A/N: Okay... I know I said that I would be switching gears to focus on Yao and the Aquadrago at the end of the last chapter. But there was arc that I left open for far too long so here I am trying to close it off before returning to the main storyline.
To Meme01: yea, that is because they are kinda racist.
To that one guest reviewer: My story, I will write it how ever I want.
To everyone else, thanks for your kind words and I hope you continue to enjoy my fic. Now without further ado, on to the chapter...
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{ Chalter 46: Sympathy for the Diablo }
The Province of Minataro
01:12 hrs.
It was another moonless night over the northern Imperial Province, as a lone villager left the safety of his humble home to fetch a bucket of water from the village's communal well. The last few nights had been especially humid for this time of year, as the heat made it near impossible to get a good night's rest and tonight was no diffirent. Hopefully a drink of cool wather from the well would help the storekeeper and his family sleep a bit easier, or at least that was what the man hoped as he lowered bucket.
Looking up into the night sky, the villager could not help but to notice just how many stars there were. It was kind of beautiful really, this heavenly display, it was one of the reasons why he and his wife decided to move up here when they got married many years ago to start a family. But as the old man looked on at the heavenly display, an odd sound began to fill his ears. A sound tat semmed to get louder and lounder. Was it thunder? It couldn't be, the skies were clear and even then, the rainy season was not due to begin for another three months. The sounds were slowly getting louder and louder, as an overwhelming sense of dread began fill the villager's body. Forgetting about the water, the man stumbled away from the well and ran as fast as he could back to his home. Just what in the name of Hardy was going on?
Then, just as he reached the front door of his home, the Storekeeper looked around one last time as his curiousity got the better of him. But when he did, the villager saw something that would haunt him for the rest of his days. For as he looked, the man saw dozens of unknown creatures flying low over his village and at surpringly high speeds! What were they? Who were they? Were those people hanging out the back of them? By Flare, just what was going on? But as suddenly as they appeared, the demonic flying creatures vanished over the surrounding hills, just as the rest of the village began to wake up and emerge from their homes after being awoken by the noise.
But while the villagers were left asking questions as to what had just happened, the Coalition task force continued on to their objective unchallenged.
Hours earlier, twelve V-22 Ospreys belonging to both the United States Marine Corp, took off from Alnus Air Field. On board, were elements of both the Marine Raider Regiment and JSDF 1st Airborne Brigade, as well as their equipment. They would be the vanguard in what many of the coalition commanders believed, would be the largest airborne assault of the conflict. With the objective of locating and rescuing those who had been taken by the Empire almost a year ago.
The force, consisting of 288 men, had been briefed about the their target days in advanced and despite their best efforts to prepare, the Raiders and Brigade knew they were more or less going in blind. Other than knowing their target aand objective, the joint American-Japanese force did not know just what they would encounter once they touched down. Recon flights over Minataro did not reveal any major imperial encampments, but that did not mean they were not present. Especially since their target for that evening was a small lake side palace believed to belong to one of Sadera's more important noble families. So it was safe to assume that said home would be protected by a somewhat large contingent of Imperial Soldiers loyal to that particular noble family.
Eventually, the twelve tilt-rotor aircraft came upon their target. An open, grassy field located just a few miles away from the palace and just large enough for the Ospreys to land comfortably. No sooner had the landing gears touched the grassy surface, the soldiers inside filed out and quickly began to secure the area around the landing zone. But this was only the vanguard of a much larger force that had been assembled and deployed. Once the hostages had been located and secured, there was still the question of how they would be transported back to Ginza.
This was where the Indian military came in. While the Japanese and Americans would conduct the rescue mission itself, elements of the Indian Army (Para SF) would secure another location that would allow Indian Air Force C-295 aircraft to land and receive the rescued hostages. Due to the distance, most coalition helicopters did not have the range to take part in the operation and there were not enough Ospeys available in the Special region at this point for this operation. Even though the Marines had shipped a number of them through the Gate in the last few months.
Indonesian Flankers would provide overwatch for the entire operation, as they would conduct patrols just in case a dragon/Wyvern came too close to the Tilt-Rotors. While "War Hammer" would provide close air support for the joint task force on the ground. With everything in place...
Operation Raven's Claw was now go.
Taking position near the tree line, one of the Japanese soldiers looked through the scope of his Carbine and scanned the forest before him. The wind whipped about as the last Osprey took off and flew into the night sky, giving way to an erie silence that flooded the surrounding area. Apart from their standard rifles and secondary weapons, the Marines has also brought in 4 MRZR Utility Task Vehicles that were armed with either machine guns or Mini-guns for extra fire power and mobility. Couple these with the grenade launchers aND mortors carried by the Japanese and it was clear to see that the task force were more than ready for a fight.
Looking throught his scope, the air borne soldier was just about to move to a secondary position for a better hiding spot when his scope caught sight of some movement in the distance.
'Heads up, we've got moment fifteen meters ahead.' a Raider said through the com system, as the Japanese man tensed up and mentally prepared himself for a possible encounter with the enemy. But instead of an Imperial patrol or even an ogre, the Brigade member saw a single young woman with rabbit ears emerge from the darkness.
The bunny warrior herself made no attempts to attack the other worlders, even though she wore the armor of the Northern Warrior Bunny tribes. She carried no weapons and if anything, was more afraid on the other worlders and their powerful black staffs. Like everyone else in her perfession, the Mercenary had heard the stories about the others worlders and their terrible weapons of war and Needless to say, most soldiers of fortune tended to avoid jobs that placed them in direct contact with said other worlders.
But her employer had said that her mission was very much important to him and to aid her in this task, Diablo had given her something that was given to him by the one person he cared for the most. Something that would most certainly gain the attention of these Other Worlders and earn their trust.
Reaching behind her back, Nera slowly pulled out a piece of cloth given to her by the Imperial Prince and proceeded to unfold it to reveal single red dot on a white background. Needless to say, the Japanese soldiers and their American allies were confused as to why or how this individual had gotten her hands on a Japanese Flag. But before anymore questions could be asked among the men another individual, a human mle this time, stepped out from the darkness and intruduced himself.
"Greetings." the well dressed prince addressed the now confused coalition task force. "My name is Prince Diablo and I welcome you to the Free State of Diablis..."
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A few hours later...
The sun was just starting to peak over the horizon in the west, as the Osprey touched down just outside the Diablis Royal Palace. (Formally the Holiday home of the Mudran Family.)
It had taken some doing, but Diablo was able to convince the Coalition troops that he was indeed an ally of Princess Co Lada. Speaking to the force commanders, the Imperial prince was able to convince them that not only had he been able to locate those who had been taken from Japan, but was more than willing to hand them over to the Coalition without question. Obviously, the powers that be were not willing to trust the royal, especially since that had been informed about Diablo's personality.
But then the prince presented several free slaves he had rescued to the task force, all of whom confirmed that everything the prince had said was true and that indend he had rescued them.
Needless to say, the Colition Commanders were rather surprised by this new development. Even more so by the fact that another member of the Imperal was assisting the Coalition after meeting with Princess Pina Co Lada. Apparently the Princess was making good on her promise to locate every single person taken from Japan and returning them home.
But despite the Prince's reasurence that he wanted no reward for his role in securing those taken from Ginza, Diablo did ask to meet with the Coalition leaders to discuss his role in the future of Falmart. Considering what he had done, the Coalition saw no reason to deny his request and decided to at least hear just what the Royal had to say.
Stepping off of the Tilt-Rotor aircraft, Col. Bautista and his small contingent of Fillipino soldiers were greeted by what appared to be an honor guard of sorts made up of both Bunny Warriors and Elbe Mercenaries. All of whom stood at attention as they flanked cobble stone walkway that lead to the palace.
"Ah! Welcome, friends!" Prince Diablo said enthusiastically, as the well dressed royal walked up to the Filippino Officer. "Let me be the first to welcome you to the Free State of Diablis! um... excuse me if I am being rude, but where are the rest of your comrades?"
"They are back at our Fortress, they sent me as their repersentative." Bautista replied, as one of his men translated. "But what is this Free State of Diablis?"
"All will be explained in due time. But let us head inside, I am certain you and your men are hungry after such a long journey?"
( One Hour Later...)
The Filipino Colonel could not remember just when last he saw so much food. Diablo had most certainly gone all out to make his guest from another world, feel welcomed in his home. The dinning hall was the absolute definition of luxury and opulence, as many of its gold decorations shone brilliantly from the natural light that flood the space via the many massive glass windows that lined the walls. But what really stood out to the visitors, were the many crudely made flag that were supposed to represent the nations that made up the Coalition Forces in the Special Region. Obviously, Diablo was trying to make a very positive impression on his guests, but the question still remained as to why?
"Are you and your men alright, Colonel?" The Imperial Prince asked the Filipino officer. "You have barely touched your food."
"We had a full meal before we left the fort." Bautista replied. "But I think now would be the best time to get right down to business."
"I understand, I guess you are curious as to why another one of the Emperor's children would be willing to help a supposed enemy of the Empire." Diablo asked the the Filipino. "The answer is quite simple, really."
"And the answer is...?"
"I hate my Father and despise my brother." Diablo replied casually. "They're both equally arrogant and disgusting. My father did not even bat an eye when he ordered his armies through the Gate to attack your world. He did not even bat an eye when he ordered the army to abandon the Alnus Provience once your people came through. By the way, I was quite impressed just how fast your people were able to help Italica"
"And what about your brother?"
"He's a monster, nothing more." Diablo said in disgust. "He is just as arrogant as our father, if not worse. He is more concerned about satisfying his own desires and thirst for greatness, rather than the well being of the Empire and its people."
"So that is why you want to help us, to spite your Father and Brother?" Bautista asked the younger man, but Diablo shook his head befor he replied,
"No, that's not all. Though I have to admit that I was not happy with my father when he still decided to appoint Zorzal as his heir, even though I would not trust the fool to run a race, let alone the greatest Civilization this world have seen."
"Then why are you helping us?"
There was a moment of silence as Diablo sank back into his seat. Then with a heavy sigh the prince asked, "Colonel... do you have family?". Bautista nodded, as he did have a wife with several children back home in Quezon. "Despite my feelings towards by brother and father, I still value the relationship I have with my little sister. Pina."
"Princess Co Lada?"
Diablo nodded before he continued. "We may not have the same mother, but I consider her as my cloest family member. I must say, your people had a strong affect on her ever since she returned from your world. I dont think I have ever seen her so afraid in my life, though she is more concerned about the welfare of our people, than her own safety."
"So what do you want from us?" Bautista asked the royal.
"When the war is over, I want you to make sure that Pina becomes the next ruler of Falmart." Diablo replied firmly, much to the surprise of the Filipino Colonel. "Even if the Empire did not attack your world, it would have still most certainly fallen into dispair with Zorzal as Emperor. Zorzal is nothing more than a disgusting spoiled brat who could care less about the people around him, let alone the ones the tries to bed. He is the quite litteral embodyment of everything wrong with the Saderan Empire and its elite."
"So why not yourself? Why your sister?"
"Maybe once upon a time, I would have loved nothing more than to be the Emperor." Diablo confessed. "I would have loved nothing more to rule over the continent and its people... but I no longer want to. The Empire needs to innovate and adapt if it wishes to survive or risk stagnation and eventual disintegration from within. I do believe that Pina has that ability to change Sadera for the better, but the only way that will happen, is if both my father and Zorzal are... removed from the equation."
"So you don't want to become emperor, but how are we so sure that you would not just use your sister as a puppet?" the Colonel asked, still not convinced that Diablo's motivations were genuine.
"A valid question and I understand your concerns concidering what you have more than likely leard about the Empire over the last year." Diablo replied. "But I really dont have an interest in ruling over a nation still embedded in its old ways, when I can create a new on from scratch and run it in a way I feel fit."
"Let me guess, you want the Coalition to help prop up your new government?"
The Prince/self appointed ruler nodded before he explained. "The Minataro Province is quite possibly the richest province in the Empire in gold and iron alone, but ruling families that contol the mines are more interested in lining their pockets, rather than improving the living situation in the Province. As you can see, I have already have in my employment mercenaries and Warriors Bunnies who form a small but effective army. Prior to your arrival, they... removed many of the ruling class and took control of the mines they once operated. It was the only way I could have safely rescued your people but now the province in without leadership and the native population are not too keen on having the Empire return to take control."
"So lets say the Coalition agrees to assist you in creating your own country, how do we know that you would not end up becoming a dictator like your father or brother?" The Filipino asked the prince, noticing a slight twitch in his eye when his father and older sibling were brought up.
"I think it would be wise that you never compare me with those two in the future." Diablo replied, as if he was warning the older man. "But I can assure you that will not happen. The history of the Saderan people is filled with stories of individuals who ruled as absolute monarchs and that only ended when my Great Great Grand Father created the Senate to avoid such things from happening in the future. But I am afraid that the system he created failed as my grand father and father ended up filling the senate with persons who were absolutely loyal to them. I do not intend to make that mistake, the Free State of Diablis would be ruled by the people and for the people."
"But if this is not enough to convince you, then concider this: Minataro provides the Empire with 60% of its iron and 30% of all its precious metals." Diablo began to explain. "If the Empire were to lose these sources of income and materials, it would weaken both my fathers and Zorzal's ability to wage war against your people. Brining it to an end with little to no bloodshed and once my Sister becomes Emperess, I could would restart sending these materials back to Sadera to help prop up her new government. The war ends, Sadera is lead into a new bright future and I have my own country. Everybody wins."
"I will have to discuss your proposal with my comrades back at the Fortess." Bautista replied, still not sure about the Prince's proposal. Something about it just did not sit well with the Filipino officer, but the loss of Minataro could be a major blow to the Empire.
"Very well, I can understand your hesitant stance on my offer. But as a sign of good faith, consider this as my other contribution to your campaign against the Empire." And with that, Diablo gestured to a door at the far end of the dining hall where a couple mercenaries stood.
Then as if on cue, one of them opened the wooden door and out came a line of nobles who were all in chains and were gagged as to prevent them from speaking. The looks on their faces quickley went from dispair to horror, as the prioners saw that their captor was seated with men who were undoubtedly from beyond the Gate.
"These men once operated the mines that held your people as slaves, I offer them to you to face the consiquencies of their actions in your courts of law." Diablo told the Coalition officer, much to the horror of the Imperial Nobles that heard him. It was one thing to be betrayed by the son of their Emperor, but for him to gleefully hand them over to the Empire's greatest enemy for judgment? Just what in Hardy's name was he doing? These nobles so wanted to fight back and yell at their tormentors, but the sharp blades held close to them by the Warrior Bunnies reminded them just who was really in charge at that moment.
"Don't worry, their families are safe and are currently being held within this Palace. I leave their fate up to you as well." The prince continued. "From what my sister told me, you tend to be more lenient towards prisoners you have taken. But even if you do not agree to assist my new country, I still request that you place my sister ruler of the Empire. Will you do this for me?"
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Some time later...
The sun was now starting to set in the east, as Prince (Now self appointed Viceroy) Diablo stood on the balcony of his new palace and watched the last of the other worlder's fantastic machines fly off into the coming night sky.
Despite his less that optimistic view about just how the day would play out, the new Viceroy of Diablis had to admit that things had gone better than what he had expected. Apparently his plan to cut off all raw materials from the Empire, had won favor with the other worlders. Add to the fact that Diablo had more or less single handedly located and delivered hundreds of Ginza victims from slavery, the Coalition saw no reason to not honor his request to help support his new nation. Besides, it was not like the coalition was already looking into the idea of installing Pina on the throne once the war was over.
The Coalition had also opted to take not only the nobles as prisoners, but their families as well. Most likely, those men would never see the light of day after the other woulders were done with them. While their families would be forced to live new lives somewhere else outside the Empire, a fate many of them probably thought was worst than death it self considering just how spoiled they were in life.
"So what now?" Nera asked her new "King", as the Bunny Mercenary came up beside Diablo.
"What now?" the new Viceroy asked his new friend. "We have our own country now and your people now have a new home. But there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, I do not want to make the same mistakes the Empire has made in the past."
"So what is the plan?"
"Have your people head out and make contact with the villages in the countryside." Diablo ordered. "Inform them as to what has happened and that I want to meet with their leaders here as soon as possible to build a new government."
"As you wish." Nera replied, before running off the carry out her employer's wishes. Leaving the new Viceroy alone to ponder the future of his new nation.
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A/N: Oye, this chapter was a royal pain to chrun out. But it was needed to tie up this lose end and I hope you all liked it. Not much again to say really, but please leave a review and tell everyone at you think.
Until next time, Nightstalker out!