Chapter 11 - The Ruby Stone
As the GSG's plan their next move, they see Souleater, the Liberation army and the scout team approaching their camp. They are carrying a body.
Souleater looks at them grimly.
Souleater: we have a casualty.
Everyone is stunned to know about Machi's death.
In the camp, everyone becomes silent. Even Falcon, Kabashu's white steed whines and neighs as he stomps his foot on the ground, mourning for his lil friend.
Everyone gathers for the funeral.
Machi's still body is clothed in white linen and fresh flowers are placed around her. Kakurine says a prayer as the soldiers surround Machi.
As Kakurine finishes her prayer......she motions to the soldiers to begin the burial. As they lift her body to the ground, they start to dig.
Suddenly...........a low moan is heard from the wrapped body and the soldiers leap back in surprise!!!!!
After a few seconds they hear the moan again......this time its louder!!!
Stealth: Its Machi!!! She's still alive!!! Remove the burial wrap!
Everyone scampers to free Machi and as they stare at her, Machis lips move. She suddenly gasps for air and her eyes open!!!
Kakurine: Machi! You're alive!!!
Machi groans. "ooooooh.....ahhhh.... where am I?
Kulitkoh: Youre at camp! You're alive!! We thought you were dead!
Houjun" She WAS dead!!! I saw her killed!
Machi looks around bewildered. "I thought I was in this place......a place where people were waiting, a quiet place......I liked it there....but......." her voice trails off.
All GSG"s: "WHAT??"
Machi smiling. "HE told me it wasnt my time yet! and his hand carried me to this light!!! I suddenly fell and I was rolling down this hill! then poof! I heard your voices!"
Everyone rejoiced. The spider slay assassin was back!!!!
Battle plans are ongoing.
Kakurine looks for Alvania. She sees Alvania.
Kakurine: Can you tell us how to defeat Ferciol?
Alvania: We can ask my mother.
Alvania's mother sees them.
Kakurine: Soraya,we need your help!
Soraya shows Kakurine a map.
Soraya: This is the layout of Ferciol's tower. He has planted booby traps around it but he is in a secret chamber where he hides in a third tower....There are clues to where he is hiding but you must look for the Ruby stone first!..but there is a problem.
Kakurine: Whats the problem?
Soraya: He knows everything about you and your armies. Teresa has turned against you! It will be a difficult fight!
Miyu and the other Headmasters shake their heads.
Chidori: If only there's a way to catch him by surprise, an ambush!
Yasunari: Lets follow this map and spread out all over the Fortress. Even if some of us are captured, at least the others have a chance to penetrate Ferciol's defenses!
Stealth: So lets get our units together and go now!! Ferciol will not expect a return attack!
Souleater: He would! He knows our movements!
Kakurine: If only we could be invisible!!
"You can but only a small group can be invisible" A voice is heard behind them.
There stood Sufulee and Kabashu.
Sufulee holds up the blanket of doom. "This not only destroyed Caldea but it has the power to whoever wears it to become invisible! It can accomodate 4 people!
Rei: I'll use it along with Luc, Houjun, and Pesmerga! We'll try to find Ferciol's secret chamber while you all surround the Fortress!
Kakurine nods her head. That sounded like a good plan.
Soraya continued. "I have potions to help you travel under a different form where you also cannot be seen. Your bodies will transform into smoke but only for a short period of time. An army can use this.
Kibagami and Carbuncle join in. "Then lets go! Lets not waste time!!
Kakurine: Okay! Regroup everyone!!!!!!! The battle begins!!! Bring down Ferciol at all cost! We owe it to our fallen comrades, Flik and Yuumi to win this fight!!! Let us go GSG's!!!! Fight to the death!!!!
Everyone gears up for the great battle!
It is almost dusk and Kakurine thinks its a good time to fight.
Kakurine: The darkness will be our cover. Ready everyone?
GSG's resound together: We are ready!!!
Kakurine: Everyone off to battle!!!!! May God be with all of us!!!! To Victory or DEATH!!!!!
A loud bellowing sound is heard as the GSG's run off sounding their battle cry!!
The Dragon Knights flew with their dragons to the towers.
White wolves fiercingly ran thru the thick forests followed by the Imperial Army and Scarlet Moon Empire to do battle at ground level.
The Knights of Matilda along with the Liberation army used the flamingoes to reach higher ground and the towers to help and support the Dragon Knights.
Kakurine went off with the Dark Alliance led by Eilie and Arheis to the southern side to cover a larger perimeter around the fortress. The Keepers along with Ayuki, Machi and Sora and with the Zexen Silver Knights led by Kulitkoh covered the Northern flank.
As they reached the vast walls, Tall ladders were propped up and GSG units scampered hastily up to reach the towers. Kabashu along with Sufulee and Sarah led their own army and brought up the rear to help the GSG's. As the first line of soldiers reached the outer walls, suddenly a huge army of flying gargoyles attacked them, wounding many GSG's and killing some soldiers.
The Dragon Knights fought with their flying Dragons to bring them down. The Liberation army and Knights of Matilda arrived on time to fight them off.
As the Keepers and Zexen Knights reached the North phase, suddenly as some soldiers went forward, the ground suddenly gave way!!
It was a bog!!! like quicksand!! Many soldiers sank to their deaths!
Machi looked around and saw tall trees behind them.
She pointed this out to Kulitkoh.
Machi: We can use these tall trunks as tall poles to vault our way across!!
Kulitkoh shouted a command. "Cut those trees into poles so we can jump across this bog!"
The Knights and Keepers worked furiously to finish the task.
At the Southern side, Kakurine and Eilie lead the Dark Alliance. They reach a moat filled with dark water and a drawbridge but the gate was shut tight!
Eilie: Ready your battery rams!!!! Break down that gate!!!
The Dark Alliance push two huge heavy battery rams against the gate, slamming it with great force.
Suddenly, a huge serpent with sharp fangs rises from the dark water of the moat and eats up some of the soldiers! Other soldiers run for their lives!! The serpent growled loudly and hissed at the GSG's.
Kakurine brandishing her sword steps up. "All GSG's flank together! When it strikes, be ready to strike back!!!
Suddenly a strong wind is felt and the serpent falls back and crashes into the water! Everyone is surprised!
Luc: Its about time my wind rune was put to use again!
He smiles.
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