CFProxy

Valkyria Chronicles: Echo Black

“Not mother? Hmm. Intuition fails me then.” He nodded to himself, seeming to breeze past the fact as nothing more than a footnote. Though to hear of the struggle her family faced he soured his expression, narrowing brow and focus as he stepped up to squat down on the seat across from them with heels planted firmly on the edge.

“I would kill a man to protect my mother. I do not envy your misery. But- think of my feelings as empathetic to your situation.” Ludwig wasn’t entirely sure what he would make of this, but he supposed it was merely another step in understanding what was going on in the lives and minds of his fellow allied soldiers. The fact that Diana seemed obligated to step in on his own behalf did remind him that there were such things as being rude and civil. What Fiona had done- was in fact- quite barbaric when you considered social acceptance. Though in all honesty he had committed many sins in the palace of society. He had never committed himself to acknowledging them as crimes for he never quite saw himself as a number among them. Not better- but a foreigner to the land of dresses and coats. Even Robert, his affectionately named rubber duck, seemed to acknowledge this.

Now there was another that reminded him of something quite odd. Was it- perhaps- Mrs. Harrison? Seemed so. That woman seemed so jittery and uneasy. He often wondered exactly what it was that she was feeling at times but then again when all a conversation produced was a running engine and an escort out of the premise with his father telling him that some things simply were going to continue as they were. Curious.

As he received the second handwriting he seemed quite pleased with himself, gaining the signature of another as he had so politely asked. He took another joyful spoonful of peanut butter and spun it in the air, catching the spoon after a brief launch using his mouth and counting it as just one more successful objective completed in this ever complicating day. Retrieving his paper he listened to the two talk, pondering what would arise from this.

His eyes wandered down back at the quality of the handwriting before him. Fiona’s especially held a certain quality that he couldn’t quite deny. Either she was good at scraping by and forging signatures or she was actually from some decent life. Mother and Father had said some things regarding what they thought of people with a better place of living- though Father tended to favor the more revolutionary dark hairs of the world who sought to make some changes on even economic equality. The poor get poorer and the rich get richer… something like that…

Attention returned to the two women, seeming rather neutral and off into space as he blinked and deadpan gave a simple response to Diana’s words. “Hm? Oh yes. This helps me greatly. I do appreciate the cooperation.”

Then there was a shift in the air. Near him at the same table sat a newcomer. Goody!

Sketching another modest art piece which so plainly represented the man, Ludwig offered the notebook to Andrew by sliding it next to his meal with a line drawn above the drawing’s head. “Write your name above on the line there, please. I am Ludwig. Son of Inès Lévesque and Franz Blau. As an engineer of the research and development team I believe your signature would greatly assist me in my study on who is who in this ant colony of soldiers.” He stated plainly, a small smile as he continued to sit with both heels firmly planted on the edges of his seat.

@Landaus Five-One@Conscripts

Valkyria Chronicles: Echo Black

---

Echoes of The Past

Europan War I

---

“Oh God, who hath given unto me the strength to wield this blade. Give unto me the wisdom to discern the lambs from wolves. Give unto me spirit and strength to raise it once more. May you guide not only my arm, but that of my brothers and sisters as we come to you again in prayer. Let us hear your voice and rejoice that you are here! We do not shame ourselves by hiding away while evil yet still roams our world. In defense of those who cannot, lead us into the darkness and make us your blazing flames of righteousness. For those who believe- and especially those who do not- so that they may understand your glory. Amen.”

“Amen.”

Senja Penttilä
0300 Hours
St. Gaétane Cathedral

It is a disastrous situation. Civilians and soldiers alike are huddled like lambs to the slaughter in the burning cathedral. So desperate are they to extinguish the flames of war. So desperate are they to save the lives of the dying and teary eyed. The black octopus wraps its tentacles around the foundation and demands it yields. It craves the destruction of the building. It seeks to tug and pull until its very core crumbles to the weight of Imperial might. But God is watching. God- hears the prayer of his people. So it would seem. For as they cry and pray for their salvation the blazes grow ever more violent and daunting to extinguish. But now- it burns from within.

Twenty-four men and women of faith kneel before a woman of emerald hair. Twenty-four men and women of faith vow to defend the innocent. Twenty-four men and women grit teeth with blood in their eyes as they fasten their armor and rest their helmets at their side.

Hush… Hush… The mother speaks. She speaks and reins in the horror. The blood thirst is slowly controlled as she speaks of family and peace. She reminds them of their neighbors- how nice they are. She reminds them of God and of their duty to love and cherish those who remain.

Now roar! Roar in your flame! The crusader yells! She speaks and unleashes the fury! Rage is tempered- refined with an objective in mind as she speaks of the defense of the innocent! She reminds them of the fallen- how loved they were! She reminds them of God and their duty to enact his will upon those who would threaten the path to progress!

Twenty-four enter the night with blade and gun in hand- their swiftness in the night a terrible light of holy fury.

“Here they come!” A soldier shouts, readying his firearm!

“For the grace of our lord!” Senja bellows- cutting him down with the full swing of her waraxe!

“They’ve breached the rear!” Another panics!

“Surrender yourself we demand once more!” A crusader demands!

“F-for the empire!” The Imperial rebukes, swinging bayonet in offense.

“For our God!” The crusader enforces- breaking it in defense.

Three hundred men fire into the night with round after round scratching metal and earth.

Twenty-four raise banner to light, crashing against the might of the oppressor with blood on hands. A volley staggers the warcry- silence enters the night for a moment as the shout of the holy quiets.

Is it over? The Imperial wonder. No- an officer things. Yes- a soldier hopes. Deranged- lunatic- unhinged and unstable many think. Yet the night is still too young. Many are called by radio, many do not respond.

The Imperials crawl through the hillside battlefield, checking crater and trench for the slits of the defender.

Quiet… Quiet…

“Under attack!” An imperial cries!

BAM!

SLASH!

BANG!

CHUCK!

“In the name of his glory!” Explodes from Senja, her fury crashing down upon the advancing men of the empire.

Many come to meet her and yet still do more find themselves being fired upon by hidden crusaders from all sides! Some imperials come to intercept- but cry out in pain as traps latch onto their legs.

Confusion erupts as brave men burst from the shadows, a banner of the church held high and a steel blade swung low.

In minutes the organized force is dismantled. In minutes the mighty aggressor tucks tail and runs. One hundred and forty-two lay upon the ground.

Four crusaders lay among them.

But despite these odds the crusaders regather and clean their blades, watching intently as an officer steps forward.

“Who is the officer who represents you?” The imperial officer asks, his hat in hand at the base of the hill.

“I represent these men.” Does Senja speak from the safety of her trench.

“We desire a truce.” The officer responds, gritting his teeth in searing defeat.

“As do we!”

They meet and shake hands. The crusaders tend to their wounded. Imperials watch from the base of the hill with weapons in hand- stunned by the sight of the wild defenders now so calmly treating the wounded. Blood filled eyes now warmed the soul as one by one the soldiers of the battlefield were pulled off the field.

The soldiers from within the Cathedral are filled with joy. An impossible victory has been won! Only forty men to fight three hundred! The boldness of twenty-four to wage war directly and the cunning of twelve to support them from within!

The Imperial officer is thankful he leaves with more men than expected and in his bittersweet loss he fulfills his end of the deal. Food, medical supplies, and funds to help the civilians survive.

And though she was coated in blood and cuts she removed her helmet with pride. Her return to the church shined with glory as the sun rose to grant warmth and rest to the brave men and women who gave their lives to defend the survivors. The sun rose to grant a new dawn to the warriors who approach the doors sealed for siege.

She basks in the light for some time, a fulfilled smile absorbing the love of God. It’s a look she so proudly holds. It’s a tale so proudly told. And the warmth she would give Michael is one that lifts the soul. It tells of one who has finished their long and winding shift. It tells of one who has given everything to what they love.

She holds it and speaks softly. “We won.” She blinks so slowly. Seeming to give an approving nod before collapsing, the crusader takes her rest. Her helmet lays at her side.

In the horizon- reinforcements arrive.

---

---

As Eija turned to face Michael she gave him that same warm smile. A welcoming shine from a woman so eager to accept another at her side. It is without hesitation. It is without fear. But most of all- it is filled with love. It’s an echo from the past from a face so familiar.

“Of course! Please! Um- I’m Eija Penttilä! And you are?” She asks, eyes exploring his gentlemanly frame. How long had it been since he had seen a face so familiar? How long has it been since that emerald shade has graced his eyes? Perhaps- too long. The past or the future? Which did he see?
@Conscripts

Valkyria Chronicles: Echo Black

---

Eija thought more are he gave his own view. It was distanced from her own faith and while she wasn’t particularly surprised at such ends she was even yet still more surprised that he took hold of loose faith. Was it that he was hurt by a bad experience with piety? It wasn’t so unusual for one to take the pain from a wolf wearing the shepard’s robes to justify excluding it from their heart. Even for the Cruxian such damaging members existed in numbers that she wish could have been cut to a non existent quantity. Why, where she came from prayer and practice came before many things. But as her mother told her, it would not be her place to judge.

“Faith is a foundation for many. In my family we have always held a strong love for our god. From how it was told to me- my mother and father would have never survived were it not for the intervention of a god we could not see. Situations by which any should perish circumvented by an overwhelming presence and calm within the storm.” She spoke, drifting somewhat from the conversation as she listened to him speak.

He spoke of his origin. Vinland… Now that was a place she had never seen and yet it fascinated her to know that she would be working alongside someone who was from the land of stripes and stars. What was it like? What did they enjoy? Fashion? Maybe their naming conventions? Well- it was a start to a tree of questions but rather than get caught up in the millions of questions she returned to focus as he went further into detail.

She took in the family. She took in the draft. She felt sympathy as he was forced to take the place of his kin. It was tragic how opposed their positions were. Ironic how they sat there across from each other- two sides of a coin.

She struggled to respond- eyes staring into his own with exploration of the soul in mind. How could she mend this? She couldn’t. Why- she didn’t even feel right attempting to describe why she had joined. She volunteered- after all. Many of her brothers and sisters all played their hands in going into a war that their mother protested against. But the legacy had been set. Was that how she justified herself to him? Honoring a mother who never wanted her children to endure pain by joining a war with only a prayer between them?

She blinked as he asked if she was going to eat- nodding in response and smiling warmly. “Yes. Just remember to follow orders as best you can and if you get hurt don’t hesitate to fall back. Just call my name and I’ll be there before you know it! Even if it wasn’t by your choice, I want to thank you for trying your best for a homeland that isn’t your own. The sooner we end this the sooner we can all return home to our families.”

She began to dig into her meal, politely and quietly taking portions so as to not generate a disturbance for those around her. Yet if the tales her mother had told were true…

Well, even if they were she would just have to fight tooth and nail to rip the fallen from the hands of the reaper- just like her mother before her.

Federation or not.
@dwyer austin

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Valkyria Chronicles: Echo Black

“The pleasure is all mine.” Was her response to him briefly, listening to him speak on his position and role within the same group. Though the immediate questions bubbled as he mentioned that he was a tank buster. Kind of interesting that one would endanger themselves so willingly and for what to show for it? Well- ideally a destroyed tank with captured soldiers who would be treated fairly. But this was war, of course, and she needed to be prepared beyond what they drilled into her. She had nodded to his description and his hopes, giving a response to him as he asked of her faith.

“Why yes! I am a Cruxian, as was my mother before me. Though some would say she was something of the crusader variety. While I don’t think I’m quite as bold, I proudly wear my love for my god without worry or shame… I’ve always wanted to follow after my mother. Sometimes when I am having immense trouble all I have to do is feel the cross to give myself the courage to press on.”

She reasoned, thinking about the many times she wanted to give up because of how difficult her training had been, but instead of dwelling on it she moved her focus to pointing at his pendant.

“And you? Why do you wear your pendant?”
@dwyer austin

---

Ludwig tilted his head when he was asked his name, seeming to find himself lost in thought for a moment as he pondered the question.

“His name? What did his name matter? In fact- what mattered about names? Were they naught but words printed onto flesh so that the masses could differentiate between those with color and those without? The splendor of one’s name was often lost to the cosmos without purpose and yet still it weighed within his mind that one should give an answer. A name must be given with glory and complexity in mind. No competition should be found when even God or the gods would look down and whisper its booming value with high esteem! Blood should rush at the sounding of its echo and harbor only a loving embrace to the ear as they capture it and hold it not just in time but also to the generations to come! Why a name should be something special and something special only! A na- No. No this inner monologue is far too pretentious. Hmm. Hmmm.”

After making some very abnormal motions in self thought he regained his composure and delivered to Fiona the answer she had originally sought. “I am Ludwig. Son of Inès Lévesque and Franz Blau. I am writing many things. But as an engineer of research and development I hold myself responsible for knowing my allies and what ideas they may have. By your faces I can only make guesses as to who you are. Perhaps the ones my mother and father knew. But two? No. Mother and daughter, yes. That is decisive.”

Ludwig then nodded to himself as he looked at Diana. He began doing squats, placing a hand on his chin as he thought. “I think I should know you. Secondhand. Hm. Write your names down on the line above the drawings. Eight… Nine… Ten…” He continued.
@Landaus Five-One

Valkyria Chronicles: Echo Black

Perhaps not long after did there come a set of steps. Down sat down the woman of emerald hair. An echo of the past. Young and hopeful with a string of flowers woven into the braid of her hair. Bright blue eyes calling out to the darkness as a beam. Where else did they land but to the ship calling from sea? The northern europan studied her new friend, taking in his obsidian hair and crimson lens. Just as alluring, the pendant upon his neck.

“I will take your invitation!” She gleefully announced, seeping into her seat with a folded leg and open expression. Though the plate before her was steaming she allowed it to cool, placing it off to the side for a moment so she could speak with her fellow man. “I am Eija Penttilä. I’m a field medic and I don’t think we’ve properly met. Private Dwyer was it?”

The smile did not betray her nature even as it widened. Innocence was perhaps the tone. One could argue blissful ignorance. A certain radiance did embrace her even under the shade of shelter. To those who knew her mother- it would be all too clear up close. Upon her own neck laid there a cruxian symbol of faith. Niche as it was, it remained a proclamation of her unwavering faith to a god that many believed simply did not exist.
@dwyer austin

---

For the daughter and mother would come a difference in the mood of their conversation. For among the joys of consuming apple sauce and patricide came a newcomer to the moment. Now you wouldn’t want to hold your breath at absurdity for it wouldn’t serve you well. The lack of reason folded by the genius of ingenuity would amaze you. Blink and you’d miss it. Stare and you’d wish you hadn’t seen it. There in all its splendor was a young man in a camo coated one piece swimsuit covering him from elbow to ankle sitting with legs crossed on the table. Socks flowing just above the ankle were plastered with ducks of varied designs and upon his light toned head a patch of Darscen hair. He tilted his head, his elegant body quietly shifting. An eye closed. Spoon and jar of peanut butter parachuted to the surface of the table by his hands. Fingers emulated mirrored ‘L’s as he took a mental picture.

“Family.” He spoke softly, mimicking the click of a camera before leaning himself to the right for a different angle.

Now that Ludwig was allowed to roam the earth- there was no telling what Maxi would be enduring.

The man rolled off the table, landing upon his left toes which held him up effortlessly as he took in their expressions and made another click noise. “Sisters in cause. Sisters… in food.” From seemingly nowhere he drew a notepad from his person swiftly and drew a notepad upon it. He drew arms to hold the notepad and an extremely simplified stick figure of the two women behind the notepad in a perspective drawing. He drew lines above their heads, breathing in calmly as he turned the paper for them to see and laid the notebook down on the table with his pen laid on top of it. Even for as crudely simple as the drawings were- it was still obvious as to who was who. To Diana and Fiona, he offered them this opportunity to present what he desired on paper. “Your names?”
@Landaus Five-One

Valkyria Chronicles: Echo Black

"Okay- Okay- Okay- YOU CAN PULL IT BACK ONTO THE ROAD AT ANY TIME NOW!"

"NAH- IT'S A SHORTCUT- IT-UGH! IT'S JUST A LITTLE BUMPY!"

Screams ensued as the truck jumped along the rock infested valley of trees and springs. A roar errupted from the private in the back before instantly being cut short from passing out. Bump! Bump! Bump! BAM!

Like the majestic eagle, so too did this bird of prey take flight in pursuit of its most succulent prey. Unyielding and bold, it would fly into the eye of this hurricane- much to its crew's dismay.

"HOW IS THIS THING HOLDING ITSELF TOGETHER?!"

"I KNOW MY TRUCK! NOW HANG ON!"

"FUUUCK! I'M GONNA DIE!"

"HAHAHAHA! WANT ME TO PUT IT ON THE TOMBSTONE FOR YOU?"

"YOU'RE INSANE!"

Amidst the chaos, Lieutenant Kyllo loosened his flask, taking a sip of alcohol before bracing himself for the next slam which threatened to take him into the abyss and yet despite such implications he could only help to think on one thing...

---

"Lt. Kyllo."

"General Ducasse."

"I am counting on you and Lt. Höfler to leave a strong impression on the men and women at your disposal. Ideally, we must make them believe that we are capable of anything. I have been regarded as a dangerous and reckless general, but yet still I have been admired by many as a skilled and respectful warrior. Unpredictable is a trait that I pride myself on. Courageous a precious compliment. However, I do want to make it very clear to you that despite these things I would ask this of you-"

"General?"

"Don't frighten them too much. Alright?"

---

"HERE IT COMES!"

CRAAAAASSSSSSHHHHHH

Dust exploded into the air. Coughs were audible and true. Burning through the minds of many were what the source of this noise was- burning through the pants of others- a relief to simply be alive.

"We've made it boys! Just in time for grub!" Bursting from his seat Wilby exited the vehicle, confidently walking around the front of the vehicle until another audible pop came from the hood of the truck with a tire rolling into a nearby soldier. The grinning soldier only now drew forth the expression of guilt and conviction as the mechanical companion sputtered its dying breaths. "Oh- Oh Sally, what have I done to you? Speak to me darling, let me know you'll be alright."

A sputtering coughed from the worn vehicle. A hand extended from Wilby to rub its hot and dangerously situated hood.

"There, there- Rest now, I'll fix you up soon."

Stepping out from the vehicle with a vomiting private carefully positioned to his side- the Lieutenant gazed upon the bystanders before giving his word. "A mission was completed with new intel in our hands. I want engineers on this truck- and a medic for the... sick. As you were."

---

"FOCKIN TROCK SPEWIN FUMES ABOOT'N'I'VE NO FOOD YET!"

"Clover, could you not cause such a racket-"

"FOCKIN- VE-HI-CLE IS BUSTIN ABOOT-"

"AND I AM TRYING TO ENJOY A MEAL, GOOD HEAVENS!"

"FUCK OFF YA MANGY CUNT!"

Surprise to some? A fresh Echo Black, perhaps has never experienced such an uproar. But this appeared to be a scene all to familiar for the unfortunate ones like Uyless who listened to the droning of these two bicker back and forth like a static television broadcasting the ever so persistent signal of nothing at all. The constant clashing of red and green persisted yearly much like the left over decorations of a wintery holiday of love, sharing, and cheer. However, as all knew, they were the ironic deposition that was left over from the hand picked eyes of General Ducasse.

Clover shoved Hamlock aside for the moment, breaking away from the presence of the man to line up for a decent meal. "Oi! Boiler! What've ya got with some punch to it? Got te start my day off right!"

"You'll be the death of us all, Clover..."

Quietly, Pyry entered behind the bickering soldiers and cleared his throat. "Attention- you don't need to stand for this-" He interrupted himself- stopping a collection from attempting to properly enact their training. "The damage outside is nothing to be concerned with. We have some hours before some VIPs come to examine what we have to offer so in the meantime enjoy the meal, refrain from blowing up the truck outside, and stay at the ready for assignment. Dismissed."

With his brief announcement concluded, the lieutenant resigned to placing an arm behind his back and moving to get some food for his gut.

Valkyria Chronicles: Echo Black

@Bushman501 Approved for roleplaying.

Valkyria Chronicles: Echo Black

---

~ Valkyria Chronicles - Changing of the Guard ~

"You like him don't you?"

"Hm?"

"Don't play coy Senji"

"Oh lord... What have you wrapped around your mind today?"

"So what is it about him? Think he's cute?"

"Still avoiding the question like you are so very certain that I know."

"Still so very dismissive when you're smart enough to know who I'm talking about."

"Even if I liked a boy it isn't my place yet. Have patience, Anneli."

"Hmph. You're normally more flustered. I guess I can't blame you. How many bodies did our Darcsen friend bury?"

"Too many. It's always too many. He carries a darkness in his heart. I think that he is on the brink of losing himself entirely. If he suffers more then he may just become what he desperately hopes he never becomes."

"They call him a reaper. A black headed Darcsen who has an equally black hand."

"Tsch! A reaper? He's a victim doing his best! They have no foundation for such claims!"

"Oh? Sensitive are we?"

"An-Anneli!"

"Ha! So you like them both!"

"Huh?"

"Here I thought you were the homogenous type. So tell me, why the shrimp?"

"Look... Even if it is true I can't get involved. I don't even know them. I want to- but I also understand how relationships can be here. Their culture is different from ours."

"How different could it be?"

"Religion, region, tradition-"

"Okay- not what I meant. Hush." With a sip of water Anneli laid back in her bed, pulling Senja in with her. "You mentioned religion first so I guess you just like that he's a Cruxian then?"

"...In my order it is said that we are best matched when we are upon someone of equal yoke. He is an intelligent man with a heart beyond himself. My sisters of faith dream upon finding someone as selfless as he."

"Oh? So what is different for you?"

"I have heard- there is another. Similarly- Franz also seems to love another."

"So that's why."

"I am not to ruin what has already become. That is not who I am."

"So what are you going to do then- Senja? Wait until you find someone who doesn't have loose feelings for someone else? What about those children you keep naming in your sleep? Will they ever be born?"

"Anneli!"

"Ha!"

"I... I don't know. I just don't want to be responsible for another's heartache."

"Naive- aren't you? Maybe they've been looking for someone who will chase after them yet you cower here in our room speaking of responsibility. Don't you think they would be heartbroken that you never tried?"

"You don't know what you mean. Besides, I must know the man I am to marry. I wish to never subjugate myself to multiple partners- and god forbid marriages."

"Hmm... Well if it doesn't go well, you can always marry me."

"Persistant as always!"

"Trust me, if I could give you children I would. Damned be my parents for giving me the head instead of the handle!"

"You're sweet... in your own way. Although rather crude!"

"Senja!"

---

From the distance came a familiar humming. Though its tone was foreign in its melody the voice of the huntress approached followed by the humming of the taller one behind her. Into the presence of the support group came another. The foreigners of another land made themselves known by their noise and their flags which they wore with pride. In the hands of Senja was some fresh sweet rolls held by a blanket of a handkerchief. In the hands of Anneli was an extra canister of potato soup.

"I guess we got the adorable crew today, didn't we Senja?" Anneli chuckled, Senja just looking over to her briefly with a smile.

"Behave."

"Yes, Senja."

"Who's hungry?" Senja pondered, looking to ensure that the morale of the soldiers would be high as they ventured into danger.

@Bushman501@Conscripts