So I think I'm doing well. The last comment was just a summary of what happened. Either that or the person was pointing out a writing mistake I made. In which case I'm sorry or thank you all for reading.
I'll be honest, I want to keep typing but see all
[Miles Near The Town Of Italica]
The four metal chariots rode across the dirt road of the country side as Roland was trying to fight off any chance of getting motion sickness. With the windows rolled down and the air blasting in the ride, blowing hair amd such around in the leading car. Tucker continued to have a conversation with his brother in sword.
Tucker leaned back to get Roland's attention, "So we're almost there, anything we should know before we arrive."
"My cousin, the rightful ruler of Italica, she's soon to be eleven as of this year." Roland spoke as quickly as he could before he felt his stomache act up.
Sarge radioed in from the back, "How prepared should we be for an attack. I don't think they'll just throw out the welcome wagon for us so easily."
"Well we have royal blood with us so hopefully they don't shoot on sight and we can just go right on in. Like a VIP pass at a concert." Tucker referenced.
"Which concert? I only like the Nickelback one's." Caboose blurted from the backseat.
Church looked back nodding, "That makes so much sense now." when he looked over back at the road he saw a column of black smoke rise, "Heads up got some fire up ahead."
"Shit, that dragon back for round 2?"
"No this looks man made Tucker. Doesn't look like your usual cookout gone wrong. The smokes black." Church stated.
"So?"
"Black smoke means oil and flammable liquids, white smoke is everything else."
"So, what are you thinking?"
"Definitely trouble up ahead."
Rory leaned forward as her face was right next to Church's, the close proximity making him unsteady. Even more so when she sniffed the air and added another fact, "There's blood in the air."
[The Front Gate of Italica]
The recent attack by the former members of the surrounding nation's armies was repelled just barely. As Princess Piña Colada and her small group of knights joined together alongside the townsfolk to fight off the invaders. The retreating enemy left several holes in their defenses which were now being patched up.
As Piña Colada retired herself in the noble's guest room inside the mansion at the center of town. As she dreamed of the memories of her origin and the making of her Order of the Rose Knights. Her dream was interrupted when one of the staff awoke with a bucket of cold water on her face, upon her request. She came with news from the front gate.
Outside were four oddly shaped steel chariots lined up, without horses or anything that could resemble anything they had seen before.
"Reveal yourselves! If you are not our enemy step out into the open." One of the guards on the tower ordered.
[In The Steel Chariot In Front]
After being ordered to step out into the open the main members of the the first car started speaking to each other. Trying to decide what the best course of action would be for the group and possibly the future of peace between two governments from different dimensions.
"This is it?" Church looked at Lord Roland.
Lord Roland nodded, "Normally yes, but something is up. The gate rarely closes here."
"Think it has anything to do with that fire." Tucker questioned.
"More than likely. In that case I'd say we better say hi." Church opened his door.
Hodor Marceau opened the back door, "I'd like to come as well, the ride is smooth however it has made my stomache rather bothered. Stay daughter."
"I wish to come as well." Tuka demanded as she stepped out.
Rory the Reaper smiled with glee as she followed as well, "Oh what fun this will be."
"Want to join us?" Tucker looked back at Roland.
Roland nodded and stepped out the back with the two elves, two soldiers from another world, a mage and an apostle. To the soldiers from another world they looked like an odd costumed groups. To the people on the other side they were seeming like the most destructive force on their world.
[Back At The Italica Gate]
From the citizens point of view it was practically the end, as it seemed the enemy had not only taken Lord Roland hostage but somehow gained the aid of the Apostle: Rory Mercury. The city seemed lost as Princess Piña Colada tried to stayed calm, but the sweat on her brow showed her true face. Calming down for a moment she looked closer to discover that Roland wasn't in chains.
"My Lady," Princess Piña's Page, Hamilton Uno Ror whispered to her, "Wasn't Lord Roland with the first group we sent through the GATE?"
"He was... but he wasn't with the thugs who first invaded Italica. Something doesn't feel right." Piña concluded as she debated what to do next.
The oldest soldier, Gray, the one who taught the Order of the Rose all they know, "It doesn't seem like a trick, they could've easily stormed us down in the first attack."
"True, but maybe this is their new intimidation tactic. They send the Oracle and one of ours to open the gate so they can slaughter us." Princess Piña suggested.
That's when the voice from the other side, "It is I, Sir Roland, I have come with my allies seeking passage into the city. I request you open the gates at once."
"My Lord... Apologies but by order of Princess Piña Colada, we must keep the gate shut at the moment." The guard at the top spoke.
Roland grew wide eyed as he heard the name of the royal family, "The Princess?!" Roland then dropped to his knee to kneel in her name.
"Whaaat is going on?" Tucker whispered to Roland underneath his helmet.
Roland didn't look up as he spoke to the ground, "Princess Piña Colada is a member of the Imperial Family and is tenth in line for the throne of the entire Empire. So it is only natural to bow in her presence."
"Should we be doing the same?" Church asked.
Roland actually hesitated to answer, "Well, while she is royal, she is also technically your enemy. I guess the matter is up to you."
With a shared shrug Church and Tucker got on one knee and leaned forward a little to show their respect. When they removed their helmets they saw the guards at the top chattering among each other, clearly not expecting anything human.
The small wooden door on the large gate swung open as the men were greeted rather happily just after a near hostile introduction. A red haired woman with eyes that shined like embers welcomed them with a big smile, obviously forced, "Welcome to Italica, friends."
As Roland Rose from his feet to greet the princess, the two space Marines spoke amongst each other. Church leaned next to Tucker, "Never thought we'd meet a princess, you?"
"Not really, only if I pissed off a royal family somehow." Tucker admitted, "Shit now we got a lot riding on this mission."
"Let's just try not to embarrass ourselves and we should be fine. Remember we're peaceful, so let's try to look out best." Church suggested as they both got up, however his new leg fell asleep making him faceplant in the ground where everyone saw him. He jumped up and dusted himself off, "I'm okay, I'm okay."
Once inside the walls of the city Roland decided to speak first and introduce them, "Your Highness, I am honored and relieved to meet someone from the Crown Royal Family. Please allow for me to introduce to you Lavernius Tucker and Leonard Church, Captains of the UNSC, heroes of Chorus, soldiers from the other side of the GATE."
"What is up?" Church raised nodded his head to bow with minimal effort.
Tucker stepped forward and leaned down, adding an extra wink, "Hello Princess."
"Tucker... no..." Church warned his friend under his breath, "We would like to say hello but it seems something has been happening. Would you please explain it to us?"
[The Manor of Lady Princess Myui]
After a brief summary of the house, the city they were in, it's history and the current situation involving the bandits and thugs from the former armies Tucker and Church we're invited in with everyone. They were guided into the Great Hall where they were waited upon by the current ruler of the house. The reunion between royal cousins what's up joyous moment, as she ran from her seat to hug Roland.
That happy feeling would have to wait as the original mission had now been changed from delivering the Wyvern scales.
"Excuse me, Your Highness but it seems as though you need some assistance. we don't have much but we do have somewhat skilled fighters if you need them." Church offered considering it would be unlikely they'd be able to sell anything at the current moment with the recent battle.
The Princess was very hesitant, given the fact that these were currently their enemy, "I am not sure... are you certain there is nothing that we could offer you at this time."
"If it's all the same to you, I hope that we can rely on you for a peaceful talk between our two worlds." Tucker admitted.
The Princess seemed more concerned now, "You tr-truly want peace?"
"Your Highness, not only can I vouch and say but they speak truth, but they bring their own proof." Roland stepped forth and ignited his sword, his sword that Princess Piña had only seen a couple of times. Roland nodded to Tucker to do the same, so he did. Stepping next to Roland Tucker sparked his sword to life. The sight of the two swords left everyone in shock, except those who knew prior.
With the witnessing of two swords Princess Piña realized what she needed their help more than ever. If anything they might be able to scare off the attackers, buy more time or only lose these people instead of more of her people. Victory seemed out of the question at the time being without her people, "Very well, I'd like you and your men posted on the south Gate."
[South Gate]
"Who told you to engage the enemy?! You have your orders!" The operations officer screamed over the radio.
Church pinched the space between his eyes as this asshole was giving him such a headache, somehow more than the Reds and Blues could combined. After letting the prick get out his anger Church spoke up, "Listen, listen, we wanted to just trade the scales as ordered. Problem is these people are currently caught in a battle, so we're kinda stuck until we can get either finish off the attackers or until her people arrive in three days."
"Three days?! Are you morons fucking kidding me?!"
"We might be able to get back sooner if you do this favor I'm about ask you..."
Sarge was busy getting the Warthog in position to effectively, if they got the main Gate open he'd use the main gun to mow down the group. The Medical Personnel and Doc were positioned to the side to aid those in need. Tucker and Roland were on the wall trying to discuss tactics with each other as Church finished his phone call.
Looking out to the field, he spotted three men on horseback in armor, the scope of the sniper rifle confirmed this as well as more than a hundred following behind. Church's gears in his mind were turning as he looked out in the distance. He was so focused he hadn't noticed his friends trying to get his attention, "Hey Church. Church!" Tucker called out.
"What?! Yeah, yeah?"
"You good?" Tucker questioned.
"Yeah, just thinking. Think we could resolve things peacefully?"
"I mean maybe." Tucker admitted, "You know people being... well you..."
"You can say it, I'm an AI."
"Right, and Roland knows the people. Maybe we can use that. Why?" Tucker asked.
"I see a few scouts, I'm thinking we go say hi to them. Request a sit-down, maybe end this without us seeming even more terrifying." Church proposed the idea.
Tucker and Roland were somewhat hesitant but gave in, "Yeah sure, that might work. Tell the boys we'll be back."
[The Thugs Campsites]
Former military members gather around the campfires laughing eating. Ready to raid an entire city, theirs for the taking after they were too afraid to die on the hill. They say they crave a battle and a worthy death, but would they were still alive. These fanatics say one thing but their actions say another, were they cowards or were they something else.
A trio of scouts rode back to the camp before the sun went down, they could hardly stay on their horses. They were heaving and breathing as hard as they could, as if they were spooked. They camp to the small spot where only less than a hundred were awake. Speaking gibberish and nonsense about iron horseless carriages riding towards them.
That's when a green steel machine that resembled a chariot appeared out of nowhere. The riders consisted of a the elf Hodor, Roland, Tucker, Church and Rory Mercury, as she insisted to join them. As they stepped out in their blue armor to see startled fighters at the ready, they noticed several were still sleeping.
"We come from Italica, we come in peace." Roland stated as he raised his hands.
They soon were well surrounded as they were ready to brandish their weapons, but held off upon request. Tucker stepped forth and removed his helmet, "Who's in charge here."
"That'd be me." The rogue looking former knight known as Zeas (Zay-ASS; if you wondered how to pronounce it.) stepped forth, "What business do you have here."
"We simply don't want the people of Italica to die, nor do we want you to die either. If you leave now we can promise no one will come after y-" Roland offered until he was interrupted.
Having a short laugh, Zeass looked at the group as if they were pitiful, "Ha. Even now they offer this peace instead of opening the Gates. How sad. Do they really fear death that much that they send you lot?"
"We came ourselves to give you a chance to live. Because not many, if any of you will survive what is to come." Church warned, his anger bubbling.
Zeas summoned one of his men to bring something to him, when he returned he brought several people in chains. Four men and two women, one of which was clearly younger than the rest, she looked as young as Tuka seemed. They were dressed in brown rags, they looked malnourished, beaten and abused, maybe more but the group couldn't stomache thinking about what. Zeas took the youngest girl's chain and lead her to his feet.
"This is what's to come to Italica when I am through. So you to back and tell them to open the Gates and we may spare a few of you." Zeas ordered sitting on his chair while he adjusted the lady's rags.
Church unholstered his pistol and aimed it at Zeas, "Fine, but we'll be taking the prisoners back."
"Ha, look around, you're surrounded by my men. They'll skewer you as soon as you move." Zeas informed him.
Church cocked the hammer back, "Then you die first. Your friends might get me in a rush but not before I splatter your head."
Zeas' cocky smirk faded into scowl as his grip on the chains tightened and he unsheathed his real sword, pressing the blade against the girl's cheek. Tucker aimed his rifle, Roland took out his gladiolus, Hodor aimed his bow and Rory smiled as she wielded her Halberd. Zeas' and Church eyed each other waiting for one to make a move.
Zeas moved first as he rose his sword to yse on the girl. Before he brought his blade down, loud pops echoed in the night as his hand was hit and another bullet grazed his arm. Church's gun smoking made everyone who hadn't heard it jump. Church cussed himself as he was actually aiming for his head, unfortunately he wouldn't get that chance.
Church walked to the injured disgraced knight to the chains to get the girl back. Looking back at the group he chose the strongest member to help him, "Rory, do you mind getting the rest?"
"Of course, darling." Rory flirted as she used her large weapon to shatter the chains on the other prisoners.
"Come with us if you want to live." Tucker held out his hand to help them up.
After loaded up with prisoners the members of the accidental rescue party loaded up the survivors in their vehicle and started to back away. That was until Zeas rose after clutching his bullet wounded hand, "You, you truly believe this is over. You have sealed your fate along with the people of Italica. There will be no survivors, none. None! Except you and your men, you will be enslaved so you can watch as I take their lives in front of you."
"You're walking towards a war you cannot possibly win. You're not the worst thing we fought and you most certainly will not be the last. If you wish to fight us, we'll be at the South Gate waiting. We'll keep the light on." Church finished as he aimed his sniper rifle at the face of his enemy as if it was a sword.
Then they rode off, back to Italica before the other disgraced knights could join them to attack. The dust following in their wake, soon war would follow after.
[Back in Italica]
Sarge had been puffing on a cigar waiting for the return of the blue captains and their friends from this world. Letting out the puff of air he kept inside as they returned, he placed his cigar on the dashboard ashtray he installed in his Warthog. Walking with his shotgun in hand to see what the news would be. Seeing the rescued people exit the van peaked his interest and put a smile on his face.
"So I take it things went well." Sarge suggested.
Church had his sarcastic smile on, "Well, I'm about to ask you to prep the Warthog into the position and load up. What do you think?"
"That bad huh?" Sarge asked.
Tucker added more details to what transpired by telling them what the bastard did and why Church did what he did. All approving of his decision while the families celebrated their loved ones return.
All except Sarge who was more worried, "Ya didn't waste the shots, did ya?"
"I mean I hit his hand, so he shouldn't be able to use a sword in that one. I wouldn't say I wasted it I-" He then paused thinking why someone like Sarge of all people asked that, "Sarge, why do you ask?"
"Meh, just having a conversation. Nothing wrong, nothing to worry about. We're good." Sarge obviously lied.
You can't deceive someone, who had an entire being of Deceit made from them, "Sarge... why do you ask and should I be mad?"
"We... may... be... sort of... possibly... be... lowonammo." Sarge tried to drag out as long as possible.
Church's sarcastic smile was now his pissed off smile, "I'm sorry, it sounded like you said we were low on ammo. Where's are ammo Sarge?"
"I put... Grif in charge... of it." He admitted.
Church turned around and cussed out what could have been mistaken for a war cry by the other people but was actually just a long series of offensive words. After getting that out Tucker tried to reason again, "Okay, okay, this isn't the worst thing to happen. I mean we still have backup coming right?"
"..." Church now had his moment to remain silent, to refuse to answer.
Tucker looked to Church who was avoiding eye contact at all cost, "We still have backup coming, right?"
"..."
"What did YOU do?" Tucker interrogated his friend.
[A Few Moments Ago]
"Absolutely not, I refuse to send any support your way. You bumbling group of dumbasses." The Operations Officer yelled through the phone.
Church let continue yelling, "Look look there are a lot of innocents here. we got to trade deal coming in, quite possibly peace deal as well so show some support we might get something in return. That's the mission ain't it?"
"I don't care, you have your orders now you dummies get your asses back here or I'll have each and every one of you court martialed for insubordination." The Officer insisted on calling him out.
For some reason, this guy was getting on his nerves more than most people he has ever met. Whether it was the fact he thought he was better or that he believed they were useless. Whatever the reason may be didn't matter, the outcome remained the same, "Okay I understand. But listen to me you pencil pushing, SON OF A-"
[Present]
"We're fucked aren't we?" Tucker asked.
"Yeah feels like it." Church admitted.
"Welp what we have on us might work. Hell maybe we'll get lucky and they won't come." Sarge actually hoped for peace.
Let's face it, they are NEVER, that lucky.
To be continued...
Hey y'all, sorry this took way longer than expected. Been kinda in my own head for a while since I got back. It's not a good place to be in. But these stories have been helping me get back on my feet and take on The world again. I hope to see you all again soon, Remember to leave a review please. And I'll catch ya later.
Churchisalive signing off for now.