I pounded the metal that kept me trapped. Mentor and I had just unleashed my blood lust and It felt better than good, it felt amazing. I was back, I was no longer some nameless shadow. Now, I wasn't just a Champion. I was the Champion, the one that had helped hold back both armies as the rest escape, the one that had destroyed the Nomads and Hunters, the one that had survived it all. And I was pissed off.

I smashed off a wall of my cage and jumped down. There was already multiple guards waiting for me. Ironically, I had a Guard waiting for them. I saw the fear in their eyes as I brought it out and pushed the ends against each other. They protested but one end collapsed into the other, I pushed it further in and several menacing spikes popped out of one end.

They all stepped forward hesitantly and I gripped my weapon. There must have been eight in all, four Nomads and four Hunters. I could tell them apart by how they dressed, it was always common to dress in your flag's colors after all. The Nomads always had a white light-armor that covered most of their torso, shoulders, and calves, an orange mask that only covered their noses, mouths, and back of their head.

During the Bloodbath Bios were even more common so we all some sort of mouth covering. The Hunters however, were dressed in green heavier armor that only covered their torso and thighs, they had knee and elbow pads on, and finger-less gloves and a red band from their shoulder to opposite hip to set their weapon in. They still had their red and green gas masks on for some reason, old habit I guess.

A mighty swing from the Guard made that only seven more enemies. I pulled out my Guard and grinned at them, they all took a step back. I swept one's feet out from under him and smashed his skull before he even hit the ground. They must have decided that they couldn't win because they were running down the hall. I took a step forward and threw the weapon at one of them, it stuck into his back and he stumbled and fell. I walked up to the fallen Hunter while he was still trying to crawl away.

I yanked the Guard out of him and he screamed in pain. I flipped him onto his back and stared him in the eye.

"Yeah, well so did every Champion you murdered in cold blood!" With that I brought down the Guard and stuck a spike in his head.

I pushed the ends of my weapon together for a brief second then let go, the spikes retreated into it. I brought the Guard up and down quickly and a large blade, almost the size of the entire weapon, flew out like a switch blade would.

They're waiting for you, I'm not saying run away. I'm saying plan out, just a little bit.

I bit my tongue and looked around, I was in a long metal hallway that I couldn't see the ends of. "Okay, first things first. Where is Celestia's search party." I remembered that either Princess could be watching me right now, which was not a good idea. "Celestia?" I whispered.

I let out a sigh. Good, she hadn't seen anything. "Celestia, I need you to trust me on this."

"Don't look." I said quickly. "Somethings turned up, please trust me when I say don't watch me. I will talk to you when it's all clear."

I heard shouting down the hallway behind me and ran towards it. "I'll tell you everything about the Bloodbath."

"Yes, what I did, who I am, what happened, everything." I was close to the shouting now. "Please don't watch."

High in Canterlot Castle Celestia watched the Human with interest, he appeared to be running down some sort of metal cavern with his weapon ready. He turned a corner and Celestia could now see he was approaching three other Humans. "Huh, they don't look like Brian or Vinnie. Who could they be?" She was cut short as she watched the nameless Human charge at the unknown Humans, he raised his weapon and... Celestia gasped and cancelled the spell. "Wha- what is he doing?" She asked her empty room.

I whipped off the blood and continued down the hall. Find the search party, get them out safely, kill as many as I can on the way out, get to Celestia, profit. Sounded about right. I found myself at an intersection with signs on the wall. I ignored the top two and read the third aloud. "Cartoon horses." It had an arrow pointing me left.

I darted down the hallway and searched for anything. So far this entire place was just hallway connecting to hallway filled with unnamed doors, nothing about it's featureless walls could tell me anything other than 'go there'. As some unseen force granted me my wish a large double door appeared, painted to look like a crude barn door. I'm willing to bet my two bits that I knew what was behind that door.

I kicked it open and three Hunters jumped to attention. Luckily they were close together and roughly the same height, one sweep with the Guard managed to cut all their throats and they fell to the ground in a bloodied mess. I heard pained noises and grunting in the next room. I kicked open that door as well and saw a group of five Nomads kicking a Royal Guard Pony back into a cell.

"Hey!" I barked. They all turned around and their eyes widened in fear. I spun the Guard in my hand. "Why don't you pick on someone your own species?"

They recovered and replaced fear with determination, scowling at me as they drew their weapons. One slammed the cage shut and I sliced my weapon across the first one's throat. The rest all charged me at once, weapons raised and ready to be brought down.

Fortunately a man with purpose is always stronger than those without. I plunged my blade into the Nomad's heart on the far right, bringing it out I smashed the end of the Guard into the Nomad's throat on the far left. I ducked under the Nomads blades and kicked out their feet from under them, before they could get back to their feet I jumped up and crushed both of their throats under each foot with a satisfying crunch.

Ever hear of the phrase 'always go for the throat'? Well I did. I flipped the blade back in and approached the group of beaten and bruised Royal Guard Ponies. There was six of them in total, all Pegasi.

Trying to look as disarming as possible I asked them. "Hey, you guys okay? The Princesses sent me, sorry I took so long."

They all eyed me suspiciously before one stepped forward. "How can we trust you? You're just like the rest of them."

I crossed my arms. "Well geez, you got me there. I mean, first I bust out of the cell they put me in, fight my way to you, you saw what I did to those guys." I gestured behind me. "So if you think I'm really on their side then-"

I chuckled half-heartedly. "My kind." I spat. "These scum are nothing like me, trust me." I brought the Guard up then when it came back down the axe blade had popped out and I cut off the padlock from the cage. "Now let's get you guys home."

I led them all out the door and down the hallways, so far we had been lucky enough to not encounter anymore enemies. Everything was going fine until I met a certain intersection. Normally I would just be following the one that said 'exit', but this pile of signs had the one I was looking for. 'Captain's Station'. That had to be where Shadow and Bulls-Eye were hiding.

Don't do it, they're surrounded by their armies and who knows what else. Right now you have to stick to the plan, that means getting these Ponies back to their homes.

"Yes." I muttered quietly so nopony else could hear me. "You should always be with your home." My eyes flicked to the sign. "Or you could fight for it."

My grin returned as my eyes brightened for a moment. Turning to the Guard Ponies. "This way." I dashed down the exit hallway.

I kicked open one last door and sunlight entered our metal prison. I hurried the guards out as they said thanks to their sun Princess. Then there was shouting down the hall.

They all gave their wings a couple flaps and answered in the positive. "But what about you?" One asked.

They all seemed to be okay with that and flew off. I brought out the Guard again and decided on which blade to use. After hearing another shout I decided on twisting my wrist while I held on to it, causing two hooks to fly out on each side. I figured mercy was something I'd save for later.

I ducked around the doorway and waited. Soon enough I could understand what they were saying.

I cut him off by sticking the hooks into his chest and spinning him around, throwing his body into the next one to come through the door. I stopped to see my pursuers, five Hunters, three standing. It's funny, I've rarely seen a blend of Nomads and Hunters. The three all slid to a stop and I hooked the middle one by the back of the head, looking at it now, this may be the most gruesome tool I have in the Guard.

No matter. I threw the corpse at the right Hunter and he fell over. I put the hooks back and knocked the sword out of the still standing Hunter's hand before he could thrust it into me. He looked down at his dropped weapon but I already had dropped the Guard and had my hands around his head. With a quick twist I was rewarded with a loud snap and he fell down.

Oh right. I flicked out the switch blade again and slashed one's throat. I flicked it back in and put the end of the Guard against the last one's head.

I rolled my eyes and pushed in a small square on the side of my weapon. A tiny blade sprung out of the bottom and into his skull. "You guys are so stubborn." I commented as I put the dagger back and turned to leave. The Pegasi should have had enough time to get away by now.

"Well, yeah." He said as it was obvious. "But me an' Thunder here were jus' wondering what we could do to repay you for your kindness. Then we thought, what if we fly you home for you!"

I blinked. "Really? Could you manage that? I'm twice you size after all and it's a long ways back."

Okay that's why not. The two Guard Ponies dropped me off at the edge of Ponyville. "Thanks." I said quickly. Four days, I have four days to stop them. Them and both their armies, they seemed to have recovered wonderfully from the Bloodbath. I had to do something, could the Ponies fight? Doubt it. Anything in the Everfree I could use? Hardly, it would most likely attack me first.

It was not a welcoming sight when I walked through the Library door. There was Princess Celestia surrounded by Royal Guard, her sister, a Pony I had rescued, and the Elements of Harmony.

The white Alicorn glared at me for a brief moment. "How is it that you are the only one that knows exactly what is going on in our land?" She asked as she tried to calm down.

I stretched my arms behind. "Well... It may be your land Princess, but." I stretched my arms across my chest. "This is my fight."

I almost laughed as the color fell from her regal face. "Bu- that, I." She gave herself a shake. "How can a battle move?"

"Easy, you take my enemies, but them here, then I find them, now we have the Bloodbath about to start in Equestria."

The Princesses seemed horrified at the thought. She looked around and asked. "Where's Brian and Vinnie?"

I shook my head. "You have no idea how little you know. All we've fed you is lies from the very begging. The Brian and Vinnie you know are really my old enemies, Bulls-Eye and Shadow."

She shook her head pitifully, not believing any of it. "No, no, no. This can't be true."

I tried softening my voice, just a little. "It is, bring me all of our duffle bags and I can prove it."

In a golden flash three duffle bags appeared at our feet. I picked up the white one and unzipped it. "Look." I said reaching inside. "Vinnie is really Shadow, the leader of the Nomads. What the Nomads lack in fighting they make up for in sheer numbers, they fight like clockwork, always by the book, matching each others movements, planned out." I lifted out his flag with a mountain and sun on it and laid it on the floor. "His flag means they will keep climbing mountains and overcoming challenges until they reach were they are going."

I picked the green duffle bag and reached inside. "Brian is really Bulls-Eye, leader of the Hunters. They may be unorganized and fight for themselves alone, but they're extremely skilled killers, they always know where everything is and what to do, they're strong, they're brutal, and they never show mercy." I picked out the green flag with a red target on it and laid it next to the Nomad's flag. "His flag means that when they set their sights on something until they've taken it out. Right now that's Equestria."

Everypony stood there in shock before Luna broke the silence. "Then, who are you?"

Celestia backed her little sister up. "Yes Human, we know next to nothing about you and you promised to tell us. So please tell us, who are you?"

I took a deep breath. "My enemies call me a lot of things: Living Nightmare, Walking Death, Unstoppable, my favorite is Demon. Ironic right? But my real name will stay with Miranda for now, as for who I am, I am one of the Champion's most elite fighters." I picked up the black duffle bag. "I was the last one out the gate, I was the one that had stayed behind to make sure everyone got out first."

I put my flag on the floor, on top of the other two. It was all black, except for a dark blue four-pointed star with multiple silver lines shooting out from behind it. "I am a Champion, we fight as one force, together. Not like the Nomads. No, we don't plan out, we feel what the others are about to do and move to support them, we may be the smallest but we sure as hell can fight like the biggest. My flag represents coming out of the darkness, and into the light. The star is a Champion, the silver lines are all the others supporting him or her."

They stood silent once more. If it was in awe or more shock I don't know. But Luna had another question. "Then, how did you end up traveling with the other two?"

I shook my head at the memory. "I chased after them at the end of the Bloodbath, when I finally caught up with them the roof collapsed. We were all hit on the head and had no memory of who we were or who each other were. We were already well under way with the Corner of Equestria when our memories returned. We promised each other to just leave our old lives behind and forget about." I clenched my teeth in anger. "They were both lying to everyone the entire time."

They all blinked. I continued speaking. "Turns out they had an enormous boat, they used it to sail here. Their two armies are what you sensed in the Forest. They plan on taking Equestria for themselves in four days."

"Well we gotta stop them!" Rainbow Dash declared. "What about the Elements of Harmony? Can't we just use them?"

I shook my head with a laugh. "No, these are Humans, that means that they have to be taken out by Human means."

I laughed again. "No, you seem to have forgotten. My Clan fights as one, which means if I'm fighting for you." My eyes twinkled. "Then my entire Clan is fighting for you."

Celestia smiled at me gratefully. "Thank you Human, you have no idea how much this means to us. But, how are we supposed to get them all here?"

I furrowed my brow. "I don't know, I don't plan on nearly killing them all. There has to be another way."

Twilight spoke up. "Actually, there is." All eyes turned to her and she continued. "You see I was studying more... Efficient ways of bringing someone to Equestria without nearly killing them. I've some to a conclusion, we have to put them in a sealed container and teleport that container here with them in it."

Celestia and Luna instantly sent everypony to work on a container, everypony gladly helped, seeing as how their way of life was at risk and everything. I had Mentor help me draw a giant rectangle in the dirt, big enough to fit every Champion into. Princess Celestia was supervising construction, even helping on occasion. As for me I was writing them all a letter that Princess Luna herself would send to them.

I have found them.

I am on my way.

I am proud of all of you.

I have remembered the fallen alone for too long.

But now we will protect the standing together.

Most importantly, I am sorry. I hope you can forgive me.

Two days later, I was standing at the entrance of a massive wooden box. It had taken them two full days and most of this one, but they did it. If I had to guess how big it is I would say... Pretty damn big. I picked up my helmet and held it in my left hand, Guard already strapped to by back.

I felt nudged in my leg and I looked down and saw Miranda. She looked up at me with a forced smile. "Hi."

I had already said my goodbyes to Eddie and he was taken to Canterlot by Luna. All of Ponyville was being evacuated so the Champions wouldn't freak out when they brought them here, and the Ponies wouldn't get in the way. Celestia was waiting for Miranda, both Princesses were making sure that Miranda and Eddie would be perfectly safe during the fight.

She frowned. "Well, this will be the first time that the Champions will fully fight both the Nomads and Hunters while they're working together."

I kept my grin. "My dear, are you doubting the strength of the Champions? You of all people- Ponies should know that we're tough bastards."

She let out a small giggle. "I know, I know. But that doesn't mean I'm not worried."

I smiled before I pulled her into a passionate kiss. I held her there for a minute before I let go.

She was in a daze for a moment. "Wow." She flashed me a flirty look. "I think you'll be just fine."

I laughed and gave her a quick kiss on the nose. I stood up and she walked to the awaiting carriage. I saw her waving me goodbye before the large double doors fell into place. I stood ready as I felt Celestia's magic envelope the over-sized box. I had specifically told her to place me near where the Bloodbath had taken place, seeing as how it was a huge land mark and one of the only places she knew.

There was a tingly sensation that slowly got more and more intense. Just before it started to tickle there was a bright golden flash. I felt as if I was falling in every direction as I was teleported to the Darkness.

Then there was a loud thump and everything stopped. I slowly stood up, I felt shaken from the teleport. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It took a moment to steady myself after slowing my breathing while leaning against one side of the box. I kept my lunch down and clumsily pushed open one door, I closed it behind me and looked around. I slumped down when I realized where I was.

I had actually thought about visiting here and paying my respects to the fallen... But now that I'm here, I'm not sure if I could manage it.

These are your brothers and sisters, they would do the same for you. They fought for everything you fought for, now go honor their names by remembering them.

I stood up and looked at my helmet. This was the last thing my enemies would see before they were cut down by yours truly. I had made it myself, it's always common for a Champion to make both his own weapon and armor. It was one of a kind, just like my weapon. It was a steel helmet painted a dark blue that covered my entire head. Instead of a slit for my eyes I put in a one way mirror, so just before they died they would see how cowardly they looked. I could see everybody and nobody could see me. As a tool for intimidation I painted on a fierce toothy grin with sharp teeth over where my mouth was.

I was right about one thing, it felt good to wear it once again. I took a deep breath before stepping forward, and into the ruins of my home. The old lights were still on so I could see every detail of my failure.

Everything was crumbling and broken, picked clean by scavengers I'm sure. Where cute and homely house once stood there was only sad stone pillars and broken possessions. I wandered at first, not sure where to go or if I even wanted to go further. I soon found myself in the animal pens, we had all loved our animals. Hell, I even had a pet. I hope he survived the Bloodbath, we let all the animals out as soon the walls were breached. I was so proud when I saw the animals had joined the fight and fended of the Hunters and Nomads instead of running.

The walls had just been blown and Charlette said she needed to save the animals. She had ran off in what I hopped was a safe direction. We were forming lines all over the Kingdom, defending our home as long as we could. Half the fighters were to stay and keep the enemies at bay, the other half was to escort everyone that wasn't fighting to safety. I was part of a small line on the outside of the center circle. We were defending the escorts as they tried to find anyone that was lost and confused. So many here had never been in a battle before, they had no idea what to do, how to act, where to look, how to fight. It had most of our army racing around in groups trying to get to them before some lucky Hunter found them.

The walls were rubble now and everyone was doing there best to push back the intruders as long as possible. We stood as silent defenders, waiting for the enemy to approach us.

There they were. Racing towards us aimlessly, yelling like mad men. Killing senselessly with numbers that far surpassed our own. We waited for the right moment and ran ahead, clashing in the middle. We swiped, slashed, and cut as much as we could. Trying to stop them from killing us all without reason. It fell into a pattern, dodge one, slash another, block one, cut another. We fought harder than we ever had before. This was more than just defense, this was our final stand.

A roar was heard but no attention was given to it. More roars were hear, still no attention. The angry sounds of our animals was paid no mind to until they were felt by our foes. Our pets had come to our rescue and began to turn them from dangerous enemy to tasty snack. A new hope was felt, lost strength found, and old determination restored.

With a mixture of mighty cheers and hungry roars we charged in to help save our home.

I looked out into the now empty fences. We only fenced them in, never caged. They were free and loved. During the Bloodbath they showed us all how much they loved us back. We had all kinds of animals: Dogs, Cats, Bears, Foxes, Wolves, Lions, my personal favorite was the Tigers.

No one really knows why or even how we domesticated so many animals, but no one minded. We all grew to love them and care for them. I smiled at a happy memory of Eddie playing with some Lion cubs and walked down the empty streets.

My smile faded as I encountered another familiar place. It was my house, the one I had lived in with Miranda. I slowly walked up to it.

I was panting heavily when I finally stopped in front of a house. I had no idea who lived in it, but there was no way I was going back to my father. I swallowed my nervousness and approached it. I gulped and knocked on the door gently, I wouldn't want them thinking I was one of the Loyalist Guards. After a minute it slowly opened to reveal a familiar girl, the one I had often seen at the market.

I realized I had been staring and spoke quickly. "Oh, um. Hi, I just um... Kind of ran away from my home and was wondering if..." The voice inside my head encouraged me. "If it was okay if I sleep here? Just once."

She poked her head out and looked around, seeing that we were alone she smiled. "Of course, I'm always happy to help someone in need. I'm sure my sisters won't mind."

Just like that she had let me, a random stranger in her home. It was like she already knew who I was.

The girl that had let me into her house and her sisters and I had grown to know one another very well over time. The middle sister and I were good friends now and shared almost everything. When I was hurt she would bandage me. When she was sad I would comfort her. When I was confused she would guide me. When she was lonely I would be right there by her side.

I was preparing a meal for the three sisters one day by myself when I heard the door open, quickly followed by crying that was failed to be covered up. I knew that cry, it was the one I had always answered. I abandoned the food and followed the sobs. I saw her sitting on the couch with her head in her hands.

I rushed to her side and put my hand on her shoulder. I had to think fast, she was always very strong. But once she started crying she was more fragile than a flower petal. Asking how she was would be stupid, she didn't care right now, she only needed comfort. "Hey, what happened?" I asked softly.

She took in a shaky breath, she knew I wouldn't leave until she was better so she didn't try to fight me. Not looking up she tried to answer. "I- I. Th- they just. They just."

I rubbed her arm reassuringly. "Shh, it's okay. Everything's okay, I'm here for you." She'd been through this before, she needed to know that nothing was wrong and that she wasn't alone.

She took a real deep breath and lifted her head up. "It's- it's just my friends just said th- that I would n- never get a man to- to fall in l- love with me."

I forgot to breath for a moment. Love was a serious issue for her, she talked about it with me all the time. Always saying how she knew the perfect man for her was just around the corner. I hid all signs of fear, she needed my help and I was determined to help her. "Well that doesn't sound like the type of thing a friend would say. I think that if you want a guy to fall in love with you, all you have to do is show him how kind and beautiful you are."

I wiped a tear off her cheek. "Absolutely, any man that doesn't see it is blind and doesn't deserve your love."

I hugged her back. "No problem. So, is there anyone you have your eye on? I bet I could put in a good word for you."

Still holding onto me she giggled. "Well, there's this one guy I've had my eye on for a while."

She let go and looked at out the window . "Well, he's big and strong, nice, always knows what to say, by my side whenever I need him, loyal." She smiled sincerely at me. "And he's the only one that's ever called me beautiful."

I looked at her in an all new light. Does that mean that she was... In love, with me? I mean I know she's beautiful, hell, looking at her now beautiful doesn't give her justice. She down right gorgeous. I gulped. "You mean... Me?" She held her smile and nodded. Wow, she actually liked me... She liked me! I could only smile back at her. "Wow, I never knew."

Her smile faltered. "Well, I was trying to be subtle at first. But when you called me beautiful... I just... Just fell for you." All this time of comforting her told me that there was worry in her voice.

"Well, I don't know. To be honest I've never looked at you that way." I could tell that she was deciding if it was good I wasn't trying to take advantage of her, or bad that I didn't see her as anything more than a good friend. I gave her a grin. "But now that I am looking at you in that way..." She perked up slightly, anyone else would've missed it. "I can say that you are the most amazing girl I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I would be happy to be with you."

She seemed to glow as she smiled at me, before I knew it she lunged at me and our lips were locked. When we finally pulled away she put her head on my chest and let out a content sigh. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."

I chuckled and wrapped my arm around her. If we were going to be a couple then I would have to make sure that she would never be hurt as long as I stood. There were many dangers in this torn up world.

I looked down and felt tears threaten. I was supposed to be her protector, it was my one job, and I ended up killing her. I put my head in my hands and tried to fight my tears back.

I lifted my head up slowly. He was right, I had to keep moving. I got up and walked outside, before I left I rubbed the frame of the door.

I walked up to the house, I had just come back from our most recent battle with the other two Clans. As I got closer I heard voices and soon after the door opened and I saw my little brother standing in the door way.

"Big Brother!" He hollered in delight as he ran up to me. "I missed you so much!"

I wasn't gone too long but when your a just a kid and your only family goes away I guess time goes slower. I bent down and scooped him up into a hug. "Don't worry, I promised I'd come back remember?"

He nodded his head and I set him down. That girl I loved stepped out of the house. One day she would get a name, no matter what I had to do. "Phew, I see you found your little brother." She said.

I smiled at her. "Yeah, he's easy to find if he's looking for you. Thanks for watching him again."

She let out a small laugh and waved a hand. "No problem, it gives me an excuse to see you all the time."

Once I had gotten older I moved out of Miranda's place and into a house of my own, she protested but when I told her that if my father found me living with her she would be punished severely. She was heroic enough to say that it would be worth it, I silenced her when I said that I meant I wouldn't want to see her get hurt. Even if I didn't live with her anymore that didn't stop me from seeing her everyday and spending most nights here.

It was my turn to wave a hand. "You know you don't need one, I love seeing you."

"I love you too." She said quickly. I stared at her for a moment, how was she always the one to say everything before I did? I must have been silent too long because she was trying to find an excuse I would buy. "Um... I didn't... There's a-a... Um..."

I chuckled lightly and approached her. When I got to her I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her close, something she enjoyed very much. "Hey, don't worry about it. I was working up the nerve to tell you I love you anyways."

She looked up at me with a smile. She laughed a little. "Heh. Wow, really?" She asked, fully knowing my answer. But she just wanted to hear me say it.

She smiled before she lunged at me, our lips locked. We could have stayed that way forever if it wasn't for the third member of our party.

I removed my hand and walked away from the house, before I did I looked at it one last time.

I held her close. "I have to do my part to defend this place, even if it's ruled by a Tyrant."

"Why?" She sobbed. "Why do you have to risk your life for people that don't appreciate you?"

"They don't have to appreciate me, just them living is enough for me. I just want to stop anyone from getting hurt." I pulled back and smiled weakly at her. "I have to make sure your never hurt."

I brushed her hair behind her ear. She was so beautiful. "If your threatened then I have to help."

She couldn't find a good argument and held onto me. "Just- just promise me you'll come back."

I kissed her on her forehead. "I promise that nothing will keep us apart for long."

How many times have I looked back at this little house and promised her I would come back? Too many times to count. How many times have I come back? Every time but one. Yet here I was, walking away from this house one last time. The Bloodbath was well under way even before I met her, as soon as I fell in love with her I knew I had to do everything I could to make sure she was never hurt. I put my helmet back on.

I kept walking through the street, trying to find the monument to the fallen. I knew it was in the center, but I was avoiding it, buying time until I was really ready to face those I had failed. I walked around the crumbled wooden wall that surrounded the Kingdom. Part of it was intact enough for me to climb. At the top of the wall I took a deep breath through my helmet.

There me I stood, watching over the bloody battlefield as if I was a Hawk and it was my prey. I heard heavy footsteps behind me and waited for the news.

I cursed under my breath, they had gotten past the halfway point and were still coming. "Who?"

I turned around in shock, my friend was bloodied from the ongoing battle. "What? How did they both get here at once?"

He was clearly still shocked by his own news. "I think they're working together!"

That was something far more than unexpected. "Are you sure?" I asked worriedly.

He nodded quickly. "Aye, I've seen them fighting side by side now! They're moving fast!"

I was stunned to say the least. We could take on either army on it's own without a doubt, but both, and at the same time? I measured our forces quickly and came to a brutal decision. "Get everyone out..." I didn't want to say it, but I had to.

"Both armies against us Dagger? Think about it, you're my right-hand-man I need you to admit we wont be able to take it. We need to evacuate now and save as many as we can." I explained.

Dagger thought for a moment before firmly nodding and running off to spread the word.

This was where I had made that fateful decision. Maybe, if we had everyone fighting instead of just a fraction we could have pulled it off and ended it all...

There was no avoiding it. Your Clan is small enough compared to either army, compared to both armies you would be overwhelmed quickly.

There was no stopping it. Both armies were attacking full strength and with no regrets. You made the right call.

I walked aimlessly a little more before I visited the center. I knew where I was now. This was where the killings had been held, right next to the front gate. The only reason they held it here was to tempt us. Letting us know that freedom was only a couple feet away, and if we didn't take the chance then we would die.

I was tied behind my back and shoved to the floor. I struggled against my restraints for a moment but stopped when I saw what was in front of me, the screaming I heard earlier wasn't them dying in battle. It was them being captured and dragged away. Rows and rows Champions all beaten and bruised, but all living and tied up.

I stared at Shadow and Bulls-Eye in horror. "No! You leave them out of this! This is between you and me!"

"Ha!" Shadow laughed. "Is that what you really think? This is between all of us now, you brought everyone of them into this and now they get to pay the price."

I was in utter shock, were they really going to kill them all in front of me just because they defended their home? "Wh- what?" Was all I could manage.

Shadow grinned evilly. "You heard me, they'll all die now. Thanks to you. Now you get to watch." He pulled out a hand gun and aimed it at the closest Champion.

He fired his gun and the warriors body fell to the side, never to get up again. Shadow wore a mock-saddened look. "Huh, that was much to quick." He turned to Bulls-Eye. "What do you say we make it a little more personal?"

Shadow pulled out his curved dagger and put it up against a Woman's throat. "Now, look them all in the eye..." All I could do was look at her and silently offer support, it was little but it was something. As the killings slowly went on, changing from slicing, to gutting, to burning, to skinning, to drowning. Sometimes even a couple at once. I began to understand their eyes, what they meant and what they were thinking. Thanks to watching them die I could understand what their eyes were saying. Thanks to all the pain Shadow and Bulls-Eye were causing they began to know when someone was in pain. This is how we got our abilities.

I kicked a rock and moved on. What else was there to remember? I continued walking before I cast a look around my surroundings and nearly gasped when I realized where I was. Here there was two poles stuck in the ground, across from them was a hole in the wall surrounded by blood. I looked closely and saw two spent bullet casings.

"Ah!" I cried out in pain. I tried to pull it out but it was stuck into the wall behind me.

Bulls-Eye was panting from our recent fight. "Now stay down you dumb bastard!" He shouted.

I spit out some blood and glared at him. "Just... uh... kill me... already." This must have been our ninth fight now, I kept escaping and he and Shadow kept knocking me back down.

I coughed up some blood. That spear had managed to hit me in the stomach so it wasn't fatal, just really painful. "What? But... every... everyone else is dead." I sputtered.

He stood up and smiled wickedly. "Not everyone, we found two more trying to make a run for it."

"Wha- no. I don't... Know them." I tried to make them be as merciful as possible. Who knows what would happen if they found out I loved them both dearly.

Two large Nomads walked out of a ruined house. One carrying Eddie over his shoulder, the other with Miranda. "Let go of me you asshole!" She shouted.

He hit her and my blood boiled. I would remember his face. "Shut up bitch." He growled, ensuring himself a painful death.

Bulls-Eye pointed at two metal poles that they had placed earlier. "Good now tie them to these poles." He ordered.

They set them down and began to tie them up with some rope they had found. "Hey let go of me!" Miranda shouted.

I made eye contact with both of them. Eddie was sad that I was pinned to a wall, while Miranda was bombarded with emotions. Happy I was alive, sad I was captured, angry that she was captured, depressed because we all knew where this was going.

I looked at the two enemy leaders. "Please... You don't... Don't do this." I begged.

"But... She didn't... Do anything... And... He's... Ugh..." I was pained as I tried to move. "Just a kid." I rasped.

I saw a look on Bulls-Eye's face as he spoke. "Good, now poor some gasoline on them."

"Really man?" Shadow whined. "We already burned way too many, it's getting boring. Can we skin 'em?"

The Nomads had finished drenching them in gasoline. "Okay, now what?" One asked.

"Give me your gun." Bulls-Eye asked the Nomad. He removed his small hand gun and handed it over. "Thanks." He turned to me. "Now, I'm going to give you a choice this time. I will count to ten then we light these two up like candles, or you can kill them yourself."

Bulls-Eye grinned. "Glad were on the same page." He tossed me the gun. "Now, here's the gun. Have fun."

Bulls-Eye interrupted her before she could say my name. "I lied, light them up."

The Nomads both dropped their matches and they both went up in flames with a loud FWOOSH.

I stood there, unable to move. This was it, this was exactly where I was when I killed a part of myself. I had gotten a small portion of revenge sure, but the two that were responsible were still out there. No matter how much time would pass or what anyone would say I will always regret pulling that trigger.

That's enough, the longer you wallow in self pity the more your enemies strength grows.

This time I knew exactly where I was going. I turned and headed down the worn stone road, I had walked this path with many people many times. I looked into the broken houses, it still felt as if they were still full of life and people silently offering me support. This was the path every fallen warrior would take, when a Champion fell in battle all of their friends, family, loved ones, and fellow fighters would carry their body down this path while the rest would help as much as they could. It was our final thank you to a warrior, for protecting everyone here.

All the warriors were making the walk this time, because this time it was someone close to all of us. It was Cloak, Dagger's younger brother. He had just jumped in front of Bulls-Eye's spear in order to save his only brother, it pierced his heart instantly. There was no way he could have survived. When the battle was over we had put Cloak on the silver rest, the one we reserved for true Champions. Normally they would just get a dark blue one, to say they were a Champion. But Cloak got the silver one because he earned it, he was what the flag symbolized, he was the one that was supporting everyone.

Everyone knew Cloak, he was classic a happy-go-lucky character. No one could be unhappy around him, at least, not until now. Now Cloak was resting on this silver platform, eyes closed, arms by his side, and weapon and armor were absent. Dagger and I had the honor of carrying him. Dagger in the front, and me in the back. He had it because he was his only brother, I had it because they were both good friends to me. When I heard the news this was the least I could do for them.

Today every Champion was out, each trying their best to offer support to the lone brother. He remained stoic through it all, not showing any emotion through the entire walk. Very few had been in the front of this walk, even less could relate to what he was going through. We walked in silence, as we always did, wearing our armor and respecting this fallen hero.

When we reached the center we set him down atop the burner, where we would give him the warriors passing. We would light the timber under him and he would light up and shine for us, giving us all one last memory of him. I picked up the torch and passed the torch to Dagger, if anyone should give him his final passing it should be him. He held on to it for a moment. No doubt remembering his brother's life, he finally cracked a weak smile, weak, but it was there.

He held the torch to the timber until it caught. He moved back to the circle surrounding his brother, with every other Champion, all making sure that he would never be forgotten. It was common for a few people to say some words to the fallen, but no one could form them. It was a devastating loss for everyone.

"Cloak was a true Champion." I started. Many eyes turned towards me, I had never spoken at a farewell before. But today I felt the need to. "He fought for all the right reasons, to protect those he loved, to honor those he had fought with, and to stop anyone that was trying to cause harm to those he never even knew. Then, he died for the best reason there was. To protect his only brother. When I had heard he had perished I almost refused to believe it, I thought a Champion such as Cloak would live forever. Fate has proved me wrong in the end once again."

"He is the reason so many of us are here today, he cared more about his brothers and sisters than his own life. Today, I think he's shown us all just how much he cares about us." I pulled out a metal plate no bigger than my forearm and handed it to Dagger. "He was one of the best of us and he deserves to be remembered as such." He took it in his hand. With his stoic expression he approached the base of the burner and set the plate into a slot, it fit perfectly.

CLOAK

A TRUE CHAMPION

We all stood there, watching the fire. Little by little everyone left. Dagger and I were the last ones standing there as the ashes died down, I decided to leave him to his mourning. Before I left I glanced at him one last time, no one saw it but me. A single tear fall off his cheek, a tear from a Champion and a tear for a Champion.

There I stood, watching the memorial, my helmet taken off in respect. Atop it was the burner with stairs leading up to it. The rest wasn't on it now, I couldn't see a reason for it to be. Under it was the large memorial with the name plates of every great warrior that had fallen it battle. I walked around it and ran my hand along the many names. I stopped when I saw a familiar name on the memorial.

MIRANDA

ONE ANGEL HAS FALLEN. ONE ANGEL IS STANDING. BOTH ARE LOVED BY ALL.

Of course, they'll always remember the two angels. Remember how the saying goes?

I sat down, stunned that they remembered her, but then I remembered who we were to them. They had come back to the site of the Bloodbath, they had honored the fallen, they went through all the trouble of remembering Miranda and putting her name on the memorial. I looked around and realized something. The Kingdom wasn't picked clean by scavengers, the Champions had returned and retrieved everything.

I know what you're thinking. That you think you know who I am, that you have all the puzzle pieces in place. Well let me rearrange some of them for you. I'm not the leader of the Champions, never was, never will be. I was offered it many times but always turned it down, I could never be a leader after what I saw my father do. So someone else took it, being a leader doesn't mean being a fighter to the Champions. It means caring for those who follow you and leading them forward, towards a better future. Something I couldn't promise.

No, the leader of the Champions was really the same person that was even stronger than me, the same person that would always think of others, the same girl that I had fallen in love with.

MIRANDA

ONE ANGEL HAS FALLEN. ONE ANGEL IS STANDING. BOTH ARE LOVED BY ALL.

REST NOW MIRANDA. FIRST LEADER OF THE CHAMPIONS.

I was never the leader, she was. They needed a leader and I couldn't become my father, then Miranda offered. Very few knew her at the time, but when I told them that she was more than cut out for the job they reluctantly agreed. She turned out to be the best leader they ever had. But there was one problem, she didn't know how to fight. At all, and we were at war. That's when it was my turn to step up, I was a fighter and a damn good one. I was always by her, so when she became the leader nothing changed.

I would help her when it came to dealing with, as she put it 'the bad guys', and everyone looked up to me as the best fighter they had. I was unofficially in charge of our warriors, she didn't mind, she pushed me to do it actually. Not that she never did anything. Everyone came to her with problems and concerns, the dangerous ones she would send to me. But the one's that were inside the safety of the walls she handled like a champ.

Then we became known as the Two Angels. Her and I were the two that everyone looked up to, I was their Guardian and she was their Caretaker. No one had a problem with it.

I still sat their looking over the memorial. They had remembered her and forgiven me, that meant more to me than you could ever imagine. I weakly smiled and looked down. I allowed a single tear to fall from my face, just as Dagger had done all that time ago. Except this time it was a tear from a lone Champion, to the all Champions, fallen and standing, warriors and people, followers and leader.

This is what Champions do, we remember those that have fallen so that they can never truly die.

Saving Their Souls

by Clever Name

8: Return