He blinked blearily at the cave, the ceiling never changing, the prison always constant. The dismal place he called home was silent, save for the soft 'drip, drip' of the water in the small watering hole. He strained his hearing, counting the droplets falling into the dark water.
One, two, three.
Lazily tracing his finger in the dirt, he continued to hopefully gaze up at the mended ceiling. Once, sunlight had streamed down on him from above, and he would lay there with another and feel the warm rays of the golden light. He would later learn that the golden light he liked so much was called a 'sun.'
"Silly, it's not even real. The sun that you feel is fake."
Even still, as her voice faded away with a memory, he could not help but feel that the sun in its lies was comforting. It was better than this darkness and chilly air he was surrounded with.
Four, five, six.
If he closed his eyes, he could visualize the small, clear droplet plummeting to the water. It was so small and insignificant, losing its shape in the massive body of water where the other lost droplets lay.
He would lose count, he knew that. He would continue to count the sound of the droplets until he fell asleep. But it was his routine, it kept him busy. At some point, he had wondered if he had gone insane, but then he would remember a maniacal smile and broken laughter and he would tell himself that no, he was not like that, he was not insane. Not yet.
He was just bored.
A dainty aroma reached his senses. He flinched when something soft brushed up against his cheek, and he blinked once more as he lay there, frozen, trying to recall the touch of another with soft fingers brushing up against his face.
He had almost forgotten what it felt like to be touched by another.
Blue eyes widened, and he sat up and looked around. He sniffed at the scent of rose petals. Raising his hands, he caught one fragile petal, staring at the remnants of a red flower in his pale hand.
A light from above began to glow. Clutching the red petal in his hands, he did not move. Rather, he lifted his hand as if to touch the growing light. Red petals continued to surround him, and only then did he look around, curious at the sudden change in his routine.
It wasn't supposed to happen like this. No, he was to stay here for an ungodly amount of hours, staring up at the ceiling, hoping for change, for a smiling face to come down and hold him, telling him that it would be alright. He longed for a long forgotten lullaby, the presence of another. Those were where his thoughts were to take him. He would lose track of time, and then he would carry on with his miserable life until he returns to the same spot on the ground with his recurring thoughts.
But no, this was different. The petals danced around him, and he thought it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Until the golden light descended on him, bathing him in a warmth he did not know he needed.
"Oh." He gasped in awe, even as his eyes hurt from the harshness of the light. If he went blind from this, he could not care. His world was no longer dark.
The light was gone all too soon. Blinking, he realized he was staring up at a new ceiling. He was no longer in the cave.
He sat up with slight surprise, glancing around and noticing the murals on the walls. Giant beings towered above him, and he felt increasingly small but still so curious. Slowly standing up, he stared upwards, his mind racing with the possibilities of where he might be.
His heart hammered in his chest when only one possibility presented itself.
"It's been a long time since I've had visitors."
He froze at the voice, his body still and tense. There were no footsteps, just the slight stirring of the wind. He swallowed, the longing for a weapon in his empty hands a painful reminder that he was defenseless.
A presence drew up behind him, small, yet static with a hidden threat. "And what is your name little one?"
The voice was ancient yet lively, a spry being with a hidden agenda. Turning, he noticed that the being was no smaller than him. His aura was elusive, yet the threat still persisted. He would have to choose his words wisely to avoid offending this creature.
Narrowing his blue eyes, he stared at the being. "Is this the Tower?"
The being sounded amused. "Yes, it is. Are you surprised?"
He looked around with curiosity. "Fascinating." He sighed. "I finally made it. So where do I take the tests?"
"Well, you are an eager little thing. What much do you know of the Tower?"
"I know that it's a place you need to climb, and to reach the top, you must take the tests." He impatiently tapped his hand against his thigh, a tick he thought he had grown out of. Flexing his hand to ward off the bad habit, he schooled his expression into one of what he hoped to be indifference.
"Well, you know so much for an outsider. Do you mind if I ask you where you have come to such knowledge?"
He hesitated, an opportunity springing to mind. "Only if you answer mine."
"Striking a bargain? Well, this is interesting!" He barked out a short laugh. "Very well, I accept. But what is a bargain without names? I am the caretaker of the Tower, Headon. Oh, by the way, this reminds me that you never gave me your name."
"Khun." He hesitated. "That's...that's all I was given."
"Well Khun, let us begin our bargain. I will answer any question you have if you will answer mine. Why don't you go first?"
Khun hesitated, feeling the hope rise up inside, ready to choke him. "Was there another who came here before me, a long time ago?"
Headon made a humming noise, twirling his staff thoughtfully. "There have been other Irregulars like you who have entered the Tower, yes."
His eyes widened. "Other Irregulars? You mean there was more than one?" He couldn't believe it, his hope was finally coming to fruition! "Where is she? Is she alright-?"
"I never said it was a 'she'." The harsh tone cut Khun off, and with it, his carefully frayed hope shattered.
Headon continued. "Be careful boy. Chasing after a woman can be a dangerous thing." He cocked his head. "Is that why you seek to climb the Tower? To find a woman?"
Khun hesitated. "Of a sort, yes. There is something I want answers to. Only she can provide them." He cocked his head. "So that concludes as your question in our bargain."
Headon paused before he laughed. "Oh my, yes it does." He tapped his staff against the stone floor. "You are a very clever boy." He cocked his head. "So, why do you want to climb the Tower?"
Khun looked up, his gaze meeting another ceiling. "Is it true that all I desire is at the top?"
"Anything you can imagine, anything you want, can be found at the top. What is it you desire?" He could hear the smile in that voice. "Is it that girl?"
He did not answer, but merely stepped forward. "I am ready."
"Oh my, jumping right in I see. Well, then, the first test is simple."
Light illuminated the room, bathing it in a green glow. Khun turned to identify the source of the glowl, and his eyes widened. Within the glowing green mass was a large slithering creature. Its eyes hungrily focused on him.
"The rules are simple. You will enter the cage, and if you can break that ball while avoiding the White Steel Eel, you pass."
Khun hesitated, eyeing the massive creature. Surprise would not work because the creature was already aware of his presence. He could not just slip into the cage unnoticed. He noticed the distance of the ball. He could make a run for it and be there in mere seconds, but the eel was another obstacle.
Still, what would it benefit him to deny taking the test? He would be sent back to that cave, counting the droplets, waiting for answers. But worse than that, he would come back to this moment, wondering what would have happened only if he had taken that chance.
He was stepping forward, his shoulders set and hands relaxed. He didn't like his chances, but he was already coming up with three possible routes he could take that would increase his chance of success.
A blast of cold air ripped through. Khun's hair stood on end, prickling at the shocking sensation. His body froze at the unperceived threat.
Beauty itself stepped forward, her sapphire eyes observing him with humor. Long periwinkle hair trailed down her back in soft waves, yet her gaze was sharp, contrasting with her gentle, smooth face.
Heeled shoes clicked on the stone floor as she strode toward him. With dainty hands, she withdrew a black orb.
"There, now you can understand me."
Khun blinked at the pleasant voice, and his gaze turned to her in shock. Blue hair. Blue eyes. Physical traits she shared with him and...others. "Are you...one of-"
"Yes. But I have never visited you before if that is what you are wondering." She gestured to the orb as it floated towards him. "This is a high grade pocket that will allow you to understand me." She cocked her head. "But you already knew that, did you not?"
Khun hesitated before tentatively nodding. "Invisible mode," he instructed, watching as the pocket blinked out of existence. Only then did he realize his mistake when he saw the woman's smile. He had revealed the extent of his knowledge, a layer of himself he did not want to reveal.
"I am Khun Mascheny Jahad. As of now, I am interested in you, my dear brother."
Chills went down his spine at the term.
"Hurry along brother."
"You're so pathetic, brother."
"We'll work together on this, alright? I'll get you both out."
Khun's lips were a thin line as he regarded the woman. "I don't remember having you as my sister."
The woman laughed, harsh winter bells echoing in the stone cavern. "No. But our bloodline is distinct." She glanced at the Guardian. "Headon, you don't mind if I exchange a few words with him? I'll allow him to take the test when I am done."
"As long as you don't interfere with his ability to take the test, a few sparing words are fine. However, if word reaches the king about this, you will be executed."
Mascheny's smile was chilling. For a moment, her soft eyes were that of a beast; hungry and powerful. "I control what reaches the king." With that, her attention was fully on Khun. "Listen, only an Irregular can pass this test. Not only that, but you are a child of Khun Eduan. You have a lot stacked against you because of your Irregular status and your bloodline." She cocked her head. "You addressed yourself as 'Khun' for a name. That will have to change if you want to climb the Tower."
Khun hesitated. "Why are you helping me?"
She smiled. "Sisterly concern?"
He frowned. He had long since given up on a frivolous notion such as 'family ties.' If Mascheny was helping him, then it had nothing to do with what she claimed to be 'sisterly concern.'
"Ouch." Macheny pursed her lips at his silence. "Did she really hurt you that badly?"
Khun froze. "What?"
"I may have been out of the loop for a short while, a matter which I quickly resolved, but that does not mean I am unaware of what happened in that cave." Mascheny grinned. "Maria told me everything."
Everything.
Cold clammy skin. An unresponsive gaze. The absence of warmth and life.
He clenched his hands, trembling. "You can't know everything."
"I know enough." She straightened up. "You want answers, but you are not that unique, even for a Khun child." She shrugged. "But I do want you to pass this test, only because I know that it will be beneficial to me." She stared at him. "You want answers. I can bring you to the one who can grant you those." She held out her arm. "Arms inventory, visible mode."
Khun watched as a display of weapons appeared at the princess' side. Golden sparks danced across her fingers as she withdrew a yellow spear. Deftly holding it in two hands, Mascheny smiled once more as she presented it to him.
"This is the Yellow May, part of the Thirteen Months Series. It is a high honor to be bestowed such a weapon. Wield it and pass the tests. When you are finished you will return it to me."
Khun held the weapon in his hands and could not help but grimace. He had not used a spear in ages, as he was more comfortable to wield his daggers. Still, one more glance at the Steel Eel and he knew that this woman, his sister, was doing what she could to help him. Albeit for her own benefits.
Mascheny gripped his shoulder. "Remember what you once had and what was taken from you. That should be your motivation for passing this test and surviving."
Khun blinked, ice running through his veins and tightening his nerves.
"Well boy," Headon's voice broke through the stiff silence. "Are you going to take the test?"
Khun nodded resolutely. No further words were needed. He strode forward, gaze set on the creature floating before him. His heart hammered in his chest and for a moment he almost became lost in the eel's dark gaze.
Then it roared and swam towards him with such speed.
Holding Yellow May before him, he planted his feet firmly in the ground, legs spread apart and shoulders loose. He breathed in and out, two quick short breaths to calm his beating heart right as the jaws of the beast opened before him.
He jumped, his feet leaving the ground for a second before darkness enclosed around him with a large 'snap.' He landed on something so soft and slippery that he lost his balance. He dared not breathe as the hot breath of the beast clung to his skin and clothes. The urge to gag was strong, but he knew it would waste his time.
He still held Yellow May in his hands. He stabbed towards the gummy skin beneath the teeth, pulling and lashing out. The putrid smell nearly choked him, but the beast finally spat him out. The sweet air was just as harsh as the fall. He took in big gulps of air as his body hit the ground.
His terror and the actions of what he had just done nearly blinded him. Blinking in a daze, he pushed himself to his feet. Reaching for Yellow May, he sprinted forward, voices of the past chasing after him.
The orb was in sight. He readied the spear in his hand, the memory of what to do coming back to him.
"Find the spear's balance point...that's it, just like that."
He felt the weight of the spear quickly settle into his hands, the balance equal.
"Pull your arm back, the force of your strength channeling into that one goal, eyes fixated on the target."
He narrowed his eyes, gaze tunneling until all he saw was that orb.
"Harden your core, and let it go!"
The spear left his grip, hands throwing it straight and true at the center of the orb.
"Shoot it little brother! Shoot it!"
The metallic 'clang' echoed in the cavern. Even Khun's heartbeat was silent. Yellow May had no effect on the orb.
His eyes widened, breathless. "What?"
Was this some kind of trick? Was he brought here, teased with the prospect of finding solace, some sense of closure and answers, only to die? Was the Tower mocking him?
Yellow May was back in his hands as he stood over the orb. His eyes were narrowed into desperate slits. "No." The spear stabbed into the orb, only to bounce back off with no effect.
"That's not how you should hold a spear."
"Shut up," he muttered, desperate.
A different voice, light and teasing, haunted him. "Silly, you'll hurt yourself."
"Come on," he muttered, tears and sweat trailing down his cheeks to splatter onto the unforgiving ground.
A stern voice followed after. "Let him teach you. He's here to help."
"Please break."
"Listen to him you idiot! Do you want to die?"
A young girl, her wide eyes staring at him, pleading, before fading away into disgust, anger.
Hatred.
Then she was gone. They all were. Quietly, without a word, as if they had never been there before. As if their time with him had been a distant memory.
But if that was the case, why could he still hear her screams?
"Break! Dammit!" The spear left his grasp, embedding itself in the orb once more, but not breaking it.
How could he escape this? How could he pass this test?
The conclusion came to him like a gunshot. His eyes widened.
Mascheny. Was she only here for-?
Small blue eyes stared up at him, clutching the hem of his shirt.
Warm hands pushed him away, a figure moving in the distance, always within sight but never within reach.
A towering presence, concern shining in the same blue eyes he saw in his own reflection, warned him of the dangers outside.
"Never trust a Khun."
Despair filled him, even as the eel came for him. "I need to see her! Please!"
A golden light fills his vision, static and probing; unfriendly and vicious as the energy screams into the air. Then, it is quiet. The light is calm and tame. Khun opens his eyes to behold a girl on the cusp of womanhood standing before him.
Long white hair trailed down her shoulders, so bright like the flicker of a golden candle. Yellow eyes opened to stare at him, light lashes fluttering. Despite her coy smile, her face was sharpened to one of a being with ages of experience. The yellow sleeves of her dress slipped down her slim shoulders, silver starlight earrings adorning her ears.
Khun stared up in awe at the ethereal beauty, an unexplainable pain clenching his heart when he saw her, a memory of one lost evoked from her presence.
"I have never heard a Khun child say please." She cocked her head, sandal feet kicking in the air with glee. "Finally, one with manners." Her smile held anticipation. "What do you need, boy? You want my help?"
Breathless, Khun nodded. "Yeah."
"For what reason do you climb the Tower? Money, pride? Do you desire precious gold and jewels, magical fruits and heavenly beauties?" She smiled. "Or is it a deep, burning, revenge?"
One clear image came to mind. Figures with long silver and blue hair. Sapphire eyes shining down on him, a warm presence.
A cold body.
"I want to see...is it really worth it?"
Yellow May paused. "What?"
"Is it really worth it to climb the Tower? To suffer and die? What is up there people are willing to die for it?" Khun clenched his fists. "I want to know why someone would be driven to such madness."
"So you just want to climb to satisfy your curiosity?" She cocked her head. "Or is there some underlying reason?" She shrugged. "How bland, but I guess I will help you if it means I can get away from that stuffy princess."
Slender arms wrapped around him. Khun stiffened at the foreign embrace, his ear warm when she whispered to him, "why don't you rest for now?"
He was blinded once more. His feet left the ground. Light and darkness clashed together in a violent fury, struggling for control. All of that slipped away from his consciousness as Yellow May's words took affect, and his eyes closed in a fitful rest.
xXx
Mascheny watched the scene with interest. Her lips curled in a satisfied smile as the boy vanished, and the Steel Eel returned to swimming in the empty prison.
He had passed the test. Now she had to wait for the results. There was so much planning and preparation that needed to be made, and all of it would take time and care to fly under the king's radar.
But she was good at secrecy. Her blood hummed with the anticipation of what was to come the next time she met with her new, young brother. All he needed to do was pass a few tests.
"I'll say it for you, Headon," Mascheny said as she walked away. "I am looking forward to how things turn out."
Headon's amused chuckle echoed in the caverns. Mascheny's eyes became sapphire slits as she stepped into the darkness, the laughter of the caretaker following after her.
"Indeed, princess."
xXx
High above the rafters and shielded by the darkness, two curious individuals sat in dumbfounded confusion and fascination at the unfolding events.
"Um, hey Evan, who was that blue-haired boy?"
"No idea princess, but Lady Mascheny seemed to know him."
"Exactly! It is unlike my dear sister to show any interest in anyone without an ulterior motive. Could he have been her brother?"
"Now you know that is impossible. All Khun children, save for the Rankers and princesses, have been eradicated. And that boy could not have been a Ranker, or I would have recognized him."
"Yes. So he is not a ranker, and he is clearly not a princess, so what is my sister up to with him?" Red eyes gleamed with interest. "Plus, she gave him the Yellow May. If we find him, maybe he'll be kind enough to lend it to me."
"...princess…? Why would he feel so inclined to give you the Yellow May?"
"Because not only is he an Irregular, but he is also a child of Khun! Wouldn't he be so grateful that I am willing to keep this dangerous secret from the king for him that he grants me the Yellow May as a token of his gratitude?"
"I'm not sure that's how it will work-"
"Come along Evan! Be a good guide and take me to the Floor of Tests!"
"...why do I even bother?"
xXx
Bright golden light filled Khun's vision and he sat up with a fright. Rubbing his head, his vision suddenly became obscured by the tall yellow grass.
Yellow. That's right! Where was the Yellow May? His hands searched for the spear, which was hidden not too far away from him. He grasped the hilt and looked around, noting that he was not alone as he initially thought. There were other people in the distance, all spread apart, yet they did not seem to pay him any mind.
Good. He did not want to draw attention to himself. Crouching down, he wondered if there was to be another test. He hadn't had the time to rest up and gather his strength from the fight with the Steel Eel yet.
"Hello! Is this thing on?"
Khun tensed at the loud voice, and he glanced up to see a square shaped box hovering in the air, a red glow emanating from the inside.
"Oh well. Doesn't matter! Welcome Regulars. We will be conducting a very simple test. There are 400 of you here. A timer will be set. Kill at your leisure. Once the time is up, the remaining survivors will move on. Simple, right?"
Khun's eyes widened. Kill? With 400 contenders in this test, everyone stood in his way. His grip on Yellow May tightened, his eyes surveying who was in the closest vicinity. He had never killed before. Small animals did not count.
Liar. His mind whispered vehemently. You've killed before.
He shut out the image of the cold, floating body. No, that was different. That was not his fault.
Still, he could do this. He could not simply give up at this moment. He knew what it meant to give up on life and to be left behind.
"And...go! The test is on!"
A pin dropped. The field was silent. Then the roars and screams began. Flesh tearing, bones breaking, swords swinging and shots firing filled the area. It was like everyone became obsessed with spilling blood at the orders of another.
Disgust filled Khun. That people would so easily fall under the sway of others revolted him. A simple order was all that was needed, and they were quick to follow through. How much more beneficial would it be to break the norms and forge one's own path?
He quickly moved through the field. The grass rustled as something nearby moved. He tensed, trying to gauge where the movement was coming from and if he could strike with the Yellow May or one of his daggers.
Something slammed into him. His feet left the ground and Khun felt himself choke on the yelp building up in his throat, but the air had left his lungs as he hit the ground.
Something settled on top of him and gripped his shoulders. His vision was sideways and he grimaced at the harsh pain and discomfort. "Dammit," he muttered, before panic set in and he realized he was vulnerable. His fingers scrambled for the daggers he had strapped to his thigh. He could easily be killed! How had he left himself in such a vulnerable position?
"Hey there Blue!" A cheery voice caused him to stiffen, even as prying hands swiped at the strands of hair that had fallen in front of his eyes. "Sorry, I didn't mean to slam into you that hard, but you were about to run into an ambush." The weight on top of him shifted but did not move entirely. This person wanted to keep him secure and in place. Finally, Khun could tilt his head up to see who his captor was.
Brown bangs framed the young man's face. The brown strands were pulled back in a ponytail that was doing a poor job at keeping the hair at bay. An ordinary face that held no malice but only curiosity stared back at him, but it was the golden eyes that caught Khun's attention. Those gold eyes...they reminded him of the warm sun he would see in brief moments during the afternoon when he lived in the cave.
The boy smiled at him, and Khun had to remind himself not to be deceived. After all, this man had barreled into him, only to sit on top of him! What kind of an ordinary person does that?!
Khun grunted. "Can you get up?"
The boy tilted his head. "Why?"
"Because I'm boney and not a good seat," Khun muttered sarcastically. "Or maybe because it's weird?"
The boy blinked before chuckling. "Oh, right, sure." He moved up and stood to watch as Khun sat up. Khun's hands strayed to the Yellow May, his gaze watching the boy warily.
But the golden-eyed boy merely crouched down to his level. "Hey, you don't need to be so tense around me. I won't attack you."
Khun narrowed his eyes. "Why not? Isn't that part of the test?"
The boy shrugged. "Yes. But the test is almost done, so there's no need to participate anymore."
Despite his senses warning him not to look away from a potential threat, Khun glanced around the field. "Oh." There weren't that many people around. Just him and the boy. Still, he remained stiff with racing nerves. Could he escape if he needed to? He hadn't even sensed the boy coming towards him at first, so just how fast was he?
"By the way," the boy's words broke through Khun's thoughts. "It's getting really weird thinking of you as 'the blue-haired boy' in my mind. So what's your name?"
Khun blinked. "B-blue-haired?" Indignation filled him, and he instinctively touched his hair.
His sputtering seemed to amuse the boy. "Well, your blue hair is unique. You usually don't see that many people with such pretty blue hair." He leaned forward, inspecting Khun in such uncomfortable proximity. "Or eyes."
Khun held the stare, even as he felt every instinct within him scream that he remind this boy about personal space. To his relief, the boy finally leaned back with a smile. "Anyway, I'm Bam!" He held out his hand, as if he wanted to shake Khun's.
Mascheny's words came back to him. "You addressed yourself as 'Khun' for a name. That will have to change if you want to climb the Tower."
Words clogged up in his throat. He had no other name to go by, other than the precious name he had only heard a few address him by.
"My Aguero."
"Ag-uer-o! Where are you?"
"My God Aguero, what did you do?"
It was too precious to him, yet...it was all he had.
He released a shuddering breath, feeling as if he were releasing something precious even as he clasped the hand in front of him. "I'm Aguero."
Bam frowned. "Just Aguero?"
"Agnis," he fumbled. "Aguero Agnis."
Bam raised an eyebrow. "Agnis? Isn't that a girl's name?"
"It was my mother's." He averted his gaze, the embarrassment heating up his cheeks with an uncomfortable shade of pink.
"No father?" The way the golden-eyed gaze observed him caused Khun to stiffen.
"The name of our father carries a dangerous weight. You'd be wise to conceal your lineage."
Gold eyes penetrated his, and Khun knew with horrifying certainty, even though he does not know how or what it means...
He knows.
Khun was on his feet in an instant. He ran, knowing that he had to put as much distance between himself and Bam as much as he could. He dared not look back to see if Bam was pursuing him.
"BLUE TURTLE!"
The ground shuddered beneath Khun's feet. "What the-?" He looked up with wide eyes as a massive beast landed in front of him.
"Blue Turtle," the animal growled, leveling a red spear at him. "I sense strong powers! You are a worthy opponent. I challenge you to a duel!"
Khun's mind scrambled to process all that had occurred within the last minute, and all he came up emerged from his mouth. "An alligator?"
That was not the smartest thing to say, as the gator stomped his foot in an expression of rage. "I am not an alligator! I am Rak Wraithraiser! The strongest warrior to ever live! Fight me!"
Once Khun found his footing, he looked up with exasperation. "But I really don't want to-"
"Oh cool! Is that a crocodile?" Another unwanted presence made himself known. Bam emerged from the tall grass with a grin. Whereas Khun was out of breath from the running and panic, Bam seemed perfectly refreshed.
"I am not a crocodile!" the gator screamed. "Damn you Black Turtle!" He swiped at Bam who deftly jumped away from the swipe to land beside Khun. Swiftly, Khun brought the Yellow May up between them.
"I've only seen pictures of them," Bam continued, genuinely interested. Before Khun could put some space between himself and the two unwanted stalkers, an alarm went off.
"Alrighty! Everyone, stop fighting! Those who have continuously shed blood after this warning will be disqualified!"
Khun relaxed, though he kept a wary eye on Bam and Rak. Just because they were ordered not to kill anyone did not mean he should lower his defenses.
"Anywho, let's get on to the next test. Make a team of three! You must be touching your teammates to count as a team before the time runs out. Good luck!"
Khun blinked. Teams of three? Already? Make teams with the very same people who were previously trying to kill you? His gaze flickered over to the rampaging alligator. Persuading him will be a chore, but maybe he would have more luck with Bam.
No. He shouldn't be too hasty. Already, he had his misgivings about Bam, and Rak was clearly unhinged. His better bet was to seek new companions before his time ran out.
Just as he was going to come up with a beneficial solution, the air moved around him. Khun barely had time to blink before he found his arms restrained to his side.
"Perfect!" Bam exclaimed as he lifted off of the ground with Khun securely in his hold. "Now all we need is to get-"
But Khun had had enough. He may be airborne, but he was not going anywhere with this guy. With careful precision, he lifted his leg up before swinging it down and on Bam's knee. Bam gasped, more of surprise at the attack than actual pain, and his grip on Khun loosened, allowing him to slip out of the hold. Falling to the ground, Khun cushioned his fall by rolling before springing up to his feet. He found his target and kept a wary eye on the floating Regular.
Bam landed on the ground, expression apologetic. "Hey, I'm really sorry. That was too hasty of me and I shouldn't have acted that way." He did not hold his hands up in a placating way, which would have irked Khun even more, but he did leave his hands exposed to display that he was not a threat. "I really want to team up with you."
Khun narrowed his eyes, holding Yellow May between them. If he needed to, he could always use Yellow May as a distraction before withdrawing his daggers to defend himself. "Why would you want to team up with me?"
Bam's smile was soft. "Because you're interesting. And…" his gaze flickered down as if embarrassed. "You look lost."
Khun blinked, indignant. "Lost?"
"You need help," Bam explained. "And I want to help you."
Khun hesitated. Initially, he was still distrustful of this man. But time was running out, and it was better to keep Bam close to keep an eye on him so that Khun could uncover his true intentions.
"Don't you dare think of stealing him!" Rak suddenly roared, storming forward. "He's MY prey!"
"Well, he can be your prey, but he can be my teammate. How does that sound?" Bam started.
Rak actually seemed to be considering the idea for a brief moment. But before Khun could feel a small bit of hope, Rak scowled. "No!"
Khun readied Yellow May, knowing that a confrontation between them was inevitable.
"Okay, okay," Bam said, now placating. "But before you fight him, I have one question." He took in a deep breath. "What's the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?"
Khun gaped at Bam. Was he stalling? If so, he was being blatantly obvious about it! But one look at his pocket showed that they had less then one more minute left, enough time to stall and avoid a confrontation.
As Rak sputtered before launching into a long tirade of why he was neither alligator or crocodile, Bam glanced at Khun and gave a small nod before moving forward.
They had to move quickly. Khun ran and did not give any concern for Bam. Though he had not seen the Regular's full power, something told him that Bam was more than capable of passing this test.
Khun dodged the spear hurled in his direction. With one last desperate leap, he latched onto Rak with a tight grip, right when it was announced that time was up.
He looked up to see Bam beaming down from where he clung to Rak's shoulders, his smile bright and infectious.
xXx
"That was incredible!" Bam exclaimed excitedly. Khun didn't think a frown had ever crossed this young man's face. "You moved so fast Aguero!"
Khun tried not to flinch when he was called by a name he felt had a personal connection to him. His smile was strained. "Not as fast as you."
Bam continued conversing with them excitedly, ignoring Rak's pestering to fight as they lingered in the halls, waiting for further instructions on what to do after the test.
Khun hadn't had a moment to think about the small bit of victory of surviving two tests and at least gaining a few (questionably trustworthy) allies since they were transported away from the field. However, he took this time to consider the teammates he was now working with.
Rak seemed to be what he appeared to be; loud, a brute, and very delusional with his declarations of being a 'leader' and a 'mighty warrior.' Khun didn't know how hunting young adults had made him 'mighty' but if it allowed the gator to align himself with them, then Khun would try and force himself to tolerate his presence. It was going to be agony though.
But Bam...now Khun didn't know what to make of him. The Regular seemed ordinary in appearance and power. His speed was incredible, Khun had to admit, and he could sense some underlying strong energy from him. But still, he didn't know what to make of him. And his implications of knowing about Khun's lineage caused him to believe that he knew more than he let on. But Bam was content with playing oblivious, something he was not good at with the way his eyes sparkled with hidden mirth, like he knew a secret and was just dying to reveal it.
"...guero? Aguero?"
Khun blinked when he realized Bam was calling out to him. "Sorry, what was that?"
Bam grinned. "I was commenting on your spear. By any chance, do you think you will be assigned as a spear bearer?"
Khun tilted his head. "Spear bearer?"
Now it was Bam's turn to look confused. "You know, the positions Regulars take in battles during tests? A spear bearer is what it sounds like; someone who wields a spear."
Now Khun felt foolish for revealing his lack of knowledge. "Oh. Of course."
Once again, Bam had no regards for personal space. He drew closer, his gaze inquisitive. Khun's grip tightened on the Yellow May. "You must be from a part of the outer Tower to not hear much about ranks and positions." Bam's smile now lacked its usual cheerfulness. "That's okay! But try not to make it too obvious to others who aren't your teammates."
Khun stiffened, his tolerance for secrets and cryptics wording reaching its limit. He was done with the constant dancing around with information. "Is that a threat?"
Bam looked as if he had been stung. "No. But it is a warning."
"Forgive me for being so rude, Bam," Khun stated, his tone low. "But it's hard to trust someone who body slams into you on the first meeting during a test designed to kill."
Bam hung his head low. "I see. Then how about I give you a reason to trust me?"
Khun raised an eyebrow. "You seem awfully desperate to gain my trust."
To Khun's surprise, Bam threw his head back and laughed. "Yeah, I guess I do come off as a little desperate," Bam chuckled. "Let's just say that I'm lonely."
"And you picked me of all people?" Khun's disbelief was evident through his tone. "I'm not exactly the easiest person to get along with."
"Really? I hadn't figured," Bam teased. "Well, you are honest. Perfect for establishing a companionship."
In that moment, Rak stormed forward, pointing a claw at Khun. "You! I demand that you fight me!"
Khun frowned. "Right now?"
"NOW!"
"Hm, sorry, but I don't want to."
Bam hastily stepped forward. "Now wait a minute! You don't want to cause a scene! What if the others here took notice of...ah...Aguero's strong power and wanted to fight him? They'd steal your prey!"
While Khun didn't appreciate being labeled as 'prey,' Bam's theatrics did seem to calm Rak down. It was then he noticed the large number of Regulars in the area. For a moment, he felt overwhelmed. He had never seen so many people gathered together all at once. He noticed the different species, colors, shapes and sizes of individuals. But he was able to find one common characteristic. They all had set and determined frowns, grim and wary.
"This is a lot of people," Khun couldn't help but comment, revealing his fascination with the new experience.
"Not really," Bam quipped, coming to stand next to him. "I would have thought that there would be more opponents." He grinned at Khun. "Nervous?"
He glanced at Bam. "Why would I be?"
"Well," Bam ran a hand through his hair. "They are our opponents. They stand in our way of potentially succeeding."
"But they do not have the foresight to pass," Khun responded, his gaze flickering around the crowd. "There are a select few we will have to be wary of, but the rest are rowdy." Already, his gaze was focused on a quite green lizard girl. Her pensive gaze surveyed everything with boredom, but her teammates appeared to be average.
"Hello there everyone." A smooth voice broke through the chatter of the room, and all eyes turned to the speaker.
"I am Lero-Ro, your test administrator," the blond man said. "I will be overseeing your tests from here on out."
"A Ranker," Bam murmured, shifting slightly. Khun did his best to hide his confusion. He was barely grasping at the new terms and meanings he was exposed to. His eyes widened when he was able to make the connection on what a Ranker was.
He's a Ranker like Hachuling, he mused thoughtfully. Still, that didn't tell him much. Just what were Rankers and what could they do? He was not going to ask Bam. Doing so would reveal his ignorance.
"More of you passed than expected," Lero-Ro continued, seeming surprised as his gaze swept across the room. "So we need to do a little bit of culling."
Blue light emerged from his hand, and Khun's eyes widened. The lessons he had been given, the warnings he had received, all flashed before him.
"Shinsu," he gasped. He should be feeling terror, but really, all he felt was awe and excitement as the stories he was told came to life before his eyes.
The wall of shinsu engulfed them. Khun did not know what to expect, and he cringed, only to relax when he felt the cool water rush over him. It was like a spring of cold water, without the wetness, washing over him before passing through.
He blinked. Was that it?
It took him a moment to realize that he was standing alone. Looking back with wide eyes, he realized that a barrier of shinsu was between him and the other Regulars.
He looked back, his gaze meeting Lero-Ro's surprised stare. The Ranker's eyes narrowed as interest sparked in his glance.
Khun loosened his shoulders, adjusting his grip on the Yellow May. Well, he couldn't salvage the situation. He had brought attention to himself already with merely standing here. Had he somehow failed the test?
"Right," Lero-Ro commented, recovering from his surprise. "The purpose of this test is to pass through this shinsu barrier with all your teammates. If all your teammates can make it through, then you pass." Still, his distracted gaze kept flickering over to where Khun stood rooted to the spot.
So, he had not failed at all. It appeared that he had lucked out.
"TURTLE!" A large mass hurriedly broke through the barrier, and Khun cursed his rambunctious teammate who was now bringing more attention to themselves.
"Blue Turtle!" Rak roared. "How dare you try to sneakily escape from me! Don't avoid your leader."
"Who made you the leader?" Khun snarked back, annoyed. Now he could feel the gazes of many others on him.
"That was an impressive feat," Bam said, joining them. He had effortlessly passed through the shinsu following Rak. He eyed Khun with a smile. "Nice to know that we're an unstoppable team."
Khun frowned. Was Bam really being that optimistic? Before he could try and analyze the underlying terms, they were being ushered forward. Khun glanced up and still saw Lero-Ro's gaze on them, eyes alight with interest, however, Khun's vision became obscured as Bam stepped in front and blocked his view of the Ranker.
"Why don't we go sit down while we wait?" Bam suggested lightly. "It might take a while."
Judging from the screams of frustration and rants coming from the shinsu wall, Khun had to agree that it might take awhile for the test to come to an end. Waiting would give him a good opportunity to observe and gather his thoughts. However, Bam did not seem willing to simply wait in silence.
"You okay with lugging that around?" Bam asked, sitting right next to him and nodding to the Yellow May.
Khun frowned. "And where else would I put it?"
Amusement danced in Bam's eyes. "Well, it's just that, you're pretty bold to be carrying around a Weapon of the 13 Months Series out in the open."
Khun's eyes widened, and he glanced down at the weapon in his hands. Yes, Mascheny had told him of the 13 Months and that it was an honor to have such a weapon, but that was the extent of his knowledge of these weapons. The only thing that might distinguish the weapon's significance was...his gaze trailed over the spear, ah, the three red eyes.
His frown deepened. Well, Mascheny was supposed to take the weapon back after he had finished the first test. Now that it was in his possession, he did not know how she intended to get it back. But still, was he painting a target on his back for wielding such a weapon?
"Only princesses of Jahad can receive a weapon of the 13 Months," Bam continued, his voice now low. Khun stiffened, remaining watchful. "And I know of the princess that wields the Yellow May. How do you know Khun Mascheny?"
This boy wanted something from him, that much Khun was certain. If not, he would have ratted him out to the test administrator.
"I only met her once," Khun stated. "And that was for her to give me the Yellow May."
Bam appeared to be thinking deeply. "But you did not know of the 13 Months until then."
Khun remained silent. Let this kid draw his own conclusions. At this point, whatever he did would affect Khun's game.
"Do you climb the Tower for her?" Bam asked.
Khun blinked, shocked. "No! Why would I?"
"Well...it's just that," Bam seemed to struggle for words. "She's conniving. For her to just graciously give you this weapon means she has an ultimate agenda. After all, they do say…"
"Never trust a Khun," he finished with a wry smile. "I know. That was ingrained into me before I came to the Tower."
Bam's smile was small. "Right. Especially a Khun who becomes a princess." He leaned back. "So if she didn't make you climb the Tower, why climb at all?"
"I have to find someone," Khun stated simply. He caressed Yellow May. "I might find them on my journey."
"I bet it's a female turtle," Rak interrupted with a grunt. "You turtles are all the same."
Khun's frown tightened, but he did not rise to argue with Rak on the topic.
Bam seemed focused on the initial topic though. raised an eyebrow. "So you don't want to get to the top?"
"If they are at the top, then yes, but I feel like my journey will take me to them." His gaze became thoughtful. "That's all that I desire."
The silence between them was only broken by the sound of frustrated Regulars behind the barrier, and excited cheers at those able to pass. Finally, Bam broke that silence. "And once you find that person, what will you do?"
Khun was about to answer until Rak butted in. "He'll fight me of course!"
Khun rolled his eyes to which Bam chuckled. "Sure, sure," the brunette responded.
xXx
They were left to their own devices, to which Bam stood up. "Ah, I'm hungry. Do you want anything?"
Khun blinked. "What's there to have?"
Bam grinned and grabbed Khun's hand. "I'll show you!" He led Khun to the vending machine, to which Khun stared up at the thing with mild interest. "There are all sorts of drinks and snacks you can have," Bam prattled on. "What are you in the mood for?"
Khun observed the objects through the glass, eyes skimming his options. "Um, I guess I am hungry." He pointed at a round orange food. "I'll have that." As Bam began to proceed with the selection, Khun couldn't help his curiosity. "Can you show me how you do that?"
Bam paused, startled for a moment, before a smile spread across his face. "Sure." He held his fingers against the blue screen. "Money mode, activate." The selected beverages and food rattled from the shelf before falling down below. Khun watched the process with open fascination, eyes wide with delight, unaware that Bam was watching him with a light smile.
"Thank you," Khun stated, taking the small orange food. It was smooth and a bit cold. Khun examined it for a moment, unsure what to do next.
"Never seen an orange before?" Bam asked with a grin. "You have to peel the skin to get to the fruit."
Khun stared. "Really?" Before he could think about reaching for one of his daggers to do so, Bam was taking the orange from him.
"Like this," Bam stated, holding a small knife, he began to make quick work of the orange.
"Hey Turtles! Did you forget to feed your leader?" Rak bellowed.
"As if!" Bam called back. "We got you a drink." With his free hand, he tossed Rak a can of Black Banana.
"I do hope that everyone has had a pleasant break." A smooth voice cut through the light chatter. As if on cue, everyone went quiet. A small, petite man in robes glided over, his gaze pleasant, if not a bit arrogant.
Khun leaned over to Bam. "Is he another Ranker?"
"Uh, yeah," Bam answered, his narrowed eyes fixated on the small, blond man.
"I am Hansung-Yu, and I have an announcement to make. As a fun little passtime, we will be holding a Crown Game."
"Er, more tests?" someone nervously muttered from the crowd.
"Do not worry," Hansung said with a light smile. "There are no penalties for not participating or failing, but those who do win will automatically pass all tests."
"Well," Bam commented, still peeling the orange, his tone dark. "I guess we won't be passing this up." Khun had to agree, his heart racing at the prospect of another challenge. He barely noticed when Bam gave him the orange, even as the room erupted into excited clamor.
"What a turn of events!" a voice near Khun exclaimed. Khun turned to see a man in a purple track-suit approach him.
"It seems a little too good to be true," Khun commented.
"Yeah," the man stated. "But still, opportunities like this are rare, and you have to take them when you can." He stuck out his hand. "I'm Shibisu."
"Aguero." This time, he was able to say it without feeling much of a pain in his chest.
"I was impressed when I saw you at the last test. If only luck was so favorable towards others."
"I guess luck does determine who stands in the end," Khun mused. "But still, it seems rather lackluster, to leave your fate up to chance."
"Yeah, but that's how the Tower operates," Shibisu commented. "For some of us, all we have is luck. You just have to please Lady Luck enough that she'll favor you over others."
Khun hesitated. "I do hope that luck is at least favorable to you."
Shibisu grinned. "Same to you," he stated before joining his teammates. "Good luck!"
xXx
It was encouraging to see his teammates surrounded by friendly people, even if everyone was competing against each other. There were some people whose hearts were genuinely good, like the man in the purple tracksuit.
Those thoughts followed Bam as he turned around a corner. The noise faded away, and Bam stood at the end of the hallway, his eyes narrow as he stared at the lone figure.
"I'm surprised you managed to pull yourself away from the crowd." Hansung's voice was light as if the conversation was simply about the weather.
Bam's frown was tight. "What's going on with the tests?"
Hansung hummed thoughtfully. "Well, the tests had to conclude faster than we originally intended. Since it was a free-for-all killing spree, not many Regulars survived." He smiled, bringing a hand up to cover his lips. "It seems that you couldn't control yourself during the process. But you did eliminate the competition. As a result, we had to make some changes or we would continue to lose Regulars to partake in the tests."
Bam stared at the smaller man, unfazed.
"Really, I don't know why you are complaining," Hansung continued. "Jumping right into the Crown Game will ensure that you move on to the next round." He tilted his head. "I am curious though. You have noticed that your teammate is a Khun, right?"
Bam forced his jaw to relax, fighting the urge to clench his teeth. "What of it?"
"Oh, nothing really," Hansung said dismissively. "Just think of what your mother would do should word reach her." Here, his eyes glinted. "Or the king."
Bam said nothing, to which Hansung shrugged. "For a Khun child, he seems a bit oblivious to the laws of the world. Prancing around with his blue hair displayed like that will turn some heads. I cannot be responsible for what happens to him. But don't concern yourself, you won't have to worry about getting caught up in his mess. Once the Crown Game is over, the teams will be disbanded."
Bam blinked, surprised. "Really?"
"He won't be your problem anymore. You can feign innocence when the king gets his hands on the boy. I am curious to see how long he will last in the Tower." Hansung turned to walk down the halls, effectively ending the conversation. "You should head back. Wouldn't want you to miss out on the interesting game."
xXx
As Regulars began to filter out for the game, Khun realized Bam was missing. "Hey, where's Bam?"
"Probably off to find his leader something to eat," Rak grunted. "Share some of your food with me!"
Khun shielded his orange. "No way! Go get your own!"
"It should be an honor for you to serve me!"
"I didn't come to this Tower to be your servant!"
"Hey Rak, don't worry," a new voice stated. "I got you something as well." Bam rejoined the group and tossed a chocolate bar to Rak.
Khun blinked. "Where'd you run off to?"
Bam didn't look at him, instead, focusing on the contents of his drink. "Thought I saw someone familiar in the crowd, and I wanted to catch up with them."
Before Khun could inquire any further, they were ushered to participate in the next test.
xXx
In the darkened room of their cell, Khun tapped his hand against his thigh. Yellow May resided next to him. Glancing at the spear, he felt his curiosity form when he realized she had been silent throughout most of the tests.
Bam was seated closest to the cell door where he could watch the fights. Making a decision, Khun slid off of his seat and approached Bam. The Regular looked up with a curious glance.
Khun let out a sigh. "Since I'm from…" what had Bam called it? The Outer Tower? "The Outer Tower, I don't know much about a lot of things. What do you know of the 13 Months?" There were other things he would have liked to have asked, such as why it was dangerous to be a Khun and what it meant to be a Regular, but he withheld those questions. To ask would have revealed too much about himself.
Bam appeared thoughtful. "Well, not much is known about the weapons. It would be better to ask a princess who wields one of them. But from what I know, the gathering of all 13 weapons is a sort of competition."
Khun hummed thoughtfully. "That's it? Are they just glorified weapons?"
"I wouldn't say that," Bam answered. "But they are shrouded in mystery that no one can really say. It's a big deal when a princess is awarded a weapon."
Khun was silent for a moment. "Seems a little crude to use it as just a spear then, if it is destined for such importance."
"Do you intend to keep it?" Bam asked. His gaze lingered on the Yellow May with interest.
"No. I will return it."
"If Mascheny wants it back," Bam stated, "she will come for it. Until then, use it, but not too drastically that you would draw attention to yourself."
Khun took to sitting right beside Bam. Both watched the match with equal interest, and Khun quickly realized that the odds were in Shibisu's team's favor.
"We should probably join in the second round," Bam commented.
"No," Khun answered, earning him a surprised look from Bam. "The second round will show us the strength of the contenders. After that, we will be able to attack accordingly during the third round."
Bam thought about it before nodding. "Makes sense."
"I don't care which round it is! I will win!" Rak roared.
"Oh I am filled with such confidence," Khun snarked, causing Bam to chuckle.
Unsurprisingly, the match went just as Khun had predicted. Shibisu's team won. But it was the following match that posed a threat.
"Well," Bam stated when they watched Anaak's rampage. "Looks like she might be more trouble than we thought."
"Is it worth it to partake in the test?" Khun asked.
"I mean, we won't know unless we try," Bam stated thoughtfully. The wind caused by Anaak's attacks blew at them both. Both were nearly sent flying back if it were not for Rak.
"Yeesh, overkill much?" Bam muttered, annoyed. Khun would have agreed with him, if it hadn't been for the Yellow May trembling in his hands.
"What's wrong?" Bam asked, kneeling beside him.
"I don't know!" Khun exclaimed. He gripped the Yellow May, falling to his knees as he tried to desperately calm her. How does one even calm a spear? Why is she acting up like this now?
The cell doors burst open. When the dust cleared, Anaak stood before them. "Why do you have the Yellow May?"
Despite a trembling Yellow May in his hands and dust clouding his eyes, Khun met her stare with a defiant glare. "You should not be here." But he didn't need to say anything else. Bam was stepping forward.
"You cannot enter another cell," he growled, hands curled into fists. "It is against the rules."
She ignored Bam, but she did not step any further into the cell. "Hand the Yellow May over."
Khun narrowed his eyes, even as the Yellow May stilled. "I am not the owner of the Yellow May. It is not mine to give."
Anaak's eyes became slits. "You are not worthy of that weapon."
"And what right do you have to her?" Khun shot back.
Anaak blinked. "Her?" she echoed, but her frown remained. "Because I am a princess of Jahad. It is my right to have the Yellow May."
"Looks like you have your own special weapon," Khun replied, eyeing her green hook. "I don't think you need another one."
Anaak scowled. "If you will not hand it over," she raised her green hook, "then I will take it by force."
Khun stiffened, readying Yellow May. Beside him, Bam and Rak tensed.
"Anaak Jahad," a harsh voice exclaimed. The descent of the green hook was stopped as Lero-Ro caught the weapon, his eyes narrowed and gaze unforgiving. "This behavior is unacceptable. Return to your rooms at once."
Khun's shoulders sagged with relief, even as Anaak's teammates groaned in defeat. Still, he kept a wary eye on the lizard girl.
The relief was short-lived as Anaak fixed her gaze on him. "Blue-haired, let's make a bet."
Khun raised an eyebrow in interest. "Oh?"
"For my Green April and your Yellow May. If your team survives until the end of the game, I will relinquish the Green April over to you. However, if you lose, Yellow May forfeits to me."
"Ridiculous," Khun scoffed. "I could just refuse."
"If you do, then I will simply wait until the game is over, and take the Yellow May over your dead body."
"You assume I could be beaten so easy."
"I am a princess of Jahad," she replied. "The odds are in my favor."
Khun steadily met her gaze. "The princess who owns this weapon will come for it. If you do take the Yellow May from me, what makes you think you can stand up to her?" He sighed. "However, if you are still persistent, then you will face me and only me."
Anaak frowned. "You would fight for the Yellow May?"
"I'm not so bad with a spear," Khun commented. "I might just find myself with the Green April in my collection." His grip tightened on the weapon. "But do not involve my teammates in this. Your quarrel is with me, not them."
A hand landed on his shoulder. He looked up to see Bam smiling. "Now hang on, I wouldn't mind playing. You Rak?"
"Of course! A game without me is a game not worth playing!" Rak pointed his spear at Anaak. "Prepare yourself lizard! You will regret threatening my turtles!"
Lero-Ro's mood shifted drastically. He grinned, ecstatic. "Well then, the Crown Game will continue!"
Before Khun could step forward and out of the cell, Bam stopped him. "Hey, why did you feel as if you had to do it all on your own?"
"Risking you guys was pointless," Khun responded. "It was not your fight."
"You're our teammate. If it involves you, it involves us."
"Yes, but at this point, the problem was on my end" Khun answered. "If I could resolve it, then there was no need for you to needlessly put yourselves at risk."
Bam poked him in the shoulder. "You know, for someone so small, you are certainly determined to carry everything on your shoulders." He smiled. "That determination in and of itself is amazing, if not irking." He sighed. "Well, let's go win a game."
Khun watched Bam's retreating back, his gaze thoughtful. He glanced down at the Yellow May before rushing forward. "Hey, one more thing," Khun said. "Can you hold this?" With that, he passed the Yellow May off to Bam, who looked shocked.
"Y-you're giving this to me-"
"Temporarily."
Bam looked around with wide eyes, as if unable to comprehend the last five seconds. "Why not Rak? He's handy with a spear."
"He'll damage her. She's sensitive." With that, Khun stepped out into the arena, but not before calling over his shoulder, "you'll know what to do!"
There were Regulars filling out, all eager to get the crown. Rak eagerly awaited the upcoming fight. Khun checked his daggers, feeling their comforting weight in the hidden folds of his clothes. He readied himself, feet planted firmly, knees bent as he was about to break out into a run.
Lero-Ro announced the start of the game. There was a mere second of silence.
As if a gunshot had gone off, Khun ran with such speed, feet leaving the ground as if he took one massive leap. He was on the throne in an instant, grabbing the crown.
He grinned, exhilarated, facing the crowd like he was dazzling an audience. "Well then, does anyone want to challenge me for the throne?"
"What the-?" Bam's exclamation was startled, echoing in the arena, but he was soon drowned out by the infuriated cries of the momentarily defeated Regulars.
"No one?" Khun asked, looking at the contenders. "Surely there must be someone, and not just a bunch of weaklings."
That did it, they charged at him. But Khun merely flung the crown. The Regulars followed it, watching as the crown landed on the ground and far from the throne. Once again, they all ran towards it with hunger and desperation.
But someone else was already there. In a flash, Bam stood over the crown, Yellow May in hand. He was grinning. "Hey guys!" Using the tip of Yellow May, he flung the crown in the air, once more tossing it to Khun.
"Where's he throwing it?" one Regular screamed. They followed its movements to where Khun caught it, a satisfied smile on his face.
Khun turned to the occupant on the throne. "Now I formally acknowledge you as my leader." With that, he placed the crown on Rak's head.
The outraged cries and Rak's booming laughter filled the arena.
xXx
"So…" Bam drawled, sitting next to Aguero. "Why Rak?"
Aguero shot him a glance, open confusion reflected in his blue eyes. "Why not? He is, afterall, our illustrious leader."
"That's right I am! You finally realize my greatness."
Bam couldn't help but grimace. Surely there was no living with the gator now that he had an ego boost, and from Aguero of all people. He gave the blue-haired boy a deadpanned look. "If you bow to him, I swear…"
Aguero smirked, amusement erasing the worry and apprehension that lingered on his face. "I'm not that theatric."
Bam leaned back, staring up at the ceiling where the lighthouses were monitoring the events. "Seriously though, what made you decide to go with this plan?"
Aguero held up a hand, counting off the reasons. "Rak can attack from the throne with his spear. He's a strong defender. You and I just need to guard the throne from anyone who would get close enough." He crossed his legs from where he sat. "Seating myself on the throne was an idea, but I'm better at close combat." He glanced at Bam. "I may not look like it, but I am a strong fighter."
"You're certainly fast," Bam agreed. Though he had yet to see Aguero in combat, he had not missed how his hands often drifted towards his thighs, or how he moved his feet or was careful with what he did with his hands. The boy was taking care that he did not activate any hidden weapons. He played off his cautious movements with graceful ease, but Bam had been around long enough to see plenty of hidden gadgets.
"We just need to last the last two rounds," Aguero stated, moreso to himself than Bam.
Bam pursed his lips thoughtfully. He leaned forward. "Hey, follow my lead on this one, okay." Aguero blinked, surprised. But Bam merely grinned. "I know you might have a few tricks up your sleeve, but save them for later. I have my own favor to call forth."
Aguero hesitated, and Bam saw the reluctance in his gaze; to hand over control to someone else, to remain in the unknown and be unprepared, it went against whatever instinct had been ingrained in him. There was a small moment where distrust filled his eyes.
But his shoulders loosened, his posture relaxed as he relented. "Alright. It's all yours."
Bam grinned. He fixed his gaze on the opening cells below. "Wonderful."
The participants stepped forward. Aguero stayed where he was, but his fingers tapped against his knee in nervous anticipation. Bam decided it would be more entertaining to watch Aguero's reaction than the actual fight brewing below.
Blue eyes widened in shock as one team turned against the others. Bam was impressed when Aguero came to a quick conclusion. "You bribed the other teams?"
Bam couldn't help but look pleased. "Kind of. I called in a few favors." He smiled. "We just need to sit back and relax."
"But when did you have a chance to do that?"
"When you were protecting your orange from Rak." Bam laughed at Aguero's surprise. "I thought it might come in handy. Besides, the girl down there was eager to be of service."
Aguero followed Bam's gaze to where a girl with short brown hair twirled in the air, her red needle making quick work of her opponents. At that moment, she glanced up at them and winked at Bam before entering back into her cell with her teammates.
"Well," Bam stood up and stretched. "Guess we're up." He grinned down at Aguero. "You ready?"
He watched as Aguero stood how his hands once more touched his thighs, lingered at his waist before his wrists flexed. All done in a matter of quick seconds. Aguero smirked. "Of course."
"No Yellow May?"
Another flick of his wrists. Daggers emerged in his hands. "Spears are boring."
They were on different sides of the room, facing off their opponents. Rak stood atop the throne, his spear ready.
Bam focused on his opponent, his movements light and quick. He did not have the time to spare a chance to look at how Aguero was doing. Once his first opponent fell, he allowed himself a moment to look back and see the small boy move with quick precision, his daggers invisible to the eye as they quickly cut through the air and through flesh.
Yes, Bam tried to reassure himself, Aguero will be fine.
Then why did this sickening feeling of dread suddenly haunt him?
A dark movement caught his attention. Bam looked up with wide eyes, seeing the golden staff and the lithe figure flying in the air.
"Rak!" Bam screamed. "Stop that woman!" He was rushing towards the woman clothed in black.
Despite his confusion, Rak threw his spear. But the masked woman blocked it with ease, her pace neither slowing or faltering.
Desperation filled Bam even as three opponents blocked his way. He was punching through them. "Hwaryun!" he shouted. "Cease this at once!"
But he was ignored, the staff was raised, poised at its unsuspecting victim.
Only one more opponent stood in his way. Bam knew he wouldn't make it in time. "Aguero! Watch out!"
Bam's scream caused Aguero to look up as the woman in a tight latex outfit flew towards him, her golden staff twirling. He brought the daggers out to block her, sliding back at the impact. Still, she drew closer, her masked face inches from his.
Bam knew that whatever was said, whatever was done, had an alarming effect on the blue-haired boy.
He ran towards Aguero, knowing that whatever was to occur in the next few seconds would be detrimental.
He was right.
Aguero's eyes were wide and panicked, haunted, even as Hawaryun pushed him back, her staff connecting with his stomach with a sickening 'crunch.' A deep pain that inflicted his soul was reflected across his face.
The air became cold. A torrent of cold air assaulted Bam, chilling the arena, but Bam continued to run even as ice grew from everywhere.
Bam looked up, startled. Ice? Where was the ice coming from? The ground beneath his feet became coated in it. Soon, Bam wouldn't be able to move much further.
He continued to run forward. He saw how Aguero's small form was trembling, ice forming around him. His eyes were fixated on the ground before him, unseeing, locked in whatever memory or haze he was trapped in.
The ice grew up Aguero's legs and coated his arms. It penetrated through his skin, piercing his legs and sides. Blue ice became stained with red. Bam ran, the air chilling him. "Aguero!" He was in front of the boy in an instant, and he saw the tears frozen to his pale cheeks. His blue eyes shimmered with immense pain.
"Help me," he whimpered, the ice finally receding. "...Kisea." Then he collapsed.