85 Alex (2/2)

'Mister Amory?' The prince questioned as Alex followed a path of winding steps into the entrance.

'Think of him as our caretaker. He's in charge of keeping the peace within the shelter. He's been making sure none of the others hurt Lucy while I'm in the arena.' He said with a dull happiness. He was happy to have Mister Amory watching over his sister, yet he wished he didn't have to have him do so. He was tired of fighting, yet he knew he couldn't stop, or he would put his sister at risk.

The thought of staying at the embassy with the prince seemed to be a dream within Alex's mind. He could picture it as if it were something completely out of reach, yet something he had seen his entire life.

Even before the crystals, he was put in arenas with nothing but his hands versus a sword and shield. He had overcome many challenges to keep his sister safe. Just because the crystals could become weapons in the hands of those experienced enough to summon them, they were still weapons.

Alex walked down the final flight of stairs and weaved through a few hallways. He stopped in front of a doorway which was covered by a curtain. ”Brother!” He smiled as an excited voice squeaked from a far corner.

The only light within the room was a torch right outside of the curtain. With the dim lighting, Alex could barely make out the many dirty rugs that the combatants used for beds. The overwhelming stench of body odor had already assaulted his nostrils as he took shallow breaths to try to get used to it.

A young girl with long blonde hair moved through the shadows and arrived into Alex's embrace. He held her in his arms and pat her curly blonde locks. ”Ready to get out of here?”

Lucy nodded her head and smiled. ”Where are we eating today?” Her stomach grumbled excitedly. Alex knew she hadn't eaten in a few days. He wished he could have given her his food, but the announcer wouldn't allow any food within the shelter, and he made sure the combatants were fed before each match in order to keep their strength up.

”Wherever you want to eat. Just make sure it's not all sweets.” Alex smiled as he beckoned his sister ahead of him.

Lucy danced up the steps two at a time humming a tune while Alex followed her. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her dancing up to the light of the street level.

When they finally reached the door, Mister Amory opened it and smiled at Lucy. ”You seem to be in a good mood tonight, young lady.” He bent over and patted Lucy on the head. His kind eyes beamed at Alex as he walked out to join his sister. ”Is there a time I should be expecting you back tonight?”

”No, sir.” Alex shook his head as he followed his sister. ”I made enough copper to get an inn tonight, and I want my sister to be able to sleep on a bed tonight.” His hand went to his pocket without thinking and landed on the five gold coins he had left from the Prince.

Mister Amory nodded his head. ”Have fun then!” He smiled brightly. ”Just make sure to come back before your match tomorrow.”

Alex waved at Mister Amory as he and his sister started their way through the maze of alleyways.

”Is it true, Alex?” Lucy slowed down to match her brother's pace. ”We aren't going back tonight?”

”No,” Alex shook his head with a smile. ”We won't return. Instead I will get you some good clothes and get a room at one of the hotels. We will eat after we bathe, there's someone important I want you to meet.”

Lucy danced and sang all the way to the main road. No matter how much Alex had seen his sister's cheery mood, it always surprised him.

No matter how starved they were, or how poorly they were treated, his sister had never frowned or acted in a way someone in their position should. It was like she was the sun in the darkness of his world.

Long ago, when his parents were killed, Lucy wouldn't stop crying. He remembered her kneeling over their mother, cradling her in her delicate arms. It felt like the world was ending as he saw her sobs and curses at the cruel world they were born into.

She had cried for days, until it seemed like no more tears would fall. For months after, he had seen her tear stricken face lose all emotion.

He would enter into as many matches as he could to earn money to feed her. Yet when he got food, he usually had to force her to eat for fear that she would allow herself to starve to death.

Finally after a few months, Lucy saw her brother fight in the arena. He was bare handed versus a sword and shield.

For a split second, he stared at her emotionless eyes. He had decided to give in. His defenses had dropped as the man with the sword and shield charged at him.

Though, before the man reached him. Alex had seen something he hadn't seen in months. His sister had started crying, calling out his name to win.

From then on, he would go into any arena. He would win any challenge to care for his sister. He would tear away the reality they were born into and forge a destiny that was worthy of his sister. He would climb the heavens and battle the gods themselves to see Lucy happy.