At least those who valued their reputations. Others tried to get time with the winning fighter, to make their acquaintance or even more creepy behaviors. Rumor had it some of the wealthier families had their own underground fighting where they brought strong contenders to compete.
Often, those involved had no choice in the matter. Milna thought about how to infiltrate those events on a few occasions in the event her division suggested she go after them. The fact they nor the Lord Marshal requested she do it meant they really didn’t care. It must be too minor a thing in the grand scheme of our plans.
The district where the fights were held tended to be low key. Not the nicest parts of town but with no commerce nearby, few criminals bothered to hang around there. Except for directly after a fight, anyone capable of handling themselves in a brawl would’ve been fine to go for a stroll.
That day, with money and wealthy idiots trying to leave the area, something would happen. And four blocks from the warehouse, her instincts were right.
Her ears caught the sound of someone stirring in the alley long before she reached the mouth. She kept walking, doing her best to play like she didn’t notice. Someone charged half a moment before she reached the opening. A man grabbed her, lifting her as he moved then slammed her into the opposite wall.
“Give me the credits!” He grunted the words, punching her in the gut. She huffed, letting the bag fall to the ground. It burst, sending the tokens scattering. He dropped to scoop them up, stuffing them into his pockets as he worked.
I have to sell this.
Milna kneed him in the top of the head. The blow dazed him as he fell flat on his back. His accomplices hadn’t engaged yet but they hustled to his aid just as she dropped her weight on his neck, snapping it in a second. His body convulsed once before expiring.
“You slag!” The two new additions grabbed her by the arms, dragging her against the wall. Others watched the fight. She knew they were there. Her captors punched her in the gut three times a piece. One slapped her. She cried out, doing her best impression of despair. The sound hadn’t left her before that moment.
Milna took her beatings in silence the vast majority of the time.
“You killed him!” The other man shouted. He drew a weapon from his jacket, the metal blade glistening in the low light. “I’ll gut you!”
Milna writhed out of their grip, fading to the side as he thrust the knife into the wall. It broke on contact. With her free hand, she flicked her wrist to draw her own weapon. The one still holding her got two cuts, one to the side of the neck, the other just under the ribs… precision strikes… the kind that hit vital things with minimal effort.
As he crumpled, the one with the broken knife faced her. His eyes went wide as he met her gaze. Something like fear came over him. She could tell he was about to flee. I can’t let you run off. This needs to look good. Milna stepped back, intentionally tripping on the body. When she stumbled, he came after her. Ah, that’s all it took to bolster your bravery. Excellent.
Milna spun to regain her balance, planting the blade in his gut. She slid the back of her free hand along his broken weapon, drawing some of her own blood. As she took him to the ground, she dropped to her knees. Breathing heavily, the body fell away from her and she slipped her weapon back into the folds of her jacket.
“That didn’t look hard,” a male voice made her stiffen but she didn’t look. “They should’ve known better after watching you fight.”
“I guess… I guess they didn’t…”
“You were the one fighting for the debt.”
“Yes.”
“Did you make enough?”
“No.”
“What happens now?”
“I…” Milna shook her head. “I put them off to the next fight.”
“Come back here with hopes you might make it happen. All the while your debt increases due to the corrupt system backed by dictatorship and war.” He clicked his tongue. “I can think of a better way. One with the potential to get you out of this mess. But I can’t be sure you’re right.”
“What do you mean? Who are you? What’re you talking about?”
“I don’t know if you can be trusted. Or, worse, if you’re even who you say.” He stepped closer, swiping the blood from the back of her hand with a metallic collector. “I suppose we’ll see, won’t we? Don’t worry. I’ll know where you live in a few days. If we can help you, we’ll be in touch.”
“And if not?”
“Then I’ll bet on you at the fights. I made a killing today thanks to your skills.” He chuckled. “Seems you did as well. Multiple times.”
“They had it coming!” Milna grunted. “I don’t want to kill anyone.”
“And yet you’re so good at it. Sometimes, you have to do what you were born to do. I’m sure you understand.” He turned away. “Have a safe trip home. I’m sure you’ll make it without incident now. Every thief watched that fight. They’ll know you’re not to be messed with. Especially not after that display.”
“Who are you?” Milna still didn’t look back. She wanted him to maintain his anonymity, to feel like he had an advantage.
“Jok. That’s all you need to know for now. If we meet again, maybe you’ll get some more. Maybe we’ll become friends. Or maybe you’re not who you let on and will be forgotten quickly. Who knows? The universe is a strange place.” He started walking. “Goodnight, warrior. I hope we meet again.”
Me too.
Milna collected all
