I try to control my breathing, hand on my chest, the other gripping the gild of my dagger tightly. I stalk slowly behind a shrub trying to evade the blockage in my path. I slip past and make a sprint to the first checkpoint. Heart pounding as I realise that this may be the only chance I have to make it to safety.
My father never mentioned having to fight Brixlers in this stupid race.
I run through an archway made of ivy and beautiful pink roses. Looking back a final time to realise that the man was no longer behind me. I pant, finally able to catch my breath as I double over onto my knees.
The Race of Manner was always a tough feat. Never had it been mentioned to me we'd have to fight elders.
"Milo!" A deep voice calls out behind me, I whip my head around and my eyes catch Kaido's. I slowly stand up, turning on my heel, I sprint towards him, a grimace spreading across my face as I come to a stop infront of him.
"What the fuck was that?" He breathes down on me, a sly smile on his face.
He's always had an issue with his language.
I slap his arm "Watch your mouth, Kai." I sigh.
I continue, "I don't know… neither of my parents mentioned fighting anyone."
"Well, either way. You would've been fine, you're celestial." he huffs out, I roll my eyes. Grabbing his wrist, I pull him towards the first outlet.
As we walk past I can hear coos and ooos from other children our age, I try to ignore it as I shove towards the front to get a good look at the next section of the race.
It normally starts with about 300 people, however, as I look around, I can guess there's only about 200 of us left. They say only the strongest ever make it out alive.
I aim to be one of them.
A deep rumble crosses the ground as a voice comes over the mountain side like an echo, you can hear it bouncing off the lake beside us. King Obadiah II, king of Oriah.
"To those who have made it to the first checkpoint, goodjob! You have proven yourself to be a good fighter.
Now I acknowledge in previous races, that it was always a race to see who would overcome the 7 deadly sins. As you can see, we had some issues with an Anila infected Brixler. No worries children!
We've got Telegants scanning the race for more infected. For now, you've finished your first run through of the terrain. I will come back to you shortly when it's safe for you to continue on with your journeys. For now, you may rest yourselves at the camps that are being set up."
I look over at Kaido, his eyes glossed as he stares ahead. He mutters something under his breath. What the hell?
I exhale, heading towards the tree of soul. I squint my eyes, trying to recognise the face helping with the assembly of the campsites around it, "LARA!!" I jump into a sudden sprint. The girls head turning toward me.
A smile spreads across her face as realisation dawns upon her. Her arms opening as I slam my body into hers, "OW! What the hell!" She giggles into my hair as she wraps her arms around me. She twirls me around in her embrace, I let out a sigh.
I spot Kaido strolling towards us, "KAI! Be a gentleman and come greet my sister!" I yell in his direction, "Yea, be a gentleman!" She chimes in, I can see him roll his eyes from here and I smile letting go of my older sister.
"I can't believe there was an Anila in the run through. I was worried sick about you both!" Alara puffs as she wraps her arms around Kaido now.
Alara has always said that Kaido and I are like her children. I've always thought that was a rather funny thought.
Alara is trying to catch up with Kaido on what happened in the trail, I tune the both out as I turn my head and see another group of people.
A group of celestials sitting around a fire, they're all laughing, smiles plastered on their faces.
My fathers words echo through my head. Don't get close to other celestials, you may never know if one is a Seayard.
My fathers irrational fear of Seayards has always seemed odd to me, he's surely aware that they've been dead for years, the last of their kind was banished decades ago after they had attempted to over throw the king by taking on the abilities of a celestial. Why they did it is still unknown…
A touch on my lower back jolts me back to reality, "Come on then, let's go sit," Kaido says looking forward at the group of celestials, he looks back at me, smiling.
A pit forms in my stomach as I oblige, letting myself get pushed forward.
We come closer into view, the smell of soot and burning crystal flowing through the air.
Kaido guides me towards an empty space in the group, from here you can see the kingdom of Avallone.
It's beauty is unmatched. It's marble buildings overgrown with terrain, makes it truly mesmerising-
"What do we call you?" A feminine voice break me from my trance, my eyes lock onto hers, "Oh, you can call me, Milo…-" I look at Kaido, "This is Kaido." A smile flickers and disappears on his face.
I look back at the girl who is now
standing, "What exactly are you? No elaborate colour.." she exclaims to the rest of the group, mockery coating her tongue. My jaw tightens, shoulders drawing inward. I remember seeing her face on the newspaper a few months ago.
"Get over yourself." I growl, pushing her back with my hand. Kaido shifts foot to foot beside me. I take a deep breath, "He's mannerless. That doesn't make him any less than you though, princess." Condescension covers my words. I can see her knuckles turning white. A smile tugs at my lips.
"He can fight. Unlike you who needs a shard, Carsta." I spit, turning on my heel.
It must suck to lose the Royal Honor of being a high house.
I guide Kaido towards another camp.
Feeling his pulse beneath the tips of my fingers, I squeeze twice. We make our way to a mixed group, within it I spot Jester.
"Jest!" Kaido calls out, now running out from behind me, a smirk tugging the right side of his lips, revealing a dimple on his dark skin.
The two do a sort of handshake, I stroll towards them, taking in my surroundings.
I spot something moving behind the treetops. Before anyone can notice, I slip away, running towards it…