Sinners and beggars don't play a part here

[toremainbehind]

[Auctions.

Izumo hated those with a passion, and his family coming and forcing him to partake in one is enough to raise his shackles. It's inhuman to sell people for entertainment, especially ones experimented on to be used as fighters.

He's lost his taste for them quickly the moment his family has decided to use Mikoto, his best friend, as one of the earlier models. Reining in his best friend was easy at first until he's gone control, forcing Izumo to submit control over to Totsuka. While it hurts, Izumo can trust Totsuka to care for Mikoto, allowing them to stay in his house so that Izumo can find a way to reverse whatever's been done.

Nothing's worked out so far, though.

Izumo ignores the excited chatter as he makes his way through the crowd, his disgust for it evident on his face.

"It'll be okay, it'll be okay!" Totsuka's voice rang in his ear as Izumo presses his phone against it. "King and I are fine--so will everything else. Don't worry too much."

Izumo has to hold back an urge to sigh, ending the call after Totsuka promises him to give him an update on Mikoto's condition.

He idly listens to the seller list off the 'products' when Izumo's eye catches sight of a young blond man.

Still in his teens, but looks as if he's seen through enough fights in his life.

Izumo frowns, interest piqued, and he makes his way to the front.

His family wants him to get something? Fine. But it'll be on his own terms, and he's not going to allow anyone to touch what belongs to him and tell him what he should do with whomever he decides to 'purchase'.]

Comments

[redstray]

[ There was a small tilt of his head as he heard those instructions. But, he nodded all the same. ]

I will listen to Totsuka as well as not fight Mikoto.

[ Simple rules so far at least. Generally many fighters in the same place meant chaos, although some people liked to see how good the new blood was. A no kill spar, if it worked out properly of course.

Eric looked once more around the room. ]

Am I to stay here tonight?

[toremainbehind]

[Izumo gives a nod.]

This is your room, so it's yours permanently.

[redstray]

That so?

[ He tilts his head again before he nods, understanding. ]

Is there anything you need me to do for tonight?

[toremainbehind]

No, you're free to wander and do whatever you want.

[Aside from the obvious rule of no killing.

But right, Eric is wearing the collar, so Izumo gently brushes his fingers against it, eying it.]

When was the last time you've eaten properly?

[redstray]

[ Eric tenses ever so slightly as his collar is touched. It was always bad if someone was close to it, used to choke or dragged around. The shocks were bad enough but that didn't happen nearly as often.

The question however catches him off guard and he ponders for a while, frowning lightly. ]

I'm...not sure about properly. But I suppose for a complete meal, a few months? Normally there's food once a day, twice if there is a fight approaching.

[toremainbehind]

[Izumo fingers the collar before his thumb brushes against the latch. As he thought, it was screwed in a way where simple screws won't cut it.

He'll have to make a call.]

How much can you stomach if I give you three courses a day?

[Because Izumo can understand that some fighters aren't fed properly enough to be considered healthy. But this is different.]

[redstray]

[ He tenses a bit more as Izumo continues to be near his collar, waiting for any sudden moment. He needed to be ready to go limp to cause less harm on his body.

He blinks a few times, not used to these kind of questions. Three meals a day, there was such a thing? He takes a moment to think. ]

Probably something small each time. Perhaps a medium sized course for one of the meals but that could also push it. [ He shrugs. ] It depends on the food I suppose.

[toremainbehind]

[A nod of understanding and he finally releases the collar.]

I'll tell the chefs to cook you something to eat then.

[A pause as he studies Eric. He drops his hand and blinks once.]

Do you want that collar off?

[redstray]

[ He relaxes for just a small moment before he hears the strange question and he jumps slightly.

He shakes his head. ]

Collars aren't allowed to be taken off or else there is a severe punishment.

[toremainbehind]

[A sound, Izumo shakes his head.]

If that's what you want.

[He won't push.] Get yourself settled in then. I'll call you when dinner is ready.

[redstray]

[ It wasn't about what he wanted, he could be killed or hurt if people knew who he was and wasn't wearing a collar. It just, never happened. But he said nothing about it, only nodding to the command ]

Understood.

[ He turns and walks more into the room, taking a seat on one of the chairs and pulling his legs up to sit down. ]

[toremainbehind]

[This will definitely take a while to do.

Izumo leaves Eric to his own devices to head into the kitchen. When he passes by Totsuka, though, he gives a nod and the younger man gives him a smile of understanding.

Eric will figure out soon that Izumo doesn't enjoy the fights.

But Mikoto will make himself known to Eric, golden eyes staring at Eric.]

[redstray]

[ He feels the eyes on him before he looks up to spot Mikoto staring at him. He tensed again, but relaxed as best as he could. He wasn't allowed to fight him. No need to get worked up.

He shuffles a bit though, uncomfortable with the stare. ]

Yes?

[toremainbehind]

[Mikoto is quiet for a moment, eyebrow raised.

Instead of saying something, he merely grunts and simply stands there.

After a moment, he'll ask, "How long?" ]

[redstray]

[ He watches him warily, not sure what was going to happen. But the question has him frown lightly, confused. ]

How long...what?

[toremainbehind]

[Mikoto's eyes narrow, seemingly in frustration.

But Izumo is quick to appear, fingers curling around Mikoto's elbow as if to ground him.

He gives the redhead a look before he looks at Eric.]

Come with me. I figure it'd be good for you to take a shower before dinner.

[redstray]

[ He frowns right back, ready to defend if necessary. But, Kusanagi was there beside the other and he relaxed slight, nodding and standing up at the order. ]

Ah, yes.

[toremainbehind]

Mikoto, go back to Totsuka.

[The redhead inclines his head before he walks away.

Izumo sighs, looking over to the younger and gestures for him to come.]

[redstray]

[ He hops over as quickly and quietly as he could, taking one last look at Mikoto before he disappears from view. But, it was time to follow Kusanagi and see what he had for him instead. ]

[toremainbehind]

Don't mind Mikoto so much.

[He leads him down the hall before he leads him to the bathroom, opening the door. It was another spacious area for Eric.]

I'm not sure what size you wear, so Totsuka has offered to lend you some of his clothes.

[redstray]

I don't mind him at all.

[ He examines the bathroom before eyeing the clothes that had already been placed there for him. ]

That will be fine.

[toremainbehind]

[Izumo cranes his neck a bit to look at Eric better.]

He's under orders as well not to start anything with you, but if he feels as if you're a threat, he'll get rid of you.

[And that's not something neither Izumo nor Totsuka can do about it.

It's the one part of Mikoto that's remained the same throughout all of these years, and Izumo wonders if there's something instinctive to Eric as well.]

Tell me, are you expecting anything from me?

[redstray]

As long as he doesn't do anything, I won't be a threat.

[ He tilts his head, not understanding the question. It was a bit strange to ask, wasn't it? ]

What do you mean?

[toremainbehind]

The same can be said for you.

[A soft hum.]

I mean, do you expect me to use you as a fighter or not?

[redstray]

I expect to be used however you please. I am a fighter, but if you wish to use me in any other form, that will be fine. You purchased me, so I must listen.