Berserk good old days
i noticed i posted another chapter, that was the real chapter 9, sadly after i posted it i moved it where ie shoud have gone, but im afraid no one has read it, its kinda hard to follow the story without it, so if you go confused with the last several chapters im sorry its fixed now so i would suggest rereading the entire story now, and come back to read this chapter, again sorry if anyone was confused several weeks ago, enjoy the chapter, (Bankerrtx01)
And with that we can begin.
-chapter start-
(Guts)
Guts panted and heaved as he struggled to his feet while Greick was in deep though troubled by what was revealed.
"So The Wicker King has found a new lord to serve. It is quiet likely that if we don't do anything and kill Ginishka The Wicker King will become it's own Lord. However if we do it will take time we do not have." Greick says but sighed already knowing the solution to the issue.
"There must be another way Griffith needs us back with the Band of the Hawk soon." Guts said
"Yes there is. Come we must meet with the others" Greick said as he And Guts headed into the forest,
Finally they reached a clearing guts realized where he was going, " wait this is?" He said as they entered the Throne room of the Queen of the Fae.
Inside all of the Members of Guts group, as well as the other 3 Archmage's and there students. The Queen smiled as she noticed the two of them approach,
"Ah Archmage's Greick I'm glad you could join us, how was the cleansing?" She asked as Greick shook his head,
"A failure, my Queen The Wicker King is awake, and intends to rally those he can to him, weather he plans to leave the island, or just wished to make this a stronghold for when Emperor Ginishka's decides to invade, it is uncertain." Greick said
"And you know The Wicker King's plans how?" The Queen of the Fae said.
At this Guts took over, "the Berserker Armor. The beast inside it was The Wicker Kings previous Lord, by attempting to talk to him we had hope that The Wicker King would decide to leave us alone, unfortunately his alliance with Ginishka had made the negotiation's all but impossible. We are now stuck in a two pronged war, with the Apostle's and Ginishka." Guts said
Everyone in the throne room gasped.
"I see. Archmage's Greick I assume you have a contingency for this?" She asked
"I do, it's The option." He said.
The other members of the Archmage's gasped,
"But Archmage's Greick where would we go?" Gedfring asked
"We step one foot in midland and the entire country will want out heads." Thraein said
"The Band of the Hawk will protect you, Griffith has given his word." Guts said
This caused murmurs across the group, 'the white hawk'
"In that case what will happen to the island?" Skirbil asked
"Both myself and the Queen of the Fae's army will complete the cleansing ourselves." Greick said.
"That's absurd!" Thraein cried,
"No one is that powerful!" Gedfring said.
"Even if you were the fact you have ½ the Amount of Backup will get you killed." Skirbil said.
"I thank you for the concern but both the Queen and I have consulted with each other of this scenario, this is the best course of action." He said
"So...what do we do?" Gedfring asked,
"You need to leave the island as fast as possible. The forces of Magick that will be unleashed can be catastrophic." Greick said,
"We can teleport you to Midland but the ritual will take some time to prepare." The Queen said
"For not gather hours things for the journey, and say your last goodbyes." Greick said.
(Jadaeu)
It had been several months sense Sonia had joined the Grand Army of the Falcon, and she has fit right at home, having two official roles in the Grand Army, being one of Jeadu's scouts, and as Gut's Raiders but that's so she could be an accurate bodyguard to Griffith and Princess/Queen Charlotte.
After the two months of training with The Raiders, Sonia not only earned their respect but there friendship, while she has other official titles, Sonia is always a Raider.
Now however she was apart of Jadeau's scout party both her and Jadeau were scouting ahead in there two man team, for local villages to save,
"Sona see anything?" Jadeau asked
"No...the Kushan's have left this field dead cold, nothing of use here either?" She said
"Damn how did we lose there trail we were just following them a week ago." Jeadau said
"I don't know." Sonia said as Jadeau hops off his horse and looks ar his map aggraved,
"Argh it's as if they just like they just teleported!" He huffed,
Sonia scanned around and her eyes, widened,
"No...can't be…" She said, under her breath,
Unfortunately Jadeau heard her,
"Huh Sonia?" He asked as she started to Gallop down the hill,
"HEY WAIT!" He yelled as he got on his horse and rode after her,
"Sonia!" Jadeau cried, as she stopped by a force allowing him to catch up,
"Sonia jeez, slow down." Jadeau said panting trying to catch his breath "we don't know what's out here we need to be." Jadeau looked up and noticed Sonia was gone.
Jadeau sighed "son of a- Sonia!" He called out looking over for Sonia or her horse.
He looked around and froze as he saw over the next hill a marching troop, he recognized the flag it was the Kushan's, he had no where to go he was in a rock and a hard place, then suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, he jumped and gasped as he back around and saw Sonia pull Jadeau towards her, and felt a weird feeling pass by him as he looked around and found himself looking around in a strange room of some kinda, it was indescribable to him.
"What is this?" Jadaeu asked
"This is one of the roots of The World Tree." Sonia said
"Wait The World Tree what is that?" Jadeau asked
"One of the pillars that connect the Astral world to the physical one, it's probably the Major connection I have with my powers." Sonia Said before she shook her head,
"This shouldn't be here." She said,
"Why what's wrong? Isn't it a good thing you have your powers I mean they saved our life so many times while scouting," Jadeau said
"The reason of the World Tree's creation in the first place was the Death of Ginishka" Sonia explained.
"And because he's not dead. Wait how does that make any sense?" Jadeau asked
"You know how you felt when I pulled you in here?" Sonia asked
"Wait how do you know about that?" Jadeau asked
"The reason it happened is because we are in a plane of the Astral Realm, one of the surface levels of Qilphoth." She said
Wait so what about the Kushan's?" Jadeau asked.
"They can't see us. We are fine. But we need to leave, and warn Griffith," Sonia said as they headed out of the Astral Realm,
They avoided the patrols and were back in safe Territory when Jadeau finally spoke up again, "so that was the Astral realm like what Witches talk about?" He asked.
"Yes. Quiet exactly," Sonia said quickly and sharply,
"Not to much of a fan of the Pagans either?" Jadeau asked
"No it's more, we'll I was a member of the Holy See for most of my adult life, when I was in the Neo-Band of the Falcon, after Falconia was established it basically became the state sanctioned Religion again, and while I had the protection of Griffith because I was there Medium, also the death of Mozgus and the loss of the Holy Iron chain knights, caused the Vatican to loosen up on the enforcement and crackdown of Witches and pagans, but still it's just," she said and paused as she hunched her shoulders, trying to hide,
"Yea, I understand that, to be honest I don't remember my parents a lot, I was from a small village, and during. The Hundred Years' War my village was attacked, and many were killed, the rest either ran or were sold to slavery, I was one of the lucky ones who got away, I was adopted as a child of another village, who while they treated me nice, were quiet strict with the Vatican enforcement and often when I used something I had from before I was adopted or something they didn't want me to use, they would say horrible things like "wash your face, jeez your parents must've been dirty pagans learn to be civilized, were giving you a chance to be reborn again and achieve peace." He scoffed, "it was there udder loathing of my previous family, that turned me off of organized religion in the first place, my adopted family practically disowned me when I said a was going to be a traveling performer, instead of being a preacher or someone for the church, But hey I met Griffith and I'm here now." Jadeau said
"That's so sad, I'm so sorry," Sonia said
"Don't be I feel more at home with the Band of the Hawk then I ever did with either of my parents," Jadeau said
"Well that's good, come on let's report to Griffith of our findings." Sonia said
"Right." Jadeau said nodding as they entered the camp,
Griffith was in one of the tents talking to Casca and Gaston about battle formation's and drills, as the two of them entered,
Griffith looked up having sensed there presence or at least Sonia's after the reveal of the Prophecy to him, he was able to feel the Aura of anyone who was previously associated with the Band of Falcon, which allowed him to Aquire more Recruts for the Grand Army of the Falcon at a spectacular rate.
"Sonia have you anything to report, on your scouting trip." Griffith asked
"No. The Kushan's were heading west, that's all we know." She said
"Damn another trail dead, how do they keep vanishing like that?" Gaston said
"I may have an answer to that," Sonia said making them both look up,
After thirty minutes of explaining, the three occupant in the room sat in there own chairs, Griffith was thinking. "So the Kushan's have access to the World Tree, and are using it for movement." He said
"It's hard to tell if it's the actual world tree, or just pressed memory of the World tree, but whatever it is, they are using it as a military highway, for Hit and Run Strikes, from what we've seen." Jadeau said,
"That would make sense seeing as you defeated Ginishka in single combat me doesn't want to draw out his entire military in a set piece battle where you would crush him." Casca said
"Or he may be calling in other units from across his empire to boot his hold on Wyndham." Sonia said.
"Damn if that's the case, we won't even be able to approach it, unless we do it soon we may have to abandon thenplan of Waiting for the Vatican and Guts and prepare an all out assault." Gaston said
At the exact same time both Griffith and Sonia spoke in tandem, "Guts will pull through." they locked eyes with each other knowing exactly what happened, as they gave each other wry smiles.
"Well ok in that case what shall we do?" Gaston asked.
"Prepare everyone for an assault on Wyndham," Griffith said,
Gaston nodded. "Right away." He said and headed out to inform the others Kightly bands as Azan came into the tent.
"Sir Griffith." Azan said panting,
"Yes Commander Azan your report?" Griffith asked
"We just came from the east, apparently The Kushans are ramping up shipments to the capital. We managed to stop one, and it's quiet loaded." He said
Griffith Stood up "Show me."
Outside the tent Griffith approached the stolen shipment, and saw several. Members of the Holy Chain knights unloading the cart, with all sorts of weapons, like a miniature Cannon, model, and other prototypes,
"Very good work Azan, tonight we will go through the arrangements to make the Title of Holy Iron chain knights official as a division in the Grand Army of the Falcon." Griffith said
"Thank you sir what shall we do with the rest of the cart?" He asked
"Have your man go through it and organize it, I wanna see everything that's in there," Griffith said. As he turned to the rest of those in the camp.
"Also within the next few days expect us to break camp and march to Wyndham." He said
Everyone nodded and broke out to do what they needed to do.
(Guts)
Back on the island the Witches of elf home were ready to travel, everything they wanted could grab was packed shrunken down, and portablized, in every way possible, leaving very barren empty homes,
Greick and Hunnar were talking to each other. Well more like arguing,
"What do you mean I should go with them!? I'm a fricken dwarf! Not only will I be ostracized like hell, but I'm more better at the Forge preparing weapons for your to hold off the monster!?" The dwarf blacksmith said.
Greick sighed. "Look the answer to that we both know is behind you." He said as they both looked and caught a glimpse of Guts,
"Listen You made the Berserker Armor and it's incredibly strong, and durable, however seeing as how Guts fought with the Berserker Armor and the Dragonslayer that he literally shattered the Armor plating in the arm, yes The Armor is durable but we need it in tip top shape at all times, for that you will need to be with him." Greick said,
"Damn human's I hate it when your right," Hunnar huffed, as he picked up his hammer and shrunken Anvil which he held in his pocket and entered the circle in the middle of town,
"Now I'm gonna transport you to the last known Location Griffith that I can sense, good luck.
"Wait what about the Seahorse!?" Rodrick asked,
"Your ship you will find be back at the port you started at, before you made the journey," Greick said
"Archmage's Greick." Sherkie said stepping forward, before she took a bow, "thank you," she said
"You will be a bright pupil, make Flora proud...my daughter…" he said in a murmur,
However sherkie heard him and cried out but her cries were deafened, as Greick
raised his staff and slammed it down on the ground, everyone felt the entire island shake, "the Wards around the island are lowered, however this means the monsters will attack at full force, I have a feeling this will be the last time we meet, Farewell, and good luck to you all." Greick said as. He activated the Teleporter ritual. And they all vanished,
And all he could hear is Sherkie's screams as they vanished.
Greick fell to his knees from exhaustion, teleporting just a few people across the island with no wards, is taxing, transportation 100's and a boat to the mainland, neigh impossible, but doable. If you didn't mind permanent damage,
He lifted himself up, and tried to raise the barrier but he was drained of all magic as he fell on his back gasping for air,
Fortunately he noticed the shimmer in the sky, the awards were powering up,
"Must you have used up such power to teleport them." The Queen of the Fae said as she finished the award before turning to heal Greick,
"I had to put a lot more power in there, because Sherkie's urge to stay I don't think she realized she was doing it, but she was using magick to anchor herself which I had to overcome." Greick said
"I thought it was impossible to interrupt teleport Magick? The Queen said
"On the contrary it's quiet easy, if your outside the circle, however inside it is nigh impossible unless you have as much if not more magical strength than the caster." Greick said
"Your daughter is incredible." The Queen said speaking of the potential of using accidental magick as a byproduct of her own will without a focus, the Queen was stunned as she looked at the remains of the ritual and saw a massive crater. Of burnt grass from where Sherkie was standing,
"Yes...very much so, She might surpass me one day, ah what am I saying she already has...which is why I'm so proud of her, Just, just give me a minute to catch my breath, are the armies prepared?" Greick asked
"Yes, we are ready to defend the island to the death." The Queen of the Fae said.
"Very well." Greick said as he sat down and slowly caught his breath,
(Guts)
Guts felt wobbly when the light faded Guts was able to stabilize himself and shook off his dazed head,
"Ow…" he grunted, as he looked over to everyone and was about to ask if everyone was ok. Until his eyes glanced at Sherkie,
'No no she was not ok, she had just met her father and was told he had to leave him again. Of course she would be upset,'
Guts leaned over and put a arm on her shoulder Sherkie turned around and threw her arms around him and bawled her eyes out, Guts just accepted it, as she let out her wails.
After her crying was done Guts looked around the area and found it abandoned.
"Didn't Greick say he was going to be teleporting us to Griffith?" Rodrick said
"Yea talk about crappy teleport were off by a mile." Isidro scoffed, as Sherkie bashed the back of his head with her staff, Hard.
"Ow jeez." Isidro said as he laid on his back rubbing the bruised head, he looked at Sherkie and was about to ask when he noticed, the tears still running from her face, and she was shaking in anger.
She turned to look at the abandoned camp,
"Looks like they left not too long ago. I wonder what caused them to leave?" She said
"Shit." Guts said making everyone turn and saw him reading a letter
"Guts?" Sherkie asked
"We're late, he said as he handed the letter to Sherkie who read it out loud,
"To Guts, the Grand Army of the Falcon has gotten disturbing news, Ginishka is amping his supply convoy to Wyndham, we believe he is preparing for a seige, the Grand Army of the Falcon is on the move to stop them from preparing for the seige, or they will be dug in. Good luck Guts we will see you on the battlefield, From your firend... Griffith founder of the Grand Army of the Falcon," Sherkie finished
Guts took several deep breaths before he snapped his head back and shouted "LISTEN UP!" He said making everyone jump not expecting the reaction.
"These are our orders we head to Wyndham and unite with the Grand Army of the Falcon, we are to get there and aid them in the battle, they need us, I FOUGHT IN THE HUNDREDS YEARS WAR BESIDES GRIFFITH's side and I've not failed him once, I don't expect to start now, from today onward, your no longer students up your soldiers, I hope you are old enough to understand that, I know you're scared, but don't worry, you've gotten several commanders who have a ton of battlefield experience, and will help you, welcome all to the Grand Army of the Falcon's newest Division." Guts said before a pause, "Sherkie what do you call a group of witches?" He asked her
"The official term is Coven." Sherkie nodded Guts nodded.
"Welcome to the Grand Army of the Falcon's newest Division, "The Coven" a support Division to the Hawks Raiders, also known as the Legendary Gut's Raiders, we face threats the rest of the Falcon's cannot hope to handle and we beat the odds, and we win!" Guts said
Everyone snapped to attention even the Witches "WHAT ARE YOUR ORDERS SIR!" They said
"Everyone. To Wyndham." Guts said, as they made there way to the Capital city,
"Morda, I need you and your friends to be the scouts and fly on your brooms and watch from the skies to see and we can find Griffith." Guts said
Morda nodded and mounted her broom along with her 3 other friends who flew off.
(Griffith)
At Wyndham Griffith stood around the hills overlooking the city, it didn't appear as Ginishka had all his armies, but he didn't feel comfortable attacking him now.
He sighed, as Casca climbed the hill and looked over to the city,
"See any armies?" She asked trying to take a glance.
"No. And that's what makes me worried." Griffith said
"You think it's a trap?" Casca asked.
"I'm worried it's not." Griffith said before he felt a gust of wind from a abnormal direction, straight up towards the sky,
Griffith snapped up noticed a black shape in the sky, with massive wings, "Zodd!" Griffith said
Zoos crashes into the ground behind Griffith as Casca draws her swords to defend Griffith both Zodd and Griffith stand by each other unfazed
"So you've decided then." Griffith said
Zodd tosses the Sword of Actuation which was still in his jaw towards Griffith which he catches and smerked
"Casca let him go." Griffith said
"What but Griffith he's-." Casca argued
"He's a member of the Neo-Band of the Falcon." Griffith explained.
Griffith turned around "so you've chosen to Aline yourself with the goal of Self-Governance?" Griffith asked
Zodd stares down at Griffith. "No...the God Hand have become unworthy, they cannot defeat you, Ginishka cannot defeat you, you have the power to uproot everything I ever know and what I think is real." Zodd said
"I became an apostle because of my anger and rage. And I want you to give me a reason...to live…" Zodd said
Griffith smiled "the Grand Army of the Falcon will happily accept you old friend." He said as he pointed to the city. And using his powers "TODAY WE RECLAIM WYNDHAM FOR MIDLAND!" He yelled as he drew his sword
Behind him the entire Grand Army of the Falcon cheered and Zodd let out a bellowing roar!
Which was echoed by another off in the distance which made everyone turn to look. Griffith smiles they were here.
The Neo-Band of the Falcon with lance the archer, Grunbeld and the others stood ready.
(Play:Ancient forests of elves by Luca Turilli.)
On the walls of the city the guards were freaking out and ordering everything on station to defend the city and warn the Emperor.
The gates opened and the kuchans flooded out like a tide.
Griffith lowered the visor of his helmet and lept up on Zodd and flew off as the rest of the Grand Army of the Falcon charged.
(Guts)
"The Coven" was making remarkable time and within a few hours they reached the outmost outskirts of the city being just able to see the capital.
"Hang on look that." Isidro said pointing to the sky as Guts saw Zodd flying in the sky.
"EVERYONE YOUR NEW ORDERS GET TO WYNDHAM AS FAST AS POSSIBLE THE BATTLE STARTED WITHOUT US AND ILL BE DAMMED IF I DONT GET MY HUNDRED KILLS IN. And all you aim for at least one!" Guts growled letting the Berserker armor slip into control for just a sec as he unslung Dragonslayer.
"COVEN OF THE RAIDERS CHARGE!" Guts yelled as he activated the berserker armor so he wouldn't feel tired and bolted to the capital as fast as possible.
Behind him several witches flew over him using brooms Sherkie used a golem to give herself longer legs. And others has equally powerful ways to get to the city quickly.
(Ginishka)
In the city in his throne Ginishka sat waiting for Daiba to tell him the experiment is ready.
Suddenly the door was banged on as if someone was trying to get in, the Empror stood up, and looked at the door, he had the ideology of if they can't open the door to talk to him then it's not an important subject.
"Emperor open the door it's important!" The voice said it wasn't Daiba,
"Where's Daiba I will not speak to anyone else until he talks to me first," The Kushan Emperor said,
"This is more important than that Emperor, the midland Army is attacking!?" The guard cried.
Ginishka blew it off and scoffed "ha the Midland Army who is their commander?" Expecting perhaps Princess Charlotte trying to round up a rag tag force to kick him or plead for him to just to away. What he didn't expect was the answer he got which made him pale in fright.
"The White hawk himself!" The guard said
Ginishka threw open the door so fast the guard that was pounding on it fell to his knees several feet away.
"Take me to see Daiba now." He said pure fear racked his face,
The guard looked up fearful "E-Emperor...what about the Midland army?" He asked
"Send every last Guard to the front lines. To defend the city. I shall lead the attack of the city when I'm finished with Daiba." He said as he left,
(Daiba)
Ginishka entered Daiba's lab yelling for him,
"Daiba! Where are you!" He yelled,
"Ah emperor! I didn't expect you, am I needed?" He asked
"The Midland Army has attacked sooner than expected I need the device prepared and ready for my awakening." He said
"B-but emperor it is not ready yet." He argued, however the Emperor was talking to the bodyguard's, "you are to head to city and command the attack until I arrive, each of you take a different part of the wall I don't want you squabbling and fucking this up." He said as the two guards left,
"Now Daiba, prepare me." Ginishka said,
(Griffith)
As Griffith flew around the battlefield looking at the battle lines drawn, he noticed the gaps in the Kushan lines, and advanced the fight using that to his advantage.
"Swoop down so I can command the Grand army of the Falcon." Griffith said
"You know that's only gonna paint a larger target on our backs." Zodd said
"I trust your flying my firend." Griffith said
Zodd nodded and flew down low as Griffith ordered the attacks and advancement of the Grand Army of the Falcon.
(Casca)
On the ground Casca watched ahead as her unit advanced, she noticed more and more of the Kushan's flooded out from the city,
"Damn it looks like we're off on the amount of troops Ginishka has at his disposal." She said as she and her unit clashed against a block of Kushan warriors,
The battle was rough, hard fought, and draining, no fancy maneuvers or flanking just a clash of steel on steel, and at the end for the first time the Band of the Hawk found they had not gained any ground at all, in fact they were losing it,
Casca growled, as she noticed the way the battle was turning and made the hard choice,
"Pull back!" She said as she and her until made a retreat from the battle, the Kushans didn't press, as soon Griffith echoed the orders as he had to rethink a new strategy.
Griffith sighed as he and Zodd landed, while the rest of the Grand Army of the Falcon, stood waiting for his direction,
"Ok that was not a good start to this," Griffith said Casca approached and slammed her helmet on the table,
"The Kushan's didn't barge an inch, it's amazing not even the Tudor didn't resist this much." She said
"What about Zodd and the others, we could use there abilities right about now," Jadeau said
Zodd spoke up. "The other Apostle's are using this as an ability test, they want to test Griffith to see if they are worthy of his leadership." Zodd said,
Corkus growled. "When will the Vatican get here! If we had them we could use them and breach the gates." He said
"They should be here by now." Jadeau said in question.
Griffith's eyes widened, "Sonia, tell me." He said
Sonia nodded solemnly,
"I see, is Guts here yet?" Griffith asked
"It's a day away, but we should be able to have the Apostles on our side before then," she said.
"So a siege." Griffith said Sonia nodded,
"Corkus, Pippin, send your battalions out and cut down trees were making trebuchet and towers," once we get into a prolong siege, the Vatican will want it done quicker, and engage in a set piece battle." Griffith said
"Exactly what we want, them in the front." Corkus said realizing the plan, Griffith nodded
"That's right, I will speak to the Apostles and get them to our side, and from that Guts will join us, and we will sweep the city. And defeat Ginishka once and for all." Griffith said,
"What should we do in that case Griffith?" Casca asked
"Make sure there Supply is cut off, not only will it make them more desperate so they will be more needy for a set piece battle." Griffith said
"Understood commander," Casca said,
"Very good now we have our orders lets go reclame the capital." Griffith said.
(Apostles of the Neo-band of the Falcon)
Locus of the Neo-band of the falcon watched as it appeared Griffith stopped the attack making his eyes narrow, as a lesser apostle growled "what does the white hawk think he is doing. He has more than enough to retake the city why does he not." he said
"The White Hawk, is not to be underestimated." Grunbeld said having personally faced him he know he was no pushover The White Hawk had a plan,
However the other apostle with such a close mind only thought that Grunbeld was being a wose. "You are just saying that because you lost to him and being outsmarted by him." he said with a deep growl it was clear that they were close to pouncing on each other.
"Enough, we have a guest approaching." Locus said as he noticed Griffith walking up the hill with Zodd following him.
"Welcome White Hawk." Locus said with a respectful bow.
" i'm glad you all chose to at least consider me a good leader to follow." Griffith said
The lesser apostle scoffed. " right now im considering abandoning it now with what the massive blunder your first attack of the city was, you could have taken the city 3 times before yet you never exploited it." he said.
Griffith sighed, and smiled, "the reason I didn't exploit the weakness of the unguarded gates was the fact that I knew the larger army of Ginishka remained in reserve in the city, and would have ambushed us once inside the gate, while yes I could have taken the city, the loss of the Band of the Hawk was not a price I was willing to pay to accomplish it." Griffith said,
The apostle's scoffed "right, I see your just a coward." He roared, to which Zodd roared back,
"The other answer is the fact we are being watched, in the tree line is the Vatican's army 4 times our size, and the fact we are in a prolonged siege should spur them to action and face the army head on instead of claiming the victory at the end when we are too weak to argue," Griffith said,
However this didnt stop the brash apostle as he bagan to rant at griffith about being a coward and seeking glory. However Locus had enough.
"Grunbeld." he said
The Dragon-giant Apostle walked over to the ranting one and backhanded it knocking it to the floor and huffed in disappointment "please shut your self before you embarrass yourself even more." he said as he looked back at Griffith.
Locus smiled at his reaction. And stated to Griffith "we accept to join you. In the Grand army of the Falcon." he said
Both Griffith and Zodd smiled "we will be happy to have you."
(Vatican)
In the forest Mozgus and his enforcers stood beside the pontiff, inside the treeline,
Mozgus stood behind the pope and scoffed as they watched the rear of the Grand army of the Falcon camp Mozgus spoke "Pontiff, we have finally regrouped I have my inquisitor squad ready to fight, I've given the order to keep the men on standby to be ready to sweep both the Falcon and the invaders camps, the church will remain in charge, on this land." Mozgus said
The pontiff hummed then spoke somolmly "Yes...we will maintain order in this land, however I do wonder...if it's our right?" He asked,
Mozgus looked to the Pontiff in shock? "Our right...father pontiff what do you mean?" He asked
The pontiff sighed and looked around, "the Kushan's cut through the army of Midland like butter, and the Church was nothing more than a parade force, we ran, and there fore we gave up our rights to this land, by law of conquest if Ginishka wanted to he could declare his religion of Islam to be the conquered The Holy See."
Mozgus was silent stunned by the insite, of all his years serving the pontiff and the Holy See, sense its foundation, he noticed a certain pattern, all the leaders wanted to gain power, maybe personal power, maybe for the church, that's the reason why the Witch hunts actually began, the folk healers held too much power to the everyday man, so branded them evil and killed them off, as a way to force them to go to the church, it was wrong, but it was done, of course Mozgus was also aware of the opposition end of spectrum as he personally lead his inquisitor's in a Vatican raid to dethrone a church head several years ago, it was a bloody affair but was covered up and it was later said the man died in his sleep, from an unknown cause, of course this sparked outrage and people began branding witches again, even if that wasn't the intended goal, Mozgus sighed. Those 500 witches burned were on his soul, he would live with it. He had to.
But this this is something new, a pontiff saying the church has existed for too long, this is near heretical speaking, it would be branded as such if the word of the pontiff wasn't law.
The pontiff looked back at his silent bodyguard and scoffed, "speak your mind my friend I value your input." He said
Mozgus was still, before finally finding his voice, "...sir...the church was founded as a way to unite people, a way that will be ever-lasting, as borders changed and empires fall the one thing that remains the same is belief, the church, is a center of that belief, if we lose the church, we lose what we are as human…" Mozgus said defending the organization he helped found,
"Truer words have never been spoke...yet truer lies have never been heard…" the pontiff said.
Mozgus looked at the pontiff shocked, "as pontiff I have access to the lost pages of history, the true story of the church, and its foundations,
"I know your origins, I know the churches origins, and it's link to paganism, despite you trying to cover it up as rebranding." The Pontiff said.
Mozgus finally looked away from the pontiff to the fields outside Wyndham,
"If we were not such good firends, or in such a dangerous situation, I'd kill you now." He said
"I know, and I still expect it to be my fate someday, just know that when it does occur, I will not blame you, nor hate you, you served me and the church well, as I know you will so long as you live," the pontiff said,
He looked up to see several men in the camp charging to the battlefield frantically.
"Mozgus what is that?" The pontiff asked,
"It's seems the Grand army of the Falcon is preparing for a seige-no...it appears the Kushan's are attempting a breakout." He said
"Damn it I don't care if we lose 100 men or if we lose 1,000 we have to stop the Kushan's here and now!" The pontiff said.
"Agreed, screw the idea of erasing paganism, many of the pagan ideas are the only ways we are able to go toe to toe with our enemy, and live, you clearly know of my past and accept it, I shall give the orders, and I will personally protect you in battle, after this war. I will step down from my position in the church." Mozgus said
"Forget the fucking Church for 2 seconds will you I'm not talking about religion I'm talking about the lives of your subjects, ORDER THE MEN TO REINFORE THE GRAND ARMY OF THE FALCON! IF WE CAN BREAK THROUGH THE WALLS AND KILL GINISHKA I WILL NOT HAVE THAT PARASITE ON MY LAND ANY LONGER!" The pontiff yelled,
"Yes father, it will be done," Mozgus said as he watched the pontiff head out of the tree line, as a member of the Band of the Hawk rode past him
"You stop!" He said the mercenary stopped and looked down. "Huh?"
"I demand you take me to the battlefield, I am needed there to command the army of The Holy See!" He said
The mercenary didn't bat an eye, and just said "hop on." As he reached for the staff, the pontiff not a second later followed, as his second foot left the ground the horse sped off.
The pontiff settled down and sighed, "thank you," he said
"My name is Jadeau, I'm a commanding officer of the original Band of the Hawk, the leading army of the Grand army of the Falcon, Griffith has told of your arrival and your contribution to this battle." He said
"Ah I see so the Grand Army has a seer then." The pontiff said
"Your taking this rather well?" Jadeau said
"Im quiet a seer myself, however in my old age my powers have diminished and I'm rarely ever given predictions anymore." He said
"I see, well it's good to have you." Jadeau said as they reached the top of the hill,
"You as well mercenary Jadeau." The pontiff said
"Just Jadeau father Pontiff," he said
"Cornelius*." The pontiff nodded,
(Griffith)
In the valley of the hill infront of the city of Wyndham, Griffith was cutting down all those who approached him, "when did they attempt a break out!?" Griffith asked as Casca rode behind him and cut down someone going for Griffith,
"I don't know. But it appears they are getting desperate, they don't seem to have a set strategy-." Casca was cut short as she looked over to main gate,
"GRIFFITH!" She called
Griffith followed her line of sight and his eyes shot open, the gates were open and people were rushing out, but that's not what he noticed, he noticed that these were not armed, they were women and children, as well as fighters.
They were fleeing Wyndham,
The Kushan's were abandoned Wyndham.
"What is going on!?" Griffith asked
He looked over to see several people standing there holding exotics weapons and having the urge to kill, the leader looking more like a pig, fat and small, and very bore like, as he spoke it nearly sounded like squeals, "we are Ginishka's royal guard, we will stand while the rest of these cowards flee, we will destroy you!" The leader said as he charged, and before his eyes the face changed to the face of a boar, with tusks and fur, as he missed his first attack with his flare he spun around and looked at Griffith again,
While this was happening casca had successfully rallied the rest of the Grand Army of the Falcon to her side, and helped to escort those who were fleeing, away, at this nearly all the fighting stopped as they evacuated, however those who stayed and fought were loyal to Ginishka to death and that was still over 1000 warriors, both in the city and out,
Griffith threw his body into an attack trying to get inside the reach of the weapon he was successful, and managed to land a blow on the leader but was hit with flare on the side sending him flying off his horse and on the ground,
"GRIFFITH!" Casca called
"Heh, your not that bad were I human I would have died by that wound, but now your gonna die." He said as he raised his flare above his head ready to smash Griffith's skull in,
Only to find the pig leader headless,
As the body slumped down, the Black swordsman, Guts, stood there in the berserker armor,
"Sorry I missed what I did." Guts said
Griffith smiled and reached for a help up, Guts obliged and picked up his commander,
"It appears they are fleeing the city for some reason." Griffith said
Guts looked over shock not knowing what it was, he had no idea what to do, he highly doubted he could swing his sword at this problem,
Guts looked back to see Sherkie and Sonia were there,
"Sonia, what is it what's happening?" Guts asked
Sonia who was fighting a headache only moaned out a weak answer,
"The astral roar of the world." She said
Griffith was shocked, but also looked calm, they knew what they needed to do now, but all they needed was how to proceed until then.
Guts looked over and saw Ginishka's royal guards regrouping, "it appears we got more forces trying to cleave there way into hell." Guts said
"Well it's all we have to go on for now, keep the evacuation going." Griffith ordered, as he ordered the men to keep the evacuation while the others defend them,
Guts lept into action and slammed Dragonslayer down on a royal guard, " well this is a happy reunion." Guts said to Griffith behind him,
"Yeah and we are close to our goal, we just need the signal," Griffith said
"Well the Vatican and the apostles have joined in, I'm quiet sure we are ready, for anything." Guts said
"I need you to take the Coven of the Falcon, back to the tops of the hills." Griffith said
"What but Griffith-." Guts said
"Listen, I know what I need to do but there is going to be a major geographical shift when it happens and I don't know how far it will reach," Griffith said
Guts nodded and killed another royal guard. "COVEN OF THE FALCON FALL BACK!" He said as he looked "oh no." He said as he put Dragonslayer on his back and changed to his wrist mounted crossbow,
"We have Kushan Apostles coming out." He announced,
"Very well, ZODD YOUR UP!" Griffith said as Zodd the immortal landed infront of Griffith in apostle form and roared.
"Leave the apostle's to fight Among Themselves, keep the royal guard occupied. AND GET TO THAT HILL." Griffith said
"Got it! Oh and Griffith." Guts said turning to his firend
Griffith and Guts Made eye contact
"Good luck." He said as Guts headed up the hill,
Guts passed Sherkie who was casting a fireball spell as Guts picked her up by the waist and carried her, making her shriek in shock before Guts explained the situation. Sherkie nodded and through telepathy told everyone to get to the top of the hill.
(Ginishka)
In the demon womb Ginishka felt his body on fire, and cold as ice at the same time, he felt like he knew himself more than ever, but wasn't able to know his own name at the same time, he felt one with himself, yet he felt alone,
"You are finally ready for your destiny."
Ginishka looked around but found no one, "who are you?" Ginishka asked his own voice echoing around like 100 mirrors.
"Who I am is not important, however I am the idea the you truest strive for, you look for power and command, sometimes you will not get being under the hand of another." The voice said.
"Yes..l that is what I seek I will have it, if I must I will do whatever it takes." Ginishka said
"I know. This is very rare of me to do but I will grant it to you, just this once." The voice said
"Thank you, but if I may ask...what should I call you?" Ginishka asked
"I am...Self-Governance."
Inside the demon womb a blazing light came from it as a purification ritual was undergone, before a Transformation,
(World)
The blazing flash of blinded everyone as everyone had to shut their eyes or look away. When they looked back a massive pillar was seen in the middle of Wyndham the Astral Roar of the world had begun,
(Griffith)
As the light faded he saw the massive pillar in the sky with the face of a man, the point had been revealed, the moment they had been waiting for had come.
"It's time." Griffith said as he strode forward, and looked over to Casca and Guts, as Zodd landed in front of Griffith in his Apostle form. And bowed as he lower his head he dropped the Sword of Actuation into Griffith's awaiting hands, "let's begin Humanity's golden age, the way it should have been." Griffith said as he hoped on Zodd as they flew off,
In the sky there were those still loyal to Ginishka, despite the change of form, Ginishka spotted Griffith's approach on Zodd ordered there attack.
"Do not let them approach under any circumstances!" Ginishka roared In there minds, as many of those on the wall sprouted wings and flew after Zodd to knock Griffith off,
(Guts)
On the ground the Coven of the Raiders watches as Griffith flew above, them and watches as he was being followed.
"Zodd can't handle the forces sent to stop Griffith from getting close," Sherkie said,
"Can you hit those in the sky Sherkie?" Guts asked.
Without hesitation she nodded, with confirmation Guts bellowed out his orders,
"COVEN OF THE RAIDERS CHECK YOUR TARGETS, FREE UP AN AIR CORRIDOR FOR THE SUPREME COMMANDER!" Guts yelled,
At once a volley of fireballs, Ice spells, and all sort of effects flew in the air, blasting the proto gargoyles, out of the air, freeing up Zodd and Griffith to climb higher in the air, unimpeded,
Guts watched the sky helpless, he hated being helpless in battle but he had no magick, he was only good at swinging a sword and commanding, he had no range, effects, so he just watched,
He looked behind him to see Mozgus step out of the forest, with a placated expression on his face, as he looked at Guts and Casca, he didn't miss the winces the Swordsmen gave off either and the glances to his female companion, the message was clear.
"I see there is still animosity between us. Understandable, just know I plan to change the church to be more acceptable towards Witchcraft now, the rip we caused I blame myself for and I will do what I can to fix my mistake." Mozgus said.
Guts took a bit to relax but when he did he nodded, "very well." He went back to looking at the sky,
"How goes the battle?" Mozgus asked
"It's nearly over it's up to Griffith now to deliver the finishing blow but he will succeed." Guts said.
Mozgus nodded. "Then it's up to us to prepare the banquet for our hero upon his return." He said.
Guts nodded. And turned to Casca,
"Go with Mozgus and round up those not fighting, and help prepare for Griffiths return." He said.
Casca nodded and kissed him on the cheek before heading off, with Mozgus, to round up the Grand Army of the Falcon.
(Griffith)
In the air Griffith clung to the fur as the wind and G-Forces pulled on his center of gravity as the two pulled high speed maneuvers to avoid getting hit,
"We're getting outnumbered here we need to get higher, where they cannot follow." Griffith said,
"The power that is radiating off of Ginishka is large, he's using most of his powers to prevent our push." Zodd said.
"Then let the Demon have the power of the demon sword and see how he likes it." Griffith said as he drew the sword of Actuation and slashed the sky with a casual flick. And with unknowing potential the sword held at bay, the world entered Phase two of the Roar of the astral world.
(World)
The sound of glass echoed across the sky as it looks as if a massive pile of snow fell from an hidden barrier but vanished into ash before it hit the ground, as Zodd shot upwards as if a ball and chain attached to his feet dropped off him.
In there mind of all those affected but the astral World they heard a terrified Scream of Ginishka, as his last barrier had failed and his death was coming,
(Griffith)
Griffith hung above Ginishka, and raised the sword, above his head now knowing the true power of the weapon he was careful as he spoke,
"In the rule of self-governance I degree, the shackles of Humanity be free, and the March of progress come again. As humanity comes into its own!" Griffith finished the chant with a roar as he slashed downwards,
(World)
The sonic boom from the sword blasted towards the avatar of Ginishka and the bright flash as the Demon sword and the Demon child, power come in contact again sense it was deemed forbidden, before the powers reverted and caused a singularity in time, forcing a hard reset on reality.*
The ringing broke glass, and eardrums. And the light blinded all, no one knows what occurred first then next, all that is know is last to take place is Supreme commander of Midland Griffith crashes to the ground, with Zodd, and The death of Ginishka and the Rose of the legendary city of Falconia waiting its master to open the door, and rule.
(Casca)
Seeing Her commander on the ground unmoving Casca spurred forward, followed closely behind Guts and Sherkie, as they stay by Griffith,
A silent conversation between the witch and his Right hand man, before a nod and Guts stood up far more relaxed then she felt he should be,
"He's gonna be alright, just out for a bit, the fall did no damage, but we have an idea that is due to Fate's interference. Than Sheer luck," Guts said,
Casca nodded, and looked around, at the soldiers, "shall we move him?" She asked,
"Yes, prepare a tent for Griffith." Guts said
Casca nodded and left.
(Time skip)
It was only a few hours before Griffith officially woke up, and was able to greet everyone. He walked out of the tent and smiled at the cheered he was greeted by, he also noted not a single of the men present near the tent were affiliated with Guts in any way. He walked around the camp and found the reason why shortly. Guts Raiders and the Coven of the Raiders were training in the previous battlefield, either working on magick or exercise, and fighting, Griffith smiled, knowing that even if the world was going to hell something never would change.
Soon after Griffith woke up the Grand Army of the Falcon, moved into the new capital city, of Falconia, with the several new supporter Groups of the Coven of the Raiders. And the militant sect of The Holy See. Helped founded the city's first guilds,
The war had been won, but now it was time to rebuild, with a new head. New ideals, and a new golden future.
(Eoc)
( a/n due to the nature of working with ancient and godly techniques of the demon sword many of the ideas are just factually incomprehensible to the mortal mind and thus these are the only way of functioning describing the events. Despite the language not being that with what would be spoke for over 500 years.*)
Here are some titles of units because it might have been confusing,
Grand Army of the Falcon: Is the official grand Army title
Band of the Hawk: the original members of the Hundred Years War hero's (aka Guts, Caska, Jadeau, Corkus, Pippin, etc)
Gut's Raiders (Hawks Raiders* only names unit) is Guts personal unit, of command, and once he returned from his departure from the Band of the Hawk became the unit to turn to if there was an Apostle or pseudo-apostle issue, after Guts personally trained them himself to survive any situation.
(Iron Band of the Hawk: Unofficial / Former: Holy Iron Chain knights): the merge of the Holy Iron chain knights with the Band of the Hawk, creating the Grand Army of the Falcon.
Band of the Feather, (Martino's Band): The Band of the feather joined the Band of the Hawk after Martino the leader found out that Guts was a member.
The Coven of the Raiders: support group of "Guts Raiders" able to use the powers of Magick to accomplish the impossible in a battlefield situation, from healing forces from death, to boosting everyone's strength in there first battle situation at the Battle of Wyndham, the Coven of the Raiders had proven themselves invaluable. To the victory. While not armed with Weapons of war the group had earned there title of Raiders that day.
for now keep reading-Bankerrtx01/ G. .-