A ringing wakes up a tired and depleted General Paul, his armor gone alongside his undersuit. As if all the water in his body was sucked out in a matter of hours. Croaking like an old man, he opens the drawer next to the bed and takes the phone that was given to him by the UN. Pressing the green pick up button on the touch screen, he’s greeted with a familiar voice.
“Yo Paul, you there?”
“Huh? I didn’t expect the satellites to be in position…”
“Woah, the hell happened to your voice? Did you run a marathon?”
“Long… story…”
“That emergency meeting was a mess wasn’t it?”
“Ah, the red tapes will kill us all… haaaah… What is it dude?”
“Though we can’t really blame them and the guys in logistics. You can’t really run a modern army without the internet and Earth is like a nickel compared to this planet that is a fully grown raspberry in terms of size.”
“Look dude… you're calling me far too early and are already saying too many things. Just get to the point.”
“Well, por favor will you?”
“What…?”
“I’m really sorry for calling you in like one in the morning for you I guess? But I need Bahamut’s help over here. The Pope really did it now, going through with his magnanimous plan to allow Elves and Beastmen to enter the Holy See’s religion and get baptized. The Dragon kin is also gonna get involved so it seems, as they sent one of those gravel skinned four winged super dragon priest. Though it just kinda orbited the city, the thing looked so cool and badass yet scary.”
After drinking some water that was left on top of the drawer, the man breathes in and out.
“Give me till next year or so, I’m still busy with the diplomatic mission here.”
“Still? You know we have to wrap this up. The Dragon Knights just changed their name to worship Bahamut. I heard you weren’t here though.”
“Yeah, it’s a long story, look later today, I’ll be meeting with the King so I’ll be very busy. The other Diplomats have been doing a good job influencing things here and I have a pretty boy named Percival doing stuff for me. Just work with the Dragon Knights for now, Bahamut vetted me there strength. If Bahamut says someone or an organization is worthy of her words, then you bet your ass they're strong.”
“Uh huh, well if you can. Send Bahamut over later on. I really feel like I’ll be needing her help soon with how volatile things are turning. UN railways to Zavalda are under threat if a civil war sparks and our main artery of moving heavy equipment will be gone..”
“Sure Philip. Just give me till next year alright? She still needs to do things here.”
A sexy feminine groaning voice was then heard through the phone. Philip, being wide awake and inside a Church. He could clearly hear her.
“Paul? What’s that small shiny box for? Oh, a phone?”
He then looks back and could see a naked Queen Elizabeth rising from the blanket, her porcelain body. Carved to be as perfect as can be, spotless and shiny. Hairless and smelled like red roses, she couldn’t be any more prettier with the winter Moon behind her on the Throne.
“WOAH! WHO WAS THAT? YO PAUL?”
“Ho-holy shit… did we do it again?”
“Hmm…? Yes, didn’t I tell you that I was going to do things that’s only specially for you tonight?”
“Really? I couldn’t remember. I slept with my armor on… where is it?!”
“HEY PAUL?! IS THAT THE QUEEN I HEAR?! THAT’S THE VAMPIRE ANCIENT QUEEN!”
“And what’s with that device? It’s so noisy.”
“Ah sorry, it's General Philip. Another Knight from Eldwood, good friend of mine.”
“EY YO! DUDE YOU HITTING THAT? REALLY? I’M SO JEALOUS! C’MOOON!|
“Hm? And what does he want?”
“He’s requesting Bahamut's help but I gotta call it off for now since we need her.”
“HOY! HOY! PAUL?! DON’T TELL ME YOUR SLEEPING WITH THE VAMPIRE QUEEN? WEREN’T WE VIRGINS FOREVER? DON’T TELL ME I’M THE ONLY VIRGIN IN THE TWELVE KNIGHTS NOW?!?!”
“Phil, bro. I gotta lay it on you.”
“Nawww, don’t. C’MON! UNGH!”
General Philip gains the attention of everyone in the Church as he throws a bit of a tantrum while in full uniform. Even the skeletons turned their glowing red eyes to look at their commanding officer being rowdy in a holy site.
“Just… next year alright. I’ll send Bahamut over or something, copy?”
“Yes, yes, yes… send her or whatever… Imma go to the nearest Bar and drink my tears away. Can’t believe I’ve been betrayed like this.”
“Wha-? No, don’t be like that.” the General then places his shoulder against Elizabeth’s, feeling calm. The Queen’s amorous voice then returns once again, this time much closer and near to the phone.
“You’ve done it now My Lord… I won’t let you sleep.”
“EH? D-did you just let me sleep for the sake of it?!”
“Yes, and now… I’m wide awake and hungry.”
“Oh shit… Uhhh Philip, I gotta go. I’ll send you a message alright?”
“My Lord, let’s put that device down and just focus on me.”
“What a Christmas that’s for sure.”
“How would you usually spend your Christmas?”
“I’d buy KFC, go home and eat it with the TV on as everyone celebrated it. Wasn’t much but it was good.”
“Did you spend Christmas as a soldier?”
“Adeste fideles læti triumphantes.”
“What’s that song? Sounds like old Romanz.”
Though his voice wasn’t perfect, the man sang it with heart and a low tone.
“It’s an old Latin song used for Christmas. I sang it alongside my men on our third Christmas together. We were in Georgia at the time, gathering forces for our offensive to Turkey. Three years… three long years of an industrialized and mechanized war.”
Elizabeth just silently patted him and stroked his hair as the man looked at the ceiling, his eyes completely frozen and would only occasionally twitch.
“Though my unit came from all parts of Asia and South America, we all knew Christmas and one of the most popular songs about it. Adesta Fideles was one of them, it's in Latin so our differing languages didn’t matter.”
“Hmph. Beautiful My Lord.”
“Yeah, I hope the men and everyone in this war here had a good Christmas. I kinda feel ashamed that I’m here sleeping around with you while men are out there, dying in droves fighting for a war that’s supposed for us to reach Vitas for Vitas reaches us in the Reset.”
“What’s wrong with sleeping around? Your human, isn’t that a vital need? To have your lust fulfilled? Do not be ashamed. Just like you My Lord. There down on those frontlines for they believed or wanted to serve something. Poor Leaders rejoice in starting a war, Good Leaders rejoice in avoiding war.”
“Hey now, what does that make you? Ahahahahahah.”
Pouting, Elizabeth pinches his cheeks as he laughs. “Oy My Lord, I only did what I thought was the right thing to do at the moment. Hmph. No sleep for you till morning!”
“Ehhhhhhh, I still have some stuff to prepare! OMFT!”
A defeated General Philip with his head down exits out of the Church and into the busy buzzling street of Gareth’s capital. Though the temperature had dropped, the Sun was still high in the sky and people were going about their daily lives without care as no snow had yet to fall.
Flags were on almost all of the balconies and the stone street was rattling with carriages and horses as the peasants of the Noble Kingdom carried on with their life, ignoring the Eldwood General whose face was flushed with jealousy. There, he screams from the bottom of his throat. “WHY NOT MEEEEE?!” Alerting the nearby grunts and Knights, thinking that there was another attack.
After a few hours, the Manor was already fully awake. With the Countess and the Queen loitering around right after breakfast. Alana exits out to the garden and is spooked by Bahamut in her little dragon form. With her wings spread out and her head tilted upward, in a very awkward position at the small patch of land with its snow melted. Curious at the humourous posture of the dragon, Alana walks up to her. Grinning hard.
“What’re you doing?”
“Sunbathing.”
“In such an awkward position?”
“Yes, I miss doing this.”
“Just go back to your human form, our Lord will soon be traveling to the Capital.”
Snow twirls around the small Dragon as she transforms back to her human form.
“I hate how I can smell Master off of that bloodsucker.”
“You mean Queen Elizabeth?”
“Yes, she has been very intimate with him.”
“Why won’t you try it?”
“I’m a Dragon, I do not know how a human’s body works, let alone how to control human lust. Master always told me it is one of his most dangerous feelings. And hey! The same could be said to you!”
“E-eh? W-well… my entire life I’ve had access to blood so I have no true need to know how to drink blood from a human.”
“What does that have to do with pleasuring a man?”
“It's tradition to know how to pleasure a human before drinking their blood as that’s how the first Vampires lived through the days before everything was united… Till King Charles and Queen Elizabeth came to be and subjected hundreds of Vampire Lords to create the Kingdom.”
“Ah, so that’s why Vampires are usually connected with the stories of monsters that roam the night, preying on the weak. How unlucky.”
“It’s not that bad. It's also a stark reminder of our dark past, when everything was apart and only a handful of Vampire Lords ruled settlements full of their kin. Most of the time it wouldn’t even be enough to fill a village. Just a castle. That was how few we were, add in to that the ancient Vampire Hunters.”
“The appearance of Charles and Elizabeth must’ve rattled history in of itself. Interesting, in Tur. Vampires have always existed but out of a curse, a virus when human emotions get out of control. But here, Vampires are part of creation, not decreation. But an ancient primordial power.”
“It is said, in the Church of Angus, that our God was the first ever Vampire. Born by the Universe to be the better humans, the upgrade as they call it. But so much for being upgrades, we ended up like this. Just another species in this melting pot of a planet, no stronger than the other.”
“Hmm… I don’t know. You are indeed a superior species, taking into account your strength and eternal beauty which humans would kill and sacrifice to have and Elves would wish to have your speed and agility while the Greenskins of your strength and power. I think the only thing holding the Vampires back is their innate humanity. Regardless of how ancient one is, in the end. I sense a commonality between you and humans in the soul and make.”
“It’s to be expected. Vampires need the species, Humans most of all with the amount of protein they provide. It’s a symbiotic relationship that will never disappear as there is still the top contender for the number turned into Vampires. Elves are harder to turn due to their speed and agility. Making them greater fighters and faster opponents.”
“What about Orcs and Ogres?”
“Oh them? Many have also been turned but it's usually out of desperation. Vampirism turns them into a far more dangerous creature called Rork. An evolved version of those green or brown skinned reprobates. Turning them into creatures that can single handedly kill hundreds of Vampires without breaking a sweat. Let’s leave it at that…”
“Ohhhh interesting, I’d like to fight one if an opportunity ever comes up. Hm, if Vampirism makes humans turn into their best and peak version, what more with those strong muscled creatures born for war. Their higher version must be a true warrior that I must add to my list!”
“Don’t get any ideas Bahamut.”
“Booooo…”
Alana then sits down on a metal chair and breathes a long sigh as she looks at the sight of her garden, all covered in snow with the small black dragon in an awkward position out on the Sun.
“How come Bahamut that you never got jealous of our Lord's relationship with the Queen?”
“Master has always been lonely. He may not have noticed it, but I can always see him quietly staring at pretty women. It’s not really lust, it's just that he seems to want to be hugged or touched by one. I sadly couldn’t do anything but offer my small cute body for him to snuggle up with. I always did my best to be with him whenever he sleeps.”
“Ah, so that explains your habit of crawling up to him whenever he’s sleeping inside the carriage.”
“Hm. Though it's not much, I want him to at least feel the heat of someone else in his sleep. That’s why I am not jealous, I don’t even think we Dragons are capable of that feeling.”
“Lucky you. Because I do.”
“Vampires get jealous still? No wonder you will never become the apex predators.”
“As you said, we immortal creatures still have a connection with humanity. Their emotions most of all. I am purebred yet I can have the same feeling of human love and human jealousy. I find it annoying but my years of living have made me resistant to doing anything brash.”
“That might be the only thing that makes you better than normal humans aside from the physical aspect. You have the time to become wiser than the oldest humans.”
“Yeah… ahhhhh… so Bahamut. About the Dragon Courier Service.”
The two get spooked as they encounter the Queen in her Crimson Vampire Bat form, hanging upside down on an opened window frame near them.
“Sorry to interrupt the both of you. Bahamut. I’d like you to go up to our Lord and smell him up and down, if you smell a faint scent of me, do tell.”
“Right now, Bloodsucker?”
“We’re about to leave in a moment. So yes, if you could.”
“You should really calm down, Bloodsucker. I swear, I’ll have a hard time tracking down Master when his scent gets more mixed in with yours.”
“I had a bad dream. Let me have this one will you?”
“Oh yes, that wasn’t a dream though. But nonetheless, Master! Hahahahah!”
Bahamut walks back inside with Alana in tow. The Queen then observes as the Dragon creeps up on the busy General, trying to make sure he is absolutely presentable and spotless as he was about to meet the King once again, this time in private. Sniff Sniff.
“WOAH, THE HECK?!”
Paul turns around, blazed by Bahamut who continues smelling him from the bottom of his feet to his forehead.
“The Pelvic area smelt of the blondie.”
She then points to the area where his private parts lay. Making the General blush as Alana and Elizabeth stared.
“WHAT?!”
“My Lord, go upstairs and wash. This time with Bahamut.”
“The heck Elizabeth? No! Why?”
“Because you have my scent, it must be removed as the current King was one of my top Barons and is an absolutely powerful Vampire. Everything must be cleaned and thoroughly checked before going to him.”
“Gah! Bahamut, with me now. Maaan, just when I got my uniform all prepped up and ready.”
“Don’t worry Master, it's not the first time I’ve seen your naked body.”
“Eh? No, you were a tiny little Dragon that could sit on my shoulder. Not a slim hot pale chick! This changes the entire context! Change back to Dragon form! Go!”
As the two head to the baths. The front door is opened by a sudden gust of wind, this forces the Queen to turn back into a Cave Bat and flies into one of the vents meant for heating to hide. A well dressed butler with shiny leather shoes then comes in, the human man looking around at the main lobby as he opens a scroll.
“Hear me, hear me! The great Heralds and Leader of the Minuit Family, Sir Nigel and Lady Angelica Minuit, have come to see their beloved daughter, Alana Minuit. Countess, please bow as your parents arri-”
Before the man could finish his sentence, a winged woman in a frilly Victorian white dress comes flying in and into Alana, hugging her intensely.
“OHHH! MY BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER! IT'S SUCH GOOD NEWS TO SEE YOU IN AMAZING HEALTH!”
A man then came who wore a top hat and a brown suit. Peeking in curiously as he sees his Wife dearly rubbing her face on his daughter’s cheeks.
“My love. Alana is a big girl now, so don't need to treat her like that.”
“C’mon now! I wanna soften up the little one!”
“Ahahahahah! Angelica, you never fail to show your love. But, let us not cause a scene since the other Nobles might be here already.”
Seeing her parents makes Alana stand straight up and walk right up to her father. Their looks made it seem like no one was older than the other. The handsome young adult bore no resemblance to an aging Dad nor did the Mother, who looked like a young beautiful woman at the height of her pretty looks.
“Father, what did you mean by this?”
“Heavens. Haven’t you heard? A bunch of cloaked strangers came around two nights ago and handed out news that you're harboring the ancient Queen! Though they proved no evidence, I mustn’t let some outsiders slander the name of my beautiful daughter!”
“EH?! How come I didn’t know about this?!”
“Dearie, I think we must talk about this now and how our family is going to handle this problem.”
In the bath, Paul is with Bahamut. The little dragon slithers like a snake on top of the hot water and would occasionally dunk its head and then lift it up in a fast and quick action with a twirl.
“Bahamut, here. Now.”
“Ehhhh… wash me later Master.”
“Bahamut, we’ll be leaving soon. Let’s not waste anymore time alright?”
“Booooo… No!”
“Oh come here you!”
The General tries to catch Bahamut but the Dragon goes underwater, dodging his hands as it rises on the other side of the bath. He then sees this and dives to catch the little flying creature as it slithers away with a defeated man behind. “AH HA!” He then manages to catch its pointy tail and the Dragon starts squirming, trying to free itself from the man's grip. “Hell naw! You ain’t getting away from me! Bwahahaha!” Thinking quickly, Bahamut changes into a human. Making him drop face first into the water.
“OUCH!”
“AHAHAHAHAH! LOOK AT YOUR FACE MASTER!”
“GRRRRRR! COME HERE YOU!”
He then grabs her thin waist into the water, making the tall pale woman join him as he battled to keep her still. Soon, the two calmed down and the General all tired as he breathed heavily with his back leaning into the wall of the bath.
“Caught you, Bwahahaha!”
“Yes Master, I am caught.”
She then places herself in between his legs and rests her back on his chest. Sighing as she played with her long side bangs that reached down her chest.
“Do you even know how to wash yourself in human form?”
“I do, Master. I even know how to do my hair, the Countess taught me.”
“Is that so? Hmph. I’m very happy that you're getting along with them. Good Dragon.”
He pats her, making her smile as she shakes her head.
“Master, I’m surprised you're keeping your lust under control. A human man likes me looks right?”
“Really? I mean, it is strange. You look just as pretty as Elizabeth, if more as you are truly divine. At the same time, I don’t know… I kinda like it with it just like this.”
He then hugs Bahamut, his arm wrapping the entirety of her stomach. The Dragon did not resist as she yawned.
“Hey now, don’t you sleep. We still have to meet the King.”
“I know, but you’d always hug me when we’d sleep.”
“Hm. What can I say? A cute little dragon next to me? How is that not huggable? I still remember feeling you slither up underneath my arms and to my chest.”
“How come I can’t do that now Master? Is it really inappropriate for humans to sleep together?”
“Not like that. It’s just that Bahamut, you are in human form. A woman nonetheless, you should know that you can’t be just sleeping around with people. It’s a human instinct to not do as it might be dangerous. You’ll never know if that person is harboring something or has plans against you.”
“But then, since I know you Master. Can I sleep with you?”
“Hm, that’s one of the biggest things and you’ve learned it nicely. Consent.”
“Consent?”
“Yes, we humans are territorial as you can see. Maybe for Dragons it's normal to just walk up to each other or touch each other in human form. But with humans, there must always be consent. Got it? You aren’t just a little dragon anymore, but a beautiful woman.”
“Okay then. So what’s your answer Master?”
“Do I even have to say anything? Of course you can. But don’t neglect your room alright? Next thing you have to learn is managing your space.”
“Haaaaaa… Sounds boring.”
“Hey, at least with you sleeping with me. That should keep Elizabeth out of my room. Bwahahaha!”
“Lust huh… I do wonder.”
“Hm? What is it, Bahamut?”
“Well Master, this thing you humans call lust. Why is it so… apparent?”
“Hmmmm… well. As a man, when I see a pretty girl. My neurons activate and little Johnny gets a part of my brain and starts controlling my body. But this is why discipline must be trained when in a human body. Learn when to control it.”
“Ehhhhhh, is lust the feeling of wanting to hug you Master?”
“W-Well… mmmm… I guess it's love really. Though I think it's more of a subjective thing as for me personally, I don’t see hugging as anything lustful. Lust is when you want to touch and caress a person with more than that.”
“I don’t understand Master.”
“You’ll get it when you feel it more. Like, when we get to the concept of seduction. But I think the Vampire Queen is far more knowledgeable in that sector than I am.”
“How does she do it, Master?”
“Ah, slow. She does really slow and would stare at my eyes. That’s like the most basic way I could say but when she engages in seduction. That woman takes it slow and methodical, slowly unraveling you while letting you unravel her… well as far as she’ll let you.”
“Hm hm hm, then Master. What do you feel when I do this?” Bahamut then places the back of her head on his shoulder and slowly looks at his face then eyes, with the General showing his beet red face at the sudden attack. “Oh, it's very easy.”
“Geez, you learn too fast Bahamut.”
“Is that love then Master?”
“O-of course. I love how you look and your body too.”
“But how come this humanoid body's response is to move closer to you? Even though I am already as close as I can be.”
She then grabs his hand and slowly caresses it.
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“See Master? This is what this body wants!”
“Bahamut… that’s completely normal.”
“Ohhhhh, very interesting.”
She then opens her mouth and lightly bites his finger. “WOAH BAHAMUT! DON’T BITE IT!” the pale woman just giggled at his scared reaction. “Dun whorry Mastah. I dun plan on bithing it ohf.” he then feels her tongue, as if it was scanning his very skin. Licking it from the nail down.
“A-Are you done?”
“Phua! Master! That tasted amazing!”
“U-Uh… anything else plaguing that mind of yours?”
“Mhmmmm… No! But this has been an experience! I never knew the human body is capable of so many varying emotions!”
“Just don’t go overboard with it alright? Discipline Bahamut. Discipline. Right now, you're like a teenager trying to attune herself to her feelings so you have to take it slow and not be brash alright?”
“Then Master, is it possible for a human and a God to love one another?”
He then pinches the middle of his nose, his brain going into overdrive with the barrage of heavy questions that most people would take their time to answer.
“Love Bahamut… it’s a very… volatile thing.”
“Humans love things, right? When Dragons love something, we usually just hoard it and keep it. But Humans are more outward with their love right?”
“Y-Yes.”
“So how big and expansive is Human love? How can a human love a Vampire? Can a human love someone of their own sex? Is that a thing? And Master, is it possible to marry something that’s not human?”
“Okay okay okay, slow down. First things first. Limit yourself, most of all when it comes to love alright? Doesn’t mean you love something, that it's good. Alright?”
“Mm. That’s very basic Master.”
“Two, Humans are very weird. Maybe also insane, but that’s just how we work. In modern times, most of all in the late twenty thirties. The rate of people marrying inanimate objects and holograms spiked you know? We weren’t only marrying people of the same sex, but also objects that aren’t even alive. So it's definitely possible BUT… BUT. It’s not acceptable socially.”
“Then Master, how come Humans can love something when it's not acceptable?”
“As I told you before, we might be just insane. But that’s what makes us humans. No matter how bad it is, I’m sure many of the players today would’ve groveled and bowed their heads if they saw the Ancient Vampire Queen as she slaughtered and enslaved all of humanity all because she is a Mommy or some stupid shit like that… haaaah… so be careful alright? Love is a great thing, but Love is also a dangerous thing for us humans.”
“Errrrrrrr… Master, my head is spinning from all those words. They do not add up at all! Humans are so hypocritical even to their very nature… urrrggghh.”
He then lightly pats her head. Smiling at the Dragon Lady trying to process a human's train of thought. Confused and ruffled by the concepts being given to her.
“But Bahamut, do not let the mere word of not acceptable stop you alright? When you are a human. The only limit is how far your imagination can carry you to. You are actually displaying a very human love you know?”
“Is it because I’ve been very intimate with you Master?”
“Exactly.” He chuckles as he lifts a strand of her silky smooth black hair. “Do not be afraid to show your love. Just watch the Vampires, even though it's not acceptable for them to be so close to a human. They do not let it stop them from being close to me. Same could be said with you Bahamut. You are now in that form, you should feel certain things that you cannot contain.”
“Do not worry Master! I can contain everything! Though my form is that of a human, my soul is still of a Divine Godly Dragon! Bwahahahahaha!”
“Good to see you all giddy again. Now, wash up. We’ve been chatting for a bit too long now. Just remember the advices I gave you. Everything should be alright.”
“Though Master, speaking as a Dragon. If I was one right now, I would’ve just laughed at you from all of the contradictory things you’ve spoken. But in this form… I kinda could see the angle you're coming from.”
“See? It’s already affecting you. Maybe Alana was far more correct than I expected. Being a human is slowly shifting your personality. If you don’t want that, you can go back to being a Dragon. Regardless, me and the Vampires are sure to take you in with open arms.”
“Hmmm… No. I’ll stay in this form Master. Having fingers and hands are very useful for when you get wounded.”
“It won’t happen again Bahamut. That type of magic the Sword Saint used is super extremely rare. You won’t have to use your hands to bandage me or hold my stomach to prevent bleeding.”
“I do not know Master, but the idea of me being unable to do anything with my claws. I cannot abide by it… And I am not going to lie, I also like touching you with fingers and hands and human skin.”
“Is that so? Alright. But don’t be afraid to be yourself.”
“Human or Dragon. Bahamut will be Bahamut, Master.”
“Heh. Couldn’t have said it better myself. C’mon, let’s go.”
Paul soon finishes up with Bahamut looking extremely satisfied and happy that even through the veil, her wide grin is seen. Going downstairs, the two are shocked to see a row of Knights. One of them points at the Dining room which they visit. The Knight General is shocked to see two young adults both with shiny black hair.
“Oh my! You must be Sir Jackson, I’ve heard many things about you and is that… the Dragon Goddess? My daughter has said so many good things about you!”
Struck like lightning, Paul is amazed that such a young and pretty woman could ooze so much motherly vibes.
“H-hello! My name is Knight General Paul Jackson of the Knights of Eldwood! Thank you for letting me stay here with your daughter!”
He then nudged Bahamut whose eyes are being directed by her nose, already wandering as she checked the scent of the two vampires. “Bahamut, act ladylike! Remember!”
“O-oh! Good day! I am Bahamut! Dragon God of the Void! I’ve come with my Master in his adventures of this strange world! Offer your tributes to me if you wish to have my wisdom!”
Alana in the back just facepalms but the two Parents are awestruck by the pair and were immediately curious of the odd people that just came into their daughters life.
“Please sit down! Fear not human, unlike my wife. I am a calm man when it comes to mortals!”
“WHAT THE HECK DOES THAT MEAN?!” “Uhm, thank you sir.”
“And please, Goddess Bahamut. I’m pleased to once again be able to meet a Dragon. It’s been millennia since I’ve talked to one of your kind.”
“Thank you, though me and my Master with Alana have to go to the Capital and talk to the King.”
Alana pumps her fist. “YES! YOUR INABILITY TO READ THE ROOM HAS HELPED ME! GO BAHAMUT!” The Countess then stands up, hands together and elegantly bows to her parents.
“As you heard Father, Mother. That I have duties to attend to.”
“O-oh. Then please, go. We’ll be here, don't worry.”
“Honey! Don’t forget to pay your respects at the University!”
“Of course Mother! And please, don’t call me Honey here!”
“Oh, you’ll always be my little Honey! Sir Jackson, did you know that my daughter not only loved dancing but also cooking? She’d always try to cook back then but her duties and studying made her focus on something else.”
“Really Misses Minuit? Well, she actually learned how to cook with me. I first taught her how to make my signature Steak and gravy and soon, she was cooking me and Bahamut all sorts of dishes and even chocolate muffins that my Divine companion here absolutely loves.”
“AHHH! So good! To think a mortal could teach my daughter such things!”
She then drags the two outside where her coach waits. Inside, they’re met with a sleeping Cave Bat which Alana shoves out of the way as she screams for her driver to go. Moments after the carriage left her Manor, another one came in. An ornate blue coach with a large red cape on its back.
“Well… that was one heck of an exit.”
“That must’ve been the Dreyfus'. Of course, they’re the family that led the original revolt against the First Queen near the end of her rule. I wonder how many of the families under that house are still against her, for them to be so bold and enter my Domain without permission.”
“One thing is for sure, they weren’t here for a small call. Going in your Front yard like that, they're hellbent.”
“Hm, good job Bahamut. Your lack of tact just saved my hide.”
Paul grins at Alana, his eyes openly taunting her.
“H-HEY M’LORD! FORGET THAT STORY!”
“Who knew…”
She just buries her face in embarrassment as the man continues to grin at the newly acquired knowledge. Meanwhile on the floor, Queen Elizabeth is still in her Cave Bat form, dizzy from being thrown so violently around by the Countess and then by the coach as it dashed out of the Front yard like a rocket taking off.
After hours into the afternoon, the party reaches the main Castle’s halls. Paul was roaming around as Alana prepared for the meeting. Going through the ancient carpet of the great halls, where countless paintings of the land littered around with marble statues and well polished Knights patrolling, he meets another player. His shoulder patches showed his rank of a Captain. Hearing the footsteps, the young man looked to his right and could see the General with all his ribbons and medals coming right at him and a strange lady in a Gothic Funeral Gown in tow.
The Captain does his best to fix his uniform, brushing the dust off his jacket and then finally saluting to him.
“Captain. We, meet once again.”
“General, sir!”
“So…” Paul looks at his uniform and once again checks the man out if he is properly groomed and dressed. “Captain Villalobos, can you tell me what’re you doing here on this fine snowy day?”
“Currently with Duchess Victoria. She’s talking to the head of Agriculture as she wants to increase the corn and wheat production in her land, sir.”
“What? Can’t she just use her influence for that? She’s a Duchess afterall. That’s not a joke.”
“No sir, she said she had some gripes with how the land is being divided amongst the Peasants and Knights and wanted some things changed in decree.”
“I see, and may I ask when you came here?”
“Around one sir.”
“Ah, and how are the citizens in her land? Are they more accepting of an alliance between us?”
“Can’t really say sir, but it seems that they don’t generally care. Duchess Victoria did tell me that most if not all really just want to live a peaceful life. They don’t care who is in charge, as long as they can keep living in peace, they’re happy. Same can be applied to whether or not they are allied to humans as it already happened multiple times in this country’s history sir.”
“Mhm, then this might be easier than I thought. Though, they treated me like shit, garbage even. Is this what it feels like to be an Alien in Warhammer?”
The door then opens and a magnificent blonde woman is shocked by Bahamut who was standing next to the door. She then continually stared at Bahamut’s chest, obviously intimidated by her busts.
“G-Gods!”
Though hers wasn’t flat but actually bountiful, it was night and day in terms of the size and width, with Bahamut’s being a time larger and more properly rounded.
“U-uhm, may I help you?”
“Who’re you! And how dare you jiggle those around while in a funeral gown!”
“I am Bahamut, Dragon God of the Void?”
“Eh…? No wonder you looked familiar! I do remember you! From the Theater!”
Philip nearly faints knowing it was Bahamut, as PTSD strikes him from her Global Events. The man is quickly caught by the Duchess before he could hit the carpet of the Castle floor.
“WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING? BAHAMUT? JUST HOW MUCH DID YOU TERRIFY THE DAMN COMMUNITY!”
“HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW MASTER? AND THIS BLOODSUCKER IS STARING AT MY BOOBS!”
“HELP ME GET WATER!”
A bit after the commotion, some of the Caretakers of the Castle deliver water to the Captain as Victoria stared and gazed at Bahamut’s Godly body and chest.
“How long are you going to stare at them? I think aside from my Master, only you’ve stared this hard at my boobs.”
“S-stop calling them that! Such vulgar words, for a Dragon God, you sure have no tact! Such a woman you are!”
“Wha-what?! Master! This cheeky bloodsucker is insulting me!”
The Knight General just scratches his head at the two. Perplexed and thoughtless in how to deal with them.
“Cheeky?! Excuse me?!”
“What? Your boobs aren’t that bad, so why’re you so jealous of mine?!”
“I told you! Stop calling it such a vulgar word! Call it bosom or chest instead!”
“Eh? What’s that going to do? Make it better?! Boobs are boobs! Master taught me that word and I like it!”
Hearing this, he looks up and startts admiring the amazing Victorian and Gothic Architecture of the massive Castle with the skylight that spans all the way from the main building to the Eastern Wings and structures. Apart from the porcelain tiles in the floor, the intricate bronze lining following the skylight gives the place an almost Divine feel to it, as if it's been perfected over the centuries or even millennia.
“Master! This blonde woman won’t stop nagging at me!”
“Hmph! Just because you're taller and have a bigger… chest than me! Doesn’t mean you can just disrespect a Duchess like that!”
Realizing something, Bahamut overpowers the blonde vampire's aura and walks up right to her, she then places her arm underneath her breasts and lifts her arm to make her size more prominent while visibly harboring a Devilish grin underneath her veil. “Heh.”
“W-why you!”
Philip then intrudes, dragging Victoria to his side while Bahamut continues to look down on her. Paul then drags Bahamut away, saluting and bowing to the two.
“I really can’t leave you can’t I?”
“I want meat.”
“Yea, yea, yea. Later, let’s see if we can get you some. Just behave for now okay? Let’s not offend any more natives than we already have.”
“Hmph. She started it. Talking to me like that.”
“Bahamut, remind yourself that you're a Dragon God, have some decency here please. My name is on the line… and Alana’s.”
The two then arrive at a large room with four couches facing an ornate marble table, the well decorated room was the entrance to the Castle’s balcony and Alana with a bunch of Royal Knights were inside it. With the Countess elegantly sipping tea. Surprised to see Bahamut with a grin as she sat down with the General.
“You seem to be happy.”
“I like this human body. Ehehehehe…”
“M’Lord, I’m guessing she did something again didn’t she?”
“Yes. She flaunted her looks at Duchess Victoria.”
Hearing the name made Alana spit her tea back into the cup.
“E-EH?!”
“She’s someone far more important than her attitude gives, isn’t she?”
Alana then stared at the Dragon God who was busy eating the free cupcakes on the table.
“Bahamut, do you remember the Warehouses?”
“Yesh?”
Even though her mouth was full of food, the Dragon God didn’t care and continued to speak.
“Well, her family owns that. The Charlemagnes House has the majority regions in here, including the Capital city. d’Aquitaine family is one of there top contributors and had been given total control over it.”
“And?”
“Don’t you think they might do something after offending someone like that?”
“Don’t care. She was with another human too, Philip.”
“Goodness Bahamut. But at least I know her, haaaa… I’ll apologize later on.”
“You said she sent you a mentor right?”
“Hm, it was her family that taught me how to use the sword. Though it's very characteristic of her to not even remember the face of a Goddess. That woman is still so up her head. Haaaahhh…”
She then looks at Paul who was just staring at the decor and curiously looking at the Knights and their intimidating but elegant sets of armor.
“Ahem.”
“Ah yes Alana. What is it?”
“Who is this Philip again?”
“He is one of the high ranking officers sent into the envoy with me, remember? Another Good dude, talked to him a bit. Had a bit of a Spanish accent but not too bad, seems like someone that’d go out with the boys and go home trashed. Bwahahaha!”
“Is this from personal experience?”
“No, maybe. Well, no. I don’t drink, it's expensive. All my money goes into video games and hobbies.”
“I do wonder what your personal expenses look like.”
“Feel free to look. All my shares go back to the company, as the company must grow. I’ve also been wanting to be the first transport company to establish a branch in Mars but seeing the slow terraforming and lack of humans to populate it, I just used whatever extra was laying around to further my gaming hobbies.”
“You really have developed an addiction to this gaming haven’t you?”
“Yes, before I was teleported. I was actually in my office. Was on a one hour break when all the sudden, a strange dude from a village came to a checkpoint with a child which is impossible since killable children aren’t allowed in Full Dive games, let alone one you can interact with due to the nature of… certain people. After that, the Log Out function was gone! I was so silent on the Humvee ride back that I fell asleep from all the thinking.”
“What did you do to those humans? I can see it in your eyes, M'Lord.”
“I kinda… punched the first natives of this land that I met…”
Alana just facepalms and looked at the two. Just amazed at how they lasted this long without getting killed. The entrance to the balcony suddenly swings open and the trio is met with a tall pretty woman with long silver hair. Her dark blue gown looked dazzling, like the stars from the skies above were decorating it.
“Oh, if it isn’t Lady Minuit with the troublesome Goddess and… the human?”
“Uhm… yo I mean Hello, my name is Knight General Paul Jackson from the Knights of Eldwood, I’ve come here to meet with the King and discuss diplomatic matters.”
“Uh huh. Hello human. I am Duchess Morgana Tempest Voltaire, head of the Voltaire house. Interesting to see that you’ve lived through whatever was paralyzing your body.”
“Oh uh yes.” Though not showing it, the Knight General is trembling inside as the air of the woman in front of him was on a whole other dimension, though not as intimidating or overpowering as the Ancient Vampire Queen, the Duchess had a killer look and a deathly stare coupled with it. “Thanks to Lady Minuit, I’ve fully recovered from my ailment and am now ready to begin negotiations.”
“Mhm… you Outworlders have been very interesting. I haven’t seen the Kingdom this lively for centuries now. I’ll keep watching, but know this. Be damned. I will be if you try to stand in my way. I’ll warn you now, no human has stood up against me and won.”
“O-of course Lady Voltaire, I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.”
“And what do those stars on your shoulders mean?”
Paul looks at his epaulets and sees that she meant the shiny silver stars.
“Oh uhm, that means I’m a General of the Army, there’s others with only three, two or one.”
“I see, so that’s why you're here. Your rank is not just petty, stars huh? It looks good.”
“Yes. Though I’m better off in the bases or bunkers with such a rank, helping manage things and look at the overall strategic plans. Due to my involvement with Vampires, I’ve been moved and stationed here for the while being.”
“You Outworlders are truly something, are you all truly human?”
“Excuse me?”
“Nevermind. Countess, be sure to keep those two in check. They seem to be problematic.”
Alana just stays silent and elegantly bows as the Duchess collects her Knights. Another Vampire then appeared out of thin air, the man was in a Butler’s outfit and he bowed politely. “General Paul, Goddess Bahamut, and Countess Minuit. The King now awaits you.”
Paul fixes his look for one last time and also goes to Bahamut to check if her gown was all good, Alana gives them the thumbs up and they walk to the balcony. Situated near the roof of the Castle, it gave a scenic view of the snowy Capital city. It’s roads, the landmarks, and the people living their daily lives. On the edge of the balcony, the King was relaxing with a table full of Wine and an umbrella.
The robe he wore was so finely made that Paul couldn’t help but want to take it home. Looking absolutely comfy yet presentable and professional at the same time. Alana then counts to one and the trio bows as politely as they could. The King, with a lift of his hand points at the General and then the seat next to him. He then points at the Butler who then gives him a Chessboard.
Flying through the halls of the Castle as a Cello is heard echoing through the corners. Elizabeth flies to the top of the massive structure and turns back into her vampiric form. Overwatching the city and admiring the beauty it has grown into. With immense pride and a sense of accomplishment, she sits on top of the tower and silently breathes in the cold air. There she could see the Park, the Cathedral, and the University located near the upper part of town. The warehouses and the currently under construction Dragon Tower.
“My King… look at what our nation has grown into… rest well for our pain and hardship wasn’t for naught…”
An explosion is then triggered on the warehouse, gaining her attention. With a single look, she could properly see a slaving ship that had had its moors destroyed by captured High Elves. Unwilling to become the property of the vampires. The powerful Elven captives fought the lower vampires with wooden planks and hand to hand combat, proving their superior genes to the Wood Elves who looked far more tired and just accepting of their faith.
“Sir, distraction has begun.”
“Alright, prepare for evacuation. I want Squad One and Three to secure the lower decks first and have Squad Four to Ten be on the reserve.”
“Yes sir.”
“Wait… who's that?”
Looking down the defense post on the warehouse, the shadowy figure could see a woman with extremely long blonde hair walking infont ront of the crowd of rioting slaves.
“That’s her sir.”
“The Ancient Queen?”
“Yes sir. Should I fetch a camera?”
“No. We’re already leaving. Tsk, what bad timing. Captain Benedict, since you’ve met her. Tell me, aside from her jugs and pretty face. What else did you notice?”
“Her eyes and the immense sense of pride she oozed in every fiber of her body.”
“... … … Lieutenant. Since you understand Romanz, give me the manifest.”
“Here sir.”
“Is there anything here that’s related to the ancient Queen? Any warehouse used for the storage of artifacts and ancient stuff?”
“Uhm… hmmmm there sir. Located in the East.”
“Heh. Have Squad Four take it and give it to a random slave. Good thing it's near our reserves.”
“Yes sir.”
The rattling of gear could be heard as the man went down and to his radio to contact Squad Four. Down below on the evacuated warehouse as Grunts and Knights assembled on its entrance with riot gear and magicians. The Ancient Queen walked towards them, the High Elves fired sharp icicles and tornadoes of fire at the woman which she just shrugged. Seeing how tough she is, the Elven slaves drags there cousins the Wood Elves and the humans to fight her head on.
“Hmph, as if you pitiful creatures are going to touch me.”
A shiny object then gets her attention. Staring at the back is an ancient oil painting of her, being lifted up by a dirty slave. “Grrrr… how dare thee touch’eth that painting.” she stomps her heel, prompting the crowd of thousands of slaves to get to there knees. The vampires outside heard this and instinctively backed off the premises of the walls of the warehouses, even the magicians are left with a confused and scared feeling that something is inside those walls that shouldn’t be touched.
But with great pride and a smile, the Elves once again stood up. “Citizens of the Empire of Princeps Dydares of the True Elf Kingdom shall never be under anyone! Regardless of their species! We are the ones that made Elven history! Invented flying machines, floating cities, and Automatrons! As if we’ll bow down to your kin! Even against Heroes and Saints, our country and technology never wavered! Vampire! Ready yourself! AAAHHH!” the crowd of a few thousand slaves charges onward at her and the Ancient Queen just smirked as she walks to them.
Without breaking a sweat, she beheads the first Elf that tried to attack her and uses the wooden plank he had to control the crowd, swiftly blocking and throwing multiple people at once without care as behind the large riot. Platoons of Black Ops Commandos slip into the Slave Ship. Capturing it after a quick orderly retreat.
“That’s that done. We might’ve failed the mission, but bigger things await us.”
“We have a city to raze.”
“Indeed, Captain Benedict. I’ll be sure to take note of your past with General Jackson. That might come in handy in the future.”
“Yes sir.”
All the while below, the shadowy man sneaks one last peak at the Ancient Vampire Queen. With an Evil smile, the woman relentlessly tore apart limbs and body parts like an unhinged killer, joyfully sawing her way to the portrait as the Wood Elf holding it noticed the meat grinder was headed to him, he started running to the West and then to the East. Soon after, he drops the painting. But before it could hit the ground, the Queen fetched it and disappeared. Leaving a bloody trail of dismembered parts and Slaves painfully screaming for their lives as they bled out.
The Slave Ship’s moors is then torn and the vessel slips away as the chaos continues with the other Slave Ships having its doors opened by C2 explosives. Soon after, a few more thousand slaves escapes from captivity and the Duchess had to be called. The beautiful woman wearing an armored gown and heeled sabatons rightfully came to the call in a matter of an hour and sends in her Elite Vampire Knights to contain the scene as the Great Wyvern is awakened and started burning entire crowds to protect its Younglings.
“Sir, we have confirmation. General Ripper’s mental health has finally gone.”
“Just in time. Contact our friends from within, begin the unraveling of our revolt.”
“Copy sir.”
“Bahamut huh… Captain Benedict.”
“Sir?”
“Contact Pandemonium when we land. Its leader is obsessed with the Dragon God for some reason. We might have some use for him finally.”
“Yes sir. And sir, beautifully executed as always.”
The commotion on the Warehouses made everyone go into attack mode, leaving the outposts empty and the watergate as they all rushed to contain the thousands of slaves from differing species to spill out into the city proper.
“Planning and doing is one thing, Captain, results are another. But… we have bigger fish to fry than this. Don’t worry, I get the odd feeling you’ll meet that old friend of yours in the near future.”
I have always fancied myself as a good officer. We the High Elves have always been on the top, regardless of technology, physicality, and philosophy. But these strange humans whom we’ve branded as “Outworlders” have always been a question to me and the Admiralty. Such a technically superior version of their reprobate selves. They dare no war and would only skim on the sides of conflicts, watching eerily with peering eyes. As if there are mere Gods looking down on pawns fighting over a pitiful land.
“Everyone, please settle down. The Summit is about to begin. I’d like to take the time as the Emperor of the High Elves, the mighty Son of the Leader and General that united the seventy tribes and created the society we hail from now to the Humans from another world.”
This person that the Outworlders sent. I met him in the Hall, he wasn’t like the others from this land. His hair was shiny and silky, something only Nobles of the highest level with the best care would have, yet he was only a mere lowly Peasant sent by the United Nations to be their word of mouth. But at least he smelled nice and didn’t stink of makeup and horse like the others. I do wonder what hand they will play, they’ve been here for a year now and so far. They’ve only waged a singular war against Vitas. Which has been silent for a millennia.
Was the Outworlders only picking on the smaller food knowing they cannot take on a united force of all of the Kingdoms and Empires? Or are the rumors true and that they're hiding weapons far beyond our imaginations? So far, they’ve only talked and mingled amongst other humans and this is the first time I’ve truly encountered them. Such interesting people.
“Now, I’d like to start our Summit immediately as an important news has come with the Druisvikings.”
Druisvikings. When will these lowly cretins learn that raiding merchant ships and seizing shores won’t be fruitful and a waste of time? Tsk, I was supposed to be at a party right now if it weren’t for them.
“As a Representative of the Vampire Kingdom. I’d like to personally attest to the destructive capability of them. Those Vikings have been a thorn in our larger operations in the export of Fine Wine. The Minuit’s had even bought and constructed Galleons and Man-o-Wars on the purpose of protecting their Wine ships. I suggest to allow the start of an Alliance wide operation in stemming the tide, wherever increasing raids have become more prominent ever since the coming of the Outworlders.”
Ah Vampires, I always thought of all the species that we share this damned rock with. There are the only ones I can truly see as equals. From there elegance and eternal beauty, and knowing the border between Beauty and Pretentious. They hit all of the right spots, I hope they’d volunteer to join alongside my fleet in this operation.
“And to the Outworlders, what’s your position in this plan? Are you going to assist us?”
“I apologize, Emperor Dydares. But as it stands, most of our ships and naval fleet are still currently celebrating Christmas alongside our replenishment ships. We only have a handful of ships currently patrolling the strait between Pons Terra and Lord Loch.”
Oh dear, the sighs of the people. I always knew these humans are no different from their counterparts here. Just like their feeble Kingdoms, they’d rather build walls and defenses in complete fright. Amassing resources on wasteful projects like Fortress cities that can be burned down from above. Look at them, in all of our history. The humans have always only fought amongst themselves and never against the more powerful species. If they were, it’d always be under the influence of bigger powers playing them. Such a pitiful creature, how did they even multiply to this large number I do wonder.
“Then, anyone who’d like to volunteer their navy?”
Don’t tell me I’ll have to do this all alone? The projected number of Viking ships exceeds a hundred. Even with my Black Fleet of Ironclads, we’d never be able to halve that number before they’d overwhelm us.
“No one? Then, you’ve all been warned. Have your ships to avoid marching through the strait of Terraloch. For all of our economies' sake.”
Goddess Forrus, have mercy on me. I’d like to retire in peace.
It wasn’t long that my ships embarked to the strait. As usual, the weather is abysmal. If it weren’t from our enchanted sails and steam propellers. The trip would’ve taken us weeks instead of days like those poor lots still in their wooden boats. It wasn’t until in the afternoon did we have our first sight of our first Viking ship. Manned by Orcs and Humans, we quickly sank the thing before it could spot us. But I think my Scholar’s action has been far too drastic. I fear that we might’ve sunk a recon boat. But nonetheless, the protection of the ships coming out of Schon is our utmost priority. The Wine created by the Vampires is a prestigious commodity that must be protected.
“High Admiral, enemy ship is sunk. Guns and cannons are calibrated.”
“Delyn, child. You mustn’t act with such crassness. We are not ordered to kill them but to push them away, the Druisvikings are a dangerous lot. If you kill a boat, ten more appear.”
“I fear none of them. Our Ironclads are unmatched, not even the metal ships bought by the Outsiders can outpace us.”
“Nonetheless, you mustn’t let our superiority get to your head in warfare. Most of all in Naval combat, where it's a battle of wits and bravery rather than who has the bigger guns.”
“Even then, we must carry on.”
“Activate the Magic Ball Leftenant Delyn and address the reserve fleet. We’ll be sailing forward and if we do encounter their main fleet, we will be forming a blockade to protect the shipping lines.”
“Of course! Captain!”
I have always seen that Delyn is far too young for this. Though many regard him as a genius in the Military Academy of Elvennur, smarts could only push you so far in war and this child is yet to take a bite of a sweet defeat. I may no longer be young and up and nearing the end of my life in my two thousand years of living. But the new generation has far too much to learn from all that we’ve discovered.
“LEFTENANT!”
My eyes widened at the sight in front of me. A massive gnashing laser far beyond our sight was fired and its impressive yet terrifying arc hit the reserve fleets. Completely destroyed the Elite Black Fleet that I’ve been leading for over five centuries and without a single defeat. “How could this be?!” was all I could think as Delyn looked over the now empty magic ball as Rear Admiral Terioi was no longer in contact with us.
“Order an immediate blockade!”
“But High Admiral! We only have four ships left!”
“It shall suffice! Fire a light ball and signal for any help! The Eight Combat Fleet should be nearby!”
Even before I knew it, I was fiddling with my buttons and tapping my feet. I haven’t felt this type of fear and adrenaline for such a long time. It seems that the Druisvikings have gotten bigger and more powerful ever since. I could only stare at the Slave Galleon from the Vampire Kingdom. Even a dreadful boat was ornate and aligned with art from the stern to the port and starboard. Such a truly malevolent species that sees the importance of tact. Though, I do beg to question the lack of Vampires on its deck. They’ve never been afraid, could it be a mutiny?
“High Admiral! We’re getting a Mana frequency from our rear!”
“Finally! Reinforcements!”
In my fear that I’ll have to sacrifice my flagship the Lady Forrus to these dreadful reprobates was beneath me till I saw who’re the ones we were talking to.
“This is Commander Boombastic from the United Nations. Captain of the Third Quick Reaction Force of the Knights of Eldwood. We saw your signal flare and that huge ass laser. We compose of three Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyers carrying Harpoon Anti Ship Missiles and a buttload of VLS. What’s your situation? Our sensors are showing over two hundred ships a few clicks on your horizon.”
Boombastic? Oh Gods. We’re going to die. Such meager and pitiful creatures, to bring three of their ships against a hundred and to have even the gall to appoint someone with such a clownish name to lead their fleet.
“Commander Boombastic, I am High Admiral Treiton of his Emperor’s Third Combined Flotilla. Commander of the legendary Black Fleet, I suggest for you to join our formation and to cover the retreat.”
“Retreat? Who said anything about retreat?” I only muttered to myself after hearing such a reaction alongside a blank face. As if this human came here to not help but to fight the enemy head on.
I could only smile at this small human. Though I do admire his grooming and shiny black hair with the upper stature of a man who knows what he wants to do. This creature is far too gone, they’ve not even engaged in naval combat before and would dare face against hundreds? The chuckle from my sailors just worsened the situation, as it seemed like all hope was truly lost. But I must do everything within my power to defend those Merchant ships and their safe passage.
“What’re you suggesting Captain Boombastic? You cannot possibly think of facing such an overwhelming number of enemy ships that destroyed my rear formation of over thirty Ironclads with a mere three vessels.”
“Look, we have a bone to pick with those Vikings and one of those Slave ships is in our hitlist to capture due to suspicion. Hence we came here with the intention to destroy and exterminate the enemy armada.
I merely gave a quick salute to the Admiral wearing his blue uniform as my Naval Secretary just sighed “High Admiral, I think these humans have completely lost it or is this the stories of their natural insanity?”
“Now now Delyn. We might look down on the humans, but that’s still an extra of three ships for us to use. Let us heed their wish if they want to become ashes.”
Facing the Magic Ball once again. The human seemed so confused at us, with a strange look on his face as if he heard one of the funniest jokes he had his ears lay upon.
“Out of respect, High Admiral Treiton, but what makes you think that we cannot take on the Vikings?”
“Oh, with all due respect Commander… Boombastic. But the Humans have always been the pushovers of all the species, though you may show a bit of valiance every now and then. Compared to the achievements of the Elves, Hybrids, and Vampires. Your history tantamounts to nothing but internal strifes and small skirmishes amongst one another. We’ve never really treated you as a danger. But instead a species that is afraid of everything and always strives for peace and dialogue before anything for you fear everything.”
“PFFFFTTT…” I couldn’t believe it, the human had the gall to laugh at the disastrous situation we are in. While my crew and I are shuffling to get everything together, the humans are having a hearty laugh amongst one another. I have never seen such a species react to what could be absolute extermination and death with a smile and a grin. “Hi-high Admiral… Oh God. My tummy… ahhhhhh…” this man even facepalms right in front of me. Just what are these Outworlders? Are they even truly humans?
“But you are right about one thing, High Admiral Treiton. We do fear everything, but that doesn’t mean we do not know how to fight. Nice boat by the way, very squeaky clean and brand new.”
“Of course, we take the utmost consideration upon our presentation. But I wouldn’t think a species like you humans would know what it means to be presentable nor lavish.”
“I see, this is why the High Elves are never afraid of us huh? Are we really that terrified that it looks like we’re always out for peace and dialogue? Huh.”
“Of course you do! Of all the species out there, we put humans on our lowest tier of species to care about! Fragile and short lived with ideals that could make even the youngest of Elven philosophers puke!”
“... Do you know why we always open a dialogue first, High Admiral?”
“Because you lack experience? You do not know how to fight?”
“No. Because the last World War almost took out the entire planet Earth and plunged billions to untold poverty and horrors. We were hairs away from total nuclear annihilation if it weren’t from the few leaders that still had common sense in them to stop a four year long modern war to end. Nobody deserves to experience what we did to each other, the death and decay that could still be smelled from our new cities, born from the ashes of old.”
The human commander left his giddy self and as if a switch was pulled inside. I saw a side of humanity that I haven’t seen personally. This creature wasn’t lying though at the same time, I could either give him a commendation for his conviction or have him be ignored for this delusion. Three against two hundred? Complete insanity and a waste of resources.
“It's your grave Commander Boombastic. Just know that we’ll be escorting the Merchant ships out of here. But before we cut the line, what is that you plan?”
“My ship is currently carrying a prototype weapon that we’ve only tested once. The Shadowless, it's a dark magic that targets all living creatures within a radius. It's housed inside a special Tomahawk cruise missile, so we technically haven’t tested this out yet but fingers crossed!” The words that this human uttered sent shivers down to my very spine. I’m now conflicted as to what I should be afraid of, the Vikings or these insane humans? “But no worries! If it gets shot down before reaching the enemy, it should not activate! I can guarantee that!”
“High Admiral, I think these humans are plagued with a bit too much confidence.”
“Let them be Delyn. Commander Boombastic, I wish you good luck with your endeavors.”
“Of course, thank you and good day now! Weapons! Ready to fire on my mark!”
“But wait, you said something about it targeting all living creatures, correct?!”
Before I could utter another word. The foolish humans had fired their projectile. The long rod with fins flew through the skies as there grayish alien ship passes us in a suicidal charge into the Viking armada. I laughed as the flying rod missed the armada just for it to explode on top of it and a hulking demonic screech was heard from our surroundings and a massive blackhole engulfed everyone.
Large purple and decaying tongues came out of it and snapped the poor Vikings one by one. I could’ve sworn I could see my lesser Cousins the Dark Elves getting grappled by them and eaten by the Evil maw but the human ships didn’t back down, continuing to sail ahead as they fired more projectiles at the already tortured armada. Destroying a single ship deep inside it as the occupants are all eaten up and devoured without care by the horrific force they’ve come asundered to our plane.
As fast as it started, the screaming was gone. I was startled and speechless at the sight. Without thinking, I opened the Magic Ball once again and answered the call.
“Now that’s done with, can we go and check up on that slave ship?”
“Wha-what?”
I stared at my sailors and men, everyone was left speechless by it. Everyone’s jaw is either wide open or had an expression of absolute fear by what the Outworlders are capable of. No one in their lives knew the humans that we’ve been pushing around ever since we came to be could have something of this magnitude within their arsenal and use it freely and with a grin and nonchalant expression to boot.
Such monstrous and devil weapons should not be able to exist, not even the Empire is capable of unleashing such a force without us giving it our all and decades worth of preparation. Yet these humans just opened up a weapon of such sheer level without a care to the world and dared to call it a prototype when it did as it was intended. Now, only a bunch of empty wooden Vikings ships lay on the strait without anyone crewing them.
“Oh hey, when I visit your Empire. You better give me some good beer! Bwahahahaha!”
I couldn’t understand what was happening and why this human was laughing. If he had asked for my daughter's hand. I’d gladly give it to him, I never saw such stupidity and courageousness in battle from all my lifetime fighting in Naval warfare. I have now come to fear the world that the humans lived in, and hoped they only kept fighting amongst each other as the Empire would stand no chance against such weapons. Would the Heroes and Saints even care and come to our rescue if the Humans ever turned against us?
“High Admiral?”
“What am I going to write on the battle report?”
“We-we have to stop the humans from taking the Vampire Slave Ship!”
“I do not think we should Delyn.”
“But the Vampires~”
“H-Hello? Are you there?”
“Yes! Humans! Stop what you're doing! Do not tow the Vampire’s Slave Galleon!”
“Yeah, uhm can we have your High Admiral here? I think it’d be better to explain things to you if you are here on the bridge and I can show you the information.”
I only looked at the human with a stoic face even beneath it. I was a mess, I could never look at my servant the same ever again after this. “I’ll come. Send over a boat.” Soon, the Outworlders bought this rubber dinghy powered by a noisy motor. But it was fast and agile with a weapon mounted on its front. The humans as they boarded my flagship were amazed by the amenities, the benches and the sofas on the deck and the well ornate and shiny stairs that lead down below.
With a salute, I joined them and went to the steel ship with my Leftenant. Though I protested, the child was more than eager to know what the humans had in their vessel and with open arms. The Commander treated me with a smile even though we’ve never once smiled at them nor even given a human a lick of our attention aside from giving them orders to wipe our floors and feet.
“Welcome aboard Pandora’s Box! Our little home on the seas!”
Their vessel was cold and dark. It had no semblance of color but the gray and dark color of metal. I was already missing my flagship as I walked through their halls that were tight and narrow as they put all the space into putting more guns and munitions. Putting aside everything else, my Leftenant on the other hand was visibly appalled by the sight. With the humans lounging around bottle sized chains of lead without care. It was noisy and darb, gone are the pretty and shiny colors of what is supposed to be a vessel of warfare.
“I apologize for the mess. We kinda went overboard there. It was vengeance after all.”
Mess? Their entire Destroyer is a packed can of weapons, sensors, and munitions. Everything here was either for the guns or the sensors. With little care for tact or presentation. I could not imagine living in such an appalling situation, I already felt like I was buried in a metal coffin.
“She’s a beauty ain’t she? We actually used a better type of armor for this. Its entire belt is aligned with Durablite armor with spall protectors. Amazing right?” Is this human insane? Did they build this monstrosity of a vessel with nothing in mind but to kill and commit genocide? There are enough weapons here to destroy an entire shoreline full of thousands of people in a quick hour. Soon it came to me that the Humans that I’ve always looked down upon are worse than the Warlike Orcs and Werewolf tribes. Nay, they're far worse than the forces of the Devil itself.
Entering their command room, I was met with littered books and paper with all sorts of strange gizmos and screens showing everything that they need to know to make the most precise and pointed death to their enemy without care. His planning table itself was hard and the chairs had these feeble cushions that would destroy my back if I was to sit down on it longer than I had too.
“Here, these documents are about that Vampire Slaving Ship. We have been tracking the people that have stolen it and so, if you're going to write a report. Have it known that its no longer a vessel of the Vampire Kingdom.”
“What? I do not understand your language. I apologize.”
“Ah sorry, this is in English. CARTER! BRING ME ONE IN COMMON!”
“COMMON SIR!”
“YES! COMMON!”
How did these foolhardy humans even create such a weapon when they could barely even organize a proper presentation to esteemed guests? Me and Delyn could only stare at one another at the appalling sight of the humans. They could cause such death and destruction and yet inside there machines is but a diabolical mess of incompetence and technological massacre that they dare call a ship.
“Hello, what’s happening there?”
“Oh, Senator!”
“Captain. Just what the fuck is happening? Did you capture it?”
“Yes sir! We have it in tow right now, we just bought the High Elves to show them papers.”
“Good, hurry the fuck up alright? I don’t want any more time wasted. If these dipshits are planning on something with the city of Zavalda. I want us on the VERY TOP OF IT. Capiche?!”
“Sir yes sir! ALL MEN AND SKELETONS ON POSITION! READY A BOARDING TEAM!”
And like a well oiled machine, the humans managed to turn the ugly scene into a coherent team of professional sailors. Everyone got into their positions that even I was impressed at how fast they moved and went into action. Now if only there ships design and interior wasn’t this sad and deplorable.
“SIR! WE’RE DETECTING MANA SPIKE INSIDE THE SLAVE SHIP!”
“DAMMIT! OPEN FIRE WITH THE MAIN GUN AND PEPPER IT WITH THE CIWS!”
How are they hearing each other properly from all of these screaming?
“High Admiral, please take the document.”
“Oh yes, thank you… uhm… who translated this?”
“We had to make do with what we have. Please carry it back to your superiors.
“Of course Commander. Thank you.”
“Mhm.”
“SIR! SLAVE SHIP SUNK!”
“That quickly?! Dammit! No corpses?”
“Negative sir.”
"Why did you blow it up?!"
"Because we can."
"Hah? That absolutely makes no sense at all! Weren't you supposed to capture the ship?!"
"They warped out of there. They wouldn't have used magic unless it was a way out. Also, Major! Send a RHIB to check it out!"
"What?! Why're you wasting resources on an already sinking slave ship?!"
"Can never be too sure..."
"Delyn. These humans are unreasonable. I want to return back to our comfy flagship where there is actual space to walk around in and decor."
"Merry Christmas!"
"Forrus be with the soil you walk on. Now bring me back and my Subordinate to my ship!"
“Thus ends that story, these Outworlders are completely insane. This is the document, High Minister. It's poorly translated into Common but I think you should take a look. It’s with Pandemonium.”
“Those fools… so they’ve taken shelter with the Outworlders. If you aren’t lying with the power of them, then we cannot do anything but look from afar and hope they aren’t planning anything against us. We cannot touch the Outworlders sadly as they are mostly still a mystery and our isolationism doesn’t help us in gaining information about their forces.”
“I hope. We may be able to do at least something, we cannot let those powerful test subjects do as they wish.”
“Rest now High Admiral, you earn your leave. Let your old rotting bones rest. It’s been good serving with you, old friend.”
“You too Yueln. But heed my warning about the Outworlders. They are far different from the humans we are so used to.”
“It shall be noted. Your world alone is worth more than the fifty other Ministers beneath me.”