Chapter Seven - "Battle of Insectia"

As snow whipped in the wind, swirling and twirling through the canyons south of Insectia, the Horde Troopers marched on. A vast and terrible army, their heavy boots slammed on the ground in unison. Their sensors worked as one, detecting any and all foes that would stand against.

Any life forms they did find were ignored - simply because they would much rather cower in the shadows than face such a fearsome legion. The Horde Troopers marched ever onward, weapons primed, systems on-line, power full. These were the breakers of armies, the destruction of kingdoms, the agents of death that bore the symbol of the red bat.

Their destination was Insectia, home to the Insectoids and capital of their kingdom. Insectia was massive, standing high into the sky in the form of huge towers occupied by the Bees; and deep into the ground, which was held by the Ants. Throughout, on different layers and in different tunnels, were the Beetles and the Moths. These four races held together through their Queens, which Queen Androna of the Bees was the most well known. The Bees were the most public face of the Insectoids.

Insectia was basically a massive circle of tall mountains. Inside the circle was Mount Insectia, one of the four tallest mountains on Eternia.

"We have three hours before they reach our outermost perimeter," General Stingrad reported. "In addition to the ten thousand Horde Troopers, there are reports of Bat-Mechs launching from the Ilkort-held coastline."

Androna nodded and made a small buzzing noise. "What kind of defense can we mount?"

"We can intercept the Horde Troopers in three hours and hold them off. However, if the Bat-Mechs do indeed follow up, then I can not guarantee success."

While the Bees (and much of Insectia) were quite a proud people, Queen Androna was more than open-minded in terms of politics and their allies.

"We need help, General Stingrad."

Stingrad, tall among most other Bees, stepped towards his queen. "Your majestrix, I am not sure if that is a wise course of action. To not be able to defend our own homeland without help suggests - "

"It suggests nothing other than that Horde is the greatest threat Eternia has known. We are setting an example here, Stingrad. All measures must be taken to defeat the Horde, even if it means calling upon the aide of our allies. Go, forth, Stingrad, and meet the enemy head on."

"That I shall, my lady."

Two weeks now since the supply lines to Kreyf were opened up and the war was still as it was. As the battle was waged in the Mystic Mountains, there were constant reports of Troop activity along the eastern front - in the Sands of Time and in the Desert. Both of those regions were Horde occupied. And while most the battles were occurring in the Mystic Mountains, the desert lands were the home to skirmishes. Skirmishes that, Randor understood, the Horde was winning.

Randor had his doubts that perhaps directing most of the troops into the Mystic Mountains was a mistake. Their eastern flank was left too open. Even if Kreyf was destroyed (though, as he understood the battle was at a stalemate), the Horde could still very easily attack from the east.

The kingdoms closets to the Sands of Time were those of the Cave People and that of the Tree People. And they were too xenophobic to even come to a royal dinner, let alone stand against the Horde. With their strict treaties, Randor was quite aware that Hordak most likely counted on them destroying each other rather than deal with them himself.

Hourglass Mountain was too far south and Moriana was too far north to be of any influence. Targa of the northeast was too isolated to be much help. King Sallas of Dosdaine in the west was approached, but turned down. Many of the others had isolated themselves as well, and the island nations were of no help. Even Aquantica, the great undersea kingdom, had turned down Eternos.

The only hope left was in the Bears and the Cats. The Widgets were of no use and were pretty much safe in their massive fortress. The Bears and the Cats could help them, but the Cats were isolationists and the Bears abhorred violence.

Eternos would have to stand on its own feet.

"Sire, pardon my interruption," Thomas apologized as he entered the throne room, "we have received word that the Horde is mounting an attack on Insectia. Ten thousand Horde Troopers are marching there as we speak and we have detected Bat-Mechs from the coastline on course to Insectia as well. They have asked both Eternos and Avion for help."

"Is there any chance we can?"

Thomas shook his head. "No sire. Not without pulling forces out of Kreyf or out of the eastern border."

"What about Avion?"

"I'm not sure, sire."

King Randor paused in thought. "Get me Stratos and Avion, Thomas. We need to speak."

The battle began at the southernmost perimeter of Insectia. The early stiff early January winds brought cascading snowflakes down across the warriors. Laser bolts crossed the air from the Horde Troopers. Spears, arrows, and axes came from the Insectoids. The battle entered into its first hour.

From Snake Mountain, Hordak watched intently as the Insectoids stood against his robotic forces. Small explosions issued forth every few minutes, but for some reason . . . Hordak's interest was waning . . .

Hordak was suddenly aware of something within Snake Mountain. In the lower chambers, there was something churning. Something dark. Something powerful. With the battle now taking place on the displays in front of him, Hordak could not spare the time to dispatch whatever it was he sensed.

"Keldor," he beckoned.

The blue-skinned young warrior and mage entered into the throne room of Snake Mountain. "Yes, master?"

"There is a great powerful disturbance deep in the lower chambers of Snake Mountain. Do you sense it?"

Keldor paused. His mind reached out and he could feel as strange movement far below. "Yes."

"Go investigate it," Hordak ordered, but suddenly felt a strange reluctance.

"Of course."

"Wait, Keldor. One moment."

Keldor halted in his steps and turned back around. "Yes?"

"Look at the monitors, Keldor. Tell me, what do you think the Insectoids are trying to do here? What strategy are they trying to implement?"

For a long moment, Keldor stared at the monitors that displayed the vicious battle at Insectia. It didn't take him too much time to figure out what they were attempting.

"Divide and conquer, Hordak. Their strongest forces keeping striking the center of the Horde lines. The Beetles and the Bees, see there? The Moths are keeping to the sides. It's a tight fit with those cliffs nearby, but it's a typical defense used by the Insectoids."

"Well done, Keldor. Now, if you will attend to the presence in the caverns . . ."

"Of course."

For a brief moment, Keldor regarded his master in that chair with a strange thought. He wanted to sit there, to be in command. These thoughts resonated with his own desires that he about Eternos a few years earlier. He would have that seat someday, the one at Eternos and the one that Hordak now occupied.

But those were thoughts for a later time. Keldor quickly left the throne room and made for the corridors deep below Snake Mountain.

Blood gushed from broken exoskeletons. Wings were ripped apart next to shattered arms. The dead was pilling up but the fight wasn't over yet. Amongst these many dead Insectoids were the broken remains of Horde Troopers - their cracked casings revealing busted machinery. Sparks occasionally sputtered from the fallen Troopers.

Yet, the battle waged on.

General Stingrad stood at the front of his lines, battle-axe taking down Trooper after Trooper. By his side was Lieutenant Buzz-Off, who was doing the best he could to keep up with his incredible leader. Thunderous explosions went off all around them as the Horde did their best to blast out the weapon turrets located in the mountains.

"Bumbler! Garth! Push around the outer cliffs!" shouted Stingrad into his communicator as Buzz-Off covered his back.

The battle was going poorly. While the Insectoids were holding strong, their manpower was low and the threat of being overwhelmed loomed. They needed help, as much as Stingrad hated to admit it. And with the Bat-Mechs confirmed to arrive . . .

Quite suddenly, the ground shook and rumbled. Bounding out from a legion of Horde Troopers came Calyx.

"Stingrad!" cried the rock warrior. "I was hoping to bump into you! I am Calyx! Let's speak - general to general!"

Stingrad's segmented eyes sharpened and the tall Insectoid rushed forward, axe raised. As soon as he came within striking distance, however, Calyx punched him in the face. Stingrad crumbled to the ground. Calyx slammed his foot onto Stingrad's chest before he even had the chance to get up.

Still possessing his axe, Stingrad began to slam it into Calyx's shin. A small bit of rock chipped off and Calyx's foot went up in snap of pain. Stingrad stood, wings bent and crooked, ready to finish it off. Once more, though, his efforts meant nothing.

Before the axe even struck Calyx, the rock-man grabbed Stingrad's arms and bent them backwards. The exoskeleton snapped, breaking both arms. But Stingrad didn't scream. Calyx smiled.

"I hope the rest of your puny race is as easy to defeat as you," Calyx told him.

"I may die here, but you will not . . . conquer Insectia . . ."

"Very funny."

Calyx released Stingrad only to grab his head and twisted. A loud snap was heard and Stingrad went to the ground, dead. Buzz-Off stood stock still as his mentor and leader lay dead on the blood-soaked, dirty ground.

"No . . ." he whispered. "NO!"

He rushed to Calyx, his own axe raised. As soon as he reached Calyx, he was pushed aside.

"Don't even bother, little bug."

Buzz-Off was thrown next to the slain Stingrad. For a long few seconds, Buzz-Off stared at those dead eyes and he felt a terrible rage burning within him. How many others were out here dying? How many others were laying on the ground, broken and beaten like Stingrad?

Buzz-Off decided he would not be one of those. He lifted Stingrad's fallen axe, stood up and with speed unknown, raged right at Calyx's back as the general lead his robotic Troopers on. In a matter of small seconds, Buzz-Off sent the blade of the axe smashing into Calyx's shoulder.

It cut deep, sending rocks bits into the air. What could best be described as liquid concrete came gushing out of the wound as soon as Buzz-Off pulled out his weapon.

"AHHHHH!" sounded Calyx as he stumbled. "KILL HIM! KILL HIM!"

Buzz-Off sent the axe into the Horde Troopers that were now gunning for him. Their parts and armor went spilling across the mountain floor. He turned to face Calyx, but the Horde general was now stumbling back towards the end of the lines.

With a few seconds to spare before the next wave of Horde Troopers were to come upon him, Buzz-Off pulled out his communicator and opened a line to the rest of the Insectoids.

"This is Buzz-Off. Stingrad is dead. I am taking command. Bumbler, maintain your position! Garth, come around strike against the forces coming in from the north. The rest, keep pushing towards the center of the lines."

It was a long shot. Even with Calyx out of the game, it was still going to be very hard to push the Horde Troopers out of the territory. With the Bat-Mechs coming soon, it was going to be damn near impossible . . .

Suddenly, the light of the sun was momentarily blocked out, as if a cloud was covering it. The sounds of small explosions filled his ears.

"Look there!" shouted one of the soldiers, pointing up.

Buzz-Off looked upward . . . and smiled.

"AVIONS! STRATOS IS HERE!"

The sky was filled with birdmen of Avion, who were issuing out their rockets upon the massive army of Horde Troopers. Explosions began to grow more intense. Buzz-Off lifted his axe in celebration, and then led the Insectoids barreling into the Horde lines.

Keldor had no idea where he was.

After leaving the explored regions of Snake Mountain, he had accidentally entered into a strange door that he never seen before, went down a corridor, and from there, got himself lost. The only light he had with his was that of his torch. The corridor he was in gradually slopped. As he traveled deeper and deeper, though, he felt the presence that he and Hordak detected growing stronger. So . . . he continued onward.

After nearly an hour, he arrived . . . at a dead end.

"What is this?" he questioned. He ran his blue hand across the wall in front of him.

And then, the floor dropped out. Keldor went falling to darkness. He fell for a good five seconds. When he finally crashed onto the ground, he found himself in what he could identify as very large chamber, eerily lit and filled with a strange mist.

Keldor stood up, the mist swirling around him as he moved. The room was very cold and quite damp and it was at that moment, Keldor realized there was something strange with the ground he stood on. It felt strange, very uneven and loose. As he took a few steps, it crunched beneath his boots.

He bent down and waved his hand, separated the mist briefly beneath him. His eyes grew wide at what he saw. Skulls . . . thousands of skull. The entire floor of the chamber was filled to the brim with skulls.

"How . . . what . . .?"

Keldor's heart began to pound in a panic. Was this some sort of trap? Was he stuck down here? Would he soon be one of these skulls that he now walked upon?

That last thought gave him chill.

Keldor's hand reached down and grabbed the hilt of the Sword of Darkness. As soon as he did so, the chamber grew colder. The mist shifted, swirling around him, and a strange gust of wind blew around him. A green glow filled an area not ten feet in front of him.

The mist spun around the glow and Keldor's entire body filled with fright. From that green light came a form . . . a body, composed entirely of bones. As the bones locked perfectly into place and the green light dimmed to only immanent from the skeleton, Keldor saw that the being he was looking at was wearing a tattered purple cape.

"Who . . . who are . . .?"

The being hissed. "Sssscccarrre-glllloooww."

"Scare-Glow?"

"Yesss." Scare-Glow starting walking to Keldor. "You are Keldor."

"Y-yes," Keldor responded. He pulled out the Sword of Darkness, his mind full of fright. "Not one step closer, you wraith!"

Scare-Glow seemed to strangely smile and continued to walk forward. His boney fingers reached out and touched the end of Keldor's blade.

"Dessstiny . . ."

Keldor felt as cold as ice. "Wha-what is it, yo-you want?"

"Gift."

In Scare-Glow's other hand was a green amulet shaped like a ram's head.

"What is that?"

"Ram Stone. You will know. . ."

Keldor let his Sword of Darkness drop to his side and then outstretched his other hand and took the Ram's Stone. As soon as he did, Scare-Glow began to cackle loudly. The Ram Stone glowed brilliantly and then started to pulse. Keldor hardly noticed as Scare-Glow faded away.

The Ram Stone exploded into pure energy and streaked to both of Keldor's hands. Keldor knew exactly what he wanted to do. With the energy that was once in the Ram Stone now in his hands, Keldor waved them over the floor of skulls. Shards began to break apart and shattered, becoming dust that flowed through the mist and in between the outstretched hands of Keldor.

The dust began a staff, fitting perfectly in Keldor's blue palms. At the end of the staff was the skull of a ram. Pure and focused chaotic energy was filled within this staff and Keldor gave it a name. The Chaos Staff.

Keldor looked around suddenly, fear no long with him. It had been replaced by gratitude. But Scare-Glow was nowhere to be found. The mist was fading as well. Keldor looked up at where he had from. With his Chaos Staff in hand, he focused his power through it.

A mass of skulls lifted up and became a staircase for him to climb. Keldor smiled. This new tool was incredible.

Over an hour later, Keldor returned to Hordak's throne room. He looked to be in a foul mood, which was no surprise to Keldor.

"What is this problem, master?"

Hordak snorted. "The Avions have joined in the battle at Insectia. Our lines are being cut down. I'm ordering a full retreat."

Keldor nodded. "That is disheartening news."

There was no reply. After a moment, Hordak looked at his apprentice. "What was it you found down there?"

"Just an old ghost."

"Is that a new staff?"

"Indeed it is. I found it down there."

"We will go over those lessons a little later, then."

"Of course."