Crisis of Kismet (Final Hour)

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

Darkhawk was laughing as he walked away from the injured Merrito warriors that had been trying to fight the new Supreme Overlord of the Empire.

"Why... why does your kind resist me... I, Vulpuz was able to slaughter hundreds of your Kind with a single slash. Azurrian, Irean, Ferran... It didn't matter... You are all the same... you are all Mortal... I am eternal... I have been chosen to cleanse the planet of ALL Mortal beings! They burn... They will die... They will be tortured, burned, stabbed, strangled, drowned, any method I choose... Bring forth you champions to battle me... Merrito has hath seen it's day... and now... you will be powerless to watch as I kill all your kinds! ALL MORTALS SHALL BE SENT TO HELLGATES AND PUNISHED FOR ALL ETERNITY!!!"

The Fox laughed as the Merrito Warriors tried to stand, blood from the pools that the foe had made. The Red-eyed fox walked over to the secret passage that lead to the Outpost that the other warriors were lead to. He walked passed the injured warrior and sat on the throne that belonged to his father.
"... Mortal's time on this world has ended... I shall make it barren... and none will be able to stop me..."

... I'm sorry... so sorry... I knew this day would come... now... alone... I can't help you... I'm alone... all alone. Our destiny shall soon be forfilled... Why do you grieve? Those mortals never helped you. They just watched as you suffered... these mortals brought you suddering. Kill them... allow them to die for the sins they commited on you. Hurry... Please... End my suffering... end this so that no one needs to die... Remember what I wanted you to promise me, Ashstripe... To make sure that no matter what happens... you do what needs to be done. Please, Do not take any mercy on me, my friend.

[Kiara]

Talia walked with her escorts into the control room with some other warriors, biting her lip. ‘Why oh why did I run away from home and join the ranks of WARR. I was so stupid, and what’s worse…I caused Darkhawk to go crazy.’ “I have to do something to fix this.“ She mumbled to herself as she looked around the started to proceed to the door she had just entered. Hopefully the warriors were to busy conversing with each other about what to do to notice her.

[Rocky]

((XD Long posts are better than short!=P))

"Sure ye're a sir! Ye ain't a ma'am, eh?" He chuckled, patting Breeze slightly on the back. Then he smiled greater, as Breeze mentioned the stew. "Ah'm sure it'll warm me opp just fine." He said smirking, and extending the 'u' in sure. Snowpaw couldn't feel happier. Well... That's what he thought until the figure appeared.

A hare, tall and light builded walk through the throng of hares and presented himself in front of Snowpaw. The hare dropped his shield and spear and kneeled down and grabbed Snowpaw in a hug, crying, "Oh Snowpaw. You've grown in size... And muscle too!" He added as Snowpaw gave him a bear hug in return. "Zephyr! Uncle Zephyr! You're alive! Ah was told ye were dead!" Snowpaw exclaimed.

Zephyr chuckled, "Dead?" He said with mock astonishment. "Surely whoever told you that was usin' a metaphor, wot?" Snowpaw laughed through tears, trying to hold them back, but failing miserably. "Um... Zephyr... Ah have some bad news tae tell ye." Snowpaw said, lowering his head. "Dad... He's... He's dead." If anyone else told him this, Zephyr would not believe it. Zephyr's eyes widened at Snowpaw's statement. Zephyr stood tall, lowered his head, and said a prayer. Tears fell from Zephyr's eyes, as he remembered his cousin. Their times together. And that day when Jacksaw was a Lieutenant. He'll never forget that day. Then, Zephyr's tears stopped falling and he wiped a paw across his eyes.

"How did you escape that raid, Zephyr?" Snowpaw asked, breaking the silence. "I was saved by those I held closer then my blades." Was all Zephyr said, before he announced his full title to Snowpaw. "Zephyr... Why are you here?" Zephyr almost fell over with shock at the question that was presented to him, but instead, he simply chuckled, "Why I'm the flippin' General of the Long Patrol!" He declared proudly. Snowpaw smiled, then hugged his uncle. Zephyr patted his head then adressed Breeze, "So... You're adoptin' 'im, eh?" He chuckled. "Treat 'im well." He winked. Then, to know one in particular, Zephyr spoke up yet again, "When do you think this battle will end?"

[Ashstripe]

((Heh, true true.

Anow...Using some of my magical powers *smash* I shall shift a bulk of the LP and Ashstripe to the passage..

I'm going to assume a lot of things, so slap me if I've gotten it wrong.


That offer doesn't extend to Rocky by any chance. =P))

The final steps were taken, the mud and stone of the field was now behind them. This was it, this passage, nestled at the base of the tower would lead them to their salvation, it would lead them to the end of the madness. Hares flooded into the narrow passage-way, their dampened paws slopping and tapping the floor lightly. The only light from the torches flickered awkwardly with each step, followed by the slow, rhythmic clinking of small interlinked chains of armour which in turn was followed by the metal of a blade scrapping along the floor erratically.

How was this Badger, barely able to carry the weight of his own sword, going to save all those around him? How was he going to save Darkhawk from the supposed fate that lay ahead of him? How was he going to protect this world that had given and taken so much from him? Like a whirlpool these thoughts constantly circulated Ashstripe's mind as he travelled slowly and solemnly through the passages, only to be interrupted by a file of hares dashing past; wave after wave they would come, their numbers seemingly from no where.

"Stay strong." He muttered, he was referring to no one in particular, he just wanted to leave this battle with as few tears as possible. The previous war had taken much from them and if Luna was who he thought she was, she would be all too ready to assault their mountain no sooner then had they returned to Salamandastron.

_______________________

"I wouldn't be too sure 'bout that." Came a sharp and precise reply to Snowpaw's question, the young hare in turn received a sharp smack to the head from Kenzie and Breeze respectively, one was for insubordination the other was for...Well disrespecting Breeze's would be honour.

"Wot was that Humphries? Couldn't quite 'ear ye over that smackin' noise, those vermin chappies are quite rude doncha know? Wot wot!" The good Captain smiled slyly whilst folding his arms casually, he had taken note of Kenzie's reaction and would likely bring that up later - she didn't quite hate him then.

The Colonel in question didn't have time to follow up her brutal discipline with a stern word, for her other paw had instantly found it's place in a salute near her brow.
"General Swiftfire sah!" She almost stuttered in shock and embarrassment at nearly being caught enforcing the discipline in a rather unconventional manner - Kenzie did things by the book, smacking subordinates over the head was something Breeze would do.

Breeze followed suit, albeit in a less strict manner, he merely motioned for the rest of the squad to follow Kenzie's example and smiled mischievously with his half-hearted show of discipline and class,
"General Wotishisname, sah!" His response gradually gaining pitch and speed as if he was just waking up from a long slumber,
"Eeeh...I don't lik' thinkin' o' it as adoption y'see, sah?" The jovial hare returned to his casual stance, "More so, mentorin'...Somethin' real mature like." At this, the Captain grinned at his now inflated ego, he was now genuinely respected by another.

[Chancellor Zeffer Winterfur]

Zeffer was barely able to lift himself up as he and his Merrito warriors slowly stood, slowly rose back up, hearing the chatter of the others threw the passage. The White Fox then heard a pounding against the doors of the mighty Spire.
"Vell, close the front." The warrior nodded as Zeffer ran to the opening of the secret Passage.

"STAY BACK! Do not bring the Entire LP... GET THEM OUT, ASHDOG! The Azurrian will destroy the dam, and it will kill your warriors... Don't risk their lives." Zeffer turned from the passage to look at the bodies of the dead Lords of the Empire. The Last of the 'True' Sephron, killed by a half-bred. Zeffer knew better then most of those who could claim homage to the old races. He knew that the blood truelly didn't matter. A Half-breed could be more powerful then that of a full. Darkhawk had always been the greatest warrior, the fastest, skilled, smartest, compared to the empire's warriors, he was a god. His destiny said by his mother had cursed the son's life. Zeffer frowned slight, not helping but feel sorry for the young fox-warrior. He had faught him just like he would others and it wasn't working. Darkhawk was his friend, weither Zeffer would say that was no, but it was true. The red-fox had spared his life, allowed him to run after Zeffer had saved and protected Darkhawk's life.

"Darkhawk... You don't want to be this... You hate the Empire. You never wanted to join them. You don't want to hurt others. You want just to happy. Please, let him come back..."

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

The Red-Fox barely paid any attention to the calls of the White Merrito Warrior, who stood there with a gaze that said that he didn't want to fight anymore.
"It matter's not what Darkhawk wanted... It was his destiny. He is the last of the Sephron and the Azurrian... well mostly Sephron. He is the offspring of my line, directly descendant from Vulpuz, the Greatest Warrior of all Sephrons, the Guardian of Hellgates and soon... soon to be a god!" the warrior remained sitting.
"Why do you fear to come and face me... You fear to face Vulpuz, the God-king?" The warrior twiched slightly at the word as if it poison rolling off his tongue. A part of him didn't believe that for a moment. Dead spirits, dead deities can not return to the world, even if prophesized. A part of him knew it, and knew 'Vulpuz' wasn't who he said he was.

Freya took a deep breath before going to grab the plate armor. She glanced at Luna for a moment.
"I am going to have to remove the plate. Healer... be ready." The healer hare nodded after a moment as Freya pulled out a knife to cut the leather that held the armor together. She cut quickly before pulling off the armor so that she exposed the chain-mel layer. The She-Fox took a deep breath before putting her paw on the spear shaft.
"I am going to pull this out, and I will then move the chain-mel and away... Healer... you will have to stop the bleeding... Ike, go, help Ashstripe. Luna... don't move. Everyone ready?" The healer nodded as Freya looked at Luna, hoping that the badger wouldn't kill her when she pulled the spear out.

[Rocky]

((No slapping? Aw shucks! And I was hoping. XP))

Zephyr tried to hide a smile as Snowpaw was disciplined, but failed and chuckled out loud. Quickly stopping after realization of his failure, Zephyr straightened up, and coughed slightly. "Watch your tongue, boyo." He said, winking at Snowpaw who was rubbing his head.

"At ease." He then said as Kenzie and soon to be everyon else saluted

Then, Zephyr turned to Breeze, laughing, "Mentorin', eh? A good ole' chap like yeself will treat him fine." Then, Zephyr bent down and whispered to Snowpaw, "Don't, for the love of any god up there, try the stew." Then he stood right back up and coughed and looked around as if he didn't say anything at all. The seasoned hare twirled his mustache as several thoughts ran through his mind about how to wrap this battle up quickly. "Colonel. If perhaps we set the archers up where we're standing now, would they by any chance weaken the enemies forces? We could pull our hares out so no arrows take 'em, ma'am. Would that be a good idea?" He wasn't too sure, and seeing as how he wasn't the only veteran here, he asked Kenzie, who would probably have a general idea of what would happen if they followed through on his 'plan'.

While waiting, Zephyr handed Snowpaw his shield, and the young hare almost toppled over at its weight, for it took him by surprise. Chuckling at Snowpaw, Zephyr sheathed his rapier onto his back, and unsheathed the sabre, right next to it. Then, grabbing his sheild from Snowpaw, Zephyr stood tall, still waiting. "How 'bout ye'self, Captain? What do you think?" He asked, addressing Breeze.

[Ashstripe]

The Badger gritted his teeth, he had been in error. Errors were often caused by a lack of understanding, lack of understanding in battle was caused by a lack of communication - he made a mental note to enforce that in future battles; provided he had a future.

But he would not flee, he came to end the madness and end the madness he would - even if it would cost him his life and possibly the lives of the Long Patrol...No, who was he to claim ownership over their lives? Capable of expending them at whim. The Badger continued, he heard the exasperated and desperate shouting of the Merrito leader, but still refused to heed it.

Again hare's dashed past him, though this time in the opposite direction, they weren't fools. They felt this...Presence, they found the bodies of the fallen and the fear in the eyes of their allies; and most importantly, heard Zeffer's order.

"Sirrah!", the would be Blossum was now tugging at Ashstripe's armour, the small hare was dwarfed further by the mammoth of a creature whom was their Lord, "Y'heard th' white fox'er! Y'got t'flee!", her bravado was now cast aside and rationality had taken hold - fear and the loss of comrades tended to do that to beasts.

Her Badger Lord in question glanced at her, not once slowing down his increasing conviction and path,
"Stand down." He muttered, almost threateningly, "Run. There be nothin' more fore ye to do here...Tell everyon' to run." The Badger placed extra emphasis on his final order. They were over-confident, they had found some stragglers of the horde and paid the price; a situation Ashstripe was all too familiar with.

He breathed a deep sigh, feeling the air calm his emotions and steadying his nerves. Heroes and Legends tend to be dead... he recalled that thought once more, only now realising the real meaning behind the words he was taught so long ago.

"Zeffer! Where are the Lords of this realm!?" He roared loudly, his arms out-stretched, finding new strength in his convictions, "Where are those with paws stained with the blood of thousands!?" The Badger was now slowly sinking back into his madness, he came looking for a fight and would find one - he would fight all the way into the watery arms of Armageddon if need be.

But he found his own question answered as he entered the chamber, there it was, plain as day. The entire would be Council, slaughtered. An ironic yet deserving fate to say the least. But that wasn't his primary concern, here it was, as plain as day. The one that the entire battle was about, the one who had started it all through no fault of his own.
"Darkhawk..." The Badger nearly mumbled, unable to believe his own sight. He had always assumed that the horde would kill him, he had always shrugged aside the talk of returned Gods and the would be apocalypse. But in that one moment, the glass that was Ashstripe's reality, shattered.

You don't want this...You hate the Empire......Just what was going on here?


_______________________


((Breeze and Kenzie smacked a random NPC of mine, that makes common reappearances ))

Kenzie breathed a sigh of relief inwardly, she wasn't used to be taken off guard and she sure as night came after day didn't like it. She kept her expression stoic, appearing to be in complete control of the situation and her subordinates.

As soon as the General directed his attention towards her again, she almost instinctively snapped to attention - almost, a slight twitch of her feet almost gave away the Colonel's moment of doubt.

"'Fraid I wouldn't say so, sirrah. Th' enemy's routed, sirrah. His Lordship has entered the passage, presumably leading to the city. Our current orders are t'provide aid, sirrah!" She spoke each sentence and detail of her report quickly and loudly, almost shouting the General's title. Being at ease was something the hare was unfamiliar with.


"Thank y'kindly! Wot! Now 'ere's a chap who knows 'ow t'treat the chaps at th' bottom, eh? Wot wot!" Breeze smiled gleefully as his gratitude/remark was slyly directed at a certain Colonel. The Captain was now standing casually, almost leaning on a smaller member of his squad who didn't quite seem to outright object her Captain's blatant disregard for protocol,

"Well, th' ways, I sees it, see?" Breeze stroked his imaginary beard at his chin lightly, as if in deep thought. Truth be told he had ulterior motives in mind that had yet to come to light for the, higher ups.

"Is that, young Kenzie 'ere-"

"That's Colonel Kenzie, Captain.", Kenzie interrupted in a stern, correcting tone,

"Didn't y'ever get taught not t'interrupt y'elders when their speakin', 'gel?" Breeze replied in an equally stern, yet somehow mocking tone, though it was quite obvious he was unconcerned with such formalities,

"As I was sayin', young Colonel Kenzie here, 'as th' right idea. Th' ol' grump 'as gone an' charged in 'ead first again! Lookin' before 'e's leapin' doncha know? Wot wot! 'E's gone 'nd forgotten that it's gonna get rather damp, rather quickly, wot?", He gave his report in a blatant contrast to the Colonel, there were no 'sirrahs', no formalities and probably a few comments that should have been kept to himself, but still Breeze kept his smile strong and his mind closed and oblivious.

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

The new leader of the empire stood up, his red eyes full staring at the 'stripe-dog' that was there. A smile came on his face as he stood before the Leader of Salamanstrom and the Leader of Merum. The Red-fox looked at the sky, putting his hands up to watch the storm that had moved across the battlefield and hung over the Spire like a curtain of darkness.

"I was chosen... chosen to kill my father... kill the Sephron. It was my fate given to me by my mother... No one doubted it. They would keep me away from everyone... 'cause I wasn't like them... Too Sephron to play with inferiors... Too Azurrian to take my birthright... I was alone, alone my entire life, with the knowledge of what I would do. You see... that destiny is over. I have killed my father... the Sephron... the only one left, is me." The Warrior's eyes looked to Ashstripe.

"I was my destiny to bring back the Lord... the Savior of the Sephron... after all imperity is removed... I... I am the tool of his master. WE are one and the same..." His voice resonated with the sound of double voices. The real Darkhawk was there, but something was hidding it.

"Now... Allow me to add your blood to my scarlet floor, and use your pelt to warm my door way." A laugh came as he held his father's 'Special' sword, made from the very Star Material that killed Vulpuz a thousand years ago. His red eyes were focused on Ashstripe. With in them, a tiny gleam, a tiny shread of emotion was there. It looked almost like ressentiment, but it wasn't really directed full at anyone else but himself. Two side. Two personalities. One being evil, the other being good.
The ressentiment was against everything.

[Rocky]

OOC: Oh... Pfft... I knew that. XD Ill post later...

[ferretface]

(Would that 'large chunk of the LP' involve a considerably calmer Lieutenant Headtaker? If so, I'll edit this post to a proper post, because 'Retchen's still just shooting things.)


I'll just borrow your post 'Retchen *Yoinks*

Basically, your decision, he's your character and he can be wherever you want him to be - within reason and within the bounds of the thread.

A message brought to you by Ashstripe. Sponsored by Cups, where would your liquids be without them?



Lieutenant Parram Headtaker was acting rearguard of the LP guarding Ashstripe. And now, he was being ordered to just abandon his lord, and flee.
Ha. No chance.
Lieutenant Headtaker carefully followed a respectful distance behind Ashstripe, moving almost silently and hiding behind every vestige of cover. THe hares that were making slow progress out of the tunnel knew better than to interfere with what he was doing, for although Parram would now be in a perfect position to snipe Ashstripe, they also knew his loyalty was absolute. Making almost no sound, he nocked his greatbow. But then, after a short sololiquay that the Lt. couldn't really hear...those eyes. He nearly choked as he clumsily stumbled out of view.
Those were the eyes of his nightmares.

'Retchen ran to his boss, followed after by his two hordebeast guards.
"She gonna be okay?" he asked. "'Cos, uh...the boys ain't gonna be happy if she ain't. Might start fightin' each other, cos they ain't too bright an' need someone smarter to lead 'em. Life's been good recently, an', well..." The mercenary shrugged. "It's a lot better than any other horde around. An' I know from experience."

[Rocky]

((XD Nice add Ash. "A message brought to you by Ashstripe. Sponsored by Cups, where would your liquids be without them?" Priceless


Zephyr couldn't help but let a smile crease across his battered features as Breeze and Kenzie traded words. "So... Bad idea, ma'am? Alright, I won't send the order, wot!" Then he turned to Snowpaw, as the young hare asked a question, "Er... Zephyr... Why don't ya speak in highland dialect?" Zephyr responded with a quick and snappy answer, "Me and Jacksaw were cousins, doncha know? His mother's sister spoke with highland dialect, but the one she married spoke normally, and I guess I got the gene not givin' me the flippin' highland dialect, wot!" Snowpaw nodded knowingly, "Ah think Ah want ta' speak like a normal unhighlandy hare, wot... wot?" He said, shivering slightly at his knew 'speech'. This would take some time getting used to!

Zephyr turned around and looked at Kenzie and Breeze, "I do hope this battle will end soon. So many casualties... Young 'uns, too. they deserve to die, eh?" He said, trying to hide the break in his voice. "I remember trainin' some when they were still young..." The general sniffed slightly and a tear rolled down his eye. Quickly taking a hankercheif(sp?) out of his belt, he wiped it away. "Well, Kenzie. Breeze. Should we join our Lordness in battle, wot? Or you still thinkin' 'bout that bottomless pit you call a stomach, Breeze?"

OOC: Bleh... Awful... Just... AWFUL! xD

[Luna Broadsword]

Luna nodded, gritting her teeth. This wouldn't be the first painful healing she'd been through. She glanced at Ike. "Do tell Ash' tha' I'm sorry ta 'ave missed most of the party." She said with a ghost of a smile. She looked back to the healer's and nodded, letting them no she was ready.

Vigil had watched as Zeffer and his companions were beaten, opting to remain in the shadows during the fight. She knew better than to charge in there with no plan. Besides, no matter how loathe she was to admit it, she didn't want to kill Darkhawk. There has to be a way... she told herself. As Ashstripe burst in she stepped into the light. "Sir, you got a plan?" She asked, for once acting respectful. "Or were ya planin' on chargin' him like Zeffer an' his friends did?"

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

"Why not you come forth? Do you fear to face me? Stand and fight me... Salamandastronan Badger Lord, Ashstripe Splinterpaw!" Shouted the warrior as he held the bloodstained sword. The blood red eyes didn't blink as he moved to face the Badger Lord himself. He didn't look afraid, to an extant he looked completely happy, completely alright with the aspect of fighting a friend.
"I am the Heir to the WARR Empire... The blood of the Greatest Warrior flows threw my veins... I am the master of all that are in my domain... Do you fear to fight me, Splinterpaw? You were never afraid before at killing my kind in the past... You were never afraid before... Fight me... Kill me if you can... Destroy the last of the Sephron, if you can muster the strength... WILL YOU, Stripe-dog?!"

[Ashstripe]

Again Ashstripe felt his teeth grit together from pure instinct, he was intimidated, frightened even. The sceptical Badger was finally unnerved, his unending logic of reality can only be seen through sight had finally failed him.

That wasn't a pleasant feeling.

Before he had even realised it, in between his short breaths, his sword was in his paw, despite himself, he was glad for that. His knuckles protruding from his snow, now greying fur from the amount of pressure being exerted onto the grip.

"Nay..." He replied slowly to Vigil, all signs of his arrogance and bitterness towards her now dissipated with every breath he took. With every second his eyes took in the scene his lack of understanding - the root of all fear, increased.

He shook his head in disbelief, his entire upper body shaking from the sheer amount of force he was exerting upon his muscle, from fear or from anger, was debatable - rather it was a mixture of both.
"Nay..." The Badger repeated again, "Ashstripe Splinterpaw does not tremble..." He replied quietly, as if he was reassuring himself, as if his identity could wash away the fear in a tide of courage,

"I DON'T TREMBLE!" He roared at the top of his lungs, a new found strength found within his resolve, he pointed his sword forward, now no longer intimidated by what he thought to be Darkhawk whom was approaching him,
"I am Ashstripe Splinterpaw, Lord of Salamandastron, swordsman of the highlands... And I swore many seasons ago to return my comrade to Salamandastron and free him from this madness...Even if it means killing you." The Badger Lord's voice alternated from low to near roaring whilst he spoke, the last line in particular grated his throat painfully as if he was tearing a knife from his stomach.

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

"Very good Badger Lord... Now... Prove it to me... Fulfill your vow, and slay me... I am the instrument of destruction... and this weak warrior is my puppet! I am a god among you mortals. The New Age...begins!"
The armored red fox smiled evilly after a moment before lunging forward, his eyes seemingly filled with rage.
"Give to me your hatred! Give me your RAGE! Give to me you DARKEST HATRED that lies in your SOUL! Hahahaa!!!" The Red fox cried out as he slashed at the Badger Lord's head.

[/blockquote]

[Ashstripe]

This isn't right. This shouldn't be. The faltering will that echoed in the back of his mind grew louder with each sentence that was uttered from this would be god.

"Puppet?" The Badger felt himself smirk uncontrollably, even in the face of his likely death his arrogance remained quite dominant,
"Then I will sever the strings which bind you." He cried out again in defiance. But before he could continue his verbal fight, the god had decreed that he had, had enough and swung at his head.

The steel whistled through the air as Ashstripe ducked, the fine steel clipping a small chunk of his ear that twitched oddly as it was stained red; he wasn't used to feeling his own blood in that particular region of his body.

"I yield nothing." Was his solemn and final reply, the tone of his voice strongly hinting towards his intentions that the time for flowery speeches and the professing of tongues had passed. Kicking off with one foot, his feet soon found their rhythmic motion of the charge, the rough thud and clap against the floor coupled with the scraping of metal against stone was all the sound Ashstripe needed to hear. This was the final hour. This was redemption. This the end of the war. He would get all this, for everyone, or die trying.

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

The Red fox glanced down for a moment to see the badger's sword. He smiled after a moment as it scrapped the ground. It was a cruel and bloodlusting grin that seemed to enjoy every moment of fighting.
"That's right Badger... Fight me!" hissed the Redfox holding the sword of the former Overlord Rosethorn. It's black starsteel was hit by the sword that had slain many vermin. The force seemed staggeringly unreal as the fox was lifted off the ground by the force and knocked back. However, he flipped in mid air hitting the ground with his feet and slid back. A laugh covered the pain that his feet were now in from the impact.
"Not good enough, Stripe-dog... Comeon... I know you are stronger... You are fighting for the existance of Life! If this is the strength you can muster... then you are a pathetic excuse for a Defender of life and 'good'... If you are so weak.... Then no wonder your daughter was so easily slain. FIGHT HARDER!!!" screamed the Supreme Overlord of the Empire of WARR. The warrior charged forward, throwing knives forward at the Badger Lord and attacking with the long sword, slashing wil a thrust for the Badger Lords throat.

[Ashstripe]

((I'm going to pull a lot of mumbo jumbo here that probably won't make any sense.))

Marla. That one reference to his now deceased daughter was all it took. The daughter whom was like a claw on his paw was torn from him, taken. He had always dreamed of seeing pups from his daughter and dying before her.

But alas, life was never that simple for him, his entire life was spent fighting and his death would be no different, he would leave this world the same way he had entered it; kicking and screaming. Already his vision was tinged with red, he could feel it now, the berserk rage was now crawling through his skin and into his eyes. The cold feeling of fear and uncertainty was now replaced with the warm feeling of tranquillity. He was no longer there; he was wondering the recesses of his mind whilst the primal instinct took complete and utter control.

He felt his paws flow along the meadow of which he had dreamed of so often, was this finally it? He could see his family in the distance, on a slight hill raising up from the moor. There was a white warming light, despite there being no visible source, the grass was welcoming every step he took as if their very purpose was to soften his step.

Ashstripe closed his eyes and felt the white light engulf him, it was bliss, it was peace...It was cold? He opened his eyes again, the meadow had evaporated into cold stone, the warm white light had now melded into flickering wisp like glow of the torches, his vision was still tinged with red.

But there was little time for that, he felt his shoulder...When had he cut that? Had he been fighting at all? Apparently he had...His sword was chipped lightly and the angle of the cut seemed to suggest he had attempted to dodge an attack.

The Badger furrowed his brow, now was not the time to question such other-worldly occurrences, now was the time to stand by the beliefs that had allowed him to survive for so long and survive he would. He charged forward again, in a similar fashion to his previous attack, albeit quicker and somewhat stronger. A smirk again twisted upon his lips, it was as if his mouth had grown larger, the canines sharper and his eyes more monstrous than before.

"I will prove...That even a god can bleed." He spoke again, in a monotonous, low voice and lunged for Darkhawk's side, he would work his way up, one slash at a time. Until finally, this would be god was at his feet.

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

"Come and try." replied the fox simply as he saw the blade come at him. The beating of his heart was deafeningly loud, echoing like a drum. He could dance to the beat if it wasn't for the knowledge of the fact that he felt these only because of the lust of fight. The 'God-King' laughed again as he watched the sword, moving quickly to block it, or at least make so that the blade didn't touch him.

Freya ran quickly threw the tunnel hearing the sounds of combat up ahead and the pounding of feet echoing everywhere. The WARR army was nearing the Fortress that had been infultrated. It was only a matter of time till they reached it and... Freya couldn't imagin what would happen. She ran quickly and heard the laugher echo threw the tunnel. She felt pain tug at her heart as she ran into the grand chamber, lance in hand.
There was Ashstripe... Fighting Darkhawk. Her eyes were wide as she stared.
"...No.... Please... Darkhawk... don't allow it to destroy you.... YOU ARE ONE OF US!" she said weakly then screamed the last out to try and get to both Darkhawk and Ashstripe.