Boy, what are you doing?!

  Breaking out of my trance, I was able to narrowly avoid the oncoming blow.

  I get it, fighting a girl is tough, but not when the broad is trying to kill you!

  A distraught, but trying Robert yelled.

  It wasn't that she was a girl. It was who she reminded me of.

  Straight black hair, a glowing smile, and a narrow frame that dances with her blades.

  Blade Dancers are as hypnotic as they are lethal.

  Half the Colosseum roared for more, for blood, for death.

  GIVE US DEATH

  GIVE US DEATH

  GIVE US DEATH

  The chantings of the deranged spectators boomed through the open air.

  Amplifying the auras of all those around.

  Everything was consumed by the wants of the people

  Everyone became one in their shared insanity.

  Once again, she brought down her blade only for me to narrowly avoid it.

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  My breathing was rugged.

  My mind was numb

  Worst of all, my heart was racing.

  Every time I glimpsed her figure, I would see her.

  And with the sight of her, the memories flooded in.

  Nights out for patrols under a Moon all our own

  Dungeons we had no business entering and escaping with more loot than we had bargained for.

  The times of just cooperative adventuring, just me and her.

  Then, we went and joined that damn Guild.

  Full of people who always craved more.

  More damage.

  More gold.

  More fame.

  More

  More

  More.

  Coldness, then a rush of pain.

  THE CHALLENGER HAS RECEIVED A BLOW TO THE SHOULDER.

  BLOOD HAS BEEN DRAWN

  The orator boomed for all to hear, for all to relish in.

  At the sight of pain, the crowd boomed.

  KID, YOU WILL DIE IF YOU DON'T SNAP THE HELL OUT OF IT.

  Robert screamed.

  She met my eyes and smiled.

  Smiling at her handiwork, at causing me pain.

  This wasn’t her, but it was close enough.

  Dashing backward, I was able to draw distance between us.

  Calming myself, I first gathered my breath, then controlled my mind, and finally- I settled my heart.

  She darted at me, blade dripping in blood, with every intent to kill.

  Instincts took over.

  Closing myself off to the world, I tapped into the shadows within my heart…