Arvium [I.L.S. Beta Game #1]

33: Arena

Month 1, Day 2, 10:20:31; Arvium, High Council West Building, Weapons Center

"Next," the voice called.

She stepped forward, looking up at the tall man at the sign-in desk of the arena. He stared down at her, tapping the air in front of him.

"Name?"

She nodded, waving her hand over the scanner on the front of the console. "Aella Rynnex."

He typed the air, nodding after a moment. "Ring 3. Your match is in five minutes. Next," he called out.

"Wait," Aella said, shoving off the hand from the player behind her and ignoring the angry look on their face. "Who I am sparring against?"

"I said next," the man answered. "You'll find out when you get there."

Aella growled, stepping out of the way. She crossed her arms as she muttered, "Thanks. Even though you certainly aren't helpful."

"What?" the man called out.

"I said thank you," she called back. She frowned as she looked up at the signs above the rings, seeing them count down from fifteen, and she headed for the rings at the end of the arena.

"Ring 3" she said quietly as she stepped in front of it. Several Alphas and Betas clustered around the sides, cheering on two Betas. She winced as one of the players slammed into the ground with a series of sparks and cracks.

"Five minutes until next matches begin," a voice called out over the loudspeakers. "Please make your way to your assigned ring."

One of the Alphas stepped forward, holding a handpad. "Next match: Aella Rynnex versus Fox Blade."

Her eyes widened as she turned around, looking at the players who were gathered around the wing. She waved as she recognized the gold-haired man coming closer to her.

"Aella," he said, bowing his head as he came closer. "Ready to fight?" he asked her. "I won't be taking it easy on you."

"Cocky, much?" she said quietly, her hand reaching to her belt. She pulled out the staff, shaking it and watching as it extended to its full length.

Fox shook his head. "Not when I know I'm going to win." He pulled a sword several inches from the hilt on his side and her eyes widened as she saw the massive blade. It was separated into two smaller extensions curving outward at the hilt, and a small dagger-like blade extended from the top of the hilt. He slid it back into the hilt and patted it several times.

"You two are up next," the Alpha told them. "Get into the ring, and wait until I give out the instructions."

"After you," Fox said, motioning to the ring.

This shouldn't be too difficult. She bent over and slid through the ropes that marked the sides of the ring. She walked over to a corner, leaning against the metal pole. Her hand rested on her sword and she sighed. I really don't want to have to bring out my sword unless I have to. The quiver of arrows and bow on her back rattled as she bounced on the tips of her toes. And I have a bow, but it's useless in these tight corners.

She watched as Fox walked to his corner, leaning his arms against the ropes. She tightened her grip on the staff, seeing no weapons on his body other than the sword and a set of daggers in his belt.

Her grinned at her, raising an eyebrow.

Aella set the staff on the ground, closing her eyes. She breathed deep, holding it for several seconds before releasing, continuing the action.