Gladiator (Closed for Lotus)

[JadeKnight]

Every society had it's dark side and the Earth-like planet of Kratos was no different. While the civilization enjoyed being in the space age and information technology, they had a barbaric practice. To them it was combination of social control, population control, and punishment. That was the Arena. Every city had one form of the Arena, from a small wooden and dirt-covered field to the massive Stadium size Arena. The size and style of punishment used in the Arena varied from only a few days of forced fighting in the small arena to life sentence of fighting till the offender died in the arena. As with any sport, gambling was a major business for the companies that ran the arenas. Gladiators could also have sponsors, getting everything from money for equipment to food that was better than the meals provided to them. Spectators could even vote on weather a losing combatant should live or die.

The largest Arena was located in the planetary capital of Helios. Those sentenced here were serving multiple life sentences or had been given the death sentence. It was named Helios Death Dome, a circular stadium that could hold nearly 100,000 occupants and packed to capacity nearly every weekend.

It was in Helios Death Dome that Dakota Long found himself held in. He knew that it was supposed to be a mistake, but there was nothing he could have done about it at this point. Someone or some group had decided to stop his release from being granted.

Dakota had been a former special force team leader in the Alliance military, joining when he was 19. His service had been flawless, easily raising through the ranks until he gained his own team at the age of 24. Everything went down hill on a mission his team was given, an assassination of the Protean Ambassador of the rival country Kieden. The move was an attempt by the Alliance to gain an upper hand in setting up their own leadership in the country.

During the mission, Dakota had left the three members of his team at a rally point they had chosen, checking a possible secondary point closer to the target. When he returned fifteen minutes later, he came up an scene he had not expected. Two of his men had their pants down, while the third was raping a young human woman. He could see the fear in her eyes as she looked at him, begging for help. In a fit of rage, he grabbed his sword, stabbing all three of his men in the head. At his trial, his actions were ruled a justified homicide. However the judge felt an example need to be made, so the soldier was sentenced to five years in the arena.

On the day he was supposed to be released, he was given notice that his sentence had been extended indefinitely. He was transferred to Death Dome two days later. Three weeks later he was still trying to figure out what indefinitely meant as he waited his turn to go into battle once more. The announcer broke his thoughts.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, next up is Dakota “Ice” Long. He is currently sentence to an..is this correct...it is..an indefinite sentence. His opponent for today is John “Crusher” Robert, who is served five life sentences for mass-murder in the Helios subway.”

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

Summer Macedon

“Sire, isn’t it a---,” the servant bit his lips as he carefully tried to pick a right word, “a little peculiar to take Lady Summer to the Arena?”

The young, well groomed, and lavishly dressed nobleman shrugged. “I was taken aback at first too, Pete. She talked ill and condoned such pit fight so many times. Something about inhumane and human rights rubbish. Then all of sudden, she wished to visit the place. And when you ‘re trying to marry into a noble-home like hers, you do as she wishes. Hush, now. Here she comes.”

Summer Macedon appeared and walked up to the waiting guests, who stared at her with widen surprised eyes. She wasn’t in the usual long, cumbersome, garnished dress. Instead, she had a simple tunic and leggings with her red locks pulled back as if she was ready to ride. “Is there something wrong, sire? I thought this would be more appropriate for the occasion than a dress. Should I change?”

The young man shook his head and said, “No. Nothing is wrong at all. We should go. The match is starting soon.”

----

Summer sat high on a roped off wooden box, one that was reserved for the rich and noble only. She eyed the crowded, dirty arena and noted how these people seem so barbaric, uncivilized, and... pitiful. She couldn’t understand how could they find this entertaining. She didn’t know for the poor, this was their only entertainment; she had never experienced poverty. So in her high horse, she watched the pit below with her nose rose and eyes casted down them.

The announcer boomed the introduction, then came the fighters, an "Ice" and a "Crusher." She smirked at the funny names. The announcer said Crusher was a mass murder, yet he left out Ice's crimes. Summer wondered why. Was his crime too heinous to repeat? Or was his crime too miniscule to mention? How did he, Dakota -she recalled, end up in the Gladiator pit?

The fight commenced seconds afterward. Summer cringed when fists went flying and connecting. The crowd went wild with the first blow, and became louder when fighters drew blood. The scene, the fight was disgusting...yet mesmerizing at the same time. Without realizing it, Summer was drawn in and even rooted for one of the fighters, the younger one, the one with unnamed crime. He looked determinate yet compassionate at the same time. Intriguing.

 

[JadeKnight]

Dakota made his way slowly out into the middle of the large arena, one hand held up to shield his eyes against the afternoon sun. He moved with one purpose, getting the battle over with. He wore a long leather sleeve over his right arm, a band of leather running across his chest, beneath his left armpit, and back over his back to hold the sleeve on. Though he didn't seem to wield a weapon, he had a concealed knife beneath his right forearm. He also wore a pair of loose fitting brown trousers, choosing to go bare-foot. His toned body was covered in various lengths of scars, showing how long he had been fighting in the arena.

Crusher, as his opponent was called, was a large black man. He wore only a pair of tight brown riding pants and black sandals, showing off his overly muscled arms and torso. He dragged a large sledgehammer behind him, the head of it bigger than Dakota's head. Dakota figured his opponent to be more of the charge in type, so this fight was going to be over quickly.

“Take your places fighters. 3...2...1..fight!”

Dakota shifted into a standing position with his body angled towards John. His right hand was placed out in front with the palm open, his left hand slightly behind. His feet were shoulder-width apart, right foot slightly out in front while his left was back a little. John yelled a battle cry of some sort, pulling the sledgehammer around with both hands. He charged towards Dakota as the crowd yelled, almost deafening the fighters. The hammer was brought back and then swung around in an arc towards Dakota. He ducked forward beneath the swing, feeling the breeze along his ears.

Dakota swung his left hand around in an open palm attack,catching John's nose in a sideways attack. The cartilage snapped, blood spewing forth in an arc. John roared with pain as he stumbled back for a moment, releasing the hammer to grasp at his broken nose. Dakota could see the rage of fire in John's eyes, knowing the mass murder had thoughts of killing him outright. He stepped backwards as John recovered from the pain, rushing forward at him. Dakota put his right arm behind him as he braced his left arm in front to fend off the murderer's attacks.

Dakota's movements were cool, calculated, whereas John's were wild and furious. A little bit of wiggling of his right wrist and the hidden dagger dropped into Dakota's hand. Ducking one more flurry of punches from John, He stepped forward, the blade flashing in the sun for a moment. It pierced John's side, causing him to cry out in pain. More blood flew as the dagger was removed from the wounded fighter. A quick movement of Dakota's fingers changed the blade to downward position. His next movement sent the blade of the dagger across John throat, slicing cleanly and deeply through.

Dakota leaped backwards as John stumbled backwards, trying to stem the dark red blood flow. It was over in a few moments before Dakota turned his back to the dead man, walking towards the arena floor exit. He gave a little bit of a smirk as the roar of the crowd was deafening, most of the spectators standing and applauding him.

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

*claps* nice match

The fight was like between an elephant and a mouse, where the mouse always had the upper hand. The Crusher had raw strength and pure power, but he was slow and unprepared. Ice, on the other hand, was smaller in statue and looked weaker, but his every move was clearly strategic and lethal. He dodged the big man’s hammer with ease. He delivered a simple yet effective punch to Crusher’s face, whom stumbled back with a bloody and broken nose.

One last desperate charge by the giant and the other man ended him with just a single dagger. The crowd went wild with applause, chanting the winner’s name and asking for more. Even Summer’s eyes were glue to the back of the sweaty and blood stained fighter as he stepped toward the exit gate. He stopped and addressed the crowd with a smirk before he disappeared.

Summer turned to her date and said, more demanding than asking, “Can we get a behind the scene tour. I like to see how the Gladiators are kept.”

The nobleman hesitated at first but caved in the end. He weaved them off the box and through the crowd as the announcer bought out the next match.

---

Summer followed him down the narrow, dark and dirty hallway to the back stage, which was more like a dungeon cell really. It stenched of sweats, blood, and feces; it smelled horrible. They were greeted by a rough, scars filled, wrinkly face man in the same uniform as the announcer in the arena. “Ah, how can I help you? Are you here to make a bet?” he questioned, his eye -he only had one good one, wandered from the nobleman to Summer.

She shook her head and stepped pass her date to face the old man herself. “No. The fighter who won from the last match. Ice. Dakota. I like to talk to him.”

The old man gave her a quick once-over before he snorted. “I’m afraid that’s not possible, m’lady. He’s here to fight and not to talk. He’s a prisoner. He must pay for his crime.”

“And that would be what?” Before the old man could reply, a door behind him opened up. The crowd cheers drifted through as a familiar figure stepped in. "Ah, there he is. I'll just need a few minutes." She tried to walk pass the man, but he stopped her. He grabbed her by the arm tightly and stopped her. She tried to free from his grip but failed.

She glanced back her date, whom sided with the other man. "We should just go." He nudged his head back toward the way they came from.

The old man leaned closer to her. "You smell," he sniffed the air, "delicious, m'lady." He smirked and ran his tongue across his lips disgustingly.

Summer struggled some more and demanded, "Get your filthy hand off me!"

 

[JadeKnight]

He knew he should have made the fight last a little longer, but the new terms of his sentence weighed on his mind. He knew he had no say in the change of sentence, but it irked him anyway. At this point, the only real option he could think of was to just survive. This was what was going through his mind when he stepped through the door into the gladiator's area.

He did notice the announcer was talking with a couple, thinking they were placing bets on a match. After all, the Arena was an economic draw for the lower class. The city's economics didn't matter to him, since it really only affected his food and shelter. He stopped for a moment, taking in the female customer since usually it was odd for women to come and place bets.

He was able to turn away when he noticed the woman struggling. He wasn't sure why she was, but it wasn't good for anyone. He could have ignored it and left things as they were, or he could have intervened. He gritted his teeth for a moment, images of what happened to land him here in the first place.

It took a moment for him to cover the distance between himself and the announcer. His approach was silent, so it took a moment for her date to notice him, backing up quickly. Dakota didn't give the old man a moment to respond, his hand was at the base of the old man's neck. His thumb pressed against a pressure point as he spoke in the man's ear softly, opposite the side he held Summer's arm.

“Let her go and I won't kill you.”

The old man gasped in pain sharply as the pressure caused him to start going down, quickly releasing her. He stepped back quickly as he growled at Dakota.

“You will learn your place gladiator.”

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

Summer tried to swing her arm to free herself from his grip and wiggled her way out, but it was all in vain. His grip became tighter as she struggled. He was boa, where its constriction stiffened the more its prey wiggled. He snickered and leaned in even closer. He snarled, showing off his chipped and yellowed teeth full with cavities. Summer held her breath so she couldn’t smell his bad breath. He sniffed louder and deeper, repeating, “Delicious. Wonder if you taste as delicious as you smell.” His tongue rolled off his mouth and extended toward her cheek.

Before the slimy licker made contact, the gladiator intervened. Summer didn’t see him until he stood on the other side of the announcer. In a flash, the old man let go of her arm and stumbled a few step back. He had a hand over his throat and the other went for the whip on his belt. He lashed the whip to his side as he warned, “You will learn your place, gladiator.” He then repeatedly unleashed the rope at the gladiator.

Summer stepped back just as the whip whizzed inches pass her. She bumped into her date, who grabbed and pulled on her. He suggested, “Let’s get out of here. This is not our business.”

“Just like how saving me wasn’t yours,” she snarled back, remembering how he just backed away when the announcer had a good grip on her. “You can go and crawl back to your high horse. I’m not going to let him hurt that man.” It sounded strange even to her after she said the words. She didn’t have to stay or need to help the gladiator; yet she was going to.

It only took a second glance at the fight to make up his mind; he said, “Fine. Suit yourself.” She was a good prospect for a wife, but not good enough to lose his life over. So the let go of her and paced off with tails between his legs.

Summer then turned to the other two men. She didn’t quite know what to do or what can she do except shouting, “STOP!”

 

[JadeKnight]

He knew he was in a bit of trouble when the old man went for the whip at his side. It wasn't the first time he had been whipped for doing something wrong, but it probably wouldn't be the last time in his mind. He turned his back towards the old man, knowing what was coming. Though each stroke was painful, he only grimaced a little without making any sound.

He really didn't hear the conversation between Summer and her date, his focus solely on the lashes from the whip. He didn't know how many lashes the old man was going to give him, so he was surprised when the lashes stopped just after six hits. Summer's command of stop towards the old man broke his thoughts, causing Dakota to look towards the woman. Blood oozed slowly down his back from the open cuts.

The old man stopped for a moment, before grinning at Summer. He coiled up the whip, but continued to leer at her as he spoke.

"And just what is it worth to you for me to stop? Are you going to punish him then?"

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

Summer cringed every time the rope lashed across the man’s skin. She was both relief and surprised when the announcer actually stopped and posed, “And just what is it worth to you for me to stop? Are you going to punish him then?”

Her widened eyes stared speechlessly for a minute. She glanced over at the gladiator. Despite the blood and open wound on his back, he bared no pain on his face. She offered the old man, “I. I. Will give you five hundred gold pieces for him.”

He snickered. She upped the monetary, “Sell him to me for one thousand gold pieces.”

His eyebrow twitched. He was interested but continued to show discontent. “Dakota can still win me a lot of fights.”

“Fifteen hundred.”

He grinned as he settled, “Double that and he’s all yours, m’lady.”

“Fine!” Summer agreed haphazardly. The amount didn’t quite registered in her head. “I’ll send over my man with the gold pieces later. He’s coming with me now.” She stepped closer to the gladiator that she just bought. “Can. Can you walk?” she asked and planted her hand on his bare forearm. “Come.” She squeezed his muscular arm and nudged her head at the tunnel that would lead to them away from this stinky pit.

 

[JadeKnight]

Dakota took a moment to tilt his head for a moment, feeling a little pop as he stretched his neck. He turned his attention more fully to the old man and Summer, listening to them haggle over him. He didn't know of any reason why someone was willing to pay so much for his freedom, but he wouldn't turn it down.

"Yes, I can walk."

He looked down at the small hand which was placed on his muscular forearm for a moment. It had been awhile since he had felt the soft touch like hers, but he pushed the thought aside for a moment before looking towards the direction she had indicted. He let her do a bit of the leading while staying close to her, since he didn't normally use the front way in.

Once outside he held his free hand up to shade the sun from his eyes as he took in the outside. The front street of the Arena was like a mini market square, food vendors hawking their wares to everyone. As his eyes adjusted to the brightness he looked to Summers.

"I believe first thing for me to do would be get my back looked at and some clothes. However I'm just a bit short of gold."

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

As soon as Dakota responded ”Yes, I can walk,” Summer led them down the hallway to their freedom with her hand still clutched onto his arm. If she thought it was wise, she would have take off running. Instead, she kept her pace as steadily and normally as she could. She glanced slightly back to ensure he was there and for some sort of comfort.

It wasn’t until they made it out to the square that she exhaled loudly. Her body finally trembled from fear and relief. She held onto him tighter as if it was the only thing keeping her stand. Her mind blanked out for a minute until he said, ”I believe first thing for me to do would be get my back looked at and some cloths. However, I’m just a bit short of gold.”

Summer stared at him, who was shading his eyes, while she recalled what had just happen. Her decision and action back there were pure on adrenaline. Now it actually set in and she wondered herself why did she just purchase a gladiator?

“Ri.Right. I. I don’t have any gold on me at the moment either,” she confessed. “We’ll have to get to my place. My house doctor can treat you there. We’ll get you new cloth and such. Come.”

He pulled on him once again and weaved their way through the market. Vendors cried out their fare at them as they walked pass. Eyes gawked at them with a few whispered curiously. They snickered and insinuated crude things about them. They wondered what interest a lady has in an injured rascal like him. A few even recognized the Ice.

Summer ignored them and continued on with Dakota close to her.

 

[JadeKnight]

He didn't say anything when she mentioned taking him to her own house doctor, only nodding in response. Dakota was lost in his thoughts as they walked, not paying much attention to their surroundings. He did hear some of the crowd's murmurings, just giving a little smile in response. The thought of actually being free was just setting in. Well, he wasn't completely free, but he was out of the hell hole Arena.

It was just as they were reaching the more upscale part of the city when he decided to talk.

"What is your name m'lady? Why did you decide to purchase me from there? I'm not exactly the catch of the week."

He looked over at the beautiful lady for a moment before taking in their surroundings once more.

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

She kept as quiet as he did during their walk. He finally broke their silence. “Summer. Summer Macedon.” She then chuckled and shrugged, trying to search the reason his latter question. “You stepped in for me, so I had to do something for you. Let’s call us even, okay Dakota? Besides, don’t sell yourself short. You’re ain’t too shabby yourself,” she teased.

They turned to head toward the biggest house at the cul de sac. A maid ran out of the door and intercepted her before they even made to the front door. The chubby woman greeted, “Lady Summer.” She then noticed the bloody man next to her, “Are. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, Maria. Can you take him to the doctor for treatment first? Then bring him to me once he’s all patched up.” She sniffed her arm playfully and made a disgusting face. “I need a bath before this stingy smell stay for good.”

“Of. Of course, m’lady.” The maid turned to Dakota and signaled him to follow her.

Summer headed off another direction. Her bathhouse located outside with wood dividers without a roof. Another maid got the tub ready with warm water and rose pedals. She stripped down to nothing and dipped into the water. She leaned back, closed her eyes, and relaxed as the maid exited with her dirty cloth. As she enjoyed the bath, she hoped Dakota’s wounds weren't too serious.

 

[JadeKnight]

He chuckled a little at her light teasing as they came upon her house. For a moment he wasn't quite surprise that they came up to the biggest house on the cul-de-sac, which turned out to be hers. He gave a smile as the maid came running out to see if Summer was ok.

He chuckled softly for a moment at Summer's antics over being dirty. It didn't bother him since he was used to being smelly or dirty alot of the time. He figured Summer might have him get a bath later as well. He gave a nod when the maid signaled for him to follow, catching up easily.

He soon foundt himself waiting in the main dining room, which was vary large. The maid had him wait there while she fetched the house doctor. Since he was still wearing the leather sleeve from the fight earlier, he unbuckled the leather strap and placed it on the table. The sleeve was splattered with blood from the various fights, but it was all dry.

He was about to look at some photos displaying on a nearby shelf with the maid returned with Summer's house doctor.

"I hope it's not too much trouble for you doctor. My wounds aren't that bad."

The young doctor smiled and shook his head.

"Not at all sir. Though I don't believe Lady Summer wants you to be hurt by an infection or anything."

Working carefully with the maid, the doctor cleaned Dakota's wounds and sewed the split skin up with some thread. Though the process hurt a bit, Dakota didn't voice any pain. The doctor admired his handiwork for a moment before cleaning everything up.

"Well, I've done all I can. Just let your body heal up properly and everything will be fine. Lady Summer will be back inside soon, so please make yourself comfortable."

Dakota smiled and nodded as the doctor walked out, followed by the maid, caling after them.

"Thank you doctor."

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

It wasn’t until the water turned cool when Summer decided to get out. The water cascaded down her body when she stood. She shivered from the breeze rushed pass her. Goosebumps trickled along her skin and her nipples erected from the exposure. She put a plush robe on and went in with hot tea on her mind; that would definitely take the chills away. However, her maid wasn’t anywhere to be seen. So she decided to trek to the kitchen herself.

Her clammy feet left wet footprints as she walked with her damp hair hugging her face. She passed through the dining room on her way and noticed the half naked man standing inside. His back faced her while he looked at the pictures on the wall.

She didn’t announce herself until she was standing within an arm reach behind him. She noticed other older scars, not just whips, all over him. She felt sad for him. How long had he been tortured? He must have been miserable in that arena.

Her fingers lightly and barely brushed along the stitches when she finally spoke, “I see the good doctor took care of you.”

 

[JadeKnight]

Normally he wouldn't have let anyone behind him, but he had been lost in thought as he looked at the various photos around the dining room. He took in a deep breathe for a moment at the feel of the light touch on his back, hearing her voice behind him. He knew he was safe here, so he pushed down his reaction to attack her.

"Yes, he did good work. Better than the shoddy care I would have received back in the Arena."

He turned around slowly, taking in the sight of Summer in her plush robe. Though she had pulled it closed as best she could, he could see a pretty good glimpse against her creamy skin in the valley between her breasts. He smiled and leaned a little closer to her, sniffing for a moment.

"Well, you do smell much nicer than before. Maybe I should clean up as well."

As if on cue, the maid returned back to the dining room from where she had vanished. She picked up the blood-stained leather with a grimace as she spoke softly.

"A bath has been drawn for you sir. Please follow me."

Dakota gave a smile for a moment to Summer before stepping back, moving to follow the maid.

"Thank you."

The warm bath water felt good against his skin, the first he had since he had been transferred to the capital. He didn't remain long in the bath, cleaning himself as best as he could. The maid had brought him a robe, since he didn't have any clothes to wear.

As he entered the house once more, he licked his lips for a moment as the smell of food cooking hit his nose.

"Something smells wonderful."

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

A scoff escaped her red lips when Dakota mentioned the Arena’s care. “I’m surprise they give you any care at all,” she added as he leaned in closer. Her first reaction was to back away, but she didn’t and stood still as he sniffed her and then praised her scent.

“Th. Thanks. And yes, you should get clean up.”

Then the maid came in and whisked him away. He excused himself to follow the maid. She even heard him thank Maria. He was well manner and his chivalry demeanor was more like a scholar or knight than a barbaric gladiator back a the arena. Summer was very curious about him and his history now.

That could wait; she needed tea first. While she ordered the servants for tea, she told them to prepare some food as well. She then returned her room and got dress in an off shoulder, lightweight green gown. It hugged around her waist and accentuated her breasts. Her long curly red locks draped over her bare shoulders and rested on top of bulging bosoms.

Summer retraced her steps back to the dining room where they had already put up a spread on the long wooden table. A big fowl was the center piece along with a thick cut of ham. Next to them were various sides along with hot potatoes, greens, and soups. The food looked like it could feed a dozen but she only intended for her and Dakota. Her father was off entertaining the other rich nobles while the rest of her family members were gone on some outing trips.

She was used to be alone in this massive place anyways. She settled into seat at the end of the table. Instead of digging in, she waited for her dinning partner. She opted for a cup of tea she hadbeen craving instead.

 

[JadeKnight]

Dakota wasn't certain what he would find when he stepped into the dining room, but it certainly wasn't the sight that greeted him. There was more food on the table than he had seen in the last five years. And sitting at the head of the table was the beautiful lady who had freed him, dressed in a beautiful dress. His first day of freedom and the surprises kept coming.

"You look beautiful Summer. I hope I am not too late for dinner."

He gave a smile to her as he moved along the table, taking a seat closet to her. He knew it would be bad manners to just start taking a large amount of food as if he had been starving, so he kept the portions small. After filling his plate, picked up his glass, waiting for it to be filled with some water.

"This is quite the meal set out for just two people."

He chuckled and started eating slowly, savoring the taste of the rich food. It had been so long since he had some real food, and not gruel.

"Thank you for freeing me today. I'm not quite sure how to thank you for that."

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

Summer smiled and thanked his compliment as he took the seat to her right. He had cleaned up quite well too. His face was free from dirt, dried blood and whatever; he was quite handsome. He looked much more at ease and soften in a just a robe. He cordially pilled food on his plate while the maid filled their goblets with water.

“Marie, can you see if any other male servants’ cloth might fit him?” The maid nodded and left the room to do as the lady’s wish.

Summer then turned to him and scoffed at his comment about the feast. “Whatever we can’t finish, it goes to the servants. So eat up,” she insisted but he had already dug in. Judging from his appetite, she wondered how long has the man not eaten. Despite his deprivation, he ate bit by bit in a very well manner.

She was staring before she could catch herself. This man was in the arena, fighting and killing for his life, moving so deadly around his opponent, just hours ago. Now he was next to her, sitting and acting genially and orderly. He even addressed her in a refined tone, ”Thank you for freeing me today. I’m not quite sure how to thank you for that.”

The lady swallowed her food before she responded, “You’re welcome. Let’s just say you owe me a favor.” She wasn’t quite sure what she would want in return at the moment anyways. “Say, Dakota, how did you end up in the Arena? You don’t look like a street rat that was caught for pity thief.

 

[JadeKnight]

He finished the current plate of food as she asked about his ending up in the Arena. He was quiet for a moment as he refilled his plate before answering.

"Well, the answer is complicated to a point. What I did wasn't a crime that was punishable, but the higher-ups wanted to make an example of some sort. Maybe you could figure out. I spent my time trying to."

He took a sip of water and ate a few more mouthfuls before continuing to speak.

"I joined the Alliance military when I was 19. I did well during my career, getting my own special forces team. We did well on our missions, until one. I can't go into details about it, but I did have to leave my team alone to do some scouting. When I came back...it was bad. I am not sure why they were doing it, but I caught them in the middle of raping a young girl. In a fit of rage I ended up killing my men to let her go. The court ruled it justified homicide and no charges should be filed."

He ate a few more bites before speaking again.

"Like I said, my superiors decide to make an example of me and sentenced me to five years. Three weeks ago, my sentence was supposed to be over, but got extended indefinitely. And i would still be there if not for you."

He smiled and reached over, laying one hand on top of hers softly.

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

Summer drank her soup while she listened to his story. No wonder he seemed to manner and disclipine; he was a military man. The spoon dropped out of her hand, and she gasped in surprise and disgust when he talked about the young girl who got raped. “That. That’s horrible,” she muttered quietly. “You shouldn’t be punished for helping that girl. It’s absurd for them to convict you.”

He stopped to eat some more before he continued. She looked down at their linked hands; his was so bigger and much rougher than hers. She turned her palm up so she could squeeze his. She gazed up at him and smiled. She told him, “Glad to be able to free you. Your freedom is at least three weeks past due after all.”

She found herself staring at him, lost in gaze and his gentleness. She still couldn’t believe this was the same man who could kill without hesitation. He was a lethal man, yet so captivating. “So what’s your plan now that you don't to have fight your life anymore?"

 

[JadeKnight]

He held her hand in his for a few moments longer before sighing gently at her question. He pulled his hand from hers to readjust his robe for a moment before speaking.

"Well, I'm not certain. I don't really have any family to go back to, since my parents were killed in an accident shortly after I joined the military. I don't have any siblings either."

He ate a few more mouthfuls before looking over at her. He gave a little smile as an idea came to mind.

"Perhaps I could stay around here and be...a bodyguard for you. A beautiful lady as yourself needs someone to fend off the predators, like the old man at the Arena. After all, it's seems the man you were with didn't try and help you at all. What do you think?"

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

bleh a really short one -_-; oops

Summer didn’t resume to eat when his hand broke away. She watched him instead; contented until he looked back at her with a grin, offering to be her bodyguard. She scoffed at the mention of her date earlier. “He’s just another pitiful nobleman’s son trying to marry into my father’s wealth,” she confessed.

“Hrm, my personal bodyguard huh? Consider yourself hired then, Dakota. So what are some things I can have my bodyguard do for me?” she pondered out loud in both joking and serious tone.

 

[JadeKnight]

Dakota blinked for a moment at her quick decision on hiring him. She didn't even ponder the decision for a moment. He chuckled softly, finishing his plate before answering her.

"That quick to hire me? I figured you might have wanted to think things over a little bit."

He pushed his plate back as he stood up from his chair, readjusting his robe for a moment.

"As far as things I can do for you, most of the time it involves protecting you from harm where ever you go. Bodyguards usually don't do other things, such as your maid or house doctor."

He smiled for a moment, moving towards her. He moved around behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders from behind gently. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear for a moment.

"I will do all I can to protect your beauty from any harm, where ever and when ever."

His hands squeezed her slender, bare shoulders lightly as his breathe was warm against her ears and neck. He remained there for a few seconds longer before pulling away.

"I thinks it's about time I go and get changed. This robe is a bit drafty."

 

[Lotus_Maiden]

Summer blushed when he pointed out her rash decision. She shrugged and added, “What’s there to think about? You can handle swords. You have brute strength. You are righteous. It sounds like an easy hire to me.”

She saw a short glimpse of what was underneath the robe when he stood to readjust. He had a nice body, hard abs, and well hung---oh god, Summer! She mentally scolded herself from looking and thinking about inappropriate things.

A soft gasp escaped her lips and her body automatically tensed when his hands rested on her shoulders. His hands were callused, but his touch was gentle. His breath and soft words brushed against her, sending tiny ripples of chills underneath her skin. She could smell him. His scent was much more pleasant, still musky and manly.

“Oh, ri. Right. Marie should be getting some cloth.” She then teased, “What? A bodyguard can’t do his duty with just a robe on huh?”

 

[JadeKnight]

He gave a smirk for a moment at her question, chuckling softly. He glanced out a window for a moment, noticing that the sun was well on it's way to setting. It had definitely been a long day of excitement, and he could feel it wearing on him. However he didn't let Summer see that he was getting tired.

"No, there is nothing to prevent me from working with a robe, but all the loose material makes things just a little harder to work with."

He reached out and ran a finger along her cheek for a moment before turning towards the door.

"I'll head up and change before exploring my new home a little more."

He left the dining room, running into Maria further down the hallway. Letting her show him the way to his new room, he closed the door behind the maid. Picking up the clothes she had left him, he shook his head for a moment. He wasn't sure what kind of clothes to expect, but they were more suited for him to be looking like a butler.

"I don't know know what I should wear."

Putting the clothes back down, he stripped the robe off and laid down nude on the bed. He had barely closed his eyes before drifting into a deep sleep. It had been so long since he had slept in a nice bed, sleeping until just past noon the next day.