WARNING! THIS CHAPTER IS MEANT TO BE A LITTLE... ON THE RISKY SIDE. HONESTLY, THERE'S SO MUCH THAT IT'S GOING TO BE CONSTANT LINES AND WARNINGS! For that reason, you can skip if you'd like. I'll leave a summary at the bottom.
"So, you got everythin', darlin'?" Trixie asks through the curtain. I whimper a little bit as I step out in the new outfit. It's… actually really reserved for Trixie, but I still feel really open, with a short blue skirt and a green halter top that flatters my figure, paired with red and black slight heels.
"Uh huh. Listen to what the guys want, get their order, bring them their drinks or food, and let them touch, but not let them get handsy. Are you sure I can't wear something a little more… covering?" I tug at the short skirt. I can't do anything about the halter top, with the front of it covering everything, though the back is quite… breezy. I really don't like it.
"Hon, you gotta let yourself loose. You're cute, and you gotta fit the boss's clothing preference if you wanna work here. Your family needs the money, right?" Trixie comes forward and starts to put actual make up on my face. It takes everything in me to not freak out when she's putting stuff on my eyelids. If I can kiss a corpse against my will, I can definitely put up with someone putting things on my face… even if it makes my skin crawl.
"Well… yeah…"
"Then stop your complainin'. Deviago pays well to those that do well. I'll show ya how to work the tables for a bit, then you're on your own. Hope you're pretty enough to last the day. Now, about that hair..." Trixie yanks my hair into a tight ponytail in the back, wrapping it around itself once before letting it hang. I feel the cold draft hit my back.
"Is this really necessary?" I squeak. She taps my butt firmly. I yelp and shy away from the sudden impact.
"Deviago wants his girls presented to reveal their best selves. You're lucky that you're one of the girls that doesn't need to show all their body to look good. You can be more like a little present to the boss that he can open up at his leisure." Trixie smirks.
"I-i-is he expecting me to strip?" I suddenly regret doing this undercover thing at all.
"No, no, no. Some girls he likes on display. Others, like you, look better teasing your body. It's either that or take care of the pets, and only those that have worked here for a while and don't like the job still get to go there." Trixie rambles. Looks like I have to grin and bare it for a while… but I really… really don't like it. "Now, come with me. I think the boss is getting his favorites together to celebrate another takedown of another clinic's healers."
"A-a-alright." I mumble uneasy. Trixie leaves my appearance and gestures me to follow her into a different room. I do my best to deal with the heels, though I trip a few times. Trixie rolls her eyes each time. I… I have to deal with it. I can do it. It just takes a little bit of time… to get used to walking on my toes… but I did that all the time back in the barn! Just pretend I'm constantly walking on a tightrope. As much as I wish I could take these off, I already showed how clumsy I am with them. Better for me to slowly improve, like I did with my magic, than to just suddenly get it perfect. Besides, it's getting a little easier. I finally get the hang of it right before we enter a loud, noisy room.
There's so many people sitting around a table. Lots of scantily-clad women are laughing and toying with giant gladiators. The men seem to both bask and ignore the women, reaching for plates of food. They only use their fingers lined with gold rings. I do my best not to wrinkle my nose at their behaviour as I am currently an employee of theirs… though I am appalled by their manners. Open mouths, loud chewing and laughing, how do those women stand it? I manage to catch a woman wrinkling her nose a little bit, but she disguises it with a playful hit on his shoulder. He smirks at that, brings her into a kiss, then ignores her. When a plate is gone, a male servant, one that doesn't look like they have the nicest treatment, retrieve the next dish and take out the old one. He's clothed in all black. What alarms me are the bruises on his face. I'm almost convinced that the rest of him is as black and blue as his face. Even more terrifying is that he's struggling to walk. A few women look at him in concern, but they… visibly restrain themselves. There's a soft round of pained moans as he leaves. Deviago sits at the front of the table, preening over the gaggle of girls practically naked on him. I flush at how they are behaving before quickly following Trixie. I guess the quick movement I make to keep up gets Deviago's attention. He stands up. Immediately, all the girls drop to their knees. I follow suit, making sure that I don't give anyone a show of what I consider most valuable.
"As most of you are aware, we visited that old, rebellious clinic. You all know the one, run by the old idiots. My sources told me that the healer was definitely living there. When we arrived, they claimed that the girl ran off somewhere. Personally, I buy it. They were definitely agreeing that the girl is gone. What a shame that we didn't get her. She would have been the creme-de-la-creme of the crop. I doubt I would ever have let her out of my grasp." Deviago is in a boastful mood. Trixie eases herself a little bit next to me. Seems like him being in a good mood is good for the rest of us. I'll keep that in mind.
"Which girl are you talking about?" One of the people in the back cries out. Deviago gives a mighty glare at whoever just interrupted him.
"You know the one! The girl that held off vulkodalks and ran away from him!" Another harshly whispers.
"Oh! The one that had you panting after like a dog! I know now. Sorry!" The first one waves a hand. Trixie tenses next to me. I do the same. Not good.
"Gerald… I do hope your memory loss isn't… permanent." Deviago threatens.
"No, boss. Sorry about that." The man sounds truly apologetic. That's when Deviago stops glaring and starts to swirl his cup around. Trixie lets out a sigh of relief.
"Either way. We didn't get the girl, but they don't have her either. WIthout her, their puny little clinic won't survive the month. It's not the best outcome, but it could have been worse. I even brought back a prize. You." Deviago points directly at me. I gulp at the attention. "Stand up." I carefully rise to my feet, uneasy with all the attention. All the women's eyes are fearful… for me. The men peer up and down my body. I force myself to not play with my hair. "What's your name, girl?"
"I-i-it's-" Oh, no. I don't know what I'm going to call myself!
"I don't care!" Deviago laughs. All his gladiators laugh with him. I flush in relief and embarrassment. "I like the name Blossom. What do you think, Blossom?"
"It's perfect, sir." I know I don't have much choice in the matter. He gets what he wants by the looks of things. Besides, at least I have a bit of cover. At least now I can claim that my name is Blossom.
"Blossom's new here. Apparently her family owns a farm and needs help. What do you say boys? How shall she earn her keep?" Deviago laughs. I look around to notice that a couple of men have far too much lust in their eyes to be friendly. It's almost enough to make me drop my illusions and lash out, though the doors creak open. Everyone, including me, looks to see Sett walk into the room with his arms crossed.
"Where's my pay, Deviago?" Sett arrogantly drawls. I quickly fall back onto my knees, glad to be out of the center of attention. Trixie's hand reaches over to give a little bit of comfort. I'm still shaking. That… was horrible. Thank the stars that there was a distraction.
"It's coming, Settrigh. There's a stubborn customer that we're collecting cash from." Deviago snorts.
"You're behind on your payments for the past three weeks, boss." Sett scoffs, taunting the man with the title.
"You know how these things work, Settrigh. Now, go train. I'm sure your next battle will be legendary." Deviago dismisses Sett. Sett's face contorts into fury before he coolly calms down and leaves the room. Deviago sits down. Women slowly get back into making the room happy. Trixie stands up, pulling me with her to collect a pitcher. I can smell the alcohol in it when I get close enough to hold it. She motions me to follow her.
Men reach up with partially empty goblets. She demonstrates how to pour the drink and interact with the man before she leaves me on my own. I do my best to not shake when Trixie walks away. I can do this. I can do this. If I can face down an army of Mageseekers and the king, I can pour a drink for sleazy men. I really hope Yone doesn't see me do this. This would be… embarrassing to say the least.
The first drink, I almost pour too much. The man is, thankfully, very kind. He's also the farthest away from Deviago. He gently catches my hand before I spill and helps me pour his drink. His friend next to him holds up his own goblet. It's also mostly full, but I'm grateful that they're letting me practice and help me. With that little bit of help, I start to make rounds to the more… unsavory people at the table. Some attempt to grope me when I pour their drinks. A few slap my butt before I can dodge. The women around them immediately come to my rescue, teasing the men and distracting them as I continue to fill their drinks. The ones that grab my wrist, a lady will tease the offender with a little tease of their chests. They immediately let go to pay attention. I desperately want to use my magic, but I'm not sure how much I can use. Even keeping this illusion for as long as I have is making me tired. Still, I keep a polite smile and continue to do my job. Eventually, Deviago raises his goblet. He's staring at me pointedly. I carefully but quickly walk up to his seat. These women glare at me in… jealousy while I pour his drink. When I'm about to leave, his slimy hand grabs onto mine.
"Well, you… are a very… very… purdy girl. I could… I-i-i could just… eat you up!" He tries to pull me into a drunken kiss. I very carefully use a little bit of magic, stopping him from kissing me. I make sure that it's close enough to seem like he kissed me, but isn't actually. I'm really glad. For one, I'd really like to not be kissed against my will while I'm in my non-possessed mind. For another… He's literally drooling against my small shield. EW. That is absolutely disgusting!
When he pulls away to breath. I do my best to look like all his slime has gotten over me. I even feel it, sending a violent shiver up my spine. Still, I give a very shaky smile. Deviago smirks at that and points at my 'messed up' makeup.
"See? That… that is how… how you-"
"Uh, sir?" A young man timidly interrupts the meeting. Deviago's eyes blink one at a time. I carefully slide my hand out from his grasp and try to not look like I'm escaping. Trixie quickly comes over to my side. Her hand finds mine. Her thumb gently rubs against the back of my hand.
"You alright, Blossom?" Trixie asks under her breath. I shudder and shake my head no. She winces in shared dislike. We're silent as the young boy scampers to the boss. He leans in and whispers something. It enrages Deviago as he abruptly stands up and slams his goblet into the table. All the women, including me, immediately drop to the ground.
"Who… Who hired… who hired the.. the Swordsmen!" Deviago howls. The entire table goes quiet. The only thing heard is breathing. Deviago turns to Trixie. "Was it… Was it you?"
"No, lord." She states clearly, a soft trembling voice. I'm actually shaking in fear of this man's wrath. He's managed to amass this much power in the first place, he must be capable of something horrible. And if he's mad about the swordsmen… I have to find a way to protect Yone and Yasuo… I guess that's another task I need to do. Find the healers, find the vulkodalks, and inform the brothers while also making sure they are safe… relatively. I'll take alive and having all important limbs intact.
"Are… Are you… lying? Bastard… Bastard thir… thirty. Is she… Is she lying?" Deviago slurs. A male servant slips out of seemingly thin air and drops to his knees.
"No, sir!" He barks out, alarmed. Deviago doesn't seem to like that as he stumbles over to the man and kicks him in the chest.
"I DON'T LIKE YELLING!" Deviago screams. He brushes his hair back before he pats the man. "I don't… I don't like… Like Yelling. Are you lying?" I flinch at that. He's seemingly sober. I know I put alcohol in his drink. Yet his eyes could not possibly be clearer. How did he manage to become sober?
"No sir." The man, I'm not calling him the name Deviago gave him, looks up fearlessly, though I can see tears in his eyes. "She is not lying."
"Then who brought those bastard brothers here!" Deviago roars. Some of the gladiators smirk and start to offer coins. Trixie starts to tremble again. Every single person who isn't a gladiator of Deviago's is trembling. Even the young boy, who looks like he wants to leave but can't. This is bad. I guess my favorite swordsmen are a great point of annoyance to him. "First, they come here without my knowledge. Then, they start to take away my babies, and finally, they unknowingly helped my healer get away! I WANT TO KNOW WHO BROUGHT THOSE LITTLE SHITS INTO MY CITY!"
"I… I don't know." The servant whimpers. He places his head on the floor. I can hear the tears coming out of his throat. "Please, don't hurt them. I don't know." Them?
"Hmmm. Blossom, you are about to witness exactly what happens when someone crosses me." Deviago beckons me to his side. I carefully make sure that my outfit isn't going to reveal anything as I go to his side. He wraps an arm around my waist and walks me around. I have no idea how he's able to walk straight as he guides me out. The man behind me blubbers a little bit as Goliath picks him up and takes him away.
"S-s-sir?" I stammer, definitely not comfortable with how he's feeling up my side. I want to step away, but he's in a really bad mood and I don't want to make it worse. He keeps his hand at my waist when my voice trembles, so maybe he isn't going to make me that uncomfortable?
"You came here of your own volition. That was rather rude of me. Apologies, when the alcohol gets me… well, it's not always pretty." The boss sighs. At least he's being respectful of me now, not trying to touch anything on me. "I apologize for my behaviour. The healers weren't fast enough to purge the poison out before I acted… horribly."
"There were healers in there?" I ask, a little surprised. Seems like there's a clue as to where all the healers went. It also confirms what Haru thought. The healers are being taken to Deviago… But where? I didn't see any obvious signs of magic. I guess I'll have to investigate a little bit more before I try to inform Yone.
"I'll let you guess who they are. Now, onto the show!" Deviago smirks. He keeps rambling about his achievements, like having the most prolific and active business that the public loves.
According to him, the colosseum is one of the safest places to be, where the people can simply ignore what's happening outside. They can come and feel safe and watch a few fights, 'for a price, of course'. That makes me feel like Deviago's in charge of the attacks, or at least knows who. Why else would he claim that this place is safe? It makes me feel even more uncomfortable with him. From what I gather, the colosseum is his business, and the vulkodalks are on his side.
"Uh… sir?" I whisper, hoping not to make him mad. Deviago stops rambling about his conquests and looks at me with irritation. I shrivel a little bit in terror. Even more annoying is that he's shorter than me, and I'm scared of the man. Father would be kicking his butt to the celestials and back. I'm not even sure what Starshadow would do to the man if he knew this was how I was being treated. I really wish Starshadow was here. My forehead is starting to sweat a little bit at all the magic I'm using.
"Yes?" He asks shortly.
"I, uh, heard that there are vulkodalk attacks here. How can you be sure that the colosseum is safe?" I pretend to be timid. Actually, I really don't need to pretend. I'm absolutely terrified of this man if him standing up with a frown is enough to make an entire room scared. His nose flairs a bit before he takes a deep breath and calms him down. He gives a nasty smile now.
"Oh, my sweet little Blossom, there's no need to worry. We have some of the best gladiators here." He removes his hand from my waist and pats my shoulder.
"O-o-ok." I pretend to hang my head, completely bothered and uncomfortable, but desperately wanting to ask more. Deviago sighs.
"Vulkodalks are vicious, but if you know exactly how to manage them, then there's no need to worry." He attempts to sound comforting. I keep my head down. Maybe if I act scared enough, he'll let me ask. He's already seemed apologetic for his earlier behaviour. Come on, take the bait… "Ask your question, Blossom." Yes!
"How can you guarantee that they won't attack this place? Maybe… Maybe I can bring my family here to keep them safe." I perk up, 'hopeful'. Dammit, why is this so easy to act?
"Oh, that's easy, my dear. I own them." Deviago opens a door to an outside scene. I blink at the setting sun. Once I've gotten used to the light, I finally take in my surroundings. He's brought me to a beautiful balcony with leafy plants and golden decorations spotting the place. A huge throne of actual gold is right in the center of the place. It's an open platform to the huge area, where seats upon seats are empty. The top is wide open to the sky, and it all points down to an open, sandy arena. It's smaller than the open top to allow for as many seats as possible, but there's still plenty of space for a fight.
I give the appropriate reaction, letting my mouth gasp open in amazement. I break away from the boss to get a better look around. I can see why Sett was so interested in becoming a gladiator, even if I don't like to fight. I notice that there are seats under the balcony, far enough away that a tall person could stand and not interrupt Deviago's view, but close enough that he wouldn't even get a bruise if someone threw him over. There's a thin stone fence on the edge of the balcony. It's a pity that I can't cause harm. Once I figure out where the healers are, and the vulkodalks, and meet up with Yone, I still can't make Deviago pay for his crimes… unless I want to break the vow. No. That's not an option. Viego couldn't make me break it before, this new asshole is not going to now.
Deviago gives a sinister chuckle. I gulp and shrink away, looking into the room. The people who accompanied us do the same. Trixie even gives a little shiver, though I can't tell from her face how she's really feeling. I would have thought she would have been disgusted, but she's… not? It's a weird cross of... something.
Before I can really figure out what her face was, there are soft shouts from the arena. I turn around and cover my mouth, stunned. The man that delivered the bad news from before, he's thrown into the arena. Goliath also tosses him a sword before leaving. A net rises up behind him. Another net also covers the top of the fighting area. The man screams in fear, scrambling for his sword and to stand up. Even from here, I can tell he's holding it wrong. He's not holding it like it's an extension of his arm, but a tool. It's loose in his grip. The sand flies as he tries to find a place to hide, but it's completely bare. I look back at Deviago as he plops himself into his seat.
"What will happen to him?" I ask quietly. There's a loud metal clang. A door on the ground opens up. More clanking noises are heard. I have to stop myself from screaming when a huge vulkodalk is brought into the enclosed space. The hapless victim trembles. I'm pretty sure he wet himself from the sight of it.
Thankfully, the beast is chained to the ground by its throat. It looks up to the balcony and gives a loud snarl. It's mouth drools a little bit. I shiver at the sight. It sees me. I really hope Deviago won't think that I'm magical.
"He's going to get punished. Don't worry about the creature, it only senses magical beings. You won't be hurt." The man whistles. Two servants pull me over to the man and sit me down on the throne's arm. He rests a hand on my thigh. I tense up, showing my displeasure in the most subtlest ways, though he doesn't care. Thankfully, it's on my lower thigh. It's not high enough to force me to act out.
"B-b-but why is it looking here?" I whimper a little bit.
"Oh, it'll always look here." Deviago waves his hand. There's magicals here then?
The beast keeps staring at me. I know it. Deviago thinks it's someone else, but it's definitely me. The man finally starts to move, seeing that the beast is distracted. He tries to get through the net that holds him captive, but that startles the beast. It snarls and snaps around. It sees the man and charges at him. It's about to get him when a chain around its neck stops it. It howls in fury as it's yanked to a stop feet away from the man. The poor man collapses on his butt, trembling so bad I can see it from where I am.
"You do remember the rules, don't you?" Deviago taunts. The man looks terrified at us before taking his sword. He looks up at the slowly setting sun. So, there's a timer, and the sun is the timer. The beast keeps reaching for him. The man forces himself to stand up. He points his little sword at the beast. It snarls and lowers itself, like it's going to pounce. The man lets out a desperate war cry and charges. When he's close enough, the beast takes a swipe. The man can't block it or cut off the limb. He's instantly grabbed and placed into the beast's mouth. I close my eyes and look away, but I can hear the crunching as the bones are being broken. He doesn't even have enough time to scream in pain, he's already gone. "Hmmm. I thought he'd last a little longer than that."
I can't speak. He's… feeding people to the vulkodalks. He owns them. But at least I have a clue where they are. Especially when the clanking comes up again and the vulkodalk whines. I watch it get yanked back to it's spot before the platform disappears. The arena is silent for a moment as the weight of what happened sinks in. Deviago sighs and stands up.
"Do inform the family what has become of their beloved family member. I'm going to go for a nap. Trixie, bring her to her new quarters." Deviago yawns. The sun disappears behind the top of the ring. Deviago walks inside, three women scramble to assist him, leaving me with the girl that was helping me.
"You should have never come here." Trixie sounds so depressed. For once, I agree with her. I'm probably way in over my head.
Starshadow, I wish you were here.
So... I'm gonna address a recent review, asking why I rate it as T when there are M elements. It's because HAVE YOU SEEN LEAGUE OF LEGENDS? Yasuo, with each strike, leave BLOOD! And then you have a literal lust demon as a champion, and then you have the comics, with Jhin killing people and blood and gore. Govos/Usan/Zed was literally mentally tortured, Ashe lost her entire tribe and was hunted, and Jarvan lost his father and they were talking about beheading the man! I'd love to know how the game is teen and not mature. it's for that reason that I've rated it as T, but I am aware that there are a few things in this story that could trigger people, so I try to give a warning as they come. I'm not planning on going into too much gore and pain as that's not what this is about, but I also want to show just how much Leilah's tolerance to pain and horrible situations grows. If you want to leave a review, asking me to change the rating, I don't mind doing so. it's just one of the most confusing things to rate.
Anyway, summary. Leilah's infiltrated, but she's a servant, almost a slave. Deviago is making a power play, renaming the girl into someone else while forcing her to be a servant to his most trusted. Sett barged in but was dismissed. Someone in the colosseum called for help. Deviago does not like it. We also learn that he owns the vulkodalks, and he has a few magical beings. It's unfortunate that one was lost to a vulkodalk, but Leilah learned that there are other people besides servants and healers in the colosseum. Now, she's trying to find the healers, figure out a way to get in contact with her favorite people in the world, and get everyone to safety while stopping Deviago. Simple, right?
With that... we're on...Alistar the minotaur. Alright... Even when the world feels hopeless, I hope you guys find the strength to keep taking another step forward, another problem solved, and another day to feel alive. I hope you will have an extraordinary day, because the world has you in it.