Within

A Short Story Written by

Ethan Michael

I woke with my eyes instantly filled with shock everything around me was completely unfamiliar. This new reddish-brown terrain that has now surrounded me is terrifying but at the same time fascinating. Resembling that of a desert mountain with rocky hills stretching far and wide. Looking to my left I see two other people next to me; a girl with silky blue hair who seems to be around my age and a guy with a buzz cut also similar in age. The only difference however is he's built and in military uniform.

"What the fuck," the girl says confused.

"What the hell is this place," the guy follows up.

"I'm not so sure, I'm just as confused as you two," I reply.

Instantly part of our current circumstance seems to make a little more sense. Three people similar in age have been sent to a New World maybe even Dimension. Completely unaware of their surroundings what I think is happening is that the three of us are the new competitors for this month's competition. Every month three random people with something in common are transported to a new environment. They then must fight which is broadcasted worldwide. I immediately looked up and all around to try and gather anything that may help us. I see these terrifying devilish looking creatures. I have never seen before flying back and forth in the sky like vultures marking their prey before they scavenge. The rocky red hills around us are perfect for cover as if we were in a gunfight. The scent of death and decay consumes my nostrils making it harder to smell anything else.

            "I'm Brett what's your guy's names?" I ask.

            "Me... Um Hi I'm Ashlyn."

            "What's up I go by Pvt Griffin; you can just call me Griffin though."

            "Well now we are acquainted, got anything for us Brett, I noticed you looking around."

            "Yes, I do I'm happy you noticed that. I was trying to find something to help us out. I believe we are this month's competitors, also there are demon thingies in the sky."

            "Demon... Wait what the shit. You aren't kidding," Griffin says noticing.

"If we are this month's competitors that means we are going to be in a fight very soon,"

Ashley stated with a concerning look on her face.

"Well, I have my pistol," Griffin says making a cocky smile.

"That is good I'm assuming you two know about the competitions from the way you have been speaking," I reply intently.

"Yes, I was being trained for it," Griffin replies with that same look.

"You two boys seem to know your stuff I suggest you guy's lead," Ashlyn sates calmly.

Right as I was about to say something I'm cut off by an announcing voice preaching from the sky. "Welcome get ready to fight." She said in a dark demeanor voice. I pick up a rock to the right of me perfectly fitting my hand. It had five large spikes on the top of it which is perfect for bashing something. Suddenly my vision fades to a scene within myself

"There are two of me" I think.

The second me stares down into my green eyes with a devilish "I'm going to kill you" look. My heart starts to race thumping, the sound getting louder and louder I'm starting to have a panic attack.

The second me smiles forcing these sharp K9 like teeth to grow, His eyes turn pitch black in color, claws like those of a wild feline extend from his fingertips, bloody black wings spring from his back following with a single flap of them I am sent back 10 steps. Reddish black horns grow from his skull, his face slowly morphs making him unrecognizable. Fear starts to take over a quivering shake spirals up though my body, my pupils dilate in pure shock, my body is frozen; I can't move. Vision fading back to this unbarring reality. 

"What are you?" I ask.

"Your worst nightmare," he replies grinning.

Glancing over at Griffin and Ashlyn I notice two other versions of themselves standing before them. Also, in complete shock they are trembling with fear. Before I know it Ashlyn's head comes flying off her once attached body. Blood splatters over my left side, eyes opening I scream "What the fuck!"

"She's dead... She's fucking dead," I scream out.

"Brett get your shit together! We can freak out later," Griffin yells while firing two bullets from his pistol.

"Sorry," I reply.

Eyes glancing back over at MWN (My Worst Nightmare) he attacks at a feat of speed a human could never accomplish. Swinging his right arm down I block with my left scratching my forearm I scream in pain, following along with a body shot from his left arm he scratches my side.

Again, I scream out loud in pain and agony. Swinging my right arm with a hook using the rock in my hand I hit him on the temple, stepping back grabbing his head I can tell I hurt him. Rushing I tackle him pulling his legs out from under his feet. I sit up on top and start repeatedly bashing his face with the rock. Each hit with increasing power my hand grows heavier and heavier. I start to smile I am enjoying this. Moving my head for a short instance I look over to find Griffin and his (MWN) lying dead on the ground; they killed each other. Bringing my head back at (MWN) I start swinging even harder, grinning even larger, laughing out loud. I say, "How's that for worst Nightmare."

His hands fall to the ground becoming cold and lifeless I realize he is dead. Getting up I start to laugh hysterically, maniacally even.

"Ha I won!"

"You see that you bastards I won!"

My victory is cut short however a mirror appears before me hovering off the ground directly eye level with myself. I watch my eyes fade to black, sharp K9 like teeth growing over my own, claws extend from my fingertips, bloody black wings spring from my back, reddish black horns grow from my skull... My face becomes unrecognizable...

            I have become My Worst Nightmare.

THE END