Edan & Hima: The Awakening

Chapter Five

Beads of sweat dribbled down her skin after enduring a tiring battle against her fifth opponent. The dust filled the air surrounding her and stuck to her damp skin. She refused to show any sign of exhaustion and only continued to stand tall while her opponent shook violently and eventually crashed to the floor. The large bear that fell caused a cloud of dust to rise and it blew around the arena just like the times before. The bear then began to slowly morph back into its human form, which revealed a middle-aged man in now torn clothing.

The air was silent except for her heavy breaths that tore through. But then the cheers broke through and she looked around to see the countless number of villagers cheering for her, with some even rising to their feet.

"What a battle!" cried the announcer. "But alas, Taryl still stands and William has fallen. Taryl pushes through to the end yet again and has won her fifth battle!"

A sigh of relief fell from Taryl's lips and she hung her head. She placed a hand on her hip and used the back of the other to wipe away the sweat collecting on her forehead. Taryl lifted her head to gaze at the collapsed bear shifter and she chuckled. She approached William as he made an attempt to push himself up. However, he was still too weak. Taryl stood in front of William and held out her hand. The bear shifter looked up and he too chuckled before clasping his hand with Taryl's.

"That was a great fight," said the bear shifter.

"Yeah, it was," Taryl huffed. "You actually made me fight."

William laughed as Taryl helped him to his feet. "I'm glad I was actually a challenge for you."

Two medics finally ran out onto the field and grabbed William from Taryl's aid. They led the exhausted shifter to the back to heal him and allow him to recuperate.

Taryl turned her head to see Bennett cheering for her with the others in the stands. She cocked an eyebrow and hung her head again while placing her hands on her hips. Taryl walked back to her place on the field, and she noticed a familiar beast shifter making his way over to the announcer. Once he was there, the two shared a few words before the announcer spoke into the microphone again.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we'll be taking a five minute break to allow Ms. Quintez to rest."

What? Iris hissed. Only five minutes?

I guess they want us to fight again for the next round, Taryl guessed.

That's ridiculous! Iris yowled. We're supposed to be off the field now. I need to rest, I don't think I can feel my front paw.

You've always had problems with that front paw, Iris, scoffed Taryl. Don't be such a baby about it now.

Taryl walked over to the bench and sat down to rest for the five minutes that she had. She took hold of the water container that sat on the edge and drank at least one-third of the water. The young man that had gone up to the announcer had vanished and the announcer picked up his microphone again. Upon hearing the screeching of the sound system, Taryl stood to her feet and prepared herself to battle another opponent.

"We have just received an updated schedule for the battles as a new contestant has suddenly joined," said the announcer. "And, as requested, this new contestant will be next to fight Ms. Quintez." There were mixed emotions within the crowd of shifters as some had cheered, while others jeered. Taryl rolled her shoulders to relax her muscles and soon turned her neck.

"Taryl!" hissed Bennett. "Taryl!" Taryl turned to the wall to see her friend hanging over the railing.

"What?" Taryl responded.

"Are you okay?"

Taryl rolled her eyes and cracked a smile. "Yes, I'm fine, Bennett. I had enough time to rest, and I really don't care that they want to fight right away again."