“Names and event or events you are participating in?” the worker asked.
“Lesion Rayne. Death bout” The small man looked up at him, muttered something that gave Lesion the impression the man was surprised they'd made it to the right room. The irritated shorty turned to face Rukioh.
“And you?” he asked. Rukioh shifted a little, then answered. “I'm here with Lesion is all.” He scowled at Rukioh and ushered him out of the room, telling him he must leave the premises. Rukioh shouted 'don't lose' and 'good luck' to his brother as he was escorted out.
'Good luck?' Lesion sighed. He's wishing you well. Take it as it was meant. Lesion shook his head, then held it tightly with his hands. He let go, and saw several people staring at him. He swore at them and walked out of the room, almost walking into the little man. Lesion stopped and turned around as he passed him.
“Where do I sleep?” Lesion said loud enough to know that he would be heard. Without turning around, the small man said, “Not my problem. Figure it out yourself.” He sure was a lot of help... Lesion thought darkly as he turned around and walked out of the coliseum, where Rukioh stood, tapping his foot.
“Let me guess. We've gotta find our own place to stay the night?” Rukioh asked sardonically.
“You could have just said, 'I told you so'.”
“Aw, but that wouldn't have been as much fun.” Rukioh grinned. Lesion smiled back and walked over to him.
“I take it this means you found a place, right?” Lesion asked. Rukioh feigned shock.
“I can't believe you would actually ask that!” They both grinned. “It's the Kasian Inn. The only place that still had any open rooms. Which is because, I'll add, it's your kind of place.” Lesion smirked and told him to lead the way.
They arrived at the inn, which, though devoid of people for the most part, was very loud. Lesion and Rukioh looked at each other, nodded, then turned around and walked out.
Nothing was spoken as they searched for a place to make camp. After several long minutes, they found a spot they agreed on. They quickly got everything set up, then fell asleep.
Lesion's eyes flashed open, but he remained motionless, listening closely for any sound of movement nearby. Something, or someone, must have made a sound to wake him up. Then he heard it. A muffled footstep on the grass, and it didn't sound far away. As the seconds passed, he could hear a few more steps. By the sound of it, he figured there were at least three of them. Lesion silently slid his hand beneath his pillow and grabbed the handle of his knife tightly.
The person from whom Lesion first heard the footsteps stopped. Lesion lashed out with his knife, cutting deep from the man's shoulder and up across the neck. Blood sprayed from his neck as he fell to the ground, his eyes wide, bewildered and filled with fright. Lesion hurried to his feet as two more men threw themselves at him.
Lesion quickly jumped out of the way, then threw his knife into the further opponent's chest. The remaining man glanced down at his fallen comrade that was writhing in pain on the ground. He glared at Lesion, who returned the favor. Lesion brought up his fists as his opponent pulled out a sword with a dark and malicious grin.
Lesion held his position as the man dashed forward, thrusting the blade at his chest. Lesion quickly stepped to the side and brought his knee up sharply into his stomach. As his assailant started to double over, Lesion kicked his knee. A loud crack and a piercing scream immediately filled the air. Lesion quickly silenced the screaming by snapping his neck.
Surprisingly, there was no major reaction from the nearby town. Lesion shrugged, figuring that if people didn't notice or care about why those sounds were made, he needn't make a bigger deal out of it. He turned over to check on Rukioh, who was looking at him through eyes filled with tears and pain.
“Lesion, why did you kill them?” Tears continued to fall from Rukioh's eyes as he spoke sofly, yet harshly. Lesion put his hand to his face, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose and shook his head.
“It was self defense. Their intentions were to kill, so I handled the situation accordingly.”
“That doesn't mean you have to kill them!” Rukioh shouted as he walked quickly over to Lesion. Lesion stood still, facing his brother and looking at him square in the eye.
“Look, you should know life isn't some happy fantasy! Either they died, or we died. I mean, if I let them live, I'm sure there are others they would have gotten to join up with them so they could try again later. All I did was end a bad situation quickly and decisively.” Rukioh stared at Lesion, and for a moment, Lesion expected tears to leak out. Instead, he just turned from Lesion and walked over to his belongings.
Lesion sat down, pondering. I don't get him. We came here for me to participate as a gladiator in a death bout. He knew the whole time I'd be killing people, and he didn't raise this kind of a fuss about it. Besides, these people were murderers, not people trying to make some money to buy food and survive in this hell longer.
Lesion closed his eyes and meditated. After a few minutes, his eyes popped open as he realized what must be the reason Rukioh was upset that Lesion killed them. Why didn't I see it before?! If we had kept at least one alive, we could have found out exactly as to why they were trying to kill us. Now we won't be able to find out until we're attacked again.
“Lesion? What do you intend to do with the bodies?”
He looked over at Rukioh. This is for you big brother, he thought as a feeling of peace settled inside him. “Well, I imagine they had friends or family. We'll take them closer to town while everyone is still asleep so that they'll be found in the morning.” Rukioh nodded, with a look of relief in his eyes
