Hex's P.O.V.
I looked as Nathalia, and her group of knights left the Turbo Tank. I was amused by their behaviour all around. When they first stepped into the command centre, they looked all around, their mouth gaping. If there were any mosquitoes here, they would have swallowed an entire swarm. I sat back down on my chair. I sighed and closed my eyes for a moment. When I opened them up again, I looked back down, and I saw Vlad looking at me with an eyebrow raised.
"Am I that pretty?" I asked Vlad as I raised an eyebrow back at him.
Vlad rolled his eyes. "Feed your own ego, I'm busy," I noticed the amused smile that formed on his face.
"I'd give you a nasty look, but you've already got one," I replied, I liked where this was going.
"You should really come with a warning label, you know that?" Vlad asked as he shook his head.
"I don't know what your problem with me is, but I'm sure it's hard to pronounce," I replied.
"May both sides of your pillow be uncomfortably warm," Vlad retorted.
"How cruel," Of all the curses in the world, that is undoubtedly the worst. "Why don't you go and tell the men to rest a little bit before we aid the knights in their crusade?" I suggested as I leaned back on my chair.
"Very well, I shall do this," Vlad replied as he turned around and walked to the door. His squadron followed him. Vlad and his group opened the door of my office and stepped out. When they were gone, a soldier stepped into my office and saluted.
"Sir," The trooper firmly stated as he entered. "I come to bring the report of our casualties!"
I nodded and looked up at him. "Did all the officers die?" I asked. It was quite unusual for a corporal to do this job, often it is the officers' responsibility.
"No sir," The trooper replied, much to my relief. "Captain Jaxon and Captain Allany survived," So the other ones died. "Still, they are both quite injured, especially Captain Jaxon, which is why I am delivering the report," The soldier explained.
"Very well," I nodded. "You may proceed,"
"Sir, yes, sir!" The soldier replied with his booming voice. "Out of the 3,000 troops, we suffered a 60% casualty rate, as 1500 of our troops died in combat, while 300 were injured," I felt something sink inside me. "Out of the 1800 troops, 1200 were part of the excursors, while the remaining 600 were part of the militarum. We now only possess 1200 troops in fighting conditions, 800 excursors and 400 militarum. Out of the 20 walker tanks, only 5 remain capable of operating. We still have 4 self-propelled A.A.s and 6 armoured vehicles, along with the Turbo Tank and at least 100 speeder bike units, the convoys with our supplies are safe though, as per your orders we kept them at a safe distance from the battlefield."
I stared blankly at the corporal as he gave the report. When he finished, I looked down, trying to avoid his gaze. We stood in silence for a few seconds before I nodded. I tried to speak, but when I opened my mouth, it felt like a knot in my throat prevented me from speaking. It took some more tries, but I was finally able to articulate the words.
"T-Thanks, I…" I took a deep breath. "You may leave… Take a break, for the time being, we will soon depart,"
The soldier reluctantly nodded. "Understood sir," He saluted, and the walked out of my office.
I sank deep in my chair. I was starting to get nauseous. I stood up from my chair and walked toward the drink dispenser. I looked through the menu, and I found exactly what I needed. I pressed the button, and a mechadendrite pushed out a bottle of wine from the agri-world of Railea. I poured in some wine in the cup as I sat back down on my chair. I placed the bottle on the table, but I did not let go, and I began to drink from the cup. I just one sip, I had drunk it all. I poured in some more wine and began to drink again.
It's that day of drowning, here again, I had almost started to forget this sensation of coldness. I don't want to get up. I don't want to move at all. Still, I must, even if it takes all my strength to do so for the sake of my men. My mind starts to go on overdrive by the countless thoughts that pass through it. Maybe if I had chosen a different strategy; if I had called the airstrike sooner; if I had been able to predict that the second army of those Piglins was going to appear… Maybe if I had done something different, I would have been able to save more of them. The images of Ender's corpse flashed through my mind. So many broken families, so many unfulfilled promises… I'm a monster… Am I even worthy of this rank? Worthy of living? I had refused to leave my desk position for a while, but I joined this expedition because I thought I would be relegated to the sidelines, but it seems Renard had other plans. I felt as the tears in my soul began to rear their ugly heads, bringing the salty rivers. Renard, you are very much like your brother, aren't you?
Vlad's P.O.V.
I sighed when I walked out of Hex's room, I knew he was going to sink himself in his thoughts. This may be cruel, but he has to start moving on. The past pain is always there, but you have to fight it or be consumed by it, and drown, trust me, I know a lot about that, but… I looked at my squadron out of the corner of my eyes; one must move forwards, for life can't be stopped nor rewound no matter how much you wish for that to be the case.
Still, I can understand his reaction. He has always been plagued because he is continuously blaming himself for all the bad things that happen. I can bet that he is currently blaming himself for not having predicted the second army's attack, even though it was more or less unpredictable. Survivor's guilt, that's the term. It has been presented in humanity's psyche for almost it's entire history. Survivors of terrible events are often plagued by thoughts as to why they were the ones who survived, and why did the others have to die. Vehicle crashes, battles, nasty accidents, those are some events that can cause this PTSD effect. Now, I can only imagine the psyche of someone who is part of the very few that survived the destruction of their own planet…
We stepped out of the Turbo tank, and I looked at the troops as some of them were resting, others were still piling up corpses, and the rest tended to the injured. The knights had settled themselves right across us, but neither they nor we made an attempt at communication, as there was still an aura of distrust and wariness in the area.
"Sir," I heard Eleini's voice call me from behind. I turned around to look at the young sergeant. "Permission to aid in the medical station," Eleini said as she saluted.
I nodded. "Permission granted," I replied with a faint smile. Eleini nodded, and she went off to do her job. I then turned to the rest of my squad. Natlee, Ahlex, Zavis, I eyed them carefully. Their armours, now, they were not shinies anymore, as they were covered in dust, dirt, and the blood of their foes. Still, they have a lot to learn.
"You three better get ready!" I exclaimed, startling them. "Once this expedition is done, we will be doing a lot of training, understood?" I firmly asked them.
"Sir, yes, sir!" They said in unison as they saluted.
"Very well," I replied as I nodded. "You may rest for now. You better use this little breaks wisely, as when we go back, you won't have as much as a breath," I told them.
"Sir, yes, sir," Zavis replied in a dejected matter while Ahlex and Natlee remained firm.
"That is all, you may go," I instructed while signalling with my hand for them to go. They all saluted and walked away. While I may seem harsh, I only do what must be done to keep them alive. Soldiers must be the readiest they can be to fight in the battle, or else, they will die quickly, and sending soldiers like that to a battlefield is a mistake I won't commit, ever again…
Nathalia's P.O.V.
I had a feeling of uneasiness as I walked through the lines of this 'Terrestrials.' When I reached our lines, the sensation was still there, They could either be a dangerous foe, or a powerful ally. As their first contact, it is my job to steer their position towards the latter. I sat down on the ground for a moment, as I needed to process everything that had just happened. I looked up, the sky today is a blue-grey brindle with the softest accents of white. It expands above as an ever-growing dream, arching heavenwards as the greatest basilica cupola. In the day, we can faintly see the psionic shield that engulfs our world, which we call 'The Veil'. I sighed, an empire that extends through the skies, and conquers stars? If it weren't because I'm seeing these people I would have called anyone who suggested such a concept a clown, because, well, these 'Terrestrials' must have come from somewhere, so what they said must be true.
My sense of curiosity rears its head at the thought, though. I wonder, what is it like to venture among the stars? What mysteries are there in the realm beyond the veil? What do other worlds look like? Oh, I'm sure Lilla is going to be excited once I tell her about this. She is my younger sister, and she spends most of her time reading about the ancient tales of the sky people and gazing upon the stars.
I looked back down, observing my knights as they chatted between them. I looked at the supply caravans we brought, I hope they are enough for the ravaged city-states. Still, even if they are, I am sure there won't be enough left for Hohendorf, much less the entire Krain region. I guess my brother must hold on for a while longer. The savour of the 'cocktail' as the captain called invaded my mouth, I could still feel it, indeed a drink worthy of gods. Maybe if I convinced Hex to give us some of it, I am sure it would satiate the people until we could deliver more supplies. Unconsciously, I licked my lips with my tongue at the thought of tasting such a fine drink again.
"Looks like someone really liked sky people's beverage, right, princess?" I heard Nichol's thickly voice, causing me to look up at him. There he was, my master, looking at me with his smug smile. I immediately turned red, for I had been discovered.
"If you had tasted it, I am sure you would be just like I am," I replied to Nichol.
"Oh, I'm sure about it," Nichol replied with a laugh. "I don't often get to enjoy such drinks after all,"
I looked back at Nichol sympathetically. That's right, not everyone has the same privileges I have. "You don't have to stand there like pillars, you know?" I asked them. "Come on, sit down, it's all right,"
"Thank you, your highness," I heard Alina say as she sat down. "Will I also get to have a sip, your highness?"
I laughed. "You will get to have more than sip, Alina, don't worry about it," I then frowned when I looked at her. "Also, what have I told you about calling me highness, or majesty? You may call me by my name, don't worry," Yes, I am referred to as that often, after all, I am a princess.
"S-Sorry, it's just the habit, please, forgive me!" Alina said as she bowed her head.
"You are forgiven, now, relax, understood?" I asked her.
"Y-Yes!" She exclaimed in her tremulous voice. We have been friends for a few years now, but she still hasn't gotten accustomed to calling me, Nathalia. I can't entirely blame her, though, considering her origins. Even, I would like her to be more open with me.
"Do I get to call you by your name, my lady?" I heard Neil ask. I was amused that he keeps trying.
"You still have a few years before that, but you are doing an excellent job as of right now, so keep it up," I replied to him with amusement.
"Yes, my lady!" Neil replied excitingly. "Will also get to try that exquisite beverage?"
"You are part of the Saveia family, one of the most influential families in the Holy Empire, you have access to a whole catalogue of exotic drinks, unlike Nichol and Alina," I reminded Neil. "Though, if we are offered once again, I will consider asking Captain Hex to give you some," I replied as I leaned back against the ground. After spending days mounted on a horse, marching from the holy city to here, my back starts to hurt. The grass may not be as comfortable as the chair the captain had, but I will have to work with it. Still, I don't think anything we have here will compare to such thing, after all, it was like sinking in a cloud. I took a breath of fresh air. "Also, I will consider giving you one, Elisot," I said as I turned to look at her, who still was wearing her full-body armour. "But, you will have to at least remove your helmet, though," I stated.
"I-I think I will pass, your highness," Elisot shakily replied. I sighed. "You will have to get over it eventually, you know?" I asked as I raised an eyebrow.
"I-I know," Elisot wobbly replied. "I'm working on it…"
"Oh come on, Lisi!" Neil exclaimed as he swung his arm around her. "It doesn't matter if you are ugly under that bucket, we'll still love you!" Neil was promptly elbowed in the chest by Elisot.
"A-Anyways…" Elisot said as Neil struggled to get back up. "I'm not one to question your decisions, your highness, b-but…" Elisot said as she looked down while fidgeting her fingers.
"What is it?" I calmly asked to make sure she was more comfortable, as she didn't usually voice her opinion.
"Well, are you sure it is good that we lower our guards around the enemy?" Elisot said as she looked at me. "They could turn against us, or…"
"Your concern is valid," I said as I sat back up and placed my hand on her shoulder. "But I'm sure they won't turn against us," I tried to reassure her. The thing is, there is a silent 'yet' there at the end, as I was sure Captain Hex was a man of honour, but for now, I can't guarantee that the Terrestrials and us won't have to fight at one point in the future, but I will work for that to not happen.
"R-Really?" Elisot asked.
"Do not fret, young one," Nichol spoke up. "As someone who was dealt with all kinds of people over my long life, I can sense that this Captain Hex will not betray us. I can tell he is a warrior and an astute one at that, so he knows that one, he is at a significant disadvantage, two, he will gain nothing from attacking us, three, the real enemies are not us, but the Piglins," Nichol explained his reasoning. "There is no motive for which he would want to attack us, and they are human, so we know that they are civilized." Elisot nodded, but I could sense that she was not entirely convinced, but well, that's who she is. Still, even I am somewhat wary of this outlanders, but we must do what is necessary, and right now, an alliance with them is the best course of action we can take…
Third Person P.O.V.
A few more minutes passed, but then, finally, the united army of knights and troopers was ready to march on. Their combined forces amounting to around 11,200 soldiers, marched to liberate Rumelia, which had fallen to the Piglins. The knights watched in awe and terror at the different vehicles used by the Terrestrials. The tanks quaked the earth as they moved, causing many knights' horses to be startled. The Terrestrials' discipline also became apparent as they marched in perfect unison, their guards up, as never had such a professional army marched through these lands, not even that of the Martial Duchy of Rameria.
It took them an hour before they reached the city, but as they came closer, the brutality of the Piglins was made known. The fields around the town that once provided food were wholly torched, and in the dancing flames, several bodies laid, stuck to spears that pierced their hearts. A charcoal-like smell with sulfurous odour reached the soldier's noses, along with the scent of burnt pork roast. The closer they got to the city, the more brutal the scenes became. Body parts lied all around, while the previous scents mixed with a metallic smell. On the road to the city, pikes with head stuck in them adorned the sides. The anger of the soldiers now knew no bounds. These beasts were going to pay and pay hard.
Once the city came within visibility, so did the screams of the survivors became audible. There were still people suffering under the brutal ideology of the Piglins, and this human suffering can't be allowed to continue any further. The army stopped on top of a hill as they awaited the orders of their commanders.
"All forces! Prepare to charge! Ready your psionic blasts!" Nathalia screamed from the front. "We will show them a piece of their mind!"
"Belay that order, lady Nathalia," Hex said as he walked towards her. "Remember that we are here too, and we can make this a lot easier for you," Hex stated.
"Then, please do," Nathalia replied, to which Hex nodded. As that happened, the walker tanks started to move forwards. The knights watched in amazement as the tanks positioned themselves at the top of the hills. Their cannons were aimed down at the city's walls. The battle was about to begin.
Inside the city, Deathpriest Vegrith read a passage from his unholy bible. The sounds of the remaining citizens being put to death brought him relief, as he was fulfilling his duties in bringing this world closer to perfection. Vegrith suddenly felt a chill go down his spine; a disturbance. Vegrith walked towards the window of the city's mayoral mansion. Vegrith saw as the city's main walls all exploded along with a good portion of his garrison.
Parts of the wall then started to rain back down on the city. In the city plaza, the remaining citizens and the Piglin executioners, in awe, watched as the walls were suddenly turned to pieces and then started to fall all around. On the hill, the knights stared in, shocked at were the mighty walls once used to be, but there was no time to waste, an opening had been created.
Nathalia closed her mouth and blinked a few times while shaking her head. Nathalia then raised her sword, which started to glow. "Forwards!" Nathalia shouted at the top of her lungs. This seemed to bring the rest of the knights out of their trance, and they all unscathed their weapons. The massive cavalry charge descended from the hill like a furious wave that then stormed against the city. Several armoured vehicles and speeder bikes also took part in the charge.
The remaining Piglins did their best to mount an improvised defence, but with their primary defences gone, there was nothing much they could do. The cavalry steamrolled through the Piglins' lines. From their armoured vehicles, the Terrestrials shot down any Piglin that tried to escape. The knights charged at the Piglins, swinging their swords and decapitating or impaling the Piglins. Several Piglin mages mounted a defence around the plaza, and when the knights tried charging at them, they were blown away by psionic blasts. From the hill, looking through his visor, Hex noticed the knights being killed by the mages. He grabbed a rifle from one of his soldiers and shot at the mages. The Piglins were startled when suddenly one of their own was shot through the chest. More Terrestrial troopers grabbed their long-range rifles and acted as snipers, gunning down the Piglins that posed a threat to the charge. With many of the mages gone, the knights broke through the last lines. The plaza erupted into cheers of joy as the remaining citizens cried tears of happiness and welcomed the knights, who were killing their would-be executioners.
A few dragons descended in the middle of the battle, but they were halted by the remaining A.As of the Terrestrials. Parts of dragons then started to rain down on the city. Despite the hopelessness of the situation, the Piglins refused to surrender, and they continued to fight, except for one.
In the mayoral mansion, Vegrith watched in terror as the knights made their way towards his location. Vegrith stepped back from the window in fear, almost falling back as he bumped against a chair.
"No, no, no!" Vegrith exclaimed as he shook his head. "I have not fulfilled my duties!" Vegrith turned around and ran away. He opened the door and then ran through the mansion. Much to his horror, as he passed through the main hall. The entrance of the manor was kicked open by several knights. Vegrith watched as his Piglin guards were slaughtered by the knights. Vegrith tried to run away, but he was unable to, his body just wouldn't react. All Vegrith could do was scream in fear as the knights charged towards him.
Vegrith was stripped naked of his ecclesiastical clothes, and he was then dragged towards the plaza. Along with other surviving Piglins, Vegrith was pinned using swords to makeshift crosses and then implanted on the floor. The citizens shouted at Vegrith, throwing all kinds of stuff at him. Some, threw excrement, as they were forced to do their necessities there. They were treated like animals in a slaughterhouse by the Piglins.
As they were in the middle of the celebration. The knights and citizens were startled by a booming roar. They then heard screams and saw several knights were sent flying across the air. Some of them managed to land back on their feet, but others were not so lucky. One of the buildings around the plaza was then suddenly destroyed, and a massive Piglin stepped from behind.
"Yes! Yes!" Vegirth exclaimed in delight as he saw the giant Piglin. "Kill them! Purify them! Do it! Do it!"
The Piglin roared, but then, a missile impacted the Piglin on its open mouth. The Piglin stepped back from the impact. Hex flew towards the Piglin with his jetpack. Hex shot the Piglin using his wrist blasters, but the Piglin's skin was too rigid, and the bolts did nothing.
The Piglin was angered by Hex, and it then tried to grab Hex off the air. Hex spun around with his jetpack and using the plasma blade of his arm, he simultaneously chopped off the Piglin's arm. The beast screamed, and Hex took his chance and flew towards the Piglin's head. Hex stuck his hand on the Piglin's mouth and then, using his plasma blade, he pierced the Piglin's upper part of the mouth. The Piglin let out one last time before falling back. Hex unstuck his hand, and as the Piglin fell down, he remained flying with his jetpack. Once the Piglin fell, Hex landed on top of it. As Hex finished the giant Piglin, the rest of the Terrestrials' forces marched into the city, shooting down any surviving Piglin which the knights had missed.
"No! No! No! No!" Vegrith screamed like a maniac as his trump card was defeated.
Vegrith's screams became so loud that the knights, using stitches, knitted Vegrith's mouth, poorly, intending to shut him up. Vegrith and the other crossed Piglins were then carried away by the citizens who planted them outside the city to become food for the birds.
When the dust settled, the citizens noticed the strange armoured people that accompanied the knights and peculiar iron siege weapons. The citizens stared at them in awe as they passed by, and were also amazed by the fact that most of them were significantly taller than them. Nathalia walked to the stairs of the mayoral mansion, where everyone could see her. Hex, who had now removed his helmet along with Nathalia, was standing next to her.
"People of Rumelia!" Nathalia exclaimed. Her booming voice could be heard all around the site. The citizens looked up to where Nathalia and Hex were. "We are the Holy Order of the Sun, from the Holy Empire, and this are our allies from the Terrestrial Empire. They came from the realm beyond the veil to bring us the news about the destruction of our ancient foe of the sky people!" These surprised the citizens, causing them to erupt into murmurs. When Nathalia spoke up again, they all went quiet and continued to listen. "They now offered their assistance in helping us liberate Rumelia, and now, we have done it. No longer will you have to suffer under the sword of the heathens, citizens of Rumelia, you are free!"
When Nathalia stopped speaking, the crowd erupted into cheers of joy. As the citizens hugged and kissed each other. One of them stepped from the crowd and walked towards Nathalia and Hex.
"My lady," The man said as he bowed in front of Nathalia. "Sir," The man then rose up. "I'm Godfree, the son of the last mayor of the city," The man introduced himself. "My father was killed by the horrid heathens, and now I am the closest thing we have as a representative. So, on behalf of all the citizens, I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for liberating us," Godfree then bowed to them.
Nathalia walked to him and placed a hand on his shoulder to straighten him. "You no longer have to bow to anyone, you are free, we only did our sacred duties," Nathalia told him with a smile. "Now, go, your people need a leader. We will aid you with your supply issues to the best of our capabilities,"
"We eternally grateful to you," Godfree replied before turning around and walking towards the crowd.
Hex walked towards Nathalia. "I believe I have fulfilled our part of the deal," Hex said, causing Nathalia to look at him. Hex didn't speak any further and simply looked at her.
Nathalia then replied. "Indeed you have," Nathalia looked back to the front and sighed. "Now, it is time for me to fulfil my part. I will negotiate with the lord of the region you have settled so they won't attack you. We may also resume our previous conversation," Nathalia then turned around to look at Hex. "The only thing I ask for is that you also answer any questions I may have,"
Hex nodded in replied. "But of course,"
"Very well," Nathalia replied, taking a deep breath. "I shall prepare everything here, and then I will depart with you,"
"Understood," Hex replied. "If you need help with anything, just ask," After those words, Hex walk passed Nathalia and went to reunite with his troops.
Nathalia stared at his retreating back and sighed. "I hope I am doing the right thing," Nathalia also began walking away and went to reunite with her knights.
After a few hours, while Hex and the rest of the Terrestrials were waiting outside the city, Nathalia came out with her personal guard consisting of Nichol, Alina, Elisot and Neil. Nathalia had already left someone in charge of the order while she is not around, so now, it was time to depart. As they walked together, Elisot came closer towards Nathalia.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, my lady?" Elisot asked with concern. She still didn't trust the Terrestrials.
"We have no choice," Nathalia replied. "We made a promise, and we never break a promise,"
As they continued to walk. The Terrestrials troopers all stood up and saluted Nathalia as she passed. Nathalia and her knights were certainly surprised at the gesture. Nathalia continued to walk, although she started to feel uncomfortable as she kept walking and the soldiers stepped aside to make her a little path. It had started to feel too much like home for her liking.
At the end of the path, Hex stood along with Vlad and his squadron. They all saluted when Nathalia stopped in front of them.
"It is time to depart then," Hex replied. "If you wouldn't mind, could one of your comrades go with the drivers to guide them in the direction we are going?"
Nathalia nodded and looked at Nichol. "Nichol, would you mind helping them?"
"Of course, your highness," Nichol replied. "I shall guide them,"
Hex nodded. "Very well then, that should be all," Hex then turned to his troops. "Pack up your stuff boys! We are moving once again!" Hex shouted at the top of his lungs so everyone would hear him.
The soldiers then began to disperse and they all grabbed their rifles, pistols, and other sorts of belongings. Hex climbed the stairs of the Turbo Tank, and Nathalia and her knights followed him, while Vlad and his troops followed them. Now that everyone was ready, it was time to go and explore more of this brand new world.