Alright no need to get mad- I know I haven't finished this fan fiction but I have an honest to goodness great excuse. I didn't have a computer. See it died.

But now I got a New One! So Iiiiiiiiii'm back in the computerized flesh.

So here it is ladies and gentlemen the next chapter of Prince Wars.

The Beginning

Spencer woke as noise rang from down the hall. Footsteps and a loud angry voice screaming at men as it passed the hundreds of cells. The large marine shook his head trying to dispel the voice and make sense of everything abut his head was too foggy with fatigue.

The pounding steps stopped at his door and the male glanced up when it was opened. They had split them up last night throwing Bryan and the others into separate cells in separate hallways. He wondered briefly if any of them was fairing any better then he was.

"Come on," a large tan man stood outside his door. He stood an inch taller then Spencer and it surprised him just as it had last night. Dunga, that was what the other male had called him.

"Let's get moving," Dunga looked at him. "Your friends are already at the training grounds." Spencer nodded allowing the man to shackle him knowing it was useless to run now. There was no doubt in his mind that with his power over water he could have an upper hand but this human was no light weight.

Walking obediently he followed the ape of a man down various turns trying to keep up with where they were going but in the end he just gave up. It was ten minutes later that they finally came to the designated doorway leading outside at the end of a corridor. Sure enough the others stood shackled side by side grim for the early morning. The sun was yet to wake.

"This should be the last one," the fat male spoke from last night, Dickenson, Spencer remembered. He was their new "master". "Glad to see you this morning," the man smirked slightly. His voice was heavy and funny to the Marines' ears. "I have a list of your names but no knowledge of what you do."

The white wolf beside the whale raised an eyebrow. "Why are we here?" Tala's voice echoed. "We are the sons of the Kings to the East."

"I know all about you, I can assure you that my boy," Dickenson raised a hand for silence. "The problem we seem to have is you don't know what you have become or who I am." The man smacked the ground with the cane in his hand.

"Why don't you enlighten us then?" A dark voice loomed from the crowd. Spencer knew without having to look that it belonged to the wounded falcon, Bryan.

The avian wore a dark scowl that showed throughout his entire features. Black bags under his eyes, his skin pale, his gaze intense as he stared with hatred burning through the dark shadows that swam in his iris.

Dickenson frowned at him and motioned to Dunga who stood at his side. The ape like man moved foreword and grabbed Bryan pulling him out. "Strip him."

Dunga nodded silently pulling out a knife and cut through the fabric of the man's thin shirt and pants. The material fluttered to the ground leaving the avian exposed as a sign of humiliation. Bryan didn't move or flinch in the slightest. His mood was unchanging as his body language remained immobile.

Tala ground his teeth together frowning. Beside him Rei looked away trying to flee the scene into the rest of his mind.

"You are Bryan correct?" Dickenson asked. "Answer me."

Bryan stood still. With a nod from his employer Dunga struck the man hard behind his knees and he fell to the ground.

"I ask that you don't force me to break you," his voice fluttered in the wind. Bryan still refused. "So be it. Clear the ring!" Several more men, guards, Rei noticed pulled them out of the way. It was then the men saw the circle they had been standing in. It was large reminding him of a practice ring where shoulders would spar. It was then he realized that was exactly what he was staring at.

"You and the rest of your group are gladiators," Dickenson looked at them. "You are trained warriors who will fight in the arena for the enjoyment of others, especially the nobles and the king. You ar to fight fro their pleasure against other gladiators to the death. You belong to me, I am your master you are my slaves. I own you."

"Fight," Wyatt muttered. This was interesting, what kind of Empire was this?

"You have a choice," Dickenson voiced. "You can fight willingly or I will break you forcefully." The voice changed into something hard and cold, it was odd coming from an old man. "If you survive me breaking you then you fight. Simple really, fight or die."

The shackles were removed from Bryans wrists but before the avian could do anything he was fisted in the gut sending him to the ground by Dunga. Bryan hissed holding his gut, cursing slightly. Rei pulled back trying to calm himself down as he jumped from the impact.

Dunga left the male and wnet to a smaller boy holding two wooden weapons in the shape of a sword. They had called him Joseph the night before. Taking both he threw one at Bryan.

"Pick it up," Dickenson commanded. "And fight."

Bryan looked down at his knees and saw the weapon. Glancing up he noticed Dunga looking back at him. There was no hatred in his eyes or pity, just determination. As if he had to do this and was going to push himself to do it right no matter what. Feeling a sense of loose he looked at Dickenson, the man who put him in this condition. "No."

No one seemed at all surprised by his answer. In fact Dickenson chuckled slightly. "I don't believe you understand. You're going to have to fight one way or another. Do not make me have to force you." Bryan remained still as always sand with a sigh Dickenson nodded again to Dunga commanding him to continue. The large man came foreword fast and angry hitting him in the shoulder forcing him o the ground. Bryan stood but left the sword. He didn't try to dodge as a parry of wood hammered down on his back.

Grunts and halting screams were low and barely audible as the punishment continued. The wooden sword laid on the ground.

"How dare you!" Tyson yelled. "Tell him to stop already." The dragon prince couldn't stand to watch another beating. "You're going to kill him."

Bryan looked out from his sweat ridden hair and bloody eyes at the ground. Dunga woudlnt' stop and Bryan didn't' care. Let the end come. His eyelids closed half heartedly as he remembered his sister. Sighing he admitted his failure to protect her and allowed his mind to drift.

"Pick up the dam sword avian," Tala commanded loud and crisp. "What the hell is the matter with you? You can't give up here damn it! Stand up and fight, be a fucking man."

Bryan looked up with a start at the red head who stood beside Spencer. His voice had been full of anger and accusation as his icy blue eyes stared into his own bloody ones.

"I thought you were strong," Tala snorted. "I though you said avians were tough, intelligent fighters, so why don't you stand up and prove it? Why can't you save your life now when there are others you need you alive?" Tala's fist clenched as he forced his voice not to break. This was hurting him from the inside out as he watched almost killing him to admit this much. "Or are you that much of a coward?"

Bryan growled. Lex entered his mind, innocent, happy, and taking. Her sweet voice fluttered in his ears fro greater times always joking and giving a kind word. It hurt deep in his heart, it burned for what she had become and in that instant he realized that he had to save her. They were all each other had left, if he was to give up and leave her alone…

The avian spread his wings, the feathers blocking the next blow. With a burst of wind they moved backward forcing Dunga to the ground. Bryan got to his feet swaying but in his hand was now the wooden sword, it wasn't his daggers but it would have to do. He knew what he was in that moment; he was a fighter, a survivor.

"I'll fight," Bryan voiced with the last of his strength.

Dickenson smiled. "Good."

The avian lost his balance and fell to the ground unconscious. Two average males came forward and dragged him away back into the building.

"What are you going to do with him master?" Spencer voiced. Dickenson seemed surprised by the giant of a man easily showing submission as did the others but the blonde paid no mind. He had made his decision to follow Bryan in whatever path he chooses. His life was now that of his friends.

"He will be taken care of," Dickenson assured him. "His fighting spirit is one that would please the crowd." His eyes surveyed the crowd of men who seemed uneasy about the whole thing. Good. One caught his attention however standing beside Max, his body was pale and his lips a deathly white as he watched the ring worried. The old man studied his features, lean and feminine. This was not someone who worked in the field or handled weapons on a daily basis. He frowned hard.

"You," he pointed. "Name."

The male jumped and looked at him wide eyed and scared ."W..W…Wyatt."

Dickenson sighed. His elite group of princes was tainted. The other men had a soft look but he was sure with a little push they would be great fighters with an even greater potential but Wyatt seemed beyond help. Putting him in the ring would ensure his death, but there was nothing he could do about it.

"Is there anyone else who opposes my rule?" His eyes fell to the line.

"You sick bastard," Tyson growled. He looked up with changing eyes once human now slit. "You sick bastard."

"Tyson!" Max cried in alarm but the dragon changed completely. "How dare you treat him like that! Using him like a dog!" Blue scales appeared all around the males' body covering his skin as he clenched his growing teeth together. The midnight blue hair swung freely s his hands became claws. "Die!"

"Ty…"Max fell back in shock. He'd never seen the dragon boy become so enraged. Tyson sprang forward scratching Dugna slightly whom had to quickly move to restrain the angry beast. Being quick he hit the base of the males' neck putting him down. If it wasn't for the scales he would have fallen unconscious. He did however change back into his human form.

The others watched amazed but it was Kai who stared hard into the man's back. His eyes closed as he turned. "Damn dragon," he whispered.

"You have anger good," Dickenson shook his head. "Use it in the ring."

Tyson got up slowly but Dunga was on him quickly restricting the male.

"How can," Tyson stared at the ground. His own grandfather had to be the same age. "How can you do this?" The male picked up and stared hard at the elder. Dickenson didn't bat an eye.

"Put them back in their cells and feed them. At noon pair them up to spar, make sure they don't try to kill each other." Dunga nodded pulling Tyson with him as he began to bark orders at the crowd.

Lex woke as the door to the room creaked open. The other two beside her didn't stir. The avian watched silently as four females entered, one with a bowl, two with dresses and another with nothing to offer. The uards whom had been at their door all night grunted and closed the door behind them.

Confused the girl moved to sit up completely hitting Hilary's leg, Mariah refused to sleep beside a lesser being. She had argued with such force that Hilary decided she would "sacrifice" herself by sleeping between the two.

The dragon female sighed raising, "What are you-" She stopped eyeing the company. "Maids?" She asked.

The head maid nodded opening her hands, "Yes milady." She had a pleasant voice. "My name is Camil, head lady of the estate. My master King Brooklyn requests you come down to breakfast with his highness as guests. He insisted," she smiled.

"Of course we would be glad," Mariah voiced for fact of playing the nobleman's daughter. If Brooklyn wanted to play the polite game then she was up to it. Hilary nodded getting up, the maid with the bowl laid it down and Lex saw steam rise from the water's surface. The avian stayed on the bed underneath the warm cotton, her eyes roamed the room to the window as she thought of her brother. Was he still alive?

The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

"Excuse me miss," one of the maids touched her hands. "If you would come with me," she held out a light blue fabric with lace. In a daze Lex nodded standing up though she was uncomfortable when the woman began removing her clothes. Glancing around she saw the other two allowing the women to under their night gowns and began dressing them so she allowed the woman to do her job.

"Ma'am," Lex heard the familiar voice from behind her as the maid worked. "You are avian and it is customary in this court to have your wings out in display."

Mairah and Hilary cut a look at the head maid but it seemed natural to the other two working servants. This was Brooklyn's land. Lex nodded hesitantly, this kingdom was so different then the others past the mountains. The equal treatment of all races was unheard of. As much as she hated to admit it, Brooklyn's kingdom just seemed welcoming…

A girdle was put around her and Lex felt a hiss of breath intake as she tightened it. She knew many women of money wore these garmets and had dreamed herself of owning such, as was her birth right, but this was crazy! Breathing was a job in the thing. She shook her head as the maid began working on putting the dress on.

20 minutes later Lex could have cried. It had been almost half an hour since she'd gotten up. It was unbelievable how long it took to get dressed.

Now walking down the hall she felt butterflies. The guards from the door had been replaced by never men ready and alert. Though Hilary and Mariah paid it no mind, probably thinking they could win this battle verbally, she couldn't help the feeling of dismay enter her chest. She knew oral fights would not work with Brooklyn, it hadn't with his father. When they came to a large wooden door she looked up from her thoughts as it opened. Now what?

Garland, Mystel, and Brooklyn sat in the room filled with alluring aromas. As the entered the three men got up in respect and courtesy to the women. Mariah and the two glared daggers at their captors but being of higher class the men just nodded taking a seat. Lex was left standing alone, the only option left was a seat beside Garland, the Kings right hand man. She brought her nose up in open disgust. They caught them and now were making them breakfast? She was about to turn away when she saw the sword on his hip.

If anything she could use this time to her advantage.

Slowly, not to alert them of her thoughts she moved and followed the other girls example sitting down, happy to bide her time. When her bottom hit the seat the men at the table sat down as well. With the fluid and grace beyond what she had expected from anyone except Brooklyn, it was unnerving.

The meal came easily enough and she found herself confused at some of the food. Fresh, it smelled wonderful and she put aside her fear of it being poisoned to partake. If everything went as planned she would bring honor to her family and with a full stomach too, poison meant nothing to her at that moment.

"Brooklyn," Mariah spook pleasantly putting down her tea and fork. "I must ask if I can send a letter to my father. If he is to pay my ransom…"

Mystel laughed cutting her off. "Your ransom!" His voice was loud, "Honestly, do you think you're going home?"

Garland shook his head but it was Brooklyn they watched putting down his fork to look up. "Mariah this is your home now."

"W…what?!" Hilary and Mariah stuttered. The dragon brought herself to her feet. "You can't keep us here! That would be insane! My father will not permit this!"

"That doesn't matter," Garland spoke. "Lady I hate to inform you but as of this week, our kingdom has declared war with the United Kingdoms of the east."

Hilary's jaw dropped ans Lex stared in near disbelief at the announcement. Taking on five kingdoms would be suicide. How could they even hope to win?

So we are bargaining chips?" Mariah accused hotly.

"No you're not. You will stay in this kingdom seperat4d from your families til death. The part you play is a representation of all the lives and families broken up during the last great war, your fathers were generals in during that period. It is only with displeasure that we could not get Kane, Michael, or Ian to accompany the first borns into exile. I assume that even though Lee was made prime benefactor of the estate that you, Mariah was born first."

Mariah and Hilary both glanced down, as older sisters they had spared their younger brothers of this fate.

"What about the royal family?" Hilary looked at him. "If this is all about revenge for the past war what are you going to do with Tyson and the others?"

"Absolutely nothing," Brooklyn seemed tired of the conversation. "It's their choice as to when or where they die now."

Hilary and Mariah stared at one another before the Dragon finally sat down defeated. It was over.

Garland lifted his glass with a light smirk and Lex decided action was needed. She picked up her knife lightly and moved the liquid in the cup violently to the left scattering onto his lap. Immediate reaction was just as she'd thought.

When he stood she drove the knife into him, standing up swiftly. Her hand moved to his hip puling out the heavy sword. She was used to two and moving with just one was going to be difficult but there was no time to think about that. Moving quickly she knocked him to the floor with her wing, here eyes only held on to Brooklyn at the table head.

Faster then she anticipated Brooklyn reached his feet and blocked the blow with his own sword, as if he'd rehearsed it. She stared hard into his eyes, her own brimming with unshed tears of anger and frustration. Damn him. His face showed nothing but superiority as he stared back at her. What seemed a lifetime only seconds ended as Mystel came from behind locking her free hand back.

Knowing death was her only option she pulled back ready to slice at him when Brooklyn's wing gracefully pinned her to the wall. His had grabbed her wrist with enough forc that the weapon fell senselessly to the ground.

"Enough," Brooklyn whispered so lowly that she stopped.

Stepping off of her and backing away the King allowed two unknown men to seize her between them. Mariah and Hilary were on the other side of the room as Mystel and Garland walked up. The elf muttered under his breath picking up the sword and repositioning it.

"Death to those against the king," Mystel smirked. Brooklyn turned. "No, not before the war ends. My fiancé shall go under no harm."

Garland turned swiftly and looked at him with wide eyes in shock along with the others. He'd known of a plot to marry but this woman….

Lex stared at him disbelief and horror as his words sunk in. Fiance?" What the heck was he talking about? Brooklyn smirked as he came closer to the female.

Mystel chuckled and shook his head. "What are you planning now Brooklyn?" The younger Marine didn't know or understand the King like Garland. A funny friendship, but one the less.

"I've been a king long enough since my fathers death and a queen is in order now that I'm nineteen." He looked at Mystel before staring at the ground behind Lex seemingly interested in something else no one could see. "A war is here and I need men loyal enough to die for the land."

"These men would lie down their lives for you," General Garland answered him.

"Yes but I am only a king. A queen is the one who holds the hope of her people and gives the inspiration to do unknown things. She will make them fight with ten times the valor." He circled her and Lex felt the food leave her system and stomach fall.

"Speechless she will be observing and caring, and with the mark on her forehead," he stopped in front of her, "would give them a reason to fight harder against the men that hurt a gentle woman. As for her birth, she is the daughter of the second avian general who died at my fathers' hands."

Lex's ears boiled red, she didn't hear anything that had just been said or told herself she didn't. Marry him? Betray her people, family, brother, self, Kai, and marry him?! She shook her head as tears came up against her will.

Shaking her head harder she looked at him defiantly. Never in a million years would allow herself to become a figure head in his traitorous game.

"A generals daughter?" Mystel mused studying the female harder.

Lex's head turned to him in shock. The fear showed in her eyes leaving no room for doubt. How had he known?

"Problem is will she comply," Garland voiced pulling out the knife, a sign of her passion to kill the orange haired king. The knife was dull and ill placed just cutting his clothes with no real damage. "From her actions earlier I don't think she would agree."

Lex stood straighter and spit, it landed at his feet. Unpolished and ill mannered she demanded silently to be let go and now. Brooklyn smirked and walked up to her. His hand went to her neck underneath her clothes and she gasped trying to pull away but the two men held her still. His hand was cold on her skin and she shivered as she looked away.

He pulled his hand back, the golden chain on his palm, her father's medallion. He came close to her ear and whispered, his breath tickling her, "Comply with me or your brother will be at risk." He pulled away as the words registered and she grinded her teeth. "We will discuss this later. Please escort the woman to their room to entertain themselves until lunch is served."

Lex glared back as they walked into the hallway.

"Evanescence! What are you doing?" Ilyana chided slightly. The two women had been brought to a brothel last night and locked n a small room together. The night they'd spent trying to get out but the cell was made of full metal not earth and darkness couldn't destroy it. Without weapons they had realized it was hopeless and finally settled to get some sleep.

"Trying to make something dangerous out of this," The girl voiced almost frantically. Ilyana sighed. The wolf didn't do well caged and the small cell wasn't helping her known claustrophobic feelings.

"Damn it all," the elf muttered. Getting up she walked over the younger female as she played with their breakfast. Scraps, nothing could be made out of it, especially poison. Sitting down she brought the young female into a hug knowing full well what was rushing through her mind.

Last Night

After dropping off the men, Ming-Ming took the other carriage bringing them to a far end of the village, stopping at a two story brothel. She smirked back at the two and Ilayna found herself glaring daggers, Evanescence was silent, defeated. She took them through the back door where they met Rina, the head whatever of the house. The woman was large and overdressed as well as overdone with make up and perfume. Evanescence had a slight coughing episode when they came in due to her sensitive nose. What was once beautiful features the elf guessed had changed into hideous womanly parts the aging woman tried to hide.

The woman and Ming-Ming talked over prices for a long while amongst other things. The elf couldn't hera a word they said, her ears hot and her body tired. The woman Rina, seemed to finally reach some agreement as money passed from one hadn't to another. The fat women then walked up to the elf and wolf. Ilyana looked at her brown eye sand stopped a sigh. She wanted to see if what she had just brought was worth it.

Cool hands came to either side of her head following the line of her ears and she could have fallen asleep. Every time she went from one owner to the next they checked her ear to make sure they were straight and even. Ilyana wasn't very vain but she knew her ears and they were better then most, especially that Mariah's but then Rei's was just as good as hers.

Her mouth was looked into and her body was skimmed up and down critically. She guessed if she was suppose to become some type of harlot then she better look pretty good…

"A damn whore," she thought. "Is this where I die?"

"Don't touch me." Evanescence growled. Ilyana looked startled and turned to her. Black ears hung low against her head, tail flared as her teeth flared. Any further and she'd be in full transformation. The intensity of her now yellow eyes was intimidating.

Rina frowned obviously not happy about the look of her new "pet." She glanced at Ming-Ming to see the woman standing bored. She dismissed her wit a wave of her hand. "Andrew come here!"

A tall skinny male entered the room, whisky pouring off o fhim so strong that Ilyana's elf nose nearly fell off. He was awful, didn't he know what the word bath meant?

"Wat do ye want wom'n?" the man's lips moved and his voice slurred. His eyes followed Ming-Ming as she moved out the door. Her pace was fast and uncaring as she left.

"We got a new girl here," she looked at him like he was a pig. "She's too feisty; I want you to break her in." Andrew looked th the girl and smirked lightly licking his lips. He took a long sip of liquor putting the bottle down and walked to them. He chuckled, "Perty thing."

He grabbed Evanescence hands and pushed her against the wall. "I'm warning you," the wolf growled but he paid no mind kissing her cheek hard as his hand began to roam. "STOP!" he covered her lips with his own ignoring her weak struggles as tears brimmed into her eyes. She was in no condition to fight back.

"No, no, no, no, no," she thought desperately clsoign her orbs tightly. This wasn't happening, it couldn't happen.

"Wait!" Ilyana shrieked rushing toward Rina and ripping her arm. "Please! She and I are both virgins!" She didn't know what prompted her to say that but the woman looked down at her hard.

"Andrew! Stop, Andrew!" The woman pulled out of the young elf's hands and walked over herself yanking the man away by the hair from her merchandise. "I said stop you ignorant nothing!"

"But you said.."

"Never mind! They are both young virgins and too good for you."

"You bi…" She slapped him hard shutting him up.

"Evanescence," Ilyana ran to her side. The woman's bottom lip was bleeding as she slid down the wall to the floor tears finally escaping. "Oh baby," was the only thing the elf could ay in a low whisper touching her tenderly on the shoulder.

"You better have told the truth young miss," Rina looked at them with hands on her hip as Andrew scurried back into the bar room. "You'll both be locked up from the other girls like all the other virgins until some gentlemen decide to pay ye a visit. Can't have good material going to waste on the likes of men like him." She yanked her head at Angre's direction. "Youll join the main population after your initiation of course." She laughed slightly.

Her face suddenly became taunt. "I warn you girl if you've lied to me about being a virgin blood I'll tie you to a pole for free range for any man do you understand me? Good now off with ya!"

Present

Ilyana held the other female lose bringing her tighter and rocking back and forth. All last night the only thing she'd said was how she'd stiffen and lost control when Andrew had touched her. It was if she'd lost all will to fight and Ilyana knew that was what scared her the most.

The girl went limp in her arms and she laid her down to rest. Getting up she walked to a corner and sat down finally lettering her own tears fall, with the wolf asleep she didn't' need to be strong. She wondered if being saved by themselves or someone was gone and out of reach.

At the arena the enslaved men cheered as the fist set of the new batch got prepared to fight. Princes and men from other lands, they were the gossip of the entire slave unit there an it wouldn't be long before the same went for the outside Kingdom as well.

"Maximus and Spencer!"

Max ringed slightly at hearing his full name but stepped forward picking up his weapon of choice, a wooden pole. Spencer choose an ax. The game was simple, fight until Dickenson was satisfied, killing was prohibited. Every thing else was in the rule of the arena.

"Fight."

"I hope we're friends," Max joked chuckling slightly, Spencer nodded. "You've been fairer then I expected Prince." He looked at him. "You are a friend, but prepare yourself." Spencer took towards him and Max evaded the blows parrying left and right using his speed to dodge Spencer's strength with the wooden ax when it came hard on the left side hitting his and the pole pushing it out of his hands.

Pulling back Spencer meant to end it but Max guarded with his forearms crossed, his skin changing into a black material as hard as a turtle shell and his eyes slanted slightly, a black mark flowed down his eyes to the bottom of his cheeks like tears. Spencer grinned when the Prince came at him but stood away and pulled water from the air and sent it at him cutting at his cheek.

Max grimaced in pain but swung out with the same water taking control of it and threw the ax from Spencer's hand. The large man came forwards as if to shove Max but the Prince reacted and they locked each other's hands trying to push the other one back.

"Max has the toughest defense," Wyatt observed.

"The back turtle runs through his veins," Tyson grinned. "Maxie doesn't need armor, he'll win this!"

Rei narrowed his eyes. Sure Max didn't need armor but Spencer was no light weight. In fact he was a brute less fighter and one that could hold his own in almost anything. The tiger couldn't help but wonder if Max could hold out. His eyes glanced to the side and he looked at Kai, Bryan still in the sick room, and watched the other male lean against a wall in an almost trance like state.

It was hard he realized to visualize him as a prince. "No," he admitted to himself in thought. "a King." Now that he knew Rei thought he saw the sings loud and animated. The man had an air of arrogance around him like many royalty had and when he voiced a command it was with authority demanding to be done. Never once did the man hesitate. He was in fact a leader by birth, dead his country may be but knowing what he knew of the teen Alexander (whom he had claimed to be), he wondered what eth King Kai Hiwatari would have been like.

"Match over!"

Rei jerked his head missing the rest of the fight. Max in the end had lost breathing hard on the ground, his knee red in which would become a nasty bruise later, but overall okay. Spencer stood and helped him to his feet. The el smiled slightly, the marine was still loyal to his Prince.

"Tyson and Rei!"

The tiger blinked. "Time to go," he muttered and grinned at Tyson who nodded. Tyson choose a weapon but Rei didn't, he needed to be light on his feet and martial args was better with ground movement then a weapon to hinder him.

"Good battle Max,' Wyatt gave the other male some water. "How are you feeling?"

"Not too bad," Max winced. "Ankle hurts though."

Wyatt kneeled and pulled up the pants leg examining the flesh. "It'll swell a little but it shouldn't be too bad. You'll be able to walk on it."

"Good." "Spencer?" Wyatt turned to the other male who shook his head. "I'm fine."

"I hate this," Max spoke looking at the ground. "What do you mean?" Wyatt looked at him his eyes narrowing.

"Fighting for entertainment," The blonde sighed looking up. "In the real ring it will be with real weapons. People will come to watch men, us, fight to the death."

"It's a sport,' Tala pointed out.

"A sick sport," Max spat. "Why do that?" his voice cracked.

"My guess is social control."

Kai looked at Wyatt but the other didn't know it, deciding instead to continue. "If he can get all the people interested into something then exploit it to the fullest he'll make them happy. Happy subjects are easy to handle and fool." A grunt from the ring told them Tyson had just been hit. "Propaganda too," Wyatt mused. "It wouldn't surprise me if he's filled their heads with lies to make them think this was some sort of utopia or something. Brooklyn's too smart to use force and fear."

"You think so?" Spencer asked. As much as he held humans in low regard, Wyatt seemed well educated and someone who weighed every detail and opportunity filled wisdom.

"That's what I would do."

"Match end."

Surprisingly enough it was Rei who had taken the hit deciding to fall and not get up. Max smiled slightly, of course Rei would Tyson's ego, after what had occurred this morning, being taken down by a human in full transformation was pathetic. Rei could be too noble at times.

"Tala and Kai." The wolf frowned slightly but walked into the ring. He guessed that becoming a slave meant losing your title and any real respect. He glanced over, Hiwatari wasn't even up yet.

Dickenson nodded towards Dunga who moved towards the man. He seemed asleep. But as Dunga got close, whip in hand, the avian rose. The crowd of other gladiators booed him and yelled.

"You piece of shit!"

"Hid long enough didn't you red wings?"

"Pretty boy!"

Tala blinked in shock as did the others. So far they had been treated with interest and even hate but it had been with a sense of detachment. This was pure emotion, raw and inconsiderate.

"You bitch!" An avian yelled pushing his way to the front of the line and hurled a rock at the progressing male's back catching him between the shoulders. It was enough force to push him to the ground. Something in Talal almost pushed him forward to help the fallen avain. Almost. Btu the man was his enemy now, an avian, one whose grandfather had started a war with the world.

The crowd cheered even as Dunga had another man pull the offending avian out of the crowd and inside. NO one else in the crowd dared another feet as the big human threw the whip at their faces pushing them back. Kai moved off the ground, slowly, mechanically, to his knees then pushed himself to his feet. His face hidden by his hair as he moved to the ring, the obscenities still in his ears ringing.

Dickenson was no longer smiling.

When he stopped, body facing Tala the words "Begin" boomed out of Dunga's mouth. Neither moved. In Tala's hands was a wooden sword mocked by Kai's own but it was held lip at their sides.

"You first," Tala voiced recalling the last fight they had had together and remembered how the other had chosen to use his power of fire. Kai didn't move. "Fine then," the wolf muttered and charged forward.

Kai wnet into a defensive motion blocking the wooden sword with enough force to make a sounding crack. The two stood locked in place, facing one another, Tala's eyes hardened with hatred iced over, Kai's a burning red as he grew angry.

"Murderer," the words escaped his mouth before Tala realized what he'd said, he swung out with his foot catching the avian off guard. The sword hit his chest but he was fine, Kai backed away favoring his right shoulder. The wolf had a high kick.

"Murderer?" Kai whispered. What the hell? He narrowed his eyes as the wolf came back. Reading him the avian pivoted to the left swinging the sword to protect his right. Because it was wooden the wolf spun around on his toes, training from the best masters in his lands, the sword cam back this time to the left. The crowd cheered as Tala in better condition began to push Kai out of the circle.

Having enough of the sword play Kai huffed. So far he'd successfully dodged the hits but his beaten body was beginning to take a toll. He felt the healing flesh of his back rip slightly every time it tightened. The bruise the rock had left began forming under his skin. Kai knew the game; he'd played it all his life living on the streets. Death wasn't allowed but if Tala beat him he would be labeled as nothing less then pathetic and easy to kill in the real coliseum. That could work to his advantage in the ring, the men underestimating him, but the true lay outside. The men here didnt' like him and from what he expected it had to do with their king. The only way to not guarantee he didn't get a dagger in his back was to gain respect (which was out of order) or make them fear him.

Men stayed away from those they feared could kill them. The only way to put that in their hearts was to beat the red head. He pulled up the sword once again stopping the downward thrust.

"He's weak," Tyson nodded toward the two. "Tala's got this in the bag."

"Yes it would seem so." No one noticed the disappointment in Wyatt's voice.

"Why are you still alive?" Tala hissed. Kai grunted. "I'm very hard to find, just ask your father." Tala's eyes widened then narrowed. "Ahh!" he aimed the sword at his head. Kai backed up and with a smirk lit his own sword making Tala hesitate. Taking advantage Kai swung low swatting at the swords hilt and sent it flying out of the wolves hands.

Tala took half a step back growling and clenching his fists. Kai pointed the sword still flaming at him before throwing the wood down himself. He wasn't done with him yet. With deliberate slowness eh put his hands to the bottom of the shirt then ripped it off exposing his pink and blistered skin. The crowd quieted seeing the light look of blood. Back arched the red wings appeared, the crowds voice in awe. They knew who he was but seeing it was another story entirely.

"Fine," Tala's growl deepened. His tail came and ears busted out flat against his red hair. The air grew cold around him.

Kai swung out with his fist leaving Tala to back up. A gust of wind came from the large sculpted wings but the wolf just snarled leaping back. Tala glanced to his left and looked at the well far away but usable. A burst of flame came his way and he had to duck low for it to miss. Quickly he pushed forward, cool air hitting the water and freezing the first layer. Kai was o him then swinging out with heat emitting from his body forcing Tala to continue to back up.

"They need to stop this," Rei moved slightly but Dunga appeared in his field of vision looking at him closely. Knowing he'd spent too much energy facing Tyson the tiger backed off but bit his lip alarmed. This fight was too serious.

Swinging down with his arm engulfed in a blue flame Kai aimed for the chest. To avoid the death blow Tala pushed the ice out of the well and in front of him blocking the attack. AS soon as the ice hit the flame steam covred the area. Kai stopped blinded he looked around hearing Tala's low laugh.

The wolf moved through the mist as if it was apart of him. Vapor turned to ice around him and he moved them forward slicing through his skin and leaving numerous cuts.

"Damn," Kai voiced aloud. He couldn't see the male anywhere, he gritted his teeth to hold back a scream as ice continued to plague him. He shuddered preparing himself, there was only one way out of this. Closing his eyes he concentrated as the air around him grew hot and hotter. The ice needles evaporated as the wall of hot air got larger and grew. The mist died, Kai's eyes found Talas as he smirked lightly.

Jumping up he allowed his wings to take him as he charged at the male. Tala threw up the sword blocking it but the wood creaked und the pressure breaking as the fire cut through it. The tip of Kai's weapon swiped across the wolves' chest knocking him to the ground as the avian landed. His wings pulsing back into the flesh of his back.

"Tala!" Tyson yelled running to his fallen friend.

"Oh Drigger," Rei muttered in shock Spencer smirked as Max watched in aw and Wyatt smiled in satisfaction.

"You did…" Tyson fell to the ground at Talas head. The laid sprawled and unmoving. The Dragon could hardly breath.

"He's fine," Kai turned his back to them. "Just unconscious." Tyson stared up at him as the avian glanced up at Dickenson. The sun behind the man had begun to fall creating a glare as the evening progressed. The man stared hard at Kai but the avian shrugged him off. Though his head was held high he knew he was beaten, like a horse or animal. He'd do as he was told. His gaze roamed the sky and he realized he felt nothing. Winning the match had brought nothing to him.

Striking the other male had brought no sadness or satisfaction and the crowd yelled again in hate but he could barely hear them. For once in his life Kai wondered if this was bliss as his eyes fell closed and he passed out in to the hands of Dunga.

Lex felt the pit of her stomach turn. All day her mind had relived and revisited what had happened at breakfast. Somehow the damned man had figured out everything. Mariah and Hilary had already retired and for that she was grateful. Since hearing the news the two women had avoided her like the plague whispering behind her back. When they had received lunch in their room it had been with an awkward silence.

The door opened slightly and she jumped but it was only Camil who had beckoned her. Not knowing what to do otherwise but needing to do something Lex followed. As they walked Camil spoke in the empty hall.

"Master Brooklyn has requested your company in the west wing library."

Lex stopped and the woman turned. She was sure the fear and uncertainty showed in her face. Meeting him now was a shock to her system and her stomach flipped over.

"Ma'dam I assure King Brooklyn is a fair man who cares greatly for his people." Camil sighed, "You have no need to fear him so please continue…" she started walking again impatient to finish her duties and go to bed. Without knowing why Lex followed.

The walk was full of turns and Lex looked back and fourth as they passed trying to find a means of escape. It was no use even if she did run away she would be lost in no time. The castle truly was a maze. Brooklyn threat echoed in her ear as well. Her brother…

The walk which seemed forever ended to soon as Camil knocked on a large mahogany door. Lez heard his voice grant them entrance and knew her face was pale.

The room she noticed immediately was dark and in fashion with the rest of the castle. It was small but comforting. A parlor of sorts the room had a sofa and three chairs sitting in front of a fire lace while the rest was books. Brooklyn stood in front of the fire place glancing at a clock that sat on the mantel.

"Master Brooklyn, Lady,"Camil voiced nodding before she left. The sound of the door echoed in her mind as it closed hard as if never to be opened again. The two stood, Lex was too scared to do anything but stand watching the two ebony wings against the firelight facing her.

"Sit please," Brooklyn turned so suddenly that Lex jumped slightly before moving to the center of the room .As much as she'd rather stand his voice was to strong to ignore. Besides if she obeyed he might reason. "Reason how?" Lex eyes closed as she sat folding her wings neatly behind her, fists clenched. Being unable to talk how could they compromise? How could she argue against him?

"Your brother is safe Lexandra," Brooklyn sat on an oak chair opposite of her. It's decoration wild and exotic like a throne. His legs folded neatly has his right hadn cupped his cheek. The fire flowing beautifully in his face dancing. He didn't move but let silence continue in the room.

"You will marry me," his voice was smooth. "though you consider it unthinkable so I want you to imagine this. If the war had not happened our marriage would have been likely anyway. As the daughter of a general your fate would have been the same, but think of it this way," he stopped. "Now instead of being married to a general you will be the wife of King."

Lex blinked again then snorted, her hands clenched to her skirt digging tightly through it. Her eyes glared t him in hatred. How dare he mock her! She felt a flush rush to her face and tears to her eyes. She glanced down, unwilling to give him that pleasure.

"Do you choose not to talk?" Brooklyn asked softly, calmly. A cold hand grasped her chin cupping it and moving it up. She flinched at how smooth he'd moved beside her. "Or can you not utter a single word?"

Lex glared but he was unaffected choosing to smirk. "If you say no at anytime I will allow you one wish."

Lex blinked staring up at him as he came close breathing on her face. "If you say no I will allow you one thing in this Kingdom, you're freedom from our marriage, your brothers freedom, your kings' freedom, anything your heart desires." He pulled back as her mind started reeling.

"Until then we will be married, by next week," she looked at him in disbelief. "You will act accordingly throughout the ceremony and there after and you will give me sons."

Lex tensed at the thought, gasping for breath. She was about to protest somehow when his voice stopped her, "If you refuse me in any way I will have your brother turned into a bloody corpse and hung on a tree to be peaked at for days until he's finally consumed by an animal of the forest." The tears escaped her now as she shook her head back and forth in tourmeant.

"Now," Brooklyn turned to her with a light smile. "Do you agree to my terms?"

Lex nodded slowly as the tears began to rack her body back and forth. "Good," he turned and rung a bell. A young maid came and led the sobbing girl back to the room. Hilary and Mariah heard the avian fall to the floor trying her best to sob silently but neither of them moved to give her any comfort. And Lexandra's world crumbled as her heart broke.

Alright how was it? Everyone's really starting to loose hope…I AM SO EVIL!!! MUHAHAHAH!

Kai: Oh get over yourself.

Me: whatever. Anyway the next chapter will be all about Hiro and how this prince fell from his throne and how he knows things that no one else does. The final chapters are coming as the Greatest war ever seen is about to begin…

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW….YOU KNOW THE DRILL.