Finally, we're here! Not much else to say but LETS GO!

Chapter Fifty Six

Midnight Bastion: Blood Sun

Compared to the blood being spilled and the endless sounds of warfare on the exterior; the interior of the Midnight Bastion was deathly silent.

Soren glanced to his allies; everyone exchanged quick nods and proceeded through the chambers before them.

Mia's ear twitched and she turned "Someone is nearby."

The group looked ahead to a large ornate open doorway leading to a massive dining hall. Soren realized the Bastion's interior was heavily based off the Numengate Citadel that once stood here.

As they continued walking forward Wayu, Janie, Mikel and Leena kept their eyes on the doors to their sides. Some were slightly ajar while others were completely open revealing long hallways or stairs going to the balconies above the dining hall.

Soren remembered the massive hall where Shinon engaged Unotch; it was much like this except without the tables and chairs.

Upon hearing an arrow being pulled along a bowstring Soren sighed "I wish the similarities had ended there."

Quickly the group fell aside as an arrow whizzed by and passed cleanly through a cup on one the tables.

Soren got up quickly and let loose a powerful air current in the direction of the attack. Mia grabbed him and pulled him to the floor again as an arrow shot towards him from the completely opposite direction.

As the Archsage hit the floor he shook his head "Impossible. How did he get over there?"

Janie looked up and saw nothing above them, the balconies were all empty. "Either this person is very fast or we are dealing with multiple enemies."

Mia shook her head "I only hear one."

Mikel groaned "We can't find him if we're stuck here!"

Mia called out quickly and the group got up and ran in opposite directions as several more arrows shot through the air.

Janie and Soren fired out with their magic as Mia used her Branded Fire.

Leena hit Mikel "Use your bow and arrow!"

"This guy is an ace! I have no idea where he is!"

Mia tilted her head as she saw a strange figure in the air turn and head towards her. Upon moving aside she saw it was another arrow. In a low voice she muttered "That's it."

Turning she looked up at the ceiling as more arrows fired towards her.

"Mia!" Soren called.

The woman smiled and avoided the arrows before unleashing Branded fire behind her towards the top of the open doorway they passed through.

Sure enough she hit someone who brushed the flames off and chuckled.

The group now faced their enemy whose body was covered in black armor and it carried a massive bow.

"You are much smarter than I was initially led to believe…"

Upon closer inspection Mikel noticed what was speaking to them "It's another Midnight!"

Sure enough the Midnight jumped off the balcony and landed several feet from them "Midnight 1…at your disservice."

Soren and Mia glanced at each other quickly; both noticed that this Midnight was vastly different from the ones before it. For starters it spoke much more clearly and human-like compared to previous ones and the left portion of its helmet was missing revealing a human eye and red hair.

"What do you think this means?" Mia asked.

Soren shook his head "They know that we know Midnights were once human…but that can't be the only reason"

"The reasons do not matter. I am here to kill as many of you as I can…"

Quickly the Midnight brought up his bow and fired, Soren then realized why they couldn't pinpoint the origin of the archer: the arrows were curving and changing trajectory midflight.

The group struggled to avoid the homing arrows as Midnight 1 pulled out a knife strapped to his side and charged the distracted Emissaries.

"Mikel!" The warrior quickly flipped back as Midnight 1's knife narrowly missed him. Leena charged in but swung at air as the Midnight moved away and released another volley of arrows.

This time Soren used his wind magic to push them away and into the walls. Janie followed this by ripping up the earth below Midnight 1's feet.

As the Midnight jumped into the air Mia launched after him. The foe was able to block her attack and Wayu's lance glanced off of his armored shoulder.

Using her free hand Mia blasted the Midnight with flames causing him to break away and hit the ground where Mikel and Leena were upon him.

As he struck them both aside a torrent of air slammed into his chest and brought him into a wall. As Soren held the Midnight there a voice came to him "What are you doing?"

Soren shook his head but the voice continued "You have no time to waste with that Midnight! Get moving!"

The Midnight raised one fist and destroyed the wall it was pinned to. "You won't defeat me!"

Midnight 1 shot through the rubble towards Soren only for dark magic to slam into its side. The Midnight skidded across the floor and used its knife to deflect Wayu's lance several times before jumping and kicking the Halberd.

Mikel's axe rammed into the Midnight's back and brought him to the ground. "What now?" The warrior yelled only to notice Midnight 1's fingers still moving.

Mikel looked up to see several arrows frozen in the air turn towards him.

"Shit!" Mikel moved aside as the arrows shot towards him, two managed to get him in the arm while the others continued zipping towards the rest of the Emissaries.

Mia and Leena cut through two of them while the last shattered against Wayu's shield.

Midnight 1 stood and pulled his bow out again. Soren and Janie readied their tomes only for a massive black hand to slam Midnight 1 into the ground.

"Eien! To'Eltz!" Leena yelled.

The Trickster charged past Eien as she lifted her magic off of the Midnight. Midnight 1 got up quickly and turned, using its bow to stop To'Eltz knife.

"More challengers?"

To'Eltz's eyes widened "That voice…"

Noticing the grip on his knife weaken, Midnight 1 disarmed To'Eltz and struck him along the side of his head with the bow. As To'Eltz stumbled back Midnight 1 jumped and used both legs to kick the Trickster in the chest.

Janie, Soren and Eien unleashed their magic as To'Eltz fell to the ground. "Not happening!" Midnight 1 shot one arrow into the ground that then exploded, throwing the Midnight into the air and out of the magic's range.

While in midair Midnight 1 fired more arrows with its bow and Soren called out "Eien! To'Eltz! These arrows will follow you! Destroy them!"

To'Eltz got up slowly as a dozen arrows shot through the skies heading towards his allies. The Trickster then turned to see Midnight 1 clinging to a wall and watching the carnage.

"It can't be…"

"Bring them down!" Hrodath called to his snipers. The men bowed and fired into the sky at the approaching wyvern riders.

A guard ran to Hrodath's side "The ballistae are ready my King!"

"Then let loose!"

As the battle continued outside and more wyverns fell out of the sky, Deshler narrowed his eyes "How will I become King. He won't fall in battle…he is too strong for these Midnight soldiers"

"Deshler? Are you well?"

The man turned to Gemma who was looking at him with a worried expression "I assume you don't like being here. I don't blame you, I'd rather be back at the castle myself."

Deshler nodded as Gemma continued "It would have been so much easier if the royalty didn't come to the battlefield…but with the Midnight destroying the Numengate Citadel no one assumed they'd be safe in their castles."

Realizing he hadn't spoken the man coughed "I'm fine my Queen. If anything I'm worried about my King's safety. He is at the front of this assault."

Gemma nodded "Indeed…but he is strong. While I myself am concerned I believe in my husband's strength."

Deshler smiled before turning to peer outside again. One hand came to the knife Taer'Vix forced onto him. The man of the Altar's words came to him "We'll handle the King. The Queen is your responsibility."

"Ike!" The legend turned as Mertre landed next to him "I just saw Regalshin's army engage the Midnight behind the Bastion they looked to be under intense cannon fire."

Ike nodded "Everyone is here then. The Royal Ring, the Altar and the Midnight…this is as good a chance to end everything at once."

Orkra moved over to Ike's side "I know we're on an important mission but-"

"Regalshin." Ike muttered as Orkra nodded "It's my home and Duke is responsible for the loss of my countrymen in falsely pursuing Soren and Mia…it is an issue that I have to resolve."

Ike turned to the path the group was going then looked back at Orkra "You can't go back alone."

"She won't." Zihark approached the pair "I'll go as well."

Ike looked to the group around him before facing Orkra and Zihark "I have to tell you something very, very important before you go."

Orkra and Zihark nodded before the Legend continued "During my fight with Norad Jyuugo he told me a few things. I still don't understand all his reasons but he saw fit to divulge Gorm's complete alliance with the Midnight and Duke's identity."

Orkra swallowed as Ike spoke "The Duke of the Royal Ring is King Gaelon. Jyuugo made it perfectly clear that he was not lying to me."

Zihark narrowed his eyes "The King is Duke…Gorm is of the Midnight and Yushez was a monster…what happened to Regalshin's hierarchy?"

Orkra sighed "I can't answer that…but I can fight to repair it. We now have a target; our job will become a lot easier from here on.

Ike approached his old comrade and extended his hand "Be safe Zihark."

The Trueblade grinned as he shook Ike's hand then moved to Orkra's side. "We'll take care of Duke and maybe even Gorm if we get around to it…the rest of you are going to be facing just as bad if not worse odds."

Ranulf laughed "What's new?"

Turning away Orkra and Zihark nodded to the group "Good luck."

Ike continued along with Titania, Ranulf, Mertre, Rhogam and Tyazaer while Zihark and Orkra began heading towards the Regalshin army.

"King Gaelon." Orkra whispered.

"We can take him." Zihark stated with Orkra shaking her head "I'm not so sure."

Zihark smiled "I am. He's going down."

"Cover!" Leena yelled as she jumped away from several arrows that gave off a glow before erupting in flames.

Midnight 1 jumped down towards Wayu who quickly brought her shield up. His attack forced the Halberd to the floor and his knife pierced her shield. She saw the end of the blade near her face and used all her might to push Midnight 1 off of her.

As he landed she pulled the knife out and tossed it aside while Janie blasted Midnight 1 with a dark force.

To'Eltz charged the man who once again used his bow to stop the Trickster's knife.

Mia approached from behind and swung Ein'Tosen at the Midnight's back. Acting quickly Midnight 1 broke away from To'Eltz and rolled aside. Ein'Tosen hit the ground and Midnight 1 turned to strike Mia only for Mikel to tackle the being to the floor.

As the pair rolled to their feet Soren's magic and Leena's blade struck Midnight 1's back.

"Wait!"

Soren turned to see the command came from To'Eltz.

Midnight 1 stood and leapt away from the group as To'Eltz approached Soren. "Wayu let me see that knife."

Wayu looked at Soren and Mia who nodded slowly.

Upon receiving the weapon To'Eltz examined it carefully and sighed. "I know who this is."

Eien looked at the Midnight then back at To'Eltz "Who the Midnight is?"

To'Eltz looked up "Its Jyim'Son."

The Midnight remained still as Mia approached To'Eltz "Your partner…the same Jyim'Son who was killed by the Dune Guard before we met you?"

To'Eltz nodded "No mistaking it, the voice, his bow play and his knife."

Midnight 1 scoffed "I am no longer a human. I am a weapon with access to a very skilled human's abilities I'd never stoop so low as to allow you to tell me who I am."

"I know who you are!" To'Eltz screamed.

The room fell silent as Midnight 1 held his hand out "Give me my knife."

Soren was about to say something but upon seeing the look in To'Eltz eyes he knew he couldn't convince the trickster otherwise. Slowly To'Eltz approached Midnight 1 and put the knife in his hand. He then looked at the Midnight's exposed eye "You are Jyim'Son. I know it."

Midnight 1 chuckled and took the knife from To'Eltz before moving quickly in an attempt to stab the Trickster. To'Eltz brought out his own knife and stopped the attack.

Eien cut in with a spell that forced Midnight 1 to jump away and bring his bow to bear.

"Soren! Mia!" To'Eltz yelled "Leave Jyim'Son to me."

"To'Eltz! We can't do that!" Mia yelled back.

To'Eltz turned to face them "I've fought Jyim'Son many times in the past, even now his attempt to stab me, I've seen it before. We can't all be distracted by him! There are much more important matters to attend to!"

Soren turned to the rest of the Emissaries then to Mia who looked down "I don't want to go either Mia…but he's right. There are much more important things that we have to resolve."

As To'Eltz spun his blade the Emissaries ran to the end of the room with Soren stopping and turning one last time.

Before the Archsage could speak To'Eltz cut him off "I've never been one for friends…I know you were the same once. I only had Jyim'Son but after meeting all of you and going through all of this together, I've learned this one simple thing: being close to people…having friends…"

With a small laugh To'Eltz finished "It's nice."

The trickster then charged for Midnight 1 as he released half a dozen arrows now headed for the one target.

"Nearly there. Now I just-"

Re'Zin stopped as he saw a pair of Pozem soldiers drop dead near him. Blood poured out of their gaping neck wounds causing Re'Zin to fall to the ground as well "Shit"

Remaining silent he scanned the immediate area before looking ahead. Within a matter of minutes he would reach the Pozem Brigade but something far worse had beaten him there.

"Queen Talia!" The woman looked up to see a Pegasus land near her convoy.

"Oh, Eyre…" Talia fell silent as Eyre jumped off the Pegasus. The woman had many cuts and bruises all along her body including one deep cut above her left eye.

"Don't worry about me my Queen. I've come to report that my scouts high in the sky have confirmed the Regalshin army is engaged behind the Midnight Bastion."

Vassaan turned to stare at the massive castle before him "So everyone is here."

"Even more reason to remain vigilant." Wilt muttered.

"That is good to hear. Now Eyre, please, there are bishops standing by."

The woman was about to refuse but noticed the look on Talia's face and bowed "Yes my Queen."

With his Altar training and history with Jyim'Son backing him up, To'Eltz was easily able to navigate the massive dining hall and evade the waves of arrows coming from Midnight 1. He recognized the patterns of all the attacks and with blade in hand he cut through the ones that were attempting to force him in a different direction.

To'Eltz soon realized many of the arrows he was avoiding were doubling back and heading for his backside. Relying on instinct and awareness he found himself hitting the ground more often and throwing chairs and tables behind him to cover himself.

All the while Midnight 1 maintained his distance from To'Eltz. "He is faster than I remember…the second we clashed he moved out again to try and catch me off guard. Even now he prefers to use his bow. If I can get in close I'll have the advantage."

Just as To'Eltz cut through another arrow, Midnight 1 flashed and was in his face. Withdrawing To'Eltz took a savage knee to his crossed arms. He felt the pain in his left arm reverberate through his right before being blown several feet back.

As he skidded to a halt he quickly jumped aside to avoid the rebound arrows still gunning for him.

"One correction…he is much faster than I remember. I'll need to pay closer attention to him and be ready at all times."

As the former members of the Altar continued their stealthy and ruthless tactics against each other another pair of warriors continued their road north.

"Fire!" A general yelled as countless flaming catapults let loose behind him. The rear defenses of the Bastion were strong, no matter how many cannons the Regalshin army managed to destroy there were more still firing on their position.

In addition to the artillery several large brigades of Midnight soldiers poured out of the Bastion while countless aerial troops of wyverns soared in from above.

Gorm kept watch from above with Shadow Gungnir at the ready. The Impenetrable Wall narrowed his eyes as the Midnight Wyverns began to draw closer.

"Gorm!" The wyvern lord turned to the general below who continued "We need a section of your riders to break off and head to the eastern end of the forward line, they're being assaulted by far too many griffon knights!"

Gorm looked back up before calling back to the general "We have wyverns approaching, they'll be here soon, get the ballistae on them, we can't afford to lose hold on the aerial battle!"

The general turned and began relaying the orders as Gorm raised his weapon "Eastern division, with me!"

"Nephenee! Watch out!" The Sentinel dove aside as arrows from an unknown source flew past her and killed the men behind her. As she rolled to her feet Tyse crash landed next to her.

Preparing her shield she blocked a blow from an incoming wyvern rider. As the soldier flew off and started turning around Kay'Shera and Michalis shot past him with the Roc Knight's lance piercing the man's chest.

As Nephenee moved in next to Leah and began taking out another group of Midnight troops she noticed something out of place. "Leah. Did you hear that?"

The trueblade killed another man and turned "Hear what?"

Nephenee pointed to a fallen man with an arrow in his head "A voice warned me of danger before killing these men…it wasn't Shinon."

"Earth Sages!" Leah and Nephenee retreated as a massive boulder crashed into the ground where they were standing. Rhys swung his arm releasing a stream of light magic that curved around the stone and slammed into the sage hiding behind it.

As the sage attempted to escape Mist cut him off and slashed through him with her blade. Hearing hooves she noticed several enemy paladins emerging from the Bastion.

"How many could there possibly be?" Heather called out, extremely frustrated.

Zey'Yu ran past her "Enough for me to take the lead in kills."

As Zey'Yu leapt onto one of the horses and killed the rider Heather rolled her eyes "Not happening!"

As she prepared to move she noticed another knight ride by and kill a pair of enemy paladins.

"What the? Who are you?"

The horse came to a stop and neighed loudly before turning around. The Knight smiled at Heather "Well, when did you get here?"

A huge expression of shock came over Heather's face "Oscar!"

Hearing that Boyd turned in their direction "Oscar!?"

"Boyd! Behind you!" The Reaver jumped away as his would be attackers fell dead from several arrow bolts. "Thanks Shinon!"

The marksman landed near him "That wasn't me."

The pair turned as a young man approached with a smile while spinning his bow "Geez, took you all forever to notice us."

"Rolf!" Shinon and Boyd yelled in unison.

Shinon approached his student "How did you…when did you-"

Rolf held up one of his hands as Oscar rode over and joined the brothers "Clearly there isn't much time to talk."

The four noticed all the enemies closing in on them as Oscar spoke "Let's deal with these men first…then a proper reunion."

Boyd slammed his chest and roared "Alright then! Let's show these sons of bitches the power of the Brothers' Triangle Attack!"

Oscar and Rolf nodded in agreement while Shinon chuckled "Just like old times."

Behind the Midnight Bastion Zihark and Orkra kept watch as a squadron of Midnight Griffon Knights descended on a troop of Regalshin soldiers. The pair also watched as various detachments of Wyvern Riders patrolling the skies over the army, it was very difficult to discern the Regalshin wyverns from the Midnight wyverns, Orkra thought about the possibilities of friendly fire and shook her head.

Waves of ballistae bolts emerged from the Bastion's rear gates. The heavy weapons were threatening Regalshin's wyverns but the Northern Army's cannons and catapults were destroying them faster than they could fire.

Orkra narrowed her eyes "I can't see Gorm…he must be further back."

Zihark scanned the horizon "Where is the King and Queen's caravan?"

Orkra looked to the rest of the army "It's embroidered with the Regalshin Crest, you can't miss it. As part of our plans we keep it in the back surrounded by our best soldiers. I still can't believe that I pledged my life and blade to a traitor…"

Zihark sighed "We put our trust in so many people and unfortunately it doesn't always pan out for us in the end…but that doesn't make us bad people."

Orkra turned to the man and nodded with a small smile. After a short silence Zihark pointed to the sky and Orkra turned to see Gorm in his unmistakable blood red cape surrounded by several more wyverns. The detachment was heading their way and Orkra gripped her blade tighter.

"Here he comes…"

Zihark put a hand on her shoulder "We know he is an enemy but Duke is more important."

Orkra breathed out slowly "We still have to make ourselves known. Best way to get to the King and Queen."

Zihark shook his head "Last I checked I was a terrorist and you were a deserter. Even with them know understanding the Midnight threat-"

"We can't sneak past an army."

At Orkra's statement Zihark scratched the back of his head "Alright then. Let's go."

To'Eltz hit a wall as a table next to him exploded. Bits of metal and wood shot around the area as the trickster dashed through the remains and strewn about chairs heading straight for Midnight 1 who was pulling back on his bowstring again "You are making a big mistake."

Despite the Midnight's statement and firing an arrow To'Eltz ran right through it; clenching his teeth as the arrow dug into his shoulder. Seeing this Midnight 1 prepared to jump back only for To'Eltz to grab his shoulders and knee him in the stomach.

Quickly arming himself To'Eltz followed up with several vicious slashes against the Midnight's armor. Despite leaving visible scratches Midnight 1 easily reached for his blade and began countering To'Eltz strikes.

However this was exactly what the Trickster wanted. "His speed carries over to his swordplay. However, it isn't refined..."

With an internal chuckle To'Eltz continued countering Midnight 1's blade "Focusing on his elegance and specialty, his bow play even now. It's the one thing I kept telling you Jyim'Son and its likely what got you killed in the first place."

To'Eltz found his way through Midnight 1's guard and grabbed the being's bow. Quickly leaping away the Trickster hurled it aside. Midnight 1 began his chase of the bow only for To'Eltz to cut him off and sneak the blade between his arm plates. The trickster's weapon cut deep into Midnight 1's elbow before his free arm found its way to Midnight 1's neck. Craning his arm into a hook To'Eltz grappled the Midnight and brought it to the ground, taking the Midnight's blade for his own.

To'Eltz raised the blade above his head and aimed it to Midnight 1's exposed eye.

"Nothing?"

Eien shook her head before turning away from the Emissaries. The group was still working its way through the rooms and halls of the Midnight Bastion. The vast emptiness made no sense to Soren who constantly questioned "Where are the soldiers who are pouring out of the Bastion?"

No one had an answer but everyone realized nothing made sense.

Mia sighed "Once again…nothing…we can continue moving this way but remain alert. The Midnight have to have something in waiting for us."

Just as she finished Soren fell to his knees and gripped his head. The group turned in alarm with Mia coming to his side.

"I'm almost there."

"Soren!"

Just as quickly as it came the pain was gone. Soren looked up to see the concerned faces of his friends and sighed "It was nothing."

"Are you sure?" Leena questioned to which the Archsage remained silent.

"Soren?"

Before Mia could continue a figure appeared before them, as the black aura faded away they found themselves facing the Midnight's Apothecary.

"I thank you all for coming here and bringing me what I desire."

Mikel spat and took a step forward, bringing his axe to bear "We've brought nothing for you but pain! So get ready cause this is hot death coming through!"

The Apothecary remained still as he spoke "It truly is…though not as you might imagine it."

"Nias! There is no way Ushnae could have convinced you that this was right!" Eien called out.

A low chuckle came from the Apothecary "You were all wrong. The youthful, idealistic warriors of the Dark Days of War…Nias, Ulmeihn, Mazear, Ushnae and you…you were all wrong, pursuing a foolish dream no man, woman or child would ever be worthy of. I'm in charge now, I'm serving my master faithfully and we will accomplish what no one else ever could."

Holding up one finger he continued "However. We did encounter one small obstacle. Something we thought was completely negligible."

His finger then drifted to Janie "Night Shade. Had we known what you would become…ah well…I'm giving you this one opportunity to save any more of your friends from death. Come with me."

Janie narrowed her eyes and brought up Goetia "The Midnight has given everything to get this far…you aren't going to spare anyone no matter what I do. I'm going to stare death in the face with my friends…and beat him. So do me a favor and go to hell!"

The Apothecary nodded slowly "Very well…we've dealt with your constant insurrection and rebellion up to this point…what's a little more?"

Before any of them could speak the Apothecary vanished and in his place came dozens of Midnight soldiers.

The Emissaries prepared their weapons with Soren and Mia calling out "Attack!"

"Get back!" Ranulf roared as he slammed into a Midnight soldier. As the man fell Titania and her mount charged past and with a mighty swing of her axe she cut down another man.

Tyazaer soon followed the woman, lance easily cutting down more enemies while Rhogam kept back and used his bow to bring down a roc rider.

Mertre flew past the falling mount and rider to gore another while Ike charged through the dead bodies below with Ragnell at the ready, Alondite across his back and Dyeshein hooked to his side.

"Ike!" The legend turned to see Mist atop her mount galloping towards him. She came to a stop and wore a smile despite her cuts and bruises "Great to see you finally arrived!"

Ike nodded "Indeed. The Regalshin army has also engaged behind the Bastion. Everyone is here"

Mist smiled as two men approached Ike from behind, turning he couldn't help but laugh "Everyone."

Rolf and Oscar gave him small waves and large smiles with the younger brother speaking "Great to see you, commander."

Ike sighed "It didn't occur to me to recruit the two of you when I was heading towards the Numengate Citadel the first time."

Oscar nodded "No need to worry Commander…we knew there were some heavy things going on…despite my reservations I knew we had to join the fight once the shield around Numengate fell."

"I was onboard from the mere suggestion." Rolf added.

Ike examined the surrounding forces "I do see that there are a few of us missing…Soren and Mia?"

Mist turned to the combat behind her "Soren, Mia and several of their Troop members proceeded inside to find the Fell Lord. We're not sure-"

A loud explosion was heard causing four once-mercenaries to turn towards the Bastion. On one of the higher mid-levels a giant fireball burst out of the castle walls, followed by another. As the smoke cleared a burning hole was left behind. Pieces of the Bastion fell to the corpse filled ground below.

Ike smirked "I think that's where they are."

"Are you going in as well?" Mist asked quickly to which Ike nodded "I have to."

As Ike spun Ragnell about he called down Mertre "The Altar is still out here." Zey'Yu stated as she landed near the Legend.

"We can't see them but I can feel them. One in particular is very strong."

Ike turned to her "The leader…Peltzm'Jakq."

A man fell near them with a knife in his throat as Heather approached them "Please, no assassin is too much for us. We have Volke."

The Legend turned to the combat, he could see all his allies in battle except Volke "That's true…someone bring him to me."

"I'm friendly!" Re'Zin called out as he held his arms up. "I'm in service to Anondye's Queen Talia! I've come here with her blessings to speak with your King and Queen! It's urgent!"

The Pozem elite came to him with weapons at the ready. Re'Zin placed his bow and sword on the ground before him "Please, they're in danger we don't have much time."

From within the caravan Deshler saw Re'Zin speaking with the guards and within a few minutes they were escorting him, armed again, towards the caravan.

Deshler swallowed and cursed "The Altar had better clean up this mess…this isn't my responsibility!"

"Taer'Vix." The assassin grinned as Org'Eeris approached him. The pair shook hands and turned in the direction of the Anondye army.

"How do you want to do this Org'Eeris?"

The Trickster scratched his chin "Our lives are forfeit…so let's do it as brutishly as possible."

Taer'Vix smiled and chuckled to himself "Excellent."

"Don't let up! Let them have it!" Hrodath called as his soldiers slammed against the Undead horde and continued to rip through their numbers.

"King Hrodath! We have a report!"

The King of Pozem turned to see four messengers and urged them to speak. As they opened their mouths a shadow slipped past them. Hrodath quickly brought his axe up to stop a savage blade.

The four messengers fell dead; all of their necks were slashed open.

"King Hrodath of Pozem…for stopping my blade I honor you with my name. I am the Altar's master: Peltzm'Jakq."

Hrodath now looked at the savage man's scarred face as he flashed his razor sharp teeth and smiled "I'd also like to let you know that I'll be the one to take your life."

"Humans are imperfect…despite their bravado they carry the most intrusive and obvious flaws."

To'Eltz clenched his teeth as his blade came to a stop near Midnight 1's eye. "Why can't I-"

The Midnight blinked as To'Eltz tried to force himself to finish the fight "It isn't Jyim'Son. It isn't Jyim'Son. He's dead. He died. This is not my friend before me."

The Midnight seemed to chuckle before the lower portion of its helmet opened up revealing a human mouth and nose. He then spoke "I am Jyim'Son…but I am also greater than Jyim'Son in every way possible and despite what you say…there is a part of your flawed logic that believes it."

Arm shooting forward Midnight 1 grabbed To'Eltz throat and lifted the man high up as he stood. The glowing red eye on Midnight 1's right seemed to glow brighter as he crushed To'Eltz throat. "You had victory…yet as a heavily flawed man of flesh you let it go."

Midnight 1 threw To'Eltz to the ground and held out his arm before whispering "Yewfelle."

Back in Castle Anondye, Eminse was at peace with her baby in her arms. The little one had fallen asleep and the woman looked on exhausted. Reclam was nearby drinking his fill while Iltar'Elm stood against a wall, no doubt thinking of the battle he wasn't a part of.

The sniper looked up quickly "Did you hear that?"

Eminse and Iltar'Elm turned to see Yewfelle on the floor. Eminse swore to herself they left it propped up against the wall. The Emissaries did not need it as they had Goetia, Dyeshein, Balmung and Gore Eye. Originally it was to be To'Eltz's weapon but Eien changed her position at the last second.

As Iltar'Elm prepared to speak the weapon shot past them and tore through the wall.

The two remained silent as Reclam dropped his bottle and fell to the floor.

To'Eltz stood up as a portion of the wall exploded. A large bow came to Midnight 1's outstretched hand. The very second he had it in his grasp he fired an arrow of light that pierced To'Eltz forearm.

As the trickster stumbled Midnight 1 charged him and spun Yewfelle before viciously striking To'Eltz chin from below. The former member of the Altar's head snapped back as Midnight 1 jumped and kicked To'Eltz against the wall.

"Yewfelle is second nature to me…even now."

Midnight 1 brought his free arm up to the right side of his face and detached the portion of armor with the red eye. As it hit the ground To'Eltz looked up to see Jyim'Son's now completely visible face as well as noticing that the man's real right eye was removed prior to the armor being embedded in him.

"With this bow…I have no need for sight…it does it for me."

"You have to know who you truly are…who you truly were." To'Eltz coughed.

Midnight 1 smiled "I do know…I was in service to the Altar against them and the Midnight, which was wrong. The Midnight will bring us true peace. The Midnight will bring us truth. Truth in stillness and Truth in silence…"

To'Eltz got up only for Midnight 1 to shoot another arrow through his leg. However the Trickster refused to go down causing Midnight 1 to scoff.

To'Eltz was about to speak when another shot went through his kneecap and caused him to roar in pain before falling to the ground.

"I am not Jyim'Son. I am Midnight 1. A sad fact that you can only accept as I take your life from you…"

To'Eltz looked up to Midnight 1's face as he brought he bow up "Jyim'Son was willing to give everything for the truth. The real truth, it was his truth that brought me to his side and I knew that I wanted to stay by him. Not as his ally or friend but as a man. A man who knew that the truth he sought was not only a peace for himself or his country but a peace for everyone. Even those like me who didn't deserve it…"

Midnight 1 tilted his head "Are you done?"

To'Eltz kept his eyes on the being before him and nodded slowly. As Midnight 1 fired another arrow, To'Eltz reached into his shoe and shot forward.

"Orn Oshwa, Ernrile, Vassaan, To'Eltz and Jyim'Son…"

The assassin smiled to himself "The names of Ymarkteg's new heroes."

To'Eltz shook his head "You are far too optimistic for your own good. Getting all of us together will do nothing to convince the entire world that we are right."

Jyim'Son laughed as he took out a canteen "Vassaan is the highest ranked senator in Anondye's court and has Talia's ear. He believes us and she believes him. We'll have our light of truth expanded greatly with her at our side."

As Jyim'Son took a drink To'Eltz grinned "Light of truth eh?"

Jyim'Son handed his friend the canteen "It sounds right…besides we do know that the Altar is essentially a black sickness, a mass of darkness within the land that no one truly knows about. We're going to expose it and everything else making our world ill. They are the darkness and we-"

To'Eltz swallowed and finished "…we are the light."

After a short silence the trickster laughed "You certainly have the ridiculous lines of an ancient 'Hero of Justice' just like in those old stories."

"Oh? You've read those stories?"

"Ye-NO!" To'Eltz quickly yelled as Jyim'Son broke out in laughter and took the canteen back.

The two sat on a large dune in Sarhara looking out over the hot desert as the sun set.

"Tomorrow we begin heading for Anondye and all of this will end."

To'Eltz spotted Jyim'Son holding the Orichalcum above his head.

"What will we do after this is all over?"

Jyim'Son put the stone away and shrugged "Make friends. Find wives. Get married. Have kids. Live."

To'Eltz remained silent as the desert around them began to grow dark "Live"

"You'll be fine To'Eltz. Once this is over you can forget To'Eltz the man of the Altar and become To'Eltz the man from Sora. Be happy…live life."

To'Eltz looked to Jyim'Son as the assassin handed him the canteen again.

Taking it To'Eltz sighed "Live."

To'Eltz watched as Midnight 1 stumbled back, the knife sunk up to the hilt in his throat. Coughing blood the Midnight fell to one knee.

"We didn't deserve that right." To'Eltz stated wearily.

The one eye of the Midnight looked up to the Trickster.

"We've killed so many people…completing our task and living. Loving. Marrying. We didn't deserve any of that."

The Midnight remained still as To'Eltz continued.

"We were agents of death, tricked and used or not we carried out the missions. Waking up one day and realizing that you are a monster…setting out to fix the way things are…that isn't enough. It should never be enough."

Coughing blood the Midnight spoke "Why?"

To'Eltz remained silent as the Midnight blinked slowly "We were never the light. We were born into darkness…the light had to come from afar. My friends they are the lights that will rid the world of darkness."

To'Eltz chuckled to himself as he listened to the very words he once mocked.

"We could do whatever we wanted but our final destination was not a happy life. It was not a life we could live out in the wake of the innocent men and women we've killed. It couldn't be and it should never be."

The Midnight blinked and coughed again before falling onto its back.

Sighing To'Eltz resumed speaking "Death. That is the only thing we deserved. We did what we could to fix all that we've done but in the end our deaths were also necessary. Despite all our actions we were also plaguing the world. Like everything else we needed to disappear to allow the light to shine."

The room, once an elegant dining hall now had craters all around, no table or chair remained undamaged. Even the walls and ceilings were covered in arrows and holes from the strikes that exploded.

To'Eltz noticed blood bubbling from the Midnight's throat as the one eye reverted to that of a normal human.

"You're right…"

With that Jyim'Son closed his eyes and died again.

To'Eltz stumbled back and hit a wall.

He looked up to where he knew the rest of the Emissaries were.

A steady stream of blood came running down from his lips to his chin before dripping to the floor.

To'Eltz slumped against the wall and fell to the ground as everything around him became dark and fuzzy.

"From the darkness that I was born…I return…"

With a smile To'Eltz closed his eyes and died.