Loss

Marc woke up on the behemoth level ship. "uuugghhh," he moaned as he sat on a medical bed. His lieutenant was sitting next to him.

"Don't be the fool, Marc." The lieutenant said. "If I hadn't knocked you out, then the soldiers from the Empire would have declared you a traitor and killed you on the spot."

Images came flooding into Marc's mind, and he remembered seeing the Imperial soldiers killing everyone. Women and children, and he couldn't do anything about it.

Marc clenched his face and held back tears. "It wasn't supposed to be like that..." he said before he choked up.

The lieutenant answered, "it was always the plan to kill the citizens. To the Empire, it makes sense to kill any citizen that may harbor resentment in the future. All you did was save the Empire some money on bombs."

The lieutenant paused for a moment, "also, congratulations. Due to your bravery on the battlefield, you are promoted to Corporal. Keep up the good work."

With that, the lieutenant walked away, leaving Marc crying and sniveling on the bed.

..................................

Inian was practicing listening to his heart and tried to focus his mind. He had been entirely unsuccessful over the past few days and has made no progress, but he wouldn't give up so long as there was a possibility he could grow to the high-tier stage.

Janae came running into the room he was staying in banging the door and making Inian lose his concentration. "What do you need?" Asked Inian in a somewhat frustrated tone. Janae had tears in her eyes, and Inian's voice softened, "what's wrong?" he asked. Janae got out between sobs, "Trok City has been completely wiped out... our nation's capital is taken. The Kingdom has lost this war."

Inian's eyes widened in shock. Does that mean there's no point in fighting against the Empire anymore? Have they all lost?

Janae continued speaking, "Our orders are to return to Galbury Castle and sign a treaty of surrender. The Trostan Kingdom has fallen, and we are now under the Empire's control."

General Reark came in soon after Janae, and he looked focused besides the fact that his eyes were stained with tear streaks.

"Inian, you need to leave. Now."

The General pointed, and several guards began packing up all of his things. Inian put together what he could and listened to the General as he spoke.

"The Trostan Kingdom has fallen, and our war is over. However, I want you to take my daughter and go to the Ranid Kingdom. They are just South of us and will most likely be the Empire's next target. I want you to warn them and help in any way you can while keeping my daughter safe."

Janae looked shocked at hearing her father tell Inian to take her away. "But father, my home is here with the Kingdom!"

Reark shook his head, "there is no more kingdom. I'm guessing that many high-ranking officers will be executed along with their families, so I need you to get out of here. They won't pursue you if I at least go."

Janae began sobbing and hugged her father. Reark hugged her, and then grabbed her shoulders, leading her out the door.

"Follow quickly, Inian, the guards will grab your things."

Inian followed to where a low-tier mecha was waiting by the gate. It was a vehicle with six wheels, and it could fit two comfortably. It had no offensive capabilities, however.

"The two of you need to ride until you get to Segar. It's a city on the southern border of the Ranid Kingdom. You will be safe there for a while."

Janae spoke up, "I can't leave you, father! I refuse to go!"

General Reark spoke angrily, "YOU WILL GO!" Janae jumped in shock and looked hurt. Reark lowered his tone, "my daughter; you will go and live. That's what I want because my war is over. But your war is not yet complete. You must continue to fight against the Empire and avenge our nation. It's all in your hands now."

Janae reluctantly got into the vehicle. Inian looked outside of the gate towards the woods. "Go to Segar," he spoke, and his voice echoed out.

The general looked at him strangely, "yes, go to Segar. I'm putting you in charge of protecting my daughter, don't let me down."

"Thank you for all you've helped me with," Inian said and hopped into the driver's seat. He started up the vehicle and drove into the woods.

The vehicle handled well over uneven terrain, making it a smooth but sad ride South.