Caged Body, Free Mind

The Legendary Battle

It was the dead of the night, and no end to this unceasing battle lay in sight. The pouring rain blistered the skin of some ten thousand men. The moonlight that seeped through the thick cloud cover shone on Midnight's jet-black hair. He stood on a stray ledge of the stygian mountain, overlooking the great battle with a watchful gaze, his dark blue cape flapping in the wind. His neatly folded black wings made him look even more powerful. This was Midnight Celadon, the eldest son of the Celadon family. His household had produced fine, fearless warriors that fought extraordinarily well in battle. Its members were among the highest ranking of leaders across the nation of Alkrine. Midnight, however, was still working his way up the command chain. But even so, compared to the rest of his relatives, he was the most excellent flyer, the cleverest strategist, a successful hunter, acquired the trickiest of skills, and his resolve was like an undying flame that still burned in the frigid deep sea. He stood out, as he was the only Arian Knight anyone had ever seen that possessed huge, pitch black wings that blotted out the sun wherever he flew. Hence his given nickname, the fallen angel. In this realm, it was rare to see someone whose wings were a color other than white.

As he stood watch with his firm legs that never gave in to the biting blast of the wind, he looked with utter distaste. In his hardened green eyes, none of this suffering was necessary. If it were up to him, nearly all the men he saw before him would have lived to go home to their families. Behind him were the higher-ranking officers. They were the ones who called the shots. He had no control over their decisions, much to his disappointment. Midnight heard the chatter amongst the greedy, ruthless men. He dreaded running into combat with them at his side, but overall, he knew that in the end, they were all just trying to survive the war, same as he was. He couldn't blame them for it. They were in it together, because they wanted to fight for their country and its people.

Their king, Viltrius, known as the slayer of gods, had promised every Avian Knight control over each country they invaded. Midnight, though he served his king with the most honor out of every man in that army, sensed that this was not right-no, this was insanity. Condemning an entire army of young, chivalrous soldiers was an act only the power-hungry would commit. Midnight could not convince the other officers to cease fire, for it would be against orders from the king himself. He anxiously watched the repulsive show of clashing swords and skulls being ripped apart, hoping that by some chance, it would end. There was no sound more haunting to him than that of a thousand screams echoing throughout the distant mountains. He somehow knew that their agonized voices would follow him until the end of time. Midnight could've sworn he'd seen some of the knights gravely calling to him from below to join them. I've had enough of this cowardice, he thought.

Turning to the grinning men unaware to their distress, he scowled and hurriedly walked towards them. Their ignorance disgusted him.

"I must say, it is a real pity we haven't been able to feast for a whole month."

"Those knights have no gratitude for the food we let 'em eat."

"Well, at least after tonight we will feast all we'd like!"

They were laughing at their sick joke when Midnight spoke.

"Listen! While you ignorantly babble amongst yourselves, our brothers in arms are sacrificing their lives! Is it too much for you to show some respect!? If you cannot disobey the order to continue this unnecessary war, then join them in battle and fight alongside them! Die with honor!"

None of the men paid him any mind. The corner of Midnight's eye began to twitch in anger.

After a moment, one of the officers came forward with a smug smirk on his oily face, showing off his yellow, gnarled teeth. "Listen here boy, let me tell ya somethin' about the way of the world, eh? They never mattered. Their lives are pawns. But we, we are superior. We live in the ways of the warrior. Honor is determined by blood, not actions. Remember that next time you feel a little guilty about 'em dying."