Sacrificial Lamb (To be deleted)

First Duel

Three days had past.

We were all focus on training ourselves of using our chosen weapon effectively. Raya received a lot of compliment because of her skills, at the same time, she receives hate from the others for hanging out with a weak warrior like me.

"Don't mind them," Raya says not glancing at the next table where other Keves sits for lunch. They were trying to provoke Raya.

Raya looks unbothered while eating but I feel pain in my chest for putting her in this situation. I know, she's trying to be brave for the both of us. She's been protecting me ever since I came here. Even when we're still on earth, she's been my shield. She acts like an older sister despite the fact that we're on the same age.

"Raya, I think... I need to train later on my own," I said.

She glared at me, "Don't get me started, Anna."

"But Raya—"

"What's so difficult with what i'm asking!? I said ignore them! I'm here! I'll protect you!" she shouted.

Everyone glance at our direction. Raya put down her spoon aggressively and walked out. I didn't dare going after her to give her space.

"Aren't you ashame of yourself? Being Arnaki is already shameful. Imagine being thrown here by your own family as a sacrifice because you don't seem necessary for them. Then end up too weak for a soldier," someone from behind said, though no name was mentioned, I know she's referring to me, "You're pulling her down with you."

"I—"

"Important announcement!" Five soldiers suddenly showed up at the cafeteria, one of them was holding a paper, "Everyone from Keves and Arnaki troop are expected to be at the battle arena tomorrow morning for a duel training. This will be held for ten consecutive days. Each unit should have ten representative to represent their unit for each day of the said event. We are expecting everyone to watch and participate. That would be all for the announcement," the soldiers immediately went out after it.

Duel training? What's that supposed to mean?

"If you want to save Raya's reputation... join. Join and defeat a Keves representative," now she's right in front of me. She was in the middle of a group of five behind her back, "C'mon... do it."

It was tempting. But I've seen how they trained for the past three days of my stay, they're incredibly strong.

But I had to do something, I don't wanna be a burden to Raya. This time, I should protect her, "I accept it... I'll join as one of the Arnaki representative."

The girl sarcastically laugh and walked towards me giving me a gentle pat on my cheeks, "Look at you... now I'm starting to understand why Raya likes you a lot. You're such a good girl. Good for a pet."

Everyone laugh at her remarks while I was trembling on my spot with my head bow down, unable to defend myself. Their laughter echoes to my head, reminding me of my life back on earth. My cowardness subjected me into being bullied. The thing is, I really want to fight back. I want them to feel how evil I could be. But something within me keeps on betraying me.

I hate how soft my heart is... for not wanting to hurt anyone with all the evil thoughts in my mind. I hate how my eyes starts to tear up by itself whenever I'm mad. Having this heart is a curse. It gives constant battles. I don't want it. Take it from me. Let me breath.

****

"What were you thinking!?" Raya's voice thundered in my room.

"Raya, calm down," she was furious about my initiative to join as a representative for Arnaki.

"You just came here! What do you expect? Of course you're still weak! They've been training for the past five years! What's wrong with you!?"

She's right, I'm nothing compared to them. But I had to do this. I can't back out now. I need to at least... try, "Please Raya, I wanna do this," I told her with my eyes full of desperation.

She looked at me with heavy breathing and intense glare, "Do as you wish!" she says then stormed off my room. I hate to make her mad but this is the only way I could help her.

Night after, I started training. I have no time to waste. I need to practice using my weapon more. This time, by myself.

My iron fan felt heavy on my hand, but I'm slowly getting used to it. I tried to swirled it on my fingers, but it was so heavy that my finger can't carry on. I continued training despite all the bruise and pain I feel. I need to win tomorrow.

In the middle of my training, someone suddenly showed up like a knight in shining armor, blocking my attack mid air with his sword.

"You..." I uttered in disbelief. I wasn't expecting him at all. The last time I saw him was the night he carried me from the forest.

"Hi... Anastasia?" he gently ask.

"How did you know my name?"

"Well, you're quite popular lately. Together with Raya." I know what he meant. Well he's right, I'm kind of popular, just in a bad way. "Amador," he said, extending his hand which I hesitantly reach out.

"Uh, what do you need?" I asks, curious of his sudden appearance.

"I heard you volunteer to be one of your troop representative... I came to check on you."

I frowned slightly, lowering my weapon, "Why would you care about that?"

Amador's gaze softened, his lips curling into a small smile. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in ensuring you stay safe."

My heart skipped a beat. The sincerity in his eyes was disarming, but I couldn't afford distractions. "I'm fine. I don't need anyone watching over me."

He stepped closer, his presence almost overwhelming. "I know you don't need it. But maybe you deserve it."

I took a step back, trying to maintain my composure. "What do you want from me?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Honestly, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since that night in the forest. I just don't have the guts on bringing myself to you for the past days."

My breath caught in my throat. His confession was unexpected, and it sent a thrill through me that I tried to ignore. "You barely know me."

"Maybe," he agreed, "but I want to. Let me help you with your training."

I was torn, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts. His offer was tempting. "Fine," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But just for tonight."

He grinned. "Thank you, that's all I need."

As we resumed my training, I couldn't help but steal glances at him. There was something about Amador that drew me in, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this knight in shining armor was exactly what I needed.

*****

On the day of the duel training, the battle Arena was filled with warriors. They watched us with eager eyes, ready to judge. This arena was different from the one where we held the first training. This one was a lot wider. The middle of arena was an elevated circular training battle ground, surrounded with water.

"All ten representatives, please step forward," the announcer said.

I was trembling out of nervousness. "You know you can still back out if you're chickening out," another representative told me irritably before she made her way on a small bridge that connects the middle arena and the benches. I walked behind her trying to calm down. With my every step is a pounding heart within me.

We were lined up and face the other ten representatives from the Keves troop.

"This training has only one rule. Do not kill your opponent. Step forward and face who you want to fight against with."

I can't. What if I initiate choosing who I wanna fight with and end up losing? That would be embarrassing.

I was looking down, still anxious, when I saw a pair of combat boots facing me. I gulped of the realization that someone has already chosen me. I slowly look up and saw the face of my opponent.

It was Jewel, the one who challenged me at the cafeteria. "So... you really did participate huh?" she smirked.

"I-I am true to my words," I answered. She raised her brow, looking annoyed.

"Everyone! choose a number for the sequence of battle," the announcer said while holding a bowl made out of gold. Jewel picked the number for us.

She opened it and giggled, "I guess we'll be waiting for awhile," she said then passed me the paper. 5th.

Everyone step down the center stage except for the 1st contenders. The moment everyone was able to step down, the center stage magically elevated in the air, exposing the water below.

The two contenders stand facing each other— both at the edge of the center stage. A strong beat from a huge drum at the corner signals the start of the duel.

Their duel was intense. I even wonder if I ever blink my eyes while watching. Raya is competent, she chose those who's been training for years for this duel. I was the only beginner representing Arnaki troop.

The battle continue and every end of duel makes me more anxious. The closer our number gets, the more terrified I become.

"Next contenders! Please step up the battle ground," the announcer said. I couldn't move. I saw Jewel confidently walked up on the battle stage while her whole troop was cheering on her.

"What are you doing!? Go!" someone from my troop push me gently forward, it wasn't a hard push but out of fear, I fell on the ground. Everyone from that arena was laughing so hard, except my troop who looks dismay. "We're already being treated so low and this loser is making it worst!"

From a far, I saw Amador. He gave me a reassuring look. I carefully stand up and walk slowly on the battle stage. The moment I was able to reach the top, Jewel and I faced each other. She had a fierce look in her eyes.

The stage started to elevate. People are cursing on my name. They were laughing and mocking me. Trying to control my emotion, I took a deep breath and managed to calm myself a little. I need to win, to restore the reputation of Raya.

With the drum signal, the fight began. Jewel came at me fast. Her sword was quick and sharp. I tried to block with my fan, but she was too strong. Every move I made felt clumsy. The crowd started to boo, their voices are loud and harsh. I felt my confidence slipping away. Still, I tried my best to fight back. I swing my fan trying to prevent getting cut by her sharp sword. I was in defense instance while she keeps on attacking me.

In the middle of our fight, I was surprise when she suddenly use her feet and took a blow on my stomach. I crashed on the floor and got up with both my hands on the ground. I was still panting when she use her feet again to push me lying on the ground. I was helpless.

She scoffed and left me while entertaining people, asking for loud cheer. I took the opportunity to get my fan back. Slowly, I walked towards her while holding my fan. I raised my weapon up and was about to attack her but Jewel noticed me and swing her sword before I could struck hard, my fan flew from my hand and in one hard slap on my face, I fell to the ground, and darkness took over. I lost, miserably.