Coming to you with another chapter of The Will of Resistance. Last time, we came back in time to see, how Resistance agents set up their operations within Sadera. Now, as I promised, we come back to the main course of the story. It's time to move to the dragon hunting part and kill the Elecdrago.
So, without further ado…
Chapter 22
,,Into the woods"
September 30, 2150
12:53
Alnustown, Delilah's tavern
Just like every other day, the tavern was filled with guests, especially since Delilah's return. Of course, she told them, that if she's called, she will have to come back on the frontline, but until then, people were again enjoying chatting with her, when they visited the tavern.
At some tables, Resistance soldiers were singing in their native languages, especially the alien soldiers. Although it was already five days, the destruction of Hegemon was still fresh in their mind and they still couldn't stop celebrating.
Rory, Lelei, Tuka and Yao were sitting at one of the tables and listened to the songs in various languages of Earth and other races.
"They certainly are enjoying themselves."Rory stated.
"But why are they celebrating so long? The battle was won days ago."Yao noticed.
"It's because of the nature of this war."Lelei replied."Ester explained, that all the victories the Resistance achieved by the twenty years of conflict were the minor ones, like taking some planets or single systems. The destruction of Hegemon, however, is considered as the first major victory of the alliance, as it rid Holy Order of it's most powerful weapon. They also destroyed a large portion of the escort fleet, with minimal losses on their own side."
Yao nodded.
"So…what about my request now?"she asked.
"I talked with admiral Chesterfield. She said, that it's their main priority now, as Holy Order calmed down, licking wounds after the loss."the mage said.
Immediately, the Dark Elf felt something inside of her. It was finally time to come back to her home and bring the help that her people needed. She was ready and just waited for the word, that they are 'moving out', as Other Worlders were saying.
"And when do we have to go?"she asked.
"Ester said, that they need to prepare just few more things. But they didn't said what."Tuka said.
"We can only guess."Rory stated.
Meanwhile, in the other part of the base, members of the Third Recon were looking through their arsenal for the upcoming mission. Ester requested everything. From full caches of ammo for Yuko's anti-material sniper riffle, through several machine guns for the bad situation, ending at a large number of explosives and rocket launchers. Because of that, they were taking additional truck with them, to carry all of this.
"And, hop!"Ester said, as she and Dora picked up an ammo box.
They lifted it off the ground and placed in the back of the truck, among others. It was pretty heavy and it really tired them.
"Well, another off the head."Ester said.
"You really ordered a lot of ammo."Dora said."Why, by the way?"
Ester looked at her.
"We're going far away from the base. Dropships are currently undergoing maintenance. And we don't know, when we will have opportunity to resupply."she explained.
Dora, however, noticed a small twitch on Ester's face.
"Is something wrong?"she asked.
"You noticed?"Ester asked and Dora nodded."Well, yeah…I talked with Fatima lately. About Tuka."
"Why? She seems fine to me."Dora stated.
"That's what I said."Ester said."But Fatima said, that it's only a surface. She made a brain wave scan of her and noticed some abnormalities."
"Like…?"
"Like when she said 'Flame Dragon', Tuka started freaking out."
Dora narrowed her eyes.
"But Flame Dragon is long dead."she noticed.
"Fatima thinks, that this don't matter."Ester stated."She made sure by mentioning Elecdrago in front of her. The same result."
"So, what does it mean?"
Ester tried to think of a good answer.
"I think that means, that her trauma is so deep, that she doesn't care, what dragon it is. Flame or electric, they are all the same thing to her. And I don't know, what to do."she finally replied.
The two stood there in silence for a few seconds, not knowing, what to say now. Dora wanted to somehow comfort Ester, but had no idea, how to do it. She finally put her hand on her friend's arm and said, what she had to say.
"Then take Tuka with us."she said.
Ester immediately turned to her, with her eyes widened.
"Take her with us? But…"she tried to object.
"I know, it's a bad idea."Dora agreed."But still. If we don't do anything about her, who knows what might happen. And for me, shock therapy is the most prominent thing to do."
"I'm not fully sure…"
"Then what do you think we should do? Let her slide into the dark, or try and help her, even if it's the drastic option?"
Ester started feeling some kind of spinning in her head. What Dora was saying, was probably the only thing that should be done. But if it wouldn't work, then it would only make Tuka worse.
"Do, can I…take a nap and think about it?"Ester asked, quite childly.
Dora patted her back.
"Sure. It's your decision."she said.
The two then walked in two opposite directions.
That night…
20:33
Alnustown
As the moon slowly hid behind the horizon, Ester was walking down the streets of Alnustown. She took the nap that she wanted to take and finally decided, that what Dora said, was true. For now, and in current conditions, this was probably the best idea they could come up with. But to do it, she had to first talk to Tuka.
Tuka herself, had an apartment at the edge of Alnustown. At this hour, only people in the tow, were the MP officers patrolling the streets and soldiers, so she could move through it without any trouble. This is why she was surprised, seeing someone else at near Tuka's place.
"Lelei?"she asked, surprised."What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see Tuka. She didn't showed up since our meeting in the tavern."the mage replied.
"Understandable."Ester said."Allow me to join you, then."
Lelei only nodded, with her standard emotionless face.
The two entered the building and made their way up the stairs on the second floor. There, they stood in front of the door leading to Tuka's room. Ester knocked at them.
"Tuka? Can we talk?"she said.
Nothing. She tried again.
"It's me, Ester. There is Lelei with me."
Again, nothing. White Squadron leader looked at Lelei. Young mage, although still having her stern face, was emitting the aura of anxiety. Ester tried to press the handle and, much to her surprise, the door opened without any resistance. She pushed them open and, with Lelei following, entered inside.
"Tuka?"Ester whispered.
She looked around the room. Everywhere, there were clothes laying on the ground or other furniture. But Tuka herself was nowhere to be seen.
"What happened here?"Lelei asked.
"I have no idea…"Ester replied."But what is something…"
"Father!"a voice suddenly exclaimed.
The two looked in it's direction and saw Tuka standing in the door leading to the bathroom. She looked at the two, but mainly at Ester.
"Phew, we thought that…"Ester tried to say, but was stopped.
"Father!"the elf exclaimed.
Before Ester could ask, Tuka rammed her, making her fall over on the floor and tied her in strong hug. Ester looked at Lelei, which finally couldn't keep her stern face and had visible expression of surprise.
"Father, I knew you will come back for me!"Tuka continuously said.
It took Ester few seconds to understand, who she was referring to.
"Wha-wha-wha-wha-what?! Tuka, I'm not your father!"she exclaimed.
Tuka looked at her and Ester saw tears forming in her eyes.
"N-no…?"she asked, actually sobbing.
"Ester, you stupid bitch!"Ester said to herself in her mind."Don't make it worse!"
She started stroking Tuka's head.
"Sorry, of course it's me. I was just…surprised by your reaction."
"Sorry, I was just happy to see you after so long time."Tuka replied.
"I know, I know. I just came to see, how are you."Ester continued to play.
"I'm fine, I'm just happy to see you."the elf said.
"Can you let me go now? I actually have to go meet with someone right now."
Tuka looked at Ester's face.
"With who?"she asked.
"Well…I have to go on that mission to Elbe…"Ester replied.
"Can I go with you?!"Tuka exclaimed.
Ester once more looked at Lelei, searching for help. Mage just threw up her arms.
"Sure. I wanted to actually ask, if you want to go."
"Of course! When are we going?"Tuka asked.
"Tomorrow. So I want you to get a lot of sleep. It's gonna be a long trip."Ester pointed out.
"Sure."
Tuka then stopped hugging Ester and the two stood back up. Ester dusted off her uniform and looked at Tuka.
"See you tomorrow."she said.
"Of course!"the elf said cheerfully.
Ester and Lelei quickly left the building. Once outside, Ester looked back at Tuka's window and back at Lelei.
"What. The hell. WAS THAT?!"White Squadron leader exclaimed.
"I am afraid, that her ailment started to deepen."Lelei said.
"I could see that!"Ester said, frustrated."But why me?! Why she thinks I AM her father?!"
"Maybe it's because you was the first person she saw?"the mage wondered."But I'm not as good in these areas as Fatima and others of your doctors."
"I know, I know."Ester replied."Now I will HAVE to take her with us. I only made everything worse."
With these thoughts, the two separated their ways and walked in opposite directions.
The next day…
09:43
Fort Terhis vehicle park
Vehicles of Third Recon were already prepared for the sortie. Squad was again reinforced with Emiko, Arlette and Anastasia, as well as with French-made AMX-40 RC, descendant of AMX-10 RC,. Although being over one hundred years away from each other, both vehicles shared a lot in designs and appearance. Still, 40 RC was as mobile and had as good firepower as it's predecessor.
Ester was standing and talking with the vehicle's crew commander, lieutenant Jacques. He was a seasoned veteran, fighting in some important battles with Holy Order and it was his first deployment in Special System.
"I must say, this place is nicer than expected."he said.
"I know. We have a lot of friends in here."Ester replied.
"I also heard, that this bunny woman that destroyed Hegemon has a business in this town there."Jacques added, pointing towards Alnustown.
Ester nodded.
"Yes, she's the owner of local tavern. We will go there after we come back."she promised.
"Looking forward to this."Next, the lieutenant saluted."I will go now."
"Sure."Ester replied, saluting.
She watched the lieutenant walking towards his AMX and returned to members of her squadron.
"Still down?"Anastasia asked.
Ester looked at her. She already told the rest about what happened last night in Tuka's apartment. She nodded.
"Yes. I still don't know, how to take care of this carefully."she said."At the same time, I want to help her. And at the same time, I don't want anything to go wrong. I just don't know, what to do."
Anastasia patted Ester's arm.
"Easy. I'm sure, that you will come up with something."she stated."Besides, I think she's coming."
Ester looked in the direction pointed by Anastasia and saw Tuka and Yao approaching them. But they were not alone.
"What are you doing here?"Ester asked, as Rory and Lelei stood in front of her.
"Isn't that obvious?"Rory asked with her smile."We're going with you."
"I didn't…"Ester wanted to say, but Lelei came up to her.
"We're gonna keep an eye on Tuka."she whispered to her ear.
Ester nodded and looked at Tuka.
"Well, how are you today?"she asked.
"Good, father. When are we going?"Tuka replied.
"Just few more minutes. So, load up and wait for us."Ester replied, pointing at the open door in the Land Rover.
The three nodded and climbed inside.
Meanwhile, Jacques and the rest of AMX-40 RC crew looked at the three with curiosity and confusion. Jacques came up to Ester.
"What's wrong with that girl?"he asked.
"Which one?"Ester replied."Because I could tell you what's wrong with all of them."
"The blonde one."AMX commander said, not getting the joke.
Ester sighed.
"Well. She's got a strong PTSD. Her father was killed by a dragon, soon after the Gate opened. Since then, she was acting strange. But finally, it reached the peak and now, she thinks I am her father."she explained.
Jacques whistled.
"This is probably the hardest PTSD I've seen. And I've seen many."he said.
"I know."Ester replied."Just play along, until we solve all of this."
"Yes, sir."Jacques said, saluting.
"Great. Now, get in your vehicle. We're moving out."she ordered.
Jacques nodded and returned to his crew. He gave them some orders in French and they started getting inside the AMX. Ester also climbed to the back of Land Rover and sat next to Tuka. Lelei, Yao and Rory were sitting on the opposite bench.
"Ready?"Liz asked from the driver's seat.
"Ready."Ester replied.
Convoy consisting of Human Land Rover, Cather APC, Fennek , Leopard 5 tank, AMX-40 RC and Tertan IFV left the base a minute later. It was soon driving down the Alnus Express Way, towards the border with Elbe.
10:39
Around 10 kilometers to Elbe border
Atmosphere inside the Land Rover was rather calm. Everyone just sat there, not knowing, what to say. Yao was still amazed by the speed of the vehicles Resistance used and just couldn't stop thinking about them. Tuka, in the meantime, felt a little tired and was now sleeping on Ester's laps, with Ester caressing her head.
"I wonder, what Suvi would say."she thought."Fortunately, she is in LUE-11. So she's Tertan problem now."
She then raised her eyes from Tuka and met Rory's gaze. Apostle kept looking at her.
"Is something the matter?"Ester asked.
"Actually, yes."Rory replied."There was a thing I wanted to ask since we met. It's about Dora."
Ester sighed.
"What do you want to know?"she asked.
"When I first met her, I felt something coming from her."Apostle replied."Great, unstopped hatred directed towards a one, particular person. I just didn't knew who. So maybe you could tell me."
At this point, Lelei and Yao were also looking at Ester. White Squadron leader just sighed.
"Yes, I know who it is. And I wish I didn't."she said.
"Who?"Yao asked.
"Allow me to start from the beginning."Ester said."You know, that Dora is always brutal against enemies, surly and quite rough?"
They all nodded.
"Then, I don't know if you believe, what if I told you, that before, she was always smiling, telling jokes and basically loved by everyone she knew?"
Actually, for Rory, Lelei and even Yao, it was hard to believe. When they first met Dora, she was already grumpy and always tried to pick up a fight with someone that pissed her off. To hear, that she wasn't like that always…
"What happened, then?"Lelei asked.
Ester again sighed.
"It happened six years ago. We were both twelve then. And one day, she came to school…different."as she said that, her voice cracked a little.
"What do you mean by different?"Lelei asked.
"Instead of smiling and having fun with others, she just…was. Not saying a word, with sober look and not focusing on classes. I finally managed to convince her to tell me what happened and…"
She just stopped, like she couldn't say anymore words. But she continued.
"She told me, that she was raped. By her favorite uncle."she finally said."The one, that always bought her presents, took her for weekends and treated like his own daughter."
There was a moment of silence in the Land Rover. Nor members of White Squadron present, nor Falmartese knew, what to say.
"There is more, right?"Rory said.
Ester nodded.
"Yes."she said."I convinced her to tell her parents. They were furious. They immediately told everything to the police, which sent someone to arrest him. They went to his home."she stopped for a moment."Only to discover, that he fled Earth and Sol. Since then, nobody heard about him and Dora…Well. Became, who she is now."
Falmartese sat there, not knowing what to say. If this man that Ester was talking about truly was so good for Dora, then it was heartbreaking to hear, that someone she trusted, hurt her in that way. Especially when you knew her for so long, like Ester did.
"Okay, enough of these sad stories."Ester said, with her voice not covering sadness."We have a mission to do."
Nobody said anything for longer while.
11:07
Bridge on Elbe-Alnus border
Some time later, the convoy reached their next waypoint, which was the bridge on a river, that made border between Elbe and Alnus. The vehicles stopped and people waiting inside came out of them to straighten their legs and get some fresh air.
"So, what are we even waiting here for?"Dora asked.
"I was informed, that we have to meet some support here."Ester replied.
Dora raised her eyebrow.
"Support?"she asked."I know we sent some guys here, but they are quite busy."
"I know. I also don't know, who might it be."White Squadron leader replied.
"Ester, I have two vehicles coming from the South."Ana reported.
Ester took her radio.
"Ours?"she asked.
"I would say ours"Anastasia said"but not with our markings."
Ester looked at Dora, which just threw up her arms.
"Okay, let's see, who it is."Ester said.
Of course, this couldn't be Holy Order, as Resistance was still in control of Angier Prime and the Gate. But still. Who could this be?
Few minutes later, two vehicles appeared and stopped next to the convoy. It was one Russian BTR-150 and one Brazilian armored car. However, the symbols on the sides of the vehicles, presented Elbe's flag.
"Okay, this is strange."Yuko said, as she stood next to Ester.
"Yeah, I don't remember any of our units having Elbe's flag as it's symbol."Ester replied.
The soldiers then started getting out of the vehicles. Ester counted around fourteen of them, including the BTR's crew. They all had Elbe's flag on their uniforms. This only added to the confusion.
A soldier with lieutenant insignias on his arm came up to Ester and saluted her. She returned the salute.
"Who are you?"she asked.
"Allow me to introduce."he said."Lieutenant Carvis Nagir, Kingdoms Coalition Joint Military 1st Mechanized Platoon."
Ester looked back at the rest of her team. They just threw up their arms. White Squadron leader turned back to the lieutenant Nagir.
"Never heard of you."she said.
"Well, let me explain. King Duran requested from your commanders, that your soldiers will train new army for Kingdoms Coalition. Admiral Chesterfield agreed and me and my team are from the first wave of newly trained soldiers."Nagir replied."Additionally, King decided, along with leaders of other Kingdoms, to create a multinational military, like that European Union Joint Military he heard so much about."
Ester once more eyed the soldiers she had in front of her. So they were soldiers of Elbe, now serving in newly created fantasy version of EUJM. Well, nothing much would surprise her anymore, after what she saw in the Milky Way and here. She wondered, how hard was for these soldiers to replace their swords and spears with riffles and guns.
She just gave her hand to Nagir.
"Well then."she said."Let's hope, that the project of Kingdoms Coalition Joint Military will be a huge success."
"May Lord Flare shine upon it."Nagir replied, shaking her hand.
Now, it was time for more formal things.
"You know our task?"Ester asked.
"Yes."Nagir replied."It's to kill the Elecdraco, which lives in Shwarz Forest."
"Exactly."she said."So, let's get this rolling."
"Of course."Nagir said.
The two returned to their respective vehicles and soon, the convoy was on it's way again, with two KCJM vehicles now among their ranks.
12:11
Sadera, Imperial Palace
Emperor Molt sat on his throne, with Zorzal by his side. Alongside them, was another of Emperor's sons, Diablo. The three were awaiting someone, which wanted to quickly meet with them, don't knowing why.
"Who even is this?"Zorzal asked."There was no delegation for today."
"From what I know, it's not a delegation."Diablo said.
"Then who?"Zorzal still asked.
Molt raised his hand to silence his son.
"We shall wait and see."he said.
Right then, the door leading to the Throne Room opened and a single man walked in. He was dressed in armor of Elbe. Seeing him, Zorzal immediately shouted:
"TRAITOR!"
Molt once again silenced his son. Elbe's soldier knelt in front of the Emperor.
"Your Highness, I…"he tried to say, but was stopped.
"Silence."Molt said."I don't usually listen to traitors. But I heard, that you wanted to tell me something important."
Soldier gulped and nodded.
"Indeed, my Lord."he said."I have information…about the Other Worlders."
Molt immediately risen his eyebrow.
"What information?"he asked.
"Any. Who they are, what are they and the way they fight, as well as their weapons."soldier explained.
Molt, Diablo and Zorzal looked at each other.
"How?"Diablo asked."How did you get this information?"
"I was being trained by them."soldier replied.
"Trained? What do you mean?"Molt asked.
"King Duran made a deal with Other Worlders. They have to train new army for the Kingdoms Coalition. They were teaching us tactics, strategies and how to use their weapons."
Once more, the three looked at each other. If what this man was saying was true, then it meant, that this powerful magic was now being used by Elbe and other former vassals.
"So they could teach anyone how to use this magic?"Molt asked.
But soldier shook his head.
"It's not magic, Your Highness."he said."It's technology."
"Technology?"Zorzal asked, confused.
"Yes. All their weapons are not magic, but technology. In their world, they stopped using swords and spears hundreds of years ago, as combat evolved from melee to hitting your enemy from the biggest distance possible. Actually, before they came in contact with our world, they never thought magic existed and dragons, ogres and trolls were only creatures from myths and legends."
Zorzal shook his head.
"These barbarians are really pathetic."he said."World with no magic and these Beast Men?"
"There is another mistake, my Lord."soldier said."They are not barbarians. For them, we are barbarians."
Hearing this, Zorzal's face became red.
"What?! How dare they say it?! They couldn't possibly have a civilization!"he stated.
"They have. Each race in Other Worlder army is a different civilization, with history and culture spanning not only hundreds, but also thousands of years. Among them, Tertans, Humans, Nashini, Shakayans and Chakdrik, are the strongest races in Resistance Alliance."
Molt frowned, hearing the name.
"Strange name for an alliance."he said.
"Indeed."soldier said."Because it was created as a last resort action in war against Holy Order."
This sparked a new wave of attention from the three royals.
"Holy Order? So they have an enemy?"Molt asked.
"Who is this order?"Zorzal asked.
"Ferocious force, with only one goal. Uniting everything under the rule of their Supreme Leader, which is an incarnation of God for them."soldier explained."In the twenty years of this war, Holy Order was winning, but lately, Resistance started gaining back the initiative."
Molt started rubbing his chin.
"Maybe if we could forge and alliance with this Order…"he said.
However, soldier shook his head.
"Unfortunately, it would be impossible."he said.
"Why?"Zorzal asked.
"From what I know, they aren't interested in any alliances. Only thing they want, is supreme rule over all beings and world. And I don't even want to think, what would happen, if they found their way to out world."he said.
At this moment, Diablo again joined the conversation.
"And their weapons? Is there a way we could manufacture them on mass?"he asked."My mines could produce enough resources to do it."
"I'm afraid, that it wouldn't be enough."soldier said."They manufacture their weapons thanks to advanced technologies. Weapons are made in thousands, if not millions, daily and we would need years to make such a great progress."
Molt nodded.
"Thank you for the information. You can go."Emperor said.
Soldier stood up.
"Of course, Your Highness."he said."Glory to Sadera!"
Soldier stood up and walked out of the throne room. Both Zorzal and Diablo looked at Molt, waiting at his next words.
"What will you say, father?"Zorzal finally asked.
Molt looked straight into Zrozal's eyes.
"I can be honest with you."he stated."If every word he said is true…our victory just became less sure, if not impossible."
13:32
Shwarz Forest
Convoy of Third Recon vehicles was making it's way through the barren wastelands of Elbe, where Shwarz Forest was located. Everyone was nervous as hell, knowing, that the Elecdrago might appear anywhere and everywhere. They had their weapons drawn and ready.
"How far until we reach the destination?"Ester asked Yao.
Dark Elf stopped looking through the window and turned her attention back to Ester.
"We can stop here. I will go inform my people. They are hiding in the nearby canyon."Yao replied.
"Okay."Ester said and turned to Liz."Stop. I will inform the rest."
Soon, entire convoy stopped and everyone started leaving their vehicles, to straighten the legs. Especially a certain Chakdrik.
"Ah, shit. It hurts."Wexer said, massaging his insectoid legs.
"Really that much?"one of Elbe's soldiers asked.
"I'm eight months already. It's already this age."Chakdrik replied.
Elbe's soldier just nodded.
"I will be back soon."Yao said, as he ran into the canyons of the area.
"Everyone, secure the area. Set up a perimeter around the vehicles."Ester ordered.
All soldiers started walking in different directions to surround the vehicles and make sure they are alone in here. Meanwhile, Anastasia and Arlette came up to Ester.
"What is it?"Ester asked.
"Um…"Arlette started."You know…We are on our way for some hours and…"
"We just need to release some pressure."Anastasia said.
Ester looked at the two for few seconds and nodded.
"Sure, you can go."she said."But be back quickly."
"Of course."Ana said.
The two then made their way behind several rocks placed several hundred meters away. Dora came up to Ester.
"Where are they going?"she asked.
"To release some pressure."Ester replied."Call everyone else. We need to talk about the next moves."
Few minutes later, all commanding officers of the unit were gathered around Ester and Dora. Lon, Kelf, Brunger, commander of the Leopard tank, Klidraf, commander of Tertan IFV, Jacques and Carvis.
"Okay. As you were probably briefed, we have to help local tribe of Dark Elves with their problem."
Everyone nodded. Then, Brunger put his hand in the air.
"What is so big, that they needed so many troops and vehicles here?"he asked.
"Well, let me show you."Ester said.
She pressed some buttons on her hand terminal and soon, hologram of the beast appeared in the air.
"Our target, is Elecdrago, which torments this area for some time now. It's because of him, that Yao came to Alnus."Ester explained.
Commanders looked at the beast with shock on their face. Especially the ones, that never seen dragon before.
"Holy shit…"Jacques said.
"By anything that's holy…"Brunger said.
"You fucking kidding me, right?"Klidraf said."You really want us to kill that thing?"
"Is this even possible?"Jacques added.
"Yeah, it is."Lon said.
Everyone looked at him.
"But that thing looks really angry, if I can say so."Brunger stated.
"But we killed one already."Ester said.
"You…did?"Klidraf asked.
"Yes. Flame Dragon."Dora said."It was even bigger, than this one."
Commanders looked at the Elecdrago once again and gulped. It seemed, that their mission might be harder, that they thought.
"Well. Shit."Brunger said.
"Hey, maybe it won't be so…"Jacques tried to say.
"Surrender!"a voice suddenly shouted.
Out of nowhere, a big number of hooded people appeared and surrounded the convoy. They were armed with bows, what looked quite silly in comparison with Resistance riffles, 50. cal machine guns and 130mm cannon. But still, they were pretty unexpected.
"What do we do?"Kelf asked.
Ester looked at the hooded people. She somehow immediately knew, that these must be the Dark Elves.
"Let me talk."she said.
Everyone nodded and Ester stepped forward, so she could be heard better.
"Hello, we…"she started.
But before she could say anything else, several arrows hit the ground in front of her feet. She almost jumped back from this.
"You have no rights to talk, invaders! Surrender now, or we will use the lethal force!"lead Dark Elf said.
Meanwhile, turrets of vehicles started turning around to face the would be attackers. Riffles were also aimed at the Dark Elves. The standoff continued.
"Ester, is everything okay?"Anastasia asked in radio.
"Ana, Arlie, stay out of sight and engage only, when situation gets really hot."Ester replied.
"Understood."Arlette replied.
Ester looked at both groups and sighed.
"We just…"she again tried to say.
And another arrow landed just millimeters away from her.
"Just surrender already and we can have this all over with!"leading Dark Elf exclaimed again.
"I should warn you, that Dark Elves don't like strangers."Carvis said.
"Thanks!"everyone exclaimed.
However, at that moment, Yao came back and saw the entire situation. She stood between the two groups.
"Wait, stop! They are…"however, she was cut off too.
"Don't mix into it, Yao! Go back and look for these Other Worlders, not come back with empty hands!"leading Dark Elf said to her.
"He's really hard to talk to."Jacques said.
"Well, yeah."Carvis said.
"What do we do then?"Liz asked.
But before anyone could say anything, the air was pierced by a thunderous roar. Everyone looked at each other.
"Estie…"Arlette squeaked into the radio."We have company…"
"Yeah, I noticed."Ester replied.
Everyone looked into the sky, where an enormous shape of Elecdraco suddenly appeared. Giant beast circled around them for few seconds. Long enough for Resistance vehicle commanders to jump into their vehicles and aim their weapons at them.
Tertan IFV was the first to fire and red plasma made it's way in the direction of giant beast. As expected, it made no impression on him. Other vehicles started firing their turrets, or AA weapons, like the Leopard. Soldiers also lifted their weapons towards it and opened fire.
Giant beast then decided to touch down, sending tons of dust into the air and roaring once again. It looked at the insects that tried to attack it and simply narrowed it's red eyes.
"Eyes!"Ester shouted."Aim for the eyes!"
Others nodded and did as she said, converging their fire at the eyes. Beast seemed to feel it, as it staggered a little. Also, Dark Elves started firing their bows, but it was making as little impression on the dragon, as it could.
Elecdraco then turned it's attention towards the Dark Elves. It started charging it's breath.
"Everybody, run!"Dark Elves leader ordered.
He did it at the right moment, as dragon fired it's lighting blast at the position taken by the Dark Elves. Fortunately, nobody was hit by it and everyone came out of it with no injuries.
"Shit, we need to somehow hurt it."Ester whispered.
She started looking around and noticed Tuka hiding behind the Land Rover. She quickly made her way towards the Elf.
"Father, its…"Tuka said.
"I know. Just come with me."Ester said.
She grabbed Tuka's hand and led her through the gunfire and dragon roars toward the truck filled with explosives and rocket launchers. She opened the door and grabbed one of the rocket launchers. Next, Ester gave it to Tuka. Elf looked at it and Ester with surprise and fear.
"What…?"Tuka asked.
"Just trust me. Do what I say."Ester said."Put in on your arm."
Tuka did what she was said. Ester stood next to her to help her with the rocket launcher. Elf still was terrified.
"But this thing…"
"Don't care about it, just aim."Ester ordered.
"What if it…"
"It won't."
"But I…"
"Tuka!"Ester finally shouted."I don't care! You want to avenge your father or not?!"
"But you are…"
"I'm not your father!"
It was too late for Ester to orientate what she just said, as everything in Tuka's mind started falling. She just looked at the dragon and tears started coming out of her eyes. Her finger twitched on the trigger of the launcher.
"Tuka…"Ester tried to say.
In response, Tuka gave a tormented shout and pulled the trigger. Missile flew out of the launcher, pushing the two back. Ester just watched it fly towards the dragon, waiting for collision. Which never came.
Elecdraco noticed the two and missile that was coming towards it. With quick moves, it spread it's wings and quickly jumped into the air, making the missile pass under it. Beast roared once more, like it was mocking them, and made it's way back to it's lair.
Everyone tried to quickly shake themselves from this sudden even and didn't knew what to do. Except Ester, which looked at Tuka.
"Tuka?"she asked in worried tone.
But Elf just sat there, still looking in the direction, where Elecdraco used to be, with tears in her eyes. Ester tried to assure herself, that telling Tuka the truth was the best she could do.
Then why she felt so bad about it?
Later…
Dark Elves hideout
After the attack of Elecdraco and after Yao explained everything to Dark Elves that tried to attack Recon 3, everyone made their way to the place, where Dark Elves were hiding. There, they were welcomed like heroes, although some of them still had to shake themselves off the shock they just experienced by fighting the dragon.
Currently, members of White Squadron were sitting in one of the caves, around the fire and trying to calm themselves down after what happened. Rest of Recon 3 was back in their vehicles, preparing for the mission.
Ester had Tuka's head on her knees and was stroking the Elf's hair. She sighed.
"Salt, you think she will ever be herself again?"Ester asked.
Fatima activated her hand terminal and scanned Tuka. She analyzed it.
"Her brainwaves are somehow calming down. I guess, that what you said, might have actually worked."squadron's medic said.
"Or only made things worse."Ester stated."Shit."
"At least you tried."Dora said."It's not your fault."
Ester just looked at Tuka and sighed.
"I'm not so sure."she stated.
"Don't worry, I'm sure you did your best."Emiko said.
Ester looked at her and smiled.
"Thanks, Emiko. I appreciate your words."
Emiko smiled in reply. Right then, Anastasia returned to them.
"Girls, Dark Elves want us to be on their ceremony."she said.
"Why?"Suvi asked.
"They said, that this is tradition, that guests take part in their ceremonies."Ana replied.
Ester slowly moved Tuka off of her lap and put her on especially prepared pillow. Next, entire squadron made it's way to the main chamber, where all Dark Elves were gathered, including Yao.
"Oh, good to see you."she said.
"Yeah."Ester said."Tell me, what is this ceremony about?"
"The priests are going to pray to Hardy, to ask her for good crops and to ask her for good year."Yao explained.
Girls nodded and waited.
Soon, an elder looking Dark Elf entered in company of few more. They came up to the altar and looked at everyone gathered. Next, leading priest put his hands in the air.
"O, Hardy, noble lord of the Underworld! We ask you for your blessings and for your favor in this fearful time! Allow us to survive the rage of Elecdraco and bless our saviors!"He then started talking in another language, which White Squadron didn't know.
"Guess he's talking in Dark Elvish."Lena said.
"Yup, I think so too."Jackie said.
After priests and other Dark Elves finished their prayers, lead priest grabbed a bowl filled with strange, black liquid. He then painted a symbol on his forehead with the liquid. He handed it to the next priest and then the next. Last priest gave the bowl to gathered Dark Elves, which repeated the process. Finally, bowl reached Yao, which gave it to the White Squadron. They did the same as Dark Elves, to not seem disrespectful. But when the bowl reached Jackie, she stopped and sniffed the fluid.
"Something wrong?"Arlette asked.
Jackie then had a giant smile growing on her face.
"Girls, I think we hit the jackpot!"she stated.
XXX
And here is another chapter done, starting the Dark Elves arc. And before anyone asks about that scene in Sadera, it's because I always wanted to see someone just telling these arrogant royals, who are they truly dealing with. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. In the next one, the hunt for Elecdraco will start.
Until then, see you!