Cestil

I was in the middle of the first decent nap in weeks when I was abruptly awakened.

"Cestil! Get your ass up!" snapped a voice.

My whole body stilled before relaxing as I recognized the voice of our leader, Kali. She'd survived much longer than the last few, which had earned a great deal of respect from everyone. I wonder how long it would be before that show of respect relaxed her guard and someone else took over

I opened one eye lazily. "Yes, your ugliness?" I drawled. Let it be known that though I respect her survival skills, it would take a long time for me to respect her leadership skills. I was still waiting for her to let her guard down. The longer she didn't, the more I'd respect her.

Kali's eyes narrowed. "The only reason you are still breathing is because I need you."

A smile slowly spread across my face. "Would you like me to tear your ugly off your face?" In all honesty, Kali was quite beautiful, but it was an ongoing, hm, not rift or contention, but almost competition between us. She had used her looks on numerous occasions to take someone of-guard before killing them. It was a nice skill to have but one I held much disdain for.

Kali rolled her eyes. "Get up," she snapped. "I have a job for you."

I grimaced. "Thanks, but no. I was enjoying my nap."

"You're about to be permanently napping," she hissed, her hand flying as she reached for my throat.

In a flash, I was up and grabbing her wrist. I made no other move as I held her arm in a crushing drip, glaring at her.

Kali's face twisted into a snarl before slowly easing away. Though she had survived leadership longer than most, I had survived life much longer than she. Despite her bluster, she knew she couldn't beat me; for me, I could careless whether she lived or not or who was leader, as long as they didn't bother me. I had no desire for leadership myself, but it was nice knowing that if I so wanted to, I could become one in a snap of Kali's neck.

Kali's body relaxed infinitesimally. "I need you to go find the World Tree," she stated calmly.

I let go of her arm and leaned back. "Why?"

Kali raised her eyebrow. "Why are you looking for it or why you?"

"Both."

Kali scowled. "Obviously, so we can control the World Tree once it's healed and because, frankly, I need you out of my way and you are one of the best fighters."

I arched an eyebrow. "And if I agree, what will you do to the tribe while I'm gone?"

Kali rolled her eyes. "Nothing drastic. Insert my dominance mostly."

"Why?"

"We can do a great many things. And if we're even slightly more united - that is, if they're all listening to me - imagine the things we can do with the World Tree once you find it." A manic glint appeared in Kali's green eyes. "Imagine the chaos we can spread across the world. We would be Gods. The world would be ours for the taking."

"you're putting a lot of faith in my finding the tree," I pointed out, giving her a look of doubt.

Kali shrugged. "You can do it. You won't be alone, if that's what you're worried about."

"Aw, you're sending me a lackey, how sweet," I simpered sarcastically.

"A partner," Kali clarified.

"Why me? THere are many other capable demons, ones who are more of a threat to you."

"You aren't a threat to me, Cestil," Kalie said arrogantly. "You do not want my leadership. You are loyal to the tribe, not the leader. You will find the tree and use it for the gain of the tribe, not yourself. Because i don't believe you can stand to see a world with the face of Cestil. You would go insane."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "You are calling me weak?"

Kali paused. I could see her sifting through her words, choosing the best phrasing. "I am saying that...you would rather enjoy a world of chaos once someone has put everything into motion," she said carefully. "While you could set things in motion, you would rather find a hidden place to nap and not do the work necessary."

I let the matter go. There was enough honesty there that I didn't feel the need to pick a fight. Who wanted to corral the tribe when instead your could create problems for someone else to fix? Clearly, lack of structure was the more appealing option.

"So I'm looking for the World Tree. Should be easy," I said, shrugging.

"You aren't the only one. Each tribe is sending someone," Kali warned.

I waved it off. "I'll find the World Tree. You just worry about making sure everything is in place for when we have control," I told her.

Kali gave me a single nod before retreating. I watched her leave until she was out of sight.

It was quite surprising that she had found me, really, which made me wonder for how long she had been looking. This space I'd found was on the edge of the swamp, in the roots of a old tree, so old that the branches hung down in curtains, brushing the ground in some places. I had nestled in the roots of said tree, though they were so gnarled that it was more of a crevasse between the roots. I wormed myself back in my spot, the harsh bark scraping against my scales, making a pleasant sound in junction to the soothing feeling. I made myself comfortable, ensuring I was hidden from sight from all eyes but those who knew of this spot (Kali). Once settled, I closed my eyes.

Yes, I needed to find the World Tree. But it had been missing for years and it could wait to be found for one more day.

I had sleep to catch up on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phyllis

DID NOT HAND IN

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ralda Hustress

Ralda was having a wonderful day even after someone had assigned her with a big project that she knew she would finish.

She had just killed a new batch of angels, a few of them too stupid to realize that she was a demon. With a few other demons that relied on her with this type of stuff, they both managed to kill these pathetic creatures with their bare hands. Ralda had a wide smirk on her face the whole time as she finally killed the last one. She was starting to take her prizes, their teeth, and started to bead them onto her necklace. She looked at all the bodies and then turned around, seeing a pair of wings on someone's back as they flew away.

"One got away!" she yelled as she pointed at the angel, a disgusted look on her face. She started running, her group following with full sprint. They were soon under the angel, which was a cute little girl, and one of the taller demons grabbed the girl's leg, pulling her down. They huddled around her and a deep voice said to Ralda, "Do the honors, Ralda." She nodded with glee as she took a step forward and pounced, attacking the poor little girl. That was how life worked for demons.

Her horns rammed into the girl's face, blood pouring out. And soon, all that layer there was a corpse, her screams coming to a stop. Ralda calmly stood up, her hands coated with crimson blood. It just looked like another coat of her skin. Her horns were also in blood, but she didn't mind at all.

The group started walking back towards their homes, talking with each other in whispers. This was the only sad part in Ralda's day. In the end, she always left alone with no one to talk to. You could say that sucked and move on, but she always led these massacres. It bummed her out that no one took notice to the fact that she was lonely.

As she faced her doorway to her shack, she sighed as she placed her hand on the doorknob, about to twist before a calm voice said, "I would like to speak with you, Ralda."

She turned around, a surprised look on her face. She didn't recognize the person in front of her, but she looked fairly like her. Red skin, curled horns, dark eyes, small cold smile, even the same height. Except for the woman's hair, which reached her mid back, this could be her older sister. Ralda managed a small, cold smile as she raised her eyebrows.

"Yes, Miss Woman-I-Don't-Know?" Ralda asked with a serious tone. She always managed to find a hint of humor in this. But she made a grave mistake since the woman was not laughing. In fact, the woman looked unpleased.

"Ralda, you do not need to know my name. What you should know is that there is an important obstacle for you to face. You have been chosen by the council to find, save, and of course, control the World Tree. I don't know why they chose a disrespectful young lady-" "Hey!" "for this quest, but I'm guessing it must be from the bloodthirst," the woman continued, not seeming fazed by Ralda.

Ralda sighed but inside she was excited. She never knew the feeling of this so she needed to be the best of the best. Or, at least try. She nodded, saying excitedly, "I accept! When do I begin?"

"Now. We can't wait around. The angels want to perfect the world and make it holy without us while the neutral creatures want to keep the world in balance with our evilness and the angel's perfection. Be warned though, you will have to kill other demons as bloodthirsty as you," the woman said, pointing her finger at Ralda.

She simply laughed it off, saying, "Oh, don't worry. Those other creatures should be afraid of me, not the other way around. Thank you, Miss I-Still-Don't-Know-Your-Name-But-Whatever. I best be off."

"Good luck, Ralda. You're going to need it," the woman said before she turned and walked away, seeming to disappear from the other demon's sight.

And now, there went Ralda and all the sanity she still had with her. This is the story of how she became insane with blood and murder. If only she knew what was going to happen. But, the world is like that; takes your sanity away before you can claim it from your dark and deep troubles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Marlow

I'd never met our leader face to face before. Rulers had more important things to do than concern themselves with us "youngins", especially apathetic recluses like me. Needless to say, I was surprised, especially when I discovered why she wished to speak with me.

"You have a reputation for being quite...clever." Great...a reputation, just what I always wanted. My lower lids tightened on her false, professional expression. The only way she would know that is if she really wanted to...she needed something. I was right. "Nothing gets passed you, so I hear. You're sharp, you're always one step ahead..." ­I wish she'd just get to the point already. "That's why I need you." Awe...she needs me...how sweet. "I'm recruiting the best demons in our tribe for a...quest of sorts." She stood there, hands on her hips. She was waiting for me to say something. I indulged her.

"What kind of quest?"

"To find the World Tree. Think of what we could do with that power!" That was it, she'd let her façade fade for a split second, and I saw everything. She was desperate. She couldn't go get this tree herself, but she didn't trust others to do it for her, her power was a fragile thing. She didn't need a great warrior for her quest...she needed a spy. I grinned at the urgency she had revealed...

"What are you willing to do for me?" She seemed surprised at my straightforwardness, but eventually relaxed and almost seemed pleased that we could skip all the formalities and get down to business.

"What's your price?"

"Let's just say you owe me."

"Owe you what?"

"I'll let you know when I get back."

"With the tree, of course."

"Of course, malady." Truth is, I didn't really know what I wanted. Power was too much work, money was pointless...I'd think of something truly worth my time and energy, and meanwhile I'd just make her nervous. "You simply owe me a favor...is it a deal?" God...I love it when people owe me things. It's like I own them.

"A favor has its limits, Marlow. But yes, it's a deal. But, remember, if you return without the tree, I owe you nothing but a death sentence." She was adorable when she tried to sound intimidating...I guess I had a soft spot for naivety. I humored her.

"Well, malady." I gave a sarcastic bow. "You have yourself a spy in shinning armor." She seemed startled at my phrasing... "Well, that is what you want me for, is it not?" Ha! She was dumbfounded. "You have more than enough flesh to send forth to do your dirty work, much stronger and braver than I. That's not your problem, is it? No, you need someone who can keep an eye on them...make sure they don't take all that power for themselves. You need a brain to keep the muscles obeying orders, isn't that right, your majesty?"

First she tried to act confused, then she tried to at angry, then she final gave in and chuckled. "Your arrogance is overwhelming, but I'm willing to overlook that because you are exactly what I wanted."

"I'll pack my things. And I'll think about that favor." I chuckled to myself as I left her tent. This ought to me fun...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vanessa Lancaster

The snowy air of Tikit blurs my vision as I run through the mountains with my father. We don't talk at all because words don't seem to be needed. After five minutes of silence, we reach our house and stop running.

"Vanessa. I have great news, and I have some bad news," my dad solemnly says. Oh no. This can't be good. What is it this time? Has someone else died? Did I add a minute on to my time?

"I think that we would both benefit if I were to tell you the good news first, so here it is: You dropped over ten minutes of your marathon time! 24-hours!" He pauses for a second to wait before having to tell me the bad news. "Now for the bad news. The position for Savior of the Tree that you wanted has just been given away. It was given to Ebony Nyx."

My dad soon realizes that I am on the verge of tears and pulls me into a hug, before softly whispering reassuring words into my ear, "Vanessa, I know that you may not have gotten the chance to be Chosen, but your time will come. You will be the greatest Vampire to have walked the lands of Asmir. Your time might not be now, but it will come. You will make the Lancaster name famous."

Despite his reassuring words, tears begin to fall out. I hate crying in front of people, but I just had my dream- my one and only dream- crushed in front of my very own eyes. I try to regain my confidence, so I attempt to wipe my tears and stand up straighter. I take a deep breath and pull out of my father's embrace.

"I'm going to go change the Master Leader's mind," I declare. Instead of arguing, my dad simply agrees and lets me begin my walk to the Master Leader's home.

On my walk over, there is one thing that I can't get out of my mind. Why would Ebony get the position, but not me? I'm faster, stronger, smarter, better looking, and more loyal than she is! I'm better in every possible way! Why on Asmir would she be given this position? She is unworthy!

This question plagues me up until I am right outside the Master Leader's door. I step up to the front of the door and don't even bother knocking. I simply just walk in, only to find that the Master Leader is standing right in front of the door.

"I knew you would come. You wouldn't let the worthless Ebony steal your rightful place, would you?" He speaks slowly, carefully choosing every single word he says. He fits his thoughts together like puzzle pieces and only speaks when he know exactly what the puzzle should look like. "I know why you have come to visit me. You would like to question me about Ebony and ask if I can remove her from the position only to give it to you."

I was not ready for this. I'm not sure what I expected, but I certainly didn't expect him to already know everything that I'm thinking.

I make sure that even though I am taken aback, my voice still sounds harsh and confident, "Yes, that is exactly why I have come to see you. Why did you even put Ebony in that position. She's slow, unfaithful, and, as you just said, worthless. She has nothing good about her that I don't have," I rant. Why does our nest even follow this old man? He's crazy! "I'm so much better than she is. I can run a marathon in one day, and I'm only 55 years old! I'm strong and beautiful. I'm the most faithful Vampire in all of Tikit!" I put my skills of persuasion on full blast.

"Vanessa Lancaster, you must realize that I cannot be persuaded by words anymore. I no longer fall for the traps laid out by viper's tongues. I am far too smart for that. I realize that you are the fastest of your age, and faster than many older than you, but you are naive and weak," He lectures me with more of his puzzle piece words.

"I may be young, but I am not weak. I could kill you right now, and there would be nothing you could do to stop me. You are the weak one, not me," I hiss. At the moment I am too angry to even bother pretending to respect him. He called me weak, and I am not weak. I begin to reach down to pull my knife out of my knee-high boot, but I'm being stopped by a hand on my wrist.

I am yanked back up to a standing position, then a hand grabs my neck and pulls me into the air. The hand tightens until my vision starts to fade to black. I'm going to die. I can't believe I'm going to die, and my rightful position will be handed over to some worthless girl. My vision continues to fade until it is almost the color of ebony. How ironic. Suddenly, the hand drops my neck and I fall to the floor, breathing heavily.

"Lesson number one: Never underestimate your opponent, especially if your opponent is held in high respect by everyone but you. Lesson number two: Keep your temper. Lashing out will do no one harm except for you. Attempting to attack someone when you're angry can cause someone you to fail, and possibly get killed," the Master Leader lectures. He takes a brief pause to let me soak up the lessons before he continues, "I never gave Ebony the position. It was always yours. Your persuasion, speed, and strength are great skills that you seem to exceed in. I need you to find The Tree and bring it back to our nest."

"So, the whole Ebony part of this was all a test? Are you kidding me? Was the part where you almost killed me a test too?" I snap.

The Master Leader doesn't have to hesitate before he answers my question this time, "You are persuasive, strong, and fast. You are loyal. But before you can go on a journey away from the nest you must learn many lessons, two of which I have just taught you. If you fail to learn these lessons, then you will fail to get the Tree. Do you understand me Vanessa?"

I solemnly nod and realize that the journey I had just accepted will be a long and hard one, but I am ready.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lauden Obediah

DID NOT HAND IN

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mia Mackenzie Young

DID NOT HAND IN

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Willow Coast

"Attention all Once-Born Vampires.Today is a day of celebration. The world is in terror and chaos," screams Belle Hartsong, the head of my nest. " But in order for the world to stay in this shape, we must pick one tribute to find the World Tree and control it. This tribute will be announced at this very moment. We have been watching you all very carefully since this has happened and we have chosen the tribute to represent us in the capturing of the World Tree. This vampire has shown numerous skills such as loyalty, trust, honour and bravery. She even had something that we weren't looking for but we're glad we found anyway. She has shown us that she has the way of words. She has used her power of persuasiveness against people to fit her needs and what she wants. Would you all like to know who it is?" She asks, still yelling. All of the females in my nest look so excited, they look as if the are about to pee themselves. All of the males look utterly disappointed and start to slink into the back of the crowd. I myself really don't care, as long as the World Tree is in our hands, I don't care who does it. " The tribute that we have chosen is-"

" Wait!" screams a girl from behind me, "Who chose the tributes. You keep saying we. Who is this other person that chose?"

"Oh yes, I completely forgot. Ladies and gentlemen, and yes, I even mean the gentlemen who are trying to get away in the back, please give a warm welcome to Jeera, the oldest vampire alive!" There were whoops and cheers as soon as Jeera came out from behind the curtain.

"Good evening all. I know you all are waiting very impatiently for the announcing of the tribute so let's just get right to it. The tribute is..." A blinding light falls over me and I can't see a thing. I hear gasps and sighs. It can only mean one thing. I am the tribute. I am the one who has loyalty, trust, honour, and bravery.

"Please welcome to the stage, Willow Coast." says Jeera. I hear faint claps here and there as I make my way to the stage. As I am making my way to the last step, I trip. I can feel my face go red. I hear laughter all around me and even a slight chuckle from Jeera. I pick myself up and rush over to wear Belle is standing with a small box in her hand.

"To help Willow not let her bravery and courage waver, we have made her a token for her to take along with you on your journey with the other seven vampires and demons." Belle pulls out a black piece of cloth out of the box. At first, I'm slightly disappointed but when I figure out what it is, I'm elated.

"It's a cape." I whisper

"Indeed it is my dear Willow." says Jeera as she puts her arm around me, " Belle and I know how much you liked to wear your old one but we thought that one was too old and would make your nest look bad so we got you a new one. It's not a regular cape though. It posses magic that will ward off any Angels and Werekind.

"Thank you very much. I will not let you down," I say as I turn to the crowd, "Forever shall Evil rule the world and let the Saga of the Tree begin!"