DISCLAIMER: I do not own pikmin and this is not a ripoff of Ferahgo's "Pikmin: -----" series.

Here we go, first part of the two part explanation that details B'lard's last stand. I've decided to go through with a slightly different story than I had originally wanted to follow, because this storyline would be better. Also, keep in mind that B'lard's last stand is just an early memory of Tyvern's, but also that things can go very, very wrong in war. (sorry for posting the wrong chapter, there was a slight technical problem)

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Yule was not a young pikmin. His glory years had passed long ago; his left eye was milky white and useless, wounded by a spear in battle. The scars on his body and his battered equipment were testiment to the fact that this soldier had survived his fair share of wars.

The aged soldier advanced forward through the night, noting that much of Fort Sgein remained in abject disrepair. But, along with his comrades, he also noticed that the red pikmin were still not giving up.

The Velosians had not entirely wasted their time. In the time that it had taken the Marnamians to reach Sgein, they had built a palisade and fortified the most defenseable portion of the fort. Stakes had been lined up, axes sharpened, swords honed, armor repaired.

This would be their last stand.

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Tyre and Brolk watched the advancing first wave of Marnamian soldiers. Each was outfitted in diblets, cured leather that took the place of chainmail, or thick coats. Most wore helmets, and all but a few carried spears. The rest were armed with axes; they apparantly planned to use them on the breastworks erected by the Velosians.

"I'll inform B'lard," whispered Tyre, "You rally your min."

Brolk nodded gravely and loosened the axe that hung from his belt.

Tyre quickly turned and made his way through the warriors that sat around the several campfires. As the ring of fortifications and sharpened stakes was small, he did not have far to go before he reached the inner ring. This was a raised mound, surrounded by a much similiar palisade and several stakes. B'lard sat next to a fire with a dozen of his warriors, discussing the rough plan they had formulated.

"Captain, the first wave is quickly approaching. The bastards have already surrounded us."

B'lard cursed. "Damn them to Gfal! Quickly, rouse the warriors and prepare for battle. We must use what little time remains to us."

Tyre turned and sprang back over the inner palisade, landing with a crunch in the snow. Wordlessly he made his way to each campfire. Within minutes every one of the grim-faced warriors stood at their posts, weapons at the ready. They were going to die, but the longer they could draw it out the better. With any luck, they could convince Varek to retreat with his army back to their own land and rally more troops. This would give the rest of Velosia time, and time was life.

"Give your prayers to Ero!" B'lard called suddenly, placing his heavy metal helmet on his head, exposing only his flower. "By tomorrow, we will all be dining in Yolahfa!"

The warriors gave a blood-curdling roar.

B'lard tightened his belts and coat, and prepared for the last battle of his life.

--

Yule cursed inwardly at the sound of the battle-cry. He quickly scrambled to his feet and charged forward, but most of the younger pikmin had already beat him to the deed.

"Yeeaaaagh!" screamed the wave of Marnamians, over a hundred total. Spears glinted in the glare of torches as they were hastily lit; arrows twanged, long shields clattered, and soldiers roared.

This would be slaughter.

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Sorry to cut this chapter so short, but it would have been too long if I had put in the actual battle sequence. It's in the next chapter, and you can bet all your money on it being very, very depressing. In case you're wondering, it probably wouldn't buy much time for ninety guys to try and hold off a night attack of several hundred angry soldiers. At the least, they're hoping of going down in a blaze of glory, giving a last good effort, and killing off a great chunk of yellow-bellies. The most they can hope for is to convince General Varek, the Marnam leader, to go back to his homeland and gather more troops.

R&R please.