In the night, there was a touch of fear the hung over the System. Some Leviathans did not sleep, and those who did had trouble. The Choosing Ceremonies for the Sixty Eighth Battle were tomorrow and with no male or female ratios, only having your name in once, it was anyone who could be chosen. The normal humans slept soundly, as did those on the Council, for they knew they were safe from the terrors that the Gamemaker had created this year. No one ever knew what he was thinking, what horrors that he could come up with each year to destroy fifteen innocent lives and brutally terrorize one. No one understood how he could do what he did and still sleep at night, but he could.

Each year, the Gamemaker would watch from his control room near the edge of the Arena and watch as his creations, his madness, came to life to chase down many young Leviathans in the Arena, and every year he did not fail to bring his unique style to the Battle. He was so good at his job that he has never been replaced since he replaced the old Gamemaker when he was twenty years old, during the Sixtieth Battle, one that was special as it marked the sixth decade of Battles. The theme for that year was every even Sector got to send in one more person than the opposing Sectors. To help balance things out, as the Council wanted an amazing fight, he created a mountain, having each Sector, starting on the opposing sides of the mountain. Sector Three won that year, but no one could forget it. And they have kept him on as Gamemaker since.

The sun began to rise, extending golden streams across the dark blue sky, calling awake those who could not sleep and those with troubled nightmares of previous Battles. Children curled up tighter in bed while of-age Leviathans clambered slowly out of bed, knowing that if they were late to the Choosing Ceremonies, they would be severely punished by the Council. Many of them, as they were not required to but chose to all the same, put on nice clothing for the cameras and everyone that would be there. The remain few put on comfortable clothing, ones that they could be able to run in, as one year the Battlers complete skipped training and went directly into the Arena in the stuff that they had worn to the Choosing Ceremonies. The ones in nice clothing failed to win, but those who had chosen to where comfortable, maneuverable clothes lasted for awhile.

All across the system, the sun woke up each of the Sectors, even the Shadow Sectors, and called all to its morning song. The Choosing Ceremonies would be starting soon, all at the same time, with Sector One beginning at noon and Sector Eight beginning at seven P.M. their time with all the other Sectors in between. All of the times would line up, thus people would be able to see who was chosen at the exact same time. All around the country, people worried, waited, staring at the clocks with anticipation, before each clock struck their pattern, signalling noon in Sector One, one in Sector Two, two in Sector Three, three in Sector Four, four in Sector Five, five in Sector Six, six in Sector Seven, and seven in Sector Eight. Crowd had gathered from all over to watch the short Ceremonies.

It was time to begin.
















Once the Battlers were chosen, they all would be lead to a train, each one different from any of the other Sectors. They would all depart at the same time, heading all to the same place, but all of them feeling very different things. The trains would take them to the Training Facility, which resided outside of Sector One. That way they could all be in the same time zone, same place, and they would get to know each other. They would stay there for a few days, each on a different floor coinciding with their sector, before getting thrown into the Arena, which no one even knows what the Arena looks like. As they train in the Facility, the Leviathans will inevitably hear and see hints about the layout and design of this year's Arena. But for the general public, the citizens of each of the sectors, it will be a secret until the moment the Battle begins.

Throughout all of the festivities, however long they might be, as they could be headed right into the Arena or going for just a few days, or going to the Facility for a few months, cameras would follow the new Battlers, almost everywhere they go, even into their rooms and into the Arena, though the Arena cameras are stationary or controlled by bots. The ones in the Arena will not be as visible as the ones following them, but the glint of the glass on the lens would be unmistakeable. Alliances would be forged, hearts would be broken, sweat, blood, death, and tears would all go into this, but the outcome could not be predicted until people watched the bits of the training over their television screens.

Everyone, even the humans, knows what the point of the Battle is for the Leviathans: Get in, Be the Best, Survive, and Stay Alive.

But only one can walk out of that Arena.

---

The crowd stared up at him, and Gareth stared right back, accepting his fate in silence as emotions threatened to billow to the surface. A cold breeze bit into his skin, goosebumps breaking to the surface. He swallowed past a lump in his throat as he pictured Danny, just turned eighteen, watching the broadcast in their shelter, unable to do anything as his older brother was sentenced to death. Helpless.

Gareth shut his eyes. What was he going to do? He couldn't just leave Danny, not like their father did. He had to say something.

"Danny," he said, eyes finding a camera. No one else was there anymore. It was just him and the lense. "Danny, I need you to stay strong. It's going to be okay, you hear me? I'm not going to die out there. I promise. I'm so sorry, buddy." His breath shook as he exhaled. "I'll see you soon, okay?"

Closing his eyes, Ewan slightly bowed his head upon being chosen, accepting his fate. Looking up towards the crowd with unblinking eyes, Ewan looked around as the people of Sector two stood with their Leviathans. There was no cheering here, there was no shouts of excitement, there was only a somber mood that hung over Aquanatic City. Raising two fingers in a salute, Ewan turned to lock eyes with Gareth as he nodded. They would fight but only because the Council demanded it, not because they wanted to. From this moment on, everyone outside of Sector two would be nothing more than a shark or crocodile to Ewan. A dangerous animal in his way that needed to be removed.

Rough hands suddenly strongly gripped Ewan's arms as his salute was forced down and his arm pushed behind his back. Escorting the Leviathan towards the train, Ewan struggled against them looking back at the seemingly subdued Gareth. Were these not members of Aquanatic City, Ewan would have drawn upon his powers and submerged them under hundreds of pounds of water, but yet even these men now were only doing their job. The hiss of the train doors broke Ewan from his thoughts as he was roughly shoved inside. Stumbling before regaining his footing, Ewan moved to exit the cabin only to find the doors refused to open. With one last physical protest, he slammed his fist against the metal doors before reluctantly stepping back and lowering his arms in defeat.

"No point in doing that," said Gareth, massaging his arms where the men had grabbed him. "We're doing this, if we want to or not." He looked up, meeting Ewan's gaze. "The Council gets what it wants." His jaw tightened as he remembered his mother, staring down the barrel of a gun, a crowd of people watching in fascination and fear.

Live, Gareth. Live.

He flinched as the shot rang through his memory, recalling the way his mother had slumped to the ground, blood pooling around her head. He'd never forgotten that morning, the way it had changed his life forever, how powerless he'd felt. And now, Danny was going to be put through it, too. This wasn't how it was supposed to be.

"If you're the one that kills me," he said, his eyes begging Ewan, "Please, make it quick. I don't want my brother to see me suffer."

"The Council needs to know we don't want to be doing this. Just because we were born with abilities others don't have, doesn't mean we should be forced to fight and kill for their entertainment." Ewan sighed before slumping into his seat. "If enough of us could put aside our differences, if enough of us could go against what's expected of us, we could put an end to the games." As Gareth talked, Ewan shook his head.

"I won't be the one to kill you, Sector two above all else works together. No one was happy to send us into the games and no one would take pleasure in either of us killing the other. I propose an alliance." Ewan said before continuing further. "We're going to get to meet our competitors before they toss us into whatever death trap they have planned right? That's how it usually works anyways" Pausing, he turned towards Gareth as a slight edge of excitement began to infiltrate his voice. "We make allies, find people like us who don't want to fight, expand our alliance. There will be others like you who have family, others who don't want to kill or fight for the amusement of others. We could start a revolution as long as we get allies, if you're in that is?" Ewan's question hung in the air as he concluded his statement, his keen eyes watching Gareth for any sort of positive reaction.

Gareth stayed silent as he processed what Ewan had said. An alliance? A revolution? How did he know that the other competitors won't just turn around and stab them in the back? How was he so sure that he wouldn't? Yes, there would be strength in numbers. Yes, they would stand more of a chance. But how good is an alliance when no one trusts each other? Gareth laid his head in his hands, running his fingers through his hair. Eventually, he looked up.

"Okay. I'm in." For Danny. For mom.

Sector 7
-Levi-

Dressed for battle, sturdy dark leathers line his skin under his cloak. Levi's thumb carefully caresses the fine blade of one of his many concealed knives. While the whole crowd hang heavily on the announcers every word Levi stares at the ground in meditative thought. Today was his day, he would save someone's life by volunteering himself in their spot. It would cause a controversial stir, not that he cared. His mind was made up and yet for some reason he still hadn't been able to sleep a single peep the previous night. He knew what needed to be done, he clenched his empty fist so tight it hurt confirming and re inciting his determination. It was no big deal, he cared little for the fights this was just a thing that needed to be done, another fight to win. Then why was he plagued by nerve's...

But then his control over the situation was was suddenly ripped from him, and he was hit heavily leaving him breathless as choice was taken away and everything quickly veered unexpectedly into a unforeseen darkness, away from his vision.
'Levi Duran' his name was repeated. This scenario had never entered his mind and it momentarily halted his composure. Quick to recover he closed the small distance between him and the stage. The crowd parted as he shoved through. In silence he comprehend the consequences of the unlikely event and cursed himself for not for seeing it. 'Xander Michaels', this was his punishment for arrogance. 'Dammit,' Levi thought to himself, if a second name was drawn he would probably have taken Xander's position giving himself a better fighting chance. He felt his gut twisting in his stomach as he found himself on stage standing before and looking down at the street rat with an un-hidden disdain and disappointment.

His elite expression so clear on his face that the crowd, no the whole world could probably see the way his malevolent eyes measured her as worthless, it would draw him no favours but 'screw them all' he thinks to himself. He was Levi Duran, he had spent his whole life training for this, he didn't need no one!
Turning his back on the crowd he purposefully heads towards the train leaving Xander behind.

Hekat Bakshi

And all at once, time seemed to grind to a halt as Hekat's name was called. She was frozen for a moment, lips parting in shock as she stared up at the Councilwoman. Distantly, the rumble of thunder seemed to be growing louder, and somehow through the silence she heard the faintest sob.

That would be Amma, then, she thought numbly, keeping her face turned forward to avoid her mother's anguished eyes as she forced her feet to start moving towards the stage. As the last living Bakshi leviathan, there were no family members to embrace her—no comfort but to glare back into the steely gaze of the Councilwoman as she ascended the steps.

She'd thought, for a moment, when Zolkin had been called, that she was safe. That this would pass as a momentary shot of adrenaline like the last three Choosings she'd been forced to attend. That she'd be able to go back to the too-crowded tenement housing at the end of the day, look out over the side of the mountain she called home, and continue to plan patiently like she'd done for the last seven years.

Fate, it seemed, had other ideas.

As Hekat took her place to the left of the Mayor, she clenched her hands together behind her back—both to project a solid stance and to hide her shaking hands from her family. After the initial moment of stunned blankness, panic had quickly filled the void. She was good, she knew that, both with her powers and her physical talents, but was she good enough? She'd scrapped with other leviathans as a child, but never in a real fight, much less with ones from other sectors. She could see it in her relatives' eyes—if she faltered and fell during this Battle, her family might not recover...

No, she told herself firmly as the Councilwoman droned on, eliciting a few halfhearted claps from a handful of those gathered, the rest glaring in stony silence. Now is not the time to doubt. I can win. I can.

Lightning flashed in the distance as the Mayor finished her closing remarks. With a wary eye on the sky, the heavily-armed, rubber-armored police stepped forward, hands on their weapons. Hekat looked back defiantly, but with a glance at Alva, acquiesced. She leaned forward to meet the other woman, and the pair shook hands—one hand almost frostbite-cold, the other crackling with static electricity that the guards watched warily. Perhaps some other sectors still produced defiance—here in Sector Five, they knew better. In years past, leviathans who had tried to run had been gunned down, simply replaced by another name from the pot. With a district full of such dangerous leviathans, anti-Council sentiment ran deep and discipline was harsh; Sector Five was known as the 'unruly one.'

The two leviathans released each other with an appraising glance, and were nudged towards the open doors of the well-insulated train by the touch of batons on their backs. Hekat kept her shoulders back and her chin high—to anyone watching, she looked practically calm. But while the tall man in front of her stepped inside without hesitation, she couldn't resist glancing back at the crowd, trying to catch a glimpse of her family. Through a gap in the masses, she saw them for a split second—her youngest brother, only twelve years old, sobbing into her mother's shoulder.

Hekat's eyes narrowed, and with an instant of crystal-clear thought, no less than three lightning bolts cracked down from the heavy clouds above and struck the abandoned microphone in the center of the emptying stage.

Almost immediately, a baton cracked down across the back of her shoulders and an armored hand planted itself in the middle of her back, sending her stumbling forward into the train, but the damage was done. The murmuring of the crowd took on a darkly approving tone, and the Mayor was looking significantly less dignified with her short-cropped hair standing on end, as she'd been standing closest when the lightning struck. Alva looked at her with a glance only slightly more approving than before, even as she turned to walk quickly down the train corridor, but even she seemed to understand. The guards were only to happy to slam the plastic and glass doors behind her and send them on their way with no more ceremony.

Hekat whirled, ignoring the smarting of her shoulders as she pressed as close to the glass as possible. Her mother was pushing through the crowd to the edges, the rest of her children trailing behind her. She was shouting something, but between the distance and the barriers between them, Hekat couldn't hear a word.

Instead, she simply lifted her right hand, held it briefly to her lips, and then pressed it against the glass before her. Cameras or no, she needed to have that one last connection as the train began to pull from the station, because if she didn't come back—

Well. She'd just have to come back.

In all reality, sleep did not come easily -or at all- to Evangaline last night, so she had snuck out on the back porch to look at the stars once more. The night air was warm, but crisp in it's own way as she cleared her head, her father sitting on the living room couch, drinking once again. She sat there, thinking of what was to come the following day. She would either watch someone that she knew, someone that she grew up with, get chosen and walk upon the stage. And then there was one more possibility. She could get chosen herself. Evie shook her head at the thought. No, that couldn't happen... could it? Of course it could. Everyone had the same amount of chance to get thrown into the arena, no matter who you were or what connections that you had. Realizing that it was now two in the morning, she would go inside and try to get some rest, only to find herself tossing and turning.

The day flying by in a swift motion, she would find herself deciding on something to where. She didn't want something to nice, nor to worn out that it would offer no protection. So, with her decision, she would find herself dressed in a pair of jeans, black combat boots, a black t-shirt that fit just right and a leather jacket. Taking a look in the mirror, she would see that the dark colors had a very strong contrast with her skin as she tied her hair back into a high-set pony tail. And then the though hit her that this was possibly the last time that she could ever look in the mirror. No, Evie. Don't think like that. Besides, you're a Clark. You have to have the slightest advantage over the others, she told herself. Picking up her three throwing knives she would run one finger over the length of the knife, causing a scratch on one of her fingers. Perfectly sharp. She would put one in each boot, and strap the other to her side. Then walking across the room, she would also pick up her long sword and put it into the sheath that was strapped across her back.

Walking down the stairs she would pause to ask if her father would come with her to the ceremony. Fortunately, he had had an okay day and had not been drinking. "I don't see why not," the older man would say, his voice coming out rough.
"Well.. in that case let's get a move on," she would say, her angelic like voice feeling the void. Both of the figures would walk out of the house, Evie herself taking what would become her possible last look at the place, and beginning down the side walk for the 30 minutes that would take them into the town square. Some where dressed for combat, others in formal wear. Some with weapons, some without. The Council did their usual routine an Evie paid no attention until she heard her name settle over the crowd. "Evangaline Clark," the woman's voice said.

Realizing what in the world had just happened, Evangaline would feel the weight of how she felt towards the council, the silent promise that she had made all those years ago, and the thought of leaving her father there alone come crashing down on her. None the less, the girl put on a brave face and walked up the stage, cracking her knuckles. Her gaze came to rest upon none of other than her father, the mans eyes full of hurt. Her returning look would say that she could do nothing about it as his head hung in the crowd. The second name was called as she seen a some-what familiar face from the streets, a woman moving with cat-like grace. Evie gave a curt nod, her arms now crossed. The ceremony would come to a close and she would catch a glimpse of her father one last time, as well as the look upon his face. His eyes were now cold and hard, his lips pressed to a fine line. She had seen this look all of her life. One that stated: You know what to do.

And on that note, the lithe figure would walk towards the train.

When his name was called, a smile crept up on his face. To the cheers of the crowd, he found his way up to the stage, wearing his 20 thousand dollar suit, he looked down at the people. Some of them were well off, they were clean and properly dressed, while others were covered in dirt, wearing torn clothing and looking both tired and hungry, they looked weak. Compared to him, of course, they were all weak. The sun was glaring on his skin as the crowds cheer at his greatness died down at the second name being called.

Ember. Course, his 'partner' had to be her. He didn't know her that well, but he did know that she was truly and thoroughly annoying. Carring her child on her up there on the podium, Jonas's smirk turned into a slight frown, looking at the child. A defenseless creature, whom by no means had done nothing wrong, and yet, fate would take their mother away from them. A thought was given to the kid, if he was a religious man, he would've prayed that the kid would grow strong, and not turn to a life of thievery and poverty. Then again - He wasn't.

Jonas approached the podium; certainly out of the norm for the leviathans to do. Loosening the tie around his neck a little, he smiled as he looked out over the people. "In this moment people of sector one; a legend will be born. You are witnessing the next chapter of history. My name is Jonas Shinra, and I am your champion. And I will bring you, the people, victory!" With a raised fist, the crowd erupted into a cheer. And the smile returned to the young man's face.

Soldiers approached him and his partner, about to take them both to the train. Jonas's smile turned into a sadistic grin as the soldier was about to grab his arm. "I would suggest you not to do that." The soldier saw the cold look the young man gave him and backed off "S-Sorry Mr.Shinra" and headed off to the woman. Jonas smiled as he headed to the train, looking back to the crowd whom were still cheering for him.

With a wave, he left the sector and headed into the train.

The voice echoed through her head as she made her way up the stage, Ash on her side. "Ember Wave" She had been lucky with the past three Choosings, but this one.... it just had to be this one. She knew her brother was watching from Sector Six with his new wife. What would he think?

She swung Ash up into her arms, holding her tightly against her side. No one would part the two because they don't know what the protocol is. No Leviathan with a child has ever been chosen before. Of course, no one has had a child before the Choosing age before... She took a deep breath and kissed the top of Ash's head, her lips trembling with fear. She looked out over the crowd. How many of them would hope she would die? How many of them actually wanted her to live and win? She stared down at Ash. She knew of at least one...

When Jonas made his speech about being their champion, Ember stayed silent toward the back. She knew he loved the Battle. Everyone knew. He would always hope that his name would get drawn and he would be able to go in and win. She kept Ash close by as the Councilman approached her as the Jonas headed toward the train.

"This has... never happened before, I believe," the Councilman murmured to Ember. The poor man looked weary and worried, as if he had been stressing this entire time. Ember nodded carefully, not speaking as he continued his explanation. "I have just talked with my Superiors. They are harsh, but they are not heartless. They are willing to let Ashley--

"Her name is Ash. Just Ash." These were the first words she had spoken since they had called her name.

The Councilman nodded, smiling at her stiffly. "--Ash stay with you until you entire the Arena, then she will be sent to Sector Six with your brother. He will become her guardian if anything... happens to you." Ember stared at the ground as Ash looked at the Councilman. Ash was a shy child and did not talk much, but she did understand that there was something important going on. She clung to her mother's shoulders tightly, watching the Councilman with big eyes.

"Thank you," Ember murmured, her voice and lips trembling with sorrow and her eyes become red with unshed tears. The Councilman dipped his head to her and turned to walk away, but paused for a brief moment, turning to look back at her.

"I had two children in this drawing today," he said. "I cannot understand the pain that you are going through, but I understand a mother's need to protect her child at any cost." Ember just stared at the ground, not looking at him. The Councilman sighed and walked away. A policeman walked over, but he didn't grab her arm. Instead, he politely touched her shoulder and gestured for her to walk forward. Ember shuffled forward numbly, heading in the direction of the train. Ash clung to her mother, her blond strands falling in front of her face.

"Where are we going, Momma?" Ash asked quietly, after they were out of earshot from most of the people.

Ember stared up at the train. This beautiful, silver bullet train was going to take her to the place where she would train for her death. No. She couldn't think like that. She had to at least try to win. She had to try to win for Ash and for her brother. Her brother survived, so why couldn't she? "We're going away, Ash. We're going away.

Sector six
-Emily Duran-

It appeared that Emily Duran didn't quite understand the gravity of the situation. As her name was called out after 'Vicki Vostrum' she softly touched her face in a shy disbelief. "Oh" she cutely whimpers as her skin practically begins to glow. But it wasn't an expression of horror or fear, instead almost gratitude and excitement. After quick and tight embraces of her foster family she moves on before attracting too much attention of the council police. The ever quiet Emily even squealed slightly as she happily (if not a little embarrassed) slowly paraded up to the stage bearing a gentle honest grin, bowing, greeting and thanking the 'well wishes' of those she passed as though she was there to collect some prize.

She couldn't not be noticed, the young girl literally glowing with light, Lily radiated a certain kind warmth and caring innocence, focusing her positivity towards those that seemed most upset with losses from previous years, she granted them hugs and soft words above the many most genuine of smiles.

After stepping upon the stage she takes a delicate grip of her expensive white flowing designer dress and with a generous courtesy, a polite smile and a rosy blush in her cheeks she greets each delegate before her one by one before turning and waving to the crowd, blowing kisses to her friends and new family. Finally she turns her attention to her new partner. Her warm smile never leaving her soft lips but something serious shines behind her pale blue eyes. Emily pulls back a few loose strands of her long light blonde hair as her glow slowly fades. Speaking in a quiet yet playful and confident voice she speaks while reaching out her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, I don't believe we have met before, I am Emily Duran and I promise I will do my best!"

Emily will attempt to keep hold of Vicki's hand for a short while as she faces the crowd and speaks loudly.

"I PROMISE TO MAKE YOU ALL PROUD!"
She screams.

"AND TO MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD SEE THE TRUE POWER OF OUR LIGHT!
THE POWER OF OUR SECTOR, THE POWER THAT IS HIDDEN WITHIN EVERY ONE OF OUR PEOPLE!"

After that she quickly reverts to the shy naive girl she is, stepping back and rolling her shoulders forward she blushes and tilts her head forward. If she had Vicki's hand she squeezes it tightly before releasing it and almost stepping behind her.

Before leaving she turns back to the crowd giving a petite little wave and unassumingly posing a picture perfect good-bye. Emily was always naturally photogenic. Anyone standing close to her will now see through her confidence as her hands begins to tremble, she tries to hide it by holding them together on her chest as she toys with her loose necklace.

A gift from her brother, would she finally see him again. Deep in her heart she somehow new she would.
Thoughts of him filled her head for the duration of the train ride.

Alva woke up this morning, mentally preparing herself for what could come, or, wouldn't come. Dressing in jeans, beige combat boots, a leather jacket, and green tank-top, she would take a deep breath and walk into the main room of the house. "Where are you going so early," her grandfather asked. "It's the day of the Choosing Ceremony, darling," her grandmother would answer. Alva simply gave a curt nod of the head. "Will we be attending you," her grandfather asked, once more.

"If you wish, grandfather," Alva replied, walking into the kitchen and picking up a recently baked biscuit, picking at it, when a though occurred to her. "If anything happened to me... do you think father would still send the money? To help take care of you both?" Her grandmother simply gave her a sympathetic smile and pat on the cheek. "Nothings going to happen to you darling," the elderly woman responded. AJ smiled weakly as her grandfather grabbed his coat from the hanger, putting it over the shoulders and leading the other two figures to the heart of the sector.

A large crowd had already gathered, but AJ knew how things worked. Walking to the center, she would give a bright smile to a friend of hers, Ryan. "Ready for this," the man asked. "Ready as I'll ever be," she responded, her grandparents coming to the other side of her. The woman atop the stage would speak her words, Alva having to explain the ceremony to a young girl. She stood in the crowd, her stormy eyes daring anyone to come near her as her arms were crossed her chest. And then the un-thinkable happened. "Alva Zolkin," the woman said all to enthusiastically. AJ stood there in shock. She couldn't move and suddenly, there was a ringing in her ears. Ryan took a step forward and she knew what was about to come. He would volunteer as tribute. That made Alva move into action. "Ryan, no. Don't you dare say those words. Take care of my grandparents if I don't come back. But do not ever let me here those words come out of your mouth." Ryan looked at her, his face full of despair. Walking passed her grandparents, her grandmother tried to grab her wrist, but Alva pulled away. Her emotions were currently running wild, and there was no telling what effect that would have. Her grandfather nodded solemnly, his head coming to a stop as he stared at his feet, both of their eyes tearing up.

Walking upon the stage, she would not return the nod of the officials, but wait until her "companion" was called to give her welcoming nod. She would say nothing after the officials were done except pass a glance at Ryan and her grandparents, a look that said I love you, before being accompanied by a large officer to the train.

Raven stood there her toes wiggling in her shoes and and her breathe a little heavy. The words echoing in her head her OWN name. She could hear her mothers cry out as she moved her way out of the crowed. Walking her way up towards the stage and muttering the word "Bitch." under her breath before turning and facing everyone, she could see her mom. Tears on her soft cheeks and she could see her father his tense feared expression filled with pride as he comforted her mother.

Swallowing she looked at the councilwoman and glared at her even more. Once the whole thing was over she waited to see her parents. Fixing her shirt she pulled it down a little as if she was adjusting it so she could breathe more, she was nervous and just really out of it. As the doors open she turned and her mother quickly wrapped her arms around Raven and hugged her, Ravens father following behind her slowly and shutting the door.

My dear Raven..I'm so sorry.. her mother murmured as she pulled away from hugging her. She moved a piece of Raven's hair behind her ear causing Raven's stomach to ache she knew she was going to miss that. Hell she was going to miss her mothers voice and her soft soothing company.

"Mother it's okay, this...this isn't your fault. I promise." she swallowed hugging her tightly after pulling her back into the hug. A few seconds after she pulled away and looked at her father moving to him and hugging him tightly. He was her everything and the person she looked up to. He had lost his brother one year to this and she knew how bad it was hurting him to know he may loose her as well. Kissing her forehead he grabbed her shoulders gently and swallowed. "Raven you are a smart smart girl and you are strong girl, I want you to know you can win this and I want you to fight your damn hardest and give this all you got. YOU will pull through my princess. I love you so much and I have always been proud of you from the time I held you to now."

She could feel the tears come but held them back as she hugged her parents tightly one last time as if she'd never seen them again because who knew if she would even actually see them again. "I love you both so much.." she told them one last time before a police officer came in and nodded at her to leave to the train. Slowly she did so and looked at her parents saddened faces for the last time and watched the doors shut to reveal the train. Boarding onto it she found a seat and sat down and looked out the window at what was once her home and possibly the last time she would ever see her home.

There was a surreal cool quality to the floor as Victoria Vostrum placed her feet on the tile of her room, greeting the Choosing Day with a special brand of apathy--a forced one. It was a detachment that she had to urge, as anxiety ebbed through her entire being. Feet planted firmly, Vicki looked at the tasteful white sundress that hung from her closet door. Something special from her mother to mark the gravity of the day. The seamless dress hugged her toned frame as she donned it over a pair of white sports-bra and shorts: typical attire from her nights in the Fight Arena.She remembered the fiasco of the contestants from years prior who had been thrown immediately into the Battle, unable to even change their clothes.

Victoria made her way to the bathroom, quickly going over the daily routine of activities. Whereas some girls looked to appear radiant on days such as these, Vicki only wanted to be a little bit above presentable. Best and worst case scenarios ranged from the cameras panning over her for a brief second to her being brought on stage--a candidate for the upcoming Battle of Leviathans. For both, she at least wanted to be shown in a good light. But as she began to brush her hair, her eyes caught her face in the mirror and her busied posture relaxed, eyes catching their counterpart in the reflection and seeing the truth.

She was terrified.

But she couldn't decide whether it was of getting chosen or not. For the briefest of moments, the impenetrably solid face that had come to characterize Victoria Vostrum flickered a crack, from which she could see eyes of worry in her own sockets. Victoria simply stood, her breath caught in the limbo of time that still creeped by.

"Vicki? Are you ready?"

Victoria dropped her brush, turning to the sound of her mother's voice and the quick rap on the door. Snapped from her entranced state, she tried to answer. "Umm..n--I mean, just a minute." Vicki hurried to finish the rest of her prep work, her mind busied once more.

"You're nothing if not punctual, young lady," her mother told her as she began to walk downstairs, no doubt to wait by the door.

---

Vicki recognized the subdued atmosphere--from suppressed excitement or dread she couldn't tell-- that hung over the Ceremony. However, she quickly became bored of the entire grandeur. She simply wanted the result and the chance to go home. Or not.

It wasn't long before the Ceremony commenced and the Councilman walked up, exuding more apathy than Vicky deemed necessary. She already knew the Capitol didn't think of them as people. Simply as necessary evils to be paraded and marveled at. Pitied for their twisted fate. This pompous ass of a man didn't need to drive the point further. She hated him already.

That made the hearing of her name all the more sharp. It resonated that much harder. Hung in the air that much longer. A small air of disbelief hit Victoria as her name landed on her ears. But it passed quickly and she was on the move toward the stage, before she felt a hand clasp around hers. Vicki turned back to see her uncle, who had joined them today.

"Vicki..." he began to plead but held himself back.

"It'll be all right, Kaz," she told him, her smile genuine.

A measured pace glided her down to the stage, the results of years of pageantry. The applause was forced from the crowd, and Vicki couldn't blame them. There were looks of encouragement, awe, pity and resolve. Vicki pictured the walk vaguely like her many into the Fight Arena. It was really no different, according to the people. Vicki focused only on the stage ahead, her gaze firm. The second girl held a much different approach, taking it upon herself to give a grand speech but Vicki declined doing the same, instead standing tall and giving the two handed city salute to the crowd, their local homage to "Do all things in light, and in light find strength".

As they were whisked from the stage, Victoria took the time to touch the pin her Uncle Kaz had given her. She was vaguely aware of a camera flashing on her and a video camera now seemingly locked on her.

As the doors closed on the pair, Vicki could only think the worst of what the people might say of her:

"There goes the Devil herself. Clad all in white./ Bringing nothing but sin, in that accursed light."

It was time to see if she truly wanted--and deserved--to live.

The day of the choosing started out like any other for Meredith but she knew in her heart and in her bones that it would not be like any other day, today was THE day that her entire life could come crashing down or the day when she once again escaped that fate and life would continue as normal. On this important day Meredith was reluctant to get out of bed and wished she could simply stay there and sleep through until tomorrow, but the farm would not run itself and she couldn't leave it all to Roy their one and only farmhand. With a sigh she finally rose and the day then began in earnest. After dressing in faded jeans, t-shirt and open checked shirt she began performing the routines that she had been doing for the last few years, now down to a fine art, and gradually the familiar work helped distract her thoughts for a while. But all too soon she had finished her last task and that it was time to leave for the choosing.

Her father had insisted on being there when they announced the names, as he had been every year after Meredith came of age, even though Meredith assured him it wasn't necessary. His arthritis had gotten worse this last year and she knew the trip to the ceremony would tire him out and she didn't want that. But there was another reason she wanted him to stay, she couldn't explain it if asked but she had a bad feeling about this choosing ceremony. There was no way she could predict the future but her gut was telling her that today was the day and she didn't want her father to be there if it happened. But he was stubborn and would not be swayed and in the end all of them would be going, Meredith, her father, Roy and her two closest friends. Her friends were already pacing back and forth excitedly and she patted them both affectionately, knowing this was a bit of adventure for the two dogs.

They took it slow so as not to push her father too hard, but they still arrived at the square with time to spare. A large crowd had gathered naturally mostly human with leviathan groups dotted about. Meredith nodded to those she knew, mainly other farm owners on the neighboring farms, but was not surprised when many barely nodded back. She had alienated many of their neighbors over the years and so she didn't blame them for their reaction. She wished it could have been different but it was too late to change things now. She was distracted from that line of thought by the Mayor's voice, she couldn't mistake that irritatingly chirpy tone even without her enhanced hearing. Thankfully the mayor did not go on too long and all too soon councilwoman Janus was picking two names from the cage. Meredith tensed as the woman opened the first of the two paper shapes.

She registered that the first name wasn't hers with relief and watched the young blonde head towards the stage but her relief was short lived as she heard the second name. Hers. She looked at her father in shock and saw that shock mirrored on his face and he was already shaking his head even before she started towards the stage. Every fiber in her being cried out to her to refuse, the ceremony be damned, and stay with her father where she belonged. But she knew they would only force her and possible hurt her father in the process and that she could not allow. So she focused on getting to the stage her gait angry, more stalking than walking, and her face clenched trying to keep the anger inside. She hated the games, hated that those in power forced people to fight and die for amusement and wished that things could be different but she was only one person.

Damn it all to hell!

She growled to herself as she climbed the steps and took her place, she returned the other chosen's nod with one of her own. In the crowd she could see her beloved Luna and Argent looking confused and trying to get to her, Roy held their leashes firmly, she wished she had spent more time saying goodbye to them as she might never see them again. Her father looked decades older in just the few moments since her name had been called. Meredith felt such panic and helplessness seeing him standing there looking so frail and worn down, who would keep the farm running and take care of him. Without her Roy couldn't handle the farm alone and her father could not help not anymore. He could lose the farm, his house and everything he owned all while she was in the arena. She held her father's gaze as long as she could, looking back over her shoulder even as she was led to the train. Her last image was of her father kneeling heavily, embracing her two dogs.

aaa

"Keep it moving!" at least one guard, in all of the sectors, snapped at the Leviathans, shoving at least one of them toward the train that they were supposed to get onto. Full squadrons of guards attended each Choosing, and almost the full complement trailed after the Leviathans onto the trains. Once the chosen fighters had boarded, though, the guards backed away—most of them guarding the door and station to prevent any escape attempts. Only two accompanied the Leviathans onto the train, and once the vehicle was fully in motion even they left the young fighters to their own devices.

The trains were a marvel of modern technology, speeding along magnetic tracks exponentially faster than what had been previously possible—a cross-country journey would only take half a day at these rates. The Leviathans would arrive at the Training Center at around nine in the morning. A particularly observant passenger might note that the tracks seemed to be heading inexorably towards the heart of the continent—towards Sector One, where the Leviathans would live and train for a few short days before entering the Arena. Those chosen in Sector One had a much shorter ride, of course, but even they were taken on a circuitous route in an attempt to at least partially conceal the exact location of the Training Center.

One thing could be said for the Council: at least they kept the battlers-in-training in the lap of luxury until they entered the Arena. The trains could comfortably support entire families, and now they only had two passengers plus crew. At the front of the train were the crew areas, strictly off-limits to Leviathans, including the control center and security station. In the middle cars were a dining hall with full service, a lounge with comfortable sofas and chairs with wide windows showing the landscape zipping past, and even a room with wall-to-wall television screens to watch the other Choosings that had occurred that day. At the very back was the sleeping car—two private, lavishly furnished rooms with bathrooms attached that even had hot water. There was a third private room where the mentor of the group would be sleeping and hanging out with them as they were to introduce themselves to the battlers when they got onto the train. The entire train was decorated in a clean, but strangely welcoming style, with shiny chrome and warm velvet on every surface in a clear display of the Council's wealth.

Some Leviathans had never seen such grandeur. The Council considered it only fair—if they were marching off to die, they might as well do it in style.

The sleek form of their transportation to the Training Center caught Vicki's eye and held it. It glinted on par with a dewdrop in morning light. Ever inch of it seemed new and fresh. Such was the grandeur of their current world. Vicki had seen the nicer things in life--along with a few truly ugly things-- but this was on an entirely new level. "They're going to fatten us right up for the slaughterhouse, huh?" She spoke lowly. "What else could a girl ask for?" As the doors began to open, she took the first stride into the vehicle, head high and eyes intent. She'd take in her surroundings, all of it.

A man met them as they entered into the train, his aura unwelcoming. And the way he taunted the both of them was enough to cause Victoria to dismiss him: a high maintenance problem that she wasn't keen on trying to involve herself in. He was the type of guy she could take out in the ring within the first 3 rounds.

If she was walking to her death, she wasn't going to be insulted along the way. She crossed her arms, tiring of the berating nature and as he introduced himself, she simply looked at him, waiting for him to continue on.

SECTOR 6
-Lilly Duran-

"Hopefully, we won't be killed off at all!" Lilly sternly corrected Blake as she entered the train, eyes wide in awe and amazement, gazing around at its marvels. She slowly walked up and down the cart admiring the delicate details before returning and stopping before Blake and standing beside Victoria. "So who are you anyway?" She asks Blake, feeling so overwhelmed that she temporarily forgets her manners.

SECTOR 7
-Levi Duran-

Levi's posture was impeccable, he stood tall before Terrence like a solider awaiting his appraisal. After a short moment he speaks sternly yet confidently. Straight to business.

"How long do we have to prepare? What can you tell us of this years game?"

Regardless of how Levi perceived the man before him he recognised him as someone with more experience and wisdom then himself and would waste no time drawing from that pool, even if he couldn't recall many great shadow victories over recent years.

Although what really rattled his nerves was Terrence's comment regarding his sister. How could he know that already? Had the information been retrieved between his draw and now? Did the council truly keep tabs on every single leviathan or is it more sinister then that, is it as the rumours say, that it's true that the games have not been randomly drawn for along time...

Either way Levi would not allow himself to raise or dwell on the subject for another second. Time spent dawdling was time wasted, it could be the difference between life and death, and not only his own.

Perfect. Great, excellent, exceptional. She'd been torn away from her parents, only the Council would know what happened to them, as well as Ryan. Maybe I should have let him volunteer, she though, boarding the train. No, no, no, that's just plain selfish and you know it, Alva. She huffed. Her conscience was right. She could have never seen him on the TV screen at home, battling for his life. And suddenly, it felt as if she was stabbed in the heart. He would be doing the same thing vice versa.

Boarding the train, AJ would put on her bravest face, hiding almost all signs of fear, or any emotion, for that matter. Before she could even get a good look around the place, a woman that gave of an obvious motherly aura started to speak. AJ hadn't been called cutie pie sense she was about 6. Oh yeah, this was definitely going to be a fun train ride. Alva could be cruel at times, there fore she wouldn't need all that much training in the so called "mean" part of things. She folded her arms across her chest, giving a curt nod of the head. "It's nice to meet you. The name's Alva Zolkin. Most call me AJ."



The girls fate had already been determined, therefor, Evangaline decided to accept the fact while boarding the train and giving it a glance around. A TV, a comfy looking couch and food. Good, Evie needed time to process this as well as watch other choosing ceremonies. Looking at the blonde girl, Evangaline would realize they were about the same body shape and height. But all in all, the girl was young. First time mentoring... won the games three years ago? Yep, I'm dead. But then again, I have been training all my life. Evie put a bright smile on her face, no reason to be rude, even if the girl was the beginning of her doom.

"Nice to meet you, Angie," she replied. "The names Evangaline Clark, though most call me Evie. Now.. if you'll excuse me... I think I'm going to go ahead and size up my fellow opponents, hm?" Walking past the girl, she would come to a stop in what seemed to be a den. Walking over, she would choose a single chair over to the side. Lucky for her, it was comfortable enough as she flicked on the TV.

First up, Sector One. A man named Jonas Shinra stepped up to the plate, your typical rich-boy-never-do-no-harm-i'm-gonna-win-this-thing-because-I-have-money type. He looked fun enough, as in social and talkative, though she had the slightest feeling the two of them would have conflict. Next was a blonde woman, a child in her hands. Evie sat there motionless, as the mother carried her child to the stage. No doubt they would be separated right before the arena. One more piece of evidence that the Council is nothing but heartless bastards, she though.

ʜᴇᴋᴀᴛ ʙᴀᴋsʜɪ

It was a long moment before Hekat let her hand fall from the window, but when she did, it curled into a fist at her side. She squared her shoulders once more, eyes closing momentarily as she got herself under control and turned to face her companion. In the distance, the rumble of thunder was a constant background noise.

She opened her mouth to say something to Zolkin, but before she could get a word out their mentor stepped forward. Hekat's lip curled slightly as she looked over the diminutive woman, but she quickly smoothed her expression. Arlene Fisher—she'd won the Battle more than a decade ago, and that accent marked her as one of the wealthier people in Sector Five. She'd won the Battle, though, so there was clearly something lurking under that motherly exterior and curiously relieved tone , but she couldn't be more different from Hekat herself. She'd be of limited use, but there was no reason to antagonize her right off the bat—so Hekat ignored the use of 'cutie pie.' For now.

"Mrs. Fisher," she greeted with a nod, folding her hands behind her back. "Hekat Bakshi. A pleasure to meet y—"

She was cut off when the black-haired woman bounced forward to fold her into a brief hug. Hekat blinked, still parsing the gesture when their mentor moved on to give the same treatment to AJ. "Oh, please, darlin', call me Arlene! We're gonna have to know each other pretty well before the Battle, aren't we?"

Hekat exchanged a glance with Alva as Arlene turned to lead them on a tour of the train—a glance of shared resignation. Having Arlene as a mentor was going to be...interesting. The three moved through the train, Fisher keeping up a constant stream of commentary on the various rooms. For her part, Hekat glanced around, but her main thoughts were on the strategy she'd use once in the Battle. Allies? Likely not. Only one person could win, and Hekat wasn't small enough, cute enough, or friendly enough to inspire die-hard loyalty. Sponsors, though...sponsors could mean life or death in the arena. She'd just have to pick a facet of her personality to play up that wasn't 'constantly annoyed.'

"Mrs F—Arlene," she cut in once they reached the dining car. "What exactly can you tell us about this year? What can we expect once we get to the Training Center?"

The mentor paused, giving the candidates an empty smile. "Well, it's the same as always, really...you'll have to find out for yourself about the Arena, but the rules are all the same. And you'll be at the Training Center for about a week, maybe more, depending on how they do the training this year...we'll just have to see!"

Hekat refrained from sighing, but her eyes did narrow. She knew the information the mentors were allowed to give to their candidates was extremely limited, but there had to be more than that. 'Of little use' was right.

Raven turned her head from the window and looked at the mentor raising an eyebrow at her the woman was completely akwared and just not a conversation type it seemed. "Hello.." She wasn't in the mood to talk nor did she even care on who won the game before her main concern was returning home. Shaking her head she stood up and moved over to the table in the middle of the room.

"Now what are we supposed to do. You forced us to be here and now well here we are" her tone was annoyed rather upset and sarcastic. She wasn't okay with having to leave home and let alone leave home and possible not return. What was the good in that. Staring at the tea glasses on the table for a few moments as she waited for her mentors answer.

Meredith stared at the closed doors, the sector was no longer there, all she saw was trees and grass flashing past too quickly for her eyes to follow. She tried to ignore everything around her and focus only on her thoughts, worry for her father mostly, but the voices behind her were too much of a distraction. With a long sigh she turned from the door and moved into the train proper standing beside her counterpart in front of the mentor that had been assigned to them. The train was nothing like what she had expected, coming from the poorer part of Sector Eight she had expected functional accommodations but nothing more. Instead it seemed she was to travel in style, everything was made of the best materials and the highest technology.

Her counterpart Evangeline introduced herself to their mentor and then just as quickly walked off further into the train, to watch the news reports on the other sectors Meredith assumed. Meredith took a moment to look their mentor up and down and what she saw did not inspire her with confidence. The mentor did not look much older than she was and seemed uncomfortable, add to that the fact that this was the first time the girl had mentored and Meredith felt her fear and worry increase. She needed to win this and return home to her father and to do that she needed training, she had the natural abilities but needed someone experienced in combat to teach her how to use them. She had no idea how this girl was supposed to do that. But she had won the battle once several years ago so Meredith decided that the mentor's appearance must hide her skills.

"I can't say its a pleasure to be here." Meredith said to the young woman. "But its nice to meet you. I'm Meredith Mackenzie."