Let the Fight Begin

[Tyri Valae]

She moved quietly through the woods, her bare, callused feet hitting the earth with a soft thumping sound. It seemed as though she was the only one in the forest; not another creature could be seen. However, high up in the trees lived a civilization that seemed invisible to anyone just passing through. Looking hard enough, the leaves shielded an entire city, bridges connecting trees and homes build on top of thick branches. Vines wrapped themselves around the banisters and columns that supported the structures, winding their way to the sun. The people called this place Shyre, a city they could live in without fear of enemies that posed as a threat on the ground.

She knew of this city, hidden deep within the forest and she took a giant leap, hands grabbing hold of a swinging vine. She began pulling herself up using the strength she held in her upper body. She scampered up the vine effortlessly until her feet hit the familiar wooden floors of her flat. She placed her hands on the banister and glanced out over the scene before her. All her people bustled about going on with their business, gathering fruit from the bearing trees or chasing after the giggling children. A smile crept upon her features as she watched the beauty in her home. She was glad that they were prospering and becoming something greater.

Turning around and heading into her shelter, she moved toward the tarnished silver that she used for a mirror. Tyri was tall and lean, curvaceous and had a healthy glean to her skin. Reddish brown hair flowed endlessly down and over shoulder in a messy ponytail. Green orbs stared back at her, a spark in her eyes. She grinned knowing exactly what she was going to do for the day. She grabbed some clothe and wrapped her hands in them, going around her palm and her wrists, securing them.

Tyri left her home and headed over the rickety wooden bridge to a giant dome the rested on the largest, thickest tree in the forest. The dome would have been visible from the sky had the roof not been shrouded by leaves as a disguise. She made her way to the back and slipped in the back door. She could hear shouts and screams coming from inside as a crowd cheered on. She could feel her adrenaline pumping inside her as she drew closer to the area.

Blood pumped through her veins, filling her with a hunger that could not be satiated normally. Tyri jumped around, shaking out her limbs, preparing herself for what she knew would be coming. The cage in front of her opened up and Tyri made her way into the arena. The crowd cheered at her familiar face and she grinned with excitement. Staring across the stadium, Tyri watched her competitor, a weak creature, lanky and cocky. He smirked at her, blowing off the fact that he was fighting a girl.

A bell rung and the sound of bone cracking filled the air. All was silent as the skin ripped to make room for more. Tyri fell to her hands, letting out a triumphant yell as her face began to stretch into a muzzle. Fur erupted over her form and fingers morphed into paws. Before long, a wolf stood in each of their places, their clothes ripped to shreds around their paws. Her reddish brown fur glimmered under the lights. A snarl burst from her chest and filled the entire arena. The crowd fell into cheers and applause for the she-wolf. The other black wolf grumbled in disgust before the bell rung again and the two collided into battle.