Holy Gladiator

Chapter 9; Together we fight

"How many people?" Simon asked as we met, him laid down as we talked through the barred window.

"Most, though many want to just get out. You sure the way will be cleared for them?" I answer, sighing as I lean against the wall.

"We'll do our best, but they may encounter resistance no matter what we do."

"They'll have weapons and hopefully be able to fight them back, some others have been in their first match, after all, just yesterday there was a competitive match, non-lethal luckily."

"Good, need all the training we can get. We're poised to strike." He kicked himself up, his foot tapping impatiently. "Bring your people here, and then we begin."

"I'll be back," I state, cupping my hands together as I release a panicked breath. My walk begins toward the living quarters, commotion echoing through the ruined halls as I draw closer. My hand clenches around the hilt of my sword.

I step into the room, taking in a deep breath. Inside, people are at rest, standing and sitting. People converse, the atmosphere light with a twinge of hope, people discussing future and past, even what would be the best way to make bread.

I rally them, shouting out for their attention. Many gather, though some stay behind, wilfully ignorant of me. "This is the last chance, you may stay behind if you wish, don't feel obligated to come, it's dangerous. Whichever path you choose, I support you! Everyone who's coming, please head outside." A mass of people begin flowing out, I watch them do so, feeling a hole in my heart.

"You alright?" Rhine inquires, stopping in front of me, looking directly into my eyes.

"Yeah... but all these people... how many of them will die... so much blood has shed... should I have just had everyone stay?"

He pauses, watching the final of the people leave. The majority of the people in the room have left. "That, no one can answer, but know that no matter what these people choose, blood will be shed. Those who stay are liable to die fighting for a pitiful man. And those who come, die fighting against the same man, that or are saved without as much brutality." He heads out as I sigh, patting my shoulder.

"... Why?!" Margaret exclaims as I turn to leave, she's holding a strawberry blonde. "Why aren't you coming, Christa?! You know if you came we'd be sure to get out of here! Please come! Even to just escape! I don't want to risk you living your life here!"

Christa doesn't respond, simply holding Margaret's hand, lightly moving it off her. Margaret takes a moment to accept it, taking a shivering breath. "Alright... fine... stay here, but know I'll be back for you! You won't be tortured." She storms out, determination filling her gaze.

I glance at Christa, smiling and bowing. She does the same, though sadness is in her eyes as she takes a seat. I exit, finding the mass of people waiting.

"Alright!" I begin, "we'll head toward the armoury to equip ourselves. Until then, you can all trail behind me. Due to being... higher up... I carry my weapon with me." I look over the crowd as I walk ahead. Among them, I see the feline kin, covered up in his hood, Rhine, Margaret and Francis.

Rhine breaks away and starts racing ahead, "I'll get MAtilda to meet up with us, good luck!" He calls. I sigh in response. I begin walking ahead.

We make our way through the halls, me in the lead as a crowd is behind me. I spot two guards on patrol walking toward us. They turn to flee.

I race up to them, managing to catch up to the slower one, I bring up my blade, holding it to the side, leading it adjacent to the neck, where it slides through his skin, peeling it open, making him stumble and fall, where some of the inmates gang up on him, Francis swiping his spear as I continue giving chase.