Southern Continent, World Year 1926…
"It's going just as we planned." the dark-blonde man said, pointing to the map laid out in front of them. "We were able to lure the enemy out with false information. That leaves our forces free to destroy the main Imperial forces while the mages are away."
Free Republic Military, Lt. Colonel
Severin Bientot
The man's superior officer, dressed in the full trappings of the Republic's military uniform, allowed himself a smirk of satisfaction. "We've won." he declared.
Free Republic Military, General
Pierre Michelaud du Lugo
Just then, an alarm began sounding as an observer noticed blips on the radar. "Sir, there's a ground force approaching rapidly from the south…"
"A ground force?" Pierre repeated. "Well then, have a mage battalion intercept them and take them out."
"That's just it, sir. Several battalions already have…and we've lost all contact with them." the observer said, before he noticed something. "Wait, now they're engaging the 12th Mage Battalion, and…they're about to break through!"
"The 12th?!" Severin asked in alarm. "D-Don't tell me…"
"They're heading straight towards us!" Pierre repeated. "And a ground force taking out several mage battalions in such quick succession…it can only mean one thing…!"
"Evacuate! Evacuate!" an officer yelled as the Republic soldiers quickly ran out of the tent.
"Damn it! Just when we thought it was safe…!" Pierre yelled.
"I'm sorry, sir!" Severin said as he grabbed the general and threw him out of the tent and into a trench.
Above him, Pierre could hear the sounds of combat, the Republic forces quickly being dispatched by the enemy.
"(Of all the forces the Empire could have sent our way…it had to be them!)" Pierre thought. "(The group that's almost as feared as the 203rd!)"
"Going somewhere?" a voice called out.
The general and the two soldiers with him looked up from the trench to see Cheetah right above them.
"Surprised to see our handiwork?" Cheetah asked.
"(Reformed Society!)" Pierre finished his thought, while the two soldiers aimed their rifles up at the former supervillain and opened fire.
"Try not to die too quickly." Cheetah said as she used her namesake speed to completely avoid the incoming gunfire as she sped right towards them, both of the grunts being sliced down by a single strike respectively.
Pierre, struck with fear, took a step away from Cheetah, only to bump into someone behind him.
"Hi." the person said, Pierre spinning around just in time to get a punch to the face, knocking him to the ground.
"So…remnants from the Republic, huh?" Matthew Patel asked Cheetah. "Guess getting defeated in the last war wasn't enough to stop some of their soldiers from fighting."
"Seems like it. The Empire sure had their hands full with these soldiers." Cheetah said.
"Not anymore." Matthew corrected. "With Nesma leading the other half of the group, I'd say that main force of theirs should be dealt with in ten minutes. We going to meet up with Tanya and her team after this?"
"That's right. They should be here soon. So let's clean house and wipe these guys out." Cheetah said..
"You got it." Matthew said as the two jumped out of the trench to help the rest of their team finish off the camp.
Fatebreakers: Demon Lord and Holy Child
Finale of the Demon Lord Saga
Starring:
The Fatebreakers
Reformed Society
Penned by MasterM1, David Ishihara, Hope the Victor, jexi the hunter, & Ace Neptune (The Color-Verse Group)
Several days later…
Imperial Capital Berun, Imperial Military Airbase…
The Horizon emerged from the clouds and landed in the air field, allowing the group and the 203rd to disembark from the ship.
"We're finally home!"
"How long have we been gone?"
"Can't wait to see what our off-world friends pull off this time!"
"Wanna grab something from Zofia Cafeteria while we have a chance?"
"Great idea! Or maybe head outside town?"
As the battalion emerged, they were followed close behind by the main group, Tanya taking the lead as they were met by an…old friend.
"You're finally home?" Lieutenant Colonel Erich von Rerugen observed as Tanya threw up a salute.
"Tanya von Degurechaff, of the 203rd Aerial Mage Battalion, liaison between Imperial Strategic Headquarters and Mythos Hearts, has returned." Tanya said.
"And, uh…we're back too!" Ethox said, hastily throwing up a salute as well.
"Welcome home, major." Rerugen said. "I've heard you've accomplished some great things during your tour of the Multiverse. I was extremely impressed by the reports."
"You honor me too highly." Tanya thanked her superior.
"I'm sure there were many unique difficulties during your travels."
"Indeed…and unfortunately, it seems one of those difficulties has found its way here." Tanya said.
"Ah yes, I just read the report you sent this morning." Rerugen said. "So, this…Zenos Road is here, in our world."
"Yeah, and he's bound to cause trouble now that he can't go back to Gaeabrande." Ethox added. "He'll probably try to take this world over."
"And the sooner we find him and take him out, the better." Ultra said.
"That's actually part of the reason I'm here to meet you in person." Rerugen said. "After reading your report, our scientists looked into any unusual activities, and there was a large spike in energy in one particular spot."
"That's gotta be where he and his Heavenly Kings are!" Ethox realized. "Where was it?"
"That…is the second reason I'm here." Rerugen answered. "That is…I'd like to tell you about your next mission." he said, turning to the two men standing next to him. "You know Major Uger, with our railroad division. And this is Captain Rudolph, with Strategic Recon."
"Recon?" Tanya asked.
"There's little time to give you a proper mission briefing, but the Reformed Society is waiting at your plane. They'll fill you in on your mission."
"Uh…Rerugen? Why do we need a plane? Why have a ship right behind us." Ethox pointed out.
"Well, we wouldn't want the communists to have a chance to grab either of your ships, would we?" the Lieuteanant Colonel asked.
"...C-Communists?" Tanya said, suddenly having a very bad feeling about where they were going…
Hours later…
"Russia?! They're sending us to Russia?!" Kazuma sputtered, as the Fatebreakers, the 203rd, and Reformed Society were all in a plane flying through the cold skies of the east.
"That's right. Rerugen's reports say Zenos is there, so that's where we're goin'." Captain Cold said.
"Is there problem with Russia?" Molotok asked.
"Russia, in 1926, during a war? That's a major red flag! Emphasis on red!" Kazuma said. "Those guys take no prisoners!"
"Not to mention it being cold as all Hell there." Rayleigh said.
"Chill out Rayleigh, it ain''t that bad." Captain cold said.
"Easy for you to say!" Kazuma said. "You're the only one of us dressed for the cold!"
"Ahem." Esmeralda said.
"Ahem." Glacius said.
"Oh, right… and we've got a white tiger and snow leopard with us." Kazuma said.
"Before you complain about your situation Sato, how do you think Tanya feels? She knows how a situation like this plays out." Mirror Match pointed out.
"Then again, they have magic here, so maybe it won't be like…those other guys' attempt." Nemo said.
"Probably." Ethox said before turning to Cheetah and Reformed Society members present. "Hey, thanks again for answering Tanya's call guys. Sorry to drag you into our mess though."
"Oh, it was no trouble at all. We have no problems taking jobs like this." Valfor said. "We even did a bit of cleaning up while we were here."
"Sounds like a story. Something for later though, as we do have a mission." DJ said.
"Indeed we do." Matheus piped in. "Gather up, Fatebreakers, Reformed Society and 203rd company! Time for Mission Debrief!"
On Matheus's command, everyone in the plane stood at attention for Tanya.
"Early this morning, the eastern theater forces 437th Tactical Special Recon Platoon sent out an emergency report. Russy Federation units were seen actively moving along Warning Line 1. Thus, due to an accidental error during training exercises, our forces will be crossing into Federation territory to conduct reconnaissance. We will observe their forces activites, and if nessecary, issue a warning. We are not, however, to open Hostilites." Tanya explained.
"So we're not gonna start anythin' with the Feds now, are we?" Yangus asked.
"The only target we have on our radar while in Federation Territory is Zenos Road and his Heavenly Kings. Even then, we are not to shoot unless they attack first. If we are forced to fight with the Federation, our orders are to withdraw immediately. Until war is declared, the slightest mistake will be a violation of the neutrality treaty, so we need to be extremely careful."
"Understood. No sudden movements." Kareem said.
"However, if things do escalate into a fight, we might have to fight back. Though, for us to engage, the Federation has to fire the first shot." Zamazenta said.
"Well put, Zamazenta." Tanya said. "Under normal circumstances for commies, I'd say we'd blow the crap out of them. But we need them to shoot first. Until that happens, no one here is to engage under any circumstance."
"That… puts us in a pretty bad position." Grantz admitted.
"I agree with Lieutenant Grantz…" Vicktoriya agreed, a few of the soldiers chuckling.
"The plane is taking us to the mission area at top speed." Tanya continued. "No adventurer worth their salt would pass up a mission in a kingdom of secrets, right? We've gone through hell and beyond, so I know you're all better than that."
"Okay, let's do this like we always do!"
"The dead of winter is communist territory? Fine by me!"
The soldiers psyched themselves on as Tanya allowed herself a moment of pride towards them. "I expect you all to handle this mission like you do every other! Do your utmost for the Fatherland and the Mythos Hearts guild! Glory to the Empire, and to Mythos Hearts!"
"Glory!" the soldiers saluted.
A while later, the plane was directly over the mission area as the group jumped out of the plane and to the ground below.
"Well, that has to be the calmest HALO jump we've done." DJ remarked as the group trekked through the snow.
"Considering we were shot at and on a time limit the last two times we did, I'd agree." Ultra said.
"What the heck was it like last time you guys were here?" Tida asked.
Tanya raised a hand to silence the group before she pulled out a pair of binoculars and looked over a hill at a rail yard, where Federation soldiers were working. "Armored trains, AA guns, heavy machine guns, and tanks. And those stacks are…live ammo and vehicle fuel?"
"What are the chances they're just looking to pawn this stuff off?" Rista asked.
"Not great." Seiya remarked.
"Major, over here." Grantz called out, pointing to another part of the railyard where a large gun was on top of a truck, several soldiers working to unload ammo for it.
"They brought a railway gun?" Tanya said in surprise. "Look at the size of it… That thing's practically a declaration of war by itself."
"No doubt about that. This thing is a monster." Rayleigh said.
"Why would the Federation have something like that?" Lily asked.
"Maybe they think just having one would be enough to discourage anyone from attacking them. Like having a big dog in your front yard." Ultra said.
"Maybe…or maybe they're planning to use it for another war. Tanya did say one might start up again." Ethox said.
"Uh, guys?" Legolia spoke up. "Not to alarm anybody, but that Railway gun barrel is moving."
"What?" Ethox said, right as the railway gun fired, shocking everyone.
"It…It fired." Grantz said in shock.
"Reports state that the Federation is attacking on all fronts!" Matheus said as he was listening to a radio. "The Federation has declared war on the Empire."
"Then that Federation outpost down there is an active base of operations! They were planning to fire the first shot all along!" Legolia asked.
"Oi, Tanya! We can have at those blokes down there now, right?" Yangus asked.
"Yes Yangus, that's exactly what the Federation is now implying! All troops, prepare for the assault!" Tanya ordered.
"You heard her. Leave no stone unturned." Cheetah said.
"So, what's the plan? Scorched Earth?" Nesma asked.
"Yep. Scorched Earth." Jessica said.
The mages took to the air while the others approached from the ground.
"Any sign of mages among the enemy?" Tanya asked.
"None at the moment." Viktoriya answered.
"Good. We can assume that the Federation is already in combat with our eastern forces theater." Tanya said as the mages got into attack formation. "Attention to ground forces. We will attack the enemy's infantry and rear lines. In the meantime, you will be charged with destroying that railway gun. I'll leave how to your discretion, just get it done."
"You got it!" Ethox confirmed.
"Men, don't let those Communists have a single inch! Take up your guns and fight! Light a fire under their feet and watch them burn!"
"Right!"
"Begin the mission!" Tanya ordered as the group flew in and started firing down at the enemy.
"What the - an enemy attack?! That's impossible, we're not at the front lines!" one of the Federation soldiers exclaimed as the initial attack sent them scattering.
"The railway gun! Protect the railway gun!" a commander barked out as the troops rallied around their weapon.
"This is going to be fun. Take out the grunts, and keep that weapon unattended!" Esmeralda said.
"Yes, ma'am. It shall be done." Valfor said.
"We'll take out the gun! Only question is how?" Ethox asked.
"Some well-placed projectiles from my trusty grenade launcher should do the job!" Megumin said.
"Good idea, Meg! Go for the shells they're trying to load into the dang thing!" Nemo said.
The arch wizard complied, firing sticky grenades at just the right arc that they landed onto the shells being carried by two soldiers.
"What the heck is that-?" one of them tried to question before it exploded, destroying the shell (and them).
Working in tandem with Reformed Society, the Fatebreakers soon managed to destroy the Railway Gun, as the former kept the soldiers away from the weapon that started it all. And it wasn't long before the entire Federation outpost was razed to the ground. The mages floated back and observed the handiwork they and their allies had accomplished.
"Tanya, Railway gun is derailed. Looks like we disabled the outpost." Ethox said.
"Good work. Still, it's weird we haven't seen any mages yet." Tanya said before Matheus got a radio message.
"Major, we've been ordered to reinforce the eastern forces. They've given us full discretion on how." Matheus said.
"The Feds are probably attacking all out, and the Eastern force isn't doing so good in holding them back." DJ said. "What's the play to help?"
"If we want to return to the border, we need to break through the enemy's rear lines." Tanya said. "Let's take the easy route this time."
"I think I see what you are planning, Tanya. We cut their attack off by attacking the one place they will more than likely pull back for." Mirror Match said.
"The capital itself, Moscow." Glacius said.
"You catch on quick, Glacius. That's right. We'll be launching a full assault on Moscow. Call it a strategic diversion." Tanya said.
"Attacking Moscow? Tanya, this ain't like striking Dakia after you manipulated army time law, we're going straight at an Allied Capital City." DJ said.
"And yet, it's the best course of action right now. With all of their attention at the eastern front, the capital is mostly defenseless." Agito said.
"Plus, the Federation's capital is poorly defended. They've only got trainees staying behind." Angelo said.
"In short, it's the perfect diversion." Tanya concluded. "Run it through HQ. See if there are any political considerations."
"Roger." Matheus said.
"Who knows, maybe Zenos or one of his kings will make an appearance." Ethox suggested.
"Perhaps. Either way…I can't wait for HQ to give permission." Tanya smiled as the sun began to peak over the mountain side.