A Selfish Heart
Chapter Nine
By Kellyq
The battle arena was located at the other end of the castle. Half of the residents were there, ready for a show. Judai stared in awe. A lot of energy was in the air. Guards were posted at the entrance, exits and standing next Judai and Haou. This should be amusing, Haou thought, smirking.
He rose to his feet, addressing the crowd. "In just a few minutes, we'll see .."
Haou paused when he saw Yubel walk through the entrance. He had on a jump-suit that was black and dark-blue. Standing beside him was Johan. The turquoise-haired teen was wearing all black. The tight shirt was sleeveless, revealing his muscular well-toned chest. Each of his biceps had straps. Most of the women stared at Johan, including a few guys. Haou smirked and walked to the middle of the arena. He motioned for Yubel and Johan to join him.
"These two fight for Judai's hand," Haou explained. "The rules are simple: No sharp objects, and no killing. Is that clear?" they both nodded their heads. "You may begin."
Judai got up and ran straight to Johan. "Wait! I want to give you something." the prince took off his necklace and put it around Johan's neck. "It's for good luck."
Johan stared down at the necklace. It was made out of metal and copper. Emerald-green eyes stared into brown. Johan smiled, took Judai's hand and kissed it. Anger flashed across Yubel's eyes. He stepped up and pushed Johan away from Judai, ready to kick him. Judai stumbled a little with shock in his eyes as Haou caught his brother before he fell. Judai watched for a moment.
The two opponents gave each other intense stares. Johan jumped back when he saw that Yubel tried to kick him. The dark-haired teen growled and ran straight for Johan. The turquoise-haired teen went into defensive position. Yubel tried to strike Johan across the face, but he blocked the attack every time.
Yubel jumped back and ran toward Johan again, this time Yubel tried to side-kick the kitchen boy. Johan caught his leg and pushed Yubel back. The dark-haired teen stumbled and managed to get his balance.
"I ... I don't get why you're not ... fighting back?" Yubel asked, panting.
Johan didn't say anything, but ran toward Yubel and punched him a few times. The dark-haired teen fell back with shock in his eyes. Yubel got up and charged at Johan, ready to strike. The turquoise-haired teen tired to block it but Yubel seized the opportunity and side-kicked Johan. The kitchen boy winced and stumbled back.
"Johan!" Judai cried, with fear laced in his voice.
The turquoise-haired teen looked back at Judai and smiled. He was about to say that he was okay when he felt a kick in the back. Yubel smirked and kicked Johan a few more times. The turquoise-haired teen fell to his hands and knees, coughing up blood.
"Not so high and mighty now are we?" Yubel mocked, walking up to Johan and kicked him real hard on the side. "Now get up!"
Yubel was about to kick Johan when he rolled away and got to his feet. The kitchen boy winced as he tried to hold his body in defense position. Both opponents gave each other death glares as they both circled around.
"Give it up you piece of filth," Yubel said. "Judai will be mine."
"No," Johan stated calmly. The crowd quieted down, eager to know what the kitchen boy had to say. Yubel snarled in response. "The reason why I'm fighting for Judai is because ..." Johan paused and stared at Judai with love in his eyes for a moment, before he went back to look at Yubel. "Is because I love him! And if I have to fight you to prove my worth, then I'll do it!"
Yubel growled and dashed forward. Johan did the same. I'm going to prove to Yubel that I'm worth something, the kitchen boy thought, blocking Yubel's attacks. Johan looked at Judai and stared at the prince with love and compassion in his eyes. And I'm going to show that I'm willing to do anything for Judai!
Yubel smirked when he saw an opportunity to get Johan. He moved his fist back in one swift motion, Yubel slugged the kitchen boy. Johan moaned in pain as he was lifted off the ground and Yubel pushed him. The dark-haired teen stepped up and struck Johan a few times before he hit the ground with a dull thump.
"Johan!"
Judai got up from his set and ran over to the kitchen boy. Haou got to his feet and watched very closely. This should be interesting, he thought.
Yubel stepped up and pulled Judai back. The prince growled. "Don't touch me!" Yubel pulled back with shook in his eyes. Judai yanked out of Yubel's grip and knelt beside Johan. "Are you alright?"
Johan smiled as Judai helped him stand. "I'm fine ..."
Yubel growled in frustration. He brought his fist toward Johan but Judai blocked it. The dark-haired teen stepped back when he saw the look in Judai's eyes. Everyone could feel tension in the air and the vibes changed.
"I'm going to be your opponents," Judai said, his eyes glazed over with determination and anger. He shifted so that he was standing in front of Johan.
Yubel blinked a few times as Haou rose from his seat and walked up. "Uh ... Judai ...? What are you doing?"
"I agree," Yubel spoke up. "What is going on? We're not done yet."
"Judai ..." Johan breathed, but it was more like a gurgle. "You don't have to fight for me."
"Let him fight!" A random person shouted from the crowd.
"Yeah! Lets see what he can do!"
It wasn't long before everyone in the crowd started to chant and cheer.
To Be Continued ...
