I wildly scribbled my name onto a small slip of paper before inserting it into a worn box, The attendant smiled at me waving her hand gesturing me to move along. I tipped my head and walked forward, the sun shone brightly in my eyes making me squint against it. The roar of the crowd came next, the show hadn’t even started yet and they were already panting for the entertainment. It made me sick of how much they wanted it, and even sicker of how much I needed it. I wasn’t exactly in a good financial spot at the moment, and I was on the edge of subscription. To the army. If I kept my taxes coming I would be safe, but I had nothing left so fighting for money was my only option.

I looked out toward the crowd, knowing I wouldn’t find a familiar face even if they were there. I spotted the line of contestants in the far corner of the arena, I strode towards them examining the arena as I did. It was a bowl, traditionally built with stands covering every inch. The sand kicked up in the wind making everything blur in a beige haze.

“Tiana Windmere ‘The Eel’ verses Eckle Deare ‘Jetstream’” I was so focused on not shaking that I almost didn’t even hear the announcer shout out contestants. I assumed immediately they would fight and the first to draw blood would win. I was right.

The blare of horn it’s source unknown erupted in the bowl. And time seemingly froze, Tiana ‘the Eel’ they called her, moved like magic. Her movements untraceable and unpredictable. Eckle ‘Jetstream’ was lightning speed and bolted off at Tiana with an unimaginable pace. The fight went on for what seemed like forever until Tianas mouth sputtered with red liquid from a hard punch that Eckle delivered.

“Evangeline Digotta verses Ezra Gian ‘The Lion’” Announced the unseen speaker. I frowned as my name was blared over the speakers but I had no nickname to go along. I searched for Ezra and there he was, And I knew why the nickname was so. His golden hair ruffled slightly in the wind, bleached of all color. He bore his teeth and I saw to my horror they had been sawed down to tiny malicious points that shone paper white against the sand. We walked forward onto the sand our paces matched in time, We stood in our stance and I watched him with fierce eyes.

The horn blared and time froze once again, I watched Ezra as he darted towards me, the sand behind him kicking up and an idea popped into my head. I bent low and timed his pace perfectly, scooping up a handful of the chalky plain substance and throwing it into the air with the flick of my wrist. Ezra saw it and he tried to stop his pace but his vision became painful and he shook his head like a dog. With my chance I pounced upon him my feet lifting from the plain earth and I pulled my arm back and with a neat hit I had struck him right between the eyes. A seemingly deafening crunch resumed time and the roar of the crowd came back. But I didn’t let pride get the best of me until I saw blood, and I did. The liquid dripped down his chin and landed, staining the sand. The corner of my mouth lifted in triumph, and the crowd was roaring, no. Chanting. The Snake. The Snake

The Snake. They were calling me, I raised my fist and in response a thunder of feet stomped in return. I looked down at Ezra, he was now standing, the blood coming from his nose crudely wiped to the side making him look more dangerous than he was.

“You cheater.” He breathed, before spitting at my feet.

“Not a cheater, I’m a snake.” I said before walking off the arena.