An ample crowd of creatures roamed about the foot of the stone castle. Friends spoke in whispers and strangers shared looks of confusion. The city's usual demeanor was clouded by a darkened curiosity.

In a flash, the entirety of beings was silenced. The quiet sound of boots clicking against solid stone resonated through the city square and a few 'shhh's went along with it.

A man appeared at the edge of the moderately sized balcony. With marvelous chestnut hair that held small, glistening strands of gold and the addition of piercing sapphire eyes, he was certainly a sight to behold. A smile was etched across his face and if any of the city people had looked just a bit closer, they'd notice the devious twist behind it.

"People of Vath - creature and human alike," the man started, making an effort to look over the entire crowd as he did so, "I welcome you."

The people cheered for their leader. The name Adonis was scattered throughout their joy.

"We have but a wonderful announcement for you all!" His smile widened - at that point, it had almost become chilling. "After much deliberating between myself and the Vathian Council, we have come to a set decision."

Mystic beings were silenced and humans were fearful to speak - each of them awaiting what this wonderful news could be. They had their fair share of guesses, ranging from things along the lines of more money or new territory.

"In the times before even the country of Brittanyka, there had been a series of games played by the separate countries. It's been called a myriad of things - twisted, evil, cruel, and even Arawn's game - but I believe we can turn that all around."

Few of them received what he was talking about. There was still a plethora of desperation to know, but they continued their silence.

"As many of you have caught on," he spoke, his voice becoming more mysterious with every word that it wove, "I am speaking of the Gladiator Games."

A gasp echoed through the silence - one, then two, then ten, then the entire crowd burst into chattering. Yet during it all, the man called Adonis could not tell whether it was positive or negative.

"So," he called through the noise, "We have chosen ten of our own people, but that is not what brings us here today. In addition to these ten, we have been...given ten from the countries around us!"

As he announced these things, a line of creatures was shoved onto the balcony, each with their hands bound behind their backs.

"A magician of the lands known as the Bacrosian Empire - Orin Neowylde!"

An immensely tall man was pushed forward. He growled at the soldier whom had dared to touch him and yet all the while stood proud. Dark skin was contrasted by large scars traveling up his bare arms, and he seemed to bear them with pride.

As Orin was pulled back, Adonis began to speak again.

"Next, an ironmaster has come to us from Khimani! Gawain Relikuerry!"

This man did not wait for a soldier to shove him. He stood right up, exactly to where the Bacrosian once stood. Slicked back onyx hair spilled over his shoulders. A deadly smirk was plastered onto his face and he shifted his stance - a rather nonchalant man he was.

Taken from his moment of glory, Gawain was yanked back and Adonis did not hesitate in sending a nasty glare towards him.

"A fire elf from the Burnlands of Oscania - Zerukaster Xanthias!"

A pale skinned, fairly small man was nearly thrown forward. His garnet eyes were wide as he looked up at Adonis, then down to the crowd, and back up again. Pointed ears twitched with anxiety as he visibly bit the inside of his cheek.

A tiny 'woah' escaped his lips as one of the soldiers grabbed his collar and dragged him back. Adonis went through six more people, each more interesting than the last - an Eslainish quarter-giant woman, who did not hesitate in sending a nasty growl towards Zerukaster; a Zinnadullish cleric's son; a Rhodeneiman cupbearer; a Hoyeghestian stonemaster; a Xodrian Dragon Rider; and a Brittanykan shadowmaster.

There was a moment of pure, absolute soundlessness. Every person was impatiently yearning to hear what species the last gladiator would be.

"Last but certainly not least," Adonis practically sneered, a corrupt tone lacing his speech, "a human from the nation of Gotrehel...Algorsolam!"

The gasps occurred once more, but this time it was collectively about the same thing at the exact same time. A crimson haired, barbarian-seeming man was all but gently rammed to the front - he would never be even slightly respected because of his species.

Laughter coursed through the people - even Adonis was chuckling a bit.

"He won't survive a minute!"

-

Hi, my name is Ava and I must thank Tiffotater for staying up till practically midnight just to make characters and both she and Cormenion for giving me country names. I legit couldn't have done it without y'all so... :D

ANYWAYS, THIS STORY MUST GO ON. I WILL NOT LEAVE THIS WITH JUST ONE OR TWO CHAPTERS. I SWEAR.

YAY. OKAY

-AVEH

[THIS IS UNEDITED]