Crisis of Kismet (Final Hour)

[Ashstripe]

Ashstripe nodded briskly at each of the flanks that had quickly assembled, although it wasn't as discrete as the plan had dictated it really didn't matter.
"Nay, I hae no idea of whom 'Vulpuz' may be." He folded his arms and stood his ground confidently, Now who's being disrespectful, savage beasts my eye. He still failed to see how enlightenment would be more civilized, from his experience war is war, a battle is a battle and death is death. No matter how you label it something is always taken and nothing is given.


Kenzie bit her lip at her Lord's taunting arrogance towards the enemy, religious fanatics always tend to fight with unending vigor when their cause is questioned and Ashstripe wasn't coming out and saying it but the way he spoke sure said a lot about how he felt about this whole situation. She eyed both flanks carefully, the hare's were in position, the arrows and slings all ready to fire at the raise of a paw the day had finally awakened with the sun rise being in the past. The centre was filled with the bulk of the Long Patrol, after all they would be charging the army head on and with Ashstripe. They stood firm, their various weapons reflecting the glare of the sun that gratefully warmed the armies.

Breeze was in the left with Major Greenburrow's flank, heading up his own squad and controlling those who needed control. The time for tomfoolery had come and gone...Well it would linger with Breeze who constantly smiled and boasted of his past experiences against the WARR horde.
"Oh aye, m'dear. I took 'im out with a quick jab t'is 'eart and that was th' end of that eight foot weasel." He shuddered suddenly, "Thank goodness there was only one eh? Wot wot!" He winked warmly at those who bothered to listen to his 'feats'. Fact or not, it didn't matter but Breeze managed to help stiffen the upper lip.

"None too shabby!? Ol' boy, d'yer know who yore talkin' too? Wot?" Sarge waggled a paw at the 'insolent' young Captain.
"Yeah, 'e's th' Legendary Sarge! Breaker of the unbreakable!" A soldier interrupted.
"Exactly wot! Breaker of th- Wot!?" His spectacles nearly fell off in sheer shock, "Y'mean breaker of bones young Humphrey's! Of course y'did lad! Wot! No one likes a liar now!" He slapped the Private on the back after initially glaring at him.

[Luna Broadsword]

Luna seemed to be leaning on nothing with her arms crossed in front of her, her face no longer containing its trademark smile. In its place was a more calculating expression. She waited for someone to speak up after Ashstripe. When no one did, she gave a mental sigh. Might as well give these WARR beasts a surprise... might knock them off guard, Luna thought to herself. Standing up straight, and letting her arms drop to her side, Luna cleared her throat slightly. "Vulpuz is the supposed guardian of Hellgates," She began, her voice adopting a more cultured tone. She spoke without accent, and her voice was light and feathery. It almost like she was a lady of some high class of nobility. "They say he is the one who gives seers their visions, and that all foxes are descended from him. The WARR empire worships him, and were even founded by someone named Vulpuz a thousand years ago. Whether he was named for the guardian of Hellgates, or the entity was named after him it is unknown. What is known is that the Vulpuz who formed WARR was a ruthless leader, and took many lives in his quest to form the empire we fight today. There has also been a prophecy made that he will be reborn through one of his descendants, or something to that effect: My sources have never been sure what was really going on when it comes to that particular prophecy. It is believed that this descendant will conquer the rest of the known world and bend it to his will." Luna watched the magus in front of her carefully, her eyes cold. One of her arms rested on her waist, acting as a perch for her elbow, as she dredged up every little thing she'd ever heard about Vulpuz and those who followed him. "They say that the religion of Vulpuz is a rather violent one, with many sacrificial rituals and that sort of thing. While I myself might prefer a fine red wine of good age, the higher classes of the Vulpuz worshippers prefer a drink made of fermented blood, taken from enemies and 'lower creatures.' Am I correct so far?" Luna asked, her voice polite, though cold and formal.

[Chancellor Zeffer Winterfur]

Rosethorn was silent as he stared at Talia and then to Darkhawk. He stood, which made all the WARR guards and Magus bow their head as the watched Rosethorn walk forward till he stood before Talia. A smile came on the Overlords face as he placed his hand on Talia's shoulder.
"A true example of the greatness of the Empire... By the power of Vulpuz, you are given your right as above that of all beasts besides Sephron... A hero... no... a master of all races beneath you. You are only second to us... the Overlord and Magus, Talia'Zul." The Zul part was an honorfication that would entitle all those who heard it to have to bow, or show respect to her. It was the equivalent to herofying. No other beast alive in the entire empire was given that right. Rosethorn bowed his head for a moment as he turned his attention to the Archmagus. The old fox put his hands on Darkhawk's shoulders, pushing him forward to the center of the room. There was an alter that had a sarcophagus in on it. It was made of marble black rock with steel outining words on it, all in the ancient Sephron tongue.

Zulu walked a few more steps before leaving Darkhawk's side to grab the top of the sarcophagus off revealing the remains of an ancient Sephron, not Vulpuz, but another. Whoever it was had no name, and was only bones. However, this warrior had the armor of Vulpuz. Pure blach steel with blood red outlines in the armor. The helmet had horns made from steel with thin strings of gold attached to the back.
"Our Warrior-God shall return to us threw the eldest son of Rosethorn. He shall be the hand of the empire and finally cleanse the world as his destiny states. Blood of the master runs threw his vains, along with the Azurrians. The two greatest races shall combine together as one, and the war of the soul shall free the warrior soul from it's rest... Vulpuz shall rise again, and complete his empire, with his loyal warriors." The Honor guards walked over to take the armor off of the Sephron who had tried to take on the rule of Vulpuz.

The magus stared at the Badger Lady for a moment as he heard the basics of his empire being told to him. The fox nodded, his red eyes open wide as a smile came on his face.
"Ah... so... I see the way of this 'backwater' nation... where 'Breeder' are out of their place, and are superior to 'males'... Pitiful... I would expect more from this race that has been so pesky to us...You should be careful, low life... your breeder has a rebellious tongue... If you aren't careful, she'll end the same way as your daughter."
Naja stared for a moment at the WARR beast and bore her teeth for a moment. The Sephron glanced to the Wildcat for a moment before smirking.
"So... tired of pounding sand in your little sandbox?"
Naja growled for a moment as Zeffer stepped in, knowing that if he didn't do something they would kill the Magus.
"Enough..." growled Zeffer as he stared at the Magus.
"Oh... A living Merrito! such a rare creature... maybe it's because they burn so easily..." growled the Magus as Zeffer stared for a moment. He showed no emotion as he keep the urge of slaughtering the beast from showing. "...Enough... Rosethorn is merciful... he offer you 'barbarians' the chance to..."

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

Darkhawk's head remained low as he stared at his hands. The warriors figured not to bind him or anything, but merely took his sword. The fox warrior was silent as he heard his father speak, and stayed silent as he heard Talia speak. What she said made him laugh slightly.
"Naive girl..." he muttered quietly as he felt the Archmagus's grab his shoulders leading him forward to the armor of Vulpuz. It looked exactly like the one from his dreams. For a moment the fox closed his eyes as he felt the Honor Guards put on the armor of the dead warrior. His eyes were closed as he resisted an urge to try and run.
You see? It isn't all that hard. Give in to what you are ment to do... what you were born to do.But... What if I don't want to do it...YOU can not escape your destiny! YOU Must complete it... YOU MUST... YOU can not run now... On the eve... when empire is on the brink of doom... I shall come... Those warriors who come to slay the Sephron will fall... Every moment you defy your destiny... the closer they come to doom... Do you not understand? This must happen, so a new age maybe born...

[Rocky]

Axe was walking along the shore. He noticed some hares... a lot of hares. Should I go down and meet them? Should I see what they're doing? Axe thought. Axe had his head down and was walking when he bumped into an odd black hare. The black hare had one white paw. Odd... Axe thought.

"Hello! Ah'm Snowpaw Swiftfire. Who, sah do Ah have the honor of ahdressin'?" Snowpaw asked.

"I'm Axe. I'm a badger. Don't worry, I'm on your side." Axe gave Snowpaw a wink. "Can you tell me what all those hares are doing down there?" Axe asked.

Snowpaw related the story of the Long Patrol and a battle. "Would ye like meh ta introduce ye to mah father and Colonel Kenzie? Ah would introduce ye to the ole' Laird. He's a badger type like you. His name is Ashstripe. He's in some conference thingamubob with some of yon enemy beasties. The colonel's in charge... Ah think." Snowpaw said.

~~~

"Yes, sah! None too shabby, yeself!!" Jacksaw said. He playfully nudged Sarge. "So, If'n yer joinin', meet meh by mah ranks, sah." Jacksaw said.


"Oi! Da'! C'mere! Ah think Ah found us another warrior." Snowpaw hailed his dad.

Jacksaw jogged over to where his son was. He did a double take at the site of Axe. "Oi! Yer a big type, eh? Ah'm Jacksaw Swiftfire... Ah'm a captain in the Long Patrol."

Axe asked. "What's... The Long Patrol....?" "Why, it's a group o' fightin' hares, mah friend!" Jacksaw said. "Here, Ah'll introduce ye to some higher rankin' chaps and a chapess." Jacksaw said.

"Oi, Sarge! Look what Ah fou--" Snowpaw interrupted. "Ahem!" "Ah mean, Snowpaw found. He's a warrior type... Like ole Laird Ash." Next was Captain Breeze. "Breeze, Ah think Ah found us a warrior! Badger... Albino... Says 'e don't get the bloodwrath tha' much..." Jacksaw shrugged.

Next up was Colonel Kenzie. "Colonel, since Ash is in a conference thingummy, Ah thought Ah'd tell ye... Snowpaw found a new warrior! A badger... With a big... BIG axe and sword. Can he fight wit' us?" Jacksaw waited for an answer.

[Luna Broadsword]

Luna felt her blood freeze than heat up in her veins, but instead of grabbing the beast in front of her, her paw flashed and grabbed Ashstripe's arm. It might have been a gesture to restrain him after what the magus said, but Luna's true intent was to stop herself from attacking the overbearing fox. Her grip was strong, and seemed to be the truest expression of Luna's current emotional state. Despite her sudden motion though, she didn't turn to look at the badger next to her, or any of her allies as each in turn were insulted. A faint, cold smile appeared on her face as she watched the magus. She took a deep breath before interrupting what she was sure would be a rather dull speech. "Come now, do not bore us with forced double talk and overbearing formalities." Luna said her voice devoid of rage. There was just a light, but polite, boredom there in its place. "You are going to say that we do not have to fight, that we can give up and join you, than help you finish conquering the world. That is, as long as we do what you say. We of course will say we would rather see Hellgates than join you, while you laugh and inform us that can be arranged. We than both agree now is a perfect time for you to try. We than go back to our armies, give them a grand speech and charge onto this field to kill each other... In the most civilized way of course." Luna finished with an airy sort of time. "Did I leave anything out?"

[Ashstripe]

Those words cut Ashstripe's pride deeply and when something is hurt they tend to defend themselves. And his pride was a rather vital part of him. His paws broke out of their casual fold and one reached for his weapon and the other stood fast. It was no sooner then a fraction of the metal reveal itself did he halt, his free arm being clasped tightly by Luna. He slowly craned his eyes to her, she wasn't looking at him, as if it was nothing. He snorted lightly, finding it quite ironic that she appeared to be holding him back after the Magus' insult.

He held his tongue and took a few slow deep breaths as Luna retorted to the ancient that stood before them. It would be his personal mission above all else to have his way with the fox, as would many of his allies present; it was just a matter of who got to him first he supposed.


Sarge twirled his moustache appreciatively, "Well do m'boy!" he grinned and felt the fresh string on his bow eagerly, he would show these young ruffians a thing or two about archery...And his ability to craft a good string. His thoughts came to a screeching halt as Snowpaw's voice penetrated his barrier of glee...And another badger.
"Ho-ho! Another stripe-dog eh? Wot? A lot like 'is Lordship...Wot a fine specimen!" Sarge circled the young badger slowly, as if he was some new animal on exhibition.
"Lookit th' size of that axe.." He adjusted his specticles slowly and realized his error.
"Oh m'dear dead Aunt! Where are m'manners eh? Name's Sarge doncha know! Wot wot!" He vigorously shook paws with the badger using two of his for the others significantly larger but still managing a tight grip.

Breeze nearly tripped over his own feet in sheer shock, a third Badger! Well this was quite extraordinary, three badgers all fighting together! What higher power had Breeze (dis)pleased to deserve this?
"Well aren't we th' walkin' white boulder?" He smiled and looked the badger up and down, his ears reaching a little over Axe's brow. It was quite obvious Breeze wasn't initmidated in the slightest by the mammoth size of a male badger, "Little bloodwratih y'say? Wells that's a notch up from ol' Moonshine and Lord 'Furrowbrow' wot wot!" He chuckled lightly, perhaps this one had less of a temper then Ashstripe and more clearer intentions than Luna.

Outside, Kenzie's expression didn't even flinch, greeting the badger as she would greet any other.
"Well either y'crazy or brave t'get involved in this." She paused for a moment and thought appreciatively, "Or maybe both!" She smiled lightly, her cynical attitude was lost on the hares within ear-shot.
"Sure 'e can fight, yer need me to point?" Without awaiting a reply from either one she waved in the general direction of the WARR horde, "You want that lot t'die, doncha know?" She smiled sweetly, passing off for a much less disciplined younger hare. Truth be told, on the inside she was already thanking her stars that another had stumbled upon them and was all too willing to aid them.

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

Freya looked slightly concerned as she stepped forward as well trying to keep Ashstripe from kill the magus. She knew that it would be a problem if they killed this fox now do to the army that wasn't to far behind them. She stared at the magus for a moment before narrowing her gaze at him. He hadn't insulted her yet, but she knew by the end he would.
"These talks are going no where. We don't need to hear his fowl words... If you have anything else to say, then say it and leave." growled Freya as she stared at the Sephron Fox.

[Chancellor Zeffer Winterfur]

The Magus grinned after a moment as he looked at how he had hurt the pride of these beasts deeply. He laughed after a moment, hearing their hostility toward him. After a moment he stopped as his Master Warlords stiffened there stances.
"MY... I didn't even notice you there, inferior." said the Sephron fox to the vixen that spoke to him. He laughed again as he looked at her. "I didn't realize that these weakings wanted to have a creature as worthless as 'false' foxes, who are only useful at warming the bed of us, 'superior bred foxes'." The Magus grinned again before sighing, turning his back on the warriors.
"Very well... If you wish for a fight, then you shall have it... No matter what you do... WE are still going to win this war... the 'Dark Child' shall insure that." The Magus began to walk away from the beasts that he had insulted. The Master Warlords hit there spears to there shields and turned as well.

[Luna Broadsword]

Luna watched the magus turning to leave, her grip on Ashstripe's arm tightening as much as it could. There was murder in her eyes as she looked at the hold fox. "Magus," She called out softly, but loud enough to be heard. "I am very pleased we were invited to your funeral... I will look for you on the field." It was spoken in the same polite and light way that had dominated Luna's way of speaking thus far. She still refused to look at Ashstripe, despite holding his arm. She wanted to reserve all her anger for the magus, and she couldn't be completely sure she wouldn't attack the first thing she saw...

[Rocky]

"Yes, Colonel Kenzie, I am crazy. I love battling. I like to help my allies. I'll do anything for friends. If ye need me, I'll be somewhere." Axe said. He gave her a wink and a smile.

"Snowpaw, Ah'm thinkin' that yon conference thing is done, ye ken?" Jacksaw said.

"Oh, yes dad. Ah doo think tha' it is doone." Snowpaw said.

Jacksaw walked over to Axe. "Do ye know a thing aboot archery, mah friend?"

"Yes. I don't have my bow with me though. It is a large yew bow. Almost as large as me." Axe said.

"Weel, we'll have ta' do somethin' aboot that, eh?" Jacksaw said. "Follow me."

Jacksaw walked over to Sarge. "Oi, Sarge. ye think ye might have a bow for our snowy white friend? 'e says e' knows a thing aboot archery but left his yew bow at home. Ye think ye may have one big enough in these ranks? Maybe our ole Laird has one or two..." Jacksaw said.

Now it was Axe's turn to interrupt. "Well, if you don't have a bow for me, it's ok... Ill stick to close combate if'n ya don't have one."

[Kiara]

Talia looked at Rosethorn as he stared at her then watched as he shifted his eyes to Darkhawk. 'Now what?' She thought to herself as Rosethorn stood up. She just stood there, not taking her eyes off him as everyone else bowed, aside from herself and Darkhawk.
She looked up at the Overlord as he now stood infront of her. She bow her head. She looked at her shoulder as he placed his hand on it, then looked back at him as he spoke.
She smiled and bowed again. "I am honoured." She said looking up at Rosethorn. '...But what did you do to my name?...'
The newly honored she-fox took a few steps back, ignoring darkhawk's comments as she watched Zulu reveal the armor of Vulpuz and listened to his speach.

[Ashstripe]

Ashstripe gave a primal snarl, it was all he could manage with the thick cloud of rage fogging his good reason. The badger winced slightly as the vice on his arm tightened further, if he couldn't feel the sheer killing intent from Luna, he would've presumed the grip to be something out of fear; coupled with the fact that he knew her well enough to know such an emotion is non-existent in this setting.

"Ye seek to create a wasteland and call it an Empire." He muttered and turned as sharply as he had spoken, still finding himself anchored by his arm. He nearly smiled but instead decided to repress it,
"Come now, we have a war to win." He viewed Luna through what were now impassive eyes, but the corners still twitched with the suppression.

________________

Sarge chuckled like a mad man, they had called him crazy for collecting weapons and now he found a use for it. Typical young beast ignorence.
"Course me lad! I got a nice ol' bow...Fair few seasons back....Off a young Badger buck....Son of a Lord....Or somthin'..." He raised his paws in resignation as he strolled towards a barracks tent and motioned for the two follow as he reached his area of the living quarters.
"Lesseee...Wot were we lookin' for?" He inquired suddenly, adjusting his specticles as he spoke, obviously his memory wasn't as good as it used to be.

((I take it the battle is going to begin?))

[Chancellor Zeffer Winterfur]

Zeffer watched the Magus for a moment before turning to walk away. Under his sleeve he had two assassin nettles laced with deadly poison. He glanced at the backs of the two Master Warlord. With a single motion the nettles were gone as he turned walking away as well. The small nettles were true in aim, hitting the two Warlords so quickly they didn't know that it hit them. The white fox glanced to Naja for a moment.
"The military leaders will not bother us..."
The Magus had a grin on his face as he walked to his army.

[Ltc. Hubert Greenburrow II]

Lieutenant Colonel Hubert Greenburrow II glanced around at his companies, making sure they were geared up and ready for battle. As he turned his head back, he quickly reversed the motion and stared at a great white figure. Was it an albino badger? Hugh turned to the captain he had given command of the long-range missiles to and told him he was in charge. Greenburrow made his way to the badger, and noted the great axe.

As Hugh came close to the badger, he introduced himself. After he finished, he said, "And who are you? You look like you could do a great deal of damage to those vermin!"

[Rocky]

((Wait... Rosethorn, who died? Two warlords?))

"We are looking for a bow for our new Albino beastie, mah friend!" Jacksaw said to Sarge. Jacksaw and Axe turned at the sound of Ltc. Hubert Greenburrow II. "Ah, Ah was just goin' ta introduce our new warrior to ye' after Ah got 'im a bow!" (Seriously... I was gonna introduce him to you)

Axe shook Hugh's paw. His almost enveloping Hugh's. "I'm Axe. I know, I know... I'm albino." Axe gave him a smile. "I go by the name o' Axe because I woke up one morning and I was by the shoreline. I couldn't remember anything except how to fight. Since I had this Battle-Axe, I called myself Axe. Than, I traveled and traveled and bumped into a hare named Snowpaw who brought me to Jacksaw, who introduced me, and now is showing me around." Axe said.

"If'n you need my help, just ask where Jacksaw or Snowpaw is and I'll probably be by them! And, if you want, I'll shoot some arrows with you and yer group, eh?" Axe said.

"And now we are waitin' for our buudy Sarge to get our new warrior beastie--" he pointed to Axe"-- a bow big enough. 'e says e's good at archery. Ah just hope 'e don't break the bow!" Jacksaw said. He gave Axe a hearty clap on the back.

[Luna Broadsword]

Luna turned with Ashstripe, still smiling slightly. Her gaze stayed straight forward, as if she were paralyzed. As each group went their separate ways, Luna let out a small breath she hadn't known she'd been holding. "I apologize fer takin' liberties with ya arm an' all, bu' I was afraid I'd create a diplomatic inciden' without it." She said through slightly gritted teeth. She glanced at him, and saw both his impassive gaze and his eye twitch. Luna instantly assumed the slight movements were from repressed rage. Nearly consumed with it herself, she said the first thing that came to mind that might distract Ashstripe from his anger. "I hope it woudn' trouble ya to help me back ta camp. I doubt I'd make it without killin' somethin'."

[Ashstripe]

Ashstripe nearly smiled, but decided to shrug it off. He wasn't feeling particularly merciful either, he could feel the edges of his eyes warm with the all too familiar sensation that was the bloodwrath.
"I fail t'see how that's a problem." He replied with a quick nod, "As long as it be the foe." But he would comply regardless, he had become less reliant on pure rage in recent times and wanted to keep that trend alive. He wanted to win this battle with a clear head, tactic's and all the other things he had yet to hear about.

____________

Sarge grinned broadly as his mind snapped back into motion, "Of course!" He chuckled heartily as he rummaged through his supplies, tossing aside quite an assortment of weapons and armor, some restored to their former glory others still as dented as the day he obtained them. Eventually, after a few pricked paws and a little more than a curse, Sarge found his treasure.
"A fine bow if'n's I evers saw ones! Wot!" He held up the smooth length of wood appreciatively, it shined slightly and had always merited Sarge's closest attention. The string was fresh, having never seen use since he replaced the old one.
"Now letsee..." He continued his treasure hunt for a quiver of arrows, "'Ere we are! Jolly well done wot wot!" His old paws clutched the cloth quiver tightly and handed it to Axe along with the bow,
"Th' arrers aren't th' best, but arrer's are arrers eh?"

[RakingClaw]

(this is my first post and i hope i am not spoiling anything for anyone)
Sarak RakingClaw had been watching the armies gather and the smell of fox flesh made his blood boil. "This moment" he thought "This is the moment i have been waiting for" he stroked the prongs on his trident without thought, his scarred hairless lips pulling back into a deep throated growl. "I must join that army and kill them all" with that he stepped out of the brush and walked toward the two badgers he had just been spying on. He walked hands held high, when he got withing ear shot he yelled "I'm here to see the Badger Lord Ashstripe, and to offer my services to him." He then lowered his head and put himself at their mercy.

[Rocky]

"As long as they're arrows, Ah don't mind a bit!" Said Axe.

Jacksaw heard a voice and he turned around. He did a double take at the wildcat. He was a fearsome sight. " Oi, Axe.. Follow me... Ah think we have a visitor. Ah doonae know if 'e's good or bad." Jacksaw and Axe jogged over to the wildcat. "Oi, If'n yer on our side, ye better not hurt any of our mateys. We have some foxes and hares. If ye harm any of 'em, Ah'll have my albino beastie floor ye, ye ken?" Jacksaw pointed to Axe. Jacksaw criss-crossed his arms and stood next to Axe. "Now, If'n ye want ta talk to Laird Ash, ye need be follow me." Jacksaw than whispered something in Axe's ear. "Stand behind 'im in case 'e tries to attack. If 'e does, floor 'im!" He whispered. "Follow me, sirrah!" He walked over to Ash. *Jacksaw salutes* M'laird! Ah found a wildcat, sah! Ah think he wants to fight with us, sah! 'Ere 'e is, sah!" Jacksaw moved aside so Ash could get a look at the wildcat.