Brain and Heart

XXI: 10X Games

"It's Coradine... right?" I said, trying to reassure her.

"See!" She started crying. "I hurt people. And you don't even remember me."

The following events may be unsettling to some readers. (Fear, blood, death)

Reylann's POV:
I shifted in my seat, keeping quiet. Then the lights turned off.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the..." A spotlight flashed, pointing to John in the center of the stadium.

"10X GAMES!" While he said that, roars and cheers were heard from other audience members.

I held my breath. "And I've got two special guests here with me today."

I blinked and covered my eyes when the spotlight flashed over at me.

"My very own Nephew! Bless my little sister for raising the sweetest little boy before she died." There was laughter.

"And... Sir Thomas's daughter!" There were gasps, and flashing lights. "She's a feisty little one. Could've been a star member in these games if she wasn't so rare."

Coradine curled up into a ball.

"Enough with the jokes! Let's get started!" The lights turned off and we all waited, anxiously.

The spotlight shined again, lighting up the whole stadium.

"Contestant #323 and #14 will be up first! Make sure to make your bet." Said John, nowhere to be seen.

I covered my mouth and bit my palm, Coradine didn't look up.

"NOW FIGHT!"

A knife was thrown onto the stadium right in the center. I watched as little kids were released from their cages, looking more scary than scared.

There was only one weapon, and therefore it was like a race. A test to see who could get it first.

"Contestant #14 takes the lead! He's so far ahead! I can't believe this is his first time fighting!"

I covered my ears, trying to block out the noise. And I looked over at Coradine who seemed to be rocking back and forth.

"#14 has got the knife!" I looked back over to the stadium suddenly noticing the golden handle of it.

For some reason, the sight of it gave me a sick feeling in my stomach. I couldn't remember why...

"THE KNIFE HAS BEEN ACTIVATED!"

I heard cheers and applause, so I looked closer. The knife was no longer a knife- but a sort of sword.

"It seems like contestant #14 has got a killer instinct! #323 doesn't stand a chance." Said John, sounding proud.

"Reylann..." I looked over at Coradine. "Let's go."

She looked up at me. "Won't John be mad?" I asked quietly.

"Let's go." She replied, a lot more confidently than before.

She grabbed my hand and I let her drag me outside of the stadium.