At sunset, watchtowers were being carefully built by the siege trenches; By night, they were completed, and some Black Egret Soldiers and Survey Corps Troops were taking turns keeping watch from both the trenches and the watchtowers. Some of the members of The Saints' March were doing the same, and some didn't find it easy to either stay asleep or awake. They may have won against five waves of Pryus' forces, but they didn't win the entire siege yet. They had to keep their guard up.
The alloy gates were quietly opened, and Samael and the remaining cavalry from his condottiere came out armed with whatever weapon they've used from the past waves along with unlit torches. They were going to ride on the fastest horse they can either acquire or steal from the tower. They made sure that their attire wasn't bright enough for anyone in the trenches to detect them, and they brought cloaks and Venetian festival masks. The other thing they've accounted for is a steel carriage full of gunpowder and grenades which is pulled by two horse and pushed by a few infantry with shields.
Samael gathered them together in a circle to provide the plans.
"Order of Knovv, this order is not from Pryus, but from me. We will use the darkness of night to creep up towards the trenches. And if we do get spotted, we will charge as fast as we can and occupy the center until we can plant that bundle of explosions into the trench and ignite it. That way, we can pierce this blockade." Samael took out a flintlock pistol. "We will not fail Pryus. We will redeem ourselves."
"What about captives, sir?" One of the cavaliers questioned.
"If anyone thinks of taking prisoners, save the swordswoman named Miki Sayaka to me," Samael instructed, "I will beat that bluenette into submission before cutting off her head, and I will present that head to Pryus. He can make a lesson out of this rebellion, starting with her."
Samael then put his Venetian mask.
A few of the cavaliers started muttering, questioning if this is really what Pryus wanted. Pryus did want to make a lesson out of this rebellion, but Samael decapitating a young girl didn't feel like something he would authorize. Even if Pryus had that mindset to execute rebels with such cruelty, it wouldn't be on this girl. He had how own way to punishing these rebels through execution, decapitation is not one of them.
Then one of the cavaliers decided to question this.
"Isn't this going against Lord Pryus' command?"
"I've failed in two battles in the past five deployments we made against these rebels," Samael argued, "I will not fail the third time."
Another cavalier questioned him.
"You said you want to beat that girl into submission and cut off her head, Pryus will kill you for that!"
"Preposterous, he will reward me!" Samael denied. "My Condottiere's reputation is on the line! Fail once more, and we will not be in his favor!"
The one more cavalier, one in a green cloak and dog's mask, questioned, but as they raised their hand, Samael cut them off.
"Everyone, let's make this clear. We are sneaking our way towards the trenches," Samael remained, "We got to break through this trench blockade in the name of Pryus! Now..." He lowers the volume of his voice. "Forward, march!"
Following Samael's order, this night battalion carefully moved through the battle-scarred fields and towards the trenches. They had to stop and remain quiet both to avoid getting spotted easily and to wait for the explosive carriage to catch up.
Eventually, they would reach halfway towards the trenches. As they crept further, a gunshot was heard from behind them, with a bullet hitting one of the cavaliers. Their horse neighed in pain before falling over, causing the rider to yell. This startled Samael's cavalry and they charged immediately, alerting the Saint's March. The watchtowers at the trenches sounded their alarms.
Samael surveyed behind him and noticed one cavalier, the green-cloaked cavalier with the dog's mask, trailing behind, armed with what appeared to be a typical hunting rifle. They weren't from the Survey Corps, lacking the Wings of Freedom Sigil. And Samael now realizes they aren't from any part of Samael's band of Condottiere.
The green-hooded cavalier reloaded and tried to aim for the carriage before it can be planted and detonated. And despite Samael's effort to redirect a small portion of his cavalry to apprehend the green-cloaked cavalier, they were all already in a charge towards the trenches. A few tried to follow the order, but during their attempt, they were shot down easily.
Parasoul and her Black Egret Soldiers were already armed with their machine guns, and Sayaka and a few of the close-combatants were ready to slay whoever ends up reaching the trenches.
The green-cloaked cavalier fires another round, shooting down one of the four infantry units who is pushing the explosive carriages. She reloads. Samael pulls out his sword and decided to deal with this cavalier himself.
The green-cloaked cavalier reloaded and aimed, this time firing at the explosive carriage. It was a direct hit.
Samael was knocked off his horse for a moment, being somewhat a hair close to the blast radius. His horse dies in the process. Those that were pushing or pulling the explosives were burned from the explosion. Some of the Cavalry were thrown off their horses from the explosion while some lost morale to the point of routing. The remaining Cavaliers that stayed would perish from the Black Egret gunfire.
Samael would recover and get another horse, attempting to rally his remaining Cavalry and retreat. By the time he was riding off, the green-cloaked cavalier delivers a headshot to Samael, killing him.
Afterward, this green-cloaked cavalier with the dog mask approached the trenches, carrying the hunting rifle behind their back. They dismount and stepped forward. Mami, Parasoul, and the Beta Kids (John Egbert, Rose Lalonde, and Dave Strider) left the trenches for a moment to approach this cavalier.
"One of the Egret troops have reported that you were the one who shot the rifle," Parasoul began, "Thank you for foiling that night attack."
"We were expecting an attack like that," Mami agreed.
The cavalier nods.
"That hunting rifle, though... where did you get it?" John Egbert questioned.
When this cavalier responded, it was the voice of a young woman.
"Take a wild guess?" The green-cloaked cavalier teasingly asked.
"Wait... Jade?" Rose Lalonde recognized.
"Nope, that's not where I got it!" The cavalier teased. "Guess."
"Jade, stop joking!" Dave ordered.
And with that, the cavalier removed the hood of their cloak and the dog mask and shook their head a bit. They were fair-skinned, with long black hair, round geeky glasses, a small buck-toothed grin, and a pair of white pointed dog ears. She waves to them.
Jade giggled. "Okay! It's me! What took so long?"
Jade Harley is the fourth friend in the Beta Kids gang. She has some family connection with John Egbert, and a friendship with him, Rose, and Dave. The dog ears, and overall her canine behaviors, were the result of the game, Sburb.
When Pryus came to their world, Samael was responsible for kidnapping Jade. However, she was able to escape thanks to some captives who awaited execution. When The Saints' March came, she took the chance to follow the night attack and deliver some payback to Samael. Now she's with The Saint's March as another ally.
Pyrus was not impressed with Samael's recent failure, having expected the Condotierre to do something that would defy him. It didn't matter to Pryus now, he still had the resources and the men to survive the siege. His next five waves will be more efficient and stronger under his command.
These next five waves would consist of 15-feet to 18-feet tall granite golems and armored brutes. This gave Levi and the Survey Corps some chance to use their 3D-Maneuver Gear when outflanking. Sayaka and the other in the frontlines would risk some fatigue with the exception of Sayaka, Eren, Painwheel, and Parasoul due to their crystal infections. Duo's Gundam, the Deathscythe, was able to help lift some weight off the fighter. The Black Egrets would end up facing many casualties from rubble being thrown at them by the golems. Molly, Pit, and the airship were too occupied with the additional artillery and tower defense installed around the tower. And since the golems and armored brutes stand their ground, they will never retreat back to the tower and much be taken down on the spot. Yet, the Saints' March continued to endure despite the casualties and injuries. As for the Airship, it was showing signs of a need for repairs.
However, in the last wave, the brute that attacked Duo back in the mountain settlement was present, fighting alongside what appeared to be a party of reptilian humanoids armed with axes and shields.
Sayaka was able to trade blows with the brute again, finally getting his name: Astaroth. Their fight was one-sided as Sayaka was able to win against him. However, the brute was able to recover and retreat. Some of the reptilian humanoids had to be sacrificed for his retreat.
After those waves, the open field is nw littered with corpses of the brutes and the crumbling husks of the golems. The trenches at the center were becoming unmaintainable to the point that Parasoul has a portion of her Egret Soldiers digging bunkers, a support trench, and a reserve trench while moving the artillery. And moving the artillery meant that artillery fire would be unavailable for the new few waves. The trenches on the flanks were still in good condition as there weren't any attempt to outflank the Saints' March.
Parasoul, Levi, Hange, Armin, Mami, Kyoko, and Sayaka called for a meeting away from the fight to discuss further actions. They had a tent away from the trenches and artilleries along with their units who are continuing to stand their ground against any upcoming waves.
"This can't go on!" Kyoko warned. "Ten waves and we haven't even got close to the tower."
"Look who's talking," Levi replied, "And I thought you were the charisma of this alliance, not the whiner."
"At least we're standing our ground in the siege," Hange pointed out, " But Kyoko is right, we need to get into that tower."
"We're starting to get exhausted, none of us can handle another fight like that!" Sayaka added.
"Keep in mind that those with the crystal infection are an exception." Parasoul sighed. "Plus, our numbers are dwindling."
Mami calmed them. "We have to push forward eventually. If we continue to wait and cut them off of resources, we'll be wasting our own. And we know how powerful Pryus is."
Levi sighed.
"I have to agree with that statement," he supported, " Hange and I are willing to advance in this siege. We can have Eren turn into a Titan see if those gates can be opened at last."
"We haven't put into account Eren's Titan form yet," Hange noted, "At first, I doubted he can scale the tower in the form, but he can find a way to open the gates somehow."
So far, Parasoul is aware of the state of the airship and the remaining ammunition. And based on how many Egrets were lost in these recent five waves, she can't afford to lose more by just remaining in the trench. At this point, it's clear they cannot starve Pryus and his forces out of that tower.
She then answered, "We'll proceed with advancing closer to the tower. I can't risk losing more Egrets."
Armin reviewed the battleplans and the layout. "Survey Corps will abandon the flanks and prepare cavalry for all our men. You and the rest of The Saint's March will do the same. Artillery and the Airship will use the last of its rounds to deal with the tower defenses. Meanwhile, we'll charge without warning. Eren will use his Titan form and pry the doors open."
The tower's alloy gates suddenly started opening again. However, at the same time, the tower defense started to deliver more devastating blows on the airship and the artillery, trying to deal more blows to the forces in the trenches.
Everyone in that tent had to make haste and return to the trenches to prepare the assault. The artillery and the airship tried to hold out and fire back; Molly ordered Pit to fly down and join the assault below.
While the Survey Corps leave the flank trenches to prepare their cavalry, and the idea to dig more trenches is abandoned, The Egrets were leaving the trenches and taking out bayonets. Artillery responded by firing the a few rounds. Duo was called by Parasoul to bring his Deathscythe to the lines for the charge. The rest of The Saint's March did the same, preparing for the charge.
Kyoko tried to inspire them before the charge.
"We're taking our chances, everyone!" Kyoko announced once The Saint's March rallied. "We're going to make our way to the gates and into the Tower! Those gates are open, but together, we will make sure they stay open! And we'll fight our way to the heights of this tower 'til victory is ours!"
Once the gates stopped moving, behind it was a massive force made up of a diverse variety to armies. Pryus was leading them personally along with four others that are considered his generals. Astaroth and his Lizardmen were also present. The contingents left by these generals are a small monster army, a somewhat-large Underworld army, remnants of Samael's Condotierre, and Pryus' personal crusader knights.
Among these forces were two contingents that made up the majority.
One of the two contingents was a swarm of centaurs with human faces, gold horned-crowns, breastplates of iron, chariot-sounded wings, scorpion tails, human women's hair, sharpened lion's teeth, rounded whited eyes, overly elongated lower jaws and asp's tongues. They were armed with curved bronze swords and iron shields. They were like Locusts, waiting to kill all life but the plants.
The other contingent is 2 million knights in flaming bronze armor jeweled in red-orange zircon and sulfur-colored cloaks and flaming plumes. They armed themselves with flaming swords and banners. Their horses have helms of lions that bestowed the power to breathe fire, smoke, and sulfur, and their tails were decorated to look like a serpent's head. They were Brimestone Knights, spreading havoc like a flame.
Smoke was sent towards the Saint's March, and it's followed by a bombardment delivered by the tower defense. In response, the Saint's March fire their artillery at them, using up all the reserve ammunition.
"Don't hesitate!" Kyoko assured. "We can still fight our way to the tower!"
By the time, The Saint's March began charging, Pryus's massive defense force came in quick. And here, the fight wasn't easy. The generals were recognized now that they're up close. Twilightsparkle, Spike, and the Mane 6 recognize a newly empowered Lord Tirek. Pit can recognize a resurrected Hades who was leading the Underworld Army. Marta was terrified as she recognized her beloved Emil Castinger leading the small monster contingent. And Mitsurugi wasn't surprised to the resurrected Algol, the Hero King; He didn't hesitate to settle a rivalry with him.
The numbers overwhelmed The Saint's March, Eren turns into a Titan and started fighting his way to the tower to help keep the gates open. However, some Locusts and Brimestone Knights started to go after him to prevent him from keeping the gates open.
Duo Maxwell II was using all his ammunition from the Deathscythe to take down as many of Pryus' men as possible. Some of the Locusts were getting close to breaking pieces of armor off and sabotaging the machinery.
Molly was able to provide aerial support to help the Saints' March get back to the trenches, but the tower defense and the Locusts were already bringing the airship down.
The Saints' March had to fall back and return to the trenches, but a number of them stood and fought along with Duo, Marta, Eren, and others. The Holy Quintet, Parasoul, Painwheel, The Beta Kids, Hange, and Pit reach the trenches with some of the men. Overall, morale is critical.
"Well there goes our siege," Kyoko stressed, "We need to retreat."
"I wish I could... but this infection..." Parasoul tried to resist the urge to fight.
"Where's Levi?" Sayaka asked.
"He went off to retrieve Eren before those guys slaughter him," Hange answered, "Mikasa and Armin are accompanying him."
"What about the others?" Mami asked.
"They're all fighting out there," Parasoul answered, "Yet, there's just so many... we need to keep... no... there's no point in funneling more men into slaughter like this... Miss Tomoe, signal a retreat."
Mami nods and prepares the flares, firing them into the air. Most of The Saints' March responded to the retreat. Mitsurugi was still fighting Algol, and Marta was about to kill Emil out of distress. Pit did the same thing, assisting Mikasa, Armin, and Levi once they retrieved Eren.
However, as the retreat began, Pryus' forces were closing in. The alliance members in The Saints' March had to stand and fight, either tired from running and fighting or unable to make some distance from the enemy during the retreat.
But there were some significant people that decided to sacrifice themselves.
Duo prepared the Deathscythes' laser scythe and started cutting down enemies. His ammunition was already gone, and the scythe was the only weapon available. This was the least he can do to help make the retreat possible. Sayaka, who was at the trenches, watched on as he fought, determined that he will follow once The Saints' March is able to retreat entirely.
He swung his laser scythe around, sweeping enemies away in slices while swatting Locusts away like flies. He can as soon as it's clear.
Pryus, however, approached the Gundam. And a sudden throw of a spear pushes the machine back, leaving a huge dent. It forced some kind of escape pod to go off and Duo was thrown away from the fight.
Sayaka, shocked by this sudden event, watched and then reached out. "Duo!"
Kyoko was quick to get Sayaka and take her out of the trenches.
"We need to go!" Kyoko alarmed.
"But Duo!" Sayaka worried.
"There's no time!" Kyoko tried to drag her, but Sayaka refused to retreat. "Oh... fine! Go ahead and fight! There's no point now!" Then she ran off.
Sayaka had her cutlass out, and her crystal infection was expanding again. Moments later, she had second thoughts — thought that she can fight another day. After all, the siege is lost.
She quickly turned, jumped out of the trenches and joined the retreat, resisting the urges that the crystal infection was plaguing on her.
Painwheel was deteriorating to the point of death. Madoka was really worried.
"Carol... Just keep holding on... Please... " Madoka then noticed The Saints' March retreating, not as a united army, but as soldiers, scattered and routing.
Painwheel then placed her hand on Madoka's shoulders. "Madoka... I didn't expect to die like this... I don't want to die..."
"Wh-what are you talking about?" Madoka was sort of confused.
"If I am going to die... I'll fight to my last breath..." Painwheel let's go and begin climbing out of the trench. She faced the oncoming forces of Pryus. "Filia... I'll be there..."
Madoka watched. "Carol... No..." She reaches out to her. "No!"
Painwheel gave out a war cry, and her razor pinwheel started to spin. She charged into the horde, taking as many lives as she can with the last of her strength. She even called out to Madoka once more.
"Madoka! Run!" Painwheel begged.
A sword to the chest made Painwheel roar in pain.
"Carol!" Madoka wanted to help.
Mami grabbed Madoka's hand and take her out of the trenches. They had to join with the retreat. When Madoka looked back, she can see Painwheel's mask tear off. She saw Painwheel's smile before the face turned hostile. The horde closed in and stabbed the young woman with their swords and spears.
Parasoul was guiding as many out of the fight to follow the retreat. She tried to communicate with Molly who was on the airship.
"Molly, get the airship out of here, bring the retreating forces to a rendezvous point and carry them to safety!" Parasoul ordered.
"Negative!" Molly sounded as if she was only one onboard. "Everyone on board is dead! I can't hold out much longer! The airship will crash!"
"Molly! You can do it just—" Parasoul was watching the airship as she spoke.
"Commander! I'm sorry... at least let me serve you with this sacrifice." Molly then cut communications.
"Molly!" Parasoul shouted.
The airship was being directed towards the tower. As it crashed, it stopped a number of the tower defense from continuing its bombardment. Pryus' forces continued to rout The Saints' March.
Parasoul dropped her radio. She was almost going to fight, and her crystal infection was welcoming it. However, she was grabbed by two Egret Soldiers and they carried her away from the fighting.
The Mane 6 had to retreat with a wounded Spike, Marta retreated in tears, Mitsurugi retreated once he killed Algol, and the rest either trailed behind or perished. The retreat was able to take with them some vehicles, but some ended up breaking down or destroyed. The Saints' March was scattered.
The plain is now scattered with Survey Corp troops and their horses and the Egret Troops. All of them turn to dust that scattered into the wind, their essence absorbed into Pryus, strengthening him.
At some point, Pryus halted his forces to the trenches, and they rained arrows on the retreating Saints' March. When The Saints' March was far from the plains, they confirmed a victory. Pryus was allowing them to rout, praying they won't come back as a larger army.
Sayaka was lost, finding herself alone after the retreat. Her crystals shrunk back to her neck, and she was limping. Her body was later getting weaker and weaker. She was exhausted and all she knew from the siege was that it was over, they lost.
Her Magical Girl form faded, and she was back in her school uniform.
She stopped at a clearing in a forest, collapsing near a stream.
Across the stream, an unknown figure approaches her. Beside the figure was Homura. The unknown figure knelt down with two fingers on Sayaka's jugular. He said something, but Sayaka couldn't make it out. Homura can be seen giving a nod before walking away.
"You'll be alright..." That is all Sayaka can hear.
Everything then faded to black.
End of Part II