REBIRTH [COMPLETE]

Baxter pov

My mind was a blur as the army saddled up. Some on foot, a few on animals they had tamed and could ride. I found myself with a war horse, rearing to go. Blair rode at my side, but there were noticeable bags under her eyes. I ignored all flaws and commanded the army to follow. We left in a flurry of half hearted goodbyes, since it was almost positive we would return.

Ryson stood in the door of the base, looking at me with judgment and furry. I returned his look and faced towards the sun, not quite risen.

Rebirth wasn't far from here when riding, but with such an army as I had, it would take at least a couple hours.

I had tried to get Isabelle's dog to join us, but she was stubborn, and sat in the base, refusing to leave. She seemed brooding... like it didn't matter what was happening... She was above it all and only worried about her master.

I couldn't blame her.

If I'm being brutally honest, I wasn't as confident as I'd like to think. I wasn't sure if I was ready for this yet... we could use more training... and less fear.

But we didn't have time anymore. It was now or nothing. I rode as quickly as possible, hoping to see the dark outline of Rebirth soon. I wanted to rally my forces and launch as soon as possible. To the dismay of may of my comrades, is decided to concentrate all forces on the entry gate, positive that we could breach the walls before being flanked. It would be a quick and successful battle.

The ground was soggy with a soft rain that had fallen last night, but the weather was the least of our worries. However, the wind was blowing strangely hard. The sky was grey, but I knew that wouldn't dampen the victory we were about to achieve.

I glanced at Blair, who looked... terrified. She seemed tired and unsure of what she was doing. A bad appearance for a leader such as her.

I was lost in these thoughts until I reached a large ridge, that when we climbed, looked over a....

...Dang.

The army shifted with uncertainty as they realized Rebirth was no longer the tiny research facility it used to be. It was now a huge city, glimmering in the sunlight. But did it really matter? There couldn't be much of an army. We could do this. I took a deep breath and unsheathed a long machete strapped to my side. I raised the knife and shouted at the top of my lungs:

"CHARGE!"

Like one massive body, the army rushed forward all at once. The ground seemed to rock as we attacked the small tower near the entrance. The guards were surprised by the sudden attack and fought back unorganized. I found myself in the middle of the fray... cutting down soldiers and using my small pistol to take out snipers at the wall.

The whole army was full of energy, and I glanced around, trying to see Blair in the fighting... But she was nowhere to be seen. I figured she's dismounted and was in the thick of the battle.

There is a certain joy in war that cannot be described unless you've participated. The chaos all around you makes the adrenaline boil in your blood. The clock slows every time you cut someone down.

However... after this experience, the world speeds up, and it becomes painfully clear all the blood staining your hands.

But right now, the slaughter going on before me didn't matter. We were going to crush these people.

Then they launched a counter attack... and I began to realise my mistakes. I began to realise that I wasn't in as much control as I'd previously thought. My men were dying. Men with families... friends... real lives. Men and women on both side were dying.

But more of mine than of the enemies.

Blair pov

I stumbled towards the back entrance of Rebirth, the sound of war ringing in my ears. It was an awful sound... not melodic whatsoever. I got to the back gate and scanned my ID chip. The metal door swung open long enough for me to slip inside. I ran out into the military courtyard. Guards were running around, all heading for the wall or the gates, where they were demolishing the other army. I ignored this and sprinted for the palace.

When I reached it, the guards in front recognised me, and let me through. I ran for the command room, and burst in on my Lord and his advisors leaning over a strategy table. I came to a halt, panting and trying not to pass out.

My Lord looked up and smiled. He came to me and supported me from falling. I looked up into his chiseled face, with his clear blue eyes and short brown hair.

As I looked at him he whispered. "You did well, Blair. You did well. However...."

I prepared myself for his critic.

"The prisoners escaped."

I shook my head. "But... they weren't my responsibility."

"I know." He nodded. "They don't matter. But the boy-"

"Don't call him that." I said, suddenly protective of Luke, for a reason I did not know.

His eye twitched. "Do not question me."

"I'm sorry sir." I dropped to the floor, bowing one knee before standing back up.

He clenched his jaw and gazed at me harshly. "But it doesn't matter. They were to late, anyways. I doubt they'll last long out there anyways."

"But my mission is over... can I retire to my room?" I felt a pleading tone come into my voice.

He held my face in his hand. "Of course, my darling. You've more than proved yourself. I'm... I'm proud of you."

I felt joy explode though my body as he said those words. Finally... what I'd always wanted was mine. All I needed was a nice place to live and some love from a man.

"However," He continued. "I'd still like to retrieve the prisoners. I want the boy alive."

One of his advisors nodded and scuttled off.

My master looked out at nothing. "Bring my son home."