Compared to the part of the castle I awoke to, these sections were one of proper stone and brick, with sconces lighting the pathway, splashing warm light and reavling mixes of both old and recently repaired masonry. There's a distant clatter of steel, and muffled voices. Something about this is familiar, even as we walk in silence, Queen Chrysalis' head held high as I walk just behind her.

She nods for me to walk directly beside her, and I jog to catch up, looking at her expectantly.
"Anontios. Your kind are capable in combat, are they not?" She says, breaking the quiet, glancing at my scars.
"Have you ever fought in an arena?"

Something tickles at the back of my mind, as if I'm being allowed to remember.
"I'm familiar." I find myself nodding simply.

"You are? Delightful, that saves me a rather boring explanation. This will be your chance to prove yourself to your Queens, to show the worth of our efforts to bring you back from eternal rest." Chryasalis explains, looking forward again.

... There's a dull, painful pulse in my chest as a question rises to my throat. It's one of the first feelings that isn't driven by what they wish of me, borne of my own curiosity. It's hard to say, like it's stuck in my throat. I want to ask questions, to learn what they mean when they speak of such. Every time I think about where I'm from, why I'm here, why everything looks so different, I'm met only with a hazy thought that provides no answers, and a dull, painful pulse in my chest, warning me. I suppose I should be upset by that, but I can't even muster that sensation. I suppose confusion will continue to be my closest companion, second only to the odd affection I've been brought unto with the Queens.

Chrysalis has paused, watching my face. I realize my lip is curled as I stare outward, down the awaiting tunnel.

"You look like there's something on your mind." Chrysalis prods, turning to face me with a tilted head.

"I'm... unsure." I find myself uttering.

It's as if her provocation allows something, the pain in my chest dulling, blinking several times. But there's a small problem of indecisiveness. I feel like I should have so many questions, but even thinking of half of them rouses the dull aching in my chest, my hand idly roaming to rest overtop of where my heart should be.

I'm spared from my silent suffering by Chrysalis, who steps closer, putting her face close to mine.
"...Perhaps there is more behind those eyes than I had previously assumed. I expected a creature of instinct, guided by our intent... but I can feel how the Element pulses in you, and the turmoil of your thoughts." She says quietly, watching me curiously. Her slitted eyes roam between my chest and my face, a mixture of interest and amusement clear on her face.

"Tell you what, Anontios... prove yourself an able-bodied Champion, and I shall allow you a quiet evening of questions. Would that motivate you?" She whispers, nearly pressing her nose to mine.
"Or... maybe you'd like some other kind of reward?" She slowly follows, far more haughtily. A quiet, wide, fanged smile takes her chitinous face as she teases.
"We'll just have to see what kind of creature you are, won't we? Now, follow along." Chrysalis pulls away without waiting for me to follow, carrying down the hall towards the distant sounds of steel and voices.

I blink several times, before quickly jogging after her.

I think the most troubling part of this is I'm not sure which I would rather pick. Or if I'd even be the one making that choice. For every question that nearly tickles my mind, I find my eyes wandering to her, watching the way her muscles contract, the odd squishiness of her chitin, or the way her mane slowly shifts with every step. She's a fascinating creature that enraptured my mind, with my own curiosity questioning our strange relationship, and why I just seem so... alright, with everything that occurs.

It's all very strange, but it doesn't entirely feel unwelcome.

An open, underground training pit is what awaits us as we finally turn down a hall, far down the tunnel. Several pony-shaped dummies are being battered by a variety of bat-like ones and other, chitin-colored ones, or even outright sparring with each other. Considering their anatomy, it's an interesting sight to say the least.

Rows of armor and weapons line the wall, all sharing a wide mix of origin and material, though all fitted to size their quadrupedal bodies.

The moment Chrysalis enters, however, the entire room quickly falls to a hush, quickly ushering each-other to stop and bow. One of the bug-things, wearing a light blue-stained scarf, quickly runs directly in front of her, taking a deep bow.

"My Queen. To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence?" It buzzes, stealing an upward glance.

"Galadus. Why, the pleasure is all yours. I am merely here to ensure that our fairest Nightmare Moon finds our newest asset... acceptable." Chrysalis chirps, glancing back at me. The...

Changeling. That's the word for them. It comes to my mind unprompted, filling the gap of knowledge as I glance around. It looks to me with confusion, looking me over.

"You... wish to pit this creature in the Arena?" Galadus questions.

Chrysalis squints, and that's all it takes for him to quickly lower his head again.
"Of course, my Queen. We will have him fitted in what is available, and prepared shortly." He utters quickly, which seems a much more favorable choice of words to his Queen.

"Delightful. Make it so, as he's to out on a show for the Thestral Queen shortly; a gift, one could say." Chrysalis explains, slowly turning.
"Remember what awaits you, Anontios. I expect you to behave while I'm gone." She whispers coyly as she passes me, her tail softly brushing my arm in a playful flick.

Even as the door shuts behind her, rattling firmly, it takes several moments for any amount of noise to return to this fighters pit. Mostly whispers and pointed stares, with Galadus letting out a pent-up, stressed exhale.

"So... Anontios, was it?" He asks, standing and looking up at me.

Compared to the others in the room, he's got about a foot of height over the others. His chitin-covered body bears a few scars, most notably one that streaks over his left eye.
"I'm the pit manager. I pick the teams and prepare the fighters. You know how an Arena works?"

"What am I fighting?" I ask suddenly.

"Seems the Queen is deciding that one you're to be a show of favor to the Thestral Queen, so we'll need to get you geared. I doubt it's going to be something simple." He sighs, rubbing his face with a hoof. Galadus pauses, gaze quickly darting over the still quiet room.
"What are the rest of you waiting for? The Queen is gone! Quit ogling and get back to it!"

The other fighters quickly scramble as Galadus barks, returning to their sparring, weapon inspections and practices as they try to quickly distract themselves. It's not really working, the way some of them keep pausing to look over, but Galadus ignores it for the moment.

"The Queen normally decides what we go up against, whereas I prepare the fighters. We often get rotations for training, but most of the Changelings and Thestrals you see here make a career of this. Follow me, we'll see what might fit you." Galadus gestures towards the variety of racks holding a wide collection of gear, leading me towards them.
"Not sure we have much that would fit a bipedal, but we might be able to strap a few things on you in a makeshift fashion. This place doesn't see many bipedals, so..." Galadus trails off.

He pauses by some of the armor, quickly shifting parts to the side with a hoof as he squints at them, tsking softly.
"Think we can cross off anything here fitting on your... barrel, unfortunately, but we might be able to stretch a few straps to fit your limbs." Galadus mumbles, trying to eye up something that might match.

As Galadus talks, my own eyes slowly roam across the selection. Most of it looks pretty basic, but decently cared for. I expect that the more veteran fighters keep and maintain their own gear, and these are for the uninitiated. This all feels deeply familiar, in a nostalgiac way, like I've done this dance before. I'm not even sure why I answered Chrysalis or Galadus so confidently about this, but the answers flow freely while my memories do not.

"A new fighter, Galadus?" Another voice pipes in, trotting over from the others. Another Changeling, this one already strapped up in bits of leg and chest armor, a shorts shortsword idly floating by her side in a quiet, pulsing grasp of magic.

"Hermona. Did I excuse you from your sparring?" Galadus snips, glancing over.

"Already bested the last three you sent at me. Wanted to ask if this one was available -- he looks like a fun scrap, something new. Could use something for that, though." Hermona points at my waist with a hoof, snorting to herself.

"... Here, Anontios. Take this loincloth." Galadus grunts, seemingly in agreement, tossing a cloth at me. I suppose the nudity is a bit one-way, considering their parts are more hidden than mine.
"And no, this one's... honestly, I'm not sure what his deal is, if he's a new fighter or some trophy piece. Queen Chrysalis wants him fitted for a fight, and that's as much as I need to know." Galadus retorts, pulling what I assume is a part of leg-armor from a rack, comparing it to my own.

"You have such strange limbs. I'm not sure anything is going to fit you." Galadus tsks, sighing and setting it aside.

Hermona pokes at my skin, surprised by it's give. She continues to press into the flesh of my leg with a hoof, laughing softly.
"This guys as soft as a hatchling, no wonder he's got so many scars. You better figure something out, Galadus, or the Queens are going to be cheering for a paste. Not sure if they intend for you to survive or not, throwing you in here without proper gear." She teases.

"Let's hope they feel merciful about what they intend to send you up against." Galadus mumbles, trying another, larger piece. If part of it was undone, it could serve as a makeshift vambrace, but I doubt it'd be comfortable.

My eyes flicker towards the racks, looking for something. Not armor, but my fingers slowly flex as my gaze lands on the weapons.

"You at least know what you want to fight with?" Galadus prompts, as he tries holding up a part of one of their chest armors, comparing it to mine.

I did, surprisingly. My eyes stopped on it the moment I saw it.

"There you are, my most Malicious Mistress." Chrysalis purrs, turning from one of her bug-kin attendants to the arrival of her other. The arena's bustle could be heard through the wall, even inside the elevated room that connected to where they, of royalty, would watch. Their room for quiet preparation, before a bout of bloodthirst -- usually accompanied by a contrastingly quiet dinner.

However, Nightmare Moon's mood has yet to improve. A poignant frown sits atop her face as she regards her other, head tilted up to stare down her snout at Chrysalis.
"Chryssi." Is all Nightmare returns, fairly dry.

"Come now, Moonie. Need you still be upset with me?" Chrysalis pouts, stepping closer to Nightmare. Nightmare, however, rebuffs her, walking past her with a scoff.

"Perhaps when you do not beguile your returned creature to greet me with it's tongue." Nightmare snips back, without looking.

"Our returned creature, Moonie." Chrysalis makes sure to enunciate, still chipper despite her others displeased demeanor, taking enjoyment in the act of watching Nightmare walk off.

Rampant cheers and hisses, shouts and yells, chitters and chants swell and carry from the hive and stone-carved Coliseum seats, echoing throughout the ring. A more recent addition to the Castle, an outside section had been dedicated to creating a form of sadistic tribute to the Twin Queens image. Built to signify their unity (primarily in shared bloodlust), stone walls and archways gave way to a two-story structure that was inter-mixed with the almost alien material that Changelings used for their own hives, giving the entire arena a downright cruel presence.

The second floor a wide ring of seats that encapsulate the entire width, hosting a variety of Thestrals and Changelings baying for blood, for flesh, for entertainment. But even now, whispers and calls of challenge wormed through the seats, questioning the strange creature that stands in the sand below, oddly still as it simply watches the crowd back, confused by the odd shape of it. The lack of chitin or fur, like some kind of diminutive, hoofless, hornless minotaur.

But their doubts and wonderings take a quick backseat as the collective excitement overtakes, rippling through the gathered masses.
"Blood! Blood! Blood!" The crowd begins to chant, hooves in the air, the most excitable of the lot taking to the air as a few of the guards try to keep some semblance of restraint.

With an open ceiling, the crisp dusk air holds above; while Nightmare Moon might wish for the Moon to greet her as it once did, hanging far above, their control was limited until they could wrench the true power from the Sisters. Until then, the bleakness of their fogged dusk would be what little comfort it could, the limits of what they could inflict upon Equus.

The first floor was a simple, wide-open pit, grass cleared to offer only sand under hoof. Two imposing, stone-braced metal grate 'gates' were the only form of entrance into the pit, each leading deeper to the chambers that host their respective fighters, willing or not.

Positioned above and between the entrances, is the overhanging balcony for the Queens. Impressive, plush 'thrones' befit with blankets, pillows and ever-awaiting servants grant them an admirable, comfortable view of the crowd. And more importantly, the show below.

Typically, shows were either Thestrals or Changelings pitted against something, like local beasts captured from the Everfree, Prisoners, or each other. A measure of morale and, and a crueler measure of training. Today, however, they would test the mettle of their investment.

Standing below in the dirt-floor of the center 'stage', was Anontios.

The roar of the crowd... the full exposure to an entire ring of souls waiting for blood to spill. It tickled his memories. The dirt was stained in a familiar way... the smell in the air. The expectations. The demands. The stakes. This is what he knew. But he didn't remember why.

A long, slow breath winds into him. They'd given him a loincloth, simple spear, and a worn shield. Nothing more. The Bug Queen had granted these to him under the expectation of a stellar performance. He would not disappoint.

Why this felt so familiar, why he was here, why did he desire to serve; all questions that couldn't drift into his mind, warded by the magics imbedded in him through the rituals. He remembered so little, like there was a fog in his mind. The heat in his chest thrums, instead. Reminding him of those he serves. Those he is to dedicate this performance to.

Instead, he raises his spear, his gaze rising to the Twin Queens as they watch from their heightened emplacement, higher than any of the crowd. The distant roars of the expectant watchers meant nothing to him, now. Only them. That is the answer to his questions. Only them.

The Bug Queen watches him closely, as she usually did, leaning forward and resting head on hooves. He was proud to be subject to her attentions. She was interested in him, and he would do what he must to ensure he never falls from her sight, her favor.

The Moon Queen held her head high, her gaze only flicking to him for a moment, before she looked away and over the crowd again. He must prove himself to earn her gaze; she was mighty, and regal. Both had expectations of him, but she demanded a champion. His chest thrums softly, like a pulse of energy seeping through his flesh, renewing his confidence, his vigor. She would get one.

It felt like there was a fire roaring in his chest; but he felt no pain. He felt nothing at all, but a need for their approval.

"I've never seen you so disinterested in one of the Arena bouts, My Cruelest Night." Chrysalis hums, as a Changling drone pours wine into a flask. Changelings could eat things that were not love, but they weren't nearly as nutritional. Love was mandatory, everything else could, at the most, temporarily mute the hunger. In times before she met Moon, Chrysalis was a hard pusher of sticking to the essentials; which meant no time spent on frivolities. Every moment must be spent in the pursuit of Love, to feed her innumerable Drones.

Now, however; basking in their numerous victories, she could not help but treat herself. They had love to spare, stolen from Canterlot and symbiotically fed to them through the Thestrals. The Hive hadn't been this fortuitous in decades.

Alcohol couldn't get her drunk, anyway. She simply enjoyed trying the various tastes, to spite their previous owners.

Nightmare Moon sighs, rolling her eyes. She usually enjoyed such fare... combat and battle were one of her personal favorites, be it a close duel between equals or a one-sided slaughter, or any mix. But today, she wasn't quite in the mood, thanks to Chrysalis' little stunt. It had soured her opinion of the creature. What was to be a veritable, mighty beast that would surge their plans of eternal night forward... was a small, naked minotaur twisted by thoughts intended to pervert its masters. Compared to the legends, this thing... well, it couldn't disappoint more than it already had. Even if it was a good kisser. Her lips curl at the thought, wholly rejecting that thought path.

When Chrysalis gets no response, she pouts, letting out a long sigh. Moonie could get... Moody. And when she did, she got cold. It was cute. Sometimes. She adored her twisted midnight, but she needed to learn to loosen up. She flashes a glare at the drone, and they're quickly left alone on their balcony view, lounging upon their pillows. Below, the gate across the Arena slowly begins to shutter open.

Anontios turns, facing the noise. Slowly, lumbering, with chains bound around its neck and limbs, prodded by spears and guided by several armored Changelings and Thestrals -- is a Manticore. The snarling beast lumbers into the Arena, as gasps and shouts take the crowd. A brutish, solid lion-esque body with a growling head digs its claws into the dirt, whipping its poisonous scorpion-tail at its surroundings. Its wings are clipped, keeping it from flying out of the Arena. The Guards are quick to retreat once its inside, the gate slamming shut and kicking up a plume of dust.

His grip tightens, the wooden handle of the spear creaking. He had no idea what it was... but it was flesh. And flesh could bleed.

It was something they'd caught recently, that Chrysalis intended to reveal to Moon as a little gift; a suitable, if quite difficult challenge for their new toy. Chrysalis' eyes flicker over expectantly.

Nightmare Moon barely offers it a glance, before scoffing, and looking away again. Chrysalis frowns.

The Manticore roars loudly, a bellowing throat-rumble that makes the crowd fall silent. With slow, heavy steps, it starts to circle Anontios. He, in turn, begins circling it; he's taken a wider stance, braced behind the shield, spear held aloft as he traces the dirt with slow steps, matching the beasts speed.

Well, this would be no fun if her dearest Moonie wasn't enjoying it. Most of her enjoyment of the spectacle came from watching her reactions, after all.

"...Or are you simply upset that it kissed me in a way you haven't?" Chrysalis whispers, toying with her more openly now that they were alone.

Nightmare Moon stiffens, somehow looking further away, a frown that soon turned to a scowl settling on her visage. At this point, she was practically turned away from the Arena entirely, looking more at a wall then the spectacle.
"We don't know what you mean." Moon grumbles sourly.

In the Pit, the battle continues; though for the Twin Queens, its no longer their focus, just a background distraction.

The beast roars again, launching forward. It's wings flap, uselessly, as it tries to take to the air. Anontios, silently, matches its charge; with several quick paces, he rears back, and throttles the spear through the air towards it.

"It is a tool, Dearest. A weapon. A toy of no equal. Our. Reward. We replaced its heart with an Element; that of Loyalty. Corrupted by our magics, it is obsessed with us." Chrysalis starts, before floating her cup of wine to herself to take a sip, the red liquid staining her teeth.

The spear slams into the creatures shoulder, burying into its Mane; with enough force that its charge is stumbled. Anontios picks up speed, before slamming into the creature himself, hand grasping its fur. Shield braced between the two, its pushed back by several feet, carving through the dirt as they begin to wrestle.

"Truly, deeply in tune with us, as if it were an extension of our very own magics, culminated and twisted together. And since we are both significantly magical creatures... do you know what that means?" Chrysalis continues, pausing for a response from Moon. Moon, still avoiding eye contact, does not return one.

The Manticore gnashes its teeth downwards, biting at Anontios; it catches a mouthful of shield, creaking with strain as the beast tries to crush through it. Anontios shifts, and slams the jutting spear with his foot, wrenching open the stab-wound into a gushing cut, the spear tumbling to the ground as the beast growls in pain, crushing the shield between its jaws, splinters flying.

By this point, neither Queens are paying any attention to the battle, too deeply involved in their own conversation. The roars of the crowd are nothing to them as they speak.

A slow, teasing smile splays across Chrysalis' lips.
"It did nothing to you, or to me, that we did not desire it to do."

"W-WHAT?!" Nightmare Moon hisses, twisting to face her insectoid other. "What are you--"

"Truthfully, I had no plans to... well, get tongued by the thing." Chrysalis giggles, her tongue snaking out as she remembers how forceful it was. "But how could I not, when the first thing it does, upon becoming in tune with your own desires, is kiss you? And oh. So. Tenderly. Even a profession to be your Champion? I've always loved that soft little side of yours. I could hardly contain myself."

"You speak lies. Slander, to betwixt our mind. Unsteady us, with your games." Nightmare Moon spits firmly, finally turning to face Chrysalis with a scowl.

Chrysalis giggles, covering her mouth with a hoof.
"Please, my Opulent Oligarch. If even now you find trouble believing my words, then let my actions speak instead."

Nightmare Moon squints, leaning close to Chrysalis, curling her lip.
"And just how might you do that?"

Chrysalis glances towards the Arena. Then, back to Nightmare Moon. A wide, wicked smile takes her lips as she gestures towards the pit.

Nightmare Moons scowl follows, looking down into the Arena.

Anontios stands atop the slain beast, which lays in a pool of its own growing puddle of crimson that seeps into the dirt. The shield is in splinters, and the spear is broken, half of it buried into the Manticores eye. He's staring up towards their balcony. It's only once he has both of their gazes, that he raises a closed, bloodied fist. The crowd erupts, cheering, hissing and shouting at the now finished burst of bloodlust. Anontios himself bears several deep claw marks, blood seeping down himself. But he doesn't stagger, or fall to a knee.

He has never felt so... muted. His heart does not thud with the spike of adrenaline from battle. There is no relief in victory, no fear from injury. No pain.

Only a fiery pride that thrums from his chest, knowing he has done as they asked.

Nightmare Moon can feel him stare directly at her, with nothing else on his mind. His fist lowers, pointing in her direction; and he kneels. He dedicates this kill, this display, soley to her.

Her heart flutters, and she's deeply offended by it.

Chrysalis, however, leans into view, that same smile sat on her face.
"A most potent toy, hmm? I'd be hard pressed to find a Changeling that could slaughter a Manticore so fiercely... and I'd bet the same of your Thestrals."

Nightmare Moon doesn't like that last comment... but she's hard pressed to agree. Especially without armor or magic. He had faced it in physicality only, and bested it. Despite her mixed feelings, she had to acknowledge that this... she would not call it a toy, as Chrysalis decided to. This would be her Weapon.

She slowly stands, wings unfurling as she raises her head. And slowly, nods.

The man lowers his arm, remaining knelt.

Well... at least it knew its place. The smug look on Chrysalis told her that she figured out the thing was growing on her.
"...We shall leave it to you to ensure it doesn't bleed out, if it even needs such attention."

Nightmare Moon goes to turn, but pauses. She nuzzles Chrysalis' neck, for but a moment.
"We still are not quite happy with you, Chryssi." Nightmare Moon warns, before slowly sauntering out of the balcony, into the depths of the Castle. Chrysalis watches her, staring after her even once she's gone into the dark halls.

Chrysalis hums softly, looking down into the pit again. Anontios has climbed down off the beast, and now waits in the center of the pit, staring at the balcony. There would be more fights tonight, but none so showy. Mostly drones, training.

She nods for Anontios to approach the exit, beginning to turn herself. Chrysalis had expected its hide to be a bit thicker, though it was... surprisingly squishy when she put her hoof on it. Perhaps it still required armor, being weaker to physical assault. They'd have to test its magic resistance... a cockatrice would do, but she would lose a few Drones capturing it.

A thought for later. She licks her lips. For now, she had a toy that needed tending. Perhaps some punishment, for dedicating its kill to one Queen? Or perhaps forgiveness, since it made Moonie feel better. She'd figure it out.

Watching them leave, Anontios slides off the back of the Manticore, watching as several of his Queens denizens surround the corpse, preparing to haul it. They pause, staring at him with wide eyes.

He feels nothing, and turns to meet his Queen.

Author's Note