An Ode to War

The portal spat Admin and crew out right on the edge of a crazy-looking city. Towers, all white and shiny, stabbed the sky, covered in carvings and gems that glittered. The streets were wide and clean, lined with gardens bursting with weird plants and flowers that smelled amazing. The city buzzed with music, happy shouts, and the low hum of tons of people talking.

Mirai's eyes went wide. Whoa, she breathed. This place is unreal.

Tundra, her TV-head doing its best to deal with all the bright colors and the crazy energy, actually cracked a smile. Okay, this is way more advanced than I thought, she said.

I've never seen so many colors, Eyrie whispered, sounding totally amazed.

It's beautiful, Reyus said, her voice full of wonder and relief. I feel... safe here.

But as they walked through the crowded streets, Admin got this weird feeling that something was off. The Opalisians seemed to be avoiding them, giving them quick looks and whispering to each other. He also noticed a bunch of guards, armed to the teeth, watching the crowd like hawks.

They saw a statue of someone, but nobody could remember who it was. It was like they had been scrubbed from history, totally forgotten.

What is this place? Admin wondered out loud. It looks like a city that time forgot.

This place, Reyus started, I feel like I've been here before, maybe in another life.

I don't like this, Admin muttered. Something's not right. He started feeling super anxious, like his memories were getting fuzzy.

Then, one of the guards walked up to them, his face hard and serious. You're strangers here, he said, his voice cold. Who gave you permission to enter the Kingdom of Opalis? They got super suspicious and felt a shiver of unease.

The guard's words might have been formal, but they made the situation feel real. Everybody was staring, with a mix of curiosity and doubt in their eyes.

Admin stepped forward, his voice calm and clear. We're travelers from Arcvon. We're looking for a safe place to stay. We've heard this city is wise and kind.

The guard looked them up and down, stopping on Reyus for a second before looking back at Admin. We only give shelter to those who deserve it. Follow our rules, and we'll decide if you're worthy. Break them, and you'll pay the price.

The guard nodded and led them through the twisty streets to a fancy guest house. Once they were alone, the air was heavy with worry. It wasn't just shock or disbelief, but the heavy feeling of what they all knew.

Admin turned to Reyus, his face open and honest. What now? he asked, looking her in the eye.

Reyus sighed softly, sounding tired. Now we wait, she said. The city will decide if we can stay. Until then, we have to be careful.

Mirai stepped up, looking serious. We stick together, she said firmly. No matter what, we face it as a team.

Eyrie, still nervous, nodded. We've come this far, she said, her voice getting stronger. We're not giving up now.

Tundra's TV-head showed a complicated but steady set of numbers, like she had figured out the situation and accepted it. She just nodded, her silence saying more than words ever could.

The thing they were all avoiding talking about was out in the open. They all knew Reyus was Mishanter, the Demon Lord. They had seen her power, the darkness inside her. But they had also seen her good side, her wish to change, her willingness to fight with them.

They had made their choice. They stood with Reyus, not blindly, but knowing what she was and why. They would face whatever came next, together.

Far away from the fancy guest house, hidden in the dirty part of the city, Generals Sylo and Vorlag watched. They were wearing beggar clothes, so they could blend in.

He's hanging out with these... creatures, Sylo growled, his voice barely a whisper. He's wasting his time.

It's been too long, Vorlag replied. His kindness has made him forget his goals.

Their orders were still the same: watch, figure things out, and report back. But the situation had gotten tricky. Mishanter was doing weird things, and they didn't know why. They needed more info before they could do anything.

As Sylo and Vorlag kept watching, Admin and his friends got ready to face whatever was coming in Opalis. They knew they were being watched, judged, and that danger was everywhere. But they also knew they had each other, a group of unlikely friends who were sticking together because of hope and a promise to protect each other. They would stand as one, even if it meant dealing with the darkness among them.

Sylo felt trapped in the alleyway with the hot atmosphere and vile odors. He itched his skin, rubbing furiously like it was infested with vermin.

By the Abyss, Sylo, how much longer must we endure this charade? Vorlag growled, his voice a low rumble. I feel like I'm rotting from the inside out. These rags smell like a Grindylow's armpit.

Sylo adjusted his own tattered garments with a disdainful flick of his wrist. Patience, Vorlag, he chided. The disguises are necessary. We cannot risk being recognized before we carry out our orders.

Recognized? Who in this festering city would recognize two demon generals in rags? Vorlag scoffed, spitting a glob of phlegm onto the grimy alley floor. I'd rather face a battalion of holy knights than endure another hour in this stink.

Sylo sighed, his patience wearing thin. Do you think these mortals are blind, Vorlag? You may be able to bludgeon your way through a battlefield, but subtlety is clearly beyond your grasp. These disguises are our shield, our cloak of invisibility.

Invisibility? I feel like I'm choking on it! And what if we are forced to fight? These rags will only hinder us! Vorlag argued, his fists clenching.

That's where you're wrong, A voice said.

Suddenly, the air vibrated, and a flash of light filled the alleyway. Sylo and Vorlag covered their faces. Aeriys stood before them radiating both beauty and terrifying power.

Your bickering is a distraction, she said, her voice sending shivers down their backs.

Sylo and Vorlag bowed. Goddess Aeriys, Sylo murmured.

Prove it, Aeriys commanded, her eyes burning. You will lead the charge, the undead army will be unleashed and cleanse Opalis.

Vorlag got exciting, his thirst got stronger. Sylo nodded, already plotting.

I offer you loyalty, hot angel wives, loyal and submissive, will be yours, Aeriys continued, her voice sexy.

Vorlag jaw almost dropped, Sylo suspicious, sensed a hidden trap.

With a gesture, Aeriys summoned figures to her side: Lyra, and a woman with fiery red hair and piercing green eyes, her expression radiating cold calculation.

Lyra has proven useful, Tirana will be working with the Generals, Aeriys said.

She turned to Lyra, Your role was invaluable.

Then she looked at the Generals There is a back entrance in Opalis, now!

Aeriys smiled one last smile, then vanished.

As Aeriys disappeared, Sylo felt that they were pawns to her game. He glanced at Vorlag, Lustful thoughts controlled his mind.

Let's get moving, Sylo said wearily and added We're going to have to bribe the guards.

As they set off Vorlag anticipated the carnage, and paid a price. As Admin and Lady Reyus were on their little adventure, The end would soon have to be upon them.