AN. Thanks so much to those who read the story, even more thanks to those who follow, favorite, and review. Can't believe I have to say this, but please refrain from abuse in the reviews. This story will be a bit slow in coming out. I work 30 hours a week and take 15 credit hours for an Engineering Degree… so yeah, but its really fun to write this. It scratches my historical itch, while giving be some rough boundaries. Anyway, enjoy!
POV: No-One in Particular.
As the battle carried on, the IJA eventually lost control of The Gate. Despite the bravery of the troops, their sacrifice was for naught. The ceremonial dress armor that most had been wearing was no substitute for a pistol or a rifle, but that didn't mean they let the invaders push them away from The Gate without a fight though.
The hand-to-hand training of most army members received was second to none. Japanese sword fighting had become essential to survival during the Great Wars. A cut supply chain meant that every bullet had to be saved if possible. After all, a dead comrade could still act as a meat shield (bad cover, and even worse for morale, but still better than nothing at all in a pinch) and probably had a few bullets left on him to boot.
As a result, the Japanese Army could conceivably have pushed back a melee force 3 times as large. Maybe 4 times on a lucky day. But today was not one of those days, and tens of thousands of hulking iron giants came streaming through The Gate. Winged creatures armed with bow had flew around and shot volley after volley of razor sharp arrows at the overwhelmed defenders. On the other hand, many a beast were felled by those few who had guns, mostly guards and nearby police, but they were few in number, and only carried few clips each, not nearly enough to prevent the inevitable.
The IJA troops retreated and regrouped while they could. Bought precious minutes by their brothers who realized that delaying the enemy was the greatest gift they could give to their squad mates and country and bought those seconds with their blood. And thus, the IJA retreated from The Gate.
As the initial Japanese combatant retreated, shattered and in disarray, a relief force was preparing to give those who dared to invade their empire a nasty greeting. Properly equipped for battle, divisions of tanks raced through the streets, regiments of men streaming besides them. Despite no fighting occurring, the roar of battle grew louder and louder by the second. The tanks and the distant roar of planes from the east, the murderous battle cry of thousands from the west.
"Enemy Sighted! Targeting! Fire!". The roar of one thousand machine guns and dozens of tank barrels threw fire and lead towards the enemy, silencing them for eternity. A small piece of lead moving at a relatively quick speed turned out to be more than enough to penetrate and iron shield, armor and then flesh. Whereas the tidal wave of warriors and monsters flowed infinitely from the gate just a bit before, minute by minute, the steel of the IJA chewed through their foes with a vengeance.
Dragon riders suddenly found themselves overwhelmed by missile-laden fighter-jets, which shrieked by, unloading into the beasts with a vengeance. At the same time naval gun fire rained down, enveloping entire streets of the district in sheets of flame. All of the streets quickly filled with bodies, as the IJA fought back.
At the same time, Japanese members of Nuclear Command sighed a breath of relief. They wouldn't have to 'fight'. The tide of the battle was quickly shifting in Japan's favor, and they wouldn't be ordered to end the world, at least for today.
POV: Itami
Itami was not having a good day. First he had been late to a ceremony; then next thing he knew, a tank had accidently destroyed his car. Tarō had miraculously survived and was busy swearing in delirium at Itami as if the situation was his fault. Tuning him out Itami began to trudge his way towards where the rest of the army was coming from. No medics to be found, only bravery and subsequently death.
He stopped and asked the first officer he found. Panting for breath, he pointed to Tarō and managed to force out, "Huff… Minister huff.. Kanō… need medic… now."
After squinting to inspect the filthy men next to him, the officer's eyes widened in recognition when he realized this tattered dirty man was actually the Minister of War. Quickly grabbing a squad of soldiers, they escorted the two towards the nearest Command HQ.
When they spotted the offices of the HQ, suddenly the ground started to rumble. The escorting soldiers spun around and were shocked by what they saw. A small reconnaissance force of light cavalry had managed to sneak out of the battle zone undetected and find their way though the alleyways. Barring down on the soldiers, they moved in for the kill. At least until the soldiers open fired and immediately smashed any chances of a successful charge. Shrieks of horses and men filled the air as they crashed to the ground.
Unfortunately for them, they had realized that the cavalry was there too late. By the time the cavalry was dead, they were too close. Despite the misleading name, "light cavalry" the horses they rode were quite heavy. In addition, they were moving fairly quickly, and unfortunately for the soldiers, very dead.
Crashing down into the squad, a few were able to jump out of the way, but some weren't so lucky. The fast ones hit their heads and died, the slower members of the squad had their bones crushed into the pavement. Trapped by the combined weight of man, horse, and iron.
Rushing over to the scene, guards from the HQ tent came and secured the area before helping a battered and bloody Itami carry the Minister to a medical tent. As soon as Tarō was lifted from his shoulders he collapsed onto the floor, exhausted. As he fell to the ground he slowly faded to unconsciousness as the medics rushed around him.
POV: Zrozal
It was a disaster, as the troops fell around Zrozal by the hundreds, he watched in horror as thousands of fire mages and summoners were brought down upon his army. Not even the city of Rondel could boast magic that powerful, yet here it was. Summoners brought forth iron behemoths, billowing fire and crushing all who got in the way. Iron birds hovered over the battle field. Mowing down any stragglers it could find, while at the same time deploying more mages to the battle. In addition, every soldier seemed to be gifted with the power of the flame, as they brought death and destruction to his allies.
Now a good and capable commander might be able to pull off an organized retreat, salvaging what he could and comeback another day, but Zrozal was neither of these. Aggressive and impetuous a while ago, his true cowardly nature shone through everything else. He was not interested in danger or peril, only the glory and fame that would accompany victory in battle.
His original plan was to "lead" the army to glory, surrounded and protected by the elite troops, of course. All of that had been smashed by the fire and metal storm that was on the other side of The Gate. His knights lay strewn about him, their bodies crumpled and full of holes. "What kind of magic could so easily pierce our shields and armor?" Zrozal cried out. He was unable to attack the enemy or even defend himself; so for now, he did the only thing there was left to do. He ran.
Not stopping for fallen soldiers crying out in pain, or even those who tried to ask him for orders. He pushed past them, cutting them down when they blocked his escape. This was panicked rout, nothing could stop him from reaching friendly soil.
By sheer luck, he managed not be shot by and Japanese soldiers and managed to make his way back to Saderan soil, something he didn't think he could miss that dearly until today. He ran over to the nearest field messenger he could find.
The messenger saluted, still able to recognize the heir to the throne, despite his disastrous state. "My Lord! What is it you need o- GAHH!" Zrozal paid no attention to this fool. Casting him off his horse and commandeering it, he rode hard to rode towards Sadera, not even glancing backwards once.
A while later: Saderan Imperial Senate.
An older man stood in the center of the senate chamber, gold decorations shining nearly as brightly as his aged head. For this was the most senior and respected elder of the Senate. Before him was Zrozal, still dirty and grimy from battle. Zrozal was on his feet, but bowed to the Senator, for even in his arrogance, he knew if he took the blame for this, he would be politically dead or assassinated by his foes.
"What do you mean the whole army was lost?!" The senior Senator cried out as Zrozal reported what happened. We sent over 100,000 men and we were so utterly humiliated? How is this even possible!" He shouted, pointing his finger at Zrozal in accusation.
Raising his head and defiantly speaking, Zrozal simply stated, "There was nothing I could do, thousands of mages and iron war beasts descended upon our army and destroyed us. I was lucky to escape with my life."
Another member of the Imperial Senate stood and shouted, "Coward! You ran to save your skin! By limping back here in defeat you have brought shame to our Empire! You should join Hardy with the rest of your soldiers!"
As more and more Senators joined in the accusations Zrozal, some joined in the defense of the crown-prince. As the argument reached a boiling point, a lone figure raised his hand. Immediately, the room fell into silence; for this was the Emperor, Molt Sol Augustus, owner of most the world, and claimant to the remainder. Standing up he cast a glance at his son.
"Prince Zrozal the news of your defeat is… disappointing" Zrozal flinched at this, "but nevertheless, it is only the first battle of what will be a long and bloody war. Despite this, we will crush these barbarians and make them pay for what they have done." Turning to an attendant, he continued, "We shall call all of our allies, tributaries and subjects to gather their arms and to march for Alnus. We shall crush all those who dare oppose us!"
Thunderous applause rang throughout the Senate chamber. After all, who could truly fight and hope to outlast the Empire?
A Few Days Later: Alnus Hill
As the United Army of the Empire made camp at Alnus, they prepared for battle. Battle against an unseen enemy, for beyond the gate were creatures of legend. Iron beasts and fire demons had slaughtered tens of thousands of their countrymen, yet here they stood. For if they allowed the enemy to pass, Italica and the rest of the Empire would be open to attack.
So for now, they built defenses. Deep moats were dug around The Gate and tall wooden barricades strewn across the entrance with archer towers covering every imaginable angle. Anything that came through the entrance would become a pincushion.
High above the sky, dragon scouts reported something strange. A single white bird, but this was unlike any bird they had ever seen. No beak or feathers, it spanned the length of a great eagle, but never flapped its wings. When they tried to capture it, it only flew higher, much higher than they could ever hope to get.
Unable to catch it, they ignored it. Perhaps is would interest an animal tamer back home or make a good story to tell their children about someday.
7 days after initial contact: Japanese General Staff Headquarters
Slightly recovered, Itami stood behind the Japanese Minister of War: Tarō Kanō. Despite being heavily wounded in the battle, Kanō only suffered leg wounds and was able to get around with a wheel chair, which Itami was currently responsible for.
He sat at the head of a table which had very few members at it. One of the officers stood up. "Minister Kanō, as a result of the attacks, many members of government have been incapacitated or killed. Unfortunately, French agents were able to leak info of the attack to our enemies, and Soviet guerrillas have increased their attacks in Siberia, tying down Imperial Armies there. Additionally, the Republic of Hokkaido has launched an assault on Manchuria, potentially catching the North-West Empire in a pincer attack.
Since scouting from across The Gate shows that the enemy has dug itself in and has no intention to attack, most of our reserves and ground personnel have been moved to combat this threat. As a result, you have been officially assigned to be the head of the military planning operation for region beyond The Gate, designated as The Special Region.
Kanō took a few notes and muttered to himself, "Stupid Frogs, too bad we didn't obliterate Paris before all the disarmament treaties were signed." Sighing he told his staff. "You all know we are in dire situations. The Empire is like an egg under pressure. China pushes from the West, while the Soviets and Hokkaido cause havoc in the North. To the East and South, the Canadian Navy harasses our shipping. Opening up another front in this war would normally untenable."
A general spoke up, "Sir, our reconnaissance drones have allowed us to observe the enemy and view their defenses, and we have been blessed by this opportunity. They show a classical civilization that has no knowledge of even gunpowder. The only advantage they have is sheer numbers. But as we saw in the Great War, no wave of humans can stand to even an antique machine gun."
Smiling the rest of the generals all knew the solution to their problems with the inclusion of this information. First of all, weapons and supplies were no longer an issue. The first-rate supplies would still go to the Earthly front lines, this was non-negotiable. It Tokyo was conquered, there was no point in exploring the Special Region. Old and obsolete weapons could be scavenged from armories or bought from the Great Neutral, The United States, who would be all to eager to sell off excess weapons from a bygone era. If the capabilities of the invaders were truly ancient, it would be a cakewalk.
One of the scientists spoke up, "I suggest that we do pull some modern equipment to the Special Region. The scales of these creatures, which are identical to dragons describes in myth, are harder than any organic substance that exists on Earth. In addition, prisoners taken were identified as Orcish, Elven, Dwarven, and multiple races of half-animals. All of these races hold some advantage to a human and could potentially best them in some circumstances. Anti-aircraft guns, a squad of fighter jets and a regiment or two of tanks or other anti-infantry machinery would resolve the majority of these issues.
Nodding Kanō and the others took notes and continued to hammer out the fine details of the operation. Once they were finished, he turned to Itami. "Itami, you have shown great courage during our first battle. There will be no celebration or ceremony, but I am promoting you to 1st Lt. I would like you to accompany the army into to Special Region and be our eyes and ears there. I want you to lead on of the recon teams on the ground. This is a great honor and I hope you accept"
Itami stood there in shock. He had just gone from 2nd Lt and wheelchair pusher to 1st Lt. and squad leader. "I don't know what to say…" he stated, a little dumbfounded.
Kanō smiled, "You say 'yes', that's what you say!" and broke out into laughter.
Itami smiled and started to laugh as well. And so a 1st Lt. and the Minister of War sat there laughing, oblivious the rest of the General Staff.
The Next Day. Schlacht Square/The Gate
The Square was a mess, where there once was a massive monument to the efforts of those who died in the Great Wars, lie a massive ornate gate. In the center of it was a black maw, ominously staring back into the bright daylight. Rubble lined the streets, and blood stains scarred the granite slabs of the street.
Where there once were parade tanks, a line of combat tanks and armored cars sat. Adorned with machine guns and mortars, this army was obsolete by nearly 50 years, but it would do. It would have to do, for it was the only supplies that the Empire could scrounge up.
A couple of soldiers were passing the time until the operation commenced. One was complaining, "We're involved in a life or death struggle with others and I get to go pacify some ancient barbarians? Talk about boring."
The other soldier, merely shrugged, "Eh, its better than fighting and dying in some damned dirty jungle in Indochina. My cousin is in drone maintenance, he says the climate there is perfect and the weather is amazing. It'll be like a vacation."
A buzz sounded the ready signal and the two scrambled to their positions. Before the commencement, Minister Kanō came to make a speech. Pushed by a liaison he made his way to a platform. "Men and women of Japan, a week ago we were brutally attacked by barbarians from another world. Civilians were caught in the attack and suffered as well. This is your chance to avenge their deaths and bring the aggressors to justice!" Taking a drink, he began again. "I know that this new world might be unfamiliar and strange, even frightening at times, but know that in your heart you are an Imperial citizen and that you are invincible together. Together you will succeed. Together you will live.
As Kanō was wheeled away, the tanks started to roll forward, followed by the infantry cars. The earth seemed to shake as thousands of pounds of metal lurched forward and towards the blackness of The Gate, until they were swallowed whole by the darkness.
And the IJA advanced.
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