Fan Fiction ❯ A War of Three Nations ❯ Chapter Twelve: A War of Three Nations ( Chapter 12 )

Disclaimer: *shoves Jeff in then walks away*

 

Jeff:*blinks* ok then…

 

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Chapter Twelve: A War of Three Nations

 

The bright light that shone into the chamber through the single window did nothing to alert the sleeping occupants of the dangers ahead.

Preia lay tucked safely against Rye's side, her hair free from its normal ties and spread erratically about. The bright light falling across her face, Preia's nose scrunched slightly as she woke, blurry sea green eyes opening slowly.

She blinked a few times to clear her vision, then sat up quickly, holding the sheets to her chest and shaking Rye's shoulder gently.

"Rye! Rye, wake up! We have to get ready!" A hint of sadness crept into her eyes as she thought of what lay ahead. A war of massive proportions.

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Shafira turned to Allarayne, her face the vision of evil.

"Wake and rally the troops; it is time to head for the battlefield."

 

"And what kind of general would she be if she rode out without the proper equipment? Equipment that would mark her as one of the greatest generals in the history of Malo," Touchi's voice asked, as the former general of Malo began rising out of the shadow of Shafira herself.

"I promised her a weapon of massive destructive proportions, and you try to send her out before it could arrive. What fun are you?" he said mockingly to Shafira, before walking over to Allarayne.

Touchi threw his cloak back, and revealed a sword strapped to his waist. He unsheathed it and presented it to Allarayne.

"My dear general, I present to you Molotoch the Slayer. This sword will increase your swordsmanship skills almost infinitely. You will not meet your match with this sword in your hand," Touchi said, holding the sword out for Allarayne to accept it.

 

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Aceline awoke before Zephyr did, a solemn, sad look on her face. She passed by his door, and opened it to catch a sight of a half-naked Zephyr just beginning to put on his shirt. The male general was caught off-guard. His eyes widened as he hastened to put his shirt on. "A--Aceline!" he stammered. There was an evident crimson blush on his porcelain skin. "D--did you need something?"

Aceline's eyes were turned downward quickly as Zephyr finished changing, her fingers tightly gripping the Stone around her neck. "Well," she began uncertainly, "our armies are waiting, Zephyr."

Zephyr nodded quickly, tying Alexavier's scabbard around his waist tightly. "Let's go, Aceline."

Silverwind and Saeli neighed with happiness as their riders approached them, Silverwind's coat shining in the sunlight and Saeli's eyes gently glowing. They were ready for the war as well. The two generals mounted their horses, and rode to the front of their respective armies. Zephyr took a quick glance at Saleh before he spurred his horse around, drawing his sword and raising its blade in the glimmering sunshine.

"Men!" he shouted. "We have not been at war for such a long time; our skills might not be as well as we hoped. But remember! We have our loved ones to fight for, to protect with our very lives!" He stopped briefly to glance at Aceline, then he continued. "We are our country's hope for survival so they may live to see another one smile. We will fight our hardest, our bravest, and we will win!" His voice resounded through the large forest, and roars and cheers erupted from his army. His father was clapping, smiling at him brilliantly as Bade quickly rode to escort their mother back to the castle.

Aceline's speech was, nonetheless, despite the time they had, was short, quick, and brief. "This is the day we've all been waiting for. Therefore, we fight, and we win!" She summoned her bow and arrow, and fired an arrow up into the sky. For her Gaian army, arrows in the sky meant immense luck, fortune, and strength. They all took it as a good omen. Aceline rode quickly to Zephyr's side. "Nice speech."

Zephyr grinned like a cat. "Of course." Then, he grasped the hilt of his sword where the Wind Heart stone was seated, and he raised it into the air once more. "Svinsahdra! Eoru! Alexavier!" His dragon, the spirit of the Heart stone, and the spirit of his sword appeared in an instant flash of power. Svinsahdra looked more regal then ever, her long, silver neck unscratched and unscathed, her eyes lethal and predatory, ready to kill. Eoru's childlike spirit was focused on giving his Wind strength to strengthen Zephyr's element. Alexavier hung around the blade of the sword. Zephyr smiled at them.

The spirit of Aceline's stone also appeared. It bowed to its mistress, proclaiming in a quiet voice, I am Cibynel. Call on me, and I will always aid you. Aceline gave her Stone spirit a smile, and nodded a thank you. Exosivian also appeared by her mistress' side, her emerald neck stretched as her scales glinted in the forest's sunlight.

The time for war was now.

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Cathayna did not achieve any amount of sleep at all. Her eyes were blurry, her hair and appearance disheveled. Nonetheless, Chraythin and Dyrdaran were by her side, faithful as always, her two animals - the vulture and the Stymphalian bird - flying beside her as Cathayna snapped herself into war clothes and fixed her appearance. "This is it," she said emotionlessly as she headed out to the balcony where she knew Shafira and Allarayne would be commanding the troops from. The four figures behind her caught up quickly as her feet dashed throughout the large castle. She reached them just in time to see Touchi, Ishikawa's teacher and master, appear out of Shafira's shadow and extend a sword out towards the general. Instantly, her mind wandered. Ishikawa...

Allarayne's eyes glimmered evilly as Verzyan roamed beside her, Vikirnoff on the ground, his eyes shining like possessed gems. Her hands reached out to touch Molotoch the Slayer, and she felt the rush of skill instantly as her flesh came into contact with the sword's hilt. She allowed herself a tiny smile, shooting a glance at her goddess' vulture-like eyes, before accepting the sword. She bowed formally toward Touchi, "I accept your most precious gift. The thought is appreciated," she added, a hint of humor in her voice.

She looked at Touchi, at Shafira, and glanced quickly at Shrirava and the four figures surrounding her. She merely said snidely, "The more the merrier." Her eyes narrowed instantly before Vikirnoff appeared and stretched his neck out so that his mistress would be able to ride on it. Stealing one last glimpse of Touchi's face, Allarayne descended as Vikirnoff's roar woke the warriors. They snapped into attention instantly. Allarayne spoke.

"Demons of my army, our war and our victory are at hand. I expect not only the best performance, but the best skills displayed on the battlefield. Prisoners are not necessary. Slay all who oppose you. Should you meet any of the other who wields a Heart stone, you are to kill them and give the Stone to me."

She snorted. Or at least attemptto kill them.

The demons before her roared with excitement, raising their weapons. Allarayne nodded briefly, and then looked at Shrirava, Touchi, and Shafira. She bowed as best as she could to the goddess, "You need to only say the word, my lady, and they will charge to fight in your name."

 

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Touchi climbed up onto the railing and looked out over the army. There were some shouts from down below by a few of the older warriors, somewhere along the lines of 'Is that him?' and 'He's supposed to be dead!'.

"Your men's morale is high. This war may prove to be yours after all. I am merely here to watch, having no interest in this war particularly. My only wish is to teach my disciples all they need to know, before I personally show them reality," Touchi said, addressing Shafira.



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"And were you planning on leaving without us?" Nakamura asked, rising out of Aceline's shadow. "How rude. And after all we did to help you out."

Nakamura stood proudly before the two generals and their army. For he had not only beaten the dragon Breog, he had also obtained a more powerful sword than Morthoseth. In his hand he held Kilgorin, the sword of darkness.

Ishikawa and Ka-Rosu walked up into the presence of the generals and revealed themselves to the army. Ka-Rosu holding his favored Anatharos, and Ishikawa holding Luciendar and Morthoseth.

"I believe we are 'now' ready to leave," Nakamura said, flashing a fanged smile at Aceline.

 

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"You need to only say the word, my lady, and they will charge to fight in your name."

"Your men's morale is high. This war may prove to be yours after all. I am merely here to watch, having no interest in this war particularly. My only wish is to teach my disciples all they need to know, before I personally show them reality."

"Do as you wish, Touchi, it concerns me not; as long as you are not fighting against us, I could not care less." Turning to Allarayne, Shafira smirked, eyes glimmering evilly.

"Wait until the sun has fully risen, then lead the troops to the battlefield. In one hour, when they are positioned and the sun is at its peak, I shall give the word, and this war will begin."

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"Zephyr! Zephyr!" Pushing through the many members of the Fayrian army, Ronin managed to find his way out and towards the general, Sibel following behind him. Both looked slightly odd in their Fayrian armor, swords buckled at their waists, but every male was required to fight in this battle.

Finally reaching the general, Ronin grabbed Zephyr by his arms and forced him to face him, his face covered with worry and anger.

"Where is she?" he demanded, ignoring Sibel's attempts to calm him down. "Zephyr, where is my daughter? Where is Preia?!"

 

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Rye awoke to the sound of Preia's voice and the sudden chill against his bare chest as she sat up with the blanket.

"Rye! Rye, wake up! We have to get ready!"

He slowly sat up next to her with a slight smile on his face.

"You're right. As much as I don't want to," he said, placing a soft kiss on her shoulder.

"Come, the others will be waiting for us," he said, all of the sudden in battle mode, as he swung his legs out of the bed and started picking up his clothes from the floor to get dressed.

Once he was dressed, he picked up his sword and stared at it. You must have tasted blood before in my father's hand. Today, I am your master.

 

Nodding to Rye's words, Preia stood and dressed quickly, lifting her sword and sheathing it before nodding to Rye and heading towards the door.

"One second, Preia." Pausing when Fayria's ghost appeared in front of her, Preia couldn't help but blush when the spirit gave her a knowing smile.

"I've aided you as much as I am able to; it's time for me to give back the part of your soul I contain." Preia stared at her past life.

"But... how will I?"

"It is in your heart Preia; just trust in yourself." Stepping forward, the spirit began to meld into the girls body, uttering only one more warning before she bonded with her completely.

'Be extra careful Preia... you no longer live only for you.' Preia gasped slightly once the spirit was gone, her clothing shifting to that of Fayria's priestess garb, only her hair remaining the same.

'Thank you Fayria,' she thought, then looked to Rye, "Let's go."

Swiftly heading out of the room and the shrine, Preia rushed down the front steps and stopped when a familiar whinny sounded, whirling with a smile.

"Night Runner!" The stallion pranced over to Preia, wearing white and yellow armors matching Preia's clothing.

You didn't think I'd let you go to war without me, did you? the stallion sent, nuzzling his mistress' shoulder. Preia sighed, then turned, her ears catching a familiar voice. Her eyes widened.

"Father! Sibel!" She ran over and pulled her father away from the slightly harassed looking Zephyr, hugging him tightly. Ronin blinked in surprised when he was suddenly hugged, surprised to see that it was Preia.

"Preia! Oh thank god you're alright... look at you!" Preia blushed, then looked behind her when Rye caught up, holding a hand out to him for him to come closer.

"Daddy, this is Rye."

 

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Saleh strode up alongside Zephyr and Aceline, who sat mounted atop their respectable steeds in front of the Fayrian and Gaian army. He had come in Sibel and Ronin's wake. Slowing his own steed down to a halt beside Zephyr and Ronin, the horse neighed a little bit. Saleh had arrived just in time to witness the scene Ronin had caused by shaking Zephyr by the arms. "Be calm, Preia hasn't a scratch on her," Saleh said, addressing Ronin, "In fact, I'm sure she'll be here soon."

Bowing to Sibel, Saleh spoke, "It's been awhile since we've seen each other. What an honor that it will be to fight alongside you and the others." Saleh nodded to Zephyr, Aceline, and Ronin, indicating that he was speaking of them too. Rubbing his steed's mane once or twice, he looked out and down into their battlefield-to-be.

As if marked by Saleh's words, Preia appeared from behind them atop her steed Night Runner. A smile covered his face when he saw the look of surprise and relief spread over Ronin's face. "I told you, there's nothing to worry about. You've left your daughter in good hands," Saleh said, lifting his arm from his side to be perpendicular with General Zephyr, indicating whom he was speaking of. As Rye caught up from behind, Saleh waved at him, lowering his other arm as he did.

 

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Rye watched as the Lady Fayria melded with Preia. He turned his head with a start to see Zealous standing behind him.

"This is it boy! You've done well, but I cannot follow you any further. What I can do is give you my armor, to keep."

"Thank you Zealous. It's an honor being your reincarnation."

Zealous just laughed before stepping into Rye's body. On top of Rye's clothes appeared the bronze armor, worn by the Gaian soldiers during the Great War, one-thousand years ago. He was no longer able to strap his sword on his back, and found himself buckling it to his waist. Nodding at Preia, he followed her outside as she approached Night Runner.

He frowned in confusion not quite knowing where his bonded was. Raising his fingers to his lips he whistled loudly. Out of the woods ahead, Midknight bolted from out of the bushes. Yes Master, I have come.

Rye smiled at the convenience and looked up when Zephyr and an unfamiliar man approached Preia.

"Daddy, this is Rye," she said to the man, taking hold of Rye's hand.

Rye gasped silently, a little uneasy after spending the night with the Fayrian noble's daughter. "It is an honor to meet you sir," he said, placing his right hand over his heart and bowing.

 

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Zephyr's arms shook as Ronin grasped them and nearly shook the breath out of the surprised general. "Ronin... Ronin--"

Preia suddenly appeared, and Zephyr was saved from having to explain everything to the distressed father. After Preia hugged him and introduced him to Rye, Zephyr glared at Ronin. "You know," he said in a mock-angry tone. "I would have you beheaded for shaking me and nearly knocking the wind out of me, but Preia would be upset and Fara would be fawning at me for killing her advisor. Therefore, never mind. I think I'll be beheading demons much more terrible than you."

Ronin instantly looked miffed. "Well, I--"

Zephyr smiled and patted Fara's advisor gently on the shoulder. "Don't worry. I wouldn't dare."

Ronin's face was suddenly relieved.

Aceline's expression looked like she was tempted to say something to reprimand Zephyr, but then she quietly laughed.

"Hey, Zeph!" Zephyr turned instantly to look at his approaching brother. Zephyr himself thought he looked simply dashing in the Fayrian armor. He allowed himself a large grin as Bade and Silver Dash galloped up to him. Zephyr willed himself to relax.

"Hey, bro. You and Dash look good." Bade grinned.

"I know, don't we?"

Another familiar voice joined in, "Ah, Bade, my poor, poor, conceited son."

Bade mock-glared at his father while Zephyr laughed jovially. I'll laugh in the face of danger, indeed, he thought as his father reached out and grasped his son in a loving hug.

"Bellatrice is safely at home with Jemina, Zephyr," Matthias Alexxis reassured as he watched his older son's face tense immediately. "I've assigned each home a member of the army. Thank heavens we didn't lose as much manpower as I thought we would've."

Bade snorted. "Who needs manpower when Zephyr and Aceline and others have the stones, their bonded, and we've got two dragons on our side?"

Aceline jumped in. "And more spirits than we could ever handle." Cibynel looked miffed; the female general grinned. Eoru and Alexavier looked mock-hurt. Svinsahdra and Exosivian grinned as much as a dragon could. Zephyr merely raised his brows.

"I guess this is what they mean by 'the more, the merrier,' eh?"

Aceline grinned. "Indeed."

Suddenly, Nakamura appeared out of her shadow with Ishikawa and Ka-Rosu and she flinched in surprise. "And were you planning to leave without us?" Nakamura asked. "How rude. And after all we did to help you out."

Aceline acknowledged them each by name. "Nakamura. Ishikawa. Ka-Rosu. So good of you to join us."

Aceline then nodded at Nakamura's fanged smile as he said, "I believe we are 'now' ready to leave."

"We wait for Etaine's command; then we leave," Zephyr's voice intervened.

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Cathayna's eyes glazed over the battlefield as the demons were roused immediately by Allarayne. Her sister nodded at Shafira, and she swooped down on Vikirnoff, passing by all of their spread-out warriors. She watched Allarayne's eyes glaze over as well as he stared at Touchi.

Unheard of to Cathayna, Allarayne sent Touchi a message. Whatexactlyisyour idea of reality? Our goddess destroyed, you and me living together, your disciples fully trained and well enough to reign on their own? Perhaps one of them take the name of 'general'? Tell me. Oh, I simply mustknow, her thought-speak voice drawled simply, though her heart - she had a heart? - was tempting to say something else.

Cathayna herself was busy worrying about Touchi's disciple, Ishikawa. She thought-spoke to him. Ishikawa? Where are you?

 

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"And were you planning to leave without us?" Nakamura asked. "How rude. And after all we did to help you out."

"There's not a chance we'd leave you behind!" Saleh said, flashing a hearty grin at Nakamura and the other two demons. As the ground around Saleh began to get brighter, Saleh returned his gaze back over to the battlefield-to-be. At the tip and peak of a far-off mountain that lay hazily in the purple horizon, the bright orange light filtered over and flooded down over the morning shadows. Feeling the warmth of the sun across his eager face only coaxed and excited him even more for war. "The sun is finally here, and our time is upon us..." Saleh muttered, not fully pro-nunciating his words as he stared at the sun's blazing beauty.

Closing his eyes, Saleh began to mutter his prayer for not only himself, but his comrades as well, "Friends, we meet here today to decide not only our fate, but the fate of our loved ones at home and their future. Fear not, we fight under our Goddess, Lady Etaine, and though we may die here in her name, we shall embrace death with open arms if it comes to us, and let it not be in vain, but in solemn victory." He touched the tip of his fingers to his forehead, then to his heart, finally bringing them to his lips, where he kissed them silently.

As he finished his prayer, finally kissing his fingertips, Saleh glanced sideways from atop his steed, taking what may end up being a final look at his friends' and General. "This is it everyone," Saleh said in a lower voice, raising his voice to a shouting level for the rest of what he had to say, "This is our time to shine!!!" With these words to his companions', Saleh drew his sword from its sheath and pointed it out towards the still-rising sun...

 

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Ronin gazed sternly at the young man whom Preia had introduced as Rye, having to admit that he looked respectable and trust-worthy. Something about him miffed him though.

"And you as well, Rye, though I have to admit I'm surprised. Preia's never shown any interest in any men before." Preia blushed, avoiding looking at Rye's face.

"Father..." Ronin couldn't help but chuckle.

"I'm sorry Preia, I couldn't resist. You're a neko-jin, Rye?"

"He's half neko-jin..." Preia intervened, seeing the confusion that crossed her fathers face.

"Then what is his other ha-?"

"Does it really matter, if I love him?" she asked quietly, fingers still laced with Rye's. Ronin glanced between them, the two looking just as he and Jemina had when they were teenagers, and sighed.

"No, I suppose it doesn't," the older elf clapped Rye on his shoulder, offering him a friendly smile, "Here's hoping we all make it out of this alive with something to look forward to."

Sibel smiled at his uncle and cousin before turning, Etaine approaching the group with a solemn expression.

"It hurts to have to bring you all into this," she paused, looking round at the group, eyes saddening more when they fell on Rye and Preia's joined hands, "but this has to be finished. It is time to head to the battle front. Aceline, Zephyr," she turned to the two generals, "please take the troops to the edge of the mountain base; wait there for the sun to rise and my command."

Ronin hugged Preia once more before leaving back to the troops with Sibel, Night Runner trotting up beside his mistress and pawing at the ground anxiously. Preia tightened her grasp on Rye's hand; would they survive this? Would any of the people she cared about survive?

 

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What is reality? Reality is the knowledge that even though you may be the most powerful in the land, there's always someone who's stronger. And I will prove that to my disciples, even if it means killing them. Touchi responded to Allarayne's question.


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Ishikawa, where are you?

Ishikawa tilted his head and turned away from the others, while everyone gave their speeches and Etaine showed herself.

Do not fret. We shall see each other soon. Than, I will steal you away and we won't have to worry about war or anything else ever again. That is, if you wish it. Ishikawa responded, adding the last bit with a heavy heart.

 

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Rye held his breath when Preia's father asked what the other half of his heritage was.

"Does it really matter, if I love him?"

Rye looked at Preia and smiled at her courage. We must tell him at some stage, and I don't think the reaction will be very pleasant, he thought to himself.

Once Lady Fayria had spoken, Rye responded to Preia's tightened grip on his hand. He rubbed the top of her hand to try and ease her anxiety.

"Come. Let us find Saleh," he said, as he looked for their comrades.

 

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Aceline and Zephyr nodded at Etaine's command, and rallied their troops to the mountain-base, elf and neko-jin alike. Zephyr's father and brother rode gallantly, each Alexxis male flanking him, and Aceline's father was not too far behind as he gathered the neko-jin warriors. There was a brief hesitance in Zephyr's face as he gazed at his family and gazed at Aceline, but another flickering look at them hardened his face. He would be fighting for them today, and he would have it no other way.

Aceline rode ahead, swiftly and silently though her horse's hooves were pounding on the ground. Zephyr caught up to her, and their hands intertwined one more time before they reached the base, and waited for Etaine's command. The time for war could have approached them now and all of them would be prepared for war.

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Allarayne was quiet as she listened intently to Touchi, then relaying, You would kill them to make them see reality. I cannot understand you, Touchi.

Her eyes turned swiftly to Shrirava, who seemed very interested in her telepathic conversation. Allarayne's eyes narrowed as the other she-demon began blushing instantly, and then her eyes met Touchi's once more. Speaking of your disciples... why aren't they with you?

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Cathayna was listening to Ishikawa's response, and she quickly felt heat rise in her face as her grip against Elvenslayer and Earthenstriker tightened. I... I wish to see you, she replied, voice breaking, and... I-- I wish it, she finished, hoping that her shields were tight and were still running. She could not have Shafira suddenly interfere with their conversation or suddenly prevent them from seeing each other. I wish it.

 

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Preia nodded and turned to follow after Rye, but a gentle hand on her shoulder caused her to stop. Looking back, she stared at Etaine's sad face.

"Lady Etaine?" she questioned softly, the goddess attempting a small smile.

"You shall be staying upon the hills with the archers, Preia, I believe that that is where you will best serve until the need should come for you to fight with sword," Preia stared at her.

"But..." she wanted to protest; she didn't want to stay behind the lines while Rye was down on the battle front.

"Trust me Preia, it's for the best," Preia sighed and nodded, turning to Rye.

Pressing a swift kiss on his lips and whispering a faint "Be safe," Preia allowed the goddess to lead her back to the archers sadly.

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Shafira materialized in the air above her demon army, Allarayne in the lead. Smirking maliciously, the dark goddess raised her arms abode her head.

"The time is now, my demons!" she cackled, throwing one arm down and pointing towards the elven and neko-jin armies across the battlefield, "ATTACK!"

The demons roared and charged forward, racing across the battlefield.

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"Steady," Etaine commanded, the archers ready with their arrows. Preia stood tall; her golden bow cocked and aimed with an arrow of light grasped between her fingers.

"Fire!" the goddess shouted when the demons were within range, the archers releasing their arrows and taking out the first wave of demons. Preia's arrow struck two simultaneously. That was the signal for the armies below to begin the attack; the war of three nations had begun.

 

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OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG! THE WAR'S STARTED!!! AHHHH RUNAWAY!!1 *flees* XD

 

Amariahellcat

 

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Steady, darling; you aren't the one going to war here, you know. *sticks tongue out*

 

(Whatever),

 

Snowy