Crisis of Kismet (Final Hour)

[Chancellor Zeffer Winterfur]

((Cause this has been lagging behind completion of the story that has taken bout 3 years.... This will feature a small battle, then the infultration of the mian fortress. The Climatic battle is about to begin. EVERYONE AND ANYONE on ANY side is permitted to come...
Distraction force fights the main force; Secondary goes for the High Council.))

It was spring. Spring at last, for the entire winter the empire had remained in the northern territory mountains, marching against the Freelancer clans, and other clans that existed in the north. Many soldiers had frozen to death in the cold winter, but soldiers from each part of the empire had been called to the North to begin the march of the empire upon the woodlands of Mossflower, to purge it of the 'unpure' that inhabited it. Rosethorn wore golden colored armor with red ingraved neatly into the metal. His eyes were blood red as the High Command came to his side. The red eyes of the Sephron born seemed demonic and the cruelity apparent on each face. The army was approximently 400 strong, with a larger force at the stronghold and on the boats. Rosethorn could careless on how many died in this campagin, all that mattered was that the last of the resistance fell. New Azurria had sent its soldiers, just as Rosethorn had prodicted. Now, all the enemies here, on the battlefield, the hopes and dreams relied on the last of the Free People of the Freelancers, Woodlanders, Vermin, New Azurrians, and Merrito. Rosethorn grinned as he looked at his Magus whom walked forward.
"The wings of destiny fast approaches... The end of these weak idealists will come..." hissed a young magus standing beside his Overlord.
"Yes... But I was wondering... If the scripters were correct th..."
"Do finish that, my friend... If word got out... Anarchy... These are not them... If they are... Then they are a disgrace... I hear your son is on their side... You realize that..."
"I know, friend. He will do as he was prophicized... These woodlanders will die, and we will rule the throne of the world as the hand of the great warrior-god Vulpuz... His blood pumps in my vains... and in his. We are the servers of Vulpuz, the loyal subjects of the mightly lord... When do you think these Badger will come to fight us...Commander... Lead the army forward threw the Southern Path toward Mossflower... Kill any in your way."
"But the will of Vulpuz."
Rosethorn was standing upon the gate house over looking his army march. He smiled as he looked to the Spire, the structure which was built by the race even more ancient then the Sephron or Azurrian. Rosethorn walked toward the main entrence.
The Promised Land... Soon the day will come...and we of the Empire shall be the ones that finally brought order to the chaos... A true order, where we Sephron will take our place as the masters of this world...

[Ashstripe]

For days the hare's of the Long Patrol had marched north, for days had they endured the elements that they had so fool hardly chosen to travel in. The tension grew thicker with each passing step, the ranks were silent; for once. Supplies were dwindling and the force was down to living off the fat of the land, though that wouldn't last them much longer where they would be.

Ashstripe lead the assault, the spring time sun glinted off his steel plate armor and his cape billowed slightly behind him, his great sword occupied it's usual position on his back in it's old leather scabbard and swung side to side with his step. He was never one for armor, neither were many of the hare's but this was a time where risks could not be taken, nobody wanted to die out here; the harsh northern front.

Kenzie marched on his left, having endured the cold with pure stoicism, she clutched her cloak tightly, still feeling the cooler temperature of the steppes. Underneath lay her cold chain mail tunic which did little in the way of warmth but would repel much greater threats when the time came. The two had not exchanged words for nearly two days now, simply staying in step and giving the order to break camp when needed. In truth she was nervous, this was going to be the biggest battle she had been involved in, after all, it's not every day more then half of the Long patrol went out to march.

Breeze kept pace on the right of his Lord, a warm grin and his cloak was all he needed to shield himself from basically anything and he was probably one of the only hare's who refused to wear armor for one reason or the other, armor merely weighed him done and the only defense he would need would be his rapier. He felt the handle dangling at his belt reassuringly, still warm and reassuring to touch as always, on the horizon he could make out some sort of fortress. He wasn't sure, it was probably more rocks, none like his beloved Salamandastron.

And in the rear, Sarge kept the morale steady, exchanging words of advice and reassurance with the younger more tired green troops. A few had simply fallen to the harsh climate and exhaustion already, but that number would've been greater had it not been for the officers like Sarge, he had given most of his rations and shared his blanket like cloak with many and he'd do it again gladly. His old yew bow was bound on his back only by a relatively thick bowstring, with a few spares in his pouch to boot. Should worse come to wear, he had a saber, safely sheathed at his other hip, course it wouldn't come to that; he hoped.


Ashstripe shaded his eyes eventually and focused more carefully on the horizon, yes they were close now, very close. Almost in the range of any siege weapons they may have prepared for their arrival. He raised his paw silently, signaling the army to halt.
"The enemy know not of our where abouts...Break camp." He whispered, Kenzie and Breeze nodded and passed the message through the long chain. Each segment dispersing as they received the go ahead. The siege and the end of WARR, had begun.

[Chancellor Zeffer Winterfur]

The Merrito Forces were small, but marched along side the Long Patrol in straight lights, shoulder to shoulder, lance next to lance. There silver-colored armor gleamed in the sunlight of the spring day. Each soldier was silent, making prayers to there loved ones, praying for the end of the bloodshed that had been that of the empires making, an end to all the hardships endured. They moved as one, their strange eyes focused forward. Not long ago had they fought the hares during the great war, and now they walked along side them. Zeffer stood in black armor, a definant commanding figure of his army. He was the De'facto leader of the Merrito and the most highly respected of his people. His two swords were up as he walked along his forces. He was going to break off after they made it at least past the first attack. The enemy might not known of the advance, but the fighting would begin soon enough.

Rosethorn watched as his army moved forward, a grin on his face as he held up a letter that Talia had been informing him about the movements of the woodlanders. His army was moving threw the passes of the mountain as well, where numbers would matter for little, though Rosethorn had great about of hope that his soldiers would be victorious in any fight.
"Shall we prepare... For the ritual?"
"What if the enemy breaks threw?"
"My son shall be with them... We need him, no? Half Azurrian, Half Sephron... They will see the true power of the Warrior-God as he shall purge them from existance... Destany says so... he shall do as his blood commands... and those inferior dullards known as Woodlanders will finally be put down as the vermin they are..."

[Luna Broadsword]

Luna cursed the cold with a grim smile. She could see the outline of a fortress on the horizon, and it filled her to the brim. She was near the front, wanting to get a clear image of the battle ahead. Luna’s horde was at the back of the army, providing the Azurrians with ‘moral support.’ Truth be told, Luna didn’t trust those arrogant beasts not to desert on them. Glancing back, she remembered what she had told her horde before they left Salamandstron. ”My friends, we have served in many campaigns together. Now, I take you to the harsh north to fight an enemy that may very well destroy us. I promise you nothing, except that some of you will not come back to the warm south. Though we fight with woodlanders this time, there is still a fortress in dire need of a good Siege… I give you the opportunity to leave now. You will not be judged for your decision. If you don’t leave now, know that there is no turning back. I will kill any deserters myself.” None of the Crescent Moon force had left, and she still had her full amount of soldiers. They were used to this sort of life, and none of them complained. They give the Long Patrol a good run for their money, she thought to herself. She looked than to the Long Patrol and their leader now, seeing them break camp. She gave her second a nod and the weasel quickly ran to get her own horde ready. “I wonder if they’re ready for this.” Luna mused out loud. She shook her head with a smile at her foolishness. Those hares might love to mess around sometimes, but they were no cowards. They knew what it was they were doing. Turning around, she went to her army, wanting to be with them when the fighting started.

Vigil walked with the Merrito, stubbornly keeping pace with the much taller warriors. She shivered in the cold, wrapping her cloak more tightly around herself. She looked back the way they had come, thinking of two small babes she had left behind in the care of an elderly hare. She bit her lower lip, turning away sadly. Vaguely Vigil wondered if she’d ever see those two again. With a shiver, she pushed those thoughts away. It wasn’t like they would keep her in. She bumped the soldier in front of her. “Hey,” She said in Merrito. “Where’s Zeffer? I need his pelt to keep warm!”

[Ashstripe]

Tents were quickly and smartly erected in their files, make-shift trenches were already beginning to be dug in the front line. The cooks quickly broke out what little remained(By hare standards) and lit a very small fire, any more larger and the smoke would be thick enough to give them away. The pots and knives were drawn and the most respected and feared squad in the Long Patrol got to work to what would be nearly as hard as the battle, feeding the troops.

Ashstripe stood near the front, the other forces were coming in close behind. He smiled to himself, they had not gone back on their word, they were behind him and his forces the whole time; fear drives beasts into unlikely alliances he supposed. A cold southern breeze blew past him, scathing his fur into his skin as he clutched his cape tightly, had he become this soft that he couldn't handle the North's Spring? He was jerked quickly from his thoughts by a quick tap on the shoulder by Sarge,
"Brekker's is up 'n Breeze is leadin' th' charge, sure y'not starvin' sirrah?" He reported in a rather, matter-of-fact tone.
Ashstripe smiled lightly to his old comrade, "Nay, I'll eat later.." He replied slowly, in truth he was starving but wanted to meet with the other leaders to establish and confirm the battle plan as quickly as possible.

Kenzie was sparingly eating the last of her rations, nuts and other assorted vegetables all stirred and fried to save time. She winced at the taste, but they would last her. She gazed over to her left, the Merrito were there, she was still not used to the idea of being near these foxes without defending herself. But she had her orders and so did they, but still...Trust could not be so easily earned.


_____________________

Eventually Ashstripe decided to make his way to the other leaders, after being 'persuaded' by Breeze to at least have a bite to eat. The food sunk down and warmed his stomach satisfyingly as he waded through the shifting ranks and tents, he spotted a rather large fox, dressed in black armor. Zeffer. He took a position beside him,
"Ye know more about this place then we...So what be yer course of action?"

[Chancellor Zeffer Winterfur]

"Movak Val'eha bellu. Tima, Gak'uma Fonak... Movä! Gak'uma, uma muntak umu. " said Zeffer as he addressed his soldiers. They growled in response as they sat together. For a moment, the Merrito were silent, but then they grabbed there knives as one, and put the blade to the forearm of the soldier next to them. Then with a quick motion, each blade cut into the forearm of the warriors. Zeffer was about to do the same, but was stopped as he heard Ashstipe. The warrior closed his eyes as his warriors paused.
"Javä...Javä..." said the fox as he stood up to look at Ashstripe. "Well, stripe-dog... I hope you are pleased... I will not eat thanks to you! You interrupted my peoples food ritual... But... No hard feelings... Intell? My specialty..." Zeffer stood fully up in his black armor as he stared the Badger in the face for a moment before backing off. Zeffer went to his knees as he drew a picture in the dirt. With sharp 'v' like illistrations, he showed the mountains along with the pass that lead threw them.
"WARR Fort has five points of warn-early points... They surround the central fort, in the valley region after the first defence area..." There were two circles that represended each defence region, the outer and inner defences with dots to represent the towers that were the early-warning posts. At the center he marked with an 'x'. "Each Warning-post has a tunnel that links to the central fort, as well controls the waters that enter the valley... understood?"

[Rocky]

It was a weary travel for Drill Sgt. Jacksaw and his patrol. The were traveling to meet up with the Long Patrol and to do battle with WARR.

"Och, Ah think Ah see the back ranks of the Long Patrol!" Jacksaw said. "Hares! Double march!" The hares set off at a fast rate.

After a few minutes, they made it to the back ranks. Jacksaw asked a Sergeant where Ashtripe was. "Sarge, good ta be back wit' ya! Where is the old Badger Lord?" "Up front, sah!" said the sergeant.

"Hares follow me!" Jacksaw traveled up to Ashstripe.

'Laird, I have come ta join up wit' ye and do battle wit' WARR. Shall Ah just let mah patrol mix in with yers', sah?" Jacksaw asked, waiting for a response from the stern-looking Lord.

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

((Darkhawk is not with the main group. I am posting each of the other groups that are there.))

Why am I here? Doing all these things... Why am I even trying to do good anymore? Seems sort of meaningless... if all it is going to do is disappear... Darkhawk was climbing the mountain face, taking the hardest to track path. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts about everything. Today was the first true spring day, the vernal equinox, at least according to the Empire's calendar. Darkhawk stood on one of the rock plateau that over looked the. About a mile away was the edge of the furthest WARR Defense.
"You know..." said Darkhawk to the other warrior accompanying him. "... I was here before... I know where you are leading me..."
It is your destiny, boy. You must finish it, you must complete your purpose. Finish the story that we have been writing since our race was cast into Hellgates... We were distant to be the masters of this world... You have known this all your life... why hide now?

Freya was standing by her Freelancer soldiers. They looked already beat up, and very vermin-ish. In fact most of them were vermin by the looks of them, probably from hordes that were cast out from the old fighting against the Abbey and Salamanstrom, and not to mention the fighting with the tyrannical WARR Empire. The rats, weasels, and numerous other beasts cast look of hate toward their sworn enemies. Finally, one of the vermin soldiers voiced their opinions.
"Why are we fighting in this fight?! Those cowardly weaklings have done nothing to aid us! Why should we help fight these war for them?"
"It's either you fight now, together, or fight later alone..."
"MAYBE that's the way we like it!"
Freya opened her eyes as she looked at her soldiers. They were looking at her and her commanders with similar looks of distrust and even unwillingness to fight.
"How many of you have seen combat?"
All make some sort of acknowledgment that they have.
"How many of you attacked small travelers?"
Again the same gesture.
"The abbey?"
Again, but with a few not cheering.
"Salamanstrom?"
A little less.
"A Fortress with an army behind it?"
Half said nothing.
"A Fortress with an army willing to burn down your homes, slaughter, kill, destroy and annihilate everything you ever had..."
No one said anything.
"How many of you have seen the slaughter? Witnessed their acts... You may cheer and praise them every time they slaughter an Abbey beast... but after the Empire is finished with that, they will look at you... To them you are filth, nothing more then to be crushed under them... You try to conquer small forts... These beasts, monsters, killers... They have conquered entire countries. They laugh at you because you are weak in there eyes. They won't stop until every inch of dirt and flesh is either theirs, or dead... THAT is why we are fighting... SO we DON'T die." The vermin soldiers were silent as they ate their food. Freya closed her eyes again as she took a deep breath. They had the vermin support, but still, it was a fraction of the Empire's army.

The Azurrian army was similar to the Long Patrol, however they seemed to stay away from the other army groups. They were an arrogant bunch, not willing to be even near the other soldiers that were fighting along side them. Only a few Azurrian's came forward and spoke with the other armies. However, most did not. Naja didn't like that about her soldiers. They were foolish to treat there allies in the manner they did. She hated that most about her people. The woodlanders had helped her people rid the land of their tyrant, and yet, her soldiers seemed to have forgotten about that fact.
Naja walked along the other groups with a blindfold over her eyes. She was already blind, and was a rather small looking warrior. She had spent sometime with the Merrito warriors, even practiced there ritual that they did before a battle that they knew would be possible the last battle. The wildcat had admired the Merrito for there traditions that were rooted back into the time of the Ancients. The Merrito knew about every part of the War that had been fought for more then a hundred years, the only thing that all the soldiers knew was to fight and die for the Merrito and the Empire. It was strange that they had now choose to change sides and join the Free people against the enemy. She heard the voice of the Badger Lord and walked toward him in order to hear any strategy that the top leaders were making. Freya walked passed Naja, stopping for a moment before continuing to be next to the top leaders.

[Ashstripe]

((Sarge is one of my characters, I would much prefer it if you didn't power play him even for something as minor as a line of dialog. Not to mention that it's against the rules.))

A grin and a chuckle was all Ashstripe had the energy to muster in response to Zeffer's light hearted snap at him, he would've mustered a bit more had Zeffer not promptly drawn into his strategy after so suddenly staring at him oddly. His eyes followed the white paw and the markings it created intently the little v's, x's and other assortment of lines and shapes. All making more and more meaning as he somewhat visualized what was being described to him. But to be honest, he wouldn't completely understand until the actual battle.

The information kept being streamlined slowly into his mind, there were quite a lot of towers, this was a very sound fortress...Early warning...And probably supplies to last a good season.

Understood? He drew back into reality quickly, away from his thoughts and let himself analyze everything that had just occurred quickly. What was the relevance of water? Were they going to flood them? Ask and learn he supposed.

"Aye...Anythin' special 'bout t-" He nearly stumbled forward in shock of the voice that had interrupted his train of thought, a late arrival from the sound of it.
"Fall in with the squads, Sergeant." He gave his reply darkly, he wasn't enjoying his trip out to the North as much as he would like to and the Drill Sergeant was catching some of the overspill.

[Ltc. Hubert Greenburrow II]

Major Hubert Greenburrow II, the young rabbit warrior, was quickly making his way to where the Long Patrol and Lord Ashstripe were.

As Hubert came nearer, a hare hopped up, saluting swiftly and told Major Greenburrow what was happening.

After the hare finished speaking, Major Greenburrow made his way to Ashstripe.

"Sir, Major Greenburrow reporting, sir!" After Major Greenburrow finished reporting, he stood at attention, awaiting Lord Ashstripe's reply.

[Rocky]

((It was a random sergeant that Jacksaw walked up to. I was just saying 'Sarge' that way I didn't have to spell out 'Sergeant'. Sorry. ))

"Yessir!" Jacksaw replied promptly. "Troops! Fall in line with Ash's patrol!" The patrol said in unison "Yes, sah!"

Jacksaw's small patrol mixed in with Ashstripe's much larger patrol.

Drill Sgt. Jacksaw was walking up and down the outside ranks, keeping a watchful eye on the hares.

[Ashstripe]

((Ahh...Then that would be my fault, no need to apologize.))

Another outcry, interrupting his minor Council of war this time from a more senior officer,
"At ease, Major." Ashstripe replied in a low tired voice, "Supervise the camp and help where required, there's a war at paw. " He waved his paw dismissively, the sooner he could get the finer details worked out with the other leaders, the sooner he could pass it on to the rest of his forces.

[Chancellor Zeffer Winterfur]

Zeffer laughed slightly as he watched as the number of hares keep comming up. He waited each time, however, he found that his thoughts on the Long Patrols were proven correct. None of his soldiers stood or even spoke as he waited to speak to the Badger Lord.
"Metäv os' Metäv..." growled Zeffer as he looked away for a moment. He tapped his foot for a moment as he looked at the ground. Then he turned his attention back to the Badger Lord.
"What I was thinking was that we need to attack tohse five posts... They all connect to the central fortress threw underground passes that is located in the central chamber of each post. We can use those to get inside and kill those WARR Bävistäs and traitors, without having to fight the whole WARR Army. More so... we could use those floodgates to give those beasts a little wash into the River and then into the sea, where our Azurrian Navy is waiting for them..."

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

Freya was silent as she listened to Zeffer speak. At the word traitor she looked away, halfway in pain as she looked away. She retained her proud look as she stiffened.
"What is bothering you, Freeborn..."asked Naja as the Wildcat Azurrian stood next to the Freelancer and Vermin legion leader. Freya took a deep breath as she glanced at the Wildcat.
"I-I want to help a friend..." she began as she looked at the Azurrian. "...But, I'm not sure if I can..."
"You worry for Dusk?"
"He-he forsaked us..."
"As said in the prophecy... You know this day would come... where he would have to make his choice... Either he forsaked his destiny and the world would suffer because of it... or he did as he was destant to do... and the world would have a chance..."
Freya looked at the Kathian Supreme Chancellor. There was a look of confusion in Freya's eyes.
"The prophecy said 'Two halves choice to travel the forsaken path, in order to bring about a new age, or they will turn away, and allow the old age to root away until it is gone, along with the future'... No matter what happened, he knew that he had to bring the new age... hoping that it will not be a one of darkness." The Wildcat turned her head listening to the voice of Zeffer, taking notes in her head.
"The New Azurrian people are ready and willing to follow any order of the noble Badger Lord, and Merrito Chancellor. Where you command us, we shall go." Naja knew that was a hopefull statemen, most of her people would protest, thinking that they didn't need the help of the 'weaker', young race of the Woodlanders.

[Ltc. Hubert Greenburrow II]

After Lord Ashstripe told Major Greenburrow his orders and dismissal, the young rabbit swiftly saluted with a snappy, "Yes sir!" and walked away to search for the hares under his command.

Major Hubert's Greenburrow II's thoughts on the upcoming war against WARR varied. He certainly would fight for the right and just cause, giving his life if necessary, though his parents would be devastated. He was rather confused about everything; he went patrolling and came back to see this!

[Rocky]

(Don't worry, Ashy. it was a mis-understanding. Don't worry about it. )

(I'm quoting a part so it won't get confusing.)

The cooks quickly broke out what little remained(By hare standards)

Sgt. Swiftfire was looking over the hares. He was walking up and down the ranks of hares when he realized that there wasn't much food. (In Hare terms)

So, Jacksaw went to talk to Ashstripe.

*Jacksaw salutes* "M'Laird! Ah see we doonae have much rations, sah! Would ya like me ta' take some of mah patrol and go foragin' for some, sirrah?"

Jacksaw stood stock still as he awaited a response.

[Kiara]

The other warrior nodded "Where better to hind out then right under their noses. They'll never think of looking for us there." She said as the undercover WARR agent stood next to the one she was sent to bring to the Over-lord.
Talia had dropped the final message over the side of the walls of Salamandastron the night before she had left with Darkhawk and found it gone the next morning, meaning someone had picked it up and on their way to deliver it.
The message in question, had said where their exact location would be, but not to do anything for a day or two, so that Darkhawk will still trust her. After a few days, she instructed that they can make their capture of him and the 'capture' of her.

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

Darkhawk took another breath as he turned to look at Talia. "That's not what I meant..." replied Darkhawk as he stared at the she-fox. His eyes were fixed on her for a moment as a serious look was on his face.
"...You think that I don't know what you are doing? Do you take me as such an idiot not to know?" replied Darkhawk stared at Talia. "The only reason I came was because I had to..."
There was sounds of footsteps approaching, hard and stiff with the sound of metal hitting metal.
"I am Darkhawk Shatteredheart, son of Rosethorn Shatteredheard, Descendant of the Vulpuz Line, last Sephron-Azurrian... The Dark Child... Harbinger of the New Age... I have know this day would come since I left my blood right. I have known that you were leading me to a trap... give up the game..."

[Chancellor Zeffer Winterfur]

There was a slow clap as Honor Guard soldiers quickly approached the two foxes. An older fox walked slowly over to the two as his soldier's surrounded them.
"Excellent job, Talia... Excellent job..." the old Archmagus said as he looked at the face of the young female fox. "I am glad to see that you were able to finish your mission... Your loyalty and actions shall be recorded into the history of the Empire... Well... Escort the the last heir to the Spire... Keep your weapons on him... He is a great warrior... If legion speaks true, then he is as good as the legenary Vulpuz himself... Careful now..." The gray fox turned to look at Talia, his red eyes glowing slightly as his Honor guards escorted Darkhawk.
"I am glad to see you made it back, unharmed..." said the old fox with his natrually creepy way. His stare was almost as dead like as his body was, unnatrually old in a sense, even if Empire beasts could live to there hundreds.

[Ashstripe]

Ashstripe turned and was about to give his reply and orders, but he was interrupted; again, this time by Colonel Kenzie herself.
" 'D'yer want m'patrol t'go foragin' sah?' " Kenzie somewhat mimicked what the Drill Sergeant had just advised of his Lord, "'Course 'e blinkin' would! Lookit Breezers!" She waved in the approximate direction to which Breeze was readily stuffing his head into a pot of rations all cooked together into some kind of stew; thankfully made by the cooks. "If 'e's not eatin' it, 'e's ruining it!" She snapped bitterly, her short fuse finally giving way.

"Don't y'go botherin' 'im again till y'have enough to feed that scoffin' sack...Then start workin' on th' rest of th' army." She barked out again wagging her paw, in a lesser tone to before. But still quite the same manner one would expect orders to be given in.

Her Lord himself was quite speechless, he was quite having enough of this, were it not a bad display he would've barked at them both more horribly then Kenzie did.
"Aye...Follow the good Colonel's orders...She's ranking officer." He replied in an even tone and resumed his planning with Zeffer. The Badger gave a grin as his mind finally registered the details that he was pondering before hand, though he was through thinking for the time being; fatigue could do that.

"Just point out the posts and we'll stab." He eventually muttered slowly, although he felt his intelligence being compromised he really couldn't care less right now.