>Be me >Human >Native born Fankasian >Post Konvergence >Grew up listening to my dads stories about the army >"Its an opportunity for you to get out of this small town.." >he died when i was 15 >i joined the army three years after that at the ripe age of 19 >Being a human is not easy >i was outmatched in almost every field >Orcs and Oni alongside dwarves dominated the artillery Corps >Special operations was reserved to magicians and the specials, like those fucking tieflings or angles kids >Cavalry... hell don't get me started on the cavalry >Fucking Centaurs >That just left the infantry >I found myself thrust into something much bigger than i ever thought >hell my town has never so much as seen an Orc >i was bunk mates with one >Olsen was his name >most stories would paint them as mindless brutes or butchers, not Olsen >He was a year older than i was, and a head taller but was a soft man at heart >Carried one of those new "Pictures" of his family >him and his wife and his few month old child >He was a great man >as the time passed my body hardened >the farm boy that left the small village at the edge of the woods was dead >broken away and reshaped into the model infantryman >strong as stone, sharp as a steel >but as time passed so did the technology >the Muskets were Replaced with bolt action rifles >Dwarven Steel cannons were replaced with Imperial marked Howitzers and Bombards >a leap in technology trickling into our corner of the world broadened our horizons >but with all change comes its pains >Another war broke >Dwarven Refugees flooded into imperial lands speaking of Blood thirsty Drow and their flesh crafted abominations >many of us were chosen to go take back the dwarven lands from these drow >the new technology giving us hope >Giving me hope >I was not selected >i was to stay in the training grounds >Special selection they told me >a new school of tactics that needed bodies >small bodies >human bodies >i never saw Olsen after i waved him off with a laugh as he marched off though the capitals arch with the "1st Modern imperial Corps" >it did not take long for the reports to come in from the far northern territories >hundreds would die from the weather alone >then reports of night raids, of savage attacks, then.. nothing >the reports stopped coming all together >training moved on as normal >yet as the days passed it seemed less and less men inhabited the training yards >and more and more men were marched up north >leaving me here >the months after that were long and grueling >the school consisted of Explosives mastery and Close Quarters Combat >and the mastery was taken to an completely different level >we were taught by an ancient looking dwarf who only spoke to us in Dwarvish >needless to say we all learned slowly >Naturally each of us falling into our own sections usually consisting of one or two dwarves and the rest being human or elf >the training was fun >it was.. daunting at times as well, especially when the TNT was introduced >But we learned many interesting tricks from the old Dwarf >even some alchemy.. mainly how to make more explosives from the shit we were given in our kits, but it was interesting nonetheless >And now, that puts me here >the night before were supposed to leave for the north >another entire Corps has been rounded up to succeed where the last failed >our Battalion was supposed to be the deciding factor in it >i lay here in bed.. writing >In a way i hope we get up there and the first Corps is still alive >that they are just having so much success they forgot to report back >but now i'm just hoping.. Ch.1-A long way to Gol-Hulumn >I'm roused from my momentary rest as the transport carriage rocks side to side >the sound of horse hoof on stone and the bit of river i can see over the edge of the cart tells me were crossing a river >"Amon... hey Amon, where the fuck are we" >I call to the dwarf beside me as i rub my eyes >he stops rubbing his beard to turn to look at me >"Ah ye know, bout forty miles from eh Border now, ey been pushing the horses hard ta make it" >i let out a yawn and nod peaking my head out of the cart to look back onto the sheer immensity of what trailed behind >as far as i could see around the bend were men either in carts or walking beside them, other carts covered and loaded heavy with supplies >others simply modified gun carriages with the artillery pieces strapped atop >pulling myself back in i sat back on one of the sacks in the cart >one of the objects inside jabbing hard into my side >"Fuck me.. they packed Sticks as well as charges didn't they?" >i asked Amon again as he seems to be the only one of the twelve of us that's been wide awake though this whole thing >He nods and tosses a tin at me >I half expect it to be a TNT charge but as it lands in my lap its much worse >*Imperial K-Ration No.11- Dwarvish Meat Surprise* >my stomach turned just thinking of the concoction inside >amons snaggle toothed smile spoke it all >he let out a small chuckle as i fumbled with it and eventually settled it in my lap >I stared at it for a good twenty minutes deciding if weather or not i was hungry >Finally i decide im hungry enough to suffer >taking the opening tool from the bottom and cracking it open >the smell of everything inside wafting up like a cloud of poison gas >The smell of Tobacco and Ground coffee filtering in as well as my eyes fall on the first two items >A thin pack of Unbranded cigarettes >which i proceed to disappear into my tunic pocket >next came the instant ground coffee >Its round tim sitting beside me as i empty the remaining things onto the space in front of me >a heavy round tin falling out and thudding onto the floor with a sloppy meaty smack >the lid reading clearly >"Dwarven meat Surprise in Gelatin" >the near destroyed snack breads and dried fruits that came along with it were welcome but i cast the tin of meat gelatin to the furthest reach from me >though i knew id not be filled until... it... was in my stomach >tossing aside the empty ration can i dug into the fruits and bread with one hand as my other furiously shook my canteen in efforts to have teh instant coffee bond with the water within >it was a cold meal >But good >the coffee giving me a mellow buzz as whatever"Other" "additives" began to kick in >after much grumbling and debating i fetched the spoon from my nap sack and cracked open the Meat surprise >it smelled... foul >the lunchmeat was unnaturally warm and almost sweated with life as it hit the new air >the motion of it in the gelatin making it move as if it was almost alive >Digging my spoon into it it fought back against it forcing me to push harder >eventually scooping away a piece of the rebellious matter >the eating experience was not much better >the gelatin was tasteless and the meat over slated and bland >but it was enough to fill me after the struggle to eat >leaning back once more, now satisfied i stretched out my legs >just as i let out a yawn a ray of light came cascading onto my face >the outline of a female figure holding open one of the flaps called me >"Oi, Anon its your turn to walk beside the carriage" >the voice of our Specialist Barns called me >and with a moment of whining i was on my feet >Fishing my Shotgun from where i was laying asleep along with my belt and Satchel i passed beside her >"Oh an Captin O'Harra wants you at the front with him.. don ask why i don-know" >sighing again i drop down from the moving car and stretch myself as i walk up the line of carts >We were not moving particularly fast >At least by military standards >apparently the Field Marshall said he didn't want to make the same mistake as the 1st >throwing on my belt and satchel and taking the gun under one arm i broke into a brisk Jog >Making my way past and between the other Sapper Carts gaining calls of "Run Forrest Run" and "Watch out for the Race Dog" >moving past our Carts and up toward the lead carts i fell in beside our Captain, the broad shouldered Blonde haired O'Harra >"You needed me Cap.. Amon told me were still pretty far out from the border?" >the captain gave me a nod and waved me over as he walked >his eyes never leaving the ever approaching Elder Pine woods that marked the border with the Dwarven kingdoms of the north >"Aye Anon just a precaution is all, i want you an the rest of D squad to get on sweeping in front of us.. i dont expect em ta have anything but better safe than sorry" >I looked at the captain for a moment and pursed my lips but nodded >"alright ill give the boys the good news, anything we should expect?" >He shrugged and looked to one of the other captains that had sidled up beside us >A pudgy looking Dwarf with red facial hair and not much else >"aye ye got eh boys from Infantry section B wit tcha" >I gave a nod and looked behind me back toward the LOOOOOONG stretch of carts >"Alright.. ill get em moving up, well pick up B on the way up" >They both nodded and i gave a short salute and began my sprint back >i'm not sure if it was the coffee or the running.. or the excitement of my first mission but my heart was about to burst as i reached Squad Ds cart >my voice kicking up as i slapped the side of the large "Vehicle" >"alright boys and girls time to wake up the brass gota job for us" >This got the cart shaking as several people began piling out >each armed with shotguns and full kit >bright Human Elf and dwarf smiles all around as they formed up >The Female human, Specialist Barns, came out with my kit bag tossing it at me >"Well then Sarg.. lead eh way" >I loathed the way she said those words >rolling my eyes and throwing on the kit bag i turned on my heel and started the run again >this time followed by a Squad of Explosives armed Battle hungry retards >we didn't even stop for the infantry >Maintaining a steady jog until we were well ahead of the first lead Cart >The infantry catching up with us a few moment later we all had a deep laugh >i began fishing though my bag for my detector along with everyone else >finally pulling out both a Gas mask and the Detector >what looked like a standard belt lantern was more like a Mine/ Explosives detector >the closer you get to A magical or non magical explosive you get the faster it flashes >that is unless the explosive is in a bag of holding.. or burried a little too deep.. or if its being temperamental >fanning out we started to make our way down the road >close enough that the main force could probably shell our position into dust >but far enough that they would get a fireworks show if one of us touched off an bomb >i loaded my Shotgun and racked a Brass shell into the chamber and took a deep breath as we approached the woods >The ancient Pines towering over us like massive Redwood towers >as we sweeped closer my mind went to the stories my grandmother would tell me of the deep forests >the monsters and beasts that lived within them that would steal children and eat them or turn them into one of their own >i could feel eyes on me from the woods as i snapped back to reality >the sensor on my hip going wild with a strobe like effect >"Fuck" >i spoke and waved over Barns >Hers also lit up >Confirming that there were in fact Explosives >This was then confirmed as one of the infantrymen passed the line by a hundred or so feet and planted his foot on one >The shockwave knocked us off our feet >My ears ringing as pieces of Dirt and dead infantryman rained on us for a second >My voice immediately raising to murderous levels >"Nobody move a fucking muscle, Not a fucking muscle, Infantry keep an eye on the tree line, Barns.. Barns where the fu-" >She was right beside me already, in one piece just covered in dirt and infantryman >the ringing in my ears making it hard to think as i tried to give orders >"Barns, i need you to go tell the captain we got some kinda explosives up here... by the size of that one they are using Artillery shells as traps" >she simply nodded her head and started to run, stumbling and bumbling her way as she went up the road >Shaking my head and trying to regain my senses i started shouting out for my Squad >"Ok Boys its a long way from here to the woodline, but were gonna make sure its all clear.. go one by one an use your tools.. we got nothin but time.. and don't step to heavy... lets try an clear up ta ten feet from the road on both sides" >there were several groans of acknowledgement >some of the infantrymen had already taken to finding positions **BEHIND** us >the rest were still stumbling around >Their sargent trying to get them in order >i cursed the gods above as i fell to my hands and knees >an entrenchment spade in one hand >The locator in the other >This fucking thing will turn into a strobe the second im atop of it >Only bad part is >id be on top of it >"Well..Pa never said this would be easy did he" >I spoke to myself and started to crawl slowly >praying in the back of my head we didn't get attacked in the middle of all this >It would be the only thing that would make this worse Ch.2- Me and my big mouth >I just had to talk didn't I >just as i removed the Detonation seal on the first of the bombs i hear it >Like the snapping of a tree branch overhead >my stomach sinks like a lead weight as the dirt beside me kicks up into the air >my body quickly following as im now laying atop this deactivated artillery shell >looking up i can see shapes in the treeline >more cracks and plumes of smoke as they fire another staggered volley >We are just out of range of them >a resounding crack and a scream and a slap like a clipboard being smacked cracks overhead >then another >and another >Several shots fired in quick deliberate succession >the infantry was actually doing its job >Rolling onto my back i kept low as i called orders out to my men >"Sound off, Anon Check" >"AMON CHECK" >"BRADLEY CHECK" >"SERRA CHECK" >"PERRY CHECK" >Silence >The sound of repeating gunfire fading as only a few more shots sound off before silence fills the air >i lift my head and look around >Rolling off the artillery shell i check myself for any wounds and then bolt to my feet looking around between all my men >there were three names i didn't hear >"BARNS where are you" >there was silence along with ringing >my mind jogging as i remembered i sent her to inform command >"Henry, Montez where the fuck are you two" >I shout out as i look around for the two elves >One of then stands up, Henry having been a bit further ahead defusing a mine >watching my detector as i made my way over to him i called again for Montez >frantically looking about the long grass while trying to avoid turning into chunky rain >"MONTEZ WHERE THE FU-" >My foot kicks something as I step through some brush >a Shotgun >"fuck..." >Bending over and picking it up its empty >Brass Shells glittering in the high grass around it >my mind racks itself thinking how they could have grabbed him >In the ensuing chaos of the explosion? >During the firefight >Crouching down in the dent in the grass where he was laying i can see a spatter of dark fluid >chucks of.. something strewn across the floor >whatever it was took at least some buckshot >the blood leads all the way back to the woodline >Whatever it was that attacked us.. now had one of my boys >the next hour and a half was slow >We cleared what had to be easily 20+ Mines >Barns returned with more Infantry, half an hour too late >And of course.. there was the case of the missing Sapper >"Well sarge.. what are we gonna do?" >Amon asked as he sat atop one of the Shells >the entire group looking over to me now as i drank from my canteen >My eyes falling to Montezes empty shotgun >Then to my own that was hanging from its sling across my chest >"Well... were going to go get montez.. there's no other answer to that you know, No man left behind, but we need to let teh cap-" >a voice interrupted me >"Ye dont need ta tell me shite.. ye go get yer boy, and eh same infantry squad is rearin ta get hooked in again withcha" >i turned around to see the older captain giving a nodding approval >I return the nod with a smile, unslinging my shotgun as i turn to face my squad >"well ladies and gents, we got our orders" >I look to the infantry squad who were seemingly psyching themselves up >an tall Orcish woman wearing sergeant stripes bearing a tusky grin as she nods toward me >I smile in return and set off >Our 15 man group pushing ahead of the slow moving column >the Orc woman sidling up to me in a brisk jog >the rifle in her arms appeared small almost >her arms also made it more than clear she could probably put it through me without the bayonet attached >"so.. you figuring on trackin whatever attacked us and took your boy?" >i answer as we come apon the gargantuan trees from which they shot at us from >Bullet holes pock marking where the infantry squad struck >the smell of burnt gunpowder still heavy in the air >placing my hand against the resin dripping trunk i answer the large woman >"That or kill everything that might have... un officially kill anythin that aint us, we on the same page?" >there was a moment of silence as the two squads caught up and spread out along the trees >a moment of understanding passing between myself and the other sergeant >"yea same page Sapper, you lead the way and make sure we don't get our legs cut put, well do the heavy lifting" >she ended that with an lopsided wink and fell back to her group >Now began the fun part CH.3 Hearts of Stone Minds of Steel >the trail was found relatively quickly >every soldier was naturally taught to track in some capacity, some even before joining the imperial army >growing up in an village it was almost second nature, though it was Barns, the city girl who found the trail >Disturbed dirt >Droplets of thickening black blood >it went deeper into the tightly packed Redwoods >the drag marks flanked by half a dozen or so footprints >Traveling light, wearing boots though >Small force.. could have just been a recon watching for us to come up from the south >"Eyes up.. bayonets out they are gonna lookin for us" >the tight formation seems to loosen up, giving adequate spacing as they drew Bayonets >the sound of 15 bayonets leaving their sheaths and clicking into place seemed to echo through the forest >the 17 inch blade hung from the end of the Shotgun like a short sword >Not to be mistaken, it very well was one >And mine in particular had been sharpened to a razors edge >I took pride in my Close quarters drills.. perhaps more than anyone else when we were being taught >But there's a reason im a sergeant and Bruxly isn't >there's also a reason i have ten fingers and he only has eight >doesn't matter, he's a cunt >our staggered column slowly makes its way through the massive roots that seem to strew these woods >As we grow closer the tracks seem to grow fainter and fainter >The blood having long dried up >a heavy.. presence falling on us all >Like being watched >The infantry sergeant beside and behind me cleared her throat >Gesturing to their mage for a moment >the boy had a nose bleed and was silently suffering at the back of the column >ill give the boy this, he was soldiering on >a trickle of blood also flowing from his mouth where he bit himself to silence himself >we pull aside to a tree, taking cover in its massive roots as Specialist Barns takes a look at the boy >Her voice coming over in a hushed whisper >"its Magic boss, or well, lack thereof.. whatever it is its strong, its jammin this place up good" >I give her a affirmative grunt and she slaps the boy with a Syrette >his teeth gritting disappears and he takes a few deep breaths >wiping his nose with the dark green tunic he gives a nod and we are all back under way >It didn't take long for us to find the place >At Least we think it didn't >We probably passed by it 18 fucking times in the last 40 minutes >the entrance seemed to be some sort of Circle of branches >each connecting to a hedge that went up as high as the trees >the boy from before pulling beside me and pointing at it >"Witches Sapper, ey prolly got a cave or some shite deeper inside.. dont explain what attacked us but could be something" >>i respond shortly as i unload my shotgun >"Witches.. alright.. well, general order, shoot em till their dead.. then knife em alright" >there was a general air of understanding >I dug around in my "Shell Bag of Holding" as id taken to calling it >Fetching a few handfuls of white cased shells >loading them into the gun and into the Slots on my bandolier >"white Phosphor rounds" >"Yup.. picked em up from Gunny before we left" >We all donned our helmets and the Sappers their "Gas Masks" >it was more a filter mask to deal with fumes >Moving to the "gate" sappers took point >I was second in line behind our tallest >or at least the widest >with a silent count we charged >And all hell broke loose as we entered through the gate >to be honest even i was caught by surprise >my mind not having time to process what i was seeing before entering combat mode >A gathering of masses were congregated in the courtyard >Smaller single targets were scattered thought >As the last man entered the shooting started >My goggled eyes locking on one of the Shapes >It "Appeared" to be an Dark elf >Without a second thought i shouldered the gun >The brass bead aligned perfectly with its chest >then the shotguns hammer fell >A cascade of light left the barrel >Fire and the smell of burn filled the air in a split second as the shot impacted >The thing screaming as i racked another shell >As soon as it went into battery the hammer fell, slamming another round down onto the creature >white hot phospor slaking its hide as it writhed >My attention swinging to the next target, the two eye pieces of my mask locking onto a further target >It.. no her.. eyes were wide >Fear carved into every wrinkle and crag in its wart filled face >A hag >My legs did as they were trained >I charged, and fired, and charged again >The effective range of my load not attained the Phosphor did the trick none the less >the tattered dress it wore billowed like dry kindling >And the 17 inch steel bayonet met flesh with an sickening crackle >Slamming a shell of phosphor directly into the hags shrieking gut >Her piercing scream only barely cutting though my rage fueled heartbeat >My ears thundering with my heartbeat >then it was over >Ripping my blade from the smoldering crater in the dead hag i scanned the courtyard >The two squads currently bayoneting anything they shot >The infantry's rifles combined with the buckshot from my sappers seemingly tore through the creatures with some efficiency >Amon, the dwarf waved me over as he kicked one of the things over >showing its twisted death scoul as he spoke >"sarge.. these things.. i think ey were Elves before" >He was right >As i lean in closer i can see blackened veins, twisted and burst into spiderweb like patters all across their body, black bloodshot eyes and deformed bones >It might once have been an elf.. now who the fuck knows >"well set em ablaze when were done.. you see any sign of Montez around here?" >Amon shrugs and i call out the same to the group >they all give negative response and we satter looking for more among the courtyard >One of the infantry man deduces that this must have been an old Warden enclave >"they've been gone for a long time now, but some say that they are still hanging on on the far borders" >Its all superstition in my book..like those automatic rifles everyone talks about out on the other continent >Hogwash all of it >Specialist Perry is the first one to find it >accidently putting her foot though the half rotted door in the process >and then making double the ruckus by pulling her foot out and taking half the damn door with her >Needless to say they probably know were coming >"Ok double ranks.. i want my sapers in the front.. sorry infantry, you'll get your fun if we get in the thick of it" >In the time we got organized id already loaded another set of shells into my gun >These the standard high power Brass shells, Buck shot with a little.. extra >the entrance was carved into the roots of one of the massive redwoods, and a choice faced us >"up or down.." >the unanimous vote was down, as decided by myself and the other sergeant >Mainly based off of the infantry's magic boy saying he's getting a "Feeling" from down bellow >Naturally we followed >The stairs seeming carved out of root and stone mended together >This system would take.. hell an act of might and probably magic to destroy >good thing we packed TNT >Slowly working our way down we cleared room after room >Several filled almost to bursting with contraptions, torture devices, unused cauldrons >and.. uncleaned alters >some slaked in black blood, others red >And then we saw the first one >Or well, better said it saw us >It crept from a darkened corner like a creature from an abyss >its features lit by hip lantern light gave it an nightmarish appearance >its black spiderwebbed features crawling up along its face, its fingers flayed away and sharpened to bone razors >and its eyes.. it had no god damn eyes >It suffered not to live another moment >Myself and Bradly pumped two shells into it each faster than it could react >nearly cutting it in half and announcing our presence as we descended >After that, it all happened a lot faster >"They" came a lot faster >Loping up the stairs at mach speed >But again and again in the spiraling corridor they were cut down >Blasts of shotgun and rifle fire cutting them down >One, a big one managed to get close enough to get a swing in but ended up pinned to a wall by a thrown rifle by one of the infantryman >specifically the orc sergeant >"remind me to buy you a drink when we get back to somewhere more appropriate Sergeant" i qipped after slamming a shell into the writing creatures head >our decent was finally halted as we reached an opening chambre >A smell arising from the very stones that permeated even though the filters >the sickly sweet smell of rot, of puss and sickness >everyone took a moment to gag before looking around for the source of the smell >what we found did not grant us any better dreams >a sunken alter sat in the center of this room >an basin almost in the center a stone alter surrounded by..pools of nearly melting rotten matter >All manners of shit, piss and flesh permeated around this alter, atop it layed a woman >Long dead, chest burst open whatever laid within before now... writing.. with maggots and other flesh eating creatures >Its almost.. animated her >most of the privates threw up.. i did too >Hell we all threw up for a few moments >the meat surprise id eaten before splashing off my boots >"Sappers.. when we leave... i don't care how much it takes.. were fucking blowing this place" >there was no response >We all donned our gear again and moved on >Pushing deeper as we passed the filth alter >And yet.. the smell never left us >only grew stronger as we descended >as well as the presence of those damn creatures >They came out of the woodwork, literally in a few cases as they exploded from side rooms and entryways >But.. none ever got close >Our training was solid >even when they tried to come from behind, the infantry handled them well, falling into two rank firing and using their bayonets to shocking efficiency >my own bayonet was now slaked an oily dripping black >and the air stank of death >we must have gone down for miles until it finally opened up into an absolutely massive natural cavern >Stalactites hang from above like teeth of a giant beast threatening to fall atop you >Stalagmites formed the bottom jaw and cover that was spread well around the open space >"Stay close.. don't let them break us apart here.." >i could see light on one of the ends of the cavern..our own lanterns now turned dim as possible to not give away our positions >the movement was slow >Methodical >i wouldn't come this far to not get our boy back >I just hope they didn't make him into one of these things >as i walked i could hear them skittering... but not around us.. in the walls almost >as we grew closer to the light we could see it >A sacrificial altar >dozens of black hoods bowing before it >a.. thing.. sitting atop a throne >this one was different >It hat a head of a goat, two massive rams horns completed two perfect spirals to either side of its head >Its body was seemingly carved of marble, the sheer musculature of it impossible to maintain beyond magical means, and its legs were clad in dark black fur, and cloven hoofed >it cloaked inself in.. leathery wings >as i looked at it i could almost feel my mind straying deeper into the abyss >my sanity stripping away as i imagined hacking and slashing away like a crazed beast >Then an hand landed on my shoulder >The other sergeant turning me away from it >"Don't stare..fiend..makes ya go crazy" >i nodded and looked back to the area >seemingly the number of cloaked figures around it growing by the moments the chanting growing louder and louder as two women appeared >the aire around them screamed witch, the rags the demeanor, yet they appeared beautiful >silken blonde hair and perfect skin being highlights from this range >And as we drew closer we saw him >atop the alter >struggling against his binds and bearing teeth like a caged dog was Montez, our missing man >just outside the are of worship looked like what must have been.. half a dozen or so of theos things, before wed faced them two or three at a time.. but in open ground, it be a gamble >Further in i spotted some armed cloaked men >Muskets by the look of it >and whatever magic they can cast >my mind raced as the witches danced around the altar >Naked bodies dancing to the ominous chanting >a voice coming to mind >"when in doubt, Frag out" >by smile spread so far across my face that it hurt >i loaded fragment shells into the shotgun quickly and felt in my explosives satchel for my grenades >pulling three out and handing them to the infantry >"On three.. raise hell" >As i finished my sentence there was an air cutting rasp >whatever the chanting was about stopped >And the.. fiend stood from ist stony throne >Its hooves clattered on stone steps like thunderclaps >slowly getting closer and closer to the alter >an ungodly sized knife in its hand >The twisting dagger seemingly dripped the same black ooze as the creatures bled >"We gotta get mo-" >I'm interrupted by the creature as it bellows out to the crowd >"BROTHERS AND SISTER, IT IS TIME, MY POWER HAS GATHERED AND SOON THE REALM ABOVE SHALL FALL TO THEIR NEW OVERLORD... AND THE INTRUDERS.. WELL THEY WILL BE DEALT WITH, AND TO ENSURE THIS.. WE HAVE AN OFFERING.. ONE OF THEIR OWN.. ALL THEIR KNOWLEDGE... WILL BE OUR KNOWLEDGE.. WE WILL DESTROY THEM FROM WITHIN" >The speech went on and on >As he talked we got ready >The infantry would work the ridge with their rifles >and wed move in >I made sure id loaded up and checked my bayonet >My end goal was that damn goat headed thing >despite the sergeants warnings... i couldn't take my eyes off of it >I wanted to kill it >I wanted to rip its god damn eyes out and feed it to itself >and with a simple signal it started >My eyes focused from the demon beyond to the nearest target >A cultist >With the unison pop crack of rifle fire and charging shout of the sappers the crater descended into a bloodbath >the cultist i had in front of me folded like a bad hand of poker, the shell ripping a fist sized hole though him as i blew past him >Into the thick of the cultists, they weren't as unarmed as they seemed >the sounds of a clash rang out >The pop flash of Muskets and flintlocks >and the boom of my shotgun >as i cut threw them i felt nothing but recoil >i could see im my muzzle flashes growing waves of faces >But they were tightly packed >And with each trigger pull i cut through them >The floor slick with gore as i racked back shell after shell the fragmenting effect blowing away limb and flesh as i cut a bloody warpath toward the creature >its.. eyes locked on me >An heat rose from my stomach then >An fire >my throat burned as a roar escaped my lips a bellowing warcry like that they showed in the educational movies >It was echoed by each one of my men >and like that mythical man parting the red sea i saw light though the bodies >Id cut a swath through the cultist and to the stairs >my boots slipping some as they charged up teh stone stairs >And in the creatures shot.. it forgot to move >I buried the bayonet to the hilt in the things massive chest >the sharpened blade sliding easily though its flesh and though ist septum >And as i pulled the trigger >**CLICK** >Nothing >No recoil >No flash >No bang >Just.. a click >And laughter >it was laughing >I gave my bayonet a twist and it laughed as if i was tickling it >looking up i locked eyes with the thing >an weight like an anvil dropped in my stomach >Its massive maw opened wide >Sharpened teeth threatening to come down apon my head >I pulled back instinctually >and then my feet fell out from under me >slipped on the damn blood id been dripping >and with me came the gun >Bayonet still embedded in its chest >My head.. suddenly lighter >Looking up again i saw it chewing on something >My helmet >Its jaws crunching the steel like paper >Then a round struck it >and another >and then several more >it recoiled >less like a scared animal >more like a beast stung by bees >i fumbled to load the gun before it got onto me again >Its giant hoof raising to crush me as i slammed a shot into battery >the shot was off >But it still hit >The round taking it just beside the crotch and hitting it in the hip joint of its leg >The fragmenting shell at this range.. >The leg dropped beside me and the creature let out a shriek >black blood covered me as it fell back >Kicking with a hoof and claws as it tried to claw away >"YOU.. MORTALS.. YOUR RUINING.. EVERYTHING... YOU WILL ALL BE SLAVES.. YOUR WOMEN.. SLAVES.. YOUR CHILDREN,, SLAVES.. YOU-" >as i tried to jam more shells into my gun a rifle round caught it in the jaw >The bottom jaw falling clean away >it gurgled and cursed >waving its hands at me >I leveled the shotgun and slammed rounds into it one after another >The first two turned its upper half into ink paste.. the rest made it fine ink >after that.. there was silence >then shrieking >the remaining acolytes physically falling apart rotting away like the gore in the pit before >the creatures also melted away into nothingness >The black bile dissipating >the body of the creature id killed.. with some assistance, turning to ask ash and burning away >and then.. i collapsed >Falling back onto my ass as the exhaustion overcame me >My arms sore from the recoil and the fighting >in the blur that was the next hour we got Montez untied, i got a nap, and we dragged the two witches from an hiding hole they had >Their forms slowly withering away now their connection was severed >They went on and on how they never meant to hurt anyone >How that they only ever meant to help the earth >But were corrupted by... well i should not say his name >it gives him power according to them >He who shall not be named.. is some sort of low demon, relatively minor in the grand scheme.. very powerful in our terms.. >they "Found" him down here locked away by the wardens >they lasted all of 5 seconds after Montez got dressed and we gave him his guns back >He slammed two shells out faster than i could tell him to do it >i went to pick up my Bayonet to put it away but as i wrapped my fingers around it i noticed it was.. a bit darker than usual >The blade blackened >as i held it it seemed to.. call to me >To stab something with it >It seems like something with stabbing the fucko before did something to it >ill have one of the priest cleanse it before i use it again >I sheath it and me and the sappers start rigging the alter >but.. in all that the infantry boys found something >A Horde >Ornate guns, obsolete ammo, gold.. a fuck ton of gold >Like... a few years salary for all of us >"well.. waste not want not.. right sergeant" i ask the orc woman >"We haven't found anything..just more hacked up bodies" >we all shared a unified nod and started loading up the bags of holding >the infantry sergeant did the math as the rest of us rigged this place to collapse >we did this the entire way up >Quite easily we went though an new metric of explosives as we ligned the way up setting charges every hundred feet or so >Reaching the top of the stairs we were faced with another decision >Explore upward.. or scram back to the caravan >The light outside was fading >if we left now wed make it >i look to the group and then to my detonator >"if we live through this campaign... we come back.. make it a tradition eh" >we all share the same nod and scram into the courtyard >leaving me with the detonator >With a simple squeeze of it i start booking it >behind me hell and its associates start raising a party >trailing deeper and deeper into the earth until its silent >and justa s i reach the cover of one of the massive trees my group was behind >we all feel it >a single massive explosion >the earth itself shuddering and a sigh >the courtyard we were just in collapsing within itself into a sinkhole >the entire massive tree being swallowed to its top >"Maybe we wont be coming back.. oh well" >there was a joint laugh after this >Even Montez chuckled >I didn't think it at the time.. but he never chuckled much after that >the walk back was brisk yet silent >we were all rather pleased with the outcome >But i was still uncomfortable >My uniform drenched in dried red and black >all of my sappers were >some of them mummified in bandages from wounds they received >as we jogged the Orc Sergeant came up beside me >A wide smile on her face >"You fight good for a sapper..her ewe thought all you boys did was make things go boom.. ill take you up on that drink... and" >She leaned in dragging me back a bit as we got separation from the group >"if you can drink me under the table.. maybe ill show you just how impressed i was back there" She gave me a wink and a tusky smile and broke into a sprint >and like any horny boy i ran after her >just as the sun set and the woods grew dark we met with the caravan >Not many questions were asked by the captain >less by the higher ups >all of them satisfied to see bloody soldiers return with more men than set out >the rest of the troop.. they were a different story >many prodded >some merely whined about not seeing combat >but all listened as we told the story over some dinner >of course with some redacted bits >and as the night went on i found myself walking beside the infantry cart >alongside the tall infantry sergeant >it was quiet >But it was nice >No words were shared but as we both cradled our weapons like children and stared up at the stars..our minds were one in teh same >pushing back any ill thought that might enter them >Our minds made stone, our hearts, hammered steel, and like the empire demanded we marched on. born to serve trained to kill >but nonetheless.. the electricity was there Ch.4 On The Road Again >the night wore on as we stared at the stars >My walk with the Infantry Sergeant quickly became more Personal, her voice cracking to life breaking teh silence >"So Sapper" she began >My eyes shifting to meet hers >Her height just breaking over mine >Probably standing at 6'1 to my 5'10 >"You don't seem... off put, i've been told i can be a tad.. aggressive, at times" >She sidled closer as i cracked a smile pulling my shotgun in as she bumped shoulders with me >"Well, there's a good reason im leading that there group of sappers.. sometimes ye gotta be aggressive, gotta have a short fuse and whatnot" >She gave a snort at my explosives humor and sighed >"yes, it seems so its a good trait to have.. especially when dealing with larger opponents" >i nod and my eyes meet hers >The moonlight catching her pale green grey skin for a moment, the yellow irises of her eyes glowing like gold coins >Her smile stretched thing across her face revealing shortened tusks, one of her arms dropping beside her >Snatching mine in an bear trap like hold >"sergeant.. you are aware, this kind of... fraternization.. isn't looked at well" >I teased slightly as she looked away >A red hue coming over her features and her grip crushed my hand >"You have jokes Sapper..ill give you that, but i think you feel it too.. hmm? or maybe its this damn full moon" >I looked up at the giant yellow moon then back to her, smiling as i squeezed her hand back >"No i don't think it is.. but i will say this consider our position.. what if tomorrow" >The cart seemed to fade as my eyes zeroed in solely on the Orc woman >Her eyes not meeting mine as she seemed deep in thought >"what i'm sa-" >I managed to start my sentence before a hand gripped my collar >Pulling me in close and locking me there as our paces froze >Her eyes locked on me like a farmers shotgun >"If we die.. we die, i'm not asking you to marry me Sapper, i'm trying to fuck you you boneheaded human" >i misread that >Her other hand lets go of mine and grabs the other half of my collar >Lifting me to the tips of my toes by it and bringing my face to hers >Full lips clashing hard against mine >a spark igniting a fire >A fire igniting the whole damn TNT supply in my brain >we were in a cart in a hurried mess >my hands fumbling with her tunic as we closed the canvas flap >hers deftly working my tunic off >And by that i mean she ripped every button, sending them scattering across the wagon floor >my head found itself buried firmly in the crook of her neck as i worked >Biting, nipping, kissing, licking, anything to hear her breath hitch as i worked her over >My hands finding purchase on her firm chesta s her tunic fell away >A sweat stained cotton undershirt hiding what was 20 years of mature orc >as that feel away her demeanor shifted >Her hands pulling me away as her eyes zeroed in on my bare chest >Right on my heart >"well sapper, i hope that short fuse of yours is just in your aggression and not your performance >our body’s clashed for a short moment >naked bodies wrestling for dominance in the small confines of the wagon >she was strong >so... incredibly strong >but she was too high >I threw my hip under her and followed her down >landing atop of her with a crash her tusks bared at me in a smile >an excited smile >my body was on fire >my mind feeling like fireworks as I clashed lips with her once more >my second half pressing up against her stomach as I did >then... we just stared at each other >like two idiots >a smile coming across her face >a warm smile on mine as I remembered something >i shift myself lower >further down between her legs and look up to her as her massive thighs reach just below my shoulders >”i.... had a Girlfriend, back in my village... she left me shortly after I joined” >I gave her a wink and sank between her thighs >what happened next caused her thighs to tighten around my head >her breath catching sharply as my mouth met her womanhood >her back arching like a bow as I tried to pry her vice like thighs from around my skull >the string of curses flowing from her mouth as I licked and sucked would make a sailor blush >and as I pulled away, her thighs finally making way for me to breathe >a single strand of fluids connected us >as I licked my lips, the taste of her filled my mouth >her eyes locked onto mine >glazed over in pleasure >a... mischievous smile on her face >her string hand shifting me into my back as she mounted me >I tried to protest >but in the moment my words were taken from me >if a kiss was TNT >as her hips met mine it was Pure Nitroglycerin >my hips thudded and rebounded off the poor wagons floor >her nails sinking into my chest as we moaned in unison >I lost track of how many times I must have came >like wile animals we went at each other rolling around the back of the wagon >her on top and then myself >bent over the strewn supplies or standing >my vision blurred as we went at it >her lips acting like electric shocks bringing me back to focus >in the storm of emotion I found myself pulling at whatever I could get my hands on >pulling back a handful of her dark black hair and gaining an Long drawn out howl of lust >the sound of shuffling outside of the wagon falling on deaf ears as we went in for what must have been another hour >falling beside each other in sweaty heaps >her large form atop mine >in the soft afterglow of it all I couldn’t peel my eyes away from the woman >the way her breathing hitched at the top of every breath >the way she trailed her hands over my chest >for a moment I lost all my bearing >the time >the place >everything was lost on me as it was replaced by her >”I love you” >the three words fell from my lips like bricks from atop a tower >her gaze slowly looking up to look at me >a seriousness in them >her muscular thigh sliding over me as she mounted me once more >her body leaning down as she spoke slowly >”I love you too” >she broke into a smile and placed a kiss on my forehead >then promptly fell asleep atop my chest >crushing and effectively pinning me under her full weight >her knee placed firmly atop my hand to keep me held >”fucking bitch” I muttered softly as I accepted my fate >my vision blueing from either dehydration or exhaustion >slowly >slowly >slowly slipping into black >a quiet sleep that went relatively unbothered til “morning” >CH.5 Day Late, Dollar Short >the next week of travel went by in a blur >My Section would rotate acting as both forward scouts and explosives detection >the days seemed to almost stretch on forever >the spring air carrying the nip of the coming fall as we went deeper and deeper north >the damned forrest doing no favors in the sense of dread >Nights were filled with screams and yowles of all sorts of creature >but i didn't worry about it too much >Yasha kept me company most nights >She'd become.. softer.. loving in the night >it was confusing but it softened my heart some >to feel wanted >Loved again >Of course i never got to live it down from Amon or Barnes >but that all changed about a week and a half into the journey >the rear of the column reported beasts stalking the artillery carts >figures and shapes that would disappear and reappear in the corner of your eye >i didn't think much of it >though i did sleep with my shotgun much closer each night >then it happened >I woke up to shouting >gunfire >Screaming >Bursting out of the back of the Sapper wagon i watched as.. Something... tore though some poor infantryman >leaving him in three ragged pieces before moving onto the next >I barely had time to strap on my shell belt before i saw it again >Its skin pale and horrifically stretched over bone >long spindly arms tipped with horrific long nails >its face >The rows apon rows of eyes on its spider like face >a circular maw of jagged teeth undulating beneath them >Then.. it lunged at me >Skittering in all fours as its eyes locked onto me >the deepest corner of my mind screamed >a primeval fear flooding my mind >as it got closer it only grew and grew >then like a switch that fear shifted to rage >Anger >A shot of adrenaline to the heart as i Raised the barrel of the shotgun >A shell of double 00 Buckshot smashing into the creature at 3 yards >The force of the blast recoiling the creature onto its back writhing as its left shoulder hung on by a thread >a chunk of flesh slopping onto the ground like a tenderized cut of flank >It shrieked as it regained its footing >By then another shell had been chambered and i let out my own cry >a growl into the darkness as i illuminated the dark with the muzzle blast >at this range the 00 buck made mince of the creature >The full load catching it where the jaw met the neck at near point blank >Its body dropped like a bag of hammers twitching and writing >I shot it again >And again >and once more >nothing remained but an oily stain and fragments of teeth of the things head >my heart thundered in my chest as my eyes scanned around >The crack of rifles and booms of shotguns scattered the night >the shrill of creatures and cries of men and women being dragged off >My legs pushed forward >My sections wagon was empty when i awoke >there here somewhere >i rushed past body after body >Some in uniform >other in states of undress >more bodys of those things littered the way as i made it to the lead Sapper wagon >my section along with three others huddled around the explosive laden wagon >Piles of dead creatures around them >An entire infantry platoon running past heading to the rear of the wagon train >assumedly to secure the artillery >running up to the cart i notice something >silence >The crack of rifles receding >yet nobody spoke >Our eyes focused outward as we expected hell to fall apon us >My muscles twitching and shaking as i held the gun up >in every blink i could see it >the creatures >I thought of the reports id heard of >monstrosities attacking the first army >slaughtering them >Butchering them to the man >But these.. they died >and as the night wore on and the sun began to rise we saw less and less >prowling just outside of range >Just deep enough within the redwoods that no resolve would mustyer to chase them >and as the sun rose they disappeared completely > the adrenaline fading and leaving everyone.. drained >My muscles ached violently as i fell back onto my ass >a wet spot sticking to my thigh >"I pissed myself..." i said aloud, the group of 30+ sappers looking at me >every one of them checked themself in the moment and shared a communal laugh >each one of us, even the ladies had pissed themselves >there was a general scramble to identify the dead >i dreaded it >It was... new to me >Death >I stared at one of the infantrymen who was in Yashas squad >the one with the magic >His eyes wide open >Staring deep into the woods as he sat up against the wagon wheel >His rifle laying in two parts at his feet >Blood soaked clean though his tunic, bowls hanging out from the gash deep in his stomach >It looked like he was trying to heal himself when the shock kicked in >one moment he was there >the next he wasn't >His eyes just wouldn't fucking close >the next body i found was one of the sappers >He'd been dragged off the road >deep claw marks in his back suggesting he was.. grabbed by his fucking ribcage >his throat was missing along with some other body parts >cause of death was unclear >it went on like this >burning bodies and putting out fires that broke out >All in all.. 100 confirmed dead, 25 missing >Missing >dragged off to whatever hell those things called home >my blood boiled >But my body ached >My arms resisting me as i dressed myself >the orders to dress in full armor welcomed happily >My thighs and calves screaming as i forced myself to march >We burned the bodies in piles >No service would be held >No graves would be dug >those that were identified would be commemorated at the end of the campaign >or so the general says >the mood from then on was changed >I could feel it >The dread growing as the sun fell that night >No part of me wanted sleep >Even to close my eyes >It was our turn to rotate forward > leaving our cart and shifting to the lead >This time we were much closer to the wagon train >Not to be let out of sight of the main Wagons Gun >i couldn't remember when it happened >but the sun disappeared behind the now ever growing mountains >and the wind began to die >the forest fell to a still silence >and we all froze >The detectors we wore going wild as they strobed between bright and dim >Then we heard it >A sound that chille dme to the bone >a piercing howl that was quickly echoed by the very earth itself >every direction erupted in this howl in unison >surrounded >We were utterly surrounded >that same terror started to flood my brain >but not again >I would not let it take me again >I bit my cheek hard >The iron taste of blood filling my mouth and coating my teeth as i shouted to my Section >"Affix bayonets!! Fall back to the wagons, get ready for a fight" >the clatter of bayonets being drawn was echoed among the 12 men >each of us bolting back to the lead wagon as its massive gun arched upward 90 degrees >And with a thunderous roar it fired >echoed then in the distance by 4 more artillery guns firing >the air hung in silence once more >and then there was light >So much light that the world turned white for a moment >4 new massive suns appearing in the sky >casting the world in an almost black and white display as the trees shadows played tricks in the drifting light >and among those shadows >yellow eyes and bared fangs >standing taller than a man >nothing like the monsters of the first night..these were different >then we heard it again >a single.. long howl >and as it ended, we descended into hell Ch.6 Blood & Guts >my blood boiled as screams filled the air >the heat within my mask growing, fueling my body >The bright white suns above outlining everything like a black and white illustration >My legs burned as i ran down past the command cart >a Lycan like creature sheared in half as a deafening boom from within the cart rang out >a barely visible hooded man hefting a rifle as long as he was jumped from the cart and disappeared in the other direction as me >as i reached the rest of my team we were stuck in >infantry, sapper, artillery men and engineer were all fighting around the main artillery piece >slamming shot and shell toward the unknown >then they fell apon us in force As i slid into the formation i saw them >giant wolf like creatures >fur black as the pit and eyes yellow as the moon that hung far above the flares >i slammed a shell of buck shot as one just transitioned onto the path >a bright splash of crimson shooting out and minced flesh sloped onto the floor >the creature continued forward a near pound of flesh training behind it by tendon alone >I slammed another and then another shell into its hide >each blowing though it with ease >Its form slowed and fell >I emptied another round into the creatures head and turned it into a grease stain >even in the near black and white setting i could see the puss and rot leaking from where the creatures brain once was >my eyes pealed away from its remains and onto the next target >a wolf closing in onto the line >as i brought the brass bead onto it i pulled the trigger as it lunged into our lines >*Click* >The world seemed to slow >where i expected a miraculous bang and flash of fire and smoke >I received but a metallic click >My shock turning to horror as the creature plunged into our line >Several rounds striking the creature as it tore apart Amon >Its massive claws raking though the unarmored portions >Throwing away a severed arm and plunging its steak knife like claws into the dwarfs exposed throat >my ears seemed to zero in on the gurgling cry as the mans life left him >the creature, frenzied seemed unphased by the bullet wounds >Tearing Away the throat of the dead sapper >Its eyes turning to me >another click was heard >In the back of my mind >Familiar memories of pain and anger flooded my mind >Numbed my judgement >as the formation scattered to make space from the beast i pushed forward >screaming like mad beneath the mask and helm as i plunged the 17 inches of the Adamantine bayonet into its side >my body carrying through the blow using the shotgun like a spean and driving it into the dirt >its look of surprise grew as i brought my boot to its throat and ripped the bayonet back >Again and again i drove the bayonet into its chest as the creature clawed against the armored greaves trying to leverage against me >Brining the blade upward once more i drove it though the creatures howling maw >the blade busting through bone and rotted fetid flesh and into the bloodied dirt below >the thunder in my ears subsiding only enough to hear more screams and gunfire as our formation had broken into brawls >Some fending off creatures with bayonet and shot others overtaken, ripped limb from limb by these beasts >My hands already working, cramming miscellaneous shells into the guns magazine as i charged the nearest beast >its back turned it howled loudly as the bayonet severed its spine, the tip bursting from its chest , then a cavity opening as a smooth round slug bust though it >The battle became chaos >In the flashing black and white i thrashed between enemy >The thunder and flaming flash that left my gun illuminating only more enemies >what felt like a black wave of abominations crashed apon us >And we were being drowned >i found myself once more backed to the artillery cart > the ground now slaked with mud >The blood of men and beastial abominations ankel high as more semed to fall upon us >then i saw "IT" >in the crackle of the fading flare >a yellow eyed man just beyond the woodline >a smile stretched from ear to ear >Eyes an illuminated exaggerated yellow >I could see his lips move >Even though the mud and the blood >he beckoned me >called for me to take him >fucking taunting me from behind his line of abominations >what little sense that remained faded >I loaded white cased shells and let out a roar of challenge >My burning muscles flexed and burned with new found energy >Pushing though the mud i stepped off the path. leaving the defensive line that has just re formed >the shouts of the infantrymen to return drowned out by the chaos of the howls and gunfire >Beast after beast tried to intercept me >one particularly large one blazed full tilt from the man's side toward me >It was different >Un corrupted >Its muscle healthy >Well fed >it stood well over the other creatures >Stopping just outside of my range >circling >The other things.. ignored me >it wanted me for itself >and in my mind.. that angered me further >a continued... clicking... like a light being flicked on and off rung in my head >Each step it took >With every click i wanted to drive my bayonet though its skull >yet it circled closer and closer... slowly >Then i snapped >Lunging toward the beast and firinga phosphor shell at it >The blaze of fire slaking teh beasts hide but perfectly outlining it as it lunged in return >The flaming body crashing into mine >The feeling of my bayonet purchasing on its hide and piercing its flesh gave a satisfying squelch >but it was short lived as i felt its claws burry into my side >its massive claws shredding through the weakest point in my armor >Holding me down as its massive jaws gaped open >bloody globs of saliva dripping down onto my facemask as i felt the action of my gun give >A shell racking into the barrel >its gaping jaws then came down >A agonizing pain shooting up from my shoulder as i pulled away >teeth bearing beneath the mask as its jaws crunched down onto my left shoulder >Its teeth shattering the collarbone and rending teh flesh >I found myself not crying out in pain >But snarling >Like an angry dog i returned the only way i could >i pulled the trigger > the sky above us erupting into a spray of phosphor >the smell of burning hair and flesh filling the air rapidly as the beast let out a cry of pain and ripped away its jaws with a chunk of my shoulder >in the moment i did bleed out >I wanted to kill them all >ever last one of them >In the creatures moment of pain i rolled us >shifting its weight on itself and crashing my armored frame atop it >Its clas still sunk into my flesh i could feel flesh rip >my grip on the shotgun ripped away as i found gauntleted hands around the creatures maw >Ist golden eyes locked on my green >its jaws intent to close on the hands that gripped them >I began to pull and push >if i had to id rip the damn thing jaw off and thus it continued >Blood streaming from my gloved hands as its teeth punctured the thick gauntlets >but its jaws were giving way >With every yank its jaws opened wider and wider >Its clawed hand not pinned beneath it ripped from my side and slashed across my mask >Its claws sparking and renting the hardened adamantite >Its leather strap ripping away sending it and the helm skidding away >i could see myself in its eyes >in its wide.. scared eyes >it must have thought it was fighting an orc >Or some other race >That made my blood boil even more >I screamed and gave one more rent >Its bottom jaw giving an audible pop as it dislocated >The bone jutting beneath the skin >I did not give it a chance to yelp in pain >i did the only thing i could think of >I punched my right arm into its maw >Right down its fucking throat >My bloodied hands grasping and clawing whatever it could snag >At about elbows length i grabbed firm to something >Twisting hard and holding it in a firm grip i looked it in the eye and screamed >a scream that id never heard before >every ounce of hate, anger, rage, murder was poured into the scream as i placed my left hand on the things neck and pulled back with all my might >Its eyes growing wide as its insides were ripped out of it >Turned inside out before its very eyes >it tried to make sound but could not >I continued to pull and rip as it pulled away >Its tried and tried but i continued to pull and pull >A meaty sack guming into grip crushed underneath my hand as now stood over it >Turning it inside out like some fucked up toy >and as i looked up with a ear to ear grin i locked eyes with the golden eyed man >his smile now... gone >turned into a visage of shock and fear >his body quickly moving to run >No... no no no >I wouldn't let him run >i ripped the gun from his beast and chased after him >Unloading the phosphor shells and loading the slugs once more >i chased after him deeper and deeper into the black forest >i couldn't see him >i couldn't hear him >But i could smell him >the fear on him >like a scared animal >bursting into a clearing i saw him running for a cave >i shouldered the shotgun and took aim >Low aim >the slug ripped though the flesh and bone above his knee >With a wail he fell into the dirt >i did not run then >I walked slowly toward him >His cries of pain accented by his struggles to claw toward the mossy cave >a foul rotten smell coming from within it >Putrid and vile >But also... calling me >Like a voice becoming me inside >reaching the figure i kicked him hard and placed the barrel of the shotgun to his other knee >His eyes widened and his mouth opened to speak >The words deafened by the blast of the gun >His words returning to agonized cries for mercy >a thought crashed across my mind >How i could see him even in this darkness >his fear growing like a sweet stench in the air >A almost hunger calling me >Beckoning me to end him >"Please... Please.. mercy.. i surrender" >the voice called as its arms raised >its yellow eyes fixed on my bare face >his eyes >i fell apon the man >kicking his arms to the floor >Bringing down the but of my gun against each again and again >The satisfying crunch of boney pulp emanating as i straddle the now hysterically crying man >i set aside th3 shotgun now and reached further back on my belt >The "M3" utility knife >The sappers last line and closest friend >We were trained to use it to defuse bombs >But.. my instuctor >he was in the Specialist corps >He spoke of times when clandestine operations required.. more... brutality >a.. hunger.. rose in the pit of my stomach >A hunger that intensified the more he screamed >I brought the pommel of the blade against the mans collarbones >loud snapping and giving of flesh revealed white bone >burring the blade into these wounds i ripped away flesh >He was battering and looking at me absolutely in shock >i opened him like a Clam >The adamantine blade cracking rib and sternum like a shell beneath a boot >miraculously.. the man survived even that >Lucid enough to beg again and again for me to stop >To just kill him >but i couldn't help myself >Id watched.. his things... tear apart my friends >My family >More and more are dying even now >"P-please.. ju-just kill me.." >his voice cracked and i looked up >a smile crossing my blood stained face stretched tightly from ear to ear >"No..i'm going to take something from you.. just how you took it from me.. i'm going to rip you apart.. piece by bloody piece, and then... then i'm going to fucking eat you" >The last part took me by surprise >But i dug the blade just below his eye >With A quick twist and a scream from the man i popped it right out of its socket >it jung from its cord for a moment >bobbing against his cheek >And with a moment's pause i snagged it in hand and ripped hard >Making a straight line into my mouth >i ate his eyes >I made him watch as i ate his eyes screaming teh entire way >And then i reached into his chest and wrapped my hand around his fucking heart >and i pulled with the last drops of energy i had >and its a shame he could not see it with his dying breath >I ate his heart too >I ate it and was washed in blood >Dripping down onto my armor >And as i sat atop his body >I felt my consciousness leave my body >not passing out >But as in i could see the bloodied body i was >My spirit leaving me for a moment >the clearing growing misty >and a... man strode from the opposite treeline >His presence felt.. warm >Like a father >As he grew closer i noticed a massive deers skull lay atop his head like a mask >his body covered in pelts and hides >in one hand he carried a ornate looking bow >on his back a quiver of arrows >I didnt notice he was twice my height until he was across from me >despite all this >I felt at peace >As if i was a boy again >Sitting with my father across the fireplace >"hello my child...i've been watching you... you perhaps have many questions.. but i will answer only this one" >a moment of silence hung as his body shifted >his body took the form of one of those beasts.. like the one that had ripped into me >"I am Hircine, god of the Hunt... and you are one of my children.. willing or not... now i do not interfere with the dealings of my children.. but that one" >it gestured a claw to the body my own was atop >"that one corrupted my gift, was corrupted by what lays below.. only fire can cleanse that now" >He gestured to the mouth of the gave and as i looked away and looked back he had disappeared >only a voice remained now >"you will not be bothered by my presence, i am uninterested in this.. war.. you mortals wage, but do not corrupt my gifts as that one did" >then everything went black >the sensation of falling and then hitting something warm were the last gognicient things i felt >Then just... blackness >im not sure how long i was asleep >i probably would have slept longer if a boot didn't nudge me in the back >"Ey.. bossmang.. you alive?" >My eyes opened >fighting against teh crusted blood as sunlight flooded my senses >the outline of several people standing over me slowly began to focus >Some of them infantry >Three of them Sappers >My sappers >barns kicked me in the ribs again lightly >"Can ya hear me Sarg? you ok?" >my entire body was screaming in pain >Sore >So sore >I groaned and rolled onto my side >The entire world rushing in a moment >Next thing i knew i was throwing up >Two golden eyes staring back at me from within the pile >wiping my lips i struggled to my feet >Turning to the group..the colors.. brighter.. i could smell each one of them >"Yes specialist... now im ok.." >As i straighten myself up and look at whos around me a voice breaks the relived silence >"Sergeant.. im glad your ok, but this is your road house.." >a cloaked figure stood at the cave mouth >a massive rifle on sling hanging from his shoulder >his outline barely visible due to the cloak >"Sir.. well get on it.. let me just get my equi-" >I was gut off my my helmet and mask being tossed into my hands by the tall orc Sergeant >Her smile from ear to ear to see i was alive >there would be questions later to how i was alive i knew that >But now i had a job >And by the look of the Clandestine operations trooper that had joined the group.. i didnt really have an option >I strapped teh helmet and mask on and drew a deep breath >Looking to the sun >"Ok Ladies and gentlemen.. sappers in the front.. infantry bringing us up.. lets clear this bitch"