Chapter 3 Choice

Special Region ~ 200kms away from Alnus Hill June 24 1200hrs

"So... 2nd LT, how are you holding up back there?" Itami asked the American. They had been driving for more than two hours and everything was very quiet, other than the engines roaring of course, and Itami felt that talking would make the trip less boring as it already was. Instead of doing this, the 1st Lieutenant thought of the other activities he could have done.

'Man, people were right when they said: "You'll only love something until it leaves you"... Fufu, I wanna go sleeeeeeeeeeep.'

He returned to reality when his 2nd Lieutenant had replied.

"Just peachy, sir." Parker's voice held a certain aura to it that he couldn't find in most people. It reminded Itami of the voices of western movie stars: like it was written just for the actor to play out. The guy sounded sincere enough when he answered but Itami didn't want to leave things here or else the trip would stay awkward between the two of them.

"So-umm... You got any hobbies Johnny?" Itami asked which caused Parker's face to look at the man in confusion.

"What's wrong? Do I have something on my face?" Itami began to look at the mirror of the Humvee to check whether he had gained any irregularities in his physique. The American let out out a light chuckle as he saw the man do those weird things.

"No sir. I was just wondering why you called me by my name. I thought you guys only used names when that person is close to you." Parker said to his CO in an optimistic tone. "Guess you learn something new everyday."

"Uh well, you aren't exactly wrong though... you're part of Recon Team 3 which is basically a family; so by that logic, we are close enough to be on a first name basis. I mean- if that's ok with you."

"I understand sir... I gotta ask though. What crossed your mind when you saved those people?" The American asked Itami.

"Huh? What?"

"The people? from Ginza? I heard you took down a hundred of them before calling for back up and started saving people." Parker asked the War Hero, obviously praising the man at the same time.

"Oh that. Well... I was confused." Itami realized what the man wanted to know and thought about what he had to say before giving the man an answer.

"Confused?" Parker asked now confused with what Itami had answered.

"Yes I was confused when all of that happened. It was a war happening in front of me and... I just couldn't believe it." Itami said monotonously which made Parker look at the man in curiosity. "I mean, war is interesting on TV or when playing video games but... then you realize it isn't the same as actually being there and seeing someone you know get picked up by a dragon and get eaten or have a troll throw a car at your convention. All that happening at the same time just made me confused when I was there."

"Oh..." Parker had thought he had stepped on a landmine when the Japanese CO began talking like a robot. "Well,
did you save them?"

This made Itami raise his eyebrow in question to the man's statement.

"I mean, did you save them? From the trolls and dragons... Uh, look I'm sorry I asked. Forget-"

"I did." Itami faced the guy as he spoke. "Not all of them, but I was able to save alot of people. And now I'm gonna save these people's lives." Itami had meant his words to convey 'I'll protect us guys!' but the 2nd Lieutenant didn't quite understand and made his own conclusion instead.

"Uhmm, I don't think we're in the right position to save anyone here." Parker told Itami which made Itami make a sound of curiosity.

"Hah?"

"Didn't we just invade them? Don't mistake my words sir, I want to help my country and you too... but those 'guys.'" Parker pointed outside to indicate he was talking about the GATE enemy. "I don't really want to be with them. at. all."

"What about the villagers?" Kurata joined in the conversation which led the two other men to stare at their driver. "I mean, not everyone is an evil invader right? Some of them might be oppressed and need our help."

"If there are, then I'd be happy to give them a hand. No sign of anyone in trouble though." Parker said.

"Well, we haven't exactly met anyone other than those Roman Cosplayers, Kurata." Itami told the driver. "For all we know, that's all they do as a hobby and work. You know now that you think about it - minus the pillaging and ugly stuff- that job would be kinda fun."

"Riding a dragon would be fun?" Parker asked with doubt seeping through his tone.

"Afraid of heights American?" Itami half-teased and half-asked.

"No. Just not thrilled with riding an animal. I prefer something 'man-made' or something that doesn't breathe fire, if you can 'catch my drift.' Oh, that means: if you get what I mean." Parker said as he took of his beanie off and began wiping the sweat on his forehead. Itami had soon followed along with Kurata.

"Is it me, or is it getting ALOT hotter?" Parker asked the air.

Itami grabbed his radio and turned it to his Recon's frequency. "This is Itami, you guys feeling the heat or is it just us?"

"This is Romanov; Affirmative. Priom." Itami heard the Russian's answer but wanted to ask more from the man.

"See anything ahead Romanov? Anything out of the ordinary?"

Static was heard but was quickly replaced by the Russian's voice. "Affirmative; I see burnt fields and possibly village ruins. Priom."

"Romanov, this is Parker, do you read? Any signs of survivors? Over." Parker asked, with his own radio, the Russian soldier.

"Negative American, only scorched earth. Lt Itami, should we disembark and investigate? Priom." Romanov answered the American's querries and sent his own suggestion to his superior.

"Good call Romanov. Alright Third Recon, we are stopping here in what appears to be a ruined village. Romanov will set up sights and scan the perimeter. The rest of us are doing ground work. Clear?" Itami ordered his men in english, for the sake of the two foreigners, and then Japanese just in case his other men failed to understand.

"What?! Can't the Rook and I do that instead?" Shino called the commander out with her radio. For the past two hours, she had enjoyed Aleksandr's company. The man was stoic, quiet, and most of all: he didn't talk about her height unlike other idiots. To him, Shino thought, she was a tough cookie that he can respect. What she didn't know was that the man had no interest whatsoever with the topics she had talked about, he simply just didn't want to get badmouthed on the first day. It's usually the third day when he can tell someone to piss off; by that time the relationship would be solid enough to remain but only in that form.

"No can do, Spitfire. That Bird flies alone." Parker chuckled at his own response but Shino didn't understand the man clearly so she used it for her advantage instead.

"See? Even the American knows the Rook and I will work better together!" Shino beamed out, hoping her hopeless otaku CO would give into her pressure.

"That's not what he said, Sergeant. Now come on, you can 'talk' to each other after this is done." Itami explained to his sergeant. The Sergeant in question soon replied with a grunt of annoyance when she realized he did not falter.

The vehicles soon parked by the road and every unit in the Recon Team started their investigation. Itami saw Aleksandr quickly run up to the hill like it was just a chore to a man that needed to be finished quickly. When Romanov reached the hill, he began his work and Itami caught something that he held interest in. A fine delicate machine was in the hands of the Russian Leytenant. A sniper rifle, the one Itami had saw during his blackouts, right now was in care of Romanov. It had a sleek design and at the same time it was skeletal in form. The scope was long and so was the barrel, Itami thought that probably those were the new sniper rifles the Russian Army adopted years back and only went to distribution now. How did he know that? An Otaku he had met who took an interest in international firearms.

Seeing as the man on the hill was doing his job, Itami went on and did his. He walked ahead of his subordinate, Kurata, when the guy had spoke.

"Man, the sky is so clear." Kurata chuckled at his thoughts. "I guess this is what you get when you enter a world untouched by technology."

"You know, you can go sight-seeing in Hokkaido? They got clear skies as well." Itami deadpanned. "And fire- breathing dragons, insane killers and the ugliest trolls I have ever seen in my life. Also, I wouldn't want a world like this if there's no toilet paper or WIFI."

True. This world had many beautiful things to look at and probably experience but the fact he couldn't get stable connections for internet and calling, have a nice hot shower, buy stuff without ever leaving his house, or even simple plumbing, he wouldn't just jump over the boat and stay here for good. He also had other people to take care of back home so his choice is really obvious to say the least.

"Ugh, sir! You totally ruined it for me." Kurata let out sounds of disappointment.

"I think that was the plan, Sergeant?" Itami, in sarcasm, replied. "Besides, this place may have some perks our own place lacks, I mean if they sent trolls to us and dragons then chanced are Catgirls, Elves and Lolis are here too!"

"Oh~ yeah you're probably right! I could find my dream girl~ hahahaha! Nyaa, nyaa, nyaa~" Kurata began jumping up and down like he had proposed to someone and immediately and got the 'YES!' answer from them.

"Hey-" Itami called out the overjoyed otaku but before he could continue calling out to the man his radio flared up.

"Ya. This is Romanov to CO, There is a well -water source- up ahead. Priom."

"Understood Romanov, we'll check it out." Itami said as he grabbed Kurata on the back and dragged him to the Well. There he met the remainder of his squad who all looked grim after finding no survivors and finding only ruins around the vicinity.

"Huh, of all the things that could survive by whatever did this..." Itami grabbed the pail tied to the well and tossed it down into it. " ...is a well. Ok le-"

*THUNK!*

*PLOP*

"What was that Sir?" Kurata asked.

"What was what? Here let me check." Itami checked what was within the well and there he found a girl, probably in her teens, floating in the water. "Oh. It's just a girl..."

"WHAT?!" The petite redhead said in shock. "And you just dropped 'that' on her?!"

"Well yeah if you-"

"Well?! Let's help her up!" Shino said as she signaled Tomita to get ropes and save the girl.

"Hah..." Things were going to get alot more lively in the coming days.

Alnus Hill, Special Region June 24 2020 1210hrs

"This world has lovely weather don't you think so, Comrade Sawyer?" The Russian General asked his subordinate as he poured a glass of water for both of them.

"We haven't been here in a year Ivan, I think I'll hold my judgments until then." The American told off the Russian, taking the drink the man was offering him.

"Hah, still the same choices Sawyer? You really are an old dog." Katukov spoke then drank the water. "I for one, hope for a change in something... and hopefully it'll be as small as the time we spend on this little break of ours."

"Huh. I've still got some steam left in me." Sawyer said as he slammed his fist to his chest. The Lt General wasn't really old. It was a simple banter between the two when they had first met in their early careers. Now it felt like tradition for them to do this once in a while, whenever they had a chance.

"And what of our esteemed 'friend'? Is he willing to cooperate with our peoples' terms and conditions?" Katukov said nonchalantly. Katukov knew already what his Japanese subordinate would do but he just wanted to hear his comrade tell him.

"Lt General Hazama is... adamant with what he sees as right. I did tell him to keep it between his legs when necessary. We're doing him a favor after all, they get funding from us and the Chinese, in turn we get whatever they get in the Gate. A fair deal if you ask me, considering they would be pissing off Uncle Sam, the Reds and Banks all at the same time if they refused us."

The public only knew half of the truth: It was true that the 3 Powers were investing for the trip and logistics but what they didn't know was they were also pumping money into Japan's stagnant economy. The attack on Ginza during the World Fair was the final coffin for Japan, that was until the Powers made a deal with them. Now Japan is safe from economic turmoil, political blacklisting and the corporate Chinese, who only needed a little more time until Japan would default and they would scavenge what they could.

"Wise of them to accept us 'wholeheartedly'... if only they all knew how thin the ice really is, eh Comrade?"

"Right-o Ivan, it's like a cat thinking it can take on a tiger really."

"But is it wrong for a cat to face tigers?"

"Nothing wrong with that, just stupidity taking its course. It ain't wrong for the tiger to bite back as well, so long as the cat 'scratched' first. But looking at it now, maybe the Tigers wanted the cat to scratch him and would that make the Tiger wrong?."

"We both know that the answer to that Comrade Sawyer... It is not something enjoyable but it had to be done."
Illya took a big gulp, before talking again. "The Spring War is a lesson never to be forgotten, but the details should stay buried..."

Silence filled the room as the General turned his chair away from the Lt General and both looked over the horizons. The Mil 24s were still flying around the base and doing there job of serving as the first line of defense of the base. The room had vibrated when an F-16 had taken off from the now shared runways by the 3 countries.

"So why'd you really call me? You're not the type to talk about the 'those' events." Sawyer tilted his head to face the man. The Russian then took out a bunch of folders from his desk. It was focused on different categories but one similiarity was found in all of them: they had the same recipient.

"It's concerned about your men." The General first pointed at the left. "This is Jonathan Parker 2nd Lt of your 2nd Infantry Division. He has an admirable background coming from a high class family but choosing to serve in the military and even graduating at your famous WestPoint Academy in top marks. He could've led a platoon on his own right now judging by his recorded actions."

"Your point being, General?"

"Obviously the man could work under your command, yet why did you have him assigned to the Recon Teams?" Illya asked his comrade. It was unusual for Illya to question Sawyer, usually the General would allow anything but what made the boy so interesting enough to be sent to the front with foreign soldiers instead of Sawyer have Parker work with his own. Sawyer looked stumped for a second until he began to talk.

"The boy is a maverick, takes too many risks in saving people he cares about and kills the terrorists faster than anyone I had watched in simulation. I'm hoping that working with the Hero of Ginza, the kid can get a wakeup call and stop painting the world black and white. Once he learns that, he can have any platoon I can offer." The American said with hope that his 2nd Lt would change into something he deems worthy to lead his men. In-fact, if there was anyone in the future he would have lead his men, it would be Parker.

Sawyer opened the other folder when he saw a familiar name he had seen in the headlines before...

"Jesus Christ, You had HIM move with them?" The Lt General asked in a tone that was mixed with anger and shock.

"Romanov made the choice, not I... and I owed him a few favours and he decided now was the perfect time to go on 'leave'." Illya spoke with enthusiasm in turn made the American grunt.

"I assume our talks are over?" Sawyer said as he stood up.

"Of course comrade, but let's hope it isn't our last." Katukov raised his glass to the Lt General. "Oh. And be sure to have your Valkyries at the ready, if we want to really control the area then your airforce must contribute as well."

"Damn, Ivan. Power hungry already? And I thought it was too early for combined arms?" The Lt General asked his superior.

"I feel it right to have military exercises now that the surrounding area have been cleared from enemies." Illya poured another glass full of water into his cup. "And your Valkyries aren't exactly unaware on how my military operates."

"I know. Just thought you forgot about them... just like the rest of the world."

Katukov, face numb from any emotion, faced his window that showed outside a couple of US soldiers playing cards with Japanese and Russian soldiers. All of them appear to be bored but content with what they were doing, not a hint of negativity pervaded around them that Katukov wanted to see more in people.

"I never forget sacrifices, Comrade Sawyer..."

300km away from Alnus Hill June 24, 2020 1240hrs

"How's the elf?"

"She's fine sir... in human standards." Parker told his CO. When Shino and Tomita pulled the girl out, they found a very odd feature on her: her ears. They were pointy and sharp just like the creatures in the Tolkien novels that bore the same name. Parker had noted that there was no physical harm done to her, save for his CO's mishaps, and now sought to bring her back to a village Romanov had spotted a few km away. He wasn't sure whether bringing an unknown into their vehicle was the smart thing to do but Parker felt it not right to leave someone like that in the middle of nowhere. Romanov on the other hand had voiced concerns about the elf. Things like: 'We can't play the 'Good Samaritan' on these people especially when we don't know their motives' or 'This was not in our parameters, comrade lieutenant.' or the funny 'I voice my concerns that we are wasting our time on fruitless escapades. The media already do that so it is unnecessary for us to do as well.'

But Itami was adamant with his decisions and principles, it was quite honorable. That willingness to risk life and limb to protect the weak and save lives is what got Parker into this in the first place. Learning from the Hero of Ginza had been invaluable to the man.

Soon the convoy had reached the village and Third Recon Team disembarked from their vehicles. Kurata and Parker carried the elf girl on a stretcher and followed Itami to the village elder, whom was in charge of everything here apparently.

"Can you heal?" Itami said in english as he pointed to the elf girl. The elder only looked at him with confusion before talking in a language they could not understand. After a few attempts of doing charades with the elder, they got what they needed for the slumbering fantasy creature; the elder had asked them why she was alone and asked them for details of the ruined village. The Elder then went pale and they realized something horrifying.

"Dragons? Big?" Itami made hand movements trying to make the other man understand what he meant. The men did understand and soon they both had exchanged important events that were unfolding. The major event was everyone needed to leave. Ancient Fire Dragons attacking a village meant it would attack more later until its blood-lust is quenched. Itami told his team regarding all of this.

"A dragon attack? Really?" Shino asked the Lieutenant.

"That's what I've been told. The village now are on their way to turn tail and hide from it." Itami said with slight concern for the people.

"Is there anything we should do? I mean other than hide." Kurata asked everyone in the conversation.

"Lieutenant, if I may suggest. We should take the beast out while we have the chance." Romanov suggested to the group.

"Could you explain further Leytenant?" Itami said to his subordinate, out of curiosity since the Russian only talked when he needed to voice concerns or spot something out of the ordinary.

"If what they say is true about the dragon, then we must take it out as it poses a threat to our operations in the Special Region." Romanov said as he began drawing positions of Alnus Hill and their current location. "We are here-" Romanov marked it with a circle. "-and the S-300VM System are over here near a ridge, not too far from the hill. If we can get the dragon to get within striking range, we may be able to take it out."

"But what of the villagers? Do we just leave them behind?" Parker said obviously concerned for the villager's safety. Kurata was right, the Empire may dominate here but that didn't mean they were all evil. Parker wanted to help them.

"That is not our major concern, 2nd Lieutenant. The goal here was to do reconnaissance past sector B and mark high priority targets for the Airforce." Romanov looked to Itami. "Comrade, doing this would allow us to have total air superiority in this region. We could save lives in the future-"

"We can't leave this people to die. Wasn't our job protecting the innocent when necessary? These people are in dire need of aid and you just want to leave them as bait?" Parker said with anger in his tone.

"If we take this dragon out as soon as possible, we will be saving hundreds of lives for our own men and even the villages around here." Romanov retorted to the American, emotion still lacking.

Parker was angry at the Russian. Did the man not care about civilian casualties? He looked to Itami and began to speak.

"Sir! You can't allow this, we aren't even sure if the rockets can handle the dragon-" Parker continued to voice his opinion but Itami already knew the greenhorn was on the short end of the stick.

Itami had a choice: both had their ups and downs. Romanov pointed out that they could take out the dragon threat if they used the villagers as bait and lead them to their rockets, then most likely many of the villagers would perish but the dragon wouldn't have a chance to escape the S-300VM. His other choice was to escort the villagers safely to the other villages and have them split up, forcing the dragon to attack the abandoned village and lose its blood lust, but chances were they would be too slow and the dragon would spot them, leaving everyone to die. He allowed the two to argue more before Itami made a decision.

"It most definitely can, lieutenant." Romanov interjected. "The rockets the system holds is more than enough to blow up an entire fighter squadron. If we-"

"Alright that's enough." Itami said with authority in his voice. "Romanov is right, we can't let something so destructive roam free but leaving the villagers alone when we can help them wouldn't be the right thing to do."

Itami then took a stick and began drawing in the ground where they had drawn the map. He drew an arrow that pointed to the direction of Sector B. "There was a crossroad here. We can let the villagers travel here and get within range of our SAMs. Should the dragon come, it'll be knocked out of the sky."

"Lieutenant, if we escort the villagers, we may as well be sitting ducks." The Russian voiced concerns about Itami's plan of action.

"I know that, but this is the best way for us. Alright Third Recon Team, let's go help these people."

Itami said as went to the Village Elder and inform him of their willingness to escort the villagers to safety.
Meanwhile Parker went to prep up for the journey ahead. He turned to look at the Russian and, to his surprise, saw the man follow the orders with no complaints.

UN Headquarters, New York - June 24, 2020 1300hrs

The United Nations: a term that more or less depicts the opposite of what the world was today. There sat many delegations and ambassadors of different ethnicity and upbringing, to each had their own agendas that either helped society for everyone or for more secluded reasons.

The topics and debates that were heard in this structure were broad and many, ranging from relief efforts to developing countries, economic forums, human rights awareness to the pacification of governments. Regardless of any event or catastrophe, this building had functioned time and time again, with no hints of it stopping for decades to come. Even now as men and women quarrel on different resources or goals, the world will still follow one voice: power. "President Dirrel, I will be blunt in asking: when will the rest of the us get their answers? The past few weeks, both Russian and American military had mobilized non-stop as you send more and more soldiers to the gate. While I do not question both you and President Suvorov's strength-in-arms, but I still find it disturbing that no attempt was made to establish diplomatic relations with the other world." The man spoke to the leader of the West power house.

"Mr. Constance, Diplomacy is in our goals however it shall be used once we deem the foreign force incapable of becoming a threat to our sovereign nations." Dirrel said the words, with a tone that wanted to gain empathy. "We have all seen what they had done to our people. They did not discriminate, an action I would have praised if it were acts of kindness, not inhumane actions."

The words the man had uttered made the audience burst in small-talks and quiet retorts. The man, now known as Constance, however did not waver to the president's words.

"Surely those people deserve sanctions and must compensate for their hideous crimes, but to send only your armies into the gate without consent with other countries other than the participating ones make it seem that you are looking out for your own interests." The words he spoke made the auditorium burst into ludicrous amounts of political jargon, they died down as the man spoke once more.

"And if your retort is the 'protection of our countries' then why not have the coalition expand its ranks to different countries that have been affected by these attacks as well. If we truly are at war with these 'medieval' menace, then surely it would be right to fight together as one."

Dirrel finally saw the delegates motives and looking at Suvorov and Xiang, the Chinese Premier he noted that they knew as well.

'The GATE had pointed the powers to Japan and immediately started investment and relief to the country; these potential investments and trade agreements were all taken away by the Ginza massacre and now the rest of the world wants what Japan is getting.'

The Powers had known that this would happen, as they had coordinated more closely than ever, and now knew they had an answer that could stop this fiasco for the months to come. Premier Xiang turned on his microphone and began to speak.

"I believe I have an answer to your question, Mr. Constance: WE simply are only capable of deploying assets to the GATE. It would cause more disorder in our world than it already needs and as such only this much forces are needed." The Premier spoke, obviously wanting to keep the world economy from failing from unrealistic war campaigns.

"The Premier is right, comrades. Going on a rampage in another world may not only cripple them but us as well. And to add to that, the proximity of our countries and military outposts are near the GATE itself, 90,000 strong have already entered the GATE and it would be foolish to add more for the current task force." Suvorov spoke in his famous robotic and cold voice once more. He wasn't called 'Father Winter' as a joke by everyone entirely, he had earned it for looking at problems more in a logical manner than his other counterparts on whether something had to be treated in a different way or not, after all 'Father Winter' did not discriminate.

Silence had soon found its way into the premises once again, having heard not only one but two voices of rejection. Dirrel now saw the audience shift from initial bravado and chivalry of wanting to join the fight to return back to the real world where they saw life wasn't as pretty as they had hoped them to be. For now, the coalition - now known as the UN Armed Forces and dubbed by the media as Chimera - had free reign on what they could do in the special region but Mr. Constance had made valid points in his arguments: they needed to open diplomatic relations soon, not only to serve as a stepping stone for avenging the victims but also a way to appease the people.

Dirrel, now fully confident, opened his microphone once more to end this session.

"For now, the coalition shall do its part and we as leaders must focus on the more pressing terms that are in our world. Thank you."

Past High Noon, Headed West to the crossroad

It had been a couple of hours since the villagers had left. The dragon was nowhere to be in sight and they all prayed to avoid it the entire trip. Lelei La Lalena was accompanied by her master and tutor, a grand mage known as Cato El Altesan, who looked warily at the mysterious men who had now accompanied them in mysterious beasts.

Those were too inorganic to be beasts though, so Lelei had assumed it to be a complex machine, possibly enchanted to move that quick. They housed the mysterious protectors, these machines, and seemed to obey every command the rider had wanted to do.

"Do you think they will bring us death Apprentice Lelei?" Her mentor asked.

"Unlikely... to go and save everyone just to kill later sounds far-fetched." She replied to the old man.

"I suppose but you must admit, they don't bring the air of knights now do they?" The old man pondered to the air. "For all we know these men will ride us like cattle and feast on us when we are weak."

Cato pointed his staff at the hill where 3 of the mysterious men stood. "See what they hold?"

Lelei saw the three all standing beside the machine. She noticed that they had weapons, if not deceptive ones. Black steel and wood made the weapon, but they weren't designed to be like a sword or a mace, she had a feeling that they maybe enchanted to be something deadly, if her being saved from the horse - due to the weapons - was anything to be reminded of.

"They appear to be staves, perhaps enchanted... these people may be travelling sorcerers or worse." The old man hypothesized. Lelei didn't like the idea of being dragged along by a cult. She had been taught by her mentor that magic was made by the gods to help each other and not squander in the dark arts.

"Their leader... doesn't bear the eyes of a monster nor hunger of a mad man." Lelei said, talking about Itami and her opinions regarding the man. She looked to the hill and saw the one who seemed to have fought many wars before. Lelei noted the man was always on his edge like the many great heroes and soldiers she had met during her travels. "The man, with the long staff, has the eyes of an eagle but loyalty of a wolf."

Looking at the machine infront she saw the man, young like the rest but different in clothing in physique, come out of the machine to look around at the convoy. She had realized the man saw her staring at him which was indicated by a smile and wave coming from him. 'Was it normal to greet that way in his culture?'

Not wanting to disrespect the man, she too mimicked the man's action. Pleased by the reciprocated greetings, the man went back into the machine and it drove off.

"Oh hohoho... Apprentice, when did you get so bold? And an exotic one at that." Cato teased the girl, causing the girl to slightly blush at the statement, not due to embarrassment for appearing to court a stranger but rather because her fool of a mentor was acting childish once more and that embarrassed her a lot.

"I expected more from you master Cato, also I had thought you have deemed them a danger to our lives?" Lelei asked the old man, obviously not pleased that the old man was acting out of his age again. The old man simply laughed at the statement.

"Hahaha, The lad had waved to you in splendid optimism. I would deem us safe with these people if that is what they react to a grovel like you."

"I was not grovelling him, I was-" Lelei was interrupted by the machines abruptly stopping.

"What was that?" Cato asked as both master and apprentice went to check on what had occured in the front of the trail. There they saw a girl, she appeared to look the same age as Lelei but wore dark colors instead, it was odd. Lelei had been told stories about people who dressed like that and now one was standing in front of her, sitting idly by front of the road with her hands on her cheeks and a large weapon on her back.

It was an apostle of Emroy.

"Umm.. sir, we've got a kid blocking the way... HUOOOOH!" Kurata informed Itami before succumbing to inaudible sounds.

"What?" Itami looked out of his window and there he saw what Kurata had been talking about. "A gothic loli?"

Grunts and squeals of joy were then heard infront of him. Looking at his subordinate, he saw the man having all sorts of positive reactions coming from him.

"You were right sir! This place is a dream come true, maybe we'll meet some Cat-people next!"

"Nows not the time to be thinking about that Kurata!" Itami shouted at the now crazed man.

The girl, Itami noticed, was now looking at them or possibly the vehicle. She then stood up and walked to them, carrying some sort of large staff with her. She was smiling and Itami found it weird that most of his visions were coming true.

"Um... Ok. Parker, bring her to the Elder. Maybe they can take care of her for us." Itami called out the American.

"Yes, sir."

Parker exited the vehicle after nodding to the man and walked to the girl. Itami noticed the girl smile unnaturally as she saw the soldier walk up to her. Honestly, Itami had thought, that girl feels unnatural.

'I have a feeling this won't end well for me...'

Itami thought that the dragon issue and rivalry developing between his foreign squadmates were the only problems he would be experiencing for his entire stay in the 'Special Region'; little did Itami know that this was the start of more mayhem.

Meanwhile...

The Rose Order of Knights leader, Pina Co Lada, stands infront of a sacred temple in the Empire. She had left early than most of her force and now sought to consult with the Prophets of the Temple of Foresight. While her task does involve only reconnaissance, she believed it right to consult them to ensure the future of the Empire.

"Are you sure you must visit them for guidance, milady?" Grey Co Aldo, her former instructor and loyal companion asked the princess.

"I am sure, Grey. We require an edge against those who must be defeated." Pina said as she headed to the temple. "Have the group wait there, I'll make haste and get this done as soon as I can."

Grey simply nodded to the girl, Pina having went already.

The temple itself was not large like the buildings of the inner cities of Sadera but it was very much filled with all types of trinkets and relics from the past wars. It was normal for the Empire to leave tithes in the form of boons they had gained from their victories but gold coins would do as well if you sought to please them.

Climbing up the stairs did not take long for the princess and as quick as she was in walking, so was her attempt to call the prophets within the Temple.

"I, Princess Pina Co Lada, Daughter of Emperor Molt, Leader of the Rose Order of Knights summon the prophets of Foresight to my aid!"

*Clank*

*Thud*

"And what has thy Princess of the Empire offer to this holy temple?" The voice spoke, old and hoarse, as a pedestal from the temple lowered to the princess. Pina Co Lada then brought out a material from her pouch. It made clanking sounds and it glimmered, bright like the sun.

"The purest of gold in the lands, oh great prophets." As she said those words, Pina placed the gold coins on the pedestal for them to inspect. The pedestal soon rose up once more and sounds of the coins being taken from it were heard. Then a voice spoke.

"Your claim does not lie, Daughter of Molt. You may enter." Another one spoke, still hoarse but different in tone, and with those words, Pina entered the temple.

Inside, Pina saw three men sitting near an altar in the center of the room. The three men bore hoods and were in a deep trance. Then they spoke.

"What..."

"Does one..."

"Seek?"

Their words asked the princess.

"I seek guidance in my coming travels east, to the holy hills." Pina told them with hints of seriousness pervading around her. How could she be silly at a time like this?

The men were all quiet for a moment, then they rose from their positions and gathered materials. One had added wood to the altar, the other gathered oil and the last gathered bones - animal bones - for their ritual.

"We shall begin..."

" Daughter of Molt.."

" If you will..."

The man handed her a torch. She took it and dropped it in the altar.

*Crackle*

"We will..."

"See your..."

"Future now..."

The fire in the altar was unpredictable and dazzling in display, Pina had noted as shapes from the smoke and the cracks from the bones were heard. The men had begun chanting their sermons, part of their spiritual practice.

"I see a monster of great proportion..."

"More powerful than the strength of an army..."

"Defeated by beings of supernatural origins..."

Pina was unsure on how to react to this, so she simply remained quiet as the prophets threw in more wood in the altar.

"You shall meet them..."

"In your most dire need..."

"Where one you will see as an angel..."

They paused their actions and started chanting their sermons once more. Now Pina was curious with what they had said. 'Beings of unimaginable power? One an angel? Have the gods blessed my journey?'

Before she could ponder on more, they continued where they left off.

"Yes, you will meet an angel..."

"An angel of death..."

"His dark staff facing your direction..."

"What?!" Pina had lost her temper upon hearing those words. "Surely there must be a mistake? I have wronged none to have an angel of death hunting me!"

The men however remained monotonous in their tones, possibly having already expected her reaction to be like that.

"We only..."

"See the apparent..."

"Not the fate..."

"Stop speaking nonsense and tell me: Is this Angel of Death, the bringer of my suffering?!" Pina had asked harshly at the prophets, obviously angry at their retort.

"We have answered..."

"What you sought..."

"Make use of this knowledge..."

The men, seeing as there was no more reason to continue on their foresight, went back to their original positions just before the princess had entered. Pina now saw as well their refusal to answer her questions as it was not within their boundaries to do so. She exited the temple and walked back down to see her Rose Knights at the ready.

"How goes the foresight?" Hamilton asked the princess.

"TCH. It was a waste of time!" Pina said as she stormed past them. "Come now! We must continue our journey east."

"Hmm. We could rest at a tavern near a village near Italica if we hurry now." Grey had suggested.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Hamilton said with confidence beaming out of her.

With those words, the Rose Knights had followed suit and continued their journey once more. Their first military campaign had begun and they wouldn't want to bring dishonor to their names so they rode with their heads up high.

A/N: I wanted to get to the dragon fight as soon as possible but unfortunately, dialogue's happened... But! expect the dragon fight in the next chapter, along with my tweaks and buffs on the dragon, and the reactions of villagers to the 'men in green.'

Also a quick recap on the chapter: conflict, selflessness, a choice, and a message. Fictional UN Armed Forces = Chimera(Cool Organization name!) is formed with the 3 powers and Japan as the founders, Pina Co Lada just got a bad fortune cookie, and Itami, not only has to deal with his subordinates, but Rory Mercury as well.

Regarding reviews: I'm ok with heavy criticisms on me as a writer n stuff, but I'd much prefer if we could tone down on some 'stuff' and focus more on the criticizing on how I do my grammar and flow of the story because that's basically what I'm trying to learn on.

Also question: Is 'Murica done making that multi-purpose tank ammo? I recall in a forum article about it claiming to hit all the 'bases' of different types of ammos and I find that interesting... for some reason.

Other question: If you had the chance to visit an ancient castle town(western or eastern) what would you do?