Near Death

"Ah!" Ron's eyes slammed open, and he sat up with cold sweat rolling down his forehead.

He looked around with shaking eyes and trembling lips. He then saw Adam patting dust off his trousers and standing up.

The players were celebrating their victory.

"What the…" Ron touched his neck, feeling tight. "No, that isn't possible."

"Yo, you got rolled." Ramon's taunting voice came from behind him.

Ron turned around and saw a grinning Ramon; he then asked, "How long was I unconscious?"

"Only about three to four seconds." Ramon smirked. "That's still our victory, no?"

'That long…' Ron touched his head with a shocked expression. 'In a life-and-death match, Adam would've killed me. What in the world happened?!'

Adam stood silently, touching his chest. He was pale-faced, as if all blood were drained from his face. Something was happening to his body.