Sage:
"The final tests are upon us. There are only a handful of you left. The strongest of you will survive."
We awaited more but I wasn't hoping. These people really liked their riddles. To my everlasting surprise, there was a burst of static and then that droning, almost inhuman voice continued.
"You will have to pick a partner. Then go and stand by a lift, it will take you from there.
I looked at Magnus and smiled innocently.
"Will you be my buddy?"
He mumbled something about girls that I chose not to hear and then he grabbed my arm and pulled me forwards. We picked a lift and stepped into it, just like everyone else. There was an even number of us now; only 6 left. We fitted into the 3 lifts perfectly, as if planned. That creeped me out.
With a groaning sound that set me teeth on edge, the lifts began to move. They creaked and shifted as they rose and for a second, fear flashed through me. But I pushed it down. This wasn't the test. This was only the beginning. I planted my feet and didn't wobble as it rose and rose and rose. Finally, we came to a stop. The lift doors slid open and we were on our own, but faced by a wall that had a button on it.
"I guess right is always right."
I felt scared as to what this button might do and wether or not the test was to not pressed the button but Magnus interrupted my thoughts by saying "Well then, I guess we aren't going anywhere!"
And then I pushed the button.
__________________________
We tumbled through the air screaming as the had floor fell out from beneath our feet. I knew that we were falling all the way down again. And when we hit the floor, we would die. I thought I heard someone shout my name but I couldn't hear much over the roaring wind. So I closed my eyes and waited for the impact.
It never came.
One minute we were falling and the next we were on the floor, not even winded. I slowly unclenched my body as I realised that hadn't been the test either. No. This was the test.
I looked around me. Magnus and I were in an arena. It seemed to be made of stone and iron. It was huge, the walls stretching into the shadows which I couldn't see beyond. A feeling of nervousness spread through me. Maybe right had not been the right decision after all. I pulled myself up and took one step. Immediately, lights blared to life and I winced against the brightness. Slowly, my eyes adjusted and I took in yet another loudspeaker attached to the wall. Groaning slightly, I turned my attention to it.
"This arena is closed off. You will not leave until you win or die. That is all."
"Lovely" I mutter.
Magnus shoots me a look which I ignore. I'm tempted to flip off the stupid loudspeaker but I don't think it would be appreciated.
We move into the middle of the arena and stand back to back so we can see all angles. We know something is coming. We just have to wait. When it comes to fighting, I'm ok. We both learnt mixed martial arts over the years so we are pretty coordinated. We're also used to working as a team. So hopefully we can survive. Hopefully.
I never knew how he appeared.
One second we were combing the arena for potential foes and one second later someone dropped down in front of me. Magnus spun around so we were both face to face with the man.Or at least he looked like a man. The other worldly power coming off him said otherwise. He drew two wicked looking swords and without speaking, warning us or anything else. Then he attacked.
