The Fall of an Empire

21 August 1943
Canterbury, United Kingdom

Esdeath and her remaining 4,200 soldiers of her 9th SS Panzergrenadier Eis Divison arrived at Cantebury before the 20th hour along with a supporting armored squadron of the Waffen SS and a couple of regiments of the Wehrmacht. They were able to push forward to Cantebury at a quick speed but were slowed down by local militias which were quickly dispatched by Esdeath and her soldiers. Since they arrived at Canterbury the fighting descended into the same as Stalingrad, and with the Eis Division being well experienced. They are able to take an upper hand against the British Army but still encountered a similar resistance, but not to the same extent as in Stalingrad

"Come on move forward! Get to that building!" SS-Unterscharführer Oppenheim dishes out orders. He opens fire with his MP-40 on the enemy lines. providing suppression fire."Goddamn, this is the cockiest move made by SS-Obersturmbannführerin yet. The day hasn't even fucking ended and we're now attacking a major city before London! Though I do admire her willingness to advance into battle, still though, this is too much." He begrudgingly tells himself. He quickly changes from one building to the next, avoiding gunfire from the British side who have erected last-minute barricades with cars and any other outside amenities.
Then a Panzer IV begins to drive forward, firing a shell at the British-made blockade to create a pathway for the troops to move. Eventually, the British Soldiers are soon forced to abandon their positions and begin to fall back. "The Britsh are retreating. Put them to rout!" Oppenheim, though only an SS-Unterscharführer has taken command of his squadron since his squad leader was killed earlier in the fighting.

As he and his men begin to push forward, they encounter a British Churchill with a flame thrower attachment. In Oppenheim's eyes, he thinks he's dead, as the Churchill tank is able to use a flamethrower to burn enemies. But before its able to use its flame-throwing capabilities, an ice drill is fired upon, disabling and destroying it, along with its crew.

"Hm, not even tanks can't stand up to me. My goodness, how this world became too reliant on machines." Esdeath walks to the front of her men. She walks up to the city square in front of the Canterbury Cathedral. "Now men. Revel in your victory over the British in their own territory!" Esdeath riles up her soldiers as the smaller German forces begin to overwhelm the numerical advantage of the British in Canterbury. At the same time, Fallschirmjäger soldiers linked up and attacked from the North, causing the British to not be able to break out in large numbers.

After the city was taken, Esdeath took no time to waste building her own defenses. Using her Imperial Arms to create several barriers made of ice, easy for troops to use but not for the British. After the city was taken, the Germans begin to take a list of their casualty numbers. In less than a day, Esdeath and her 9th SS Panzergrenadier Eis Divison suffered over 2,239 casualties. But now, they have a direct path to the capital of London. After having survived another battle, Oppenheim sits next to a damaged building along with his remaining squadmates.

"Jesus Christ. When I thought I would be signing up with the best Waffen-SS division, I thought it would be covert operations or something. But nope, we've just taken two cities before the day has even ended." One of the SS-Sturmmann complains.

"Well, what else do you expect?" Oppenheim yawns and stretches. "This is the Big Sister of the Reich we're talking about, also known as The Ice Officer. If anything, our battles will always end up bloody and we take a decent amount of casualties."

"Hm. I guess you're right. But I swear, how long will it take for us to get Luftwaffe air support and reinforcements from the reserves?"

"I do not know," Oppenheim responds. "But I see you're a big complainer. Why did a new transfer like yourself transfer from the 4th SS Polizei Panzergrenadier Division transfer to the 9th Eis Divison?" Oppenheim asks the SS-Sturmmann.

"Well you see, it's quite complicated." The SS-Sturmmann responded. "But, I'll tell you anyway." The SS-Soldat stands up. "You see SS-Unterscharführer Oppenheim. I am in love with SS-Obersturmbannführerin Partas!" He responded with a happy gesture and not saying in jest. All of the men in the squad begin to laugh at the SS-Sturmmann. "What are you laughing about? I'm being serious!"

"You, in love with the SS-Obersturmbannführerrin?" Oppenheim stops laughing, he then stands up and places his hand on his shoulder. "Let me tell you something new recruit." Oppenheim becomes serious. "There is not a single chance in hell that she will ever return back your love. In fact, I'm assured that she has a very strict criterion of whom she will date made by herself. And trust me, neither of us has even a shot with her. But is that the reason why you joined?" Oppenheim sits back down.

"Aside from the extra pay, I want to get close to know her. I'm in love with her you see. When I first read about the operation in Stalingrad in the news to today. When I saw her icy face and that voluptuous body of hers that screams Aryan. I immediately knew it was destiny. I hope that by the end, we get to live together and have four to five great Aryan children." The SS-Sturmmann publicly responds to his squadmates. Then the SS-Sturmmann's squadmates and Oppenheim become shocked and stand at attention. "What are you guys doing?"

"You do know Soldat. There is a fine line between complimenting and objectifying a woman," Esdeath appears behind the SS-Sturmmann. He jumps forward and turns around to face Esdeath.

"Heil Hitler!" All the men in front other Esdeath saluted her.

"Heil Hitler," Esdeath saluted. "Now then. Soldat, what is your rank and name?"

"SS-Sturmmann. Walter Schumann. SS-Obersturmbanführerin."

"Now then SS-Sturmmann. Please, hand me your rifle." Esdeath orders Walther Schumann. He grabs his Kar 98k and presents it to her. "Thank you." She receives his Kar 98k and leaves it on the ground. She then gives Schumann the National Socialist flag of the Greater Germanic Reich. "SS-Sturmmann. Congratulations, you are now the official flag bearer of the entire division. You should be honored." With him receiving the Nazi state flag, Schumann becomes proud.

"Th-thank you very much. SS-Obersturmbannführerin Partas!" He thanks Esdeath before she turns around and leaves. A couple of his squadmates become envious of receiving such a prestigious honor. But almost all, except Walter, agree that this is pretty much a death sentence. For they themselves know that Esdeath much prefer to fight with soldiers who can not only prove themselves but also survive, but if they die on the field, then they're weak.

21 August 1943
London, United Kingdom
Buckingham Palace

"Your Majesty. It is imperative for you to also leave the city. " A servant of the British Royal family pleads with his king, King George VI. "The German armies are just outside of London. Canterbury has already fallen and several towns and villages too. The beaches of southeast England have already fallen to the German army of the Nazis."

"I understand the dire situation that the Kingdom is facing. That war on our solid was all but inevitable. But I will not be turning tail while my people are out there and putting their lives on the line." King George VI tells his servants. "Tell parliament that if they wish, they may relocate up north towards Manchester or Edinburgh to be safe. As for my family, send them to Canada. I will be staying put with my people. Displaying the defiance of the British spirit. The same spirit that has forged us not only a kingdom but an Empire that spans the globe. If you wish, you may leave with your families, or you can stay and fortify a defense of the palace and surrounding areas. You are all now dismissed." King George VI dismisses his servants. The king then sits on his throne once more. "I pray that the union of our kingdom will not collapse. I pray that God will give us enough time to set up defenses of our capital." After contemplating, the King calls for his Field Marshals. He gives the British Army their orders: reinforce London and halt the German advance. The Royal Navy: to bring them back from their advancement and to Britain to cut off German supplies and resources from the channel. The British Royal Air Force: perform attacks on their supply lines and ships. he prays that this would be enough time for London to be given a fighting chance.

27 August 1943
Outskirts of London
Early Afternoon

After the first phase of Operation Sealion was a success, Esdeath and her forces were able to take the town of Canterbury before the morning of the 21st of August. Time isn't at their side for the Kreigsmarine but thanks to the Luftwaffe transferring the majority of their transport planes, they can make up for what the Kriegsmarine can't send in numbers of troops and resources. Esdeath and her forces have been able to make a direct spearhead advancement after receiving over 10,000 of her reserve soldiers from Calais and being able to work side by side with Wehrmacht Heer's Oberst's and Generalmajor's and Waffen-SS commanders who are ranks above her but still has to contend against their tactics, but more importantly against their pride and stubbornness. Even one of the Waffen-SS SS-Oberführers attempted to utilize his rank to take control of Esdeath soldiers, citing her reckless advancement into Cantebury days prior, but she didn't allow it because it's her unit to take control of and not to be taken over by a superior, the only men who are allowed to make such changes would be the recommendations by Himmler or Hitler.

The capital city, London, has been under constant Luftwaffe bombardment to soften the British Army's defenses but the results are still similar to the results when the Luftwaffe first attacked London three years prior. Even Esdeath herself begins to see that the Luftwaffe is struggling in their fight against the Royal Air Force, being subject to multiple bombing and strafing runs but she's able to take care of many that come her way. Though not much said can be made for others in Army Group C and parts of Army Group A who attacked Portsmouth.

As Esdeath is preparing to attack the city she looks up and sees only seven Luftwaffe bombers flying high. "Great another bombing run from Göring's Luftwaffe. Tch, if he wanted this glory then he should've said so to my face." As Esdeath sees the Luftwaffe bombers, instead of dropping bombs they drop leaflets. A strong gust of wind picked up a couple of leaflets and brings them over to the German lines. One of the leaflets arrived at Esdeath's foot. She kneels over and picks it up. Esdeath observes the leaflet she picked up and recognizes its similarity to the Dunkirk one. The red to the south and west shows the city of London surrounded with the only remaining white areas being northeast and north, with the captioning "You are surrounded. Surrender and Live!" As Esdeath reads the leaflet she simply chuckles. This isn't the first time she has seen these leaflets nor hopefully the last. "Hm. Well, after seeing this. I guess by nightfall we'll attack."

1300
Buckingham Palace

"Your Majesty, it is imperative that you are to leave the capital city now! Even Prime Minister Churchill who was the most reluctant of all the MPs departed for Manchester to keep parliament in check. Please, while you still have the chance. You can escape from the northeast side and we'll reunite you with the rest of the royal family in Edinburgh." His servants pleaded with King George VI once more. Many have left the palace days before the invasion, and with the involvement of Esdeath, it's only a matter of time till she reaches the heart of London.

"I'd wish to stay in the capital longer. Keeping the morale of the British people high, in the face of German aggression. Especially now in our darkest hour. This is the moment that we are to stand firm against German aggression that now actively threatens British sovereignty. I myself am surprised by the fact that the German Army of the Wehrmacht has reached London in a week's time, no less with the aid of the German Ice Witch." King George VI tells his servants. "Though I'd wish to have stayed longer it would only increase the chances of death. But if abandoning the city in the face of German aggression means my survival and that of the British people's morale, then so be it. My heart aches that I have to abandon them, but it must be done." King George VI finally relents in the final hour. He's then led out of Buckingham Palace and instead of taking an enclosed car, he takes the open-top car to see London for the last time.

The people begin to see their king leaving the city in an open-top car. Though at first, they see it as a cowardly move of leaving at the darkest hour in British history, to many more it's justified to help keep British morale high. "God Save the King!" A bystander shouts out. King George VI, instead of being ridiculed is seen off in good spirits. Then the rest of the populace, the militia, and the British Army begin to shout out God Save the King.

2000
Outskirts of London

After hours of no response, the silence was broken. Prime Minister Churchill, who arrived six days prior after hearing about the German attack on Britain and the successful invasion with German boots on British soil, gave his proclamation to Hitler when he sent an ultimatum to Churchill days prior. Churchill gives his answer, Britain would not fall to German aggression nor bend its will to the German aggregators. After receiving the response from Churchill the order was given.

Artillery begins to be fired upon the capital city, and many buildings and homes begin to collapse in south London but not much in the north. Despite the fierce resistance held up by militias and the British Army, several have fallen. Civilians who reside in their homes and are unable to leave see themselves trapped, many not being able to leave south London, richer people have left the city the day prior but many others stayed as London is the only home they have. Many of the men who aren't in the British Army are set up in quickly made militias, many of the elderly, women, and children are kept under their homes, or sent to the underground train networks.

After an hour of artillery bombardment, the tanks begin to move in along with the infantry. Esdeath decides to try out another ability of hers to scour the battlefield and make it easier for her troops to overwhelm the British defenses in southeast London. Esdeath freezes her ankles and wrists into wing-like gauntlets, this allows her to take lift by manipulating the flow of ice, allowing her to fly up in the sky with grace. Certainly better than a horse but still has to be careful with AA guns and planes that might fly a little too close to Esdeath whether they be of the Luftwaffe or the RAF. With the image of Esdeath gliding through the sky she manages to strike terror in the rear lines where the British artillery is placed, destroying many pieces. They shoot back in number against Esdeath with rifle fire and AA flak guns but she blocks many with ice.

"Fu, fu, fu. Now this is what I would call a proper battle. All of these men, just fighting a desperate survival of their falling Kingdom. Now then, let's see how long you can hold." Esdeath flies back to the front lines, on the way she destroys several barricades and blockades that block the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS advancements.

0028
London

With the aid of Esdeath, the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS units begin to surround and eliminate pockets of resistance in south London. Esdeath begins to enjoy the battle of London more than the one in Stalingrad. As she blissfully floats through the air, her blood and adrenaline pump through her body, giving her a battlefield high she has never encountered the likes of before in her old world against the Revolutionary Army and in this new world.
As the 9th SS Panzergrenadier Eis Division quickly moves through South London, acting as the main vanguard unit, reaching the River Thames. Esdeath sees that the British Army defenders have destroyed many of its bridges. They explode at the moment the first few Germans stepped revealed themselves, blocking the Germans' access to cross the River Thames.

"Fu, fu, fu. Try all they might, but nothing will stop our advancement. Now time to bring this long overdue empire its end!" Esdeath steps forward and sees the bridges have been destroyed. Esdeath summons a large ice barrage of icicles and launches it at the British defenders. Many fall but now since they spotted Esdeath all attention is brought to her. "Now then gentlemen of the British Empire, time to freeze!" Esdeath shouts out, she reaches out her right hand and lets put a large ice blast, similar to what is seen in Kiev and Stalingrad. Many of the British Army soldiers who were 50 meters close to the River Thames froze instantly and their tanks and armored vehicles freeze aswell. "Now then my men, invade and destroy the capital!" Esdeath orders her men to charge across the River Thames, facing off against the stunning British forces.

31 August 1943
London, United Kingdom
Buckingham Palace
1300

Eleven days have passed since the first German landings on British shores and Esdeath's conquest of English lands. What was supposed to be a siege that would've begun in mid-September, with a significant amount of troops on the ground to reinforce their attack, instead London has fallen before September. The men on the ground are proud of their advancement and conquering of London, but news soon quickly reaches the high ranks and eventually the news. Before the entire city had fallen Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London and the courtyards of the royal palaces became battlegrounds of the four-day-long attack. The few buildings that were moderately affected were those of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Britsh Mesum, though still have moderate to heavy exterior damage.

Esdeath walks through the empty halls of Buckingham Palace. Of all the British landmarks in London, Buckingham Palace and a few others remain standing though greatly affected by bullet holes and shell fire by tanks and artillery. Esdeath wanders around through the palace, though in part some of the more important material was already taken out she more or less feels like a princess of her own world, or better yet a queen or an empress. Though King George VI is nowhere to be seen she hopes that if she can get him then Britain will surrender. Yet as it turns out he, Prime Minister Churchill, and several other army commanders and prominent British figures have all left to manchester or more up north to Scotland. She looks outside of the courtyard and sees her men collecting the bodies of the dead, she sees also many of the British Royal guards who gave their lives to a physically empty palace but still resolved to fight, though not in their traditional red coats.

As Esdeath walks through the halls she can't help but sing the melody to the old English song London Bridge is Falling Down. Though it may come off as cliche she thinks its appropriate to do so with a defeated enemy. Esdeath then makes it to the throne room and sits on the British royal throne. "So I guess this is what the young empower must have felt," She tells herself. "Though it's a different world, I must say that this throne feels more powerful than the young emperor's. Even though it's simple in design, I can feel the power that comes within ruling over half a billion souls across the world." Esdeath tells herself. "But at last I can't do this. I know for one part the Führer expects the king to be left alive and be replaced by his brother who abdicated beforehand. *Sigh* Oh well, must do as ordered I guess." Esdeath gets up from the throne and leaves the palace.

She can't help but compare the battle of the capital city of the largest Empire in the world to the massacres that she led against the Northern and Southern Tribes when they went up in rebellion. Massacring, raping, and killing the local population under the orders of the Empire. Though she could've done something about it, she nonetheless relish in their destructions. Here though, she begins to find some modicum of enjoyment here as well.

As Esdeath reaches the courtyard once more she sees that her soldiers have finished piling up the bodies. "Huh, I guess that work was done quickly." Esdeath walks past the corpses and sees a face she recognizes, her official standard-bearer SS-Sturmmann Walter Schumann. His body shot up in several places in the chest. Esdeath continues walking till she reaches the gate of Buckingham Palace. "These men should know full well the risks that came with joining my division. Even if they'd sacrifice themselves for the Reich, I would still praise that heroism but still, they're all too weak." As Esdeath is resting up, seeing the British POWs being lined up to be transported out.

"Heil Hitler, SS-Obersturmbannführerin Partas," One of her closest soldiers SS-Unterscharführer Oppenheim approaches Esdeath with a report. She turns to him.

"Heil Hitler, SS-Usharf. Anything new to report?"

"Not really, madam. But I want to simply say that I'm amazed by the speed with which we conquered the capital of the British Empire." Oppenheim compliments Esdeath.

"Hm, well thank you. Though this was sort of a disappointment for me. I'd honestly expected to much from them." Esdeath responded to Oppenheim.

"Permission to speak freely madam." Oppenheim asks Esddath.

"Of course. Please speak SS-Unterscharführer."

"Well to be honest madam. Don't you think you're going too fast? It's a given fact that you're truly a great warrior on the battlefield and an amazing tactician. But that you can also are able to glide in the sky gracefully too. But, at the rate we're going, we might not be able to get sufficient replacements to replace those that we've lost." Oppenheim, in a decision that might endanger his life decides to tell Esdeath a concern that many in her division have.

"Please, elaborate more," Esdeath asks directly to Oppenheim. Such directness brings an unnerving chill down his spine but he musters it without hesitation.

"What I'm saying is that it would be best for the Eis Division to wait for a while to help replace the numbers we lost. Allow for the Wehrmacht to cover us. I understand that in 1941 and 42 you were bored with training new recruits like them. The capture of Cantebury was honestly a miracle because the British didn't expect an attack immediately while they're still pulling back from Dover."

"So are you saying that the Divison should cease the momentum?"

"No, SS-Obersturmbannführerin. It's only a mere consideration considering the state of our forces is in. We're able to take London but lost about a quarter of our total manpower in these past four days. Plus the potential losses that might come from the British Army pressing an attack or partisans attacking from behind. But what is also to be taken into consideration is that of the Wehrmacht generals and admirals as well as higher-ranking Waffen-SS officers. They to strive for glory, which means that they would possibly put you in the vanguard or in the reserves." Oppenheim explains to Esdeath. His concerns for her and the division did bring up a good point about the other high-ranking officers. Many of them are Heer generals who want to gain glory for the Wehrmacht but can't because of Esdeath, the same feeling is also shared with those in the Waffen-SS.

"I see your concerns, SS-Unterscharführer Oppenheim. But let me deal with those Prussian generals and officers in high-ranking military positions. Go do what you must."

"Yes, SS-Obersturmbannführerin Partas." Oppenheim responded. "Heil Hitler," Oppenheim salutes to Esdeath which she responds back with the salute. Oppenheim then leaves to reunite with his platoon. Esdeath then turns back around and begins to think to herself. Perhaps she did let herself become a lot faster in battle. Leaving little chance for the other general officers to grow in the two branches, basically playing a game of catch-up. On the enemy side, she realizes that she has been on a killing spree, to the point that her old self might teller to slow down and leave several alive in order to continue the cycle of war.

1 September 1943
London, United Kingdom

From the radio center in the city of Manchester, the radio crew finished preparations for a speech to be given by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Esdeath and several of the field commanders listen to the radio from the base camp made in Westminster Palace, hearing the speech being given by Prime Minister Churchill.

"It has been reported, that on the 31st of August 1943, the capital city of our beloved empire, London has fallen to German aggression." Winston Churchill speaks but static is overlayed. "Though our capital has fallen, we will not buckle to German aggression nor will we surrender to the enemy. As of now I am ca~" The radio becomes static once more. "for our colonies across the Empire and our allies across the sea to answer the call to arms."

"Our radio should work better than this. Tch, cheap goods." Esdeath thinks to herself, complaining about how a German-produced radio made for the higher rank officers could be receiving weak signals. A similar feeling is shared between the other officers of the Heer and Waffen-SS. This problem is remedied when one of the high-ranking field officers got up and smacks a couple of times the radio, fixing it.

"We shall stand steadfast against the Nazis and drive them out of our island home and we will be the beacon in Europe that will restore the previous European order. We the British will fight onto our last breath. As I've said before when France has fallen to Nazi agitators. We will defend our island home, whatever the cost may be. We will drive the Nazi agitators back onto the shores of France, through the borders of the Reich, until the Nazi oppressors that oppress the free peoples of Europe are no more!" Winston Churchill ends his speech following it is the recording of the British song: Rule, Britania.

Esdeath was able to understand most of the speech, taking her time to learn the English language in order to communicate with high-ranking officers of the British Army. To her, this was the motivation needed to continue fighting against the British. For it is a motivator for the people of the island to fight back against the enemy who invaded their island. Now, this is what she would gladly wait for.