Once more, we come back to The Will of Resistance. Last time we seen each other, Falmartese returned from the our world back to their own and with Pina declaring her decision to the rest of Knights. Some time passed since then and let's see what happened by this time.
But first, reviews.
To Poke A Poodle: When it comes to your questions, I'll try to reply on them in the story as fast as possible.
To Hank: I watched it. And I agree with you.
Okay, without further ado…
Chapter 14
,,Visitor"
August 12, 2150
17:43
Alnus Town
It was already three months since the start of Saderan-Resistance War and a month since Battle of Italica. By this time, Refugee Area and Fort Terhis itself were calm and peaceful. But, as the war was going, more and more refugees started coming to Alnus, which soon became place were numerous cultures from both sides of the Gate started to mix up with each other. Because of growing number of new inhabitants in the base, Resistance decided to expand the Refugee Area, which soon grew up to size of standard Human colonial town. Currently, around five thousand people resided in a town made of numerous prefabricated buildings.
But as this was happening in Fort Terhis, war with Holy Order was still going on. By the last month, White Squadron was pulled back to the frontlines to perform several high importance missions. But the most important mission of them all was invasion of planet Catharsis V, where numerous factories and ship building facilities were placed. It was first bigger operation partaken by Resistance since the start of stalemate six years prior. It ended in enormous success, what sent spark of joy through entire Resistance and not only, as now, several groups of guerillas started to appear throughout Holy Order controlled areas of space.
However, war was far from over and some reports which started flooding into Fort Terhis were a bit worrying. As several started telling about some mysterious new war machine fielded by Holy Order. Disappearance of Task Force 08 and 46. And fields of debris in places, where Resistance outposts were placed on asteroids.
But by now, these things were marked us 'UNCONFIRMED' and were placed in drawers for the time being, as more important things were happening.
Ester and Dora were currently walking down one of the streets of the newly named 'Alnus Town'. Around them, people were taking care of their usual works, like trading and building new buildings, using their ways.
"That's what you call a crowded place."Ester stated.
"Yeah. And to think that one shop in military base, could lead to entire town growing up out of nowhere."Dora said.
Right then, they passed a shop, in which products from Resistance side of the Gate were being sold.
"For them, everything we bring from our Galaxy is something new."Ester stated."So it's logic."
"Besides, Sadera is still there and it does everything it can to take us out."Dora added."I'm not surprised they all would come here."
White Squadron leader nodded in agreement.
"True. But notice, that not only they can buy something new here."she said."Yesterday I sent mom and dad a vase made by local craftsman. Mom always said, that she wanted to have something exotic in home."
"But it also have it's minuses."Dora stated."With more and more people, we need more and more ours to keep the order."
"Easy, Tertans are doing their best."Ester assumed.
Right then, squad of Tertan Military Police passed by them. It was mixed squad of Black, White and Blue Casts.
"Yeah. And countess Myui was nice enough to give us help of some of her maids."Dora said."Just hope these Faliens won't make any trouble."
'Faliens' was a shortened name from 'Falmart Alien Species', which was new term used to describe half-human species inhabiting the Special System. It was decided, that term 'Demi-humans'
was more offensive to them. It was showed several times, as it led to few accidents in which several Resistance soldiers were wounded.
"Easy. They know, how to behave themselves."Ester provided.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"the two suddenly heard.
When they looked in the direction of the scream, they saw a man literally flying out of the nearby tavern. He hit the ground and bounced from it several times, before he stopped under the wall on the other side of the street.
"GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE AND NEVER COME BACK ANYMORE!"a Warrior Bunny in winter patterned uniform blouse exclaimed to the man."My ass isn't for you to touch!"
"You bitch…"man said, with drunken voice.
In response, a crystal-like blade hit the ground between his legs. He looked at the direction it came from and saw a crystal skinned creature standing next to the Warrior Bunny. It had two arms and legs like Human and even looked like Human female in appearance.
"Next one won't miss!"the creature exclaimed.
Man quickly got up and ran away as fast as possible. Warrior Bunny and crystal creature looked as he ran away. Next, crystal creature looked at the blade. It came out of the ground and flew back, hitting creature's hand and simply assimilated with the rest of it's body.
"Thanks, Karilia."Warrior Bunny said.
"No problem."crystal creature named Karilia replied."He started to piss me off too."
Next, the two turned around and walked back into the tavern. In that moment, Rory came to the place with Siren MP in tow.
"Huh, looks like I didn't had to do anything."Rory stated.
"Yeah. Maraqs' combat abilities with their crystal bodies are often enough."Ester said."Guess you're on patrol?"
"Yeah, lately more of guys like him appear. It's annoying."Rory replied."And you? You came to eat something?"
"Actually, we were called."Ester replied, pointing at the tavern.
Rory looked in that direction and saw Fatima waiting for them in the door.
Few minutes later…
Inside the tavern
Tavern was filled with sound of loud talks and some drunken man singing rather NSFW songs about women. But still, being the most prosperous and the best tavern in the town made it popular meeting place for people from Falmart and Resistance.
Fatima, Ester, Dora and Rory were sitting at one of the tables, right as a fox girl placed four soft bears in front of them.
"Here you are."the fox girl said.
"Thank you."Ester said, giving the girl a bunch of coins.
Girl walked away and the four focused on their drinks.
"So, what is it you wanted to talk with us, Salt?"Ester asked Fatima.
"Well…"Israeli said, but was cut off by Rory
"Hey, Tuka!"the Apostle exclaimed.
Everyone turned to the window and saw the said elf walking past the tavern.
"Are you looking for someone?"Rory asked.
"Yes, you could say it like that."Tuka replied.
"Man, probably?"
"No, no."
And with these words, Tuka walked down the street, leaving members of White Squadron and Rory.
"And there is the problem."Fatima said.
"What?"Dora asked.
"She does it every day."medic replied."Every day she walks around the town, looking for her dead father."
"Yikes."Ester said.
"Exactly."Fatima agreed."How long are we going to tolerate this?"
Ester looked into her beer and took a sip.
"I think I know what you think about…"White Squadron leader said.
"But do we really have to force her to accept the truth?"Rory finished.
"We have no other option. Without that, she can't have any future."Fatima stated."She just wastes what's now. It's not fair."
Rory nodded.
"Yes, however…"she said.
"Fatima, listen. If we would all start saying 'Tuka, your dad is dead, deal with it' how do you think she would feel?"Ester asked."We can't support her forever."
"So we just have to leave her with this?"
"Yes."Dora stated."If you can't see what will happen, don't do anything."
For few seconds, all three of them were looking at each other, until Fatima tightened her fists and stood up.
"Understood."she said."I will go now. I have to be ready for tomorrow."
She then walked out of the tavern.
"I will try and talk to her."Dora said, standing up.
She followed Fatima and left only Ester and Rory. Apostle looked at Ester's mug.
"Drink, you fool."she said.
"No, I think I have enough."Ester stated."I would rather eat something…"
As per her words, a plate of strawberry cake was placed in front of her. Ester looked at the Warrior Bunny in white pattern uniform blouse.
"Thanks…?"Ester said."But I didn't ordered that."
"It's on the house."Warrior Bunny said."I heard that your last battle was hard."
"You don't know how, Delilah."Ester said and sighed."Maybe I will tell you later. And thanks for the cake."
"No problem."Delilah said and returned to her place behind the countertop.
Ester looked at the cake and bit it.
"And what about Pina and her Knights?"Rory asked.
Ester swallowed the cake and replied:
"Pretty good. From what I heard, today they will have the first training with weapons. I think this is what they were waiting for, after a month of drills and running in mud."
"Good for them."Rory said, taking a sip of beer.
Meanwhile…
Fort Terhis Proving Ground
Members of Rose Knights were currently standing in two lines, one behind another, as they watched Human drill sergeant walking in front of them. Today was their first training with usage of weapons and they truly were pretty stressed.
"Why do I feel hot?"Hamilton asked, looking at her uniform.
"Don't tell me you activated the heating function?"Grey asked.
Hamilton looked at her hand terminal, which by the last month became one of her main work tools, and checked the options.
"Oh, actually."she said, turning the heating off.
Grey just rolled his eyes.
"Quiet."Pina ordered.
By the last month, Knights were literally forced to their limits, when they had to crawl in mud, run several kilometers with full backpack on their backs and several other traditional military drills. Most of them were going through these things without any problem. Just two or three of them fell out of the basic training and were moved to logistics.
And now, finally, after month of literal torture, they had to take Other Worlders weapons in hands and train with them.
"Why is he walking like that?"Beefeeter asked.
"Probably just checking if we're ready."Pina said, straightening her uniform."Who would've thought, that these uniforms can be so comfortable. And that they can change size, according to wearer's body build."
Finally, sergeant stopped in front of them and eyed the group.
"Attention!"he ordered.
All Knights quickly stood at attention and looked at the drill sergeant.
"My name is sergeant Zhin Xao of United Nations Space Alliance Marines Corp. Since today, I will be your weapon drills sergeant. Who is in command of your platoon?"sergeant asked.
Pina then stepped forward and saluted, as she was taught to by the last month.
"Lieutenant colonel Pina Co Lada reporting!"former princess said.
After Knights joined the Resistance structure, all of them were given ranks. Pina was now lieutenant colonel, Bozes, Hamilton and Grey got rank of major, Panache and Beefeeter were granted rank of captain and other Knights were now lieutenants or second lieutenants.
Sergeant Xao nodded.
"Thank you."he said."Now, you probably want to know, what are we gonna train with?"
All Knights nodded.
"Good. Let us show you."Xao said and whistled.
Immediately, Knights could hear sound of metal hitting the ground and pneumatics moving. Pina and Bozes recognized this sound from Terhis and looked at each other.
Soon, a Human soldier dressed in metallic uniform came in their sight and stood in front of them.
"From the order of admiral Amanda Chesterfield, from now on, you will be 1st Falmart Exo Platoon."Xao proclaimed.
Knights just looked at the man in the exoskeleton in front of them.
"You also have these exoskeletons?"Bozes asked.
"Indeed. Newly designed KNIGHT exoskeleton developed in cooperation between European Union Joint Military and People Liberation Army. United States and Russia are also going to join the program."sergeant Xao explained."Equipped with one BRUISE wrist mounted assault riffle, which can be taken out of the exoskeleton and used as normal gun. Shoulder mounted mini-rocket launcher, capable of destroying the best armored tanks. And one wrist mounted sliding blade on left wrist."
"I think I'm excited to wear such thing."one of Knights said.
"And good that you are."sergeant Xao stated."Now, dress up! And we meet here in the next half an hour!"
Knights saluted and went to dress their new exoskeletons.
Outside of the base, one of nearby hills
A hooded figure stood on top of the hill, overlooking Alnus. After so long, she finally managed to get here. Long way, full of death, blood and many lost friends. And here she way. A place, where she was supposed to get help to save her people.
"Alnus…"she muttered.
First, there were six of them. Six warriors, all of them having one and only goal: find these Other Worlders and know their price for the help. However, as the time passed, their group was loosing members left and right. Her last companion died over a week ago, killed a group of goblins, and she herself burred him under a tree on a hill.
But after so much trouble, she finally reached her destination. Now, she just had to take care of finding these Other Worlders and ask them for help in slaying the beast, which harassed the Dark Elves of Shwarz Forest.
Beast appeared literally out of nowhere. One day, group of hunters found a full bunch of trees reduced to ash. At the beginning, everyone thought, that these were just traces after last night's storm and simple lighting hit them. But soon, more and more such situations were reported and Dark Elves were clearly concerned.
It was then, that the Elecdrago appeared.
Monstrous beast, insensitive for any kind of weapon. It's gray skin was hard as metal and when he opened his mouth, he unleashed a hell storm of lightnings, which reduced everything they hit to ash. It wasn't long, before it started to hunt down Dark Elves and soon, majority of their population was simply reduced to, well, ash. This is why the warriors were sent to get the help of 'Other Worlders', which were lately pretty popular talk subject. And, if people were saying truth, managed to kill the Flame Dragon.
And now, she was here. It was time, to meet with Other Worlders and pay the needed price.
Back in the tavern
Ester and Rory were still sitting in the tavern, talking and drinking. However, as Ester noticed, when she ended one beer, Rory had already drunk three. This was a bit worrying, at the very least.
"Nine hundred sixty years."Rory said."It's eternity and it passed like nothing."
"Well, this is the price of immortality, I assume."Ester stated.
"You don't have to be so cold."
"I don't have enough strength to be nice for everyone, if I have to be honest."
Rory smiled.
"Liar."she said.
"Who says it."Ester whispered.
"You just have to live the life, before it ends. You know, that this is true. Respect life and it will respect you."Rory explained.
Ester looked at her.
"Respect life, you say?"she asked."I would like to, but…When I was born, war was already going on for two years. And always when I heard about Holy Order terrorist attacks on Earth, I went to sleep scared, that when I wake up…"
"Oh, don't be so boring!"Rory said and took her mug."Dola, give me one more!"
Ester sighed.
"I think you have enough already."she stated."It's not my fault, if you pass out."
Rory just smiled more and moved even closer to Ester, making White Squadron leader feel somehow uneasy.
"No!"she stated."Be nice for me."
"Stop. People are watching."Ester said.
"You think that I care?"
She was moving closer and closer, until Ester didn't had more place to go and only way she could escape, was to jump out the window. By few seconds, she was even considering if it's good to do it. However, something stopped her.
"What is going on here?"
Whole tavern fell silent and looked at the hooded figure, which stood next to Ester and Rory's table. Ester looked at Rory and the hooded person for few times. Hooded figure then took the hood off, revealing a female elf face under it.
"You give the alcohol to children?"elf asked.
Rory just winced and tightened her grip on Ester's uniform. Damn it! She was so close! Ester was pretty good joke victim material and it was close and Demigoddess would do her first joke on her. And this Dark Elf had to come here and destroy everything.
"How dare…"Rory said."How dare you intervene in my joke plans?!"
"Wait, what?"Ester asked.
"Silence!"Rory ordered.
Dark Elf just looked at this with emotionless expression. She turned around to address the entire tavern.
"My name is Yao Haa Dushi!"she exclaimed.
"Dark Elf?"Rory said, as her eye twitched."Three hundred or so?"
"What is she thinking?"a wolf man asked."Calling Goddess of Death a child?"
"Oh, she's so screwed."a man said.
"Maybe I'll just go out of here…"another said.
Rory just tried to keep calm face.
"What are you doing here?"she asked Yao.
"I'm daughter of Dehan of House Dushi."she replied."A Dark Elf from Shwarz Forest. I heard, that of Other Worlders could be found here. So I came to talk with him."
Rory risen her eyebrow.
"Other Worlders?"she asked.
"Yes."Yao replied and turned to Ester."You there. Why are you making little girl drunk? Are you some deviant?"
Rory suddenly felt an idea popping in her head. Maybe she still could fun from pranking Ester and this Dark Elf.
"Please, save me!"Rory exclaimed.
She stood up and quickly ran to Yao and hid behind her.
"This girl is forcing me to drink!"she exclaimed, pointing at Ester.
Hearing this, Ester felt her jaw dropping.
"Why always me?"she asked.
"She was forcing me to drink mug after mug! I told her I don't want to, but she insisted!"Rory continued.
"I knew it!"Yao said.
Next, she grabbed the handle of her sword and with one swift move, she put it to Ester's throat.
"Disgraceful!"she exclaimed.
"W-W-W-W-Wait…"Ester said.
Yao turned to Rory:
"Don't be afraid. I will teach this…"
But when she looked back, Ester was already gone. Yao looked around, but didn't saw Ester anywhere.
"Adios, amigos!"Ester shouted from the outside, as she ran into the city.
"She didn't paid for the beer…"Delilah noticed."I will have to write it in the notebook, so she remembers."
Yao just snorted and hid her sword.
"It's okay, she ran."she said to Rory.
But just like Ester, Rory also disappeared without a trace.
"She jumped out the window."Delilah said.
"What? What a thankless child."Dark Elf stated."She could at least…"
"You want to order something?"Delilah asked, as she made her way to the countertop.
"I didn't came here to…"Yao wanted to say again, but again was cut off.
"There are no Other Worlders. It's tavern."Delilah stated."You don't drink, then go out."
Yao just sighed and sat down at the countertop. She put her bag on the ground.
"So give me something to drink."she said.
Delilah nodded and left Yao.
"So Rory was just repaying for calling hr brat?"someone whispered in the back.
"Yeah. She didn't knew what she was doing."another whispered, pointing at Yao.
"So she made herself an enemy."someone else said.
Everyone once mor elooked at Yao and returned to their own business.
"Are you looking for Other Worlders?"a dwarf sitting next to Yao asked.
"Yes."Yao replied.
"Then you probably have a good reason."a cat girl next to her said.
"I want to ask them for help."
Dwarf took a sip of his beer.
"Whatever it is, they might not do it."he said and wolf girl nodded.
"Why?"Yao asked."I heard they are good people. They surely wouldn't leave anyone in need. Of course, I have a reward for them."
She then took her bag and placed it on the countertop, untying the twines. And when she did it, whole tavern was filled with surprised, excited and other types of gasps.
What was inside the bag, was a giant piece of adamantium.
"True adamantium!"one of tavern guests said.
"For something this size you could buy yourself a title and land!"someone else exclaimed.
"I will do it!"a wolf man said.
"No, I will!"
Soon, people started shouting their offers to help Yao, everything only to put their hands on the adamantium. Yao just smirked at this.
"Sorry, but I don't think you would make it."she said.
"What?"someone said.
"Then what do you want?"another man asked.
Dark Elf took a sip from her mug.
"I want them to kill the Elecdrago."
Silence fell upon the tavern. Several people started literally shaking in their boots, while some people gulped, not sure if they actually were smart to try and do something like this.
"So?"Yao asked."Will you do it?"
"I think I pass…"the wolf man said.
"Agreed with you."a Human said.
"And me."another said.
Soon, everyone back off their help proposition.
"What I thought."Yao stated, tying the bag back and putting it on the floor."I think I will go now."
Delilah, which was now cleaning a mug behind the countertop nodded.
"I just wish you best with the Other Worlders."she said.
"Thank you for your care."Yao said.
"And where are you going to stop?"
Yao just sighed.
"Don't worry about me. I have my ways."she said.
20:57
Forest in Alnus Hill's vicinity
Yao was slowly walking through the forest, observing hundreds of purple lights flying in the air. If she would be a simple Human, she would just say that this is beautiful. But for her, as a Dark Elf, it was something more than a beautiful natural show.
"I can hear the singing of Wind Spirits."she said."Untained air and clear water. Deep green."
She then approached the nearest tree. She put her bag on the ground and laid down, with her head on the bag.
"It's a good forest."Yao stated."I'm so close. Just hang in there for a little more…"
Not knowing when, Dark Elf woman closed her eyes and was sleeping.
However, once she did it, she immediately saw the images from her home. Enormous shape of Elecdrago standing over the trees and firing it's lightnings at the trees, animals and villages. Hundreds of Dark Elves running for their lives, as they were turned to ash. Beast's eyes flashing red every time it unleashed it's lightnings and stepping on the innocent people. It's deafening roar and sound of wings, as it appeared.
These were dreams, which accompanied her through the night, with tears coming out of her eyes as she fell asleep.
The next day…
After the night filled with terrifying dreams of Elecdrago, Yao was suddenly wrenched out of her sleep by a buzzing sound. Dark Elf looked around, looking for it's source, but couldn't find anything. She stood up, preparing for a possible danger.
But then, the source of the sound appeared, as two shapes flew over the forest. They were painted in blue and were not using wings to fly. Dark Elf could watch these things fly higher and higher into the air.
At the same time, in the air, two pilots were performing a short training to be ready to face any Imperial wyvern if the situation will request that.
"You sure you can make it, Emiko?"Liz asked from the cockpit of her Eurofighter Cyclone.
"S-Sure…"youngest member of White Squadron replied.
"Okay. Let's do it."Liz said."Keep it behind me."
Emiko quickly confirmed and positioned her fighter behind her sister. Two machines then started performing all kinds of maneuvers, from the most simple like bouncing left or right, to more complicated like Aerlion Turn.
Suddenly, Liz made a Barrel Roll, at the same time lowering thrust on her engines and let Emiko overtake her. By few minutes, Emiko didn't knew how to react.
"I'm right on your tail, sis."Liz pointed out.
Emiko bit her lip under her oxygen mask, don't knowing what to do. Right then, some paint filled bullets flew past her, while three made an impact, leaving purple stains on spacecraft's sheathing.
"Think, think, think…"Emiko said to herself.
She then had an idea. Without saying anything, she pulled her steers to herself and put the machine in vertical position, allowing gravity to do the rest and in this way, Emiko performed Pugachev's Cobra, landing behind Liz.
Girl then pulled her trigger and her paint bullets flew in Liz's direction. Soon, whole left side of the machine was covered in orange paint.
"Stop, it's enough for today."Liz stated."You did well. Nice job with that Cobra."
"Thank you…"Emiko replied.
"Let's go to base. Others are probably waiting."
With these words, two spacecraft turned around and started making it's way to the Alnus Field.
On the ground, Yao could only watch in amazement. These things didn't seemed to have any wings, yet they could fly on such height. And they were moving so swiftly and fast. They also seemed to be made of metal. Now wonder they killed Flame Dragon. It didn't stand a chance with these things!
"Other Worlders…"Yao said, as her eyes were filled with tears."My people are saved…"
Dark Elf quickly grabbed her bag and followed two metal dragons. However, they were so fast, that they quickly disappeared from her field of view.
But something else came into it. It was a group of Chakdrik and Nashini Marines, standing next to a Chakdrik ATAPT-7.
"These clothes…It's probably them!"she exclaimed.
This caught the attention of the group, as they looked at the Dark Elf. She approached them and started catching her breath.
"Excuse me!"she said."I would like to talk!"
Marines looked at each other. Damn it. They knew they should take these language lessons more seriously.
"Are you the Other Worlders?"Yao continued."If so, I need your help! My name is Yao Haa Dushi! I come from Shwarz Forest. Some time ago, Elecdrago started attacking our villages and killing our people. Please, help us! I beg you!"
Soldiers looked at each other. Only languages they knew, were Chakdrik and Nashinian. They only knew few words in local language.
"Hello, how are you?"one of Chakdrik asked.
Yao just looked at them in disappointment and walked away. It didn't took her long, to again wander into Alnustown and again, she was able to meet some of Other Worlders there. But, again she didn't had any luck.
"Well…"a Human said.
"Wait a minute…"a Tertan said, looking into a book.
"I don't know the language too well. Just a little bit."Shakayan said.
At one moment, she was approached by a Human Marine.
"Excuse me, do you need something?"he asked.
Yao looked at him and smiled.
"Yes! I need to talk with Other Worlders!"she explained.
"Then come with me."he said.
Happy because of this, Yao willingly followed the soldier. However, instead of leading her to the base, he led her outside the town.
"What are you…?"she wanted to ask and stopped.
Soldier started unbuttoning his pants. Knowing what was about to happen, Yao just swung her leg and before soldier knew, he was hit in the most sensitive place.
"Damn it…"he screeched, as he fell on the ground.
Yao then noticed a little pouch laying on the ground. She picked it up.
"Huh. Money. Might be useful."she said, as she hid the pouch in her pocket.
Situation repeated itself around five more, two of them were Shakayan and Nashini, while one was local resident, and soon, Yao had five more pouches of money.
After all of this, Yao was sitting at a threshold of one of buildings in town. She sighed. Why did she had such a back luck?
"I can't believe this."she said."None of them knows more words?"
She then frowned.
"Actually…Didn't that girl from yesterday wasn't an Other Worlder too? She was dressed the same as some Other Worlder Humans…She seemed to understand me. But how she was called?"
Right then, she saw a man walking past her. But something was unusual about him. He was looking and touching his forearm. When she looked closer, she noticed, that he had some kind of bracelet on, which occupied half of his forearm.
"Excuse me, sir!"she called.
"Yes?"the man asked.
"What is it?"Yao asked, pointing at his forearm.
Man looked at it too and nodded.
"Oh, this?"he said."It's an Other Worlder device called 'hand terminal'."
"Hand terminal?"Yao asked.
"Yes. They use it to numerous things, like messaging, writing and several others. I use it to count and write down how much products I have on my stand on market."
Yao looked at the strange device on the man's forearm. Actually, she could see a list of products written on it in Saderan.
"And where did you got this?"Dark Elf asked.
Few minutes later…
After man showed her where he got his hand terminal, Yao walked in that direction and soon, stepped into the store. But it was filled with numerous products, except of hand terminals. She also could see clothes, cosmetics, some every day items and numerous others, which she didn't recognized. There also were a number of people buying these things.
"What a large store…"she said."And there's a lot of products…"
"You have a good taste!"Yao heard.
She looked in that direction and saw the cat girl from yesterday, standing behind the countertop and talking with two Other Worlder Humans. Wait. She was talking with Other Worlders! In their language!
"Right now, they are under priced. May they serve you well!"the cat girl said.
"Thanks, Meia."one of Other Worlders said.
"Please, come again!"Meia said.
Next, the two walked away. Immediately, Yao appeared next to Meia, making her jump from the shock.
"Can I ask you something?"Yao asked.
"Oh, it's you…"Meia said, now in Saderan.
"You just talked with these two Humans! Do you know their language?"Yao exclaimed.
"Oh, you mean English?"Meia asked."It's one of languages their speak. But English is the easiest of them to learn, unlike Chakdrik, Nashini, Tertan and others. I tried anyway…"
"But how did you learned it?"Dark Elf cut her off.
"Oh, we have a book."Meia said, taking a book with red cover.
Yao tilted her head.
"A book?"she asked.
"Yes, English For Beginners. But it's not the only one. There are also books where you can learn, how to speak languages of other races, not only Humans."
Immediately, Yao reached one of pouches she managed to get.
"How much do you want for this?!"Dark Elf asked, sounding almost desperate.
"But it isn't for sale."Meia noticed.
"Just tell the price!"Yao demanded.
"Hey Meia."a Chakdrik MP said, entering the store."Is there any problem?"
Both Meia and Yao turned to face Chakdrik and Tertan MP.
"Oh, hey Gartak."Meia said."No, everything is alright. She just wanted to buy my dictionary."
Two Military Police officers looked at Yao. And something popped in their minds.
"Wait. Does she fit the description?"Chakdrik asked.
"You mean dark skinned elf that kicks men where it hurts the most and then running with their money?"Tertan replied."I think she does fit it."
The two then walked up to Yao.
"Excuse me, miss."Tertan started."We would like to have a word with you."
"So, we would like you to come with us."Chakdrik added.
"They want to talk with you."Meia translated.
Yao looked at the two soldiers for few seconds, don't knowing what to say. She suddenly felt a joy growing inside of her.
"YES!"she exclaimed, as she literally hung on Tertan neck, much to alien's surprise."I WILL COME WITH YOU!"
Tertan looked at his Chakdrik companion, which just threw up his arms.
"Well, follow us then."Chakdrik said.
With these words, the three started making their way out of the store, with Meia following them with her eyes.
"Will she be alright?"she asked herself.
She just threw up her arms and returned to her work.
Meanwhile…
As it was in mages tradition, Master had to train it's apprentice in every situation. So, being loyal to this statement, Cato continued to train Lelei as best as he could.
Right now, they resided at small pond in the middle of the forest. Lelei was reciting a spell, which made a row of discs in different sizes appear in front of her. Master Cato sat on the rocck and watched his apprentice.
Suddenly, Lelei stopped saying the spell and with one move of her hand, she sent a shockwave through the pond, which resulted in literal tons of water being sent into the air, when wave hit the second shore of the pond. Master Cato nodded his head.
"Wonderful, Lelei. It's…"He didn't ended, as water thrown in the air fell on him and washed him off the rock.
Lelei then picked up one of books she bought back in Geneva. After they crossed the Gate back, all things they bought were shipped onto the planet and moved after them.
"Knowledge about basic laws of reality on the other side completely exceeds ours."she said."Additionally, their abilities in mathematics are incredible, as this is the main factor, which allowed them to create hyperspace drive and start their interstellar travel. They can easily count the angle of entering atmosphere, as well as they know when and how to use the 'gravitational assist' during maneuvers."
Master Cato then stood up and shook his head.
"It was so wonderful, that I'm lost for words."he stated."Amazing. Your help will surely expand the range of use of magic. Even if you was inspired by the knowledge from another world, connecting it with to your spells truly deserves a science title!"
"But it's still too weak."Lelei stated.
Cato nodded and looked behind Lelei.
"I think you have a guest."Master stated.
Lelei tilted her head and turned around. Behind her, she saw a Nashini MP, saluting.
"I'm sorry to interrupt"Nashini said"we need a translator."
Alnus Town Police Station, Interrogation room
Yao was sitting in the interrogation room, looking at what laid in front of her. It was a pile of pouches she gathered from all the men she sent away with her kick. Since she was placed in the room, she didn't knew what to do. She hoped, that she will be able to talk to Other Worlders. Yet, nobody came since she was here.
"She was accused of robbery."Human MP explained to Lelei, as they watched Yao through the one-side mirror."But what she says, isn't the same as what victims say. In short, we are flagdag."
Lelei looked at the Human.
"Flagdag?"she asked.
"It's from Shakayan."Human explained."It literally means 'fucked'."
Mage nodded and looked back at Yao.
"She says something else?"she asked.
"Yes. That she was attacked and she needs our help."Human said."So. Can you help us?"
Lelei didn't responded. She just came up to the interrogation room door and opened, walking inside. She looked at Shakayan MP, which was guarding Yao.
"You can go. I will take care of this."she said to him.
Shakayan nodded and walked out.
Lelei walked up to the table and sat in the second chair in front of Yao. Dark Elf lifted her head and looked at her.
"Yao Haa Dushi."Lelei started."I would like to talk with you."
"Who are you?"Yao asked.
"My name is Lelei."mage replied."I know English very well, as well as some basics of other languages. So please. Tell me, what actually happened."
An hour later…
"Still hurts…"a Marine said, as he walked down the alley.
He still was holdign his crotch after the encounter with that elf. Fuck! He should predict that it can end that way. What he had to do, was just somehow stun her and then get to the work. Easy way and he fucked that up. It was at moments like these, that he actually regret, that he joined the military. He wanted to fly around planets and maybe get some time with sexy aliens. But as he soon learned, nothing could be so easy.
Suddenly, he felt someone patting his arm.
"Hey, you."the voice said.
Marine turned around and saw a Siren with MP band on her arm.
"I would like to ask you some questions."Siren said.
Such situation started to repeat itself around the entire town and base, as MPs, mainly Rory, started hunting down all men which Yao told about. Soon, all five, three Humans, one Nashini and one Shakayan. They were interrogated and ultimately, under Rory's persuasion abilities, they said everything.
"All of them admitted that they are guilty."Human MP said, standing between Lelei and Yao in the interrogation room."They were all arrested for the attempt to assault Yao. They will be discharged from the military and sent of one of our penal colonies."
"What means…"Lelei said.
"Yes."Human said, looking at Yao."You was proven innocent. You can go."
Lelei quickly translated. In response, Yao stood up and leaned towards her.
"Wait!"she exclaimed."I need to meet with Other Worlders commanders! My home was attacked by a beast we can't kill! It almost wiped us all out and I was sent to get help from them! I beg you!"
Lelei looked at Yao for few seconds, after which she looked at Human MP next to her.
"Do I have to tell the Resistance, that you need their help?"Lelei asked.
Yao energetically nodded her head.
"Yes! Please!"she said.
"Is that all?"Lelei asked.
Yao calmed down a little and sat down.
"You seem to have some influence here."she stated."I would like you to ask them for help, if you could."
"Sure."Lelei said.
Yao sighed and sat back down.
"You have my gratitude."she said.
Lelei translated everything to Human MP and he nodded. He then left the room and walked to his office, where he called the command building and explained Yao's situation. After few seconds, he got the response and ended the call. After this, Yao and Lelei left for Resistance command building.
Later, command building…
"Unfortunately, we can't help you."admiral Chesterfield said.
It was just half an hour, since Yao and Lelei came to the building. They were directed to the conference room, where after few minutes, commanders of Task Force 03 came and sat on the sofa in front of them. Yao then started explaining the situation, with all military officers listening closely to what she had to say.
And now, she felt like someone punched her in the gut with iron glove.
"But…"she tried to say.
"Your home, the Shwarz Forest, lays behind the Sadera borders."Jessica said."More precisely in the Kingdom of Elbe."
"And it's true that we're actually allied with king Duran"Oksana said"but if we would sent a force bigger than we agreed with him, it could be misunderstood and rest would roll down the hill."
"And we really don't want to change current ally back into another enemy."Magar said.
"You should give up for now."Lelei said."He's right. I read the treaty they signed with King Duran."
But Yao couldn't back off. Not after what she was through.
"It don't have to be a big army!"she said."I heard, that the Flame Dragon was defeated and killed just by the dozen or so of you!"
"No."admiral said firmly."We lost too many good men while fighting in our world and we can't risk more dying here."
Yao was a bit confused by what this woman just said, but didn't had a time to think about it.
"I'm really sorry. Especially, when we consider the way you went through."Chesterfield ended.
Dark Elf just sat there, not believing in what she just heard. After so much trouble and all this death she saw on her way…they were saying that they can't help her. She just sat there.
"I think we will go."Lelei said.
Both she and Yao stood up. Commanders watched the two leave. Silence hung in the air.
"We really aren't gonna help her?"Eriksson asked.
"I didn't said that."Amanda said."But we have a bit too much on our heads now. We're preparing Operation: Canaveral to start and we're currently diverting all units to this task. Besides, we also don't know, if she's saying the truth."
Others nodded.
"So, what are you proposing?"Uki'Oparla asked.
"First of all, we need to confirm what she's saying."admiral replied."We need to send a drone to Elbe and check that forest. Additionally, contact me with our Marines and King Duran in Elbe. It's better, if they also check the situation there."
"It can be done."Oksana said.
Everyone in the room agreed with this.
"Okay. Ox."Amanda looked at Task Force pilots commander."Go and tell the drone operators to take care of this. Rest of you, prepare for Canaveral. It starts in the next two days."
"Sir, yes sir!"commanders exclaimed and saluted.
Oksana left first, after which she walked to the Drone Control building. There, she talked with one of drone controllers and soon, an MQ-107 drone was on it's way to Elbe.
Back with Yao and Lelei, the two walked down the streets of Alnus Town. Yao still was thinking about words she heard from the admiral. She hoped her hard work finally would pay off. And yet, here she was, still without help of Other Worlders.
"Are you okay?"Lelei asked.
"And how you think?"Yao shot back, a bit too harsh.
But young mage wasn't even impressed by this.
"I think that you feel depressed by the words of admiral Chesterfield and rest of Task Force 03 commanders."she said.
Yao could only sigh.
"Yes."Dark Elf replied.
The two walked down the street for few more seconds, before Lelei said:
"Is there something more you need?"
Yao looked at her and started thinking.
"Actually, yes."she said."I still would like to know, who Other Worlders actually are. Why are they here? And why are there all these races?"
"Well. I can help and explain this too."Lelei said.
"Really?"
"Yeah, just follow me."
And with these words, the two walked into the town.
XXX
And another chapter down. After some time, we got to the part with Yao. And it will be continued in the next chapter, with her learning about Resistance and races making it. But not only it. But, there is also this situation with mysterious new weapon Holy Order possesses. I know that war with Holy order is not the main focus of the story, but still. And it will play some role in the future.
Until next time, I'm signing out!