Mouse Guard Fall:1152 (My version)
A/N: Hello again fellow readers, It's me again with the sixth chapter of my Mouse Guard story. In this chapter, we take a look of why Midnight betrayed his fellow Guard in the first place, as well as the return of two mice from Chapter 2. You know the drill, I don't own Mouse Guard, nor do I own it's characters, setting, or story-line. They belong to David Petersen. I only own my OCs. Let's get this chapter started!
Chapter 6: Midnight's Beginning
In pursuit of The Axe, Saxon and Kenzie made a new ally with an old hermit named Celanawe, who clammed to be the legendary hero: The Black Axe. His fate connects with two of the Guard's finest mice. He offered to help them in their chase in hope they keep their words of recovering his axe. Meanwhile, Lieam, Edward, and Twilight discover the commander of the Army is Midnight and held them prisoners as they marched with him to Lockhaven with a single goal: to conquer it.
The rain continue to fall as The Axe marched to the home of the Guard. With every step they took, brings the army closer and closer to Lockhaven. Lieam, Edward and Twilight are walking side by side with their arms tied to poles and spearmice behind them in order to keep them moving.
Lieam looked up and saw the sky was red as blood as he mumbled something.
"What was that Lieam?" Edward said, wondering what he was mumbling about.
Lieam looked at Edward and said,
"It's a saying I've been reading, 'Red Sky at night, Guard Mouse's delight. Red Sky in morning...'"
"'Guard mice take warning.'" Edward finished, understanding what he means.
"What are you two talking about?" Twilight said, not understanding what Lieam and Edward just said.
"It's a saying, Twilight. Meaning that if the Sun sets from the West with a red sky, we'll have good weather, If the Sun rises from the East, also with a red sky, we'll have bad weather like we're having now." Edward explained.
"Oh. I get it." Twilight said, now getting it.
"Hey! No Talking!" One of the soldiers said, as he poked Twilight with his spear.
"Okay, okay. Sheesh." Twilight said to the soldier in annoyance.
The 3 mice saw Midnight removing his helmet, getting the rain water out and putting it back on. They can't believe that Midnight is responsible for all of this, but the question is why?
The army marched through a small stream and the army need to hop on the stones in order to get across. Lieam, Edward, and Twilight can only hope that this weather can drown the Axe's determination.
"Keep marching troops!" Midnight said, ordering the army.
"We move closer to Lockhaven!"
Midnight jumped on a rock and the Army looked at him as Midnight said addressing his mice,
"When the walls of the castle is in our sight, I'll approach it alone. Once I personally open it's gates, We'll conquer it together!" Midnight finished as he raised the Axe high above his head as the army cheered for his speech.
The cheering stopped when Lieam shouted to Midnight at the top of his lungs,
"WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS MIDNIGHT!?"
"YEAH!" Edward and Twilight agree with Lieam.
Midnight and the army looked at Lieam.
"Bring them to me." Midnight ordered as the soldiers grabbed Lieam, Edward and Twilight to Midnight's side.
"The Guard are useless, you see."
"Useless?" Twilight said in disbelief. "That's a lie! The Guard have protected us from danger since it's founding!"
Midnight ignored his brothers words and said to his 3 captors while looking at the army.
"Do you see these mice?" Midnight asked.
"Yeah?" Edward said.
"They all agree."
"Agree? Agree with what?" Edward said puzzled.
"For too long we have stood by." Midnight continue as the army continue marching as a couple of soldiers dragged Edward, Lieam and Twilight up a hill.
"Gwendolyn and Richard have exploited us, the cities, towns and villages hold all of the power, and the guard's are no more than pawns."
Edward, Lieam and Twilight cannot believe what they're hearing, Guard mice are pawns? Cities and town holding all the power? Gwen and Richard exploiting them? That's a load of rubbish.
"The Mouse Territories need a single leader."
The army came upon a river and some walked across holding their weapons up, while some use pine-cones and used them as boats and a couple of soldiers hold each end of the captor's poles while Lieam, Edward and Twilight keep their heads above the water as Midnight continue,
"One that can offer both security and prosperity to all mice, one who's not afraid to hunt our predators and one who is more than simple guard mice."
"I'll command every living creature with this axe." Midnight said, looking at the Black Axe.
He turn to Lieam, Edward and Twilight, who glared at him.
"Think about it, wolves will never again threaten us, we'll never have another war with the weasels, snakes will be extinct."
The army made it across to the other side of the river as Midnight finished,
"This symbol of our past can forge our future."
"Think about it, the Axe itself was hidden away by an old fossil." Midnight said.
"Many though the hero himself to be nothing more than a legend."
"How do you come across The Black Axe Midnight?" Edward said to Midnight.
"Only the true Black Axe can hold such a weapon."
Midnight looked at Edward with a smirk and said,
"I've found it in a book." Midnight said, beginning his story.
(Flashback: A year ago)
After the success of last year's harvest, I found a passage below the armory. I decide to investigate.
Midnight looked at the passage he found while looking for a hammer he lost. He found it and discover that part of the wall is hallow, he pushed it and found a hidden passage. He found a torch near the entrance and using flints to light it s he made is way down the passage.
Midnight soon found a library with several arches and books dated back to the time Lockhaven was built.
It was there I found the record of the legend being real.
Midnight looked at one of the shelve and saw one book that caught his interest.
"Huh? What's this?" Midnight said as he pulled out the book off of the shelve.
It was a blue book with the title saying: Lockhaven's history: The Black Axe.
Midnight sat down on a couple of books with his torch as light.
He open the book and dust flew out causing Midnight to cough a little as he saw a mouse in armor holding an axe, standing bravely against 5 snakes, as he read:
"Before the days of peace, the Guard needed every mouse brave enough to stand against their foes. One mouse alone took the task. An Axe as black as the moonless night that can cut the heads of five snakes who surrounds him. Thus begins his story.
Midnight was interested at this book. Like many of his fellow Guard, he though The Axe was only a myth, but this book said other wise as he turn the page, seeing a brown mouse hammering the Black Axe as Midnight continue reading:
"The Axe itself was forged into this world by a blacksmith named Fammer, who his family was killed by predators while unarmed. Hotter coals have never been used, and with every strike of his hammer he pound into the ore is a strike to his enemies, and thus the Black Axe was forged."
Midnight was impressed by the story so far, a blacksmith, like himself forging a weapon of great power. Growing more interested, Midnight continue with the story:
"However, the weapon was too heavy for anyone to hold, cause it held all of Fammer's grief. To find a true hero of the Axe, it was taken to Lockhaven."
This made Midnight puzzled, if the Black Axe was kept in Lockhaven, why isn't it here? Midnight once again read to find his answer:
"One mouse of Lockhaven took the mighty Axe have made a vow to defend the weak and helpless and hunt his foes. His true name was kept a secret, he took the title the same as the weapon: The Black Axe."
After reading the book, he saw a picture of a tan male mouse holding the great Axe.
Midnight was deep in his though while look at the weapon. The same weapon that can cut 5 snakes. Midnight then got an idea, with the Black Axe, he can rewrite history and make the territories a much safer place, but the only problem is the Guard. They've grown weak over the years, and when the weasels declared war on them, the Guard did nothing til they're forced into war.
Midnight had an idea, a wonderful awful idea. If he can get rid of the Guard, everyone will bow down to him.
A wicked smile creep in Midnight's face. This is perfect.
Midnight closed the book and walked out of the library.
Hours later, Midnight came upon Celanawe's house, and using the shadows as cover, he sneaked into the house and there, siting on the rack, was The Black Axe itself. Midnight looked at the weapon in awe. The legend was true after all. Midnight creep next to Celanawe who saw sleeping in his hammock. Midnight reached for the Axe, before his paw can touch it, Celanawe snorted, causing Midnight to pull his arm back, Lucky for him Celanawe was still asleep as he muttered:
"As you wish M'Lady."
This made Midnight confused? 'M'Lady'? What's he's talking about?
Celanawe then said:
"I stand only to defend my own kind and reclaim what's rightly ours."
Midnight shook his head. This mouse must've drink too many ale.
Shaking away what Celanawe said, he once again reached for the Axe and grabbed it. It feels a little heavy as he looked at the weapon. The legendary Black Axe in his paws. He knew that he is the rightful holder of the Axe. All he need now is an army, an army of The Axe.
End Flashback
"So, what do you think? Midnight said after he finished his story.
After Midnight explained his story, Lieam, Edward and Twilight are shocked. Lieam, cannot believe that Midnight stole the Black Axe in the first place. Edward is surprised that there was a hidden library below the armory the entire time. Twilight, is angry at his brother for betraying the Guard for his personal gain.
"So that's why you betrayed us?" Edward said to Midnight in anger.
"Yes!" Midnight shouted.
"Do you see? I'm doing this for the greater good. For all mice."
"You won't get away with this Midnight." Lieam said to Midnight.
"The Guard will stop you."
Midnight however, laugh at Lieam and said,
"Let them try." Midnight said as the army continue to match to Lockhaven.
Meanwhile, Saxon, Kenzie and Celanawe took a different route with Celanawe leading the way. Behind him, Saxon and Kenzie are talking to each other.
"Hey Kenzie, to you really think that Celanawe is The Black Axe?" Saxon asked.
"Well perhaps Saxon." Kenzie replied, still believing that Celanawe is the legend himself.
"I mean. He may be old, but not as old as the legend." Saxon said.
"That's true." Kenzie agree. Celanawe may be old, but he's not that old.
"Plus, The Black axe have been dead a lot longer than we've been with the Guard." Saxon continue while he and Kenzie looked as Celanawe.
"Yet he's the one setting up the face." Saxon said while looking at Celanawe.
"If Celanawe is the Black Axe, where was he during the Winter War?" Saxon asked.
"Saxon, keep your voice down." Kenzie said do Saxon in annoyance not to disrespect the oldfur.
Celanawe herd Saxon's question and replied,
"My assistance in that war was given." He said to Saxon as he continue walking.
"Just because to didn't see me, doesn't mean I'm not real."
Kenzie is confused by what Celanawe said while Saxon is puzzled as well.
As the 3 mice climbed up a few boulders, Saxon when said,
"You know, your leading us away from the path. We should continue following the foot prints before the rain washed them away."
"This route is on higher ground. This gives us an advantage." Celanawe said while looking for where to go next while Kenzie use his cloak to help Saxon up.
"Remember, slow and steady, Saxon." Kenzie said to Saxon as he climb using Kenzie's cloak.
Saxon got on the edge of the boulder, getting himself up as Celenawe said to Saxon,
"At the rate your going, we won't make to the gates before the army do."
"Also, when we do catch up with the army, we'll be unarmed." Saxon said while as he get up to the bolder.
What Saxon said was true, How can they fight an army without weapons?
Kenzie got an idea while putting his cloak back on and said,
"I'm sure that unarmed combat won't stop you, Saxon, we don't need to worry."
Kenzie looked around and pointed at a tall tree and said,
"That tree over there was the first one to turn it's leaves in the Fall." Kenzie said to the others.
"I've stockpiled weapons over there for times like this." Kenzie said as he checked his bearing.
"Right now, we're close to Lockhaven." Kenzie said.
Kenzie run to the tree and dive into the leaves, looking for the weapons he stocked.
Kenzie rise up from the leaves, carrying two long swords in his paws. The blades have rusted for not being used for a while.
"It seems that only these swords remains." Kenzie said as he handed a sword to Saxon.
"Yeah, and both of then have rusted." Saxon said while examining his sword.
Kenzie grabbed a twig and cut it with the sword, testing it's sharpness.
"True, but they can still do damage for the two of you." Kenzie said to Saxon.
"And beside Saxon, you'll do fine with a clean sword." Kenzie said while handing the other sword to Celanawe.
"Well, this proved to be a useful distraction." Celanawe said to the Guard mice.'
"Yeah, unlike the other plain." Kenzie said while looking at Saxon.
"What? I'm sorry okay?" Saxon said to Kenzie for punching him back at Barkstone.
"And now we pray that Lockhaven keep itself sealed." Kenzie said to the others who nodded back.
Back at Lockhaven, the rain hits the castles ancient walls as Quiggly is once again on lookout.
Quiggly saw two mice coming to the gate. He turn to Rand, who is marking the patrols and said,
"Rand there are two mice approaching the gate."
"Can you see the color of their cloaks Quiggly?" Rand asked.
Quiggly looked back at the two mice and said,
"I can't tell. I think there both cover with mud."
Rand look at the patrol markers and said,
"I think one of them is Midnight." Rand said.
"That's weird. he should be in Winselm in two days."
Rand shook the though out of his mind and said,
"It doesn't matter now. No mouse should out in this rain."
Rand turn to Meritt and ordered,
"Open the gates!"
Meritt turn the crank and the portcullis raised up. The gate open and Sadie and Remy enter Lockhaven, wet from the rain and Remy closed the gates behind them.
Rand? Are you there?" Sadie called as Sadie and Remy ran to Rand.
"Sadie! Remy!" Rand said in surprised.
"What a terrible weather for you two to be in. How was Caloge-"
"There's no time to explain Rand." Remy said, cutting Rand off.
"He's right. We must secure Lockhaven at once!" Sadie said to Rand.
"Secure Lockhaven?" Rand asked confused ad he move a marker. " For what reason?"
"There's a traitor with a map of Lockhaven who has set a plain into motion." Sadie explained.
Rand is caught off guard when he heard 'map of Lockhaven'.
"Wait, did you say map of Lockhaven!?" Rand asked in shock.
"Yes. she did." Remy said.
Rand immediately got up, knocking over a few markers and shouted,
"Bar the Gates and lower the portcullis!"
Rand then run up the stairs as Remy and Sadie followed and shouted,
"Lock-down! seal all side entrances immediately!"
"Wait Rand, how do we know they're not already inside?" Sadie asked Rand.
"Yeah." Remy said agreeing with Sadie.
"That's simple, we don't." Rand as he, Sadie and Remy came to a balcony over looking the archer post.
"I want all archers to the parapets and windows at once!" Rand shouted to the archers to ran to their posts.
Remy go with them and said to Sadie,
"I'll be okay Sadie, you got this." Remy said before running to the walls.
Rand ran back to the gates and notice Meritt is struggling with the lever and asked,
"Meritt, why's the portcullis is still up?!"
Meritt pointed at the chains, which are rusting and said,
"It's the pulley sir. This rain is rusting the works."
Rand thought about this problem and said,
"Look like we need to improvise."
"Barricade the doors with anything and everything we have!" Rand said as a couple of guards use tables and chairs at the gates.
Rand walked up to the stairs and said to Sadie,
"Sadie, you can tell Gwendolyn and Richard more of what you and Remy know in her study."
"I will." Sadie sad as she ran up to stairs to Gwen's study.
"Gwen! Richard! We got a problem!" Sadie shouted as she ran into the study.
Gwen and Richard are surprised by Sadie's behavior as Richard said,
"Sadie, calm down. What problem?"
"I'll tell you." Sadie said as she explained Gwen and Richard about the traitor and the map.
Outside Lockhaven, the rain begin to stop as the Axe army reached it's gates.
Midnight is shocked to see archers stationed on the walls and windows and the gates closed.
"Archers!?" Midnight said in surprised. So much for an easy victory.
"Look like Lockhaven have been expecting us."
He turn to the army and said,
"Our surprise have been lost. Prepare for an all-out attack!"
One way or another, Lockheaven will fall. Lieam, Edward, and Twilight need to figure out a way out of this mess and fast.
A/N: Another chapter bites the dust. We get to see why Midnight betrayed the Guard and how he got his paws of the Black Axe. Celanawe dreaming about his past in the flashback was from Mouse Guard: The Black Axe. In the next chapter, is the siege of Lockhaven as the heroes and villain clashed weapons. Read and review everyone, and any flaming will be used as torches. Bye for now.