A/n - There's graphic descriptions of violence in this chapter. Read at your own risk ig.

Shu didn't know whether he should be disgusted at the earlier conversation or be grateful for the comfortable way they were treating him at the moment. If he was given a choice he would probably go with the first one. This temporary luxury he had been offered can burn into the air with a simple mistake. It was a risky game. After the bath, he was given fresh clothes. The white silk was too soft against his skin. It flowed around him in shapeless folds. The cloth itself looked as if it had been handcrafted with feathers and fragments of a fluttering cloud. "This way. The young master is asking for you" One of the maids said, walking him out of the door. There was a lingering sense of silence which unsettled him. The monarch was unfair, but Shu didn't see anyone opposing him. Not a single soul standing up for the good of the commoners inside this mysteriously obedient land.

"I've been waiting for you" A voice cooed. Shu broke his gaze away from the cowering maids and turned. The man who ruled it all. Young and still held enormous power in his hands. He took steps towards him in his graceful manner, as if he was gliding through a fresh sheet of ice instead of walking on solid land. When he pressed a kiss on the back of Shu's hand, the albino was ready to take on the word assault and the dangers he must have to face staying inside this room.

Shu bowed, just a dip of his head. "Thank you for treating me with all these things" He vaguely gestured at the clothes and his fresh state. It was a good change. Shu felt his mind crystal clear. The thoughts which stumbled earlier were making good sense right now. He could take this. The monarch made his way towards him in his usual graceful way, gliding through the floor. He stopped in front of him, bending low to look at him in the eye. Shu's crimson eyes bore into his deep eyes. There was a menace in those dilated pupils. A deep insanity barricaded by the shallow laws of customs and manners. The man slid his hand down Shu's jaw, wrapping his long fingers on the side of his neck as if Shu was a lyre and he was the musician striking the cord, handling him in a way that harmonious music would elicit. Shu stumbled a step back. He wasn't surprised. Just worried. He waited, not uttering a single word. Testing the waters. When he was finally cornered to the wall, Shu decided to put up a bit of a resistance, pressing his palms on the man's chest, trying to push him back.

He actually took a step back, just staring. His lips parted into a feral smirk. "Are we going too fast?"

Shu managed his own smile, "Maybe"

Big mistake. Shu thought as he was pushed back again, hauled up against the marbled walls. He took it as an opening, an invitation. Shu grimaced when his hand slid to his waist. His slender fingertips caressing the folds in his silk robes. "What's going on?" A voice interrupted. Shu felt a burden pushed off his shoulders when he saw a man standing by the doorway. Raven hair tied up in a ponytail as his amber eyes looked in between them. The purple-haired monarch pushed away from him, striding towards the person. His hands open into a welcoming embrace, his dark eyes bubbly and lit with pure serene happiness. The early menace was gone. "Tatsu" He grinned, embracing him. The man didn't look uncomfortable. In the moment of pure confusion Shu wondered whether he had just become a vixen of this man, a mistress, an illicit relationship.

"Who's that?"

He looked over his shoulder at Shu, "That's my new toy" His smile was almost innocent as he uttered those monstrous words, objectifying him.

The man named Tatsu sighed, "The meeting needs you." He said, "You better go to the throne room"

Other frowned, "And my commander is not coming?"

"I just came after a battle, I'll rest"

He nodded and soon just like that, Shu was forgotten. He watched frozen as the man walked out of the room. Just as if he hadn't been trying to assault Shu a moment ago. Just as if he didn't exist anymore. Not that he was complaining. He barely escaped. Shu felt the burn of Tatsu's gaze on his skin. He was a tall man with broad shoulders and the gaze of a hawk. His uniform with heavy armor plates fitted his status as a commander. He gestured at Shu to come out and Shu followed, curious and alert. Tatsu was walking in front of him, guiding him towards a quiet hallway. Shu was two steps behind him, cautious in his steps. He was standing in an unknown land with an unknown man. He didn't have the luxury of trusting anyone. The said man finally stopped in front of an open verandah overlooking one of the massive gardens. Shu had lost the count by now. They had lots of gardens.

When the man spun on his heel, pressing an ivory blade to his throat, Shu was taken by utmost surprise. He took a step back, guarded and cautious. "Who are you?" He asked, his amber eyes filled with a rising suspicion. "I heard the report from my troops. They said a group of youngsters arrived today morning and they were only able to catch one of them." His voice wasn't venomous or disgruntled. It was calm, it was composed. He drew back his blade, driving it back to its sheath. Shu allowed himself to breathe as the man placed his hands on the short wall in front of them. "You didn't come here because of a mere marriage or anything like that, are you?"

Shu focused his gaze on the man. "Why do you think I came?"

Tatsu turned, leaning against the wall. His hands crossed over his chest. His armour plates shining against the blinding sun. "Answering a question with another one is rude. Don't you know that?"

Shu raised his brow not speaking. The man sighed, "Are you worried what Ran will do to you?"

Shu guessed the man's name should be Ran. He kept his prolonged silence. But his eyes might have given away his worry that the man continued. "I wish I could've said I could save you from him but truly I can't." He studies Shu's face. "You're not the first and won't be the last"

"Why are you letting him? Is it because he's your king?"

He laughed, "That man was my best friend before he became king. Honestly, I don't trust you or the group who came with you. I know for sure that you all mean trouble" He took a step towards Shu, looking him in the eye. "You're here to take on the demon king and our kingdom is just one stop you'd be intending to raid, isn't it right?"

Shu stiffened. He knows. He knows everything. Shu took a step back, his eyes focused on the man as he questioned, "Why didn't you tell him anything?"

Tatsu merely stared at him. Amusement glinting in his eyes, "Should I?"

"Aren't you two childhood friends?" Shu queried, finding himself confused about this man's intentions.

"We were" He corrected, folding his hands on the short wall, returning his gaze to the garden in front of them. The greenery was a stark contrast to the white marble of the castle. It was refreshing to see a different colour in this clean, smooth whiteness. "Shu, was it?"

Shu hummed. He wasn't allowing him to let his guard down. Yet. "Well, Shu" Tatsu started, "We used to be best friends before" He gestured at the castle, "All this. I served the previous monarch. My father was his right hand man. This guy slaughtered my father and drove out the king. He's still looking" Tatsu sighed, '' but he hasn't found the monarch or the prince yet. I doubt he will find them anytime soon anyway"

Shu's breath hitched as he took in the information. "Do you hate him?" A naive question perhaps, but something in his deep eyes made Shu question Tatsu's feeling about the other man. It just didn't look like he hated him.

Tatsu's lips twitched into a faint, sad smile. "I wish I could, but I can't. I'm still serving this man who slaughtered my father and put hundreds of citizens to death because I want to save him"

His resolve and kindness impressed the albino. He had seen people. Many kinds. Especially during that year of war they went back at their home. He had seen them brimming with revenge, the hateful vengeance driving them forward. This is the first time he had encountered someone forgiving something so crude and cruel just because of a friendship. Just how complicated can a human relationship be? Shu wondered. "Save him?" Shu echoed, taking a step forward that he was standing beside him.

Tatsu smiled, "You know Shu, people aren't born evil." He ran a hand through his locks with a grimace. "When someone enters this world, there's only emptiness in that infant's mind. Just nothing. But when the child grows up, people poison them. Some are lucky enough to grow up amidst kindness and love. The other half are just unlucky. They fall prey into the hands of evil because of this so-called society of ours. It's sad" He whispered, "The very people who ruin this innocence, call them villains. People create villains, they aren't born that way"

Shu stared at the waterfall in front of him and the bright flowers in the garden. It was a bitter truth. "Why are you telling me all this?"

"I promised myself the day I saw this man raise a sword against another in pure hatred, I promised I'd drag him back to the light" He groans in frustration, "But as time goes he just falls in too deep. Even though I hate to admit it, the only way to drag him down from that darkness is to defeat him."

"Why haven't you done it already? If you are the commander of the army, the soldiers must be under you"

Tatsu hummed, "You're an intelligent one but I need an opening."

"What do you mean?"

"It's reckless-" He stopped, suddenly turning stiff and his neutral mask slipping back on. Shu turned on his heel to see the approaching figure. The purple haired male, walking to them, beaming.

"Look who's bonding" He smiled, a sickly sweet smile that made himself look detached. From humanity that is. "Perfect timing though" He said, clapping his hands together. "It's meal time"

Beside him, Tatsu sighed. Shu looked in between them, curious and confused. "Meal time?"

"Yes" The monarch grinned, "And both of you are invited"

Shu wasn't quite sure what to expect when he was led through another set of hallways. The deeper they went, the darker the castle became. There were only tiny windows on the top of the marbled walls casting only a faint beam of the brilliant sunlight outside. The pure white walls started to get faded and a sickly greenish grime covered them half the way. It was like they were in a different place. And the stench, Shu realized wrinkling his brows. It was a metallic smell mixed with rotting flesh and an animalistic stench. A wave of nausea hit him as they got closer. The air was brimming with clouds of bloody scent. "Where are we?" He whispered. Tatsu only gave him a sympathetic look as the continued.

At the end of the hallway was a set of massive cellars. They were different from the ones he had been before. These were high and spacious and something black crawled inside them and Shu frowned, trying to get a better look in the darkness. "Lights please" The man said. Three guards rushed in and lit up the lanterns. The light of the flames broke out through the darkness, illuminating the cellars with a clear orange light.

Shu froze.

He had seen animals, several peculiar sights but the situation in front of him was horrendous. There were indeed black creatures crawling inside. They were Scorpions, Shu noted looking at the venomous tip and the flinty hard skin which shone brown in the illuminating flames. The nausea began to rise as he inspected the size of them. So massive that Shu couldn't see the start or the end of the beast. And there was not just one, but half a dozen, crawling in their cells screeching inhumanely. "W-What the-" He started, his knuckles turning white as he squeezed the silk in his robes. "What are those?"

"Scorpions" The sadist grinned, "Aren't they beautiful~?" He was enjoying it. Enjoying the horror settling on the young one's face upon these unrealistic creatures. When he came to the Dark Continent, he was ready to see peculiar sights. But this? It was sickening. The very thought of them being here in this man's hold was sickening.

Two guards rushed in, guiding six men into the narrow pathway in between the cells. Shu tore his gaze from the Scorpions to those prisoners. All grimy and bloody, their clothes torn and their gazes terrified. Suddenly, everything started to make sense. The reason Tatsu didn't just attack. The reason none of the citizens were able to riot against this tyranny. They were scared, cautious, terrified of these creatures who were under the control of this cruel man. And the word of meal time started to grow clear and Shu gagged, clenching his eyes shut for a moment. Not wanting to imagine what would happen when the guards led them into each cage. "Have a feast, my children" The man said, clapping his hands like a child playing around.

"What's the meaning of this?" Tatsu finally spoke up. "He's still young, your highness. He shouldn't be here"

In his daze, it took him a while to realize the commander was talking about him. The tyrant just made a dismissive gesture. "He needs to learn about the world, Tatsu" He said, watching one of the men being pushed into the cell. Shu clenched his fists, the nails biting into his palms making crescent marks on his clear pale skin. He watched as the image burned into his mind. The screaming of the prisoners as the Scorpion rounded him, making sure the prey won't be able to escape. It lunged forward as the man fell to his knees, crawling back into the corner of the cell in pure terror. The next thing Shu knew was that there was a ringing in his ears. The screams, the wails, the begs for mercy were filling the echoing walls. The venomous tip was the size of a man's head and it was buried deep into the prisoner's gut. Blood seeped through his torn clothes as he cried out in pure agony. When he stopped moving and the screaming died out, the Scorpion finally stepped back, the tip of its tail pulling back with it.

His heart was racing but he couldn't look away. It was almost as if an invisible force was compelling him to stare at the dead man. His head pulled back, blood dripping out of his mouth and bloody tears springing out of his glazed eyes. The scorpion attacked the corpse, tearing into the flesh. The sickly squelch sound of the sticky mass of meat, dripping with blood. The sloshing sound of the organs being ripped out filled his ears. The creature was feasting. Chewing down with such vigour and in the end, there was only a mesh of abandoned bones and puddles of blood, pieces of meat lying on the ground to tell that once there was a man in the place of this bloody mess.

Shu didn't know when he started shaking. He didn't know when he started tearing off the skin on his lips out of pure anxiety and terror in his mind. All he knew was that he could no longer feel his body. His legs were shaking underneath him, only for a moment until they gave up. Unshed tears shone in his ruby eyes. He stumbled back, gasping for breath. Two strong hands wrapped around him before he sank to the ground. "I'm taking him back" Tatsu said with a note of finality. Shu heard the other clicking his tongue.

"You're just too boring, Tatsu. But alright. I need my toy to function tonight."

Tatsu didn't reply. Instead, he guided Shu out of the room towards the main chambers from before. "That's why, isn't it?" His voice was barely a whisper. Shu tried to hide the tremor in his voice but found himself miserably failing.

"Yes" Tatsu's grim voice answered, hiding in his tone a thousand different emotions.

No other words spoken as Tatsu left Shu inside the main royal chamber. Shu sank into the comfortable feather mattress, the soft material sinking to his weight. The albino placed a hand over his ashen face, still staring into space, trying to snap out of his daze. He came to a horrible realistic truth: there was no stopping this man. At least until someone kills these beasts, or at least proves it by killing one of them. Just at the moment it felt impossible. Those invincible creatures feasting on human blood seemed just so strong for any mortal man to conquer. But the only way to breakthrough this tight notch was to defeat and conquer: conquer the fears inside the citizens and the soldiers about these Scorpions.

---

The room was quiet as they quietly watched Sasha. She was sorting through a set of maps, shuffling in her feet. She was uncomfortable, Lui noticed. He didn't blame her. They were a fairly intimidating group and to top it all, he had been nothing but furious at everyone. His violet gaze slipped to the yellowing pages of the map she laid. Quite identical to the one Shu drew but the edges and islands are different. This was more detailed. His mind wandered back to his lover: Shu. He hoped, prayed and begged for him to be okay. But there was a nagging worry inside his mind, a ceaseless concern he couldn't cast away. Perhaps it was natural. They loved each other, and this baggage of worry and concern is one part of it.

Sasha cleared her throat, catching their attention. The old man Raul and several kids who introduced themselves as Aiger and Kitt were standing by the side. Leaning against the far corner of the door was Aiger's father. There was something weird about him. A sense of dignity Lui couldn't quite place his finger on lingered on his heavy face.

"This is the map of the Dark Continent. The one before it was named Dark Continent and conquered by the two devil lords." She pointed at the name on the map. It was of ancient characters and Lui couldn't really comprehend them. He looked around the table to see the others facing the same problem. "Zodiac Land" She said, "That was our initial name. There are... were" She corrected herself, "Twelve lands in total. But now there's only a few left, the others have conquered and named the Dark Continent." She pointed at the far corner of the map. "This is our land. The place you're standing now: Pisces Kingdom. We didn't have barriers or this much secrecy etched upon us, but after the Scorpio kingdom was conquered by that tyrant, we had to put protection around us."

Lui noted the word inside his mind, "Scorpio. That's where Shu is trapped."

"There are elements that are unique to each kingdom. Ours is the two Koi fishes" She explained, gesturing at the pond to their right. "It's known that these elements provide us with protection. There's a secret base where our two golden koi fishes are swimming in the depths of ice water. As the legend goes, our land will be conquered by the one who destroys the two golden koi fishes" She glanced at all of them cautiously. "That's what happened in Scorpio. Their elements were giant Scorpions. Six of them. Wild beasts that feasted upon animal blood but the tyrant fed them human blood. The rumours are that these beasts prefer fresh human prey rather than the animal carcasses they received as their meal. Then instantly, they switched their loyalty to the new tyrant. Using these beasts as a means of strength he grabbed hold of power and tried to kill the previous royal family. It failed though but the man got the power all the same. Citizens are terrified of the beats and that a tyrant harvests humans to feed to the beast. That's probably where half the prisoners go" Her gaze slipped to Lui. The White Tyrant's blood ran cold as he listened to the tale.

"We don't have time to sit and wait," Valt's urgent voice interrupted. Right, Lui thought, he tried to burden the capturing of Shu solely upon his shoulder, but the truth was that they were a team and they all cared about Shu. "Shu is in danger"

"And we'll be in danger if we charge without a plan" Sasha's voice had a note of finality. "We have one way" She was playing with the ring in her finger. Her skin shifted into a raw redness under her pressure.

"What is it?" Lui asked. He would do anything. He would do anything in every sense of the word.

"The Gladiator fight" Her grim voice declared. "They are held every morning in the city square. Most of the prisoners are put into auction."

Free raised one of his palms, "But you said they are the human sacrifices"

"Yes. They are put into an auction just for show. No one dares to buy them because of the rules."

"What are they?" Free questioned, his hands clenched at his sides, knuckles turning white.

"First" It was Aiger who spoke. The male had been silent the whole day and barely spoke with them even upon Valt's attempts to strike a friendship. "You have to declare the prisoner you're buying. You can do it on your own accord. And Two, you have to face a gladiator fight to acquire that slave" His tortoquise eyes darkned, "The opponent is a Scorpion"

There was no silence after the revelation. "I'll do it" Lui's confident voice delivered. He just needed a way to save Shu and now he was presented with one. He was not going to let the chance go.

"It's not as easy as you think" Sasha growled, slamming her hands on the table.

"I didn't ask it to be" Lui shot back, unable to keep the fury from his voice.

"Are you going to throw away your life for a friend?" She asked, her voice skeptical. "Is it worth it?"

Lui pressed his palms harder on the table to keep them from trembling. "He's worth every single bit of it. I'm going to the kingdom tomorrow. Alone if I have to" Those were the last words before he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room.

Sasha clicked her tongue in annoyance. "The hell is with that captured friend of yours?"

"He loves him" Zac offered, not wanting to create a misunderstanding between them. They needed their help. They'd only get through this if they stick together.

Sasha, Aiger and Kitt both gaped, waiting for him to call it out as a joke but upon the solemn face of the blonde they faltered. "Wait," Sasha halted in her moves, "But they are both-" She stopped, confused.

Zac and Xander shared a look. Both knew there was no ill feeling about those declarations. It was just uncommon and a general confusion is inevitable. "You'll see when you meet him" Zac uttered, closing the topic. "Are you going to help us?"

Sasha hesitated and it was Raul who watched them with amused glee in his eyes who answered, "Of course we will. We never let our guests have all the fun alone" He laughed, "And I have a feeling we'd witness a miracle tomorrow"

Sasha rubbed her temples but nodded. She turned to the rest of the team, striking out a plan. After the descriptions and the maps being discussed, they decided to let Lui go alone to the kingdom at first not to rouse suspicion. "This is the best I can do" Sasha said. Her voice was uncertain. "We'll execute this plan if only Lui wins against the beast. If not" She sighed, "I'm afraid there won't be anyone to survive"

Free nodded, "He'll be fine. It's Lui. We can have our trust in him"

Aiger gave him a doubtful look but didn't press the matter. Sasha and Kitt followed the same course. Tomorrow morning, they decide. It would end up in total disaster but that's their only shot at saving their friend.

---

The night was pouring into the castle. The candles were lit up by servants, shadows dancing across the ghostly white marble walls. Shu was in a restless sleep on the bed. His wrinkled brows and soft whimpers gave out the horror created in his mind. He curled into himself when the feeling of fingertips grazing his skin chilled his bones, jerking him awake. He sat down, palms firmly on the soft feather mattress, blinking through exhausted eyelids to see Ran in front of him. His sadistic grin on his face. "Your highness" His voice guarded barely showing the fear storming inside his mind.

"Did you enjoy the show earlier?" His sinister grin was plastered across his face. Shu wanted to drive his axe across his chest. Do something. Before he fell asleep, he made sure to grab the ring still resting on the table. But he was no fool, he knew the dangers of working alone. He couldn't trust Tatsu for sure. He didn't even know the man. His thoughts were cut off by a slight push which sent him tumbling back to the bed. Shu found himself stuck in a vulnerable position: trapped within his arms, his face peering into his eyes, sadistic and brimming with desire. "Ah~" He smiled, "Look at you, all worried and terrified" His sultry voice cooed, reaching Shu's face, a leg sliding in between Shu's.

Shu stayed there for a while, frozen until he realized the danger had gone too far for him to stop in a way that he could be step. Instead, he launched himself forward, taking the other by surprise. Elbowing him, Shu landed a successful kick on his shin, sending him tumbling down to the hard floor. It wasn't an act of impulse. Shu was fully conscious and intentionally attacked him. Maybe it was the pent up rage after seeing the crude ways of his life, or it's just self defence. The reason didn't matter.

"Don't you dare fucking touch me" Shu warned, his crimson eyes blazing with pure anger. "You disgust me"

Ran grinned, but there was no smugness smugness. Instead, Shu saw the dark clouds of anger and menace. "Guards" He called, keeping his eyes on Shu. "Show this princess the way to the cell." He stood, taking a step Shu, whispering in his ear. "You'll enjoy fighting those creatures. I'd love to see it"

Shu kept his composure as he was led back to the cells. Ran was a sadistic man, perhaps childish. He never intended to take him into safety, Shu noted. He was testing how far he'd let him go even if it meant breaking Shu's dignity to pieces. The haunted cells were far more welcoming than the elegant room of the castle. He was pushed inside the same cell as before. The two crimson eyed males looked at his tired face questioningly. Shu just slumped himself in the corner of the room knowing he had little power to change anything right now. He thought about Lui for a moment, wondering what he was doing, how he was feeling? He broke the chain of thought finally dropping his head to his knees. There was no use wondering around, it's Lui, Shu somehow knew he'd be fine. 

---

The morning was cold when they were awoken by the sound of soldiers rushing and prisoners pleading on their knees as they were dragged away. Shu watched them in sympathy clearly knowing he's facing the same fate as them in a few moments. He hadn't gotten a blink of sleep last night. It would be a miracle if he would be able to sleep again after what happened yesterday. Fubuki and Delta had been quiet for the most part of the night, stealing glances but never speaking. They certainly sensed something wrong but was moderate enough not to pry when all he wanted was to forget. But now, they were all staring at the soldier opening their cell. Fubuki and Delta were pulled outside first, then him. The soldiers led them down a long hallway. Shu could barely make out the voices of the crowd somewhere close. The prisoners were moaning, some even screaming in fear. Delta and Fubuki were the only ones who didn't betray a single emotion on their pale faces.

They were ushered into a small room right behind the screams of the crowd. That's when Fubuki finally decided to break the silence. "What happened back there?"

Shu was taken aback. It was not the question which surprised him, it was the concern etched upon his red eyes. This stranger whom he barely knew was showing the concern of a familiar. "Uh, it's nothing much" Shu smiled, "Were you worried?"

Fubuki just shrugged, "It's just that those people whom he takes to the castle don't come back or they come back but they are just broken. Like they have gone insane"

"And you aren't suspicious of me? I would've struck a deal with him"

"That's the last things a person like that would say," Delta offered from where he was standing.

Shu smiled warmly at them. It was refreshing to see something other than hatred once in a while. Before they could continue, they were led out of the room into a massive open area. Shu instantly saw the source of the voice. Around the sandy battle ring in front of them, lines and lines of people were sitting on their respective seats. The podiums besides them were decorated with rich purple, mixed with white. Ran was seated on a white throne draped in purple gems glaring against their naked eyes reflecting the sun. Tatsu briefly shared a glance with him where he was standing behind Ran. His eyes were almost sympathetic. Shu scoffed at himself, turning away his head. The cheering stopped once Ran stood, raising both his palms to the crowd. He looked at the cages around the gladiator rings. The Scorpions, feisty and eager to come out and catch their first prey.

Shu realized they were being auctioned but also knew none of the citizens were brave enough to stand up and call an amount. It was only fed with silence. The citizens had stopped cheering. There was only pity in their eyes. Pity for their pathetic plight of being human sacrifices. After the first time of their arrival, Delta shivered beside him, ruby eyes fixed upon those creatures. "This is horrifying" He muttered under his breath. Shu slipped his hand into his, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm fine" He said with a faint smile but Shu did not let go. He knew better. It all seemed to go according to Ran's plan when the doors opened. Two soldiers were guiding a man into the gladiator ring. His face was covered in a heavy black cloak. The people whispered in hushed voices, gasping, admiring or pitying. Ran raised his brow.

"This man says he's going to participate in the auction, my Lord"

Ran raised a judging brow and ordered him to show his face. Shu was holding his breath. Shu had this gnawing sense clawing at his heart. He knew him. It was him. Lui dropped the cloak off his face. His violet eyes blazing with anger at Ran. Then they shifted from the man towards the prisoners. The moment their eyes locked, Shu felt his heart in his throat. Happiness, worry, concern and a thousand different emotions mixed in his heart. He was glad to see him. He was ecstatic. But a small part of him was there, concerned and guilty for leading him to this trap. This beast nest. Lui didn't smile but he could read this boy like a book. Shu knew every unspoken word.

Ran looked bored, "Which one do you want?"

Lui didn't move his eyes from Shu. "I want Shu"

This took his interest. Ran leaned down, propped his elbows on his knees with a grin. "Oh" He switched his gaze to Shu. "Now this is beautiful. Are you the partner he told me about?"

Lui didn't betray any emotion. Ran clicked his tongue but didn't bother to hide his entertained smile. "Go ahead and fight for your little love. Sacrificial love is my favourite kind. It's romantic."

Shu growled and didn't realize he was squeezing Delta's hand too hard until the male nudged him. "Shu, do you know him?"

Shu blinked, snapping off from his daze. "Yeah. I do" Delta might've felt the tightness in his voice that he asked no more questions.

One of the gates opened. Shu watched Lui carefully as the Scorpion circled, ferocious fangs extended to capture him. The tip of its tail twitching in anticipation. A single question rose in Shu's mind. Where were the others? Surely, Lui was not an idiot to come alone and sacrifice himself. A chill ran down his spine. Who is he kidding, this is Lui. He could only wish the others weren't impulsive enough to send him to death row.

People were holding their breath, watching the scene in front of them. Lui didn't use his ice, instead, he pulled out a sword Shu had never seen before. A tiny hope sparked inside his mind, maybe they met allies. The Scorpion didn't waste any time in his wake. Attacking relentlessly, but Lui was faster. While the Scorpion struggled to catch up with the agility, Lui found openings and tried to drive through his sword, but just as Shu guessed it seemed hard. None of the attacks were working. The sword tip bounced off its tough shell. The joint of the neck, Shu thought anxiously. Those are the weak points, Lui.

Lui seemed to assess the Scorpion thoroughly. Shu could see it through his confident strikes and vigorous tries to get closer to it's neck. But the Scorpion was intelligent for it refused to let Lui get anymore closer. Lui jumped back as it plunged the tip against him. Side stepping, the male made a dash towards it's neck but was blocked by a swift turn of the furious animal. Lui turned, making a dash to the other side. Another block. This continued. Lui created momentum. A rhythm. Made sure the Scorpion was getting used to this pattern. Then he sidestepped from it. Fooling the Scorpion and driving the sword against its neck. The squash filled the arena. People gaped, watching a Scorpion fall in front of them. This easily, this quickly, it had been beaten but by a mere young man.

When the other gate opened, Lui was staring at Shu. He didn't see the gate being opened or the approaching animal. He wasn't smiling, he was just watching him with eyes vibrant with possible happiness. Ran had explained to them that only one Scorpion was released but the anguish had driven him into madness. Standing on the podium was not a man but a monster.

The second Scorpion charged as if a maddened animal. Lui spun on his heel but his actions were a second late. The male stumbled, the poisonous tip plunging deep into his stomach. Lui gasped in surprise. His instinct took toll on his body as he pulled back, grimacing but refusing to cry out. Blood stained his robes, deep red dripping out from the fabric. "Shit" He groaned, holding his sword in front of him as the beast approached again with equal strength.

The crowd was dead silent. Impressed faces filled the lines and lines of benches. One deadly strike but he was still fighting. In another corner of the podium Shu launched himself forward, trying to break out. Lui couldn't last any longer, Shu knew. If Ran's capable enough to break the rules, so was any other person around the arena. Two guards lurched forward, grabbing his arms.

Shu pressed the ruby, summoning his axe. The soldier was at the wrong place at the wrong time. The weapon slashes across his chest. Shu watched him drop to the ground, life leaving his eyes. If it was any other time, he might've been horrified. He had never killed anyone ever in his life. This was supposed to be terrifying. But the albino only saw the resolve to help Lui. He broke through the soldiers, racing into the fight as the Scorpion almost landed another attack on Lui.

"Shit" Shu muttered, touching the ground, stopping in his heel. A trail of fire was raised through the sand. The Scorpion screeched as its fangs caught fire, stumbling backwards trying to put it down, lessen the pain. Hushed whispers around them started.

"An elemental user!" One from the audience cried out.

Ran was on his feet. "Guards!" He announced. But none of them moved, too stunned to see the sudden changes.

"Lui" Shu yelled, reaching out to him. The White Tyrant was on his knees, holding to the side of his stomach. But still he smiled as Shu knelt in front of him.

"Damn" He groaned, "I'm glad you're okay, Snowflake. But fuck I think I'm about to pass out"

Shu placed his hands on his shoulder, trying to inspect the wound. But there was no time to such courtesy. Lui's body slumped forward, his head falling onto Shu's chest. "You can handle my coldness right?" He murmured.

"Don't" Shu said, realizing his idea. "Don't waste anymore energy, Lui"

Lui pressed his hand on the ground beside him as a sheet of crystalized eyes appeared. The Scorpion, whose fangs were caught on fire, stumbled on the ice, confused and surprised by the sudden difference in temperature and the different texture under it's legs slid it aimlessly off. Place.

Lui was barely awake. Shu tried to balance him and attack simultaneously but failed. But when the Scorpian was coming close despite the flaming fangs, an arrow stuck into its body, flying out of seemingly nowhere. The arrow glows in yellow energy. Free, Shu thought, looking as they arrived. The whole squad aided with another set of people Shu didn't know. Valt was running towards them. The people were thrusting and trying to get out of the chaos. The prisoners were scattered, soldiers were lining up to go against them. Amidst all this chaos Ran ordered.

"Open all the gates. Let all the Scorpions out! Soldiers attack the terrorists"

And Lui's breathing slowed down. "Shit" The White Tyrant muttered, struggling to keep his eyes open. But Lui killed one of the Scorpians, didn't he? Everything should be fine. Tatsu would-

"Look" Zac's voice caught their attention.

Shu turned, still holding onto Lui, the flame-haired male also shifted, turning to look behind him. "The hell-" Shu didn't blame for the surprise. Because there it was, the Scorpion Lui ended a few minutes ago, standing in front of them. It's fangs bared, alive and well.

It had regenerated.

A/n

DID THIS CHAPTER MAKE ANY SENSE?

 I'm sorry if the chapters are starting to make literally zero sense. When I started I had like a brief idea about this whole thing. And now look at this, going all zodiac and Idk what's happening HALP?? JKJK actually I kinda like the way it turned out. If you guys have any questions (ones that don't have spoilers please) ask away. I'm figuring out some stuff as I go, I'll do my best to answer sniff. 

AAAND YEAH SO THATS ABOUT IT! APPRECIATING ALL THE COMMENTS AND THE VOTES GUYS. THEY MAKE MY DAY. LOVE YOU ALL. THANK YOU FOR DA SUPPORT.