Chrysalis

The battle raged around Isaac Bird and in the brief moments where he wasn't desperately trying to keep himself from getting skewered or sliced in half he had to wonder why he was even here. Peer pressure was part of it, he could admit that to himself. When three quarters of the guards under him had volunteered to go down and aid in the defence it would have looked a little ridiculous if he, their leader, didn't go with them. There was an element of pride, also. The ants had done much to help the refugees and now when a chance came for the people to return the favour it would be churlish to turn it down. Another part of him, a more honest part, was willing to admit that he'd hoped to see Morrelia here. When she'd left, all those weeks ago, he regretted not going with her, and now that she'd returned with the Legion, how could he not take this chance? What exactly he hoped to accomplish in wooing the woman who captured his heart with her fierce and headstrong ways from the opposite side of a battlefield, he wasn't sure, but it was worth a go! He hoped it was worth a go.

"SPEARS UP LADS!" he roared into the din and hoped his people could hear him as the Legionaries surged forward for another clash.

CLICKCLICKCLACKCLIK!

A chorus of snapped mandibles rang out as the ants issues their own warcry. Isaac held his ground and tried not to get buffeted by the huge monsters around him as they crawled over each other and clung to the ceiling to try and get at the enemy.

"FOR THE COLONY!" Roared the priest from behind him. "DELIVER VENGEANCE UPON THE INFIDEL WHO REFUSE TO ACCEPT THAT WHICH HAS BEEN MADE CLEAR TO US! FIGHT! FIGHT FOR THE COLONY!"

"I'm fightin', I'm fightin'!" Isaac grumbled as he activated his shield wall Skill and deflected a blast of sword light upwards.

The ant above him angled its carapace to absorb the diminished blow before it lunged forward to try and snap the sword of the offending soldier but the enemy was too crafty and snatched the weapon back just in time.

"Try this on!" He roared and executed a perfect micro-dash as he ignited his spear with energy and used Expert Thrust.

A pure beam of light shot forward from the weapon and caught the enemy unawares, hitting them full in the chest. Other than knocking the wind out of them, the strike didn't appear to do much to the foe. The ranks closed around the soldier who was back in the fight a few moments later after collecting their breath.

What the hell is tha' stuff even made of?" Even exhausted in

Colony had provided the guards with brand new arms and armour, far better quality than anything they'd been able to lay their hands on before, it felt a little inadequate when they were put against the bloody Abyssal Legion. Still, beggars couldn't be choosers. If he was here in his old gear

PATH WHICH WE HAVE FOUND THROUGH TRIAL AND SUFFERING. DO NOT FORGET THOSE THAT SAVED US! DO NOT ABANDON THE

detonate at the neck projecting that level of volume, Isaac would never know. It was inhuman as far as he was concerned. Not that he had much time to worry about

He roared again as the two sides surged toward each

as he dipped low before executing a sneaky shield charge. He clipped his opponent’s weapon at a different angle than was expected which caused the soldier to lurch backwards before he was disarmed. Not willing to let go of this chance, Isaac lashed his spear through a tight sweep that clipped the left foot of the Legionary and caused him to crash to the

pushed forward to cover the gaps. The ants refused to let it happen so easily and dove forward, hurling their bodies into the swords of the enemy to try and

TO ME!" Isaac called, hoping someone could

wild abandon as he lashed out with his spear, desperate to widen the gap and take the pressure off the monsters who absorbed insane amounts of punishment without taking a backward step. It

OF YOUR EFFORTS AS WE DRIVE AWAY THESE LOST ONES. DO NOT BLAME THEM CHILDREN, FOR THEY TREAD

Colony and he was finding it harder and harder to hold his ground. Sweat poured into his eyes, his shield was battered and rent, and his spear arm shook from pure exhaustion. He refused to quit. So long as the ants kept fighting, so

shiny bastards!" he grimaced his challenge

a brutal short sword in either hand stepped into view, he knew it was her. His heart froze in his chest

you

reply before Morrelia charged forward, her twin weapons a blur as she struck at him from both sides. Somehow he managed to parry the first attack with the shaft of his spear and catch the second square on his shield. The weight from that blow nearly caved his shield in completely and he suspected his arm may have been fractured but he didn't have time to worry about it. Still with a stupid grin on his face he struck back, spear lancing out only to find empty air as she

his weapon up once more, eager for the