𝙉𝙮𝙭𝙚𝙧𝙖 ✧

The War Begins

The sharp noise of clashing weapons, distant shouts, and the faint tremor of something powerful stirred Frisk from their sleep.

They sat up abruptly, heart pounding.

What was happening?

The noise grew louder, and before Frisk could properly gather their thoughts, their door burst open.

Standing in the entrance was Kachina, her face flushed with urgency.

"Frisk!" she panted, clutching her knees.
"The Abyss... they've attacked all the tribes. It's happening."

Frisk's stomach dropped.
"What? Already?"

There wasn't time to think.
The two exchanged a quick, determined glance and bolted down the hall, sprinting out of the stadium into the chaotic morning light.

The scene outside was tense. Soldiers scrambled to prepare defenses, riders armed with spears mounted their saurians, and a thick heat filled the air from the sacred flame blazing brighter than ever.

Mavuika stood tall near the stadium's grand steps, her burning hair swirling like wildfire in the wind.

Even as chaos loomed, her gaze was sharp and unwavering.

She spotted Frisk and Kachina rushing toward her.
Without wasting a second, she gave her orders, her voice booming over the clamor.

"Kachina! Xilonen! Citlali! You three are going back to defend your tribes!" Mavuika commanded, pointing toward the distant canyons where smoke was already rising.
"They need you there-now!"

Kachina gave Frisk a brief, worried glance but nodded.
"You stay safe, alright?" she said quickly, placing a hand on their shoulder.

Frisk gripped her hand in return, then turned to Mavuika.
"What about me? Where do you need me?"

Mavuika's gaze locked onto theirs, as if measuring them in that instant.
"You," she said firmly,
"will help evacuate civilians. People are trapped in the Scions of the Canopy and Children of Echoes territories.
Take the hot air balloon to get there quickly."

Frisk swallowed their nerves and gave a determined nod.
There was no hesitation now-only purpose.

"Ororon will stay here to guard the stadium and help direct anyone who returns,"
Mavuika added, already preparing to turn back to her other tasks.
"The rest of us will fight on the frontlines. Go, Frisk. The war begins now."

Frisk sprinted toward the hot air balloon docked nearby.

The balloon was painted in vivid crimson and gold, its surface glinting in the sunlight as it swayed gently in the wind.

As they climbed in, a saurians' roar echoed from the distance, followed by a dark cloud spreading along the horizon.

Abyssal creatures swarmed across the forests, rivers, and cliffs-slithering beasts with corrupted forms, shadows that bled into reality, and nightmarish creatures with glowing blue eyes that pulsed with hatred.

Frisk steered the balloon's ropes tightly in their hands, pulling it into the sky.

The wind rushed past them, carrying the scent of ash and embers.

From the vantage point above, they saw the sprawling chaos below-villages on fire, civilians fleeing toward the canyon paths, and warriors locked in battle with shadowy monsters.

This wasn't just a skirmish.

This was an invasion.

Frisk guided the balloon toward the territory of the Scions of the Canopy, a lush jungle tribe known for their agility and mastery over the forest.