The Redwoods

Cold silence consumed the pasture filled with those of noble lineage. Throughout Illuthath, their families' names would garner both fear and respect alike. Many would go as far as not daring even to mention these families' names behind closed doors.

These Ancient families were said to predate the Heavens that govern the starry skies. They were a symbol of power, yet an elected official, chosen by a member of the Imperial Family like everyone within the pasture head was but a pool of mush, while a boy less than sixteen was painting the skin of one there chosen gold.

Untouched by dirt, Aurelia maintained an aloof demeanor as she stepped over Gu'lam's remains. Patting Sionn on the shoulder, she pressed ahead cool as the winds that passed through her silky hair with none daring to speak out.

"You will regret this," Calthorian coldly repeated, gripping the silver Rapier at his waist. Never before had an insult of such a caliber been displayed before his very eyes. Was he not a Lord? A prince within his lands?

"Calm yourself, Calthorian." Kalna asserted firmly, placing her hands on the Young Princes' shoulder. She shook her head dismissively, "Not yet, not here." she whispered, "When we enter the Redwood's, we will kill them."

Flicking her palm off his shoulder in a moment of disgust, Calthorian backed away and eyed the charming flower in his eyes. Kalna was, without a doubt, a sweet gem. Her skin was a milky complexion without blemish, while her face was a picture of perfection. However, Elves with pure bloodlines held a great revulsion to contact. They did not initiate themselves.

Calthorian froze at his action, "Forgive me." He softly said, yet his palm was desperately trying to wipe away the searing presence of her touch.

Kalna Solva sighed, "I had forgotten. Pay me no mind," She claimed, sending her icy blue eyes towards the three disciples of sin. "Let's team-up. Our families are close to one another. I see no reason for us not to assist one another in this endeavor? Especially with all these filthy rabbles, the imperials gave their sigils to."

The Blood Prince's scarlet pupils narrowed, "The Redwoods are far-reaching and Ancient. It was a battleground where God's Blood ran, staining the woods a deep shade of red. Rabble or not, we will need them."

"Fine," Kalna replied after a moment of deliberation. "But I want at least one of the Silver Devils people dead. Killing all three may be impossible; nonetheless, I feel like it is our duty."

Calthorian lips curled until a bloodlust ran through the winds; regaining his lofty poise, he placed his hands behind his back and arched his head slightly high, "Agreed, but if they really are his disciple, we may need more help."

"A minor convenience. This is but one safe zone once the games commence," Said Kalna sharply.

Glancing at each other for a moment, a powerful Arcana flooded the pasture. Falling from the Azure skies, a blinding light shone like an expanding star. Consuming the land once more in an invisible pressure, the hearts of many skipped a few beats.

"Attention!" Elder Castian shouted in a calm demeanor pulling all eyes onto him. Hovering like a god over those beneath his feet, he continued. " I welcome everyone to the Imperial Games. As you may or may not know, seven groups all around the Redwoods have assembled, each of them containing a thousand children like yourself."

"It matters not what stage of power you were in; you are now at the Realm of Warrior. For the next two months, you are to survive this deadly game. Some may form groups, others may strive like a lone wolf, but whatever you choose, just know that you must survive as we throw wave after wave at you."

Standing still within the crowd of petrified children dripping with sweat, Aurliea saw nothing but terror written on many.

"This is not like other spiritual games. Once your body here dies, so too will your real body, unless your family saw fit to bless you with a soul relic." Elder Castian announced loudly and proudly. "The Redwoods are over five hundred million Acres, so be aware there will exist abominations or even Gods. Should you enter the Saltar Mist, you will know you have gone too far."

"Are we to survive the beast or the people." Ella coldly whispered beside Aurelia and Sionn.

"You see the difference?" The young fallen replied calmly, colder than ice, "We need info, but I think it's best we don't kill whatever we see. Less we are forced to, let's take it slow."

"And if we are attacked?" Sionn inquired cruelly.

"Then we torture them for info and rob their bodies. Let's hope the shit they brought here can be transported back with us. Zariel seemed to have only allowed us to--"

Halting her words, Aurelia suddenly turned to the sigil upon her wrist, "Anima? You there?"

"Affirmative," Anima metallically replied. "I am tethered to your soul. Where ever you go, so too shall I."

"Is dumb-dumb watching me?" The Young Fallen asked, losing her icy demeanor. She gave a cute pout of blame.

"Affirmative."

Snorting, Aurelia rolled her golden eyes and turned to the elder in the heavens.

"Good Luck, Future of Afinora," Elder Castian cheered, teleporting away in a blink of an eye, leaving nothing behind but lingering fear.

"Let's go," Sionn whispered, "The sooner we leave, the soon I will feel safe." He claimed, unable to relax with the wary eyes of everyone around him. "I'll take point."

Tapping his shoulder, an invisible and silent 'alert' incantation ran from deep within aurelia's mind as to give Sionn a bit of foresight of any unknown danger. Casting the same spell on herself and Ella, the trio left, with none having the courage to stop them.

Dashing ahead through the woods, a strange sight began to fill their eyes as the tree leaves that hung over them began to change from a plain green to a sinister blood-red color; Lost in a sea of red, a chilling foreboding fear traced over their skin.

"This is creepy; it's almost like the trees drank the blood of men and women to become like so. You think it's a curse?" Ella mentioned far too hesitant as to touch upon its leaves.

"We can worry later. Let's keep going for now." Aurelia indifferently commanded, not wishing to waste time, just as a booming horn shook the very earth beneath their feet.

"First wave will commence within the hour."