10 Minute Tales

Jan 3 - Ethereal Arena

Nobody would remember this arena, for it never existed. No glory would befall the myrmidon, for he had died many centuries past, as had his foes. His sword would bear no songs, would draw no blood. And still, he must fight. He paced anxiously in the area he called his own, waiting for the time the flickering gate before him, taunting him with its intangibility, would rise and set him loose, to taste the thrill of battle. He glanced at his blade. As long as his arm and bearing a handle enough for both hands, he knew this blade would be his end again. For now, he bore it with pride, even kneeling to polish it some. He had barely finished one side, however, when the gate vanished.

"Your time has come." A voice echoed in his mind. Deep, powerful, setting everything to quake with its silent echo. "Go, and fight your foe."

"As you will." He replied, getting to his feet. As he walked out of his cell, armour faded into existence, stronger than steel but lighter than silk. He shuffled a little, adapting to it once again, and headed into a large arena. This one seemed to be hewn from raw crystals, nonsensical geometry spiralling in a teal colour. On the other side stood another warrior, bearing two smaller blades, curved in an intricate manner. Wordlessly, he held his sword at the ready.

"Begin!" The same voice echoed. Yelling in rage, the barbarian before him charged forth, frothing at the mouth as he raised his blades. His own came up to catch them, the clashing of metals echoing in the silent arena. He repelled the attack with a well-placed kick, forcing the barbarian to stagger, and riposted with a thrusting attack. The barbarian stepped aside, bringing the sword up to defend himself from this rush of steel. The two clashed again with another echoing ring, until the barbarian broke this deadlock and retreated. Curious, the myrmidon paused. Why retreat? The barbarian had less range, after all. Said barbarian kept his distance, growling softly as his eyes danced over the myrmidon's armour, searching for something. To ensure he didn't find anything, the myrmidon fidgeted, shuffling his armour to mask any vulnerabilities. The barbarian growled and stepped back in, raising both blades against the myrmidon's testing swipe. The barbarian lunges forward again, catching the myrmidon off-guard.