A FEW DAYS LATER

ARDOSUS

I handed the iron master the suit request. He nodded with great pleasure. “Hmm, doesn't seem that hard. I’ll get a prototype for yeah,” he said. I nodded and began to walk away. “Uh, don’t mind me asking, but who is this for?” I turned back around. “It’s for Unga. After he got injured, I figured it would be a good move to have armor made for him.” He nodded. “Then I will work quickly, my Queen.” He flung open the documents, and started taking notes on what was required, I smiled. “Thank you iron master,” I said. “Hey, if you want special armor for him, he must mean something to you,” he said throwing one back at me, as general then walked in and bowed. “The meeting is almost underway, my Queen.” That’ll have to wait. “Go on ahead, we’ll begin once I talk with Unga.” He nodded. “I’ll notify the attendants.” Leaving in a hurry. No one is surprised that talks failed. Even the most optimistic person would view such a situation with pessimism, but I swear every time the Emperor's name is brought up I see Unga grit his teeth, and clench his fists. I fear for him, he’s obviously going through something, I just hope it’s not for the worst.

I walked out of the iron masters forge, continuing down the hall, my sister coming around the corner, placing her hand on my breastplate. I stopped. “I’ve heard rumors of a particular relationship you have developed,” she stated. I stared at her. Wouldn’t you like to know. “That is of no concern to you,” I said. She smirked with a subtle giggle. “Oh, I think there is much to be concerned about, especially with the fact that he is a foreigner.” I then tried to walk past her, but she walked in front of me, her eyes filled with her lustrous psychopathy. “I don’t believe a prince of a foreign country has that much impact.” She smiled again, and unsheathe a needle, spinning it in between her fingers. “You believe. See everyone wants a piece of the pie, now what is Unga, well he’s someone looking for that piece and I don’t want him taking ours.” I remained silent. “What I’m trying to say is that we should never trust him, for our people's sake.” I grabbed her shoulder. “Look at the Empire sister, those are the people who wanted everything, now look there a bloated mass of foul leaders, and false pride, those are the ones whom you should be worrying about besides, Unga never came here to become king.” I pushed her aside. “Oh really, Ardosus, because sooner or later you're going to realize that in order for our people to survive, and thrive we must take what others have.” I continued down the hallway and stopped half-way. “if you lay a finger on Unga sister, I will place your head on a pike outside of this very castle.” My voice echoing throughout the hallway with a strict sincerity. Her eyebrows bent down, staring at me, probably wondering why I was picking a fight with her, it should be obvious.

I continued down the hall towards the stairs, descending, then taking the following door, turning and walking into Ungas room. His gaze concentrated on his hand. “So, what position have you given me,” he said. Taking his eyes off his missing fingers. “I’ll be sending you with an artillery battalion to guide them, and secure a section of our border region,” I replied, as I walked over to him. He nodded. “Anything I can do to provide support.” I exhaled. Why do you push yourself to do this. “You don’t have to do this.” He smiled. “Ardosus, I want to stop this… You’ve proven to me that your not like the others, so I’ll play my part to ensure this place survives.” He looked down. “I’ll play my part, and then try to escape this cycle once more.” I knew every moment was passing through his eyes, each life he took replaying like a never ending nightmare. “Unga.” I said as I stroked his cheek. He woke up from his daze, backing away from my hand a little. “Sorry,” he said. “No, don’t be.” Silence then befell us for a moment. I brought my arms around him. “I know that you're confused Unga, I was too and if you feel unsure just talk to me okay.” I patted his back. “Then I have something to confess.” I backed myself away a little, adjusting my ears so I could hear him clearly. “I want to kill that bastard.” I felt my heart begin to race fear going through me, but I hid it. “I want to kill the man that sent those men to die.” I exhaled, understanding the sentiment, but nonetheless fearing for him. “I know Unga, I know. Why won’t they stop, why can’t they just leave you alone, but please don’t give into the temptation of violence, I don’t want you to lose yourself.” I heard a slight breeze of air come from his nose, and he rested his head on my shoulder. “Yeah, I’m afraid of that too, that I’ll become some warmongering power hungry fool. I just want to live. I want others to live.” I patted his resting head, soothing both of us. “Unga, remember you don’t have to do this.” He leaned back staring at the floor, the shade covering his eyes. “No, decisions have already been made, and I already made my promise.” I nodded and he exhaled. “Still a shame that people have to die for this.” “It will always be a tragedy,” I added. Should he really be doing this, every part of his being appears conflicted. I'll walk him around, see if I can coax him out of this, so he can have more time to think. I don’t care if your defending my nation I want you to be okay. “Unga, walk with me.” He looked up at me. “Sure.” he said, nodding slightly. I guided him out the door. “I was born into the flame of conflict, my father off at war, the wounded a common sight,” I said looking down at Unga. His sight still held down to the floor. “It always felt normal to me, the push and shove of leaders, the wars. I’ve killed many of people, but I was never unsure of my actions.” We stopped outside a glass window, he looked up slightly. “So Unga, what I’m asking you is that you don’t go.” He slowly lifted his head up “Ardosus.” “Unga, if you care for me, believe in me, then don’t go.” He remained quiet, the silence hanging in the air for a few seconds. “Ardosus, I chose this, yes because I care for you, yes because I believe in you, but I did so because I want to make sure that you, and what you’ve created isn’t destroyed. I understand your fear, but understand my fear.” hearing those words from him mad me gush a little, but I felt more defeated then anything else. “I-I understand,” I said, halfheartedly, exhaling. “I suppose I should have you meet with your commander.”

We then began our walk down to the front of the castle, my stride sloppy, we soon found ourselves at the entrance of my castle the both of us entering an armored car the car taking us into town where the commander was assisting his troops in loading up the artillery guns, the massive barrels making the nearby houses appear small. We exited the car, the commander taking notice, approaching us. “Welcome to my humble brigade,” he said charmingly as he saluted me. “I have brought Unga so you could meet each other in advance.” The general nodded, looking at him. “Nice to meet you,” he said, extending his hand, Unga meeting it with his. “I heard you guided those civilians out of the mountains.” Unga nodded. “Good, we need more people like you.” Unga let out a small unnoticeable sigh. “Yeah, um, do you know where the maps are.” The commander chuckled. “Of course right this way, come.” I stared at the commander. “Argarus.” He turned to face me, nodding with a sincere look. Good, keep him safe. I went back into the armored car. “Make sure to have another car called down for Unga when he is ready to return for the night.” The driver looked up at the mirror. “Yes, my Queen.” I stared out the window as Unga and Argarus walked down the long line of vehicles and artillery, my heart racing. I placed my hand over it, breathing slowly and steadily. “A-Ardosus, do I need to get a do-.” “I’m fine,” I said, adjusting myself. “I’m just nervous, deeply nervous.” The driver nodded. “I understand,” he added. That commander knows what he’s doing Ardosus, he’ll protect Unga.

The driver pulled up to the castle door, and I walked in, ascending up to the meeting room, where we all gathered around the table. “Their main force is moving directly up this path my Queen,” a general said, placing a marker right where they usually attack, it’s the really the only good place to assault us from. “How long until they reach the upper mountain,” I said. “A day, maybe three considering how there moving right now, and the quantity of there troops, I’d say they’ve been preparing for this.” I nodded. “Do we have air superiority?” I asked. “Our fighters are currently unable to enter their airspace to intercept because of the AA batteries they’ve set up on the border, but once they reach over into our territory, we can begin bombarding them.” I looked at the general. “Order our air force to bombard the road ahead, that should buy us plenty of time to set up proper defenses, the general nodded. “I’ll put in the call immediately,” the general stated, leaving the room. An officer then came rushing in with note in hand, handing it to a general. “Well, it seems there setting up another front.” He moved a marker towards another section of mountains, I immediately recognized the ridge line, clenching the table. Unga will be there. “What's there speed,” I asked. The general looked at the note again. “There not, slowing down in fact if we don’t get our artillery brigade down there our local garrisons may be overwhelmed due to the size, and the particular armor and troop mix this army features.” I exhaled, he'll protect Unga, so just relax and focus on what lies ahead. “Send word to the brigade, tell them to leave by tonight,” I said. Another general left the room, the same officer then bursting into the meeting room again, with another note the general took it. “Massive desertions when they started moving, seems this is what remains.” I sighed. So it seems it could’ve been worse” the other generals nodded. I guess I now know how those females feel watching their male go off to war. Absolutely terrified.

UNGA

Ardosus seems to be acting like an overprotective mom now. I chuckled at the thought as I dragged my finger across the map. No, this route won’t do the incline farther ahead is too steep. I brought my finger back to where I started, and sniffed as my nose began to clog due to the stuffiness of the room. Can’t really blame her though, she’s been alone her entire life on top of being in so many wars.

The commander then walked into the room, and watched as I guided my finger along the path. “We're going to leave tonight, there moving up on the border.” I nodded. Okay that changes things. I reset my finger. “I’ll make sure to account for that,” I said adjusting to the circumstances, the commander watching, as I moved my finger up a different route. “So how we looking,” he said. I sniffed again. “Pretty good it’s more what we want now, which is fast and safe.” He leaned in. “Yeah, that river bed is a direct route, but right now the avalanche risk is too high,” he said, stroking his chin. “Yeah, I discounted that the minute I brought my eye upon the route.” My finger followed the path of a barely traveled lane that followed along the side of the river. “Are you aware of this trail?” He nodded. “It’s a ski trail, maintained by a local village.” I looked up at him. “Do they usually groom it.” He shrugged. “After that storm, no it’s likely not ready, but we could still plow through it,” he added. “And the inclines aren't steep so they would still be relatively easy to travel on, the only downside is the time crunch we’ll have to face because of the trail splitting off here, sending us along this cliffside.” Me and the commander nodded. “Well it ain't pretty, but it’s something,” he said. I nodded, taking a pencil, tracing our path. “I’ll notify the troops,” the commander said walking out.

Hopefully our combatants turn around and leave, but that's probably not going to happen. I shook my head, sighing. That imperialistic bastard, I hope he kills himself no, no I need to stop with these thoughts. I leaned against the table. I am only doing this to help Ardosus, to help the Glenchinites. I-I refuse to be controlled by the cycle, I don't want to be stuck in their world. I sniffed again, my nose clogging. I need to get some fresh air. I walked out of the Enforcement Department we were currently using as a command post. “Unga, are you ready to leave?” a Glenchinite said as he approached me. I shook my head, as I noticed the setting sun. “No, new information has come to our attention, we’ll be leaving tonight.” The Glenchinite nodded. “I’ll notify the Queen,'' he said, running off. I stared at the setting sun. I wonder, was there any hope of escaping the cycle, or is Ardosus right and I just ended up contributing to it in my own way, by doing nothing, by following things that distracted me from the horrors of the world in hopes I could have some peace for myself instead of fighting those horrors like my father did. I’m probably overthinking it, but what do I know, I’m just some kid trying to get away from the violence. “Unga,'' the commander said, running up to me. “We're getting trucks ready, you're up front.” I nodded, following him as we passed what I assumed was his subordinate. His eyes following me.

ARDOSUS

Looks like there's no time for him to return. I sat down on my bed. Hopefully he changes his mind, because I'm going to have a tough time finding someone else, that's if I can stay off of him when my time comes. My eyes illuminated the wall in front of me with an orange crimson glow, my hand gripping the sheets tightly, without any input on my end and then it stopped. Mating season, it happens every year around the same month, unless your me of course. Because of that our biology has made us instinctively aggressive when those days come to fruition. We Glenchinites don’t have the same privilege that you have Unga, where you can mate whenever you want, you don't have to necessarily take it as seriously as I do. I wonder if you had a mating season like I did would you have said no so quickly. Now you're going off to war like me.

Maybe if I just refused your request I wouldn't be sitting here wondering if you’ll be alright. Every part of me wanted to stop you, but I couldn’t and if something happens I’ll have to live with the consequences, even if it hurts every second. I laid down. Tomorrow I leave towards the front that's being set up. A sense of dread washed over me, the same dread I felt when I first laid out the plans to join my troops. I was never afraid of that until now, before I considered it a necessary duty, now it’s something I no longer want to partake in, I guess that's what happens when you care deeply about something else and not just your people, but who knows, maybe I always had these emotions, and I just casted them aside, until Unga brought them out. As those words filled my mind, the echoes of my parents grabbed my attention. (Ardosus our people need us till the bitter end, don't be distracted by such foolish pleasantries.) Mother. (Ardosus take pride in what you’ve sacrificed, it shows how far you're willing to go to ensure the success of our people.) Father, kindly burn.

UNGA

The driver turned the keys forward, and every other vehicle followed, creating a loud symphony of diesel engines. “Alright everyone, move forward,” the commander said over the radio. I felt the truck jolt, as we began our journey out of the city.

“So, how’d you end up in this mess,” the driver said. “By choice.” He giggled. “Never thought the Queen would let you out.” He responded. “Believe me, she did what she could bring herself to do.” The driver nodded. “I guess rumors have been spreading,” I said. The driver nodded again. “You wouldn’t believe how far and fast they’ve traveled.” I nodded. “just be careful around her these next few weeks mating season coming up.” I exhaled. “Yeah, thanks for reminding me.” Don’t think about it, just focus on the path ahead. “Sorry if that caused unnecessary.” “It’s fine,” I said, cutting him off. Returning my attention to the map, then rolling down the window and looking out.

“This rock up here left.” He took the turn. This mating season thing sucks, it's like a ticking time bomb for when I have to make my choice concrete… I should pay attention to my job. A few hours went by as I guided the convoy and within those hours, what was left of the sun was replaced by the moon. “Ain’t that beautiful,” he said looking out at the landscape. “I mean look at that Unga.” I looked up after taking a glance at the map. “Yeah, I can’t see through glass, either way I could only see how cold it is out there.” “Oh, yeah. Right,” he said embarrassed. “Don’t worry about it, I have a very poor picture of it in my head.” We then came to the path. The entire trail, ungroomed with a sign only telling us that this was the trail. “Right there,” I said pointing to the sign. the driver nodded, lowering the plow, continuing off the beaten path. “Just follow those trail markers the rest of the way,” I said with a yawn. “Well then, it sounds like you can take a little rest.” I nodded dozing off a little, letting my head rest on the window. “Wake me when you don’t know where to go.” I closed my eyes. The question of mating season popping into my head again. I think I’ve come to a decision, how to felt wrong to leave her high and dry like that, especially since I actually like her, but shes a Queen and if I am to avoid being king then that is something I must do. I just want peace, I just want peace, that's all I want, just me and my animal books, away from all these wars, plots, and accusations... Still I can't beat what she said to me, and I wonder if shes right.

A FEW HOURS LATER

I awoke to the sound of an explosion. An Empire and Glenchinite fighter passing overhead. The Glenchinite fighter’s guns firing, another explosion then sounding off in the valley, the truck then stopped and the driver opened the window, staring out behind. “Dammit,” he said. I followed suit. Seeing a mound of snow covering the trail behind us. Everyone got out of their trucks, all rushing over, as shovels were handed out.

I stayed as long as I could in the blistering cold, helping with both shoveling and in the aiding of survivors in the treatment of their wounds. As we got to the final truck everyone began swarming around it, I was just about freezing, but I wanted to see what the commotion was, so I bobbed and weaved between all of the soldiers until I got the glimpse of a body, the commander's body. A piece of glass wedged into his throat. I backed away as a breeze blew into the crowd, my body shivering as the cold pressed against me.

I made my way back to the truck, entering it, pressing my hands onto the vents, feeling returning to them, the driver then entering also, doing as I did. “So, what does this mean,” I asked. He looked at me. “It means mister shit for brains is gonna take over, and kill us all,” he said calmly. The radio then came to life. “I have received updates from the scouts ahead, that the Empire's army is moving faster than anticipated, due to this we will change course.” We both paid close attention to what was about to be said. “We are going to be taking the river down.” “Fuck, I knew it,” the driver said. I sorta sat back in my seat with a blank stare. “I know what you all are thinking, but.” I knew what came next, the whole family member's speech, how we must do our part. “Think of your family back home, our success guarantees their peace. We mustn't give them even an inch of ground for it is our duty.” Me and the driver sighed. “He’s one of those leaders,” I said. The driver nodded. “I wish Ardosus was here,” he said. “Forward,” where the final words the radio omitted. The driver put the truck into gear. “Seems like he doesn't care about your existence.” I nodded, grabbing the microphone. “Commander, I do not advise this course of action.” There was a small pause. “Who is talking?” I sighed. “The guide.” “Ah, so Unga, do you mind explaining to everyone why?” He’s going to reject me either way, I wouldn't say he's malicious instead hes being blind by duty. “The river bed is prone to avalanches this time of year, both from the valleys mountains and from behind, if we're lucky we can make it, but we probably would have to dig our way out, not to mention the other challenges, like the ice, so it’s better to take the path where currently on now.” “Unga you do not understand our peoples duty, we are warriors we are.” I put the microphone back onto the radio, turning down the volume just so we could barely hear him. I exhaled. “Is there any way to get rid of him,” I asked. The driver sighed. “Not unless you wanna end up in jail for the rest of your life.” This is what I’m afraid of, the cycle of idiotic, and manipulative leaders and there people following orders, no one being able to resist, because they have deemed it so. It’s all unfolding before me and I can't do anything about it.

We approached an intersection of the path that allowed us to access the river, the driver, exhaling then squeezing onto the steering wheel, gently pressing onto the petal. We then heard what sounded like the galloping of horses, and the driver immediately put the truck into reverse, bringing us back a little bit. I couldn’t see it but I could hear it, an avalanche zipping past us. A few seconds then passed, and I stuck my head out of the window, seeing the aftermath, trees where scattered about on the river along with rocks, that had penetrated the ice. The driver and I both looked at each other. “Continue,” the commander said. The driver then looked forward, slowly putting the truck into gear, continuing out. I clenched onto a handle, embedding myself into the seat. “Why did I agree to this.” The driver chuckled. “I know right.”

He then pulled out a picture of his wife and daughter, attaching it to the dash, Ardosus coming to mind. “Ardosus wants one,” I said. He chuckled, tensing up. “About time, surprised that thirty something hasn’t torn the door down to get some.” I nodded, laughing. “Yeah, it’s bad.” He looked at me with a grin. “Hey, when you land a score, you land a score, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.” I exhaled. “Yeah, she's a score for sure, it’s just I wanna say no.” “Well I mean, if you don’t like her that way.” I shook my head. “It’s not that, it’s the whole king part.” He nodded. “Let's say I don’t wanna live that life, like our current boss,” I said. Staring at the windshield. “Listen Unga, just because there's ass hats all around us doesn't mean we can’t do some good, look at Ardosus, she's never started these wars, but she has sued for peace every single time, and has ensured we are all looked after, she’s a leader that cares.” I always admired her for that, how she sacrificed everything to ensure her people never suffered, even if it was unnecessary and unhealthy. “And if there is one thing that Ardosus, has shown is that it’s not the job, it’s the idiots that get in it that are the problem.” I nodded. If I could usurp the system, end these wars, make trade and honesty appear more profitable to these people... Would I be able to do it though? “You okay,” the driver said, hitting my shoulder. “Sorry, just having a moment.” I am only one man, just as Ardosus is one woman, could we really make a difference. I then heard, and felt rumbling from the mountain. Seems that question might go unanswered now. I looked outside rolling down my window, seeing the snow coming down the mountain, the slight rumbling growing louder. “Step on it,” I yelled as I rolled up the window. The driver taking notice of our doom, and pressing the pedal to the floor. The tracks skidding for a bit, but eventually finding their grip and propelling us forward, but it was not enough. The snow crashed into the truck, flipping it to its side. The sun being blocked out by the snow. I guess this is a befitting end, considering how I’ve lived my life.

ARDOSUS

I sat in my tent, hearing our jets fly overhead, dropping bomb after bomb, each explosion closer than the last. I glanced over the reports from this morning. Enemy numbers plummeting due to desertions, a group of deserters discovered, promptly executed in front of all soldiers, desertions stopped temporally. Sounds like our bombing runs are effective, but they're still pushing. It’s like watching a suicide. I guess I was right, like there was any doubt, the Empire is dying. I yawned, promptly getting up from my desk and straightening a copy of battle plans we drew up this morning. Still if the emperor is putting all his bets on these two pushes, this will either be really drawn out, or it will be a slaughter, I guess there both slaughters in there own rights. I walked over to my bed, laying down, then looking to my right, one of Ungas books sitting on my nightstand.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

I still feel a little dirty for breaking into his room just to take this giant stack of paper, but it calmed me, it’s like bringing him with me to be honest, probably because I can read the words with his voice in shocking detail, but there's also the smell, and we Glenchinites are very perceptive of that. I picked it up, whilst exposing the wick in my lamp to more oxygen, the flames brightening up my tent, making it bright enough for me to read. It’s not a bad book in my totally, completely, unbiased opinion, everything's described in exquisite detail, and provides plenty of knowledge for anyone who doesn't know anything about the systems being brought up.

I then heard another jet go by over head, a few minutes later the sound of an explosion detonating. I feel like I’m holding a gun to my own head trying to convince myself he's alright, he’s with a trusted commander Ardosus, he is in safe hands. I giggled. Oh my, a few days ago I probably wouldn’t even be acknowledging these thoughts. I would've probably seen them as rouge words from the mind. This is gonna sound weird, but thank you Unga for this fear. It's helped me see what I could’ve missed, I just wish you'd grow past your fear, so I could have something to look forward to when I return.

UNGA

“How long do you think it’s going to take them,” I said staring up at the window from the drivers lap. “Who knows,” he said. Staring at the window with me. “Might be more than a day considering how wide that avalanche was.” I shivered a little. “sorry that I can’t provide a whole lot.” “It’s okay, I wasn't expecting a whole lot.” He laughed softly. “I don’t know whether to take that as an insult, or constructive criticism.” I giggled. “No, it’s just Ardosus, is a furnace.” “Ah, so that's why it’s hard for you to say no,” He said. Slapping me on the back of the head with a chuckle. “No, there's a lot more reasons than just that overwhelming body heat.” “Shoot.” I smiled. “I was there for her panic attacks, let me tell you this, when you see a woman who looks like she's made of stone collapse, you think the world’s gonna end. I kinda made it my objective to ensure that never happened again. You know now that I think about it she was the only one who went to me, not the doctor, not anyone else.” There was a pause. “She wanted to see me first, I brought calmness to her life, yeah that's probably when I started seeing her more as a person and less of a leader.” I paused again, but this time for longer. “And when I hit my low, she comforted me. She’s always been concerned about me, somewhat from the jungle to the mountains, always trying to protect me… And when we were alone up there in the Glenchin mountains it felt good, to let out all that frustration.” I chuckled. “I’m the worst case for myself really,” I said. “Do you really have to give an entire seminar on why you want to fuck her.” We both laughed. “I guess, I’m second guessing myself on whether I should say no to her, especially for the reason I laid out.” He nodded. “I could never be a leader, but Unga if your heart rings true then I don’t think you’d make a bad one.” I smiled.

A FEW HOURS LATER

We both continued staring up at the window. Still nothing not even the sound of a shovel. I shivered again as my fingertips began losing sensation. “I feel like such an ass for saying no to her,” I said. "You said no to her, from the way you put it, it sounded like you hadn't made up your mind." "Yeah, I was sure in that moment then Ardosus got pissed, and well made me start thinking, either way she said she wait, thank goodness." The driver nodded. “hmm, well better change it back quick so you can die with one less regret.” I chuckled. “I would if I could,” Continuing the joke. The radio then came on.

Hopefully there's some good news. “Alright we're going to be moving forward, all survivors both known and unknown, your sacrifices will be remembered.” My eyes didn’t widened, apart of me knew this was exactly what he was going to do, sacrifice us all just to reach his goal, just to serve his purpose, where nothing but tools to him. I slowly got out of the drivers lap. “I’ll be right back,” I said. He chuckled. “Okay.” I grabbed his knife, climbing out of the back seat, up to the passenger side window. “Wait,” he said. I plunged the knife into the windshield, a crack forming. “Unga you break that window we die, quicker.” That's a chance I’m willing to take, because help is not coming. I plunged my knife into the window again, the cracks beginning to spread, I backed away into the backseat, watching the spider web form, then stop suddenly. I blinked, and the snow rushed in, pouring into the drivers side, forming a giant wall of cold right in front of me. “Unga, let me go I can." I jumped forward into the loose powdery snow, fighting upwards as the cold began reaching deep into my body, pushing myself more and more, as I knew I didn't have long. I then felt my hand break through to the cold air above, wailing it around and the sweet warm sensation of somebody else's pulled me out. I fell to the ground as a group of soldiers gathered around me. “U-Unga, thank goodness you're alive.” “Where's the hot packs,” it was hard to tell who was saying what. “The driver’s still down there,” I said slowly picking myself up. “Don’t worry, we’ll get him. You should rest.” I shook my head.

“Where's that dumbass commander,” I said. One soldier pointed to the front. I walked up to a Glenchinite, swiping the halberd from his hands. If the cycle has taught me one thing is to never wait when you have the chance. The entire convoy came to a stand still, and I heard the opening of the door. “What's the meaning of this?” I walked up behind the truck. The memory of Ardosus, twisting the handle on her sword throughout her fights replaying in my head. I twisted the handle, the blade of the halberd glowing, my mind becoming poised for blood. The commander then walked in front of me, his eyes only catching a little bit of my figure, as I brought the halberd swinging from my side as he began raising his arms to his head, but I wasn’t aiming for that. I sent the halberd crashing into his stomach, the explosion sounding off in the valley. The short burst of heat warming me for mere moments. He flew back a bit, landing on the ground beside the truck, and I made my way around the corner as he choked on his own blood. “Die you fucking bastard,” I said charging up the halberd once again, sending it crashing down onto his chest, another explosion sounding off, the halberd logging into his chest cavity. I let out an exhale, my blood lust ending as I collapsed to the ground, the freezing cold seeping into my chest as I felt myself growing more and more tired, a soldier then shoved his sword into the ground in front of me, charging it, the plasma warming me quickly.

“Thank you,” I said through strained breaths. He nodded. “What now, commander?” I sighed. “Let this be a lesson to all of you, that you can rise up too.” I slowly raised myself, everyone staring at me. “We'll take our original route. I'll send those we don’t need forward, while we clean up this mess.” Everyone nodded and shovels were handed out, those that did not get a shovel were sent forward, with the trucks that held the artillery pieces, and there ammo, giving them orders to set up as quickly as possible. They’ll be under manned, but as long as we finish our part we should be able to reinforce in time. We dug and dug, finding many under the snow, helping them deal with frostbite and other injuries. I could never leave these people behind, some might consider this weakness, but when these men return home they will remember that I stayed, and we all remember what we do to and for each other. Once every vehicle, and man was accounted for, we departed using our original route. “Commander, the enemy forces will arrive soon.” I heard over the radio, I picked up the microphone. “Where on our way, do not fret.” And some time later, I found myself standing at the edge of a cliff, looking out into the valley below, flare gun in hand.

“I can do it for you if you can’t bring yourself to,” a soldier said, walking up beside me. I shook my head. “You shouldn’t carry the weight of this act,” I said, continuing to stare out, an armor column then appearing, in the distance. “Get to your post soldier,” I said. We then both took off to our positions, finding myself prone next to a scout, and his group of soldiers. “Are they in the killzone?” I asked. He shook his head. “Few more seconds… now.” I turned to face the sky, firing the flare gun, the bright red light shining in the sky, and soon the symphony of guns sounded off, unleashing a devastating set of explosions across the battlefield. I laid on my stomach once more, watching the carnage, as armor became scrap and bodies became stains. I could already sense that sick feeling creeping up on me once again, but I continued to watch the barrage, time moving slower and slower with every explosion, and then silence.

“Gonna send down a kill squad.” The scout said. I shook my head. “Send down the soldiers and expand the medical facilities, we're taking prisoners,” I said slowly getting up. The scout immediately got up as well as the soldiers next to him. “We’ll relay your orders, sir.” They then dispersed, a few trucks then pulling up, with soldiers beginning to board them. I joined them, and soon we headed down. It didn’t look much different up close, metal twisted and contorted what used to be tanks where now shells, what used to be trucks where now over glorified engine blocks, and the bodies, many had holes the size of bowling balls, heads where missing, limbs littered in every which corner and blood coated every single speak of snow, like an artist whose covered a canvas.

We then stopped. “Find any survivors, provide any aid you can, then send them back up, remember if they intended to hurt you in any way, do what you think is necessary,” I transmitted over the radio. Everyone nodded and disembarked. I walked amongst the ruins, eventually coming across the body of a young man. I sat beside him staring at the massive piece of shrapnel sticking out of his stomach, I then took his hands, placing them onto the center of his chest, and then closing his eyes. Exhaling. "Peace be with you," I whispered. I then got up and continued, doing the same for many other bodies. It seems the soldiers were having more luck than I was. Considering the comms where lighting up consistently, uttering the locations of survivors.

I continued walking, until I came across one of those new spider mecha tanks, there design tailored to this terrain, with another big perk being that it can be piloted by singular person, I stared into the camera. The cycle brutal and unforgiving, hopefully I can change that, hopefully Ardosus is right. I saw a distinct red glow appear, and the tank slowly began rising. I jumped back and ran behind a tipped over flatbed, it’s supplies spread across the ground. “There's an active tank at my position.” The tank then fired an AP round, the shell punching right through the flat bed, spreading shrapnel in every which direction, I ducked as a large piece flew over my head. “We’re on our way Unga.” A soldier yelled through the radio. I jumped away from the flatbed, and over to a nearby crate, which had been broken open, reaching in, pulling out two rifles, as I heard the mecha kick aside the flatbed. It then brought its foot down onto the crate I was hiding behind its camera fixating on me, its chain gun moving to my location. A plasma arch then hit the back of the machine, molten metal spewing everywhere. I dove underneath as the machine turned around, wildly firing at where the arch came from, as it walked, it crushed another crate, anti-armor missile launchers pouring out. I rushed forward watching out for the machine's legs, grabbing the launcher. Its camera then turning to me seeing what I held, it brought its chain gun towards me again, and I jumped back as the gun fired, it's bullets peppering the ground in front of me, I then strafed to my right, falling behind some cover. I then looked up seeing a AP missile right in front of me, a broken crate full of them right behind the one I had my eyes on. I grabbed it, getting up, running through the maze of debris, as the mech followed, I took a right, then a left, then another left, getting a clear line of sight from where I just came from. The mecha then made its way, following my footsteps.

I prepared myself, and then it turn revealing its side. I fired the rocket and it went flying through the air, piercing the cabin in an instant, the mech then stopped dead. I lowered the rocket launcher, staring for a good few seconds and then the cockpit opened, a man falling to the ground, a giant piece of shrapnel in his lung.

I cautiously approached the front of the mech, his gasps easily heard, as I walked up to him, sitting beside the man, as he chuckled a bit. “Can’t bring yourself to finish me off,” he said. I shook my head. “I’m hoping that they get here quickly enough,” I replied. Holding the radio up to my mouth. “Mechs down, med crew get over here.” “Roger Unga, but that may take a bit.” I sighed. “Just send who you can.” “Aye, aye, sir.” I then looked back down at the man, his breathing getting worse. “I just tried to kill you.” I nodded. “Indeed you did, but I think we can cast that aside given the circumstances, either way, save your breath.” He nodded, focusing on breathing, and in what felt like moments, two medics arrived rendering aid to the man, carrying him off soon after. I stayed down in the rubble until I got tired, and once everyone else began to feel fatigued, we knew there was probably still more, so we switched out with a fresh group, when we returned.

The camp was celebratory with many Glenchinites celebrating the defeat of the Emperors forces, I on the other hand remained somber, I didn’t find this a victory more of a tragedy, men and boys ran into this battle because of lies and false promises, or because it as the only thing they could do and where slaughtered for it, but I guess that doesn't matter. I got up and walked into one of the medical tents, just to see what was happening. The emperor's soldiers sleeping soundly, their snores only audible inside the tent, few were awake, probably not trusting in us, I don’t blame them. “Hey, Unga is that your name.” The man who piloted the tank whispered, I looked at him as he laid in bed. “Get over here.” I walked over, standing out of arm's reach. “Thanks for not killing all my men,” he said. “It was the least I could do in this conflict..” The man sighed, rage following his breath. “Yeah, Emperor got us all pretty fucked, all of them did to be honest.” I nodded. “Glad to hear that you don’t blindly follow them.” He giggled. “Yet here I am.” “Yeah, here we are perpetuating what should be destroyed… Wanna drink.” He nodded. “Whisky.” he asked. I shook my head. “Water, and only water.” He exhaled. “Fucking, doctors order my ass,” he mumbled. I smiled as I walked away, coming back soon after with two glasses of water. “But, politics aside, I never thought you’d support Ardosus in this war.” I nodded. “I did too, but things change, people change,” I said, taking a light sip. “Ah, I see, then what drove you up to that point.” I smiled. “It’s a long story, but to summarize it, Ardosus was the main driver.” He giggled. “The devil herself of course, I do admit she is an inspiration, in fact, many of the new officials that are starting to gain ground admire her, although they don’t admit it for obvious reasons.” I nodded. “So it is true, your nation is starting to destabilize.” He chuckled. “It’s been happening for awhile now, well it’s what happens when a government loses its way, I mean just look at the endless wars and the state of our system, everyone just bickers without actually doing anything.” “Yeah, tell me about it.” He laughed. “Yeah, seeing what your nation went through, to be honest I’m surprised that it didn’t just deflate into a bunch of minor factions fighting for power.” “My father is to blame for that.” He chuckled. “Of course, what compelled him.” I thought it would hurt again, like I would feel that defenselessness, but no, this time I felt like I could actually do something. “A friend from long ago died when our village was designated as a rebel staging area, you can picture the rest from there.” The man nodded. “Where monsters aren't we,” he said, sinking into his pillow. “Have you done anything wrong?” He shook his head. “Personally no, but I watched it, rapes, hangings, forced to order most of that stuff, few enjoy it, many are pressured by it, but we all just do it. Funny how I just wanted to support the family newspaper. Damn the emperor for all eternity.” A soldier then came into the tent. “Unga, command wishes to speak with you.” I looked back at the soldier and nodded, as the man then grabbed my wrist. “Unga,” he said. Motioning his hand towards his mouth, I lowered my ear towards it. “The Emperor is willing to bring down the entire mountain to end Ardosus, stop it for all our sakes.” I backed away, and nodded. “Sleep well,” I said, nodding with gratitude, leaving the medical tent with the soldier behind me.

“What did he tell you?” I looked back. “It is unverified, but I will keep the information classified to avoid rumors.” The soldier nodded, guiding me to the radio tent, I walked in, picking up the phone. “Unga, do you care to explain your actions around the killing of a commander.” I sighed. “I have more important and relevant information than that.” “Just answer the question Unga.” “I have information about a possible avenue of attack the Emperor might take.” “Unga, answer the question.” His voice turned fierce, a subtle growl following. “You are aware that the Emperor is where the Queen is, and if this avenue of attack completely counters your avenue then not only the Queen, but all of Glenchin is threatened, so I’m more concerned about this then some unforeseen event.” There was a slight murmur of voices in the background, then silence. “Then do share.” “A commander from the States of Kurod told me that the Emperor is, and I quote. “That the Emperor is willing to bring down the entire mountain to end Ardosus.””, “Has this been verified.” “No, but I want you to relay the information to Ardosus, for I fear what he says is true.” There was then more slight murmurs of voices in the background, just slightly louder. “Theirs one slight problem, Ardosus is already in battle.” My eyes widened, as my heart rate jumped. “Now if we go back to your previous conversation.” I placed the phone on my chest. “Soldier,” I said, with a slightly raised voice. He walked in. “Is there a ride that can get me to Ardosus’s location quickly.” He nodded. “Call for it.” He then continued out, as I brought the phone back up to my ear. “Unga are listening.” The general growled. “I was dealing with matters, now I suppose you want an explication.” Silence befell the radio, as I heard the sound of a VTOL approached us. “The commander took us down a dangerous route which resulted in the entrapment, injury and deaths of some of our troops, and these troops would've been left to rot if I didn’t dig myself out, and kill the man.” I then placed the phone back into its holder, walking out of the tent, just as a dropship touched down. “They're ready to take you Unga,” a soldier said, running up to me. I nodded, grabbing a pair of rifles that were scavenged from the wreckage in the valley, then pointing to a group of soldiers who already had their arms out. “You guys, with me.” They began getting up, following me into the dropship, and as we found our seats the dropship ascended, beginning its flight towards Ardosus’s position.

A crew member of the dropship then tapped on my shoulder. “Hey Unga, we got a present for ya from the Queen herself.” I got up as he walked me over to a crate, breaking it open. “Armor master did a great job on this one, it’s a prototype so expect some bug and don’t bang it up too much,” he said, walking away. I looked inside, a suit of armor lying within. I picked up the suit looking at it for a few short seconds before putting it on, the suit perfectly contorting to my body, almost feeling as if it was a second skin. it also seemed to have increased my strength by a decent margin, probably has a built in exosuit, and as I bent down to pick up the helmet, I felt the suit warm a little, I then placed the helmet over my head, a mechanism sealing it on tightly preventing any heat lose, the camera then came online, heat being used on a flat panel to produce images, not to dissimilar from the TV screens from my home land. I put my jacket back over, and sat back down, holstering the two rifles on my thighs, strapping any extra magazines to my waist.

The dropship then jolted, and we all got up holding onto the handles near the doors. “What is the plan,” a soldier said. “Find Ardosus, and carve a way through to her,” I said. The soldier nodded, and the side doors opened, we all ran out, getting behind some cover in front of us, the dropship then flying off, as some bullets hit the side of it, the sounds of war settled in, the gun shots, explosions, and distant yelling periodically filling our ears. I poked my head up a little. “Are there any allies near us?” A soldier pointed to a squad holding out in a crater. “You guys stay here, I’ll go see what's up.”

I jumped out of cover going into a full sprint as bullets peppered the ground beneath me. I didn’t know where I was being shot from, but that didn’t matter right now. I approached the ridge of the crater, diving into it, the soldiers inside jumping at my sudden appearance. “Friendly,” I said slowly getting up, brushing myself off. “Does anybody know where Ardosus is?” “See that tree line over there,” a soldier said pointing to the tree line to my left. “She took a detachment into that woods.” I nodded. “Need any help,” I said, a hail of bullets hitting the ridge of the crater. “Yeah, you got any smokes,” another soldier said. I shook my head a wave of distress sweeping over the group, I picked up my radio. “Hey, do we have an artillery defender?” A few seconds of silence followed. “Yup.” I heard. “Alright, can you have him hit some smoke rounds in front of the creator, we need to create an opening for this group.” “Copy.” We soon heard the cracking fire of the artillery defender's guns, smoke rounds exploding across our front and once the smoke settled in we made our move to the forest. I spoke into my radio again. “Thank you, rendezvous in the woods Ardosus should be in here.” “Copy, we shouldn’t be long.” I then placed the radio back on my waist, the group of soldiers looking at me as we sat in the forest. “Can we chill with your squad.” I opened my arms as if I was about to hug someone. “Your welcome too,” I said. And we waited for a few minutes, until our squad finally joined up with us. “So, how are we gonna find her in all of this,” a soldier said. “We comb the place, gathering whatever information we can from local troops.” The soldier then pointed to the group that just joined us. “Why not just have them ask over the radio.” The group shrugged. “Her groups on a different frequency, plus commands dealing with a lot of traffic so good luck.” The soldier sighed. “Alright, lets get moving.” We fanned out, moving throughout the forest, watching where we stepped. “Why do you need Ardosus anyways.” I stared off into the trees, seeing the heat of familiar armor. “I need to tell her about an enemy plan… follow me.” I continued to where I saw the heat, being as quiet as possible on my approach as to not give away her position.

“Ardosus.” I whispered, she immediately turned her head towards me, jumping back a bit with a shocked expression. “U-Unga, what are you doing here.” She whispered. “Information,” I said quickly getting into her little foxhole and sitting next to her. My squad following me in. “A captured states commander told me that the Emperor has plans to kill, and I'm paraphrasing here, he is willing to bring down the entire mountain to end you.” Ardosus paused. “Has this been verified.” I shook my head, she paused for a moment longer and then reached for her radio. “Command, can you send some scouts up to the ridge line, have them check for demolition charges,” she said, which was then followed by a. “Copy.” From the other side. “Either way Ardosus, sounds like the Emperor has it out for you.” Ardosus nodded. “He always has, I have made a mockery of his nation and his ancestors, I am his greatest enemy.” I looked out into the open field with her. “So that whole thing in the jungle was him.” She nodded, a smoke screen blanketing the field in front of us, we all waited patiently waiting for a charge or anything, but none came, instead a single man came walking through.

“Ardosus, duel me.” the man yelled. If the Emperor wants Ardosus, then he would try to lure her out. Ardosus was about to get up to confront him, but I held my arm out and blocked her, I slowly rose. “Unga, what are you doing?” I looked down at her. “A pro chess move,” I said walking out into the open. “Who are you,” he said. I grabbed my guns, unholstering them. “A man that's going to enjoy killing you.” He grabbed a pistol and fired, I stepped to the side as a plasma rod flew past me, I then went into a sprint. If he hits me with one of those charged rods it’ll melt right through my armor. He fired again, and I dogged to my left, as he readied his sword, bringing it down once I drew near, and I responded by catching it with my gun, the blade striking between the barrel sword and when the magazine is held. I then brought the other up one to his chest, pulling the trigger. The bullets stopped by his armor. We pushed each other away as he aimed the pistol at me. I sprinted forward once more, narrowly dodging the bolts, and then he lowerd his gun, both of us stopping, staring at each other. “Why do you keep fighting, you know you can’t penetrate my armor.” I saw a heat warning pop up on the HUD, the Emperor raising his gun once more and as he did vents opened up all along the exterior of the suit, ejecting all that stored up heat, hiding me in a thick mist. I used this to my advantage and charged forward the mist covering my advance, allowing me to strike the Emperor in the gut, denting his armor. I then grabbed his hand which held the gun, twisting it, forcing his grip on the pistol to loosen. I went to grab it, but felt this odd danger sensation ring throughout my body. I looked up to see a sword beginning to come down upon me, I raised my free arm and the sword crashed into the armor, the metal pieces breaking off from the impact, sending me back a ways, and as I got up I looked at my hand and forearm, seeing the internals slightly damaged, nothing that appeared too major though, one thing that I didn’t like seeing though was the temperature sensor dangling from my arm. I then looked up, the mist dissipating, revealing the Emperor aiming his pistol at me, and out of the corner of the screen a plasma arch flew forward the Emperor taking notice moving to the side the arch flying past him, Ardosus then rushed forward bringing her sword down onto him as frantically went to block it. “There you are,'' he shouted. I arose. He'll make his move now. I looked at my arm again, noticing the flexible piping all throughout the forearm, and idea coming to me. This is gonna hurt. I plunged the temperature sensor into the snow, feeling the arm already begin to heat up to a searing temperature, I then looked up, as the Emperor backed away from Ardosus, pulling out a detonator. I focused my anger at the pain I was feeling, my hand turning to a bright white color. That should be enough. I then ripped the temperature sensor out of the ground running towards the Emperor, his attention focused on Ardosus, I then jumped, once I was in range my fist making contact with his cheek, the liquid breaking from the veins and then an explosion. I was sent back into Ardosus, her arms wrapping around my chest, as I heard the both of us hit the ground. I looked up seeing the detonator flying through the air, and I raised my good arm, catching it, Ardosus breaking into a sprint bringing me back into the forest, laying me down in the foxhole. I handed her the detonator and took off the suit, plunging my arm into the snow. I never thought I would be begging for the reliving coolness of the snow, ugh shit happens.