Entering the arena was overwhelming.

No matter how many times I'd done it before.

Or how many times I would do it in the future.

It always overwhelmed.

I smiled.

Not at her.

Not at the crowd.

Not at the moment.

At myself.

I was still the same lost soul.

Quiet.

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A devastating silence.

One that forced you to listen.

One that brought out your heart.

My soul reveled in the silence.

They, the men surrounding the ring, the ones granting me this peace, they thought I was something I wasn't.

A leader

A champion.

A savior.

I continued smiling at the ridiculousness of it all.

She did not smile.

Directly opposite was my opposite.

The physical blade was to meet the blade of the soul.

Her calm cerulean eyes.

Her jet black hair.

Her perfectly formed figure.

She was everything I wasn't.

She was confident where I was unsure.

She was brilliant while I was dull.

Yet, she was the challenger and I the one who held everything she desired…

In my defeat she would gain, what?

Are you done daydreaming….

Her words broke the silence with a slice.

Breathing in.

Exhaling out.

I replied even though I wanted nothing more than nothing at all…

Yes, we can start…

Lifting my blade in a defensive stance, I prepared myself for the onslaught.

Feet clenching stone.

Every muscle in my lower half tensed.

Really, that's what you've chosen?

Where are your claws…

Where is your Night blade…

Your armor to match…

Everything we grinded for.

Every drop that went to our leader..

You dare…

Her face contorted in anger

You dare…belittle me…and show up with that!?!

Her screams brought terror to the silence.

Within the next blink.

She had crossed the distance and my blade met hers in a clash of wills.

Teeth clenched, face contorted, inches away from my own face...

She no longer seemed calm

She no longer held her composure.

The battle had begun.

And the blade dancer had began her Demonic Dance [ Paso Doble].