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If Qiu Shui was having a hard time in his training Xiulong seemed to be mirroring him with the same sort of fate only in a different line of work. He had been perhaps to daring in telling his Master that he meant to take his place in the gang, to daring when he pulled his weapon on Master Di to show how serious he was about his desires in life. He wanted to be more then just a show piece like what Tian Mi was, he wanted to be important to the gang and its leader like Po Zei was. He wanted to be great... and the path to greatness wasn't an easy one by any stretch of the imagination.

In fact it was pure Hell. He trained in various things from martial arts with Po Zei, weaponry with Master Di, and when it came to Tian Mi he was learning the fine art of how to distract people with his good looks so that he could rob them blind. Of the three teachers he'd been assigned to Tian Mi was by far the hardest to deal with because she was training him because she had to, because she knew going against the leader of the gang wasn't a way to become anyone's friend. She wouldn't give into her anger because then Po Zei would have Qiang Di all to himself and she wouldn't have that. As such she did train Xiulong but it didn't mean that she came to his defense the times that he failed and was caught red handed with his ill gotten goods. He'd been chased around town enough that he was getting to know the lay of the land quite well, knew all of the best routes someone his size could use for escape. After all each failure to escape meant dealing with the one he'd stolen from which hadn't gone well in the beginning.

Now a days though he at least had his training to fight back to fall back on the few times he was captured before he was able to disappear into a crowd, hop a fence, or make it back to the Bath House. That wasn't what his training was based on, instead what was important was his ability to have nimble fingers, to be able to snag someone's money without them realizing it because either they didn't see him or because he gave them a dazzling smile and distracted them. He was getting better at it though, in fact his hand was running over the string of coins he had in his pocket now that he'd gotten from some bearded guy earlier. It was almost sad to him how it was easiest to trick older men and younger women with his wiles. Fools the lot of them. He couldn't care less really if what he took was for their dinner or if it was to buy medicine for a dying family member, Master Di told him that to be in charge of the gang what matter first and foremost was your own desires. Your desire drove you to fight, to steal, to kill and your desires allowed you to sleep at night without so much as a bad dream.

He was happily dodging his way through the crowd, heading for home now with his loot in hand. He would bring it to Qiang Di and the man would look over what he had then give him a fair share of it. He knew that he at the moment since he was still in training that it was only right that he give what he took to the Boss and one day everyone would give what they found to him. It was the way of things... though he knew just from looking at the string that there just had to be enough to buy Qiu Shui's company again... but he also knew that he didn't get to keep all of it. He found himself for a moment considering keeping it for himself, a thought that he was aghast with the moment it came to his mind, "No, no, and no!" He told himself as he arrived at the bath house. He wasn't about to risk his hide for some extra coin, as tempting as it was he couldn't do it. He loved his Master and he didn't want to make the man hate him.

He paused as he stepped through the door of the bathhouse, hearing an shrieking sound that reminded him of a cat that had been stepped on, "Eesh... what is that woman carrying on about now." He muttered to himself, closing the door behind hismelf quietly so he could slip forward to where she was standing, holding a flier in her hand, going on to the nearest person about how daring those 'whores' were getting, leaving their trash for Qiang Di! As though he needed anyone else when he had her! And so on and so forth... wait, wait... he realized finally what she was going on about and he rushed forward, lunging up to snag the flier from her hand.

"Don't touch that!" He snapped, bouncing back a couple steps before looking it over, eyes going wide, then he turned to look up at the woman, stuffing the flier into his robes where she couldn't get it, "Where is Master Di?" He demanded of her.

She crossed her arms over her ample chest and gave a laugh, "Why? Planning to use your pitiful amount of coins to buy yourself a lover, Xiulong? Don't you think your a bit young for that? Not to mention poor?" She taunted him, drawing a little growl from the blue haired boy.

"Fine, don't tell me you hag! I will find him myself." He spat out, turning on his heel to race out of the room having to duck to keep from being pegged in the head with a bowl of soap bars that was thrown his way. The crashing sound was left behind him as he raced his way to where his Master normally was... and there he found him with Po Zei in his arms in a position he'd seen on more then one occasion. While normally he would turn around and leave, to leave the men to their fun he couldn't waste even a moment with what was going on tomorrow!

He rush forward and all but threw himself down at his Master's feet, "Please, I need to talk with you!"

The man gave a sighing sound, extracting himself from Po Zei's arms and looked down at the boy who bowing low enough in front of him that his forehead touched the floor, enough that he couldn't be mad at the boy, "What is it my little dragon?" He asked.

Xiulong sat up and dug into his robe, taking out first the flier to hold it out to him, something that Qiang Di took to read before he took out the string of coins he'd gotten today to lay that before him as well and just waited in an anxious manner. The man couldn't help it as he read it over and then gave a chuckle, "I see, I see. You want to go and see that boy of yours again? I see nothing on here about him being up for auction but that means nothing. If anything matters to that woman in charge of that place its money." He said, his eyes fell to the string of coins that Xiulong had brought in and he reached out to pick it up, giving it a jingle before it was placed within his robes for safekeeping, "You will be sure to get a bath tonight and tomorrow you will dress in your best clothing, its a festival after all."

Xiulong jerked his head up, starring at his Master in utter delight before he raced out of the room so that he could prepare for tomorrow. His heart was racing in his chest as he realized that tomorrow he was going to be able to see Qiu Shui again!

Qiang Di shook his head before he slid an arm around Po Zei once more, pulling the man to him, "That boy really is a fool, falling for one of those sorts... best he learn on his own though as I know he would never believe me if I told him it was a bad idea and to say away from that kid." He murmured, giving a shrug before all his attention was back on his lover instead.

Master Qiang Di and the closest to him, Po Zei, Tian Mi, and Xiulong were heading to where the flier said that the auction was said to be going on tonight, all of the well dressed. It was supposed to be just Qiang Di and Xiulong that went along on the trip but it would appear that Po Zei didn't like the idea of his Boss going on his own and if Po Zei was going Tian Mi refused to be left behind. Besides she had a feeling that if she wasn't there that her boss might end up trying to bring back one of these women and she would be damned if she would allow one of these primped up birds into her establishment.

"Your jealousy is showing, Tian Mi." Po Zei murmured from where he walking to Qiang Di's right, close enough that his sleeve brushed against that of his Master from time to time. It was a flirty gesture and one that only seemed to put Tian Mi that much on edge, it was obvious she wasn't happy with the idea of anyone else but herself getting attention from Qiang Di.

"It seems you were in lucky, Po Zei, if this auction had been a little earlier you wouldn't have been here, would you?" She said, almost wishing that this thing had been a touch earlier while it was still day time, the man with the weakness for the sun wouldn't have been here and she would have only had to contend with the blue haired brat for the attention of Qiang Di. Then again seeing that something else seemed to have the complete attention of the blue haired boy so at least she had one less person to fight with for their Master's attention.

As the pair bickered Xiulong and Qiang Di seemed to be busy looking for the same thing when he heard the Auctioneer calling out the one that was up for auction currently and Xiulong gave a gasping sound, "That has to be him, Master Di!" He said, looking up at the tall, half breed with wide eyes. His head jerked to the side hearing the starting bid and gave another gasping sound at the price.

A hand lowered down to rest on Xiulong's head before he lifted a hand, "Ten." He called out to the one in charge, prepared to try to get the brat for Xiulong to play with. The way he saw it a night together to play nice with his little pet would only add to his little dragon's drive and desire to become powerful, to fight, to steal, to kill if he had to. This relationship wasn't one that would last terribly long but so long as it lasted long enough that Xiulong became worthy of being Qiang Di's successor then the powerful halfbreed would find it all worth it. Coin could be replaced after all but the drive that Xiulong had in the name of his little pet was one of a kind.

Qiang Di listened to the wave of bids before he glanced toward the boy who was sitting on the stage looking so pleased with himself over the coin he was bringing in. It reminded him of Xiulong when the boy was able to bring in a good amount of coin from the various jobs he went on with Tian Mi. The woman was training him well in the art of pickpocketing... though he came home with as many bruises as he did coins.He was more then certain that it was Tian Mi's doing, that she was throwing him to the wolves but he wouldn't worry about that now. Instead he found himself wondering if the bid were so high because that dark haired boy seemed to bathe in a rather dangerous sort of perfume, already those who weren't in the front row had dropped out of the bidding.

"Why am I not surprised." He murmured to himself, of course they would use any trick in the book to make a bit of extra coin even if it meant using drugs in the form of perfume. He lowered a hand to pat it on the boy's head, "Xiulong, stay here with Po Zei and Tian Mi." He ordered him before drifting forward, rising to his full height, and did all he could to look his best. There were three things that drove men, money, pleasure, and fear. He meant to pay the latter one to get what he wanted. After all if those fools saw him perhaps their ardor would be cooled a bit he thought to himself, thinking with a cheater's mind as he reached where the other bidders waited.

As he did so the man sniffed at the air, scenting that same scent in the air that had clung to the boy last time they had crossed paths, "You really need to stop wearing that stuff before you eaten alive." He muttered toward Qiu Shui, that scent was enough to make even someone Qiang Di's size a touch excited despite being outside and in the open. He really did wear far to much of perfume he thought to himself before he bid again, "Fifty." He called out simply.

Qiang Di reached out to take the envelope and gave the auctioneer a smile and a nod before he turned to head toward where he'd been told he was to head. He had to say that he was pleased there wasn't anyone out there daring enough to keep bidding, he didn't really want to spend anymore then he had on a boy toy that he wouldn't even be allowed to play with himself. A shame really given that scent was an attractive one he thought as he approached the entrance to the place, hand reaching into his robes to get a string of coins that were within it. There was more then enough here he thought to himself before he undid the string and set to taking off the amount due.

He was going to be nice tonight he thought to himself, would let Xiulong have his fun, but tomorrow the boy's training was going to be taken up a whole other level to make up for the coin that were spent tonight on his little friend. He seemed to be planning already what it was that he was going to do next, what his little dragon would be learning next. It was going to be Hell but he was sure that tonight would make it all worth while, really Qiu Shui was a great asset to his gang without even knowing it. In a pleased mood the tall halfbreed tapped the red envelope against his lips as he awaited the arrival of his prize.

Qiang Di was a touch surprised when the scent around the boy seemed to grow weaker and then just vanished, the last tinges of it being swept away by the light, cool autumn breeze. He watched the small, impeccably dressed boy before his attention was back on the woman who was talking to him, telling him to remember what the rules were, and to be safe while he was out.

"I will be sure to keep him safe and make sure he has a very good time." Qiang Di said when the boy approached him, bowing low before him. He smiled before he reached down with one arm out to catch the boy around the waist and easily swept him up with one powerful arm, "Come on then, I we don't want to stand around all night." He said, gave the woman with Qiu Shui a nod of his head before they were heading toward where he'd left the rest of his group.

When they were well away from the woman he turned to look over at Qiu Shui, giving the boy a smile, "I am rather glad we found you that night, boy." He told him in a quiet whisper, "Just the thought of you has driven Xiulong like a man possessed, he is willing to do anything and everything when it comes to his training thinking one day he will actually be able to possess you." He doubted it would happen, these people sold themselves to whoever had the most coin. Even if Xiulong was able to get him one night the next night would land this one with someone else and another new lover the next night.

"He will learn what you really are one day I am sure, until that day don't shatter his silly dream with the truth else his drive to become a dragon might falter. Understand?" There was a hint of a threat in his voice, he was willing to pay the extra coin needed to make up for injuries that Qiu Shui would likely end up with if he were foolish enough to tell Xiulong the truth.

"Oh he hasn't given up, don't worry. No matter what sort of trouble he runs into he seems to fight his hardest to overcome it despite his size and age." He assured Qiu Shui as he watched the boy that he was carrying closely. He really did remind Qiang Di of Xiulong, both of them seemed driven for people their ages, strength that they would need given the worlds that they were born into.

He couldn't help but to give a little chuckle, "A Gang member and a whore, you two will be quite the couple." He murmured, shaking his head at the mere thought of it. He supposed it fit, it was rather similar to himself and Tian Mi in many ways but he'd gone through a lot of Hell for that woman... only to learn later that she was a rather hissy, jealous cat like woman. He pushed the thought aside, "We will have to see how things go, given as well as he is getting making coin he might end up being able to buy you... but there is a lot of time between now and when you might be sold for real. Try not to get your hopes up though, one can never predict what might happen in the future." He didn't believe in Fate and instead walked his own path, something he was trying to teach to Xiulong.

As they approached the where the other three waited he gave Qiu Shui a look, "Keep in mind that if he did steal you and he wasn't strong enough to keep you that the punishment for such a crime is great." He murmured before he lowered Qiu Shui to the ground, placing him in front of Xiulong.

The blue haired boy hurried forward, instantly wrapping his arms around the other boy his age, hugging him tightly, "I knew I would see you again!" This close up one could see scratches and bruises on what skin was showing that were all in various stages of healing, as though he'd been out getting into daily fights. It wouldn't seem as though he were to terribly bothered by it though. In fact all that seemed to matter to him was that Qiang Di had gotten the boy for him again!

Tian Mi starred down at the pair in a disgusted fashion before looking over at her Master, "Really, Master Di? Fifty for him? He isn't ever able to do anything..."

"Shes right, Master. You could have gotten a whole handful of girls for what you paid for him." Po Zei helpfully added in.

"Exactly... Damn it Po Zei, that isn't what I meant at all!"

The pair set to bickering once more and Qiang Di found himself considering the words, "Hm, maybe I should find someone for myself if you two are going to spend the night at each other's throats." The words had Po Zei and Tian Mi instantly changing their tune, each clinging to one of Qiang Di's arms, "Come on, all of you, we are heading back to the Bathhouse since we are done here."

Qiang Di didn't comment on the boy's whispered words if he had caught them, instead he was happily leading the way back to the bathhouse, "Tomorrow his training is going to go to a new level." He murmured to the two that were clinging to his arms.

Both lifted their gazes in a curious manner, wondering what that meant but they were left to guess since he didn't continue into any detail had the pair wondering that much more what it was that their Master was planning, neither pushed for the information knowing that come tomorrow they would know exactly what was going on. Until then their imaginations would run wild... never a good thing given both had vivid imaginations.

It didn't take to terribly long before the Bathhouse came into view and Qiang Di paused, turning to look over at Xiulong and Qiu Shui, "Alright you two, the rules are the same as last time. You will go to Xiulong's room and you will stay there. If you need anything Po Zei or Tian Mi will bring it to you but your little friend isn't allowed to wander around." The tall man said, giving Qiu Shui a look. Now that he was with Xiulong he was starting to smell strongly once more of his dangerous perfume which was starting to make him think that it was less perfume and more a natural scent about him, like the sweet scent of Bluebell that clung to Xiulong at all times.

The bluenette nodded his head, stepping in closer to Qiu Shui, "I will keep him in my room and safe with me." He said, giving a smile to his Master, wanting the man to know that he could be trusted with his friend and the protection of him. The tall man nodded and stepped inside, thinking deeply on something before giving a bit of a thoughtful sound as an idea came to mind. It wasn't exactly nice and far from fair but... it would test Xiulong's training as well as the loyalty that the little brothel worker had for the blue haired boy. He would need to consider how to go about this new idea just right.

"Hurry up, now." He said, dismissing them with a wave.

Xiulong took hold of Qiu Shui's hand and hurried led him away from the main room where the other gang members were hanging out and down to his room where they would both be safe from wandering hands.