Amira found the old, dusty leather bound book after her grandmother's funeral; she had been close to the woman due to being raised by her. Her parents were never really able to take care of her, or never really wanted to for that matter, so she was always dumped at the doorstep of the old lady’s and one day she decided that she never wanted to go back. She didn’t need her parents, her grandmother gave her everything she wanted and more. From home cooked meals and handmade clothes to love and support.

Aside from having a lack of parents, Amira’s life was ordinarily normal. She went to school, had friends, relationships, heartbreak and she discovered who she really was just like any other typical teenager would. But at night, as she laid under a heavy duvet she would dream and fantasise of a different life; one with magic, one with elves and dragons, with evil kings, fair maidens and noble knights.

Her active imagination grew from the stories her grandmother would read to her, in great detail, when she was a child. She remembered how she used to eagerly sit on the edge of her bed, practically bouncing as the woman rocked back and forth in her chair with the book in hands. Her glasses would be perched on the tip of her nose and it would allow her to occasionally peer up at the girl, give her a cheeky wink and a soft smile before continuing the story. Amiras life had always been filled with magic and all her troubles would melt away with the woman's presence.

So, when she found out that her Grandmother passed away in her sleep, she fell into a dark, deep pit. It was like the world had turned grey, she was filled with grief and guilt. She was informed that her Grandmother had been sick for a while but didn't want to tell the girl in case she quit her college course to come look after her. But, she couldn’t help it when she felt like she could have saved the old woman in a way or even made her last moments comfortable and happy… The thought and image of her grandmother, lying alone in her bed at night haunted Amira’s dreams and mind.

Due to being so close her professors allowed her to have a week to go back home, attend the funeral and mourn. She knew that it would not be so simple as that but she was thankful to have been given the time. She knew that it would be all down to her to plan everything since all her mother cared about was what alcohol was sitting at the bottom of the bottle, So, Amira made something simple. She invited the few people her grandmother was close to, led a service so that people could give their respects and say their goodbyes before she invited everyone to go to her grandma’s home for one last meal. That afternoon was a distraction from her pain as laughter and nostalgia replaced it. She was told many memories and jokes, embarrassing moments and shown old photographs that were in black and white and were faded, but her grandmother's smile shone through in all.

After everyone paid their condolences, they all slowly left until it was just Amira in her family home. She wanted to take her time in clearing away the house, but she didn't have long left until she had to return to college and nobody else could do it. So, she decided to start at the attic and work her way all the way down to the basement… But that would never happen as she stumbled upon the book from her childhood, blowing away the dust and running her fingers along the creases in the leather. She opened it with ease and landed on the description of the Guardian of Summer. As a child, he was her least favourite but she still admired his great skill in battle. Winter was also not a personal favourite, but their determination to live in the dangerous cold climates inspired her. She preferred Spring and Autumn, to the other two but she would happily listen to each of their chapters and be eager to learn more about the characters. Amiras forest green eyes followed the cursive letters and her lips moved to speak the words from the pages. “It was said that the deserts were made out of hundreds of tiny specs of gold that had fallen from the sun and now laid in dunes…”

Her words were soft as a smile was formed and tears spilled down her cheeks, leaving a trail down. She closed her eyes as she continued to speak, she did not need the book to read it, the words were etched into her mind. But, the more she spoke the more the book began to glow, she didn’t notice it was a white blinding light, by that point it was too late and the next time she opened her eyes, she was knelt in the very same desert she had just been describing. She stared around in awe, fear and confusion. She didn’t know how she had gotten there when moments ago she was in a small, cobwebbed filled attic…

However, the scenery around her was just too magnificent not to admire and she was incredibly aware of dangers laid in the desert. She was just about to rise to her feet when she heard a heavy thud and sand particles flew at her. She squealed in surprise and now jumped to her feet, she looked up and saw a familiar figure… But it could not be, he was a fantasy… She wasn't given the chance as the spear was yanked by an invisible force back to its owner, when it returned to their hand, she could now clearly see him aim for her head. She squealed again, but this time in panic, and took off running…

She didn’t know she managed to outrun the thing that chased her, she simply just didn’t look back and never stopped. She ran over sand, slid and rolled down the dunes. She saw the trees of the forest and thought she could lose the beast then in the foliage, but she slipped in and hid behind a tree, the thing did not follow in after her, which she found rather peculiar… The situation grew more and more strange as a woman stepped out of the forest and Amira could not help but stare after her with a deepened frown. She listened to their conversation from her hiding spot before cautiously stepping forward. She kept her distance from the lady with the white hair and she made sure that, from what she could see, centaur was visible to her too.

“I am really sorry! I didn’t mean to intrude! I didn’t mean anything at all, I don’t even know how I got here… I was in my grandmother's attic, reading a book and the next thing I know, I’m here” It was at this moment did she realise that the book was not in her hands but in the centaurs.

“I am Amira Langston and once again I am really sorry… But could I have my book back? It's very important to me, I would do anything to get it back… Mister… Centaur?”

Wind whipped through rain black hair as the leaves of trees slashed at her face, twigs and stones stabbed at her feet. Her legs screamed in pain for her to stop, but should not. Her heart pounded in her chest, breath heavy and skin cold. They were behind her, she could hear their angry shouts… The men she once called family were now her enemy. Akahana didn't know how long she had been running for, potentially hours, it felt like days. She always managed to escape their grasps and stay ahead, but she didn't know how long she would last. The forest seemed to stretch on forever and there was no one in sight to help her.
She had to escape from them, she couldn't go back. Not to them, not to be chained to a cold blooded man for the rest of her life. She refused to accept that fate, she knew that there were greater things in store for her than to just be a housewife and bear children. That was not for her. However, her hope began to slip as she began to grow tired, her energy was draining from her body the longer she ran. Just as she was about to stop, she saw flickering lights in the distance and could hear the cheers of people. Tears stung her eyes and a relieved smile graced her lips as she willed herself to go on. Akahana hopped over a small wooden fence and managed to reach a public drinking area, as she burst through the door the people inside stated at her in shock. She panted heavily and looked around at them all, none of them were fighters. None could protect her, that was until she saw a solemn, lone man in the corner, he had a sword at his hip and she swiftly darted between the tables to get to him. "Excuse me, sir, I'm sorry to bother you but there are these men after me. I escaped from them and they're trying to bring me back. I can't go back, please help." Her voice quivered as she spoke, her tears now streaming down her face.

She gasped as the men barged into the bar and she glanced at them before looking to the man. "Please help me, I'm begging you. I'll pay you, I just need help. Please I-" She wouldn't get to finish her sentence as she was roughly picked up. She squirmed, hit and kicked, it had little to no effect on her captor. She screamed and started to beg for anyone to save her, but they all just stared in terror as she was taken outside. They snapped at her to shut up and stay still, they didn't want to hurt her but would if they had to.
The last thing she remembered was seeing the lone man follow them out, sword in hand. He shouted at them and the men stopped to turn, they taunted and threatened the other but he seemed unfazed. He even readied himself in a battle stance, it was then that she was tossed to the side. Her head hit the ground hard and everything turned black…

Jenny seemed like the perfect child, the perfect student, the perfect soldier… Always smiling, always working, always being… Perfect.

She had good grades, she had friends and relationships, she was successful in her career and when she joined the army she quickly rose through the ranks. To passers by she had confidence in her step and charisma in her eye. But, she held a dark secret, one that she kept quite well under a polite smile.

She first discovered this liking when she was a young girl, she was out playing in a forest one bright, summers afternoon. The scorching sun flared through the leaves and the green cascaded on a glow on the floor. She had been running through the trees, her hands brushing against the rough bark when she found a small, white rabbit. It was caught in a hunters trap. It was desperately trying to escape the sharp clutches as the blades scratched at its neck, its snow fur turning red with blood. She watched with fascination at first, finding amusement in its struggle. She giggled and approached the creature, she knew it was in pain and a part of her wanted to end its suffering. She recalled upon a time she saw her father hunting, he had shot a bird in its wing. He had brought it back home and through a crack in the door, she saw her father wrap his hands around the birds neck and twist. It’s flapping suddenly stopped and it turned limp. She decided then that she wanted to see if the same would happen to the rabbit. So little Jenny copied her father and with a satisfying snap, the creature ceased its movements and its black, beady eyes stared lifelessly up at her. She grinned back and tossed its body to the floor like a rag doll before skipping away.
Most of her childhood was spent in those woods, finding other rabbits, squirrels and rats. She didn’t know what she was doing, all she knew was that it felt good. She lost interest in this activity when she was sent to boarding school and her every move was watched, plus the animals didn’t give her that thrill she wanted anymore.

Her passion would rekindle in the army and would leak into her civilian life.
She moved to a big city where murders were the normal, where there were plenty of little alleyways and bars to meet people, where she could build up a network of people who thought the sun shone out of her arse. It took a couple of years to gain trust in those around her, but after being an active member in the surrounding community and volunteering in between her shifts a cafe, she was loved by many. No one suspected a thing after her first kill, not even the second, third or fourth. How could they when she was the one consoling the grieving families of her victims?

It was all too easy.

She even currently had a young woman in the soundproof basement of her home. She was stripped of her clothes, gagged and bound by chains. Jenny could imagine her wriggling just like that white rabbit and it brought a smile to her lips as she walked to work. However, halfway there and her phone buzzed at being called. She answered with a cheery tone only to be told she didn’t need to go into work that day, apparently it was busy and her manager decided to give her the shift off. She shrugged and changed direction back to her house, it seemed she could spend a little more time with her new toy…
The young woman’s mood was brought down when she tried to unlock the door, only to find it had already been opened. A frown settled on her brows, she knew she had locked it. She very vividly remembered… Her eyes narrowed and she entered in. Her movements were quiet and slow at first as she suspiciously looked around, holding her breath so that she couldn’t miss a sound. But then as she closed the door behind her, just as she was beginning to relax she heard it... A loud crash
She scoffed, it seemed someone had broken in. She shrugged off her jacket and picked up the baseball bat she had by her door before sauntering off to the basement. The light shine down into the basement and she could vaguely see a second body, he was moving and she hear him whimpering. “Damn, if I had know I had guests coming over I would have cleaned up the place.” Her tone was mocking, the stairs creaking with each step until she reached him. She swung the bat and it struck him across his cheek. “I just feel so embarrassed that you have to see it like this.” She swung the bat again and this time it was to his stomach, as he hunched over, she kicked him so that he fell to the floor with a thud. She stood over him with a wild look in her eyes. “You know, I really would love to chat with you… But I have someone else I have to entertain.” She cocked her head to the bruised and battered woman slouched in the corner. She raised the bat one last final time, ready to deliver one final strike before the intruder spoke.

There wasn't a single soul in Greenville high that didn't know Drew Anderson. That being said, there also wasn't a single soul in Greenville High that actually liked Drew Anderson.

Growing up, he was the weird kid in the back of the class. The 'freak' as his bullies would often taunt him. However, that all changed when they went to High school

After taking an online class in applications, Drew created an app called About That. At first, nobody paid attention to it and even mocked Drew. These taunts soon stopped as Drew began to write articles about the embarrassing stories and secrets of the students in Greenville high. He would describe in intricate detail of what he knew and these articles spread like wildfire. They caused destruction and chaos to the lives of both the innocent and the guilty, the old and the young, the students and the staff.

The only ounce of human decency that he showed was that he used the initials of his victims, never their full names. However, sometimes it would be very clear who the article was about and due to everyone, even members of the public, having access to the app, it meant that no one was safe… Andrea McCoy, the local recluse, was a regular topic in About That, even a popular one, it seemed like everyone wanted to know her dirty secrets. She wasn’t well liked but since she supplied everyone’s drugs she was left alone.
Apart from the Jocks, they seemed to have it out for her the most. None of them were her clients so she supposed they weren’t scared of losing their fix, they also had the power to do what they wanted in school all because they threw a ball around a field. Another thing was that they all knew she wouldn’t be able to fight them as a group, one by one perhaps, but if she raised so much as a fist she would instantly have her wrists pinned to a wall. She mostly ignored them, occasionally she would insult them back but they were all too stupid to come up with something clever. Apart from Joey Fujihara, he at least was able to entertain her for a moment or two.

As for the other groups of people, well, The Populars would often sneer and bump into her shoulder in the hallways. They didn’t exactly say anything, well until they had a party they wanted her to supply then they would practically drool all over her. They would beg her to go and promise her bags worth of cash, it was an offer she could never refuse. She needed the money and afterwards the Populars would leave her alone. But then again, she remembered the time she placed one of them in hospital. They were middle schoolers so all she got was two weeks suspension, however it worked and they too left her alone. The only exception was Isaiah Delaney. He would smile and sometimes wave. They used to be friends… But that was a long time ago…

The Nerds, well she never bothered interacting with them unless it was missed homework or a partner assignment. She didn’t mind them, they just seemed to keep to themselves. The one thing that bothered her was that they were scared of her. She understood that she had a permanent resting bitch face, she wore dark clothing and her violent reputation was well known. But it wasn’t as if she had hurt any of them personally.

She didn’t care, she didn’t care about anyone. All she needed was herself. Not friends, not teachers, not her drunk mother or her missing father…
Andy sighed heavily as she neared the school gates for her Saturday detention. All day she would be stuck in there, maybe with others. She was only there because some past fling was harassing her in the corridors and Mr Johnson just so happened to be walking by when she swung her foot to his private area. She couldn’t even appreciate her victory before the teacher gave her that pink slip for detention. He always had been an arsehole to her, to everyone. It seemed today was no exception, even worse than normal because as soon as she entered the classroom he snapped his head towards her with a glare on his wrinkled face. “Nice of you to join us, Andrea.”

She rolled her eyes and kicked a chair to the side so that she could sit down. “It’s not my fault the bus was late.” She grumbled, angrily stuffing her hands into her pockets. “I didn’t ask for an excuse, young lady.” Mr Johnson snapped again and then went on to explain the day. He told them they would be spending all day there, in that room, with each other. They were to sit there in silence and complete all of their homework and revision and the only time they were allowed to speak was to ask for help. He explained that he didn’t expect to babysit them all, so he would be in his office down the hall. But the doors were being kept open so that he could hear everything. He collected their phones from them before leaving the room.
“ wonder what’s got him so pissy.” Andy mumbled, turning in her seat to look at the others. Her face dropped as she met eyes with three familiar faces. Isaiah, Joey and Drew Anderson. She looked to the fourth but did not recognise them. “For fucks sake, I’m stuck here with a bunch of losers? What a drag…” She leaned back against the wall and shrugged off her jacket. “So, what are you dick heads doing here? I mean, Joey I expected. You’re a regular here because you’re too retarded to do any of your homework. But, Isaiah? Damn. I thought you were always so busy being perfect to slip up, but were you caught sucking the boys off in the locker again?” She snickered at her insults. Her eyes then turned to Drew and her smirk dropped. “I couldn’t give a fuck about you though.” She looked at him in disgust before her attention diverted to the mystery person. “Now you, I don’t know you. I think I’ve seen you geeking with the Nerds but I’m not sure…”

Malik’s hands were steady and gentle as he wrapped bandages around a young dragons arm, she flinched yet watched very closely, almost as if she was trying to learn his techniques or perhaps she was still on edge and nervous. She had been discovered as a dragon and was caught up in a nasty fight with some Guards, she only just managed to escape. She found Malik by coincidence, but he was glad she did. She would have died within the day if the two had not ran into each other… There were few dragons left that weren’t in captivity but his kin died everyday. A part of him cried out in agony, the mere thought that their last moments were filled with pain and suffering, but there was another part that was thankful that they were finally able to pass by the other world and start their new life.

He sighed softly, tying a knot to keep the bandages in place. He managed to stop the red flow of the dragons blood and clean the wound, but it would need time and that was something he didn’t have. As much as he wanted to help the poor girl, he needed to keep his disguise. If he were caught then he could potentially be forced to heal the ones that tore his race apart… He needed to stay under the radar, so that he could continue his practice and teach whoever was willing enough to listen… The rest of his family hid away from human society and so should have Malik… He knew that they didn’t deserve his kindness, however it just wasn’t within his nature to hold resentment or ill-will. He was a God of Love and Peace… If he didn’t continue his ways and preachings, then what kind of God was he? He did not need the worship or praise to consider himself a higher being… He just knew that he had a gift that he needed to share, after all a God who is able yet not willing is evil.

He looked up at the girl with his piercing blue eyes and smiled kindly, she returned it and, with only a moments hesitation, leaped forward to hug him. He was surprised and he wouldn’t lie and say that his heart didn’t skip a beat, but it did not take long for him to embrace her back. He pulled her close and they held each other tight and neither seemed to want to let go. It was rare for dragon to meet and they all suffered from the memories of their past, sharing trauma and creating a unique, strong bond. He pressed his lips to her forehead and with a final greeting, they parted ways. Likely to never see each other again.

The Water Dragon was left saddened by their brief interaction, he understood why they could not stay with each other and so with his kiss was a blessing. He had not given one in a while, but she deserved it… Many dragon kin deserved blessings from the Gods, but they were not able. Their Godly forms would either get them enslaved or killed and so they were left weakened in their human forms. Malik missed the days of streaming through rivers, surfing giant waves, travelling down to the very bottom of the ocean, only to speed up and shoot into the sky. He was small for a dragon, very slender. One could even call him an overgrown snake, if it weren't for his long, shabby white mane that ran the length of his body and would hide his face if it weren't for his snout. HIs scales were a light, cyan blue that would shimmer when the suns bright rays would hit the water droplets running over his scales.

In a way he was rather grateful for his size, it would be no use for the God of Healing, Love and Peace to be giant and intimidating. Even Zeo, his older brother who was quite the peaceful person, was quite scary in dragon form. Though, he would never like to cross Tasia and Elkie. They would more than likely crush him with their clawed feet if they so wanted... However, Malik missed his siblings, no matter how scary they could be, they were his family after all... He could not stand the lonesome path he walked. He tried to visit everyone when he could, but it was risky and he couldn't bear to lose more. He supposed it was why he preferred not to get close to anyone, his heart could not take anymore loss. In the Golden Ages, he had many lovers, both dragon and human, but not necessarily in a promiscuous way. He loved them all equally, never paying more attention to one than the other. Though, there used to be one he’d pay extra special attention to.

Looking back now, he wished he hadn’t. This particular love was a Human man called Ophelius, he was so beautiful and kind. He thought that Ophelius could never do anyone wrong, let alone him after all he was his most trusted advisor. The man had always been by his side until the humans attacked, his was one of the first temples they targeted. He tried to help defend his people but Ophelius ended up dragging him away to safety. He had to watch from afar as his home was set on fire and the people inside burned alive. His partner was the one to take him away, only lead him to an awaiting group of guards.

He was knocked unconscious before he could do anything, however the last thing he saw was Ophelius counting the money inside a leather bag and the last thing he felt was his heartbreaking… From that point on, Malik only trusted his family and a select few dragons. He still healed humans, he just did not let himself get attached to them. They could not be trusted.

That being said, he still used their services. Like, for example, the tavern he was going to stay in for the night. He had spent hours walking and now his feet ached, legs begged to rest and his eyes were heavy with exhaustion. He paid for an adequate room and after being shown to it, he immediately slumped to the bed. He sank into the mattress with a relieved sigh, his eyelids shutting and he allowed sleep to take over.

His dreams were not plagued with nightmares or perhaps he didn’t sleep for too long, but at some point his slumber was disturbed by a loud bang. It shocked him awake, so much so that it forced him to sit up right, eyes wide. Fear gripped him for a moment until his name was called out. He stared at the door for only a moment before slowly shuffling towards it. He was met with a young lad who was panting, as if he had ran,

“I’m very very sorry to disturb you like this, Malik.” He profusely apologised, trying to catch his breath and even pausing momentarily. “But your presence has been requested by Zeothocris.”

“No no, you have been tasked. I was only taking a nap. But where is he? My brother? Are there others there?” Malik knew that this must be important, his older brother hardly left his own home, never mind risking his safety to travel all the way to Arctivus. Once he was told the location, he paid a couple of coins to the lad before darting off. Fortunately enough, he was close to the tavern, so he made it there quickly. Though he walked past a couple of guards and would slow his pace so as to not look suspicious, if he made eye contact with any he would force a polite smile and then continue on his way. He only wished he could have gotten there faster, being slowed down by guards and crowds of drunkards made him impatient. His mind was already racing with the possibilities as to why he was needed, he was even overthinking and began to slightly panic. By the time he reached the tavern, he was already stumbling over his words and there was a tremor to his voice. He eventually said the password right and was allowed in.

Upon seeing that everyone was ok, a smile was placed on his lips and he even laughed at himself for his foolishness. He looked at his siblings and happiness seemed to bubble inside of him. “Zeo, Tasia! It’s been too long and I’ve missed you both!” Without so much as a second thought, he hugged his siblings tight. Not seeming to want to let go. “How are you both? Keeping safe? I really hope you have been-…” He cut himself off as icy blue eyes met the small hatchling. “Oh my…” He had not seen a hatchling since his last visit to Zeo, but his reaction was always the same. He held back tears as he walked over to it, cupping into his hands. “Well aren’t you just the sweetest little thing.” He talked in a voice as one would to a baby and with a careful finger he petted it, chuckling as the hatchling nipped affectionately at his skin. “Zeo you never fail to hatch such adorable drakes.” He, just like anyone else who had met the hatchling, was gushing and cooing over it. Hardly paying attention to anyone else.

He was sure he was dead… How could he not be? He had been abandoned on a rooftop, his gear stolen and his tears streaming down his face. He could hear the heavy, thunderous footsteps of the Titan behind him. It towered over him and he thought it’s hungry, wild eyes would be the last thing he saw as it’s hand clasped around his body. Squeezing so that he couldn’t escape… He screamed but he knew it was futile… Any attempt was useless. It was stronger than he was and both Marco and Monster knew that it was his end and with a swift chomp down, Marco was bitten in half. His death was painful yet, fortunately, quick. The Titan quickly realised that he was not its target and it carelessly threw his lifeless body away…

Suddenly, Marcos' warm, chocolate brown eyes were wide open as he gasped for air, his chest heaving up and down. He could feel the thin cotton bed of the medical ward. It’s itchy sheets bringing him to reality. Has it been a dream? No, he was sure of it… It was real, it had to have been real and yet his body ached reminding him that he was alive, he was moving and not rotting away inside a Titan. He slowly sat up and looked around at the candle lit, dark room… A million questions ran through his foggy mind and he felt a pounding in his skull, he groaned in pain as he rubbed at his eyes before opening them once again. He looked down at himself, all of it was there. Exactly how it was… Each small splatter of freckles in its rightful place… His right hand touched the left side of his body and it felt exactly the same as it had before. He could not have dreamt something that felt so real… Then that meant the conversation he overheard was a dream too, but how could he have dreamt something like that?

His thoughts were interrupted as a Doctor walked in. “Marco! Good to see you are up and well! We have all been worried about you. Bertholdt, Reiner and Annie brought you in after you were knocked unconscious. We thought the impact would have killed you but it seems you are ok!” The doctor continued to ramble on like that for the next hour as he performed his check ups. Marco ended up spacing out thinking what could have happened, he didn’t remember anything the doctor said or did. Other than being discharged from the ward… As he walked, he felt slightly stiff but he supposed that was from laying down for so long. He briefly heard the doctor telling him that he had been unconscious for three days. Has it really been that long since the Battle of Trost? The doctor had confirmed that part, so at least he knew that part was real. But then, that left him wondering… Who was alive and who was really dead? His face dropped in dread as three names came to his lips. “Connie, Sasha… Jean…” He mumbled them gently but, mustering up the little energy he had in him, he began sprinting to the cafeteria. He could already hear laughter and chatter along with the scraping of metal knives and forks on plates and the clanging of cups. Marco could not hear them and his heart raced with panic. He didn't know what he would do if they weren't alive, they were strong, they had to have survived.

Marcos' hands reached and grasped at the doorway of the cafeteria for support, frantically looking for his best friends among the sea of people. At first, there was no sign of them and tears almost began to brim his eyes… But, then through blurred vision he saw Connies shaven head and his shoulders shaking with boisterous laughter, Sashas pony tail swinging back and forth as she ravaged her meal and then finally Jean with his two toned hair and a frown upon his face. He laughed in relief, wiping away the tears that had now spilled over. He composed himself properly before going over to their table, slowly now as to not look too eager and to not overwork his tired body.

He smiled brightly as he neared them. Connie and Sasha saw him first before nudging Jean, when all of their attention was on him he suddenly felt nervous. The three of them looked like they were staring at a ghost, as if he wasn’t supposed to be there at all. “H-Hey guys, I’m glad to see that you are all still here… I can’t really remember what happened, you will have to fill in the details for me…” He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment yet kept his smile. He expected them to greet him back yet he heard nothing. Before he could say anything else, Sasha lunged for her seat at him. He made a noise of surprise, and slight fear, but then her arms were wrapped tightly around him. Too tightly for his comfort. He hugged her back and then suddenly Connie perked up. “What the hell Jean?! You said he was dead! Why would you lie about something like that?”

Dead? Jean thought he was dead? Marco looked at his best friend who was still staring at him. “No, no… I’m sure it was a misunderstanding Connie! I was knocked unconscious in the Battle, luckily Reiner, Bertholdt and Annie found me and took me to the infirmary!”

Her chest heaved up and down under the mock armour as her hand gripped a wooden sword, lips were pursed in concentration as she stared her target down, circling around it with light footsteps. Then her foot snapped a twig, the sound forcing her to charge at the makeshift, haystack dummy with all her force, knocking the scarecrow to the ground, driving her mighty weapon through its chest. She shouted out in victory and fist bumped the air with a grin now lighting her pale face. However, her success was short-lived as she was suddenly engulfed by a pair of arms. Ones that she recognised to be her fathers. She groaned and moaned as the man pretended to kidnap her back to their home. He laughed boisterously and Brielle pouted as he plopped her on the kitchen table.

“Hey, don’t look at me like that Miss Brielle. I taught you to never let your guard down unless you were certain that you were safe!” The seven year old girl did not seem to like that response and she glared at her father. “That’s not fair! You said you were on my side!” She whined, crossing her arms with a huff. “Ha ya.” His loud voice bellowed. “Life is not fair sweetheart and you can never really trust someone! They might stab you in the back at any moment!” And with that final sentence he attacked the young girl by tickling her sides and blowing raspberries on her cheeks.

Brielle had lived a happy childhood with her father. It was just him and her in that quaint cottage in a small village called Hamir, where everyone knew everybody. She didn't have a mother but it had no impact on her. She had her father and he was all she needed, plus farmers wives took a great liking to the sweet girl and would often look after her when her father was working hard in the fields. Things had been simple and Brielle had been content living the rest of her life there, save for the adventure or two she had planned.

Sixteen years later and Brielle had that sinking, dreadful feeling of nostalgia as she saw young boys playing with toy swords in the courtyard. She sighed heavily, averting her gaze to the horizons over the tiled rooftops, watching birds zip and race through the fluffy clouds and vibrant blue skies. How she longed for her freedom, the stone carved balcony that she was currently leaning upon was her only slice, and had been from the moment she set foot in the covenant. She had been but a child when she was left here by her father, she understood now that it was because of her rare gift that he gave her up, but she would never forgive. He had meant so much to her when she was younger, he was her hero, now she hadn’t seen him in years. Simply out of her own choice. Her fist clenched into a ball, nails digging into the palms of her hands.

She then sighed, her shoulders drooping as she turned away from the balcony and into her room, looking into the mirror on her wardrobe as she passed it. Donned in white silks, golds and small plates of armour, she did not see herself. She only saw what the world wanted from her. She saw a stranger. She ran her hand through platinum blonde, wavy hair, the strands were soft and soothing against her skin. The young Priestess gave another deep exhale of air out before she exited her room and slowly made her way down to gather in the hall with everyone else, where they would find out who the new High Priestess was.

A part of Brielle always doubted that she would be chosen for the traditions, she knew that each and every one of them had a chance to be selected for the role but she thought that her chances were lower than everybody else’s. Simply because of how she was, she was powerful and she did well in her lessons… It was just she was quite the troublemaker. Always causing mischief for some poor Elder Priestess, being disruptive and rebellious. She didn’t listen to anyone, well except of course to the Revenant Priestess. She knew not to push that woman’s buttons. However, everyone else had to cope with her harmlessly chaotic behaviour. She stood with everyone in silence and she looked out the window, letting her imagination wonder. She was deeply immersed in a daydream when she heard her name being spoken by the Reverend Priestesses soft yet demanding voice. She looked back to her and her heart sank. Knowing what this meant. She couldn’t believe it, yet it was true.

Everything else seemed to go in a blur, she somehow walked from the great hall to a small lounge room. She felt herself go numb along the way. She didn’t say a word, silently nodding along until she came face to face with her protector. Then an anger began to bubble, a rational part of her told her that it was not his fault that he was in this situation with her. But then again, he was a part of a system that she hated. A system that kept her locked away from the life she wanted. She bit the inside of her cheek and kept her body language void of emotion. The Reverend Priestess was still there and so she could no react how she wanted until the woman left. She had already explained to Brielle what she was to do, despite her whole life being dedicated for this moment, and so then left the two for introductions. Closing the door behind her… It was at this moment did the young woman roll her eyes and groan. “Look, I know you’re probably still all starry eyed from being chosen to do this with me. But I really couldn’t care less. I will complete my duty and go to each temple, perform the rituals and rid the undead but that is it. I don’t intend to get all friendly with you or anyone else. Am I clear?”

Her tone was hushed so that she wouldn’t heard by outsiders, yet she was still very blunt. “Now, I think we should head off straight away. I’m going to be readying my bags and horse. I’ll meet you down at the stables when you are ready.” And without another word or even listening to what the man had to say, she briskly walked out the room. Lucky to find that the Reverend Priestess had gone.

Brielle spent the next couple of hours packing what she needed, suitable clothes for her journey, pieces of lasting food, books, symbols and whatever else she needed. She also managed to sneak in her prized sword. A family heirloom. It’s hilt decorated in golden vines and leaves, the detail was intricate and written runes had been etched into the blade. She’d kept it the moment she arrived, though she was made to never use it. That was the only rule that she did follow, she didn’t want to risk having the sword being taken from her. Now, however, it was hers to use and as she packed her bags she realised that she was going back out, into the world. Facing dangers, seeing people and not being trapped within the same, boring walls. She grinned to herself and it seemed to surge her with energy. She said her goodbyes to her few close friends, who hugged her tightly, and to some of her favourite teachers before she rushed down to the stables. She made light conversation with the workers, the young woman frequently visited the stables for some peace, and so was well acquainted with the people who worked there. She skipped down the isles until she finally came upon her own horse.

She stretched out her arm and hand to pet it’s nose and move up to scratch behind it’s easier. The magnificent beast was called Buttercup, a mare Irish cob with mostly cream skin and patchwork of a warm, light brown. Buttercup huffed at her and she let out a laugh. The Mare had already been prepared for the journey and so, with reign in hand, she waited outside for Theogrim.

The Making of a Serial Killer by Canadonewithursh-t

Freya could not explain why she had never felt more enlivened, more exhilarated than when her pale, skinny hands were wrapped around someone's throat. When it was her decision to decide whether they lived or whether they died. Of course, it was always the latter.

It was like a drug, to see them struggle, to see their pain and to see any hope they had left of living vanish. It intoxicated her every time and over the years, it became her addiction. It was as if she had been a mindless shell, walking about the earth with no purpose before she discovered the art of murder… She had tried many things to get that spark that so many seemed to have. She buried herself in school work to achieve the highest grades and receive praise. But that hadn't been it. She had tried nicotine, drugs and alcohol, they had only taken her so far. Nothing could ever compare to that of seeing the memories of life flash through a person's eyes and then nothing.

She remembered her first kill like it was yesterday. It was her most treasured memory from her childhood and adolescent years. Her parents were too rich and too busy to ever truly care about her and so, she was shipped off to a Catholic Boarding school. The most love she got from her parents was when they had guests over, they simply loved to spoil and gush over their darling daughter then. However, as soon as it was just them, she didn't exist, she was nothing to them.

School was supposed to be her haven, her safe place where she would be noticed and talked to. It was supposed to be where her opinion mattered and could be heard. Instead, as soon as her eleven year old self had stepped through those doors in a red, plaid skirt and shiny, black shoes, the school had decided that she was it's next victim. Victim to the taunts of her classmates, to the shoves and pushes. She was the one teachers would turn a blind eye to if they saw her being cornered by students, that if she put her hand up they would ask someone else and doubt her intelligence. She was the one that if she placed one hair out of line, she would suffer severe consequences.

Verbal and Physical abuse became her life until there was a new teacher. From the moment she had felt his kind, blue eyes on her and heard his gentle, warm voice she was obsessed. Attached, and she craved to be near him when she wasn't. He gave her the attention her parents never had, he listened to her and he cared. She was fifteen years old when she had met him and by the time that she was sixteen, she was in love. Deeply, madly in love with her biology teacher. But, her feelings were never returned. No matter how well she did in his lessons, how sweet she was or how high her skirt rose. He looked at her like the pupil she was and she believed it to be because of his girlfriend.

That woman did not deserve such a man. She hated her and yet had never met her. There were pictures on his desk and all Freya wanted to was to rip them to shreds and burn them to ashes. It was her that should be in those pictures, to be in his arms and to feel his kisses across her. She fantasized about him whenever she could. In the mornings, in lessons and when she was alone in her bed at night. He tore her heart apart when he told them all that he would be proposing to his girlfriend the lesson before they were to break up for the holidays. The rest of the class had wanted to know more and he had told them all how, where and when he was going to do it. She grew sick to her stomach with every detail described, with every word said she slowly lost her mind to a deep, dark desire.

At first she had ignored it, considering it to be an annoying buzzing in her ear, something that would eventually disappear. But, the more she thought of her Biology teacher with his whore of a girlfriend, her desire turned primal.

Summer was in full swing when she had decided to do it. She had taken a bus to the town near to the cottage the couple were staying in and had hired a bicycle for the rest of her journey. The cottage was in the middle of the woods with no one around for miles. It was the perfect spot for a sweet couple, it was also the perfect spot to fulfill her dreams. She had hid the bike in a thick, dense bush and had kept herself low behind a tree as she waited for the right moment to strike. She wore white, rubber gloves and had a baseball bat in her bag.

Her opportunity came as she saw her biology teacher leave the cottage, she could hear his soothing voice faintly telling his girlfriend how much he loved her and she saw them share a short, passionate kiss. This only fueled her rage and she had never been more ready. She patiently waited for ten minutes after he left before she walked to the cottage. From there, it was practically a blur. She couldn’t remember how, but she found herself on top of the woman she so despised, baseball bat in hand and bashing the bloody skull of the lifeless body under her. She suddenly stopped and admired her work.

A satisfied smirk came to her lips and she laughed, her gloved hand caressing the mangled, disconfigured face of a once beautiful woman. She was still warm and Freya had wanted to stay until it grew cold. But, she couldn’t. She had work to do. She stood up and stripped herself of her blood stained clothes and changed into the ones that she had brought spare. She picked up her baseball bat and clothes and threw them into the empty bin, dosing them gasoline before lighting it all on fire. She waited until the contents were nothing more than ashes and she washed the bin out with hot soapy water.

Throughout all of this, she had not once taken off the thin, rubber gloves until she was leaving the cottage. She slipped them off and took a lighter out of her pocket. She held the gloves over the flame and watched as it warped and shrivelled under the extreme heat. It came to a small ball and she pocketed it before picking up the bike, she rode back into the town and she dropped it back off at the shop and returned home. For the first time in her life, she slept with ease and comfort. She felt happy knowing that the woman was gone forever and her biology teacher belonged to her.

The summer rolled into the new year and she was ecstatic to find out that her biology teacher would now be her form tutor too. She got to see more of him and her excitement was shown as she was one of the first students to arrive to class. But, he was not the kind gentleman that he used to be. He had bags under his eyes, stubble growing along his neck, jawline and cheeks. His smile was fake and he no longer looked at her like she was special. He stopped caring and began to ignore her like some of the other teachers and she fell back into the darkness that had been waiting for her with open arms.

From school till college, her parents placed her through various treatments, from therapists,medication and to a mental health institute. None of them worked. They couldn't. How could they when she had tasted the sweetness of murder and had felt the cold sting of heartbreak. She would need to love and kill again for her to ever truly be happy again…

They were the beginning and the end, the fresh start of something new yet also the death of opportunity.

Tapeesa Alaku, Guardian of Winter, Eldest Season, Protector of the Tundra and Representative of Death and Regality. They were not for the faint of heart, only the strongest survived in their lands and they only wanted the strongest. Those who were weak froze in their pathetic attempt to live. Tapeesa was none too keen to accept new people to their land, but would each test anyone who came forward. They did not enjoy death on their hands and desired the natural way of life, just as it had always been… The Guardian often mourned over the days of old, when they were young and naive like Faunus, full of fire and passion like Kyrias, when they cared and nurtured like Ninata. Time had worn their soul, they had seen and experienced far too much to retain their former self and built up cold, ice walls to protect themselves. Though, to everyone else, they were snobbish and uptight, full of themselves and callous. There was certainly more to them than that, but only the previous Herald had been able to see that side of them.

They did wish for more companionship, but were perfectly content as they were. They didn’t need anyone else, well except for their trusted friend Kyrias and their mighty bow. That being said, they couldn’t help but love to torment poor little Faunus. The wood sprite needed toughening up and what better way than to freeze his precious little trees. A little chuckle escaped as they heard the Guardian of Springs shrill voice first, before they saw him. Tapeesa turned around with their first kill, a wolfs fur, as a hood. It shadowed their face yet cold, golden eyes stared at their fellow Guardian. Their eyebrow quivered up from the sudden confidence the younger had suddenly grown. “Oh hush now flower boy, it is but one tree.” They had no iris’, yet it could still be seen that they rolled their eyes as they waved their hand dismissively. “I’m sure, the oh so great Guardian of Spring, can make another.” Their tone was mocking and as they inched ever so slightly closer to the border the green, luscious grass stiffened and froze over. They chuckled again. “Oops.” They were about to say something again as the wind rippled through their clothes, whispering the news as it whooshed past their ears, the cold not bothering them.

Their features turned solemn. “We must go Young One. Our presence is needed.” Without so much as a second thought or chance to say a word, Tapeesa looked to the white, freshly laid snow on their land and with an outstretched hand, it began to flurry with magic, taking solid form and breathing life. Once they were done, six wolves stood waiting for their creator patiently with harnesses around their bodies which were attached to a cart. However, it was all made of ice. From the tips of the canines' noses to the handles on the sleigh. They smiled at their handiwork and climbed aboard, feeling the icey leather in their hands. “I will see you up there, Faunus.” Then, without so much as an invitation to join them, they used the reigns to get the wolves into motion and they sped off in the direction of the Elidan Crest. They were desperate to get there, only focusing on going straight ahead, the world around them blurred and ceased to exist… Which was why they did not see the tentacles that came for them until they were wrapped around their body and they were flung from the cart. They landed with a groan and they scampered to their feet to see who their enemy was. “Not these bastards again.” They growled under their breath and unsheathed their sword from their hip. The dark, warped entity stared at her with its right narrow eyes, jaw agape showing its many rows of teeth. Both it’s claws and tentacles were at the ready, it made a distorted howl before charging at them, making an attack for their ankles, but many years of living, hunting and fighting had prepared Tapeesa for this very battle…

The creature of darkness fought with great strength and ability, even managing to harm Winter on the arm, throat and calves. However, they were over all triumphant as they slashed and hacked at its wretched limbs, rendering it immobile and tying it to the cart so that as they drove a long, it would drag along behind. It would end up taking another hour before they finally reached the others, all of them standing in their respective places surrounding a… Human Girl?

“I apologise for my lateness, everyone, I had a slight problem along the way but we can deal with that in a moment.” They spoke plainly, lowering their hood. “It seems we have more important tasks at hand, with our new Herald.” Their gaze landed on Amira who just seemed even more confused than before. “Why does the human look at me like that? I assume that you have all briefed them on what is to happen?” They looked to the others, only to see the expression on their faces. Their lips pursed in slight annoyance and they rubbed their temple. Winter was about to speak again when they were stopped by the Heralds voice…

A frustrated growl came from snarled lips as a hand clenched. A young looking woman with white hair, pale skin and black tattoos along her arms was sat crossed legged on a rock in the middle of an abandoned farm, or otherwise her temporary home.

She was called Elkie, otherwise known as the Dragon Goddess of Adventure, Travel, Trade and Transport. Well that was her previous title, if she used it now she’d be murdered on the spot, not that she ever interacted with humans other than to buy her essentials. But even then, she prioritised her fellow dragon kin and was more likely to buy from them… Even still, their numbers dwindled down each day and there were less and less… It happened in front of her whenever she visited town, almost like tradition she would always see a poor dragon soul be dragged to be tortured or enslaved and all she could do was watch as their eyes begged her for help… She was powerless, well not quite. Just like her fellow siblings, she controlled an element and she represented Thunder and Lightning. She was just as strong as they were, or at least she could be if she had full control over her powers. Even before the obsidian age, she was still only learning about how to harness the energy inside her. Her siblings were slowly teaching her and she quickly made progress. Then their worlds were turned upside down as the humans enacted their wrath and chaos upon them. She was forced into battle trying to protect her loved ones, her family and friends. All she succeeded in doing was overworking her powers so much that it knocked her unconscious. It was them that saved her and some died trying, they escorted her to safety.

By the time she woke up, the fight had been lost and the humans ruled, declaring all dragon to be illegal and that the Gods were to be hunted down and executed. Elkie felt a deep shame in her heart from that day onward and she separated herself from everyone, she couldn’t bear to look them in the eye and tell them that it was her fault, that she had been too weak that day to help her people… She didn’t even see her family, they would be the worst to see. She dreamed of it every night, telling them about what happened, over and over again would she see the anger and disappointment… However, she did not go completely rogue. Occasionally she would write letters to her family, giving them updates and wishing them well. That was all, nothing more or less. She missed them terribly, all those memories of old…

The woman shook her head from those thoughts and furiously wiped away the tears that formed. “Come on, Elkie.” She muttered to herself. “You can do it.” Her brows furrowed in concentration as she reopened her hand. “I just want a tiny… Tiny spark.” Her words were trying to be encouraging for herself but if anything it added more pressure. She tried to recall her siblings' teachings, their lessons faded in her mind yet somewhat there… Though, when nothing came to her hand she let out a large yell and cursed up at the sky. She jumped down from the large rock so that she could physically shake off her anger along with pacing back and forth as she ranted. Elkie was lucky that nobody was around for miles or they might think she was crazy, she stormed about kicking pebbles and stomping on the ground. Shouting at the top of her lungs.

“Stupid powers!” She growled again. In the midst of her rage, she did not realize the rolling, darkening thunder clouds that formed above her. Their booms echoing across the sky yet it still did not catch her attention. Nothing seemed to have happened because as she was practically screamed out at the sky, lightning formed around her hands, spreading up to her arms and down her legs. She had had her eyes closed up until this point, but she then opened them and fear gripped her instead. Her heart beat fast against her chest as she frantically tried to push the lightning off of her body, but with her increasing emotions it just grew worse and stronger, it began to swirl around her, encasing herself in an armour. She was now panting trying to gasp for air, she felt in danger yet was alone in that field. Not a soul for miles but her rational, logical thinking came to no sense. She screamed out again as she began to pull at her long, white hair and this time great streaks of jagged lightning came crashing down from the sky with a thunderous roar.

Then finally the world began to spin, her vision blurry, a high pitch rang in her ears before everything turned dark…

She woke up the next day in the abandoned barn, the sunlight streaming through the broken roof. She groaned as she came to an upright position, rubbing at her eyes as her senses flooded her being. There was a pounding to her head and she groaned in pain once more, stretching out her limbs and cautiously standing up from the makeshift hay bed. She did not remember coming back into the barn, she looked around and found her things sitting in a neat pile… Next to somebody else’s… Elkie frowned and her head even tilted to the side in confusion. The bags were definitely not her own but why would someone not turn her in? She’d get the answer as she heard scuffling steps from behind her. She gasped and turned around to find a human man. At first, she began to feel anger stir up and was about to reach for the dagger that was tucked into the belt of her clothes, but then he gave her a kind smile.

“Oh , good! I’m glad you are awake! When I found you in that field I was worried you had been struck by lightning! There was a terrible storm, it almost wasn’t natural. I was taking a walk in the woods when it happened then I came across the field and there I found you, unconscious. I’m sorry for bringing you in here, I just couldn’t let you be out there by yourself.” The man was clearly nervous as he rambled, fidgeting with his fingers. He was human, she could just tell that from his smell alone. Despite being within her human form, Dragons still retained their senses and he reeked oh Human. Goosebumps rose along her arms and her body tensed, almost ready to fight. This man either did not realise that she was the cause of that lightning storm or he was pretending to be polite and friendly to lure her into a trap. She would not be taken, not again. She refused to go back.

After some silence the man took a step back. “Sorry, where are my manners? I’m Dillion. I work on the farm ten miles from here… May I know your name?” He had a slight raspiness to his tone yet there was a joyful ring to it. “I’m El… I travel around, never really stay in one place.” She answered this with hesitation and she looked him over with cautious eyes. “Thank you for bringing me in and I apologise for my quietness… I have only just woken up and, as you can understand, you are a stranger.” She added on after a pause, slowly rising to her feet and dusting off old, dead bits of hay. The rest of her time with this man was actually pleasantly enjoyable, she forgot how humans general were. Though, a mass murder on your species would cloud your judgement too. He took her to the nearest city and they couldn’t seem to stop talking, they had so much in common and for the first in a long time Elkie genuinely laughed and smiled. They parted their ways at a tavern with the promises of seeing each other again, but that was not likely to happen.

Feeling confident, the young Dragon God decided to go a popular hide out. She had not been around her own kin for a long, long time and tonight she needed their company. It was just so lucky that she did go in as it seemed she was needed. The lad that was meant to retrieve her, bumped into her and after many apologies he shouted out in joy. He told her where to go before rushing off. She laughed a little yet followed the instructions, only to find her siblings. She cleared her throat to gain their attention and suddenly anxiety began to creep in as their peering eyes, excluding Zeo’s of course. It had been years since she had seen their faces but to know that they were here and safe meant the world to her. Before she could say a word she was embraced by one of Maliks tight hugs. The man was practically sobbing as he gave her a bit of a scolding and all she could do was nod her head and pat his back. He finally let go only to explain everything she had missed. She was surprised it would go through with any plan her siblings made. She trusted and respected them all so much, individually giving them her greetings and hugging them, though she kept on having to give Malik one. He always had been emotional…

“Anything you need Zeo and it’s done, I haven’t spoken to many people but I know I still have leads. I dealt with a lot of business back in the day and I know they can always be persuaded with the right price, so documentation and things I can definitely get… However, for the bonding ritual I don’t trust my magic right now… I wouldn’t want to hurt the drake.” She brought her hands closer to her body at this but it seems her excuse was accepted as Malik stepped in to help. “However, if we are going to do this… I’m going to need your help… After everything that happened, my powers stopped working for me. I’ve tried so hard to get them back in my own but I realised I need all of your teachings again. I don’t want to put lives at risk because I can’t control my powers…”

So many emotions whirled inside. Amira was still recovering from her grandmother's funeral and having to entertain friends and family. Then her life was put on the line when she was whisked away to this fantasy world and then chased by a very angry centaur in a desert. Now she was cowering behind a woman who seemed normal enough but considering what had happened so far, she highly doubted this woman was anything except normal. Her mind was racing yet the adrenaline was slowly leaving her body, making her feel weak and tired. She just wanted to sleep, after all she had been through, she wanted to slip under her covers, be smothered by the duvet and sink into the mattress, taking off into sweet unconsciousness… It seemed these fantasy beings had other plans…

When the centaur demanded her head, she whimpered in fear and then clinging onto the woman she stood behind. Through his rage, she saw that he could not step onto this land. Perhaps the woman was a sorcerer of sorts and this was her magic at work, usually Amira would scoff at the thought but right now it seemed like anything could happen. The human continued to shout her squeaked apologies until he repeated her last name and held out the book. She first looked to the woman, as if for reassurance that it was safe, before cautiously approaching. She had almost been there and then a tremor shook the earth that made her fall to her feet with huff. She watched with wide eyes the black horror that grew from the cracks, a feeling of terror washed over her as the brambles seemed to consume all light surrounding it. She saw nothing but darkness looking at them.

She scrambled to her feet away from them and it was at this moment did she realise the centaur had bowed to her, that he was apologising? A deep frown settled on her brow as she took the book from him. There were so many questions that she just needed to ask, the beings did not seem to want to give her the chance as the woman suddenly formed into a wolf… This left Amira dumbfounded and speechless, for a moment all she could do was stare with her mouth open and her fingers clutching the book. It eventually snapped in her head that the wolf woman wanted her to climb on her back and, for whatever reason, she did just that. She didn’t remember the journey to wherever it was they were, she didn’t even look at the surroundings. This was her first quiet moment of the day and she finally let herself breathe, everything began to settle in and she didn’t know what to feel… The only logic she could think of was that whilst she was reading the book, she had passed out from exhaustion and due to her having a stressful time as of late her brain conjured up the beings and terrain from her favourite childhood story. It just had to be. So for the time being, she decided to just let this dream play ou. At least that’s what she told herself that she would do….

They next entered a grand hall with thrones and then were joined by two other beings. It was at this moment did Amira decide to break instead…

“Can someone please explain to me what in the world is actually going on?!” She asked them all, taking a few steps back so she could get some space, only then to begin pacing around the room with her fingers buried in her hair. “All I know is that it was after my grandmother's funeral, I was reading this book and I closed my eyes for a moment only to find when I open them I am in a desert. Before I can even try to comprehend what is happening he tries to kill me!” At that she sent a small glare toward the centaur. “So I run away and end up seeking protection from a seemingly normal woman who is actually a shifter?! Then these dark things appear and I am getting called a Herald?! What?! No one thinks that that is a good point to explain and instead take me off up this place where I meet Groot!” At the mention, she looked at the walking, talking tree. “Who says that I look funny?! That me! The human! Looks funny! What lives here for me to look funny!?” Her attention finally landed on the last being to arrive. “And you also look normal except for your glowing eyes…”

She groaned out and even whined a little. “I am just so confused and lost. I just want to go home and mourn in peace. I really don’t want to be here right now. Any other time and I would have been ecstatic! This is the place from my childhood, the place my grandmother described and you are all the beings I heard stories about! So honestly this would normally be a dream come true but right now I don’t want to be here…”

Eventually she stopped moving and just crouched to the floor, head bowed. Amira wasn’t able to take this all in and she had to take deep breathes to keep the panicking away.

Brielle had no intention of becoming friendly with her protector, in her mind she did not need him. History had shown that Priestesses could defend themselves should her Protector fail and there had been instances where the Protector did. Her family had been in one such incident and hence why her father threw her into the Covenant as soon as they discovered her powers, it was a way to redeem their reputation. But, she was not doing this to bring back honour, she was going ahead with this so that one day she might be free. She longed for her own home in Hamir, to have a farm or even teach fighting in a school. She wanted to have a simple life again and this journey was the one thing that stood in her way…

That and Theogrim. She still couldn’t believe she had to entrust her life in a stranger's hands. She wanted to do it all by herself, she wanted to prove to everyone that she didn’t need them. She had been preaching it for years whilst she had been trapped and all she had received were laughs and looks of amusement. She did not find their mockery entertaining and in fact it more than likely turned her more bitter towards them. Now it spurred her own, it lit a fire of determination to make it on her own. As she rode beside the other, she wondered if she could perhaps drive him away, make him want to leave their Pilgrimage. With him chattering away, she did not think so. She sighed heavily towards his questions and rolled her eyes once more. From his accent and to the words he used, Brielle could already tell this man came from money. This thought annoyed her even more and her eyes briefly looked to the blue skies. She asked the Gods why she had been paired with him, of all the Protectors it was some rich boy from daddy’s money wanting to prove his worth.

“I thought I was clear when I said about not being friendly or are you just ignoring what I asked because you want to talk?” She asked rhetorically, looking towards the dirt road ahead. She had relaxed somewhat since leaving Fortesias grounds, but she was still adamant on her refusal to bond. Despite this, she carried on speaking. “I’ve lived here for sixteen years, but I shall not miss it. I found the walls to be too restrictive. Like we were all being caged in.” She spoke with clear distaste and even looked back to glare at the fading city before turning back to focus on the road ahead. She tutted at his questioning, it was quite funny. She never knew the wealthy worried about being accepted amongst the common folks. It greatly amused her and caused the corner of her lip to turn to a smirk and for a faint scoff to escape. “As long as you don’t continue to refer to them as the common people and their lives as happy little routines, I say we will be just fine.” She glanced at him, almost giving him a judgemental look up and down, though it was over as quick as it started. “Although, we would be loved by thieves and bandits. If that eases your worries?” She asked this sarcastically not expecting nor wanting an answer back, this question was merely said as to provoke Theogrim.

After that, she returned to her silence, her horse walking slightly faster than her so called protectors so that she was slightly in front. The path eventually lead them to a dense forest, where the sun merely peaked through the leaves up above them and casted a warm glow. The sounds of birds chirping fluttering filled the silence along with the rustling of the trees which were disturbed by a gentle breeze. Deer, rabbits, squirrels and all other woodland creatures dashed and pranced away out of fear, only to peak at the two humans through shrubbery. This was what Brielle had missed the most, the feeling of raw nature. Not a building or man made thing in sight. The forest had been left in peace, but she wondered for how long. Eventually this woods would be demolished in favour of housing the growing population. The thought saddened the young priestess and she stroked the mane of her horse for comfort.

The blonde woman was brought out of her head when she heard a disturbance amongst the trees, it wasn’t like the usual bustle of the woods and she peered out with narrowed eyes to try and see something. The fact she saw nothing made her uneasy and she looked back at Theogrim to see if he had heard something too, she even slowed down to resume her position beside him. She opened her mouth to speak, but before being able to speak a single word, they were suddenly surrounded by people in long cloaks. Their faces were covered and bodies hard to identify with the many layers they wore, all she could gather was that they were a threat. Daggers, bows, spears were gripped tightly in their hands. Her horse whinnied in fright, frantically trying to find a way out, she petted the horse and spoke calm words to it. A panicked horse was dangerous and she did not want to make the wrong move.

“What do you think you’re doing? You’re stopping a pilgrimage-“ She had began to say, her stare hardening to a glare, but she was interrupted by a malicious chuckle. “For someone who is clearly outnumbered and out-skilled, you sure have courage… That could get you killed little lady…” The rest of the party laughed boisterously and inched forward before the leading voice spoke again. “Now how about you hand over what you have and we’ll be on our way.” The leader seemingly looked to her travel companion. “This fine man here has a smart head on his shoulders, keeping quiet and doing what he is told.” At that, the bandit closest to Theogrim, raised their sword closer to him. Brielle felt somewhat panicked at that and it swelled in her chest. “Ok… Okay…” For the first time her tone was soft as she pretended to reach into satchel… At the last second, she reached forward and snatched the crossbow away from the bandit closest to her, hit them across the face before throwing it at the one threatening the Protector. It struck them across the head, causing them to fall to the floor as the sword moved away from Theogrim. She felt relieved, but the fight had only just begun as without thinking she unsheathed her sword and only just managed to block the spear that was aiming for her head…

Malik had always been a free spirited Deity, he had never laid out rules or rituals that people had to follow. His only simple wish was that those who came to his temple or came to him for guidance followed his teachings and spread them. That was all he ever wanted. He didn’t need the worship, the offerings, the temple. He didn’t need any of it. He was more than content to retreat to the water and emerge when needed. He was well aware that it was what the mortals wanted to do and he let them, they did it for everyone after all. Though some dragons took more advantage of it than they should, namely his younger brother Zeru who seemed a whole lot more open than he was… But in a different way… That thought always made him roll his eyes. He would not judge his little sibling, he was just concerned. But the glory and fame that came with being who they were just never fazed him.

He did, on the other hand, embrace the community. They had always been so welcoming, even flying about their heads had been enough to make the humans cheer out for them. Now, Malik only managed to meet old followers once in a blue moon. It was hard to know who to trust and it broke his heart to think he couldn’t help like he once could. For he ever revealed so much as a slice of his true identity then he’d surely be dead. He missed the days of tending to the wounded, saving their lives and then returning them to their families. He longed to visit those with troubled minds, he eased their sorrows and started them on their journey of inner healing. When he was not in public, he spent endless hours in front of politicians, convincing them of new ways to better everyday life. The God had even been making progress as Free Healthcare emerged, prisoners served their sentences through paying the community via cleaning the streets and volunteer work, there was also a scheme to shelter the homeless and start them on their process into getting work and a place to stay.

Malik had wanted life to be filled with Peace and Love, he became so blinded by his goals and ambitions to see the true nature of humans. All his work, countless, sleepless nights went to waste as the Obsidian tore his plans apart. The world was in an even worse state after the war. Crime, homelessness and deaths of all races were on the rise and all he could do was stand back and watch… He was suddenly snapped from his disturbed thoughts as he felt Zeo’s sightless gaze upon him. He brought a smile to his, even though his brother couldn’t see him, and answered with slight pause. “I heal whoever I can, if someone comes to my aid I help as much as I can. My powers are rusty but my knowledge in practical healing has never been better.” He laughed half heartedly, trying to make light of the situation as he rubbed the back of his neck, black curls brushing over his fingers. “But I will be more than ok, I seem to have gained myself a little reputation as a travelling doctor.” He heard Elkie scoff at him and exclaim she had heard about him on the road. “You know I can’t not do anything Zeo, it’s what I was born to do… If aiding people in lessening their pain puts me at risk then I am more than willing to do it. I also stumble upon our kin from time to time and it brings the reminder that there are others still out there.” He replied, reaching over to gently touch the others arm reassuringly.

He also chatted with the others, ensuring that Tasia, Attos and Elkie were all ok too. He pestered them for injuries, telling them that he would heal them whether they liked it or not. Otherwise he remained his calm self. He stuck to drinking water, the taste of ales and beers was unpleasant on his tongue, and asked the chef of the strange request to only have vegetables on his plate. This earned him a glare and a half from the angry dwarf plodding away in the kitchen. Afterwards, he listened to the talk of the coliseum and he grew nervous, twiddling his thumbs as he hesitated to say his part. “I-I would like to hang fire and pretend to be one of the medics… Please? And then when the attack breaks out I can free and heal those who are captured.” He could not stop his siblings from fighting, but he took an oath a long time ago to never raise his fist. So far, in his many years of being alive he had only broken that promise once and that was at the start of the Obsidian war. He had left devastation and for a just cause, but it still plagued and haunted him.

The ritual to bind the hatchling to its human form brought tears to his icey eyes, they left trails down his cheeks as he poured his energy into it all. He wished that he did not have to do this, it was unfair to such a young drake to force them to grow up not as who they were meant to be. He only wished that he could take the child for himself and raise them… Though, even he knew he had to let them go. He did not let the hatchling go straight away, he cradled it as it slept. Whispering promises of a better future and calming words. He looked down at the babe and found their eyes gleaming at him. This almost made him sob, but he managed to hold it in. Then, just as he did with the young woman from the morning, he softly kissed the child’s forehead, blessing it and regretfully letting it go to the bar maiden. He returned to his family with a heavy sigh and Elkie took his hand in hers. No words were spoken but none were needed, “Zeo, I will not fight unless I have to… But just know that I will follow you and your plans. I will follow all of you and do what I can. We really need to make this world right again. I'm sick of us being apart…” He wiped away the wet from his eyes. “Tasia, if we aid the elves do you believe that they would help us? Such as providing somewhere safe and supplies?”

The night started out as peaceful, the waves gently caressing the strong wooden panels of the ship, creating a soft rocking that lulled most of the crewmates of the Silver Snake to sleep. Captain Bellamy leaned lazily against the master beam, staring up at the starry sky with a content smile stretching across his features. He sighed happily and looked over at his first mate, Knoxley. “Ah… This really is life, eh? I don't get to appreciate it much with all the looting and the killing. But, moments like this just make it all worth it.”

However, it seemed like Bellamy cursed himself as after he drifted off into a light sleep, an eerie sound of song floated through the air. It was faint and seemed like it was in the distance, it stirred some of the crew but they did not awaken, they simply shuffled in their hammocks. The voices were angelic yet haunting and the further the ship sailed, the louder they grew. There were no words spoken yet the song told you to dive into the dark sea and it was at this point did men begin to come to the main deck. They were still half asleep, rubbing at their eyes but the sound lured them up and they walked over to the ship's edge. At first they’d see nothing, which made their brows furrow until heads began to Bob up and out of the water. They appeared to be women and were the culprits of the song. The Men paid no mind to the idea of women in the sea… All they knew is that they wanted to dive deep and join them.

Bellamy, luckily, just as he was stirring, had his ears blocked with some sort of material. His brows formed a glare and he opened his eyes to find Knoxley. He was about to snap until he heard the muffled words of Mermaid. Adrenaline surged to get him and he walked over to his men, standing close to them and aiming his gun at the monsters in the water before shooting it off. He didn’t manage to hit one but the loud bang interrupted the song and caused a riot in the sirens as Bellamy's men were taken out of their trance and began to attack. Screams of war came from the man eating creatures and their knives, spears and ropes were at the ready as they began to make the first attack. Blades were sent flying, roped was aimed to wrap around necks and as men fell in they were immediately dragged under, kicking and fighting only to not return back up. Soon enough, bullets were being shot next and now Bellamy aimed at the Mermaids, one such one catching her interest.

She was pure white with her skin only having a slight grey tone to it, she was almost about to hit under the water when she shot and hit her tail. She screeched out in pain and swam to the nearest rock for support. She clung on for her life and he watched as she looked to her sisters for help, only to find that they were retreating. She cried out to them and he could see the pain on her face as they all disappeared one by one, not even a glance back was sent her way. He almost felt bad for her until he turned to his men and saw that he was a few down. “Let’s get this bitch.” He said to them all, practically growling with a twisted smirk.

~•~•~ A Few Hours later ~•~•~

Sereissa woke to a pounding in her head and a pain searing through her tail. Blank white eyes opened to see the injury, she did not yet realise her current situation. She only noticed when she saw a pair of feet standing close by her, she followed and trailed them up only to find a man standing in front of her. Her eyes immediately narrowed and she bared her teeth slightly.

Meanwhile, panic ran through her head. She had been captured, she didn’t remember anything except being shot. She must have passed out as she was… As she had been calling out to her pod. The realisation hit her then. She had been abandoned. Left by her sisters. She stared at him whilst this was happening inside, hoping that her pain didn’t cross her features. She quickly looked around and saw that she was within a glass box filled with water. She reached up to push upon the lid, but then stopped herself as she saw the lock. Snapping her attention back to the man, she continued her glare, imagining the things she could do if she were not locked up in this cage.

There wasn't a single soul in Greenville high that didn't know Drew Anderson. That being said, there also wasn't a single soul in Greenville High that actually liked Drew Anderson.

Growing up, he was the weird kid in the back of the class. The 'freak' as his bullies would often taunt him. However, that all changed when they went to High school

After taking an online class in applications, Drew created an app called About That. At first, nobody paid attention to it and even mocked Drew. These taunts soon stopped as Drew began to write articles about the embarrassing stories and secrets of the students in Greenville high. He would describe in intricate detail of what he knew and these articles spread like wildfire. They caused destruction and chaos to the lives of both the innocent and the guilty, the old and the young, the students and the staff.

The only ounce of human decency that he showed was that he used the initials of his victims, never their full names. However, sometimes it would be very clear who the article was about and due to everyone, even members of the public, having access to the app, it meant that no one was safe… Andrea McCoy, the local recluse, was a regular topic in About That, even a popular one, it seemed like everyone wanted to know her dirty secrets. She wasn’t well liked but since she supplied everyone’s drugs she was left alone.
Apart from the Jocks, they seemed to have it out for her the most. None of them were her clients so she supposed they weren’t scared of losing their fix, they also had the power to do what they wanted in school all because they threw a ball around a field. Another thing was that they all knew she wouldn’t be able to fight them as a group, one by one perhaps, but if she raised so much as a fist she would instantly have her wrists pinned to a wall. She mostly ignored them, occasionally she would insult them back but they were all too stupid to come up with something clever. Apart from Ashley Isenan, she at least was able to entertain her for a moment or two.

As for the other groups of people, well, The Populars would often sneer and bump into her shoulder in the hallways. They didn’t exactly say anything, well until they had a party they wanted her to supply then they would practically drool all over her. They would beg her to go and promise her bags worth of cash, it was an offer she could never refuse. She needed the money and afterwards the Populars would leave her alone. But then again, she remembered the time she placed one of them in hospital. They were middle schoolers so all she got was two weeks suspension, however it worked and they too left her alone. The only exception was Theodore Williamson. He would smile and sometimes wave. They used to be friends… But that was a long time ago…

The Nerds, well she never bothered interacting with them unless it was missed homework or a partner assignment. She didn’t mind them, they just seemed to keep to themselves. The one thing that bothered her was that they were scared of her. She understood that she had a permanent resting bitch face, she wore dark clothing and her violent reputation was well known. But it wasn’t as if she had hurt any of them personally.

She didn’t care, she didn’t care about anyone. All she needed was herself. Not friends, not teachers, not her drunk mother or her missing father…
Andy sighed heavily as she neared the school gates for her Saturday detention. All day she would be stuck in there, maybe with others. She was only there because some past fling was harassing her in the corridors and Mr Johnson just so happened to be walking by when she swung her foot to his private area. She couldn’t even appreciate her victory before the teacher gave her that pink slip for detention. He always had been an arsehole to her, to everyone. It seemed today was no exception, even worse than normal because as soon as she entered the classroom he snapped his head towards her with a glare on his wrinkled face. “Nice of you to join us, Andrea.”

She rolled her eyes and kicked a chair to the side so that she could sit down. “It’s not my fault the bus was late.” She grumbled, angrily stuffing her hands into her pockets. “I didn’t ask for an excuse, young lady.” Mr Johnson snapped again and then went on to explain the day. He told them they would be spending all day there, in that room, with each other. They were to sit there in silence and complete all of their homework and revision and the only time they were allowed to speak was to ask for help. He explained that he didn’t expect to babysit them all, so he would be in his office down the hall. But the doors were being kept open so that he could hear everything. He collected their phones from them before leaving the room.
“ wonder what’s got him so pissy.” Andy mumbled, turning in her seat to look at the others. Her face dropped as she met eyes with three familiar faces. Theodore, Ashley and Drew Anderson. She looked to the fourth but did not recognise them. “For fucks sake, I’m stuck here with a bunch of losers? What a drag…” She leaned back against the wall and shrugged off her jacket. “So, what are you dick heads doing here? I mean, Ashley I expected. I mean, you’re a jock so therefore a regular here because you’re too retarded to do any of your homework. But, Theo? Damn. I thought you were always so busy being perfect to slip up, but were you caught sucking the boys off in the locker again?” She snickered at her insults. Her eyes then turned to Drew and her smirk dropped. “I couldn’t give a fuck about you though.” She looked at him in disgust before her attention diverted to the mystery person. “Now you, I don’t know you. I think I’ve seen you geeking with the Nerds but I’m not sure… And I don’t care…”

Ifia had spent her life looking up to her father, the Chief Guard of the Kakariko Village; she had always wanted to be just like him. He could command the room as soon as he entered, he held respect from not only his fellow dwellers but also of the travellers that passed through. His skill with a sword, in her eyes, was legendary. Every moment, she trained and studied to be just like him. As a child and a teenager, she came off as quite annoying and cocky… Now at the mature age of twenty three, she wasn’t any different. Even her father sometimes grew tired of her antics, but everyone knew her intentions weren’t intentionally to bother and pester. It was simply just who she was and anyone who tried to change that would be wasting their time.

She knew the views of everyone else and she so desperately wanted to change that, she wanted to prove to them all of what she could do, who she could be. She had a fear of failure, she never wanted to see the look of disappointment on her fathers face. Yet, there was no opportunity to make everyone see that. Instead, all she could do was tend to the garden patch, mock fights with the children and re-read the stories of the olden times.

Except on one particular night, it was different. The leading up to her entering slumber had been normal. She had rounded up the last of the chickens that always managed to somehow escape, she had eaten with her father, cleaned up the kitchen and read her latest book on Monsters. Everything had been average, even her climbing into bed hadn’t been out of the ordinary. But as soon as she fell asleep, it was like she was transported to somewhere else. She first saw decay and chaos, she saw the balance of life destroyed as an evil spread through the lands, the water and in the very air.

She saw three celestial beings chained, their powers draining. She didn’t know where they were but she somehow knew who they were, she tried running to them, calling out to them until she found herself in darkness once more. Except she was not alone. Three others stood around her in the shape of a triangle with Ifia herself in the middle. Her violet eyes first landed on a young woman, short bobbed hair and gentle features. She saw her standing in a farm… Quite a large one at that… The second was a Zora, he was clad in a soldier's uniform with a nervous expression on his face, he had a piercing on his right ear and had green tones to his blue skin. The third was a Rito, he stood proudly with a frown on his white feathered face. He was dressed in the respective Rito attire, only it was red, black and gold. His eyes were green and it made him look a tad daunting.


The three strangers each held a glowing, gold triangle that floated in their palms. They began to stretch their arms up to above Ifia and as if on instinct, she reached up and did so until the triangles came together to create… The triforce…

Upon seeing the symbol, she woke up with a start. Eyes wide, hands clenching the sheets until her knuckles turned white. She didn’t know how, but she knew what she needed to do. She scrambled out of bed and rushed about her, adrenaline rushing in her bloodstream as she began to pack a bag of essentials. She didn’t look out the window but the sun was beginning to rise, bringing light and waking the Village.


The cockerel started the day and everybody else, it would be ordinary. For the first time ever, Ifia would not be joining them. When she finally ventured to the kitchen, she told her father everything over scrambled eggs and bacon. She talked with her mouth full, wolfing down her breakfast and practically just swallowing the food rather than eating. It was the other man that brought her back from her dream state. He warned her that this dream of hers might not be true, that it was just all just another one of her silly fantasies. The determination that he could see in his daughter made him not say anymore. He knew that she would continue on whether he tried to stop her or not and if she truly was leaving, then who knows when she would be back and he refused for things to end on bad terms with them. So, he prepared her a horse and secured all of her things on the saddle.

Ifia left with slight tears when she hugged him, the embrace was tight and warm. She had lightly kissed his cheek before getting up on her horse, who neighed at the slight disruption.With a final wave, she rode off and away from the Village to find the three from her dream. When she reached the entrance, she unrolled her map to see where to head to. The Zora and the Riko were most likely in their own specific places, however, the young woman could have been anywhere. She didn't look like from one particular place. With a frustrated sigh, Ifia decided to start with Ordon Village. She had visited once as a child and if she remembered rightly there had been a farm of some sort. So, she set off once again.

Apparently, luck was on her side as after two days of travel, she found the Village and found the girl in an instant. The only thing wrong was that it appeared she was getting married, a frown crossed Ifia’s features, the lady from her dreams could not be wed! If she did then she would not have the time for the quest that she needed to embark upon. She quickly rode up and shouted out to the woman. “Hey! You! You can’t marry! You were in my dream for an adventure! I need you! The world is at stake!”

Cole sighed as he held on tightly to the straps of his backpack, his knuckles almost turning white. He kept his head bowed, brown eyes trained on the ground below as he walked within a large group of kids and a few adults. He tried to focus on the twigs and leaves that were scattered about but the loud conversation was hard to drown out. His heart hammered in his chest, his breathing became unsteady. He could feel his body begin to heat up and that in itself was enough to cause the young boy to panic. He took deep breaths to try and steady himself. It was not enough to calm the anxiety that raged on. His only saving grace was that he wasn’t alone, yes he was surrounded, but by kids who were like him… Kids who could control things with their mind. For once, he was not made to feel like an outcast. Though, right now that was the least of his worries. Especially as flames crept up his fingers. He let out a yelp and tried to shake his hands to try and rid the fire.

Though, with his hands being the source it did nothing to help as the flames continued to spread. This was when everyone seemed to notice and they all backed away from him. For Cole, this worsened his ever growing anxiety and it wasn’t until he was doused in freezing cold water that shocked him to his core did it all finally stop. He moved his mop of brown curly hair out of his face to find a pair of identical twins. They both looked exactly the same, except for the subtle differences in clothing, hairstyle and in the way they held themselves. One of them looked unimpressed, the other sympathetic. He looked sheepishly at them and even somewhat bowed his head. He stuttered out a thank you and the group was soon on the move again. He tried to keep his head empty as much as possible, that was until he was surrounded by some other children. Three to be exact. One was a boy who had spiky black hair and a wide grin on his face, second was a girl who had two long braids of brown hair and wide, worried eyes, the third… He couldn’t quite tell. They seemed to look like a boy, girl and nothing at the same time. They had a look of curiosity on their face.

The girl perked up first. “Are you ok? You seemed really scared back then.” She spoke quite quickly and with a, what he assumed to be, Mexican accent. Then it was the boys turn to speak. “Are you kidding? Of course he’s ok when he has powers like those!” Cole could hear the excitement in his voice.The two began to bicker between themselves until the third pulled him in. “That's Zain and Benita. I’m Genie.” They stuck out their hand, seemingly unafraid and he hesitantly shook it. “M-My name is Cole…”

From behind him he heard a scoff and another boy with unruly blonde hair approached them. “Kind of ironic… Isn’t it? You can control fire and your name is Cole.” He wasn’t sure if the other was simply stating his name or was trying to make fun. Before anyone could say anything else, a boy with a backwards hat and baggy clothes came and pushed them away. “Can you all just leave him alone? Don’t want him to set things on fire again.” He then also walked away after he said his piece in a snapping tone. No one protested and all backed off of Cole, allowing him to breathe again.

The blinding white lights of Beau's work place made his ever growing headache worse, with every tug of his tied up hair, every time he had to place a fake smile on his lips made him want to leave even more. He didn’t know how he did this everyday, this and going to college. Though, as he cleaned down the bar and all the tables within the cafe he worked in, he remembered that this was better than home. This was his ticket out. He’d only have to endure it for a little while longer before he could take his life back.

His shift finally ended and he rushed back home to begin a second shift, though this job was more of his scene. He showered and placed on whatever clean, baggy clothing he could find in his room to then go on and meet with his supplier. Six years he had been running this gig, first starting out to pay the bills his mother failed to and now paying the bills his Barista job couldn’t. He wanted to get out of selling drugs, but the pro of being the seller was that he got his own drugs for free. He had been on drugs roughly for four years, starting out with a little bit of weed once in a blue moon to basically needing it to interact with his peers. Otherwise he was a mumbling mess, an outcast if you will.

He smoked with his supplier for an hour or so, discussing business and targets. Beau knew he’d make so much more since there was a party on that night and he was right. When he got there, people immediately swarmed him. He had a reputation for selling good drugs and he only wished he had asked for more to sell, though he saw no harm in slightly over charging a group of drunk students. When he escaped the crowd, he set himself in a bedroom, away from all the partying and the drinking. Half of his shop was gone within an hour and he was three quarters to achieving his target. He bagged some for himself, swallowing a pill that had little to no effect on him anymore and washing it down with a cheap bottle of beer that someone had brought him at some point. The next hour trickled by slowly and then he ran out of stock. He did have to turn a couple of people down, but he promised them that he would save some for them the next time.

This had satisfied the students and they went off dancing.He counted all of his money, taking his share and anything extra before heading down. He wasn’t going to leave yet, but he headed outside to re-meet his supplier for the second time that day. The man had been impressed to say the least and was more than happy to have made the journey. This interaction was quick and soon enough, Beau finally had a moment to himself. He sighed and leaned against a wall, taking a deep breath of fresh air and untying his hair from the tie to let it fall over his face.

Unfortunately, he wasn't allowed this moment of peace and quiet for long as someone else joined him. He quietly groaned to himself, looking over so that he could tell the person to fuck off but instead he saw a very, very hot guy. If he weren’t so high on drugs, he’d have practically drooled and then awkwardly walked away. But he was high, and so he had this confidence to say. “Hey, what's a pretty face like you, doing alone out here?” He paused for a moment. “Shouldn’t you be in there with everyone else? Getting it on with some guy trying to get his dick wet? Or were you just overwhelmed by your admirers?” He had a lopsided smirk on his face and he pushed his hair away, to see the other better.

Ethelinda had always been destined to look after the young. From the moment she had mastered walking, talking and all other humanly functions, she was forced to learn to clean. Cooking came at a later stage. As soon as her siblings had been born, she was tasked to care for them. Being the oldest meant that she never got to have a childhood, she had to mature and face a lot of harsh realities. Though, she never took her anger out on her brothers and sisters, afterall, this was the work of her parents. So, she devoted her life to ensuring that they got to have the memories that she wished that she could have.

She also knew that she was no special case, many young girls and women took to this role. Though, what made her special was that she could read and write… It was unheard of in this time, nevermind a woman of her background. But, it was her fathers doing. He had a love of literature and he used to always tell stories. After some time, he became too busy to and so he taught Ethelinda to write them down in case he was never there to tell them himself. However, giving her this skill was the escape that she needed. Every night, when all of her chores were completed and everyone was asleep, she would write. At first, it was nothing specific. Mainly, descriptions of animals and people. But, with every paragraph, she improved and soon ideas developed in her mind of tales and great characters.

Her first story was inspired by an old tale told to her by some sailors when they crossed a fishing town. It sparked something in her and took her years to finally complete her first book. That was two years ago and even to the present she remembered how proud she had felt for herself. A woman of her age and background should not have even known how to read or write in the first place, and yet she created a detailed plot with interesting characters, twists and turns. So much effort and time had been placed into the book. She had poured hours into research and had even sacrificed sleep.

Though, instead of being happy for her, her parents instead found a way to make money out of her creation and her roles had been moved. It felt like a promotion, as her primary role was to join her mother and father in the towns they stopped in and sell her book. She hadn’t wanted to, she had just wanted to keep it to herself… The only thing that made any of her endless copying worth it, was the look of adoration and wonder on children's faces when she told them the story. That and the small performance she played for the adults when the sun was setting. Every afternoon, she would gather the townspeople and a band. She would then sing and dance, telling the story of her book through music. By the end of the night, everyone would have joined her and her work would have been sold out,

Despite everything running how it usually did, this one particular town felt different. Nothing exactly happened and she was treated in any peculiar way. She just couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched. Whenever she looked around for any eyes following her, there was none. The sensation didn’t leave her at all, it only grew worse as she was walking through the forest back to her family. She tried taking deep breaths, counting to the highest number she could think of. None of it worked. Eventually, she decided to hum a song to herself, occasionally quietly murmuring a word. It worked for a small time and found herself running her hands along the rough bark of the trees, kicking her feet through the leaves. She was even starting to feel safe when she heard a sudden snap of twigs. She froze immediately, clutching the strap of her satchel that held the first copy of her book. She repeated in her head that it was likely just a scared animal.

Though, when she turned around… She knew she saw something. It had been quick to hide. But she knew she saw something dark and it shook her to her core. She was usually the curious type yet all her senses told her to run in that moment. Taking one step back, she kept her attention in front of her. Just to see what this dark creature would do. When it did nothing, she slowly took a second, then a fourth and fifth. She still didn’t turn around but she must have fooled the creature into thinking she had, as by the time she had gotten to her seventh step it came out of hiding… What she saw was only what had been seen in pictures.

Ethelinda stopped herself from crying and screaming out, but couldn’t help the whimper that slipped from her lips. She stared as it bared its teeth at her, its white eyes were wild. It strategically moved towards her and from the light of the moon, she saw its gigantic, even human-like form. She couldn’t believe it, werewolves did not exist. Millions of thoughts and questions that didn’t have answers raced through her mind, she was almost too distracted and terrified to realise that it was transforming in front of her...