Chapter Text
Not beta read yet ‘:)
The skies were grey from smoke, the smell of blood and gunpowder only dampened slightly through the heavy downpour was nauseating, the sight of unrecognisable, mangled corpses sickening. All in all one could call this place hell, a disgusting display of mankind’s faults, an example of how empires transcended, only to fall from grace in some sick resemblance of karma.
War was all this and more, but to him it was purpose, a means to an end, maybe even some twisted interpretation of accomplishment. Like some hollow trophy that would be soon forgotten, after it had served it purpose of blocking the cavern deep within his chest, pushed aside to gather dust in the farthest reaches of his mind.
He didn’t think as he plunged his sword into the bodies of the enemy, sparing no further glance as there bodies hit the earth, muddy from the mix of rain and blood, the sound drowned out over the raging battle fought around him from all sides ( It was better that way). He looked on assessing the situation they were outnumbered , his men were strong, but so were the others and he could see his forces start to waver being pushed back.
He had to make a decision and fast, this battle would determine the fate of two kingdoms. Seems it was time to cut the snake of at its head, the king.
Manoeuvring his way across the battlefield with relative ease ( leaving a bloody massacre in his wake), he examined his surroundings until he found him. Maybe fifty metres ahead of him he spotted towering over those surrounding him was the ruler to the Antarctic Empire (Actually fighting alongside his men, instead of hiding behind palace walls), moving with grace. Easily overpowering those surrounding him, despite the Alytrian’s large black wings perched upon his back he seemed in his element, striking down those who threatened the peace of his home.
The general weaved his way through bodies and soldiers alike, eyes set upon his target, if this war was to be won one of them would have to fall, and there army soon would follow. He only stopped when he was mere feet away from the man, they seemed to be enclosed in their own bubble as the battle raged on around them.
Red eyes met grey, time seemed to slow as they both assessed the other, ones expression blazing with anger and the others concealed behind a mask of bone.They stared each down waiting, the king broke the tension first.
“General, I don’t believe we’re acquainted.” He stated conversationally, a smug smile slipping into the kings face (Was smug the right word?). Several moments passed without response.
“I see the famed ‘Blood God ’isn’t one for idle chatter? I would appreciate at least a name before I am to fight you” this is too met with silence.
(Why?)
People seeking his real name these days were far and few between, essentially zero when in terms of the enemy. What use was giving a name destined to be forgotten amongst The stories and rumours that plagued his existence. Silence was preferable, he’d been through battles like this one enough to now that conversing with the enemy would be proven pointless (Except this one was different wasn’t it? An army let by him was rarely pushed to this extent). His job was to win this war, that’s all he needed to do (It’s all he knew how to do).
The king released a sigh as he shifted his grip upon his sword, the diamond edges, reflecting rays of sunlight that managed to peak through the clouds and smoke. “I suppose we should begin no? Finally put this to rest.”
Then they charged.
Crouched low he sprinted towards the older man, sword at the ready. There blades clashed, deflecting the generals blow. They both danced around each other in sink, lunging and deflecting, neither seemed to be able to land a clean blow, only leaving behind shallow cuts and grazes.
Swords crossed with a clang, both pressing forward in an attempt to overpower the other. Now so close he had to tilt his head slightly to look up into the kings face, both were gasping for air as they attempted to catch their breath. He just managed to hide his surprise as a small grin broke out on the rulers face.
“I haven’t had to fight like this in a long time” he commented applying more pressure. “It would’ve been an honour to fight on the same side as you, what a shame”.
This caught him off guard, he’d faced numerous other generals or kings, been taunted and insulted, but never complimented. Not even by those he fought alongside, how was he supposed to respond to this, was he supposed to respond?
“Huff… you don’t talk much do you?” He huffed out, finally managing to push forward and break the connection.
He remained focused on the man ahead of him, this was beginning to stretch out to long. The subtle ache in his bones accompanied by the sting of thin cuts along his arms and sides, was starting to take its toll.
His opponent didn’t look much better puffed out and bruised but still holding himself up straight.
“Even if you manage to win this fight you’ve already lost the war, you’re forces won’t be left standing for much longer”
Finally looking away from his goal he saw those still fighting around him, those of his men that where left were far and few between. The Antarctic empires soldiers had demolished majority of L’manberg’s forces, leaving bloody carnage in their wake.
“Surrender now and spare those that are still standing” he implored pityingly.
…
Pity…
…
“Never.”
Resuming his tense stance, he delivered a series of attacks, each more ruthless than the last, each more desperate than the last. (Desperate, when had he last felt this desperate will to survive).
This was his last chance.
His abruptness seemed to catch the other off guard, as he managed to push forward several feet.
And there it was, an opening, a fault in the others defence. He took it without second thought, and then he was gone. Knocked off balance the general his though ground, long pink hair splayed around his head, having managed to break free from its tight ponytail.
He looked up catching a last glimpse of stormy grey eyes before a sharp pain burst though the bask of his skull, plunging his subconscious into darkness.
(He failed…
There were no such things as second chances)