That Guy with a Halberd

[Graymayre]

And most importantly, he is a way of life. A moral system to better ourselves.

Some day we all wish to reach the true enlightenment of the mighty polearm wielder (who by sheer force of will made his weapon gain reach).

Halberd be with you all.

[Coplantor]

After a post like that, I just feel like making a movie about some wierd halberd adoring religion... wich is even more popular than those guys who worship a hole in the ground.

[zach12376]

Sorry about my absence... which apparently hasn't been missed...

In reply to all those "Stab zach" comments... I warp away, grab a Halbred, and KILL YOU ALL!!!

[NamonakiRei]

Good gracious, I go on holiday and the whole thread isn't posted in on what? 8 days?

Well, I hope there's some halberdiers around anyway, because I have something to show you.

I've been re-reading some things on the thread, and the GwaH writing contest(In wich, to the date I looked, only Lerky has posted his story) caught my attention. We all know the story Lerky wrote (Or most, at least.). And as I had nothing to do today, I did this! Cover for the story!!! woot!!!

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I'm linking to the image because it's, like, 600 pixels bigger than the total allowed, if not more...


http://www.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?a3806b7b8d.png

It's... a little bigger than I intended, but it gets the job done, I guess. I tried to make the upper end like an old piece of parchment, gradually fading toward some point on the story that's sort of "off-camera".

By the way, I wrote what I wrote at the lower-left, because, the story? Lerky's. The picture? Mine.(We all know Lerky is a better artist, but hey! I'm triying to revive the thread!(Again) I had to do something!)

So... what do you say?

(Every kind of veggie is accepted for throwing, except for Pickles, if you could be so kind. And potatoes.)

[mr.fizzypop]

Great picture! I'm also amazed not many people are posting...not much to discuss I guess...most of this thread is arguing against Halberd-haters...

Just one thing, I thought GwaH was left-handed, not right-handed like in in your picture. That's my only problem with it.

[Niesra]

Ok, so, the picture really inspired me to write my own GwaH story. It's not precisely a continuation of Lerky's, and it's a bit long. I hope someone will enjoy some of it and this thing might revive a bit ('cause I do thing it's a good idea.) I posted it in the Contest threat too...
Here's that link:
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showt...29#post5836229
I titled it "Cry of War"

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Cry of War

He woke up to smell the stench of the dead bodies. Hobgoblins and Azurites alike lied dead buried by the blue rocks. He got on his knees and began to get up; he took his hand to his right shoulder right away—he’d fallen on it. Where am I? It was dark around, and the pile of bodies made it harder to get on his feet. He felt around and found what he was looking for right by his side: his Halberd. He started walking around, listening with disgust to the echoing sound his metallic boots made when they stepped on the pools of blood. He was inside the outer fortifications of the city. Large rocks blocked the way. He knew the city’s fortifications well, better than anyone in fact. Every since he was a young boy he’d dream of being part of Azure City’s militia, an Azurite warrior. The entrance that was blocked was the only one in this block, he’d have to make his way to the southern block and rejoin the fight from there. He felt it was ironic, painfully ironic. When he was younger, he couldn’t begin to count how many times he’d sneaked into the militia’s headquarters and then wondered around the outer fortifications of the city; he even managed to get into Lord Shojo’s Castle once or twice. He’d been caught most of the time (he was even presented to a Paladin once for judgment on what his punishment should be) and every time he remarked how easy it had been to sneak in, that if a kid could get past anyone could. The guards always replied they had better things to do than look out for a mischievous kid. Indeed, the Paladin remarked that the city was the best fortified in the continent and that you would need a couple dozen thousand foot soldiers to get past them. Now the couple dozen thousand had trespassed, as predicted, the city’s defenses.
He made his way through the darkness instinctively and saw a dim light. He knew that had to be the corridor that led to the southern block. Suddenly, he felt something grab his ankle. He gasped and fell against the wall. “Help me…please…help.” The sordid plea came through as an imperative order. He could feel the cold hand squeezing his ankle harder and harder. He bent and tried to see who it was. He heard the soldier breading and struggling to break free from the boulder crushing the larger portion of his body. “Hold still, I’m going to move the rock so you can escape.” He tried to move it again and again, doing his best to ignore the faint shouts of pain of the soldier. “Stop…stop…it’s no use.” He was sobbing along with his fellow warrior. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” “It’s ok, you must go back. Don’t let the city fall.” He heard how the slow panting of the wounded soldier began extinguishing, merging with the quiet of the dungeon. He fell on his knees and cursed it all. How could all this have happened? Lord Shojo is dead; the city is being invaded by an army that outnumbers us three to one; and a stupid group of adventurers trying to be heroes, who would sacrifice the city if it meant accomplishing their own goals, were in charge. “I swear I will avenge your death.” He grabbed the face of the warrior to swear an oath of vengeance, but when he saw whose face it was he was grabbing, he flinched and begun to cry. “Kenji…KENJI! You’re not dead, right? Answer me Kenji, wake up. WAKE UP!” He embraced his best friend, his brother, and, again, cursed all that could be cursed. The warrior drew his last breath, coughing blood: “R…Ryoma, you survived. I…am…glad…” Kenji let go of his legs and died with a smile on his face. Ryoma let go of the man who had been part of his soul for half his life. Why did you have to die Kenji? WHY?! The anger whirled within him as the last words his friend had spoken resonated in his mind.
He had met Kenji before he enlisted himself in the militia, even before his father traded half that year’s harvest for his treasured halberd and told him it was his destiny to become a warrior. It had been a cold, rainy autumn afternoon. Kenji saved his life that day. His mother had died when he was young; and his father had nothing besides the family farm that barely made enough for them to survive. The day before, a harsh hail had ruined the storage house and every supply stored in it. My father had no idea how we were going to make it through the winter. “The Gods must hate us to have sent hail this early in the season.” He decided to sneak into the city’s storage building. I thought it couldn’t be much harder than sneaking into the militia’s headquarters. He chuckled and let out a soft laugh. He couldn’t believe he was remembering all this in the mid of a battle, but he couldn’t help it. He remembered the storage was heavily guarded that day. Must have been because of the hail. I bet they figured someone who suffered a fate like mine would steal it; no, I bet they knew someone was going to try to steal it. The dozens of guards didn’t stop him from trying. He got caught trying to break in, and the two guards that saw him would’ve killed him if Kenji hadn’t showed up. He knocked both guards out and unlocked the warehouse. “Take what you need, nothing more.” He helped me take the three sacks of corn that saved us from starvation all the way to the farm. “Where to?” “I live right outside the city, by the eastern walls.” He always wondered why no other guards had come, and why Kenji had helped him so readily. He found out later that Kenji was one of the leaders of a group that was planning to sack the city’s warehouse in the first place. I would’ve died twice if it hadn’t been for him. From that day forward, he became family. He had been going forward all this time and had finally reached the southern entrance. He stepped out, grabbing his trusted Halberd with his left hand and lifting it high. This is for you, Kenji. I swear I’ll live, and I’ll fight for our city until every single hobgoblin is gone. And with that, tears on his eyes, and a cry of war that was heard by every single Azurite, Ryoma charged back into the battle, refusing to dye, refusing to let the city fall.

[NamonakiRei]

mr.fizzypop: Holy Molly! I hadn't noticed! I made him left handed, but then rotated the picture, guess I forgot to change the Halberd to the left hand! I'll do it now! Thanks for telling me!

Niesra: Wow! That's... quite a good story, very good indeed. I can't believe my image inspierd you to make that! You are a good writer, buddy! Awesome! (BTW, your story, it has... lemme see... 1.126 words. Good lenght, I'd say! )


PS.: I'll update the link to the new image when I get it done, I'll put it in this post! look forward to it! Be back in 15 minutes!

As freeimage hosting.net doesn't seem to be uploading my image, then I guess, I'll be posting it tomorrow, or as soon as it uploads
Keep the thread alive 'till then, 'kay?

[Niesra]

Ok, since there was someone who gave a positive feedback, I decided to post a second because it's really fun to write about this guy (seriously, he kicks ass u_u). Anyway, I also updated the contest thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showt...29#post5836229) in hopes someone besides me might regain interest...

The title is "Charge and Fight"

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Charge and Fight

16…17…18…19…The blade of his weapon was soaking in blood. The metallic gray was now indistinguishable, and it appeared its color was, indeed, a morbid pale red. The scene was shocking. Hobgoblin bodies were scattered around, and were beginning to pile. “They’re falling back! I can’t believe it!” I can. This is only the first attack wave. The larger portion of the army has stayed behind; I don’t want to think about what will happen when they decide to make their actual attack. If a couple hundred of us die is just a bonus, but their couple thousand casualties were shrewdly calculated—soulless, but effective, they were meant to weaken the fortifications and tire our men. The last hobgoblin disappeared behind the battered wall. The northern block had sent for reinforcements, the damage on the fortifications there had been as been in this part and enemy forces were regrouping, it seemed. Not very many stayed to guard the southern breach on the wall. “We won! Take that orange scum!” The soldiers were alert, but relaxed. We haven’t won anything. “Keep in mind this was only the first part, the second wave will soon come and it will be three times as bad.” He was all too aware of the enemy’s strategy by now. “I would argue, but your conclusion appears to be correct.” A hand tapped his shoulder. He turned and saw a fellow soldier pointing at the top of the stockpile of rocks that the destroyed wall had left. Hobgoblins were amassing and preparing to charge. Is this the second attack? No, too fast. They must have regrouped like they did in the northern entrance. “Send for reinforcements. If I’m right, these are only the leftovers of the first wave.” He rounded up the soldiers that were there quickly. “I have a plan.”
Hundreds of hobgoblins raced down to attack the Azurites. They were greatly outnumbered, but reinforcements would arrive soon according to popular hope. Ryoma looked them fiercely, and began running towards them without hesitation. The hobgoblins more than halved their pace the sight before them. A single warrior was charging against them, the rest were immobile. He wielded his halberd in a circular pattern, creating momentum. Circle right, circle left, circle right, circle left. The sharp whistling of the weapon drilled into the invaders ears and further slowed their march. Ryoma advanced even more decisively, for he knew that if his opponent was truly cruel, he wouldn’t have sent more than one or two officers to lead. He smiled. He was about to breach into a mass of hundreds of hobgoblins; perplexed, hesitant hobgoblins with no leader, true, but the move appeared suicidal nonetheless. Among the undistinguishable mass, a voice shouted “CHARGE!” and the invaders regained their pace—though it was already too late. Ryoma clashed alone with them and pierced into the orange mass of soldiers.
I will charge alone, as you, my fellow Azurites, stay in the back. The hobgoblins will be startled and uneasy, and will reduce their pace as begin swinging my halberd. I will make it whistle as hard as I can, and they will reduce their march even more. They did. They will restart their charge, hopefully after I have gotten close enough. I will clash head on with them, breaking their lines, taking advantage of the momentum and killing a few. He did. I will fight towards a corner, and they will refocus on me and follow.They did. They will circle me and will try to take me, but they won’t be able to get to me. They couldn’t. There will be too many trying to get to the same point at the same time, and my halberd’s reach will take care of any that come through. At this point I’ll probably be wounded. He was. I will be able to hold them off just long enough for you to make your move. You will circle them, shields ahead, and will charge. You will attack at the same time in a continuous line, and they won’t be able to react in time. They weren’t. Ryoma was on his knees against a corner, fighting with all his might any hobgoblin that would step out of the orange mass. He could barely keep focus. He’d been stabbed on the torso more than once, and had his right arm and leg were bleeding. 87…88…89….Finally the orange mass began to turn in chaos. His fellow Azurites were advancing steadily, shields first, sweeping what remained of the cornered enemy. Many of them appeared to just have realized they weren’t fighting a single man. As they tried to fight back, the bodies of their dead comrades created a barrier between them and the Azurites and prevented them from doing any real damage to the soldiers.
Just like that, the leftovers of the first wave were done-for, and the Azurites could claim their first true victory of the day. Only a few isolated troops and the piles of orange flesh remained. All that was left now was to wait for the second attack wave, and the culmination of the War. Ryoma sat, anxious, and began to treat his wounds. One hundred, not a bad number. I guess I beat you to that one Kenji. I never thought that any of us would ever keep to that bet. He looked at the sky and smiled. It was the very day after I got my halberd, remember Kenji? I nearly died when I found out my dad had traded half the harvest. “You’ll be the best warrior there ever was, and don’t you forget it.” You told me that I would have to beat you first, remember? “Well, if you’re so tough, why don’t we bet on it? The first one that manages to kill a hundred warriors in a day will be declared the best of us.” “Killing, huh? Don’t you want to have a simple duel instead?” “I couldn’t fight you Kenji, I like you too much. I’d rather have the bet.” “Well, then, I promise you I won’t lose, kid.” “Ha! I promise I’ll win; and I’m not a kid!” He began to cry, a quiet rumble could be heard in the distance, growing louder and louder. How silly, I really never thought we would do it, but I guess destiny has a cruel way of making us keep out promises.

[Nevitan]

I like these, they're good.
And the production rate is awesome.

[Niesra]

I wonder how long will the GwaH inspiration last... I have a third part of the story (I came up with it during class, so I thought I'd post it )
Anyway, it's called "Remembrance", a little backstory.

[EDIT: Right, I didn't say I wanted to join. So, I'll join the club if I may (I'm a little late though).

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Remembrance

“What will you do, Ryoma?”
“…”
“What will you do? They’ll be here tomorrow.”
“…” It began to rain. “I know that already.”
It was close to midnight. The clouds were the darkest any of the two friends had ever seen. Ryoma was sitting by his doorstep as if amid in a trance, eyes closed, listening to the raindrops make their music and speaking quietly.
“So? You need to decide something fast. You can come with me if they—“
“I won’t let them have the farm, I won’t.”
“Ryoma, there’s not much you can do about it. I mean, technically, they do own it.”
The Rain became heavier. Ryoma stood up all of the sudden, making fists with both his hands.
“I don’t care about that. What would you have me do, Kenji?”
Ryoma looked down. Those goons, forcing his father to sell; and in all reality he couldn’t do anything but die in their hands. He was tense, and overwhelmed with anger and sadness. Tears began rolling down his face.
“Do you think he’s dead?”
“Those guys…I’ve met them before. If you disappear fighting with them, you’re bound to stay that way. I am sorry; I looked everywhere I could think of.”
Ryoma was shaking. He refused to believe all this was happening. He’d woken up yesterday morning to a beautiful sun, like any other day of the season. He found his father chatting with some men right outside the house.
“I’ve already told you the farm is not for sale.”
“Everyone has their price, and if it’s not money, well, maybe your kid will have a say in the matter.”
“Out! GET OUT!”
The men left and his father refused to say anything to him. Later he disappeared and he hadn’t heard from him since. Kenji came, as usual, a few hours after that. Ryoma told him what happened and Kenji said he’d go look for his father. He came back empty handed. The next morning, the same guys appeared saying the old man had sold all the farm land. They showed the parchment with his father’s signature and the original charter that had granted him the land. Ryoma couldn’t believe it. Kenji, who had stayed overnight, managed to kick them off for the time being, because they promised to come back the next day. Once again, Kenji left to look for Ryoma’s father. He simply sat there until nightfall, until now, waiting, thinking.
“Why did they do this to me?
“It’s not you. They’ve been buying all the land around the city for some years now, and most acquisitions have been more forceful than this one. They don’t care about people; you’re just another purchase for them.”
“Then I will stop them, I’ll avenge my father.”
“Is that what he would have wanted?”
“He wanted me to become a warrior; he wanted me to follow my dream. He was always saying how I‘d be the one to step out of this ‘dirt-hole’. I love this farm, but I never really wanted to be a farmer.”
“I guess it’s decided, then. You’ll come with me and we’ll train hard so we can join the militia.”
Kenji was smiling. Ryoma remembered that his father once said that living with resentment was like walking around with a bag of rocks. Of course he had to join the militia, it had been his dream.
“You’ll try to join with me, Kenji?”
“Of course, that’s a given.”
I will have hope dad, and I’ll believe you’re watching me somehow. I’ll become the best warrior there ever was, for both of us.
“We’d better get going, then. If they find you here, you might disappear as well; and don’t take anything they’ve seen that’s of value.”
“I only need my halberd, and maybe some clothes.”
He went to look for his things. He begged them quickly and returned to Kenji, ready to begin his new life.
“Why have you always helped me?” He asked this instinctively. The question had been on his mind for a while now.
“We’re friends, right? That’s what we do.”
“I know that, but we weren’t friends when you helped me that day, when we first met.”
“Well, to be honest, you reminded me of the better side of myself. That day, three years ago, my group was planning to rob the warehouse and resell the food. We’d make a fortune making deals with all the farmers, since the hail had ruined the crop and the harvest. We were being selfish, but we justified it saying they needed the food and there was nothing wrong with making profit. You were there risking your life for survival, not money, and I realized that we were, in fact, selfish. There’s something special about you, kid. It’s hard to explain, but ever since I’ve been a better person thanks to you.”
The rain ceased as they walked down the road, towards a new beginning, trying to forget the sorrows of the past.

Ryoma was staring blankly at the sky, still remembering, when a familiar hand tapped on his shoulder. “You really saved us back there. Hi, I’m Kumi.”
“My name is Ryoma, and it wasn’t that hard. Hobgoblins without a leader aren’t so difficult to manipulate.”
“Still, it seems you have the enemy figured out. I feel better having you—“
“Wait, do you hear that?”
“Hear wha…Wait, now that you mention it, I do. What is it?”
In the distance, a rumble was growing louder and louder; it was exactly like the sound of a marching army. Ryoma rushed up the wall to see. Thousands and thousands of hobgoblins were running their way. He turned to his fellow warriors and saw an even more shocking scene.
“Are they…leaving?”
“Apparently they are. What else can we do?”
“We can fight! And defend our city to the last breath!” He was raising his voice. “We can’t let the city fall. We won’t let the city fall! We have to keep them from taking the city! We can do it! LET’S SHOW THAT SCUM WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN AZURITE!”
The remaining soldiers hoorayed Ryoma’s words. His confidence and bravery overlapped to their hearts. They were ready, waiting sternly the swarm of hobgoblins coming at them. They were getting closer by the second. The sunlight was strong, and the wind quiet. Twenty thousand hobgoblins rampaged into Azure City, overrunning any Azurite soldier close to the breaches in the walls. Ryoma could barely keep conscious, and he was carried along the orange mass as the sky got darker, and darker, and darker…

[Graymayre]

I'm sorry that I became so detached to the GwaH scene I helped create. You know how it is with life.

I'll be checking here more often, it looks like the contest may need to be ressurected. If I get enough volunteers I'll help it back up.

I assume Niesra would want to be part of it.

(posting this in the GwaH contest thread as well)

[NamonakiRei]

Wow, Niesra, those are awesome! you're really good at writing, right?

I like to see the thread beig posted in it had been dying for soo long... ahhh, well, looks like dark times are over! Let a new era start for halberdiers!

Hmmm, maybe I'll get into the writing contest... I mean, there's just Niesra working on it for now... and you'll need more volunteers... Okay! I'll try the contest, too! Looks like fun... I hope to write a bit of the story soon

Ps: BTW, freeimagehosting.net didn't want me to upload my new image I've tried for days, but it's no use...

[Nevitan]

Ps: BTW, freeimagehosting.net didn't want me to upload my new image I've tried for days, but it's no use...

Try Photobucket.com , it's been pretty reliable for me.

[NamonakiRei]

Try Photobucket.com , it's been pretty reliable for me.

Hmm... maybe. I don't really like the idea of making *another* account, but, eh! If it gets my image, here, I'm happy! Thanks!

Also: Look! An Index!

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That Guy with a Halberd

Book I: A warrior’s echo

Chapter I: The Halberd
Chapter II: On Destiny
Chapter III: The militia
Chapter IV: Peaceful evenings
Chapter V: Adventurers
Chapter VI: Tidings from afar
Chapter VII: Marching army
Chapter VIII: Three to one
Chapter IX: Cloistered
Chapter X: A dark dawn

Book II: Shrouded in Shadows

Chapter I: Regrouping survivors
Chapter II: Blue, violet and Orange
Chapter III: Hope of the resilient
Chapter IV: Unifying
Chapter V: Times are changing
Chapter VI: Chased
Chapter VII: Prisoners
Chapter VIII: Escaping home
Chapter IX: The darkest hour
Chapter X: Dawn

I'll get working on it tomorrow! I've 20 chapters of ~1.000 words each to write, after all! (And it's near midnight here, so mum'll kill me if I get working on ir just now )

[Brauley]

I have joined the cult!!!!!!!

[Nevitan]

I'll get working on it tomorrow! I've 20 chapters of ~1.000 words each to write, after all! (And it's near midnight here, so mum'll kill me if I get working on ir just now )

That's quite a task, and it'll be simply amazing if you'd write that much in Gwah.

[toanoradian]

Uh, does the warning in the Writing Contest Forum mean we cannot post stories there anymore?

I'll get working on it tomorrow! I've 20 chapters of ~1.000 words each to write, after all! (And it's near midnight here, so mum'll kill me if I get working on ir just now )

That's very, very nice.

[NamonakiRei]

That's quite a task, and it'll be simply amazing if you'd write that much in Gwah.

Heh, thank you... I think I can get it all done by the end of the month, though. I mean, if school doesen't kill me first...

Well, Anyway! Take a look and tell me what you think!

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That Guy with a Halberd

Book I: A warrior’s echo

Chapter I: The Halberd

It was a sunny morning. Light shone upon Azure City. Men and women of all ages woke up and went to work. At the barracks, generals instructed new soldiers on the usage of their weapons. At school, kids were taught by their elders. And on the outskirts, at farms, fathers trained their sons on the field labors. All but one.
The year was 1175, and the young son of Shen and Wara Ha, soon to be 16 years old, was nowhere to be found.
- Son! Son! Not again! Where are you, son? - Shen called.
- I’m here, father. I am sorry, I slept in a little. - Said the boy, appearing suddenly in the barn. He was only a little taller than most Azurites, but he was strong and handsome, persistent and well mannered, much alike the young Nobles from the city. His teal hair was never pointing the same direction, and his clothes were always dirty, product of the hard work on the farm each day.
- Ahh…- His father sighed- Son, you know that this is important… it’s the first day of harvest! There’s heavy duty before us.
- Yes, father. I know… - Said he.
The first harvest day was always the heaviest for all farmers on the locality. Crops of oat and wheat were to be organized in groups, cut, and left in piles, to be packed on the three following days. The Ha family had two crops of oat, and there were only the man and his son to do all the work. Most of the time, Shen put the cords while his son cut the oat. The young man often pretended his sickle was a halberd, and he was in a war, cutting his enemies heads. His father scolded him for that behavior, but inside of him, he knew his son was meant to be a warrior.
They began working immediately. When the sun had reached the highest place in the sky, and no shadow was cast, the two men took a break.
- Son, Shen, lunch is ready! – Announced Wara.
- No fairer words have been spoken today, mom! – Said the young boy, getting up and running to the kitchen table.
- Yes, indeed. Last year’s harvest wasn’t a half of this year’s- the father smiled.
- Truly, we have been blessed by the twelve gods by our efforts- Said Wara, smiling.
- Well, then they like us to work hard! – Said the son- But if each year the crops get bugger, us two won’t be able to handle it.
- I don’t think so. Diviners say next year’s harvest won’t be half as good as this years’.
- Really, father? I hope so, or else we will be stuffed under a great pile of oat! Bigger than the house! - They all laughed- Hey, I was being serious! - He said, pretending to be angry.

When they finished lunch, they set off to finish their work. They didn’t rest until the sun was down in the sky, and all the crop had been piled correctly. Without many words, son and father went to sleep.
Days passed by, and soon all the oats were gathered and put on a cart. They had to be taken to the mill to be crushed, and most of it they took to the city, to be sold and stored in the warehouse there. The young boy waited this day eagerly. Then he could sneak for a while, and go to the pole arm store to stare for a while at the various models of halberds. One of his favorites was the ‘Ji’ model, even if only because of the name they shared. The other was a halberd alike the standard militia halberd, but it had a +4 enhancement, due to being elaborated with the purest metals found. Rumors said that particular halberd had a bit of star metal in it, others said it was made of mithril, but no one knew if this was true.
Shen and Ji set out a little before dawn. It was half an hour to Azure City, and then another half an hour to do the prudent transactions. When they arrived to the warehouse, they found two soldiers waiting for them.
- Welcome back, mister Ha. How have you been? - Asked one of the soldiers.
- Very well Ru. Thanks for asking. Could you keep an eye on this young rascal for me, while I deliver the oatmeal? - He winked.
- Of course, sir. – Ru laughed. It will be a pleasure, as always.
- Very well. I’ll be back soon, son.
- Okay, father.

The man entered the building, followed by the other soldier. Ru and Ji talked for a while.
- You’ll see, Ru! In two more years I’ll become of age, and I will join the militia, like you!
- Sure you will, buddy- Laughed Ru, a very warm-hearted man- Your skill with the sickle ever improves. I think you could do well with a halberd. That’s the weapon you want, right?
- Yes, of course! I just… felt it! The first time I passed through that store, and saw that beautiful pole arm… It was like something awoke inside of me.
- That was six years ago.
- Yes. That year, the day of my birthday, was the first time Father allowed me to come with him to the city. I met you on that day, remember?
- Yea, I was 18 at the time, but we became friends quite quickly. And speaking of your birthday… it’s tomorrow, right? - Ru smiled- I wanted to give you this. It isn’t much, but… happy early birthday, buddy.
- Wow, Ru, thanks! - It was a leather belt with an azurite set on the brooch- This is great! Thank you! - He immediately took his old, worn out belt and put on the new one. He felt really happy and grateful. He bowed at Ru, while repeating his thanks.
- Heh, Ji… I think you’re the only kid your age that gets thrilled to receive a common belt.
- It has an azurite.
- Well, yes, but it’s not really… anything out of the ordinary.
- But you gave it to me. That makes it special, even if it isn’t worth 10 copper pieces! Thank you.
- Whew! What a pretty belt, my boy- Said Shen, getting out of the warehouse with the empty cart- Did Ru give it to you? You thanked him properly?
- Yes, sir, he certainly did- Laughed Ru- After all, his birthday is tomorrow.
- Okay, now we have to go- Said Shen- I reckon your mother is waiting for us with a good breakfast!
- Yes, but father… can I…?
- Go to see that pole arm? Go, if you want to, but it’s a waste of time!
- I know… thank you, father! Good bye, Ru! I hope to see you soon!
- Bye, Ji. - Said Ru, while Ji went running toward the shop. His father sighed.
- Well, off I go.

When Ji got to the shop, he got an unpleasant surprise. The +4 halberd had been sold a few hours ago. The shopkeeper, who knew how Ji valued the beautiful pole arm, told him:
- Don’t worry, Ji. I’m sure that who bought it will put it to good use.
- I hope so. Thank you, sir. I… I think I’ll go now…
Ji went to meet his father by the Gate of the city. When they met, he said nothing, and got on the cart.
- Did something happen, son? I didn’t expect you back so soon
- Well, someone bought the Halberd I like… but it’s okay, it was bound to happen

They did not speak on the rest of the way. When they got home, Ji went to sleep, a little sad; wondering where had that beautiful halberd gone.

So, what do you think? do I deserve a pat on my head? or tomatoes? You tell!

[Nevitan]

I like it, it more extensive than the others with just how far it goes back.

one nitpick though, you used the term +4, that bumps me a little, Mixing in games stats with fiction about GwaH. Might just be me though.

[NamonakiRei]

Well, thank you. I like to write stuff of about this length. It's a little challenge, and at times it's hard to fit in the story in just 1000 words, if you're making a long story with many chapters...

I used the in-games stat... well, I guess that I used it to show that the world is the OotS world still, no matter how different is writing from comic. I mean, it just... wouldn't fit if I had put on a 100% realist setting. It is GwaH, after all, and he is from the OotS world. As an inhabitant of this world we should honor him, either in written or drawn fiction. I don't really think on giving up on this, though I'll consider it more carefully. I was thinking on maybe putting on stuff about feats, levels, and all that.(Eg., Having gwaH to have the "Spinning halberd" CW feat)

I hope that doesn't bother you, really. It wouldn't be good if it did, I mean, I hope everyone could enjoy the story(If it's good enough)... but ah, well! criticism is something any writer should take into account.

[Niesra]

Pat in the head indeed, to say the least. I like that you actually dedicated the first chapter to the halberd . At least there's someone else interested in making GwaH a story. It would be truly amazing if you manage to write your twenty chapters.
Me? I have abused of TGwaH's inspiring incredibleness and finished "Part One" (hopefully I'll have it in me to do part two) of "That Guy with a Halberd"
They're 17 pages all in all, nine short stories (~ 1,000-1,200 words, 9,994 counting the titles if you sum them up) and a preface. It's actually enough for a VERY small book or the first part of a not so small one, so I fell acknowledgements and a title are in order.
Here it is, if anyone actually bothers to read it
(Note: The last two are in a second post for it is too long)

That Guy with a Halberd: Memories and Dark Times

Written by: Niesra
Special Thanks:
To Graymayre, for starting this awesome thread.
NemonakiRei,for the picture that first inspired me to write GwaH's story.
Lerky, for inspiring NemonakiRei's picture and being the first and only one before us to post a story.

Preface

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Preface

It’s the Year 1183, and Azure City, the Blue Fortress, is about to be attacked by a massive force of Hobgoblins. A group of northern adventurers, who had fought the leader of the Hobgoblin army before, had joined the Azurite ranks. The ruler of the city, Lord Shojo, was accused of treason and killed by the City’s strongest warrior. Lord Hinjo, his successor, took the Paladin into custody and began to make ready for the war. Between the political instability and social confusion, the war begins. The Azurites at outnumbered three to one, as the most hopeful estimations claim. The northern and southern walls are breached, and the eastern section suffers heavy damage. Within the chaos of the war, many warriors die defending their city, but many prove themselves as Azurite soldiers. A young warrior who wields a halberd is one such warrior. His honor and courage are second only to his loyalty for his beloved city and its people. This is his story.

Cry of War

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Cry of War

He woke up to smell the stench of the dead bodies. Hobgoblins and Azurites alike lied dead buried by the blue rocks. He got on his knees and began to get up; he took his hand to his right shoulder right away—he’d fallen on it. Where am I? It was dark around, and the pile of bodies made it harder to get on his feet. He felt around and found what he was looking for right by his side: his Halberd. He started walking around, listening with disgust to the echoing sound his metallic boots made when they stepped on the pools of blood. He was inside the outer fortifications of the city. Large rocks blocked the way. He knew the city’s fortifications well, better than anyone in fact. Every since he was a young boy he’d dream of being part of Azure City’s militia, an Azurite warrior. The entrance that was blocked was the only one in this block, he’d have to make his way to the southern block and rejoin the fight from there. He felt it was ironic, painfully ironic. When he was younger, he couldn’t begin to count how many times he’d sneaked into the militia’s headquarters and then wondered around the outer fortifications of the city; he even managed to get into Lord Shojo’s Castle once or twice. He’d been caught most of the time (he was even presented to a Paladin once for judgment on what his punishment should be) and every time he remarked how easy it had been to sneak in, that if a kid could get past anyone could. The guards always replied they had better things to do than look out for a mischievous kid. Indeed, the Paladin remarked that the city was the best fortified in the continent and that you would need a couple dozen thousand foot soldiers to get past them. Now the couple dozen thousand had trespassed, as predicted, the city’s defenses.
He made his way through the darkness instinctively and saw a dim light. He knew that had to be the corridor that led to the southern block. Suddenly, he felt something grab his ankle. He gasped and fell against the wall. “Help me…please…help.” The sordid plea came through as an imperative order. He could feel the cold hand squeezing his ankle harder and harder. He bent and tried to see who it was. He heard the soldier breading and struggling to break free from the boulder crushing the larger portion of his body. “Hold still, I’m going to move the rock so you can escape.” He tried to move it again and again, doing his best to ignore the faint shouts of pain of the soldier. “Stop…stop…it’s no use.” He was sobbing along with his fellow warrior. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” “It’s ok, you must go back. Don’t let the city fall.” He heard how the slow panting of the wounded soldier began extinguishing, merging with the quiet of the dungeon. He fell on his knees and cursed it all. How could all this have happened? Lord Shojo is dead; the city is being invaded by an army that outnumbers us three to one; and a stupid group of adventurers trying to be heroes, who would sacrifice the city if it meant accomplishing their own goals, were in charge. “I swear I will avenge your death.” He grabbed the face of the warrior to swear an oath of vengeance, but when he saw whose face it was he was grabbing, he flinched and begun to cry. “Kenji…KENJI! You’re not dead, right? Answer me Kenji, wake up. WAKE UP!” He embraced his best friend, his brother, and, again, cursed all that could be cursed. The warrior drew his last breath, coughing blood: “R…Ryoma, you survived. I…am…glad…” Kenji let go of his legs and died with a smile on his face. Ryoma let go of the man who had been part of his soul for half his life. Why did you have to die Kenji? WHY?! The anger whirled within him as the last words his friend had spoken resonated in his mind.
He had met Kenji before he enlisted himself in the militia, even before his father traded half that year’s harvest for his treasured halberd and told him it was his destiny to become a warrior. It had been a cold, rainy autumn afternoon. Kenji saved his life that day. His mother had died when he was young; and his father had nothing besides the family farm that barely made enough for them to survive. The day before, a harsh hail had ruined the storage house and every supply stored in it. My father had no idea how we were going to make it through the winter. “The Gods must hate us to have sent hail this early in the season.” He decided to sneak into the city’s storage building. I thought it couldn’t be much harder than sneaking into the militia’s headquarters. He chuckled and let out a soft laugh. He couldn’t believe he was remembering all this in the mid of a battle, but he couldn’t help it. He remembered the storage was heavily guarded that day. Must have been because of the hail. I bet they figured someone who suffered a fate like mine would steal it; no, I bet they knew someone was going to try to steal it. The dozens of guards didn’t stop him from trying. He got caught trying to break in, and the two guards that saw him would’ve killed him if Kenji hadn’t showed up. He knocked both guards out and unlocked the warehouse. “Take what you need, nothing more.” He helped me take the three sacks of corn that saved us from starvation all the way to the farm. “Where to?” “I live right outside the city, by the eastern walls.” He always wondered why no other guards had come, and why Kenji had helped him so readily. He found out later that Kenji was one of the leaders of a group that was planning to sack the city’s warehouse in the first place. I would’ve died twice if it hadn’t been for him. From that day forward, he became family. He had been going forward all this time and had finally reached the southern entrance. He stepped out, grabbing his trusted Halberd with his left hand and lifting it high. This is for you, Kenji. I swear I’ll live, and I’ll fight for our city until every single hobgoblin is gone. And with that, tears on his eyes, and a cry of war that was heard by every single Azurite, Ryoma charged back into the battle, refusing to dye, refusing to let the city fall.

Charge and Fight

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Charge and Fight

16…17…18…19…The blade of his weapon was soaking in blood. The metallic gray was now indistinguishable, and it appeared its color was, indeed, a morbid pale red. The scene was shocking. Hobgoblin bodies were scattered around, and were beginning to pile. “They’re falling back! I can’t believe it!” I can. This is only the first attack wave. The larger portion of the army has stayed behind; I don’t want to think about what will happen when they decide to make their actual attack. If a couple hundred of us die is just a bonus, but their couple thousand casualties were shrewdly calculated—soulless, but effective, they were meant to weaken the fortifications and tire our men. The last hobgoblin disappeared behind the battered wall. The northern block had sent for reinforcements, the damage on the fortifications there had been as been in this part and enemy forces were regrouping, it seemed. Not very many stayed to guard the southern breach on the wall. “We won! Take that orange scum!” The soldiers were alert, but relaxed. We haven’t won anything. “Keep in mind this was only the first part, the second wave will soon come and it will be three times as bad.” He was all too aware of the enemy’s strategy by now. “I would argue, but your conclusion appears to be correct.” A hand tapped his shoulder. He turned and saw a fellow soldier pointing at the top of the stockpile of rocks that the destroyed wall had left. Hobgoblins were amassing and preparing to charge. Is this the second attack? No, too fast. They must have regrouped like they did in the northern entrance. “Send for reinforcements. If I’m right, these are only the leftovers of the first wave.” He rounded up the soldiers that were there quickly. “I have a plan.”
Hundreds of hobgoblins raced down to attack the Azurites. They were greatly outnumbered, but reinforcements would arrive soon according to popular hope. Ryoma looked them fiercely, and began running towards them without hesitation. The hobgoblins more than halved their pace the sight before them. A single warrior was charging against them, the rest were immobile. He wielded his halberd in a circular pattern, creating momentum. Circle right, circle left, circle right, circle left. The sharp whistling of the weapon drilled into the invaders ears and further slowed their march. Ryoma advanced even more decisively, for he knew that if his opponent was truly cruel, he wouldn’t have sent more than one or two officers to lead. He smiled. He was about to breach into a mass of hundreds of hobgoblins; perplexed, hesitant hobgoblins with no leader, true, but the move appeared suicidal nonetheless. Among the undistinguishable mass, a voice shouted “CHARGE!” and the invaders regained their pace—though it was already too late. Ryoma clashed alone with them and pierced into the orange mass of soldiers.
I will charge alone, as you, my fellow Azurites, stay in the back. The hobgoblins will be startled and uneasy, and will reduce their pace as begin swinging my halberd. I will make it whistle as hard as I can, and they will reduce their march even more. They did. They will restart their charge, hopefully after I have gotten close enough. I will clash head on with them, breaking their lines, taking advantage of the momentum and killing a few. He did. I will fight towards a corner, and they will refocus on me and follow.They did. They will circle me and will try to take me, but they won’t be able to get to me. They couldn’t. There will be too many trying to get to the same point at the same time, and my halberd’s reach will take care of any that come through. At this point I’ll probably be wounded. He was. I will be able to hold them off just long enough for you to make your move. You will circle them, shields ahead, and will charge. You will attack at the same time in a continuous line, and they won’t be able to react in time. They weren’t. Ryoma was on his knees against a corner, fighting with all his might any hobgoblin that would step out of the orange mass. He could barely keep focus. He’d been stabbed on the torso more than once, and had his right arm and leg were bleeding. 87…88…89….Finally the orange mass began to turn in chaos. His fellow Azurites were advancing steadily, shields first, sweeping what remained of the cornered enemy. Many of them appeared to just have realized they weren’t fighting a single man. As they tried to fight back, the bodies of their dead comrades created a barrier between them and the Azurites and prevented them from doing any real damage to the soldiers.
Just like that, the leftovers of the first wave were done-for, and the Azurites could claim their first true victory of the day. Only a few isolated troops and the piles of orange flesh remained. All that was left now was to wait for the second attack wave, and the culmination of the War. Ryoma sat, anxious, and began to treat his wounds. One hundred, not a bad number. I guess I beat you to that one Kenji. I never thought that any of us would ever keep to that bet. He looked at the sky and smiled. It was the very day after I got my halberd, remember Kenji? I nearly died when I found out my dad had traded half the harvest. “You’ll be the best warrior there ever was, and don’t you forget it.” You told me that I would have to beat you first, remember? “Well, if you’re so tough, why don’t we bet on it? The first one that manages to kill a hundred warriors in a day will be declared the best of us.” “Killing, huh? Don’t you want to have a simple duel instead?” “I couldn’t fight you Kenji, I like you too much. I’d rather have the bet.” “Well, then, I promise you I won’t lose, kid.” “Ha! I promise I’ll win; and I’m not a kid!” He began to cry, a quiet rumble could be heard in the distance, growing louder and louder. How silly, I really never thought we would do it, but I guess destiny has a cruel way of making us keep out promises.

Remembrance

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Remembrance

“What will you do, Ryoma?”
“…”
“What will you do? They’ll be here tomorrow.”
“…” It began to rain. “I know that already.”
It was close to midnight. The clouds were the darkest any of the two friends had ever seen. Ryoma was sitting by his doorstep as if amid in a trance, eyes closed, listening to the raindrops make their music and speaking quietly.
“So? You need to decide something fast. You can come with me if they—“
“I won’t let them have the farm, I won’t.”
“Ryoma, there’s not much you can do about it. I mean, technically, they do own it.”
The Rain became heavier. Ryoma stood up all of the sudden, making fists with both his hands.
“I don’t care about that. What would you have me do, Kenji?”
Ryoma looked down. Those goons, forcing his father to sell; and in all reality he couldn’t do anything but die in their hands. He was tense, and overwhelmed with anger and sadness. Tears began rolling down his face.
“Do you think he’s dead?”
“Those guys…I’ve met them before. If you disappear fighting with them, you’re bound to stay that way. I am sorry; I looked everywhere I could think of.”
Ryoma was shaking. He refused to believe all this was happening. He’d woken up yesterday morning to a beautiful sun, like any other day of the season. He found his father chatting with some men right outside the house.
“I’ve already told you the farm is not for sale.”
“Everyone has their price, and if it’s not money, well, maybe your kid will have a say in the matter.”
“Out! GET OUT!”
The men left and his father refused to say anything to him. Later he disappeared and he hadn’t heard from him since. Kenji came, as usual, a few hours after that. Ryoma told him what happened and Kenji said he’d go look for his father. He came back empty handed. The next morning, the same guys appeared saying the old man had sold all the farm land. They showed the parchment with his father’s signature and the original charter that had granted him the land. Ryoma couldn’t believe it. Kenji, who had stayed overnight, managed to kick them off for the time being, because they promised to come back the next day. Once again, Kenji left to look for Ryoma’s father. He simply sat there until nightfall, until now, waiting, thinking.
“Why did they do this to me?
“It’s not you. They’ve been buying all the land around the city for some years now, and most acquisitions have been more forceful than this one. They don’t care about people; you’re just another purchase for them.”
“Then I will stop them, I’ll avenge my father.”
“Is that what he would have wanted?”
“He wanted me to become a warrior; he wanted me to follow my dream. He was always saying how I‘d be the one to step out of this ‘dirt-hole’. I love this farm, but I never really wanted to be a farmer.”
“I guess it’s decided, then. You’ll come with me and we’ll train hard so we can join the militia.”
Kenji was smiling. Ryoma remembered that his father once said that living with resentment was like walking around with a bag of rocks. Of course he had to join the militia, it had been his dream.
“You’ll try to join with me, Kenji?”
“Of course, that’s a given.”
I will have hope dad, and I’ll believe you’re watching me somehow. I’ll become the best warrior there ever was, for both of us.
“We’d better get going, then. If they find you here, you might disappear as well; and don’t take anything they’ve seen that’s of value.”
“I only need my halberd, and maybe some clothes.”
He went to look for his things. He begged them quickly and returned to Kenji, ready to begin his new life.
“Why have you always helped me?” He asked this instinctively. The question had been on his mind for a while now.
“We’re friends, right? That’s what we do.”
“I know that, but we weren’t friends when you helped me that day, when we first met.”
“Well, to be honest, you reminded me of the better side of myself. That day, three years ago, my group was planning to rob the warehouse and resell the food. We’d make a fortune making deals with all the farmers, since the hail had ruined the crop and the harvest. We were being selfish, but we justified it saying they needed the food and there was nothing wrong with making profit. You were there risking your life for survival, not money, and I realized that we were, in fact, selfish. There’s something special about you, kid. It’s hard to explain, but ever since I’ve been a better person thanks to you.”
The rain ceased as they walked down the road, towards a new beginning, trying to forget the sorrows of the past.

Ryoma was staring blankly at the sky, still remembering, when a familiar hand tapped on his shoulder. “You really saved us back there. Hi, I’m Kumi.”
“My name is Ryoma, and it wasn’t that hard. Hobgoblins without a leader aren’t so difficult to manipulate.”
“Still, it seems you have the enemy figured out. I feel better having you—“
“Wait, do you hear that?”
“Hear wha…Wait, now that you mention it, I do. What is it?”
In the distance, a rumble was growing louder and louder; it was exactly like the sound of a marching army. Ryoma rushed up the wall to see. Thousands and thousands of hobgoblins were running their way. He turned to his fellow warriors and saw an even more shocking scene.
“Are they…leaving?”
“Apparently they are. What else can we do?”
“We can fight! And defend our city to the last breath!” He was raising his voice. “We can’t let the city fall. We won’t let the city fall! We have to keep them from taking the city! We can do it! LET’S SHOW THAT SCUM WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN AZURITE!”
The remaining soldiers hoorayed Ryoma’s words. His confidence and bravery overlapped to their hearts. They were ready, waiting sternly the swarm of hobgoblins coming at them. They were getting closer by the second. The sunlight was strong, and the wind quiet. Twenty thousand hobgoblins rampaged into Azure City, overrunning any Azurite soldier close to the breaches in the walls. Ryoma could barely keep conscious, and he was carried along the orange mass as the sky got darker, and darker, and darker…

A Lost Cause

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A Lost Cause

“Where am I?” Ryoma opened his eyes, barely able to talk due to the pain. He tried to get up, but his lags took a while to respond. He looked around; it looks like the inner fortifications of the city.
“You are alive and safe, at least for the time being.”
“Kumi? What happened?”
“The hobgoblins swept with everything in their path. Somehow they’d manage to get the gates open. They were marching into the city, but we manage to get this gate closed. They weren’t able to hold them in the southern or northern gates though. The City is being overrun. I can’t believe this is happening. I don’t know what we are supposed to do.”
She was sobbing bitterly. Ryoma looked around and saw a couple more soldiers with the same expression: complete hopelessness.
“Where’s my halberd? I need it.”
“Why does it matter? You could find another one. We need to worry about the hobgoblins.”
“The halberd’s important to me. It’s the one thing I have left from my father, and when I fight with it, I feel he’s fighting with me. It represents my dream and the future he wanted for me. It gives me hope and strength. It may sound silly, but it’s real. I have to go and get it.”
Kumi let out a deep sigh and pointed to a corner. “You were holding tight to it when I dragged your body in here.”
“I’m relieved, but…I guess you’re right, we need to figure out how to save the city.”
“Save the city? Are you crazy?” A soldier spoke in a shaky voice. “There aren’t many of us left. Our only hope is to get to the boats and survive! Don’t you agree? Maybe we’ll be able to find someone who can help, but staying is suicidal.”
“Suicidal? Is it suicidal to fight for what you love and treasure? No, it makes more sense to me than fleeing, though it’s less tactically sound.” He began to get up, stoically enduring the pain. “Either way, we should get moving if we don’t want to be killed. They’re going to be here any second.”
“I don’t think that’s entirely true. I don’t hear them outside anymore. I think they grouped in the other gates.”
They climbed to a higher level, so they could see outside. The hobgoblins were piling in the southern and northern gates and entering the city through there. The streets looked orange with so many hobgoblins running about. It truly looked hopeless.
“I don’t think we can get to the boats, Ryoma.”
“It doesn’t matter anyway, Kumi, it seems they’ve already left anyway.” Indeed, the harbor looked empty. “We should look for survivors, those who were left behind, and think of something to do togh—“
“Do what? Create a resistance? We’ll be dead within the weak, don’t make me laugh. I’m going to run for it. If we ever want to retake our city, waiting here for someone to rescue us is foolish. If we want help, we’ll look for help ourselves.”
And with that, the soldier took off his battered helmet, threw it, and left. One by one the others followed.
“Will you go too, Kumi?”
“No, I believe in you, Ryoma. I believe you can give hope back to the soldiers, besides, staying isn’t that demented. We must protect whatever citizen was left behind, and those monsters shouldn’t forget we are still here; plus, someone has to help Lord Hinjo from the inside if he manages to return.”
“I hadn’t thought of all that, and I’m not even sure I can believe in myself right now.”
Give them hope, she says. I wonder if I can do that. Even to me it seems pretty hopeless, but I can’t help but be stubborn. I promised I wouldn’t leave the city until no hobgoblins were left, and I’ll do just that, but, I’m not sure I’ll make it. He stood there staring at the ground, his heart sinking deep, immersed in somber thoughts.
“Are you coming, or will you stay there all day?” Kumi was smiling. How could she find hope in him when he could barely do that himself? He smiled too. I guess it’s not really my nature to be pessimistic. He ran after her less doubtful than before.
“It won’t be easy to get past the hobgoblins.”
“We’ll do it, but I’m not sure where we will find the others.”
“We must go to the militia’s headquarters, by the castle. There’s a passage there that leads to a secret hideout network. If there are any warriors left, they’ll try to meet there.”
They moved as silently as they could. Getting there was risky. They were both wounded and tired, which made the hard task of sneaking past thousands of hobgoblins nearly impossible. As they approached the castle, the number of hobgoblins around seemed to increase. I wonder why they’re concentrating in the castle. Perhaps it has something to do with the reason they invaded. When they finally got close enough they saw the enemy generals were gathered by the entrance, vividly discussing something.
“I doubt anyone would be able to get past them. Is there any other entrance, Ryoma?”
“Not for that one. There’s more than one entrance, though, but I don’t know if the entire network is connected; last I heard, it wasn’t entirely finished. I know there’s one in the southern block and there’s a third one in the city’s plaza. I think we may be able to get to the third one, though it’s all the way across the city from here.”
“We’ll manage. How do you know all this?”
“I used to sneak in then I was a kid, and the habit of sneaking around the city never went away.”
Ryoma began to get up to keep going, but tripped as soon as he was on his feet. He was revolting on the floor, grunting in pain. His torso wound had reopened.
“We need to find a place to rest right now. We’re both fatigued and wounded, we’ll continue tomorrow.”
Ryoma leaned on Kumi and they nearly crawled to the safest place they could find nearby. They hid inside a tavern that had already been sacked. The cheers of victory of the hobgoblins shrunk their hearts as they tried to get some rest, trying to forget that cursed day, trying to forget their blue city would remain orange tomorrow, and the day after, and who knew how long after that.

Divided

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Divided

Two days had passed, and still hadn’t been able to reach the hideout network. Nevertheless, the hours had not been uneventful. In spite of their best efforts, they had fought quiet the number of hobgoblins. Along the way they had found some Azurites who had stayed behind. The city was hell. Every single place had been sacked; any man found was thrown in a dungeon and tortured for the sake of it, any woman was savagely raped to death. Kumi and Ryoma had seen more atrocities in the past 48 hours than ever before in their entire lives. It had been laborious, but they were finally close to the secret entrance that led to, they hoped, the rest of the survivors.
“It’s over there.”
“I don’t see it.”
“Don’t worry, I know it’s there, and so does anyone of a decent rank. Thank the Gods there are no hobgoblins around.”
The men following were too thrilled to hear the news. They had begun to lose their sanity when contemplating what those monsters were capable of. Ryoma went ahead; to make sure the coast was clear. He came back with a somber face, of mixed disgust and frustration.
“What…?”
“Ghouls.”
The soldiers gasped when they heard. Hobgoblins hadn’t been the only monsters invading. Not very many others had come in the first attack wave, but anyone who had encountered them could testify they were by far more ghastly and horrifying than hobgoblins.
“Ghouls? I thought hobgoblins attacked us.” A young warrior, who they’d recently found hiding in an armor shop, asked this innocently.
“They were not alone. They were the main force, but along came some nastier, fouler creatures. Ghouls lust for flesh; they’re animals who will eat you alive without hesitation. There’s nothing to do but hope they don’t smell us.”
The soldier spoke with his voice shaking. Ryoma understood him perfectly. The sight of them eating away the corpse of a friend, heck, any human, was too shocking to even begin to describe. It was a disgusting scene, and the shouts of pain of the one whose body is being ripped apart tend to linger for a long, long time.
“They hate us as much as we do, the hobgoblins I mean. The ghouls don’t hate us; they don’t feel anything but the insatiable lust for our flesh. They are monsters. We need to kill them before they eat anyone else.”
Ryoma began to walk with a resolved pace. “You don’t have to follow.” He wasn’t looking back. He knew what he had to do. They were feasting on some older prisoners. The hobgoblins must have decided they were too weak to work…despicable. He really didn’t expect anyone to follow, but every single soldier that had joined walked along his side, with the same stoic expression, prepared for the worse. The screams were growing louder, their paces getting faster, and their hearts more anxious. “CHARGE!” They rampaged against the monsters, interrupting their meal. They barely reacted, but proved to be amazingly strong. The stench was overwhelming, and many nearly fainted; but once they begun sinking their blades into ghoul flesh, the disgust turned to hatred, and they didn’t stop until their corpses were unrecognizable.
“Thank you, thank you. We escaped with the help of a soldier. He said he’d take us to a safe place where many had gathered. We were sneaking past the hobgoblins when they appeared…it was horrible.” He was sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Most were in a similar state or worse.
“And the soldier?” But the armor remains along the prisoner robes answered the question.
“We are heading to the place he was talking about. It’s a hideout network the hobgoblins won’t be able to find. It’s right down the alley over there.”
The prisoners were more than grateful, but it would be quite a while before they got over the shock. They walked aimlessly following the soothing words of Ryoma. He knew nothing he said would make them forget, but it could at least calm them down for the time being. When they got to the place, Ryoma spend a good while looking for the secret entrance. Eventually he found it and they were able to get inside. It was dark, and there was barely any light. What appeared to be a dark corridor extended so far they couldn’t see the end. They walked slowly, trying to find their way. Ryoma led the way, trying to appear as if he knew where he was going. The tunnels weren’t as long; in fact, after a while it seemed they were going over them for the third time.
“Are you sure this is right? I mean, tunnels can’t be all there is to it.”
“No, no, Kumi. It is build so only those who know the way can get there. Don’t worry; we are on the right track.”
He was smiling nervously—they weren’t. I remember the map I saw that time perfectly. I don’t know where we made the wrong turn. He knew where they were in the map he had memorized, but he had walked over where the entrance was supposed to be three times now and nothing. I don’t understand. Maybe there’s something more to it. He suddenly realized something. He made a couple of turns, nearly running; then he stopped and simply stood there.
“The entrance is here.”
“But, there’s nothing here. It’s the same as the rest of the maze.”
“No, it’s not.”
Ryoma kneeled and began searching in the ground. “Aha!” He put both of his hands on top of a spot and began to pull. Out of nowhere, a trapdoor opened. I should’ve thought of this one. One by one the soldiers and citizens went down the trapdoor. They entered a larger room, full of soldiers and other survivors. A couple dozen arrows were pointing at them.
“Don’t shoot!”
When they realized they were fellow Azurites, they lowered their weapons. “Have you come to join? Welcome!” A man in the armor of a general was going up to greet them. The old were given food and water and taken to the citizen’s quarters. The soldiers were asked to follow. They were lead into a room smaller room, where there were already some warriors gathered.
“I counted 17. That would make our total number 378. The resistance is still growing, that’s good.”
“So few survived? I can’t believe it.”
“That’s not precisely it. Far less than half made it through the battle, but many managed to leave with Lord Hinjo. As far as the ones who remained, well, the resistance has split.”
“What?! Isn’t the main goal to take back the city? What could possibly…?”
“Another Azure-lead group refuses to cooperate with us since they believe Lord Hinjo is a vile traitor who conspired against Lord Shojo; and a third group is lead by one of the northerner adventurers; apparently she stayed behind. To be honest, I’d rather not work with them either.”
Ryoma simply couldn’t believe it, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to. How can they hold to useless pride in times like this? Isn’t our country worth more? How can we protect the city if we are divided?

Why We Fight

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Why We Fight

Two days before Ryoma reached the secret entrance to the hideout network, just some hours after the city fell, the soldiers who had stayed behind were still scattered through the city. Some died at the hands of the invading monsters, but others started to group and to look for any general that might have made it through the battle. Only a couple dozen soldiers knew about the secret hideout warehouses, and they all headed down the only one not swamped by hobgoblins, the one in the plaza. There, a rather peculiar scene was taking place. The northerner woman and three generals were in the middle of a shouting match.
“You don’t care about the city! You should go back north before I make you.”
“I do care! That’s why I want to stay and fight with you, you hypocrite!”
“No! You clearly conspired with Hinjo to kill Lord Shojo. I still don’t know how you snuck past the watchful eye of the Paladins, but it ends now!”
“Shut up! You have no right to call yourself a warrior; and how can you blame Lord Hinjo, Jiyu? Will you let pride get in the way of protecting your city?”
“It’s not pride, Saito. Hinjo conspired with this northerner and killed Lord Shojo. If you can’t see that, you are either blind or too stubborn, and I refuse to fight along your side either way.”
“I agree with him, Saito.” He gave his comrade a saddened look and then shouted: “All those who wish to join the resistance, follow me!”
“Don’t worry, Saito, you can have this place. There are many places that will serve well as a resistance headquarters. I suggest you hurry, though, you never know when hobgoblins will start patrolling the streets.”
The general looked down as many soldiers followed. He couldn’t believe this was actually happening. The resistance was split, and any chance of retaking their City was ten times smaller just because of it.
“Hey, Saito, right? Look, I don’t really care what they think, we should round up as many people as we can and focus on—“
“No. I am sorry, I cannot fight with you; my men would leave if I accepted you into my ranks. Besides, I do believe you had much to do with our Lord’s death.”
“Are you serious?! You are just as bad as they are! Even worse, you’re such a hypocrite. I can help!”
He kept starring at the ground, as if looking for the answer there. “Well, fine! I’ll round up whoever I can find and fight on my own.” She left as well. Saito had no idea what to do. He had just made matters worse. He turned and looked at his soldiers. All of them were relying on him for guidance, and he wouldn’t let them down. “Let’s set up the base, and then we’ll keep searching for survivors.”

“You can’t be serious.” Ryoma could barely speak.
“I wish I wasn’t, kid. ‘Divide and conquer’ is what they say, and we spared those monsters the first part of that job. I can’t beat myself enough about it. However, we must keep going until times change.”
“But that’s the point; you need to make them change.”
“And I’ll try when a bit of time has healed some wounds. This has all happened too fast. Right now, we must focus in gathering all survivors and rescuing the prisoners. It’s the best thing to do.”
“No, it’s not right. Have they forgotten what they are fighting for, what’s at stake? Have they forgotten why they joined the militia, what it means to be an azurite warrior?”
“What’s your name, kid?”
“Ryoma.”
“A fine name. Now listen carefully Ryoma, nobody’s forgotten what we are fighting for. We all know the oath we took by heart, no one will ever forget it, and we still live by it. You need to understand times are rough, and it’s difficult to keep it together.”
“No, you need to understand. Why did you split up? ‘For my city and its people I pledge this oath, and for them I will fight.’ Do those words really mean anything to you? It’s not pride we fight for; it’s not to see who’s right or wrong. We must always stay united, especially in times like these. Why can’t you understand that?”
“I understand all too well, but like I said, many wounds are still open. We have to organize better and give it a bit of time. Now, please, we must get back to finishing our plans for the week.”
Ryoma stood there helpless. Kumi looked at him and said it would be fine, at least now they would fight with their comrades. He knew this was all wrong. I don’t know what to do. I believe in the oath we took that day, the day we became Azurite soldiers, and I’m sure they believe in it too but…He rambled on and on in his head. There was too much to assimilate and there hadn’t been much time. He went with Kumi and the others that had come with him to find a place to sleep. Ryoma took of his armor and sat against a wall. “We have to keep fighting, Ryoma. We may not agree, but our goal is the same at heart.” He knew she was right, but he couldn’t help feel that way. Back when he joined the militia, he never questioned his first loyalty was to his city and its people. He had never understood the power play between the Lord, the nobles, and the Paladins, but he hated it a hundred times more at this instant. Their selfishness had bred animosity between the citizens; and apparently the warriors didn’t care if the city suffered as long as who they wanted was in power. Truly, it all seemed much simpler when he first joined, though they told him it would be difficult to keep your loyalties in order. Ryoma closed his eyes and tried to sleep. I wonder if this is what they meant.

To be a Soldier, to be a Warrior, to be an Azurite

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To be a Soldier, to be a Warrior, to be an Azurite

They were taken before Lord Shojo himself to be initiated into the militia. The entrance to the throne was near. Paladins were escorting them. He was nervous, excited, and overwhelmed with happiness at the same time. It was real now, he had been accepted, and he would be an Azurite. He finally entered the room with his fellow companions, with his dream about to come true.

Just a year and a half ago when he moved in with Kenji it seemed like an impossible dream. They trained hard, every single day, working on whatever they could and dedicating the rest of their time to the blade. He was fairly good with the halberd and not too bad with the sword by then. The day finally came. The minimum age for joining the militia training program was sixteen, then six months of preparation and, if accepted, four years of training before becoming a regular effective. He was ready. The day had come and they were walking through the streets of azure city feeling anxious, weapons in their backs.
“Are you ready?”
“I’ve been ready for this all my life, Kenji. I was beginning to doubt this day would come. The closer it got, the more surreal it seemed.”
The inscriptions for the militia opened that day. The headquarters were full of brave young souls ready to serve their city. The two friends walked in resolved, looking ready, looking confident, but a scene strange scene was already taking place.
“What do you mean he can’t enlist?!”
“I’m sorry Mayor Jiyu, but orders are orders. Your son is…unstable, you know that. We can’t control him”
“Unstable?! That’s outrageous! Shun’s a better fighter than half the army!”
“That may be true, but he can’t control himself. He’s dangerous, sir. Please, I don’t mean to offend you, but he’s already killed someone.”
“That was an accident. It happens…to the best of us.”
“No, sir, I witnessed it myself. Your son simply refused to stop. He kept beating his opponent until he killed him.”
“…”
“Please, sir, we can’t have him.”
“I will take this to Lord Shojo. It’s not over yet!”
With that he left. There was an uncomfortable silence nobody wanted to break. Kenji walked right to the registration table s said “Please, we would like to enlist.” The recruiting soldier looked at them and suddenly reacted. “Well, of course! Please, just sign your names and date of birth.” They did. “That’s it. In two weeks, report to the training fields north of the city by midday. For the following six months, you will be tried to determine if you’re fit for the militia and prepared for the training. If you pass, you’ll be presented to Lord Shojo for the initiation.” He smiled and looked for the next recruit. Kenji and Ryoma left, laughing. I thought this part would be more complicated. “I guess the real challenge begins in two weeks.” They needed to get their things ready for the journey ahead. The next two weeks were spent amid in excitement and nervousness. Then the day came. They arrived a bit early and saw a soldier with a name list. There were already some people there, and not long after he began to call names. When they were called, their hearts leaped. They were showed to their quarters and given a tent and three uniform sets. They were given basic instructions and told the preparation would begin tomorrow. They would spend the following months proving they were worthy; proving they had what it took to be an Azurite. That night, Ryoma could barely sleep, and he spent most of it just outside his tent, starring at the stars. Tomorrow it begins…the rest of my life. He closed his eyes, and slowly began to doze off.
“ALL RISE!"
The horn sound as soon as the sun went up. Kenji and Ryoma dressed quickly and lined up. They were all nervous, but all ready to prove themselves, all determined. Ryoma was resolved to stand out, to be the best.
“For the next six months we’ll see if you have what’s necessary to become part of the Azure City Militia, to become an Azurite. It will be difficult, that’s a fact. This is not a fun summer camp. We’ll be initiating you in your journey to become warriors. If you don’t have the guts, you’d better get out.”
He spoke with a stern and solemn voice, loud and clear. Ryoma kept his eyesight fixed on the horizon. It was a cold day, gray.
“Lesson one is resistance. How can you fight or handle a weapon if you are going to run out of breath one minute into it? So, right now, we’ll circle the entire city and go up the mountain. Clear?”
“…”
“I want to hear a ‘YES, SIR’ like you mean it, or you’ll go around three times!”
“YES, SIR!!!”
With that they began to run. For the next six months, Ryoma and Kenji really stood out from the rest. Few recruits joined with no previous training, but theirs had been more rigorous than many others. When the day came, they passed and were designated to be part of the Azurite Honors Guard, who were given the most important tasks and ascended through the ranks more quickly. And the day came when they would take the Oath of Allegiance and Lord Shojo himself would initiate them. Before they knew it, they were Before Lord Shojo himself, about to receive the Azure Crest and Armor. Hey lay it in front of them one by one, and then stood solemnly before them and spoke.
“You have been chosen, and will be part of honored elite. Words, like most things, are better in small dosages, so I will be brief. This is my message to you, young Azurites: To be just a soldier is to follow orders, to fight for duty; to be just a warrior is to fight with courage and honor, to follow what you believe in; but to be an Azurite is to fight for your city and its people, and be bound, not by duty or your desires, but by loyalty towards them, and for them you will swear this Oath, don’t let its meaning fall empty into your hearts. Will you be another soldier, another warrior, or will you be an Azurite?”
The soldiers then spoke with a unanimous voice “For my city and its people I pledge this oath, and for them I will fight…”

[Niesra]

Rivals

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Rivals

Ryoma was in his last year of training. Like him before them, the new trainees arrived that day for their solo combat experience. He was running late. It was customary to make them fight with a more experienced soldier, usually the ones in their final training year, so they could see what a real combat was like. Rare were the cases where the trainee managed to hold on to his weapon for more than a couple of seconds. The one fighting right now had dragged the combat for an entire minute. They were all watching with awe, for the trainee, in addition, appeared to have the upper hand. Indeed, he eventually disarmed his opponent and stood by him victorious. He managed to beat two more warriors before Ryoma managed to arrive. He entered the arena expecting punishment, but found a tense and silent atmosphere instead.
“What’s going on, Kenji?” He asked in a whisper.
“It’s this knew trainee, he’s already beaten three of our group. He also uses a halberd, and they’re saying he’s even better than you.”
“Yeah, right.”
He went by the name of Shun. The third combatant he’d faced lied weaponless on the floor, and Shun was asking for another rival, smiling mildly, with an empty look in his eyes. Ryoma stepped in, and thought he recognized him, but didn’t know from where. “The objective is to disarm only. Begin!” They started the fight. Shun took the first swing so fast Ryoma barely dogged it. He’s insanely fast. He rolled to the side and got up spinning, fully fledging his halberd as he did so. Shun, surprised at the counterattack, jumped and deflected it with his blade. But I’m not so bad myself. They were both smiling. It had all happened in barely a second. The fight dragged on for three minutes before Ryoma decided it was time to end it. He begun spinning his halberd, circle right, circle left, and ran towards his opponent. Shun took his halberd and, instinctively, threw it against Ryoma. His momentum was cut and the halberd was propelled in the opposite direction. Shun picked up his halberd. Ryoma turned and went to pick up his as well. Technically, it had been a draw, but in a real fight Ryoma would’ve lost when he was disarmed.
“It was a good fight. It’s Shun, right?”
“Yes, good fight.”
Ryoma extended his hand and Shun slowly grabbed it. There was a seeming lack of emotion in his manners. Only in the more intense moments of the fight had his expression resembled some sort of human emotion. He looked directly into his eyes and suddenly recognized him.

He had met him the very day he got his halberd. The day before a storm had made it impossible to travel. A lieutenant and his son were caught in the middle of their journey back to Azure City. His father had eagerly accepted the soldier’s plea for shelter. He introduced himself and his son. Ryoma only heard the soldier’s name, Jiyu, from his room before he finally fell asleep. He woke up the next day and stepped outside. The weather was quiet and gray. He saw the soldier’s son wielding a polearm. He was swinging it with ease from side to side. He recognized the weapon as a halberd—it was magnificent. The blade was perfect, ad he could tell is was longer and better balanced than the others he had seen while sneaking through the militia’s quarters. As the kid swung the halberd, he thought the blade left behind a mild blue hilt, but he dismissed the thought.
“You’re really good.”
“…”
“How long have you been practicing?” Ryoma approached him, but the kid jumped sideways and pointed the halberd at him.
“Easy, I’m Ryoma. Hi.”
“…” He took the halberd to his shoulder and walked to him. “My name is Shun.” He spoke with an empty voice.
“That was amazing. You’re really good”
“I’m not that good. It took a while to get used to the grip, and longer to manage the swing. I like the reach, but I’m not as good as the soldiers.”
“Well they have years of training on them. I have been practicing using the scythe as a weapon, but I’m not that good.” He looked at the halberd. His eyes were gleaming and his soul was coveting it. “Do you think I could take a swing?” His heart was pounding. Without a word, Shun took the halberd and presented it to Ryoma. “Be quick.” He grabbed it. It was heavy. When he held it up the large weapon immediately fell to his weight. He lifted it with all his strength and began to swing. It came almost naturally to him.
“You’re not bad yourself.”
“Maybe I’ll be you someday”
“Perhaps you will.” He was smiling now.
“That settles it, then. We’ll be rivals!”
“Rivals?”
“Of course, we’ll train out hardest on someday when we reach our ultimate potential, we’ll duel to see who the best is!”
Before Shun could answer, the boy’s fathers came out.
“It’s time to go, son!” He turned to Ryoma’s dad. “If there’s anything I can do to repay you, name it.”
He saw his boy swinging the halberd so happily and sighed, decided. “Perhaps it wouldn’t be too much to ask for a trade.”
“A trade?”
“For the halberd”
“I suppose that’s fair. I will keep my word. What do you offer?”
“How about half our harvest? It’s not been a bad season.”
“That’s more than fair. I’ll arrange for someone to collect it tomorrow.” He went over to his son and whispered something to his ear. They left without looking back, after a “Thank you” that was lost in the grayness of the wind.
“Dad, he forgot his halberd. I’ll go return it.”
His father stopped him, smiling. “They didn’t’ forget it.”

Ryoma was perplexed. He couldn’t believe it was the same Shun and that, more so, he hadn’t been able to tell it was him. He’s still better than me. Shun returned to his group slowly, as did Ryoma, who decided to say nothing to his old rival. The next pair was called, and the day dragged on as planned from then on. I won’t lose next time.

Nemesis

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Nemesis

Ryoma woke up. He’d had a pleasant dream, full of memories. Kumi and the others were still asleep. He got dressed and stepped out. He volunteered for lookout duty. He wanted to be alone and think of what he was supposed to do. He was patrolling around the plaza, doing his best not to be seen. I guess he’s right. I should focus on rescuing the prisoners, on gathering more survivors. He was wondering so immersed in his thoughts that he didn’t realize how far off his instructed patrolling area he was going, He felt lost for a second and it took him a minute or two to realize exactly where he was. He was moving quickly, trying to find his way back to the plaza. I think I’m close. All of the sudden, he spotted a fellow soldier, though he was dressed in a strange armor. Instead of the typical Azure crest and decorations, he wore a ruby colored emblem. His helmet covered his face, and he carried a long halberd. I wonder what he’s doing. Ryoma saw a hobgoblin wearing full armor approaching the soldier; he appeared to be a general. I need to help him. He began to get up but stopped immediately. The hobgoblin had halted a few paces away from the soldier and appeared to be talking to him. Ryoma moved closer so he could hear.
“You say you can help us find the rebels? Why should we believe you?”
“Do you have any other options? You can try to hunt them down by yourselves, but how long will you take to find their hideouts? Or will you ever find them? Remember they were built by elite paladins. This could turn into a guerilla that drags on for months. By that time, Hinjo will come back with a force twice your size. You have no options. Besides, you don’t want me on their side.” He let out a smirk.
“Very well, you have made your point. We will be working together, then. I will arrange a meeting with our leaders. You’d better have useful information by then.” With that, the hobgoblin left.
“You can come out now; the scary orange monster is gone.”
“You speak with sarcasm in a time like this, traitor?”
Ryoma was walking towards the soldier with a slow and steady pace, his grip tightening with each step. In his mind, treason was among the most despicable things a human being could do.
“Treason? That may be, but I am being coerced into it, can’t you see? They’ll kill me if I don’t cooperate.” He spoke jokingly and lightly. Ryoma couldn’t stand it.
“Stop teasing! You would sacrifice your city rather than fight?”
“Don’t look so surprised.”
They attacked at the same time. Their blades clashed with such force they both nearly fell to the ground. He’s too good. Ryoma had a hard time keeping up to his opponent’s speed. I can’t keep this up. He was only able do doge of deflect his attacks, which kept on coming relentlessly. I need to think of something, fast. He began to flee and tried to lose him. The soldier followed with ease, in fact, he was faster. He knocked the halberd off Ryoma’s hands and threw him to the ground. He pressed his own halberd against Ryoma’s neck and came closer.
“I guess this is it for the big protector of Azure city.”
He couldn’t believe it. He had failed and would die in the hands of a traitor. I am sorry dad, Kenji, I guess this is it. His minds raced through a thousand thoughts and memories. He closed his eyes, shaking, feeling the sharp, cold steel pressing harder against his neck. Suddenly it stopped, and heard the soldier pull back.
“You are Ryoma. I remember you. Our last duel ended in a draw, though it was the first one as well. You disappoint me, or perhaps it is that the wounds still hurt?” Who is he? How did he notice my wounds? “No, you can do much better. I won’t kill you just yet, we must fight at our best, for we are rivals…No, I guess that name won’t do. You are my opposite now, that would make us nemesis.” He took off his helmet and Ryoma recognized him.
“Shun” he gasped. He still had the same empty eyes, but his voice had changed and expression had changed somewhat.
“Correct, I guess your memory is better than mine. I didn’t recognize you until just a moment ago. You have improved quite a bit. It was fun fighting with you.” Fun? Is he insane? “Look, a hobgoblin patrol.” Ryoma turned his head; a group of soldiers had just passed through the adjacent street and appeared to be headed to this one. “You better get your halberd and hurry. It’s a very special weapon, you know? It was hard letting go of ir that day. Anyway, I should present myself to them, you have left my blade thirsting for some blood, and I don’t want to disappoint her.” He turned, muttering something.
“Wait, who do you fight for then?”
“Who knows? Until next time we meet, farewell. Please don’t disappoint me.” He left with a swift sprint. Not long after he had spoken, the silence was filled with the shouts of pain of a hobgoblin patrol. He’s worse than they are. Ryoma grabbed his halberd and hurried back to the plaza, dismayed. When he got there, Kumi approached him.
“Where have you been? We assumed the worse. We’ve been on the lookout for hours.”
“I am sorry; I got distracted, and wondered off. Before I knew it I was involved in a fight.”
“Those hobgoblins…”
“No, it was a human, an Azurite soldier. His motives are unclear, but he is a traitor.” Ryoma was getting tense. The anger was piling up within him.
“A soldier is working with those monsters? I don’t believe it. We must warn the general right away.”
“We do, let’s hurry, Kumi.”
They went back to the secret door, but before he went through it, Ryoma looked back to contemplate the scenery. Truly, this was the city’s darkest hour. He sighed and closed his eyes.
“I know, it stinks of hobgoblin.”
Ryoma smiled. “Then we need to fix that.”

[NamonakiRei]

One word: WOW

That was Amazing!! I really liked it!! Ohh, I wish I had such a production rate
You're good at writing, and fast at it. That's just... awesome!(Again, ). Not much more to say, there. Just, I hope to see more soon! And I am honored to be part of the inspiration that created this jewel!

[toanoradian]

Here's something I wrote, and hopefully it and its grammar wasn't too horrible.

Part One: Guy with a Halberd
Prologue: Fascinating, This Who Guy

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“Miko, I think it would be best if we stopped here…”

“And what? We cannot make Lord Shojo wait any longer!”

“But we found nothing…”

“It’s the nothing we have to report!”

“I doubt Lord Shojo would even believe such a thing anyway. Why don’t we take a little rest?”

“You cannot rely on a sanity of a man whose private consultant is his cat. And would you be so selfish to rest while Hinjo might worry about us and decided to send a scout team that will waste more time?”

“Let’s take a little rest.”

“No.”

Then he surprised Miko. He sat down and ordered the rest of the team to follow in his suit.

“Are you disobeying me, your higher?”

“We need a little rest, leader. A good leader should know how to motivate her crews. Forcing them to run for seven days straight is not one of them.”

“Will you all follow him?” Miko glared at the three soldiers that followed her. They looked at her nervously, afraid to say anything. Even if they weren’t afraid, they still wouldn’t talk. They were gasping for air.

“See, Miko? We are tired.”

“I am really embarrassed, to say the least, that a Sapphire Guard would succumb to their fatigue so soon!”

“We weren’t trained to be automaton horses, Miko.”

“Soldier, I order you to stand,” Miko said as she lifted her sword.

The sitting soldier dropped his halberd and proceeded to remove his armor.

“What are you doing?”

“These things are heavy. If I remove them, maybe I could follow you for a few more hours.”

“Do you want to discard your proof as a Sapphire Guard so easily?”

“You know who I worshipped other than the Almighty?”

“What?”

“I worship Lord Shojo. Why? At least he’s human. Human that knew when to stop, to start again, to clean the litter, and to stop again. I want to be a Guard so I could guard that kind of human who is worthy of every protection possible. I don’t become a guard so I must follow a heartless, super strong …”

The last word was a mumble. Miko still heard it.

If the forest they were currently on stayed silent, there would be a fight between Miko and her disobeying underling. A fight in which Miko would certainly win. Fortunately for the sitting soldier and the rest of the soldiers, a sound was heard.

The soldier quickly grabbed his halberd and stood up. The three soldiers behind him soon lifted their swords and looked around. Miko had already moved to the source of the sound, slashing through thick leaves as she walked deeper.

What was that voice? Miko asked herself. She was the most senior of them all and she had heard many sounds. The cracking of a bombed wooden bridge, the dying scream of a small bird with lung disease burned alive, the long soliloquy of a man who had been haunted by the dreams of his father, the silent scream of a man who met his deepest fear that skewered his very concept of reality, the teasing growl of a promiscuous tiger, all kind of voices. She searched her memories, trying to find the correct combination.

“Do you have any idea what that sound is?”

“It is the sound of…something wooden being crushed under pressure…by…likely a wide object…a pillar made from…iron. It’s the sound of an iron pillar crushing a wooden ship as it was dropped from above.”

“That’s frightening.”

“Indeed. I never believed the silly rumor, but I think this is the Island of Falling Iron Pillars.”

“One island in a cluster of ten islands that was told in folklore as The Region Where God Had Fun?”

“Yes.”

“That’s just silly.”

However, as Miko cut through one last leaf, they all saw the truth: a wooden ship had almost been split in half and an iron pillar that mysteriously appeared at the crack made when the ship almost split in two.

“It might be silly, but it’s the truth.”

“An iron pillar dropped from the sky and destroyed a wooden ship?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you think that’s just a little weird?”

“Yes. Iron pillars tend to be very heavy and it would be very hard to drop them from the sky.”

As if to prove her wrong, another iron pillar dropped from the sky, landed a few feet in front of Miko, and buried itself deep into the sands. She blinked once and quickly ran back to the forest. The others also followed due to fear of being crushed by falling iron pillars.

As they got back to the forest, the soldier with a halberd asked, “Any plans?”

“We tell Lord Shojo of this island. This will end the iron deficit on Azure City.”

“Yeah, we should do that. We should definitely do that,” He said.

“Do you remember the other nine islands?”

It took a few seconds before he realized, “There’s the Island of Absolute Animal Instincts, where humans would lost their minds and rely on their instincts alone…”

“The Island of Superficial Excess,” One soldier wielding a sword said.

“The Island of Endless Pleading,” Another sword-wielding soldier said.

“The Island of Indistinct Geography,” The soldier with a halberd said.

“The Island of Total Truth,” Miko said, “The Island of Presented Pastimes, the Island of Fluffy Marshmallows, the Island of Bland Bleakness, and the Island of Teleporting Beasts.”

“You sure remember a lot of them.”

“My parents often used the story of the Island of Bland Bleakness to scare me to death when I was small.”

“Oh?”

“Be on a lookout, all of you,” Miko said, “The Island of Teleporting Beasts had cruel and vicious teleporting beasts, but you never know where the Teleporting Beasts of the Island of Teleporting Beasts might teleport.”

The rest of the team looked at her, confused by her words. Suddenly, one of the sword-wielding soldier said, “Wait, Azuma?”

“Who?”

“Azuma! Another one of us! He’s gone!”

“What?” Miko said. She looked around. When people looked around, they were used to not seeing things right away. Hence, Miko was surprised when two pairs of floating eyes glared at her right when she looked at her right.

“Gah!” One of the sword-wielding soldiers screamed. When Miko reflexively looked at him, she found out that he was lifted off to the sky and suddenly disappeared.

“Duck!”

Miko instantly ducked as the soldier with a halberd swung his weapon at the pairs of eyes, only to attack empty air.

“Duck!” The remaining sword-wielding soldier said, and the soldier with a halberd quickly ducked, “No, it’s what I think is a duuuuuuuu-“

The halberd-wielding soldier and Miko looked helplessly as their companion was pulled away by what looked like a giant yellow duck that held the soldier by the neck and ran into a hole in the sky.

“What?”

Miko suddenly saw the two pairs of eyes looked directly into her eyes again. She was hypnotized. Before the soldier wielding a halberd could do anything, she was teleported. Soon he, too, was teleported by something.

When he opened his eyes, he saw nothing but what looked like white pillows dropping from the sky. When the pillows started piling up, after it got to a certain height, the pile would disappear. The rain of the white pillows never stopped.

“The Island of Fluffy Marshmallows?”

[toanoradian]

The third-person perspective is only for prologues. The remains use first-person perspective.

Chapter One: Holy Raining Marshmallows, Batman!

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In the folklore, Captain Nemo traveled to the Region Where God Had Fun to search for his missing son, Marlin. He went there unwillingly, with his two most loyal assistants, Sinbad and Crusoe after their ship Nautilus was blown off by a giant whale only known as Monstro. The most famous part of the lore was when Captain Nemo fought off the Teleporting Beasts of the Island of the Teleporting Beasts by overriding their nerves and their quantum status, integrating their polynomial structure, and basically things go boom.

This particular lore was so famous that it had many sequels, spin-offs, and retellings. There were stories that there’s another survivor of the Monstro attack, and he went to search for the whale. Sinbad and Crusoe eventually got their own adventures. There was also one retelling of the story where it was Marlin that searched for Nemo. In fish form. It was, as Hinjo said, an allegory of the inner struggle of a man who decided to go crazy due to his need to be different.

No one had so far tried to narrate about other islands in the Region Where God Had Fun. They only named the islands and even that was inconsistent. I slightly remember about the Island of Cut Satanic Verses.

So what am I supposed to do here? There were falling marshmallows, but they do not harm me. The only other feature on the island that was not made from piles of marshmallows was one lone tree. Marshmallows somehow didn’t fall around that tree. Maybe I should check it out.

Hmm…this tree was…what kind of a trunk is this? On one side it was slippery, and on the other, it was rough like sandpaper. Those leaves on the top also looked quite fake. It looked rather plastic and it didn’t sway. Oh, it did. In quite an odd way. It also smelled like Lu’s cooking.

I never knew the ground on this island could be used to grow trees. It doesn’t look…ground-y. Maybe it’s hardened marshmallow. Yeah, right. Maybe I should try to dig it. Oh, it’s really soft. It’s really easy to dig, too!

Why didn’t I see the tree’s roots yet? There’s only this half-slippery-half-rough trunk, even though I dig this deep. Maybe it wasn’t quite deep enough.

No, still not deep enough.

This is still not deep enough?

There’s no root.

Why am I doing this?

Those falling marshmallows…could I eat them? They were giant marshmallows…but is it the same marshmallows Uncle Ken gave me? No harm in trying.

Sweet. The marshmallows were sweet. Should I try the ground?

What am I thinking? It’s the ground, for crying out loud!

The ground is sweet, oddly enough. The last time I ate ground, it was rather bitter and completely disgusting. Maybe my theory of it being hardened marshmallow was right.

No, there’s no way the tree was also sweet. No way. I’m not eating the tree. I’m not. No. No. No. No. No. Nonononononononononononononononononononononononono nononoNO!

I’m not eating the tree.

Huh, the tree was quite hard. That felt like some kind of a stone pillar. Or maybe an iron pillar. Maybe I should try climbing it.

Hands on the rough side. Feet on the rough side as well. Hands pull up, feet push down. Hands pull up, feet push down. Hands pull up, feet push down.

The leaf was not a real leaf. It felt like a thin layer leaf-colored wood. The thin layer was bent so it looked like leaf, and it was stabbed securely on the ‘trunk’. Could it…be…

Oops, I seem to have removed the ‘leaf’. There’s nothing that I could see on the hole. If I poke it…

Ouch, that’s hot!

Smoke? What?

What? What is happening? What are these earthquakes? The tree…it…sunk?

What is going on? Where does that hole come from? What was this place? I don’t think it’ll stop. I don’t think I can do anything. Ah, the top looked so far away now.

Now it was just a little light surrounded by darkness.

Now it’s gone.

This place…the floor was made from metal. It was cold. There’s a door, also made from metal, and I don’t think I can climb up. The walls were far too slippery and it was too high. The tree was also gone.

The door wasn’t locked. Huh, I expected it to be a little heavier.

What is this place? Big tubes all over the walls, wires covering most of the floor, and that big metal box…

I don’t know what language this is. There’s the big red button I shouldn’t press, one, two, three…twelve blue buttons, and one hole. One gaping, wide hole. There’s nothing inside it.

I think the machine is broken. How about this button? Nope, nothing happened. This one didn’t work too. This one didn’t. Not this one. None of it worked! Maybe…

Never press the red button. Never, ever, press the red button. Idiot!

What’s that? The tubes…what were those green liquid? Oh, and there’s a blue one. The alarm didn’t stop at all! Those blue buttons were still blinki-what’s that?

I’m sure I saw something on the tubes…

I have to stop this machine. But how? The cables! I have to cut them!

Ow.

Who made this cable? I couldn’t break it at all! Maybe if I press the red button again…

Gah! What’s this liquid? Where did it come from? The hole? I couldn’t hold it in! It kept spewing this weird smelling red liquid! It’s harmless so far, but…

Gah! What is this? Tentacles…flesh…a dead sea creature?”

“Glasmaplasm cleaned. Cleaning excess properties.”

A man in an iron suit? Ah, he sucked the red liquid! Maybe he could help!

“Help!”

“Living creatures spotted. Detect.”

What was he doing? His eyes blinked. Did he cause this burning feeling? Stop it! Damn, this monster stopped me! It’s hard to move like this!

“Foreign objects detected. Destroy.”

What? What now? What did it just say?

Ack!

Ow!

Yes, I’m bleeding. Where’s the man in the suit? Where is he?

Oh, he’s behind me.

I…couldn’t feel my legs…it’s…all…going dark…oh…the man in the suit…no…stay away!

[NamonakiRei]

Phew! School has had a hard grip on me lately, but I FINALLY FINISHED chapter two! WOOT! Also, toanoradian, demi-surrealist as your story looks, I love it! It's quite nice. I like surrealism. It's a nice, nice story!

Also, here!

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Chapter II: On Destiny

The night went by fast. Ji woke up early, as always, and went to take a stroll on the small forest near the farm, as he often did. The little forest had many young trees, and on the middle, there was a spring of clear water. The young man looked his face upon it, and sighed. His reflection cast on the water seemed to lack something, like it wasn’t really himself. Today he turned sixteen, but he somehow felt empty, like he had been stripped of a very important part of him. Like he had lost someone or something dear. Maybe it was that halberd, he thought. Maybe that’s what I’m missing… It’s missing… He closed his eyes.
In that very moment he heard his father, calling for him. He ran toward the barn, were his father usually waited for him, but his father wasn’t there. A leather package in the cart caught his eye, but his father called him again before he could take a good look at it. Shen was in the kitchen, waiting with Ji’s mother.
- Good morning, son. Happy birthday.
- Thank you, father. - He smiled. His mum got up from the table, and hugged him
- Happy birthday, son. May there be many more.
- Thank you, mum.
They had a pleasant breakfast, and talked mostly about everyday things. Then, his father told him to accompany him to the barn to give him his gift. Ji wondered why he had to give it to him in the barn, and what could it be. When they got here, his father went to the cart, and took the package out of it, enveloped with high quality brown leather. He took it, wondering what could it be. He lifted the leather, and revealed a beautiful wooden shaft, bright and polished, with a wide, sharp, light-bluish blade in one end sparkling on the clean air of morning.
- Oh... no… you couldn’t! This is…- Ji was speechless. This was the halberd he had longed for. - Father, this is… this is too much! How… why?
- Son… you are bound to this Halberd… I saw it in your eyes… I would have liked you to stay at the farm with your mother and I, but I see you destiny is to become a warrior… and that shall be your weapon.
- Father… thank you… but… where did you get the money to buy this? It is too expensive…
- Don’t ask me how I did it, son. Live up to it. Thank me with your actions, rather than words. Train hard, enter the militia, and become a great soldier, for that is your will, and if you are happy, so we will be.
- … thank you. Thank you very much. I promise I will honor your gift! You’ll see, father!
- I hope so, son. Remember, you have a great Destiny awaiting you… my heart tells me that you have some important role to fulfill on the future...- Shen looked at his son, absentmindedly.
- Father, are you okay?
- Yes, yes I am okay- Shen shook his head- I was just thinking. - He sighed.
- You speak very surely of what you say… are you doing some kind of foreshadowing?
- No, son… It is only a dream. But I know the dream had a meaning. Now, tell me, how does your new Halberd feel?
- It feels light in my hand… so soft and beautiful, and yet so deadly… if I landed a blow on someone, it would surely kill them, and yet how such beautiful a thing kill someone? Father… you don’t know how thankful I am. I am going to do what is in my hand to become a great warrior of the Blue city!
- Yes… and is within it that you must do your task… You will see dark times, son. Remember, there’s a calm before the storm. But dawn comes only after the darkest hours.
- Yes, father. – Ji did not quite understand what his father meant, for he was young, and his father had seen many winters, his wisdom being that which only age gives. – I promise to do my best. I won’t let you down
- Now, let us go! You mother must be waiting for you to tell her what you think!
- Yes, father! - Ji went out of the barn, running with a huge grin on his face, and the Halberd in his hand.

His father followed him, with a half-smile, a little sad.
- He is growing up so fast… I still thought of him as my little boy… but the time comes near to let him go.
- Father, come on! Mum is waiting for us!
He hurried up his pace. Ji’s enthusiasm could be felt foots away. He ran toward his mother, showing her his dexterity with the new weapon. She smiled broadly. Shen joined them, laughing along. That was a day for them to remember.

And since that day, Ji practiced each day with his Halberd; whenever he could he picked it up and swung it around. Each day, the battles in his mind seemed more real, and he was each day better skilled with his halberd. The words his father had told him rang in his ears. He started to hear them on his dreams, as they came closer to reality, clearer, less confuse. He had a role to fulfill… so he must try to fulfill it. The militia is filled with years of hard training. So he must train harder. There are many soldiers on Azure city. But he must be different. There are not many men and women who fight for what is right and just without expecting reward. He must be one among them. There are those who fight for freedom. He must, too, seek to free those who are captives. People on this world are different from before. They grow egoist. He must be selfless. They grow greedy. He must be generous. They grow unmerciful. He must show mercy. He must be an example for those around him. He must trust what he believes in, for if he does not, who will? He must defend whom he loves, for if he does not, who will? He must be loyal to his City, to his Lord, Family, and Friends. For that is the way of a true Azurite. To stand for their beliefs. Never to give up, even when a cause seems lost. For if there is hope, he must find a way. It is his destiny. And when all hope seems lost, he must rekindle it. For that, too, is his destiny.

A little shorter than the previous, but I like it best so far, overall for the less-concrete paragraph in the end. Surrealism is cool

What do you say to that? Foreshadowing?

[Graymayre]

These stories are turning out very well. Once they're done, I'll remake a GwaH writing contest thread where you can post your stories and vote on them.

I have to say I'm truelly proud of how far this concept has gotten, and you guys (with a halberd) and gals (with one too) have really made this idea your own. This thread could have been made without me, but definitely not without you.

[Nevitan]

I guess I missed a lot of these updates some how o.0, I read Namona's chapter two, I'll catch up with the others after school today.

[zach12376]

Wow, I wish I had time to read all of these, but my teachers are giving out some huge assignments....

stupid real life........

[NamonakiRei]

Okay, everyone! don't panic! the thread will be all right!


I think this is a bit of shameless self promotion!
Now, getting on buisness! Thank you Graymayre! You've got togive yourself more credit! The thread wouldnt've been born without you, either!

And, I finally got a photobucket account! I finally got my image uploaded right!
Here!

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Woot!

Also, some art from my story!

Chapter I:



Chapter II:



I believe this is what Nevitan called "More shameless self promotion"? ;)

Sadly, my math teacher gave us, like, 600 exerises to do before friday . So the story is... a little slow. But I'll be finishing chapter 3 soon! I hope...

Quoting Zach, "Stupid real life..."