Read The Endless Black :: The Champion Of Lashivo

"6 feet 5 inches of pure muscle, she punches, she kicks, but most importantly... SHE KILLS!", the robot announcer screams at the top of his lungs as a giant woman marches into the packed gladiator-like arena, with electric fences surrounding the dirt circle battleground. Her blonde braided hair reached down to her knees, with lightning blue eyes and arms as big as mountains.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome to the coveted 'Megaldonia Park Arena... the champion of the mighty Lashivo kingdom... MATILDAAAAA VALKYRIE!!!" She roars, raising her arms upwards to the sky as the crowd goes manic.

One by one, humans, beasts, and robots get dismantled by Matilda with ease, whilst she flexes and poses for the fans at every opportunity. The royal family of Lashivo stands and applauds their champion from the royal box as the final opponent is wiped aside.

"Wow, what a show!" the robot announcer says with an upbeat tone. "Now I humbly give the floor to our highness, Queen Liviscia Paliotis, to say a few words." A spotlight pings onto the royal box, as a mic drone appears in front of the Queen. She steps forward with a grand smile, leading to endless swoons from the crowd. Her perfect olive skin shines in the light, as her beautiful daughter, Princess Layla Paliotis of Lashivo also steps forward beside her mother into the spotlight.

"My people! How divine it is to see such a joyous event fill each and every soul with immense pride for our flawless Kingdom! Our dominant and indestructible champion, the great Miss Matilda Valkyrie, once again has displayed her undeniable strength and power, which no doubt will be needed in the coming days, months, and years..."

A sudden hush comes across the arena. The end of that sentence worries the crowd, with rumours of rising tensions with the neighbouring Kingdom of Barania.

The Queen looks around the arena, feeling the clear drop in the atmosphere. It was time to come clean.

"... My people, I bring important news to you all. The Kingdom of Barania... have declared war." The crowds instantly switch from cheers and wails of happiness to nervous chatter and gasps of horror. "The reasons at this point are unknown to us, however, we intend to discover the meaning of this unexpected news as soon as possible. My people, do not be afraid. I will defend you will every last breath that I breathe, for the safety of our present, for the safety of our heritage, and most of all, for the safety of our future."

The crowds stay silent in shock and confusion as the national anthem blasts out of speakers, booming the words, "Lashivooo foreverrrrr, Lavishooo togetherrrr, Lashivoooo, my dearest, bless your soulllll" alongside a dreary sounding symphony of instruments.

The crowds begin to file out of the arena as the Queen and her party return to their royal box. The champion, Matilda Valkyrie, looks amongst the scene. This was not a Kingdom of confidence. This was a Kingdom full of... sadness.