Ruination

Chapter 23: "I can't afford to lose this war."

ENSIS POV:

The quite patted of Wonkru's feet met the damp and muddy ground of the gorge, my eyes scanned the gorge, checking for enemies, checking to see if we had been spotted. I glanced behind me, checking for any sign of fear and all I saw met with was complete faith and strength. We were finally united; we were finally standing strong. I glanced over at Bellatrix who stood in front of the right flank, leading them with Miller by her side. She'd changed so much before my eyes, the soft and fearful girl that sought to remain hidden in the crowd had changed. She'd become strong, she stood tall and brave. I was proud of her; I was proud of all my people.

I crouched down behind a mount of rocks and I held up my open palm, halting Wonkru's movements and they all quickly stopped soon after. My eyes were drawn in front of me as I grasped the radio and Octavia came up beside me, kneeling down and looking out and into the distance. "Ensis, they've gotten word to McCreary that there is movement on the sand, send in the rover now." Ryder steadily ordered. I switched the channels to the one Bellamy and Echo's radio was on and I brought the speaker to my lips.

"Go'm dan." (Attack.) I muttered through the radio before placing it back in my holster, keenly looking forward as my people parted, split down the middle and the rover passed us and drove further and further down into the gorge. My lips twitched into a slight smirk as I steadily watched them, anticipation building in my chest as the machine guns echoed down the valley. I looked back over my shoulder, nodding to Bellatrix and I watched as she held out her hand, grabbing a mirror and shining it in the light, signalling for Kali's squad to act now. Right on cue, Kali's squad began shooting from the air, bullets and arrows raining down on McCreary's people, drawing out their fire, bringing out their canons in a moment of desperation.

"Did the commanders tell you about this plan?" Octavia asked, turning to me and raising an eyebrow as I glanced down at her chuckling and shaking my head.

"No," I said, shaking my head. "They helped me tweak it a bit, but none of them know Louwoda Kliron like I do, and none of them have met forces like this before." I stated, drawing in a deep breath and turning back. "Becca Praimheda was surprisingly helpful, she's not a military strategist, but she is brilliant, and I can't afford to lose this war." I said, shaking my head, grabbing the radio and switching the channels. "Any word on the missiles?" I asked Ryder.

"Your post-apocalyptic barbie has done her job; McCreary hasn't taken off yet. But we need to do this quickly. McCreary is a crazy fucker." Ryder quickly said into the radio. My lips tugged into a frown as a I watched the scene before me, hearing an explosion going off and I brought the radio back to my lips.

"Your position in the valley is secured, thank you for your help." I said, I knew he wouldn't stick around when the missiles would be sent to the valley, if they would be sent here at all. I wouldn't ask him to lay down his life if he was not willing to. If there was one thing I refused to become, it was a commander who demanded people lay down their lives for me. Another explosion went off and my lips twitched into a smirk as I reached behind me, gesturing for Madi to come closer.

"What is it, Ensis?" Madi asked, looking up at me. My lips twitched into a sad smile as I reached out, grasping her head, softly stroking her hair.

"Stay close to me today," I ordered, watching her closely as she nodded, biting back her whimper. "The horrors of war are not for children, but you are a natblida, and as much as I want you to be a child while you can, to prepare for your duties, you will need to be ready for things like this. Learn from our mistakes." I advised her, leaning down and pressing a kiss a top her head before I turned back to the front as the last explosion went off and I turned to my people, nodding to Bellatrix before I held up my sword. "Gyon au," I shouted at the top of my lungs, my chest burning with pain as I held up my sword and I looked up seeing Kali's squad resuming shooting all of the targets as we charged forward.