Phillip took a deep breath to stabilize himself. This is it…this is the moment. A week had passed since Barry's fight, and this time, it was Phillip's first time in the arena. Sitting in the group 1 waiting room, Phillip bounced his leg up and down in nervousness. Barry, sitting next to him, looked scared.
Before he had entered the room, Phillip had taken a peek as to how many people were attending, and there were more people then there were the week before. Probably here to watch Marcus, that amazing newcomer.
Phillip had been scheduled to fight an opponent who had fought two battles, one win and one loss, named Martha. He remembered seeing her once before, but didn't really think much of her when he saw her. I wish I had done some scouting on her or something. I have no idea what I'm walking into.
Phillip heard cheering coming from the arena. The fight must be over.
A couple minutes later, a beaten and battered guy entered the room. The rest of the fighters looked at him and glanced the other way, not wanting to see the results of losing. A guard followed him into the room. "Phillip Clueman, you're up next."
Standing up, Phillip walked out of the room and followed the guard. Walking down a series of halls, the guard raised his arm sideways to stop Phillip. "Now, on to the next round! Today, we have the dazzling Martha Emery making her third appearance. She lost her first match, but rebounded last round with a stunning wire-to-wire victory. Can she win again tonight and start a win streak?"
A few cheers could be heard as Phillip assumed Martha had entered the arena. "Now, her opponent is making his first appearance in the arena. Please welcome the newcomer, Phillip Clueman!"
The guard lowered his arm and motioned Phillip to enter. Phillip boldly walked forward, hoping to fake an aura of confidence around him. Entering the arena, he heard a few claps as the spectators watched him enter. Looking up at the place the leaders would have sat, Phillip noticed one man sitting in a chair, looking intensely at him.
"You know the rules. You each fight until the other one relents or is sadly killed in combat. The winner gets rewarded with a hot meal. The loser, if he survives the fight, gets nothing at all, not even food, for the rest of the day. There is no surrender either. This is a non-lethal match, meaning that when the other person is defeated, there is no choice whether they live or die. You understand the rules?"
Martha nodded. "I do."
Phillip nodded as well. "I understand."
"Very well. Now…begin!"
A bell ring was heard, signaling the beginning of the fight. Phillip unsheathed his dual blades and quickly charged at Martha, hoping to get the first strike in. Martha, a sword and shield wielder, effortlessly blocked Phillip's first blow and gave a slight shove, causing Phillip to stumble.
Quickly taking advantage, Martha swung her sword towards Phillip, who managed to dodge out of the way, landing on his side a few feet away. Standing up, Phillip assumed the stance Maurice had taught him.
Remember the basics. If I remember the basics, I'll—
Phillip saw a flash of light come from the sword as it came closer to him. Quickly raising his left arm, Phillip's sword blocked it, but had him staggering backwards. Martha continued her attack, timing her swings, hoping to intentionally cause Phillip to fall down, causing his own defeat.
However, Phillip managed to parry most of the blows before getting some separation between them. Phillip was breathing heavily. What do I do? I can't find an opening at all!
However, words filtered through Phillip's mind. "The dual blades gives you tremendous offensive power and great speed, but lacks defense."
Phillip dodged another attack and gained more separation. That's right…dual wielding gives you tremendous offensive power. I've been on the defensive the entire time.
Martha stepped up to swing again, but Phillip ducked under the swing, creating an opening. With all his might, Phillip swung his right arm towards Martha. *Clang*
Phillip saw this sword hit Martha's shield. DON'T GIVE UP!
Phillip started swinging his left arm. *Clang*
I can't give up!
Stepping back, Phillip charged forward again, quickly swinging his arms in an offensive onslaught. Martha kept up with Philip's pace, hoping to survive his burst of offensive power. With each sound of clashing metal, Phillip grew angrier.
I have to win! I have to see my mom again!
Phillip smashed his sword against the shield, causing it to be sent backwards. Swinging the opposite arm, the sword hit the side of the shield, grazing Martha's face, and knocked the shield away.
I WON'T LOSE!
Phillip swung both his swords at once in an X pattern. Martha blocked it, but was sent backwards.
Martha had a look of fear in her eyes. Phillip charged forward and swung his left arm. Martha blocked the blow, but Phillip didn't bring the sword back. Instead, he put pressure on the sword, keeping Martha from changing her stance.
Taking a deep breath, Phillip used his right arm and thrust forward, aiming for the right side of Martha's abdomen.
In a desperate attempt, Martha jumped to the left, avoiding the thrust, but getting cut by the tip of the left sword across her chest. Falling to the ground, Martha gasped for air. Phillip stood over her, swords in hand, staring down. The bell dinged. "And that's the match! Wow! For a first fight, Phillip Clueman sure knows how to make a match exciting!"
Phillip was breathing heavily. His arms felt like noodles. Shakily putting the swords back in their sheaths, Phillip offered his hand to Martha to help her up.
After Martha grabbed his hand, Phillip helped her onto her feet. "Martha, you fought well and have improved considerably since your first fight. However, you will not be eating dinner tonight. Go to the medical office to check yourself out."
Martha nodded, glanced at Phillip, and walked out of the arena.
"Phillip Clueman, in your first fight, you won in comeback fashion! Congratulations! Now, get yourself checked out by the medical personnel and report to the dining hall at once. You will be greeted with a hearty dinner to help replenish your strength."
Phillip nodded and started making his way back to the guard who escorted him earlier. Cheers and applauses rained down from the people watching as he left.
So that's what a fight is like…I can't imagine what group two is like…or if I can fight Marcus and win. I still have a long ways to go…but this was my first step…my first step of coming back home!
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