Known as the Kingdom ruled by the infamous line of Fire Demons, the Flares, Laanfier is a sizeable kingdom that believes anyone who is strong enough can be trained to fight. However that couldn't be said for the multitude of soldiers lying flat on the black stone ground writhing in agony, as there would surely be bruises appearing on their bodies, from the ass kicking they had just received from the red haired princess that stood before them in the middle of the arena sporting a flushed face and sweating profusely from the hours upon hours of training she had been doing with aforementioned soldiers since dawn.

She stared at them with a look that displayed obvious displeasure. She spoke under her breath; muttering about 'useless pigs' before throwing her sword onto the ground, the metal making a resounding clang as it came into contact with the floor. 

"I honestly don't even know why I bother to train you lot!" she hissed, "this generation is sloppy, and lazy!"

"You can't blame them Ala," standing in the corner of the arena a blonde male spoke up, his gaze flickering around the room at the trainees "they're not as strong nor as quick as you are."

"Well that's quite obvious! Look at the state of them Chase; fumbling fools, the lot of them!"

Chase laughed as the soldiers struggled to stand, a few of them managing to stay upright for only a short amount of time before collapsing back onto the ground, a chorus of pained groans echoing in the background. From her right, Ala’s mother came gliding through the arena's side entrance, her stride poised and dignified as she entered the trainees view.

"Queen Karrissa!" A dark haired soldier bowed stiffly from the pain, "it's an absolute pleasure to finally meet you in person your majesty!"

"The pleasure is all mine; to finally meet one of our many new soldiers" Karrissa gracefully bowed, a gentle smile gracing her soft pink lips as she turned to her daughter.

"The only one who's managed to stand on their own two feet for long enough" Ala scoffs at the soldier, before picking up her sword from the ground and sheathing it, "I am several hundred years old and I still have to put up with all the bullshit that comes with training newbies."

"You brought it upon yourself dear daughter." Karrissa steps closer to her tall daughter, her smile as warm as the sun itself, lighting up her still youthful features, “You wanted to be a warrior, and you rose to the title of General quicker than your father did at your age." 

Ala gritted her teeth, but conceded that her mother was correct. Ala was quick to learn how to use a sword, as a warrior should, under the careful training of her father Alonzo, and was thrust into her first real battle at barely 100 years old. After that battle, she had quickly stepped up to the title of General; the army and the people looked up to her as one of the strongest women in Laanfier, or perhaps the world of Arraila itself. Others from her mother’s and father's generation (and older) said that she reminded them of Kahna Flare (the first in the line of Flare and allegedly the first of the Fire Demons).

"You're strong sweetheart; you'll be able to train them well. Give it time" Karrissa spoke softly, raising her hand and caressing her daughter's cheek. 

Ala offered her mother a tight smile, bending down just slightly to place a loving kiss on her mother's cheek. Karrissa patted Ala's cheek, humming as her hand dropped to her side, and she walked away towards the door she entered through, the long hallway stretching out for a few metres beyond it. Karrissa stopped suddenly, glancing back at her daughter.

"Come Alana; the festival is starting" She said, a happy laugh escaping her as she turned away, her footsteps echoing through the narrow hallway that led straight into the thick of the Festival.

Ah yes, the End Of Summer Fire Festival. The celebrations had begun earlier that day, not too long after Alana had started the training session with the new soldiers. Chase stood still in the darkened corner, and watched as Alana surveyed the soldiers who were still struggling to stand up, however some had actually managed to stand without so much as a small noise of discomfort. She had given them a good beating, that was for sure. Alana glares at them, rolling her eyes as she walks away, her hard leather boots creating a loud stomping sound that echoed through the room. Her mid back length deep red hair flowed behind her in fiery waves, her ice blue eyes harsh until she finally reaches outside. Despite all the noise from the Festival, she still felt at ease. 

Alana breathes in deeply, the smell of the familiar warm, spicy food native to Laanfier causing her eyes to flutter closed. Not a few moments later, a soft wind blows hot air directly into her face, and she grimaces at the smell of something that had died. Upon opening her eyes, she narrows them at the face that is mere centimetres from hers; the pointed fangs sticking out and resting on their bottom lip accompanied by the bright red eyes and midnight black hair was a dead giveaway as to who it was. She grumbled sourly and pushed the person away with only a small quarter of her strength, trying very hard not to smile hearing the loud laughter that erupted from the person in a short burst.

"Hello to you too princess" the person grins and bows.

"You don't need to bow to me Frederick" she gives a warm smile to Frederick, "you're my friend"

"That may be true, but I'm still a commoner. A handsome commoner, but nothing compared to some" Frederick clicks his tongue, glancing around at the variety of people around them, seemingly looking for something.

Alana couldn't even say another word before she finds herself being unwillingly pulled along through the hustle and bustle by her overly excited best friend a short moment later, a quiet help escaping her. She only half heartedly struggled against Frederick's grasp, her warm smile still present on her naturally dark pink lips. Of course, he finally slowed down and let go of her wrist which allowed her to look at everything going on; Vampires performing magic tricks for the little ones, large 7'0 tall Werewolves leading the guests, Fire Demons showing off their skills with fire eating as well as controlling fire using only their minds to create magnificent scenes of battles and whatnot, War Wolves loyally following their masters and some of the soldiers putting on a watered down reenactment of the War of the Fallen also put on for the little ones. 

Alana slows to a stop, her smile dropping somewhat as she watches the reenactment. She has to laugh, however, at the poorly made costumes for the Cannibalistic Fallen Angels as well as the wooden armour and swords for the soldiers. This was a version for the children though, so she couldn't blame them for the over exaggeration and poorly made costumes. The real stories were told by the ones who lived through it and listened to by those who had the stomach to hear it. 

"I'm glad I wasn't alive when all of that was happening. I can't imagine what you went through, and Chase, and so many others" Frederick's eyes are sad; almost mourning as he stands beside Alana, burying his hands in the pockets of his worn and faded black pants. 

Alana made a small noise of agreement, her eyes zeroing in on a female dressed as her with a red wig and bright red marks scattered in random places on their exposed arms, legs and neck. Alana was suddenly thrust into the past as she watched on; her surroundings fading out of existence, replaced by the faint sounds of a battle that felt as if it had happened just yesterday. The princess hadn't registered anything until she was knocked to the side a bit by Frederick, grabbing he shoulders and turning her around to face him. She blinks, her vision clearing as her best friends came into focus. 

"Alana, you alright there? You zoned out for a second" Frederick smirks, "anyhow, we should go try the food; I can smell it from here!" and with that, Alana is once again dragged off somewhere else by Frederick. 

They walked along an old black cobble pathway that stretches on for several metres, ending in a wider path that led out of the Kingdom. All along the right side were rows and rows of tables with hot and cold foods as well as sweets and pastries from all four Kingdoms. Frederick licks his lips, practically drooling at the vast choices of delicious food. However, a particularly spicy smell caught Frederick and Alana's attention, the two glancing at each other before following it to a familiar shop. 

"Lazlo!" Frederick happily exclaims, "I thought that must have been you cooking up that delicious smelling...stew I'm guessing?"

"My infamous spicy boar stew, yes" Lazlo, a tall, burly tan skinned bald man grins down at the much shorter Vampire. 

Though seemingly intimidating, Lazlo had a soft heart and a gentle touch that completely contradicted his size. 

"Best part is" Lazlo starts with a happy grin, "is that I made it Vampire friendly this time! With just the right amount of boar blood, it adds flavour as well as making it edible for Vamps like yourself Frederick"

"Without any help from Lyria this time?" Alana teases, laughing at the pink flush that appeared on Lazlo's entire face. 

"Oh, well uhm, maybe a little bit of help from Lyria" Lazlo mutters, grumbling as he continues to stir the stew gently.

As if on cue, a much shorter Elf with blonde hair that went just below her pointed ears came waltzing over to the table, her eyes narrowed as she hits the bigger man hard on the arm.

"I was the one who figured out all the correct measurements!" she squeaks, shaking her head. 

Lazlo sputtered out apologies, Lyria accepting said apologies after a few moments before she turns to Alana, "hello Ala; it's been a long time since I last saw you" 

"About a full year" Alana laughs, "it's good to see you in good health Lyr. Last year, you got ill and had to leave for Brindor earlier than expected" Alana frowns.

"Yes, that was quite the inconvenience" Lyria nods, "how's the training of the new soldiers coming along? Your mother stopped by a little bit ago and told us" Lyria says as she shoves Lazlo gently, telling him to take a break whilst she stirs the stew.

"It's going horribly" Alana grumbled, "I'm scared that this generation will become so sloppy with their fighting that Laanfier will no longer be known as the powerful warrior kingdom. I want to run away to the Ruins and never be seen again; I also feel as if it's my fault for not training them well" 

"In my humble opinion, I think it's just because you've gotten stronger" Frederick says, "they're not at your level yet, and won't be for a good while. Just give it time and be patient like I know you can be. You trained the last generation; you can train this one"

"You sound like my mother and father combined, just shorter" Alana deadpanned.

"Well, then I guess they are right" Frederick giggles, having to duck out of the way to avoid being slapped by Alana, "oh come on, concede Ala; you know they're right!" 

"Shut. Up" Alana snaps, glaring at her best friend, however the Vampire knew there was no ill intent in her sour expression. 

Frederick snorts out a laugh, slapping a hand over his mouth as his ears turn bright red; a sign of embarrassment at the sound he had just made. Lyria's lips curl upwards into a soft smile as Alana pats Frederick on the shoulder in a comforting gesture. Frederick coughs and pretends he never made the odd noise, looking everywhere except at his amused friends. 

"You get so easily flustered; it's cute" Lyria says.

"I am not cute!" Frederick exclaims, looking very offended.

"No, you're absolute adorable" a familiar says from behind him. 

Frederick jumps in surprise, quickly turning around. He has to bend his neck up to look at Chase; him being 6'1 in height, and the Vampire glares at him.

"I am neither cute or adorable!" Frederick huffs, "I am a Vampire, and I can kick ass and drink blood at the same time!"

"Do you want to test that out then, baby Vamp?" Chase teases, smirking.

Frederick's ears only get redder as he tries to say something, but he only storms off just seconds later without saying another word, muttering about his 'stupid friends' before heading off to find his little brother Micah. 

"What kept you Chase? Did you find someone cute to stare at?" Alana says.

"No Ala, you know I only have eyes for a certain someone" Chase's smirk drops as he continues,"some of those soldiers showed a lot of potential, especially that dark haired one that greeted your mother. Isn't he a commoner?" 

"Yes, Sylos is a commoner, but I knew his mother Raevin. She fought alongside me in the War of the Fallen, so I owe it to her to look out for him and train him" Alana smiles. 

Chase rolls his eyes; of course Alana would feel obligated to take someone young like Sylos under her wing. 

"You're so much like your mother, it's worrying" Chase scoffs.

"Keep in mind, I am the future Queen of Laanfier, so I'll take that as a good thing" Alana hums, wandering after Frederick but not before saying goodbye to Lyria.

Chase half smirks, bowing respectfully to Lyria before he follows after Alana, keeping a few metres behind her. They both wandered through the thick of the Festival, but had a hard time finding Frederick amongst the large crowds of people. At least Alana was taller than most, standing at 5'10, but even then it was difficult to find her best friend. She weaved through the sea of people, her eyes narrowed as she searched.

"Found him!" She hears Chase call out, pointing over to a brown haired male who looked no older than 14 being coddled by Frederick.

Alana pushes her way through the crowd to get to him, apologising to anyone she accidentally knocks against a bit too hard, tapping the Vampires shoulder to get his attention. 

"What are you doing all the way over here?" Alana asks, raising an eyebrow. 

Frederick goes to say something, but the younger male who he was previously fussing over best him to it.

"You won't believe what I've just seen" he seemed scared as he spoke, his eyes wide with fear.

"What did you see Micah?" Alana asks as Chase appears behind her.

"He believes he saw a group of Cannibalistic Fallen Angels" Frederick sighs.

Alana shakes her head, "that's impossible Micah. They haven't entered Laanfier in 500 years, and they know not to" 

"Ala" Chase muttered, "I don't mean to your belief in the fact that they haven't been inside Laanfier for so long, but look over there" 

In the far distance, Chase could see them, and hear them; could hear their unnatural growling over the loud crowd. Alana tensed up when she looked where Chase was looking. 

"Fuck" Alana cursed, "Chase-" "I know" Chase simply said before running off to the training arena, being careful not to knock over anyone.

"Are you kidding me?" Frederick whined.

"You and Micah need to get out of here, now" Alana ordered, "and don't do anything stupid please" 

The look Alana gave him was one that told him that she didn't want to lose him, and so he nods and does as she told him. Micah needs a bit of pushing considering he's as stubborn as his older brother, but he eventually allows Frederick to pull him along. Alana breathed out a sigh of relief as she watches Frederick retreat, but absently thinks to herself that he's stubborn enough to return and try to help. 

As she glances back towards where the Cannibalistic Fallen Angels were racing towards the large crowd at an incredible speed, her eyes close for a few seconds, however her mind wanders to a memory; one that she constantly wished never happened...

Laanfier was burning all around her; the houses, the fields, and even the castle was half destroyed in the chaos. Her hair was matted with dirt and blood, and all she could hear was her own heavy breathing as she drags her battleaxe through the muck. Her eyes held a wild fierceness; she was on the hunt for blood and nothing would stop her from unleashing her fury.

The Cannibalistic Fallen Angels had yet to retreat, even as they were losing. They had no fear, but Alana was about to give them a reason to run and never turn back. With a roaring battle cry, she swung her battleaxe at the beasts who had half a mind to attack her, and they lost their heads in mere seconds. Dried tears stained her red, blood covered cheeks as all she does is kill and kill and kill as if she could slash away the previous events.

In the back of her mind, she remembers the pained expression her innocent little brother wore as he died in her arms, crying as he begged for his big sister to take away the pain and make it stop. Her parents didn't know of his passing yet, but they would soon enough. She was too in shock to move him, her only thoughts being 'kill the monsters who killed your brother'. 

She feels her heart beating hard and fast like a drum against her chest as she slashes her way through the crowd of beasts that killed her brother, her eyes pitch black in colour. She's stepping on bones of the dead; both of the foul cannibal creatures she'd previously slaughtered and those of her people that had attempted to help fight them off. 

Sweat dripped from every orifice as she dodges an oncoming attack from a rabid Fallen, and she slices its head off whilst it's in the air; it's horrifying screeching cut short. There's a moment where she isn't being attacked, the Fallen looking to other targets, and she allows herself to look back at the castle that was being ruined and blasted apart by something stationed up on the looming charcoal coloured mountains that acted like a wall which surrounded Laanfier. 

She watches as the third turret at the back of the castle is blown apart, tears forming in the corners of her eyes as she falls to her knees. Her little brother's room, his safe space, the only thing she had left of him was ruined right in front of her eyes, and she let out a strangled scream of rage.

She doesn't remember anything after that, until the end of the battle when a concerned Chase is hovering over her beaten and bruised body.

Alana is pulled away from the flashback as the screams of frightened villagers reach her ears, and she realises that the creatures she hasn't faced in 500 years have gotten closer. She grabs her battleaxe and raises it into the air, preparing for the inevitable battle that was too soon to come…