I was standing on a dark place. Everything around me was black, as if I'm in a black hole - devoid of any sound, smell. There is nothing in this place, and my mind is getting insane in this silence.
I tried walking forward, hoping that I might find the exit, but to no avail. The whole place is as huge as the universe.
I can feel the tendrils of panic shackling me, preventing me to think straight of what to do.
"Okay Nina, calm down. Think. Think of what happened before you came in here. Think."
Snippets of memory came flashing by my mind. I saw a spinning car, a crash, and a hot hand. "Yes! The crash! But why am I here? And what is this place? Am I dead?"
Just then, a shuriken came flying by. It was a good thing that my reflex is superb that I dodged that one. And then an arrow wheezed by.
"Woah! What the - "
I jumped as a spear came landing by my feet. My heart beat faster now. Dodging was easy, but not knowing the source of the weapons is another thing. You cannot predict the trajectory of it. And by the looks of it, the weapons came from different areas.
"Who's there?" I demanded, hoping that a one-on-one fight is better than dodging blindly.
Another arrow wheezed by. I was on my limits, my anger swimming up to the surface.
"One more and I'll definitely find you and kill you."
In answer, the room gave me a sword flying by. I caught it on its hilt. As soon as I touched it, a warm feeling surrounded me. A sort of hum pervaded my senses, and then a white, soft light engulfed me.
It all felt wonderful and comforting. I closed my eyes and bathed on the feeling. It's not everyday that I could feel as invigorated as this.
I felt the feeling ebb away. I slowly opened my eyes and reeled back in shock. The dark room was replaced by a sunny and noisy place. I noticed I was standing in the middle of a circular amphitheater. People were shouting and cheering and jeering. And they were all looking at me.
And then it hit me. This set up is very similar to a Roman Colosseum.
I looked down and noticed my badass clothes. I was wearing a heavy metallic armor, probably silver due to its color, including my skirt. I was wearing a type of flat sandals and my feet's all grimy - ew. In my left hand, I'm holding a sort of helmet and in my right, a gleaming deadly sword.
There's no doubt about this at all. I'm in one of the Gladiator era, and I'm standing as one.
I took a deep, deep breath. The panic is spreading all over my being. I may have boasted that I'm good in combat but I'm not ready to die. Yes I know to fight, but to fight head-on with strong, burly guys who are used to fighting with their life, I'm not sure I'm up for the task.
Okay Nina think. Why are you here?
"Oh no. Am I reincarnated to a gladiator? This cannot be. How is this possible? What - I die and then get to be reincarnated to die again immediately? This is just too unfair."
I was transported back to reality - well to my new reality - when a horn blasted. What the -
A gate behind me started to open and out came a bear.
My jaw dropped. "Am I supposed to fight that? Well this is so fucking unfair."
I wore my helmet. If this is how it's going to be, better die fighting than giving up.
"Okay shield. Where - I don't have one?"
I was on the verge of crying, pitying myself of this unfortunate life. But the tears would have to wait for the bear came bounding towards me.
"Oh shit shit shit shit ~ "
I ran to avoid being trampled on and frantically thought of ways how to deal with this bear. I held my sword and readied to receive his attack when I felt the sword thrum with otherworldly energy, invigorating and strengthening my senses.
I smiled. Maybe in this world I have some powers and this bear is just a piece of cake.
The bear turned around and came running back at me. I gripped my sword hard and held it high. I was ready to receive the beast.
I could feel the shaking of the ground as the beast's feet touch the ground. I steeled my heart, showing fear to the enemy would jeopardize everything - exploiting it and using it in his advantage.
I glared at the bear, and shouted, "Come at me!"
The bear lowered his head. I bent my knee. The bear reached my place and I jumped sideways. I raised my sword and dropped it with all my strength on the bear's neck.
I found myself flying backwards towards the end of the arena.