Destiny: Chosen For Battle

I stood at the corner of the arena, watching my friends practice and spar amongst themselves. My turn to fight was last, and I couldn't shake the growing dread in my chest. Miranda, my opponent, had a reputation for being ruthless—and the rumor that she could transform into a snake terrified me.

"It's going to be fine," June said beside me, offering a supportive smile.

"I'll try my best," I replied, though my confidence wavered.

June's fight came next. She faced off against a boy who barely knew how to hold a sword. Watching her defeat him effortlessly, I felt a pang of envy. I wished for an easier opponent.

Lex's match followed, and he fought like a true warrior. I was so impressed that I might have muttered my admiration out loud.

"Yeah, he did," Rachel teased with a wink, catching my words.

But I couldn't focus. My mind wandered back to Lex—how he'd kissed me and then disappeared. No explanations, no apologies. Who did he think he was? The thought made my blood boil, even as a small part of me longed for his attention.

"Destiny, you're up next," Rachel's voice pulled me back to reality.

She and June gave me encouraging nods as I stepped into the massive arena. Thousands of people filled the stands, their murmurs creating a buzzing tension. I spotted my dad sitting in the special visitors' section. He gave me a thumbs-up, his smile reassuring.

Then Miranda entered. Her arrogant smirk made my stomach churn. I held my sword tightly, bracing myself as she charged toward me with incredible speed.

The fight began. Miranda overpowered me quickly, her strikes forcing me to retreat. My attempts to counter were clumsy at best. As sweat dripped down my face, my sword began to emit faint sparks. I didn't understand what was happening.

Suddenly, Miranda transformed. Her body twisted grotesquely, her lower half becoming a massive serpent. She towered over me, her snake tail brushing the ceiling. The crowd gasped in horror, and I froze, gripping my sword tighter.

Miranda lunged, grabbing me with her tail and slamming me across the arena. Pain shot through my body as I hit the ground. Before I could get up, she grabbed me again and hurled me into the wall.

Blood dripped down my face, soaking my clothes. My vision blurred, but through the haze, I heard Lex's voice.

"Destiny, you can do this!" he shouted, his words cutting through the noise.

Kelvin looked on, tears brimming in his eyes. But I couldn't hold on any longer. Miranda's tail slammed into my cheek, sending me flying once more. My head hit the stone wall, and everything went black.

Something deep within me snapped. My eyes flew open, burning red as blood trickled from them. A fiery energy coursed through my body, consuming me completely. The ground beneath me quaked, flames erupting around me like an inferno.

I rose to my feet, my body engulfed in fire. The crowd stared in stunned silence, their fear palpable.

I summoned a massive fireball, its heat scorching the air. With all my strength, I hurled it at Miranda. The flames consumed her, reducing her monstrous form to ash.

As the last embers faded, I collapsed onto the ground, my vision going dark once again.

When I woke, I found myself lying in a grand bed, surrounded by soft pink sheets that carried a soothing scent. Bandages covered my body, and fresh wounds peeked through the wrappings.

I tried to sit up, but pain shot through me. Just then, Flora, my personal maid, entered the room.

"Oh, my lady, you're awake!" she exclaimed, relief flooding her face.

She ran out, and moments later, my dad entered. Tears streamed down his face as he approached me.

"Dad, are you okay?" I asked weakly, my voice barely a whisper.

"I'm fine, my dear," he said, gently pushing me back onto the bed. "Save your strength."

"What happened?" I asked, fragments of the fight flashing in my mind.

"Don't you remember anything?" he asked, concern etched across his face.

I closed my eyes, and the memories came rushing back—the fight, the fire, Miranda's ashes.

"How long have I been here?" I asked, dreading the answer.

"Two and a half weeks," he replied, smiling gently.

I gasped. "Two weeks? What about the tournament? Did I win?"

"Yes, you did. And you've been selected as one of the seven champions," he said, pride shining in his eyes.

"Seven? But isn't it supposed to be six?" I frowned.

"They made an exception for you," he explained. "Your master extended the deadline because of your condition."

I sighed in relief but felt a pang of anxiety. "Who am I, Dad?" I whispered, more to myself than to him.

He ran his fingers through my hair, kissing my forehead. "You're my daughter, and I'm so proud of you. Rest now, sweetheart. There's time for questions later."

As he left, I stared at the ceiling, exhaustion washing over me. My mind raced with thoughts of the fight, my powers, and the journey ahead.

"Who am I?" I whispered again, the question echoing in the quiet room.