Branching Scars: Chapter1, pt1

Instructions

⋆.˚ ᡣ? .?˚ ⋆.˚ ᡣ? .?˚ ⋆.˚ ᡣ? .?˚ ⋆.˚ ᡣ? .?˚ ⋆.˚ ᡣ? .?˚ ⋆.˚ ᡣ? .?˚ Chapter 1, part 1 Ever seen what blood and sweat can do to you? How a blade and a pit of sand can change a person? Well, I'm the result. It's been a year and a half since I entered the Battle Nexus. Every time I step into that ring, hundreds of spectators make the ground shake with their determined cheers. Today is the semi-finals of this competition. I need to keep this winning streak if I'm going to keep the crowds coming. While I wrap my arms with bandages, I think of the possible methods I can use to defeat my opponent quickly. These rooms look pretty fancy for a fighting arena; there's even a dessert table. The second preparation room is on the other side of the arena, where my opponent is. I've heard of him before; people call him ‘Razor Horn’. Came from the lower brackets, but somehow passed to the semi-finals. I cinched the bandages tighter around my forearms. Tiny sparks crackled between my fingers, making the fabric hiss before the electricity faded. I pulled up my hoodie and put my mask on, tightening the strap. I picked up my kusarigama and traced Auntie Lena’s signature on the blade with my fingers. I always do that; I don’t know why, it just calms my nerves down a bit. I pushed myself off the couch and headed to the door. But I noticed something odd. The mirror beside me isn’t in its usual spot. I sigh and put the mirror back to its rightful spot, next to the wall of paintings. After I adjust its angle, I stare at my reflection. The mask stared back. I touch the part of my mask where my mouth is supposed to be. The crowd never heard me talk during battles. A knock at my door pulls me away from my reflection. “Excuse me, Ms. Nelson? The spectators are waiting.” A voice said from the other side of the door. “On it,” I called out. I straightened my posture and walked to the door. When I touched the doorknob, bits of electricity crackled for a moment. I opened the door to see a familiar face. “Ah, Nixon. Any info on who I’m fighting today?” I asked them. Nixon is a tall elk yokai who helps me prep before my battles. They flip through their clipboard. “So, this ‘Razor Horn’ is a rhino yokai. His horn is sharpened, so that’s the main thing. Razor fights at close range; maybe use the other end of your kusarigama to throw him off.” Nixon suggested, keeping a stern face. I gave them a thankful nod. “Thanks, Nix. I knew I could count on you.” I bumped their shoulder. Nixon gave me a light smile. “Good luck, Ms. Nelson.” Nixon bowed and walked away to attend to other matters. I watched them disappear into the maze of hallways. A moment later, the arena speakers crackled to life. “Ladies and gentle-yokai! This is your favorite announcer, Levi Cra! Are you READY for another night of glorious mayhem?! Only FOUR fighters remain! By the end of tonight, two warriors will earn their place in the championship match!” I walked to the entrance of the arena and waited for my cue. The roar of the crowd vibrated through the walls. I couldn't see them yet, but I could feel every pair of eyes waiting for me. “... And the moment you’ve been waiting for! The undefeated champion...” I took a deep breath and drew my kusarigama. “BOLTING BLADE!!” Levi’s voice boomed through the speakers as I swung the doors open. Bright lights blinded me for a second. The smell of popcorn, fried dough, and grilled meat hit me. The crowd erupted around me. “Eel Girl! Eel Girl! Eel Girl!” That was all I could hear. I looked around at the crowd surrounding me as I walked to the center of the arena. Auntie Lena smiled down at me. No. Big Mama. That's who everyone else saw. They cheered for Eel Girl. They waited for Bolting Blade. But only one person in the arena called me Vic. “After a two-month hiatus, Bolting Blade has come again to battle for the championship!” Levi announced. I gripped my kusarigama tighter as the topic changed. "Facing our returning champion is a fighter who's clawed his way from the lower brackets! Give it up for... RAZOR HORN!" The entrance across from mine burst open, and a large rhino yokai stepped through, scars etched across his body. His horn was sharpened into a wicked point. Every step he took shook the sand beneath him. “Welcome back, Eel Girl. Was spa day fun?” he taunted. I rolled my eyes under the mask, then twirled my kusarigama into a ready stance. The crowd answered with a chorus of “Oooh!” "No words from Bolting Blade! Just steel and silence!" Levi shouted. "Looks like she's letting her weapon do the talking tonight!"