The Arcana

Scrimmage

I HAD begun to shut down. Everything was happening so quickly I couldn't even register the total danger I was in. As I sat down on the velvety duve I heard the battle crys from the men beyond the tent. It was then that I realized countless men were out there trying to defend me, even laying down their lives, just for men. And I was not okay with that. I got up and in a sort of trance gathered some things to put together in a knapsack. I knew I coould not just sit around and wait for Death to claim me, even in either case. I made sure to look around for any weapons but all I could find were some rustic letter openers and I knew I would just have to make do with what I had.

I had my back turned to the opening flap of the tent which was the biggest mistake I would ever make. All of a sudden I heard something crash and hit the floor with a large thud and just like that I was out of the nervous stupor I was immersed in, I swung around just in time to see a shadowy figure launch after me. I tried ducking but I was not quick enough in my surprised state, my assailant punched me to the right side of my jaw with such great force that I flew across the room, landing in a heap on the floor. I heard a woman's voice in the back of my mind telling me to get up, that this man was not done with me, and that there were others out there waiting for my capture, but then the man grabbed me behind the back of my neck pulling me up to my feet.

My focus then shot back to attention and I was suddenly filled with an earthereal exuberance. I knew the woman from my subconcious was aiding me becasue I suddenly became analytical as to every move and breath the human male made. I decided that the best way was to act like a fool of a damsel in order to make the assailer underestimate my power.

Very good my dear, I am impressed.... were the parting words from the red lady and I felt assured that I was now capable of handling the fool. I realized that as I was coming up with a plan the gruff man was speaking harshly to me and I knew I had to play my part so as I began listening to what he was saying I began to wimper like a coward.

"You little noble bitch get up! I said get up and stand! Now walk over to the flap like the good little rich bitch that you are!" I figured he did not know who or what I really was and must have been told from a higher up to obtain me. Just as I began to walk, I made like my legs had given out on me when in actuality I was loosening out of his grip until I was completly free. Sighing I sprang back and released my inner Arcana and felt relief when my claws began to grow meticulously. I heard the short stocky man curse at me under his breath as he scrambled for his weapon under his leather vest. He pulled out a long jagged edged blade and I took a fighting stance.

At first he took long hard short breaths while slowly making his way toward me and faintly I realized I was backing up into the corner of the tent. Well I guess now is as good as anytime to go on the offensive. I lunged at him and scratched his face with my deadly claws. He grabbed his face howling in agony as the poison set in, but not without slashing my hand while I tried to get back from his retreating form. An idea suddenly hit me so I quickly lunged ontop of the man until his body crumpled to the floor under my wait. He was no close to death and his yells signaled it was not a swift death.

"Who sent you to this tent?! Why were you targeting me? Why not just kill me!?" The questions toppled out of my mouth but I saw that it was too late, the light in his eyes were fading and the man had a smile on his lips as his last breath was expelled and with it only two words came out.

"Arulis Ballister."

I stood up disgusted by this vile creature, cleaning myself off I rustled around the room for my bag so I could leave without any further hinderances. Still the questions swarmed my mind, who was this Arulis? Was it the name of the group targeting my life? I had no way of knowing as of now so I let it be for the moment and stealthly exited the tent.

All around me was chaos, soldiers were right in the midst of batting enemy men who looked like normal soldiers as well. Hmm it seems like the Arcana are watching from somehwere else or even having their battles at a different location. I tried locating Death and Josh but they were nowhere in my sight. At the moment I had not been spotted and I decided to take to the woods to seek refuge from the all out war occuring right in front of me. I counted to three in my head and my knuckles turned white from my tight grip on my bag.

One..... Two...... Three!

I waited for some soldiers to move and sprinted across the grounds and gatherinng my skirts at the hem to make better haste. Suddenly I was thrown to the ground by men sparring, they didn't even notice my presence so frantically I blindly grabbed my bag praying to God I would not be trampled and hurriedly got to my feet again. This time as I ran, I went faster, I was more scared, and made it to the cool canopy of the forrest. Only to be even more at peril than I was before.

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So I'm really sorry my updates have not been regular, it's becasue I have been super busy with school and I've also been working almost everyday and I've honestly been just so exhausted but school is almost over and I promise I will get better at updates :))

The dedication for this chapter goes to Crazyk7m for all the comments and nice messages, thanks so much I love reading them!

Also if you have any suggestions or ideas don't hesitate to comment them! Also don't forget to to vote!! HAve a good day :D