It's a little past the first of April but Zarrelion came through in the end to offer any of you Sabaton fans something to smile at. Things have been kinda hectic on my end of things as I imagine things are on your end. It'd be nice to hear from you guys to know you're all okay. Hope this little snippet of nonsense can act as a pick me up and hopefully if things improve I can release a chapter, though I wonder if more of my typical doom and gloom is really something people would be into reading around this time.

Anywho, hope you're all safe.

It was rare to see so many soldiers gathered in a single place during the afternoon at Fort Evergrande that didn't involve drill, a battle, PT or some other sundry military related duty. The large stage with drums, sound equipment and assorted trappings of a live band performance indicated that something different was about to take place.

Chattering broke out among the enlisted young men and women of the HLC as they eagerly awaited the for the performance to start. The roadies on stage ignored the uniformed crowd and continued setting up and testing the sound equipment. Munitions boxes and ammunition belts were scattered around to further add to the martial flair of the stage.

Several minutes later, spotlights pierced the dusk air and illuminated a burly man in a ballistic vest, combat helmet and aviator sunglasses as he stepped out onto the stage to heavy drumbeats in the cadence of a military march. The crowd cheered as he held up his mic.

"To all the brave soldiers of the HLC, we of Black Iron salute you!" the lead singer said.

"Joaquin! Joaquin! Joaquin!" The roar of the crowd drowned out the martial drums.

"And in honor of the veterans of the Battle of Mount Moon, we of Black Iron present, 'Into the Abyss'!"

The crowd roared its approval. Joaquin looked over the crowd. Some of the gathered soldiers had patches on their uniforms indicating that they had fought at Mount Moon.

"Are you ready!?" Joaquin roared.

The crowd cheered, whistled and clapped.

An ethereal, shimmering guitar chord backed up by slow drums started up. Joaquin clutched the mic and began singing.

Six men on a mission

Earthen maw, Zubats swarm in silence

Men accustomed to burning violence.

The crowd cheered. Some of the soldiers pumped their fists as they hollered for more. A fierce drum hit and a vicious guitar riff was the band's reply. Joaquin obliged, his rough Orrean accent and gruff baritone providing a perfect accompaniment to the aggressive lyrics.

Death in darkness looms,

Men of steel lead the way,

Slithering green flames, Zubat will pay!

A brilliant flash lit up the afternoon as the four strobe lights hidden inside the ammunition crates simultaneously went off, mimicking an explosion.

The crowd roared its approval as the drums slowed down slightly.

Firepower, firelight!

Keep the morale steady, burning rage ignite.

Into the dark, led by the men of steel.

Fate of the Zubat they will seal!

The last line was punctuated by several drum hits and a rather long guitar solo. Again, the crowd hooted and cheered in appreciation.

Death on their back,

Hunters in a pack

Dragonbreath at their call,

Their cry, exterminate all!

At the last bellowed verse, the gathered soldiers roared their approval. The air was soon filled with the voices of adrenaline charged servicemembers chanting Joaquin's name.

Joaquin smiled. "We are just getting started! And now, in honor of the heroic Hoennese farmers and the brave soldiers of LaRousse and the HLC at the Battle of Route 123, Joaquin Broyden and Black Iron proudly present, 'Rushing Death'!"

Cries of "Black Iron!" and "Joaquin!" echoed throughout Fort Evergrande. So great was the energy and passion of the that it seemed like it could singlehandedly turn the tide of the war against Uxie and Ho-Oh.