6:27 AM, Palazzo Pubblico, San Marino

Captain Regents of San Marino. Such a title of a nation was humble compared to president of France or the United States. But right now as Salvatore Bollini and Valentina Casadei sat around the meeting table of the palace, they and their secretaries of state listened with dread to the Italian Prime Minister on the phone.

"... you must evacuate the entire nation, your Excellency. There's no telling how much damage this beast can cause exactly. Just know it has already caused a great deal of damage and loss of life up north in Rimini. We just need your permission to let our Armed Forces assist with the evacuation efforts."

The old man with white hair and the middle aged brunette looked at each other. This was their biggest decision they would take as Captain Regents not in just their career, but possibly in a generation. With that, Salvatore spoke. "Prime minister, where exactly can our people head to?"

"The armed forces are placing checkpoints and designating local towns around your nation as evacuation sites, your excellency. We promise we will make sure this evacuation is swift." Giovanni said through the phone. "We will send helicopters over as well to evacuate all of you and your families."

Salvatore looked up around to his ministers. With a nod from Valentina and the others, he adjusted his glasses before he spoke into the phone. "Very well, prime minister. We are allowing your men to evacuate our people... I just have one favour to ask."

"Anything, your excellency."

"... please reserve my helicopter to any of my people who are sick. I do not need one. I will be staying." Salvatore said with closed eyes as Valentina looked up in surprise.

"Huh? Your excellency we can send extra helicopters to help the sick, we have enough to bring you—"

"I have built a life here, and my family is simply waiting for me with God in heaven. I have nothing to lose except the people... I will be staying... This country is my home, prime minister. I won't ever leave it."

"Salvatore..." Valentina looked up with hesitation. "Surely you can't... we need you."

"I will stay here, Valentina. To make sure everyone is truly safe... do me a favour and make sure everyone outside is too, okay?" The old man said with a softer tone to his younger counterpart.

With a gulp, Valentina nodded, "Okay..."

"... Very well, your excellency." Giovanni said through the phone. And with that, the call was dropped for now.

Salvatore then stood up straight, or as straight as he could while he leaned against his cane. He then looked to his ministers as he kept a firm look. "That goes for all of you. Get your families, friends, and every civilian of ours safe, that is our number one priority. I will keep in contact with you all. Go!"

With that the conference room took off in a rush. Salvatore took a deep breath as he checked his phone. Behind the clock which showed 6:24 AM was a wallpaper of Salvatore and a woman of his age.

He had nothing to lose. Now it was time to make sure his people don't lose anyone either. Salvatore stood up and walked out of the room.

...

Torracia Airfield

The small airfield, meant only for aviation enthusiasts, was absolutely filled with helicopters of all sizes. Chinooks that were filled with soldiers were now being loaded up by refugees of ailing age and health as other helicopters of all sizes littered the dirt runway. From bigger Coast Guard helicopters to smaller ones volunteered by good samaritans, one of the few only groups boarding off the helicopters were composed of a platoon of Italian Army soldiers.

"I heard the defense in Rimini was a total failure," a particular Lieutenant Gallo said. "Damn General Esposito had it coming. If only he didn't have to drag down his men."

Sergeant Major Bruno looked over to Gallo with uncertainty, "When are we expecting a new general? These orders of just helping with evacuation are pretty damn vague."

"Who knows. Don't worry we got some fellow NATO forces helping. Even got the Americans, the British and the Germans volunteering some of their helis here. For now we're heading for Domagnano." Gallo said before he yelled back towards his platoon. "Let's move, men! Briefing should start any second!"

With that, the platoon started to quickly follow their superior.

...

Elena and Gabriele drove through the countryside as what would be a peaceful night drive was disturbed by the distant explosions and roars of the hydra. Elena look up ahead towards the vague yet ominous shadow of the monster ahead as flashes of explosions resonated throughout its body. The young reporter took a deep breath. "God this is so unreal..."

"It's real as it's ever be... still getting it on tape," Gabriele said as he focused the camera on the beast ahead. "Thing is heading for San Marino... I don't know if it's looking for something or it's just being a dick."

Elena was about to speak that is until a young girl suddenly ran in front of their news van as she waved her arms desperately. "Stop!!"

Elena went wide eyed as she slammed on the breaks, causing Gabriele to be thrown forward, "Ow, watch it!"

The woman sheepishly apologised before Elena hopped out. "What's wrong, little girl?" She asked as the young child, no more than nine years old, cried desperately.

"M-my parents, they're trapped in my house over there!" She sobbed as she pointed to the side. Elena looked up.

An entire village burnt in the countryside. And whatever houses weren't burning was instead crushed into rubble. Elena's heart dropped before she looked to the little girl as she quickly picked her up, "O-okay, we'll go help! Just point the way, alright?" Elena explained amid the sobbing of the little girl who simply nodded. With that, the woman quickly got back into the van as she started to head into the ruined village.

...

Gallo looked on ahead as their transport truck went through the streets of Domagnano. He took a deep breath as he could see people still panicking about while their men started to guide them out of the town. But Gallo and his men weren't here to evacuate these people. They were tasked to be left here and look for any stubborn or otherwise those sickly or slept through the evacuation effort. As their truck went deeper into Domagnano, the streets then went largely quiet.

Gallo then hopped off once the truck stopped. "Here we are, Domagnano. I want this area combed through. Call out or knock on doors for anyone left behind. God knows that there'll be some seniors who don't want to leave."

The sounds of 'yes sir' went through the air. But just as they were about to disperse, the radio crackled to life.

"... Attention all troops!"

The men quickly gathered around the radio as Bruno shushed his men. With that the speaker on the radio continued on. "This is General Tagliaferro I'm taking command of this operation. We are facing an enemy like we have NEVER seen before! Now follow my instructions carefully! All ground forces are to assist with the evacuation of San Marino, keeping those people safe, we will make a final stand to slow this monster down, and face it head on. Do not worry this does not mean I will be tossing you into the meat grinder. If you believe you are in danger, get out of there and save yourself and whatever people you are with. Once the air sirens start, you are to get your asses out of there, and let the air force do the work!"

As the radio then went silent, Gallo looked up. "Well, you heard the man! Let's get moving, we're on a clock here!" He commanded. With that the soldiers yelled out as they dispersed to comb through the neighbourhood.

With Bruno and two others with him, Gallo sighed, "Alright, quick head in and out, let's go." He said.

The first few houses had nobody inside. Some even left their doors open to leave in a hurry. Gallo looked around as there wasn't even a car on the streets or the driveways. But then he looked at a particular house as he narrowed his eyes. On the driveway was an old Fiat. There seemed to be a faint glow coming from the back of the house. With suspicion, Gallo went through the gate, approached the door and knocked on it. "Excuse me! This is the Italian Army! Is anyone in here?"

Bruno and the others approached out of curiosity towards Gallo. The Lieutenant cleared his throat as he knocked again. "Again this is the Italian Army! We are under orders for mandatory evacuation with the San Marino Government's permission! Please, show yourself!"

The door didn't move for a moment. But then it eventually opened as the sight of a grumpy looking old man came through. "We don't need help, and we certainly don't need no army men! Get lost!"

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

Just as the door was about to be shut, Gallo quickly grabbed it and kept it open. Despite his strength, the Lieutenant's voice remained calm and gentle. "Sir, please we don't have much time. This area is under mandatory evacuation, the whole country is. We can bring you to safety."

The old man raised his cane and smacked Gallo's hand off, or attempted to at least as he yelled. "We don't need evacuating! I'm staying right here!"

"We? Sir, you and your family or whoever you are with, you are not safe here. Please, come along with us. We have food, medicine, and shelter out of here away from danger." Gallo pleaded. "Please sir. There's a literal giant monster heading our way. And it's certain it will hit Domagnano. Think about your loved ones."

The old man furrowed his eyebrows. "I'm not afraid of some damn monster, and neither is my wife... She is too bedridden to even lift her head. So just leave us be." He said before he slammed the door in Gallo's face.

Gallo took a deep breath. With that, he simply walked away as Bruno looked back towards the door. With a frown, he soon followed.

...

Guiata Tower

Salvatore stood atop the Guiata Tower as he sighed deeply. Before the Transfer, this place would be full of people during peak season, with people all around taking notice and experiencing life in the world's oldest republic. But now, the place laid deserted. And it wasn't unlikely that San Marino may be destroyed, not just the city but as a nation.

He took a deep breath at that. San Marino barely had people. Its existence was largely nonexistent in the world stage. But now it was the centre of attention for the worst reasons imaginable. If this giant is not stopped, San Marino may no longer be able to function on its own anymore.

Salvatore then lifted his binoculars. There it was in the distance. The Italian countryside burnt from the beast's fire breath. And it was now coming straight for San Marino. The terrible beast roared as he could see ground forces try to slow it down. If only it was as easy as asking the air force to shoot it down. But as long as there are still civilians, it was best to get them out quickly first.

The Captain Regent then looked further ahead to Rimini. A mighty fire was still burning in the distance. A whole neighbourhood it looked like was in flames with other parts of the city burning as well. He could only pray for those lost and injured as he sighed deeply.

Salvatore then looked to the side. Lines upon lines of car headlights swarmed the small country roads of the nation as people desperately tried to leave the republic. He took a deep, shaky breath. Even during the Second World War, San Marino prevailed. Whether it was understandable caution or paranoia, Salvatore truly feared that this monster might scar the country.

But then his train of thought was cut off.

"Salvatore!"

The old man looked back as he placed his binoculars down. Lo and behold, Valentina stood there as she panted. Poor woman must've been running. But more importantly...

"Valentina! What in God's name are you doing here?" He said in surprise as he approached her.

"I thought about what you said... And I've decided I'm not leaving." She said firmly as she furrowed her eyebrows.

"Valentina... Your husband must be worried sick. You should—"

"My husband can go sleep in mud for all I care," Valentina before she inhaled deeply. "I... never told anyone this because of how scandalous it is. But he's a cheater and a liar... I realised that you're right. Becoming Captain Regent with you, it has become one of the best moments in my life even if we may have a few disagreements. Us helping and looking after our people, it's such a huge honour. And I can't bear the thought of leaving you alone here."

Salvatore eyed the woman before he sighed and chuckled. "You're right that we do have disagreements sometimes. You remind of me and my daughter... Stubborn. I wish I didn't make her run off." He said with lament in his voice before he firmed up. "Thank you, Valentina."

The woman had her own determined smile and with that, she approached the view with Salvatore. The beast was now deep within Domagnano. And she could have sworn she could see a single light driving away.

...

"Get our asses out of here quick!"

Gallo looked up towards the beast and which mere metres away. While the hydra was busy with the attack helicopters and tank shells around it, the beast's stomping and fire breathing could turn them into collateral damage. As the ground shook, Gallo looked to Bruno who was assisting the old couple they tried to evacuate.

Bruno was both righteous and a fool for going back. But it was another life saved regardless. Gallo prayed as the truck drove quickly down the road as he spoke. "How much time until the transports leave!?"

Bruno looked back. "About fifteen minutes until last call! I told them to wait for us!"

Gallo nodded before he eyed the old man again. He held his wife's hand close, who was ill enough needing an oxygen mask as they had to load her onto a mattress in the truck. He looked to Bruno before he patted the soldier's back. "Good job convincing them out of there, Bruno."

Bruno smiled back only for another roar disturbing them. Gallo and the soldiers looked out to see what was happening as the roars of jets could be heard now, with a few cautious fighters starting to strike at the hydra as they tried to destroy or weaken the armour on its necks and body.

...

Elena drove down the road in a hurry as she focused on the road. While they were far from the danger of the hydra, she didn't want to risk the safety of the little girl beside her and Gabriele. Poor girl's parents were crushed by rubble when their village was attacked. And now she was all alone.

"Holy shit look!" Gabriele said as he pointed to the left. With them on a road further west in Ventoso, the hydra was in the distance, visible and being lit up by further explosions from the incoming fighter jets.

Elena went wide eyed before she looked to the little girl. As much as she wanted to stop and report this, she looked to Gabriele. "I hope you're taping this!"

"Oh trust me, I am!" Gabriele said amid the muffled explosions as he focused the camera on the hydra.

...

The early morning sun was now rising above San Marino. As the dull grey of the cloudy morning contrasted its peace against the chaos below, Salvatore and Valentina looked at each other before they both held each other's hand for reassurance. The hydra roared in further anger and rage as its poisonous and fire breath attacked the missiles and tried to take down the jets. As the sun rose, so did the hydra which was going up the hill. The town of Valdagrone was no match for the hydra's weight, each house it crushed crumbling into rubble.

Salvatore and Valentina watched the destruction. Heartbroken yet defiant. With the old man's hand holding his walking stick and the other reassuringly holding Valentina's, they stood there with no fear as the hydra started to climb up Monte Titano. The fire breathing head stared right back at Guiata Tower, and took notice of the two humans staring back defiantly. Its mouth started to glow as the hydra climbed until it fully leaned and perched onto Monte Titano while the head's mouth started to glow, ready to burn down what it thought was the Doors to the World.

And then, the air sirens started to resonate nearby.

As Salvatore and Valentina braced themselves for possible death, explosions and roars of pain followed. The two looked up only to see the hydra be hit with by three fighter jets and their missiles as the explosions hit its necks square on. The explosion threw them onto the ground as Valentina quickly helped Salvatore up. "Salvatore are you alright!?"

Salvatore nodded, shaken as he quickly stood up and continued to watch only to see three of the hydra's five heads fell off while the burns from the explosions morbidly prevented the beast from regenerating.

As the Captain Regents ran towards the edge of the wall to see what was happening, the hydra roared in defiance and pain as it fell right back onto Valdragone below. It needed water quickly to heal itself. The hydra stumbled away from Monte Titano, going south towards a valley only for more jets to come by. This time, the two watched, hearts beating quickly as bombs were now being dropped onto the hydra. Large explosions covered the hydra and the valley as it roared in pain, and then silence from the giant beast.

It took a moment until the smoke cleared up. And then they saw it.

The beasts' heads were torn off by the bombs. The hydra and its heads laid dead in the valley below. With deep holes in its armour and flesh, it was now evident.

The Battle of San Marino was a decisive victory.

...

Giovanni sat in his seat, stressed as a cup of coffee was left beside him. The joy of victory of the battle had washed away as a grim realisation hit them. This was a big failure on their part. The government would be considered negligent for letting Italy get attacked in the first place. They got so focused on Topa that they have sidelined the defence of Italy itself.

Silvio slowly approached Giovanni and with a deep sigh, he looked to the TV that was playing the news of the immediate aftermath. The Rimini Incident and the Battle of San Marino, they called it. The news of good samaritans such as the train driver and the efforts of the Italian Armed Forces wasn't enough to amend the mistakes they made. Giovanni eyed the footage of the beast taken from a moving news van as Silvio spoke.

"We're expecting thousands of deaths and injuries in Rimini... Mostly due to this attack happening at night. Too many people were too late in evacuation. San Marino's expecting a few hundred casualties as well, particularly those by the northern border..."

"This is a disaster... We let this monster go right under our noses." Giovanni said in dread as he ran his hand through his hair.

"... This is my mistake, prime minister. We focused too much on one basket we didn't even notice the other's eggs were now broken." Silvio said shakily before he sighed. "Please expect my resignation once rebuilding efforts are finished."

Giovanni looked up and went wide eyed as he stood, "Minister Moretti don't get so hasty—"

"I was negligent, prime minister. I focused too much outside our nation. If we had all our assets still within our waters we surely could have detected this... I know plenty of colleagues who'd do much better with my position. I'm sorry..." Moretti said solemnly before he returned to assist with the rebuilding efforts.

Giovanni slumped in his seat. He only remembered now just how hostile this new world truly is.

——————————————————

'The Rimini Incident: giant monster kills and injures thousands, leaves gov't and Armed Forces stumped'

The joy of Christmas upcoming has been tarnished with tragedy as on December 22 around 6 AM, Rimini and San Marino were both unexpectedly hit by an attack from a giant monster resembling a hydra which has left thousands dead and injured.

The hydra displayed properties of the actual folklore with witnesses saying the monster carried fire and poisonous breath, multiple heads, and regenerating capabilities which had aided its efforts to destroy.

The attack has left many those affected questioning what to do next, and some skeptical of the Armed Forces's response.

"The thing was at least like what, 150 metres tall? And you're telling me none those in the army detected it? I call incompetence," a local in Rimini lamented.

San Marino was the sight of a grisly battle that left much of the country damaged while some believed the armed response was minimal, it is said that they minimised response in order to avoid collateral damage while evacuating the country.

While many criticised the armed forces, Captain Regents of San Marino Salvatore Bollini and Valentina Casadei believe it was an appropriate response.

"We could live with destroyed homes more instead of further death being caught in the attack from the armed forces and the monster itself," Bollini said, "I can only pray for those who couldn't leave in time. But I assure the people of San Marino that we will rise again.

The attack of the hydra has also left some questioning the Christian faith due to the proof of existence of the monster possibly confirming that ancient Gods do exist.

"Are we really sure the man in the Vatican is legit at this point? We got attacked by a whole ass monster. I'm starting to think we should pray to Jupiter or something," a post from a user online inquired.

Regardless the attack has certainly left a deep scar not only in Rimini but in Italy and San Marino as a whole and as such, time will tell how the country and the government will deal with this.

—Excerpt from La Verità newspaper