THE RED CARPET

The shrills came from the sky, where the beautiful golden river of birds flew and flowed between and above the leaves of the massive oak and pine trees of the magical forest. The enchanting voice of the birds mesmerized and pulled the weak spirited into the dream world. Each of them had extreme pleasure on their faces. Some were dreaming about riches and fame while others about food and women. Such was the power of the Galdura birds. They hunt their prey by trapping them in a dream world and only when the prey is fully immersed in the dream shall the feasting begin. However, Today was an unlucky day for them for the enchanting song was bound to attract unwanted attention. ' The Hunters of the sky'.

A sudden ambush by the sky hunters caught the galdura birds off guard. They were busy focusing on their prey and ended up forgetting about the predators. The yellowish leaves became bloody in an instant. The golden river disappeared and in its place took the hideous looking birds with faces of that of the human race. The birds were engulfed and ripped apart by the enormously sharp jaws and dark claws of the protectors and hunters of the skies, 'The Dragus'.

Shanel's heart started beating faster. Anxiety was written all over her face as she run forward, standing next to the injured blue twins who were being carried by Hamil The first captain of Happy gang and beside him stood Iman The Leader Of Happy Gang. The expression and emotions she was going through were unknown as she hid her face underneath a purple veil. However, her red seductive eyes were visible for all to see. She gazed at the sky vigilantly not even blinking once.

Pieces of body parts of the birds dropped from the sky and fell onto the snowy ground. One by one the survivors of poor town awakened from their trance-like state.

" Argh! why does my head ache so much? what's going on?" said one of the residents. she blinked a few times and shook her head hoping that her pain could ease. She looked down and saw something that shocked her to the very soul. She took two steps back and shouted in a very loud voice attracting the attention of the group of dragus. The severed head of a female with razor sharp teeth and two very long pointy ears littered the snowy ground.

" Don't shout or speak just stay still. The dragus do not see but are sensitive to sound." Mama shouted, however, it was already too late for the dragus swooped down with open jaws.

"Save me! Save me! Ahh," shouted the frail lady as she run but she didn't get far before the jaws of the dragus bit her into two pieces.

The dragus are beasts unique to the Wastelands. They are violent, aggressive and territorial. They always travel in packs of six to eight. Dragus are beasts with no eyes but their hearing makes up for their sight. Two small wings which are not suitable for high altitude and long distance flying is on both sides of their medium sized body which is filled with spikes from their head all the way to their tails.

The eyes of the residents transfixed with horror, unable to look away from the horrific scene as the dragus feasted on the girl. Her innards all over the ground. Their faces struck with panic and fear. Some even pissed on themselves. Their mouth wide open unable to decide what to do? Shall they run or shall they shout? Yet again another strange scene started unfolding.

A strange humming deep within the woods interrupted the dragus. Their ears twitched concentrating on the sound. One by one they started making weird noises and flapping their wings. They flew in a disordered manner as if they were escaping from something.

The humming stopped but the song had started. The welcome song for all those who set foot into the forest.

♫ Ohh Welcome Welcome To The Magical Forest of Congolene.

♫ All Are Welcome ! But None Can Dare! To Leave.

♫) A Deadly Contract With The Red Witch Of Congolene.

♫) Ohh Welcome Welcome to the magical Forest Of Congolene.

It was as if the very forest was singing. The trees started moving. Devilish smiling faces appeared on them with blood seeping out from it. It moved in circles as their branches twitched around.

" What's happening? How are the trees moving? " asked Hamil who was bewildered by what he saw.

Iman looked at the ground and said, " It's not just the trees that are moving. But the blood as well."

The trees separated and created a path. A path of blood. A bloody red carpet that led deep into the forest. It was a nightmare for they escaped from hell just to end up on a more cruel and unwelcoming hell. The song continued as the strange scene was unfolding.

" Tsk, She has noticed us already. I was hoping to settle us down before she found out." said mama.

" Who has noticed us?" asked Iman.

Mama had a reminiscing look as she said. " Who else other than the red witch? Let's go she is inviting us."

" Don't joke around. The red which is a story made up by the cowardly locals. And If by chance it isn't a fiction. How can she possibly be alive for two hundred years." said Hamil.

Mama smirked, " Ohh She definitely exists Lizard boy. and right now she is inviting us, she who is strong enough to crush Usman city on her own. I would rather not have your the so-called 'Happy gang' acting childish now."

◇◇◇

Meanwhile, Above the lake that flowed into the forest. The lake that sustained all life of the forest, and where all came to quench their thirst during the beautiful sunset.

The sky above ripped and a bloody Keiser appeared from within. Blood gushed out from the unsightly wound on his chest. But yet his hand was reaching out to the sky as he fell down. He shouted, " Old singing man! Behind you!"

Within one of the shards in the cracked sky. Jerry had a smile on his face. " I trust you young siris. Do not fail me now."

The portal cracked apart and its pieces disappeared into thin air as if it was never there to begin with.

" If I knew your was involved. I would have never sent that impatient Vespa. What say? Do you wish to enter into an alliance with me Jerry or do you prefer you actual name BeniAman?" The clan leader stood behind Jerry. Blood was dripping from his golden sword.

" Ohh so you know of me yet you striked one of mine." The veins on Jerry's forehead popped and bulged. His face turned red seething in anger.

Blue Sparks appeared in the air for the souls of the two men had already started their battle.