I don't own Gate JSDF or HOI4 kaiserreich.
AN: Special thanks to Dmandog for the poster art of a Mountaineer badege.
English: Yippie Ki Yay
Translated English: Yippie Ki Yay
At the Imperial Palace, a week later.
The view opens on the city Sadera. The empires name sake and the land that it had sprouted from. Here the Empire is ruled by both the senate and the emperor. While these meetings were usually held when a noble had discourse with another, this one was most troublesome. General Godasen had returned. Returned with news that was hard to swallow. After rumors of a massive army under the banner of the bear was heard, the empire mustered a garrison of ten thousand troops to defend the line till a new strategy could be formed… two days ago, only three thousand and half returned. The rest either perished or had abandoned their post and became bandits. Those who returned were mutilated beyond near recognition. Lost limbs, faces, and so much blood. One may mistake them as poor unornate souls who had climbed out of the gates of the underworld. Worst yet was the news they had delivered. The armies under the bear. They had arrived and concurred the entire hill within a matter of minutes. Some claim it was an army of ten million who were invisible. Others claim it was an army of ten. No matter who told it, the simple fact that Alnus hill was now in the hands of the enemy.
The council all sat around, listening to General Godasen report. His eyes were wide in horror, and the number of scars he received were to peculiar not to be true. They had beaten a few slaves they had taken from this land. Yet their language confounds them. Some spoke the same language while others spoke in an entirely different dialect. After hours of public beatings, they were dragged back to their cells to be sold. What they got out of it of them was that the empire had awoken the bear of the west. Something that secretly terrified a small fraction of senators. As the meeting went on, a few scribes counted the time and wealth to replace what they had lost. The numbers were… staggering. It could take years to replace this number. Along with that, they had to deal with the training and man power. It was decided then and there that taxes will be raised, a conscription for all men over the age of eighteen shall join. Effective immediately.
The view had shifted to Emperor Molt's throne room. He sat their high on his throne. Pondering what to do. With the current army with a staggering loss, the other vassal kingdoms could see this as a chance to break free and side with the enemies. Or worse attack the empire outright. His attention was disturbed when the doors opened. In walks an armored red head. She moves before him before getting on her knees.
"My lord is it true?" The woman asked impertinently. "Has the savages taken the holy hills of Alnus?"
"… They have, my daughter." Emperor Molt replies.
"Then we should ride out and meet these savages. Send them back where they came at the end of our sword." The woman said with bravado in her tone. "Please Father, let the Rose-Order of Knights lead the charge."
Emperor Molt remained silent. He had heard multiple times from his daughter. Begging to go to war. When he created the Rose-Order of Knights, it was meant to act as a way for his daughter to play at war. But with the numbers the Rose-Order of knights had grown, it was a tempting idea. However he had seen the injuries these men had received. The idea that his beloved daughter be turned into one of those walking corpses, or worst sent to Hardy's realm was too much for him to bare.
"No!" Emperor Molt shouted before calming down. "No… no, sorry my beloved daughter… but no. I have seen what has happened to those who have faced these barbarians head on. We must unite with the vassal kingdoms against the barbarians, not face them one at a time. I have sent out multiple messengers to the kings. They will arrive at Alnus hill. If all goes according to plan these savages will be sent back. If not… we will have to set up defenses, scorch the earth, and do everything in our power to slow them down."
"I… I see father. How shall my knights serve the empire?" The princess asked. Emperor Molt gets up from his seat and wanders over to the side. He looks over at the empire that his family had held for centuries. After a few moments he spoke up.
"Near Alnus, Italica lays unprotected. I will ask of you and your nights to be stationed there as guards to the sole heir to the Formal nobility." Emperor Molt said to her daughter, much to her disappointment. He then added something else, something that made the Princess eyes widen in excitement. "As well as another. Reports and rumors have spread around the empire of these Barbarian's might. I want you to make sense of these rumors. Differentiate them from fact and fiction."
The princess couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her knights had only served as honorary guard. Nothing more. Now her father has asked for her to do reconnaissance on these, Ameri-can's. It was a step up, maybe what she needed to show the empire that the Rose-Order of Knights are an important regiment of the empire's army. She gives a salute by pressing her fist to her heart, before continuing.
"At your request my emperor." The princess said before standing up. She was about to take her leave when the emperor called back to her.
"Pina… before you go. I have one last thing." Emperor Molt said causing the Princess known as Pina to stop. "Under no circumstance must you fight these barbarians. They have the ability to wipe out entire garrisons without suffering any fatalities. So if you ever encounter them, don't fight but run. Only engage if you must. Do you understand?"
Princes Pina turns around and nods her head. Emperor Molt gives a nod before waving her off. She then leaves the throne room leaving Molt to his thoughts. His thoughts however turned to the past. He had sent messengers to the Vassal kingdoms already. They had received word of what has happened at Alnus hill and will be marching upon Alnus in a week. Though he did not expect them to survive, quite the opposite. If they were to be slaughtered, then the Empire shall not fear being attacked by its neighbors. Nor will he have to deal with their pestilent Kings who refuse to submit to his will. Perhaps when this war has ended, he will be absorbed into the empire. He leans back into his throne and begins to contemplate how to win against these Ameri-cans. All while the view pulls in on the setting sun.
Alnus Hill a week later
The view pulls back on the sun. Alnus hill was blazing hot this day, nearly 102°F, yet it didn't bother the Soldiers occupying Alnus Hill. They were building defenses, digging trenches, erecting barb wire, and pulling up watch towers. A few construction companies were brought in to set up adobe barracks with metal sheeting's. As they built their fortifications, they hummed to a few country songs that were written during the Second American War.
Play 'Axe by Steel Woods' for added effect.
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down
Carve up some of that kindlin'
There's plenty of wood around
As they sung, the view pulls down on a few women watching from the shade of a tent. They were all Demi-humans. Those who were enslaved as personal cock sleeves of nobbles within the Empire regiment stationed at Alnus. They half expected to become these soldiers new play thing. But instead they were fed, bathed, and looked after. Though a few soldiers did flirt with them, that is as far they went with.
Well I've seen the devil's shadow, underneath the moon
Keep that fire a-goin', the sun is comin' soon
They had little to no idea what was going on. Though they have seen enough times soldiers setting defenses. As they watched, some were eying a few of the well-built soldiers. They had either rolled up their sleeves or taken off their shirts all together. Exposing their mussels to blistering heat. Suffice to say, the demi-humans were experiencing what most Americans call, eye-candy.
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down
Carve up some of that kindlin'
There's plenty of wood around
As they continue to sing, the view shifts on one old yet familiar soldier. It was Eastwood. He was in uniform with a new Lieutenant patch on it. As he helps the few soldiers set up the wooden supports for the trenches, he could hear the sound of an engine nearby.
When I'm old and grey, and these two hands are worn
Cross me over Jordan, Lord and I'll keep Heaven warm
Looking up from the hill he can see that two motorcycles were coming in fast from the bottom of the hill. He helped finish nailing in the final piece before getting out of the trench. He approaches the men as they got off their 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycles.
I will swing my axe, don't let the flames go down
Carve up some of that kindlin'
There's plenty of wood around
The song comes to an end as Lieutenant Eastwood Wipes the sweat from underneath his Stetson. The Soldier gave him a salute to which he returned before addressing them. "Zimmerman, Jones. Anything to report?"
"Sir, we were making the rounds when we spotted a few scouts in the area." The one known as Zimmerman explains.
"After we handed them the old shotgun messenger, we discovered there's an army on the way as we speak from the north west." Jones added as he taps his sawed off 1887 shotgun.
Hearing that an army was coming didn't exactly fill Lieutenant Eastwood with Joy. He then turned to his soldiers. They had set up basic defenses, and a few mortars were in place, but he would like it better if they had time to set up better defenses. No matter, he worked with less against enemies with superior firepower. He then turned around looking on at the defenses before he asked the two scouts. "How long?"
"About an hour or so when you can see them. Another before marching up the hill." Zimmerman answered.
Eastwood gives a nod before walking under the shade with the girls. He tips his hat to them before opening up a small box marked with a red cross. He pulled out a flare gun. He removed the round from it before tossing it back into the box.
"Alright, I'll get a mortar and artillery squad ready. When they are in the kill zone over hill two and three fire the green flare. If they retreat or blown to kingdom come fire off your red flare. Understood?" Eastwood ordered.
The two give a nod and Eastwood tossed Zimmerman the flare round. The two got back on the bikes before driving off. Once gone he turned to the soldiers and called out. "Alrighty you heard the scout's boys, we got company! Get your guns and prepare to defend this hill like it's the Alamo!"
The soldier called out to one another and quickly ran to the barracks. Each one retrieving their issued M1 Garand's, Winchester rifle model 1948, B.A.R. 1944, and mounted M2 Browning. Some of these weapons were outdated model weapons, but because of the lack of knowledge on the landscape or it's people they didn't want to run the risk of the enemies of obtaining modern weapons. Still despite these weapons not being up to standards it was still suited for the task at hand. Along with the small arms they had as well an M2, 4.2 Mortar's, M114mm howitzer artillery, for anti-personnel and aircraft, and a few Sherman tanks.
The girls were rushed inside one adobe house that had a bunker built as the soldiers waited. They were ready, they were patient, and they were willing. As they waited for a few intense moments, a green flair shot up. Seeing the signal, Eastwood called out to the mortar squad.
"Alright, send these slaving bastards back to their mothers in pieces!" Eastwood calls out. A few moments and a relay of calls later the artillery squad went to work. The M114mm howitzer artillery fired off shell after shell. Unloading rounds upon rounds beyond hill 2 and 3. After continues fire a red flair fired off. Seeing it, Eastwood calls for a ceasefire. The cannons went silent as everyone waited. After a few moments they hear the sound of someone driving back. Before long, the two motorcycles came back.
"Zimmerman, Jones was it?" Eastwood asked.
"Hell yeah it was." Jones spoke up with a smile. "Them Roman bastards didn't even see the shells till it was too late."
"There is still a huge army, just outside the artillery zone. Along with that I couldn't help but notice that they had those winged beasts with them. My guess sir is that they will make a second attack. This time with formation." Zimmerman replies in a more serious tone.
"… I see." Eastwood remarks as he turns back to his troops. "Hmm, how many troops do they have left if you were to give an estimate?"
"Nearly 90,000 if I had to guess sir." Zimmerman replies. "They must have brought an armed force of 100,000."
"Hmm, probably planning to bury us in numbers. (Sigh) and to think that this day can't get any bloodier." Eastwood remarks as he takes a cigarette from his pocket. After taking a drag he turns to his men. "Alright, they will send in a second wave, when that happens let them get close and then we cut off their escape. An old hellfire trap maneuver."
The soldiers nod and quickly ran along the edges, preparing for the next wave. The two scouts returned to roles of surveying the area. After a few hours, the next wave of soldiers came over the hills with their dragon riders following closely behind. However, what they thought would work ended in disaster. They had run head long into a trap. The moment they were on the hill, the claymores were activated, followed by artillery, tank support, and heavy caliber fire support. As for the dragon riders, they fell from the sky like fly's, riddled in multiple bullet holes from hidden AA guns. What took them two hours to assault turned into thirty minutes of carnage and death. Worst no soldier could flee, or reinforcements be sent when the artillery fell upon their backs, cutting off their defense. It was estimated later that over forty thousand had died on the hillside alone that afternoon. Once gone, the soldiers quickly redeployed a few more claymores as well as set up a few fireworks set to detonate when a wire was tripped. The sun, had set but the armies were not out of the clear just yet. There were still fifty thousand soldiers on the other side of the hill. Knowing the possibility of an attack, the American armies set up watch patrols, armed with newly invented night vision scopes. This added weight to the riffle, but all they need is one shot to alert an attack.
Hours pass by and nothing happened. Soldiers were starting to get a little too comfortable, but around midnight when the moon was covered by the clouds, a loud spark can be heard. The fireworks, they went off. Soon gunfire can be heard and the troops quickly got to their positioned. Letting the mines handle the attacking soldiers who got to close. They weren't even halfway up the hill, but close enough that the soldiers could fire down upon them with ease. The attacking force formed a tortious formation, but their shields proved ineffective against the .30-06 that each soldier was armed with. Continues fire ensued and within an hour, the hill was littered with corpses.
The sun rose the next morning and the soldiers begin to walk out onto the scorched hillside. Corpses laid about, torn to pieces, or punctured with holes. So many laid about that a flock of vultures had to be driven away with brute force. A feeling disgust can be felt as each and every soldier looked over the horrific sight and wonder, what would compel a man to fight in such a suicidal fight. They buried what was left of these soldiers in one mass grave at the bottom of the hill. Erecting a smoothed limestone with raggedy flags they scavenged from the fields to adorn it. Bellow the soldiers laid California poppies at the bottom out of guilt for what happened. On the stone was written both in English and the Empires language.
"100,000 soldier came, 95,000 are buried. Let their eternal souls be at peace."
Two weeks after the second battle of Alnus hill
Multiple things had change since the second battle of Alnus hill. With no clear signs of enemy forces advancing on the hill, the American military had set up more permanent structures, including an airfield, radio towers, barracks, and chain link walls. There are future plans to build a bigger set of walls soon, but for now the soldiers were too busy enjoying the peace and quiet. With the exception of one, Lieutenant Eastwood looked on down the hill on top of a watch tower. The peace put him off, last time it was this quiet he was on the Rockies looking west with his brother.
'Quite isn't just a sign of peace, but something big coming.' Eastwood's brother quoted in his head. In his experience his brother was right. He takes a drag from his cigar before hearing his name.
"Lieutenant Eastwood!" A voice shouted from below.
"Hmm, yes?" Eastwood said as he looked down. Bellow was a woman in W.A.C uniform stood. In her hand was a clipboard with multiple papers. She straightens out her glasses before speaking.
"General White has sent a request for you to meet him in his tent." The woman replies getting a nod from Eastwood.
"Yes ma'am." Eastwood remarks as he tossed the half-burnt cigar over the edge. He descended the watch tower before following the woman.
He followed the Woman as they passed by the training yard, where soldiers were practicing hand to hand combat and bayonet charges. Since the enemy primarily operated with melee weapons, it was thought that should the soldier deplete their ammunition supply they will have means to fall back on to survive. They walked on till they arrived at a small tent near the gate itself. Inside were intelligence officers and a few of the former slave girls, now wearing W.A.C uniforms fitted to their peculiar bodies. Since Intelligence was key to all future operations in the region, the military offered the girls a job within W.A.C. Along with the additional pay there was the deal that they and their current family's will be welcomed into America as citizens. As they worked hard on translating documents and breaking codes, the general in charge was having a conversation with a cat-person child; who was sitting on his lap like he was her grandfather. Much to his discomfort.
"Is it true Mr. White? Children don't have to worry about being captured by slavers?" The child asked with wide eyes.
"Um, yes… no, slavery. Very bad. Greatly punishable." General White tried explaining in her language.
The young girl wowed at the idea, like a kid on Christmas morning. He has been spending the last ten minutes explaining to the young girl what life was like in America. As the girl continued to question the general the women cleared her throat bringing his attention to the two.
"General, Lieutenant Eastwood." The woman stated in a professional manner.
"Hmm, oh thank god" General White said as he turned to the kid.
"Um, have to… leave. Important, talk with man." General White said to the child with difficulty.
"(Sigh) What General White is trying to say, is he has important business to attend to. Why don't you go play with others?" The woman suggested as she helped the child off the general's lap.
"Oh, ok." The girl said with excitement as she skipped out the tent, but not before turning around to say, "Bye Mr. White."
She then leaves the tent, before general white lets out a small sigh. "(Sigh) Normally, one is supposed to marry first before having kids."
He then pauses before reaching down and pulling out a hand sketched map with a few photo's clipped to it. "Now, Lieutenant Eastwood. Do you know why you're here today?"
"Well, I'm not here to drink sass with the brass." Eastwood remarks sarcastically.
"… Um, no. You are called in here because of your assets and skill acquired from the three war's. Pacifically reconnaissance." General White explained.
"I see… will I be doing it alone or with a posse?" Eastwood asked.
"You will be in charge of the third Recon unit, heading North East. I've been told there is a small settlement nearby. Great place to introduce ourselves." General White explains as he points to the map.
"Hmm, guess not a bad plan I recon. By chance this is the only village out here? Cause if there are hundreds, I might need another truck to carry the liquid crystal." Eastwood remarks.
"No, though there are rumors of an elven village in the woods. While I like you to make contact, they prefer to be alone for the most part. So if they wish to be alone then leave em alone." General White explained.
"Alright, when do we get the convoy going?" Eastwood asks.
"In an hour." General White explains before looking over at the woman. "Ms. Blanch. Would you escort Lieutenant Eastwood to meet the rest of his squadron?"
"Please follow me Lieutenant." The woman known as Ms. Blanch said as she leads him out. As they walked out, the kid from earlier came running back to ask more questions… much to Generals white annoyance.
Ms. Blanch lead Eastwood outside, there were about eight soldiers All standing in attention. From there Ms. Blanch begin introducing them one by one. The first was a man in his forties from the Navaho tribe.
"Corporal John Hathale. He will be your second in command." Ms. Blanch said before Hathale saluted him with a nod. The next man in line was a Caucasian in his thirty's. "Specialist Nathan Scott, a fine demolitions expert. Lost a pinky when he mixed up the explosives back in basics."
He gives a nod before Ms. Blanch introduced the next soldier. An Asian female in her mid-twenties who was equipped with a few medical pouches. "Private first class and combat medic, Ada Fujita. Recently graduated from Keck School of Medicine, and joined as a combat nurse."
She gives a nod before moving over to another female soldier. A short pale Caucasian girl with brown hair in her early twenties. "Private Roisin O'Hara. The brass found her talents for violence and repairing engines to be especially handy."
O'Hara responds by rolling her eyes. As the two walked over to two familiar soldiers One Caucasian and the other African. "I believe you know the scouts Private Tom Jones and Private Hans Zimmerman's."
They gave a wave only to be shot down by a glare from Ms. Blanch. After returning to position they came to another man who was much taller and well-built then the others. "Private Billy Brooks. Real southern gentlemen, but can handled a browning like it's a twenty-two. Just don't get him started on jambalaya or you will loose your ears to his yapping."
He gives a respectful nod before they came to the final soldier. A young Hispanic with a scar on his cheek. "Private first class Hector Pérez. A bit of a cynic but can hit a fly off a hoarse ass from a mile away."
"These eight will follow your orders, and there are four more who will escort you in a M38A1 Jeep, two 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycles, and a M3 scout car. All custom with a browning fifty Cal attachment. Anything else need for this mission Lieutenant?" Ms. Blanch asked as the eight soldiers put themselves at ease.
"… Hmm good question… just one thing." Eastwood remarks with a growing smile.
An hour later, on the road.
The view around Lieutenant Eastwood shifted, no longer back at base but on the open road. The wind blow's through his greying hair as he drives the additional 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycles down the road.
He was generally happy to finally be travel at last. Staying to long in that base was beginning to stir him crazy, along with the fact that a few of the girls that were liberated were flirting with the soldiers. While this was flattering when they flirted with him, he had to remind them he was happily married. The sights of the wide-open spaces were breath taking. Like the Italian country side, but with less hills. As they drove along the soldiers in the cars begin to talk among themselves.
"So this Eastwood is a legendary Qui cum tribus proeliis. Huh, kind of expected him to be more… grand. But he feels like my judgmental abuelo." Pérez remarks.
"Hey show some respect!" O'Hara snapped as she smacks the backside of Pérez head. "I've heard stories about him. How he defended Denver from the American Caesar's best."
"Ouch, well pequeña señorita perra If the man's a living legend why does he need us, huh? What happened to your legend?" Pérez argues back
"Maybe he got old." Brooks suggested getting an annoyed look from Pérez.
"No shit you estúpida." Pérez remarks.
"What those that mean?" Brooks asked.
"Does it matter. The two are fighting big guy. Ain't no point in getting in between an Irish and a Mexican." Fujita remarks as she rubs her temples in annoyance. "Remind me to get on the bike with Jones or Zimmerman. Much rather have these two separated."
"Eh, you don't have to separate them. All you need to do is give em a room to fuck then they won't be so pent up." Scott remarks as he takes out a cigarette. Everyone in the car heard that. Including O'Hara and Pérez. The view pulls out of the car and before a loud scream can be heard from inside the car as it shakes around. It then pulls back inside with Scott holding his nose as blood spewed from it. O'Hara and Pérez were sitting a little farther away from each other but still gave the occasional hate full glance at one another.
"And this is why you don't stand in front of two raging buffalos." Hathale comments without looking up from inspecting his M1 Garand. The trip from then on was a little quieter.
After an hour of driving, they soon arrive just outside the Village marked on their map as Coda village. They were simple folks who mostly deal in farm and lumber with the local city of Italia. There were plans to capture the city but due to the lack of knowledge on the landscape and didn't want to run the risk of any captured civilians or foreign visitors getting hurt or worst. Till a proper plan was decided upon the city was to be avoided till then. For right now they want to gain as much information as they can on the landscape. They stopped their vehicles and left them a few feet away from the gate to the village. They didn't want to spook the locals. As the soldiers exited the car, Eastwood couldn't help but notice the bleeding nose and the bruise forming on his cheek.
"Corporal Hathale… the hell happened to Private First class Scott?" Eastwood asked as he retrieved his signature hat from the back of the bike.
"… Lovers quarrel, sir." Hathale responded. It took Eastwood a moment before noticing O'Hara and Pérez agitated faces. He made an educated guess it was them before leading his troops to the front of the village.
As they approach, the Villagers all took notice to the strangers in khaki. A little earlier in the day, it was just another day for the people of Coda. They had finished harvesting the early summer crops, just making enough to scrape by till the winter. Tomorrow they will be chopping a few more tree's down for a new farm. However, as they went about their day a strange sound can be heard. Nothing in their lives was like it. It sounded alive. As the sounds got louder, the villagers begin to panic. Some ran indoors to hide; others grabbed various farming equipment and stood their ground shakingly. Eventually the sounds stopped as five strange objects rolled up to the village gate. They held their breath as strangely dressed men in an earthy color appeared.
Those who hid stared on from their hiding spots. The men with weapons held their ground slightly terrified by these other worlder's. They heard about soldiers, dressed in Kaki and how they can face any army without suffering a single casualty. So what would a bunch of low-born's going to do against such a powerful enemy? One soldier walked before them. He was an older man, probably as old as the chieftain. What made him stand out in uniform was the strange black hat and large leather belt with a strange device attached to it. He had two things in hand. A strange little book in one, and a strangely shaped bottle. He walked forward and eyed the entire militia of low-borns before speaking roughly.
"Is… Coda town?" The man asked.
"… It is sir's. May I ask why you have descended upon our village?" The Chieftain asked as he walked forward, shaking a bit in fear.
"You leader?" The man asked almost ignoring the question and just reading a script.
"… I am, what of it?" The Chieftain asked. In response the old man plucks the cork from the bottle before taking a swig of it.
"Wish to talk, peace?" The man said as he held out the bottle.
The farmers looked at one another in confusion. Since when did armed soldiers appear before a gated community and request to talk peace? The Chieftain simply gives a shrug before taking the bottle he places his nose to it, only to be hit by a strong smell of alcohol. Yet it wasn't any kind of Alcohol he had before. He had tried everything from ale to wine, but nothing so transparent. So he musters the strength and takes a sip. It was a bit hard to swallow but damn did it burn.
"Whoo, what is this?" The chieftain asked as he shakes his head to side to side.
"Tequila. Can talk peace now?" The old man asked.
The old man nods before waving to the settlers to stand down. The old man did the same with his people and before long the Chieftain called out for cups. The two got to talking as multiple civilians begin to venture out to see these strangers. There clothes were the most stunning features, as well as the fact that they differ from one another drastically. Talking in the same language but with drastic accents. Their weapons were strange as well, wood with metal parts. The best they can compare it too is a crossbow, even then there was no way it could shoot an arrow. It soon became apparent that these men and women were indeed from Alnus hill. However their intentions were peaceful. The leader of these soldiers had simply asked for information about the land, and explained that unless attacked first then nobody has to die. A big relief for the villagers since in all fairness they more then likely to kill these soldiers, but not at the cost of many. After talking it over, the old man gave his thanks and handed over the entire bottle. Something that was greatly appreciated by the chieftain. Before they left however, they asked about the village in the woods. The Chieftain had no idea where the village was, but helped narrow it down for them. The soldiers returned to their vehicles waving goodbye, and just as fast as they appeared, they disappeared as quickly as well. Leaving very little evidence that they were here.
On the road for thirty minutes
The 3rd Recon team were making their way to Coan Forrest. To look for this village. Scott, Fujita, and Brooks made the choice to ride in the jeep to avoid listening to Pérez and O'Hara argue. It got so bad that they could still hear it from the other car. Eventually they made their way south to the woods with plans to set up camp outside… only for them to stop. The forest… it was on fire, and a huge dragon was burning it down.
"My god." Zimmerman remarks in shock at the sight.
"Jesus… That's one big lizard." Jones remarks as he takes a photo from his Ciro 35 Camera.
"Dragon, Jones. It's a dragon." Fujita remarks.
"Like the one from the story books?" Brooks asked.
"I'd recon so." Eastwood remarks as the dragon fly's away, leaving the forest burning. As it does, Eastwood felt slightly guilty as he strikes up a match for a cigarette. "Hathale, what's your thoughts?"
"It's an animal." Hathale answer.
"No shit it's an animal." Pérez replies as he sketches the scene in his note book.
"… Animals don't destroy own territory, not unless someone is intruding on it." Hathale finished.
"What so, someone is in it's territory?" Pérez asked with a raised brow. "What idiota loco would wander into a fire breathing monsters territory?"
"Maybe it's not the people who wandered. Rather the dragon who did so." Scott commented, getting an idea what Hathale was talking about.
It took Pérez a moment before realizing that there was a village in the woods. Meaning that right now, people were dying a slow and painful death. Feeling slightly guilty, he remained quiet. The eight watched from the side as the drivers watched from the car. They watched as the fire slowly died out before marching in the next day at first light.
What they found, was shocking to say the least. Multiple hut's and tree houses. Burned away. Only a few structures remained standing, but they were burn to the foundation. As they walked about, they came across a few bodies in the rubble. It was a sad sight to see. Seeing the corpse of one family holding each other as they burn caused Corporal Hathale to stop as he say's a prayer.
"Tʼą́ą́tsoh Di biyol náʼoolkiłí bichʼą́ą́h naaghá danihí biiʼ łaʼígíí biiʼ di iiná" Hathale said sincerely.
"Jesus, Christ… this is just… sad." O'Hara remarks.
"Yeah… think we need to handle this thing before moving toward the capital?" Zimmerman asked as he watches Jones take a few photos of the disaster.
"Maybe… though I'm sure we need to find where this oversize lagartija lives… just in case it laid eggs or something." Pérez comments.
"Yeah hate the idea that more then one of those bastards are flying about… any chance that the empire has control over it?" Zimmerman asked.
"Doubtful. From what intel suggest they can only control the small ones. And if they were to attempt to tame one, they have to deal with the mother. As my brother would put it, if mama ain't happy, nobody…" Before Eastwood could finish, he hears something. It was faint but he swore he heard something.
He walks over to a well in the center of town, just as he got closer, he can hear the sound. It was crying. Faint but there. He quickly looked over into the well. It was dark but he swore he see's someone down there.
"Hey, I think we have a live one!" Eastwood called out to the rest before calling down. "Hey…Need… hand!?"
There was a long silence before a faint sound can be heard. "Please… help."
The soldier were shocked to hear that someone was alive. Acting quickly, Eastwood shouted for rope. And gloves. Moments later he begins to descend down into well.
Tuka perspective. Five minutes earlier.
The sole survivor of the elven village. In a well with no way of escaping. Normally a person would wonder how long before they starve, however not her. Tuka Luna Marceau was curled up to the side, thinking about what had happened yesterday. It was a normal day for her in the Village she grew up in. Birds were chirping, children playing, and she was playing her lute when the screaming began. Her peaceful village turned to chaos as the fire dragon descended upon the village. Burning away foliage and people indiscriminately. She watched in horror as the men and women warriors fought valiant but futile against the monster. A few of the children hid in their huts, only to burn a slow and painful death. The last thing she saw before waking up at the bottom was her father. Pushing her in to save her from the fire breathing dragon. Now awake, she didn't hear the sound of dragons; rather it was quiet. She knew that the dragon was gone, but what about her friends? Her neighbors? Her… father. Her father. He must be gone, nothing but ash in the wind by now. The thought of her father dead was almost to much for the poor elf. She never knew her mother, and father was all she had left. Now that he was gone… who would take care of her. She cried for what felt like hours till someone called down.
"Hey…Need… hand!?" the strange voice called out. She looked up to see a shadow looking down. She couldn't see the man but he was looking down at her. Tuka hesitantly called out. "Please… help."
The voice then shouted to someone in a strange language. Before long the voice returned. "Hold on. Be down."
The man then disappears. Tuka wondered who this person was. He spoke in such a horrible accent it makes her wonder if he didn't speak the common tongue. A minute later rope was dropped down, followed by a man who rappelled down. He lands on the ground, allowing Tuka to get a good look at him. She, was definitely surprise. He was human, an old one in fact. Yet his clothes were nothing that she has ever seen before. It was a strange Kaki color, and strangest hat she has ever seen. On him were cloth bandoleer with pouches and a leather belt with pieced of metal sticking out. He carried no recognizable weapon except for a fat knife. Though there was a strange wooden staff on his back, and a strange metal iron on his hip. Tuka didn't know how to react to him. She stayed away eyeing his movements. He noticed this and calmly got down to her level. He offered her a hand before speaking to her in a crude accent.
"Easy, won't hurt you… promise." The man said roughly as he held out his hand. She was hesitant but she could just sense his kind demeanor. She hesitantly takes his hand, to which he helped her up. He leads him to the rope before pointing his back and saying. "Get on back. Carry you out."
It took her a moment before realizing that he was going to get her out. So she climbed onto the old mans back. Despite his age he was fairly strong. Managing to carry her out as the rope was being pulled up. She was greeted by multiple people. All dressed in the same Kaki style of clothes. They all stared at her in bewilderment, but then quickly grabbed a few things. Blankets, water, and metal can's that had fruit in them. She sat on the side of their strange vehicle. Eating this strange fruit they call, pineapple when the man from before approach with a woman.
"She, Private first class Ada Fujita, she is medical. Wish to take a look at you before leaving." The man said as she points to her. She gave a friendly smile as she places on these strange gloves. The man then handed her these strange clothes. A white shirt that has no arms and a pair of blue pants that felt tough yet soft. The man then spoke again. "Have no girl clothes. Sorry, can make due?"
It took her a moment before realizing that he was offering her clothes. Something meant for men but seeing how soft and dry they are she excepted them gladly. He gives her a nod from his hat before leaving. The woman known to her as Fujita then pulled out a strange device and placed it to her ears. Then held out her hand.
"Please give me hand. Need to know your condition." She spoke in the same accent. Tuka was hesitant but gave her it. Fujita pressed down on her wrist as she placed the end on her chest. Tuka was taken back but Fujita calmly said. "Need to listen to your heart. Won't hurt I promise."
Tuka again was hesitant but allowed her, flustering all the while. Back over with the Eastwood, he was pouring the water from his boot when Hathale approached him. He then asked. "Lieutenant. What will we do with the girl?"
"(Sigh) now that is the question. Our mission is to meet the locals, not to take them. But, I suppose the right thing to do is to take her with us… maybe we go back to Coda village. Perhaps they can take her in." Eastwood comments as he removes his sock and placed on a new one.
"True, but in the report didn't they treat anyone who wasn't human with suspicion… at best?" Hathale asked.
"Yeah I guess your right… still, least we can do is warn them about what happened. Ain't right to just leave them to be burned." Eastwood remarks as he places on his gaiters.
"Hmm, I suppose so." Hathale said in agreement before Fujita walked over.
"She's in perfect health. Maybe a few bruises and a slight fever but she will live." Fujita explains.
"I see, can you get command on the line? Tell them that we might come back with a refugee." Eastwood told her.
She gives a nod and went to get on the line. After thirty minutes, they return to the road with Tuka riding in the M3 scout car with Fujita and Brooks. It didn't take long to return to Coda village. Surprise by their return, they were slightly more welcome then the last time. The Chieftain greeted Eastwood, and listen as he tried to translate the word dragon. After a few tries he finally managed to get it out that they were in danger.
"A… Flame Dragon. Now? Are you sure?" The chieftain asked in disbelief.
"Yes, we have survivor. She can… explained." Eastwood roughly translated as he points to Tuka. The residence was surprise to see an elf, or the clothes she was wearing. Admittedly she was slightly nervous but walked forward.
"W-What… these men said is true. A flame dragon burned down my village." Tuka nervously explained. "My father… saved me. Tossed me down the well. When these people pulled me out of the well, the only thing left was smoke and ash."
"By the gods… I'm so sorry to hear that." The Chieftain said as he leans back against the well in disbelief. The civilians all gasped and murmured in horror. Realizing that the flame dragon had awoken. As they talked among themselves Eastwood approached the chieftain.
"Can you take her, keep her safe?" Eastwood explains.
"No, no. I'm sorry but we must leave." The chieftain said with a sorry shook of his head.
"Leave?" Eastwood asked.
"Yes… we can't stay here for long. Once the fire dragon gets a taste for human or elf flesh, it will return for more." The chieftain explains.
"I see… is there anything we can do to help?" Eastwood asked.
"… Can you escort us? Not for long. Just till we pass Italica." The Chieftain begged. "We don't have much money but a few of us will willing…"
Before the Chieftain could finish Eastwood held up his hand. "No slaves. No wealth. We help, without payment."
This stunned the crowed. Most warriors even knights expect a reward for something trivial as escorting a village. The fact that they were going to do it for free. Well that… that was profoundly kind of them. The Chieftain got on his knees and held the old man's leg.
"Thank you, strangers. Thank you." The Chieftain said as he held Eastwood's legs… much to his discomfort.
"Um… your welcome…" Eastwood said as he struggled to get out. After a few moments the Chieftain let go and got back to his feet before turning to his villagers. He then spoke to them and they all quickly ran, gathering what they can and setting up carts for traveling.
The third Recon team watched as these carts were set up. Occasionally helping them. As they did, something happened unexpectedly. An axis on one of the carts broke, and the hoarse went wild. A child was flung from it and was bleeding from the head. Acting quick, Fujita and O'Hara race over. Fujita tended to the girl as O'Hara tried to keep the people away. As Fujita applied her craft, a young blue haired girl approached her.
"What happened to her?" the young girl asked as she watched the strange woman apply a tunicate to the young girls head.
"Hey, give girl space. Doctor fix her." O'Hara explains as she places her hand on the girls shoulder.
"Doctor?" The child asked with confusion.
Before this conversation could go on any further however the wild hoarse that was being held by the locals broke free. Foaming at the mouth as it raises its huffs over the four. Everything slowed down as the rabid creature was slowly coming down on them. Before it could even, a loud bang can be heard. The hoarse falls to the ground, with a huge hole in its head. The watchers were in shock, as to what killed such a creature so quickly. They looked over to see the old man, holding the strange meatal object that was on his hip. The tip was smoking as he stared at the creature with a dead eye stare that send a shiver down everyone's backs. Once the hoarse was dead, he stands up straight before flipping the iron.
"Everyone alright?" Eastwood asked as he twirls the revolver back into his holster.
"Yeah, glad to know you can still use that 30-30 revolver." O'Hara remarks as she eyes the revolver.
"Heh, trust me kid. I'd forget a thousand things every day, but how to sling my Sequoia ain't one of them." Eastwood remarks before looking down at the kid with the blue hair. "You, ok?"
"… Yes, what… what was that?" The girls asked as she eyed Eastwood's pistol.
"Just… my Big Iron kid." Eastwood said before walking by her.
"Big… Iron?" The kid asked with a strange look.
Hours later, along the plains north of Italica
A few hour passed after; the evacuation gone off without a hitch. The villagers packed up their carts and head north west. Eastwood watches the convoy of settlers from the side. A few children requested to ride in the car's which was fine for the most part. Gave a few soldiers the chance to stretch their feet and walk alongside the carts. As a few carts passed by, this couldn't help but remind him of the time he was stationed on the Rockies in southern Utah. As he smoked a cigar Hathale walked up to him.
"… Reminds you of the refugees during the war of frater. Doesn't it." Hathale remarks as he pulls out a cantina. "I heard tales of convoys pulled by old cars, horses, people. Through the Rockies. Avoiding the horrors of the war. Never saw it myself but I can't help but wonder if this is just like that."
"No my friend, It's not like that Oregon trail of death and despair thank god. These people have a place to go, maybe someone who will look after them as well." Eastwood said as he pauses to take a drag from his cigarette. "But I can see your point. I was training in Utah before being sent south to fight the AUS… what about you?"
"Washington Calvary. Was with the 312th cavalry unit, training up in Olympic national park." Hathale answers before taking a swig from his cantina.
"Wait… shit, you were a Rough Rider?" Eastwood asked with an impressed look on his face.
"Heh, yes. Me and my sister worked as communication specialist. She worked in the office while I was out in the mountains of Montana… earned myself a silver star for blowing up a CSA tank." Hathale said with a chuckle.
"Heh, must have busted a rib or two while doing it." Eastwood said with a chuckle.
"Oh, no nothing like that… just my entire arm and five different ribs." Hathale remarks before the two men shared a small laugh. Though after they felt slightly guilty. All those who died… it felt shameful to do so. As the two continue to stare on into the crowd of civilians, Zimmerman came driving back.
"Lieutenant. We ran into a problem up front." Zimmerman shouted from his bike.
"What kind of problem?" Eastwood asked as he looked to the front. He couldn't see what was going on but it seems to be a lot of crows flying about.
"Well… I think it might be for the best that you come and see for yourself sir." Zimmerman states with a dumbfounded look on his face.
Eastwood and Hathale looked at each other in confusion before giving a simple shrug. Eastwood starts up his 1942 Harley-Davidson WLA motorcycles before turning to Hathale. "You want a ride to the front?"
"No, I think I'm good Lieutenant. Years of Horseback riding did me no favors." Hathale answered with a smile. Eastwood gives a nod before riding off with Zimmerman to the front.
When they arrive, they found that the door to the M3 scout car was open. And a crowd of children, adult villagers, and Jones who was taking a few photos were surround the open door as Scott was complaining inside. Much to Brooks confusion why he's upset. Eastwood parks his bike and moves through the crowd to see… a thirteen-year-old girl. Not only that but she was dressed in the most bizarre clothes he had ever seen. She looked like a sexualized version of a black-haired Alice from Lewis Carroll novel, if she was attending a funeral with cat ears. She sat in a suggestive manner with a rather large Halberd in hand. Apparently, Brooks isn't bothered by this but Scott was both dumbfounded and irritated by this. As for the girl in question. She seemed get a kick out of this, as she sat there she couldn't help but notice Eastwood.
"Why hello there. Are you these strange soldiers' commander?" The women asked as she licks her lips.
"Um, yes… who are you, Ms?" Eastwood asked trying to understand why a thirteen year old is being so seductive in her words.
"Why, I'm Rory Mercury. Apostle to Emory, have you not heard of me strange man?" The lady known as Rory remarks as she gets off Brooks lap and walked up to the man.
"Sadly, no. We're… new, he..." Before Eastwood could finish, Rory jumped up and bit the side of his ear. Causing Eastwood to shift back in surprise. "The hell!? Why do that?!"
"Teehee, you smell of blood strange man. Wanted a taste." Rory said with a smile.
"… What in the… (Sigh) Don't do that again." Eastwood said as he rubs his ear.
"Or what?" Rory asked as she smirks. Before flipping her Halberd. "I've lived a lot longer then you strange man. You going to what with that small knife?"
Feeling her hostile stance, Eastwood's instinctively had his hand hover over his California Sequoia. The two stared each other down. Eastwood with his dead glance while Mercury held a childish grin on her face. The two stared each other down for a full minute. Neither one makes a move as they stared at one another. After a few moments, the chieftain approaches the two.
"Oracle. Please don't fight the leader of these strange men I beg of you." The Chieftain said as he got on his knees. "These soldiers have been nothing but kind. They warn us about a fire dragon, offered to escort us free of charge, and this one saved the life of Cato's student from a rampaging stallion. Please don't fight them."
Rory considered the words of chieftain. Eastwood got the most out of what he was saying, had to connect a few dots but figured out. After a few moments Rory stands down and Eastwood as well. She gives a small smirk before speaking.
"Ohh how silly of me. Guess I went a little to far." Rory apologies before rebutting her own comment. "Especially for one covered in blood."
"Uh huh, what ever… kid." Eastwood said with an annoyed glance as he looked over at Brooks. "So, when can you get this hunk of junk on the road."
"Oh um pretty soon sir. Just stopped for the cat girl to get out of the road." Brooks replied.
"Then why did you let her sit on your lap? Let me remind you that we want to be peaceful with the locals, not touch their children!" Scott yelled in anger.
"But you touched that child. She asked for a piggy back because she was tired. The little cat girl wanted to ride on my lap because she's tired for carrying around that huge axe all day." Brooks replied in a near childish tone causing Scott to turn red in anger.
"She asked to be carried because her parent's hands were to full. Seriously, who in their right mind will allow a child to ride on… ugh, I can't even finish that sentence you hilly-billy fu…"
"Alright, I get it!" Eastwood interrupted before pinching the bridge of his nose. "(Sigh) and when this day can't get any weirder."
He then turned to Rory who was enjoying the two argue. "Where you heading?"
"Hmm, originally I was walking south to see about this news of soldiers of extreme skill at Alnus; But seeing how I already met them on the way down I think I will head with you strange man." Rory answered with a smirk.
It took a moment for Eastwood to translate. And when he did, he was not exactly thrilled him of the idea that she will be traveling with them. Still, the people seemed to be happier around her. She must be of grave importance. He then lets out a sigh before continuing. "(Sigh) Just, don't sit on Brooks. Mans not as smart, rather have no problems."
"Teehee, no promises strange man." Rory responds with a smile much to Eastwood's annoyance.
A few hours later.
They have driven to the western end. The villagers claimed that by nightfall they will no longer need to be escorted. The trip for the most part proved uneventful. Rory continued to sit on Brooks until his simple nature caused her to move aside. The kids enjoyed riding in the open air. And Tuka begin singing folk song's that her father would, prompting the rest to sing songs from home. Things came to ahead when they came across a dead Wyvern. He seemed to be chewed in half, and it didn't help that the vultures were feeding off it's carcass. As Eastwood, Fujita, and Zimmerman inspected the corpse, they soon hear the sound of something closing in. Looking over head, their eyes widen in horror. The dragon, it followed the villagers.
The Dragon flew overhead, unleashing hellfire down upon the citizens of Coda Village. Within moments, fifty people were incinerated alongside their carts. Seeing this with their own eye's caused Eastwood to have flashbacks of fields of Kansas, when he was pinned between silver shirt carvery and CSA flame tanks. He was broken from this quick flashback before turning to his men.
"Engage the dragon, I repeat engage the enemy. Keep these villagers safe!" Eastwood shouted to the soldiers in the car before turning to his fellow soldiers. "Rest get on a bike and lets try and get as many of them out of that winged devils range!"
The two gives a nod before Fujita got on the back of Zimmerman's bike. The two rode off towards the back of the line. The civilians ran in a panic as the fire dragon breathed fire. One child watched as her entire family was incinerated in a blaze of fire. As she cried on her knees, the dragon crashes down behind her. She slowly turns her head to look at the beast as it brings back it's head with flames pouring from its snarling mouth. The girl could do nothing but cry out. "Mama"
The dragon unleashed a powerful jet of flames from its mouth, about to consume the girl when she was picked up at the last second by Eastwood. The Dragon's flame was interrupted by a sudden barrage of fire from the fifty Cal's on the back of the jeep and scout car. As the cars distracted the creature, Eastwood drove the kid towards a few crevasses that the civilians were using as cover.
"Stay down. Handle this quickly!" Eastwood said as he lets the kid down, before driving off.
Back in the jeep, O'Hara was on the turrets as Hathale fired from the side as Pérez drove. The bullets were proving to do little to nothing against the creature. The scales were as strong concrete bunkers. The powerful fifty Cal either bounced off or fell to the ground. As they shot, Tuka who was in shock quickly came her senses, moving to the front before shouting something to Pérez.
"The Eye's aim for the eyes!" Tuka shouted.
"Que, the hell you saying!?" Pérez shouted as he swirled to avoid the tail.
"THE EYE'S!" Tuka shouted as she point to her eye. Pérez didn't understand, but it took Hathale a moment to realize what she was saying.
"The eyes. She's saying the eye!" Hathale shouted before turning around to O'Hara. "O'Hara, aim for the eyes!"
"Got it Corporal!" O'Hara shouted as she targeted the eyes. This proved to be more effective than the scales covering the body. Despite most missing the target, the creature slowed down and squinted its eyes to avoid being hit. Hathale passed this information on to Zimmerman and Fujita who passed it on to Scott and Brooks. They begin unloading all their ammo into the eyes of the beast. Giving enough time for Brooks to pull out their one and only Bazooka. He aimed it towards the beast, getting ready when a bump in the road caused a Misfire.
"Dang it, I missed!" Brooks shouted as he goes for another round.
However, as he does, Rory quickly back flipped onto the roof of the jeep before tossing her Halberd at unnatural speed. Hitting the ground and sending chunks of boulder size rocks into the air like a shotgun. Causing the dragon to move before being stuck in the eye. Huge chunks of flesh and blood rained down from the eye hole. It rages in extraordinary amount of pain, before flying away. Before it did however, Brooks had loaded another round and fired it. Sending the rocket into the side of its elbow, causing for the entire lower left arm to fall to the ground. The Monster screamed louder as it fly's. Seeing that it leaving, the driver slowed down, before falling back into his seat in exhaustion.
"Hey driver. Can you continue, I swear next shot will take down the bird, I swear." Brooks called down to the driver.
"Yeah, how many more rocket launchers we have left again?" The driver replies, to which Brooks counted.
"Um… a lot." Brooks replied.
"… We only have one left!" Scott shouted.
"Is that a lot?" Brooks asked only to get an angry growl from Scott.
Hours later… at night.
The Dragon had laid waste to the caravan. Despite the best effort of the third recon team a quarter of Coda village died in the surprise attack. Mounting up to a hundred and fifty men, women and children being laid to rest in a mass grave. It took the town and the Americans hours to bury their remains. They scavenge burnt wood from the destroyed carnages before writing the names of everyone who died. As the civilians wept, the soldiers said a few kind prayers, before allowing them to grieve in peace. As they cried, Eastwood watches from afar with Jones takes a few photos.
"Jesus. This the kind of shit these poor bastards have to live in?" Jones remarks with a sad look on his face.
"What are you talking about Jones?" Eastwood asked.
"Well… isn't there suppose to be a lord of someone to take care of them?" Jones asked feeling sad taking the photos.
"Yeah, there was… he and his forces were called to action on Alnus Hill two weeks back." Eastwood replies.
"Oh… so there's no one else?" Jones asked.
"A few distant relatives and friends. But for the most part they will wander." Eastwood said as she tips his hat down.
"(Sigh) I… I almost feel sorry. I mean, what they did in Sacramento is just asking for war to regret an all… but at the expense of these people? Jesus, it's hard to imagine an outcome that won't end in death of thousands of innocents." Jones spoke honestly.
"Since when did any war end with few to none civilian deaths?" Eastwood retorts cynically. Jones open his mouth to answer, but the words never came to him. After a moment, Eastwood approach him before patting him on the shoulder. "Let's just hope that this war ends quickly. That's all we can hope for."
Jones gives a nod before Fujita approaches the two. "Sir, we have a problem."
"What is Fujita?" Eastwood asked.
"A few of the survivors. The elderly, orphan children, and the ones who are severely injured. The Chieftain said they cannot care for them." Fujita stated with a sad look on her face.
"Cannot? What do you mean?" Jones asked with a shock look on his face.
"The supplies they have are limited. And they have their own families to take care of." Fujita answers.
"Oh, so that's it. Sorry your entire family burned to death. Guess we will leave you to die on your own." Jones nearly shouted before kicking the ground in anger. "Tsk so much for community."
As Jones grumbles Eastwood turned to Fujita and asked her where the chieftain is. She pointed over to a cart filled with the injured. Eastwood gives a nod before walking over. The Chieftain was telling the survivors the sad truth when Eastwood walked over.
"Is it true?" Eastwood asked. "You leaving them?"
"(Sigh) I'm afraid so stranger. Like I told your female soldier. We cannot spare the supplies. It's… a sad thing. You gave us a chance to live, risked your lives to save our own. And now we must leave those who cannot survive… I… don't know if I can have the heart to make a choice like this." The chieftain explains with a depressed and heavy heart look on his face.
Eastwood stared into the cart. He can see a collection a dozen or so in the three carts. The elderly, the wounded, and the children. One of them was the girl he saved earlier. As he stares into their despair filled eyes Eastwood looked back West. Looking over as he see's the fertile grasslands just beyond the horizon. He remained quiet before making up his mind.
"…No. No choice." Eastwood said before turning around. "We'll take them."
"You'll what?" The chieftain asked with a crooked glance.
"Nobody dies. We take them, treat as own. Nobody dies." Eastwood states.
"As slaves? I don't think that will be a fair choic…" Before the Chieftain even finish Eastwood interrupted.
"No Slaves. We treat them as own… Family. We treat them as own family. Look after them." Eastwood interrupted as he makes a cradle sign with hands. It took the chieftain a moment before realizing that they will help them. Like they were family. The kindness of these strangers was beyond expectation. So much so that the chieftain breaks down into tears and hugs Eastwood.
"Oh, thank you. Thank you kind stra…" Before the Chieftain could finish, he realizes that despite all their kindness, he has yet to know the man's name. Embarrassed he pulls back from the hug before continuing. "I'm sorry, but I never got your name."
"…Eastwood. Name is Eastwood." Eastwood replies before tipping his hat.
"Thank you, Eastwood. I can't thank you and your remarkable soldiers enough for what you have done." The chieftain said as he removed his hat and gave a polite bow.
"My job, sir. My job." Eastwood said with a modest wave. He then turned his attention to the few civilians in the carts who had heard bits of what he said. "Can you translate, what said. Let them know?"
"It'll be my honor Sir Eastwood." The Chieftain said as he turns to the rest and begin to explain the good news. As he does Eastwood called over Hathale.
"Hathale, get the two carts hooked up to the Jeep and the Scout car. I want those who are injured in the back of one and those who are old to ride in the other. We will take the kids in the cars." Eastwood ordered.
"Sir, are we taking them as refugees?" Hathale asked with a confused look on his face.
"We are, is that a problem Corporal?" Eastwood asked.
"No, but I'm doubtful that command will be happy." Hathale replies.
"I can take the heat. Can you get it done in two hundred hours?" Eastwood answered before asking his second in command.
"With a little help, it can be done in thirty." Hathale replies.
Eastwood gives a nod before Hathale walks over to the soldiers. Within twenty minutes two carts were hooked to the back of the Scout car and Jeep. They were beginning the process of aiding the elderly and the wounded into two different carts when the remaining caravans begin to leave. The villagers who were alive today waved to them and they waved back.
Days later at a local pub on the Appia Highway.
"And thus, that's how we were saved from the wrath of the flame dragon." A bar maid explains only to be laughed at.
"Ha, ha, ha. Yea right. A metal tube that can launch fire tough enough to hurt a flame dragon!" A drunk patron laughed.
"Heh, heh, a bit to ridicules don't you think?" Another drunk patron laughed.
"Maybe she fell on her head and dreamt it all up." The third patron suggested.
The three laughed much to the lady's annoyance. "I didn't make it up. I swear on all the gods name it happened, even kept a souvenir!"
The men continued to laugh at the woman. As they did, the view pulled over to four armored individuals. One in particular was non other then the Princess herself. She had overheard the conversation and silently eaves dropped. After eaves dropping for a few moments she whispers to the young man next to her. "Sir Norma. What's your thoughts?"
"Well, the foods bad, the swill they call beer is worse. But that could be forgiven if it wasn't for the gods uncomfortable chairs." The man known as Sir Norma replies.
"Not the restaurant, but these soldiers in Kaki." Princess Pina hissed.
"Milady, from what I can understand from the rumors. These soldiers in sand colored clothes saved a village from a flame dragon, an unlikely story Princess." An older knight stated.
"Is it Sir Grey? I have heard the report from a few other Coda villagers. Each one held onto a piece of a red dragon scale and told the exact same story." The young knight countered.
"Oh please Hamilton. A flame dragon. Wyverns and drakes can easily be mistaken for it." Norma replies as he laid back.
"I know a flame dragon when I see one, sir." The Bar maid interrupted as she filled his goblet with beer. "I was there myself."
"Heh, heh, are you sure you haven't been saying what you have been drinking." Norma chuckled.
"Laugh all you want. But I know what I saw." The bar maid hmmped.
"Then please tell us more about these soldiers in sandy clothes who drove it away." Hamilton asked.
"Hmm, I'm not sure about the details. Must have told it to a thousand guest already." The bar maid said as she crossed her arms.
"Oh, are you sure about that." Hamilton asked as she held up a copper coin. Before anyone could react, the bar maid quickly snatches the coin.
"Oh, it's coming back to me. See these soldiers were a strange bunch. They had no armor except for their helms. Which looked like a metal bowl. They had these sandy color clothes with patches on them. In the shape of a flag with stars in the corner and stripes covering the rest. What was stranger was these weapons they carried. A few had these fat knifes but they didn't use them for combat. Rather these staffs of wood and iron that shot fire from them as well as make this occasional ping noise." The Bar Maid explains.
"A… Ping noise?" Grey asked with a raised eye brow.
"Yeah, I know it's strange but that's the truth. Though there was one who used this strange looking weapon on his hip. Called it his Big Iron. Which in honesty was big compared to the small ones the others soldiers had on their hips." The Bar maiden explained as she reaches behind her.
"Heh, Big Iron. What, did he used it to club the dragon to death?" Norma asked with a chuckle.
"No, just like those strange staffs it launches something fast. The young apprentice of our local Wizard was almost trampled by a rouge hoarse when he killed it with his weapon. Saw the beast's brains blown out of its own skull." The Bar Maid states as she finally pulled something out.
"You sure it wasn't a figment of your imagination. For clarification." Princess Pina asked.
"I swear on my child's soul. He discards this after killing the stead. My son managed to pick it up." The Barmaid answered as she places down a strange metallic cylinder. The four looked at it closely. They have never seen anything like this before. It must have contained something because there were signs of scorch marks inside. On the bottom was strange symbols that they never seen before. After a few moments Pina spoke up.
"These… soldiers. Were they by chance from Alnus?" Princess Pina asked.
"They said so, or at least their leader did." The Bar maid answered.
The four remain silent. Days on the road and tales about an unknown group of soldiers aiding civilians begun to spread. If these Ameri-cans are indeed the men in Kaki then why would they aid a low born village? After a few moments Princess Pina asked a question.
"This leader… did he explain why he helped out your village?" Princess Pina asked.
"Yeah, apparently they were looking to see if our village was housing soldiers. We weren't and they left us alone. Even gave the chieftain a peace gift. This strange clear alcohol called Tequila. Had a taste and have to say, it ain't like the drinks you find here." The Bar maid said as she remembers the taste.
"Are you sure they didn't harm you… in any way?" Princess Pina asked.
"No, they were really polite. Well most of them. There was this one who argued with one of the women of the group." The Barmaid replies.
"Women, you mean they had slaves?" Princess Pina asked believing she found dirt on these soldiers.
"No, they weren't slaves." The Barmaid said causing Princess Pina to sink back. "They were in the same uniforms and fought with the men in the group. Like one of those Warrior Bunnies but without the ears. … Actually, when asked they seem to show disgust towards enslavement. Least that's what I heard the Chieftain say when asking their leader."
"… This leader. Was he of noble birth?" Grey asked.
"Um, I don't know. Everyone names were strange, though memorable." The Barmaid replies.
"Really… what was there leaders name?" Princess Pina asked.
"Eastwood. His name was Eastwood." The Barmaid answered.
Hello Everybody Wombag1786 here.
Well, this has been an interesting chapter. We watched the Allied Kingdom's get utterly annihilate, met the General in charge Isaac d. White. Eastwood was assigned an expeditionary force and we met Best girl. (Who is best girl out of the three? Place your opinions down bellow) To which we conclude with a dragon fight. Eastwood bending orders and Princess Pina learning his name. Question is what will the empire use it for? Propaganda? Assassination targeting? So many things. Heh, this will be fun. Anyways, lets answer questions and comments.
From Perseus12: The Artic war mythos and pride will fall away, and no matter how many soldiers they toss at the Bear. The West never falls.
Sadly, they didn't live long to join. Or see the betrayal. Thankfully. I have plans for a certain King. Now as for the slave army. That's an interesting Idea. I mean this chapter introduce the liberated slave girls working as an extension of the W.A.C program. So I can see people being part of a militia group.
Oh Yeah. Rory can smell the blood on Eastwood. He's not exactly a fan of her.
Ask, and you shall receive.
Thanks for writing Perseus12
From arixlsmn: No problem. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Thanks for writing arixlsmn
From janny092: Heh, thus, the Bear of the west will roam. Trust me, it will be well known shortly.
Yeah. Heh, here's hoping for awesome fight scenes and corny one liners.
Thanks for writing janny092
From ChoyTheUSChamp: Oh, well normally I say read in between the lines but even then I had to alter the English sentence to fit it. Basically they were arguing who gets her first, then following up by ordering them to kill the old man. And then threatening to gut the women… except he didn't say women… or the polite term for them.
The lines you pick translate as the following. 1. "Hurry hardly wait!" 2. "Your character to remain as they are added just for you." And 3. "Of childbirth. When, however, he went * art the wretched honored" Not the clearest lines and definitely not easy to translate the Latin. But the scene should give you the gist of what they were saying. Hope this was some help. Because I'm not going back to Latin for a long time.
Thanks for writing ChoyTheUSChamp
From Project Ray: Thanks. Hoppe you enjoyed this chapter.
Thanks for writing Project Ray
From Dasgun: .. / ... - .. .-.. .-.. / ... .- ...- . / -. - / .. -.. . .- / .- ... .- - / -.- - ..- .-. / ... .- -.- .. -. -.
Thanks for writing Dagun
From Tims7265: Not in this timeline. The five factions had their symbols. New England, a sleeping serpent. The CSA, the broken chain. The AUS, an eagle, The Federalist, the American Caesar, and the PSA, the Californian Bear. The saying "the sleeping giant" was said by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto's during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Bear of the west was a warning from the president to the Kaiser. Something interesting to note.
Thanks for writing Tims7265
From Dalivan: Thanks. I try my best to entertain.
Thanks for writing Dalivan
Well, that's that. For some reason I hear RDR2's Last son battle theme in my head when writing that dragon fight scene. But, one song per chapter… maybe two if it calls for it. Anyways. Thanks for reading. Please support the story by Fav and Fol the story. Leave a comment or question down below as well. This is Wombag1786 signing off.