До Последнего Вздоха
1097 and Tsar Fyodor Vladimirovich has stepped down to lead the newly ascended Emperor into the throne of Deity Grypherburg.
Bit of background...
The Ursus Empire is undoubtedly the largest country of Terra. A great, militarist and expansionist empire with a population hardened by the vast lands that lie in the extreme north, and though it sits on a great wealth of mineral resources, much of its territory remains undeveloped. Under the leadership of its various Tsars, they have lived through centuries of conflict. From the defense against the Nightzmoran conquerors and overthrow of the Hippogryph overlords in the first century to the Battle of the Four Emperors in 1053, the Ten Wars against Kazimierz almost ten years later, their defeat in the Bloodpeak Campaign against Higashi in 1072. This ignited tensions between the army and the nobility leading to the Great Rebellion. Lasting a few years, the Great Rebellion led to the siege of the capital Deity Grypherburg,the decimation of several warmongering nobles, though some survived, the rise of the reformist Tsar Fyodor Vladimirovich and a series of Infected insurrections spread across the Empire.
The Infected were those unfortunate enough to be exposed by Originium, the most valuable mineral in all of Terra. Ursus, in comparison to various other countries, is infamous for its persecution of the Infected. The Empire has enacted various pogroms, carried out the Imperial Army, which includes enslaving Infected in Originium mines, placing them in concentration camps, and exterminating them upon discovery. The Infected have become scapegoats, used by the government to distract the public from Ursus' military failures and the ongoing power struggle within the palace.
Violence resumed after the Great Rebellion. In the case of Chernobog, The Boris Group, an Ursine mining company, excavated the Sarcophagus, an ancient device, installed it in the city of Chernobog and hired numerous scientists to research on it. However, a bloody massacre onto the scientists ensued when the Ursus Fourth Army led by Gran Duke Vanya targeted them for concealing sensitive information. However one managed to survive and continued his studies. Grand Duke Vanya would later be assassinated in 1080, the Empire sent one of their infamous Emperor's Blade to track the Duke's assassin. In 1077, an Ursus duke and member of the "Old Guard" aristocracy, Kaschney laid waste to the Yanese Nomadic city of Lungmen. The city was partially destroyed and the duke kidnapped the niece of Lungmen's chief executive who also happens to be the daughter of a Victorian House lord, Talulah Artorius. Kaschney would later find himself killed and Ursus immediately dispatched their patrols to hunt Talulah down, pinning her as the main suspect, while at the same time seizing the Duke's assets and land which resulted in being divided between political rivals.
After the Infected pogroms increased, Talulah along with an Elafia villager Alina established the Reunion movement, it was a newfound Paramilitary social movement for the downtrodden Infected. Starting as a local group Reunion absorbed several more Infected insurrectionists such as the defected Ursus military Guerrillas, the Shieldguards led by the Wendigo Captain: Patriot, arctic rebels escaped by a Originium mining camp led by FrostNova. Reunion expanded within a span of several years and had the capabilities of besieging the Nomadic city of Chernobog. During the siege, Reunion encountered the armed humanitarian organization known as Rhodes Island who quickly evacuated the city after they were overwhelmed. The siege resumed while Talulah and a few others found someone in a frigid stasis tomb.
This person they found was known to Reunion as Doctor.
It is he who will be the next Tsar of Ursus and usher in a new era in Terra's history.
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До Последнего Вздоха
Doctor sat on the Imperial throne, a curled fist pressed against his metal mask as he leaned on the throne's manchette. The seat was delicately moved from the confines of the holy capital city of Deity Grypherburg to the industrialized and rejuvenated Nomadic city of Chernobog. Earlier in the Reunion days, he had made preparations to make this city self-sustaining and a near-invulnerable fortress for the army. He became lost within his own thoughts about what brought him here. A man with no past to recollect, only pieces that he managed to scrape up along the way. His innate ability to command and conquer. To lead his soldiers regardless if he was in the front with them, an Ursus tradition for generals to do, invigorate them with a fanatical drive ensuring their loyalty and most importantly: strategize.
His campaigns with Reunion happened under a year. The full capture of Chernobog however a few survivors escaped with the keys to the Nomadic city engines which led to the incursion into Lungmen. This incursion ended up with Doctor almost being fatally wounded though they managed to dispatch the Imperials and retrieve their key. Then he made a deal to evacuate the Infected from the city in what was called: The Long Expedition to Chernobog, practically emptying Lungmen of its Infected population. His leadership during the march brought him immense prestige and loyalty among many of the suppressed Infected on the way back north. Once they've returned he set the stage for the overthrow of the Empire.
First was the rapid repairs and changes in Chernobog, the Reunion military structure, the agricultural situation among many other things. It was a necessary task to prepare for the final assault against the Empire. The storming of the Imperial Palace in Deity Grypherburg occurred as a bloodless seizure of power. The Tsar simply abdicated and asked the Doctor to take the reigns of a fractured nation.
The rest and in between was history repeated.
"Doctor..." He turned his attention to FrostNova who had just arrived at the throne room.
A woman with black antlers protruding forward out of her skull, a portion of her long white hair covering the left side of her face bearing a jagged cross like scar over her eye with three horizontal beams with the lowest one slanted pointing to her mouth, the middle crossing from one cheek across her old nose scar to the edge of the right side of her and the top beam resting beneath her eyelid. She was wearing a suit of bulky, weathered armor modified to fit to her robed body and in her hand she was holding a giant halberd that she uses as a conduit for her cryopathic Arts. She was also wearing a cloak of a furred beast over her person and a collection of knives attached to the armor. Her cold silver eyes had a tint of crimson that reserved a glimmer of warmth meant for the Tsar, among a few others. It still amazes Doctor how far FrostNova had sacrificed herself to become what she is currently.
No longer a Cautus, she now inherits her father's blood.
"Yelena." Doctor responded in kind. As one of the few people she trusts with her name.
"Everyone has gathered in the courtyard, Doctor."
"Right." He got off his seat and walked out the throne room with the Sarkaz shamaness beside him. Looking around to see the complete development of the Nomadic city. The hallway leading to the courtyard had strong glass for him to the cityscape, which a number of metal spires churned out streams of industrial smoke from the tireless citizen working to fulfill the army's need. Doctor, after his coronation, made a pledge to all the people in Ursus.
"The world had decades to industrialize. We are many years behind these countries and we will make good in this distance in one."
A confident, stoic but motivating phrase.
Its results made Ursus further itself into a grueling struggle to compete against the rest of the world. However the outcome was worth it. Many cities were repaired, not counting Chernobog, and countless homes built. Agricultural enhancements proceeded with an abundance of food to be grown, harvested and preserved for potential famines that the former Empire hadn't planned an answer for. Originium mining wasn't abolished, rather he had the extraction to be under safe, protective management as instead of miners being forced into the mines with little to no protection they now have Originium harvesting machines, though clunky it was a huge upgrade to what they had and whole-body gear to be worn solely in the mines. Infected pogroms were lifted and such actions were punishable under death as Doctor introduced a national healthcare system and programs to help those contacted with Oripathy. He had some assistance with his re-emerging memories alongside a specific pharmaceutical that nearly killed him in the past but he isn't the one to hold a grudge against him. So long as they can lend a hand, which their leader gladly accepted, its all water under the bridge.
Before he and Yelena could enter the courtyard they were met with a few other people. They who had been with him since he had entered Reunion and had earned their unbreakable trust.
"Buldrokkas'tee, how fare your arms?"
The titan encased in all metal bared his singular crimson optic at the Emperor. He raised his cybernetic hand holding his massive poleaxe and slammed the butt against the ground. A loud thud echoed around them and the concrete below caved in with ease. Patriot's body had earlier succumbed to his severe Oripathy however his spirit lives on in another suit of armor, one of both ancient rituals to enter and modern, experimental construction methods to craft such a colossal Machina. Without this blight to hold his abilities back, his true mastery of war can be revealed as though he first entered the army and became blooded.
"I am ready, to be let loose. Doctor." His deep, monotone voice spoke with a mechanical reverb.
"Alex, are my Blades ready?"
An Emperor's Blade is what became of Skullshatterer. The Tsar's personal Royal Guard, a supernatural Death Squad with a distributing background of relentlessly pursuing their targets, capable of sinking an entire city, massacre villages at a moments notice and at death, warp the environment surrounding them. These feats, combined with their inhuman appearances, have earned them both respect and fear from the Ursus people, as well as those who oppose them though it isn't what truly makes them hellforged. The Emperor's Blades contain fragments of the other-dimensional Collapsals hailing from the Infy Icefield. These fragments are sealed within their armors using demonic rituals to empower them. The Blades are some of the few who are aware of these Collapsals' existence outside of the borders of civilization, and also endeavor to prevent their irruption into it. However, this power is a double-edged sword – if a Blade's armor is destroyed, the Collapsal shards within will be unsealed and cause a catastrophic detonation, forever contaminating the surroundings with demonic influence.
For Skullshatterer, his life-changing transformation was born out of necessity. Doctor took notice at the additions he made to his uniform Blade attire such as the dark cloak and tactical vest, meant for his arcane modified grenade launchers, he wore before he accepted his metamorphosis. Alex landed an armoured fist to his chest.
"They all have returned Doctor as did many exiles who wish to redeem themselves in battle." He also added, his voice warped and not dissimilar to Patriot's yet his words are still clear to listen. "My sister wanted to let you know that the artillery depots have increased production. She would like your personal input Doctor."
"Of course." The Tsar nodded, it was good to hear Misha keeping herself busy.
"Have the Priests treated you well Sasha?"
The hooded Sharpshooter leaned his new high caliber rifle on his shoulders. The Pythian spent his time since his detachment with his former, longtime compatriot among the Laterano Pathfinder division of the Ursus Church. Condemned as "Astrayed" by others in the official church, Doctor, who convened several messages between him and Pope Yvangelista XI, have allowed them to reside in the Empire. There Faust encountered a new spectrum of using their unique firearms while at the same time drastically improvising his techniques and equipment. Suffice to say he learned quickly, much to the surprise of the Priests and he accepted a position as a Deacon for his efforts.
"Well enough, Doctor. My Phantoms and Ballistarii are prepared."
He cocked his rifle with a swift motion from his free thumb.
"Excellent." Doctor then turned to auburn mane obscured by a Black Raincoat and conical hat. "I take it that the Shadows of Lungmen helped sharpen your fangs, Lyudmila?"
She huffed, flicking a finger to raise her hat and see Doctor in full. As part of the deal he made with Wei Yenwu and as a token of goodwill he assigned Crownslayer to be his eyes and ears in regards to the Lungmenite underworld, while being the Tsar's informant at the same time. Her expertise in infiltration and espionage have proven vital though this was seen with suspicion until she was admitted into the Shadow Guards by Wei, former Imperial Guards of Yan (and possible Tianshi given their connections with the Ursus own Emperor's Blade). It was a rare recruitment to even be one of those illusive agents to Wei, some of whom even rejected the idea of letting Crownslayer enter, however they can't refuse their leader's decision. She had to endure a grueling entrance for her to become a Shadow Guard whilst giving Wei whatever valuable information she could gather from the deepest slums to the highest of wealthy towers. Successful through faultless yet callous tasks and trials to be completed ending as an official member of Wei's own covert unit and with Yanese secrets that they've learned during their time in the Imperial Guard shared with her out of dour acceptance, only to be spoken between them, Wei and Doctor.
"Can't say that I'll miss their trials..." She said with exasperation in her tone. "But I gave you everything that I've learned Doctor."
"I see." He looked around and sure enough only five of them were here. "And the rest?"
"At the barracks." The red eyed hound pointed out. "Just before I left, they wanted to do one last thing before they can meet with you."
Doctor hummed as he accepted their decisions and headed to the courtyard summit behind a pair of doors. "I'll allow it. This is going to be a harrowing moment for all of us."
Pushing the doors aside he stepped out and reached a pedestal with many microphones arranged for its speaker. He also saw camera drones appearing, their gazes meant solely for him. And down below at the Nomadic city were a sea of armed people. Many of whom had been with Reunion but there were those who are soldiers of the Imperial Army, Sarkaz mercenaries, a new line of mobile Ursus artillery with inspiration of the previous Core Artillery design, Kazdel-Victorian tanks and additional Fortbreaking cannons from Yan, all of them gathered were veterans in combat. Doctor took to the stands, the crowd and viewers afar eager for his announcement.
"People of Ursus, People of Terra. My People."
"Men of Reunion, commanders and partisans, working men and working women of Ursus, from the farms to end famines and the industries to create impossible feats of science, my brothers and sisters. The great day of victory over the deposed era has arrived. The old Empire, forced to her knees by Reunion and the troops of our Allies in the awakened Imperial Army, has entrapped themselves to defeat in their last bastion near the Infy Icefields. Chernobog now travels to the nobles' final despot and the serpent's head will finally be severed."
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До Последнего Вздоха
"Knowing the fiendish habits of our former rulers who regard our own people as suicidal fodder, serfs and abominations, we have no grounds for accepting their surrender for they will continue to rise and persecute without mercy. This morning, of I hope our Army will succeed in bringing it to its senses. We now have full grounds for saying that the historic day of the final defeat of old Ursus, the day of our people's great victory over their imperialism, has arrived."
"Looks like he's getting the whole city fired up."
A Sarkaz who goes by Flamebringer let out an enthusiastic smirk as he and a few other Reunion fellows were listening in to the Tsar's speech.
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"It really does seem to be the Battle to end all Battles."
A softer, feminine voice came from a fully armored Sarkaz who was busy making her Colossus. The Gargoyle, Mudrock was recalled some time ago after her assignment was complete in Leithanien and she along with her squad bolstered by new members from that same country returned to partake in the overthrow of the monarchy. Now, Reunion is in complete control over the Empire. Looking to see her Colossus now combat ready she looked to the others who were also anxious about the coming battle.
Other than Flamebringer there were warriors like Red, Avenger, Big Bob, Big Adam and many more who took their time going over their individual equipment for the upcoming conflict. There were others such as Ethan who's currently with Kevin and the Yetis. She saw them alongside Nesti and Kondrasha if she recalls their names correctly, hauling some barrels filled with ice encasing, absolute zero Originium in a hurry. A trait among all of them in the barracks were that they developed a supposition about Reunion being too far gone. However with Doctor leading them he made it clear about who they were, like the Guerrillas of Patriot, they are the Aegis of the Infected. He said it himself: "It was never violence for violence sake or establishing dominion over another man. Our fight has always been about saving lives. If the corrupted of Terra wipe you all out instead of looking for a cure then it's all been for nothing. So I'm going to Deity Grypherburg. If you're with me, it's your choice. Just like it's always been."
"When it comes to results. There's no other man on thrice-blessed Terra than Doctor to bring it to the table."
Mudrock turned her out to another Sarkaz talking about Doctor. He along with two others were originally from Rhodes Island surprisingly enough. Scout, the Sarkaz who spoke and putting bullets in a magazine for his sniper, thought to be dead by Talulah's hand, Ace who made a last stand against them, polishing his hammer, and Guard who had defected after his encounter with Doctor and the Reunion cause, sharpening the blade of his sword. The former two had known of Doctor long before they joined their respective organizations, during the brutal civil war in Kazdel.
Speaking of Kazdel civil war veterans, there is one Sarkaz that she hasn't seen yet.
"Where's W?" She asked the barracks as a whole
"She's in a call with someone." A Centurion answered from the back
"With who?" This time Flamebringer responded.
"Who else?"
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До Последнего Вздоха
"The great sacrifices we have made for the freedom and independence of our country, the incalculable privation and suffering our people have endured during the Imperial's war, the pogroms made to eradicate any and all who were unfortunate enough to have the status as Infected, our intense labours in the rear and at the front, laid at the altar of our motherland, have not been in vain; they have been crowned by complete victory over the enemy. The age-long struggle of you, All of you, for their existence and independence to be recognized. As the strength in my arm, the powerful raised from slavery, you will end this war in victory over the Imperial aggressors and noble tyranny."
"Henceforth, the great banner of the freedom of the peoples and peace between the peoples will fly over Terra."
"Yeah I know. It's gonna be a slogging match but y'know how it's gonna end with Doctor leading us."
"Still... I..."
"Your Maj-Theresa..."
"Mmm... Fine."
The bombardier smiled in victory. They were having this back and forth argument for the past hour or so. It was trivial but she had won in the end.
"We were veering off-topic. I still can't believe you accepted his proposal."
A giggle came from the other side. "It's beneficial for both of our countries. Not only that, but as a monarch, I would have to find someone who can share the burden of power, which is rather unfortunately high standard if I do say so myself. He should be someone eloquent, conscientious, graceful, steadfast, and above all, a good cuddler-"
"He literally stumbled onto the throne room like a sleep deprived madman and fell flat on his face on the seat spilling his coffee all over, on the second day no less."
"I know! It's adorable!"
"Seriously..."
"Oh come now, you had your fair share of fun with him. Remember last hallow's eve."
"T-Th-That was different!"
"It really wasn't."
"Yes it was! We aren't like that!"
"I still accept you having your multiple day stands with him."
"Theresa!" Seriously! That really was a one night stand! And she's not gonna spend another hour defending herself.
"W..." Suddenly she became demure.
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
"...I know you can't forgive me, for what happened four years ago." The merc's eyes widened. Babel. After so many years of searching only for the answers she so desperately wanted...
W wondered, shouldn't it have been better if she was kept in the dark?
"Theresa, please... I-" The royal interrupted.
"No! And I know I don't deserve your forgiveness for what my decisions have led to. For the pain I've caused you and others. But I want to say something important before you go."
"...Sure." Something important?
"Thank you. For not just reconciling with Doctor but... for being my friend after all these years..."
"..."
"...Jeez." W choked up, a hand covering her mouth whatever voices she was about to make. It was simple yet it hit her right in the heart. "You know how I am with my emotions."
"Hehe. Anyways, I'll let you off. Send my regards to all the Sarkaz there."
"I will. I'll call you after we finish the fight." She stood up and grabbed her grenade launcher.
"I'm looking forward to hear you again! Please be careful W."
"Goodbye Theresa." They cut their calls. W fastened her old ballistic vest, nostalgia impacting her like a truck. She did a quick rundown on her launcher, knives, claymores. All good.
"You ready?" A woman's voice called out. Standing there in the barracks hallway are her comrades Ines and Hoederer who were waiting for her to be done talking with Theresa. Giving them a nod.
"Yeah, let's do this."
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До Последнего Вздоха
"A whole year passed and we remember them saying: "We shall destroy you Infected worms. Burn you, bury you, slaughter you so that you all will never be able to rise again." That was one year ago. But their insane ideas were fated to remain unrealized — the course of the war scattered them to the winds like dust. In actuality, the very opposite of what the old regime dreamed of in their delirium occurred. Deity Grypherburg is now ours. The Imperial Army have joined our brothers, the deep lies of hatred fully expunged. Reunion is triumphant, although I have no intention of either dismembering or destroying Ursus. For the propagations of the old Empire have ended and you have your millennia long history to be rediscovered, enlightened and honoured! No longer are you damned! You are Ursus! You are Sarkaz! You are Feline, Lupo, Pythian, Draco, Lung! Maligned smears such as Infected have no concern for you to be what you are born as!"
Ch'en looked at her helmet. The shaded reflection stared back. She examined whatever tarnished her visor before giving it a clean swipe with her thumb. Setting it aside the Lung went to Chi Xiao, her sword and looked at the red metal edge. The reflection stared back in a scarlet tint. Sheathing it the Lung heard someone down the hallways of the barracks.
"Hey Ch'en!" Hoshiguma, the oni member of their previous Special Inspection Unit, waved with the other hand holding Hannya. She wasn't alone to meet her. Behind her was a horned Pythian woman in white, their senior during their L.G.D halcyon days prior to her resignation and subsequent enlistment into Reunion. Nine and Ch'en looked at each other, no words to be said in that moment only understanding.
Are you prepared? The latter nodded. It was this event that she's been steeling herself for years. A chance to finally meet her sister, wanted by the new Ursus government. One that she voluntarily joined in their campaign to confront not just her but the nobles who had disavowed their allegiance to the risen Emperor.
"Swire called, she's letting you know that she's still holding down the fort." Hoshiguma chimed in with some unexpecting news. So unexpected that the Lung woman temporarily discarded her neutral expression.
"Really? Figured that the damn cat would've given up on day one."
"Well what can we say? It's a big deal for you, and she wanted to make it special."
"Or ask for favors in return..."
"Regardless Hoshiguma did bring up a good point." Nine added. "Your confrontation with..."
"My sister, I know and I understand..." Ch'en gripped the handle of her sword tightly. Furrowing her brow lowered to a stony glare. "What must be done. Even if it means that we don't make it out in one piece."
"Woah, woah! Time out with the fatalism!" Hoshiguma exclaimed, her hands made a T to stop the dragon in her tracks. "We got the advantage of guns, numbers, basically everything in Chernobog alone against a few pockets of resisting nobles."
"Kaschney is there as well." Ch'en unconsciously snarled at the name.
"Well yeah but Doctor has a plan, right?"
...Right. She loosened the grip a bit as she recollected his commitment to her and ensuring the defeat of the one who had manipulated this whole ordeal in the first place. Her time with him and Reunion after the Lungmen incursion made her witness not just how he operates as a commander and overall leader of this ragtag band of Infected insurrectionists but his personality as well. Despite the mystery surrounding him he was easy-going, friendly on the surface, calculating if need be, tough as nails underneath and a results based materialist.
Key word: Results. If there is something to be done he will complete it.
"We're heading down to the hangar with the rest of the Lungmen volunteers." Nine says as she departs to the airfield. Hoshiguma followed suit but not before yelling out: "Come meet us there!"
Ch'en looked at her helmet. The shaded reflection stared back. Her eyes closed momentarily. She no longer has that despondency.
There lied... hope.
Putting the helmet on, double checked her gear supplied by Reunion for the upcoming winter weather and heavy-duty fight. The Lung was ready as she ran to the hangar.
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До Последнего Вздоха
The television chaged channels
"The Tsar of Ursus recently made a statement about the potential end of the country's civil war."
"The city of Chernobog has set its destination near the Infy Icefield. Where remnants of the aristocracy have fled to make their final stand against the Empire. Though it may seem to be the final nail in the old Empire's coffin, military experts say that the current Emperor, who still haven't given us a name, utilizing the entire Nomadic city for this siege, one that a general from the Columbian Union commenting that it is a moving Army Fort meant to conquer nations, is beyond excessive. More on this shortly-"
The television changed channels.
"In what seems to be the largest gathering of Sarkaz mercenaries. The sellswords have gathered in droves at Chernobog on the behest of not just themselves but for-"
The television changed channels.
"Many nations across Terra have commented on the Emperor's-"
The television changed channels.
"Gah! Dammit! Where's the speech!"
"I told you not to throw the booklet away."
"How was I supposed to know they had all the channel numbers listed!"
"I've warned you since we first moved here."
The two young bears were busy arguing with each other as another grabbed the remote.
"Hey! I still need to see the speech!"
"Well you're not gonna if you keep skipping channels! We probably missed it too, so we might as well watch a film!"
"Ehh?! Are you really that carefree to not listen to our hero?!"
Lada simply smiled at Sonya's guffaw. With a press of the button the television changed channels. The Tsar was on screen.
"My People! Our war will be terminated in our complete victory! The period of war in the Empire is almost at a closing point! A period of peaceful development has been ushered in!"
Anna is desperately trying her best to silence her giggling at her friend's stupid, stupefied expression. Meanwhile Leto and Natalya came in with Lada's homemade snacks. They all sat on the couch to watch their savior, now leader of their country speak.
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До Последнего Вздоха
The leader of Rhodes Island sat in her office. She had her earbuds planted in as her phone replayed his first speech as Tsar of Ursus. Closing her eyes the Cautus listened carefully.
"I'm sorry, but I never thought to be Tsar. That's not my business. I didn't want to rule or conquer anyone. I would like to help everyone if possible. Ursus, Sarkaz, Infected or not. To let them know that I can still save them. We all want to help one another, human beings are like that. We want to live by each other's happiness, not by each other's misery. We don't want to hate and despise one another."
She smiled and nodded along.
"And this world has room for everyone, and the good Terra is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way. Greed has posioned men's souls, has barricaded the world with hate, has goose-stepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives us abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynincal. Our cleverness, hard and unkind. We think too much, and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More that cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities life will be violent... And all will be lost."
"Yes..." Amiya agreed. She continued listening in. Hearing Doctor describe the inventions of the aeroplane and radio, how they've brought people from all walks of life together. He affirmed the very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in men - cries out for universal brotherhood - for the unity of us all that even then his voice reached millions throughout the world - millions of despairing men, women, and little children - victims of a system that makes me torture and imprison innocent people who had fallen ill to Oripathy. But he assured all of them not to despair. "The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed - the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people."
His speech became ardent. To the soldiers of Ursus who were only to be used by the old regime. He saw them more than a tool used to be discared later on but as men with living hearts. They who have the same blood and soul, the same humanity as their Infected neighbors. It is there that the masses of the Imperial Army affirmed their loyalty to the Tsar. His speech ended:
"Let us fight to free ourselves from this old world - to do away with these outdated barriers that separate us - to do away with greed, with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men's happiness. Soldiers! In the name of freedom, let us all unite, We will forever be remembered as an enemy of the world in history. But we will take on the injustice and guilt of this world. Even if we have long perished, for our people and even our enemies! We will be remembered as Heroes! I swear this as your Tsar!"
Her phone rang. It was...
"Hello?"
"Good morning Amiya."
"Dr. Kal'tsit! Good morning!" The rabbit jumped out of her seat. Looking out in her office window she saw the sun rise brilliantly, lighting her room and the snowy lands of Ursus.
"We are to reach Chernobog within the next half hour. If there is anything you need to complete please do so immediately. I will meet you with the others at the bridge."
"Ah, okay! Thank you for letting me know Dr. Kal'tsit!"
"Don't get too excitable Amiya."
"Oh sorry!"
"No need to apologize. I know how much you wanted to see him again."
Amiya played with her hair a little. "Yeah... But I'm also a little anxious."
"You're not the only one."
"Dr. Kal'tsit?"
"This meeting with Doctor is affecting me as much as everyone else. For a multitude of reasons that we're both familiar with."
"Hmm... I understand."
"With that being said, will it take long for you to finish Amiya?"
The girl put away a piece of paper in her drawer. "I'm on my way, Dr. Kal'tsit. Please wait for me!"
"Of course." They hung up and the little leader rushed to the bridge. Inside the drawer was a picture of her when she was little, Theresa, Kal'tsit, W, Ace, Scout and Doctor. Posing as a happy family.
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"To that I say Congratulations on our victory, my dear fellow countrymen and countrywomen! Glory to our heroic Army, which upheld the independence of our country and achieved victory after victory over the enemy! Glory to our great people, the victorious people! Eternal glory to the heroes who fell fighting the enemy and who gave their lives for the freedom and happiness of our people!"
"WE END THIS NOW!"
The entire city erupted in cheers as many banners were raised and waving. Those banners hold the Reunion icon flanked by a Bear, an eastern Dragon, on top is a double-headed Gryphon and beneath is the symbol of Kazdel.
Doctor steeped down from the podium and joined his inner circle. Patriot is the first to speak.
"Doctor. We are nearing the first line of defense."
"How much further?" The Aegis calculated the distance from here. The podium was high enough for him to see the horizon.
"10 kilometers."
"FrostNova, does your foresight yield any clue of when the coming catastrophe will arrive?"
"The next hour Doctor."
"Crownslayer, has Rhodes Island contacted us of their arrival?"
"Amiya told me in the next fifteen minutes that they'll be here."
"Skullshatterer, did Misha take account how much we produced for the Army?"
"Enough to last us a year of constant battle."
"Faust, what did the Priests say of our brother's and sister's morale?"
"At this point Doctor? Fanatical."
"All is set into motion then." The Tsar observed their position in detail. "Go, our finest hour is approaching; we will make it memorable for our comrades." They all nodded and departed to their men. Thus leaving Doctor alone as he returned to the throne seat. Back in his original seating posture with a curled fist pressing against the metal mask. He then heard a voice from the back of his mind.
"...I promise you glory."
"..."
"I promise you vengeance..."
"..."
"...I promise you immortality."
"..."
"If you will only let me..."
"...I will suffer no trespass. You will die with me."
The Doctor's eyes burned a dim crimson.
"Where you are right now, there will be no tomorrow."
----------------------------------------
'Your time has come.' Talulah bore her gaze at the reflection on one of the many windows of this ancient Citadel. They were to make their last stand against the unrelenting army of the new Empire that Doctor, her own Doctor, created from of the ashes of revolution. The final end of the Empire that she fought against. It was to die today.
'The Tsar's army is close. Closer than what the nobles have anticipated.' She walked away. Going down the decrepit hallway to a room. It was an abandoned nursery for the nannies to help pamper the blueblooded infants that originally lived here.
'Either they kill me quickly or we drown in a sea of our blood. It doesn't matter. I have no control anymore...' She stopped in front of an all white bassinet, untampered by the winds of time.
"But all I ask... For just a moment."
Her hands picked up a small newborn wrapped in a soft black blanket. Seeing her without the distorted contempt made her shed tears as she brought her close.
"I'm so sorry Alina." Talulah rubbed her tear soaked face with the slumbering Draco's. "I'm sorry. Mama is sorry she won't be there anymore."
Setting the little one down the Draco grabbed her longsword and waited for the army to come. She will fight.
Until her last breath.
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