The War Hero

Once known as a center of trade, Milla, the capital of Pinar saw furious battles in the first three months since the start of the war. Located in the center of northern area just a few kilometres shy from the bombardment of the seacoast guns, the capital was immediately penetrated by the invading by Shion soldiers holding the president as hostage. The ferocity of the invasion force led to the high casualty of both soldiers and civilians.

Shion occupation of the capital only lasted for a week. Elements of Vinland's 156th Armored Battalion stationed at Pinar's neighboring countries were consolidated on a secret operation to dock on the western shores before being completely cut off by the opponent's naval blockade. The success of the deployment gave opportunity for the 1st and 2nd Platoon to dash straight to the capital. A time of darkness would see the brilliance of the President who stood tall to shed light for her people. Theodora Luna served as a beacon of hope during the liberation of Milla.

Achieving victory would not easy and the battle inflicted a heavy blow to the Vinland vanguard. With only one operational tank remaining on each platoon, they could not reach the complete the objective with little force left. Thus, a joint force of Pinar and Vinland was created and with their cooperation, Shion soldiers were driven out of the capital in February 1935. The battle was costly and there was no time for celebration.

Using the capital as a base, the call for help was announced to its citizen. An overwhelming amount of people all over the country voluntarily signed up for the fight. The entirety of the army was then reorganized as soon as the 3rd to 5th tank platoons arrived. Each platoon was divided into five different squads with one vehicle and a number of soldiers to form a unit.

Battalion command decided to hold its ground on a certain location. They cannot push forward with an army filled with new recruits who have no battle experience. So until the army becomes a cohesive unit, the joint force was stationed and trained on the ridges of Bolan. Its natural land crevices and ravines made perfect trenches for defensive positioning. The area was also covered with trees which gave perfect cover along with slowing down enemy vehicle. For two months, it remained unbreached but the villages nearby have already been ravaged by war, reducing buildings to ash and displacing most residents. An example of such is the village of Nuval, ten kilometers away from the Bolan defense line, was currently being attacked by Shion soldiers.

"Captain Vincent! If this continues, they are going to flank us. Scouts have reported three light tanks behind their line."

"This was supposed to be a walk in the park, how are they here already? Are the engineers done setting the mines? What is the status of the evacuation?"

Another scout rushed in and fumbled for words in giving his report.

"Sir, our evac route was just broken. Shion soldiers are blocking the path. I've seen two fire teams gearing up gattling turrets as we speak."

"Damn! If they manage to set those guns, we will be isolated out here. Give me the phone!"

He took the phone and dialled the frequency. The operation that was supposed to be a preemptive move against the enemy was quickly turning south. He turned to his best soldiers and gave immediate orders.

"Cindy! Len! Do you copy?"

"Yes, sir!" a feminine voice replied.

"Copy! What do you want me to do, sir?"

Gunfires could be heard on the phone. All eyes were on him to think of a good strategy. The lives of the ten soldiers he brought were resting on his hand. A sound decision was needed.

"Len, get your engineers to double time on those mines. Three tanks are coming my way. I'll try to hold them back as long as I can so plant something, fast! Cindy, secure the evac route and eliminate those gattling turrets blocking our way."

"But sir, taking on those tanks is suicide!" Cindy asked.

"You have your orders Lieutenant. Now get to it!"

Len and Cindy moved with precision. In no time, Cindy eliminated the enemy, cleared their escape path and assisted the villagers. Len, on the other hand, was already beside him trying to shoot rifle bullets to enemy armor in vain. Their goal was not to stop nor destroy the steel behemoths but to delay them and buy more time.

"Captain, we need to fall back! The engineers are done setting the mines."

"Hold the line! They haven't gone far enough. We have to secure the safety of the civilians!"

A mortar fire landed a few meters ahead and both men were flung backwards. In a miraculous sway of events, both were alive and running. The enemy charged through the thick and dense forest. Several explosions ensued, followed by screams. Both men stood up and regrouped to their next position. The tanks, lightly damaged, continued to press forward.

"They are still mobile! If we don't get out of here, we are surely done for!"

Hesitation could lead a man to his death on the field. Vincent wanted to buy more time and while the mines proved potent on infantry, it only left scratches and dents to vehicles. He had no other choice but to fall back. Three light tanks spotted their positions and shortened the gap in no time. Vincent cursed under his breath.

'It is foolish for a commander to fall this early. Damn it!'

They could not possibly run away and for a moment, he accepted his fate. It would only take a spray of machine gun bullets to end both of their lives. He was ready to go.

Three consecutive blasts threw Vincent back again. His ears ringed and his sight was hazy. Len inspected him for any fatal shrapnel wound. He shoved his arm aside and forced himself to stand. There were no wounds or cuts, just a miserable body that had taken quite a beating. In front of him, three tanks were knocked out by a mysterious blast. There was no call for artillery support as his initial operation didn't need one so he had no idea how they survived.

He inspected the burning tanks with no survivor from the crew. One of the vehicles had its turret blown off and every hit they took dealt critical damage to their radiators. Three consecutive blasts was suspicious more so if it came from behind.

"Captain!" he called. "There is a kid here. He is unconscious but still breathing."

"Good! He might be one of the villagers. We'll take him back to camp."

Beating the odds, the small squad composed of ten soldiers handpicked from multiple squads successfully managed to eliminate Shion forces on top of evacuating the villagers. The story of the Battle of Nuval would be written in history books and it would be well received by his platoon, effectively raising the morale. He would be considered a hero and might be awarded a medal, but it was a responsibility he didn't dare take.

Vincent tasted blood in his mouth. His body ached beyond comparison. He was just tired both physically and emotionally.

It was a hard won victory. There was still a lot to be done, but for now…

"Operation Complete!"

2 Days Later

'ur..on…lute. Ev…de…gi…not…be…ed…Yo…ill…ey...'

The boy was startled awake with a tremendous headache. He had the same static dream for the past two nights. There was nothing he could remember, not his name or age, not his hometown and family nor his purpose in life. His last memory was just the sound of explosions and people's anguish materializing in their blood curling screams. There was nothing to do but wait for his turn until he was carried to safety.

"You seem to be doing fine now. Can you tell me your name?"

The company medic made rounds on a makeshift infirmary for all of the injured in the battle. She asked him, showing genuine concern as he laid in the bed. The big box with a shining blue ore in the middle made a clinking sound as she placed it on the floor.

"Anything?" she asked once again.

He shrugged.

"Still nothing? Well trauma is hardly an after effect after everything that happened so far."

"Who am I?"

"That is something I hope to know as well." she continued to check for any injuries. "Oh! You see those men walking towards us? They were the ones who brought you here."

He watched carefully, embedding the memory of men in his mind. It was like taking a picture, instilling the single moment in his brain vividly. The man in front noticed him gazing at them. He broke off and ran towards the boy.

"Hey kid, how are you feeling? You took a beating out there in the field. Almost a goner in my opinion."

"..."

"The quiet type, I see…" He wiped his hand on a nearby towel. "The name is Len. Len Haynes."

The man looked young to be participating in the war. The boy was confused why he thought so. His eyes darted to the man's handgun by his waist. A lot of questions rose in his mind but he was unable to piece anything together. His mind was a jumbled mess. He shrugged once again at the question.

"Sir, he doesn't look like a native Pinarian… Oh! And test results that he shows signs of amnesia."

"So it seems." Len clapped his hands. "I know! I'll name you… Oscar? no... hmmm… your hair is a mess like sheep's wool. Wait, that's your name for now. Nice to meet you Wool!"

"Wool…" he repeated.

His heart fluttered a little bit, happy to be granted a name. It was like a clock ticking back to life. He didn't know why the simple act had given him the feeling of a new start. Len fished for his pockets and took out a small box.

"Come on, take it." Len took his hand and placed the box in it. "This is chocolate, something of a gift for getting a new name."

"Lieutenant! Briefing starts in 4 minutes."

"Yes sir!" he replied. "Okay, that's it for me. Enjoy this and see you around."

Len stood and ruffled Wool's hair that bounced in the lightest touch. His face showed a satisfied expression before turning to his captain. Wool opened the box and ripped the wrapper away. A dark brown block was inside. It released a faintly sweet scent and after a bite, it tasted a lot sweeter. He looked up and saw the vanishing image of the man's back. With nothing else to do, he got up and followed the soldier he owed his life to.

A tent was arranged to act as squad command post for the 5th Armored Platoon of the 156th Battalion. They were deployed two weeks after Milla was liberated to hold the capital as the first 2 platoons pressed forward. Now they were the relief team for the battered 1st and 2nd Platoon who were forced back to Milla after failed missions due to inefficient implementation of strategy resulting to further loss of Pinarian territory. Inside was a long table with 3 chairs on each side and one on the middle. Maps riddled the makeshift walls made of wooden boxes stacked on top of each other. As they entered, Vincent was greeted with snappy salutes by everyone inside.

"All squad leaders present and accounted for, sir!"

"At ease, Lieutenants."

All of them sat in their respective chairs. Captain Vincent Crow, platoon commander was a man in his late 20s whose experience in combat was unrivalled. His grim look differentiated him from other platoon commanders. He wore his hair long with half of his face covered and the back tied into a ponytail, giving him a renegade look.

"Permission to speak, sir!" Cindy asked.

"Granted, what is it?"

"I strongly disagree with you accompanying dangerous operations like the evacuation two days ago, sir." Cindy paused. "Respectfully, it would have been better to send my squad alone for the op."

Vincent could see the worry in their eyes especially from his only female Lieutenant but he had good reason to go. He rarely entertained the idea of explaining his reasons unnecessarily but it was best to avoid being asked every time.

"To be clear, it was only supposed to be a recon op along with the evacuation, Cindy. We had no intel that an ambush was waiting for us. I am aware that you have performed spectacularly but all of you have been with me for a long time and you know that I can't fight a battle where I don't know my enemy."

"Len told us that both of you took a mortar head on and destroyed three tanks. If you were unlucky, we would have lost…" she choked on her words unable to continue.

"Enough. The op was fruitful in a lot of ways. There are important details left out by the 1st and 2nd Platoon's reports. Damn them! It was so detrimental that we could have suffered the same fate if I didn't see it for myself."

He took out a folder with sketches of weaponry and infantry uniform of the enemy. All of the sketches were laid out on the table for everyone to see. Everybody gasped as the final sketch was taken out and placed on the center. Len had goose bumps as he recalled the image of the enemy tank rolling towards their position.

"I've had someone analyze the tanks that were knocked out. You lot will find this interesting."

"This design is quite different from the schematics of an imperial light tank!"

"Exactly. I have just received word that these are new prototypes called Assault Tanks, condame 'Kafer', that the federation scouts have seen on Siegval. To think that the 1st platoon reported enemy armor as light tanks?" Vincent held his frustration.

He assessed the capability of their tanks compared to the enemy's. The empire had introduced the use of tanks during the first war against the federation who were ill-equipped in both infrastructures and military resources at the time. Naturally, a research gap of a few years would set them apart with the imperial army having technological superiority. To retaliate, the federation's approach was to use their economic advantage to outnumber the enemy armored vehicles. Federation tanks designed and produced in Vinland was churned out at a high quantity. As a tribute, the vehicles were named 'Minute' based on the Minutemen of Vinland's civil war who fought for independence.

"Sir, our frontal armor could take a couple of hits but one or two from the side and our tanks are done for." Len said. "Not to mention getting hit in the radiator.

The usage of liquid ragnoline causes very high temperatures in the engine that often lead to overheating. To solve the issue, a radiator is placed in the rear of the tank as a cooling system. Extracting the energy from ragnoline emits a blue luminescence that is released in the radiator making it a very visible weakness.

"Your observations are correct. I shall relay this information back to command. We have limited resources so avoid any unnecessary loss." Vincent straightened his back. "Our job is to hold out. I don't want any heroics from any of you, is that clear?"

"Yes, sir!" everyone replied in unison.

"Especially from you, Len."

His Lieutenant blushed as he tried to maintain his salute. Everyone arranged the papers and each squad leader was given their respective orders.

"Why would you be afraid? These things are slower."

A child's voice cut the current conversation. The Lieutenants pulled out their handguns and pointed at the direction of the voice. Vincent immediately recalled the child who was curiously scanning the design of the enemy tank.

"Lieutenant Len Haynes. Why is this child in here?"

"I'm sorry, Captain. He must have followed me here."

He fixed his gaze back on the child who was oblivious on the current situation. The amount of violations the kid incurred by entering a command post could result to him being accused of a spy.

"How much have you heard, child?"

"Everything…." His voice was devoid of emotion, eyes never looking away at the papers. He extended his arm holding a box of sweets. "Do you want some chocolate?"

Surprised with the offer, Vincent looked at Len meaningfully and he took the extended hand. He lowered his voice, but still audible for everyone to hear.

"You are not making it easier for me Wool. Go back to the kind medic outside and behave."

"No."

"What do you mean 'No'?" Irritation rose in Len's face. "You can get in serious trouble."

"This tank. It is slow but it is powerful, yes?"

Vincent himself was shocked at the development of the situation. A civilian easily infiltrated their intelligence meeting without anyone noticing. He had given the order to save the unconscious child but now that he knew too much, he could also compromise their operation.

"Come now." Len pulled the child's hand that kept resisting. "Please let this slide, sir. I will receive any punishment you see fit."

"Wait…"

He had his doubts. A child appearing in the middle of the battlezone was very sceptical to begin with. Was his mind being illogical by doubting the child? But he could see the glitter in Wool's eyes. Those were the type of eyes he vowed to protect. There was to be no compromise in the judgement that the kid should face but he had enough share of seeing innocent lives taken away unnecessarily for the past few days.

"We still have to interrogate him, but..." Vincent sighed unable to rationalize his own decision. "You will take responsibility for this, Lieutenant Haynes."

Len yearned for peaceful days when no gunfire could be heard constantly, but he knew it was a whimsical wish when they were in the middle of the battlefield. He looked behind him and saw a child diligently following while nibbling on a bar of chocolate. It was far from his goal. He wanted to be a war hero idolized by many just like his captain. Not only was their recon operation successful two days ago, but they managed to repel Shion soldiers from advancing. Everybody in the battalion heard of the tale of how he beat the overwhelming odds and all of them were just waiting for the official announcement that would boost the captain into stardom.

His squad, known as the 'Tiger Squad' was eagerly waiting for his arrival. They weren't known as the best but the relentless ferocity they showed on the field earned them the nickname. His unit was composed of Pinarian and Vin soldiers that had a bond unlike any other squad. Gray tents stood tall under the heat of the afternoon sun and rations were being distributed to every person inside.

"Everybody, the 'hero' is back!" a feminine voice mocked jokingly. "I mean the Lieutenant is here!"

Rosa, one of his fiercest shocktroopers, called everyone out. One by one, Squad 3 filled their makeshift mess hall in the middle of the tents. He could see all their eyes glued to the person behind him.

"What's up, Len? You just found out that you had an illegitimate child?" a soldier jested.

"Stop it Charles. I'm too young to father a child."

"I forgot he is only 20 years old young."

The soldiers laughed and teased their commander. Tiger Squad had a casual atmosphere between the members that reflected Len's leadership and personality. With dark blonde hair, sharp nose and a smile always plastered in his face, he was always considered as an easy going ladies man, a misconception he always tried to disprove. It was seldom to have happy moments in war but everyone did the best they could to relieve the tension.

"Let me introduce a new member of the squad." He signalled for Wool to come to the front.

"Hey, don't tell me the army is so desperate that we started recruiting children. We still have a lot of fight in us."

"That's not it Terry. This here is Wool. I share all of your concerns but he is going to be a non combatant." He raised Wool's arm like a puppeteer and waved. "He is here for support and errands but give it a couple of days and he might be good to serve as a runner between squads as well."

Though everybody kept the happy faces, the squad knew that scenes as such were the reality of war.

"Len, he looks like he still isn't even half your age. How can Captain Vincent approve of this?"

"Or even half his height!"

"Amy and Jake, quiet down. This is a direct order of the captain himself."

It was a hassle to explain every detail but they pressed too much. Exhausted by complaints, he told the entire story of how Wool was saved from the field and ultimately drafted in the army. By the time he finished, the child was nowhere to be seen.

"Yeah… about that, your illegitimate kid is gone." Terry pointed.

"Wool?" Len glanced around. "We have no time for this! Amy, Terry and Charles, search the west side of our camp. He couldn't have gone far. Ray, Gina and Rosa, take the east side. Jake, lead Norm and Michael to the south, copy?"

"Loud and clear, sir!" only Jake answered.

The squad split apart and efficiently combed the area although half an hour of searching yielded nothing. Wool was still nowhere to be seen. It was dangerous for a child to be lost especially in the middle of the wildwood. Every team cleared their area and it suddenly dawned to him the one area where Wool might have run to. He proceeded without saying anything and the whole squad followed behind.

Len finally caught sight of the kid sitting down and staring blankly ahead of him. The child was not lost and he should have thought of that certain place to avoid wasting time. They were on a clearing where Squad 3's tank was hidden. It was covered on a net and hidden under leaves and branches to camouflage its giant exterior away enemy scouts.

"He is beautiful." Wool whispered.

"Ummm… who are you calling a 'he'? I'll have you know that Black Rose here is a 'she'!" Jacob argued. "Other than that, you have a good eye there, kid. Do you see the curves of the hull? Such sloped armor can redirect enemy fire! Oh! And look at the gun…"

He observed the kid who didn't seem to listen and just kept his eyes on the tank in front of him. There was an obvious fascination, no… an obsession he had with the armored vehicle. The captain saw a potential in him and so, it was his duty as squad commander to bring it out.

"How did you even find this place?" Len asked.

"The smell… you have the same smell." Wool answered in a monotone voice.

"You hear that?" Gina teased. "You and Jake smell like the tank."

The worries in the squad's faces were replaced with relief. It was unorthodox to have a child assigned to any squad but in the end, Wool became a part of their responsibility the moment he was placed under their team.

"What?!" Jake shouted. "The kid only said the bossman stinks, why am I included?"

"Because you are the tank operator, dummy!" Rosa jeered.

"Enough of this. There are matters to be discussed back in camp."

Nothing would be achieved if they stayed there and he still had to brief his soldiers for their upcoming operation. He would need to drag Wool back if he still insisted on staying behind.

"…"

It surprised them to see Wool jump straight up and look the other direction when he was about to pull. The boy shifted his attention to the far side of the jungle.

"I can smell it. Something big is heading straight at us."

"You can tell me all about it on the way back. Be a good boy and return with big sister back to the camp." Amy nudged lightly.

"No. It is very fast and it is coming."

Just a few hours in and Wool had already caused enough trouble to give Len a headache. He could feel his patience thinning realizing that taking care of a child was already the captain's punishment to him. If Wool acted the same way in the middle of a battle, it could compromise a whole operation. A mistake he could not afford to commit. The radio inside the tank suddenly produced static sounds, turning everyone's attention to the incoming message. It was a report of a panicking soldier.

"…by surprise… I repeat, enemy has caught us by surprise. The defense line has been broken. Send rein-"

The line was cut. Another message followed a few seconds later. The voice was unmistakable; it was their captain, Vincent Crow barking commands.

"Squad 3, do you copy?"

"This is Len, what is the situation, sir?"

"No time for a sitrep. Elements of enemy forces are spotted near your area. Get ready to move out. Squad 2 is already on their way."

All Len wanted was a peaceful day where no sounds of gunfire could be heard constantly. This was not one of those days. Jake removed the camouflage cover on the tank and the engine engine roared back to life. The radiator in the rear glowed a bright blue as it hummed a buzzing sound. The whole squad was ready, battle faces already worn. He took his rightful place inside the tank as the commander.

"You all heard what is coming. Intercept and drive them back." Len tightened his jaw. "Squad, what's our motto?"

"First Choice, Final Option!" everyone recited with absolute conviction.

Steeling himself for the battle, Len clenched his fist then pointed to the direction of the enemy.

"Tiger Squad, move out!"

A/N:

Took me a long time to get this out. I already have 3 more chapters done, just editing some stuff since I started writing this piece without finishing VC4 and noticed some unwanted similarities in my part. I apologize about the mishap in the interlude chapter, somebody noticed it and I was shocked myself. Thanks for the heads up!

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of the story.

Cheers!