March 18th, 2017 of the Gregorian calendar
The time had after a year had finally come, it was time for revenge. The APC they were in rattled as it advanced towards the enemy capital. Johnson looked around to his friends, his brothers in arms that he had grown attached to, he remembered all that had occurred that led up to this point. The evacuation of the New York metropolitan area, the battles on Alnus hill, the Tungri castle, the siege of Italica, the tubi fortress, hunting down the FRA, the drive into the great Marais forest, and so much more.
The first battalion, 27th regiment along with help of a tank platoon made of M3 Bradley IFVs were tasked with securing the Great castle gate on the south side of the city as it both was the largest of the city's nine gates and would be a propaganda victory if taken. But the Saderans wouldn't give it up without a fight as swarms of musket balls harmlessly bounced off the armor of the M113. "Alright ladies, prepare to disembark!" Reported the APC commander to the troops, while the vehicle slowed to a stop. "Go! Go! Go!" The troops hastily exited through the rear and began to fire back while the M113 gunner behind his gun shield gave suppressive fire for the dismounted men.
"Holy shit they got lead!" Said Zhao as he sprayed a burst from cover. "Well we got Helluva lot more, stay behind the APC." Replied Collins who seemed to not be phased by the gunfire. The M113 continued to move again while rest of the force continued closer towards the mouth of the castle gate whose concrete dragon head glared angrily down at the attacks as they attempted to enter the grand city it had for so long defended. Even with the Bradleys peppering the walls of the structures with their auto cannons and TOW missiles, no extensive damage was inflicted. "What the fuck are they using?" Asked Johnson out loud, "Must be thousands in there." Then there was laughter to his right, he turned to see an African-American cradling a M153 SMAW in his arms. "Watch out for back blast!" He yelled out as he lined up the shot. Even wearing hearing protection and covering them with his hands, the sound still was deafening as seconds later a dumpster sized hole was punched opened in the left blockhouse where the Saderans were firing back out of hundreds of small slits about one hundred yards away.
"Everyone halt! Artillery support incoming" The attacking forces stopped as loud whistling became louder and louder. Johnson was at awe when the shells came crashing into the cement blocks, the hellish bombardment causing the structure on the right to collapse while the left one while still standing, was riddled in massive holes with the roof partially caved in. "Holy shit!" Cried out Cork as they were hit by the wall of dust. With one blockhouse completely demolished and the other heavy damaged one had finally stopped firing down at them, allowing them to storm the gate without much threat from them. The castle gate had two parts to it, the gate itself and the blockhouses with a court ward in the middle.
The gate was build in the shape of a U and connect to the massive blockhouses which were in term connected to the wall that surrounded the capital. Now this presented an issue where while the armored vehicles could go through, it was a chock point and the M113 would be vulnerable so realistically leaving the infantry with only a single M3 Bradley to help them clear the courtyard.
The Bradley smashed the giant wooden doors as it rolled in ahead of the infantry, spraying bullets from its coaxial machine gun at Saderan troops who attempted to throw primitive grenades at the vehicle with predictable results. Who wasn't cut down immediately either fled further down the wall or inside crawling with desperate Saderans that could either surrender en mass due to the shelling or fight to the death for their country. "They all trapped inside the blockhouse!" Said lieutenant Thompson who gathered his men. "Company Bravo will prevent anyone from counterattacking while we clear this blockhouse."
Suddenly a shot range out and everyone looked up to see some soldier on the roof firing a musket carbine at them before leaving their line of shot, nobody seemed to be hit but it reminded them they had to take out the enemy combatants as quickly as possible. "Collins! Breach the door!" "Yes sir!" Collins and Cork went on opposite sides of the door with every one else ready to follow behind. The seasoned soldier unslung his Mossberg 500 and pressed the muzzle to the lock before pulling the trigger, the breaching slug destroying the one thing keeping them from storming the structure. Cork pushed the door just enough for him to toss a grenade inside which was quickly followed by an explosion.
The Saderans inside the giant mess hall had no chance as they were gunned downed despite their best attempts to charge at them with swords. "Push up stairs!" Johnson followed his squad mates closely, his finger never leaving the trigger. One Saderan popped out only to receive two bullets in the chest from sergeant Collins and tumble down the stairs past the Americans who took little mind. Collins took a quick peak before quickly ducking down while narrowly missing an arrow that lodged its into the wall behind him. More arrows flew over Collins before he said, "We got a shit ton of archers and musketeers !" "Im on it!" Replied Zhao as he mounted his weapon upon the stone balustrade and fired a burst that was followed up with the rest if the squad joining in, at the very least twenty or so men by Johnson's calculations lay side by side in pools of their own blood. The squad then with support of their allies moved to the closest door to them and from cover kicked the door open, revealing about five Saderans with their hands up.
They scanned the room for anyone else before Collins called out, "Clear!" The surrendering legionnaires were escorted by another group of men downstairs to be restrained while the other squads worked on clearing the rooms of the second floor. The fighting was fierce as swarms of Saderans were cut down only to have another group come screeching down the hallway like bats out of hell. "Keep shooting!" Yells on soldier, "Their bleeding themselves dry!" It was exactly what was happening but trouble came when a soldier attempted to open a door and found it to be locked from the inside. "Damn it all!" He cursed as he shot several rounds into the door, before kicking the door down. Then just as the soldier took a step on side then BANG!
He fell to the ground and screamed in pain as he gripped the wound on his left ankle. The wounded soldier's squad mates swiftly checked the room but found it empty, say for the blunderbuss rigged to a tripwire. "And that's why you don't just barge in." Mumered Zhao as he and the squad then moved around the corner to help clear another hallway whose occupants were quickly dispatched. The Saderans who were technologically inferior would have several men in lines, with one shooting from behind a door and quickly getting back into cover while another one took his place, like a chain of sorts that unfortunately slowed their progress though grenades were very effective in taking out these groups who by the time the grenade landed at their feet had no time to throw them back. But they also had blackpowder grenades that the user had to light the fuze before throwing it, these weren't as effective but they damn sure scared the shit out of them.
Finally with the last bunch laying down their arms, it was time for the second floor. "Great, now six more to fucking go." Groaned Cork as he reloaded the grenade launcher attacked to his rifle. This time another squad took the lead and the leader quickly shot bullets down range as they was yelling, no doubtlessly frightful Saderans being cut down. Suddenly the soldier and four others all howled in pain as lightning pierced through them like a stringing going through beads. "Ah fuck!" Shouted Johnson as he fell back onto his ass, watching the smoldering and smoking corpses collapse in front of him. But know was not the time to be paralyzed as Thompson himself walked up the steps, pulled the pin, cooked a grenade before chucking it at the bastard who had killed five of the men under his command.
After the grenade whent off he peaked up and with full auto set, sprayed into the hallway while shouting, "Go to hell you 'lil shits!" Johnson squad rushed passed their commander and blasted back any 'berserker charge' as they called that got too close. Sergeant Collins when checking the other hallway had an Oprichki slam against him. Collins struggled with him for a moment but was stronger and like a WWE champion slammed him headfirst into the ground before putting a bullet in him all while everyone focused on suppressing the Saderan's friends. "You ok sir?!" He asks frantically despite the firefight just feet from them. He only momentarily meets his eyes before joining in repulsing an wave of men rushing towards the Americans.
What follows after was a long process of clearing the blockhouse, floor by floor, hallway by hallway, room by room. Most of the company had no real way of participating other the guarding POWS and assisting in clearing the city walls of its defenders who frantically tried to repeal the attacks to no avail. It would've much more easier without the traps, holes in the roof where musketeers would shoot from, and damned mages who would throw fire, ice, water, flying swords or any thing they would imagine. This of course led to many being secretly injured and making the clearing of the floors a nightmare.
But after much hardship, they reached the last floor before the roof was in their grasp. "Pierce! Do you have the flag?" Questioned Thompson to a young soldier who had bright blue eyes and a face that lacked any facial hair. "Yes sir!" Referring to the star-spangled banner in his backpack which was to replace the flag currently flying on the blockhouse's sole remaining flagpole. "Everyone get their grenades ready." The soldiers around him pulled out their M67 hand grenades and threw them over the stairs and into the next floor which unfortunately for the enemy, a giant bare bones attic with a collections of explosions following about five seconds later.
They however found that a massive transparent wall of mana that glowed green had protected most of the Saderans from the shrapnel though it seemed it was weakened. "Keep firing on them! It cant hold for long!" Ordered Thompson as hundreds of rounds peppered the shield, falling to the ground as flat lead discs from the impact. The three mages holding up the shield couldn't any longer and collapsed, their wall followed soon after. "tela tua omitte! dedere vel mori!" Shouts Zhao, the Saderans following his command and throwing their swords and muskets to the ground. "Good work soldier, let's get that flag up!" Says Thompson, the officer beaming with pride. The soldiers quickly scan the roof top or what's left of it for any Saderans and find none.
"Get up here noob!" Teases Cork as Pierce climbed up the debris, being pulled up by the former so he could do what they all had waited for. Everyone smiles as the Saderan wyvern flag was lowered and replaced by the stars and stripes, the glorious flag fluttering proudly in the wind as it was raised for all both friend and foe to see. The men on the ground cheer and take photos of the marvelous sight, but the battle had just begun.
Mars 18th, 688 of the Imperial calendar
She looked out of the window as the sound of battle could be heard in the distance, far away from the South palace where she currently was at the moment. The city had been completely encircled and the Americans had begun the push to wipe the Empire of the map for her. From the looks of it the battle was being hard fought and she could imagine pilled of corpses being created from the bloodbath occurring only a few leagues away. She wore a white dress that matched her fur and had a necklace made of diamonds around her neck, far different then what she wore the year prior, all thanks to her plan. Her plan to utter destroy the thing she hated most of all.
She thought back to all the painful memories, the retelling of a story of suffering and anguish that few could ever experience. Her remembered the shame she endured as Zorzal used her body to satiate his lust the knew no bonds, she rubbed her hand against the scars that were scattered across her. She remembered all those that had placed trust in her and were killed because of it, those whom she betrayed to further her goal of revenge, those whom she tricked to do the deeds for her. She giggled quietly as she remembered the encounter with the American spy she meet some months prior.
One month ago...
It was silent as they met up in the courtyard of the South palace, the chill breeze gently blowing past. "Have you collected any more information about Zorzal's plans?" The American asked while he lit a small finger shaped thing in his mouth, 'Is it some sort of smoking pipe?' She wondered, these people were strange indeed. He was a tall man with slick blonde hair and cold eyes hidden behind what were called 'sunglasses' while he wore a brown coat with fur linings.
She shook her head. "Im afraid not, he talks about nothing but the strength of Sadera or himself." She responded but the man looked unpleased. "I believe you are withholding more then your telling. They why queen Tyuule, did want to discuss if you have nothing?" He was referring to a magic black box she could use to get into contact with the Americans after receiving it some months ago. "Oh I do, I have a lot to say human." Her tone was filled with toxin and the man didn't seemed impacted by the words.
"I have a general understanding that several locations of several Wyvern corps bases are located on the Arbuscula peninsula and are preparing for something." "Do you know their intend is or when they plan to take action?" 'How pushy...' She thought, "No. That's all I know of unfortunately." The man took the thing out of his mouth and blew out smoke before smiling at her like a merchant. "Thank you, I hope to see you soon." But she had made her decision a long time ago.
"Im afraid that wont be the case American." He raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean by that?" She noted that the question wasn't asked with genuine curiosity but rather annoyed. "I is no longer my best interest in continuing talks with you, why risk getting caught when I can lead the lamb to the slaughter." The man rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. "The United States is perfectly capable of giving you what you want. You could watch the highest political figures in Sadera hang, you could have your nation back and your people freed. I understand there was a huge misunderstanding but-" "But there's nothing to even speak on. They no matter what you say or do can change their opinion of me who in their eyes was a traitor who doom her people to eternal damnation. It is better for me to die and take this godforsaken city with me, so that I may finally have peace."
"Hmm, seems like the people of Falmart are inherently strong willed." Said the spy as he throw the smoking paper and crushing it with his shoe. "Goodbye queen, godspeed." "Godspeed? Is that an American saying?" He grinned as he moved his hand through his hair. "You can say that, it means good luck to someone on a journey." He extended his hand and she rolled her eyes. She pulled out the small black box out of her pocket and it over. "Thanks, wouldn't want it to be destroyed or worse." And with that he walked off into the night and to whatever safe house the gangs could offer up. 'Hmm, tomorrow should be interest.' She thought as he head back inside, looking forward to see Zorzal's stupid face when he'd see his wyvern corps get demolished the following day.
To the present...
The offer he gave were was indeed tempting, but was too far gone to be save. Her dignity was nonexistent and couldn't bear to face those who she indirectly betrayed, those precious few left of her kind who would be just as broken if not more then herself. She wished that she was invisible so that no living thing could see the shame she had brought to herself in a naive attempt to spare her people any more suffering, a trop so ironic that it could make the gods laugh.
Then were was a collection of loud explosions coming from the Great castle gate where she see the east blockhouse disappear in a cloud of dust while the west blockhouse appeared to have taken severe damage. 'The end has truly come, my plan is almost complete.' There was no overtly expressed joy but deep down inside there was content. Her sole purpose had been fulfilled, her people had been avenged and the city she hated so much would be in ruin. Now there was only one thing she had to do. Suddenly the door to the chamber was opened and her body went cold.
"Tyuule, my dear..." Her eyes shifted to see Zorzal standing besides her. He was still the dreaded man whom she hated for more then words could describe, but he appeared more weaker with his eyes hollow and skin turned pale due to not receiving as much sleep nor sunlight as of late. "My lord." She replied back but did not face him. He could've usually gotten angry at her but this time was not the case, he had transformed from a prideful man who thought he and his empire was on par with the heavens to being more reserved, paranoid, and in rare cases uncontrollable sobbing after heated rants focused at this generals who now were more cautious with their leader.
They both stood there in silence, listening as the enemy made their push into the city were just under a million would oppose them. "Is there something you wish?" He at first didn't respond but let out a sigh. "I wish to be around someone who isn't going against me, someone who is loyal." 'Oh really?' She thought, "Then let me be that someone." She took her hand and gently rubbed it on his chest, but then he said something that shook her to her core. "Tyuule, I ask you now to marry me."
Zorzal, the vile emperor of Sadera, was asking her hand in marriage?! "What? I don't understand why?" He let out a weak chuckle. "Its been almost four whole years since we met on that fateful day. You have never lied and have done your duties well, so I believe you deserve a reward." She was at a lost of words, he degraded and abused her four four years and he now wanted to be nice? But of course she had to keep up the facade. "But my lord! Interracial marriage against Imperial law." "You'll be the exception dear. For if I don't survive then I'll need a heir to succeed me, to continue the royal bloodline."
She despite the fake smile felt utterly sick, to bare a human child was egregious but to have the father be him? She'd rather die then bring another Zorzal into the world. "I-I do." Then she had to say the three most disgusting words in the world. "I love you." His tired fave light up before he cupped her face into his hands and forcefully kissed her. It was utterly disgusting but she had learned how to deal with it, to suppress urge to vomit or to cry.
She did it by thinking of a beautiful meadow, where the glass slowly sway in the cool breeze that smells of flowers and the spring dew. Where the birds happily chirp and the fluffy cloud gently float by in the blue sea that was the sky. It was gorgeous but alas, it was only a daydream simply to far away for her to grasp.
-Meanwhile in the Occidens-Etna district of Sadera
She took a drag of the pipe as she listened to the thunderous weapons of the other worlders as they breached the city's defenses, signallying the twilight of the Empire that had ruled as the dominant power on Falmart other then the gods for centuries. From an attic window of the abandoned home she could see the American flag flaying proudly in the wind on top of the Great castle gate. "I never thought I see this in my lifetime." She said to herself as she blew a stream of smoke.
The Etna district like it's name suggested was on the west side of the Etna river that flowed through the city and into the bay which connected the city to the blue sea. She was tasked with a very simple mission: kill as many as possible. Giselle wasn't snobby like the humans but held a grudge for holding her companions hostage, and the burden it brought on her mistress who had to make sure no soul got word of the incident. It would destroy all faith in both Hardy and in the rest of the gods, the masses would flock to the Americans for guidance.
Their metal beasts could only take the main roads so their troops would have clear the neighborhoods and alleyways by themselves. She new that a few thousand mages had been conscripted to help bolster the defense and would make the city's capture a thorn in their side. But at least she'd get some entertainment before it all went to hell. The apostle looked down to see civis corpus troops made of elderly men make their way through the street towards the battlefield armed with miniature kanonis attached to sticks, it would be an amusing sight had it been for the young boys in their ranks.
If Rory had not be dispatched, she would be spasming on the floor by now due to the carnage being inflicted upon the poor souls forced to fight. 'That bastard Zorzal.' She thought, she may have been the messenger of the goddess of death but she still have empathy, something the so called emperor lacked. The dragonian woman understood that defeated the Other-worlders would be next to impossible, but she had to at least make them think twice before imposing their will upon the continent. They may have had weapons that could level forests but they only lived for so long. Eventually things would hopefully return to what they once were before the Gate opened, it had not been the first time it opened to that specific world but hoped it would be the last. She stretched out her arms and legs, it was no fun waiting about but the most damage would be done when the at least expected it.
The narrow streets would make a perfect kill zone and perhaps could help the defenders hold out for a little longer, even if everything was stacked against them. Then she heard a low rumble, a buzzing noise was undeniable. 'Its the iron wyverns!' She knew that they hadn't come to destroy the city but the fear still remained after the destruction of the holy city of Bellnahgo. She didn't open the window but looked to see thousands, possibly millions of papyrus falling from the sky pike a giant blanket.
The Americans were trying to convince the defenses that fighting was useless, that dying would serve no purpose. But she knew that many wouldn't either due to not being able to read, brainwashed by their commanders who spoke of barbaric torture for those who surrendered, or had the Oprichnina breath down their necks. She of course knew this wasn't true as Piña led an army that would take control of the country after Zorzal's demise. As much as she wanted to kill him, Hardy wouldn't allow it. Believing that it was in the hands of the mortals to deal with him.
She let out a sigh before she got up from the chest she was sitting on and headed downstairs to find what could be ate. The city had been rationing and was on the verge of starving but many hid food they had either produced or stolen from the authorities and the former residences ran in a hurry. Giselle checked the cupboard for any food and found but a bottle of wine, it was not food but wine was still good. She yanked the cork off with her teeth and chugged on it like there was no tomorrow, throwing it to the side once she had drank all it's contents. 'That was delicious, I should find more if I have the chance.' She thought to herself as prepared to head out.
