He didn’t know what to feel about the different guards. Something told him he wouldn’t see these either. MK found himself out the door not long after, but he was steered down a different hallway. Despite his attempts to look back, he soon learned not to after a harsh shove. As they moved, they took many turns down different hallways. So many that he feared that if he did manage to escape, he might not be able to find his way out. He’s unceremoniously shoved into a room. This one was different, wider, and with far more furniture.
Someone was waiting for him there. A demon whose species he couldn’t quite identify. She clicked her tongue impatiently, and he stumbled forward as a hand pushed him. The demon stopped him from falling, one hand gripping his arm tightly as she looked over him. He wanted to yank away but yelped as he was forced to sit down. What happened next was the more harrowing care routine he’d ever gone through. Honestly, it felt like she was trying to scrub layers of his skin off. No amount of yelling and biting dissuaded her. Yes, he did end up biting her. It hurt, what did you expect? At some point, his hair was gripped by an assistant, stopping him from enacting his vengeance on her hands.
Never had he felt so traumatized after cleaning.
He was pretty sure her dunking his head under the water several times was more than washing his hair. MK couldn’t help but feel that old itch of bloodlust in him at that. After another dunk that felt like she was trying to drown him, he was free. Free from the bath, at least.
Somehow, being measured was just as bad. Who needed to pull the tape that tight? He managed to kick her in the face once before the collar acted up. The fact it hadn’t before was a surprise. At least until he realized they had a guest. He was forced to stand, light-head from how it tightened—it had a choking option, how great.
Eventually, his hell was over. At least, this one was. The young man found himself fitted and made silky smooth clothing. A veil was fitted onto him, hanging over nose and mouth but leaving his eyes visible. There had been some debate over a full one but it was tossed aside. He was given pants over a skirt that was open at the sides, other small debate. One thing that was agreed upon, was the top that stopped high enough to reveal his stomach.
He was draped in fine golden chains and jewels. But the worst part. The worst part was that as the dang alligator stared at him…MK had a damned chained lease attached to his collar. For a moment, for just a moment he considered going for the female demon’s eyes.
The Arena Master went to his Imperial Box with MK in tow, the leash loosely wrapped around his claws. MK debating pulling against it. As they reached the box, the full scale of the ring below hit him. It was massive. Several higher demons in the box eyed the Arena Master and his prize, moving to the side. A harsh tug sent him to his knees onto a lavish and huge pillow at the seat of the demon’s chair. He gritted his teeth, cheeks burning with humiliation. At least he couldn’t hear what was being said with him over the scream of the crowd. They howled at the sight of the demon coming into view, calling for more blood. He gripped at a corner of the pillow, swallowing thickly. He could see Chao down there. Gods…
She looked so small compared to the massive boar demon that stood in the sands. He must’ve just made a kill before they were taken. He could see the sands stained with fresh red but there was no body. MK swallowed thickly, watching the demon lift a heavy axe over his head. The crowd screamed.
“Beloved audience members,” MK flinched when the alligator spoke. “I bring to you today a special prize and a worthy fighter. Only one shall you really enjoy.”
He flinched when a large hand settled onto his head, sharp claws pressing into his scalp. “Below you stands one who is rumored to be someone of great importance to a pesky simian. I’m sure you can see the similarities. Now, I can see some of you are judging her small stature.”
The gator grinned, voice booming out from the box. “But I can assure, you she will give us a good show.” Or else.