Part 5 - Blood of the King

Chapter 102 - The Struggle (Part One)

Max was slightly shocked by some of the people he saw in front of him. It made sense, of course, since most came from stream eight which was home to alternate history. He glanced down at the list he had made himself so he could tell Grace when he next saw her: Winston Churchill, George Washington, Robert the Bruce, Sun Tzu, Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Julius Caesar…the list went on. He folded it away into his pocket as Teresa started to lay out the plans for the first engagement of what would ultimately be the final battle.

"First of all, I want to make one thing clear: I don't care what sort of doctrine your governments follow. I don't care if you're fascist, communist, democratic, whatever. Everyone is treated equally here, so if I see anyone being discriminated against for their skin, their religion, their gender, their sexuality, anything, I will have you shot. Is that clear?"

Everyone agreed.

"Good. On another note, there are teenagers here with more military experience than half of you combined, so I expect you to take their suggestions just as seriously as everyone else's."

More agreement.

"Perfect. Let's get down to business. Our enemy is the Scarlet King. He is currently located in what would be Dallas, Texas. For those who don't know, that's here."

The map highlighted where the metropolis would be.

"His forces are preparing to move north according to our intelligence. The question is whether he moves east or west. If he moves west, we need people with knowledge of Alaska, Asia and the Pacific. Joseph Stalin, Sun Tzu: I'm looking at you. If he moves east, we need people who know Europe and the Atlantic. That goes to most of you. Anyone who's left will be kept in reserve to reinforce where it's needed. Are we clear so far?"

There was a general mumbling of 'yes' in a variety of languages. Max wondered whether the universal translator didn't pick it up, or just couldn't be bothered.

"In that case, we move on to the next stage of the plan. I find it slightly more likely that Khahrahk will head east. In that case, we have plenty of naval forces in the Atlantic. Ships are to travel in groups comprising of an aircraft carrier, two battleships and a decent escort. Submarines are to be used for scouting and are to travel in wolfpacks of at least four. When Khahrahk makes his move, they will be the first to engage while the surface fleets move in."

Sun Tzu raised his hand.

"I may be mistaken, but we do not know our enemy."

"No, we don't. Khahrahk is a god, not a human. In addition, one of his children is an anti-meme. That means you will be incapable of remembering it even exists, never mind that you're supposed to kill it. So I wish you luck with knowing your enemy."

"Perhaps we can flank his forces, depending on which direction he moves?" Suggested Washington.

"It could work, if we could move troops quickly enough to engage before he reaches the other side and wipes out the forces in that direction."

"There is a logistical problem." Said Hitler.

"Unlike the Third Reich, we don't have a logistical problem. An Ares can carry four times as much cargo in its cabin as a horse cart, plus has the power to lift a forty-foot shipping container. Any other suggestions or points to raise?"

As Teresa was about to continue, an officer burst through the tent flap. They looked battered and bruised.

"Report, lieutenant."

"The damn Russians, Brits and Germans are fighting."

She sighed, glancing at the historical world leaders of the corresponding nations.

"The three of you, come and sort out your men."

Max knew Churchill was the best of the trio at making speeches, so stuck near him. The prime minister stopped at the top of a podium and gazed out at his thousands upon thousands of soldiers.

"I understand your anger. You have been dragged away from the war at hand and thrown into a new one. But I assure you: the war we fight today will bring an end to not only the war at home, but to the many that follow it. Yesterday we fought the menace of tyranny, today we will fight the roots of all hatred and suffering. Your brothers may fall, but we cannot allow their deaths to be at the hands of the lesser of two evils. I ask of you all to stand with your enemies until such time as the new world steps forth into the light in all its power and glory. If we bow to the level of hatred and unforgiving of the Nazi rule, then we are no better than them. And if we are not better than them, then why do we fight the good fight?"

It wasn't the most stirring speech in Churchill's history, but it was better than anything Max thought he could come up with. The prime minister stepped down from the podium and gave the spider a nod.

"I will admit, not my best speech. I was never very good at coming up with them on the spot, you see."

"I thought it was pretty good. It got the message across and still had the Churchill flare."

"The Churchill flare?"

"Your style."

"I see."

The spider and prime minister started walking.

"Tell me: how did the war end in your world?"

"In Europe, on the sixth of June, 1944, the Allies landed in Normandy and began the push to Berlin. The Soviets got there first, but without them the landings would have been repelled. In the Pacific, it ended with US troops entering Tokyo. In most dimensions, it ended when the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Mine was just a bit different."

"And how would they have won if 'D-Day' had been repelled anyway?"

"I don't know. The Soviets would have capitulated and Operation Sealion would go ahead and the UK would capitulate too. Then I'm guessing the Japanese and Germans would launch a combined invasion of the US mainland and that would be the end of the Allies. Of course, the Reich is too power hungry and would probably invade Japan after that."

"Then it would seem the future is bleak for my world."

"There's always a chance the Soviets will manage, but I don't know. Then, of course, Stalin probably won't be up for much negotiation over territory and might just waltz over to the UK too."

"Hardly ideal circumstances, to say the least. But that is enough about my world. Tell me, what brings a teenager to the heart of a war with a god?"

"My dad died, my mum was too unstable to take over so I was put in charge of the Ethereal Legion until things became more peaceful. Then I accidentally killed a civilian, and my mum is probably dead somewhere, so now I'm just a kid with next to nothing left to lose."

"It would seem both our situations are dire, my friend."

While the leaders were putting an end to the fighting, Teresa received a report that Khahrahk was moving. She sighed, wondering how they would be able to defend against this.

"He's going both east and west. The eastern force is slightly larger." She reported to the leaders and generals when they had returned.

"He intends to crush us." Concluded Conall.

"Obviously. We're going into the first battle, ladies and gentlemen. We are sending troops to Provideniya in Russia and to Cape Dyer in Canada. For reference, that's here and here."

The locations were shown on the holographic map.

"What's the goal?" Asked Max.

"To slow them down. Naval forces will engage in the Bering Strait whilst bombardment support will be provided at Cape Dyer. Stalin and Sun Tzu will take Provideniya; Washington, Bruce and half of the British army will take Cape Dyer. We have approximately one day until Khahrahk arrives in Dyer and at the Strait. I expect every soldier to fight to the last man. If they run out of bullets, or they drop their sword, then they are to fight hand-to-hand. Every minute bought is an advantage. Any questions?"

Heads shook to say no.

"Good. Now get your soldiers out on the field."

Max hung back.

"Why are we bothering to slow Khahrahk down?" He asked when they were alone.

"Because we need more time to set up defences here and to figure out a way to kill him."

"What about…"

"No, Max. We are not giving up just like that. And again, how do you plan to restrain Khahrahk?"

"Maybe with the power of the High Elder Gods."

"If you can get literal gods to lend you their power, then I'll consider it."

Max sighed, wondering what other option they had at this point. He decided to change the subject.

"Jesus said people would fall to Khahrahk's lies. When will that happen?"

"I'm guessing in this battle. Someone like Hitler or Stalin may turn on us if he promises them something."

"Alright. Where do you want me in this fight?"

"I want you here. If there are problems, sort them."

"Why not at the front lines?"

"Because we'll need you later on."

"Do you have a grand plan?"

"I will when I know how to kill Khahrahk."

"And we're back to square one."

"Exactly. Go and sort things out."

Max received his full orders a few hours later. He would have control of the entire encampment. As soon as Teresa left, he set about making some changes. He moved forces he trusted closer to the Tree and those he didn't away. When he had drawn up plans for just about every scenario he could think of, he decided to do some socialising with the remaining leaders and generals who were still at the camp. He received some curious looks as he walked into the mess tent. He ordered a hot chocolate from the replicator and sat down at a table with Churchill. Most eyes still seemed to be on him, although he didn't know why. Did they expect him to give a stirring speech? He leaned over the table and whispered to Churchill:

"Why are they staring?"

"I believe they are wondering why a fifteen year old boy was left in charge rather than a more experienced man or woman."

"Touché."

He looked at the collection of historical figures, wondering how he might be able to ease some of the tensions.

"So, people, what's going on?"

"Why are you in charge?" Asked Julius Caesar.

"I'm definitely not the most experienced, but I have some. Plus it's a trust thing. No offence, but I don't see Teresa handing control over to someone she met only four days ago.

"And she picked you? A fifteen year old coloured insect from New York?" Snapped back Hitler.

"I'm not sure how I'm supposed to take that. Are you complaining about my age, my skin, my spider powers or where I live? Anyway, I can hardly see anyone putting you in charge with your track record."

"What makes you believe you are any better?" Asked a voice from the back of the room.

Max had to double take at the question.

"I don't put people in gas chambers for worshipping a different religion. I don't shoot politicians who disagree with me, otherwise you'd all be dead by now."

"And what makes you different from your mother?" Pressed Hitler.

"We aren't talking about my mum. I'm not her; apparently I'm more like my dad."

"If you cannot face your family past then you are in no condition to lead us for however long is required." Concluded the Nazi leader, getting some mumbling of support.

"Look who's talking: Mr 'Oh no! I didn't get into art school!'"

"That's it. You have insulted me enough."

Chaos broke out very quickly. It may as well have been a miniature World War Two since most of the old Axis powers sided with Hitler whilst the Allies and everyone else sided with Max. In under twenty minutes, the spider managed to dodge two separate assassination attempts. He webbed up a third assassin as soldiers picked themselves up and formed a defensive ring around the Tree. An enormous column of energy rose up around the Tree itself. Max growled angrily, sprinting towards the Axis lines. Their soldiers were already advancing, making their way towards the Allies. The spider punched through them, letting his suit absorb the bullets and turn them into dust. He wasn't looking to take out the soldiers; he was gunning for Hitler himself. He knocked over a last Axis soldier and stormed towards Hitler's tent. The Nazi leader looked up as the spider walked in, only to be decapitated by a swipe from the Grasshopper Sword. Max picked up the head by the hair and marched back outside where he threw it down in front of the Axis soldiers who had come to a stop. The Quintari had created a shield wall and they couldn't advance any further. When they saw their dead leader's head, some breathed a sigh of relief whilst others looked horrified.

"Your Führer is dead. If you believed in everything he did, then get out of here and go join the Scarlet King. I'm sure he'll welcome you with open arms. Otherwise, take those swastikas off your arms and fight alongside people who want to get on with their lives."

Max was conscious he was standing between two very angry armies, and if one charged he'd be trampled to death. However, he stood his ground, waiting for the Axis soldiers to make their choice. Many of them threw the swastikas on their arms down into the mud and lowered their weapons. The rest turned and started walking away from the Tree. Max sighed, turning around and pushing between the three ranks of Quintari that ran all the way around the Tree and ignoring the 'good job' looks from the remaining leaders and generals.

Conall returned to the camp a few hours later. Teresa had stayed behind in Cape Dyer to assist in evacuating the remaining troops before they were overrun. She had sent the immortal to check up on things, having heard of what had happened. He looked in the leaders' mess tent but couldn't find Max. He asked where the spider was and found out he had retreated into his tent. The immortal found him there. He chapped on the tent fabric. The spider looked up from his phone.

"How'd things go at Dyer?"

"Not great. We lost at least a few hundred-thousand troops by the earliest bets. I heard there was a coup?"

"Yeah."

"You alright?"

"Three assassination attempts in twenty minutes, but I got to kill Hitler so I'm good. Maybe. I was worried it would happen which was why I had the camp shifted around a little, so Teresa can scream at me for that."

"I would have done the same. She just had everyone positioned equally and said she couldn't do favouritism or it might cause an uprising."

"There was one anyway."

"Exactly."

There was silence for a few moments, the Conall spoke up again:

"Is something else on your mind?"

"Teresa won't listen to my idea about stopping Khahrahk. I get it's terrible how many would die, but there'd still be people alive in Noladis. Plus the dead aren't really dead; they're all in Bastria."

"She mentioned something about it. Given our lack of another plan, I would say we need to start preparing to pull it off."

"Yeah. I'm gonna be gone for a few days. If she asks where I've gone, don't tell her."

"Alrighty. Have fun."

Crossovers in this Chapter

- SCP Foundation

Just about everything is here somewhere, even if it's not mentioned.