Reminder: Unfortunately for myself, I do not own Soul calibur's story line, or it's original cast. However I DO own
the characters that are going to be revealed.
(With the obvious exception of ahem: Luna, The Klessirpemdo, Chester, Girardot, Abelia, and Strife.)
(None of the Created character's friends, as well as Kierkess are to be mentioned, Sorry all Kierkess fans!).
Recap: Baltoss' trial took place, and he got off with a narrow win. The price of being found guilty was death. Selene however was going to take his punishment. But for some reason Emperor Strife decided to simply exile her. Finally, Baltoss formed his unit officially, as The Hisspireven.
Moon Slayer's Blade: Chapter Eight: The New Moon
Three days after the trial, the commanders in the Grandall army, were called together by General Girardot.
"The forces of Dalkia, have declared war against Grandall, claiming that they are retaliating from an attack we
commited. One of the cadets growled "They just want to use any trick they can to start a war." Baltoss lowered
his eyes in discust. That fool didn't seem to realise the connection between the Grandall soldiers seen with the
bandits commander. Discreetly, Baltoss scanned the group of commanders. He had someone in here he
wanted to find. Quickly he noticed Abelia, and the person standing next to her caught his eye. Tall to the point
where he was the same height of Baltoss, which was rare, he had messy black hair, with dark green eyes. A
scar formed of three points decorated his left cheek. He could have been his shadow really, and from what he
heard, that guy's name was Koji Endos. So that was the guy. "The first division, consistent of three
commander's units will be the frontline guard, where as the others may be deployed at need, so remain ready.
Who wishes to volenteer to join the frontline guard?" the general asked. Baltoss took one last look at Koji
before raising his hand. "I'll be part of the frontline guard, General." Girardot looked at him questioningly, before
nodding and writing down the Hisspireven. "Any others?" he asked. Emboldened by Baltoss' openning, two
more commanders raised their hands. Hakurk, leader of Pensume, and Ariel, leader of Hothigh. "Very well,
Hothigh, Hisspireven, and Pensume, ready your units, then advance to the frontline. Your objectives are this, do
not lose your original starting strongholds, and give aid to the grandall soldiers. Also set aside your morals for
today. Today do anything necessary to survive, and keep the Dalkia forces at pay. That is all." Girardot said.
Baltoss began discussion with Hakurk, and Ariel. If they were to have any chance of surviving, they needed to
know what the others were thinking. "All right, any suggestions from you two?" Baltoss asked. "I believe the best
thing we can do is cut off the enemie's advancement by striking the nearby strongholds, so they cannot bring
forth any siege weapons." Ariel offered up. "Yes, they will want to use the siege weapons from the roads as
well." Baltoss added. Hakurk looked at his suspiciously, "How do you know that?" he asked. Baltoss blinked in
surprise. Did they not see it? "It rained yesterday night, and it's still wet outside. The sandy areas in the plains
have been reduced to mud. They won't use the weapons in the sand or dirt, because they would sink, and not
be able to be moved swiftly. Therefore, they will stay on the roads with seige weapons.". Ariel looked at him,
shocked for some reason, while Hakurk was muttering to himself. "Anyway, let's rally our battle merchants, we're
going to need ammunition, and back up weaponry." Baltoss felt himself pale for a moment. "I don't have a battle
merchant." he admitted. "Then I suggest you find one fast." Hakurk said, as he left the room.. "The strategy is to
take the strongholds that are close to the Grandall wall, especially the ones on the main roads. Correct?" Ariel
asked. When Baltoss replied, she nodded and walked out as well. This might be a problem...
As Baltoss entered the room where his unit remained, he was shocked to find stores, of ammunition, spare
armor, and melee weaponry stacked on wheeled racks. "Where did all of this come from?" he asked
incredulously. Fiona seemed to be walking on edge, as did Annaretta. They only happened when- "Hey there
Handsome." Valeria exclaimed, clasping onto his arm. "What are you doing here?!" Baltoss gasped. "She
swayed in here while you recieved your briefing...said she wanted to be our battle merchant..." Fiona said,
indignant at the thought. "Hualin, and Lynette are also here, they're actually preparing their stations." Annaretta
said cuttingly. Valeria make a kissing face to Baltoss before turning to Annaretta. "If you must know, my station
is already complete," she turned back to Baltoss with a sultry look in her eyes "Make sure you position yourself
near the Northeast stronghold, understand?" she finished in a whisper. "Alright, alright that's enough." Baltoss
said, pushing her off, and accidently touching one of her breasts. She contented herself with a smoky smile.
"Our task on the battlefield is to be the frontline guard, and hold off the enemy to the best of our ability. Our
objectives however, are to also support the grandall soldiers, and take care of any specialized units who
confront us. Finally, we have to take care of the strongholds which give easy access to the mainroads.
Understood?" Baltoss asked, attempting to immitate the general. It seemed to work, because everyone, even
Valeria nodded. The First battle was taken care of swiftly, now the real one was about to start outside.
Although it had rained yesterday, the sun simply made up for it this morning, and glared twice as hard. Despite
this, rain was still visable on the ground, and the sands was too dark a color to be dry. Perfect. "Alright
Hisspireven, divide into your parties, and gave support to the three strong holds we still control." Baltoss
commanded. "Laven, you come with me to the Northeast stronghold, you as well Fiona and Annaretta." Valeria
gave him one of her looks, and Baltoss felt compelled to explain. "You just so happened to chose the focal
point that enables easy access to the Grandall wall, therefore we need to be concentrated there." he said.
Valeria just laughed. "All of that war thinking goes over my head, mind your tasks, and I'll mind mine.". "So long
as your mind is on your task..." Fiona said warningly. That was greeted by another laugh. "Focus," Baltoss
interupted "Garth take the southmost stronghold, Finn take the center one, and be ready to give emergency
support. Move out!".
Fiona POV
Riding atop her horse, Fiona looked down at Valeria, as she attached herself yet again to clasp Baltoss' arm.
Irritation flared in her. Everytime Baltoss tried to push her off, as few man would in that situation, she would
always manuver her chest so that Baltoss would end up dipping his other hand into her cleavage. As much as
Fiona hated to admit it, Valeria did have an impressive chest... Still that was all she had going for her. Annaretta
also seemed to be watching, but much more descreetly then Fiona must have appeared. She must be irritated
by Valeria as well. The whore! "Alright we're here." Baltoss said, while attempting to remove Valeria from his
arm for perhaps the sixth time. Once more he failed and retracted his arm quickly. Fiona couldn't help but smile.
Baltoss was something of a gentleman, most men would have been constantly groping at Valeria had she been
acting like that. Still it was too tragic that he had to prove it with that whore...Turning her mind away from them,
Fiona looked around at the area. It was as Baltoss had described it. The dark patchs of sand were very visable,
so they knew where the enemy would dare go, and where not. Their stronghold was a large tower, armored with
high mounted cannons. Annaretta's unit was to use the cannons to blow away the enemy. After all, Kunai
wielders would be useless in the face of a charge. Suddenly a rider came galloping at a dead run. A scout? By
coming that fast he must be saying- "Understood," Baltoss said sending off the rider. "Alright to you positions.
Laven, your unit, myself and Annaretta will remain at the base of th tower, Fiona, send your unit out to curb the
enemie's escape as the Grandall soldiers attack. Valeria, get inside with Hualin, and Lynette, and prepare
quick racks for the aerial cannons.". Everyone moved swiftly, even the whore. Fiona took one more look as
Baltoss arranged himself with Annaretta and Laven's unit. "Alright," she said turning her steed around to face
her party. "Follow the soldiers and give aid when necessary. We're the advanced team, their lives are in our
hands. Let's go!".
Garth POV
"Push them back!" Garth bellowed, as the Dalkia soldiers ran into the Grandall ones. The common soldiers
yelling in pain and suffering as they died, and spared no moment for victory when they won. It was always kill
one man, turn to the next, or be killed. "Trov, give aid to the left flank, with Segrid! Lark, Phenon to the right!". If
this was the cold spots, then who knew how maddening the hot spots were. Garth stood atop the hill, Grand all
amor removed, and protected with proper heavy armor. It was silver to indicate his position as a Grandall party
leader. At this rate, it was only a matter of time before the Dalkia forces fell back. Suddenly, one of the Dalkia
tents erupted in a mass of rubble. Seems like someone managed to plant explosives. Many of the new
soldiers from Dalkia, got distracted, giving the veteran Grandall soldiers a chance to kill them. Unfortunately, the
reverse was also true, as Grandall lost as many, if not more soldiers. Still, it was all they could do to keep going.
"Hold to your positions, damn you!" He shouted, as a few soldiers tried to run. Yes, it was all they could do...
Baltoss POV
The siege weapons, and cannons form Dalkia were, as expected traveling by road. This worked well to go hand
in hand with what Baltoss planned. If this Dalkia force was the main force, set forth to take their critical
positions, then his deception would work perfectly. The general always did resort to dirty tricks in war, and there
was nothing wrong with that now was there? Unfortunately, Laven didn't see this to the same effect. "We are
being cowards, Baltoss." He growled. "Regardless of what you call it, this is the best possible thing we can do,
without reinforcements at least. If we had some backup cannonry, as well as more of the Grandall soldiers, then
we could have your showdown..." Baltoss replied, grasping for patience. "Now watch.". Just as the Dalkia
forces entered the stronghold, Baltoss began counting down the seconds. Ten. The majority of the forces had
entered, and were further opening the tent flaps. Five. The cannons were left outside, as were the siege
weapons. Three. Suddenly, a Grandall soldier was grabbed by the Dalkia sentries. Crap, zero. A massive
explosion engulfed the tent, blasting the cannons, which caused a chain of explosions. the cannons must have
been preloaded, how stupid. The siege weapons went up in smoke, and the soldiers littered the ground.
Including one Grandall soldier. An almost perfect operation. "Alright let's move in and take care of the injured.".
'What!" Laven gasped. "Take care of the enemy?!" Annaretta exclaimed incredulously. "As a courtasy to our
dirty trick, I guess. But if you both want, we can kill the dying too. Let's go." Baltoss declared stolidly. Such a
terrible thing, war. Just as they intented to move, another rider came forward, another scout. "Commander,
we've recieved reports that Commander Hakurk's forces in the southmost fort have fallen."he said, gasping for
air. "What!?" Baltoss demanded. This couldn't be! "One of the survivors, if you could call him one, described a
giant golem of a man, said he had red skin he did, and swung an ax bigger then myself, sir.". Baltoss felt his
blood run cold. "The Black giant from the east?" he asked minutely. The scout gave a solemn nod. Damn it!
"Alright, tell our forces to leave that area, and regroup entirely around the three stronghold towers, closest to the
Grandall wall. Afterwards, return to the capital and ask for reinforcements. We're going to need them.
Hisspireven will be regrouping, then protecting the focal point entirely. Carry that message with you.". The scout
nodded quickly, then broke out into a dead gallop towards the south end of the borderline. Dalkia, and the Black
giant. "Come on everyone, seems our victory was just made to balance our loss. Retreat!".
Garth POV
The rider who galloped towards him and Finn's unit, brought orders from Baltoss. Troubling news. "Commander
Cyzaine says to remain where you are, and hold on to the weakened section with your lives if need be." he said.
"What!? That's insanity! If we stay here, we will have to pay with our lives." Finn exclaimed. "Yes it is, and it's
also not an order Baltoss would give." As the rider left for the capital, Finn looked at Garth questioningly. "You
believe the scout lied?" he asked. "Yes, so instead were doing what Baltoss would ask of us. Rally the
members of the Hisspireven, meet at the stronghold tower with best protects the city, or the focal point.". Finn
appeared to think for a moment, before nodding agreement. Garth knew the orders Baltoss would give in such
situation, hell, friends should know atleast that much. "Let's get moving, if we get pinned down here, we won't
have any chance of escape.". One soldier raised his voice. "And if commander Cyzaine wanted wanted us to
stay and die here?" he asked suspiciously. Garth raised his arm and backhanded the man. "Baltoss would
never give that order, and if he did I'll do ten times more damage to him then I did to you. Now let's go!".
Fiona POV
"Okay, let's return to the three towers," Fiona told her eager katana unit. "we are to gather around the focal
point." They nodded then galloped full speed towards the towers. This speed could damage the horse's limbs,
but she couldn't help it. She had to return to the point as quickly as possible, in order to protect their country.
The soldiers followed more slowly behind, they seemed just as eager as the rest of them.
Baltoss POV
"Reinforcements should have arrived by now." Baltoss stated as another hour passed without responce. All of
the Hisspireven grunt soldiers had gathered at the base of the tower, with the remaining Grandall soldiers, in
order to hold of attacks until thos reinforcements arrived. "I guess all we can do now is help with holding off the
enemy for now." Fiona mumbled sullenly. "Yes, our soldiers will work harder with us visable." Finn added. Let's
get this over with though, I want to have some sleep before the day let's up." Garth muttered. "Annaretta, Laven,
I need you both to remain and signal the frontline for when the reinforcements arrive. Understand?" Baltoss
asked. Both nodded then moved down the stairs, to the base of the tower. "Let's move out...We have to hold
them off until we're save.".
Girardot POV
"Why haven't the orders for reinforcements arrived yet?" Girardot demanded of the scout. "My apologise
General, but Baltoss told me to pass on this: 'stop any attempts at reinforcements, we can handle this alone.' ".
Girardot stared at him long and hard. A twitch appeared in his temple. He was a liar! "Take this man in, for
attempting to cause the death of our frontline commanders.". Jinkai and Xiaoxin grabbed him and brought the
kicking man off the field. "Koji, lead Revelation as the reinforcements, also bring with you another thousand
platoon.". Girardot commanded. "So many?...I understand." Koji asked. This perticular cadet understood
indeed. "Scare them with numbers, and give support to the other commanders. Go!" Girardot said, as Koji
gripped his shield and sword. "Advance Revelation, show them the turning point!" Koji ordered, as their went.
Laven POV
One of Girardot's men arrived, it was Rudiger, his son. That was an actually trustworthy scout... "Girardot has
deployed Revelation, to give aid, along side a platoon of a thousand. 'It's about time he did." Annaretta
muttered. Rudiger bristled visably at the insult to his family. Laven couldn't help but wonder what that felt like.
"Understood, we will carry this message quickly." Laven said, turning heel with Annaretta.
Baltoss POV
"Sir, a large Dalkia party has been seen advancing towards our position. Our reports are saying that they have
a perticularly powerful commander with them. "Who is it?" Baltoss asked, while scrubbing his hair behind his
ears. "They said her name was Luna. My apologies I couldn't learn anything else.". Baltoss shook his head in
wonder. Luna, damn it, if this was how war turned out, maybe he should have been a carpenter or something.
"No need soldier, I know of her. Thank you for your report.". As the soldier left, Fiona and Garth turned to him.
"What do you intend to do?" she asked. "I'm going to go forward with our remaining forces, to counter, and hold
off Luna." Baltoss said, already picking up his Eclipse. The blade still remained completely black. "You can't be
serious. That Luna is the leader of Klessirpemdo, isn't she.". "It doesn't matter, I'll be okay." Before anyone else
could protest, Baltoss had already swung himself down the ladder, and reached the base of the tower.
Baltoss saw the enemy advancing. Seperated from the main force, A young pink haired woman in a red coat
walked by herself. Luna. Suddenly she stopped, and gestured towards the main forces's leader. After a moment
the leader moved on, while Luna stayed behind. Baltoss knew the look of a challange when he saw it. "Intercept
the enemy, I'll remain here and take care of her. Move out." A few men looked at him, as if he was mad,
however, more of them nodded and turned back. Oh yes, some of the Emperor's men must be among them...
Once the main force from Dalkia, and the force from Grandall had left his view, Baltoss walked down the slope
towards the woman who must be Luna. "So, your the one who's been keeping us at bay." she said, openly
looking him up and down. "Yes, and you must be Dalkia's trump card Luna." Baltoss countered. Luna grinned
maliciously at that. "Yes I am, and what should I write on my enemy's tombstone, when I kill you?" she asked.
Baltoss scoffed, and drew Eclipse from it's scabbard. "Just call me Baltoss Cyzaine.".
Luna dashed forward, and drew out her own sword, It was well, was a Jian sword. Interesting. "Let's begin." She
said, twirling it. "Let's". Baltoss agreed, matching her twirl. Luna altered her twirl into a forward thrust, but
Baltoss anticibated it, and switched his into a parry. Luna seemed to be taking the worse of it from the
expression on her face, however then she switched her attack repel. Virations surged through Eclipse, inflicting
pain on his wrist. So that was it. Luna's blade was made to harm those she stuck, through their blade. For now
Baltoss had no idea towards the capabilities of his own sword, so he simply kept parrying her. They contiuned
to engage in their deadly dance. Parry, then counter, then parry again. Suddenly Luna broke off the steps, and
reverse flowed to a distance. "My, my. And I thought you'd be done by now. Not bad Baltoss." she said
confidently. "Your good yourself." Baltoss complemented. Luna smirked "I never said you were good, I just said
you weren't bad.". Just as Luna dashed forward to strike again, a loud call broke out. "What is that?!" Luna
gasped. Confidence layered Baltoss' voice. Our reinforcements. I'd retreat if I were you." Luna scowled at him,
before turning, no doubt to give aid to her forces. "Your right. Reinforcements you say? Good, this was getting
boring anyway." she said, while galloping away on her horse. As she cleared the horizen, Baltoss sighed and
sank to his knees. A few more minutes of her, and he would have been finished. "I guess I can wait until a later
time, before our rematch." he said dragging himself to his feet. Eclipse had proven well enough, to protect him
from the new moon. "It's the reinforcements!" he heard someone say, before the darkness of weariness took
him.
