The Final March
The allied forces moved as one, their ranks a sea of determination and resolve. Banners flapped in the wind, bearing the symbols of the united kingdoms. The Arabic princess rode at the head of her contingent, her crimson cloak trailing behind her like fire. The Eastern prince followed, his tiger spirit prowling alongside him, its glowing form a steady reassurance for the soldiers.
Leon rode at the center of the formation, his gaze fixed on the towering gates of Fleur's capital. Eli rode in a secured carriage behind the lines, protected by Nathan and Bjorn. Lyara was by Leon's side, her expression tense as she clutched the crystal that would disrupt the relic.
"We're in range," Lyara said, her voice breaking the tense silence. "The relic's energy will start affecting us soon."
Leon nodded, his voice steady. "Then we hold our ground and stick to the plan. Everyone knows their role."
Atlas rode a few paces behind, his presence a quiet but powerful support. His eyes never left Leon, watching as the younger man commanded the alliance with a confidence that both awed and pained him.
---
The Battle Begins
At the gates of Fleur's capital, Lysander stood atop the battlements, his emerald eyes gleaming with anticipation. The relic pulsed below him, its energy crackling with chaotic intensity. His generals stood at attention, awaiting his command.
"Release the first wave," Lysander ordered, his voice calm but cold.
The gates groaned open, and Fleurian soldiers poured out, their formations tight and disciplined. Arrows rained down from the walls, forcing the allied forces to raise their shields.
"Archers, return fire!" Leon commanded. His voice carried over the battlefield, spurring his troops into action.
The clash of steel rang out as the two armies collided. The Arabic warriors unleashed their witchcraft, fiery projectiles exploding in the midst of Fleur's ranks. The Eastern soldiers fought with precision, their spirit animals tearing through the enemy lines.
Lyara stayed close to Leon, her eyes scanning the chaos for the relic's position. "We need to get closer," she said urgently.
Leon signaled to Nathan, who led a small contingent to break through the enemy's defenses. Bjorn and the Arabic princess joined them, their combined strength carving a path toward the gates.
---
The Relic Unleashed
As the battle raged on, Lysander raised his hand, signaling the activation of the relic. The artifact's glow intensified, its energy radiating outward in waves. Soldiers on both sides stumbled as the ground trembled beneath them.
"Now!" Lysander shouted, his sorcerers chanting in unison.
A beam of crimson energy shot out from the relic, striking the heart of the allied forces. The blast sent soldiers flying, their screams drowned out by the deafening roar of the explosion.
Leon shielded his eyes as the dust and debris settled. His heart sank at the sight of the destruction, but he forced himself to focus. "We need to neutralize it now," he said, his voice filled with urgency.
Lyara clutched the crystal tightly. "I'll need time to set the disruption field. Keep the relic's energy from overwhelming me."
Atlas stepped forward, his sword gleaming. "I'll handle it."
Leon hesitated, his gaze locking with Atlas's. For a moment, unspoken words passed between them. Then Leon nodded. "Go."
---
Atlas's Reckoning
Atlas charged toward the relic, cutting down any Fleurian soldier who stood in his way. His movements were fluid and precise, a testament to his skill and determination. As he approached the artifact, the energy it emitted intensified, forcing him to fight against its overwhelming force.
Lysander descended from the battlements, his smirk widening as he intercepted Atlas. "De Luna," he said mockingly. "I wondered when you'd show up."
Atlas didn't respond, his blade slicing toward Lysander without hesitation. The two clashed in a flurry of strikes, their movements a deadly dance of skill and power.
"You think you can stop me?" Lysander taunted, his emerald eyes blazing with confidence. "You've already lost."
Atlas's jaw tightened, his strikes growing more ferocious. "Not while I'm still standing."
---
The Disruption Field
While Atlas kept Lysander occupied, Lyara reached the relic and began her spell. The crystal pulsed in her hands, its light growing brighter as she channeled its energy. The air around her shimmered, the relic's chaotic power pushing back against her efforts.
Leon and Nathan stood guard, fending off Fleurian soldiers who tried to interrupt the spell. The Arabic princess unleashed a devastating wave of fire, clearing a path for reinforcements.
"Hurry!" Leon shouted, his sword clashing with an enemy's.
"I'm almost there!" Lyara replied, sweat dripping down her brow as the crystal's light reached its peak.
With a final incantation, Lyara thrust the crystal toward the relic. The artifact's glow flickered, its energy sputtering as the disruption field took hold. The ground trembled violently, and a deafening crack echoed across the battlefield.
---
A Fragile Victory
The relic shattered, its pieces scattering like shards of glass. A shockwave rippled through the battlefield, knocking everyone off their feet. Fleur's forces faltered, their morale broken as their greatest weapon was destroyed.
Atlas stood over a fallen Lysander, his blade poised at the prince's throat. Lysander's smirk had vanished, replaced by a mix of fear and disbelief.
"You've lost," Atlas said coldly.
Lysander sneered. "This isn't over."
Atlas hesitated for a moment before stepping back, his blade lowering. "It is for now."
Leon approached, his gaze sweeping over the battlefield. The allies were regrouping, their victory hard-fought but undeniable. He turned to Atlas, his expression unreadable.
"You kept your promise," Leon said quietly.
Atlas met his gaze, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them. "It's not over yet."
As the allied leaders gathered to plan their next move, the ruins of the relic lay silent—a reminder of the cost of power and the fragility of peace.