Review response:

Guest - Thank you for your review and for reading my story! It fills my heart with pride and happiness to know that you love this story so much. It's people like you who keep me going! Don't worry, no plans on abandoning this story in the slightest.

Natto - Hello, yes I've read your wonderful comment on ao3 and I would like to thank you for it. Oh dear, I didn't mean to make you cry (or did I?), but I'm touched how my writing moved you. It's a good sign! Yes, I think bringing out all these wartime dilemmas was in fact the biggest challenge for me, and I'm glad they were believable and well-received. I hope I can keep surprising you as I go along.

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Author's note:

Apologies for the long wait, guys. I've been uninspired for the past few months, but I eventually got back to writing again after receiving such wonderful words of encouragement from my reviewers. I've also gained new followers for this story, so that was a major plus too! As for this chapter, it's going to be split into two parts. There's a lot of things going on, all over the place, and affecting different groups of people.

Accompanying track for this chapter: "The Battle" by Harry Gregson-Williams

The full playlist for this story can be found on my profile.

The Stars Told Me So

by Dark Interval

Chapter 14: The Fall of Aquor (part 1)

"Nngh…"

Ameena shifted and fought to move her fingers, bone and muscle having grown heavy and numb from lack of activity. Her body, which had been deathly cold for the past 48 hours, gradually regained warmth and color with every passing second. She felt sunlight caress her skin and dance across her eyelids, and slowly she opened them, half expecting to find herself on the cobblestone roads of the royal city and the sight of white clouds floating overhead, but frowned when all she saw was a big black-and-white blotch against a stark white backdrop.

Huh, how strange…

Suddenly, the big blotch moved and a gentle voice spoke to her – a voice that had always lingered at the back of her mind; whispered to her during her times of loneliness, and one that she never thought she would hear again. It was that very voice that kept her going. That had her tirelessly threading Palmira blossom after blossom through her wishing charm day by day. That gave her hope in her hour of darkness.

"Ameena? Oh, Ameena, you're awake! Thank Apris…"

There it was again. But was it only in her head? She had to be sure.

It didn't take long for her vision to clear and when it did, the big blotch was no longer a shapeless entity, but the body of a young, bespectacled man with shoulder-length black hair. His eyes swam with relief and an uncontainable happiness, so much so that they shone through his unshed tears. And Ameena found herself mirroring the man's stare, her chest constricting as wave upon wave of raw emotion crashed against her, rendering her utterly helpless and at the same time, positively thrilled to be alive.

"D-Dion? Is that… really you?"

She reached out shakily and he grasped her fragile hand between his firm ones, slowly and gently bringing it up to his face where she laid it upon his cheek. The contact sent a pleasant jolt through her body. He wasn't an illusion. Tears sprang in her eyes.

"Oh, Dion… I'm so happy…" She trembled and he held onto her tighter. "I never thought I'd see you again. I wished… Every day I wished on my wishing charm, prayed to the Goddess Palmira to be with you… I'm so h-happy... Dion, my Dion…"

Tears flowed freely down Ameena's face as Dion gently thumbed them away, offering her a beautiful smile of his own. All her questions and worries, they didn't matter anymore: where she was, how she got here, her sickness… nothing did. As long as they were together, she never wanted anything else, and judging by the sheer love and desire in Dion's gaze she knew the feeling was mutual. Ameena hiccupped; the tears wouldn't stop, and Dion hushed her like one would a sweet child.

"Ameena – my Ameena – please don't cry," he soothed while stroking her soft hair. "We're together now. Everything's going to be fine."

"Dion..."

Ameena slowly sat up and Dion couldn't stop himself from pulling the girl into a desperate embrace. Oh, he was well aware of her unstable condition, but he'd be damned if he allowed his friend to slip through his fingers again. Ameena smiled to herself as she fell against him, unresisting. She could feel it: his heat, his body, his heartbeat… everything that told her that he was alive and well. But when Dion showed no sign of letting her go, she giggled and that was enough to shock him to his senses as he hurriedly released her.

"D-Do forgive me," he stuttered, ashamed by his forwardness. "I hope I didn't frighten you. It's just – it's been so long…"

"Don't worry, I'm ok," she answered sweetly, but there was no way she was fooling him with that innocent smile of hers.

"Are you really?" he said with a worried frown. "The royal doctor said you have a serious illness – one without a cure."

Ameena bowed her head guiltily, fingering her quilt. Royal doctor? So, she was currently in a royal guest room, just as she suspected. Shyly, she lifted her gaze to take in her friend's elaborate uniform – Runologist robes. Huh, was he working directly under the Queen? Secretly, she grinned; that little boy genius with the huge glasses grew up to be someone remarkable after all. She never felt happier for him. Dion was living the life of a noble – a Class-A citizen of the richest city in Aquaria – and with his position as Researcher, his future would only get even more promising.

But where would that leave her?

"I'm sorry for being a burden," she whispered sadly, bowing her head.

How could she be so foolish? Dion didn't have time for her, not when he had far more important things to do, discoveries to make, and people to meet. Meanwhile, she had no money, no family, and was probably weighing him down with her inevitable death…

Her eyes widened in surprise when Dion reached down to entwine his fingers with hers. Then, he brought her hand up to plant a tender kiss at the back of her palm. She flushed prettily.

"Please don't ever think that, Ameena." He lifted his gaze and their eyes met. "In fact, you're the very opposite – you're my strength."

"Dion…"

The chief researcher tugged her towards him, his free hand wrapping around her petite waist. Dark eyes bore into bright emerald, conveying a promise that had eluded them for many, many years. It was Dion who closed the gap between them as he pressed his forehead against Ameena's, so close that their noses almost touched. There, he whispered the words that she had been dying to hear since he walked out of Airyglyph forever.

"I love you, Ameena. I've always loved you, and I will always love you."

When the brunette began to tremble again, he smiled and cupped her cheeks with tender affection. "We'll live in the palace together, and I promise you that you'll never have to be alone again. As soon as the war is over, we'll belong to each other; we'll start a family. And if… if you must go, you'll go in my arms and I'll give you my heart forever."

She couldn't breathe. Dion's words rendered her speechless and she was so overcome with emotion that she didn't even know where to start. But she eventually settled for clinging onto him as she smiled through her tears, radiant and beautiful.

I love him... I love him!

"Oh, Dion, I – " She stopped all of a sudden, finally remembering something.

The war… Of course! That was why she was here in the first place! How could she forget? How long had she been out? She hoped she wasn't too late...

"I need to find Roger!"

Dion laughed. "Of course you need – Huh?"

He paused to regard her dumbly. Wait, what now? What the hell just happened? He thought they had something pretty good going on back there… And Ameena knew Roger?!

"Ameena, what's going on?" He gave her a suspicious stare.

"No time to explain!" And without so much of a warning, she threw off the quilt and much to Dion's alarm, hopped out of bed. "He and Fayt were on their way to see the Queen – "

She knew Fayt too?!

" – have you seen him? He's a humanoid with a big bushy tail; short, messy hair; goes up to about my thighs – his height that is – and has these really adorable kitty ears… I need to speak with him, it's important!"

"Ameena, calm down," Dion hushed as he held the girl steady by her shoulders. She was already starting to hyperventilate. "I don't know how you know Roger, but he's fine – well, he's in the dungeons, but he's fine. He was charged for the murder of innocent Aquarians after his people destroyed Arias two days ago. Her Majesty and the high court plan to use him as collateral if things don't end up in Aquaria's favor."

Dungeons? Collateral?

"And what about Fayt?" she breathed hastily.

"He's spearheading the battle against Airyglyph and The Republic," came his ready reply. "Him and Lady Nel left with Aquarian troops about 20 minutes ago, along with the runological weapons."

He spread his arms and spoke excitedly. "Don't you see, Ameena? We'll win this war, the kingdoms will know peace, and we can finally be together again!"

No, no, no! This wasn't supposed to happen! Fayt, you idiot!

"Dion, listen to me," she urged with mounting panic, "after The Republic attacked Arias, they left Peterny a warning: surrender in 24 hours, or face the wrath of the Sanmite Militia. And do you know who delivered that threat? – she leveled Dion with a meaningful stare – Aznor Huxley, Prime Minister, and also Roger's father."

Dion's subsequent outburst wasn't that unexpected.

"The Prime Minister's fighting in this war?!"

This was unheard of! A nation's leader was placing himself in direct conflict with the enemy… not even King Arzei or Queen Romeria physically participated in their own wars. This was a move that would not only require special permission from the other ministers, but pertained high risks and severe consequences for the Sanmite Republic if they were to lose their main leader. Though he heard stories of how proficient Aznor was in combat and military strategy, it was extremely unusual for a figurehead to act so recklessly. It had to be for personal reasons…

Suddenly, Dion arrived at a horrible, startling realization that Fayt – correction – none of them had known about this beforehand. There was an extra hidden piece on the board and they were playing with a handicap. No way could the swordsman handle Vox, Malroy, and Aznor if they were to assault him at the same time. He'd die.

"And that's not all," she continued with a wavering voice. "When I saw the Prime Minister, he was wearing Roger's helmet."

Dion frowned at her words, momentarily confused. Roger had a helmet? But when he first met the Menodix, all he had on was that ridiculous blue shark hat.

"That helmet's very important to Roger. I don't know how the Prime Minister managed to get his hands on it, but something tells me The Republic joined hands with Airyglyph for personal reasons," said Ameena as she paced back-and-forth. "We need to get to Roger. He's the only one who can talk some sense into his father." She stopped to meet Dion's stare. "Where's the battle taking place?"

"Aire Hills," he replied automatically, stunned by Ameena's forwardness. "W-Well, that's the plan at least. Lady Nel wants the fight to take place on enemy turf to reduce damage to national property and protect Aquarian lives."

"Then we don't have much time."

Ameena whirled around and headed straight for the door. Dion stumbled after her, his mind reeling. The girl wasn't supposed to be exerting herself, much less out of bed.

"Ameena – wait! What are you doing?!"

She paused and turned her head to shoot him a determined stare.

"Saving Aquor."

Then, she flung the door open and raced down the palace corridor.

"Lemme out, ya stinker!"

Roger banged on the steel bars of his prison cell with his shark helm. Granted, it made him look utterly ridiculous, but that was the hardest thing he had in his possession right now. He had zero firepower, and his axe along with his other weapons had been confiscated. And to make matters worse, the stupid guard on duty was one terribly boring conversationalist.

"Shut up, traitor!"

Mean too.

"But I keep tellin' ya, I didn't do nuttin!"

"I said shut up!" The guard whirled around and smashed his spear against the bars, nearly crushing Roger's fingers. "Your people went back on that isolation policy of yours. You destroyed Arias; you murdered my wife and children! For all we know, you barbarians have sided with Airyglyph all along!"

"That's not true!" Roger screamed in retaliation, angry tears prickling his eyes. "Don't call us that! I didn't know their motives! I haven't even seen or spoken ta my family fer a week!"

"And why should I be – " But something struck the back of the guard's head and he crumpled onto the ground, unconscious.

Ameena stood in his place, fierce determination shining in her big green eyes, her mouth set in a thin line. In her hands was a torch, which she probably grabbed from the prison walls used to strike the guard.

Roger's jaw fell open in complete shock. When did she – why did she – how did she even get here?! Wasn't she supposed to be in Peterny? When did she arrive at Aquois? And how did she know where to find him? Was this really Ameena or did his brain conjure up some strange vision in his period of desperation? Also, he never knew the girl had a single violent bone in her body. Out of all the people he could think of, he never expected the sweet and frail flower girl to come to his rescue.

"Oh no! Did I hit him too hard? I'm really sorry, sir, but my friend needs my help. Ahhh… I'm a bad person!"

Roger sighed in exasperation. Yep. That's the Ameena he knew and loved alright.

"Ameena, what're ya doin' here?! How did ya find me?"

"There's no time for that," she answered hastily as she dug through the guard's pockets for his keys. "Fayt and the rest of Aquaria's troops are headed for Aire Hills. If we hurry, we can stop them before either nation declares the first attack."

At the mention of Fayt's name, Roger flinched away from the bars and growled through his teeth. "I don't ever wanna hear that guy's name again!"

The betrayal he felt in his heart was overwhelming. The swordsman took advantage of him. He trusted him unquestionably, but it was all for naught. Fayt rhymed so prettily and swept him off his feet with his charm, empty words and false promises. And like an idiot, he believed him.

Ameena paused to regard him in shock. Back at Peterny when Roger had gone on and on about Fayt, she had been so sure that there was nothing but pure love and admiration in his heart, so unlike the hostility she was hearing now. And she knew for certain that Fayt loved Roger more than life itself, so… She wondered what happened between them. But now wasn't the time to deal with matters of the heart, so she waved the whole thing off.

"Anyway, Roger, listen carefully – she inserted the key into the lock, turned it, and tugged the cell doors open – you need to get to Aire Hills quickly. Your father is fighting in this war, and you're the only one who can stop him and his army. If you don't, lots of people are going to die."

"My… pops?" Roger whispered to himself in disbelief.

That couldn't be right. Why would his pops willingly put himself in danger like that? After all, wasn't he the guy who was always so concerned with hiding? If anything were to happen to him from this war, the Sanmite Republic would lose both its leader and main figurehead. Their country would surely fall apart.

"That's not all," Ameena cautioned, "He's wearing your helmet, Roger. Your old helmet."

"My old helmet? But I lost that thing back at…" He stopped short, realization hitting him dead-smack in the face. Kirlsa... No, it couldn't be…

"If you leave this village and cross the borders to Aquarian or Airyglyph territory, if they see you, you'll be signaling to those nations the Sanmite Republic's participation in this war!"

This whole time... the Sanmite-Airyglyph alliance; the fall of Arias; the deaths of Clair and all those soldiers and innocent lives; the sacrifices of his people; and the bad blood forged between three nations…

"For the last time Roger S. Huxley, you are not allowed to leave this village!"

Was all because of him.

"I shouldn't have left home."

Ameena's gaze softened into one of sympathy. It seemed her suspicions were correct. She lowered herself to the Menodix's level and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. There was only so much guilt a young boy could take. Her support was greatly appreciated. Roger forced down his shame and lifted his head to meet her eyes in fierce determination. The Real Man contest that cost him his friends continued to haunt him. He wasn't going to abandon his people and family; he refused to have their blood spilt because of his past mistakes, and he wasn't going to run away. Not this time. 'Not all battles can be won, but to conquer fear is in itself a battle already won.' – that had been Nel's words. He didn't know what a small Menodix could do, but he knew he had to try.

"I need ta make things right," he declared, more to himself than anyone else. "But I need my stuff."

Suddenly, something crashed noisily at his feet and they gave a start. Roger stared blankly at the pile of metal and his battle-axe. His landmines, retractable whip, shield and canon – all accounted for.

"Then what are we waiting for?" said a new voice, hands on his hips and a smirk on his face. "Let's get you to the battlefront."

"Dion!" they cried in unison, both surprised and relieved to see the chief researcher on their side. However, no one was happier than Ameena. So, her dear friend had come through after all. Admittedly, she had her doubts before, but here Dion was displaying a new wave of courage she had never seen before. The nervous, awkward little boy had really grown into a dependable man and she couldn't be prouder.

"But Dion… aren't you an Aquarian?" Roger wondered, confused and wary. "If ya keep me here, Aquaria can win."

Dion shook his head. "Actually, I'm a Glyphian – he spared a glance at Ameena – we both are."

"Then why?" whispered Roger, utterly perplexed by this new information.

"When I began work on the Thunder Arrow, it wasn't to secure victory for Aquaria," Dion struggled to explain himself, "but to put an end to this war and establish peace. Aquaria simply provided me the means necessary to conduct my research." He crossed towards Ameena and grasped her hands lovingly as he gazed deep into her big green eyes. "All I wanted was to see my dear friend again."

"Dion…" Ameena choked,

"But this isn't the peace I envisioned." He released her hands and stepped away. "Now, all three nations will come together in a deadly clash. Each will stop at nothing until the other completely falls. Airyglyph will fight for supremacy; Sanmite will fight for vengeance; and Aquaria will fight for survival. Either way, we're talking about the death of millions and the total eradication of at least one kingdom."

"Not if I can help it," said Roger, all geared up and ready to go. "I've lived all my life wishin' fer an Aquor, and I refuse ta die before I make that dream a reality. I want my friends back. I want my family back. I want my freedom back. And I want my country back." He removed the helm Fayt had given him, glared at it resentfully, before tossing it aside. "I'll be my own champion. This fightin' stops now!"

The uncharacteristic ferocity in the young humanoid's voice both surprised and moved Dion, but the man was quick to collect himself.

"Then you can count me in. I sent the guards on a wild goose chase, but it's only a matter of time before they figure out something's up. We can use the palace horses to make up for lost time."

"You can count me in too!"

Both Dion and Roger turned to stare at Ameena in absolute mortification.

"But Ameena, you can't – you're ill and in no condition to –"

But Roger was quick to cut off Dion as he forced himself between the couple. Grrr... This stupid girl wasn't thinking straight and as a friend, he felt it was his responsibility to bring her head out of the cloud and back onto her shoulders.

"Geez, you're even more of a moron than when I first met ya!" He yelled and jabbed her knee with a finger (he was too short to reach her chest). "Think fer a sec, would ya? If ya die out there, you'll be kissin' yer dreams goodbye! What 'bout Dion? What 'bout yer future?!"

"There won't be any future if choose to do nothing!" Ameena screamed in return, her sudden outburst shocking Roger to silence. She breathed in deeply to compose herself, hands fisted and shaking by her sides. She fixed the boy she had cared for during the days in Peterny – quite arguably her best friend too – with a hard stare.

"I've made up my mind to be with Dion, and that includes this battle. Wherever he rides, I ride." She shot him a beautiful smile, one that radiated confidence and conviction, and he blushed. "Also – she returned her gaze to Roger – I won't leave you, Roger. Not when you need me most. Just like when you didn't leave me when I needed you most."

Memories of that fateful night in Peterny flashed through Roger's mind with vivid clarity. How Ameena had almost died. How he saved her life with his healing powers. How he chose to stay by her side for as long as she lived (before Albel's arrival changed everything of course). Memories that felt like only yesterday rushed at his consciousness and moved him beyond words. His bottom lip trembled and he felt tears gather in his eyes, but he lowered his head and concealed them behind the shadow of his hair. A real man didn't cry.

"Heh. Ya really are summin special, ya know that?" he sniffed, swiping at his nose with the end of his sleeve.

True, he was scared. He was afraid of failure; he was afraid of death. But suddenly, somehow, with these guys by his side, he didn't feel so afraid anymore.

Meanwhile, Dion was having his own internal battle against himself as his mind went over Ameena's words. On one hand, he would feel a lot better if she remained in the palace; her safety was of the utmost importance to him. On the other hand, as the girl's childhood friend, he respected her decision, and he knew her long enough to know that when a stubborn Ameena set her mind to something, there was no way of convincing her otherwise. In a way, she and Roger had a lot in common. No wonder they were such close friends.

"Alright," he muttered, as if finally arriving at a conclusion against his inner monologue, "but I just received an update that Airyglyph and Sanmite have started to move. We better hurry!"

"Right!"

The trio scaled the dungeon steps and made a mad dash towards the stables.

"The enemy has advanced past Kirlsa. Expect vision in approximately 8 minutes. All hostilities accounted for: Vox, Malroy, the Dragon Brigade, the Black Brigade, the Winged Cavalry, the Mages, the – "

"Argh, give me numbers, Mirage. I can't do shit with names."

"…Roger. I'm seeing some witches, centaurs, unicorns, mermaids and other woodland creatures as well. We're looking at about a 15,000-strong army – pause – Good luck, guys."

"Copy that."

Cliff lowered his hand from his ear and turned to regard his company. Fayt had been eerily silent throughout the entire report, constantly kicking up gravel at his feet and drumming his fingers across his sword's hilt in impatience. The blue haired teenager hadn't said a word since they left Aquois and to be honest, Cliff had no idea what was going through the youth's mind. Normally, Fayt would have a billion worries by now; moral dilemmas; self-righteous preaching, and wouldn't hesitate to sound them off for the whole world to hear and painfully sit through (at least to Cliff anyway)… but the kid changed, grew serious. He wondered what triggered this switch in personality; after all, he thought news about his father would have made Fayt positively ecstatic. Nel in contrast, was a lot easier to read. The Aquarian had received the update with calm acceptance, straightened up and turned to address her fellow soldiers and runologists. Her hands were placed firmly on her hips as she delivered her speech with fire and conviction. However, it took someone who knew her both inside and out like Cliff to see that her bravado was merely a cover for her own terror and inherent desperation.

"Listen up everyone: we are Aquaria's final line of defense. If we don't stop Airyglyph and Sanmite where they stand, they will lay siege to Peterny and take the Royal City in one fell swoop!" She looked upon her army's crestfallen faces, expressions laced with fear and doubt. "Yes, we're outnumbered. Yes, things seem hopeless. But we have something our enemy doesn't – camaraderie."

When the troops' expressions began to change, she saw it as a good sign to press on, their strength and growing hope giving her hope as well. The faces of her father, Clair, Tynave and Farleen flashed through her mind. She refused to go down without a fight.

"We don't fight here today out of duty; we fight for love. Love for our kingdom. Our comrades. Our families. Our future… and our lives. Numbers alone do not tell of battles won – the souls of champions do. Their army might be strong, but our hearts are stronger. Every single one of you right here can make a difference between victory and defeat."

Nel unsheathed her dagger and raised it to the skies.

"Apris smiles upon her children today! My brothers and sisters, let us march towards victory and bring eternal peace and prosperity to this land, this world, and all of its children! Let us stand up against Airyglyph and Sanmite's tyranny and pave the way to a better, brighter and kinder future! We shall be bullied no more – who's with me?!"

The crowd erupted into a chorus of loud cheers; soldiers thrust their spears and swords into the air and chanted the words "Long live Aquaria!" over and over. As Nel hushed her troops and went over the game plan one more time, Fayt suddenly released a low chuckle, which effectively got Cliff's attention.

"What, you losing your grip or something?" he said with a frown to which Fayt shook his head at. The teen never once removed his gaze from Nel's person as he continued to watch her belt out orders. She had really come a long way.

"Just look at her." And Cliff did so with a mild smile. "Did you ever expect our escort to become Commander of an entire army?"

"Can't say that I did, kid," he replied with a chuckle of his own as he gazed at the woman he loved with pride. He recalled the day Nel rescued them from Airyglyph's dungeons and how her mysterious smile had incited excitement and a passion within him that he hadn't felt since he first founded Quark. They had really gone through alot together these past few days.

"Now I'm really worried she might actually be able to kill me."

Fayt laughed despite the gravity of their situation. "Well then, you best stop looking at other beautiful women."

"Hah, maybe."

Fayt's smile disappeared and his tone turned serious. "Have you said your goodbyes?"

Cliff shut his eyes and despite the smirk on his lips, it was obvious Fayt's question affected the Klausian a lot more than it showed.

"Kid, I don't do goodbyes." He allowed his gaze to linger on Nel's form a little longer, committing every curve, every precious detail that made the Aquarian so special to him, to memory. "The quicker we leave, the less painful it'll be for everyone."

Roger's face flashed through Fayt's mind and he nodded in solemn agreement. "Yeah."

"Sir Fayt, Sir Cliff?" a soldier interrupted, saluting them. "We need you in position."

"Oh, right."

Fayt and Cliff moved to stand in the middle of a cluster of soldiers and runologists stationed at the front line. They surrounded the pair like an iron wall, their sole purpose to charge up-front straight into enemy lines, while guiding Fayt and Cliff as far out onto the battlefield as possible in order to penetrate Vox and Malroy's command center. Among all those present, Fayt and Cliff were the most proficient combatants as well as the hardiest; not to mention Nel hoped to put the young swordsman's remarkable symbology to full use. The goal was simple: take down Vox and Malroy as quickly as possible before more lives were lost. Unfortunately, with the combined forces of the enemy outnumbering them at a ridiculous 3 to 1, that was easier said than done.

"Lady Nel, up on the hill! Look!"

All eyes turned and the sight that played out before their eyes effectively chased away all the faith and conviction Nel's speech had inspired but a few minutes ago.

At the top of the great hill emerged Minister Malroy on the back of a vicious Dire Wolf, his razor-sharp metal claws grasping the snarling creature's reigns as he slowed it to a crawl. His feline features and confident disposition screamed arrogance, as if already certain about the battle's outcome that was naturally in their favor. Flying above him on an air dragon was none other than the warlord himself, Duke Vox, who raised a gloved hand and closed his fingers in a fist. On command, Airyglyph's Dragon Brigade emerged, the powerful winged beasts sending a great ripple across the battlefield with their roars. The dragons and their riders flanked him on either side and behind, all airborne and easily over five dozen of them. On the ground next to Malroy, the Black Brigade took their positions, each knight armed with heavy and lethal weaponry; and standing with them were members of the Siege Corps, Sanmite's deadliest warriors. Positioned just beyond the front line ground troops were the Battle Mages – Sanmite's Mystics and renowned sorcerers – the army's main magic damage dealers. And with the alliance of the humanoid nation came the indispensable support from the forests as well: centaurs armed with bows and arrows; chimeras from the dessert; crystal mermaids wielding deadly ice blades; witches on broomsticks; unicorns and their riders; griffins; lions; wolves; trees that moved, and many more monsters as far as the eye could see. Finally, armored Featherfolkian of the Winged Cavalry descended from the skies to complete the deadly ensemble.

Some soldiers began to sob, while others had despair creeping into their features. Vox took in the glorious sight of Aquaria's pathetic army with pride. The hopeful light in their eyes were quickly diminishing one by one and he relished every moment of it. His victory was in near-sight; he could practically taste the glory of his soon-to-be empire and military legacy. Oh, Albel would have loved to see this; after all, this had been the wicked one's vision from the start… Too bad the boy was spending the rest of his godforsaken life rotting in the castle dungeons. And with Glou's son finally out of the way, he could claim what was rightfully his, what should have been his from the very start – the throne. Glou had always been popular with the people and the Royal family, and when he died the man was given a funeral service fit for a king. But now he was in-charge and he'd do what his ex-captain had failed to accomplish in his lifetime – conquering the holy lands. It was no wonder both father and son had failed to get this far; they might have been the best in their field, but they were weak. Just like their King.

Vox laughed in cruel spite. He couldn't care less about his incompetent nephew; anyone who concerned themselves over the welfare of their enemies was a fool and unfit to rule Airyglyph. In fact, he wouldn't even be surprised if Arzei remained oblivious to a revolt forming behind his back. Blood was thicker than water, but power and capability did the real talking. On this battlefield, he was King. It didn't matter if Aquaria had that special weapon of theirs. Under the combined forces of Airyglyph and The Sanmite Republic, their army would only drop like flies and when that happened, not just Aquaria, but all of Gaitt would belong to him.

"Stand tall and draw your weapons!" Nel commanded as she paced the front line of her battalion. "If we die, we die with honor."

Her gaze traveled across her entire military outfit: at her commanding officers; soldiers; runologists; artillery; and finally at Fayt and Cliff. She took in their expectant stares and for the briefest moment, a look of trepidation flashed across her eyes. She knew she was asking a lot from them.

"Guys, I..."

"Nel."

She met Cliff's smile. Absently, she wondered how in Apris the crazy blonde could smile at a time like this, especially when their side was at a hilarious disadvantage, but at the same time, just seeing that smile, seeing that strength and trust in his beautiful blue eyes, gave her all the encouragement and faith she needed. And for that, for her very meeting with these Greeton engineers and her love for Cliff, she was grateful.

"We're with you all the way," he said, and she knew he meant every word.

"And we'll fight for you," added Fayt, "because we're comrades."

Forcing her tears down, Nel gave them a firm nod and turned to face the enemy. She was ready for them; she didn't fear death.

"Thanks, guys."

On the hill, a centaur blew his horn, and there arose a great shout, "Glory to Airyglyph!"

Cliff turned to Fayt and said with a wry smirk, "Any plans on dying today?"

Fayt's grip around his sword tightened. "None whatsoever."

Nel pulled back her lips in a scream.

"CHARGE!"

Both sides met in a fearsome clash. Air dragons opened fire as they swooped down to form a raging wall of flames on the battlefield. But heading Aquarian troops were the runologists, who effortlessly passed through the inferno with their ice magic and began their assault on the dragon riders. Aquarian soldiers followed swiftly after to support them, but the Black Knights and Siege Corps denied them any chance of an advantage, meeting the troops head on with their weapons, initiating blows and pushing against each other, relentless and aggressive.

Aire Hills exploded into full-blown chaos. Spells, arrows, fire, and great beams of light tore through the air and rained down on the three armies. Griffins flew overhead and released large rocks to crush oncoming Aquarians and disperse tightly formed groups. Artillery did the same with the power of the two Thunder Arrows on Nel's every signal. Earth and dust flew into the air, the explosions ripping through the ground and causing the land to quake, but the three kingdoms turned a deaf ear to Gaitt's screams. Runologists decimated the moving wall of grape vines and weeping willows with their fireballs, but it was an empty victory. The humanoids broke through the charred remains on the backs of unicorns and hacked through the bodies with their swords. Aquarian blood gushed forth and stained the earth a deep red, and the warriors of Sanmite continued their advance without a shred of mercy. Battle mages chanted in their circles, their powerful summons leaving them vulnerable to enemy assault. An Aquarian unit surged forward to drive their spears and swords through the humanoid sorcerers, but the Black Knights were quick to respond and intercept the attacks, protecting the remaining mages and maintaining the upper hand. With their weapons far surpassing the strength of their opponents' regular ones, the Black Brigade broke through the soldiers' defenses and slaughtered them where they stood.

"Fire!"

A beam of yellow light pierced the air. It was a direct hit at the center of the Black Brigade unit. The blast threw up earth and bodies, steel armor offering little to no protection against the Thunder Arrow's might. It was an instant kill.

Up on the hill, Duke Vox was seething.

"My knights are getting slaughtered by that blasted weapon!" He turned to shoot a harsh glare at his partner. "You said your army was more than enough to send these Aquarian swine to an early grave. Don't just gape, fool – do something!"

Malroy hissed and delivered a quick swipe at the duke with his claws, but Vox was quick to pull back.

"I do not answer to a Glyphian – he sneered at that term like it was something vile – and unlike you, Vox, my plan involves more than just shouting."

The Fellpool turned his attention to the skies.

"Winged Cavalry, assume attack formation Shooting Star! - his expression turned deadly - Take down those weapons!"

"Scatter!"

Aquarian soldiers threw themselves out of the way and narrowly avoided a slew of poison needles cast from a band of witches. The girls giggled as they tormented the troops with their spells, which ranged from fire to earth. The battalion rearranged themselves into an offensive, but before its unit's commanding officer could call for an attack, a group of air dragons swooped in and began picking at the soldiers like fresh spoils, hurling them high into the air only to let them fall to their doom. The remaining team struggled for survival.

"My apologies, boys, but this is as far as my men can take you," the officer said through gritted teeth as he fought to fend off the claws of an air dragon.

"Suits me fine," answered Cliff as he and Fayt readied themselves in a sprint.

"May the grace of Apris be with you." The officer returned his attention to the field. "On the count of 3… 2… 1… Break formation!"

Fayt and Cliff pushed through the wall of soldiers and sprinted across the battlefield, choice weapons drawn and ready to do some serious damage. However, it was only when they crossed the middle ground and breached enemy lines did the horrid realization of their current reality dawn upon Fayt. He was fighting in a war; the blood, carnage, and destruction... all this was really happening. It wasn't a game. Fayt's chest constricted painfully and his lungs felt like they were on fire; he had never run this fast in his life. Adrenaline coursed through his veins and he could hear the deafening pounding of blood in his ears. Every inhale and exhale seemed louder and felt exceptionally obvious to him, like he was hearing the world and himself through a tunnel. The faces of enemies, his actions and all the noise around him became nothing more than a shapeless blend of sound and color. Every swing of his blade, the blood he drew forth, and every gurgle from a fallen opponent as their lives faded from their eyes, was a huge blur to Fayt. He wasn't seeing, wasn't thinking. All he knew was that he needed to get to the enemy control center and fast. Nel and the Queen were counting on him; his love for Roger kept him focused on the task at hand. Everything else was irrelevant.

"Ice coffin!"

Two crystal mermaids launched their attack in a bid to freeze the swordsman, but Fayt was faster and imbued his blade with his symbology. Flames rushed along the sword's length, melting the ice; and with a smirk, he charged the crystal maidens and shattered their armor and blades of ice in one fell swoop. Lined up nicely and left vulnerable, he focused his energy in his next move and pierced straight through their torsos with his sword in a single thrust. They let out twin screams, blue blood oozing out their wounds. Fayt withdrew his blade with a grunt and the bodies fell to the ground in a lifeless heap. He reached up and wiped away the blood splatters on his cheek. The Sanmite army was going to have to do better than that.

Meanwhile, Cliff had his hands full with a chimera, holding onto the fangs of one of its heads as the beast tried to clamp its jaws around him. He pushed against it, arms shaking from the strain, and with a great yell he lifted it up, twisted its head and slammed it onto the ground. The chimera struggled to stand upright with its remaining two heads, but Cliff wasn't having any of it. Executing his trademark Hammer of Might move, he pounded the beast into the ground before it could get up, creating a massive crater where it lay. The monster remained on its side in a mass of fur and twitching limbs as it suffered from the aftershock. And to put it out of its misery, Cliff grabbed its flaming tail at the base, flung it onto its body, and set it on fire.

Fayt flicked his sword to get some of the blood off and turned to address the blonde, but screamed and pitched forward when an arrow lodged itself into his thigh.

"Argh!"

His sword fell from his grip and clattered noisily on the ground. A burning pain shot up his leg and he collapsed onto his knees, breathing sharply through his teeth. The cloth around the area where the arrow entered his flesh was quickly turning a deep red.

Shit.

Not too far off, a centaur lowered his bow and traded it for the scabbard at his side. His eyes honed in on the injured teen. So, this was the blue-haired engineer that started this whole mess. Because of him and that stupid contraption, the Prime Minister's son was in danger and by extension, threatened the Sanmite Republic's peace and sovereignty. He figured Aznor wouldn't mind if he served the boy's head to their General once this whole war was through.

The centaur charged with a yell, but before he could swing his blade, Cliff dashed between them, grabbed the centaur by the front, and using his momentum against him, lifted and hurled him some distance off. The centaur crashed into a group of advancing Black Knights, but the Klausian wasn't too keen on wasting his energy on a bunch of pushovers.

"Need a hand?" He offered, to which Fayt grabbed and he helped the teen to his feet. There was an obvious limp in his step. Cliff frowned at him in concern.

"Think you can keep going?"

Fayt chuckled, "Heh, this?" Clenching his jaw and steeling himself, he reached down and holding back a scream, yanked the bloodied arrow out from his leg. "This is nothing." He tossed it aside.

Cliff ripped off the end of one of Fayt's pants leg and tied the cloth around the wound to stem the blood flow. At the same time, the swordsman's gaze traveled across the battlefield and seemed to be fixed on an invisible endpoint beyond the chaos. The real battle hadn't started yet, and the sooner it did, the sooner all this fighting and meaningless violence could stop. He could minimize the casualties, help Aquaria establish peace, and leave this planet while hopefully earning Roger's forgiveness in the years to come...

Well, here's to wishing for the impossible.

"C'mon, Cliff. Let's end this."

Ok, whose idea was it again to ride to battle on horseback?

Roger wrapped his arms around Ameena's waist and held on for dear life. Oh, how he hated horses... Ok, fine, he didn't hate them so much as he hated riding on them. Something about them just made him nervous, plus he always had a feeling those animals had a vendetta against him, including the unicorns back home in Sanmite. Otherwise they wouldn't throw him off every time he climbed on them, which explained why he was riding with Ameena instead of having one to himself.

"Peterny's South exit is sealed off!" cried Ameena, slowing her horse to a stop. "Aquarian troops must have boarded it up from the other side."

"Then we'll make our own exit – Yah!"

Dion struck his horse with the reigns and it reeled back on its hind legs with a shrill neigh. Realizing his plan, Ameena did the same while Roger commenced his second freak-out session of the hour.

"No, no, no, noooooo!"

The horses crashed through the wooden gates and they resumed their course, racing through Palmira Plains at lightning speed. It suddenly occurred to them that they had just smashed through Peterny's only line of defense and though pathetic, it begged the question as to why. Where were the guards? And why weren't some of the troops positioned by Sanmite Steppes as Nel had originally planned? Dion's heart raced. Was Aquaria losing?

Then, he looked up.

"Look over there!"

"Where?!"

Ameena tugged at the reigns and the horse jerked forward to a sudden stop. Something crashed against her back and she turned to face her friend in alarm. "Roger, are you alright?"

The poor boy moaned, his vision spinning. His hair looked like it exploded and his face had turned a nasty shade of green. Urgh… he was going to be sick...

"There! Over the hills!" Dion indicated in the distance.

And that was when they saw it: numerous beams of gold light streaked down from the skies, the impact from the blasts shaking the earth. But following after came a resounding 'BOOM!' as an even bigger and brighter burst of energy shot upwards in retaliation. It not only overpowered the other lights, but consumed them as well, triggering a massive explosion upon contact. They could feel the tremors from where they stood. The war had already begun; they were too late.

Roger and Dion gaped at the spectacle, a similar thought running through their heads: The Thunder Arrow… it really works! …Before horror started to sink in and they feared for the worst.

"That was Sanmite's Winged Cavalry," said Roger, voice shaking in trepidation. He couldn't believe how a single shot from the weapon he helped build, was all it took to tip the scales. "Guys, I gotta get ta my pops quickly or more people are gonna die!"

"Then hang on tight." Ameena readied her stead, excitement shining in her eyes. "Because I'm not going to hold back."

Before Dion could caution her against overexertion, Ameena shot past him with a screaming Roger in tow, straight towards the old site of Arias.

"Fayt, how're you doing?"

"Not good!"

He blocked a Glyphian's sword and delivered a roundhouse kick to the knight's neck. The man stumbled, momentarily winded, and Fayt seized his window to charge him with his sword and break the knight's armor. His opponent tried to retaliate with his own weapon, but at such close proximity, his heavy, beefed up broadsword proved more slow and bulky than lethal, so Fayt struck him across the chest before the Black Knight could even swing his own weapon. The blow was quick and critical, and the Glyphian flew and skidded across the ground to stop in an unconscious heap by his fellow fallen comrades. Panting, Fayt straightened up with the support from his sword and re-established connection with Nel.

"We can't penetrate their defense and get to Vox and Malroy. There's too many of them!"

He was breathing harshly, that leg wound significantly slowing him down and making his head spin. Though he wasn't 100% vulnerable, he wasn't nearly as tough as his Klausian partner either. One false move, one careless execution, and it could land him more injuries. He couldn't afford to take another hit.

Unbeknownst to Fayt, another Black Knight tried to get him from the back, but Cliff charged in and delivered a swift and hard punch to the guy's, uh, face. Never mind the technicalities; the front of the helmet received a massive dent anyway, so it probably hit home and dealt some pretty nasty damage.

"Double time, kid! Let's go!"

"Right!"

Fayt stumbled a few paces before suddenly slumping over from exhaustion. Damn, his leg was hurting like a bitch. If it weren't for Cliff's stellar reflexes, he would have been eating dirt and blood by now. The older male cursed, draped Fayt's arm across his shoulders and supported the teen upright. Then he raised his free hand to his ear and pressed a button on his communicator.

"Mirage, you there? Talk to me!"

"I hear you. What's happening?"

"The kid's at his last legs, but we're nowhere close to enemy base."

"And what would you have me do?"

"We need backup, woman!" he yelled over the clash of metal and explosions. "Fayt's bleeding here. We need an opening."

"Copy that. Hang in there, guys."

"It's not working!" Vox turned a sharp eye to Malroy. "It's obvious your Winged Cavalry are no match against Greeton's technology. The Featherfolkian are dropping like flies."

"Well, I don't see your precious Dragon Brigade do any better," Malroy countered accusingly.

Vox snorted and turned his nose up at the Defense Minister's childish rebuttal.

"Humph, if you want something done, do it yourself."

"Go ahead then. I'll just sit here and watch you get yourself killed!"

"Malroy, that's enough," interrupted a new voice as its speaker emerged from a group of Siege Corps warriors to stand between the two war commanders. "If you spent less time coming up with catty comebacks and more time re-working your strategies, you would've secured our victory sooner."

The Menodix's words greatly pleased Vox, who returned his advice with a compliment.

"Ah, Prime Minister… Wise words indeed. I was beginning to tire of your house cat's yowling."

"Duke Vox," Aznor Huxley acknowledge with a curt nod, while doing his best to ignore that jab at his fellow colleague and best friend. "Your worries are unfounded. There's time to turn this battle around - he gave him a hard stare - I hope you remember our bargain."

Vox chuckled and said, "Of course. You'll see your boy again - unharmed and very much alive."

"Aznor - " Malroy began desperately, but was silenced by a wave of his leader's hand.

Those were comforting enough words to him. Aznor took a few steps forward, folded his arms behind his back, and gazed out at the battle taking place at the foot of the hill from where they stood.

"Aquaria's weapon may be powerful, but it's useless in close-range – he turned to regard Vox – once our ground troops reach artillery and slaughter those runologists and their Commander, victory will be ours."

He returned his attention to the fight, specifically at a certain redhead Aquarian manning the Thunder Arrows. Then his gaze travelled across the field until it landed on a blue-haired boy and his blonde companion, fast approaching.

"It's only a matter of time."

"Nel, it's Mirage. Can you hear me?"

At artillery, Nel paused in the middle of her commands and touched the communicator at her ear.

"I hear you. What's going on over there? Are Fayt and Cliff all right?"

"Listen, we're going to do some crowd control. I'm giving you some coordinates. They're approximates, but it should be enough to give the opening Fayt and Cliff need. Don't miss."

The last part was a warning and although the good kind, Nel couldn't help but feel slightly irritated by the older woman's choice of words. What did she take her for, a novice? Of course she understood the delicacy of the situation. She knew what she was doing and she would prove it too. She motioned at the runologists handling the Thunder Arrow closest to her.

"Ok, we're good to go."

"30 degrees right; 0.5 metres elevation; 20 degrees down. Fire when ready."

Nel relayed the instructions to her team, but the cries from her subordinates made her stop dead in her tracks. Not too far off, a group of injured runologists screamed for backup as they desperately stumbled away from three humanoid mages and their frightful golem summons of fire and ice. Nel gasped; she recognized those golems, remembered them clearly from those carefree days of spring long past, remembered how she herself oversaw that particular wolf-boy's growth as a fantastic sorcerer. But instead of practice or the sheer fun of play, the innocence and childish intent was gone and those magical visions of nostalgia turned into monsters built for the sole purpose of war. Between those beautiful memories and the present, she chose the now where her people and their lives – Aquarian flesh and blood – came first. And so, it became clear on what it was she needed to do.

Crowd control can wait.

"Out of the way!" She shoved aside the runologist handling the nearest Thunder Arrow and took the woman's place.

Getting behind the controls, Nel operated the weapon for the very first time and though unfamiliar with its functions, had observed enough to grasp the basic mechanism behind it. There was no time to play guessing games with coordinates; if she didn't act now, she'd lose more of her men to the arms of Death. And as high commander of this army, it was her duty to bring home as many soldiers as possible – alive. It was time for her to do something herself. She peered through the viewing scope and took aim. Her thumb hovered over the button, shaking, hesitating for a split second...

This was Roger's best friend. She had been Lieutenant Nel. They grew up together; played together. All of them. Nel swallowed and closed the door of that particular memory forever.

I'm sorry.

She fired the shot. It hit the small group of mages dead center, the blast scattering them apart. Amidst the gravel and dust, a small wolf-boy struggled onto his elbows, blinking rapidly to clear his vision and restore his senses. His ears were still ringing, and the sudden trickle of warmth down the side of his face was sure indication that he was bleeding... But he had survived. He had lived to see another day, to fight on and bring Roger, his crazy brother, home.

I can still fight.

Suddenly, someone screamed. It was his father. Melt turned his head weakly to the source. His father had stopped screaming and was now moaning and sobbing the words "Oh God" over and over. Melt didn't understand it; as an astronomer and atheist, since when did his father ever subscribe to the idea of God? However, when the dust finally cleared along with his vision, his father's grief and suffering hit him as hard as that previous blast. Lying motionless in his father's arms and face streaked with blood, was his mother. Her big, lifeless eyes stared up at the sky, unseeing; her chest no longer rose and fell with every breath. As Melt watched his father kiss her forehead and bury his face against her bloody cheek; as he heard his father sob the words "Why did you do it, why did you do it?" in a hopeless and heartbroken mantra, Melt finally understood that his mother had sacrificed herself and taken the hit for them.

It was only after his father passed his hand over her face to shut her eyelids, when it finally dawned upon Melt that he would never see his mother and wake up to her kind smiles again.

"MOM!"

And his whole world crumbled.

Nel relinquished her grip on the controls and stepped away with tears in her eyes. Her lips trembled and every breath left her mouth in shallow, shaky gasps. Despite the guilt weighing heavily on her heart, she refused to let those tears fall, to expose her emotional vulnerability. She was Nel Zelpher, daughter of Neville Zelpher; friend of the Lasbards; Aquarian; and High Commander of the Aquarian Army. She had a reputation and duty to uphold. She saved her runologists and aided her soldiers. She fought in the name of the Queen and her country.

But why did her heart hurt so much?

Why did things have to be this way?

Eight months ago when she last stepped foot onto Surferio, she had made a vow: to lend her strength and fight in this war, bring about peace, so as to guard the lives of the six humanoid children she had grown to care for and call her family. She walked out of their lives in order to protect them, yet here she was dealing the damage and hurting them herself. And then there was that horrible thing she made Fayt do to Roger, as well as the order she issued said teen to take down Lucien's own father…

Had she really lost sight of what was truly important? Or were there greater things to protect?

She didn't know anymore.

"Nel! Where's that opening?! We need you now!"

Cliff's voice sounded in her ear and she snapped out of her rumination. The coordinates. Right.

"Give me a second!"

She resumed control of the Thunder Arrow and readjusted her aim.

"Take that, and that, and that!"

Taken out of context, Cliff would have appeared quite mad pounding away at a tree with his gauntlets. Then again, this was no ordinary tree: the damned thing had a life of its own - literally - and he had lost count of the number of times it threw exploding fruit bombs at him and tried to stab him with its roots. When he had agreed to fight in this war, no one told him he had to deal with a moving forest as well.

Next to him, Fayt was having his fair share of trouble as he wrestled against the grapevines that had wrapped themselves around him and hoisted him into the air. However, the more he struggled, the tighter they coiled to the point he felt that they threatened to cut off his blood circulation. The vines bound his wrists mercilessly and he was steadily losing his grip on his sword, his fingers giving, the more they tightened. This was bad. He couldn't cut himself loose.

"A little help here..." he gasped, only to choke when a vine snaked around his throat and snapped fast.

Fayt struggled (more like twitched) pathetically in the monster's grasp. His breathing grew shallow and sharp; his eyes bulged; and his face turned blue as a gradual numbness descended on his body. Meanwhile, Cliff's eyes darted about the battlefield, frantically looking for some sort of weapon. He found an axe lying someway off and grabbed it firmly between his hands. No way was he going to let the kid die of suffocation from a stupid, overgrown plant.

"Hold still!"

"Like I can do anything else?!"

The axe sliced through the vines and Fayt crashed painfully onto the ground. The tree let out a shrill screech, flailing what was left of its vines in the air. Cliff helped Fayt to his feet and they faced the thing, ready to take it down for good…

"Guys, get down!"

Nel's warning was really cutting it close, but better late than never. They scrambled and threw themselves behind a nearby boulder. The blast from the Thunder Arrow struck the tree dead-on and the explosion sent the oncoming Glyphian soldiers and Sanmite mages flying. Not even waiting to see if the attack had fully cleared the enemy wave, Fayt and Cliff rushed forward and braved through the sand and dust, through the numerous bodies and corpses, scaling the hill, lungs burning and heart ablaze.

"Did we make it?" said Fayt, coughing.

Suddenly, a great gust of wind blew past; and when the dust finally cleared and the earth settled, Fayt and Cliff found themselves the audience of a smirking Duke Vox and General Malroy, armed, dangerous, and ready to draw first blood.

To be continued...

Author's note:

Stay tuned for part 2 of this epic clash of nations!

Also, there's a poll up on my profile, so please pop by and vote for Roger's fate. Every vote counts! If you're unable to vote, you can also indicate your choice in your review :)

Anyway, here's my attempt at an epic battle the game never had. In the meantime, please leave a review if you like my story, favorite, and follow. A little support goes a long way and motivates me to keep writing and produce faster updates. University life is tough and full of deadlines, but if I know my story has touched readers in some way, all the more I'll keep updating at a more consistent rate. Thanks guys and hope you enjoyed reading this chapter! Until next time!