Nach-Exil Joint Occupation Negotiation [FanT/IC/Private]

[Remnants of Exilvania]

The Exilvanian ZZ Officer seemed unimpressed by Angelika's words. Below the mask, Klersk Vormyn grimaced, asking himself why the hell he had to deal with such a fury. Her tirade was grating to his nerves and he wondered why she hadn't bee made to shut up yet. That was when he noticed that his men were hesitating to Approach her. Oh, it was definitely not because of any concern for their own health. Angelika was not in any condition to put up much of a fight, not that the Xers had cared if she had been armed and at full health. But some of the words within her tirade were aimed at hearts and minds rather than organs and bones. Doubt over wether they were doing the right thing had formed. They didn't want to be in the service of some sort of splinter group. It appeared that he had to make his orders clear again.

With an annoyed grumble he grabbed one of the nearby grunts by the collar and pointed at the Oberste Führerin, hissing:

"I said. Take! Her!"

, before letting go of the grunt and nearly throwing him at Angelika. The grunt did, after stumbling forward a few feet, regain his balance before levelling his weapon at Angelika and saying:

"Comply."

Considering that the gas thrower pointed at her or the Exilvanians around her hadn't made the Oberste Führerin relent yet, it was an entirely unnecessary thing to do as it was unlikely to yield any results. True to that, the rifle grunt only received a death glare from Angelika as well as some of her spit onto his visor as she spat at him in contempt. The grunt wiped it away, grumbling about it:

"Alright, the hard way then."

He secured his weapon to his back and approached Angelika slowly, carefully. While Exilvanians were ready to take pain if it came...why tempt fate too much? Two other troopers, who had so far remained at Angelika's side, mirrored his movements. She was surrounded by them, wounded and tired after beating the Yeuzuishan filth. But Angelika was a born warrior and tyrant and would not go down without a fight. With her dress already practically torn apart completely and her heels pretty much broken and gone, she was not hindered in her movements at all anymore. And despite being vastly outclassed here, she put up a valiant fight. When one of the Exilvanians made the first attempt to grab her arm, she immediately retaliated, using his hold to pull him close and smash her knee right into his crotch, releasing his hold of her hand again as the Exilvanian sank towards the ground, holding his mangled privates.

She didn't have the time to finish the downed trooper off, the other Exilvanians already exploiting her opening towards them. One of them delivered a brutal kick into her left leg's popliteal, making her bend the knee on that leg and nearly fall to the ground. The other Exilvanian tried rushing her from the front to perhaps push her onto her back but she used her other leg to catapult herself forward and upwards, smashing her head right against the Exilvanian's chin and making him tumble back as well. Another one taken out for a good while.

However, this maneuver was what ended her futile resistance as the next thing she felt was a weight coming down on her from behind. Already not standing steadily on her legs and with a lot of forward momentum still in her, the final Exilvanian's tackle brought her down, with her landing hard on her front and the weight of an Exilvanian pressing down on her. The grunt on top of her acted quickly, positioning himself in her Center, grabbing a hold of her arms and pulling them there while staying mostly out of reach of her legs which she kicked back for a while in a futile attempt to hit him. But that was already the end. And she knew. Though she'd never admit or concede defeat, instead spewing insults at the Exilvanians.

Meanwhile her Hands were cuffed on her back by their wrists, her feet were cuffed by their ankles and then a chain coonected the two cuffs forcing Angelika to form an 0 shape with her arms and legs behind her back. Lastly, when the Xers grew annoyed of her words, they snuck a ballgag into her mouth when she inhaled air for the next wave of insults, quickly forcing it in and fastening the straps belonging to it behind her head.

Now that they finally had Angelika securely packaged, someone new, who must've entered the basement while Angelika was distracted with fighting, approached quickly. It was a female Exilvanian, the first one Angelika had seen aside from the Ordo's assassins ever since she had met the Exilvanians in person. She wore a blue uniform, much like her male compatriots though hers clearly was less combat oriented. That aside she wa also wearing a white armband with a strange mark, a red drop of blood with two red batwings. The Exilvanian grunts quickly made way for the woman as she headed for Angelika, next to which she knelt down and set her bag on the ground. Angelika couldn't do much more than issue muffled grunts and moans what with the restricting gag in her mouth as the woman started looking her over. She seemed to spend a lot of time on Angelika's broken arm, at first just looking it over, then touching it, carefully, and applying pressure to certain points. Whenever she pressured a point that seemed painful to Angelika, she pressed on it three times. First when she found it, a second time to make sure it wasn't just a mistake...and a third time apparently just for fun, though Angelika couldn't quite tell since she wore a mask.

The woman gave the ZZ officer a thumbs up who then motioned for his by now recovered infantrymen to continue with their work. Angelika was quickly placed in some sort of plastic sack, not unlike the ones in which bodies were placed. Then the Xers used the zipline to close it, though they stopped just before sealing her in completely, letting her face remain. Above her appeared now the soulless gasmask of the ZZ officer who said:

"Who ordered this? The ZZ Reichskommandant himself ordered this should the opportunity arise. Aw, of course he didn't tell you. The good hunter never tells his Prey that he is looking for it."

And then the zipline was closed and Angelika was surrounded by darkness inside the sack. She could feel herself being lifted up by a pair of massive hands and carelessly slung over an equally massive shoulder. And then they were moving. She could feel it as the shoulder she was on went up and down.

Meanwhile down below, Vormynsk checked his pocket watch, cursing at the time. Far too much time had been wasted here. He looked around and saw Clementine in the Corner. His first thought was to kill her...but then he thought why? Clementine was additional leverage against Angelika as long as she was in their custody. It wouldn't hurt having her either. He motioned for the nurse to check up on Clementine, which she did without a comment...though she did roll her eyes at that. Already just a cursory glance seemed to be enough for the nurse for she quickly retrieved a scalpel from her bag before looking up at Vormynsk.

"She's dying. A precision cut or air injection into her throat is required. Should I?"

Klersk nodded.

"We might still get some use out of her. Do it."

The cut was made swiftly and with a precise hand, almost too fast for the normal eye to follow. In one moment metal flirred over Clementine's neck and in the next blood started to seep out, though in manageable quantities. Vormynsk looked over at his subordinates, commanding:

"Bag her up as well."

Meanwhile up above Angelika was carried through the gas filled house, past ZZ grunts who were already retreating from the compound, retreating back to where they came from. The bag she was in acted as her protection. It was relatively simple plastic but it had been proofed with a spray the Exilvanians used to protect their protective clothing from the effects of their own weapon. Much like waterproofing spray other people put onto their boots.

Once they were outside the house, they also left the gascloud and got onto the street, which was littered with the corpses of dozens, no, hundreds of Yeuzuishans. Many of them showed clear signs of having been killed by the gas though there were also many others who had been killed by bulletwounds instead. Exilvanians stood around, chatting with each other and keeping an eye out while the massive Veteran carried Angelika over to a truck that was standing ready.

[Nachfolgia]

The Todesengel flew as fast as they could towards their distressed Oberste Führurin. It was a considerably short distance, a kilometer at most, but every second counted. They could easily miss their objective by fractions of a second. So, the Todesengel focused most of their magic output on the thrusters for acceleration. Only the sensory Todesengel dedicated some of her output on keeping track of the Oberste Führurin. They were not going to let the Exilvanians take their leader without a fight.

The Schildmadchen that were also converging on the location had a little more trouble getting there. Despite their enhancements that greatly boosted their speed beyond human capabilities, they were still limited to the ground. The elite body guards of the Oberste Führurin had to weave through the streets and alleyways, reducing their speed significantly. Unfortunately, the Schildmadchen would not be there at the time the Todesengel do.

It didn't take long for the Todesengel to reach the Exilvanians. Flying in from all sides, the Todesengel surrounded the Exilvanians and their truck, weapons at the ready and gliding around in a circle above them.

" Halt, Xers! You are under suspicion to be in possession of the Oberste Führurin of the Reichsmilitarstraat of Nachfolgia. Where is she?" The Todesengel Commander demanded authoritatively.

The Sensory Todesengel quickly scanned the area while the commander was talking. She immediately spotted the unmistakable signature of the Oberste Führurin in the back of the truck.

" She's there. In that body bag in the back of the truck. " The Sensory Todesengel spoke up, pointing to the truck

The commanders looked where her comrade was pointing and then back at the Exilvanians, this time aggressively pointing her weapons at them.

" Release her immediately! Reinforcements are on their way to this location, you have no chance of escape. Do not make this any more difficult. Enough blood has been spilled today." The Commander ordered, the rest of the Todesengel following the body language of their leader. By this time more Todesengel, the survivors of the dogfight, joined their sisters in the confrontation. The Schildmadchen were not far behind them.

Back in the square, things had calmed down for the most part. The heavy Nachfolgian reinforcements had pushed back the Yeuzuishan rebels from the square and was now securing it. Many of the soldiers in the square now were tasked with clean up while others moved through the streets to secure the outer sectors. Soldiers and medics began collecting the bodies of their fallen brothers and sisters as well treating the survivors.

Some of the other soldiers, mostly SS personnel, began to comb through the bodies of the countless locals that littered the square. Their orders were to kill any local survivors that had not died during the battle. The Nachfolgian High Command, or any Nachfolgian really, could care less about tending to the wounded Yeuzuishan. They had rebelled and so their punishment was death. Under orders, SS and Army soldiers alike shot any local that was still alive, even taking a bit of enjoyment out of it.

One SS soldier took it a bit personal when he found a wounded Yeuzuishan. Slinging his weapon behind him, the SS soldier knelt down on the Yeuzuishan, his knee and weight on the man's chest. The Yeuzuishan man grunted in pain in response to his stomach wound as well as the weight of the larger Nachfolgian.

"[ You filthy Yeuz! My brother is in this square somewhere. I pray to the Dread Sister that he took as many of your inferiors with him as he could.]" The SS soldier said as he took off his helmet so the Yeuzuishan could see his face. The Nachfolgian had dusty blonde to light brown hair with the sides shaved to a fade. His face was narrow with a strong jaw line, resembling a very young but strong man. His prominent brows shadowed his bright blue eyes that seemed to glow ever so faintly. Overall, he was very typical of a Nachfolgians soldier.

The soldier pulled a knife from the sheath on his shoulder and pointed it towards the Yeuzuishan's throat. "[ Life for a life...]" The Nachfolgian muttered. The Yeuzuishan tried to plead in his native tongue, but he was quickly silenced as the knife slid into the fleshy part of his throat. The Yeuzuishan grunted and gargled in his own blood before falling silent. The Nachfolgian held the knife in the local's throat for a few moments before pulling it out, wiping the blood off and putting it back in the sheath. He then stood up, out his helmet back on and continued on with his duties.

Back at the stage, several SS personnel rushed the platform and began to search the bodies. There they found two survivors, Heith and the Reichskommadant himself. The soldiers called out for the medics to bring some stretchers for the wounded. Four medics immediately rushed up the stair with carriers and began to load Heith up onto one.

Two of the medics began to dress the wounds Haegler had sustained, surprised that he was still alive despite the gaping head wound. A nearby SS officer was watching the medics and stepped in to give orders.

"[ Get him to the field hospital. He'll be treated by us and given back to the Exilvanians when he recovers.]" The officers said before turning his attention to another body that was lying in the stage. He observed the headless body for a moment, trying to identify it. The skin tone and torn straight jacket resembled that the witch that had caused all of his chaos. The officer deduced the body to be of the witch and that it could still be of value to the Reich.

"[ Secure this body immediately and take it to the FOB! ]" The officer called out to some nearby soldiers. A group of them quickly responded and rushed to secure the witch's body in a body bag and hauled it away.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

Hectic activity ensued among the Exilvanians on the ground as the Nachfolgian Todesengel raced across the sky towards the Exilvanian unit, the traces of their Striker Units clearly visible in the sky. So when the Todesengel arrived to the Scene, they were looking at raised guns and the supplementary software installed in their helmets sent them warning signals that the enemy had a lock on them for guided weapons. Swathes of green gas flew through the air as it dissipated into thin air, making visibility in this tense stand-off ever so slightly more difficult.

One of the Xers, obviously someone with some form of authority, his collar marking him as a ZZ X/15, was about to say something in response when another one of the Todesengel spoke up, pointing at the truck where he knew the bodybag was. Given the fact that he could not let this object leave Exilvanian custody nor could he just let These filthy Nachfolgians wave weapons in his face, even if they were flying, he too raised his gun a tad bit more while shouting:

"What is within that bodybag is none of your concern! Now scurry off blondies before we give you a bloody nose!"

The Exilvanians clearly showed no intentions of retreating, obviously thinking quite highly of their own chances. And they weren't particularly wrong to do so, given the back-up the unit could count on. For the moment this part of the city was firmly in the grasp of the Exilvanians, not the Nachfolgians, although the Todesengel could break that firm grip. In the back, one of the Exilvanians got a radio and quickly muttered into it:

"Sektionsleiter, the Nachfolgians are here and demand the package. Should we open fire?"

There was silence on the other end for a while as the soldier held the radio close to his ear, trying to hear any reply that would come while keeping the volume down so as to not risk the Todesengel hearing anything about it. He didn't have to wait Long.

"Curses! Do not engage yet, keep them at a distance. I'll be there shortly and take care of this situation myself."

"Understood, Sektionsleiter."

[Nachfolgia]

The fact that the Exilvanians were ready for the Todesengel's arrival did not deter them. Despite their young age, these witches had the discipline and programming to stand, unwavering, in the face of danger. This, however, did not mean that their preservation of life was non-existent. The Todesengel knew the dangers that the green gases represented. Vague reports suggested that the green gases was deadly, even to individuals protected by NBC elements, but why was at the moment unknown. So the Todesengel kept a safe distance away from the gas, taking great care not to get caught off guard.

Using the inferred optics in her visor, the Todesengel Commander could see the Exilvanian officer through the thick gas. The fact that the Xer had the audacity and balls to not only level a weapon at them, but to lie in her face irked the commander to no end. The Oberste Führurin was in trouble and there was no way their " allies" would get away with it. The Exilvanians were about to make a fatal mistake for standing in the Todesengel's way.

" It is of our concern, Xer! That is our beloved Oberste Führurin you've captured!! I'm not going to ask again, stand down and hand over the Oberste Führurin or we will open fire!" The Todesengel Commander yelled, fed up with the situation.


The Nachfolgian Command Center, located in the Yeuzuishan Royal Palace, has the epicenter of Nachfolgian Occupation since the total victory over the Yeuzuishan government and military. Troop movements, battle plans, supply shipments, and many other duties to facilitate long term occupation are accomplished here. The man at the center of this nucleus is Obergruppenführer Lars Berkhoff, commanding general of the 4th SS Berufsgruppe, the units dealing with the occupation of Yeuzuishan.

Berkhoff managed to escape the massacre at the Treaty Signing as he opted out of going, being too busy overseeing the occupation. Very fortunate as the Command Center is in total chaos. Berkhoff had his hands full moving troops through the streets to clear it of hostiles and reading over combat reports as they came in. Everything was in total disarray and Berkhoff and his personnel were working their asses off to regain order.

One of Berkhoff's men, a young Untersturmführer, was looking through satellite images of the the city from a holographic screen. Most of the dots on the screen with blue indicating Nachfolgian forces. Others were purple with indicated the Exilvanians and still more were red which now represented any known Yeuzuishan rebels. Other parts of the same screen had alpha-numerical codes that represented anything from unit designations to grid coordinates.

Something on the screen, however, caught the eye of the Untersturmführer amongst the crowded screen. Using special interface gloves, he touched the part of the screen he noticed with his index finger and thumb touching before swiftly moving them apart. The finger movements forced the screen to zoom in on that location, revealing a series of 9 black dots, each labelled with a T and a number ranging 1-13 but not in numerical order. The 9 dots were circled around several purple dots, moving aggressively around them.

"[ Herr Obergruppenführer, we've got a situation with the JG63w.]" The Untersturmführer called out to get the General's attention.

"[ What is it now, Untersturmführer? I've got enough to deal with as it is. I don't need more bad news.]" Berkhoff replied as he walked over to the young officer and glanced at the screen.

"[ Herr Obergruppenführer, it appears that Frau Hertling and her Todesengel have surrounded a group of Exilvanians and are flying aggressively.]" The Untersturmführer said, showing Berkhoff the surveillance view.

"[ What?! Tap into T1's helmet and get a visual. We need to confirm what is going on there.]"

The young officer brought up a key board on screen and quickly typed a series of codes. In short time, a live video popped up on screen, showing exactly what the Todesengel Commander was seeing. It was her visor in inferred mode, staring at the Exilvanian officer through thick smoke or fog.

"[ Ugh, bring up the audio. This isn't showing anything.]" Berkhoff commanded again.

The lesser officer once again typed some codes in and immediately audio kicked in and they caught the end of the Todesengel Commander's speech.

"- down and hand over the Oberste Führurin or we will open fire!"

"[ What?!]" Berkhoff exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief. "[ The Exilvanians have the Oberste Führurin?! Do we have a visual to confirm this?]"

" [ T8 is with them, Herr Obergruppenführer. Her sensory ability would have confirmed the Oberste Führurin's presence immediately.]" The officer replied.

"[ Fuck...]" Berkhoff muttered as he stood up straight, placing his hand on his chin. "[ You!]" He said, pointing at another lesser officer after a few moments of thought. "[ Get the 5th Regiment's commander on comms. He needs to get troops over there immediately.]"

The officer replied and began to make all the necessary arrangements with utmost urgency. Berkhoff then turned back to the first officer. "[ Where is Reichskommadant Haegler located?]"

"[ Intel reports mentioned taking the Reichskommadant to the Field Hospital, having serious injuries during the battle.]" The Untersturmführer replied.

"[ Get a detachment there immediately to secure him. If the Xers want to play hostage situation then so will we.]" Berkhoff ordered as a nasty scowl formed on his face.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

Down in the basement below the Yeuzuishan mansion, ZZ Sektionsleiter Klersk Vormyn cursed wildly under his breath, kicking the bodybag on the ground into which his grunts had just sealed Clementine. It earned him a mixed look from the nurse who had overseen Clementine's packaging, disapproval of him intruding on her patient together with sadistic glee, Damned Nachfolgians, no doubt they had some sort of tracker or something on their leader. And the Yeuzuishan cockroaches were not as capable of providing the distraction he had hoped for. They were definitely not worth an existence as anything else but slaves in the deepest and darkest mining pits, to be used untill their biological bodies expired.

Now, the had beens and whys aside, he still had a problem on his hand. If the Oberste Führerin had disappeared during the fighting and not reappeared for a while, things would've remained tense. But it would've given the Exilvanians a more...favourable position to maneuver into. Not to mention all the things they could've done to break the Oberste Führerin. He remembered the briefing the ZZ Reichskommandant had had with him as well as other ZZ commanders very vividly.

[i]"The goal of this entire operation is obviously PR. PR, PR, PR. The fact that we can engage and consider diplomatic solutions to problems is something our fellow neighbours and enemies believe to be alien to us. Already just the fact that we are allowing negotiations will weaken that belief, will weaken their determination against us as it will show them, hey, perhaps these people aren't too bad?

However, should these negotiations break down and the Nachfolgians continue what they do best, aka be brainless warmongers, then, well, we'll have to act. An open fight against the Nachfolgians right now is not within our interests. It detracts from our actual enemies, the Alliance of Nations and weakens our efforts against them. Hence why a contigency retreat is already planned. Scorched Earth policy of course. We won't get all the resources out of Yeuzuishan that we wanted but we'll ensure that anything that isn't stuck to the ground will be taken with us and anything else burned to the ground. Let the Nachfolgians take the diplomatic fallout for Yeuzuishan. They were the primary aggressors and we could still claim to have only invaded to protect the rest of Yeuzuishan from brutal Nachfolgian occupation.

Now, should, during the negotiations, some form of opportunity arise to turn the tides of a potential war in our favour, then it is to be taken immediately. Namely, the opportunity of acquiring the Nachfolgians' leader, the Oberste Führerin. The Young Angelika von Sturmgeistberg shouldn't be too much of a problem. A psychotic barbie doll if I got the dossier correctly. Young, inexperienced and trying to casheer that with acts of baseless brutality and cruelty. If she falls into our hands, we'll use her as bargaining chip against the Nachfolgians. Loyal dogs that they are, we'll have a broad range of opportunities to reign these expansionists back in. And if we add them to our enemies this way, we won't be off too badly either. In the international opinion they rank just above us at the bottom of the barrel. Their strength gains them respect but also envy. Their practices bring them hate and distrust. They won't join the Alliance of Nations so they'll have to bide their time for an opportunity to strike us while we're busy. I do not intend to grant them that opportunity.

Should we have the opportunity to do so, we'll not return the Oberste Führerin they know and love to them. I'd like to be confident in our scientists but I do not believe their methods of brainwashing, hypnosis and mind control to be anywhere near what we'd Need to turn the Oberste Führerin into our puppet. Still, we could try. Should we achieve a success there, she'd be a puppet on my strings and we could marshall the strength of two nations against the Alliance of Nations.

Sektionsleiter Vormyn, as future Sektionsleiter of Yeuzuishan, it is your duty to ensure that these plans are being executed as I want them to be executed. See to it personally while I concentrate on the big picture."

Yes, he remembered it all too vividly. And he had done just as the ZZ Reichskommandant had commanded him to, the moment he had received the report from some ZZ sentry that they had seen the Oberste Führerin on the run from the stage, he had marshalled an entire battalion to converge on her location. They had removed the obstacles in their way and found the Oberste Führerin, not in the least due to the naivete of one of her own bodyguards, showing the Exilvanians the hiding spot. He had found her and subdued her and thus almost executed the Reichskommandant's plan to its full success. But no, these damned witches were going to be in the way and make things difficult. He had heard reports about them and with their highly advanced armour, he would be unsurprised if they had built in radio-communication or perhaps even video-streaming capability. He was under no illusion that he could stay here for long, Nachfolgian troops were most likely converging in great numbers.

The operation was a failure by now. If they released the Oberste Führerin, the negotiations were ended immediately as the Nachfolgians and especcially not their barbie leader would accept this. Perhaps war would be declared as soon as the Oberste Führerin was back to safety. Either that or he could risk using her as a hostage and risk the war rightaway. So he had the choice between possible war and possible war. So basically no choice. His foul mood became quickly noticeable when he hissed at the grunts down in the basement with him to pick up Clementine and get her out another way. He followed.

---

Up on the surface, the radioman received a crackling message from the Sektionsleiter, bluntly stating:

"Use the hostage as human shield. Retreat in an ordered manner. Reinforcements are on their way."

The radioman just radioed back an:

"Understood, Sektionsleiter."

, before he made a sign with his hand to his squadleader who in turn made one to the rest of the squad and then to the muscle packed Veteran and the bodybag. The Exilvanians, slowly, weapons still raised, moved backwards, abandoning the truck while the Veteran slowly grabbed the bodybag. One could almost think they were about to give up the bodybag...till the Veteran kept holding Angelika in the bodybag in one arm and the gas thrower in his other, still pointing it at the Nachfolgians. Angelika's features were not really visible through the bag unless she pressed against it but one could guess from the way he was holding her, that just a tiny bit of pressure applied with his muscled arm, would probably break her spine or snap her neck.

[Nachfolgia]

The Todesengel held their formation firm as the Exilvanians made their response. Tensions rose as it became evident that they Xers were still trying to leave the area with the Oberste Führerin. There was no way that they were going to they just walk away with their esteemed leader, but now the concern that causing her death. If they tried to go for her and a fire fight ensued, the Exilvanians could just kill her and be done with it. As of right now, the Exilvanians held all the cards.

Not letting them just walk, The Todesengel mirrored the Xers movements while the commander thought of a plan to save the Oberste Führerin. It was at this point some of the Schildmädchen finally arrived, boosting the numerical advantage the Nachfolgians already possessed. The Schildmädchen came with their own threats and demands while brandishing SMG and blades alike. They were quickly hushed by the Todesengel Commander who was now relaying info directly to both the Todesengel's and Schildmädchen's encrypted radio channel.

"[ Here's the plan, ladies. When I give the signal, T11 is going to create a shadow portal under the grunt carrying the Oberste Führerin, teleporting them as far away as possible inside Nachfolgian territory. As they are being sucked in, you Schildmädchen will rush in and go in the portal as well to secure her. T8 will lead T4, 5, 12 to the Oberste Führerin's new location. The rest of us will provide cover and keep any Xers from getting into the portal while it's up. Understand?]"

The Todesengel and the Schildmädchen agreed to the plan set forth and awaited for the signal. Several quietly intense moments before the Todesengel Commander would give the signal.

Without skipping a beat, T-11 quickly manifested a pitch black circle underneath the large grunt and the Oberste Führerin. Immediately, the hard concrete of the Yeuzuishan road disappeared from beneath the grunt as he slipped into the darkness. As soon as the portal was opened, the Todesengel began to open fire and tried to disperse the Xers from the portal. The Schildmädchen, with their enormous speed, rushed in and jumped into the portal after the grunt.

As quickly as the black portal appeared, T-11 closed it as fast as she could to keep the Xers from going through. As soon as T-8 got a location on their leader, she and three other Todesengel broke off from the engagement and raced across the skies towards the industrial section of the city.

On the other side of the portal, the Xer grunt would find himself dumped into a blown out car manufacturing plant total destroyed by the Nachfolgians. Most of the machinery inside the factory was stripped out, leaving behind machines that were crushed when the roof of the building caved in.

Coming in right after the Xer were three Schildmädchen who upon entry into the factory, completely surrounded him with weapons drawn. " Relinquish the Oberste Führerin now, Xer. You can't win this." One Schildmädchen demanded as her SMG was pointed at his head. The Schildmädchen also kept their eyes on the portal until it closed, in case some Exilvanians managed to get through.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

The Nachfolgian plan went off almost without a hitch, the brutish Vet tripping backwards through the portal as the other Xers quickly dove to cover when the Nachfolgians opened fire. Yet the return fire came quickly and was vicious, atleast two troopers going full auto with their assault rifles to prevent the Schildmädchen from getting in, though both being just a tad bit too late, whatever damage they did most likely ngligible. It was one of the last truly notable things the Xers did before before the barrage offered by the Todesengel dispersed them or outright cut them down where they were. This was afterall far from a balanced fight, elite formations of the Reichsmilitärstaat clashing with the more or less regular ZZ grunts.

Alas, the affair was still going to get ugly. The reinforcements were indeed there and several of the witches could soon see the trail left behind by missiles heading straight for them. Avoiding them proved difficult as the missiles continuosly corrected their course, obviously tracking the witches. Little did the Nachfolgians know but the Xers had long modified their anti-air missiles to be capable of locking on and tracing activated magic signatures, something nearly any magic capable creature flying through the air resorted to. Some winged exceptions always existed though. The missiles were also proximity fused so narrowly avoiding them and letting them speed past one wasn't an option either, as the missiles would explode close enough to the witches that the blast would bring them off course and slightly disorient them. Shrapnell usually also rained through the air but given the Witches' armour, it was unlikely to penetrate unless some luck was involed or the missile exploded a lot closer to the witch. Which was curious really, as it was unlikely that the Xers used such weak weapons against airborne threats. The logical conclusion was that the intent was not to kill but to incapacitate the witches.

The origin of the missiles came from the houses and streets behind the Xers. Even just a cursory heatscan showed plenty of weak heat signatures moving in towards the street, unseen by the eye due to the buildings covering them but no doubt very visible to the witches. Had it been summer, the Xers probably wouldn't have been that noticeable but with the low temperatures their low heat signatures were still enough to be identified. This, coupled with the cascade of missiles that just kept coming and coming, the Xers having multiple Vets with their multi-barreled MANPADS in there, probably told the witches that the position they had could not be held. Granted...they didn't need to since they already evacuated the Oberste Führerin.

---

The Exilvanian Vet crashed straight into a car, commendably putting his body between the car and the Oberste Führerin that he was carrying. The force with which he slammed down on the thing easily crushed the car roof and bent it down all the way to the seats which were the only reason to stop it from bending further and tearing. The fall itself seemed to have done very little to the Vet as he jumped out, looked around a bit disoriented before jogging towards the nearest exit he saw...but the Schildmädchen were faster. Nimble little ones that they were to him, they quickly had him surrounded and the wary Exilvanian stopped his jog and kept turning. But all directions had a Schildmädchen blocking them. They couldn't tell what his emotions since he did wear a mask.

"Relinquish the Oberste Führerin now, Xer. You can't win this."

The Xer stayed quiet for a moment before starting to shake. It would take the Schildmädchen a moment to realise that he was laughing, deep reverberating laughter, hacked apart and muffled to basically being unrecognisable by his mask.

"If I lose, she does too."

, he said, butchering the Nachfolgian language as he did so. With one hand he opened the zipper of the the sack he was carrying, just enough to reveal the gagged Angelika's face, finally letting her see what was going on again. His other hand, holding the deadly weapon, he quickly pushed in there as well. The message was clear. If they threatened him, he would use his weapon and most likely kill Angelika. Alas, atleast now she wasn't under an as immediate threat as before, when he could simply snap her neck. The Xers need to taunt and torment the Schildmädchen with a predicament was most likely going to be his downfall.

[Nachfolgia]

The Nachfolgians' plan went exactly as the Todesengel Commander had calculated. The Exilvanian Veteran was now separated from the other Xers with only the Schildmädchen for company. The Todesengel managed to provide enough covering fire for the Schildmädchen to escape into portal without being impeded by the Xers. Now all that was left to do was keep the Xer reinforcements busy.

What the Todesengel Commander did not expect was how difficult that task would be. The Exilvanian reinforcements had arrived in mass and weren't letting the Todesengel room to breath. The Nachfolgians witches quickly scrambled amidst a barrage of small arms fire and missile volleys. Much to their surprised, as they flew through the skies, the Exilvanian missiles tracked their every move, not relenting in their pursuit. The Todesengel were not expecting their traitorous former allies had magic tracking capabilities of this caliber.

The Todesengel zig zagged through the Yeuzuishan skies above that section of the city in attempts to evade the missiles that were firmly locked into them. Many had resulted to simply keeping ahead of the missiles and shot them down, but it proved futile as once one was destroyed, two more would take it's place. The Xers were just continuing to blanket the sky with them.

One Todesengel learned just how deadly the missiles were as she was evading them. The witch let one zip past her dangerously close as a means to throw them off. As the missile past her, it exploded, showering her in shrapnel and fire. Luckily for her, the Todesengel did not succumb to the explosion, having been protected by her armor. However, her Striker caught some of it and began to billow out black smoke from one of the thruster. Her magical output was greatly affected, but was still able to fly.

Other Todesengel relied upon the defensive capabilities of their strikers to overcome the tracker missiles. As some began to evade the barrage, they deployed what was called " Magic Chaff" from their striker's fuselage. This was a set of flares imbued with the witch's own magic signature that shot out the sides of their striker, very similar to regular chaff. This was designed to disorient the tracking ability of the missiles and thrown them off the witch's trail. This worked rather effectively as several missiles detonated prematurely once they made contact with the chaff, but even that wasn't enough for all of them. There was just too many missiles in the air.

Eventually, the Todesengel Commander determined that enough was enough of this chaotic barrage. She didn't want any of her comrades to die here, which seemed more likely by the minute and called over the radio. "[ Fall back, I repeat fall back. We've done our job.]" The Commander gave her orders. The Todesengel quickly scattered to the skies and evaded the missiles until they had vanished into the clouds.



Back at the abandoned automotive factory, the Schildmädchen were now in an intense standoff with the Xer Veteran. The fact that the hulking man was now effectively holding the Oberste Führerin hostage added to the already complicated situation. The Maidens were slowly closing the distance on him until he pointed his weapon at her inside the bag, stopping them cold. They still had their weapons leveled at him in turn, but didn’t dare move closer only to block his path of escape. They certainly didn't want to risk the Oberste Führerin's life until their back up arrived.

It didn't take very long before four of the Todesengel arrived at the factory. They flew inside the building from all sides to quickly take out the Vet. When he turned to face one of them, showing he had a weapon to Angelika, the Todesengel exclaimed "[ Halt!!]". Her and the other Todesengel kicked out their legs to stop their momentum, kicking up dust as they slowed down.

Now the Todesengel were in the same predicament as the Schildmädchen. They couldn't make any sudden movements without the Xer just outright killed their nation's leader. The Exilvanians held all the cards and he knew it, practically flaunting it in front of them. This made them feel helpless which only worsened the situation and increased their anger.

The Exilvanians were treated as comrades, given liberties that none other had been given and they repaid the Reich with treachery. There will most certainly be war and despite the Todesengel wanting their own personal revenge on the Xers, the Oberste Führerin was their top priority. For what seemed like moments of silent stand off was anything but. The Todesengel were secretly communicating with each other on their encrypted channel. They were formulating a plan and as soon as it was fleshed out, they acted upon it.

One of the Todesengel, using her abilities, was the first to act. She quickly manipulated the metal in his weapon, twisting it in an unnatural manner. Her primary focus was the barrel of the weapon and it's trigger, small manipulations that were quick and effective. She closed the front end of the nozzle and twisted the inner workings of the trigger assembly, effectively rendering the weapon useless.

Two of the Todesengel, using their lightning enhanced speed went for the Vet before he could react. While one sliced her arm, forcing him to drop Angelika, the other went for his throat. Her blade pierced his thick neck and it one quick motion, sliced open his neck from the middle all the way through the right side.

Before the Xer hit the ground, the Schildmädchen quickly rushed over to the Oberste Führerin and pulled her away from the man, in the event he still had some fight left. Covered by the Todesengel, the Schildmädchen quickly began to undo the restraints on their charge.

"[ My Oberste Führerin, are you alright?]" One of them said as she took off her gag.

"[ Yes yes, I'm fine. Just get me out of here.]" Angelika replied, disoriented fr the ordeal. By this time, nearby Nachfolgians troops, who noticed the Todesengel fly in, ran inside to investigate what was happening. Seeing the Xer's body, they went to securing the area, aiming their weapons at him in case he was still alive. The Schildmädchen picked up the badly wounded Angelika and helped her towards the Nachfolgians infantry.

"[ We need transport to the hospital, now!]" One Schildmädchen said to the grunt in charge.

"[ Affirmative. Right this way.]" The soldier said as he and his squad led the Schildmädchen to the nearest armored vehicle. They quickly loaded up and sped off to the hospital.


The Nachfolgian Field Hospital itself, once the Darkhit Regional Hospital, had been in chaos since earlier in the day. Those that survived the slaughter at the treaty signing were brought here to treat their wounds. Gunshot wounds, stab wounds, blunt force trauma, ect were all being treated by Nachfolgian medics and doctors.

Due to Nachfolgia's advanced medical technology and practices, most of thewounds Nachfolgian personnel suffered would not prove fatal. Medical salves that healed wounds and cybernetic prosthetics were some of many technological advances that the Reich brought to the country.

It wasn't only the Nachfolgians that were being treated at the hospital, but many Exilvanians were brought here as well. The news of the Exilvanian betrayal had not yet reached the hospital so the Xers were receiving the same medical care. Due to intelligence gathering and friendly cooperation, the Nachfolgians knew of the differing physiology and could thus treat the Xers effectively. Most were given blood transfusions, medical salves, and bandages as standard treatment as well as some pain relief.

Unfortunately, the peaceful cooperation would soon come to an end as an SS Sturmbannführer burst through the front door with dozens of SS soldiers filing in behind him. The officer quickly walked to the front desk as his men began to scatter throughout the hospital. It seemed that any Xer they saw they quickly surrounded and leveled weapons at them.

"[ What is going on here, Herr Sturmbannführer?]" The lead doctor at the front desk demanded.

"[ Every Exilvanian here is to be placed under arrest. When they are medically cleared, they will be taken to the prisoner camp.]" The officer said in a serious tone.

"[ Prisoner camp? What for?]"

"[ The reason is classified , but there is evidence that the Exilvanians violated the treaty and engaged in hostile actions against the Reich. They're lucky they are not being shot on sight for this, but I'm under orders. There's word that the Exilvanian supreme leader is in this building Where is he?]" The officer demanded.

"[ Yes. He's in room 234.]" The doctor quickly answered.

Without saying another word, the officer motioned for six of his men to follow him before walking towards the stairs. The group made there way up the second floor and down the hall until they came to the correct room. The officer quickly swung the door open and his men poured inside with weapons at the ready.

There they found the Exilvanian Reichskommadant still unconscious in his hospital bed. The man had several blood transfusions of the highest quality Nachfolgian blood pumping into his body. He was wired to a heart monitor and colostomy bag, showing a slow but stable pulse. His head and bare chest were covered in bloody gauze. Two of the nurses in the room were changing his bandages when the SS officer burst in, much to their surprise.

"[ Continue what you were doing.]" The officer ordered to which the nurses hesitantly agreed. The officer then turned to one of his men to give him orders.

"[ Restrain him. He is to not leave this room until further orders.]" Before the soldier could turn to complete his superiors demands, the officer grabbed the strap on his body armor and pulled him in closer.

"[ Do. NOT. underestimate these Xers. If anyone comes in here that is not in our chain of command or is an Xer, you shoot on sight. He can not leave here. Is that understood, soldat?]" The officer said threateningly, pointing at the unconscious Haegler.

"[ Yes, Herr Sturmbannführer.]" The soldier replied before being released to accomplish his orders. The soldier in question began to restrain Haegler with special metallic handcuffs and chained him to the bed while the rest of his comrades stood vigilant around the bed.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

The ground shook and with it everything else inside the command tent, the flaps fluttering from the shockwave, the table shacking, the pencils on it trembling and the wine glass filled wit precious blood tumbling over and pouring its content over the map spread out on the simple metal table as the self propelled artillery battery stationed next to the tent fired, sending a volley of 42 cm shells the Nachfolgians' way. But ZZ Sektionsleiter Klersk Vormyn already didn't care about it anymore. Things had simply gradually gone from bad to worse ever since the failed abduction of the Oberste Führerin. Over the course of a few days, the situation had degraded catastrophically and simply keeping things together as they were was taking everything out of him.

He had taken off his mask and thrown it into a corner, revealing below it the face of a young lad, perhaps around Dietrich's age. Ha, perhaps, more like definitely in the same age class. Most high ranking members of the ZZ were Veterans from the prior Battalion Wars, thrown into it as conscripts and having weathered it at the side of the later ZZ Reichskommandant, Dietrich Ekerhart Haegler. They were all more or less the same age and at this young age, their genetical differences didn't come to bear that much yet, leaving the two still looking very similarly aged. In time Vormyn would age slower than Haegler.

With unfocused eyes he stared at the map in front of him, staring right through it without seeing it. He had long memorized anything and everything on it and was at this point simply stressed out. On one hand he was butting heads locally with the military commanders as well as the Governator and the administrative authorities. Not to mention the continuing skirmishes and firefights with the Nachfolgians. Both sides were exerting pressure though neither of them had fully committed yet. Vormyn wondered why. He knew why he wasn't applying pressure, considering that everything around him was disintegrating. But he didn't know why the Nachfolgians weren't on the offensive yet. Both he and the Reichskommandant had thought the Oberste Führerin to succumb to her pride and order immediate war. That she hadn't done so was a good sign...but also a disquieting one as he didn't know what she was up to.

Worse was the situation at the homefront. While here he was without a doubt the highest ranking ZZ member and the others below him would not conspire against him, he was in constant talks with ZZ leaders from Exilvania, forming coalitions and alliances, seeking to do everything in his power to stay on the superior side of the ZZ as it slowly fractured over disagreements over who should lead and how. Under the Reichskommandant they had been united but with him gone, a message that had quickly spread only among the high echelons of the ZZ as well as in Yeuzuishan, they did not trust each other to lead. And even if he brought up again and again that the Reichskommandant was in Nachfolgian custody and technically within their reach, nobody had the resources to spare to attempt a rescue mission. Least of all the best they had for such missions, the Ordo Crudelitatis, having deserted almost the moment the news of the Haegler's disappearance spread. Currently Vormyn was completely focused on preventing the Ordo operatives in Yeuzuishan from establishing any communications with the mainland as they would doubtlessly use the disappearance of Haegler to their advantage at home to toplle the ZZ rule. Not that he held any illusions about being successful with that. Hopefully the Ordo would wait it out, wishing to see the ZZ struggle in a losing fight as it tore itself apart rather than intervene personally.

Vormyn closed his eyes, merely wishing to give his eyes some rest. But the stress over the last days had been too much for him. Despite the sound of the artillery firing outside, despite his uncomfortable position in a simple, foldable chair, he fell asleep, giving himself to nightmares of guilt and inadequacy.

---

Dietrich wasn't dreaming a pleasant dream. A seemingly neverending dream of pain and suffering that just seemed to repeat itself ad infinitum. In one moment he was back in his early childhood, living through the trauma of the great sibling slaughter. He so vividly remembered the fear, the shock, the adrenaline that kept pumping through his bloodline as he kept avoiding death so very, very narrowly. All of that to the hoarse and raspy laughter of his hated father.

In the next moment he was in an all too familiar room. His bedroom. No, he corrected himself, their bedroom. A look just to the left showed the other person in the room. A woman, long red hair, charming physique and normally probably a face you'd kill for...if it wasn't contorted by such a repulsed expression. She was doing her hair, combing it and preparing it for a ball they'd both attend soon. He remembered that she had spent almost 8 hours on it, no doubt on purpose to make him wait. Not to mention all the snide comments she directed at him or even screaming at him and slapping him when he suggested that she finished. He was young back then, he didn't know how to behave, how to assert himself. He was weak.

Then he was suddenly staring at snowy ground, focusing all his thoughts and efforts onto putting one foot before the other. The snow was deep, going way past his knees, making moving forward a pain. Every bone and muscle in his body was aching, every nerve and his entire skin were crawling and hurting from the immense cold. His coat and the bear pelt he had taken from one of the Tundran Polar Bears really didn't help at all. And then there was this soul crushing hopelessness that just made him want to drop over and give up. He remembered it. It was after their ultimate defeat in the Tundran Territories. When they had been forced to retreat through the icy north. Starved and without supplies, harassed by the Tundrans, many had perished.

And then, last, there was Angelika. He tried to reach out but she turned away. He tried to talk to her, fearing that he had done something wrong but she just delivered a backwards kick straight in his balls, her sharp heel doubtlessly impaling one. With pain surging through his body and him on his knees, she finally turned around, her usually beautiful face a demonic representation of rage, not unlike the one of her own dark goddess, as she suddenly grew sharp nails and started tearing apart his mask as she showered him with insults. Bloody cuts appeared on his face after she had torn through his mask and she started peeling away his skin. He tried pushing her off but found himself restrained by her Schildmädchen who slowly broke his arms and legs while Angelika sat on top of him, clawing at him and inbetween screaming insults at him ate parts of his flesh and skin, his blood colouring her full lips as though she had used some sort of lipstick.

When Dietrich awoke, cold sweat had gathered all over him and he was breathing heavily. He had one hell of a headache but his wound had definitely healed. During the several days of coma he had spent with the Nachfolgians, they had of course noticed their patient's condition. His body had been restless, his breathing hectic at all times. He used to mumble in his coma, giving whoever listened small glimpses of what he could have been dreaming of. Meanwhile the normally deadly headwound had regrown almost perfectly. All that was missing was the hair really.

[Nachfolgia]

"[ Incoming!!!!]"

One SS soldier yelled out as the whining sounds of artillery shells echoed through the area. The SS soldiers along the battle lines quickly hit the ground and covered their heads as Exilvanian artillery crashed into the ground. Each round shook the ground, kicking up dirt and concrete. Some of the rounds would hit the battle lines, destroying fortified positions and trenches while others rained down in the buildings behind. This would go in for several minutes as it had for days now.

Since the failed kidnapping of the Oberste Führerin, the Nachfolgians and Exilvanians went from allies to sworn enemies in a matter of hours. Battle lines were drawn up and constructed, practically across the street from one another. Much to the dismay of the already weakened Yeuzuishan public, both side have conducted a pseudo-war within the city, engaging in skirmishes and small artillery barrages just to harass each other. It was very similar to two kids slap boxing, not doing any real damage to each other but still considered a fight. Both the Nachfolgians and Exilvanians seemed to just be passing the time until given the real orders to annihilate the other.

As the artillery barrage died down, the hunkered down Nachfolgian SS quickly got back to their feet. Several Læknir, the Nachfolgian medics, sprang to action and ran down the fortified positions, checking on any wounded. More SS rushed from the buildings behind the line to fill I any gaps left behind by enemy artillery.

One SS slowly peeked up over the sandbags to get a quick look at the Exilvanian position before ducking back down. Right across the four lane highway was the Exilvanian position, just as dug in and permanent as their own.

"[ Kohlmann, why doesn't the high command just give the order to attack? These Xers don't seem like they want to fight.]"

"[ It's because they're no position to make any sudden movement. I heard that the Oberste Führerin as the Xer supreme leader in her custody. The Xers don't want to risk us killing him.]" kohlmann replied, checking the magazines he had on him.

"[ I say the Oberste Führerin should just execute him outright and be done with the whole fucking thing.]" The first soldier replied back as he heard the distant boom of friendly artillery firing.

"[ Yeah, wouldn't that be a spectacle.]"

"[ Quiet on the line!!]" A Scharführer yelled as he walked past them, causing the two to hastily get into battle positions. He then turned his attention to a soldier Manning a machine gun. "[ Soldier, what are you doing?! Give the Xers a few bursts to let them know we're still here!!]" The Scharführer yelled to which the soldier immediately began to return fire.



When Haegler awoke, he found himself in a rather cold, dimly lit room. The stone walls and floors quickly led him to believe he was not in a hospital, but something akin to a medieval dungeon. No windows, one heavy metal door, and no light, aside from the light fixture overhead. It was anything but comforting, hunting itself at the grave situation he was facing.

Despite him not being in a hospital, Haegler was indeed strapped to a rather large hospital bed. His metal restraints, being of high grade steel, was padded in a way it did not cut into his wrists. He was hooked up to several monitors and blood bags, giving him much needed nourishment. He may not have had bandages on him, but it was obvious that he had received medical treatment. This was astonishing as it seemed like he was also a prisoner, probably the most comfortable a prisoner has ever been in Nachfolgian custody.

This dark, damp, jail cell was anything but empty as Haegler would notice several dark figures lined around the room. He was being guarded by six SS soldiers, armed and ready to shoot him if need be. In fact, when he first woke up, the SS guards leveled their weapons at him immediately.

While the guards still had his at gun point, one guard turned towards the door and knocked on it, the metallic sound echoing through the room. The door opened, by someone on the outside, and the SS guard walked through, the door closing behind him. A few minutes passed before the door opened again and a woman walked in, the last woman Haegler probably wanted to see.

Oberste Führerin Angelika von Sturmgeist walked in room, followed by four of her Schildmädchen. She seemed rather normal with her usual garb, but something was definitely off. She had taken some physical damage. Her once beautiful and flawless face was now covered in Band-Aids and bruises. They would heal, but a couple of the cuts would leave scars. Her right arm was now in a case and supported by a sling, from what Haegler could tell from what was sticking out of her overcoat.

Angelika quickly motioned for the SS guards to leave the room. She wanted only herself, Haegler, and her Schildmädchen present in the room. When the door closed behind her, Angelika finally spoke.

" It is good to see you finally awake, Herr Reichskommadant. Did you have a nice nap? Experience some nice dreams? Judging from your mumblings, I'd say it was about me...but it didn't seem all that pleasurable, did it? More like a nightmare than a dream., Correct?" Angelika paused for a moment to look at Haegler more closely.

" My...Frau Aleifrdottir did a number on you. Four 9mm rounds to the center of the chest and twice in the head. Quite an excellent shooter, isn't she, Herr Reichskommadant? I bet it hurt, maybe even excruciatingly so. Frau Aleifrdottir almost killed you...and that would have been a shame."

At the point, Angelika was obviously messing with the Exilvanian Reichskommadant. Every word was laced in blunt sarcasm, but there was venom behind it. Her words seemed kind of the surface, but the true purpose of them was far from innocent. She was obviously furious about something and Haegler, unfortunately, would find out why soon enough.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

The awakening, while comfortable at first, very quickly conveyed to Dietrich in what an uncomfortable situation he was. It was cold, no doubt because the damn room he was in looked like some Yeuzuishan's basement...actually, perhaps he was in the palace dungeons? It looked similar in a way and the Nachfolgian SS guards leveling gu-why the hell was he in a Nachfolgian basement with guards treating him like a dangerous animal?!? On instinct he tried to raise his hands, perhaps for some gestures but he quickly realized that despite how hard he tugged, his hand remained where it was. A look down revealed to him that he had not only been stripped of his uniform and given some hospital garb, but also restrained to a bed with metal restraints. Ankles and wrists bound with rigid metal restraints and chest and stomach held by chains. A smile spread across his face as he noticed the padding. They had done something to keep him comfortable, exponentially increasing the risk of him going free. Because padding meant that the restraints could be widened a little, most likely enough to wriggle his limbs free.

A knock on a metallic surface turned his attention back to the guards and soured his mood. Freeing himself would take time, undisturbed. Time he obviously didn't have so he leaned back in the bed again and put his mind towards more important things for now than escape. Like figuring out why he was here in the first place. He remembered the chaos during the treaty signing and how that damnable woman had shot him. That was no doubt why he had been in need of hospitalization. His presence in this Nachfolgian dungeon then probably meant that they had recovered his body and taken it for treatment. But why the restraints? The guards? The damn basement of all places!?!

Was it because he had bitten and manipulated Heith? Dietrich knew that Angelika was anything but happy about having been manipulated like that herself and perhaps was of a similarly bad mood if he dared to lay a fang on any of her underlings? Had there Ordo Crudelitatis operaitves done something stupid again, like last time, which made Angelika snap and do this? Or was it all just a prank? Well, he guessed that he'd know soon enough. The knocks had undoubtedly been a sign that he had returned to consciousness. Angelika would most likely come and, regardless of what she did, most likely give him some form of tip to let him have a better idea of why he was being held in a dungeon.

Indeed, his guess was correct. Angelika did come, together with her usual accompanying Schildmädchen. He did notice immediately that she, just like him, hadn't survived that fateful day unsigned. Band-Aids and bruises were covering that cold and beautiful face of hers and Dietrich shuddered to think how many of those scratches would remain to marr her beauty permanently. Her arm also didn't seem to be in a good condition, he saw a sling for a few moments before her overcoat covered it again. Light wounds in comparison to what he had received. But she was human so hers would take a lot more to heal.

She then started talking...though all wrong. The contents were usually nice but her voice always carried some venomous sarcasm in them and her eyes betrayed burning rage. Dietrich immediately crossed out the possibility of all of this being a prank. She was making a far smaller prank right now, acting all kind while hiding her anger. Unless she was much, much, much more of an actor than either he or the ZZ had ever given her credit for, hiding herself behind twin layers of acting, she was very much serious with the entire situation.

His pale face, atleast what wasn't covered by bloodsoaked bandages, turned almost as red as the bandages themselves when she mentioned the dreams. So she had listened or maybe someone else had listened and reported to her. And of course she had to know about exactly the passage when he dreamed of her. Atleast he had apparently done little more than call out her name. He hated it if people could look into his mind, glean knowledge of what actually went on there. This was private and someone else knowing of it was embarassing.

He answered, that same embarassment still in his voice but intermingled with some bite of its own:

"How could I not nap nicely when a beautiful woman such as yourself watches over me in my sleep?"

It was just a small, hidden jab at her but he made clear with it that he was not pleased about her knowing of that.

"Even a toddler could have landed these shots at the range they were fired. This is not the compliment I would have made to the young Frau Aleifrdottir. Her loyalty to your person was much more commendable. Even under my sway, it took a lot to make her turn against her mistress. I do hope you don't mind that I...ah...had a taste? The situation was tricky and demanded so I fear, else you could most likely be still busy scraping my brain off that stage."

Another hook, another option to potentially eliminate. Was she furious about what he did to Heith or was it something else? He guessed that he'd have to find out.

[Nachfolgia]

Angelika quickly turned her head to look at Haegler, glaring daggers at the man. Leave it to the Exilvanian to keep such a cool demeanor in such a dire situation, a trait he has exhibited since she has known him. In all honesty, it was a trait she admired in him. No other man in her entire country would ever dare to make such catty remarks in her presence, for fear of retribution in the cruelest ways imaginable.

Angelika found it quite fun and playful that the two can be so witty with each other, however, now was not the time for that. The situation they found themselves in was dire and there was no room for light flirting.

Angelika's anger quickly subsided as she smirked and gave a light chuckle at his bravado. " Oh, there might still be a chance for someone to scrape your brain matter off the floor. You see it is because of your idiocy that we find ourselves in this predicament." Angelika paused as she brought attention to the distant, muffled noises of explosions happening somewhere in the city. Pointing her finger in the air with that sly half smile of hers as if fate itself had just provided the perfect example of her claim.

" Our countries are on the brink of war, hundreds dead on both sides, Each revenge minded soldier ready to rip the opposing side apart and burn the city to the ground...all because of ONE foolish order. " Angelika continued as she raised a single finger before slowly pointing it to him, emphasizing the point she was making.

" So tell me, Herr Reichskommadant, did you give the order to kidnap me before or after the negotiations?" Angelika said as her fool anger was brought forth in an awful scowl.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

At first Dietrich's mind stayed entirely blank, save for a single question. What the hell was she talking about?

But then a memory returned, a memory of plans he had had, a memory of a speech he had held, a memory of orders he had given. Realization washed over him seething hot and freezing cold. In comparison to what had undoubtedly happened, any of the things he had imagined had happened paled. She had to be kidding right? Something this bad couldn't have happened...and yet it made so much sense, was so likely. He had given that order to kidnap her. The chaos at the treaty signing had served as the perfect opportunity. And Vormyn was a man who'd always try to fulfill his orders, like anyone in the ZZ.

So if this was indeed what had happened...how could he save this situation? He did not for a moment think that Angelika was above blowing his brains out right here and now. Heck, she'd probably scoop them out with a spoon just to see him suffer some more.

It was a dangerous path to tread. Wether to appear undaunted or give himself submissive? He knew that she respected strength...but did she in this situation and perhas expect him to prostrate himself before her?

"Well, since the negotiations are technically still ongoing, ending only once the damned treaty has been finally signed, I can have only given it before the negotiation."

, he said sarcastically, unwavering in the face of her rage. Though he did add something far more submissively.

"Though I reckon we could renegotiate that treaty to accomodate proper compensation for what has happened."

[Nachfolgia]

" Exactly what I was think, my dear Reichskommadant. Seems like you still have some brain cells left after your tragic injury. " Angelika replied, Makin another clear jab at him. With her good arm, she reached into her coat pocket in the inside of her long over coat. From it, she pulled out an envelope, sealed with wax with the coat of arms of the Oberste Führerin herself.

" My personal Schreiber has written us up a new treaty to sign, given recent events. Many of the previously agreed upon articles are still present, but some have changed, as per my... recommendation." She said with a smile as she handed Haegler the letter.

" As you read, you'll see all the amendments that should prove...favorable. " Angelika have a devious smile before continuing.

" The first amendment states that the aggressor, the Exilvanians, must make reparations to the Reichsmilitarstraat for damage done during the week or so of hostile engagements, between the time of the Oberste Führerin's kidnapping to the signing of the new treaty. As of right now, that sum has climbed to 50 million Reichsmarks and is steadily climbing the longer we delegate."

" The second states that there will be an increase to the Nachfolgian's promised percentage of the local population of Yeuzuishan slotted for ' resource ' development. This increase will be at 10% and will go no higher. This is a fairly simple and modest accommodation that could honestly have been a lot higher."

" The third one I think you'll enjoy as it affords you a chance to deal with dissenters. The Reichskommadant of Exilvania is to publicly denounce the kidnapping of the Oberste Führerin as a plot by a radical group within the Exilvanian government and military. You will also announce that you'll make it your personal mission to hunt down and eradicate this splinter group. This amendment should quell some of the...louder voices in our nations that call for war."

The fourth one...you can call a ' gift' to me personally. ZZ Sektionsleiter Klersk Vormyn... that's right, I know his name...the ambitious, loyal soldier who follows your orders to the letter. I want him dead. To the Exilvanians and Nachfolgians, he'll become the leader of this radical regime that has tried to destabilize our peace agreement and his death will bring back peace."

" All and all, I believe these new additions to the treaty to be quite fair. I didn't want to punish you too severely as it would make it seem that you and your government to be the guilty party and not this 'fictional' splinter group. Questions, comments...objections? I'm sure you have plenty of all three." Angelika said, leering at Haegler.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

Dietrich stared at the envelope she held in front of him. She really was relentless with her jabbing, wasn't she? He wasn't that stupid to not see the jab in her waving a letter to take in front of a man who couldn't move.

A smile appeared on Dietrich's face as he mentally corrected himself. She thought he couldn't move. Oh, he'd take this opportunity to get right back at her, even if that'd cost him his opportunity for escape.

"One moment please."

, he stalled while wriggling his right arm for a little. Grimacing due to the effort he put in, he finally managed to wrest his hand free off the restraint that had held it and took the letter from Angelika. He didn't push his luck with freeing his other hand, instead just breaking the was seal with one hand when opening the letter, reading along as Angelika explained it to him.

All in all, he reckoned that he was still getting away lightly. Of course the terms were anything but fine. Out of the entire Yeuzuishan operation, Exilvania came out with far less than the originally intended 100%. First the Nachfolgian interference had cost them much and now they had fucked up themselves. He had to accept these terms lest he wanted Exilvania to end up with even less than it had before this entire conflict started.

With a pained smile he looked up at Angelika and said:

"I see you've planned this out well. Have had plenty of time for it I reckon. Very well, you've got yourself a deal, Oberste Führerin. Where's the pen?"

[Nachfolgia]

When Dietrich began to free one of his wrists, Angelika did not move. In fact, she anticipated it. She knew that he would try such a stunt, seeing it as just a simple power move. So when he did just that, Angelika didn't react, only giving a smile. Of course, she wasn't the one the Exilvanian needed to worry about.

Immediately, the Schildmädchen in the room rushed into action. In the blink of an eye, the four Nachfolgians converged on the bed and pointed their weapons at the man nearly at point blank range. Angelika silently motioned them to stand down, knowing Haegler wasn't dumb enough to attack her. The Schildmädchen only lowered their weapons, opting to remain close in case he made more sudden movements.

After her summary of the treaty and Dietrich reading along, Angelika was delighted that the man relented so quickly.

" I knew you would listen to reason and pursue peace, Herr Reichskommadant." Angelika said with a smile before reaching into her coat pocket and handing him a pen.

" Once signed, the Treaty will be official. Hostilities will be over and you'll return to you side completely untouched by us." She waited for him to sign before taking the treat and pen back Angelika then turned towards the door and called her guards in. In a few moments, the large metal door opened and a couple of guards came in.

"[ Free Herr Reichskommadant immediately, give him some clothes, and politely return him to his men. Also inform both sides of the treaty signing and the immediately cease fire.]" Angelika ordered the NCO that apparently was in charge of guard duty.

"[ Yes, my Oberste Führerin.]" The NCO replied before he delegated the tasks out to his men.

" Unfortunately, Herr Reichskommadant, your uniform was severely damaged in the attack. I hope you don't mind Nachfolgian flecktarn." Angelika said slyly as two of her SS guards unchained him and handed him a change of clothes, the Nachfolgians combat attire comprised of trousers, jacket, undershirt, boots, and socks. The uniform was his appropriate size. The uniform did not have any name tapes or patches to signify any origins, but Haegler knew by the pattern alone that it was Nachfolgian.

" I hope to see you again really soon, Herr Reichskommadant. Auf Wiedersehen. " Angelika said before turning to leave the room, followed by her Schildmädchen. The remaining SS guards waited for him to get dressed before escorting him out, still on high alert in case he tried any hostile actions against them.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

His little move had gone off better than he had anticipated. He'd half expected to atleast feel the force of a rifle butt smashed into some part of his body, wether that be hand, stomach or face. He knew his guards would've done so lest he specifically told them not to. So either Angelika had told her overbearing bodyguards to not do anything or they simply had more restraint than his men had.

Now the treaty was signed, peace would return between their respective nations. Of course he had no illusion of it becoming anything even close to an amicable relationship, where Exilvanians and Nachfolgians could or would depend on one another in times of need. If there had been any chance of that before, his own forgetfulness and his men's rigid adherence to orders had ruined that. Alas, they were dictatorships so atleast there was some ray of hope for him. So long as they would remain so, personal relations between the dictators, so himself and Angelika, would generally trump public opinion. And he reckoned he had a good standing with the Nachfolgian Oberste Führerin. Atleast he hoped it was like that since she could've just as well killed him or used him as a hostage to dangle before his troops much like he had planned to do with Angelika before actually meeting her.

He smiled at Angelika as she had new clothes handed to him, stating:

"It appears that you know me well, to know that I would simply accept your terms like that and having everything ready to return me to my nation. I too look forward to our next meeting. I hope it will be under better circumstances than this one."

His smile folded in on itself the Moment Angelika was out the door and once he thought her out of earshot too, he slapped the clothes out of the guards hands, coldly stating:

"I am not some kind of doll you can play dress-up with."

He still had enough dignity and braincells left to not accept the Nachfolgian garb. He'd rather walk naked than do that but atleast his patient garb spared him that shame. What signs it would've shown had he accepted! Complete submission to the Nachfolgians, Looking like the Oberste Führerin's pet rather than her better or her equal. That would've been perception among his men and he knew that such a perception could not be allowed to take root. For he undoubtedly was her better. If she were Exilvanian, he'd consider her his equal but alas, she was not. Still, she was an impressive character, one he'd keep an eye on for as long as she would live. He could do that afterall, not an inkling of doubt within him that he'd far outlive her.

The rest of it all went off without a hitch, the Nachfolgians escorting him back to the frontlines. He could feel hostile gazes upon him from all sides as they journeyed through Nachfolgian occupied Darkhit but of course none would dare to try and break the cordon of escorts around him just to have a go at him. First time that he felt pretty good about being a well guarded prisoner. They brought him to the frontlines, to No Man's Land, where he was apparently already expected. That SS NCO had done his Duty in informing his men who had, while no doubt not trusting the word of some Nachfolgian, atleast made preparations for the eventualities that he spoke the truth. Preparations that paid off as he was greeted by saluting soldiers, immediately recognising him even without his mask, as well as a change of clothes. It was the last uniform he had remaining for this trip, not having packed any more and having used up or destroyed all others.

"We are glad to see you unharmed, Herr Reichskommandant. Things have been...chaotic ever since your departure."

, the voice was, like most, muffled by some gasmask but Dietrich, securing his own gasmask on his head again, immediately recognised it anyway. ZZ Sektionsleiter Klersk Vormyn had come himself.

"I can imagine. You heard about the new treaty I suppose?"

"Only that there was one and that it had been signed by you. I suppose we can kiss our Involvement here goodbye?"

, Vormyn asked, holding up Dietrich's belt with his pistol Holster and dagger dangling off it. Something Dietrich quickly snatched out of his hand and put on himself.

"No, the Oberste Führerin has not touched the agreed upon demarcation line, however, we'll have to hand her an even bigger share of locals. That aside, the usual like reparations and your head. She knew you by name by the way."

Vormyn sighed, saying:

"As was to be expected of the bitch. Glad to hear that Nachfolgian intelligence is not as impotent as they make themselves seem at times."

"Be careful, bitches are dangerous. That aside, her plan for your disposal had some merits but I'll have to see to some tweak to that. Come, walk me to the headquarters, there are many things I need to be brought up to speed on before I can decide on a course of action."

[Remnants of Exilvania]

Epilogue
Just a few days later

With a grunt Dietrich Ekerhart Haegler, the ZZ Reichskommandant and Regent Dictator of Exilvania heaved himself into an upright position before swinging his legs to the side and letting them dangle for a moment, waiting for one of the others in the room to hand him his shirt and uniform.

He was sitting on top of an elevated platform with some sort of weird machine overhead, looking a lot like the lamps used by dentists or surgeons above their patients. The room it was in was relatively small and made from concrete, thick cables were laid on the ground or bolted to the walls where they disappeared in holes drilled into the concrete. They connected to the machine and plenty of computers and the like. Guards stood by the door, a ZZ officer, a Sektionsleiter by the looks of it, stood somewhere to the side. An Exilvanian in a white coat was checking readings on his screens while an Exilvanian Combat Nurse in full uniform removed the gag from Dietrich's mouth, prompting him to immediately breathe in deeply and waggle his tongue around in an attempt to get the taste of the gag off.

The ZZ Sektionsleiter stepped forward and handed Dietrich his shirt which he quickly put on. While buttoning it up he asked into the room:

"What do the readings say Doktor Fährmann?"

The Exilvanian in the White labcoat looked up a glint in his eyes. He had a strange round or more quadratic head. Short, light blonde hair and blue eyes staring out from behind a pair of glasses. Physically he also looked better than Dietrich the old scarecrow.

"They are positive Herr Reichskommandant. The Magitograph did not detect any unusual traces of magic within you so we can exclude the possibility of the Nachfolgians having tampered with your mind through magical means. And since this was the last test, it eliminates the risk of you having been contaminated by this Nachfolgian filth. No probes, no viruses, no implants, no anything that we could find. You are clean."

"Glad to hear that, Lyrik. How are we doing concerning the treaty preparations, Sektionsleiter Vormyn?"

Dietrich asked as he buttoned up his collar before being handed his uniform by Vormyn which he swiftly slid into.

"Things are moving. We have been counting the remaining population of Yeuzuishan to establish a census from which to draft the numbers we will hand over to the Nachfolgians. They are however being difficult, demanding that we count the fallen of this war and occupation as well while only accepting the living ones for their share. Undoubtedly simply to increase the number even more. We are lucky the Yeuzuishans made a census just 3 years ago. It helps greatly in deducing how much population should be where. Though there are reports that we are partly dealing with big chunks of missing population, found out due to the difference between the sum of dead and alife people present and the people stated in the census."

Putting on his belts and holsters, Dietrich waved dismissively, saying:

"Resistance and refugees, as expected. More and more of them will turn up in due time. We'll make a few examples to cow them and remind them who's in charge here now. Are you already sorting out the resources for the Nachfolgians?"

Vormyn handed the Reichskommandant his gasmask and peaked cap while saying:

"Of course. I thought about keeping the batch entirely female and only the genetically worst specimen. That should ensure that the hit to our exploitation capability in this region is not too great while the Nachfolgians gain only little."

Dietrich, finally fully clothed, jumped off the platform and patted Vormyn on the shoulder, comradely saying:

"Klersk, that simply won't do."

"How so, Herr Reichskommandant?"

"Well, you see, if you take away all the females, then we won't be able to sustain the resources for long. Remember, females are pregnant for 9 months. Males on the other hand can spread their semen over many females within short time with ease. So if we were to send all the females away, our resources would collapse entirely within short time. If we send most of the males on the other hand, we'd experience an unhealthy loss in exploitation for decades which is not desired either. So please, let's just keep it balanced...oh...and Klersk...no lower quality trash, we already upset the Nachfolgians enough, you don't need to add fuel to the fire."

Dietrich was already on his way to the door, the guards saluting him as he approached when Klersk Vormyn, who was following him suddenly mentioned:

"What exactly will we do about the prisoner? Release her so she may return to her Nachfolgian Mistress?"

Dietrich stopped at that, frozen, before turning around:

"You've got...a prisoner? Who?"

"Her tailor."

Relief flooded through Dietrich as he heard that. He had already been afraid they had captured someone important like Heith. Someone that well known in both the Reich and to Angelika would've undoubtedly made her look for her and stoked the fires some more. But it was just Clementine. Poor Clementine. Dietrich was sure that Angelika wouldn't even remember her by this point or assume that she was dead.

"Dispose of her. Discreetly please."

"Herr Reichskommandant, if I may!"

, the Doktor Lyrik Fährmann suddenly interjected. Annoyed Dietrich turned around to face him:

"What is it Lyrik? I'm not particularly interested in some scientific essay right now. Save it for later when I have a bottle of blood wine."

But the Dok seemed determined to keep occupying his time:

"Perhaps rather than directly dispose of her...you could Hand her over to me? I love having more test subjects you know. Besides...perhaps there can still be some use in her. We could maybe turn her and then send her back, giving us a good source of information near the Oberste Führerin! Or maybe we could improve her and you can return her as a gift!"

Dietrich looked at Lyrik for a looooong moment before smacking his tongue and saying:

"Alright Dok. But if you fail then make sure here remains are unrecognisable. And dispose of them."

"I won't fail you, Herr Reichskommandant."

, Lyrik said, bowing before him before realising that he was doing it wrong, straightened himself and saluted. Dietrich just sighed before looking at Vormyn and saying:

"Alright, now to our Business. The Oberste Führerin wants your head. How do we make sure that there's two heads of yours?"

[Nachfolgia]

The time to rebuild Yeuzuishan was now and the Nachfolgians were at the forefront of it all. Darkhit was already devastated by the joint invasion by the Nachfolgians and Exilvanians, having much of the city destroyed. The Treaty Massacre, as the Nachfolgians are calling it, only added to Darkhit’s suffering. Both sides made the local Yeuzuishan populace pay ten fold for every lost soldier. Now with 30% of the population of Darkhit eliminated and the alliance with Exilvania solidified, the Nachfolgian regime was ready for Phase 2 of their occupation.


For the past couple of days, Nachfolgian Engineers and Heavy Equipment Operators have been leveling a portion of the city. Dozens of blocks were wiped away from the Financial District, once a symbol of Darkhit wealth now reduced to rubble. The Nachfolgians weren’t just destroying Yeuzuishan property just for the thrills, this was to serve as the center of the occupation, their new symbol of power. While the demolition was still underway, the future site will home to a variety of government and military facilities. The barracks for the occupying forces, the Nachfolgian administrative complex, and the provisional governor’s residence were some of the facilities to be built.

With such a ambitious and glorious base to solidify The Reichsmilitärstraat’s rule, a name had to be chosen to match it. Such a name was chosen by the top bass of the Nachfolgian Wehrmacht, the first of its name. The new base was to be named after the woman who pulled the Nach-Xer alliance from the brink of war. The esteemed leader who, while in immediate danger, showed her resolve and mercilessness to unite both sides at all costs under a common cause. Her merciless and unyielding nature was exactly the symbolism needed to show Yeuzuishan and Exilvania the might of the Nachfolgian people. FOB ÓþyrmiR would be such symbolism.


Elsewhere in the city, the Nachfolgian occupation force was sinking its teeth deeper into Yeuzuishan. SS soldiers assigned to the “ Personalabteilung “ and the Todesengel Genesis Initiative were patrolling through the streets to carry out the treaty agreements. The Personalabteilung was assigned to conscript men of fighting age for the Free Legion. Going door to door, the Nachfolgian SS searched and signed any Yeuzuishan men into military service. Most of the time, the men had to be forcefully removed from their homes and loaded into the trucks. Those that fought too much against the Nachfolgians had their families shot and themselves beat unconscious and thrown into the trucks. Either way, the Yeuzuishan were going to serve the Reich.

The soldiers and scientists of the Todesengel Genesis Initiative took a little more delicate approach. Instead of heavy handedly forcing the young Yeuzuishan women into compliance, the Nachfolgian scientists simply persuaded them to volunteer. They gave a list of benefits that the program would offer them in exchange for them to be artificial inseminated, the best being free medical care. The Nachfolgians did their best to paint the program as the better option, the alternative being akin to slavery. Most of the women agreed to what was to them a life of comfort and freedom of hardship, given what they’ve seen of their new overlords. Those that didn’t were given to the mercy of the Free Legion.


FOB Aufseher, a few miles outside Darkhit

Out in the airfield of FOB Aufseher, a large formation of Nachfolgian soldiers had gathered. The soldiers had been ordered to stand in formation as the Oberste Führerin was departing Yeuzuishan for Nachfolgia. Her own private jet was sitting on the runway, the Nachfolgian flag and Sturmgeist crest proudly painted on the tail. On both sides of the small walkway that divided the formations of soldiers, flag bearers held Nachfolgian flags out in front of them. As the Oberste Führerin walked down the gap, the order was given to stand at attention, the unison of their boot heels clicking together echoed through the air. Following closely behind Angelika was Brigadeführer Heith Aleifrdottir, sporting some minor damage herself from the Treaty Massacre. Of course, everywhere Angelika went, her schildmädchen followed behind her for protection. Here was no different as six schildmädchen marched behind her in neat rows.

Down at the end of the walkway in front of the jet, were a single highly ranked SS officer flanked by two less Heer officers. The man in the center was Obergruppenführer Lars Berkhoff, commander of the 4th SS Berufsgruppe and the Military Governor of Yeuzuishan. When Angelika and Heith stopped in front of them, the three men popped to attention and saluted the Oberste Führerin. Angelika, having her right arm broken could not salute back, instead simply nodding in acknowledgment of the salutes.

“[ Good Morning, my Oberste Führerin. I hope you have a safe trip back to the Reich. It was a pleasure having you here to secure the alliance.]” Berkhoff said as he dropped his salute.

Angelika glared at him for a few moments to before responding. “ [ There is no need to lie to me, Herr Obergruppenführer. This treaty signing and occupation has been a complete headache and you know it. I know that it is because of my presence alone that complicated things. It is only by the grace of The Divine Sisters that it did not become a complete failure.]”

“[ Forgive me, my Oberste Führerin. I was only referring to your dedication and tenacity that has ensured that the Nachfolgian people came out on top of this tragedy. ]” Berkhoff responded, his words hinting of sarcasm.

“[ Yes well, let’s hope you display the same tenacity that you seem to admire so much. It is your responsibility to enact my will in Yeuzuishan, do not disappoint. You know...what happens to failures.]” Angelika said, her last words dripping with venom. She then walked past Berkhoff towards the plane, followed by Heith and the Schildmädchen. Before climbing up the stairs into the plane, Angelika turned around to say one more thing to Berkhoff.

“[ One more thing, Herr Berkhoff. Do try and play nice with your Xer counterpart, whoever that is now. Herr Vormyn is due to have a...rather short career.]”

With that, Angelika and her entourage bordered the private jet. Angelika and Heith took there seats in the rather luxurious portion of the plane with a few schildmädchen standing at each end of the cabin. Within a few moments, the plane took off from the airfield, accompanied by an escort of Nachfolgian fighter jets. After a couple minutes in the air, a servant, clearly not a Nachfolgian, walked over and offered both Angelika and Heith drinks. Heith grabbed a small tumbler glass of dark bourbon while Angelika simply asked for water before waving the servant off

“[ Not in the mood for drinks, my Oberste Führerin? ]” Heith asked, mildly concerned. She had always known Angelika to enjoy a glass or two.

“[ My mind is too preoccupied with the future.]” Angelika replied, taking a sip of her glass of water.

“[ The future being....? ]”

“[ My trip to Exilvania. I wonder what I will experience in Xer territory. ]”

“[ With all due respect, my Oberste Führerin, but you’re not seriously thinking of going honoring that? They tried to kidnap you, who’s to say they won’t try to again? Or worse, kill you.]”

“[ I have to honor the treaty as they have so far honored their end. Besides...the dearest Herr Reichskommadant wouldn’t dare make the same mistake twice. Especially how lenient I’ve been to him thus far. I am curious, however, to see what mysterious I can learn from this Nichts.]”

“[ Well...let’s hope your curiosity does end badly for you, my Oberste Führerin. ]”

“[ Hehehe...let’s hope it doesn’t. I’m got a lifetime to overcome.]” Angelika smiled as she took a sip from her drink.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

Chapter II: Children of Nichts

The Exilvanian Empire
Schreckensburg County
Schreckenshafen
09.12.231 Post Cataclysm/Legionfall

Dietrich shivered. But it was not due to the cold even though there was plenty of that here too, Winter having the country in its grip once again. No, he shivered a little in anticipation. It was a grand event afterall, another step that brought him closer to an alliance he could proudly call himself the chief influence behind. Everything that happened here and was going to happen here could be traced back to his own schemes.

Everything in Schreckenshafen, the port of Schreckensburg, the capital oft he County with the same name and currently also the capital of Exilvania, had been readied for the arrival of the Nachfolgians although there were limits as to how much could be done about it.

Schreckensburg, albeit being THE biggest city in Exilvania, was nothing to boast about internationally. It was a great and sprawling city yet the houses were old, ancient in part and especcially in the outer reaches rather low. Very traditional housing. Apart from a few roads which had been built through the city in more recent times, paved and secured to allow for easy transport and access of different borroughs of the city, much of the city consisted of practically nothing but alleys and more alleys.

The levels of the buildings gradually rose and became more elaborate and expensive, turning into towering gothic or victorian constructs that blotted out the sun in the countless courtyards and alleys between them, creating entire new layers of the city with bridges and raised platforms as well as sewers. Towers and spires rose from the city center like skeletal fingers, clawing for the sky as though trying to reach for the sun which was beyond their reach.

And tallest among it all was the palace or castle of Schreckensburg, Dietrich’s own ancestral residence. It was situated on a hill of some considerable height and bore the shape of a vast, ancient medieval fortress, its foundations having probably been laid many many centuries before. It towered far above even the highest spires oft he city, menacingly perched atop its hill like a beast watching over the realm below it.

Surrounding the city in its entirety was a great wall, a modern wall made from concrete and steel. It was less of a means of defense against armies, though it would doubtlessly prove an obstacle to those as well, but rather against the harsh and unforgiving wildlife which prowled the land outside of the safety of these walls.

It, along with the expansive airport to the south of the city as well as the harbour itself, doutblessly having been erected on top of the old harbour utilizing liberal amounts of concrete, giving the city a vast and modern harbour that could house an entire war fleet with ease, were sticking out of the overall rather backwards look of the city like sore thumbs. Indeed, for those not in the know it would have been hard to imagine that all of these houses had running water and electricity and by far not all of the smoke rising into the sky was from private fireplaces but more from underground manufactorums and powerplants, catering to the needs of the local population.

Back in the port, Dietrich gave his surroundings another nervous glance. The entire port had been vacated, all ships and traffic rerouted to other ports further in the south, except for a few ice breaker vessels which had been hard at work to keep the port and the access to it ice free. Winter in the northern half of the Exilvanian Wastelands set in quickly and harshly. Exilvanian flags had been hung from every possible corner and armed guards were posted quite literally everywhere, often with armoured back-up. A crowd had also already gathered, keeping clear of the chains of guards cordoning off the area while they watched and waited in the cold. And they were actually here voluntarily, which was quite the achievment, Dietrich thought. Normally the Exilvanians boyckotted state visits from other national leaders…but the Nachfolgians‘ actions in Yeuzuishan and the promise of a potential alliance and cooperation had served to make them curious.

Dietrich threw a glance up in the air, trying to gauge just what time it was, how much time had passed since he had first received word of the Oberste Führerin approaching. Alas, even if the weather hadn’t been worsening due to winter setting in, the clouds and fumes normally hanging above Exilvania probably would’ve made it impossible to properly gauge the position of the sun and as such the passing of time anyway.

The sound of footsteps, of heavy boots hitting the concrete in quick succession, of someone running towards him, made Dietrich turn around, just to be greeted by the sight of his nominal second in command, the ZZ Vice Commander Karel Krizenek. He too wore a long uniform trenchcoat above his regular garb, as well as a gasmask and his usual peaked up. He kept a small wooden box under one of his arms as he hurried to Dietrich’s side, the sight of which provoked a sigh of relief from Dietrich.

„I see you have what I asked of you, Vize Krizenek?“

Karel caught his breath for a moment before presenting the box to Dietrich who carefully undid the latches and opened it, being greeted by the sight of a mask. A gasmask. Unlike most gasmasks of Exilvanian making though, it only covered the lower half of the face and extended all the way back to the ears. A pair of antennas rose from where the mask would cover the ears.

„It looks like everything is in good order. I am sure the Oberste Führerin will be glad to wear this.“

, Karel remarked after he had caught his breath. Indeed, Dietrich had ordered it to be made the moment the Foreign Ministry had communicated to him that Angelika had set off. He had actually not really thought that she would take the risk and actually, truly do this, to try and prove herself as a child of Nichts in a potentially hostile country. He hadn’t wanted her to suffer the possibility of lung cancer since he couldn’t tell yet how long her stay in his inhospitable country would be so he had the mask made for her. It was supposedly form fitting and made specifically for her…or atleast they had tried to, intelligence did not exactly have any exact measurements of her head and face and had more often than not just handed Nachfolgian beauty magazines over to the maskmaker. Nonetheless, it’d do well enough.

And so he waited, Krizenek by his side, although he stood slightly behind him. Aside from Krizenek, the guards and the civilians, there was a hooded figure clad in dark which stood slightly off to the side. Another hooded figure in black stood next to and slightly behind Dietrich as well. Unlike Krizenek who was on Dietrich’s right, this figure was on Dietrich’s left. Apart from that…there were no other officials. Dietrich had tried to keep it a bit plain, doubting that the Nachfolgians were keen to stay out here in the cold for lengthy welcomings with big welcoming committees.

Their wait would be rewarded in due time. Angelika’s convoy had been picked up early by Exilvanian radars and gunships had soon enough come from the Exilvanian mainland, circling all the Nachfolgian vessels and guiding them along to their destination, the harbour they were looking for.

[Nachfolgia]

Angelika von Sturmgeist
In-route to Exilvania



Angelika was standing at now of her ship, overlooking the icy water around her. Wearing a thick, fur lined winter gear, she tried to brace herself against the biting winds. Raider's Sea was a desolate, ice field this time of year, providing zero visibility and hazardous travel. Luckily, her Skodal made winter coat have her some protection against the bitter cold.

It had been several days since the Oberste Führerin and her entourage left the the port city of Oderkastel for Exilvania. It was the first time she had to take a boat to a foreign nation, flying being the common mode of travel. Still, it was a nice change of pace that allowed plenty of down time. As usual, The Nachfolgian Wehrmacht was tasked protection Angelika and her personal yacht.

This time it was the Kreigsmarine, instead of the Luftwaffe, that had taken up the mantle of protection their beloved leader as she sailed across the ocean. The Kreigsmarine had dispatched a small fleet of destroyers, battleships, and a Sturmgeist-Class Carrier to escort Angelika. The Escort Fleet was also equiped with specialty ships in the form of several Muspel-Class Icebreaker ships. Without them, the fleet and thus Angelika, would never make it to Exilvania.

As the escort Fleet got closer to Exilvania, the Nachfolgians picked up radio signals of Exilvanian warships, sent to escort Angelika the rest of the way. While the Nachfolgian lessers were hesitant about the idea of leaving the Oberste Führerin, Angelika gave the orders for them to pull back into international waters. She knew that the Xers wouldn't try anything and that her Schildmädchen and the Todesengel flying unobserved above will rip apart anyone with betrayal as their intention.

Several more hours past before they were within sight of the shoreline, the black silhouette piercing the dense veil of fog. Posing an ominous figure in more ways than one, the Exilvanian continent held a lot of uncertainties and mysteries. Angelika, holding her concerns and anxiety below the surface, was determined to see these trials through, even if it killed her.

The yacht slowly drifted into the harbor of Schreckenshafen where the Reichskommadant was waiting, gently pushing through the broken up ice. When ship made it to the docks and slowly turned to it starboard side, several Naval and SS personnel wearing rushed to secure the large yacht to the dock. They threw large, braided ropes to the Exilvanian dockworkers who tied them to the cleats. Some of the Nachfolgians extended a ramp out to the dock for the Oberste Führerin to disembark from the yacht.

Once the Yacht was secured, Angelika and her posse were allowed off the boat. Angelika walked down the ramp, flanked by two people. The man, wearing an all black SS officers uniform, seemed abnormal than any Nachfolgian that Haegler had seen. Most of his face, his right eye being exempt, was covered by a high tech looking mask. It resembled that of an Android's mechanical face and the scar tissue around the edges would suggest that the mask was grafted on by medical professionals.

Contrast to the man, the woman on Angelika's left was very familiar to Haegler. Even though she could not see her face due to a gasmask, her armor and hairstyle screamed warrior. It was obvious that this was one of Angelika's Schildmädchen, her personal, cybernetically enhanced bodyguards. If Haegler cared to remember, these women were fearsome and dangerous on their own and even more so as a group.

Angelika, like the Schildmädchen and the other Nachfolgians on ship, was wearing a gasmask that covered her beautiful face. Unlike Nachfolgia, Exilvanian has a problem with air quality, being heavily polluted by their manufacturing. It has been advised that anyone, Nachfolgians and Xers alike, had to wear a respiratory mask outside.

Making her way to Haegler and his group, Angelika held her arms out as a gleeful gesture since her facial expressions was unable to be observed. It seemed that Angelika's broken arm had healed completely without any adverse effects to her mobility.

" Herr Reichskommadant, it is so good to see you again! I hope these past few months were kind to you." Angelika yelled, her voice muffled by the full gasmask. Much to Haegler's surprise, Angelika went to hug him in a full embrace. Seemed that she harbored no hard feelings for his past transgressions.

" Here Reichskommadant...this is my cousin, Hauptsturmführer Luca Hölderlin." Angelika said, motioning to the man in the SS uniform. The man said nothing and simply nodded to Haegler.

" And of course you know one of my Schildmädchen when you see one." The Schildmädchen quickly popped to attention and back at parade rest when she was addressed. Angelika took a few moments to look at her surroundings. The docks were surprisingly crowded, but most were not workers or even security. They seemed like ordinary civilians who had come out to get a look at the foreigners that arrived in their country. This seemed strange and confusing to Angelika, finding the eyeless figures staring at her a bit unsettling. But she would never admit it make her uncomfortable.

" Well...it seems our arrival has brought out a crowd. Have they never seen a Nachfolgian before?" Angelika asked, looking back at Haegler through her mask.

[Remnants of Exilvania]

Dietrich watched the docking maneuver absent-mindedly, his mind already focused on the interaction that would undoubtedly come. Behind him, Karel shifted uncomfortably at the sight of the large ship as well as the witches he could spy in the air. He leaned forward, whispering into Dietrich's ear:

"I'll check on the anti air defenses. Make sure they don't give in to the urge of their trigger fingers at an improper time."

Then he saluted and quickly left the docks, leaving Dietrich alone with the hooded persons with him on the docks...as well as the copious amounts of security personnel. Not that Dietrich really minded. Karel was loyal, far beyond what was reasonable. He was one of the many he had brought with him from the last Battalion Wars and he worshipped him almost like sonme god. Besides, he was pretty sure that he could deal with Angelika and whatever entourage she had himself. He threw a side-glance at one of the hooded people, quickly correcting his thoughts. Not just Angelika and her entourage but also his own entourage.

As a ramp slowly descended down towards the docks, Dietrich once again heard the sound of boots, although this time approaching him. Given that Angelika could appear any moment, he didn't turn to look who came, though out of the corner of his eye he saw a piece of a blue uniform. A muffled albeit still feminine voice, which he very quickly recognised, said:

"She's got balls to come here just like that. Of course only in a rethorical sense Herr Reichskommandant."

It was Schattenkrag. With her usual, disrespectable attitude. But alas, her skill was greater than his annoyance with her so he had to keep her around. Besides, it was sometimes better to not just have nearly mindless automatons around one, could make one go mad at some point.

"Do you have anything of actual substance to say on the matter Fräulein Schattenkrag or are you just here to lighten the mood with your senseless dribble?"

He could hear her huffing under her mask as she drew herself up to her full size, the massive anti-materiel sniper rifle on her back shaking around a little as she did so.

"Why, I was just coming to check out my competition in the assigned task as well as get a closer look on my charge. She is my charge here, isn't she?"

, Schattenkrag was annoyed herself, that much was clear from her voice. She was clearly not fully on board with the task she had been given and her competition, a comment at which she looked at the hodded person on the other side of Dietrich, was not someone she appeared to like either.

"You can save the bickering for later, for now try to atleast look the part."

, Dietrich hissed, his sudden urgency having been prompted by the appearance of Angelika at the top of the ramp. She was wearing a winter coat, well cut, he could see that from here but alas, it also hid her beautiful features. Human nature, Dietrich thought in disappointment. They had to protect themselves against the cold so much more than he here had to. Though he had to admit, at times the wind really bit at his skin with sudden cold. And of course, a gasmask. He silently cursed under his breath, quickly handing the package Karel had left him with to the hooded figure at his side, hissing:

"Make it disappear, quick."

To his surprise, the figure actually complied, letting it vanish beneath the folds of its cloak. With everything that could possibly embarass him out of the way, Dietrich focused back on Angelika and the, surprisingly, limited entourage she brought with her. One he recognised immediately. It wasn't that hard, a man with a face like his or a lack there-of would always draw attention and undoubtedly become unforgettable to anyone who had ever seen him. And while Dietrich had never seen or met the man in person, he had had an entry in Angelika's dossier, including a picture. If memory served him right, it was her cousin...Luca, wasn't it? A mere Hauptsturmführer still but his presence in Angelika's company made clear that his own power and influence were far above that of the rank he bore.

On the other side of her walked one he immediately recognised as a Schildmädchen...though not which. They had been little more than faceless bodyguards to him before and were no more now. What made him wonder though was, why Angelika brought only one with her and so close to her as well. Was there something special to her? Perhaps a mere ruse to hide another person's presence? He wondered about it and stayed on guard.

As she made her way towards him, her lackeys in tow, she gleefully extended her arms to both sides, a gesture no doubt intended to replace the one of a cold and calculated smile as the latter one wouldn't have been visible with her mask on. Though it seemed to be a bit overbear-

And then she hugged him. To say that he was caught at unawares was downplaying it. In his surprise he barely managed to compute a straight thought for a couple of moments as she embraced him, he himself going rigid like a steel pole. It was such a strange act, something he had never thought Angelika to do, even less before so many people. He squirmed in her embrace, trying to somehow get away, to shake her off without actually touching her while doing so. It was awkward enough for him and he knew exactly that there were people here who watched his every move with eagle eyes...was this it? The entire purpose behind this maneuver? Was she getting back at him for the scene he had forced her to cause back in Yeuzuishan, during the ball she had held?

It may not have been the right conclusion. Perhaps it was very, very wrong. But it was a conclusion that helped Dietrich to get his bearings again, nodding curtly in reply to Luca's nod. The Schildmädchen didn't receive that much acknowledgement from him other than a glare from behind his mask.

"They certainly haven't. Especcially one hugging their Regent Dictator."

, his tone was frosty and the grip with which he took Angelika's arms and slowly but deliberately removed her from him was like iron.

"Allow me to introduce my companions."

He first pointed at Schattenkrag, whose one, uncovered, red eye sized Angelika up and down. She remained silent for now.

"I believe we can call her our, or atleast my, saviour. The best sharpshooter I have under my command and the one to take the life of that blasted Youkai of Darkhit who disrupted our public ceremony so rudely. ZZ Elitescharfschützenmeisterin Veronika Schattenkrag."

Then, noting that Schattenkrag apparently did not intend to get overly comfortable with Angelika, he politely cleared his throat before continuing:

"I hope you will not mind but I will assign her to you as your personal guard, guide and...handmaiden during your stay. She is to not leave your side by more than a room's distance at all times."

When he said the last words he glared at Schattenkrag, who glared back at him but didn't make any further motions. He then continued on to the hooded person, introducing her with a certain cold in his voice as though he had a distaste for her:

"She is also assigned to be your personal guard, guide and handmaiden during your stay though I reckon she will rarely fulfill any of her obligations. But protocol demands that one of their ilk accompanies you during your trials so here she is. Zenovka Etheltryth of the Ordo Crudelitatis."

Etheltryth bowed before Angelika, monotonously addressing her as:

"Your grace."

Then she rose again and turned slightly towards Dietrich, coldly stating:

"The protocol must be followed. This counts for us as it does for you. I will not shirk my duties when they are demanded from me."

[Nachfolgia]

It was a good thing that Angelika wore a gasmask as it hide any potential expressions she might have had as Haegler talked. Without a doubt she did express what she was thinking, being able to afford to do so. She was usually careful with her expressions unless it served a purpose, like her display of affection mere moments ago. With a unsteady friendship like with Exilvania, Angelika had to be sly in order to keep them guessing her intentions.

As Haegler introduced his companions, Angelika paid close attention to every detail that presented itself. First one, of course, was this ' Schattenkrag.' An interesting figure to begin with, the young looking Xer was to be one Angelika's handmaiden during her stay. This was a detail she was not expecting at all. To have an Xer to be at her side at all times was very strange and Angelika began to question the motives behind it. Her doubts were even more present when she noticed the look Schattenkrag gave Haegler when he mentioned such. It seemed like the Xer didn't really like the idea of being at a Nachfolgian's side.

Angelika's cousin, Luca , was silent during the introduction, but his eye spoke volumes. The eye that was not covered by his mechanical mask was wandering, taking in Schattenkrag's appearance and demeanor. Like her, he too was a decorated marksman, having the medals to prove it. He saw in her a commonality, but he wasn't about to get friendly with her. She was still a foreigner and as such, still an enemy.

Angelika's focus then went to the Ordo member that Haegler had in his company as well. Like Schattenkrag, this Xer was going to be handmaiden during the trial as well. Unlike Schattenkrag, however, this was soley on protocol and nothing else. These trials were Ordo territory and as such would have a constant presence in this. Angelika was quite interested in knowing more about the Ordo from a first hand account by one of its members. Hopefully, Zenovka will be willing to talk.

" Well it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Frau Schattenkrag and Frau Etheltryth. I can't wait to get you know you better. " Angelika said as she bowed her head slightly.

" So Herr Reichskommadant, what happens now? Do we have dinner? Or jump straight into the trials? Hopefully the former as I've got much to discuss with you about."

[Remnants of Exilvania]

"Hungry I see? Then allow me to invite you to dinner within my very own castle, the Schreckensfeste."

Dietrich gallantly took her hand, gesturing with the other towards the fortress that threateningly loomed above the city. Expecting an inquiry wether they were supposed to walk all the way there, he chuckled, an old black limousine, looking like something straight out of what other nations with a different calendar referred to as the 30s, pulled up behind him.

"No, walking will be unnecessary. What else to use such a beautiful car for then to offer you a ride?"

If she were to rightfully note that the car offered only 5 seats apart from the driver, thus barely seating them all, Dietrich merely chuckled yet again, pointing at another limousine which was pulling up behind the previous one.

"I intended for us to drive alone though considering past events, I find it fully understandable if you or your companions wish that you do not go unguarded and would like someone to accompany you."

Dietrich wouldn't make a big fuss if she decided to do so. Meanwhile Schattenkrag would guide whoever Angelika left behind towards the second limousine, Etheltryth having ignored them and entered already. The other hooded person however, had entered the first limousine as soon as it had pulled up, sitting on the co-driver's seat. Dietrich on the other hand, would guide Angelika and whatever company she chose, if she chose any company, to the first limousine, hold the door open for her and have her sit on the backseat, keeping the way they were driving in their sight. He himself would sit down opposite of her, both to put some distance between him and her so nobody would get any wrong ideas, as well as to allow any companion she may or may not have taken with her to sit next to their Oberste Führerin.

The driver would hit the gas pedal once the doors were closed, accelerating the car at a slow and comfortable pace as they took the ride up towards the castle. Dietrich, after having remained silent for a while, suddenly said:

"You may lose the mask if you wish. All swabian vehicles are well secured and ventilated."

[Nachfolgia]

Angelika smirked from underneath her gasmask. " I graciously accept your dinner invitation, Herr Reichskommadant. If you Exilvanians cook as well in your Homeland as you do in occupied territories, I'm certain it will be delicious." Angelika replied before following Haegler.

From a distance, the fortress that Haegler pointed out was indeed impressive. Cloaked in a sort of Victorian goth, the castle cast an imposing shadow on the rest of the Exilvanian capital. From what Angelika understood of Exilvanians, this castle, albeit huge, was architecturally typical of her new allies.

Angelika took a few moments to take in the sight of the fortress and noticed how far away it seemed. Surely Haegler did not intend to walk all the way. When she mentioned the distance, her host was one step ahead and offered a ride in one of two classic limousines by Exilvanian standards.

" Gracious as usual, Herr Reichskommadant. " She immediately motioned for her escorts to ride in the other vehicle.

" My Oberste Führerin, Wh-" Luca tried to chime in with his concerns, but was immediately cut off by Angelika.

" It will be fine, Luca. No harm will come of me in the Reichskommadant's care. Now go and keep the ladies company." Angelika said, teasing her cousin, waving him on.

" Yes, my Oberste Führerin. " Luca obeyed, despite the look in his eye hinting at his disagreement. He then followed Sæunn, who had obeyed Angelika immediately. The two of them got in the car with Schattenkrag and the Ordo operative. Their car ride would be rather boring and uneventful as the two Nachfolgians didn't bother engaging in conversation with their counterparts.

Once she saw her kinsmen enter their vehicle, Angelika followed suit and climbed into their own, thanking Haegler for bring a gentleman and holding the door for her. The interior of the limo was rather luxurious as she had expected. Her seat squeaked slightly as she adjusted herself, making herself conformable.

Once Haegler was inside, sitting across from her, he directed her to take off her mask, being in a well ventilated vehicle. " Oh, thank the gods." Angelika said as she immediately took off her gasmask, taking time to make sure she didn't mess up her hair.

" Phew... Nachfolgian gasmasks are far too hot to be worn comfortably. " Angelika said as she placed the mask next to her. She then reached into her pocket to pull out a cloth that she used to wipe the sweat off her forehead.