(Discontinued) Rise of Umerica

Chapter 20 - War Of Succesion Part 1: The Battle of Link

Same Time
Tesla's Hometown

After quitting as adventurers and getting the kids properly clothed and equipped they set off for the neighboring kingdom of Fran but Sophina wanted to go their hometown one last time before leaving.

It was on the way so Tesla said yes.

They finally reached the remains of the village. Homes lay in burned and charred piles. The bodies had since been cleaned up much to Tesla's surprise then they came upon what looked like a mass grave deeper into the village. Decaying corpses lay in a large hole. The stench overwhelming. Flies and other scavenger birds picked at the decaying meat. Tesla felt anger rise up in him once again. How can they treat people like literal garbage? Wishing to give his fellow villagers as proper a burial he could he instructed for the older kids to get some shovels and fill the grave. He honestly didn't want them to see this but if they were to become soldiers they would have to get used to seeing death and dead bodies. He would help fill the grave later but first he went off to find Sophina. He found Sophina on her knees in front of what used to be her home. Now the once wooden home was nothing but a pile of burned wood. As walked up to stand beside her he could see tears in her eyes. He puts a hand on her shoulder.

"We'll make them pay for this. On your parents and my parents I swear to get revenge."

Sophina didn't say anything only continued to cry. Sensing she needed time. Tesla headed to his former home. Unlike most of the other houses in the village his only had minor damage. Seeing his home again he makes a vow once again before walking inside. Most it was untouched as memories of his mother and father flooded his head. He smiled. He moves through each room taking in the memories and nostalgia of each. He exits the house and returns to the mass grave. He had kept the younger kids from seeing this. Though he would train them into solidiers too he had no intention of traumatizing them. So he had Minerva and Cannete watch them. Aiisha was helping fill the mass grave with dirt and Tesla pitches in to help. After a couple hours Sophina returns and she helps finish up. After saying their final goodbyes they set off on their journey to Ateria.

-

A week and a half Later
Approaching the Kingdom of Fran Border

Tesla and company had traveled to the border of Fran without much incident besides the occasional monster attack and were now making their way through thick forest. They had to abandon their wagons as their was no path through the forest. They didn't have much choice as they wanted to avoid border checkpoints. After all with the current tension between countries he didn't want to draw any attention to himself.

"Why do we have to follow this kid? He's not even that much older than us." A kid named Evander said.

"Stop it. At least he has provided us shelter and protection. Besides he gave us a choice and we all chose to stay." A girl named Iyrene said.

"I know that but he looks so weak. He wants us to fight as soldiers after all. Can we really follow a guy like that?"

"Quit complaining!" Iyrene said annoyed. "If you want to leave then leave"

"Hmph maybe I will" Evander muttered.

-

Tesla could hear the kids chatting about something behind him but he wasn't sure about what. So he paid no attention to it. Then suddenly Aiisha grips her sword.

"Something is coming" she says I'm warning.

Tesla signals for the rest of them stop. He raises his rifle ready to open fire on the threat.

Aiisha suddenly calls out "look out!" just as something leaps out from the trees and attacks the group. Her warning was too late as one of the children is torn to shreds. Before they could panic Tesla immediately takes control of the situation.