As they arrived back at the Thydis Compound from the long and arduous meeting that rested the position of the Elves, Jackson didn’t waste time returning to his room. Bowing and thanking the Admiral, he stretched his arms and left with Bahamut in tow as she carried two potions in her small Dragon form. “Master, should I put it here?” Ignoring her, he plops down on the bed and sleeps but in the midst of the night, as he humbly took a much needed rest but the Dragon was then left to herself as she turns into her Human form, opening the bottles.
The first one, labeled with “Endurance Potion” has a green color to its liquid and upon smelling it, she gave it a quick blessing as she moved to the next one. A potion of divine resistance. With a small lettering under the scotch tape used to label it. “Removes all previously used buffs.”. The smell made her eyes open wide and she nodded. Closing it, her ears twitch, making her transform back into her Dragon self as a carriage pulled by eight horses barrels down the street outside and into the front of the Mansion.
Quickly, the servants went to the front door with the Admiral himself still in his pajamas while his wife and children walked to their front yard with much confusion. But then, the Elf remembers the sight he saw after the conference and intimate whisper she gave to Jackson. This prompted the man to just greet the Duchess as she exited the carriage. Now in a more casual frilly black gown.
“Ah, Lady Voltaire. May interest you in some wine first? I also know of a good herb for a good event at night.”
“I thank you for the offer, Admiral Trenthaus. But I doubt the concoction that works for Elves works for us Vampires. Now, if you may, please excuse my intrusion.” Lady San-gath immediately brushed up to the Duchess, holding her arm as she smiled. “Oh please. Stay as long as you’d like. The Trenthaus family always welcomes everyone. I’ve also heard the Vampire Kingdom is interested in fine Eastern Galiantar griffin feathers since you’ve gotten many new citizens.”
As she led the Vampire inside, the Father and the two kids just tailed behind them. “I believe so, yes. But I believe Baroness Blanche has a more keen knowledge on this sector and its not griffin feathers but those large Cornelion ones. Should I write down her address?” Miss Trenthaus immediately brushed as the silvery haired creature of the night looked around their main lobby. “My… I’d love it if you could. I’ve also recently secured a shipment of the finest Cornelian feathers from the most Western section of the Empire.”
The Knights following her all kept to themselves. Merely greeting the Father of the house as they kept a good distance from the Duchess and watched the perimeter with an intense gaze through the slits of their helmets. But the moment she opened her hand, one of them quickly came. With a small frame, his green eyes shone through the slits of his helmet as he gave her some paper and quill. “Thank you, Sir Balthazar.”
Watching her closely from the skylight were two bats, one that’s entirely crimson and another that’s a black vampire bat. Their heads followed the Duchess as she gleefully walked through the main lobby. The Moon and its satellite give her dark gown a ghostly blue hue to it. Revealing the starry design it has underneath all of the black shade of her ensemble.
With magic, she made the quill write down the address without having the need to place it on a flat surface and then the paper proceeded to float towards the wife of the family as the quill burned out into nothing. “Now, may I ask for the Hero of the day?”
Being a Vampire, Jackson didn’t even bother to remove his uniform as Miss Trenthaus opened the door and the Duchess cutely giggled at the sight of the completely tired Vampire dozing off in his bed. Bahamut on the other hand wasn’t so impressed by the silver beauty, waking up and sitting atop her Master's chest as if it was her own porch. “So, wanna fight here or outside?” The General immediately grabbed the Dragon by the top of her neck and shrugged. “Bahamut… you know what Alana said… let’s not do anything rash now, don’t we?”
She then proceeds to turn into a Human. Staring right into Morgana’s eyes. “Well, it's Master’s life anyways.” The Duchess on the other hand notices the potions left on the desk and takes it. With a careful inspection, she tilts her head as she reads the English text on it. “Ah, I get it now. I see you came prepared.”
“H-Hey now, I am just gonna use the Divine Potion to cancel out my Vampire form. I need to preserve the Endurance one after our night together as the next few days will be just as busy for me." With a smirk, the Duchess takes both and Bahamut just exits out the door as the silvery haired woman slips the straps of her gown.
Walking to the garden, Bahamut finds Alana and Elizabeth. The two were just peacefully drinking tea as they observed the well combed garden of the Elves. Its harmonious atmosphere was emitting the same level of serenity as the Minuit Mansion. Luhous and lively, the sleeping birds on their houses gave the place an out of this world calming effect.
The Dragon proceeds to take the extra teacup left and the glass pot. With an aggressive angle, she lets the tea go down to the cup without a care. “Bahamut, remember what I taught you.” with this, she lessens it and lets it calmly fall instead of a gushing shower.
“I believe you will enjoy that. The Elves are quite skilled when it comes to their herbs. I myself had ordered leaves from them as it helps with the nerves quite a lot on busy days.”
“Ah, I remember Your Majesty that you used to drink tea even in times of war.”
“Indeed, the botanicals of the Elves are unmatched. Their closeness to the environment had given them the gift of perfecting taste. They know what to modify and to grow specifically to create the best result and cause the most minute of damage to the environment. Making it easier to switch to other ingredients to grow without much haste.”
Bahamut then sips it slowly as she could feel the watchful stare of Elizabeth. “Oh, you are correct, Bloodsucker. Huh, I prefer the ones we had in the flying isles but, this isn’t bad at all.”
“Countess, do you plan to use today as a favor in the future?”
“Of course, Your Majesty. The Duchess has lots of people in her contacts that may help me resolve many problems in the borderlands of the nation. I am particular about expanding wine production, but the inner territories have their limits. The soil nearer to Vitas are excellent for growing anything.”
“Good. Though I worry of Our Lord’s reaction. I know Human Love is quite chaotic and oddly pure at times. I do hope he understands that we view things differently.”
“Don’t worry about Master. He is a man after all. Any beautiful female he gets to touch is a victory for his simple mind.”
“But Bahamut, as Her Majesty said. Our Lord might still be adverse to his lust but at the same time, he also thinks about it later and even weeks after. Even I cannot help but think what Our Lord might be saying under his breath.”
“Bah, all this talk. Bloodsucker, wanna fight?” Elizabeth’s long and stylishly thin eyebrow lift at the Dragon’s offer. “Well, I was going to contemplate why I couldn’t be the first to lay with Our Lord as I’ve missed the smell of his sweat but this may offer a very good distraction for the time being.”
“You know, you Vampires really need to control that. Master likes it but he also knows he must limit it.”
“Pfft. Do not worry yourself with our conduct, Dragon. Now, let us have a joust." As she stands up, Bahamut leaves for the training area in the garden. Alana sighs and shrugs her head as she follows suit. The Queen hummed to herself and started singing. “Thy choicest gifts in store…”
Hearing it, Alana wanted to stop and listen but Elizabeth continued on walking forward. “On her be pleased to pour…” on the training area, the Dragon looks at the fine assortment of weapons she could pick from and sees one whose glimmer caught her golden eyes. “Long may she reign with her King…”
The Countess lightly breathes in as she joins her. “May she defend our laws and give us cause…” This made the Queen smile as she turned body to the side and looked at Alana. “To sing with heart and voice, May the God of Passion save the King and Queen...”
With the anthem done, she giggles at the Countess and gives her a nod as her hand reaches for a longsword. Her fingers wrapped around the handle as she pulled it out and activated the floor. “We shall keep this fight in a small circle, shall we not? Property damage to an Elven Lord would not be in our best interest.”
“Heh. You know I don’t fight well in close quarters without destroying everything. Already, you are sabotaging this fight to be more hard for me.'' She then pulls the scythe that was reserved for the gardener. “Hm. This will do well. In Master’s culture, this is the symbol of death. Used to reap the souls of corpses. I much like how grim the Chosen One’s imagery is. It's as if they can look into the abyss and take pieces of its darkness and turn it into art.”
“Humans are the closest to death always and with their love for chaos and war. Of course they’d be obsessed with such trivial matters. Our Lord is no different too. I could often taste the fear in him.”
“Quite true, Bloodsucker. But let me tell you that it's not only Humans who love such things like war and chaos.” The Dragon looks down to the floor, her eyes having a stoic staredown at the soil below the marble magic circle. “We also prefer that type of environment. But unlike Humans who must always have this maniacal reasoning to their useless conflicts, we accept it for what it is. Our natural duty in this world. War breeds new warriors, chaos births new leaders.”
To Elizabeth’s surprise, the Dragon imbued the scythe with her red lighting bolt as the spherical barrier goes up. Alana though had spent the moment between the two to fetch the teapot and cup. Settling it down nicely at the marble bench with some of her Mangas where she crossed her legs and nonchalantly started to read. “Don’t over do it now, Your Majesty, and Bahamut. We will be leaving as early as tomorrow morning to Woodstock. We shant give our Lord a headache.”
“Be of no heed, Countess. This battle is for mere jesting.” the two then didn’t open up. Instead, staring down one another as if to await for a chance. “Of course, Your Majesty. Do have a good exercise.”
As the two stood facing each other, the blonde woman let out a small pint of blood from her nail to drip down to the ground. It then slithers to Bahamut but before it could even make contact was completely burnt up prompting the Dragon to step forward, swinging the scythe which lets out a flying blade of crimson electricity.
Elizabeth though started walking on the magical barrier she put up, going around Bahamut who spun around to meet the Queen’s blade which started to spill blood that instantly turned into an additional sharp blade.
The Dragon quickly turned her head upward, avoiding the blood sword that attempted to behead her as she switched the grip on her scythe and the red electricity ran towards the blade of Elizabeth, making her drop it as she created another sword out of pure Vampire blood. This gave Bahamut a small grin to her face as she turned around and swung the gardening tool right at the Queen.
It made contact with her blood sword which quickly parried her attack. The massive spark created made both of them jump a meter back as Elizabeth stood straight up with a big pretty smile on her face.
She kept on attacking and attacking the blood blade, making the Queen to be put on the backfoot as she constantly had to watch the Dragon’s relentless attacks at the solidified liquid. The fighting was so tough that Alana couldn’t help but look up to them fighting with a watchful eye.
“Bahamut, do tell me. What does the depths of the Abyss look like?” As she dissolves herself into a pool of blood which then coagulates and turns into her form at the other side, the Dragon gives her a smirk as she attacks the Queen relentlessly. “Does it speak of fire? Of endless chaos? Where souls lost, unable to find peace in the Gods that made this world are casted into the Unknown where those who care not for their being makes them toil away for their sin?”
“That is merely the surface, the one closest to the physical world that those strong enough can gaze into and come back from. Deeper down, you will find madness that even a Divine Immortal creature like me cannot fathom fully.” the Dragon suddenly stops her endless barrage of attacks, letting Elizabeth’s blood sword to reform fully. “You’d be better off wishing you can rest at the top, as the deeper you go… the more you wish your soul would be extinguished forever.”
This made the Queen stand and observe the Dragon, her form is immaculate with the scythe, as if she had been using this tool for a long time and is accustomed to how one should wield it in a battle but yet, she had an odd soft and calm presence to her otherwise deadly form. “Then let’s change the subject. I believe we will soon return to the Outwordlers city, correct?”
She then lunges forward at Bahamut who just stood still, lifting the scythe to meet her blade. “Hm. Master told me we will be going to Woodstock, to a place called 8-Gon.” the loud clang their two weapons made rang so powerfully the statues surrounding them rocked. “And the Heroes? Had Our Lord said anything about them joining together? It's usually upon that time when the Great Calamity strikes this world.” seeing a microbial opening, Elizabeth quickly reforms her blade to strike the side of the Dragon.
The woman in her blackened gothic gown just burns the tip, destroying its form before it could make contact with her clothes, making her strike back the Queen by spinning the scythe’s blade to strike her from below, as if she was sowing a field. “I believe Master will tell us more later.” Elizabeth somehow manages to find the balance to stand on top of the pole of the Dragon’s weapon before she performs a backflip as the blade reaches a high enough angle and gracefully lands on her heels. “Hm. I do hope he is having fun.”
“You should be more aware that Humans tend to only have one mate unless they are in a position of power that lets society and their economy lets have them more. Master’s society is very keen on having one partner only.”
“And you should also be aware, Dragon. Humans love to love, it could be the dashing form of a woman, her pale skin unblemished and touched by no impurity, or a bosom that could sink their greatest depressions into or the thin waist that arches into a wide hip. Our Lord tries to hide it, but he is as guilty as we are. Doesn’t Tur’s Dragon society have a more brutal system?”
Bahamut then flicked her finger, lighting up the ground, making Elizabeth stand on the magical barrier’s walls. “Hm. You remember well. Indeed, in the Kingdom of Albion, upon the flying Isles. We only breed with the most capable, smartest, and strongest. Those unable to overcome their weakness are deprived of a mate, doomed for their genes to die off.” The Queen nonchalantly walked on the side, even though her entire body is on a sixty degree angle.
“It must’ve been a drastic change in your culture to now become unable to do that.” This made Bahamut remember a conversation which made her grin under her veil. “That’s true. But I never bowed to the new rules that were set in place, even if it was for the survival of our species. A True Dragon to mate with a Wyvern is akin to a Human Queen allowing a beaten Slave to have his intimate way with her.” She then heard Elizabeth let out a giggle as she found the Queen all of the sudden behind her.
“That could make for a good story… but I do find it interesting how you modified that perspective… to allow yourself to be a Human and to be with one.” Bahamut then suddenly turns around, this made Elizabeth’s eyes sharp as the scythe nearly beheaded her. “In our society, a strong foe, no matter where it may come from, is considered. If this foe defeats or bests us, then we see it as an equal… There’s also many types of strengths and Master’s is the greatest of them all, I believe.”
This made the Queen and Countess stop. Staring at her as the fires slowly died down. “He does not overcome with Evil, but overcome Evil with Good.” This made the two Vampires smile as Elizabeth then dissolved her blood sword completely. “Hm. You know, if Our Lord truly wanted to only have one woman, I could’ve let you have him all by yourself.”
Bahamut spun the scythe and poked it into the etched concrete floor, making it stand on its own. “Master is far too kind to deny a female, even if it's something he hates like a Vampire.” The magic barrier then dissolves as Alana lowers her manga and leans forward. “Our Lord also has the tendency to teach rather than punish just as he did with you, Your Majesty.”
“Countess, I believe you are also under this as you were also defeated by him after you tried to instigate the romantic escape of an Outworlder and Native Noblegirl.” This made her laugh a bit and bowed. “That is indeed true, Your Majesty.” She then lifts the teapot, showing it to the two who gladly approach her.
The next day, a huge 13 vehicle convoy entered the city from a teleporter and drove straight towards the Thydis compound. Arriving exactly on time, the Internal Bureau agents looked stoic as the General came out of the mansion with the Duchess in tow. “Gold is secured.” The Agent immediately opens the door to the Cadillac Escalade. “Girls, you first.” The Vampires bowed softly as they carried a bunch of pouches with herbs from the Trenthaus Family inside the passenger door while Jackson remained with Morgana and Admiral Thydis.
“Thank you for the night, Lord Jackson. I get to taste both your Vampiric and Human sides.” As she made an elegant bow, the Duchess opened her mouth just enough for her fangs to be seen and her tongue would lick her rightmost fang with a smile on her face. “Hm. I had a great time myself. You were very soft and slow. Arguably one of the best nights I’ve had. Thank you for considering my more limited stamina when I had to drink the potion and turn back to my original self.”
“Do not jest me, you weren’t so bad yourself, Lord Jackson. I believe if you were to come back to the Kingdom one day, I’d assuredly tend to you once again. You know how to treat a Non Human well.” She then reveals her fan, seemingly popping out of nowhere. “I knew you were something else when I first laid my sights on you in the Bal Masque. Impressively, so did you make love to me. You may not know of it, but to Vampires, making love is not only the pinnacle of showing your admiration to one person, but also an admission but also the highest form of gratitude one may show. Thank you, you saved every Vampire a tumultuous time with the Elves and Humans, from those of today, to the future generations.”
Jackson then reaches out his hand to her which she gladly takes. “I wouldn’t let Alana deal with the Elves. It’s because of us, Outworlders did all of this even happen. I would’ve never forgiven myself if I knew I gave her trouble." This made the Duchess visibly give a smile behind the fan. “Oh, what a gentleman. If you do ever marry her, I believe a chair in the House could be reserved for you and your future heirs. Your blood could be used to make Kings out of even the dirtiest soot.”
He shrugged his head as he smiled back at her. Tilting his head a bit. “If such a chance ever comes. Thank you, Duchess. Your help there was impeccable and for us Humans, our appreciation is not limited to a one night stand.” Morgana then looked at Alana who was just calmly sitting as their luggage was bought into the back of the SUV. “Countess Minuit, I’ll be sure to tell of your performance to the King and his Courtiers.”
He tips his hat as he looks at the Admiral. Giving him a proper salute which the Elf replied with unsheathing his sword and lifting it up vertically in front of him. “General, it's finally good to see you in your true form. For a Human, you look quite well.”
“Thank you, Admiral. This body survived things no normal person would ever be able to and in my real self. You guys are hella tall.” Thydis laughed as he rested his hand on the General’s shoulder. “You changed my life with Goddess Bahamut’s introduction in my world. She’s perfect for all I ever hoped for. A God that walks amongst us and knows the love of flight. I’ll be sure to spread the word about her.”
“Don’t overdo it. I might never hear the end of it from Bahamut.'' The Admiral then sheaths his sword as Jackson offers him his hand which the Elf takes and two exchange a handshake. “I’ll be sure to remember you, and Lady Tempest here.”
“Of course, but be ready for the arrival of the Imperial Prince… and uhhh… pleased be there to tend to him, or alteast have someone versed in your cultures and traditions.”
“Hm? Why? Has he not been around?”
“He has, but the Imperial Prince is still in training you see, he still has two hundred more years of training inside the Empire’s territories before he is to perform diplomatic duties.”
“Uh huh… well. I hope the Grand Prince of James can do that. That guy is more down to earth than anyone else I’ve ever met in my life.”
“Just be there, General. In case he may offend anything or anyone.” Jackson nods as the two exchange a handshake. Hopping into the armored SUV and the door closes with him waving his hand on the other side of the thick limousine glass.
In the front passenger seat to his surprise was Angelica. “General. Please relax for the day, we’ll take you to Woodstock as per the orders of the United Nations.”
“Where’s General Martinez?”
“He is currently in the Airbase, General. He’ll be on the exit reception.”
“Is that so? Alright.”
As it drives away, Jackson lowers the window and waves his hand goodbye as he’s driven to the teleport circle on the edge of the city. Sitting in between Alana and Elizabeth, with Bahamut on the opposing seat. She sniffs the air which makes him recoil. “BAHAMUT!” She then just laughs. “What? I was just making sure she didn’t rub off on you. I already smell six different females on you and another will only add to the difficulty of tracking you down.”
He shrugs and smiles as he looks at the two Vampires sitting around his sides. “Did you have a good night, My Lord?” He looks at Elizabeth with a stupid smile on his face, making her sigh and pat his head.
As they drove through the expansive floating city of the Elves, the UN Army and the Empire’s militaries were both working together in keeping the streets clean as they reached the edge unbothered. There, Legio Caul had a farewell parade prepared for the General. The convoy stopped before the main teleporter itself as the Elves in their crimson garb and composite armor lined up and a military band played.
With the Legio was with the other Commanders of the Elven Legions. With their swords, they’d lift it up, pointed to the direction of the Mother Tree and Jackson, in his real form lowered the window and gave them a salute. The Elven soldiers didn’t waver, standing strong and stoic as the Legio gave him a smile and a nod as the window suddenly closed and back down to the town.
The Elves there were throwing alcohol and flowers at the convoy. Everyone was in their best Toga’s, wearing wreaths of leaves as the column of blacked out armored vehicles passed their well cleaned and maintained streets. Within a few minutes, an Elven Cavalry escort detail soon joined them, guarding the sides and the skies with smaller cruiser blimps as they made a dash to the airfield. The horses were not only in pristine condition, but whatever breed this was is more than capable of keeping up with the SUVs at the highway.
Upon approaching the Airbase, a luxury plane awaited them in the tarmac. Visible through electrified fencing as they zoom past the security gates and the long column snakes its way through the inner sanctum. With soldiers saluting them as they drove to the main pads and soon stopped before the red carpet that leads to the aircraft.
In full parade was the players and their skeleton army. The dubious and undead soldiers in place of proper grunts were as still as the barks of the tree in that windless day as the Elves stopped by the gate and let in the armored convoy that was closely tailing behind and to the tarmac itself where General Martinez was wearing his black and white dress uniform complete with a bow tie revealed himself. Stopping right by the door to the plane, looking the best he could.
General Jackson’s SUV stopped by the red carpet as the women got out first, with Bahamut running to the aircraft, not giving the military band a chance to start as she began rummaging through its interior while Elizabeth went after her and Alana just shrugged her head as the soldiers in stand by by the carpet side just kept in parade. There heads following the General with the four stars on his shoulders walking towards the one with a single silver star on his shoulders.
Jackson and Martinez both exchanged a handshake and a smile. The Pale Elf looked absolute in his ball uniform as he saluted.
“General. That was a masterful piece of work you’ve done for us.”
“Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you and Angelica. You both have been here longer than I have and I don’t know how the hell you can withstand this place and its culture. It's far beyond anything I could imagine.”
“Ahahahah, it ain’t much sir. But someone’s gotta do it.”
“Hm.” As they two walked towards the aircraft, Elizabeth had dragged Bahamut out of the aircraft and with a threat, made her act all noble as the band began to play with everyone present. The trio followed behind Jackson closely. Their hands together and there back straight alongside their shoulders.
“Also, sir. I think I kinda saw you back in Saudi Arabia. In Operation Pale Horse.”
“No shit?”
“Yes sir. I was part of the South American Unit that’s attached to the Third Joint Combined Army. Your unit was also under it, right, Colonel?” This made Jackson have a smirk as they stopped by the staircase. “Yes, yes it was. Heh. Maybe the world isn’t as large as it seems. So you also participated in the fourteen hour drive from Sakaka to Damascus?”
“Right, General. Your unit was one of the spearheads if I remember correctly.” The 1 Star General blinked slowly and Jackson nodded, with a smile to his face. “Yup. We kept getting delayed since the Indian and Vietnamese with their EW kept lagging behind and the tanker trucks were so slow on those desert roads.”
“That was until the Americans came in with their special forces and knocked it out and all hell broke loose. La Muerte calls.”
“More like the Pale Horse came for us. A two hundred kilometer long column of nothing but hormonal teenagers with million dollar equipment so far from their homes believing in a war sold to us that the future is multipolar. Where we’ll be the Kings, no longer the pawns of the West.”
“And in the end, our societies became just as bad as theirs. Lenient, weak, and unable to accept things like back then.”
“Such are all countries. Advancements, richness, economic stability. It softens all of us.” Jackson’s eyes rolled to the side as he sighs. His shoulders pointing down as if he billowed steam from his body. “Some of the Filipinos said they heard the singing of a million angels on that fateful day… but all I could hear was the sound of gunfire and tank shells flying past my head as two hundred thousand pieces of artillery fired on the NATO defensive line.”
The two men exchanged a long and hard but seemingly brief stare. “How was civilian life?” Martinez shrugged as a giggle followed. “It’s good. I got a wonderful wife and a child. My work is not stable but it's enough that I even could afford a Full Dive Gear and put my kids in school.” with a slow nod, Jackson slaps the General’s shoulder. “Good shit. Your unit was hell for the Europeans. I owe you guys a lot since you were the ones that kept the lines intact when we reached Damascus.”
“It was not just us. The Syrians fought hard too, so did the Turks, French, Romanians, and the Germans on the other side.”
“Everyone fought hard. No matter who it was above us, be it the Man in the Suit or the one with the Medals and Ribbons.” Jackson then turned his head to the Heavens then down to his uniform. “One hundred million angels could be singing but all I’ll hear is the crackle and whizz of the calibers. That whirlwind of chaos when you're deep into it, I just hope God could forgive us all one day. When our time comes.”
“Whoever is righteous, let him be righteous, General Jackson. Be righteous as you are now. Good awaits those who go by their heart.” As he smiles, Jackson steps aside and lets his party members in the plane first as Angelica stops by next to the 1 Star Officer. “A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace, General Martinez. Such is our fate as Humans.”
The two exchanged in a quick and fast salute as Jackson went into the plane. “Miss Angelica, please do your best for the Elves. They might not understand us fully, but they still have a heart and a soul. It's best we see them not eye to eye but Man to Elf.” Lifting her glasses, she smiled at him and she reached out her hand.
Jackson then takes it and shakes her hand. “Of course, General. But I thank you for not judging them by the cover. With an open heart, you got the answers you were looking for and even more.”
“Still, doesn’t stop the fact that I am biting more than I could chew. Hahahah, looks like the UN is not happy with my little charade with how fast they want me to go back to Woodstock.”
“Don’t worry, General. I got no news of your imprisonment after your little trip to General Maltese with the Zavalda National Guard.” This made his eyes open wide. “O-Oh, rumors get around fast don’t they? Ahahahah.”
“I now see what they saw in you, General. That was something a Hero would do. To go this far for one person, you are an exemplary person.”
Hearing her, he lifts his chin up and rubs it with his hand. “Hm. A Hero, huh…” he then looked at Angelica and tipped his hat as he boarded the plane and the parade began to retreat as the aircraft began to taxi.
With air traffic all on hold, it didn’t take long for them to line up and take off from the runway.
Their plane heads Westward. To the Human section of Geraldia. The long four hour flight had begun and everyone had taken their place once again and the Stewardess was busy giving wine and meat to her unique passengers.
Midway into the flight, Jackson had put a sleep mask over his face and was loudly snoring whilst Elizabeth watched Korean Drama shows behind him, whilst Alana was searching about Wine and Alcohol History on Earth. Taking notes and jolting down facts and methods and on the left side of the private plane, Bahamut was fixated on Cold War videos. Her face nearly pressed up on the screen as a nuclear explosion played.
The first tabs open ranged from the Soviet Afghanistan War, the battles between the KGB and CIA in their respective proxy countries, and even the stealth technology invented in the era. But the majority of the tabs left were about Steaks, how to make one, Beef soups and Pasta recipes while the last ones were on Dragon scale care products.
From time to time, the three women would look at their human and they’d start smiling as they saw he wasn’t having any reactions at all and was snoring loudly in his seat. As if the leather chair was about to eat him whole from how much his body was relaxed and the lightless cabin, alongside the starry night sky outside made it for a good humble sleep for the man.
But this came to an abrupt stop when the big screen next to the cockpit door came alive and on it, was a Senator from the Men Of the Woods. With wooden shelves in his back full of books, his personal greatsword on a display and the flag of his Guild. The morning light pierced through his office window as he fixed his suit and tie.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
“General?” The player, being of a handsome middle aged person in a tacky suit with the pin that shows the flag of the Guild, had a confused face as Elizabeth quickly reached for his shoulder. Tapping it and rudely awakening the high ranking officer. “H-Huh…?” flipping his sleep mask slightly upward. The moment his eyes saw the suit and the flag, he immediately fired up in all cylinders.
“S-Senator!” with a salute while standing up, the player just smiled and waved for him to stand down. “Calm down, Jackson. I just wanna talk to you.” As he sat back down, the rest of his party all stopped what they were doing and would lean left or right to see the official.
“Yes sir.”
“I’ll cut to the chase then since I know you are a busy man. You’ve done a good job in the Empire and Diplomatic ties with them have strengthened tenfold. Hence as per the President’s recommendation by the Assistant Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the State himself. You are formally promoted to Joint Chief of Staff Supreme Commander of Eastern Forces.” Rather than a celebration, he instead tilted his head and squinted his eyes. “Sir. Isn’t this a desk job? What about Operation Army of the Damned?”
“Yes and a very important one at it. Since you're in charge of the Eastern Forces from now on. You need to shore up the defenses all the way from Geraldia to half of Schon. Maltese is to handle the Western Forces. Dragovh and the remaining half of Schon is his.” This made Jackson lift his hand up to his forehead, calming and massaging it. “So… its my original task but with more things added to it? Sir, how do you expect me to run a desk job while having to command multiple field armies?” the Senator then continued to speak.
“You will be given an office in 8-Gon upon arrival in Woodstock where you will be stationed till the End Times has come. There’s also some problems with player guilds there and the refugees flooding in as we start the movement of even more players into major hubs.”
“Senator, if I may.”
“Yes, General?”
“I thought the reason why I am heading to Woodstock is just for some debriefing. I need to return to Eldwood and help my friends and go to Schon again and prepare.”
“Your friends are currently everywhere. Don’t worry. Since your leader, Hassan has vouched for you. You’ll have control of setting up defenses on your Guild territory. BUT, do not give it any priority. Hassan has told us you are a very intelligent and tactical man. You know what needs to be done. The Secretary of the State might come later to 8-Gon and personally speak to you further about other things like Operation Army of the Damned.”
“Y-Yes sir. May I ask if it's going smoothly? It’s only been a year since the UN meeting in Woodstock and when I visited Iron Mountain, the deployment of skeleton soldiers seems to be not as much as we are expected to field.”
“I cannot speak further upon Operation Army of the Damned. You’ll have to talk to the Secretary of the State Umberto for that.”
“Yes sir. And the Heroes?”
“Most of them are already there, the presence of the Dragon God-King Augustus has sent shivers to the cabinet but it seems like he is lowkey in his presence and the only person we really keep seeing is the Grand Prince of James as he has been helping everyone within arms reach.”
“E-Eh? What is he? Superman?”
“Some call him that, a Superman that can’t fly. Look, Jackson. We are on the verge of a worldwide disaster. I expect you to do your diligence, Maltese after all talked to Bruscremi personally and told us to hand OUR men to under your control.”
“Sir, if I may. Why Woodstock’s 8-Gon and not Iron Mountain? I can better control my armies in Iron Mountain while also do work to Woodstock from there.”
“Well… as I said” the Senator then raises his hands and interlaces his fingers. “Sword Saint Elizadeath and the other heroes are in Woodstock currently. I know, you do not like her. All of us don't after the damages and setbacks she’s caused us.” This made the three women jump out of their seats and stood behind Jackson. Corleone just smiles at the sight of the attractive girls in the stream. “Don’t worry, they aren’t doing anything bad, its been the opposite so far so it seems. They're just helping everyone.”
“Sir, why aren’t you arresting Elizadeath? That woman nearly cost us everything!”
“Jackson, calm down. You are a professional. Right now, we can’t touch her or any of the Heroes unless we want this entire planet to come down on us. This is Geopolitics, our personal affairs with her can wait.”
“Sir, if I may interject. We are talking about a woman that nearly murdered me, brought the armies of Vitas to us when we were fighting the robots, and-”
“Stop, Jackson. I didn’t expect you to act like this after all the praise I’ve heard about you.” The Senator then fixes his suit as he swallows his saliva. “From what I’ve heard, the Gods have some complex plan that involves everyone. The Sword Saint included, she’s working for the Gods remember? So why should she go over to Vitas? This is a strange thing that we’ve been looking into for almost an entire year now, so sit tight till we get the full story, alright?” The General on the other hand could just remember the devastating expression Bahamut had made when she found out her magic couldn’t help him. This made his hands clenched into a fist as his eyebrows frowned. “Sir… what she did…”
Bahamut’s hand slowly reached for him and grasped it. “Master.” This made him abruptly calm down and turned his face to the suited Dragon. “We’ll have our revenge. But not now. There are Forces far beyond me and you that are working. We must play our part unless we want to be removed from the stage.” The man then took a long breath in and proceeded to make the hardest sigh he had made so far.
“And, Senator? You want us there just in case they do anything threatening or find out something inhuman in our many not so child friendly projects?”
“Yes, Jackson. Exactly that. Each of these people are walking WMDs and they're currently in one of the most populated cities we have. I will not stand by anyone getting in our way. Got it?”
“... Yes sir. Who will be watching us this time then? Morgan and her Agents again?”
“No. No one will be watching you. Though your little coup against your Commanding Officer made us want to, Maltese said it would go against a promise made and we will keep to it unless we see the need otherwise.” Hearing this made Jackson close his eyes and wipe his eyelids and proceeded to look back at the Senator. “Just do your part, Jackson. We’re almost to the end now.”
“Yes sir.”
“I don’t know what you and Maltese’s beef is about but I’ll just chalk it up to the usual Macho man Generals dicksizing up one another since I wasn’t brief about his plans. No bullshit, we are this close to having all of our asses rammed up with a stick larger than the Eiffel Tower and the entire Senate will not have the entire Portal Fortress to fall within a day. Got it?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good. Now that’s what I am expecting from you. Zavalda’s forces have also been fully recouped. They’ve personally requested to be under your Combined Forces, Jackson. So you are holding one of our only combat proven units against the Demonic Army. Do not lose them. Now, are there any more questions?”
“Yes sir. When will the full blown report and briefings be given to me?”
“It’s already on your cushy office desk in 8-Gon. General, do what you must do and make sure the defensive lines are at least able to hold them back for four weeks at least. That’s all we need.”
“Yes sir and will the Secretary of the State be there to talk to me when I land?”
“I believe not, but then again, he’s just at the 8-Gons top floor if you need him.”
The call ends and Jackson’s back just falls into the leather seat as the three heads of the girls lean towards his tired face. “Looks like we’re going back to Woodstock.”
“Master, I wanna try their pasta.” The two Vampires looked to the Dragon as they just patted his shoulder and hair as they let him be, letting the man go back to a slumber. Instantly falling asleep and snoring once again.
Many hours later, the plane began to lower its altitude as the seatbelt sign turned on with a jingle, Jackson’s eyes squinted at the refraction created by the sprawling skyscrapers of the city. The golden beachside and the Pier with an amusement park on top of it that has a roller coaster and ferris wheel looked livid in the summer star.
It was a sight he was more than familiar with, as the cars and buses drove around the bustling city streets and the helicopters orbited around the districts. He couldn’t be more right at home. “Well, here we are again. Woodstock.” Elizabeth could very well remember when she accidentally got into a beauty pageant on the beachfront in Neo Retro Tokyo and how it had the same amount of liveliness to it but the sand wasn’t this golden but the cleanliness though is terrible. This made a smirk enter her face as they soon entered the airspace of the airport.
Jackson sighs at the usual sight of the blacked out convoy of SUVs and the formation of soldiers. But something caught his eye was on the gate to the tarmac, there was a huge line of painted vans with radar dishes on top of it. This made his eyes squint, ignoring the queued traffic backed up on the freeway to the airport as the police department had blocked off the road heading towards the city.
The cityscape itself is ginormous, with the center having the most skyscrapers while the freeway from the airport which was in the most Eastern part of the city territory leads to Downtown and the Industrial belt first before reaching the center where there were hotels on hotels and suburbs far in the West.
The Governmental and Military part being stationed on the Northwest section, with the 8-Gon and the park that surrounds its perimeters being sat near the UN building and on the same Avenue while a railway line leads to a yard that held storage to thousands of rail cars with paths that’d lead straight to both civilian and military factories.
With a locomotive pulling flatbeds full of newly made tanks and infantry fighting vehicles as it snakes into the outskirts and then to the vast openness of Geraldia.
But what truly caught his eyes apart from the sheer glamor, ego, and pride, the rust and industrial belt, and the sparkling towers of the city was the golden beach front with its near crystal clear water where Coast Guard helicopters were patrolling the area constantly as thousands of players were leisurely enjoying their time in swimming and bathing in the afternoon star and Water Mages in Speed Boats were constantly patrolling the edge of the waterfront, keeping it purified and clean with magic though the litter on the sand itself is uncontrollable due to the value of people.
The huge ferris wheel on the pier that cuts the sparkling beach in two with restaurants on the very end of it, perfectly overlooking a romantic scenic view of the sea that separates Geraldia from Schon.
Even the incomplete Space Elevator was far off in the distance, not able to break the lovely view of the oceanfront.
As the private plane circled once again and entered the final approach. It landed at the International Airport with the buzz of the military band starting as they touched down.
The reception there was just as insane as in the Empire. Blacked out SUVs at the end of the red carpet and soldiers waiting in formation as a Cadillac Limo was seemingly part of the entire ensemble whilst a handful of Newsvans were on the back. “Wait-wait-wait. Who the hell are those?!” With high definition cameras and newscasters set up, the arrival of the 5-Star General was met with a huge party of people.
Helicopters filled the sky like an infestation as they roamed around the vicinity of the airport. Everyone from the local Government, military to the Media was present in full force. Donning their best outfits and uniforms as they anticipated the General’s arrival.
Standing up, Jackson starts to sweat bullets as he puffs his chest and walks down the aisle and to the door but he stopped before everyone could get a view of him. His feet are not continuing down to the carpet. This promptly made Bahamut to rub her face all over his neck and chin, Alana and Elizabeth holding his left and right hands.
With a big breath. He continues down and to the sight of the big gathering. Even from far away, flashes from the high definition professional cameras were already popping off as the Cadillac Limo had its door opened. Waiting for him below the staircase was a Colonel of the Woodstock National Guard. The player had horns protruding from his visor cap and sharp ears as he saluted.
Jackson had to rest his hand on Bahamut as he returned the gesture to the officer. “Good afternoon, General Jackson, sir. Governor Martino will be meeting you personally.” The Colonel then turns to the armored Limo. On its center was the seal of the Men of the Woods Woodstock Locality, the Pine Tree with guns coming out behind its bark.
The State Sec Agents then open the door, revealing a bald player. His height was immense, standing between 6 '2 to 6' 4. His belly was fat and full and his ten fingers were full of gold rings with sapphire gems on top.
He also donned an immensely luxurious suit, made of Velvet and Silk. Even though its color was dark, it gleamed as he walked down the red carpet. The journalists taking photos of him as the pair of Agents wearing their black out shades guarded his sides.
Walking with an intense and powerful stride. The hulking overweight man made the General swallow his saliva. Even though he was built in complete opposition to the Governor. Even he couldn’t help but feel the weight of the man's aura from afar.
Coming up close to him, the Governor had a smile on his face as he looked at Elizabeth first. His brown eyes sparkling as he clicked his tongue as she bowed elegantly to her. He proceeds to then stare at Alana briefly, nodding to her more teenage looks as she followed suit with the Queen and properly introduced herself with a gesture.
Finally, he turns to Bahamut who was looking down on the Colonel. He exposes his white perfect teeth as he then finally looks down to Jackson himself. Reaching out his hand, the two exchange in a shake as the Governor pats the side of the General’s shoulder.
“Aren’t you a playboy? Ahahahaha, Welcome to Woodstock.”
“Thank you, Governor Martino. I haven’t seen you for a good year.”
“I know.” He then looks behind himself and then back to him. “Come on then. Let’s talk in the Limo. These journalists got that bad magic activated.”
“I swear I saw Mages in the backline though.”
“Yeah, but that won’t stop players with the Enchanted Rings that buff them with a skill or ability to make you talk. Come on.”
He spoke with a tinge of a European accent as he wrapped his arm over Jackson. Dragging him to the end of the carpet, ignoring the journalist trying to get close while Elizabeth had to make sure Bahamut was staying close to the group. The eyes of the Agents and the soldiers at parade followed the two high ranking officials as the Colonel tailed behind. Completely baffled and afraid of Bahamut who is staring him down.
“Ey! Goddess! Don’t do that to Tony! He isn’t like the other Demon players! He is Half Human! I can vouch for him!” This made the Dragon breath a sigh as she looked forward and kept close to the two Vampires. As they were about to reach the Limo, the Governor suddenly stops and turns to the reporters. Specifically one of them who was wearing a miniskirt and crop top, though she had amazing thighs, her thin waist made her seem easy to lodge around if needed. “E-Eh?! Why are you leading me-”
“You are here now, you have to answer some questions if you want to last here, General. You have to keep face now that you're in Woodstock.” This made Jackson completely panic as he tightened his tie and brushed his shoulder as Governor Martino pushed him to the News Lady of Channel 54.
“General Jackson! May I ask about your time in the Elven Empire and possibly about the situation in Schon?”
“U-Uhh, it's been great! The Elves were respectful and helpful. I couldn’t ask for anything else and the situation in Schon will be resolved quickly. We might be stopped at the borders of Vitas but that’s by design.”
“What do you think of the war? Are the towers that guard the borders of Vitas that dangerous? Can’t Bahamut be sent to deal with it?”
“Sorry, as per my personal recommendations and beliefs. I reserve Bahamut to the utmost dire situations only. I will not have her be used by the Guild Government for their wars and problems.”
“Then is the war not the utmost dire situation?” Elizabeth quickly butts in. Dragging Alana into the scene as she holds her in front of herself. The News lady quickly notices the Noble Vampire and one of the other Journalists from the sides pushes her out of the way. Replacing the Human in a suit was a malnourished and deathly pale lady with long ebony hair.
She had a red gown and an immensely wide bonnet as she held her microphone up to Alana.
“You are Miss Minuit, yes?! May I have an interview with you?! I am Lady Jeanne from Night Of Wallachia News from the Non Human TV channel Ten and I’d love to know the opinions of a Vampire Noble such as yourself!” Elizabeth then drags Jackson but the Governor instead leads him to another Journalist. This time specializing in Newspapers.
Alana on the other hand, not used to the flashes of the cameras, had to lift her hands up her eyes as she softly nodded.
“With the agreement between us and the Vampires. Do you think this will allow players to enter the Kingdom of Rose without the need of a heavy immigration process? Many players have wished to travel to Schon and visit the Vampire Kingdom.”
“Ah, I cannot speak much in those terms as this is more inline with the duty of the Duchess. But as a Countess, I may only disclose that the Kingdom has a strict code of who may pass due to the mental state required to live in the Immortal Kingdom. As not all Vampires are capable of dissolving their Humanity completely and may cause demoralization to those living within the Kingdom borders..”
“I see, and what are your opinions on Vampires from our world? As we have gotten reports that real- I mean Native Threan Vampires look down on my kind. May you speak on this issue?”
“I must say, I cannot truly speak on such a complex question. As this may be a difference in the culture and tradition. Though we may be both Vampires, you possess red eyes and we do not. You talk in a way that is not befitting of a creature of eternity nor of noble birth, lest we may enter into the more divulging issue of how the two sides see each other concerning the treatment of Men.”
“May you expand on that?”
“We Vampires had lived for centuries. Vampires from Tur seem to have only been alive for a few decades at most and in a different world whose people and societies may seem to be lighter on those like me. It is hard for us to truly relate with you. My presence here in Geraldia alone is something the Human Kingdoms may take note of if they knew. We treat men not only as food, but the same as how men treat cows. If you want it to taste good, you must take good care of it, give it all it needs for it to taste good.” She then turns to the right and then left briefly as she breathes in.
“My experience with the Vampires of your world is that they seem to not know the importance of treating your food with respect. I find it highly strange that you are capable of living such a life. Vampires are a cultured people, we mustn’t be indifferent to the source of your nourishment.”
“It also seems that you speak perfect International English. What made you want to learn English then? What is your relationship with the renowned General Jackson of Eldwood? Do you plan to learn more foreign Earth languages?”
“You may say our relationship transcends that of whatever mortal word that could be conjured. It is not normal, but something very special and only relative to us. Only we may understand what this odd but true connection we share with one another… I originally wished to learn English so that I may understand translated Manga brought to the Kingdom by the early Outworlder Merchants.”
This made the other journalists want to talk to her, but due to them just being Elves and some Humans, Lady Jeanne easily pushed them away as she continued to talk to her while in the back, the Agents were sweeping the area for any magic being attempted on the party. “Oh! So you are familiar with Otaku culture. May I ask what your favorite genre is?”
She then smiles and lifts her skirt up a bit to walk closer to the microphone. “Shounen. Absolutely. Those of men becoming Knights and standing tall against forces from the Demon Lord. I could not believe for a planet that never had magic to have stories that resonate so close to ours." This then made one of the Elven players to stealthily go behind Lady Jeanne and all of the sudden extended his microphone with a pole.
“And what do you feel about the recent political issue of segregation that’s being enacted by not only local Government Agencies but also the businesses? The recent action made by the Guild Associations to ban Elves from certain activities due to our innate superiority to Humans in some fields.”
“Ahhhh… I’ve only come here. I believe it's better for you to ask this to someone who had been living in this city for a long time-”
“This has come due to the recent rage about the Vampire players causing trouble in Neo Tokyo. Even going as far as seizing a hotel and starting a shootout with the SRT of the Himeji Guild. Do you think this is an appropriate response? Do you believe we Elves should not get caught up by the mistakes of the Vampire players?”
“As I said before, I have never been here nor am I aware of the social issues that are occurring. I am from a Kingdom where everything is segregated from bloodline to rank and title, thus I do not think that I am the person to be queried about such things.”
All the while, Bahamut was having a grand time answering all the questions the players were throwing at her. “Goddess! What is your favorite hobby?!”
“Eating and sleeping and getting babied by Master! He pats me good and feeds me so many steaks!”
“Goddess! Goddess! Over here! What do you think is better? Longsword or Greatsword?”
“Claymore!” The Dwarven player then raises a claymore from his portal inventory and hands it over to her. Though the Northern accent could appear from every now and then, he seems to have been able to control it unlike other Dwarves. “But Goddess! If you were to be asked about the most used weapons in Dark World, which would you prefer?”
“Hah! Greatswords matter if you wanna kill something big! It’s better to have both! One for combat inside of places and another for when it's in open fields! Chosen Ones out there! Know your sword better than your body as it will bring you to the light of strength and maturity! Growth may only come from failures and defeats!” This made the journalists all wow at her as they prepared more lines of questions for her.
Already, the Vampires could notice just how famous the Dragon God is in the entire community, she is not met with any bad blood nor disheartening questions and is instead always being asked about things that would make a celebrity blush.
“Goddess! If you were to only eat one type of meat your entire life, what would it be?”
“Steak from the Cows bred by us Dragons!”
“Goddess Bahamut! If I may ask! What do you think of players saying they are your waifu after seeing your face?!”
“Let them be! But they must erect a statue of me in their house and give it tribute if they wish to continue to see my beautiful image! I also ask three prayers a day and some jewelry, preferably ones with imbued with magic to be offered!”
“Miss Bahamut! Goddess! I am from the renowned Kelly’s Secret Magazine and what do you think about being listed as the Top Two most beautiful NPCs of Dark World?!”
“Top Two?! Do you want to be burned?” This made the people laugh as another reporter came butting in front of everyone else, using only his phone with a USB microphone attached to it, he reached out his arm to her. “Goddess! What’s the color of your panties?!”
“Black! It’s also a Vee shaped one! Mars said it's very skimpy and that Master would love it!” Hearing this, Jackson’s eyes almost burst out of his eye sockets and immediately turns around. Ignoring the Newspaper Reporter who was still jolting down his answers. “Goddess! I am from Santa Menyon Vogue Magazine and the hottest questions from the players is, "Do you have a sex life? How often do you have sex and what is your favorite position?!”
As she opened her mouth, Elizabeth and Jackson both covered it and dragged her to the limo and closed the door. “PHEW! HOLY SHIT!” The Governor just had a big smirk on his face as he smoked his cigar and took a gem from one of the News 54 employees. “Gratze, Minh. I’ll talk to you and the others at the casino.” he then whistled and gestured for everyone to load up.
The State Sec Agents quickly got to action as they led the rest of Jackson’s party into the Limo and drove off.
As the engine roared to life, they began to move towards the gates. Inside, Jackson was completely destroyed. His soul seemingly leaving his body with his opened mouth as he melted into the leather seat of the limo.
Governor Martino on the other hand poured them all a bottle of wine but left the General with a sparkling strawberry soda which he quickly took from his hands and drank straight down in one long gulp. “PHWAH!” As he got reenergized, the man got back into sitting next to him. With a straight back and thighs together, he was once again in his best look.
But instead of getting a more proper introduction, he instead gestured to look at the right window. There, a quadruped robot was helping in repairing a pipeline to the airport. Using its crane implement to speed up the construction as skeletons toiled away at digging on the soil. With its ability to lift up its main body, it was able to walk to the flatbed and grab a new pipe without needing a the crane’s arm to be changed or chain being required.
“What do you think General? I wanna fund the construction of more of those things.” This made Jackson just look confused, but seeing everyone else tired, he just sighs and looks out of the window. “I don’t think it's really worthwhile unless you can make their armor thicker. When High Explosive shells are enough to take them out. They aren’t really much of a threat the moment they mess up their first shot.”
“But General, with more funding. We can surely make them thicker, right?”
“Governor. You have a lot of friends don’t you?”
“Oh, I am not making you help fund my friends in the military. I just like Mechs.”
“You aren’t even denying it. How much did the Media pay you to make me stop and answer them?’
“Pfft. As if whatever they pay me is enough to make up a fraction of how much the Guild gives me in a week. Look, you are in the world of politics now, General. You need to be a showman if you want to be taken seriously here.”
“And me and the girls answering questions are a part of this?”
“Oh, pretty women and the camera goes as well as mozzarella and fettuccine with sicilian white sauce. A match made in heaven!”
“And what do you expect from me? That was a bold move you did there and I won’t forget it.”
He just shrugs his head as the convoy enters the massive eight lane freeway. Four oncoming and four outgoing. “General, the people of this city will eat you out and skin you if you can’t show that you aren’t entertaining.”
Reaching speeds of over 80 Miles Per Hour. News helicopters continually followed them while Military ones were farther over in the horizon. Police marked choppers though were flying just above the freeway with SWAT Officers over the passenger doors, rifles and longbows out. “You can try to do right, build orphanages, help the poor, and open soup kitchens daily but if you don’t have the personality to back it up, you might as well have done nothing good for the people. Generals like you often have this problem of business first, the wars before the people. We can’t have that here, General.”
Entering the city proper. The lead Cadillac Escalade was hit with a big bump on the road, making it jump a bit as the convoy didn’t let up its speed. Jackson sees this and holds onto the handle by the door as Limo passes over it. The Vampires were completely unfazed by this, their hands stabilized and not letting a single droplet of wine into the blue carpet of the luxury vehicle.
To their left, Jackson sees by his window the familiar view of the golden beaches of Woodstock.
“Santa Menyon Pier will be holding a fiesta tomorrow. I recommend you go and attend, General. Get the goodwill of the people, even more. Bring Bahamut, she’s so famous after her many escapades.”
“What’s the park on it named again?”
“You mean Black Forest Park? The oceanfront amusement park?”
“Yeah! Oh man, when I was here. It was for the first ever UN meeting in the new world. Bahamut and I never really got to visit Woodstock in Tur.”
“Heh, if you're gonna go there. Make sure your dames are wearing bikinis and you in trousers. No T-shirts, a’ight?”
“W-Why the T-shirt part?”
“You seem like the type of man that will walk to a pool party wearing a business suit or to a council meeting in shorts!”
“Ah, yes. Of course. I’ll be sure to wear shorts then.”
“Good. It has no admission fee so just walk in if you want. I recommend the coffee shop at the very end of the pier. Great view of the sea and good parfaits. The dames you have will have everyone looking at you. You yourself don’t look bad, General. Pictures of you from last year made me think you were some war monger and not a Royal! Ahahaha!” This made Jackson scratch the back of his head, blinking multiple times as he took his eyes to the city once again.
“This is why I’d rather be at the frontlines or in Schon… haaaah…” the Governor opens a small cabinet and brings out a cigar box. With one leg over the other, he silently gleamed over to the highway that’s slowly turning into a two lane road and buildings started to block their view more and more till it was all they could see.
As they drove over more bumps and potholes on the main road. There were refugees from Guilds that did not have the ability to adapt and their players now left homeless on the streets. Many put up sign boards asking for money or work. Printing on it their level, class, and stats. Many often do not even have anything on the A scale.
Though some of the buildings were adequately maintained, many in the area they are in were relatively in bad conditions. With cracks on the walls and some, even having boarded up windows and doors with graffiti filling up the dilapidated houses. “Well, at least some of them are preparing for the End Time.”
Governor Martino opens a drawer that’s on top of the wine cabinet. Taking out four smartphones. “Here, each of you take one.” Already having used a phone in Woodstock last year, the Vampires looked at it with some familiarity yet were baffled at the lack of keypads. Jackson though had already opened it and was amazed by it. “Woah… does this have any gacha games in it?”
“A what?”
“N-Nothing.'' He then stood up and sat next to Bahamut who was already putting her biometrics into it for the thumb scan. “Alana, Elizabeth. Come here.” gesturing for the two. The Vampires quickly came to him and shoved their smartphones up his face. “Okay, okay, one by one. Alana, you first.”
As he went and helped them set up their phones. Outside, the roads had gotten worse. With most of them having patches of asphalt slapped on top, giving them an even bumpier ride that not even the suit up suspension of the armored limo was able to fully absorb. “Porca vacca! General, you better do something with those heavy military trucks that constantly pass through the city! Look at what they're doing to my pretty roads!”
As he pointed his finger at the man, they once again hit a bad bump. “Dio santo!” It then made his wine that was strapped in a holder fall into the carpet. Wetting it and filling the limo with the stench of alcohol. “Col cavolo! Sometimes it would be those tanks of yours and it's not helping with city maintenance funds! The skeletons of the city works department are already bones! They might as well turn to powder with how much we’re overworking them!”
“Errrr… Governor. Tanks usually have rubber pads on their tracks to prevent damage like this. Just how much are military vehicles using civilian roads here? Doesn’t Gaily Black Menyon Railyard usually transport them? How come there reaching Downtown? This is Downtown, right?”
“I don’t know! So you better sort this shit out, General.” They then hit a particularly bad bump which made the cigar almost fall off the Governor's fingers. “Mio Santo! The city is already bleeding money with the funding required for the defenses and the payment to players that will have to evacuate their business!”
“I am actually quite surprised not much has been done. Why now?”
“We have Laws, General. Unlike Eldwood that mostly relies on Skeletons and only has a handful of players. A few thousand at best and its main player base sitting pretty in that ancient Eldwood Forest Castle. The Men of the Woods has over fifty thousand members and all of them have property laws the city council simply cannot overturn. Including the new members and refugee crisis, it's bloated into the millions! The city is only meant for one million at most!”
“Then have President Grahame give you emergency powers. It's insane to me when the literal Demon Hordes are a few days away and this is what you are doing. A festival even in the Pier!”
“I’ve already asked for emergency powers but due to the refugee crisis. I am heavily invested into giving them a place to stay. General, over the mountains that surround Woodstock is a huge refugee camp and beyond that are player guilds fighting each other! It’s ridiculous! Absolutely cazzo! Testa di cazzo!”
“Ohhh… so that’s why the military has been all over the city… But I didn’t see anything though.”
“The Department of Soil Management wanted to keep the ground intact since this isn’t our land. The retarded dumbfuck had me build small tiny roads and only cut down a handful of trees. Che palle on that Secretary Magliano! May his balls explode with the amount of paperwork he is throwing at me!”
“Governor…” Jackson just facepalms as he sighs. Wiping his face down with his hands. “Alright. I’ll handle that. I need to build trenches anyway.”
“General, what exactly do you have planned for my city? I’ve heard you were the man responsible for saving Zavalda. What tactic did you use exactly?”
“I just had the major intersections to be guarded by a square or octagonal shaped defense. Like in the Medieval Times, the tactic used by Musketmen to veer off cavalry attacks. A square with guns pointing in all directions. I did that but sprinkled heavy vehicles and artillery with air support on top of it while trench lines contained the fighting inside the city.”
“... … General, what damage will this tactic of yours give to the city? Trenches are also going to damage so much of the ground! Think of the funding that will have to be used on pipeline removal and the wiring mess!”
“Governor, let us not think about that. The moment the Demon Horde reaches this place. It's already lost. They won’t be coming from one or three portals but everywhere this time. Even the sea for all we know. So be prepared to level it in its entirety… as much as I don’t want it myself.” This made him pinch the center of his nose. Tapping his shoes on the carpet. “Alright. Gratze for the information and being straight with me. You Generals never knew to hold back anyways.”
“Hm. So Elizabeth, to take pictures you press the camera icon on the-” as he continued on to teach them how to use the better and more fancier smartphone. In one of the intersections, Alana and Elizabeth both caught a glimpse of an extremely handsome looking man inside a crowd of women buying newspapers.
Something then snapped at the Queen and she flicked her finger to get Jackson’s attention. “My Lord, isn’t that who I think it is?” He looked to where she was staring and his eyes opened wide. “CONVOY STOP!” With his order, the brakes were pressed and the column of black armored vehicles skidded off the road as the halt.
Coming out of the limo, Jackson walks to the sidewalk of the intersection. The Agents quickly dispersed the crowd of women to see Grand Prince James wearing cowboy boots with denim pants and a rolled up long sleeve white shirt and a charming smile. His thick muscles were popping out of the sleeves as his big wide smile could melt the heart of even the strongest willed succubus into a loving wife.
“Ah! Lord Jackson! The Dragon Knight General of Eldwood!”
“PRINCE JAMES?!”
“The Fiftheeneth!”
“James! Why the hell are you selling newspapers on a rotten ass street?! Shouldn’t you be preparing to save the world?!”
“Ah! But Lord Jackson, every person I help is one world saved. This city is broken, it needs people to be better, to help those in need and make the community better.”
“James, can’t you see what is about to rain on us all?! The shit I saw in Zavalda…. You have the power to end this but you shouldn’t be wasting it on this type of thing. Imagine just what will come when the Calamity falls upon us all for real!”
“Ahahahah, Lord Jackson. Relax. I know you are tense, I feel the weight on your shoulder. But be not afraid of the peril of Man or your people. Great things will come to those who await for the right moment.”
“So the reports are true… this is what the Heroes have been doing for most of the time?!” Bahamut on the other hand just yawns as her beauty instantly latched onto the Hero. “My… if it isn’t the Goddess.” he quickly kneeled before her and had his right hand onto his heart and his left behind him. “I thank you for your blessing. It hath help me in dire moments of peril. Yet not had it not come to my aid in times where my friends may be in danger. Goddess, I much owe you to my journey to the Kingdom of Vitas and its ashen lands. Helping the Sword Saint to escape the clutches of Vitas after doing her duty to the Demon Princess would’ve been impossible if it weren’t from the boost of your blessing to me.”
As he stands up, he turns to the two Vampires and bowed. “Ladies of the Eternal Night. I hope my benign appearance does not turn you away. I wish no harm to Vampires who have allied with men.” Alana quickly returned the gesture while Elizabeth just crossed her arms. “I do not think of such a thing. A person M’Lord respects is a person I shall too, give the same treatment. Grand Prince of James, I am humbled by your appearance.” though the Queen just kept silent, watching the blonde man intently.
“My. Lord Jackson, you must be lucky to be surrounded by such attractive women. Goddess, may I convene with you? Even for a sliver of your time?”
“I am indeed very lucky. Everyday I thank them for allowing me to be by their side.” coming out of the limo, the Governor lumbers out of the passenger seat as if he had been glued to the leather for a decade already. “GENERAL! WE HAVE LOTS OF THINGS TO DO! AFFRETTARSI! BONO!” Turning around, he nods to Martino.
“Master, can I stay with him for a bit? He only wants a bit of my time.” In shock, he turns to Bahamut and tilts his head. “Eh? Why? Does it need to be now? When we have so much to do?”
“I just have some things I need answered and he needs me.” Seeing the golden eyes of the Dragon God. Jackson sighs and nods. “Alright. But keep in contact. Be sure to come back to my side as soon as possible. Alana, Elizabeth. Let’s go.” he pats Prince James on the shoulder, the two exchanging a stare. “Keep an eye on her for me, will you? I know you’ll treat her well, but Bahamut can be a handful at times so be patient, always. See you later, golden boy. Ahahahah.”
As the trio left, James took the remaining newspaper and returned to the player who was selling his own share of it at the end of the block. “Mister Bags. I apologize, I must go.” As he hands him the money he has gotten from selling. The player wore a pair of ragged clothes, his leather shoes had long past their life and had holes in them and his hair, sticky and prickly. “Please! I can’t thank you enough.” he then reaches for his pocket but James quickly blocks his arm.
“I must implore you to keep your currency. I have no need for it. I am saddened I cannot access my funds, I would’ve given you some alms for your days.” the player shrugged, still going for his pocket. “As if I care! Dude you have helped me way too much! What’re you gonna use to buy your girl some food here?” the Prince just shrugged his head. “Please. Leave that to me. Keep it.” Behind him, Bahamut has changed her outfit into something more modern, though her clothes were so stylish alongside her figure and form that she seemed more like a supermodel out in public.
He then stands straight back up and gestures for Bahamut to walk forward. Her black leather greatcoat acted like a cape as she passed him. The player tilting his head at the familiar look of the woman. “Is that…?” before he could think further, the two had already disappeared into the street. “No way, Bahamut in a pencil skirt?!” the player just smiled as he went about his day knowing what he just witnessed.
Walking down a few blocks, they soon arrive at a more affluent side of town and there, a coffee shop was located by the intersection. On the sign outside it has a warning to Vampire players. “Vampires Only Allowed On Sundays! No Exceptions! Dwarves And Elves May Not Share Tables After The Incident Last Week! Halflings and Half Foots Friendly!”
Going in, the doorbell rings and everyone’s attention turns to the magnificent aura of the two. As if the peak of Man and Woman had graced their eyes. The Barista was unable to continue cleaning the counter as everyone’s head followed the two.
Upon reaching the empty table near the lavatories, the Prince gestures for her to take a seat. Bahamut picked the coach by the wall where she crossed her legs and arms as she sat down. He then looked at the laminated menu on the table. “What would you like, Goddess?”
“Blueberry Pie.”
With that, he lifted his hand up and a Waitress quickly came as soon as she could. The woman blushing beet red as her eyes fawned on the blonde man. “Black coffee and a Blueberry Pie please.” she just nodded and ran to the counter where there order was quickly given without delay.
“Thank you.” With a warm smile, she could almost faint from how attractive he was. “I’m surprised.” As Bahamut took the plate with her pie on top of it. She cut a small tiny piece and ate slowly. “I feel… a tinge of fright inside you.”
This made him look at her and cup his hot mug with both his hands. “Y-Yes. I am afraid.” he sighs as he takes a sip. “Lord Jackson is pretty amazing. I can see why you picked him… when I saw the Demon Army… The stories that’s been foretold by my ancestors do not put them to shame and I see why.”
“Dre wuldr’ual sol, trov. Il Dragos lee, eyu te volguah. Master wasn’t just afraid. The bond we share is deeper than a mere physical link. Every inch of his feeling, I can sense. When he was there, I could cry from how much he was trembling. Yet he stood tall and when he saw you… do you know what he felt?”
James shrugged as he intently stared at Bahamut’s eyes. “He felt hope. For the first time, he truly felt something could be done. Il Dragos lee, eyu te volguah. The Dragon’s Light Blesses you. For Master had put even his hope to your ability. His survival is tied to your victory.”
“Ah, to think even a Man such as Jackson has his life in my hands. I cannot dare to lessen my weight. The hopes of man… it all rests on me. I’ve been given everything in my life, the people of Dragovh had put so much to me. Even my brothers, my beloved kin had staked so much to my ability to carry through with the other Heroes.”
“And win you shall.” darkness then fills their surroundings as the Prince finds himself donning his blue and gold armor, his large cape valiantly flapping in the heart of darkness. “The wheel of fate had long started to move. Things are falling into place and your role, for the days you’ve spent adventuring and gathering power. The will of the people by your good deeds. You edge yourself closer to a fate that has long been sealed.”