Into a Den of Demons

You open your mouth to protest– Shouldn't a team be cats who trust each other?

But Rye'wynn beats you to it.

"I know it seems… strange, to be separated from those you love, but–" They swallow and take a slow breath, as if to center themselves. "It'll all make sense soon, I promise."

That's all they offer before they move on. Each of the other Keepers begins to move through the gathered teams while they speak, ensuring that every cat knows exactly where they need to be. "Before we can carry on with… restoring the world, we must first solidify your place as new Keepers." Rye'wynn announces from the front. "Doing so will unlock the power you need to… to be successful in your journeys. In our journey." They emphasize the word with clear conviction.

Though their gaze seems troubled.

"We plan to enter the… Demon Realm in a land controlled by a demon with few quarrels with Keepers." The minimizing of danger in such a case is left unspoken, but easily assumed. "Demons are among the single greatest threat to Keepers and… and to our world as a whole."

"Though they're not all bad." Rye'wynn casts a glance to Magus, who watches from a nearby window. "So, please, keep your wits about you." They caution.

Rootsnarl's gaze tightens, but he says nothing.

Rye'wynn continues, "What we seek is a sacred location within the Demon Realm. A place known as The Sunshower Grove." A warm breeze billows past your shoulders, as the sun begins to make itself known slowly but surely. "Once we enter the Demon Realm each team will need to… find their own way to it, but… you will all have the support of a Keeper should anything go wrong that you can't handle."

The weight of what's coming slowly sinks in, even before Rye'wynn slips through the gate and the other Keepers follow, beckoning for each team to do the same.

"We'll guide you to your team's portal into the Demon Realm, but from there–"

Rye'wynn offers a small smile. "You must rely only on each other."

There's a pause and then– "If your loved ones would prefer to stay here, at the house, they will be permitted to in your absence." They seem reluctant to say more.

And hold their tongue instead of speak.

In the silence left by their lack of words, the wasteland calls to you in a singsong lull as you step out into the forest. The scent of blood and ash, death and decay clog your nose. Everything feels overwhelming, but somehow exciting as well. There's a great unknown spread out in front of you, and a chance for real change that few cats were ever given.

The path to the portals and what lays beyond will be a long one, and your instincts tighten with a sense of impending danger. Yet, when you look to the cats at your side, your new teammates, you're filled with the stirrings of something wonderful and strange.

With them, you may just be able to save the world after all.

If you survive.