AC: Chapter 17 is done. I hope you will like it.

Warning, some very violent sequence.

Act 1: I live until I stop dancing

Chapter 17: A night of torture

Sako'Gamai opened his eyes and he grunted a little in pain.

"Grrr...That didn't go as I expected." Said Sako'Gamai.

The Sangheili entered in the secret slave base and attacked the Jiralhanaes in the base. He infiltrated it discreetly with his ability to walk like a ninja. He ran fast and quietly inside the base. He searched around and he hadn't found any trace of slaves, but he found out some paper explaining this place had slaves very recently. He was right, it is a slave ring. He told himself that he was glad that his instinct was right. He now needed to find hard proof to shut down this place. He started searching deeper in the slave building. He was lucky for a while, but as human said: Luck can be a bitch. His luck gave up when a Jiralhanae guard passed by and they collide. Sako'Gamai didn't have time to silence him and he called the alert. He gave a punch at the face of the Jiralhanae and knocks him out, but reinforcements arrived with weapons. He drew his katana and fought the best he could in this very short fight. He killed 2 of them before he was caught from behind and knocked out for a while.

He just regained consciousness and he saw he was only in his boxers and attached to a chair. His clothes were thrown at the back of the room he was in. His hands are immobilise and his feet too. In front of him was one big Jiralhanae with brown fur and he was muscular. He had a mace on his back, meaning he wasn't the chieftain.

"Looks like the baby is up." He said to the Sangheili.

"Guess again. Your eyes didn't evaluate my right size." Replied Sako'Gamai smirking in his species way.

The Sangheili insolence was rewarded by a kick in the knee.

"Argh! Can't appreciate an insult." Grunted Sako'Gamai. "So...You caught me...What now?"

"You'll see when the boss will come." Said the Jiralhanae.

"Alright...Not very comfortable." Said Sako'Gamai.

"That's the purpose." Replied the Jiralhanae smirking at him.

"..." Dammit...No one can help me...I had to escape by myself...Like always. Thought Sako'Gamai.

The door opened and he looked at the one who entered.

He is a big Jiralhanae and by big, it's fat and tall. He is 11ft tall. He has gray scales skin under his brown fur covered with red blood; possibly from a human. He has silver blue eyes looking at the Sangheili, seemed delight to saw him. He is obese, but his arms show that he had strength. He wears a brown shirt covered with blood and a brown pant that doesn't fit with the fur but he didn't care. On his back, he had a gravity hammer. Sako'Gamai can guess he is a chieftain. He took his hammer and putted against a wall near the entrance.

"So...Here's our intruder." Said the Chieftain showing his ugly teeth.

"I don't think it could be anyone else." Replied Sako'Gamai.

The chieftain looked at him and he walked closer.

"You better watch your word Sangheili, because I'll kill you if you don't watch your word." He threatened him.

"*Keuf* My eyes are burning by this breath. *Keuf*" He wasn't joking or trying to be provocative this time. He also didn't comment on him repeating a sentence twice.

Sako'Gamai received a punch at his left face, just under his left eye. A spot is marked on his skin and the chair felt by the impact.

"You better show some respect Sangheili! Because it isn't going to be the first punch!" Shouted the Chieftain.

"Like I didn't know..." Grunted Sako'Gamai quietly in his mind.

He didn't like where this is going and he is sure he is dead. He was glad that he was alone in this mess.

Bartus got out of his bath and he was covered with water. He cleaned and cleaned the spot on his stomach and it was done. He felt clean again but his memory will not forget that moment. He walked in the building that finally been named by the group, which he found it bad: Lunar circus. He heard it in his bath that it is because the show always happened under the moon light. He walked at the direction of his temporary room and he stood there for a moment.

He looked at the room where Yumil rested and he decided to go and talk to Yumil. He entered in the room and she saw her there and looked at him. Bartus stood there for a moment and said nothing. He looked at her and she glared at him before turning her attention back to the red flower on her robe. It started to get old and lifeless. The flower started to turn lightly gray.

Bartus walked and he saw beside Yumil.

"Yumil..." Said Bartus.

Yumil looked at Bartus and she said nothing for a few seconds.

"Bartus...Why did you do this?" Asked Yumil.

Bartus looked at her. He knew that if he told her a lie, there is a high chance she will believe him. He can also be honest if she found out he lie one day.

"...Well...I saw you getting charm by him and I wasn't sure if it was safe. We don't know them enough yet." Said Bartus.

"...I know you are worried for me." Said Yumil.

"No...I'm just doing my job for the High priest." Replied Bartus.

"Stop it. I know it's not the case...I mean...You got a kiss for my safety. I may be ignorant...But I'm not stupid when something is obvious." Said Yumil. She then hit lightly his big stomach with her elbow. "You should worry about yourself. You're getting fat."

"*Keuf* Mind your business. I love eating and I'm not changing it." Grunted Bartus.

"Then you can mind yours too." Said Yumil.

Bartus looked at her. He closed his eyes and smiled lightly.

"You got me there...Yumil...I'll let you follow you heart." Said Bartus.

"So...When are you going to apologies?" Asked Yumil.

"...You ask me what and to do what?" Asked Bartus.

"You know what apologies means." Said Yumil looking at him and smirking when she saw him hesitating and not liking the thought.

"I won't do that." Said Bartus.

"Come on." Said Yumil smiling. She moved her hand to his flank and scratches it. "It's not that hard. If Zazak can, you can too."

The left leg of Bartus moved on instinct when he was scratched and he knew he had to say it before he had to say she got his weak spot.

"Alright! You win!" He shouted. "I'm sorry for putting between the two of you and getting kiss in the process."

Yumil stopped scratching his flank.

"See. It's not that hard." Said Yumil.

She saw the fur on his flank and it was funny how it was positioned. His skin was visible on some spot where the fur isn't covering it for now. Bartus was still a little wet.

"It's hard to apology when you are someone who hates it." Said Bartus. "...Yumil...I'm honest about letting you do what you want with Segaro. Just...Don't...Just don't forget me."

"Hum? What do you mean by that?" Asked Yumil.

"I...Before I met you...I was almost always by myself and I never live with a pack...Not after...Forget about the reason." Said Bartus dropping his head, not in sadness but with anger. He then looked at her and he did a fake smile to hide his anger. "You are the first one I care for...After the bad thing and the short travel we have so far. It's just the beginning, but if you love Segaro, don't forget me. I don't want to be alone one more time."

"...I won't forget you. Also...You have Zazak too." Said Yumil.

Bartus thought of the little Unggoy and grunted, but she was right. He cared for him...But not as much as Yumil. Bartus moved his right arm and help her against his flank.

"Don't expect me to be this emotional." Said Bartus.

Yumil smiled.

"You know...It is strange that a dream unite us...But nothing is boring or normal with you. It's never the same." Said Yumil with a smile. "Anyway...You like being scratched at your flank."

"...You notice...Yeah. Don't abuse of it. I don't want everyone to do it." Said Bartus.

"...I'm glad it's alright now." Said Yumil.

"True." Said Bartus.

They stayed silent for a while.

"I'm worried about Sako'Gamai...He's not back and we don't know where he is." Said Yumil.

"You have to break this moment." Said Bartus. He didn't care that much about him. "He's hold enough to know what he wants. He's a wandered while you never wander before. I guess he had experience."

"True." Said Yumil a little reassure. "I'm sure he's fine."

*BANG* Sako'Gamai received a punch at his stomach and he felt on the ground.

"*Keuf* I know nothing!" Shouted Sako'Gamai.

A Jiralhanae putted him back on his chair. The Chieftain looked at him.

"Now...It is time for questions. I have enough beating you without a reason." Said the Chieftain. "What are you doing here?"

"Tourism of course." Said Sako'Gamai.

He received a punch at his snout. His purple blood came out of his nostril. The Sangheili looked at the Chieftain and smirked.

"How original! Beating me up for answers." Said Sako'Gamai by heavily sarcastic. "I sooo didn't see that coming."

The Chieftain saw the sarcasm but not the other one.

"Yeah! You're stupid so you didn't-" He was cut by his Chieftain.

"IDIOT! He's sarcastic!"

He then crushed one toe of the Sangheili.

"ARGH!" Shouted Sako'Gamai.

"Alright...You are not a tourist, because you would have come here. Answer me now! Why are you here?!" Shouted the Chieftain.

"I'll pick the answer B." Said Sako'Gamai.

He received a punch at his head and he felt on the ground again. The Jiralhanae put him back to his position.

"WHY ARE YOU HERE?!" Screamed the Chieftain.

"*Keuf*" Sako'Gamai was a little confuse to answer for a seconds and he let it out. "To find and destroy the slave ring of this town." When he was focus, the Sangheili shouted in his mind.

"Finally opening those mandibles...Good answer." Said the Chieftain. "Let's move to the next question. Where are the others with you? No one is stupid enough to fight me and my pack by themselves. You're not the first one anyway...Except you are the first Sangheili to come here."

"I'm an idiot who came alone." Said Sako'Gamai. He didn't want to involve anyone else in his business.

"I don't believe those lies. You are with help...I'm sure of it." Said the Chieftain.

He beaten the Sangheili for an hour and Sako'Gamai held his mouth close and said nothing about the others. After this hour, his body is covered with bruise and injuries. Purple blood spread everywhere on the ground and also on the walls. The head of Sako'Gamai barely remained high and he often lost strength and his head moved pitifully on his chest.

"You have a solid will. You won't tell me anyone who helps you?" Asked the Chieftain. "You sure are thought when you are being interrogate...But I know you have a breaking point. I'll break you and force you to tell me everything."

"I came alone! ALONE!" Screamed Sako'Gamai.

"*Peuf* Stupid weakling being. Bring me my hammer. I'll break his bones for answers." Said the Chieftain with a grin.

The other Jiralhanae looked at Sako'Gamai.

"Prepare for hell." He said before taking the hammer.

"Wait...I'll do this when the sun will rise. It will be better that way...And in front of a public. I'll let you here...Imagining the pain." Said the Chieftain. He picked his hammer and they both walked out of the room.

"...I'm so dead..." Said Sako'Gamai. He was now trembling in pain and in fear. He knew he was physically and psychologically weakens. He also never received any special training to resist against torture. The worst part is that he is telling the true. "I was so stupid...I'll die without atoning and restoring my honor."

Bartus and Yumil were still in the room together and they said nothing. Yumil then yawned and showed she is tired.

"I guess it's time for you to sleep." Said Bartus.

"Yeah...Think we could sleep like when we travel. I know we have a place to sleep for now...But I miss it a little somehow." Said Yumil.

"True...Maybe you like to be close to your guardian." Said Bartus.

"It will be as before...Except the pillow got bigger." Said Yumil giggling.

"Stop making fun of me. Is it weird to see a fat Jiralhanae?" Asked Bartus.

"Yes." She answered.

"Said the weird girl who showed herself naked to a stranger." Replied Bartus.

"I'm sure it's normal." She replied.

"You're the only one who think that is normal...You end up causing me some pain." Said Bartus. His voice told her he wasn't mad at her. "Anyway *Yawn* I'm tired."

The chamber didn't have bed but Bartus didn't mind. They had pillows at least. The 4 performers had beds and Segaro suggested sharing it but the group refused.

Bartus putted a pillow on the ground and he putted her head on it.

"Alright. What are you waiting for?" Asked Bartus.

She set close to him and she putted her head on his now big gut. His stomach was now softer and she sank a little in his fat. Bartus gut truly became a pillow now.

"It's good...In a way." Commented Yumil.

She putted her hand in his fur and moved it.

"Yeah." Said Bartus who like her patting. "I guess it's only this night. Next...You will be with Segaro."

"Yeah...Bartus...You are a strange one." She commented.

"How so?" Asked the Jiralhanae who knew it was for a different reason.

"You are kind us, you protect us and even Sako'Gamai when you express your dislike. You are strong and cruel sometimes...When you have to fight...You can kill them without hesitation, remorse and pain...How can you do that?" She asked.

"...I'm used to it...I strength my heart to kill everyone...It is not that hard for me. I'm a Jiralhanae and my kind is used to fight and kill. What was hard to me is to calm down and adapted to city...I never truly did. I am a mercenary because I search violence and battle. Don't worry, I only fight those who are criminals or tries to kill me. Anyone else is safe from me compare to most of my kind. Even when I met you...I am one who's use to be by himself." Admitted Bartus. "When I met you...I didn't change that much but...I care for you and...You are the first one. Not even my family had a place in my heart. Maybe that is why...I didn't want to let you with Segaro."

"I was wondering if you like me like Segaro." Said Yumil.

"W- No way. We are too much different." Said Bartus. "Anyway...I speak enough. Good night Yumil."

"Good night...My guardian." Said Yumil closing her eyes.

In the middle of the night, Sako'Gamai tried to think about a way to escape. He was losing hope. He checked on himself and he realised that his weapon was taken away. He cannot defeat a pack of Jiralhanae with his fist. He searched around for anything but nothing came to him. He heard a sound and the door opened.

"Already?" Asked Sako'Gamai.

He saw the door to his room opening and he saw a human entering in it. He was clearly not from the pack or the slave ring when he saw him searching in the pocket of his clothes left on the ground.

Sako'Gamai saw by his actions that it is not the first time he did this and he wondered if he infiltrated this place or entered with the Jiralhanaes approval. Either way, he needed the human's help.

"Pssst. Human...I need your help." Whispered Sako'Gamai.

"Forget it. You're a dead Sangheili." Said the human.

"Free me." Asked Sako'Gamai.

"You want a dead sentence on me?" Asked the human. He then grunted when he found nothing. Sako'Gamai already gave all his money to the performers to enter in the city.

"I know you're a thief...But...Alright...I can pay you if you accept to give me a message. My money is not on me...But I can pay the double that I have." Said Sako'Gamai.

He was lying, but he knew, when he searched in Bartus stuff when he wasn't looking, that he had money. Sako'Gamai didn't want to come and be this low, but he was desperate.

"...I'm listening." Said the human.

"I want you to tell people in the coliseum that I'm captive in here and I need help from Bartus...Also...bring a paper so I can say how much they have to pay for the risk." Asked Sako'Gamai.

"Alright." Said the thief bringing the paper.

Sako'Gamai written the best he could and he left a finger prints, he knew the Mgalekgolos will recognise this.

"Don't try stealing because they are watching." Warned Sako'Gamai.

The thief nodded and he walked away.

"...I just hoped he does his task." Said the Sangheili.

Time passed and eventually, the sun started to rise and he heard the footstep of the chieftain coming. He saw the door opened and three Jiralhanaes were by his side.

"Those three will bring you to the Torture room. They will love to see you cry in pain when I'll break your bones." He said with a cruel grin.

Sako'Gamai is then lifted on his chair and dragged to the public Torture room.

He was dropped abruptly on the ground and he heard the barking of 20 Jiralhanaes all around him, waiting for him to scream in pain. He knew the entire pack was there.

"I can't cry for my mother." Whispered Sako'Gamai. "Don't even know who she is anyway."

"My pack! What you see in front of you is a disgusting being! A Sangheili...He is being that rebuke everyone with his lie and his so call honor!" Shouted the fat Chieftain. He raised his gravity hammer. "Now! He wants to destroy our slave ring! He wants us to starve and die! He is not alone and he will reveal where the others are! He and his troop will not stop us! Who's want me to make him talk?!"

The Jiralhanaes screamed and grunted positively.

"The crowed answer. Time for you to talk." Said the Chieftain. "Where is your troop?"

"I...I have no troop! I came alone!" Shouted Sako'Gamai.

"Wrong answer!" Shouted the Chieftain.

He raised his hammer and he dropped right on a toe. The sound of the bones cracking resonated in the entire body of the Sangheili.

"AARRGGHH!" Screamed Sako'Gamai in pain, opening at maximum is mandible.

On the ground, his purple blood splatted like a ball of water exploding.

"One toe down!" Shouted the Chieftain.

The Jiralhanaes acclaim the pain of the Sangheili.

"One more time! You better answer well or it is the knee you tell good-bye! Where are your troop?!" Shouted the Chieftain.

"I CAME ALONE!" Screamed the Sangheili. "IT ISN'T A LIE!"

*CRACK!*

"AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!" Screamed Sako'Gamai.

"One knee busted! Again! Where are they?!" Shouted the Chieftain. "Don't believe it is over! It's only the first knee!"

He moved his hammer to the second knee and knocked it lightly.

"You won't walk again even with an operation." Said the Chieftain. "Talk! And I won't smash it."

"I...I came alone to destroy the slave ring...I..." Said Sako'Gamai painfully.

"Say good-bye to your other knee." Said the Chieftain.

He raised his hammer and smashed the other knee and the bones busted into pieces.

"AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH! AHHHH!" Screamed Sako'Gamai in pain. Tear came out of his eyes. The pain was too immense to stop it.

"You will never walk again. Now...Let's move to your right hand." Said the Chieftain.

"STOP! I...I...I came with stranger I met...They have nothing to do with this. I only use them to enter in town! Just...Kill me already." Said Sako'Gamai with his face crisped in pain.

"So...You continue to lie with a new version!" Said the Chieftain. "You move form alone to I came with strangers! Oh...Sangheili. I'm much crueler than that. I won't kill you. I'll let you go alive and broken...Mentally and physically."

"..." Sako'Gamai only thought about committing suicide if he couldn't fight anymore.

"Now! Answer me! Where is your troop?!" Shouted the Chieftain.

Sako'Gamai closed his eyes and refused to talk now.

"Alright...You will not say anything anymore. Say good-bye to your hands and mandible and tongue...If you have one. You will not be able to ask for mercy. Your kind will refuse to kill you as long as you don't ask for." Said the Chieftain.

He raised his hammer and prepared to break the Sangheili.

To be continued

AC: Here's the end of a darker chapter. I hope you are ready for the next one.