With how quickly I had to leave, I didn't get to change out my armor for new, undamaged pieces. Getting it back on was problematic, but I was able to attach it about halfway to the launching bay. Luna's with me. I don't know how to feel about that. I've fought with her in the past, even been on the receiving end of it once. But... this is war. There are too many unknown factors that could happen. Snipers, grenades, her own spells could blow up in her face! I can't loose her, but I can't turn her away either.

"Infantry transit air-unit 2-2-7 is ready for departure. What air detail would you like?" A maintenance bot asks as we walk off the large mico platform. The launch bay is alive with mechanical life. Bots and cranes are moving all over the tunnel entrance as ships are loaded for what might happen. There are several Aquilas already prepped on the sidelines waiting for orders.

"Delay an Aquila escort by forty-five seconds. Thirty seconds after that, launch for quarantine around the project L.Z. Bring in all active Spartans as quickly as possible as well. If fighting breaks out, give the order for first wave assault," I order as we walk to the I.T.A. This one is being outfitted with several more weapons than usual. Mainly sidecar guns for the pilot, but we're leaving with four side machine guns as well.

"Of course, sir. Any further orders?" I look over to Luna for a second before shaking my head to the bot.

"Why are you delaying your defenses?" Luna asks as we step inside the I.T.A. We both stay standing inside, though I grab one of the hand rails above for support.

"The report read that a small number of vehicles are moving in. This isn't an invasion force. That means there is information to be gained here. How quick we react, how we react, what are our procedures, there is a lot to be learned here. We have to misguide them as much as possible, but also be ready for whatever they have planned." She nods to that, looking quietly out at the busy launch bay.

I turnback to her and look her over once more. No armor, no weapons, all she has with her is her magic, and that might not be enough. I quickly move to the computer console in the center of the ship and remove one of the gems from it. I take a seat and begin to strap myself in as the ship begins to seal itself up.

"What are you doing?" Luna asks as she takes the seat next to me, following my example for security.

"You don't have any armor so I'm re-purposing this gem to act as a shield for you. It's not much, but it'll do.

"I was going to summon my armor when we left the city." I stop myself from enchanting to give her a look. "We both have armor... we just never use it."

"Well, it's better than nothing. Is it enchanted?" I ask as I start to work on the gem. It's not the strongest gem, but it'll be able to stop small arms fire at least.

"Yes... though I will admit that they are old enchantments." I nod to that, falling out of the conversation to focus on enchanting. "We also need to send a letter to Celestia so she knows what's going on. Are there bots nearby to send a message?"

"Your message has been delivered," a bot from up front tells her. "Launch in five seconds. Four, three, two, one, take off." We each take a glance to each other during the countdown, speaking to each other without saying a single word...

Are you going to be okay?

Are you?

I can do this.

I know.

We can do this.

I know.

Why are you scared?

... because I have to be.

We plaster into the backs of our seats as the ship takes off. I close my eyes and distract myself with my enchantment. She doesn't get it, though, I suppose that's the way it's supposed to be. Civilians aren't supposed to understand the fear that comes with duty. We take the bullets so they don't have to. I know what she's capable of. I know what we could accomplish together, but she doesn't get the fear. She's not a Spartan, and asking her to understand something she's never known is unfair, but she's putting herself in this position. She won't ever understand fully... and that's okay.

She'll never understand why I'm scared.

---

"... and then they become the leader of that Keksh," the Nether Walker explains to me enthusiastically. I nod to him and continue to jot down notes. There is so much to put down, and we're only skimming the surface! I wish Twilight was here to help with this! She takes the best notes, but I'll have to make due for now.

"Amazing. Now, the colors-"

"Loshni!"

"Yes, Loshni (loh-sh-nee), how did you come to pick those colors?" I unroll a new scroll and start to write. I had three meetings today that I've blown off for this, and I think I'll blow off the rest of the week if I can!

"Purple and gold... eeeh... it came to me in a dream-"

"You picked the colors?" I ask quickly, getting him to chuckle and nod. I feel like a filly, asking questions before they're answered, but I don't care. This is knowledge that I may never get the chance to hear again!

"Yes, in a dream of mine, well before my ascension. I was in a lake... lake? ... Yes! A lake! I was floating, down the current, and the sky was a deep purple. Everything around me, deep purple. I came to a rest on the shore and I saw a land, rich in life. Plants, animals, life as far as the eye could see. I crawled up the beach and dug a small hole. I let my breath into the hole, and a small golden plant began to grow. From there, I brought my people down the lake and made them a home there. It was hard, and many would not make the passage, but we found our land of life. Because of my dream, we mark ourselves with these colors."

"Fascinating." I feel like Twilight. "Is there anything else you can remember about your home?"

"... home?" His question catches me off guard slightly.

"Um... that was your home, right? The place you resided in before you left your world?" He thinks about it for a moment before chuckling again.

"I am apologize. No, no, the land of life was not on our home world." He laughs again, confusing me further. "I have not found the place of my dreams. The Nether Speaker at the time simply... eeeh... understood? There was something is my dream she believed, so she... eeeeh... took me in?"

"She became your mentor?" I ask, getting him to tilt his head a bit in thought.

"Eeeeh... she was... hmm... As Captain Miles has put it, we shared DNA-"

"She became your wife after a single dream?!" He chuckles again, rubbing the back of his neck. I shake my head and keep jotting down notes, this is too much! "Sorry, but there is so much to take in from this. Was this something normal? Or was she radical in her choice? Was there any objection?"

"Heh, if there was objection, we were too busy to hear it." I write that down, pausing when I catch his drift. "You are blushing-"

"A-am not!" I tell him quickly, avoiding his gaze. He laughs at me, making my face heat up more.

"Are the leaders here so easily bothered? Have you not built your Keksh?" I blush at that, trying to think of a quick way to change the subject.

"I-I, well, that is, we... um... the thing is, I follow a life of abstinence-"

"What is that?" he asks eagerly. I stare at him a moment before laughing it off.

"Anyway, let's try another topic. Are all of the Keksh leaders-"

"I am sorry, but what is abstinence? I do not know this word. Is it... offensive?" I pause again, lost for words. Is he trying to tease me? Or does he genuinely not know what that word means?

"It means that I refrain from sexual activities. Now, why don't you tell me about-"

"Why?" he asks, confused. "It is a simple act of life, yes? Why would you fight nature... it is nature!" I let out a breath as I shake my head at him. Sadly, this is not the first time I've had this conversation. Even more saddening, it will not be the last.

"I refrain from those acts for several reasons. The main reason is that I am a public figure head. I lead this nation, and in doing so, I keep my focus on my subjects. I refrain from those acts because I believe that they are not necessary to make me happy, that I can go without them and live a fulfilling life, and that I will be free to come to that decision when the time is right. I do not need it, and I don't much desire it. I have lived for several thousand years without even a moment's thought towards that, and look at me now." I smile to him and cross my legs, letting him think it over. He stares at me for a moment, mulling over everything I just said.

"The guard, the one at the door, he fancies you. I can leave and be back in a moments notice-"

"No! I am not lying... did you not just hear me!? And why would you say that about Morning Star?! He's been my personal guard for years!"

"That explains it," he mumbles, making me go wide eyed.

"He's married! He has four foals! He... anyway! I am-"

"He looks at you like a... like a... mmm..." he trails off in thought. I scoff again and start to go through my scrolls. This is not happening. I need to get this discussion back under control. "You are tall, yes. He sneaks glances, but, they are... distant. Like a child looking at treats through the window, yes?"

"... what?"

"He has the lost heart... no... his feelings are... eeeeh, not complete? No... he loves, but is without. He settled, but wishes. Call him in, talk, lay, I will be back-"

"That is not happening!" I cut him off firmly. He stares at me for a second before shifting onto his knees and bowing his head to the floor.

"Forgave me. I only had life in mind. Please forgave me." I bite my lip for a second before letting out a long breath. This is just a cultural misunderstanding, that's all.

"I forgive you. But..." I pause for a second. Is there any reason not to tell him this? I hesitated, which is my gut telling me there is something I'm forgetting. But... I trust him. He is noble and honest. A bit forthcoming, but he's earned my trust at the least. "Alicorns... are not normal."

"Oh?" I nod to him, setting aside my scrolls and quills. He sits back up and puts his entire focus on me, intent on hearing everything I have to say.

"Well... alicorns are a combination of the three races, sort of. But, there are some drawbacks from all of that inherent prowess. We can fly for longer, but our feathers grow slower. Our magic is more powerful, but the drain is more demanding. And we have inner strength that holds us together... but our heat is selective."

"I do not understand."

"Well... heat is when a female pony's body is ready to reproduce, create life. For most ponies it happens around once a month starting around the age of ten. Not for alicorns, though. We have to have a greater connection to our significant other to even begin our heat."

"So... you cannot become pregnant until you meet your Niphil (Neh-f-ill), your... mmm.. the closest word that works is wife, but it is not the same, I think. The one you devote yourself to in life and nether.The one you claim and are claimed by... eeeeeh, the word works, yes?"

"Spouse, husband, special somepony, there are several words to describe it." I tell him, nodding slowly.

"Then... why not look for your Niphil? Do you not wish to find him?" I take a moment to consider his question. There was a time when I thought I found him. But... he was not ready... and I was so young... "Do not be sad."

"Excuse me?" He chuckles at me, leaning forward to wipe a tear from my cheek. I blink a few times in surprise before I begin to wipe my eyes clear. Where did that come from? I've thought of him before, why is now so different?

"You will find your Niphil, just as I will find the land of life from my dreams. There are many lakes to follow, but you will not travel by standing still. Go down the current, and find your life."

"It is not that simple," I tell him, getting a confused look in response. "Once an alicorn starts heat, they only get that time to become pregnant. It'll last for about.... twenty years, give or take. After that... that's it."

"Oooh... you are afraid that you will find him, begin this heat, and lose out on it." I shake my head at that, silencing him.

"I am sad because I believe I have already found my one, but he is already gone." I let it stay at that. There is so much more to it than that, but that is for another time. "I am sorry. I did not mean to sour the conversation with my own personal issues."

"Do not be sorry, Celestia. Matters of the heart are the most important. We Kroth follow our hearts with total conviction. Why else would we fight, yes? Losing your life; a loved one, a home, it is powerful. Do not let it form you, yes? Rise above, and flow down your own lake. Even if the rocks and the current shake you from time to time, you have to travel, yes?" I smile to him, receiving one in return.

"Thank you. One would think a thousand years would have healed this already." We both share a chuckle.

"Time is an illusion. The heart cares not for it. But, our minds are strong too. Will it to flow, and dwell no longer on... what was his name?" I let out a hum at that, thinking fondly of him.

"Promise not to laugh." He nods eagerly to me, leaning forward and smiling widely. "Starswirl the Bearded-"

"Princess Celestia!" a guard announces from behind the door. "A bot is here to deliver a message to you."

"Send him in." The Nether Walker and I share an uneasy look as we rise to greet the bot. It's one of those ones with the shield and sword, making me slightly nervous. "Speak."

"An urgent message from: Luna,

Tia, it's me. A large force of Kroth are moving towards Equestrian territory. Miles and I are moving to meet them. I don't want to make any promises, but we will hold to the ceasefire for now. I need you to go to Ponyville and watch after Tempestive. I don't know what they want, but I have a bad feeling about this. Our meeting point seems to be at Crescent Cove. I'll contact you as soon as possible. Wish us luck."

I stand up and start to head towards the door when I stop and look back to the Nether Walker. He's just sitting there, lost in a daze. It didn't even cross my mind how this information would come across for him. These are his people, and they're in danger. But, that's my brother and sister going to fight them. Except, they aren't.

"Do you know of this ceasefire?" I ask him. He slowly shakes his head, still deep in thought. "I must go to protect my family, should the worst occur. I think it would be wise for you to do the same."

"But... I am your prisoner-"

"Then, as my prisoner, I demand that you head straight to Crescent Cove." He looks up to my in confusion. I simply smile back to him and tilt my head for a moment. "Crescent Cove is due east of here. It is a small town, but I think you will be able to find it."

"Why are you doing this? Is not your Keksh meeting there?"

"Isn't yours?" We stare at one another before he closes his eyes and disappears from the room. I stare at the spot where he was sitting before I head to leave. I must be with my family, just as he needs to be.

"Princess?" The guard on my left inquires as I march out of my chambers and towards the rear exit. I take a glance at the unicorn behind me before looking forward again.

"How adept are you at teleporting?" I ask formally.

"I am proficient enough to keep pace, if only for a short while," he responds formally.

"As am I," the other one reports.

"Good, then keep up... oh, and Morning Star?" I stop to look back at him. They both halt and stand up straight. Just go with the flow, huh? I lean in and whisper into his ear, "try and keep your eyes from wandering too long, understood?"

"... P-Princess! I-I um... it was never my- I would never-"

"Never? Then that's a shame, isn't it?" He gawks at me, lost for words. "To Ponyville, then?"

"YES MA'AM!" They both yell, though Morning Star is almost all red. I chuckle to myself for a moment. I haven't felt that silly since... since that one day. But, as our good friend would say;

"Allons-y!"

---

It took my the entire trip over to get the enchantment done and embedded into Luna's armor. Oddly enough, I've never actually seen her armor before. It's plated steel that's been tinted light blue and deep purple. The purple parts seem to be the heavy parts, like the chest piece and helmet, while the light blue parts are the minor connecting sections. Her helmet forces her hair back into a ponytail and has a pointed sapphire spire before her horn. The armor is light and seems to be aimed at being as aerodynamic as possible. Not something I would go for, but it's too late for that.

"Why do you keep eyeing my armor?" she asks me quietly.

"If you can call it that. It only covers your body and hooves, your legs are mostly exposed. Not to mention your wings are out in the open!" I complain, making her roll her eyes.

"It was made so I could fly more easily. My ability to take to the skies are far more valuable than extra pieces of metal." I go to say something, but stop myself. There's no reason to drag it out any further. I don't have anything to replace it, so it'll have to do. "I can see them."

I stand up and move towards the cockpit. Ahead of us, still racing over the ocean, is the opposing force. Each of the eight ships appear to be made of bronze with jets of red energy trailing behind them. They're flying in a diamond formation with what appears to be some sort of infantry transit in the back. It's a long cylindrical vehicle that has its wings fixed at the front and curve all the way towards its back. The fighter escorts are exactly what I remember them, back when they first appeared. How many of them actually got off that ship? How many of them will I have to face till this ends?

"Radio them to halt and-"

"No!" Luna cuts me off, stepping between me and the pilot. "The Kroth are vulnerable to radio frequencies. Send a white smoke canister to a meeting location... there! Just north of the settlement." I stare at her for a moment before I look to the pilot and nod to him. I almost made the same mistake my people made...

THUNK

A canister pops out from beneath us and races towards the small clearing down below. I look out to the incoming ships and wait for their response. The second I see a grey trail I'll have to throw my shield up. Luna can teleport us then. From there we'll have to make a mad dash for the nearby forest for cover, assuming Luna can't just teleport us again. Their numbers aren't that large, we shouldn't lose too many bots from this-

THUNK

I watch in astonishment as a trail of white smoke races from the lead aircraft towards our smoke canister. It takes me a moment to fully register what just happened. First peaceful contact with an alien species... well, relatively peaceful.

"I want a perimeter set based on that location," I command the bot before me. "Keep a tight grip and don't let up. Any ground forces that land must be cataloged and watched. We're maintaining F.W.F.U. protocols, let them be as aggressive as they want. Only when they are intent on destruction are you to engage, understood?"

"Processing... processing... orders have been made to all units. Landing in thirty seconds." I nod to him and look back to Luna one last time. We share a scared look before nodding to each other, somehow understanding.

We race towards the landing zone, quickly meeting the enemy vessels. Any support we had traveling with us each race around the air, each attempting to gain superiority over the enemy forces. I can see several Aquilas landing around us, dropping troops off to set up a perimeter. For every Unfamiliar ship here, two Aquilas chase after them. The air becomes loud with the roars of afterburners and screeching jets. As we near the ground, dust is thrown into the air. I wait until I feel the ship shake against the ground before leaping out, waiting for something to happen. An attack, warning shot, anything. When the dust begins to settle I turn back and assist Luna out of the ship.

A second wave of dust washes over us. I go to grab my pistol, but stop when Luna grabs my hand. I nod to her, moving my hand away. Old habits, I guess. I step forward until I have a visual of the ship before me. The large infantry ship is sitting before us, powering down. The front of the ship is facing us, giving us a view into the cockpit. I can only see one pilot, but it looks as if several people can fit in there. Are they undermanned, or just trying to appear fewer? The bottom of the cockpit drops down into a ramp way, revealing Kileh. He has four guards with him, each of them in Terradisian armor that has been painted in various colors. Red and white, purple and gold, blue and green, orange and black, and finally Kileh in silver and copper.

They walk down the ramp and form a line opposite of Luna and I. From behind, a row of Legion bots do the same for us. I take another glance around and note all of the air activity. Several of the jet are still racing around, but I can see several of them going to land. One of them even drop troops off, though they're quickly surrounded by dozens of Legions bots. The nearby village is buzzing too. Several griffins are in the air, trying to get a view. I remember this town. Small port town mainly inhabited by griffins. I wonder if it had any influence with their meeting here?

"Here we are," Kileh mentions, stepping forward. "The future order. Kroth and human. Fitting, isn't it?"

"For a supposed ceasefire you sure are making it hard not to attack-" I start to say, but stop when Luna kicks the back of my leg. "Right... why are you here?"

"Isn't it obvious?" he asks, taking another step forward. "Did you really think I would leave our ceasefire to mere words? I am here to create the articles to our pact. We mustn't let only our actions guide us, but our words too. Are you truly an advocate for peace? Or, were those merely sweet little lies to escape?" I glare at him, not fully knowing what he means. He has human magic, but if he's talking about what I think he's talking about-

"Why have you invaded Equestrian territory?" Luna demands in an authoritative voice.

"Apologies, Moon Princess, we simply thought that the peace loving ponies would facilitate us-"

"You have the ability to communicate without force. You could have sent an emissary to Canterlot to set up any diplomatic actions. Your arrival with armed soldiers is hardly peaceful, isn't it?" He chuckles at that, taking another step towards us.

"Do you know who you stand beside? The Lost Spartan is not someone to be trifled with. He destroyed our flagship with a single wave of his hands, toppled skyscrapers with his voice, and made the very will of humanity into a weapon. Such a person is not to be dealt with lightly, would you not agree?" I get two of those references, but I've never used my voice to knock over skyscrapers... have I?

"I know the deeds the man beside me has committed. I know not the deeds of you or any of your Kroth. I can only stand by what I know. Why have you invaded Equestria?" Good girl. Push him, make him pull all of his cards now.

"This is hardly an invasion force. Unless this is all it takes to strike fear into the Equestrians." That's good. Teasing. He has no actual argument, not now at least. Time to chime in.

"Fear isn't the enemy here, just its tool." I chime in, taking a step forward. "You want me to make a pact for peace, then prove your commitment to it. Send your troops back-"

"And so will he." Luna cuts me off, stepping slightly before me. "Neither of you have the authority to occupy any Equestrian space as of right now. If either of you truly stand for peace, you will back down immediately." Luna... what the fuck are you doing? Well, I guess she's trying to remain as neutral as possible, but what the serious fuck?

"Very well, on the Queen's order?" Kileh asks me. I glare back at him, though my helmet hides it. He called her Queen. It's not much really, it was made public after all. It's still disconcerting to see first hand how connected he is in the world. Maybe it shouldn't be so surprising. Maybe I just don't want him knowing anything about my family. Hard to say.

"Very well, call your soldiers back now and once they are gone, we shall continue with our peace talks," Luna commands, taking an authoritative tone with us. Kileh raises a hand, getting one of the guards behind him to radio in an order. It's almost like clockwork, seeing all of the vessels suddenly drop down, gather troops, and head off shore. I still don't trust it, but I'll at least have a count from all of the bots afterwards. That way I'll know how many stayed behind.

"All bots, report back to the city," I command, getting similar results. All of the Aquilas quickly gather their troops and fly back to Topaz. I motion to the few around me to stay though, getting a quizzical look from Luna. "I assume personal guards will be allowed. Or shall all of our guards leave?"

"These are not my guards. They are representatives of the last remaining Kroth Keksh. They have a right to be here," Kileh tries to argue. I look over to Luna and watch her think it over. Don't fuck me over on this one. I can't keep you safe if I'm outnumbered five to one.

"This is a meeting between leaders. If they stay, these bots can stay as well." Fair enough. I look back to Kileh and try to get a read on him. He seems impassive about it, or am I bad at reading him? It's hard to tell, I haven't caught him in a direct lie yet.

"Very well, shall we begin?" Quick to answer, them leaving must not be an option.

"Very well. My assumption is that you are here to solidify our previous ceasefire. Am I mistaken?" In the distance I can see all of the aircraft that were fighting for territory leaving. Just as quickly as they showed up, they're gone. Hopefully none of their soldiers were able to sneak past the bots.

"I think you know why I am here," he says with a smirk. "I am here to forge our words."

"Ha!" I shake my head at that. He can't be serious, he can't be!

"Captain," Luna starts, but I cut her off.

"Do you really think I'm that stupid? Or are you that desperate?" Luna gives me a confused look, not understanding what he's asking. "I will never forge words with the likes of you! Did you really think I would just agree to that? Really!?"

"I would think that you would take the lives of those you serve seriously-"

"I have no reason to speak with you if this is the best you have to show," I tell him, taking a step towards him. "I outnumber you. I out-skill you. All you have is a nation to hide in and even that won't last."

"Are you so sure?" he asks, trying to get cocky.

"I am," I respond confidently. "The griffins can't sustain an occupation here. An assault force would be pushed back and eventually defeated. The world would turn on them as well, even with how divided it is. You won't win. You can't win! Why are you even here?" He smiles again, taking a step towards me. We're face to face now, though I am a fair bit taller than him. We stare back at one another, unmoving. Unflinching. Patient.

"You humans, you all think the same. Victory, defeat, you live in absolution. I don't need to win. I just need to not lose. That's the difference between you and I. You need to eradicate me. It's what you were made for. You can't go on without knowing that all of us are gone. Because of that, you will never win. Even if only one Kroth makes it to the end, I will have my victory. It may not be a true, absolute, victory; but it will be enough to destroy you. Do you really think that we're only in the Griffin Colonies? Do you really think we're not already here? But I have to thank you for your words yesterday, Captain Miles Eremita. Without them, I wouldn't have had this idea of mine. Victory without victory. What an inspiration you were."

We both go silent again. As much as it pains me to admit it, he's right. I have to destroy them all. I couldn't stay sane if even one of them got away. The idea that even one of them, lurking in the shadows, ready to kill my family... And he has to be bluffing about having people here. I would have detected them crossing over... wouldn't I? At least in Ponyville I would. I don't think he knows I'm the King, so that would keep Celestia safe. I have eyes all over Ponyville, I'd see him coming. But they wouldn't even need to be in Ponyville to strike, would they?

A chemical attack from upwind would kill hundreds. A missile strike, super archaic drop, a sniper... There are too many variables to be able to leave even one of them unchecked. He's right. To win, I'd have to destroy each and every one of them. All he has to do is keep one of them alive. How am I going to do this? How am I going to be sure?

"There is one thing I don't understand," I tell him as my mind races through the possibilities. "The ceasefire was to protect civilians. Now that you've told me all this, why would I agree to the terms any longer? What's to keep me from invading the G.C. right now and sweeping you all off the planet?" He gives a small smirk. Is this his trump card?

"You know just as I do that the victor of this war will determine the new world order. Should my griffins claim this land, we Kroth will take over. Should your ponies find victory, humanity will hold the upper hand. For us to have a true victory we need to have a population to grow. That is why we need this, you and I. If either of us are to continue, we need to be able to grow. If we fight as we did before, we will wipe ourselves from existence. We need guidelines to follow if either of us are to win. There has to be a line in the sand if we are to continue. Do you not agree, Queen Luna?" He steps closer to her, smirking down at her. Luna raises her head higher, trying to maintain herself. "What say you?"

"You are mistaken to think Equestria so weak. Mightier adversaries have sought to destroy us before, and they all failed. Just as you will." That's my girl, stick to your guns.

"I have read your history, you have never faced something like this before. Be weary, Queen. Times are changing."

"A fair warning for all, Kileh." I jump slightly from the voice behind me. I spin around and find the Nether Walker behind me. The bots at my side jump into action, pointing their blades at his throat in a moment.

"Father!" The purple and gold Kroth yells from the other line, attempting to run over. The others hold him back, yelling at him in their language.

"Why are you here?" I ask him, getting in his face. I place my hand on my revolver, ready for anything.

"I was given permission to come." Fucking dammit, Celestia! What in the world were you thinking!? "I am a leader of the Kroth, of sorts. I have a right to be here-"

"Are you still my prisoner?" I ask him, making him frown. "Then know your place!"

"His place is here with us!" Kileh demands, turning away from Luna. "Keep your word and release him!"

"We agreed to not kill civilians. If he's a leader than he's fair game-"

"You motherless bastard!" the Kroth being restrained yells. I feel a pulse of anger go through me. Without a second’s thought, I pull my revolver out and press it to his head, looking back to that same Kroth.

"You only need one, right?" I ask, meeting his scared glare.

"Captain!" Luna yells, getting my attention. "Do not forget yourself." I glance over to her, seeing the fear in her. In her stance, in her voice, in her eyes. I lower my pistol, thinking. There has to be a way around all of this. There has to be.

"I have a proposition," the Nether Walker suggests, stepping between all of us. "This war has been long. And yet, here we are. The end is near, we all know that. For this last push, let us become better than our predecessors and set our own rules. These rules:

One; no harm shall intentionally be brought to civilians.

Two; any that surrender, do so fully. That, when they surrender, they forfeit their rights as a soldier and become a civilian.

Three; the preservation of the world and its inhabitants shall not be forgotten. No super drops, nuclear weapons, chemical based weapons, or terraforming.

And finally, Four; That at the end of this war, let it end. No mass genocide, no executions, nothing but the preservation of life.

What say you, Miles?" he asks as he extends his hand towards me.

"Father!" the Kroth yells in desperation. "What are you doing!?"

"What must be done!" he yells back at him, staring deeply into me. I couldn't take Kileh seriously before, he was too expendable. Not him. he means something to all of them. If they lost him... it would be as if the Spartans lost me.

"I agree to the terms," I tell him as I holster my pistol and bring my hand up.

Forging words is an old human pact-making spell. When two people come to terms on some kind of deal, they bring their hands together and bind each other to the words of the deal. If either one of us breaks the terms of the deal, their soul will shatter. Making this kind of pact with Kileh would have been pointless. He's expendable. Nether Walker, he's important enough. Without him in the picture, they'd fall apart. It works for me as well, in that I won't have to worry about him killing any of my family. I'll still have to face him, but I don't have to worry about the others. Even if I die, the contract will last until we're both gone.

I light the fire in my palm and hold it up beside his. The flame bellows as it normally would, until I start the spell. It wavers a bit at first, but quickly starts to flow towards him. Soon, the flame appears to be flowing into him and we make a connection between souls. At this point, we begin to focus on the terms of war. If we don't come to the same conclusion, it won't set. We have to agree completely for this to work. Even if the wording is slightly different, it won't catch.

One; no harm shall come to civilians.

Two; any that surrender, do so fully. That, when they surrender, they forfeit their rights as a soldier and become a civilian.

Three; the preservation of the world and its inhabitants shall not be forgotten. No super drops, no nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, or terraforming.

Four; that at the end of this war, let it end. No mass genocide, no executions, nothing but the preservation of life.

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