The reckless plan seems undeniably successful. As if those ironic words had reached dangerously close to the enemy's dignity, the general is now bloodshot. A prey desired to provoke the beast, and now, will it suffer from its wrath? "Filthy brat! What a bastard like you dared to challenge me? Brace yourself before my punishment." With a ferocious laugh, he already had the shotgun aimed at the man's forehead, sending everyone trembling.

Click...

An explosion tore the air. Smoke escapes from the gun barrel... The world seemingly stood still, for Theodore had thought the life of the arrogant man was already taken. The shock hasn't had a chance to fade. Yet, there's something that feels... off. A moment passed after the blurry mist dissolved, he was nowhere to be seen.

"I must admit, I did not expect to see such a failure. Oh well." His playful voice threatened, "A dog is always a pathetic dog, waiting to please its master, I suppose." The man's voice appears from behind. Something in his hand is glistering in the vibrant rays of the sun. Swift and clean. Before any souls on the battlefield could even respond, a long trail of blood had already made its way across the general's chest. Indeed, it is not enough to take his life, but enough to send the enemy into the throes of death. Proudly observing the masterpiece, the man arrogantly looks down at his victim. In the game of cat and mouse, a slight chill runs through Theodore's spine. His techniques, his demeanor, and his bravery. Whoever he was, too dangerous.

As expected, the opposing side soon became chaotic. "You will regret what you just did! Fire!" The chief screamed in agony while covering the wound on his chest, the white uniform was stained in the color red. The plays begin, trapping the fools in the victors' illusions.

Ashes, as if snowflakes, fall down to welcome the last act. Altogether, they sing the song of the battlecry, all in unison. The remnants were determined to keep their spirits high, willing to sacrifice for what they believed. One after one, soldiers grip with yearning hearts, pointing the blade of will. It is as if nothing is able to withhold them at this very moment of life and death. Eyes, lit up with vengeful flame. Bodies, harmonized in the dance of the roaring wind. Unbeatable.

The rows and rows of enemies had fallen, enough to shake their will, albeit with just a little number on Theodore's side. The battlefront is now engulfed in pure chaos.

Silver blade screams in glory

Songs of the Death ringing on the forsaken land

Crimson blooms on those fallen bodies.

Will the leftovers' prayers be heard?

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

'On the battlefield, swords have no mercy.' The words of the teacher rushed back into Theodore's mind. Despite his inexperience in battle, years of training have served Theodore well. One after another, the doctor skillfully dodges the deadly attacks, then strikes hard to clear the way. With drops of blood splattered all over his cheek and the white blouse, gunpowder had already dyed the auburn hair ash. Though Luke and his comrades fight with all their strength, it is only a matter of time before the swarms of soldiers engulf their precious lives. For all, it is to buy some more time for a miracle. Hurry, just a little more...

Until....THUD...A blade stabs into his left abdomen, waves of intense pain blooming in his flesh. Welcome to his sight was the side of his blouse being stained in crimson. Theodore then writhed in helplessness on the ground as waves of piercing pain attacked. The predator proudly drags its blood sword after squirming prey, as if devouring victory. "Stay still, this will end quickly." The cruel sword swings up above his head, ready to take Theodore's life away. Theodore, using up all the last strands of strength, tries to drag himself off. Surely, it will not get him far enough to dodge the incoming blow. The blade swings down...

Is this how it's going to end?

Clang... The sound of metal ringing, his eyes flying open. A blurry figure appears suddenly, blocking Theodore's vision. Indeed, the culprit was knocked back by the blade, and with a clean swing, the corpse now lay lifeless. Emerald's eyes fixed on Theodore, then on the bleeding wound.

"Quite commendable for a doctor." The man smirks, then reaches out his hand, pulling Theodore up. Putting the sword in Theodore's hand, the man turns his back "Don't die here." The man coldly disappears into the battle.

Theo tried to catch some rest, but something stumbled upon his attention... the sound of engines? Without a doubt, their prayers have been answered. Reinforcements have arrived just at the moment of life and death. More and more soldiers hurriedly take over. Some were even equipped with guns that were gathered during the former missions. In the end, the table has turned. Taking back what belonged, the crimson dragon's army cowardly runs for their lives. How ironic to see those who had just proudly announced the battle now... Run away like rats, pathetically escaping the hands of the giant.

Theodore slowly falls into the realm of consciousness while leaning against the tree. Seeing waves of people joining the combat, to a few now approaching him, a deep sigh finally escapes. The harsh pain in the left rib can no longer be felt, but why does it feel so empty inside? A little girl with big glasses ran as fast as she could towards him, shouting something. His vision is fading... Cecil?

Falling through layers of clouds, the gentle wind is his companion, carrying away the numb body as if it were a leaf. With a slow descent, the man finally reached the depths of the water, into its loving arms.

...Embraced by the warmth of the ocean

...Waves harmonize with the sorrowful soul

...Sing the song of siren.

Calm and serene. For this place does not exist grief and pain. Perhaps, this is something he has longed for years. He is tired, tired of everything he has to face with each passing day. In the body of the ocean, his mind, wavering like waves, washes away all the dolorous memories. Will it be alright to be here, to feel at peace for the first time after so long like this?

'Don't die here,' a voice emerged through the calmnes of the ocean. Emerald eyes shine brightly...