Two as One: Chapter 25

General Galamore stepped forth and gave a smart salute to Ballard, the large healer returning the gester instantly. Behind him, his troop of hares stood in a parade rest. Each one was armed to the teeth and had a determined light in their eyes. Above them, row and row of bats hung upside down in the trees, their wings folded and their eyes blazing challengingly. They were the largest group of fighters Crim could remember ever seeing.

He grabbed onto Ebonia's arm, his mouth hanging open. He couldn't believe this…They'd been praying for help but never in his wildest dreams would he have thought of so many warriors coming to his aid. Crim's paw slipped off of Martin's sword and he looked over to the right. Much to his surprise, he saw Fleetfoot walking forward to join the hares, several woodlanders standing at attention behind him. Right above, Mirage landed in a tree, a smile on her face as more woodlanders joined her.

The squirrel shook his head in amazement. Martin had to be watching over them now. He couldn't even fathom how all these creatures had suddenly shown up at his doorstep…literally. A cry from beside him alerted the young male of Valena's presence. The squirrel clasped a paw to her lips, her eyes wide. SkyBreeze and PeriNickel looked just as shocked as they came flying up the steps.

Fleetfoot quietly stepped away from his woodland troop and gave a salute to Galamore, a smile on his face.

"Good to see you, General, wot."

Galamore returned the salute and gave a small bow with his paws folded behind his back. "And you. Oakrealm decided you jolly well needed a little bit of help. Along with Nightscree. How goes it with your bally troops?"

Fleetfoot motioned to the three remaining hares and brought them over. They gave a salute while he spoke to the General quietly. "Weave fell in one of the most recent battles. She died valiantly." Galamore stared at Fleetfoot for a long moment then did something Crim didn't expect. The hare strolled forward and wrapped an arm around the black General's shoulders and started whispering quiet reassurances. Fleetfoot nodded his head then patted his shoulder. "It's alright my o' friend. Now…I think it's best we dashed well inform you of what is happening. But first…"

Fleetfoot reached back and gently placed a paw on Crim's shoulder, pulling him forward. The squirrel kept his paw on Martin's sword, but he managed to throw a salute to Galamore.

"This is CrimsonRay, our leader."

The elder veteran leaned forward and looked the squirrel over with a critical eye. "Hm…kind of dashed young and small, wouldn't you say Fleet, wot?"

The black hare gave a small smile and looked down at the crimson squirrel with a kind expression. It was the first one that he could remember Fleetfoot ever giving him.

"Aye, but he's wise for his age. Had it not been for him, this resistance wouldn't have ever bally well started. Besides, he has elders that he turns to for help and we give him advice. We're all a bally group…a team. Now…come in." The hare motioned with his paw and watched as Galamore stepped past them and walked into Brockhall, leading his hares. The Night Flyers stayed in the tree, along with Mirage who informed them of what was happening.

Crim stood quietly beside his sister and looked back at her with a slightly gaping mouth. Above them, McLear gave a small chuckle and sat in the tree branches away from the other bats. No need to cause an uproar of fear. Ebonia nudged her brother and motioned to the bats.

"Go on…I'll tell them that we have McLear with us."

Still stunned by this change in luck, Crim turned and headed inside.

"Well, you dashed well have had quite an adventure." Galamore folded his paws in front of him and rested his chin on top of his fists. The other hares lingered around Brockhall, some helping the current defenders make weapons or just trying to get more information about the lay out of the land. Crim leaned back in his chair, Fleetfoot, Skipper, and Kenyo at his sides. All of them had helped inform the Long Patrol of what had happened. Obviously, Galamore wasn't pleased about it. He tapped his claws and leaned forward. "You've done a jolly good job forming these beasts up, but that's not going to be enough. If the Redwallers are going to dashed well be sold in well…two days now…we need to act now."

The hare got to his paws and folded his arms behind his back thoughtfully. His mustache twitched, and he looked at the beasts around him, both familiar and new. Log a Log sat off in the corner with his son and what shrews were left. Mirage hung upside down with a couple of her bats. Fleetfoot and his remaining troops sat beside Crim while the newcomers lingered around the table. It was a formable army, but numbers didn't always matter, skill did.

Crim looked around then held out a paw towards the hare.

"We also have a hawk on our side now…a large and powerful one. He said that he can help create a diversion for us."

Galamore nodded and leaned against his chair. "Right…that'll bally well help, but…we're going to need more than a dashed hawk to divert the enemy's attention. We still have to figure out a plan to get inside."

Ebonia ran a paw along her injured arm and spoke quietly. "We could pull an attack like we did before. If the bats and McLear take care of the scouting vermin, I, as well as the other squirrels with us can get inside to open the gates."

Crim shook his head and folded his arms. "I don't think that'll work this time…Stelumos will be expecting that."

SkyBreeze pursed her lips and rapped her paw gently on the table. "Perhaps not, though. If this McLear fellow can attack the vermin near the dashed door, then the squirrels can get in and open the gates. Others can bally well sneak around and get to the other smaller gates as well. They probably won't be expectin' that."

Sprypaw smiled at the hare maiden and gave her a small nudge with his shoulder. The two exchanged a private word, which caused SkyBreeze to blush. Fleetfoot waved a paw at them then sighed.

"Aye, but they'll probably be guarding the bloody gates."

Skipper rubbed a paw along his cheek and grinned slightly. "Aye, but they may not be guardin' the walls. Listen, iff'n the squirrels can get up there then we can do this. Iff'n the bats can knock em off and distract em, I can get a few troops up there ta fire down at the bloody rodents."

Galamore sighed and went to speak, but Ebonia cut him off. "That could work. Stelumos has had control over the Abbey for some time, but he does not know anything about ruling large fortresses. He has a lot of vermin but not enough to guard them…simply because he sent a force out that we destroyed. They caught the Abbey off guard because they did it at night while the creatures were still in their beds. They weren't ready. Stelumos's troops will be but they won't have the strong defenses and the knowledge of ruling. If we do this right…we could win Redwall back by tonight.

"But what's most important is that we attack before Falamia's troops come in. We can catch them off guard but if they flank us…we won't have a chance."

Galamore nodded slowly and sat down again. "I'm going to leave a bally small squad here when we attack so they can take care of that dashed rodent's troops, if they come early. We don't know how many they are exactly sending so I don't want to risk them reaching the Abbey before us." The others fell silent for a long time, thinking over the situation. It was going to be hard to fight when they were worrying about two vermin groups…but if they were careful, they knew victory may yet fall into open paws.

Crim looked over at his sister and put a paw to his head. It was a hard decision to make but they had to do this. The main problem was if the squirrels didn't get over the wall and into the Abbey…they were going to lose part of their troop before they had a chance. The male pursed his lips. He had an idea…but this was going to be dangerous.

"Just to ensure that at least one of the squirrels gets to the door…" he started "I propose that I go with McLear. He can hold me either on his back or in his talons and bring me down when he attacks. I'll be close enough to the gates and I'll fight if I have to." A chorus of objections rang through Brockhall, causing Crim to sigh. He glanced from one beast to the next, glad to see that at least Galamore wasn't complaining, nor was Fleetfoot.

He glanced at his sister who had her ears folded back. After a long moment, she slammed her fists down on the table and whistled to catch every beast's attention.

"Enough! What Crim suggests is dangerous but…if it works right, it would ensure that everyone gets in. If not, at least there are still the other squirrels. However," she held up a paw and glanced at her brother. "I'll be going with you whether you like it or not." Crim stared at her for a long moment then reached forward, clasping her paw. He saw Valena off in the corner, holding her head in her paws. He didn't want his aunt to be upset…but they had to do this. Sighing, he looked around at the others and stood up.

"Alright…we know what we're going to do then. I want the leaders of each section of troops to inform them of what they're part is in this ploy. I'll talk to McLear and, Mirage, tell the bats that they'll have to do the aerial attack. After that, I want you to spend some time with your friends and family…it may be the last time you do. We'll start at twilight."

That said, Crim turned and headed for his aunt, leaving the rest to their own whims. Skipper watched the young squirrel then looked at Jenkins and SilverStreak. A sad smile touched his lips and he motioned to the young squirrel.

"There goes a warrior in the makin', mates…"

"Crim…Ebonia…you can't do this."

CrimsonRay sighed as Valena clutched his arm, pulling both he and Ebonia into her arms. Tears were streaking down her face and her frail body shook as she held them close. They'd been talking well over a half hour but their aunt still couldn't bring herself to let them go. "Please…I don't want to lose you both."

Ebonia was the first to draw herself away from their aunt, her paw gently running along the elder squirrel's arm.

"Aunt Valena…we'll be alright. Crim and I have lived through worse things. Besides, if we hide behind McLear's wing, they won't see us as well. We'll get the door open and we'll get the Abbey back…don't worry."

But Valena didn't pay heed to her niece's words. Instead, she pulled them close again and shook her head. "It's been so long since we've actually been together. I want us to still have our family."

Crim spoke this time and sat down beside the elder squirrel. "I know…but we will be once the Abbey is free. You'll have a family one way or another….we'll all be part of one." He nuzzled Valena on the cheek then looked over at Ebonia. Both exchanged glances and they sighed inwardly. They were worried sick about their mission but they knew that out of all beasts…they would have to do it. The most important thing was getting the gates open. It was their idea so they would do it.

Crim closed his eyes as Valena wept softly, her old paw clutching his. The squirrel closed his eyes for a long time, just thinking. He couldn't ensure their survival, but he would try damn hard to get them out in one piece. One tender paw ran over Valena's own as he leaned his head down, speaking softly.

"We'll get through this…no matter what. It'll be a hard journey and battle, but we will live. Martin will watch over us. He didn't send all of us together only to lose one another. I swear I will fight to my last breath to make certain that I get back to you so that we can all be a family. We just need to do this first."

Valena looked up into her nephew's eyes and ran a tender paw over his face. Tears were still shining in her eyes but she seemed much more settled. "Thank you Crim…I know you'll both do your best to come out alive." She drew in a deep breath then hugged them tightly. "Just…be careful." Both squirrels gently hugged her back and whispered quiet reassurances. Inwardly, they were both scared out of their fur. They knew that if they didn't do this right, they were both going to die. Not only them, but the others as well.

Crim finally drew back slowly and looked at his small family. All he had ever wanted was to find someone like him…someone who was a part of him. Now that he had found them, he was coming dangerously close to losing them as well. That alone scared him more than the ensuing battle. He clutched martin's sword tightly and looked up towards the roof of Brockhall, his tail winding around his legs. They would live…they would win…he swore it.

With that thought, no, that promise in mind, he turned to his aunt and sister, and held out his paws towards them. "Come…we need to talk to everyone else. If we're going to battle…then I want them to go with words of hope in their hearts and determination on their eyes. We will fight for the good of the Abbey…and for our friends and family."

That said, he pulled his family up to their paws and stepped out of the room, his red tail swishing behind him. Ebonia looked at Valena and gave a small smile, her paw landing on her aunt's shoulder.

"Martin chose the right one to wield his sword."

Twilight settled over Mossflower woods, the clouds covering the moon and stars. A cold wind blew over the congregation that had gathered outside of Brockhall, their paws holding weapons and their heads held up high. Night Flyers hung upside down on the branches, their glowing eyes watching as Crim climbed onto a tree stump before them, his body clothed in warm tunics and decked with Martin's blade.

Fleetfoot and Galamore stood together, both leading different groups into battle. Ballard stood with Sprypaw, SkyBreeze, PeriNickel, and Valena, all of them with eyes filled with hope for the future…along with fear. Mirage, CloudDancer, Webwinger, and Kestra hung close by, quietly exchanging words with their fellow bats. Not far away, Kenyo stood with Renla, his paws wrapped behind his back.

Crim looked out over the group and smiled softly as he saw Malya standing by Brockhall, her body swathed in blankets. At least she would be staying to rest. He saw Skipper and Log a Log standing together along with what troops they had. Crim couldn't help but shake his head in admiration. Had it not been for the hares and the bats, he knew that Redwall would have never had a chance. Up in the trees he saw McLear clack his beak and bob his head to the squirrel. Most were staying a few feet away from the hawk, much to the squirrel's amusement. Perhaps McLear really was as dangerous as they had said; they could only hope.

A hush fell over the beasts as Crim raised his paw, his face resolute and determined. Ebonia joined him on the stump, though she allowed him to make the speech. He was their leader, he had been the one that had led them. It only seemed right. Crim tapped her footpaw affectionately with his tail and spoke in a loud, clear voice.

"My friends. We are all united today under one purpose. We've left our wives, our husbands, our fathers, our mothers, our daughters and sons…so that we can fight for a cause that's greater than what we can even imagine. Our hearts were clouded in horror and doubt when we found out that the abbey had been lost, but did we run away? No. We joined together to fight for the greater good…to fight for what is right.

"Many of us have been through hard trials be it at Salamandastron, or even right here in Mossflower. It's been an arduous journey, but we've seen through it…even when we thought all hope was lost. We miss close friends at the moment…but their deaths will not be in vain. They've helped us become stronger and they've given their lives to make certain that we can carry on their names, by fulfilling their duty. They will be sorely missed.

"This battle will be hard and dangerous, but I know together, we will see it through. We have friends amongst Salamandastron, Redwall, and Mount Bat Pit that have given their services to fight for the Abbey. When we're brought under one purpose, nothing can stop us. We will fight together and no matter what happens, we will have fought for the greater good. We are united…we are the defenders…and we will be victorious!" With a cry, Crim thrust Martin's sword into the air. "For Redwall!"

"For Redwall!"

"For Mossflower!"

"For Mossflower!"

Crim slowly looked down over the cheering beasts, their blades held high into the air as their cries rang out into the night. The bats screeched and even McLear reared back and let loose a cry. The young squirrel looked over his army and felt his heart swell in pride. Never before had he thought that he'd see such a sight. Never before had he thought he'd lead an army into battle. Never before had he thought he'd ever be a warrior.

CrimsonRay took a step forward then waved a paw to them all.

"Let it begin!"

The clouds lengthened across the sky, spreading darkness along the ground and around the trees. Up above, it was near to impossible to see if there was something soaring through the sky, especially if it was a darker color. Ebonia poked her head past McLear's head as his powerful wings swept them higher and higher in the sky. The squirrel maiden clung to the rope that had been fastened around the bird, just incase either she or Crim should slip.

Ebonia ducked her head down and released a long sigh. Though she was a squirrel and should have loved heights, this was just a little too much for her. She didn't like being this high off the ground. Crim scooted over next to her and patted her paw as he tried to catch sight of the others. It was hard but he could just pick out Skipper making his way towards the trees around the abbey to help his otters, squirrels, and other beasts up.

"Skipper's almost there. We'll be heading down soon, McLear."

The hawk gave a small jerk of his head, signaling that he knew. Crim held onto the rope tightly again and smiled softly at Ebonia. He was scared to death, but he knew they would get through this; they had to. Beside them, the Night Flyers flew. They screeched faintly, though they knew that nothing in the sky was going to disrupt them. Mirage flew close by the hawk and spoke softly.

"Our first volley will fly in and then our second. You go down right after CloudDancer leads them and attack. We'll send in our third volley soon after."

McLear bobbed his head and glanced back at her, his strange eyes glinting.

"Batty that I attacked befer…she still be with you?"

Mirage nodded her head and flew up a little higher. "She's the one that will lead the second volley. No eating bats, aye?"

McLear gave a smile and bobbed his head. He was still a bit disturbed in the mind but…something about the squirrel and that sword had helped him. He was remembering who he was…though a lot of it was just a blur.

A sudden updraft caused him to fly higher and he looked down, clacking his beak to the squirrels a moment later. "Yon hares be moving in quick like now."

Crim shifted behind the bird's wings and leaned forward. The hawk could see better than him, but he managed to make out a couple figures. "Good. Once SkyBreeze gives us the signal, Mirage can start the attack."

Ebonia looked at her brother and reached out. Gently, she took his paw in her own and gave him a small smile. "Good luck, brother."

Crim gave a smile in return. "You too sister."

With a nod of her head, they both turned and listened for the signal. Crim felt fear race through his spine, but he was also filled with excitement. Here they were, the young creatures combined with the experienced, ready to infiltrate the Abbey and rescue their friends. It seemed like the odds were against them, but he just knew that they would succeed. He could feel it.

Suddenly, a screech, much like a falcon, rang out. Crim looked up as Mirage led her bats forward, the first volley shooting down from the sky towards the vermin. The two squirrels leaned forward and watched as vermin were knocked off of the walls, their wails echoing in the air. A second screech echoed and they watched as CloudDancer went tearing after the vermin, her group screeching and using claws to rip through the flesh of their enemies.

"This is it," Ebonia whispered softly. The squirrel maiden closed her eyes, saying a silent prayer. Crim grabbed Martin's sword then gripped the rope tightly. This was it…no turning back.

At the next screech, McLear swooped his wings then went diving towards the Abbey, taking the two terrified squirrels with him.

Wraith cursed as he pulled himself up from the ground, blood streaking down his face. He had been on the wall top when the first volley of bats had come down. He'd managed not to get killed by falling off the wall, but he had a nice wound along his forehead. The ferret scrambled back, ducking as a rat was sent crashing into one of the brick walls that they had only recently been reformed.

Bloody hell! Where were they all coming from?! They hadn't had this many before! Wraith swore and dove again as another bat tried to ram him into the ground. Pulling a dagger from his belt, he hurled it, sneering in satisfaction as the bat went tumbling and hit the snow with a sickening thud. Good riddance. The slaver pulled himself up and looked towards the Abbey. Stelumos would be furious, but he had to warn the mink. He didn't know what kind of attack this was, and frankly, he didn't want to find out.

Throwing himself forward, he darted towards the door, his arm streaked out to rap around the handle. He never got the chance. With a roar of anger, Stelumos stepped out and knocked the ferret to the ground, his eyes racing across the sky and watching as the bats came tearing towards his vermin.

"You idiots! Keep yer heads down!" he shrieked at the top of his lungs. True to his shout, the vermin started ducking, using their spears or javelins to jab at the passing bats with accurate precision. Three bats went tumbling down the walls of the abbey and hit the ground, never to rise again. Sneering, the mink motioned towards the gates. "Get the forces out ta protect the bloody gates! We can't let em get in!"

Wraith turned to do as he said but Stelumos grabbed him by the throat, almost strangling him as he dragged the unfortunate vermin towards him.

"Not ya! Get the slavers ready and guard them slaves! I swear if one o' em gets free, it's gonna be yer head that I have!"

Wraith swallowed and yipped as Stelumos threw him towards the slaves. The mink drew Doomsfate and went racing towards the walls as a bat came swooping down. He lifted his sword and slashed forward, cutting right through the creature's wing. She gave a pitiful cry and fell to the ground, her wings crumbling beneath her. Wraith winced at the sight and turned, running to do as he was bade.

Stelumos stood over the bat, his sword held high and ready to stab down. As the blade dropped, a white blur shot from the sky and knocked him to the ground with a vicious screech. The mink grunted as he fell, his sword flying and clipping the beast across the chest. The white and misty gray bat backed up with a groan, a wing held over her chest wound.

With a small screech, she turned and helped the other one up, forcing them towards the shadows while the mink tried to recover himself. Stelumos growled and got to his paws, only to gasp as he saw a large, dark shape falling towards the Abbey gates.

It was a monstrous creature with such a large wingspan that it even made the mink want to run. He stumbled backwards, shouting out orders to his vermin as he lifted the sword high over his head. He didn't know how they had gotten hold of a hawk, but he wasn't going to let it destroy his chances at protecting his Abbey!

The beast landed hard, crushing a weasel beneath his powerful talons. One wing swept out, knocking vermin off of their paws and clearing a path. At the gate, Stelumos' troops scrambled to pull out arrows or long weapons. One dared to hurl a javelin at the mighty bird. He snapped his beak around the flimsy weapon and cracked it in half, his eyes glaring challengingly.

Though scared out of their wits, the vermin still tried to hurl weapons at the beast, oblivious of the squirrels nestled on his back. Stelumos raced forward and was about to slam his blade into the bird's side when a black streak leapt out and drove him to the ground. His eyes widened and he gasped as he stared at Ebonia.

"Miss me?" Even before he could speak, a dagger streaked out towards his throat. The mink slammed his paw forward, catching her wrist at the last moment before crashing his other one across her face. Ebonia fell backwards with a grunt but scrambled back to her paws, the two weapons held out at her sides. He saw the fire and danger in her eyes, but there was something else, something he didn't understand.

The mink snarled and lifted his blade, eyes blazing. "Ya'll die taday squirrel!" He drove forward, slashing at the squirrel maiden with his great sword. Left right left, they maneuvered their way across the grounds while the battle raged around them. Ebonia kept one step ahead of him, though he came close to hitting her a couple times. Stelumos narrowed his eyes then suddenly sprinted forward. His paw shot down and he grabbed a clump of snow, hurling it at her eyes. Ebonia cried out and fell backwards, her paw trying to clear the frozen droplets away.

Stelumos sneered and slashed his blade forward, aiming for her stomach. She'd die today. He wouldn't wait for the pleasure of watching her blood run. No. She would die now!

With a cry, a red squirrel suddenly shot out and shoved Ebonia out of the way, Stelumos's blade striking nothing but thin air. The mink turned and looked up as a sun squirrel moved to Ebonia's side, Martin's sword held in his paws. The vermin's eyes narrowed and he started circling the two, his blade held tight.

"You…I swear you'll suffer ten times worse than any o the slaves!"

The red squirrel smiled slowly and shook his head, the blade gleaming as brightly as his eyes. "You won't get the chance."

Stelumos' eyes widened and he gasped as the hawk's wing smacked him in the back and drove him to the side, knocking him hard to the snow. He grunted and rolled to his knees, only to watch as the sun squirrel went tearing towards the gates. Vermin littered the door, their blades held out and ready to take out the young creature.

Stelumos sneered and clambered to his paws, looking over at Ebonia as three of the vermin set in upon her. The mink gripped his blade and looked around, watching as both vermin and good beast fell. He wouldn't wait to see what happened. No…they'd have to come to him.

Turning, Stelumos darted past the other beasts and skidded into the Abbey, slamming the door behind him. He had other forces inside. Even if they broke through the walls…they'd still have to go through his other troops to get to him.

Crim ducked the first blade that was thrust at him, his sword cutting through the vermin's wrist and causing him to fall to the ground, crying out in pain. More tried to rush the squirrel, their war cries filling his ears. Crim didn't even know what he was doing. He reached deep inside of himself and pulled up the anger that he had felt when Malya had been hurt. The same anger that had possessed him when Ebonia was threatened by the vermin.

They would die.

Roaring out, he dove forward, his blade cutting through the first three. He took a brutal blow to the side but even as the crimson liquid dribbled down his leg, he kept going. He didn't know how long he'd last if he took a bunch of wounds, but he wasn't thinking about that now. No, he hungered for their blood. As the vermin pressed in, he became aware that one by one they were slowly dropping. Not by his blade, but by arrows.

Crim took a chance and glanced over his shoulder and grinned in relief as he saw Skipper's troops make it on the walls. Some had already fallen but more where sending arrows streaking towards the beasts blocking Crim. He saw the squirrels jump onto the walls but they were immediately set upon by the vermin. It was up to him.

Swinging the blade, he moved forward again, growling as it cut through the arm of one beast, and then across the face of another. A dagger clipped his paw and had it not been for another arrow, he would have been killed. The last few vermin were thinned out, leaving the doors free for him. Crim ran forward and pressed his paw on the latch.

Even before he got to open it, a weasel leapt out of the shadows and shoved him against the wall. Crim gasped in pain as his head cracked against the stone, stunning him for an instant. Deathfang snarled darkly and lifted a dagger, the weapon poised over the young squirrel's chest.

"Goodbye ya bas-"

The words died on his lips as Crim drove his sword forward right through his gut. Deathfang's eyes glazed over, his mouth falling open in shock. Ever so slowly, the vermin fell to his knees and then slid off of the blade. The squirrel stared at the slick blood running down his paws and gulped hard. Part of him wanted to break down weeping in horror of what he had done, but the other, urged him on. This was only the first of what he would have to do.

Reaching out, the squirrel clasped the bolt and yanked hard, freeing the gates of their restraints. Crim grabbed onto the wood and pulled back, opening the doors to his fellow goodbeasts. With a bellow, they poured in after the vermin, their cries reverberating through the air.

"Redwallll!!"

"Mossflowerr!"

"Give em blood and Vinegar!!!"