Cahpter 12: In To The City.

***Talion pov. City ***

I was not prepared for just how large the city was. It was like something out of those old fantasy books. However the worst part was the tower was in the middle of it all. Not only that those Von gave me Nightmare Moon helmet. So now Nightmare can travel with us.

“So what do we do now?” I asked as I and Lily walked with Hel between us. Getting into the city was easy part, the hard part would be keeping a low profile. Kind of hard to do with this group, Morgan was a pain in the ass and I was slowly stop caring about her. Dust looked like she was ready to attack someone, Mag looked ready to blame someone and Buggey looked  ready to shoot somebody.

Bruiser and Eron looked like they were keeping a lookout for anyone strange following us. As for me, I was just looking to stay out of trouble. I felt more worried that someone would try and take Nightmare helmet that was hidden in the leather wrappings. That hang from my belt, but first thing first. We needed a place to stay.

“Follow me I know where to go.” Said Dust as she lead us around. This made me worry, the deeper we went... The more seedy the area looked. You know that one place in a city you wouldn’t dare go to by yourself? Yeah, that what this place was. Am I scared out of my mind? You beat I am. Because this is a side of the world I’ve only seen in movies and stories. And to be there yourself, is terrifying.

“Calm down, you're starting to look like a Von who never been out of the undercity.” Said Mag as he glared at me. Easy for him to say, just a few months ago I was living a normal life. Now I’ve killed, know magic and am being used by kings and lords for politics. I took a breath and think, the only reason they’re all acting this way is because they can’t leave the inland. Remove that barrier and things will change drastically.

“This is still new to me, back home history show a lot of bad things can happen in a city like this.” I replied, as we saw a group of drunken Von walk past us. “And seeing as slavery is okay in this city, I have more than enough reason to be weary here.”

“Good point.” Added Buggey looking at one of his pistols. “In a city like this, law and order go hand in hand with who controls the gangs.” I looked at Buggey when he said this. Grate there are gangs in this city too, as if worrying about the guards wasn’t enough.

“We’re here.” Said Dust as she lead us to a building, It looked like a small fourt. The area we was in looked like a slum, all dark and dirty. I even saw rats running around to eat at garbage. I heard Dust knock on the wooden door, waking up Morgan at the same time.

“Password.” Asked a gruff voice behind the door. Dust walked up to the door and said something I couldn’t hear. The door opens and to my surprise a Von looks out, he took one look at our group before saying. “Come around back, your big friend won't fit through here.” After he said that he closed the door and locked it.

I followed the others as we head around back and saw, what looked like two large barn doors. Once the doors open we was met with two minotaurs armed with what looked like cannons in their hands…

Dust walked on in like nothing was wrong, the rest of us followed her, as the minotaurs eyed us all. All but Eron who they nod at. Why do I feel like I’ve just walked into a bar full of seedy criminals? As soon as the doors behind us close I heard someone shouting.

“Starranger back!” I saw it was a pony who was yelling, the place then exploded with cheers and everyone in the bar ran over to the unicorn. I guess they all knew her? I just stand next to Hel and Lily confused. Wait, Dust real name is Starranger? First I heard of this.

I looked at Morgan as she was setting on Eron shoulders. She looked just as confused as I did. “You okay up there kid?” I asked as Starranger was taken to the bar for drinks. I feel like I’m missing something here.

“These people smell funny…” Morgan commented uncertainly, her face going through a range of expressions.

“Yeah, that the rum pup.” Said Bruiser as he looked around. Me I looked around as well, keeping an eye out. I didn’t like this place, Starranger seemed right at home. That worried me really, but I guess I now know why she so scary. Living here would turn anyone into a nutcase.

“So do we find some  rooms or look for a inn?” I asked as Eron walked over to me. Didn’t help he was the tallest one here, made me feel small like a little kid.

“We’re staying here for the night, then we’ll look for a safer place tomorrow.” He explained as the minotaur made his way to the bar. I looked to Hel and Lily feeling like the odd one out.

“So… Should we get get something to eat?” I asked as Lily gave me dirty looks, what is her problem?

“This place is not fit for Lady Hel to walk in, let alone eat any of the filth here.” Araswed Lily as she turned her nose up at this. I rolled my eyes as I lead them to the bar.

“Do you want Hel to be kiddnaped by these guys? Then stop acting like she royalty.” I said as I lead them to the bar. Eron was ordering drinks as Margon was looking around.

Morgan was wandering back and forth on the counter in a filly disguise resembling Starranger before sitting on the counter in front of the mare. “Mom, how do you know these ponies?” She asked loud enough to be heard over the noise of the bar.

Everyone stopped to stare before laughing. “So you finally settled down did yeah? Who the lucky stallion!” Yelled a pegasus who looked like he had his wing fathers clipped. Starranger looked stunned as she blushed in embarrassment.

I took a moment to look carefully at everyone. I didn’t know much about birds, but to find pegasus with their wing fathers clipped, a unicorn looked like he’s horn was removed too. Just what was this place?

“Rooms, now.” She growled, as the barkeep smiled and picked up some keys. He was a diamond dog who had a missing leg. Something felt really wrong with this place.

Later once we all had our own rooms, Eron got his own room seeing how big he was. Bruiser was sharing a room with Mags and Buggey. Starranger was staying in a room with Morgan and I… Was stuck in a room with Lily and Hel… Yeah this was not idle.

I was trying to sleep but finding no luck. Just as I was starting to relax I open my eyes to see someone standing over me. “Mag?” I asked, the next thing I know something hit me on the head.

I woke up again with my head hurting, I reached up and my head stung. I looked at my hand and saw blood. Great, now what do I do? I looked around and saw I was in some kind of big room. Or was it a dungan? I saw Von, Diamond dogs, Ponies, Griffons, even a minotaur or two. Just where the hell was I? Wait, I did a quick check of my things and found they were gone… On Fuck!

“Where the hell am I!?” I called out as the others in the room didn’t bother to look up at me.

“You’re in the games now. All you can wish for is a quick death now.” Said a pony looking at the floor. I then heard a cheer, a loud one. That sounded like it was coming from aboth me?

“Where are we?” I asked again this time a diamond dog who was pulling on a chain on it neck.

“You're in the colosseum, the games will begin soon and we will die.” He said before trying to pull the chain again. This is bad, I thought as I realized something. Those bastards took Nightmare moon helmet!

“I am going to gut every last one of them!” I yelled, it was only now I find out I was chained up to. Oh bugger… I saw a guard open a door and smiled, showing off rotten yellow teeth. I guess the game about to begin...

***Morgan pov. Colosseum VIP sweet.***

“Ouch…” I winced as I woke up. What happened? Last thing I remember was cornering mother to explain how she knew all those ponies...

“Oh good, your daughter is awake now.” Said a slimy voice full of pride. I blinked before looking to the voice and saw a fat rat man, sitting in a big chair eating what looked like ham. Next to his big chair was Starranger chained up and had something on her horn. She even had a black eye and bruises. “I didn’t know you had a filly Star, I do miss our time together. Maybe you can tell me how it all happened?” The fat rat asked leering at Star.

“Stay away from mommy you smelly rat!” I shouted as I charged at him, only to crash into a set of metal bars I didn't notice for some reason… ouch.

“Now, now be nice. I may even let your friend live for bringing me this gift.” Said the rat as Hel was dragged in, in chains by two guards. “I don’t get to see any of her kind before, I think I’ll add her to the collection.” He added with a smile. Load cheering was heard outside the balcony.

I was conflicted, I didn't know what to do first. Should I yell at him to release Hel? Or should I look to see what the shouting was about… I decided to worry about the pretty mouse lady first. “What are you talking about!? You leave them alone or else!”

“My dear didn’t your mother tell you about me? I’m a colletter, I find rare individuals like Star here and collette them.” He said picking up an apple then ate it.

“... what? I don't understand…” I said, this rat was making my head feel fuzzy now for some reason.

“Let me put it this, you know how pups like toys? But it not enough to just get the one? You need them all. That what I do, and those I don’t need.” He said smiling as a group was being lead out to the wide open space. I then saw Talion in the group as he was staring at something, I followed what he was looking at and saw another tower. It was apart of this place. “Die to entertain me.” I could only stare at him in shock at this.

“What did you do to the others…” Growled Starranger as she glared up at him. He laughed as he took a drink of something in a gold cup.

“Why should I care? I only payed them to get you three and something to make my games more fun.” He replied before pouring the drink on Star head. “For all I know they're all dead.”

The fat rat get up and go to the balcony before shouting. “Hello my friends, it is I your Keep Lord, Your Master and King! Bain Bloodworm! Today I gave you these slaves to die for your entertainment. My people, drink, eat and enjoy their blood! For they die for you!” I saw the thousands who came to watch cheered stomping their feet and yelling. As the fat rat calling himself Bain went back to his set.

“You'll be stopped… and mommy and her friends will be freed… just you wait.” I said, my head beginning to throb. What's going on?

“That so cute, you still think there hope. But let me tell you, I don’t care what you think. I have these fools eating out of my hand. They even believe I am the one who stopped the storms and gave them back the sky.” Bain said before laughing.

“What? But didn't… talion… do… that…” I said as I collapsed to my knees, my vision beginning to flicker. Ok, this is bad...

“Who?” He asked glaring at me, something felt wrong. Like pure hate was coming from him. He didn’t move as I saw someone was remove in the chains from the group at Talion was with.

“Talion… mom’s punching bag…” I replied with a smirk as my horn sparked. Not good, something must be messing with my magic, that must be why my head hurts… but I can't reveal myself… not yet.

“Something wrong? Is that little inhibitor stopping you from using magic?” Bain asked with fake sympathy.

“Shut up… you pig…” I managed to say before collapsing in a mixture of pain and exhaustion.

“Oh don’t fall asleep now, the show about to began.” Said Bain, as all I could hear was the masses cheered.

***Talion pov. In the Colosseum.***

I rubbed my wrists once the chains were removed. I looked around and saw a number of weapons were laid out for everyone to pick one. I looked behind me back at the tower, it looked like they built this place around it.

“Alright slaves, pick a weapon and put on a good show!” Said one of the guards as they walk away. I let the other pass as I look at the weapons, I then found one I knew of. Weapons I’ve seen before. One was my sword, but there was another like it only newer. I walked up to take them both, but was stopped as a diamond dog growled at me. I picked up my old sword and left the dog with the other.

I walked away staying with the group as I looked around. Trying to find a way out. Didn’t help the walls were so high, I heard large doors opening. Then saw something I didn’t like, They looked like… “Gladiators…” I said out loud. Lovely, I thought as they marched out.

“We’re all going to die!” Yelled a von and a pony as I saw them run away. I shook my head at them. Running would do them no good and there was nowhere to hide. I looked to the others who were standing there ground, while the gladiators put on a show.

“So, do we have a plan?” I asked as the others looked at me. I saw a earth pony with a spear, a von using an axe. They didn’t say anything as they looked back at the trained fighters. “Okay here a plan, gang up on them and get in there blind spots. Can’t do that, fight dirty.” I said out loud, the gladiators let out a roar as they charged at us. Some ran forward to met them, me I took all of Lily and Dust, well Starranger training to heart and waited.

Lucky for me all the gladiators were picking their targets. And one with a shield and spear I remember what she told me and acted. Step one, gage your opponents strengths. I used my sword to parry a blow for my gut from the spear. The Von then swings his shield arm at me as I step back. Step two, don’t waste any energy on your opponent defenses are stronger than yours.

I swing my sword to the side hitting the gladiator helmet with the flat side of my blade. He shook his head before trying to stab me again. Step three, if the opponent has a reach weapon get close. It’ll be harder to use.

I waited for the right moment as the gladiator lashed out with the spear again. This time I moved forward. Geting him by surprise as I made up would swing with my sword. The sword only nicked the Von shoulder but it was enough to drop his weapon. If your opponent show weakness press the attack. I didn’t have much else but my sword to him him with, then I remembered some Lily said.

If your opponent wearing a helmet, don’t try and cut but blugan them. So I kept hitting him on the head with the flat side of my sword. I was faster than he was blocking my swings. With every hit it looked like he fall over. And when I saw an opening I strike, the tip of my sword slied into the von neck. We both passed, as I saw a small line of blood run down his neck. When I pulled the sword back, the gladiator fell bleeding onto the stone floor.

I was snapped out of my dase by all the noise around me, when did I not notice that? I guess all that training was working. I saw a pony backing away from another Von in armor, I acted without thinking as I picked up the spear and throw it at the gladiator. Good news was it landed in the rat back. Bad news was he saw me.

“This is going to take a few hours…” I said to myself as I found the diamond dog who had my sword twin was dead. I calmly walked over and picked up the second sword, I gave it a test swing to test it wight and smiled. I could use this, I thought as I moved into attack.

The fighting lasted for another hour. As I was catching my breath, I looked at just how many died here. Couldn’t be more than 40 bodies, five of them gladiators. I looked at the last four as they were backing away from me and the survivors.

I looked to the rest, three ponies, two von, a minotaur and a griffon with a wing missing. I turned back to the gladiators and point my sword at them. “Want to live, get lost.” I said calmly. They looked at eachother before yelling and charged at us.

I cut one down in the charge, I then impaled my next opponent with both swords. I let them go when it looked like he was trying to grab me. I was out of reach as the von held on to both swords in his gut. I looked back to the others, the diamond dog died taking the gladiator with him, the other one killed two more ponies before the last one killed him with the help from the griffon.

“Rest while you can, it not over yet.” I called out looking around. I looked at what looked like a skybox. That must be where the keep lord is, but I had other things to worry about. Like what was behind the large doors that are opening.

Giant hulking ratmen walked out, They were wearing little armor ever to show off all that muscle or to make it easier for someone else to kill them. When I first saw something like them the term rat orger came to mind. But these things held weapons, one ever held a spear in one hand with a net in the other. The last one had no weapons, but what it did have was clawed gauntlets.

But they were not skaven, but these things must have been made with some kind of magic. Because I didn’t seen the familiar marks that were common with skaven. I only saw three of them, I looked back to the others. One griffon a pony and me… Three vs three… I licked my lips as I pulled my swords out of the dead von body.

“Okay here the plan, you two split up and try and get the other two to fight each other. I’ll take on… The one with the sword.” I called out as the three monsters roared, holding their weapons in the air. Did I think I’d live past today, not likely. But I wasn’t about to die to these things.

“Why should we do what you say!?” Yelled the pony, I rolled my eyes and point at the huge rats of flesh and muscle.

“You have a better plan? Or do you want to pick who deals with who?” I asked, as the three monsters moved towards us. I didn’t wait for a reply as I ran off from them. I watched the group as I ran, the one with the sword saw me. But the one with claws ran past it to run after me.

“Not part of the plan but it’ll do.” I said to myself as I kept running, the thing ran like a gorilla on all fours. I turned just in time to see one of it claws come at me, I jumped to one side to get out of the path of the large steel covered hand.

I was sent flying by the tip of one of it fingers snagging my cloak. I rolled in the fall before righting myself onto my feet. I slid as it ran at me again, I remember something Star told me about dealing with big opponent. They may have powerful swings, but once they lose that momentum a opening is shown. I didn’t get to train with Eron a lot in this, but I'll take what I know.

Another swing of the large fist as I backed away, it didn’t help it was using both arms swing wildly. I saw an opening and took it, I ran between both large hands and stabbed one of my swords into it knee. It let out a roar of pain as I ran between it legs, I however forgot about the tail. That slapped into my side, oh that hurt. I hope nothing broken, I thought as I tried to push the pain to the back of my mind.

I rolled on to my back just in time to see it limp it way over to me, I rolled away as it clawed hand came down on where I was. I was going to die here wasn’t I? I asked myself as that breath thought was pushed to one side. In order to focus on staying alive, It hand came up short and I stabbed my other sword into the gap in it fingers.

It roared again pulling it hand away and taking me with it. Once I stopped swinging, I let go of the sword as it other hand came to snack for me. I reached for the other sword and tried to pull it out, I then felt a huge hand clasp around my body. Knocking the wind out of me as I was pulled away. Lucky for me the sword came loose from it knee.

Bad news was, I was now in the monster face. I didn’t have time to think before jamming the end of my sword into it eye. It dropped me to scream in pain again, I ran to a dead pony and picked up it sword. I didn’t have time to try and pull my weapons free from it, with one jammed in it eye and hand trying to get them back was a bad idea. It was better to scavenge for what I can and bleed this monster to death.

“When did I become so brutal?” I asked myself as the beast charged at me. Every muscle in my body burned, I felt pain in my joints as I dodged out of the way of another attack. This time I aimed the blade in my hands for something more vital, I stabbed the sword into it back. Hopping to hit it in the kidney before pulling back. I ducked this time when the large tail came around.

It roared before lunging forward, I stepped forward driving my sword into it neck before running under it body to get away. I ran as I took a quick scan of the dead to find a useful weapon. As soon as I found one that wasn’t damaged, I snacked it up before turning back. I payed no mind to the sound of cheers or boos. I didn’t have time to care or know, I throw the spear in my hand at the beast. The tep landed into the things chest but didn’t slow it down. I could have used my magic at any time but I needed to save it for later. I didn’t want to run the risk, Mag told me that those who lived here don’t trust anyone with magic.

“What happened to the others?” I asked and in that shot lapse in judgment I felt the bite of steel in my side! As I was sent flying across the ground, I gasped for air as I felt something warm run down my side. I felt around in fear and shock as I felt something wet, I looked at my hand and saw red. It was blood, my blood…

I felt fear grip me as I stared at my hand. I felt my chest heaving harder and faster, as I could hear the monster walk over to me. My hand was shaking as I stared at it, I looked back at the huge monster as it walked up to me. Drool was coming down it jaw as it reached down for me, with the hand that had my old sword in it! I grabbed the sword and roared not caring if I could be heard over the masses.

“Fulgur!” I roared, there was a flash of light and pain. I could hear the monster screaming in pain, I didn’t let go as I was being thrown around in every direction. I felt myself hit the floor once or twice before being thrown into the air again. I didn’t let go, I would not let go no matter what! I hit the floor one last time before everything stopped.

I gasped for breath but didn’t open my eyes, there was no sound. Only the hiss of cooking meat and crackle of electricity, I slowly open my eyes as the smell of roasting meat and burnt hair filled the air. I looked down at the huge beast as it lay there, smoke rising off it body like a roast chicken. The hissing sound was coming from all the armor on it body, my limbs were full of pain but I got up and went over to it head.

I checked to make sure the sword wasn’t hot before pulling it out. I found it hard to keep up right, looking at my side showed why. I gulped trying not to think about it, that I may end up bleeding to death. It was oddly quiet… I looked around and saw the other two monsters had killed the pony. The griffon had it other wing missing as it held a sword in his talons.

I looked at the masses up high as they just stared at me, I guessed. I limped off holding my side, trying to find something to stop the bleeding. As I moved I noticed the other two monsters moved to stay away from me. The next thing I know, I fall over and pass out.

When I woke up I was in pain, my mind was foggy. Then I remembered the fight and what happened there. Shouldn’t I be dead by now? I thought was I opened my eyes. I was in some kind of cell, and there was a Von with a needle and thread in there hands. I blinked at them as they cleaned their hands in a bowl of water.

“Oh, you’re awake.” He said looking down at me. The Von had light brown fur and was wearing a white apron. I blinked at him for a moment before looking around the cell. Past the Von who was, I guess working on my side was a guard outside. He had a spear out and looked ready to use it.

“What happened?” I asked feeling like my throat was dry. I still had no idea how long I was out or where my friends were.

“Most of the day, it night now. You should rest, there some water by the bed and food. You’re going to be busy once you’ve healed. You killed a Vasten, not many can say they did that and walk away. I’ll be back in the morning to check on you. Take things slowly and try not to pull your stitches.” He said before leaving, once he was gone the guard shut the bar door before locking it. I was now alone… Fuck.

I looked at the food and water by the bed, it was on a small table made of wood. I slowly set up, feeling the pull of pain all along my side where the huge rat man got me. What did that Von call them? Vasten? Strange name, I looked at the food. There was a loaf of bread, some ham and a metal cup full of water.

“I feel to tired for this.” I say to myself before moving myself carefully closer to the food. I sniffed it before eating, making sure it wasn’t spoiled. As I ate slowly, I could see the moon light on the floor. Looking up I saw a small barred window, lot of good that did me. I took a small sip of water and looked down at my ankles to find they’re shackled. I licked my lips and looked at the odd drawings on the shackles. I decided to not do anything crazy or try light everyone up with Fulgur. I still didn’t have full control over it. After I ate the food and drunk the water I carefully lay back down and think about Hel and the others.

“I hope she okay…” I say to myself before closing my eyes and sleep. I then heard a voice, I opened my eyes to find I’m in a strange place. There was a full moon and I was standing on water…

“Okay, I must be dreaming.” I say to myself rubbing my face. “Well, let find out where our little Woona is.” After walking around this strange place, I found her. Nightmare was sitting under a tree looking up at the night sky. “So this is where you are?” I asked as she looked over at me. She looked surprised that I was there before everything changed, into a dark throne room. Guess she want to keep up the, I’m a dark overlord look.

“I am happy that you survived my servant.” Nightmare said lifting her head back, as if to give some air of importance. To me it just looked adorable, I rolled my eyes as I walked up to her. “You do not need to worry, I hide my helmet somewhere safe so that nopony will find it. Now tell me your plan to escape this place.”

“I don’t have one.” I replied simple, Nightmare nodded at this almost looked smug before she stop and was about to say something. Before noting what I said.

“That is good news now we can-WHAT!?” She yelled at me, once I stopped by her throne. “If you don’t have a plan to escape this place then we’re trapped here!” That was true, but I also needed a plan to get Hel, Morgan and Dust or StarRanger as she calls herself out of this place to.

“I do have a idea on how to get out of here. But it won’t be easy and we need the others, and for all we know they maybe getting a plan of there own ready to.” I explained thinking it over, if I could get into the tower and take the crystal from inside. It’ll break whatever image that fat Rat has set for himself and put everything he said into question.

“You have a plan?” Nightmare asked as she stood on the arm of her throne. I smiled looking up at the night sky. To be far I was putting on a brave face, this idea I had came with all kinds of risks. But it was better then doing nothing.

“It risky, but if everything go to plan things should get interesting.” I answered, and by interesting I mean full blown chaos.