[I can't believe I still have stuff in my head to continue writing this. Still no writer's block yet! Wheeee! Running out of country names, gonna steal some from Escaflowne!]
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The Royal house of Saillune was aghast at the news; the allied coastal nations were none too happy about it either. The forces at the river near the Darkwood forests were the vanguard for any possible offensive from the combined armies of Saillune, Zefilia, Asturia, Basram and Daedalus. Everyone knew this.
The council of Coastal kingdoms had gathered together in Saillune to hear news of the battle bickered among themselves constantly as the reports from the survivors were given. Rodimus the Commander of the forces himself stood before them giving a detailed overview of the events that occured.
"Gentlemen!" Rodimus' voice echoed through the council chamber until the room quieted down enough for him to continue. He hated having to explain his actions to these bureaucrats, but the survival of the armed forces depended on it. "If you'll kindly turn here.."
Following the pointing finger of the commander, all eyes in the room were drawn to a magical bird's eye view of the battle field in question. Several large red dots showed the position of the enemy's forces, green dots showed the position of most of the allied forces and several large white dots represented the regiments of the Paladins.
"Now, if you'll look at the map.. Our forces deployed in secret in the forest flanking the river. The vast majority held infront of the river itself to halt the enemy advance. Several powerful striking forces of Paladins were grouped into the main force as well as strategically place and enchanted with vanishing spells to enable a sudden strike from behind.."
Most just stared blankly at the map, knowing very little about the terrain afore mentioned nor the tactics of battle. They simply murmured discontentedly about the loss.
"..As you can see, the main enemy forces converged towards that part of the river.. Being the shallowest section to cross. They fell into our trap, but with some demonic luck managed to strike so hard into the main forces our trap utterly failed..-" At this point, Rodimus had to stop until the chorus of insults about his tactical abilities faded.
"..The number of casualties we suffered was not as great was would be expected, more stragglers are returning home every hour, however we lost most of our Paladins. We will need to raise more soldiers to compensate, and that is all I have to report."
That finished, High Commander Rodimus of the 6th Army, turned on his heel and stomped out of the chamber. His hands gripped tightly in rage at the insolence of those diplomats. 'Those fat toads would be long dead if it weren't for my efforts during the Mazuko incursion or Troll rampage.'
As the old warrior stomped through the halls of Saillune's Royal Palace he saw a lone figure standing just inside the courtyard, apparently waiting for him. He halted in his steps, changing direction to meet his comrade.
"Zangulus!"
"Well well.. All decked out in the ceremonial armor. Having a wedding today Rodimus?"
"No, damn it! Those stupid idiots don't understand that simply having lots of troops don't matter if those troops are ill-equiped and ill-trained!"
The man Rodimus had spoken to however just tilted his head and smirked at the old warrior's rage. Long black hair flowing from his head, he dressed like that of an everyday man. Except, however for the strange hat he wore. Otherwise though, decked all out in greenish-brown cloak he looked like he didn't belong among the finery and elegance of the royal grounds.
"That has nothing to do with you wearing that rusted pile of scrap iron. You were trying to impress them weren't you? Since when did you bow before their 'authority'?"
"You have no idea how any of this works.. Being just a scout leader.. you have no idea.." Despite himself though, Rodimus was kind of embarassed about the idea of being all decked out. "..Any news..?"
Zangulus' expression suddenly turned grim, responding quietly with the old war dog's own words. "..You have no idea.."
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Sitting quietly in his own tent, the Dark Knight still wore his armor. Pondering over the battle that he had nearly single-handedly won. 'It was too easy.. Where was the point in any of this..' His gauntled hand strayed to the table nearby, stroking the bottle of dark wine idly.
Something moved. He sensed it. One of the fingers stroking the bottle suddenly twitched, sending a line of magenta looking energy towards the tent flap.
"OW!" *Thump* Unsurprisingly, the creator of said noise was soon sprawled upon the ground just inside the entrance with a profusely bleeding shoulder.
"You son of a bitch!", cried the now injured intruder. Head raising up to look the Dark Knight in the eye. Well, looking where eyes SHOULD be inside that helmet of his.
"Pays to announce one's presence does it not?" The soft feline voice replies from somewhere inside the armor. Interestingly enough the figure rose up and began to move towards the injured person on the floor. Kneeling infront of the prone form, cold iron fingers gently stroked across the wound, knitting back together the destroyed flesh with ease. "Now, to what do I owe the honor of your visit, Miss Filia Ul-Copt, General and loyal servant of the Xanc empire?"
Gathering her wounded pride, Filia rose herself back to her full height and looked straight towards the figure before her. "Simple congratulations for your efforts..- AND.. A warning. I am command here, do not doubt that. You are to listen and OBEY my orders, am I clear?"
"..Crrrystal.."
Silence filled the room after the confrontation, a tense feeling electricity filling the room as the two stood motionless before the other. That is, until the beautiful blonde general raised a hand and lightly caressed the cheek of the Dark Knight's helmet.
"..Noooow.. that that's over with, my dear Dark Knight." Filia began speaking the words softly, in a purr almost. "..It's time for the congratulations.. No?" Busy hands slowly ran up the hard chest-plate until they made it to the helm, gently pushing the visor up to reveal the blue locks and delicate features hidden within.
"Weell.. If you insist then, my lovely general.. Your wish is my command.."
Sapphire eyes sparkling with amusement, the helm was shed along with numerous other items. Suffice to say, no more orders were given that night.
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-Ok ok.. Not much happened this chapter, I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I know this chapter may've seemed kinda boring, I apologize. You can all tell me to stop writing anytime you want :P (Doesn't mean I'll listen though.) This part will almost certainly be revised in a BIG way.
Again, C&C is yearned, lusted and begged for.
X (Will)
--Wondering if he should write a nice lemony scene instead of the summary. Mmmm.. Ciiiitrus!