After the long Temporary Hiatus UN Peacekeeper is back with another chapter. Don't worry I am here to stay now.
Special thanks to UNSC Know your Place, F-14 Tomcat Lover (wouldn't have possible to finish without your help) and every other reader sent me some ideas to work on(Too many to mention) for helping me when I was out of Ideas.
CH- 11 Consequence and Realization Pt I
Earth, Tokyo, Japan, Sept 5, 2019.
10:45 AM
Hazama waits patiently in his car as it drove through the busy streets of Tokyo towards the Diet building. Today was the day when he was to answer the summon from the Diet about the massive loss of civilian life in the Special Region.
It had been five days since the first UNTF report on the loss of life was presented before the General Assembly. As expected there was a massive outcry and several anti-war protests and demonstrations sprang about all around the world. Media outlets and demonstrators questioned the effectiveness of the UNTF in protecting the non-combatants. In social media and forum websites, people were getting into heated discussions arguments over the actions of the UNTF in the other world. Some Pundits even compared this to the UN failures in protecting civilians during the Yugoslav crisis of 1991.
Overall the demonstrations were mostly peaceful except Japan. Hazama flips on the page of the newspaper containing a full report on the events now called as the "War riot".
The Pacifists the only political group which was against the deployment of foreign troops in Japan went into a massive uproar. Even going further in organising anti-UN demonstrations all over the nation. Their leaders called him a War criminal and a lap dog of the Security Council for keeping his silence on this matter from the media for this long.
But things went really out of hand as the anti-war demonstrators were confronted by another group supporting the UN deployment in Japan. They were from the Ginza incident casualties society, a nongovernmental organisation set up by the people those have lost their livelihood and loved ones in the attack.
There were still nearly a thousand people missing after the incident. Any interference to the deployment meant the operations will be hampered or outright stopped. The family members of the victims weren't going to stand still and watch as the rescue ops go down the hill. They decided to take a stand.
This opportunity came when the society got a tip on an anti-war protest to be held on the 3rd of September. The protestors were going to block the main roadway leading to the Gate Garrison and halt the military traffic from entering the Garrison premises.
On 3 September when the anti-war protestors began their march from their assembly area, they were directly confronted by a human wall of society members, Pro-UN and other supporting groups blocking their way towards the Gate. Both the groups held their ground as one tried to break through the other. More or less the situation remained under control and peaceful except for a few and curses being thrown at one another.
But that peace didn't last long.
The spark that would transform this mostly peaceful confrontation into a massive brawl was just a small soda can hurl from the Anti War side into the Pro - interventionists.
The Pro- interventionists retaliated with similar soda can or water bottle attack. And in a matter of seconds dozens of soda cans, water bottles and now stones flew in the sky. The police units deployed to maintain peace were too few to control the raging mob and were overwhelmed and forced to withdraw from the scene.
With Police out of the way, the two groups brawled out on the street as it turned into a battleground. They fought with their fists and legs, stones from the broken pavement were used along with different objects the mob could get its hand on the street, including traffic cones, trash bins and signposts uprooted from the ground to be used as weapons.
After 15 minutes the Police now regrouped and reinforced moved back in dispersing the crowd and arresting the troublemakers thus ending the fight. Forty people from both sides were injured during the brawl with no serious injuries. Nearly a hundred arrested by the police.
"Still reading the same article again, General ?" A man in his mid-40s donned in a business suit asked him.
Lifting his head up he replied, "Yes Mr Audebert, never thought this kind of violence will be possible in my country, nonetheless in the nation's capital."
"Well, opening up an interdimensional gateway right on the middle of a metropolitan city was also not possible a couple of months ago, I suggest you get used to it."
Hazama slightly nods as he accepts the suggestion from the veteran Diplomat.
Hazama was glad he was not going to face the summon alone. René Audebert a French Diplomat who was dispatched by the Security Council along with rest of delegations arriving at Japan after the casualty report was published to the general Public. Unlike rest of the delegation, those were mostly neutral Audebert, on the other hand, had special orders, support Hazama and save the face of UNTF in the eyes of the World.
UNTF Military Intelligence usually submitted daily classified reports on the events happening in the Special Region back to Earth and directly to the UN Command situated, which kept the Security Council well updated and informed. These reports were also provided to the Japanese government but after proper censorship on sensitive info as some of them were leaked away to the public during the early days of the operation causing resentment and beginning of the Anti-war protests in Japan and other parts of the world.
Just a day after his crossing back on to Earth, Hazama and few of the command staff both from the JSDF and the international contingents had a secret video conference with the bigwigs in the UN about this debacle. This is where he made acquaintances with Audebert who had just arrived from New York as a representative from the security council.
Audebert hands him a file folder with a UN logo on it.
Hazama opens the folder slowly. As soon as his eyes fall upon the content in the folder his eyes lit up. The file consisted the recent diplomatic and military accomplishments in the Special Region.
"It this all true ?" he asked curiously through a hint of disbelief present in his voice. He had not received any recent Intel from the Special region since his crossing on the 1st September.
"Yes," Audebert replied. "While you were here O'Brien made sure you had a solid report to counter the question those politicians and those Media outlets calling us murderers."
Hazama nervousness slowly starts to fade away as he kept on flipping through the pages.
He slowly cracks a grin on his face. "This will surely seal off the mouth of those politicians we are going to deal with in the Diet. Thank you, Mr Audebert."
"Don't mention it, General, we are all in this together." He said with a smile. "And by the way, we will be having some guests with us today during the hearing."
"Guests?" Hazama asked narrowing his eyes.
"You will find out, don't worry about it."
Italica, Formar Mansion, Special Region.
(5 Days ago)
Saito and Higashi exited the mansion's guest quarters/Temp UN Command Centre. As soon as they are out Saito insisted on having his sword back, he didn't want it stolen as a souvenir by a soldier. Higashi denied him at first but relented after his brother convinced him that this sword has been with him since his arrival to this world and had saved him on numerous occasions. After picking up the sword from the HMMV both the brothers strolled down towards the mansion's garden which was mostly devoid of any military activity except for a few soldiers including the 3rd Recon resting around on the top of the garden's soft grass.
Saito finding an empty bench sat down while his brother went towards his platoon to get some food for them to eat. After a few seconds, he returned back holding two MRE packages and a water bottle.
"Here take this," Higashi said, extending an MRE pack towards Saito who reluctant at first accepted it.
Taking the place beside him Higashi opened up his pack and prepared to take the first bite when he noticed his brother hadn't unpacked his MRE but instead sat there motionless his graze towards the ground and appeared to have been lost in his own thoughts.
"Hey, you okay there, baby brother?" Higashi asked concerned about Saito's mental well being.
"It has been a year and a half since I was summoned on to this world. At first surviving in this new world without the boon of modern technology seemed hard for me. The food was bad, had to wash my master's aka my girlfriend's laundry and sleep on a haystack." Then he lets out a chuckle. "But I was able to cope up with it pretty fast, and within a few weeks I was able to make some friends in the Academy of Magic and make an unbreakable bond with the love of my life."
"I knew that you're an adaptable guy Saito" Higashi praised him. "Look at the bright side you got a girl before me."
Saito smiles at Higashi's playful comment which eases some of the tension that was brewing in his head on the current situation he was in.
"The mundane life I used to live back on Earth changed completely. I felt like a man of great significance here. I gained a lot of friends those were equally loyal to me as I am to them. They became like a second family to me. I gained a lot of recognition and fame in this world, including a title that makes me part of the Nobility, which I would have just dreamt about it back on Earth."
Saito lowers his head again. "Though my life is great here, deep inside me a hope that someday I will go back to my original home and family never died."
Higashi pats the head of his brother. "Don't worry Saito we will go back home sooner or later."
"But how I am gonna face Mom and Dad Higashi ?!, I have been on the side of the people those who invaded my home and massacred my people for no reason except for conquest. While you and the rest of the world came here for justice for those who died, I, on the other hand, rode out of Tristain to face you in battle. I cannot betray my second home and my friends here nor I go against you and the rest of the world. I don't know what to do now. I am feeling my betrayed you and dishonoured my family's name."
Higashi places his hand of Saito's shoulders and draws him near. "It is not your fault," he assures him. "You didn't know, you didn't do anything wrong. You just adapted to the situation you were in that's all. Mom and dad will not feel ashamed of what you did to survive. I am certain they would be proud of your achievements."
Saito didn't utter a word. He kept his gaze down on the ground before he spoke again.
"How are Mom and Dad?" he asked.
But his question was met with complete silence from Higashi, He appeared to be disturbed and was having a hard time to formulate an answer. Saito noticing from Higashi's expression came to a point something bad has happened to their parents.
"Had something happened to mom and dad ?!" Saito half yelled at Higashi.
"The...they are fine" Higashi replied as he stuttered on his words. He also tried his best to mask his sad and worried face.
Saito stared right into Higashi's eyes. "You're lying big bro," he said.
"Please." he pleaded "Don't lie or hide anything from me big bro. You know I love them as much as you do. I will never be able to forgive myself if something happened to them because of me. So, please tell me the truth Higashi, how are they? Were they able to cope up on my disappearance in our world ?" He inquired worriedly about his parent's well being.
Higashi sighs in defeat. After a few more seconds of silence, he began.
"The day you disappeared was the day when our family began to fall apart from within. Unlike me who had become a burden to our family as I began indulging myself too much in Otaku stuff, you, on the other hand, worked hard to gain good grades in school. I made our parents sad while you put off a smile on their face. You were the perfect son they ever wanted, not me who had sidetracked from the path they had laid for both of us. But everything changed when you suddenly disappeared without leaving a trace. We tried our best to find you. Father being a cop himself went above and beyond to find even a small clue on your disappearance. For mom, she did what she could. But all the search operations ended in complete failure and four months later after your disappeared, you were presumed as dead and the case was closed. This left a great scar in the hearts and minds of our parents. Father began to indulge himself in work to forget about you. He considered himself a failure as a cop for not being able to find you. Mom entered into a stage of depression due to your loss. For the next three months, it was really hard for them. It was marred by frequent fights and heated arguments that began to strain our lives as a whole. It was not until I finally decided to let go of my Otaku life and then enlisted in the JGSDF that they began to cope up and our lives began to somewhat normalize again. But then..." Higashi stopped. Bad memories began to roll into his head. He clenched his fists hard as he tried to maintain his composure and control the rage that was forming inside him.
Meanwhile, Saito could see his brother in this dilemma. The aura of a furious man was radiating from him and Saito didn't like where it was going.
"Then the Gate Happened !" Higashi said as he gritted his teeth in anger."Just a few weeks ago the invasion began people started to go missing without a trace. Authorities went on overdrive to find these people, old cases were reviewed upon to see any similarities and out of all, your case was the close one. Dad was optimistic when he knew your missing case was to reinvestigated again. The hope of finding you again rekindled in his heart. But before he could get back home, those Imperial German knockoffs invaded through their fucking magical portal killing and maiming hundreds of civilians !"
Higashi lowered his head his anger was replaced by sorrow. " During the attack dad was grievously injured."
"What !" Saito yelled shocked hearing his dad being a victim of the Germanian invasion. "How is he ?!, is he all right !"
He received no response from Higashi.
"Don't tell me..." Saito's eyes began to tear up. He began to expect the worst.
"Don't worry" Higashi assured him as he patted his head. "You know our father is a stubborn man and he is quite proud of it.
Flashback
Tokyo, Japan, May 14, 2019. (Invasion Day)
Senior Police Officer Fumitaka Higara drove his Patrol car as fast as possible towards the Ginza district. The situation in Ginza looked bleak, not long ago according to Dispatch an unknown army armed with medieval weapons invaded the district and began indiscriminatingly killing civilians.
Every available police officers in Tokyo were being dispatched towards the district. But truth to be told the situation was a complete mess. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police was not trained to face this kind of situation. The Riot Police Units and SAT were still being prepped and from oncoming radio traffic, violent attacks on the civilians are spreading out of the Ginza to other parts of the city.
After a few minutes on the road, he arrived at a Police barricade on the main street leading out of Ginza and towards the Imperial Palace. Exiting from his car followed by his partner he soon joined the barricade consisting of recently arrived patrol officers armed with only their service Revolvers. Hundreds of civilians crossing through their barricade bringing news of hordes of men armed with swords spears killing people left and right and they are coming this way.
The morale was low but still, the officers did their duty without a question.
Fumitaka stood near the Sgt who was leading the blockade and could hear clearly the conversation he was going through between him and HQ.
"Dispatch, reinforcements are needed out to the 2nd street, over."
"It's a negative 11-99 no reinforcements are left to send, all available units are diverted towards the imperial palace. Advising pulling out and regrouping with the rest of the unit at the Imperial Palace. Over."
"Dispatch, we cannot leave this street, there are still civilians out here those need our protection, over." Frustration was clearly visible in his voice.
Higara hears the chopping noise of the blades of a chopper. He looks up to see a police helicopter hovering over their heads. His face lit up to see some kind of support was still available for them, when out of nowhere a big red dragon snoops in from the sky screeching at the top on its voice towards the hovering chopper and releases its deadly fire breadth at it.
The Pilot tries to dodge the incoming fire but it was already too late. The breadth ploughs right into the passenger compartment of the chopper burning the officers inside alive. Pilotless and damaged the chopper began to spin out of control and crashes right into a nearby office building.
"Watch out !" Fumitaka yells as debris from the damaged building began to rain over them.
Fortunately, no one was hurt from the falling debris, but that cannot be said for the pilots. As the officers began to regroup their ears caught up the noise of the thunderous hopes of galloping horses coming down the street straight towards them.
"Hostiles incoming!" An officer yelled pointing towards a large squadron of European looking heavy cavalry charging behind a mob of civilians running away from them.
"What are you people waiting for FIRE !, protect the civilians are any cost." the Sgt. barked as he drew his service revolver and opened fired at the oncoming cavalrymen.
Other officers including Fumitaka followed suit, opening up with their Nambu M60 Revolvers. The accurate fire was enough to maul the charging cavalry. After losing some men they stopped turned back and withdrew back on the road they came.
Fumitaka lowered his revolver, for the first time in his service history did he drew his service weapon and killed a man. With adrenaline rushing through his veins he reloaded his weapon. He felt both excited and scared at the same time as they waited for the second wave.
"Sir, we should withdraw, we don't have ammunition for this kind of engagement." An officer informed the leading Sgt.
"Hmm...You are right." He said. The officers were given in a total of fifteen bullets and they had already spent five each.
As the Sgt was about the order a withdrawal he was interrupted by the blaring of battle horns being played from the enemy side. Soon the cavalry charged again this time joined by Dragoons armed with firearms firing their weapons as the charged towards the thin blue line. Musket balls hitting the patrol cars harmlessly forcing the officers to take cover. The officers retaliated and many cavalrymen fell dead but this time their charge didn't break. They were dangerously closer to the barricade.
The sight of incoming armoured men sent chills down Fumitaka's spine along with many other officers as they started to run out of ammunition.
"Retreat!" the Sgt. Yelled.
The officers began to step backwards and then turned back started to run towards their patrol vehicles. But the horses were faster and they jumped over the blocking vehicles and were now inside the barricade. It then turned into a slaughter. With no proper means to protect themselves any more several officers were hacked to pieces. Some tried to fight back but were overwhelmed by the European looking knights. Fumitaka was fortunate enough to get into his car, but his partner was not that lucky. As he made his way towards Fumitaka he was impaled by a spear.
"Akihiro!, No!" Fumitaka yelled as he saw in an old friend being stabbed to death. But it was not time to mourn. He quickly turned on the keys and started his car. Pulled the gear to reverse and backed away. Inaccurate musket fire shattered his windshield as he makes his escape. Turning his back up and he drove off from the barricade. The cavalry tried to chase him but they were too slow as he sped on.
After driving on for a few minutes he stopped his car. He slowly looks back sticking his head out of his car's window. There was a relief to find he was not being chased by the invaders but also sorrow with the realization he might be the only officer made it out alive from the barricade.
"Akihiro, Fujio, Hideshi, Eiichiro all are dead" he muttered to himself, a tear dropped from his eyes. These men were his very good friends he made during his service in the force, they were like brothers to him. Now from all of them, he was the only one to make out alive.
"Sorry my brothers," he said to himself as he sobbed in all lonesome. "I will take care of your families with all I can. I will avenge all of your deaths. I promise."
After a few minutes he regained control of his emotions, wiping tears out of his eyes he went through his remaining equipment only to find he had only two bullets left.
"All units be advised to regroup at the Imperial Palace."Suddenly the radio his is Patrol car crackled to life. "Hostile forces are heading towards the palace as we speak, all available officers are required to regroup at the Imperial Palace. Over." The message went in a loop.
Fumitaka restarted his car and drove straight towards the Imperial Palace. But after a few minutes on the road, he found out the main road leading to the Imperial Palace to be blocked by a string of wrecked vehicles littered all around the road. Dead invaders, Police officers and civilians decorated the ground.
He disembarked from his vehicle and decided to leg it to the palace. navigating through the road and avoiding the corpses he came upon what appeared to be a SWAT Van. Walking towards the van he found out the dismembered and mutilated corpses of the ten Anti-firearm Squad members littered all around the van surrounded by a large number of dead invaders.
"These men fought till the end." He said to himself.
Kneeling down near a dead officer he picked up his MP5 submachine gun and his pistol.
"Rest well my friend, you don't need this anymore." He spoke.
After scavenging through the bodies and the van he was able to gather three full and a half magazine for his new submachine gun and two mags for his new pistol. Paying his respects to the dead he moved on towards the palace.
For next hour he trekked through the burning city, the city appeared to be dead. He hid when a dragon flew over his head or an invader patrol passed through his way.
"Damn it," He said to himself. "Have the totally fallen to these primitive invaders ?"
"Kyaaaaaa!" When suddenly he heard a girl's voice.
He advanced towards the source in caution. Taking cover behind a overturned car he saw what was happening. Dozens of people men, women and even children were being forced into what appears to be a prison cart of some sort. Just not far away from that, a group of these barbarians were holding a school girl. From the expression these men had, they were up to no good.
'There are total of eight armed men.' he thought."They were all distracted, loading up or manhandling civilians if nothing is done now, I don't want to think what hell will befall on these people.'
He made up his mind. He cocked his weapon and prepared himself for the attack. When most of the civilians were inside the cage and away from the invaders he decided to act. Emerging from his cover he opened fire and controlled burst, hitting one of those invaders on his face. He fell dead on the ground. Others reacted by drawing their swords and charged at him but were taken down one by one with bullets filling their bodies with holes.
His MP5 clicked when he took down the fifth invader. Seeing him distracted the last three lurched at him, but the first two were swiftly taken down with a bullet in their heads from the last two bullets from his revolver.
The last attacker who appeared to be the leader of this group stood there baffled what just happened. Coming back to his senses and knowing he doesn't stand a chance against this man in blue he swiftly jumped onto his horse and ran away.
Fumitaka unlocked the door to the prison carriages and let the people out. They were overjoyed by the timely rescue from the officer and some hugged him in the sign of gratitude.
"Thank you, mister police officer." the schoolgirl thanked him for the rescue.
After the short celebration, Fumitaka calmed the group down. He then began to lead them towards the Tokyo Police HQ as he predicted that the imperial Palace must have been under the siege by now.
After navigating through alleyways avoiding the main road in fear of patrolling invaders the group found out an abandoned bus in workable condition.
"Who can drive a bus ?" he asked.
A man raised his hand from the group. "I can drive a truck," he said.
"That's all right to me," Fumitaka replied.
People began to load up on to the bus, many sighed in relief for finally finding a way out of this hell. But all their celebration came to nought when the thunderous hopes of oncoming heavy cavalry were heard by all. Looking back He saw it was the same cavalry unit that wiped out his fellow officers back at the barricade.
"Quickly start the bus." He yelled at the driver, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
The driver turned its keys to ignition but the bus didn't start. He tried again and again but with no results. People began to panic.
Cocking his weapon Fumitaka jumped out of the bus. "Keep trying I will hold them off."
Running back to the rear of the bus opened fire at the oncoming cavalry, killing dozens of them as their charge faltered. They regrouped and charged again, many fell but their charge didn't falter this time. But like an act of God, the bus started. Turning his head back he yelled at the top of his voice."Go, don't wait for me. I will hold them as much as I can just get out of here."
The driver didn't have to hear it twice. He floored on the accelerator and drove it away from Fumitaka.
He fired his last round from his Submachine then drew his pistol and kept firing but this time the enemy in front of him created some kind of a magical shield that stopped his bullets.
Surprised at first he snapped out of it and kept up his fire. But suddenly the enemy also retaliated by gunfire of their own. a musket ball grazed through his left leg. Unfazed he kept on firing when he was hit by another musket ball right on to his unprotected shoulder and another one on his bulletproof vest. He tumbled on the ground. Clutching his wounds he kept on firing at the enemy which had no effects of his attack. At last, he ran out of bullets.
The cavalrymen dismounted from their horses and advanced towards him with their weapons drawn. They were up for the kill and Fumitaka satisfied he had avenged his brothers lowered his empty pistol and prepared himself for his fate.
"Sorry Kanae." he muttered thinking of his wife and his sons "I cannot return home to you today. Sorry, Higashi for always being hard on you. I am sorry Saito for being a useless father and a police officer for not being able to find you and bring you back. Guess I will not be able to fulfil the promise I made to your mom."
He then closed his eyes waiting to feel the cold steel being thrust into his guts. But that never came. Instead, he felt a hand on his shoulders. Opening his eyes he stared right into a man much younger than Higashi Kneeling down beside him. He smiled and offered him water from his pouch. Being sceptical at first he accepted it.
"You are a very brave man" The invader spoke to him with an unknown tongue."You held out alone against the Mighty Imperial cavalry, that is quite commendable for a commoner like you." Though unable to understand a single word Fumitaka predicted he is being praised by this person.
"If the people of this land are this resilient, we are going to have a hard time taking over this land" He spoke as he stood up.
"Tadeas!, why this filthy Barbarian is being put out of misery" Another man arrived riding on his horse.
"Sir Vadim, this man fought us with utmost courage and gallantry at least he should have some recognition."
"Are you a fool! he is just a puny barbarian, they don't know about honour or courage just finish him and be with it. We have a nation to conquer. There is still a vast amount of this city left to be pillaged and slaves to be gathered to be sent back to Germania."
A soldier moves forward with his sword drawn when he was stopped by this young man. "Stop" He yelled at the oncoming soldier and turned towards the older man in ornamental armour. "Sir Vadim, we are here to extend our empire and rule these people, not to murder them all. Can't you see the marvels these natives have constructed? We have to cease all these senseless killing of the innocent, I cannot take this anymore."
"What!" The older man bellowed. "Don't defy my orders, Tadeas, you are just a lower noble and beneath me. Now finish this man and do not talk like this to me anymore."
"No"
"What?!"
"I refuse."
"Then move I will do it myself."
The older man dismounted from his horse and drew his sword and walked towards him. But this time the man didn't stop him.
He stood over Fumitaka's body and prepared for the final strike. Fumitaka closed his eyes but suddenly felt some hot liquid splatter on his face. Opening his eyes he saw the older man head was gone and the liquid was his blood.
Within seconds several cavalrymen began to fall from automatic and accurate gunfire. The man that protected him and few others were able to mount onto their horses and scattered all around to avoid being shot. Soon he saw men from the US Marines uniform arriving at the scene.
"Corpsman!" one of them yelled."We have a wounded man here."
A US Marine with Red cross band on his right arm kneeled beside him and began to patch up his wounds.
"You will be alright." He assured him. But Fumitaka began to lose consciousness.
"We have to get him out of here." The marine informed his commander. "He has lost a lot of blood."
"Sullivan, Luis take this man back to the embassy, rest of you follow me we have a job to do."
They soon lift him onto a stretcher and loaded him on to a Humvee and drove him out of the combat zone.
Present
"That is how our father survived the ordeal. He was rescued by a platoon of Marines from the US Embassy those were deployed there to recon for the upcoming Marines Battalion from Okinawa. Mom nearly had a heart attack when she was informed about father's injuries. All those sacrifices the Tokyo Police made was not in vain. Hundreds of civilians survived because many stayed behind to hold the line. Father along with all the officers at the Ginza barricade was awarded Gallantry medals and special recognition for him because of the last stand he held out against the Germanian Cavalry." Higashi said.
"When I went to meet him at the hospital while he was recovering. He conveyed this whole tale to me. He is now sort of a celebrity officer in the country due to his achievements. When I asked how did he attained so much resilience You know what was his reply. The day I will rest when I will find my son. I will bring your brother back even from the depths of hell."
Saito didn't have the words to say. Deep inside he was exploding. His head was in a mess he didn't know what to do next. His hate for the Germanian grew with every minute and the feel of betraying his family and people was going overboard.
Meanwhile, Higashi had to go as his platoon commander needed him for something. Asking his brother to stay put and out of trouble he left.
Saito got what he needed the most. A place all alone where he could to think about the situation he is in right now and predict what course of action he should take next.
Italica, East Gate.
Siesta gulped in fear as she approached the massive gateway leading into the city. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead when her eyes saw the large Iron behemoths up close. For what rumours she had heard in the camp these were the ones that annihilated the Fearsome Germanian heavy Cavalry under their wheels and cannons.
But more terrifying from these behemoths were the men riding on them. She halted dead on her tracks as her eyes caught upon a man in full green uniform with his face covered with a skeleton mask glancing at her from atop of this behemoth. He along with rest of the outworlder soldiers were armed with what appeared to be a small and different version of black muskets and many had masks covering their faces. They all appeared quite intimidating.
She couldn't move until she felt a soft touch on her shoulders. Turning her head back her eyes met with the ones of the older ladies who was leading this group.
"Hey," she said with a soft voice. "Be brave, we cannot stop now, the men depend on us to get supplies for them by tonight, or we have to go without food for today again."
Siesta nods, it was a fact that the Tristanian army was basically running out of food. Their supply lines had been stretched thin and the supplies promised by the Germania hasn't arrived yet. They were basically surviving on rationing. But this cannot be said about the Rose order camp, they were properly supplied and fed. But being a unit mostly composed of nobles it was hard to convince their food with the common footmen. After arriving at the gates of Italica the army tried to resupply its stock but was stopped at the gates because of their orders not to let any Rose order or Tristanian soldier without permission from their commanders. But this was not extended to the townspeople. They could pass through after being searched. With no choice left the women in the camp decided to take up the charge and went ahead to get supplies from the town. From the prediction of the quartermaster, the small Tristanian army can survive with more thirty sacks of foodgrains combined with what they have for the next three days with rationing and until the additional supplies arrive.
Siesta mustered enough courage to move again. She self-motivated herself by thinking not only about the men those are going to be fortunate of them for having enough food to eat today but also about finally being able to have a chance to meet Saito after so many days. Since their departure from Tristain, she was unable to have a decent conversation with him. She had been working with the rest of the camp followers and have been too busy in her duties in the army kitchen.
Saito also most of the time resided with the rest of the officers in the army, where civilians were not permitted without proper authorization. She could sometimes saw glimpses of him moving around the camp along with Louise or training with the troops and there were lucky meetings with him when he used to come around to see how she was doing. When Saito was away on a special mission with the Germanian Knights, worried about his well being she would every day prayed to Brimir for his safe return. Guess the founder received her prayers as she found out after arrival that he was well and was inside the city not as a prisoner for the outworlder's but as an important guest.
They all finally arrived at the outworlder's checkpoint.
"Halt!." an outworlder soldier said as he signalled them to stop. "What is your purpose for the entry into the city ?" he asked.
"We are here to buy some food grains for our camp, sire." The leading lady replied.
"Which camp ?"
"The Tristanian army camp"
The outworlder quickly moved his hand to a small black box attached on his right shoulder and began to converse with someone most likely his superiors through it.
'Their magic appears to be much stronger than us' Siesta thought marvelled by this.
After a short and fast conversation through his communication box, the soldier asked the women to form a line and prepare themselves to be searched. There was some dissent among the group. No woman wanted to be touched by these men. Then surprise to many, a few women donned in the same clothing of the outworlder's green uniform arrived at the scene.
'They employ women in their army' Siesta thought and was also glad about it.
Soon every woman including her was thoroughly screened, numbered and listed by the soldiers. They were also interrogated before being allowed into the city. Any sharp objects found were confiscated, marked and promised to be returned while they way back to the camp. The process was short but tiring.
But for Siesta it worth it, she had finally had a chance after days to meet Saito after so many days apart.
Italica, Formar Mansion
Guiche De Chevalier Gramont and the rest of the Tristanians and Rose order knights finally arrived at the gate leading into the mansion grounds. Guiche sighed they did take a lot of time to reach their destination. On several occasions, their path was blocked by ongoing outworlder's military movement. Their large metallic carts do take a lot of space when they move through the city, forcing them to dismount from their horses and give way for it to pass. The final hindrance was his father's arrival, who according to their escorting outworlder officer was creating a commotion there. Guiche and Napoleon rode back as quick as possible and were able to arrive on time before the situation goes out of control. Napoleon was able to calm him down and briefed him on the current political and military situation in the city. Satisfied by his report Marshal Gramont also joined the group and desired to meet the outworlder officer who leads the defence of this city in peril heroically with few men at his disposal. Tabitha with her dragon was also given special entry into the city's airspace. This special permit did come with a warning, any hostile action detected from the dragon will be met with deadly force and it will be shot down out of the sky in no time.
Passing through the gate they began to notice the extent of outworlder's forces has entrenched themselves in the city. There were several green coloured tents all around the mansion gardens. Several of the outworlder soldiers in their green armour patrolled its walls along the few Italican guards survived the battle. This was not a rare sight as he had seen this happening all over the city. The law and order of Italica were now directly under the outworlder army.
"Italica is truly under the Outworlder's occupation." the Marshal grumbled.
"You are right father, you are right," Guiche muttered.
After the Tristanians and Rose knights were in the mansion grounds they were greeted by an older woman in a maid uniform. She was flanked by another younger maid and an outworlder soldier.
"Welcome Lords and Ladies," She said with a broad smile on her face."I am Kaine Head maid from the House of Formar, at your service. Welcome to Italica."
Tabitha and her Familiar dragon landed on the makeshift Helipad that had been set up by the UN engineers. The sudden arrival of the dragon spooked some of the soldiers not prepared to see a living dragon this big up close and personal. Some hurriedly readied their weapons only to be stopped by their officers those were informed about this flying beast. Tabitha dismounted from her dragon's back. She mutters some commands to her familiar before leaving her to rest on the middle of the helipad.
Gramont dismounts from his steed followed by others. "Please let our guards take care of your horses. The Countess awaits all your presence at once." The head maid says as she signals the few Italican guards waiting beside her to take the horses to the mansion's stables.
"Well then lead the way, we shouldn't keep the Countess waiting." He comments.
"As you say, milord, please this way."
Escorted by the maid they arrived at the steps leading into the marvellous mansion. Gramont stared in awe by the sight of this magnificent building. The elaborate designing of the Formar's mansion was far enough to rival the beauty of his own and several other noblemen homes back in Tristain. The only this that dismay him was the sight of the outworlder guarding the gates of the mansion.
"They are everywhere." He muttered under his breath.
But there was a sharp difference in the way these soldiers were dressed and acted.
These men were in a completely different set of armour and uniform. Garbed in their grey uniforms and masks on their faces they all were staring intensely in caution towards them. He could fell the glares in his veins he was receiving from these men from the moment he and the rest his group came into their sight.
As they rose up through the stairway, a maid walks through the doorway and informs Kaine about an important meeting that will be convened in a matter of minutes. And by her orders only important dignitaries those will be having to say in the treaty of Italica should only be allowed into the mansion now and forbade anyone except the mansion's staff for next hour. She is also to report back to Countess's side to act as her advisor.
Kaine nods and turns around and informs the group about the present development. In return, the Count is outraged as he didn't want his son to be all alone in enemy territory. But after some reassurance both from Pina and Kaine on Guiche safety, he calms down a bit.
Recomposing himself he then turns towards Guiche, Kirche, Louise, Tiffania and Tabitha orders them to stand down and wait for him and have some rest until he returns back from this meeting. Gramont followed by Napoleon and his senior officers went in.
The Germanians also followed suit, Pina along with her second in command Bozes and her mentor Grey entered the mansion for the meeting. The rest of the Rose Knights were led to the guest quarters by the Formar maids for refreshments. But the Tristanians decided to stay and rest outside.
The reason for this was being Guiche's annoyance the way the Rose order kept creating problems for them. Though he has a thing or two for those beautiful maidens, some of them do look down upon the Tristanian troops. Not to forget the with the ringlet hair nearly got every single one of them killed if Saito wasn't there to stop them from acting rash.
As Guiche got one of the maids to get some beverages for them, Louise came forward and inquired the maid about the whereabouts of Saito. She had been dead worried since he was taken away for what she perceives to be interrogated by the outworlder command. Interrogation means torture, though he had promised her he would be alright and would be safe with his recently met brother, she wasn't going to trust someone she met just a couple of hours ago.
Feeling pity for her, her arch-rival Kirche decided to lend a hand to beleaguered Louise. Tabitha decided to sit down and observe the out-worldly soldiers and the equipment in action. With nothing to do except wait for his father to return Guiche wanders off around the mansion grounds. Ignoring the stares he and his familiar Verdante an earth mole were receiving walls into the confines of the mansion gardens.
After a few steps, his ears caught upon the unmistakable voice of Saito and his magical talking sword Derf. From the way of the voice, they appeared to have been in a heated discussion.
Sneaking up he began to overhear the conversation those were indulged in.
"It is all my fault," Saito spoke in despair. "I am a traitor to my people."
"Calm down partner, you did nothing wrong."
"How can I Derf !, these Germanians invaded my nation, murdered hundreds..."
"Oh no" Mutters Guiche and turned around to get his friends.
Within a minute he returns back with Louise, Kirche and Tabitha in tow. They all had a concerned expression on their faces. Outrunning everyone was Louise. "Saito" She called out as she ran towards him in full speed as much as her small legs can take.
Noticing their sudden arrival Saito quickly stood up and wiped his tears. Upon reaching him Louise gave him a hug and held him tightly. Soon the rest of the group catch up to him.
She pulls herself back
"Are you alright Saito ?!" she asked frantically as she noticed his teary red eyes. "Why are you in tears, Did those men hurt you?!"
"Did they do something to you ?!" Kirche questioned him worried.
After a brief silence, Saito replied.
"No," he said, "They did nothing, Louise they just informed me about a disaster that had struck to my homeworld while I was here attending balls and parties in Tristain."
The images of the gruesome video he saw during his interrogation started to get into his head again. He slumped back on to his seat. Despair visible on his face.
"Saito, what happened ?" Tiffania inquired growing concerned about Saito.
"Do you really want to know ?"
"Yes." Spoke Louise. "we want to know. Saito, We all your friends here. Tell us so we can share your pain. It will make you feel better.
Saito lowered his head and took a deep breath.
"Very well then."
"We do all remember about the sudden arrival of a Germanian messenger during our victory party nearly two months ago, right ?"
"Yes !" Louise said while others nodded. "That messenger brought us the news about the beginning of a holy crusade against the elves. The empire wanted us to send our army to join their campaign which her Majesty refused due to our economic situations was not stable to begin another campaign this early. But did permit the ones who volunteered to join."
"From what I remember the Germanians with the help from the Gallian king Joseph was able to open up a magical gateway leading to the holy lands," Guiche added.
"It was no Holy land." Saito began. "Instead it leads directly into the heart of my nation's capital Tokyo city. Do you know what Empire did when they found out it was not their intended target but a complete different ?. They just attacked. They could have opened up diplomatic relation to my nation Japan. But No!, they wanted more power, more land to conquer in their meaningless endeavour of expansion, more people to enslave and crush their freedom under their heels."
The anger crept into Saito's heart as he balled his palms into fists.
" They invaded my country without any kind of provocation. Slaughtered hundreds as they marched on the streets of Tokyo. Men, women nor children were spared in their wake."
"No!, Germanian could never..." Kirche tries to respond to Saito's accusations on Germanian actions only to b cut off by him.
"Tell that to my father Kirche!" He yelled at her as he rose up from his bench." Or his colleagues who gave their lives defending the city against your Empire, Or to the families of those who were massacred and their mutilated bodies covered the streets of Tokyo."
The sudden aggressiveness in Saito's attitude caught everyone off guard. Kirche took a few steps back while her familiar Flame the fire Salamander sensing danger to his master prepared to defend her.
After the burst of anger Saito's anger was changed to sorrow, he slowly slums back on the bench. "I saw what your Empire did." He says as he shudders with the thought of images of civilians being chased by horsemen and cut to ribbons came to his mind. The video he saw earlier during his interrogation had been imprinted in his head. "I knew most of my father's friends personally." His eyes tear up again thinking about his father and his friends those he considered them as his brothers.
"In their eyes, I might be a traitor now. I have betrayed my parents, my people, everyone I knew on my world." He stood up and began to walk away from the others.
"Please don't follow me," he said.
"But Saito.." Louise tried to reason with him. But Saito raises his hand and stops her from getting closer.
"Sorry, Louise but I need some time alone." Turning towards Kirche "I am sorry for the outburst sometime ago. It was my fault for losing control after all." He then walks out of the mansion's garden
"But Saito, you can..." Louise tries to follow only feels a hand on her shoulders turning back she finds Tabitha.
"Let him be." She said with her usual cold voice though hints of concern are noticed in it.
"But"
"She is right Louise. "Guiche joins in "We shouldn't confront him now. Let him cool down a bit and then we will talk to him. Until then we have to wait and make sure he doesn't do something to him."
Louise nods. Though not wanting to leave Saito in this condition it was better for him if he is left alone for now.
5 minutes later
After leaving Louise and the rest of his friends behind. Saito wanders around the mansion grounds thinking about his family and the bleak future he might have with Louise after all of this is finally over.
But suddenly his thoughts are broken when his attention is diverted towards a commotion happening at the mansion's gateway. He would have disregarded it and moved on if he hadn't heard the recognizable voice of Siesta coming from that direction and by the looks of it she might be in some kind of trouble.
He runs to the spot to find Siesta is being restrained by the MPs. She was struggling furiously to break free from the hold of a soldier and was in tears. As soon as her eyes met Saito's she began to plead for his help.
"Master Saito, please help me."
"Wait!" Saito yelled as he strides to a nearby soldier. "I know her. Please let her go."
The Russian officer in charge was taken aback when he heard this young man donned in medieval armour spoke in Japanese. He wanted to inquire about this but this was not the right time. He called for his translator who began to speak to Saito in his behalf.
"Can't do, Sir." The Russian translator replied with a heavily accented Japanese. "She tried to break through our checkpoint here twice even though we informed her this is a restricted zone. As per orders, we have to take her into custody."
"Please let her go for this once, sir. She works for me and she is my responsibility, I will apologize for her."
"Sorry sir, but we have to follow our protocols." The soldier replies after he relays Saito's words to his officer who then signals one of his men to take Siesta away to the temp MP station.
"Hold it!" A voice is heard from behind.
Turning back Saito saw the face of the Russian officer who was with him this morning.
"What is going on here?!" The officer asked.
"Captain Malashenko, sir, this women tried to break through our checkpoint twice even though we asked her to leave as she didn't have proper clearance to enter. She was adamant to gain entry so we have to detain her for now."
"Please sir," Saito pleads to Malashenko."Her name is Siesta and she is a good friend of mine and has tried to gain entry to know about our whereabouts. She meant no harm to anyone. Please let her go for this once. I will make sure she doesn't break any laws again. Please."
Malashenko thinks for a few seconds before giving his reply.
"Let her go" he orders.
"But sir.."
"I will take full responsibility here."
The officer concedes and has Siesta's restrains removed. As soon as out of restraints she quickly hugs on to Saito for gratitude.
Pulling her away. Saito then turns towards Malashenko and bows before him. This gesture is also followed by Siesta.
"Thank you for your help Mr.."
"Captain Malashenko." He introduces himself and extends his hands. Which Saito gladly accepts.
"I am Saito H.."
"I know who you are Mr Higara. The Jap who went native." He commented. When suddenly his radio crackled to life and after a brief conversation he prepared to leave.
"Just did what I thought was right to do." He said. " Just ask your friends not to get into trouble very often. I have to go now go duties to attend to, see you later then." He then began to walk towards a string of tents erected inside the castle mansion.
Saito sighs and turns towards Siesta who was still holding on to his arms in fear of being dragged away from the soldiers.
"Ehh...You can let go of me now Siesta. You are completely safe now"
She blushes and draws her arms away.
"Thank you for saving me again master Saito."
"I didn't do anything Siesta, you should have thanked Captain Malashenko instead. If he hadn't intervened you would have been penalised for trying to break into the Manson. Not to forget what are you doing here ?" He inquired.
"Master I was concerned about you and Lady Louise's safety and well being. When I heard you and Lady Louise might be present here I couldn't stop myself from coming to find you. I apologize for being such an inconvenience for you." She says and lowers her head a bit.
Saito places his hands on Siesta's shoulders. "Don't be sad, you were just worried about us. I would have done the same if I was in your place."
This brought a smile on Siesta's face.
"I haven't seen Lady Louise around is she not with you?" She asked.
"She was..."
"SAITO!"
"Never mind she is here." He said looking back to see Louise along with Kirche, Guiche holding Derf and Tabitha jogged towards him in worried.
Upon arriving they greeted Siesta who stood beside Saito and was receiving cold glares from Louise.
"Saito we have something very important to discuss, " Guiche asked as he handed Derf to Saito.
"Lead the way then."
"Not here follow me."
The group along with Siesta began to walk back towards the Gardens. On the way Siesta was filled up by Kirche on the Dilemma Saito was in and he was now masking his pain from her not to make her worry. Siesta readily accepted the offer to help her master/ Crush from despair.
5minutes later
"Saito do you still feel you betrayed you, people," Guiche asked as they all settled down in and around the bench Saito used some time ago.
"Yes" was the reply he received. "How can't I Guiche ?, how can't I.
Guiche slowly places his hand on Saito's shoulder. "You did nothing wrong. We Tristanians or anyone from the academy including you have no part in this." Saito slowly turns his head towards Guiche.
"We never took part in the invasion of your lands or every faced your kingdom's armies in battle but instead what I have heard from Captain Napoleon we stood shoulder to shoulder with them in defending Italica against an attack from the Imperial deserters turned bandits. If wasn't for them we would arrive at the sight of an already pillaged and ruined city."
"Is it true ?" Saito asked with a hint of hope in his eyes.
"Yes. Napoleon's own words. We just had an opportunity to have a word with him when you went ahead to let off some of your frustration."
"But still..."
"But what Saito. You along with all of us have no part in this failed Germanian Endeavour of expansion. So please cheer up, I cannot see you this down, it hurts me a lot." Louise reassured him as she held on to his hands. But still, she could see doubt lingers in his eyes.
"Even though you guys say I am not a traitor. How can I convince my people, my family ?!"
"With the same confidence when you rescued from that leech Count Mott," Siesta spoke up.
"You are a brave and honest person Saito. The likes of one I haven't or will ever meet in my life. The person who does the right thing regardless of the consequences. I know they will believe you. They will understand why were you here. They will surely appreciate what great honour have you brought to your family and Homeland's name. If ever founder forbids you are to put on trial for your actions. I.. NO!, we all will stand by your side and do our best to help you."
Louise, Guiche, Kirche, Tiffania and Tabitha nods in agreement to Siesta's words.
"We will never turn our backs on you as you have always stood out for us," added Tiffania.
There was a round of silence from Saito.
As he processed all these in his head. His tension began to lighten up and he started to think straight.
Slowly lifting his head back and turned towards Louise with a small smile on his face.
"Thank you," he said softly. "Thank you all for all standing beside me in my time of need."
"That's what friends for." Spoke Derf. "Now get me out of this stupid sheath I need a fresh breath of air."
They all let out a collective sigh of relief. Their Saito had returned back for them. But for Saito doubt still lingers in his heart. But for the sake of his friends, he decides to bury it deep inside him.
After some time the group of friends had their some good morale boosting conversation among each other. Saito went to apologize again for his rude behaviour earlier to Kirche as though she was a Germanian that doesn't mean she had supported the attack. Then he went on to narrate wondrous tales of his Homeland called Japan. He also mentioned to all about Siesta's great grandfather from his homeland and to her astonishment she might be having an extended family right in Japan. He promised to take them all to Japan especially Louise to meet her parents one day.
Not far away Higashi peeked at them with a broad smile of his own as he saw his own little brother to laugh again. Deciding not to interrupt his fun he turned and left to rejoin his platoon in preparations for the arrival of the UNDF command for the ceremony tonight.
Formar mansion, Throne Room
Gramont was furious and frustrated beyond control. Not long ago he along with his Germanian allies were summoned to meet the ruling Countess of Italica. When they all entered the throne room to greet her, she broke the news to him about the treaty of Neutrality which will be signed by Italica with the outworldly power calling themselves as UNTF tonight.
Gramont tried his best to sway the Countess from signing this but to no avail. Not only his own knight captain Napoleon but also Rose order's leader Pina didn't utter a single word to support him.
He slammed his fists on the decorative table lay before him, startling the young Count who was seated on her throne. This action caused the Formar guards to tense up and gripped their halberds readying themselves to dive in to fight if needed to protect their mistress.
Gramont's anger was about the road leading to Tristania's border is now wide open for the outworlders to expand. He didn't care about Germania nor about Gallia 'they all can go to hell' was ringing in his thought. His only worry now was the outworlders marching through the land of Tristania virtually unopposed as the kingdom lay in economic turmoil.
Gramont after a minute of heavy breathing calmed down from his intense rage. He quickly lowered his head and apologized for his rash behaviour earlier.
"I can understand your dilemma lord marshal, but this is good for my people. We have been abandoned by our imperial overlord to fend for ourselves. They even lowered themselves in seeking services from Bandits to burn our farms and villages in the name to save the Empire. When it was not enough, deployed the Imperial fists to do their dishonourable job. I don't know how many of my subjects have lost their lives during the so-called scorched Earth. If the outworlders hadn't intervened and made a stop to all the killing done by the Imperial forces in the right time you would have been standing on the ashes of Italica and the whole of Formar Province." Myui spoke with firmness never been seen in her words before
"I understand." was Gramont's reply.
"I also ask you to be present during the signing of the Treaty. You should have a dialogue with the outworlder's leadership. I am sure you will not be disappointed and they will clear all the doubts you have about them. Lord Marshal."
"Yes Milady, I will." Gramont replies and nods."Now I must retire back to my camp and make preparations for tonight."
With this Gramont takes his leave leaving the Germanians and Italicans to continue their dialogue. He was not needed here anymore. As he walks through the hallways of the mansion towards its exited, he was suddenly greeted by one of his knights who was pacing towards him in haste.
As soon as he reached Gramont he quickly took a knee.
"Marshal!" the Knight spoke with trembling voice. "Young lord and his friends have been taken into outworlder's custody for interrogation."
"What?!" Gramont bellowed."Why?"
"I don't know milord but I saw them being led away under guard towards the outsider's camp we must make haste before something happens."
With the thought of his youngest son in serious trouble began to pace towards the exit and then towards Mansion guest house or Outworlder's Headquarters.
To be continued
Phew.. At last, it is over. Just to point out I was unable to acquire a Beta reader and my Editor is out of contact for some time now(Probably playing ARMA whole day). So expect some errors. When I am back in touch will edit and repost it later on.
Don't forget to review, have any grievances feel free to PM me.
Stay tuned for the next chapter: Consequence and Realization Pt II