The Imperial Invasion

"Excellent, then the other cities have recieved the message?" This was good, the messangers were true marvels at sending their letters on land or sea. Especially during times of war such as this, it only seems to make them move faster. It's a good thing there was still time.

"Yes, sir! Both the cities of Tr'mala and Quinlos'lo have been notified to evacuate at all costs. Hopefully they were able to retreat to the waters, if so they'll be on their way to P'rossara. Our top messangers made sure the letters were immediately distributed." Very good news, hopefully our people would not be harmed by those Tempereans. We needed to remain underwater until the time for negotiation was at hand.

"Sir, one more note." A soldier had stepped up to me with a bit of worry in his eyes. It made me curious. "The Vurstarian Task Force has been elliminated by Temeprean troops within enemy campgrounds in the previous night. It seemed that they were misinformed by the time they reached here about the materials the Tempereans had owned." A bit of shock struck my face. The Task Force was the best squad of Vurstarian troops on land. They were completely blown away by these people. If another fight were to take place while I was there, it would not end well for me. Then again, the Tempereans were reasonable upon negotiations. There was no unruley king to stop us from doing so either.

"That's fine, it will be taken care of. We can't allow any more lives to be in danger of their raid. We must remain underwater for now. I will go up and attempt a peaceful negotiation when a few days have passed. Until then, all troops and civilians must remain in P'rossara." I Looked over at a few officers and a general all standing next to each other. They straightened themselves out and looked back at me. "Any and all civilians are to be taken in. We will set up shelters and whatnot until it is safe to return to land. In the mean time, the word must be spread to all of Vurstaria about what has happened. I want all troops to be assembled to the auditorium. The message will spread like wildfire, there's no worries about that."

Turning the other way, I started walking to the main outpost in P'rossara. I had to be prepared to tell the navy what was really going on. I have my witnesses, they will be there to present their evidence. Hopefully everyone has made it off of land safely, I don't want anyone else dying by Temperean hands. As of my concern, there is no reason for us to be fighting. We'll let them take our land while we prosper under water for a couple days. Then I will return to land to negotiate, hopefully that won't be too much of an issue.

Teekeeus had been woken up by Neilix a couple of hours after falling asleep.
"excuse me" he said quietly "yes, yes what happend?" Teekeeus said sleepily siting up in the chair. "umm... Rakem has just asked for you" Teekeeus imidiatly stood and wonderd what he would need. He walked down the halls to the place were he was laying. "Rakem?" Teekeeus said quietly. Rakems eyes opend slightly
"thanks you" he had wisperd. Teekeeus smiled "well of course" then he noticed that Rakem had become motionless and his brething looked as if stoped "Rakem?... Rakem!?!" Teekeeus checked his pulse. his pulse had stoped, it hit Teekeeus hard once what happend had fully suken in. As the body was taken away like the rest he sat there for a little while just thinking. he finlay arose from the spot and quitly did his rounds but was not himself for most of the time. As he checked the last patient he walked out from the medical bay and up to a guard and questiond were to find Et'rivvok. the guard simply pointed and returned to his post, Teekeeus noded and walked of in that direction

The two massive forces headed straight toward the large walled cities of Tr'mala and Quinlos'lo. Their marching could be heard for a mile through the now eerily quiet forests. Xalerion followed the first force of 2,500 men toward Tr'mala. Judging by distance, that force would meet the enemy first. After hours of marching and stops for rest, a large hill approached, carrying the men a bit higher than the forest canopy. Xalerion was the first to ascend the hill. He was above the tree-line at the very top, and to his surprise, he could see the starting of the large walls to Tr'mala right up ahead.

Turning back to his large host, he waved them on toward him, a wild smile spread over his face. The adrenaline of battle was started to fill his muscles and the excitement of war began anew. At the top of the hill, he had coordinated a strike plan. He was about to set the charge. Unsheathing his longsword, he pointed it at the walls. Every soldier with him knew their orders, and would follow them out until their dying breath. From the first ranks and platoons, the front lines consisted of spearmen, the mid-section swordsmen and pikemen along with auxiliary heavy shock troops. The back lines were mainly of the Imperial Guard and the long distance soldiers such as longbowmen and flamehurlers. In the very back of the charging force was the final warriors, those who would be named the engineers. They would mobilize the siege equipment such as the ladders and trebuchets. They had already started this.

A yell came from the front, from Xalerion himself. His sword glimmered brilliantly in the sunlight as he waved it above his head toward the walled city. In his bellowing voice he yelled:

"All ye soldiers of the Imperial State, take up your arms and purge thine enemy into a fell abyss! CHAAAAARRRRGGGE!"

From five miles away, one could hear the gallant war cries of the New Temperian soldiers who yet again dove into battle. From the tree covered hill, a swarm of men in shining armor brandishing weapons of the Empire closed in on the enemy. From the top of the walls of Tr'mala, a surprised soldier screamed in horror as he saw thousands of Imperial troops start pour out from the forest. A loud bell tolled from within the city, and cries of women and children could be heard among the hustle and bustle of the city militia preparing to defend their turf. Thus was the insane melody of a city, still unprepared for the evacuation that should have happened the day before.

Teekeeus had been just around half way there when he turned at the sound of his name. A runner had come to inform Teekeeus that survivors had come and in dire need of medical attention. He thanked the runner and began to run to the informitory. As he arrived he saw many on stretchers and others being helped along by there comrades. "Where are you from?" Teekeeus asked the nearest wounded "I am a guard from Tr'mala, we werent prepared for the attack" Teekeeus noded and helped him to a cot then called the medics and said to split the wounded by the city they came from. Teekeeus had gatherd his supplies and began to look over the patients the less wounded would have to wait, and with so many coming in the one that wont make it will be left to die, and to only be comferted by what family they had left. Teekeeus hated the plan but knew they would not have the medicen for everyone so it had to be.

Teekeeus had just finished surveying the wounded and listing their names, now came the task of actualy treating the wounds. Although medicine was running low a slow but steady inflow of new meds were being received. Sadly it was still not enough to save most. The medics were hard at work through out the next few days and in one case one of them collapesd from sleep deprivation. Scouts have confirmed that anyone that made it out alive has already arrived which meant that the ones already counted for will remain the same. Teekeeus went to his firs opperation to remove and broken arrow from one soldiers side. As he came up to the soldier he was still in slight shock from the attack.
"ok now this is gunna hurt, but i need you to hold still the best you can" Teekeeus exclamed gripping the arrows broken shaft. Another medic was there to help and pry out the arrowhead with a knife. Teekeeus began to pull on the arrow tring to remove budge it. The other medic began to slightly cut away to prevent tearing of the flesh. The soldier screamed in pain as the arrow slowly was pulled from his side.
"ok thats it" Teekeeus said putting the bloody weapon down and wrapping up the wound. Teekeeus looked up and smiled at him then moved on.
The wounds of war were horrible and Teekeeus knew this all too well, but for now they were safe in the underwater city. For now at least, Teekeeus though, but eventualy there army would have to face them.

The gong of battle had officially been tolled. muffin had broken loose, and the jaws of the Empire bearred their teeth at the enemy. The Vurstarians started to assemble the Tr'mala Guard to the battlements. Although armed and potentially deadly, most of them looked young, and definitely not seasoned in battle. Most of the Imperial soldiers looked to their prey with a hint of guilt. But the orders had been given, and now was not the time to disobey them.

Xalerion himself rode straight through to the walls of the city, hardened rock and mortar they were. With a blast from his own war horn, the sounds of mechanics rang clear through the air. Trebuchets had been set of the other side of the hill, and they were being mobilized. Flaming stones shot from behind the hill, high over the invading forces heads, and into the city. Screams of terror and sounds of collapsing buildings could be heard from the other side of the wall. Hundreds of soldier rushed to the wall with long ladders of iron. Clamps on the top piece clanged shut onto the top of the battlement parapets.

Before any of the Imperial soldiers started to climb the ladders, a shout, in Vurstarian, was heard upon the walls. Crossbows and shortbows alike were armed above them. Another yell signaled the imminent fire. A hale of arrows shot down at the invaders in quick succession. Xalerion watched as a soldier next to him fell with two arrows sticking from his chest, and another through his left eye. He grunted in anger and aimed his sword to the top of the battlements.

"ADVANCE NOW" He yelled with all his might.

The soldiers, though temporarily unwilling to enter such a hail started to move toward the ladders. Xalerion glanced back up at the top of the wall. He found one Vurstarian, a look of half fear - half hatred took form on his face. The Vurstarian was directing all his attention toward him, and with that, strung a bow and aimed it at Xalerion. With fire in his eyes, Xalerion stood his ground and put his sword at his side. His eyes seemed to pierce into the Vurstarian. Suddenly, a twang. The arrow was released, and hit its mark true. Xalerion still stood. The arrow flew directly into his chest, but splintered and broke in two upon meeting his Dark Ore armor. With that, and to the horror of the Vurstarian, he himself, along with two other Imperial Guards, started to the ladders.

Teekeeus and the other medics work through the day and have finaly stabalised all of the patiants and some have already been able to leave. He retires to his room and quietly sits on his cot in the side of the room tring not to disterb his fellow doctor which was asleep. Teekeeus gave a quite sigh and closes his eyes, but it had seemd only seconds after that a medic comes through the door and says his name. Teekeeus just nods with out opening his eyes.
"Teekeeus scouts have confirmed that due to recent attacks more injured will arroive over the next few days" says the medic then looks for a respose
Teekeeus eyes open in almost alarm and he sits up on the side of the cot.
"What!?! we can barly help the people already here and have restricted the medicine to officers and the criticle few!" Teekeeus says holding his head in his hands thinking. "we can not turn these people away!" the medic respons
"i know. I know! but... I ehh" Teekeeus sighs and stands up "we cant help them all" He says sadly "and that is what I hate about my job" Teekeeus grabs his supplies and walks out of the room again to find a solution to the problem. As he walked he was deep in though about the day this started, it was the imperials, he thought and anger arose within him but calmed himself down and just focused on the job at hand.

OOC: My bad, forgot about that. I've editted that out.

IC:
Bolting through the halls, I had to get the message out. I spoke loud and clear, making sure everyone heard me. I hope this worked.

"Calling all available messengers! Meet now in the conference room. I repeat, all available messengers to the conference room immediately!"

The guards followed me to the conference room, I wasn't sure how I was going to get this across. Everyone in Vurstaria trusted the king. To see him as a liar and a manipulator for some would be unheard of. But none-the-less it had to be said. One by one, Vurstarian messengers rushed into the room. After waiting a few minutes for more to come, it seemed this was all of them. A good amount, about 13 messengers. They would surely get this out without fail.

"I have grave news brothers. King S'grasso is dead." Stricken by horror, there was no response. "Upon reaching his quarters last evening, he had told me everything. These imperial guards as my witness, he had showed how he truely was. A selfish and deceptive king."

The reactions of the Vurstarian messengers changed from terror to confusion. Deceptive? They didn't understand what I was telling them. One of the guards spoke up.

"Et'rivvok is correct. The king had stated his declaration to war with the Tempereans and how we were all sent to slaughter. He knew why they had come and that we would not win. He did such to save himself, and only himself."

Hearing it from the guard seemed to convince them, although they were still uneasy from the fact that King S'grasso was a selfish man. How could he do this to them? How could he do this to his people?

"I want you to listen to what I have to say," I took more of a commanding tone here. This wasn't a time to be unsettled. I had to be a leader. "I need this message to be sent out to the people of P'rossara. Citizens from Tr'mala and Quinlos'lo have begun to migrate here due to the fighting taking place in the cities. A few days from now, when the other cities have completely evacuated and the Tempereans grow tired of waiting for us to emerge from P'rossara, I am going to arise to shore and make peace with our foe. The others must know of S'grasso's defiance and what our plan is to end this violence."

I had a satisfied feeling within me. I knew that there was a chance for all of this to end in a peaceful way. I won't let the king's motives continue, his ruling is over and there will be no trace of his cowardly intentions. "You have my orders. Spread the word to the people here in P'rossara. We need to end the carnage set in motion."

Teekeeus had finished pathing up another wound, but yet there was still plenty to be done as more victims of the war seem to pour in on strechers. He was helping stich up a blade wound on a soldiers arm when a messanger had come rushing through the door. "I have news!" the messanger said aloud
"what!? how many more wounded are coming?" A medic said turning from a patient
"No no! I have been told to spread the word that the King has been killed" A few people had gasped and other medics stood from there seats
" you dont seem to undersant, he has caused this war and in order to protect himseelf had sent soldiers to the beach on the first day" The medics sat back down and thought of the news as the patentis did as well, the ones hit the hardest were the medics and slodiers that were actualy on the beach
"Et'rivvok has a plan to make peace with the Tempereans, and very soon the war will be over!" Then the messanger waved and contiued to spread the news.
All through out the rooms they cheerd but it did not last long for at the moment the war was still very alive. Teekeeus finishd the stiching and loged onto a piece of paper. He noticed that the words he wrote began to blend together, taken away by this he looked up and everything had began to blacken, Teekeeus took a step forward swerved and collaped onto the ground. Exaughtion had gotten the better on him.

"Sir, we need your help once again on land. It seems there is trouble with the migration. There were some Tempereans that stayed behind to guard the coastal line, they're terrorizing the innocent trying to get to safety."

This hit me hard. I jolted out of my seat and subconciously rushed out of the room. We need to get these people underwater. I thought all of the Imperials moved on to the other cities. What a foolish thought, of course they'd be protecting their ships. I didn't think there was anyone left along the coast trying to take refuge. Followed by two officers and 4 soldiers, we departed for the surface immediately.

Looking below me as we swam, there was a huge wave of migrators. To think that so many of us lived on land, I wasn't use to seeing so many Vurstarians in one spot. But at least they are safe now. The darkness of the deep began to fade, everything became quiet.

"Be ready for anything. We don't know how many of them were left on shore. We need to get those civilians out of there on the double." Responding with a few nods, the team understood the mission. I was hoping I wouldn't have to resurface for awhile. This shouldn't foil any plans though since the majority of the Tempereans have moved on to the other cities. We'll get in and get out as smoothly as possible. Although I get the feeling it's going to be much easier said than done.

The sky above was losing it's light again. Evening was upon us as we hit surface. I scouted ahead for a bit of recon. There were still a few low fires scattered along the field, their glow illuminated out to the water. Unfortunately that was all I could see. The ships were still docked, there was no sign of Vurstarian or Imperial anywhere with the exception of the dead that lay along their uncovered graves.

"Quiet as you can, we're moving onshore."

The heavily armored soldiers of the Empire were bringing the battle into their favor. Above the ground on the walls of Tr'mala, battle raged on, although one would say it was more of a massacre. The bodies of Vurstarians lay everywhere, either on the wall itself, of below them, as they were thrown from the walls. The great majority were dead, others were very wounded, and some were still fine, although too scared to get up, lest they wanted to meet with the enemy once more.

Below, back on the ground, fifty Imperial hauled a great battering ram to the front gates of the city, smashing it into the metal and wood doors which had been hastily drawn closed and locked before any Imperial could get it. Now, the gates splintered, and pieces of the gate started to weaken. Thousand of Imperial stood in wait behind them, readying themselves for another charge, this time into the city itself.

Xalerion himself now stood by the back of the battlements, allowing his soldiers to run past himself and into the war. He was with some other officers and Imperial Guards, formulating plans and strategies for this battle. He took his eyes off from a map of the city when he heard a scream, and the falling of another building. A hint of sorrow went over his eyes, but they went right back to his job at hand.

The gates burst asunder, and the army charged. About two hundred City Guards stood before them, weapons drawn and ready for battle. Xalerion looked down to them and knew that they would never withdraw nor give up. They would fight proudly to the death...

The battle was over in minutes, as two thousand soldiers rushed into the city. The five hundred or so who stood upon the walls climbed down to join their brethren. Soon, buildings started to go up in flames, and civilians were dragged from houses. Xalerions eyes widened as he watched soldiers publicly execute civilians. He hastily climbed down from the wall and roared at the men to stop the atrocities that they had started.

To the surprise of the soldiers, they did indeed stop out of fright. The handful of soldiers who started to burn down the buildings and executing civilians were new recruits, not trained by veterans, as everyone else was. They were caught under the contemptible stare of thousand of soldiers. Xalerion approached one of the soldiers whom killed a civilian, only a small child. He sneered and then punched the soldier in the face with his metal gauntlet. Just as the soldier lay on the ground with a fractured jaw and cracked skull, Xalerion brought his foot down upon the soldiers neck, breaking it.

Many soldiers looked upon Xalerion with surprise and fear, as he had never acted that way before. Most of the veterans under him seemed to know that he would do such a harsh thing. Xalerion spit on the dead soldier, and then looked up to the rest of the recruited soldiers.

"We might be in war, but who the hell ever said that innocent civilians.. children.. were involved in this conflict!? Who the hell said that you could torch their buildings after their army retreated!? We follow a code of honor, Imperials. If you don't follow it, then you are nothing more than the scum beneath my boot." Xalerion shouted.

Some of the Vurstarian civilians who had been dragged out from their homes looked upon Xalerion in surprise... but nonetheless, new-found respect. They watched as Xalerion approached them, and surprisingly spoke in near-fluent Vurstarian, telling them that they could return to their homes, and that the Imperials would help to remake the buildings that were destroyed. The Vurstarians nodded quickly, then bustled off back to their homes and stayed within.

The Siege of Tr'mala was a complete Success. And on another note, the ten Imperials who were involved in the atrocities following the victory, were tried for murder and war-time treachery under Imperial Law, thus sentenced to life imprisonment.

We scattered around the war ships, climbing up from all sides in case there were spotters along one side. The silence around us was uncomforting in every way. There was absolutely no one in sight. I refused to accept that fact, there must have been someone here. There's no way they would have left these ships unguarded.

"Sir, come look at this." One of the officers stood over a corpse. It had no armor, no weapons, nothing. "It's a... civilian..." What in the world is wrong with these monsters? Was I wrong about their habits? How could they slaughter innocence? This was completely sickening. "The rest must be here somewhere. I want you to search every part of these ships... Leave no Temperean standing."

This was rediculous. First S'grasso forced us into an unecessary war, and now our people are dying without a true cause. Well I've had enough, tonight I'm out for blood. I filled my mouth with water and dashed off towards the stern of the group of war ships. Everyone else spread out into squads and scattered. There were a lot of rooms and chambers to search. These innocent Vurstarians would be saved, and I'll take out anyone that dares stand in my path.

Soon enough, a small group of one hundred and fifty Imperials were left under the leadership of two Imperial Guards. That group would stay within Tr'mala and guard the city until further orders. The other two thousand three hundred and fifty Imperials marched back toward the shores under the command of Xalerion. Nine soldiers were dragged along in steel chains, as those were the ones being sent to prison for wartime atrocities.

Xalerion and the group came back to the ships and shore at the end of the day, about fifty or so Imperials still stood within the ships, awaiting their arrival. News had come hours before from Quinlos'lo stating a total victory. All cities aside from Xytl'a had been taken, P'rossara would be heavily monitored, but the last land-city would fall before the might of the Empire. Soon enough, an hour had gone by, and the force whom invaded Quinlos'lo returned.

Xalerion looked to their fallen comrades, the nine (excluding the one he killed) prisoners looked on their captors with hateful expressions or sorrowful glances. All were guilty however, therefore their sentences would not be eased. Xalerion turned away, disgusted at his own recruits actions.

"Put them in the bilge of the flagship, they will be heading to the Imperial Prison soon enough." Xalerion ordered a couple of his veteran soldiers.

Many Imperials were slaughtered in search of the civilians. The ships were cleared away and the last of the innocent were sent into the water. The remaining soldiers were just about to take off when voices were heard on shore. "Put them in the bilge of the flagship, they will be heading to the Imperial Prison soon enough." They're back?! To think they took siege of the cities so swiftly. But who were these captives they held with them? Could it be more Vurstarian citizens?

I started to walk in direction of the crowd. One of the officers grasped my shoulder. "Sir, it may be better to retreat. There are great chances their entire force has returned." I looked back with a smile. I knew what I had to do. Whether I was right or wrong of who the prisoners were, I wanted to confront the man that defeated me before. I wanted to talk things through even if it costed me my life. "I'm sorry, brother. But I'm afraid that I cannot retreat. I want 3 of you to remain here with me. The rest return to P'rosara."

As commanded, 3 brave Vurstarians stepped forward. The rest retreated into the water after the saved civilians. It's about time I had a little word with these Tempereans and their ways of war. How dare they take my people captive and treat them brutally. We remained still, waiting for our foe to come aboard. All of those that were on the ship had perished in the long hours of daybreak. But now things would be different. All that mattered to me was that we saved whoever needed to be saved and got them out of harm's way.

I could hear the loud, heavy footsteps of the soldiers coming aboard the flagships. Looking down at my bandage, I refused to accept the wound to even be there. It didn't hurt anymore, I was fighting fit and ready to go. The first few troops had spotted us on deck. I could hear them shouting in disbelief. "S-sir! Vurstarians on board!!"

Shock had spread through the flagship. Swords were drawn and spears lowered at the three lone Vurstarians. Before any soldiers were able to swing a blade, nor give a war cry, a shout came from behind the group of surrounded Imperials.

"Halt! Stay your weapons men, let me see these Vurstarians." The voice came from none other than Xalerion, who pushed his way through the crowd of soldiers.

Xalerion looked upon the faces of the Vurstarians. He spotted the one he had wounded the day before they had invaded the two land cities. A shadow of sorrow passed over his face as he looked upon the bandages that he still wore. Behind Xalerion, the nine prisoners, still chained, looked from the Vurstarians and Xalerion in wonder.

"I had a feeling I would meet you again, Vurstarian." Xalerion said in a kinder voice.

"Indeed, Temperean. However this time it seems things are slightly different." The flagship was smeared with blood. Some of which were of Vurstarian, but most were Imperial. There was a lot to be talked of, but I wasn't sure if this was exactly the right time or spot to chit-chat.

"It seems that your troops were holding innocent civilians hostage here. We've come across occasional bodies on deck." I looked emotionlessly at the man in dark armor. I could tell he was hearing me out like he had done the last time. That made things a lot easier, I must say. "I don't take kindly to such actions, you see. They have been taken care of properly."

Whether it was a smart idea or not, I approached the crowd of Imperials cautiously. However I wasn't afraid. Some of the troops that had their weapons armed stepped out of the way, but they weren't so fond of making way for me. My gaze didn't shift in any way. I made sure to make myself clear. "If it isn't too much trouble, I wish to know what happened elsewhere. Why do you hold your own in chains?"

Xalerion sighed as he heard that more of his own soldiers had killed Vurstarian civilians, or enslaved them within his own ships. As he watched the angered Vurstarian approach him and ask the question, he glanced back at his own prisoners.

"You would like to know about these men? Why they are chained? Well... to put this bluntly, it is exactly the reason why you killed my Imperials aboard this ship. I caught these men.. mere recruits.. committing wartime atrocities.. I will not go into detail. They will be dealt with like all who commit such acts, lifetime imprisonment within the Imperial Prison."

"Imprisonment you say..?" To me, that wasn't enough. I don't know how many of our own they slaughtered, but I wasn't going to let their justice rule over. They must be destroyed for harming innocence. I lashed my tail against the ground as the blades of my battle claws made a slicing sound against each other. "Unfortunately, I don't see that as commendable. They've butchered innocent civilians, they must be justified with the same fate."

I could see the fear building in their eyes. My eyes grew cold as I glared at them. I had no intentions of letting those chained up for murder off this shore with their lives. Returning my gaze at the man in black armor, I kept a relaxed tone, although I meant it to be harsh as well. "Judgement stands now. I will be their executioner."

Xalerion closed his eyes and looked piercingly into the Vurstarians eyes.

"I have lived since the wars of the last age, as I'm sure you have as well. What does killing these men give to the men that they killed. Blood for blood does not work, it did not work with my Lords death, it shall not work today in this age. They would not harm another Vurstarian even if they held a weapon now, they would be too afraid... not because of the weapons you brandish, your angry temperament... but because of the shame they shall carry until they die. They have been forsaken by an entire race, they have been shunned by their own people, and they will deal with a judgment set by their own people. I am sorry, but I will not let you kill these men, even if they do deserve every bit of it."