Eventually, shouts went out for the water-bringers to stop, the more environmentally concerned wanted to preserve what little water was left in the atmosphere. The incessant clang of metal on metal echoed everywhere; as did roars of fury, screams of pain and anguish, and commanding shouts. The wind began to pick up as the balloons moved closer and lower, ready to unleash a death-tipped rain of their own.

The more aware Battlemen sought shelter once they saw the ships moving into position. The High Protector still stood, only the grace of some omniscient being and his own staggering mastery of earth-powers having kept him alive. Snikk! Snikk! Snikk! Arrows plunged into the soft earth everywhere, the plummed ends of various colors looking like some odd grasses or flowers just spontaneously decided to pop up. Crackles filled the air as the lightning storm remained, giving the battle already lit by the waining sunlight and intermittent bursts of flame a surreal appearance.

A low rumble began to shake the ground and many fissures opened at once, sending those unlucky enough to be in the path falling to a sticky end, as it were. Hot gases issued from the cracks, deep wounds scarring the surface that cut to the hot interior of the planet. The ranks had thinned now, and gallops coming from the left and right announced the arrival of the mounted cavalry, ready to mow anyone standing down like grain before a scythe. Thin trumpets filled the air as tiaod neared and lashed out with poison-filled spurs. Oehler sliced his way to be within the sight of the High Protector. His bewildered face looking everywhere for sanctuary and finding none. An evil grin spread across Oehler's face and he closed his eyes, feeling every fire burning within a 10 yard radius responding to his command. The fireball rose higher and higher, scanning for it's target and, once acquiring it, sped toward the ground. Oehler turned and began to fight his way away from the High Protector, the fireball's target. He needed to get far away because the fireball would not only destroy the High Protector, it would destroy anyone near him.

Once out of harms way, Oehler turned to watch the end of the High Protector. FOOM!! The flames hit the ground and spread like water, consuming anything in their path. Oehler threw his head back and laughed. He laughed so loud it echoed off the surrounding walls. The laughter was swallowed quickly by the returning sounds of battle. Oehler turned and shouted aloud, "Elmnkim radim will rise above any and all obstaclesss!" before swinging his axe in a broad circle, creating a shower of hot blood that drenched the ground and was quickly absorbed. "We ssshall quench thisss parched planet with blood!" The battle raged on, a new force driving those of Elmnkim. Something other than survival, it was a new feeling to the down-trodden. It was hope, accompanied by a looming dread of what was to come.