Where, how’d this happened? Memory not cooperating.
Eyes pinball surroundings. There’s a stench of decay. Winds cut, I hug myself for warmth. Across the landscape, scattered fissures. They give rise to high-reaching steam…hissing. There’s something or someone near me. I turn. Its exhale evaporates into the gloaming atmosphere. Its eyes glow deep yellow. Why do I feel as if this narrative has been told before? Should I be afraid?

The darkly creature bids me welcome. I don't recall my arrival. If only I can remember…
I step back, limp. Legs feel like I ran a hundred miles. Steam abruptly clouds my surroundings, I hesitantly limber forward. The creature is nowhere to be seen or heard. Awhile passes and I come to a puddle of dark water, shallow. I catch a glimpse of my reflection. Something’s wrong. The reflection isn't me. What twisted omen is this?

Wait, I recognize this person in the reflection. I've seen him before...of that I'm certain. It isn't me I'm looking at. This is no reflection. My mind sprints, then hits loud clarity. I know where I am; Unconscious. Awake solely in the recesses of my consciousness. This is my opponent.

I look up and the darkly creature appears again, taunting me. I know who he is as well; He's fear. I've met him before. I will my legs towards him...it feels nearly impossible. But as I do, strength returns. It allows me to push even harder. Anger swells, momentum picks up. Gradually, I gain enough to jog, then run. Faster and faster...right into the eyes of fear.

Just before clashing into the beast, I yell with all my might.

"Four, five!"

My eyes open. Like a possessed man I rise from the canvas, fiercely ready.

“...Eight!"

I look at the referee who's yelling numbers into my face and I give him a nod.
He walks towards me, wipes my gloves on his shirt, and steps away when I put my gloves up. My opponent has a look of disbelief.

I wonder what he looks like unconscious? Let's find out.