Figment of Imagination

The night tasted of a bittersweet death. A raging wind howled through the streets, a mere crossing of flesh and air biting pain at whomever dared to enter its path. The challenger's glared at one another.

A vibrant, young woman straightened her back and shot the man a sneer. "You are no match for me, sir knight.. For there is only room for one general in Alexandria, and I plan to fill the position. Do you dare challenge me?"

The man chuckled. His dark black eyes pierced her soul with intimidation. He swept his coal colored hair away from his face. "I'm usually not one to take place in combat with a lady, but you have disgraced my honor. I will defeat you. "

She smiled grimly, pulling out her trusty sword. The metal gleamed with victory, tainted with blood from previous battles. The knight pulled out his sword, aswell, its rugged blade ready to kill.

With a leap they both sprang to each other, a loud clang ringing through the streets. Both proved to be excellent swordsmen. One clash after another, one bound after the first. They both continued to fight as the sky grew a dreary grey, as thunderheads began to build. Rain began to pour down, lightning flashing all over the darkened sky. The streets began to fill with water, making it difficult to maneuver. The woman swung her sword over her head, and struck her opponent in the arm. His hand flew to his wound, trying to keep the blood from seeping out. He looked up and smiled at her, an inane smirk creeping upon his thin lips. "Well done madam. I see the rumors of your skills serve you justice, as do the tales of your beauty."

"No use flattering me with your words, sir. For they will bring you no mercy." She replied.

The knight took a deep breath and shrugged off his injury, swinging his sword around. "May I ask of your name?" She blinked, caught offguard. "Why do you ask?"

He smiled. "I just wish to remember the name of my opponent. She sneered. "Beatrix….. that is all I shall tell.. And who might you be??"

He smirked. "I'm just a figment of your imagination, and that's all I shall say… for now…"

Angered, she tightened her grip on her weapon. "Enough, let's continue." She ordered, charging at him. He ducked, missing her sword's cutting edge. He swung back around and caught her in the back of her thigh. Beatrix fell to the ground, grinding her teeth as the water and mud mingled with her blood. She pulled her matted hair away from her face, rising up and charging at him. He caught her in his arms, putting a tightening grip on her. She choked for air and cursed herself for her stupidity. She struggled with all her might, trying to break free from the knight's lock. Suddenly, he leaned forward and gave Beatrix a deep kiss, connecting his lips with hers. She broke away, staring at him hatefully in his eyes. He leaned forward to her left ear. He brushed away a chocolate brown curl of hair, and smiled.

"This is to remember me by, my sweet Beatrix… Fare thee well…" He whispered silently. His right hand snatched up a hidden dagger within his robe and thrust it into her eye, dropping her to the ground. A blood-curdling scream arose from Beatrix's parched lips, blood pouring out of her eye and down her face. Her hand cradled the wound, trying to keep her sanity. All she could do is stay on the ground and listen to the demented laugh of her victor, memorizing the driven sound of his clanging sword upon the cobblestone. The figment of her imagination….

(~(Mystery Maiden)~)