wish he hadn't seen this side of it so soon! The story he told me was about his so called 'manager, Angus' and his planned show to entertain the crowd. He so eloquently put it as follows:

"… The fact is the winner has already been determined. The scenario has been written; cruel man Baba tortures the girl and kills her! This audience likes this type of thing. You have nothing to worry about. There is no way, Baba, that you will lose during the fight we will shoot a poisoned needle in the opponent. All you have to do is make sure you don't get hit with the poisoned needle. It's a dangerous job, but when you see the payment we have for you in the locker room, you will be motivated…"

We both went over to the chest and upon opening it found the sum of one thousand coins in the box. In other words, this was a fat bribe to do as he had been told! We hadn't been looking at the contents of the chest long when the door opened once more. I for a moment thought the soldier had come back, but when I turned, I saw Rand Marks, the Shellman. We both stared at Rand, Ryu still looking very worried, while I was holding in my growing fury.

"Hey Baba, What's up? You don't look so good. You're not scared are you?"

I had leaned up against the left wall of the room as Ryu told him the story he had just finished telling me.

"What?! A poisoned needle?! … You're such a fool. That's just a bluff. No one's going to kill anyone in the fight… The head of the staff, Leon has a system of checks that prevent that."

I straightened up and looked at Rand. While it's true about the system of checks Leon has come up with to prevent such events that would lead to serious injury or death; the story that Ryu had told me was too specific to me to be a simple hoax. Plus, as I haven't seen Leon today at all… nor Faith, now that I think about it. … I'm beginning to wonder if someone hasn't found a way around Leon's system or gotten past it.

"I would have to agree with Baba. This sounds way too planned out to be taken as a bluff so readily."

Ryu nodded, agreeing with me.

"… You two are convinced that it's not a bluff? Humm…"

I nodded.

"It is better to be safe than sorry."

Rand began pacing as he was thinking. Then he faced us again and spoke.

"Okay! I got it! Don't say anything and give me all the money you got."

Ryu and I looked at each other; I shrugged and so Ryu handed over the one thousand coins to Rand.

"You're a good man! I'll go and buy two antidotes and, if you and your opponent each take one you have nothing to fear from the poisoned needle."

Rand turned and was about to head out the door, before I stopped him.

"Just to warn you; I have met Baba's opponent. It is unlikely Baba's opponent will be keen on listening to you."

Rand waved me off and left. Ryu came up to stand beside me.

"You have met my opponent?"

I nodded.

"Bumped into her yesterday. We had a fairly pleasant conversation… once she calmed down a bit that is. She's strong I will give her that."

Ryu slumped a bit at my statement.

"You're saying my opponent is a girl?"

I nodded and smiled.

"We already knew the fighter would be a girl as we heard when we got here. Don't worry Ryu, I know you can beat her if you keep calm and use you head and think. Remember it isn't the strongest fighter that necessarily wins; it is the one who can endure the longest that will be the winner.

I had hardly finished talking when a commotion came from the room next door. Both my brother and I turned to the wall that separated that room from the one we were in. It was a few minutes later; Rand came back into the room. Okay that was rather quick on getting those antidotes… interesting. I also noted the multiple scratches he had now. I didn't have to think hard to accurately guess where Rand had gotten them.

"I take it she didn't listen to what you said then, did she?"

Rand nodded at me.

"What a woman! You're not going to be able to make her do as you say. She is a ferocious girl, like a feral wild beast. What can we do?"

I do believe I did warn him that she doesn't listen well, at first at least. Well, this was the conundrum to solve wasn't it? How to save Katt from the poisoned needles? We were all trying to think about the possible ways to do this. Ryu was thinking hard, but as he wasn't saying anything I assume he couldn't come up with any ideas. Unfortunately, nor was I having any luck at this either. Rand was pacing for a minute before he shouted his idea.

"I got it! Baba! Why don't you take both!"

Both Ryu and I stared at the Shellman.

"And what would the point of that be?"

Ryu had voice the inquiry.

"You protect her, that's what."

I thought about what Rand was suggesting. It was plausible, even likely to work.

"Yeah, that could work. But, I doubt she will just let you push her out of the way Baba."

"No, she's not the type to let someone protect her. You'll have to knock her out, without her knowing.

I sighed at what Rand was saying.

"In other words, Baba has to beat her in the fight and then get her out of the way."

Rand nodded emphatically and pushed the two bottles of the antidote at Ryu.

"So, go ahead, take it, take it, take it!"

Ryu, at Rand's insistence downed both bottles.

"That's a good boy! Good luck."

Rand turned and went out the locker room door. I made sure Rand was gone and then gave Ryu one last look.

"Good luck little brother, don't let her looks throw you off. She knows how to fight and hits hard, I can assure you."

I left through the same door as Rand and headed up to the staff seating. I had gotten the permission from Leon yesterday to be able to watch the fight from there as there were no seats left for spectators. It's a perk of having Leon as a friend, I can get a seat in the staff area. I watched as the crowd went quiet and Ryu or 'Baba' entered the arena.

"It's about time! Yeah yeah!"

Well the audience is as excited as the usually are. Nothing wrong with that. It is nice and exciting to watch two people fight to see who is more skill and just overall better.

"Baba you're dead!"

Again normal banter, yet the tone is more serious than it used to be. That's kind of disturbing.

"Baba is a weird name!"

I'll ignore that jeer. It was then from the opposite side of the arena that Katt came in. Her reception was very different than Ryu's.

"Yeah, Katt, Katt, Katt!"

As the favorite, I suppose that's to be expected from the crowd. Both Ryu and Katt were facing one another. I heard, through the shouts of the audience; Ryu trying to warn Katt about the trap that was set for them. I got to hand it to my brother; he is always thinking of others before himself. I couldn't be more proud of him than at times like this went he does this kind of thing!

"Listen miss, there is a trap set; poisoned needles are going to be used to try to kill you and me!"

"… What? What about a poisoned needle? Are you crazy? You can't scare me with a lie like that!"

… And of course she won't listen. Ryu, sometimes you are a little too nice and naïve for your own good. It is one of your good qualities, but still… the misunderstandings that come from it.

"You're as nasty as they come, trying to make me lose my concentration with lies! I won't let you get away with it!"

Katt, it would seem has a short temper, oh dear. Well, I'm rooting for you Ryu!

As the fight commenced, a few things became clear very fast. One, as I had thought from blocking her before, Katt was strong and unfortunately she was a bit stronger than Ryu. Second, Katt was also faster with her movement that Ryu. Obviously Katt had fighting experience, more than Ryu at least, when it came to having been in real fights. However, Ryu did have one advantage that Katt didn't; he had trained with me whenever I had time between jobs and missions! One thing that Ryu had picked up from me was the ability to read your opponent's movements. Once you know how one's fighting style works, you can predict the next movements and prepare to either evade or counter. Ryu wasn't as good as I was at doing this, but he isn't bad at it either.

I could already see Ryu studying Katt's style as he dodged and took hits. Once he had the style's pattern down; Katt would have a lot of trouble actually landing hits on Ryu. Within two minutes Katt began to miss and do so often! As she missed, Katt appeared to get more and more angry. Letting your emotions take control is very unwise and detrimental. Ryu on the other hand was keeping calm and collected, and I couldn't be prouder at how well my little brother was fighting.

After five minutes had passed since the fight had begun; Ryu landed a final solid hit and Katt dropped to the ground. The fight was about to draw to a close; meaning those who would be enacting the planned 'show' would be getting ready! I quickly began to scan around for those who would be shooting needles. I started seeing some of the soldiers raising what looked like crossbows, and instantly I knew they were the ones I was looking for!

"Now! Knock her out now! Baba!"

I moved forward and proceeded giving out fast but hard chops to the back of the necks of the soldiers with the crossbow. I had brought down about half of them when they started shooting.

"Here come the poisoned needles!"

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Ryu push Katt out of the way; however, I also could clearly see one of the poisoned needles hit Ryu. They did this before I was able to take out all the soldiers with the needle shooters. After they were all down I rushed to the railing of the level I was on and swung myself over the side. I dropped down to the pit of the arena and then among the confusion picked up Ryu and Katt, threw them both over my shoulders and ran for the locker room door! I didn't stop in the locker room, but just left the coliseum and headed to the inn.

Rand had caught up with me as I had carried the two fighters to the inn. We had returned to Ryu's and my room in the inn after we had slipped away from the coliseum so that we wouldn't arouse suspicion as there was already a great deal of that going around! Rand had taken a chair at the table; he was looking worriedly at the bed at the opposite side of the room. He had wanted to go back to the coliseum and find out how this could have happened. I had stopped him for the time being, saying that could wait for now. Katt, who had woken up shortly after I had laid her on my bed, was pacing in front of the bed where Ryu lay. Ryu had taken one of the poison needles in Katt's place so that she would be fine. Since he had the antidote Ryu would be okay, but I was still seething with fury.

Someone had staged a fight so that someone would die! The fights in the coliseum at times did get messy and brutal, but never ended in death if they could be prevented. Leon had over the years gone to great lengths to make sure that kind of thing didn't happen. Heck, Leon had designed a whole system of checks and measures to make sure this kind of thing wouldn't happen for Landon's sake! That's why the coliseum arena was thought to be a safe place to test one's strength. Leon had worked hard to get that reputation for the coliseum! Now someone was tarnishing it and they would pay!

"… When Baba wakes up what shall I say to him? 'I'm sorry' I guess? … Or 'Thank you for saving me'. Maybe that's it? …"

I heard what Katt had said, and to me that proved she had a good heart, but I already found that out yesterday during our chat. I just kept my gaze on Ryu while I brooded. It was around ten minutes later when I noticed movement from Ryu that signaled he was coming around.

"Baba, you okay?"

Ryu looked around the room and focused on me and then he nodded.

"Ah, are you all right? I, ah, I'm sorry. I thought you were lying about the poisoned needle. Well, everyone in the world is always trying to deceive someone, right?"

That's a little bit of a harsh view of the world Katt. It's no wonder she thinks that way. With what kind of a childhood she had. Yet, that's not entirely true; though, Katt wasn't completely wrong. There were some that were always attempting to deceive others. I listened as Katt continued her… well I think she is trying to apologize to Ryu about not believing him when he tried to warn her. I can't tell for sure.

"… But, Baba, you sure are soft-hearted… You must be crazy!"

I cleared my throat at that comment.

"Ahem, I can assure you Katt; Baba isn't Crazy. He can be a tad naïve at times, but he isn't crazy."

Katt looked at the floor by my feet rather than at me. I just humphed at her silence and went back to brooding.

"I didn't mean that. I'm not too smart. But I know that the fact is you saved my life."

At least she can recognize such a gesture.

"Okay, let's go, Baba! I've already decided that no matter what happens, I'm going to punch the lights out of who did this! Baba, you think so too, don't you?"

I came out of my brooding at that line.

"Wait a minute, that's kind of a quick decision there. You really should take some time and think about the consequences."

Not to say I wasn't thinking about going to the one responsible for this and giving them a whipping they wouldn't forget! It was at this point that the Shellman spoke up for the first time since I convinced him to stay.

"This is all rather a strange set of events."

I turned to Rand.

"How so?"

Rand seemed to be thinking.

"Well, this fight was scheduled a week ago. That's very different for matches involving new fighters. Then, the tickets for the fight sold out in just 2 days, which is unheard of for this kind of event. And finally, the majority of the tickets were bought as I understand it, by those who were traveling here from a sizable distance. It doesn't make much sense."

That did sound out of place for the coliseum.

"What did Leon think about all of this?"

Rand glanced up at me.

"He had been double checking everything, but he does that for fights that get sold out. Hmm… now that I think about it Leon didn't show up this morning. He is usually there on days like this."

I froze at hearing Rand's statement. I mean I hadn't found him, but I attributed that to my friend being busy and so running around everywhere.

"Rand… you're saying that Leon wasn't there this morning?"

Rand nodded slowly.

"Rather odd as he usually is there or has the assistant head of staff, Miss Cards, take charge if he isn't. Neither of them showed up this morning."

I was racking my brain for an explanation. I knew my friend Leon well enough to know that a day like today, was one he wouldn't miss. He would have to be completely incapacitated or dead for that to be the truth! The assistant head of staff Faith Cards had the same mentality as Leon. The woman had the same drive, so much so that I swear sometimes they're related!

"Kai you don't look good, what is the matter?"

I looked over at my brother.

"Baba, if there is one thing about my friend Leon that's consistent; it's that days when there is a highly anticipated match, he is there no matter what, even if he has to drag himself to the coliseum, even if that means he crawls there! He could be ill as can be and he would still have been there to make sure things go smoothly. As far as I know, he hasn't missed one day when there was a fight that sold out… until today."

I then had a realization. The only way that the poison needle event could have proceeded in the first place would be to not have Leon there. The final check in Leon's system is going over the duty roster. The veteran fighters would have helped him without question to quell and prevent this. So with that in mind pointed to… I will give that guy a piece of my mind! While the other three in the room talked I put on ALL my equipment! Then, I strode over and grabbed my great blade and put it on my back and headed to the door.

"Kai, where are you going?!"

I stopped at the door and turned back to Ryu.

"To go have a chat with the planner of all of this. I will likely be introducing him to my blade and by the end of our talk, I will give him a very close view of it!"

With that said I left the room. I headed directly to where I suspected Angus was without delay. When I entered the coliseum, I was quickly approached by my friend Leon, who seemed out of it at the current moment.

"Kai what are you doing here?!"

I stopped at my friend's question and looked at him. I saw that Leon looked more than just out of it. He looked sick, definitely paler than he should be and just overall not well!

"Leon, why do you look like you were around a pub brawl and came off worse for wear? You rarely go to the pub; in fact, I can't remember the last time you did go to the pub, now that I think about it. You weren't here for the fight this morning… so what's the story?"

Leon looked downcast, scratched the back of his head before he answered.

"I don't… really remember last night at all. I remember getting back to my house and getting a quick bite to eat then nothing after that. I got home late, and when I woke up this morning feeling terrible and can't say why. I couldn't get out of bed at all."

I was going to question the strangeness of Leon's account. However, I was in too much a foul mood at the moment. Plus, my intuition was telling me there was danger coming soon.

"Leon, listen to me! I know this will sound crazy, but I need you to get everyone here in the coliseum out of here as quickly as you can!"

Leon looked at me, his expression changing to worry.

"Why? What's going on?!"

I quickly went over the details of the events that occurred earlier today. As I talked, Leon got paler.

"Wait, you're saying someone almost got killed in the arena today?!"

I nodded and I told him of who I suspected to be the culprit. Leon started to get a little angry.

"That wouldn't surprise me. Argus when he came here 6 months ago, seemed fine at first; but that's when things started getting… strange. And then Argus has said that the fights need to be spiced up with more action. I have refused to do so as the actions likely would end up seriously hurting or possibly killing a fighter. He started trying to get around me when I refused."

"Well he just about did today, and I wouldn't doubt he drugged your food or drink to make sure you weren't here to stop him."

Leon slowly nodded.

"Indeed… okay then I will have all staff take the rest of the day off. All I ask is please… Try not to cause too much structural damage Kai."

I smiled slightly.

"I will try, can't promise I won't cause any, but I will try!"

As Leon began to have the staff here in the coliseum leave; I strode with a purpose firmly set in my mind. I was going to get answers from this manager Leon and Ryu both told me about; this Argus. The fight between Ryu and Katt had been clearly staged. If Ryu hadn't been adamant in Argus saying, he was going to poison one of the fighters with the result to be death; one of them would have died! I may have only met Katt yesterday, but she by what I could tell just enjoyed a good fight; most Worens I have met do. That is no reason to kill them! But most of all the thing that was ticking me off, was Ryu was as much a target as Katt. NO ONE, tries to kill my brother and gets away with it; especially when I am watching it happen!

I saw there were two guards at the door that led to the manager's office. I came up to them with an expression of cold contained fury. They stood at attention and blocked my way.

"Boys, I need a word with the manager beyond this door! So please move."

I said this in a cold tone, even if I was trying to be nice. Both guards looked at me and started shaking. One went pale and began to mumble unintelligibly; the other just stared wide eyed at me. I gave a frosty smile to them. I had tried to ask nicely and didn't get the desired response; no more niceties!

"I said stand aside gentlemen, if you don't I will make you! I would rather not have to break your legs, it would be kind of messy and I already have a particular target in mind right now."

The guards scrambled out of the way quickly and I made my way through the door to the corridor that led to the manager's office. The secretary, when she saw me; began to say things like 'you can't go in there'. I merely glared, my anger easily seen, back at her and she went silent and left the area. I faced the door to where Argus the manager was behind. I didn't knock, I kicked in the door to the room open and the door came off its hinges crashing to the floor. I came into the room staring at the man standing in front of the fireplace.

"Argus, the fighter manager I presume?"

The man turned to face me.

"And whom might you be?"

"A concerned spectator, a worried friend and most of all, a furious man! I have some words to give you!"

Argus just looked nonchalant at me.

"Is that so, and I should care because?"

My anger rose at his response. He didn't regret what he had done at all!

"First, you are a complete scumbag for pulling a stunt like trying to kill a fighter here. Second, and more importantly I have a big sword and I know how to use it and well I can assure you!"

Argus's calm manner didn't change at my threat in the slightest. No, he kept going like not a thing was wrong with the world. That irritated me; this man had concocted a plan to try and kill someone and had tried to carry it out, and he didn't see any problem with that!

"It seems all of you, the actors; didn't care for my scenario."

… Okay, my opinion of this guy was already really low, yet it just got lower! He sees people as actors or some kind of pawns in some sick game, does he? What a sick and twisted man this Argus is!

"This fight which is presented to our God…"

Presented to our God?! Whatever deity would have people kill each other for the sake of entertainment doesn't deserve to have any divinity! Argus began to laugh, which was a response I wasn't expecting. His aura suddenly changed in a way that gave me a sickly bad feeling. My right hand pulled the string to undo the knot that kept the covering over my great blade and then went to grab the hilt of the blade. The fabric covering my great blade fluttered to the floor. Some kind of dark energy began to cover Argus and he began to change. The sickening feeling became one I had felt once before… it had been during the Goonheim war. … No that's no possible; one of them can't be here! I drew my great blade and brought it to the ready as the sense of foreboding shot through the roof.

After the darkness receded the man that had been Argus was gone and a large monster was in his place. My eyes widen slightly at the sight. The monster had two heads that looked like the heads of wolves. The monster was wearing a purple vest and shorts. It was carrying to large and thick clubs in either hand. I looked up at a creature I have not seen since the war. I was looking at a demon. This battle was going to be hard and long that was clear already!

"We make you fight and we turn it into a show! And the enjoyment of warped minds will become the strength of our God."

This one's a REAL piece of work. The man has sold his soul to the devil! There is no question there.

"You're sick, twisted and most of all evil! And I will exterminate you for the safety of the innocent of the world!"

The brute took its first step forward, raising the club in its left hand. I reposition my blade to be horizontal and edge of the blade slightly upward as I saw the thick club starting its downward arc of the swing. The sheer force that the club came down was horrendous! If my sword wasn't made with unique material that can take a serious beating; then my blade could have shattered or at least cracked! The weight from the club alone was staggering! I'm glad I was in the stance I was; if I wasn't my legs could have collapsed under the club's downward swing! It felt akin to having a sizable part of a mountain dropped on top of you.

I loosen my hold and stance and let the club I was blocking hit the floor. I backed up just in time to see the second club miss me by an inch as it was swung down diagonally. Argus had raised the first club back up and swung down hard. I managed to evade the strike, but missed the second club being swung horizontally at me. The club that was thicker than an average tree, slammed into my middle and forced me backward. I didn't stop when I hit the wall, but simply crashed through it instead with the force I was sent flying with. I came to a stop when I hit a second wall; that wall was the one of the room outside the office that had belonged to Argus. And I slammed into it hard and slid to the floor.

I got up to my feet with effort. This is going to be a harder fight than I had originally imagined it would be. I looked down at my breastplate armor and saw that it had taken the blunt force of the club just before I was sent through the wall and so had been dented badly. Actually, I'm surprised that it was able to take that shot! Thank you Smith for making such tough armor! I would probably be in direr straits if that wasn't the case right now. I picked up my great blade from the floor and brought it back to the ready.

I heard noises that… I think were laughter, but sounded more like guttural grunts you would hear from a dog or a wolf. I looked to the hole I had made in the wall, just in time to see a rather non-nice sight. There was a crash and the top of one of the massive clubs was clearly seen on this side of the hole. A second crash and the top of the other club became visible. The next sound to be hear was that of crumbling stone and the view of Argus using his body to widen the hole enough for him to step through. I took a defensive stance and prepared myself for the demon making his way towards me. I could tell already that as long as we fought in tight quarters, like this room and the office; I would be at a serious disadvantage and would likely lose. I needed a change in the field if I was to make real progress in this fight towards me winning!

"That all you got mutt mutt?"

What I said to Argus clearly angered him by the look of twisted fury on his face. I rushed forward, yet as I had expected; my better speed was almost useless in this place due to the lack of space I could work with. I had to swing my blade to block an incoming blow from a club and that forced to have to move back to around the area I had started. Attempt after attempt ended with the same basic results of me being force to retreat back to my starting position or I would be hit with one of those clubs. I wanted to avoid being struck with one of those clubs again as I can't be sure my armor could block another strike from one of them!

Unfortunately, I didn't get any say on whether my armor got hit again. The dang wolf brute charged forward and used his momentum to increase the force behind it and swung at me. The hit hurt however, I managed to block the club enough that it wouldn't cause critical injuries to me. That was before I crashed through the outer wall of the coliseum; that hurt a bit more than the impact from the club. I bounced once and then the second time I hit the ground, it was with my feet. I slid to a stop, still gripping my great blade. The blade was what I had block the strike from the club with and had likely saved myself from some bad injuries.

I stood straight a few seconds after I had come to a stop. My body armor was, by some miracle or act of divine intervention from Landon holding together in one piece. Granted it was in a mangled and a horrendously dented piece, but still one piece nonetheless! Now that I was outside, I could hear the screams of panic and fear of the townspeople. I took a moment to glance around at my new battlefield surroundings. A much better venue for my style of fighting! People were running and scrambling everywhere in the atmosphere of panic. I spotted Ryu along with Katt and Rand trying to help the people get to safety. Leon I observed had taken charge, which to his credit, he was doing masterfully.

I focused back on the fight I was still in against Argus. Now as my breastplate is not going to do me much good as it is currently; time for it to go! I stuck my great blade into the ground so that it would stay vertical. I removed my great blade's sheath and leaned it up against the blade. Then I undid the clasps that held my body armor in place and felt the armor loosen. I grab the back plate with one hand and the front plate with the other and lifted them off.

"Kai!"

Ah, the voice of my brother; how nice for him to worry about me. Back to my situation, now there is one little fact about my breastplate I might have forgot to mention; its weight. It doesn't have the normal weight or what some might expect. I threw both parts to my breastplate to my left and heard a loud crash as they hit the ground. Yes, my body armor is rather heavy… okay it weighs almost three times what I do. I mean the armor is made of some of the highest quality reinforced steel that can be produced! Just goes to say how much strength mutt mutt has in those arms that he is swinging with. Nevertheless, that armor helps me hold back on opponents as much as it protects me; it's so I don't accidentally use too much of my strength and really hurt someone or kill them! I grabbed the great blade's sheath and put it back on, adjusting the belt that held it so that it was comfortable.

Not too long after I had everything adjusted the way I like; I heard crashing thumps for the direction that I had flown from not more the minutes earlier. Sounds like mutt mutt is moving towards me again; such a bad dog he is! Guess this means that I will need to housebreak him and then train him to be obedient like a dog should be. I drew my great blade from the ground and brought it to the ready position. It was at this time I remembered my brother calling out to me; I guess I should answer… and remember to call him by the arena name that he has for the moment.

"Baba, the people's safety is more important than what I'm doing right now!"

I would have continued speaking, but a good size chunk of stone sailed at me and I was forced to deflect it with my blade while evading the debris. With the weight of my beast plate gone, I was able to move faster and was wielding my sword as if it had the same weight as a feather. The first chunk was followed by several more chunks of broken wall and masonry flying at me and me swinging my blade around me in a circular arc. The force of the swing prevented the said chunks of rock from hitting me with the wind that changed their course. When I was able to take a breath I saw that Ryu was next to me dodging flying rock. However, I didn't see either Katt nor Rand and hoped that meant they were trying to help the townspeople like I had asked. The barrage of rocks ceased after around five minutes with both Ryu and I standing, relatively unharmed. Then out of the hole in the side of the coliseum came mutt mutt, the demon formerly known as the human Argus. When Ryu saw him, he tensed up a bit. Can't say I blame him, this is his first demon that he has seen after all.

"Kai, what is that thing?!" called my brother in a raised voice.

I would have smirked at my brother's ignorance… if the situation wasn't so serious.

"That, my dear brother; is a pair of ugly mugs that some might call faces that only a mother could love! I decided to call him mutt mutt, as he reminds me of an untrained and misbehaving dog! Technically he is a demon, but as he will soon die; I really don't see a reason to go into much more detail than that."

Ryu and I moved forward on either side of mutt mutt; hoping the pincer attack would have more chance of effecting the demon than my attempts earlier. Though as it turned out, mutt mutt countered us. He has two clubs and knew very well how to use them! I was considering using magic as I do know a slew of spells, but the ones I do know are… unwise to use in populated areas. Why do I say that? My arsenal of spells includes ones that are meant to have a large area of effect and so hit multiple targets and most of the time eliminate the targets in one fell swoop! So unless I wanted to turn at least half the town into something akin to rubble or used charcoal; Then me using magic is a no no.

It didn't take high intelligence or one very long to see that even with Ryu joining me in this battle, we were making little better progress than I was earlier. Mutt mutt was a tough demon, yet the only other one I have crossed paths with had shown that he had been too. So I guess it is kind of to be expected of demons in general. I know I was starting to break a sweat fighting mutt mutt and when I glanced over at Ryu I saw he was having to work hard to be in this fight.

Mutt mutt was swinging his clubs around like crazy and that was making it difficult to get any hits in on him. Getting close enough to him was a risk in itself of getting whacked by a club. I slid back from blocking a blow, only to see a club sailing downward towards me. I started bringing up my blade to block, when Argus roared and the club that was aimed at me veered to one side. I scanned around to see what had caused mutt mutt to go off course on a swing that would have likely landed. I was baffled to see Katt, her staff in hand, managing to have hit Argus Between his legs… And apparently his male parts still cause pain when struck. I assume the pain of what Katt had done had been enough to make mutt mutt change where he was swinging.

"You bad monster, you won't hurt the people here!"

You go girl! My gaze flicked over to where Ryu had been to see Rand beside him assisting him. And now there are four; the fight that had started as one on one, with me being on one side and mutt mutt on the other had changed to a four verses one. I like these odds far better than the previous ones! Argus took a few steps back to regain his bearings; we took that time for the four of us to regroup.

"Where did this monster come from anyway?!" Asked Rand.

"It's a long story, but simply put, mutt mutt there used to be Argus. How he exactly changed to that form, I haven't the faintest idea, and I was there when it happened." I replied flatly.

"Doesn't matter how, he needs to be stopped!" shouted Katt.

Wow! What simple yet wonderful reasoning and logic, and from Katt out of all of us! It would seem there is more to her than meets the eye.

"Couldn't agree more with you Katt! Time to put this mutt down!" I returned

The remainder of the fight went rather smoothly. As mutt mutt only had two clubs and there were four of us, he could only hit two at a time. And while two of us distracted him; the other two hit him. When it came down to the final blow, Rand and Katt were keeping Argus busy with his clubs and so finishing up this battle fell to Ryu and me. Ryu had given me a boost upward and then circled mutt mutt; while I was able to get above the demon with the boost my brother gave me. As I began to fall ground-ward, I brought my great blade into position to strike. Ryu swung his sword to bear at the same time I was coming downwards. My blade cut in and I cleaved a path as I got to the ground; blood came out in a shower from both the path I cleaved and the wound that Ryu had inflicted. Argus stumbled backward and Ryu quickly moved out of the way. Mutt mutt howled in pain as he sunk to a knee. He looked up and stared defiantly at us before roaring. "*Roar* … But the seed has been planted! You can't control our God by simply knocking me down…"

I glared at the beast.

"And what do you mean by that mutt mutt?"

Argus didn't reply to me. Rand then spoke up.

"Hey, what is this God you speak of? What have you got up your sleeve?!"

I don't know if I want to know about this God Argus was talking about is something I heard about previously. They sound like the devil or something like it.

"Ha ha ha… Our God's world is coming closer and closer, before you know it…"

I don't like the sound of that. Before we could question him further, he fell to the ground and was still. Well at least this matter has been closed.

"What is he talking about?!"

That came from Rand. Argus could have, for all we know been spouting gibberish, though I doubt it. The things he said were a little too specific to be random crap. It sounded more like a fanatic cry of faith to something or someone.

"Who knows what he was implying Rand?"

Rand just shook his head.

"… No wonder he was so evil. He was possessed by a demon. What a mess… Let's beat it"

Possessed? There is still choice involved in what leads one to that point Rand. Well, anyway… I smiled and nodded at Rand statement.

"I agree with you there, Rand. Hey Baba, let's get going; we're burning daylight!"

"What about me?"

The three of us turned to the lone female in the room who had just asked us the question. I admit that Katt is a good fighter as she had proved mere minutes ago. Yet, should we take her with us? Heck should Ryu and I let Rand come along with us for that matter!

"You go home."

Well, Rand's solution is an option, still it wasn't the only one and Rand isn't the one that gets to make the decision.

"I don't have a home. I will go with Baba."

… Well that makes one feel rather guilt for even thinking of not having her along. I glanced over at Ryu, silently asking if he had any problem with Katt coming with us. He shook his head ever so slightly to say he didn't see anything wrong with it. I sighed at the sudden development of us gaining two new and unexpected companions.

"Fine, you can both come with us; just stop your arguing please."

There was silence for a moment before Rand spoke again.

"Did you hear what that thing said?"

Well, it was kind of hard not to! What implication come with what they said worries me far more than what was said. I feel trouble is a brewing! I guess we can more fully explain the purpose for Ryu and I coming out here back at the ruins. Might as well keep up the act with 'Baba' and everything else that goes with it for now. I cleared my throat.

"We can worry about what that monster said later. Baba, as we didn't find information that was helpful to us here; let's get back to the hiding place and plan out our next move. Plus, should probably check on the guy there and make sure he is actually doing the repairs on the house there he is supposed to be."

"What? There's a hiding place? Oh, that's great! I'm going there, too! If he's repairing the house, he probably needs more people."

… hmm, now that's a thought. Rand would very likely be a huge help in the house renovation.

"I can go with you to the hiding place right? Baba saved my life so I decided to follow you."

Okay, nice to see she is grateful and all, but just how far is she going to take this? Don't get me wrong, Katt is a nice woman, attractive too were I to be outright honest. I just wonder, why is she so insistent on coming along. Maybe she doesn't want to be alone? I looked over at Ryu and smirked at the sight of him blushing a bit. Aww, it would seem my little brother is embarrassed about Katt following us. It seems that my little brother has grown up a bit; they do so fast don't they?

"Let's make it clear. As long as you're coming, I expect you to work."

I turned to stare at Rand. Who put him in charge? If anything, Ryu or I should be saying that.

"I, I know… repairs, right? Of the hiding place."

Uh huh. I'll give Katt an A for effort and trying to be useful. Are Ryu and I starting a circus now or something? It is beginning to feel like that somewhat.

"That's right, good girl!"

I sighed at Rand's response.

"Great, now I feel like some sort of baby sitter! Just perfect!"

I heard Ryu chuckling softly. I faced him and smirked back.

"What are you snickering about… oh fearless leader?"

Ryu quickly shut him mouth after I made that comment, to which I smirked. This would indeed be an interesting journey for my brother and me! If only I knew just how interesting, then maybe… Well as none ever know what will happen; the journey is rarely dull. Only fate can ever know what could come on one's journey.