Tanya vs. the Empire
Disclaimer: Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There and Saga of Tanya the Evil belong to their respective owners. Rated M for likely violent elements and extreme bouts of profanity within the story.
Chapter 3
"This...is definitely one of Giselle's children's handiwork."
The scene of charred carnage was nothing new to what beheld the lone black-haired figure in frilly black dress, who stood over such an aftermath, a village built among the trees of this forest she was in. Nothing remained of the buildings but burnt husks among the boughs. As for the inhabitants, only their sprawled ash piles and outlines were the only indication that they used to lived in this place. As the girl surmised only one force in the world could do this magnitude of calamity.
"Definitely one of Giselle's pets: The Flame Dragon."
She moved furthering into the burned village to investigate, searching for any survivors. Though knowing the likes of the Flame Dragon, or any dragon of such caliber, the likelihood of anyone left alive from such a rampage is very unlikely at best. After a few minutes of searching the girl decided to call it quits when something told her to check out the well at the village square. Peering over its cobbled edge, sure enough, her ears picked up the sound of whimpering down below. Her eyes eventually made out someone huddled at the bottom.
"Hello! Are you all right?" she called out down. "Just hang in there! I'm going to find a way of getting you out!"
With a bit of urgency she looked for something to use as a rope. Fortunately she did not look far. The well's bucket was nearby and as expected had a rope attached to it in order for drawing out water. Up to this point, the girl was carrying a massive, wicked-looking halberd – a large axe blade attached to a long pole – with ease, surreal for someone of her size and built who appears in her early teens. She set her weapon aside in order to fetch the bucket and ready in dropping it along with the rope within the well.
"I'm dropping the bucket! Watch your head!" She did what she intended, unfortunately the telltale sound of a meaty thud told her things did not go as planned. "Oops, that didn't sound good." she said rather sheepishly.
"Ohh..."
"You're awake. Good" said the girl in black to the person whom she saved from the well. That person happens to be an exquisitely beautiful girl with long flowing blonde hair and sporting a pair of long, pointy ears. She was seated, her back pressed to a tree. A campfire was set up for the two women to keep warm and to alight the night the has descended upon the land.
"Wha-Oww!" The elfin girl brought her hand to her head, to where she felt a throbbing pain.
"Sorry about the bucket earlier, but it seems you're made of sturdier stuff. Especially having survived a dragon attack."
The elf girl's deep blue eyes went wide with realization. "Father!" She almost bolted up only to find out she was just wearing some rags which almost slipped off from her now naked body. The dark-haired girl who was seated and leaning on the shaft of her huge bladed weapon solemnly shook her head. "I'm sorry. There were no other survivors but you I'm afraid."
"No...That can't be...This is all just a nightmare." The elf girl mumbled, going for a fetal position, hugging herself in denial. The girl in black frowned at her.
"I assure you, it is all too real. You're all that is left of your village. And no amount of crying and denying is going make things better for you from now on. You either toughen up and move on, or you do nothing and wait for death. It's your choice."
The elf looked at her with tear stricken eyes. "What am I going to do? Everything that I am, everything I knew was tied to my village. My friends, my neighbors...father." She buried her face over her folded legs, rocking herself, crying.
The scolding girl sighed. "I don't have time, nor the patience to babysit the likes of you, no offense. I have some place to go so you see. So, here's what we're going to do. You're coming with me, and I'll take you to a nearby village I know of. Koda. Your people might have known of it?"
The blonde reacted and stifled her sorrow for a moment to respond. "Koda? I know of it. But it's a human village."
"So? Is that a problem? Aren't you speaking to a human right now?" The girl paused, realizing what she just said. "At least I was human once." She said that more to herself with reminisce.
"Who are you?" The elf finally asked, both slightly miffed and curious of her supposed rescuer. At this, the girl in black brightened up, taking on a mischievous mien as she stood up and took on a pose, her halberd held on, standing on one side.
"I'm Rory Mercury, Apostle to Emroy, god of war and death!" The girl proudly declared.
The blonde girl's eyes went wide with recognition and awe at the name the other girl came to call herself with. For some reason, she did not doubt the veracity of the girl's claim for she felt a great sense of foreboding towards her all of the sudden.
Seeing the look the elf girl was giving her, Rory tried to be more amiable in her approach. "Well, I told you who I am. It's only fair, you tell me your-"
"Tuka! Tuka Luna Marceau! Your greatness!" Tuka, as she called herself, bowing her head in fearful reverence while prostrating before the girl, averting her gaze as much as possible.
Rory sadistically smiled, deciding to let this farce go on. "Good. Your display only goes to show your will of living still. Oh, and Tuka is it? In spite of what you've heard about me, I do not arbitrarily kill just anyone. No, they have to give me a reason for killing them."
A flight of flying figures were coming in to a final approach towards a vast slope that covered a few square miles. At its peak stood a structure of sorts that was dwarfed by the hill where it sits – this from the vantage point of the fliers. Also a network of trench-like excavations can be seen radiating out from the structure, giving the higher slopes a scarry look from high above.
"This is Fairy One, of Squad Apple, to Alnus Control, returning from patrol. Nothing to report from designated Sector, over?" said the leader of the flying group, her blond curls whipping behind her from the wind pushing against her face as she conveyed her message through her radio comm.
"Roger Fairy One, you're cleared to land. Welcome back Major Degurechaff. Oh, upon arrival you're to report directly to Col. Rerugen, Major, over?" answered a feminine voice at the other end of the transmission. "Roger Alnus Control, will do. And thank you for welcoming us back."
Tanya's squad landed on point Alpha, also known as Alnus Hill according to the POWs taken on the day her battalion took over this area. It has been a couple weeks since the successful incursion by the Empire into this new world beyond the Gate and they have been busy cementing their foothold since their arrival. Everyday fresh troops and supplies have been pouring out and setting up things, transforming this vantage point akin to trench warfare setup back home. Trenches have been dug out, lining the perimeter of the Gate and spread out in various directions. Inter spaced between these excavations where depots, machine gun nests, as well as artillery emplacements. There were also a sprinkling of AA guns here and there meant for enemy fliers like the flying dragons.
"Visha, you and the men take a break. I'll be at my tent, after my meeting with the good Colonel." Tanya was being helped out of her flight gear by support personnel present. She did not wait for a reply from her adjutant when she left, still in her flight suit and headed in the direction of Colonel Rerugen's tent.
"Ah, yes…" was all Visha uttered as she sees off Tanya, a slight concerned look on her face as she suspects something important is about to happen.
Tanya finally reaches Rerugen's tent and enters it. There the bespectacled Colonel wasn't alone; with him were two of his adjutants. The three were immersed in discussion over a map spread on the table when Tanya came in. Noticing her arrival, Rerugen's motioned her to join them after acknowledging her salute.
"Good of you to join us, Major. You know Captain Kruger and Lieutenant Bauer?"
She merely nodded in recognition towards them and they nodded back at her in return. Bauer is in charged in the maintenance and logistics of this front line base, while Captain Kruger oversees the regular soldiery.
"Anyways, let me get right to it." Rerugen directed Tanya's attention on the map. "According to the interrogation of the POWs, our captive citizens are likely to end up in the slave markets of this Empire's capital, Sadera, which is five hundred kilometers from our position. But not before passing through a city called Italica, one of their major agriculture centers. From there they would turn east via a pass through the Dumas and eventually reach the heartlands, and eventually the capital." He faces Tanya. "Major, I would like you to take half of your battalion and head out for Italica. Gather information on the city, as well as to the whereabouts of our countrymen if they aren't there. If they are," he gulped a bit, knowing he might regret it, "I leave to you in formulating a rescue plan if it seems feasible. Otherwise remain out of sight and discretely continue reconnaissance of the area. We do not want to needlessly provoke the enemy, especially at the risk of our countrymen. If such is the case, await for further orders until we be able to establish a clear line of communication with your group, which wouldn't take long. Any questions?"
Tanya was just starring at the map while listening the whole time. She then grinned. "Even with half of my men, I believe we could take the city." she said smugly. The men looked dubious at her, especially the two other men, visibly miffed at Tanya's pronouncements but Rerugen waited for her to finish. "Finding and eliminating their command structure should be easy. The morale of their men would surely collapse once that is achieved. And even if they are somehow foolish to resist afterwards, we could pick them off eventually until they're totally neutralized."
"Wait! What of casualties of noncombatants? Not to mention the safety of our citizens?" worriedly brought out Bauer.
"Casualties are likely unavoidable in any case." Tanya in a matter of fact pointed out. "But I believe, me and my unit are more that capable of limiting the deaths to the city's armed components, at the same time ensure the safely and rescue of our citizens."
"Major Degurechaff." Rerugen adjusted the ridge of his glasses, maintaining his calm though already feeling anxious. "I know I said I'd leave it to your discretion in the rescuing of any captives. However I expect you not to overdo it. If anything, gathering intelligence takes precedent. You don't have to go so far in achieving the allowable parameters of this mission. Beside we still don't know that much of this Empire, or of this world for that matter. We must take things slow and steady."
Tanya seem to blankly stare at Rerugen at this point with frowning thoughts swirling in her mind. Slow and steady? With that kind of mindset, we might as well wait on our asses out here until the enemy can get a chance to make a counteroffensive. Not that I think they can, judging the difference in between our armies' capabilities.
But she has been trying to make up for her rash behavior of late especially with the higher ups. While she thinks they should greatly consider her opinions and recommendations in reality that doesn't usually work that way. She is just a cog in the great machinery called the military organization. A somewhat great cog at that she figures, but is only one of many and the ones who control the machinery call the shots.
"I understand. I'll sure to use prudence in this mission, sir." She answered back with not much smug fanfare as she mostly does. "If there isn't anything else, sir. I'll be going out of my way of selecting the men that will be accompanying me." She then finishes by saluting.
Rerugen did not know how to go about with Tanya's rather compliant behavior at that moment but to trust in her.
"Mission will commence at 0600 Hours. Have your men rest up good, Major. It's a long way from here to Italica. Dismissed!" He curtly saluted.
Tanya returned the courtesy and nodded at Kruger and Bauer before excusing herself out of the tent.
"Can we really entrust her to this." Kruger asked Rerugen with concern. "Given her recent conduct?"
"Right now she's the best we've got, and she will fulfill the mission no matter what." The bespectacled commander looked at the way Tanya left. "Lets just hope that she doesn't make it difficult for us, or for herself."
"Welcome back, Ma-" Visha started out happily but immediately dampened her enthusiasm upon seeing the stark expression on Tanya's face as she entered the tent. "-nel. How was the meeting?" She still brought about a weak smile.
"Exasperating. But, they're the boss." Tanya headed for the dressing screen and began undressing behind it, eliciting a blushed response from Visha, who averted her sights in that direction and sat uneasily, at the ready, to jot down notes when needed.
"I take it, they're sending us on a mission?" she asked Tanya, eyes focused on her pad.
"That's right. I want you to pick half of our members that will participate." A movement in the corner of Visha's eye caused her to look and see a white undershirt slung into view over the divider.
"You want me to handpick them?" Visha said, eyes wide as she flushed. It's quite rare of her to see Tanya undress even if its out of sight. She fervently shook her head. What was she thinking? Harboring such impure thoughts, especially towards her commanding officer. Soon a pair of long johns joined the draped shirt.
"I trust your judgment, Visha. Of course, both Koenig and Neumann will be coming along. I'm leaving Weiss in command of the rest who'll remain." Tanya finally emerges out, now dressed in her officer's uniform complete with cap which she fixes properly on her blond head. "And as usual, you'll be my adjutant."
Visha smiled brightly. "Yes, Major!" she chirped, and went about going over the roster of members of the 203rd, selecting those suited for the mission while Tanya took her seat by her desk and poured herself a cup of coffee, fresh off the pot.
"Here you go, Major" The mousy aid handed her recommendation to Tanya, who was already with her second cup.
Tanya took it without a word and went over its content while taking a sip off her cup. Her eyes narrowed a bit, which Visha noticed.
"Replace Glanz with someone else." she said, handing back the list to Visha.
"Is something wrong with, Second Lieutenant Glanz?" she worriedly asked.
"I have no problem with his performance of late. However, I've noticed him exhibiting his old bad habit."
"Which is?" Visha dared to ask, though she already has an idea.
"His misplaced sense of morality. Which will most likely get in the way of his performance, especially with this mission."
"But, he has gone a long way since then. The men have been guiding him, teaching him the realities we face. Can't you give him credit for that?"
"I have, Visha. And he did it all through his own effort. But I can't take the chance that he might catch me off-guard second guessing me. You know me when it comes to those kinds of things. Weiss is more suited in handling the likes of him. That is why, I want him out of the selection. It is for the best."
Visha sighed but became serious, standing suddenly at attention.
"In a way of quoting the good Major: You're the boss, ma'am!"
Tanya smirked at this.
"Welcome to the club, Visha."
"Elder! Elder! She here!" A dark-haired man in peasant clothing burst into the residence of the man in question, who wasn't all too startled by the sudden outburst.
"Calm down, Paluu. Who is here?" the old man calmly asked.
"Her Holiness...her Holiness has come to our village!" Paluu was catching his breath.
"Her Holiness you say? Well, this is surprising. Her coming her is a great blessing." hummed the elder, seemingly very pleased by the development.
"But...she is not alone. She is with an elf girl."
The elder slightly took on a serious mien upon hearing this.
"An elf." he mumbled. As far as he knows, the one referred to as her 'Holiness' has been an occasional visitor to their village of Coda, and she always come alone. So why the change?
The people of Coda has heard of the elf village within the Koan Forest but its had no contact with its inhabitants as far as they could remember. The elves there, like many of their kind, seem to be a reclusive bunch, having little or no desire to interact with anyone non-elf, and so it would be a first for them meet one of the long-lived races.
"I'll be right there." he said to Paluu, letting him off first before getting his hat and follow.
"Please come and play us!"
"Perhaps later, children. After I have had a talk with the elder."
Rory was happily humoring some children while her presence has drawn quite a crowd among Coda's populace. She noticed some of them taking interest in Tuka especially some of the children, who were amazed and awed of seeing an elf for the first time. Tuka in turn remained reclusive but fearful among these humans, cringing at every instant of their curiosity towards her, more so since she felt naked. Which was warranted since she was inadequately clothed with just rags covering her naked form beneath. Rory noticed her consternation and wanted to reassure her that she needed not worry, but she was no mother to her and believes that if Tuka could survive a dragon attack then she could endure some amount of scrutiny. Nonetheless she was glad when the village elder finally appeared and greeted her.
"Your Holiness, welcome to our village."
"It's good to be here, Elder." she responded with a wry smile. Turning her head towards Tuka. "Could you please provide her with some proper clothes."
"Of course. Anything for her Holiness and her entourage." responded the Elder, motioning to some of the village to see to Rory's request.
"Please. Please. You all need not be so reverent. Be more like these children here." She gestured towards the eager children who seemed unmindful of the fact they're in the presence of one of the Twelve Apostles, direct representatives of the Twelve Gods of this world.
"Ho ho ho! Easier said then done. While we have known you quite well now, it is hard to forget that you're one the Twelve Apostles, and one who serves The God of War, Darkness, and Death, Emroy. So you'll forgive us for being meek."
"Fair enough. Though I still do not agree with that kind of outlook. After all, I see you all as my beloved children."
"And like children, they should be mindful of their elders."
"Are you bringing up my age?" she said after an eye and brow of hers twitched, finding slight offense over his insinuating comment.
The village elder coughed and quickly changed the subject.
"Perhaps I've held her Holiness too long to reason of her visit to Coda?"
Rory's features fully softened once more.
"Not at all. And to the purpose of my being here, it is to leave into your care, this high elf. She is the sole survivor of her village within the Koan Forest. It was burned downed by the Flame Dragon."
At the mention of the draconic menace, the people of Coda reacted with great concern, their worried voices droning in the background.
"The flame dragon burned the elf village in the Koan Forest?" The elder uttered, his face having gone pale at the revelation her Holiness has gave them.
Rory however did not seem too concerned over their consternation, though see could understand their apprehension over such a troubling development and how it would affect them. But her only concern was to deposit Tuka here and be on her way, soon, toward her original planned destination.
"I'm afraid it is the truth. I was there. Everything, and everyone, was burned to a crisp. I found her hiding in a well. Had I not passed by, she would have eventually perished too. That is why, I want you to take good care of her, any way you can. You will do this for me, won't you?"
"Your Holiness, do you know what it means when a dragon has had a taste of human or demihuman flesh?" said the elder, who somewhat regained some of his composure after hearing the troubling news.
Rory whimsically hummed in thought.
"It will definitely seek more. And, it won't stop until everyone last source is devoured within the area it is in. I guess it is best that you and the people of Koda evacuate as soon as possible and flee to some place safe."
"That would be the best thing to do for our sake I'm afraid." the elder lamented. He then address the crowd, who have become very distressed of the revelation. "You've heard her Holiness, the Flame Dragon has made an appearance in the area, and its only a matter of time before it turns it sights on us. We must flee while we still can. Paluu!"
"Yes, elder!" the man called Paluu snappily replied but was rather nervous.
"Gather some men and head for the homesteads in the outskirts and tell them of the situation. Make sure you emphasize to them the need to evacuate. Understood? The rest of you, start packing what you can carry..."
"Your Holiness..."
"Tuka. What is it?" Rory asked the elf who had somehow excuse herself from those attending to her.
"I was wondering..." She was acting bashfully, unsure of herself of what she wanted to say, or was just fearful of the demigoddess.
"Speak up, will you. You need not fear me." Rory replied, a bit annoyed. This prompted Tuka to have the will to say what's on her mind.
"If you don't mind, I would like to stay along your side!" she almost shouted, her eyes flashing in her own annoyance. Realizing this, she immediately toned down, becoming meek again, with a downcast look. "I'm sorry. I mean, I feel more comfortable with you rather than with these humans."
Rory softly smiled at this, feeling flattered.
"It's alright. They won't hurt you. You can trust them. I vouch for it. Besides, wouldn't it be better for you not being with a killer demigoddess?" she hummed.
"But..."
"Beg Your pardon, Your Holiness." Both women were interrupted when the village elder came up to them. A number of older villagers were not far off, having grim, expectant looks in their faces. They seem to be waiting for a favorable outcome of the elder's planned talk with Rory. "But me and some of the villagers were wondering...if you could accompany us in our exodus, and act as our protector for the duration. Most of our menfolk are not trained warriors, and even then, I doubt they would be able to fend off the Flame Dragon should appear upon us. With you, I'm sure it would think twice tackling with one of the Apostles."
Rory maybe benevolent at times but she's not somebody who does anyone's bidding unless it suits her whims. She was about to shoot down his request when the villagers voiced out their concerns.
"Please Your Holiness! We beg you! Please protect us!"
"Protect us from the Flame Dragon, Your Holiness!"
"Your Holiness!"
"Holiness!"
"Agh! Enough! Alright already! I'll accompany you all unit you reach safety. Sheeh! Maybe I should not have told you about the Flame Dragon."
"Thank you, Your Holiness. We are in your debt." smiled the elder, bowing, well aware of her humor.
You should be she thought but before she could mope any further a voice call out to her yet again.
"Holiness! You promised to play with us!"
It was one of the children from earlier. They really waited when they thought the talk with adults appeared finished. Rory's brooding was lifted.
"That I did," she warmly smiled. "Alright then little ones. I think there's time for me to play with you now. That is if it is okay?" She turned to the elder.
"Of course Holiness. Take your time with the children. Leave the evacuation to the rest of us."
The children jumped for joy at this and the adults started going about with their preparations for departure. Rory turned to Tuka while she was being milled about the excited children.
"Well Tuka, it seems you'll get to stick with me for a little while longer. In the meantime it wouldn't hurt if you tried opening up with these humans. Even if a little, starting with these little ones."