Phoenix Tear

     At a secluded base nearby Boumen's kingdom there were tents all throughout the forest, before the big battle they had drinks as mercenaries do before each big battle.

In the center of it all was a 5 '7 slim, but built adult man, he had long black hair and he wore a fur coat as well as leather pants and shirt with big boots to match.

He sat in a wooden chair propping up his feet on the round table.

     “So let me get this straight. You want us to go out there like a bunch of wild animals into an armed castle full of soldiers and weaponry? We're not dumbasses, we know you wanna use us as bait.”

The black haired man said. However the guy he said that too was a stuck up nobleman who was starting to get bloodshot eyes from how he was being treated.

     “Do you know who you're speaking to? Filthy barbarians, your life is as little as ants compared to min—!”

Before he had time to finish his sentence a knife was thrown at the nobleman mid speech, but it merely scraped his cheek hitting the bookshelf behind him.

The coward was frightened, but still struggled to submit to him. The noblemen clicked his tongue out of hate and didn't say a word.

     “We may be barbarians, but you won't hold a candle to what is in that castle. Without us, there is no victory for you. Just give me the troops I require and I'll get you your victory.”

Still frightened by their leader he muttered to himself while he rolled his eyes. Sighing he begun to say.

     “Okay so what do you want, 500? 1000?”

“how about… 4000.”

The nobleman's face told it all, sweat pouring down his face just the thought of losing so many troops. He looked at the slim man like he had just seen a goat 

     “F-F-Four thousand?!?! Are you insane? That's nearly all my men you're asking for!”

“Relax, It’ll just be for this battle. I'll give them back after the battle, You will still have 1000 men to your beck and call.”

The hateful nobleman was clearly frustrated. Tapping the floor with his boots whilst his arms were crossed he gave up on convincing the mercenary.

     “Fine, but the castle is mine in the end. That is if you do the job correctly.”

The black haired man sat up and walked away from the tent as his generals followed.

     “Just sit and watch while Phoenix tear does the work for you. Sit there like a good noble, we’ll handle it all for you soon enough.”

They all walked away. One of the soldiers came to the young noblemen, taking down the knife that was thrown earlier.

     “Are you okay young Lord?! That barbarian dares to order you around like a dog.”

     “Of course I'm not fine! Taichou mocks me like I'm nothing but dirt under his shoes. We'll see just how far that luck of his gets in this fight, I Whimsker will be the one to conquer the Dukes castle.

After Taichou walked out of the tent, his subordinates began to walk with him as a group. The few soldiers stopped what they were doing, they made a fist pointing it to their chest as a way of saluting.

Taichou put up his hand in response then the soldiers went back to what they were doing prior.

     “Everyone really respects the leader huh, Sis?”

The one who just spoke was a young outspoken girl named Koko, she always has a rambunctious attitude and usually acts before she thinks, however she is quite useful in battle.

Her sister on the other hand, Kiki, is timid with long flowing grey hair. Usually soft spoken but she shows courage in her actions, if anyone had a second in command it would be her.

     “It’s probably because they think he's better than Mr. Noble over there.”

     “Hehe you're probably right.”

In the rear was Kwest who just stared blankly like he was in deep thought, but you could tell he didn't care for the conversation. Unlike the others he thinks more strategically and plans ahead of every situation.

     “Hopefully that noble fool isn't gonna ruin everything when the fight breaks out.”

To the side was Kwite who listened. His big stature overshadowed Koko and the rest. He was even taller than their boss. He doesn't say much so not many even his subordinates know what he's thinking.

     “Whoever is the boss’s enemy, is my enemy too.”

But you could sense his loyalty and respect he has for Taichou.

Taichou, someone whose past has yet to be explored, even by his own companions. 

     “Too bad he came along or else things would've been much easier without him, well, even bugs have their uses.”

Taichou smirked as he stared in the direction the castle was located.

     “It's almost been 14 years since that very day.”

The joke-like atmosphere shifted in tone as they remembered that faithful day.

     “It's almost time isn't it? Leader.” Kiki asked.

Taichou chuckled in response.

     “Yes, it's about time we head out. Gather the men, we march North of here.”

[Alice’s POV: 2 hours after the attack]

My face was filled with dirt, the dress I was supposed to wear for the ball was torn from all the falling debris. 

I can hear the soldiers sword clashing but it's too far for them to hear my cries, they're even too busy fighting the armed mercs and their soldiers to worry about the burning castle. 

It's getting hard to breathe with all the flames around me, why is this happening? Now of all days. 

The home that I never left all my life was being destroyed right in front of me and I can't do anything to stop it…

Why am I not dead? The peaceful life I once had suddenly gone overnight, It's only a matter of time. I have to find Brother, maybe Flare, or Marcella? What would my father do in this situation…? 

Walking aimlessly

 through the halls isn't getting me anywhere either. What should I do?

Someone… anyone, help me.

And so the story continues