And here we are with another chapter, with it starting the Italica Arc. But before we will send our heroes to Italica, we need to visit some other places in the Empire and beyond. But of course, first things first.
To dovah-keen01: I written his name like this because it was written the same in the subtitles when I watched anime. I'll be writing his name properly from now on. And thank you for pointing that out.
I'm waiting for your further reviews and comments. Without further ado…
Chapter 7
,,Italica Pt.1: Unknown ground"
July 9, 2150
00:15
Near the town of Elfis
Night has fallen upon the quiet town of Elfis. People blown off the candles and went to their beds, where they covered with quilts and soon, only people still awake were the guards. You could say it was simple town, where people were taking care of their own business and weren't interested in anything else.
But in reality, Elfis was a thriving slave trade hub, where you could buy slaves from every corner of the known world. And guards were here to prevent the slaves from escaping the town. However tonight, they were about to face danger not from inside the town, but from the outside.
"Bravo 1-3 to 1-1. Do you copy?"a Russian Spetsnaz soldier asked in his radio.
"I hear you, 1-3."1-1 replied."What do you see?"
"Two guards at the gates. Four more on the ramparts."1-3 replied.
"Understood. Move on, people."commander ordered."Let's just hope that information that King guy gave us will be real."
Soldiers of the Russian Spetsnaz were here due to the people captured in Terhis City, which, according to Duran, were supposed to be here. Their orders were to find them and take back to Fort Terhis, along with every other slave they could find. Squad was a part of Task Force 03 Special Operations Regiment, consisting of squad of French GIGN, German KSK, Chinese PLASOF and American Navy SEALs.
At now, Russians were moving under the cover of night and using their optical camouflage. Imperial guards on the walls and at the gates didn't saw their moves and were unaware of the enemy troops, which came here with new Chinese Stealth dropship. Soldiers approached the end of tree line and looked at the city from the forest.
"Do we have a clear shot?"1-3 asked.
"Yes, we do. Pick your targets."1-1 ordered.
Soldiers didn't responded, immediately taking and aiming their weapons. Looking down the thermal vision sights, they could see silhouettes of the guards moving from one place to another. Russians aimed at their heads and at the same time pulled all the triggers. Soon, guards fell dead on the ramparts and at the gates.
"Clear."1-1 said."Move on."
Commandos left the tree line, still with their camo, and approached the gate. One of soldiers took something from his backpack and approached the gate. He placed two small packages on the hinges of gate's wicket.
"Boris, blew up."1-1 ordered.
Said soldier pressed a button and two termite charges lighted in white, burning through the iron hinges. Soldiers waited until the wicket will fall on the ground and made their way inside the walls.
Moving down the dark streets, they watched every side, waiting for enemy soldiers to appear or raise and alarm. But, fortunately, nothing like that happened and soldiers were free to do their own thing.
Soon, they stepped upon a different street, turning their camo off. There, they could see numerous stands and stages, as well as plates written in local language. Because they took some lessons of local language, soldiers knew what they were looking at.
A slave market.
"Boys, we hit the jackpot."1-1 said."Look through every warehouse and see if someone responds."
Russians nodded and walked in separate directions. Each checked the other warehouse, using the night vision mounted in their visors, but they didn't found anything. At least, until 1-3 stepped into the final warehouse.
"Wha…?"a weak voice said.
1-3 turned around and exclaimed:
"I found someone!"
Other soldiers immediately approached him and turned their flashlights on, aiming them into the warehouse. What they saw, terrified them.
Inside were around two hundred people. Both Humans and Demi-humans, as Resistance now called half-humans, half-animals. Saying that they were in bad shape would be a big misunderstanding. They looked like they didn't ate anything for very long time and wore only ruffled remains of clothes. Most disturbing was the fact, that Russians could also see children, some not as old as two months.
But what really turned their attention, was one of the voices.
"What is going on?"someone asked. In Russian.
Hearing this, soldiers entered inside. Slaves started moving away, wanting to not get hurt by these people.
"You don't have to be worried."1-1 said."We're here to save you."
This seemed to calm them down a little, but soldiers quickly looked around.
"Who is that?"commander asked, also in Russian.
In response, a man in the middle of his 30s stood up and saluted. He was dressed in green T-Shirt and camouflage pants. He had a bandage on his left eye.
"It was me."he said."Corporal Vladimir Arsnov, Russian Federation Navy Marines Corp. And you?"
"Captain Artem Malikov, Russian Spetsnaz, Task Force 03."1-1 replied."What happened to you?"
"My unit was overrun in Terhis."Vladimir replied."Me and few other boys were taken here after that."
"Any other people from Terhis are here too?"1-3 asked.
Vladimir nodded and moved away, showing several Humans, Chakdrik, Nashini and Shakayans, some wearing military clothes, while others civilian. There were both women and men with children.
"Others?"Artem asked.
"There were more, but were moved several days ago."Vladimir replied."We're getting out of here, right?"
"Of course."Artem replied."Everyone, we're moving out."
He then looked all the other slaves, which watched this conversation with interest, unsureness and some with fear.
"And by everyone, I mean you too. You're going with us."
After he said that, some slaves managed to smile, while others tried to stand up. Soldiers and slaves approached these, which needed more help and helped them in standing. Boris looked outside, checking if nobody will see them andsignaled them that they can move.
If somebody would wake up now, they would probably think they are dreaming, seeing all the slaves in the town moving down the street, escorted by the Spetsnaz soldiers. Fortunately, this didn't happened and their escape from the town was not interrupted.
It took them some time to exit through the wicket in the gate, but when it was done, they went in the direction of forest and reached a small glade, where Artem turned on his radio.
"Horseman Squadron, this is Bravo 1-1. We're ready to go."he said.
"Copy that, Bravo 1-1. Wait in there."Horseman leader said.
Soon, everyone could hear the buzzing sound. Demi-humans and other Falmart slaves became worried, don't knowing what is going on here, while slaves from Terhis had smiles on their faces.
Squadron of ten Skyhawk dropships then appeared over the glade and came for the landing. When they touched the ground, their back ramps opened and letting everyone enter aboard, what was quickly done. Former slaves were a bit reluctant at the beginning, but vision of freedom accelerated their decision.
"Okay, let's get back to Terhis."Artem said."Orbmet Team, burn the slave market to the ground."
Dropships started lifting up, as two Nashini ground attack craft flew over towards Elfis. When they were over the target, they dropped their bombs and fired guns at the buildings, bringing down the slave trade of the city.
In the morning, people of Elfis were shocked and terrified, seeing some of the city guards dead, while slave market actually ceased to exist.
10:42
Fort Terhis Refugee Area
Once the sun risen and the breakfast was done, refugees were awake and were now doing their everyday things. Children were running around, while adults were watching over them, while others were talking with soldiers or with one another.
Tuka and Rory were sitting at a table, with sleeping master Cato, when Apostle noticed a worry on the elven woman face.
"Is something wrong?"she asked.
Tuka looked at her.
"Nothing really…"she replied.
"It's impressive, true?"Rory tried to cheer her up."Soldiers said that it's just a temporary accommodation."
"Yet there is food and bath house."Tuka said."It's actually better from living in the forest. But…"
"Is something wrong?"
Elf nodded. An worried expression showing on her face.
"We would finally need to become self sufficient."she said."And I don't know how. In the worst case, we would probably need to give our bodies to the soldiers!"
As she said that, she looked at a Shakayan Marine guarding the Refugee Area entrance. A shiver came down her spine.
In that moment, the familiar sight of HAZMAT suit and gas mask entered the area. She approached the table.
"It's you again, Lelei?"Rory asked.
"Indeed."Lelei replied, taking the hood and mask off."Come with me. There is something you need to see."
The two looked at each other and nodded. Lelei changed and the three left the Refugee Area to the Alnus Hill foreground.
Alnus Hill foreground
Upon arriving on the foreground, both Tuka and Rory couldn't cover their surprise, after what they saw. Tens of wyvern bodies, dressed in both Imperial and Allied Kingdoms armor. Every single one of them dead.
"Are these…"Tuka started.
"…corpses of wyverns?"Rory ended.
"This is where Empire and Allied Kingdoms faced Resistance."Lelei said."Ester said, that we can take as many as we want."
"What?!"Tuka exclaimed."Their scales are worth a whole fortune!"
"Resistance isn't interested in them. I heard there are different rare minerals worth such fortune in their world."young mage explained.
Rory and Tuka just watched at the dead creatures, still don't believing in this. Lelei turned around to face them.
"We wouldn't have to give them our bodies."she stated.
Not waiting long, the three found some bags and started collecting the dragon scales, after which they asked admiral Chesterfield for permission to go to Italica, where the scales had to be traded. Admiral gave the permission and soon, she summoned Recon Team Three to help with the transport.
"So…"Liz said, looking at the bags in the back of Land Rover."We're delivery service now?"
"Don't say it."Ester said, checking map on her terminal."It's good they're trying to be self sufficient. Beside, we can also see, how does the trade works in the Special System."
"Huh. I can agree on that."the British said.
Lelei stepped into the car and sat next to Rory. But she also noticed, that Tuka is just standing there.
"Something wrong?"the young mage asked.
"It's just…We're again going to the unknown ground."she said and lowered her head."Father…what to do…?"
She then felt hand touching her arm. She turned around and saw smiled face of Fatima. Israeli nodded her head, encouraging her.
"Hurry up."Rory said in joking tone."We don't have a whole day.
"We're going together after all."Lelei added.
Mage gave her hand to Tuka, which grabbed it and helped enter the Land Rover. Soon, the convoy was mobile and on it's way towards Italica.
At the same time…
Empire-Elbe border
While Pina was traveling around the Alnus Province, seeing the situation in the region, another regiment of Rose Knights was sent to see the situation in the Allied Kingdoms, as rumors reached Sadera, that there are strange moves on the Elbe border. Some people even said, that Duran returned to his kingdom.
In command of this regiment was Bozes Co Palesti, one of the closest friends of Pina and longest members of the order. Her second-in-command was another long-time member of the order, Panache Fure Kalgi.
The Knights were speeding down the road, leaving cloud of dust behind them.
"How long before we reach Elbe's capital?"Panache asked.
"Should take another day. We need to hope nothing stands in our way."Bozes replied.
Unfortunately, something stood in their way.
Once the regiment made it through another turn, they had to stop their horses immediately, as road was blocked with a barricade, maned by the Elbe's troops. Bozes could see determination on their faces.
Noble moved in front of the Knights and said:
"What is the meaning of this?"
"No Imperial is allowed to travel through this road."one of soldiers replied."Orders of King Duran."
"But King isn't here and I order you to let me through!"Bozes replied.
"You sure I'm not here?"Duran's voice sounded.
Bozes almost jumped, hearing King's voice. She looked around, but he was nowhere to be seen. However, she noticed, that his voice was somehow distorted. This actually made noble worried.
Soon, she got her answer. Buzzing sound appeared behind the trees. When Bozes looked in that direction, her eyes widened in fear. She saw an object made of steel, flying without use of wings. But most creepy was the shark mouth and eyes painted on it's front. Of course, Knights didn't knew it was a paint.
"Seems like Marines are here."one of Elbe's soldiers said with smile.
Bozes and rest of her regiment watched the iron dragon touching the ground. Hatch in it's side opened, revealing Duran, accompanied by two soldiers in strange uniforms. They didn't seemed to have any swords or bows, only two black staffs.
And then, she understood.
"Other Worlders!"she exclaimed."How dare you ally with these barbarians?!"
Duran only scoffed at her.
"How I dare? I should be the one to ask how YOU dare to come here, after Molt sent us all to die at Alnus!"he replied."If not Resistance healers, I would be crippled now. Yet, they saved me."
"But they are enemy, that want to conquer all of us!"Bozes said.
"Excuse me."one of Other Worlders soldiers said.
Bozes turned her furious expression at him. This barbarian dared to say something in HER presence!
"You have no right to speak with me, barbarian!"she said.
"I dare, because we're winners."soldier replied."My commanders gave me orders to support King Duran and Elbe in possible defense against Saderan invasion. So, if you don't want to spill blood, turn back and leave."
"I agree with sergeant Lemare."Duran added."If you force me, your blood will soak into this ground."
"We're Knights of the Empire!"Bozes replied."We outnumber you!"
"Look around."Lemare said.
Noble woman did what he said and now, she saw more Other Worlders soldiers standing on the tree line. Where did they come from? She could swear, that just seconds ago, nobody was there. No soldiers could be that quiet!
"I already visited capitals of Mudwan, Alguna and League. And with their current rulers, we agreed on one thing."Duran stated."From now on, Allied Kingdoms are under protection of Resistance Alliance and will remain neutral. If Molt will try any move, we will be fighting. And nothing will change my decision."
Bozes, as well as other Knights, were truly taken aback by this declaration.
"You will pay for this betrayal!"Bozes stated and turned her horse.
Knights followed her and soon, the sound of horse hooves disappeared.
"We shall see."Duran said.
He turned around and walked back to the dropship.
12:02
Tessaria Trade Route
Third Recon Team was moving down the road, admiring the views outside. Most of them knew nothing more than urban buildings, so something like this was pretty refreshing and nice for them.
"According to the map, we are now on Tessaria Trade Route."Dora, which this time decided to go in Land Rover, said, looking at her map."Italica is just and hour of driving away from here, isn't it?"
This question was directed to Lelei, which nodded in response. Dora noticed her interest in terminal.
"You wanna see?"she asked and gave terminal."You use it like this…"
"And to think that she's the famous Blade Dancer and Hell Born Werewolf."Liz said."I never expected to see her talking with someone like that, instead of you."
"You still don't know everything about her, my history loving comrade."Ester stated with smile.
She looked at the mirror over her head and smiled to herself. Last time she saw Dora acting like that was, well, ten years ago. She really hoped that one day, Dora will again be this cheerful, happy girl that she was before…
Ester shook her head, trying not to think. Although it happened to Dora, not her, she still felt pain when she remembered about this. Instead, she focused on watching through some files on her terminal.
"Estie."Liz said."I can see smoke in the distance."
Indeed. When Ester looked in the same direction, she saw a pile of smoke rising into the air. Three vehicles stopped for a moment, observing the situation. Ester looked back at Dora, which stopped teaching Lelei.
"Do, is this road leading to the smoke source?"Ester asked.
Dora looked at her terminal and studied the map, zooming out for a bit, to see the bigger part of the terrain.
"Not exactly, but a bit on the right."she replied.
"It's the second time we see smoke since we came here."Yuko said."Are some smoke-magnets or what?"
"Italica is in that way."Lelei said.
Everyone in the Land Rover looked at her.
"Okay, so it's time to go there on full speed."Ester stated and relayed this to the rest of her team."All units, be advised. We have possible fight coming our way."
"Roger."Lena and Jor replied.
Vehicles then started speeding down the road towards Italica. They didn't knew what was about to happen then, but soon they would know.
12:08
Italica
"Fall back! Fall back!"bandits commander shouted."Run for lives!"
"Fire!"Pina ordered.
Italica Militiamen pulled their bows and let the rain of arrows fall on the retreating bandit army. Numerous bandits were killed, while others were injured, as arrows brought them to the ground. They begged their comrades to help them, but they were left for death under the city walls.
Pina sighed and looked down from the walls ramparts. In the paddock created to stop enemy troops at the gates, Militiamen were now sitting down, trying to get some rest. And honestly, princess was filling the same as them.
"Norma, Hamilton! Are you alright?"she called.
"I'm still alive!"Hamilton replied."Somehow!"
Princess walked down the stone stairs and joined her Knights.
"You're not worried about me?"Grey asked
"You wasn't in danger. I saw what you did with these twelve bandits that surrounded you."Pina replied.
Older Knights just laughed.
"Hamilton, let's go."Pina said."I need to get some rest."
Hamilton stood up and joined her princess. The two walked out of the paddock and went into the narrow streets of the city.
"Princess."Hamilton started."Why do we fight these bandits?"
"I had no idea!"Pina erupted."When I heard about group of soldiers attacking Countess' Formal lands, I thought it's the Other Worlders! How could I know, that these are remains of Imperial and Allied Kingdoms armies?"
She then looked around at the Militiamen, which listened to their conversation.
"You there!"she scoffed."It's not time to rest! Bandits will return! Until then, we need to clear the bodies and reinforce the barricades!"
She again turned back to Hamilton.
"I sent letter to Bozes."princess said."Three days! If we keep up for long enough, rest of the Knights will be here to support us."
"We just need to keep up until then."Hamilton summed.
With nothing more to say, Pina nodded and the two made their way to House Formal mansion. There, princess quickly returned herself to the order and sat down on the nearest sofa. She took the drink given to her by one of the maids.
"I'm sorry, your Highness."the butler said."What are you going to do now?"
Pina looked at him.
"I'm going to wait for the rest of Knights to come here. After that, we will be able to maybe avoid further fighting and end this quick."she replied.
"It would be easier to open the gates."butler stated.
Princess looked at him.
"In this case, you will loose everything."Pina argued."If we will do this, city will be plundered, men killed and women taken. You really want this to happen?"
Butler was looking for any kind of response, but instead, he turned around and left the room. His place was taken by the head main Kaine taken his place, with tray in her hands. She placed it in front of Pina.
"Your Highness."Kaine said.
Pina reached for the piece of bread and bit it. After chewing for few seconds, she sighed once more.
"Nor taste, nor number is not delightful."she stated.
"If you would eat too much after such a effort"Kaine said"you could get sick."
"Have you ever lived through such a battle?"Pina asked.
Head main nodded.
"I used to live in Rosie."she said."It's Imperial territory now."
"I understand."Pina said and returned to eating.
After few minutes, she emptied the plate and stood up.
"I will rest in the guest room."Pina stated."If any news will come, inform me."
"Of course."Kaine replied.
Princess left the living room and walked down the corridor. She was thinking about the current situation. But every time, her thoughts were circling around and colliding at the same deduction: hopeless. Rest of Knights was too far and bandits had the numerical advantage. Militiamen were not trained legionaries and didn't had such good quality weapons as them. The situation was becoming grimmer with every minute.
She eventually made her way to the guest room, where she took off her armor and laid down on the bed.
"Why is this happening to me?"she asked herself.
It was actually the first combat deployment of her Order since it's creation. She had to warn Alnus Province about the Other Worlders and tell how barbaric they are. And it turned out, that many people already had some kind of sympathy for them.
"Is this how my first true battle will end?"
Not getting any answer, princess fell asleep.
But just as she closed her eyes, she felt a wave of cold water falling on her and she immediately woke up. She looked around and saw Grey standing over her with Kaine, which held a water bucket.
"What's happening?!"Pina asked."Enemies?! How long was I sleeping?!"
"When it comes to sleeping, you was sleeping for around an hour."Kaine replied.
"And when it comes to enemies, I don't know."Grey said."They might be enemies and friends alike. Better come with us."
Pina looked at the two for few seconds, before getting up and dressing her armor. The three then made their way out of the room.
Grey led Pina out of the mansion and towards the gate she defended earlier. Hamilton and several Militiamen were there already. Pina approached the gate.
"What's going on?"she asked Hamilton.
Younger Knight bit her lip, don't knowing, what to say. She had a worried expression on her face.
"It's better, if you see by yourself."Hamilton stated, opening the gate's visor.
Pina looked through the visor and saw what everyone were talking about. She was a bit confused at the first sight.
On the road leading to the gate were three strange wagons. They had no horses attached ot them and were colored in several shades of green. What was the most strange, these wagons were clearly made of steel, as they shined in the sun.
"What is that?"Pina asked.
"I don't know."Hamilton said."Maybe some kind of armored wagon?"
"No, it looks liked wrought iron."Pina stated.
"Who is there?!"Norma asked from the tower."Show yourself, if you're not enemies!"
For few seconds, there was no response. Militiamen had their hands tightened on their weapons, preparing for another fight. Yet they didn't had to use them, as a figure walked out of one of wagons. She looked like a teenage girl with blue hair and staff in her hand.
"That staff…"Pina noticed."Is it one of Lindonian mages?"
Girl was then joined by another person, which had long blonde hair. When princess looked closer, she saw pointed ears.
"And an elf…"she said."Such combination isn't good in some cases."
But another person they saw, made them gasp in horror. As a girl dressed in recognizable clothes and giant axe came up to the two with a smile on her face. A smile, which made shiver come down Knights' spines.
"It's Rory the Reaper!"Pina exclaimed.
"That famous Goddess of Death?"Grey asked.
"Would she really ally herself with bandits?"Hamilton asked.
"Giving how many souls did they sent to Emloy?"Pina said."I wouldn't be surprised."
"We're in trouble if she heard."Grey summed.
Pina nodded and looked back at the group. She bit her lip, thinking what she should do in such situation.
"What do we do?"Hamilton asked.
Princess turned around and looked at the Militiamen and Italica's citizens waiting for her decision. She signaled Hamilton to lean closer and said:
"If Rory's Church joined forces with these bandits, Italica is lost already."
"True."Hamilton agreed, don't knowing what her princess was going to.
"Yet we don't have an evidence, that they are our enemies!"
In that moment, princess' mind started analyze the situation at hand. She had to be the one, who protected the city and couldn't be sure of anything. Who knew, if this isn't some trick that bandits are trying to use against them. And if it is, Italica will be burned to the ground. But before that, all goods will be taken from it.
On the other hand, if this mage, elf and demigoddess were actually going to help them, then city would be saved and no more people would have to suffer. And maybe countess will thank her for saving her city.
"What should I do?"princess thought.
In that moment, she heard knocking to the door. Three Knights looked at each sighed.
"If they aren't enemies"she said, walking up to the wicket"we need to accept them with open arms!"
With one swing move, princess removed the beam blocking the wicket and opened it on it's full swing.
"WELCOME TO ITALICA!"she exclaimed.
She was greeted by surprised looks of mage, elf and Rory. Don't knowing why, she tilted her head.
"What?"Pina asked.
In response, the three pointed down. Pina looked at the ground, where she saw a girl around her age, dressed in uniform and looking like she lost her senses. Princess looked back at the three. She gulped.
"I did that?"she asked.
"Yes."all three replied at the same time.
Meanwhile, in Land Rover, Liz watched the situation and right when Ester got hit by the door, she widened her eyes.
"Ester down, Ester down!"she exclaimed.
"Not on my watch!"Dora exclaimed.
She grabbed her riffle and jumped out of the car. She quickly approached Ester started shaking her. She was soon joined by Lon, Jeri and Wexer.
"Ester, speak to me here!"Dora demanded."Wake up!"
Hearing the language, Pina finally understood, who she was facing right now.
"Other Worlders…"she thought in fear.
"WHAT WAS YOU EVEN THINKING?!"Tuka shouted at the princes, which was taken aback by this."Opening the door like that! You didn't thought, that somebody might stand in front of the gate?"
"Exactly you, you red haired idiot!"Dora joined."You might have killed her, damn it!"
Princes felt like she is shrinking under the amount of hatred thrown into her now. She just watched as Dora takes her canteen and splashes the water on Ester's face.
"Even dwarves and hobbits would be more careful!"Tuka added.
Slowly, Ester started opening her eyes. When she did this, she looked straight into violet eyes of Rory.
"Oh, you finally awake."Rory said.
Immediately, Ester jumped up and sat on the ground. She looked around and noticed crowd of people, slightly stressed princess and Dora standing next to her with Lon, Jeri and Wexer. She also noticed walls surrounding all of this.
"We're inside?"she asked.
"Estie, is everything okay?"Liz asked in radio.
"Ester here."Ester replied."Everything is under control, Liz. Just stay on your toes and look for possible danger. I'll contact you, over."
"Understood, Estie."Liz replied and the call ended.
Ester looked around once more and asked:
"Who will explain all of this to me?"
In this moment, all eyes around turned on Pina. Princess looked at everyone.
"What? Me?"she asked."Well…"
"Wait. First of all. Who are you again?"Ester asked.
Before Pina could say anything, Hamilton stepped in front of her princess and exclaimed proudly:
"You fools! You're in presence of Third Princess of the Empire, Pina Co Lada!"
In this moment, Resistance soldiers frowned.
"Can you say it again?"Lon asked.
Hamilton looked at the Nashini and repeated:
"Princess Pina Co Lada!"
She then orientated who she is talking too, and almost jumped back, seeing the alien speak Saderan.
Ester then felt wave of laughter coming to her mouth, but she somehow managed to gulp through it. She looked at Dora, which simply smirked. She was named after cocktail drink!
Wexer simply blinked his eyes, don't knowing what is it all about.
"What is it all about?"he asked.
"We tell you later."Ester stated."First, can we talk with you, your Highness?"
Pina looked at Ester for few seconds. She finally sighed. She had no other choice, but to agree and together with Hamilton, Resistance soldiers, Tuka, Lelei and Rory left.
Later…
House Formal mansion
"This…is fortified city of Italica."Pina started explaining."It lays in the place, where Tessaria and Appia Trade Routes connect, making it valuable trade center. Since generations, these lands are ruled by Clan Formal, but when the previous count died, his three daughters started fighting for power. The oldest and middle one already found husbands. They fought for the right to take care of the legitimate hare, the youngest of them, Myui."
"Wow, like during Succession Crisis on Shakaya."Jeri said.
"You understand what she's talking about?"Lelei asked.
Shakayan Marine nodded.
"Barely. But language lessons turn out to be useful."he replied.
"This is when expedition was sent to another world."Pina said, bringing attention of Resistance soldiers."Each head of house had to lead it's force to battle. Nobody returned.
The group then reached the wooden door at the end of the corridor. Princess sighed and turned towards them.
"Behind this door resides current ruler of Italica, countess Formal, Myui."Pina explained.
She then turned back to the door and pushed them, letting everyone in. Once soldiers entered, they were surprised by what they saw. In front of them, on the throne, was sitting a young girl, dressed in pink dress and with slightly orange hair. They were looking at her for few seconds, don't knowing, what to say.
"It's just a little kid."Wexer finally said.
"From what I know, this year she will be eleven."Pina said, standing next to countess."Although she is the head of the family, she couldn't command the army. This is why I command in her name."
Soldiers once more looked at Myui. Honestly, they wouldn't be surprised if Pina would try to remove her and take her place. Knowing what Saderans are capable of.
"I understand."Ester said."Now, can we talk?"
"Of course."Pina said and signaled to the maids to bring something to drink.
When everything was set up, soldiers sat down with princess and countess. There was a moment of silence between them. Pina with little worry looked at Lon, Jeri and Wexer. What kind of strange creatures even they were. One two meter tall, triangle-shaped humanoid. Giant, two legged ant. And short thing covered in brown fur. These Other Worlders surely were interesting bunch at that.
"So I guess, that situation is critical, right?"Ester started.
"You can…say it like that."Pina said."We're running low on supplies and morale is going down. Additionally, our reinforcements are three days away from here."
Ester nodded.
"So I guess we have no other choice, but to help you."she said.
"Help us?"Pina asked with surprise.
"Sure. We came here to trade some dragon scales, but seeing the situation, our only option is to support the defense."Ester explained."We can call some support and reinforce you."
Pina nodded in agreement.
"Good. In this case, I should meet with your kings and discuss the plan."she said.
What she received, were surprised looks of Resistance soldiers. She didn't knew why they were looking at her like that.
"What? Aren't your leaders leading your campaign?"Pina asked.
"Well…General Secretary is taking care of bureaucracy."Ester said.
"Matriarch is preparing to give birth to her successor."Wexer said.
"Queen is probably just sitting in her villa given to her by Humans for the time being."Jeri said.
"And president is preparing for the elections."Lon ended.
Pina simply couldn't believe what she was hearing. Were these Other Worlders so powerful, that they didn't even needed their leaders to lead the army? Just who they were?
"Anyway. Just give us some time and we prepare our support."Ester said."So since now, for the time being, we are under your command. And command of countess."
Rose Knights leader looked at the countess, which nodded her head.
"I will accept your help."she said.
"Well then. You will be guarding the Southern Gate."Pina said.
Ester nodded and drunk her drink.
Soon, gates were opened and vehicles of Third Recon entered the city. People watched as these strange soldiers exiting them and with surprise they noticed, that they were all teenage girls, except these Beast Men which were with them.
From top of the walls, Pina and Hamilton watched this situation unfolding.
"So these are the Other Worlders?"Hamilton asked."The ones that killed the Flame Dragon?"
"Seems like it."Pina replied.
"And to think that these girls are mostly of the same age as us."younger Knight said."Letting them into the city was a good decision?"
Princess looked at her and sighed.
"We had no other choice."Pina stated."We need every help we can get and they asked for permission to help themselves."
Meanwhile, in Land Rover, Ester contacted the base through the radio.
"No, it's really her name."she said."Anyway. We would like to have some heavy artillery. What can you provide?"
"From what I see, we have one free Tu-201 Paffin. Will this do?"base asked.
"Of course. Heavy air support if better than heavy support on the ground. When can we expect it?"
"It will be circling in the area, looking for target and waiting for the battle to start. It will enter the battle when it start. Base, over."
Ester put the radio down and exited the vehicle.
"And?"Suvi asked.
"They will provide us one Tu-201."Ester replied."Until then, better let's go to the Southern Gate. Princess Cocktail surely want us to be there as fast as possible."
Suvi nodded and soon, three vehicles were driving through the narrow streets on the city.
17:58
Fort Terhis
"HQ is calling us?"Amanda asked.
"Yes, sir."captain Eriksson replied."Seems like the news about civilian casualties reached Earth and now, they want to listen to the witnesses and know exactly what happened."
Admiral sighed and fell deeper into her chair. She looked at her watch.
"So they probably want Ester and Third Recon?"
"Exactly. They were the ones escorting civilians, so they want to have them tell everything what happened during that time."
Woman leaned towards her right hand.
"You know, that they are currently in Italica, which is under attack?"she asked.
Eriksson nodded.
"Of course. This is why I have it all covered."
"Covered?"
"Yes. Two companies of Marines are waiting for my order to move out and do what is needed to be done with these bandits."captain explained."Besides, this will also help us in taking care of bandits rampaging in the area."
The increase in bandit activity resulted in bigger frequency of attacks on Resistance recon teams. Now, as majority of bandits gathered under Italica to take over the city, both Resistance and local populace could use this to their advantage.
"Okay."Chesterfield said."You and Jess have a green light. Do what you need to do. You can leave now."
Captain nodded and left the office.
20:03
Italica, Southern Gate
Jackie sat on the ramparts of the wall, looking at the three bandits observing the fortifications. Thanks to zoom option in her visor, she could see their faces, showing nothing more than hatred.
"Cocksuckers."she whispered."Several scouts are here."
"Main force is behind them."Lena said."Five to six hundred enemies."
"You think they want this gate?"Jackie asked.
Lena threw up her arms.
"Possible."Ester said."They don't have enough men to surround the city. There is cliff in the North, so they probably focus on the other gates."
She then looked at the soldiers around her.
"Yet you're worrying about…"Jor said.
Ester nodded.
"Yes. We're bait here."she agreed."There are thirteen of us, protecting this gate. Bandits already breached it, so princess wants it to look unmanned. She will end the battle on the second line behind us."
"You think they fall for it?"Fatima asked.
"Princess Cocktail is in command here."Ester summed."Now, take your positions. Attack can start anytime. And prepare night vision in visors."
Soldiers nodded and walked in different directions.
"Ester."Rory called.
She turned around and cocked her head.
"Why are you help the enemy princess?"demigoddess asked.
"To protect the people, of course."Ester replied.
"You're serious?"
"I think so."
Rory smiled and walked up closer to her.
"You are so interested in my reason?"Ester asked.
"Emloy is a God of War."Rory replied."He doesn't think killing is a sin. But this makes your reasons important. Lies are bad for soul."
Hearing this, Ester smiled.
"It's really in the defense of citizens. I don't lie."she said."But there is something else. I want to show this princess, that it's better to be on our side, than against us."
In response, Rory sent her a smile. Next, she started literally dancing in front of her with laugh.
"I like it! I like it a lot!"she said, jumping on the ramparts."You're going to simply terrorize her soul! I shall help you then."
She then bowed.
"I didn't had an occasion to get a little crazy in a while! I just can't wait!"
"It's not like that, you know…"Ester said, scratching her neck.
However, demigoddess was already in trance.
Seven hours later…
East Gate
Once the night fallen over the city, Militiamen manned the eastern wall and guarded it together with Norma. Knight was scanning the area with his eyes, looking for any possible movement. Yet, there still was nothing.
"It's quiet."one of Militiamen said."Too quiet."
"I don't like it either."another replied.
"Be quiet yourself."Norma groaned.
He once again started looking around.
And then, suddenly, bunch of flaming arrows lighted up in the field. They were let loose and flew towards the wall.
"Enemy!"Norma shouted."Everybody, get down!"
With his words, Militiamen started hiding behind the ramparts, but some weren't that lucky.
"Return fire, return fire!"Knight ordered.
Militiamen bowmen started firing arrows back at the enemy, but bandits covered themselves with shields. Two battering rams were making their way towards the gate, also under cover of shields.
But then, there was an explosion between bandits ranks as two more shells fell from the sky. Some started looking for source of this, but couldn't find anything.
"Give them that!"Tu-201 pilot said to the gunner.
"Never underestimate Russian artillery!"gunner said, firing another 125mm cannon attached to the craft.
"Inform princess Pina!"Norma ordered."Enemy is attacking the East Gate!"
Messenger quickly ran to the mansion, where Pina was listening to the sounds of battle ongoing outside.
"Your Highness!"messenger said."Enemy is attacking the East Gate!"
"East Gate?"surprised princess said.
Princess, accompanied by Grey and Hamilton, rushed towards the scene, where upon her arrival saw another two shells from Tu-201 falling on the bandits. Next, she saw fireball of explosion behind the wall.
"Is this the Other Worlders' support?"she thought.
At the same time, Third Recon could only seat and watch the situation in the east. Rory was the most unhappy because of that.
"Why?!"she exclaimed."They had to attack this side!"
Lena looked at her terminal.
"Zero three eleven. Ideal time to attack."the Russian said.
"They might be bandits, but they are soldiers, too."Liz agreed."They still knew a thing or two."
"Did the East Gate called reinforcements?"Ester asked.
"Negative."Dora replied.
Ester nodded and again turned towards the East Gate.
Where situation quickly started to get critical, when bandits managed to put ladders under the walls and started climbing up.
"Light up the arrows!"Norma ordered."Don't let them reach the top!"
Militiamen continued to fire back, but there was simply too many enemies. Even Tu-201 couldn't actually take everyone out, as there was simply too many of them.
Bandits started to climb up the walls, slaying everyone in their path. Norma managed to evade an attack and knock enemy down, when he saw smile on bandit's face.
"Did they just came here to seek death?"he asked himself.
However, this little moment of inattention was used by bandits, which swarmed his position and soon, Knight lost his life.
"Look!"bandits leader shouted to his men, having Norma's body impaled on his sword."This is what they get! This is what we give them! LET THEM HAVE DEATH!"
His words were greeted with cheers of the bandits, as leader threw the lifeless body off his sword.
Pina watched in horror how the Militiamen are simply slaughtered by the bandits, which started laughing as they made their way through them.
"How could this happen…?"she asked herself.
Right then, bandits started opening the gate and letting more of them in. Tu-201 couldn't do anything more, as gunner didn't wanted to destroy or kill anyone in the city.
Princess could only watch and pray for miracle.
XXX
Part one of Italica-done. The battle is already ongoing and as it was expected, situation is grim. But Eriksson is, as always, man with a plan and Marines are preparing to move out at any moment. So soon, Princess Cocktail will see why Marines are the best Resistance can offer on the battlefield.
Now, trivia:
K-92 Skyhawk-dropship produced for American Marines Corp and US Army by Lockheed Martin as replacement of over sixty years old Raven dropship. It quickly made it's way to UNSA and is used by majority of US allies, except Germany, France, Japan and United Kingdom. It's equipped with 20mm machine gun and rocket pods, able to feel eight missiles each.
Tu-201 Puffin-Russian support craft produced by Tupolev. Since start of war with Holy Order, this machine found it's way into numerous Marines units, both Human and alien. It's armed with one 20mm chaingun, one 70mm gun and one 125mm cannon (so basically future AC-130 cousin from Russia).
Alright, with trivia done, I can say see you in the next chapter!