There I was in the middle of the arena with several other men, with hot sand covering my feet through the soles of my sandals and spiraling in the wind at my ankles. A growing audience roared from the stands, anticipating what would soon unfold.

It wasn't til the blaring of horns is when all was silent. A Fanfare ensued as Noble, fitted in in light armor and a crimson cape that glimmered in the sun, took the spot light. Heads turned as he stood at his perch above the stands.

He gave a short speech, spoke highly of himself and his kingdom. He informed the crowd of our criminal activity and mutiny to the thrown. He then spoke of the consequences such treachery to the king was only met with a test of survival or death.

With his speech soon coming to a close, the men by his side drew their swords and flung them out into the arena, landing several feet from us. The roar of the crowd ensued as we each took a sword. The Noble then raised his hand, the gates ahead of us begun to open and reveal a dimly lit corridor with caged lions, all enraged and eager for their next meal.

"The test starts, now," he announced as he brought his hand down. The cage doors shot open, the lions quickly darted their way toward us. They divided into different directions, encircling us in seconds as they began moving steadily with their heads held low, numbers outweighing us by seven or more.

Our head was turning, watching for which would be the first to strike. The ring leader was spotted. A lion, engraved in scars and wounds from previous battles, stepped closer just as my eyes met his. His feral eyes, sharpened and focused, reflect off our blades. Growling, he and a few other lions came to a stop.

Leaving me with no further option, I drew my blade and shouted at them. The lion roared in retaliation and charged and leaped straight for my sword in an attempt to disarm me as the others swarmed from different directions.

I swung aimlessly, successfully warding of the lesser ones, but was blind sided by the leader. He sprung up and knocked my blade from my grasp. The sound of it, however, was not what I expected.

As things suddenly muted around me, I suddenly heard banging which couldn't have been from the sounds of our feet or the swords against the beasts. It repeated, sounding more loud and aggressive. The lion then stood before me as it held back it's breathe before suddenly shouting a word, a name. My name? The crowd cheering change to murmuring and soon erupted with laughter. The lion yelled my name again, sounding even more enraged and nearly out of breathe.

Bewildered beyond belief, I stopped and shook my head, rubbing my eyes as I tried piecing together what was going on. Upon opening them, I was met with an unpleasant surprise.

Before me stood the most deadliest and scariest being insight: my history teacher, his face red and nearly ready to burst with arms crossed and rage burning in his eyes, staring deep into my soul. Upon further observation, I discovered I was in the classroom surround by peers at their desk, their hands shielding their mouths, snickering and cracking up, the tears in some of their eyes marked their struggle to contain themselves.

Already overwhelmed, I evaded looking back at my teacher and fellows by quickly shielding my head in my arms. I prayed to myself, hoping it was only a nested nightmare, and that if I were to open my eyes again, I would find myself in home and in bed. But the nightmare continued.

I peeked one eye out just enough to see what other monstrosity would await me. My prediction was correct. Another creature, inanimate but known for claiming many friends and fellows I knew stood inches before me: a
detention slip.