I observe my opponent, trying to read his moves. I assumed the lion would bound at me energetically, but surprisingly, he’s eyeing me warily and keeping his distance.
The lion inches closer and closer, and the voices in the audience grow quieter and quieter. Indescribable tension fills the arena.
I didn’t come up with any plans beforehand. What do I do? I mean, I gotta wait for the lion to make the first move. One misstep, and I’m as good as dead. I can’t think of anything else, so…
“I thought you’d be more violent, but you’re actually rather tame, aren’t you?”
…I provoke the lion.
Then it happens.
The lion’s eyes change color, and he charges at me, at full force. The crowd lets out a gasp.
“I retract my statement.”
No way…aren’t we supposed to size each other up a bit longer?!
My head jerks backward in fear.
Come on, Alicia, look for an opening. Try to run, and you’re dead. That lion beats you in a marathon ten times out of ten.
“The brat isn’t even moving.”
“Think he hasn’t noticed the lion charging him?”
Oh, shut up! I’m trying to think!
The moment the lion raises his paws to strike, I slide beneath him. I try to draw my short sword, but the lion reacts faster than I anticipate and changes his stance immediately.
Can’t your reflexes be just a little slower?!
The crowd falls silent in an instant. They probably weren’t expecting that move from me.
Oh, that was nothing to freak out over. I haven’t even landed a single hit yet.
The lion mercilessly goes in for a second attack. I manage a big backflip, and dodge. I hear the crowd gasp, “No way!”
Well, I’ve been exercising and practicing the sword since I was seven. A little acrobatics is nothing. Come on, what kind of baddie would I be if I couldn’t do a simple backflip?
I glance at the king.
Ooh, look at the shock on his face. I’m honored. If I earn his approval here, my chances of learning about Laval’s government skyrocket!
“Give it all you’ve got, Alicia.”
I grip my short sword after a little pep talk. The lion’s eyes glimmer, and he roars menacingly at me.
A lion roaring from so close is quite a significant experience. I’ll be sure to brag about this later.
I tighten my hold on the sword. I dodge the lion’s frighteningly fast charge, then dive for his vitals, desperately following his aura close so he won’t maul me to death.
“Is that boy really blind?!”
“He’s moving faster than that lion.”