Chapter 6: Dragon Hunt
Many of the villages and towns not far from the Saderan Capital are being attacked but not by bandits nor the enemy from beyond the Gate, instead they're being attacked by the soldiers sworn to protect them, yesterday legions of soldiers left the capital on the emperor's orders to enact the Scorch Earth Policy.
While destroying homes and burning farms these men is taking things too far by committing unnecessary and savage acts, they murder any protesting villagers and commoner instead of reasoning with them, looting and raping is becoming common, torture without a good reason, all of this make them the villain in the people's eyes.
As they carry on with their atrocious deeds the Saderans are unaware that they're being watched, hiding in the trees is huge being, these is what the Saderans called the Iron Giant and it is watching what is happening in the village. After some time the Giant leaves in top speed.
The Command Center in Alnus is completely done and all the military leaders are watching several videos and live footage of burning towns and villages, looting, raping, torture, murder, destruction of farms and livestock, the Britannians are disgusted by what they saw.
"As you all can see their emperor has ordered a Scorched Earth Policy in an attempt to slow us down, these soldiers are carrying out his tactics were they do more than just burning and destroying homes." Robert Montgommeri reported.
Cornelia scoffed at this. "This Molt is a fool, this kind of tactic will do little to hamper our advances, he's only making himself the hated leader of his nation."
"By burning the fields and killing all the livestock at this scale the Saderan will surely suffer a massive starvation which could result in either the people revolting against their ruler or leave their country in search of a much suitable home with adequate food supply." Lelouch said, noting that it'll be easy to conquer Sadera because of internal conflict.
"I still don't understand why can't we just send a large force to take their capital, what are waiting for exactly?" Godefroy asks, some of the officers and commanders thought of this as well.
Marianne smiled at the question as many of them is thinking the same thing. "Well, let Schneizel answer that, Duke Thomas."
Everyone turned to the second prince of Britannia, then he told them of his plan. "As we all know we can easily conquer them thanks to our advanced weaponry, my reason for wanting our advance slow is to show every nation and faction on this world our power, thanks to the four former vassal states word of our story is spreading fast."
"With that many will see that we are heroes going here to seek justice for our slaughtered people and looks at the Saderans as the evil villains who subjugates and enslave the innocents. Of course they'll first doubt us and observe us for some time, but if we keep on defeating the Saderans in many battles and freeing any slaves along the way they'll soon change their mind and might support or even join our cause." Lelouch added which many are starting to understand.
"Yes, and it will be easy since there are many people who hated the Saderans, we don't have to do much too as the Saderan emperor is doing a great job of incriminating his empire further thanks to his policy. To make this spread even faster we'll send transport planes to drop flyers and pictures of what transpires in those towns and villages, and also broadcasting zeppelins to show all this videos." Schneizel stated, he glance at one man who nod at him.
Diethard Ried was employed to be the Head of Special Region's Media and Information Section, some would think that this is a complete propaganda group but all Diethard and his crew have to do is simply broadcast the incriminating truth against the Saderans.
"Overall this plan will be beneficial for us in the long run, as once the war is over we'll reward every ally with territories no longer controlled by Sadera, and we can begin trading deals with them by offering luxuries from our world in exchange for any natural resources."
Many of them completely agrees with this, if they waited long enough and win battles more people, nation, groups and factions will support or join their side. Schneizel also added. "To further strengthen our image as a great nation in here we should set up a refugee camp and send out platoons and companies to rescue innocent civilians and eliminate any Saderans enforcing Molt's policy."
One Royal Guard silently enters the room and approaches Jeremiah, he hands Jeremiah a letter who then whispers to Marianne and gave it to her. She read the contents of the letter and addresses her subordinates. "It appears we have a problem." This gain everyone's attention. "The King of Elbe have warned us that the Flame Dragon have been awaken and is wreaking havoc on the land."
"Surely we can handle this lone dragon, we've slaughtered thousands of its kind already, this will more of a nuisance than a threat." Cornelia said which gain mutters of approval from the others.
"We shouldn't underestimate this, Cornelia, according to Duran this one "the Scourge of the World" is much bigger and more savage than any domesticated dragons, randomly attacking any town or caravan without a second thought, Its skin is hard as steel and no one in this world have the power to defeat this beast." Marianne explains.
"We should go and hunt it down." Lelouch proposed to which many look at him with surprise. "Think about, the reason why no one is able to kill the dragon is because of the primitive weapons of this world, if we kill that dragon then we'll earn ourselves fame and a debt of gratitude from the people."
Schneizel joins in too in support of his brother. "Yes, I agree with Lelouch, killing that dragon will result in a rise of a positive publicity, all we have to do is find it and kill it while recording the whole fight."
"But what if the Flame Dragon's skin proves too hard for the small firearms?" Robert voiced his concerns.
"We have powerful Anti-Air and Armor Piercing weaponries it'll be hot knife through a soft butter, and just to be sure we'll had Lelouch use the twin Hadron Cannons of his Gawain to eliminate that beast." Cornelia stated.
"So it is decided then, we shall go and kill this threat." One by one, all of the commanders, officers and generals approved. "Then this operation will be called: Dragon Hunt." Marianne declared.
She's floating in darkness, all alone in her thoughts, dreaming of her village and then it became a nightmare her home is in flames with many people running around trying to put out the fire or get to a safe place, until a load roar filled the sky, she looks up and saw the dreaded creature landing in front of her It's gnarling at her then began to breath out fire, she pull aside by her father who said one word to her. "Live." then throws her down the well, the last thing she saw is her father is engulfed in flames.
"NO!" She shot up and looks around in alarm, she took deep breath and calms down, observing where she is the elf notice that she's inside this strange metal box with unfamiliar tools lying around and she's lying down on a makeshift bed, looking at her clothes folded neatly on the side she realizes that she's completely naked under the sheets, blushing brightly she quickly grabs her attire and gets dressed.
Wanting to get out of this place she turns to face what she believes to be doors and knocks three times, next instance the door opens and she shield her eyes due to the sudden brightness, adjusting to the day light she clearly see the people who took care of her and what she saw is rather bizarre, men in grey clothing and armor, talking, walking and scouting around, she stares at the man who opened the door his face is covered by some kind of mask.
"Hey medic, the elf in the medic truck is awake!" He called out to one woman who approaches her, the elf saw that the person's armor is different from the others, the armor is colored white with a red cross on the chest, her eyes are covered by a glass visor.
"Are you alright ma'am? Tell me, how can I help you?" The medic asks.
"Where am I?"
"Somewhere near Coda village, you were lucky that Sergeant Davis found you at the bottom of the well."
It was disheartening to hear this because that means her father is dead. "My village! Is there anyone still alive in there? There got to be at least few survivors." Her hopes is up but dreaded that the Flame Dragon might have killed them all.
The medic looks as doesn't want to answer that but she answers to get it done. "I'm sorry, the whole place is in ashes, you were the only one we found alive."
The elf slump back on the medic truck completely distraught of the loss of her home. "That can't be, there have to some survivors other than me, surely I can't be the only one who is still alive."
"Well, it's a possibility." The medic said trying to comfort her, being positive and looking at the bright side. "They might be others who fled and seek refuge to a nearby village, your home can't be the only elf village, right?"
"Yes, there must be, have to be someone who survive that attack." The elf said trying to be positive, after all she saw a lot of her friends and fellow-villagers flee to the woods so surely they survived. "Thank you for saving me."
"You're welcome, though you should also thank Itami Davis for getting you out of that well." Said the medic.
"I will, can you lead me to him?"
"Sure, follow me." She led the way as the elf follows. "Name's Cassidy Travers."
"Tuka Luna Marceau." The elf said, as she walks by she looks around and warriors look at her with interest or curiosity. "If you don't mind a question miss Cassidy, what nation are you from? I've never seen people like you before."
"Me and the boys here are soldiers of the Holy Britannian Empire." As expected she enjoyed the shock expression on the elf.
"B-Bri-Britannian? You mean the empire from beyond the Gate? The empire that Sadera foolishly angered and declared war to?"
"That's right, we are here for retribution, we Britannians are going to make Sadera pay for they've done." Cassidy said Sadera with venom, she'll never forgive these animals for their savage attack on her countrymen.
Tuka made no comment about that, waging wars to gain slaves or territory is a common thing for Sadera, and hearing the fate of the two Legions she knows that Sadera have picked the wrong country to fight.
Upon seeing them she quickly looks around and she saw what wanted to see the Iron Giants, beings rumored to played a big role in decimating the Fourth and Fifth Legion, and there they are five of them kneeling to a group of soldiers discussing something.
"According to our intelligence there is going to be a Saderan force of fifty men who's about to reach Coda village with the intent to destroy it, our mission is to intercept and eliminate these bastards." Said the Lieutenant Joseph Turner.
"So what's the tactical plan? Wipe them out using only Sutherlands?" Sargeant Itami asks.
"For half the part, your and Torres's squad will provide firing support, ensuring all of the stragglers are dead. Understood?"
"Yes sir!"
"Good, now go and get ready."
With the discussion is over every soldier went back to their respective squad, one soldier approaches Itami. "Hey Sarge, the elf girl you saved the other day is here to thanked you." Said Private Huxley.
"Really, where is she?"
Huxley pointed at the aformentioned elf. "Right there gawking at the Knightmares."
Tuka is examining the four Giants with keen interest, she never seen such strange creatures, kneeling completely still until the Britannians walks in and gave her a curious glance before climbing up the ladders, the back opens and comes out is a seat to which a soldier sat on, when the seat goes in and the back is closed then the Giants began to move.
"Enjoying the view?"
Tuka snaps from her stupor and stares at the smiling man whom she guessed as the one who saved her. "You must be Itami Davis."
"Yes, that's my name, and I would like to know yours."
"Tuka Luna Marceau." She took a small bow before him. "I thank you for saving and taking care of me."
"You're welcome." Itami nodded as the elf stood straight. "So I guess we'll part ways, right, you are going to a nearby elf village."
"Yes, that's my destination, I had to know if there is anyone from my village survived the attack." Tuka must know, she looks again at the giants and became slightly curious as to what they're going to do next. "So what are you doing here? Should you be fighting the Saderans by now?"
"We are, they're sending out raiding parties in destroying towns and villages near Alnus Hill, we've been given orders to put a stop to it, and with a secondary objective of finding the Flame Dragon."
Upon hearing the last one, Tuka became surprise and concern. "You're seeking out the Flame Dragon? That's a fool's errand, all of you will die if you fight the beast. It's too strong that even the army of the Saderan empire can't kill it." She'll try to make them reconsider.
"You're seriously underestimating us, we have weapons capable of penetrating through tough armor, trust us, we'll be fine."
Tuka opened her mouth but didn't speak, she saw that these warriors are determined and is very sure of their weapons, her curiosity just increased, just what kind of weapon that the Britannians have that will insure victory against the Flame Dragon? Is it magical? Blessed by the gods? The Elven village can wait as she knew that they're in danger as long as the Flame Dragon is roaming the skies. "If you're so sure of your weapons then I'll come with you."
"Hold it right there, miss, I know you wanted revenge against that overgrown lizard but I can't just let a civilian join a military operation. Unless you would do a favor for us."
Tuka attitude became guarded wondering what type favor would is it, slaves? land? Or maybe the sacred Elven Wood that was used in wand making. "And what would you ask of me?"
"Establishing communications with the Elven Civilization, my commanding officials were looking for allies you see, nations, tribes, factions or groups who would like to support us or participate in fighting the Saderans."
The blond elf relaxed a bit but still wary and wanted to know more about this intention. "But why would you want allies when you have these powerful weapon that you speak of."
Itami scratches the back of his head as he smile, he forgotten most of the details of Prince Schneizel and Lelouch's plan. "Well I don't remember much of the plan but it got something to do with long term benefits for both Britannia and the allies who helped us. So what do you say."
"Of course, but first I must speak with your leader."
"Sure thing, follow me, we got to talk with Lieutenant Turner first." With that the elf follows the soldier so she can meet the Britannian rulers.
Marianne, Cornelia and Schneizel were watching the men loading flyers into the transport plane, they would deploy the zeppelins to broadcast the atrocities commited by Saderan warriors but they're all grounded due to the threat of the Flame Dragon, the transport plane is much safer and faster so they'll have to rely on that for the moment. Lelouch is currently stationed in the Avalon ready to deploy the Gawain once word of the dragon is out.
Andreas Darlton approached them with news. "Pardon, my Lady, but there is a message from a platoon of the First Reconnaissance Regiment: They've rescued an elf from a village that was destroyed by the Flame Dragon, this elf in question requested to join the mission to avenge her father and in return she'll help us communicate with the Elves."
They let the information sink in as Cornelia asks him. "What is the elf's name?"
"Tuka Luna Marceau."
"Then let us talk to her regarding her request and compromise. This will be a great opportunity to make a good impression to the elves." Marriane said.
Rory Mercury couldn't believe her luck, upon learning of the Britannians weeks ago she wanted to know a lot about these people from the other side of the Gate, and there they are fighting the Saderans, a battle- no, a massacre in front of her, a glorious massacre. Men in grey armor and clothing killing Saderans without even touching them, five Iron Giants rushing through the fields crushing and killing every enemies in their path.
She observe the quick battle which last just a couple of minutes then watches them pile the corpse far from the road. Then she notice that there is an elf among the Britannians, was is her role there? A guide? Or is she a slave? Rory wanted find out as she approaches them, walking up right behind one of the soldiers. "Hello!"
The sudden greetings starting three Britannians as they turn point their guns at her, seeing that the girl is not a threat they lower their weapons. "Geez! You almost gave me a heart attack, girl."
"So you people are the Britannians that I kept hearing about." She smiles as she get up close to them.
"Uh, yeah. And you are?"
She then proudly introduced herself. "I am Rory Mercury, Apostle of the God Emroy."
Britannians look at her thinking of her title and her god, they know that the religion is going to be different in this world but most soldiers didn't bother to learn the names of these gods. Itami continued with the introduction. "Sergeant Itami Davis, First Reconnaissance Regiment, and 21st Mechanized Infantry Division of the Britannian Army."
The soldiers can sea that the girl is digesting everything that the sergeant said, guessing that she did understand half of it, letting those words sink in, wondering if the term Regiment and Division is the same as the legion, century and cohort.
"So are you a residence of Coda village?" Itami asks.
"No, I'm just a traveller, looking for trouble, finding something that would interest me." The little girl answered circling the Britannians like a vulture, examining each and every detail. "And I find warriors like you very interesting." She got a little too close to Itami.
"Hey Sarge, looks like the kid's in to you." Teased one of the soldiers.
"Shut up, Guzzo! I'm not into that kind of things." He retorted but the Private just laugh.
The elf went up and told them some crucial information about the likes of Rory. "Just to let you know, Sir, Rory is actually much older than you think, she's centuries older."
"What?" Itami blurted out in surprise.
Corporal Mike Dixon translate it to the other soldiers who look at Tuka with shock and disbelief, and turns to Rory wondering if it's true or not.
"Nine hundred and sixty one years to be precise." Rory added which shocks them further.
"How was that possible? Fountain of Youth? Philosopher's Stone?" Corporal Dixon said.
"By being an Apostle," Answered Tuka. "In this world when a person become an Apostle the Gods will grant immortality and certain powers, for example, if you became an Apostle of Duncan the Blacksmith God he will grant you incredible skills in weapon forging and armor making."
Like before Dixon translate everything to which the Britannians are astonished of her explanation, and then Private Guzzo asks. "And what about Emroy? What does he represents?"
It was Rory who answered him. "Darkness, Insanity, and War." When Dixon translated it they became nervous with her answer and became slightly intimidated by the little girl.
Nichols whispered to Itami. "Sarge, I think the higher ups will want to know about ths info."
The Sergeant whispered back. "Yeah, first, we must know more about her, Apostles and Gods before we report it to HQ." And so they talked with the immortal girl with the goal to know more about her powers.
Lelei and her mentor Cato helped the people Coda with loading all their belongings into carts and wagons, offered healing to any sickness or injuries, and if neccessary serve as their protector. Everyone is tensed as news of the Flame Dragon's rampage is spreading, fearing that their village could be next, and if the beast didn't attack then the Saderans will.
Days ago strange metal birds soars the sky and drops paper that warns of the Scorched Earth Policy enforced by legions of Saderan warriors in an attempt to slow the Britannians down, they show pictures of horrendous deeds done to their own people, pillage, murder, rape and torture. Fearing for their lives every villagers hastily packed all their clothes, food, and other valuables and travel as far away as possible.
But their preparations for their journey was interrupted when one of their foragers return and bring news of a skirmish near their village, a battle between the Saderan and the warriors from beyond the Gate. Naturally, they panic and hasten their loading, until a travelling Apostle Rory Mercury announce to go and try to bargain with the winning side to leave Coda alone, until she came back riding on the shoulder of an Iron Giants accompanied other Giants and horseless carriage.
Curiosity grew as they watch the Britannians stops at the gates, a man steps out of the carriage and approaches them. "Attention people, do not worry, we come in peace, the group that was sent to destroy your home is eliminated, all we want now is to talk with your leader and we'll be on our way back."
Hearing this the people step closer but is still wary, Lelei saw an old man approaches the Britannians. "I am the village elder, and what would you need of me?"
"Just answers to some of my questions."
The elder stares at him looking for signs of deception but saw none. "Very well, let us talk in my home." He is accompanied by a few villagers along with Cato, Lieutenant Turner followed with just two soldiers.
While the leaders of the two parties are discussing the villagers return in packing and loading their things while some take a closer look at the Britannians, particularly the Iron Giants, Lelei watches one soldier who gave an order to two of the Giants were they move out of the village, no doubt acting as a patrol.
The mage in training see the soldier talking with the Apostle of Emroy and an elf, she wanted to know these warriors, all the stories she heard about the Britannians, an empire from beyond the Gate, a whole different world with different people and culture. Suddenly they turn their attention to her.
"That girl over there is a mage." Rory said to which the soldier looks at her with keen interest.
Seeing them staring at her the bue haired squirmed a little as she nervously asks them. "Y-Yes?" She said to the man who's face is completely covered by a strange featureless mask.
"Are you a mage?" He asks. Lelei just nodded, then the man change his tone to a very friendly one and removes his mask that reveals a friendly face. "That's good, cause we actually want to meet and befriend one, there is no mages in our world you see."
Lelei was surprise and was much surprise hearing the last one. "You don't have mages? But- how?"
"It just is, there a lot of things here that doesn't exist in our world, like elves, or Apostles like Rory." He just shrug. "My name's Itami Davis by the way."
"Lelei La Lalena." She answered.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, miss." He took a low bow and kiss her hand making the young mage blush.
After the little introduction the three girls began a barrage of questions, ranging from Iron Giants to how the horseless carriage works. Itami answered them all saying that the Giants are called Autonomous Armored Knight or Knightmare Frames, they became very interested especially Rory upon learning that these beings are actually weapons each controlled by one person.
When the talking is done the village elder and Lieutenant Turner return were the elder informs his people their going to make small huts in the forest, following Turner's suggestion of making hideouts since travelling on the road is just s dangerous as staying in the village with the Flame Dragon on the loose.
For two days the villagers construct tunnels and underground bunkers with the help of the Britannians, with the Knightmares acting as early waring signs the villagers will have enough time run to the forest and hide while the Britannians prepare for combat, soon enough one Knightmare pilot shouted to his comrades.
"Target is approaching! I say again! The Flame Dragon is heading straigth at us!"
Lieutenant Turner shouted out to the people of Coda as they began to ran towards the forest and into their hiding place. The Knightmare squad started to move providing a distraction for the villagers an dealt some damage to the dragon, Itami and Sergeant Torres ordered their respective squad to assist the villagers.
Then they were contacted by the Lieutenant. "Davis! Torres! There is still two available Sutherland in the truck! Go in there and pilot them, we're going to need every firepower we have if we're going to survive!"
"Yes sir!" Said the two simultaneously as they sprint toward a truck that stores and recharges Knightmares.
The platoon have begun shooting at the dragon, firing their guns, only one Knightmare is armed with a giant cannon while Turner's unit is equiped with Sattel Waffen, the dragon is still too far so they'll need to conserve ammo until the beast is close enough for a hit.
The Flame Dragon swooped down and breath out stream of fire setting half of the village ablazed, fortunately all of the houses are empty with valuable possesions kept safely in underground storage or hidden stashes in the forest, every man, woman and child are all hiding behind the treeline watching the battle from afar.
"Watch out!" Dario Torres shouted as Itami barely dodges the fire.
Being helped by a fellow Sergeant Itami look to the truck. "Come on! The sooner we get on those Knightmare the better!"
They race towards the truck passing by burning houses and fields, infantry shooting upwards, APC unleashing its load, Private Daniels using his bazooka, a soldier recording the action using a camera which show that he's working under Diethard, and Corporal Lars is contacting the HQ. "This is the Fourth Recon Platoon! We are under attack! I repeat! We are under attack! Inform Prince Lelouch that we found the Flame Dragon! Sending you the coordinates!"
The duo finally arrived at their destination were Torres quickly climb up and jump aboard the Sutherland and took off, just his luck Itami is going to pilot the one armed with a giant cannon, he climbs in and sat comfortably on the seat and put on the codes on the frame, activating the Factsphere to see the information at hand, and dropping the landspinner his Knightmare drove out of the truck just in time for the dragon to fly pass and burn the truck causing the storage to explode.
And this result in the first two casualty of the battle: Private Lucas dropped out of the truck with his left arm and lower body in flames, and Private Marv is knocked out from the blast.
Cassidy rush in to use a fire extinguisher on Lucas as she shouted out to Itami. "I got this! Go help the others!"
"Right!" Itami replied as his Knightmare joins the fight.
"Alright! Here is what we're going to do: we have to lead that bastard away from the civilians and keep it occupied until Prince Lelouch arrived with the Gawain, for now we'll have to inflict as much damage, Sutherlands with heavy artillery fire your weapon when its close. Understood!" Commanded the Lieutenant.
"Yes sir!"
The seven Knightmares split into three: Turner is accompanied by two Sutherlands with assault rifle, Itami is teamed up with Torres, and Corporal Walter who's armed with a cannon is teamed up the same way.
"Stay close!" Said Torres through the communications.
"Roger that." Itami replied as they slide through the field gaining the dragon's attention by firing at it and maintaining their distance, it appears that small arms is not effective against its hard scale which mean's they'll have to really on heavy weapons, he need to save his ammo and only fire the cannon when he's sure it's going to be a direct hit.
When the large reptile is low enough Walter fires the cannon and got a lucky hit, the shell made an impact on the dragons hind leg, though this just made him the target of the dragon's rage as it is now flying at him. Walter made a hasty retreat to get away from the angry beast.
The Flame Dragon was suddenly hit by a rocket that cause a small damage on the side of its body, turning its attention to the Lieutenant were it proceed to hunt him down. Turner launched all the rockets from the Sattel Waffen were all of the projectiles hit its mark and causing it to land on the ground.
"It's grounded! All unit, fire every explosive and-" Without warning the dragon suddenly lunges forwad, grabs Turner's Sutherland and bite off its head, the two Knightmares who're near the Lieutenant fired their guns in an attempt to change the beasts attention, but the dragon is relentless as it tore the Sutherland's arm off. Joseph quickly activate the seat's ejection cusing his cockpit to launch back to a safe distance, but it didn't go far as the dragon grabs the cockpit and slams it hard on the ground, and toss it away like a broken toy as it's hit a tree.
Itami was shock when he saw what happen to the Lieutenant, then rages filled his mind. "DAMN YOU!" He fired his cannon and it hit the bastard blowing off its arm.
Feeling the pain from the blast the Flame Dragon spreads its wings and quickly took off. "Don't let that bastard escape!" Torres shouted as they all go and try to shoot the dragon down.
But all the bullets just ricochet off the tough scales and the artillery shells is too slow to hit the ascending dragon, just as it's about to escape a beam of red and black energy suddenly came out of nowhere and hit the beasts and caused it fall from the sky, landing not far from the Fourth Recon Platoon.
"It's Prince Lelouch!"
"Yeah! Fry that son of a bitch!"
"Praise God!"
All the villagers looks up and gawk at the sight, up in the sky is five flying ships surrounded by metallic dragons and more of those Iron Giants, this must be their reinforcements. Many couldn't believe it, the notorious Flame Dragon, defeated and killed by the Britannians, they just witness a history in the making.
"They did, they actually did it!" Lelei said with astonishment.
"Impressive." Rory comments, after learning more of those "Knightmares" from Itami she wanted to know more, especially the "pilot" of that flying black Knightmare.
"Father, you can rest in peace now, the beast is finally dead." Tuka prayed to the heavens, happy to know that the Flame Dragon is no more.
"Interesting." Cato comments. "Very interesting indeed."
The villagers who are watching went to them to cheer and hail them as heroes, this battle without a doubt will spread across Falmart, it will become a tale of heroic warriors, and once they learn the name of the prince who pilot the Knightmare he will be known throughout the realm as Lelouch the Dragon Smiter.
Days Later
Pina and her Rose-Order of Knights settled in a tavern, staying at the town that was not burned to the ground yet by her father's order. Her mission is to find more information about the Britannians not torch houses, so far she only learn the names of the leaders of the Britannian army: Lady Marianne vi Britannia the commander of the army, her son Lelouch vi Britania the Black Prince and leader of the Black Knights, Schneizel el Britannia the White Prince, Princess Cornelia li Britannia leader of the Glaston Knights.
She don't know what the Black Knights and the Glaston's abilities or what they're capable off, but she can already guess that they're a dangerous foe to face in the battlefield. If she want the Saderan army to win against their advesary then she must know more about the Britannians, see if there is any weakness to exploit.
She would venture further, going to towns and villages near Alnus Hill but news of the Flame Dragon's Awaken put a halt to her mission, she slightly curse as this would slow down her progress, but was thankful as sightings of the dragon is very near to their enemy. If they're lucky the Flame Dragon will inflict immense destruction and death to the Britannians that they'll be easy to drive back.
She was then joined by her loyal guard and faithful friend Bozes Co Palesti who sat next to her. "Any luck?" The Princess asks.
"Nothing, because of the dragon's appearance and the Scorched Earth Policy, we gain little information." She's feeling that frustration of not getting what you want. "The information I gathered are useless as they're all the same thing."
"Iron Giants and Flying Ships." Grey guess to which the blond knight nod. "So what's our next course of action, Princess?"
"We're going to Italica, I heard word that Fitel is rallying all the survivors of the Fourth Legion. We need to go there and reinforce the city's defenses in case the Britannians decides to attack it, Italica is an important trading center for our Empire, if we lose it then it will damage our nation's economy."
All of them agreed, they can't enact the Scorched Earth Policy on Italica because of its importance, with the threat of the Britannians or the Flame Dragon they'll need to bolster the defenses. Panache then said. "To Italica we go then."
"Yes, we'll move out at dawn."
Hamilton burst through the tavern gaining the attention of her comrades and the patrons. "Princess! There is something happening outside!"
Alarmed they head out through the door sword drawn and ready for any trouble, but instead Hamilton pointed up to which they did and gawked upon seeing weird things, flying ships sailing across the afternoon sky accompanied by small metal dragons, they seem to be guarding a larger that surpass the size of a blue whale, on its side it got these black rectangular glass which they do't know the purpose.
There are five of these, flying low, scattered like if they're sending a message. "These must be the Flying Ships that I keep hearing about." Bozes said, feeling unnerved.
Enter "All Hail Britannia"
Without warning a music begins to play, in a language Pina doesn't understand.
Truth and hope in our Fatherland!
And death to every foe!
Our soldiers shall not pause to rest
We vow our loyalty
Whatever this song is about it feels ominous and it send shivers down her spine. Suddenly the black glass shines revealing a beautiful woman in royal looking clothes. "People of Falmart, I am Marianne vi Britannia, wife of Charles zi Britannia 98th Emperor of the Holy Britannian Empire."
"You may have heard of us, from stories and rumors, but I reveal myself to you to show our true intentions. Fear not! For we are not here to conquer, plunder and enslave. We have one goal: JUSTICE!"
People from all around the continent watches the zeppelins with great interest, wondering why. "As you have heard or not a Gate appeared on Alnus Hill, the Saderan send the Fifth Legion with the goal to conquer and subjugate the unknown lands, but they made one fatal error... They attack thinking that we Britannians are weaklings easy to be murdered and enslaved." Everyone can see the fiery rage in her eyes, burning with righteousness.
"Look at what they've done to my people!" The screen on the other of the zeppelins showed graphic scenes of Saderans committing horrific crimes against the Britannians, pillaging, mudering, enslaving and raping. "As you can see, these savages have done terrible deeds with the mindset that we are just insects to be crush, but what they've did is just awaken a sleeping giant."
The scene changes to Saderans running with terror as they're being slaughtered by men in grey armor, an ogre is attempting to hit one but an Iron Giant with a giant lance impales it, Iron Giants crushing their enemies under their mighty feet, metallic dragons killing Saderan dragon riders, flying ships swarms the sky.
"We have powers that you never seen before, weapons of unimaginable strength." The screen shows of the infamous Flame Dragon, being blasted apart by Iron Giants and it's on the air a flying Iron Giant make an appearance and cast an unseen but powerful magic that kills the dragon causing it to plummet to the ground.
"And now we've come to exact our vengeance! And we see that we aren't the only ones who've suffered because of a tyrant's injustice," Her face softens, giving a caring look. "so this is my offer to the oppressed people who've suffered because of the Saderans, rally behind us and you'll be handsomely rewarded, but if you desire no conflict then I understand your reasons."
Her expression change to a hardened stern. "And this is my message to you, emperor of Sadera: you and your lackeys have started this war and we are the ones who's going to end it, make no mistake that we'll march against you, march to your capital, fight and destroy all your armies and make your nation pay what they've done."
"The Holy Britannian Empire will not stop! We will not waver! We will not rest until justice is served! ALL HAIL BRITANNIA!"
The screens now show people and soldiers alike chanting it in both languages. "ALL HAIL BRITANNIA! ALL HAIL BRITANNIA! ALL HAIL BRITANNIA!"
The screen slowly fades into the flag of the Britannian Empire.
Getting over her shock about the Flame Dragon's demise the Princess called out to her Knights. "Bozes, Panache, Grey." Pina said gaining the three's attention. "We are leaving for Italica tonight."
Chapter End
AN: Done and done, I would finished it sooner but I was busy with work, I was in a hurry to finished this because I'm feeling the pressure for taking it too long, anyway next chapter could be posted after a week or next month. Feel free to write ideas or suggestions, or point out any mistake that I have.
Battle: Dragon Hunt
Outcome: Britannian Victory
Commanders:
Lelouch vi Britannia
Lieutenant Joseph Turner
Sergeant Itami Davis
Strength and Numbers:
4th Recon Platoon
30 infantry
7 Sutherlands
Black Knights
Casualties/Lost:
Lieutenant Joseph Turner WIA
Private Lucas Black WIA
Private Marv Gordo WIA
1 Sutherland
1 Knightmare Transport Truck
Aftermath:
The fight is recorded which will be use to show off the Britannian's military might. Itami Davis is promoted to Lieutenant later on due to Joseph Turner being incapacitated.