Knights of Rebellion
Chapter 3
Sorry to those who've been waiting on this one. But I was putting everything I could into my other stories. Especially Justice Across Space and Time, as well as my newest two of The Heroic God Slayer and Azur Heroes. The latter of which will have a new chapter soon. But that isn't the focus now. Its about the new war brewing. On with the show.
(No POV)
With the war to free Kuschpercha done, the Order of the Silver Phoenix was set to study and research more and more new types of silhouette knights. And Ernie was more than happy to put his hobby to work making new silhouette knights. "Now I wonder what the new model should be….. I could build something around the basis of the Tyrantos. They used more with heavy armament, so maybe there could be a way-"
"I don't think we'll have time to worry about that silver hair. We've got a different matter to deal with," the dwarf leader David said as he was walking into Ernie's office. In his hand he carried a missive from the capital. The current king of Fremavia, Leotamus, was requesting the leaders of the Order of the Silver Phoenix.
But Addy and Kid were confused at the general meeting. "What's this all about? We only just received our laboratory, and now we have to meet with the king? Think this has to do with some other crisis?" "Enough you two. We'll find out when we arrive at Känkänen. Though I won't deny this is strange." Edgar notes after Ernie reads the summons from the king. Dietrich and Helvi though wonder if it had to do with the silhouette knights taken from the war with Zaloudek. Ernie though just sighs before noting that they have to go. 'Even if I wanted to get back to researching my hobby. What is this all about?'
Leotamus graciously acknowledges the Silver Phoenix when they arrive. "I'm glad you came on such short notice. I know you are working in tandem with the Knight Laboratory to develop more knights for our nation. However, there is need for your expertise and skill elsewhere." This confuses the knights kneeling before the king, so Ernie asks what could have happened.
A foreign member to the court steps forward. He introduces himself as the ambassador from the nation of Guerrabesti. "We have a series of colonies in the continent to the south, Pakanga. However, a dangerous rebellion has taken place there. They have special units that have been demolishing our forces time and time again. And there is now some monster aiding them. We need allies if we are to hope to suppress this rebellion." Leotamus speaks his own piece about the matter.
Noting that while they may not have a stake in the war, "we are still obligated to aid our allies in these matters. Given the strange units described, I thought it best that I send you all. Given your experience and history." "I understand sire. We will follow through on this matter at once." Ernie says with a bow of his head. But in his mind, the boy is excited for the prospect of learning about new units. Both from Pakanga and Guerrabesti.
With that the Order prepares their airship and readies to meet at the Guerrabesti port town of Marizui. Once there they talk with a few of the soldiers. As well as noting the units and small airships that a few of them have. "What's that all about? How do you have those devices?" The Guerrabesti forces are confused as well and ask if Fremavia had traded with Zaloudek as well.
This incises a few of the members of the Order, so the soldiers back track a bit to explain what little they knew. "The queen has been ruling for a time and approved of a trade agreement with Zaloudek a few years back. We traded for one of their Tyrantos, as well as a few airships. We were hoping it would turn the tide of the war, especially when we developed our own knights based on the Tyranto design." The soldier explaining pointed to the Attacca and Tirato machines they had nearby.
Ernie's eyes light up as he looks over the machines. "Impressive pieces of equipment! These Attacca's seem more for hand-to-hand combat! I think even Ikaruga would have some trouble if it was just a physical brawl. While the Tirato's are a creative take on the sub arms as well as some flexible defensive ideas. Makes me all the more curious on what the enemy has that these units weren't enough to win."
"The fiery red knight is one thing. Thing appears out of the sky in a bright red blaze, and smashes through most of our troops before we can fight back. To say nothing of its energy blast potential. And that was before the red winged knight appeared. Now they have an even stronger burning knight." Upon hearing this Ernie is stunned. As is the rest of the Order. They all believed that only Ernesti could come up with ideas as crazy as making a silhouette knight that could fly.
But once Ernie has shaken out of his shock, a huge smile breaks out over his face. 'Another knight that can fight in the air! This could be the bigger epic fight I've been looking for! Sure, the Vyver was a challenge; but its nothing compared to a battle between two super robot fighters!' While Ernie is thinking this, a brigadier general arrives and welcomes the Order to their town. He then provides the heading and location for where they need to take the supplies to.
The knightsmiths use their silhouette gears to load up the materials and a few of the other machines before heading for the Pakanga port town of Veineta. On the way, Ernie and a few of the others review the information their allies had on the Pakanga forces. "Looks like this rare red crystal is a major boon to their forces. Especially these hit and run types. Just like my platoon." "Meanwhile the bear like forces seem really imposing themselves. They'd be a nasty enemy to fight up close. Let alone fighting them in a siege." "I'm more concerned about the fact that these people created the strand type tissue themselves. Let alone any information they could have gained due to the failed taking of that fort." The eldest knights in the room noted as they were going over the details.
Kid meanwhile is feeling uneasy about this whole matter. He talks about it with Addy while the rest were meeting. "The Guerrabesti queen…. She helped Zaloudek take Kushpercha….. even if it was indirectly." "That may be true Archid. But that is probably a matter we shouldn't be worrying about….. I mean, Fremavia is allied with Guerrabesti and they were allied with Kushpercha before it fell. We helped them take it back, but we can't turn away from a different ally asking for help. Right?" Kid wants to disagree with his sister. But he does see what she is getting at. Allies are supposed to aid one another, and right now they are allies of the Guerrabesti forces.
When they arrive at Veinta, all of the members can feel the tension in the air. David notes, "Looks like this is more tense than we realized. Though the city looks fine." "That's because there is something of a tenuous truce between both sides in this and the other major port city. The main knight orders here protect the people, the city, and only that. Both orders refuse to get involved. Though some of that might be due to the fact that the leaders of the rebellion are their children." The one who explained the matter was Scuderio. The solid built man showed his experience through his scars and the way he carried himself. He was bald and of fair complexion, and his dark eyes had a gleam that demonstrated that he was still planning. Even while meeting his new allies.
He cordially greeted the members of the Silver Phoenix before asking the commanders to discuss where they could be of greatest aid. The first order or request he gives is for the third platoon to aid in moving supplies around the region to their bases. "Those knight and rider units are just what we need. They have units that specialize in fast assaults, and we've lost many a caravan to them." "Understood sir. Addy. Kid. I want you two with my team as well."
"Actually, miss Helvi, I have something special for Kid." Ernie says with a smirk. He explains that he had built a special unit for Kid as a reward for his heroism in the final battle with Zaloudek. "It's a modified Tzendolimble. Rather than a purely a lance fighter, it has the capability to use magic as well as fighting up close. And I've got some special reactors made for the machine." Kid is wide eyed at the prospect of his own personal machine and thanks Ernie profusely.
Though the silver haired commander does mention that the unit isn't finished yet. "We still need to do some fine tuning. As well as getting specs for the cockpit just right. Should take a couple of days." "I understand David. In that case I'll put someone else in charge of the third group for the time being." Helvi says with a nod.
"Alright then. Now comes the next matter. We need to lure out the burning knight. It's just been doing hit and run attacks as well, but it has been more terrifying given it can appear from the sky." "I see your point sir. Just flying around randomly won't aid in finding our enemy." Ernie argues with Scuderio. The two compare ideas and try to build some kind of strategy. But it is Edgar and Dietrich who have the general solution.
They note that while the burning knight's initial attacks had been focused on raiding and possibly inspiring people, "he would still probably aid his comrades as quickly as possible right?" "Meaning he'd rush to their aid if we attacked a fort or position held by the rebellion." Scuderio nods before pointing to a pass within the mountain range. Saying, "We have no definitive proof, but there have been a fair number of attacks from around this series of mountains. I would bet there is a base here."
"And you haven't attacked it why?" Kid asks with a skeptical look. A few of the others look to the young pilot with annoyance or wondering if he really just asked that. Scuderio just sighs before acknowledging they were waiting for more reinforcements. "If it is a stronghold of any kind we can't risk losing more resources. We lost three airships and a fair number of knights after the failed attack on Fort Gātahi. Then the burning knight's raids…. Well, we've been stretched thin." He also notes that the rebellion was stretched thin as well, but they were making better use of the terrain.
The first and second platoon leaders nod before asking Ernie to standby near the mountain pass. The commander of the Silver Phoenix agrees, and each group sets about their new plans.
But back at Tūmanako, the rebellion forces know about the support the Guerrabesti forces have gained. Including the fact that they have special units as well. "I thought Guerrabesti got their new units from Zaloudek?" "They did. I'd be willing to bet that Zaloudek stole something first, and then the queen ordered some hardware to help her forces fight against us." Han says to Ezio while the leaders of each unit were meeting.
Andrea brings up the most important fact. "None of that matters right now. With these new forces they'll most likely step up any offensive. As well as improving their defenses and supply situation. How soon until my unit is done?" Edgar or Eddy to his friends stepped up next to tell about the unit Andrea had requested.
"Originally, it was to be a modified version of the Thiben units. But with the new pieces taken from the enemy, we've managed to combine all of the pieces." He would let Andrea name the unit herself, but he ran over the specs that she had requested and the knightsmiths felt were necessary.
The base body was similar to a Thiben, but it had a new set of arms and armor added. The main arms had buckler shields added for some cover, as well as other increases in armor all around. On the back were two sets of sub arms though they were much bulkier compared to what had been found on the captured units. The upper set had the capability to rotate and attack similar to what had been observed by the others from Scuderio's unit. As well as the capability to fire magic. While the lower set had extra magic blasting potential and the capability to wield weapons. The legs had been reinforced with some thrusters and bracing equipment as well. And for a final piece of power, the unit was capable of firing multiple magic shots or a concentrated beam from each of rod points.
Andrea smiled before noting what she wanted the unit for. "This machine is one I wanted for siege warfare. I wanted something that could fight for itself as well as lead the charge in a battle to take a fort or castle again. I won't let anyone else die because we couldn't take the castle in time." Han just sighs but wonders what else could come their way with the coming forces.
His answer comes soon. As the first reports come in of the centaur like knights that seemed to be escorting supplies to enemy positions. The Lupas units can catch up to the enemy, but they face stiff competition given the numbers and mobility of their enemy. When the reports come in, a few members question where they can go next to face this strange new foe.
But then they get a report from one of their major hideaways in the Ponamu mountains. "We're under siege and need assistance!" came the report as the Silver Phoenix's first and second platoons were assaulting the formerly hidden base. Ezio has his pilots prepare to launch but Han beats him to it with Fenyx. 'I don't know what I'll be facing. But I'm not letting those guys die. Not while I can still fly.' Han thinks as he adjusts the magic output for speed in his jets.
As he arrives, he sees the Guairlinde and Aldirat leading the charge against his allies. Right as the two gesture with their swords to engage the others, Fenyx burst right in and blast the two machines back.
"AH! What the…. Hell?" Dietrich says before trailing off at the sight of Fenyx. Edgar is also stunned but tilts his shields to take a shot at the burning knight of rebellion with his shield sections. He is not however ready for the speed that Fenyx shows on the ground. Right after he fired the magic, Fenyx is in front of him. Before he can even respond the blazing knight quickly chops off both of the shield sub arms. And kicks the Aldirat away into his subordinates.
Dietrich eventually shakes out of the shock and tries to attack Fenyx with the boosted speed his Guairlinde is known for. But he seems like he is moving in slow motion compared to Fenyx, with the machine making almost casual dodges of his sword swings. He tries to use the magic blasters he has as a last resort, but the other red machine easily spins under the shots. While knocking the Guairlinde off its feet.
The attack is followed up with uppercut, and then magic blasts focused on the main arms. The shots destroy the energy shooters, and then Han follows it up with an attack from his wings. Slicing the hands off of the Guairlinde. To add insult to injury, Han double kicks the machine back down to the ground.
"So, this was what the enemy felt. When they faced off with Ernie." Edgar says with a cough. This attack by Han was enough to give his allies enough time to get to their own machines or allow others the chance to escape. Meaning there was a new battle brewing on Ponamu mountain.
But that isn't where Han is focused. Right as his allies were finally ready, a new player arrived. "I have to say, that machine is impressive. And you've done well to adapt our designs. But I'm still taking you down!" Ernesti had arrived with a flash of blue fire.
The two lead machines stared each other down. The tension palpable as the Thiben and Lupas units gathered behind the Fenyx. Then with a burst of flame from each, Ikaruga the blue knight of the Silver Phoenix, and Fenyx the red knight of rebellion, met sword to fist.
Ernie was surprised at the durability of his enemy's arms and gauntlets, let alone the fact that this machine was matching him in pure power. "Where did all this power come from?! Does it have to do with that other crystal tissue?!" Ernie shouted as the two took to the sky with their machines. As they shoved each other back before reengaging one another Han answered the teen who matched his age.
"It doesn't hurt, but we knew how to make wire type tissue as well. Your little innovation isn't that strange to us!" "Wire….. Wait you mean strand type crystal tissue?! But how did… GAH!" Ernie shouts as he gets distracted by trying to figure out what his enemy was telling him. But this was some of what Han was counting on. 'He's not really a fighter. He's not a soldier or a knight. He's a builder and a game player. While the latter isn't bad for piloting, he underestimates everything and can easily get caught up in his thoughts.' Han thinks while clashing a few more times.
On the ground, Edgar and Dietrich are worried at seeing how hard Ernesti was having to fight against this new opponent. "You think he's got this?" "We can't worry about that for now D! We've got incoming! You need to fall back. Your unit is too damaged to fight." Edgar says while picking up one of the Guairlinde's swords. As much as Dietrich wants to disagree, he knows his old friend is right. His troops cover him while he and a few others retreat from the mountain.
Back in the sky though, Ernie is struggling against his opponent. "This isn't like with the Vyver. I don't think he'll be running out of steam anytime soon. So I'll have to keep him at a distance for now." He deploys the gun sections of his blades and starts taking magic shots at Fenyx. But the red machine easily counters with his own magic blasts. Ernie then tries to launch the hands of his machine to use the lightning flail function.
But Han suspects what he is doing and dodges some of the wire guided attacks. Even using the blades of his wings, and some of the dagger like feathers in the hands of his machine, to cut the wires. "Going for a wired bit attack huh? Won't work. I've seen that before." Han says to himself before rocketing in close. Ernie panics a bit and tries to fire a blast from his swords.
But he doesn't expect what happens next. Right as he was firing, the Fenyx seemingly disappeared. Right as the magic struck, it vanished from his view. Only to reappear right next to Ikaruga and smash it's fist right into the section where the sword came apart. The impact causes cracks in the weapon. But before Ernie can pull away, Han focuses more magic into the fist. And destroys one of Ikaruga's swords.
Ernie's shock is palpable, and he is trembling in his cockpit. But Han isn't wasting the opportunity. Before Ernie can recover, he lays into the blue machine to do even more damage. Even grabbing onto Ikaruga's back and ripping off the sub arms attached. Ernie eventually snaps out of it and tries to escape, but the damage was already done.
With another set of devastating blows, finished with a double hammer fist to the top of Ernie's machine, Ikaruga is grounded. And just to make sure about disabling it, Han charges up magic in all six limbs and his chest piece before firing it at the downed machine. Once he is done, all of Ikaruga's limbs are destroyed and the head has been blasted off. All that is left is the broken torso, riddled with cracks from Han's earlier assault.
Upon seeing this, the members of the Order of the Silver Phoenix are shocked and dumbfounded. They can barely process what has occurred, but Dietrich is the first to react. "ERNIE!" he shouts as he tries to run and save the downed commander. But he is stopped by two things. First is Han landing in between the two machines. The second is Edgar grabbing the Guairlinde with his Aldirat.
When Dietrich shouts for Edgar to let him go, Edgar responds with, "You can't save Ernie if you are dead too! We have to retreat!" With that shout, the rest of the Order of the Silver Phoenix retreats from Ponamu mountain.
Once they are gone, Han gets out of his machine and works with some of the others to tear open the chest plate of the Ikaruga. When they find the unconscious Ernie inside they are shocked. Mostly because they all think he is either a girl or just a child. Han just huhs, before ordering the rest to capture and restrain the boy. And to abandon the base. "They already know about this place. We need to get out of here and make sure they can't use this area against us." Han says before loading back into Fenyx. He hums to himself while wondering if this strange boy he captured was similar to himself.
Sorry this took a while, but I needed to get through a lot of my other stories. And now I'm going to focus on another one I've been putting off for a while. Please review!