Barren Wasteland

WIP i am never going to finish because physical death is super-whatever, compared to the character's ego death
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Historians would remember this day as the Battle of Golgonda. Chariot is no historian. Chariot is but another soldier, tasked with leading a squad they called the "Iron Beast Frontline" into battle, aiding but two other Rhodes Island squads and a small detachment.

It was only supposed to be a small skirmish. The "Iron Beast Frontline" only swooped in to give assistance to another squad. Had they known that there were reinforcements, they would have retreated.

They should have retreated.

Too many wounded. He doesn't want to think too much on how many people aren't going to make it out of here. Three-score approach on the horizon. However futile, they need to make a stand.

He will forfeit not their lives to the whims of fate. He will grasp this moment for himself- he will die, and they shall live on as the survivors.

"All battalions, retreat! All able and willing Iron Beasts, cover their retreat! I'll hold the line for our comrades!" Chariot's voice rings hoarse through the battlefield. The remainder of the Iron Beasts look up to him, and then nod with him. They fight for a future worth living within. Now, they will die, that others may live this dream.

He's still got the other half of that nice Ursus vintage to finish with Bruin upon both their heroic returns to the landship.
He made a promise to Deluge.
That offer to go traveling with Flamebearer remains standing.
He still needs to beat that stupid Kuranta knight. Their rivalry will not end on an even score.
There's still so much of the world he has yet to see.
He must wander the breadth of Terra, and see it all for himself.
Those disparate truths all across the land need be recorded, every story remembered.

For those that could not be saved.
For those he could still save.
For those like Deluge, whom he made a promise to.

"Alright, men! Hold formation, and don't let a single one escape! We'll make sure they come home safe... And every last one of you is going home. Don't give up the fight yet!" Chariot rests a hand on his heart, whispering to himself, close to his heart, "This one's for y'all... Don't you ever look back, got that?!"