The Protectors: The Otherworld

'How did my life ever get to this point' I thought as I looked upon the crowd of thousands staring at me, all of whom were shouting until I could hear nothing except for the loud blur of voices.

Not the first time since I had arrived in this unusual and confusing place, I felt clueless and completely terrified. I didn't know what to do. Feeling the weight of the weapon bearing down on me, I looked down to the sword gripped in my hand and felt shivers tremble through my body at what was to happen.

It's kill or be killed in this crazy place. I had to survive...needed to survive, to prove I was worthy. 'But hadn't I done that enough already? Had I not defeated every pointless challenge they had thrown at me? I put my life in danger over and over again, was it not enough?'

As I looked at my opponent on the opposite side of the arena, I felt fear shoot through my veins but also an unexpected rush of excitement. What was happening to me?

I couldn't believe what was about to happen, but I couldn't stop it, couldn't delay it any more then I already had.

I felt the roar of my opponent vibrate the ground beneath me, and steeled my emotions. Raising my sword and getting into the starting position I had been taught, I let the past sixth months flash through my mind as I readied myself for what was to come.