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Chapter 3 - The Pits

The sounds of men and women hollering filled the tunnels which led underground into the fighting pit. Echoing sounds of metal clanging and blood splattering could be heard in a violent undertone. The tunnel grew wider and taller the longer Sion walked down the path. Slowly, the gravel beneath his feet became marble flooring. The walls are painted in a deep royal crimson with golden trim. Lanterns hung by chains loomed overhead to light the way. 

In the hall stood a figure, shroud in black leather armor and a large sword which leaned against the wall beside him. Crimson eyes watched from beneath the shawl that hugged the man's broad shoulders and neck. 

"Sion." The monotone voice spoke with familiarity. Sion immediately recognized the voice as the man's face was covered by the shadows of his long raven hair. "I was wondering when you would show your face again. It's been two days." The man finished speaking. 

Sion's tail swayed slowly behind his back and his ears perked up. "Aww, the mighty Nasir Qinreith was worried about little old me?" Sion mockingly acted surprised. "Did you think I was dead or something?~" One of his golden eyes would wink at the hulking man. 

"Sure, if you can beat me like you did. I doubt anything could beat you. Though, I will be waiting for my rematch." Nasir spoke softly with a slight bow to his head. Nasir raised it to watch as Sion began to walk past him. But one of Nasir's large hands found itself gripping Sion's shoulder lightly. 

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"We are all meeting beneath the soul tree. They need you to speak and rally them. I can only do so much.." Nasir said quietly despite his bass filled voice.

Sion would only offer him a nod before lifting his shoulder to have Nasir release him. Sion knew his duties. But he had some…emotions to rid himself of first. His aureate gaze found itself matching Nasir's dull crimson. Sion's delicate lips parted to speak but soon shut. His head turned back towards the large gate which sat down the halls before him as he made his way towards it. 

As he stood before the gates he could hear the roars and cheering of the people that sat within the colosseum. They yearned to see someone bleed. To smell the iron and dust in the air as another struggled for their life while their opponent took that life from them. 

This way of living was acceptable for those who laid claim to being bred as warriors. Not many would live to see another day however. Inside of the pit, the rules were simple. Either disarm or kill the person you're up against before they can do the same to you. By any means necessary. 

Slowly, Sion walked into the spotlight as he pulled his hood over his head to hide most of his face and hair. His tail wrapped itself around his waist for protection. The center of the pit was laid with marble flooring that was covered in dried blood stains and slashes from weapons. Above him were multiple chandeliers of burning wax candles and the gaze of the audience which bored into his soul.

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Many booed and hissed at Sion, Some even laughed. "He's built like a harlot!" "Are those your sister's clothes?!" "Get him out of here! He'll get hurt!"

 Many others shouted for him to turn tail and leave or to keep them 'company' instead. However, all this would do was fuel the rage that sprouted within the young demon. He wanted to shout back at the crowd of rowdy men and women. But before he could the ground would begin to tremble ever so slightly. 

To his surprise. A man larger than even Nasir was making his way onto the floor in front of him. The man was chiseled from head to toe in raw muscle which threatened to tear his own skin. His jaw was made of iron and he wore the simplest of barbarian clothes which consisted of ribbons of fabric which covered only parts of his mighty chest and pants that were torn at the calves covering his lower parts and legs. 

The crowd would erupt in cheers, virtually begging the large man to rip Sion in half or do worse things to him. Yet strangely, Sion was calm. It would be clear to him that many of the onlookers would assume the last few matches that he had were "rigged" but that could not be further from the truth. Since he was young, he had to endure many challenges, most of which came from his own father. Being raised by one of the mightiest in his time had its perks. 

The larger man bathed in the applause. Showcasing his pride for all to see, he was preparing them to bear witness for the show was about to begin. His dark eyes gazed around before falling onto the small feline male that stood before him. Slowly walking up to him, he would offer only six words as his head tilted down to meet Sion's vibrant gaze. 

"Try not to die too fast."

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