Garotan stood lying in wait hidden amongst the trees on the opposite shores of the winding Kai shedan river. His breath heavy and eager as it trailed ribbons of spiraling mist spreading among the cold orange sky filled with snow and ash. The attack will begin soon. A great battle was about to begin. And he would savor as long as it lasted.
A sea of red fire was consuming the Iron wood forest in front of them on the other side of the river. Every living thing had attempted to flee in the opposite direction and swim across the freezing river. Unevolved wildlife ran past him and his men in droves. Garotan gave them no mind, they were hunting different prey tonight. One that could think. One that could talk. One that could fight.
A sudden beeping noise emitted from his gauntlet communicator. Garotan raised his arm, wiped away the snow and relayed the message. Suddenly a small glowing version of the Empress appeared standing above his wrist as if a small ice carving. Perfect and gleaming with blue light.
"They're coming. Empress Vea informed him. The bombers have flushed them out of hiding and they are fleeing toward your position at the east river right now. Wipe them out when they arrive. Let none escape. You may take prisoners. But if you find the traitor. Bring her to me alive personally."
"It will be done you majesty." Garotan nodded assuredly. The men are in position and we will catch them by surprise. We're always up for a good scrap. Tonight will be no different."
Perfect. That's just what I like to hear...And Garotan?
"Yes your majesty?" He asked cautiously. Not wanting to overstep his bounds.
.....Be careful." Vea said quickly before the call ended.. Her voice greatly more concerned she may not see him again.
"Garotan smiled wildly, Unveiling his gaping maw of teeth completely unafraid.
"HA! Don't you worry about me your majesty. This will be over quickly. If anything that's what I'm afraid of. Where's the fun in a short battle? The polar bear then winked eagerly, not at her majesty, but at his confidence of winning the battle so graciously dropped in his lap thanks to her like a present to be spit opened.
Emperess Vea allowed a faint smile to escape her normally cold and stern demeanor at the old soldier's childish action, before nodding in approval and disappearing in a flash of light. Hesitant but having full confidence in her esteemed General's skill from this point on without her involvement. She couldn't have picked a better man to lead her armies. Or a more trusted friend.
Garotan cracked is neck side to side and closed his eyes. Drowning out the scent of burning wood and smoke entirely. Focusing and honing in on the The scent of sweat and panic close by. Not of his men. But of the enemy. They were terrified and fleeing for their lives right this way into his men's clutches. A wonderful fight awaited him. He could tell. It would be hard. But it would be executed brilliantly. If anything the hard part was just lying around waiting. His men were growing restless. They wanted payback in regards to the earlier ambush. One man especially.
The white tiger centurion Marav cautiously snuck up behind Garotan, stalking on all four of his legs with binoculars gripped tightly in hand as he moved in beside the massive polar bear standing behind a large tree.
"I don't see them yet." Whispered Marav impatiently. Are they late?"
"No." Muttered Garotan, not taking his eyes off the soon to be battlefield below. "They'll be here right on time. We have them right where I want them. Just sit tight and relax. I know you want payback for the ambush. You'll get it. We'll give these rebels recompense soon enough.
Marav liked that. As clear evident by his nodding with a low growl in his voice.
Garotan stood in silence beside the tiger soldier waiting eager as they both watched the quiet frozen valley. Garotan could see it all. How it would unfold. It made him eager at just the thought. How they would appear running frantically through the trees only to be trapped by the river sandwiched between two terrors. A creeping forest fire behind. A barrage of his men's artillery waiting in front hidden. A perfect trap. Thank you Vea. Once again you've given me just what I asked for.
"Tell the the others not to fire on a single one until I give the signal." Garotan ordered. "We want as many as possible to appear right in our line of fire trapped on the edge of the shore. The more the better. Let's make the empresses proud this day."
"Yes sir." The white tiger spoke confidently. Eager to make up for his past failing and redeem himself. Marav nodded and quickly slid back down the snowy hill to give the update to the other soldiers lying in wait at the bottom among the trees. Garotan allowed a quick glance back to see hundreds of imperial soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder awaiting anxiously for the time to strike. Most of the world probably expected the Imperial army to be comprised of entirely southern races. In reality this couldn't be farther form the truth.
Amazingly, only one third of the Imperial army was comprised of true southern Heritage. Penguins. Seals. And Albatross knights. The other two larger portions held a far more vast array of Northern species who still knew of their true alliance. White gorillas, Wolves, Elk, and Snow lions. True battle tested heroes who would stop at nothing to keep these traitors of the Empire from escaping again. Even if that was somewhat difficult to define. What made someone a true northerner or southerner. The line was often very blurred in that regard. Although Garotan was born in the north himself, he had always lived his life under gracious imperial rule. Knowing that before the empire had arrived. His homeland had been plagued by conflict and brutal campaigns by warring northern realms and races. Wars that the south pole had never been plagued with.
Garotan envied such unity and national pride as the south. Their low diversity of races, overpopulation, and lack of resources had forced them to work together to survive in such a harsh desolate environment, putting aside division of species and uniting for a cause of a common habitat nationality. Growing in power and magnificence as a united people, as opposed to this savage melting pot of a land, which would have been destined to endlessly war against itself over petty squabbles of race, food, and allegiance. Thankfully the south had intervened.
The empire had abolished each of the northern kings animal dynasties when they invaded, and brought peace and unity to an age old chaotic realm when none thought it possible. Outlawing cannibalism of sentient prey by predators, and permitting intermarry between species when in the past such a simple concept had been deemed worthy of death. It was a golden age of progress and tolerance.
Only now...
These rebels would seek to end it. And return to the dark times.
They were not his countrymen anymore. They were traitors. And they would seek to restore an outdated system of savagery and barbarism that did not belong in the modern world. They had helped the Ocean monarchy fight against the empire and nearly brought it to it's knees. And worse, they dared helped assassinate and slaughter the Empress husband so brutally, leaving her with pain and anguish Garotan couldn't stand to see her in every day since the tragedy. And now these traitors wished to finish the job with her as well. He would die before he would let that happen.
Garotan gripped his axe and shield tighter in anticipation as he saw the wall of flames slowly consuming the forest in the distance. Inching closer and closer toward the edge of the river. Obscuring the sky with smoke and ash, staining the pure white land all around them. A necessary sacrifice.
Just a bit longer until....
A lone wolf soldier, donned in grey furs and chain mail suddenly emerged in the distance. Garotan could smell him from here. He was covered in sweat as he continued running from the flames before coming to a halt startled at the edge of the frozen river. Carrying the banner of the illegitimate northern insurgency. A white snowflake amidst a deathly black background.
This way come on!!! He shouted to the others behind to follow quickly.
Now sir? Merav whispered beside him. Eagerly awaiting to attack.
Not yet. Garotan responded calmly. Watching the sight unfold.
More and more rebel's began pouring out of the flaming forest desperate to escape the raging inferno catching up behind them. The icy shore was now stuffed to the brim with panicking exhausted soldiers attempting to cross through the freezing river. But to Garotan's surprise most stayed still even with the threat of incinerations behind them.
Suddenly a loud mechanical hum filled the air.
What is that? Marav whispered nervously."
Garotan looked in closer through his binoculars and ground his teeth in anger at what he saw.
A-7 Cryo tanks. Garotan snarled unpleasantly. "This complicates things. But...We can use this to our advantage."
Half a dozen of the rebel armies' remaining vehicles were emerging single file through the flaming forest, clearing a path for their men before lining up in a row along the bank's of the river. These particular vehicles had glowing blue inner workings and large cylindrical tanks on their backside holding a substance Garotan knew all to well. The scavenged imperial tanks were among the numerous relic's of the last war that still used liquid nitrogen as it's primary fire instead of hard light. And now they were being used to aid their escape.
These rebels had commandeered these once incredible vehicles for their own use when the empire had to leave them behind in the evacuation years ago. To see their own weapons in the hands of these traitors made Garotan furious at the sheer hypocrisy of these barbarians. They had preached time and time again about northern independence and the evil empire being cast out of these lands. But they were perfectly fine with keeping the weapons they had salvaged for their own use.
The Six grey colored vehicles shaped like withered boxes slowly turned their cannon's toward the river and began firing streams of unbroken ice directly at the cold running stream of water. Freezing an elongated pathway of permafrost to allow their fellow soldiers to cross. The bridge's would collapses under the weight of the heavy treads so the tanks were staying behind until the job was done and everyone was across.
Even still, It was a slow and unorganized process, the cold strong current turned their retreat of survival into a slog. A few even started to slip off the overcrowded bridges of ice and be carried downstream as they fought against the river itself. Although some managed the intense water much better than others such as walruses and enemy polar bears. Overhead a few of the enemy flyers comprised of snow owls, gull's and puffins decided to attempt the crossing on their own and leave their friend's behind rather than wait their turn on the shore to cross and risk burning.
"Sir the flyer's they'll escape! Merav said nervously watching the sky above.
Not yet...Garotan repeated himself, more sternly this time. "They'll be taken care of soon. Don't you worry lad."
After waiting five minutes watching the embarrassing evacuation unfold. Thousands of northern rebels were halfway across in the deepest part of the river. Either Slowly walking across the fragile bridges, or swimming with water up to most of the soldiers necks as they gasped for breath. Even the giant sized mammoth shock troopers were struggling against the strong waves as they attempted to carry dozens of their comrades on their backs, weighting themselves down more in the process. If Garotan waited another second longer, they all would overwhelm and come face to face with his own smaller forces waiting behind the hill and an all out chaotic skirmish would ensue right in front of each other.
"Marav." Garotan said. A large eager grin slowly emerging across his broad snout."
"Yes sir?" The tiger responded. Already excited to know the answer.
"You wanted a fight?" You got one."
Garotan turned quickly around and gestured for the artillery hidden amongst the trees behind the hill to shatter the bridges of ice to pieces.
"Open fire boys!!!!! Garataon roared merrily aloud raising his enormous paw high into the air. At last breaking the tense quiet which had cast them all in unease.
The artillery cannons fired over the hill with loud sheering screeches. Sending pulse after pulse of blue hard light energy directly atop the fleeing soldiers trapped on the bridges. A few looked up in every direction toward the familiar sound they dreaded more than anything, not knowing where it's source was coming from. None would ever find out.
Each of the ice bridges shattered instantly and their titanic pieces were sent flying through the air like a delicate puzzle being ripped apart, with each of it's hundreds of diminutive passerby's being cast into the frozen waters screaming and bloodied. The cannon's then turned their attention toward the opposite shore, targeting the ice tanks and any remaining soldiers trapped between the river and the flames who weren't fortunate enough to be born with wings. They had nowhere to go. They had no way out.
The remaining northern troops emerged from the frozen waters coughing up water as they attempted to flee to the shore or downstream. Garotan's snipers picked them off one by one below. All Hidden amongst the icy cliffside completely camouflaged, having been keeping a close eye on the battle and waiting for the signal. A few rebel soldiers attempted to rally their comrades. Charging up the hill with a besital roar right to where his men were stationed. They were right below them. And the artillery couldn't hit them this close. Now it was time for the hard part.
Garotan ignited his hard light axe with a loud screeching noise. The thin blue blade of glowing crystal sharp and ready to inflict pain.
"You lad's just gonna stand around and watch?!!!! Garotan roared loudly with glee. His helmet folding into place to conceal his face. The polar bear then stood up to full massive height and charged down the hill unafraid and unleashing a savage roar that carried for miles. "I've never been one for standing still, and neither should you!!!!" Lets show these traitors what a real soldier can do!!!
His thousands of loyal and courageous men followed closely as they emerged over the top and charged down the hill toward the stunned traitors. Ready to finish them off once and for all. "FOR THE EMPERESS!!!!!! The chanted in perfect unison. Sending shockwaves with their united voice through the waves of the river in front.
"Imperials!!! It's an ambush!!!! GHHHAA!! A snow fox screamed aloud before Garotan swung his axe with both hands and cut him clearly in half in once powerful strike.
"Form up!!!" Garotan Ordered aloud quickly. Throwing's the corpse of the fox aside and igniting his own massive energy shield.
Garotan's heavier units beside him each ignited their hard light shields as ordered and lined them instantly row to row in perfect trained order as they inched closer and closer toward the shore, deflecting dry ice blasts and icicles. Preventing the enemy fire from impaling any of his valued less armored men right behind him. With his smaller soldiers firing in-between the cracks of the moving barricade at the panicking enemy soldiers. Sure enough the rebels began to be backed against the edge of the water unable to flee. Seeing no other option, the last surviving northern rebels attempted a full on melee charge right toward the defenders. The two armies clashed against one another in a primal and savage body slam. Clawing and biting their white fangs, talons, and weapons against one another. But still Garotan's wall held firm. Killing them in droves.
"THIS IS TAKING TOO LONG!!! Merav the tiger roared aloud."
Merav dropped his weapons and leapt over the wall of shields, beginning to sprint at full speed on all fours toward at any enemy in his path, unsheathing his claws and slashing at multiple enemies killing them all with a vicious rage before pouncing atop one unlucky deer soldier. Snarling and biting deeply into her leg not daring to letting go as she attempted to flee. His rage and hatred against these traitors overwhelming as he snarled and gave into his anger entirely. "GET OFF ME!! GHAHA!!! GET OFF!!!" The lone white deer cried aloud in pain. Scarred but still determined to keep fighting despite the intense pain. Unable to shake her stronger attacker she drew for a hidden ice spear which snapped into place with a loud crack of her wrist. Garotan watched in horror as the rebel doe thrust her hidden weapon spear into the faint gap in Merav's armor straight through his neck. The white tiger dropped dead to the snow beside Garotan still clawing and biting at the deer even as he drowned in his own blood. His vengeance fully consuming him even in his last moments.
Garotan snarled faintly at the unpliant death and looked up to see the wounded deer as she struggled to stand and began to charge directly at him, spear in hand screaming in bitter rage. He simply knocked her aside before crushing the spear in his deadly teeth. He then grabbed her thin arms and snapping their bone's like twigs effortlessly. She would live. But she wouldn't harm any more of his men. He stepped over the screaming doe and continued marching shoulder to shoulder with his men. There were less than a hundred rebels now all packed together exhausted, While his men still wanted more and had plenty more to give. Now they could go all in.
CHARGE.!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!! Garotan roared aloud!!!! Fully giving into his instinct for this one moment by running on all fours for an added boost of speed toward any unfortunate obstacle in his path. The massive armored polar bear crashed through a wall of soldiers like a battering ram, swinging his axe and clawed fist left and right sweeping and tearing any enemy close to him to bloody pieces. The imperials broke formation and followed close behind, invigorated by their leader's action and charged on all fours as well to follow suit, with spears and swords still gripped tightly in hand. All ready and eager to face the last of their traitorous brothers in combat the old fashioned way. With Claw and teeth.
The rebels bravely fought with every last scrap of energy and rage they had to give. None showed cowardice as they clashed against one another in a chaotic frenzy, biting and giving in to basic savage instinct. But even so. Northern patriotism and instinct would only get them so far. When Garotan knew that careful planning was far more valued.
Soon enough. It was all over.
Garotan's forces stood victorious catching their breaths among the hundreds of wounded Imperials and rebels all round them. He instructed his men to sift through the bodies for any of their own forces' survivors and even more importantly, the rebel leader Boreca. Hopefully she was lucky enough to be among the dead. Garotan removed his helmet and released a heavy sigh as he sat against a fallen tree trunk, sweat pouring down his long furry covered neck. His red tonge panting as his adrenaline and eager grin subsided.
"You two.. Garotan gasped.." Search...Check the ice tanks...Make sure...They're' down."
"Yes sir!" The two albatross knights replied before spreading their wings to check on the other side. Nothing much remained over there. But better safe now than dead later.
After hours of shifting through the debris and aftermath of the conflict. A lone officer, a grey imperial wolf approached Garotan exhausted. He turned toward the officer ready to give his report eagerly.
"Any thing? Garotan Asked the wolf hopefully. Washing away the streams of blood from his dented armor with chunks of ice. He didn't like the mess but he loved the dents. Showed his experience.
I'm sorry sir. We couldn't find her." The wolf Feyrin responded.
Garotan grumbled and rubbed his weary eyes. A pitty." He muttered under his cold heavy breath. "But.... at least she hasn't escaped yet. She must still be trapped in the forest with what's left of her army. Send word to the aerial fleet. Order the fighters to perform another strafing run over the forest and pick off any remaining flyers that managed to escape during the battle. They're scattered and weak. Easy pickings in the air."
"Very good sir." The officer replied, deeply impressed with the general's efficiency. Most assumed polar bears were dumb brutes, but his leader was deceptively quite clever. He couldn't be more fortunate to be serving under him. On the right side instead of facing him.
What are...Garotan hesitated, his tone of voice shifting from excitement to mellow sorrow.. What are the losses?
The officer smiled. Very pleased at being able to give good news.
.Eight thousand four hundred and twenty seven Northern rebels. An astounding victory tonight sir. Once again you have outdone yourself.
"I meant ours." Garotan sighed saddened." He hated asking this question."
Oh...Well..." The officer hesitated for a brief moment scratching his ears before, clearing his throat.
"Two hundred and twenty seven. But...all things considered. It could have been worse."
"It always is." Garotan muttered. The polar bear then stood up to his massive height and cracked his back.
Any prisoners? He grunted as he arched.
Yes.! I'm so glad you asked that. We found two alive.
"Take me to them. He said while picking up and resting his helmet under his arm. Time for a chat."
Yes sir right this way."
Garotan followed the wolf pack leader toward the two prisoners kneeling bloodied and bandaged, surrounded by dozens of his soldiers standing with anger in their eyes above them. Garotan knelt down to come face to face with the two. Observing their shaking eyes and fearful expressions.
"Where is Boreca? He asked the first prisoner. A wounded walrus with one of his tusk snapped off during the beginning of the fight.
"I'll never talk traitor. The walrus soldier wheezed attempting to spit at Garotan only instead to fall flat on his face moaning."
Garotan immensely tired of this long day grabbed the walrus up and brought him face to face with his black rounded eyes.
Listen...Walrus..." I don't know about you. But you've put all my men through quite the ordeal today. Me especially. Come to think of it..
Garotan then pulled the old walrus toward his gaping maw of teeth, making extra effort to drool more than usual for an added effect."
I've worked up quite an apatite." Garotan purred."
The walrus's eyes expanded with fear as he gulped a lump in his throat at seeing his ancient natural predator show him his fangs." "I...I.. ALRIGHT!! Alright!! I'll talk, I'll talk!!! Just please don't eat me!!!
Garotan grinned at the bluff having worked.
"Excellent." He sighed relieved. I'm glad we could work something out. Just Lead us to..."
"No don't!! The other prisoner shouted to her comrade to remain silent." Don't give in!! These Imperial's won't eat you it's just a show!!! They don't have the guts to do it!!
Garotan turned his head sharply toward the interruption. Seeing the young doe who had killed Marav with a spear earlier. Both of her broken arm's were bandaged together and crossed in an x shape, but despite her severe injuries and small stature she was still as determined as ever. She and her spirit almost reminded him of Ryana. Garotan put aside the unpleasant comparison this traitor wasn't deserving of, and knelt down calmly in front of the arrogant rebel soldier.
Really think so? Garotan said aloud trying to sound menacing. It's just a show? Care to put it to the test? I'm more than happy to prove you wrong."
You won't hurt me. The doe said unafraid not looking him in the eye by turning her head away. Not like that.
"You don't know what I'd do. I like to try new things given the opportunity. And this..is an excellent one." Garotan snarled faintly. Hoping to make her back down and not interfere any further in this matter. "Now just please listen to what I have to say child. We'll let you live but only if you comply, The battle is over. Prove your loyalty to the empress and help to bring about peace to these lands by helping us track down your leader. The end is near. There is no other option.
The doe chuckled.
Loyalty?...What do you know of loyalty? You call us traitors yet you, a polar bear, wear imperial armor. I know what I am. I am of the north. But you wear their colors and forsake our traditions without a second thought.
I do. Because those traditions are wrong."
The Doe snapped her head away. Not looking the bear in the eye.
"You are just a lap dog for a tyrant. The doe said aloud mockingly. You may have the teeth, but not the spine to back up your words. I can see it in your eyes. You are a coward. And a fool to trust and follow her." I know what she is."
No. Garotan responded slowly, taking those ugly words to heart. You don't.