The Battle of Arcvon: Part I

Under the moonlight in the clearing, Reyus stood her ground, battling what haunted her inside. Memories of destruction kept flashing in her head as Aeriys did everything to break her. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Reyus held tight to memories of her friends - their kindness, their faith in her. They were her lifeline, keeping her from drowning in the goddess's influence.

What's the point of your precious 'good' if you're just gonna die? Aeriys hissed in Reyus's head.

Reyus's mental reply was firm: Because they believe in me, and I know I can save the world. They give me the strength to stop you.

Aeriys, enraged, spat, I regret making you. You're my biggest mistake! You think you can stop me? You're just a pathetic failure!

But despite the goddess's attempts to break her, Reyus refused to give up.

You can't stop me! Reyus declared in her mind.

Aeriys retorted, Oh, I can easily hurt your friends.

Reyus shot back mentally, I see what you're doing. You want me to feel sorry for them, to run back to you. But I'm gonna protect them with everything I have. They were there for me, and I won't let you touch them.

What's your point? Aeriys sneered.

My point is, you're gonna learn that my friends mean everything to me. I'll protect them, and there's nothing you can do about it.

Back in the real world, the air shimmered around Reyus, crackling with raw power. Aeriys wasn't just talking; she was using her divine might to overwhelm Reyus's body.

I won't let you, Reyus gasped, trembling. I won't let you control me!

Gathering every last bit of strength, Reyus focused on Admin's unwavering gaze, his belief in her goodness. She thought of Tundra, her sharp mind, her fierce loyalty. She remembered Mirai, her free spirit, her contagious joy. And she clung to the flicker of hope in Eyrie's eyes, proof of the strength of friendship.

These were her reasons for fighting. These were why she had to win.

Meanwhile, back at the camp, Admin, Tundra, and Mirai moved silently through the woods, senses heightened. They'd been searching for Reyus what felt like forever, a growing sense of dread pushing them onward.

She's close, Admin whispered. I can feel it.

Tundra, ever practical, checked her map. There's a clearing ahead. It's the most likely place she'd be.

As the group approached to the clearing, something caught their attention. The ambient air seemed to be wavering subtly. Then they spotted Reyus, frozen in the middle of it all, shaking like a leaf, her face a mask of agony.

Reyus! Admin yelled and ran forward.

But as he reached the edge of the clearing, a wave of power slammed into him, throwing him back against a tree.

Stay back! Reyus cried, her voice strained. It's not safe!

Admin, Tundra, and Mirai exchanged confused looks. They'd never seen Reyus like this. She seemed... different. Stronger, more dangerous.

Look at your friends, Reyus, Aeriys' voice echoed in her mind, dripping with triumph. They came to save you. How sweet. But they're nothing against me. They'll just get hurt.

No! Reyus screamed, defiant. Stay away from them! I won't let you hurt them!

As if answering her, the clearing erupted in a swirling vortex of energy, threatening to swallow Reyus whole.

Admin's heart pounded. He couldn't just watch Reyus self-destruct. He had to do something. But what? He was just a normal person up against a power beyond his understanding.

Then he remembered Reyus's words about the power of friendship. He knew it sounded crazy, but he was out of options.

Reyus! he shouted, pouring every ounce of love and hope he had into his voice. We're here for you! We believe in you! You're not alone!

Tundra and Mirai joined in, shouting words of encouragement, support, and friendship.

As their voices filled the clearing, something shifted within Reyus. The energy around her began to calm, the pain in her eyes lessened.

What is this? Aeriys' voice echoed in her mind, laced with disbelief. They can't save you! Are you sure that I have that power over you?

They can't save me, but I can be there for them.

Then, YOU WON'T HURT MY FRIENDS! DO YOU HEAR ME?!

With one final surge of will, Reyus broke Aeriys's control. The goddess's hold faded like a tide pulling back. Reyus stood in the clearing, beaten and exhausted, but free.

Admin, Tundra, and Mirai rushed to her, relief flooding their faces.

Reyus, what happened? Admin asked, his voice shaking. What was all that?

Reyus looked at her friends, gratitude swelling in her heart. She knew she couldn't keep her secret any longer. They deserved the truth.

She took a deep breath. There's something I need to tell you, she said, her voice full of fear. Something about who I really am...

Just then, Eyrie burst into the clearing, her face white with terror.

The Royal Guard! she cried, breathless. They're coming! They're almost here!

The words hung in the air, a harsh reminder that their troubles were far from over. They'd escaped Aeriys's clutches, only to face a brand threat. The fight for Arcvon and Reyus's soul was far from done.

Their moment of peace shattered, replaced by the urgent need to prepare for war. The friends needed to face what Aeriys will throw at them as they were now in grave danger.

Eyrie's warning echoed, a chilling start to the storm about to hit. The Royal Guard's approach forced Reyus to stop her confession. She needed to keep her friends alive, and the truth would have to wait .

We have to move, now! Tundra snapped. No time for talk. Reyus, what's your plan to get through the city unnoticed?

Reyus hesitated, then nodded. Follow me. I know some underground tunnels that lead into the city. It's risky, but it's our best bet.

As they ran through the woods, Reyus felt Aeriys still watching, waiting. The goddess's quiet felt worse than any threat, a sign she was planning something.

How did they find us? Admin asked, worried. Did someone sell us out?

Reyus held back, knowing her own secret might be the answer. I don't know, Admin, she said carefully. But we can't worry about that now. We need to get safe.

They got to the tunnel entrance, hidden under bushes. Reyus went in first, into the dark, her friends right behind her.

The tunnels were wet and tight, the air thick and musty. Reyus moved through the twists and turns easily; she has been here before.

How do you know this place? Mirai asked, her voice echoing.

I used to… Reyus started, then stopped, almost saying too much. I've been here before. It's a long story.

As they kept going, the sounds of guards grew closer.

They're catching up! Tundra yelled. Move faster!

Reyus nodded, her heart racing. They were in big trouble and might get killed by the Royal Guard.

The tunnel opened into a big cave, filled with the sound of rushing water. An underground river ran through the cave, disappearing into the dark depths.

This is it, Reyus said. We have to cross the river. There's a secret passage on the other side.

She jumped into the freezing water, swimming to the other side. Her friends followed, driven by the need to escape.

As they reached the far bank, shivering, they heard footsteps. The Royal Guard had found them. More guards were coming than before.

We're trapped! Eyrie cried, scared.

Reyus took a deep breath, thinking fast. They were stuck, outnumbered, outmatched. But she wouldn't give up. She wouldn't let her friends down.

I have one more idea, she said with determination. But it's crazy dangerous. You have to trust me.

She looked at each of her friends. Are you in?

Admin, Tundra, Mirai, and Eyrie looked at each other, a mix of fear and determination on their faces. They were in this together.

We're with you, Reyus, Admin said. Whatever it takes. Then, with a grin, he said, Don't worry, I can help. He pulled out his phone.

Suddenly, the cave shimmered, and a huge machine showed up.

It was a tank.

Whoa! A tank! Mirai cried. Awesome! I gripped the hilt of her sword, a gleam in her eye.

Tundra's head flickered. That's… interesting. I knew you could summon stuff, but something with this much power...

Yeah, well, Admin said. When you want to say something, nothing says 'screw you'like this thing. Get in! he yelled, scrambling for a hatch on top. Time to get crazy!

Crazy?! Eyrie squealed.

As they ran, Reyus asked, Have you done this before?

He said well not really. I've only seen this in a video game!

Reyus and Tundra looked confused. Video game?

Yeah. It's a game such as Dance Dance Torpedo where you dance to defeat the enemies. Now come on! Mirai replied

As they climbed in, Reyus stared. She'd never seen anything like it. A machine of war, a sign of destruction, yet it gave her hope.

You know how to drive this? Eyrie asked, worried.

Admin grinned. Don't worry, I've played plenty of video games. How hard can it be?

With a roar, the engine came to life. The squashed the Royal Guards and they all screamed and died from being squashed.

But their fun ended quickly. They drove into the next tunnel and saw a group of knights, led by the King of Arcvon.

It seems you've shown yourselves, the King said. I must say, I'm impressed you got this far.

He said You are all to be killed for offending the gods.

Tundra's head flickered. Mirai gripped her sword, grinning. Eyrie hid behind Reyus.

The Knights all prepared for war.

Before Admin went into the tank, he told Reyus, Tundra, Mirai, and Eyrie I don't know what's gonna happen, but let's all do our best!

He wanted to know why the Gods of Arcvon hate them.

Offending? What did we do? Admin asked. We did nothing to offend your gods!

Enough! the King said. You are a danger to the gods. You must be killed.

As Admin fought, he wondered if Aeriys had anything to do with this.

As the Knights attacked the tank, Reyus felt Aeriys growing stronger within her. Use your power, Reyus, Aeriys whispered. Destroy them all.

Then Admin realized it. Reyus's inner struggle, the Gods wanting them gone… Aeriys…

He looked at Reyus, her face twisted, and his suspicions became clear. Reyus and Aeriys were connected. The goddess was using her.

He looked back at Reyus and had said, Alright I'm going to tell you this, so that we can live.

Tundra asked Live to what means what, tell us

I will, so that everything will be fine. Reyus said.

The King of Arcvon said YOU CANNOT ESCAPE YOUR FATE!

As the Royal Guards kept coming, Reyus remembered her horrible moments.

Admin knew he had to do something. He didn't know all of Aeriys's plan, but Reyus was important. He had to reach her before it was too late.

With a scream, she used her demon side. Mishanter, a crimson pumpkin glowing with orange flames, clad in armor.

She used her axe to kill them.

Let's show you I'm not weak! She announced.

No, Reyus! What are you doing?! Aeriys screamed. You can't control that power! You'll destroy everything!

That's the point! Reyus said. I'm done being your tool! I'm going to be Reyus, and I'm going to use this power to protect my friends!

And with that, she used her power, mixing it with the tank, turning the fight around. She wanted to protect her friends, so she would move forward. But as she was fighting, Admin had to reach Reyus and figure out what the goddess Aeriys was planning.

Inside the tank, Admin dealt with his found out that Reyus was Aeriys and tried to ask why?
When Reyus was killing Admin was to reach her so instead he jumped out and had started to shout. I have to try, Tundra! Admin shouted back, his voice filled with conviction. I have to reach Reyus!

He went to Reyus, and stopped as had shouted something.
Reaching Reyus, he grabbed her arm, his touch surprisingly firm. Reyus, listen to me! he shouted, his voice filled with urgency. Aeriys is using you! She's manipulating you!

Reyus was asked, How did you know this, I didn't tell anyone?!

He had shouted What matters is that you need to understand what's happening. Aeriys isn't who you think she is.

Reyus sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. It's true, I am Mishanter. The Demon Lord.

Admin, Tundra, Mirai and Eyrie all stood in shock, as the Demon Lord was right in front of them.

She glances and Admin and his party and thanks them for being there for her.

Aeriys made me to be her weapon but I didn't listen to her, she is using the gods and wants to world to hate us. Reyus finishes.

Admin's mind raced, trying to process everything Reyus had just told him. The revelation that she was the Demon Lord, Mishanter, was almost too much to bear. But he couldn't let himself be overwhelmed by fear or doubt. He had to stay strong, for Reyus's sake.