Toby holds my hand as we walk down the long corridors of the obsidian castle, watching my steps closely and walking at Toby's pace.
I can tell he's anxious, he wants to get this started and over with.
I want to be as confident as Toby, but I know I can't be. I'm scared, I've never killed before. I don't want to.
After another eternity of walking through the huge manor, we reach the arena.
Upon walking in we're greeted by roars of applause and cheers from other pastas, demon creatures, servants of the estate, and other indistinct characters.
In the front center row sit our friends, looking and shouting in concern. Jake and Jack are pounding on the magic-like glass surrounding the seats, Jeff shouting in vain at the servants and familiars cheering.
I try to run over to them, but Toby stops me, handing me my spear.
"Talking to them will throw you off. I need you to commit, right now. Forget about everything else, think only about winning this. I know it hurts, but I need you to fight through the pain. Be my champion, we'll do this together." Toby tells me, gripping my hand, adjusting his goggles.
I breath in and out slowly, resisting and staying put, listening to Toby.
Suddenly we hear the sound of trumpets, sounding more like bloody screams than an instrument.
As the horrid horn sounds, Zalgo enters the arena and sits in a throne seated at the front of the arena, Everyone bows to him, even Slenderman and the others.
Toby doesn't bow, he stands taller, a gesture of rebellion. I smirk softly, doing the same.
"Sit. Please, let's get this started." Zalgo smiles in his devilish voice.
The guards behind us push us forward, taking us to the center of the arena.
Stark fear hits, I grip the lancet in my small hands, holding it in a secure grip.
Toby watches Zalgo, glaring at him and doing nothing more, I watch him in fear, thinking of all the possibilities of this battle.
Zalgo leans back in his seat, chuckling at the harsh glares as if amused.
"Oh, Tobias, you're face will get stuck that way." Zalgo mutters, playfully.
"I already agreed to let you go, unharmed, if you win. I will let the humans live out their lives, however, I can't say anything for other's trying to kill them."
'Better to be killed elsewhere than here by him...' I think to myself, quickly.
"Now, you all know what happens if you don't win. So let's have fun." Zalgo chuckles again.
The guards behind us run to the exit, shutting the doors quickly, as a a series of portal-like things open around us.
Toby grabs my hand and hugs me, kissing my forehead.
"Remember what I said. Good luck." Toby whisper as he does so.
I nod, squeezing him before the familiars start to come from the portals.
They all look different, like nightmare spawn. Some have special powers, such as shape-shifting and teleportation.
My legs start to tremble, wanting to give in from pain, exhaustion, and fear, but I keep myself up.
Toby grabs my face, kissing me on the mouth, quickly, slipping something into my mouth.
Another magic pill.
