The Day In Night

With Warmonger's black market and our willingness to fight at anytime made it easy to get a good sized raid team for the attack.

After talking to Defender, I studied every drawing Edward made.

Unlike every other raid I've taken lead in, this one would be very different. Most of the time, raids would take days, maybe weeks to prepare for. This one took less than a day.

By sunset, we started marching towards the Stronghold. Before I left, many people called me stupid and crazy for attempting to challenge a Stronghold so early.

But they forgot one very important detail, everyone going to attack was experienced with fighting.

When the moon's celestial face appeared above us, we were just about to reach the Stronghold.

Nervousness slowly crept inside our thoughts.

I did my hourly check on my team. Edward kept cracking jokes to keep spirits up, Warmonger carried a large case on her back with chains wrapped around it, and Defender's eyes didn't leave the ground.

My eyes quickly caught the lights within the Stronghold. "There it is. Our target."

Edward walked forward and brushed the bushes to the side. "What a peaceful forest. But also so dead. You can literally hear everything that's happening around you."

Warmonger stepped closer to the opening. "I can tell they aren't expecting anything. I mean, look at those patrols. What is one man per corner supposed to do?" Warmonger's eager chuckle made it difficult for me to think.

"Alright, come back. This is how we'll do this. Warmonger, you order your archers to make their night the final light they see before entering the afterlife." I felt unsure how my sour rhyme made everyone feel.

Warmonger threw back her hair and put on what made Athena Crev a true Warmonger: her helmet.

"Edward, after the first volley of flame arrows, you'll go down there and plant the explosives."

"Finally, I can be as destructive as I want." Edward muttered to himself.

"And Defender, You'll be behind Edward. If anyone falls, you're going to carry them back here."

Defender blinked, and her eyes quickly met with mine. She knew I purposefully didn't want her being injured.

I formed a fist and pounded my chest like a drum.

Edward picked up a small package of explosives and prepared for his dash down to the gate. Warmonger ordered her fighters to load the arrows into their bows.

Before I could give orders to start the attack, Warmonger handed me the crate. "Here it is, your Slaughter sword. It's a somewhat modified generation one. Best I could find for its price."

"I'll judge how good this one is in a few minutes. Thank you, Warmonger."

I felt a sudden rush of energy run through me like water running through a river.

Now that my arm was raised, all I needed to do was shot it forward to begin the attack. After a few suspenseful moments, I gave the signal.

Arrows lit up the night sky. It was almost like the entire Stronghold had its own day and night cycle. But deadlier and less forgiving for resting.

Upon impact, whoever could escape their homes in time did, but most were unprepared.

Edward stormed down the slope and brutally slammed himself against the gate with enough force to make a small dent in the gate.

Swiftly, Edward armed the explosives and ran back to us.

Just before the explosives went off, Edward turned around and yelled. "GOOD FUCKING MORNING!"

The following explosion blew up towards the Stronghold. Sending chunks of the gate flying everywhere on the inside.

From where I stood, I watched many homes being ripped apart by the debris.

My attention shifted to Warmonger now. "Whenever we're done there, send another volley. Okay?"

Warmonger nodded and told her fighters to reload and prepare for the next round.

Those who didn't have a bow followed me down to fight inside the bright-day fiery arena.

We charged down. Edward allowed me to take the lead.

Just before entering the Stronghold, I raised my arm and made it come crashing down.

Once again, the night sky became bright.

Now, more Savages were outside. They desperately tried to scramble together for the incoming fight.

"What a bunch of ants! They are so unaware of what's about to hit them!" Edward excitedly watched as the arrows came crashing down.

Cutting through any armor or shield they had.

Then I started charging inside. Anyone who still stood was quickly struck down by our weapons.

Everything felt smooth. We attacked in the middle of the night. They didn't have time to prepare, and we were unforgiving.

"Finch, listen to that!" Edward took a moment to listen.

I did too. It took me a while to get it. But when I found out what he meant, his comment sent shivers down my spine.

Everything was so calm and peaceful before we arrived. Who knows, maybe some were celebrating a birthday earlier or became Savages to escape the harsh systems before the Calamity.

But now, that all has changed. We were here. Their deaths were here.

Not a calm death, but an unexpected hot point armor piercing one.

I grasped my first generation Slaughter and looked for targets.

But everyone around me was burnt alive or already dead.

Seeing the faces of those behind me and those before me made me sick. "I revived this Stronghold's legacy. Its soldiers were all killed off brutally, just like these."

I turned around to check on Defender.

She was terrified. All around her was exactly what she didn't want to see. These may have not been her allies, but they sure were the same species as us.

Her hands quickly jolted up to her ears to block out the painful screaming around her.

I wasn't proud of myself for making her step outside her comfort zone and assist in the front lines with me and Edward.

Suddenly, I started hearing my fighters being shot down. All around me, bodies dropped and giant metal arrows landed before us.

"RAIDER! I KNEW YOU WOULD COME BACK TO FINISH US! BUT FOR YOU I STILL HOLD A MASSIVE GRUDGE AGAINST!" A figure jumped down in front of me.

A cyan cloak shooter took off their hood to reveal who they really were.