The streets were filled with life, the sound of music flying around on the slight breeze that blew around. Children laughing, people dancing and chatting could be heard from everywhere. The carnival only came a few times a year, so it was always a big event when it arrived, filling the people's heart with joy. Each time it was new and different, which meant you couldn't be prepared for what it would bring next.

Aviya was walking with his father on the main street, smiling and waving to the others, who returned the gestures. She was always filled with happiness when she could be with her subjects, as she loved to spend time with them. Hearing their stories, helping them out with what she could, and also being showed around to places she had never even seen before.

The walls were filled with all kinds of colours and decorations of every kind, giving the place an aura of festivity everywhere. The kids ran around, happy to be out of school and enjoying the festival with their friends and family, and also happy to see all the different cultures. Stands stood at the sides, a showcase of the beautiful Kazamatas from all around the huge city, which housed around atleast 20 different places and cultures.

Along with all the showcasing, there were also activities and games for everyone. One was horse riding, which was allowed for everyone, and was mainly used to spend time while waiting. One of the more famous games was Marble Racing, which was mainly played by the kids and teens. The people betted on one or more marbles, and at the end got a prize according to where their competitor finished. Since it wasn't that big of a hassle, the prize was low as well, but since it was free to try lots of people were around.

For the adults the sparring area was the place to be, where they could both put on shows and also try their fighting skills against other. The most common thing was to put up some kind of dance, and they were mostly themed after their respected Kazamatas to show off what they can do. Special rules were made for the fighting parts, to ensure that nobody would get killed or seriously hurt, and it would just be a fun match everyone would enjoy. Teens were only allowed to watch, but even they got to try out a few dances if they wanted to.

The princess was fascinated by this year's festival, and so she tried to get herself and her father involved as much as she could. Firstly they tried a few rounds of marble racing, having a fun chat with the children while doing so, and by doing so Aviya made a few new friends as well. After that she and her father walked around the streets while having lunch, talking about random stuff that came to their minds, and also shared a few laughs. After a few hours they decided to go and try out the sparring grounds.

"Do you think this year somebody new will challenge us father ?" She asked with curiousity, her snake resting around her neck like a scarf, also keeping her neck warm by doing so "The last person who challenges you was from the Western Kazamatas, I hope to see one from the Northern ones as well."

"Maybe, but only time will tell." He replied as he walked inside the stadium with her, and headed down to the area where they would get ready for the fights that would soon be done there. They practiced for a while, sharing newly learned tactics between themselves to be better prepared.

Once their turn was announced they both got to the gate, waiting for it to be pulled up so they could go inside. After a little bit of talking from the announcer they soon entered.

They were greeted by the cheers and shouts of the people from the grandstands and stairs. The arena was filled to the brim, not a single empty spot to be seen, as this was mostly the favourite activity of everyone. A few smaller ones were seen in the crowd as well, sitting on their parents' shoulders to see better.

She had a bright smile as she stood next to her father, sharing a confident look between themselves as the sun shone on them and lighted their figures. Aviya took a look around and waved to the people, causing a bigger applause to errupt for them. They walked over to their spots and got in position, holding their weapons by their sides.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the champions have arrived ! With their companions and each other by side, they are a deadly duo ! Who dares to challenge them today you wonder, well, the answer is coming right now ! Welcome this year's partners, the challengers !" The crowd started cheering loudly as two people came out of the opposite tunnel, two snakes following by their feet.

The two teams got into position, waiting for the signal to start the fight. They were both prepared, and knew that the other was as well. They would go until three bites from the opposing snake or five hits from the opponent, then the match would be over.

Soon the announcer sounded the horns, and the fight began with the shouts of the crowd in tbe background, cheering for both teams. The arena was filled with the sound of sword clash and hisses as the fight went on.

Suddenly out of nowhere, a yelp was heard, and a boy with his snake was seen falling down into the arena. They landed with a grunt, but when they got up the arena was filled up with smoke, and soon nobody could see anything. Between the terrified screams and shouts, nobody noticed the cloaked figures going down behind Aviya, tying her up then taking her away amidst the chaos.

Once the smoke cleared though, everyone realised what had happened.

The princess was kidnapped, and nobody knew who did it.