Chapter 2: Final Cheer
(Nyx's POV)
Nyx walked outside, followed by Drayden, and the few other officers inside the war room teleported to their positions. "What is your plan, Commander?" Drayden asked as he caught up to her. "You can drop the formalities, Drayden. We've been working together for over a hundred years now, and the situation doesn't call for it." Nyx said as they walked. "Alright, but the question still stands, Nyx." Drayden said as the two platoons of Archers ran around preparing their positions and establishing barriers for the Vanguards.
"The plan is we hold for as long as we can." Nyx said stubbornly as she looked towards him. "That's all? We just hold the line?" He asked, slight shock in his voice. "There is nothing else we can do. There is no hill, valley, or mountain to form a plan around. Only the portal network, that is what we must protect." Nyx said as she looked at the portals behind them. "I understand. I'll get my platoons ready. It was an honor, Seraphina Nyx." He said as he did a bow before leaving her. "The honor was mine, Norrik." Nyx said quietly as she walked towards her company of Vanguards.
Nyx stood before her company of Vanguards, the flickering light of the End, casting long shadows across their helmet shrouded faces. She took a deep breath, her heart swelling with the gravity of the moment. As she began to speak, her voice carried the weight of the unyielding resolve to protect the other realms.
"Vanguards, today we stand on the brink of history. For millennia, we have upheld our oath to protect the End's portals, maintaining peace and safeguarding our realm. But today, we face a enemy we thought defeated long ago. The Voidwalkers, relentless in their pursuit to conquer and power. We are outnumbered, we have known peace for millennia. But we are the Gatekeepers, sworn to protect the portals, and today, we must go beyond our oath. I will not lie to you, this will likely be our final battle, but our sacrifice will not be in vain. We fight not only for the End, but for the safety of all other realms. The Void Lord has already taken hold of three end crystals, we can not let him have the portals. Eclipse will disrupt the portal network at its core, buying precious time for the rest of the End to establish their defences. Now, it is up to us to hold the line and hold back the darkness. Remember who you are, Gatekeepers. Warriors trained to defend the portals at all costs. Your swords, maces, shields, and bows, with your very lives. Are the bulwarks against this tide of destruction. Use every ounce of your strength and every skill you've honed. Stand with your brothers and sisters, protect them, and fight with the ferocity and honor that defines us. We may not stop the Voidwalkers, but we will make them regret ever stepping foot in our domain. We will show them the true might of the Gatekeepers and the indomitable spirit of the End. For every fallen comrade, we will fight back with double the fury. Today, we forge a legacy of courage and sacrifice that will echo through the ages. We will not let the Voidwalkers conquer any other realm. Fight with honor, fight with courage, and let our battle cry be heard across the realms. For the End! For the portals! And for the future!" Seraphina yelled as she raised her mace high, and a roar of determination rose from the Vanguards and archers. United, by her words, they prepared to face the oncoming storm with unwavering resolve.