the battle has begun

Chapter 1: Backstabbed

[Your Name]'s P.O.V

"Aphmau's getting executed." I raised my head toward them and I showed no emotion.

"Wait, What!" The three exclaimed.

"Don't believe me? Read the paper." I shoved it into Garroth's hands and Laurance and Dante surrounded him, anxious to know what was really happening.

"We have to help her." I concluded.

"Why?" Laurance asked. "She's been so rude to us." He gave a disgusted face as he crossed his arms.

"Well people can change. Look at me for an example." I shifted my weight on to my right foot. "I was and still am the best thief in all of Ru'an. I could have burned so many villages, stolen so many items and killed so many people, but instead I came here. I came here on accident. When I saw villagers, walking around so happy like, I wanted to kill them. I was the same then and I am the same now. You... People have helped me calm down and not go and attack innocent people. I may use my gift- no curse to help good, but I know not everyone will trust me." They stared at me, jaw hanging.

"I guess The [Title Name] has a soft side." Dante joked. I rolled my eyes and punched him lightly on the shoulder.

"Well we're glad we made you think life a different way." Garroth smiled. I was a bit shocked. After what I did to him and his family in the past, h-he forgave me?

"Even though that speech was inspirational, I still don't see why we should help Aphmau."

Right before I was going to speak, Travis and Aaron came walking in.

"[Your Name]? You're back!" Travis' eyes widened. I nodded. He was about to run up and hug me, but Aaron grabbed the collar of his shirt, and mouth a "You're welcome". I rolled my eyes at their weird, yet playful action. Then my eyes darkened and my face turned serious.

"If you guys aren't going to help me, I'm going on my own."

"Why? You were there when Aphmau went all berserk and turned on us."

"Wait, where is [Your Name] going?" Travis asked, all new to all this.

"I'm going to save Aphmau."

"I'm not sure why you have to, but I don't think you should." This time it was Aaron who spoke. I stared at him. He was the one who was the closest one with Aphmau, and now he's turning his back? I looked at Dante, seeing if he was going to say anything, even though I didn't need any help. He was just staring at the ground, not wanting to be a part of any of this.

"I think I know the reason why you want to save her." Garroth said.

"Go on, I'm listening."

"You're turning evil again and you want to join their side." His eyes were closing into slits, glaring at me.

"That's ridiculous!" I exclaimed. "I gave a whole speech on how I've change and this is how you respond?"

"For all we know, that could have been a cover up."

"At least hear me out."

"We don't listen to the evil." They all took out the swords, well except Dante, who had gone home for the day. That coward. I growled at the thought. I looked at them. They were all circling me. Ugh. Jerks. They won't even listen. I didn't take my sword out, but when my hand hovered over it, that's when Aaron swung. I dodged it with ease. One by one, they swung at me.

"I'm not going to fight you guys."

"Why? Are you just giving us pity?" Laurance asked between breaths.

"No. It's because I don't want to hurt you." They hesitated for a bit.

"Stop making excuses!" I gritted my teeth to ease my anger, but it didn't help much. Before they could make their next attack, I jumped onto the stone wall of the gate.

"Get back here!"

"Stop it!" I hissed. "I haven't done anything wrong and you're accusing me for something I didn't do!"

"What do you mean? You're evil!"

"I was evil. I've changed. I really have. You just don't believe it. When I said you people helped me, I really meant it. I wasn't trying to gain any trust, because I didn't need to. Aphmau accepted me and I know you guys did too."

"Aphmau is evil!"

"No she isn't!" I roared. "When you want to find the truth, when you want to know what really happened, I'll be waiting." And with that I left.