The war is about to begin. The soldiers of Ardrasthrur poised and ready to strike at a moments notice. its generals are inspecting their troops, analyzing them to make sure if their ranks are prepared to fight.

The great kingdom of Ardrasthrur's army is composed of many strong and well known fighters. Some boast their strength through their reputation while others like to demonstrate their strengths firsthand. One that should definitely be feared is the man they call the saint. Luke Galehearth. a great general that has never in his life lost a battle. a true saint when it comes to fighting, he is a maverick that is feared throughout the country.

Although one appears to be ready to face him. A high spirited, laid back fighter with the willingness to serve his newfound king. He also boasts great power and is rumored to be on par with the strength that Luke Galehearth possesses.  

These two strong heroes are part of a legend that is only rumored to have existed. 'The war with the ancients' a well known ballad sung by every bard. it tells the story of people destined for greatness. They will defeat the sis of the gods in a battle that will define history's outcome.  

meanwhile beyond the other side of the battlefield lies the army of Vasantria. they defend their capital city Zarakiol. they do not intend to lose this fight even if it means losing their lives. Their ranks are composed of veteran soldiers, regulars and volunteers. the townspeople themselves have obliged to protect the place of their youth. 

Thus the shortage of Soldiers breeds desperation and a strong unity between kinsmen alike. Nerian and the Vasantrians have done all they could in preparation to the defense of their beloved city. Advisers and couriers are ready to do their best in relaying information to and from the battlefield. 

Nerian can't concentrate while sitting down so he paces back and forth inside the palace conference room. The battle will begin soon, and won't know how it will turn out. Will their combined plans work or will the enemy triumph with sheer numbers. 

Nerian's sister calms him with the way she knows best, a cup of warm tea. It works as Nerian breathes a deep sigh of relief. "Thank you Charlotte. You have reminded me to trust in my people." He ruffles her hair, and both look quite happy now.

What terrifies Charlotte the most is the sound of an army being heard even from inside. Their shouts and war cry's are so loud that it can pierce the inner palace. Just how many of them are their? Charlotte thinks to herself. What will happen to them if they lose.

Outside the palace is Fafnir. He makes sure to go around and scout for anything suspicious as he too hears the loud voices of the army outside. If any of them break through, It will be up to Fafnir and the soldiers tasked with defending the inner palace to defend. 

Fafnir remains calm. All he needs to do now is to protect everyone here. "I've become strong for moments like this. Now's the time to see if my power can keep that warmth safe."

~In the eyes of the hero~

The soldiers are arranged in a fairly good manner, just like the one I suggested. The wind feels good today. Hopefully it doesn't rain. 

Look at them though, they just stand there showing off their numbers. I wonder where Luke is in that pile of mess. I notice the soldiers on my side become restless all of a sudden. "Hey you! You alright there? Don't be scared, those who get scared die first."

That sounded like a good motivational speech from me. I might be destined to give great advises in the future. The soldier doesn't look changed although, did I fail? Nah he just didn't realize the morals of my great pep talk. 

"Sir Fiol! I have a message for you from General Devir!" 

Who's this guy now? Can you hear that I'm talking inside my head? Can't a guy do that I peace? *sigh* "what is it? We're about to start, and those soldiers up there on that mountain slope looks like their itching to just come at us."

"Pardon me, but the general requested a change in the plan for your role." The man hands me a scroll and runs off with a few more others. What's with the sudden change of strategies Devir? 

I look at the contents of the scroll... Interesting. Who knew you were much more of a genius than I though old man. Age does grace its peers. Well I guess it's show time. About time If you ask me. Zwei is accumulating dust now. 

I draw Zwei from my back and I brace myself. The horns of battle are blown from Ardrasthrur's side. It echoes for a good 15 seconds, then they stop. Their front lines begin to slowly march towards us. The sound of metal footsteps are apparent, and it echoes throughout the fields of Zarakiol. I try to boost the morale of the men while I can. Just the never ending March of soldiers already terrifying my men. 

"Look alive out there! If you don't, you'll die for sure." That seems good enough. Well time to go to battle. 

The soldiers marching now begin to run. We stay idle in our defenses. "shields up men! archers fire! Catapults barrage them! Stand your ground!"

~in fafnir's eyes~ 

Has the battle begun? The loud shouts of the enemy soldiers have now gotten louder, and has mixed with the cries of the men of Vasantria. 

I am at an unguarded part of the palace outskirts. I wonder how Nerian and Charlotte are doing. I hear a courier running towards the palace shouting that "the battle has begun! Everyone brace yourselves." 

Then the sound becomes weak. He moves away in a hurry. The long anticipated battle has begun. I look above. The clouds cover the sun, and it is completely dim. Is this as omen? 

~in the eyes of the hero~

"Tch. Damn it! Out of my way fool!" The war begins and my current standpoint is surrounded by soldiers. Just now i push away a soldier blocking my path, saving him the trouble of killing his enemy. I think that it's better if I fight alone. Five people, hmm maybe that's alright, but an army? I don't know if I can. 

My men fall like flies. This is ridiculous. Aren't they trained veterans? Our ranks are auickly being reduced to nothing. Are they this good, or are our soldiers just terrible.

"Take this you vasantrian cowards!" A soldier comes running towards me with his spear and shield raised. 

I step aside and cut his spear in half. Spinning counterclockwise, I attack another incoming enemy from behind. I decapitate my target and defeat the other one. "Whose a coward now? Striking an enemy from behind. Hypocrisy!"

You're not given anytime to breathe. I became lucky just now when I made my witty retort, but for the rest of the army. If you so much as take a second to rest, then you're good as dead. The sheer number of oncoming enemy soldiers just amplifies my theory.

"Don't let them into the city!" 

Damn. It seems as the gotten through. "Leave it to me! I'll take care of those runners." But just as I say that. I hear someone say the wards that I would've loved to hear earlier ago, but now it just sounds ridiculous. 

"Where is sir Fiol!"

"He's pursuing the runners."

"Call him back! Luke Galehearth is here! No one can stop his advance. Hurry!"

I hear you loud and clear. No need to shout. Just echoes of the name 'Luke Galehearth' irritates me. Finally the ignorant battle monger comes into battle. He also wears his outfit from that battle. He wields two swords both sheathed on his waist. He holds a shield with his left hand. 

The soldiers avoid him and they move aside to make a passage leading to... Me. What bad timing. 

"There are more soldiers breaching the city!"

*sigh* everything's already going south for us. I'll leave the palace in your hands now Fafnir. I've got a guest that I need to entertain.

~in the eyes of Fafnir.~

Everything came bearing down on us like a torrent of rain. The first hour of battle came, and there were no signs of anyone letting up. Then comes another hour, but this time the soldiers broke through the defenses. Some even made it here. 

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I've fought off my fair share of enemy's and now we're taking a break. At first came 50 of them. The people that were taught how to fight did their best, but some unfortunately fell. 

Then came the next hour, then the second. More of them came. 100 soldiers or more. We managed to fight them back, but our numbers dwindled strongly. 

Bodies and blood are strewn on the palace pavement. More will come. I'll have to be prepared for it. 

Indeed more comes. Not even rested yet, we are assaulted by more enemy intruders. 

"Kill it already! It's just a kid!"

"But sir! That 'kid' you're talking about just killed off our entire ranks."

"Wha-"

Talking while a battle is happening. Not a very bright idea. I swiftly attack what seems to be an officer in command. This time the wave of soldiers doesn't stop. Has the frontline lost their battle?

4 men approach with with their blades drawn. I take my sword that is still sheathed and take it off from my waist buckle. I slash the air with the sword and the sword sheath goes flying towards the man, incapacitating him. I evade the next enemys attack and strike with great precision. The last one does not react quick enough, and I send his blade flying. I slash upwards ending his life.

The price of strength means that you'll have to take lives, or would you prefer that they take yours instead. 

Not even an hour happens and they already surround the palace. I accommodate several enemies ehile fighting alongside the people of Zarakiol.

One man speaks up to me. "You! Kid. Get inside and alert the people. We can't hold this position any longer. This might be the end of us."

I understand what the man is trying to say, but I can't really move away. I've got more enemies coming my way, and I've got soldiers that I am fighting now. 

I notice from the corner of my eye that several soldiers slip past our defenses after slaughtering the volunteers. They enter the palace in great numbers. 

"Argh get off me!" Damn there's just too many. 

I launch a ball of flames towards the enemy. I hear some of them speak. "I recognize those flames. From that battle in Atlas-Azure! You're that beast weren't you?" 

I burn him along with the others. I took it as an opportunity while they were confused. I have to hurry. Some of them just got inside the palace. It's unguarded as far as I know. 

I run towards the palace thinking only about protecting the people inside. Most of all that warmth that I hold sacred. 

I pass through the broken doors. The first thing i see are the dead bodies of soldiers everywhere. I fear the worst. I run faster as my heart beats fast. Please be safe! 

I arrive at the palace conference room. A bloody mess. A massacre, I don't even know what to say. I become selfish and disregard the others. I first look for Nerian and Charlotte, silently hoping that their bodies are not among the ones here. 

After searching. It seems that they are not here. It's just a mess of men wearing extravagant clothing, solder is wearing Ardrasthrur's armor, but where could they be? I look around and find a secret lit passageway. I follow it along with the trace of blood trailing from the inside. 

No time to hesitate. I have to run! 

The place at the end of the passage way is a small room. I see many soldiers trying to approach someone in the corner. A woman guards a man who seems to be cradling someone. I can't quite see who it is because his back is turned to me. 

As if by reflex I attack the soldiers without a moments notice. Leaping from behind I plunge my sword deep into the enemys on my left's neck. I then take out incandescent and swipe to the right. 

Both now lie dead on the ground.

"Fafnir! What are you doing here?" I recognize that voice. It's Camille. She is a mess as her is somewhat covered in blood, wounds and scratches here and there, but still standing strong. 

"What happened Camille!" I look behind him as Camille does not respond. It's Nerian, but where's Charlotte? Curious, I ask Camille hoping that she'll say something like 'she's gone off to the village'.

"Camille... Nerian. Where.. Is Charlotte?" 

Camille's expression grows darker. Nerian does not even look back to me. His body shivers all over, it seems that he's crying. Why? Crying for whom?

I brace myself. I'm not ready to know. I don't want to know. Please tell me that what I am thinking of is wrong. 

I slowly walk towards Nerian and I put my hand on his shoulder. I pull him back and see... Charlotte... She has a long cut on her body, and it bleeds, staining her outfit. Her eyes are closed, but Nerian tears fall on her. 

"No... Nerian. Tell me she not gone... Please. Tell me I'm wrong." My knees give. Despite my strength, this is one attack that I could not endure. It feels like time has stopped. What do it do now. What am I fighting for? It's all gone anyway.

*thump* my heart resonates. *thump* it feels heavy all of a sudden. *thump* I've felt this feeling countless of times now. *thump* I can feel it. 

Why? Everything I fought for was for her. Now she's gone... It hurts. I couldn't protect her. I can't protect anyone. I thought I became stronger, but in truth I only became naive. Thinking that I was strong enough to have someone's life on my hands. I can't protect anyone no matter what I do. No matter how hard I try everything seems to escape my grasp. Even when I became desperate.

"Nerian, Camille and... Charlotte. I'm sorry that I couldn't protect you. I tried my best really, but it seems I'm not capable of doing that. I swore that I'd give my life I order to protect that warmth... Please forgive me Charlotte. I'll try one last time. I'll protect this place, and the one special place the you shared with me. 

I bring my lip closer to her forehead, I draw her hair back and I lightly kiss her head. I could not hold back my tears as they fall on her face, i wipe them off and retreat a few inches back. I take one last look at Charlotte. "I'll disappear after this. I don't know where I might end up. I know that it's not much of a punishment for someone who failed to protect you." 

"Goodbye Nerian, Camille and Charlotte. Once I go out. I will end all your sufferings. I hope that someday you are able to make your dreams come true Nerian. Protecting Charlotte and you was my duty, but it seems i lack something. today i might just perish in battle, or if i do make it out alive, ill be sure never to forget you.

I stand and turn my backs to them. I hear Nerian say something before i leaves. He tries his best to speak as the tears make it hard to say anything at all. "nothing here was your fault Fafnir. i was weak as well. I couldn't protect Charlotte. You don't need to risk your life anymore. i will surrender and end this bloodshed. I will take the blame for Orbus's crimes.

I order Camille. "restrain Nerian. Whatever he does or says to you, don't release him." i look back at them smiling with tears in my eyes. "Please let me try and protect your safe haven for now." I turn around once again and head into the darkness of the passageway. 

Fafnir's eyes open with a yellow color. His aura has changed once again. The feared blue flames emerge from his hands. though his eyes have changed the sadness and the tears that flow from it does not change.

To end this war i will have to kill king Lazarus, or get through to him with words. I will try reasoning with him first, then if all else fails then i will have no other choice but to end this, but how will i get through to him? If i am correct, i know that the king is in the middle of the army. how will i scale all that?

... Watch me Charlotte. i'll be even stronger for you and everyone here. I am sorry that i couldn't protect you, but now it'll be alright. Goodbye...

-To be continued.