⤠ arena.

@❛ jaehyun jung ᵃˡᵖʰᵃ “Well, you weren’t around.” she answers with a flutter of long lashes, though the back of her hand flees to swipe at the sweat on her temple. “And no one else wanted to get into the ring with me.”

whenever the ghost of a scolding tone found its way to Hyojin’s ears, the blonde quirked a brow, taking a step back as her alpha entered the ring. a rush, adrenaline most likely, was overtaking her body. making her.. nervous, perhaps? it /had/ been quite a while since the last time she had stood toe to toe with him. “I’m just saying,” she purrs, traipsing along the corner of the ring as if the area in which he stood was filled with lava. “You’re so /busy/ these days. I never get to see you. How generous of you to make time for little ole me.”

maybe her acidic tone could’ve been a dead giveaway that she was upset, but she insisted upon sprinkling it with sugary sweet sarcasm instead, fists raising to halfway block her face once she approaches him again. “Of course.” her fingers find themselves tightening against her palm as she throws the first punch, angled first for his torso and another one following suit immediately with her other hand, this time beelining for his jaw. “In- the- meantime,” she speaks each time her arms pull back, just before another barrage of (hopeful) punches rain upon him once again. “Can I- ask you- something?”

@❛ hyojin ahn a thick brow raised, glancing between the bloodied lad who laid a grunting mess on the ground to the still seething lycan. for a brief moment, jaehyun felt pity for the young boy- being in a pack as one of the youngest was hard in itself but being bait for one of the eldest... but he also knew hyojin, how she saw red when things didn't go her way. and jaehyun had learned the hard way not to stand in her path or do anything to refute so. did that mean he let her get away with things? no. absolutely and irrevocably not. after all, he knew what pure rage could do to someone. far better than anyone else.

"i would have said pick on someone your size but we both know you can take on men bigger than a house. so why a poor lad?" he murmured, shaking his head at the couple of men who stepped forward on his behalf- how many times did he have to say that he didn't need any sort of protection or whatever it was they'd sworn to do. he was a grown man, for pete's sake!

he sighed, pulling off his leather jacket and his shirt followed suit, leaving his tatted torso and arms bare. cast one last thought to the tacos he had wanted to scarf down and picked up the gloves that were handed to him, fingers expert as they put it on. ah, this... he knew this. the pure joy and adrenaline of sparring and play fighting. he'd missed it but work always came first. jaehyun made a mental note to spare more time here, where he felt young and had less pressure. "do not give me that tone, hyojin."

he chided, pulling back the strings of the ring and got in, rolling his shoulders a couple of times. "for old times' sake?" he chuckled, grin toothy as he raised his fist to his face with a little beckoning motion. then, regret came.

@❛ jaehyun jung ᵃˡᵖʰᵃ the moment Jaehyun spoke, all of the baby hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. did he not realize that she was angry? wouldn’t it have made sense to someone who had known her for the better half of fifty plus years when she suddenly grew distant? no, she decided, her alpha had too much on his plate to think about how one lycan was feeling, regardless of the emotional connection he held to her.

“He volunteered,” she offers, a flippant shrug following suit. however, bloodied knuckles curl around the ropes that keep them boxed in, and she leans forward. “Said he’d be my little punching bag. I guess no one told him how hard I can hit.” tossing a carefree glance in the direction of the boy, whose wounds were already healing, though he was still very much a dazed canvas of shades of crimson, she sighs.

“He’s fine, you know. I looked the same after my first spar with you, remember?” her canines seek her bottom tier, pulling the pouty flesh within the sanctuary of her cavern. “But I miss sparring with you, Jae. You’re not too busy for /me/, are you?” perhaps batting her eyelashes, flashing him those doe-sized tawny hues of hers might be laying it on a little bit thick, but she was nothing if not a little extra.

@❛ hyojin ahn the fact that he had not heard from his second in command for days didn't sit right with him; he knew hyojin was one to fly with the wind, on her own terms despite her loyalty but no news meant bad news. jaehyun was worried albeit the ounce of curiosity that tainted him but really, as head of the pack, anxiety sat in him. was she in trouble?

he'd made his rounds around the perimeter per usual, went to a couple meetings and had even stopped by the mechanic shop for some extra work but somehow, by the time lunch rolled in, it felt like he hadn't done much. he leaned against the side of a pulled apart chevy, the car dismounted to be cleaned and rebuilt. the door pushed open, another of his lycans walking in with a paper bag of food— carne asada tacos. finally, an ounce of peace. or so he thought.

"sir, hyojin is in the boxing ring. and she might possibly, definitely, kill that poor new recruit." the man shook his head, handing jaehyun the paper bag. the alpha refrained a groan— this girl would be the death of him! way before any vampire could take his life and before his own time to die of old age rounded the corner. casting a glance at the untouched tacos, he handed the bag to another young boy by the side, murmuring a small 'enjoy' before he pushed off the car and out the door, feet hasty as he entered the arena. lo and behold, there she was, pummeling a poor lad into the ground.

jaehyun shook his head, a sigh of a huff slipping past his nose as he approached the ring, a stern look on his face when she addressed him. "first and foremost, tell me why you're even in there and beating up the lad."

@❛ daniel wagner ᵏⁿᶦᵍʰᵗ start again? what was this? a video game with a press to continue button? no. she looks over his visage in much the same way he does, thoughts of when she'd run her fingers over his skin late at night bringing back forgotten memories. things were once so different. simpler. and yet...one night still stood out in her head. screams of terror and absolute fear poured from her lips, the wolf inside crying to be let out. to protect her. to protect /them/. the man who held her heart shredded it that day and it was never the same.

"Right." she cuts herself off before she can say anything else, not wanting an audience to the soap opera that would surely come. irritation is evident in her ex's features, reminding her of just how bad his temperament really is. it was like poking a bear with a serious case of rabies or something. large, dangerous, and very hostile. she's staring down the exit when she hears her name. it's a soft sound. it reminded her of when he'd dream at night and call for her to make sure she was at his side. the sound sends an icicle into her already damaged heart.

she could do this. she didn't have to give him the time of day anymore. she takes another step towards the exit.

and then he calls again. louder, more demanding. more like the man he was when she left. her hands grasp for her head as she reluctantly turns around, her brain screaming for her to run and her heart crying for her to stay. it was only a few minutes and then she wouldn't have to bother with him again. right? her breathing shudders when he comes closer, eyes glued to her boots in an attempt to keep her emotions at bay.

it's the word 'please' that does her in.

golden eyes slowly meet those of the male as she lowers her hands to her sides. "One fight, Daniel. One more time of being your good luck charm and nothing more." she speaks firmly, a hand coming back up to show him an extended index finger. "and then you will leave me alone tonight."

@❛ yeji hwang “So? You can always start again-“ his dark eyes search hers, and then the entirety of her countenance, as if silently begging her to stay. guilt gnaws at his conscience, as soon he looked at her. he could remember everything, from the losing control to the fear in her eyes, the sound of her screaming at him. it haunted him, but who could use that as an excuse? he certainly wouldn’t.

her accusation brings a scoff to his lips. although it wouldn’t be entirely a lie to say that he hadn’t found /any/ other girls, he was focusing more on one night stands and short-lived flings. “I win for you.” he repeats, this time under his breath, teeth grinding together. his arm twitches ever so slightly as the soft pads of her finger taps against the tip of his nose, the urge to swat it away nearly overwhelming him, but he holds it in. it’s only when she speaks again, backing up towards the exit that his shoulders tense up. “Yej...” it’s a soft call of her name, half a warning for her to pause for a moment longer.

when that doesn’t work, his voice echoes like thunder with a repeat of her name, so loud that the fighting parties halt their fight to look at the couple when he approaches her again. sidestepping in front of her, he lowers his voice once again, his body only inches from her this time, toes nearly touching hers. “Just stay for one fight. You’re my good luck charm, remember? Please.”

@❛ daniel wagner ᵏⁿᶦᵍʰᵗ her eyes continue to bore into his, the love that was once held within them since drowned in the darkness of her hatred. he used to make her heart flutter. to force out excited giggles when he'd win a fight, hold her in his arms, and kiss her until she couldn't breathe. he was once her happiness and now he brought nothing but sorrow. every now and then the memory of him beside her would make her heart ache, but other times she was thankful for parting ways when she did.

"The key word there is 'used' to, Daniel." she stands firm, hands clenched in the pockets of her jacket as she holds his gaze. although she may back down to her sire, she wouldn't back down to the monster she once called her lover. "And now I'm sure you've found some other poor girl to win for. I wonder, does she know you like I did? Does she know how cruel you really are?" a hand ascends to tap the tip of his nose. "I'd watch those hands of yours. You and I both know the damage they can do." she turns to leave the arena once she's finished, observing him as she does so. she wouldn't want him to suddenly pull a fast one on her.

@❛ yeji hwang all excitement and hopefulness for the possibility that she was here to watch him is all but snatched out from under him with a few harsh words, his brows threatening to furrow in response to her words.

as if to keep his hands busy so they won’t ball into fists, he begins wrapping the black fabric around one, holding a piece steady and clenched between his teeth, his eyes still focused on her, staring /hard./ did she really still hate him?

“You used to like watching my fights,” he snaps back, inching closer to her. his voice lowers, one brow twitching. the words are only slightly muffled from the occupancy within his mouth as he pulls the cloth tight against his hand. “I always won for you, you know.”

@❛ daniel wagner ᵏⁿᶦᵍʰᵗ lithe fingers are wound around a metal flask as she tilts her head back, allowing the warmed liquid to flow down , leaving behind a familiar burning sensation. the need to cough had left her decades ago, her body easily absorbing the flammable substance better than it had when she was still fully human.

cognac orbs scan over the arena, recognizing a majority of the participants. upon first joining the pack, she'd found comfort in watching the fights. they gave her a sense of normalcy when things were definitely...less so.
she slips the flask back into the pocket of her leather jacket moments later, hands coming together to clap for the fighters, excitable cheers leaving her lips. even though the last several days had been a complete nightmare, at least she had this.

a voice that she once found to be the most beautiful sound sends icy goosebumps along her heated flesh, the female lycan ceasing in her celebration to meet the owner's eyes. "What does it look like, Daniel?" she growls, gaze returning to the center of the arena. "I suppose that'll be my cue to go then. Losing isn't in your nature and I'm not in the mood to watch you mutilate someone for fun." she grits afterwards, knowing well what his hands were capable of. it wouldn't be hard for him to snap someone's neck, let alone a few bones without batting a lash.

@❛ yeji hwang the cracking of bone against bone was a welcome sound for the exhausted lycan knight who, admittedly, had been suffering through a particularly brutal bout of insomnia lately; perhaps it was everything going on within the lycans’ den. to say the place had been turned upside down since the fire at the Temptress club, lycans have been on edge. hell, even the last full moon run had been a little bizarre.

Danny just wanted to escape it all, break his knuckles against someone else’s face. That’s why he was so content to lean against the wall of the arena, nursing a cold one, watching the fight before his own. it was truly an incredible sight, seeing lycans fight one another, for every hit had to be harder, faster than the last, and their opponent healed within moments. he had set the beer to his right, grabbing a wad of black fabric, which he would soon unroll and wrap around his hands. he pauses, however, spotting her from across the arena. he hadn’t seen Yeji in how many days? he couldn’t remember.

pushing himself off from the wall he approaches her, a glimmer of hopefulness within his honey hues. “Hey, you come to see the fights?” a casual inquiry, but he couldn’t help but hope that her response would be a yes. “I’m going next.”

@❛ jaehyun jung ᵃˡᵖʰᵃ to say that Hyojin had been solitary since her run in with Sam would be a lie. however, to note that she had been less social by her own standards was a completely different story; sure, she’d continued to go out at night and party with strangers, but it was her reluctance to engage with the pack that was so unlike her. moreso, the fact that she had not actively sought out Jaehyun to update him on the situation was also very strange.

according to Sam, the alpha knew everything already. how could he be fine with that?

with teeth grinding, a barrage of punches is thrown at the lycan in the arena with her: he was a few decades younger, and perhaps that’s the /only/ reason she could overpower him. everything Sam had said the other night still fresh in her mind. was she weak? it only made her fists tighten, flying with more brutal intent.

it’s only when one of the lycans grabs her arm that she realizes she’s practically pummeled the poor kid, shaking out of whatever self-loathing daze she’d found herself within. how pathetic that would’ve been, she decides. “Jae’s here.” another barks. Hyojin turns to search for her alpha’s face among the crowd. was she angry with him for not telling her about Sam and his vampire brother? perhaps a little. did she think that landing a few punches (even if they didn’t do any damage) on his jaw would help her move forward? absolutely.

“Hey,” she greets him, coming over to lean against the fencing with her fingers hooking into it. beads of sweat slide down her temples, teeth sinking into her lower lip. “Wanna get in here? Like old times, right?”

"Hello,I am wondering how this is going to work"Jimin walked into the room and sigh staring at the arena full of other Lycans.He sat down as far away from everyone as possible

ᴛʜᴇ ʟʏᴄᴀɴ ʀᴇᴛᴀʟɪᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴄʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀs ᴄᴏɴᴄʟᴜᴅᴇᴅ!

he shook his head at the bickering that was occurring right under his nose- children indeed. in another breath, he clapped his hands once, fingers clasping. "perfect. i count on all of you then. sehun and siyeon, i require the both of you to run your plans by me and hyojin, i want you to lead the blood bank team. run your plans by me once you're done assembling too. and for now, meeting adjourned. good night everyone."

there's no doubt in his mind that at the end of this path is bloodshed no matter which side comes out on top, something chris admittedly does not want to be a part of. but he'd be damned if he just left his fellow lycans for dead in the grasps of the vampyres. if he wants to see this end, what better way than to be a part of it, so he steps forward into a mess he hopes to see to the end. "i'll go too."

Yeji sends a quick glance to Sam, lips pursed. If she was going to give him an opening, this had to be it. "I'll go too. Someone's gotta help keep the pups in line." She calls out, giving one last squeeze before stepping forward.

Seonghwa glanced away from Hyojin just as Chanyeol stepped in front of him almost to hide him from view, and he swallowed heavily to compose himself again before peeking out from behind his friend. "You can't even be your own responsibility sometimes, do try to make sure you don't get killed."

He couldn't help but step in front of Seonghwa, absently rubbing at the spot the other had just pinched, his smile growing wicked, blurry at the edges when he nodded at Hyojin. "Don't worry. I'm not planning on being anyone's responsibility ever again."

“Oh good, the little pup is coming.” she smiles, flashing pointy canines in Seonghwa’s direction. what leaves her lips next is playful, not at all aggressive, but more so a lightening of the mood. “Let’s see what youve both got then. I’m not gonna wipe your noses for you, keep up please!”

Seonghwa rolled his eyes and steps forward, pinching at the skin of Chanyeol's wrist as he lifted his chin up. "I volunteer myself as well."

"Someone has to do it" he turned his attention to Seongwha for a split second, hissing through his teeth. At his alphas words he twitched, his jaw locking. The older lycan did have a point and yet, despite himself being nothing but a pup compared to some of the older lycans present, there were so many who were younger than him. At Hyojins words a wry smile curled at the corners of his lips, his gaze flicking over to the woman. "Actually that's a good idea. Thanks for suggesting. I'll go."

“I’m in.” she perks up, having been particularly sulky when Jaehyun silenced her. in the end, she was getting what she’d originally suggested. “I think Chanyeol should come with, since he’s so concerned.”

"it's just you and sehun, siyeon. no one else." he nods at his knight, before turning to address the lycan who spoke his concerns. jaehyun wondered how that question did not come any sooner frankly but he was more than glad to answer it even now. "attacking their blood bank, their source of food, is a warning. that we're coming and for the bloodsuckers to hold their breaths for they'd never know when to expect us. let them sit their stone selves in anxiety, eat at them." his grin is serene, like the calm before a storm even if he raises a brow towards quite a young looking lad and shake his head. "any volunteers for the blood bank?"

Seonghwa couldn't reach out fast enough to stop Chanyeol from stepping forward, and he brought a hand up to his temple to rub at it with a quiet groan. "We don't voice these thoughts out loud, it was nice knowing you."

It had been a tedious meeting. To the young lycan at least - who, a few months prior couldn't have cared less about any war going on. In Chanyeol's eyes, both species were petty, spiteful creatures, ready to jump at each other at any given moment. And yet, something was pickling underneath his skin, something irked him wrong.
"Sorry to interrupt" he cleared his throat, pushing another person in front of him to the side to step up into the light so the alpha could see him. "Staking a leech is one thing. Burning down the blood bank a completely different one. It'll provoke them if we take away their source of food. Wouldn't we be risking an endless cycle of revenge?"

Siyeon glanced around the arena with an unimpressed gaze before nodding curtly once, barely turning her head to whisper back to him. "In seclusion, of course. We don't need anymore feral beasts joining us for this mission, and you know the ballsy ones will at least attempt."

"Who will you be sending to the blood bank?"

Clearing his throat and turning his attention to the knight at his side, he raised an eyebrow and released a chuckle, shaking his head. Leaning closer, so that only she could hear, he murmured into her ear. "After this, let's meet up and make a game plan then head out."

"Finally something to /do/." Siyeon mumbled to herself as she let her hands go back down to her sides, straightening up and nodding once to agree with the plan. She rolled her shoulders back and turned to look up at Sehun. "Ready when you are."

"We're not prepared for an all out war nor do we have enough trained lycans for that. There are too many that are newly changed. Do we want to risk vast casualties on our end because we got hasty?"