Day One
Adrian, who was now attached to the ground army in Mistral, was looking over the trenches and their newest invention thanks to the Faunus weaponsmith who was the reason they now have the nickname 'Needle Rifle'. Unlike the rest of the weapons of Remnant, the rifle was powered by black powder instead of dust which upon the attack on the former slave hub, found that they could pierce Aura due to the bullets traveling faster than their Dust counterparts.
"Any movement?" Adrian asked as he scanned the environment in front of them.
"None sire. It's a ghost town over there." A soldier said, looking through binoculars.
"Keep at it. We do not fire first. Let he who is with sin cast the first stone." Adrian quoted, though he changed it slightly.
Soon, two soldiers came forward as they unrolled a map of the area large enough for all to see which showed the area they were at. Along with the port town which would give them access for more troops and supplies which was their objective to capture.
Unsheathing his sword, Adrian spoke loudly to all gathered as he walked onto the map alongside a faunus with a horse tail who was dressed in the newly dubbed 'Artillery Officers' uniform. "Here is the battle plan!" He spoke loud enough for all to hear him. "We are here." He pointed to the former slave hub which was now turned into a military fortification thanks to the earth works created by both regular and vampiric forces.
"The enemy is stationed here." He pointed his sword to the other side. "Unfortunately, the enemy has home field advantage as they know these lands better than us. But our superior instincts will allow us to sniff them out in an instant. And once we do, we will bombard them with our cannons. Once that happens, we have to be quick! Rush them and show no mercy!" Adrian exclaimed.
Those gathered nodded as Adrian continued, "Once the enemy attacks, we shall bombard them with cannon fire while we dig tunnels thirty feet from their positions where the attack shall happen." He sheathed his sword as he nodded towards the faunus officer, "Jackson."
He moved as the faunus stepped forward. "Howitzers! 12 and 24 pounder rifle breech loading field guns!" He stopped in front of the crews who were standing by their guns ready to spring into action. They have a five kilometer range and unprecedented precision. The noise they make is deadly."
Soon an aide came to inform Adrian that the enemy was spotted in the town as they informed him of them moving in standard formation towards their position. With a nod towards Jackson, he looked back at everyone present. Jackson then spoke, "Cover your ears when they are about to fire, for I can assure you I did not joke about the nose they make when fired." Pulling out his pocket watch, he informed everyone present. "It is now 10:30. We will begin upon the orders of the prince to wear down the enemy's position."
That's when a loud bang was heard and a faunus soldier shouted, "Enemy fire!"
Adrian smirked and said to Jackson, "Fire."
Jackson covered his ears as he yelled out the order that would mark a change in the realm of warfare for generations to come, "FIRE!" With that single order the line of howitzers came to life as the deafening BOOM could be heard down the line as the crews worked to load in shell after shell that would be rained down on their enemies.
Down below, Mistral forces would become the victims of the first volley of the bombardment as earth and blood would litter the ground as many would attempt to try and gain control over the painicing forces. Only for the advancement to stop and the forces retreat back to what they believed was a safe distance from the cannons, only for the town to come under fire.
Roars of monsters covered their ears as Faunus and Vampires stormed the town and began to shoot down all the enemy soldiers. The town was quickly taken over and the soldiers cheered.
The plan was a success and so far the only thing they had was wounded from those who took a stray bullet or bolt which was mostly the faunus soldiers, but even then their spirits were high as even a rider rode up to Adrian, "My Lord! The enemy is in full retreat ! Only a token force guards the port!" He informed Adrian as by all means it was believed the enemy force would have regrouped towards the port which would have caused them to have besieged the port and possibly damage the instructor yet it seems they were wrong.
"Perfect. They've fallen into our trap. Let us pursue them." Adrian ordered.
"Yes sire! Troops, move out!" Jackson shouted out. To which everyone did. They followed the trail to the port where the remaining soldiers were seen kneeling before a large battleship flying Stoker's colors.
Once the ramp was secured to the dock, the clicking of boots could be heard as the sight of Striga was seen in her full day armor with her bastard sword on her back. "Well you have done better than I expected, my Prince. I had expected a fight when I landed with my forces." She said towards Adrian as the healers tended to the wounded they had among their forces while the prisoners were rounded up and prepared to be handled.
"Technical superiority and experience will always prevail in a fight. What news do you bring, Commander?" Adrian asked as he looked at her.
Striga pulled out a rolled parchment as she handed it to Adrian who unrolled it and began to read it. "Orders from His Majesty. We are to capture as much territory as possible while our navy works to disrupt the lines of supplies between Mantle and Mistral while also preparing for a possible invasion of Mantle port towns."
Adrian read the orders but what was interesting was that he was told to not take the Mistral capital. Instead to focus on making the enemy forces focus on them.
'What is Father planning...' He thought to himself before looking at her and nodded. "It will be done."
Striga nods as her forces now joined Adrian's which would come to be known as 'the march to the sea in military history.
Day Two
When news came of the devastating defeat suffered by Mistral's forces, Mantle would begin trying to send its own forces via the sea. Unaware that the first of many battles was to be waged on the waves of the ocean.
Out in the cold seas, there stood many battleships, forming a blockade. The largest ship stood in the middle with the main commander of the Navy military on it. His red hair blew out into the wind with his arms crossed.
"Commander Godbrand! We have a visual! Several ironclad warships are on approach!" A navy man said.
Godbrand nodded, for while he might not be for the more 'modern' ways of fighting a naval war, he could not argue with his Lords' logic. With a sharp command he said, "Man your battle stations! Prepare the first volley!"
With a salute, the seamen of the ship went into action as the double barrel turrets and deck mounted guns turned and began to lift for the correct elevation.
"Mantle ironclads will be in range soon, Commander!" Reported a Faunus with bear paws for hands who was looking through a pair of deck mounted binoculars.
"This is the day, lads! Where we retake the sea as our own! We'll show them why we are the masters of the sea!" Godbrand exclaimed with the raise of his fist.
"URA! URA!" The crew responded as the bear faunus from before reported, "Five minutes before the enemy is within range!"
It was a tense silence for four and a half minutes as everyone waited for them to be in range. Godbrand had a bloodthirsty grin on his face as he waited with anticipation. This was looking to be the greatest day of his life, where he would command his very own army of the sea. While it wasn't necessarily as thrilling as raiding small villages, this was certainly a step up in terms of power. He wanted to kill people with his own hands and weapons, but this would do.
"They're within range!" The faunus reported.
"FIRE!" Godbrand shouted.
Godbrand almost fell if had not grip the railing as the cannons of his flag ship along with the others of the blockade roared to life with their salvos, plums of water splashed as did what looked to be explosions from their deadly shells landing on enemy ironclads.
"REPORT!" Demanded Godbrand as he wanted to know what their ships did to the enemy.
A faunus reported, "Of our salvo fifty confirmed hits! Rest miss, Commander!" Which would be good for any Commander, but not a prideful man of the sea such as Godbrand.
"Grrr... I want them ALL destroyed!! Target the rest! Don't stop until they're all fucking scrap!" Godbrand shouted as he stared at the remaining Ironclads.
The sailor saluted as the cannons that missed were recalculated and soon another salvo was fired, however the enemy this time did return the favor as plums of smoke answered back and one shell was lucky enough to hit the rear deck of Godbrand's ship which resulted in a fire erupting as it was clear this was a fire Dust infused shell.
"We've been hit! Fire on the rear deck!" Another sailor reported, "The Golden Dawn reports being hit as well! Her rear gun is damaged!" Crewmen rushed about trying to put the fire out while their ships continued to return fire against the now remaining forty or so Mantle ironclads.
"Endure the pain! She can handle it!" Godbrand shouted as he held onto the railings.
More shots were fired from both ships and fire erupted on both sides. To the inhabited islands, all they would hear were loud booms, like thunder. It made the civilians think a storm was coming.
Soon, the last of Mantle's ironclads broke from the battle and retreated back to their home ports, of the fifty that was sent, only twenty would return home, the Sea War was won in favor of Stoker but not without its own wounds.
"Commander! Ten of our ships are too damaged to continue and request to return to port. Others have superficial damage and can continue to hold the blockade. However…" The seaman breathed as he continued his report, "However, we have suffered, fifty or so dead, seventy wounded among the collective ships, Commander Godbrand."
Godbrand sighed as the feeling of victory was mixed with melancholy. He always respected those who would fall in battle. "Give the order for them to turn back. We've done good work for today. We'll bring our dead back soon." He ordered.
The sailor saluted before leaving to carry out Godbrand's orders. The old viking vampire watched the sea burn bright with the flames of Mantle's ironclads which slowly sank to the bottom of the ocean depth. Along with the bodies of the dead crew that floated on the water, only for themselves to sink to their watery graves.
However, as they allowed themselves a moment to rest, they realized... They were not alone. "Commander! We've picked up something on visual! It's a Grimm!!" A sergeant reported.
Godbrand couldn't help but grin slightly with hope, "What type is it?" He asked.
"It's... Holy good god. It's a Kraken!" The sergeant shouted.
Godbrand's slight grin evolved into a full blown grin as he ordered. "PREPARE FOR GRIMM COMBAT! Break out the weapons! We shall send this creature of Hell back to the depths below!"
The crew started to get to work, pulling out weapons and reloading the cannons.
"Grimm on approach!" The sergeant shouted.
Godbrand with his iconic battle axes in hand and a bloodthirsty grin shouted to the crew, "FULL BORE INTO THE BASTARD!"
Which caused one crewman to shout at Godbrand, "ARE YOU MAD!?"
He looked at the crewman and laughed, "HA! Afraid to get wet!? I SAID FULL STEAM AHEAD!!"
The captain of the ship soon ordered, "Full steam ahead, Helmsman!"
The Helmsman soon grabbed the levers and racked them into the full setting as he responded, "Full steam ahead, aye!" As the ship began to move on an intercept course with the oncoming Grimm. Godbrand rested his left leg on the railing and an ax raised into the sky and shouted, "LET ALL WHO DIE TODAY, DIE WITH HONOR IN THE VIEW OF THE GREAT GODS OF THE SEA! HAHAHAHA!!!"
The only ones who truly cheered alongside him were the ones from Godbrand's clan. Everyone else was nervous as hell at fighting a Grimm. Especially an elder such as the Kraken.
Soon another crewman reported, "WITHIN FIRING RANGE OF THE GRIMM!" Godbrand only responded with a hearty, "FIRE! Give the bastard a taste of our guns! Then ram the bastard if he ain't dead yet!"
The cannons fired and it struck true. The Grimm roared from within the sea, however it continued its path towards them. Several other ships began firing their own cannons to try and damage it.
That's when the ship collided with the giant squid. Suddenly, tentacles sprouted out from the sea. All Hell broke loose as the crew started to fire their rifles at it.
Godbrand laughed as he was slicing tentacle after tentacle with his axes.
Other members of his clan joined the melee as they attacked the tentacles of the Grimm which seemed to burn when coming into contact with their weapons that were laced with fire Dust as they came alit. Angered, the Grimm finally brought its large body out of the water at the stern of the ship as a crewman shouted to Godbrand, "Kraken at the stern of the ship, sir!"
"Now the real fun can begin!" Godbrand ran towards the stern where he saw the Grimm for the first time.
It was easily thirty five to fifty feet tall with each tentacle about double the length of its body. It's skin was as black as the void with white bone plating around the top of its tentacles and sides of the head. Its eyes were deep red as it seemed to glare at the crew.
"Come on, tentacled fucker! Greet us to Valhalla!!" Godbrand roared as he charged towards the Kraken. The creature roared as it tried to sweep at a laughing Godbrand who dodged and chopped at its attacking tentacles.
Godbrand cut the thick tentacle off which made it roar in pain. The tentacle then disappeared into ash. One of the cannons turned to the direction of the stern and shot the Kraken at point black.
The creature again roared in pain but it wasn't dead, much to the joy of Godbrand who believed that today, the gods of the sea were giving him a chance to earn the title of Kraken Slayer.
Off to the side, a woman in a sailor's uniform screamed as a tentacle wrapped around her leg and started to drag her through the boat. "HELP! HELP ME!!"
Godbrand twirled his axes and roared as he started running towards it before jumping off of the boat.
But that's... When something akin to divine intervention happened. The girl screamed before her eyes glowing bright silver before it exploded and covered the whole area.
When the light died down, everyone looked in complete shock as the Grimm was encased in stone. Like when one gazes into Medusa's eyes. Godbrand was confused as his axes were embedded in the stone. "What the fuck!? What the hell just happened!?" He exclaimed.
All the sailors turned towards the woman whose eyes were glowing before she passed out.
Godbrand grunted as he ripped his axes out of the stone Grimm before jumping back onto the ship. He just stared dumbfounded before he walked over and to his surprise, she was alive. This caused him to shout "GET HER TO THE HEALERS! Then contact the mainland and inform our Lord of this AT ONCE!"
Dracula was in the War Room pushing the ships further out towards the snowy lands of Mantle.
That's when Carmilla walked inside, "My Lord, I have something from Godbrand to report." She spoke.
"What is it, Carmilla? Is the blockade secure?" Dracula asked.
Carmilla nodded, "Yes my Lord, however it is for your ears only." She says while looking at the generals, to which Dracula took pause as he turned back to them as he ordered, "Continue with the plans, this will only take a moment." They nodded as Dracula turned and walked with the clicking of his new boots against the floor and even his new uniform made him even more imposing then before as he took Carmilla towards an empty side room.
They stepped inside the room and Carmilla locked it. Dracula looked at her, "What is so important that it requires secrecy?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Carmilla held out the report as she said, "It is… well, to be honest, unbelievable if I had not seen the images myself taken via the scrying orbs, my Lord."
He took the report from her and read it. "A Kraken... Turned to stone by a girl with silver eyes. And Godbrand and his crew all witnessed this? This is not him exaggerating a tale of victory?" He asked.
That's when she produced a scrying orb in her hand, "No my Lord, this is real." She activated the orb which produced the image of the Grimm now encased in stone.
"They want to know what you wish to be done with the girl, my Lord." She added as she watched Dracula looking at the image produced by the scrying orb as he seemed to be stroking his chin deep in thought.
Dracula thought it over for a minute before ordering her, "Order Godbrand to send the girl back here. I want to know more about her and how she did this."
Carmilla bowed before returning to do just that as the idea that such a person with such abilities would be a boost for their fight against the Grimm. Of course, this information was kept secret for either her eyes or for the royal family's eyes only.
Which is why when the sailor was brought back to the mainland, she was only brought in at night. She was even brought into a carriage and surrounded by members of the royal guard which made the poor girl think she was in trouble. Or worst being brought forth to be executed, which was what her fear and thoughts were screaming to her.
This, of course, compounded her fears as the sight of Lady Carmilla was seen at the entrance to the castle. There was a tense silence before Carmilla spoke simply. "He awaits you in the throne room. Follow." Doing as she was told, the young woman followed Carmilla into the castle in a tense silence until they stopped outside the throne room doors. "Wait here." Commanded Carmilla as she entered first.
Leaving the young silvered eye girl standing still as she feared her ultimate demise, or possible demotion, or even punishment for something she had no control in doing.
That's when Carmilla stepped back out and spoke, "Come in." The girl walked into the throne room and her eyes widened as she stared up at the King that was sitting down in his chair as he stared down at the woman. "What is your name, girl?" He asked.
The girl, doing as she was trained to do, clicked her boots as she saluted her King while saying as loud a voice as possible, "S-Seawoman Maria Calavera, my King! Assigned to the Ironclad Thor!" She brought her hand down as she stood there at attention with her sailor's cap off and at her side.
Dracula intertwined his fingers together before speaking, "At ease. Now tell me what you know about what happened that day."
Now standing at the resting position, she was nervous as she said, "I… I honestly don't know what to say to you, my King."
Dracula frowned slightly. "You have no knowledge of what you did with your eyes?"
She shook her head slightly, "All I know is that I was afraid of dying, and then this… I-I don't know how to describe it, but a feeling came burning up from within me and then I blacked out and I woke up in the ship's medbay."
Dracula hummed, "A response to thoughts or fear... Hmm, Miss Calavera." He leaned forward in his throne, "I believe we have an opportunity before us. I want to personally train you into learning this power within you and how to best combat the Grimm. Much like the mercenaries in the other kingdoms. You don't have to answer now, as I want you to think about this."
The woman was stunned as she asked honestly, "I… I-I'm not in trouble? You're not going to discharge me from the service, my King?" It was honestly more of a shock than anything that she wasn't going to be killed.
"Miss Calavera. I have no reason to punish you. Your accidental power saved the lives of your Commander and your crew mates. I'd say that's worthy of praise. We simply want to know how this happened." Dracula replied.
She nodded dumbly for a moment before snapping to attention as she saluted the King. "YES MY KING! I thank you for this opportunity and I shall come back with my answer, my King!"
Dracula nodded with a small smile on his face before looking at Carmilla. "Set her up in one of the spare bedrooms."
He turned his head to look back at Calavera, "Should you accept my proposal, Miss Calavera, by the time I am finished with you... You will become a Grimm Reaper."
She simply clicked her boots and saluted again before leaving with a maid as Carmilla looked back to Dracula, "I can only assume you will wish for me to have my spies keep a lookout for more of these silver eyed people?"
"If there are more people with her gifts, yes. I believe they could be the true protectors of this world." Dracula said with a nod. "Be on the lookout, and see if they know how to use it."
Carmilla bowed and left the throne room, leaving Dracula alone with his thoughts as he began to stroke his chin beard at this new bit of information and how he would try to fit it into his new nation that was now fighting two of the world's powerful kingdoms.
"Praetorians perhaps? No, no, I need them to be loyal to the throne." Closing his eyes, he leaned back in his chair deep in thought on how to use them. That's when he opened his eyes and thought of the perfect rank. "My personal assassins. Much like the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine Empire." He concluded with a smirk.
When the next morning came, it found Dracula in his office with Maria standing at attention in his office.
"I assume that you are here because you have given my offer some thought?" Dracula asked.
He got a nod in return as she responded, "Yes, my King. However, I have to ask if it is a part of the service and where will I be in it? The army? Or will I still be a part of the Navy, your Highness?"
"Neither. You will be the first of a new guild I am creating. The first of my personal assassins. You will rival and surpass these recent mercenaries that have been hired to hunt Grimm." Dracula answered.
To say she was stunned would be an understatement as she collected herself and asked, "Assassin, my King?" Trying to see if she heard him right.
"That's right. That's why I wanted you to think about this, because I will not lie to you. If you agree to this, you will have to do what others do not have the stomach to do. You will have to kill not just Grimm, but also targets we have designated as a threat to our kingdom. You will have to get your hands dirty so that the world may stay clean. And there is no dishonor in declining but that's why I want to ask you one more time. Do you accept my proposal? " He asked as he stared into her silver eyes.
She was silent for the longest moment before finally she asked, "Where do I sign up?"
Dracula smiled before standing up. "Follow me. We have work to do." He said before leading her out of the office.
Day Three
The pounding of cannons filled the air. The sound of rifle fire in the valley below, and the screams of the wounded and dying filled Adrians ears as he watched from above his command tent on a hilltop that overlooked the current battlefield.
A valley which was a vital corridor to that would effectively create a wedge between the Stoker controlled and Mistral Empire controlled territory. However, it was clear from the bright white uniforms of the soldiers they were fighting that somehow Mantle found a way around their blockade, or maybe even another port they knew not about.
Either way, all Adrian could do was stand here with his command cadre and watch as his soldiers fought and died to take this valley. Listening as his cannons roared with constant fire, only to remain silent to allow the barrels to cool so that they may resume their deadly bombardment.
"Mantle is putting up more of a fight than we thought. Our usual cannon fire is not as effective as usual. We need another strategy." Striga said as she was in the tent with him.
Adrian nodded as he looked at the map, trying to find a way around the enemy's combined defense.
Striga, however, looked at the map and soon saw a pass. She stroked her chin deep in thought. "That could work, it worked for Hannibal." She muttered which caught Adrian's attention.
"What can work, Commander?" Adrian asked.
Striga,looking at Adrian, asked, "What do you know of Hannibal, my Prince." She asked Adrian who now looked at her curiously but decided to humor her question.
"Enlighten me." He said.
Striga walked around the war map as she explained. "In 218 BC, Hannibal attacked Saguntum, an ally of Rome, in Hispania. Which sparked the Second Punic War. Hannibal invaded Italy by crossing the Alps with war elephants he brought from Africa." She said as she took pieces which represented their artillery units and moved them to the pass. "Such a maneuver shocked them because many believed it would not work, yet it did and gave Hannibal victory."
Adrian looked at it before looking at her. "So what shall be our war elephants?" His eyes held a shine of interest.
Striga looked at Adrian before she said, "Give me ten cannons with a crew and a hundred soldiers and I shall ensure you have an opening to make a breakthrough."
"Done." Adrian said.
And with that Striga would take her cannons and hundred men through the pass at night so as to not arouse suspicion from the defenders, using the cover of night time attacks to mask her movements.
Day Four
Finally by dawn of the fourth day, Striga and her forces at ten o'clock would be set up on the defender's left flank.
Striga, looking down on the enemy who were unaware of her presence, raised her arm before bringing down swiftly. Signaling the ten cannons with crews to begin their bombardment which had devastatingly effective results.
Adrian looked through binoculars to find the enemy disoriented and disorganized. "Tell the troops to charge!" Adrian ordered a sergeant.
With a salute, the sounds of bugles could be heard as not only regular infantry charged the disorderly defense lines of the enemy, but also cavalry units as they charged headlong into the disorganized forces of Mantle and Mistral.
The valley was quickly taken over and it was another victory for the Stoker Kingdom.
However, this victory would not be without losses on either side. For while it was indeed a tactical victory and would cause many historians to call this 'The Stoker Flank'. It would still be seen by the Stoker Kingdom as a heavy victory as an estimated 800 soldiers lost their lives on this day against the combined loss of over a thousand for the combined armies of Mantle and Mistral.
A temporary truce was called so that both sides could claim their dead. However, little did Mistral or Stoker realize... One of their dead vampires was taken.
Of course, this would simply be written off on the official documents as 'lost in combat'. Which was a sad fact thanks to the destructive capability of artillery. However, the truth wouldn't be known until years later. For now though, the current war was all that was of focus for the Stoker Kingdom.
Day Five
"My Lord, we just got reports that Vale has joined the war. It seems a riot between Vale and Mistral on a remote island had occurred. Though no one knows who fired the first shot. They're scrambling their armies to fight on Mistral soil." Carmilla reported to Dracula.
"Hmm... Do nothing to Vale. They have not attacked us yet." Dracula ordered.
Carmilla nodded before she continued her report, "The 'Reaper's' training is beginning as planned, and Cho is prepared to lead the first raid against Mantle's shipyard which should help hinder their naval capabilities."
"Good. Is there anything else to report?" Dracula asked.
"Yes, this one is the most important piece I received from our spies in Mantle and Mistral. The Emperor and General are planning to meet up with the Chieftess in two day's time in an effort to get her to join the war effort." Carmilla reported.
Dracula frowned as he looked at her. That's when a smile appeared on his face. "They're becoming desperate. They know they cannot win with just themselves, and having to deal with Vale, they're losing. Prepare a battalion in two days. I will meet with them in Vacuo personally."
Carmilla bowed, "At once, my Lord." She turned and left. Believing him to be alone Dracula couldn't help but chuckle a bit before finally letting out a full maniacal laugh as he ran a hand through his hair with a large blood thirsty grin on his face, "OH I HAVEN'T FELT THIS ALIVE! Not since those Turks fell for my reign and I destroyed their forces." He took a deep breath as a demented smile appeared on his face. "They will know true fear and only then will they listen."
Soon, a loud closing of a door was heard as Dracula turned around only to find his wife staring at him with clear shock on her face and fear in her eye. It caused the war loving Impaler's heart to skip a beat as regret soon began to creep into him.
Dracula's voice came out as sad before trying to reach out to her. "Lisa... I... I'm so sorry..."
Lisa was silent as she seemed to take a step back when he tried to approach her. "Vlad… no..." It was all she got out before she seemed to faint from what was clearly emotional stress.
Dracula quickly rushed over and caught her before she could fall. His face held sadness and regret as he looked at the fear on her face. It would burn in his mind and break his undead heart. He picked her up bridal style and walked her towards their bedroom where he gently laid her down on the bed and held her hand. "I'm so sorry..." He whispered to her before kissing her forehead.
The King knew he hid this side of him from his wife for this reason. For she had brought back the kindness he had long locked away, brought into this world their son which he showed love and care towards.
Which was the reason why he wanted this war to end in seven days. So he would not be the man who was released and reveled in the blood of his victims. Who reveled in death of war and conquest, out of fear he would not return to the man Lisa married and blessed a son to.
That night in Mantle, an unbelievably cold snow storm poured over on top of the boat factory. The guards were outfitted in snow gear, thermals, and experimental heat sensing helmets that would allow them to see a person's body temperature.
Little did they know, this type of helmet would do nothing to the undead.
One of the guards walked the dock, nodding to his fellow guard he would walk down the dock only to stop when he heard a coin drop, looking over the source of the noise, the guard would find a golden coin. "What the?"
Kneeling down, he picked up the coin, but did not notice an arrow striking another guard's neck or how his partner would be grabbed quickly and pulled into the rafters above by unseen assailants.
Behind the guard that picked up the coin, a woman covered in black stepped out from the shadowy wall and grab him by his mouth before stabbing him in all of his vital organs and major arteries before pulling him into the shadows.
She emerged out and looked at her assassins before nodding to them. They nodded as well before venturing further into the factory.
More guards could be seen as some comment to each other about the cold, or in one couple's case, "I swear that guy always gets guard house duty." "Uh-huh" Replied his partner as they walked through the catwalks over what looks to be the skeleton body of a new type of Ironclad Warship.
"Every damn time its always 'Jenkins gets gaurd house duty' or 'Jenkins gets mess hall duty' or every fucking time 'Jenkins gets admin duty' like who did he have sex with to get the shifts where he's inside with a warm fire building while we're out here in the freezing cold." His partner once again just nodded, "Uh-huh. A sad day for all of us."
Soon, both walked into an office as the man began to look over the steam gauges to make sure the pressure is normal so something doesn't explode. However, his partner noticed something and went to investigate. "I swear if I ever see Jenkins again, I'm gonna tell him off right to his face! Just right to his smug face."
"Well I'm sure he'll appreciate that." The partner said nonchalantly as he walked over to a room where he was grabbed by his helmet and lifted up out of sight.
"Oh sure! I think it's time he knew what the rest of feel like, freezing in this fuckin-" The guard asked as he noticed his partner gone. "Murphy? Murphy, where are you at?" He asked as he pulled his flintlock pistol out of his holster and walked towards the room his partner walked towards. "Quit fucking around, Murphy!"
Soon, Murphy's voice was heard, "Hey it's alright, just thought I saw something."
His partner chuckled as he went into the room, "What, like a rat or a ghost-" Soon the guard saw droplets of blood before looking up and with his eyes going wide he saw the dead body of his partner as he trailed off. "Or some… thing."
"Yes. Something like that." A cold voice said behind him before he turned around, only to get his throat slit. He coughed and choked on his own blood before he was tossed overboard and into the freezing water.
Soon another figure in all black appears from the shadows as a feminine voice said, "We have gathered the plans and the bombs have been planted. None have seen us and all witnesses who would have are no longer among the living."
"Excellent. Now we leave." The main assassin spoke. That's when they all began to make their exit from the factory.
Once they left via the shadows, they appeared on a simple fishing boat which was a good distance away from the Mantle facility. Whose occupant was smoking on an ornate pipe, watching from on top of the deck.
Soon the assassins appeared to be kneeling to this person as the leader sayid, "The task is done, General Cho."
"No witnesses?" The woman in an Imperial kimono asked as she looked at the factory.
"None were left alive to see us." The assassin said.
"Good. And now to watch it be swallowed by Hell." Cho said as she inhaled more smoke from her pipe.
After 5 minutes, the factory exploded in a great ball of fire. Only for a secondary explosion to erupt as the factory's magazine is engulfed in the fire which caused an even larger explosion, much to the enjoyment of Cho who had a pair of opera-like spy glasses watching as she comments to her aid, "Make a note that the mixture may need to be adjusted for more effective means of detonation."
"Yes, Mistress Cho." The aid bowed to her.
Cho continued to smile as she watched the fires blaze against the falling snow before she turned and began to walk towards her cabin on the small fishing ship. "Take us home, we have caught our catch of the day." She ordered. They all bowed before beginning to work on sailing the ship away.
Cho sat within her cabin of the small fishing ship with a smile as she enjoyed a glass of bloodwine with satisfaction at the success of what was a vital operation that had effectively crippled Mantle's ability to create more warships.
Day Six
In the last 5 days, The Stoker Kingdom has proven to be superior in terms of ground and sea combat. But now, this battle would be fought in the air. Who is superior in this regard?
Aboard the observation deck of the flagship 'Crimson Dragon' was its captain who, if one was to look at them, you would swear they weren't a military officer with their demeanor and always at certain times of the day having a cup of tea.
Which was why the aid to this person was walking up towards them. They saluted them before bringing their arm down to their side. "Ma'am! Lookouts have reported sightings of a Mantle airship at our portside roughly fifty kilometers away. Only one so far as no others have been spotted ma'am!" Reported the faunus aid who was that of an eagle kind if the wings on their back was anything to go by.
"Ah good. Our prey has fallen into our clutches. Ready the cannons and increase our speed to meet up with them." The captain ordered. To which it was revealed to be Lenore. Her outfit was a blue dress with an overcoat over her shoulders. Her black leather boots reached up to her knees with peach dress pants tucked inside.
Her aid nodded as he turned and shouted out the orders, "FULL AHEAD PORT! Prepare cannons for full broadside!" Which caused the Helmsman to confirm the orders as they began turning the wheel which controlled the Stoker airship as it turned to port on a direct course with the Mantle airship. This would mark the first time in Remnant's history of airship to airship combat.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are the first to conduct Aerial combat in the history of combat. Now let's be the first victors!" Lenore exclaimed to her crew.
This got a full hearty, "AYE CAPTAIN!" From the cloud bank, came the clear white color of the Mantle Airship. However, unlike the Stoker design, Mantle decided to keep the idea of using an ironclad as a base for the ship while having it carried via hot air balloons with some armor around them.
"Captain! Enemy is within visual range at forty meters!" Reported one crewman while another who was standing next to a series of pipes reported, "Steam cannons are charging as we speak and gunner crews are standing by!"
The Crimson Dragon was akin to an old pirate ship but with thrusters. The sails were of reinforced black cloth and the hull was made of metal to withstand blasts of fire dust. The flag it flew was black with a red dragon carrying a sword and shield.
"Fire the front cannons at twenty meters!" Lenore ordered.
The responding ayes were carried out as the gunner crews of the front swivel mounted the cannons and loaded the shells before hooking up steam hoses to pump in the built up steam pressure which would send the shells out toward the enemy ship.
Once within twenty meters, the two guns fired as blooms of steam bellowed out from the two cannon barrels and the two shells directly hit the Mantle airship. However, the accuracy was something to be desired as they only hit one part of the starboard side and took some of the railing.
"Enemy airship is preparing to fire its salvo!" True to the crewman's word, the Mantle Airship began to turn to try and give them a full salvo of their starboard cannons.
"Brace for impact!" Lenore ordered as the crew on the top deck ducked down and held onto their lifeline ropes.
The Mantle Airship turned fully before firing their dust cannons which impacted the Stoker ship. The entire ship was rocked but no one fell off.
"Full steam ahead! Ram the fucker!" Lenore ordered.
After the Helmsman got to his feet, he responded, "AYE CAPTAIN !" Soon more steam was poured from the boilers as it began to pick up speed and soon they did ram into the side of the Mantle ship. However, what came next was that their ships began to collide with the sides as one crew member yelled out in alarm, "BOARDERS! WE HAVE ENEMY BOARDERS!"
True to his word, the sight of Mantle Marines begin to either swing over or place planks on the railings of the two airships as they charge over the side with sword and weapons in hand.
"Weapons free!" Lenore shouted as she unsheathed a rapier from her belt and ran up to the side. The crew with rifles began firing at the Mantle soldiers and even tried to remove the planks.
Her aid shouted, "REPEL THE BOARDERS! To arms! Protect the captain!" He rushed forward with his own sword as the ships onboard Marines fought with either rifle or sword.
For Lenore, for the first time in her life, she was in an honest fight as the Mantle Marines seemed to try and disarm her more than try to kill her. However, considering her rank it made sense they would want to capture the captain of an enemy airship alive. But their efforts ended with failure as Lenore either disarmed them or simply impaled them in the heart with her rapier.
The Captain of the Mantle Airship jumped onto the ship and walked towards Lenore. He had silvery white hair and a great beard that reached his chest. His eyes were a startling diamond blue as he pulled out his own rapier and stared her down.
"And who do I have the honor of fighting, Captain?" Lenore asked as she raised her rapier.
"Darius Schnee. Captain of the Glacier Giant. And you are Captain who?" He asked.
Lenore smiled as she brought her sword up a bit and bowed slightly, "Captain Lenore of the Crimson Dragon, at your service Captain Schnee." Coming back up, she brought her rapier up leveled with his with a slight smile.
"A pleasure. How about a ledger? If one or the other is defeated, their crew surrenders. To try and keep things a bit more civilized." Lenore suggested.
"A rather fine idea. LADS!" Darius shouted to which Lenore shouted, "LADIES, GENTLEMAN!"
This caused all of the crew to stop and look towards the Captains.
Lenore smiled as she raised her voice, "A duel of honor and skill has been issued between captains!" This caused Lenore's crew to widen their eyes as one used a scrying orb to secretly broadcast what was about to happen back home so that others may see what was possibly history in the making.
The two raised their rapiers to their face before bending their knees and putting one hand behind their back. The tips of their swords touched as the duel officially began.
Soon Lenore began with a flurry of strikes and slashes that Captain Schnee parried and dodged as he said, "You're rather light on your feet, good form as well. If I wasn't married and your enemy, I'd court you out of respect."
Now on the offensive, he began to match Lenore's attacks from before. "How charming, but flattery will get you nowhere, dear. Besides, I'm already taken." Lenore said as she either dodged or matched his blows in defense.
Schnee jumped over her slashes as he flipped over Lenore as she turned quickly and blocked his back attack. "I wish you and your love a happy life then." He said, beginning to put more on the attacks which did cause Lenore to back up as she said with a bit of a frown, "Well Captain Schnee, I am afraid I must be honest with you."
"Oh? That you're not married?" This caused Lenore to chuckle, "No, no. The truth is… I'm not left handed." With a quick motion of her hand, her rapier now flew to her right hand as she began to get more interested in the fight as she pushed more onto Schnee, much to the enjoyment of the two crews who were now cheering on their Captains.
"Oh dear. I should start taking you seriously, shouldn't I?" Darius asked in a rhetorical sense before pushing back against her attacks.
Lenore chuckled as she used her small body to her advantage and dodged the strike with both locked blades as Captain Schnee said, "I truly wish we had met under better circumstances, you seem like a skilled swordswoman. I surely hate to kill you."
"And you seem like a good swordsman, I'd hate to die by you." Lenore said before headbutting him and twirled his rapier out of his hand before using her agility to trip him up. She quickly straddled him and aimed the tip of her rapier at his throat.
There was a tense silence as Captain Schnee chuckled as he raised his hands. "Well I should be glad our significant others are not around to see either of us in such a position."
"Oh enough with that. Now, I will give you two options. You and your men can surrender and be released in a couple days after this war is over and return to your wife. Or you can die with honor." Lenore said as the tip pressed against his throat.
Captain Schnee sighed as he said with an honest smile, "I surrender my sword to you, good Captain Lenore."
"Good boy." She patted his cheek before standing up and sheathing her rapier. She held her hand out to him. "Gentlemen, ladies... Victory is ours." She said with a smile that had a little smugness in it.
This resulted in massive cheers as Captain Schnee sighed and took her hand before being picked up. He said towards his crew, "I have lost yes, but let us take this loss with honor, quiet dignity, and grace." The now captured Mantle Airship with its captain and crew would be brought back to Stoker and would be held until at least two days after the war is over. Just as Lenore promised.
Once the Crimson Dragon had made port back at the castle, Lenore watched as the crew and prisoners walked off of the ship.
"What is all this, Lenore?" Carmilla asked, walking up to her.
"Prisoners. Along with their Captain, Darius Schnee." Lenore explained in an innocent tone.
Carmilla nodded slowly before smirking as she leaned forward to whisper into her ear. "Yes we did see that little show you put on, Hector included."
Lenore's eyes widened before she rushed off, "Oh fuck… I need to explain things to him!" She shouted as she ran off.
Carmilla couldn't help but laugh lightly as Morana walked up to her sister, "I swear you're tormenting her simply because she forgot to invite you to the wedding." She commented as she alongside her aid, a fox faunus, began counting off how many prisoners of war they have now.
"And I will continue to torment her for a couple more years until she's properly apologized." Carmilla said with a smirk on her face.
Morana sighed as she looked towards her aid and said in an almost deadpan voice, "And you wonder why I love my simple married life with my wife, our German Shepard, and our Calico."
The aid couldn't help but giggle slightly before continuing to count the prisoners. "24 prisoners in total, ma'am." She said.
"You got it lucky, Morana." Carmilla commented before walking away.
Morana watched her walk away before sighing, "She really needs to lay with someone."
The aid went to speak up only for Morana to raise a finger and say, "No, just… Save yourself the pain and headache. Just… Just trust me on this."
"Yes, ma'am." The aid said.
Morana just nodded as she continued to process the prisoners from what was probably the only moment in history where the first airship to airship battle was finished by a simple duel of honor.
However, the real ending to the war would be one that would go down in history, as the day two powerful warrior kings came to blows and one almost lost their lives.
Day Seven
Dracula sat upon a mighty black Transylvanian War Horse and looked down upon the desert landscape via his spy glass as he watched the two armies of Mistral and Mantle march on to the capital of the neutral nation of Vacou.
"No sign of Vale, Father." Adrian said as he rode up to his father's side.
"Keep several scouts outside, in case Vale forces arrive." Dracula ordered.
A soldier saluted before riding off as Adrian looked towards his father with clear apprehension, "Father, are you sure the King of Vale will show up?"
Dracula simply said, "Patiences, son, I know he shall show his face for he is like me."
Adrian, with a raised eyebrow, asked his father, "How is the King of Vale like you, Father?"
"He's a manipulator, but he does it for good. For the betterment of others and the world. He also holds vast secrets that he plays close to his chest. But whether or not he is open to an alliance once this is all over, will have to rely on him. Now, let us end this war!" Dracula said before kicking his horse's side gently to get it moving.
Adrian, after a moment, pulled out his sword and yelled out to their gathered forces "CHARGE! BRING VICTORY TO THE KINGDOM TODAY!" With that, the gathered forces of Stoker charged down into the desert below, barreling towards the combined forces of Mistral and Mantle.
'Of course, there is one other thing I and the King of Vale have in common. We are proud warriors with too much pride and honor not to fight.' Thought Dracula as he pulled out his Greatsword which was a black blade with dragons as the hilt. He roared as their cavalry forces met the enemies while the infantry opened up with volleys of rifle fire.
Dracula's eyes bled red as he growled, "Fight! For the glory of Stoker! Not for Gods! The Gods will never show mercy or appreciation for you! No... You must fight for your true freedom! Fight for yourselves! For your future children! Fight for the future of Remnant!" Dracula roared as they collided with the collected army of Mantle and Mistral.
Just as the three armies met, the forces of the desert tribes joined into the massive melee as the Chieftess roared and with two battle axes, she charged into the Mistral and Mantle armies, yet they didn't attack Stoker. "IT'S GOOD TO SEE YOU AGAIN, WARRIOR KING DRACULA!" She yelled over the fighting around her as she even head-butted a Mantle soldier with her horns which killed him.
"What brings you to my little oasis!?" She asked the King.
Dracula jumped off his war horse and fought alongside the Chieftess. "It is the Seventh Day, and I shall see this war finished! I was hoping you'd be here to see it to its end." Dracula responded as he parried a Mistral soldier's blade before backhanding him in the face which snapped his neck. "I see they failed to get you to join their side." Dracula said to her.
The Chieftess slices the head of a mantle soldier as she responds "I am a proud faunus warrior who had to fight her way to the top of the food chain here in this damned desert! Like I'd bow my head to those who know nothing of real struggle!"
With a quick motion, Dracula grabbed the bull woman as he yelled, "DUCK!" As he pulled her down, a chain came swinging towards them as both hit the desert floor.
Dracula and the Chieftess looked up to find the Emperor, in armor, with two hooked chains. "Filthy animals like you have no place in this world except underneath our boots!" He snarled at them.
With a raised eyebrow, she looked at Dracula as she asked, "You mind if I take him?"
Dracula, motioned with his hand as he said with a polite tone, "By all means, Mighty Chieftess."
The Chieftess grinned as she stood up and twirled her axes around and walked towards the Emperor. "I've escaped enslavement since I was a mere child. Fifteen years, I've waited for this moment! For the moment I cut off the head of the snake that has enslaved my kind since our inception!" She roared as she charged towards him.
Dracula couldn't help but admire her determination as he looked off to the sky for a moment to think, "Maybe Isaac would be a good choice for her."
Dracula quickly saw his son fighting with the General of Mantle. The General's weapon of choice was a large rifle with a sword attached to the barrel. Adrian twirled his blade around like he was dancing.
"I'm so proud of him…" Dracula thought, only to quickly turn as a huge broadsword met his own blade from that of the Vale King, "Excuse me, good sir. I am trying to have a moment of contemplation here." Dracula said with a hint of sass.
"This has gone far enough, Dracula!" King Ozma said through gritted teeth.
"I agree. That's why I saved the greatest of all battles for last. Once all the opposing leaders are defeated, we will then discuss a treaty. Now, we can either fight, or focus our efforts on Mantle and Mistral. Your choice." Dracula couldn't help but smirk with his fangs glistening in the sun.
The King of Vale spoke in a low tone as he said, "I shall do what must be done to fight a creature of darkness, even if you are not of 'her' type, I shall do all I can in the name of the light." He then leveled his sword at Dracula as he said, "So come and fight me, King Dracula! Show me there is still a man within that cursed body of yours!"
Dracula's smirk turned into a full blown grin as he held his sword before they both charged at each other. Dracula noted that Ozma's sword exhumed powerful magic. It was almost divine as his and all the Faunus' superior hearing could hear a storm brewing.
The clashing of the Kings' swords released shockwaves and bouts of thunder.
The fighting that had been happening around them seemed to stop as all stopped and watched as two titans in the forms of mortal kings, clashed their blades.
Dracula swung his blade to which Ozma blocked, and parried it before impaling Dracula through the stomach. Everyone watched at who they thought was the winner. Adrian has widened eyes as he shouted, "Father!"
The General, Emperor, and Chieftess watched with either horror or glee at the sight of the King of Vampires defeated. However, their expressions would all change to one emotion.
Fear.
Fear as Dracula began to laugh. It was low, but everyone could hear it as Dracula laughed at Ozma. "Not. Quite. Close. Enough..." Dracula grabbed the blade that pierced him before beginning to pull it out of his stomach. Blood pooled all over the sand as Dracula growled when the sword was fully removed.
Ozma stared at Dracula with wide eyes before he brought his blade up to try and take the vampire king's head only to be met with Dracula's sword which resulted in the sound of thunder as their blades met once more.
Dracula pushed the blade back before he charged at Ozma with his speed, which kicked up the sand. Dracula grabbed him by the face before slamming him down onto the ground. Which caused a crater to form. "I am not among the living or the undead. I am the Lord of Chaos itself. I am the result of Humanity's darkness from within. I am your greed, your envy, your lust, your wrath, your sloth, and your pride! I am Vlad Dracula Tepes, and I WILL HAVE PEACE!" He shouted.
With a raised fist, he brought it down onto the King of Vale. But, to those watching, all they saw was the fist connecting before a massive wave of energy erupted from the impact that sent everyone off their feet.
As the dust began to finally settle, many got to their feet as Adrian was the first to try and find his father, which he did. The King of Vampires still stood in the huge crater that he created, slowly coming out of it, dragging along a battered and beaten warrior King of Vale.
Tossing the defeated warrior king to the ground Dracula with all his energy slowly held up his sword high into the air.
Dracula roared as he brought the sword down, but not on the King of Vale. Instead, near his head. Ozma looked at the blade before looking up at Dracula who held his hand out to him. "Surrender and live." He said in a low voice.
The King of Vale sighed as he said in a voice for all to hear as best as he could in his weakened state. "I...I yield." That's when he grabbed the hand and Dracula pulled him up, only for his legs to collapse and keep him kneeling before the King.
Dracula then glared at the General and Emperor. "And you two…"
The General raised his hand as he said, "I surrender." He glared at the Emperor who also bowed his head in defeat but clearly didn't like it.
Dracula then looked at the rest of the army and said in a loud voice for all to hear. "THE WAR IS OVER!!" All of Stoker and, even Vacuo, cheered on the loudest.
Within the days to come, Stoker would lead the peace conference on the island of Vytal by the suggestion of the Vale King, The lands lost to Mistral would be given to the Faunus as a buffer state between Mistral and Stoker.
The Desert nation of Vacuo would begin to build closer ties to the kingdom of Stoker thanks to the intervention of their forces in preventing Mantle and Mistral's invasion.
Mantle would change as the General who led to the failed war as well as the leadership would either step down or be removed. However, true change for the nation would not come until the next big conflict.
The Kingdom of Vale would push for the creation of 'Huntsman Academies' to help create warriors meant to fight the Grimm and try to unite their world against this common threat.
To ensure peace continued, a festival would happen every two years in one of the kingdoms with a tournament to test the skills of all of the Academies' most skilled students.
There was much attempt to break peace between the kingdoms, but much like human nature, another conflict was brewing. One that shall once again put many to the test, one that shall test national trust and alliances.
For War…
War Never changes.
