Across Rivers

Chapter One
"Welcome, young students!" The headmaster's orderly voice echoed throughout the dining hall as they seated themselves, ready to learn at their new school- or, rather, arena- River Training.

"Ready to begin!" Soph whispered to herself excitedly, quoting the next line she knew so well. Mrs. River, an ironic name for the headmaster, continued, "Ready to begin?"

"Yes, ma'am!" The crowd shouted in delight, some in fear, afraid they'd get broken down immediately. But that didn't matter. All that mattered was surviving the courses and then the judges and talent shows. Soph wished she could disappear as the headmaster drew a name from the bowl.

"Liliana Green?"

A small pink and white wolf with matching clothes trotted nervously to the stage and climbed up the steps awkwardly. She looked about ready to barf, her face a mixture of green and pale white.

"Real?"

A tiger walked up. Why hadn't the last name been announced, too? Possibly it was unknown. Oh, no. That meant trouble. You were half as strong and half as good if you only had half a name, believe it or not. It couldn't specifically be proven in front of your eyes, but close enough.

The tiger growled. He looked fierce and like he was definitely not afraid to rip the small wolf in comparision to the tiger in bits and scatter them in proof of his victory.

"Ready?" The masters and Mr. River all moved the podium and moved themselves off the stage with it. The ring was empty- or at least, it was called a ring in this case.