Led back into the dark, noisy interior of the Arena building, Aster and the two Mages were taken to a large hall that Aster guessed was the same one he'd entered the battlefield from, though he'd been too preoccupied at the time to take any great notice of his surroundings. There, they were disarmed and then led up a flight of stairs and a long, curved hall to a balcony overlooking the outskirts of Lakran. There, they were met by one of the well-dressed men whom Aster guessed had a hand in running the Arena. He looked to be rather unhappy, however something about his gait gave the impression that this was not an uncommon attitude for him.

You are to wait here for the Master to complete his affiars, he instructed tersely. He wishes to speak with you regarding your behaviors in the match.

With that, he departed, and the guards withdrew to the other side of the door before swinging it closed and leaving the three companions alone on the balcony.

What's happening now? Linnis asked.

There was a bit of a pause between the three. You expect one of us to know? Aster questioned. If I'd had any idea what I'd have to be doing here, I'd have told Kestra to take her plan and blow it.

A tremendous roar erupted from behind the wall, as the crowd continued to enjoy some other spectacle in the Arena. The sound came to Aster as an unwelcome reminder of an experience he would just as soon have cleared from his memory entirely.

I can't understand, Linnis began after a moment, why any being would want to engage in such a pointless and deadly spectacle. It's a terrible thing even to watch.

Aster shrugged. That one I know. You can find arenas anywhere; I could point you to half a dozen in the basements of pubs back in Cardinal. People do it for lots of reasons; big money if you win, for one. Plus, there's kind of a...feeling you get when you're really getting yourself in danger. You really notice it when it's over, and it feels really great. He shook his head. I guess. I'm still waiting to get it myself.

Linnis frowned at him. You fought in those arenas, didn't you?

Me? Hell, no. Aster shook his head vigorously, but paused after a moment. Though I have to admit I'd thought about it sometimes. There was this one merchant guard I ran into back in Cardinal. Said he started competing because he thought it'd help him keep in practice for fighting Beasts on the Road, but then he kept at it because it was the most fun he said he'd ever had. The thief's hand drifted to his belt, before realizing there was no weapon there. He gave me this old short sword, the one I was carrying around when I broke into the castle. He'd got enough money to buy a better one, or something. I carried around that sword wherever I went for weeks; Gavin thought it was the stupidest thing in the world; and he was probably right, but I just didn't care. There was something about the idea of being the Great Legendary Knight like all those heroes in the folk tales they tell to kids, and I.... He trailed off, shaking his head as he turned to the rail, looking out over the low, simply fashioned buildings clustered about the Arena. But no, I never actually did it. Whenever I thought to, I got...scared that I wouldn't be able to handle myself.

There was a short moment's pause before Linnis, despite her best efforts, burst out laughing at this? she demanded. When I first met you, you had broken into the castle Cardinal with the intent of stealing our royal treasures! What could possibly have scared you about fighting a Beast in a dirty basement?

Aster shrugged. Nowhere to hide.

The three spent a moment in silence before Darren spoke. What I don't understand, he said, is why you were pitted against a Beast of that size in the first place. I can't imagine how you could have possibly been expected to win.

Yeah, I wasn't too happy about that either, the thief replied.

Indeed, if the three of us together barely managed to defeat it, Linnis added, I can't imagine anyone believing that the Northend's servant might be able to perform the feat on his own.

I'm not even convinced that we did, said Darren. That magic blast at the end was certainly too powerful to come from any of us.

Linnis nodded. I've only seen power like that from the strongest of Clerics. I can't explain where it could have come from.

said Aster, it might not be all that strange for a Black Mage, I guess.

The idea took a moment to sink in. ...Of course, said Darren, nodding. It seems we owe Lazarus our victory in this match.

He can have it, Aster said. All I ever cared about was getting out of there alive.

A protracted roar erupted from the crowd in the Arena, washing over them and, Aster believed, sending slight vibrations through the very stone of the building. It seemed likely that another match had just ended, one way or another.

Linnis began hesitantly, During the fight, I noticed something...a technique you used. I'd seen you do it before in the Highlands, when battling the Templar, and I still don't know what to make of it. It was as if...you had split into three different persons for the barest of moments, then returned to normal. I've never seen anything like it.

The thief sighed. Neither had I, before I suddenly started doing it. It's not even something I try to do; both times, it just...happened. He shook his head. I was kind of hoping one of you would know something about it. Really, it kind of scares me.

Darren was frowning. I'm not certain, he said, but perhaps I do have some idea. I seem to recall hearing of a power that grants a wounded fighter unusual speed and ability for brief moments if he has suffered serious injury or distress. But the condition was so rare and poorly understood that I was never taught of it to any great degree.

Aster began, after a moment's pause to absorb this statement. What does that mean for me?

I can't imagine how it would be possible to use such power without some magical ability, Darren said.

Aster blinked. I'm a Mage? he demanded.

Darren shook his head. No, certainly not. You'd have noticed your magical abilites long before now if you were. He shook his head. I'm afraid I don't know the answer.

Before any of the three could speak to continue the conversation, the doors swung open and they were immediately thrust into the middle of another.

— under the impression that the match would not mean certain death! Gavin's rather agitated voice was declaring as the thief and supposed Nobleman strode into the room on the heels of the Arena master.

I made it clear to him that he wouldn't be gettin' any easy treatment from us on account of th' man who holds his services, the master replied gruffly. And you should have expected the same!

So you have all your fighters battle against woodland Behemoths one-on-one? Kestra demanded.

Just the ones who ask for it, shot back the Arena master. Your dispatch told me he wanted a serious fight, one that would prove to him a true and great challenge'. Well, I gave him one. If that bothers ya so much, then you'd better be more careful what you ask for next time. Cause we're in the business of givin' it to you.

Gavin was obviously flustered, but didn't reply before the other man turned on Aster and the others. Now as for you three, he said. I don't take kindly to people jumping in on my matches without notice or entry fee. He singled out the two Mages. Did you figure on makin' a good scene out a' this? Nice little stunt for the crowd? Well, this is my spectacle, y'hear? And that means I make the rules.

Your spectacle' was no more than a thinly veiled execution, Linnis replied harshly. I certainly shan't apologize for saving this man's life, and I think the burden is still on you to explain why you chose to endanger it as you did.

The master glared at her. Is it now, miss? I'm t'answer to you then, is that it? Well, who died and made you Queen?

I imagine the same man who died to make you Emperor, Linnis snapped in reply. But in truth, you only hold power over the tiny plot of land that exists within these walls, and I think you enjoy that power far too much.

A tense moment passed between the two of them, and Aster thought he might have been holding his breath. Then, with a slightly forced chuckle, the Arena master backed down. All right, Lady, he said. If that's the way you want to play it, fine. But you're taking half pay, no bonus for fighting the Beast alone, and not a one of you is competing in this Arena again. He turned to Gavin. Here's your precious servant, sir Northend. If you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to. My aides will show you out.

As soon as the master had departed and the guards weren't looking, Gavin and Kestra converged on Aster with every exclamation, short of openly embracing him, of relief at his safety. Their words came so quickly that for a time Aster had difficulty making out what they were saying.

So, Westmarch is probably waiting for us at the entrance, Kestra said at length. We'd be in bad form if we held him up.

Linnis and I will find our own way out, Darren said, softly enough that the guards waiting outside wouldn't hear. We're staying at the Chocobo Feather inn; you can meet us there as soon as you leave Westmarch's company.

Got it. Clapping Aster on the shoulder, Gavin joined Kestra in heading off the balcony. The other thief paused a moment, looking back at Linnis as he experienced an odd sort of tight sensation in his chest.

he said, with what he hoped was a grateful smile. ...Both of you. Glancing over to Darren to include the White Mage in his gratitude, he turned and went off to join Gavin and Kestra in departing the Arena.