Lies

After a few minutes, the lead guard came back with great news for his comrades. Apparently the top official, Logan, had found the prisoner who was planning on leading a rebellion.

Mouths were closed to listen in on Logan's betrayal. There was a public execution set in thirty minutes. Orders were given to escort the prisoners to the stadium along a given route.

Jeff nodded towards Vanessa to hopefully help her realize that Logan was plotting against them for the benefit of his secret team. Even Jaivva had to admit that this was odd of him to help the game to beat the players.

Carter stretched, "Well, if that's how y'all feel, so be it".

None of the wondering stopped the guards from rounding them up in the hall and marching them through about. For some reason, they were being taken into zigzags throughout the building. Vanessa found this to be more than strange, given that the entrance to the actual coliseum was pretty close to their cell.

It was nice though, being able to see the architecture of the place. Many wall with carvings and statues led up into the outdoors. Amazing what kind of beauty waited outside for them to explore. If only they could figure a way out. Looking over her shoulder, Vanessa could tell that behind Carter's poker face, he was actually happy for some reason.

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Coming out to the coliseum, all of the prisoners were sat, chained to the chairs where they had to bare witness to the supposed rebellion leader being executed. The guards were all cheering. Some gloated that this was revenge for killing many of them recently. Each of the guards couched for the leader's execution to be taken out in a different, horrifying manner.

One thing bugged Vanessa, who was the apparent rebellion leader? As far as she knew, Carter was the one who has been directing their cell and formulating a plan to get out. Also, what about the keys and the man with the clover scar? Was he possibly the one who did this?

Logan stepped out into the dirt arena where Vanessa fought earlier, smiling with his hands up for all to see. He was proud to announce to the king and his lovely Queen Saya that he had found the one who planned to help the prisoners escape and lead a rebellion in an attempt to take the throne.

The king laughed, asking which manner does Logan plan on executing this foul thing. Logan smiled to a bow, pleading that the only way to show the other prisoners just how worthy they are is to defeat their leader in fair combat.

It was a fantastic idea to the royals. To see that they really had the power to defeat the prisoners in fair game was astonishing and quite contrary to common belief.

"So tell me Logan," pleaded the King, "Who will face off against this prisoner in 'fair' combat"?

Logan smiled, ordering the guards to escort the so called rebellion leader to the arena. It was Pattie, in a rugged suit of armor, with a nice sword and shield to go with it. Players from above, glared down at what most would call the first time they ever seen Pattie smile.

She stood confident, ready for Logan to announce her opponent. No matter how hard that faux sun burned into their skin, Logan and Pattie were both confident in the next 10 minutes to roll into their favor.

Players were chanting for who they believe was going to win. Most thought it was Pattie. Even Vanessa thought so.

"Well, this is it," said Jaivva as Logan handed a guard his fancy fur coat.

"Yeah," said Carter, "Logan is about to beat her one last time before they leave".

Vanessa was confused, "Don't you mean Pattie will win"?

Carter smudged his face, "Hell no. Logan can easily beat her".

Vanessa slowly shook her head, "Nooo. Pattie beat me, Jeff, and Hakim. And I beat Logan in December".

Carter was laughing, "Think about it Vanessa. Did you really beat him"?

Vanessa nodded alongside Jeff.

But Carter shook his, smiling, "No. Logan is pretty sneaky. He's always been like that. In fact, do you even know why you fought Logan in December"?

Vanessa recalled clearly, "Yes. He ran off with Mina and had her crying while naked".

Carter shook his head again, "No... You were each cursed. Logan just happened to figure out your curses in a short time frame and came up with a plan to undo them. All he needed to beat the final boss was you and Mina. That's why he took Mina. She called your name, got your attention, and you ran after him. Then you fought him, and your curse went away, didn't it"?

Recalling the events in December, it was just as Carter said. He even reminded her that Logan asked Vanessa to help Mina to overcome her curse. As hard as it was to believe this, there was no other explanation.

"Damn," said Jaivva, watching Logan announce himself as Pattie's opponent, "So Logan might actually win this".

Carter had one last question, "Hey Vanessa. Those curses were based on our personal weaknesses and virtues. Tell me... Did Logan ever tell you your weakness"?

Vanessa stared don at Logan, who held his shield at his hip and pointed his sword at Pattie.

Jeff whispered in her ear, "Told you".