Haeji returned to Patricia’s base, already shaking in fear. “Damn it, why are you shaking, Haeji? Why are you so afraid? Jeez, get it together, Haeji, ” Juuzou thought
while Patricia greeted Haeji.
“It’s not like she’ll h--” Juuzou’s thoughts were interrupted by a loud slapping sound and Patricia yelling, “YOU LITTLE BRAT! YOU DON’T CARE ABOUT YOUR BROTHER, DO YOU?!"

Haeji knew what she would hear next. "WHY WOULD YOU LOSE THE MATCH WITH YOUR BROTHER IN DANGER?! DO YOU NOT CARE FOR HIM?! ARE YOU SO MUCH OF AN INGRATE THAT EVEN YOUR BROTHER, WHO PUT HIMSELF IN DANGER FOR YOU, DOESN’T HE DESERVE TO BE REPAID?!” Or that was what she'd thought Patricia would yell at her.

What Haeji actually heard Patricia shout: "WITH THAT STUNT YOU PULLED, NOT ONLY DID YOU PUT HIM IN DANGER, BUT THE REST OF US TOO!" Patricia spat as she hit Haeji. 

The incantation Haeji convinced Ryan to do got out of hand, and it started with a simple word game until she passed a Bondage Breaking Spell for Ryan to cast without knowing that the rune he casted opened the fretters of the EMCuffs of all the guests, including Nulekai's. 

"I HOPE YOU'RE PROUD OF YOURSELF, YOU STUPID GIRL!" Patricia smacked her with brute force, Haeji's cheek was swollen.

Juuzou held back an intense urge, “That’s enough, Patti.”
“THIS IS WHAT YOU DESERVE!” Patricia lost control and grabbed her by the neck and pushed Haeji down to the ground and kicked her repeatedly.
As Juuzou was watching, he balled his fist, “Stop it, Patricia.” Juuzou thought.
“GO TO HELL! AND WHILE YOU’RE DOWN THERE, SAY HELLO TO YOUR PARENTS!” Patricia gave the last kick unto her coccyx.
“You weak-ass whore. Why are you still alive? You don’t deserve life.” Juuzou glared at the blonde receptionist as she got up.
“DAMN YOU AND YOUR BROTHER! I HOPE YOU BOTH DIE!” Patricia bellowed, fed up with them, as if her search for the Life Gem wasn't bad enough with the heightened security. Just when she found an entry to the ruin that the host herself had meticulously kept hidden. A thief takes away her progress in finding it.
“Huh, I feel the same way, Patricia. You should die, Bitch.” Juuzou eyes went dark.
“YOU ARE A NUISANCE! YOU…”
Patricia’s curses were drowned out by the reluctant suppression and scorn that plagued Juuzou’s mind. “Shut up. Just shut up.”

But no one could stand up to her. The host was busy watching over the spellcasters, necromancers specifically to prevent them from casting any spells that could summon corpses or familiars. Their powers were more prominent at night much more so since nightfall closed in like a curtain. The Deity of Discipline used her ability to refrain them from acting upon their impulses. She managed to subdue Patricia previously, but not anymore. Patricia's plans got frustrated and she poured her anger out on Haeji.

Patricia's viridian eyes bored against Haeji's glossy, heterochromatic ones. “I expect you to do better in the Redemption Round. For your brother's sake. One more slip up and I'll end you.” The blonde barred her teeth menacingly.
“Y-yes, Ma’am...” Haeji replied weakly to Patricia.

Haeji stumbled away in humiliation, not bothering to look at a concerned Juuzou. Juuzou looked at a panting, yet still smirking Patricia. “Why? Why does she have to do that?” Juuzou stared at Patricia with dead eyes. “Juuzou, ” Patricia, who was now on her ‘throne’, which was her desk chair as she turned to face the white-haired male, calling him. “How are you, sweetie?” Patricia asked with a sinister smile that didn’t fit with her shiny hair and light skin. “Calm down Juuzou, she just tryin’ to get to you. It’s ok, it's ok.” Juuzou took a deep breath and kneeled down in front of Patricia. “I'm fine Madam, are you ok? You must’ve hurt your hand.” Juuzou smiled, eyes closed. “Oh I'm fine, dear, but your friend must be hurt too.” Patricia swung her hand towards Juuzou, Juuzou flinched, waiting for her palm to reach his head. Patricia stopped at his cheek and raised her hand to pat his head. Juuzou opened his eyes with surprise, “You should check on her. You are dismissed.” Patricia waved Juuzou off. Before Juuzou left, he turned around to glance at Patricia as she kept the sinister smirk of hers, and then left. “Damn you, Patricia!” Juuzou bit his thumb, not paying attention to anyone passing by. “How can I stop you?! How can I save Haeji and Joo-”  Juuzou snapped out of his thoughts by Jian pulling his hand away from his mouth, “Hey stop that dumbass. That's unsanitary like hell.” Jian sighed. “Jian? I thought you were bandaging Haej- I mean Hwa Hae Ji?” Juuzou cursed at his mistake, “Jeez dummy, you can't call her that around here.” Juuzou closed his eyes. “No, she got some wounds on her chest and I thought you guys were friends and so I didn't do it. Plus she looked really scared and uncomfortable." Jian scratched his neck, "Also I wouldn't let Lirien do it cause she's just weird, and I wouldn't want Jiji to be in imminent danger. Suki acted like he knew but I don't trust 'im. Anyways, Bandage Boy, I got a date and their soul is ripe. See ya."

Juuzou walked to the infirmary. He looked at Haeji, who was muttering angrily to herself and sipping boba ANGRILY. "Yo, Haeji. Ya know, Pretty Emo Boi called you 'Jiji'. Jian, I mean.” Juuzou laughed. No answer. “Hey Haeji? You ok?” Juuzou called out to Haeji, lightly tapping her shoulder. Haeji stayed in the same position, not moving. Juuzou sighed and moved a tuft of her black and white hair behind her pierced ears. Mochi meowed and left the room, trying to avoid drama. “Haeji...Haeji…HAEJI!!!” Juuzou yelled at the now crying girl. Haeji’s heterochromic eyes were filled to the brim with tears, threatening to fall out. “...Haeji…” Juuzou looked away, his hand covering his mouth. Juuzou took some bandages and started to unravel them, still staying quiet. He lifted the back of Haeji’s crop top, examining her back for bruises. “GO TO HELL! AND WHILE YOU’RE DOWN THERE, SAY HELLO TO YOUR PARENTS!” Patricia’s words echoed in Juuzou’s mind while he gently trailed his fingers over her bruises. “Bro, stop doing that.” Haeji started to feel uncomfortable. “Bro, stop doing that.” Juuzou thought, “where have I heard that?”

F L A S H B A C K

“Here take him.”

“White hair...is he of the Soma clan? I thought they died out?”

“No, he and his parents and his sister were left. The rest died from the clan war.” 

“What happened to them?”

“The parents died in a fire. The brother was sold off. They didn't see any use in him.”

“Why sell him into an orphanage? Doesn't he have magic?”

“Of course. That's why we’re givin’ him to you I'm pretty sure you can-”

"Why is it like this? Why am I being sold off? Why aren’t mom and dad here?” 4 year old Juuzou thought while playing with the edge of his robe. “Why aren’t I wanted here? Where's sis?” Juuzou’s eyes were filled with tears. “Where is Haeji and Joo-”
“Give him to us!” The head of the orphanage blinked to double check that she wasn't imagining what she was seeing.
“Give him to us!” A man with black hair said with a smile. “Isn’t that Haeji’s dad? Why is he here?” Juuzou’s burgundy eyes widened with happiness. “JUUZOU!!! STAY WITH US!!!” a five year old Joon smiled while holding Haeji’s hand. “Yes! He will surely love to live with us!” A kind woman with black hair also smiled at the head of the orphanage. “Mrs. Ji!? You should’ve told us! We could’ve prepared something for you!” The old man stuttered. O, gwaenchanh-a! geuleul delyeo gal geyo! ulineun geuui goin-i doen bumunimgwa chunguyeeossseubnuda!” Haeji’s mother switched to Daoituen. 

“You will be giving him to me. Now.”

“You will be giving him to me. Now.” a woman in a prestigious robe said with a sigh. 
“Auntie? What are you doing here?” Juuzou asked with a confused expression? Beside the woman was a girl two years older than Juuzou. “Is it a crime for your Cousin and Aunt to visit someone like you? You should be honored.” The girl with white hair held her head up. “That's enough Yona. He will be your new brother.” The lady tugged Yona’s hand forward. Yona eyed the four Ji members in the room, but really the two younger one's. “What are they doing here, mother? Aren't we too beneath them to even be in their presence?” Yona scoffed. The old lady looked at the Ji family, “No, just because we lost to them in the clan wars does not mean we are beneath them. They just act like that.” The woman closed her eyes. Yona ran over to Juuzou, who was standing next to Joon and Haeji. Joon protectively stood in front of Juuzou. “Back away please, big sister; we already asked him if he wanted to come.” Joon stood, determined. Yona swiped her finger and Joon moved away like some force was pushing him. Juuzou shook in fear, he didn't want to go with his aunt. All she would want to do is steal his powers. Juuzou cried, Joon was too far away and Haeji couldn’t do anything. Juuzou barely knew how to use his powers.

“Bro, stop doing that.”

E N D

“BRO?” Haeji turned around to see a crying Juuzou. “Juuzou. Are you ok?"
"Yeah," Juuzou sniffled before he dried his tears, “I'm fine.”  Haeji turned back around still worried. She decided not to say anything though. “T-take off your shirt. I need to bandage it.” Juuzou turned around 1: To avoid seeing Haeji without her shirt. 2: To hide his blushing face. “I’m done weirdo” Haeji laughed. Juuzou turned around to see Haeji with her head turned, smirking. Juuzou walked towards Haeji talking the bandages and wrapping them around Haeji’s chest.

“Why? Why did you have to die? Mom? Dad?” Juuzou thought internally. Juuzou continued to wrap the bandages on Haeji, “And how can I save you guys?” Juuzou looked at Haeji from behind, sighing. “I’m sorry I didn’t do anything. I guess I'm just a coward huh?” Juuzou started to wrap her torso. Haeji took a bandage and began to crush it in her hand, her nails digging into her palm so hard that it bled. Haeji’s red blood stained the white bandage, turning the whole strip red. Haeji turned around and smiled, tears in her eyes, “Its ok Juuzou! I would’ve done the same!” Haeji laughed. Juuzou bit his lip and hugged Haeji from behind, “No, you wouldn't, your more of a dummy than me.” Juuzou closed his eyes, “why can't things stay this way?” Haeji stuffed her face into Juuzou’s arms. “HEYOOOO PEEEEEEPS PATTY’S CALL FOR A MEE-eeeting? Oh, I see, sorry I'll leave!” Lirien popped into the room but quickly left after seeing what was happening.
“WAITIT’SNOTLIKETHAT!!!!!!!!” Haeji and Juuzou burst out of the many infirmary.  

At the meeting

Juuzou and Haeji arrived at the meeting, both of them being eyed, especially by Patricia. “Ehm.” Patricia cleared her throat as Juuzou took his set next to her. Haeji took her seat beside Suki and Lirien, mostly because she was most comfortable near them. “Thank you all for coming!”, Patricia smiled, holding papers, “First of all, The Colosseum.” Haeji’s eyes widened, “Because our dear Haeji has failed at passing her 1st match, we might have to go with Plan number 2,” Haeji lowered her head, letting her hair cover her eyes, “But first we must know all the employees there. Just for you guys to understand how much back up they might have, and also how much hostages we could get.” Patricia took out 20 pages of names with charts, 1 per person, “Please remember them!”

Employees:

Natalie: The Hostess
Glen Senecal: Referee 
Nour Fourti: Nurse
“Kiki” Lazo: Pharmacist 
T.K. Lazo: Creative Director
S Penumbra: Supervisor
Brandon: Stage Coordinator
Akane: Receptionist
Alma: Receptionist
Geoffrey Murphy: Receptionist
Johnathan Smith: Announcer
Eleanor Baker: Announcer
Erica García: Editor/Director
Sara Punzenberger: Security guard
Sajid Bijapure: Security guard
Samoht: Receptionist
Quinn Arrows: Administrator
Patricia: Receptionist
Jayshree Kumari: Janitor
Jecamiah: Janitor
Juuzou: Janitor
Eimy: substitute nurse 
Adrian Mehrkens: Administrator/Head Judge
Elizabeth "Lizzy" Luna: Judge
Marie Johnson: Judge
Katherine Greenwood: Maintenance
Jade Knox: Maintenance
Adela Davidson: Administrator
Anaya Iyer: Supervisor
Sky Ryerson: Substitute nurse

Page 2

Contestants:

Alexandra
Annabell Lily Luna
Astrid Matsumoto
Breloq
Chris
Faim
Felin
Herring Ja
Hwa Hae Ji
June Lily
Mirror
Phixa
Piros
Ratu
Ryan
Ryo Balthyra
Scale
Shadow Vividstripe
Sora Hasaki
Stella Spacey
Violet
Yin

“Hmm,” Juuzou looked at the page. “So many. How will someone like me be able to remember this?”
“Oh and the second page is the contestants! We might have to take a few of them out.” Patricia tapped the table with her long nails. A sweatdrop fell down Haeji’s face, “T-take them out?”
Juuzou shifted the second paper on top of the first. “So many…” Juuzou cried internally. “Well now that you have that memorized, we’ll move on ” Patricia looked at a piece of paper, then looked up, “Let’s go over the plan again.” Jian sighed, “Yeesh how many times?” He put his cheek on his palm.

“There will be three groups. 1: Commoner, they will take care of the audience, making sure they don't get in the way. 2: Attack. They will consist of my top agents, Jian, Suki, Lirien, and Juuzou. They will also be guarding group 1. 1: Ji, only Hwa Hae Ji will be in this group. She’ll go first and check out things, then steal the gem.” Patricia put down her papers, “any questions?”
“Yeahhhh!!! Why can't I be the one who steals the gem and gets to hang out with the contestants???!!!” Lirien whined. “Because you aren't the one who competed in the Colosseum.” Jian flicked Lirien’s forehead. Haeji stayed quiet, not wanting to draw attention to herself. “Oh, and Hae, you do know the Importance of your job, right?” Patricia looked at Haeji, glaring. Haeji nodded, “Of course, ma’am.”
“Good, now onto the 3rd thing,” Patricia spoke while some of the Ji members rolled their eyes behind her back.

2 hours LATER

Jian stretched his arms as he exited the meeting room, “That took too long. I missed my date.” Jian adjusted the chain on his neck. Haeji walked out, returning to the Colosseum, “I have to find a way to save them. Even though there are magic users, I doubt they will be enough to stop them. Especially if we have hostages.” Haeji thought of a plan while Mochi jumped on her shoulder, “And where were you?! You left me!” Haeji pouted, forcing herself to stop thinking about the plan. “Deep”, Mochi yawned “apologies, Human.” 

At the Col

Haeji returned to the lounge, not paying attention to the fights that were going on, or the group looking at her.  Ryan noticed Haeji, “Huh, she's back. Wait, why does she have so many bandages? What in the name of Tantetra did she do?” Ryan thought. Felin noticed Haeji too and waddled over to her, “Big sis!” Felin called. “Huh? Oh, hey Felin!” Haeji patted the 100+-year-old Deity. Ryan quickly hurried over to find out what was happening. Haeji handed Felin some caramel while Ryan walked over. “Hey Haeji, where were you?” He sat beside Haeji. “Oh, I was looking for something.” Haeji lied. Noticing that her bandages were showing, Haeji quickly zipped up her jacket. “Oh, did you get hurt that bad?” Herring sat on the seat next to her, “I'm preeeeeeeeety sure you didn't get bruises on your neck.” Herring pointed to her neck. Haeji touched her neck and instantly felt pain, “How would you know that? Huh, fish bait? You weren't the one fighting!” Haeji forced herself to get mad to cover up her nervous sweating. “Wo, chill. What’s gotten into ya?” Herring put his hands up. Haeji sighed, leaned back, and closed her eyes, “Nothing, I'm just scared for my brother,” Haeji looked up to the ceiling, “I joined the Colosseum to help my brother, and I haven’t even done anything. Yet he still smiles at me.” Haeji’s eyes saddened, “I just want to help him, help him like how he helped me when I was younger.” Herring looked at Haeji, then Ryan. Herring closed his eyes and chuckled, “I dunno, if I were your brother I’d be the happiest man in this universe!” Herring grinned. Ryan smiled and nodded, “Agreed. If you were a deity, you'd be the first one I'd summon.” Ryan blushed at his bad complement. Felin cringed at their words, but decided to hug Haeji. Haeji smiled and hugged Felin back. “Oh and the second page is the contestants! We might have to take a few of them out.” Haeji remembered Patricia’s words. “Maybe I shouldn't get too close to them.” Haeji thought while looking at Herring and Ryan laughing with each other.