The Pridea boardwalk was crowded with thousands of griffins and ponies taking advantage of the Aquileian summer weather to enjoy a pleasant stroll along the beaches and coasts of the bustling port city. On one of the viewpoints, a pair of griffins watched as the sun gradually descended on the horizon, bathing the sea in a variety of reddish and orange hues.
"Summer is the best time of the year because of moments like this," commented the larger griffin, pointing to the sunset with her claws. "I don't understand how you can still prefer winter or autumn, Gwen."
"It's easy, Colette. In autumn, the best delicacies are available after the second harvest, and in winter, you can enjoy the snowy landscape of Herzland or Aquileia while visiting your family for the New Year," said the smaller griffin as she held the bluish griffin's hand.
"Snow might be nice, but the talk about delicacies is a big lie. Ice cream can only be truly enjoyed in summer, especially with a view like this," Colette remarked as she brought the ice cream cone in her left claw to her mouth. The bite was so large that she momentarily froze, feeling the headache caused by the coldness of the ice cream dissipate. Gwen burst into laughter, causing other passersby to turn their heads.
"I don't know how you can be so clumsy sometimes. Look, you've stained your entire uniform with chocolate chips," the young griffin pulled out a handkerchief from one of the pockets of her uniform and wiped the pieces of chocolate off her companion's blue jacket. "First, you spend three months arguing at the assembly about why ice cream can only be eaten in summer, and then you bring me on a date to the boardwalk to prove your point. Colette, please learn to separate work from normal life." Colette's face turned red as she opened and closed her beak, searching for a response.
"The state expects us to always think of the community. Isn't it the role of a good socialist to defend the well-being of the people?" Colette gave a silly smile, while Gwen merely raised an eyebrow and looked away.
"Although I love your passion for helping society in general, I don't think Marks or Grand Cru wrote about turning every topic into a dialectical struggle," Gwen replied after glancing at Colette, letting out a small sigh and resting her head on the griffin's shoulder.
"Sorry, Gwen... You know I can be stubborn about certain things. I suppose that's why they chose me to train one of the armored battalions in the new division," Colette tightened her grip on her partner's claw as she said this. "I apologize if I've been somewhat distant these past few months. I still haven't fully adjusted to the new position."
Gwen stepped in front of Colette and, without any warning, planted a kiss on her beak, leaving the large griffin in shock. She extended her large wings, adorned with black feathers, and took a small backward flight, causing the ice cream cone to fall to the ground. Gwen burst into laughter at her partner's reaction while readjusting her tousled golden braid, disturbed by Colette's flight. The people around them also started to laugh at the scene, which only made the bluish griffin's already flushed face turn even redder. After a moment that Colette used to pull herself together, the two of them approached the railing of the bay viewpoint, which was filled with warships that had just returned from naval exercises, still flying the flags of the Republic of Aquileia high.
"Next time, you could give me a heads-up... You know I get startled easily when you do that," Colette commented, puffing up her cheeks, while the golden griffin stuck her tongue out in a teasing manner.
"That's what happens when you leave your girl alone for months in the capital, dealing with bureaucratic problems and disputes among the unions, while you go off with your army buddies to exercise with the Republic of Herzland and visit Tarrin," Colette tried to defend herself, but after seeing the sardonic smile on her beloved partner and friend's face, she could only let out a small laugh while shaking her head from side to side.
"Forgive me, my dear comrade commissar, but the duties of defending the people required me to visit our allies in Herzland. Besides, we were in Tarrin due to the damn incursions by the fascists from Karthinia," her tone turned more serious as she mentioned the recent border skirmishes between the Entente and the Empire of Karthinia. "They have been diplomatically pressuring the Republic for years to hand over the territory of Tarrin, and I know they won't take no for an answer."
"Equestria, the River Federation, Stalliongrad, Aris, and Aquileia signed the United Nations Declaration in April, condemning authoritarian and fascist regimes. Regardless of Beakolini's or the new King Gumberto's grandiose aspirations, they wouldn't dare declare war on one of the high-ranking members of the United Nations," the golden griffin commented while caressing the feathers on Colette's head. "I know you're afraid that a major war may break out in Griffonia, but rest assured, at least in the capital, the People's Assembly has no intention of getting involved in the warmongering of the fascists. And our friends from Equus have conveyed their unconditional support in case a crisis unfolds."
"I don't know how you manage to stay so calm all the time. It's the same as the first time I met you in Herzland, remember?, when you were the renowned union leader Gwen of Oldwingburg, leading protests against the Griffenheim government to secure better conditions for the country's miners," Colette's eyes began to sparkle as she reminisced those moments. "And to think that it has been more than five years since I first saw you."
"Yeah, five years... since a freshly graduated cadet from the military academy was sent to a foreign republic to help maintain public order because they thought the student uprising was pro-imperial. I really don't know how it ended up with me dating you," she said in a teasing tone while gently tapping Colette's shoulder.
"Obviously, it was because my magnificent performance at the Griffenheim sports festival in 1016 naturally seduced you," she said, flexing her arms. Gwen rolled her eyes before letting out a small sigh and shaking her head. "Don't act like you didn't like it. I distinctly remember seeing you every day during the hoofball matches and aerial races." Gwen felt her cheeks blush and lost a bit of composure when she saw Colette's radiant smile illuminated by the sunset.
"I won't lie, maybe seeing your athletic body after working so hard for labor rights relaxed me a bit, and it also served as an excuse to sit in the shade and rest." The two locked eyes, standing just a few feet apart.
"I must thank the government of Herzland then for being so careless and giving me the chance to meet you. But you know who I have to thank even more?" Gwen looked puzzled, raising one eyebrow and tilting her head. "Well, clearly, the SUMMER!" Gwen covered her face with her claw as Colette raised her wings triumphantly with a happy grin on her face.
"No."
"And do you know why I owe it thanks?"
"Colette, let's not continue. We've already settled the matter," the larger griffon approached her partner's face, ignoring Gwen's words.
"Because it was the summer and its heat that led the miners to start their complaints, and it was the summer heat that brought you to the stadium where the festival sports were held. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, I declare unequivocally that summer is the best season of the year. It's good weather, allows for enjoying ice cream and cool drinks, and it allowed me to find the love of my life. What more could you ask for?" Gwen shook her head and resigned herself to Colette's stubbornness and sweetness, giving her a hug that was reciprocated by the other griffon, who lifted her and squeezed her tightly between her claws and wings.
"Just so you know, you win all these arguments because you're incredibly adorable and stubborn, huh?" Gwen said with a big smile on her face. "But well, I'll have to agree with you this time. Summer isn't so bad."
"Heh, I knew you'd eventually give in. Now that we both agree, how about we get a walnut and vanilla ice cream before heading home?" the blue griffon said, placing Gwen back on the ground and making a puppy face.
"Okay, but only one large ice cream for both of us, alright? Lately, you've been gaining weight with all that ice cream," Colette was about to reprimand her teasing comment, but a loud sound interrupted her action, causing everyone on the boardwalk to turn towards the bay.
The sun had almost set on the horizon, leaving a pink hue on the illuminated boardwalk. The loud metallic sound reverberated throughout the bay, eliciting a flurry of movement from the warships and port facilities. People became confused, not knowing what was happening, but confusion quickly turned to panic as Pridea's loudspeakers blared with the air raid alarm.
From the horizon of the bay, a large black blot began to fill the sky, accompanied by the distinct sound of combat jets. The battleships and cruisers in the harbor started to shift and assume defensive positions, while citizens near the port ran and flew towards the state's anti-aircraft shelters or sought refuge in nearby buildings. Gwen and Colette tried to find their way to the shelters, helping people along the way and trying to maintain calm.
The jets, painted with purple and white stripes characteristic of the Karthinian Air Force, initiated their attack on the port, aiming to disable the vessels and anti-aircraft positions. The defenses responded with a barrage of fire, filling the semi-dark sky with massive explosions. As Gwen watched the battle in the harbor, she got separated from Colette, who was swept away by a large crowd. The two tried to hold hands, but at that moment, a stray missile fired by one of the Karthinian planes exploded in the adjacent building, and the shockwave completely separated them.
The explosion sent Gwen flying into the debris of a building damaged by the shockwave. Meanwhile, Colette was rescued by members of the National Guard who, upon seeing her in uniform and injured, transported her to one of the shelters, which was functioning as an improvised field hospital. Colette continuously inquired about Gwen's whereabouts, but she lost consciousness shortly after arriving at the shelter.
The aerial battle lasted for several hours, with the Karthinian Air Force, presumably launched from bases in Toulouse and the imperial navy's aircraft carriers, managing to damage three out of the six Republican battleships and sink two of the new heavy cruisers equipped with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles. However, the battle came at a cost for the fascists, who lost a significant number of aircraft to the fleet and army's anti-aircraft response, as well as the intervention of the 17th Interceptor Wing.
After midnight, the shelters opened, and people emerged in a wave of murmurs and confusion to witness a devastated port and parts of the city in flames. Colette, disregarding the orders of the chief physician and some members of the National Guard, ventured out with her blood-stained uniform and bandages wrapped around her torso in search of Gwen. She spent hours searching through field hospitals and the remnants of the port and boardwalk.
With each passing hour, her heart sank deeper into indescribable pain, only held at bay by burning determination and the certainty that Gwen was capable of surviving anything. Around four in the morning, nearly collapsing from exhaustion and supported by a pony and three griffons from the National Guard, along with a group of gendarmes, Colette finally found Gwen in one of the hospitals set up in the city's main market.
Upon seeing her, a wave of joy and rage overcame the blue griffin, who could only throw herself by her beloved's side as tears streamed down her cheeks and beak. The griffin was covered in wounds caused by shrapnel and debris from the explosion. According to the doctor, it was a miracle that she had survived buried under the rubble for so long. The most notable wound was on her back, where a large cut ran from her left shoulder blade to where her wing used to be. However, due to the risk of infection and gangrene, the wing had been amputated during surgery.
The doctor informed a devastated Colette that Gwen would survive, but she was currently in a coma, and they couldn't be certain when she would wake up. After thanking the doctor, the soldier remained by her girlfriend's side throughout the night, even during their transfer to Pridea General Hospital, where Gwen was admitted to the intensive care unit, always accompanied by Colette. It was in the hospital room where she heard the message that all citizens of Aquileia had been waiting to hear since the attack.
"Today, July 28th, in the year 1021, following an unjustified and premeditated attack by the forces of the Karthinian Empire against the regions of Tarrin and Pridea, the People's Assembly, along with the respective governments of the Entente nations, have formally declared war on the Karthinian Empire. Once again, the workers and the people are the target of imperialist and fascist forces, and once again, the popular armies will defeat the forces of reaction and liberate the territories from the clutches of the Duce and his puppet monarch. The People's Assembly has issued the order for general mobilization. Citizens of Aquileia and Griffonia, we will avenge this attack and triumph in this war. Long live the Republic! Long live the unity of all races!"
After the message of the declaration of war and the general mobilization order by the Popular Assembly of Aquileia, the city of Pridea, and possibly the entire nation, fell into a deep silence as if in a collective mourning. It had been almost a decade since the country fought its great war against the former empire, and many veterans still remembered the horrors they witnessed in that bloody conflict. The entire day of the 28th was marked by an atmosphere of widespread sadness and anger. The beaches, once filled with bathers and tourists, had been evacuated, and the national guard had started installing barbed wire and anti-tank defenses in case of a possible landing. The scorching heat of July did not deter thousands of griffins and ponies, enlisted in the army or belonging to the reserves, from queuing up at recruitment and training centers.
From the hospital room, Colette, still dressed in the blood-stained uniform from the previous night, received the mobilization order and the request to return immediately to her position as the commander of the 5th Armored Battalion of the new mechanized division of the People's Army. Colette asked for permission to delay her departure for a few more days until Gwen was completely out of danger. General Cecilia Dutertre, who knew Gwen from her participation in the Popular Assembly, granted the commander two more days of leave, but after that, she had to march to the front.
As the hours passed, not long after returning from speaking with General Dutertre, Colette saw an elderly griffin couple still clutching tattered leather suitcases by Gwen's bedside. When they saw Colette, she had to fight back the urge to burst into tears. Both elderly griffins turned to see Colette at the entrance and rushed to embrace her.
"Thank you... Thank you for saving our daughter," said the platinum-colored elderly griffin with a strong Herzland accent, crying as she held Colette tightly. "We were told... that you searched for her for hours and didn't give up on finding her. Oh, Colette, we don't know how we can ever repay you."
"If it weren't for you, those damn bastards would have taken her away from us. Thank you for being by our daughter's side," the broken voice of the elderly griffin showed a range of emotions, but above all, gratitude and respect for Colette. She could only reciprocate her Fathers-in-law's embrace with an equally strong one while trying to maintain composure and not cry.
"Hilda, Ulrich... don't thank me. You know I would do anything for her... I just regret that I couldn't prevent this from happening. I feel that it should be me lying in that bed, not her," as soon as she finished the sentence, Colette felt a strong pinch in her neck feathers and saw Hilda shaking her head.
"Never say such a thing. It's not your fault that this happened, and we know firsthand that you were also injured during the attack," she said, looking at Colette's torn and bloodstained blue feathers. "If you had been in the same condition as Gwen, we would be completely devastated, and we might not even have a daughter... that's why, please don't blame yourself." Hilda's warm words caused Colette to lose control of her tears, and she began to cry on the shoulder of the elderly griffin. Hilda and Ulrich hugged Colette tightly, and the three of them stayed by Gwen's bedside during the remaining days of Colette's leave.
On the 30th, taking advantage of Gwen's parents being with her, Colette went to her apartment in Pridea. After freshening up a bit, she started packing her luggage to go to the headquarters of the 101st Armored Division the next day. The small apartment located in one of the peripheral neighborhoods of the bustling city was an hour away from the hospital by public transportation and was quite far from the coast, so it hadn't suffered any damage during the Karthinian air attack. The apartment was humble, with sufficient furniture to accommodate a couple comfortably. The living room had an old patched brown leather sofa, a low table where they usually had their meals, a well-crafted wooden countertop that had been a gift from Gwen's parents, and several framed pictures of the couple and landscapes.
Colette, after going to the bedroom and picking up her two sets of uniforms along with some additional clothes, turned on the radio on the countertop and slumped onto the sofa while listening to the music playing from the device. Although she didn't want to admit it in front of her in-laws, she was quite tired and had a burning anger inside her that pressed on her heart, urging her to go to the front and obliterate everything in her path until reaching Karthin. As she thought about it, the folk music stopped, giving way to the afternoon news. Clearly, all the news was related to the war and the fascist legions' offensive against Tarrin, Calembourg, and the territories in the south of the Republic of Herzland. Apparently, the advance on Tarrin had stalled in the city where the 6th Army of Aquileia, along with two brigades from the Confederation of Griffonstone, had managed to halt the legions, inflicting heavy casualties in urban combat. Colette didn't react to this news; she knew it was highly likely that she was just hearing propaganda and that even if they halted the first offensive, the imperial army still had a vast number of troops that they would deploy on another front.
One piece of news that did make her smile slightly was the report that the Security Council of the newly formed United Nations had been called for an emergency meeting, and the representatives of Staliongrad, along with those of Aquileia, had requested the intervention of the major powers against the fascist threat.
"Maybe the United Nations will actually be of some use, huh, Gwen?" she said to herself while looking at one of the photos they had taken together during one of their early trips as a couple. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you from that damn attack... If I hadn't taken you there, we would both be safe. I'm sorry for being so stubborn sometimes. I truly am sorry." Tears started falling among her feathers as she tightly embraced the photo of the two of them.
Colette's thoughts were interrupted by several knocks on the apartment door. The blue griffin got up from the old sofa and walked towards the door. When she opened it, she was surprised to see Ulrich on the other side. The old golden griffin was almost as tall as Colette, even with age weighing on his old bones and his beautiful golden feathers now sprinkled with whitish spots. He was wearing a white cotton shirt and a worn-out dark-colored worker's cap. Colette wasn't sure what to do, so she gestured for him to come in, to which Ulrich nodded his thanks and entered, taking off his cap and fanning himself with it.
"I used to think the heat in Oldwingburg during the summer was unbearable until I came to this country. I'm sure those Karthin bastards are experiencing the same or worse with the summer heat. It won't be easy for them to fight in those conditions, that's for sure," commented the old griffin in his raspy voice and strong Herzlandian accent. Seeing Colette's swollen, teary eyes, Ulrich's expression grew more serious, and he placed a claw on her shoulder. "You don't have to be strong in front of me, dear. I've seen even the toughest griffins shed tears over this plague called war. So if you need to cry, do it. We'll always be here to offer you a shoulder," he said with a kind smile, which was met with a hug from the large blue griffin.
"Thank you for being here. It's easier for me to leave knowing that Gwen has such good people like you taking care of her..." Colette released Ulrich from the hug and looked into his eyes with a determined expression. "I swear I will avenge what they've done to your daughter." Ulrich smiled slightly while shaking his head.
"You don't have to swear anything, Colette. I wish you never had to go to war. It's an experience I wouldn't wish upon anyone," the old man firmly gripped Colette's shoulder while looking at her with his green eyes. "That's why I only ask that you always remember that many of the young ones in the fascist ranks don't even know why they're there. Please, never lose your kindness and your sense of justice, even when you find yourself immersed in the deepest fog of war. Remember that the greatest victory is to come back as the person you were when you left for the front." Colette opened her beak to try to argue his words, but she couldn't produce any sound. The old man's firm gaze transformed all the anger inside her into doubt and remorse for the thoughts she had been having in the past few days.
"No... I didn't mean to kill civilians and innocent people. I was just trying to channel my helplessness and anger somewhere, I suppose... I know there will be soldiers who don't want to be there, but there will also be those who believe they are defending their homeland and doing a supreme good," Colette's voice was low and sounded more like she was talking to herself than to Ulrich.
"Listen to me, dear. You'll know perfectly well how to distinguish a terrified kid from an ideological fanatic. One will surrender at the first opportunity they get, the other will prefer to die than be captured. I know you're a good girl, Colette. Otherwise, my little one would never have been with you. That's why I ask you not to lose yourself in the battle. There's already too much darkness in the world for a beautiful light like yours to fade amidst the shadows of war." Ulrich's voice sounded firm, but at the same time, one could discern the characteristic sweetness of Gwen's family in his words. Colette nodded in response to Ulrich's words and hugged him again, lifting him a few centimeters off the ground with her strong embrace.
"Ulrich, you're a great person. I hope I can become like you when I reach your age," the young griffin commented with a smile, continuing to hold him tightly in her embrace. The old griffin tapped her shoulder with his claws, indicating for Colette to loosen her grip a little, and when she realized, she carefully lowered him back down. "Sorry, sometimes I get a bit carried away with my emotions, and my strength gets away from me."
"I can see that, Colette. Now I understand why Gwen always walks so straight after these hugs. Anyone would need a chiropractor," he remarked with a laugh that turned into a dry cough. "Oh... age is catching up to me. Come on, let me help you carry the luggage, and we'll go to the hospital where Gwen and Hilda will be waiting for dinner." Colette nodded in agreement and, after picking up the luggage, which the blue griffin ended up carrying, they both headed towards the hospital to spend their last night together before departing for the front.
They arrived at the hospital when the sun was beginning to set, painting the city with its characteristic orange and violet hues. The heat continued to beat down, and most people in the city sought shade, dressed in short shirts and dresses. Overall, the atmosphere remained tense due to the war and the massive mobilization of people and resources taking place.
Colette and Gwen's parents had dinner in the hospital's dining room while listening to the latest war reports and international news. During dinner, Hilda gave Colette several gifts, including her damaged uniform from the attack, which had been patched up and washed by her during her trips to the hotel where they were staying. In addition to the uniform, Colette received a small pendant that belonged to Gwen, with a black-and-white photo of the golden griffin during her school years. After finishing their meal, they collected dessert and moved to Gwen's room. There, after speaking with the doctor, they were told that her condition remained the same. While the danger to her life was gradually diminishing with each passing day, it was still uncertain when she would wake up, and she needed to continue under observation.
They spent time talking and enjoying dessert—cake for Gwen's parents and ice cream for Colette—until nightfall draped the city, and the moon replaced the sun in the starry sky. When the clock struck eleven o'clock, Colette rose from one of the chairs next to the bed and gathered her luggage to begin her journey to the 101st base. Ulrich, noticing this, gently raised a drowsy Hilda with a subtle motion of his claw.
"Darling, I think it's time to say goodbye to Colette," the old griffin said softly as he slowly stood up from his chair.
"Oh, thank you for reminding me, dear. I must have dozed off; I'm not as young as I used to be," Hilda said with a smile as she got up alongside her husband to bid farewell to Colette.
"There's no need for you to get up, really. Don't strain yourselves on my account," the blue griffin commented with a faint smile on her face. "I can come over there. It'll give me a chance to stretch my legs a bit," she tried to joke as she approached the couple.
"Oh, my dear, what silly things you say. Of course, we're going to get up to bid you farewell. We should even go see you off at the train station, just like I did with my Ulrich... but this body doesn't cooperate. At least let me say goodbye properly here," Hilda's sweet voice made Colette's smile widen as she embraced her tightly.
"I hope you remember what I told you this afternoon, Colette. And be careful, Gwen would never forgive you if you were to die while she's here, bedridden and unable to be by your side. So, you know, come back in one piece, alright? We want you back here safe and sound," Ulrich smiled slightly as he finished speaking and hugged Colette tightly as well.
"Oh, come on, don't be such a harbinger of doom. Anyone listening to you would think you were never the sharpest tool when it came to goodbyes, Ulrich. Colette has enough on her mind as it is," Hilda said, giving her husband a playful tap on the back. He looked at her with a small smile and shook his head. "Besides, haven't you seen the girl? With her size and willpower, of course she'll come back here safe and sound. She loves our Gwenevere too much to let herself be killed," Colette blushed at those words while the two elderly laughed at the comment.
As the couple continued to talk, Colette turned her head and saw Gwen in the bed. She approached her, bending down to be at eye level with the bed. Ulrich and Hilda, seeing this, looked at each other and decided to leave the room, giving the two of them a moment of privacy. The large griffin gently stroked Gwen's golden hair as she pondered what to say.
"I never could have imagined finding myself in this situation. I know you would tell me not to worry about you and to focus on doing my job well and preventing them from hurting me, but there's a part of me that just wants to be by your side and wait for you to wake up," a small tear rolled down Colette's cheek. "You heard your parents earlier. I swear I won't let those fascists separate us again for anything in the world. That's why, please, my love, keep fighting here to recover and wake up, because I'll be fighting in the south to see your smile illuminated by the sunlight again. And when I come back, we'll go have that ice cream I promised you."
Colette placed the photo of the two of them from the apartment on the chair next to the bed and leaned over to give a kiss on Gwen's beak.
"Until I see you again, my love, I love you."
Colette gathered her belongings and, after bidding a final farewell to Hilda and Ulrich, boarded one of the night trams headed to Pridea Station. The trains were transporting new recruits and soldiers to their respective bases and stations, where divisions were stationed or regrouping to be deployed to various battlefronts. As she sat on one of the trains bound for Vinovia, where the new armored divisions of the Fifth Mechanized Corps were regrouping, Colette watched the city lights of Pridea grow increasingly distant. With a clenched fist, she once again vowed to protect that land, no matter the cost, and to survive that damn war.
Three years later, the war had taken a complete turn. After what became known as the August Conferences, the major powers of the United Nations signed Resolution No. 9, declaring the Karthinian Empire a global security threat and committing to provide material and economic support to the Entente nations. One of the significant forms of support came in the form of the renowned Foreign Volunteer Brigades, consisting of soldiers and civilians from all corners of the world, from Equus to Zebrica, including the River Federation in Griffonia, and various partisan groups from different regions of the empire with diverse ideologies.
After making their most significant advance in late 1021, the Imperial Army was unable to break through the defenses of Aquileia on the Skyaluzzo-Pomovarra axis. They became stuck there, and a counteroffensive by the 5th Army and the newly formed Fifth Mechanized Corps pushed them out of Republican territory. Throughout 1022, the Entente armies advanced on all fronts, liberating occupied territories and launching the invasion of the empire. The Imperial front held on tenuously on land during the years 1022 and 1023, while they were completely outmatched in the air, thanks to the international support, and at sea, where the once-proud Regia Marina, the king's navy, had been rendered ineffective by the Aquileian People's Fleet. However, the situation on the ground changed with the start of Operation Soleil, a major offensive in late spring and early summer that began in late May of 1024. This offensive, affecting all fronts and involving troops from the entire Entente, completely destroyed the Imperial defenses, resulting in the empire being split into several fronts and creating large pockets of trapped troops in cities like Beccono, Chiazbeacle, and Falcor. On July 26, the now-legendary 5th Mechanized Corps was tasked with supporting the troops surrounding the capital of the empire and occupying the city to bring an end to the war.
On the outskirts of the eternal city, a large camp had been set up to accommodate the troops who were about to launch the final offensive against the fascist defenses, aiming to end the resistance of the city and, hopefully, bring an end to the war. Inside one of the officer's tents, sat a large, bluish griffon in front of a wooden table, likely confiscated from a civilian in the area, going through a pile of papers and letters from high command, the government, and one that had captured her attention, coming from Pridea and written by someone she hadn't seen in a long time.
In the letter, written by Ulrich but dictated by Gwen, the golden griffon had spoken about her recovery. She had regained the ability to walk normally and had taken her first stroll on the beach since the war began. Apparently, in Aquileia, the atmosphere was almost festive, with news of the unstoppable advances of the popular army of the republic constantly echoing through radios and town hall megaphones. Furthermore, due to the deplorable state of Karthinia's navy, the beaches had begun to be cleared of mines, and parts had been reopened to the public. The letter was accompanied by a photo of Gwen and her mother on the beach. Gwen wore a beautiful white linen dress and a long hat of the same color. Her body's wounds appeared to be fully healed, with only a few scars remaining as marks, the most noticeable one being the stub where her wing had been amputated. However, what caught Colette's attention the most was the radiant smile on Gwen's face, which instantly dispelled all the fatigue from her body.
When she finished reading the letter, Colette glanced at one of the watches on her right paw and got up from the table, tucking the photo into the right pocket of her dark blue uniform. As she exited the tent, she was greeted by the sight of the beautiful imperial capital by the sea. The scene resembled the vacation postcards that used to sell so well before the war, except in those postcards, there were no barrier balloons, smoking buildings, or heavy artillery explosions. With the sun high in the sky, radiating infernal heat, most of the griffons and ponies who were preparing for the offensive there, tending to their tanks and vehicles or loading projectiles, were shirtless or had their chests' feathers and fur exposed in an attempt to cool down their bodies a few degrees.
On one of the hills overlooking the city, where a heavy artillery battery and rocket launchers had positioned themselves, Colette was speaking with a griffon with white fur and lime green hair. This griffon, dressed in a richly decorated uniform, was observing the defenses located in the city's alleyways and the grand fortified position of the imperial forums through binoculars. The richly uniformed griffon shook her head disapprovingly.
"These damn fools don't know when to surrender. Putting such a rich historical heritage at risk for a lost cause is madness," the griffon's voice was serious, and despite being only slightly older than Colette, her aura exuded the experience of a seasoned veteran.
"What can I tell you that you don't already know, Comrade General Dutertre? It seems Prince Giliberto is unwilling to give up the capital without shedding blood for it," Colette said in a monotonous voice, accustomed to the desperate defenses of the past few months. "I suppose it falls to my battalion to take the forums?" she asked as she took a pair of binoculars from one of General Dutertre's aides and surveyed the defenses.
"You will be one of the units participating in the assault. Their positions have practically been wiped out by the aerial bombings and artillery, so you should be able to reach the objectives relatively easily. Your big prize would be occupying the famous amphitheater, you know, the Colosseum, and then seizing the royal palace. According to our intelligence, part of the government and the king are located there. We also know that their command centers are likely there, and they may surrender once the forum falls," Cecilia put down her binoculars and pointed to a map of the city spread out on the ground in front of them. "Try to avoid tight spaces with the armored column and leave the alleyways to the knights of Herzland who will accompany you. You're familiar with their comrade commander, right?"
"Yes, he's a rather young guy, I think his name was Grov or something like that. Nevertheless, I must take my hat off to him. I've been fighting alongside some of his units, and he's a great strategist of mechanized warfare. You should consider promoting him to higher positions," Colette commented with a smile as she fanned herself with one of her wings to ward off the heat. "Do we know if the Duce is still in the city or managed to escape?"
"All we know about Beakolini is that he possibly fled to Wrobert before we closed the city's encirclement. But currently, the city is controlled by the Communist Party partisans, so if he's there, he's likely not having a good time. As things stand, the political figures who matter to us are the king and the head of the imperial army, and both are here," Cecilia fanned herself a little while looking out at the sea that bathed the shores of the capital. "This sun is even more relentless than in Aquileia. Hopefully, we can finish this quickly and have a bit of time to enjoy these beaches."
"I didn't know you were a beach person, Comrade General. Honestly, this time of year, I like it. It gives me strength, and it also gives us more motivation to liberate territories from fascism with the added incentive of the heat to finish faster," the large blue griffin joked as she gazed at the turquoise blue sea.
"I actually tend to prefer the mountains over the beach, but in the summer, it's one of the best plans. So, you know, if you manage to put an end to this plague soon, you have my permission to enjoy the beaches of Karthin. Comrade Commander Rose, your armored battalion will attack the forum positions at 1700 hours. The attack will be preceded by a final artillery bombardment and medium bombers. If you encounter any issues fulfilling your mission, signal with a red flare. On the other hand, if you achieve your objective, launch a green flare to signal the advance of the reserves to finalize the operation," the general saluted, captured perfectly within Colette's frame of vision. "Good luck, Colette. I hope that today we can virtually end this war."
Colette, inside her state-of-the-art tank imported from Staliongrad, observed as the artillery first and the bombers afterward razed the grand avenues of the ancient city, turning architectural landmarks into clouds of dust and fire. When her watches marked the hour, Colette gave the order through the radio in her command tank, and the large armored column, escorted by infantry from Aquileia and the knights and heavy forces of Herzland, advanced through the defensive lines. The vanguard of the battalion crossed the initial avenues and lines without much difficulty. The infantry encountered some trouble clearing the few buildings still standing, which had turned into machine gun nests defended by the Bersaglieri of the 511th Division. As they approached the imperial forums, the resistance grew stronger, with the presence of the remaining armored divisions in the capital. There, in the remains of what was once the great capital of the Karthinian Empire, fascist and socialist tanks clashed with a thunderous roar. The southern tanks, although of lesser quality than those from Aquileia and their international allies, fought fiercely for every inch against the troops of the republic. Colette herself had to personally command her vehicle several times to avoid being hit by tank destroyers or anti-tank positions. After two grueling hours of combat, disregarding the exhausting heat, the Aquileian troops emerged victorious after capturing the last defensive stronghold, located in what was once one of the imperial theaters.
After the battle, Colette's troops reorganized, and after assessing the damage, Colette ordered the two companies with the fewest casualties to proceed to the royal palace. Colette personally led another company to clear the path to the harbor, where the defenses were manned by soldiers who couldn't have been more than 16 years old. Most of them were terrified at the sight of tanks and armored soldiers. Colette, using a megaphone, demanded the surrender of the positions, successfully securing the surrender of all defenses without firing a shot. Once she had finished at the harbor, Colette and the soldiers from the companies that accompanied her waited for information about the troops at the royal palace. As the sun began to descend, the radio in Colette's tank started to crackle.
"The king's lair has fallen. I repeat, the king's lair has fallen. The head of government and the army chief have requested surrender in front of the comrades general. Awaiting orders," The faces of the soldiers in the group began to show smiles as they realized the significance of this information. Colette approached the radio in her tank and grabbed the microphone.
"Commander Five to the king's lair, secure the area and disarm the troops under your supervision. The comrades general will proceed to the palace upon confirmation from the other units of the accomplishment of their objectives," After that, Colette grabbed one of the flare guns and, after loading it, fired a bright green flare that illuminated the violet sunset sky. Following her flare shot, other green flares were seen in different parts of the city. This was followed by a great celebration among the allied troops. Colette was embraced by her crew members and unit.
Not long after, with the moon in the sky, a statement from the Allied High Command announced the surrender of the Karthinian government and the capitulation of the imperial armed forces. That same night, on the few remaining intact televisions in the capital, the news from Aquileia showed images of the various major cities of the empire being liberated and occupied by Entente troops and partisans. One of the most impactful and celebrated images was that of the body of the former Duce, Beakolini, hanging upside down by his hind legs after being lynched and executed by the communist and socialist partisans of Wingbardy.
The following night was a celebration across much of the world, not just in Aquileia and the Entente. However, sitting in a hammock by the sea that bathed Karthin, Colette could only think about when she could return home to enjoy the rest of the summer with her beloved Gwen. There, sitting, gazing at the sea and enjoying the cool ocean breeze, Colette wrote her response letter to Gwen.
Dear Gwen,
I am writing to let you know that I am well, safe, and enjoying the sweet taste of victory. I promised you on the day we had to say goodbye that I would return in one piece. And as always, I have kept my word. The truth is, I have been waiting for this for so long that now I'm not quite sure how to react. Should I be happy? Should I cry with joy? I really don't know, to be honest. The only thing I know is that I want to be by your side again and never be separated from you. I want to see your smile face to face. That's why when they allow us to return home, I plan to give you the tightest hug in the world and shower you with kisses for at least several months.
With much love, your beloved comrade,
Colette.
After finishing the letter, Colette saw another griffon sitting next to her, reading a book and enjoying an ice cream cone. Colette looked at him perplexed for a moment. The young griffon had blonde fur and deep blue eyes, and he wore small glasses on the bridge of his beak. He was dressed in the uniform of an officer from the Republic of Herzland, adorned with several decorations on his chest. It took Colette a moment to recall his figure, but she eventually made the connection and recognized him as the young commander of the armored battalion from Herzland. The blue griffon approached his side and tapped his shoulder to get his attention. The young griffon was slightly startled by Colette's imposing figure, but he quickly regained his composure and stood up carefully to avoid getting ice cream everywhere.
"Sorry for startling you, uh... Grov? Was that your name? Sorry, I'm not very good at remembering these things," she said, bringing her claw to her neck.
"Ah, don't worry, Comrade Commander Rose. My friends call me Grov, so you can call me that," the young griffon said with a smile. "I must congratulate you on your role in the attack. It's clear that you handle armored formations well."
"Well, I've been familiar with them for a long time. You've also shown great skill with them, comrade. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to see you in Herzland's high command soon," Colette said with a sincere smile, to which Grov blushed slightly.
"I don't really think I can go that far... but well, I'm satisfied with repaying the debt I owed to my country," the young griffon said in a low tone as he took a bite of his ice cream. Seeing this, Colette thumped her fist into her open claw.
"Now I remember what I wanted to talk to you about. Where did you get that ice cream?" she inquired intrigued.
"Ah... well, there seemed to be a famous Wingbardian ice cream shop in the capital, and the soldiers are treating it as war booty. Do you like ice cream, comrade?" the young griffon asked sincerely, closing his book and placing it in the bag he had hanging.
"Do I like it? It's the best thing in the world, along with summer! Please take me to the ice cream shop before the comrades finish it all," the blue griffon pleaded with her legs crossed. "Besides, hopefully I can get a sample or the recipe to bring it to my girlfriend in Aquileia."
"Wow, you really are an ice cream enthusiast. Well, if you want it that badly, I can guide you to the place," Grov's face was a mix of disbelief and joy at the same time. "Is there any particular reason why you like ice cream so much?" the young griffon asked curiously as they both prepared to go to the ice cream shop.
"Oh, that's an easy question to answer: summer!" Seeing Grov's confused expression, the blue griffon cleared her throat and began her usual monologue. "Well, as I told my girlfriend Gwen and all the comrades in Pridea, summer is the best season, and now I'll tell you why."
THE END.
