On the line

After a quick breakfast, the four champions make their way to their place in the gathering battle line. The troops they pass visibly straighten as they see the four heroes, their mere presence raising spirits. Reaching their assigned position, they meet with the captain of the unit they’ll be fighting with, a young, nervous looking man who greets them with a salute.

Orin chuckles. “No need for that, we don’t have an official rank.”

The captain nods. “Still, I’m glad to have you here, honored champions. Our orders are to hold the line until you four **** a breach.”

Koa crosses his arms with a clatter of plate. “That will not take long. I will be the tip of the spear.”

The captain looks up at Koa. “I see. We will support you as best we can.”

Kael pats the captain on his shoulder. “Relax. We’re used to this. This your first battle, captain?”

The man nods. “Yes. I’ve done a lot of training, and I know what I’m supposed to do, but…”

Ria smiles at him. “Pre battle is always the hardest. Once the fighting starts, you won’t have time to think about it. That’s where the training comes in.”

The captain sighs, nodding again. “Thanks. We will follow your lead.”

With that, he heads off to be sure his unit is in position. The four champions make their way to the front, ignoring the awed looks from the nearby soldiers. The battlefield is ahead, and in the distance there’s the sound of clattering metal, though the Karlian forces are not visible through the morning fog that covers the open area. Kael shivers, remembering his dreams last night, and the mists that hid the horrors around him.

Ria puts a hand on his shoulder. “Hey big guy, I can see what you’re thinking. Stop.”

Kael sighs. “I know. It’s just…this fog.”

Ria nods. “Yeah. But you’re not alone here. And we know what’s over there. We have your back.”

She lifts an axe, and the magic of her hidden talent dances in her eyes. Crackling lightning wreaths her weapon, and she grins. Ria’s ability to enhance her weapons with the elements is a big reason why she’s one of the champions, and few opponents can stand against the elemental explosions of her attacks. Kael grins, concentrating, and his null aura cancels her abilities.

Ria rolls her eyes. “No fair, big guy. Don’t be doing that in battle.”

Kael laughs, and kisses her cheek. “This isn’t our first time, Ria. Besides, you’re the least of who I’d mess up with that.”

They both glance at Orin and Koa, who are each going through their pre battle rituals. Orin’s ability to enhance his strength and speed are incredible, and make him a vicious **** on the battlefield, but Koa is something else altogether. One could be forgiven for assuming that his talents are why he’s a giant, especially considering the massive hammer he’s currently swinging around as if it weighed nothing, but the reality is that his talent makes him nearly unstoppable. Koa can make himself intangible, causing objects to simply pass right through him. With some effort, he can even pass through walls, though apparently it’s extremely unpleasant for him.

It’s a very taxing ability to use, however, so Koa largely depends on his immense size and strength. Even Orin cannot match him, despite the enhancement of his powers. Combined with the heavy armor he favors, Koa is an unstoppable ****, the perfect tip to the spear they plan to drive into the Karlian lines.

As if thinking of them spurred them to action, the sounds in the fog increases. The tramping of boots can be heard, and as the sun breaks from the clouds, glinting metal can be seen. A hush falls over the line as everyone prepares for what’s coming. The first arrows sail out of the mists, and though they fall short, it’s a warning.

The waiting is over.