(AN): I want to thank all who reviewed
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed or Destiny.
Chapter Forty-Three
Battle of Boaz Part Two
Boaz
Outside the Fort
The sun was about to start rising and Dearka knew it was time for his full assault if they were going to get into the fort they would have to do it today, they were not going to be able to withstand an assault from the fort for very long.
The commander was with the infantry and saw the sun coming up; he ordered the battering ram to take first charge. He himself would assist with the assault, as he would charge with them.
"Commander we are ready sir," A knight told him.
The commander smiled, "As soon as the word is given try to get the battering ram to the gate, the rest of you use the ladders and try to get up the walls, this will not be easy."
The knight looked at him, "We will win the day sir." the knight told him as he ran off.
The commander had a small smile, but he knew it would be difficult.
The captain of the long range archers was waiting for Dearka's signal, Dearka would start off with the archers but as soon as the wall or gate came down he would join in.
The captain of the catapults had there new ammunition loaded and they two were waiting for the signal, which would be the archers firing.
Dearka observed the situation and he was about to give the order to attack when several boulders from inside the fort were launched straight at his catapult team.
Inside the Fort
As soon as the sun started coming up Athrun had a small smile, the land was becoming lighter and they would soon be able to see there targets. Athrun stood with a few captains at his side. They waited and as soon as the sun came up they had there targets.
"General we have spotted their catapults, they are off to the east," A knight shouted.
Athrun looked at him, "Change our catapults direction to counter, get them ready to fire."
The knight smiled, "Yes Sir, it won't take long."
Athrun looked back at the main gate.
"Sir there infantry is gathering towards the front, I can tell that they outnumber us." the captain said to him.
"Athrun looked, "We will be able to counter that, keep a lookout for their archers."
"Yes sir," the captain said as he went back to his post.
Down on the ground the catapult teams had changed the direction of there catapults; they had them already loaded so the difficulty was only in moving them.
"That should be good enough range," A knight said.
The captain smiled, "Alright light them up."
The knights heard that and set these special boulders on fire.
"All ready sir," the knight said.
The captain looked up at Athrun, "Sir we are prepared."
Athrun looked down from the wall, "Wait for my signal."
Athrun quickly went to the main gate, "Have you finished it?" he asked.
Directly below Athrun, knights were putting something on the ground which was Athruns little surprise for them.
"Almost done sir," they replied.
Athrun smiled, "As soon as your finished have our infantry stay away from this area until it's done."
"Yes general," they replied.
Athrun ran back over to the catapult teams, "Captain launch them now."
The captain smiled and the team quickly pulled the levers releasing several dozen blazing boulders.
Athrun watched them fly hoping for the best.
Outside the Fort
Dearka watched as the flaming boulders flew straight for his catapult team. The team also saw the boulders and quickly tried to get out of the way. The boulders impacted as the flames erupted as they hit. As soon as the explosion of the boulders happened it took out a few buster knights, in a very painful death, out of all the boulders only one impacted and destroyed another catapult.
"That was an impact sir," a captain told him.
Dearka expected it though, "They don't seem too bad off, they can continue, give the commander the order to charge."
The captain nodded, "As you wish My Lord." the captain said as he ran off to the commander.
Dearka looked over to his archers, "Give them some cover, on my command fire." Dearka told them seriously.
The archers drew back an arrow while a lower ranked squire lit up there arrows.
Dearka smiled and waited for it.
The captain immediately ran over to the commander's position.
"Commander Lord Dearka has given the order to charge," the captain told him.
The commander nodded and looked at his subordinates.
"Prepare for battle, battering ram take the rear, we will draw their fire while you ram the gate," the commander told them.
"Yes sir," The knights said in unison.
The commander lowered the visor on his helmet and drew his sword. The commander looked back at the knights. "Heavy armed infantry take the point position, the battering ram will follow, light infantry after that."
The first brigade cheered as his orders were given.
The captain of another squad was giving his orders as well.
"Listen well knights, our brigade is to scale the walls using these ladders, our cavalry is light so we will use them to carry the ladders, once your near the wall do your best to climb up it." the captain told them.
The knights also cheered him.
"Let the archers and first brigade serve as our decoys to get in position, we will take this fort." the captain told them.
They cheered again and waited for the captains orders.
The third brigade was under the command of Sai for the moment, this brigade would not move until the gate or wall came down, in which time Dearka would take over along with the buster squad.
The commander took one last look at the fort and gave the order to charge, the knights all followed his lead.
Dearka saw them charging, "Archers fire!" he shouted.
The archers heard the command and let their arrows fly.
The captain of the second brigade waited a few moments and then gave his order to charge, the cavalry horses were the first to go, followed by the rest of the knights.
Inside the Fort
After Athrun gave the order to fire, he watched as the giant flaming boulders exploded on impact, all the Aegis knights cheered at what looked like a successful attack.
Athrun and the rest of the knights smiled at that action, but Athrun knew it was way too early for a victory, a captain walked up to him.
"That was a nice shot My Lord," the captain said.
Athrun's eyes never left the massive army headed his way.
The captain looked at him funny, "Something wrong General?"
Athrun pointed to the charging army, "That is wrong."
The captain looked and nearly jumped three feet in the air.
"Get back to your position, alert the men to be on the lookout for the wall climbers." Athrun told him sternly.
The captain quickly rushed over to the position.
Athrun saw the battering ram heading for his city, Athrun ran over to the main gate.
"Get those braces on the gate, do not let them in," Athrun shouted down to them.
The knights heard his orders and they were careful not to step on the residue that was scattered on the ground. They picked up very large looking poles and pinned them up trying to secure the gate as best as they could.
Athrun saw them coming closer, "Archers prepare to fire." the archers did as they were told but Athruns eyes caught the incoming arrows.
"Everybody down," Athrun shouted.
Everybody either ducked or raised a shield to block the attack, it was successful, but Dearka was only using these long range archers to distract them when the knights were close to the walls. The commander outside saw there archers take a defensive position and order his men to go faster. They did and the battering ram struck the front gate with mighty force, but not enough to bring it down.
Athrun felt the strike and after the arrows finished, Athrun immediately stood up.
"Archers fire!" Athrun shouted.
The archers immediately stood up and fired there arrows down at the invading ZAFT army. The arrows struck quite a few of them, especially the ones operating the battering ram. The commander outside saw that and order new knights to take it over as they did.
The captain on the other side had to do the same thing with blocking the arrows, when the arrows were done he looked up and saw the cavalry at the bottom of the wall trying to set up there latter. The captain instantly shouted for the archers to fire which they got up and did, it struck quite a few of them, as they were still working to set the ladder up though.
Outside the Fort
Dearka saw the progress they had made, but they were starting to struggle.
Dearka looked over to his archers, "Prepare to fire again."
They heard his commands and prepared to fire, Dearka than looked over to a knight next to him.
"Signal the catapults to fire a couple of rounds, use the fire ones," Dearka told him.
The knight heard this and waved the signal over to the catapult teams.
The captain over there saw the signal, "Launch the next round." he shouted
The knights heard his order's and launched the attacks. The flaming boulders flew off looking to make a good impact.
Dearka saw the boulders fly and order his archers to fire again.
"Fire!" Dearka shouted and all of the arrows were let loose.
Dearka smiled as he watched them go.
Inside the Fort
Athrun was pleased that there attacks were working so far, but that was about to change.
"I think we could hold them off sir," A knight told him.
Athrun looked around and that was when he saw the incoming both flaming boulders and arrows.
Athrun's eyes went big, "Everybody take shelter!"
The knights looked over to him and then back at the field and saw what was coming. Before any of them knew it they were gone as the boulders impacted both the wall and inside the two walls. The explosions sent fire everywhere wiping out many. While most were concentrating on those boulders the arrows soared in and left there mark as many were too stunned by the boulders to defend themselves and the arrows struck them.
It was a devastating attack and Athrun knew it, and to top it off one boulder impacted the gate causing it to weaken even more. Athrun sighed as he knew things were starting to go bad.
The commander outside saw the Aegis squad's disorganization and order another charge by the infantry, it went on back and forth like this until the evening.
ORB Base West of Boaz
Kira was inside his tent with Lacus waiting for the knights to arrive, it was taking a long time since it was a big unit he sent for, but the afternoon was now turning into evening.
"This is killing me," Kira said.
Lacus looked at him, "I know it is Kira, but you cannot just go by yourself."
Kira looked at her, "I know that but still."
Lacus walked over to him, and was about to say something when the captain rushed in.
"Your Majesty, their here," the captain told him hastily.
Kira and Lacus smiled and they almost ran out of the tent, and to the front of the base.
Kira smiled again as he say Mu leading the way with his royal guard.
Mu and the royal guard along with the army Kira ordered had finally seen the base. Mu smiled as he saw his King waiting by the gate. The royal guard members were a little surprised to see there King since they thought he was still in the castle but they said nothing about it.
Mu got off his horse and walked over to Kira, and Kira looked at him.
"Been awhile Your Highness," Mu told him.
Kira was still feeling guilty about what he did, "I glad you have arrived Mu, what I have done I don't deserve a…" Kira said as Mu cut him off.
"No apology need sire, you weren't yourself, but it is good to have you back," Mu told him with a smile on his face.
Kira smiled and thanked him.
Mu looked at Lacus, "It is good to have you back as well My Lady, kid here went nuts while you were gone, but he seems fine know that you're here."
Lacus felt embarrassed, "Thank you Sir La Flaga, it is good to be back." Lacus said as she held on to Kira's arm, Kira could tell something was bothering her.
Mu looked at him, "Well no time to waste kid let's go."
Kira smiled, "Your right I want ZAFT off my land as soon as possible."
Mu laughed, "That's the truest statement I have heard in awhile."
Kira nodded and looked back at Lacus, "I must go know Lacus I will be back for you."
Lacus looked at him, "Kira, take me with you."
Kira looked at her in shock, "I can't do that Lacus, you could get hurt."
Lacus looked at him more seriously, "No more than if I stay here, I need to go with you." Lacus said with worry in her voice.
Kira embraced her, "I will return to you Lacus."
Lacus returned his embrace, but wouldn't let go, "Not this time Kira, I have to go with you," Lacus said as she gave Kira her sweet face she knew he couldn't resist, but he was expecting that and quickly looked away.
Mu found this a little humorous.
"Kira look at me," Lacus told him.
Kira didn't look, "I know what your doing Lacus, and I will not look."
Lacus wouldn't stop.
Kira looked at Mu, "She's giving me the face isn't she?"
Mu laughed, "That's right kid, and you know you won't be able to resist, it will be alright to let her come, she can remain with the guard."
Kira looked at Lacus who had given him that face, he smiled and kissed her. Lacus smiled as she felt the kiss and instantly returned it. They broke it and Kira looked at her.
"We should go, just promise me you will stay where I put you," Kira told her.
Lacus smiled, "Only if you promise to stay alive."
Kira smiled and they both agreed, there horses were brought by Mu and the guard, they instantly got on Tori and Haro, and went to the front of the pack.
All members of the royal guard were happy to see there King, in his normal state, as soon as Kira got on his horse they cheered and chanted his name, Kira knew everything was almost back to normal, all he had to do know was correct one more mistake, and he will start out by helping out his best friend and sister.
Kira rode to the front of the massive army he assembled with Mu and half royal guard. Lacus was with the other half of the royal guard members. The Onogoro squads were happy to see there King since they don't see him as much as the royal guard. Kira rode past the front row nodding and smiling at them as they stood in awe. Kira rode slowly back in forth and gave the order to proceed.
"Our country is in danger my friends, we cannot afford to lose anyone in Boaz, if the city is no more by the time we reach it, than we will help the people, for the sake of ORB we must fight," Kira told them as a massive cheer was heard from the massive army, Kira nodded once more over to Mu and they started heading straight to Boaz.
Boaz
Outside the Fort
The gate was still to strong for the knights to break in and the commander noticed that they were at it all day and they know had the opportunity to try again since there support was firing at the Aegis squad. The commander quickly ordered the knights to charge with the battering ram again, they did and it connected causing a crack to go in the gate.
The commander smiled, "We almost have it, keep it up."
The knights heard him and tried again, but the archers returned to firing at them knocking out all of the ones on the battering ram, the commander cursed himself as night was approaching.
On the other side of the fort, the ladders were already up and they were trying to scale them but it proved unsuccessful.
Dearka noticed they could not do anymore at the gate today, there numbers were getting low and they still need them for the charge. Dearka noticed they still had a small chance with the ladders and looked over at his archers.
"Fire on the opposite wall," Dearka ordered them to as they quickly released the arrows again, most connected with something and Dearka smiled at what he saw.
The captain trying to get up the wall saw the Aegis squad take cover from the arrows and ordered his men to speed it up. They quickly went up the ladders and into the fort. The buster squad's aim was so great that they were able to get this close without hitting there own knights.
Dearka saw that and smiled.
Inside the Fort
They were defending all day and Athrun knew night was approaching, that only meant they would shift there positions around and fire at them all night. Athrun felt the battering ram hit and the gate crack, he instantly stood up and ordered his archers to fire they did and knocking the entire guy's on the battering ram out. Athrun smiled as they were to low on men to try that again, but a shout from a distant knight changed that as Athrun looked to the other wall to see hordes of arrows shot at the knights most connecting while the others took a defensive stance, what Athrun saw next made him furious as the ZAFT knights were climbing on the ladders and onto the fort's walls.
"Get the knights up here!" Athrun shouted down to a squad leader.
The squad leader heard the command and the knights quickly got on top of the wall. All infantry knights were still towards the bottom, and Athrun knew the archers couldn't handle them as they went over the wall.
Athrun himself removed his sword and ran to the opposite wall as fast as he could. With the archers falling back, more and more ZAFT knights were climbing over the walls and onto the fort.
A captain caught up with Athrun, "My Lord, we should wait for the rest of the Aegis squad."
Athrun looked at him, "No time, if they get through the first wall, we will lose too many."
The captain nodded and they finally reached the other wall, the archers were doing their best to fire while falling back, some connected while others were caught by the ZAFT knights and destroyed instantly. The ZAFT knights saw Athrun and the commander heading towards them and went to engage them.
Athrun was one of the best fighters in ORB, it was said only the King could bring him down so the captain wasn't too worried about his lord. Five ZAFT knights instantly charged them.
"You take two, I will handle the other three," Athrun told him.
The captain looked at him, "I understand general."
Athrun used his speed that was almost on par with Kira's and brought the first knight to his death with a furious stab. Athrun pulled out his sword and the two remaining circled him. The first knight charged at him, but Athrun sidestepped and brought a slash straight to the man's chest making him fall. The other one was a little bit more cautious, as he took his time.
The captain engaged the other two, but the captain was only a little above average as a fighter. The first one he was able to beat but the second one sent a slash straight to his arm inflicting a serious wound. The captain used all his strength in his other arm to stab the knight straight in the stomach. The captain watched him fall, but there were still others coming over the wall.
Athrun watched this man carefully, he could tell he was skilled with a sword but Athrun noticed he didn't have patience's as he let down his guard to charge and Athrun took full advantage bringing a thrust of the sword to the mans chest dropping him immediately.
Athrun watched him fall and looked back at the captain who was struggling, they were outnumbered and the knights kept coming. Athrun was not about to let them take his home he looked back at the captain, and he gave him the same look. They both stood up about to defend the fort to their deaths, but the Aegis squads infantry had finally arrived at the position. The ZAFT knights were forced to split as the squad came in on both sides.
The swords and weapons all seemed to clash at the same time as ZAFT was being forced backwards some even falling off the fort. The captain below saw what was happing to his knights and snarled. The knights on the wall were forced to retreat as many of them were already destroyed. The Aegis squad kept pushing and some ZAFT knights even jumped off the fort walls to escape, in about an hour of this all were forced off the fort, as the members of the Aegis squad along with Athrun knocked and tried to destroy the ladders the best they could. They watched as ZAFT made a full retreat into the darkness, but they knew this battle was far from over.
"Great job General," the captain said to Athrun.
Athrun looked at him, "It is too soon to celebrate, they will repeat what happened last night, but this time they will focus on our gate."
The captain looked at him, "I agree, but what can we do about it."
Athrun smiled, "They will not be able to move there catapults, so concentrate ours to fire at theirs all night."
"If that is your wish sir, anything else?" the captain asked.
Athrun looked at him, "When the gate falls tomorrow, have the archers fall back to the second wall, and we will use our little surprise for them."
The captain smiled, "I understand general, you really think the wall will fall?"
Athrun nodded his head, "Nothing can stop that, a few more hits and its done rest the knights well tonight but keep them in defensive positions, they will hit us with archers all night."
"I will take care of it sir," the captain said as he left to give out the orders.
Athrun took one last look at his city and estate, he to would fall back to the second wall along with the infantry; this was the last stand they could make.
Outside the Fort
Dearka watched the knight's jump off the wall, but that was to be expected, he didn't think they would get the fort after the first day. He saw that and called a quick meeting, as they were preparing to strike them all night.
Dearka walked in and saw all the captains their waiting for orders.
Dearka looked at the short range archer, and catapult captain.
"I want you to keep continues fire on the wall throughout the night," Dearka told the short range archers captain.
"The man nodded, "As you wish My Lord, he said as he left to give the orders."
Dearka looked at the catapult captain, "Change the course, concentrate all fire on the gate, I want it weakened as much as possible."
The man followed the other captains lead and let to carry out his orders.
Dearka was left with the commander and captain of the ladders squads.
Dearka looked at the ladder captain, "Keep up yours assault as soon as morning hits, and once the wall comes down send your forces over the wall."
The captain agreed.
Dearka looked at the commander, "Break that gate down, once it is down I will lead the third squad, with the buster squad into the fort."
The commander agreed, "It will not fail My Lord."
Dearka was glad they understood they just had to wait until morning.
"Let's get this done," Dearka said as the rest left to brief there knights on the plan.
Outside the archer captain gave the order for the archers to do continues fire throughout the night which they did, it would not be deadly but it would keep the Aegis squad tucked down.
The catapult captain was prepared to fire as well, they changed direction on the catapults and the captain looked at the knights.
"Fire!" he shouted out to them.
The knights heard the command and pulled the levers, the boulders flew into the air and the captain smiled as one struck hard on the main gate, damaging it even more.
The knights and the captain started celebrating, but it was short lived as a boulder from behind the wall flew over and struck him and the knights hard flames busted everywhere and damaged a lot of the catapults leaving few survivors.
Inside the Fort
Athrun and the Aegis squad were stuck in a defensive position until they felt a giant shutter. Athrun looked up and knew what it was.
"My Lord, they hit the main gate, it will not hold another attack," the knight shouted to him.
Athrun stood up and walked over to the catapult team, "Are you ready to fire."
The leader looked at him, "We are sir."
Athrun smiled, "Light it up and let it go."
The leader nodded and set the boulder on fire, he than gave the signal and they pulled the lever. The boulder flew over and connected in a perfect spot. They couldn't see what it hit, but when the boulders stopped firing at them they knew it was a good hit.
The archer however continued throughout the night and day was fast approaching.
Near Boaz
It was still night and Kira and the rest were going as fast as they could but moving the massive army was difficult, Kira knew the land and took the shortest route possible, to help his friend and sister out.
Boaz
Inside the Fort
Once the firing stopped and light was over the sky Athrun knew it was time for ZAFT to attack again. Fatigue was starting to set in on all members as well; this would not be any easy day.
Athrun and the other infantry members had fallen back to the second wall, where they could put their plan in motion, the archers would wait a few minutes after the wall fell to fall back, they had a special role.
Athrun was on the second wall when he heard someone calling his name; he looked around and saw Cagalli standing there.
"What are you doing here it's too dangerous to be here," Athrun told her sternly.
Cagalli looked at him, "I will not stand by and just wait around in the estate anymore."
Athrun looked at her, "This is as dangerous spot at least stay farther back," Athrun told her as he knew she would not head back.
Cagalli's reason was that she was worried about him, and Athrun knew it he kissed her swiftly and went back to his position. Cagalli watched him leave as she knew it was not going to be a good day.
She stayed a far away back as possible, a few guards stood by her as Athrun had told them to as he reached his position.
Athrun looked at her and a knight shouted something over to him.
"Their coming My Lord," the man told him.
Athrun looked at them and told the archers to fire.
Outside the Fort
Dearka had joined his squad and was waiting for the sun to come up; as soon as it did he gave the order to charge.
"Do it know Commander!" Dearka shouted to him.
The commander heard the command and his unit started charging the main gate.
Dearka looked at the captain and told him to charge as well which he complied.
Dearka himself would wait until the gate came down to attack.
The commander had the battering ram take the point position as they charged the fort. The commander saw the arrows heading for them and it took out the first wave of knights holding the battering ram, a few others quickly took it over. The archers fired again, but they were to close, the battering ram connected and tore the gate straight down. The ZAFT knights cheered as the gate fell.
The captain had gotten his ladders up as well and as soon as the cheers were heard the Boaz archers seemed to fall back and he himself along with the squad scaled the wall again.
The commander smiled as the gate fell and he quickly lead his unit inside the fort, but that was when tragedy struck them.
Inside the Fort
Heard and saw the gate come crashing down, he looked over and saw Cagalli had a worried look on her face, but he hoped his little trick would work. The squad kept coming in lead by the commander, Athrun noticed he came in to fast and would not be able to get him in his trap but that didn't matter. As soon as enough were inside Athrun shouted over to the archers on the other wall.
"Fire now!" Athrun shouted.
The archers set their arrows on fire and shot them straight to the black powder substance on the ground.
The commander looked back and saw a horrid sight.
The arrows hit the ground and set the powder a blaze. The ZAFT knights that were in there did not have an easy death. The commander cursed himself as he saw that, that powder wouldn't be able to burn long, but it took out a little more than half his squad.
After that there was plenty of room for the archer to get to the other wall. As soon as they were up there the captain and his unit with the ladders had scaled the walls and were coming in along with the remainder of the commander's squad.
"Were in trouble My Lord, they still have one more unit out there," the captain told Athrun.
Athrun looked over at him and then at Cagalli. "We must hold them off."
They were ready to engage but a few knights ran over to them, "Sir, over there!" they shouted.
Athrun and the captain looked over and there eyes went big at what they saw.
Cagalli looked over and gave a look of happiness and relief.
Outside the Fort
Dearka saw the gate come down and was very glad he moved his unit up a bit when he saw the blaze strike the commanders unit.
"What should we do My Lord?" a knight asked.
Dearka looked at him, "Let it burn out," Dearka said as he saw the captain scale the walls.
They suddenly felt the ground shake but they didn't pay any attention to it.
A captain from the long range archers ran up to him.
"My Lord they are here!" Sai said.
Dearka smiled, "It took Yzac long enough we almost have this battle won."
Sai looked at him, "Not Lord Yzac sir, Onogoro battalions have arrived!" he shouted.
Dearka quickly turned around the rest of the knights out there as well to see a massive army still whose numbers didn't stop coming into view.
Dearka froze.
"What do we do?" Sai asked as he was running back and forth.
Dearka looked at the army and the man that seemed to be leading it, the flags surrounding him gave away what he was it was the ORB King. Dearka knew Yzac somehow must have failed.
"What do we do?" Sai shouted again.
Dearka didn't really know what to do.
Kira over looked the fort and gave the order to charge.
To be continued…
(AN): I hope you liked this chapter; part three will be out by Tuesday. See you later.