TRANSCRIPT

Despite my injuries, Dracca wasn't done with me yet. Sluggish and winded, I was marched back down to the arena. The blood of yesterday's battle still stained the space, a small contribution to what was already existing.

Dracca stood in front of me, holding a blade in each arm, then tossed me one. She said she wanted to see first hand what I could do, and me fighting wounded was essentially a safeguard. Figures a fair fight wasn't on the table

So, there I stood. About to face what I was fearing to be certain death, but holding onto the hope that I could win. If I could, then maybe I could just fucking walk out of this place without anything to stop me.

Wishful thinking I guess, because I fucking lost, and it wasn't even close. All my strength was sapped, and my blade felt like it was 50 pounds. Movements were slow and sloppy. Dracca made a few deep cuts on me. Across my left arm, my right leg, and then a jab at my right shoulder. Still, after that jab, she left herself open. So, I mustered up the little strength I had to upward slash at her. Managed to cut her across the eye.

But she spared me. Said that someone of my capabilities would be wasted, but I owe a life debt to her. A group of people grabbed me and rushed me into a makeshift infirmary, where my wounds could be properly attended to this time.

Still, as I lie on this bed, I can't stop thinking of what comes next. Am I now being forced to join this gang? Will I ever walk free again? Do I even want to know the answers?

!