Chapter 1: Betrayal

The sound that the elevator made on its way to the city levels of Eldrant was a telltale thump to Luke. He was about to make a monumental move. He was going to reveal something that he had been hiding from his companions for months. He still wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do.

When the elevator stopped, one final dull thud sounded and the doors slowly creaked open. The six warriors (and the cheagle) stepped out of the elevator and gazed at the glory of Eldrant. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all made of a pure white marble with not a single trace of a black vein. It was breathtaking.

Legretta took the opportunity to attack while they were standing there struck dumb. She dismissed a warning shot from her handgun, then jumped down to the space that had been cleared by it.

Five people and a cheagle gasped. The sixth, Luke, didn't. He stood there, staring at Legretta. He was about to make the hardest decision in his life. Luke slowly stepped forward to join Legretta in confronting his five friends.

The cheagle jumped down from his shoulder. "Master, what are you doing?" Its squeaky voice resonated in Luke for a moment. He regretted doing this, but there was not other way.

"Luke! What do you think you're doing?" Natalia stepped forward from the group of people to glare at him.

"I…I'm…"

"He has finally come to his senses and is joining the side that will win." Legretta had venom in her voice as she spoke to Natalia.

"What do you mean 'come to his senses'!? This is crazy! Why would Luke want to join you!?" Anise had tears in her eyes as she screamed at Legretta.

"Because, little girl. I told you, this is the winning side. This is the side that shall win the battle that decides the fate of Auldrant. We can't have you getting in the way, so we have had Luke keeping tabs on you since you lowered the Outer Lands."

"I'm sorry, guys. It was the only way that I could stay alive. Van came to me and offered me a way that I wouldn't disappear if I neutralized the miasma. I had to take it, I couldn't hurt you…" Luke's voice faded as he looked down. He couldn't meet their eyes anymore.

It was Tear's turn to yell at Luke. "You couldn't hurt us? Well, what do you think you're doing now? Did you think that joining our enemy would keep us safe from being hurt?"

Luke looked down, ashamed of himself. Legretta came and took his hand. "You're doing the right thing, Luke. If you'll excuse us, we're going to join Van and Sync. We have to get Eldrant off the ground again now that you crashed it." The last words were spoken to the five remaining fighters who opposed Van.

"You won't get away with this! We know you have Luke brainwashed, or something! You came to him during a time that he was troubled and confused, and you manipulated him. He'll come to his senses again, and this time see the world as it should be." With every word he said, Guy edged closer to the pair. When he was within striking distance, he drew his sword and charged at Legretta…

Only to be blocked by Luke.

"Luke…what are you doing?" Guy struggled against him, trying to get the best of him.

"I told you...don't make me say it again…"

"He is betraying us. Plain and simple." Jade twirled his glasses on his finger. At the word 'betraying', the other four winced. It wasn't a nice word to apply to your former friend.

Legretta turned around and began walking away. "Come, Luke." Luke pushed Guy away and turned around as well. He ran to catch up to Legretta. As he ran, he turned his head back and mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' to the others, who all stood there staring after the two.

Tears were streaming down Natalia's face. "I can't believe it…he…betrayed us…"