Shadow Slave

1029 The Fall of Falcon Scott (47)

The winds were howling as they crashed into the colossal bulwark of the city wall. The soldiers of the First Army were shivering on the battlements, staring into the hazy mist of the blizzard with grim expressions. These were the lucky ones — the less fortunate were far below, on the ground, ready to defend the breaches with their lives.

Because of the ugly rifts in the defensive barrier of the city, the logistics of the siege had become much harder. Today, it was especially so, since no one knew the direction from which the titan was going to attack.

Goliath could come from the south, marching across the ravaged landscape and shaking the earth with his every step. He could come from the north, emerging from below the dark waves to attack the port fortress first. For all Army Command knew, he could even crawl from under the ground… the scope of the titan's abilities was still a mystery.

That was why the defenders were dispersed along the whole perimeter of the wall instead of congregating at one or several of its sections.

However, Sunny and Jet, as well as their two cohorts of Irregulars, had found themselves in a familiar spot — right above the main entrance of the siege capital, not too far away from the Nightmare Gate that had torn through the wall not too long ago.

Sunny was sitting with his back against the alloy parapet, meditating. Soul Reaper was standing nearby, looking across the vast killing field, the landscape obscured by the veil of snow. Both were trying to ignore the whispers of the Call.

It was more than a bit annoying, to have to deal with it on top of the sickening anxiety of waiting for the start of the battle.

Sunny sighed, then looked up at Master Jet. His hair was getting in the way, so he brushed it aside. Before he could speak, she suddenly asked:

"Why don't you cut it?"

He coughed in embarrassment.

"Oh… the thing is, mundane scissors and autobarbers stopped working on me. I should probably just use a sharp Memory and cut it myself… yeah, that's what I'll do, one of these days…"

Jet looked away with a smile.

"I know a guy back in NQSC. He's very in demand, as one of the few Awakened hair stylists around. There are many Saints among his clientele, but if you want, I can get you a recommendation."

Sunny laughed.

"...Sure. When we're back in NQSC."

silent for a

we'll be able to

Soul Reaper hesitated.

will step in if something goes wrong, too. It's a shame that Sky Tide is away fighting the Winter Beast again… but we should

Sunny nodded.

"I think so…"

him by raising a hand. He grew

the darkness with a

"Listen."

hearing nothing but the wind and the stifled breaths of the thousands of soldiers surrounding them. Then, a

Boom.

a long and arduous

Boom.

staring into the blizzard. Suddenly, he felt a chill creeping

"He's coming."

a vast distance, the thunderous steps of the colossal giant were rolling over the world. Even though the soldiers could not see anything because of the raging

Boom… boom…

Boom...

almost like a mental

tried to contact Army Command, then cursed when the interference made it impossible. Calling out one of

from the south. We need reinforcements here as soon

disappeared from view, and then, there was nothing for them

was doing the same, and from the impenetrable white haze beyond the wall, the steps of the giant continued to

Boom!

torturous span of silence,

Boom!

on the battlement behind him, four shadows

the heavy steps of the titan sounded like foreboding war drums. Soon, the ground started shaking with each of them. The tremors traveled through the alloy structure of

giant's foot. Humans could not really recall pain, but remembering the feeling of being hurt was very easy, especially if one was hurt terribly. He had almost died that day… he should

remembered