Tides Of Protomis LVIII
Path to Rizian
House Von Zaisen, a clan with a long, and prestigious history, one that began in 1614. Around this time, the proetestant inhabitants of the Holy Roman empire, gought prosecution at the hands of their rulers, members of the hapsburg family, an undoubtedly major force in the continent’s politics. During this time, the first man to be named Alarick von Zaisen began training for battle, four years prior to the powderkeg that was the Elsterholz Massacre of 1618. At this point, the Neue Kirche(New Church) was simply a loose alliance of guerrillas, and local mallitas. Until the aforementioned massacre took place. At which point, a man by the name of Heinz Gerstg united these groups with his Charisma. His initial successes proved that this was not a simple rebellion, it was a war.
In the midst of this conflict, Alarick von Zaisen the I fought, and fought. After unlocking his proto-human powers, growing in both fame, and infamy. Eventually, rising in the ranks, to become the Neue Kirche’s highest general. Of course, that did not mean his exploits were over. With interference from the house of hapsburg’s members in other nations, and the allies of the Holy Roman Empire, it was an arduous battle, to say the least. Eventually,however, the HRE fell in the year 1645, allowing for two states to rise from its ashes. The eastern Kingdom of Delmenforde, who established their capital in Heinzburg, named after the first king. and the Western Empire of Penzenheim, who proved to be hostile. Due to the genius he’d shown during the campaigns, Alarick von Zaisen the I was declared Supreme Commander of the nation’s forces.
Afterward, the house began to cement both its own power, and that of the nation, by taking the domains of hapsburg allied houses within the kingdom’s borders, and keeping them from taking any positions of power. THe noble houses that arose during the founding of delmenforde, would eventually begin to become naught but words in the history books. Eventually, even house Von Grestg would lose political power, as the country veered away from the aristocratic society it started as. However, there was one house that remained after centuries, that was Von Zaisen. But, as with any group, they eventually had their fall.
July 7th 2009, Von Zaisen Manor.
Just on the outskirts of the City of Heinzburg, on the hills overlooking the city, lay a large citadel that served as the home of House Von Zaisen, and some of its branch family members. The thick stone walls, though outdated in terms of defensive capability, still gave the manor an imposing appearance, especially when combined with those who inhabited it. It was for that reason that the young heir to the house’s head, was able to lead a somewhat peaceful life. Going to the prestigious Saint Dreyer Academy, established for prestigious students. Something that certainly made sense given his aptitude.
The young boy sat within a room lined with bookshelves, as well as two desks, one lined with a large terminal, and a number of documents. The other, marked with text-books, and battle maps. Though this was Initially his father’s study, as he was born, he gained access to it as well. Preparing for his future duties as a general, he spent time learning the basics. Strategy, logistics, and things of that nature. It was a peaceful life, no doubt… but that would not remain a fact, that life destroyed, later that same day.
A fleet of ships, their origin unknown, dropped in from orbit just a few hours earlier, and promptly began a bombardment of the manor. The manor was in ruins by the time night fell, and yet, the soldiers of the Von Zaisen guard, and the unknown faction clashed regardless. The guard was unwilling to give up, even as their opponent’s launched a hailstorm of rounds from rifles, mortars, and rockets. In the end, the ground ran red with the blood of the two armies, and, all the while, Alarick watched from afar, with a clenched fist.
He’d seen it, his father running into battle, leading his troops against the unknown enemy. But, he was a strategist as well, he recognized how bad the situation was. The chances of them winning were low. As such, he resolved himself, and got ready to go forward.
“These powers I've unlocked. With them, I can fight back, and I- I will do so. I will become as strong as my father, no, even more so. “
A short six days after the attack, the last von Zaisen was declared dead… Thought to have been killed in battle, or by the winter cold. However… Alarick used this to his advantage- traveling throughout Europe, gaining more and more power as time went on… Until, at 12- he killed an agent of the Kaemerge, and procured a communicator. And, with a form of tracking, the child began to make moves, and began to track the members of the unknown group, gaining more information about his opponent. Until, he encountered another doing the same thing, a boy named Kazimir Rhuskov, 2 years later. And, later that same year, within the Eastern Reaches of Sibavostok, Zhao Lei. A temporary alliance formed between them. Their travels would eventually lead them to the 4th, arctaius Corde…
Alarick stopped thinking back, for the time being. Instead, focusing on his current situation. His opponent had been eliminated, and as it seemed now, He had a straight site to the Kaemerge’s command center.
“I don't have time to waste… I've found my target, and I will eliminate him…”
Now, Alarick shot forward, going directly toward Rizian. Though he was alone for a short time, that did not last long. Arctaius walked through one of many abandoned avenues, decidedly searching for any more opponents. But, it looked like his search would end up empty. Not a surprise there, it didn't look like anything major was left. He prepared to begin making his way toward Rizian as well, that was until he saw Alarick flying above. Going to join him without much thought. As he got close, Alarick glanced at him.
“Alarick- I see you got past your opponent…” Arctaius noted.
Alarick nodded.
“One of the Myron Brothers- in fact… While my battle with him wasn't all that important- I've discovered the identity of one of the Apostles… Berthold Van Blumstein.”
Arctaius raised an eyebrow at this, them? He didn’t study the specifics of delmenford history, but he’d heard of them before.
“Van Blumstein?”
Soon enough, the two found themselves joined by Zhao, who descended from above, and Kazimir, who entered from their left. Apparently, catching the tail end of the conversation, the russian spoke.
“I thought the Last member of Van Blumstein died centuries ago…” Kazimir commented. Gaining a nod from Alarick.
“As did I, but it would seem that the history books were wrong… I doubt that somebody would falsely claim to be a member of a house that fell centuries ago. Aside from that much, if there is a living member of that house, and he’s an apostle, then it's likely he led the attack on the manor…” Alarick reasoned.
Arctaius tsked, the pieces put together, it was clear what the reason for the attack was.
“I always found Noble politics to be a bother… He likely hadn’t even met your family before that point… All that for so-called glory,and honor… What a waste of time.”
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“ It seems to me that we can agree on some things… It is situations like that which encouraged me to discard my title… I want to avenge my family- no doubt about that. But not for a simple reason like that.”
“You're at the least, less annoying than most of these nobles… I met more than a few when Naumov's Empire was still running. Bragging about their histories, and most of them only gained their status when Sokol Naumov gave it to them.
"While I agree, I believe we should likely start strategizing… we don't know who else awaits us there. We can at least prepare for the apostles themselves."
Arctaius nodded.
"Right. Shall we begin with Minoru? As he showed in our last battle, he will be an issue…"
Part B
While the battles continued across the city, Selenium began to make his own moves. The area of the city the emperor walked through was unlike those seen beforehand. With barely any sign of human habitation afide from what looked to be the remains of a city. The small number of buildings, the cracked stone walls foiling with overgrowth. With shards of pottery, and stray bricks lining the mossy path. The last remains of a settlement that used to lie in the area. This was an area nearly nobody was privy to, save for the emperor, and a small number of his direct subordinates. Though, there was the question of why that was the case.
Selenium began making his way toward one of the only buildings still intact. One with two stories, constructed of the same stone as those around him. At the only entrance, there sat a rusted Bronze gate, thick, and heavy alike. Though, it went without saying that the man opened it as easily as he breathed. The room within, was nearly pitch black, save for the sunlight that peeked into the room. This much, however, was enough to reveal a circle, filled to the brim with angular markings on the stone floor, one that seemed to glow. Selenium stood there for a few moments, as if he were debating internally… However, he would eventually walk to its edge. No sooner did he get onto one knee, before placing his arm over his chest, the traditional salute for the Kaemerge.
“My lord, Ardam… I’ve arrived.”
As the man spoke, bubbles of a black mass began to appear within the circle’s range. What was first a small drip of mass, became a faucet, and then a fountain, as said bubbles began to coagulate, into a single sphere. Which floated there for a few moments, before it began parting, revealing a single eye down the middle.With a reptilian, green Iris. Soon enough, the sphere began to shift from the center of the circle, to the very edge, directly in front of the emperor, before letting out a booming, baritone voice.
“Ignatius… I've been keeping watch, and I see that things have gotten out of hand. In addition to the unholy surrounding our city, those young mortals seem to be especially causing trouble.”
He noted what sounded like a bit of disappointment in the being’s voice. That much was certainly a fact… There was no way to excuse the results of the battle, as he saw it. And, either way, making such excuses was never something he tolerated from his subordinates, unless they were reasonable, that was. It only made sense that he held himself to that same standard.
“That is true, but rest assured, that we will take care of them swiftly. Four of them may have gotten through the guard, yes, but we have two beasts within Rizian. They will stand no chance against them… And even if they manage to get through… Those four are a different story…” Selenium responded
Just as he had chosen the apostles, did Ignatius choose the sole two members of the Rizian Guard Regiment. He had no doubts about their ability… Even so, Ardam’s tone remains unchanged, even with the Emperor’s words.
“I'd hope so… The Kaemerge Empire can not fall before we've manifested mankind’s destiny - Unification of the solar system, and the worldwide spread of prosperity…” Ardam continued, gaining a nod from Selenium.
“Yes… I Shan't fail you.”
Silently, the eye of Ardam closed, as the black mass seemed to dissipate, leaving Selenium standing alone… The situation needed to change, no doubt. The casualties they’d undoubtedly take would be devastating, even if they managed to turn the tide of the battle. Now, he was simply left pondering how he would solve the issue… But, he would do so within Rizian, and with his commanders. He rose to his feet, as he turned on his heel, exiting the building, and closing the gate behind him.
***
With their flight over the city nearing completion, the group had begun to come into the range of the weapons on Rizian. Aside from the turrets on the tower itself, were those on the bare blocks of concrete and steel, situated into holes, in a fashion similar to a honeycomb.
“That’s gonna be a tough nut to crack.. No wonder none of the guys from the coalition have tried to attack it yet.” Kazimir mumbled.
“You aren’t wrong… But, it simply means we’ll have to take care of it. Let’s give 'em hell!” Arctaius responded.
Now, the four tides increased their speed, shooting forward, directly toward Rizian. Something that didn’t go unnoticed. Within the bowels of the building, where the numerous sensor arrays. Though anything long range had been disabled, the rapidly approaching enemies were in fact, detected. Something that leads to expression of fear appearing on the faces of those within. No sooner, did soldiers within the building scramble toward their positions. Firing all the munitions they had, at an attempt to, at the least, slow them down. To very little effect, given how they continued forth.
“Child's play… Void!” Alarick yelled.
Space ripped open in front of the group, creating a void that drew the attacks in without much issue. Something soon followed by another opening up, directly above one of the concrete blocks. Widened eyes and expressions of fear appeared on their faces, as the red light of the beams obscured any other light, and they were vaporized within moments. The building shared the damages created by the beams, and the subsequent rounds of railguns. The redirection did not stop there. Soon, two more of the five were destroyed… By now, it seemed that, within, things were changing. Faced with the oncoming tides, most stayed there, but it was clear some were beginning to question this decision. Eventually, one of them took the plunge, beginning to step back hesitantly.
“Tch- should've known that I wouldn't do anything… We’ll try using other armam-”
“Using other armaments?! Forget that! You can stay here if you want, but I'm out of here!”
With this- the soldier began running off, his hesitation seemingly having disappeared. That much was enough for many within to begin their own fleeing. Shouts sharing the same sentiment echoed through the building, and the shots from what buildings remained stopped. As such Alarick shut the void. Something followed by a single window entering their view. The four glanced at one another, nodding, before flying in and shattering it with very little effort. No sooner did they find themselves faced with a group of soldiers. All wearing the black button down uniform that one would expect of the Kaemerge’s proto-humans... The expressions on their faces made it clear, they didn’t plan on leaving. Zhao stepped forth, his hand grasping the hilt of his blade.
“Let me handle this…”
Zhao swiftly drew his dao from his side, taking his stance. One that had clearly changed in his time training. A mix of his own, with some elements from Minoru’s. Within moments, Zhao shouted.
“Guo Art- Gale Blade Dance!!!”
Now, the monk began to swing his blade, in a multitude of directions, and at different angles, within moments. It did not take long for the effects to become visible. Without a single touch, all the members of the squad had been cut into pieces, staining the room’s marble floors. His targets eliminated, Zhao sheathed his blade. For some time, they stood there, until…
“Another proto-human… Definitely High Tier.” Kazimir informed them. As his gaze went toward the doorway behind the squad, they watched someone approach. A tall, lanky man, with a chiseled draw approached them, A long head of red locks, that stopped at his back. But, the most defining feature was the downright unsettling, ear to ear smile on his face. He approached them rather casually, his hands in his pockets. His gaze moved across the room, seemingly, not even bothering to keep his gaze on his opponents. Instead, choosing to look at the bodies of those who came before him, something that didn’t elicit any caution, rather, the opposite.
“Ke Ke Ke, All this death already… How exciting, to think that you did that so quickly. Though I would expect no less…” The man commented. The laugh and elated tone made Arctaius raise an eyebrow.
“Who's this weirdo?” He questioned.
Alarick began to slip into his stance, as he responded to the question.
“If that Protomis is anything to go by… likely an imperial guard member.”
“Right you are-- Manfred Vogel, Imperial Guard- Rizian Division…” The red-head responded.
No sooner, the man liceds his lips, looking back and forth between the members of the group, as he removed his hands from his pockets.
“I can see it… I can see the future already… I simply can't wait to destroy you all…I'm-- excited enough already!”
As he yelled with glee, he slipped into his own stance, legs bent, and fisrs held out in front of him, the very same excited expression.
To Be Continued
Elsewhere within the city, the tide’s allies found themselves faced with their own issues. Within the remains of a noble’s manor, Liang and Bijan found themselves facing another enemy. Standing upon what looked to be a hill consisting of destroyed vehicles, were Marco Lombardi, and Dustin King.
“Damn... Looks like Luna and Joseph didn’t make it. I actually liked those two.” Bijan commented, with a snap.
Liang cracked his knuckles, grasping his reliable chain whip, the Zhi Nu.
“Only thing we can do for them is take out this target for them.” Liang responded, gaining a nod from BIjan.
Jirou and Ittur-sul found themselves face to face with a different opponent in the meantime, Zane Oyesuni, the director of the imperial guard, one who had undoubtedly built up a legend around himself. Though Jirou knew him not, he could sense the man’s protomis, he was not weak by any means. As for ittur-sul, having been within the Kaemerge’s society from childhood.
“We’ll need to be careful. If we don’t take this seriously, it could very well spell our end…” Ittur-sul commented. Though he still found himself mulling over the results of his previous battle, he couldn’t exactly stop in the middle of battle, especially with who he saw in front of him. The man in question began speaking.
“Your caution means nothing… You will not go any further. Prepare to be crushed, in the name of Ardam!” Zane yelled.
As for Miyamoto and Valerie, they found themselves dodging the attacks of the Virtual speed demon, that was guard member Hawkins. Who seemed to bounce across the sky, rapidly changing his angle time and time again, taking swipes as he got closer to them. The two stood on solid ground, back to back, in silence. Valerie glanced over her shoulder at Miyamoto.
“This guy’s good… And we’re still drained from that attack back there, let’s stay on our toes, this could get bad.”
Miyamoto nodded in acknowledgement. Before, cloaking her body in a red glow…
Got two art pieces today.
Right here- Is Valerie(Since I don't believe i've shared this one. An older drawing, but it still works.)
[https://i.ibb.co/VB4Vhd9/20220613-214201.jpg],
Berthold Van Blumstein Himself.
[https://i.ibb.co/M1Rpz6w/Screenshot-20220613-214015-Instagram.png]