GATE : Fields of Halkeginia Chapter 10: 9 Battle For Italica PtII, a Familiar of Zero + Gate - Jietai Kare no Chi nite, Kaku Tatakeri Crossover fanfic

Guys, Peacekeeper is back with another chapter. Enjoy.

-9 Battle for Italica. Pt II

Italica, East gate, August 31, 2019.

3:35 AM

Norma was commanding the militia and a few Tristain Griffon knights on the top of the wall.

"Do not let up men, Keep those brigand scum from gaining a foothold on the wall." He yells

Beside and around him the members of the city's militia kept on raining down arrows on the attacking bandits. They weren't very effective but were enough to pin the bandits down. Several ladders were raised on the wall only to be kicked back by the defenders. The few bandits those were able to gain a foothold on the wall were quickly decimated by the knights and the militia.

" You !" he said pointing towards a soldier.

" Go and warn the countess and Captain Pina in the mansion the East gate is under attack. "

The man nods and began running towards the Formar mansion.

Out in the heat of the battle, Norma suddenly heard the noise of several muskets being fired rapidly. He looked to his right in amazement to see the outworlder soldier who had been posted alongside him on the wall began to fire through his strange but powerful rapid-fire musket, tearing through the attacking brigands trying to scale the walls. He was literally holding a section of wall by himself alone.

Just then one of the militia yells.

"Musketeers! take cover..."

Norma quickly ducks behind the wall. But the Griffon knight who was out in the open was shot through his head. He tumbled down on the walkway. Blood pouring down through his wound.

Standing up he chants a spell and sends a fireball at a group of converging bandits burning them alive.

The defenders those have survived the volley fire got back on their feet and began launching their arrows and bolts again.

The bandits tried again and again but they failed on every instance on gaining and holding a section of the wall. They kept on losing more men on their every attempt.

"Fire arrows! take cover."

Norma took cover again along with other defenders those were without shields.

When Norma got up he saw the outworlder running towards him with an arrow stuck on his back and his musket towards the bandits which he kept on firing in bursts hitting a few of them.

Suddenly he heard the unmistakable screeching of a dragon coming from the far side of the Brigand lines.

The outworlder stopped meters away from him, as his face turned pale.

As the fight continued on another roar of a dragon was heard. This time it was much louder than before. As if the bandits were on its command, they halted their attack and began to fall back several meters away from the wall. Leaving their dead and wounded lying on the ground. They quickly reformed themselves into a parade formation. The fighting came to an abrupt end. Now the two sides stared at each other with hate brimming on their faces.

Then through the night sky, Norma saw the unmistakable silhouettes of three dragons forming up on top of the brigand formation.

"Why are those dragon riders are with the brigands ?" he asked to himself.

The sight of not one but three dragons in front of them sent chill down the spines of many defenders. They had expected to fight bandits with swords, shields not powerful dragons riders on the bandit's side. The city also clearly lacked an effective way to fight a dragon head on.

" Ohh.. no, they have dragons on their side, we are doomed. "

" The city is lost. We can't fight against those beasts"

" Isn't only the noble knights have possession of the dragons. They must be having mages on their side. " a defender yelled in fear. Sending more panic among the members of the militia as the high morale they had before began to plummet very fast.

" Rogue and fallen nobles. " Norma spat. " These were the only ones who were left to join the honourless brigands."

"Sire we will not be able to hold against those dragons. "

"Keep heart men, Until the rose order knights are here nothing even a dragon shall be able to touch Italica," Norma said as he tried to keep the militia from abandoning the wall.

He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, he looks back to see the outworlder standing right behind him. His pale and scared face he saw before has already been turned back into of a seasoned soldier.

" We need help, we will not be able to hold this wall alone."

"Can't you contact your men on the west gate with you magical communication box."

"No I can't, it is damaged." Cardwell points towards his back. " An arrow struck right in the center of it, saved my life but at the cost of losing communication with my men. And for your information, it is called a radio, not a magical box."

Norma nods and turns towards inside the wall and starts to yell at a group of militiamen waiting for the battle.

"You there send one of your fast runners to alert the green guardians at the west gate and ask them to send men to reinforce the East. "

" A dragon is coming forward." A militia warned.

True to his word a large dragon along with its rider came forward from the waiting formation of dragons those were maintaining their position on top of the Brigand army. It began to slow down and hover just a few feet away from the wall. Numerous bonfires on top of the wall illuminated the dragon and its rider who was donned in a black intimidating armour.

Norma's eyes widened as he noticed the dragon was of a different breed, the ones those were used by the Imperial Fists. The rider was also in the jet black coloured armour of an Imperial fist with a pair of muskets dangling on his back. Norma and the outworlder soldier in both shock and awe were soon joined by Napoleon who was leading the men inside the wall in Pina's absence.

He clearly heard the grumbling of the outworlder who cursed in Tristainia tongue with a very different accent.

" Murdering bastards, I thought we dealt with them all."

The militia aimed their bows and crossbows towards the dragon and its rider ready to unleash everything they had on him.

"Hold men, do not fire until you are ordered to." Norma orders.

The dragon rider slowly took off his helmet and placed it right under his arms, revealing a man in mid-30s. He had a long scar on his left cheek. " Germanian Knights," he yelled on top of his voice. " I am Commander Noldid from the Imperial Fists, Serpent company. I am here by the order of his majesty Emperor Albert to burn the Province of Formar to the ground to deny the outworlder its resources and prevent the further incursion of their army. I would like to ask for your order to leave the city immediately and head back to the capital or Join us in our endeavour to save the whole of Germania."

The militia started to look towards Norma for what reply he was going to give.

" We are here to protect this city and her people. We wi..." Napoleon tries to reply for him but was soon interrupted by Noldid.

" I didn't ask you, you Tristanian pig dog. So keep your mouth shut."

There was a brief silence and then.

Norma looked right into Noldid eyes and said

"No !"

"Eh... What ?"

" No Commander Noldid, We have pledged our honour to protect this city and we Rose Order Knights will defend this city to our last dying breath if we have to. We will not taint our honour by your dishonourable and barbaric ways. " Norma says as he points his finger towards Noldid.

Noldid as if expecting this kind of reply puts up a maniacal smile on his face and says. "Very well noble knight. I see you put these lowly commoners and your honour before your own life. When this city is burned to the ground I will gladly put your head along with your friends on display on the top of the wall to show those people commoner or noble fool enough to stand against us and the Emperor's will."

He turns his graze towards Cardwell. " Even these Green Guardians will be helpless against my fists as we will plough through your puny defences before the sunrise."

Putting back his helmet on and fly back towards the Brigand formation. A few moments later, they heard the sound of a trumpet being played as a signal for attack. The brigand's musketeers and archers without any delay began hammering down on the defenders as the infantry charged ahead with ladders to scale the wall.

"Captain Napoleon, you must return back to the barricades, you are needed there. I will take care of the walls."

Napoleon nods and climbs down the wall through the staircase back to the second line of defence.

Men began to fall right and left by relentless musket fire. Arrows pierced through many as they tried to return fire or dislodge the ladders those were used by bandits to scale on the walls. To make matter worse one of the Fists now joined the fray. His dragon released his fire breath on a section of the wall as it flew over it, Burning the defenders to crisp and created a massive gap on that section. The bandits soon used this opportunity to scale the wall through that section and gained a firm foothold on the wall. The defenders engaged them but they were soon been pushed back by the better-trained ex-soldiers. Cardwell fired his rifle towards the bandits cutting several of them down and then fired at the dragon which was now coming for another attack run, It was able to burn several more defenders along with a few bandits those were locked in combat on the right section.

Surprisingly the Dragon refrained from engaging the defenders inside the wall.

"We are taking too much loses, the wall is lost, we must fall back," Cardwell yelled as he pushed a fresh clip into his rifle.

Norma sliced another bandit with his sword and answered.

" Even if they have dragons and those dishonourable fists on their side we will prevail. " tiring to raise the fledging morale of his troops as they began to fall at the combined might of the attacking bandits and the Fist dragon.

Though he had mustered enough courage to say that, deep down inside he was scared like hell. He not only makes himself and his allies enemies with the Fists but with the most ferocious of them all, the Serpent company. He prayed to the founder for the hasty arrival of the reinforcements before the East wall falls.

( Brigand Lines )

Noldid watched as one of his men as commanded joined the Brigand assault. After the swift execution of the bandit commander Solvin by his own hands for failing to breach the walls in their first assault he gave the command of the Brigands to his adjacent.

Now the defenders were in chaos. The Brigands now motivated by the promise of a full pardon if they take the city began their second assault with a renewed vigour. They had now gained several footholds on the key locations on the wall. After one of his dragon riders joined the fray the defences on the wall began to crumble. The untrained militia men those were only able to stall the brigand attacks now were being overwhelmed and were struck with panic as his dragon rider attacks literally wiped out large sections of defenders on the walls creating massive gaps on several key sections for the bandits to exploit. As specifically instructed before his man kept his field of attack only to the men on the top of the wall.

"With all due respect sire, why do you send only one of our men to join the brigands? why not send us all and finish the fight once and for all." one of his men asked.

"Hmmm.. Haven't I promised these bandits that if they help me to burn this city to the ground they will be granted a full pardon and will be allowed to rejoin the army."

"Yes Sire, you have."

"Then you must understand if they are craving for a pardon from me they had to pay it with their own blood. I was not planning to let one of my fists join the assault but when I tried to reason with that idiotic Honour drove knight, I saw of those legendary Green guardians on the top of the wall. Their involvement changes everything. I will limit our unit's involvement to fronts where these Green guardians will appear. As you see there is one of them on the top of the wall so we attack the wall. If there are more in the town we will attack those locations. The commoners and the knights will be dealt with by our bandit friends. Are you clear?"

"Yes, Sire."

"Good, now enjoy the show," Noldid said as he returns to graze upon the burning walls of Italica with a crooked smile on his face.

Italica, West Gate.

Arran walked on the walkway keeping an eye on the outline ridge for any lurking bandits. Half of his squad were asleep including some of Itami's men.

Itami walks towards him and asks.

"Anything you see Arran ?"

"Nope, except for those scouts we saw an hour ago, I haven't noticed any kind of movement down there." He replies.

"Sir, do you think they will attack today ?"

"I don't know Higara, I don't really know. We did everything we could to present this position as a vulnerable weak spot to attack. The fire is put out which means we are in pitch black which is limiting visibility of the defenders. For the bandits, it will be a good opportunity to attack and take the gateway."

"If their commander is an idiot, he will attack this gate. " Arran points out.

"Eh.."

"If I was their commander I would never attack this gate. This place reeks a smell of a trap and a seasoned and competent army commander would notice it pretty fast. Our position is just begging them to attack which could raise suspicion among their commanding ranks and they would avoid taking any risks when they are in a tight spot for limited man power."

"They are just dumb band..." Higara was interrupted by Arran

"They are not some dumb bloodthirsty foolish bandits, private but trained soldiers from the imperial army we annihilated about a month ago. They know what to do and what not to in a situation like this." Arran explained

"Yes, sir."

"Good, now back to your post."

Higara turns and returns back to his designated position on the wall.

"Hey Arran, do you mind if I may catch a little shut eye ?"

"No worries Itami go on take a nap I will be on guard."

As Itami sat down on the walkway to have a little rest and if possible a small nap. He heard something, it was like a burst of automatic fire coming from the East gateway. He stands up quickly and turns towards Arran who was standing a few paces away from him.

"Arran, did you hear that ?"

"What ?"

"I think I heard gunshots coming from the east wall."

" I think your ears are ringing due to exhaustion."

"Wait. be quiet"

Arran along with Itami tries their best to hear something. At first, it was nothing then they heard nearly faint noises of an assault rifle being fired. Soon after they heard this time clearly a musket volley being fired.

"Damn it, you are right. Beaman wakes everyone up I think the East gate is under attack."

Beaman went on individually waking up sleeping soldiers and those were on the verge of dosing up, and even yelled in Kuribayashi ears forcing the poor woman to jump as she looked like she was a very good dream in her sleep.

Arran quickly grabbed his radio and tried to contact Cardwell.

"RCT3 4-5 this is RCT3 4-1, what's your status over."

He only heard the loud buzzing sound.

Arran and Itami looked at each other.

"RCT3 4-5, come in over."

"RCT3 4-5, respond! over."

"RCT3 4-5, Cardwell, can you hear me, Please respond over."

The only reply he got was the buzzing sound.

At this time the noise of fighting had stopped.

"Boss, do you think they repelled the attack," Kurata asked.

"Even if they did repel the attack we still have one of our men stationed out there not responding. Get ready to move."

Suddenly they heard a man running towards them and yelling at the top of his voice.

"East Gate is under attack !, East gate is under Attack !. they have dragons along with them."

Muller who was on the ground ran towards the man and offered his water canteen who was had fallen to his knees and was trying to catch his breath.

"What did you say ?" he asks.

"The east gate, sire, The Bandits are attacking the east gate. We halted their first two attacks with ease but now they have dragons among their ranks."

Muller's eyes widen.

"Herr Leutenants." he yells towards Arran and Itami... " We have dragon mounted bandits attacking the wall."

" Ohh Fuck. we are screwed." Carter cursed.

" Tomita, Kuribayashi and Higara get into the Jeep we are going towards the East gate." Itami orders. "Old man, can you take care of here ?"

"Don't worry sir, nothing shall pass through here."

"Great."

On the other hand, Arran was ordering his men to mount up.

" Carter, Muller and James into the Humvee. Kalb gets back into your IFV and follow us ASAP we have a dragon situation on the East wall. Also, contact the HQ and inform them the east gate is under attack, not the west."

"Jawohl."

Itami's Light truck came to life as it left first leaving towards the east gate with a trail of dust. Soon to be followed by Arran's Humvee.

As they just went past the corner towards the gate they soon found the road blocked.

Itami pressed the brake peddle hard to stop his speeding truck from a third barricade which had been erected without their knowledge. Arran's Humvee comes to a halt behind him.

"Bloody hell, when the Fuck, did they put that here," Arran yells in anger as he got out of his Humvee.

"They must have barricade set up in this position in secret after we had gone to defend the West Gate," Itami replies.

Right in front of them was a large mound of furniture and wooden articles blocking their path and behind it was a large wooden barricade. Muller walks and slides his hand on the top of a broken table which is used on the barricade.

"Herr Leutenant, These are soaking in oil. A single spark and we will be having a burning barricade blocking this path."

"That redhead must have been expecting an attack on the West wall. She must have predicted that though we have superior firepower we would have been overwhelmed by the numerical overwhelming Brigands, and she would be fighting her decisive battle here against a battered Brigand force here." Itami said.

"And steal our weapons and equipment for their use." James added.

"Carter, did you find someone out there ?" Arran asks

"No Sir, they must have redeployed the militia guarding this barricade to reinforce their lines at the east gate." Who replies from the other side of the barricade.

"Sir, there is a shit load Barrels of oil present here."

'She must have been planning to cut out retreat along with bandits advance deep into the city by literally keep the burning barricade lit up as long as possible' Arran thought.

As they stood there the noise of fighting and firing of muskets could be heard again.

"Muller any reception from the East gate yet ?"

"Kein leutnant, I am getting nothing from Cardwell."

"Damn it. When this is all over and if we survive then that girl is going to have of a piece of my mind."

A few seconds later Kalb arrives with his Marder. He sticks his head out of his IFV's copula. Observing the present situation he says.

"Sir, I don't think our Humvees would be able to cross this barricade without receiving any damage. Hop in and we will be off to the east gate."

Without further delay, the back of the Marder opens up.

"James and Tomita stay here and take care of the vehicles. Others get in, we are hitching a ride in Kalb's cab." Arran orders.

He looks towards the smoke rising from the east and hears cries of men fighting a desperate battle in between the roar of a dragon and firing of an assault rifle could be heard as he enters the troop compartment of the IFV.

"All aboard."

The rear hatch closes off.

"Let's move out."

The IFV ploughs through the barricade with ease and moves forward towards the raging battle.

UNTF Fort Endurance, Special Region, August 31, 2019.

2:30 AM ( Earth Time).

Combat group Beta under Col. Romanov was now fully prepared to leave. The Tanks were leading at the front, IFVs, APCs along with three 2K22 Tunguska self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon were added after new info on the dragons being used by the Brigands was received were at the rear with the trucks carrying troops and supplies.

Romanov was in his BMP 3K command APC in the middle of the formation as was going through the final preparation for the operation. He picked up his radio and contacted Col. Morrison from the First Air Cavalry.

"This is Beta actual to Hunter actual we are ready to move. What your status over."

On the airfield, the JSDF troopers were mounting into their Huey along with the US First Cavalry soldiers entering their Black Hawks. The overall command of this unit was in the experienced hands of Col. Morrison who already been through four tours of Afghanistan. Col. Kengun wanted the post of the commander but he was turned down by General Hazama due to his lack of combat experience.

The air was now filled with the sound of the rotor blades spinning as several pilots started their machines.

"Sir." Morrison's radio operator said. "Beta actual is ready to move and is asking for our status."

Morrison took the radio into his hands and replied.

"Beta actual this is Hunter actual we are also nearly set we will be in the air in five mikes. You may proceed we will catch up soon. over"

"Solid copy, Hunter actual, Good luck out."

"You too Beta actual. over and out.

Morrison gives back the radio to its operator and began walking towards his black Hawk waiting for him.

On the other side after receiving the confirmation Romanov then asks his operator to change its frequency and orders.

"This is Beta actual to all Beta elements, move out"

As ordered the formation began to advance through the Endurance main gate and to the road leading towards the city of Italica.

( Refugee camp)

Many sleeping refugees woke up from their slumber as they heard a large rumbling noise. Many soon gathered at the fence and near the gate of their camp and looked in awe as several iron carriages and Iron beasts roll past their camp entrance towards an unknown location.

"Someone must have angered these people." one of the refugees said.

"Whoever did that is going to be in a lot of pain." another one commented.

They then looked up to see several of those flying dragons of this army were flying over their head. They were flying very low as they could clearly see the people inside them. Some of them even waving towards them as they fly through.

"Sire, could you say where are your people are going ?" a refugee asked an American soldier guarding at the camp's entrance.

"We received information that the city of Italica was under siege by a bandit army. So our command decided to send a relief force to the city," he replied.

Knowing full well what this army could do the refugee said to himself. "Those bandits are going to be in really a lot of death and pain."

Italica, East gate

The situation on the walls has already turned from bad to worse. The militia was in a state panic and was being cut to pieces by the bandits. The dragon had turned many brave men to crisp and the noble officer on the wall had gone nuts. This man instead of falling back ordered the militia to holdfast, he preferred death before facing dishonour by running away from his post without orders from his commander. All the knights from Tristain those were on the wall had already fallen in the battle.

At first, Cardwell tried to reason with this man and tried to convince him to abandon the wall as it was already lost, but it was to no avail. He looks down to see the militia at the barricades weren't moving an inch to help them nor the orders to fall back arrived.

"We are being used as sacrificial pawns for providing time for rest of the defenders to form up and wear down the enemy as much as they can before being overwhelmed." He thought to himself.

"We can't hold this position much longer. I am falling back if you want to live to fight another day then follow me." Cardwell yelled in French.

"Coward." Norma the Knight cursed.

Giving not much heed to his words, now running low on ammo and with no chance of contact rest of his platoon, he decided it was time to fall back to the barricades alone if he has to. Drawing his sidearm and firing at the advancing bandits and killing several of them he sprints down the staircase towards the barricades. The last remaining defenders saw one of the Green Guardians falling back, their last bit of morale broke and they also began falling back and joined Cardwell's mad dash to safety.

On the Barricades, Napoleon along with now arrived Pina who was on her horseback saw the battle unfold. The Defenders on the wall were being slaughtered by the Bandits and those were able to make a stand were soon burned by the dragon's fire breath. The whole plan to encompass the out-worldly soldiers on the West gate by forming a burning barricade failed miserably. Not only the Brigands invaded the East gate instead of west sending the plan to gutters, they now have the full support of the elite Imperial fist those are hell-bent on destroying this city. Nearly all of his men he brought with him were dead or wounded. He was the only Tristanian left standing along with the city defenders.

"Captain, what we do now ?" He asked only to find Pina's widened eyes were fixated on the top of the walls.

"It fell so easily." She said. "I had no idea reality could be so different from one's plan."

"Captain Pina."

"I don't know, what to do. "

"Look someone is coming towards us." A militia said as he pointed towards a group of men running towards them. They were led by the outworlder soldier who was on the wall some time ago.

They quickly jumped over the barricade. The militiamen were panting tired of fighting and the running as for the outworlder he was un flinched by the ordeal and looked like was reloading his weapon. Napoleon walks towards him.

"Where is Norma?" he asks worriedly about the young knight's fate.

"I think he is still on the top of the wall."

"What !" Pina jumps down from her horse and strides towards Cardwell. Holding him by his collar she yells at him at the top of her voice.

"Why did you leave him behind? Why did you run away from your post, do you have no honour?"

Cardwell in return pushes her back.

" The wall is a lost cause, we were taking too many casualties, I tried to reason with that fool, but for his bloody honneur ... he wanted to continue. I choose the only viable course of action in my path. I fell back with the surviving militiamen those were able to grasp the current situation."

Pointing towards the burning wall."You know, you already have lost most of your archers on the top of the wall, because that fool considered honneur over precious human lives. You should be glad that I brought back as many men as possible to strengthen our barricades here."

Pina tries to reply back but she was interrupted when a brigand shouted from the top of the wall.

"ENEMY COMMANDER IS DEAD, THE GATEWAY IS OURS."

Top of the East Wall

(5 minutes earlier)

"Cowards." Norma yelled at the outworlder and the few militiamen running from the wall.

The sudden rout of some of the militia left the whole right flank open to the brigands, who were now pouring on the walls.

Norma along with a few brave men held the ground

"Holdfast men, fight to your last breath."

He swung his sword at one of his attackers slicing the head clean off his body. The headless body tumbled down on the walkway.

He then blocks attacks from two other bandits with his sword. He shoves one off the wall and kills the other by thrusting his sword through the gap in the bandit's armour.

Watching their comrades being taken down by the knight, bandits those were facing Norma locked their shields together forming a shield wall. He fell back a few steps after trying vainly to break the shield wall.

From years of training as a fire mage, Norma knew using fire attacks on opponents too close will be dangerous to the user as well. Nevertheless, he decides to take his chances and drew his wand to cast a spell on the bandits.

"Die you brigand scum." he cursed and began to chant a spell but when suddenly he felt a sharp chilling pain. He slowly looks down to see the sharp tip of a sword sticking out through abdomen and blood began to pour through his wound. He began to coughs blood and his shaking hands gave away dropping both the sword and the wand. His attacker kicks him on to the ground drawing his sword out.

He began to slowly lose consciousness due to blood loss.

"ENEMY COMMANDER IS DEAD, THE GATEWAY IS OURS." the bandits began to cheer. The last of the militia and the sentries on the wall were hacked to pieces.

"I should have taken that outworlder's advice to retreat." he lamented before closing his eyes.

( Present)

Bandits on the ground were now opening the large doors letting the rest of their men in. The bandits charged at the barricades and melee was now taking place between the barricade and the gate.

"Don't let them cross the barricade," she yelled trying to coordinate the hopelessly outmatched defenders from behind the barricade. Napoleon had jumped across the barricade and was locked in close combat. Cardwell kept the pressure on by firing pot shots at intervals behind the barricade trying his best not to harm any of the friendly militia.

The battle was getting worse at every passing second, then one of the imperial fist dragons flew past the wall and began to hover overshadowing the battle going down below. It left out a heart-wrenching roar, filling hearts of all the defenders with fear. In an instant, their morale fell to all-time low and their lines began to weaver.

"Hold the line, do not fall back," Pina yelled

The dragon roared again, this time sending Pina's steed to panic in fear. She tried to control it but it was to no avail, she fell down from her horse on to the ground. The panic-stricken horse ran away towards the opposite direction, leaving Pina on the ground. Massaging her back she tried to get up only to look right into the eyes of the dragon staring at her. The dragon's predatorial eyes sent chills down her spine, with fear of death she froze unable to move a single muscle.

"Get out of there !" Cardwell yelled trying to get her attention. He could clearly see the horrified face of a girl who thought herself to be a mighty and brave commander some time ago.

He tried to fire his rifle at the dragon only to hear the distinctive *click* sound of his rifle now out of ammo. He moves his hand on the ammo pouches finding nothing but empty rifle magazines. He was nearly out of ammo except for a single pistol mag, no grenades and his bayonet.

Noticing him distracted a bandit tried to land a hit on him. Cardwell dodges it and uses his rifle's butt smashes the bandit's face knocking him out. He fixes his bayonet to his Famas and began to engage in close combat with other charging bandits, now being unable to help Pina.

Pina's eyes began to tear up.

'So my death is here, I am going to die a death of a coward who is unable to move in fear of death rather than falling in glorious battle as a knight.' She thought.

'Mother I apologize for not being able to live up to your expectations in leading the Rose knights you established and live up to fill up my brother's position as the Captain of this order.'

The Dragon open's its mouth to release its dragon breadth. Pina closes her eyes in anticipation of impending doom by being burned alive and the feeling of the sensation of intense heat at any moment.

But, it never came, instead, the air was filled with the painful screeching of a dragon and the noise of a cannon being fired consecutively at once. She opened her eyes to the see the dragon was trying in vain to fly away as his mount was being hit by yellow light bolts.

The dragon unable to too much damage tumbled down on the ground crashing into one of the buildings at the right. But its rider sensing his rider's demise jumped and landed inside the barricade. Before the black armoured knight was able to draw his sword he was suddenly riddled with holes, he fell on the ground dead blood pouring out of his lifeless body.

Arran reloaded his rifle after he used a whole magazine on the black knight.

Itami and Kuribayashi ran past Arran checking the scared Knight on the ground. Muller, Carter and Higara took a position on the barricade and began providing covering fire for the militia. Kalb's IFV held its fire on the bandits in front of the barricade in fear of hitting friendlies.

"Are you all right ?" Itami asked.

"I thought I was going to die," Pina replied. Kuribayashi picked her up back to her feet.

"What's the situation out here ?"

"It's a Putain de mess."

Itami turns back to see Cardwell walking towards him holding a bloodied sword in his hand. He had already lost his rifle and was covered with cuts and bruises.

"The line is barely holding, thanks to your timely arrival the bandits are falling back."

True to his word the bandits steadily falling back out through the gate. The fall of the dragon and arrival of more of the UNTF soldiers broke their morale. The Militia maintained their position, falling back as ordered by Napoleon and holding their side of the barricade. The ground between the gate and the barricade was littered with hundreds of dead and wounded of both militia and bandits.

"You ok soldier ?"

"Just scratches, sir. I just need a new rifle and a sidearm. Lost both of them out there. The armourer is going to be really pissed. hehehe." he chuckled.

Arran drew his pistol from his holster and handed it to Cardwell with spare ammo.

"Sorry, you have to make do with these. I don't think we have any additional weapon right now."

"Merci! le Monsieur better than this rusty sword I picked up from a dead brigand. The fencing lessons I took during my school days really paid off today."

"Thanks to the Founder, you all arrived, If weren't for you taking out that dragon, we would surely have lost the gateway," Napoleon said.

He was in a better condition than Cardwell due to his sturdy armour.

"But I don't think we will be able to hold another assault." He said grimly.

Before Itami could reply, they heard the dragons roar again, this time it was louder. Four dragons flew high above the gateway, looking down upon their recently arrived pry. Their Imperial fist riders were itching for a payback of them for their lost comrade and the humiliation they faced for their first known defeat.

"Damn it, now there are four of them," Carter said.

The Marder IFV's MK 20 Rh 202 autocannon turned its attention towards the flying dragons and began firing 20 mm cannon rounds at them in short bursts. The Dragons facing incoming fire broke formation and scattered in all four directions. IFV's cannon tried to keep up with the dragons but they were too many and bit faster than the cannon's turret could move. Its fire was only able to keep away the dragons from coming too close to the ground to cause any harm to the UNTF troops and the town's militia on the ground.

"Here they come again," Carter yelled amidst the loud noise of IFV's cannon fire pointing towards the bandits those now entering again through the gate this time led by Imperial fists at the front.

"And the big black baddies are leading them."

"Then what are you waiting for picking your targets and open fire do not let them through," Arran ordered

UNTF troops opened fire on the advancing bandits cutting several of them down but some of the fists used they magical powers in forming a thick layer of ice shields enough to stop 5.56 mm rounds.

"The hell bullets aren't getting through," Higara said.

" Das ist schlecht"

"What !"

"This is bad." Muller translated.

While the UNTF troops kept up their fire on the combined assault by the fists and the bandits on the ground and the IFV firing at the dragons in the air, the militia and the surviving knights held their position behind them.

"Should we help them ?" a militiaman asked.

"No, we will only come in their way," Napoleon replied.

Finally, IFV's guns were able to shoot down one of the dragons from the sky. The dead corpse of the dragon crash landed in the middle of the city, as per the rider he was also hit by the 20 mm rounds and fell from the sky to his death, landing somewhere in the town.

Slowly but surely the fists were advancing towards the barricade. Itami pulled the pin from his grenade and threw it towards the fists shields.

"Fire in the hole."

The grenade exploded severely weakening the shield.

"Now is the time, nail those bastards."

The bullets tore through the shield hitting the fists and the bandits. The heavy medieval armour of the fists was no match for the multiple full metal jacket rounds. Their armour was punctured at multiple locations and they tumbled on the ground. The five leading fists lost their lives even before they were able to do any damage. The morale of the bandits reached all-time low. On the background, the sun rose on the horizon and its light glittered the horizon.

Observing the bandits halting their advance at the sight of their commander's death, Arran decided that this was the time to go on the offensive.

"3rd Recon" he yelled. "Affix your bayonets and advance."

As ordered they fixed their bayonets and jumped over the barricade. Firing as they advanced, gunning down anyone trying to charge at them. The dragons returned and plunged towards the ground to burn them with their fire breath. Kalb's IFV reacted, its turret turned towards the dragons and opened fire. The 20 mm rounds pierced through the dragons like a hot knife through butter. The first flew over the ensuing battle and crash landed somewhere inside the merchant district. The second made a barrel roll and landed on the top of the land throwing many bandits off the wall. But the third did something unexpected. The rider turned its limping injured dragon towards Kalb's position for a suicidal attack.

"Scheiße Treiber fallen zurück (Shit driver fall back)" Kalb ordered.

The IFV tried to go on the reverse to avoid the falling dragon, but the militiamen were blocking its path. Along with it, the sight of a charging dragon send panic among their ranks and they began to scatter all over the place for cover, making it impossible for driver Franz to manoeuvre without running them over. The dragon beeline towards the IFV and crashed on to it. The crash was so hard that it pushed the IFV right into a nearby building.

"Ohhh..." Kalb muttered shaking his head

"Franz, Erwin ihr beiden seid in Ordnung ( both of you alright)"

"ja" both of his crew men responded.

"It is good that our seat belts held," Franz commented.

"Damage report."

Going through their system Erwin says.

"Herr Leutenant our engine is fine but our turret is not. It is not responding, I am afraid it might be out of action."

" Verdammt" he cursed.

"Okay we have no choice left, pick up your weapons we are joining the fight."

"Jawohl" they replied in unison.

Kalb and Erwin armed themselves with G36 assault rifles, while Franz armed himself with an MP7. The troop compartment hatch opened up as the turret was not working.

They got out with their weapons raised.

The militia surrounding the IFV and the fallen dragon. Some of the brave ones checking if the beast is alive or not by poking it with their spears backed off by the sudden opening of the troop compartment.

Kalb soon saw the extent damage the IFV received from the dragon. The front half was literally thrust into a nearby house on the left, the head of the dragon was resting on the IFV beside the turret, and by the looks of the damage, the turret had sustained by the collision. The dragon hit the side of the turret directly. It will not be working until it is back at the base for repairs.

Turning his attention towards the fighting at the barricades and noticing the inaction of the locals, he quickly waved at them to draw their attention and used his hand signs to follow him towards the barricade before running off along with his crewmen to join his comrades.

"What did the green guardian try to say to us ?" one militiaman said.

"I think he wanted us to follow him to join the battle." another replied.

"But what can do we do we have already lost too many."

"Are you all cowards." Percival the old Coda village chief yelled. "We might not be as good as those brigands or like those green guardians, but we can still support them in their fight and stop the ones trying to flank them and get past the barricade. They are just nine of them holding against a tide and this is own town for founder's sake, we cannot let them do all the fighting alone, while we sit here just being scared of those fists and their goons doing nothing. We must help them as much as we can."

The militia raised their weapons in approval. With a renewed vigour they rallied their ranks and with a battle cry of their own charged towards the barricade. As for Pina she stood there motionless watching as commoners taking over the command and for the first time in her life watching a commoner leading the charge.

" Captain Pina, what should we do now ?"

Coming back to her senses she said.

"What are we waiting for, join them, charge."

The knights drew their swords and wands and joined the commoners in their attack leaving Pina and Hamilton behind.

"We need to a good view of the battle," Pina said.

She along with Hamilton climbed on to a two storey building overlooking the gate.

Near the gate, Itami and his men held the brigands. They under Arran command formed a line and kept up their fire and had already inflicted heavy losses to the bandits. The bodies were pilling in front of them but the brigands kept up their attack.

Just minutes ago they lost their armour support to a kamikaze dragon, which had left them at a disadvantage at this point, with ammo burning up pretty fast, It will not be long they had to fall back and retreat towards the Mansion where as per instructed the rest of the team would be waiting for them for the last stand.

"Hold the line, I want controlled bursts only."

"Where are the reinforcements ?" Carter said as he downed another bandit with a crossbow.

"They will be here at any moment, we just need to hold a little longer," Arran assured.

At the very moment, Shino's rifle clicked signalling her she was out of ammo. A bandit charged at her. Instead of drawing her sidearm which was fully loaded, she decided counter charged towards him.

"Hey, wait, don't break the formation," Arran yelled at her.

But it was to no avail as Shino charged ahead blocked the swing of the sword from the bandit with her rifle and then kicked him in his shins. He staggered back, opening an opportunity for her to thrust her rifle bayonet into his unprotected neck. The blood spilt out of it as the man fell on the ground dead. For Shino, she just withdrew her rifle and charged at another two bandits engaging them in close combat. She ducked through another sword swing through the use of her short body and used her rifle's butt to hit him on his face. His companion tried to thrust his sword, only for her to skillfully move and dodge it and then slicing his neck through her bayonet. He falls down holding his neck as blood sprout through it.

Shino quickly reloads her weapon and then turned her attention towards next group of bandits waiting to be brought down hard.

Arran stood with the rest of the team watching Kuribayashi going full berserk mode on the brigands. She was good, better than him in close combat, but being too engrossed in fighting one enemy at a time that too alone meant leaving her flanks for an attack wide open. The danger of her being surrounded by a numerous enemy was going high at each passing second.

"That trigger happy idiot." Arran changes his stance for a charge.

"Assault forward, Itami guard our backs."

"Roger."

With that, the rest of the team minus Itami advanced to join Shino.

Arran fired his rifle killing a few then charged with his bayonet into another. Kicking his weapon out he blocked an attack with his rifle, shove his attack back and fired his weapon at a point-blank range. The bullet went through the brigand's armour and struck another who was standing right behind him. Muller fired from his rifle at full auto unloading his whole clip onto a bunch of bandits, then turning his rifle around and began cracking heads using it like a club. Carter pulled the pin out of his grenade and threw it on to a group of bandits trying to form up and assault Shino. The grenade exploded sending fragments and shrapnel all around killing and injuring a lot in the process. Higara stayed with Itami providing cover. On the other hand, Cardwell had gone full medieval. Dual wielding, his sword in his right and pistol in his left hand he engaged his attackers in full-blown close combat duels and by the skilful fencing techniques he cut through them, any bandit tried to flank him from behind during his duels was met with a 9mm bullet in his head.

"Jesus Christ, they are getting way too into this," he said watching the fighting unfold.

Just then, Itami saw Kalb and his crew had arrived at the barricade. They jumped over and joined him.

"You started the party without us," he commented.

"Nah, It is just the beginning." Itami replied back."I want you to provide covering fire. Don't let anyone get to their rear."

"Roger that." turning towards his crewmen. "You heard him, Offenes Feuer."

As they begun to fire, Itami heard a battle cry coming from the rear, he looks back to see the militia those had retreated before on his orders was back and were coming to help them in the fight.

'If they join in then it will be a mess.' he thought 'militia engaging would only lead to more confusion. Identifying friend or foe would be a real pain in the ass.'

Itami turned around, jumped over the barricade and began waving his hand and yelling at them to stop in his broken Germanian tongue.

The militiamen stopped their charge.

"Green guardian, why did you stop us ? we are here to help you." the leading man said.

"I know that, but if go over and fight them, it will be harder for us to focus on the fight. I do not want to shoot any of you by mistake."

"But, but.."

Itami raised his hand.

"You can still help us, let us handle them at the gates, You lot man the barricades, kill anything that go past us. Are we clear ?"

"Yes, we understand," Percival stated.

"Good now man the barricades and let not a single bandit through."

"You heard him, forward."

Itami returned back to join Kalb in providing support. But suddenly a noise hit his ears.

"Did you hear that ?"

"What ?" Kalb asked while reloading his weapon.

Itami looked around, trying to determine its source in the midst of gunfire, exploding grenades, cries of men going against each other. Itami's ears began to pick up a faint melody. A song he heard ages ago, in an American war movie, he got to watch with his squad mates during his training days. It was distant at first, but slowly it got nearer and nearer along with the recognisable noises of helicopters rotating blades. The song was none other than the "Ride of the Valkyries."

"That," he said.

He quickly pulls out his flare gun and launches a flare into the air signalling his position.

(10 Minutes earlier)

US First Cavalry and 4th Combat choppers soared through the sky towards the city of Italica. Three helicopters, an Apache followed a UH-1 and a Black Hawk were leading the group.

"Col. Morrison! , sir, 10 minutes to the objective."

Lt. Austin said. "According to reports we received from RCT 3, the East gate is breached and the defenders are engaged. The enemy is supported by dragon riders and heavy losses have already being inflicted on the defenders. Sir, I suggest we should approach from the East, clear the skies with our attack helicopters and wipe out the hostiles at the gate."

Morrison nodded and said. "Very well Austin, inform Col. Kengun and contact Combat group Beta and ask them about their present ETA from the objective. Tell them if they are late they will miss out all the fun."

"Yes sir," Austin replies

He informs Col. Kengun first and then contacts Combat group beta through the radio.

"Sir, Combat group Beta is 17 minutes away from the target," he informs.

"Good," Morrison replies.

Suddenly the radio crackles to life.

"This is Hunter 2-1 come in over." Kengun's voice is heard.

Morrison picks the radio up and pressed the receiver button.

"This is Hunter Actual, Over."

"Hunter Actual, requesting permission to play Wagner's Ride to Valkyries for the mood of the upcoming battle. We haven't installed those speakers on our choppers for nothing."

He quickly takes a glance at the amplifier and the loudspeakers he had installed on his chopper for the very same purpose. 'What a bloody coincidence.' he thought.

"Great, Hunter 2-1, we have also bought our own speakers," he looks towards Austin who gives him a thumbs up, ready to play Wagner at any moment."Are your speakers ready? over."

"Affirmative, Hunter actual."

"Great, Hunter 2-1 prepare to play on my mark."

"3 minutes." his pilot informs.

"3...2...1...Mark."

Both Austin and Lt. Youga Kengun's second in command switched on their amplifiers and pressed the on buttons simultaneously. Both of them turned the volume to its maximum.

The sound of the horns rang out.

The light sounds of woodwinds raced through the air, and the main theme commenced with the blaring of the trumpets. The song written in the honour of the eight Valkyries was amplified further by the speakers both from 4th Combat group and the 1st Cavalry.

The choppers positioned themselves to come in with the sun behind their back.

Troops began loading their weapons, door gunners flipping the safeties of their guns, preparing themselves for their first helicopter-borne attack in the history of the special region.

Italica, East Gate.

Blades and bayonets clashed against each other. Bullets piercing through flesh, blood spraying out.

Sounds of sword hit echoed. Shouts of men facing their doom and cries of suffering. RCT 3 held the bulk of brigand force but some of them were able to bypass them and began clashing with the militia at the barricade. They were pressed against each other everywhere. It was a utter chaos, nobody cared about anything except their enemy before them. They hacked, slashed with their swords and spears, bayoneted their enemies, firing from the hip at full auto. Occasionally some knight would launch a magical attack. The area echoed with gunfire whenever one of Itami's man discharged his or her weapon sometimes at point-blank range. Some people cowered on the ground, some tried to crawl away from the fighting, but they were trampled by their own or from the cavalry the brigands have just unleashed against the defenders.

The ground was covered with corpses, bodies, remains, discarded weapons and bullet casings. The stone floor dyed with red by the dried blood and brighter red with the blood of those recently spilt from the friend or foe alike.

It was why they couldn't hear the distant sound that thundered the air. It Itami who first recognised the sound out from all in between this chaos and launched a flare into the sky.

The sound got louder and louder when a song was heard in the air, accompanied by trumpets and trombones.

The attacking bandits and defending UNTF troops and militiamen could hear the song loud and clear. Out of a sudden, they saw a strange fireball being launched into the sky (Itami's flare). The fighting slowly began to die down as both confused bandits and defending militia and knights alike looked towards the sky for its source.

The bandits outside the walls of Italica were both petrified and confused by this. Noldid till now kept his fists from entering open combat with city's defenders and the out-worldly soldiers, except a few instances when some of his dragon riders entered into combat only to wiped out. Some of his men also acted as officers for the Bandits, they had till now kept them from running away from the battle. A few of his men were also killed while leading a charge against the outworlders.

Now with this new development, he didn't want to take any chances. After noticing some strange black figures appeared on the rising sun, flying towards them and were possible for this song, he ordered a detachment of his fists to get on their dragons and go on to have a look. As they flew towards the unknown flying objects suddenly one of the objects launched some strange arrow from its wing which flew towards the leading dragon with a trail of smoke. The dragon rider tried to dodge it, but that arrow didn't deviate from its target. It hit the leading dragon which exploded it to bits and forcing others to scatter.

"What !" Noldid yelled to his horror as simultaneously other dragons are shot down from the sky.

(UNTF side)

"This is Jeagar leader to all. Flying bogies in range. Weapons free, weapons free. missile away."

2, Fired

3, missile away

4, Fired

5, Fired

In an instant 5 heat seeking missiles were launched from the five Apaches leading the group. They hit the dragons coming towards them and ended their lives with an explosion each.

"Targets are down. Switch to the ones those are sitting in that camp."

The Apaches along with AH-1 Cobras descended upon the Imperial fist camp. The fists were still trying to mount their dragons when their camp was hit by the string of Hydra rockets and cannon fire from the helicopters. Fists those were able to lift off from their camp were cut to bits by Apache's chain gun and Cobras 20 mm Gatling gun.

While the attack helicopters wrecked havoc in the imperial fist camp, the Black Hawks and the UH-1s flying at the nap of earth course with their loudspeakers blasting Wagner's ride of Valkyries through the sky. They descended upon the bandits below.

All around them the bandits finally broke. They ran all over the place trying to find cover from the fire incoming the helicopters. The two escorting cobras fired their rocket pods, turning the ground into a sea of fire. The Black Hawks with their miniguns rained hellish gunfire on the bandits.

"This is Hunter actual to Hunter 1-3 and 1-8, you are ordered to head to the mansion and provide security to the civilians sheltered in there. Over."

"Affirmative Hunter actual. 1-3 out."

"Roger that actual. 1-8 out."

Two black hawks broke formation and flew towards the Formar mansion inside the city.

One of the Cobras made a fly-by over the wall, clearing them with cannon fire. Then it flew back joining the rest of the helicopters slaughtering the bandits outside the wall.

Bandits were running all over the place, some tried to escape towards the west when they came face to face with the iron beasts from the Alnus hill. Those were advancing towards them in the line formation at an unbelievable speed.

"Hunter actual this is Beta actual. Be advised not to engage any targets in the west of your position. We are coming in through west. Over."

"Roger that beta actual, over and out."

'Good' Col. Romanov thought.

Picking up his radio he said.

"This is Beta actual to all combat elements, we will be advancing towards the east gate of the city and annihilate anything or anyone that stands between us and the city. Over and out."

The tanks began to advance forward closely followed by APCs and other support vehicles. They turned their turrets towards a bunch of bandits standing before them petrified and reliving their horrors from the Alnus battlefield. One of the Russian tank's main gun opened fire, blowing that bunch apart where they stood. It was soon followed by other tanks opening up with their main guns blasting many to oblivion. Some surviving fists those were acting as officers for the bandits tried to fight back with their magical attacks. But none of them worked on the heavily armoured tanks. They just scratched their paint and nothing else. In response, the coaxial guns opened up on them literarily filling them with holes.

Their offensive against the city was stopped at its gates, the Imperial fists empire's mightiest warriors were wiped out before they could engage the out world's army, They are attacked by strange flying objects blaring a strange but strong music on its peak, now with the arrival of the infamous iron beasts from the Alnus pointing their snouts which unleashed deadly fire magic at them they lost all the hope in the battle. Watching their comrades running away the ones engaging in battle inside the city walls began to fall back and join the rout. The tanks kept on firing their machine guns at the ones coming from inside the gateway. Many were cut down to bits.

Trampling over their own to save their own lives they ran from the battlefield. But all this running was to no avail, they soon found out they had been surrounded from all sides. Cries of panic and fear were heard amongst the now terrified men. Iron beasts of different sizes surrounded them now deploying troops into the battlefield from their back, The flying iron Pegasus ruled the skies, all their path to escape was now blocked. Their doom had finally arrived for them. But suddenly a voice was heard from the iron beasts.

"You are surrounded, drop your weapons and armour, surrender now and you will be spared. The voice commanded.

The bandits dropped their swords, spears, pikes, muskets and shields on the ground. They preferred to be prisoners than to face another ordeal the one they faced just now along with the one their previous comrades faced during the disaster at Alnus. Several horseless carriages drove towards them. Troops in green armour and garments poured out of it. They began ordering them in broken Germanian language. Many carefully searched the prisoners and began leading them away from the battlefield while others secured their weapons.

Romanov exited his command APC and looked around. The land was filled with craters created by their weapons and hundreds of dead corpses and remains of both man and animal laying all over the place. Vultures were circling around

"Lieutenant." he said to one of his men. " I want you to take half of the healthy prisoners and put them on clean-up duty. I want this place nice and tidy."

"Da sir," he replied and picked up his radio to relay the order.

( Imperial fist camp)

Noldid slowly raised his head. He looked around his camp was in ruins. His men and their dragons had been blasted to bits by the outworlders iron dragons magic. Not long before he was commanding an army of 800 strong brigand army and a wing of Empire's strongest Imperial fist's Serpent company. But now the serpent company is all but wiped out of existence, the brigands have surrendered. He checked himself for any severe injuries and miraculously expected for his busted armour and missing weapons and few cuts here and there he was largely uninjured. He tries to stand up but suddenly he heard someone calling out to him in Albonish.

"We have a live one here."

Noldid looks back to see several outworlders were advancing towards him. He quickly reaches for his wand only to find out it was missing. They have soon surrounded him with their weapons raised.

"Hands in the Air, hands in the air and get on your knees."

"Surrender and you will be spared."

Noldid was an Imperial fist and he decided he will die rather than be taken prisoner by the outworlders.

He raises his fists and tried to lash out at them. They backed off.

"Come on you cowards," he yelled at them.

"Shoot this bastard."

"No !, he may be an officer we have to take him alive."

One of the soldiers turned his weapon around and hit him with his rifle's butt on his head from behind.

The force of the hit knocked Noldid out cold.

( Inside the city)

Two hours later

Several UH-1s were flying over the city. JSDF troops were rappelling down around the east gateway and began securing the area. Their medics treated wounded and some of the soldiers rounded the prisoners. Itami and his group were sitting beside Kalb's APC, they were also being treated for the injuries they got during the fight along with several locals by their side. Combat group Beta trucks began entering the city. Soldiers from different nationalities poured out of the trucks to help the locals in the cleanup operation. Bodies were being dragged away from the gateway, the bodies of the city's defenders and of the bandits were kept separated from each other. The stone ground was washed to clean off the blood. Several JSDF Chinooks arrived from the base to help in clearing the city. They were loaded with aid supplies and left the base just an hour after the reinforcements set out for Italica. The Chinooks using their cables were lifting dead dragon corpses back to base those had fallen inside the city.

For the people of Italica, they were saved from the Brigand's wrath. They were rescued at the nick of time by the arrival of the Green Guardians and their army those who not only wiped out the brigands but also the Imperial fists those were commanding them. But for Pina, it was a disaster. She lost some of her most trusted people in the battle including Norma who sacrificed his life while leading the battle from the front. His body and along with several Tristanian knights were lined up in coffins in front of them at the Formal mansion's courtyard. As they paid their final respect Pina noticed they were being watched by another group of outworlder soldiers. This group was in the different set of uniform than the rest. They were donned in grey garments ( US Army Digital Camo) and were also armed with the strange muskets she saw with Itami's group before. When she arrived to her surprise she also saw several of them were black skinned humans. They were now patrolling the walls of the mansion.

"This is one of the biggest blunders I have ever made in my life," she said while lowering her head

"But captain we won the battle." Hamilton said

"No, we didn't win anything. It was the Green Guardians and their army that saved the day. We just have handed them over the city to them on a silver plate. Now their troops are all over the city, they even had deployed their troops in the mansion. If we try to fight back they will just annihilate us without breaking a sweat. " She replied back.

She had witnessed the destructive power this outworlder force had under its belt. They with their flying iron dragons along with their Iron beasts destroyed the bandits and the Imperial Fists. This kind of destructive power was not witnessed by her ever before in her life.

'If this is the power of the kingdom we have declared war against, then Germania is doomed.' She said to herself.

After paying her respect she turned back to leave only to find one of the grey-clad outworlders was waiting for her.

"Are you Captain Pina ?" he asked.

"Yes." She replied.

"Captain, I have been ordered to escort you and your party back to the mansion's throne room. So please follow me."

"Ok soldier lead the way."

She along with Hamilton, Grey and Napoleon followed the US Soldier back inside the mansion and towards the Throne room.

On the way, she noticed more of those men in grey. They were acting as sentries for the mansion. She saw some of the Formar household maids were distributing glasses of water to those men and women. After she reached the mansion's massive doors she saw a maid was waiting for them. Their outworlder escort stopped in front of the gate and gestured Pina to follow the maid.

"Ma'am she will be escorting you to throne room from here." He turns back to leave.

"Are you going to personally escort us to there," Napoleon asked

"No, we aren't allowed inside without orders from the higher-ups." he replies and leaves.

"Milady and lords, please follow me." the maid said and starts escorting them towards the Throne room.

The large wooden doors of the throne room were pushed open by the Italican guards standing guard outside the room. She entered the room to find Countess Myui in her formal wear was seated on her throne. Infront of her were nine men in the outworlders uniform and armour. Six of them were in the usual green but the other three were in the grey ones she saw before. They were all standing in attention in front of the Throne.

Pina and her group of knights quickly bow their heads to the countess.

"Captain Pina, Captain Napoleon please raise your heads. Don't embarrass me, you were the ones leading Italica's militia in my stead during the attack. I should bow my head for your service you did for the city."

"It is just you gist milady."

"Please take the seat beside me," Myui said.

"As you say milady." Pina quickly takes the seat beside Myui's wooden throne.

"Captain, I would like you to join me for the proceeding with the talks we are going to have with the UNTF."

"UNTF ?"

"United Nations Task Force." One of the older men from the outworlders delegation said.

"It the name we have given to the allied army we have formed to fight against the nation that crossed through the gate attacked our world without any provocation," he said.

From the facial features, Pina could fell the radiating leadership aura coming from that man.

"You sir would be..."

"Ohh, where are my manners," he said.

"I am Col. Romanov from the Russian Federation Armed forces and commander of the Combat group Beta and in overall command of this operation."

As he finished his introduction the man in grey spoke up.

"I am Col. Morrison from the United States Army 1st Air Cavalry Division."

Then the other man in green introduced himself.

"I am Col. Kengun from the JGSDF 4th Airborne Combat group."

"Colonel Romanov, Morrison and Kengun, I thank you again for saving our town," Myui said.

"Your Highness, it is our duty to protect the innocent and that is what we did," Romanov replied.

"What will you do now Colonel ?" Pina asked Sceptical of Romanov's intentions.

Romanov and other officers took a relaxed stance before speaking.

"Milady, we are under orders to garrison the town and establish a new base of operation for our army."

Pina along with several Imperials quickly jumped from their seats. "What? You are going to occupy the town."

"No, this is not the occupation. Countess Myui will keep her position as the Countess of Italica and ruler of the city and will retain her properties. So will the rest of the townspeople. Nothing will be taken from you or your people. We will help you in rebuilding the town, repair the damages inflicted in the battle, we will also set up our base outside the wall but have a garrison inside the town for the security and safety of your people. We will not loot your city or take your women. You will still have the rights to form your own militia and guard units for your city. Any of our soldiers commit any crime against the people of Italica will be put under arrest and trailed. Those found guilty will be penalised severely and I will personally see to it. We do not ask for any tribute. All your resources will go to your people for rebuilding and be taking care of the town."

"These are our terms, milady. We are here for the justice for our people those were mercilessly killed during the surprise invasion by the Empire. They were killed for no reason under the blades of imperial soldiers and now our world wants to find those responsible and make him pay for his crimes."

Myui thinks for a while. These people were here not to invade Halkeginia but for the justice for their people. The Empire, on the other hand, abandoned them during the time of their need and went on forward to pillage and burn her people without the consent of the ruling count or countess. In simple words, she along with the people of Formar county were betrayed by the empire and their emperor.

"These are very kind and acceptable terms Colonel." She said.

"We also like to request permission to establish a trading post and tax exemption."

"Mhmm. I accept."

"Milady please reconsider what will happen to the empire.." Pina pleaded

"No Captain, My people come first. After being betrayed by the esteemed emperor. I do not think I will trust Emperor Albert anymore."

This silenced her.

"What will happen to us ?" Pina asked probably of her ultimate fate.

"You all are Imperial nobility right," Morrison said.

"Yes, we are. But Captain Napoleon is part of the Tristanian Griffon knights."

"I see, It would be in our mutual interests if you remain free. You have seen what we could do, you now know our intentions. We are not here to annex and rule but for Justice for our people. I like to ask you, Captain, if you are willing then come to Alnus one day. Our General would like to meet you." Romanov spoke.

"What would be that reason?"

"While we are part of the nations fighting against each other. We do not want unnecessary blood to be spilt for no reason. War is not a good thing. They destroy the economy, they ruin peoples life. We just don't want that. We want to save lives but if we cannot end this war at the diplomatic table... then I am afraid we will have to end it in the fields and in your capital's streets."

Pina took some time to think. Has it fallen upon her shoulders to bring peace between the Empire and UNTF? But she is just a minor noble, she doesn't have the position to negotiate. No one is going to listen to her.

"But..but I am just a leader of this knighthood, I hold no position in the court."

"That is up to you Captain. I know what your position holds in the Nobility hierarchy. I suggest you use your sources among your friends and family members to gain attention from your court."

"I understand." She said.

She could get the information she collected from her Mother in the Terre County. Who might use her influence at the court to make the nobles and the emperor himself understand the kind of powerful enemy they are fighting against right now.

"You adapt or you die." Romanov continued. " We do not wish to destroy your nation or your civilization. Our own world has its own bloody history. Empires rise and fall. There is no honor in doing something stupid. Honor does not come through blood and death. Do not let your pride stand between your judgements, Captain. Being stubborn and foolish during a war will lead to losing hundreds of lives for nothing."

"I understand," Pina replied.

Just now Col. Romanov just said to her the way the nobles are acting being high and mighty above all is a foolish act. She is a noble herself but doesn't know why she finds Romanov's short lecture very convincing.

One of the Romanov's men who was a radio operator received some information through his radio.

"Ser," he whispered in Russian. "The streets are cleared and we are ready to begin. Troops are waiting for you outside the cities gate."

"Khorosho" he replied."Tell them I will be there in ten minutes."

His soldier nodded and relays the info back through his radio.

"Milady I would like to ask permission to lead a parade through the town in celebration for our victory against the bandits and their imperial officers."

"A parade." Myui said in a childish and enthusiastic voice." Yes go on, I would love to see it."

"Thank you, milady."

Romanov turns back to leave them along with the other UNTF officers.

"Col. Morrison, Kengun you want to join."

"No I will pass," Morrison replied. "But I will send some of my men to join you."

"Me too," Kengun added.

"Well, then all the fun and fame goes to me."

The men chuckled as they left the room and head towards the mansion doors.

Italica's East Gate

Romanov arrived at the gate. He exited the Humvee he had used to go to the Mansion.

He walked towards the parade that was waiting for their commander to arrive.

"We are ready, Sir." A Canadian officer said.

"Good." He climbed on to a GAZ 2925 Tigr.

"Ok people get ready to put off a hell of a show for these people. This parade is going to be printed in their memories as the best one they ever saw before."

"Ready...Begin."

The British army band began playing their bang pipes as they start marching towards the gate. They were soon joined by the drums and Scotland the Brave march echoed through the open space just outside the city gates.

The Townspeople began to notice this strange but soothing tune being played and began to flock the streets to see what was going on and who was playing it. The Soldiers put on duty to control the crowd beforehand stopped them from going too close to the streets now cleared for the upcoming parade.

The British playing their tune crossed through the gateway and entered into Italica's street. They were followed by the Flag bearers holding the Flag of the United Nations which was at the front closely followed by the flags of the nations participating in this operation. They were the flags of Japan, Russia, United States, Canada, India, Germany, Italy and Great Britain. Behind the flags was Col. Romanov in his GAZ Tigr saluting the civilians those were now cheering as loud as they can for their saviours. Then came the Infantry, each participating nation had its own marching detachment. The ones leading was the Japanese, then the Russians, Americans, Italians, Canadians and Indians. After them came the armour with Germans and Canadian tanks leading the front, then came the Russian and the Indians, followed by three Italian M113s and six Canadian LAVs. Due to low on space, only two tanks from each nation participated in the parade. They marching troops were cheered on by the people on both sides of the street and were showered with flowers as the marched on throughout the city.

On the walls of the Mansion Myui, Pina along with her knights was witnessing this show of force and discipline of the troops from Earth. They were also joined by Cato, Elvira, Rainn, Col. Morrison and Minami who was standing beside Myui.

"Why there are so many flags ?" Myui asked in a childish voice.

"They are the flags of the different nations that participated in the Defence of Italica milady," Morrison explained.

"The one blue flag leading them all is the Flag of the United Nations. It is an intergovernmental organisation our nations are part of. Other flags are the ones that participated in this operation."

"Ohhh... They march so perfectly. It is beautiful to watch them along with the band of musicians leading the way." The British band now passed through the mansion walls playing the Black bear followed by the rest of the parade.

"How many nations are there in the United nations colonel," Pina asked curious to know about them.

"There are total 193 members I think. Basically, consider all the nations in our world are part of the organisations leaving a few of them."

Pina froze where she stood.

'The Empire had just declared war against a whole world consisting of more than 193 nations. Their strength will be even more than the total number of people combined together in all over Halkeginia.'

The parade marched on and exited the city through the West gate.

(3 hours later)

After the parade, the Airborne combat group consisting of the 1st Cavalry and the 4th Combat Airborne Group flew back to Fort Endurance along with them they took back Noldid who was tied down by chains and gagged as he tried he best to free himself and bite his captors whenever he got close to them. The Soldiers from Combat group Beta assumed defensive formation. Tanks, APCs and troops guarded all the approach to the city. Several soldiers patrolled the streets along with local volunteers to keep the peace. For the bandits, they were handed over to the city authorities were as per the treaty they were being used as a workforce to repair the damage they had done. The last bit of doubt of Myui was removed when the flag of Formar county flew on the flagpole of the city's walls along with the flag of the United Nations.

When suddenly the Sentries guarding the East wall reported a trail of dust was being formed at the horizon indicating the arrival something or someone coming straight for the city. A general alert was declared and Troops mostly Russians and Canadians began manning the walls. On The ground were four Indian Arjun tanks with Canadian LAVs, the east gate opened up and several platoons of Indian Italian and a few JSDF troops joined them. A Humvee with loudspeakers was also brought up to warn the upcoming group of unknown riders now confirmed by the men on the top of the wall.

Road to Italica.

A group of Horsemen raced down the road to the east towards Italica. They were the members of the Rose Knight order and the Tristanian Cavalry. For three whole days, they rode nonstop only stopping to give the horses to drink water and feed them. Saito was dead tired, constant riding had taken the toll of him. But he was in better shape than the rest of his companions. Louise was the one who suffered the most. She couldn't take the journey anymore, so to support her he let her ride in the back of his horse. Gramount barely kept his eyes open.

The countryside flew past his eyes as he rode as fast as he can to keep up with the Rose knights those were leaving them behind.

"Miss Bozes, You are going too fast," he said.

"But we are too slow, we will not be able to reach the town in time." She said as she held the horse's rein tighter and lashed it harder.

"He is right." Panache said.

"You are leaving most of our group behind. They are tried, your horse will not be able to make it and the people in the rear can't keep up. If you go this way we will be unable to fight even if we make it in time."

"It doesn't matter, our objective is Italica, and the stragglers can catch up later. Time is of the essence now.!"

"I understand your feelings, miss Bozes, but with few people, those will reach the city will not be able to help the defenders much." Saito tried to reason with her.

"But..."

"He is right we will only harm ourselves rather than do anything to help the city and our Captain."

She lowered her head and grudgingly loosen the reins lowering her speed. The unit behind finally catches up.

After an hour or so they finally reached the outskirts of the sudden. When suddenly the group came to a halt. In front of them was the battered wall of Italica and from this far they could see hundreds of men were manning them. On the ground, there were large iron beasts with snouts pointing towards them.

The first one to see them were the imperials those were at the front of the cavalry column.

"What are those ?" Panache said.

"I don't know. It appears the city has already fallen." Bozes says now disheartened by the fact they couldn't reach in time.

Soon Saito and the Tristanians arrived at the spot the Germanians were standing.

"What are those things ? who are those people ?" Kirche asked

"They must be the accursed outworlders." Guiche said.

"What are we going to do now ?" Louise said who have returned back to her horse after taking a short nap during her ride with Saito.

"We are going to fight," Bozes commanded.

"Are you out of your mind, we are just cavalry, we need infantry to scale those walls." Guiche pointed out.

"Are you scared of death ? are you not a Noble," Bozes yells at him

"That's not what I meant."

While both Bozes and Guiche argued among themselves what to do next. Louise noticed the sudden silence that reigned upon Saito. Who looked at the outworlders with shock. He looked straight towards the soldiers those were taking positions along the armoured vehicles. His eyes then fell upon the blue flag that fluttered in the winds of the sky on the top of the wall along with the flag of Formar.

"Saito, What happened? She asked a little bit of worried about him.

Tiffania who was on the left of Saito was also waiting for a response.

"They are..."

"Speak upon Saito." Tiffania encouraged him.

"They are... from my world..."

"What !" Louise yelled.

"Yes."

"You mean..."

She was cut off by a sudden voice in the air.

"WARNING, WARNING, YOU ARE NOW NEARING THE CITY OF ITALICA UNDER THE PROTECTION OF UNITED NATIONS TASK FORCE. TURN AWAY IMMEDIATELY OR YOU WILL BE INTERCEPTED AND DESTROYED.

to be continued...

Thank you for reading this latest chapter and also for your all your support till now.

Don't forget to review.

Stay tuned for the next chapter: Reunion ( note the might change in accordance with the content I write.)