Evora, daughter of Antimony

"Everyone dies one day. Is that not the beauty of the world? All this," they said, holding out their hand, letting wet moss fall to the ground, "is what comes of death. So why must we choose to interact with people? Why do we form relationships when everyone will die? Leaving is the easiest part, regret is the most difficult. But tell me, Evora, why do you believe we should stay together while the rest of the island cares not for our alliance?"

"Well it's because we die, is it not? Regardless, you know, of how much we don't control what happens to us, our life is our story—it's solely ours to interpret and therefore a bit of friendship doesn't hurt anyone." Evora made the moss still in Elsinor's hand turn into budding flowers with a wave. Her bare feet wiggled in the stream she had situated them near after Elsinor's disaster up on the mountain.

"Yes, but friendship detracts from your senses. It makes you vulnerable and therefore if you're on your own you're far more of a threat."

"Elsinor, just like a single flower cannot blossom or live fully, nor can we humans. Being alone causes your judgment to become impaired, it makes you lose focus of your own humanity. No one would want that."

"First of all, yes I do, especially at the moment. Second of all, I'd like proof of your statement about the flowers. Show me where it says it cannot be pollinated by itself."

"I hope someday you grow to be happy with people, Elsinor."

Elsinor silently ticked another win in an argument to them. Regardless, though, if Elsinor thought they had won such an argument, Evora was quite pleased with her own part in it, knowing full well Elsinor would not only not leave, but that they would also mull over the conversation for the next hour or so. Evora had gotten them attached, she hoped. Elsinor was nice to be around, Evora had never had much company that saw the world in such a strangely different way. It was a good different, of course, something she'd surely take away if she were to make it out of the arena.

Elsinor scrubbed their arms, letting the murky water they were surrounded by wash away the last streaks of ash. They were situated around a stagnant pool of water, of an unknown depth. Willowy trees shaded them from the afternoon sun. A foreign bird twittered to Evora. All was calm.

It was Evora's magic that would do them well here. Plants to bend at her will, it was an abundant source of energy, although the water certainly detracted some from her lilypad and waterlily magic. Regardless, Evora felt quite at peace, and she kicked up a few drops of water with her toes, the flecks landing on her pants. Another flick of water, and it was on Elsinor too, to which they gave a glare and huffed.

"Honestly, Evora, I will leave you..."

It was at that particular moment that a creature popped out of the water. Its eyes were protuberant, large and jelly-like. Green irises, too. Evora stared at it from her perch, drawing her feet underneath her. How peculiar, she thought to herself, to see such a creature watching her. A large, gorgeous sort of body, she could tell, with ears just poking past its head, that she could see, anyway. She was sure the gorgeous colour of its skin—a rich, shimmering, brown—would go to the bottom of its body. It seemed very cute, in its own strange way, and Evora almost wanted to pick it up, but settled on hoping it would enjoy a flower, freshly sprouted from the ground.

"Evora, I don't think..."

"Oh shush, Elsinor. Friendship of woodland creatures wasn't something I was strong at, I've got to concentrate."

Evora reached out, sticking her tongue between her teeth as she anchored herself to the shore with one hand, while reaching out tentatively with the other. The creature blinked once, then bobbed underneath the water, disappearing from sight. Evora leaned back. "Hmmm... How strange, isn't it?"

"Evora, I swear to the Gods above if you don't quit trying to make friends with everything you see, you'll end up killed, I swear it. If not by whatever you're befriending, it'll be by me, or so help me."

They needn't say more when the creature, no longer docile, appeared from beneath the water, large and foreboding. It was far larger than Evora expected, broad and tall—taller than she, at least—and was what could only be called a sort of horse. Evora had seen a horse once before, in the depths and wilds of the forest, but it was scarcely anything compared to this. Where it came from beneath the depths of the water, or how deep the water now was, she could not say, but as the beast reared its legs up and splashed water about, Evora scampered about, latching on to her tied shoes and scrambled away from the shore.

She looked around for Elsinor, but they were gone. Whether by magic or by stealth, they had quickly taken their leave. Evora felt almost betrayed, but surely Elsinor hadn't gone far. It was only when the beast behind her whinnied and grazed its hooves onto the shore did Evora forget about Elsinor and begin to run. She took none of her items with her, no backpack or supplies, only her shoes which she fastened around her wrist, and her yew branch. Leaves and branches struck the soles of her feet, and as she ran blindly back into the dense forest, she not only wished the animal behind her would forget about her—which it didn't—by that Elsinor had at least said goodbye—which he didn't.

Her breathing came out in heavy pants, her feet now surely bloodied and bruised, and she couldn't think straight to bother to lay some fresh, soft, leaves down to pad her way. However, she did manage to send gnarled branches behind her, shooting some drooped boughs of trees into a menacing fence. She stopped momentarily, catching her breath and bearings, but her blockade was no match for the seemingly invincible and non-tiring beast, breaking through with a cacophonous rumble that made Evora jump high into the air, her heart racing.

She could see its nostrils flaring, the long tail flying through the air with vigor, and it too took a breath, and then ran on to begin the chase once more. Evora felt herself wishing for a safe place to hide, and as though her prayers had been answered, she felt a cool breeze drift over her and she was suddenly within a darkened area of the forest. She breathed for a moment, and composed herself enough to remember that horses couldn't climb...hopefully. Truthfully, she didn't know what this beast was capable of, but she was far enough ahead of it and encased in enough shadow that she could use her magic to climb high into the trees.

Though her energy was nearly drained from the exertion she had always hated to participate in, she summoned a vine and fastened it upon her waist, rolling her branch so that the vine twisted and rolled and pulled her up. It seemed almost impossible, and surely Elsinor would not understand how such magic could work that she was manipulating something that was sustaining her, just as it was one could not pull themselves out from water if they had no movement. Of course, she was sure that made no sense to think of, but as she perched herself on a mid-sized branch, she couldn't help but wander her mind, always drawn back to the idea of Elsinor.

Below her, the horse grunted, having caught up just as she had made her way onto the branch. It whinnied, its hooves shaking the tree and causing leaves to cascade down around her. Her head fell back against the rough bark of the trees, and she untied her shoes from her wrist, inspecting her feet as she did so. They were bloodied and mangled, as expected, thorns not before noticed stuck deep within. She could summon no medicine from her perch, only if she were down below could she have the possibility of soothing the ache that was beginning to form into a throb.

"Well, that was fun, wasn't it?"

Evora startled, her body jerking so she nearly fell off the tree to the eager animal below. Elsinor appeared from the shadows of the branch beside her, light falling on them as though they had cast a shadow onto themselves. Evora pursed her lips.

"You can leave, you know. You don't have to stay if you don't want to."

"Oh, dearie, if I wanted to leave, that would've been a long time ago. Besides, I expect a thanks at the moment."

"What, for leaving me?" Evora snapped, feeling foolish at herself for wanting Elsinor to be her ally once more.

"You wouldn't have gotten up here if it wasn't for my shadows, honey."

"Elsinor, why don't you just leave? Clearly an alliance isn't working well for you!"

"Oh, don't tell me now that you actually want to part ways! I tried so hard to save you. See? This is why friendship isn't good for anybody. It's a waste of time."

Evora sat in angry silence, but did not leave. "Everyone dies one day," she said, carefully stressing every syllable so they knew she wasn't happy, "so then leave. Only one of us will live, or else we'll both die. I don't want to see you die in front of my eyes."

"Everyone dies, yes; but in this span of an hour, I've decided to take you up on your advice and have fun with my limited time here, so I've decided you're stuck with me."

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

Althia, daughter of Galena

The Guardians, it seemed, weren't going to let me get any sleep on the island. If it wasn't enough that the first night, I was desperately trying to not kill people so that I didn't die, the second night, I was woken by a large animal, breathing warmly and wetly onto my ear.

I tried not to move, but it was hard, because I couldn't fathom what the thing was. It was large, I knew that, and judging by the rest of the challenges I'd faced thus far on the island, it wasn't friendly.

A light whinny cut the silence of the black night, and I breathed out lightly, moving as slowly as possible towards the small dagger that I had in the bag I'd managed to score at the volcano. I felt like with one wrong move, the large teeth that clicked near my face would snap and crush my head like a grape.

The dagger was cold in my hand as I gripped it and slowly - slowly - raised myself up on my elbows, backing as far away from the large animal as I could, and as I did, I finally realized what it was - as if the noises it made hadn't been clues enough, the long snout and wide brown eyes confirmed that it was a horse.

Of sorts.

The large horn that protruded from its head said otherwise.

I couldn't breathe when the unicorn nudged me with its head again, surprisingly gently for a beast twice my size, and without thinking, I raised a hand to stroke its muzzle.

The beast nipped at my fingers with gigantic teeth, and only through quick thinking and reflexes did I avoid having my fingers bitten off. Scrambling backwards, I slashed at the unicorn with my knife, doing nothing but angering it. The creature advanced towards me, hooves clopping on the hard jungle floor where I'd been trying to sleep before it tried to kill me.

I started running, but soon realized that wasn't making a difference in my situation - the unicorn was large enough that it could match one of my steps with three of its own. The only reason I wasn't dead at that very moment was the branches that I could duck under with no problem, but hindered the large animal's travel enough that I was alive.

A scream ripped through the air, and I was surprised to find that it wasn't my death scream, but another tribute's.

I aimed myself for the beach, hoping that I could escape the unicorn in water, but it was useless, since another large creature was snapping at me as soon as I got within reach of the water. The keplie was wild, but it stayed in the water - I just needed to get out of reach of the demonic fish-horse that was as dead-set on eating me as the unicorn was.

The only place I could go was back to the tree-line, and I barely got my feet out of reach of the unicorn's teeth in a pine that sat on the beach's edge before it appeared on the shore, whinnying to the kelpie that was its brother. The two seemed to like each other - although it made sense that the evil horse-creatures would bond with one another.

I clung to the tree for dear life, and prayed that the animals would get tired and leave me alone once they realized I wasn't going to be good food, but they just kept up their incessant, terrifying whinnies. Soon enough, another tribute stumbled onto the beach, and I nearly screamed as the unicorn attacked. He wasn't as smart as I was, and the Vasileio was dead without a scream escaping his vowed lips.

I clung to the trunk even harder, nearly crying now as the dead tribute was stripped of flesh by the two. Soon, as if the two that were trying to kill me weren't enough, I heard wing-beats, too large to be a bird, and an accompanying neigh that only made me more upset. A pegasus, something I'd normally call innocent and brilliant, had been bound to the will of the Guardians, made into a killing machine for their use, filling its stomach with the remains of a tribute that didn't look like the first it'd eaten that night - blood stained the pegasus's soft mouth, and what looked like the remains of a dark green vine, surely a tribute's token, hung from its mouth. Only then did I remember the haunting scream that I'd heard earlier, and wept more.

The pegasus finished eating and sniffed the air - I could see its nostrils inflate from my perch. The unicorn whinnied and led the flying horse to the base of my tree, making my breathing slow as I tried to grapple with the fates, beg them for another sunrise on this godforsaken island. It didn't feel like that would be happening when the pegasus beat its wings again and rose off the earth, then aimed for me, in my crook, flying straight towards the tree.

Only by the grace of Elswyth did the branches protect me, blocking the attacks of the winged horse enough that it couldn't even nick me with its enormous teeth, chunks of flesh still decorating them.

It attacked again, but the same issue faced it - the branches were too thick for it to break and too close together for it to maneuver around. I could barely breath from relief, and tears slipped down my face from joy. I wouldn't die tonight at least.

I wouldn't sleep until sunrise, either, when the golden star stained the sky and the three creatures disappeared, a final whinny echoing on the blood-soaked, bone-strewn shore.

At least none of the bones were mine.

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

Branwen, daughter of Yrlissa

Knock, knock, knock. Knock, knock, knock. The incessant banging and pounding at the door I hurt my head.

"Go away!" I yelled, not wanting to open my eyes to see who it was. I assumed it was most likely my mother, wanting my assistance with some gardening. Normally, I would have jumped at the opportunity to help her, but I felt sick today.

To my dismay, the banging continued, pounding in my head and on the door.

"Wake up Branwen," my mother, Yrlissa, cooed. Her voice was sweet and melodic. I could see her mischievous smile in my mind, her blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

With a groan of pain, my eyes flickered open.

It was only then that I realized that the pounding was a direct result of the large bump that had formed on the back of my head.

Further inspection revealed that every single part of my body was bruised and scraped and turned bloody and bloody painful.

My mother was nowhere in sight, her smile was just a figment of my overly active imagination. Her smile was something I would never see again. I felt a tear fall down my cheek but didn't bother to wipe it away. I missed my mother with all my heart. She was always so kind, pushing me to become the best mage I could be.

From my vantage point, flat on my back, I looked around to realize that the volcano had the courtesy to send me straight into the thickest part of the jungle. Dim moonlight shone through the leaves. I wasn't complaining about the jungle part. No, that was the best part about it. It was the fact that I could not see anything more than twenty or so feet around me in either direction that made me worry. I had no idea what was out there or what was going to stumble upon me while I was in a state of unconsciousness.

With an extreme amount of pain and a proper amount of wincing, I sat up

Another rather fortunate thing was that I was still in possession of the supplies I had collected from the volcano. Although singed, the materials inside were virtually in harmed. After eating a bite of dried bread and drinking some stale water, I slung the bag over my shoulders.

Luckily for me my focus has not been harmed in the fall, enabling me to feel the energies of the surrounding foliage. Closing my eyes I took a deep breath and felt the ground. Not with my hands, of course, but my mind. I focused my powers to search far and wide for the one plant that I knew would ease the pain of my injuries.

After about two minutes of searching my efforts were rewarded in a big way. Not far from where I sat was a sambyberry bush. Small, red orbs grew in clusters that lined the leafy stalk. This medicinal plant had many uses, one of which included an being full of energy providing vitamins. Another was the juice of the berries itself. When crushed and mixed with the proper amount of mint and sap from one of the many trees that surrounded me, a healing ointment could be created.

With a straineous amount of effort I willed the roots to pick themselves up and frolic over to my location. They weren't too happy about the frolicking part but once I told them why I needed their help they were more than happy to provide. One of a goodly trees next to me offered a leaf filled with sap.

After after swallowing a few berries I turn to making the cream. Soon enough the pain slowly started to fade.

It was only then that I heard the sound of a horse. I stood quickly, fearful that the creature was not as friendly as those back home.

The sound of leaves crunching under foot could be heard as the animal approached. As the beautiful unicorn stepped from behind a tree I, was in awe. A spiral protruded from its head, glinting silver and gold in the moonlight. A long, silvery mane flowed down from a white, satin coat. Never had I seen a creature so exquisite, so beautiful or so peaceful. In my wonder I approached it slowly and quietly.

A quiet whinnying escaped its mouth. I reach my hand out to touch its muzzle when it lunged. With a scream, I dove out of the way of its large and very sharp teeth.

The horse rocked back on its hind legs and came down with its horn points directly at me. In the desperate attempt to save myself, I moved one of the trees forward, cracking its trunk to bring it crashing down, muttering an apology as it went. However, despite my attempts subduing the creature, it was too fast.

The unicorn pranced around the fallen life, neighing as though it received pleasure in seeing things die. I turned to face it, watching as the majestic head bent forward, a snarl of sorts escaping its lips.

No matter how many trees I threw at it, the unicorn kept coming. It was powerful, more powerful then I expected. As I was contemplating how to stop the unicorn, I felt something sharp pierce my side. I cried out in pain, watching as sticky crimson ran through my fingers.

I felt through the earth again, reaching for the vines that hung haphazardly around the trees. With a great amount of effort, I pulled them around the ankles of the beast. A cry of frustration escaped the unicorn as it struggled against its bonds. I shared a sad smile before turning away and stumbling towards no where in particular, holding a hand to my side.

The crashing of plants behind me caught my attention. I picked up my pace, running through the jungle like a madwoman. The unicorn was resilient and extremely determined. The branches grabbed at my cloak and my face, causing more pain and scratches to be added to my already beaten body. I couldn't see more then a few feet in front of me.

Running was useless if I was only trying to get away from the unicorn. I wasn't the least bit fast enough. I was looking for something, feeling for the raw and unfiltered power like I had felt on the beach the first day. I feared what would happen when I found it, but I knew what would happen if I didn't.

Just when I was about to give up, I found it. A magical surging of power overwhelmed my body, flowing freely like waves in an ocean. I whirled around as the unicorn caught up to me, charging with it's horn aimed at my heart.

In a panic, I threw up roots, ripping them from their previous abodes. The twisted around the unicorn, ensaring it in a cage that tightened with every movement. It was like a twisted version of armor, protecting me from the unicorn instead of the other way around. My vision blurred with the effort of holding the beast while bleeding out.

As the cage closed, something in the back of my mind spoke, or someone, to be more precise. If you don't kill the unicorn, she will not rest until you are dead.

"Mother?" I spun in circles, hearing her voice. "Where are you?" Tears started to form in the corners of my eyes, I so desperately wished to see her.

Right here darling, she spoke again, this time from where the unicorn was trapped.

It really was her, her brown hair bouncing with curls. Her blue eyes gazed at me warmly. Her purple dress moved with the gentle breeze as she stood there, only a few feet in front of me. But it couldn't be her, could it? She wasn't here. Maybe the power and blood loss was going to my head. I was probably delirious and feverish.

Branwen, you must listen to me. You must kill the unicorn.

"Why?" I blurted. It was stuck right now, not doing me any harm.

Branwen, even that which looks harmless can be deceitfully malicious. Your sympathy will get you killed. Come here, end the life with me.

"No! I will not!" I didn't move towards my mother, the call of the powerful piece of land was holding me in place. But maybe that was just my excuse.

My dear, I'm afraid you have no choice. Good luck.

With that, she vanished. "Mother!" My voice cracked as I screamed. I just wanted her to stay, to comfort me, to tell me everything was going to be okay. "Mother, come back! Please don't leave me here!"

A sudden cracking of branches halted my screaming. But I soon realized that it wasn't branches. The unicorn was writhing in pain in front of me. The snapping of it's bones resonated through the jungle, bouncy off every tree as the roots squeezed the life out of it.

I tried to stop it, I tried so hard. But my powers were out of control, just like the first day. Just like when I killed for the first time.

When the deed was finally done, I sank to my knees, finally in control of my actions. The pain in my side had eased up, the magical energies acting as an analgesic.

This time, after this death. I didn't cry. Death was inevitable in this version of hell. And I could not keep going like this, my mother was right about one thing-- my sympathy would be the death of me. I watched as a single as a single tear fell down my face and hit the dirt. It would be the last one I shed.

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

Lucia of Argi

"Now that we survived the crazy volcano explosion, I think it's best to rest here. I mean, what more could we want? We've got the great view of the sunset over the lake, the ash looks just beautiful, and the heat of the lava that almost killed us is just perfect." Dhruva looked over at me, his earring giving off a slight glimmer despite the foggy air and lack of light, "I'd almost call this a date, but I don't even know your name, and you're obviously not interested... yet."

I rolled my eyes, I told you my name right after the volcano incident. Lucia. And you're right, I'm not interested.

"You do understand that I don't read your weird Vasileio sign language, right? Because it doesn't seem like you do. So, since I don't know your name, I'm just going to give you a name... What about Olga?" he smirked at my expression of utter horror.

That name is not used AT ALL in Vasileio, okay? If you're not going to pay attention when I've signed my name at least three times, the choose a good name!

He chuckled, "Okay! I get it, you don't like the name. What about Lucinda? Or Lucille? I dunno, you seem like an 'L' kinda person."

I rolled my eyes again. You're close, I guess. I began drawing in the dirt between us.

L-U-C-I-A. The 'C' is pronounced with a 'ch' sound.

"Lucia? That's a pretty name, better than any name I could give you." he chuckled, and I felt my face go hot, and despite the fact that the sun had dipped below the horizon, I hoped he couldn't see.

I refused to believe that I'm falling for some complete self-centered idiot that I literally just met. It was just not possible. But, the red that was rising up my neck and heating my cheeks proved otherwise.

He continued talking, ranting about how stupid the volcano was and how we barely got anything good, and that it's stupid how I can't talk, and that my name was pretty. I stared out at the setting sun, hoping that today I could just rest without having to battle some monster, or work on some task. And maybe just listen to Dhruva rant.

No such luck.

A whinny pierced the air, way too close to be comfortable. The bushes behind us rustled, and a sharp plea for help rang out, quickly silenced.

Did you hear that?

Dhruva looked at me in complete confusion.

Never mind, I forgot you can't understand me. Time for the awkward charade.

I pointed towards the woods, and mocked a whinnying motion, shaking my hair out, and probably looking like a complete idiot.

"Oh, ya I heard that, and by the way you're great at charades. I don't think it's a good sign though. Not that you're bad at charades, the whinny, I meant. You're great at charades. Crap, I already said that, didn't I. We probably shouldn't check it out, which is exactly why we are going to." he stood up, brushing the dirt off himself, and grabbed his small pack of things. Looking down at me, he offered a hand to help me up, of which I refused.

I'm not some maiden in peril. I'm a big girl, and I can stand up on my own, thank you very much.

"I'm not sure what you said, but I can see your expression, so okay, I'll back off." He awkwardly lowered his hand and turned towards the forest.

After I've brushed off and collected my items, I push past Dhruva and peek into the tree line. A gasp escapes my lungs, and I turn to Dhruva, wide eyed.

There's a unicorn. Eating someone.

I put my index finger on my head, and mimed a unicorn's horn, and motion eating someone.

"A unicorn is eating someone? Either that or that unicorn is having serious digestive problems."

First one. The second one's just stupid.

I pushed aside the leaves as quietly as possible, and we began to watch the unicorn relish in the blood of a Craorag. The boy's once white hair was now stained red from his own blood, instead of the dye he would use upon his eighteenth birthday. His chest lay, ripped open, on the ground, blood steadily flowing out onto the grass below.

On the other side of the clearing, a Vasileio stood, as horrified as we are, and I recognized her as the nice girl I talked to of the first day, Fabionna. Her eyes shine bright in the full moon, full of terror.

For a minute, none of us move; we just listened to the sounds of the unicorn feeding upon it's prey, all of us were too scared to move. Finally, Fabionna took a hesitant step backwards. A sharp crack rang through the air as her foot crunched a stray twig.

The unicorn looked up from his meal, it's purple eyes shining with malice. His head swiveled his head around, staring straight at Fabionna, blood dripping from his lips. Instantly, he lept from his position, catching up to her in one bound, and began feeding on his new prey.

Don't make any noise, or I will personally kill you, alright?

"I don't understand... "

The unicorn looked up from Fabionna's limp body and stared directly at us.

"Oh. I get it now."

I resisted the urge to slap him, and grabbed his hand, dragging him through the forest. I knew we couldn't out run or over power the unicorn, but just maybe we could outsmart it.

If we run in a zigzag pattern, then the unicorn will have a harder time trying to find us. It might buy us a little time until we can find a safe hiding place. I know that the Guardians wouldn't only send one creature after us, so it's best we don't go into any new areas. What do you know about unicorns?

"Lucia, you're killing me. I honestly have no idea what you just said. Like at all."

I sighed, tightening my grip around his hand.

"Wait, Luce. I think I've got an idea. What if we head back towards the volcano? I don't think unicorns like heat, and the ash is still thick enough that no one will see us." he called, yanking me in the opposite direction of what we were going.

As long as I don't almost fall in again, I'm good.

With the unicorn still hot on our tails, we ran through the woods trying not to trip on any bush or draw unnecessary attention to ourselves.

Finally, we reached the base of the mountain and we began our climb to the top. Because of his large hoofs, the unicorn struggled to climb the mountain, and our feet kept sending showers of rocks upon him, even more obscuring his path to the top.

The mouth of the volcano was at our fingertips. We hauled ourselves over the lip and hopped below it onto the ledge where I had been stuck just earlier this morning.

"It's kinda like deja vu, except this time I'm down here with you.

And this time the volcano isn't about to errupt. Instead, a murderous unicorn has been sent to rip out our hearts and eat us. Just as good, if you ask me.

"Luce, you really need to try and teach me some of your sign language, I don't understand a single word you're trying to say."

We stood, dripping with sweat and panting staring up at the sky above us. The once pitch black sky now shone with slivers of rose and gold, shone with slivers of hope. The unicorn let out an annoyed whine, before sighing and heading back down the mountain.

"Well, Lucia, that's the second time I've saved you just today. Will you rethink the 'falling for me part'?"

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

Fabionna of Elita

Horses... Hell to all horses...

To be exact, a Pegasus.

And here I thought it was going to be a pleasant day for once...

~~~

I didn't wake up to a pulse today. Judging by the sun's position, it was probably eight in the morning. Looking at the supplies that I had gotten yesterday, I was pretty pleased with myself. I got a loaf of bread, pieces of coal and a blanket from the rucksack, the bag of medicine, a bow and a quiver of arrows, a enchanted dagger and the case of magical plants, used for casting spells.

All day I sorted through my supplies, and munched on a small piece of the bread I got. Surprisingly, I hadn't seen any of the other Mages here on the island. Yet I'm sure we're all near the volcano, since most of us had went in for the supplies.

I should have known it would never be easy on this island, even for a day...

It all started with this spot in the sky at midnight. I was just laying in that grass field I found days ago, when a white spot appeared out of nowhere in the sky between the stars, it seemed to be heading towards me.

Slowly, I made it out to be a Pegasus, with its majestic white wings like an angel. Yet something was off with this Pegasus, it seemed angry, his eyes were blood red. I screamed, thank God no one saw it was me. I scampered to my feet and leapt backwards. The Pegasus' hooves struck the ground, right where I stood moments ago. A fountain of water flew from the spot where the Pegasus landed.

Not knowing what to do, I ran. I ran into the jungle with all I had, legs almost flying. But the Pegasus was fast, too fast.

Its wings tore through the forest as if they were made of steel. I doubled back around a tree, dazing it for a few precious seconds as I ran back out to the field. I approached the tower of water that the Pegasus had made. My plan was crazy, but it was the only possible way.

I threw myself into the water as the Pegasus almost barrelled into me. Slowly, the force of the water rose, and I was elevated to the top. I was among the stars, tall, powerful, I am Fabionna of Elita. I am not going to die, not today. The Pegasus charged upwards, I quickly jumped, falling...

Falling...

Falling from the stars, but still powerful... Still Fabionna.

I made a cushion of grass, and landed on the ground. I quickly manipulated the grass to hit the Pegasus, but it didn't seem to effect him at all. I decided that maybe making a barrier was the better way to go. So I made a very thick barrier with the long blades of grass and vines. Then, I lay down, exhausted.

The Pegasus gave up smashing his hooves against my strong barrier eventually, and I gave into my exhaustion. In my dreams, I heard screams, and I knew the Pegasus had terrorised my fellow Mages as well.

I woke up from a terrible sleep, and released my barrier. Sunrise, and blood?

It was Elsinor... What had happened? She seemed so strong... The Pegasus must have got her. I sit there, shaken an terrified. What was the new day going to bring?

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

Alegria of Eerie

Mama, I know you won't forget that day. I know it's a fact, without a shadow of a doubt.

It's the day the first bruises graced your skin. Aside from the clear confusion I'd felt seeing your condition, it's also that cat that made that day seem impossible to forget.

Say what you will, but I know you don't have a single idea just how soft its fur was. They brushed against my skin, soft and feather-like, like a baby's clothing. You also won't know how enchanting its sounds were. They felt like calls only for me, and I'd only wanted to respond, Mama.

I didn't give it a name. It's so strange how I forgot why I didn't provide one for it that day, but I hope it wasn't of much significance.

I took the cat to the house. I hid it from you. It looked like more problems for you, and I had wanted it to be my secret, too.

I fed it and took a basket from the pantry, along with a cloth. For a few minutes I managed to create a small pen from the materials, because I'd thought it would be a pretty, cosy home for the animal. In my room I stroked its fur and fed it some more.

The time was too fast. I didn't realize the sun was already setting.

I didn't know there was a meaning behind its eyes having such a deep shade of red. I didn't notice how sinister my reflection looked whenever I peered into them. The cat didn't even show me its claws when I decided to make it my own.

But it did. And it's just one scratch on my forehead.

Did you feel my pain, Mama? I am sure I didn't even cry that day.

You rushed into my room, not even letting me blink my eyes once. You didn't stop to look at me as you picked up the cat. It didn't even thrash and try to hurt you. I sat there, blood dripping down my eyelashes, eyes staring as your back and the cat's tail left my bedroom with such hurry.

My curtains were closed so I didn't even catch your shadows leaving with you.

It felt surreal.

My blood dripped down onto the cat's milk, leaving crimson swirls along the white surface.

It felt abnormal.

I picked up the little crumbs of bread I got from the pantry, because they were yet to be spoiled by my blood. But I didn't know I'd touched my forehead, and so now I was everywhere.

I didn't realize the sun was already setting. But I'd peered into my curtains and knew.

It was already night-time when you came back home. And out of all the things I should've wished for, that day I wished you didn't hurt the cat.

Mama, you were bloody when I went downstairs.

I lift my head from the lake, feeling so much awake after splashing my face with its water. I've been living off of bountiful fruits from the trees within the forest, and just about manage to take a quick run for water in this lake.

I keep hearing sudden human noises around as I wash my face, though, but I'm sure they're far off from my point in the arena. They really are determined to kill. That's not a surprising fact there — these Games are provided to see us survive after all.

It's just the fact that they're human noises. I'm more than sure there are more plans up the Guardians' sleeves.

I stand up from my sitting position and wipe my face. When I turn around, I discover myself looking into another creature's own.

It seems what I've thought isn't wrong.

A unicorn huffs and grunts before me, its body gracefully poised and unmoving. I've never seen one before. The golden horn on its forehead glistens under the moonlight, and its mane is free of any dirt. It looks so pure. You'd think all that would make me miss that crimson shade in its eyes.

I wouldn't make such a mistake again.

What are you doing? Are you going to kill me, too?

My fingers move quickly in precise and delicate movements. It didn't even feel like I almost wasn't used to it by now — it's in the blood, I guess. The unicorn circles around me, as if dismissing the gestures I made, and I take a small step to the side.

It's made up just like everything else here — it's meant to kill.

Its silver hooves paw the ground slowly. My gaze doesn't leave its dangerous stare, and I slowly feel around for the gem in my ring, too.

If I am to survive, I need to kill it too.

The unicorn charges at me, and I run away from it, breathing heavily as my chest begins to pound hard again. It gallops around and huffs once, clearly agitated, and I take the time to manoeuvre around it as fast as I can. Then I jump on its back.

The creature manages to thrash around in a somewhat graceful way, but I take a firm grip on its head. The unicorn's power is for healing only, but I think it wouldn't be best to be at the receiving end of its sharp horn. The amethyst in my ring starts to glow as I hold on to it, so I close my eyes and try to feel around for its senses. But something's blocking me.

It's more powerful than what I've imagined it to be.

The creature starts swaying like mad and I'm left thrown to the ground, managing to obtain a few scratches here and there. Its hooves slap the ground with such ferocity as it charges again.

And I couldn't move. My mind flashes back to that time where I'm hopelessly sprawled on my room's floor, blood everywhere, and it's too much to take in right now.

Mama, can you save me?

The unicorn is getting closer, and what little time I have left is spent staring up at the sky, which is starting to get lighter, the stars slowly diminishing back to a darker side. I want to close my eyes but couldn't.

Can you even hear me?

No. This shouldn't end this way. It would render your being my saviour worthless, dying from a creature I've carelessly acknowledged myself.

Save me.

I could do it.

I close my eyes. The last thing I remember is the peeking Sun and vivid, purple light.

The time is too fast, you see. The problem with me is how I can't figure and point out the little things.

I hope it isn't too late now.

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Anahid of Jaidev

DID NOT HAND IN

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Enzo of Siyamak

DID NOT HAND IN