She is darkness…the thing that evil fears. Fallen beyond redemption, and with a soul – if you could even call it that- the shade of obsidian. Now, she stands before you; the last obstacle between you and victory.

You both move so fast that later, you cannot recall who lunged first; swords drawing as your limbs pushed you forward to meet your enemy. Though you are highly trained, you already begin to feel your pulse race; desperately pushing adrenaline through your veins in preparation for your fight.

Blades meet with a clash; you’re certain that if you hadn’t had such good reflexes, her low slash might have eviscerated you in an instant. Your hands clench on the hilt of your own weapon as you parry, riposte and generally attempt to hack your way through her. She’s as good as you though, and knows it – the twisted grin on her face is one of pure enjoyment, revelling in the thrill and fury of combat.

She kicks out at you, nearly toppling you, and it takes all of your instincts to recover and hit back, striking her behind the knees. She didn’t expect that – her balance falters, and she rolls away to avoid a barrage from the steel that you wield. Letting out a growl that is more reminiscent of an animal than the mortal she is, she launches herself at you, eyes wild with fury.

Now she’s mad. Good. This will make it so much easier.

The two of you meet in a frenzy, any remaining control and finesse abandoned as you battle against her. Nails act as claws, ripping each other as you fight for dominance. It is no longer merely a battle of the flesh – the contest depends on the spirit…who has the stronger will to survive and win?

Ultimately, your determination wins out, and with a force not unlike a nuclear explosion, your muscles give that last effort to barrage past her defences. Your sword raises, and slashes with lightning speed. She falls in slow motion, her blank-eyed gaze fixed in an expression of utter shock. You fall too, exhaustion and pain coming to you in a rush as…

…your eyes open, blinking several times as the sun’s rays drift upon your face. It takes you a moment to figure out where you are. Eventually, you rise from the bed, and stumble, still half-asleep, into the bathroom. Resting your weight on the nearby sink, you raise your face to gaze into the mirror, only to see hers staring back at you.