Before the Blood
I felt scared.
Fear was rippling through my throat.
Eyes on me.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Watching.
That cruel smirk mocking me down while I bled.
This wasn't how my day was supposed to go…
Earlier that day…
7:37 am
I woke up before my alarm even rang, which was set for 8:00 am. I was feeling my nerves going haywire about what would happen today.
They invited me to the arena - not to be interviewed but to actually become part of it.
A member.
Just the thought made my heart race.
Hopefully, nothing goes wrong.
I freshen up before heading down to make breakfast for myself. I needed energy today. Today was a big day, perhaps even bigger when I landed my full-time job at Delton Media.
This day just felt different.
Maybe it was the fact I would be joining the arena.
I opened the bottom cabinet before reaching for a non-stick pan. Almost dropping it
Thud.
It landed harshly on top of the stove. The pan warmed on the stove while I whisked two eggs and slid bread into the toaster. A little olive oil, a soft sizzle, and the eggs puffed into perfect scrambled fluff.
I grabbed a dying avocado from the fridge, scooped it beside the eggs, and the toast popped up right on cue. I plated everything and dropped onto one of the barstools at the kitchen island.
The silence weighed heavy upon me as I ate my breakfast; overthinking how the day was going to end up.
As soon as I finished my breakfast, I put my dishes in the sink. Dishes from the last few nights remained piled up.
Who cares?
I wasn't living with anyone.
And no one comes to my place.
I rushed back to my bedroom, gathering everything I needed. I didn't know what I needed, but I did know what I didn't need: my laptop, voice recorder, and a mini DSLR camera.
I took them out of my handbag, putting them on top of my desk.
Perhaps I will need a pen and a notebook, so I didn't take them out of the bag.
I took the entire day off from the press; as soon as the time at the arena is done, I will come home and rest.
Unless a new story comes from the press. Then I will have no choice but to head to the office.
I didn't want that.
I got dressed in the same black outfit I wore the other day. I didn't have the time to wash them - but a few spritzes of perfume will cover any foul odors.
These were the only clothes my powers could work well with; they were fully 100% organic. It was either this or nothing, so I will have to work with it.
I quickly changed into them after showering them with an insane amount of perfume.
Then a question popped up: what if the arena was scent-free?
I didn't think about it.
Should I rinse it with a few splashes of water to lessen the potent scent of the perfume?
I looked over at the clock.
8:34 am.
I leaned my head against the window, looking out at the surroundings. The city was already awake and going about its day.
Despite rinsing the shirt and ironing it again to lessen the smell from the perfume, I still made it to the bus station in time. Enough time to get a seat instead of standing.
I knew from the get-go that the day would be never-ending.
As the destination inched closer, I felt my nerves being pulled once again. Fear, excitement and nervousness pulled at me - all at once.
And just like two days ago, I was standing in front of the arena ground once again.
I grabbed the mask from the machine next to the enormous golden gate, which was wide open. Reaching down, I grabbed a neutral gray mask. I put it on, adjusting it so it would slide off.
I entered through the gate. Nothing had changed. That was until I made halfway to the main entrance into the arena; there was another machine asking to scan my ID.
It wasn't here. Or was it?
I was so lost in thoughts that day that I missed these details.
I took out my ID from my wallet and inserted it into the machine.
I stood there, waiting for it to identify me and give me my ID card. The machine turned green, which probably meant good…
"Head to sector 21," it displayed
Sector 21?
Now where is that?
I looked around, trying to see where this Sector 21 they talked about was. I lowered my gaze to the machine, waiting for it to give my card back so I could search for 'Sector 21'.
I waited and waited.
"Give me my card!"
I said out loud in frustration, but it didn't give it back. With my patience running on a thin strand, I banged on top of the machine. And then another bang.
Sparks came out of it, which made my pupils dilate.
I didn't even hit it that hard. Did I?
In the blink of my eye, the machine broke down and parts went flying everywhere.
I ducked down to avoid the hardware hitting me.
Now I was sure I hadn't hit it that hard for it to break down completely. The arena couldn't even afford good technology.
The city's biggest company - tech, Starlight — was funding the arena along with others.
Just as the smoke settled down, I searched through the machine's broken parts for my ID card.
Once found, I let out a deep sigh of relief. It wasn't burnt.
Thankfully.
I stood up straight, fixing my attire and wiping the ID card against the black fabric of my shirt. I looked around, hoping no one was around. Luckily, no one had caught a sniff of what just happened. Just the pieces of the dead machine laid across the pavement.
I must get out of here as soon as possible.
I hurried through the entrance into the arena itself.
Before I could enter, the robot from that day rolled over to me. Looking up at me with its big glistening lavender eyes, which were glossy and shiny under the dim sun rays.
"Ms. White Watch. Follow me."
It led me inside the arena area. The halls were empty but decorated with tall pillars that reached as far as the eye could see.
There were arches stretching along beside each white-stoned pillar.
Just as I was walking, eyes set on the unique and old architecture, the robot stopped in front of a golden brown giant door. Was this place built for giants?
I swallowed as the robot looked up at me, waiting for me to enter, but I couldn't.
I was mentally preparing myself to head in.
"Please enter," it said.
"Right."
I pulled at the giant brown ring handle. It took immense force to pull open the door as it was heavy. Why did they have such a large door for someone so small?
Everyone knew the arena had been here before the city formed, yet they should be able to renovate it so people can have it easier, considering the amount of money flowing in. It seems like it is too much to ask for.
I took a deep breath before pulling the door open.
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