A/N: Obviously... this was the Chapter you were all waiting for and it is here!
But first things first, thank you to everyone who left a review and I am glad to see that so many people enjoyed my last chapter. My only hope is that you enjoy this one as well.
So without further ado... on to the story...
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{ Chapter 54: A Sky full of Fire... }
Jade Palace, Sadera...
Just as Crown Princess Pina had both predicted and feared, the Saderan Empire had indeed been forced to surrender to the Other Worlders and submit to their demands. Prior to the official signing, Ambassador Todo had warned the Princess that the terms of the surrender would not be favorable towards the Empire at all and indeed, it was intended to punish the Empire for what they had done. After reading the documents for herself to understand as to what those terms were, the Leader of the Order of the Rose came to the realization those terms were indeed intended to punish the Saderan Empire for their atrocious actions across the Gate and the enslavement of their people.
In all honesty, Pina could not really blame the Other Worlders for imposing such harsh stipulations upon the Saderan Empire for its crimes. The Princess was still haunted by what the United Nations had shown her during her short visit across the Gate. Just how could an army of the Empire conduct itself in such a sadistic manner, yet still believe that they were not in the wrong? How could they just attack unarmed men, women and children as they tried to flee? Slaughter hundreds indiscriminately, pillage and rape the women of another world, and yet not see the error of their actions? How could nation as "civilized" as the Empire call all other nations and their people "Savages", yet glorify the monstrous and sadistic actions of an army that was no better than the Barbarians they claimed to be fighting agaisnt?
The answer was now painfully obvious to the Princess...
They wern't civilized as all.The Empire was the Real Monster of Falmart.
Not the Warrior Tribes of the North, not the Beast Men tribes in the South, or even the former Vassal states that had supposedly turned on Sadera. All the time Sadera (and by extention, herself) thought they had been spreading the light of civilization across the world, but in reality the Saderan Empire was a monster that ate up every single nation they came across. It was either serve the Empire as a "loyal" vassel state unconditionally, or be enslaved/destroyed. This was the mentality the Imperial Army had when they Marched through the Gate on Alnus Hill. It was a mentality they always had when they Marched in general. But it was that very same mentality that now saw the Empire submitting to the will of an enemy they had no hopes of defeating.
Now the Empire was being placed into a position they had forced so many before into. Sadera would now have to pay Reperations to the Coalition nations for all the damage they had done. They would have to pay reperation to the families of those who had been killed/enslaved by the Imperial army during their illfated attack on Ginza. They were now going yo be forced to dismantle the Imperial Army and would not be allowed to create a new one unless the Other Worlders said they could. The Empire was being thoroughly punished for its archaic beliefs and they had no one to blame for it, but themselves.
Now the Empire faced an uncertain future, without a military to back it up. It would be years, if ever, before the Imperial Economy would recover after it finally finished paying off what the Other Worlders demanded to be paid. The Empire would have to rebuild its economy from the ground up, without the aid of slave labour and with her Father more than likely to spend the rest of his days in a other worlder prison cell, Pina would have to be the one to pull the Empire out of what was most certainly going to be thee darkest period in their history.
As she sat within her room and stared at her blank expression in the mirror before her, there was a sudden knock at her door. But Pina did not pay no attention to it, he mind was still in a fog after that day's events.
"Princess, open up!" Lady Boze called frantically through the heavy wooden door. "The Emperor has been hurt!"
"What?" Pina gasped out, as she got up from her chair and ran to open her chaimber door. "What's happened to my Father?" she demanded to know.
Boze just stood their for a moment, her beautiful face showing that things were indeed quite severe. But she finally found her voice and replied, "Emper... Your father's caravan... it... was attacked while on his way back to the palace. The Other Worlders are bringing him back."
A sickening feeling soon ovecame the red headed royal, as she suddenly pushed pass her friend and ran towards the courtyard. Her mind racing with untinkable thoughts, as she made her way outside just in time to see the S.E.A.L.s in their Growlers charge into the garden area and come to a stop.
But before the princess could say anything or even process just what waa going on, the SEALs exited their vehicles with a very bloody and weak looking Molt in tow. The old Monarch was completely unresponsive, as the Other Worlders medics quickly placed him on a strecher and took him inside to be treated for his grizzlly injuries.
"W... was that blood...?" The young woman thought intenally, "What's going..."
"Princess, we need to go inside at once!" Boze said frantically, as she took her friend by the hand and began to pull her inside the palace. Completely aware that Pina was now going to need the support 9f her Knights/Friends now more than ever. But as the Jade Palace went into lockdown, it's Occupants were completely unaware that this apparent attack on the Emperor was just the begining of something much bigger.
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Alnustown, Alnus Hill.
Things were still rather festive a day following the announcement of the Empire's surrender and even though the music and street parties had long come to an end, the residents of Alnustown made no attempts to hide their happiness over Sadera's defeat. As a matter a fact, a number of business owners had actually begun to organize a massive celebration to take place that night to mark the end of the war.
Already, decorations had been set up as tables and chairs now lined the main street for that night's intended banquet. It was in this atmosphere that one would find Yao Ro Dushi walking along the line of tables and chairs, but she was not alone. For with her that moment were Tuka, Lei Lei and Rory, all of whom had been helping the dark elf settle into her new home in Alnustown over the last couple weeks.
"So how do you like living in Alnustown so far?" Tuka asked the dark elf, as she walked along side her new friend.
"It... has been challenging, far diffirent from what I am use to." Yao confessed, as the group passed some tables that had been set up. "But it has been a generally pleasant experience since I moved in. By the way, thank you for arranging my new place of residence, Leilei."
"Most housing is generally free in Alnustown." the young mage said in an emotionless voice. "The Coalition built them for the residents to prevent homelessness."
"It's still nice to see you settling in so easily." Rory commented. "Which is a lot more than what could be said for Giselle."
"Tell me, Apostle of Emroy. Just why are you showing mercy towards the fallen Priestess?" Yao asked her, seeming confused that Rory would show her would be assailant mercy even after all she had done.
Rory just sighed before she replied, "Because just Lord Emroy is the God of War, does not mean I always have to punish all who oppose both him and myself. Free will is the right of all life and i cannot punish Giseille for using it... and Besides... nothing I could do to her now could ever cause her as much pain as she is suffering right now."
"Wow," Tuka commented. "I never took you to be the type to show Mercy."
Rory just giggled in reply and was about to answer the Forest Elf when suddenly, the mid day air was suddenly pierced by the sound of an ominus, yet familiar wail. A mournful wail that seemingly got louder and louder the longer it continued...
"Attention! Attention!!" a new voice suddenly boomed through the town's speaker system. "All residents are ordered to evacuate toward the cloest Emergency Bunker immediately! This is not a drill! I repeat, THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!"
"We need to get to safety." Leilei said in a neutral tone, as she began to quickly lead her friends towards a near by bunker. But it was very clear to see that the normally emotionless mage was quite worried about the developing situation.
It was a scene that was being played out all over Alnustown, as people dropped what ever it was they were doing ran towards one of the many bunkers/shelters that had been built over the last few months. Mothers grabbed their children, while fathers gathered their families and lead them to safety. All the while the air raid siren continued to wail it's mournful song in an attempt to warn the residents of Alnustown that an attack was coming.
But while Alnustown and its people prepared for the worst, Fort Ginza was getting itself ready to meet the new threat head on. As Anti-air units were activated and waited for the attack to arrive.
Oh the outskirts of Alnustown, elements of the 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (U.S.Army), activated their network of C-RAM emplacements that were dotted dotted around the settlement. While, elements of the ROK (Republic of Korea) 1st Air Defense Artillery Brigade and 2nd Air Defence Missile Group (JSDF) activated their American supplied MIM-104 "Patriot" Surface to Air missile batteries that had been brought through months earlier just for this sort of scenario.
At Alnus Field every single combat aircraft, from F-35s to even AH-64s were being armed with what ever air-to-air missiles they had avaliable to them. While those unable to take part in air-to-air combat, were wheeled into their hangers and secured. Japanese Type-87 Anti-Aircraft Artillery patrolled the air base itself, as the first jets thundered into the sky at an impressive speed.
Within the Command Control center, General Hazama and the rest of the Coalition leaders monitored the situation as it developed. Long Caster, the E-2D Hawkeye aircraft, was able to avoid the on coming hoard of Imperal Dragons by simply gaining altitude on the winged creatures and their riders. An altitude that would have killed any living creature who did not have the advantage of being sealed in a pressurized air frame, like Long Caster's crew.
Confirmation about the Identity of the attacking force came from observers at FOB Battan, just outside the Imperial Capitol. Who reported the massive formations depart the surviving Dragon Pens that had been destroyed by the Coalition's airstrikes. Though small compared to what the Empire could normally field, the force of over 300 dragons of various types and sizes was still an formidable force in its own right. There was just so many questions that needed to be answered at that moment, especially this was on top of an apparent assassination attempt of Emperor Molt just hours after the peace treaty had been signed.
Just what the hell was going on?
On the LED screen displayed before them, the Coalition officers watch as the last flight of aircraft screamed into the sky. F-35s, armed to the teeth with air-to-air missiles and a single gun pod mounted under the advanced air frame. But those aircraft would not stay above Alnus Hill and wait for the enemy to arrive, they instead would be heading towards the one city that laid between the approaching force and Alnus Hill itself.
A city named Italica...
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Camp Formal, Italica...
Just like in Alnustown, the citizens of the walled city had been alerted by the Coalition about the approaching dragon force and had been told to seek shelter. But unlike Alnustown and Fort Ginza, Italica did not have the same level of protection the other worlder Fortress had.
The mostly compact layout of Italica made it impossible to deploy most of the Coalition's equipment throughout the city. This included most air defense systems, but that did not mean Italica and its people were helpless. One would have to look on top the walls that surrounded the city to see the numerous M-163 Vulcan Air Defense systems manned by South Korean Soldiers. Several SPYDER surface to air missile batteries had also been deployed in areas of Italica that were large enough to allow the establishment of such emplacements.
The Isreali designed missiles launchers and their Indian crews were complimented by a pair of Russian made S-400 missile batteries located in Camp Formal itself, just one mile away from the City itself. The Indian missile batteries were complimented by C-RAM batteries being fielded by the Americans and were all being coordinated by Radar Truck. The Italica Constabulary and a contingent of Egyptian Peacekeepers assisted in helping the population reach the many cellars and food vaults that had been converted into shelters, while Countess Myui herself and her maids/bodyguards were secured in the Formal Palace and being protected by a joint Japanese/Korean force.
Inside one of the shipping containers that had been converted into a CC unit, Major Payne communicated with Fort Ginza about their situation. Payne was glad to hear that air support was on its way, but would not be there for another thirty minutes.
The Imperials would be there in less than fifteen.
"Sir, C-RAMs are operational and are detecting targets." an soldier informed the Marine. "They will be in range in ten minutes."
"Sir, Captain Sunil is reporting all SPYDER batteries have been activated" another called out from her seat.
"Sir, Col. Kino is reporting Countess Myui is secured and that she and her maids are wishing us luck."
"We don't need luck, we just need our units to do their job." Payne muttered to himself, as the Marine commander watched the advancing force on the LED screen before him. "Contact Col. Sunil and inform him that his S-400s have authorization to engage hostiles once they are in range. Let's see if we can't rattle some nerves before our guest arrive."
It did not take long for Payne's orders to reach the Indian officer in his command vehicle, a predatory smile forming on his lips as heard those words. "Taiyaar tyoob ek ke maadhyam se chaar." The Indian officer ordered, as he could see the large force enter into range of the 9M96E2 missiles currently being held within each launcher.
"Launch!"
From within the safety of the Formal Palace, Persia looked on in wide eye awe as the Other Worlders used their terrible weapons against the Empire. As the cat woman could see streaks of white smoke and flame erupt from Camp Formal and fly off into the sky at frightening speeds. There were only four in total, but the Maid knew better than to question the power of the Other Worlders.
Meanwhile less than thirty kilometers away, the Vanguard of the 11th Dragon Corp of the Imperial Army, flew confidently towards their objectives. Basilisk represented the cream of the Imperial Army's Dragons Corp and were some of the more die hard members of the Imperial Army. Just like Zorzal and their Commanding officer, the men of Basilisk felt betrayed by the Emperor's decision to surrender to the Barbarians from across the Gate. They needed to avenge their fallen comrades, now bow down to their killers and admit defeat!
This was the ultimate insult to not only them, but their fallen brothers in arms who had died trying to retake Alnus Hill. The Emperor and their leaders had failed them all, but now they had a change at repaying the other worlders in blood. Today, the Empire would finally have its revenge and make the Other Worlders pay for their mistake once and for all. The new Empire under Zorzal will succeed where Molt had failed and Basilisk would lead that that charge towards ultimate victory.
But just as the first wave caught sight of Italica in the distance, the lead dragons and their riders were suddenly consumed in massive balls of fire. Compliments of the Indian Army S-400 missile battery in Camp Formal. The resulting shock waves cause by the explosions managed to knock a number riders off their steeds and sending them falling to earth along with their now confused beasts. But before anyone could even determine just what was going on or even think to mount a proper defense, four more 9M96E2 missiles found their marks and decimated more of the Imperial ranks.
Yet despite the carnage, Basilisk continued to press forward to Italica and their objective. They had faced way worse in their long history and still come out victorious in battle, this would be no diffirent as Basilisk never ran away from a fight after all. But as the Imperial force approached the City state, Basilisk were completely unaware that they were now entering a kill zone. For while they approached q, they were completely unaware aware of the nasty surprise the Coalition had in store for them.
For no sooner had the Dragon force passed the tree line and into the open fields surrounding the walled city, twelve ZSU-23-4 Shilka self propelled Anti-Aircraft "tanks" of the Vietnamese People's Army emerged from their hiding spots within the forest and activated their radar systems, actively tracking Basilisk. The Shilkas had been deployed to Italica ever since the City broke away from the Empire and had been stationed there just in case of situations like this.
The 11th Dragon Corps never knew what hit them, as the Vietnamese AA guns opened up on the Dragon riders from the rear, with a fury not seen since the first Battle of Alnus Hill. As American C-RAM systems located in Camp Formal opened up on the approaching force with deadly accuracy. C-RAM was originally designed to intercept and eliminate enemy rockets and/or mortor shells launched against American bases, now they were being used to great effect against large, slow moving dragons and their riders. Ripping both man and beast apart in terrible fasion. Couple this with the South Korean VADS firing from the City walls and the occasional SPYDER missile launch and it was clear to see that Basilisk was doomed.
It was an absolute blood bath for the Imperial Dragon Corps, as both man and beast were quite litterally ripped to shreads by a combination of 20 mm high-explosive incendiary tracer, self-destruct ammunition from the American C-RAMs and the Vietnamese auto-cannons. All of whom were directed by powerful radar systems and found their targets with ease. Yet despite the carnage taking place, a number of dragons were able to escape the kill box and approach Italica itself. Some of whom carried large "baskets" that held Imperial soldiers in full battle armor. Basilisk wasn't just made up of Dragon Riders, as they also contained "Valkyrie" untis who were deployed as ground units along side the Dragon Corps. These were units that were usually equipped with the best armor and weapons the Empire had to offer and were Nigh unstopable when in combat.
Imperial Airborne Infantry...
But this aura of invincibility was quickly destroyed, as they came into range of the Korean VADS units stationed on the City Walls and paid a heavy price for their hubris. But by some miracle, several of the larger dragons carrying infantry untis were able to avoid being torn apart long enough to make it into the city and deploy their embarked troops near the Formal Palace. Despite their heavy losses, the Valkyries still had their objective to complete. Their primary target, was Countess Myui. Child or not, she insulted the Empire by willingly siding with the Other Worlders and breaking her family's oath to the Saderan Empire. That was a crime punishable by death and in Emperor Zorzal's new Empire, Countess Myui would not be spared from his wrath. She needed to die so as to send a message to other cities/vassals who wanted to break away from the enlightened rule of Sadera and its new ruler. But no sooner that they begun their ground advance on the Formal home, the Imperial Infantry men heard a chorus of...
"Jai Maa kali, Ayo Gorkhali!!"
To their horror, the Imperial soldiers found themselves surrounded by Indian Gorkha units and even a group of Egyptian Peacekeepers keepers who had also been stationed near Countess Myui's home. The Indian/Egyptian force made short work of the now surprised Saderan Units, their battle rifles unleashing death upon the supposed Imperial elites, while some of the Indian Gorkhas made good use of their Kukris. Allowing them the honor of tasting Imperial blood. Despite being one of the more seasoned and battle hardened units in the Imperial military, the 11th Basilisk and their Valkyrie infantry were completely outmatched and out gunned by the other worlder army and their fantastic weapons of war. What was supposed to be the start of a glorious crusade against the Barbarians, was now nothing more than a absolute blood bath for the Imperials.
Out of an impressive force of over 300 dragons and 4500 men/Valkyries, , less than 100 were eventually taken prisoner by the Coalition Forces in Italica. Despite their belief of superiority, Basilisk fell like so many others before it. But this sudden attack by the Empire was a reminder to the Coalition that Sadera was still quite dangerous, even in their supposed weaken state. Even those who were lucky enough to survive the Anti-Aircraft onslaught and make a break towards the Imperial Boarder, soon found themselves being chased by Coalition Air Power as the Jets and attack helicopters finally arrived from Alnus.
It did not take long after the attack for the Coalition commanders to ponder the idea that this apparent counter attack by Imperial Forces and the assassination attempt on Molt were linked in some way. In fact... it was not to hard to believe that these events were apart of a much larger conspiracy taking place within the Imperial Government. But while the Coalition attempted to solve this new puzzle placed before them and work out their next course of action, there was one person in particular who wanted answers more than anyone...
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Sadera... Several hours later...
The sun had long since gone down in the east, as Crown Princess Pina Co Lada rode her horse towards the Imperial Palace. With her were Ladies Shandy Gaff Marea of House Marea and Suissesse Co Mein of House Mein. Together the three Knight rode as fast as their horses would allow them, towards their destination..
Lady Boze had remained at the Jade Palace with the rest of the Rose Knights, with orders to help the Other Worlders with anything they asked, as well as to protect Emperor Molt from any other would be attacks. Although gravely wounded from the attempt on his life, the old Monarch was still alive, thanks to the efforts of the medical staff the Other Worlders had with them in the Palace. But he would need to be transfered to Fort Ginza for further treatment, as his wounds were too great for the medical team to handle in the field.
But while she waited for any more news about the condition of her father, Pina soon began to recieve disturbing reports from the Capitol itself. Apparently not too long after her Father's caravan had been attacked, her brother (Zorzal) had showed up at the Imperial Palace with his supporters and proclaimed himself as the new Emperor of the Saderan Empire.
But what was really troubling was that not long after Zorzal's self proclamation, groups calling themselves "The Oprichnia" began rounding up and even executing members of the Imperial Senate who had openly backed calls for Peace. Worst still, this group was claiming that they were acting on the behalf of Emperor Zorzal. Obviously something was wrong with this picture, as it was impossible to create such an organization in such a short amount of time and Pina knew that her Brother was incapable of organizing such an organization so quickly unless...
It was planned... it was all planned!
The only one to really benefit from their father's death would be Zorzal himself. He was probably the one who organized the assassination attempt of their Father and with the support of some of the more prominent members of the Imperial Court (A number of them had sworn their loyalty to Zorzal when he became crown prince) , he could easily take power. Already the "New Emperor was attempting silence all opposition within Sadera and if he was not stopped, many more lives would be snuffed out in a war the Empire had already lost. She needed to get to the palace and inform everyone that not only her father was still alive, but Zorzal was no longer the legitimate heir to the Imperial Throne.
She needed to stop her brother before more blood was needlessly spilled. But as Pina and her knights approached the upper levels of Sadera itself, several arrows suddenly shot out of the darkness and struck both Shandy and Suisssesse with such force, it punctured their armor and sent both women flying off their mounts. Their horses running wildly off into the night, as pools of blood began to form under their bodies.
Pina was horrified by the sight of two of her friends laying motionless before her, as she dismounted her horse and ran towards her knights in hope that they were still alive. But before the Crown Princess could reach her companions, a large mass suddenly appeared in front of her before everything went black. Her limp body falling to the ground with an thump, before the large individual picked up his intended target and rejoined the group of Oprichnia that had been sent out to Capture Princess Pina...
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A/N: Well... were you not entertained??? You know it would be kinda fun if I broke the 1000 review mark with this chapter , but anyway I really hope you enjoyed it.
As always, leave a review and tell me what you think, or SCP-999 will eat all your Halloween candy. Until next time, Nightstalker out!!
