There was no grand parade welcoming the exhausted refugees. They tried to hold their heads high, relying on their pride as the noble Alba, but the hostile stares only got more vicious. Ill-bred barbarians glared at them as if they were filth, leaking from the sewage. How preposterous! It was the evil Empire who made the deadly Legion! How dare they look down upon the nation, which bravely opposed their vile attacks! Dirty mixed blood acting all high and mighty, while they should be groveling on their feet, begging to be led by such an outstanding race. Their superiors had arrived, but the trash didn't know its place. Those were the thoughts racing through Yvonne Primevére's head.
She marched along the crowd, but her gaze was focused on the vehicle in the front. Yes, those pesky parasites deserved to be punished, but the real criminal was hiding in plain sight. A race traitor, who willingly abandoned their heritage and sided with vermin. If things were to get back to their proper place, she had to make sure to punish the renegade properly. So no one would ever make that choice again.
Her attendant noticed the deranged smile, creeping slowly on her face, when Yvonne was mumbling something under her breath. He shuddered, as the eyes of his leader sparked with murderous intent, but he was in no position to say anything. It was a well-kept secret, that his master's sanity suffered greatly during the hard journey. Adrien Cartier served her for many years, and she was always a brilliant director. As a politician her influence expanded greatly thanks to the war's escalation, but the struggle with opposition took a toll on her. He was convinced it was only temporary, there was no one suited better to be their leader. Primevére was an excellent tactician and a spokesperson, born with the noblest heritage possible. That is why Adrien tried his best to ignore a subtle whisper, begging him to stop her, before she turns into a monster completely.
The person in question was well aware, that she must be the number one topic in every Republic citizen's mouth. She was however way too exhausted to care. Vladilena Milizé felt the lack of sleep catching up to her, but she still wanted to admire the capital's buildings. Sankt Jeder differed greatly from the Liberté et Égalité. The architecture looked less modern, but it had a certain classical charm to it. Brick walls dominated the scenery, adorned by dark green ivy, reminiscent of an elegant coat. It was hot, summer was quickly approaching, and the city was buzzing with excitement. Stone roads were cramped, despite the military doing their best to keep people away from the convoy. Everyone watched, as the rumored war criminals entered their city, not knowing what was going to happen next.
"It's going to be hell for the next couple of weeks. We'll be lucky if they don't tear them apart at first chance." Erwin Marcel, the control officer of Vanadis, sighed deeply. He got more comfortable with all the crew members, thanks to the long trip in a cramped space.
"I'm afraid you're right. It would be easier if they acknowledged their wrongdoings, but I wouldn't count on that. They seem dead-set on maintaining their rightfulness." Lena frowned, knowing the battle outside might be finished for now, but the one inside was just beginning. She got well-versed in predicting the political shifts during the past two years and wasn't too pleased with what might be about to happen.
"Fools. The Federacy benevolently offered shelter to those sinners, yet they dared to oppose our rules. They should be thankful we have not left them to rot in their deplorable country." Frederica joined in, truly indignant by the stupidity seen from the window. She knew best how her friends had been treated by them, and she firmly opposed keeping Republic's citizens near the Eighty-Six.
"You were right to forgo your citizenship. Being constantly lumped together with those lunatics would only cause you trouble." Marcel was wary of the Colonel at first, but during the mission, he understood why the Eighty-Six had let her in. She firmly opposed her country's rhetoric, even if the uniform she wore was the same dark blue. The girl openly criticized Albas' wrongdoings and didn't run away from accountability as a fellow citizen. It was creating tensions between Lena and her Squadron, but Edwin had no way of knowing, how complicated their relations were.
"I feel deeply ashamed that a small part of me questions this decision. I know it was right, just… it was all I had for many years. My identity, my ideals, my goals. Who am I without it? It's a weird feeling like I lost a part of myself... Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. It's not my subordinates' duty to listen to my whining." Lena got embarrassed when she realized, who she was talking to. It wasn't an intimate chat with a friend, where she could freely spill her gut. Technically they were still on the mission and everything was being recorded. Those people might have been her colleagues, but they sure as hell weren't someone close to her. Unlike one red-eyed Captain.
"For once I can emphatize with you, vexing temptress of innocent young men." Frederica muttered almost inaudibly, recalling her own struggles. Years have passed, and she still couldn't exactly separate herself from the position of Empress. Although she made none of the disastrous decisions, it was her family and country who caused this whole catastrophe. Augusta Frederica Adel-Adler knew better than anyone, how much guilt one might have, for things that were undeniably beyond their control.
It got awkward, so the rest of the journey went on in silence. When they arrived at the designated place, stationary military units took over the refugees. Lena commanded the Strike Package, waiting outside the city gates, to head to the hangar, as their mission had finally ended. It was undeniably a success, but somehow she couldn't get rid of the bitterness haunting her. Lena had failed to save her country. Everyone she had left behind had already perished. This outcome was known from the start, but the girl couldn't stop wondering, how many of them she knew. Did they resent her in their last moments? Or maybe they had hoped for the rescue until the end? It was a burden Lena had chosen to bear when she accepted the mission.
"Thank you for the cooperation, I'll take it from here. The president and the commanders wish to hear the report as soon as possible. Frederica, come with me, I'll take you to the headquarters." The silver-haired girl extended her hand, but the Mascot coldly rejected her.
"I can go by myself. Do not be mistaken, I might pity you, but it does not mean I like you. Leave Shin alone and I will ask Ernst to grant you immediate citizenship. Maybe with your military rank intact." Quick-witted Frederica tried to negotiate, but Lena only chuckled in response.
"It's sweet how you worry about me. Sorry, but I can't let you have Shin all to yourself. Even if that means I'll become a civilian for a while. Thanks for the offer though!" She smiled brightly, looking at the girl's jealousy fit as a silly child's whine. It didn't bother her, if anything, she thought it was quite cute. After all, what an eleven-year-old could do to her?
June 28th Republic Year 357 (Stellar Year 2138)
65 days until the Start of the Legion War
A brown-haired girl with a short bob exited the express train, which, after multiple hours, finally arrived at Sankt Jedar. The journey was tiring, and the motion sickness gave her a hard time, but she still preferred railways to aviation.
Elisabeth's peaceful life had turned upside down since her grandpa's passing. In the United Kingdom of Roa Garcia, Liz had her home, friends, and everything she loved. The Giadian Empire offered her none, but the stupid law denied her independence until her 18th birthday. Going to foster care didn't sound so bad, but coincidentally, her only living relative was visiting the Kingdom during that time.
Liz almost didn't remember her aunt, she had been out of the picture since long ago. The woman was basically a stranger, who she happened to share some pool of genes with. They weren't even similar, if not for their crimson eyes, she would not believe they were related. Elisabeth had no idea why she had agreed to adopt her, as the aunt didn't seem keen on renewing their familial relations. The burning hatred towards Liz's mother was still palpable in her words.
Nonetheless, the young girl ended up in this station, and for better or worse, at least she had a roof over her head for the next two months. Liz kept telling herself she would bravely endure it and swiftly come back home. Then her Grandfather's house would legally belong to her. It was like a mantra, repeated every time she was tempted to run away.
The weather shared her lack of enthusiasm, the sky was dark and cloudy, despite the forecast promising a sunny start to the week. Elisabeth sighed deeply and reached for the small package, hidden in her pocket.
The cigarettes were her biggest savior and the worst curse, left by her grandpa. He was probably turning in his grave, watching Liz indulging in his favorite deadly pleasure. Ironically, she had been nagging him her whole life to quit smoking, but it was his death that triggered her addiction. Elisabeth couldn't explain her logic here. Her first cigarette was smoked over his grave, as a way to say goodbye. It tasted awful, she coughed the whole time, but soon enough, the second one ended up in her mouth.
It was Grandpa's beloved brand, Violette's, with their iconic purple flower visible on every package. The faint flowery smell mixed with tobacco penetrated all her clothes, but after some time it had stopped bothering her. A nasty addiction, you're trapped before you realize what's happening. Liz shook her head, disappointed in herself, while she lighted another one.
"This will be the last one, I promise, Grandpa." Teenager muttered, but the suitcase was filled to the brim with purple boxes.
The street in front of the station was bustling with life. Annoyingly, ordinary people were living their happy little lives, like it wasn't the worst day ever. The world didn't revolve around her, it was a casual Monday for everyone else. Normally Liv loved people, but today she had wished them to get their socks wet right before work. Just to feel a tiny bit of her misery. Maybe then it would get more bearable. She stared at passing cars, wondering if their day was equally shitty. It took fifteen minutes for a black, luxurious car, to stop right in front of her.
"Miss Elisabeth Marie Birkenbaum? I've been told to escort you around the city and to the mansion." The elderly chauffeur asked politely, but he already knew, who she was. Liz was aware her aunt was wealthy, but she underestimated how much. The answer was parked right before her. She was filthy rich. The vehicle seemed fresh out of the salon, representing the newest model of a famous, exclusive brand. In times of economic uncertainty, it alone had the value of a small house. So Liz grew up poor, with her mom working all day, but this bitch had the money to help them all along? Why bother playing aunt now, when she masterfully had neglected her in times of need?
"I want to say it's a mistake, but we both know the truth. No need for a tour, let's go straight to the cunt's castle." The driver didn't comment on the remark, politely opening the car's door as if nothing had happened. He was an excellent employee.
Elisabeth was mentally preparing for the reunion, while the expensive car slowly headed to the dreaded Birkenbaum mansion. No matter what would happen next, she was sure this shitty day would only get shittier.
Surprise! I'm back! Thank you for all the sweet comments encouraging me to write, I cannot explain how much they mean to me. I've roughly planned part two, and we continue with two timelines, although this time with a little twist. I know not everyone is fond of Original Characters, but I hope you'll give them a try. The main story will continue right where we left off, while the past should shed some light on this catastrophic war (I'll try my best to stick to the canon knowledge, but this period is super vague even in novels).
I warn you in advance, that I won't be posting daily like during summer! I'm back in university, so the frequency will differ depending on how much free time I have. Thanks again for sticking with me, and I hope you'll have fun reading!
