When the countdown reached 0, the display didn't disappear. Instead, it transformed, the numbers rearranging themselves to show "Round 1" in bold, glowing letters. Next to it, a new number appeared: 5:00.
The five began counting down immediately.
4:59... 4:58... 4:57...
"Five minutes to finish the fight," Lucille said, a little surprised at the lack of time. Five minute wasn't all that much in the midst of a battle. Early on, it might be fine, but later on, this would be problematic.
They quickly gathered at the mound, positioning themselves so they could see in all directions.
Then, from the darkness of the left gate, something emerged.
It came flying out –a massive bird with nearly five meters of wingspan. Its feathers glistened with brilliant green and blue hues that seemed to catch light that didn't exist in the black sky above. The creature's eyes were predatory and somewhat intelligent, and its talons looked capable of tearing through any old flesh.
