A Nightmare's Jewel-Chapter 2

A/N:
*words* = thoughts
'words' = telekinetic speech
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         Sir Galahand sighed, looking down at his plate as he pushed around his food. No matter how hard he tried, Sir Arthur refused to call off the attack. He did manage to get Sir Arthur to permit him to participate in the attack, but he got assigned to the medic team. Their job was to pull wounded soldiers off the field and give them treatment. Sir Galahand still wouldn't be able to aid his comrades in the fight, but it was better than nothing.  

         Sighing again, he looked up at the other soldiers in front of him. All the soldiers stationed at the base had gathered for a feast before their siege on Nightmare's castle. Many of them were conversing with friends, laughter sounding throughout the large cavern. Sir Galahand wondered how many of them wouldn't return from the battlefield.

         Sir Dragato had just finished with the battle plan, and the outcome of success was lower than they had planned. The overall goal was to lead the main force of troops in a large-scale assault directed at the front of the castle's walls. If all goes to plan, Nightmare would be coaxed out of his stronghold, leaving his castle unguarded. The problem though was, with Nightmare out on the battleground, all of the senior warriors would be needed on the frontlines. That left only the younger recruits to infiltrate the castle.

         "Galahand," a voice next to him spoke, snapping him out of his thoughts. Looking to his right he found two pairs of eyes staring at him in worry, belonging to Sir Nonsurat and Iris, whom of which was sitting on Sir Nonsurat's shoulder. "What's bothering you? You looked worried."

         "How could you tell, Nonsurat?" Sir Galahand said with a slight smile. Sir Nonsurat was his closest friend. He was always there for him in those stressful times of war when he needed some cheering up. Despite Sir Nonsurat's quiet nature, the medic was actually fun to be around if you knew him well.

         "I've been around you long enough to tell when my friend is upset," Sir Nonsurat said with a chuckle. "Now, tell me. What is it?" Sir Galahand sighed once again, looking back into the crowd of cheerful warriors.

         "It's the attack, Nonsurat. Everything about it seems wrong. I can't explain it, but every fiber of my being is screaming at me that this is a terrible idea. How many of these soldiers won't come back? I know Sir Arthur wants to get this war over as soon as possible, everyone does, but this isn't the way to do it," Sir Galahand said with a shake of his head.

         "To be honest, I agree with you Galahand. I too feel that this isn't the way to go. However, we do not know what the nature of the Prince is. Being created with Nightmare's DNA, we must assume he will be like his father. Yet, for that same reason, I feel it is wrong to kill such a creature. Since he was made using DNA, he will have a soul, unlike the majority of the other demon beasts. If we can in fact capture him, we might be able to switch him to our side. Being young, he won't completely be corrupted by Nightmare's influence," Sir Nonsurat explained, taking a bite of his food.

         "Do you really think so?" Sir Galahand asked.

         "Most definitely. I've studied the way Nightmare has given machines essences. That is what I based Iris here off of. Of course, she doesn't have the bloodlust that the demon beasts have, but she does have a personality. Nightmare perfected that same art so that he can create flesh and blood creatures with a soul. The difference between the two is that while the machines natures are programmed, the flesh and blood ones have a choice, same as you and I. In all reality, they are the same as us, the only difference being that they have the influence of Nightmare on which path they take. If we separated one of his creations at a young age from him, they will be able to choose their own path, with nobody influencing them."

         "You know, I'm glad that you are on our side, Nonsurat. I'd hate to have someone so smart working for Nightmare," Sir Galahand said with a smile, eyes pink. Sir Nonsurat just chuckled.

         "If you think me so smart, then you best listen to my advice and eat up. A hungry warrior on the battlefield soon becomes a dead warrior on the battlefield." Sir Galahand shook his head in bewilderment, before taking up his friend's advice.

...

         Sir Galacta paced back and forth near the exit of the cavern where the army was assembling. He had been waiting for ten whole minutes and none of his assigned squadron had shown up yet. It was utterly humiliating. He was third in command over all the army, and yet the soldiers assigned to him had the audacity to make him wait for them. Just as he was about to go to Sir Arthur to complain, a group of seven recruits started to approach him after walking out of the mess hall. They were talking to themselves, one of them laughing and giving another a playful shove. A feeling of dread fell over Sir Galacta as the group of recruits came closer.

         *Surely these can't be the soldiers assigned to me...,* Sir Galacta thought with alarm. One of the young recruits, an elf-like humanoid with purple-pink skin wearing navy and gold armor, walked up to him, a sword at his hip. His yellow hair was ruffled, almost covering his hazel eyes that were full of youthful innocence. A metal shield was strapped to his back.

         "Greetings, Sir Galacta. My name is...uh... J-Jecra, sir, and may I say, sir, it is an absolute honor, sir, to be assigned under your leadership, sir" the boy, Jecra, greeted with a wide grin, outstretching a gloved hand. Sir Galacta ignored the boys offer for a handshake, staring at him and the other six recruits instead.

         Without replying, Sir Galacta instantly turned around, marching towards where Sir Arthur was standing, leaving the boy dumbfounded. A female of the same species as Jecra, the only girl out of the seven recruits, walked up to Jecra and patted him on the shoulder with her gloved hand. Her skin was lavender, and her slightly darker lavender hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, a few strands of it falling onto her face past the green band she wore around her forehead. She had on light blue leather armor, her skirt being of darker blue leather. Her violet eyes were full of worry.

         "Hey, it's alright Jecra. I'm sure he just remembered something important that he forgot to tell Sir Arthur. I know you got all excited when you heard that we were being assigned to Sir Galacta, since he is your role model," she said gently.

         "I know, Garlude...it's just I totally messed up. I stuttered multiple times even! And why did I have to say sir so many times! He probably thinks I'm a total idiot now! I can't believe I embarrassed myself like that, and in front of him even! I'm such a failure!" Jecra said with a sigh as he threw his hands up hopelessly, looking depressed.

         "You can still prove yourself to him on the battlefield, Jecra. So don't be so down about it. Everything will turn out just fine. You'll see."

...

         Sir Galacta was furious at Sir Arthur. How dare he disgrace him like this. He was supposed to be in charge of an elite force, not babysitting some youngsters! Fists clenched in anger, Sir Galacta approached Sir Arthur, overhearing what the golden armored leader was discussing with to an orange and green puffball.

         "I want all the airships to be at the ready for when it's time to retreat. We will need to leave this planet after the attack, since Nightmare will have learned of our base's location. Make sure everyone knows that we are heading to planet Zantor next. There are some soldiers stationed there that are in need of pick up," Sir Arthur finished. Following orders, the orange puffball ran off into the bustling crowd. Seeing his chance, Sir Galacta stepped up.

         "What is the meaning of this, Sir Arthur?" He asked, his anger not very well hidden.

         "The meaning of what, Sir Galacta?" Sir Arthur asked, confusion evident in his voice as he turned to face the white armored puffball.

         "I was told I would be leading a group of our strongest senior warriors, but instead I got stuck with a bunch of new recruits! I can't possibly work with them!"

         "Now, now, Sir Galacta. It is the best we can do. All other Star Warriors are needed on the field, as well as the senior soldiers. We will be lucky as it is not to take heavy casualties. Those recruits are the best of their class. They've been trained for battle."

         "Being trained the basics doesn't mean they are trained for battle! They'll get killed in two seconds, and they'll end up making me get killed with them!" Sir Galacta argued, waving his gloved hand around in anger.

         "I'm sure you are more than capable to handle them, Sir Galacta. As long as you tell them what to do, they'll be fine. You are our best fighter we have. If anyone can keep them alive, it is you. Besides, it is too late to change the plan now. It is time to depart and start the attack," Sir Arthur said, turning and walking away.

         "Sir Arthur, you can't do this to me!" Sir Galacta yelled at the retreating figure, but his words fell on deaf ears. Eyes burning red, Sir Galacta walked away with a growl.

...

         As the army marched, they soon left the protective mountains behind as they entered the now desert-like plains of the dead planet. The dust storms that ravaged Ezoruma helped to cover the Galaxy Soldier Army from Nightmare's sight for most of the long trek over the completely flat expanse, but not all. The weary soldiers were gracious when the harsh winds stopped pelting dirt and sand onto them, but with the storm over Nightmare now had a clear view of them. With the castle just in sight, it was no surprise to find demon beasts of all sizes waiting for them. The warriors had little time to react before they were charged by the monsters

...

         "Lord Nightmare," a tiny demon beast, that appeared to be an armadillo-cat cross, squeaked, its tiny paws moving as fast as they could down the hallway after Nightmare, who stopped and turned at his name. The demon beast tried to catch its breath once it caught up, but an impatient growl from Nightmare made it speak up. "The Galaxy Soldier Army has been spotted marching this way! I think they're going to attack!"
         
         "What! Those insects dare attack my castle directly!" Nightmare screeched, clenching his fists. He glanced down the hall in the direction that he was heading, looking like he was contemplating something. With a snarl he glanced down at the tiny demon beast.

         "Continue the departure to the newly constructed space station as planned. I'll handle the army myself, but I have something I need to do first. In the meantime, have some of the more expendable demon beasts meet the Galaxy Soldier Army," with that, he continued down the hall at a faster speed.

         "Yes, master," the demon beast replied before scampering off.

....

         Sir Arthur jumped back, landing lightly on the ground, as a pair of deadly, venom dripping fangs sunk into the ground where he had been standing a mere moment ago. The outsized fangs belonged to a mighty snake demon beast. As the monster struggled to get its fangs out of the dry ground, Sir Arthur ended its life with a swift slice of his golden sword, severing the snakes head. As the body fell to the ground, static coming from both halves, Sir Arthur jumped away from it, right as the body exploded into nothing.

         Glancing around, Sir Arthur noticed the airships had arrived, waiting for when they retreated.  He also observed that none of the demon beasts on the field were of a high ranking or skill. They were all low level ones. With no time to ponder over the matter, Sir Arthur ran over to where Sir Galacta and his team were waiting for the signal to go. Seeing as the frontline had moved far enough away for him to have time to talk without worry, Sir Arthur got Sir Galacta's attention.

         "Sir Galacta, start moving you squadron into position. Once you see Nightmare join the fight, I want you to move in. You'll have to find a way in. Remember your assignment. We will hold off for as long as we can. Once you return, we will withdraw," Sir Arthur explained. Sir Galacta just nodded in reply before running off, the seven recruits struggling to keep up.

...

         Nightmare opened the doors to the heir's room, scanning the room for the Prince. The room was much too bright for Nightmare's taste, elegant stained glass windows letting in the faint starlight. An old diamond chandelier hung from the ceiling, the starlight twinkling off of the rare crystals. Not spotting the Prince, Nightmare walked in. He was about to say something when he heard a muffled giggle coming from above him.

         Looking up, he was bombarded by blue as something jumped on his face, clinging to one of his horns and almost knocking of his shades. The giggling continued as Nightmare stumbled backwards, a frown on his face. Carefully snatching the wiggling figure off of his face with his claws, Nightmare sat it in his palm and raised it to eye level. With a stern face he looked at the giggling figure that was rolling around on his palm. Unable to hold it anymore, Nightmare smiled and prodded the blue sphere with one of his claws, helping it to sit up.

         "I got you good, didn't I Daddy!" the blue figure laughed, red eyes full of glee.

         "Yes, son, you did," Nightmare said with a slight chuckle. "How'd you get on top of the chandelier?"

         "I've been practicing my flying!" the Prince said, two fangs flashing in a grin. "Watch!" Spreading a pair of tiny purple bat-like wings, the Prince jumped off of Nightmare's palm, landing on the purple and gold carpet gracefully. "See!"

         "That's very good, son. I'm very proud of you....wait, where are your guardians?" Nightmare asked confused, looking around.

         "Oh, those losers? They couldn't keep up, so we ditched them in the hallways a long time ago," the Prince said casually, folding his wings neatly behind his back.

         "Son," Nightmare said sternly," you know they are there for your protection. You can't just 'ditch' them. You....wait. What do you mean we?"

         "Oh, I made a new friend!" the Prince said, purple feet jumping up and down in joy.

         "And where exactly is this friend?"

         "Hiding behind the curtains. She thought you might get mad if you learned that she was friends with me, so she hid when I sensed you heading this way. I told her that it would be fine but she insisted." Nightmare raised a brow and walked over to the heavy purple and gold curtains that were draped on the windows while the Prince rambled on. Pulling aside the curtain, Nightmare saw a tiny red bundle pressing itself against the wall. Frowning, he picked it up by its scruff, brought it to eye level, and turned it to face him. Golden eyes blinked innocently at him.

         'I'm sorry, master. Please forgive me. I didn't mean to offend you by playing with the Prince, it's just that we were both lonely and bored and wanted to have some fun. Please don't hurt me...I promise I won't do it again...' the bundle said telepathically.

         "What is your name, demon beast?" Nightmare said, inspecting the monster. Red fur adorned her small body, with a lighter red mane just starting to come in. A green gem was on her forehead, and tiny red nubs were on her back. Nightmare remembered making her now. She was one of the new models of demon beasts. The newer models grew just like regular creatures, starting out as newborns and aging into adults.

         'It's Wolfwrath, sir.'

         "Well, Wolfwrath, you better be respectful of the Prince. From now on, you aren't to cause any more trouble," Wolfwrath's ears drooped as she looked at the floor, "while you play with the Prince." Wolfwrath's ears instantly shot back up as her tail wagged.

         'Thank you master! I won't let you down!'

         "See to it that you don't," Nightmare said as he gently set Wolfwrath next to his son. "I want the two of you to stay in here till I come to get you. You aren't to go through that door for anything. Do you got that?"

         "But, I'm hungry!!" the Prince complained, licking his fangs.

         "I'll bring you back a Star Warrior then," Nightmare replied as he closed the door behind him.

...

         Sir Galacta's eyes searched the battlefield, watching as the other Star Warriors and the soldiers cut through Nightmare's demon beasts. He had managed to sneak around enemy lines without him or his seven recruits getting spotted. Now, he was waiting for Nightmare to appear so they could continue on. Glancing behind him, Sir Galacta noted that the recruits tensed every time a shriek of the dying pierced the air. Shaking his head, he faced the battleground again. It was hard to make out in the darkness, with only stars and some torches aiding in the lighting, but he was able to spot the dark haze that formed over the battleground like fog. The haze soon formed into a familiar figure which belonged to Nightmare.

         With his signal given, Sir Galacta gestured to the recruits to follow him. Pacing down along the base of the castle wall, Sir Galacta spotted a small door that looked like it had been unused in sometime. It must have been a servant entrance for the previous inhabitants of the castle long ago. As they approached the rusted door, one of the recruits spoke up.

         "How are we going to get in?" the green cylinder shaped recruit asked, gold eyes showing from beneath his helmet.  Without breaking stride, Sir Galacta raised his pink and white lance up. He instantly swept it back down, an arch of white energy shooting out, causing the wooden door to break into a thousand of splinters. Without waiting to make sure the others were following, Sir Galacta walked through the shadowy doorway. Shifting his grip on his spear, the green recruit quickly darted after Sir Galacta without another word. The recruits remained silent as Sir Galacta took the lead, navigating down the dark and surprisingly empty hallways. The castle corridors were like a maze, different paths constantly intertwining. Soon, the recruits were completely disoriented. They were currently coming up to another intersection.

         "Do you kno-?" the green recruit tried to ask as a white glove slammed over his mouth, jostling the red tassel on the recruit's helm. The recruit was pressed against the wall into the shadows, the other recruits following by example, as they stood there in silence. The recruit was going to ask what they were doing, when suddenly the floor shook. A giant bear demon beast wearing purple and gold metal armor lumbered through the intersecting passageway, completely oblivious to the trespassers hiding in the shadows nearby. With the danger passed, Sir Galacta removed his hand that was covering the recruits mask. With a silent glare at the green recruit, Sir Galacta continued on.

         Feeling stupid, the green recruit slowed his pace so he was at the back of the group. He walked in silence for a while as he brooded to himself, inspecting the stone floor as he walked. The recruit quietly sighed, looking up to see where they were at. His yellow eyes widened as he saw that he was now alone. Starting to panic, he ran down the hall he was currently in, trying to find the rest of his team. His metal shoes rang throughout the castle as he frantically searched, the recruit not paying attention to where he was going.

         He soon regretted being so reckless as he came around another corner, the bear demon beast from before staring him down. Gulping, he stopped on the spot and tried to run back the way he came. He was too slow though, and the bear swatted at him with one of its massive paws, one of its razor-sharp claws barely nicking him. Nonetheless, he was sent flying into the wall with a thud, the sound of clanging metal ringing throughout the silent castle.

         Groaning, he shook his head, eyes blurry. He hardly noticed as a pink and white figure jumped onto the bear's back, directing the demon beast's attention away from the recruit. Vaguely aware of a tug on his shoulder, he let the force pull him to his feet, where it tried to steady him. His vision now focused, he realized it was Sir Galacta who was fighting the demon beast.

         "Come on Nick, we have to get out of here! Why'd you wonder off like that! You're lucky Sir Galacta found you!" Jecra said trying to get him to follow. However, before they could escape, the recruits were blocked off by all different sizes of demon beasts that had been drawn to them by the sound of battle. As the monsters closed in on them, red eyes hungry for a fight, the recruits watched as Sir Galacta got slammed into the stone wall of the corridor from a direct blow of the bear's powerful paws.

         Blood started to leak out of his mask, one of his eyes dimmer then the other from where one of the bear's claws scrapped the eye. Shaking his head, Sir Galacta tried to stand up, only to be slammed back into the wall by the bear monster again, its claws slicing though his side, blood splattering onto the ground. He didn't move from where he landed.

         Unsure of what to do now, the recruits formed a circle with their backs together, weapons drawn. The demon beasts that surrounded them didn't come any closer though, choosing instead to remain right out of sword's length as they growled threateningly. The recruits were confused, but they didn't let their guard down. Shuffling nervously, the recruits were surprised to see the demon beasts suddenly part, allowing one of their own to come closer, his armored tail dragging along the ground.

         "Isn't that General Dracul?" Garlude whispered in surprise to no one in specific.

         "Why, yes, girl. I am General Dracul, and may I say it is an honor for you to meet me," General Dracul replied arrogantly. "Now, how did a group of pipsqueaks like you manage to stray so far from the pack and sneak into Nightmare's castle, hmm?" Silence answered in response, causing him to sneer. "Well, not that it matters really. We're abandoning this hunk of dirt for a much better base currently as we speak, so how doesn't really matter. Why on the other hand...tell you what. You all surrender, tell us what you're doing in here, and then we'll let you go. Sounds good? It's a win-win situation. I get information to put me on Nightmare's good side, and you get to go free with your life. Hmm, what do you say? Deal?" General Dracul offered, hand lazily playing with the hilt of the sword on his hip. The recruits uncertain exchanged looks, until Nick stepped forward, speaking on his own accord.

         "We accept your offer." Garlude's eyes grew wide in alarm, and she shook her head, also stepping forward.

         "No we don't!" She turned to face Nick. "Nick, how could we possibly surrender? We can't betray our comrades like that!"

         "We have to, Garlude. It's the only way we will live," Nick turned to face General Dracul. "We were supposed to assassinate the Prince. Now, can we go free?" General Dracul just smiled and shook his head.

         "I'm afraid not, Nick. Take them as prisoners. If they fight back, kill them," With that, the demon beasts charged, aiming to grab hold of the recruits. Five of the recruits dropped their weapons, not even putting up a fight. Jecra and Garlude on the other hand glanced at each other and nodded.

         Moving in sync, they dodged the claws and pinchers intending to snatch them. Garlude landed gracefully on the head of the demon beast that tried to capture her, her sword swiftly plunging through its skull, killing the monster instantly. Jecra missed his landing, but he quickly spun around and blocked the monsters counterattack with his shield before decapitating it. General Dracul watched in amusement as the two struggled to slay the demon beasts and remain free at the same time. Their luck didn't last forever and soon they were snatched up from behind by a large red bug-like monster of some kind, its pinchers threatening to crush them if they struggled.

         "See, what did I tell you? You had no chance of ever getting out of here and struggling only made it worse for you. You four," General Dracul ordered pointing to the assortment of demon beasts that held the other five recruits, "take the prisoners to the new warships and load them into the holding cells for when we depart." The demon beasts nodded in compliance, lumbering off with the struggling recruits in grasp. "Mistahi," he pointed to the giant bear that was standing watch over the fallen Sir Galacta," load that Star Warrior in the special confinement cell. I'm sure Nightmare will have fun with that one." Mistahi lowered her head, ears back as she growled dangerously at General Dracul, almost seeming like she wasn't going to obey, before she bowed her head in compliance. Picking up Sir Galacta in her jaws by his bloodstained cape, Mistahi ran off quickly, her long legs taking great strides. When she rounded a corner and disappeared from sight, General Dracul turned back to face Garlude and Jecra with a smirk.

         "As for you two, I have something special planned for you. I think it's time for you to meet the Prince."