Young Writers Society

*This story might be continued, Although It was written to gain feed back on my writing style.*

CHAPTER 1: Until Death

The country of Helsenbrooke had a ritual of some sorts. To honor the Guards of Hel with a ball every year for protecting the country from other worldly beings. Everyone was expected to attend but not in awe of their soldiers but in fear of their wrath. They were monsters, experiments forged by their so called mother, but the citizens of this country were no better, in fear of the evolving world around them they hid behind their walls and behind the experiments, which the citizens funded to create an army that rivals any other.

All the people of Dreidwood were in the mansion that housed the Guards of Hel, mingling in glee of a day off from work to celebrate another year of life, but not all were at ease of the celebration. A girl, Amara seemed anxious.

"Amara." A man called from behind her, taking her away from her observations of the party.

Turning, Amara saw August dressed in his formal uniform watching her with his monotone eyes.

"Is there something you need." she asked curtly. Amara was not very fond of August.

August was one of the lower guards of Hel, Amara had known him and other Guards from many combat classes.

The boy's eyes explored Amara's appearance.

"You look stunning, much more lady-like. Very different from your normal sweats" His words matched his cold demeanor, and Amara narrowed her eyes . He did not mean to anger her.

The boy's eyes wondered elsewhere before landing back to her. "Today, I am becoming an Elite Guard of Heslenbrooke" He stated. August wanted her to feel comfortable with him, maybe proud of him.

Amara's face visibly paled at the idea of him as an elite.

At times the elite guards would announce what prizes they would take from the people as reward for their services. Whatever the guards wished for the people did not argue in fear of the repercussions. Usually a lover was asked for, at times even prescribed.

"Congratulations." Amara spoke, then looked way from him, but was aware that he did not move.

"You look better when you dress appropriatly as a woman. " August tried again, he did not like the silence between them.

Glaring at the boy Amara calmly walking away.

"Wait," August grabbed the woman. "I-I just meant that you look most beautiful when-"

"Congratulations on your promotion." Amara snatching her arm away from him, making her way to the back of the party.

Among the Guards of Hal, the counties only defense, none were female, and Amara aspired to be a soldier for for country. The Guards of Hal found this laughable, August found it unacceptable.

"People of Dreidwood, Helsonbrooke may I please have your attention!" A man stood on a stage that overlooked the people. "I am now going to present the new additions to the elite Guards of Helsenbrooke!" The people applauded and Amara was well aware of the truth.

Being elite was not an honor it just meant that they had lived longer then the others, and had been moved up in rank. They were not men but children the eldest of them where no where pass 28. 'Depressing' Amara thought.

The crowd applauded as four boys enter the stage. "August, Reis, Rider and Noah!"

"And as you all know, these new elite Guards- for their services are to be rewarded with a companion of their choosing!" The host gestured to the crowed. "Men are you ready to find your companions? "

The boys slowly nodded. "Then begin."

Reis, the giant, easily jumped off the stage and the crowd parted with each step he took. Noah and Rider took the steps while August did not leave, he searched the crowds.

Amara found it odd that Reis, let alone August had someone in mind to be their companions.

Following Reis' example August jumped from the stage making his way through the crowd towards Amara. She began to glare at him, making him stop and visibly shrink.

"Amara.." August calmed himself and looked in her eyes. "I want to take you as my wife. I do not want you to ruin your body with combat training or ideas of being a soldier. You are a women and should act as such."

Amara could not deny her blush at the attention she was given, but was furious with the boy's declaration.

August snaked his arms around the girl as she was deep in thought and pulled her to follow him, but Amara fought with him.

"Please, Amara."

"No-" Guards formed around Amara pulling her to follow August.