Being the next following morning, (your name) was spent beat for the whole yesterday evening only to emerge up and ready this sunrise.

After dressing, she came out, seeing no one awake she decided to go ahead and grab the numerous coin bags in her satchel to give finally to Griffith.

Walking to his tent, she felt good. It was the way a man felt to feed his kids or even provide for his family that was the same sense as providing funds now.

Hopefully, he wouldn't be up so she could just leave the satchel in his tent and talk about it later. It was that type of confrontation in which she loathed, because within that small confrontation, she knew questions would emerge from his very lips.

Each step she took seemed less paced as the next as she finally arrived, opening the flap to see him completely gone.

Where...is he? She wondered.

Deciding to leave the satchel on his futon, she left back to her own private tent, grabbing a towel and any other private accessories she needed.

A bath was what was on her mind, needing to wash away all the thoughts of the previous night away. Walking to her horse in the stables, she whistled for the dark stallion to come riding.

Jumping on, she slapped the reins easily to make him go forward, riding out into the woods to the nearest lake or river she memorized. It was always smart to make camp by a river. A river or lake brings food such as fish, water, supplies like different types of bark from trees to craft arrows or even more animals to use for meat.

It's always smart, she noted, to camp by a river.

(Your name's) eyes were still, even as the few minutes that had passed, focuswd on seeing correctly in this daylight. Being dead asleep for so long without any type of light refracting into your eyeballs can cause your eyes to take time letting in the actual sunlight. She blinked, looking for the river as the streaming water was finally heard.

Getting off her horse, she let him rest by the river, putting her towel on the horse's saddle to now start shedding her clothes. Placing them neatly on her horse, all she had was a loose ragged shirt on as she got into the cold river.

"God...freezing..." she muttered, holding her arms as she walked more into the clear river.

Letting her hair fall back, she dipped her head back to let her (h/l) (h/c) hair soak in the water. Her bare toes curled into the gradient mud just below her. It was stimulating. Standing up straight, she heard the unmistakable gasp of a man as she turned quickly, the water droplets dripping from the strings of her hair.

Her (e/c) orbs widened in surpise, nearly stunned as any animal would be when a hunter is spotted, she stuttered.

"G-guts?!" She nearly choked on her saliva at the sight of the grown man being just as naked as the day he was born. He was in the river as well just about a yard apart. The water covered his lower half as his ears turned bright red.

He quickly looked away, a small red sheen of blush covering just below his eyes as he tried to leave in a rush now.

"Shit shit shit." He muttered as (your name) covered her clothed breasts. Even if she had on that thin ragged shirt, with it being wet, it was still a bit transparent.

She turned her head the other way to let Guts get out and get dressed.

Het brow twitched as she grew agitated with her friend.

"Just...how long have you been here exactly?" She spoke aloud, still not looking back to the man in fear to see all of his glory.

"Much longer before you, I can assure." He replied, putting on his pants and black shirt quickly.

"Well hurry and leave!" She scolded, as he grabbed his bag, swinging it over his left shoulder then grabbing his discarded greatsword and leaning it on his other.

"Yeah yeah I know." He waved off, the redness of his cheeks still visible as he quickly walked away. He pursed his lip still in slight embarrassment, walking on the forest floor.

"Kh..."

(Your name) turned, seeing his receeding muscular back leave. Even with clothes, it was definitely much harder to cover Guts' toned frame.

"Idiot." She muttered, looking down to the rippling water to see her reflection. "Goodness...why is my face so red." She commented, touching her cheek.

(Your name's) P.O.V

"God." I spoke moreover to myself as I rode into town for the last time hopefully this week.

I was becoming all too adjusted to this Kingdom and their ways.

Deciding to let my hair down, I rode on my horse, the winds trailing passed me as my locks blew in the breeze. I usually always had my hood on, but...since I did those deeds yesterday and the day before, I would imagine that the Midland Kingdom is much more patrolled and watchful to hooded residents.

Going to the usual outskirted stables, I got off my stallion to lead him to the usual stable. Now closing the wooded gate, I walked to the small house to go up the patio steps, knocking on the door twice, I then left the coin bag by his porch.

Walking away, I looked back to see the same elderly gentlemen, open his wooden crooked door to see the coin purse, pick it up, and then accordingly wave to me as he eyed my horse in his stable.

It wad a silent agreement, he'd tend to my horse and I'd leave the money, nothing to it.

Walking through the castle gates, my eyes decided to look up for some unknown reason, taking in the view of the castle straight ahead of me.

Wow...

There was walls and walls I'd have to go through before I could reach those gilded gates. The castle's height just called for attention as my eyes swept over the scenery of the sun arising in the back of it.

Such prestine architecture.

Looking back straight, I found the other merchants and villagers chatter filled my ear drums.

"Did you hear?"

"You don't even need to tell me about it Maria, I already know. Pastor Roland was discussing it this morning. Now ain't that something?"

The women held her basket full of vegetables, her ragged dress down to her feet drapping as the elder man sat at his stand.

"Oh? What did Pastor Roland say about it?" This peeked the old women's interest as I leaned against a wall, my arms crossed as I looked down to my boots.

"Mm...he spoke about the information some families gave em'. Apparently...someone left a quite a bit of-" the man rubbed his index and thumb together whistfully. "-coin on their doorstep or somethin' of the sort. Same with the Orphanages. Damn, I just wished I was one of the folk that got a little money outta that."

The old lady touched her lips in thought at the news.

"Oh my, how fortunate. But, I still wonder who would do such a thing? But...ahem...does the..." The elder women ushered her head to the by-standing Knights or guards walking around with their spears or swords. "... you know...do they know?" Her voice went down lower.

"They only know of the robberies, same as us all. They haven't found out where some of their money is goin', or most of it. Which is good. Those families I believe needed that, same as those Orphanages."

I sighed, relaxing the tension in my shoulders now.

It was a risk leaving money at those poor people's house or those orphanages. But, walking passed those houses I couldn't bare the thought of how they were possibly surviving. That night, I left some bags of coin in the inside of their home. It's easy to pick those old locks.

I couldn't possibly leave the money outside those people's houses either, I wouldn't want some drunk to pass by and think it was his lucky day or something.

And as for the orphanages...well...the other day, I recalled seeing some stray kids sitting by a fountain collecting dirt coin from passing folk. It hurt of course to see them that way, begging for food or money.

I hope I did the right thing by leaving those families it. If word got out to the Knight's or even the King, they would probably assume those families had a play in the robberies, so... I'm hoping they'd keep their mouth shut.

Even to the priests.

The man shook his head, waving the old women off.

"Give 'er husband my regards, Maria. Be safe out there."

"Of course, of course~ You have a good day now." The women waved back, slowly shuffling back into the crowd to probably walk on home.

I'm happy I could help out those needed families. When I passed by their houses that day after talking to Steven lastly, the sight of those rugged small houses just...ate me up to think that people actually live there.

I wonder if-

"Every one it is true! The child is alive! She is well! The prophesy has returned! And-and look! She is giving back! Oh thee blessed one!"

I turned my head quickly, seeing another follower of that so called religion hold up pieces of his bible.

The symbol.

That same marking stung my eyes to see it in that book again.

Gah, it makes me rilled up to see people mindlessly following such a blind set of ways.

I turned to leave, walking away to another part of the city, distaste set on my tongue. My hands were calmly by my sides as I made my way to a meat stand I spotted a ways away. The noises gladly died down, less chatter and yelling as I walked up to the merchant finally.

"How much for a slice of dried meat?" I asked the man as his eyes looked up to me from under his straw dirty hat.

"A silver coin for five slices."

Taking out my pouch that was hanging on my hip, I took out one silver coin, placing it in the merchant's dry creased hands as he observed it, now putting it in his pocket.

"I'll just take two." I spoke, as he cut some slices with his jagged knife. I took them, nodding his way to show appreciation.

"Thanks."

"No, thankyou ma'am." He tipped his hat.

Walking passed the town's folk, I chewed on a piece of the dried meat. It was seasoned, and frankly tough to swallow, but regardless, it was something in my stomach other than bourbon or mead.

It was getting a little chilly, but still, the sun was shinning so it warmed the place finely. My ears perked up suddenly.

"Yeah, he's in a meeting right now I believe. Can't you believe how high of a rank he has reached in such short notice? He's sitting with all the other Commanders, including the King himself."

"It's almost impossible to think of it, but...that makes him all the more attractive. Don't you think Bella?" The women then nudged her probable friend or sister as they giggled happily.

They chattered amongst themselves as they walked by in their fine stainless beige and light turquoise dresses. They didn't seem like they were poor, or even unwealthy, just...for those women to be this far away from their guarded solitude surpised me to find them in a mere merchant market.

I chewed on the last of the dried meat, now swallowing as I looking about.

Wait...

I stopped dead in my tracks.

Were they talking about Griffith?

As if on cue I looked over to see the White Hawk himself riding down the cobblestone streets, passing the town's folk with his hand waving to some kids. He smiled warmly to blushing women only to make them weak in the knees more, as they waved with their hanker chiefs from balcony tops. Envious guards turned their cheek at the sight of Griffith, clicking their tongue the new Knighted male was receiving.

As I walked towards the crowded area, I saw him in his armor, riding on his white horse towards my area. The light shone off of him, making him seem more like an ethereal being stuck on this sinful planet.

I stood away from the crowd, watching the untouchable man make his way towards me as my eyes remained dazed.

It was...as if I was some peasant women, wondering how it would be like to ever talk to a man of Griffith's status. Wondering how it would be lined when a male of his physique would approach me, dare speak to me.

I'd wonder how'd he say my name.

Would it be firmly spoken? Quick and to the point?

Or would it be soft, longing like in a way in which he could only barely mutter?

I wonder how he'd-

"(Your name)?"

He abruptly called, bringing me out of my trance as his light crystal eyes met mine in a dance. His lashes were so long, his face so perfectly sculpted as I blinked twice to make sure I was back from my layered false reality.

"O-oh. Yeah?" I asked as I saw many women quickly stare to me, wondering how in God's name was Griffith, the newly Knighted male and Commander of the Hawks talking to me, a supposed street girl.

"Why are you here?" He softly questioned. I looked up to him on his horse.

People muttered all around as they stepped back to give us room.

"Oh...ah, just shopping around."

"Well here-" he held out his armored hand to take mine. "-let's go. We have an assigned mission from the King himself." He offered as my brows rose.

I took his hand as he yanked me up.

"Mission?" I questioned, wondering how he got one, versus all the other Commanders who could have got it.

"Yes, we are to recapture an enemy supply base. I'll give you the further details later."

Wow...we are in fact coming up in ranks. Regardless of what others may say or whisper now, they cannot deny that the King has asked for help himself.

We're becoming very important to this Kingdom, I could see.

We rode throughout the Kingdom, riding towards the exit slowly as I mentally prepared myself for battle.

"Did you ride here?" He suddenly asked, managing to yet again bring me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, my horse is at the entrance of the Kingdom, at a nearby small stable."

"Ah, I know which. I'll take you there. We can ride together back to camp and there we'll discuss the plans."

I nodded, holding onto his waist loosely as I withstood the menacing glares of other noble women all around.

I clicked my tongue.

Although they can't dare to admit Griffith is more nobler than some of the nobles here, they still long for him guiltily. And yet, here they are upset that I'm next to someone my own rank. A commoner.

They need to make up their mind on how they see him. It's annoying to get stared at as if I'm doing something wrong by law or social standard.

We were now armored up, our weapons ready as we were accompanied by Griffith in a tent with a table in the center of it layed out with a map. There was me, Guts, Casca, Corkus, Pippin, and Griffith, all encircled and looking down to the layout of the enemy grounds.

Guts had his signature red cape on as I had my blue one, our hawk feathers against our corner chest as we waited for Judeau to get back from scouting.

It was quiet amongst us all. Few words were said as the minutes went by.

"Look it's Judeau! Welcome back! Thanks for scouting the enemy camp, it was a real help!" Rickert emphasized as we all looked to see the boy entering the tent with the blonde armored male.

"Good work Judeau. Your report?" Griffith asked as Judeau stepped in, taking off his helmet to let his blonde hair come out tied in a short pony tail.

"Their defense focused on the main side, which is the entrance. It's...not much of a force though."

"Alright, so we should try to out flank them or something." Corkus suggested as Griffith pointed with his finger to the front of the base on the map.

"No. We attack them from the front."

"But..." Rickert started. "...that's dangerous." Rickert rasped.

Griffith's voice reverberated around the room now to call our attention.

"Our objective is to capture the enemy's supply base as soon and as swiftly as possible." He noted as he continued. "Chances are, we could reach the armory by attacking from behind. However, we run the risk by drawing the Garrison into the armory as well. In that case, occupying the fort would become increasingly difficult."

Judeau had his arms crossed as he stared down to the map layout infront of him. I stood besides Guts, awaiting for a decision to be made.

"I see, so for us to thin the armories guard, you're suggesting that we should focus our attack to the front of the fort."

"That's right. Remember, the armory is our objective. And watch yourselves breaking through the middle gate."

"Alright...but...what's our formation?" Corkus asked, scratching his head.

"First, Guts and Casca's company will attract the Garrison's attention. Soon after, the main company will break through the front gate. (Your name's) company will then move in passed the distracted Garrison's to secure the armory, while mine fend off the others away after her."

"We can handle it." Judeau picked up his helmet as I took in the position I was now at.

"Good. We'll begin the seize as soon as preparations are complete." Griffith concluded.

We all soon filed out of the tent. I had my sword on my right hip, my bow and arrows on my back, and lastly my daggers strapped to my thigh and left hip. Guts was just as armored as I was, only difference was, was that he showed off his muscular arms. I had mine covered under my sleeved dark armory, a hood rested on my back as I held my helmet on my side.

"Hey Guts." I called as he stopped in his tracks, looking to me.

"Yeah?"

"I got uhm...something for you at the market the other day. Considering, we haven't done anything together in a while, I wanted to surprise you. You know, as old time friends."

Other mercenaries walked passed us, including Casca whose ears perked at the mention of a gift to Guts.

I saw her soft brown eyes turn to our direction in curiosity as she walked forward. She had on her usual armor, her short sword by her side and her reddish-pink short cape trailing on her back.

She always said how she loathed long styled capes, she explained once during a drink how they got in her way during the midst of battle once so she never wanted another long one again.

Seeing her turn back forward, Guts crossed his arms, looking down to me.

"No thanks. Bye."

"Guts." I called before he could leave, grabbing his arm to try to make him turn. "Don't be like that." I tried to reason.

He's always like this...trying to always distant himself from me when he knows it won't work.

"What is it?" He questioned as I dug in my pocket for the trinket quickly before he could turn again.

"Here." I smiled, holding up my gift.

"A...necklace?"

He furrowed his brows as he took it. My eyes rolled as I explained.

"Yes idiot, what else could it be?"

He stared to the pendant, holding the stone sword between his first finger and thumb, observing his gift.

"Well...do you like it?" I asked, afraid he wouldn't even bother wearing it.

"It's nice."

Tension lifted from my shoulders as I grabbed the stone sword necklace from him. The chain was long enough that it would fit his head, hopefully.

"Bend down." I spoke as he tilted his head, letting me put it around his neck. "This...is supposed to protect you in battle."

He clicked his tongue dismissively.

"What superstition. Like I need luck."

"It's not luck dummy, it's protection. To steer you away from evil and vanquish your enemies. It's no charm, just a...blessed pendate." I held it in my palm. Guts looked down to me, as if asking me 'are you serious?'

"You know I'm no good with priests."

"You don't have to be good with any religion Guts, it's just an item of protection. Goodness." I scoffed.

Stepping back, he touched his new gift as my head snapped to the side to hear my name being called.

"(Your name)."

I looked to see Griffith, opening the flap of his tent, awaiting me to return to his side.

"Gotta go, boss is calling me." I joked to Guts as he hummed.

"I'll see you when we're all ready."

I turned to leave, but before I could take a step, his hand caught my shoulder making me turn back to him.

"Thanks." He lowly said, now letting me go to watch him walk away.

"No problem." I smiled.

Now entering Griffith's tent, I looked to see him getting ready. He tied his waist band on for his holster of his sword as he turned to me.

"Ah, (your name), before battle I wanted to tell you thankyou."

"For?" My eyes trailed to his bed to see on his futon layed my satchel presumably full of the coins I got for him on our deal. "Oh. It's no problem."

I waved my hand, dismissing his words as he watched me with his transfixed eyes.

"I won't ask how you obtained this kind of coin in such a short period. All I could possibly say to you, is thankyou once more. You seem to change my mind about you again and again. And once more, you seem to prove me and my doubts wrong."

"It was my pleasure." I quickly tried to end the conversation, actually wanting to forget the whole matter. "Now... let's get ready for battle."

He nodded, agreeing.

(3rd Person) P.O.V

The armored leader stood atop of a high tower, huffing his breath to a near by Knight of his.

"Why should I, the leader of the Blue Whale Heavy Assault Knights, serve Adon? Why do I have to patrol this miserable, petty supply base even with all it's armory." Samson, the General, detested always being the younger brother of Adon. So to be put down in rank to defend a lowly small armory base, was a punch to his ego and pride even more in his book.

"Sir! We were stationed here because the Black Ram Heavy Cavalry were crippled in their last defensive against Midland Sir!" The air headed Knight answered as the General turned his way.

"Shut up you imbecile! Haven't you heard of rhetorical questioning you illiterate fool!" The General crossed his arms, clicking his tongue as he looked down to his Knights carrying supplies to the bunker. "Tch, this is hardly a position for a descendant of the Coborlwits family. Damn it."

A lone Knight looking down from another nearby tower spotted a rustling movement.

"Huh? Did you hear something?"

"Hm?" The other Knight questioned as am arrow abruptly went flying straight into the other's skull.

"What the-?!" Before he could turn, his neck had been pierced with an arrow as well.

"COMMANDER! THERE'S AN ENEMY RAID! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!"

Samson turned, his eyes furious.

"You spineless toad! Who would bother to attack such a remote supply base?!" Just as soon as those words left his mouth, an arrow went flying the a fellow Knight's back, making him fall backwards out of the tower to his impending death.

"What the hell?!"

Samson's attention turned to the far gate infront of him. His soldiers on the towers got their crossbows ready for aim as the wooden gate banged and banged.

"ONE MORE!"

They heard the shout of a Commander on the other side of the wooden barrier. In one more push of the battering ram, the wood broke, letting the White Hawk soldiers file in as Guts as there leader.

"ATTACK!" Guts yelled, holding up his sword as he charged for the first few soldiers he could see.

Swinging left and right, he chopped down the Blue whale Knights like nothing, Gaston running by as well with Judeau to do the same with their own swords.

"HAA!" Casca yelled, ushering her sword through the shoulder of a Knight. The Knight fell, only after she struck down to his neck.

The blood dripped from her sword slowly as her brown orbs turned to see Guts taking down groups of men.

Her eyes averted to see the Knights now falling back, unable to take on Casca an Guts' forces as Samson rushed down the tower alarmed to see his men in shambles.

"WHY ARE YOU ALL RETREATING?! I DIDN'T CALL FOR A RETREAT!" The General shouted as his Knights on their horses rode away, trying to survive the Hawk's advancememt. "YOU ARE ALL COWARDS!"

Griffith sat on his white steed outside the base, watching and listening everything unfolding inside. Awaiting until the right moment to give the cue, he sat idle with his men patiently waiting.

(Your name) was aiming her bow still to the towers as she did earlier, trying to take down more soldiers if she could.

Now putting away her bow, she looked to Edwin, nodding her head as he did as well, taking out his sword.

She readied her helmet, now slightly moving her boot to usher her horse forward.

After a moment of thought, he then looked to see (Your name) now riding in with her companions following swiftly behind as he ordered. Their horses were riding fast into the base as they yelled their battle cry, raising their swords.

"ONWARDS!" She commanded as Edwin rode right next to her, protecting her stance.

"Let's go!" Griffith ordered, after seeing (Your name) enter with her men.

(Your name's) P.O.V

I rode forth with my men into the base, my eyes averting all ways to see Guts slicing the torso of a Knight, Casca chopping off the arm of another, Pippin smashing heads and Judeau throwing daggers to necks.

We were conquering.

Now...to capture the armory base.

I looked to the bunker, riding forth as I saw Rickert already at the door trying to prop it open.

I'm guessing they were trying to barricade it.

"Edwin." I spoke as he stood beside me, looking about to make sure no attackers appraoched us.

"Yes ma'am?" He spoke as I ushered my head to Rickert.

"The Blue Whale Knights are advancing on Casca and Guts. Griffith will be coming in soon. Go help them, especially Casca." I noted, knowing Guts could probably handle himself.

"But the armory-"

"I'll call for you once we get the door open. Now go and make sure no Knights get to this area. Lead the men." I ordered, making sure my party went with him.

"Yes ma'am!" He nodded, now riding off into battle as my men followed.

Good, they're distracting and getting the Knights good.

At this rate, we'd have this base under our complete control in a second.

Looking back to Rickert, I saw him struggling as I hit the reins, making my horse go in his direction.

Jumping off, I looked to see the General of the Blue Whale Knights running off on his horse through the back way.

He's... fleeing?

But his men are still out here fighting us, why would he flee? It's unlike them.

"(Y-your name)-" Rickert called, trying to open the wooden door. There were crates infront of it as I sprinted to his side. "It ain't opening," he struggled as he moved aside, letting me push harder.

Hearing the sound of an igniting flame, my ears perked up to the prominent sound of sparks flying on the other side of the door.

"What the hell..." I questioned as my eyes suddenly widened.

"GET DOWN!" I screamed, grabbing Rickert away from the door to push him in the opposite direction. In that next second, a bomb went off as I dived next to Rickert, shielding him with my body as I covered his head with my arms.

The blast echoed the entire base, the ringing of my ears, the sound of wood falling and buildings burning as I coughed. My whole body shook as smoke cleared a bit out. I sat up a bit, focusing ny blurry vision to see the Hawks still fighting off the Blue Whale Knights.

Rickert coughed profusely below me. Ash floated down gently here and there as I tried not to inhale, failing miserably. I felt as if my throat was burning. As the dust settled, I saw my horse, looking frightened as ever wailing about a few feet away.

He was startled.

"S-shhh-" I started to cough again as I realized now my leg was injured. I tried to calm my horse again, leaning up to try to stand as Rickert was fading in out of consciousness. His face was a bit soldered with dirt from the blast I presumed. I'm guessing that explosion must have really affected him much harsher than me for him to be fading in and out.

Ringing sounded painfully in my ears again as I tried my hardest to stand, whistling for my horse to come. Fire burned around me and Rickert as I picked up his frail body.

"H-uh?..." He groaned, opening his colored eyes slightly as my horse came finally to my call. I looked down to him, seeing him cough again and again.

I grit my teeth at the feel of my ankle.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

Putting Rickert on my horse, I tried my hardest to get on as well as I held in my cries of pain as I stepped on the side saddle to hoist myself up.

Now saddled upon, I looked to my side finally to see the door of the armory was blasted open when the smoke cleared.

Those...fuckers had a bomb placed right when we reached the bunker.

Shaking my head to focus my vision, I inhaled, smelling the distinct aroma of oil.

I... thought the blast already should have burned the oil on the other side?

Looking further, I saw inside the whole bunker were oil cans, spilt onto the armory, and weaponry. Shelves, walls, floors, windows all trailed with the substance as it clicked.

He's...going to explode this whole place!

"(YOUR NAME) IS STILL IN THERE!" I heard the distinct cry of Edwin as Guts and Griffith both turned their attention to me. Guts sliced a Knights leg off, now stabbing through the man's chest as he tried to see just what happened in my area.

"The door was just blasted open but they're injured! Come on!" Edwin made sure to yell all around as I shook my head. He-he can't come!

"N-no-o!" I tried to yell, feeling my throat dry and hoarse as the pain in my ankle kicked in to run up my leg.

Looking down, I saw blood drip from my boot.

On accordance, my horse rode forward but...where do I go?!

Who do I alert first?!

Griffith is coming from the far far left side, still fending off Knights, Guts on the far right, and Edwin in the middle.

I-I can't yell hard enough for all of them to possibly hear! Shit, I could barely speak!"

I tried to scream once more, racing my horse forward knowing this place was probably fixing to explode.

Nothing came out but rasped noises as I turned my attention to see Guts approaching me faster than Edwin or Griffith.

I pointed to back of me towards the armory bunker, shaking my head, my mouth open trying to say- trap to him.

His brows furrowed as he approached faster.

"G-ut-s!" I tried to yell again as his eyes widened, looking to see Rickert unconscious infront of me on my saddle and now back to see the smoke come up from the armory building behind us.

He suddenly yelled for all to hear.

"IT'S A TRAP! RETREAT!" He sounded as Griffith's eyes widened, finishing an attack to another Knight before he quickly whipped his reins to make his horse turn in the opposite direction.

"Everyone fall back now!" He ordered.

Judeau and Corkus stopped dead in their tracks, stunned to hear Griffith say those words.

"Retreat? That can't be."

"Corkus let's go!" Judeau repriminded as they all turned around.

Casca, Pippin, Corkus, Judeau, Gaston, and Edwin all rushed to leave out the front gate quickly. I raced forward too, feeling the numbness take over my body as my body swayed here and there on my saddle.

Me and Guts were lastly barely crossing through the gates, when we heard the sound of the back buildings explode. Most of the Blue Whale Knights retreating themselves or dead.

One by one, even the towers disintegrated to ash as we raced behind everyone with explosions going off. I closed my eyes for a second, not wanting any exploding bits to impale my cornea. We rode on to have a good distance away from the fire

I exhaled as Guts focused his eyes on me. I tasted smoke, burnt smoke on my tongue as I concluded maybe I inhaled too much of the toxin.

Once we were a good distance away, Griffith stopped, looking back to his men to assess the damages. Guts took Rickert to a nearby wagon to be pulled. We covered him, and bandaged him up.

"Listen, Is everyone else alright?" He shouted to us all as everyone nodded. Rickert was asleep on a wagon pulled by two horses. The wagon had blankets on it for him to rest until we got back to camp.

Guts looked to me as I shook my head for him to stay quiet.

"Is everyone's company accounted for?" Griffith questioned to us all again as all Commanders nodded.

"None missing." Judeau spoke.

"We're lucky we didn't lose anyone. It's a miracle."

"All thanks to Guts." Gaston noted. "He saved us with that warning."

"Damn...that explosion was something else." Edwin scratched his head.

"All the supplies were destroyed too." Corkus groaned, looking back to see the smoke reach the sky.

"Well it kinda doesn't matter. We achieved our objective and destroyed the enemy supply base." Judeau added.

Exhaling anothet shaky breath, we started to ride back to our home base in Midland.

"(Your name)." Guts called to me, making me look. "Come here."

Riding my horse to him, I saw the Band leave slowly forward, trodding through the trees. I'm guessing they didn't want to ride fast for fear of Rickert getting hurt. I approached Guts on my horse as he was on his.

Reaching forward, he touched my cheek gently, feeling the slightly bruised area.

He wiped the dirt away with his thumb as he looke down to my bloody boot.

"You got hurt?" He questioned, moreover asking if I was attacked.

I nodded, not able to really say it was the blast. I needed to use the remainder of my energy to make it back.

Without warning, Guts grabbed my waist, pulling me over from my horse to the front of his horse.

I gasped out of fright as he looked down, holding me tightly. I was saddled infront of him as he was behind me.

"You look pale, like you'll pass out any minute. I'll tie your horse to mine as we ride back to base. Just...sleep." he offered. My mind was infact still hazy from blood loss.

I nodded, really unable to decline his offer. He leaned over, using a rope from his horse's satchel to tie my horses reins to his own. I leaned against his chest, even with my armor on, this was relaxing.

"Kh, seeing what happened today, I believe you'll need this necklace more than even me."

I closed my eyes, ready for sleep as I smiled.

Idiot...

(3rd Person) P.O.V

"Hahahaha, Midland's troops were no match for me. School girls could have staged a better assault, I completely annihilated them." General Samson leaned against a pillar, reporting back to his higher up.

"Can you confirm they were totally destroyed?"

General Samson swallowed.

"Of course General Boscogn."

The General in all his sleek black armor turned to the impudent male before him. His eyes narrowed, seeing right through his lies.

"You skinless rat! They are alive! And they occupy the supply base!"

"That...can't be." General Samson's eyed hardened, scratching his head for any clue on how they didn't possibly die.

"Enough! Waste no time in undoing this disgrace to the Empire!"

"Yes Sir." General Samson immediatly left, not wanting to further be reprimanded again.

"Calm down." A voice spoke. The older male sat in a cushioned chair by a fire, staring into the flames as a young slave boy poured him wine besides him. The black armored male's dull eyes averted to the chair.

"Governer Gennon." The General silently apologized for his abrupt yell to the high ranked elder.

"The loss of a supply base changes absolutely nothing in the overall war."

"We must however, inflict a crushing defeat on these...insects. Especially this...rogue Band of the Hawk."

"Band...of the Hawk." Governer Gennon muttered, a sense of nostalgia washing over his features as he scratched his white beard in thought. The slave boy in accordance stood back a few paces to let the Governer think.

"What is it Governer?" The General asked intrigued, standing by the entrance as he watched the elder man stare into the flames.

"Never you mind." Lord Gennon replied, holding up his silver chalice to sip his wine.