The Arena of Anguish

Two of the questions Emblem always asked himself, and the same two questions he always wondered why it was always him asking was ''What is this place, and how did I get here?''.

Today was no different. Emblem was walking in a lengthy black corridor, and in the distance, he saw a white light. However, the closer he got, the more the thought of walking away. Sounds of fighting, sounds of carnage, and a crowd that felt passionate for bloodlust. As he tried to turn around, Emblem bumped his head. After a louder then intended ''Ouch!'' he reached out and literally felt darkness form solid behind him. There was no way back as dark magics blocked his way.

Emblem stepped out into the light and held his hand infront of his eyes, shielding them from the overabundance of light. After his eyes got used to it, he looked around and saw he was in a round arena. A Coliseum. Some people roared, others booed, but Emblem simply stood there and looked around. He did not recognise any of these people, nor their race or species.

''Step forward, Emblem of Besaid.''

Emblem's view turned to an old man sitting in a throne of sorts. The man looked like he could turn to dust any moment. Emblem slowly moved forward, still trying to see where he was...and better yet...where he could get out. This place seemed very evil.

''You will fight in my tournament today.''

''Me? Fight? I'm not really a trophy hunting warrior.''

Said Emblem as he stood in front of the man. He had no intent of fame, nor glory, and he surely wasnt going to fight in this tournament. Some mere rag-dressed slaves walked around him, cleaning the floor of some crimson liquid. Emblem had no doubt it was blood.

''Nonsense. Maybe an exhibition is in order to explain.''

Emblem had no idea what was going on, but before he did, one of the slaves was forced to fight some very ominous looking guy, and it took less then 10 seconds before the slaves' guts were sprewn over the just-cleaned floor, the rest of the body devoid of life. Emblem was repulsed at what he had seen, and at the glee the old man seemed to watch it.

''You have been chosen; You cannot escape. Failure of this mortal combat results in death.''

''I've died once, I do not plan to do so again.''

Emblem took out his axes and was planning to strike the old man. Upfront, strike down the head of the snake. Before he could however, the old man stood next to him, teleporting, and Emblem was forced on his knees by multiple guards who chained him and held spears at his neck.

''How...persuasive.''

''You will be in the first round. Your opponent will be Kain. You will fight in this Coliseum for now''

''...and who would that be?''

As he was released from his bonds, and picking up his axes from the sandy floor.

''Me. Don't care who you are, my knife will turn you into a dead man soon enough. The prize money awaits..''

Cheers and shouts arose from the Arena as Emblem stood up and brandished his axes. His opponent was going to kill him unless he fought, and as far as he knew, his opponent was evil. Two decent incentives, enough for Emblem to enter combat. Both fighters readied and entered their respective stances, with Emblem holding one axe high in the air, and Kain having his knife in front of his chest and face, the sharp end pointed at Emblem. Peculiar features was one thing this man knew how to express. Metal in place of skin, and a compeltely red eye...

''Round one, FIGHT!''

The crowd roared as both fighters went toe to toe to determine the strongest of the two.