[@Double]

[color=green]"Xun! Xun! Xun!"

The crowd chanted like a many-headed beast, and the atmosphere in the arena was electric. But Shiban did not pay attention to the distracting sounds. He pulled his probending cap lower over his forehead. His powerful forearm was briefly visible as he adjusted his cap, displaying raw muscles rippling in the light. And also a red tattoo the encircled it. Though none could make it out, it was the thorny stem of a red lotus that coiled around his left forearm like an angry serpent.

Shiban stood up from his seat, towering over most men. His eyes narrowed as he spotted the lone fighter in the middle of the arena. They called him Xun. Shiban grimaced. This Xun could prove to be the answer to his problems, Shiban thought. But first, he had to be really sure. 

He buttoned up his collar and approached the Red Room. A young man blocked his path nonchalantly, a flame dancing on his palm.

"Sorry. Fighters only," he said.

"I am here to fight," Shiban replied as he pushed him aside. The sight of the towering man made the youth rethink.

"You will find the Master there," he whimpered. Shiban continued walking in.

"So you wanna fight?" the Master asked, looking him up and down after Shiban had explained his wish. "What're you? Muscle bender or something?"

Shiban further pulled his cap down, hiding his forehead.

"Something like that," he replied. "And I want to fight him." He pointed back at the ring, at Xun.

"Oh not so fast, rookie," the Master replied. "You don't get to fight the Beast straightaway. Prove your mettle with someone else before you challenge him."

Shiban sighed in frustration. He hated subterfuge. But he had to apply to this man's baser instincts.

"I will wager a thousand that I can take your Beast down. I lose, you get to make a lot of money. Besides, I am the underdog here. If I win, I am sure your bookies will be very happy with the odds they make."

The Master's eyes gleamed. No matter the man's allegiances, it was clear he respected money. "What're you, some kind of millionaire nut with a death wish?" he asked rhetorically. He then shook his head.

"I don't know. Gotta ask the kid first. If he says no, it's a no."

"I am waiting," Shiban replied, folding his hand and standing his ground. The manager sighed and then walked into the ring to talk to Xun.[/color]