S2:CH4

"Ravena, Vontur.... House Deschenel..."

The new general Nathaniel looked into the map of Selyria to see what to do in this current timeline. He had just let inside a former Royal Ranger from Ravena. And it would seem as if he was not interested in joining the Vonturian Army. With his newly made Royal Expeditionary Regiment, he was stern in making new plans for this newly reformed force.

"We're taking back Ravena." He then said. As Harling looked at him, while holding the baby, by which he named Ira, he knew that this would be another bloody war.

The Republic of Vontur found itself recruiting more men, arming their soldiers, getting their plans set, and building siege weapons like trebuchets, catapults, and rams. One siege weapon was particularly in set however. It was a ballista, but it was covered in steel, wood, and fireproof material. It wasn't just a regular ballista, but a ballista tank. They new that this will not be easy. And in doing this, they would have to train themselves even more than before.

Nathaniel then got to his horse to leave Harling and the new child. He knew that doing this would not be easy. And if he wants to take back Ravena, he knew that the only way to do that...

Was to unite the Regiments...

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2 Months Later

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Back in Karthus, the Red Blood Regiment became champions of the people, as their presence encourage peace, order, charity, and prosperity especially to the common folk. The Black Valkyrie Regiment would reform its leadership. And the Golden Eagle Guard would be incredibly loyal to the the Magrins. With their missions in Karthus already finished, they got to the castle grounds to finish their recruitments. They got the service of Sir Onyx, who was raised by wolves in the southern forests. Sir Thomas, who was once a homeless person, and now got their share of stable income from joining the regiments food supply. And while he's still just a cadet, he still seemed to be very willing to join. Sir Connor, who was an excellent fighter, and Sir Neat, who was a fine addition to the archers of the regiment, were also present. There was also Sir Jim, ready to befriend the new recruits, and Chul-Moo going along with it. Everything was set for their forces to have more missions.

They decided it be best if they got them to be introduced first to the rest of the regiments. As more and more people came, they began to march to their new base.

The tavern was then filled with people who wish to enjoy their now newly formed lives. Some had now seen fortune, others, a call to adventure, Some wish to help the poor more, while others wanted to test their strength as they now served under King Magrin and Queen Aria. They now served under Karthus.

Moving on with the celebrations, the officers went outside for some fresh air. And with the new recruits that followed, another person seemed to look oddly familiar.

She had wings behind her body, her uniform looking rather too formal. She blended well with the other new recruits. As he walked towards this person, it seemed that she was talking with another person, who looked to be another new recruit. Sir Kai would see them, and realized who it was.

Trouble...

"Now now comrade. Let's not get ahead of ourselves yet." Kindred gently stopped him using his arms. Kai would then nod and follow suit. More regiment members would then see what was going on, although most were still enjoying their ale. "Let me handle this." the general then said.

He got to the scene and clearly saw who it was. Wearing her old uniform, it was her all along who managed to slip past through the doors of the tavern. It was obvious for Kindred and Kai however, on who it was.

"Well hello there young ladies. It seems you have taken interest in the Red Blood Regiment again." Kindred's voice was heard clearly from the crowds in the tavern.

The 2 recruits looked up to see Kindred and Kai greeting them. As the other recruits would move out of the scene, Kindred would smile at this and say "Well, you in particular, seem too pretty to be in this regiment. I'm interested."

"Oh hi there." The woman seemed nervous, then said "We're just new recruits."

Kindred smirked, then walked closer. As the other recruit seemed more and more tense, he then said...

"Come with me, I'd like to talk to you in private."

Kindred then slightly nodded at Kai to signal him to follow without being detected. Then they walked towards a corner of the tavern's second floor. As they stopped, Kai signalled to the Black Valkyrie Regiment what to do. And as they stopped, the regiments were in position.

"Why are you here Crescentia." Kindred said. His voice, now serious, then faced her with a strong tone.

"You know why." Crescentia then said. It had been 2 months since her last arrival. But it seems she is still persistent in following the forces of Ravena. It was strange for him, so he asked...

"We've already had this talk before. Ravena is yours, you've already killed the Royal Family. You have no business here." He said.

"You know that those are not the reasons." 

"Crescentia, I'm already with Mort-"

He stopped. He did not want to escalate the situation. However, to his surprise, she then said...

"I know."

He then noticed something. It was blood, on her hand. Which was strange at first to him. However, as sparks of light began to form, he knew that this would mean trouble. He looked at Kai, and the other men on his left, ready to strike. But as he saw his right, soldiers dressed in green were then seen approaching him.

Not good...

Downstairs, everyone was still having a great time socializing and getting to know the other regiments. The most notable exception being the Black Valkyrie Regiment given the fact that they do not like to disclose much information to their comrades.

"I can help you in life Lady Aida."

"I can cook and I can protect you Lady Aida!"

Two men were heard from the bar stools looking at Lady Aida in full inspiration. Sir Jacob, and Sir Carnor both competed to gain appreciation from the lady. But little do they know that Aida was not interested in this matter.

"Lady Aida, I can do anything for you!" Said Sir James. But their acts of blind following to her soon were interrupted when a loud bang was heard on one of the big tables on the bar. When they all looked...

BAM sounded a loud thud from the center table.

It was Kindred. Tossed out by an explosion to then fall to what they were currently looking at. Looking at this, Aida then said to the boys...

"Well can you protect us from this attack?"

Suddenly, the rest of the regiments began to arm their weapons. As Aida moved to Kindred, she saw from the catwalks that a large hole had been made on the roof by the explosion.

"Great, another reperation payment for Uri." Kindred said, while his arms and back were bleeding and was in pain from the shock.

The 4 Regiments began to fight the soldiers and shapeshifters across the bar. Morticia herself became confused by the scene, as well as the others, but as they saw the shapeshifters coming from the hole, they quickly drew their weapons to face them.

The battle was fierce, but was short. Suddenly, they retreated. And without notice, they found themselves in a mess of a tavern. As the other soldiers began to chase down the other shapeshifters. Kindred held a fist up and said "Halt!"

The regiments stopped. Kindred thought for a moment. And it would seem that the shapeshifters are more in line with baiting them to come outside. So Kindred ordered the regiments to stay on guard. Perhaps, they would be more safe if they do not go out. And he was right. Soon, the Karthusian military had arrived. All the regiments then heard was a full battle outside. And as they went out to reinforce their allies, the Clan would then retreat and run away. As the Karthusian Military would then escort them back to the castle. 

As they arrived, the allies would be surprised as they would suddenly stop. A large man stood in front of them, dressed in full plate armor. It seemed to be nothing much of an incident, but on his shoulder lies a particular symbol that everyone knew. The guard captain of the Karthusian Military said "Impossible." at this feat.

It was a soldier, from The Rotten Veterans. As Kindred would smile upon this, the rest soon followed.

"Is he?" Kai asked Kindred, who looked at him and nodded. It was all too obvious as his towering appearance sparked countless legends across the minds of the comrades. 

"What is this?" Asked the legend.

"Well good sir, we are the regiments of Ravena. We're currently on a mission." Kindred replied. He had already met an equally astounding individual named Donk Tonk, who was also there at the Siege of Ravena.

"Alright then." The Rotten Veteran said.

The Regiments took their rest in the castle grounds. But the Red Blood Regiment, being Democratic and their ideology against the Monarchy, gave way for them to move out into the town park.

"We need a plan." Morticia stated. The reds then formed a line to talk about the situation. As they talked, Kindred noticed something from the far distance. They continued, but pretty soon, the others took notice.

"General. She's here." Sir Jim said. 

A loud thump was then heard, and it revealed the large bird that they saw before. The one that broke the tavern's door. The large Raven that suddenly flew away. 

"Kindred."

The creature spoke. Its voice hissing in anger as it sounded more like a loud growl. The red soldiers looked at her in fear. And it became worse when her soldiers followed along. But as the creature spoke, Kindred then realized one thing.

The voice...

The arrival...

Her men...

The bloody wrist...

It was Crescentia...

"GAAAAAARRRRGHHHHH!!!!"

A loud roar went out of the Red Blood Regiment as Ragnar's son saw the Clan in full uniform. His breath had a faint smell of alchohol, making it obvious that he is still drunk. Kindred then ordered his comrades to have a shield formation. But Ragnar had other plans. He charged through the line and arrows rained down on him. His armor was strong enough to prevent them from piercing his chest and shoulder, but as he got to the large creature, it cried in pain.

"You and me. Duel. Now!"

Ragnar yelled. And the clan stopped attacking him. The bird let out a sinister laugh, echoing through the field. Some of the comrades threw up in fear, as some were struggling to even hold their formation. Kindred's heart began to pound harder. The only way to defeat this monster, was to work together. But Ragnar, with bravery as high as the mountains, challenged the monster still.

The Bird ordered its comrades to stop. And it revealed herself to be Crescentia, by showing a royal garment that was familiar to Ravena. As she looked at the Half-Orc, she towered herself up to meet him. As the orc then raged and attacked using his axe, swinging with immense power, but the Primal Bird was too quick and dodged it easily. Her wings flapped, and sent the others away, making Ragnar slide back slightly.

"Ragnar stay in your position!" Kindred said with a shout.

The general knew that this was a suicide attempt. A monster being fought alone is never a good strategy. And as much as possible, he wanted less casualties.

"We can't just leave him behind like that!" Morticia stated. But Kindred was thinking of an idea on how to do that. Dispersing the line would only let the avian shapeshifters pick them one by one. And charging would only weaken their line. He then got the idea.

"Artemis, Aida, William. Order the archers to fire at will. The others will pull Ragnar out of the field." Kindred ordered.

"Aye sir." They all replied.

Quickly sprinting, the scout division ran towards ragnar and quickly pulled him out of the fight. As they got him off, several wound then were present at his body. However, Ragnar still wanted to fight. So Kaku, and Kai put him down to prevent him from standing up. But as he looked at the scouts, they were being destroyed by Crescentia. He wanted the men to fall back. But the Clan was about to encircle them, so he countered attack by charging in order to prevent the encirclement. And soon, the battle raged on.

Kindred swung his sword and slashed a shapeshifter, then rolled to dodge an attack. He used a smoke bomb to escape the 3 other soldiers pointing at him. Morticia swung her axe with full might, while trying to dodge the others, she used the handle to poke at an enemy at the side, then climbed on top of Goner to jump then slash at another opponent. Kai used his sword to injure a bear shapeshifter, but then signalled to kindred about his move. Kindred raised a hand telling him to hold. Artemis, Aida, and William were in range, but soon, the shapeshifters saw their location and began to run towards them. Luckily, Kaku was there to defend. But he could only fight against 2 enemies. As more began to follow along, Tifffany ordered them to regroup towards Kindred's location. And as they got to their new position, Kindred then said to Kai...

"Now!"

Kai then cast a spell in which he, using his hands, let out waves of fire to encircle them. The only thing that the Clan could do was to wait out the fire. As the archers, especially Aida, Artemis, and William, were too accurate and deadly to risk an attack by the flying shapeshifters. But as they looked at their ranks, someone wasn't part of them.

They then saw Null, who helped them back then, but his dagger now pointed at Morticia. Kindred looked at the scene in horror, as if Null had betrayed them.

"Kindred, what can you say now that you might trade a soul for a soul eh? I have my orders."

Kindred's look shifted from Null, to Morticia, who was still struggling to let go. The regiments then pointed his swords at him. Then as the sound of loud flaps were heard, it had seem that they now got away.

"Well then. I guess my facade is over." Null then said.

Kindred then sighed in relief, but Morticia  looked at him with a slight glare. Kindred then asked...

"Are you alr-"

"The battle's not over." Morticia interrupted.