Schoolwork, Pokemon X and headaches...but here we are!

Nearing what may be the longest chapter this story will have.

Chapter Forty Three

Numengate Citadel: Part One

Istequil slammed the flat of his axe into the side of his foe's helmet. As the man hit the ground, the Braver impaled him with his blade. He looked up as Fistivus and Lune rode their carts with an escort led by Wyre and Wayu along with several Sarharan soldiers.

The Braver turned to see the Midnight still rampaging as Mia and Uhnie with support from Shinon tried to strike it down. Istequil felt tired, the moon continued its trip across the sky, in a few hours the sun would start to rise. Would the next day be the first of a new monarch sitting on his King's throne?

Istequil realized someone grabbed him and was pulling him into the city. He then noticed that he was on the floor and another arrow had struck him. "Istequil! Hey!"

The man shook his head and focused to see Wyre over him with a staff, healing him "Are you alright?"

"I'm not sure…the men can't see me fall from exhaustion…we have to keep fighting…"

A soldier approached and saluted "Sir…Dawson reporting, the West and East factions are retreating into the city…"

Istequil cursed "We have allies only at the main gate…the Midnight has finally stopped warping in but their numbers are staggering…not to mention another group is laying siege to the Citadel…their army is at least three times us…maybe more…"

"Sir…what should we do?"

Istequil stood slowly "Have the civilians been placed beneath the Core Archive?"

Dawson nodded "Gill oversaw the movement, he is with them."

Istequil sighed "Then we fight on the streets…this is the last line of defense. Tell all of our forces to make a full retreat into the city…this is our last struggle…"

As Dawson took off, Wyre glanced at Istequil "We'll help you to the last man."

Istequil shook his head "You lot didn't come here to fight in a war…I know…whatever is happening in the Citadel is why you are here…if some of you would like to hang back…I'd appreciate it…but your best people must complete whatever it is you came here for…"

Wyre nodded "I'll relay this as fast as I can…"

The Thunder Sage took off and Istequil inhaled deeply, he changed to his fierce disposition again and gripped his blade tightly marching out the city gates as his army retreated inside "This is our last line of defense! This is where we become legends! Legends who fought against perilous odds, we may lose this fight but we fought for what we believed in! Come my brothers! For Numengate!"

The soldiers around him raised their weapons and called out as they completed their retreat into Golsaehr.

Outside Mia and Uhnie leapt away from Midnight 3 as Rexbolt hit him "We have to go!" Wyre stated as he landed near them.

Lyle and Wayu joined the group with the swordmaster spitting "Go where?"

"The Citadel…it's under siege…that is where we have to be."

Wayu looked around "But these people…"

Mia shook her head "They're all ready to die…we can't afford to die with them…"

Midnight 3 roared as arrows from Shinon struck him. Mia nodded and the group retreated back towards Golsaehr with Versha watching them "Disappointing…"

Vargas powerful gales kept the Midnight at bay as his soldiers entered Golsaehr. Zihark's group followed shortly afterwards, covered in large scratches from Midnight 4.

During the battle, Kay'Shera swooped in and delivered a powerful blow to Midnight 4, knocking it to the ground but the creature was far sturdier than any Midnight before and stood again.

Zey'Yu sighed "This is crazy…we can't focus on Midnight 4 and Dalton Pesh with the endless waves of Midnight all around us…"

To'Eltz agreed "When they enter the city…we'll all be pushed to our limits…"

Orkra bent over, breathing hard "We'll do all we can…"

Leah limped into the city with support from Orgoth. Helena walked near them "Nice job taking that to your leg…"

"I was covering you…you could at least-"

"I know but I told you not to that, remember?"

As Leah nodded, Helena shook her head "Either way, thanks…but this isn't going to get easier, especially with that limp."

Leah grinned "All I need is a good healer."

Janie, Rhogam and Tyazaer stood watching the gate, The Midnight came to a stop behind Zijo Oit and Tyse Erent. The two not only wielded powerful weapons but could use dark magic, Janie wasn't sure how that was possible but they weren't to be messed with.

The group turned upon hearing people cheering at the main gate.

Istequil looked up as the Sarharan force entered the city having successfully knifed through the Midnight. Their leader was a woman in a long robe; her face was covered by a hood.

"My lady, thank you for your assistance…" The Braver stated while bowing.

"Don't worry about it…the army out there threatens Ymarkteg's peace…we can't let them capture this city…"

Two men appeared at her side as she approached Istequil one wore a hood but the other, a young man did not.

Mia walked past the crowd and near the Braver. Her eyes widened "Kino." The man turned to her and smiled.

Opstun came to a halt, turning to see Eien and Soren catch up to him "Who are you? What do you want?"

"You are Numengate's Elder Sage, Opstun…correct?" Eien asked to which Opstun nodded slowly "Yes…but how do you know who I am?"

Eien remained silent as Soren cut in "I'm almost certain you've met with some allies of ours, Zihark, Shinon…any of these people ringing a bell?"

Opstun nodded "Yes, they were found by my protégé Istequil. They fought the spirit of Einseek wielding Balmung; at least what they believed was Balmung."

Eien sighed "It has been a very long time…but I was the one who appeared to you and your comrades Ilan, Teyron, Freen and Shaelin. In a way…I assigned you all to guard the weapons I could not destroy."

Opstun watched Eien closely "It has been…long, yes."

He gestured for them to follow

"Eien, you know why there are duplicates of the Fell Lord's Arms? Would you care to share now?"

At Soren's question, Eien nodded "As I experimented with my powers I learned that I could only separate the soul I gave the weapon from the physical body…in short, I didn't destroy the weapons, I broke them into the Physical Arms contained within the black chests and the Shadow Arms lost to the air around us. I never believed someone could find the Shadow Arms and reconstitute them but…clearly someone out there is capable."

Opstun came to a stop at his door and turned to Eien "I had a theory somewhat like that…while different it still confirms at least part of my beliefs."

Soren nodded "So that explains why we couldn't find Helswath after we killed Murawk…he was using the Shadow Arm which likely dissipated after Murawk fell."

Opstun sighed "Though it seems the chest containing Helswath has followed Gungnir and Goetia, it is now open."

Soren nodded "Yeah, Shaelin and Ilan went to check on it, guess they found it."

Eien brought one hand to her chin "If only I had known all this…if only I tried to find a better solution to the Shadow Arms…"

Opstun smiled "No one could've known that the Fell Lord's power could transcend as far as it has, or that anyone could learn of ancient times almost completely forgotten."

Eien sighed "Well, I'll do all I can to help all of you…we still have Goetia and Yewfelle is in place…all we need to do is find and kill the students wielding the Shadow Arms."

Opstun inhaled before speaking "The students go by phrases representing their names…I deciphered all but one…Einseek, Gorm, Jyim'Son and Murawk."

Soren's eyes widened "We know all of those…Gorm is in service to the Regalshin King and Queen…Jyim'Son was killed in Sarhara before we even met him and Murawk, as I stated, we killed in Regalshin. As for Einseek, you said Zihark's group destroyed Kolkem's body but is Einseek dead?"

Opstun shrugged "I don't know…"

Eien turned "Strange…I feel Helswath here…in fact, I am almost certain it is being wielded in the battle at Golsaehr."

Soren raised an eyebrow "Impossible…they couldn't have returned that quickly…actually, not at all, there is an army surrounding Golsaehr."

Opstun shook his head "While I was speaking with your friends. We determined that Shaelin…is most likely a traitor. It is the only way to explain how the Midnight was able to open a chest that requires two Elder Sages."

Soren approached Opstun "A traitor…but he was with Ilan."

"Then Ilan is most certainly dead." Opstun spoke lowly.

As the three stood there Eien felt something familiar, turning she looked up. Soren and Opstun soon followed her, watching a one armed man descend from above, landing a few feet from them.

Eien shook her head "Ushnae."

"Die you bastard!" General Quaid joined his men and slashed through an oncoming soldier. The hall was littered with dead bodies as the Midnight pushed into a chamber mostly used for balls. A wild fire spell knocked down several chandeliers, crushing soldiers from both sides.

"Sir, a message from Nexin!" a soldier called as Quaid killed another and moved back.

"He has brought down a sizeable portion of the west entries, burying enemies and blocking those routes. He also suggests our mages should try doing the same thing over here to stop the flow of the enemy."

Quaid sighed "As much as I hate to do damage to our citadel we've no choice, send them message around tell them it's on my orders!"

The general turned as a heavily armored man lifted one of the Numengate soldiers and threw him against the high ceiling. The being spotted Quaid and shot towards him, creating a black sword out of thin air, Quaid brought his up to counter the blow "Fool! How dare you attempt to kill me in front of my men! You die here!"

"It really is you…I was almost certain my feelings were betraying me…honestly, I didn't believe it to be true."

As Eien, Soren and Opstun watched Ushnae, he remained still. While Soren couldn't pick up any evil intent from Ushnae he was still very wary around the man.

"Ushnae…I've been told that you are involved with the Midnight. That Ulmeihn died because of the Midnight and that Mazear is still out there. Is this all true?"

Ushnae ran his hand through his hair but kept his eyes on Eien "The time that we fought together…has come upon us again…"

Eien shook her head "You can't mean that all this destruction and murder of a peaceful world is just an extension of the wars and rebellion we fueled to free Ymarkteg in the past. You can't expect me to believe that is your reason."

Ushnae nodded slowly "We're all together…just like then. Me, Ulmeihn, Mazear and Nias…we're just missing you. Come back to us."

Soren shook his head "Impossible, we saw Ulmeihn die, we buried him and Nias-"

Ushnae laughed "You've been fighting dead men for what? Almost a year? Over a year? Is it really so hard to believe we resurrected them as well?"

Eien swallowed "You have to be lying. After all we went through; you all are fighting as this world's Fell Lord. You are ripping this land apart! Why would you all go so far to destroy what we set in place so long ago?"

"Wrong!" Ushnae screamed. Soren quickly drew out his blade and stepped in front of Eien as Ushnae smiled.

"What we set in place…our peace was destroyed by the Royal Ring and the Altar long ago…when the Mistress, Duke and Hierarch were born onto this world from the Fell Lord's being. They sought to continue his duty and wipe the world clean in their twisted way. We, as the Midnight, seek their elimination. We want to free Ymarkteg from the invisible shackles it doesn't even know bind it. The Fell Lord's evil could not be destroyed completely…his essence gave life to these evil spirits that transcend generations and have worked hard to bring everything to this hellish ruin they dare call…peace."

At that last word, Ushnae spat.

Soren narrowed his eyes "Then why wield the Fell Lord's weapons? Doesn't the Midnight wish his revival? Isn't that why you wanted the Orichalcum so bad? You expect us to believe what you want is true peace? Because if this is what you believe as peace, all this blood and death then you are full of shit and we can't believe anything you say."

Ushnae looked at Eien again "Then come to the Citadel. Meet all of us again. See, firsthand, what we desire to accomplish. Midnight draws near…"

With that the Froghul turned and shot off into the sky.

"Mehr, what news do we have?"

The advisor rushed up to the King and bowed "Several portions of our far western halls have been destroyed by Nexin to stop enemy troops from overwhelming the defenders. Quaid is engaged with a large force in the bottom eastern ballroom."

Althropos nodded "What of Golsaehr's defenses?"

"From what I last heard the fighting came to a brief stop but the city is surrounded by a superior force preparing to rip through the walls."

The King brought his hands to his face and sighed heavily "Even with those Sarharan reinforcements, we'd need a miracle to survive this…"

"I'm hoping for one every second my King." Mehr stated sadly.

"Kino, last we heard you were the commander of Anondye's side of the Treige Border Keep…why are you with Sarhara?"

Kino smiled and pointed at the hooded man "He is an old friend of mine and asked if I'd help the cause…its war, I really couldn't say no."

Lyle nodded "Good to have you here with us Kino…the Sarharans will help us secure Golsaehr."

Mia turned as the rest of the troop and Zihark's group gathered. "Come on Lyle."

The pair joined them and walked several feet away from the Numengatian and Sarharan armies.

"We have to go to the Citadel…but we can't just leave these people to die…" Mia stated.

Wyre nodded "Half of us could tackle the Citadel and aid the King while the rest of us do battle alongside the Numengatian and Sarharan armies."

Before anyone could speak, Mia stood as Soren and another woman approached "Sorry I'm late but trust me when I say, a lot held me up."

Mia embraced him before looking at the woman next to him "Soren…who is this?"

"Believe it or not…she is the Apothecary we spoke to in Anondye."

The Troop with the exception of Kay'Shera looked at each other in surprise.

"Long story…unfortunately no time…I'm here to help in any way I can against The Midnight. I'll go to the Citadel with all of you."

They turned as Istequil called out that all of the Midnight has raised their weapons and are about to tear into the city.

"Soren…we have less than five minutes…not to rush but…split us up…now."

Soren closed his eyes and saw each member of the Troop including Zihark's group. "We need skilled front line warriors, good support in the form of distance fighters like archers and mages and of course we need healers…"

After about thirty seconds, Soren stood "I got it."

"Well this is certainly a surprise…"

Opstun stated, trying to remain calm as Shaelin approached him. "Don't let him know that you are onto him…"

"What can I help you with?"

Opstun's smile vanished as the traitorous Elder Sage raised his arm and a black bolt of energy prepared to fire.

"No!" Another man charged in, with a quick surge of black magic, Shaelin was tossed aside.

Opstun stepped back as Shaelin stood up and laughed.

"Teyron…I never thought you'd leave that dirt hole you call a home…I'm impressed."

Opstun looked at Teyron who prepared himself as Shaelin turned to face them.

"So it is absolutely true. You betrayed us…Ilan is dead, isn't he."

Teyron spat "I should've known something was wrong…Ilan was at the Helswath site and somehow opened the case…we lost connection with you a long time ago Shaelin…"

Opstun raised his arms now, ready to fight. Shaelin sighed "Damn it…I lost my one chance…but you've seriously impressed me Teyron so I'll leave you with this: Leave Golsaehr, the city will fall in the morning, you can't stop it. If you are here when it happens, you will die."

With that Shaelin smiled and bowed before leaving.

"You have all of our confidence…I know you don't believe me but you've been around the longest, you can do this."

Lyle's gaze went around the Troop "You are…absolutely certain?"

Soren and Mia nodded "You lead our group here in Golsaehr, we'll handle the Citadel and we'll all reunite to swap stories afterwards."

Lyle smiled "Alright, I won't betray your trust. Come on Golsaehr Defense!"

Lyle turned and walked away followed by Wyre, Wayu, Janie, Shinon, Uhnie, Kay'Shera, Zey'Yu, To'Eltz and Leah.

The orange trueblade stopped briefly before turning to Soren and Mia "So close to having the four of us fighting alongside each other again."

Zihark moved forward as well "When this is over we'll be together again and have a great time talking about what we've been doing all these years."

Leah smiled "I'm looking forward to it…so don't go dying on me."

Soren and Mia agreed and departed with Eien, Mikel, Leena, Orgoth, Orkra, Zihark, Tyazaer and Rhogam.

Istequil turned as Lyle's group approached "We all ready?" he asked to which Lyle nodded. The swordmaster looked over to Kino who nodded towards him.

To'Eltz noticed something strange about the hooded man near the hooded woman. As he walked over to them, Zey'Yu cut him off "You know who that is?" he whispered to the woman.

"The man under the hood…that's Peltzm'Jakq…"

To'Eltz spat "I knew it…if he is here then these aren't reinforcements from Sarhara…it's the Altar."

The hooded man saw To'Eltz and Zey'Yu speaking to one another and grinned.

A cry went out as the Main Gate exploded and the Midnight under Asai Versha and Midnight 3 charged into the city.

Lyle turned to his group and pulled out his two blades "This is it!"

Wyre: We've come all this way…we're ready.

Wayu: We fight with each other, we can't lose.

Janie: I'm here to prove myself as an Elder Sage, my magic will protect everyone.

Shinon: I've been doing this a long time…what really matters is that my score is higher than Uhnie's.

Uhnie: Nice Shinon, I'll cut through the enemy before they even know I'm there.

Kay'Shera: For my superior who put his dying faith in me, I won't fall!

Zey'Yu: I've been used by everyone, now I fight for myself and my most precious person…this is for you!

To'Eltz: You are my allies and comrades; I will not let you down.

Leah: I'll prove my growth and my peerless edge to everyone!

Lyle: For Ymarkteg! For true peace!

The armies crashed, screams and howls rang out through the late night sky. The moon has nearly completed its trip, within three hours the sun will begin rising and the battle that started as the moon rose was nowhere near its conclusion.

Leah and To'Eltz cut through a pair of Reavers as Shinon leapt over them and struck down a Sentinel three rows back. Violent strikes of thunder shot into the mass of foes as Lyle and Uhnie shot into the crowd and began slicing through as many troops as they could.

Janie raised a tall pillar below Shinon giving him an eagle eye over the mass of enemies. He quickly thanked her and began firing explosive arrows into the horde.

Kay'Shera dive bombed into a group of soldiers, killing several as Michalis crushed them. Zey'Yu leapt off the roc and knifed several men in the throat before leaping back on as the roc took off out of the range of the approaching marksmen.

Janie continued creating orbs of black energy and tossing them into the mass as Kino joined Lyle and started cutting through enemies with unbelievable ease.

"Enemy commander approaching!" Istequil called out from the east as Dalton Pesh and Midnight 4 became visible and started wrecking the Golsaehr Defenders.

Lyle leapt away from Kino and looked up at Shinon "Who do we have closest to Midnight 4 and Dalton Pesh!?"

"As skilled as we are, there are far too many soldiers of Midnight around, if we want to deal with Midnight 4 and Dalton Pesh we need to prevent the Midnight from intervening."

Lyle snapped his fingers "Janie!"

The Elder Mage smiled "Heard!" shooting herself into the air she screamed as a rift formed around Midnight 4 and Dalton Pesh, widening and swallowing enemy troops.

Lyle leapt over and landed in front of Pesh. The man smiled "Revenge?" Lyle spun his blades "What do you think?"

Pesh pulled out a blade "Midnight 4, feel free to continue killing. This man…no…my old friend, is mine."

As the Midnight began to move, Michalis shot by and Kay'Shera struck the Midnight across the head with her axe, tossing the Midnight to the ground.

"Pesh…"

The former archduke smiled "You still don't remember your past do you Lyle? You don't know what those memories of you and Ushnae mean. The city burning around all of us as we fought amongst ourselves."

Lyle clenched his teeth "No…but my real friends fight and bleed alongside me now! I've been through hell but I've done all I can to maintain their trust. They appointed me to leading half the Troop, we are going to win and you are going to die! Simple as that!"

"More enemy commanders!" Captain Helena called out as she raised her shield to deflect a fire spell from Tyse Erent. Zijo Oit leapt over his comrade but before his blade could reach Helena it struck Leah's blade. To'Eltz shot past the Trueblade and began slashing at Tyse Erent who avoided his attacks.

Versha stood aside as Midnight 3 rampaged and the Midnight soldiers continued to flood the city. "I don't even have to lift a finger to win this fight…"

A man approached her from behind "She's here…isn't she?"

Versha turned and smiled "Yes she is…go get her."

The figure shot into the air and landed near the Hooded Man and Woman with a loud crash.

Shinon turned as the man threw off his black robe, Shinon instantly went through all the foes Soren and Mia had and remembered the one with half a gray face "Meloi! Meloi has breached our lines!"

The Earth Archsage looked at the hooded woman with a smile before muttering "Mistress."

Orgoth buried his lance into a man's back, swinging the body around and releasing it to roll across the ground. Behind him Leena and Zihark stuck their blades into a few men's necks. The front gate was mostly deserted. Much of the Midnight force attacking the Citadel was already inside.

"Remember everyone, stay together and watch out for each other…let's go."

Inside the main hall led to a giant audience chamber with several balconies from the second, third and fourth floor as well as stairs leading second floor level walkways all around the perimeter of the chamber. A large staircase led to two huge ornate doors, one was smashed in and practically fallen over. There were also several bodies of both Numengate soldiers and Midnight soldiers.

The Troop walked carefully through the hall, whatever fighting took place here was long over.

Orkra looked around "This siege started far too long ago…we've got to move quicker."

Zihark nodded "The enemy must be focusing on reaching the King; we've got to get there as soon as possible."

Nodding to each other the Troop continued carefully through the ornate doors at the top of the stairs a winged man with half a face watched them from the ceiling with a smile.

"Bolganone!" Nexin called out, a large flaming explosion destroyed a royal chamber, burning the enemies alive and collapsing the room on itself.

Nexin turned "How are we doing?"

"The loss of constant flow is putting the battle on much more even grounds in the areas we've passed but ahead our troops are still at a disadvantage." A soldier reported as Nexin brought his horse around and took off with his men close behind.

"We have to win at least half the battle to put us in a better position, let's go."

"Back off!" Janie yelled as she lifted pieces of the road below her, taking Midnight soldiers into the air then throwing the pieces at Midnight 4. The rocks slammed against him and the soldiers fell to the ground as she continued to throw more at him. Kay'Shera and Zey'Yu continued to hassle the Midnight as well though it began swiping with its giant clawed hand forcing Michalis away and destroying the oncoming attacks from Janie.

Lyle and Pesh's blades clashed repeatedly, the swordmaster was giving his all but Pesh wasn't even struggling as he easily dealt with all of Lyle's moves even though the swordmaster was wielding two blades.

Vargas ran over and caused a massive wave of Rexcalibur to push the Midnight soldiers into the trench around Midnight 4 and Dalton Pesh.

Wyre and Wayu ran next to Istequil who was facing Meloi "Mistress…I've waited for far too long to meet with you again."

"Meloi…the tenacity of your grudge is truly impressive…"

Istequil turned to Wyre who quickly answered "We aren't being aided by Sarhara…these troops are men of The Altar, assassins that kill with support from the royalty of three nations. They do this to preserve a veil of peace."

Istequil spat "They're only helping us because these Midnight people are inciting war…can we trust them?"

"Only until the Midnight are dealt with…" Wayu answered.

Wyre took a step forward and a large wall exploded out blocking his view of Mistress, Meloi and the hooded man.

"How are you even alive? I thought for sure you were buried in The Catacombs along with my assassins…"

Meloi ignored the hooded man and began moving towards Mistress, clearly annoyed the hooded man threw off his cloak, closed the distance and slammed his palm into Meloi's chest. The Archsage tore through the rock wall and landed near Wyre, Wayu and Istequil.

Wyre turned in time to see Peltzm'Jakq who smiled "Fear not, we aren't aiding you in this fight to kill you…at least not now…but he is…"

Meloi stood back up and started springing pillars out from below Wyre, Wayu and Istequil who leaped to safety as the Archsage continued his rampage.

As Meloi raged, Uhnie and Shinon supported the Numengate and Sarhara Troops against Versha's forces. The woman had Midnight 3 carrying her as he readied Helswath with his other arm.

"Asai Versha." She looked down as one of her soldiers bowed.

"What is it?"

He turned and pointed into the horizon, approaching was yet another army clearly marching against the Midnight. Versha sighed "They really aren't making this easy."

Marching with the new forces on top of his horse was the nomad Re'Zin who had been sent back to Numengate by Iltar'Elm.

"You want me to go back with the detachment that is leaving right now?"

Iltar'Elm nodded "Yes Re'Zin…you have to warn Soren and Mia about Kino…he is no friend of theirs…"

"Sir-"

"If you don't tell them he could use his betrayal to kill any one of them…no one will see it coming…you have to warn them."

Re'Zin nodded slowly "What do I tell them?"

"Headmaster Kino was involved with Jikahn…appointed in place of Ottenz because he was loyal to the Governor…he was after you the whole time you were gone trying to silence anyone who knew the truth behind the Euto Research Center's destruction."

Re'Zin stood and turned to walk away "Alright…but what does that make everyone who worked for Jikahn? The Altar? The Midnight? Something else entirely?"

Iltar'Elm sighed "I'm not certain…but Kino is no ally…"

The enemy is in sight! All men! Charge!" The commander, a woman who goes by the name Eyre, leapt onto her Pegasus and took to skies with the rest of the Anondye Pegasus Knights, bringing up their javelins and shooting towards Golsaehr as the ground troops and cavalry began charging towards the battle.

Knocking the black sword away General Quaid slashed through his armed foe as his men continued fighting the other enemy forces. "Who are you?"

"My designation is Midnight 9." The Midnight created another black blade and continued attacking Quaid as he relied on his armor to protect him from the attacks he couldn't block or avoid.

"Arcthunder!" His men destroyed another of the hallways leading into the ballroom, the rubble crashed down on the enemy troops trying to get through but the other two openings were still allowing more enemy reinforcements.

"Men! We are retreating further into the castle! We have to link up with another group of defenders!" Quaid called out as he dodged a strike and caught the second blade with his own "Go! Now!"

The men nodded quickly and fought through the squads of Midnight to reach a hallway. As Quaid slash Midnight 9 again he followed his men. Midnight 9 directed half of his force down one hallway to continue the attack on the Citadel while he pursued Quaid.

On the higher east wing of the Citadel the Dark Knight Nexin was engaged with Midnight 8 and a large troop of Reavers and Marshalls. The wall was destroyed by enemy Druid's black magic and Wyvern's began diving towards the balconies, picking off defenders and throwing them off the higher Citadel levels to their deaths.

As Nexin rode his horse around Midnight 8 who struck the ground with his black axes, the Dark Knight hassled the approaching Wyverns with wind magic and aided his ground troops with fire magic, distracting and burning the Midnight ground forces.

Finally his men began turning the tables on the ground troops, killing the Druids and dealing with most of the Reavers leaving the slow Marshalls and occasional Wyvern sweep.

Midnight 8 leapt over Nexin and landed in front of him, as he spun around he hurled his axe, Nexin leapt off his horse allowing the weapon to fly harmlessly by. As the Dark Knight crashed on the ground, Midnight 8 created a blade and leapt over to Nexin, stabbing him in the stomach as the Dark Knight held his hand out and covered Midnight 8 in Arcfire at point blank.

"Nexin's clearing and collapsing of rooms has come to a halt, his main forces are engaged in the east wing where apparently a huge portion of the outer wall has been compromised."

Althropos nodded to Mehr and sighed "This is just getting worse."

"If I may, my King…you must consider retreat…we can't lose the royal blood of Numengate."

Althropos stood and looked out the window to see the walls overrun and the last of its defenders slain. "The Citadel will fall…"

Mehr nodded "Yes my King…I'm almost certain it will…"

"Quaid, Nexin, Helena, Istequil, Vargas…they'll all be killed."

"They'll fight to the death in order to defend you and Numengate. They won't allow themselves to retreat."

Althropos closed his eyes "I can't allow that…they'll not give everything and still lose their nation…"

The advisor looked outside as well "There is nothing that can be done my King…"

"Back off!" Leah yelled as he struck Zijo Oit followed by Helena bashing him with her shield. Nearby, To'Eltz kicked Tyse Erent in the head before ramming his hilt into Tyse Erent's gut.

The pair looked at each other before raising their tomes and causing black lights to form around Leah, Helena and To'Eltz that exploded shortly after and threw the three of them to the ground.

To'Eltz rolled to his feet as Tyse Erent's lance struck the ground. The trickster countered the spear and began clashing with the man as Helena protected Leah from Zijo Oit.

The man knocked her shield aside but Leah was no longer on the ground, looking up the Midnight Trueblade raised his weapon, catching Leah's first sword but the second tore into his abdomen. Helena followed it up by impaling Zijo Oit through his guard. As the two pulled out their weapons the man stumbled away and sheathed his blade before raising both his arms. Streams of Arcfire and Arcthunder tore out of the earth and swirled around Leah and Helena.

To'Eltz struck air as Tyse Erent leapt away and shot an arcing current of Arcwind that curved below To'Eltz, hitting him in the stomach and shooting him into the air where Tyse's spear found him.

Leah clenched his teeth as he fell to one knee, burns from the fire and thunder magic covered his face and exposed skin as his clothes were badly damaged. Helena near him faired slightly better with her shield but was just as exhausted as Leah. Zijo Oit began manipulating dark magic with his hands.

"Give it your best shot!" The trueblade yelled as he shot past Helena "Leah! Wait!"

As Pesh and Lyle paced around each other, the Blade Monk wore an unmoving smile "Kino and Peltzm'Jakq are here…what are the odds?"

Lyle narrowed his eyes "Kino is my teacher…Peltzm'Jakq was his…what does this have to do with anything?"

Pesh couldn't help but laugh "You are a fourth generation student. You have no hope of conquering the original…"

Lyle stopped moving "Fourth…you mean…"

Pesh shot at Lyle as the swordmaster quickly regained himself and stopped the blade only for a fist to strike his chest. As he stumbled back, Pesh flipped around, both his feet struck Lyle in the face. As the former Archduke landed his blade cut through Lyle and the swordmaster stumbled back nearly falling into the carved pit.

Midnight 4 raised its claw as Michalis swerved, Vargas covered the Roc with his wind magic, pushing the claw away or slowing down its movement.

"Lyle is not doing well at all…" Zey'Yu commented as Michalis shot back towards Midnight 4 giving Kay'Shera a chance to strike the Midnight's head again.

"Pesh is no normal man, please don't go down there." Kay'Shera stated as she turned to Zey'Yu.

The whisper grinned and kissed Kay'Shera before leaping off the Roc "I'm no normal woman!"

Pesh raised a knife and stuck it in Lyle's leg forcing the swordmaster onto one knee. "Are you ready to die…Lyle?"

"Never…"

Zey'Yu leapt in from behind; Pesh swung around and caught her blade with his bare hand. Lyle pulled the knife out of his leg and stuck it deep in Pesh's back.

Releasing the blade as Pesh swung it and tossed it aside, Zey'Yu tossed multiple knives at Pesh which he deflected with his blade before turning as Lyle's two blades cut through the Blade Monk.

Kay'Shera noticed Vargas waving at her before pointing at his own face then at Midnight 4.

Kay'Shera turned and realized that her constant strikes had created small cracks in Midnight 4's helmet, shoulders and chest. She nodded to Vargas before bringing Michalis around and heading towards Midnight 4 as Vargas magic continued to harass the foe.

Janie once again countered all of Meloi's earth magic, giving Istequil the opening to move in and strike the Earth Archsage as Peltzm'Jakq stood guard near Mistress.

"I've brought you here because I require you to help solidify my dominion…"

Meloi nodded "How can I do that?"

The hooded woman turned to him and smiled "Easy…become a threat to our nation that only I can stop…the people's faith in me after I save them will be unwavering…and we can form the secret organization that we require…"

"You want the Dune Guard to splinter from-"

The woman nodded with a smile "Yes."

Wyre and Wayu joined Kino in the fray as the Anondye army struck the Midnight's rear forces. Even so, most of the three armies of the Midnight have pushed past the front line defenders and now fight in the streets against the Numengate army. Several groups have already begun striking down the Citadel's main gate in order to reinforce the countless allies of theirs that have already breached the Citadel walls.

"Shinon!" The marksman turned upon hearing Uhnie's cry and saw Unotch once again firing on him. Shinon leapt aside and clenched his teeth as one of the shots cut across his arm.

"I thought I dealt with you!" Shinon landed and as he reached for an arrow, Barbyos tackled him to the ground and lifted his axe only to be knifed by Uhnie and kicked aside.

Uhnie helped Shinon up and moved away quickly as Unotch landed next to Barbyos.

"What can we do to stop these things?" Shinon called out as he prepared an arrow, knowing full well the pair would survive and come back again later.

"We've got it."

The marksman noticed two men in dark clothes shoot high into the air and land near Unotch and Barbyos. The pair held one hand up each creating a glowing white ball that they threw at the revived foes.

The energy sank inside Unotch and Barbyos with long streaming lights shooting out of their bodies the pair evaporated into black smoke in a huge white flash.

Shinon looked as the two men turned and approached him "Opstun…what are you doing here?"

"Helping, this is Teyron the only other Elder Sage; we can talk later as there is much to be done."

Uhnie nodded "We appreciate the help."

As the four rejoined the battle at hand, Kino was watching them before turning and killing another Midnight soldier.

Soren's group reached another massive chamber, clearly what was the dining hall. Tables and chairs were thrown everywhere and in pieces as more dead bodies littered the area. Most of the doors around were also smashed in or gone completely.

"How much deeper must we go to-"

Mia was cut off as a troop of Numengate soldiers ran by an opening and continued eastward. They were followed shortly by Midnight troops including what looked like one of the Midnights.

Soren and Mia looked to each other and nodded as they followed the groups.

"Reinforcements!" A man called as he led his soldiers to Quaid's side and attacked the Midnight forces led by Midnight 9.

As Quaid turned and once again clashed with Midnight 9 he noticed more troops approaching from behind the Midnight and cursed.

"We've got more incoming!" As Quaid continued to strike at Midnight 9's blade he noticed the people approaching begin to attack the Midnight.

In the lead a woman with purple hair swung her black blade, covering the enemies in purple flames followed by a Froghul woman sinking her axe into the back of an enemy. A heavily armored man ran his lance through another as a woman in large dark robes shot black magic through the forces.

"Even more reinforcements men! Finish them!"

With Quaid's rallying cry the Midnight began to fall quickly and Quaid continued cutting into Midnight 9 as the Midnight ripped through the armor of the general in response. Finally Quaid stuck his blade through the leg and the creature went down. It looked around realizing all the other Midnight soldiers were dead.

"We of Numengate thank you." Quaid stated.

"No problem, my name is Soren we're here to help protect your King. We were helping Istequil in the defense of Golsaehr but he prioritizes the King so we're here."

Quaid nodded "Good to hear…"

As Quaid spoke with Soren on how to reach the King, Eien walked over to Midnight 9 and kneeled in front of him. She placed one hand on the side of its head and closed her eyes.

She stood and turned to Mia "What's wrong?"

The woman shook her head "This…thing…is human."

"Kill them all!" Eyre called out, as countless javelins shot through the air into the Midnight horde either killing them or leaving them open to a fatal strike from the Altar, Numengate and Anondye ground troops.

On top of his horse Re'Zin leapt through the enemy lines and spotted Shinon and Uhnie engaged with the enemy alongside several allies. He also noticed a man and woman in the air on top of floating pieces of rubble shooting rocks at each other.

"Shinon!"

The marksman turned as Re'Zin and his mount shot past him, Shinon didn't quite believe it but turned to Uhnie who nodded.

"What is it Re'Zin, in case-"

"Kino is not to be trusted."

Shinon turned and sighed "They said that these Sarharan Troops aiding us are actually of The Altar. Some woman who is identified as Mistress is leading them with Peltzm'Jakq and Kino was at their side as well…I never once thought he was to be trusted when I learned who they were."

Re'Zin nodded "There is much more to it than that…where are Soren and Mia?"

"In the Citadel dealing with the big bads and protecting the Numengate King."

Re'Zin stood and mounted his horse again "We have to watch Kino closer than anyone else here…I don't know what he wants but it isn't good."

Shinon nodded and followed Re'Zin as they rejoined the battle.

Ushnae remained high in the sky, looking down on the battle raging in Golsaehr. Closing his eyes he smirked before turning towards the Citadel "So…you've taken me up on my offer?"

Without pause he shot towards the Citadel with a disturbing smile.

Pesh stood staring at Lyle and Zey'Yu with large cuts along his chest staining his skin red.

"Heh…you've grown Lyle…or rather…you've returned."

"Returned?"

Pesh nodded and picked up a blade "This mission was not my idea…but I have little choice…"

Zey'Yu took a step forward but Lyle held his hand out to stop her.

"Are you sure? Your injuries…"

Lyle nodded "Thank you, Zey'Yu…but I have to do this..."

Pesh pointed his blade at Lyle as the swordmaster picked up his own.

Kay'Shera spun her lance and struck Midnight 4 in the chest so hard the lance became stuck. Swinging its clawed hand the Midnight struck Kay'Shera's roc causing Michalis to screech, the woman held on tight as the bird spun out and crashed into the ground.

Midnight 4 began walking towards the fallen Roc when several wind currents struck the giant's back. It turned as Vargas created a compressed air bullet and stared straight into Midnight 4's face.

The Midnight raised its clawed hand as Vargas released the ball, it shot clean through the Midnight's chest. It took several steps back as the ball of wind made a huge arc and came back to Vargas who caught it, spun and shot it out again. This time it blasted through Midnight 4's head, shattering it into pieces as the ball lost its form and exploded.

The large body fell over and Vargas let out a sigh of relief before pulling out a Catharsis Staff and using it on Kay'Shera and Michalis.

Leah clenched his teeth as his blade was knocked away by Zijo Oit before Tyse Erent leapt and kicked Leah in the face, knocking him to the ground.

Helena held her shield up as Tyse Erent's lance shot out and she spun hers in response. As she made to strike the Midnight Sentinel, Zijo Oit moved in and struck her lance aside, causing her to miss before Tyse Erent slashed her with his weapon.

As she stumbled back she spat out the blood gathering in her mouth. "You alright?"

She turned to Leah slightly "Fine…never better…"

To'Eltz stood and leapt towards Tyse Erent who had his back to the Trickster. The man's short sword quickly sunk into Tyse Erent causing him to yell as Zijo Oit moved over "You are far too tenacious for me…"

To'Eltz twisted his blade causing Tyse Erent to struggle with grabbing the man and ripping him off his back. Zijo Oit laughed "I'll help you." Lunging forward, Zijo Oit impaled Tyse Erent in the chest, his blade cut through the Sentinel and through To'Eltz's chest. Upon pulling the weapon out both men fell to the ground.

Quaid turned as his men rallied again, Soren's group left a short while ago. The woman, Eien used her magic to kill the Midnight and it now laid on the ground with Quaid's blade still in its leg.

"Sir." The General turned and saw the blade, he smiled "I've got it, get ready to move.

Quaid walked over to the Midnight and as he kneeled out he heard screams and rips. He stood and turned to see a winged man stick his arm into one of his soldier's chests and rip his heart out. Dropping the organ to the floor Quaid realized all his men were dead.

"Who are you?"

The man turned, half of his face was missing, revealing his skull and a wide eye that was looking through Quaid.

The creature shot at the General and he swung his blade. Quaid's eyes widened as the creature grabbed the blade with its bare hands and ripped it in two.

"My identity matters not to a corpse…"

The creature kicked Quaid in the chest and he shot across the room into a wall. A follow up kick caused the general to break through the wall and roll across the floor of the opposite room where he grabbed another blade as he stood up.

He raised his arm only to realize the creature was next to him with one hand on his neck.

Quaid closed his eyes "My King…"

The creature ripped Quaid's throat out and threw it to the ground as the man fell dead.