The door opened to the inner sanctum. Hades felt his anger burn within him. He was working on the Oblivion Stone. He did not like to be disturbed while doing so. He didn't even want anyone to come in during it. But now, the inky blackness of his inner chamber was broken as the door opened. Some gray sunlight came through, framing the shadow of a new entry. The cold silence of the Dark Tower lasted for a few moments.

"…I told you to not disturb me when working with this stone." Hades spoke darkly, not turning back to the door.

"Our enemy is moving, my master."

Hades paused at that. He raised his head a little, putting his stone to one side for a moment. "…Preparing to move?"

"No, master. Moving. Their king issued an edict this morning shortly after the arrival of a giant mounted warrior. They prepared for only eight hours, then they marched. Gilgamesh has brought his full immediate strength to bear, and now he marches for us."

Hades snorted in reply to that. "The fool thinks that he can best us with such a small amount of power. Arrogant enough to believe he can defeat us without gathering any outside help." There was a pause afterward, however. "…But then again, we too will not be at our own full strength for another six days. Perhaps he simply has no other choice…" Another brief pause happened at that, thinking for a moment. He thought of the approaching army, and then down to the Oblivion Stone. He looked at it a moment, then thought aloud again. "…This turn of events has the potential to frustrate my plans…or escalate them." He stopped for a moment again, then turned.

"Who is this new warrior that joins Gilgamesh?"

"We do not know his name. But he is a tall warrior with a great horned helmet. He rides a six-legged horse, and carries two swords. One is a curved schmitar like a monster's fang. The other is a great sword that gleams like a flame of the sun."

Hades paused for a moment at this.

"…Send out the dark dragons at once. Not one of their army is ever to reach this tower. Do not let them return until all are dead."

"Yes, my master."

The figure departed, shutting the chamber behind Hades. Darkness again enveloped the room, and from the middle of it, one patch of darkness seemed far deeper and colder than the rest. That was the Oblivion Stone within Hades' hands. He gazed at it now, and pondered again this turn of events.

"So, father…the day has come at last. Let's see how close you can get to me."

The change in Gilgamesh had been unexpected at the least.

Shortly after the arrival of this strange warrior, Gilgamesh came out to the front steps of the hall. Masamune was at one side, while the new warrior stood at the other. His people immediately gathered to him, expecting some new news or edict. On gathering, their king informed them that the warrior to his side was Lord Odin, who he said was a king from another land. That said, he then announced that the entire host of the kingdom would be marching on the Dark Tower to put an end to the dark being's devilry there. He gave them all only eight hours to prepare, and then they would depart.

The peoplehad beensurprised at this sudden turn. It was not like Gilgamesh to give these sudden edicts. They had no time to provide for the defense of their own realm. They hadn't the time to lay up provisions if a siege was ready. They barely had time to summon the guards from the outposts in to join them. It all seemed rushed to them. But they would follow their king. And so, the armories were emptied. Immediate provisions were taken. The people were armed and arranged into companies. After all this was done, they arranged themselves and awaited their king. He soon came, and marching before them all he led them out of the city and toward the west. It was strange, however. There were only three hundred horses available to the army of Gilgamesh. He saved them all for those with spears, and so he marched on his feet on the battlefield. However, the one named Odin had his own horse and road beside him. Because of his size, armor, and powerful presence…it almost looked as if he was the greater warrior of the two. He put the king in a much dimmer light. That made some of the troops uneasy.

Nevertheless, they marched onward. There wasn't a lot of daylight left in that first day, but they managed to cover much ground none the less. They crossed over the boundaries of Gilgamesh's realm, and proceeded through the great arid region that surrounded his kingdom. The air was dry and dusty much of the day, but as they went on the ground began to grow more moist. The air became cooler, and plants began to grow more. But in addition to these welcome signs, unwelcome signs were ahead as well. The great cloud over the Dark Tower was looming closer as they went on, casting forth an unnatural darkness at all times. The men began to grow uneasy. They clutched their weapons tighter and looked around more nervously, constantly on the lookout for more enemies. However, they encountered none. Only the darkness loomed as they went on forward, making them more uneasy but not presenting any new challenges.

Trees began to appear as they went on, moving on to more healthy ground. As night fell, a few began to sprout up around them. It was there that Gilgamesh ordered a halt and a camp for the night. Many of his troops were tired and injured from earlier, as they had been called off from patrols and guarding, and there had been no time to let them rest or grant them reprieve. The group readily pitched their tents and set up for the evening.

The king's own tent was pitched in the center of the camp. It was larger than the others, more of a pavilion than anyone else's. The ground there was covered with animal hides rather than cloth, and banners were hung around inside the dwelling to provide more of a room-like atmosphere as well as provide more protection from the night's chill. A table had also been brought by the soldiers, and they put it inside and covered it with maps to allow their king to plot and plan. As the camp settled down, the king did enter there, along with all of his high commanders in his army, and the enigmatic Odin. This giant warrior leaned against a wall post, but kept an eye to everything else. Gilgamesh himself leaned over the maps with his entourage surrounding him, also looking down on the maps.

Gilgamesh pointed to one smaller map, representing where they were at the moment. "Keep the horses and swordsmen to the center of the camp. Spears will surround the exterior in case the enemy moves. It is still two day's journey to the Dark Tower. On our arrival, we will not assault the tower directly, but draw out their forces. Once we have dispatched them away from the safety of their fortification, we shall storm the castle and bring out the head of this dark ruler on a stake."

"What of the dragons, my lord?" One of the commanders asked. "They can attack from a distance, and without Dragoons we have no method of countering them."

A spat came from the side of the tent. At that, the commanders turned and looked to the source of the noise. Gilgamesh did as well. They all soon saw Odin against the tent post, a scowl on his face.

"You are men of the great kingdom ofGaia. You serve the immortal ruler. And yet you make excuses for others to fight for you?

The commander was indignant at this. But he kept his anger in check and spoke plainly. "If you accuse us of cowardice, then you are mistaking fear with discretion. We have no means of countering the dark dragons. None of us have ever even fought such beasts. It may be impossible for us to kill even one if they stay at a distance."

"They are mortal, such as you." Odin simply replied. "And why do you doubt yourself? You have the greatest of kings on your side. None of them will stand against you."

The commanders didn't answer this. True, they did have a mighty king. Gilgamesh, however, bowed his head slightly and said nothing. There was silence between the members of the groups for a few moments. No one said a word, but Odin continued to stare darkly at the other commanders. At last, Gilgamesh held up a hand and gestured to his commanders. "Leave us. We march at dawn."

The commanders turned away from Odin at this. They turned to their king instead. With some hesitation, they gave a nod to him, and then turned and marched out of the tent. Within a few moments, the flap had closed again. Gilgamesh and Odin were alone within the king's pavilion. There was silence for a few moments.

At last, Gilgamesh sighed. "I wish you hadn't told them that."

Odin turned to him in response. "Why not? It is the truth."

Gilgamesh groaned. "I am only a single person. I cannot hope to fight off all the legions of this creature on my own. Don't you think I would have done this if I could have? Now there is no telling how many of my people will die struggling to fight against these dark dragons. And I cannot save them all."

Odin frowned in response. He turned and looked to Gilgamesh. "What has happened to you? Why do you allow yourself to be weighed down so much by concerns and fears?"

"Because, as a king, I am responsible for the well being of everyone here." Gilgamesh simply answered. "And in time, I realized even the strongest man is nothing compared to the crushing forces of this world."

"What are you trying to say? That you cannot beat this enemy?"

"I am saying that alone I cannot."

Odin frowned at this. "You are not acting prudently. You can't allow yourself to be ruled by your fear. If you alone do not have confidence in greatest adversity, how can you expect your people to?"

Gilgamesh frowned a bit himself at that, and wouldn't look up. "They are here because of you, father. Just as I am here because of you. I would never have risked such a disastrous run."

"Risks are a part of life. A part of war." Odin responded. "But what will give you hope in the midst of a risk will be your own self-confidence. If you do not believe in yourself, then how will you ever expect to have a victory?"

Gilgamesh glared at the map and bent over it. He paused for a moment in reply.

"…Why should I have faith in myself when no one else does?"

Odin was stunned at this response. "…What?"

"None have ever had faith in my ability to be a great warrior, father." Gilgamesh responded at last. "Only myself. My people have this so-called faith in me because they do not even know who I am. But I know myself so much better. I have experienced loss and pain to no end my whole life. Always I have been falling short. I always fell short of your expectations. I was never the great warrior you wanted me to be. I became a king of men, but it is only a pale shadow of what you wished for me to be…king of all espers. Never have you ever given me even a look of pride or accomplishment. My entire early days were nothing but one failure after another, with always your scorn looking down on me. And these people of mine are so easily pleased that no pseudo accomplishment of mine that stirs them to pride can be enough. I care nothing for the praise of men. I wanted your praise. And now, in my greatest hour, I am forced to rely on your council and strength again. I still have not pleased you. The shadow of your face looking down on me the day of the tournament continues to burn in my soul. I have not been able to escape it my entire life…"

Odin froze at that. His own face felt downcast. His own heart ached. Gilgamesh kept his head bowed and was silent for a moment. He inhaled sharply, but at last spoke up.

"…You wish that I had never been born…that a greater heir than I had arisen in my place."

Odin felt his body feel cold all over. His own face bowed somewhat, although his pride wouldn't let him look totally upset or downcast. But inside, his past sins stirred again. There was, unfortunately, a time when Odin had felt that. But that was not now…not after he realized what a truly faithful boy he had. He once hated Gilgamesh for his weakness and soft nature. But he had changed since then, after removing his evil from himself. He saw that he had a more loving and faithful son than many others could hope for now. He would trade a thousand Hades for a single Gilgamesh and never regret his decision. And yet…he was too prideful of a warrior. Too unable to share his own feelings. He could not express this to his son. He could not expel the shadow that hung over Gilgamesh's life. He desperately wanted to say something to Gilgamesh at that point, to do anything to let him know he was proud of him and what he had done…that he did not come to help him in his hour of need so much as to ensure the destruction of his bastard offspring. But he could not admit that. More than anything, he could not say that. He did not dare tell Gilgamesh that he sired Hades as his replacement. He would not plant the thought. If Gilgamesh thought that he preferred that wicked spawn to him as an heir, the result would destroy him. Especially now. Odin's presence was causing Gilgamesh to lose strength and fortitude. He was regressing back into his old days when Odin still hated him. Odin was realizing this, but he didn't know what to do about it. He could do nothing but make it worse if he tried. And so, he could only stand there, and await the time when Hades would be destroyed. He could only hope Gilgamesh could recover while there was still time.

However, this brief respite did not last long. As Odin and Gilgamesh stood there silently, a loud gong suddenly began to ring. Both immediately raised their heads and turned to the source, and saw that it was coming from outside. As they did, they soon began to hear great rushing sounds outside. What more, they heard running around, and above all of it a voice yelled. "Dark dragons! The chromatics have come!"

Gilgamesh and Odin immediately snapped out of their private thoughts. Quickly, their raised their heads and looked up in surprise. But they didn't waste any time. Immediately, they drew their swords, and then went rushing out of the tent and out onto the camp.

The moment the two of them broke out, Gilgamesh and Odin paused to quickly assess the situation. They didn't have to wait long. Coming out of the darkness overhead, a great host of giant wyrms descended on the camp. There were dozens of them, all fierce and swooping down from the sky. They fell on the camp in a flood and attacked at once. Sweeping over like great devil bats, they opened their mouths and began to bathe the area in fire, ice, acid, and whatever other unmentionable substance poured from their mouths. They brought down their tails and smashed tents into nothingness with one swing. They flashed their claws and cut men to ribbons as they went by. Their bodies reveled in their glory. They sounded out voices of doom, blasting in triumph and murder all over the camp. They milked their dragonawe and dragonfear for all it was worth. Soon, people did not even think of fighting. They screamed and ran. Brave warriors cringed into a heap on the ground, refusing to do anything but lay there until the enemy came to slaughter them. The whole camp was soon stricken with panic as the dragons descended, and the whole army was thrown into panic.

"Fight!" Odin cried out in response. Immediately, he put his blade away and put his hands together.

"Do not give in to fear!" Gilgamesh cried back, rushing out with his naked blade. "Fight back!"

The men did not fight back, however. A few of them managed to rise again, but fear and awe of the dragons were too much. They could not overcome it. They were still mostly helpless as the beasts descended. There were too many of them. A great red dragon swooped around and looked down over the field, relishing in the fear they caused. However, it saw how Odin stood unafraid. Not willing to soil their perfect victory, it swooped around to remove the sole source of bravery on the field. It brought its body around, turned to face Odin, and then swept down to attack. It flashed its talons before him, and opened its mouth to breathe red flame, struggling to the last to paralyze its victim with fear.

But Odin would not so easily be broken. In the centuries since Griever he had perfected his Gunge Lance. Now, as the dragon swept down, he drew his hands apart and generated a great glowing spear in his hands. He quickly seized it, pulled it over his shouloder, and then threw it forward straight at the incoming dragon. The lance blazed like a bolt of lightning, and thundered and shook as it sailed straight for the dragon. The great wyrm only had a chance to look surprised for a moment before the lance embedded itself right in its heart. Immediately, the weapon exploded. A brilliant flash of yellow and white shot across the field, and a terrific blast exploded throughout the entire field.The red dragon was blasted into nothingness. But the power of the glorious blast likewise blew all of the surrounding dragons away.The enemy soon had to struggle just to stay aloft in the air. The warriors below also cringed, shocked at the sudden attack.

Once the explosion died, both sides froze for a moment. They looked out to see what had happened, and soon saw that Odin had totally obliterated one of the dragons. Bright light had showered the field for a moment, and the dark dragons had been forced to recoil from the blinding light and power. The force nearly swept them from the sky. Now, they looked to Odin…and felt a bit of new fear within them. This was a weapon not expected. This was a foe of power they had not anticipated, and for a moment they doubted themselves. However, this fear strengthened the human warriors. They now saw fear in the eyes of their "almighty" opponents. They now saw that this new arrival brought a new power to their forces, one that made them far more equal to their enemy. Now, victory and hope had been given to them. They realized they had their own power. The dragonfear was broken. Now, warriors began to rise again. They took up their own spears and prepared for battle. Within moments, the fight had broke out again, now with both sides fighting.

The humans got the first strike. They hurled their own spears as hard as they could at the new enemy. Most of them, however, bounced harmlessly off their scales, or shattered on impact. But a few struck them in their wings, and had enough power to go through the leather. Their "sails" ripped, the dragons spasmed and went to the ground. Immediately, the soldiers fell on them with swords and spears. The dragons, however, were more fierce on the ground than in the air. With their great tails, they swept aside a score of men with each lash. Their breath and talons sent more to their doom. But nevertheless, some managed to drive spears forward, and others with swords came in and slashed hits on their bodies. One warrior at last came in and sliced one's throat, sending the great wyrm down at last. Another skilled spear man hurled a spear right into the eye of a black dragon, sending the creature crashing to the ground in maddened pain. He was an easy target to be finished by his foes.

Odin sprung to new life. Another Gunge Lance was thrown, this time piercing two dragons before exploding. The fire and light that arose blew the dragons aside, sending some crashing to the ground with broken limbs and injuries. More bright light drove fear into the dragons' hearts while bolstering the courage of the men. Despite the weakness of the humans, there were far more of them than dragons, and the fight was more even. The dragons were soon forced to change strategies. Now, they tried to kill the horses of the men as well as the troops, to make their strength worse than before. Also, some ten of them gathered together to attack Odin. But it was no good. The great warrior called Slepnir to him, mounted the steed, and then shot forward even as the dragons dived for him. Flashing his Zantetsuken, Odin cut through each one that attempted to attack him. He alone soon began to double the number of dragon deaths.

King Gilgamesh rushed out onto the field as well. Taking up a spear, he targeted a red dragon himself and threw the weapon straight for the wing socket of the beast. It landed, and the power made it sink deep. The creature was crippled, and soon came crashing to the ground. It landed in a great heap and shook the earth as it landed. However, it soon snarled and began to rise again. Gilgamesh didn't give it a chance. He quickly rushed at it with Masamune flashing. The dragon, however, was up already, and struck back with a flashing claw. Gilgamesh countered and managed to slice the limb from the thing's body, driving it into pain. But before he could stab and finish it, the beast swirled around and smashed Gilgamesh with its great tail. The king was sent flying across the battlefield and into a nearby tent, smashing into it so hard that the entire structure fell.

Gilgamesh did not stay down long. Giving a yell,the kingsprung back up from his fallen position. He leapt forward with a single lunge toward the dragon, and before the red could respond Gilgamesh buried the Masamune into its heart. It gave one giant yell, but then groaned and fell to the ground for good this time. Gilgamesh, panting and hurt, pulled the blade out, and then noticed something bad. Seeing that he was the mighty king, the dragons were swarming, looking to strike him down next. Already, six were circling overhead, and they were beginning to descend. They would soon attack at once. Gilgamesh panicked. He couldn't possibly fight all of them together.

Before he had time to plan a strategy, however, the enemy attacked. A blue dragon landed right in front of the king. Gilgamesh immediately reacted. He swung his blade forward…through not at the enemy. The sheer power of the blade coupled with Gilgamesh's swing sent a shock wave blade beam out from the weapon, and toward the blue dragon. The beast snarled and crossed itself with its arms, but it didn't matter. The impact slashed deep wounds into its flesh, and the rest of the power sent it flying off of its feet and cast it aside like chaff in a storm. But before Gilgamesh could do more, a green exploited his distraction. It swept down behind Gilgamesh, and with a swing of its claws sliced across the esper's back and sent him falling to the ground. The king sprawled against it, and dropped his blade, letting it clatter and slide from him. He cried out in pain. Quickly, the other dragons descended on him, moving in for the kill. Gilgamesh grit his teeth and looked up, only to see the hissing monsters surround him…

However, no blows fell. A sound of hooves rushed by. The green dragon turned to look to the source, and was just in time to have its head sliced free from its body and sent flying through the air. Like a flash of lightning, Odin on Slepnir rushed inward and struck down the dragons one after another. His sword danced like flame, striking down the dragons in the flash of a few moments, sending their body parts flying. In a few moments, nothing but enemy carrion surrounded Gilgamesh, and all dragons were destroyed.

Odin halted for a moment, turning to his son. "Are you alright?" He called out to him.

Gilgamesh stiffened, but slowly rose. He looked up and looked around himself, seeing all the dragons dead around him. They had been killed in an instant. He turned and looked to Odin at that, seeing his savior. A ripple of emotion went over him…as he realized he had again been forced to be saved by his father. He had been helpless, but Odin had saved him. He swallowed a little, but then nodded.

"…Fine." He responded.

The two were silent for a moment. They stared at each other, showing that more things were running through their minds than either let on. But after a few moments, Gilgamesh lowered his head, looking for the Masamune. He forced himself to get back into battle. "…Don't halt. You need to keep fighting. We haven't driven the enemy off yet."

Odin paused for a moment, but then grimly nodded. "Indeed." He then turned and spurred Slepnir on, rushing back into battle. Gilgamesh, on his part, paused for a moment. But then…somewhat reluctantly…he took Masamune back up and went to fight once again.

The tide soon began to turn. Some dragons managed to rise again after they had fallen. But now they were injured, and unable to fight so well. Some of the horses were driven into such a panic that they escaped. But others were mounted, and soon provided extra power to the riders as they threw their spears into their foes. The more skilled warriors continued to throw weapons at the dragons' heads, shattering many spears but driving others into their eyes or even mouths. Gilgamesh continued to fight alone, striking down dragons all by himself. But Odin was the greatest. Again and again, he struck down dragons with single blows. He threw more Gunge Lances, and each new blast injured more dragons and drove more fear into the beast's hearts. Soon they began to fear Odin, refusing to fight him. But Odin brought the battle to them anyway. He ran across the entire field, fighting all the way, and causing the dragons to flee at every turn. More and more of the great wyrms began to fall. At last, they could go no longer. When only nine of the beasts were left, they were forced to give up, despite the warning of Hades. They turned and fled the battlefield, leaving the humans alone.

A brief pause went over the men. The ground was littered with carrion of men and dragon. Foul smells filled the air. Ice and fire alike covered the field, and much of it was still burning. Acid rotted the ground. Much was still in chaos. Spears were broken into shards. People were bloody and bruised. But despite all of this, despite all of the fear and doubt, and now the dread of what the battle had cost them, Odin rode out again. He rode before all of the men, standing there in stunned silence, waving his great sword overhead. With a triumphant cry, he bellowed shouts of victory. And his power and ferocity in battle could not be denied. His sounds of triumph and celebrating the impossible that had been done filled the others with hope. Soon, the cries were answered. Others hoisted their bloody weapons and began to yell as well. The pain of loss vanished under the knowledge of victory.

They had done it. An army of men had contended against a force of dragons and had beaten them. They had done what no human army had ever done. Now, they were filled with a new feeling of power and superiority. Now, they truly felt unstoppable…truly felt like men of the planet's greatest kingdom.

But soon, that praise changed. The men soon flocked around their greatest warrior. They all fell in around Odin and began to praise him and exhort him. They shook their weapons in the air at him and chanted his name, and the volume and praise grew ever louder. Odin looked at this all, as the men and soldiers continued to praise him. As they did…he felt something strange. He felt a new feeling of pride and glory. He had always been a warrior, but for years people had ignored or looked down on him. Only now did he receive the praise and exaltation that he had always been denied. Only now did someone thing he was great for his battle. He managed to keep his face clear, but inside, his spirit was filled with a new feeling of accomplishment and pride. He realized that he had been the one who had saved these people. He had led them to victory. And the spoils of victory and the rejoicing after it had been something he had never felt before. But now that he felt it, he liked it. Leading warriors to victory, it seemed, was even more satisfying that winning the victory all alone.

However, Odin soon forgot this. As the men gathered around him and cheered him on, he noticed that another, much quieter, more injured, and smaller onewas in the back. Standing behind all of his troops was their king…Gilgamesh. He stood there silent. He said nothing. He did nothing. He just stared ahead at this scene. But his men didn't even notice him. They noticed only Odin. What Gilgamesh had accomplished in this battle was superhuman, and yet his success was nothing compared to Odin's. Therefore, his people forgot him and thought only of the warrior esper. Seeing this, Odin felt his blood run cold. He pushed aside the feelings inside him, and immediately went off of his horse. He quickly dropped into a kneeling position, much to the sudden surprise of the warriors. But he sounded out loud and strong.

"Hail! The King of the West!"

Hearing this, the warriors quickly turned and looked to the source. They soon saw Gilgamesh, standing there silently. On seeing that, the other warriors quickly paled. They too kneeled at once before him. However…their movements were slower. They might have reacted somewhat slower than that if Odin had not told them to bow. But they all did so. And once they all had gone down, they too sounded out their own call, "Hail! The King of the West!" But unlike Odin's praise, the praise for Gilgamesh was more rehearsed…solemn…mandatory. It lacked the spirit and adoration. It was most certainly not the same praise that there was for Odin. And it was obvious to Gilgamesh. A quiet silence lasted over the field.

In the end, the King spoke.

"…There is much still to do. Tend to the wounded and injured. Quench the fires. Burn the carrion dragons and bury the dead. We must complete this task and still be ready to move at dawn."

Gilgamesh gave no other word. He turned and began to walk away after that. Odin rose to his feet, and stared after his son. The other men rose as well. They went to their tasks, but they did not until they had congratulated their champion again. Only then did they leave.

Odin was left standing and looking at his son again…not knowing what to do next.

"Sons of Bahamut?" Hades scowled. "…Bastard sons. Lesser sons. Dead branches from a great tree."

Krang, bloody and dented from spears, kept his head bowed as he stood before the dark esper. He quivered with fear and anger, fear of his master, anger at his loss. "We were totally overrun. But it was not our fault! It was that new warrior. He's like a god among men. He wields fire and light and strikes us down like we were…"

"I did not send you out to give me excuses." Hades hissed, back to Krang. "I sent you to destroy our enemies. I told you not to come back until you destroyed them…or you were destroyed. You have failed in that regard. I have no patience for useless servants."

Krang scowled in anger because of that. "My people are not useless! We are descendants-"

"Of a world that shall pass away very soon…just like you."

With that, Hades wheeled around and immediately waved his hand at the dragon. In a flash, four small green faeries suddenly came out from beneath his blood red robes. They quickly shot forward and came to the red dragon. Krang gaped and looked around at this, as he saw the small creatures surround him and begin to fly. They glowed with a pale green light, and as they swirled around him they changed. They turned into bright orbs, and circled Krang in a predictable pattern. They formed a pattern of ring of light as they surrounded the dragon. The thing looked around a moment, then suddenly gasped. The dragon looked down to its hands, and saw the flesh wither on them. He looked to his body next, and saw the skin tighten on his bones. His cheeks sucked in. His scales withered. His wings grew brittle and frail. He looked up to Hades. A wave of anger flashed over him, and he tried to blast Hades with flame. But it was too late. His teeth bent in. His eyes sunk into his head. He gave a gasp, which withered into a puff of dry air. He turned into pale skin and bones. Finally, the faeries stopped, and all floated around him in place. The dried up dragon stood there a moment…but then collapsed to the ground. On landing, he immediately shattered into dust.

Hades looked to the faeries and beckoned to them. They shuddered in response, looking fearful of the dark person. They too were his slaves. But they returned to his side, and vanished into his blood-red robes once again. That done, Hades looked up past the dust pile that was Krang to another in the room. A goblin chief stood toward the back, trembling in fear and terror, his red eyes filled with horror and shaking like a leaf before Hades.

"He is fortunate I merely exacted vengeance on him, not his whole race." He sneered, then addressed the goblin. "Prepare your troops with the others. We will not send out another sortie. They wish to come here, and so they shall. Here we shall destroy them."

The goblin swallowed. "Begging your pardon, my lord…but we cannot triumph against-"

"If you must fear someone, maggot…fear me." Hades sneered in response. "I will give you worse than death." He paused a moment, then turned around. His eyes fell on the Oblivion Stone again, gazing into its deep blackness. "My anger would be far greater, had not things been going very well for my plan. Even this latest turn of events has done little but increase my chances of success."

The goblin perked up at this. He was puzzled at this response. But he did not dare question it. Hades finally turned to him and waved him off.

"Leave me. I have much to do to finish the Oblivion Stone in time. And I must make my own preparations for our guests…"

It was a short night for the army.

Half of it had been spent getting the mess cleaned. It was hard to quell all of the fires. It was harder yet to burn all of the dragon carcasses and bury the dead. Many were injured from the fight. Over thirty died during the night before dawn. But that was only a fraction of the losses they had suffered. Despite victory, it had been a painful victory that had been won.

Gilgamesh sighed as he looked out from his tent at dawn. His face was full of worry and dread. His wounds still ached, and he was acutely aware of his disability. What more, he was aware of the situation as his sore troops gathered and assembled before him. Odin stood at his side as he looked over on the new day, his son gazing ever up to the growing darkness ahead.

"Four hundred lives have been lost." Gilgamesh darkly answered. "A third of the spears have been shattered. Half of the horses are dead or missing. Many are injured and struggling to march. Many could still die by the end of this march today. Our strength is failing."

"But our strength has also been renewed." Odin responded. "We have won a great victory. Our opponent can throw no better at us."

A pause went by after that. Gilgamesh said nothing. Odin turned and looked to him at this. "What are you thinking?"

"…We should withdraw." Gilgamesh answered. "Many are dead. Too many. We've given them a strong blow. We should withdraw now."

"And give your enemy a chance to regroup?" Odin shot back, almost in disbelief. "Let them recover, while they still stagger from our blow?"

"Too many have fallen. I won't risk more lives."

"You must!" Odin retorted. "This is your chance! You will not have another!"

"The men are hurt and disheartened. They are weak from the fight and the pain of all these deaths."

"Then men are strong and fierce, renewed with victory. They are teeming in pride and fervor after their win last night. Withdraw now, and you will not harness that great power. You must strike while they feel victory is certain."

Gilgamesh paused for a moment after that. Finally, he spoke with some irritation. "Perhaps I am not needed at all. You seem to already have a good grasp on the situation…"

Odin's face turned to surprise again. "…You are their king. You are their leader."

"Then why must you keep challenging me?" Gilgamesh answered, turning his head back to him. "You still don't trust me to make the right choice. You never did. You have to be the one that takes command of everything. You always have to make up for me."

Odin frowned and paused. "…If this is about last night-"

Gilgamesh sighed. He shook his head. "Forget it. Nevermind. Very well, we shall continue. I'll muster the troops." He paused a moment after that. "Seems I can still do something as King…"

With that, Gilgamesh walked forward without looking to his father, and went out to his troops. Odin himself looked after him, feeling a sting inside him from last night. He began to grow worried about how things would end up between him and his son…and hoped that this conflict would be done soon.

It took a bit longer than expected, but the army did manage to pack up and move out again. The going was somewhat slower now. People were injured and sore from the battle last night, and the previous pace simply couldn't be sustained. But they continued to move and marched for the Dark Tower.

The day was expected to get lighter, but it peaked early. The dark clouds in the distance came closer and closer, blotting out the light of the sun as they went on. The air was growing drier and hotter, even though they were moving away from the arid region. The ground continued to fill with more plants. Trees continued to occur as they went forward, growing in number and thickness. The grass grew longer and the terrain grew more hilly and hard to move on. Still, it was pretty easy to walk, and so they continued to do so.

As they kept going, they saw more horrible things. The bones of their old soldiers that had been captured were hanging from trees and nailed to wood. Their heads were missing, but the rest of the bodies were there, looking devoured by crows and wild animals. Signs written in dark blood were hanging from them, yelling out warnings to anyone foolish enough to attack the area, and claiming lordship not only over this land but Gilgamesh's land as well. Some of the men grew fearful at this. Others wept, while others flew into a rage. But the King insisted that they stop at each little marker they arrived at. They destroyed the signs and buried the bones. Then they moved on afterward.

The vast army eventually fell into a forest. There was no way around it, and no easy path through it. They were forced to go through under the trees, walking in places they weren't sure were secure, and spreading out in between trees and dark places to be lost from the eyes of others. None wanted to go through it, but they had no choice. At the urging of their leaders, they marched through. The going was even slower here, for it took longer to get through, and they had to watch for roots and snakes and other things that could attack.Night fell quickly, now that the sky was always dark. And they couldn't clear the forest but a few miles before they were soon wandering in the blackness. By that time, many of the injured looked infected. Some were unable to walk, and two were dead. And so, the army marched to the next clearing, and then halted. Again, camp was pitched, and a guard was posted around the forest. This time, torches and fires were lit. There were no more dangers of dragons, and fire would help to drive away whatever else.

The men were growing uneasy. Their courage was slipping. Despite the victory last night, the burials and burning since then had reminded them of the cost of it. And tonight, they wondered which one of them would be next. They were uneasy and restless, not putting down their weapons and jumping around in anxiety. As Odin went out among them, riding on his great horse, he saw them all pale and tremble and cringe where they were. However, on seeing Odin, they were bolstered in courage. They rose up a bit more, and seemed to relax. They remembered that they had the giant warrior on their side. And with him among them, they were not scared. Seeing that, however, Odin only felt worse on the inside. He led his horse out of the camp and toward the forest outskirts.

Once there, Odin road a distance from the camp. He went far enough to where most of the lights of fires and torches vanished into shadows, and the noises of the night were more clear. However, there wasn't much noise at all this far out. It was silent and grave here, as if the land knew what was coming. There was no comfort here at all. But it did give him time from the rest of the people. He didn't want to hang around the troops now, not when his son was so angry. He could see the change in him now. He had never known his son to be so upset before. He had never seen him express so much rage. Were he his old self, he might not have cared. He would have perhaps dared Gilgamesh to show him wrong. But now, he was saddened to see him this way. And he didn't know what he could do to make him feel better. He could not leave. He had to destroy Hades, especially if Gilgamesh could not. The rest of Hades' forces were inconsequential, but the monster had to die. The sooner the better. And once he was gone, then he would leave and Gilgamesh could return to whatever devices he had planned…

Odin's train of thought was cut off, however, when he noticed something. To his left, he saw a glimmer of dim green light. It took him only a moment to react. In a flash, he reached to his side and drew out Zantetsuken. Then he flashed around and brought the sword behind him, ready to deliver a fatal stroke to the enemy. But he never got the chance to deliver his fatal blow.

"Don't strike!" A small voice pleaded.

"We won't attack you!"

Odin held back for a moment, and glared forward. As he did, he recognized the light. It was four little green faeries, fluttering around in front of him, but not looking hostile or attacking. Odin had never seen them before. But by reputation, he knew them. And he knew what they had been doing as well. All espers did.

"The Sylph…" He spoke aloud with some annoyance. His look was cold and glaring. "Tell me, why should I not strike?"

"Please!" One of them begged.

"Please help us!" Another added.

"Why should I help you?" Odin coldly retorted. "I should finish you now. I don't need your mischief. I know very well that you've been running around tormenting every human you lay eyes on for centuries now. Untold people have been cursed by your powers. Why should I not end your tiny lives this instant?"

The Sylph swallowed, knowing that they were guilty as charged. They couldn't answer for a moment. But in the end they did, pleading pathetically with the older esper as they did.

"Hades has made us his slaves!"

"He tortures us!"

"He would have killed us!"

"He makes us kill everyone for him!"

"He sent us to kill you…"

"…But we knew we couldn't."

"Please, you have to help us!"

"He locks us in black cages…"

"He makes us breathe poison…"

"He hits us!"

Odin snorted in response. "Does he, now?" He calmly answered. He began to replace his sword. "And how many people have you tortured, little wretches?How many people begged for mercy from you, yet you worked your mischief on them anyway? And all you ever cared about was your own amusement and pleasure. Why should anyone care for you? Your own wickedness led you to this fate. You should be bound to that dark esper forever. It's what you deserve."

Three of the Sylph began to quiver in fear. They feared that Odin wasn't going to help them. However, that was their only fear. They feared to go back to Hades without Odin dead, for that esper was the only one who could defend them now. However…one of them thought a bit more. She considered Odin's words, and realized the truth in them. She began to realize that she had never given any thought to the feelings of others. She had never cared about them. But now that they were the ones who were hurting, she knew what it was like. One of the Sylph began to feel an alien burning sensation within her…

Remorse.

The other Sylph immediately threw themselves down at Odin's feet, bowing to him.

"Please! Have pity!"

"We'll be your slaves!"

"We'll do anything you want!"

"You didn't have to be anyone's slaves, little worms." Odin snorted in response, dipping the tip of his boot forward and kicking them away. "You could have been happy. You could have had anything, especially, though I don't know why, a mother who loved you. But you spat in her face. Reap what you sowed, little worms. I'll not so much as wave a hand in your direction to spare you."

The Sylph, all four of them now, were filled with fear and terror. They threw themselves forward and clinged to Odin desperately. They sobbed pathetically. They thrashed and moaned and begged more loudly than before. Odin began to sneer at them. They'd attract attention at this rate.

"Please!"

"We beg you!"

"Please!"

The fourth one finally cried out something new. "We swear we'll never curse another living thing again! We swear we'll go back with you to Terratopolis! Just please…have mercy!"

But the one Sylph hadn't spoken for the group. She had spoken only for herself. The other Sylph turned and looked to her in surprise for a moment. However, that lasted only a moment. Immediately they fell in. They too began to make that promise, thrashing about at Odin's feet. They continued to cry and moan, swearing that they'd never curse anything again and that they'd go back, just if they could be delivered from Hades. A gnat, small and inconsequential, even nothing in another's eyes, can nevertheless arouse a man's attention and cause him to swat it away. So too was with Odin. They were annoying him, and he began to realize they'd never stop until he agreed. Much as he hated them…he himself had made his own vow. And he would not cast Starlet's children away, much as they deserved it.

"Swear at once what you have promised, on pain of death. For I will give it to you if you lie."

The Sylph, seeing a ray of hope, immediately flew up into the air. They began to look hopeful again and eager. Quickly, they crossed themselves and swore. "We promise!"

Odin coldly glared back for a moment, but then grunted. "Very well. One more thing you must do. Tell me, what is the enemy planning?"

The Sylph paused a moment, but then raised their heads.

"He's summoning a big army."

"He's got thousands in it."

"But that's not all."

"He only wants to delay you for a little longer."

"If he does that, then he'll complete some other plan."

Odin's eyes widened at this. His blood ran cold.Anxiety went through him. What other plan? What did that mean? Wasn't conquering Gilgamesh the plan? But if stalling was the plan, then what could he be doing? Indeed…he could have attacked long ago. But he didn't. He was holding off until now, keeping his strength centered around his Tower….defending it. It did make some sense. Otherwise, Odin would have expected thousands of monsters attacking them.

"What plan?" Odin demanded.

"We don't know."

"He won't tell anyone."

"We only know it's going to be done soon."

"How soon?" Odin again ordered.

"Tomorrow." One simply replied.

Odin was filled with tension. Nervousness rippled through him. This turn of events was unfortunate. There was a new problem now. And there was no telling what would happen next. However, Odin was not willing to find out. If Hades was trying to stall them to complete some sort of evil design, then Odin did not intend to give him the time to do so. This plan would never see fulfillment. Hades and his wickedness would end before there was a chance. At last, he turned to the Sylph.

"Very well." He told them. "Conceal yourself in my cape until it is time to return to Terratopolis, or I can otherwise deal with you. But be warned. Dare to cross me even once in the events ahead, and I shall not only kill you…but I shall present you to Hades first so that he can make you pay for your double treachery. Are we clear?"

The Sylph swallowed, but nodded. They began to throw themselves on Odin again. "Thank you…thank you…"

"Save your empty gratitude." Odin snapped. "You'll have to work hard from now on before I feel you capable of such emotion. And remain silent. Thanks to your devilry, many of the men in the camp believe you to be monsters yourselves. If they find you they'll kill you. So keep your mouths shut and stay concealed. Now go."

Odin held up his cape, and immediately the Sylph went into it. They flew beneath and were soon covered by the flap. That done, Odin quickly remounted Slepnir and turned him around. He aimed back for the camp, and then spurred his horse on. Slepnir easily cleared the rubble and trees around the area, and soon he was back in the firelight of the camp. As the entrance was much louder and faster than the leaving, the guards looked up and stared at him in puzzlement. But Odin paid them no mind. He focused instead ahead, toward the center, where the tent of the king lay in wait for him. He went right past the troops and went straight for there, and on reaching it he immediately pulled his horse to a halt and dismounted.

By that time, many people were gathering around. Seeing the latest fervor in Odin aroused them. They gathered nearer to the tent and came closer. But Odin himself marched right into it, going right past the guards at the entrance of the tent. However, none tried to stop him now. He was soon within, and on entering he again caught the attention of the king and his commanders. They turned and looked to him as he stormed in. As he entered, he called out to Gilgamesh immediately.

"We must leave at once. We must march to reach the Dark Tower as soon as possible."

The commanders stared back at Odin with hesitation and surprise. Gilgamesh himself glared dully at him. A ripple of anger went through him. As he did, he spoke out coldly. "…Why?"

"The enemy is planning something." Odin responded. "He wants to delay us. That's why he's keeping his troops around his tower rather than attacking us bit by bit now."

"Are you certain?" Another commander asked, more civilly.

"How do you know this?" Another mentioned. "Perhaps they merely wait to use their full strength on us."

"They do wait to use their full strength against us, but only to delay us the few more hours that they need." Odin responded.

"And what is this plan that you speak of?" Gilgamesh darkly responded, his voice now having distinct anger to it. "What do they plan to do?"

Odin hesitated a moment at that. He didn't have a straight answer for that. "They do have a plan, but not that I know exactly of. I heard of it."

"From who?" Gilgamesh responded.

Odin hesitated again at that. He swallowed inwardly, but kept his cold demeanor. "I'm afraid I cannot say. You must trust my judgment."

There was a pause among the people in the room. The commanders looked around to each other, growing a bit nervous-looking and tense. They saw Odin, as he stood straight and tall, commanding and fierce. He had a great presence around himself, and appeared to be very strong and serious. Because of that, it commanded attention and respect. The people believed him, despite his lack of evidence. But Gilgamesh, however, did not change. He continued to look cold. In the end, he finally spoke.

"…No."

The commanders turned and looked to him in a bit of surprise at that. Odin himself was a bit taken aback. He looked to Gilgamesh and seemed stunned.

"No?"

"No." Gilgamesh simply answered, his voice underlined with coldness. "I do not know why you feel that we should attack, and I cannot trust you if you do not say. But I do know that many of us are tired and injured. We need all the sleep and relief that we can get. Otherwise, we will not be able to fight. The men have rested perhaps only two hours so far. We will stay until dawn, and then we shall march."

Odin inhaled. "Gilgamesh…"

"King Gilgamesh." The man darkly answered, his voice rising in anger. "Or have you so soon forgotten that? I am King, and my command is the one that follows. Or would you like to challenge me? Have you come to give me aide now, or have you come to take my crown from me? For I am seriously starting to believe the latter!"

"That's absurd." Odin immediately retorted. "I want nothing with your kingdom."

"Then perhaps you should stop trying to subvert me at every turn." Gilgamesh answered angrily. "Perhaps you should not cultivate the favor of the men for yourself and issue your own decrees. Who is the master here? Me or you?"

Odin stiffened at this. He had no idea how bad it was getting. But anger had flushed Gilgamesh now. His muscles were tightening and his voice was harsh. He had never talked like this before. But now, it was beginning to rise. He was growing more opposed to him all the time. Odin now had another reason to get rid of this soon…to get away from his son before his anger grew uncontrollable. However, he did not need to speak. At once, the commanders did instead.

"Lord Odin wishes nothing but the success of you and your troops, my lord." One of them answered. "He only tried to help."

"He hasn't led us astray so far." Another responded. "And he's done so much for us. He struck down so many of the dragons this far. He's given us a chance at victory."

"Perhaps we should trust him, my lord." The first spoke up again. "If we strike sooner, the enemy will be weaker. As it is, all the time we delay makes him stronger. We could leave the injured here if we need with a few guards, and after we have gone and fought we can return here for rest."

There was a pause throughout the room for a short time. A few moments went by. The commanders looked to their king. They held a moment, and seemed to plead with him. Gilgamesh, irresolute and cold, continued to stand and pause. He glared about the chamber, like he was a prisoner surrounded by liars and deceivers. At last, he spoke up, sounding dark and upset.

"…So it seems as if I am not the master here after all. You would all prefer that Odin lead you into battle. Then perhaps I should allow him to lead the army. Perhaps I should stay here with the wounded, or perhaps I should simply stay in this forest and allow Odin to take you back to my city and rule in my stead."

The room was silent at that. The men looked down and ashamed. Odin himself seemed hurt again. He felt worse than ever. He stayed stiff, however, not knowing what to say in response to that. At last, Gilgamesh frowned and rose up a bit more.

"However, I am still the master here. And it appears I must remind you all of that. Therefore, it shall be I who destroys this foul creature. And if you do intend on going, then I shall not leave this lesser ruler who stands before me alone to take the honor. There is only one King of the West, and it is not this man."

With that, Gilgamesh stormed out. He passed right by all the commanders and Odin, making sure to shove partially into Odin on his way out. When he finally left, the rest of the room was silent. They stood still and silent for a few moments. After a few moments longer, however, the commanders sighed and began to turn around. They turned back to Odin, and seemed to look to him for the next part. However, Odin did not act that way. He held a bit more, looking out to the exit. He didn't like this now. It was only making it worse. He feared how this would react and end up.

This thing couldn't end soon enough.

To be continued...