Shuangfeng was the closest thing to a home that Gaileo had ever had. He was found somewhere far to the north by the Emperor, though he was never told exactly where his homeland was. In fact, he was never told much of anything about his past. When the Emperor brought him back he left him in Shuangfeng simply because it was the northern most territory in Imperial control at the time.
Gaileo quickly rode for Shuangfeng, he hoped that he would arrive in time to help Great General Mutembo retake the city. He was excited at the prospect of giving Mutembo an answer to his offer from earlier.
"The battles have been won, and now I'm finally about to get the recognition that I deserve when I accept Mutembo's offer. To top it all off I'm about to be back in my hometown and I'll get to see the Imperial banners hanging over the walls again. It feels like, for the first time in my life, things are finally going my way." Gaileo thought as he rode on.
Meanwhile, back in the Imperial army camp at Hideg, Lieutenant Elara had just finished handing out the rations to the soldiers after the battle and was looking for Gaileo.
"Lt. Commander Shion, where's Deputy General Gaileo? I had his meal prepared for him as he requested but I haven't been able to find him." She said as she saluted.
"He rode off to meet with Great General Mutembo at Shuangfeng. I'd assume that he won't be back for quite some time." Shion replied.
"Oh, I see. Great General Mutembo." Elara said, clearly with something on her mind.
"Eh, I can see that she clearly wants to say something but is afraid to say it. That's not very beautiful. I'd like to ignore it but the way she's wriggling around there is ruining my meal." Shion thought. "So, what is the problem?" He asked with feigned interest.
"It's just Great General Mutembo…" She started to say.
Meanwhile, Gaileo was starting to near the city. "I can't wait to see everyone. I wonder if Eliza is still there. She was a few years older than me and she was kind of like my older sister. Then there's old man Pepper and Mrs. Li. I'd be happy to see how they've been doing these past few years. I know the Galeans took the city but they're not known for harming civilians. I'm sure they're fine." Gaileo thought excitedly as he continued to ride.
Suddenly he could smell smoke, and as he got closer he saw smoke pouring over the horizon and the faint orange glow of fire.
"What the? What's happening?" He said as he spurred his horse to go as fast as it could.
When he arrived at the city, what he saw was, a scene of unspeakable depravity. Mutilated corpses were hanging from the walls, bodies were thrown in massive piles, and the city was on fire.
"You there! What do you think you're doing? Stop right now! I'll report you to Great General Mutembo, and I'll have your heads for this!" Gaileo shouted at some nearby soldiers.
Their reply was howling laughter. "Who does this guy think he is?" The soldiers said as they continued to laugh to each other and continued to perform the despicable acts they were doing.
"Where is Great General Mutembo? Bring me to him now!" Gaileo ordered.
The soldiers, still laughing, pointed to a large pile of bodies. At further inspection, Gaileo could see that the corpses were all women. Sitting on top of the pile, was Great General Mutembo. He sitting on the bodies and examining a pile of treasure his men had looted from the city. Meanwhile, new women were brought to him, waiting for their turn to be "used" by him. Afterwards he would throw the used women onto the pile.
"Great General Mutembo, what is the meaning of this?" Gaileo demanded as he rode up to where the Great General was.
"Oh! Gaileo! I wasn't expecting to see you here. What are you doing here?" Mutembo asked casually, without talking his attention from the diamond he was examining.
"I demand to know what is going on here! If you've given the order for the men to commit these acts of barbarism I will take you into custody and bring you in front of the Imperial Court to answer for your crimes!" Gaileo threatened.
Unfazed, Great General Mutembo let out a disappointed sigh. "I was hoping you would be the type to play ball. Unfortunately, seems like you're a stickler for the rules just like that old fool Tenjin and that strait laced brother of yours." He said. "And here I was hoping I could use you for your connection to your father."
The massive General stood up and put his treasure down. "Well that plan didn't last long. And to think I went out of my way to offer a job to a worthless loser like you. What a waste." He said.
"That's enough! Great General Mutembo, I challenge you to a dual!" Gaileo howled as he jumped off his horse. "I'll bring you to justice myself!"
This caused all the men nearby to erupt in laughter. "Oh really? Well, if you insist." Mutembo said with a sinister chuckle.
Back at the Imperial encampment in Hideg, Shion hurriedly gathered the Gaileo Army and prepared to set out.
"Sir! Report! Lt. Commander Shion is mobilizing the Gaileo Army and they are leaving the city as we speak." A soldier reported to Great General Tenjin.
"Hohoho, as usual Shion acts quickly." Tenjin said.
"Are you sure that we should just let this go sir? Gaileo could get himself in a lot of trouble." Shimazu told Tenjin.
"Hohoho, that's what I'm counting on." Tenjin replied.