[img= http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h461/kathichan1/ariacastshot.png]

The voice was back, taunting as Aria ran down the streets.

“[i]Running away again? You really can’t do anything else but run, can you? This is why they came to detest you- you would have done nothing but drag them down in the long run.[/i]”

The Pride, the group of accomplished and kind and goal-driven people that she had come to know- How stupid had she been to think she would ever fit in? They would be better out without her, just as the voice said they would be. Their scornful gazes were burned into the back of her mind, and yet she couldn’t blame them for what they had said. Not when it was all true.

“[i]What even made you think you could succeed as a guilder, anyways? Oh that’s right, you followed in your dear, loving parents’ footsteps because you were too ignorant and lazy to find your own job. Really, your childhood was way too easy.[/i]”The voice paused, before giving an excited giggle. “[i]Oh yes, how about we go ahead and give you a tragic backstory? Maybe people will even pity you enough to not leave you![/i]

Screaming filled the streets as the sky blackened with smoke. Aria jumped back as a large black shadow darted past her, crumbling a nearby building with a single touch as more shadows rushed past. 

“[i]Once upon a time, the city of Altkey attacked. By what, you ask? Who cares? The real question is, are you going to fight or not?[/i]”

Her decision was made before the sentence was over, the familiar weight of a pair of fans settling into her hands as she darted forward with a cry, shadow melting under the blades as she sliced through one of the figures. The scene froze, before melting into one that had the illusionist reeling back and gagging as the thick scent of blood filled the air. 

“[i]She chose to fight, but to no avail. She only managed to get in the way of those who were trying to protect their homes- Everyone here dies.[/i]”

Piles of bodies littered the streets, the faces of her friends and neighbours twisted into screams and terror. A sob tore its way out of Aria’s throat as she backed up against a crumbled wall, eyes clenched as to block out the sight. 

The voice merely tittered as if it had merely seen something amusing. “[i]Should’ve stayed out of the way, pet. Now, onto the rest of the story~[/i]”