Just a quick heads up before you read this. This may contain spoilers if you haven't read my witchers book. If you haven't read it, go check it out before you read this chapter. Those who do, enjoy! :)

YN POV

We make our way to Vasselheim by entering the line of civilians who are going to Vasselheim. Whatever lies in Vasselheim, its our best chance to get help. Only questions is, will they really help us?

Percy: Remember, we're not here as tourists. We need to find allies to fight the conclave.

Pike: I have a good feeling about this place Percy, don't worry.

Right when we were about to enter, the guard stopped us.

Guard: Oi, state your business.

Percy: Good sir, I am Lord Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III, and I require an audience with the Dawn marshals-

Rob: Well, my names Rob and I require a sandwich. You're holding up the line.

Percy: (Chuckles.) You don't understand. I have diplomatic credentials- oof!

YN: (Shoves Percy away.) What my Glass man friend is trying to say we seek to speak with the council of Vasselheim or whoever is in charge here.

Rob: Oh, well why didn't you say so?

YN: Noblemen, am I right?

Rob: Go yo the Platinum Sanctuary and find 'em yourself. Now, g'day.

Grog: Um, did he say "bidet"?

He let us pass but stops Vex and Trinket.

Rob: Oh, and the bear waits-

Vex: (Roll her eyes.) Wait outside, yes, we know.

Vex then joins us while Trinket stays behind and Percy was a bit depressed.

Percy: That usually works.

Vex: (Smiles.) Of course, darling. I'm sure it happens to all the nobles.

YN: (Scoffs.) Welcome to my reality.

3rd POV

Soon they enter Vasselheim and they were all amazed by the entire place.

YN: Man, this place looks nice.

Keyleth: (To towns people.) Good day. G'day. G'day.

Stranger: Hello.

Grog: (Smiles.) Oh, bidet. Bidet. Oh, bidet.

Furry cat dude: (Scoffs.) Oh, tourest.

Scanlan: Yikes, lots of temples and no brothels. You're telling me people choose to live here?

Keyleth: Almost every Prime Deity is represented. The Wildmother, oh, the Stormlord.

Pike: The Lawbearer.

YN: Huh, cool names. We should visit sometimes if the conclave weren't in our doorstep.

Percy: The Dawn Marchals head each temple and decide what Vasselheim will or will not do. With my expertise in statecraft, I can negotiate terms that will-

Pike: All due respect, we saw your statecraft back at the gate. These are priest, this is a temple. Oh, who's standing right in front of you? Yeah, me, a holy person. (Smirk.) I got this.

YN: As long as they speak English than gibberish. No offense Percy.

Once the guards allowed them to enter the council room, the council are having a small conversation until Pike speaks up.

Pike: Um, pardon us. We come seeking the audience.

Vord: I am Highbearer Vord. The Platinum Sanctuary will hear your business.

Pike: Highbearer, I am Pike Trickfoot of the Everlight. A great evil has befallen Tal'Dorei. You see, dragons have-

Vord: (Interrupt.) The water reveals the truth.

Vox Machina were confused until she tap the waterfall behind her.

Vord: Grant us vision.

Soon the water reveals everything that happened to Tal'Dorei. All the lives lost, all the destruction from 4 dragon.

Pike: This evil must be met with holiness. Which is why we humbly ask all the mighty temples of Vasselheim to lend their aid.

Vord: You have our sympathies and our hospitality...but that is all.

Pike: (Shock.) You won't help us?

Percy: You have weapons. Ballistae. Armies. You have the strongest city in the world. Diplomacy demands that-

Vord: Let me correct you. Vasselheim's most potent weapon is not its artillery, young man. It is our isolation.

YN: Isolation? Are you joking?

Vord: We do not joke. This city has stood for millennia by keeping the affairs of Tal'Dorei outside.

Pike: If you turn your back on this, more will die. Vasselheim could be next.

Vord: When peril arrives here, our walls stand ready. But until then, this peril is yours alone. Now, good day.

Grog: (Chuckles.) I think you mean "Bidet."

Vax: (Sigh.) Oh, gods.

Vax POV

We leave while YN flip off the councel because they're cowards. Soon we're out of the temple as the gate shuts.

Scanlan: Well, that's a new record. Usually it takes us ten minutes to get kicked out of a place. Whew, we're getting better.

I look at one of of temple and suddenly I saw the woman on the rooftop of the temple from a distance. The same woman I saw at the Cloudtop.

Pike: They saw the Chroma Conclave. And they didn't even care.

YN: They are cowards hiding in fear. (Sigh.) I hate to say it, but it might've been a mistake to come here. It almost sounds like they care for themselves rather than the innocent lives outside of Vasselheim.

Pike: I mean, they have a duty to justice.

We were then interrupt by Grog who spotted a gnome peeking at us by the door.

Grog: (Anrgy.) Are you spying on us?

Gnome: (Nervouse.) Yes. I mean, no. Aah! I mean, I heard what you said in there. (Whispers.) And I know who are are.

This got all of us attention.

Gnome: Listen, I serve the Highbearer so I can't say much. But if you're slaying dragons, you need the Slayer's Take.

Vex/Vax: Interesting./Absolutely not.

My sister and I glare at each other while growling from disappointment.

Gnome: The Marshals are bound by politics. But there is someone at the Slayer's Take who can act independently. They'll want to hear from you.

YN: Who is it you speak of?

Gnome: You'll need to ask them to speak to their patron. And please...forget you ever met me.

As soon as he finish his sentence, he immediately shuts the door.

Percy: The Slayer's Take?

Vax: Don't ask.

YN: Vex, What do you know of it?

Vax: I thought I told you not to ask.

YN: I ask her the question, not to you.

Grog: (Laughs.) He got you good!

Vex: (Smirks.) A group of hunters for hire, kinda like you if you ask me. Vasselheim use to be surrounded by legendary beasts until the Take clear them out.

Keyleth: Legendary beast? Like dragons?

YN: Shame, clearing out all the legendary beasts until there no other jobs left. Do you know who's the patron anyway?

Vex: Never heard of any patron, but we're short on options.

Vax: Options? Oh, didn't realized painful death was an option now.

Vex: (Smirk.) You forget, I have an old friend on the inside. Zahra?

Vax: "Friend" is a generous term.

Keyleth: If there's a chance, even a small one, we have to take it.

Pike: We're in a holy city. What do you say we take a leap of faith?

I sigh, admitting that she's right. Though I will regret coming here again.

3rd POV

Vox machina head to the Slayer's Take, soon they arrive at the entrance of the Slayer's Take and saw a sign written in blood.

Vax: Well, they spelled some of it right?

YN: Let's just get this over with.

YN opens the gate and they enter the Slayer's Take. YN was amazed by the legendary beasts on the walls from the Slayer's hunts while everyone in there are minding their own business until they notice Vox Machina.

Vax: Remember, no one in the Slayer's Take is to be trusted. Just keep your cool, find their patron, and get the hell out.

Scanlan: Ooh, can we grab an ale while we're here....on Vax?

Vax: (Groans.) Scanlan, we don't have time.

???: Well hello there.

A man approaches towards Keyleth with a smirk.

Kashaw: I Feel like I haven't met you yet.

YN steps in front of Keyleth and face-to-face towards Kashaw.

Kashaw: Whoa, easy buddy. Just came to say to someone I've never met.

Keyleth: Who, me? Or him?

Kawshaw: (To Vax & Vex.) But you. Ah, you have those faces, they're...they're just familiar. Where have I seen them before?

Suddenly he created a spear like Pike mace and throws it between them. His spear hit the wanted poster of the twins as Vox Machina saw it.

Kashaw: (Glares.) Oh, that's right. You're famous. Eyes up gang. Got ourselves a bounty.

Everyone in the Slayer's Take grab their weapons, even the wheelchair guy with...blades on his wheelchair as they approach toward Vox Machina.

Percy: What did you do?

Vex: Well...

Pike: (Shouting.) Unless you want your skulls ground into powder, you might want it step back! Right, Grog?....Grog?

They realize Grog is missing.

Scanlan: Aw, shit. We lost, Grog?

YN: (Sigh.) We gotta put a freaken collar bell on him to know where he left off....

Kashaw: Ooh, tough spot.

Vex smirks and approaches Kashaw while swaying her hip.

Vex: (Smirks.) Not the first time I've been wanted, if you know what I mean. (Flirt.) I'm Vex. Zahra's very close friend.

Kashaw: Kashaw, but you can call me Kash.

Vex: (Smirks.) Like money. So clever.

Kashaw: You're very close to me. Hey, Z? Are you expecting annoying visitors?

Zahra: Visitors? No

Zahra gets a drink with her tail before she grabs it and drinks it.

Vex: (Smiles.) Zahra, darling. Still sharpening your horns, I see.

Zahra: (Grabs Vex feather.) Yes, and your still sticking dead things in your hair.

Zahra ask curiously of when was the last time they saw each other, but she realize that it was when the twins ditched them to poached their monster and steal their rewards.

YN: (Stern.) Nice going you two...

Vax smack him at the back of his head while the the girls continue to have a chat until Vex mentioned that they're in a urgent business by speaking with the Slayer's Take patron.

Zahra: No one sees her. Especially to someone who owes the Take...how much was it, Kash?

Kashaw: 12,000 gold or the head of a hydra. Got either on you?

Vex: 12,000 is nothing compared to the horde of a dragon.

Zahra: A dragon?

Vex: Four, actually. All incredibly wealthy. Help us and that wealth is yours.

Zahra just laughs it off until Pike speaks up and tells them that the dragons are destroying Tal'Dorei and killing innocent lives. Nothing to do about money, more about saving lives. But then everyone in Slayer's Take just laughs at her like its a joke.

Kashaw: (Laughs.) Aw, I just want to put her in my pocket.

Zahra: (Laughs.) I know, she's so cute. (Smirk.) Ah, I'm sorry, love. The Slayer's Take doesn't do anything for free. Now...let's discuss your payment plan.

Kashaw: (Smirk.) With interest.

Zahra snap her fingers, signaling everyone to kill them.

Scanlan: Super shitty time to lose Grog.

Pike: Look, we're not here to fight you.

Zahra: (Evil smirk.) Well, this will be easy then.

Zahra let the wild boar man kill them. YN had enough as he approaches him without saying anything.

Zahra: Oh, and who's this guy?

Kashaw: First man to die-

In one swift move. YN instantly kills him.

Everyone was shock how he quickly killed him while YN goes to the counter and grabs a cup of ale before returning back as he drinks it. Once he finish his drink, he speaks up.

YN: Let's make this clear, I don't wish to be here any more than any of you lot of sheeps. But we have important business than with you lot and we're only here to see the patron. If ya still want to do this, fine by me.

    But if any of you sheep lot wants to hurt my friends, you're dead. And trust me when I say I hunt deadlier monster, none are compare to any of you lot.

Kashaw: (Creates a spear.) Good luck with that.

Pike: Don't you guys get it? We're trying to save the fucking world!

Zahra just groans as everyone got closer until a woman's voice stops them.

???: HOLD!

Everybody stop to where they were as their quiet.

Vax: Not sure I want to know what that was.

YN: My instinct tells me we will either way.

???: I will take care of Vox Machina.

Kashaw looks at Zahra who's disappointed.

Zahra: You heard her...

Kashaw: Fuck...

Kashaw signals one of them as they pulled the hidden lever. Suddenly the floor that Vox Machina were standing on open and they all fell as they shout. Soon they landed in a gigantic dark room as the trapdoor shuts.

YN: For fuck sakes, enough with the godam fall!

Scanlan: (Groan.) Yeah, I gotta say, I'm not a fan of the sudden drops today.

Percy: (To Vex.) I recall you saying you were friends with those people.

Vex: I may have misjudged our relationship while he's busy killing one of them.

YN: I defended us, I have no regrets doing that.

Vax: Look on the bright side. At least they can't murder us down here.

Suddenly they hear a growl near as YN medallion vibrates aggressively.

Keyleth: (Nervous.) But whatever that is can.

Pike: Maybe they want to help?

Vax grab his knife and light it on fire while YN watch their back, since he can see in the dark.

Percy: Hello?

Soon they see something moving in the dark as Keyleth use her staff for light.

Scanlan: God, this city blows.

As soon as it was almost spotted in the light, it immediately hid away as Vax throws his knife to where it is, but his knife didn't return.

Keyleth: Don't those usually, you know, come back?

YN: I got a bad feeling about this.

???: Weapons are useless here.

They look back to see giant glowing eyes behind them as it moves around them in the darkness.

???: You're scared. I wonder how do you hope to avenge Emon, when darkness makes you tremble like children.

Percy: Are you....the patron?

Osysa: How astute. Call me Osysa. Chosen of the Knowing Mistress and patron of the Slayer's Take.

She then reveals herself to be a giant sphinx.

Keyleth: A Sphinx. I didn't realize they still existed.

Pike: We humbly seek your aid.

Osysa: Yes. You hope to save Tal'Dorei.

Vax: You know of the dragons.

Vex: Please, we're desperate.

Osysa: But you haven't the slightest idea what it will cost.

YN: Speak plainly.

Osysa eyes glows and suddenly Pike was pulled into the darkness as she's shouting.

Scanlan: Pike!- Aah!

One by one they were pulled and got separated into darkness until the twins are left.

Osysa: Ah, the twins. (To Vax.) You depended entirely on your sister.

Vax was then separated from his sister as she tries to grab him.

Osysa: (To Vex.) You...hopelessly seeking your father's love. Both unprepared.

This made Vex gasp before the floor collapse and she fell while screaming.

- - -

Percy looks around for the sphinx.

Percy: What have we done? (Aims his pepperbox.) Show yourself!

Osysa: Why would I listen to the curse heir?

Percy then fell on his back and was being drag as he tries to resist.

Osysa: Who wallows in self-pity, begging to be trusted again.

- - -

Pike in the dark and got thrown at mid air until she landed on one of the pillars.

Pike: She's trying to get in our heads!

Osysa: Says the hopeless holy warrior.

She pulls Pike again, flying through mid air.

Osysa: You don't even have faith that you can save those dearest to you.

- - -

Keyleth was the only one with the light while trying to hide from the sphinx.

Keyleth: This doesn't have to be a fight! If you won't help us we can leave.

Osysa: Fleeing from your duties again, Keyleth? Tell me, what do you fear more...failing your Aramenté?

Suddenly a huge pit appear under Keyleth as she fell and saw her friends upside down.

Osysa: Or knowing no one will live long enough to see you achieve it? Even when the wolf believes in you?

Keyleth couldn't help but scream as she shed tears before she was pulled into darkness.

- - -

YN has both his swords out while he keeps a look out for Osysa.

YN: Leave my friends be, if your gonna hurt them, then you'll have to go through me!

Osysa: Obviously...

Suddenly YN was pulled and drag. He accidentally drop his swords and he tries to grab on to something.

Osysa: A wolf who will always try to protect the pack and who isn't afraid of death.

He was still being drag until he use his knife to anchor himself on one of the pillars.

Osysa: After all, you've already tasted death long before you became a witcher.

This made his heart skipped a beat as he's shock to learn that the sphinx knows about his dark past. One he kept a secret even from his brothers.

YN: H-how did you-

Osysa: Tell me, what is it you're more afraid?

He was then got drag to mid air right when he was off guard. He tries to use his chain but there was nothing to attached to.

Osysa: Loosing your friends? Or perhaps your friends learning the truth about your darkest past?

He was then thrown into darkness as he shouts.

- - -

Scanlan was just standing without being drag by Osysa. Only silent until he breaks it.

Scanlan: You don't have to call out my shit, okay? I know I can be kind of annoying.

Osysa: No one cares about you. I'm no different.

Scanlan: Well, damn...

- - -

Soon they were all gathered but they were on their knees by their fears.

Osysa: Paralyzed by fear. You want to turn your back and run, like you have all your lives. How do you expect to save the world if you can't even save yourselves?

Osysa stand in front of them.

Osysa: I've seen the same for a hundred years. Fools who think they can make a difference but can't deliver.

The exit was open for them.

Osysa: Leave now with whatever dignity you have left.

They were still afraid and they couldn't move until Pike gets sick and tired of it.

Pike: Fuck dignity. I'm not leaving. Not giving up....

Pike steps up in front of her friends as she summons her armor.

Pike: Until someone listens.

Osysa moves closer to Pike face-to-face.

Osysa: And if I don't? Would you sacrifice your life just to prove a point?

Pike: I don't care if I die. None of us do! But we're not leaving. We won't be ignored.

Osysa just glares at her as YN steps up for Pike. Remembering his own wisdom when he saved the elves from his world.

YN: We may die. But death never frighten us, its standing up for those who can't.

Osysa: ....You have found what you need. The will to give everything. You'll need strength to defeat the dragons. But also the knowledge.

Scanlan: (Confused.) Knowledge? Of what?

Osysa: The Vestiges of Divergence.

Osysa explains that in the Great Calamity, the weapons were created to kill the gods themselves. But they were all buried, lost, and forgotten, believing that its too powerful for a mortal to wield. She then reveals that the first Vestiges lies with The Deathwalker's Ward, the Matron of Ravens armor lies by the lake to the west.

Pike: And the other vestiges?

Osysa: Will be revealed in turn. Find this one and bring it to my mate.

Scanlan: (Smirks.) Nice. Big fan of mating over here-

Vex smack his head to shut up before the sphinx continues to explain why the remain apart even though it pains them. Yet its for the greater good.

Osysa: He...(Sigh.) He will await you. Use these vestiges against the dragons. You must not fail. Righting the imbalance these horrid creatures bring depends on your success.

They all look at each other and nods.

Pike: (To Osysa.) Thank you. We won't let you down.

They all leave as she speaks one last time.

Osysa: Its not me you need to worry about letting down. Only each other.

Once they exit and made their way back up. Zahra and Kashaw were shock to see them all alive in one piece.

Kashaw: You're alive!?

Vax: No big. Osysa asked us to find something for her.

Zahra: (Surprised.) Our patron has a job for you?

YN: (Chuckles.) Don't act so surprise. We just asked nicely and she gave it to us.

Vex: (Smirks.) Guess I'm quite the charming after all.

She grabs her feather back from Zahra and put it back on.

Vex: I'd say it was a nice catching up, but...it wasn't.

This got Zahra angry as Kashaw grabs another drink. But before he could drink it, YN snatches it and drink its before speaking to them.

YN: (Smirks.) Word of a advice from a monster hunter for hire to another: Stop being a sheep. They don't call me Dark Wolf for nothing. Later losers.

He tosses the cup back to Kashaw before he joins with his friends as the doors shut. But his smirk was then dropped. Remembering what Osysa knows about his dark past and thinking of whether he'll tell his friends his secret until Keyleth call his name.

Keyleth: YN?

YN: Huh?

Keyleth: Are you okay?

YN: Uh, yeah, yeah. Its just a lot to think at the moment.

Keyleth: Its about Osysa telling something that made you nervous, right?

YN: Its....complicated.

Keyleth: Yeah... (Softly smiles.) But at least you're not the only one.

YN: Thanks, Keyleth.

Keyleth: Vasselheim wasn't what we expected.

Pike: We came to get an army, but maybe we got something better. Inspiration.

Scanlan: Huh, that's new one for us.

Vax: Step one, find the vestiges. Step two, kill some dragons. Step three...

Vex: (Grin.) Mm, profits?

YN: Meh, I was thinking about grilling them and eat them.

Everyone: No...

YN: Hey, its not my fault Grog ate most of the dragon's meat.

???: How about step one, we get a fucking drink?

They see Grog who was beat up as fuck from a fight.

YN: Oh, speak of the devil.

Pike: (Smiles.) Grog! (Confused.) What happened to you?

Grog: Oh, an old man beat me up. So, booze?

Pike: (Smiles.) Well, yeah.

YN: Felt like forever since we ate.

Keyleth: (Smiles.) Lead the way.

Vax: (Smirks.) First round's on you, big man.

They all go and get some drinks as Percy spotted a tool shop for black powder. Sortly after, he comes back with Vex, but he learned something was here not long ago. A sol survivor from his list that was burn a few days ago.