Chapter 10: The Green Mist of the Battlefield
It was late at night, sunrise was only a few hours away. We would march to Taulb soon and arrive just as the sun rises. I applied some face paint, this time opting for a green coat of paint and a black skull shaped pattern. I looked like a demon like this. I was hoping to use that Zero as a weapon but I knew of Saito's desire to go home. We would have to make due until our boys got here. Command said that the first wave of troops would be 40 men. There would be 20 US Army Rangers, 10 British Royal Marines and 10 Canadian Army infantry. The next day the Representatives would arrive. From their they will negotiate for temporary land until we could find a more permanent base. Once the temporary base is set up they will send more troops. We're hoping to get a few hundred troops here by the end of the month, which is 20 days from now.
Everyone was preparing for the battle that would soon take place. I could spot some familiar faces, Guiche, Louise but that was it. The Princess strolled in with a... What the hell is she wearing? Is it me, or does her dress have more coverage then her armor? I mean, why does she have a breast plate that only covers the lower part of her breasts? But damn, she has a nice pair of...
SMACK!
"Ow, the fuck?" Shield slapped the back of my head.
"Pay attention you damn Yank." He said.
"Did you have to hit me?" I asked angrily. "I could get you Court Martialed for hitting a superior officer." I smirked.
"And I could embarrass you in front of the whole Army." Shield retorted.
"Go fuck yourself, damn that hurt." I said.
Even if it costs me my life, I will have Taulb back as ours." Henrietta knelt before her mother. She was really going to fight. I didn't like that, it's too dangerous for someone as inexperienced as her.
"May Brimire protect you and your soldiers." Her mother said. Who's Brimire? Oh well, it doesn't matter.
"Need a ride?" Napoleon smiled at me from his Griffin.
"No thanks, I'll walk for now." I said. He shrugged and got into formation. Without a word we all left in formation to the battle. We expected the enemy to have 1000 troops, we only had 400. Although we were out numbered nearly 2 to 1 we still had a chance if they followed my plan. I stayed near Henrietta's horse as we walked. She looked at me concerned.
"Have you ever been in battle before Commander?" She asked me in a low voice so her men don't hear the slight bit of fear she felt.
"Many times Princess." I said, my voice lowering to match hers.
"Have you ever faced these odds?" She asked.
"To be honest, I don't even remember a time when we actually had the advantage in numbers. We are the US Navy SEALs, the best the United States government has. We're always out numbered but never out maned. On average, every time I've gone to battle we were out numbered 50 to 1. I remember one time I only had 10 men against 200." Henrietta looked amazed.
"How did you succeed?" She asked.
"With superior training and tactics. The training was hard, 2 years of the hardest training of my life." I said, thinking back to BUDS.
"What was your training like?" She asked.
"First you go through Navy Boot Camp. It lasts around 8 weeks and gets you conditioned. For most guys they have 3 months of training after that but I was in Naval Special Warfare. After Boot Camp I did about 3 months of Pre-BUDS. It gets you ready for the main training program. After that I went through BUDS, or Basic Underwater Demolition SEALs Training. From there it was 7 months of hell. First you go through Phase 1, where you train 16 hours a day, 5 days a week. The 4TH week of training is known as Hellweek. You stay awake for 5 and a half days and get a total of 4 hours of sleep. I remember that I started BUDS with 120 guys, after Hellweek we were down to 30 guys left." Henrietta was shocked.
"Only 30 men made it?" She asked.
"Well, very few failed, most of those guys quit. Hell, half the class quit after the first week. It is the hardest training of your life. After that you do 2ND Phase, which is everything about water and swimming. That sucked. After that we go to 3RD Phase, which is where we learn land navigation, weapons training, handling explosives, that kind of thing. After the 7 Months are up we go to 3 Weeks of Parachuting school. Basically you learn to operate in the air." Henrietta nodded.
"The you became a SEAL?" She asked. I laughed.
"No, I was halfway done the selection process." Her jaw dropped slightly.
"All that and your half way done?" I laughed again.
"Actually, around 1 third or a quarter of the way. After that you go through 7 Months of SQT or SEAL Qualification Training. Almost everyone passes that, although it is much harder than BUDS. After that you get your Trident, which is the symbol of the SEALs. Finally you get selected for a SEAL Team, and you train with them for another year. All in all I was busy."
"That is amazing, all that training made you good enough to take on 50 men at once?" Henrietta said.
"Sort of, Not in hand to hand but with the right equipment and tactics I could." Henrietta was impressed.
"I have trained for combat since I was little but I never worked that hard. I only trained 1 hour a day, the rest was learning my duties as future queen." She said.
"Everyone has their role, some lead, some fight, some cure and some build. Who builds a kingdom? The king, or the workers?" I asked in a serious tone.
"But they are Commoners, don't you have the same separation in your society? We've been like this for thousands of years." Henrietta stated.
"We're different, we have a society that views all equal and allows freedom. We are the country of the free." I said.
"But to have no law and order is wrong, how do you prevent anarchy?" I laughed a bit.
"We have laws, but our laws view all equally and apply to all. If a rich person gets convicted for a crime he goes to jail just like a poor person. In theory anyway, that's not always the case but it's the general idea. Freedom means that we all are limited only by our desire to work. A man growing up on the street can become rich if he is smart and uses his money correctly. Education is free, anyone is allowed to have an education without having to pay. There are some schools that do ask for payment but they have plans to help you succeed and give loans so you can pay later. A persons social status is only limited by how hard he is will to work and how smart he is with his investments. Again, it doesn't always work but it works enough." I said.
"How do your schools make money?" She asked.
"Taxation, anyone who owns property must pay a tax. Our Taxations work with Taxation through Representation. Our country is divided into 50 states, each state taxes its citizens its own way. The government as a whole has little to do with taxes that deals with roads, building, schools and non-profitable companies. So every state is represented in a fair manner. The government does universally tax though, like for Military but again the people are represented by politicians of their choosing. This brings me to my next point, the people have the power. The population has the ability to choose their leaders. I guess our "King" would be the president, however he is elected through popular votes done by the people every 4 years. The President only serves for 4 years but can get elected again, however he can not run a third time. Presidents change every 4 or 8 years, this helps to prevent corruption." Henrietta was deeply confused. Much of these ideals and things made no sense to her. "It's hard to explain, but that is the general idea of it. Again, it works sometimes but as with all governments it has its problems." After that we fell into a comfortable silence.
"I enjoyed this talk, it helps calm the nerves before a battle." I nodded.
"Is this your first battle?" I asked, kind of already knowing the answer.
"Yes, I am afraid but I must stay strong." She said.
"By the way, any help from Germania? Weren't you supposed to marry them or something?" Henrietta shook her head.
"No, they called off the wedding, That's why I'm hoping for the aid of your country." Henrietta said, he knuckles turning white from gripping the reins of the horse so hard.
"We'll make it through this, not the first time I did the impossible." I smiled and she smiled back. Finally we reached the battlefield. If Command is correct about their ETA then they should be here in an hour, we just have to hold till then. In the distance we saw the massive ship. Can't really describe it, except that it is a man of war that has wings. Yea, picture that for a second. From here all the Dragon riders looked like bees buzzing around their nest.
"Griffin squad, lure out the enemies dragon knight squadron, magic knights, prepare for Commander Riptides plan." Henrietta said in a Military voice. The men did as they were ordered, and half of the griffin squad took off. Sword and Shield were in a hidden position, ready to take sniper shots with my suppressed EBR. Officially they stayed at the Palace because they were a part of the UK and could not be with us. Although it was an excuse so I don't here that honor whining crap, I need every advantage I could get and a Sniper team 500 M out with suppressed weapons won't be heard or seen. DEVGRU was with the Magic knights, prepared to lead the flanking assault. They were equipped with guns so the fight would be easy. They were also hidden however I told Henrietta that they needed to get some things first, that way this ambush of theirs will seem like an act of chance or fate than a "Dishonorable" Tactic. War is all about deception, even if you have to deceive your allies. And since they are attacking me, the SAS and DEVGRU are allowed to defend me from harm. So we can fight back.
My tactics began to work, the Dragons attacked the Griffins who were no match for them. They then retreated back to us and Henrietta ordered the retreat. We all ran into the forest so we couldn't be seen. There is no way they can see us, they have to land in order to attack.
"Henrietta, when you see them reach the entrance to the forest spring the trap, once that is done I will head up to the ship and disable it." She nodded. I whistled for Napoleon and got on the back of the Griffin. We rode a bit away from the main force so we didn't get caught in the battle. The Dragons began to land and the soldiers started making their way to the forest. Once that happened the trap was sprung, magic knights charged out on horse back and nailed the enemy. The Knights were so caught off guard many of them died before having a chance to do anything. I could also see one or two of them just drop occasionally, no doubt the work of the SAS Sniping Team.
"OK, you ready for this Commander?" Napoleon asked.
"Not really, but go anyway." He nodded and we were off. The Griffin broke the tree line and next thing I know, we're in the sky. Ignoring my huge fear of heights I got out the sawed off 12 gauge and prepared for a fight. Only about half of the Dragons landed, the rest were still flying and fighting the Griffin squad. Even with half their numbers on the ground the Griffins were still out numbered 3 to 1.
I saw one of the Dragons go straight for us. We played a deadly game of chicken before we made our move. I aimed quickly and took a shot. As I did the Dragon shot a fire ball at us but the rounds hit the Dragon making it miss us. It went down quickly.
Another one came up from behind us, I pumped the action and turned my body, aiming the gun with one hand I took another shot. The distances were short so I didn't have to compensate much for the shots. Operating the action again I aimed for another Dragon that was coming up to our 9-o-clock. With speed I aimed and shot him as well. Since he was on our side I had to lead the target, I missed the Dragon but hit the rider. That Dragon was ineffective now.
3 Dragons, 7 shots left. I quickly loaded 2 more bullets in the gun since we were safe for the moment. The skies was filled with winged beasts trying to get each other, slowly the land was getting dark because of the eclipse. In the distance I heard gun shots, no doubt DEVGRU had sprung their trap.
I looked at the ground and saw that the ground forces were not faring well, even with the help of DEVGRU, after all, they were very short on ammunition and their were ten times more men than bullets. The Griffins were getting torn to pieces and at this rate I won't be able to make it to the ship in time.
BOOOOM!
A thud hit my chest as I saw smoke from the Cannons on the ship. They began to fire at us. I could tell that their cannons were old European styled cannons, either made from brass or iron. The rounds they shot were air burst rounds. The technology is simple, fill a hollow cannon ball with gun powder and a small hole leading out. Fill that with a fuse and you have a cannon ball that will detonate in mid air.
I noticed that the explosions left white smoke and had yellow flames dancing around. I saw Griffins dropping left and right, the men and beast had severe burns all over them. This was white Phosphorous. Those bastards have what in some countries is considered an illegal weapon. That stuff is bad, it has little explosive power but releases a burning chemical substance that slowly and painfully kills its victim. The men are lucky that the fall would kill them, this stuff could take days to die from.
"Avoid the white smoke!" I yelled to Napoleon over the loud rush of the wind. "If you go in the white cloud don't breath, it's toxic!" Napoleon nodded. We were getting close before we heard a strange sound. Call me crazy but it sounded like a propeller plane.
"What is that!?" Napoleon yelled over the wind. I looked behind me and saw Saito in the Japanese Zero. I smiled, this just became winnable.
"He's a friend, concentrate on the objective!" I yelled. He nodded and then began to dodge the incoming artillery. Saito began to follow us and gave support, taking out any Dragons that tried to get near us. The ship, realizing it took out almost all of the Griffins began to turn in order to fire at the ground forces. A massive wave of 20 Dragons came for us. 1 Griffin and Zero fighter vs 20 Dragons, no problem. As the waves clashed I fired into the swarm, firing 3 shots and taking down 2 Dragons. Saito let out short controlled bursts with the plane.
In a little over a minute the Dragons were destroyed. I had some burn marks but nothing that won't heal, it wasn't even first degree. All of a sudden the ship fired at the ground forces, now that it had a line of fire. The broad side tore through the Tristain forces. I saw that the Dragon knights managed to retreat so they weren't caught in the fire. I had to act fast or else Tristain would be wiped out.
I finally reached the ship and let me tell you, it was massive. At least 3 times bigger than a European man of war, maybe the size of a modern battle ship. As we landed Napoleon drew his Sabre sword and began to fight, casting fire spells at enemies. My 12 gauge was spent so I switched to my Tommy gun. I took short bursts of 1 or 2 shots and began to take out enemies left and right.
Out of nowhere I was hit by a huge gust of wind. The wind blew the Thompson out of my hand and it went over board. I looked up to see Wardes pointing his... Dildo sword? I seriously have no idea what good that does... oh right, magic.
"You have impressed me a bit, but now you die!" He charged up a spell but I drew my side arm. I managed to get a shot off before a gust of wind blew me back again. I managed to hit Wardes sword hand so the blast did a grazing hit. Once again though I lost my gun. I got up quickly and drew my K-Bar knife from my shin and held it in my right hand in a reverse position. Wardes steadied his bleeding hand and got out a dagger.
In a second we charged each other, both of us screaming out in a gravely war cry. He stabbed at me with his straight dagger but I moved my head to the side, I grabbed his arm and twisted it so it fell out of his hand. He head butted me in the face and I stumbled back, letting go of his arm. I gave him a slash to the mid section but he avoided it, I only managed to get some of his clothes.
He gave me an uppercut to the jaw and I fell on my back. He got his dagger and prepared to end it. I pulled out my last flash bang and pulled the pin, gently tossing it to him. He caught it, then it blew. I covered my eyes so I wasn't blinded but he didn't. I picked my self up and walked over to him as he staggered to regain his sight. I grabbed his neck and plunged my K-Bar into his gut. I looked him in the eyes as his sight returned. He had a look of shock and anger.
"You won't win Commander, we will get revenge for this. " He coughed up some blood. I pushed him off the side of the ship and his bleeding body fell to the ground. The wound I gave him would take days to die from, but the fall would make it instant. I considered it a mercy killing.
"What, I can't here you from down there." I mocked. Another wave of shots hit the ground forces, no time to waste. I ran up to the mast and planted the C4. There was enough to take it out but it would be a close one. I ran and hid before hitting the detonator, after a big explosion that had my ears ringing, the mast began to fall.
The explosion and the mast falling caused the ship to move slightly, keeping the cannons pointed away from the ground. I looked down and saw that 1/3 of the forces were dead, at least I hope they're dead, I'd hate it if they lived through white Phosphorous explosions.
"Time to get out Napoleon!" I yelled to my ally, seeing him take out the last soldier on the deck.
"The ground forces are weakened, they won't be able to last against the remaining knights!" He was right, they were severely out numbered and most likely demoralized from that barrage. I also saw Fouquet with her rock Golem leading the charge. I thought that bitch was iced. "What's that?" He pointed to the west. I looked at the tree line and I could make out some very familiar shapes.
"That's the Calvary!" I shouted happily, seeing the NATO Military finally made it.
"Why aren't they doing anything!?" Napoleon yelled. Oh shit, rules of engagement. The knights were so focused with the Tristain Army that they won't be able to help.
"Do you know how to work a cannon!?" I yelled over the noise.
"Of course, it's like riding a Griffin to me!" He replied.
"We need to shoot them, not to actually hit them but enough to get them to fight back. Make sure you miss but also make sure it's close enough to seem like we're attacking them!" He looked at me shocked.
"You want to attack you own allies!?" He shouted.
"If the shot comes from the enemy ship they will fight! They won't attack unless they are attacked, again make sure you aim and don't hit them!" He nodded, understanding what we were doing. I hope no one finds out that I ordered this, I think I would be executed.
I used a damp sponge to clear any live embers in the Cannon, this prevented an early firing. After that we lined up the shot we began to load the weapon. First, I loaded in a powdered charge while Napoleon filled the whole for the fuse with additional powder. He took a pick and plucked a hole in the powder charge when it was in the back. Then I loaded a regular Cannon ball into the Cannon.
NATO forces were on a steep hill, by aiming in front of them the Cannon will bury itself in the hill side and not bounce through the lines. We lit the fuse and the Cannon fired.
BOOOM!
That massive thud from the chock wave hit us. All of a sudden the NATO forces moved out and began to descend to the Knights, prepared to take them out.
"The fight is ours Bitch!" I proclaimed to no one. Napoleon smiled and we knew it was time to get the hell off this thing.
BOOOOOM!
The ship jerked so hard that me and Napoleon fell on our faces.
"What was that!?" Napoleon screamed. I looked at the forces and saw trails of smoke that led from them to the ship. Damn, they have portable artillery. Either AT-4s or M27s. We're on this ship and I have no way of letting them know. Then again, I don't think I want them to know.
The sky was now dark because of the eclipse.
"We have to go NOW!" I screamed and ran for the Griffin, Napoleon right beside me. He jumped up on its back and I tried to follow. Another hit and I fell off the ship.
I plummeted to the ground which was pretty far down. I couldn't grab anything, even if I could I was falling to fast now. In a split second, a blue Dragon flew to me and caught me. It flew down with me and straightened itself when I was on to soften the landing enough to not injure me. We neared the ground but I couldn't hold on. I fell off the Dragon as well and landed on the soft grass.
Luckily I didn't hit the ground hard so I only got a few bruises and cuts. I just laid their for a moment, trying to catch my breath. Next thing I know, there is a huge flash of white light and I was completely blinded from it. When the light died down I saw the ship was plummeting towards me. Now, at the time I didn't notice how it was burned and completely destroyed, I had other things on my mind, like running.
I got up and ran as fast as I could away from the falling ship. I ran so fast I swear I broke the record for the fastest sprint. It landed and started to skid towards me. Before it hit me though it slowed down enough for me to safely get away.
I stood their, my hands on my knees and panting like a hot dog. That was without a doubt the worst experience of my life, and I can name some pretty bad times. I looked around a surveyed the area. The Knights surrendered when they knew they were no match for NATO. Saito crash landed in a clearing not far from me and Fouquet was no where to be seen. All in all, a good day. In the distance I saw Henrietta's horse gallop up to me.
"Commander Riptide, are you OK!?" She yelled, getting off to see if I was hurt.
"Physically, yes. Although a few weeks in therapy should get rid of the mental scarring of that long fucking drop." I laughed.
"What's a Feropy?" She asked, I laughed a bit at that.
"Nothing." I said.
"You were right, those magical muskets were amazing, I can't believe how powerful your kingdom is." She said happily.
For the moment, I could relax and revel in the victory we have just achieved. Now time for the boring part, politics.
End Chapter 10
3 Chapters in 2 days, not bad. Well, season 1 is over, now we get to the good stuff. Like I said, because of our interference the story will change slightly. Battles and events will happen slightly differently but it will stay faithful to the show. With the exception of every female character becoming a whore for Saito. To those who hate Siesta and other girls like her, you will like them here. Siesta will be portrayed as she did in the first season, a shy and nice girl and she will be far more likable. Let's face it, the fan service in this show really distracts from the good stuff. Very little, almost no unnecessary fan service will be in this story.