Prologue

"Keep moving! All of you!" shouted the six foot tall metal monster to the marching rows of tired and beaten enemy soldiers; remnants from the recently ended siege of the Shei territory's capitol on the outer rim. The creature was not alone, as hundreds of warriors like itself surrounded the lines that stretched for no less than a half-mile. Its features were concealed in the darkness of a moonless night, but when the light of the flames from the surrounding buildings would flare up, the conquered saw the image of what looked to be a human body with the fearsome head of a canine standing tall above them. If one looked closer, they could see rows of razor sharp teeth grinning as it held its rifle toward the helpless captives.

"Round up the prisoners to the main square. Keep the Coyotebots on alert as some of them haven't had their spirits broken yet." The sinister voice gave its command to one of the metal canine soldiers from its place concealed from sight. "I shall be there to break the remainder of that." The only thing distinguishable on him was a dark flowing cape as he quickly made his way to where the proud city's defenders were to be sent.

As they kept marching, the defeated – wounded or not – carried on to where they were told to in total silence. All that could be heard was the sound of the crackling fires of the ruined city and the collection of the tapping of the shoes against the stone pavement upon which they walked. Upon entering the giant Square, they found themselves surrounded by the silhouettes of Coyotebots all around them, all stationed on higher ground with rifles ready. There were three that didn't look like the uniform soldiers standing above the frightened city defense. Two had sharply pointed insect wing coverings that fit neatly on their back, reaching nearly down to the back of their knees. The third, in between, had a flowing cape which moved with the breeze coming in. One spoke, but no one knew who for it was so dark.

"Now do you see? Your attempts have failed you, and look at what it has brought. None of this had to happen."

"You may have defeated us, but other systems will follow! We shall follow the example of those who have stood against you and your tyranny!" shouted one of the gravely injured soldiers below. This made the figure in the cape growl lowly as it gritted its teeth. The gravely injured soldier walked up to the man with the cape, looking into where the face should be. "You may have beaten us, but this will only bring those against you together and make them strong." He smiled under the bandage wrapped around his head.

The dark figure stood silent. The soldier who just spoke felt his gaze bearing down on him, causing him to take a step back. In less than a second a crimson blade was ignited and bore through the injured man, neatly cutting him in half from the shoulder to the hip. The man with the cape then rose the blade into the air. The figure's voice was loud, clearly heard across the square.

"Ready! Aim!" The blade came down.